Chapter 60 – Lonesome Stroll
Chapter 60 – Lonesome Stroll
The changing world, I felt it.
The world which changes so drastically in just a few decades, I observed it.
By this time, the number of sea demons had decreased, so the sea trade was resumed.
And recently, large merchant ships and some new humans have begun poking around the waters surrounding this artificial island.
As if to recreate the era of centuries past, the new humans fill the seas with ships.
However, the sailors’ attitude towards me had changed completely. As the Goddess Church had disappeared into the annals of history, the sailors only felt confusion when they saw me.
When they saw me strolling around the artificial island, they looked at each other and discussed my existence.
「That girl who lives on that island… In the end… What is she?」
「She wasn’t the Goddess… and of course she wasn’t Satan either」
「Then.. Who in the world is she? Why does she live alone on such an island?」
「To begin with, how old is that girl?」
「Dunno. But it seems like she has lived for a millennia.」
「…hm? Hey, look at that child’s arm. Doesn’t it look like she’s scarred?」
「… it’s true. Quite a terrible scar, at that.」
「But how’d she get it? Don’t tell me, was there was actually a battle between God and Stan?」
「Like hell there was. You know Satan doesn’t exist. Anyhow, it’s probably just a wound from a time when she fell.」
「…zat’ so?」
「There might be trouble… say, if we were to be hit by a storm, who should I pray to?」
「How about the sun?」
「Don’t be stupid. The sun’s just another star.」
「I guess that’s right… … it’s truly a godless era…」
When I glanced at them while they were engrossed in their discussions, the fearful sailors moved their ship in a hurry, leaving the artificial island.
Such a scene, I can’t help but giggle.
(Adorable as always, those new humans.
When they proclaim me as Satan, they treat me as Satan and fear me.
When they proclaim me as God, they treat me as God and respect me.
Though they appear to be flickering, in truth they are firmly rooted.
As if they were living the life of kelp..
Though they look as if they could be swept away by the ocean current, the roots are firmly dug into the earth. And if the ocean current changes, they shall continue to sway accordingly. They will sway, with their steady foundations ever the same.
Such a lifestyle is what they’re best at living.
Such a lifestyle, it’s their own special wisdom..
Of course, I think that such a life is beautiful.
But in the end, the lives truly worth seeing are the lives fraught with difficulties.
Every time a trial comes their way, those people would shine even more.
Like the life of the great priest who revived the Goddess Church.
Like the life of the Federation pilot who had advanced past a thick barrage.
Like the life of the great sage who spent her life studying, and doubting the common sense that prevailed among people.
Their lives shined like jewels, and attracted me.
The great priest who was tortured as a demon believer and given the equivalent of the death penalty, yet his pupils radiated the firm resolve of a believer.
The pilot who received a direct hit by an anti-aircraft beam, yet continued to push forward with a heavily injured leg.
The female scholar who suffered from the onslaught of magical remnants generated by an ancient magicannon, suffering even in her dreams.
Ah~ how beautiful their lives are…
All of them, they taught me how wonderful life is…
All of them, they taught me how precious life is…
I wanted to appear in front of them.
I wanted to jump out of this island and converse with them.
…Yet.. I could not do that.
I was fearful.
Fearful that I would smear their beautiful lives.
So I was saddened.
I could only observe them living their brilliant lives in this distant place.
It’s as if I stand alone apart from all the people living in this vast universe.
That feeling struck me.
I just could not do it.
I could only withdraw to this island.
I wonder… would I be alone… for an eternity?
If I were to jump into the outside world, I could meet lots of people…
But they cannot bear it…
My power… no one can bear it.
No matter how much consideration I give to them, they will surely be driven to ruin…
No matter how familiar I get with them, they will surely be driven to ruin…
If I go out because of their brilliance, their shine would surely dim…
In this world… no one can withstand my power… No one…)
I keep walking while shedding tears.
(Lonely… How lonely….
Painful… how painful…
Why… Why must I have such power…?
Why… Why do I … Why do I have to suffer so much…?)
「…anyone..!…together…. Someone…!! ..together…!!」
With a sorrowful expression, I continued my never ending lonesome stroll.