Chapter 101: The gap
The devil closed his eyes tightly and turned his head. It’s as if he doesn’t even want to look at Runia or Libra.
It would be nice if that could deflect the effects of the scales.
Looking at the devil like that, Runia asked.
“Your current leader is that demon named Marco, right?”
“… … .”
Of course the devil doesn’t answer.
Kirilik.
However, the scales move. The scale, which had fallen a little from the floor, rises just a little more.
“good. “Our conversation makes sense.”
“… … Damn, how on earth… … !”
The devil gritted his teeth in exasperation. Runia looked at it and smiled provocatively.
… … But in fact, this scale is harder to use than the devil thinks.
Although it may seem like you can freely reveal information about the other person, there are quite a few restrictions.
First of all, since all Runia can know is the movement of the balance, the question must inevitably be one that can be answered with yes or no. It’s like twenty questions.
And the devil mistakenly believes that when the scale goes up, it means positive, and when the scale goes down, it means negative, but in reality, this is not the case.
This scale is a magic that obscures the truth, but more importantly, it is fair.
Even if the answer to Runia’s question is ‘no’, if the answer itself is useful information to Runia, the scale approaches equilibrium.
In other words, this scale is the magic that changes unfairness into fairness. In this case, it is information that both parties have.
Therefore, if the balance determines that the amount of information on both sides is equal, the balance will reach equilibrium and the effect will disappear.
‘So, if possible, it would be better if you keep quiet.’
In order for this scale to have the effect that the devil thinks it has, the devil must remain silent and say nothing, like now.
Even if Runia asks a question, there is nothing to be gained if the devil does not answer, so for the sake of fairness, the scale answers Runia’s question instead. Through the movement of scales.
In other words, the devil’s silence is exactly what Runia wants, and the scale moves clearly according to ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
‘Depending on the answer, this scale confuses even me.’
Even if Runia asks a simple question, the other person’s answer may not be so. Rather than just giving a short answer, one way is to bring out information yourself and mix lies and truth.
In that case, Libra synthesizes the lies and truths said by the other person and moves on which one carries more weight.
But in Runia’s eyes, things only go up or down. In the end, Runia must find out what the truth is in those words.
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Going up or going down itself can be a hint, but it does not completely reveal the information.
This is why Runia keeps asking things she already knows.
Let us fool ourselves into thinking that the effect of this scale is to tell us the truth. Only by that illusion does the devil believe that his lies are useless. Even though lies are better than silence.
“I heard earlier that there was a child other than me that they were originally trying to catch. Who was that?”
“… … .”
The devil still remains silent. Of course, the balance doesn’t move either. Because it is a question that cannot be answered with yes or no.
“Sibel?”
“… … .”
The scale still doesn’t move.
This scale does not necessarily go down when the other person is silent or when the answer to a question is ‘no’.
If possible, it is okay to intentionally repeat wrong questions to create equilibrium. All that Libra judges is how valuable the other person’s answer is as information.
That’s why sometimes the answer ‘no’ can also tip the scales.
“Aten?”
Runia asks again, this time going up.
‘… … ‘If you look at the fact that they were targeting Aten, you can kind of figure it out.’
Now I know Runia too. What were they thinking when they targeted Aten, and why was Runia kidnapped?
The devils were unaware of the rapid growth of Constel students.
‘Tch, I feel bad as expected.’
And in the meantime, Runia, who focused only on Constel’s classes, fell behind others in actual combat and was the only one to be kidnapped.
‘It’s important to start from here.’
Now the devil may have begun to misunderstand the power of the scales. This is where the real questions begin.
‘The fact that Aster came to save me means that something happened to Marco. Since the leader who went to negotiate didn’t return, Frontier must have done something.’
Runia actually doesn’t know how strong Frontier is. Because she used her energy to build a magic circle during the war, she was unable to participate in the scene where Belphegor was present.
However, like everyone else, I watched the scene where Frondier defeats Belphegor through Wizard View. It was a sight that was difficult to understand even for Runia, who had an excellent knowledge of magic theory.
I don’t know exactly what level of skill Frontier is and what the source of that skill is. However, it is clear that he killed Belphegor.
No matter how slow the devils’ information is, they will know that fact. Frondeer killed Belphegor.
If you were to negotiate with such a Frondier, the devil called ‘Marco’ would probably not be an ordinary guy.
There, Runia got an idea.
Unlike others who are strong in practical skills, Runia, who focused on class, has some advantages over them.
“Are you Marcosias, the devil you call Marco?”
“… … !”
This time the scale moved, and the devil also reacted. There was no need for a scale this time.
“What do Solomon’s 72 demons have to do with you? “You guys are Satan’s minions?”
This wasn’t a scale, it was just a question. Of course, the devil couldn’t answer, but it was more like a question for Runia to organize her own thoughts.
“Have you decided to unite the 72 Devils and the Seven Sins?”
This time the scale went down in the opposite direction.
Runia sharpened her eyes there.
‘… … If you don’t answer and the correct answer is ‘no’, the scale usually doesn’t move.’
But it moved. Under.
This scale is for fairness.
Going down means that the other person’s silence has another meaning.
If we end by simply saying that what she said is wrong, it is proof that it is unfair on Runia’s part.
“… … no way.”
After thinking for a moment, Runia asked.
“Don’t you know? “What is Marco doing?”
“… … !”
The scale rises.
“So this guy named Marco, has it been a while since you came under Satan’s control?”
“Tsk… … !”
Again, the scale rises.
Ah, Runia grinned.
Coincidentally, Runia knows another good piece of information.
“I heard Marcosias doesn’t lie.”
“… … !”
“That guy, I think his compatibility with this Libra would be quite good.”
This time, more than ever, the scale went up significantly.
* * *
“Kaaak!”
“aaah!”
While Runia was interrogating one demon, Aster and his colleagues defeated the demons one by one.
With Runia’s kidnapping released, this situation was almost decided.
Of course, if you look at the differences in individual skills, there were definitely demons that surpassed the skills of Constell’s students.
And those who are superior in numbers are also superior simply based on the difference in power.
As a simple example, in the case of Aten, it slows down and freezes the opponent with a cold area, but there are some who use aura to withstand it.
Because Aten’s physical abilities are average, it is not easy for her to respond when a large number of demons that can overcome her cold attack her.
However, every time that happens, Aster’s sword shines and Cybel’s sword emits flames.
If they were all separated from each other, dealing with Constel members gathered in one place would be too hard for the demons.
These two, who grew up close to awakening during the war, are among the strongest among Constel’s humans.
Cybel already has a record of winning by decision over their leader, Marco. Perhaps the only one who can deal with these two is the original leader, Mizonas, who at least held Ajie back.
Add to that the chill of Aten, which does not interfere with allies, and Selena, who shows excellent capabilities in close combat and dealing with aurors. Constel’s combination right now is too good.
Originally, Satan was concerned about this harmony and gave the order to break up each faction, but it had already grown further.
And above all.
“I found out one thing.”
Now there is Dier here.
Aster looked at him as if he had been waiting for those words.
“What?”
“Those guys are similar to each other.”
similar?
Aster looked back at the demons.
Unlike low-level demons, each of these has a different appearance. The way they speak and their voices are different, and the weapons they each hold are also different.
Aster tilted his head.
“It doesn’t look very similar, does it?”
“It’s not just the appearance, but the way the auror is released, the timing and judgment of swinging the weapon, and the posture are similar.”
“… … !”
Then Aster saw the demons again. And I looked back on the past that I had fought so far.
Certainly, I was feeling something similar somewhere. In particular, demons holding the same weapon are easier to recognize.
“Me, Pielot, Senior Aster, and Senior Cybel are all holding swords, but we each have different fighting styles. Usually that’s natural. Because we learn differently, our growth process is different, and our talents are different. But those guys are very similar.”
“How is that possible? “What does that mean?”
Of course, this conversation between the two cannot be done peacefully and leisurely.
The two each deal with and respond to the demons that attack them, and talk to each other whenever they get the chance.
Dier knows that he must convey information to Aster before anyone else here, and Aster knows that he must listen to Dier before anyone else.
“I heard from Senior Frontier that all low-level demons look the same.”
“Yeah, I heard that too.”
“So, isn’t that what demons are like in the first place?”
“You mean that in the first place?”
“We are all born similar from the beginning. They are born similarly, and as their grades rise, their own individuality and values emerge, and distinctions become possible. or not,”
Saying that, Dier dodged another blow that came towards him.
With the speed at which he can react, Dier never makes a mistake in defense.
Phew!
Dier’s eyes slowly sank as he plunged the knife into the devil’s neck, which showed an opening.
“It could be the other way around.”
“the opposite?”
“Rather than having a high grade, you don’t have a personality. Maybe you have to have a personality to get a higher grade.”
“… … “The more your individual consciousness becomes established, the more you grow?”
“The demon that Pielot and I faced was quite unique. The way they fight by throwing marbles, and the way they talk are the same. But in the end, it was just a bluff to hide his trick. “It makes sense to say that since he was fifth in line, he had that level of personality.”
We do not know by what standard Satan assigns orders to his demons.
However, if it is in order of ability, it certainly seems that the higher you go, the more each person’s individuality is revealed.
Aster thought about it for a moment.
‘Frondier said. Belphegor was the type to hide his plans with a lazy face. The type that gets everything done even though everything is a hassle. It wasn’t that I was consumed by laziness, but I was enjoying it. I thought you were introducing yourself or something.’
When Frondier talked about Belphegor, Aster thought that the two were very similar. Anyone would have thought that way.
But if you think about it.
Is that why it is ‘sloth’?
The names of the Seven Deadly Sins all originate from human tendencies.
The seven devils, who stand at the top of all devils, are each in charge of humans’ feelings of wealth.
Perhaps that is the ‘individuality’ that Dier is talking about now.
“Surely that’s not the end of the story? “Based on that fact, what did you discover?”
Aster asked.
With Dier, you don’t just provide any information to satisfy your desire for knowledge.
Dier said.
“A devil named Marcosias, he was second in line.”
“It did.”
“And from what Senior Cybel said, that demon is one of Solomon’s 72 demons.”
“that’s right. When I heard that story, I thought of it too. A demon that breathes fire and can switch between the form of a wolf and a human.”
Why are Solomon’s 72 devils under Satan?
This is definitely an issue that concerns me, but I didn’t think it was something I needed to know about right away. No, even if you need to know, it doesn’t mean you can know it now.
But Dier said.
“The 72 demons may seem like a large number, but if you think about the low-level demons that you can’t even count, there are only 72, right?”
“… … Well, that’s right. As far as we know, it is right after the Seven Deadly Sins.”
“At that level, although not as strong as the Seven Sins, his personality would be extremely distinct and his ego would be very strong.”
“yes. In fact, I think Cybel had a pretty unique impression.”
When Cybel confronted Marco, snakes came to mind first rather than wolves. I didn’t like the way he spoke, as if he was looking into other people’s minds, rather than his ability to regenerate.
“I don’t think it makes sense for the 72 Demons to work as subordinates of the Seven Sins. “And second in line.”
“What do you want to say? Even if it doesn’t make sense, you are actually working as a subordinate.”
“The distance between the 72 devils and the seven sins is farther than you think. “It’s about Nastrond and Tartarus.”
“… … “If you say so, it’s further than I thought.”
The two are completely different worlds of mythology, and they are worlds that you can’t normally go to.
Dier said there.
“What would these demons have done if their plan had succeeded?”
“What if it was successful? “That’s right.”
I’ll go back to Satan.
Aster was about to say that when he realized the contradiction.
“They did not receive information from Satan. “I attacked Constel with only old records, and now this is the situation.”
No matter how you look at it, there is nothing good for the devil at the moment.
It is clear that they receive no information from Satan.
“It’s a situation where you can’t even hear your boss’s voice. There is no way it would be possible to travel back and forth between worlds. Even if their plan succeeded, these guys had no way of returning to Satan.”
“… … But, there is someone who can do that.”
Dier nodded.
“A devil who occupies one of the 72 devils, has a strong personality and self-consciousness, and deliberately falls under Satan.”
“Satan cannot cross the world, so Marcosias must have crossed the world. “In ways we don’t know, not even Satan.”
“Marco, who will never encounter Satan, of course there is no need to obey. But I became a subordinate.”
“What if it wasn’t an oath of allegiance, but just a business relationship between Satan and Marco?”
Cybel had heard. And it was reported.
Marco muttered inadvertently, ‘Sounds like a f*cking rule.’
That’s why Dier can come up with an idea.
“Marcosias might be available. “If only I could detect his deception.”