Past Arc 25

The world undergoes transformation.

Few humans perceive the change.

Yet those with sharp intuition—though vaguely—felt the world's aspect had shifted abruptly, just a moment prior.

‘Can you hear me? Mortals.’

Those who perceived the shift, and those who did not.

Both heard the voice descending from the heavens.

‘My name is Guryedistidies. Some may have noticed. At this precise moment, the world has changed.’

The male voice resounded, audible even when ears were sealed.

Regardless of borders, language, state of wakefulness, or current activity, the voice reached all, and etched its meaning directly into the mind.

This was divine intervention.

A divine decree.

‘From this moment, this planet shall be placed under systemic management. I announce that I have become its administrator.’

All looked upward, listening to the words.

She understood instinctively that this must be done.

‘As you know, the planet’s life force is nearing depletion due to humanity’s foolish actions.’

A few humans shouted back toward the sky.

We are not to blame.

It’s the dragons’ fault.

No—those who wield MA energy are to blame.

The voice from above ignored them.

‘To counter this, they intend to sacrifice Seriel to restore the planet’s life force. To resolve a crisis they themselves caused by using another’s life.’

The voices of those complaining to the heavens grew quieter.

Most humans recognized they had done nothing but deserve condemnation.

‘Do you not believe it is only right that humanity atone for the sins it has committed?’

The voice from the sky sounded to the people like a death sentence.

Thus, we have granted you humans a chance. This system that blankets the planet exists for that purpose.

A chance, yet without the right to refuse—mandatory participation in a punishment game.

A game prepared by the gods.

You humans will fight. By doing so, your soul energy will increase. You will become devices that fight, win, and generate energy. When you die, the accumulated energy will be recovered and used to regenerate the star.

This was, in essence, a death sentence.

Fight and die.

But once dead, that would be the end. Therefore, as long as you remain within this system, reincarnation upon this same planet is permitted. Die, and you will be reborn upon this world again, to fight once more and generate energy.

Fight even in death.

『今、この星はサリエルの力によって崩壊を免れている。貴様らの手で、生贄にしようとしたサリエルを救い出せ。サリエルにしようとしていたことを貴様らがするだけのことだ。簡単だろう？』

神がその身を犠牲にしてようやく果たせることを、人間の手で成し遂げろという。

『貴様ら人間の罪だ。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。贖え。』

怨嗟のごとく響く声。

耳を塞ごうとも防ぐことはできない。

『戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。戦え。そして、死ね』

一方的に告げ、それっきり天の声は聞こえなくなった。

あとには、呆然と空を見上げて佇む人々がいた。

「これでよろしかったですか？」

「ええ。上出来です」

D answered flatly to Gurye’s complaint, as if throwing aside the script.

The uninflected tone made it impossible to tell whether D truly believed it.

Yet Gurye, having understood even in brief contact that this was D’s standard, closed their mouth without further comment.

You will now serve as the overseer and administrator required to maintain the system’s proper operation. As previously explained, the system functions not by human will, but by enabling all life within it—beings of flesh or spirit—to amplify their soul’s power through combat. Upon death, the amplified soul energy is recovered and redirected toward the star’s regeneration. The deceased soul is then severed from the original cycle of reincarnation and reborn anew upon this world. To sustain this mechanism, Syrilis serves as the system’s core. Using Syrilis’s power, the system is activated and maintained. This also halts the star’s collapse. Syrilis will remain bound until the star fully recovers. Under normal conditions, Syrilis will not die. The star, likewise, will not perish. Recovery will take time. Both Syrilis and the star will be saved.

I see. I am grateful.

No, no. It's premature to offer thanks. The system still has flaws. After all, this is my first time activating it. Initial phases will likely feature numerous malfunctions. I will address these as needed, but I will also require your cooperation.

Of course.

Accompanying this, I will grant you certain operational permissions within the system. Should you identify any issues, attempt a fix if possible. If not, report it to me. I will monitor closely, but your presence on-site ensures a more accurate assessment.

What exactly should I do?

Unknown what malfunctions may arise. Monitor the stars continuously. If anything appears anomalous, proceed immediately. Naturally, this system cannot function without living organisms. It is acceptable to engage humans in conflict, but ensure balance to prevent total annihilation. No growth occurs if machines fight alone. Therefore, destroying weapon systems may be preferable. Ideally, firearms will cease to exist entirely. The system can restrict use of gunpowder and similar substances to a degree, but this will be an added function once the system stabilizes. For now, the primary objective is stable operation.

Your cooperation thus far is sincerely appreciated. Even under confinement, this will save Sariel.

"Yes, that is correct. Even I cannot save the star unconditionally. For Sariel and the star to survive, and for humanity to atone for its sins—this is the optimal solution."

Gyurie nods in agreement to D's words.

Believing the words of the entity itself: even D cannot save a star on the verge of collapse without conditions.

In truth, D could regenerate the star without resorting to systems or convoluted mechanisms.

But D does not do so.

Because it would not be entertaining.

Only for the sake of entertainment, Sariel will remain confined as the core of the system for many years to come. Unaware of this, Gyurie will continue to labor. The inhabitants of the star will perpetually fight and kill one another.

All for D's amusement.