Chapter 1: Brother, the Dark Gods really aren't that dark

"... Brother, I feel like the Dark Gods might not be as dark as you say."

Looking at the confused youth before him, Wufuruike, a monster hunter of the Demon Peaks, felt that his own courage was perhaps not as formidable as he had imagined.

He was even chilled by the world the youth had described.

Wufuruike truly could not fathom how a person could be cruel to such a degree.

Although the wind and snow of the Unknown No-Man's Land outside the house were dangerous, Wufuruike felt the youth before him was even more dangerous.

The suggestions he proposed were of a cruelty and horror that even the deepest parts of a nightmare could not imagine.

At the very least, the Dark Gods seemed to have a shred of humanity, while the things this young man spoke of were simply not things a person could do.

"First of all, brother, what the Dark Gods crave are things of greater value—hmm, for example, completing some greater challenges, and then achieving things that ordinary people cannot reach."

Wufuruike sat on a chair, weighing his words, trying to make his speech more rational.

For a Norse who lived by Plundering for a Living to talk about being rational was a ridiculous thing, but Wufuruike was trying hard to do so, to maintain the stability and reason that might exist in this world.

At the very least, the things this youth proposed were absolutely out of the question.

"As for that so-called Fully Automated Merit Sacrifice Factory you mentioned, I think the gods might truly not like it."

"But didn't you say that as long as the conditions are met, the gods will bestow blessings?"

The young man, who had been politely placed under house arrest in the fur-lined wooden hut, revealed a confused expression and asked in a very bewildered manner:

"So what is the problem with the factory? Can't we even use other intelligent creatures instead of Humans? Humans maintain their purity, while all other races are thrown into the dark factory—isn't that a very good result?"

"Uh, how should I put this..."

Wufuruike scratched his scalp, racking his brains, trying to find an argument from his meager knowledge to refute the youth.

"I really don't think a centralized factory that puts Skaven or anyone else in a narrow box, uses the Kind Father's blessing for breeding, then uses Slaanesh's blessing to administer drugs to supplement entertainment, then manages and processes them in the way of the God Eagle, and finally cuts off their heads before they die in the way of the Blood God, could receive the blessings of the Dark Gods..."

"But the utilization rate is very high."

The youth looked sincere.

"We could build a kingdom of our own in this environment; we would only need a pair of breeding subjects."

"But, but I don't think it's very good..."

"In the factories of the era I know, living people can only sleep on ropes, and I even gave them a cubicle for entertainment and sleep. Am I a very cruel person?"

"..."

Sleeping on ropes? How do they sleep? Are the factories of the Southerners a bit too terrifying?

Why didn't I see such terrifying things when I was raiding?

Looking at the youth before him who looked bewildered and truly seemed confused, Wufuruike watched this delicate fellow who had fallen from the sky scratch his head for a long time, but ultimately still could not think of what to do, and could only raise his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"... Alright, alright, Star Child. I admit I like to brag a bit, and I truly don't know what the Dark Gods would actually like.

But I feel that a person, or rather, as a living being, at least shouldn't go to that extent."

"The High Priest of our fleet was scared sick by you. At the very least, the dark factory is absolutely out of the question." "But you are clearly a slave-based society, why can't you accept this?"

"Because the value created by a living slave is far greater than that of soulless rotting flesh, but your method lacks a Soul."

Looking at the youth who still wanted to say something, Wufuruike no longer doubted his status as a special individual and hurriedly raised his hands to explain: "Calm down, Star Child, listen to me. I now fully believe that you are indeed a gift given to us by the Dark Gods, but your wisdom needs to be curbed.

We are Humans, different from you. Even as servants of the Dark Gods, we cannot commit such acts."

"Alright, then I have one more question."

The youth, who had been placed on a chair, sat cross-legged, and a sense of confusion came through in the language that he could somehow understand.

"You said the Dark Gods hope for the strongest warriors, the most beautiful women, the wisest lives, and the most vibrant creatures, and all of this needs to be embodied through war. And what the Dark Gods need are the most perfect individuals embodied in war, right?"

"Ah, theoretically that is the case..."

Looking at the youth pondering before him, Wufuruike felt a sense of impending disaster. He felt that his worldview seemed to be about to be challenged once again.

And as expected, the youth blinked his eyes and asked very fluently:

"Since I will go into the embrace of the Dark Gods regardless after death, then why don't I live to rebel against the gods? And then use my own actions to prove that I am far stronger than all the trash that receives divine grace?"

"Ah, this..."

"Even on the side of Order, I can defeat the strong with the weak.

I will better display my strength and beauty, and wait to be crowned the strongest warrior after death, right? You also said that all things are a great game to the 'Gods' here, so why shouldn't I show a more valuable side?"

"..."

Is, is that right?

Is it not right? It seems right, but it also seems wrong...

With his mind filled with all sorts of messy thoughts, Wufuruike finally gave up on thinking, patted his own head, stood up with a start, and bowed to the youth.

"I, the monster hunter Wufuruike, and our Hunting Fleet, will listen to the voice of the gods you convey. Star Child.

But your terrifying wisdom, I hope you can curb it for the time being, at least listen a little to the opinions of us mortals."

"I believe I am very good at listening and improving."

"That's good. You don't understand the current world and still need our assistance; just like that is fine, really. As for those who oppose you, we will handle them. Trust me."

"I understand. Awaiting your news."

"Yes. Star Child, I will handle it well."

Almost fleeing in a panic, Wufuruike let out a deep breath, pushed open the big door, and walked angrily toward the team outside.

But Wufuruike did not notice that after he pushed open the door and left, the gaze of the youth behind him suddenly relaxed.

The youth, who had been calm and machine-like, already had unnatural, fine beads of sweat on his back caused by nervousness.

(End of chapter)