The Evil God he had summoned might not be as merciful as Ater had believed.
‘…I considered that possibility long ago. From the beginning, the words Evil God and mercy were incompatible.’
As he climbed the stairs again, Ater organized his thoughts.
Those who called themselves gods knew nothing of mercy. Their mercy often became a calamity to humans. How much truer must that be of an Evil God? Argio had already proven his wickedness through history.
‘Had he been as benevolent as what I saw and felt, such a history would never have arisen in the first place. He may have been falsely accused of many things, but beyond those, the Evil God Argio devoured and crushed a great number of humans. No matter what anyone says, he is an Evil God of Rage and Pain.’
How could Ater—who had been called a Hero despite being unworthy of the honor—not know that?
‘I still remember.’
The tongues that poured out curses and the eyes brimming with hatred. The immense, sharp claws that stretched out mercilessly, and the gazes gleaming with the excitement of the battlefield. A calamity created through the sacrifice of countless humans.
How many of his comrades had died to those hands and tongues?
‘Then it would be proper to assume that every appearance of the Evil God I witnessed after receiving this not-quite resurrection was fabricated or distorted. Or perhaps, among his thousands…