Episode 49: The End of the World, The End of the Story ② ~Truth and Reality~

.





　The goddess looked deeply troubled at my question.

『I did a terrible thing to Alberic…… to Al.』

"……Terrible thing? "

　I couldn't help but look puzzled at such words.

『……A hero is, as the name implies, one who possesses courage. A standard-bearer of hope, striking down the world's darkness and illuminating people's futures—―― I had wished for that to be so.』

But though Al defeated the Demon King, he ultimately met a tragic end. Was that also what the goddess wished for?

『……I did not intend for Al to die.
　The previous hero chosen was strong, upright, and a fearless warrior who knew no fear. ……But in the end, they strayed from the path and brought about an irreparable tragedy.』

　……It must be the incident the Emperor referred to as a “tragedy.”

『Of course, the previous hero had his own perspective too—―― there isn't always just one truth.
　The way things appear changes depending on one's perspective.
　……Therefore, taking the previous hero's fate as a warning, I selected the next hero to be one possessing a pure soul and kindness.
　Selfless devotion, dedication. A person who possessed such qualities from birth, without boasting of them as virtues. In this stagnant world, he was the one who fit the criteria.』

"That's why Al was chosen."

　The goddess nodded at my words.
　Isn't that a rather cruel reason for Al to be chosen? It's precisely because I've seen Al's figure throughout our journey that I feel this way.
　He wasn't the type to fight; he was a gentle soul. So he agonized over taking someone's life, wept, yet still refused to give up.
　For everyone else's smiles, he swallowed his fear and kept moving forward.
　Countless times I've wished I could have taken on that heavy responsibility myself. ……That's why I was able to put my body on the line. All of our companions except Roger must have felt the same way.

"……That's just too awful."

『―――Looking back now, I think so too.
　Perhaps there was simply no one left in this world worthy of being called a hero. The distortion that arose when the previous hero strayed from the path must have only grown larger with time.』

　……Suppressing the anger at how detached she sounded, I listened to the goddess's story.

『Al was a kind child.
　……That is precisely why he had no choice but to take his own life.
　At the very moment Al, the hero, slew the Demon King, he instinctively sensed what kind of being it was, and what kind of existence a calamity truly was.
　―――That's precisely why, once he understood what immense calamities would arise if his own heart—that of a hero—were to be swallowed by negative emotions, he had no choice but to end his life ―――Not as a hero protecting the world's future or some unseen stranger, but to safeguard the future of his friends.』

　Wh……What? What are you talking about? This goddess.

『Al did not die in despair; he took his own life before succumbing to despair, to provide you with a future. If Al had succumbed to despair and generated negative emotions, then instead of the calamities manifesting in this world now, something else entirely would have appeared.
　But his death was reason enough for me to resolve to erase this world as it is now…… This world is already beyond saving.
　The stagnation of the world had become utterly hopeless, and saving people was impossible―――that was my judgment. So I stopped managing the calamities and released everything into the world.』

　The very words of truth spoken by the goddess who rules this world flowed effortlessly, yet my trembling mind could not process them.

"Please see this through to the end." "I'm tired of it all."

　If that's the meaning behind Al's words, then I—I don't know what I'm supposed to do――――

『A calamity is the negative emotion within the human heart.
　This applies even to the heroes and their companions.
　……You do realize that too, don't you? ……If it is the negative emotions of the one who was granted power by the Goddess, it will become an even greater calamity. Just as the darkness within your heart awakened the dragon king Hroboros』

"Wh-what? "

　I can't close my eyes, and it's hard to breathe. ―――Was it me who spawned that dragon?
　From the evil sword hanging at my waist, I felt a thudding tremor and recalled Hroboros's final smile. What I saw within that darkness―――

『The wrath of the Divine Bow summoned the raging giant of the earth.
　The Archmage's greed became a white whale that swallowed the clouds.
　In that sense, perhaps only the Saint—――was truly a Saint. The Queen of Ice and Snow did not become a calamity that would destroy the world. She chose to use her life to protect those she loved.』

　The goddess's words felt distant. My head was dizzy.
　……Oh, but I see. If calamities stem from negative emotions, then we were no exception either. Why didn't I notice something so obvious?
　Wasn't it none other than me who harbored the deepest anger, hatred, and darkest heart in that kingdom?

"Was, was, was, was it me――― who caused that kingdom's tragedy?"

『Yes.』

　A merciless assertion. I heard the sound of something precious cracking—like the hoops that held my heart together. So much for seeing things through. What the hell am I doing? Oh no, I can't do this. I can't forgive myself. I can't bear to think about it anymore.

　『……Raoul, you don't have to push yourself anymore. This world has no value.』

　The gentle voice of a goddess as if it were entering my heart. That's right, I've traveled this far with a dead heart, yet even within that, I kept losing, mourning, and losing some more, until I was worn to tatters. I've only ever had painful experiences. Through blurred vision, I reached for the evil sword. I'm done with this―――
　
"Celestial Knight. Please keep your wits about you."

"……You idiot, get a grip!"

　From behind me, the voice of the Devil was heard. The Devil and Falty were supporting me as I nearly collapsed. The Devil's palm wrapped around my body, Falty's hand, gripped my clothes tightly as if to say I was not going anywhere.

"Dear Sister………… you should have seen the world more clearly."

　Unlike her usual carefree tone, she spoke to the goddess with words imbued with strong resolve.

---

 ToC  

If you enjoy the translations, you can support me by donations or read “Beyond the Hero’s Death” ahead in patreon.

Disabling your ad blocker for this site is also appreciated, worry not, there are no intrusive ads shown.

---