The Outer God Needs Warmth

The point where the trees disappear and the meadow begins.

I remember hearing that trees are cut down for safety purposes in certain parts of the city. They say it's to create open spaces so that, even if monsters head toward the city, they can be spotted more easily.

Flashes of memories, like related search terms, sparkle in my mind—examples of defensive structures or barriers that are easy to block.

Since it's useless, I got rid of it, and stood before the Purple Twilight Association with the chaotic and poorly connected machine I had haphazardly assembled.

The people who originally formed the Purple Twilight Association are no longer among us. It was a group started by the people I met on the ship, but they're all dead now.

When the great fire broke out in Vern City, some died trying to save people, others were killed by people fleeing in panic.

Some were the first to be targeted when protests in Vern City were suppressed and were killed as an example, and others died while fighting.

There were also those who turned to dust from a blind shell.

Yet, standing at the forefront, the Harvester is still here.

As long as there are machines that can nullify mana, the only ones with real power are the Harvesters.

The sea, still overturned above us, continues to undulate, but I didn’t run away.

Does that mean there’s a lot built up?

"You…"

The Harvester in front recognized my face.

"Hello."

One by one, they stopped in their tracks and approached me.

I thought it would be only the Harvesters approaching, but there are others who recognized my face and came forward. This is a bit surprising.

"Why are you here?"

The Harvester standing before me turned out to be one who aimed to create a country. He's stirring up others, saying we should form a new nation.

How should I respond here?

I could continue to wear a mask of kindness, but doing so would probably turn me into a god, desired by those seeking religion.

I would prefer it if they made themselves gods, but I don't see anyone like that. Of course, when creating a cult, it’s easier to sustain a sect if you make a separate god, as Yasle, once a proper religious leader, turned his cult into a more perfected form of heresy. Those who have tasted religion understand this well.