Jack of All Trades, Party of None

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The moment I passed through the trees, my vision opened up.

Amidst the twisted trunks writhing like serpents on Sacred Mountain, this one spot was eerily silent, as if belonging to another world.

――The torii gate of the Heavenly Spirit Shrine.

The vermilion pillars were weathered by rain and wind, with patches of paint peeling off here and there, yet they still emitted an uncanny presence.

Before coming to Kyokutō, I thought that simply coming here would naturally inspire a solemn feeling.

But reality was different.

And I knew the reason why.

The pure mana was gushing out in vast amounts from this land, shattering the magnificent atmosphere of the Heavenly Spirit Shrine.

Passing through the torii and entering the grounds, the atmosphere shifted again.

Like swallowing the scaffold beside the main hall, black mana swirled and spewed forth from the ground.

Nearby stood a woman with fresh green hair—Philly Carpenter.

I immediately wanted to restrain her and stop the mana outflow, but it seemed difficult.

Numerous spells had been set up around this area.

It would take time to decipher them (……), but they were probably original magic equivalent to top-tier magic.

“You’ve come, Orun Dura.”

Philly spoke first, sounding somewhat amused.

“You probably already know, so don’t move any further. I’ve set up various traps around here.”

The torii gate of the Heavenly Spirit Shrine is the only path leading to the principles of techniques in this world.

It cannot be destroyed.

If it were to be broken, even if it could be restored with time reversal, there’s no guarantee the path to the principles of techniques would return.

For now, the best option is to buy time through conversation and neutralize the magic.

“I understand… Though we’ve had several near misses until now, this is the first time we’ve exchanged words, Philly Carpenter.”

“Yes, that’s right. If possible, I would have preferred to never have direct contact with you.”

Philly shrugged and deliberately exhaled.

“I have nothing I want to say to you.”

“…I figured.”

I answered calmly while probing the structure of the spell formations set up.

“But well, since we’ve met, it can’t be helped. Since we’re at it, why not have a little chat? I don’t like pointless conflicts. I was planning to leave this country soon anyway, so if possible, I want to resolve this peacefully.”

The words “who are you to say that” were on the tip of my tongue but I swallowed them.

I couldn’t believe Philly Carpenter was truly hoping for a peaceful resolution.

Still, if it meant buying time, this development was welcome.

“Then tell me. What is your goal?”

“Hmm, if I had to put it simply, it’s to create a ‘pure world’.”

She began speaking as if making small talk.

“I find it ridiculous how humans live constrained by order, laws, morality, and goodwill, all so cramped and suffocated.”

Philly’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

“Humans are more truly ugly and selfish creatures, aren’t they? Angry, afraid, betraying each other, deceiving, devouring each other… don’t you think that kind of state is far more sincere and natural?”

She continued cheerfully.

“That’s why I want to return them to that natural state.”

“…You do understand that if such a world comes, order will collapse even more than it is now, right?”

Her smile didn’t falter at my words.

“Yes, of course. But the sound of order breaking is a beautiful thing. Especially when accompanied by someone’s screams.”

Then, she narrowed her eyes and dropped a poisonous comment.

“Though, that’s just part of the process. Ultimately, — I think it would be best if not a single human remained.”

Her words made me feel my body grow cold.

“If that happens, no one will despair, no one will suffer. See? Isn’t that a wonderful ending?”

“What part of that is wonderful?”

I exhaled quietly and replied.

“How many people will despair and suffer before the ending you desire arrives? Don’t you care about that?”