Chapter 162: There Must Be a Fog Demon King
"...Yes."
Little Cain had a pained expression, but still obediently nodded.
She said somewhat fearfully, "I don't know what to do... to atone for all my sins... but, but I'll try my best..."
"It's more than that."
Aiwass interrupted her, "Although all the Sons of the Moon of the Irisflower were killed by you, the Sons of the Moon in other places were freed from the curse and reverted to mortals because of your 'love.' This matter also has consequences.
"Although the curse of Lifedrain was lifted, some of them were purely evil... or had long been accustomed to dominating humans, not seeing themselves as equals. These people are perfectly concealed within society and may, relying on their past status and influence, become destabilizing factors in the new society.
"Even if they might transform into Fog Demons... even as Fog Demons, they can still be dangerous."
"But Fog Demons are kind—"
Little Cain's voice grew louder in defense.
But Aiwass's voice overpowered hers: "The biggest problem among them is that the racial characteristics of Fog Demons make them very prone to turning into the Void!"
Little Cain immediately fell silent.
She knew about the Void—it was the deadly enemy Cain would oppose even at the cost of life.
And shortly, a cup of tea on the table began to emit a cloud of white mist, and a gentle and ethereal voice came from it, "Please explain further, Aiwass."
It was the voice of the Fog Sky Department.
After all, the Fog Demons were a race she had created with her own hands. Now that Aiwass seemed to have discovered a major problem, she naturally wanted to hear if there were any bugs.
Repairs certainly weren't possible, but maybe there could be some way to cover or compensate.
——However, you really do keep a constant watch. At least that reassures me regarding her safety.
Aiwass mused internally.
And Aiwass looked directly toward the god who truly handled affairs, saying seriously, "The issue is that Fog Demons can only live in places with abundant moisture. Humans cannot survive long-term in such a damp environment."
For Fog Demons to survive, the minimum humidity must at least be like that of a bathhouse.
——More or less like the kind of humidity during a southern monsoon.
At least to the extent of water dripping from the walls for Fog Demons to feel comfortable.
If the humidity falls below this level, Fog Demons need to frequently return to bathe to replenish moisture, to prevent evaporation. And dropping below this humidity leads to subtle discomfort and weakness.
"This means Fog Demons can't stray too far from clean water. They can probably only operate within two or three streets of home. Although some are of a quiet disposition, others will want to travel, or go outside."
"And if they have too little contact with others... like the Elves of the Holy Nation, they become prone to Dusk Transformation."
As the Ring of Ouroboros ceremony commenced, the power of the Balance Curtain weakened, allowing the power of the Void to begin seeping into the Material Realm.
Originally, those infected by the Void might have numbered just a few over decades or centuries. But now, Aiwass encountered increasingly more such cases, and in the future, as each Celestial Marshal was pulled down, the number would only rise.
"Therefore, we must allow the Fog Demons to engage in normal activities."
Aiwass provided a solution: "At the very least, don't let them become too reclusive."
"...But Fog Demons can't travel far."
Little Cain was also at a loss, "So... should there be water tanks on carriages crossing cities, with Fog Demons inside them? Yet that will surely be uncomfortable as well..."
It would be like transporting beasts in cages.
Though certainly feasible, it wouldn't be pleasant. Unless necessary, they would still prefer not to go out.
"——Fog City Plan."
Aiwass looked at Little Cain and provided an answer.
"...What?"
Little Cain was momentarily stunned but quickly understood, "Are you suggesting establishing a gathering place for Fog Demons?"
"Precisely. Fog Demons naturally have the ability to generate thick fog—spread fog throughout the city, you should be able to do that too."
Aiwass affirmed confidently.
"I can, it's quite simple."
Little Cain replied, "I can perpetually envelop a large city in dense fog so thick you can't see your hand in front of your face... and for other Fog Demons, this wouldn't hinder their vision, but rather enhance their Perception Ability."
Perfect, Sherlock also worries Fog Demons might become radicalized. There will be more Fog Demons in the future, transformed from former Sons of the Moon... Compared to the first wave of Fog Demons, they will have more stray thoughts.
For example, Fog Demons like caring for children and the helpless, to satisfy their "dedication urge." Compared to pure Contributors, they care more about the "desire" fulfilled after the act of Dedication. Although they cut off sexual desire to sever ties with the Eternal Self as well as the past Sons of the Moon, they gained stronger desires.
The past Sons of the Moon indulged in parties; now won't they use other means to gain "pets"?
——They will do their utmost to care for orphans, but don't ask how those orphans came to be.
It's like a runaway Mechanical Servant. Appearing in the position of a serving "servant," but actually another type of master.
"In that case, let the Fog Demons help each other. Then find a leader, unite them, and collectively contribute to other races… using this method to satisfy their inner desires of Dedication."
Aiwass calmly continued, "If no one holds power, power will be seized by someone else. Social creatures are just like that.
"So there must be a Fog Demon King—you are best suited for this position. Although Fog City may not be suitable for other beings to reside long-term, visiting for a day or two occasionally isn't a problem. This way they won't be separated from the outside for too long and become Dusk Transformed, and Fog Demons can freely move within the city.
"Fog Demons themselves are of the Longevity Species, capable of existing indefinitely without incidents. You could consistently remain as the Fog Demon King, administer these Fog Demons, and execute law-violating rampaging Fog Demons. Just like Fairyland. If you say you want to take responsibility, then figure out ways to save others... for every life taken, save another.
"For example, by wearing a portable fog generator, going outside to practice medicine—Magic Potions themselves are abilities of the Domain of Love, as the Path of Love is the Path of Source River Creation. If you work hard enough, you can surely develop similar capabilities. As for devices to continually generate large amounts of moisture, I can consult the Mage Tower and Royal Alchemy Association to make them for you. In theory, it shouldn't be too hard. They could produce sample models within a month.
"Even if they ultimately can't be developed... Fog Demons still have the power of the Path of Devotion. They could simply become Priests, at least doing something. Partly for themselves, and partly to help others."
"...I don't have any issues with that."
Cain nodded resolutely, "I can do it. But... what about the land?"
"I'll procure it for you."
Aiwass narrowed his eyes, replying softly, "Conveniently... Hawkeye must also face consequences for their vile conduct.
"Let's delineate a piece of land in Irisflower, establishing the eternal neutral city of Fog City."
"But... will the Irisflower People agree?"
"They'd better agree. It was previously controlled by the Sons of the Moon, now handing it over to Fog Demons isn't much of a difference. It's basically just a resettlement issue, as long as the compensation is adequate. I believe it's not a problem. And I have plenty of money… the council members of the Irisflower People have lots of it too."
Aiwass laughed softly.
His eyes were burning with the crimson Radiance that belonged to the Path of Devotion.
Aiwass eagerly opened his eyes, the oppressive heat and flaming light making Little Cain involuntarily close her eyes, "If such a good thing... beneficial for everyone, those obsessed with power would still disagree...
"——Then I'm afraid I will have to, painfully Dedicate some people away."