Chapter 222
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「If everything would work out by me alone committing the sin, then I—that’s what I thought,」
Ryūgūin begins his monologue, lightly gripping his neck with both hands in a pose reminiscent of a tragic hero.
「That day, Yamada and I were summoned to this world together. I don’t know what happened to Yamada. However, before arriving in this world, I was called to a mysterious space.」
I remember when I was summoned and woke up, he was unconscious and mumbling things like 「Mama」 in his sleep, but…
「There, I met ‘God.’ I knew it at first glance. His expression, approaching old age, was stern, with such dignity that I almost couldn’t help but bow my head. His eyes were like those of the statue I saw in our former world—the one who accepted crucifixion for all people. Though his form was different, there was no mistaking the resolution and holiness that emanated from him.
Standing before him, I gulped from nervousness. He then briefly explained what was about to happen and how I should act, giving me his commands. He also told me that if I didn’t comply, the world we were heading to would be destroyed, and countless people would die.
So, do you understand? Everything I’ve done until now was under God’s orders.」
Ryūgūin repeatedly wipes the tears flowing from both eyes with his sleeve.
「Since being summoned, I’ve acted exactly as he—as ‘God’—commanded.
Of course, I had reservations. If I followed ‘God,’ I would undoubtedly be condemned as an inhuman monster. And more than that, I would end up hurting many people.」
His eyes sparkle with tears.
「So initially, I was hesitant too. About whether I should really obey ‘God’s’ orders. But the more I learned about this world, the more I realized the threat of the Nexby. Haven’t you heard that the Nexby has already destroyed several S-rank adventurers? I imagined it. It was a nightmarish vision. Monsters that humanity could barely defeat with all their might would emerge endlessly from the Nexby. That image was the image of the end of the world.
That’s why I… that’s why I—」
Ryūgūin stumbles over his words but continues speaking as if forcing them out.
「When I was first summoned, I tried following his instructions as a test. And what happened? Dungeons that had been considered unconquerable for years were cleared in just half a year.
Shouldn’t I continue following him? That thought grew even stronger in my mind. Meanwhile, the Light Dungeon was cleared, followed by the Strength Dungeon, then the Immortality Dungeon—bringing successive spectacular results for humanity. By this point, I no longer had the option to disobey ‘God’s’ commands.」
At this point, Chancellor Madison questions Ryūgūin.
「Are you saying that all your actions were exactly as ‘God’ commanded?」
It’s impossible to discern what emotions lie behind his voice.
Ryūgūin nods at the question.
「That’s correct. Most likely, if I continue to act as ‘God’ commands, all the Nexby will be completely cleared.
And I had intended to keep this story to myself until my death, taking it to my grave.」
「Then why? Why are you telling this story here now?」
Receiving this question, Ryūgūin looks at Mika, Angie, and Eris in turn.
「I’m sorry, all of you. Even though you did nothing wrong…」
Then, lowering his gaze slightly, he apologizes to them with downcast eyes.
「I’m telling this story because the blame was being directed at these three.」
Answering Chancellor Madison’s question, he falls to both knees and hangs his head.
Then, suddenly lifting his face with determination, he shouts:
「They’re not at fault!! I alone am to blame!! If only I had made a smarter decision!! Please!! Forgive them!! It’s all my fault!!」
Ryūgūin screams with all his might.
Then, standing up weakly, he staggers forward.
「What are you doing!! Stop!!」
Despite Chancellor Madison’s command to stop, Ryūgūin continues forward as if he hasn’t heard it.
「It’s my fault…」
In response to this unusual situation, four knights rush out, draw their swords, and point them at Ryūgūin.
「Yes, that’s right, I want you to kill me. I’m tired… tired of following God’s commands and continuing to hurt people…」
Ryūgūin spreads both arms in a pose of accepting his fate, tears streaming down his face.
This is all sophistry. Lies. Deception.
This was his specialty in our previous world, wasn’t it?
How many more people is he going to hurt and make fools of?
I wonder when it will be my turn—just as I think this, someone gently pats my back.
—It’s okay! It’s okay!
Her reassuring voice reaches deep into my heart.
She stands up, wearing a light purple kimono somewhat loosely.
She walks forward with a graceful sway. A mysterious magnetism captures and fixes everyone’s attention.
No one dares to stop her now.
She snaps shut the scarlet fan in her hand and points it at Ryūgūin, saying:
「’Doubt,’ is it?」
Her usual gentle demeanor has vanished, replaced by something devilishly bewitching and beautiful, as Sensei displays a fierce smile.
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