第１２８６堀：世界の違いからくる常識の違い (Part2)
"That was only because they were given instructions, wasn't it? They didn't choose to protect people of their own volition. The ones called Beast Gods, on the other hand, basically chose to protect humans through their own reasoning. That makes a world of difference."
"I suppose you're right."
Indeed, the distinction was far too significant to ignore.
"Well, I’m sure there are cases where they help even without orders, and surely there are other examples where they possessed the wisdom to intervene intentionally. Like the one who named the Sea Dragon currently in Weed. Even so, they don't just reach out to everyone, nor have they accomplished anything grand. To gain faith from that alone is… well, you know."
"I guess that’s true, too."
"And above all, the difference between here and Earth is the 'existence of monsters.' On Earth, the concept of 'appeasing something through sacrifice' exists, but that is ultimately a response to the fear of the unknown—a countermeasure against something they don't understand."
"So, in Aulito, because they are recognized as monsters, the countermeasure naturally shifts toward extermination?"
"Exactly. That is why the gods in Aulito are almost exclusively human-centric."
"But if that’s the case, wouldn't it make sense for there to be gods of monsters, too?"
"They exist. Demon Lords. Deryu is one, isn't she?"
"No, a Demon Lord is a king, not a god."
"Maybe so. But in terms of specs, she was already in the realm of the divine, wasn't she?"
It was true; when Deryu first arrived in Weed, her capabilities were easily superior to those of Lilishe, who was a goddess.
"A Demon Lord like that controls monsters, grants them wisdom, and by being worshipped, ascends to godhood. Well, monsters have their own colonies, so it wouldn't be strange for a Goblin god to appear, for instance."
"No, that’s a stretch. Wild goblins just multiply and die off in cycles; they don't have the civilization to... wait. Monsters lack the foundation to accumulate faith in that sense, don't they?"
"That’s the point. That’s why, though it might be a strange way to put it, a Demon Lord becoming a Demon God happens quite often. You know, like a trope in manga. But logically, it isn't wrong. Monsters live by instinct, and they tend not to challenge those who are stronger than them. That is precisely why Demon Lords are born from among the various races."
"I follow your logic, but by that definition, wouldn't I be a Demon Lord myself? Ah, right, that topic has come up before."
"Well, the 'worst disaster' that far exceeds a Demon Lord is the legacy of Dungeon Masters so far, isn't it? You’ve certainly done whatever you pleased."
Luna said this while polishing off her second helping of white rice.
It was true; the Dungeon Masters, who were supposed to be created to ensure the survival of Aulito, had turned into a threat to humanity. It was the definition of putting the cart before the horse.
"Well, that’s just based on what I know. It wouldn't be strange if there were animal gods out there who were worshipped on their own and ascended. That said, the Rogali Continent is about the only place where gods at a level that triggers my sensors exist. That’s why I chose this place as my starting point."
"Hearing you say that, and realizing how vast the world is, isn't the environment actually pretty dangerous?"
"It’s not that it’s difficult for gods to live, just that there are regions where the monster spawn rate has dropped a little. Outside of that, there aren't any particular problems. For now, at least."
*'For now,' she says...*
"For the time being, could you give me a list of the gods you know of? Based on what Senal said, there are those who fled to other lands. There might be some who view you as an enemy like Senal did, or perhaps some who belong to the mid-tier god faction, so I’d like to at least filter them out."
"Ah, I see. I’ll send it to you via email later."
"I’m counting on you."
...Still, is it really okay to exchange this kind of information via email so easily?
If this were Earth, I feel like it would be a major security breach, but this is Aulito, and perhaps it’s fine since the number of people who can actually use such tools is limited.
"Alright. That was delicious."
Before I knew it, Luna had finished her meal cleanly and pressed her hands together.
"You are very welcome," Hifi said as she cleared the dishes.
"So, you said the matter of the sea would be later, but are you ready to talk about it now?"
"Yes. I’m ready."
With that, Luna took a sip of tea and set the cup down on the table.
So, the second act begins, then?
It’s a common trope in other-world stories, but there’s often a misunderstanding where one assumes the common sense of Earth applies to the new world, so this turned into a moment to point out those differences once again.
After all, even the "common sense" of Japan isn't necessarily the "common sense" of the entire Earth.
Common sense is surprisingly different depending on the country or even the region one lives in.
I’ll make sure to swallow my pride and ask questions to eliminate any discrepancies.