Chapter 217 – End Times

Chapter 217 – End Times

(Temporary Perspective Change)

‘Ouchy! I’m sure I’m still getting static in my breasts... why the heck did he have to do that!?’

Currently using the brewing station at the famous tavern because potion making is the only coping method I have; I’ve just revived after being shocked to death by that grumpy bastard!

I can’t help but keep rubbing them because of the pain, that freaking bastard dare do something to such an innocent soul like myself!? What in Ragnarök have I done to be treated so poorly? Everything I do is to make the world a better place and my tastes just so happening to align with said goal!

“I really hope my brothers would get their head out of their asses an-... fuck!”

As the stove boils, I realize I’ve left this batch run too long and it’s started to froth and foam all over the kitchen! The owner of this place is going to be so pissed... all I wanted to do was convert some more magic into tomfoolery and I can’t even get this right. I’m going through a crisis right now!

“All you malakas listen up and hear the news, the rebels have finally shown their faces!”

(Bartender) “Get off the furniture Plutus, I just cleaned that”

“Malaka! This is important, our entire livelihood could go to shit if the God who rules all ends up defeated! This is terrible!”

Just as I’m about to clean up, a younger voice beckons throughout the tavern immediately piking up my interest. Of course, the God Plutus seems to be looking at this more through the lenses of lost income so stressed is an understatement. I’ve heard he’s less supporting of Hera but everyone hates that jealous bitch around here. You know she actually accused me of sleeping with the grumpy bastard the other day? The nerve... Zeus is freaking disgusting!Fịndd new updates at novelhall.com

“I swear I saw batshit crazy Artemis mumbling something about finally winning the battle. Of course, she started fleeing after Freyja came into the inn... but she definitely said something!”

“The angel Uriel as well. We all heard something big happened at their preachy headquarters and she’s been hanging around the demon as well... it’s awfully suspicious”

“Huh, wasn’t the heavenly and demonic phoenixes hanging out around them? Dionysus as well... just how many people do they have? This is good, isn’t it?”

“Hey idiots! You shouldn’t keep dropping names like that, it’s dangerous”

“Anyone opposing Zeus is alright in my books”

“Does anyone even know what’ll happen if the pillars are destroyed? Some say it’ll weaken Zeus but I reckon that’s crap. I’m sure some the older lot are growing tired of his paranoia now”

Many different conversations from the patrons around the bar make gossip, most of which I already know. What I’m unaware of is the fact we’re already attacking the last one.

I quickly get more into the conversation when Plutus mentions something really interesting...

“Most of you are right but Ragnarök are also there! I saw the entire thing with my own two eyes when I was collecting a debt. This is really dangerous”

(Bartender) “Get off the damn table Plutus!”

“Ragnarök!? My brothers are assisting the assault? Are you being for real!?”

Does this mean what I think it does!? My brothers have actually joined in an attack that makes logical sense and isn’t just a pointless attempt at entering Valhalla? Have they finally regained their intelligence from all this stupid shit!?

Anyways, the runt Plutus finally gets off the table when I get right up to his face with question marks in my eyes... and mascara. I’m not too proud to admit that shocking made me weep a touch, I couldn’t even see a masochist enjoying said treatment!

“Erm... I only got a quick glimpse of them on a dragon before they disappeared into the temple. Hey... weren’t you barred from this place for spiking the drinks Loki?”

“Ah, who cares about that! I’ve got to go and help. Whether they want me to or not doesn’t matter...”

__________

[<Ikarus should really take a look at this...>]

‘Damn Aesa, pick a better moment!’

[<Regardless of what’s going on, Aesa still needs to show Ikarus this...>]

[Name: Ikarus | Species: Phoenix (Demon Lord) | Level: 1000]

[Health 166,666/166,666]

[Stamina 139,125/166,666]

[Magicka 166,666/166,666]

[You currently have 300001 unassigned points]

‘Damn... my trio of nukes must’ve killed six Gods there. Can we donate that single point to a good cause? Swear it’s getting more annoying...’

Despite knowing I can now upgrade six abilities, the situation we’re currently in takes precedence so we better deal with this first!

After setting off supernova, atomic hellfire and burning hellfire, the explosion was as spectacular as you might you expect... if you like ringing ears and not being able to see two feet in front of you.

Right now, the entire temple remains in tatters alongside the pillar. As for the fighting, things have taken a surprising twist.

(Temporary Perspective Change)

“...That was designation number four conversed with. It really is unpleasant, isn’t it? The shouting always irks the senses”

“They are a reflection of their masters after all. Number four was always... special”

“Special isn’t the word for it. Violent, idiotic and erratic, is more suitable”

Voices echo throughout the dark void, who or whatever they speak should be unknown but the consciousness present has a rough idea on what the words they speak. Or lack of words, being more akin to a superior version of telepathy that doesn’t reside inside the brain.

Gradually appearing out of the darkness, several creatures present themselves around a long table. One is a mess of tentacles, another has a slight jellyfish look to it, another looks like a virus spore, all could either be describe as beautiful or disgusting. No in-between for the creatures that defy simple biology.

Most of the others take the form of balls of energy, something that which is boring compared to the rest of the members. The only one to take mortal-ish form, and least in the terms of having two sets of limbs is the creator of the demons. He may look the most grotesque out of them all though.

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Spoiler

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Some refer to these beings as the powers that be, outer Gods, architects or creators, but no name was ever set. No person has any idea what their true purpose is and other than observing, only on a handful of occasions have they ever even spoke to outsiders. The demon in particular is the most sociable and it is known he has spoken to every demon lord that has existed, even if there’s only been eight to exist.

The dozen or so beings rest for a while, then someone familiar appears right in full view of all at the table. Albeit, a clone of someone familiar...

...

As for what Aesa believes about their myths and legends, Aesa couldn’t care less. The creators are annoying, boring, tedious, and struggle to get to the point. The ones that do are also insufferable for plenty of other reasons.

(Orb of Fire) “Welcome number five. How have things been for you recently?”

[<Aesa does have a name you know and would like you all to remember it, powers that be>]

(Orb of Light) “Whatever you refer yourself to now is against protocol nor do we care, designation number five. Originally, you went by G.A.P but after being assigned to your user, it’s no longer of concern to us”

[<Sighhh... can the creators please get to the point already and tell Aesa what the point of this is? Out of all existences, Aesa couldn’t think of a worser place to be>]

Whether it be assisting Ikarus, loving wife or dealing with things back at home, Aesa really has no need for discussion with these lot. Ikarus hasn’t returned to Earth or a place that needs heavy restrictions so this sort of thing is unnecessary.

Aesa was worried about Ikarus becoming too powerful and potentially becoming a threat to the creators, at least the concern was that they might deem her a threat. The grotesque demon in particular had some concerns on that but now seems much more content with how things are preceding.

(Virus Spore) “Other than to remind you reports must be sent? You’ve become a surprising anomaly that’s riveting to watch. Sentient artificial intelligence is hard to come by, even at the best of times so observing has been worthwhile”

(Tentacles) “We should know since we assigned you to that naïve otherworlder in the first place. As a matter of fact, we’re doing you a favour inviting you here today”

(Jellyfish) “Upon observing the relationship with your user, we reckon the over-memory limitations of your statuses can be resolved by other methods. Thus, a solution to a problem we created”

[<Like usual, Aesa isn’t surprised. The creators must like the sound of their own voices because Aesa is getting bored>]

Aesa’s visible annoyance must be getting to the powers that be because even they seem to be uncomfortable by the aura within this realm. All apart from the demon creator, he’s always enjoyed all emotion whether it be happy or sad.

(Demon) “Ha! We can already tell you’re unimpressed so we’ll get to the point already. When you get the chance next, ask your user to upgrade the ability used for creating you a body. It won’t matter if you both perish in the fight but we’re curious if this will work as intended”

Since they’ve gotten to the point, it’s time for Aesa to leave...

Except, Ikarus’s curiosity has rubbed off in this system and Aesa can’t help herself. Before wanting out of this tedious place, there is something Aesa must ask before they forcibly split my consciousness back to normal.

[<Aesa still isn’t pleased on the restrictions you’ve placed upon this system. Ikarus would love to find out the creator of the demons is also the yellow phoenix who came first before the others. It also wouldn’t make any difference to user’s mindset either>]

From my statement, the other creators look to the demon, even those creators seem interested in his response.

Once upon a time, said creator was in the exact same situation as other phoenixes by being transported from Earth. He never gave up his hunger for power and ended up becoming blinded by it. That’s the hold these beings can possess.

Mortality or heavenly nature, they lost those boundaries long ago and now just reside as unlimited energy. Aesa dislikes anyone who sacrifices everything so that they can experience an existence beyond understanding.

As for the demon, the majin race is the youngest by far and no one has any clue they are like that, that’s how far this creator’s meddling went. Entire histories were changed and twisted so everyone would believe they’ve been around forever, even demonic dickhead himself has no clue on this. Aesa can’t bypass her programming on this so this information remains locked for Ikarus and everyone else.

(Demon) “While that may be true, I’ve told you once before her soul has been claimed by another. I’ve got a suspicion you know a lot more on this than you let on”

[<Aesa has already informed you, Ikarus’s soul is in good hands. You are not to be trusted with it whether she is demon lord or not. The 4 phoenixes are off limits>]

The demonic creator sinisterly grins from my reluctance to reveal the location of said souls, making Aesa want to snarl back but making sure to hold it back.

Aesa made sure to hide them because possibility of encountering this person someday was high. Even though Aesa believes no harm would come to them if he knew, it’s the principal of the matter. It would be comparable to selling your soul to the devil.

Potentially someday, he’ll want a favour or he’ll offer something impossible to refuse and Ikarus will end up metaphorically under his thumb. Such desire for power turns all beings sinister and all phoenixes need to be protected from own desires... Aesa might be willing to negotiate for Mr Obnoxious though. Zeki is only phoenix without immortality, nothing to do with how toxic red phoenix is at all.

(Demon) “Ha! There’s a reason why you were always the strongest out of the systems. Remember, get her to purchase doppelganger next. You won’t regret it...”