392 - 397
Chapter 392 – Armageddon (4)
The atmosphere had been broken through. Using the layer of hydrogen and helium as fuel, Wrath entered the planet's atmosphere by burning its surface. The thickness of the atmosphere was around 1,000 kilometers.
The speed started to decelerate after entering the zone where air resistance existed. However, it was clear that even if Wrath only moved at 2 kilometers per second, it would destroy all life on this planet. Before that, he had to reduce either Wrath's speed or mass no matter what.
Kieeeeek! The cries of more than a thousand evil spirits rang out at once, echoing in Theodore's ears. Theodore pushed away the pressure with Soul Calibre but realized it wasn't a fundamental solution.
'Kuk, there is no time to think of a way!'
10 seconds were left. After entering the thermal layer, Wrath would burn far more intensely than right now. It would become visible to the people on Earth, and at that point, it would all over. It was because Wrath's destructive power would increase with the number of observers.
"Emergency order! In the name of the victor!"
He unsealed the knot Seimei had left behind.
"Yin and Yang Bind, release!"
The band on Theodore's left arm was released. His blood blackened, and the blood vessels bulged from all the magic power—the strength of the heavenly demon. It wouldn't be hard to get rid of the evil spirits with just 20% of this power. In fact, as soon as this was released, the evil spirits were so afraid that they scattered in all directions.
'No! This isn't enough!'
Nine seconds were left. Theodore needed to somehow deal an effective blow.
"…Shit."
There was one moment of hesitation before Theodore cried out, 「 Absorption Star Method, activate! 」
It was the ability to disassemble all the entities he made contact with into the smallest unit and then absorb that power. Lust's final weapon and the strongest ability given to the heavenly demon revealed its teeth again. It wasn't just in the material world. The mana in the atmosphere, as well as the seeds from soil, plants, and animals, were absorbed. This was the power of predation to eat everything, regardless of species, property, or system.
Kieeeeeeek-!
Those who could threaten a city or a nation were just prey in front of this power.
Theodore's left arm stretched out and dragged in the evil spirits that were trying to escape. It was similar to a scene of water pouring down a drain. The evil spirits with a high density disintegrated into mana as soon as they reached his arm, filling the circles which had been drained after the previous battle. Theodore's magic power became saturated in just two or three seconds.
"Haaaap!"
Theodore concentrated all the overflowing magic power into his right arm. As he pushed all the power of his left arm into Soul Calibre, the emerald blade grew to a length of several hundred meters in a flash. It could be called a blessing in disguise. The pure power of the Absorption Star Method increased the power of Soul Calibre. Eating over a thousand high level evil spirits was enough for that.
Synergy-Harmonize.
Add the power of Abraxas to wreak havoc!
Fusion Complete: Four Elements Exterminating Sword.
Once the fusion spell completed, Theodore jumped up and wielded the emerald blade that had become a pillar. The sword accelerated as the faint atmosphere separated. The sword's length increased, making the sword's speed increase as well. The edge of the blade broke through supersonic speed and cut the outer wall like it was butter.
Kakakakak!
It pierced through properly. Theodore felt the sensation and didn't retreat, raising his magic power instead. He couldn't miss this opportunity. Based on this resolution, he demonstrated more magic power than usual. This was his last chance since there were only 500 meters left until Wrath would become visible to the world. What if the 800-meter-long blade turned into a powder keg?
「 Sword, blow up! ���
It penetrated deeply and exploded. Theodore was unaware of it, but demolition was the simplest and most effective technique. The moment Wrath was about to enter the thermal layer, there was a big explosion.
―――――――――――――!!!
The sky was torn. The air burst and a vacuum occurred, putting out the flames and making everything quiet.
Jjejejeok…! Jjeok…!
The state of the sphere was miserable. In the spot where Soul Calibre had been stuck into the outer wall, more than one hundred meters of debris were scattered like a meteor shower. Wrath had lost more than one-third of its volume, and the orbit seemed to shake.
'That's it! At this rate, one more blow before it hits the ground―'
However, Theodore wasn't allowed even a moment of hope.
[The number of observers on the target planet is constantly increasing. 3… 9… 17… 30 people. Upgrading the available power based on the increase in hostility by two stages.]
The lost volume was restored, and Wrath started accelerating. It was now falling at a speed of 4 kilometers per second. As if the damage Theodore dealt to it hadn't existed from the beginning, Wrath's outer wall became smooth and it fell to the ground.
This was when Theodore realized, '…Had it already expected this?'
Wrath had the highest logic circuits among the Seven Sins. It collected accurate data and could make future predictions using this data. If so, how easy would it be for Wrath to calculate the range of Theodore's actions? It had guided the situation to this moment by expecting 'Theodore Miller's full power.' The killer bots, soul stakes, and evil spirits that it had sent out had just been paving stones to this moment.
Theodore had lost. Thinking this, he tried to deny it, "No, not yet! It isn't over yet!"
The magic power he had absorbed was still overflowing. By rotating all nine circles, as well as using Gluttony's functions and the assistance function of Goetia, Theodore used six ultimate magic—lightning, storms, hellfire, blizzard, gravitational field, and space waves.
Jeeeong!
The firepower, which could erase a mountain, struck the outer wall and bounced far away. The defense had increased to a different level from when they fought in outer space. The number of observers was still increasing, and Wrath's output amplified significantly.
'Limit…!'
Theodore couldn't do his best. This wasn't his best. He hadn't used all the means he had and hadn't revealed the depths of his creativity.
'If I don't exceed the limits…!'
Theodore knew that he had to go beyond his limits. He knew that if he crossed the wall in his mind, a mouse could kill a lion. However, this world wasn't so hospitable. Theodore repeatedly made meaningless attempts as the number of observers who saw Wrath on the ground reached almost 10,000. Wrath's surface became so hard that both the ultimate magic and Soul Calibre didn't make a single scratch.
"Uwaaaaah!" Theodore became so desperate that he lost concentration for a moment.
Puk! A soul stake rose from the bottom and pierced his feet and thighs.
Peeok! Suddenly, two killer bots struck his defenseless sides and abdomen. Theodore's remaining magic power was strong enough to stop the fatal attack. However, once his bones were broken and internal bleeding occurred, there would be no way to maintain his spiritual body. His translucent body regained its physical form.
Then…
[Second vibration activate.]
It was the vibration that had destroyed Yamato no Orochi.
"Kuweeeeeek!" Finally, Theodore was thrown off Wrath's surface, with blood spraying from his eyes, nose, and mouth. It was a miracle that he didn't die instantly. He was saved by the sheer force of kicking off the surface. The power of the super vibration was fearsome, but most of the power was consumed as Wrath fell by centimeters. Theodore was no longer an obstacle, and Wrath kept moving forward.
"…Ah…ahh…!"
He reached out to Wrath, but it had accelerated to 10 kilometers per second and was now out of his reach.
"…N-n…o…!"
It was over. Theodore was convinced of the destruction of this material world as blood flowed from his eyes. Like ants in front of a flood, like a frog in front of lightning… In front of absolute ruin, Theodore was just a crumb, a crumb that fell apart once it was kicked.
-Not yet, User, Gluttony's voice penetrated his body and mind. -Take your family, lovers, and a few other people to another dimension. Then return after Wrath is gone. Even if the civilized planet is reset, User's power can restore the ecosystem within a hundred years.
It was exactly as Gluttony said. Wrath was still falling, and Theodore had a few minutes to escape from this world. If the fight couldn't be won, then why shouldn't he flee?
His valuable family…
The women he loved…
Was it a sin to evacuate with them?
'Ah.'
This was closer to the unconscious desires of a human than a cowardly judgment. In the future which was only filled with despair, a faint light shone through. Who would blame Theodore for thinking this before the imminent destruction?
Kiiing!
However, right after that, a faint light sprang up from his right hand, and something flowed into his consciousness. The people that Theodore Miller thought was precious—his father, mother, and little brother, as well as Veronica, Ellenoa, and Sylvia…
Theodore's eyes flinched. He felt a sudden sense of discomfort as their locations poured in.
'…What?'
The discomfort was sensed from Sylvia's location. There were two life reactions coming from her coordinates. Theodore was troubled for a moment before he received a shock like he had been hit by a hammer.
"…D-Don't tell me."
He had no doubts about the precise location. The stirring of life was vividly conveyed from Sylvia Adruncus's body. A child… His child existed in a world that would soon be destroyed.
"―――――." Theodore reached out without speaking, pulling an elixir out of his inventory and pouring it into his mouth. His shredded limbs recovered in an instant. After a few seconds, his body was restored to its original state, and Theodore gritted his teeth.
'Run away? Leave this world?'
What would he tell his child who would be born in a few months?
'Your dad abandoned his world and ran away?'
He didn't want to. He would have to kneel down and bow his head in shame. Theodore couldn't say this… He didn't want to have his son live in the shadow of a shameful father. Although he felt sorry for Sylvia, he had made up his mind… just like her grandfather, Blundell Adruncus, had once done. For those who were precious to him, Theodore's life was trivial.
"Gluttony."
Hearing his voice, Theodore's companion sighed.
-…I knew you would eventually do this. It will fail.
"Just 0.1 seconds. It doesn't matter if it is only 0.1 seconds. If I can maintain my consciousness for even a moment…"
-It has a close to zero chance of success. It isn't even 1%.
"Won't you do anything for your purpose of existence?"
Gluttony fell silent at those words, and Theodore immediately concentrated mentally. From now on, he would make a mad gamble. He awakened his sorcery, Forced Harmonization, and reached for the next level. Theodore's harmonization was able to ignore attributes, elements, and opposing forces, mixing them together. It was possible to even join with magic weapons or foreign bodies that weren't of magic.
That's why Theodore had a thought.
'Maybe it is possible to assimilate with the concept of magic itself.'
Gluttony had heard the hypothesis a few months back and immediately responded, -It is impossible. No, you will die even if it is possible.
'Why?'
-I didn't want to let you know this, but the 10th circle comes from the source of magic. However, User wants to throw yourself into the center of this force. Do you want to dissolve in the infinite flow of information?
-Simon Magus went through proper training and was well prepared, yet he failed at the 10th circle. Jumping into the source is a shortcut, but you will surely die.
That's why Theodore had erased this shortcut. Now that he had found something more fearful than death, Theodore was able to choose this method without hesitation.
'Let's go.'
His destination was the source of all the wisdom in the universe. Theodore shook off his fears and took a step as he felt his body and soul moving beyond certain boundaries which were neither of time nor space. However, why did he feel that he was going away?
Fate laughed at him as it created a path he couldn't come back from.
Akashic Harmonize.
Shortly after that, Theodore Miller's life activity ceased.
Chapter 393 – Armageddon (5)
'―Ahhh.'
Theodore's voice didn't emerge. His lips didn't open. He couldn't move any fingers or feel the flow of mana through his heart. It was unfathomable for a magician who could cast magic. There was nothing in front of his eyes, and no sound reached his ears. All of his five senses were out of order as he fell into a calm feeling. No, there was nothing.
'―Ahh.'
It was negative and meaningless. The boundaries of Theodore's consciousness became increasingly blurry. There was a force that couldn't be resisted. The fruits of 30 years of struggle were being released. He forgot the unimportant memories—the faces of his classmates at Bergen Academy, the contents of books, the information window of the defective goods he bought from the black market dealer…
'―Ah.'
Even if they didn't matter, these memories were part of him. The pillars holding up the brick building started to shake. A page of the book called [Theodore Miller] was torn. He forgot someone whose name he didn't know. Then he forgot landscapes and the distances he had walked. There was no room for resistance. As if an eraser was going through his brain, oblivion spread like wildfire as his 30 years were erased from the edges.
'Ah.'
Theodo□ sensed he had forgotten something precious. He had just lost something he shouldn't have forgotten. It was like a big hole had been punctured in his body. Who was it? When he thought about it, he knew he had forgotten someone. He wanted to scream, but his mouth was forced shut and he couldn't even wriggle around like an earthworm.
A fearful sense of futility filled him.
'…'
As this swamp of nothingness rose to his throat, Theo□□ realized he was the only thing left. Theo□□? No, that wasn't his name. Th□□□. The moment he thought about it again, he lost more letters. Now he was on the brink of losing his name. Then he even forgot the last letter. □□□□. No, how many syllables were there? Something in the darkness of his body laughed loudly.
.
This was the end. The moment he stepped into the Akashic world, Theodore Miller no longer existed. It was an ending he had prepared for.
The determination of life, the power of a transcendent, wasn't worth a penny here. It wasn't a place where life could survive. In this infinite place, a finite consciousness wasn't recognized. There were many people who came here, but no one went home.
This was the truth that every investigator was afraid of.
Even if only one drop was drunk, it was a source that could awaken a god's wisdom. If the density of information was compared, it was no different from a star that had become a supernova while the ego of life was nothing but a lump of sugar. In the case of transcendents like Theodore, they might be the tip of an iceberg. However, the ending was still the same.
Simon Magus, the most powerful figure in the material world, hadn't been able to bear a piece of this infinite wisdom and had melted away.
[······.]
In the myths, there was a superglobal collection of information in which everything in the universe was recorded. If a transcendent obtained it, they could wield the omnipotent power without distinction between past, present, and future. The Akashic Records, or the Hollow Records—this collection of information was the last target of those who searched beyond the realm of a god, but only one person had reached it.
[…No, he didn't get there.]
After that, he drowned. The information contained in the Akashic Records, the life of the universe, was overwhelming to any investigator. The same was true for the swordsman who could cut a star with a sword, as well as the apostles who dominated over dozens of planets.
No matter how strong they were, how could they bear all of the universe? Numerous transcendents had died due to their arrogance.
[It is a shame.]
It was said that 6,700 stars must multiply by 3,000 times to form one world. Multiplying that world by 3,000 times would form a great wide world, then multiplying the great wide world another 3,000 times would form the cosmos. However, even the cosmos was just dust. It was something that could be seen with the calculations. Even if someone managed to reach this infinity, it was impossible to maintain their ego. Someone eventually called it nirvana.
[Today, I have increased by 'one',] the sum of the universe, 'Akashic', muttered in a dry tone. [What did you come here hoping to find? Sublimation? Ugly desires? Well, good. No matter what you intended, it is meaningless. Everyone who is sullen, cowardly, humble, or arrogant becomes a few written letters…]
No one would know this. There was an independent self in the information collection, the Akashic Records which recorded the beginning and end of the universe. In retrospect, it wasn't unusual since it was a book containing all the wisdom in the world. It would be more strange if such an existence had no will. Akashic's white body was like a spirit body, but it couldn't be observed in any dimension. The form resembled Theodore Miller, because he was the last investigator it saw.
[I will see you.]
Anything that Akashic, the incarnation of omniscience, wanted was achieved. In the middle of the universe, the black hole that would send everything back to naught was his residence. He always wanted to observe the person who had become part of 'Akashic.' It was his obligation to any investigators who reached him.
[Theodore Miller.]
Once he recited this name that was gone, Akashi traveled a few trillion light years to the relevant planet. It was 10 seconds after Wrath shook off Theodore. A three-kilometer-wide sphere made of a special metal was falling. Theodore's previous moves were useless as it fell at a speed of 10 kilometers per second toward the planet.
Akashic wondered about the result and was able to see it immediately.
The moment the metal sphere hit the ground, more than 50 kilometers of the planet would be destroyed and 98.128% of the population exterminated. The intelligent civilization would be destroyed without a trace, and it would take at least 200,000 years for the destroyed ecosystem to recover to its current condition.
[It is a common thing.]
This was his short impression of the situation. Akashic watched emotionlessly as this world was soon to be destroyed. The Seven Sins, an autonomous research group which had been made by external investigators—in the whole universe, dozens of civilizations or stars were being destroyed by them this very second.
To celebrate the end of the investigator called Theodore Miller, Akashic kept watching.
[I am the one who records the end of creation. The weights of all life and death are the same. The truth is to be born and destroyed. It is something I can't intervene in.]
He wouldn't do anything even if he could. That would be ignorant, the incompetence of an almighty. It was possible for Akashic to bend a little finger and shake the physical laws of the entire universe, killing all living creatures or saving the dead. However, this action was meaningless. The guardian of the Akashic Records didn't feel such an impulse.
[Hmm.]
Therefore, he would observe this material world out of respect for the investigator.
[I will watch.]
He focused his attention on the planet that the investigator, Theodore Miller, had lived on.
Humans, elves, dragons, spirits, elementals… As all life forms in this material world came into view, Akashic penetrated into the reality of the collective. Unlike an omniscient entity, this was the essence of the Akashic Records. The power of recording observations was more familiar to him than any other authority.
Inside it, he found the name of 'Theodore.'
-Theo, where are you? Where are you now? No way… right? Sylvia Adruncus, who recently became pregnant, held her belly and thought of Theodore.
Wrath was already close enough to be seen from the surface. A red color in the sky—it was a sight that made everyone on the planet convinced of their destruction.
-…Shouldn't you return safely, Husband? Otherwise, I will be angry. Veronica instinctively searched for his whereabouts.
-Ahh, Theodore…! This is what you were worried about…! Ellenoa belatedly realized why Theodore had been so nervous, and she looked up at the red meteorite with trembling eyes.
Many other people thought about Theodore—the hero of the northern continent and the greatest magician on the continents. Despite knowing it was ridiculous, they had faith that he would somehow do something.
-Son, please be safe. On the terrace of the mansion, Dennis Miller closed his eyes.
-…Sigh, if I knew the end would come today, I wouldn't have slept last night. White Tower Master Orta sighed.
-Dammit, god dammit! I still haven't gotten married! Randolph shouted as he swung his double swords.
[Five seconds left.]
Akashic turned away from Theodore Miller's acquaintances to Wrath.
A falling meteorite was one of the most common disasters in the universe. As soon as the silver sphere with a diameter of three kilometers fell to the ground, this planet would become like a broken eggshell as the boundaries of land and sea disappeared. The magma flowing under the crust would explode like a fountain, and the blue sky would be filled with a red light, creating a hellish landscape.
Despite knowing all this, Akashic didn't stop it. No, he knew he shouldn't stop it. It was just a disaster occurring to a single civilization that Akashic was attracted to through a whim.
Kukwaaaaaang!
One second before the crash, shock waves ripped through the sky. The air was pushed down by the clouds and darkness covered the sky. The learned and unlearned both knew…
This was the end of an absurd fate, the end which any religion described in one word—doomsday.
At the very last moment, Akashic's little finger moved weakly.
* * *
――――――――――――――――!!!!
The meteorite was destroyed. Its silver surface was crushed like an egg, and the entity called Planet Buster was shattered. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fragments were scattered. Before the fragments reached the ground, they went through an incomprehensible combustion and disappeared without a trace.
This was the futile end of Wrath, the last weapon of the Seven Sins.
[…Hrmm?] Akashic was surprised that he had destroyed Wrath. He was expressionless, but his tone went up one step higher. It was an impossible level of destruction. To think that it had accelerated through the distant universe to the surface of a planet, in order to destroy a meteorite? Furthermore, it saved the surface of the planet from the debris and restored the torn atmosphere. Akashic wasn't something to be led by emotions.
[Why?]
This was a common thing. It was just one planet filled with civilization. He could observe dozen such places if he turned his gaze now. Had the story of one investigator attracted him? Akashic thoroughly denied this reasoning. So, why did he watch Theodore Miller's planet? As Akashic was questioning his actions, the left hand of the omnipotent being gave him the answer.
[―Surprising.]
Akashic nodded. He was surprised. Despite emotions existing in him, he was close to an inanimate object. In this case, he couldn't help feeling shocked. Theodore Miller…
Yes, it was such a name. Knowing that he and 'Theodore' had been separated, Akashic made a curious expression.
[Answer me. How could you survive inside of me?]
Theodore Miller stood naked but with no injuries. He had returned from death and smiled bitterly.
"I didn't survive. I died once, without a trace… and then I was reformed. It wasn't due to my strength. People helped me."
[Hoh.] Akashic was honestly interested. [I can easily find out but I want to hear it from your mouth. Can you tell me how it happened?]
"Yes. It is an honor to teach the Akashic Records something."
It was a feat which would never happen again in the history of the universe.
Chapter 394 – Armageddon (6)
Flap.
Before explaining, Theodore spread open his hands, and a robe appeared out of nowhere, wrapping around his body. Space wasn't hot or cold, so this was a matter of atmosphere. Akashic saw through Theodore's actions and felt in awe of him. [Denial of nothing? Reversing the phase of existence and non-existence. It is different from the recorded 'Theodore Miller'.]
The robe hadn't come from Theodore's inventory, nor had it been made using existing materials. Creation magic had literally created the robe from nothing. It was one step beyond the realm of ultimate magic. Interfering with matter and non-matter was a metaphysical concept.
"It is pretty good for someone who just came back from the dead. Isn't that right?" Theodore answered with a wry smile.
It would be difficult to catch a clue about this, even if he studied hard for more than a thousand years. The creation spell he used just now was just a minor amusement.
Theodore's eyes widened as he stared at Akashic. "The throne of omnipotence… I didn't know why it was called this, but now I know better than anyone else. A collection of dimensional information? That is ridiculous nonsense. It is just gathered information. It is the self-consciousness that can wield infinite power."
The origin of this mystery was denied by the source. However, Akashic didn't refute the remark. He just waited quietly without saying if this matter was true or false. In the face of omnipotence, no concept was absolute. Good and evil, justice and injustice, yin and yang…
It was possible to end the universe at this moment and restore it at the next. Theodore was convinced when he saw the true Akashic Records.
[So?] Akashic asked. [Who am I?]
Theodore gave an answer that any scholar would give the rest of their lives to hear, "The Will of the Cosmos."
There were intelligent beings who called a planet 'Earth.' That was a world which had developed at least four steps more than Theodore's material world. It was a place where scientific civilization had developed due to the absence of mana.
Fractal cosmology was a delusion that some of the world's fools had come up with. It was some nonsense about the similarity between the body and natural phenomena, a fancy notion that this universe could be someone's body and that their body was made up of hundreds of universes.
"It is a little different but you are the consciousness of this universe. You have no choice but to be omnipotent. All the laws that make up the universe are part of you. Magic, shamanism, aura, science, gods… No matter what path they choose, the investigator is the same. It is like saying that a river will lead to the sea and the stars to the galaxy."
[Right.] Akashic nodded in confirmation for the first time. [Birth and death. The beginning and the end are the same. Destruction is also the same. You all come from me and will return to me.]
It was the same as the reincarnation cycle in Buddhism.
An investigator was a person who drowned in the power and wisdom they had longed for before meeting the end that would someday be met. They achieved this earnest desire by becoming one with Akashic, and they couldn't return to what they originally were.
Therefore, Akashic requested from Theodore, [Answer me, Theodore Miller.]
A figure who climbed back from the brink of infinity opened his mouth, "Now, where should I start…"
The story wasn't long.
* * *
The moment he stepped into the Akashic Records, Theodore realized his own stupidity.
0.1 seconds? 0.01 seconds? He couldn't maintain his ego in the vortex for that long. Gluttony's advice had been correct. Compared to the vastness of the universe, one planet was just a speck of dust. How light was the weight of the people living on it?
The moment it entered the Akashic Records, Theodore's soul shattered and melted like butter in just a few seconds.
······.
Theodore lost his ego and became a ghost, destined to wander for infinity.
The throne of omnipotence—it was a place where one second felt like one year and one centimeter felt like a galaxy. A place where all concepts were established and scattered, and the boundaries were meaningless… It was a place that suited the word 'pāramitā.'
[Idiot,] someone at the other side of the river shot at Theodore. [You couldn't even grasp the subject. I didn't realize the person who received my teachings was so stupid.]
A person who had charred hair and eyes burning with indescribable wisdom gazed at the wreckage that was Theodore.
90% contempt and 10% pity… With these conflicting emotions, the existence picked up the wreckage. Based on the size of the wreckage, Theodore must've been torn into thousands of pieces.
The great man, Simon Magus, criticized Theodore coldly, [You would have gradually melted down in the normal way. Yet you rushed into the center, forcing your soul to be crushed. Just a few seconds would've been able to save the world.]
Of course, that wouldn't have been possible. It had been less than 10 years since Theodore reached the 9th circle. His original talent was insignificant, and he had borrowed the power of the grimoire Gluttony. Nevertheless, Simon had passed down his teachings to Theodore.
[…I can't admit it.]
This loser was the one who had received his teachings? Simon Magus couldn't accept reality. Therefore, he raised his voice and cried out without hesitation, [I, Simon Magus, calls you! All investigators from the material world, please gather here!]
Despite being fully assimilated into the Akashic Records, the investigators' souls protected their egos. There was no practical use, but they could be considered as single cells in an organism. Simon Magus could also be said to be a part of Akashic. Most of them hadn't been able to make this distinction and had melted down. However, some investigators had managed to maintain a degree of personality.
[What? Is there something interesting?] A handsome man with a somewhat languid expression walked out from somewhere. He wore 10 rings on his fingers and was called Solomon.
[What did you call me for, grand master?] Ahasverus, the great magician who had followed Simon Magus during his life, looked at Simon with a questioning expression.
In addition to those two investigators, many other investigators gathered beside Simon. Simon had been at the forefront of the Age of Mythology when investigators had been the most common. He had been stronger than anyone else. It was the same inside the Akashic Records.
Around 100 people gathered, then Simon opened his mouth.
[I know the situation.]
[Um…]
[Ah.]
[…Hoh.]
They were all part of Akashic. The investigators shared their observations in real time and nodded.
There was one person who spoke gruffly, [Yes, a crisis where our home will be crushed to pieces. So?]
[Faust.]
[What does it have to do with us when we are just dust in the universe? I have no interest in peace or the lives of the living.]
It was half right, half wrong. Some people lived with a sense of justice. On the other hand, there were those who indulged in wealth, fame, and beauty. Investigators had weak ids and directions in life. Nothing could be done about the deaths of the living.
[I am the same.] Rather than denying it, Simon Magus accepted it. [Everyone who is gathered here will know. Living things are born, become old, get sick, and die. Nations will rise and fall, repeat the ebb and flow. A planet isn't an exception.]
[…I know. Then why have you gathered us?]
[It is simple,] Simon Magus haughtily declared to the investigators with folded arms, [I don't like it.]
[What?]
[The fact that there is only one last investigator of this material world—I don't like it.]
The investigators were stunned while Simon showed them the wreckage of Theodore on his palms. The life of the magician called Theodore Miller—his life was given to the investigators. Simon Magus told them his reasoning, [Can you stand it? The magician who defended the place you called home? He was ashamed to see his child and jumped into the Akashic Records.]
[��·····.]
[······.]
[I don't know about you but I can't admit it. I, Simon Magus, dedicated hundreds of years to exploring the truth. I gave up the honor of a human and lived while only exploring magic. But in an instant, he reached a level higher than me! The driving force of one young man!]
It was an end without any profit, but Theodore Miller had reached deeper into the Akashic Records than anyone else. The dumbfounded investigators suddenly opened their mouths.
[P-Puhat, puhahahaha!] Solomon broke the silence with a loud laugh.
[Ahahaha! What, are you jealous of that kid? You gathered us here to show us that?]
[Right. Is this it?]
[You gathered us together to motivate us?]
The rest of the investigators nodded in agreement.
Then Simon spat at them, [What do you know? I do this because I want to. I know that it isn't something I can do alone, but I will still try. Anyway, we are all garbage. We have just become cosmic voyeurs! I don't care if you aren't interested. I am Simon Magus! This fact won't change even if I become the dust of the universe!]
[······.]
[······.]
This was different from the previous silence. After Simon's speech, the investigators started to think about it with different facial expressions. There was an investigator who came to a conclusion sooner than anyone else.
[Okay, let's try it.] The king of wisdom, Solomon raised a hand with a smile. [In any case, he seems to be someone who has a relationship with me.]
[Lemegeton.]
[That is right, but I can't acknowledge him as my successor.]
The second applicant appeared soon. It was a young man with a neutral type of beauty and a golden tail behind him. He was the transcendent born from a grimoire and great youkai—the strongest onmyōji in history, Abe no Seimei. [He is the one who granted my wishes. I will also help.]
[Anything is fine. Anybody else?]
At that moment, a strange old voice was heard, […I would also like to participate. Is it okay?]
[Huh?]
The investigators turned their heads at the unfamiliar voice and saw an old man with an excellent physique. He had lost his life a few years ago and only recently regained his ego. The old man was Blundell Adruncus, a magician who had transcended the moment he breathed his last breath.
[You are new. Isn't your ego still unstable? If things go wrong, you might not be able to regain your personality again.]
[It doesn't matter. That rotten boy is giving me a great-grandchild.]
[Indeed, then I won't refuse.]
There were four of them. Even a transcendent person felt the instinct to go with the flow. There were those who were bored, those who were interested, or those who felt jealous like Simon. With the exception of a few pessimists, the investigators stepped forward. Faust grunted in an awkward manner because he had no choice but to cooperate.
[I can't forgive anyone who knows the pain of a child.]
[Go back and look after the child!]
[Aren't you like a nagging wife? I bet that I'll be back in 10 years.]
[…Weren't you poisoned to death while cheating?]
[He is too young to end up this way.]
The hundreds of people added their voices, making it hard to hear. This was a rebellion of the investigators, led by Simon Magus. No, since they were also part of Akashic, it was more of a 'deviation' than 'rebellion.' How far could the single cells go?
Simon smiled on behalf of all investigators of the material world.
[Okay, I will twist a finger.]
Who knew? Simon Magus and the investigators were successful.
* * *
[······.] Akashic was speechless after hearing Theodore's story. Was it checking the facts with its cells? Just as Theodore had this thought…
[Hah.] Akashic gave a small smile. [Interesting. There were movements inside me that I wasn't aware of. Based on your explanation, it wasn't you who destroyed Wrath.]
"Yes."
[It is mysterious. I didn't manage the investigators who make up a part of me. There was no reason or need for it. The investigators who became one with me aren't able to do anything. I didn't think hundreds of investigators would cooperate for 'another'.]
The transcendents were monsters with their own ego. They did things for their own sake, like the grimoires. There was someone who changed a country for an experiment and someone else who sacrificed their kin. Even Simon Magus had been unable to make them move, until now.
[This is the first time.]
The investigators throughout the history of this planet had devoted themselves to one person and lent their strength. In retrospect, this had never happened before. Simon Magus was the one who had called for help, but the investigators were also part of the Akashic Records. It was possible to make 'Akashic' move if they gathered their strength. However, there was no case where this possibility had occurred.
[I'm glad I didn't observe the future. This is so interesting I don't know if I can see it again in the future. Theodore Miller, I will take the part of me that you took as an admission fee.]
"Yes, take it." There was no reason to argue, so Theodore nodded without hesitation and looked at the blue star far away.
It was blue and green. A planet with an ecological environment like this material world was rare in the Akashic Records. The average planet's environment was said to vary because the atmosphere was so thin, and there were extreme temperature changes. Collisions with asteroids were also frequent.
[Do you want to go back?]
Theodore immediately nodded at Akashic's question, "Yes."
[…There is no hesitation in your heart. Good. I will take it back. Before that, let me know one more thing,] Akashic opened his mouth with no expression. [When you became one with me, you were omnipotent. You would've realized it after the investigators restored your soul. Isn't that right?]
"That's right."
[How can you give up that power? There are some investigators who came to me after training for a long time and didn't lose consciousness for a while. But they were also attracted by the temptation of this omnipotence and became a part of 'me.' I'm sorry but it is hard to say that your mental strength is higher than theirs.]
The pleasure born of being almighty was beyond imagination. They could go anywhere and do anything.
It was more addictive than drugs. Theodore thought for a moment and answered without difficulty, "I wasn't looking for you or hoping for this."
Akashic laughed and clapped for the first time. It was the answer he wanted to hear… that in this world, there was something more precious than omnipotence.
[…Indeed, indeed! Those who are left in this world are more important than omnipotence! Good. Let's go back to your world, magician! I respect you for not choosing to sit on the omnipotent throne and return to dust again!] The jubilant Akashic said to Theodore. [A human has chosen to return to being a bug. Some people might say you are stupid but you did what no one else could. This spirit led to the investigators stepping forward. I will wait for our reunion one day, Theodore Miller!]
"Then we will meet again. Farewell, Akashic."
[Huhahahaha! This is the first time someone has said this to me. I will see you again at the end of your life. Then, goodbye!]
There was a brilliant radiance, and Theodore closed his eyes.
Chapter 395 – Goodbye, Dear Friend (1)
In a silent and empty space, the cold wind of the northern hemisphere was blowing. Theodore looked up and around slowly.
White… The whole world was a pure white because of a raging blizzard. Nevertheless, there was no problem recognizing where he was lying down.
'…A crater?'
The radius was approximately two kilometers wide. If he looked down from the sky, he would see a round pit. Theodore was precisely at the center of it.
There was a clear reason for trepidation. One of the Seven Sins, Wrath had disappeared from this material world without a trace. However, look at this crater. It was a sign that the atmospheric pressure caused by Wrath's fall had reached several kilometers and dug at the ground.
'If even a small fragment had reached the surface… A disaster at an irrevocable level would've occurred.'
At that moment…
-…User? Gluttony, who had fallen asleep for an unknown reason, opened his mouth.
"Gluttony."
-What happened? You were in space and just about to enter… It is strange. I don't remember what happened next. I seem to have forgotten something. Why is User here, and where did Wrath disappear to?
Theodore grasped the situation. Somehow, Gluttony didn't have any memories of what happened after Theodore entered the Akashic Records. After struggling for a moment, Theodore changed his mind. Gluttony wasn't an opponent he could trick with flimsy lies. Theodore had been with Gluttony for a long time and knew that well.
"In a few simple words, it was successful."
-What?
"Harmonization."
Gluttony was muttering to itself when it stopped. -...
There was just silence. It wasn't because Gluttony couldn't understand Theodore's words but that it couldn't accept them. This was more so because it was Gluttony. Numerous entities, including those who came to the material world, had challenged it countless times and had never been successful. This was the purpose of existence which none of the Seven Sins had ever achieved! Gluttony couldn't feel that it was real.
-I-Is this true?
"Yes."
-User, this is Akasha you are talking about!
"Yes? Ah, wait a minute. There is something I have to do before that."
Theodore turned away from Gluttony's voice, which was trembling with amazement, and raised one hand, pointing it at the sky. Wrath had disappeared, but Theodore still needed to deal with the aftermath.
'Hrmm, this is the feeling.' Theodore closed his eyes and focused on himself.
A strange wisdom was boiling in his body. It was the power he had gained directly from the source, the fragment of the Akashic Records that had been brought back as a by-product of restoring his soul. This wasn't an ability to learn but the power to change magic. Nothing was impossible in front of his power.
-What?
The sky moved. The gigantic hole caused by Wrath falling was gradually being filled in. The cracks in the ozone layer recovered, and the atmosphere, which had been pushed away, returned. The darkness was lifted as the sky returned to normal. It took seven seconds. Theodore's hand lowered after fixing the sky of the northern hemisphere. This was enough, even if it wasn't perfect. As long as the damage wasn't too bad, the world's natural recovery ability would intervene.
-Synchronizing with the planet's atmosphere…?! That needs a different level of understanding compared to interfering with the interstellar wind…!
"I don't know even if you ask me. I just thought that things should be returned to what they were."
Gluttony responded with even more surprise, -…Akasha gave you strength? That miser?
"The miser spent money. Otherwise, I would be dead."
-It is surprising. No, it is a profit beyond my imagination. I thought I would have to wait more than a thousand years. I never thought it would be shortened in this way.
"A thousand years?" Theodore couldn't help asking.
However, Gluttony didn't reply. Like always, the silence was unpleasant. There was an unknown atmosphere between the magician and grimoire that shared one body.
-User, Gluttony opened its mouth a few minutes later and spoke to him, -I have something to suggest.
"What is it?"
-Why don't you release my 7th seal?
Theodore's eyes widened at the unexpected words.
-It is possible if it is User who has come back from Akasha. No, it would be easy. The amount of information accumulated in my body is nothing compared to Akasha.
"…Synchronizing with your body is the 7th stage?"
-That's right. My body that is scattered in many dimensions… Focus the power and information gathered by those terminals in one body. This is the sword that can capture Akasha's throne of omnipotence. This is my purpose!
The words were shocking, but Theodore was able to accept them without much confusion. If Gluttony's final goal was the Akashic Records, then this process wasn't unusual. The aim of becoming something was common everywhere. It was no exception for the Seven Sins.
-No one has succeeded. I thought I wouldn't be able to succeed. But User, you have defended yourself against the infinite vortex and can do it!
Theodore measured it. He didn't know how much information was stored in Gluttony's main body, but he could faintly guess…
It wasn't an impossible story, as Gluttony said. This was a chance to gain absolute power, even if it wasn't the Akashic Records. He also had a piece of Akashic's wisdom and would be able to place one or two galaxies below his feet. However, Theodore firmly rejected the proposal, "I don't want to."
-W-What?
"I don't want to. I won't release your seal."
Gluttony was speechless. Then Theodore explained why he refused, "I can succeed as you said, but I also might fail. I'm not running away because I'm afraid to face the consequences. I just don't want this, so I am stopping my feet."
-You don't want to progress?
"Yes. I realized it after entering the Akashic Records. Moving on is irreversible. If I release your seal and move onto the next stage… I will have to leave this life."
This was the biggest difference between Theodore Miller and the other investigators. He had no faith that he could do anything after becoming an omnipotent person. For instance, sacrificing his loved ones to become almighty… If he brought his lovers back to life after becoming omnipotent, had he lost anything?
'This isn't true.'
Even if his lovers didn't remember anything, the almighty being would remember the past and feel alone. He couldn't forget. As the incarnation of omniscience, anything forcibly forgotten would eventually rise up again. Therefore, those who had something to lose couldn't become almighty. An almighty being must be perfect. Therefore, they had to throw away the things which would grab their ankles on the way.
-Don't weaken, User! Gluttony, however, dismissed it as feebleness. -One step ahead. Are you thinking of leaving the target before you alone? If you succeed, you can regain the life you gave up before. No, I am confident that it is possible! You can play with that prideful draconian or play with the sun and moon!
"…That isn't good, Gluttony." Theodore let out a sigh. It was because he felt the boundaries of a perception that couldn't be overcome. "I am Theodore Miller, a husband who married three women and a father who will have a child… The most powerful magician in the current material world, the Chief Tower Master of Meltor. If nothing is left out, I am Theodore Miller."
-So?
"You heard it and still don't know. 'Now' won't come back if I unleash the seal. I'm not talking about time. 'I' won't come back."
Theodore wasn't Gluttony or the Akashic Records. Would Theodore be the same as he was now if he made contact with a transcendent existence? He firmly believed it wouldn't be the case. Theodore understood it when he had an overwhelming view of humans. The 'price' of existence was too high, and he wouldn't be able to love a 'lower status' object. Even if he could feel something, it would be nothing but compassion or pity.
"If I can reach it one day, I won't come back. Then isn't it better to cherish the present? That's why I will refuse your offer."
-Trivial! Despite Theodore's long persuasion, Gluttony wasn't convinced. -The continuity of time is uncertain. Every minute that passes would decrease the clarity of information! You don't want to leave your life now? It is unlikely that User will remember these feelings. They won't last!
���Well, I guess so."
-…User!
They had incompatible ideas. A line was drawn between Theodore and Gluttony, who shared one body. If one more step was taken, an irreversible line would be crossed.
The first one to cross that line was Gluttony. -I will suggest it one more time, User. Release my stage 7 seal right now. If it isn't now, you won't be able to reach it! There is no guarantee that the opportunity to surpass Akasha will come again until the end of the universe!
Theodore hesitated one beat before smiling bitterly. "I refuse."
-…It is a pity. I wanted to maintain a good relationship with User.
Then red eyes appeared in the palm of Theodore's left hand.
-From now on, I will have to eat User?
Simultaneously, Gluttony's mouth opened wide. It swallowed Theodore's wrist, elbow, and moved upward. The power of Gluttony, 'predation', was trying to devour its contractor.
Seook.
His left arm flew—Theodore's arm. Blood dripped down Soul Calibre in Theodore's right arm as new flesh, bones, and nerves grew from the severed left arm. Theodore had cut off his left arm as soon as Gluttony revealed itself as an enemy. It was a quick response.
However, Gluttony chuckled rather than panicking at the action. -Didn't I already tell you, User? My contract is directly connected with you! There is no sense in cutting the connection point!
"Let's see?" Theodore didn't raise a single eyebrow.
Gluttony became startled as it belatedly realized an incongruity. -…N-No? Why is the contract broken?
Theodore smiled bitterly at the panic. It was something Gluttony couldn't know. The moment Theodore accessed the Akashic Records, his soul had been shattered and reassembled.
No matter how strong Gluttony's contract was, it couldn't remain with a shattered soul. As such, Theodore's left arm, which was the connection point, had been restored when his body was rebuilt. Therefore, Gluttony didn't know that the contract had been cut off. However, Theodore had been thinking of signing the contract again if Gluttony lost its greed.
'But it's impossible.'
The grimoire lost its sense of reason now that its purpose of existence was right in front of it. In the end, Theodore settled his thoughts and prepared for battle. Gluttony felt magic power rising and cried out, -User!
"No more," Theodore spoke bitterly.
There was a heavy silence for a moment before something like mud overflowed from the severed left arm containing Gluttony. The darkness which flowed from the left arm formed a body. The body's shape resembled Theodore. Apart from the red eyes, the body's height, hair, and skin were the same as Theodore's.
The two beings faced each other in a snowstorm.
-…Theodore Miller!
The fight to finish the relationship between the two of them began.
Chapter 396 – Goodbye, Dear Friend (2)
Kukukung…!
The magic power overflowing from both beings shook the earth. The outskirts of the crater collapsed, and the clouds that had just formed were torn apart again. Theodore's eyes shone just before the collision. Due to his contact with the Akashic Records, he was able to see a few dimensions higher. It was possible for him to peek at the power of the grimoire, Gluttony who had separated from him.
'It is equivalent to 'me' before entering the Akashic Records? No, the grimoire has perfect arithmetic abilities and its other functions, so I should assume it is more than that.'
Gluttony was stronger than most transcendents. It couldn't be compared to the ones they had fought in the swamp and might be even stronger than the heavenly demon. Nevertheless, Theodore didn't feel any fear. The reason for that was very simple.
-You will regret your stupidity, Theodore Miller! Gluttony cried out furiously and stretched out both of its palms.
Memorize.
All Slots Open.
Nonuple Keraunos.
This was the ultimate magic Theodore had created personally. Nine of Gluttony emerged at the same time. It was a destruction which could crush a mountain and tear the sky. Only one second was required to complete the nine ultimate spells. Then the world was filled with a pale light as the lightning assault began.
Kwarururung!
The surface of the crater, unstable due to the aftermath of Wrath, collapsed with a loud roar. Meanwhile, the inside of the crater started to melt quickly, and the blizzard, which had raged for many years, was blown away. White lightning flashed and changed the ions in the atmosphere. Even adamantium would evaporate. The lightning bolts of huge power struck down tens of thousands of feet. They turned the heavens and the earth upside down, making a strange mark.
It wasn't a power that could be safely handled even by a transcendent.
-Hmm. However, Gluttony stared ahead with calm, dark eyes. It might be in the form of a human but dust couldn't block the vision of a grimoire. The Keraunos was perfectly aimed. This was the consequence of ranged attacks, but it didn't mean much if the attack didn't hit directly.
"Kuwabara kuwabara." (TL: Knock on wood, said to especially ward off lightning)
There was no doubt that Theodore had survived without getting hurt. Gluttony grunted when he heard the spell and realized what the countermeasure was. -The lightning god's blessing. Learning to avoid lightning from me—it gives a bad taste.
"If you knew, you shouldn't have used it. Isn't it no different from knowing the answer to a problem?"
-…If lightning doesn't work, how about this?
Did Gluttony want to avoid communicating? Without responding to Theodore's friendly words, Gluttony cast two spells—Hellfire and Absolute Zero.
Just one of these great magics was enough to destroy an army. Theodore's magic could be summed up in one word—Abraxas.
It was dangerous. Theodore had a carefree expression and moved his palm one beat late. There was no proper countermeasure to Abraxas, a magic that caused collapse. It could only be hit with a similar magic or offset. The two Abraxas clashed in the middle.
Pak!
The space burst without a sound. The power of Abraxas overlapped twice and further extended the crater. The pit with a radius of two kilometers was enlarged to a radius of four kilometers, and the light was lifted.
'It will come.'
Shortly afterward, Theodore sensed something. He sensed that Gluttony would aim for this moment. The flash of Abraxas wasn't a real light but part of the collapse. Creatures based in the three dimensions couldn't recognize this light with their five senses. However, the senses of the grimoires were different from life forms. If Gluttony could observe the dimensional vibrations, he wouldn't miss the advantage of this moment.
'Can it do it?'
Theodore's nerves accelerated to 0.3 seconds and gave up on this thought.
Gluttony wasn't an autonomous maneuver-type grimoire. There was a clear limit to the ability to act independently from its contractor. Gluttony would self-destruct if Theodore just ran around without fighting. If Theodore held on until it ran out of power, would it let go of its greed?
"That would be the ideal end."
The moment Theodore mumbled that and smiled…
Puhak!
Gluttony soared high into the sky and created a magic circle. -You have forgotten what was on your left arm…!
A strong suction force was felt from the darkened body. It was neither wind or gravity. There was only one source of the ominous pull. It was the heavenly demon's power which was tied to Theodore's left arm—the inherent ability of the incarnation of disaster, the Absorption Star Method.
Kiiing!
Subsequently, Theodore's right hand shone. The moment the power of the Absorption Star Method was recognized, the management authority of the material world lent him its power. If he didn't act soon, the world would dry up.
"No, I don't need it."
However, Theodore didn't accept the power. Although Gluttony might've drawn a great deal of power through the Absorption Star Method, Theodore was confident enough to win at this stage. Gluttony tried to say something but realized it was stupid to give advice and shut its mouth. In any case, wasn't this a fight where one of them might die?
-…It doesn't matter.
Simultaneously, the entire sky was covered with a red magic circle.
"Hah."
It was ridiculous. Theodore was speechless since he knew that these magic circles were the ultimate magic launcher. This was hard even for a grimoire. It was obvious that Gluttony's body had collapsed from the repulsive force. However, it didn't deal significant damage to Gluttony, since it wasn't a real body except for the left arm.
'At least 15… If I had to guess, there are at least 23 spells.'
Would this magic transformation have been possible during the Age of Mythology? This was the unreasonable result of adding Theodore's abilities together with a grimoire's computing ability. From here on, Theodore had to do well. If he made a single mistake, he would die.
-Die.
The sky was torn.
* * *
The battle after that wasn't long, but it was fearsome enough to be reminiscent of those during the Age of Mythology. Even if all the power in this present material world were collected, it wouldn't be able to hold against this firepower for 10 seconds. With a single lightning strike that created a cliff and a fire that ate the wind in the form of a dragon, this was a landscape where all types of natural disasters gathered in one place.
Blade of Chronos—a translucent sword was shot out at the speed of light. It was a magic that sealed any time and space it touched, a technique which sealed defense magic.
During the Age of Mythology, some magicians had sealed gods with this. It was a magic that Theodore couldn't use even though he knew about it, yet Gluttony seemed to have grasped the logic behind it.
「Instantaneous acceleration, 132 times! 」
However, Theodore didn't panic as he carried out his defenses. If it was an acceleration that the seal couldn't follow, then the sealing sword would self-destruct. The translucent sword was squished and vanished. Without seeing the result, he immediately attacked with four ultimate spells.
Dimension Buster.
Immovable Fire.
Eternal Force Blizzard.
Keraunos.
As the space burst, the ultimate magic of three attributes came into play. This retaliatory attack was really bloody. If he didn't know how to deal with it, it would be a fatal blow. Without any delay, the energy of three attributes rushed into the space which was shattered by Dimension Buster.
Theodore envisioned some of his old ideas and put into action a magic he had never used before.
「 Arcane Barrier! 」
Even so, he quickly responded to the damaged space, restoring it by transferring space from elsewhere, while the three ultimate spells of different attributes were frozen at their space coordinates. It was a unique counter skill that could only be done by Theodore Miller.
Forced Harmonization.
Of course, this trick couldn't control the ultimate magic. Additionally, the caster was an existence with unmatched computer power—Gluttony. Theodore's actions were just a minor intervention. Gluttony twisted the normal circuit and let it go.
―――――――――――!
Without the intervention of Forced Harmonization, the magic of three attributes couldn't coexist. Once Theodore's Sorcery was lifted, the three spells trapped in the same coordinates exploded. It contained significant power. Theodore took a step forward without any fear. With this, Gluttony had exhausted 25 ultimate spells. It had the initiative and would continue the one-sided offensive.
'…Is that what you thought?'
Theodore smiled calmly and spread open his right hand.
「 Tathagata's Hand. 」
Gluttony floating in the sky was grasped firmly.
-Kuk?
Gluttony's black body froze as it was squeezed by the space around it. It tried to use space movement or time acceleration, but nothing worked. This magic had never been seen in the history of this material world! Theodore revealed the trick as Gluttony watched him with astonishment.
"Don't be surprised. It is a power for a one-time use—the ability of a top-level deity that can't be escaped."
It was a technique used by the Great Sage, the Equal of Heaven. Theodore himself would have no way of escaping. Meanwhile, Gluttony was using the Absorption Star Method and was treated as an eternal presence, making the binding force ten times stronger.
-A magician relying on this trick instead of magic…!
"Didn't you cover for your lacking magic with the Absorption Star Method? How about you surrender? Take a look at the seal."
-Trivial nonsense! Gluttony fiercely shook off Theodore's goodwill. -I will dissipate the strength of this seal. If I disassemble it with the Absorption Star Method and use it as my strength…!
"So… you still haven't seen it?" Theodore appeared behind Gluttony's back with a single space movement and reached out without hesitation.
Yin and Yang Binding—it was the same technique as Seimei's, but the intentions were a bit different. Seimei had been just a piece of a soul and he had been prepared for his extinction. However, it wasn't as difficult for the present Theodore. He took a part of his soul and made it into a string, then he tied it around Gluttony's left forearm.
Seook.
Theodore cut if off just like when he cut off his own arm.
"I won't miss this time."
-Kuk…!
Theodore personally demonstrated the magic to Gluttony. He put a 'time-binding sword' into Gluttony's left foot. The translucent sword sealed Gluttony to the spot. Actually, Theodore had been able to do this from the beginning. He could have overpowered Gluttony without giving it a chance to resist. However, Theodore had let this unnecessary fight go on.
"…Hey, my friend."
It was the companion who had been with him for dozens of years, the existence that had raised the dunce of Bergen Academy to become the strongest magician of this material world… Theodore had known this would happen. He was confident in this fight. Still, he arrived at this moment due to his heart. For him who had seen another dimension, his past self was nothing. Theodore just mourned that the end was coming and dragged out the fight.
"…"
It wasn't too late even now. He could sign the contract and go back to the previous state. Sadness and foolishness burned up inside of him. Theodore swallowed down these thoughts.
"I won, Gluttony." There was remorse in Theodore's voice.
Gluttony was silent and didn't respond for a few seconds.
-Yes. Before long, it replied in the same voice as always, -…It is my defeat, Theodore Miller.
Chapter 397 – Goodbye, Dear Friend (3)
A quiet voice announced the end of the fight.
Theodore stepped back and saw Gluttony stuck to the ground. Gluttony was caught in the 'sword that sealed time'. It had lost its Absorption Star Method and couldn't lift a finger. Though Theodore's body, which had lost its left arm, was wary of the possibility of resistance, Gluttony's artificial body had already scattered into the air.
It was literally world-shaking. The fight between the two transcendent beings had caused the earth to shake wildly, triggering a localized earthquake. In a sense, it was fortunate that this was finished now. If Theodore hadn't stopped the offensive and actually competed with the power of the management authority, the northern part of the continent would've been blown away.
Theodore closed his eyes for a brief moment and sighed deeply.
'Almost half of the restored atmosphere has been blown away again. The glacier melted from the heat, causing the sea level to rise by a few meters. It won't be fixed for a while.'
In the end, he had no room to complain. Theodore delayed thinking about reality and turned to Gluttony. The sky was crying out, and the earth was shaking. The end was approaching. Both of them knew this and didn't speak. Time passed without a word. Eventually, the shaky ground and sky calmed down.
-Hmm. Finally, Gluttony opened its mouth and spoke calmly, -You are strong, User. You have surpassed my expectations.
"…Really?"
-That's right. You easily suppressed me without using my strength…
There was no big difference between Theodore and the heroes of the Age of Mythology. Most of them wouldn't be Gluttony's opponents unless they were like Simon Magus or Solomon.
It wasn't an exaggeration. Theodore's clone, created by Gluttony, was stronger than it was originally. From the magic power and computing power through to the overwhelming amount of knowledge and magic linkage that fired spells in seconds, Theodore's clone had been a near-universal magician.
Among the heroes of the Age of Mythology, approximately only 10 of them would be a match.
-Now you might be able to knock down Nídhöggur if he appears in the material world. Some preparations are needed but you can be born as a new god on this planet.
"I don't want to be a god."
-I know. You don't even want to overthrow Akasha's throne of omnipotence. You are such a person, Theodore Miller.
Theodore couldn't say anything. It was a strange relationship from beginning to end, but Gluttony was the one who best understood him in this world, even more than the family members who were connected to him by blood or his lovers.
The grimoire was a part of him that was so close he couldn't speak about love. Gluttony knew everything. It was Theodore's second soul and companion, the one who had reached out a hand of salvation to Theodore when he had fallen into inferiority.
"Shit!"
Thus, Theodore had to hesitate. He had already wasted a few minutes on the opponent whom he could finish off with one chant. No matter how powerful the 'sword that binds time' was, he couldn't keep Gluttony in this state forever. It meant there wasn't much time left to talk.
At that moment…
-Don't hesitate, Gluttony opened its mouth before the hesitating Theodore. -Why are you so agitated? Why are you hesitating? Do you think that I've regained reason? No. This chance doesn't exist. Once the binding power is lost, I will attack again.
"I know even if you don't say this."
-You have made your choice. You didn't look at the end of all truths and decided to stay in this world. Continue to the end of this path without looking back. This is the responsibility of the winner.
"Hah," Theodore laughed bitterly at the words. 'Advising me to finish it off.'
It was really annoying that Gluttony was always right. Theodore didn't hide his heart as he spoke in a sarcastic tone, "Why don't you speak words of surrender instead of death? Why don't you ask me to seal you or something like that?"
-Will you do it if I ask?
"No."
-The result is obvious, so there is no point. You wouldn't want to see me like that either.
The penetrating words caused Theodore to bite his lips. Otherwise, a bad sound would emerge.
"…I still can't get the final word in, dammit."
-I won the argument. With this, it is 1:1?
"How funny." Theodore couldn't help laughing and realized that his heart had become lighter. The lingering attachment between the two of them was settled. It was clear that the shape of the sword holding onto Gluttony had become increasingly blurred.
"―Yes, let's finish it."
The two who met must now part. Theodore realized the inevitability of this and raised his palms. He couldn't buy any more time. As his nine circles revolved and the magic power in his body boiled, a complicated magic circle rose from his palms as he spread them out. This was a magic that he had previously cast once by borrowing the power of others.
-Dimensional Banish? It is a decent way.
A Seven Sins grimoire wouldn't disappear from this material world unless the host was destroyed. What if it had a defenseless structure like Lust? As such, in order to combat the grimoire, Theodore needed to pour out firepower like he had done with Pride or to banish it from the dimension like what had happened with Sloth.
Wuuuong… The space started vibrating. It was the sign that the circle around Gluttony was punching a hole in the dimension. Theodore was surprised since the speed was faster than he had expected. However, he soon realized why.
'I see. Thanks to the experience with the Akashic Records, it seems I have learned how to deal with dimensional boundaries…?'
Theodore's speed was two times faster than that of Simon Magus, who had spent 10 minutes to launch it. However, this didn't mean that Theodore was a magician beyond Simon Magus' level. The Akashic Records was the center of the most profound dimension in space. After blending with it, Theodore had reached another level of dimensional magic.
-Umm… At this time, the silent Gluttony spoke up. -I have something to say… but I can't really remember. No, I don't know how to say it.
"…"
-This is the first time I've had a contractor like this… I'm sorry that I've missed a good chance. I thought I understood human emotions, but I should analyze it again from the beginning…
It wasn't a normal voice but a powerful one, and it sounded like a farewell rather than a complaint. Theodore bit his lips until blood flowed and focused on the magic circle. He didn't want to show an ugly appearance while saying farewell. Subsequently, the banishment magic circle was completed without any mistakes.
"Goal, designated."
The space around Gluttony distorted. No, it wasn't the space but the dimension. The passage leading to the outer dimension opened its mouth, and everything inside it would disappear without a trace. The specified action of a finger snap was the key to start it. Theodore didn't hesitate to snap two fingers. He didn't look back as his friend had advised.
"Activate!"
Before his mind could hesitate, his fingers moved.
Kuuong!
Dimensional Banish���its magic circle started to vibrate at super speed. This was the preliminary work to tear apart the walls of the dimension.
Gluttony's voice was almost inaudible due to the noise. -Ah, that's right… Is this the feeling of 'regret'…? It hasn't been a long time. No, maybe that is why it is more…
Theodore didn't answer.
-Meeting a lot of people up to today… talking to them… fighting… going to sleep… The ones who left the deepest impression… most of them occupied one corner of the storage space…
Again, Theodore didn't answer.
-No… this isn't what I wanted to say. Theodore Miller… you are the most mysterious of all the magicians I have contracted with… the greatest magician to the end. The journey with you… It was a special experience for me…
"…"
Gluttony's voice was now muffled. Theodore wouldn't be able to hear it unless he focused. So, he listened quietly. His heart was whispering. Theodore couldn't miss this moment, the end of a friend he wouldn't meet again.
Jijijik!
The final step of being expelled from the dimension was completed, cutting away the coordinates designated by the magic circle and blowing it outward. Now Gluttony's voice was distorted like it was on a low frequency. -…The time that we have spent together… It, has, been, fun… Use..r.
Simultaneously, the banishment was carried out perfectly.
Syuok!
The space, that had been torn off, disappeared somewhere before returning to its original state. There was a pit on the ground, like something had been dug up. Nobody would know what had happened here just a moment ago. Theodore was the only exception.
"…Yes," the words that he couldn't suppress emerged after everything was over, "I also enjoyed it."
It was all thanks to Gluttony that he could come here. He had gained strength, fame, and people who loved him, and he had saved the world. Theodore stood before the pit and looked at the sky. Due to the fight between the two beings, strange colors swayed over the northern hemisphere like an aurora.
'Long… It wasn't long…' Theodore looked back on his journey. Gluttony advised Theodore not to look back, but it had meant for Theodore to not feel regretful.
Theodore didn't feel regretful. So, he looked back without hesitation on everything that had allowed him to reach this day.
He'd met a grimoire in a library.
He'd met a good teacher who had seen a talent he hadn't had.
He'd overcome his inferiority complex and saved his home from danger.
He'd met the elves from fairytales and survived a monster.
He'd saved the world tree, made friends, and also met an evil dragon.
He'd killed a monster, jumped over a wall, and inherited a power.
He'd made bonds in distant lands and become the hero of a kingdom.
He'd thrown down the monster behind the empire.
He'd repelled an invader from another world and become protector of the world tree.
He'd defeated a disaster on the distant continent and a threat to the world.
He'd smashed a falling meteorite and rejected all truths.
And… he'd sent away a friend.
"…Go."
How was his life? Theodore asked himself. He remembered the day it had started and how he'd met many people. There were both good and bad people, along with bargaining, fighting, talking, pointing his sword, and talking again. Theodore had developed relationships with many of them.
'One day, all of them will leave me. But not now.'
By denying omnipotence, he would enjoy the happiness he held on to. As a friend of his had said, this was the right and responsibility of the winner. Theodore would follow these words.
'Let's live the right way…' Just like how he was always told. He inadvertently looked up and saw a shooting star streaking across the sky. Tomorrow would come as always.