Rebellion Against Heaven - Part 39

Chapter 39: A Dangerous Game

The great hall of Death was calm. The common heralds continued to celebrate Daichi's humiliation as some prepared the documents transferring Kenta and Daichi's inheritance, along with their weapons.

One of the common heralds, a dark-robed young man with bright eyes, approached the throne with a wicked smile.

"My lady, what do we do with Kenta and Daichi's inheritance?" And their weapons?

Death was playing with a chess piece between her fingers, thoughtful.

"Give them to Ryuusei and Aiko. At the end of the day, they are the winners.

The heralds nodded and withdrew, but before the silence had fully settled, a deep, ancient voice echoed from the shadows.

"My lady...

Death looked up with slight curiosity.

From the darkest corner of the room, a figure emerged. An old herald, with a face weathered by millennia, with a worn cloak and a look full of knowledge. He had been by Death's side since time immemorial.

"Speak," she ordered disinterestedly.

The old herald took a few steps forward and in a serious tone, muttered:

"Maybe we need the loser Daichi.

The common heralds fell silent.

Death raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Oh, yes?" Explain yourself.

The old man narrowed his eyes.

"Ryuusei and Aiko... We're letting them live with too much power. At this rate, its strength will continue to grow. If we don't do something now, they could become a real threat, even to you, my lady.

Death turned the chess piece between his fingers. For the first time in centuries, she was undecided.

He let out a sigh and with a slight wave of his hand, the abyss roared once more.

The shadows twisted, and in a matter of seconds, a figure emerged from them.

Daichi fell to his knees, panting, his gaze lost from the shock of having been banished minutes before.

"W-what...?"

When he looked up, he felt his heart stop.

Death looked at him with a completely different expression. His eyes shone with a seductive gleam, his posture was relaxed, and a faint smile played on his lips.

"Oh, Daichi," she whispered sweetly, leaning slightly toward him. I think I was too you.

Daichi's heart pounded.

"M-my lady...?"

She let out a soft, almost melodic laugh.

"Maybe I was wrong to judge you. After all, you're a formidable warrior... And I wondered—" He moved closer, his lips almost touching his ear, "what would happen if I gave you another chance?"

Daichi felt a chill run down his spine.

Death's gaze was intoxicating, like a hypnotic flame that caught him hopelessly.

"I... I'd do anything for you..." he whispered, completely captivated.

She smiled.

"Then let's make a deal...

Daichi could barely process what was going on. Everything he had ever dreamed of, the opportunity to serve the goddess he loved, was in front of him.

Without thinking about it, without questioning it, without noticing that he was falling into a trap, he nodded.

"I accept.

Death smiled with satisfaction, and with a slow and elegant gesture, placed his fingers on Daichi's forehead.

"Then, Daichi, be reborn as my instrument.

A torrent of dark energy immediately enveloped him. He felt his body burn, his essence twist, as if something inside him was being torn away and replaced. An indescribable pain shook him, but he clung to the sensation in despair, believing that this was the price of his resurgence.

The common heralds watched him with mocking smiles. They knew the truth. They knew that Daichi was no longer a warrior, but a mere piece in the game of Death.

When the transformation was over, Daichi stood up, feeling a new power flowing in his veins.

But something was wrong.

His movements felt heavy. His mind, clouded. He tried to speak, but his tongue did not respond as before.

Death looked at him with amusement, lifting his chin with an air of superiority.

"What a beautiful pawn you have turned out to be.

Daichi opened his eyes wide.

"P-peon...?"

She turned, returning to her throne with the same indifference as always.

"Now you're my puppet." No more decisions. No more ambitions. Just a warrior without will, a mad dog that I will let go when I please.

Daichi felt a terrifying chill run through his being. He tried to fight against the force that dominated him, but it was useless. His body did not respond to him. His soul no longer belonged to him.

The common heralds laughed cruelly. One of them leaned towards him with a mocking smile.

"Congratulations, Daichi. Become... like a puppet.

But this cute puppet will have a reward

"If you can kill them," Death whispered in a seductive voice, "I will be completely yours.

Daichi's eyes widened, and a strong blush covered his face.

"D-really, my lady?"

She smiled enigmatically at him.

"Of course, Daichi. But only if you show me that you are worthy of me.

Daichi clenched his fists. His obsession with Death had reached a new level. Without thinking, he took her hand with the intention of kissing her, but she pushed it away immediately, with a slight click of her tongue and a flash of disgust in her eyes.

"Don't get too excited," he said coldly, hiding his revulsion.

Daichi lowered his head, embarrassed, but quickly regained his composure.

"Take as many heralds as you want." They are only 3% of my army.

The power that was being bestowed upon him was huge, but Daichi could no longer think clearly. His mind was completely subdued.

Death sighed and looked at the chess piece he still held between his fingers.

"And now—" go hunt down Ryuusei and Aiko. Make me proud.

Unable to resist, Daichi bowed to his mistress.

"As you wish, my lady—"

The doors of the great hall opened with a crash.

And Daichi, the proud warrior who once dreamed of the love of Death, stepped out onto the battlefield as a soulless shadow.