104. Temple 4-2

“By the way, there’s this legend about heroes in this world. Could it be that heroes were actually summoned back in the old days?” Shiro asked.

“No, not at all,” Firumia replied without hesitation.

Then Isanamia spoke up.

“The hero legends? I distributed those myself long ago. Inspired by some culture on Earth—completely unrelated to actual history. Back when this world was still in dire straits, I handed them out to give people hope. A little dream—someone will come someday to save the world, or a romance between hero and Saintess—what’s wrong with that? It’s just a template,” she said.

“Wait—Isanamia-sama? How come you know that kind of language?”

“I’m the Earth’s overseeing deity! It’s not strange if I know a bit about certain Japanese cultural elements, is it?”

Shiro thought, *I can’t possibly tell Emilia this.*

“Shiro, get along with Kotone. And you, Mitoka, Tiara, Kotone—three of you, get along too. You’re the key to saving the world! Oh, right—”

She called the three to the side and began explaining something quietly. Shiro couldn’t hear.

After a moment, Kotone’s cheeks turned slightly red. Shestia looked unusually energetic. Mitoka remained cool as ever, smiling faintly.

“…What are they talking about…” Shiro started to ask.

“Senpai! It’s a secret!” Kotone shouted, face burning red. Shiro stepped back immediately. “I get it—I won’t ask. I won’t.”

“Oh, Firumia-sama—wait, one more thing!” Shiro suddenly remembered and hurried to ask.

“Is there a god named Satias?”

“Wha—? How do you know that name?” Firumia’s voice cracked with surprise.

“Uh? Ah, during the riot in the capital, we found out a group had broken through the city’s barrier—and they’re worshipping a god named Satias.”

Shiro explained. Then,

“So they’re called the Heretic Cult, and I was wondering if something like that was even real…?”

“…The Heretic Cult…? Yes, Satias is real. I don’t know why his name’s tied to that group, though. He’s the authority of the First-Generation System. A rival faction to our Fourth-Generation System. You’ve been asking a lot about Filidia’s Fourth-Gen, haven’t you? Wait—microbes, too?” Firumia frowned, deep in thought.

“So, could Satias be behind this latest chaos?” Shiro asked bluntly.

“…Well, I can’t say for sure based on just this. Circumstantial evidence makes it seem suspicious, though…”

“What kind of god is Satias, exactly?” Shiro asked.

“Hmm, I already said—he’s the leading figure of the First Generation. He can do anything with DNA-based life. Literally design life from the DNA System itself.”

“…Designing life using the DNA System? That’s… interesting. So, could he also create new viruses?”

“Mm-hmm, probably. Though simple creation’s forbidden. Even in the Divine Realm, approval’s required. As far as I know, no one’s applied for that kind of permit. I’m in a position to approve, you know.”

“Right, I remember Isanamia said she was also a DNA specialist, didn’t she?”

“Indeed. I used to work under Satias as my mentor,” Isanamia replied.

"That means Lady Isanamia is knowledgeable about both generations of the system... I see. Well, at least I understand now. Thank you," Shiro said, grateful.

I'll look into Satias on my end too.

And so Firumia answered.

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