The Time of Choice⑥

Pope Dustin's Perspective

Slightly shorter due to Kiril's connection

『Pope Dustin of the Divine Word Church』

My name is called.

I anticipated this moment when Ariel-sama was nominated.

No one in our faction is more suitable as a representative than I.

Therefore, being nominated in this manner was inevitable.

From the moment I predicted it, I had already begun constructing the speech in my mind.

Yet, every word was obliterated by Ariel-sama's speech.

She declared without seeking votes, without flattery, that she would win through her own strength and that of her allies.

She declared war on all humanity and stated plainly that they should die for the goddess.

Her presence—how dazzling.

……

The broadcast of my words to all humanity has already begun.

Yet I remain silent.

Remained silent for several minutes, unchanged.

“…Long. A time of great hardship.”

The voice finally forced out sounded unnaturally hoarse.

“Much has been accumulated over the years.”

During the chaotic early phase of system activation—struggling to survive with companions.

When the First Demon King Fodooi revealed his fangs—humanity on the brink of extinction.

When standing shoulder to shoulder with the First Hero—overcoming that crisis.

After the end of the first life—witnessing the shift of eras in the second life.

As generations passed—those who knew the world before system activation disappeared—felt left behind, lonely.

When creating the Divine Word Church—giving people a lifeline in despair.

At each moment—strived to act with the best possible choice.

Yet, upon reflection, countless moments arose where events might have unfolded more smoothly.

Repeatedly reminded of my own limitations—merely a mortal human.

Again and again.

Despite striving for the best, failure remained constant.

Still, one step at a time.

Building up.

Good deeds, sins, everything.

All for the salvation of the human race alone.

I believe in what I have built. Therefore, unnecessary words are not required.

A speech more befitting should have existed.

Had Ariel spoken thus, swaying the hearts of the people would have been effortless through skillful rhetoric.

Yet, I could not utter those words.

I am the last president of Dazdordia, and the first Pope of the Divine Word Church—Dustin. A man who has repaid the goddess Sariel’s grace with ingratitude, time and again.

The rational part of the mind warned that speaking thus would alienate the hearts of others.

Yet, at least once, I wished to speak my true self—soiled as it was with pretense.

It had always been painful.

I had believed this name would forever be disgraced.

...Yes.

I hate myself. My actions. My very existence.

"Therefore, I have a duty—until the end—to remain true to this path."

Having chosen, I must see it through.

"I will save the human race. By any means necessary. Therefore..."

A deep breath.

These words carry weight.

"Gods, die for humanity."

A declaration opposite to Ariel’s speech.

Better speeches had existed.

But this one suffices.

Having spoken it, I cannot turn back.

I will not.

I will save humanity—humanity itself—by sacrificing the gods.

『Each argument concluded』

The divine utterance echoes immediately after my words.

As always, the voice of Seriel, heard endlessly through the long passage of time.

『Then』

But the following words are unfamiliar.

『Thus the stage is set. Now, people who dwell in this world. Choose. Act. World Quest Sequence Final Chapter. Will the Dark God achieve its purpose?』

A voice unlike Seriel’s usual announcement—cold, as if seeping from the depths.

A voice so chilling it raises gooseflesh.

Only one being comes to mind.

The deity who granted aid to the Black Dragon and constructed the system.

『Now, entertain me.』

That deity’s words were the signal to begin.

The battle whose outcome decides the fate of the world.