Chapter 222
『You were….created?』
『Yes. The earth dragon Zepar was an earth dragon more skilled in “alchemy” than “gluttony”. With that power, he created the Stellar Vein Dungeon and brought us Stellar Vein familiars into existence.』
A new picture frame appears. It shows Zepar busily expanding dungeons and creating golems within.
At first, not understanding what to do, he wanders back and forth confusedly while working. As he eats magic stones and rocks, he gradually expands the dungeon little by little, maintains it, reconstructs it more widely.
The golems, at the beginning, have the feeling of just lifeless stone statues moving on their own. But having grasped the knack, their forms become more and more refined, taking on an appearance as if they’re alive.
（…It’s just like Lord Earth’s manner…）
That figure reminds Ann of Earth before he evolved further―in the very beginning. Earth back then was also like this, overturning the earth to expand dungeons, and carving out rocks to create golems.
『…You thought they resemble each other?』
As if seeing through Ann’s emotions, Mýrus says this.
『It’s only natural they resemble each other. Because that person is the father of the earth dragon Earth, whom you revere as your master.』
『………………………Huh?』
For an instant, Ann doesn’t understand what Mýrus said.
『Fa…ther…?』
『That’s right. Zepar is Earth’s father.』
This time, words completely fail Ann.
Ignoring the stunned Ann, Mýrus continues the story.
『Shall I continue the tale? He continued creating golems one after another through alchemy, and placed them at the Stellar Vein discharge points known as “holes”. However, the monsters and humans on the surface at that time exceeded his expectations in their might.』
Images show the golems fighting against humans and surface monsters.
Though they seem to be fighting well, the difference in numbers is too great.
Gradually being pushed back, Zepar is driven further into the depths of the holes.
『Zepar agonized. How could he create even stronger golems? Then one day, he happened to learn the method.』
It happens when Zepar is trying to create a new golem.
He accidentally cuts his own finger on a claw.
Blood flows from the wound, dripping onto the golem.
In that instant, something shocking occurs.
The golem that received his blood transformed into one possessing power incomparable to any that came before.
『At this point, he realized it. His own ability. No, the worth of an earth dragon’s flesh and blood.』
Scales and skin become sturdy shields, while blood and organs become mystical panaceas.
An earth dragon’s everything becomes the highest grade materials.
Upon this realization, he immediately takes action.
Using everything available from his claws, skin, scales, fangs, blood, he mass produces powerful golems.
『The golems created using parts of his body gained power and abilities on a completely different plane from regular golems. Their looks were no different from ordinary monsters, they could think, and increase their numbers through reproduction. Through this, the Stellar Vein Dungeon transformed into even more powerful dungeon.』
And then, among the golems appears an individual who absorbs the Stellar Vein’s magical power, gaining even greater might.
Having both parts of Zepar’s body and the Stellar Vein’s magical power, they gain power exceeding even their creator Zepar, not to mention surface monsters.
『While Zepar had the power to create them, he did not have the same combat ability. He left the dungeons’ defense to them, and focused his efforts solely on strengthening his forces.』
A picture frame appears.
It shows two monsters.
One has a humanoid form, the other is an enormous beast resembling an ox.
『The “Storm Emperor” Feel and the “Abyss” Riguld. The first golem homunculi created by Zepar using himself as material, and “evolved” by absorbing the Stellar Vein’s magical power.』
Even to Ann’s eyes, it is clear those two possess tremendous ability.
The two guardians head towards the invaders entering from the holes.
The Storm Emperor Feel’s fighting style is that of a living storm in human shape.
His hands clad compressed winds, blowing to smithereens any they touch while launching flaming spears at those further away, and any who try to approach are intercepted by the water surrounding him.
It is a tyrannical storm woven of peerless technique.
Such is the Storm Emperor Feel’s combat.
On the other hand, the Abyss Riguld’s fighting style is simple.
He just charges straight towards the enemy.
Yet just that is enough to shred, trample, and crush monsters and humans alike like paper.
Monsters with sturdy scales and humans with enormous shields alike are flattened to ground level.
It is overwhelming.
There lies just overwhelming might and technique.
『…Hm』
Then Ann notices a suspicious figure.
Behind the Storm Emperor Feel and Abyss Riguld.
There stands someone with their hood pulled deeply over their face.
『…Who is he』
『He too is a Stellar Vein follower. The third follower after Feel and Riguld. His name is Alto Parto the Fool.』
That hooded figure – Alto Parto seems to hold a commander-like position.
Gripping a twisted staff like those used by sorcerers, he accurately issues orders to Feel, Riguld, and the golems in the vicinity.
『Shortly after him, I was born.』
The image changes.
It shows Mýrus as she was when alive.
『No matter how mighty this power, we sorely lacked in “numbers”. And though Zepar’s “alchemy” could create “individuals”, it could not “mass produce” them. To compensate, he created me (Imperial Ant) as a creature specialized in propagation.』
The newborn Mýrus swiftly multiplies her worker ants, enhancing her forces.
『At around the same time, the black bird “Flame Wings” Frauken capable of fire manipulation was also born. Being of the same generation, he and I competed over all sorts of things. He was a good neighbor, rival, and close confidante…』
Mýrus gazes at the image as if nostalgic about the past.
Increasing in number, the uncountable Killer Ants continue their black march.
Not to be outdone, the black birds harboring flame incinerate the invaders.
The Stellar Vein followers continue to grow more robust.
The ever expanding Stellar Vein Dungeon as a firm defensive function.
『Then, beginning with existences like me and Frauken, the organisms created were bestowed “reproductive capability”. There were those like me capable of parthenogenesis, and those like Frauken that propagated through normal means. Zepar seemed to place priority on the latter. Rather than “fertility”, focus went towards creating organisms – no – species focused on “power”. And so various “species” like earth dragons, celestial dragons, holy dragons, and white wyverns were created.』
The first species created was the earth dragons of the same as Zepar.
Next, celestial dragons, holy dragons, and white wyverns were made.
『I would like to add that, Harshalud, Yamu, and Gwyve had yet to be born at this point. Unlike us “first generation”, they are of later generations born from unions between individuals endowed with reproductive capabilities.』
It had gone beyond the scope of mere “golems”.
Freely creating life and new species – it was truly a godly feat.
The ever growing in number familiars created by Zepar steadily establish their species.
『And then – at a certain point, our strength became absolute.』
『At a certain point…?』
『―――The birth of Earth Dragon Jibru and Death Dragon Ouronus.』
『……!』
―――The two’s births might as well have been called miracles.
Not even Zepar himself understood why organisms with such power could be created.
As always, he gathered materials, kneaded the earth as usual, mixed in magic stones as usual, and shaped two golem homunculi bearing resemblance to himself as dragons.
From the moment of their births, they possessed overwhelming power.
“Gluttony” dwelling Jibru, consuming all.
Ouronus harboring “Annihilation”, destroying all.
With their births, the Stellar Vein Dungeon power became absolute.
『The serious Jibru, who puts the protection of the Stellar Veins first, and the lively Ouronus, very interested in the outside world. The births of these two were also a great stimulus for us Stellar Vein followers.』
Jibru, whose whole body is armored, and Ouronus, who fires black stakes from his entire body.
Their power was so overwhelming that enemies trying to reach into the Stellar Veins gradually diminished.
『And we kept fighting under their lead. Eventually, the “holes” opened on the surface were slowly filled up, we grasped the flow patterns of the Stellar Veins and their “pimple” eruptions, and finally we were able to place the Stellar Vein under our control. We were finally able to obtain a brief period of tranquility.』
However, Mýrus continues.
『Those peaceful days did not last long either. Or rather, perhaps that very tranquility was “poison” to us.』
『What do you mean?』
There’s nothing better than peace and tranquility.
But Mýrus speaks as if that peace itself was evil.
『Tranquility breeds opportunities that never existed before. And there are also “lives” that can only be nurtured in a peaceful world.』
The image in the picture frame changes.
It shows Zepar and Jibru conversing intimately while leaning against each other.
『This is…』
『Just as Jibru was special to us for being born with power from the start, to Zepar as well, Jibru became another “special” existence. From days of fighting side by side sprouted feelings taking form, and with the arrival of peace, they became bondmates.』
『…I’m surprised Ouronus approved of that…』
The words leak out unbidden.
Ann only encountered Ouronus that one time in the imperial capital.
Even still, that dragon’s sister complex was at an abnormal level.
Hearing that, Mýrus gives a light laugh.
『Certainly we were surprised as well. However, Ouronus admired Zepar as a real older brother or father. He gave them his wholehearted blessings.』
『Huh?』
Hearing that, Ann knits her brows.
Ouronus gave his blessings?
No, that’s strange.
Because when he heard about Earth right before his sealing, he seemed shocked.
He didn’t know Jibru had a “child”.
No, even before that, Earth’s birth was a matter of these last few years.
This image has to be from over a thousand years ago at least.
What does this “discrepancy” mean?
『Indeed…now that I think of it, perhaps that time was the most fulfilling, happiest period for us…that’s why Jibru couldn’t accept “that”, I suppose』
For an instant, a shadow passes over Mýrus’ expression.
『A new life welcomed and blessed by all.
Yet that never came to fruition.
Jibru – miscarried.』
From there, the gears started coming off the rails.
No, it’s more the story itself had begun.
The obsession persisting to the present day – the thousand year tale of prayers and ruination.
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