Chapter 62: Idra
While conducting various experiments, I received a message from Nyarlathotep. She wanted to meet and discuss intellectual matters. Although both of us were top-tier outer gods unrestricted by space, making it possible to converse from afar, meeting in person had a different feel. It was akin to the difference between daily phone calls and face-to-face conversations.
Nyarlathotep also expressed a desire to meet in person.
…What a pity.
It would have been nice if the one eager to meet me was a stunning beauty rather than a grotesque mass of tentacles. Although Nyarlathotep’s human form was quite beautiful, the true form left much to be desired.
Regardless, this led me to visit Nyarlathotep’s laboratory space after a long time.
Shhhh—
Having visited several times before, I was familiar with tearing through space to enter.
[Hmm?]Apart from Nyarlathotep, I sensed another presence. Was there another visitor besides me? As I pondered this, a sharp, feminine voice filled with indignation rang out.
[How could you torment these lovely beings so much! How many times have I told you to stop!]
The voice belonged to a distinctly otherworldly entity.
Unlike the grotesquely twisted forms of other outer gods, this entity, though equally colossal, took the form of an incredibly beautiful woman. She was not just any ordinary woman; she wore a flowing, revealing outfit, exuding an erotic charm. Compared to the usual grotesque tentacle masses, star-sized amoebas, or geometrically shaped metal lumps, her human-like beauty felt strikingly out of place.
She… yes, she was worthy of being referred to as ‘she.’
In other universes, she was known as ‘Idra.’ Unlike other outer gods who either had no interest in the creatures of the universe or saw them merely as amusing toys, Idra genuinely loved and cherished them. She was like the gods of myth, who cared deeply for humans and other life forms, using her powers to enrich their lives. This earned her titles such as the ‘Goddess of Abundance’ and the ‘Mother of All Things.’
Her power level was top-tier. Although she was weaker compared to Nyarlathotep or Ubbo-Sathla, she was definitely stronger than Dalos. The reason for her visit to Nyarlathotep was immediately clear.
[Stop being a nuisance and get lost.]
[Not until you dismantle this horrific laboratory!]
[This is my space.]
[But these creatures have personalities and lives! Stop this at once!]
Nyarlathotep, who found amusement in experimenting on and tormenting living beings, was the polar opposite of Idra, who loved and cherished them. They were the epitome of opposites.
…No, Nyarlathotep didn’t get along with Ubbo-Sathla either. Nor with Idra. Did she have any friendly outer gods?
…Ah, she was friendly with me?
Well, anyway. It seemed like a bad time to be here, so it was best to leave. Although I tried to keep within certain boundaries, I engaged in similar activities to Nyarlathotep, so Idra would undoubtedly shower me with all sorts of scolding. That would be annoying, so I should just slip away….
[You’ve arrived.]
[Oh, and who might you be?]
Damn it, that foolish Nyarlathotep! She should have just pretended not to notice! She definitely did that on purpose. She must think that sharing the scolding would make it less bothersome!
[I know about you too! And about your laboratory!]
Ah, I was caught after all. She looked furious at me. Sure, I had wished for a beautiful woman to cling to me instead of Nyarlathotep, but not like this.
[At first, I thought you were a good entity who cared about the universe, but what is this! Just because it’s a replica universe doesn’t mean it’s okay. They can’t even tell if they’re replicas or not. They are just another set of living beings. For the sake of their rights…]
Ugh….
This type was definitely uncomfortable. I needed to come up with an excuse and get out of here.
[I understand. While some things don’t always go as planned, I generally try not to cross the line. And I don’t disregard life entirely. For example… I created something like this.]
With that, I showed her footage of the elves. The elves living in harmony with nature. Recently, they had joined forces with the Galactic Union and were accelerating their development.
Heh, it made me proud just watching them.
The collaboration between Yujin and the elves was indeed a sight to behold. Watching my creations join forces to dominate the Galactic Union and conquer the universe was quite satisfying.
[Th-This is…!]
Upon seeing the elves, Idra’s expression changed. As the symbol of abundance and the Mother of All Things, Idra, who loved life and its prosperity, saw the elves living in harmony with nature as a utopia. In fact, the origin of the elves in the universe was Idra’s own creation. She had crafted a beautiful race that loved nature and valued abundance, modeled after herself. Her love for them was special.
[Elves… and to see them created as such a prosperous, harmonious, and powerful race….]
Idra continued to watch the footage with great interest. Seeing her beloved creations thriving and growing strong in another place was fascinating. From a copyright holder’s perspective, she might have been upset that her creations were used without permission. However, from our omnipotent standpoint, copyrights were meaningless. As long as her creations were not tarnished, it was a good thing. Seeing them developed beyond her own efforts would likely make her feel proud.
Phew… what a relief. Honestly, I had created the elves on a whim, but who knew it would help in this situation? This should help dispel the image that I, like Nyarlathotep, disregard life and destroy everything.
[Elves who have achieved development while maintaining harmony. This is very intriguing. May I observe them further?]
[Well… if you wish.]
[I’d like to see them in person. May I visit that place directly?]
[…!?]
No, that wouldn’t be ideal. Given the various inhumane experiments happening in the universe I created….
Well, my laboratory might be less horrifying than Nyarlathotep’s, but there were still plenty of things that would be quite shocking from Idra’s perspective.
[I’ve realized that you are better than this merciless tentacle mass. If it’s just minor experiments, I won’t interfere further. Instead, I’d appreciate it if you let me observe the elves more closely and perhaps assist in their prosperity.]
Oh… this was an appealing offer. I had anticipated that an immortal being constantly nagging me to stop my experiments would be incredibly annoying. But a declaration of non-interference and even assistance with the elves?
I usually refrain from using my powers directly because it’s boring when things go exactly as I intend. But if another entity’s intentions are involved, it becomes a different story. It introduces variables that I can’t predict, making things more interesting.
Why refuse when she’s offering to create those variables for me without any effort on my part? This is what they call turning a crisis into an opportunity. The elves would become an even more fascinating race, and I’d preemptively avoid any annoying interference.
[Then leave me alone as well. You’re too bothersome.]
[No, you are irredeemable! You trample on cosmic life forms mercilessly for your own amusement!]
[Whatever. And besides, you also…]
Nyarlathotep started to say something about me but then fell silent. This guy! She almost said something more. Was she trying to say, “Since things have come to this, you deal with this annoying woman instead of me”?
Quite loyal, isn’t she?
[Shall we go then?]
[Ah, yes.]
So, I headed to my laboratory with Idra. The most beneficial aspect of this was that the most beautiful female entity among all beings, including the gaps and the universe, would be near me in my dreary, bubble-filled laboratory dimension.
The elves were pretty, but as creations and not equals, they didn’t provide the same visual pleasure. It was like admiring a sleek and beautiful ant. Having Idra around would be a feast for the eyes.