"To begin with, this current 'Savior' was an existence born from minor acts of kindness and exaggerated by bards. The image, fleshed out by the delusions and rumors of the masses, continued to swell without limit. By the time the name was known worldwide, it wasn't something a single person could ever hope to embody."
"So they couldn't bear the weight of the name..."
The origin of the Savior was the goodwill of an anonymous human.
It started with small acts of helping others.
These unrelated incidents overlapped and coalesced into a Savior who didn't actually exist.
If a true Savior had existed, perhaps those excessive rumors could have been kept in check.
However, no such individual was to be found anywhere.
The Savior was merely an imaginary figure, a fantasy created after being excessively exalted by the public.
"The Sudden Death of the Savior isn't anyone's fault. If I had to say, it’s a case of the human race getting what they deserve. Don't you think there’s nothing more arrogant than being disappointed in someone after touting them of their own accord?"
Gwen wore a thin smile, her face filled with sadism.
She was mocking humanity from the bottom of her heart, making no effort to hide the malice oozing from her.
This was her true nature.
"You seem to be enjoying this situation."
"Isn't that natural? It has nothing to do with me, after all. There’s nothing more pleasant than the misfortune of others. Oh, did you just think I have a bad personality?"
"............"
I glared at Gwen in silence.
She was deliberately trying to get under my skin, delighting in my reactions.
If I showed my anger, I would be playing right into her hands.
Without letting my tone sharpen, I shifted the topic.
"I believe this event is a precursor to something. What is your take?"
"Well, I'm generally of the same opinion, yes. I expect the situation will only worsen from here on out."
Gwen spoke while scratching her ear.
Despite her flippant attitude, her eyes showed she was deep in thought.
She wasn't just speaking off the cuff.
I pressed her for more details.
"Specifically, what will happen?"
"I can't say for certain, but a Strong Enemy will likely be born."
"A Strong Enemy?"
When I repeated her words, Gwen nodded.
She held up a single finger on her right hand.
Rotating it in the air, she laid out her theory.
"The Power of Desires that the Saviors couldn't absorb has lost its destination and is now stagnant. It won't just disappear. It will find an outlet somewhere to manifest itself."
"And whoever becomes that outlet will be the Strong Enemy?"
"Exactly! As expected of Harvelt-san, you're quick on the uptake."
Gwen pointed her finger at me.
She continued, her smile full of delight.
"Voices calling for the Demon King's subjugation and the trend of exalting the Savior. These dual elements constitute the Will of the World this time around. It's quite intense."
"It doesn't matter. No matter who they are, I will suppress them."
I replied with a resolute attitude.
The situation had become incredibly convoluted.
I could no longer afford to be picky about my methods.
If it came down to it, I would have to resolve this through sheer force.
Should a new enemy appear, I intended to eliminate them before they could make a move.
"You're full of confidence. Very 'Lord Demon King' of you."
Gwen said nonchalantly.
Even in the face of my pressure, she remained unfazed.
Lying back on the sofa, she laughed while kicking her legs.
She looked like an innocent child.
However, her essence was the polar opposite of innocence.
I asked her one more question, just in case.
"I assume there are no countermeasures?"
"Unfortunately, no. We've already reached an irreversible stage. Even if you forcibly suppressed the Will of the World now, it would only go on a rampage somewhere else later. It’s wiser to let it vent for the time being."
"I see. I understand."
I stood up from the sofa.
Then, I looked down at Gwen, who had stopped moving, and made my declaration.
"—I intend to kill the Will of the World. I will sever this cycle here and now."
"Wait, that's a joke, right? Are you actually serious?"
"I am."
Hearing my answer, Gwen’s face twisted as if she had just swallowed a bitter pill.
She seemed dissatisfied with something.
It was an expression I had never seen from her before.
It was a look I couldn't have imagined coming from her usually composed self.
Ignoring her reaction, I continued.
"If anything interferes with World Peace, I will not tolerate it, regardless of what it is. I will see it eradicated."
"No, no, that's impossible. Doing something like that without destroying the world is completely out of the question. First of all—"
"Making the impossible possible is my duty," I said, cutting her off.
Gwen let out a heavy sigh.
Still lying down, she looked up at me.
"...What a difficult way to live. Isn't it so exhausting that you regret it?"
"As long as I can strive toward my mission, I have no reason to regret it."
"And here I thought you were the intellectual type, but you're a complete fool."
"I am well aware of my own foolishness."
I have come this far by making mistake after mistake.
I understand that better than anyone.
However, I had no intention of wavering.
Because I believe this is the right path.
I turned on my heel.
I had gained a decent harvest from this talk.
Any further conversation was unnecessary for now.
Just as I was about to use Teleportation Magic, I spoke to Gwen one last time.
"I might need your wisdom again. I'll be counting on you."
"Yes, yes, leave it to me. I don't exactly have a right of refusal, so I'll keep helping you out."
Gwen responded in a somewhat half-hearted tone.
I didn't quite understand why, but it seemed there had been a shift in her mood.
Even if I asked, she likely wouldn't give me a straight answer.
Sensing that, I activated Teleportation and left the room.