Informal Conversation ⑤

From the Demon's Perspective

I apologize to Shiro, but I'll make use of this opportunity.

I learned from Sophia during the waiting period what the Church of Divine Word truly is.

Based on her explanation and the words of the elderly man claiming to be the Pope, I concluded that the Church of Divine Word possesses considerable understanding of the world's system.

If that is the case, I should seek their knowledge of the world's current state.

My information comes solely from the Taboo and what Shiro has told me.

While the Taboo's information is undoubtedly accurate, I cannot guarantee the same for Shiro's.

This is a rare chance to hear a third party's opinion—I must take advantage of it.

Yet, I must not let my personal interests interfere too greatly, risking an outcome unfavorable to Shiro.

I am living by Shiro's kindness. I might even say I am alive because of him.

To incur Shiro’s displeasure here would be fortunate if only exiled.

Unfortunate if killed—no, not unthinkable.

If Shiro’s true intent becomes clear during this meeting, it would be best. But if he decides to eliminate me as a result, that outcome must be avoided.

Proceed with negotiations—probe Shiro’s intentions carefully, maintain his favor, and advance the interests of the Divine Word Church.

This is no small request.

In my previous life, I was merely a high school student. In this life, I’ve spent more time as a feral child than in any stable existence.

Now I’m expected to negotiate with Shiro, who claims to be the world’s steward, and the leader of the largest human religious organization—the Divine Word Church.

This difficulty level is excessive.

Honestly, I cannot discern where Shiro’s tolerance threshold lies. Proceed with caution.

In some cases, it may be necessary to abandon attempts to discern Shiro’s true intentions and instead focus on dialogue with the Divine Word Church.

Well, if things come to that, the Divine Word Church will be contained by Shiro—no need to worry.

What matters to me is how far I can penetrate into Shiro’s inner state.

Until that is determined.

“Regarding soul fatigue, how thoroughly does the Divine Word Church comprehend the issue?”

Begin there.

I do not know how much the Church understands. I only know what Shiro has provided.

Which information is accurate, which is not.

I cannot even judge that.

Observe Shiro’s expression.

No change.

This means it is safe to continue?

Shiro’s face shows no expression—difficult to read.

“The Divine Word Church assesses the situation as not critical.”

Hmm?

A dissonance in the Pope’s words.

Could it be that the Divine Word Church has no grasp at all regarding soul degradation?

If Shiro’s account is accurate, then many individuals are already so depleted in soul integrity that their next reincarnation is questionable.

After all, the ones I slaughtered while consumed by wrath were isolated for precisely this reason.

Their isolation involved another deity—the black-haired man who once overwhelmed me without resistance.

Therefore, this possibility is highly plausible.

If it were false, verifying it directly with that black-haired man would expose the lie.

No one would risk involving others in a falsehood without considering that risk.

One could argue I’m being manipulated into believing it, or that I lack opportunity to meet the black-haired man, or that the man himself is complicit—but doubting every possibility in turn leads nowhere.

Assuming the wear of souls among the world’s inhabitants is genuine, the Pope’s words reveal a profound failure to comprehend the current state.

The situation is already near terminal—so many people have passed that the next life may be unattainable—and yet awareness of the crisis remains dangerously low.

Then perhaps he is entirely unaware of this?

"Nothing urgent, you say. When over ten thousand souls are uncertain of reaching the next life?"

A flicker of unease crosses the Pope’s eyes.

It vanishes in an instant, replaced by composure—only the Pope could maintain such control.

The other members of the Divine Word Church cannot conceal their agitation.

Perhaps that was a mistake.

To discard such a pivotal advantage so early, one unknown even to the Divine Word Church.

And without any negotiation.

That alone might be tolerable.

The real issue lies in whether Shiro deliberately withheld this information from the Divine Word Church.

I have effectively given the opponent valuable information on my own.

A quick glance to the side.

Shiro does not move.

Then, it must be safe.

I have not yet touched Shiro’s forbidden line.

I have not provided any information that would put me at a disadvantage in negotiations.

I want to believe that—but…

The fact that his expression is unreadable causes such a strong reaction in my heart—this is unique to Shiro.

“Is that truly the case?”

The Pope, having decided that evasion is futile, speaks heavily.

“The Administrator Guryedistidies is involved in this matter. I will borrow his name here and swear that this is the truth.”

Shiro answers the Pope’s question on my behalf.

The fact that he has named that black-haired man means this matter is genuine—there is no doubt.

Even if he is an Administrator, I cannot believe he would fabricate such a lie to conspire against us.

The sharp gleam in the Pope’s eyes suggested as much.

“Honest opinion, if you would. How long, in your estimation, can this world endure?”

The Pope inquired.

“Not long. It will collapse soon.”

The answer from Shiro was vague.

No precise figure given—only “soon.”

A phrase also written in the book handed to me.

Does not lie, but does not speak truth either.

That was how it could be interpreted.

“Could you not specify, then, just how soon?”

The Pope seemed to feel the same.

Not harsh in tone, yet leaving no room for evasion—something like an undertone.

“That is not a question to ask me.”

The Pope’s words were cut off sharply.

"Do not misunderstand— I am, from the outset, an outsider to this world. I am assisting out of goodwill, attempting to aid in saving this world. But originally, this matter should have been resolved by you alone. If you are now panicking, reacting in haste, simply because an outsider like me has revealed the crisis, then even if told the world will end tomorrow, you would be incapable of action—merely standing frozen in fear."

The words carried a tone, barely perceptible yet unmistakable—a sarcasm implying: Can you truly not sense the crisis of the world, even if you are an outsider?