Chapter 273: Isaac's Imagination (1)

The reason I left just before releasing the 20th volume was exactly as expected—it was because of my mother.

Given my mother's extraordinary affection for the Jin-Lily couple, if she were to see the ending of Volume 20, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar. It was as if watching a video of fireworks flying up.

I hurriedly fled to avoid the possibility of my head bursting like a fruit.

She might have asked if Jin really did die. I tend to avoid spoilers even with close acquaintances if possible. I once accidentally spoiled something for Cecily and it caused her great disappointment. Since then, I've kept my mouth shut.

My current task is not to succumb to pressure from my mother, but to write Volume 21. The reason I fled to Helium was also for a more comfortable life.

Of course, I didn't go to Helium alone. Marie, who was supposed to spend the entire vacation at the mansion, and even Adelia, came along.

We might stay at the palace in Helium for about a week. But until then, writing Volume 21 is the priority.

"So, son-in-law, is Jin really going to die?"

"... ..."

It's like escaping from a lion only to find oneself in a tiger's den. I froze at Aisillia's question.

Immediately, I could feel the countless gazes pouring toward me. The eyes of those seated at the table, including the King of Helium, Descal.

Currently, our group, including myself, was enjoying a tranquil break in the palace. This gathering was arranged to introduce Marie and Adelia to Cecily's parents and to get to know each other.

Cecily gladly agreed to this idea, allowing us to have a peaceful teatime—until the inevitable question arose.

'He's not dead, but...'

I couldn't help but laugh at Aisillia's question. I wanted to say Jin's not dead, but saying it would cause Volume 21 to have less impact. Volume 21 discusses the inner workings of demons, which are deeply related to darkness. It's one of the very famous clichés from my past life.

In moments of crisis, hidden powers within oneself surges out, a kind of 'outburst' or 'awakening' cliché. Demons fight against the evil within themselves, and if they lose, they become devils and turn their surroundings into chaos. This wasn't just a setting, but also reality.

To prevent this, demons consider 'restraint' a virtue, and even if they occasionally succumb to desire, they never turn into devils. However, there are moments when such restraint completely collapses. Like losing a lover in despair, or situations where life is hanging by a thread, like in Volume 20.

Just as there's a metaphor for the breaking of rationality, the awakening event shown in Volume 21 is also one of those moments.

"Ahem. Ahem. Aisilia, please refrain from such questions. Our son-in-law must have his own reasons."

As if feeling awkward, Descal flashed a strained smile. The astute elder, quick to catch on, intervened. Fortunately, he had some consideration...

"Still, since you mentioned it, I'm curious. Can you tell just us?"

Both of them seemed alike, like a married couple they were. In their matching crimson eyes, there was a deep curiosity. Naturally, they would have doubts since it involved demons. I shifted my gaze to the right.

Turning right, even Cecily had her red eyes wide with anticipation. They definitely were related.

Lastly, shifting my gaze to the left, despite the different hues, I found blue-eyed gazes focused on me, just as I expected: Marie and Adelia.

From my perspective, it's equally awkward and amusing how they all make similar expressions. But as I mentioned earlier, I have no intention of revealing anything. So, I feigned composure and raised the coffee cup, steam rising.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. It might be quite important, you see."

"Is that so? Then we'll just have to wait for the next volume."

Not only my father-in-law, but even the mother-in-law sitting next to me openly expressed their disappointment. Sipping their coffee, I glanced around, and others seemed to share the sentiment.

The ending of the 20th volume is the hot topic of discussion. According to the latest news, just like during the hiatus, there are protests outside the publishing house.

To be precise, it's not protests but rather fans flocking and questioning whether it's true.

"It seems like it's something quite important if your're not telling us, huh?"

During a quiet moment of sipping coffee, Cecily, who was sitting to my right, asked me in a somewhat casual tone. Judging by her demeanor, it seemed like she was trying to suss me out. Cecily had an excellent ability to grasp people's intentions, as if she could read minds.

However, it was only to a certain extent, as it was difficult to distinguish between truth and lies when they were appropriately mixed. In other words, there was no fear of being exposed if one maintained silence or spoke ambiguously.

"If it wasn't like that, I would have spoken, wouldn't I?"

"That's true too. I'll bet that he won't die."

Cecily shrugged as if brushing it off. In fact, the fact that Jin doesn't die is somewhat predictable.

Because Jin still has too many plotlines and clues left. For readers who examine carefully rather than just immerse themselves, it's evident that Jin won't die. It's a world where the concepts of clichés and flags haven't been properly established, let alone created. It's understandable to be confused.

"By the way, I was really surprised when Jin's biological father turned out to be Gluttony. I had some expectations, but I didn't expect it to be true."

"That part I can fully empathize with. In fact, ever since that was revealed, Jin's defeat has been obvious. Mental strength plays a significant role in battles."

"The fact that Jin's horns are larger than those of other demons and that the concentration of black mana is also higher were also plot hooks."

Also Jin's biological father, Beelzebub of Gluttony, has been revealed. Although somewhat obscured by Jin's death, this revelation also came as a shock to readers.

Jin, in his quest to overthrow Helium and Pandemonium in Xenon's Biography, tracks down Beelzebub's whereabouts and confronts him. However, he is overwhelmed by the shocking revelation of Beelzebub's true nature, preventing a proper fight from taking place.

If it weren't for the revelation of his true nature, Lily might have joined later and forced Beelzebub to retreat. But even if that were the case, it would still be a problem. Beelzebub is dangerous not only due to his strength but also simply because of his existence. He must be killed by any means necessary.

Initially, he intended to scatter black mana throughout Pandemonium to turn all demons into devils. Due to the danger involved, he must be dealt with quickly.

"But even Gluttony's plan gave me chills. Trying to scatter black mana throughout Pandemonium to turn all demons into devils..."

At that moment, Aisilia brought up the related topic. Her reaction indicated that the mere thought gave her chills.

This part was backed by research results, not just speculation. There's a paper comparing the current generation of demons with the first generation. What would happen if the current generation of demons were exposed to the black mana that the first generation demons possessed?

While the current black mana has turned into 'pure darkness', the first generation demons were filled with all sorts of filthy and wicked energy.

Especially in the current generation, demons fundamentally consider 'restraint' as a virtue, which makes them vulnerable in many ways. There are research findings suggesting that the reason for the appearance of the demonic cycle is also due to these customs. It's said that suppressing desires too much can manifest as physiological phenomena.

"It's definitely a realistic story. If the existence of devil worshippers hadn't surfaced, they would have actually acted on it."

"Thanks to that, people became more vigilant. Furthermore, they became even more restrained, vowing not to be swayed by dark mana."

"Is this a prophecy, perhaps?"

Cecily smiled at me with a grin. Her smile is one thing, but Descal and Aisillia nodded as if in agreement, as if convinced.

As the wicked plan of Beelzebub was revealed, the world, especially Helium, was shocked beyond measure. It was a plan that was too realistic, yet too ambitious. Fortunately, it didn't hit the jackpot again, but it's still quite burdensome.

Already being treated as a savior by the demons, it seems that this tendency has become even stronger. Now it's not just respect but worship.

"I keep thinking, I can't believe our savior is becoming our son-in-law."

"Is it just Mom? I bet Marie and Adelia feel the same way."

As the mother and daughter exchanged words, Marie and Adelia's reactions were quite interesting.

Marie seemed proud, stretching her chest out with a self-assured attitude, while Adelia showed a shy response. Adelia came as my bodyguard, but now she was sitting next to me as my woman.

"Of course, I'll be the one having the child first."

"Cecily, you! Again!"

"Can't you just concede once? It seems like I won't be able to wait until graduation."

"No. Even if I don't know about anything else, I absolutely can't concede when it comes to the child."

Once again, their fight began. I couldn't even say anything; it was like watching cats and foxes fight.

Our golden retriever (Adelia) was just watching with interest. That sight was really cute.

Descal and Aisillia were also just watching without any particular intervention, seeming to silently support their daughter while acknowledging Marie as the first wife.

Especially, regardless of how many women I had, they weren't particularly concerned. They considered me the savior of the demon race, so it might be natural.

Honestly, I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to introduce Marie and Adelia, but the conversation flowed smoothly.

"Then, will the son-in-law be staying in Helium for the time being?"

Aisillia asked me amidst the heartwarming atmosphere. Her gentle smile identical to Cecily's.

For now, the plan is to stay in Helium. Unless there's a natural disaster, I'll finish the 21st volume here.

"Yes. I think I'll stay until the 21st volume is written."

"That's good. Then, when you finish writing it..."

"I'm sorry."

With a nod of her head, Aisillia expressed disappointment when I firmly refused. Nevertheless, her reaction showed she expected it. Moreover, seeing her promptly move on indicates that she, too, knew she had overstepped.

"Well then, we'll make sure to show the utmost hospitality from our side of Helium."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Thanks? What thanks? The favor we've received from you is beyond repayment in a lifetime."

I offered an embarrassed smile at his gratitude. It's a bit embarrassing, given that the King of Helium had just shown me favor.

Knock knock knock—

During our peaceful teatime, someone knocked on the door. At the sound of the knock, all our eyes turned towards the door.

We had made it clear not to disturb us during teatime, so who could be knocking on the door? Just showing up like this was alarming. Nevertheless, there was a knock.

Unless it was something extremely urgent, there was no reason for someone to come in. With a puzzled expression, Descal spoke up.

"Who is it? We've made it clear not to disturb."

[I apologize, Your Majesty. I have important news to deliver.]

A voice sounded from beyond the door. It seems like a situation where the king must be informed directly.

Descal, sensing that something was amiss, stood up and headed towards the door. It seemed safer to go out and check for himself rather than showing us from outside. The current situation was suspicious enough just by showing it.

Soon enough, as the door opened, Descal began to hear the urgent whispers being relayed through the door slot. My gaze, as well as those of others, naturally turned in that direction. After finishing the whispers and all the conversation that followed, Descal slowly closed the door. He remained still for a while, lost in thought.

"Hey. What's going on?"

Aisillia asked with concern, prompting Descal to turn his head. His red eyes bore a complex mix of worry and other emotions.

As the atmosphere grew more serious, and no one seemed willing to speak up, Descal's gaze shifted. Not to anyone else, but directly to me. Then, in a voice laden with complexity, he spoke up.

"It's nothing, really. Just... surprising."

"Surprising?"

"Yeah."

Descal approached me and tapped my shoulder lightly.

"I'm really grateful."

Why the sudden change?

"As expected, you are definitely a blessing given to us by Lady Mora."

Just because I wrote a few lines.

*****

At a similar time, in the Luminous Temple of Michelle's Territory.

Kate, a cardinal of the Luminous church was resolving her accommodation at the temple.

However devoted she may be to venerating Isaac as a saint, she never forgot her true calling and faithfully carried it out.

That calling, as everyone knows, was to combat heresy and devils. She promptly sets out on missions whenever duty calls as the grand inquisitor.

Though she resides here due to a special event like an exhibition, she's always prepared to move whenever duty beckons.

The same goes for Xenon's Biography, as the 20th volume was revealed to the world.

Kate has firmly established Xenon's Biography as prophecy, gradually tightening the noose around the necks of devil worshippers based on the contents of each new volume.

"So, even this content was true."

"Yes. Though the plan itself was abandoned due to risk, it seems it was indeed formulated."

Upon hearing the "urgent message" conveyed by her followers, she nodded in agreement. At the same time, her heart began to race.

It was just as she had expected. Beelzebub's sinister plan, detailed in the 20th volume.

So, in essence, there existed a sinister plan to cover the entire Pandeum(Helium's actual capital) in dark mana, turning all demons into devils. Even though some devil worshippers within feared conflict with demons and discarded the plan, devil worshippers weren't solely composed of humans.

Long ago, there were extremist demons who, oppressed by Xavier, rampaged and eventually joined hands with devil worshippers to seek revenge on the world.

This intel was unearthed not by Xavier, but by the Helium organization known as "Reapers." The Reapers' main objective is to find solace for their kin transformed into devils and sometimes engage in espionage.

They obtained information about a plan identical to the one revealed in the 20th volume. Currently, this information has also been passed on to Xavier, with whom they're collaborating.

"So, we nearly missed this plan because it was formulated so long ago?"

"Yes. It was planned 300 years ago, making it difficult to find any documentation. Particularly coincidental is its similarity to the time when devil summoning was practiced. If they had been summoned, they would have executed it immediately."

"Is there a chance of it being implemented again?"

"Very high. The original plan dictates that failure only propels one closer to success."

Kate smirked bitterly. Now, only failure remains, as Xenon's Biography has thwarted their sinister plan.

The realism of Xenon's Biography has made Helium's demons increasingly vigilant. Should any residents go missing, regardless of age or gender, they would unite to find them.

Recalling the spoiler incident, Kate quietly closed her eyes, sensing the distortion of the devil worshippers' plans.

All of this is thanks to Isaac's Xenon's Biography. Kate felt her heart pounding as she placed her hand on her chest. It felt like the world was filled with light every time his scripture was released.

'I want to receive the seed as soon as possible, but...'

I shouldn't interrupt. I have to focus on my main job right now.

With that, Kate slowly opened her eyes and looked at the disciple in front of her. Though they were merciful blue eyes, she had a momentary illusion that they were burning like a blazing fire.

"Understood. So what did they say in Helium?"

"They plan to announce it officially first. Eliminating people's anxiety completely is the priority."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, when the preparations within the Luminous Church were being made.

'I'm really not a regressor or anything like that, right?'

[No, you're not. It's just an incident arising from cultural differences.]

'But there's been more than just one or two incidents like that. I'm really not, right?'

[If you are a resident of this world, I will give you my godhood.]

Isaac ran to Mora and once again doubted himself.

Translators note:

I finally did the smart thing and translated ahead. Now that I have around 30~ chapters of backlog there's gonna be daily uploads for at least a month.