288 Guardian

As I secretly observe, the resurrection of the Third Prince and the others is complete.

So easily done.

Even for matters of life and death.

The power of a god manipulating life and death itself.

It feels as though I am being shown only a fragment of D’s incomprehensible power. Uneasy.

I am not incapable of resurrecting the dead.

But that ability is limited to this world, where a system exists.

A restricted power, possible only because the concept of life and death differs from that in other worlds.

In a world without a system, resurrection is impossible—no matter how hard I try.

Yet D has built that ability from the ground up.

Even before becoming a god, I could not foresee its limits. Even now, after becoming a god, I still cannot see the bottom.

It is genuinely terrifying.

Yet Yamada-kun wields this miracle with only a minor cost.

He does not understand how unprecedented that is.

It is not a miracle that requires only a minor cost despite the level of Taboo increasing.

If one could revive so easily, I would not cling so tightly to life.

Hmm.

I restrained three people because Yamada-kun’s MP might run low, but perhaps I could have included more.

Judging by the situation, Yamada-kun hasn’t reached Taboo max yet.

Still, the Taboo level has risen by three stages—so it was not wasted.

Moreover, Yamada-kun reaching Taboo max is just a bonus.

In fact, this entire operation is little more than a bonus.

Failure is not worth concerning oneself over.

The other objective has been fulfilled.

Observing the soul of the Third Prince, resurrected.

Yes.

Potimas’s soul has been stripped away.

Knowing that Potimas can be separated upon death—this alone was sufficient.

The objective has been achieved. Now, only watching Yamada-kun and the others safely escape remains.

To be thrown back into that large group again.

No... I don't want to.

Let's stay a little longer. Yes, let's do that.

"Shun, check the teleportation array for me. It's likely destroyed and won't activate, but better safe than sorry. I'll stay here and monitor Reston and the others."

"Understood."

It appears Yamada-kun and the others are heading to inspect the teleportation array.

The teleportation array is one of the key transportation methods in this world.

Crossing the continent in an instant—of course, it's convenient.

To traverse the continent without using a teleportation array, one would have to either cross the sea filled with water dragons or pass through the Elro Great Labyrinth.

The sea is impossible. So, in practice, only the Elro Great Labyrinth remains.

Yamada-kun and the others are proceeding to inspect the teleportation array.

The teleportation array has already been destroyed by Yamada-kun, of course.

Such a thing would not be allowed to transport a continent so easily.

Perhaps I said it because I wanted to be cautious, and because I wanted a little freedom of movement.

The door to my room opens.

No knock. That's a lack of manners.

"Doing something so tasteless."

And that's the first thing he says upon entering.

Angry?

Yes, clearly angry.

Proof of that is the way he slumps down heavily onto the chair directly opposite mine—casual, reckless.

"You forced Ronant, Julius's master, to fight against Shun, Julius's younger brother. The dramatic effect is strong. But have you considered how Ronant must have felt when he chose to retreat? Can you truly comprehend that?"

Even so.

I didn't place that old man here.

To indicate refusal of protest, she ignored it and sipped her tea.

"Can't say I find that human."

Ah, sorry.

Still not a private individual, even now.

But being called a demon from the underworld like that... doesn't make me feel good either.

"That kind of darkness doesn't suit the divine."

So I replied.

To the black fragment named Hyalins seated across from me.

"Indeed. I myself think the same. You, who are newly formed, appear far more divine than I."

The black one sighed deeply.

"I understand. Whatever I say about this matter is merely misplaced anger. I recognize your path is the best one. Yet still... still, this emotion cannot be suppressed."

Sighing.

Watching the former Hero Julius, whom one has grown up alongside, left to die—then seeing his younger brother endure hardship—would naturally provoke discomfort.

Well, that’s not my concern.

While managing the world, I pay no mind to the idle words of someone who once played hero alongside the Hero.

"Deviation confirmed via resurrection."

Suppress the black emotion. Proceed with practical reporting.

"Ah. Had deviation not been possible, I would have had to eliminate him. A fortunate outcome."

A genuine expression of relief from the depths of the heart.

As High Prince, I have had some interaction with the Third Prince.

There was likely a desire to keep him alive.

I do not wish to kill unnecessarily. It would be better for him to survive.

"Perhaps I should have allowed that King’s resurrection after all."

But I cannot agree with the words that follow.

They are equivalent to saying one wished to save every human who could be saved.

Saying such a thing when one could never accomplish it.

"I understand. You wish to say I am overprotective? I entrusted you. I will not question your methods."

"Then it is fine."

You complained bitterly just a moment ago!

I shall forget it.

Thank me for my kindness.

"Next, the elven village?"

Yes, yes.

Currently in transit.

Ah, unpleasant memory resurfaced.

Must return to that large group again.

Can't I just pass the time somewhere until the movement completes?

"You are the ones. I am not concerned. But he did not live so long without reason. Do not let your guard down."

Appreciate the warning, I do.

I am well aware of such matters.

We are fully prepared. There is not the slightest chance of defeat.

Only a difference in the scale of damage.

"Shun and the others should be returning soon. With that, I take my leave."

Black exited the room, saying this.

As long as that man protects Yamada-kun and the others, unforeseen circumstances are impossible.

That is precisely why I can remain at ease.

Yamada-kun and the others will not die.

Even if they did, if that man activates his full power, he could revive them just as I can.

Syrilis is a fragment of Black.

More accurately, an entity whose soul was implanted into the body of a noble’s son from a deceased kingdom.

The soul is divine, yet the body is fully human, so it grows and its status reflects accordingly.

Still, since he accesses Black’s power through the soul, if he fully activates his potential, he can wield power akin to that of a god.

The body is originally unrelated to Black—completely human in origin—and thus bears no resemblance to Black in appearance.

Black occasionally produces these fragmented forms, infiltrating human society to operate within it.

Purpose unknown.

Likely not practical. Something distant from utility.

World management does not require it.

Thus, play.

Yet even play carries sentiment.

Julius and I were close friends. We endured hardships together.

I killed Julius.

Black must feel conflicted.

Even if the necessity is understood intellectually.

Perhaps that is why.

I care so much about Yamada-kun.

Not redemption.

But guilt over abandoning my elder brother.

Perhaps this overprotectiveness—complaining over trivial matters, as just now—is also due to that.

Human emotions.

That old man—did he withdraw deliberately because he was his disciple’s younger brother, declaring he could not win?

That old man—did he possess something akin to sentimentality as well?

I see.

...Well, there's no need to concern oneself with human feelings.

I will do only what I must.

I must return.

Back into that crowd.

...The duty I must fulfill—beginning to feel like something I wish to abandon.