#875 A Troublesome Fan’s Monologue

My name is Hynft.

A devoted follower of the venerable Saint Kidan.

This world is enveloped in a web of conspiracies. It’s a place where ostentatious rulers like the Demon King and the Mermaid King parade their power openly.

But the true sovereign is someone else, a figure who, though not publicly acknowledged, manipulates events from the shadows, bringing order to the realm.

This mastermind is none other than Saint Kidan.

Under his guidance, this world is managed, all wars have been eradicated, and order has been established by his hand.

The end of the Human-Demon War, the downfall of the arrogant old Human Kingdom, and even the unprecedented alliance with the merfolk— all were realities shaped by Saint Kidan’s decisions.

Transcending everything and commanding all— that’s the omnipotence of Saint Kidan.

Though he rarely appears before the public, his existence seems somewhat enigmatic.

After all, Saint Kidan stands at the pinnacle of everything.  

He exists in a realm mere mortals cannot even approach.

Only those with certain capabilities or nobility can grasp his true existence.

That’s why we, his followers, tirelessly strive to understand him.

Gaining knowledge, strengthening our bodies, and elevating ourselves are ways to approach Saint Kidan.

At least, that’s what I believe as I devote my days to rigorous training.

In this journey, I’ve met like-minded souls and formed a group to pursue a common goal.

This is the “Saint Kidan Alliance.”

A sacred organization formed by those who revere and, in a sense, worship Saint Kidan.

We believe that he is an omniscient and omnipotent being and that dedicating our loyalty directly to him is a contribution to the world itself.

The Alliance has grown to thousands, divided into many sects under various ideologies.

Its members, transcending race, include humans, demons, and merfolk alike.

This diversity is likely the result of Saint Kidan’s behind-the-scenes policy for universal harmony.

In our awe of the great Saint, racial differences are irrelevant.

Regrettably, some disagree, factions claiming things like, “Saint Kidan loves demons the most, hence their victory in war,” or “Since Saint Kidan chose a mermaid as his wife, so the merfolk are favored.”

Such groups have branched off from the Alliance to form the “Supremacy Sects,” further splintering into “Demon Supremacists,” “Merfolk Supremacists,” and “Human Supremacists.”

I don’t align with such beliefs, so I belong to the opposing Equality Faction, which, as the name suggests, holds that our reverence for Saint Kidan transcends racial distinctions.

The faction I strictly belong to is known as the Cultivation Sect, which branched off from the Equality Faction. Our aim is self-improvement through rigorous training, aspiring to draw closer to the esteemed Saint Kidan. Within this sect, the official name of my particular faction is The Assembly of Praxis and Existence.

We focus on self-improvement and spiritual growth to feel closer to Saint Kidan. Compared to other factions, we are a more inward-looking group.

While we may seem detached from worldly affairs, we share the Alliance-wide belief that all changes in the world are brought about by Saint Kidan, making us keenly aware of current events.

Recently, a significant global shift occurred with the old Human Kingdom breaking free from demon control and re-establishing itself as the Human Republic. We all understand this to be a sacred act of Saint Kidan.

Even Ritheseus, proclaiming himself the first President of the Human Republic, must be a faithful servant acting on Saint Kidan’s will.

We all know it.

Saint Kidan is the true ruler of this world.

Every event, from the end of the Human-Demon War to the birth of the Human Republic, occurred because he willed it so.

His greatness lies in his ability to reshape the world at will.

Even as a humble being, I aspire to draw closer to him.

Though it may be a lofty wish, serving him would be my greatest joy.

With this dream in mind, I continue my daily training.

My basic routine involves whipping myself two hundred times – a practice of endurance to nurture my spirit.

However, other sects of Saint Kidan’s followers sometimes cause trouble, seeking quicker paths to closeness with him.

They attempt to directly approach those in power, believing them to be puppets controlled by Saint Kidan.

The Demon King, the Mermaid King, and even the newly risen human president are all considered his mere pawns.

Thus, they believe they have a way to communicate with him.

If we could just uncover that secret, we too might receive the sacred words of Saint Kidan directly...!

There’s been a recent trend of people storming the doors of power figures worldwide with this very thought.

Their main targets are the sovereigns of the Human, Demon, and Mermaid Kingdoms.

The Demon King, the Mermaid King, and the Human President.

Massive protests erupt in front of their royal castles, with chants of “Free Saint Kidan!” echoing far and wide.

But those in power love their secrets, stubbornly refusing to divulge any information, no matter the pressure.

In fact, they’ve even gone as far as using soldiers to crack down on these gatherings.

Power players have always had a penchant for crushing inconvenient truths with force.

So, lately, the focus has shifted to smaller-scale figures of authority.

The human feudal lord Dalkish, the Pandemonium Trading Company of the Demon Kingdom, and the Dwarven Underground Empire are at the top of the hit list.

All of them show signs of having been in contact with Saint Kidan and are suspected of having direct connections to him.

These smaller powers, with less military might, have become prime targets for concentrated protests.

But the main activists are the Supremacy Sect and the Social Sect, an offshoot of the Equality Faction within the Saint Kidan Alliance.

They aim to infiltrate society’s core, drawing closer to Saint Kidan to serve him.

Personally, I don’t mesh well with these types.

I mean, aren’t these leaders already serving the Saint in their own way? What’s the point of barging in?

I believe the true path lies in personal growth through diligent training, eventually earning Saint Kidan’s favor.

That’s why I focus on self-improvement, enduring pain to foster my own growth, and keeping an eye on world events.

Then, during my rigorous training, unbelievable news came in.

— “Saint Kidan has descended!”

...What?!

I doubted my ears, my eyes, even my sanity, but it was all true.

Saint Kidan himself, appearing in our realm?!

And before us, mere mortals still in training?!

Can such a thing really happen?! Is it okay for such a phenomenon to easily appear before us, who are still in training and lack sufficient merit?

No, perhaps it’s time to think differently.  

I’ve devoted over three years to contemplating Saint Kidan and engaging in diligent training.  

With unwavering focus.

Perhaps my dedication has finally reached him!

My efforts have been rewarded!

If that’s the case, I’ll eagerly embrace the honor of meeting the Saint.

It’s almost as if he’s descended just for me!!!

So, I headed to the designated venue on the announced day and time.

The place was packed.

It seemed like a huge crowd had gathered, including members of the Supremacy and Social Sects of the Saint Kidan Alliance.

They must have heard the rumors, too.

How audacious of them to piggyback on the miracle wrought by us, the Cultivation Sect.

Today is our day to bask in the glory of meeting Saint Kidan.

Oh, well. We’re a faction that eschews conflict, so I suppose we can allow them the spectacle.

But more importantly, we’re about to lay eyes on Saint Kidan himself.

We, who have tirelessly whipped ourselves into shape in devotion to him.

Please, show us your radiant form!!!

“Wahahaha! Thank you all for coming today!!!”

Oh!

Who is this figure, bathed in sunlight?!

“I am the hero of justice, everyone’s ally, Masked Saint!”

Huh?