Chapter 75 - 75-The Meeting of Apostles (Part 1)

[Deception Apostle] turned back to John, smiling, and said each word deliberately.

"The greatest trait of humans is their longing for freedom, no matter the circumstances. I'm no exception.

Alright, enough talk. I'm off to enjoy my freedom. See you in three days."

[Deception Apostle] waved and walked away, leaving John with a carefree gesture. His figure gradually became more ethereal until it vanished.

After bidding farewell to [Deception Apostle], John leaned against the railing and let out a long, helpless sigh.

Collaborating with [Deception Apostle] felt like dealing with a devil.

There was always the risk of being bitten.

All John could do was to strengthen himself as much as possible before [Deception Apostle] turned against him.

He never entertained the thought that [Deception Apostle] would help him obediently.

He vaguely remembered [Deception Apostle] saying he wasn't content with being just a pawn.

John had every reason to suspect that everything [Deception Apostle] was doing now was just laying the groundwork for becoming a player himself.

The day he gains the power to control others' fates, he would undoubtedly betray John without hesitation.

Lost in thought, John didn't notice Helena coming through the door and walking slowly up behind him.

"Hey! Haha, did I scare you?"

"A little... alright, you got me. How did you sleep?"

Startled, John turned to face Helena's smiling eyes and breathed a sigh of relief before asking, "I saw you log off last night. Did you sneak off to eat something?"

"Of course not! I just felt a bit stuffy and wanted to go out for a walk. Although I studied abroad in your country, this is my first time in your capital. I had to go out and explore."

"So, did you see what you wanted to see?"

"Not at all. It's all ruins and monsters everywhere. The whole world is like this. It's no different from my home. Maybe this was once a beautiful city, but now, it's all the same."

"Actually, Riverside was never a beautiful city. You just had too high expectations."

" Friends... huh?"

John lowered his head and let out a long sigh. "I understand. I'm sorry for making decisions on my own."

...

Meanwhile, deep within the labyrinth!

A series of crisp footsteps approached, tearing through the gray mist floating in the air as the figure advanced deeper into the labyrinth.

"Even from afar, I could smell your stench. After all these years, haven't you thought of taking a bath, [Lust]?"

"...You, why are you here? Where is this place?"

"You don't know why you're here? Strange. Could it be that you were accidentally caught in the temporal flow of the time reversal as well? But that doesn't matter. What matters is, [Lust], you've angered our master. Repeated insolence, defiance, and ignoring orders.

You even conspired with [Betrayal Apostle] against the master's kin. Do you think the master is unaware? It was just that the time wasn't ripe, so you were spared. Now, the time has come, and your good days are over, [Lust]."

"[Deception Apostle], you liar. Do you think I would believe you?"

"Believe it or not, I've delivered the master's message. Now you have only two choices. Either surrender all your authority, and I might find you a vessel to stay in this world. Or you can refuse, and when you fully awaken in three days, how much power will you have? A fifth? Probably not even that.

When that time comes, and I forcibly strip the authority from you, you'll have no leverage left. If you're smart, you'll agree to my proposal. So, what will it be?"

"Authority is a blessing personally granted by the master. No one else has the right to strip it away, not even you!"

"It seems there's nothing more to discuss then."

[Deception Apostle] sighed, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

"In that case, there's no need for me to stay here. I'll see you again in three days when you awaken."

"Wait!"

Just as [Deception Apostle] turned to leave, [Lust] called out to stop him.

"[Deception Apostle], are you sure the master really knows about that matter?"

"What do you think? If even I know, how could the master be unaware? You conspired with [Betrayal Apostle] to kill John and did that to Lily. The master didn't kill you on the spot because the time reversal was too sudden. Otherwise, for committing such a sin, you would be dead for sure!"

"I... I spent nearly a thousand years to achieve what I have now. No one can make me give it up, not even the master! [Deception Apostle], you must help me, or I will reveal everything about that incident!"