Became the Patron of Villains Novel MTL - Chapter 149

Chapter 149
“During the lost epoch of the divinities… An entity superior to the five supreme gods?”

[Correct. Anything capable of meddling in the affairs of the divine must be an existence of a higher order than them. And that is something even I cannot comprehend. What manner of being could it possibly be?]

A presence so exalted that it eluded the understanding of even the Dragonkin.

Was it possible that Ulthultus knew of this existence? He was, after all, the one who had first brought it up.

[No, he cannot know. He likely made the same erroneous assumption that I did.]

“Then, concerning that black entity—”

[At this moment, I have no answers.]

Faced with the Dragonkin’s definitive statement, Alon fell quiet for a beat before giving a slight shrug.

“It seems that for every mystery I unravel, two more appear to take its place.”

[From your viewpoint, I can see why it would feel that way.]

Alon released a soft sigh and resolved to table the subject for now, opting to pose a different query instead. There were still numerous matters he wished to understand.

“Let’s review the remainder of the account first.”

With that, Alon began to methodically narrate every event that had transpired within his consciousness.

A brief time later.

[…… It appears more has occurred than I had anticipated.]

“As you have now heard.”

Over a span of roughly thirty minutes, Alon relayed all he needed to share with the Dragonkin.

First was the encounter with Duke Komalon and the discussion concerning the magic of the True Mages.

Second was the intelligence that the ‘black entities’ were soon to re-emerge.

Finally, there was the account of the golden dragon, Lainisius.

The Dragonkin, remaining silent while occasionally twitching its long tail, eventually arranged its thoughts and began to speak.

[First of all, I was not privy to the information concerning those beings, as that sealed dragon had stated.]

“Is that so?”

[Yes, my comprehension from the outset was somewhat different. Well, regardless, even if those entities underwent such a process to ascend, it would be meaningless for the gods to have remained silent.]

“Can you disclose it now?”

[I can only relay the prologue to what you already know, but if it is necessary, I shall.]

When Alon gave an immediate nod, the Dragonkin paused briefly before speaking in measured tones.

[It is not a particularly thrilling tale. From your perspective, it is merely an ancient story.]

Its voice carried the weight of distant recollection.

[In the past—what you refer to as the forgotten age of gods—was literally a world where gods and humanity lived alongside one another. Humans worshipped the gods, and the gods bestowed blessings in exchange for that faith.]

[Many aspects were different from the present. Instead of the concept of a ‘nation,’ territories were partitioned under the names of gods, wizards were known as True Mages, and humanity was united under a single kingdom. If my memory serves, it was a realm established by an individual named Palahon.]

The Dragonkin fixed its gaze intently upon Alon.

[In any case, that was the nature of that world. A world where gods were present, and various races, including humans, offered their devotion to these gods, while True Mages such as yourself could etch their own laws onto reality.]

Muttering as if lost in old remembrances, the Dragonkin continued.

[To be frank, that world could not be described as peaceful, even as a hollow platitude. Issues arose constantly. However, it was not a time of perpetual conflict—at least, not until they arrived.]

“……The black entities.”

[Yes, them.]

The Dragonkin’s azure eyes narrowed into a frown.

[They emerged from nowhere and began slaughtering every living creature they encountered, be it god, human, other races, or True Mages. All of them, without exception.]

“……Did they possess a purpose?”

[No, there was no purpose. Or perhaps there was, but we had no means of discerning it. From the very beginning, they exhibited no intention of communicating with us.]

For a moment, the aura surrounding them shifted.

[Many gods rose to challenge them. Some deities fought alone, while others forged alliances. They took up arms to destroy those incomprehensible beings. And the outcome is what you witness now.]

“……They were defeated?”

[It was more than a simple defeat. The majority of the gods who rose to confront the black entities were utterly annihilated.]

A voice tinged with powerlessness hung in the air.

[Under normal circumstances, gods do not perish so readily. Even if they fall, they can be resurrected within days, or at most decades, so long as faith in them persists.]

[But the gods who fell during that era—most of them vanished completely.]

“……Is there a reason for that?”

[It is straightforward. Their names were stolen.]

The loss of their names.

[For gods, names are essential. No, it is not merely their names; every component that constitutes a god is critical. However, if even a single one of those elements is taken, a god cannot sustain their form.]

“……”

[Some had their names seized. Others lost their physical forms, their minds, or their honor. And so, they were annihilated. I was no exception.]

A self-mocking smile touched its features.

[I lost my name and only narrowly avoided complete annihilation by sealing myself within my own temple at the final possible moment.]

It must have been a last, desperate act.

An imperfect, yet necessary, measure to endure.

“Did other gods survive using the same method?”

[That, I also do not know. I enacted my seal around the time the war was just beginning. However, the gods who have persisted to this day are those who were exceptionally mighty in the ancient era.]

“Why is that?”

[Because they endured even after being stripped of their names, isn’t that self-evident?]

In any case—

[In summary, the gods were defeated by those entities. They were even stripped of their status as ‘gods.’]

“……Usurped.”

This was—

[Yes, usurpation. We, who were once the gods of this continent, are now labeled as Outer Gods, while they are revered and feared as the ‘Five Great Sins.’]

Thus, the ‘origin tale’ of the Five Great Sins was laid bare.

“I have an inquiry.”

[What is it?]

Alon, who had been listening quietly to the Dragonkin’s narrative, was suddenly struck by a thought.

“Why did the Five Great Sins steal your names and usurp the positions of the gods?”

[Well, I only came to understand this after awakening from my seal, but if I were to speculate, it may have been to ensure we were forgotten.]

“……To make you forgotten?”

[It is merely conjecture.]

“I would still like to hear it.”

[When I awoke, the original gods had vanished, and the legacy of the True Mages had been severed. Furthermore, based on what you have said, the dragons were completely slaughtered and reduced to nothing more than mythical creatures.]

The Dragonkin’s voice continued, calm and even.

[……I comprehend that the era concluded with the demise of the gods, the True Mages, and the dragons. Yet there are too many unanswered questions to simply accept that.]

“…..You are referring to the usurpation of the gods’ positions?”

[It is not solely that. The same applies to the magic of the True Mages. Even if they had all perished, their lineage should have persisted to some degree. But look around you. Is there any other True Mage in this world besides you?]

“……There is not.”

[Precisely. That is my point. Something is amiss. Even if the gods died, the knowledge of them should not have disappeared, and even if the True Mages fell, there is no reason for their laws and research to have vanished.]

Even if the True Mages failed to leave an imprint of their will, it could not account for everything.

With a tone that was firm and unwavering, the Dragonkin proclaimed.

[This world has been stripped of all its information. Concerning the dragons, the gods—and the True Mages. It is as if—]

The Dragonkin let out a heavy exhalation.

[It was all manufactured.]

***

On the journey back from the ruins.

[Meow—]

Observing the small black creature fluttering near Seolrang’s hand in real-time, Alon calmly sorted through the dialogue he had subsequently shared with the Dragonkin.

No, in truth, there was not much to arrange.

Most of it remained speculative.

‘……Well, sealing oneself away during a war is ultimately an act of desperation.’

In the end, Alon had gleaned two unambiguous truths from this exchange.

First, although their precise motive was unclear, the Five Great Sins had usurped the gods’ positions and attempted to meticulously erase all traces of the ancient era.

Second, it clarified why Duke Komalon had referred to himself as an incomplete mage.

‘So, the technique involves impressing one’s will upon the world.’

Alon recalled the Dragonkin’s explanation regarding True Mages.

[True Mages each possess their own unique manifestation. As I mentioned previously, such a manifestation is only possible when an imprint of will exists.]

[The technique represents the subsequent stage of that manifestation. It entails engraving laws and will upon a mana core, achieving unity with those laws. Only then do True Mages confidently refer to themselves as True Mages.]

[Well, you will learn more concerning this three months from now, when the item you left in my care is prepared.]

“……So that is why he called himself an incomplete mage.”

Understanding Duke Komalon’s meaning, Alon unconsciously released a deep sigh.

Although he had acquired some knowledge, numerous questions remained unresolved.

Why did the black entities desire to erase the past?

Considering the tale of the golden dragon, Kylas was unmistakably a True Mage, so why did he manifest as an Outer God?

A multitude of questions swarmed in his mind, making coherent thought difficult.

Nevertheless, Alon decided to temporarily set those doubts aside and re-center on his principal objective.

‘At this moment, the highest priority is to halt the Five Great Sins.’

Ultimately, for him, there was only one truly vital task.

To stop the Five Great Sins and live a tranquil life as a noble.

Beyond that, Alon possessed a secondary aim—a more profound investigation into magic.

Initially, magic was something he had learned purely for self-preservation, but it had since become an indispensable aspect of his existence.

In this world, it was the sole thing that ignited his curiosity and his yearning for advancement.

Therefore—

‘……First, I must complete the preliminary work required to confront those detestable entities. And when the original narrative commences, I will temporarily ally with the protagonist to secure that item. With it, I should be capable of meeting Kylas.’

As he once again structured his plans, Alon gazed at the sun climbing slowly to its zenith.

—It was situated in the heart of a blistering desert.

“Greetings, Marquis. His Majesty the King desires an audience with you.”

“With me, you say?”

“Yes. He also asked that Lady Seolrang accompany you.”

Having returned to Colony, Alon found himself unexpectedly summoned by the King.

“Master, what is your wish?”

While Alon was perplexed as to why Carmaxes III was calling for him, he inquired nonetheless.

“When am I expected?”

“You may leave at once, if you so desire.”

“……Then let us set out immediately.”

He accepted the King’s invitation.

Naturally, he wished for a moment to rest and order his thoughts, but he understood it was basic courtesy not to refuse a summons from the King.

Boarding the carriage that had been prepared, he traveled toward the royal palace of Colony and soon found himself walking along the opulent interior corridors, much as he had done previously.

A short time later—

Just as he was approaching the banquet hall where Carmaxes awaited, he came across a man.

A man who was staring at him with intense focus.

“?”

Sensing the man’s gaze, Alon instinctively turned to meet his eyes, and a moment later, he recognized the man’s identity.

‘Karan?’

Karan, the current prince of Colony and the sixth king who would eventually succeed Carmaxes V in the story.

He was staring fixedly at Alon.

With a countenance that plainly communicated profound displeasure.

Just as Alon began to ponder the meaning behind that look—

Similarly, Seolrang, who had been observing Karan, started to narrow her eyes.

However, a moment later—

In the end, Alon managed to pass through the encounter with Karan without incident.

Despite giving the impression he had been awaiting this moment, Karan soon averted his gaze and continued on his way.

“Marquis, are you acquainted with that gentleman by any chance?”

“I am not.”

“Then why was he glowering at you so—ah, I mean, why was he observing you with such intensity?”

Evan swiftly altered his wording after glancing around and noticing the guards in the vicinity.

“I have no idea either.”

Naturally, Alon did not know.

Although he was familiar with Karan from his experience with Psychedelia, this was their first actual face-to-face meeting.

Of course, it was possible Karan had learned of Alon through various rumors and reports, but even considering that, the hostility he had displayed was peculiar.

Alon briefly tilted his head in puzzlement.

Soon after, he attended the banquet.

“Greetings, Marquis!”

“?”

The moment he stepped into the banquet hall, he saw a man bowing deeply to him, which left him momentarily taken aback.

However, he swiftly registered his internal astonishment.

“……It has been some time, Prince.”

“Yes!”

The handsome man now bowing his head before him—

Alon quickly recognized him as the second prince, Karsem, who, half a year prior, had been mocked as a walking pig due to his portly frame covered in grime.

“???”

Countless question marks seemed to drift above Alon’s head.