Chapter 33 : Demon Beast of Deception (3)

[Sarkas Research Log – Vincent Freesia.]

Interpretations of Sarkas vary widely.

Some claim they are demons sent by the heavens to punish humanity, while others believe they are the tragic results of forbidden alchemy.

Such religious and mythical perspectives only obscure objective research.

Therefore, I will define Sarkas simply as a life form that evolved differently from us.

I took a deep breath, anticipation building, and turned to the next page.

As I examined the contents, Yuri spoke up.

“…Sarkas and Osteons share the same ancestor?”

I looked at the passage she was reading.

According to ancient records, before Osteons and Sarkas existed, there was another creature.

They are often depicted as having black skin encased in a bony exterior—a fusion of the hard, refined appearance of Osteons and the softer, more organic look of Sarkas.

Originally, they were a single species, capable of freely entering and exiting human bodies, coexisting with mankind.

They would lend their power to humans by entering their bodies and assist with tasks like hunting when outside.

“Coexistence? He’s writing nonsense.”

“…”

Yuri dismissed it, but I was fascinated.

I had thought only I, the creator of this world, knew that Sarkas and Osteons diverged from a common ancestor.

Vincent Freesia shattered that assumption, deducing it from ancient records alone.

In a land where Sarkas research is banned, it was astonishing that he reached such a conclusion using only old books and relics.

Admiring his passion and intellect, I continued reading.

That singular creature eventually split into two distinct forms: Sarkas and Osteons.

Osteons integrated deeply with humans, becoming part of their species.

Sarkas, however, abandoned coexistence and formed an independent ecosystem in nature.

Unlike Osteons, which could reproduce naturally through human reproduction, Sarkas lacked this ability.

Instead, they evolved a unique method of reproduction: duplicating themselves by absorbing the power of Osteons within humans.

Most Sarkas evolved to self-replicate, but in the beginning, there were exceptions.

These exceptions are referred to as the ancient species.

It is believed they chose to enhance individual abilities rather than increase their numbers.

Over time, they grew larger, and their abilities became more akin to those of Osteons.

He even deduced the origin of the ancient species…?

The ancient species, inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins, were my creation, but I had never fleshed out their background.

The ancient species brought disaster to humanity multiple times throughout history.

They spent most of their lives dormant, but upon awakening, they would attack villages and cities to absorb the vast amounts of Osteons needed for their long slumber.

According to records, some of them even wielded magic.

Among the ancient species, those with the clearest evidence of using magic are as follows:

‘Wrath’ Ira, said to summon lightning from the sky.

‘Gluttony’ Gula, said to split the earth.

‘Lust’ Luxuria, said to drive people mad with hallucinations.

I focused on the last entry.

‘Lust’ Luxuria.

Luxuria, with its ability to induce hallucinations, could have used dark-type magic.

Was this the Sarkas I was searching for—one capable of using magic beyond the norm?

I turned to the page detailing Luxuria for more information.

According to ancient records, Luxuria was depicted as a pair of two-headed deer—one male, one female.

The left head bore horns, while the right head emitted strange, enchanting songs.

When the right head sang, it lured people into a trance, and the left head would tear them apart with its horns.

However, Luxuria holds the distinction of being the first ancient species to perish in human history—not at the hands of humans, but by another ancient species.

Coincidentally, Luxuria and Gula awoke simultaneously and viewed each other as threats.

The two clashed for three days and nights, vying for dominance and sustenance.

In the process, entire villages were obliterated, causing massive destruction. But there was an unexpected outcome:

Luxuria was defeated by Gula.

An ancient species killed by another ancient species…?

According to legend, Gula devoured the breathless Luxuria whole.

Ironically, Gula itself became the first ancient species to be subdued by humans not long after.

With Gula’s disappearance, it is estimated that only five ancient species remain.

I set the paper down, my mind racing.

If an ancient Sarkas with the power to threaten nations exists, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for it to cast a powerful Suggestion spell on a human and brainwash them.

As described, Luxuria wielded dark magic.

However, it doesn’t make sense for Luxuria to be behind Carne’s brainwashing, as it was killed by Gula long ago.

Is there still a Sarkas with power comparable to Luxuria?

And could such a creature possess the intelligence to issue specific commands to Carne through a Suggestion spell?

“Saya.”

Could such a being even exist in this world?

“I called you, Saya.”

“..Huh?”

Yuri’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“I think it’s time you told me the real reason you came here.”

“..I already told you. It’s for research…”

“Is this really worth breaking the law over?”

“…”

I hesitated. I didn’t want to involve Yuri more than necessary, especially since Carne’s brainwashing was aimed at her death.

“Even if I tell you, it’ll be hard to believe.”

“It’s fine. Tell me.”

Reluctantly, I decided Yuri deserved to know, given her involvement.

I explained everything—from Carne’s strange behavior to the brainwashing and its potential origins.

I expected her to be shocked, but Yuri remained calm.

“So, someone is targeting my life for some reason, and they’ve brainwashed Carne to achieve that… is that what you’re saying?”

Yuri’s tone was measured, as if she were processing the information carefully.

“..It’s a lot to take in.”

“The brainwashing on Carne is incredibly powerful, and its origin is unknown. At first, I thought it was the work of a dark-type spell, but it far exceeds what humans are capable of.”

“And that’s why you came here today.”

Despite learning her life was in danger, Yuri remained composed.

“Did you figure out who’s behind the brainwashing?”

“No. At first, I thought it might be an ancient Sarkas, but they’ve been extinct for a long time.”

Even if Luxuria were still alive, it seemed implausible that a Sarkas could issue such specific commands to a human.

“In other words, unless we break the brainwashing on Carne, we won’t know who’s responsible.”

“..Exactly.”

“Then shouldn’t the focus be on breaking the brainwashing and getting the truth directly from Carne?”

Yuri’s expression was as stoic as ever as she looked at me.

“If it were that easy, I wouldn’t be struggling like this…”

“Even if it’s powerful, it’s still a spell. There must be a way to break it.”

How do you break brainwashing…?

Typically, to break a Suggestion spell, you need to directly harm the caster.

“What if you overwrite it with your own Suggestion spell, Saya?”

“I considered that, but if a Suggestion is already in place, the spell is blocked. Besides, it’s too powerful for me to interfere with.”

Yuri seemed to be deep in thought.

“..The Suggestion spell is ultimately about achieving a specific goal, right?”

“..Yes.”

“And the goal of this brainwashing is to kill me.”

Her eyes gleamed with an idea.

“Then, let’s make it happen. Let me die—in front of Carne’s eyes.”

“…What?”