Chapter 598 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

Humans, known for their exceptional intellect and ability to use tools, are undeniably the most powerful race even today. Therefore, it is only natural that the King of Humans is also formidable. Yet, no matter how prosperous a nation becomes or how complex society gets, with the establishment of intricate rules for coexistence, and punishments for not adhering to them, some things remain unchanged. As long as humans are beasts, the King of Humans does not change. "I've been observing you too. I have a vague idea of what you wish for. You want to stop the fighting, don't you? You want to yell at others, telling them not to fight, right?" This is because man, as a beast, remains the same. "But I still don't understand. How is what you do any different from others?" The King of Humans asked with pure curiosity—a question only someone like him could pose. The snowy mountain is cold. In a mountain piled high with unmelting snow, larger physiques are advantageous. They conserve body heat better and make it easier to spot prey or predators. Such is the way beasts living in cold regions have larger builds. A giant is a human form that survived in the snowy mountain, the result of accelerated evolution under the banner of "tradition." Giants are a race chosen by nature itself. Life teems in the jungle. Innumerable beings are born, consumed, and decay. Life circulates every moment like a massive torrent. Here, the law of the jungle is but natural. Even among the same species, it’s no different. Humans adapted, survived in jungles, and maintained larger numbers compared to other beasts. As numerous humans competed for resources, it was natural for them to attack and consume each other. The desert presents the opposite scenario. A dry, barren sea of sand, it’s sparsely populated by life. Hence, beasts are companions rather than competitors in enduring the harsh environment, guiding one another to water or other sustenance sources. There, unique resources like black water were used to maximize the utility of beasts. The mixing resulted in creatures called monsters. Though monsters tainted by black water wandered in search of beasts, inversely, they filled the barren desert with life. The King of Humans understood these truths. It wasn't so much a logical comprehension as an inherent acceptance as a representative of the human condition when leading. Had they not attacked, the King of Humans would have left them be. For struggling to survive is a testament to life itself. "Humans want to fight? Why not fight as we always do? If one desires peace, then reconcile. If I'm to intervene before the fight and force peace, and punish those who don't listen, it would mean I'm monopolizing the battle. How can I, the King of Humans, monopolize battles when humans no longer fight?" Even though he understood the Transmission Keeper's plea, he could not accept it, just as he couldn't mindlessly slay other creatures. The King of Humans responded firmly despite the desperate request. "A human battle belongs to humans. I cannot prevent them from fighting and fight alone." "Elder Sister" shook off the Transmission Keeper's hand. Leaving behind the powerless hand of the Keeper, she walked away, leaving footprints behind her. Her dry footsteps echoed as the distance grew. "You can do it. Like the giants over there, like the cannibals, like the monsters. Achieve it with your own power." "...It seems I must." The Transmission Keeper sobbed, still prostrate on the ground. "If one cannot change all humans, they cannot change the King of Humans. For such is the existence of the Beast King." There was nothing unknown to the Transmission Keeper. They likely knew what kind of being the King of Humans was and what choices he would make. Nonetheless, the Transmission Keeper had to request from the "Elder Sister." "But, Sire. You are exceptional. Humans recognize your existence. Even if you are not conscious of it, all humans already follow and learn from you. Your actions become norms, and your words become virtues. No matter how incorruptible and great another ruler may be, compared to you, they are but fireflies under the sun." She never sought greatness. The power was granted from the beginning. Understanding other humans is a natural act for the Beast King. The "Elder Sister" intended nothing. But whether intentional or not, she was already a great queen, wielding the power to influence a vast empire across the continent. Without ruling or dominating, simply by existing. "Elder Sister" will remain a noble presence as a monarch. "The world needs a king to guide the humans." The musing Transmission Keeper stood up. She smiled wistfully and bowed one final time. "My liege, one thing remains." "One? Ah, you mentioned there were four monsters on the borders. But we’ve only encountered three." “Yes, the cultists who offer human sacrifices and deceive with falsehoods at the Lonely Mountain Yulim, uphold misguided beliefs. Since Lonely Mountain Yulim is close to this land, why not pay it a brief visit?” Even the king's warriors, weary from their journey, agreed to this. Lonely Mountain Yulim lies within the realm of "the country." Wandering lands treated as part of "the country" felt more like a tour. If it’s that close, why has "the country" been unaffected, and why have no tales about the cultists been transmitted? Those were mysteries to be unraveled once at Yulim. Thus, "Elder Sister" decided to venture to Yulim. News of the "Elder Sister" harshly dismissing the Transmission Keeper spread rapidly. Considering the "Elder Sister" had been absent for nearly a decade due to the Transmission Keeper, many were secretly delighted, even if they didn’t show it. Nevada was no exception. "My liege, you did well." "Oh? I did well?" "Indeed. You made the right decision." "Hehe, it feels good to be praised after so long." The "Elder Sister," uncharacteristic of a great, noble queen, felt shy. Nevada reminisced about the past. To when she found a lost child somewhere in the great forest. When two lonely souls, each other's entire world, were together. The exceptionally quick-to-learn girl emulated Nevada's every action, watching closely and imitating. The girl was so bright that she would grasp ten things from being taught just one. Though Nevada boasted with pride, she harbored a fear that the girl might completely surpass her, rendering Nevada obsolete. This fear drove Nevada to study diligently. Fortunately, before Nevada's limits were exposed, the king's warriors arrived. This allowed her to avoid showing any unsightly jealousy. Because of her service to the "Elder Sister" and her recognized talents, Nevada became one of the king's warriors. To Nevada, the "Elder Sister" was a queen, a benefactor, and a friend. She consciously tried not to think of her as a friend, yet that was the role she held dearest in her heart. "You don't need to heed everything El says. Though skilled, El is merely a subject of yours. She audaciously seeks to sit above you, manipulating everything to her will. It's crucial to clearly distinguish the ranks, as you've done." "Ranks... I suppose I'm considered above since I'm strong. Yes." Perhaps the "Elder Sister" felt the same way as well. Murmuring wistfully, the "Elder Sister" addressed Nevada. "What do you wish from me?" “Hm?” “The warriors say they want to take orders from me. What command did you seek when you became my warrior?” Nevada shook her head in protest. “The commands should come from you, Majesty. I wouldn't dare wish for anything.” "But I don't have any particular wishes." Neither did Nevada. She had no specific desires. Simply as things were. Wherever they went, whatever they became. Being together was enough. If Nevada had a wish, it was already fulfilled…. “Until you have something to wish for, I will stay by your side, Majesty.” The Lonely Mountain Yulim bore not a single blade of grass or tree. A mountain constructed of layers of rock was cloaked in gray, the sunlight dispersing in all directions. In the barren land, not even mist rose, allowing the clear light to dance unimpeded. Yulim is probably the best place to appreciate the aesthetics of emptiness. Once trees, grass, mist, and clouds are stripped away, you finally comprehend what fills the world. This journey was long in relation to the distance traveled. Not due to hindrances but rather the prolonged hospitality received along the way. It was still an era with few conflicts. Many sought to catch even a glimpse of the King of Humans. Some approached seeking resolution to disputes, but the "Elder Sister," though uncovering the truth, did not enforce punishment. Such acts were seen as magnanimity and benevolence. Transmission Keepers crafted tales of the "Elder Sister's" achievements. Three border monsters fallen by her hand were depicted as vile, cruel, and grotesquely portrayed as demons punished by the King of Humans for daring to break taboos. Erased were their circumstances and environments, leaving only the title “Kanjaka,” meaning a catastrophe that mustn’t exist. People pointed and jeered at them. Despite the dissemination of truths processed by someone else, the "Elder Sister" made no corrections. Leaving countless stories in her wake like footprints, the "Elder Sister" headed for Yulim. To meet the last monster, the fanatics who bewildered the masses—the Illustrious Light.