Chapter 371

Chapter 371. Transaction of Gods (2)

“It’s a pointless endeavor.”

– I know. I just wanted to convey my genuine feelings.

If she intended to kill, she would have attacked like this long ago.

Senoa raised both hands to emphasize that she intended no harm.

It seemed she wanted to express her peaceful intentions through words and actions, but I already knew. There wasn’t the slightest hint of murderous intent from the beginning.

That’s why I merely thrust the spear as a warning without using my full power.

I glanced between the shadow and Senoa as I mumbled to myself.

“What kind of authority do you possess…?”

Senoa glanced at me with a bright smile.

– It’s not much compared to the abilities other gods possess, isn’t it?

Indeed, it’s a rather underwhelming power compared to the authority other gods wield.

Hiding within shadows or moving through them is something magic can achieve.

It’s a little lackluster to be considered the authority of a god, beyond human capability.

‘That’s why you kept your authority a secret.’

It would have been easier to secure divinity by gathering followers through mystique.

Revealing the authority would have led to comparison with other gods, placing her at a disadvantage.

‘Perhaps that’s why you chose to strengthen your martial skills.’

When I last saw Senoa, she was strong enough to clash with Omby.

I can’t say she’s superior since she couldn’t completely overpower or eliminate it, but she’s stronger than me, who couldn’t even perceive Omby’s sword.

I understood why Senoa had the audacity to come to me on her own.

‘She must be confident in escaping if things go south.’

Of course, I didn’t intend to let her go easily.

As I glanced at the System, a message appeared that only I could see.

《System Message》

《I’ll block any escape routes just in case.》

I must admit, it was nice to see the System acting swiftly without fussing around.

After confirming the System’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, I turned my attention back to Senoa.

‘Authority that allows travel through shadows, huh.’

Then what about Omby using the same ability last time? Can authorities overlap?

‘It’s not entirely impossible if I consider the examples of Gilenios and Cacline, but…’

This is something I need to thoroughly verify.

After swiftly organizing my thoughts, I spoke again.

“You didn’t come all this way just to boast about your authority, did you? What is your purpose?”

Senoa glanced between the System and me, letting out a slight smirk.

Her, I, and the System all knew her smile was a facade, but no one paid much mind.

What mattered in negotiations wasn’t the opponent’s sincerity, but rather what each could attain from the other.

“If there’s anything you want from me, please be open.”

When I pressed her once more, Senoa responded with a smiling face.

– Do you plan to concede everything to me? I thought I showed enough goodwill by coming here first.

“I just gave up my turn since it seemed urgent for you… but if you prefer hearing my thoughts first, I can oblige.”

Thanks to Senoa coming first, our side had fewer inconveniences. Perhaps I could concede this time as well.

“Everything you know about Omby.”

Upon stating what I desired, Senoa let out a sigh of relief.

– Fortunately, it’s a field I’m most knowledgeable about.

Then she made a simple proposal.

– Now it’s my turn. I’ll provide the information, so please halt all pursuits and assaults against me.

She wanted to be spared in exchange for giving information on Omby? Instead of answering immediately, I turned towards the System.

– I will respect Kang Hyunwoo’s decision.

Strictly speaking, I’m the only one who needs Senoa’s status. The System wouldn’t be affected much whether I choose to kill or spare Senoa, so it seems willing to honor my decision.

After confirming the System’s reply, I sank into contemplation.

Is this deal really necessary? Does the information on Omby hold enough value to forfeit Senoa’s status?

‘There’s only a limited means to increase status in a short time.’

Aside from devouring other gods who have reached their levels, there’s practically no other method. But if I let Senoa go?

‘The total amount of status I can absorb will decrease.’

If I agreed to the transaction, what I could lose by accepting was apparent.

‘However, if I refuse…’

Negotiations would fall apart, and combat to capture Senoa would ensue.

By myself, the odds of succeeding in this hunt were slim, but…

‘The System is by my side.’

I hadn’t wasted divinity searching for Senoa, so I could potentially receive support. With a non-zero likelihood of hunting Senoa, I might be able to absorb his status.

However, doing so would mean forgoing the information on Omby stored in his mind.

Killing Senoa and absorbing his status didn’t guarantee obtaining information on Omby.

‘Status is an event deemed record-worthy, so there’s no assurance Omby’s information is included.’

Of course, this is all speculative.

Despite pondering time and again, nothing is clear-cut.

The loss I’d have to endure should I reject this negotiation isn’t explicit.

What value the information on Omby holds, and how significant its impact would be on future hunts, aren’t determined.

Without verification, estimating the loss I’d suffer remains daunting.

I tapped my fingers against the spear’s shaft, intently observing Senoa.

‘Letting her go just for some information seems too…’

The tempting status made it difficult to decide. Absorbing Senoa would undoubtedly enhance my authority.

Exchanging this for details about Omby was an unwelcome deal.

“Tsk.”

The more I thought it over, the clearer it became—it was a decision difficult not to avoid. And when it came to what I should choose, it’d be a lesser, if not worst, option.

With my mind made up, I finally spoke.

“Not merely refraining from harming us, but also, you mustn’t interfere or meddle in any manner on Earth.”

I have no intention of getting backstabbed by the one I let go myself.

After my lengthy silence and eventual agreement, Senoa’s expression slightly relaxed.

– Don’t worry about that. I’ll be leaving. I’ll ensure I’m far enough from Earth to pose no threat.

She coldly added that he had no intention of staying with those who shout cooperation yet secretly look for their own survival.

No wonder, despite his reference to brethren, he harbored no particular animosity.

‘Must be fed up with their antics over territories.’

Among the 7 Great Gods, Senoa had shown the most reasonable mentality and attitudes.

But alas, he, too, was now abandoning the other gods to find his own survival.

‘Truly a mess.’

It’s astonishing that such untrustworthy bonds have endured for thousands of years.

Laughing to myself, the System initiated interaction between mine and Senoa’s divinity.

The System meticulously dissected our conversation, stringing it into a concise agreement, which it then reviewed with both Senoa and me.

“If Senoa’s side breaks the existing conditions and threatens Earth, include a provision that annuls all contracts.”

Senoa’s source of divinity is obstructed, making her liable to become an immensely unpredictable entity eventually.

Attaching absolute terms to guarantee against such a dangerous being was essential.

Upon imposing my additional condition, Senoa spoke again.

– fine. Only if breach occurs beyond those cases shall annulment be reserved only for mutual consent.

A pointed reference to how past Earth and Biharin agreements were broken, likely due to me.

– I’ll never return to Earth to cause harm, so such a term should be acceptable, right?

I nodded lightly in agreement.

Once attached, both strands of divinity entwined into a chain-like structure.

– The contract has been concluded. Senoa, fulfill your contractual obligations.

Upon witnessing the familiar chains, the System prompted for the provision of information.

– I, too, intend no delay.

Senoa methodically began to divulge what he knew.

– The bastard’s authority is mimicry.

Not an ideal start.

“Mimicry, you say?”

– Yes. Not entirely stealing or replicating, but enough to mimic fairly well.

“… You’re saying it imitates other gods’ authorities?”

Upon my reconfirmation, Senoa readily nodded.

“Hah.”

Now, I understood why we needed to avoid getting caught by it.

No wonder Senoa and it displayed identical prowess—it was due to this imitation.

I exhaled a deep sigh, pressing my fingers against my forehead.

“Then could it mimic Angramoti’s authority or Kacline’s, too?”

– As far as I know, yes. It could imitate them.

All the hunting efforts risked being rendered ineffective.

With Holes reappearing and potential spread of newly infected transforming into monstrous entities on Earth, Omby could do so whenever it wished.

I wasn’t certain why it remained dormant, but…

‘Knowing ahead of time saves us.’

Avoiding a surprise attack was much better. Now informed, we had time to prepare for the worst.

It was wise not to let desire for Senoa’s status sway me. It protected us from dire events.

As I internally sighed in relief, Senoa spoke again.

– And… there may be a separate entity.

“What do you mean by that?”

– Could be it’s unaffected by wounds.

Despite inflicting divine wounds, they merely absorbed within its body.

– It didn’t result in meaningful damage.

That’s what made the most competent combatant among the 7 Great Gods, Senoa, unable to eliminate Omby over the long years.

– Perhaps that might be another form of authority, too.

If Senoa’s speculation was right, Omby had five authorities.

One, being its inherent authority of mimicry.

‘The other three would be Kacline, Angramoti, and Senoa’s.’

The last one remained unknown, a pseudocopy-producing authority.

“Could it be…”

Did Omby participate in the creation of those dolls meant to absorb status?

Damned System

TL’s Corner:

Omby appears to be more troublesome than the others.