Niah closed the metal nameplate and dragged it back into the luggage laboriously again.
In a short period of silence, Thales thought about the story on Anzac's nameplate, or rather, the story Melgen told him through the nameplate.
The old priestess averted her gaze from the setting sun outside the window and waited quietly for Thales. She seemed to have expected this silence.
"Faith and magic came from the same source. The Holiness Exorcism Campaign resulted in the rise of humans?"
Thales repeated the story. What flashed in his mind was his first meeting with Asda.
"Wizards seek the truth of the world. They use all sorts of ingenious methods and wisdom to use the resources and energy of the world to serve a better world."
Melgen glanced at him before she spoke in a languid manner, "You're right.
"But this is only the beginning."
There was a faint hint of pity in the old priestess' voice.
"Once the enemies from the outside are gone, differences arise.
"Their attitudes towards the gods and faith eventually caused the elder and the youngest to go their separate ways, and they gradually drifted apart."
'The elder and the youngest. So, this is their explanation.
'It's really hard for them to come up with this explanation that is similar to Abel and Cain.'
Thales sighed in his heart.
"The eldest son of the god versus the youngest son of the god. Loyalty, rebellion …"
'If I did not know …'
"I thought Artanis was arguing against the insect swarm," the prince mocked quietly.
Melgen, who had very sharp ears, frowned.
"Artanis? Who? "
Thales raised his head and smiled innocently and sincerely.
"It's nothing. It's just a joke from a certain Northland …"
Melgen pursed her lips. The corners of her lips were sharp.
The old priestess quickly returned to her lecturing state.
"Hence, for thousands of years, under the attention of the gods and the practice of men, the eldest son and the youngest son, faith and magic, the church and wizards fought endlessly. They went back and forth on different paths and beliefs."
"Wait a minute?"
Thales narrowed his eyes at the perfect moment to interrupt her.
"So, based on what you said, the difference between faith and magic is because the believers believe in the gods, while the wizards do not?
"Can I understand it this way? The believers believe in the gods when it comes to things they do not know, while the wizards only believe in themselves?"
Melgen did not reply immediately. She looked at Thales quietly, and there was a slight ripple in her eyes.
She recalled that two days ago, when she came to the House of God's Grace, she visited Archdeacon Stylia Nydus, who was looking forward to finding books and preparing for her lessons (Megan unintentionally glanced at the book. It was the 1024 lines of the church's classic hymn, "Light Illuminates Ten Thousand Miles"). She also brought High Priestess Liscia's greetings and …
Inform him that the duty of teaching Prince Thales cum Duke of Star Lake will be taken over by him.
She still remembered the archdeacon's incredulous shock and well-suppressed anger.
Indeed, as one of the fifteen archbishops of Constellation, Stylia Nydus was young, promising, and had a bright future ahead of him. He had preached to countless nobles and ministers and enlightened their children. He did not want to let go of the chance to read Sunset's Holy Teachings for the future King of Constellation, spread God's grace, and glorify his sacred achievements.
Just like Archbishop London was to Tormond II, just like Archbishop Clement was to Mindis III.
However, the lucky ones who were blessed by the Setting Sun and bathed in divine grace.
They would always become accustomed to the light in front of them.
It was to the extent that he had forgotten where the gift came from.
He had also forgotten that for the believers of God, tests and obstacles were everywhere.
The stars shone brightly.
Only after the Setting Sun.
"This is the most common and dangerous misunderstanding in history."
Melgen smiled faintly and nodded slightly at the prince. She was gentle and polite.
"This is especially true for those who have yet to have the chance to understand it. They are determined to hate faith because of hearsay."
Thales furrowed his eyebrows.
He put on a helpless expression and wanted to exchange a look with Gilbert that was of tacit understanding.
But Count Caso fell silent. He only stared at Melgen quietly.
"Wizards don't believe in God?"
"Not really."
Melgen's expression turned cold.
Her next sentence made Thales incredibly puzzled.
"Of course they believe in God.
They believe in God and their faith. "
Melgen's tone was still calm, but her words were firm and forceful.
"Even if they deny it many times."
'What?'
Thales blinked. "I don't …"
"It's just that the God they believe in …" Melgen did not let him ask. At that moment, the priestess' voice was dark and solemn.
"It is an existence without form, without name, without form, without substance, but in their eyes, its power and status is greater than everything else."
She said softly,
"They call it magic."
Thales' eyebrows twitched.
Melgen clasped her hands together. Her posture was proper, but her aura was imposing.
"But they will occasionally use the excuse that they seek knowledge, call it rationality, pretend to believe in the truth, pretend to pursue progress, use sophistry to elevate themselves, and worship that they are supreme and unique."
After she said a series of words that made Thales fall into deep thought, she remained expressionless.
"Does it sound familiar?"
Before Thales could think deeply about this sentence, Priestess Melgen's eyes lit up.
"But no matter how glib their tongues are, they cannot hide an indisputable fact."
In the next second, her words were incredibly certain.
"Because magic itself is their God, their faith, their supreme principle, and it is also what their 'church' teaches and their 'teachings'."
Thales could sense the power in her words.
"To a certain extent, its place in their hearts is no different from how our God is in our hearts. In fact, it might even surpass it.
"This unfamiliar 'God' possesses a domineering, cruel, indifferent, and merciless power that far surpasses all the existences that have been worshipped and revered since ancient times."
Melgen's tone gradually turned cold.
"The law is strict, and the hegemony is supreme. Those who doubt it will find it difficult to question it, and those who go against it will not be tolerated."
Thales was puzzled.
"Are you saying that they worship the concept and principle of magic itself as a God?"
Melgen only snorted softly. She did not answer him directly.
"As for the millions of believers who were once infected and brainwashed by it, regardless of whether they are wizards or not, and whether they have the ability to control magic, they are even worse.
"They believe that they are the orthodox religion and denounce those who do not believe in it. They are even more fanatical than the believers of all gods and demons. They are many times more hypocritical, but they do not know it."
'Fanatical, hypocritical, but they do not know it …'
Thales was dumbfounded.
But at that moment, he suddenly remembered a long, long time ago, when he was still on his way to Dragon Clouds City from Black Sand Region. His future was uncertain, and he was anxious.
At that time, the Strange Doctor, Ramon, who was very interested in magic, explained it to him like this.
'"Magic is a meaning, an attitude, a belief, and a principle of life!"'
Thales still remembered Ramon's expression at that moment and his tone that was close to madness.
'"This is a wizard! This is a wizard! This is the most important, brilliant, and precious chapter in the history of mankind's rise to power that has been forgotten by everyone! "'
The priestess' words gradually became filled with praise and criticism.
"They are clearly cultists, but they call themselves non-believers. They clearly have their own standpoint, but they pretend to be neutral. They clearly have countless biased opinions, but they pretend to be objective.
"They are clearly incompetent and powerless, but they insist on believing that they are fake gods in human form who are above the world. They play with the world and enjoy the admiration of the people. At the same time, they also say in a smug manner that this is the noble attitude of pursuing the truth and researching magic."
Melgen's expression tensed up. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable, but she still insisted on finishing her words.
"So, wizards do not only believe in their own gods, but they are also the worst and most fanatical believers. They are the servants and slaves of god who do not need to pray and repent, receive baptism, listen to the voice, perform holy tasks, or perform holy rites. They can obtain motivation from their gods and are filled with energy to the point of self-orgasm."
The old priestess coughed softly. Niya quickly handed her a teacup and massaged her back gently.
'Servants and slaves of god who are filled with energy to the point of self-orgasm …'
After listening to the long string of words, Thales took a deep breath and tried hard to chase away the aloof man in blue who automatically took his place in his mind.
"Wow … Wow."
'Asda.
'Looks like …'
While he was a little surprised, Thales could not help but think in a slightly gloating manner.
'You have met your match.'
"So, you want to tell me that magic as a religion is wrong, and wizards as believers are bad, and that there are countless bad consequences?"
Once Melgen was done resting, Thales organized his thoughts and tried hard to direct the topic of conversation towards something he was curious about.
"And this is why we must resist and ban magic?"
But against his expectations, when she was asked this question, Priestess Melgen, who seemed to be very pious and hated magic, paused for a moment. She seemed to be thinking about it, and she looked a little lost and hesitant.
She cast a profound glance at the sunset outside the window.
"I don't know."
Thales was a little dumbfounded.
"What do you mean?"
Melgen looked away and shook her head.
"As believers of our god, tolerance and strictness are our commandments.
So, we cannot be so arbitrary. We cannot make a judgment and say that magic itself is wrong just because we see that the consequences are not harmonious. "
When he heard her answer, Thales was a little shocked.
The old priestess rubbed her arms. While she thought about it, she said cautiously,
"At most, we can say that countless wizards in history, countless people who used magic and worshiped magic have done many wrong things."
Melgen's thoughts seemed to have cleared up a little. She then nodded.
"But if so many people who worshiped magic as their creed all did wrong things …"
The old priestess sighed slowly.
"Who can say that the supreme magic itself is definitely pure and untainted, and that it is not involved?
So, I do not know the answer.
And I cannot mislead you. "
Thales felt a little dizzy from this series of judgements that first pursued her fiercely, then gently let her off the hook.
"You have confused me."
Melgen turned her head around and smiled apologetically at Thales.
"But I can find another angle."
The priestess returned to her gentle and soft tone.
"Just as I said in the beginning, this is a field of knowledge about people.
"When I believe in our god, what is important is not how great and omnipotent I believe in her, even though she is, but whether I can become better after I believe in her. Can I become more beneficial to myself, others, and everything else?"
Melgen looked at him with a smile.
"Thales, I believe that God does not want us to worship them and be blindly superstitious.
Instead, he wants us to look at each other with tolerance and compassion, and reflect on ourselves. "
'Do not be blindly superstitious …'
Thales had a strange expression on his face. 'These words actually came from a believer?'
Melgen thought about it for a while before she sighed with emotion.
"I believe that we believe in God so that we can become better.
"It is not to make God more superior. That is not our duty, and it should not be.
"As long as we do not misunderstand God, it will not mislead us."
Melgen sucked in a deep breath.
"So, back to our question just now, is magic good or bad?
"The two sons of God, belief in magic, came from the same source, but there is a difference between the older and the younger."
Melgen looked up, and there was a much firmer look in her eyes.
"As the eldest sons of God, when we believe in God, what we should believe in is the humility, self-reflection, sincerity, and kindness that we can obtain when we are in front of God. This is the key to belief.
"As for the youngest sons of God, in history, what they are most easily deceived by is the greed, desire, indignation, and arrogance born after they abandon God and become independent. This is the tragedy of magic."
'The humility and self-reflection when they are in front of God.
The greed and desire to abandon God and become independent. '
Thales sat up straight without realizing it.
'Strange.
These words … sound very familiar. '
He realized once again that if he treated this old woman, who answered while thinking, sometimes paused, and sometimes hesitated, as a fanatic believer who only had "God is great" in her mind, he would be wrong.
And it had been a long time since Gilbert interrupted her.
"And every time the youngest son becomes the ruler, he instigates people to question God and their beliefs, and exaggerates his own power and status. In the end, what emerges is the arrogance and ignorance of the mortals."
Thales quirked an eyebrow. 'This is … a humanistic religion?'
"So, what you're trying to say is …" The prince tried to keep up with the other party's words, which had been immersed in religious language for a long time. "Magic is not wrong, but those who believe in magic can walk towards the 'sorrows of magic'? Walk towards depravity? Plant the seeds of evil? "
Melgen smiled.
"It is not just magic, my child. It is not just magic."
The expression on her face became much more benevolent.
"In every era, every person will have their own beliefs and their own God. Kings believe in power, merchants believe in wealth, artists believe in love, nobles believe in status, scholars believe in knowledge … There are too many of them, and magic is not the only one."
'Kings believe in power.'
Thales tensed up.
"But no matter what you believe in, the faith in your heart that is originally flawless can be tainted, and it can be replaced without you even knowing it.
"It can change from reverence towards God's great achievements, from the knowledge of one's own insignificance, from the need to be humble, from the countless good things that can be brought about by faith, to something else."
Melgen said solemnly,
"So, no, it is not magic that brought about the Path of the Youngest, but the Path of the Youngest corrupts the people who believe in magic."
Thales pondered.
"Such as?"
Melgen was silent for a while before she began to think. Her expression changed gradually. Sometimes, it was sentimental, and sometimes, it was sad.
"For example, every time the greed in people's eyes to demand things from the outside world is boundless, and it far exceeds the share they deserve in this world, when this greed is enough to make them ignore pain, the price they have to pay, their lives and happiness, and when they raise their hands, they tear apart their own souls to chase after the ultimate and perfect self …"
'The ultimate and perfect self …'
Thales felt as if something had touched his nerves.
In reality, Melgen continued speaking.
"Every time, the people in the world no longer revere them, no longer glorify their beliefs, no longer admit their limits, no longer believe that there are things that they cannot reach, things that they do not know, and laws that cannot be defied …"
Thales suddenly remembered the first time he met Asda in the chess room on the night his fate changed.
"… Stand above the heavens, surpass the gods, and look down on all life!"
The priestess' words began to mix with the voice in his head, but they were incredibly clear.
"Every time, the people in the world no longer humbly face their own weakness and ignorance. Instead, they use it as an excuse to justify their insatiable greed …"
The Prison of Bones and the entrance to Black Prison flashed before Thales' eyes. The strange emblem that looked like a deep eye flashed in front of his eyes, along with the row of words under it.
"… Leads to omniscience."
Melgen's sigh traveled into his ears slowly.
"Every time, the people in the world pursue power and omnipotence at all costs. They think that this is the only beautiful and correct choice."
Thales lowered his head and frowned. The Strange Doctor Ramon's passionate words appeared in his memories.
"Magic is the sum of all knowledge, discoveries, and truths. With the advancement of magic, humans can become more perfect, greater, more improved, and closer to the truth!"
Melgen's sigh brought Thales back to reality.
"Every time, the people in the world believe in something or someone, and they will do whatever it takes to reach the extreme …
"Then, we know that the path of the youngest should be taken. The people are not far from falling and suffering the consequences of their own actions."
Melgen was silent for a while. She picked up the teacup that Niah had refilled.
Thales quietly rubbed the scar on his left hand. He did not say a word.
After a while, Melgen, who had finished drinking, said slowly,
"Two thousand years ago, the unified belief in the supreme Bright God created the endless glory of the Ancient Empire.
"One thousand years ago, the belief in the Holy Sun rose to power, and it witnessed the revival of the Final Empire."
When she said this, yearning and respect could not help but flash in the priestess' eyes.
But then, her expression became gloomy.
"However, when the utilitarian creed of magic overshadowed the noble persistence of belief, Bright God Church collapsed on its own, and it foretold the decline and division of the Ancient Empire.
"And the wizards' insane and bottomless pursuit of power brought about the greatest crisis since ancient times. It lasted until the Battle of Eradication, when they suffered the consequences of their own actions and brought about their own destruction, marking the end of the Final Empire."
When she said this, Melgen raised her head and looked straight at Thales. Her gaze was stern.
"And you, child, you have long since seen the power, terror, cruelty, and madness of those monsters."
In the distance, Gilbert wanted to say something, but did not.
Thales sucked in a deep breath. He felt that his thoughts were in a mess.
"Calamities?"
Melgen observed him and nodded slowly.
"Calamities.
And that is just one of the consequences of their actions, even though it is the worst. "
Even though he had obtained the answer countless times from the hints given by Ramon, Asda, and the ancient books, when the authoritative church in this world told him so openly, Thales realized that he still could not get used to it.
The young duke remembered the night of Dragon's Blood, and the scent of blood that had once faded seemed to return to his nose again.
It made him feel nauseous.
"Remember, this is the Path of the Youngest. It is born of arrogance, and after experiencing countless things, it will finally lead to regret. It is the favorite of demons, the darling of evil, the cradle of calamities, and the starting point of misfortune. "
Melgen's tone suddenly became tense.
"And Thales, you have to be even more vigilant."
The prince was slightly shocked.
'Me?'
Melgen said sternly,
"Because the Path of the Youngest has countless forms of harm. It will take on many forms, change names, and change forms. It will appear in various eras, and it will linger on like a shadow. Those who seize power will talk about survival, those who pursue benefits will talk about prosperity, those who indulge in lust will sing about freedom, those who seek status will use dignity as an excuse, and those who seek knowledge will use curiosity …
"Those who are blinded by a single leaf will bring about their own destruction. This is definitely not just an example of magic."
Melgen paused for a moment.
Thales sucked in a deep breath and tried hard to clear his chaotic feelings. He seized logic.
"But …
"Based on what you said, Madam Priestess, could it be that your belief and your god will not become a victim of the Path of the Youngest?"
Melgen's expression changed slightly.
Thales observed the man's reaction.
"For example, the people of the current era believe in the Sunset Goddess, so much so that they blindly believe in her and are fanatical about her. They will suppress those who oppose them at all costs, and they will go to extremes.
"Furthermore, your statement right now and your resolute answer have fallen into the trap of the Path of the Youngest, haven't they?"
The old priestess was silent.
But against his expectations, Thales saw Melgen's expression turn a little gloomy, even though he thought that she was going to avoid the main point and use clever words to defend herself.
"Of course."
Beside the priestess, Niah listened very seriously. Thales did not doubt that if she was given a pen, she would immediately start taking notes. It would be detailed and comprehensive, and she might even have her thoughts on the important points.
Melgen sighed softly.
"Even though I do not want to mention it, yes, you are right."
Thales frowned.
"During the years when our ancestors fought against magic, wizards, and the Path of the Youngest …
"Bright God Church, which spread far and wide, once recruited the temple guards to punish heretics.
"The generous and selfless Church of the Holy Sun also set up a court to correct bad habits and correct beliefs."
Melgen's expression was solemn, and her gaze was wary.
"Fanatical believers do not care about bottom lines. They only care about their stance when they reject others. They suppress the remaining voices and believe that they are the only one in the world. The methods they use are also incredibly sinister, and they do everything they can …
"They are useless when spreading their religion, and their efforts are futile. They also make countless enemies, and their infamy spreads far and wide. In the end, they lose themselves, and their sins are grave."
Melgen raised her head solemnly, as if the thing that pressed down on her shoulders was not the priestess' robe, but a heavy history.
"That is the ugliest and most unbearable page in the history of belief and the church."
Thales frowned and looked at her.
"To revere certain things and certain paths excessively, to infinitely elevate their high statuses, to cast aside respect and bottom lines, to look down on other paths and choices, and to ignore the will and meaning of others is precisely the disaster of the Path of the Youngest.
"In history, many of my brothers and sisters, who were supposed to be the Eldest Son of God's believers, gradually lost their original hearts and forgot their duty. In the end, they sadly walked down the same path. They were conceited, arrogant, ignorant, and unaware of their own selves."
Melgen sighed softly, and it was clear that she felt pity and sorrowful.
"They did not pass the test, and they walked down the path that they should have tried their best to reject."
When she said this, Melgen began to pray again, and it shocked Niah, who was listening attentively by the side. She also prayed in a flurry.
"Gods are perfect by nature, so perfect that they can even tolerate imperfections, such as their believers."
"Gods have limitless power," the priestess continued.
"But it does not mean that those who believe in them also have limitless power and supreme authority. They act on behalf of the heavens and speak for God."
Melgen's voice echoed in the room, and it made everyone think deeply.
"So, when we reflect on the disaster brought about by magic, we must also be careful. We must reflect, reflect, and ask questions. We cannot let our enemies, who we are most wary of, take advantage of us and fall from grace.
"Only by glorifying ourselves can we glorify God.
"If we believe too much in gods, it will be easy for us to lose ourselves."
Melgen finished praying and did not speak anymore.
As if everything had come to an end, the room was silent for a long time.
Thales tried his best to get rid of the heaviness in his emotions and think of something lighter.
'Interesting.'
He curled up the corners of his lips.
'So, based on what Priestess Melgen said just now, not only can I not believe in God, I cannot believe in God too much.
If I don't believe in God, my world will forever be missing a part.
But if I believe in God too much, the Path of the Youngest will be waiting for me.
'So, what is God? A tsundere?
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