Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 165: The Perfect Option

The sudden change in the mission left the Players a bit dazed. Dorothy frowned and gestured subconsciously for the Players to form a defensive formation.

Teest was the most aware of the system’s changes.

Behind him, the remains of Perradat began to lose control. Dark runes emerged from the void, once again densely entangling that body. A soft white light covered the body’s convulsions and tremors, and within ten seconds, the body disappeared into the light.

As he expected, Star Stealer Sol’s first reaction was to drop everything and come to reclaim the remains.

The enemy’s personality traits became clearer. Teest curled his lips, not forcibly fighting for control of the remains—there was no point in fighting over it at this juncture. It was necessary to hide his skills.

In the distance, Nol, after brewing for a long time, took control of his thoughts.

It was like escaping from a hot, stuffy room and suddenly breathing fresh air. Nol almost wanted to sigh; in an instant, he knew how to return to human form—those pieces of knowledge were like remnants of a dream, leaving shallow imprints in his mind.

He chose not to revert immediately—the moment seemed likely for Star Stealer Sol to “appear”, and it was necessary to hide his abilities.

Nol tried to appear unchanged, only sneaking a few glances at Teest. Teest squinted at him, showing a sort of “waiting for praise” smug smile.

Together with the bewildered Players, they quietly waited.

The soft white light lit up again, and greenery sprouted from the barren, cracked land around them. Centered on Teest, a lush lawn slowly spread out. Bushes unfolded like peacock feathers, and climbing vines blossomed with fragrant flowers. Life spread like wildfire, creating a scene very fitting for a “Hero”.

Lynn felt a lightness on her wrist, and Lilith suddenly disappeared.

Along with her disappearance, Painter’s Holy Light Lock also vanished.

An image of a beautiful woman appeared three or four steps away from Teest, floating in the air, dressed in a classic robe with loose braids adorned with flowers and fruits. This stranger had a gentle look in her eyes and radiated a warm glow, giving an immense sense of comfort.

It was the image of Tilia, the Goddess of Life.

She was about the same height as Lilith, and Lynn frowned imperceptibly.

Next to Lynn, Painter’s expression turned even uglier. “There’s residual fluctuation from the Holy Light Lock. She used the body of the serpentman prophet.”

“Possession?” Lynn asked quietly.

“More like domination plus projection.” Painter barely moved his lips. “The serpentmen’s talent in the realm of inspiration is naturally high, especially a prophet. The price of being spiritually close to a god is being more easily ‘seen’ and ‘influenced’ by a god.”

“If she has made a prophecy recently, the probability of being discovered would be quite high.”

No wonder Lilith insisted on coming with them. When exactly had she been influenced by Star Stealer Sol?

A chill ran down Lynn’s back. Luckily, she and Painter were tight-lipped, never discussing Teest and Nol’s matters in front of Lilith. As the most powerful False God at present, this guy’s methods were… very real and dark.

“Is She strong?” she continued to probe quietly.

“No, that’s just a projection.” Painter stared at the goddess’s image not far away. “Even if you destroy it, you’ll only kill the innocent prophet.”

[My Hero, I’ve always wanted to see you.]

“Tilia” spoke, her voice ethereal with divinity, completely different from Lilith.

[I’ve also always wanted to see you.]

Teest said with a smile, his tone gentle, but with a subtle hint of bloodthirst. [You¹ can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to, Tilia.]

[Your awakening was earlier than I thought.]

“Tilia” said softly, ignoring Teest’s disrespect¹ and also ignoring Nol behind her. [You will become the pointer of the new world, my brave child…]

¹He used the informal form of you.

Her attitude was like that of a true god.

Teest glanced at Amazon and saw that many were relaxed, showing hopeful expressions on their faces.

Before Tilia could say the next sentence, Teest suddenly extended his hand, creating a huge soundproof barrier that covered nearby. It just covered Painter, Lynn, and Dorothy—and Barto, who, unluckily, walked towards the god and was just caught by the edge of the barrier.

But that was just a small insect.

Teest glanced at Barto, not intending to recast the spell for such a person. At worst, he’d erase the guy’s memory afterward, not caring if it damaged his brain.

Tilia smiled. [It seems our Hero wants more.]

“I just want to talk to you.” Teest maintained a hero-like gentleness on his face. “After all, this is just a damned projection. Even if I turn you into pulp, it’s useless.”

[I can grant you power, power beyond your imagination.]

Tilia, as if not possessing the emotion “anger”, continued softly, [I can establish an unbreakable absolute contract with you. You will become my subordinate god, enjoying infinite life and absolute power. As long as…]

[As long as I kill the Demon King for you.]

Teest scoffed. [I thought you’d be a bit more original, like ‘domesticating’ me, just like how you ‘domesticated’ the Eternal Pope.]

Tilia’s expression softened. [That was not domestication, but asceticism. Suffering is the best path to realizing one’s true nature, and you are already mature, my child.]

She extended her hands, and a glimmering golden longsword appeared in her grasp. It was a remarkably beautiful sword, its semi-transparent blade reminiscent of sunlight itself.

[This is my first gift to you, the “Dominator”… Go. The new Demon King is right here. I won’t mistake this power.]

Her tone was almost sincere.

Nol was exposed, as expected.

‘It’s just the exposure of his monster form; not a big problem,’ Teest thought. He would stay with Nol afterward, not giving Star Stealer Sol a chance to spy on them.

This time, they were spying on Star Stealer Sol.

Its style and tactics could be analyzed through its language and actions.

Teest’s gaze quickly moved away from the longsword, crossing his arms, obviously not intending to take the sword. Tilia just smiled, still steadily holding the longsword.

Is this guy so shameless? Lynn was somewhat surprised. Going straight for Teest, Star Stealer Sol really didn’t take Nol into account.

As if hearing her thoughts, Tilia raised her head, smiling sweetly at her.

[The Demon King will not resist,] Tilia said to her in a seductive voice, as if wrapping around the organs. [I’m just choosing the most dignified way for it—being killed by the strongest Hero present, becoming part of legend.]

She smiled, tossing out a terrifying chip.

[…Its sacrifice can be exchanged for your return home. Whether you’re part of the group or stranded outside, you will have a chance to return home.]

[Similarly, I’m willing to pledge all my power as collateral for this absolute contract.]

Both Dorothy and Barto froze inside the barrier. A chill seized Lynn again, as if a snake were wrapped around her ankles.

What does that mean?

Nol’s death can be exchanged for their return home? Even knowing Nol for so long, Lynn’s heart still skipped a beat.

No wonder this guy dared to throw a weak projection in front of them.

Even if forced out by Teest, the cruel game of chess still continues.

“That prophecy!” Barto screamed. “He will grant you the way home!”

Dorothy remained silent, her expression somewhat distant. For a moment, she instinctively reached for her weapon, but then hesitated in her movements. In the end, she released her grip on the weapon, pressing hard on her temples.

Going home.

Setting aside conflicts of interest and moral differences, this was nearly every Player’s goal.

They had been in this mad world for too long. Not to mention killing a monster, even if it meant killing a fellow human as a pass, there would definitely be plenty of people who could do it.

Nol stopped caressing the undead dragon, remaining silent. He slightly lifted his head, looking towards the so-called “Goddess of Life” behind him.

[The Demon King will not resist.]

As if Tilia had eyes on the back, she repeated it softly again. [Because its nature is not evil. Unfortunately, it cannot withstand its own power. I believe, it must have realized—what kind of danger is hidden within itself.]

[It has only two choices—lose its sanity or become a source of disaster alone. Or, with my help, use that power to open a distant space, personally becoming the path home for everyone.]

“Why should we believe you?” Lynn couldn’t help but speak out.

She tried not to think about her possibly stranded sister. No, she couldn’t be swayed by these words. She must say something. She absolutely couldn’t follow this guy’s narrative.

[You may have misunderstood me.]

Tilia’s smile remained unchanged. [Long ago, I was the Demon King’s companion. Together, we created this world.]

[No matter what rumors you’ve heard, they are from the perspective of an invader; no matter what ruins you’ve seen, I did not destroy them.]

[I’m just here to end the suffering of an old friend, to award the Hero with glory, and to guard the peace of this world. Dear Painter, my rebellious envoy… you know this is a weak projection. I allow you to verify the truth of these words.]

Painter took a deep breath. “I refuse.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Barto cursed loudly. “Isn’t this a great opportunity to prove it?”

Painter laughed. “Then you do it yourself.”

Immediately, his sharp gaze turned towards the “Goddess of Life” with a thoughtful expression on his face.

Damn, Lynn was really confused for a few seconds.

They only knew that three worlds had been destroyed, unclear about why they came to be. The situation with Nol remained a mystery, and everything they knew about Star Stealer Sol was indeed told by “Perradat”, an outsider.

However… Nol’s situation wasn’t right, was an undeniable reality. Star Stealer Sol’s willingness to mortgage power in exchange to give Teest glory and allowing Players to go home was also a reality.

Stepping back ten thousand steps, regardless of the relationship between Star Stealer Sol and Nol, it had nothing to do with the Players involved. Even if the Star Stealer Sol had wronged Nol, the vast majority of Players wouldn’t care.

Star Stealer Sol was well aware of this.

Even if Nol was unwilling to give up here, once such a fact spread… what awaited them was only hell. They could erase the memories of others present, but they couldn’t stop a False God from spreading the news personally.

…The meaning of the prophecy gradually surfaced. Everything was developing in the direction the prophecy indicated. They would know the answer—they were about to return home.

…Is fate truly inescapable?

The people present—except for Barto—were relatively friendly. Star Stealer Sol only threw out a few words, and everyone fell into silence, with a tendency to split emerging.

Before, Lynn thought Perradat lost too easily. Now it seemed, they underestimated Star Stealer Sol…

Teest still stared intently at the false goddess’ face, while Star Stealer Sol also looked at him with a smile.

[Ah, you’re unwilling to kill the Demon King. I know that look. You care too much. Admiration? Obsession? Lust… or love?]

At the same time Star Stealer Sol spoke softly, those false eyes were seemingly trying to penetrate Teest. [Naughty boy, bringing down a god isn’t your victory; it’s your biggest mistake…]

Teest was expressionless.

[You care about it, care enough to give up this glory. Who domesticated you?]

Star Stealer Sol continued softly, its voice as light as a demon whispering in the night. [Child, think about it. Will that soft-hearted Demon King betray everything it protects for you? You’re decisive, but it hesitates.]

[You are the “price” that can be sacrificed.]

Teest’s hand holding the “Betrayer” tightened its grip.

[I will give you fairer treatment, child. I know everything in the world. You can ask for everything you want to know, everything you own. If you wish, I am willing to do my best to preserve a piece of its soul, to accompany you in a new shell… a shell at your disposal…]

[I will give you a wonderful ending far beyond your imagination…]

“What are you dawdling for?” Barto couldn’t help it, striding towards Tilia. “Give me the sword. Can I do it?!”

Dorothy frowned tightly, but ultimately didn’t stop Barto.

Barto stumbled to Tilia’s side, his cheeks flushed with abnormal excitement. However, the moment Barto reached out to grab the sword, he was instantly blown away by Teest’s breath.

“Fine, fine, I won’t touch it. Just hurry up and kill it!”

Barto rolled around on the ground a few times, not even bothering to cry out in pain. He eagerly stared at the sword, as if it would evaporate on the spot the next second.

“I don’t get your hesitation. One life in exchange for so many families—do you know how hard we’ve had it?! Not to mention those who’ve committed suicide, I’ve seen at least a dozen people break down mentally!”

Damn. Nol could hear all this.

Teest immediately raised his head, looking in Nol’s direction. The monster’s face was a void of black, emotionless.

“You too, Dorothy! What’s with the pretense? People have sacrificed themselves to save a child plenty of times! It’s a monster. What secrets could it have? Are you worried about the ‘noble sacrifice’?”

Barto continued to spray spit in his urgency. “In the worst-case scenario, if it’s one of our own—then it should understand the reason even more! Does it want to live a good life while so many people continue to live in hell? If it’s such scum, then killing it is no loss!”

“Shut up.” Dorothy finally spoke up, unable to bear it any longer.

Barto: “Then why don’t you do it? Goddess, that sword isn’t reserved for Drake, is it?”

[Of course not, child.]

Tilia raised her voice, her gaze shifting away from Teest with a smile. [This is the glory bestowed upon the brave, equal in opportunity for everyone.]

[I promise, the power and flesh of the Demon King are enough to create a spatial pathway. I promise, I won’t harm you, and will send you back to your homeland. I promise, I will ensure the world of Tahe lasts forever… I promise, I will fulfill the wishes of the Hero.]

Her gaze swept over Barto, Lynn, Painter, and Teest. Then she lifted her head, and countless shimmering words appeared out of nowhere, forming a radiant contract.

Below the contract, a beautiful Goddess held the sword, waiting for her Hero.

Throughout, she never looked at Nol.

[Come, children.]

Her voice was soft and sweet, filled with a holy aura.

[The Demon King will not resist. Everything is destined…]

Teest had envisioned many scenarios. In each one, he wouldn’t waver in front of Star Stealer Sol.

Star Stealer Sol discovering his relationship with Nol wasn’t a big deal. It wouldn’t let them go either way. Star Stealer Sol taking away the remnants of Perradat didn’t matter, he never planned to use it. Even if Star Stealer Sol was the righteous side… he didn’t care which side held the “greater good”.

He only needed to do two things: observe Star Stealer Sol as much as possible and stand with his God.

But Teest hadn’t anticipated this.

Star Stealer Sol had never communicated directly with Nol, yet every word was meant for Nol to hear. It surely knew something about Nol—knew Nol was from a foreign world, knew Nol was kind-hearted, knew what Nol… most desired.

Nol created Paradise. In addition to his good nature, he must also have the guilt of “being the creator, inextricably linked to everything.” Teest had seen it in his eyes, felt it in his words.

Nol pursuit for the truth, beyond wanting to confront Star Stealer Sol, also harbored unease about his own anomalies. Nol’s unusual loss of control this time, Teest could taste his confusion and fear.

Sacrificing himself, a dangerous individual, for everyone to return home… a perfect option, tailor-made for Nol.

All Nol had to do was abandon Teest.

To abandon a lunatic who has yet to offer love, a relationship that was distant from the start.

Teest found, he no longer wanted to look in Nol’s direction. He didn’t want to take that risk. He didn’t want Nol to make that choice… He didn’t want to hear that answer.

You said you wouldn’t leave me.

You said you’d always stay by my side.

Those flimsy promises, like sweet nothings whispered in bed, could they weigh more than the lives of so many of Nol’s compatriots?

Teest wasn’t sure—he couldn’t be sure. No, he knew the answer; he just didn’t want to admit it…

In Star Stealer Sol’s hand, the sword “Dominator” shone brightly, too dazzling for Teest’s liking. He couldn’t afford to be distracted and hesitate any longer. He had to think immediately, think about the next step—

Suddenly, darkness enveloped Teest’s vision.

A pair of monstrous hands covered his eyes. Nol had appeared behind him at some point.

[No, the Demon King will resist.]

In the midst of the cruel conversation, Nol’s voice sounded for the first time. His voice was calm and decisive, with a certain determination.

[Even if it’s destined.]

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The author has something to say:

Realizing that without their significant other, neither can achieve a perfect ending…

If Teest wasn’t here, Nol might have really agreed (.

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