Chapter 307: Isaac (1)

Chapter 307: Isaac (1)

The concert hall was filled with silence for a while after I dropped the tactical nuke from the start. I savored that silence with a smile. Thanks to Cecily’s voice amplification magic, there wouldn’t be a single person who didn’t hear me.

Therefore, everyone must have heard that I am Xenon, the author of Xenon’s Biography. It’s not strange that there’s no immediate reaction, just quietness. It’s hard to believe right away. Unlike during the trial, there was no buildup, I revealed it straight away.

Because of this, they would be more bewildered than surprised. Even with Count Kamar’s testimony, my appearance is far from what they imagined Xenon to be. It was because of a preconceived notion. The world had freely built countless images of Xenon, but most of them directly linked to a ‘sage.’

Naturally, a sage is expected to be an old man with more knowledge and experience than others. Certainly not a fresh young man like me. Over time, various speculations, such as being a regressor or a prophet, floated around, but the image of the sage never disappeared.

“...Is it true? Is that man really Xenon?”

“He seems to have sent a representative. Or not?”

“He has red hair and golden eyes, but... so does Baron Michelle.”

“Is he really that young?”

As expected, the reactions unfolded as predicted. The people sitting on the first floor, mostly commoners, accepted it more readily, but the nobles on the second floor were skeptical. It’s only natural that they doubt I’m Xenon. It would be strange if they didn’t.

That’s why I had asked Kate for help in such a scenario. As the murmuring in the hall grew louder, I maintained my smile and spoke.

“I’m sure it’s difficult for everyone to believe my words. I understand your feelings. Therefore, I asked a special guest to help. Cardinal Kate?”

At my call, Kate, who had been hiding behind the stage curtain, gradually revealed herself. Her appearance instantly silenced the murmuring.

Her very presence radiated a divine aura, and her radiant appearance shone brilliantly. As everyone’s attention focused on her, Kate walked gracefully to my side and gave a slight nod. Then, she turned forward, gently clasping her hands together, and began her work.

“Light.”

Unlike other clerics, her incantation was simple. However, because it was Kate, even that one word carried immense power.

Phaaat!

With that word, a burst of golden light erupted, a display of Kate’s radiant holy power, incomparable to what I had seen backstage. Ordinary clerics’ holy power is white, but those with exceptionally deep faith like Kate have a golden glow.

I’ve heard that even cardinals find it difficult to emit a golden light as dazzling as Kate’s. In terms of holy power alone, she is nearly as powerful as the Pope.

As I and the others quietly observed, Kate gathered her holy power and proceeded to the next step.

“Bless this place!”

With arms wide open, Kate released the golden light she had gathered. The already bright concert hall seemed to grow even brighter as the golden light spread. It wasn’t just an impression, it actually brightened.

The light she dispersed seeped into the ceiling and every corner of the building, like fireflies delicately lighting up the grass, like a Christmas tree glowing in various colors.

It was a declaration of sanctuary, something only a few clerics with pure faith could achieve. The spectacle was unparalleled, like something out of a fantasy world, and it was a scene that would remain vividly in memory.

“It is done.”

“Oh... it’s finished?”

“Yes.”

Kate’s words brought me back to reality, otherwise, I might have forgotten that I was standing on stage. I thanked her and turned to face the audience.

The audience, like me, was admiring the golden light that adorned every corner of the concert hall. Even without understanding the power behind it, the sheer beauty of the phenomenon was like an art piece, evoking natural awe.

“What Cardinal Kate just did is simple. It temporarily turns this building into something akin to a temple.”

“This place is like a temple now?”

“Is that even possible?”

“If it’s Cardinal Kate, maybe...”

“I will say it here. Xenon’s Biography started purely as a hobby. I had no intention of spreading any particular ideology or theory, nor did I seek fame. I just started writing with the hope that everyone here would enjoy it.”

As everyone knows, Xenon’s Biography started purely as a hobby.

Enduring the physical onslaught of beloved partners has become half a duty, but the essence itself hasn’t changed. Of course, the first work I wrote upon being reincarnated holds significant meaning. Completing it would be both refreshing and bittersweet, yet liberating.

“So I hope you all read Xenon’s Biography with joy. It’s quite alarming that incidents from Xenon’s Biography occur in reality, but I hope you don’t feel afraid because of that. I don’t want anything but for you to enjoy it.”

This is the unvarnished truth. Whenever Xenon’s Biography is released, people look forward more to what incidents will occur rather than the story itself. As a writer, it’s an ambiguous situation whether to like it or not, but it’s equally uncomfortable. Attention is diverted to strange places rather than praises for the work.

It’s certainly good that Xenon’s Biography helped save the world from crises. But treating it like a sacred text is burdensome for me. Above all, seeing cases like Cecily’s devilization, where non-existent events are created, even I have become fearful.

“Some people might think after hearing me: If you’re so scared, why don’t you just stop writing? If the current situation is burdensome, why not put down the pen?”

Indeed, I had such thoughts at times. Focusing on history and becoming a scholar rather than a writer wasn’t a bad idea. However, that thought didn’t last long and was thrown in the trash. Why?

“Everyone, I love writing.”

I love writing stories.

“I like showing my writings to you all and having you read them.”

I want many people to see the stories in my imagination.

This innate writer’s spirit, which existed even in my previous life, hasn’t changed even after being reincarnated.

“Calling my writing a prophecy or a scripture is fine. What I want is simple: for you to truly enjoy reading my stories. Creating a common culture that transcends gender, race, and class. Writing stories that everyone can enjoy, as seen at the exhibition.”

“... ...”

“That alone satisfies me. I don’t need fame, ideology, power, or wealth. Just your reactions to my writing fill me up.”

The reason I didn’t put down my pen despite feeling burdened: because countless people, including those present here, are reading my stories.

For the sake of those people, I will never put down my pen. Even if someone threatens me to stop writing, I won’t succumb, and even if my hands are cut off, I will use my mouth or feet to write.

My resolute and modest determination seemed to be conveyed, as no one voiced any objections. That’s because they must have realized that I have no selfish desires.

As I glanced around the room filled with golden light, I smiled gently. Now, there’s only one thing left to do.

“Once again, let me introduce myself. My name is Isaac Ducker Michelle.”

My name is Isaac Ducker Michelle.

“In this world.”

In this fantasy world.

“I’m the writer who writes about things that could happen in this world.”

Writing fantasy novels.

“The author of Xenon’s Biography, I am Xenon.”

An ordinary writer.

“I will continue to work hard and write.”

Translators note:

For some reason this chapter made me feel emotional...