Raising Villains the Right Way Novel - Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Approximately three weeks after their departure from the Duchy of Luxibl.

Just as Caliban finally came into view.

“It has been some time.”

Alon’s consciousness once again underwent a sudden transition.

The celestial panorama, where the Milky Way was dispersed across the heavens, was now a common sight for him.

At the heart of this vista stood Kalannon.

“So, we are finally able to converse properly.”

“That is true. Although that does not imply we have much time to talk.”

“Is this discussion being sustained by pooled divine essence?”

“Well, in a way, yes? Initially, I operated purely on the remnants of my power, but now you and I are effectively linked through divinity. Naturally, this does not mean I can wield divine power independently~”

Kalannon sighed, her expression oddly wistful.

“I actually had a question for you.”

Alon was pleased by Kalannon’s reappearance.

“Regarding what?”

“Do you possess any knowledge concerning the Hundred Ghosts?”

“Hmm— I wouldn’t claim absolute ignorance about them?”

“So that suggests you haven’t actually encountered them?”

“Of course not. Since that serpent-head attached to you emerged, I’ve barely retained the strength to manifest physically.”

“Ah.”

Alon let out an involuntary sound of realization.

Considering the situation, that made perfect sense.

‘Before I encased Basiliora within the Covenant Ring, that entity was continuously devouring belief.’

Given the fundamental nature of belief, it was understandable that Kalannon could not materialize while Basiliora was present.

“I understand.”

“But what prompted you to inquire about them so suddenly?”

When Alon provided his explanation, she gave a nonchalant shrug.

“That does not appear to be a matter that involves me.”

“Is that the case?”

“Do you have any other questions?”

Naturally, he did.

“Now that I recall, didn’t you advise me before? That while belief is necessary, I should refrain from actively trying to accumulate it.”

“I believe I did, yes?”

“What was the rationale for that? Don’t I require belief?”

Kalannon, grasping the core of his inquiry, gave a brief nod.

“This is, hmm~ a bit complicated to explain, but belief is an immensely potent force, yet simultaneously incredibly delicate.”

“And?”

“Belief fundamentally stems from faith in a deity. But if one attempts to acquire it artificially, some kind of issue is bound to materialize.”

“…An issue?”

“It will appear rather… inelegant.”

“That is quite vague.”

Kalannon gently tapped her forehead with her small index finger, seemingly searching for a suitable comparison.

Then, as if an idea had struck her, she clapped her hands together.

“That’s it! You know that belief relies on genuine conviction in a god, correct?”

“I do.”

“But belief will not aggregate unless people truly hold that conviction.”

“…So you mean there cannot be even a hint of reservation?”

“No, reservations can exist, but the essence of the conviction itself must be authentic. However, if an individual is induced to believe through some form of recompense or coercion—”

“Then belief will not accumulate easily.”

“Precisely. In certain instances, it might even generate resistance, making the accumulation of belief even more challenging.”

Artificiality breeds opposition, you say?

“…Then what ought I to do?”

“There is only a single path. Simply allow things to unfold organically. As long as you continue to take action and influence the world, people who hold you in reverence will emerge naturally.”

“So that is why you instructed me not to try anything forceful.”

“Exactly.”

“We wouldn’t want it to look cheap.” Kalannon murmured, but then her eyes widened as if a new thought had dawned on her.

“Having said that, there is one method to amass belief quickly.”

“What is it?”

“Widespread killing.”

“…I beg your pardon?”

Alon repeated his question, uncertain if he had heard her correctly.

“If you slaughter humans on a massive scale and successfully instill terror, belief will form spontaneously—and in significant quantities, too.”

Kalannon confirmed this without the slightest hesitation.

“Naturally, I would not endorse it. If you attempt to gain belief in that manner, the majority of people you’d gain it from would simply end up deceased. Not to mention, you would be unable to manage the resulting consequences.”

“…Is there no alternative?”

Alon promptly steered the conversation onward.

“The only other recourse is the performance of wonders.”

“…The performance of wonders?”

It was not a concept that immediately seemed intuitive.

Kalannon reflected for a moment before addressing Alon,

“Is there any deity currently being worshipped on this continent?”

“Hmm— Within the Allied Kingdoms, it is likely Sironia. And in the East… Alter… Mia?”

Alon named the Eastern god he could barely recall, prompting Kalannon to let out a thoughtful noise.

“I am not familiar with them, but regardless, do the adherents of Sironia perform wonders?”

“Yes.”

“That is among the fastest routes to accumulating belief.”

Recalling the feats performed by Sironia’s followers, Alon nodded.

“I understand. If people observe wonders being performed, their belief will naturally intensify.”

“Exactly. Divine energy is fundamentally the capacity for wonders. If you demonstrate the ability to exert that power, conviction will naturally follow. In fact, it is even more effective than the deity directly utilizing the power themselves.”

“Hmm.”

“Furthermore, once you have gathered a sufficient number of adherents, the process becomes self-sustaining.”

“Self-sustaining?”

“Yes. Someone graced with divine energy demonstrates their capabilities, drawing in more adherents. Then, those adherents are bestowed a portion of that power themselves, allowing them to travel elsewhere, perform wonders, and secure even more followers. And so forth.”

“I see.”

A cycle that sustains itself and grows continuously.

It was quite a persuasive approach.

Then, Alon’s expression suddenly became odd.

As he listened, he recognized that it bore an odd resemblance to something from his original existence.

‘…Wait, isn’t this just a hierarchical selling scheme?’

The thought momentarily crossed his mind.

“In any case, that god Sironia is probably attracting a colossal amount of belief without even exerting themselves.”

Listening to Kalannon’s explanation, Alon considered Rosario and found himself deep in thought.

He had always been aware that Rosario was not a place that offered unconditional charity.

But hearing it presented in this way made it seem even more transactional than he had anticipated.

‘So that explains why Rosario was neglected in the narrative…?’

Alon followed up with another inquiry.

“Then should I also foster belief in the same manner?”

“Hmm, it would be beneficial if you could, but with the belief you currently possess, it might prove a bit challenging.”

“Truly?”

“Indeed. Well, you might be able to manage two individuals at most. You only need to use your own power when granting it for the first time—after that, their conviction will maintain it naturally.”

“How do I bestow power?”

“It’s straightforward. Simply extract a segment of your divine essence and transfer it. As long as you leave a trace, that is sufficient. Subsequently, how they choose to utilize the power is their concern.”

A new strategy began to formulate in Alon’s mind.

---

Immediately after concluding his discussion with Kalannon.

“Whew—”

“Marquis, why the unexpected sigh?”

“It is nothing.”

When Evan asked, Alon gently shook his head and calmly reviewed the points of their talk.

‘There are three essential takeaways.’

Firstly, Kalannon had no connection with the Hundred Ghosts.

Secondly, belief could be accumulated, and power could be shared with others.

Lastly, how to employ divinity.

“Hmm~”

Alon recalled Kalannon’s statements.

‘As I mentioned previously, the most crucial step in wielding divinity is identifying its intrinsic characteristics. For instance, we can convert any magic we interact with into lightning and summon lightning at will.’

‘Once you grasp those characteristics, using them is both difficult and simple. You must envelop your physique with divinity, and as I stated, activate it using a trigger. Naturally, once you become skilled, you will no longer require the trigger, but for now, you will.’

‘Oh, and I realize I made it sound easy, but surrounding yourself with divinity is extremely difficult. You will need to practice. Last time, I assisted you, and I will continue to help when you utilize your power in the future, but you must also learn how to execute it independently.’

‘I had intended to elaborate further on how to wield power when fully manifested, but after observing you last time, I concluded it wasn’t genuinely necessary.’

After going over everything, Alon considered to himself.

‘I have acquired all the knowledge I required.’

And additionally, he had uncovered one extra detail.

The magnitude of the divinity he possessed.

‘I don’t know what occurred, but I have amassed an unbelievable amount… Is this even conceivable?’

Kalannon had let out a shocked chuckle, finding it completely ludicrous.

“Marquis, we have arrived.”

“Is that so?”

At that moment, the carriage pulled up at Caliban.

“Should we proceed directly to the north?”

Evan inquired while subtly assessing his mood.

After a brief period of deliberation, Alon rose to his feet.

“We will rest for two days.”

“Understood.”

Evan, looking quite pleased, leaped down from the carriage with enthusiasm.

As Alon followed him out, a thought lingered in his mind.

‘Bestowing power to augment belief—who would be the optimal selection?’

Kalannon’s power was undeniably valuable, even in Alon’s estimation.

He carefully weighed who would be deserving of receiving it.

Just then.

“Marquis! Are you feeling quite well?”

The moment he stepped out of the carriage, Sili rushed over eagerly to check on him.

“…? Marquis?”

Alon silently observed her for a moment.

“Sili.”

“Yes!”

“You mentioned you primarily concentrated on lightning and ice magic, correct?”

“Ah, yes! That is right!”

“…Would you be interested in employing divine energy?”

“Divine energy?”

As if he had conceived of a rather intriguing idea, a slight smile played at the corner of his lips.

---

Atop a massive precipice, where a monumental sculpture had been carved.

As twilight began to descend.

“Boss.”

“What is it?”

“May I ask you something?”

“Ask away.”

A man with blue skin, Blue Ghost, spoke to a girl with black hair.

“Why precisely are you offering assistance to that individual known as ‘Legitimacy’?”

“That is what piques your curiosity?”

Blue Ghost furrowed his brow slightly before confirming.

“Yes, I suppose it is. It’s not just how much you’ve been looking out for him—he strikes me as rather captivating in numerous ways. I noticed an elf accompanying him, he wields divine energy, and most of all, it’s as though you are a puppy that has discovered its m—”

BOOM!

Before he could complete his sentence, he was hurled away as Hyakki’s fist impacted him, leaving a depression carved into the cliff face.

However, a moment later—

“Seriously, couldn’t you let me finish before punching me?”

Blue Ghost climbed back up, covered in dust, while she let out an exasperated breath.

“If you wish to avoid being hit, mind your words, you fool.”

“…May I continue speaking?”

“Go on.”

“Anyway, setting aside how unusual he is, it seemed like he didn’t even recognize you.”

Hyakki remained silent, but Blue Ghost carried on his commentary.

“That’s why I was curious. You appear to have a deep familiarity with him, but that ‘Legitimacy’ fellow showed no indication of recognition. That is why I asked.”

At some point, Hyakki’s cheeks subtly puffed out.

It was apparent that she was moping.

Something about the circumstances did not sit well with her.

Witnessing this,

“Wow…”

Blue Ghost blinked in utter astonishment.

In the centuries he had spent alongside Hyakki, he had never once observed her making that particular face.

Like a spoiled child, sulking over a minor slight.

And it did not end there.

“Next time.”

“Next time?”

“Next time… he will recognize me.”

“?”

Her voice carried a distinct trace of disappointment.

As Blue Ghost’s eyes widened further,

“Absolutely.”

Hyakki gazed up at the blue moon ascending in the night sky.

“…He will recognize me without a doubt.”

She murmured softly once more.