Informal Discussion ④

"Then, introductions are complete. Let us proceed to the main topic."

A brief pause. The Pope continued speaking.

Grandfather, you're incredible.

You're not flinching in this atmosphere.

I couldn't do it.

Good luck, Grandfather. Don't lose, Grandfather. I know nothing.

"Then, today, we shall discuss the contents of this book openly, as equals, correct?"

The Pope withdrew the book I had handed him earlier.

It contained the current state of the world, projected movements of the demons in response, and additional information on reincarnated beings.

Most importantly, it proposed establishing a cooperative framework with the elves.

My planned world salvation strategy was not included.

Depending on the outcome of this meeting, I may reveal it—but ultimately, the Pope will likely become an adversary.

Considering that, at the very least, we could cooperate temporarily against the common enemy of the elves.

If he agrees, my future movements will become easier. If he refuses, they will become harder.

But it's only a minor obstacle. It won't alter the overall trajectory.

I give a slight nod to the Pope's words.

No intention to be open with him—but he likely feels the same.

"First, regarding the discrepancy in understanding the current state of the world, I will present the doctrine of the Divine Word Church."

Huh?

Discrepancy?

"According to what is written here, the world's collapse is implied within the near future. However, the Divine Word Church calculates that complete collapse is at least a century away, with a possible extension of several times that duration. Explain this discrepancy."

Oh no.

This might be a problem.

"That assessment is incorrect."

No. It cannot be incorrect. The current MA energy fill rate is undeniably critical. However, replenishment should still be possible. If we sacrifice the body of the divine goddess, Sariel, as our sacred words declare.

Disregarded.

The disparity in power is clear. Regardless of how this negotiation unfolds, the outcome remains unchanged.

That was what I thought.

Yet I appear to have underestimated this old man too greatly.

I did not expect you to understand the system so precisely.

If you've grasped all this, I may have no choice but to reveal my plan.

But that is dangerous.

Perhaps this old man might notice the greatest flaw in my plan—the one even the Demon King or the Administrator of Black has not yet reached.

That is, the mass extinction of Life across this world during system collapse.

That is why the Pope will inevitably become an enemy in the end.

Given his knowledge of the Taboo and his prioritization of humanity's survival, he will surely do so.

If that is the case, I cannot reveal my plan here.

Even if the Pope discovers the truth, he will not become my enemy.

He is, after all, merely a ruler.

But if the information reaches Black, that would be problematic.

If Black learns of this now and orders the plan to be abandoned, I will have no power to resist.

Everything will be ruined.

That must be avoided at all costs.

What should I do?

If I cannot arrive at a satisfactory answer here, I will only deepen their distrust.

It would be acceptable if they simply refused cooperation, but if they uncover the truth from there...

I do not believe it will happen, but I cannot be certain.

This old man knows too much—beyond my expectations.

"Excuse me. May I speak?"

Oni-kun raises his hand.

The Pope grants permission.

"Earlier, you stated that the focus was solely on MA energy. Nothing was mentioned regarding the wear on the souls of this world's inhabitants."

— Mistake.

Oni-kun's detailed explanation of the world's current state and future projections, surpassing even the knowledge of the Divine Doctrine, has now backfired.

I had planned to pass the conversation off entirely, but now I don’t want him to speak more than necessary.

Yet interrupting him now would seem suspicious.

If I do, it will appear as though I’m deliberately concealing those facts.

The Pope might interpret that hesitation as a clue—drawing him closer to the truth.

But if Oni-kun speaks, it’s the same outcome.

What should I do!?

Or—could it be that Oni-kun knew this all along… and is speaking on purpose?

Oni-kun’s probing gaze is directed not only at the Church of the Divine Word but at me as well.

Attempting to align truths during conversation with the Church of the Divine Word—seeking my true intent?

No.

I thought I brought a reliable ally. Instead, I may have invited an outright enemy.

Help, Vampire Child!

Ah, no—this won’t do.

Staring fixedly at the Church of the Divine Word with a rigid expression.

This one is dangerous in another way too!

Pff—sitting there.

A reckless, unthinking counterattack has just detonated right here.

What now?

Front gate: Pope of the Divine Word. Back gate: Oni-kun.

Plus, an outsider—Vampire Child.

This exceeds my processing capacity. Hya-hoi!

Become KOOOL!

I’m still fine.

If I endure a minor degradation of morale now, I can still recover—should be possible.

Transmit directive from main body to branch!

Initiating my first true combat dialogue form since birth!

Branch units, support the core’s cognition!

Repeat: branch units, support the core’s cognition, strive to ensure smooth articulation!

Kukuku.

Even with my communication ability at just one percent efficiency, combined with over ten thousand branch units, I am equivalent to one hundred!

Roar, my linguistic skill!

For the sake of resolving this situation amicably!