Chapter 118: Who exactly would step onto such a path of destiny?
「 Meanwhile, on the other side, within the Divination Commission.
"So your plan is... to kill an Aeon?" Stelle looked at Kafka in disbelief.
"Ha, are you kidding? That's not what we want." Kafka smiled lightly and shook her head.
"I just want to tell you some things that have happened before: the stories of the fallen Aeons."
"Long the 『 Permanence 』, Idrila the 『 Beauty 』, Ena the 『 Order 』, Tayzzyronth the 『 Propagation 』... Akivili the 『 Trailblaze 』."
Kafka looked up at the firmament behind the clouds: "These names were once known all over the universe. Now, they've all but disappeared, leaving behind only masterless Paths."
"Currently, there are three ways an Aeon can perish known to humanity."
"First, Paths with overlapping concepts will eventually collide, and the broader Path will engulf the narrower one. That's how Ena the 『 Order 』 was assimilated by Xipe the 『 Harmony 』."
"Second, in a war between Aeons, the stronger side will annihilate the weaker one — that's how Tayzzyronth the 『 Propagation 』 fell. Under the guidance of The 『 Hunt 』, the Xianzhou Alliance travels the universe exterminating "abominations" cultivated by the 『 Abundance 』..." 」
「 .....」
〜Overlord World〜
The Great Tomb of Nazarick.
Ainz Ooal Gown sat alone on the throne, meticulously pondering the weighty term Kafka had uttered:
"War of Gods..."
—This is entirely another dimension, a war of a higher domain. Let alone humans, even he couldn't step into it. In the face of a Star God's power, perhaps magic is just a trivial trick?
Gazing at Kafka's calm expression in the light screen, Ainz slowly leaned back into the throne, his staff tapping lightly on the floor.
This seemed to be a signal—the devil beside him understood instantly. He respectfully bowed to Ainz and slowly spoke:
"Ainz-Sama, what data from the light screen would you like to review?"
"Demiurge, you still have records regarding the explanation of the 'Path,' right?"
"...Of course, Ainz-Sama."
A scroll of brown human skin appeared out of thin air in the devil's hand, slowly unrolling, covered with characters flowing with magic power.
Demiurge cleared his throat and recited:
"The essence of the Path remains to be studied, but the Path is a part of the Imaginary Tree. When certain conditions are met, this portion of Imaginary Energy can be occupied by a wise creature, and that creature becomes a Star God."
"Hmm, thanks to your detailed record... However, Demiurge, what is your view on the Path? Don't hold back, say whatever you are thinking."
"As you command, Ainz-Sama. Regarding the Path..."
Demiurge hesitated slightly before continuing his answer.
"Valuable information is scarce right now, but according to my thoughts... one day, Ainz-Sama will surely be able to blaze a new Path on your own and become a Star God."
"Oh, oh... Wait! Huh??"
"Become... a Star God?"
Although he tried his best to maintain control, his heart was genuinely shocked.
After adjusting his breathing, Ainz's voice carried a slight hint of a smile, a profound feeling that made Demiurge tremble with excitement, and he involuntarily smiled along.
His voice was full of pleasure:
"Yes, Ainz-Sama. Once we grasp more intelligence regarding the Path and the Star Gods, you can absolutely become the Star God of The 『 Sorcery 』. You are not only the Supreme Ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and not merely the sovereign of this world... but the sovereign of countless worlds."
"I see... so that is what you think."
"That woman named Kafka said, 'the stronger party eliminates the weaker party.' With Ainz-Sama's strength, eliminating other Star God's would certainly be child's play."
Demiurge's tone was extremely convincing, and the future he fantasized about seemed to be projected onto his transparent glasses.
"It is truly my subordinate's happiness to continue serving the Supreme Ruler, who is a god..."
"..."
Ainz said nothing, only turning his face away awkwardly. He looked at the other Guardians kneeling on one knee beneath the throne, watching the worship and reverence in their eyes, and his heart was filled with ten thousand stampeding horses.
—Isn't this completely setting him up for failure? Who can beat a monster of a Star God's caliber!?
And this Path of the 『 Sorcery 』, Ainz was beyond the point of complaining...
How many people could walk down such a strange Path? If he became a Star God, he felt like he would be the first one swallowed by another Path!
—
( Translator-kun: Yeah, I know Author-san skipped 'Why does the Xianzhou want to kill the Abundance?', 'How did Tayzzyronth die?', 'What about Akivili? Did they die at the hands of an Aeon?' Question, maybe he will put it on another instance. )
「 "They're the kind of stories that folks on the straight and narrow would never tell you." Kafka's smile deepened.
"What is the third method?" Stelle couldn't help but ask.
"...Hold on, any minute now." Kafka did not answer directly, but looked toward a distant place: "Aha, it's begun!"
The earth suddenly began to tremble slightly, and a rumbling sound came from afar.
Stelle turned around, following the sound, only to see the withered Ambrosial Arbor they had seen upon arrival was now rapidly swelling and growing!
The branches seemed to connect heaven and earth. Golden light shone through the trunk, carrying an endless source of 『 Abundance 』 and vitality.
In the blink of an eye, the Arbor seemed to pierce the clouds. Its branches appeared to be burning with blazing fire, guiding countless golden runes to descend from the sky.
At this moment, Stelle finally understood what kind of sight Qingque had described as "climbing the firmament and hanging the celestial bodies." 」
「 .....」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
"This, this, this... is the Ambrosial Arbor? A miracle bestowed casually by the Star God of 『 Abundance 』?"
Stark was so astonished that his jaw dropped.
This was the first time in his life he had witnessed such a grand spectacle!!
"I finally understand how the Xianzhou people felt the first time they saw this thing."
Sein smiled bitterly,
"It's no surprise that the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus are so devoted to Aeon Yaoshi. The massive thing thrown down casually back then, even after becoming withered wood, could be resurrected after thousands of years. This 『 Abundance 』... is truly hard to kill."
"But they said that this Ambrosial Divine Tree was severed by an arrow from the Star God of The Hunt back then."
Fern looked worriedly,
"Do they have to ask the Star God to shoot another arrow this time?"
The power of a Star God's arrow is extraordinary. Even if Xianzhou pursues the Hunt, the power of that arrow will inevitably affect the innocent lives in Xianzhou. What kind of human tragedy would ensue then?
To think of the worst, perhaps half of the Luofu Xianzhou would be annihilated.
"Don't worry, Fern."
Frieren said confidently,
"Trust General Jing Yuan. Everything happening now is still within his predictions. As long as the General acts, everything will be fine."
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