Published: September 10, 2025
※2019/03/17 Some additions have been made.
This is Satou. There is usually a reason behind things that are prohibited. The issue, I think, is that even after the original reason for the prohibition fades away, the ban remains out of inertia. Kind of like the unreasonable school rules in middle school.
â—‡
“The divine oracle ritual will begin.”
After God Heralon’s declaration ended, a silver light gathered between me and the gods, forming a complex and fragile construct resembling an old man.
In the center of this construct burned an orange light, the same color as God Heralon’s.
“I am Rarlorilril Heraaf, appointed by my Master, the Great Chief, to oversee this ritual. Human who has completed the trial, you may now present your wish.”
Even though it was right in front of me, the old construct seemed to serve as a messenger.
In the mortal world, it seems high-ranking individuals—whether gods or nobles—aren’t much different.
“Impudent fool! Do you wish to have your soul shattered here and now?!”
The old construct’s reprimand came with a blast of heat.
A torrent of flames engulfed my astral body and blew me away from the spot. It didn’t hurt, but I felt dizzy and tingling all over.
In this world’s language, especially words charged with strong emotion, physical—no, astral—shockwaves or flame torrents seem to accompany the speech.
Just like during the divine communion when undergoing the gods’ trial, if you let your guard down your thoughts might leak out, so I have to be careful.
“My apologies.”
“Unscathed after receiving my divine punishment?!”
That was divine punishment just now?
Is this old construct also one of the divine retainers?
“Rarlorilril Heraaf, since this is going nowhere, cut it out already.”
God Tenion stopped the old construct.
The words of the gods seem absolute, as the old construct showed no sign of complaint and faced me again.
“—Present your wish.”
The old construct said arrogantly.
I don’t really understand their gestures, but they probably mean something like turning over or looking down from above.
“My wish is to be told the reason why the Ancient Genma Empire and the Itachi Empire were struck by divine punishment and forbidden.”
I asked the main question that brought me here.
By the way, the Ancient Genma Empire was the name of the country ruled by Mukuro, the “King Mummy” who dwells in the lower levels of the labyrinth.
The old construct translated my words into overly ornate speech for the gods and conveyed it.
“That is not something humans should know.”
God Heralon dismissed it with a single word.
The old construct’s translations were long, so I let them drift by.
“So you will not tell me the reason for the taboo?”
After clearing such a troublesome trial and coming this far, to end it with just that one phrase would be unbearable.
“Displeased with the decision of the gods?!”
God Zaikuon roared, scattering psychedelic yellow light.
Nymphs, apparently his retainers, desperately tried to calm him down as he seemed about to leap out of his seat among the gods.
“Isn’t it fine?”
God Tenion whispered while flickering a calm green aura reminiscent of a celestial maiden’s feathered robe.
“...Tenion.”
“We completed our trial for this very reason. Shouldn’t you teach him at least that much?”
Facing the displeased God Zaikuon, God Tenion defended me.
“We decided that one wish of those who have completed the trial shall be granted as much as possible. Agreements should be kept. Karion says so as well.”
“He didn’t say that. But I agree with Urion.”
Gods Urion and Karion also sided with the defenders.
“See, Karion says so.”
“No, Urion should pay more attention to the timeline.”
These two gods seem to get along well.
“—It can’t be helped.”
“Heralon?!”
God Heralon reluctantly murmured acceptance and ignored God Zaikuon’s surprised call of his name, instead turning to the silent Gods Galleon and Parion.
“Galleon and Parion, you agree as well?”