The discussion about balance brings up this point: in terms of balance, there cannot be the absence of “rivals.” They are so strong that one cannot easily judge their superiority, even in symbolic terms; they are individuals who never fall behind.
In past lives, there have been various rivals, such as lion vs. tiger, AK-47 vs. M16, Naruto vs. Sasuke, deep-fried chicken vs. soy sauce-marinated chicken, or Cao Cao vs. Liu Bei, and so on. There are diverse rivalries.
Even if something strange intervenes in between, let’s ignore it. Anyway, if they are rivals, they are rivals.
People enjoy evaluating which side prevails when similar forces confront each other. Without this tendency, the aforementioned wouldn’t even come up.
Sometimes, on the internet, you can see users fighting between imagined things or games. Especially when it’s hard to determine superiority, they might fight all day long.
Externally recognized rivalries, like those mentioned, often keep others busy arguing and debating, even if the individuals involved don’t really care. That’s also how it is in the world I’ve been reborn into.
Throughout history, there have been various rivalries, but there are venerable rivalries that have persisted since the Devil War.
That would be the Elves and the Demons. Just hearing about it makes one’s heart feel grand.
The Elves, undoubtedly the chosen race of the gods and the symbol of light, contrast with the Demons, a race tainted by demons and symbolizing darkness.
Both races possess abilities that do not allow emulation by other races, yet strangely, there have been almost no direct clashes between them.
However, they have a close association with humans. Elves have a history of being defeated by humans during the racial wars, and demons themselves share origins with humans.
In fact, even if they were considered rivals, when elves and demons were compared, most people chose elves. More accurately, they had no choice but to choose them.
That’s because until the era of Xenon’s Biography, demons were persecuted and couldn’t dare reveal themselves to the world. No one knows how they would be perceived if one chose demons.
However, things changed after Xenon’s Biography emerged. Since then, the situation has been different. Without needing to worry about others’ opinions, one could establish connections with demons and openly compare their strengths and abilities.
Therefore, a certain philosopher described elves as noble and demons as venerable. It’s a saying that fits so perfectly that nobody dares to challenge it.
Moreover, with each new volume of Xenon’s Biography, the perception of demons was on the rise. Not only due to sacrifices made by Sakran but also because Jin and Lilly’s love story shed a brighter light on demons.
Does this mean that the perception of elves is decreasing in contrast? Not quite.
Even though they revealed the darker side of the elves through the ‘Council,’ they also portrayed their nobility through the actions of two heroes who destroyed the World Tree.
Furthermore, with the Queen of Alvenheim, Arwen’s unbiased actions and excellent policies, the perception of elves was gradually changing for the better.
Because of this, readers, and even other people, have begun to wonder.
Are elves really stronger? Or are demons stronger?
This is something I’m curious about as well. Even though elves and demons may not clash directly in the book, to maintain a balance, some adjustment is necessary.
There used to be talk about why there were no elves in the scene where demons (Jin) appeared, but when Mary’s identity as an elf was revealed, that talk faded away.
Instead, there was a growing desire for someone else’s active role to be richer than ever before. Especially since the 12th volume, due to being immersed in Xenon’s Biography regardless of race, that aspect has become even stronger.
In other words, a fandom, particularly a toxic fandom, began to slowly emerge. It’s quite a sight when even my mother is supporting Jin, while other readers are at odds.
They were rivals from before, but since Xenon’s Biography, it has intensified. Sometimes, conflicts arise over this topic, reported in the newspapers that fans fought over it.
Where people live is all the same; as the popularity of Xenon’s Biography rises, so does the influence of the fandom. What’s noteworthy here is that even humans have become involved, despite elves and demons being the focus. Although the protagonist of Xenon’s Biography is human, they are debating and fighting over who among elves and demons is stronger.
Originally, humans harbored a longing for things they cannot achieve themselves. This longing has grown, spreading even to the fight between elves and demons.
Even if elves are noble beings, there are humans who dislike them for their arrogance, and even if demons are venerable beings, there are humans who dislike them for their devilish origins.
In such an irresolvable situation, balancing things is somewhat expected. Xenon may be the protagonist, unaffected by power inflation or whatnot, but it has become a delicate situation for other main characters.
Why is that? Because my book is being treated like a prophecy, so I must be cautious, or it will spread further. Moreover, the demon princess and the elven queen were silently watching nearby.
Firstly, as Jin is the final boss, he will demonstrate a sublime sacrifice, and the nobility of the elves will also be shown similarly. Just like in every game, in the Elvenheim liberation operation, I plan to show what ‘ganji’ (meaning ‘coolness’ or ‘swagger’) is for both races.
However, balance becomes a hindrance here as well. Both races exhibit abilities that are monstrous from a human standpoint, so even the description must be handled with extreme caution.
‘Didn’t Cecily say before that if she were to unleash her power, she could blow up a mountain?’
This indicates that Cecily is immensely powerful to the extent of being slated as the next Demon Lord. However, what sets demons apart from other races is their use of ‘Black Mana.’
As Black Mana was originally the power used by devils, it had numerous problems in the first generation. Fortunately, through Mora’s generous support and passing through generations, it gradually became refined, leaving only purity behind.
As a result, demons are particularly noticeable for their ‘firepower.’ If other races produce an effect of 10 by using 10 mana, demons emit an effect ranging between 15 and 20.
However, it’s not that they lack accuracy or meticulousness. Recognizing themselves as the most dangerous beings, demons have consistently spared no effort in ‘restraint.’
Thanks to this, they possess magical item-making abilities comparable to dwarves, and they can make barren environments fertile. In many ways, they can be considered a versatile race.
Just looking at this, one might think that demons are an overwhelming race surpassing the elves, but the elves also possess abilities no less than theirs. They excel in magic where demons lag behind in firepower.
As a race that established the first civilization, their depth of knowledge in magic is incomparable to other races. For instance, consider arithmetic.
Humans have to groan even for 15*27, while demons and elves immediately know the answer. For them, this level of mental arithmetic is like 1+1.
However, something as complex as 2415×1172 may require even demons to calculate, but an elf can, with a slight exaggeration, calculate it all with a blink of an eye.
In other words, while they possess abilities up to a certain level equivalent to elves, beyond that, elves hold a superior position.
Precision, meticulousness, and the margin of error need no mention. Because of each one’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s not easy to easily determine superiority.
Especially now, Jin is scheduled for a direct clash with ‘Gluttony’, Mary is set for a confrontation with ‘Lust.’
The highest-ranking official of the Seven Sins, in charge of ‘pride,’ the elf, will be dealing with Xenon.
Although it’s a fantasy setting and there might be differences in combat power and compatibility, my intention is to rigorously maintain consistency, as I’ve mentioned. Thus, a situation necessitates the consultation of both races.
For demons, I can acquire knowledge through Cecily and Gartz, but the issue lies with the elves. Siris is a dark elf, hence irrelevant. Elena and Cindy are scholars far removed from combatants.
Meaning, there are hardly any individuals closely associated with ‘combat.’ There is Arwen, but she is currently extremely busy with state affairs.
‘I did send a letter, but…’
Regarding the matters concerning Xenon’s Biography, I did request Arwen’s assistance. I did mention she’s free to decline if she’s occupied.
Arwen did say she’d come to me if she finds time. However, the issue is on elven terms, so I can’t be certain when she’ll come.
Firstly, it’s important to thoroughly understand the power of demons. So, from now on, what I need to do is…
“So, you’re asking for my help?”
“Yeah.”
It’s necessary to have a more detailed understanding of the strength of demons through Cecily. I’ve investigated it myself, but asking her directly is the most efficient way.
Moreover, she’s not just strong, she’s powerful enough to demolish mountains with magic. In terms of strength, Cecily cannot be excluded from consideration.
Originally, she is the model for one of the Seven Deadly Sins, Lilith. She’s a very appropriate person to consult and can provide assistance regarding balance.
I’m almost done writing the 18th volume, and from the 19th volume onwards, I’ll be engaging with the Seven Deadly Sins directly. So, it’s better to be prepared in advance.
That’s why, to also have a date and seek advice, Cecily and I came to a café alone. Cecily seemed very satisfied, making the conversation flow smoothly.
“Um… Are you considering me for the battle against Lilith?”
“Yeah. Since Lilith isn’t just a regular demon but has become a devil, I thought referencing Noona’s power might be helpful.”
“Who will be the opponent? Still Xenon?”
“No. Mary will be the one facing her.”
“Hmm…”
At the answer that it would be Mary and not Xenon, Cecily fell into thought. Meanwhile, I leisurely admired her beauty.
I wonder when was the last time that Cecily and I were alone together like we are now. Recently, whether with Adelia or joint attacks with Marie, there haven’t been many instances of just the two of us.
Since Marie was always the first, there were countless times when Cecily yielded. Somehow, feeling apologetic, today I intended to be as considerate as possible.
“If I decide to unleash my power, well… isn’t Mary strong too?”
“As the heroine and an elf, you could say she’s strong. She has a lot of combat experience.”
“Hmm… still, it’s vague. How many people in the world are as strong as me, I wonder?”
“Ah, I see.”
It’s a response that’s easily understood at once. It might sound a bit arrogant, but it’s none other than Cecily.
The reason I believe in her like this is also because I witnessed a part of her power with my own eyes in Helium. Like a laser, a beam shot from her index finger, causing a boulder the size of a house to explode.
So, Lilith’s strength may be a little lower than her, but I can refer to her for the ‘Gluttony’, Belzebub.
“Got it. Then, I should just refer to Nona’s fighting style for Lilith. As for strength, I’ll use it for Belzebub.”
“Huh? Belzebub? Who’s that?”
“Ah.”
I accidentally mentioned the Belzebub’s name. As I realized my mistake, Cecily’s eyes narrowed, and with a voice that seemed to question, she asked me.
“Surely it’s not one of the Seven Deadly Sins’ names, right? Every time the Seven Deadly Sins appear, a name comes up.”
“…Sorry.”
“A year ago, it was from Rina, and now it’s from the author.”
I accidentally spoiled it. You might say that the name isn’t important, but demons like Cecily treat Xenon’s Biography almost like scripture.
Naturally, even the names of individual characters are important, and major figures like the Seven Deadly Sins haven’t properly had their names revealed yet, except for a few.
Moreover, ‘Gluttony’, Belzebub, is Jin’s older brother and a presence comparable to ‘Pride’ in terms of power.
I was planning to throw a huge teaser related to him at the end of Volume 18, but I made a huge mistake.
Furthermore, although everyone normally connects Belzebub with ‘Gluttony,’ people in this world have no clue. It would have unraveled like a string of sausages with just one name, and I accidentally exposed that fact.
Seemingly unaware of my feelings, Cecily brushed her hair back and forgave me this time with a tone that said it was the last time.
“Well, if it’s not that important, I’ll forgive you. It’s just a name; we can move past it.”
“…Is it not important?”
“……”
As the author, saying that It’s important made Cecily freeze instantly. In her crimson eyes, there was a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.
I’ve been a sinner, a bad guy, for thoughtlessly babbling. Lowering my head, I received her piercing gaze. I don’t have the courage to lift it.
“Haah… Isaac.”
“Yeah…”
“First, let’s go to your dorm and think slowly, very slowly. Got it?”
“Got it.”
So this is how it ends up. I got up silently chuckling to myself. Probably won’t do anything like that as soon as I get into the dorm. Cecily liked to mix bodies to express love; except for her evil cycle, when she wasn’t unable to control her desires like a cat in heat.
In other words, she’s coming to my dorm to really hear me say it. And then, after that, I’ll probably apologize. How I’ll apologize… everyone already knows. Seems like today’s writing has gone off track.
With that thought, as we arrived at the dormitory door arm in arm, Cecily paused and voiced her doubts.
“Yeah?”
“Why’s someone inside now?”
“What?”
The mention of someone being inside a personal dormitory was startling. A dormitory was unequivocally personal space, and without a key, one could never enter.
But someone being inside… that was definitely not an easy problem to dismiss. Especially considering that Xenon’s Biography manuscript was inside the dorm.
If it’s an intruder, the situation becomes serious. I urgently unlocked the door with a key and stepped inside. As soon as I entered, amidst the strong scent of lilacs for a moment, I could see someone reading manuscript 18 at the desk. At that moment, that person seemed to sense my presence and startled, looking in my direction.
“Who…!”
“Uh, uh…”
“…are you?”
And as our eyes met, we both couldn’t help but be surprised simultaneously. Because…
“Arwen?”
“Y-you?”
Arwen, who was supposed to be busy with national affairs, stood there, holding unfinished manuscripts in both hands. As I stared at her dumbfounded, Arwen quickly placed the manuscripts on the desk and desperately exclaimed.
“I-I didn’t see anything!”
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