"The Primordial One?" The Western Continent's team was visibly stunned by Alaric's casual summoning, unaware he had such a trick up his sleeve.
"I won the bet. Time to keep your promise, Mr. Primordial One," Alaric said, smiling at the summoned figure.
He wasn't worried about the Primordial One reneging. In the past, he might not have had the power to enforce it, but now was different.
The Primordial One opened his eyes, his gaze settling on Alaric. Recognizing something, his eyes held deep wariness. Then, with a faint smile, he said, "I'll honor my promise. I'll aid you against the Outer Deities."
"Great. You'll be our roamer... support whichever side's struggling," Alaric said, nodding and assigning The Primordial One his role without fuss.
After tasking the Primordial One, Alaric didn't bother explaining to the shocked Western Continent group. He turned to Lilith. "Lilith, I once promised to help you kill the Mother Goddess of Depravity. But back then, I didn't consider the impact her death would have on reality. So, I'm giving you two options."
"First, I'll kill the Mother Goddess of Depravity and temporarily stabilize reality, but as her heir, you'll need to take on the responsibility and grow into the third pillar as quickly as possible." Alaric paused, looking at Lilith. "Think you can handle it?"
Lilith hesitated. She wasn't delusional about her capabilities. Even if the Mother Goddess of Depravity fell, she lacked confidence in becoming the third pillar.
After a moment, she asked, "What's the second option?"
"I'll seal the Mother Goddess of Depravity," Alaric said without suspense, smiling. "Sealed, she can't interfere with reality or you. Since she's alive, reality won't collapse."
"I choose the second," Lilith said without hesitation. She had no ambition to become the third pillar; escaping the Mother Goddess of Depravity's influence was her greatest desire.
"Done," Alaric nodded, then addressed the others. "Some Outer Deities are hard to kill or cause issues if killed. Those can be sealed by me."
"How long can the seals last?" The Celestial Master asked suddenly.
"As long as I wish, forever," Alaric said, smiling at him. "I know you don't fully trust me, so you can take custody of the sealed Outer Deities yourselves."
"Oh, and…" Alaric added, "While sealed Outer Deities can't affect the outside world, I can grant you permission to siphon their power. It's risky... mainly corruption... so use caution. If anyone gets corrupted, come to me for treatment."
This was why Alaric shifted from exterminating Outer Deities to sealing them. Killing was less efficient than turning them into "batteries" for power.
Alaric was, after all, an efficiency enthusiast.
…
Thus, the war council against the cosmos, led by Alaric, concluded.
Seven days later, with everyone prepared... including Will, who accommodated the Fate Uniqueness with Alaric's help... the group followed Alaric into the cosmos.
"As planned, Mother Goddess of Depravity, Mother Tree of Desire…" Alaric listed a slew of names, ending with, "Leave them to me. Everyone, take your save-point crystals. If you use one, retreat to the barrier immediately. Mr. Primordial One, do your roaming job well... whether we clear this cosmic dungeon with zero losses depends on you."
As Alaric spoke, the Outer Deities reacted. More accurately, led by the Mother Goddess of Depravity, they had already gathered beyond Earth.
Outer Deities weren't fools. They'd sensed the successive Great Old One ascensions on Earth but were blocked by the barrier, unable to attack directly.
Now, facing Earth's proactive strike, the Outer Deities responded swiftly.
The Mother Goddess of Depravity looked at Alaric, her gaze a mix of wariness and hatred. "You're too confident. Even you can't face ten of us at once."
"We'll see," Alaric said, smiling. As they spoke, others on the battlefield moved, quickly segmenting the fight.
Alaric casually tossed a protective shield over Earth, just to avoid collateral damage.
He looked up at the Mother Goddess of Depravity, grinning. "We're old friends, in a way. We haven't met formally, but you've helped me a lot indirectly. Without your corruption, I couldn't have so easily recruited those you tainted."
"Hmph," The Mother Goddess of Depravity snorted, her expression sour, clearly recalling unpleasant memories.
"As a thank-you…" Alaric paused, his smile radiant. "I'll let you live in a seal until the universe ends."
Her response was a surge of crimson power. Unfazed, Alaric deflected her attack with ease, simultaneously blocking strikes from other Outer Deities who'd joined in, sighing, "So temperamental!"
…
This wasn't a brutal battle.
With Alaric single-handedly tying up ten Outer Deities, Bethel and The Ancient Sun God in peak form, and a literal God Almighty roaming, losing was nearly impossible.
Once Alaric freed up to tackle the remaining Outer Deities, the battle ended even faster.
Many didn't even need their save-point crystals, merely holding off their foes until reinforcements arrived.
When the last Outer Deity was sealed in amber, Alaric clapped his hands, arranging the amber-sealed gods neatly. Pulling a camera from nowhere, he called out, "Come on, everyone, gather up! It'd be a shame not to capture this historic moment!"
The others exchanged glances. Medici strode to Alaric's side first, Klein was tugged along by Bethel, and The Ancient Sun God, with a wry smile, ushered others over.
The Western Continent's team hesitated, but at the Celestial Master's nod, they cautiously joined Alaric.
"One, two, three... smile!"
Click!
Thus, the most significant, most prestigious photo in this world was born.
Not satisfied, Alaric orchestrated more shots... Klein with the Mother Tree of Desire, Lilith with the Mother Goddess of Depravity, and various combinations.
When all the photos were done, Alaric set down the camera, looking at the group. Though slightly disheveled from battle, their spirits were high. Smiling, he said, "Rejoice, everyone. The apocalypse is over."
"A new era has begun!"
The End.