Chapter 241: Book 18 (2)

Every day, I'm just waiting for the vacation to come, but life has a way of throwing unexpected things at us. The Academy, with its many guards, maintains excellent security due to the high number of people coming and going, resulting in very few incidents occurring.

Even if security-related issues were to arise, they are usually promptly resolved. I've never heard of any major incidents like terrorism happening at the Academy so far. But that's within the Academy; the situation outside is different. Especially in this world, where individual strength holds sway, it's inherently unstable in terms of security.

Hence, it means that anywhere, anytime, there might be some lunatics up to no good. And the devil worshipers fit that description perfectly. They have been a force lurking in the shadows of the underworld long before Xenon's Biography. If people suddenly go missing or 'undead' appear without any signs, it's mostly their doing.

They're nothing but vile beings worse than pests, nothing short of the epitome of evil in this world. Their biggest problem was that they were virtually unknown before Xenon's Biography, but now they've fully emerged.

In fact, it would be apt to say that due to Xenon's Biography, they've been forced into the limelight. Rumor has it that with Xavier declaring a holy war, the devil worshipers' heads are being smashed every ten seconds.

However, their scariest aspect is that they managed to go unnoticed even by Dark Elves and Demons.

If the dark elves and demons borrow the power of darkness through Mora, the devil worshipers were literally the slimy darkness itself. Some demons, deeply associated with the devil, had sensed omens from the past. This was speculated because among the devil worshippers, there seemed to exist a faction of radicals that was believed to have been annihilated in the distant past.

During the time when demons were persecuted, there were those who harbored not restraint but hatred towards the world, embracing the power of the devil themselves. Though defeated in the civil war that took place in Helium long ago, it is gradually being revealed that they are secretly in league with the devil worshippers.

It's been said that even in Helium, some clues were found after assigning the task to the 'Reaper' to track them down. The power and scale of the devil worshippers are far greater than anticipated.

With great power and scale comes great danger. Moreover, whenever any faction feels threatened, they tend to act out. While it's uncertain in what form this acting out will manifest, many resort to causing chaos.

The issue lies in the immense damage caused by this chaos. Particularly, those deeply associated with Xenon's Biography were in extreme danger.

[...Therefore, I send this letter urging caution. Please do not worry, and I hope to continue steady serialization.]

The owner of the letter I've read is Musk. He is precisely in such a situation. Musk is the CEO of the only company known to have contracted with Xenon's Biography and is one of the visible links to Xenon externally. Naturally, he could become a target for the devil worshippers. Although Arwen is also known to have a connection, she's currently too significant a figure to engage with, hence they aimed at Musk.

According to the contents of the letter, it seems that there was a surprise attack from devil worshippers, but it was handled appropriately and safely. The upcoming publication will be done in collaboration with the Luminous Church.

Collaborating with the Luminous Church for publication was surprising, but what concerns the writer most is undoubtedly the attack. The letter expresses that while the sender doesn't mind being attacked, they are particularly worried about the upcoming exhibition in the Michelle Territory.

Since I, as Xenon, announced my attendance in a previous exhibition through a letter, there's a high probability I'll attend this one as well. Hence, there's a possibility that the devil worshippers might target the event. Although I will take precautions, there's an uneasiness that won't fade away.

It's said that crazy people don't listen to reason, and even with significant manpower invested in the exhibition, the devil worshipers are individuals who could carry out acts of terror.

'Father mentioned a direct request to the royal family, but...'

Musk's letter has been read by my father beforehand. The CEO thinks of my father as Xenonand sends his letters to him, since it's better if it's not addressed directly to the writer, me.

Father plans to invite officials from the royal family to the mansion. There's a clear justification for reinforcing security, the threat from the devil worshippers, which should convince the royal family.

Furthermore, if I inform Cecily about this, Helium might also provide personnel. This exhibition only happens once a year, and there's no intention of missing it.

Most importantly, the scale of the exhibition a year ago and the current one differs greatly. A year ago, mostly humans and demons attended, but now, it's expected to be bustling with attendees from all races without discrimination.

If the security here collapses to the point of even terrorism occurring, the repercussions on the Minerva Empire and not just the Michelle territory would be beyond imagination. To prevent that, the exhibition must proceed smoothly.

'Will it extend to Xavier? If it does, Kate will come, right?'

Somehow, it feels like the exhibition is becoming something other than an exhibition. It seems like a massive amount of people, including other countries, will gather.

During the last exhibition, my father said he was suffering from headaches due to preparations, but now, not even a hint of relief was visible.

For now, there's nothing immediate that I can do. There's about a month left until the vacation, and at the same time, the exam period is approaching.

The approaching exam period means that students are getting very busy. Thanks to that, my recent meetings with acquaintances have decreased, and I've become quite busy on my own.

"What kind of topics do you think the exam questions should be about? Just think about it."

"Why are you telling me, a mere assistant, that?"

"Because you come up with brilliant ideas. Remember when you imagined a world without mana last time?"

Elena instructed me to make the exam questions instead. I've heard of assistants grading papers in my past life, but I've never heard of them substituting for exam questions.

This is obviously passing the buck and an illegal act, but in these times, let's just brush it off. There's no specific law against it, so it's meaningless no matter what anyone says.

I momentarily stopped fretting and shifted my gaze to Cindy, who was tirelessly writing a new paper.

She still stuck to her messy hairstyle, and judging by the dark circles under her eyes, her lifestyle seems unchanged from before.

"Did Cindy submit exam questions like me?"

"I used to do it too... But now I don't have to."

"Why?"

"Because I'm also a doctor like the professor..."

It seems Cindy, like me during my assistant days, has indulged Elena quite a bit. Nevertheless, she didn't seem to have any complaints. Elena doesn't ignore things like human rights as if they were trivial or pick on oddities, so that's a relief.

Instead, helping her seems to be quite helpful in history-related matters. Through researching, I've gained various knowledge, unknowingly accumulating an enormous amount of information.

"Oh, by the way, if you leak exam questions, I'll immediately strip you of your assistantship. Not even close friends are exempt."

"I know that much. Different questions for each class, right?"

"Of course. I'll handle the questions for the second year and Class 1, you'll take care of the rest."

"Understood."

It's bothersome, but what can I do? If the professor commands, I have to accept it. It might be somewhat interesting in its own way.

For a moment, I stopped pondering about what kind of questions would impress the students, and suddenly a question for Elena popped into my mind.

"Professor, are you planning to visit the exhibition this time?"

"Huh? Ah, come to think of it, the exhibition is coming up soon. Will it be held in your territory again?"

"Yes."

"Hmm..."

Elena lifted her glasses, paused for a moment in thought, then shrugged and spoke up.

"I really want to see it once. They said the Matrics Theater troup's performance was so amazing, right? They collaborated with the Rilus Orchestra."

"It was a performance I'll never forget. If the professor saw it once, you'd never forget it either."

The vivid memories still played in my mind—the sacrifice of Sakran by the Rilus Orchestra and the Matrics theater troupe from the very opening act.

Later, when it was revealed that the director of the Matrics theater troupe was a demon, there was a bit of a stir, but ironically, that only boosted their popularity.

A show you wanted to see twice after seeing it once, and three times after seeing it twice. This exhibition was about to showcase the performance again. The Matrics theater troupe had emphasized they'd only perform Sakran's sacrifice at this exhibition, meaning it would happen only once a year.

"Are you going this time?"

"Sorry, but I'll pass on this exhibition too. I have a mountain of research to do during the break, stuck in the lab."

"Are you that busy?"

"Yeah. We've spotted some inconsistencies in certain historical records that seem to be tampered with by devil worshippers. If I delve into this, I might uncover what kind of influence these devil worshippers had."

It might be appropriate to say it's typical of Elena, or perhaps it's a scholarly response by nature. She was so firm that I couldn't persuade her anymore.

As I was neatly giving up and thinking about submitting a certain problem, at that moment, Elena advised me in a very serious tone.

"So, be careful at the exhibition. Devil worshippers are the kind of people who even slightly alter history. We don't know how they might cause harm."

"I'm aware of that. That's why I'm preparing thoroughly."

"Then, that's fortunate. I don't want to lose a good sl... no. Assistant after finally acquiring one."

"Weren't you just about to say 'slave'?"

"You misheard."

It didn't seem so.

******

Isaac was having busy times due to his final exams at the academy.

The Michelle Territory, where the exhibition is taking place, was bustling with a seemingly never ending daily routine.

Under the immense symbolism of Xenon's birthplace, it's evolving into a cultural city, attracting diverse upper-class and tourists alike.

Originally a peaceful small village, it's gradually advancing into a cityscape, with various buildings being erected and skilled workers meticulously constructing them using materials flown in.

In preparation for any potential mishaps, clergy members were on standby in the vicinity, just in case.

Not only that, but artists were sporadically displaying their artwork in advance for the exhibition.

Most were intricate sculptures and handicrafts that are challenging to move, and more artworks were planned to be exhibited in the future.

The once tranquil Michelle Territory, relentlessly progressing into a cultural city day by day, felt different this time.

"Hurry up! We need to have everything completed before the exhibition!"

"Hey! If it's too exhausting, take a break. If you collapse while working, who will it be reported to, Xenon?"

"Give me that hammer!"

The essential need to construct the designed buildings is labor. Equally important is the ability of the workers who construct the buildings, comparable to architects.

Both sides will be satisfied only if the workers understand what the architects want and build accordingly. Additionally, as the labor force increases, the time required significantly reduces.

However, the most crucial factor is the number of workers, especially for large-scale construction where quantity takes precedence over quality.

Look at this now. Regardless of the lack of technological advancement compared to Earth, they had to work manually, yet the scale of construction remained unchanged.

So, what exactly are they building to warrant such a massive labor force?

"...Is it really going to be completed within a month?"

The head of the Marshall family, Hawk, opened his mouth with a bewildered expression as he gazed at the bustling construction site. The current scale of the construction, reminiscent of what one might see in the capital, was reflected in his eyes.

And the woman with golden hair standing beside him flashed a charming smile. She was armed in white armor, and a well-maintained mace hung at her waist. It was Kate Louise Angelica, known to have recently returned to the pilgrimage and also serving as the grand inquisitor.

For some reason unknown to him, the situation had led her beyond the capital to Michelle's territory. And not just her, but an enormous force dispatched from Xavier accompanied her. All the personnel currently at the construction site were individuals directly dispatched by Xavier.

"Of course. That's why I brought them."

Kate said, his arms crossed, glancing at the somewhat functional temple before turning his head slightly.

She wore her usual compassionate smile, but Hawk sensed a slight unease. He had been puzzled when he heard about the pilgrimage arriving with an enormous group in their territory and was left baffled by the subsequent talk of erecting a temple in the territory.

He wanted to ask what nonsense it was directly to her face when he first heard about it but found himself speechless when it came to getting to work. Apparently, the decision had already been made in discussions between the royal family and the involved parties.

For the country where the temple would be erected, Xavier's jurisdiction played the most significant role, and other nations simply had to give their consent. From the standpoint of the country where the temple was being built, it meant goods would be sold, unemployment rates would decrease, and above all, the welcoming of the temple's construction with open arms.

"Hmm..."

Hawk listened to Kate's explanation and slightly furrowed his brow. Being a devout follower of Luminous himself, he had no objection to the construction of a temple. However, constructing a temple was typically required in a city of a certain size. As a result, to visit the temple, one had to head towards the capital.

Being the one referred to as the "Red Lion," he could make the journey to the capital every day, but for others, it was nearly an impossible task. Especially considering he went there without even taking a carriage, opting to run.

"You might be wondering why we're suddenly building a temple. But building a temple is necessary for this sacred land to receive protection from Luminous."

Kate said, sensing Hawk's thoughts, with a reassuring smile.

Hawk raised one eyebrow in response, questioning.

"Sacred land, you say?"

"Yes. It's the land where Luminous has chosen, the opportunity to drive out the vile darkness from the world. It's the land where Xenon was born."

"··· ···"

"Building a temple on top of it is only natural. Under the protection of the god, the exhibition can be safely held, and blessings can be received."

She continued, locking eyes with Hawk. There was a clear conviction in her emerald eyes.

As Hawk gazed into her determined eyes, he shifted his gaze towards the construction site. Though it might be unclear from just listening, Kate's words conveyed her intent.

[I will make Marcel's territory a 'sanctuary.']

She will make it a land that remains forever untarnished, where only purity lingers.

Hawk realized the situation and let out a sigh with a perplexed expression. Above all, there was something particularly unsettling.

"If Lord Xenon were to see this, how delighted he would be? Just imagining it gives me shivers."

"··· ···"

"Ah, how I wish this land were quickly filled with the blessings of Lord Luminous···"

It was Kate's fanatical aspect. Hawk had already seen through at once that she knew Isaac's true identity. However, her attitude towards Isaac sent chills down the spine of anyone who witnessed it. Despite being someone who had seen everything, having soared under the reputation of the Red Lion, he was discreetly stepping back.

'What on earth have you done, my son...'

Hawk sighed once again with a perplexed expression, looking at the construction site.

'Surely, the Demon Princess wouldn't imitate this after seeing it?'

Such a thought crossed his mind unexpectedly.

Translators note: