Surviving as a Barbarian in a Fantasy World

Chapter 149: Kalosia (3)

The god of this world is not one who cares for, loves, or shows mercy to humans.

Ketal realized this fact.

[It feels somewhat unfair.]

And as if guessing his thoughts, Kalosia chuckled.

[Even though I’m diligently bestowing divine power to protect humans.]

Kalosia’s followers wield divine power.

All of it was given by Kalosia.

[But the scripture is my value left on earth. I cannot allow it to those who deny my value.]

Even if, in the end, it means the collapse of his own order.

That was all there was to it.

“I see.”

The god cherishes and favors his followers.

But there was a clear line.

Ketal concluded.

And Kalosia stared intently at Ketal.

Eyes like stars were fixed on Ketal.

[You show no special reaction.]

Kalosia muttered, as if it was unexpected.

[You’re neither flustered nor surprised. It’s as if you expected it.]

“Well, there’s nothing new.”

Ketal said calmly.

Earth.

There were many stories about gods there.

Among them were gods who pursued absolute goodness,

gods who valued order,

and anthropomorphic gods who prioritized their own pleasure.

A god like Kalosia was just one of many such stories.

Knowing that such a god existed was interesting, but not particularly surprising.

[Hmm. You have less prejudice than I thought. Interesting….]

Kalosia squinted.

There was a peculiar emotion in his eyes as he looked at Ketal.

[Alright. I roughly understand.]

“Then can I ask you something?”

[As you wish.]

“Why did you bestow power upon me?”

The battle with the demon of Demonic Lines, Rubitra.

Not only Ketal, but also the saintess recognized by Kalosia and the strongest paladin were present.

Yet, Kalosia granted power to Ketal, who was merely an outsider.

It was certainly strange.

Even Shadrenes had doubted his own eyes at such an event.

“I am not your follower. I see no reason why you would grant me power.”

[Before explaining, I need to correct one more misunderstanding. We are not deliberately neglecting the earth.]

Kalosia said calmly.

[We protect humans and guard those who serve us. It’s our common value. Even if my order collapses, it can’t be helped… that’s only when it’s the result of their own choices and conflicts.]

The invasion of evil was a different matter.

[I have no intention of staying idle when those filthy things try to defile my children and my land.]

“For that, you seem to show little movement.”

[Unfortunately, my power is restricted. Those damned things are interfering.]

Kalosia frowned as if annoyed.

Ketal realized.

“It seems you cannot freely intervene in their invasion.”

Currently, evil is invading the earth.

Demons are descending without special sacrifices or rituals.

The gods’ revelations were also distorted.

This was a precursor to the Demon King’s descent.

As the balance of the world collapsed, it seemed the gods’ intervention was also limited.

Kalosia confirmed this.

[There is a limit to the power I can wield. Even if I bestowed power on Shadrenes, she would have lost.]

“Aren’t you speaking too frankly?”

If you think about it, he was admitting the gods’ inadequacies.

It was blasphemy committed by the god himself.

[It’s not very significant to you.]

But Kalosia didn’t care much.

It was as if he didn’t mind what he said to Ketal.

[So I chose you.]

Eyes like stars looked at Ketal.

Multiple layered voices echoed.

[You are proving my value more than anything. At least the minimum condition was met.]

Kalosia is the god of lies and deceit.

That is his value.

“I think you’re mistaken.”

[Who knows.]

Kalosia smiled.

[The fact that a being like you is pretending to be human here is proof enough, isn’t it?]

A low voice echoed.

[Well… it doesn’t matter. The result of driving those filthy things away is what’s important.]

“You seem to hate demons quite a bit.”

[They are despicable. Both in the past and now.]

Kalosia spoke with mockery.

[They are like worms that keep crawling back in, unable to accept defeat. They know no shame.]

His voice had a clear sense of rejection towards evil.

[Their failure is a cause for celebration for us. You have done well enough. You have driven out the evil and protected my sacred ground.]

It was indeed a historic feat and an achievement.

[So, I shall grant you a reward.]

Ketal’s eyes lit up.

“A reward?”

[My children are in no position to give you a proper reward. Consider it as me doing it in their stead.]

“Oh, oh oh.”

A reward given directly by a god.

His voice trembled without him realizing it.

What could it be?

The thought was brief.

Ketal spoke.

“Your scripture. I want to handle it.”

The scripture that recorded the journey of the god.

Handling it meant directly wielding the power of the god.

Naturally, what Ketal desired most was to use the scripture.

But Kalosia quietly shook his head.

[That is impossible. Although you are carrying out my values better than anyone… the conditions are not met. You do not worship me from the depths of your heart.]

The scripture required two conditions: worship of the god and the fulfillment of his values.

[It cannot be allowed to someone who lacks these. It is impossible to grant it.]

“I see.”

Ketal clicked his tongue.

He had hoped, but it seemed impossible after all.

After a moment of thought, Ketal spoke again.

“Then, I would like to obtain something to deal with evil.”

Evil was invading the earth.

And they had deemed Ketal as an enemy.

Conflicts were bound to continue, but there was a major issue.

Ketal could not handle the mystery.

He had no way to counter-summon demons.

Until now, he had always relied on someone else’s help to defeat demons.

This time too, if Kalosia had not bestowed his blessing, he might have been overwhelmed but unable to defeat them.

But he could not always count on someone being by his side.

He needed to prepare for future encounters.

[Something to deal with evil, huh.]

Kalosia muttered as if understanding.

He raised a finger.

[In my name, Kalosia, I declare, you shall gain the qualification.]

Kiing.

A cross of light descended upon Ketal.

Kalosia withdrew his finger.

[I have bestowed upon you my sacred relic. Although you cannot handle it without the proper qualifications… I am granting you special permission. With it, you will be able to wield divine power.]

“What?”

Ketal’s eyes widened.

It was an unimaginable reward.

[There are some limitations, but it will suffice for dealing with ordinary evil. Are you satisfied?]

“More than satisfied!”

Ketal nodded vigorously.

Divine power.

To be able to wield such a special power that only existed in fantasies.

It was an unexpected reward. Ketal genuinely laughed with joy.

Kalosia, who had been watching him for a moment, spoke.

[For details, you can consult my saintess. Do you have any more questions?]

“I have many questions.”

What is a god?

What are demons?

And what are the myths known to humans?

He wanted to know everything.

Kalosia murmured, as if it was unexpected.

[You are greedy. It seems you desire the Akashic Records. I didn’t realize you were the type to seek knowledge….]

He cast a curious gaze at Ketal.

Kalosia’s attitude towards Ketal had been very peculiar from the beginning.

As if analyzing an unknown entity.

[As you might have guessed, I cannot tell you everything.]

“Of course.”

Ketal didn’t have high expectations.

He would learn the rest by traveling the world himself.

The conversation was nearing its end.

It was time to wrap things up.

Ketal, as if remembering, asked.

“The reason you don’t bestow divine power upon your followers is because Kalosia’s followers have abandoned deceit and lies, isn’t it?”

The followers misunderstood, thinking it was due to their own wickedness.

“Is it alright if I clear up that misunderstanding?”

[I would prefer they realize it themselves… but I can’t force you not to tell them. Do as you please.]

“That’s unexpected. I thought you would order me not to tell them.”

[Order?]

Kalosia chuckled as if it was amusing.

[There is no being that can order you around. Not just us, but the demons as well.]

“Hmm.”

Ketal squinted.

He asked in a doubtful tone.

“You. What do you know about me?”

Kalosia had called him one who came from within.

“Within” surely referred to the white snowy plains.

[That’s a funny thing to say. I don’t know anything about you.]

The great god admitted his ignorance frankly.

Kalosia looked at Ketal with curiosity.

[A being from ‘within’. How could a being like you come to the continent… The barrier had no reason to break, and its sudden rupture is strange… I can’t understand it.]

“Have you observed enough to resolve that question?”

Ketal smiled faintly.

From the moment Ketal set foot in the sacred ground until now, Kalosia had been observing him.

He had been watching to understand what kind of being Ketal was.

Ketal had noticed this long ago.

The god and Ketal were observing each other.

[I have a rough grasp. But it raises more questions.]

Kalosia genuinely sounded perplexed.

[I thought beings from there were surely our enemies… Unexpected.]

Kalosia’s presence was gradually diminishing.

His time allowed on earth was coming to an end.

[It seems my limit is near. It was an interesting experience. I hope it was mutually satisfying.]

“I was thoroughly satisfied.”

Ketal laughed heartily.

The first conversation with a god.

He had gained much and learned many new things.

It was an enjoyable time.

Kalosia, who had been smiling as well, spoke.

[A being from ‘within’. I bear no particular hostility towards you. As long as you do not harm my children, I have no intention of interfering with what you do. However… not all gods will feel the same.]

Leaving these final words, Kalosia disappeared from the earth.

[There will be gods who target you. Be wary.]

“Ah….”

Then Shadrenes’s voice echoed.

Ketal caught her as she stumbled and fell.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. Thank you… Did your conversation go well?”

“It went very well.”

Ketal smiled with satisfaction.

“It was an enjoyable time. Thank you.”