"The Star Devourer."
Osian's expression hardened stiffly. Cthulatlap's words were not mere exaggeration. The emotion that arrogant creature revealed. He wasn't simple enough to not understand that signal.
Above all, the name of the creature Cthulatlap mentioned was not pleasant to hear.
"Truly an ominous name."
Knights use the power of stars. But that creature devours stars. It was nothing short of being complete opposites. Of course, it could just be the name, but Osian couldn't shake the feeling that this uneasiness would become reality.
[It has to be so. Just the stars that creature has actually devoured are countless.]
Cthulatlap drove in the nail. Apparently, that creature really did eat stars, just like its name suggested. The outside world was overflowing with all kinds of monsters.
'Well, there would probably be at least one creature that eats stars or so.'
What was fortunate, if anything, was the fact that there wasn't anyone worse than that bastard, at least not yet. Listening to Cthulatlap's explanation, the Star Devourer seemed to have built up a particularly massive force even among the Outer Gods.
[That's not wrong. Actually, that creature has that kind of personality too.]
"But still building a force means there was some change of heart along the way."
[I don't know the details about that either. Our areas of activity didn't overlap. If I had to say, it would be an incredibly distant range.]
But the fact that Cthulatlap knew about that creature meant that the Star Devourer was strong enough that it couldn't be ignored.
[But even from far away, there are things you can hear. Stars trembling in fear, occasionally moths fleeing from their forces reach my domain.]
Like entering a wolf's den to avoid a tiger. Well, if I put it this way, someone would get angry asking who's the wolf.
[When that happens, there are things you hear whether you want to or not. That the Star Devourer is a very powerful being. And that creature originally travels alone, but its followers formed naturally.]
"Followers."
Osian nodded slightly. Strong power creates fear in others because of the anxiety that the arrow of that power might be aimed at oneself.
Even Outer Gods cannot be detached before death, that is, the extinction of existence. Though they have the name of gods, that's just a name given because they're transcendentally strong. They're clearly different from universally omnipotent beings.
'Overwhelmingly strong power brings about awe beyond fear.'
Not mediocre strength, but overwhelmingly powerful force that one cannot even dare to oppose. Beyond the thought of resistance, they rather want to become part of it. This was also a common trait shown by humans and heretics who faced Outer Gods.
'They're so strong that they have no choice but to follow it even if it goes far beyond their common sense and conscience. In a way, it's rationalization trying to suppress their fear with faith.'
However, if there's a difference between other Outer Gods and the Star Devourer. While Outer Gods receive following from humans or equivalent intelligent beings who are much lower in rank than themselves. The Star Devourer, in a way, receives following from beings equal to itself.
'Looking at it this way, that creature feels even more dangerous.'
To receive following from other Outer Gods, no less. Even the creature that accepts such following was quite remarkable.
"Does it surprisingly have a personality that likes being revered?"
[That creature? No way.]
Cthulatlap coldly retorted.
[If that were the case, it wouldn't devour stars but would have made them follow through threats. Do you want respect from the chickens or pigs you're going to eat?]
"Hmm. When you put it that way, I understand completely."
To the Star Devourer, stars were merely objects to be devoured. The existence of intelligent beings and life dwelling within them was of no concern.
[The reason it built such a force is because they're useful to it. That creature just endlessly indulges in stars. It exists and lives only for that purpose.]
"Other Outer Gods who feared that power offer tribute?"
[Right. At first, that creature probably didn't care much either. But it must have changed over time. Because the creatures that follow it started finding and offering food on their own.]
In other words, the force led by the Star Devourer wasn't the typical force you'd commonly see. A one-sided relationship formed solely for one being.
'No, it's not one-sided. It showed mercy by keeping other Outer Gods alive by its side instead of killing them.'
And now, the clown that had infiltrated Tirna was one of them. That creature was a kind of scout.
'Though it's an Outer God, the power it possesses is much weaker than the Star Devourer or Cthulatlap before my eyes.'
You might ask why it's called an Outer God if it's weak. But perspective is relative. Just because it's weaker than them doesn't mean the clown is harmless in this world. Just looking at the people it devoured and all the bizarre acts using fear, it's enough to be treated as an Outer God.
'Rather, it's more vicious that it doesn't feed on the awe of intelligent beings but grows strong purely from negative emotions.'
At least that danger had greatly diminished now. Thanks to Rose's efforts calming the chaos in Tirna. But this was just hastily patching up the wound. The core of the problem hadn't been resolved yet.
'The disturbing flow in District 44 is proof of that.'
Many people found comfort and regained peace through Rose's songs. Considering her influence alone, she probably deserved Earth's Nobel Peace Prize.
But even so, there were still many people who couldn't be saved. That's a problem of society, that is, the system. This couldn't be solved no matter how outstanding an individual was.
'There's no way for everyone to live peacefully and happily.'
Humans are beings who live for desire. And for their own desires, they have no hesitation in sacrificing others. Conflicts arise and discord is created by such people.
They're no humans who would listen to maxims about not being greedy. Moreover, they've created forces with their greed and even armed themselves with physical power.
The only way to eradicate all conflicts in the world would be to tamper with all of humanity's brains and castrate the emotion called desire. If that were done, could current humanity still be called the same humanity?
'Ironically, it was also that desire that brought humanity this far.'
Developing civilization, improving life's convenience, living a better life. For humans, desire is an inseparable relationship.
Therefore, struggle always accompanies humans. Even if the form changes, the essence remains the same.
'What's about to happen in District 44 is also part of such struggle. The establishment and upper class would never like it.'
The peace Rose desperately tried to protect had a shorter expiration date than milk left in the sun.
'Chaos will break out.'
His head spun rapidly. A rough picture was drawn with just the information combined so far. It might not be perfect, but at least the framework would be right. When such chaos broke out, the injured clown hiding would regain its strength.
'That creature's role is ultimately a vanguard for exploration. If it sends a signal to the Star Devourer.'
......The end of the world would come. It's ironic. The development of civilization would ultimately trigger the world's destruction. And by an incredibly distant external being at that.
Osian closed his eyes.
This world, that is, the world including the outside, is a vast forest. The forest is surrounded by darkness. It's so dark that you can barely tell what's right next to you.
Predators exist in the forest. You don't know how far or close they are, but they definitely exist. And predators are aware of and wary of other predators.
What would happen if light arose in the forest between them?
'The development of civilization is light itself.'
And light attracts predators in the darkness of the forest. Those with transcendent power that humanity cannot handle.
'Is this why the Order desperately suppressed humanity in the distant past?'
The beings in the outer world are drawn to light. The clearer and brighter the light, the stronger the predator that comes and now this world faces the danger of potentially encountering a monster that devours stars.
The brilliantly golden city had become a lighthouse and spire that attracts such monsters.
'Even so, what I must do doesn't change.'
Osian picked up his sword and stood up.
"I listened well to the story. It was quite a beneficial time."
[......Right.]
Cthulatlap was about to say something but stopped midway.
After greeting Gaien and the slithering sisters as well, Osian left the audience room.
Having obtained information, it was now time to go carry out the commission.
The sky was covered with black smoke. Gray smoke endlessly spewing from chimneys mixed with the clouds in the sky. The acrid smell that made you instinctively frown was a bonus.
'This is District 44.'
Rusted steel frames and old machine wreckage were visible, evidence that they'd been abandoned and neglected for decades. Even in broad daylight, the streets were gloomy and cast in shadows. The atmosphere was several times heavier than that.
The streets were filthy and cramped. Streets so narrow that only one vehicle could barely pass through, with buildings stuck together as if crushing each other.
'Building codes and such went to hell.'
It was a problem that arose from trying to create space to accommodate as many people as possible in a narrow area. Usually, city government officials should have prevented such things, but the entire street was in this state. Construction companies ignored laws and safety regulations while building. Lobbying toward officials would have been a bonus.
In other words, District 44 itself was a giant chicken coop and evidence of corruption. And those living there were lower-class citizens abandoned by society or exploited workers.
'District 41 wasn't this bad. No, even compared to adjacent District 45, it's serious.'
Osian walked down the road.
On the streets, muddy water mixed with rainwater, sewage, and grease stagnated. Osian stopped for a moment and stared at the wall. Graffiti and unknown symbols were drawn on the wall. The most noticeable among them was red graffiti that seemed to symbolize the Red Liberation Army. Seeing how it was clearer than other graffiti, it was the most recently drawn.
Swoosh. Silhouettes of people and signs of presence were felt beyond the building windows.
The buildings were constructed with all kinds of shabby materials like bricks, old iron sheets, and wooden planks. Maintenance was beyond dreams. A precarious sight that could collapse at any moment. Windows were either broken or covered with rags.
Occasionally, the dull sound of machinery or steam echoed from afar. Since sound didn't spread but echoed in the narrow streets, it seemed as if the entire district was making groaning sounds.
'It's the perfect environment for the Liberation Army to hide.'
The district itself was one complex maze. In this place, even if someone pursued them, they'd inevitably lose track.
Osian moved slowly while feeling several gazes. He was currently wearing rags over his clothes to avoid suspicion. A hood and cowl to cover his face were bonuses.
'In other districts, this outfit would rather be suspicious, but in District 44, this is natural.'
The problem was how to obtain information. Osian decided not to dwell on it too much. Instead, he slowly and calmly wandered around District 44, surveying the geography.
People were frequently seen on the streets. It would normally be a less crowded street, but people had flocked from other districts after hearing rumors.
They were diverse in gender and age, but had one common trait.
'That they're lower-class citizens ostracized from society.'
Could he find the Liberation Army by following them? Osian didn't think the situation would flow that easily.
'A frontal assault is useless. The more I search and rummage around, the deeper they'll hide. That way, I won't have the face to meet the person who entrusted me with this commission.'
He had to dig for information secretly and quietly underwater. For that, he needed a local information source like someone well-versed in District 44 itself.
As Osian was walking down the road, a small shadow jumped out from the side alley.
"Ah!"
The creature saw Osian and quickly changed direction. For a child, it was quite agile with fast reactions.
The small child who barely managed to maintain balance after nearly falling glared at Osian with an annoyed look. Then, turning pale, it stared at the alley it had jumped out from.
"This damn brat!"
With a rough voice, three burly men jumped out. The child tried to run away immediately, but a pursuer who had come around the long way appeared, blocking the escape route.
The total number was five. Too many to harass one small child.
"How dare you pick our pockets!"
So that's what it was about, as expected. It wasn't surprising. It was a scene commonly seen in such districts.
However, the scene that unfolded next was not commonly seen.
"Hey, mister. You're a fixer, right?"
Osian looked at the small child. The kid pulled out a pouch from inside and tossed it to Osian. It was so natural that Osian unconsciously caught the pouch with one hand.
"I'll put in a commission. Please help me."
It was a remarkably bold child.