How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World Chapter 155

Published at 10th of August 2023 09:00:21 AM

Chapter 155: Butterfly Effect (4)

I discovered that I was reborn in this world due to the strange influence of a devil’s summoning. How should I react to this?

I feel somewhat bewildered by the revelation of an unexpected secret in my birth, but I haven’t felt any stronger emotions beyond that. Anger or hatred?

In my previous life, I didn’t have much attachment to begin with. After my parents suddenly passed away, I was mentally disconnected from the world, so to speak. Although it’s a bit regrettable that I couldn’t finish the novel I was serializing, it was an unavoidable situation.

Furthermore, unintentionally causing a failure for devils could be seen as somewhat satisfying in a way.

[Are you… alright?]

‘What? What’s wrong?’

[We made a mistake, and you ended up here from a different dimension. Although you lived a regretful life, your life is always valuable.]

Luminous cautiously asked me. Upon hearing that question, I once again pondered about the god named Luminous.

Luminous, known for embodying light and hope, is said to have a compassionate and lenient nature. It almost feels like I’m having a real conversation with them.

However, what I currently sensed was a subtle timidity. If they are a god or a being of that stature, they could boldly proceed even after making a mistake, but they didn’t seem to do so.

It would be somewhat unreasonable to say that the gods, including Luminous, were at fault for my sudden death caused by the devil’s mischief. Despite that, Luminous was truly expressing sincere apologies.

‘No, I’m fine. I didn’t hold much attachment to my previous life.’

[Still…]

‘But being reborn now is much better. I have wonderful parents, caring siblings, and even beautiful lovers. I’m currently enjoying the happiness that I could never have in my previous life.’

It was indeed true. In my previous life, I was an ordinary person with no exceptional qualities, but everything changed after my reincarnation.

From a harmonious family and the honor and power gained through Xenon’s Biography, to the women who promised me a future. I had everything a man could desire.

[…If that’s how you feel, then that’s fortunate. I was actually a little worried that you might hold a grudge.]

‘It’s strange for beings like us to worry about mere mortals, isn’t it?’

[You’re not from the world we oversee, but from a different world in a different universe. It was our mistake that caused this, so it’s only natural for us to apologize.]

I don’t quite understand, but if that’s what the gods say, then let’s just accept it. Talk of worlds and universes didn’t suit me.

What’s more important is how we resolve the current situation.

‘Does that mean there’s no problem with me writing Xenon’s Biography?’

[That’s right. In fact, we wish you would include even more. We never imagined that cultural differences would lead to these results.]

‘What do you mean by that?’

[As you have noticed while living in this world, the level of science and culture here is much lower than on Earth. Xenon’s Biography may seem like an ordinary novel to you, but to the people here, it’s not. Things that would be considered ‘cliché’ in the language of Earth may actually exist in this world.]

‘Cultural differences…’

[The progress of culture and science goes hand in hand with the development of imagination and creativity. Moreover, your Xenon’s Biography is not solely focused on imagination but is thoroughly researched as well. Especially when it comes to beings like devils, they were simply forgotten by everyone, but they were bound to resurface someday.]

Butterfly Effect. Could there really be such a butterfly effect like this?

Not all writers were like that, but most web novel writers are usually people who are even slightly interested in cartoons or novels. They have long since mastered things like ‘cliches’ and were actually trying to break down those cliches.

By a mistake of the devil in setting the coordinates, the summoned soul happened to be a web novel writer from a civilization much more advanced than this place, even though it was just an ordinary web novel writer from South Korea.

Moreover, even the world I was born into was a fantasy world where beastmen, dwarves, elves, and demons exist. Coincidences like this don’t just happen, and it could be said that it was almost inevitable. I think the probability was much lower than winning the lottery.

‘Well… It’s strange. Anyway, there are no disadvantages, right?’

[Yes. Since the order has returned to its original state when you were born, there are no problems at all. On the contrary, we should bestow grace upon you. Although it’s not intentional, the writings you have created greatly advanced the culture and science of this place. Furthermore, you prevented the invasion of devils in advance, thus averting a situation where civilization would regress.]

‘I feel a little burdened by the grace. You said all of this is just a coincidence.’

[You don’t have to underestimate yourself so much. If you were walking on the road and encountered a monster, and by chance a skilled mercenary appeared and saved you from a life-threatening situation, would you simply dismiss it as a coincidence?]

‘Ah.’

As if she were a god, Luminous gave an example that I understood instantly. Sensing my emotions, Luminous spoke in a soothing voice.

[In fact, it’s quite challenging for an ordinary cleric to have a conversation like this. At least you should be a cardinal to engage in direct dialogue like this, not just through an oracle.]

‘Then why am I here?’

[You prevented a great disaster in the future and greatly advanced the culture and science of this world. Through Xenon’s Biography, you created a culture that everyone can enjoy, not just a select few. You also helped the demons to come out into the world. Furthermore, you united the elves who were on the brink of division and developed a mana engine…]

‘I’m sorry. You can stop now.’

Feeling embarrassed to hear such stories from someone who was neither human but a divine being, Luminous let out a pleasant laugh in response to my embarrassment.

‘…Well then, can you tell me what this ‘divine grace’ is?’

[It can be considered a kind of prophecy. It is our ability to inform you about your future. However, the future becomes meaningless the moment it is revealed because it can change at any time. So, I recommend asking carefully.]

‘For example?’

[For example… Oh, wait. Hey! You…!]

Lumina suddenly trailed off and then raised his voice out of nowhere. I felt a sense of urgency and confusion, which startled me as well.

At the same time, Luminous’s words abruptly stopped, and I opened my eyes, wondering what was happening. The statue’s two eyes were still shining golden.

‘What’s going on?’

I waited with my eyes closed until Luminous spoke. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for them to return.

[Phew, sorry about that. My younger sibling suddenly interrupted…]

‘If it’s your sibling…’

[The God of Darkness and Rest, Mora, has arrived. She’s my twin sister. She seems to want to talk to you… Ah, please, go away! I’ll send him to your temple later! What if something goes wrong with him?]

‘… …’

Once again, Luminous’ irritated voice echoed in my mind. I anticipated the situation, and it seems Mora has barged in again. Thanks to her, he was able to realize again that he was not an omnipotent god who created the world with a single finger, but a transcendent being with transcendental powers and human aspects.

Ironically, his human-like nature made me more fond of him. In most works of fiction, gods tend to have unpleasant personalities.

‘…Can’t Mora join the conversation as well? I’m fine with it.’

[No. Even conversing with me requires intense concentration, and if Mora joins in, let alone the conversing, you might even faint. Elves or demons might handle it, but you’re just an ordinary human…]

‘… …’

Ordinary humans really have it rough. I feel somewhat melancholic.

Noticing my mood, Luminous seemed slightly uneasy and cleared their throat, changing the topic.

[Yes. Yes. Anyway, the achievements you’ve accumulated can be converted into divine power. With that divine power, we can even foresee your future. You could call it an oracle. For example, let’s assume that tomorrow you get hit by a carriage. Normally, you would trust your instincts and get out of the way, but since you’ll be hit by the carriage tomorrow, we can inform you not to go outside.]

‘I’m curious, why do you give oracles in such a vague and ambiguous manner? It seems that the quality of an oracle changes as you offer good offerings or a significant amount of divine power.’

[Knowing the future means buying ‘time.’ Even if we can interfere with space, time is an area that even gods like us can’t casually interfere with. In fact, even the future we predict can deviate significantly when variables occur. The Devil War and the roots of the World Tree were variables caused by you.]

‘Then what about going back to the past from the future? Are there people like regressors?’

[Well, it’s not impossible, but to do that, you would have to achieve something tremendous. Unless that’s the case, we would have to try it at the brink of this world’s destruction, risking everything. By the way, you can do it too.]

At that moment, they were surprised and startled.

[Right now, you could go back a week? That should be possible.]

‘…It’s less than I thought?’

[Regressing several decades into the past, unless you’re an extraordinary hero, is extremely difficult. Moreover, the cultural development you have achieved is in progress. We calculate achievements accomplished up to the present, not the future. If this situation continues, you might be able to regress to ten years ago. Plus, even by just breathing, divine power accumulates within you. Of course, the negative impact of what you write exists, but the positive impact is overwhelmingly dominant, so it’s at a negligible level.]

‘Well… In that case, is it okay to write about the events related to World War II?’

I mentioned it before, but after completing Xenon’s Biography, I plan to write a novel about World War II. However, instead of detailing each event, I intend to categorize the protagonists by each country. The main characters will be divided between the Soviet side and the Allied side, and in the later stages, they will meet each other at the Elbe River. Naturally, the Soviet protagonist will be the one raising the flag in Berlin.

Since it’s difficult to describe tanks or fighter planes within the story, I planned to include illustrations and a separate guidebook for them. In the process, I will also write about the countries.

[World War II… It refers to the worst war that occurred on Earth, right? It was a tremendously brutal war.]

‘Do you also know about it, Luminous?’

[Yes, when you came here, we received knowledge from the gods of Earth. We now clearly understand how a world without mana can develop and what kind of tragedies it can bring. It’s fine for you to write about that war.]

‘Then, can you give me a brief idea of what might happen if I write that story?’

Since magical devices existed, there was no rule that tanks and airplanes from World War II couldn’t appear in reality. Even though there is a time span of at least 200 years between the Industrial Revolution and the invention of tanks, you never know.

In the first place, it’s an unrealistic world where mana locomotive was coming into existence and dwarves existed.

[Do you want me to provide a detailed explanation, or just a general idea?]

‘What’s the difference?’

[As I mentioned before, the moment I provide information about the future, it becomes nothing more than speculation. You might change your mind.]

‘Just let me know in detail. I’m planning to write it anyway.’

[So, let’s see. When the exhibition is held, three dwarves will be pulling a tank. Instead of shells, they will launch mancondensed energy beams. It will have restrained power and will be used as a siege weapon.]

Fuck. I should just not write it.

[I can hear the swearing from here.]

‘I’m sorry…’

[No need to apologize. Is there anything else?]

‘If there’s something else… wouldn’t it be extremely rare for someone like me, a reincarnated individual, to exist in this world, or even in the scope of the entire universe?’

I was a case where mistakenly instead of a devil, my soul was summoned to this world, but I’m curious if there are other cases. The world is full of variables.

And Luminous, after listening to my question, seemed to be thinking deeply, and then explained in a pleasant voice.

[It can be considered extremely rare. Especially being summoned to a different universe, rather than the same one, is almost unheard of. The moment you defy the order, the balance is disrupted in an instant.]

‘So, it’s not completely impossible.’

[Of course not. Even if it’s one in a billion, it’s still something that can happen. But for us, even that is a significant probability.]

‘I see. Then… please give me a rough idea of what I need to be careful about in the future.’

Now I’ve asked everything I wanted to ask. What remained was the part about what I need to be cautious about in the future.

If it’s a god, then it should know my future and the upcoming crises as well. Moreover, it can tell me directly, not just through an oracle.

[You should already be aware of the things to be cautious about… The situations that may arise when your true identity is revealed. Just be careful with that, and it should be fine.]

‘Well then… When do you think it’s a good time to reveal my true identity?’

[It’s difficult to reveal it thoughtlessly. From the moment it’s disclosed, the future will be completely distorted.]

Luminous sounded sincerely apologetic. It meant that I should make the judgment myself.

Although somewhat regrettable, I thought it was wise in a way. It would be better for me to take action rather than having the situation become complicated by knowing the future unnecessarily.

‘I understand. It can’t be helped.’

[I’m sorry. Instead, let me tell you one thing. You’re planning to follow Cecily to Helium in the future, right?]

‘Yes, that’s correct.’

I’ll go to observe Cecily’s training appearance in Helium, and maybe even spend the first night together. It seems like Cecily has similar thoughts.

[Make sure to bring the medicine. You know the contraceptive pills you take every time you have a night with Marie, right? Don’t forget to bring them. You’ll understand the reason… even without saying it.]

‘… …’

I was almost in big trouble. Judging by the emphasis, it seems like I forgot to take the medicine with me.

And after sleeping with Cecily, what comes next…

‘Thank you. It could have been a big problem.’

[Haha. A harmonious family is always important. If possible, visit the Mora Temple and receive blessings. The demons during the cycle of evil may be more difficult with one’s stamina. And…]

Luminous spoke, hesitatingly. Somehow, I sensed that he was troubled.

When I became curious about it, he called me in a cautious voice.

[…Hey.]

‘Yes, Luminous?’

[Cultural differences exist even among people. Something you do without thinking can be perceived differently by people in this world. It can be seen as an insult or it can be accepted as kindness and consideration.]

‘…’

[While mindset can be changed, deeply rooted character traits cannot be easily altered. Especially since you have a deep sense of consideration and prefer egalitarian relationships.]

It seemed like he was advising me to be mindful of my actions. Well, I’ve also felt uncomfortable at times in my life, so there’s no reason to think others are any different.

I understood what Luminous was trying to say and reassured him.

‘You don’t have to worry. I will be mindful of my actions.’

[How many people like that already…]

‘Yes?’

[Never mind. Pretend you didn’t hear that. Anyway, let’s make sure we handle the current situation properly. You can continue living your life as you always have done.]

Somehow, I had a strong feeling that the words were being twisted. However, since I cannot question the gods, it would be best to keep it in my heart.

‘I understand.’

[If you want to receive strength from us, you can always speak up. As the God of Light, I can bestow beneficial blessings upon you. Visit the temple whenever you desire. I can relieve your fatigue, so even if it’s a simple request, I will gladly accept.]

‘Thank you. I will make sure to visit often from now on.’

[I see. I am truly grateful for preventing disasters in advance and advancing the development of this world. Well then…]

With those words, Luminous’ voice no longer resonated in my mind. I slowly opened my eyes.

As I opened my eyes, I noticed that the eyes of the golden-shining statue had turned dull. It meant that Luminous had departed.

It was strange to realize the secret of my birth and even receive prophecies from the gods.

‘Nevertheless, I’m fortunate that it’s a good god.’

After that, exactly two days passed.

[Luminous responded, Xenon’s Biography is all mere coincidences!]

[However, his achievements are undeniable truths. Even if we were to name him as a saint, it wouldn’t be enough.]

[Even if all of this is considered coincidence, if Xenon’s Biography had not emerged, we would have fought against devils in the future.]

[The historical verification in the book was very thorough. It described events that could have actually happened, and some parts were really happening at the time.]

“… …”

The situation showed no signs of improvement whatsoever.

[The content of the oracle is as follows: It may be coincidence now, but in the future, certain things are inevitable.]

Luminous?

[The Xenon Chronicles not only prevented future disasters but also presented great cultural and scientific advancements…]

Luminous?

[The Holy Kingdom Xavier. According to Luminous’ words, Xenon should be treated as a saint. Even if we judge solely based on achievements, he falls nothing short of a deity.]

Luminous? What happened?

[Kate, the cardinal of The Holy Kingdom Xavier, embarked on a pilgrimage to find Xenon… Surely, Xenon must possess tremendous divine power.]

Luminous!!

Chapter end