Dustin

Dustin LXI is the 57th pontiff of the Word of God Religion

Appearance
Dustin appears as a wizened old man who wears saintly religious garb that befits his position of pontiff. Though getting on in years, he carries himself with dignity and poise, never faltering or hesitating in front of his opponents or the members of his church.

Character page
The 57th pontiff of the Word of God religion. He has another name, but he cast it aside when he became the pontiff. An elderly man who stands at the very top of the world's largest religion. Followers venerate him as the person closest to God. However, the truth is that he is a realist who is using that religion to manipulate humanity from behind the scenes. He has a certain coldheartedness, in that he will do anything for his ultimate purpose of protecting humanity, even if it means sacrificing the few so that the many might live. As the Ruler of Temperance, he will be reborn with his memories intact even if he is killed. He has used this power to continue to control the Word of God religion for many long years. His mental fortitude is so monstrous that he can stand on equal footing with some of the world's most powerful beings, including Ariel and Potimas.

Personality
Dustin is a shrewd man. One should not let his appearance fool them, the pontiff of the Word of God always puts humanity before himself. He does not hesitate to battle gods to achieve his goal of saving humanity. At the same time, he is a schemer, and attempts to stay one step ahead of his opposition with plans that he has been building for hundreds of years. Dustin is also not afraid to sacrifice himself for his goals, and this makes him a truly terrifying person.

He is willing to sacrifice anything if he can accomplish his mission of saving the humans. Due that strong will he has been taking action for a long time. While being the head of a religion that worships god, he is a cool-headed statesman who will not even hesitate to kill a god. Even Güliedistodiez and Ariel admit that mentally he is a monster.

Relationships

 * Ariel
 * Despite the contradictory nature and the hostility displayed by the regions they rule, they both greatly respect each other both as adversaries and acquaintances. They have on numerous occasions put aside their differences and worked together as allies. Ariel is one few beings that know Dustin's true nature and history.


 * Potimas Harrifenas
 * Due to their long and complicated history with each other, Dustin LXI display an antagonistic attitude towards Potimas and his elves.


 * Julius Zagan Analeit
 * Dustin and Julius were associates due the Word of God always lending it's support to the Hero. While he admitted that the boy had a good heart, he also saw that he unfortunately lacked the strength to act on his beliefs (especially when comparing his power to the likes of Ariel and Potimas). He also took advantage of the boy on multiple occasions, causing their relationship to be further strained. However, Dustin knew exactly how to manipulate Julius: by giving him space and taking advantage of his willingness to help others.


 * Shiraori
 * Dustin first learned about the Nightmare of the Labyrinth following it's appearance in Keren County and used it to initiate a war between Sariella and Ohts. He later learns the creature was a rogue taratect and grew intrigued with its relationship with Ariel. The two finally had their first interaction during the regotiations to take down Potimas, after which he was left terrified of her when she replicated D's personality to talk to him.


 * D
 * Although Dustin never actually met D, he did learn about her from Güliedistodiez and was terrified by her personality when Shiraori replicated it.

Synopsis
Dustin LXI is the sole pontiff of the Word of God religion, and has been since the calamity that befell the world so long ago.

Abilities
As the Ruler of Temperance, he will be reborn with his memories intact even if he is killed. Knowing secrets long before how the world end up in its current situation. Despite displaying no magical and physical abilities in the series, Dustin is one of the most powerful people in the world, due to his political influence and legions of loyal followers he commands.


 * Masterful Tactician: As the leader of the largest human religion in the world, Dustin holds significant sway and influence over the human population that he watches over. His vast and well-connected network of spies and informants, ensure any major event won't go unnoticed. He was the mastermind behind the fall of Keren County and assisted in coup d'etat in neighbouring Kingdom of Analeit. He also committed revision of numerous historical events to further cement his authority.
 * Masterful Orator: Ariel once mused how brilliant Dustin was to be able to exploit and manipulate the masses using his speech and guidance.
 * Mental Fortitude: Arguably his greatest ability, he is often admired and feared for his to focus and commitment on and execute solutions when in the face of uncertainty or adversity, especially regarding the survival of the human race.

Trivia

 * His name was translated as Dustin XXXXXXI in his official Japanese light novel illustration, even though this is incorrect.
 * This is subsequently fixed with the release of Volume 6 in English