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#29. Other Peoples Stories (3)

#5 Their Circ.u.mstances: The Circ.u.mstances of a Certain Villain

What did I just hear?

What are you talking about?

My sibling carved a wooden d.i.l.d.o.

No, what nonsense is this again?

Why would a wooden d.i.l.d.o become a G.o.ddess?

Are all G.o.ds fond of d.i.l.d.os?

No, dont turn all the G.o.ds into perverts.

Ive only seen you as a G.o.d in front of me.

Judging a group based on one individual is usually a very unwise behavior, but is a metal d.i.l.d.o a common thing for them?

Prejudice cannot be avoided.

Well, looking at the disciple, who is a warrior of the G.o.ds of nature, and Shertley, who is a saint, I can be more convinced.

All G.o.ds are perverts.

Ugh If the Master thinks that way, theres nothing we can do.

Somehow, it feels like many G.o.ds are feeling unjustly accused, but its not important, so lets move on.

Why did the G.o.ddess who saved the world become a wooden d.i.l.d.o?

Thats because the raw material for wooden d.i.l.d.os is the branches of the World Tree, right? The World Tree is a tree created with my siblings full power.

What does that have to do with it?

It does. Its less dangerous to attach to something thats practically a part of yourself, and its easier to regain your strength.

Is that so?

Thats right.

After all, all creatures have instincts of attachment, isnt that what they say?

G.o.ds might have something similar.

But it doesnt mean that items made from the World Tree only exist as d.i.l.d.os, right?

Its an extremely rare item, but its not like there are no items made from the branches of the World Tree.

Among the elves, elders would probably have at least one item made from the World Tree.

And I know that in a country that has greatly helped the elf race, like the Empire, items made from the World Tree have been transmitted.

But why is it that only the d.i.l.d.os made by me and the dwarves are imbued with divine power?

Could it be that the Black Anvil Clan is an extraordinary race a.s.sociated with G.o.ds?

No, theyre just ordinary dwarves. The only thing is that the items used to make wooden d.i.l.d.os were rare. Do you understand that, master?

What?

After the world was created and my sibling made the World Tree

The Iron Bat paused for a moment and continued with a serious expression.

The being that broke a branch of the World Tree and fell for the master is only the High Elf, and the one who made items with such fresh World Tree branches is also none other than the master.

Oh

Think about it. If there are extremely old houses and newly built houses under the same conditions, where would the Master live?

Obviously in the newly built house.

Right? Its the same for my sibling. It wasnt in a situation where reason prevailed. Therefore, driven by instincts, they settled in a place where they could recover more easily.

Why not ascend to the divine realm?

My sibling stripped away everything, not only the divine but also the divine essence, to seal me, remember? Well, because of that, my sibling became a G.o.d admired not only on the mainland but also on the sea continent. Once resurrected, they can quickly recover divine essence.

Then isnt it more normal to be in the divine realm?

No. Its difficult until perfect resurrection. Because my sibling, who put everything on the line to stop me, is bound to me.

Huh? Isnt it the opposite?

The G.o.ddess of mercy and dedication sealed the Evil G.o.d. Then shouldnt the G.o.ddess of mercy and dedication be binding you?

Thats also possible.

But it can change depending on the balance of power. Right now, Im stronger, so my sibling is bound to me.

So, its like a tug-of-war where one side is unilaterally pulling the other.

I understand, but were you sealed because you were weaker?

Considering this guys personality, its unlikely that they were sealed for their sibling.

Didnt they say themselves that they are the G.o.ddess of greed and desire?

A guy devoted to their own greed and desire wouldnt sacrifice themselves for their sibling.

Is that so?

Master Why is my perception like that? I mean, Im still the elder sister of the G.o.ddess of Mercy and Dedication!

It became even clearer. Surely, you explicitly stated that the creators created G.o.ds with opposite concepts! If you are the elder sister of the G.o.ddess of Mercy and Dedication, it means there is no mercy and dedication!

I, Ive been exposed!

Finally, speaking honestly!

To be honest, at that time, the power of an Evil G.o.d and the power of a G.o.ddess of greed and desire were in conflict. Internally, the powers clashed, and externally, while everything was at stake, my sibling popped out, grabbing and shaking me by the hair.

Do G.o.ds really grab each others hair and fight?

Metaphorically speaking. Ah, but at that time, I was really caught!

G.o.ds fighting by grabbing each others hair. How intense must that have been?

It seemed like I received an enormous beating. As I mentioned before, it was the first and last time the world was created and exploded. Who would have thought that my sibling, responsible for mercy and dedication, would get that angry? I really almost died!

Honestly, they reaped what they sowed.

Is that so?

If there were beings witnessing that battle, whether it be ten, a hundred, or a thousand, they would have cheered for the G.o.ddess of Mercy and Dedication!

Even the master?

Of course. As residents of this world, the destruction of the world is as good as my death. Theres no way I would support an Evil G.o.d trying to kill me.

Master Do you not want to hear the rest of the story?

I nodded while looking at the half-asleep Iron Bat.

Do you want to go to the volcano?

Hahaha! How far did we get in the story? Ah, yes. It was about the balance of power between my sibling and me.

Although it seemed like we were pa.s.sing it off with laughter, I decided to let it go.

Now, the reason Im stronger is not only because I suffered great damage when my sibling sealed me but also because of the masters a.s.sistance.

Me?

Yes. Every time the master wielded me, my essence became stronger.

What kind of nonsense is this again?

That means I get stronger every time you wield me.

Whats the reason behind it?

Iron Bat closed its eyes for a moment to organize its thoughts.

Its a bit complicated to explain, and I feel like the master might get angry if it takes too long.

Just give me a brief explanation.

Planning to do just that.

With a small tongue click, Iron Bat provided a concise and straightforward explanation as I wished.

In simple terms, when my sibling sealed me in a state where my power was not properly organized, concepts of evil, greed, and desire got mixed inside me.

So what?

In that state, where its neither here nor there, I cant use my power as a proper G.o.d. But Im somewhat outside the ordinary in this world.

Iron Bat continued to explain that if it had existed purely as an Evil G.o.d, the emotions of greed and desire might have disappeared from the world.

So, I became a G.o.d with the concepts of both an Evil G.o.d and greed and desire.

What does that have to do with anything?

Thats because the masters design was flawed, even though you and the Iron Bat clan worked hard to create Wood Bat and Iron Bat.

What nonsense is that?

In simple terms, the masters design was flawed. It doesnt make sense for a weapon to cause pain while healing wounds. Where can you find such a ridiculous weapon?

What?

An unexpected response came.

Its strange not to think about it. Miracles are called miracles because they dont happen as a matter of course. Thats why we call events where divine power is borrowed miracles. The weapons the master created are the same. They were miracles made possible only because of the power of the G.o.ds, not because the masters plan was perfect.

That cant be

Todays story was the most shocking. The fact that Wood Bat and Iron Bat were just the results of miracles. Then, all the funds I invested to ma.s.s-produce Wood Bat and Iron Bat until now!

Are you saying Ive been throwing money down the drain

No, revealing the truth of the world is the most shocking part, and you find the story about wasting your money the most surprising?

Of course!

The tales of old are just that tales of the past.

For those who cherish them, like archaeologists or historians, it may hold value. As for someone like me, who has engaged in nefarious activities to earn a living, money is of greater importance.

As the crab boss mentioned, money is paramount.

Im revealing a secret that I havent shared with anyone else

Although it seems unrewarding to disclose it, I have no choice.

Well, to put it bluntly, the reason is this. The G.o.ddesses of compa.s.sion and dedication dwell in the wooden paddle that my brother is bound to. They alleviate the suffering of the opponent because, quite literally, they embody compa.s.sion and dedication.

And what about you?

I am literally here to enact greed and desire. Do I seem to dislike delivering a blow?

Absolutely not.

Yeah, I thoroughly enjoy it. The sight of the opponent being hit and flinching! Its truly exhilarating!

So, youre a s.a.d.i.s.t. How does that relate to healing?

When you hit someone whos dead, theres no reaction! Even if they faint, theres no fun in the response!

So, you revive them for that?

Yeah! I perpetually revive them to satisfy my greed and desires! Thats the essence of the existence of Iron Bat!

And it seemed that as these desires were fulfilled, this guys power increased.

Yeah, you got it. While its natural that I recover faster since I woke up first, the difference was even greater thanks to the Master.

Good grief I was unknowingly aiding this Evil G.o.d in gaining strength.

If word got out in the divine realm, Id immediately become the top target for elimination.

Dont worry! Since Im your disciple, being the top target for elimination is a given!

You should be very worried!

Now, all that was left was to eliminate the evidence.

I had no choice; this guy had to be thrown into the Stiorus Volcano.

I had a really bad feeling just now Master, youre not planning

Huh? Why would I do something like that?

I see

Even though I hid my true feelings, it seemed he could still sense them.

Over time, our companions.h.i.+p has turned toxic.

Master? You wouldnt be thinking of abandoning this fragile G.o.ddess, right? Is that what youre planning?

With teary eyes, Iron Bat looked up, presenting an extremely delicate appearance.

Yeah.

However, Iron Bats frail appearance didnt match at all.

No, thats too much! Even though were soulmates!

I could pretend to be slightly indecisive, but your overly insincere att.i.tude killed any desire I had for that.

Its not about indecision; its about pretending to be indecisive!

When it came to matters related to Evil G.o.ds, pretending to hesitate was a common occurrence. Normally, I wouldnt have bothered pretending and would have ignored the situation altogether.

Yeah. Thanks for everything, Master!

Just be aware of it.

Eeeekkk!

Iron Bat protested vehemently, but what could he do? He had no power whatsoever!

I may not be able to fool Master and the Demon King, but I have enough power. Its just that it wont work on ordinary humans!

But your opponent is the Demon King. Therefore, youre useless!

Youre an Evil G.o.d, Master

Being evaluated as a demon by an Evil G.o.d. Im not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

Of course, its bad! You seem like a wicked villain!

If its bad for an Evil G.o.d, isnt it considered good by the worlds standards?

Such logic!

So, ahead of you lies nothing but the roaring lava.

If you want to live, youll have to make a deal that moves my heart.

An individual demanding from a G.o.d and an Evil G.o.d at that

Looking at the gaping Swoopad with an indifferent gaze, I comment, Its not a threat.

Indeed.

I dont possess a personality reckless enough to carry around something as dangerous as an evil G.o.d.

Even though loyalty is unnecessary, I continue to be with you because its not about sharing harm that Im aware of.

All the things Ive done for you How could I

Though a sense of betrayal flows through the continued soul, it doesnt leave a scratch on my heart.

After trying various things for about 10 minutes, Iron Bat finally raised the white flag and surrendered.

I lost. I lost! Ill tell you how to defeat the Demon King!

You should have done that earlier.

With a satisfied smile, I nodded, and Iron Bat let out a heavy sigh.

Haah Listen well, Master?

Nodding, I pretended to listen to Iron Bats words.

The opponent is an Evil G.o.d, a G.o.d of evil.

Despite the threat of being thrown into the Stiorus Volcano, such a creature didnt flee and stuck with me.

Is it to enhance its power? Would enhancing its power be crucial in a situation where entering the volcano would render it useless?

Probably not.

It implies that this creature might be with me because it needs me, or, at worst, it might be planning to betray me and strike me down when I least expect it.

In the context of novels, isnt it quite common? The one who was an ally turns out to be the antagonist, striking the protagonists back!

When the Demon King falls, there might be a scene where this creature, having been an ally, strikes me down and gathers all the fragments of evil to resurrect itself.

So, Iron Bat, I dont trust you. Never!