In Eden, a paradise of ancient origin, it’s said that God created humans here.
The Izakhel family became its custodians due to the hero Alonzo Izakhel receiving a blessing from God in this place.
Alonzo, with the divine power on his side, vanquished the demon king’s armies threatening the world. Since then, the Izakhel family has been entrusted with guarding this sacred Eden – at least, that’s the setting in the original work.
Yes, it’s just a setting.
Eden was a place of little significance in the story, so it was unfamiliar to me.
I thought it was ambiguously depicted as a space between life and death in the game. But seeing it in reality made me instinctively look around in awe.
‘So this is how it’s depicted in the actual game…’
I marveled inwardly as I followed Bella.
The more I looked, the more fascinating this place became. The forest, despite being dense with trees blocking sunlight, was as bright as day.
“This place has a higher concentration of magic power,” Bella mentioned without turning back.
Magic, the blessing given to humans by God at the beginning.
“Do you know, Count? Long ago, it’s said that humans did not fall ill and enjoyed eternal life due to the infinite magic emanating from this place.”
Perhaps that was the happiest time in human history. A life in paradise, free from all pain. But, as with all stories, such happiness didn’t last forever.
Bella commented with a hint of bitterness, “Well, those good times passed when humans, tempted by demons, learned magic.”
Our ancestors, having learned the forbidden art of magic, incurred God’s wrath and were banished from Eden.
Of course, that’s an old tale. Nowadays, magic is a common ability for everyone.
The Meikahel Empire, in particular, was a nation where magic research flourished. From royalty to commoners, everyone used magic, leading to various problems arising from its misuse.
Some magicians argued that magic was a sin, citing the banishment from Eden as evidence.
Maybe the Eden legend was concocted to caution against the abuse of magic, but it’s a well-known tale among the empire’s citizens.
“God is truly merciful. Even after abandoning us once, He saved us when we were in peril. Hahaha….”
Beside me, Bella chuckled.
“Indeed, it seems so.”
“Ah, but I forgot, Count. You wouldn’t know, would you? Haha. Since you’ve been devoid of magic since birth. Hahaha.”
“Bella.”
“Yes?”
“Are you alright?”
Bella’s face was flushed, almost as if she was drunk.
“Yes~? Count, what did you say? Are you asking if I’m drunk?”
“Not if you’re drunk. I’m asking if you’re alright.”
“I’m perfectly fiiiine, as you can see!”
Seems like she’s affected by magic sickness. The high concentration of magic here is likely the cause. Eden is strictly controlled for this reason.
Magic exists in everything.
From insignificant pebbles to humans and giant monsters. That’s the norm in this world.
But this place has one of the highest concentrations of magic.
High-concentration magic is excellent for healing injuries, but too much of it can be toxic.
Like altitude sickness, it can cause vomiting and dizziness, even death in severe cases. That’s the double-edged sword of Eden.
‘Luckily, I’m immune due to being magicless.’
Fortunately, Bella, with her strong magical power, seems to have been affected only to the extent of getting drunk. Typical of a noble house.
“So, why aren’t you apologizing to me…? Am I a joke to you?”
I take that back.
She’s completely drunk.
“You’re not a joke.”
“Then! Why did you say 500 Kael? Why!”
“500 Kael? Ah….”
What is she talking about? Then it hit me. It was about our first encounter after I arrived in this world.
Bella puffed her cheeks and complained.
“Do I only mean that much to you? I’m so disappointed in you!”
“If I’ve disappointed you, I apologize.”
“Is sorry all? Do you see me as cheap?”
“If you were like this then, maybe I would have.”
“You stubborn fool!”
Bella began to slap me with her palms.
It was too slow to dodge without being awkward, so I just let her hit me. Her strength couldn’t harm my thick layers of fat anyway.
“I hate you!”
“I know.”
“Is it because you’re rich!?”
“Rich solves many things.”
“Magicless pig!”
“Sorry for not being a magical pig.”
“I hate that you accept it so easily!”
Ah, right… Of course.
Her hands eventually slowed and then grabbed my coat. She asked in a quivering voice,
“So, how much then?”
“What are you talking about?”
“My worth!”
Well…
That was unexpected.
Ever since I found myself in this game, I’ve constantly pondered how to survive as Tristan, a character universally despised and disliked.
Could I not use magic in this fantasy world? I certainly wished I could. But alas…
Tragically, Tristan is unable to use magic due to a curse passed down through his family.
The Ruelberta family, once a poverty-stricken noble house, made a deal with a demon for wealth. The price was a curse that rendered all descendants incapable of using magic. Thus, the Ruelbertas became rich but magicless.
I remember laughing when my sister Sora told me about this setup. Now, as Tristan, I’m the one without magic. Irony at its finest.
Nor is this body particularly capable. It’s overweight and lazy, sweating even while idle.
A character essentially abandoned by the author. Survival is a challenge, not to mention the invasion by players. I’m aware of their cruelty and ruthlessness.
Survival seems nearly impossible unless I change the setup.
“That’s what you’ve been holding onto this whole time?”
“… Just answer me. How much would you pay?”
I was in a bind. Bella seemed intent on getting an answer.
Pondering my response, I finally spoke, trying not to offend her.
“I can’t buy you.”
“What do you mean? You’re a count, you’re rich! You can buy anything!”
“Yes, I’m rich. I can buy whatever I want. But the reason I gave up on you is that you’re someone I can’t buy, even with all my wealth.”
She’s drunk; she won’t remember this anyway. I decided to placate her for now. Bella seemed intrigued by my answer.
“… Tell me more.”
“I can’t use magic. I have no athletic skill or special talents. My only talent is being born rich.”
“That’s somehow annoying….”
Ignoring her comment, I asked, “What if I paid 500 billion Kael instead of 500 million? Would you have opened your heart to me?”
“…….”
“Of course not. Money is my best and only weapon. And you were the one person it didn’t work on.”
“You’re incompetent…. Just like you— Ah?!”
Bella stumbled, about to fall. I quickly caught her arm.
“Don’t worry.”
Her arm was slender. Bella Izakhel, who would fight against the players till the end.
I thought to myself, a flower on the cliff is still a flower. Resistant to storms, yet fragile to touch. A precarious beauty.
The saint of Meikahel, brave and pure, was a fragile woman. She was a beacon of hope in this world.
“Even if I’m incompetent, I can hold you.”
“…Hmm.”
Bella steadied herself.
“The magic has stabilized. We’re near the center. I don’t need your help.”
Seems she’s sobered up a bit. I let go of her arm.
Though her face was still flushed, perhaps from the remnants of her drunken state.
We walked in silence. Bella, who I thought would stay beside me, was already ahead. I worried she might fall again.
After a while, she stopped.
“We’re here.”
The view opened up. A vast clearing in the middle of the forest.
A wide lawn with a horizon in view, and in the center, a lone tree. Likely a space created by the owner’s magic.
I came here because of something Sora told me.
-Eden? That’s like… God’s playground.
-Gods?
-Yeah. The beings who bestowed magic on humans. Like our parents.
-So, a playground for our parents?
-Hahaha. That makes sense. Parents want to be near their kids. That’s the only place on Earth where gods can be, according to the setup.
-Ah… So, if they’re parents, what are you? A grandmother?
-…Crazy, brother? Calling your sister a grandmother. I’m the god of gods, the absolute deity. I created them, so I’m their doctrine, their light.
-A cult leader, huh?
Someone approaches from the distance.
I sense that they are the master of this paradise.
“Tristan, show some respect.”
Bella gently presses my shoulder. I kneel on one knee to welcome the master of Eden.
One step. Two steps. The closer they get, the clearer their face becomes.
‘Oh, damn it…’
I curse inwardly as I recognize the face. The face I’ve seen for decades, now wearing a mischievous smile.
“Welcome. Big brother.”
The master of paradise is my sister.
Huhhhh