Chapter 371: Things I was worried about (1)

    The overall theme of the event is the extermination of demon worshippers and, as a result, a private meeting with me.

    The question, then, is: how many demon worshippers need to be dealt with for this private meeting to take place?

    This is the central focus.

    Points are awarded for either eliminating demon worshippers or bringing them into the order.

    This is the most basic principle.

    However, due to their nature, demon worshippers move without leaving any trace, making even detecting them a challenge.

    Therefore, the value of information is highly significant, and the person reporting a worshipper may be credited with a greater contribution than the one who directly deals with them.

    Additionally, points can also be earned through actions such as reforming those who have been brainwashed into becoming demon worshippers or rescuing slaves who were on the verge of being sacrificed.

    Even without direct extermination, people can earn points, and everyone utilizes their own strengths to the fullest.

    Reports suggest that while many have dealt with demon worshippers directly, those providing information significantly outnumber them.

    The situation has escalated to such an extent, with bizarre and horrific incidents occurring, that national-level support has begun.

    Demon worshippers are far beyond the level of mere heretics or pagans; they are a malignant cancer on society, which has united everyone with a common purpose.

    There was some concern that demon worshippers might resort to desperate measures, but so far, no such tendencies have been observed.

    Lastly, the most important aspect of the event: its duration.

    There is no set end date. If the event were to end, people would likely stop pursuing demon worshippers.

    Human nature is fickle; without rewards, they would cease almost immediately.

    Only a small number act purely out of conviction or a sense of duty.

    To address this, rewards will be given unpredictably, and the event is intended to continue indefinitely.

    “Dad, what are you doing?”

    “I’m working.”

    “Work?”

    “Yes.”

    While answering Ariel’s question, I didn’t stop typing.

    Though the event was in full swing, I couldn’t delay completing The Chronicles of Zenon.

    Moreover, I had to handle Q&A sessions, so it was better to work in advance.

    Ariel, hearing my response, remained still for a moment before slowly approaching me.

    “Up we go!”

    As expected, she climbed onto my lap with a spirited effort.

    I carefully ensured she wouldn’t fall, having anticipated this.

    Sitting on my lap, Ariel blinked curiously at the typewriter.

    I chuckled softly at her adorable actions and continued writing.

    Click-click-click.

    “Wow.”

    Ariel’s eyes sparkled with fascination as she watched letters appear on the holographic screen with each keystroke.

    She reached out her tiny arms, waving them excitedly, which was endearing yet precarious.

    I spread my thighs slightly to secure her.

    “Hmm... ‘Zenon gazed at the vessel containing the soul of Diabolos. Tentacles, resembling octopus limbs, were attached to its face...’ Zenon? Diabolos? Soul?”

    Perhaps the terms were unfamiliar to such a young child.

    Ariel tilted her head, puzzled.

    Even the small sprout atop her head swayed with the motion.

    I wondered when that sprout would grow and what purpose it served. My curiosity distracted me, and I reached out to lightly tap the sprout.

    “Huh?”

    Ariel looked up at me with her golden eyes, curious about the sudden touch.

    Meeting her gaze, I said nothing for a while, then playfully squeezed her chubby cheeks.

    Her soft, marshmallow-like skin was irresistibly addictive.

    If I could, I’d keep touching it forever.

    I placed my hands on the typewriter, staring at the sentences displayed on the hologram.

    This was volume 28 of the Chronicles of Zenon, the climax and the true beginning of the tragedy.

    It focused on the battle between Zenon’s party and the resurrected Archdemon, Diabolos, through a vessel created by greed.

    The vessel’s design was inspired by Cthulhu mythology—a monstrous figure with an octopus-like face.

    ‘Since Kraken exists in this world, this should resonate deeply.’

    Everyone knew about the Kraken, the fearsome octopus-like sea monster, which, in this world, was a real creature.

    According to records, the Kraken was born when demonic blood seeped into the sea. The same applied to other sea monsters.

    Back on Earth, sailing often meant risking one’s life, but in this world, every departure was a life-or-death gamble.

    Perhaps that’s why veteran sailors being as strong as knights wasn’t surprising here.

    But comparing them directly was a mistake, as they were more akin to “specialists.”

    ‘I’ll have to nerf the vessel a bit.’

    Even with the vessel fueled by greed, Diabolos couldn’t unleash his full power without destroying it.

    But even with restrictions, he remained a formidable foe, a calamity capable of overwhelming Zenon’s party without Lily’s support.

    Other races, lacking Lily’s aid, were forced to retreat under the shadow spread by Diabolos.

    Merely touching it caused demonic transformation, sowing chaos.

    This alone spoke volumes about his strength—a walking catastrophe.

    ‘Honestly, he’s not the most compelling character.’

    Diabolos, as a character, wasn’t particularly appealing.

    Even as his creator, I could admit that. His overwhelming power and influence were fitting for an Archdemon, but his sole purpose—bringing ruin—was one-dimensional.

    Readers might feel disappointed when he’s defeated anticlimactically, especially after nearly 30 volumes of buildup.

    ‘And that’s when I hit them with a twist: the final blow isn’t dealt by Zenon but by Lily.’

    Diabolos strikes Lily in a surprise move, setting up hints for his eventual return.

    Readers would be shocked.

    ‘Why? After the first night together, wasn’t this supposed to be a happy ending? Does this mean Lily and Jin can’t end up together?’ they’d wonder, utterly confused.

    Just imagining the reactions excited me.

    If this were my past life, the comments section would be flooded with question marks, or people would be too stunned to comment.

    This world lacked even the concept of cliche?s, let alone established tropes.

    Unlike Greek and Roman myths, which often ended in tragedy, stories here only ever showed hopeful conclusions.

    ‘Then again, it’s not even a cliche? if there’s nothing to begin with.’

    With a grin, I dove into writing the battle scene with Diabolos.

    Though Mom might scold me later, Luminos once said: “Fallen souls can be purified, but it’s a challenging task even for them.”

    If worst comes to worst, I can just release a side story. For now, I’ll write at my own pace.

    ‘Better finish quickly so I can play with Ariel.’

    With that thought, I continued writing in peace.

    [The dreaded event has become a reality... with innocent casualties.]

    [A phenomenon bordering on madness. Was this truly the right thing to do?]

    [The victims’ families demand accountability from Zenon, claiming he is ultimately responsible...]

    [Investigations confirm the victims and their families were not demon worshippers. As such, the event must be brought to an end...]

    And then, disaster struck.

    [Does the ‘vessel’ truly exist? Adventurers chasing demon worshippers into an underground cave give vivid accounts.]

    [The site resembled a grand temple, featuring a statue of a creature with an octopus-like head. The statue appeared so lifelike it seemed ready to move.]

    [Just looking at it felt maddening, forcing an immediate retreat. Only one survivor.]

    [Is this account credible?]

    “?????”

    What the hell is this now?