Kamigami – 39 Part 2

‘Are you working as you should?
Today, I learned about spinning thread. It was the first time I saw cloth being woven. But it was pretty interesting.
I’ll contact you again later.’

“That isn’t much of a message.”
“Indeed. But he is always like this.”

He laughed and then showed her the image that had been sent with the message. It was Sheto, weaving cloth against a tree.
Perhaps he was humming something. His eyes were half-closed, and he seemed to be quite relaxed. The kobold was the image of a person who was enjoying everyday life.

“Still, it is quite strange.”
“What is?”
“The knowledge that this Sheto has. It made me curious.”

A primitive loom made of two sticks and string. Something humans had developed during the dawn of their civilization.

“Kobolds learn skills from watching humans and other monsters. And they then develop the skills to fit themselves. And within a large group, they teach the skills to others, regardless of gender, so that they will not lose it if someone dies. That is what I heard.”
“As weaker monsters without any special power, they must find ways to survive…it is a wonderful thing…however…”

As if trying to grasp something, the dragon god closed his eyes and pondered.

“Salia. The kobolds in this world. What is your opinion of them?”
“…Indeed. Weak and cowardly. They care about little outside of everyday life… To be honest, Sheto has a viciousness that should not be expected from the others.”
“What else can you say?”
“They are mostly pastoral, I suppose? Hunting and simple farmwork is the center of their lives. Clearly, the Demon King was using them as a servant race. Without going against their rulers, they will produce resources and work hard…”

In fact, it was normal for kobolds to have small communities and produce and store there. Other monsters rarely created anything, and so these settlements became bases for them to easily acquire resources.

“I see… Like in an RTS…”
“Huh…?”

Salia looked surprised. And then she chuckled.

“That being said, there is no level system or divine rule for the monsters. Instead, they had other advantages. Such as being able to create infinite monsters, and having castles that are out of sight for the gods.”
“There is no need for them to have stats. Just think like an RTS, be aware of the monster’s characteristics, and place them strategically.”
“Strategically… When seeing the positions of monsters in Morania and elsewhere…I see what you mean.”

Compared to the continents, the monsters were not as strong, and the invasion slow. Most of the gods had flocked towards Morania to take advantage of that. While so being anxious at the possibility of a trap.

“The pigs took the bait. Had the Seer’s army not appeared in Efalea, the continent would have been trampled in the blink of an eye.”
“At the same time, Morania would be depleted overnight. By my brother and the Heroes there… After that…”
“The Heroes of lesser gods, who cannot stand against the powerful monsters, would start to fight each other… A single powerful Hero or many mid-range Heroes. Which would be an easier opponent… Well, the Demon King seems to have chosen the former.”

No matter how powerful an opponent was, if it was just one person, you could defeat them with enough preparation. It was something that Sheto had proven himself.
It seemed that the situation was getting close to what must be the Demon King’s ideal.
Because of one kobold.
When Salia realized this, she couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Dragon god… Perhaps this is ridiculous, but do you think the Demon King could have been reading my actions?”
“Don’t be absurd. If he could do such a thing, it would mean that the Demon King had the ability to see into the heavens. If he was that possible, wouldn’t he have acted sooner?”

She felt relieved at those words at first, and then anxious.
If this continued, Sheto would definitely become involved with the Seer.
And what if he were to win that battle?

“It seems like you are thinking far ahead. I would advise against it.”

The dragon shook his head at Salia’s darkened expression.

“But…”
“You cannot even find a way for him to go against the current god. Why should you worry about what happens after that?”

He was right, of course. But she could not help but think about it.
Sheto’s wish was to help the kobolds. His purpose would not involve saving humans. From his point of view, what happened after the Seer was defeated, was none of his concern.
He was a monster at heart, and would act like one.

“…What I am doing… Is it really the right thing?”
“If not, will you quit now? If you go and bow your head to the Seer, everything can be resolved.”

It was a harsh question. Salia closed her eyes.
After helping the weakest monster. Running together. What kind of path would open up ahead?
But the hope of making his wish come true… It was still strong within her.

“If I stop now, Sheto’s dreams. His work. It will be for nothing.”
“Then what will you do?”
“…I must make the two wishes come true. Defeat the Demon King and bring peace to the land. And at the same time, make my subordinate’s hope a reality.”
“I see. Then I was right to have chosen you to be a guardian of my dragon kin.”

He chuckled and his expression softened.

“The greed to desire contradictory things at once… Such a trait is rarely seen even among dragons.”
“In that case, dear ally. Please aid this untalented, reckless, and greedy goddess.”

Salia extended her hand and looked straight at the dragon’s face. Its deep golden eyes shined with mixed emotions. Eventually, he extended a claw to entangle with hers.

“Gladly. If you will accept the aid of an old lizard such as I.”

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