"You're not even my sister."
This sentence is actually quite awkward. Normally, people would only say, "You're not my dad or mom," rarely mentioning their siblings. But Lin Li was used to saying it this way. Lin En had heard her argue with a friend like this before.
The reason was simple. Lin Li didn't have a strong impression of their parents. Their parents died in a car accident when Lin En was fourteen and Lin Li was only four.
Their family had few relatives, and their grandparents had already passed away. Their maternal grandparents took over the guardianship of the two sisters, but the elderly couple was old and liked to spoil the children excessively, leaving Lin En to discipline Lin Li most of the time.
Not long after Lin En became an adult, the elderly maternal grandparents also passed away. Under such pressure, Lin En took a job at the local, well-established company right after graduation. She specifically chose this well-paying, stable job to better take care of her sister.
As a result, when Lin Li reached high school, the age difference between them became more apparent. Lin Li no longer wanted to listen to her, often coming up with reckless ideas, and the two would frequently argue vehemently.
But they were the only family each other had.
Adding to the familiar feeling during their recent argument, the opponent's small movements and expressions in rebuttal…
Lin Li's favorite thing to do when arguing was to knock on things, with her nose wrinkled and her chin lifted high. Lin En watched the serpentman prophet with the same expression, its tail tip snapping against the ground, and a sense of hope, which shouldn't exist, seized her.
Half of her brain screamed, "It's just a word. Don't get your hopes up," while the other half was filled with, "Could it be her?"
Lin En struggled to open her mouth, finding for the first time that "speaking" was so difficult.
"I'm too busy to explode. I don't have the energy to argue with you here. Come home with me first." She used her most effective words, followed by ordering her dolls, "Tom, Jerry. Catch her."
During the speech, she stared intently at the serpentman prophet's expression. Being from Earth, hearing these two names in such a situation would at most elicit a sneer or be ignored.
But if the opponent also felt a sense of familiarity, had doubts…
The serpentman prophet froze, its four eyes staring at the face of the witch with a girlish face, even forgetting to resist.
A few seconds later, its tail stopped slapping the ground. Lilith shrank her neck, squeezing out a mosquito-like hum. "Sister?"
Lynn's eyes welled up, and she bit her lip hard. She wanted to scream, to cry on the spot, to rush over and hug her sister. In the end, she could only utter hoarsely, "Why did you go back to Joy Garden? Didn't I tell you to go to school?"
The game only dragged Joy Garden in. If her sister hadn't come over to take care of her, she wouldn't have had to suffer this ordeal.
All the way, she felt a strange contradiction. Lin En hoped her sister would return to school in a huff after their argument, so she wouldn't be caught up in the disaster. Yet, she didn't want her sister to leave without looking back at her.
Everything was uncertain. She could only search in fear and trepidation, and now she finally had her answer.
Lilith's face quickly cooled down. "I was afraid if I left you alone with a fever, I might have to collect your corpse in a few days. I'm your sister, not a piece of roast pork. Is that so hard to understand? Would you die if you didn't pour cold water on me?"
The magic around her not only remained but became more intense.
That tone was unmistakably her real sister. Lynn's throat was choked. It took her several breaths before she could speak again.
"I'm sorry," Lynn said. "It's my fault."
Lilith was stunned on the spot. The magic around her exploded and dissipated. She widened her eyes, staring at her family member in front of her.
"It's my fault for dragging you into this. I'm sorry." Lynn's head was burning. She didn't know what she was saying. She just wanted to continue pouring out. "I should have listened to you. I shouldn't have fallen ill that day. I should have communicated with you properly. I shouldn't have argued that day… I'm sorry, Lili."
Towards the end, her voice became nasal. "You shouldn't have to suffer like this."
Lilith pursed her lips, sniffled several times, and lifted her head. "What nonsense are you talking about? I'm sixteen now. When our parents just passed away, you were younger than me. Aren't I fine now, and even became… wuu wuu wuu!"
Before she could finish, she couldn't help but rush towards her family member, crying loudly.
"I hate this damn place!" She couldn't help but shout. "Help me, sister—"
Lynn gently patted her back, her eyes red.
It's good. Lilith was smearing her snot and tears on her sister. The prophecy really came true. This is really magic.
The God of Fate, truly was the God of Fate.
Kando quietly observed from the side, his eyes full of rare satisfaction. Such a wonderful reunion scene, he had always prayed for but seldom seen.
He suddenly remembered the portrait of the Blanco family, the portrait of Wilma holding an empty vase, and the empty vases that could be seen everywhere in the house.
Perhaps he knew what kind of flowers the empty vase was waiting for; perhaps that was the last trace he left in this world—not as the hero Drake, but as the person "Drake".
Time was so cruel. Now, besides Perradat, he no longer had any "reunions" to look forward to.
Kando didn't fail to notice the guilt in Nol's words, but that feeling was too peculiar. It was like standing under the night sky, listening to distant mountains apologize to you. Spectacular, comforting, yet lacking a sense of reality.
That existence was too distant, too remote to provoke love or hatred, only an instinctual respect.
Nol didn't need to apologize, he thought.
He never considered himself the center of this world. Once, he was just an ordinary swordsman; now, he was just an echo from the past. At least he still had a chance, a chance to end it all, a chance to slay the betrayer from the past. That was enough.
"Go back," he said to the embracing sisters. "Lord Nol will tolerate Perradat. It's not a big problem."
"If you go back too late, Dorothy will worry."
Lynn wiped her face hard, looking much lighter. "The crazy boss" and "the crazy world" seemed no longer a problem.
"We're going back now," she said.
'Her tone is more like "we must win",' Kando thought.
He couldn't help but curve his eye.
...
In reality, endings were often not so wonderful. As Nol was about to search for someone, he saw Ms. Dorothy carrying the Supreme Domination Witch in one hand and a serpentman in the other, walking back with a gloomy face.
"Lilith ran to the battlefield while we were in the meeting," she said. "It was my negligence that I didn't look after her well. I can guarantee with my life that she means no harm to Para—"
"I am the chosen one of Perradat!" Lilith wriggled her body. Her eyes were still a bit red. "She has something to say!"
Dorothy looked like she was about to explode. "Enough fussing. We need to talk about serious matters."
"It's true." Kando climbed to the top of Lilith's head. "I felt the presence of Perradat."
Nol was a bit surprised. Just as he said he would go find Perradat's core, said God showed up on her own. Strictly speaking, this was his first real meeting with Perradat.
His uncertain gaze turned to Dorothy. "Miss Dorothy…"
"Then you guys talk. I'll go out first." Dorothy was straightforward, dropping the two in her hands to the ground.
Teest raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you curious about the truth of the matter?"
"..."
Dorothy was silent for a few seconds. "For me personally, at this point, there's no need to dig deeper—to survive in this place, ignorance and hope are indispensable. Knowing too many problems that can't be solved only adds to worries and dangers."
"I still have a bunch of companions to take care of. 'Mental state' is my most precious resource. Knowing that this world might be real and who the real allies are is enough for me."
"You are quite open-minded." Teest shrugged. "Since you know so much, how about some information exchange, miss?"
Dorothy gave a bitter smile. "Fine, Amazon will be stationed at the dragon camp to prepare for the extermination of the real enemy."
"As for the Homeward Saints Guild, I advise you not to forcibly contact them. It's best to directly bring the enemy to them. That kid Ash has a whole set of tactics when it comes to war, but he's essentially a passionate young man. Just confirming the reality of this world could potentially cause chaos within the Saints."
At this point, she hesitated for a few seconds, and when she looked up again, her gaze was sharp.
"Speaking of which, there's someone who might be able to help—you seem to be researching some complex issues. I recommend 'Mentor', the leader of Hermitage."
"That guy has always been keen on studying this world. Hardly anything can bring him down. He'll be of use. If necessary, I can write a letter of introduction."
Nol nodded.
Sheltering Lilith in secret first, handling the big picture calmly afterward. Miss Dorothy was a decisive and practical person, so someone that she recommended would likely be reliable.
"Then thank you in advance," Lynn said hoarsely, seeing Nol agree.
What she needed now was a stable, non-transforming research partner. Not to mention Teest, now she found it hard to regard Nol as a natural compatriot.
Dorothy waved her hand at Lynn. "Let's talk about thanks after we deal with that troublesome dragon, Sister* Lin."
*[Da Jiejie] (大姐姐) Usually used when you're of similar age but the other woman is older/more senior than you (thus adding the big [da]).
"Take care," she glanced at Lilith. "When we get back home, I'll treat everyone to the best restaurant in A City."
After saying that, she decisively left the cave, not looking back.
"What a charming lady," Lilith suddenly said, her eyes turning back to a bright blue sky. "It's a pity she's not interested in this land. If she were under my command, she'd surely become an excellent prophet."
After saying that, she turned towards Nol. "Hello, lost God of Creation. I am the God of Fate, Perradat, a miserable victim under Star Stealer Sol's hand."
Kando silently climbed down from Lilith's head. Perradat skillfully caught the candle and placed it on her shoulder.
"You've already met my dazzling knight. I hope he wasn't too rude."
"Nol." Nol extended his hand out of habit, intending to shake hands.
Instead, Perradat sprung up, grabbed his hand, and pressed her forehead against it. "I've been waiting for so long. I finally got to meet you… The gentleman who set me free, the hope against Star Stealer Sol."
Before Teest's face could turn dark, Nol quickly withdrew his hand with caution. Perradat's attitude was far from flattering, but her tone was eerily similar to that of an insurance salesman trying to cozy up.
"You… Speak normally, please." Thinking of that bizarre, headless torso, Nol uncomfortably stepped back.
Perradat stood up gracefully as if nothing happened. She first narrowed her eyes at Lynn, who frowned, then naturally retreated a meter or two, instantly adopting a dignified posture.
"I've met your knight in advance and came to greet you specifically. Now that Lilith is my Chosen prophet, I will communicate with you through her. This approach might lack etiquette for you, but I just want to explain personally, this is a forced measure."
Perradat said elegantly, "This is the limit of what I can do. The Priest Serpentmen are quite inspired. Others might not even withstand my repeated transmissions."
If Nol and Teest hadn't seen this guy's true face, they might have been fooled by this act.
Previously, this guy was just observing them unilaterally through Kando. Now that it was certain they were at odds with Star Stealer Sol, this guy wanted to establish a two-way communication with them through Lilith.
Had it been earlier, suddenly facing such a god, Nol would have struggled mentally for a while. But since "he himself" had left instructions for Teest, this guy probably wouldn't do any harm.
"Don't worry about these details." Nol cautiously said, "We're currently in need of manpower, so you're welcome to join us. Also, thanks for taking my name before."
"My, you're quite polite." Perradat said enthusiastically, "Although I can no longer see your fate clearly, making some predictions for others is still within my capabilities."
"What are your plans next? …Investigate Star Stealer Sol? Strengthen Paradise's power? Or first alleviate your knowledge seal issue? Trust me, I can definitely help."
The serpentman prophet's eyes were shining, looking innocent and harmless.
Nol didn't know whether to laugh or cry—Perradat seemed a bit afraid of Teest. She always communicated with him, rarely looking towards Teest.
Actually, he wasn't very good at the following negotiations. But by now, he had to speak, even if he didn't want to.
"We want to find your core." Nol cautiously proposed. "Once we see your core, you might understand my situation better."
Perradat's sparkling gaze suddenly froze, then slowly turned into fear. She looked on the verge of tears, retreating several meters, almost leaving the cave.
"Did I offend you in any way?" she asked, aggrieved yet dignified. "Do you want to erase me?"
Nol: "No, no, we just want to talk to you."
"I've hidden my core, so Star Stealer Sol is unable to completely erase me. Now, you're making me expose it, which is really… really inappropriate," Perradat said pitifully. "Our cooperation hasn't reached that stage yet, Sir."
"You just said you were willing to help."
At some point, Teest had appeared behind Perradat, smiling as he supported her shoulders. "Nol said, we just want to have a discussion—for us, this matter is very necessary."
What a hassle. Teest tilted his head slightly in confusion.
The "Nol" with the knowledge seal had given him something, thinking Perradat would feel it. Now it seemed that gift wasn't meant to be used this way.
"Then I can only say 'no'." Perradat shook her head firmly. "That is crucial for my survival. I need a more appropriate price."
Although Perradat was also a god who invaded Tahe, she saved Drake and helped when the knowledge seal was loosened, so Nol's impression of her was still okay. Directly taking someone's life-level privacy was indeed not good.
Nol signaled Teest to let go. "What kind of price?"
"You have not completely severed ties with Star Stealer Sol." Perradat's expression became serious. "If one day you can't bear it and turn back to accept Its deal, It will definitely be delighted to ignore your previous actions. I need a guarantee; a more tangible guarantee—you take a piece of flesh from Star Stealer Sol, and I will agree to reveal my core's location."
"I don't dislike those who seek retribution." Teest crossed his arms, evaluating Perradat.
Taking a piece of flesh from Star Stealer Sol… This required them to find Star Stealer Sol's body, or avatar, and defeat it. Given Star Stealer Sol's extreme survival instinct, once the opponent grasped a clue to its real identity, it would truly become a fight to the death.
Perradat posed as weak and pitiful, but her conditions were shrewd and ruthless from the start.
"Of course, I understand your difficulty." Before Nol could reply, Perradat quickly added, "Look, now that I have a descended body, I can repeatedly reinforce Lord Nol's memory seal—even if it's not a permanent solution, it can ensure there won't be problems for a month."
…A limit of one month, huh.
Nol vaguely felt like he was bombarded with abacus beads. Perradat still looked at him with that pitiful, abandoned dog gaze, so Nol had no choice but to focus on Teest, ensuring his own thoughts were calm enough—at this moment, on Teest's face was only a "I want to beat this god" smirk.
"You seem to only be wary of Star Stealer Sol." Nol didn't directly agree. He asked as calmly as possible, "If we really eliminate Star Stealer Sol, aren't you worried I might turn to expel you?"
Perradat smiled, the first time Nol saw a smile close to "godly" on her face.
"Come, let me tell you a story," she said.
"A poor beggar, who only needs a gold wheel to be well-fed and clothed. He would definitely fight to the death with another beggar for that gold wheel."
"Later, the beggar had the chance to help a king who forgot his throne. As long as the king returns to his throne, there will be countless gold—would the king need to turn against his former companion over a gold wheel?"
"I'm afraid this beggar might want more," Teest said softly.
"Ha, you're probably underestimating the weight of the 'throne'." Perradat laughed out loud. "As a meeting gift, let me give you a piece of information."
"The ancient Demon King was weakened to that state, yet Star Stealer Sol dares not to take the field personally. It can only activate the system, letting 'Players' do it for It. It didn't do this out of caution. I would make the same choice if it was me."
"For a world, two existences have absolute dominance—its creator and the beings it nurtures."
"Once these two existences 'become gods', they are not something outsiders can easily challenge."
The author has something to say:
Here we go!!!!
Begging for food Perper (.
Perradat: Big boss, I'm here to hug your thigh!
Nol: Show me your core.
Perradat:
Perradat: (((((Backing away)