Chapter 47, A Major Decision

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Upon returning from Sanctuary to the Administration Floor, Kousuke instructed the guards to deny entry to all visitors. He then retreated to his private quarters, accompanied only by Kouhi and Mitsuki.

 

His caution stemmed not from suspicion of his companions, but from the gravity of what he had learned. He erected a powerful barrier to prevent any information from being overheard, understanding that even the slightest leak could prove catastrophic.

 

The unprecedented security measures were not lost on Kouhi and Mitsuki, who recognized the severity of the situation from Kousuke’s demeanor. Under normal circumstances, he would have shared important information with all members without hesitation. However, his decision to confide in them first reflected their unique origin as creations of Asura.

 

While Haku shared this same heritage, Kousuke regarded her more as a Daughter or Adopted Child, making this particular conversation inappropriate for her presence.

 

After recounting the revelations Asura had shared at Sanctuary, both Kouhi and Mitsuki released heavy sighs. The implications were immediately clear to them, explaining both the extraordinary security precautions and their exclusive inclusion in this initial discussion.

 

“Now that you understand the situation,” Kousuke began, “I need to discuss how much we should reveal to the others.”

 

The existence of beings who commanded the Three Great Goddesses was already known within the temple of Gazenran Tower. Kousuke had no intention of concealing this fact, though whether to disseminate it publicly remained a matter for debate. The true concern lay elsewhere entirely.

 

If Asura had indeed been the first Goddess recognized in the Western Continent, this raised profound questions about the historical connections between the other three continents, excluding the Central Continent. Kousuke had deliberately avoided pressing Asura for detailed accounts of these ancient times.

 

From Asura’s manner of speaking, it became evident that the world of Earthgard had assumed its current form long before the mythological periods documented in contemporary records. Naturally, stories from such distant epochs would not have survived in any other continent’s historical accounts.

 

However, remnants of those ancient civilizations certainly existed during that primordial era. It remained possible that fragments of these stories had been preserved as legends or oral traditions in various cultures.

 

Should such connections emerge, the Western Continent might begin advancing territorial or cultural claims based on their divine heritage. This prospect deeply troubled Kousuke, who had no desire to precipitate such conflicts.

 

Furthermore, even if Asura had originated from the Western Continent, other races and civilizations had undoubtedly flourished across the remaining three continents during the same period. The presence of a Goddess in one region did not establish that territory as the center of the world.

 

Given the numerous complications inherent in this revelation, even Kouhi and Mitsuki appeared troubled by the potential ramifications.

 

After a prolonged silence, Mitsuki finally spoke. “What do you intend to do, Kousuke-sama?”

 

Kousuke responded without hesitation. “I will definitely inform everyone about Asura’s existence. That decision is certain.”

 

Both Kouhi and Mitsuki nodded their immediate agreement. Given that Asura’s image had already appeared as a painting visible to the group, concealing this information would appear suspicious and potentially counterproductive.

 

“The primary challenge lies in determining whether to reveal this knowledge to the outside world,” Kousuke continued.

 

“Indeed,” Kouhi agreed with a troubled sigh.

 

“More precisely,” Kousuke clarified, “we must decide how much we should share about her existence and the implications thereof.”

 

As he articulated the core dilemma through discussion with his companions, Kousuke felt some of the weight lift from his shoulders. While this did not resolve the fundamental problem, it provided much-needed clarity.

 

“Perhaps we should simply tell everyone everything,” Mitsuki suggested thoughtfully.

 

“Why?” Kousuke requested, studying her expression carefully.

 

He recognized that this was not an impulsive suggestion but rather a carefully considered proposal, which prompted his desire to understand her reasoning.

 

“After all, we are merely visitors to this world.” Mitsuki explained.

 

“You’re right.” Kouhi murmured in response.

 

The moment Kousuke heard this observation, he understood its profound truth while simultaneously feeling a pang of isolation.

 

As Mitsuki had accurately noted, Kousuke, who had been reincarnated from another world, and Kouhi and Mitsuki, who were created by Asura, were indeed guests in this world. While their future remained uncertain, this fundamental reality would persist unless they entered the natural cycle of soul reincarnation native to this world.

 

Mitsuki’s proposal centered on the principle that they should provide complete transparency to the members who were born as legitimate inhabitants of this world, allowing them to make informed decisions based on full knowledge of the circumstances.

 

Upon hearing this suggestion, Kousuke crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and entered deep contemplation.

 

During this period, neither Kouhi nor Mitsuki interrupted his thoughts. Instead, they maintained vigilant watch over their surroundings, ensuring that no external interference would disturb his deliberations.

 

Despite their location on the Amamiya Tower Administration Floor and the protection of Kousuke’s personal barrier, they understood that no security measure provided absolute guarantees in any world.

 

After approximately ten minutes of intensive consideration, Kousuke reached his decision and proceeded toward the conference room where the other members awaited.

 

***

 

The Administration Floor conference room maintained an atmosphere of subdued tension. Rather than engaging in their customary casual conversation, the assembled members waited quietly for Kousuke’s arrival.

 

Twelve individuals had gathered in response to the summons issued by Kouhi and Mitsuki. Six were core members including Wahid, while the remaining six held responsibility for the Tower of the Sacred Magic and the Tower of Four Attributes.

 

The Tower supervisors consisted of Shrein, Sylvia, Collete, Peach, Floria, and Haku.

 

Such comprehensive gatherings were exceptionally rare, but what made this occasion truly unprecedented was Kousuke’s personal involvement in convening the assembly. While the group occasionally gathered spontaneously through natural progression of events, Kousuke had never before deliberately orchestrated such a formal meeting.

 

The assembled members possessed sufficient insight to anticipate the general nature of the forthcoming discussion. Everyone was aware that a fourth female figure had been documented in the temple at Gazenran Tower, and they knew that Kousuke had undertaken the significant journey to Sanctuary specifically to investigate this matter.

 

These circumstances alone indicated that Kousuke’s announcement would carry substantial importance.

 

When Kousuke entered the room accompanied by Kouhi and Mitsuki, the already tense atmosphere intensified further.

 

Recognizing the prevailing mood, Kousuke offered a slight smile and spoke reassuringly. “While some nervousness is natural, excessive anxiety will impair your ability to make rational decisions.”

 

His words provided modest relief, lightening the room’s atmosphere somewhat. From Kousuke’s perspective, the group’s demeanor remained fundamentally unchanged from their usual interactions.

 

Most importantly, he understood that his announcement would not significantly disrupt their current operational status. The women, particularly Shrein, had harbored concerns that Kousuke might abandon this world entirely, but his presence and mannerism suggested otherwise.

 

While Mitsuki prepared refreshments as Kousuke had requested, he delivered his preliminary remarks.

 

“The information I am about to share carries profound significance for this world. Please keep this in mind throughout our discussion.”

 

Following this statement, he and Kouhi collaborated to establish a powerful protective barrier around the conference room.

 

Every observer recognized the unprecedented nature of this action. Kousuke and Kouhi had never before combined their abilities to create joint barriers, which alone demonstrated the critical importance of the forthcoming revelation.

 

Kousuke waited until Mitsuki had completed the distribution of refreshments before beginning his formal presentation.

 

“Before I continue, I want to establish that everything I am about to reveal has been confirmed by the Goddesses themselves. I trust you understand that what I am about to say is not a lie.”

 

He paused to survey the faces of those assembled before him. Each individual displayed different expressions, but all reflected their fundamental trust in his judgment and integrity.

 

Satisfied with this assessment, Kousuke prepared to address the core matter at hand.