170. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
With Barub, we walked towards the shabby door that lead into the celestial plane.
I didn’t really welcome the idea of arriving there.
The reason why that god had created the pure white Gate was probably to summon me back to the celestial plane.
Even after I arrived, there wouldn’t be any changes to the Gate.
Nothing would come out and start causing a ruckus either.
Of course, this was assuming that the negotiation with this god would go well.
Since I was aware of this, I continued talking with Barub while taking a leisurely walk.
“Do you remember telling me that we’ll meet again?”
“Yes.”
“What did you mean by it when you said that?”
“I didn’t mean anything specifically by it. I’ve served that god for a long time. I know what they’re thinking to at least some degree. That is all.”
“So you knew that they’d call me, the one who had passed the test and carried an unprecedented strength, back to their side?”
“That is correct.”
“So why does this god do this to us humans?”
“Didn’t I say this before. I am merely but a guide for time and space.”
“Of course you did. So you don’t want to get involved?”
“That’s right. My duty is to carry out tasks that are related only to time and space of all dimensions, nothing more.”
“Of course. I’m sure that you’ve been doing this work as long as that god has been doing their work, right?”
“Correct.”
“When was that?”
“……”
“You’re not letting me know of something as minor as this?”
“I do not know.”
“Are you conducting a hearing? You don’t remember?”
“It is the truth, human.”
“Hm? What did you mean by that?”
“It is the same for all the gods in the celestial plane. No one remembers anything before coming to the celestial plane. From the beginning, I was a guide, and they were the gods.”
“It almost sounds like there is someone above the gods?”
“Pfft. Humans have been given the right and freedom to think as they please…..”
“……”
It is as Barub had said.
It seemed that even gods had risen to their stations by someone else.
That was the only way for me to make sense of this right now at least.
After all, these beings had forgotten all memories of who they were, what they did, and what they wanted to be.
It was almost as if they were pieces moved across a board of chess by some unseen hand.
However, I couldn’t help but find something odd in Barub’s laughter.
It was a short but strong laughter, seeming to come out unintentionally.
It was just a guess, but I felt as though that laughter meant a lot more than what I was catching on.
“My guidance ends here, human. Then…..”
“See you again, Barub.”
“……”
I wanted to obtain more information through Barub, but making a promise for the future, I stopped.
After all, I wasn’t sure if Barub knew more, and the situation could turn badly if I had continued to push it.
Engaging in a fruitless conversation, I had arrived at the entrance without knowing.
This meant that I had to see the face of the evil god with the face of an angel.
“It hasn’t even been that long since I’ve left, but calling me back already…. Well, at least this place looks beautiful. It’s almost unfitting.”
I briefly admired the scenery.
As expected, I heard that same voice.
It was that god again.
“Hehe. You came?”
“Was there any other options? It’s not like I can ignore the summons of a god. What’s your deal? And what’s up with the Gate created on Earth?”
“Hehe. It’s nothing much. Hm…. I guess a proof of my affection on how I’m especially interested in Earth?”
“I’m not sure why and what your reasoning is, but I’d like it if you stopped. Just what do you want?”
“What I want….. Dunno? I guess when you passed the test, I became a lot more interested in the mundane daily life.”
“……”
“Is all this pointless murder amusing to you? Do you not understand that human life isn’t so light as for you to use like a consumable and toss them aside?”
“Eh….. Why are you being angry at me! Still, couldn’t help it.”
“What a selfish and narrow minded god.”
“Isn’t this something you also wanted?”
“What…. Huh?”
“Didn’t you ask to be summoned by me!”
“That…. That’s…..”
With a question from this god, my head became blank.
It was because I couldn’t deny his question.
The thought that pass briefly through my mind had happened right after defeating the Demon King Jamon.
My life was now without purpose, nothing different from being dead, and was surrounded by futility and emptiness.
There was a part of me that may have wanted this.
How pathetic of me.
You could argue that I could just live the life of a normal human being in peace, as I had been before.
I could live that way, but would I be able to find fun in that life?
Humans are animals that seek new thrills.
It was obvious that I would need greater simulation.
That was why it was true that I had looked forward to the summons of this god a little bit.
However, this was just my personal greed.
I couldn’t obtain satisfaction for myself by sacrificing countless lives.
I agreed to listen to what this god wanted from me.
Also, I was curious as to why this god wanted to spectate humans continue facing against dangers.
In this negotiation, I was definitely the one at a disadvantage.
It was obvious, since the one I’m making a deal with was a peerless god.
Steeling my nerves, I asked.
“Stop beating around the bush. What do I need to do?”
“Hahaha. How amusing. I even like your personality.”
“……”
“I’ve been curious for a long time.”
“What?”
“If a god dies…. what happens. Will someone else appear to take my place? Or will my position be vacant forever?”
“As a peerless existence, you should be easily able to sate the thirst for that curiosity though? There’s no way that you’re weaker than the other gods?”
“Pfft. For some reason, that’s not possible for me, you know? Hehe. I can’t cause any harm towards them. That’s why I need you…..”
“As expected, you’re insane. That’s what you want? To kill your fellow gods?”
“Why are you being like this. You killed your fellow humans without blinking an eye.”
“That’s…..”
“Is it because they’ve sinned? Is it because they’ve killed countless humans? Pfft. But what authority did you have to judge them? Are you a god or something? You won’t be able to give any answers to my question.”
“…..”
“Look at this. All humans are the same, you know? They’re generous to themselves, but treat others as they please. It’s amusing, isn’t it?”
Look at this damned god preaching at me.
I was upset and angered, but there wasn’t anything false in what this god had said.
I was ashamed, but I had to accept what was the truth.
“I’ll acknowledge that.”
“Pfft. The first target is the High Yanta.”
“High Yanta? Who is that?”
“He’s here. A gloomy old man who likes to hide. He’s in charge of darkness itself. With the God of Light, Lai Yanta, they rule over all the light and darkness of all dimensions. Since they don’t get along, the chances of the other interfering with you should be next to nil.”
“So I just have to defeat him?”
“Yep! That’s right!”
“Let me ask you one thing.”
“What?”
“The reason why you want me to defeat a god. And also the reason why you want the other gods dead.”
“Idiot! I told you. I just want to see what happens to a god when they die…”
“No. I want to hear the real reason.”
“Oh! I’ll cancel that insult.”
“Why? Why are you making me kill the gods?”
“Listen well so you don’t forget later, okay?”
The god kept their bright expression.
They kept a childlike smile that no one could hate, even though what they said next didn’t fit that expression in the slightest.
“Each time you kill the gods, you should be able to obtain their abilities. And if you keep adding up the gains, you should be able to eventually arrive at a point where you have more power than me, right? Wow! Even thinking about it makes me excited.”
“…..”
“And if that happens…. Once you obtain a power beyond me, the peerless existence, I want you to kill me.”
“Huh?”
“Idiot! I told you to listen well.”
“No. I heard it clearly.”
“Hehe. Then it’s fine, okay?”
“…….”
“Why is there no answer? Was my explanation too difficult?”
“Nope.”
Was it just because of my emotions? Despite how bright their expression was, I felt pity.
Just how long has this god remained on the seat of a peerless existence.
Also, this being must’ve felt the emptiness that I’m feeling right now, but thousands of times greater all this time.
I could somewhat understand their hatred for humans, and also the intense desire to find new amusement.
The god spoke.
“What is that sullen look for? If you don’t do as I say, I could make the dimension you reside in disappear!”
“Okay.”
“Hm? You’re telling me to destroy it?”
“No. I’ll do as you say. But you know, do you really think that I can face off against a god? Don’t you have you to give me some advantage?”
“Nope.”
“……”
“I don’t like seeing a movie when I already know the ending. Hehe. And that won’t be fun for you too.”
“So I have to defeat them with the abilities I have?”
“Yep! That’s right. No one can know the conclusion. You could die, or you could kill all the other gods and defeat me, the peerless one.”
“All of my abilities. Alright, let’s do that.”
“Oho? I didn’t expect you to agree so easily! Are you sure that you’ll be okay without any help?”
“As I already said, yes. But what happens if I fail?”
“Pfft! Why do you ask such a question with an obvious answer. It’s oblivion with you.”
“I thought so, but you’ve confirmed it. I don’t have to start right away, do I?”
“Of course! I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, so it won’t be a problem if I wait a little longer. When would be a good time?”
“Pus doesn’t become flesh with time, so it’ll be best to squeeze it out as soon as possible. One week should be plenty.”
“Hehe! I like it. I like it a lot! Alright, I shall call for you in a week’s time. Don’t worry about all that difficult walking to reach here. I’ll bring you here myself.”
“Sure. Then I’ll be going.”
****
I returned home.
I just had taken dominance over the demonic realm, but now had to prepare a fight with the gods.
Just like last time, this fight was going to be my burden alone.
After all, Jong Ho and Karin would not be able to participate in this fight at all.
After returning home, the god’s words kept ringing in my head.
They had asked me to kill them. All sorts of thoughts filled my head.
However, I had to first put out the fire.
Since I had mastery over mana and magical energy, I did not need anymore skills.
And I didn’t need additional artifacts to increase my physical stats either.
The reason why I needed this week laid elsewhere.
Currently right now, there weren’t many who could face me due to my King’s Marbles.
I had offensive capabilities that would allow any attack to land on anyone.
And it would be an attack that uses 100% of my mana and magical energy.
If I was able to obtain more King’s Marbles to cover my defensive capabilities, I should be able to win this fight easily.
Despite much time having passed since I parted ways with the commander and headed for the celestial plane, the day wasn’t over yet.
After all, time would’ve stopped the moment I met with Barub.
Entering the room quietly, I opened a portal to demonic realm.
“Hopefully I don’t get reported by the worker union. I did promise that I wouldn’t set foot in the demonic realm ever again.”
With the path opened, I headed to the demonic realm where Belkoseu was probably working hard.
170. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
With Barub, we walked towards the shabby door that lead into the celestial plane.
I didn’t really welcome the idea of arriving there.
The reason why that god had created the pure white Gate was probably to summon me back to the celestial plane.
Even after I arrived, there wouldn’t be any changes to the Gate.
Nothing would come out and start causing a ruckus either.
Of course, this was assuming that the negotiation with this god would go well.
Since I was aware of this, I continued talking with Barub while taking a leisurely walk.
“Do you remember telling me that we’ll meet again?”
“Yes.”
“What did you mean by it when you said that?”
“I didn’t mean anything specifically by it. I’ve served that god for a long time. I know what they’re thinking to at least some degree. That is all.”
“So you knew that they’d call me, the one who had passed the test and carried an unprecedented strength, back to their side?”
“That is correct.”
“So why does this god do this to us humans?”
“Didn’t I say this before. I am merely but a guide for time and space.”
“Of course you did. So you don’t want to get involved?”
“That’s right. My duty is to carry out tasks that are related only to time and space of all dimensions, nothing more.”
“Of course. I’m sure that you’ve been doing this work as long as that god has been doing their work, right?”
“Correct.”
“When was that?”
“……”
“You’re not letting me know of something as minor as this?”
“I do not know.”
“Are you conducting a hearing? You don’t remember?”
“It is the truth, human.”
“Hm? What did you mean by that?”
“It is the same for all the gods in the celestial plane. No one remembers anything before coming to the celestial plane. From the beginning, I was a guide, and they were the gods.”
“It almost sounds like there is someone above the gods?”
“Pfft. Humans have been given the right and freedom to think as they please…..”
“……”
It is as Barub had said.
It seemed that even gods had risen to their stations by someone else.
That was the only way for me to make sense of this right now at least.
After all, these beings had forgotten all memories of who they were, what they did, and what they wanted to be.
It was almost as if they were pieces moved across a board of chess by some unseen hand.
However, I couldn’t help but find something odd in Barub’s laughter.
It was a short but strong laughter, seeming to come out unintentionally.
It was just a guess, but I felt as though that laughter meant a lot more than what I was catching on.
“My guidance ends here, human. Then…..”
“See you again, Barub.”
“……”
I wanted to obtain more information through Barub, but making a promise for the future, I stopped.
After all, I wasn’t sure if Barub knew more, and the situation could turn badly if I had continued to push it.
Engaging in a fruitless conversation, I had arrived at the entrance without knowing.
This meant that I had to see the face of the evil god with the face of an angel.
“It hasn’t even been that long since I’ve left, but calling me back already…. Well, at least this place looks beautiful. It’s almost unfitting.”
I briefly admired the scenery.
As expected, I heard that same voice.
It was that god again.
“Hehe. You came?”
“Was there any other options? It’s not like I can ignore the summons of a god. What’s your deal? And what’s up with the Gate created on Earth?”
“Hehe. It’s nothing much. Hm…. I guess a proof of my affection on how I’m especially interested in Earth?”
“I’m not sure why and what your reasoning is, but I’d like it if you stopped. Just what do you want?”
“What I want….. Dunno? I guess when you passed the test, I became a lot more interested in the mundane daily life.”
“……”
“Is all this pointless murder amusing to you? Do you not understand that human life isn’t so light as for you to use like a consumable and toss them aside?”
“Eh….. Why are you being angry at me! Still, couldn’t help it.”
“What a selfish and narrow minded god.”
“Isn’t this something you also wanted?”
“What…. Huh?”
“Didn’t you ask to be summoned by me!”
“That…. That’s…..”
With a question from this god, my head became blank.
It was because I couldn’t deny his question.
The thought that pass briefly through my mind had happened right after defeating the Demon King Jamon.
My life was now without purpose, nothing different from being dead, and was surrounded by futility and emptiness.
There was a part of me that may have wanted this.
How pathetic of me.
You could argue that I could just live the life of a normal human being in peace, as I had been before.
I could live that way, but would I be able to find fun in that life?
Humans are animals that seek new thrills.
It was obvious that I would need greater simulation.
That was why it was true that I had looked forward to the summons of this god a little bit.
However, this was just my personal greed.
I couldn’t obtain satisfaction for myself by sacrificing countless lives.
I agreed to listen to what this god wanted from me.
Also, I was curious as to why this god wanted to spectate humans continue facing against dangers.
In this negotiation, I was definitely the one at a disadvantage.
It was obvious, since the one I’m making a deal with was a peerless god.
Steeling my nerves, I asked.
“Stop beating around the bush. What do I need to do?”
“Hahaha. How amusing. I even like your personality.”
“……”
“I’ve been curious for a long time.”
“What?”
“If a god dies…. what happens. Will someone else appear to take my place? Or will my position be vacant forever?”
“As a peerless existence, you should be easily able to sate the thirst for that curiosity though? There’s no way that you’re weaker than the other gods?”
“Pfft. For some reason, that’s not possible for me, you know? Hehe. I can’t cause any harm towards them. That’s why I need you…..”
“As expected, you’re insane. That’s what you want? To kill your fellow gods?”
“Why are you being like this. You killed your fellow humans without blinking an eye.”
“That’s…..”
“Is it because they’ve sinned? Is it because they’ve killed countless humans? Pfft. But what authority did you have to judge them? Are you a god or something? You won’t be able to give any answers to my question.”
“…..”
“Look at this. All humans are the same, you know? They’re generous to themselves, but treat others as they please. It’s amusing, isn’t it?”
Look at this damned god preaching at me.
I was upset and angered, but there wasn’t anything false in what this god had said.
I was ashamed, but I had to accept what was the truth.
“I’ll acknowledge that.”
“Pfft. The first target is the High Yanta.”
“High Yanta? Who is that?”
“He’s here. A gloomy old man who likes to hide. He’s in charge of darkness itself. With the God of Light, Lai Yanta, they rule over all the light and darkness of all dimensions. Since they don’t get along, the chances of the other interfering with you should be next to nil.”
“So I just have to defeat him?”
“Yep! That’s right!”
“Let me ask you one thing.”
“What?”
“The reason why you want me to defeat a god. And also the reason why you want the other gods dead.”
“Idiot! I told you. I just want to see what happens to a god when they die…”
“No. I want to hear the real reason.”
“Oh! I’ll cancel that insult.”
“Why? Why are you making me kill the gods?”
“Listen well so you don’t forget later, okay?”
The god kept their bright expression.
They kept a childlike smile that no one could hate, even though what they said next didn’t fit that expression in the slightest.
“Each time you kill the gods, you should be able to obtain their abilities. And if you keep adding up the gains, you should be able to eventually arrive at a point where you have more power than me, right? Wow! Even thinking about it makes me excited.”
“…..”
“And if that happens…. Once you obtain a power beyond me, the peerless existence, I want you to kill me.”
“Huh?”
“Idiot! I told you to listen well.”
“No. I heard it clearly.”
“Hehe. Then it’s fine, okay?”
“…….”
“Why is there no answer? Was my explanation too difficult?”
“Nope.”
Was it just because of my emotions? Despite how bright their expression was, I felt pity.
Just how long has this god remained on the seat of a peerless existence.
Also, this being must’ve felt the emptiness that I’m feeling right now, but thousands of times greater all this time.
I could somewhat understand their hatred for humans, and also the intense desire to find new amusement.
The god spoke.
“What is that sullen look for? If you don’t do as I say, I could make the dimension you reside in disappear!”
“Okay.”
“Hm? You’re telling me to destroy it?”
“No. I’ll do as you say. But you know, do you really think that I can face off against a god? Don’t you have you to give me some advantage?”
“Nope.”
“……”
“I don’t like seeing a movie when I already know the ending. Hehe. And that won’t be fun for you too.”
“So I have to defeat them with the abilities I have?”
“Yep! That’s right. No one can know the conclusion. You could die, or you could kill all the other gods and defeat me, the peerless one.”
“All of my abilities. Alright, let’s do that.”
“Oho? I didn’t expect you to agree so easily! Are you sure that you’ll be okay without any help?”
“As I already said, yes. But what happens if I fail?”
“Pfft! Why do you ask such a question with an obvious answer. It’s oblivion with you.”
“I thought so, but you’ve confirmed it. I don’t have to start right away, do I?”
“Of course! I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, so it won’t be a problem if I wait a little longer. When would be a good time?”
“Pus doesn’t become flesh with time, so it’ll be best to squeeze it out as soon as possible. One week should be plenty.”
“Hehe! I like it. I like it a lot! Alright, I shall call for you in a week’s time. Don’t worry about all that difficult walking to reach here. I’ll bring you here myself.”
“Sure. Then I’ll be going.”
****
I returned home.
I just had taken dominance over the demonic realm, but now had to prepare a fight with the gods.
Just like last time, this fight was going to be my burden alone.
After all, Jong Ho and Karin would not be able to participate in this fight at all.
After returning home, the god’s words kept ringing in my head.
They had asked me to kill them. All sorts of thoughts filled my head.
However, I had to first put out the fire.
Since I had mastery over mana and magical energy, I did not need anymore skills.
And I didn’t need additional artifacts to increase my physical stats either.
The reason why I needed this week laid elsewhere.
Currently right now, there weren’t many who could face me due to my King’s Marbles.
I had offensive capabilities that would allow any attack to land on anyone.
And it would be an attack that uses 100% of my mana and magical energy.
If I was able to obtain more King’s Marbles to cover my defensive capabilities, I should be able to win this fight easily.
Despite much time having passed since I parted ways with the commander and headed for the celestial plane, the day wasn’t over yet.
After all, time would’ve stopped the moment I met with Barub.
Entering the room quietly, I opened a portal to demonic realm.
“Hopefully I don’t get reported by the worker union. I did promise that I wouldn’t set foot in the demonic realm ever again.”
With the path opened, I headed to the demonic realm where Belkoseu was probably working hard.
