Endless Debt Chapter 1137: Prologue: Gate_3

Hill articulated, "The primordial matter can essentially be perceived as a form of..."

He paused, introducing a novel descriptor for it.

"Soulless matter."

"The world constructed from soulless matter represents this world's genuine state. If ether is deemed an intruder, then the current world has transformed into something unrecognizable. Perhaps even pure humans have become tainted under its pervasive influence."

Is the soul an intrinsic part of humanity?

Upon hearing Hill's assertion, the Grand Tutor knitted his brows, pressing his forehead with his fingers.

Hill's implication was stark: humans could subsist even without souls, without devolving into fiends or grotesque abominations.

It was possible that genuine humans were never meant to possess souls in the first place.

This simple declaration undermined the established triad of body, mind, and soul.

The Grand Tutor mused aloud, "Then, what constitutes the link between the soul, the Secret Source, and the devil?"

A heavy silence ensued, with no immediate reply. Following this stillness, Hill continued weaving his theories.

"I am uncertain of the soul's connection to them, yet it is undeniable that ether, the devil, and the Secret Source are intricately intertwined. Perhaps they all arrived in this realm concurrently."

Hill elaborated, "While the Secret Source remains quiescent, elusive, and unresponsive, the devils behave differently; they undoubtedly possess knowledge."

Saqin's demeanor shifted to one of gravity, his eyes igniting with indignation, "Are you contemplating striking a bargain with the devils?"

"I merely view them as instruments, a means to an outcome," Hill's words carried an unnerving chill.

"Hill!"

Saqin's voice escalated, perceiving this as a transgression of a fundamental boundary.

"Saqin, exercise restraint," the Grand Tutor interjected.

Saqin subsided, taking deliberate, deep breaths to regain composure, "My apologies, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me."

"It is of no consequence; it merely reveals your appropriate apprehension towards the devils."

The Grand Tutor continued, "However, I still implore you to approach this with greater rationality. I would not wish for my legacy to be carried by an impetuous individual."

Saqin offered a wry smile, "Teacher, we are all aware that Hill is destined to inherit your mantle."

It was an ancient custom among the scholars: apprentices would assume their teachers' names, operating under that persona as a form of enduring legacy.

The Grand Tutor himself had inherited this title from his predecessor, a tradition destined soon to pass to the next Grand Tutor.

"Do you harbor envy towards him?"

"No, we simply possess a clear understanding of our own capacities," Saqin stated, placing a hand on Hill's shoulder, "I once considered myself a prodigy until I encountered Hill... I harbor no envy. On the contrary, should I be bestowed your esteemed name, the realization of my inadequacy would cause me greater anguish."

Despite his smile, a flicker of wariness remained in Saqin's eyes, "Reveal your strategy, Hill."

Hill inclined his head solemnly, his gaze sweeping over the faces of those present, and confessed with a hint of apprehension.

"Devils demand a price. Provided the value is sufficient, they are amenable to undertaking any task. Thus, the crucial question emerges: what exactly possesses the power to fully command the devils?"

Hill posed the question, then provided his own answer.

"A singular entity."

The Grand Tutor seemed to discern Hill's intended course of action. He spoke softly, "A pristine, soulless human."

This might very well represent the fundamental essence of human existence.

Hill echoed softly, "Soulless."

"And how do you propose to bring such beings into existence?"

Hill hesitated, then shook his head, "Regrettably, this remains merely a hypothesis; I am incapable of achieving it."

"Ether has permeated the human world for centuries; purely untainted humans are now an impossibility. Even if we were to cordon off a pristine sanctuary using ether vacuums or alternative methods for propagation, the progenitor entities would inevitably retain residual ether, thus possessing souls. Any minute contamination prevents the genesis of the Soulless."

"Unless, with the devils' assistance, they are indeed omnipotent," Suzi murmured.

"Subsequently, after the creation of the Soulless, what is your objective?" the Grand Tutor inquired, "Will you barter them to the devils for a specific acquisition?"

"Knowledge, an abundance of knowledge."

"And what nature of knowledge do you seek?"

"The kind that could bring this entire ordeal to a conclusion."

The Grand Tutor fell into contemplation for a moment, then asked with a degree of bewilderment, "Are you endeavoring to procure from the devils the very power needed to vanquish them?"

Hill offered a concise reply, "The sole means to slay a monster is with another monster."

This time, the Grand Tutor's silence stretched considerably. Abruptly, he moved towards Hill, placing a hand upon his shoulder.

"You may indeed prove worthy of inheriting my name," the Grand Tutor declared, "Wolfgang Gold, a name of significant reverence."

"I am acquainted with the history of this name," Hill responded, his voice filled with admiration, "In the annals of scholarly lore, he was the first to engage in discourse with the devils, yet his desire was not for personal gain, but for the welfare of all humankind."

Suzi continued the tale, "The pact Wolfgang Gold made was with demons, offering his very soul to gain the power to combat them, a power he then bestowed upon the people—thus, the Alchemy Matrix was born."

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

Hill offered his thanks to the Grand Tutor for his commendation. He studied the man's face, recalling their first meeting when the Grand Tutor was still a robust young man, capable of wielding thunder. Now, age had rendered him frail, and Hill himself bore a striking resemblance.

The Grand Tutor, or rather Wolfgang Gold, simply offered a gentle smile as his gaze met Hill's. Within those serene eyes, nothing was visible but an abyss of darkness, a perfect reflection of Hill's own heart.

"Soulless? That sounds quite appealing, Hill."

A chilling voice fractured the quiet of the Golden Palace. Instantly, the world seemed to halt; the expressions of all present froze mid-moment. The figure holding a cane, who had just occupied the Grand Tutor's seat, now faced Hill with a knowing smile.

"Exchanging your essence for knowledge to fight us... merely possessing the Soulless may not suffice."

Hill, entirely unfazed by this devil's capricious appearances, responded, "Of course, I understand that the Soulless is insufficient, not to mention that such a thing cannot even come into being."

He spoke the truth; based on the current understanding of the world, Hill had no idea how to bring a life into existence without a mother.

Pure humans were now a thing of the past.

"Hmm, I detect an intriguing scent."

The devil dissolved into a wisp of black smoke, only to coalesce once more behind Saqin, pressing close. After a deep inhalation, the devil chuckled, "I smell envy emanating from him; he covets what you possess."

"It holds no relevance for me," Hill stated, his demeanor unwavering.

The entity playfully observed Saqin, its mind clearly concocting some scheme, before turning towards Hill. However, just as it prepared to close the distance, Hill's voice cut through the air.

"Ether must have descended through some kind of conduit, much like a 'door.'"

Hill deduced, articulating thoughts he should have shared with the Grand Tutor, yet acting as if completely oblivious.

"This world resembles a vast pasture, with humanity serving as the sheep within. You require our wool, but it necessitates processing through ether..."

The entity paused, intently listening to Hill's words.

"Given that this gateway can manifest in our world, it surely can in others. It is presumed that across your long existence, you have colonized countless such worlds."

The entity's expression turned serious. "What is it that you seek to convey?"

"I mean to ask... Leviathan, are you in search of a new pasture?"

Hill's words pierced through the facade, questioning directly.

"Rather than pursuing the Soulless, what if discovering another world and opening a new gateway could fulfill your desires?"

Leviathan was taken aback, needing several moments to process the statement. Its expression shifted, a flicker of unease betraying its composure. Hill had managed to grasp a crucial truth from mere insinuations, and this revelation filled Leviathan with overwhelming excitement.

A fresh pasture, a flock of lambs ripe for the slaughter – nothing could be more alluring.

Leviathan gripped its cane with both hands, its eyes narrowing.

"And what is it that you wish for in return?"