Chapter 50

■ Chapter 49. The Seven Deadly Sins (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

‘God’ is a spiritual being that believers rely on more than anyone else. Even if they do not show themselves directly, believers firmly believe in their existence and spread the teachings of the gods to benefit the world.

However, this is only the story of ‘Earth,’ and in this world, gods truly exist, so it is impossible to deny them. The moment someone openly denies a god, divine punishment is inflicted, and they reveal their existence through a special power called ‘divine force.’

Thus, denying a god in this world is an impossible act, and it has become a significant catalyst for the development of ‘theology.’ Theology is a crucial discipline for the people of this world, regardless of race, and is one of the essential subjects that priests must study.

However, even though theology has developed, there were still many shortcomings. It deals with how to correctly interpret the divine revelations and the teachings that gods have given to their followers throughout history.

It can be described as a hodgepodge, or one might say there is no ‘framework.’ Historically, many scholars and sages have made great efforts to create this ‘framework,’ but almost all of them gave up.

The history of gods coexisting with humans was far longer than imagined, and the teachings received during that time were so numerous that it was extremely difficult to establish a framework.

Therefore, theology can also be seen as a kind of history, but many priests firmly believe that an opportunity to re-establish the discipline will come. Not just the history of gods coexisting with humans, but true ‘theology.’

And the fruits of this long wait are now beginning to bear.

“Is simply possessing these sins really a sin? I don’t think so. As you know, even Lord Luminous once envied Lord Mora. However, He did not commit any direct sin.”

“Does the sin only come into effect when one acts on it?”

“Yes. However, while it’s fine to have it temporarily, if one continues to harbor the sin, it becomes a sin as well.”

People dressed in white were engaged in a heated debate around a round table. Most of them were elderly with white hair and wrinkles, and their clothes were embroidered with the symbols of the church in gold.

They were the followers of the Luminous Church, the largest power in this world, but they were not just ordinary followers. They were influential archbishops within the church and also professors who taught theology.

It wasn’t unusual for archbishops to gather and debate, but this time, they were discussing with a passion and exchanging opinions, which was different from before. Originally, archbishops would gather at regular intervals to debate, but it was mostly a formal procedure, and there was little actual benefit.

But this time was different. Opinions flowed like a dam that had burst, and countless rebuttals followed.

“Especially the sin of pride must be closely watched. As you know, the proud have always fallen throughout history. Just look at the elves. The author knew this, which is why he made the demon of pride an elf.”

“Pride… I need to study the others, but the sin of pride is undeniable. Lord Luminous also taught us to be humble and not arrogant.”

“Assuming pride is settled, how should we explain the other sins?”

The reason the archbishops gathered to debate was the content of the recent Zayon Chronicles. In the recently published Zayon Chronicles, the leaders of the demon side appeared, and Isaac used the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins.

If this were Earth, it would be a common setting, but here, it was quite different. The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins was enough to shock the priests.

It was surprising that the sins were divided into seven, but the problem was that these sins were not limited to humans but applied to all races.

The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins provided a framework, or paradigm, for the priests living in this world. Although many theologians had presented various theories, none were as convincing as the Seven Deadly Sins.

Moreover, if the Zayon Chronicles were just another novel, it might not have drawn attention, but its impact on the world was enormous, so it couldn’t be ignored.

“However, I’m not sure if we can really adopt the story from a novel… We don’t know how much the author understands about theology.”

Of course, there were negative opinions as well. The main question was whether it was right to apply concepts from a novel to academic studies.

Their concerns were valid, but…

“Then, can Archbishop Hans present a concept as clear as the Seven Deadly Sins?”

“…No, I can’t.”

“We understand what Archbishop Hans is worried about. The author might not be a priest, but he has certainly done in-depth research. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have introduced the Seven Deadly Sins.”

Almost all of his arguments were refuted.

The influence of the Zayon Chronicles was strong, and the concept itself was so fresh that they had mistaken it for something profound. They believed the author was well-versed in theology due to his extensive experience.

Moreover, people assumed the author was an elderly sage, not a young, inexperienced writer like Isaac.

From Isaac’s perspective, he had simply borrowed a setting that was useful in his previous life, but to them, it was as if he had presented a new paradigm. A setting that was so obvious had become a catalyst for shaking theology, leaving him bewildered.

“Furthermore, the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is not limited to our Luminous Church. It should be applied to the concept of theology itself.”

“Then, are you suggesting joint research with other churches?”

One of the archbishops frowned, expressing his dissatisfaction. The Luminous Church, being the most powerful, had many people who disliked other churches.

Of course, on the surface, they had good relations with other churches. The Luminous Church was the most powerful, but it didn’t mean other churches were weak.

The old man shook his head when the archbishop expressed his dissatisfaction.

“No. For now, it’s better to research within our church. We don’t know how Mora and Hirt will react.”

“Hmm… I see. Then, what do you plan to do about finding the author?”

An archbishop asked if they would look for the author of the Zayon Chronicles, Isaac. The archbishop looked down and thought deeply.

Although it was a misunderstanding, Isaac had presented a framework that was so difficult to establish. He wanted to find him immediately and ask about the exact nature of the Seven Deadly Sins.

However, it was not the right time. It was due to his health condition, as reported in the newspaper.

“Not right now. I heard his health is not good, so if we go looking for him, we might burden him.”

“Oh, the blood on the manuscript? They said it was just a nosebleed.”

The Seven Deadly Sins had caused a huge stir, but people were more concerned about Isaac’s health, as reported by the publisher.

The manuscript had blood on it, but it was just a nosebleed, and people were worried about the author’s health.

It might seem trivial, but as the author of the Zayon Chronicles, it was impossible not to worry.

“Artists often neglect their health and work to the point of exhaustion. Many artists have collapsed from overwork after working day and night for days.”

“I see? I’m not an artist, so I don’t know much about it.”

Indeed, many artists have harmed their health by focusing too much on their work. They often work day and night, neglecting exercise, which leads to a decline in physical strength.

Isaac wrote as a ‘hobby,’ so he had a somewhat free stance, but recently, he had been pushing himself due to the pressure. Fortunately, he had improved with the support of his family.

“Anyway, before more stories about the Seven Deadly Sins come out, it’s best to re-establish the discipline. We won’t hear a more accurate theory unless we meet the author directly.”

“I understand. But what about the elves’ reaction? Since the sin of pride was an elf, they might have a reaction.”

The old man, who was guiding the debate, smiled and spoke.

“They’ll probably try to find him. After all, they lost a major war due to their own pride during the racial war, and he pointed it out directly.”

* * *

Volume 9 of the Zayon Chronicles was released, and people started talking excitedly about the Seven Deadly Sins. They said it had presented a new paradigm, advancing the study of theology, and that it had never been so meticulously categorized.

I never expected such a reaction. I had simply borrowed the Seven Deadly Sins, which were commonly used in my previous life, and it was absurd.

But what was even more absurd was that the publisher had published an article expressing concern about my health. They saw the blood on the manuscript and worried about my health.

Moreover, people started speculating based on the tendency of artists to harm their health while completing their works. Various hypotheses were floating around, but the most outrageous one was that I had a terminal illness.

As I mentioned before, readers had assumed I was an elderly sage, and this assumption led to the belief that I had a short lifespan left.

I was amazed by their misconception of turning a 17-year-old with a bright future into someone with a terminal illness, but there was something more important now.

“Isaac, are you really okay?”

“Why are you asking? I’m perfectly fine.”

I swallowed the food in my mouth and looked at Cecil, who was sitting opposite me. Her beautiful face was filled with worry and anxiety.

Since the tabloid-like article came out, Cecil has been worrying about me more often. When we were with others, she would look at me with anxious eyes, and now, she was directly asking me.

We were having a meal at a restaurant. Lina had left early, citing busyness, and Marie wasn’t in the same class.

‘She really suspects something, doesn’t she?’

Last time, it was just a guess, but now, seeing her reaction, I was certain. She suspected I was the author of the Zayon Chronicles.

The moment the article about my health appeared, she asked such a question, so I was sure. I looked at her, unable to hide her concern, and spoke in my usual gruff voice.

“What’s wrong with me? I’m perfectly fine.”

“Just in case. Have you had a nosebleed recently?”

“No, I haven’t.”

She asked so directly. I barely suppressed a hollow laugh.

Still, it felt good to have a beautiful woman like Cecil worry about me. It made me feel that she cared about my health, which was comforting.

However, I didn’t want this topic to continue. I put down my utensils and asked her.

“By the way, have you read the 9th volume that came out this time? They released a large number, so it’s better this time.”

“Of course, I read it. I bought the last copy at the bookstore. What about you, Isaac?”

“I read the one you bought for me.”

The Zayon Chronicles usually sold out within a day of release. Last time, it sold out in less than half a day, setting a new record.

The publisher, knowing this, released a large number of copies this time. I heard they introduced new technology, but I don’t know the details.

Thanks to this, the 9th volume of the Zayon Chronicles was easy to get. Even if they sold out on the first day, more copies were available two days later, so with a bit of patience, you could buy one.

“So, you know about the Seven Deadly Sins?”

Cecil’s dark expression cleared, and she spoke brightly. She looked better with a bright expression.

“Of course, I know.”

“Do you know about the leader responsible for lust?”

Cecil asked, her red eyes sparkling. I nodded in agreement.

She slightly raised the corners of her mouth and rested her chin on one hand. This simple gesture exuded a subtle charm, making the atmosphere suddenly change.

Then, Cecil looked at me with a captivating gaze and spoke in her unique, alluring voice, as if the concern for my health had never existed.

“Her name was Lilith, right? The descendant of succubi and a demon of the demonic race.”

“Yes.”

“Black hair that reaches her waist and red eyes. The description says her voice is full of lust, and her figure is curvaceous. But…”

Cecil paused, then spoke in a subtle voice.

“Maybe it’s just my imagination, but every time I read that description, I can’t help but think of myself.”