Chapter 35 -35-Deception Apostle

Chapter 35: Chapter35-Deception Apostle

This voice was one John would never forget for the rest of his life.

Memories surged through his mind: comrades rushing to their deaths amidst mocking laughter, a disaster where countless monsters devoured them without resistance.

John never imagined that he would meet the nightmare of his heart again at this time, in this way.

"How are you here, [Deception Apostle]?"

"Aha! I knew it! That reaction, you must be the one who deceived time!"

Standing atop the giant wolf's corpse, the [Apostle] rose, his eyes full of manic laughter.

"You really surprise me. How did you do it? Rewinding the timeline by two years, fooling even those other idiots, and you even... deceived the [Gods].

Amazing, truly amazing, John. Leaving you alive was undoubtedly the right choice."

[Deception Apostle] showered him with praise, the applause unceasing until he stood before John, looking down on him.

"Aren't we old friends by now? After all, I killed so many of your comrades, and you hate me to the bone.

Look, I even brought you a gift. What about you? No gift for an old friend?"

The terrifying pressure bore down on him, causing John's body to tremble instinctively.

But John refused to show weakness in front of this man. He bit down hard, his face flushing red, determined to control his shaking body.

"How did you awaken early?"

"This is a grand deception. You fooled time, fooled the [Gods], but you can't fool me."

[Deception Apostle] grinned, a sinister smile spreading across his face as he spoke, "I wanted to see who orchestrated this grand deception, so I awakened and appeared before you. But you disappoint me. You're as weak as an ant, even weaker than you were two years ago, incapable of even struggling."

[Deception Apostle] opened his palm, and in the next moment, a still-beating, bright red chunk of flesh appeared in his hand.

"Look, this is your heart. Why is it beating so fast? Are you perhaps afraid of me?"

With just a slight squeeze, John felt a searing pain shoot through him, and his HP plummeted!

"What... what do you want? To destroy the world? With your power, no one can stop you. Should I congratulate you?"

"Destroy the world? No, no, no, what are you talking about, old friend?"

Hearing this, [Deception Apostle] burst into uproarious laughter, doubling over as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world, tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

"If this is your welcome gift, ha ha ha, I love it! Destroy the world? I have no interest in that.

It doesn't benefit me in any way. I don't like being controlled by others. Besides, I'm genuinely curious to see what someone chosen by the [Gods] can achieve."

"What are you talking about? Chosen by the [Gods]? Explain yourself!"

John swallowed hard, his eyes filled with urgency.

What were they really fighting against, and why were they struggling to survive? Countless thoughts filled John's mind, making his thoughts even more chaotic.

"...What are you planning to do?"

"Two years ago, the [Abyss] opened, and seven [Apostles] appeared. Do you know what the final outcome was?

Less than a month after your death, the [Apostles] joined forces and wiped out all life in the real world, achieving the apocalypse. We became the victors of this game. But it seems you changed all that, giving everyone a second chance. Remarkable.

And you did all this as an ordinary person, not even a demigod. I'm truly curious—if you were to become a [God], what would you be capable of? So, I orchestrated this grand deception."

[Deception Apostle] stood up, arms outstretched to the sky, a crazed expression on his face.

"I deceived time and the [Gods] to find you. I have a plan, which I call the [God-Making Project].

That's right, I intend to turn you into a [God]!"

"You're insane! Do you think that's even possible?"

John sneered, mocking [Deception Apostle] just as he had once been mocked.

"Of course it's possible. Even if you don't believe me, at least have some faith in yourself. You possess half of [Tyche]'s Authority. Once you fully master this power, you can ascend to demigod status.

Now, what if you also had my Authority?"

At this point, the fanaticism in [Deception Apostle]'s eyes grew even more intense.

"When luck and lies merge together, just imagine how interesting it will be! It's decided, John, I will bestow my Authority upon you!

What expression will the [Deities] have when they suddenly realize that a piece on their chessboard has gained powers equal to theirs?"

"I-I don't understand, what exactly are you trying to do? You want to give me your power? Stop joking, is that even possible?"

"Of course, no one knows me better than I know myself. I was born to plunder, and naturally, I also bear the fate of being plundered. My power, my Authority, can indeed be taken away."

[Deception Apostle] stood up, walked slowly to John, and said solemnly, "Without a doubt, you are the perfect vessel for it!"

"No, I refuse to cooperate with you."

Without a moment's hesitation, John immediately rejected [Deception Apostle]'s proposal.

Perhaps this time [Deception Apostle] wasn't deceiving him, perhaps this world was indeed just a trivial game between [Deities] to pass their boring time, but John still didn't want to make any deals with someone so fickle and unpredictable.

Isn't it laughable to negotiate with a tiger for its skin?

But...

"Do you think you have the luxury of refusal? Our game has already begun, John. From the moment I met you, your future was already sealed.

Would you like to check your status screen?"

Upon hearing this, John was momentarily stunned, then he opened his character panel. In the status bar, a new and unknown status appeared. John looked closely, and his expression suddenly froze.

[Curse of Deception Apostle: Life Countdown 712 days]