CH 49

March 16th, 2023

‘God’ is a spiritual existence that is more dependable to believers than anyone else. Even if they don’t appear directly, they firmly believe that they exist and spread the teachings of the gods widely to make the world a better place.

However, this is only a story of the “earth,” and in this world, one can never deny the existence of the gods. The moment one directly denies the gods, divine punishment falls, and through the special power called “sacred power,” they reveal their existence.

In this way, denying the gods in this world is an impossible thing and has become a catalyst for the significant development of “theology.” Theology is an essential study for people in this world regardless of their race, and it is one of the things that priests must learn.

However, even though theology has developed, there are many shortcomings in various ways. It deals with how to interpret the divine trust and what teachings the gods gave to their believers in history.

It can be called chaotic and can also be said to have no “framework.” Historically, many scholars and philosophers have made numerous efforts to create this “framework,” but almost all of them have given up.

The history of gods has been with humans longer than anyone can imagine, and it was challenging to establish the teachings they received during that history because there were so many of them.

As a result, theology can also be seen as a kind of history, but many clergy firmly believe that there will come a chance to reestablish the discipline someday. It is not just about the history of God being with people, but true ‘theology.’

And the fruit of that waiting is just beginning to bear now.

“Is it really a sin to simply have these sins? I do not think so. In fact, even Lumineus had once been jealous of Mora. But he did not commit the sin directly.”

“Does the sin become established only if you commit an action with that sin?”

“Yes. However, if you continue to hold onto that sin, even if it’s temporary, it will also become a sin.

Overall, people dressed in white clothes on a white background were discussing fervently with a round table in between them. Most of them were elderly with white hair and deep wrinkles, and their clothes bore the symbol of the denomination embroidered in golden thread.

The followers of the Luminous faith, who possess the greatest power in this world, were not simple devotees, but rather influential bishops and professors who taught theology within the church.

It wasn’t particularly unusual for them to gather in one place to discuss, but there was a difference from before: they were passionately exchanging their opinions. Usually, the bishops would gather periodically and go through formal procedures, but there was almost no real gain from it.

However, now it was completely different. Various opinions were exchanged like a dam burst open, and counterarguments poured out without end.

“Especially, we must pay attention to the sin of pride. As you all know, from ancient times, those who were prideful inevitably fell. You only need to look at the elves nearby. This author also put an elf as the demon of pride because they know this.”

“Pride… we need to investigate other sins to be sure, but we cannot deny the sin of pride. Even the Luminous instructed us not to be proud and to always remain humble.”

“Regarding pride, that may be so, but how should we explain the other sins?”

The reason why the archbishops gathered in one place to discuss was none other than the contents of Xenon’s Biography mentioned this time. In the recently published Xenon’s Biography, demon executives appeared, and Isaac incorporated the concept of the ‘”Seven Deadly Sins’.

If it had been Earth, it would have been a common concept that anyone would have overlooked without much thought, but it was quite different here. The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins was enough to shock the clergy.

The fact that sins were strictly divided into seven categories was surprising enough, but the problem was that these sins were not limited to humans but applied to all races.

The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins was like a framework or paradigm presented to the clergy living in this world. Many theologians have presented various theories so far, but there has been no concept that everyone can agree on like the Seven Deadly Sins.

Especially since Xenon’s Biography has a huge impact on the world, it is inevitable that it attracts attention, unlike just any other novel.

“However, I’m not sure if it’s really okay to borrow the story from the novel… we don’t know how knowledgeable the author is in theology.”

Of course, there were not only positive opinions but also negative opinions. The consensus was whether it is right to apply the concepts that appeared in the novel to academia.

Their opinions were reasonable, but…

“Well, then, can Archbishop Hans present a concept as clear as the Seven Deadly Sins?”

“…No, I cannot.”

“We know what Archbishop Hans is worried about. The author may not even be a clergyman. However, he surely conducted in-depth research. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have presented the Seven Deadly Sins.”

Almost all of their arguments were refuted.

The influence of Xenon’s Biography was strong, but they had mistaken it because the concept itself was so novel. The author of Xenon’s Biography is knowledgeable in theology as much as he is experienced.

In addition, people speculate that the author of Xenon’s Biography is an old philosopher. Not a young blue blooded boy like Isaac.

From Isaac’s perspective, the settings that were useful in his past life were simply adopted without any paradigm shift, but for others, it was nothing short of shaking the foundations of theology with a seemingly obvious setting.

“And the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is not limited to our Luminous Order. It should be applied to the concept of theology itself.”

“Does that mean we have to collaborate with other denominations?”

One of the archbishops frowned and expressed his dissatisfaction. The Luminous Order has a wide range of beliefs, so it is not uncommon for them to dislike other denominations.

Of course, on the surface, they have a good relationship with other denominations. It’s just that the Luminous Order has the greatest power, not that other denominations are weak.

When the elderly bishop expressed his dissatisfaction, he shook his head.

“No. It would be best to conduct research within our denomination for now. We don’t know how Mora and Hirt will react.”

“Well… I understand. Then, what do you plan to do about finding this author?”

The archbishop asked if they were going to find Isaac, the author of Xenon’s Biography. The bishop looked down and pondered.

Isaac, who presented the framework that was so difficult to propose, even if it was just a misconception. He wanted to ask him right away what the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins was exactly.

But at least for now, they couldn’t do that. It was because of his health condition, as mentioned in the newspaper.

“It’s not possible right now. I heard his health is not good, so it might be burdensome if we visit him for no reason.”

“Ah, you the manuscript this time? They simply said it was a nosebleed.”

The seven deadly sins mentioned this time have caused a great impact, but people were more concerned about Isaac’s health, which was revealed by the publisher.

Although the blood on the submitted manuscript was just a nosebleed, people were worried about the author’s health, especially considering that he is the author of Xenon’s Biography.

“Some may argue that artists often neglect their health and overwork themselves. There are countless examples of artists who have collapsed due to exhaustion after spending three days and nights drawing or writing novels.”

Is that so? I’m not an artist, so I’m not sure.”

In reality, many artists harm their health by being too absorbed in their work. They often stay up all night, neglect exercise, and as a result, their stamina decreases.

Isaac wrote as a “hobby,” so he had a relatively free stance, but recently he has tended to overwork himself due to the pressure. Fortunately, he is now on the mend thanks to his family’s comfort.

“Anyway, until more stories about the seven deadly sins come out, it would be good to reestablish the discipline. Unless we meet the author in person, we won’t be able to hear a more accurate theory.”

“I see. But do you know how the elves reacted? Since the sin of pride was committed by the elves, there should be some reaction.”

The old man who was leading the discussion snorted at the bishop’s question and opened his mouth.

“They’ll probably try to find out who the author is. They already caused a great war during the racial war because of their pride, so they’ll be targeted for that.”

*****

The 9th volume made its appearance in the world, and people were excitedly discussing the Seven Deadly Sins and the new paradigm it presented, claiming that it had advanced theological research like never before seen in such detail.

For me, it was a completely unexpected reaction. I simply brought over the Seven Deadly Sins that had been frequently used in my past life, so it’s quite absurd.

However, what’s even more ridiculous is that the publisher posted an article expressing concerns about my health after seeing the coffee stains on my manuscript. Furthermore, since artists tend to harm themselves in order to complete their works, people started gossiping about me. Various hypotheses were circulating, but the most overwhelming one was that my life was nearing its end.

As I mentioned before, readers speculated that I am an old sage, but in conjunction with that, they also assume that my life span is not much longer.

I was amazed by their misconception of my life expectancy as a terminally ill patient at such a promising age of 17, but there was something more important than that now.

“Isaac, are you really okay?”

“Why do you ask? I’m perfectly fine.” 

I replied, swallowing the food in my mouth. I looked at Cecily, who was sitting across from me. Her pretty face was full of worry and anxiety.

After the incident that happened, Cecily’s frequency of worrying about me has increased significantly. When we were with others, she used to give me anxious glances, but now that we were alone, she asked me openly.

Currently, the two of us were having lunch at the cafeteria. Rina left earlier, claiming to be busy, and Marie didn’t attend the class with us.

‘She really has her doubts.’

Last time, it was just a guess, but I could be sure now after seeing Cecily’s reaction. She suspects that I am the author of Xenon’s Biography.

As soon as an article expressing concerns about my health came out, she asked me that kind of question, so I couldn’t help but be certain. I looked at her, who couldn’t hide her worries, and spoke in my usual blunt tone.

“What makes you think I’m sick? I’m perfectly fine.”

“Just in case. Have you had any nosebleeds recently?”

“No, I haven’t.”

She asked me outright like that. I barely managed to suppress a wry smile.

Still, it wasn’t so bad to have a beautiful woman like Cecily worry about me personally. In fact, it made me feel more at ease knowing that she cared about my health.

But I didn’t think it would be good to continue on this topic. So, I put down my fork and asked her a question.

“By the way, did you read the 9th book that just came out, Cecily noona? They printed a lot this time, so it’s somewhat better.”

“Of course, I read it. Remember that I bought the last copy at the bookstore? How about Isaac?”

“I read the one noona bought.”

Xenon’s Biography always sells out within a day when a new volume is released. Especially last time, it set a record by selling out in less than half a day.

And the publisher knows it very well, so this time they printed a lot from the beginning. I heard they introduced new technology, but I don’t really know what that means.

Anyway, thanks to that, the 9th volume of Xenon’s Biography was easy to obtain. Even if all copies were sold out on the day of release, new books would be available in two days, so as long as you were patient enough, you could buy them.

“Then you must know about the Seven Sins too, right?”

Cecily erased the dark expression on her face and spoke brightly. As expected, a bright expression suited her well.

“Of course, I know.”

“Do you know about the demon in charge of lust, too?”

Cecily asked me with a glint in her red eyes. I nodded in agreement.

Then, she raised the corners of her mouth slightly and rested her chin on her hand. With just that gesture, a subtle sensuality flowed out, and the atmosphere changed in an instant.

Afterward, Cecily looked at me intently with her charming gaze and spoke quietly. It was her own seductive voice, unlike the last time when she had worried about my health.

“Her name was Lilith, right? A descendant of a succubus and a demon who became a devil.”

“Yes.”

“She had black hair that fell all the way down to her waist and red eyes. The description also mentioned that her voice was full of sensuality. Her figure was also sensual. But…”

Cecily blurred her words for a moment before saying abruptly in a subtle voice.

“It could be my imagination, but every time I read that description, I somehow come to mind?”