Book 2: Chapter 504

For a while, he stood there, unable to move.

Tuduk, tuk. A few drops of liquid fell from the sky like rain.

The reason it was like rain was because it clearly couldnt be rainwater.

The Next Stage seemed to have suffered great damage from Pales attacks, but it hadnt fallen yet. It was still floating in the sky.

In other words, the falling liquid was something from the bottom of the Next Stage.

Some kind of liquid was leaking from the artificial island. Regardless of whether it was a drinking water reservoir or something else.

The implications of this situation were clear to Lukas.

Being hit as if it was rainwater, made Lukas feel dirty.

that conversation.

Lukas lips twitched.

Im sure you heard it all.

[]

Tell me. Is everything Diablo said true?

[Most of it.]

The Lightning G.o.ds dry answer came back.

The possibility he antic.i.p.ated the most.

The moment the possibility that Diablo had misunderstood something disappeared, his clenched fists tightened even more.

It had been confirmed by none other than the Lightning G.o.d, a Ruler.

No, that wasnt all.

After hearing everything Diablo said, Lukas couldnt help but understand what he was saying. This was because most of his unanswered questions and suspicions had been solved. It was not something that could have been made up.

But even after obtaining the truth that hed longed for, he didnt feel any better. On the contrary, he felt heavier.

Lightning G.o.d, what do you want from me?

Lukas spoke harshly as if chewing the words.

So this is it? The reason you wanted to send me to the Three Thousand Worlds. The reason you interfered when the Exile was playing his tricks was to make me aware of this.

[Thats right.]

Why?

[Because I wanted to know what you would do after knowing the truth.]

[Didnt I tell you? I want you to become the Void King.]

You can become it yourself.

[That is a difficult task.]

Although that is what he said, to Lukas it seemed as if he was saying it was impossible. After all, most things were possible for a Ruler like the Lightning G.o.d.

Whats so hard about it?

[The Four Knights. Dont you know how much they hate the Rulers?]

Dont tell me you thought of forcefully making them submit like Diablo

[Of course I did. However, unfortunately, there is not enough time to make all four of them submit. I also dont want to take an uncertain gamble in this case.]

So you want me to be your proxy?

The Lightning G.o.d didnt answer, but it was clear affirmation.

But there was still something that was unconvincing.

Diablo said. After the apocalypse* sweeps away everything, the only thing that will exist is the Void King. In order to survive, you would have no choice but to become the Void King. (*: Previously just destruction, I changed it to highlight the severity and impact)

[Kuku. Thats one of the things the Lich got wrong. Hey, Lukas Trowman. Even if the world disappears, I will never disappear.]

Why?

[Because I am the Lightning G.o.d.]

That was a terrible reason.

[You dont believe me.]

Any words that are not supported by evidence are usually lies.

[I already told you the reason.]

It was a pointless conversation.

Crunch.

Lukas gritted his teeth.

you have known about the apocalypse since a long time ago.

[Thats right. I at least had a vague feeling about it before you were even born. The actual trigger for the apocalypse was the death of G.o.d. The implications from that incident were surprisingly large. As the Lich said, the apocalypse is no longer far away. Not from my perspective, but the perspective of a mortal.]

Are you going to let that happen?

[What is that supposed to mean?]

Even if the apocalypse covers the entire multiverse, will you just watch.

[Thats right.]

s.h.i.+t. Is it really okay for a Ruler to do that?

Rumble, the air around Lukas shook heavily. Spider web cracks spread across the ground, and the surrounding debris rattled.

The Absolutes, living beings, and universes are your responsibility! Are you really going to let all those who wors.h.i.+ped you like a G.o.d disappear?

[Lukas Trowman After such a long time, you really still dont know anything about them.]

In a voice as if he couldnt understand, the Lightning G.o.d spoke.

[All those who follow me understand me. Not to mention the Absolutes. You used to be an Absolute, so you should know think about it. Do you think anything would change if all the Absolutes who follow me knew this?]

[Do you think a single one of them would struggle because they dont want to be destroyed? Do you think they would tremble out of fear of extinction*? Or do you think they would be unable to overcome their fear and rebel against me? Think for yourself and answer. How would the Absolutes who learn the truth act?](*: the same disappearance mentioned in the world of void, just changed to suit context)

they would follow your will.

Lukas couldnt help but spit out an answer mixed with disgust and pity.

No matter what choice you make, they will follow you. Even if it meant their eternal extinction.

[Exactly And for most mortals, in the first place, death is no different from extinction. Most universes are not even sure about the existence of an afterlife. Within the scope of their knowledge, there is no difference between death and extinction.]

Thats not wrong. However, that isnt that deception?

The strength in Lukas voice gradually faded.

However, nevertheless, he didnt stop talking.

We know thats not it. You know more than the ignorant, and you have a lot more power. So, shouldnt your responsibility be greater as well?

[With great power comes great responsibility That was one of the boring notions created by the weak to trap the strong. As far I know, there is only one thing to keep in mind before making a choice.]

Sighing, the Lightning G.o.d said.

[Regardless of the result that comes after, I must adapt. And Ive never regretted a single choice that Ive made in my life.]

[You know it, Lukas Trowman. I am a Ruler. A being who has never experienced defeat since birth. To be precise Ive never even experienced a crisis.]

There was a deep emptiness in the Lightning G.o.ds voice.

At that moment, for the first time, Lukas felt that hed gotten a glimpse of this incomprehensible beings true thoughts.

[A sea route that has never experienced a single storm, a farm that has never experienced a single drought. Right. Its not bad. However, what if you have sailed and sowed seeds for thousands or tens of thousands of years? What if you never failed once and succeeded constantly? How would you feel if such a life didnt end and continued forever]

Lukas realised that the Lightning G.o.d was displaying a never before seen kindness. He was explaining his case by using a mortal scenario.

[There is nothing more boring than a life without twists and turns kukuku.]

[I know that even if I say this, no one would agree with it. However, Lukas Trowman. Im feeling a bit thrilled now. Its like an electric current is spreading to every corner of my body, and I have a sensation as if a heart that doesnt exist is beating. Because.]

The Lightning G.o.d spoke in a cheerful voice.

[For the first time since I was born, I have something worth challenging.]

what if you fail that first challenge? What if even you cannot withstand the power of the apocalypse and disappear without leaving so much as a scream?

[That wont happen. Because I am the Lightning G.o.d.]

Completely insane.

That was the conclusion Lukas reached at the end of the fruitless conversation.

He couldnt understand why the Lightning G.o.d didnt take any measures even though he had noticed this kind of cosmic apocalypse in advance.

Then he himself was startled by such a thought.

Was he now trying to rely on a Ruler?

ha.

He had gotten weaker.

Just now, if the Lightning G.o.d had some method, a clear way to prevent the apocalypse,

Lukas might have become a subordinate of the Lightning G.o.d. No, he definitely would have.

He had tried to pa.s.s his responsibility onto someone else,

Something he hated so much.

I have to come up with something.

The Lightning G.o.d interrupted his inner thoughts.

[What?]

A better choice. Better than Diablos, the right choice.

[Why?]

Because thats how its always been.

[So you plan to do that again? Are you sure you can do it? Even G.o.d was unable to come up with a countermeasure, so what can a guy like you do?]

I, I.

Thud.

Then he heard a heavy step.

[This falling like rain makes me feel dirty.]

And a voice that was just as heavy.

He turned around.

There, he saw the Demon King walking towards him.

But Lukas paid more attention to the direction he was walking from rather than his existence in itself.

you.

He couldnt sense anything in the direction the Demon King was walking from.

Even if he was unconscious, Lukas would still be able to notice his power.

What happened there?

[]

What happened to Yang In-hyun?

[Its been a long time since we met, but the first thing you talk about is someone else? Im a little disappointed, Lukas.]

Crunch. He gritted his teeth once again.

Lukas ground out in a voice mixed with hate.

Quit your disgusting bulls.h.i.+t. Ive heard all about your origin.

[hmm. Indeed, is it because Yang In-hyun knows my ident.i.ty? He told you everything.]

After muttering casually, the Demon King showed his chest.

[That man was strong.]

A grievous injury.

Blood still dripped from a cut deep enough to show his ribs.

[See? This is the sword mark he left. It will forever be incurable. It is a wound that was engraved on my very existence, so if I transfer my soul or create a new body, it will follow me like a leech.]

I asked you what happened.

[Dead.]

The Demon King continued to speak in an indifferent voice.

[Sadly, there was no corpse. Its too bad. If I could have given him to Diablo, I would have been able to find out how efficient the undead made from the corpse of one of the Twelve Void Lords is compared to when he was alive.]

Cut the c.r.a.p. You cannot defeat Yang In-hyun with your power.

[You seem certain.]

I am well aware of Yang In-hyuns power.

[Is that so? But you do not know anything about me.]

The Demon King grinned.

[Let me introduce myself formally. Im the former 0th Demon, the one that stole all of the components that made up your close friend Kasajin, the current Demon King. And.]

Crack crack.

Black thorns sprouted from the Demon Kings body.

[Another Black Horned Demon G.o.d.]

what?

[Im deeply fatigued. Nevertheless, I wanted to walk here on my own power. Because I wanted to see you with my own eyes. Im glad. Lukas Trowman Im glad youre alive, and much stronger. However, thats all.]

The Demon Kings eyes gradually became hazy.

[Im going to get some rest now. So you can continue talking to him. After all, he is the one who has business with you in the first place]

Then, the house-like body stumbled as if it was about to collapse.

He bent over, his waist which seemed that it would stretch at any moment, stopped as if it had been frozen in time.

Crack.

Then, his back, which had been completely bent, straightened as if the scene was playing in reverse.

[Hmm]

When he heard the voice that leaked out, Lukas finally realised that it was no longer the Demon King.

Demon G.o.d.

[Long time no see, Lukas Trowman.]

The Black Horned Demon G.o.d smiled.

You have business with me?

[You could say its an offer.]

Enough of your bulls.h.i.+t. Again, Im not going to accept your offer.

[Thats a strange thing to say. Have I ever made a real offer to you?]

Lukas closed his half open mouth for a moment.

When the Demon G.o.d had stolen the body of Sedi Trowman. Even at that time, the offer hed made to Lukas had felt more like an insult. However, that already didnt exist. Even the Rulers couldnt realise G.o.ds last miracle.

[Or, have you accepted the Lightning G.o.ds offer?]

What?

[Theres no need to pretend. I know the Lightning G.o.d exists within you right now.]

A convinced tone.

He couldnt help but wonder if the Lightning G.o.d had sent him some kind of signal.

[I didnt do anything.]

Perhaps reading his mind, the Lightning G.o.d grumbled.

[If it had been the other way around, I would have noticed as well. Thats why I told you, its better to not encounter the Demon G.o.d too much.]

There was a hint of laughter in the Demon G.o.ds voice.

[Im not upset because something unexpected happened. Has your hatred towards us improved, Lukas Trowman? Seeing as you allowed the Lightning G.o.d to stay in your body.]

That wasnt my aim.

[What do you mean?]

I fought the Lightning G.o.d in the imaginary world. I won, but I wasnt able to completely get rid of that guys remnant thoughts.

[what?]

The Demon G.o.d seemed to pause.

Then, he looked into Lukas eyes as if to ascertain the truth.

After a while, as if he realised something, the corners of his lips twitched.

[Kuk, haha, hahahaha!]

The small snicker became full blown mad laughter.

After bursting out laughing, the Demon G.o.d opened his mouth.

[You defeated the Lightning G.o.d? In the imaginary world? Just you?]

Is that hard to believe?

[Its not a story I can believe or not. In the first place, it is impossible kukuku.]

Your arrogance is no surprise, but Ill let you know that it was a humble victory. At that time, the Lightning G.o.d was in the state of controlling a puppet. Since he wasnt able to show his full power

[Its not a question of body. You said it yourself, it was a mental confrontation.]

[If the Lightning G.o.d was willing to use a bit more concentration, he could have summoned the main body of G.o.d in the imaginary world.]

what?

[Youre doing something interesting, Lightning G.o.d.]

There was laughter mixed into the Demon G.o.ds voice as he spoke.

[Why did you intentionally lose?]

(TL: Way to crush all of Lukas confidence.)