Chapter 6 – Shackles to Freedom
The Seer’s words pierced her soul like cold iron fangs.
But Salia replied with soft words.
“First, I would like to ask you something.”
“Why was I able to record a secret conversation between you and the demon general?”
She sensed malice in the way he described it as a secret. Of course, there was no doubt about what his intentions were.
“Well, I will just say that it is the power of my divine rule.”
“So you are able to see others then.”
She felt a chill at the thought. Perhaps Sheto was in danger at this very moment.
“By the way, it appears that you have objections to what I did. If there is a problem, then perhaps you should make it clear.”
“You do not act guilty at all… Very well.”
The Seer replied calmly. Behind him, the mirror continued to show Sheto and Berganda.
“The games are a way for gods and demons to compete while following rules that have been set out. Gods use Heroes to bring peace, while Demon Kings use their subordinates to destroy.”
“That being said, these games are really a vulgar way to take worlds. I have always been against them.”
Salia couldn’t help but grimace. After all, it was quite ironic for her to be in the middle of one right now.
“Then you should withdraw this instant and continue to preach against the fighting like before.”
“Unfortunately, that would hardly be possible now. The games determine everything. And so victory is the only way to bring change.”
“Well, I suppose this is better than being powerless with hopeless dreams.”
Furukamuto was silent for a moment, which allowed Salia to look around.
She did not know what he had been saying before her arrival, but it at least seemed like not everyone here was her enemy.
Still, there was mostly distrust and anxiety in their eyes. Until she knew the reason, it would be unwise to make excuses.
“That being said, your change of heart seems to have led you to betray the world of gods.”
Betray. With that one word, the atmosphere grew tense.
“What a terrible thing to say. When have I done such a thing?”
“…Do not tell me you already forgot about what you said in the mirror?”
“Oh? Unfortunately, I was not invited to your little viewing party. And so I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Salia said with a smile.
“What was shown…and what was not shown…”
“It sounds like you are denying it…and suggesting I have twisted the truth?”
“Oh, surely the god of wisdom would not do something so low and cowardly. However, your power cannot be all-knowing.”
“Ah, let us stop this.”
He waved a hand as if swatting a fly.
“I am not here for us to waste time trading blows that do not even sting. And so I shall show it to you. What I showed these other gods.”
The Seer said, and the mirror showed it again.
It started with Berganda breaking through the encirclement and running towards the forest.
“…So you saw this far back.”
“My eyes are everywhere. Do not think you can escape them.”
While fully aware of her disadvantage during this information battle, Salia continued to watch the footage calmly. There was nothing different about it. Nothing had been altered, and her words were the same.
“This is what I showed them.”
“I see… Well, I have nothing to say to that. After all, I don’t see how it is a problem.”
“Oh? But you spoke with the demon general and made an alliance. Surely that is because you are a traitor?”
“Monsters are savages but also defiant. It will be impossible to keep them from moving for a whole month. All I did was to try and ensure my subordinates safety while making impossible demands.”
“And yet he seemed rather desperate to save the demon general. Perhaps the kobold could not abandon his fellow monster. And perhaps you feel the same…”
“What a foolish thing to say. It would have been easy to kill the general right there. However, the monsters would then chase Sheto. On top of that, the Hero’s army is also searching for him. Unless…Seer. You are actually suggesting it would have been better to make more enemies for no reason. Would that have been the superior strategy?”