Chapter 146: To Kill A Planet (01)

-This chapter is written using Catherine's POV-

Uniting an entire world, be it through fear or hope, is a challenging campaign. However, those who manage to complete this feat are handsomely awarded with Demonic Power or Divinity, depending on how they accomplish their quest.

Of course, I ended up on the easiest path. For a vampire, instilling fear in others is just second nature.

After becoming a legendary creature, there was no one capable of challenging me, and the foolish heroes that tried all met their end, serving only to further spread my name, prolonging and improving upon my legend.

I was satisfied with just surviving, I knew what could happen if my power grew too much, but I had climbed too far up. To the point that I acquired the attention of Hwa, the God responsible for the world I was living in.

Thankfully he was too afraid to challenge and kill me. He knew that he would have to bet his life, and at the very least, he would lose enough Divinity to drop his rank among the other Gods.

But one does not survive for so long without being able to maneuver through such a situation.

At the bare minimum, he would lose enough Divinity to drop his rank among the other Gods, so the clever coward came to me with a proposal.

As long as I stayed in his world, the people would continue to fear me, and their faith was going to dwindle due to their God's refusing to intervene.

In this case, he didn't need to kill me. He only had to make it seem like he took care of things, and if done correctly, he could even strengthen their faith.

To convince me not to fight, he told me that if I gave up the Demonic Power I had acquired, he would grant me the Divinity he would've had to use in our fight in small portions.

This way, he would be able to maintain his position while also acquiring a new Goddess as his ally.

It was certainly an amusing idea, but the danger was equally high.

I saw him as an enemy, so giving up power had to be a trap.

However, I could use this in my favor.

By dividing my Demonic power and storing it in some of my dolls, I had a way to reacquire it whenever needed.

So, I accepted his offer and waited for an opportunity.

If he showed me his back, or his fangs... I would surprise and turn the tables on him by using all my power at once.

I knew that fighting a God was delusional, but if I had any chance of winning, it would have to be a surprise attack.

But the opportunity never came. He kept his end of the deal.

Not only that, after I ascended, he helped me look for an unclaimed world with living beings yet to blossom.

And so, under the pretense of a blessing, my life as the Goddess of the Red Night began.

My first planet was called Earth, and since it had only a single race living in it, I thought it would be easy to handle and control.

The human race is prominent in most worlds, they are able to spread everywhere and can survive, live, and thrive under all kinds of circumstances.

While not the most capable by any means, they are still able to use magic, and it doesn't seem like they have a race tendency like angels have for [Light Magic].

Being able to use all kinds of different elements, as well as a physique suitable for physical jobs... not to mention minds capable of understanding and learning most things... they may not rank amongst the best in any field, but they sure are noteworthy in all of them.

Another benefit of choosing this world was their numbers. The planet itself wasn't that big, but they still had billions living in it.

They were perfectly ripe.

Lapis: "So you went for that one huh..."

Catherine: "Is it famous?"

Lapis: "It's talked about... Its position is quite strange. Far from any other, almost as if purposefully hidden. But if a God purposefully brought life to it, then why was the planet's mana completely dry? Some say it was an experiment from an old God that disappeared or forgot about it, but... Thinking that it was a trap to start a fight, most are cautious of claiming it for themselves."

I've learned that Gods get more eccentric with age. It's the same for every race that has a long lifespan, but I expected them to be more... superior...

Like any other race, they aren't immune to boredom. However, they have unique means to experiment and entertain themselves.

They can play with mortals and other Gods. With themselves. Or with an entire world.

Catherine: "I can't say for sure. It might be that life just blossomed there on its own. The lack of any mana or magic is definitely strange, but who knows? Maybe the planet hates them or something."

It's not that uncommon for life to begin by itself, without anyone taking action, but the rest is pretty much unheard of.

Although it was unique, the novelty alone wasn't enough to make me happy.

The only use I had for that planet, and the only reason I chose it was due to the potential it had to generate large amounts of Divinity.

Due to their boredom, they seek enjoyment from risks, and due to their standing, it's hard for anyone to point it as a wrongdoing.

Lapis: "Still... you're pretty bold to participate in this rigged game. As promised, I didn't pick one of my top-tier worlds to go easy on you newbies, but... You do know that Felix and Julie are going to work together, right?"

Catherine: "It doesn't matter. After all the trouble they gave me, their loss might actually make me feel vindicated. And if they happen to win-"

Lapis: "I didn't take you for the naive type. I've seen some records, they are shit."

I can't blame her for that conclusion.

While they are said to be humans, their nature is close to that of a demon.

It's not just their faith that is lacking, but also their cooperation. They have a hard time trusting each other.

Their levels have risen considerably fast in just one generation, but their use of skills and understanding of their own Gifts is still incredibly primitive. Not to mention their magic theories...

When facing others with the same level, their loss is pretty much guaranteed.

Catherine: "In my experience, I found out that there's no such thing as zero chances..."

Time and time again I've been surprised by unlikely scenarios. The fact that I'm still alive should be a miracle in and by itself.

Since I was going to abandon this place anyway, what would otherwise be a risky gamble actually holds no consequences for me.

Even if they lose, I might come out on top.

No... whatever happens... even if I'm thrown at the bottom.

I'll crawl my way back up.

No one will claim my life. I'll use whatever is necessary to ensure my safety.

All that the pathetic humans from this planet need to do is act like the good little stepping stones that they are.

By failing me, they are only failing themselves.

The more they show their worthlessness, the more I'll squeeze everything out of them.

Catherine: "It's about time to announce... shall we start?"

Lapis: "That's a terrifying smile... But I like it! Want me to give you a hand?"

Catherine: "Don't take me for a fool. I might be a new God, but I've been around for a long time."

She is dangerous. I know that from the bottom of my heart.

Her blood... it has a unique, nauseating smell.

It's hateful. My instincts scream that I should attack her.

But I know that I would be no match. While her outer shell is that of a friendly fool, when I look into her eyes, I see something sinister lying in wait.

I'll strive to avoid her as much as possible from now own.

Since the clock was about to strike midnight, we paused our talk to make the announcement.

[People from Earth, listen carefully.

A special Divine Event has started, and Earth has been chosen as one of its participants.

The Dungeon entrances have been sealed, and anyone who has remained on Earth will be considered one of its citizens for the purposes of the Event.

Your world and three others shall be connected and become one for 500 hours.

During this time, the other Gods and I will register the number of deaths suffered by each planet.

The world that has caused the most deaths to another during this period will be able to select and take one continent from another world for themselves.

I hope for your safety, and wish you good luck.]

I say that with utmost sincerity, as our fates are linked.

Prove to me that you are worthy. Show me how you struggle and survive even when the odds are stacked against you.

Or at the very least, provide me with some entertainment before I abandon you.