Much was understood from Eris’s hint.
As expected, legends remained that the God of Earth had left more children on the ground than the God of Heaven.
However, it was not understood how the God of Heaven and the God of Earth were distinguished.
Regarding this, opinions were divided even within the church.
For now, it is said that the God of Heaven is simply a god permitted to enter the divine realm, and those who are not are the God of Earth.
Of course, there are many factions with different opinions on this.
Even among the church, opinions are divided, so there is no clear answer.
In the first place, the fundamental problem of what kind of existence gods are is not understood.
It would be simple if it were just that those with divine power are gods, but the fact that it is not more complicated makes things difficult.
The women, deciding to leave further research to the experts, returned to their original objective.
It was understood that many gods who bore children on the ground were classified as Gods of Earth.
Those who bore children of the God of Heaven were gods who originally existed on the ground and later went to the divine realm.
Not a single one of the gods said to have originally existed in the divine realm bore children on the ground.
However, Silvia and the others did not consider this to be a problem.
After all, Kousuke, as a living god, existed right beside them.
In that sense, the current Kousuke could also be said to be a God of Earth.
Naturally, there was no detailed record of how the ancient Gods of Earth procreated.
Ultimately, it was thought that the investigation would stall again once it was understood that those who bore children were Gods of Earth, but Peach’s remark led to another problem.
“I was thinking while looking at the book…”
Perhaps not intending to be heard by anyone, Peach’s voice at that moment was almost a monologue.
But fortunately or unfortunately, Silvia was nearby and caught her words.
“Did you find something?”
“I don’t know if it’s related, but don’t many of the children belong to higher species?”
The children, of course, referred to the children of the gods.
At Peach’s words, Silvia’s expression became one of realization.
Indeed, in Silvia’s memory, many of the children were of higher species of their kind.
“Do the children of gods become higher species?”
“It can be thought of that way, but…”
For some reason, Peach hesitated to continue.
Silvia understood what Peach meant and did not press her to elaborate.
“…If possible, I’d rather not think about it.”
“…I understand.”
Unusually, Peach also had a dejected expression.
If their suspicions were correct, their current objective would be thwarted.
It was agreed that if anyone had any thoughts on this matter, they would share them, but the content was something they hesitated to convey to everyone.
However, they couldn’t not say anything, so both of them, despite their reluctance, decided to speak.
“Did you find something new?”
Perhaps sensing their atmosphere, Colette asked, looking a little nervous.
“…Does it seem like bad news?”
Shurein, sensing that the two were having trouble speaking, cut in.
This was also to make it easier for them to talk.
Silvia, deciding it was best to speak quickly, finally opened her mouth.
“… I noticed that almost all of the gods’ children are higher species.”
“It’s not all of them, of course, but from what we’ve investigated so far, it’s almost all of them.”
“Children are of higher species… In other words… is that what it means.”
As expected, Shurein quickly understood what they meant.
Her expression was as clouded as Silvia’s and Peach’s.
“W-What do you mean?”
Meanwhile, Colette and Floria, who still didn’t understand, looked at each other.
For their sake, Shurein explained with a sigh.
“If the children are higher species, it’s highly likely that the parents are also higher species.”
“Ah…”
Finally understanding what was meant, Colette and Floria also wore cloudy expressions.
“Does that mean that in order to create children with gods, the partner must be a higher species?”
“In a nutshell, yes.”
Unfortunately, none of those present could be called higher species.
Moreover, it was not easy to become a higher species.
In fact, it was uncertain whether individuals, like the summoned beasts, could evolve.
It was understandable that everyone looked grim at this newly discovered problem.
The issue of higher species was something they could not avoid forever.
Now that the problem was known, Silvia, deciding it was best to confirm it quickly, decided to ask Elisamil (God) about the answer.
“…This is the situation, so what do you think?”
“Your prediction is not wrong.”
“I see…”
At Elisamil (God)’s answer, Silvia’s shoulders slumped.
“However, don’t jump to conclusions. I wouldn’t mention something that offers false hope without any.”
“In other words?”
“Just because you are not a higher species now doesn’t mean you can never become one.”
At Elisamil (God)’s words, Silvia’s expression brightened slightly.
“Is there a way to become a higher species?”
“It’s not guaranteed, and we cannot offer advice on that matter. However, there have been such beings in the past.”
Even if it was a far-fetched prospect, they would aim for it if there was hope.
“Also, please don’t misunderstand.”
“Regarding what?”
“We don’t know much about evolution either. In fact, even Kousuke is often surprised by how he evolves his familiars.”
Silvia thought it was a bit odd to surprise gods, but she just gave a wry smile and didn’t press the issue.
“Normally, evolution occurs naturally, and it’s not something that can be deliberately achieved, is it?”
“At least, it’s impossible for us.”
They had to achieve what the gods said was impossible.
This could truly be considered an immense wall.
“It doesn’t matter. The fact that the path isn’t closed is enough of a success.”
“Is that so.”
Elisamil (God) replied and ended the Divine Union for this time.
Although it wasn’t the most desirable outcome, the fact that it wasn’t time to completely give up was enough of an achievement.
Silvia headed towards everyone to convey the results of this Divine Union.
Kousuke’s newly acquired authority brought hope to the women.
Unfortunately, they didn’t know the method of evolution, but knowing that there was a sign of evolution was enough.
Silvia was the first to realize this, but the others soon recognized the possibility as well.
Therefore, they willingly volunteered to investigate the familiars themselves.
Of course, they didn’t think it would be the answer, but it was far better than the previous state of “waiting.”
Thus, Kousuke, unbeknownst to himself, would be thanked by the women.
However, the women, confident that their attitude would not change even if they knew, continued to act as usual without telling him.
And so, this was “Pressing Issue 3.”
Perhaps this series is finally reaching its conclusion…
Whether the later stories will be presented as “Pressing Issues” or included in the main story has not yet been decided.
In any case, it will not end in this halfway state, so please rest assured (?).
