Chapter 478: Then try to catch up to me

When the three heard Ren's declaration their minds blanked out for a second. After a short pause, they finally reacted to what Ren said. 

"Even if you say that after the last time it would take more than a few days to prepare. We can't just go whenever you want." Mir spoke still confused as to what was happening. 

"The false start from last time has lowered the morale of the soldiers. They won't be able to sortie that quickly." Kor added on worried that Ren would force everyone to move without caring about their health. 

"Ren, even you should understand that if we go there right now, we will once again face not only the army of the Temple of Light but will need to face the Goddess of Light again. I know you must be frustrated by your previous loss, but we need to prepare first before we headed out again." Valdel spoke while looking at Ren concerned. He already knew that Ren was someone who would do things on a whim, but this time was different. The opponent was too strong.

"Huh?... What the heck are you guys saying? You seem to be misunderstanding something here. I no longer need an army to whittle down the others. I'm sorry about this Val, I did promise you that I will allow these weak-ass descendants of yours to go through the trials of blades and fire, but I changed my mind. Right now my body and soul are burning with excitement, and my skills are about to reach new heights. For me to reach that new stage, I need to be in a dire situation and go all out."

Ren's battle intent was rising to an incredible level. This was neither bloodlust nor mana, it was just his pure unfiltered thirst for battle. Even someone like Valdel who was used to Ren's usual shenanigans was surprised by how excited he was at this moment. 

"Oh right, there's another thing that you got wrong. I was never frustrated in losing, in fact, I consider losing the most enjoyable thing in the world. That would mean there's an opponent out there that could face me in battle, and despite my best effort will make me taste defeat. That just makes things more interesting, thinking of ways on how to win, pushing myself to grow stronger. Not to mention the thrill of fighting an opponent above you, and when I taste victory against such an opponent, it is at that moment I can feel truly alive."

Ren's mana started to leak out in excitement. Yet this time it wasn't oppressive and heavy, it changed into something burning hot as if it wants to devour everything in its flames. Mana was the representation of one's soul, it should not be able to change yet Ren's did. 

"I will face the enemy on my own. The army from the Temple, the Goddess of Light, everything, I will face everything on my own. There's no need to worry for I will bring victory in my wake." 

Ren was then about ready to leave, when Valdel who was looking at Ren smiling so brightly, could no longer hold it in as he gnashed his teeth. An indescribable feeling of helplessness had overcome him as he heard what Ren said. So as Ren was about to leave he suddenly shouted.

"Are, are we so useless? Do you not need us, anymore?... Can we not stay by your side?! Are we not even allowed to do so?! Answer me, please answer me, REN!" 

Kor and Mir were also shocked by what Ren said, but more than that they were shocked by Valdel's sudden outburst. This person who was supposedly a reincarnation of their great ancestor was now looking like a lost puppy. 

...

Ren looked at Valdel for a moment and sighed. The Strongest Mortal Soul wasn't just a title given to the Original, it's the title each incarnation carried. All incarnations were literally the strongest being in their respective eras. 

Each incarnation walked different paths, but all roads lead to the same end. Their overwhelming power would always attract many, allies, lovers, and enemies. They were surrounded by a lot of different people, but they were always alone on that road of theirs. 

Each one took different paths, but they were all walking the road of battle, of power. None of their allies, lovers, nor their enemies could follow them into this road that they walk, as they were too far ahead. 

In the end, no matter how many people gathered, they wouldn't be able to follow him to the end. They could not stand at the same stage as him. The Strongest Mortal Soul was a one-man show, he didn't need a female lead, he did not need supporting actors, nor extras, and not even stagehands. He was a one-man show from beginning to end. 

Even though each incarnation looks like they could stop the sky from falling. Even though each incarnation looks like they could do anything and everything by themselves, deep down they wanted someone to walk this path with them. 

That's why even though they were weaker than him, each incarnation would unconsciously seek companions. It might seem like these people gathered around him by coincidence but the truth was each incarnation unconsciously seeks them out. The ones with the greatest potential, those that have the slimmest chance to break free from the confines of fate. Those were the kind of beings that he sought.

Same as how the ORIGIN treats the  Strongest Mortal Soul as his HOPE. The Strongest Mortal Soul views these companions of his, these weaker beings than him, as his HOPE.

...

Ren smiled a different smile from the vicious one he had always shown. This smile of his was a gentler, kinder smile. Ren then said the words that most of his past incarnations said to their companions at one point in their journey. 

"Being useless, being unneeded, and staying by my side. I'm not the one who can decide that for you, the only person who decides that should be you. If you feel so inadequate, then run with all your might, no matter how hard, no matter how far, even if you stumble and fall, reach out your hand, and try to catch up to me. No matter how long, I will wait for you guys at this stage of mine."

After saying those words, Ren disappeared.