Published at 27th of July 2022 11:33:11 AM

629 Plan of the Future

Having reaffirmed our wish to have a cooperative relationship, we sit in a circle with Miia to talk.

Thanks a lot, seriously. I had no way of sensing the passage of time. It wouldnt have been a surprise for me to wake up to find the world destroyed.

The world destroyed

You understand thats not a joke, right? Or did Gods Voice not tell you?

Youre talking about Foren?

Miia nods with an expression of relief. Eldia, Miias stone slab, Lilixira, and Gods Voice all mentioned the Evil God Foren.

I havent heard any sort of detailed information about Foren. All I know is that Foren was some gigantic threat that was sealed long ago. If Gods Voice wasnt lying, then their goal is to free Foren and destroy this world in order to return to their original world.

So What exactly is Foren?

I dont know much either. Ive heard that it some sort of deified entity, but its true nature might be closer to a force of destruction It might be some sort of curse or plague. Theres no hard evidence though, so its pretty unclear. I dont think even Gods Voice knows everything about it. But, I think its a certainty that Foren holds the power to destroy the world.

Is Foren not some kind of monster?

I dont think its that simple. I dont think its possible for a monster that powerful to spontaneously arise. But, even if it is something with a physical body, I dont think its possible to be fought. This is what Gods Voice once said, but If Foren were to be fought, not only would the battle be unwinnable, but the shockwaves of the fight would disintegrate the world.

Its that dangerous an opponent? No, its what the practically omniscient and omnipotent Gods Voice has been trying to revive for eons. It wouldnt be strange for it to be that powerful.

Gods Voice can wage war at any place in the world, and can take hostages whenever they want.

Miia told me that my attitude was too naive to fight against Gods Voice. Treant got angry, and I dont think I can become like Miia, nor do I want to. But, she might be correct. Its questionable to what extent Im able to rebel against the ruthlessness of Gods Voice while staying myself.

As one possible solution, I was considering instead defeating the revived Foren. But, from what Miia knows, it sounds like that would be pretty much impossible. Its questionable whether Foren could even be fought, and the moment it does become a fight, its inevitable that this world would be destroyed anyway.

You should throw away your naive thinking, Irushikun. If you obey Gods Voice, then the worlds fate will be sealed the moment Foren revives. Dont allow Foren to revive, and kill Gods Voice. Theres nothing else.

R-right

Shes seen right through me. She probably has misgivings about me.

Miia isnt the type to hesitate to do what she needs to. Thats become clear from our conversation so far. Her chosen course is different from Lilixira, but she has a similar disposition. It wouldnt be strange for her to attack me, should she decide Im going to yield to Gods Voice. From her perspective, Im either an ally that will help her kill Gods Voice, or Im an enemy that will contribute to the revival of Foren.

We then discuss our plans for what to do next. Though theres no real difference from our previous plan.

Well head to the tower while raising our levels, then defeat the hecatoncheir together. Well explore the inside of the tower and then, if we can find a way of leaving this world, well fight the four [Spirit Servants]. What we after that will depend on what Gods Voice does.

According to Miia, the final battle with Gods Voice might not be far away. This Forest of Ngai seems to be a special space prepared by Gods Voice to complete the levelling of divine skill holders.

For divine skill holders, nowhere else in the world is better for levelling up. Gods Voices objective is to strengthen a divine skill holder to the point that they gain [Laplace Interference Authority: LvMAX]. If that happens to me, then Gods Voice will either coerce me into using [Laplace Interference Authority] to revive Foren, or will just take the data of how I got strong and will use the Ngai Forest to strip me of my sense of self.

Together, we should be able to break through the hecatoncheir. The problem is the fight with Gods Voice afterwards.

There are some things Im curious about. Do you mind if I ask now?

Sure, go ahead. You dont have to be so nervous, I wont get angry over a question. Though whether or not I answer is up to me.

Even if she doesnt take offence, the scary thing about Miia is that she could calmly decide to kill me. No, she should also be worried about God of Madness. She cant break through the hecatoncheir by herself. Even if she thinks Im not going to be of help, she wont want to kill me right now.

You fought Gods Voice once before, right? Did it look like you had a chance of winning?

Ive actually fought three times in total. Though none of them could really be called a fight The last time I just attacked in fury, knowing I had no chance of winning. Miia sighs. As I am now, I cant beat Gods Voice.

Were you able to find a workaround for that mental interference skill? Do you know Gods Voices rank? Their defence stat? What sort of attacks did they use, and how often?

Miia has said that Foren absolutely cannot be beaten. But, from my perspective, its already questionable whether its even possible to win against Gods Voice. Gods Voice could choose to kill me whenever they want. The only reason they havent is so that I can get stronger.

The moment Gods Voice ever becomes wary of me, theyll just dispose of me before I can do anything. Even if I find a ray of hope, Ill be crushed before anything can come of it.

Its better if you dont go into the fight with too much information. You should just do whatever you think you can to win.

N-no, thats not an answer. Youre saying Im better off not knowing? Theres no way thats possible. I need to know what sort of attacks might work, and what tactics I should use!

I dont want to lie to encourage you. But I also dont want to discourage you by telling the truth. As you are now, it doesnt matter whether or not you know. That much Ill say. Thoughthe same is true for me.

Of course, I wasnt under the impression I could challenge Gods Voice and win as I am now. But it still feels disheartening to be told as much. Shes practically thrusting the fact that we have no hope of winning in front of me. Miia understood my thoughts, and yet still decided that telling me was worse.