Isido, that's my name.
As an Aegir, my life in Iberia is far from happy.
I experienced a difficult childhood, but fortunately, I was adopted by a kind person who noticed my curiosity about the magical art of alchemy and readily accepted me as their disciple.
Looking back now, the time I spent learning alchemy must have been the happiest time of my life.
But life didn't let me off the hook.
As I learned more about alchemy, my teacher began to have me assist her with some of her experiments.
Seaborn...
This amazing creature truly surprised me, but as the experiment progressed, I discovered the teacher's true identity.
The bishop of the Church of the Deep.
To be honest, at first I couldn't understand why that wise teacher would join such a meaningless organization.
So I asked the teacher, and the result was unexpected.
The so-called Church of the Deep has no doctrines or rules; it is more like the Seaborn' Friends Association than a true church.
My teacher, however, attempted to allow humanity to evolve into Seaborn while retaining its rationality.
That day, he enthusiastically demonstrated the new experiment to me.
"Look, Isido, how beautiful their transformations are!"
"..."
To be honest, even now I don't quite understand why I attacked directly back then, when a sneak attack would have given me a much higher chance of winning.
As it turned out, I was easily subdued by the teacher, but he didn't kill me; instead, he was quite pleased.
"Very good, Isido. You're better than these guys at maintaining rational thinking even in anger."
He injected a vial of medicine into my body, and then let me go.
Knowing I couldn't defeat my teacher, I decided to seek help from a retired Inquisitor in the desert.
By the time we arrived, the teacher had already left. I could only pray that the Inquisitor would teach me swordsmanship, until one day I could kill the teacher with my own hands.
Sadly, before I had even finished learning all the sword techniques, the old Inquisitor passed away peacefully; he had seemed quite lively just the day before.
Yes, he's a good person.
Unfortunately, since I haven't figured out the composition of the medicine in my body, I can only try to leave this place while conducting research.
The desert environment is ultimately too barren.
However, when I arrived inland, the situation didn't improve much.
The method of obtaining research funding through alchemy, as I had envisioned, simply wouldn't work. Most people didn't know what alchemy was, and those who did disliked my identity Aegir.
There's no other way; I can only keep traveling.
Despite the advice of some of my compatriots, I came to Gran Faro, where I heard that the treatment of the Aegir was not so harsh.
After arriving, I began to understand some of the Deep Sea Cultists' grievances against the Iberia government.
With such a magnificent fleet, dealing with those sand bandits should have been a simple matter. Why did the Inquisition hesitate for so long?
Before I could even study those magnificent fleets, a fellow countryman grabbed me and started selling wheelchairs.
Do I look like a disabled person?
A wheelchair competition? Generous prize money? And participation prizes too?
There's nothing I can do; they gave too much. I always thought the Inquisition wasn't very well-funded, but it turns out they're spending it on things like this?
Although I feel quite sorry for the Inquisitor who taught me, I still won using Iberia swordsmanship.
If the prize money is accurate, then let's buy a few bottles of wine and feed them to the sea...
"Not bad, kid, you're pretty good at using dirty tricks!"
Ah, so this Vampire Demon is the organizer? By the way, isn't it alright to directly summon Seaborn?
"You look so familiar. Your name is...?"
"Your Excellency Vane, do you have a moment to talk?"
Unbelievable! The old man before me is Saint Carmen! Aren't you going to do anything about the Seaborn on Earth?
I was planning to take this opportunity to slip away, but it turns out Mr. Vampire seems more interested in me than Carmen.
Hmm, let me think of a story to make up...
"Boss, it's one of us!"
"... Oh, one of us? How can you prove it?"
"Ahem, the person next to you is Lord Aulus's disciple. Only a few people know this. We are all core members!"
We're doomed.
"Aulus's disciple? Then you're Thorns... no, you should be called Isido now."
Hearing Vane call out his name, the Deep Sea Cultists' smiles widened even more.
Sure enough, he made the right bet.
It seems this unknown bishop values this kid quite a bit. Could I somehow infiltrate his ranks? The pay is good enough!
Glancing at the shimmering Pure Gold beside him, the Deep Sea Cultists fawned.
"My lord, do you think I might have the opportunity to join your ranks...?"
Yes, of course.
Vane chuckled and patted the Deep Sea Cultists on the shoulder, then turned him around to point to a burly, white-haired man standing in the distance.
"See that person? Go over there and reveal your identity, and he'll give you a good place to go."
"Um... but sir, that looks like an Abyssal Hunters."
"It's alright, the entire Gran Faro is under my control."
"I'm going right now!!"
The poor fellow had no idea what he was about to face.
"Leave the fools who walked right into our trap aside for now, let's have a proper chat, little Isido ~"
Well, I don't think I'm doing much better.
"Do you want to suck my blood? Let me make it clear beforehand, there are unknown components in my blood."
"That kind of thing isn't important. How about I give you a code name?"
"Code name?"
"I'm going to be communicating with the bigwigs in the Inquisition soon. If they find out you're a disciple of the Deep Sea Bishop... tsk tsk."
Aren't you in more danger than me?
With a blank expression, Isido dared not defy the person who held his life in their hands.
"Thorns, that's what you called me just now, so keep that code name..."
"No, your name is Thorn Tyrant!"
"... May I ask what you mean?"
Intuition told Isido that these words, which sounded like the language of Yan, were not very proper.
"Does this mean that someone who has been tempered by thorns and possesses the aura of a king needs me to provide you with books to consult?"
"If you can."
Mentioning the captured sea urchin (the Prototype Armor of the Thorns), Vane hummed a cheerful tune as he walked toward the designated meeting place with Carmen and the others.
"Hmm? Everyone's here. Why didn't you turn on the lights?"
Snap--
The lights were turned on, revealing everyone inside.
Frankly, if everyone here were from the Church of the Deep, Isido thought Iberia would be doomed.
"Hiss--It's you, kid?"
The old man in the corner pointed at Isido, who, after a brief moment of thought, remembered who he was.
A competitor who was knocked out of the arena by himself during the match.
"Your Saint, do you know him?"
Isido: "..."
Will I even walk out of this conference room alive?
Isido began to think about how to plead for mercy tactfully. Fortunately, the Saints were only somewhat surprised and did not blame him.
Moreover, the main focus of this gathering was not the teenager.
"Vane Wayne, I've long admired your name."
"Forget the pleasantries, Lady Carmen, just state your purpose."
Carmen froze for a moment, while Irene and the others who were familiar with Vane began to suspect that the guy in front of them might be Shapeshifter in disguise.
How could Mr. Vane be so polite?
"Shut your mouth when you're giving the narration, I heard everything."
Leaning back in the seat reserved for him, Vane looked at Carmen.
"Four Saints, quite a grand procession! Does Aegir deserve such treatment?"
"You jest. If it weren't for the need to manage border areas and other places, all the Saints would gather here."
"Did you come here just to watch me? Or for the fleet in the Gulf?"
A Saint was about to speak when Carmen stopped him.
"You brought the fleet back, so of course you should handle it."
"So willing to part with it?"
Vane was somewhat surprised, Carmen said in a deep voice:
"The Golden Armada belongs to the Iberia of the past, Iberia of the past belongs to the King of Iberia."
"But the Iberia that belonged to individuals is dead; the Iberia that exists now belongs to everyone."
"Carmen, what do you mean? Am I not an Iberia?!" Alfonso stood up angrily.
Before Carmen could explain, Vane took the initiative to reassure her.
"Left Protector, please sit down. The game's been updated; in this new era, you can't even sit at the table if you don't know a few riddles."
Alfonso twitched his lips, and silently sat down at Vane's signal.
Carmen and the others' eyes narrowed.
What was initially uncertain now appears to be a complete shift in the Golden Armada, represented by Alfonso.
Add to that Aegir's ambiguous stance, and Kazdel's potential backing behind the Vampire... has the split already begun?
After learning of the power that Vane represented, the Inquisition knew that its side had no chance of winning.
Regardless of foreign forces like Seaborn, once the news of Alfonso's return to old Iberia is released, the entire Iberia will be swept up in a frenzy of excitement.
After the Great Silence, the Inquisition, through faith, rebuilt the broken society and saved Iberia.
The results were successful, but they also sowed the seeds of future problems.
This non-existent illusion could not affect the work of the Inquisition; rather, they used this belief as a tool for spiritual encouragement.
But it's different for ordinary people.
The Iberia hoped for Miracle, for a true God to save them from their suffering.
The townspeople of Gran Faro, who witnessed the fleet's return, have changed. The old barriers between them and the Aegir have disappeared, and the town has become more vibrant.
Hope.
This ethereal thing can tangibly transform people's spirit, thereby influencing society.
The fact that the Golden Armada returned intact was nothing short of Divine Miracle. Even some of the Inquisition staff who knew the truth about God were shaken. What about the people who already believed in God's existence?
With just a declaration, Iberia could be split in two in an instant.
Did Vane know about the Inquisition's concerns?
Of course he knew; in his view, Carmen and the others' remarks were tantamount to an invitation.
You are not Iberia, but you can be Iberia.
The arrival of the four Saints demonstrated sincerity, and the declaration of the Golden Armada was an official concession by the Inquisition.
Vane believed that as long as he put on a show, the whole of Iberia would be within his grasp.
But...
Who cares?
With his hands behind his head, Vane propped his legs up on the table and yawned boredly.
"Being the emperor of Terra is a high-risk job. Even if I were capable, I wouldn't bother with that drudgery. A hedonistic and incompetent ruler is what I'd rather be... Do you want a ruler like that?"
You promised me!
Alfonso stared intently at Vane, his disappointed gaze prompting the latter to offer a helpless explanation.
"Didn't I tell you? You have to convince them that I want complete obedience to my Inquisition. I don't want to have to suppress them myself again because of disagreements later."
"You want the loyalty of the Inquisition?" Carmen asked.
"Otherwise what? Who would like a bunch of traitors who might betray them?"
"If you become emperor, won't they become loyal?!"
Alfonso slammed his fist on the table in exasperation, wishing he could personally pin Vane to the throne.
"So you've quit the game, Left Protector."
Vane opened his eyes and looked at the Iberia coat of arms on the wall of the conference room.
"Iberia no longer has an emperor, so to whom does the current Inquisition stand in loyalty?"
"God."
Carmen provided the answer.
"The Inquisition will fight for all Iberia citizens, but nominally it believes in God."
"Isn't it clear to you?"
Vane smiled and explained on Alfonso's behalf.
"The emperor has already failed once. If even the gods fail, who can the Iberia trust?"
"A 50% chance of either living or dying—no normal person would gamble, right?"
Carmen nodded. "You saw it very clearly."
"Right? So you don't need to worry about me doing anything to split Iberia. Since I promised Orleans, I will naturally keep my word."
"Um, may I ask Orleans is...?"
Dario: "That's not important."
Leaving aside the stern-faced Inquisitor, the Saints remained silent in thought.
After a long silence, Carmen spoke.
Can I trust that you are a person who keeps your promises?
"I am, but I can not be," Vane gave an ambiguous answer.
His moral standing depends on the moral standing of the person opposite him, and as a response to the riddle-maker, he will not say it directly.
"You agreed to His Excellency Alfonso's treaty, didn't you?"
"Trying to pull some dirty tricks in this regard? I'll try my best, but that doesn't mean I can do it well."
That's enough.
Carmen smiled warmly; the old man had gotten the answer he wanted.
"God took pity on the suffering of Iberia, brought back golden hope from the abyss, and bestowed upon Iberia an eternal king."
Carmen stood up and solemnly recited a proclamation that sounded like scripture, prompting the other Saints to stand up as well.
"Carmen! You mean to!?"
"Your Excellency Vane, no... Your Majesty Vane," Carmen bowed.
"Would you like to become the god of Iberia?"
"... You really dare to say that, Carmen Iberia."
Faced with such a solemn posture, Vane couldn't help but straighten his seat.
"You're not at the point of madness yet. There are many other paths in Iberia. Do you really want to choose the riskiest one?"
"Iberia doesn't have many options left." Carmen shook her head.
"We are getting old, and we can no longer understand the changes in this Daichi. Perhaps if we continue to develop step by step, we can indeed restore Iberia's glory one day."
"But how long will that day last? And how long can the blockade defense lines withstand our spying?"
Vane sheepishly shut up.
He roughly knew what the changes inside the Carmen were all about; it was actually related to them.
But you can't just leave it like this. Did you even consider how I feel?
Inquisition, Emperor, Terra... these keywords together sound like a cesspool!
"Ahem, don't be so impulsive. You know, if I don't do a good job, Iberia will be finished."
Vane tried to dissuade him, and his sincere attitude made Isido was shocked by the content of the conversation, turn his head to look at him.
Doesn't saying that make you seem more confident?
Sure enough, Carmen's smile became even more amiable upon hearing the advice.
"It's alright, Iberia still has the opportunity to try and fail."
"Where would I get an opportunity? I don't see it..."
"If things go astray, Carmen will bear all the blame."
The meeting room was deathly silent as Carmen read out her resolution.
"Carmen Iberia, blinded by greed, fabricated false hope in the name of God and deceived the Inquisition and the Iberia people with the influence of the Saints. She deserves to die."
"..."xN
"No, you should never do this!"
After the initial shock, Dario was the first to react, followed by the other Saints who tried to dissuade him.
"Are you senile, you old fool! How could you come up with something like this... this..."
"Do you remember the oath we took when we founded the Inquisition?" Carmen interrupted the Saints ' hesitation.
"Of course I remember!"
"Then there is no need to hesitate. A qualified Inquisitor should always be prepared to sacrifice for Iberia, even if it is Saint."
"That's not called a sacrifice."
Vane silenced the noise and said seriously.
"Your name will no longer be associated with Iberia, and you will be forever infamous in the annals of history."
"Sounds pretty good, at least someone still remembers me, doesn't they?" Carmen joked, but no one responded.
"Aren't you worried about the mistakes I might make? Aren't you worried that after you die, there will be no one to check and balance me? Are you really that confident in the current Inquisition?"
Vane was making the final confirmation.
"Who doesn't make mistakes?"
Carmen looked out the window; the residents of Gran Faro were still enthusiastically discussing the previous event.
Even if you make a mistake, as long as you learn from it in time, you can apply it next time.
"As for the Inquisition..."
Carmen glanced around at her colleagues of varying ages and said proudly:
"Don't underestimate the resilience of the Iberia. I learned a profound lesson from the ancient texts of Yan."
"The death of our ancestors is nothing, as long as the path they paved still stands..."
"There will be successors."
In the silence, Vane stood up and took off his hat.
"Salute to you, Carmen Iberia."
Everyone rose in silence and paid their respects one by one. Then Vane ushered everyone out, leaving only Carmen behind.
"The boss and the others will probably like you, but I just think you're a nuisance."
"But an agreement is an agreement. Before you die, I will do my best to govern Iberia."
"Hmm... looks like I'll have to live a little longer?"
"If you wish, I can give you almost eternal life."
Vane grinned, his fangs gleaming with an ominous red light.
"Haha, then forget it. Eternal life... it's just too lonely."
Carmen politely declined the invitation, Vane said seriously:
"Fine, fine. But... I want to make a new agreement with you."
In the quiet conference room, Vane selectively outlined the initial plans for the two major projects to Carmen, awaiting the Saint's evaluation.
Carmen was stunned for a long time before asking a question.
"Do you... want to become a god?"
"It's not that I want to be, but that this Daichi needs me."
Carmen remained silent.
The plan proposed by the other party is undoubtedly effective. Knowing that there will be reward or punishment after death will motivate the vast majority of people to do good.
Even if one has no sense of morality, fear will restrain one's behavior.
The addition of the first plan greatly enhanced its feasibility.
However, it still has a fatal flaw.
What standards would you use to judge good and evil?
Carmen looked up and stared into Vane's eyes.
A god who wields supreme violence, if His moral compass deviates, will bring immense disaster upon all living beings.
"This is the agreement we made."
Vane admitted.
"I am not a god, nor does an omniscient and omnipotent god exist. Judges will eventually change over time, and besides, my moral compass is incompatible with the fundamental conditions of this Daichi."
"Therefore, I have decided to select judges from among the various kingdoms of this Daichi."
You mean...?
"Have you heard the story? A god witnessed a city-state that committed countless evils and intended to destroy it, but someone objected."
"God said, 'If there are ten righteous people in the city, I will not destroy it.'"
Seeing Carmen's astonishment, Vane chuckled:
"It's decided, you will be the righteous one of Iberia."
Leaving the astonished Carmen alone to ponder, Vane grabbed Isido outside the door and flew into the sky.
"Um... I said I didn't hear you, can you please let me off the hook?"
"Both the dead and friends can keep secrets, which would you choose to be?"
"..."
With a wicked laugh, Vane ascended to the highest point in Gran Faro.
With his eyes closed, Vane immersed himself in the We Many, confirming once again that the crimson staining of deep blue was already more than half complete.
Finally, the percentage of Bloodline Heir reached the target, and Ishar-mla's awakening could no longer exceed my permission.
The order was given, and the calm sea began to churn.
In the darkness beyond the Iberia's sight, a continuous stream of blood mist rose from the ocean into the sky.
"Hey! Did you guys see that? The moon has turned red!"
"It's probably some strange astronomical phenomenon again. By the way, is there a competition tomorrow? If I had a wheelchair, I would have participated today!"
Blood-red clouds gathered, transforming into a constantly swirling vortex, staining the ever-deepening red into black.
"Spread out, become my eyes."
The crimson clouds spread out in an arc, engulfing the entire territory of Iberia.
What did you do?
Isido couldn't understand it, and felt a chill creep down his spine for no apparent reason.
"Don't worry, it's just that we installed more surveillance cameras."
Vane's vision expanded as the blood cloud spread, and his head soon began to throb with pain.
"Tsk... it seems we still need to process it in the We Many before observing. It would be even better if we had a supercomputer."
Glancing at Isido, who was questioning his existence, Vane began to calculate whether alchemy could be incorporated into the plan.
Putting aside other things, [Mindform Prima Materia], this controllable fluid that resembles a nanorobot, is very useful.
"Um, you probably don't like the same sex, right?"
Under Vane's burning gaze, Isido could only prioritize preserving her chastity.
"... I don't like it, but I can find you a group of gay lovers."
Vane, with a dark expression, threatened the boy, who relaxed after realizing that Vane didn't intend to harm him.
"What did you mean by monitoring earlier? Were those blood mist your Arts Units?"
"You don't need to know that much; this is just an experiment."
"Experiment?"
"Of course, as an alchemist, you should also know that having successful case studies greatly increases the likelihood of convincing investors."
Thinking that he could use real-life examples to shut up Gregor and the others, Vane envisioned a bright future.
"Let's begin the experiment in Iberia..."