Chapter 465: Star, Identity Establishment (3)

Chapter 465: Star, Identity Establishment (3)

A dharmapala was usually a deity that recited Buddhist prayers to expel demons and protected Buddhist dharma, but the name occasionally carried a different meaning.

An act of protection for a person who is lost in their own principles.[1]

A Celestial was the embodiment of a law of nature, so one could call oneself a dharmapala by protecting a Celestial. However, that also meant the Celestial had to trust their dharmapala, because the Celestial would be defenseless while immersed in their own law of nature.

No matter how hard I think, I have no idea whats going on inside his head. Even if he can just trigger Rollback, he knows I have ways to nullify it and attack him back, Bel-Marduk muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Chang-Sun, who was deep in meditation while sitting in the lotus position.

It looked as if Chang-Sun would collapse to the side with one tap, but he and Bel-Marduk were not exactly sure who else they could ever trust to be their dharmapala.

Bel-Marduk had killed Ithaca and tried to use Chang-Sun until the end, and Chang-Sun had gotten where he was for the sake of taking revenge on Bel-Marduk. If not for the enormous obstacle named Ubbo-Sathla, Chang-Sun and Bel-Marduk would never have joined forces. They were enemies who happened to be in the same boat. That was all.

However, Chang-Sun had suddenly changed after scanning many Worldlines, becoming somewhat mature and relaxed. Perhaps because Chang-Suns perspective had widened, it seemed his grudge against Bel-Marduk had waned, and Bel-Marduk could not get used to it at all.

But I believe in what I saw.

Chang-Suns remark weighed down on Bel-Marduks heart. As he knew what Chang-Sun meant, Bel-Marduk could not help but chuckle dumbfoundedly.

What is your true intention? Jrmungandr asked Bel-Marduk, narrowing his serpent eyes.

As he crossed his arms and legs, Bel-Marduk scoffed, replying, Who do you think I am?

A guy who doesnt hesitate to use immoral means to get what he wants?

Well, youre not wrong, Bel-Marduk replied casually.

In a sense, that was an insult to a Nine Heaven, but Bel-Marduk did not care. He actually took pride in it.

I suppress and extort others for the sake of victory. If necessary, I partner up with my enemies and abandon my allies when they outlive their use. Thats how Ive lived my life, and how I built Babylonia. Whats the problem with that?

Bel-Marduk was not embarrassed. He had experienced the fear of the <Extinction> that Ubbo-Sathla brought, so the moment he had realized that he could never defy the <Fate>, becoming stronger became his only goal. That was how he had gotten to where he was.

Its the same right now. I saw a possibility, so I took Twilights hand, even though I never imagined I would. Is there something wrong with this? Technically, your <Niflheim> isnt any different. I just pursue my interests. Bel-Marduks sharp eyes remained glued to Chang-Sun. On that note, dont worry. Its not going to happen. Its true that theres tasty prey right in front of me, but I know whats best for me. Im not foolish enough to follow my impulses and mess everything up.

Jrmungandr scoffed in discontentment, but he had to agree because Bel-Marduk had a point.

No, there is actually one benefit Bel-Marduk can gain, Jrmungandr thought; he knew a little about the loop Chang-Sun and Bel-Marduk were going through. If he tries to use Twilight to become the one and only

Jrmungandr did not know much about other Worldlines affairs. In contrast to Star Signs, Celestials were bound to their Worldlines and could not observe another Worldline. However, one thing was certain. Although Bel-Marduk had traveled countless Worldlines, he had never run into a wall like Chang-Sun. In terms of martial prowess, they were neck-and-neck with each other. No, perhaps Chang-Sun was superior in some ways, which meant Bel-Marduk had a reason to look for an opportunity to eat Chang-Sun.

That was how Star Signs got stronger in the first place, so it would hardly be odd if Bel-Marduk tried to eat Chang-Sun right now. Jrmungandr wondered why Chang-Sun was trusting Bel-Marduk with his safety, since Chang-Sun had to be more aware of that than anyone else. Although Jrmungandr was here, he would be helpless if Bel-Marduk initiated a fight here right now.

You know, you may think of yourself as smart, but youre an open book, Bel-Marduk said with a half-smirk. Youd better be careful. Not everybody in the world is as kind as me. Hahahaha!

Bel-Marduk burst into laughter as he stood up, walking toward the door.

Where are you going? Jrmungandr asked.

Im going out for some air. Why? Shall we go together hand in hand?

When you summoned us here, I thought it was to eat this Worldline and Worldline #801.

Understanding Nemeas reasoning, Bel-Marduk nodded, saying, We certainly ate up a lot of Worldlines that way.

A Worldline facing <Extinction> was bound to be filled with panic, so people in that situation usually held meetings to come up with countermeasures and ended up having their hands full with the matter of Ubbo-Sathla. That was usually the moment <Horoscope> used to raid a Worldline.

Nemea believed that now was their moment to strike, and wanted to attack Divine Twilight in a similar way. Of course, it would cost them the forward base they had been planning to use in going after the Great Universe, so it was a bit of a shame. However, Bel-Marduk showed no intent to take action and seemed genuinely cooperative.

I considered making that choice, Bel-Marduk eventually said.

So why arent we attacking? Nemea asked.

I changed my mind, Bel-Marduk answered.

Click.

Nemea took off his mask, revealing a face that looked identical to Chang-Suns own, but his gaze was a lot different from Chang-Suns and Bel-Marduk's. While Chang-Sun had a sharp gaze, and Bel-Marduks was vicious, Nemeas was belligerent.

His eyes blazing with anger, Nemea growled, I dont want to play games here, Marduk.

Bel-Marduk uncrossed his arms and calmly met Nemeas gaze, retorting, Do I look like Im playing games?

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The energy they subtly unleashed clashed and shook the castle. Physical conflicts were forbidden in 'Nastrond' right now, but neither of them cared.

Ubbo-Sathla is here, meaning both Worldline #802 and #801 will be ruined in no time, but this Worldline is very resourceful. Are you seriously going to throw away a place like this? Do you know how much damage weve sustained this time? Nemea exclaimed angrily.

Recovering from the damage is nothing, Bel-Marduk replied.

Thats not what Im talking about! Nemea growled, striding forward..

Thump!

Lightning energy poured into the aura around Nemea, slowly taking the form of a lion.

Dont forget our promise. If you have no intention of upholding it Nemea muttered, turning in the opposite direction. ...Ill have to find another way to survive.

Whirl!

Nemea vanished the same way he had appeared.

Nemea was, of course, another Lee Chang-Sun. Bel-Marduk had coincidentally run into Nemea during his Worldline wandering, but Nemeas goal was not stopping <Extinction> or saving Ithaca like Chang-Sun and Bel-Marduk. It was smaller and more personal, but it was tragic in its own way.

Regardless of everything else, <Horoscope> was ruined now, so Bel-Marduk was in dire need of Nemeas help.

Nothing is easy, Bel-Marduk muttered, sighing. I have no idea what it feels like to have a child.

1. This is not the actual meaning, but rather something derived from the words hanjas. means protection, and means laws. (Editor Felis: Chinese novel readers may be familiar with the concept of a dharma protector - basically the same thing!)