Chapter 991: The End of the Social Gathering (2)

‘The demon’s seed.’

He probably thought that nonsense was inside him.

‘I’m really glad that he’s an idiot.’

Actually, he wasn’t an idiot.

It was more like my[1] work was just too excellent.

This was the result of my painstaking efforts. The props were perfect, the story flowed smoothly, and I finally managed to sow the seed that I had planted in the beginning. This situation was only made possible because everything had gone according to plan.

For a split second, my wings and golden eye had captivated him. The small event that took place on the terrace wasn’t part of my plan, but it had become an indispensable and delicious ingredient for this dish.

‘I’m sure he's fallen for it.’

It didn't matter whether he thought of me as the Incarnation of the Goddess or the Avatar of the Goddess. Personally, I wanted to be known as an angel who had abandoned his position and descended to protect the continent.

An angel who couldn’t ignore the pain of the humans he loved so much.

‘I’m an angel who has fallen from the heavens like a meteor.’

Of course, the angel didn’t love the continent at first. Many things had happened before I—the treasure of heaven—had decided to descend, but I had no choice but to skip all that because I didn't have enough time.

Of course, it was an important setting as well.

My story started on a relaxing day in the heavens. I happened to look down on the world down below and clapped my eyes on a Templar who had devoted his body and heart to Lucifer.

The sight kickstarted a small change in my life; I cried, laughed, and empathized with his adventures, and I watched over him nervously.

It was a grand and legendary story, and it all started with that small change. I couldn’t stand by and watch him get corrupted. I couldn't watch the continent fall as well. As always, it was a touching story that would end with me sacrificing myself.

A story that one would see in a drama, and as I said, it was a very important setting. It was proven by the shocked face of the man before him. I couldn't even imagine how he was feeling upon finding out the secret about himself that even he didn't know about.

“Don’t… Don’t surrender to evil, Mr. Bahamut,” I begged.

“Father…”

He probably didn’t even have the luxury to think about that.

He probably wanted to run toward the injured angel and save him, but this wasn’t a battle of brute force.

This was a battle between holy and evil.

A fight between an angel and a great demon. There was an invisible and intangible energy. It was a fight between those who had transcended, and it was a battle of morality. Of course, Bahamut couldn’t understand the fight at all.

I raised the holy torch in my hand, and the radiant light pushed back the darkness.

I reflected the light with my mirror and stopped the darkness' encroachment.

Of course, the darkness was still there, and it was struggling for supremacy over this place against the radiant light.

The light and the darkness’ fight over this place was more intense than any other battles. Well, this was just an illusion, so it would be okay for me to manipulate the light and make it look kind of cool.

Hundreds, no, thousands of dark arrows targeted my pure white wings. In response, I raised the mirror of light, and a large shield of light manifested, consuming the dark arrows.

A dark scythe manifested afterward, and I swung my holy torch toward it. The collision generated fragments of light that fell from the torch and landed on the darkness encroaching on the floor.

It was a spectacular virtual battle that couldn’t be matched by cheap action scenes. I was sure that the 4D graphics were realistic enough to make Bahamut cry, and it was proven by how he wasn't even moving. He was staring dumbfoundedly at the scene.

‘Belial, this doesn’t look like a ridiculous fight, does it?’

[It's not, you disgusting angel. Humans are naturally afraid of the unknown. It’s true that this human named Bahamut has transcended, but at the end of the day, he’s still human. If he’s a human worthy of being on the same level as us, he wouldn’t see this as a joke. Those on a higher level won’t expect this kind of joke, and…]

‘So you’re certain this looks convincing?’

[I guarantee it.]

If I were to compare Bahamut to a caveman who had just witnessed something new, it would be a bit too much, but he actually looked like that.

— The seed of evil is going to bloom!

Hahaha!

The destruction of the continent begins today! In this place!

“Y-You think I’ll let that happen?” I stuttered.

— Struggle all you want. You’re nothing but an angel who has abandoned yourself for the continent! Simply hilarious!

Hahahaha!

It’s so hilarious! An angel is actually trying to protect a human with the demon’s seed!

Hahahaha!

“

Ugh…

”

[He’s even afraid of you getting hurt. There is nothing more fun than this.]

‘We’re in sync.’

— Struggle all you want, but it’s too late. I can see it, you weak angel. The demon’s seed is already eating away at you!

“That’s not… That’s not true, Mr Bahamut!” I shouted.

A curtain of darkness manifested as if it were proving that the demon lord was right.

Bahamut seemed afraid of the current situation. I noticed he hadn't moved an inch, and it was understandable. He was the only one who couldn’t feel anything, as the seed of evil growing inside his body was only affecting me.

He flinched at the intense sight, and his slight movement affected me immediately

‘Huh? You moved! Did you just flinch?’

'Then, that will break one of my wings, damn it. I’m dying because of the demonic energy that you’re unleashing.'

A wave of energy burst out of Bahamut, shattering one of my remaining wings.

“

Ack!

” I screamed.

-

Hahahaha!

What a pitiful sight, you foolish angel. I can’t understand it. No matter how much I think about it, you’re a fool that I truly cannot understand.

“

Ugh…

”

I needed to show him an aerial battle as well.

I had wings, so it would be a good idea to show him my fancy flying skills.

‘Ah, damn it.’

Unfortunately, this wasn’t going my way. While trying to dodge the claws of darkness, I flapped my wings the wrong way, which ended up in me falling to the ground. What comforted me was the fact that the scene looked pretty good and natural.

[It was natural.]

‘It was natural.’

I looked so pitiful that I ended up creating a cool scene. I got up and staggered. My injuries were so bad that I looked like I was supposed to be in a coma right now, but I forced myself to stand up.

I was trembling like an aspen tree, and it was all because I was scared as well.

My opponent was a demon lord, and there was a massive gap between our power. I could struggle for as long as I wanted, but the gap between our power wouldn't narrow at all. The holy torch was dying out, and the Goddess’ Mirror was slowly losing its power. Despite that, the angel… who loved humans and the continent stood up.

“R-Run, Father Lee Ki-Young. I’m okay…” Bahamut stammered.

'I can’t hear you.'

“Father… please run,” he repeated.

'There’s no way I'll run.'

“Don’t worry, Mr. Bahamut. I… I’ll protect you,” I told him.

I revealed a weak smile.

“You don’t need to do that for me… If… the seed of evil inside me is actually taking root—”

“No.

Haa

… The seed of evil hasn’t eaten away at you yet. I’m… sure of it.

Haa… haa…

” I interrupted him.

Bahamut was a terrifying and towering man, but he was cowering at the idea of getting corrupted.

It was understandable, as he didn’t know anything else other than being Lucifer’s loyal servant.

He was the fearless hero of the continent, Lucifer’s strongest sword, and a pillar of the continent, but he was afraid of getting corrupted. He wasn't expressing that fear, but he couldn’t hide his gaze filled with anxiety from me.

He was worried about abandoning his goddess and afraid of getting cursed.

This was why brainwashing was so scary when done at a young age.

There was a long silence.

Did he think that my comment about how the seed of evil wasn't eating away at him yet was nothing more than words of comfort? Was it because he could no longer watch me get hurt, or could it be that he felt like allowing himself to be devoured by the darkness would ensure that I would no longer be in pain?

“...”

“...”

[You should say something to the hero who’s losing hope.]

‘That’s it.’

I shattered the silence, saying, “This isn’t like you, Templar Bahamut.”

“...”

“This isn’t like you. You were always confident. The person I’ve been watching all this while was a bit more courageous… stronger… and determined…” I said.

“...”

“I've been watching you,” I told him.

“...”

“From the heavens… I watched… your story. You are Lucifer’s sword, the pillar of the continent, a guardian, and the hero with a ton of responsibilities on your shoulders. I've been watching you, and you… you've always been a beacon of light on this land.

"You've been through many trials and hardships, but in the end, you proved that Lucifer’s light is righteous,” I said.

“Father…”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner, Mr. Bahamut. I’m really sorry… I couldn’t show this side sooner. I’m sorry I didn’t catch on sooner,” I added.

“...”

“I-I believe that you’ll be able to suppress the demon’s seed, and I know better than anyone that you won’t surrender to the demonic power,” I said.

I got prepared to cry.

“I know you can overcome this as well… I’m sure you’ll be able to prove once again that the light is righteous,” I said.

“Why… are you…”

'Why do I have so much faith in you, you ask?'

There was no reason whatsoever, and perhaps it was simply because I just wanted to believe.

I was sure Bahamut wanted a clear answer, but I couldn’t remember the script here, so I simply smiled at him. Sometimes, a smile could express more messages than a thousand words.

“

AAAAAH!

”

‘Ah, shit. You scared me.’

Bahamut was crying.

“

AAAAAH!

”

Bahamut started fighting the unknown seed of evil inside him. Perhaps he thought he could find a way to fight back. Was he thinking that the light remaining inside of him could fight the demon’s seed? Could he really channel the immense holy power inside him to destroy the demon’s seed?

“

AAAAAAH!

”

It was so absurd that I almost laughed out loud at the sight of it.

Obviously, the darkness was still there.

His red eyes, pitiful face, and muscles that looked like they were going to burst weren't helping him at all.

— Looks like you’re done with your absurd play. Wait, you're still not done?

Haha… hahahaha!

How funny!

Hahahahaha!

Do you really think you can fight back? A mere human… you’re nothing but a human…

Haha!

How dare you try to resist the demon’s seed, you imbecile! The result is obvious, and you know that better than anyone, angel of sacrifice!

“His light will not go out,” I said.

— It’s useless.

“I won’t let that happen,” I said.

— I-It… can’t be…

‘That tone makes it obvious that you’re acting.’

𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

[It’s an important part. I was simply trying to emphasize my delivery.]

‘That’s true. I respect it.’

“Templar Bahamut… No, Mr. Bahamut,” I said.

“F-Father?”

“I believe… you’ll be able to overcome the seed of evil,” I told him.

It was a line I used on Draktaris as well.

“But now isn’t the time,” I added.

“...”

“It’s been…” I paused.

“...”

“It’s been… really fun,” I continued.

Swooooooosh!

And that was when I heard a familiar voice.

[A Mythic-rank Forced Quest has been activated.]

[Don’t do it. Please. I beg you. Please… don't do it. (0/1)]

“…”

[A Mythic-rank Forced Quest has been activated.]

[Come back. Please… please… (0/1)]

1. Lee Ki-Young’s POV ?