Chapter 39: Trading Freedom for Power? Maybe Next Time
Unlike Flora and Leona, who were on high alert, Abyss was intensely curious about the diary, which chronicled Star’s thoughts and experiences. He grabbed Flora’s shoulders, like an eager apprentice seeking knowledge. “Quick, keep reading! Let’s see if there’s anything valuable in there!”
“This is a monster that manipulates people and wants to destroy the world. Why are you acting like you’ve found a long-lost relative?” Leona said, her tone laced with disdain.
“Being pessimistic won’t change anything,” Abyss said with a grin, revealing his pearly white teeth. “This diary shows that your ancestor from three hundred years ago was already researching the Outer Gods. And your ancestor was on our level. Maybe this diary contains valuable information!”
Leona didn’t quite understand Abyss’s enthusiasm. She sat on the chair in front of the desk and continued flipping through the diary.
“Hmm… The later entries record many strange events caused by the crown… Here, let me read this one. August 24th, the crown I hid outside the city returned on its own. I don’t remember bringing it back at any point, but when I woke up this morning, it was on my bedside table. It scared Eve, who was sleeping next to me. This crown, although beautiful and exquisite, constantly exudes an aura of evil.”
“August 27th, I tried to destroy the crown. After repeatedly punching it, I even hammered it flat. Then I threw it into the furnace—at night, it returned to me, hanging on my coat rack without my knowledge.”
“September 6th, I’ve tried various methods that could destroy ordinary objects, but the crown always restores itself inexplicably, and its reappearance seems perfectly normal, as if it had never been damaged. I even suspected I was under an illusion, but that’s impossible. I’ve exchanged for 100% illusion resistance in the System. I can’t possibly experience illusions.”
“September 8th, I saw that upside-down man again in my dream. He was wearing the crown on his feet and smiling at me wickedly. I tried to attack him, but as soon as I touched him, I woke up.”
“November 10th, my body is getting weaker by the day. I’ve accumulated too much stress from this crown. This is not good. I feel like I’m aging faster. So, I’ve decided to give up on destroying the crown and try a different approach.”
“December 15th, I succeeded. I spent a fortune obtaining a chain blessed by the God of Order and Judgment from the Church. I chained the crown deep in the mountains of the Eastern Empire. The crown didn’t reappear when I returned home.”
“December 17th, the upside-down man appeared in my dream. I didn’t attack him this time. I noticed that this strange being seemed to possess divinity. He was trying to control me with his divinity. I knew he wasn’t human, but this was the first time I noticed his divinity.”
“December 21st, I’ve tentatively concluded that he’s from a destroyed world. His rank might be similar to the Nine Gods of Haitville, below the Creator God but above mortals. His power is channeled through the crown, like a conduit to this world. I might not be able to kill him, but perhaps I can redirect his power to somewhere harmless.”
“January 2nd, I failed. It is indeed divine power, but I’m just a mortal. Even with the Creator God’s blessing, I’m still a mortal. I can’t influence his power. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to be targeting anyone else but me. I must ensure my resolve remains strong. The offer he made in my dream was very tempting, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
“January 30th, I must accept my age. My back has been hurting terribly these past few days, but the upside-down man hasn’t reappeared. I think it’s time for me to enjoy my retirement and stop dwelling on these matters. Jolene is pregnant, and I need to prepare to be a good grandfather. I’ll end this diary here. If my descendants find this diary and possess power equal to mine, you may choose to continue my research. If your power is insufficient, please don’t risk your life. I’ve hidden the crown very well, somewhere within the Eastern Empire. Follow this riddle to find it. If you can’t solve the riddle, then you’re not qualified to continue my research.”
Leona turned to the last page with writing and read the poem:
“Three giants raise their cups,
Under the setting sun’s golden drape.
A sword cleaves the serpent’s spine,
A clear spring flows, departs, and returns.”
Leona solemnly closed the diary and turned to look at Abyss, who was lost in thought.
“What does this riddle mean?” she asked.
Abyss, his train of thought interrupted, shrugged. “We’ll figure it out when we get to the Eastern Empire and study the local geography. I don’t know now.”
“Then what are you thinking about?” Leona asked, puzzled.
“He said the Outer God actually possesses divinity. So, I have a bold idea,” Abyss said, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Their power might be usable for me.”
Flora, who had been listening quietly, gasped and protested, “That’s not a good idea, Abyss! Their power is meant to tempt people with greed and then control them! If you use their power, won’t you become their puppet?”
“Yeah, ABC, that’s not a very mature idea,” Leona added, shaking her head as if she understood.
“Of course I don’t want to become their puppet or host,” Abyss said, crossing his arms. “I’m wondering if it’s possible to take their power without giving them anything in return.”
“That’s shameless,” Leona rolled her eyes.
But Abyss wasn’t joking. He was genuinely contemplating how to acquire the power of these so-called Outer Gods without paying the price.
From the information gathered so far, the Outer Gods’ primary method of influencing people in this world was through unfair deals, making promises and using mental manipulation to create a horde of fanatical followers who would do their bidding.
But who said they had to play by the rules?
That’s right, Abyss was thinking of getting something for nothing.
If he could find a way to steal the power of these Outer Gods, it would increase his chances of overthrowing the Creator God. His own power might not be enough to directly challenge a god, but he had two super geniuses by his side, and there would be three more in the future.
A driver who doesn’t want to be a tailor isn’t a good cook!
Thus, a new plan formed in Abyss’s mind: find a way to rob the Outer Gods!
“Flora, his smile is creepy,” Leona whispered.
Flora glanced at the expression on Abyss’s face and nodded. “Indeed.”
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