Chapter 246 - Arguments

"How's he been?"

Rynold asked as he walked into an underground room under the orders of the Mech God. In it were the Mech God and Crimson. The latter of which was unconscious and on a bed.

"Fine," the Mech God answered, not bothering to look back at Rynold, "Just a bunch of external injuries. He'll be up and okay in no time. Be sure to thank him then."

"Why's that?"

"Despite the numerous warnings I gave, the guy didn't let up. He chose to be here. He even went as far as to imbue his Mana into the magic array to help you. As crazy as that might seem, the guy didn't leave your side."

"Was there any reason why?"

"I asked, but I'm as clueless as you are."

"Huh."

Whoever this person was, Rynold sure appreciated the effort. Although, depending on Crimson's intentions, Rynold sentiment would just as easily reverse.

"Something on your mind?" the Mech God asked as Rynold stared off into space.

The god had already noticed Rynold's sense of focus become askew as soon as he walked into the room. At first, he thought it was nothing of importance. But, right now, Rynold's normally steadfast and level-headedness was nowhere to be seen.

"I…"

Rynold, on the other hand, wasn't quite sure how to tell the god what he was thinking. While the two had a working relationship, it was still a far cry from an actual friendship. Plus, the topic going around in Rynold's head was much heavier than anything he would've otherwise said.

"Out with it," the Mech God pressured, "That uneasiness isn't like you."

"I don't think I should be your Candidate anymore."

With a straight face, Rynold gave the Mech God his two cents. He spoke directly, completely prepared for whatever consequences for what he said.

"Well, it was only a matter of time."

The Mech God's response was nonchalant beyond anything Rynold had expected. In fact, it was as if the god had expected Rynold to say something like that. Whether it was by some divine perception that the Mech God had, Rynold was surprised by the response.

"Why are you so calm about it?" Rynold asked, curious, "Shouldn't you be flipping out or something?"

"You're kidding, right?" the Mech God scoffed, "I knew that you'd say something like this eventually. It's not all that surprising, especially considering what you've done. You need a break, I get it. If I were in your shoes, I would have probably done the same thing."

"Right, right," Rynold nodded as he acknowledged what the Mech God was saying. "You're really not bothered by me quitting?"

"Please, don't flatter yourself. There are other Candidates, some better suited to be my Chosen than you are. I'm more than confident that you know that. And, while I'm sure you've got other reasons for leaving, I'm not going to hold you against your will either."

Rynold's expression turned from stunned to outright doubtful. He raised a brow, questioning what the Mech God had just told him. There was no way for Rynold to understand why the god had been so calm. Rynold knew that the one special ability he had was one of a kind. An asset. So, why was the Mech God willing to let him go just like that?

"Heh. I can tell what you're thinking," the Mech God sneered.

"I need to know," Rynold brows furrowed, "There's a reason for letting me do what I want, isn't there? Tell me. I don't like being kept in the dark."

"Fair enough," the Mech God scoffed and nodded. "Lumie told you what you could do, right? And, I'm guessing that, in itself, brought a lot of questions than answers."

"Your point?"

"Simple. Your part in all of this is bigger, much, much bigger than you realize," the Mech God explained with a sense of casualty in his voice. "While your piece is bigger than most of the other mortals, your burdens are nothing compared to a god's, of course."

"As much as I appreciate the backhanded compliments here, I'm going to need a lot more than that."

"Why? What possible reason could you have to know more about what you're meant to do?"

Taken aback by the sudden question, Rynold wasn't prepared to answer something like that. He got the point of the question, though. He was a mortal. Human. His lifespan wasn't even a quarter of a god's. From an extremely objective point of view, Rynold was dispensable.

That said, Rynold still deserved the right to know. As pretentious as it may seem, Rynold needed to know. Whether it was because of his ridiculous sense of purpose or just downright arrogance, Rynold had to know what he was in for.

"Because I need to. I don't care if my life's purpose is already set. I'm going to need to know because this is my life. Even if I'm eventually going to die some tragic death, I'd rather know beforehand. To better maximize my usability. To better live out the rest of my life."

Rynold wasn't banking on some other profound reason. He didn't have a reason to defy something that's already set. He was a realist. He knew that it would be pointless to contest something that all the gods knew. Rynold knew he just had to be okay with how his life was going to live out. That was it. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Good. At least, you're resolute," the Mech God responded, hearing Rynold's level-headed and sound argument. "But I can't tell you anything more than that. It's not by choice, mind you. It's a rule that's already been set in stone a long time ago. But I can tell you another thing."

Sighing defeatedly, Rynold shook his head at how foolish he was. Thinking that the Mech God would give him a straight answer — it was nothing more than a dead end.

"Fine," Rynold massaged the temples of his forehead, "What is it?"

"I chose you as my Candidate because none of the other gods fit the bill," the Mech God answered earnestly. The look on the god's face sent chills down Rynold's spine, thinking how unnatural it looked.

"Really?" Rynold mocked with a sneer, "Nobody else? I'm sure there's someone far more qualified than you are."

"The point is," the Mech God continued, "You're not meant to be held back. While other gods are controlling, and some are too lax. I'm the one who perfectly fits the bill of your condition. Some other high-priority mortals are handled by the other gods. Meanwhile, you are stuck with me."

Rynold placed his hands on his hips and gently nodded. As it turns out, Rynold's actions and path were already determined in the first place. It was as though he had no say in the matter.

At this time, Rynold's mind wandered to the point of questioning one's destiny. Does a mortal have any control over their own life? Or was it always predetermined? As of right now, though, the answer seemed to be the latter. While Rynold wasn't one to be affected by something as large scale as this, he wondered how other people would react.

Regardless, the conversation still was not over just yet.

"If the gods knew all of this, how come none of you are taking any action?"

"I can't tell you that."

"Okay, okay," Rynold acknowledge the response, even though he preferred something more substantial. "Then, why bother with the New World? It seems so excessive when you already have a plan in mind."

"Can't tell you that either."

The Mech God didn't seem to be lying when he said it again. From what Rynold could tell, there must've been some profound reason why the gods can't tell anything from the mortals. Whether it was by some godly decree that had bound them to secrecy, Rynold didn't care for any of it.

"You know, for omnipotent beings who call themselves gods, you guys don't really have anything to say for yourselves, huh? You people use our lives as a means to an end."

"Oh yeah? At least you don't have to live with that guilt for all of eternity."

Both Rynold and the Mech God stared at each other intensely. They held hostility towards each other, while simultaneously acknowledging that neither one of them wouldn't act upon it.

Rynold was struggling with the fact that he was nothing more than a pawn in this massive game of chess. He was so much like a pawn that he couldn't even see the enemies ahead of him, nor the mastermind behind all this mess. He was only moved forward by the gods. And, just like a pawn, he could never move back.

With that in mind, the Mech God knew the moral compromises he had to make, more so than any god. He knew just how valuable life was, even if he weren't one to experience its end. What felt even worse was the fact that he couldn't do anything about it.

The Mech God knew what was ahead for them, mortals and gods alike. He knew just as well that it was unavoidable and begrudgingly had to continue to put mortals through hardships, even if they were too shortsighted to recognize the late game. The responsibility felt heavier on the gods' shoulders. But the price they had to pay was nothing more than the mortals who had everything to lose.

Both knew how bad things seemed. The situation seemed to only get worse as time goes on. Rynold would have to make more drastic moves to survive.

'Is this really how things are going to pan out?'

Now knowing what's in it for him, Rynold couldn't help but think if there were some other ways out of it. But he knew pursuing that thought would just be another pointless endeavor. If the gods couldn't see another way, how could he?

"Look, kid," the Mech God broke the silence, addressing the tension in Rynold's head. "While it may look like we have everything planned out, the reality is far from it. We have a map, and that's how good it gets. Even gods can't plan for anything."

"How comforting," Rynold sarcastically answered. "It still doesn't change the fact that you're going to sacrifice mortal lives. It's fine if I have to put my life on the line, but why should an average civilian?"

"The gods —"

"Enough," Rynold let out a sharp exhale as he put his foot down. "Nothing you say will ever change what's already written. Just get my Sigil out and I'll be on my way."

"While I have no problems with that, do you actually know where you plan on going?"

"Does it actually matter?" Rynold answered with his tone accurately conveying what he felt. "By the end of it all, I'm going to be exactly where I need to be."

"Why don't you —"

Mumble.

Rynold and the Mech God turned to the side, looking at Crimson who was just about to wake up. Just like that, the tense atmosphere between the two broke. They both looked at Crimson whose eyes slowly opened.

"W-what happened...?"

"You got knocked out," the Mech God answered while Rynold remained where he was standing. "But, it's all good now. The drones took care of your injuries. You'll be up and running in no time."

While the two talked, Rynold chose to look away and walk to the corner of the room.

"You're alright," Crimson spoke as he sat up, relieved to see Rynold turn out okay.

"Yeah," Rynold nodded, turning around to face Crimson, "Thanks for helping out."

After saying that, Rynold walked up the stairs and got out of the room. He then stood outside of the building, taking deep breathes. He then looked up to the blue sky, letting his mind wander.

'I wonder what they're all doing. Hopefully, they're back home. Probably, yeah. I just hope that they're having a much better time than I am."