Listening to the Black Spider's gloating laughter, Lynch finally understood why the other party had been so cooperative in answering their questions.
A choice between two evils.
It was a malicious, soul crushing dilemma.
Lynch slammed the picture frame facedown. Despite the muffled laughter still emanating from it, his expression turned somber.
Miss Valente stood frozen in place, her gaze vacant as she stared at Lynch. After a long silence, she murmured, "It is... indeed possible. Judging by the rules of the mystery world, what he said aligns with occult knowledge and is logically self consistent."
Lynch did not actually doubt the veracity of the method. Twenty years ago, Charles had fought the evil god's avatar twice and was a professional in archaeology; his knowledge of the occult was likely richer than both of theirs combined. Since he had acknowledged the theory, the likelihood of it being a fabrication was slim.
But this meant one of them had to offer their own body to the evil god and be killed by the other, leaving the survivor to carry the guilt of slaying their companion just to live.
Damn it. Should I choose? And if so, how?
"The more I analyze it, the more I feel this method is highly feasible." Seeming to sense Lynch's hesitation, Miss Valente explained with a stern expression, "Moreover, that is how the mysterious world often works. Every goal may come with immense pain and sacrifice; nothing is gained without paying a price."
"But this is not just about the two of us. This is a major event that could affect all of Lande and even half of Middle Earth. We must study it carefully before deciding."
"No, we do not have that much time. Do not forget we are still right beside the evil god's avatar." Miss Valente sighed and gave a helpless smile. "Perhaps you do not feel it yet, but I can tell that the corruption is gnawing at my will more severely by the moment. I am not sure how much longer I can hold on. Therefore, this method is our only lifeline. We have no other choice, Mr. Levive."
Yes, I know that too. I have to make a choice.
Heh, I have only known this woman for two days, and this matter had nothing to do with me originally; it is a problem for her own people from this world. It is only natural that she should be the one to sacrifice herself. Besides, I am on the path of awakening, destined to become a supreme being in the future. My life is far more precious. How can she compare to me? I can only apologize to her.
His mind made up, Lynch shook his head solemnly and said, "But I do not think this method is feasible."
"Why?"
Lynch said with a gloomy expression, "We do not know how to attract the evil god's avatar into our own bodies, and even if he could provide the method, I would not dare to trust it. It is too easy to rig. So, this method is meaningless. We should still..."
"It is meaningful, because I know how, Mr. Levive."
"Hm?"
"Mortal entities possess a strong attraction to the will of the Dreamlands, so as long as you are..." Miss Valente's voice suddenly cut off. She looked at Lynch with a strange expression, unsure whether she was angry or touched. Her eyes grew red, and with a faint nasal tone, she chided, "You are too much. To think you would use such a... despicable method again."
Lynch's expression became subtle.
"You wanted to bait the specific method out of me, then trick me so you could take on the responsibility of the vessel yourself, not giving me a choice, right?" Miss Valente clutched her folding fan as if she wanted to strike him, yet she looked quite moved. She whispered, "But you lack sincerity. You just used the same trick to fool me once, and not even ten minutes have passed. How could I possibly fall for it again?"
Tsk, why did this girl have to get smart at a critical moment?
Caught in his intentions, Lynch could only sigh. Although his reason had analyzed the situation clearly, his emotions refused to listen. He could not bring himself to let this woman charge forward as a vessel to trade for a chance to destroy the evil god. He would rather be the one to do it, otherwise, he would live the rest of his life in self reproach.
"Heh, Mr. Levive, you are a good person."
Why is she insulting me again?
"Truly, I am very grateful to you for accompanying me on this adventure, helping me delve deeper, and even wanting to die in my stead. Actually, this has already far exceeded my expectations. I never thought I would make it this far, let alone have a real chance to destroy the evil god's avatar and cast off the thousand year shackles of the Valente family. You cannot imagine how deep my gratitude is to you."
Miss Valente spoke in a low voice, then suddenly stepped forward and gently hugged Lynch. Lynch instantly stiffened, unsure of what to do with his hands. He could feel the noblewoman trembling slightly, clearly as nervous as could be, which softened his heart. He reached out and patted Miss Valente's trembling back.
"I am actually terrified; I cannot stop shaking. I do not want to die at all. This world is so fascinating, and I have not seen enough of it yet." Miss Valente's voice choked up, and she whispered, "But some things must be done. As a noble, protecting my people is my responsibility. Besides, I am a human, and I absolutely cannot bow before an evil god. I want these damned evil gods to see that mortals have courage too."
"Miss Valente..."
"Call me Diana."
Lynch sighed. "Very well, Miss Diana."
Miss Valente used both hands to pull on Lynch's collar, forcing him to lower his head. She whispered into his ear, "Detective, listen. I am not acting on a whim to die. I believe the method he provided is real, but he still makes me very uneasy. I have a feeling he has some other conspiracy."
Lynch nodded silently; he had the same feeling.
"Since we cannot guess his conspiracy, we can only use our actions to fish it out. I just might not be able to handle it once it is fished out, but I believe you certainly can. You are far more insidious... and much smarter than me. Besides, you said from the beginning that you had a way to deal with the evil god's avatar. I have no confidence, so the most difficult task later can only be left to you. I hope you can forgive my laziness."
"I understand. Then let us each do our part." It was indeed impossible to argue, and knowing it would be difficult to change her mind, Lynch patted the noblewoman's back once more. "Some things are hard to explain, but believe me, do not give up hope. I have some ideas now, and although success is not guaranteed, I promise you that as long as there is even a sliver of chance, I will do my utmost to pull you back from the jaws of death."
"Mm, I believe you, Lynch."
Miss Valente hugged Lynch tightly, then took off her bracelet and stuffed it, along with her folding fan, into Lynch's hand. She gritted her teeth, turned around, and walked toward the canyon and the ball of light.
'My idea should have a chance, neighbor.'
【You are not doubting me anymore?】
'How can you gods be just as petty and stubborn as human women? Fine, even though you are indeed suspicious, every word that Black Spider said was malicious and highly aggressive. With such a person, one does not need to analyze the truth or intent behind their words; it is correct to simply not believe anything they say. Besides, I was not planning on keeping it from you, was I?'
【Mm. It is hard to say how high the chance of saving her is, but it is indeed possible. It depends on how you act.】
Lynch nodded and followed behind Miss Valente until they reached the edge of the canyon cliff, facing the cold evil god's avatar at close range.
Miss Valente spread her arms, looked back at Lynch, and then closed her eyes as she faced the ball of light. It was unclear what she did, but a few minutes later, a tentacle made of condensed mist stretched out toward her body, wrapping around her tightly.
Lynch's heart hung in his throat. He gripped his cane tightly, staring at Miss Valente's condition as more and more tentacles stretched out, wrapping her so tightly that not a breath of air could get through.
The next moment, a green light flashed, and the massive ball of light vanished instantly. Miss Valente's body took its place, emitting green mist and ghostly light. She turned her head, her eyes glowing with a ghostly green light, carrying an indescribable, evil eeriness.
Now.
Lynch knew there was no room for hesitation. Gritting his teeth, he raised his cane and thrust it into Miss Valente's chest.
Puff.
The cane, along with his arm, passed through Miss Valente's body without any obstruction.
"Hehehe, congratulations, Mr. Lynch Levive. You and she have finally succeeded in waking Mordiggian." The Black Spider's voice came from the picture frame.
"You were deceiving us?" Lynch withdrew his weapon and asked, narrowing his eyes.
"The Shadow Alliance never falsifies information. If the customer misunderstands, that is not our responsibility." The Black Spider let out an eerie laugh. "Everything was the truth. As long as you can destroy the vessel, you can of course destroy the evil god's avatar. But what a pity, she has now merged with the god's avatar and is equivalent to the god's incarnation in the present world. No mortal can ever touch a god. Therefore, how to destroy the vessel is something you must figure out yourself, Mr. Levive. Otherwise, you can only watch as Mordiggian descends upon the mortal world."
So that was their true goal. Lynch recalled his experiences of being manipulated during their previous encounters and realized this person's identity was by no means simple. It was very likely that they also represented some major god, or were even in a situation similar to his own, but hostile. That was why they knew so much about his situation. It was a real headache. Did the gods plan on waking up in droves recently? Lynch gritted his teeth and asked, "So, targeting me at every turn—which god do you stand behind? Do we have a grudge?"
"Hehe, your reaction is fast, but it is a pity that realizing it now is too late." The Black Spider avoided answering.
"So, is this a dead end set up for me?"
"Although it was not specifically targeted at you, I am sorry to say this is a dead end. Only the supreme will of a god can confront the supreme will of another. Even as the host of the thirteenth, you cannot possess a supreme will before you become supreme yourself. So, I can only offer my apologies." The Black Spider said mockingly. "So give up, Mr. Levive. Your good luck has run out. Unless you become supreme right now, or some supreme being who has not fallen descends, everything is already fated."
"Very well, then... as you wish."
Rate on N.U.
