Chapter 145

I found myself in a twisted space, so dark and black that it could only be described in shades of darkness. It had been the place I had just left moments ago.

I had anticipated no reason or justification for leaving this space, predicting a confrontation with an otherworldly being that hadn’t shifted as dramatically as a flipped palm.

“…What is this?”

In the blink of an eye, this unfamiliar space had transformed. Even if it had become a stark white void without any twists or shadows, it was still bewildering.

“…Nothing.”

The realization that there was no one else around me made the situation even more disconcerting. There was literally nothing here. In contrast to the bizarre structures that had once expressed the distortion of this twisted space, now there was nothing but barren emptiness.

Compared to the ominous places filled with twisted madness, this desolation seemed almost preferable. But what truly unsettled me was the absence of any trace from those who should have been here, like Caladbolg and Asulin.

The transcendent being, who had laughed wildly and spoken incoherently, displaying an incomprehensible madness, and Caladbolg and Asulin, who had wielded swords with the same purpose as me, were nowhere to be found.

“…Failord?”

Failord, who had been in my hand and had cleansed the negativity that had pervaded the space I had just inhabited, had also vanished from my grasp.

The unprecedented situation of those who should have been present not being there unfolded.

“Asulin! Failord! Caladbolg!”

Despite thinking it absurd, I called out louder, but my voice echoed back to me hollowly, devoid of any response.

“Huh…”

My exasperated sigh, heavy with disbelief, echoed back to me, distorting in my ears.

While I didn’t want to admit it, the sheer absurdity of the situation was overwhelming. However, I had to accept it.

All that remained here was just my body…

“A tepid reaction. I distinctly remember calling out when I entered this place. Nowadays, mortals treat immortals with such disrespect that it’s troubling.”

…I thought I was alone, but the presence of the transcendent being, whose playful tone belied the seriousness of their call, was all there was.

Despite my efforts to remain calm in the face of whatever happened, being suddenly transported to this place amidst a fierce battle was truly disorienting.

Judging by the voice, it sounded similar to the haughty tone of the entity that emerged from Dominus’s physical form, but different.

“It seems you’ve been called to a realm where the distinction between matter and spirit is nonexistent, a chasm between worlds.”

The voice of the transcendent being, explaining the place I stood on, only added to the confusion in my heart.

But… something about this voice.

“There’s no malice in it.”

The low, solemn voice that had previously conveyed a sense of weariness, masking frustration and despair.

The explosive anger when Caladbolg and Failord had overshadowed me, and the confident arrogance when fully controlling Dominus’s physical form.

The voice always carried a malice that could unsettle anyone.

“But even if you find it unreasonable or unjust, considering life with or without an end, the conclusion must be a good one. So, shouldn’t this be seen as another trial to overcome?”

This philosophical question, delivered with a smug tone, was unmistakably the same voice I had heard before, yet it wasn’t quite the same.

Even though I found it perplexing, the voice’s sudden shift in demeanor was unexpected.

“Hmm, even so, it’s rude to expect a reaction based solely on a voice. Let me take a moment.”

As the voice, now somewhat casual, spoke to me, the entity appeared before me instantly.

“…Who are you?”

Though I was seeing this person for the first time, I could tell they were different from the transcendent being I had just faced.

Red hair that would catch the eye immediately.

A beauty that would elicit gasps up close, marred slightly by a scar visible even under the eye patch.

A petite woman with a delicate face marred by a scar on her right eye.

Although I had never seen the appearance of the transcendent being I had faced before, and it might seem presumptuous to judge solely by appearance, the eye patch played a crucial role.

Unlike the entity that had received scars on its left eye due to the efforts of Failord and Caladbolg, this woman wore the eye patch over her right eye.

“Good observation. I thought such keen eyes would be impossible with blood rushing to your head and excitement running high…”

She revealed a hint of surprise, her unscarred eye sparkling with curiosity.

Her eyes shared the same hue as the ones I had faced before, but unlike the blood-red eyes of the malevolent entity, these eyes held a different kind of emotion.

“Even though countless stars shine in the night sky, there are more humans living on Earth than stars…”

Murmuring to herself, the curiosity in her eyes shone brightly and purely.

“Indeed, humans are fascinating subjects to observe, especially those who maintain their resilience even in adversity.”

The declaration that observing humans was rewarding, especially resilient ones, resonated deeply.

Like the transcendent being who had shown genuine curiosity towards me, this entity seemed to harbor no hostility towards me.

Recalling how crucial it was not to develop resentment towards beings with the power to destroy the world with a single action, this seemed significant.

Moreover, unlike the entity that could easily erase everything at will, this one seemed less dangerous.

“I’m glad I summoned you in a good situation. You seem to be someone who can handle things well.”

Her joyous tone, expressing pleasure, seemed safe compared to the unpredictable nature of the previous entities.

However, the relief from gaining the favor of such a powerful being didn’t last long.

If only the curious gaze of this entity, capable of erasing lives as effortlessly as crushing ants, would linger for a moment…

“Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm…”

She hummed a strange tune while scrutinizing me, causing impatience to replace my initial anxiety.

How could it not?

I couldn’t fathom what this entity meant by the chasm between worlds, and comparing it to the reality I had left behind, where time seemed to flow differently, made me yearn to escape.

“Hmm, you’re getting impatient. I wonder why Failord chooses to deal with people who are so different from him.”

As she examined me, she casually remarked about Failord, showing no concern for my situation.

Could it be that beings with abilities surpassing human limits think differently from ordinary humans?

Frustration began to boil within me, but…

“Don’t worry. Nothing you’re concerned about has occurred since you arrived here.”

Her dismissive attitude, despite understanding my thoughts, extinguished the anger that had begun to flare.

The certainty of her oath, sworn on her divinity, reassured me, dispelling my doubts.

“Fine, let’s wait.”

With hope, I folded my arms and waited for her inspection to end.

“Hmm, I see. To be born as a human and naturally gain divinity over time. Such a talent passed down through generations…”

Only then did the transcendent being nod, seemingly understanding.

Her self-satisfied demeanor, coupled with her casual mannerisms, made her appear harmless.

Had it not been for the gravity of the situation, I might have found amusement in watching her.

“…Ah!”

Suddenly, her demeanor changed, and she looked at me with urgency.

“This isn’t the time…”

Her voice, tinged with urgency yet still composed, signaled a shift.

Smack!

She clapped her hands together unexpectedly.

“You, who are here because of our failure, are the child of someone suffering greatly.”