242: What is the enemy's true identity?

"Let me explain this step by step."

With that, Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu stepped back slightly from the four of us, positioning himself so that every gesture and movement was clearly visible.

"Hmm, well, from my perspective, it was around tens of thousands of years ago... no, maybe over a hundred thousand years back? Anyway, it was a very long time ago. I used to run a trading company on the outside of this world."

"Hmm, I see."

"And then, when my subordinates had grown so well that the company could barely keep running without me, I couldn't resist temptation... I ended up venturing into realms beyond the perception of even ordinary gods."

"「「「!？」」」"

In that instant, I clearly realized I needed to find a substitute for Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu, or develop a new system—right away.

They must have felt the same way, the emperors.

No, it's not that they'd simply leave once they'd confirmed they could survive without them—this world might very well do the same thing.

Since we can't know when that moment will come, we really need to act quickly.

"Don't worry. I'll be staying here for at least another thousand years or so."

That's not what I meant.

The way they so effortlessly read people's minds, it's a humbling reminder of the vast difference in our levels.

"So, what happened to that company?"

"From what I quietly looked into, it's still standing and the management is running smoothly. Though, some of the troublemakers have left and are now acting on their own, causing trouble. Anyway, the new system is already in place, so I've basically given up on the company itself."

"By the way, any reports on survival or status?"

"I haven't. If we just barge into this world, we might end up contaminating its culture and society. If the company can keep running without me, but the world still needs me, then the world should come first."

"Y-yeah, I guess so..."

At least now I clearly understand that Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu is basically a dysfunctional person... or a dysfunctional god, at that.

That company might still be frantically searching for me right now, who knows?

Perhaps it's inappropriate for someone living in a world raised by others to say such a thing, but... how pitiful.

"Ghon. Judging from everything you've said so far, the Funa Ka = Konpuraekusu who appeared just now is that troublesome child who was with your company, am I correct?"

"Correct. This world is concealed so that only gods of equal or greater rank than me can perceive it. However, stumbling upon it by chance is theoretically possible. It seems, then, that Funa Ka happened to arrive here through a fortunate coincidence of coincidences."

But right now, I'm not concerned with Funa Ka.

Since we have no idea what an entity from the outside world could possibly be, we must extract as much information as possible from Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu.

"What kind of being is it?"

"I won't tell you."

"What does it look like?"

"Nothing to comment on."

"What kind of OS does it have?"

"Somewhat similar to 'Vanilla OS,' but different. I won't say more than that."

"……"

Hardly any information is coming out.

In fact, saying it's nearly identical to 'Vanilla OS' but not the same thing is already something we've already established regarding the Neriyanipotts star system.

"Why won't you tell us?"

"I've decided that, even without being told, humanity's current strength will manage somehow. Moderate hardship is essential for growth and development. If that hardship happens to stem from a source slightly beyond my expectations, all the more so. To reveal everything here would be a waste of effort—I couldn't possibly do such a thing."

Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu said this with a smile.

Yet, one couldn't really scold or reprimand him.

The gap between our abilities is simply too great—no matter how hard I try to press the issue, I can't overturn what the other party has already decided.

It's truly divine work... though that's a rather malicious way to put it.

"Well, it's inevitable that a creator's personality is flawed. After all, creators with good personalities wouldn't bother making worlds in the first place. So instead of complaining, it's far more efficient to make the most of the information we've gained and figure out how to deal with it."

"That's probably about right..."

"Better to have information than nothing at all, I suppose."

"Hmm..."

"Kind of... you've been through a lot, I guess."

Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, as well as the estimated Great Mother's mechanical intelligence, clearly showed signs of exhaustion.

Maybe something like this has been happening behind the scenes all along... There's definitely something going on here...

"Yeah, I suppose I should mention this. His favorite thing is watching relationships between people fall apart and break down. In turn, he delights in the collapse of an orderly world. You don't even need to consider the possibility of coexistence."

"I see. So that's why he's connected to criminal organizations like the 'Black Root' and the Gigalock Space Pirates."

"That's right. Even the power that creates cosmic monsters... I suppose I'll keep that quiet for now. It's knowledge better left unspoken, at least for now."

"..."

Then again, he seems to naturally understand the process by which cosmic monsters are born.

Well, if he's a creator... one whose wisdom approaches omniscience, it's only natural.

You already know, from going to the trouble of summoning me, that Satu is included among humanity's forces. Do your best—help us out. Don't worry, even if things go wrong and the Empire falls, I'll make sure to avoid the scenario where humanity itself is wiped out."

"Hah... Understood. Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu-sama... By the name of Goyamaoukin En Banira P Banirasido, I shall do my utmost to make things right."

"Yeah, do your best. I'll be watching over you."

With that, Chirarizumu = Konpuraekusu departed, and before we knew it, we were standing frozen in the greenhouse aisle.

Although Funaka is aware that the entity behind the Empire is a powerful god, he doesn't know that it was once the CEO of the company he used to work for.

It's as if his knowledge is deliberately kept just out of reach.