Chapter 259 Birthplace
The outer wall of the elevator is made of a transparent material like glass.
Because of that, in the huge elevator lobby, we could see outside.
Everyone chose their own sleeping rooms and took showers and ate. With just a little caution, everyone was free to do as they pleased.
In the middle of this, I, Fiona, Lucia, Logan, Ail, and Io were sitting on a sofa in the lobby, looking outside the elevator.
There were a few other members in the lobby, but it was just us gathered here.
"By the way, the black pillar and the white tube that covered the elevator disappeared at some point. What was that about?"
At the start of our journey, all we could see outside was the inside of the white tube, but it disappeared along the way. After that, we could see the outside scenery, but now, the clouds were far below us.
Looking up, even though it was still daytime on the ground, a dark sky like night spread out above us. The horizon curved slightly, making it clear that the planet was a sphere. Well, we are in a labyrinth, so it's mostly like an illusion anyway.
"That white tube is the elevator's protective shell. It protects the elevator cables from rain, wind, and falling objects. It stretches about 20 kilometers (≈ 12.4 miles) from the ground."
"...Is this area safe without that protective shell? It won't fall due to strong winds, right?"
I asked Lucia, feeling worried.
"Yeah, it's fine."
"What about lightning?"
"Yeah, it's fine."
"What about meteors?"
"Geez, you're persistent. We're in a labyrinth, so that's fine too."
As I kept asking, Lucia puffed up her cheeks, looking annoyed.
But even if a meteorite doesn't fall, it's possible that the [Evil God] could cut the cables or whatever. I would do it if I were in their place.
It's better to be cautious. Logan just said earlier, "I feel like running out of here and climbing up."
"So, Lady Lucia,."
Io asked Lucia this time.
"Where exactly are we headed?"
Actually, Lucia hasn't given a detailed explanation about this level. All we know is that this is a level without monsters and that there are an area boss and a guardian at the deepest part. That's all we were told, and there was no explanation about the structure of the level.
According to Lucia,
"I think even if I explained it, people of this era wouldn't understand. The only way to know what the 50th floor is like is to see it for yourself."
Hearing that, I felt a bit annoyed, as if a person from an advanced civilization was looking down on someone from a primitive civilization... but well, at this point, I can only agree.
If I were told about a structure called a space elevator, I would probably just say, "Huh? Are you okay in the head?"
But now that we've come this far, Lucia probably thought it wouldn't be a problem to explain.
"We're heading to a geostationary orbit station, 36,000 kilometers high (≈ 22,369 miles high). But of course, this is just a complete recreation by the labyrinth, so we're not actually moving 36,000 kilometers. In reality, it's only a few thousand kilometers."
She started to explain.
"Before the Age of Gods, during the era of space development, there were many space elevators. But in the Age of Gods, the need for space development faded, and all but this one were dismantled. The reason this one was left is to serve as a facility for entertainment and to maintain research facilities that utilize the space environment."
No, it looked more like she was reminiscing about the past rather than explaining.
"The geostationary orbital station has entertainment facilities and labs. And in one of the labs, there is the lab where we were born."
"We... what?"
Fiona asked, confused, and Lucia answered calmly.
"Aron, Caduceus, Gridavor, and the Kirke series of bio-weapons. We are gods... developed as powerful weapons that can exercise great power by downloading the self-awareness information of Archetype Intelligence. But unexpected failures are part of weapon development. That's why our research facility was created far away from the ground, in a geostationary orbital station, protected by space magic."
"Hmm... So, because it might be dangerous, they built the research facility as far away as possible?"
Lucia confirmed Io's words.
"Yes. Also, each facility in the station is structured by connecting cube-shaped units, so in case of an emergency, we can separate and dispose of the cubes from the station. If we 'dispose' of them in space, there will be almost no impact on the ground, allowing us to 'dispose' of them safely with powerful magic."
"That's terrible...!"
It seems that they deliberately built the research facility far away from the ground to safely "dispose" of it if deemed dangerous.
It's very rational, but it also ignores Lucia and the others' personalities. Fiona muttered angrily.
However, Lucia smiled as if to calm Fiona down.
"We can't weigh the lives of dozens of us against the safety of 20 billion people. That's only natural. Besides, in the end, we weren't 'disposed of,' and life in the lab wasn't bad. We got along well with the researchers, and they taught us many things..."
Lucia spoke with a smile, as if recalling precious memories.
"We loved the view from the station. The researchers felt the same way, and we often looked at the scenery outside together... During those times, one researcher told us something like this."
Lucia seemed to mimic the researcher's words, changing her tone as she spoke.
'There was once a story. Those who come to space and see their home planet from the outside are greatly affected in their minds. When you see this view, don't you think it makes sense? Those foolish people competing, fighting, and insulting each other on the ground must seem ridiculous, right?'
'I really love this view. From this place, free from conflict and the troubles of the ground, I can look down on everything like a god...'
'Lucia, if something difficult happens to you in the future, it's good to remember this view. And then make your choice. Will you save the pitiful fools like a compassionate god, or ignore the foolish humans like a cold god, or perhaps destroy the sinful humans like an angry god...?'
'You all have the right to this, created by us, who are overwhelmingly superior among humanity. You are free, and in the future, there are endless options ahead of you.'
"――Right?"
At that, Lucia stopped speaking. It seemed that the reminiscing was over.
Of course, I had to interject.
"Wait, was that a good story?"
"Hm? Of course."
Lucia nodded as if it was obvious.
What's with that researcher? They have quite the personality...
"Anyway, that's why..."
Lucia continued her story.
"For me, and for my sisters who became the founders of the [Four Great Families of the Seals], the lab at the station is like our birthplace... no, more like our home. Maybe that's why we left it behind in this labyrinth."
"I see."
Io nodded deeply.
"Considering the role of the [God's Remains Labyrinth], there's no need to go through the trouble of using a lot of resources to 'recreate' a space elevator... Yet, the fact that they are 'recreating' the space elevator is due to the founders' sentiment, right?"
"Yeah. Probably. When the [God Realm] was closed off, it was clear that we wouldn't be able to maintain the space elevator eventually. So my sisters must have dismantled it before all the knowledge and technology were completely lost. Maybe... they felt lonely about it..."
She murmured, looking a bit sad.
Then, shaking her head as if to regain her composure,
"Once we arrive at the stationary orbital station, we will move to where our lab used to be. ...That's where the last guardian of [God's Remains Labyrinth] is."
"...I see."
We finished listening to Lucia's story and nodded seriously.
Putting aside the silly personality of the researcher, I understood that this place held a sense of nostalgia for Lucia.
Lucia got off the sofa, walked over to the huge window (let's just call it that), and placed her hand on it, gazing at the scenery outside that was still rising high into the sky.
"By the way... I wonder if that person lived until their lifespan."
"That person?"
I asked while standing next to Lucia, looking at the view outside.
The huge window reflected the interior slightly, showing Lucia and my n*ked figure standing side by side.
...Huh? Oh, I've been n*ked this whole time, right?
――No, I didn't tear my clothes. It's because I just took a shower. At home, I usually stay n*ked for a while after a bath to cool off.
In times like this, I shouldn't change my habits.
Anyway――yeah, Lucia nodded and replied.
"About that researcher I mentioned earlier. McGarn... that's a nickname, and um, their real name is..."
After thinking for a moment, Lucia remembered and nodded, saying, "That's right."
"It's Hinmigarumakuganti. ...It's such a rare name, so I still remembered it."
She said happily.
Then, Fiona, Io, and I shouted at the same time.
"""H-Hinmigarumakuganti!!?"""
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