1.
January was incredibly busy.
With my visit to the Beastman Region, the new year began. After visiting both the Elven District and the Beastman Region following Christmas, one could say I really ran… no, flew around during the last five days of the year.
Of course, I participated in various events on January 1st as well. Unlike the massive thanksgiving prayer that had grown tremendously this year thanks to Ariel and Baal’s participation, I just went here and there, offering a few New Year wishes. Since I was residing at the Cathedral in the 21st District, we could celebrate the new year a bit more modestly compared to Christmas.
I shared some New Year wishes with the nuns at the Cathedral, asked for their names… but aside from the fact that many nuns looked at me with excessively sparkling eyes, it wasn’t too burdensome.
Naturally, being in the 21st District did not mean I was completely free from busyness.
While not as extreme as during Christmas, people do pray a lot at the beginning of the year. I was busy using the holy power that accumulated within me. I stored holy water and visited hospitals to treat patients.
It was only after spending about half of January that I finally had a bit less to do.
And of course, there were some people waiting for the right timing.
“Is it the Gnome Region?”
“Yes, they want to talk about the Holy Bomb.”
Aurora said to me as she handed over some documents.
“Holy Bomb…?”
Following Aurora’s words, I took the documents she offered.
The documents summarized something like this.
The Holy Bomb is excellent for use against demons, witches, devils, and beasts.
However, now that they don’t exist, there’s no chance to use the Holy Bomb on that side.
And of course, the government stated that the production of the Holy Bomb should stop.
Please help us continue making it.
“……Huh?”
Of course, the content of the documents was much more extensive and had claims of its own, but reading it, I couldn’t help but think, ‘So why does the logic lead this way?’
They wrote various applications for the Holy Bomb, but I couldn’t help but think, ‘Do we really need a Holy Bomb for that?’ To put it bluntly, from humanity’s perspective, isn’t it an incredibly dangerous weapon post-nuclear bomb? Even more so, it isn’t so excessively complex that we’d lose the ability to produce it if we stop. And we can’t hoard it either, because the key ingredient, holy water, loses its efficacy over time.
“And this is a request from the government.”
Aurora handed me another document.
Goodness, am I going to have to create an office or something? If I don’t, I’m worried I’ll end up working continuously even at the convent. …Though I’m hesitant because if I set up an office, I fear I’ll be surrounded by all sorts of clergy who come as my assistants.
I thought of Uncle Turner, who couldn’t bear it alone and was diligently hiring other staff. If I just leave it as it is, there will already be a ton of people under me, so there’s no need for me to add fuel to that fire. Anyway, in the end, it’s me who gets inconvenienced.
I placed the Gnome Region documents on my bed and accepted the government’s document Aurora offered.
To summarize the content:
We no longer need weapons of mass destruction.
However, the Gnomes are continuously producing these weapons of mass destruction.
They’re not the type to listen to us.
Please stop.
“…”
Of course, the government’s statement was much longer and more logical, but if you pull out the core message from all those words, it was roughly this.
So, summarizing the two documents:
The Gnomes are fervently producing bombs, unable to forget the taste of explosions even after the war has ended,
and the government, aware that there’s no longer a reason to use those bombs, is trying to stop the production, even though they are extremely dangerous.
Both groups are asking for my assistance.
And they’re using completely opposing logics.
“……”
I wiped my face in silence.
2.
Thankfully, the Gnome Region did not greet me in a peculiar manner. Like other regions, they laid out carpets, held a welcoming ceremony, and presented me with a bouquet. Having recently visited the Beastman Region, such normal greetings felt incredibly refreshing.
In fact, I couldn’t think of any unique culture that the Gnomes had… The buildings in the Gnome Region were mostly small but similar to modern architecture. Being a race that quickly absorbs new technologies, they learned the architectural techniques of the era from the beginning and started applying them.
Thus, it wasn’t easy to witness Gnome culture in the Gnome Region. Or rather, one could argue that their unique culture was thoroughly tied to modern technology.
A race living for huge explosions and even greater explosions. Their cultural pursuit of firepower means their culture inevitably changes alongside the advancement of weapon technology.
“Then, let us guide you to the room where the Goddess will stay.”
The regional representative said as he hurriedly walked. Though he seemed nervous, upon reflection, this representative was much shorter than me, with the body of a teenager. Unless I deliberately walked slowly, he’d have to hurry just to match my pace.
“Ah, you really don’t need to match my speed. The Goddess is an esteemed guest!”
Yet he was sweating profusely on his forehead.
Hmm.
Now that I think about it, in other regions, they usually provide a schedule first, but it seems a bit suspicious that they’re rushing to take me to a room to let me rest. I already knew Gnomes weren’t the type to pull such tricks from my last experience, but still… something about it made me feel as if they wanted to impress me.
Indeed. Soon they would hear the devastating news of weapon production stoppage—things that seemed like a bolt from the blue for them. And the only person who could prevent it would be me.
“……Yes, let’s do that then.”
Well, there was no reason for me to refuse such goodwill. While it may not greatly influence the decision I make in the future, I also wish to avoid jumping straight into duties as soon as I arrive.
…Though I did slow my pace just a bit.
3.
“Clara, which side are you going to support?”
I was changing into comfortable clothes in my room when Aurora asked that.
“This time, I definitely agree with the government.”
The Holy Bomb is a weapon that has relatively fewer side effects but is powerful. And that very fact makes it more dangerous.
The reason nuclear bombs are taboo for actual combat is partly due to their excessive efficiency, but that’s not all. If efficiency were merely the problem, we should have allowed for somewhat restrained bombs to be used in extremely limited situations. If you’re going to scorch the same area, a single tactical nuke would be much more economical than hundreds of traditional bombs.
The real danger of a nuclear bomb comes from the aftereffects that follow after the bomb explodes.
If you were in the effective range when the bomb went off, you could die from radiation exposure or live with lifelong disabilities, and even your descendants could die from awful illnesses. The fallout that lands in the epicenter stays on the ground for a long time and negatively affects all living beings in the area genetically.
If napalm were to fall uniformly across the globe, humanity might rise from the ashes. But if nuclear bombs of the same size were to drop evenly, humanity would suffer terribly, dying off over decades or generations.
That chilling sense of fear is what makes people shy away from using nuclear bombs. Even if the opponent isn’t human.
However, the Holy Bomb…
The Holy Bomb has no such aftereffects.
A bomb that can neatly excise an area is indeed just like a divine power, and using it against the enemy doesn’t carry any burden. Especially if one judges that the opponent doesn’t possess that weapon, there’s no reason to hesitate. The explosive power is constant based on size, and it’s over in an instant. Unless there’s a significant wind blowing during the reaction, the explosion occurs within expected ranges.
But if the amount can be regulated to yield the same power as a nuclear bomb, of course, I would advocate for its prohibition. No, I would probably refuse to provide holy power first.
“Indeed, since the weapon was created to deal with beasts and demons, there’d be no reason to produce it moving forward.”
My words were echoed by Linea.
“However, if we do actually impose a ban, the Gnomes would be incredibly disappointed…”
“Well, I have some ideas in mind regarding that.”
Of course, I’m not sure if the Gnomes would be pleased to hear my ideas.
But still, it’s good to at least speak it out.
As I was pondering this, someone knocked gently on the door. Linea briskly stood up without any sign of panic and approached the door.
She slightly opened it.
“Clara?”
Seeing her peek through the slightly opened door, I smiled.
“Welcome!”
Well, before trying to persuade the other side, isn’t it also a good idea to find out if it’s possible to persuade just one person first?
So, she was the one I called.
4.
“It’s all thanks to the Goddess that new buildings can be made, or plazas and parks can be established,” is usually what I hear when I travel to other regions. Of course, only the Beastmen were bold enough to directly name me, but many still enthusiastically shower me with praises about wanting to have a statue made of me in the Central Church or wanting a marble statue.
So sure, while the Beastmen were a bit excessive, it means that similar things are happening in other regions as well, it’s just varying in degree.
But the Gnomes were slightly different.
Of course, the Gnomes didn’t dislike me. If anything, they liked me more than anything. Producing those artworks relies heavily on me; without me, production efficiency drops drastically. The holy water infused with Ariel’s divine power and the holy water infused with Baal’s divine power can be obtained from clergy, but the highest quality comes from me and my closest, Rina.
And naturally, Rina detests working immensely, so if I were to say I wouldn’t need to create it, she’d celebrate with both hands up.
Thus, what the Gnomes were urgently concerned about was not showing off their friendship with me. What they truly needed was my consistent supply of holy water to this region, as well as permission to continue making Holy Bombs. The regional representative didn’t showcase our friendship, nor did he have the luxury to do so.
What he planned was to present carefully crafted presentations featuring me at the front.
“So, henceforth… if we utilize this method, we should be able to purify that world much more efficiently… I think.”
The commander of the Gnome Region’s barrier, who I had witnessed launch a bunch of witches when I was there, was passionately presenting before me.
Since the explosion power of the Holy Bomb is always consistent, they proposed to explode it not at ground level, but close enough to the ground where it would explode and radiate the divine power to purify the demon-tainted land.
And of course, for that, very precise missile technology and a thoroughly calculated new Holy Bomb were necessary.
“……”
As I remained silent after listening to the whole presentation, the room was enveloped in silence.
“……”
The silence lingered.
I felt that if I didn’t say anything, no one would dare to speak, so I let out a small sigh and said:
“So… what’s the difference between your presentation and simply going in by plane to sprinkle holy water?”
At my question, the commander fumbled through the report. As he searched for content, a scientist in a white gown dashed over to him. He quickly flipped through the pages and returned the document to the commander.
“Ah, thank you.”
The microphone attached to the commander’s outfit transmitted his voice throughout the entire room, making the regional representative seated in front of me wipe his face with his hand.
“The soil contaminated with dark magic is toxic in itself. Moreover, like during the final battle last time, there’s a risk that the aircraft could be grounded. Therefore, we believe this method is the safest, ensuring no loss of life.”
“Then, wouldn’t it be better to use drones?”
They’d probably be much cheaper.
This time, the commander quickly found a rebuttal. It seemed like something that was likely written on the same page.
“The range of missiles is significantly broader. Considering the explosion radius, a single missile can accomplish far more.”
“How about creating a container full of holy water in the form of a scatter bomb that spreads it everywhere? Then we wouldn’t even need the Holy Bomb, right?”
“Uh…”
This time, the commander’s arguments hit a wall again.
“And above all, comparing the essence of the divine light emitted from the holy power and the properties of holy water, it’s clear that the light is just that—light—and will merely purify the surface of the land, but won’t provide a fundamental solution.”
Indeed, while I sometimes overlook it, I am quite an expert when it comes to miracles and holy power. I’ve had ample opportunities to create and observe various phenomena from it.
From what I felt during the final battle, I recognized that if the land was deeply tainted by dark magic, light alone would fall short. I reaffirmed it during volunteer work; unless I actively purified it with a miracle, mixing holy water into the soil was definitely the safest and most reliable method.
Liquid could penetrate the earth more favorably than light could, which often gets physically obstructed at the top layers.
Moreover, it’s hard to do such things with a Holy Bomb. Even if it were possible, it’d be a huge waste to use a missile that way.
“……”
The commander drooped his shoulders.
Honestly, he probably already knew he would hear these words from me. They must have sensed that the content they presented seemed a bit over the top.
Yet they wouldn’t just give up either.
After all, this was something they genuinely loved and, in a way, could be seen as the essence of Gnome culture.
In fact, logically speaking, anything labeled a ‘weapon’ could immediately be deemed unusable. If I decided to stop making it, that would be the end of it.
The conference room was filled with despair.
Seeing grown adults on the verge of tears felt as if they were people who had lost their nation.
“…….”
At this point, it wouldn’t be strange to make them secretly. If they were to go to another world, avoiding the government’s eyes would be much easier. It’s not like there weren’t any Gnomes capable of wielding holy power. Efficiency might drop significantly, but there was no reason they couldn’t produce it.
I let out a small sigh and then spoke.
“I have a proposal.”
“……A proposal?”
“Yes, a proposal.”
I smiled at the regional representative and turned to look back.
“Roni, please come in.”
And then, I called forth the Gnome I had already convinced the day before.
5.
“……”
After the presentation of the plan concocted by Roni, myself, Linea, and Aurora, the conference room once again fell into silence.
However, this time it wasn’t a gloomy silence. Instead, it was a hopeful silence, filled with anticipation.
While my initial thought was just an idea, the presentation content was crafted by Roni, but it seemed to have resonated with them.
“This is our space development plan we have conceived.”
In reality, it was still very much like an idea. The content was haphazard and filled with ideas that might not even be feasible.
But frankly, we don’t have much time to lose.
Moreover, the universe isn’t just one. If the government pushes back against what we already know about this world’s universe, we can argue back by saying how absolutely clueless we are when it comes to the other world’s universe.
It’s fully about exploring an absolutely unknown realm while testing the limits of modern technology at the same time.
Isn’t that amazing?
Not only the Gnomes, but human scientists would surely be blown away. If we could redirect all the energy used to create weapons into this endeavor, we would surely yield meaningful results.
And, perhaps they might even find a way to use the Holy Bomb outside of space. Isn’t it said that they previously planned to propel spacecraft by detonating nuclear bombs? Couldn’t they use holy power instead? Well, that’s something the Gnomes will figure out.
“The discussions with the government…”
“I’ll handle that.”
In moments like this, when would I ever step up?
And, to be honest, I’m also genuinely curious about space. Isn’t it a dream most people have at least once in their childhood—to step outside aboard a spaceship?
I’d love to visit a future space station if it ever gets built.
…Though, for that, the church would need to contribute some funds.
“Thank you!”
Someone shouted that out.
“Thank you!”
Another voice echoed the sentiment. It meant that, for them, this was something attractive.
“And for the name of the first rocket! We will surely use the Goddess’s name!”
“Yes! That’s right!”
…Huh?
“The name of the space station too!”
“And the satellite’s name!”
That would probably get incredibly confusing… Well, the government wouldn’t likely approve all that, so I don’t need to exhaust myself reacting to every single thing. Honestly, it’s questionable whether every project will even get budget approval.
Looking at Roni, who was smiling at me from the front, I waved my hand slightly. Roni, reminiscent of a character from a graduation movie, tossed the papers she was holding up into the air.
Then, starting with Roni, a lot of people threw the papers above their heads.
It might have looked like a scene from the end of some science film—but,
we still hadn’t launched a single rocket.
…I can’t even imagine how thrilled they’d be upon launching just one satellite.
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