Chapter 624 – The Oldest Wish (5)
—
Elena
— Swish!
The terrifying swing of the sword instantly sliced through the pillars of the Moon Church, ripping off the Holy Mother’s left arm.
Of course, the Holy Mother, looking confused, reattached her arm and shouted with both hands raised.
“Taegeukdo, Exile.”
“Ugh…!”
As an irresistible force shoved Fortuna away, a golden hammer shot out accompanied by a flash of purple light, targeting my body.
— Crash!
In a panic, I dodged the golden scales that were flung at me!
The Holy Mother stumbled for a moment, losing her footing, but just like always, her legs were restored without a hitch.
In that instant, the gazes of us three crossed paths.
After an extended exchange of blows, we all grasped one undeniable fact.
It wasn’t an easy fight against each other.
That was clear because the balance of the Holy Mother’s abilities was disrupted.
The blessing of Justice, representing her sword, was halved and weakened because of my presence.
On the other hand, the Cliff of Crystals that acts as her shield was immensely bolstered by the mass soul offerings she had piled up.
With her sword dulled, she couldn’t easily take down me and Fortuna.
With her shield strengthened, we couldn’t easily overcome her either.
This battle wouldn’t end soon.
And if it dragged on, it’s obvious who would win—the Holy Mother, overflowing with souls to consume!
So, is the Holy Mother in a favorable position?
Not necessarily.
If we break it down, the outcome of the battle happening in the Moon Church isn’t the focal point of the larger situation.
Other comrades had already departed on the elevator from this battlefield.
The Holy Mother likely wants to end this fight and chase after the elevator immediately.
— Clank!
Fortuna, who reappeared, spoke with a mocking tone.
“Elena, let’s just stall for time. The ‘Researcher’ claimed they’d handle the aftermath.”
Usually, she would have referenced my brother Han Kain, but she deliberately used ‘Researcher’ here.
That’s because the Researcher holds special significance even to the Holy Mother.
The Researcher.
The one who betrayed the Administration Bureau and freed the prince whom the Holy Mother worships as a god.
No one—not even the Moon—knows the true aims and intentions of the Researcher.
The unknown evokes both fear and awe.
The Moon likely thinks the Researcher might find answers to problems it doesn’t know about.
Would the Holy Mother think differently?
“You…!”
It’s a predictable tactic, and yet the Holy Mother’s eyes wavered.
After all, deep down, she resonates with Fortuna’s words.
Instinctively, I pondered once again.
Seungyub, why can’t you pull off this brilliant psychological warfare when it comes to computer games?
He really is a different person, isn’t he?
— Whoosh!
In the next moment, beams of light began to gather in the Holy Mother’s hands, floating in the air.
I initially thought this was an ordinary attack!
“Those who pursue justice cannot refuse the trial of justice.”
As those words left her lips, my own power was simultaneously siphoned away!
What is this?!
“…!”
The blessings of Justice, which had been divided between the Holy Mother and me, merged into a single point and formed a scale.
At that moment, the combined power on the scales surpassed what we each possessed.
Simultaneously, the declaration of the scale rang out.
“Commencing the Trial of Justice.”
The Trial of Justice?
In my moment of panic, a melodious voice echoed across the battlefield.
“Listen! I stand here to redeem the infinite souls forsaken by destiny.”
“….”
“Tell me, what is your ‘justice’?”
What did you just say?
What is my justice?
In the heat of battle, why are we playing this kind of word game? I almost ignored it entirely, but then—
“Are you avoiding the answer?”
The scales tilted toward the opposing side.
The blessing’s power that had been precisely halved began to slightly overflow towards the other side!
“This… what’s happening—uh?”
Are words coming out?
Realizing my shift, Fortuna frowned and voiced his thoughts.
“It feels like Elena is weakening while that side is growing stronger.”
“I feel it too!”
The response came back as if it had been eagerly awaited.
“Avoiding the answer comes from a lack of self-confidence. Deep down, you know it. That you’re wrong and that the path of the prince and I is the right one!”
Fortuna replied incredulously.
“Is this the Holy Mother’s ability? While fighting for our lives, playing weird games—”
As he pulled his sword to attack the Holy Mother, the enormous scale that appeared in the center started moving toward Fortuna.
It was only then that I began to grasp the Holy Mother’s ability!
“Oh no! If you draw your sword now—”
“… I understand.”
The situation created by the Holy Mother’s power.
The clue lies in the phrase that emerged once it began.
Trial of Justice.
A trial, by definition, is about discerning right from wrong.
It boils down to the question of which of us—between me and the Holy Mother—is more just!
In this phase, hastily drawing a sword would make me the target of the scales’ judgment.
It’s not like we’re in medieval times with dueling trials; no modern nation claims justice through combat anymore.
Eventually putting his sword away, Fortuna bowed slightly and faced the scales.
“Honorable Judge, I am a knight, and my sword is my honor. Drawing it was not an act of rudeness but merely a show of respect for the court.”
What a ridiculous excuse! But the scales returned to their original position.
Keeping a sharp eye on the Holy Mother’s glimmering gaze, I thought.
‘The Trial of Justice’ likely strengthens the Blessing of Justice and is the power gained by the Holy Mother.
Specifically, what kind of force is it?
Does the just side become stronger? Or is the unjust side judged?
Whichever it is, ever since the Trial of Justice began, none here can move freely.
Finally, I understood why the Holy Mother used such a strange ability.
First, to essentially exclude Fortuna from the fight.
Second, because she is convinced that she is in the right!
Fortuna’s whisper echoed in my mind.
“Elena, your strength is continuously dwindling.”
“I know.”
“I think you need to answer now…”
What was the Holy Mother’s initial question?
What is my justice?
“An equitable state that guarantees individual rights! This, I believe, is justice.”
As I responded, the power that was draining came to a halt.
Waiting for this moment, the Holy Mother countered.
“Individual rights? What is the most important right for humans?”
“Uh….”
“Avoiding the answer again?”
Oh great!
Just moments ago, we were trying to chop each other up, and now this?
I am not good at verbal sparring!
“Oh, no, I am not.”
At the same time, a thought occurred to me.
Winning by smashing the opponent with the physical force granted by blessings isn’t true justice.
Justice is…
The right thing must be debated, and the more righteous must triumph.
In this light, the Holy Mother’s Trial of Justice, enhanced by her blessing, corresponds with the essence of justice.
“Well, um, it’s the right to life, isn’t it?”
“The right to life! The right to live in this world, indeed!”
“…”
That’s not wrong, but it feels like I’m getting trapped.
What is the Holy Mother trying to say?
“That’s… true.”
“If that’s the case, you should lay down your weapons and cooperate with me immediately. The prince’s victory is the way to save the most lives!”
“What?”
“Am I wrong?”
So this is what the Holy Mother is getting at?
Even combining the souls of the Administration Bureau and those of the looters, they would still be fewer than the souls belonging to the Moon.
Hence, the Moon’s victory is the path to preserving the most souls.
“Hold on a minute! You’ve been stretching the truth from the start!”
“Warning: Participant Elena, observe decorum in the court.”
What decorum at a time like this!
… But I still should.
“Where is the exaggeration?”
“The reason the Moon’s souls outnumber the others is due to the Moon itself!”
“What’s the reason?”
“The Moon threatened the world first, causing various Administration Bureaus and similar organizations to abandon the world and flee. The Moon, in the process, consumed those souls that remained.”
“When taking order into consideration, the Moon is the original Ark that was born first.”
“Therefore, just because it was born first doesn’t mean it has the right to own the world?”
“That’s a plain statement—”
Truly, this is no primitive ancient person!
“Even now, the inheritance isn’t firstborn inheritance; it’s divided equally among siblings. Just because it arrives first doesn’t mean it gains the right to rule the world.”
“It didn’t steal; it was an independence movement!”
“Any proof of that independence movement?”
“And the proof of the theft!”
At this point, the Holy Mother snapped her fingers and shifted the topic.
“Let’s leave the ancient tales there. They’re about things we cannot prove. What matters is the present!”
“Present?”
“Then whose souls belong to whom the most now?”
Back to the original story.
As the Moon possesses the most souls, it’s ‘justice’ for the Moon to rule the world.
This is a utilitarian perspective, correlating with the Administration Bureau’s philosophy, which accepts the sacrifices of the few for the benefit of the many.
Considering that the Holy Mother from Room 207 established similar organizations, it seems Aidia inherently has this tendency.
“Just because there are many, it doesn’t mean they deserve to rule the world!”
“Then should the minority rule?”
Indeed, while sacrificing the majority for the minority is a tragedy, it would be a greater tragedy if the opposite occurred.
For a moment, I was rendered speechless.
How do I counter this phrase?
As I stumbled through the discussion, feeling that the tide of battle was turning unfavorably, I heard a sudden loud smack next to me.
“May I also speak? It’s unfair that you two keep babbling on like this, isn’t it?”
Interestingly, the scales gazed toward Fortuna, and it seemed there was some merit in his words.
Aidia frowned and nodded.
“… Speak up.”
“Earlier, the part that was dismissed as lacking evidence.”
“Yes.”
“Can we not ask for witnesses here? The prince and the researcher should come and clarify things themselves.”
“Is that even reasonable?”
Ugh!
I thought Fortuna was smarter than Seungyub, but what the heck is this?!
Trusting that man was my mistake!
“Fortuna, is that what you call reasoning?”
Both the Holy Mother and I glared at him incredulously, and the scales began to move as if threatening Fortuna.
“Knock it off—”
“Why can’t we request witnesses in a trial?”
“No, they both can’t be here at all…”
Fortuna muttered darkly to himself.
“… If Elena had also agreed with me, it might have worked.”
“What did you say?”
With an impatient demeanor, the Holy Mother shouted.
“Are you saying you’re not going to respond?”
My power was drained once more.
She thought I was dodging the answer.
Sighing, I concentrated my mind, and my previously confused thoughts organized themselves amidst the chaotic changes.
I naturally recalled the Holy Mother’s remarks for rebuttal.
“You claimed the Moon’s victory means the triumph of the majority, right?”
“Correct.”
“Then conversely, the Holy Mother should take a step back. Because—”
Can I say this?
Since I’ve come this far, what difference does it make!
“We are striving for the victory of both the Moon and the looters!”
The Holy Mother looked taken aback by my absurd claim.
“Is that what the Researcher told you? How can you trust that?”
“How do I trust the Moon at that point?”
“What—”
“After all battles conclude, the Moon’s promise to establish a paradise on earth is just that—a mere promise from the Moon. Is there any guarantee it will be upheld?”
According to Miro’s statements, the real future if the Moon wins is quite contrary.
Far from a paradise, only the empty, lifeless void remains.
In an ironic twist, I was now putting the Holy Mother in the hot seat.
The next instant, the scales naturally inclined toward the Holy Mother.
Seeing her eyes widen in panic at this realization, the strength of Justice began to flow back toward me.
Witnessing the Holy Mother in distress sparked an idea within me.
I conjectured that normally, the Trial of Justice wouldn’t operate like this.
It would likely be a power where the Holy Mother solely pursues and judges the ‘sinner.’
The reason I could interrogate the Holy Mother like this is because ‘my power’ was also part of the Trial of Justice assembly!
Since the blessings of the two merged and the trial began, I had the ability to question her too.
Would it be possible to exploit this phenomenon?
I could see that the Holy Mother had reached a similar thought based on her narrowed brow.
“… It seems we can’t persuade each other after all.”
An impasse of mutual persuasion.
When it comes to logic, the ultimate question is this.
Who do you trust, the Moon or Mr. Kain?
We trust Mr. Kain, and the Holy Mother trusts the Moon.
There’s no way to bridge this gap, nor is there a way to persuade verbally.
And this was likely why the previous Mr. Kain deemed the Holy Mother’s persuasion impossible.
The summoned Holy Mother shifted her perspective only after experiencing ‘eternal hell.’
“I wish to conclude the Trial of Justice.”
As expected, the Holy Mother chose to end her ability when the scales turned against her.
This power was originally meant for the Holy Mother to pursue and judge, not to corner herself as it is now.
As the blessings of the two just unfolded, it appeared in a way entirely different from her expectations.
The Holy Mother herself felt this, prompting her to seek closure.
As the word ‘end’ emerged, the scales began to blur.
Is the ‘Trial of Justice’ ending here?
Back to the primal struggle where the stronger wins—
In that instant!
— Snap!
Fortuna stood up with great determination and said.
“Who decided to end this? With two people talking so much, don’t I deserve a chance to put in my two cents?”
The scales, on the verge of fading, became clear again, focusing on Fortuna.
Even Aidia, who had activated her ability, could not freely control the scales.
When considering that neither I nor Miro from Deep Sea Hotel could simply use the blessing of Justice, this seems to be an inescapable limitation of the blessing itself, doesn’t it?
Aidia frowned as she replied.
“… Go ahead.”
“I’m a martial artist, you know.”
“Aren’t you a knight?”
“I’m also a martial artist.”
“What’s a martial artist?”
“I’m not quite sure, but there’s a saying in the martial arts world.”
“A saying?”
“Don’t interfere with martial matters.”
“What?”
“In martial affairs, the government must not intervene. In human affairs, deities must not interfere.”
“Since when are you—”
“Dear Judge, I believe it’s time for ‘you’ to step back. Let the martial affairs remain in the martial world and leave earthly matters to the people.”
At this point, Aidia and I finally grasped what Fortuna was attempting to convey.
He intended to exclude the very ‘Blessing of Justice’ from this fight!
Wouldn’t it be meaningless to lose blessings for both of us?
No!
The loss of blessings only applies to Aidia and me—Fortuna’s luck remains intact!
I understand the intention, but is this even possible?
That’s preposterous—
“….”
Think calmly.
Originally, the Trial of Justice should have unfolded significantly in the Holy Mother’s favor.
Yet, it has manifested ‘fairly’ because both my and the Holy Mother’s opinions are reflected within this power.
Though not to the same extent as ours, Fortuna’s input is influencing the result.
To put it juvenilely, it’s something like: Holy Mother 1, Elena 1, Fortuna 0.3.
Remember this.
There are no righteous judges in this space.
The user’s heart determines the blessings.
Why is the Trial of Justice progressing in the form of a courtroom?
Because it’s a form we believe to be desirable.
Thus….
I silently closed my eyes, thinking.
To persuade not anyone else but ‘myself.’
…
The manifestations of apocalypse I witnessed in Hotel Pioneer.
The horrific battles unfolding in reality.
The weak suffering under the dueling ambitions of the mighty.
I truly, earnestly believe.
Don’t interfere in heavenly affairs.
No,
Divine contempt shouldn’t infiltrate the people!
“Honorable Judge, I also agree with Fortuna. Leave the earthly matters to the people. We no longer need the Blessing of Justice.”
The scales dissipate.
The Blessing of Justice that had enriched both me and the Holy Mother dwindles away!
The result of the Trial of Justice.
Until this battle concludes, neither the Holy Mother nor I can wield the Blessing of Justice.
The Holy Mother’s sword shattered.
With a pale expression, she cried out.
“Don’t interfere in earthly matters? W-What nonsense is this! This isn’t some gang, and what kind of ignorant justice is this!”
— Swish!
Fortuna, sensing victory, gave a cold reply.
“Holy Mother, you remain oblivious to important facts once again.”
“What—”
“I’m still a first grader.”
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