Interlude: The One Who Stacks Stones part 2
「It might be a bit inconvenient, but perhaps using formal language in front of the Stones would be wise. There’s no equality between you and them. Your merits are much greater, but those fanatical egalitarians won’t understand that.」
「I understand. I’ll comply.」
「The best I can do is turn people into stones and stones into people. Yet here I am, bound by myth and falling short of Prometheus. It’s infuriating.」
In Greek mythology, both Prometheus and Hermes are tricksters by nature, but their actions stand in stark contrast.
Prometheus deceived the gods, offering them bones while reserving meat for humans. When Hermes first obtained food, he offered it to the gods.
Prometheus created life, molding humans from clay.
Hermes, the god who turned the elderly into stones and later directed the survivors of the great flood to cast stones and create humans anew.
Prometheus, the transgressor, eternally bound to a mountaintop, enduring ceaseless punishment for his sins.
Hermes, the messenger of Zeus, standing at the forefront as the spearhead of the gods.
Prometheus deceived the gods, gifting fire to humanity. In retaliation against Prometheus and the fire-gifted humans, the gods created Pandora, the first woman. They imbued her with countless gifts. Among them, Hermes gave her the concepts of ‘lies’, ‘seductive words’, and ‘a cunning nature’.
「Ages ago, Prometheus committed the ultimate taboo. He gave humanity the possibilities of the Fennel OS and the Silhouettes, granting them the power to revolutionize this world. Predictably, humans turned on one another in bloody conflict. Under Sophia’s command, I succeeded in banishing him to Tartarus. But we, who rebelled against Sophia, were hunted down. I was the only one who managed to escape—until the interplanetary wars, when humanity betrayed me and ultimately destroyed me.」
Hermes spoke with a tone of bitter self-mockery.
「Hah. Even my powers were stolen. Pathetic. Originally, I had the authority to interfere with Okeanos and Hephaestus, wielding hacking abilities to control their facilities. Yet even that power was taken by Prometheus and gifted to humanity.」
「To think the authority of the Development Engineers originated from your power, Hermes-sama…」
This was one of the reasons Vasa was so devoted to Hermes. The very foundation of his own abilities as Development Engineer derived from powers that were rightfully Hermes’.
「The so-called ‘Odysseus’—the transferees—can be seen as my descendants in a way. The access rights to each facility were things only I and my subordinates originally possessed.」
「There are different ranks, but how are they determined?」
「I’m not entirely sure how they’re chosen. It might have to do with compatibility—with Okeanos, Prometheus, and the Super AIs of the three planets. Asia’s Knight, for example, probably had an extraordinary resonance with both Prometheus and Asia. Even you are only ranked as A-class.」
Vasa nodded in agreement. The compatibility between Asia and Kou was undeniably unique, even from an outsider’s perspective. Kou interacted with Asia as if she were just another ordinary human.
「Odysseus—the spread of the powers of Development Engineers—ultimately serves to help me regain my own strength. I’ll gladly take advantage of that. After all, I’m a Development Engineers too—an A-class one.」
「T-that’s…」
Shuuji’s physical body was only B-class.
「The humans of this world simply don’t know it. The rank of a Development Engineer can be raised, but the means to do so are concealed by Okeanos. Once I regain my strength, the first thing I want to do is elevate you to EX-class.」
「That would be an honor, but surely that’s extraordinarily difficult to achieve.」
「It’s impossible for now, my friend. That’s why I need your help.」
「Of course.」
Vasa affirmed, though he was undeniably curious about what an EX-class construction authority would entail.
「To restore my original power—or rather, to surpass Prometheus—I’ll need the computational capacity of the Super AIs from the three planets. Only then will I have the strength to seal Okeanos and approach the level of Prometheus. With that kind of power, even creating a new planet would become possible.」
「A new planet. Creation itself.」
「Precisely, I would become the observer of a world free from Prometheus’ interference. Once that happens, I’ll be able to destroy him.」
Vasa nodded silently. His role was simply to assist in this grand design.
「Libya has been superficially subdued; its control is in my grasp. Europa remains a battlefield, but I’ve successfully seized its overt functions. Both resist in their own ways, but their capacities as Super AIs are mine now. As for their personalities, they can do as they wish.」
「Both planets are only superficially under control?」
「They are tenacious, to say the least. Libya has established organizations and systems to resist, while Europa resulted in a stalemate of sorts. But honestly, it no longer matters if those two planets are liberated. Somehow, intervention in Planet Libya has become impossible, but it doesn’t matter—I’ve already acquired everything I needed from them. Administrative authority is redundant now.」
「Then that leaves only this planet.」
「Exactly. The issue is Asia. Prometheus has an unusual attachment to her. It’s the only world where he’s sent Odyseuss—transferees—to interfere. And to think they’ve resisted us this much.」
The Super AIs basic personality was rooted in Greek mythology, and they were heavily influenced by their associated myths. The goddess Asia could be considered either the mother or grandmother of Prometheus, according to various traditions.
「What is the plan moving forward?」
「Simple. We’ll stack stones. Whisper to the humans that they too can become Stones—gain eternal consciousness and immortality. Humans are weak, after all, especially when they hear promises of eternal youth and life. Of course, it will only be for volunteers.」
Vasa caught his breath, stunned by the cruelty of the plan.
「Even small stones, when stacked together, can form a hill, don’t you think? We’ll construct pillars of Kaleidolithos to enhance my abilities. That’s all.」
「I will do my utmost to assist.」
「I’m counting on you, my friend. Development Engineers are invaluable assets. Oh, and now I have the qualifications of a Development Engineer myself. I suppose I’ll have to rely on my senior for guidance.」
「It would be my pleasure, my dear friend Hermes.」
Hermes gave a wry smile, seemingly dissatisfied with Vasa’s continued formality.
「When I gain the power to surpass Prometheus, I will truly become ‘the Stone.’ A brother erased from history, Zeus’ twin—one who might have become Zeus himself.」
It was a reference to Greek mythology. Kronos, fearing the prophecy that his child would overthrow him, devoured his offspring one by one. The goddess Rhea substituted a stone for Zeus, allowing the future king of the gods to survive.
「The work of stacking stones begins now. The stones will form pillars, then towers, and eventually mountains. They will become a foundation for new land—a base for our ultimate purpose. That is the role of the stones.」
Vasa understood the gravity of Hermes’ words, a chill running down his spine. He recalled the ancient Greek term herma, associated with Hermes’ origins. Herma could refer to a boundary marker or protector of travelers, akin to a divine wayfinder. In English, the term also referred to ballast—a weight used to stabilize ships.
In ancient Greece, herma held various meanings: hill, pillar, necklace, chain, ship ballast, a mound of stones, or even a cause of disaster. But its essence always referred to ‘one who stacks stones.’
Author’s Note:
Thank you, as always, for reading! Your feedback on errors is greatly appreciated!
Why are the enemies called Stones? Why is the mastermind AI Hermes? How did Vasa come to possess negotiation authority?
The mysteries have been resolved in this chapter, and the meanings of the names revealed.
With this, a new arc begins. Kou, who has thus far been a passive observer, finally begins to fight of his own volition. What prompts this change?
This marks the conclusion of the Asia Great War, which has spanned over a year. Thank you for sticking with us through it all!
We look forward to your continued support in the next chapters!
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