Chapter 372

Chapter 372. Transaction of Gods(3)

“The fake ‘Omby’ you were dealing with. Does it lack internal organs by any chance?”

Could it be the case that it devoured the creative authority of some unknown primordial god?

– Yes, you are correct.

“There are several inside.”

Due to these peculiarities, Senoa also seemed to believe that what she was fighting wasn’t the main body.

The suspicion that had emerged unconsciously solidified into certainty through the subsequent exchange.

Holding down my pounding head, I spoke.

“Are there only five? It seemed like there was enough time to mimic the powers of other gods.”

Could there be more than just the five?

– We can’t entirely rule out that possibility. But I am the only one among the gods of Bihar.

Karlos had some interaction, but after attempting various things alone a few times, he seemed to give up.

– I guess it isn’t enough to mimic the power of a primordial god.

Realizing that her own power had been mimicked, Senoa had thoroughly isolated the other gods since then.

She handled ‘Omby’ herself, preventing others from stepping forward.

– Everyone seems to be quite good at caring for their own lives and safety, so I doubt their powers were mimicked…

Thanks to that, the worst-case Scenario of other gods’ powers being leaked seemed to have been avoided.

‘It would have been troublesome if Temoria’s power had been passed on, but luckily it hasn’t.’

Barely had I taken a sigh of relief when Senoa continued.

– By the way, I don’t know about Agnotia. Since she already abandoned us and betrayed, it’s likely her power got mimicked.

“That’s not a big deal. It’s not the kind of power that creates significant variables in a combat situation.”

– You can just call it trivial. After me, it’s the most overlooked power, so…

I merely shrugged in response.

There were more pressing matters at hand than evaluating Agnotia’s power.

It was time to reflect on what I had learned about ‘Omby’.

‘The main body is separate, and it’s created a puppet strong enough that even Senoa couldn’t easily capture it and sent it outside.’

So, how should we find the main body?

With new information, there came more challenges.

By the time I left the task of finding ‘ombys main body hidden in my mind, I looked up—only to meet Senoa’s gaze.

A wordless exchange ensued, and I was the first to break the silence.

“Is there something you’d like to say? Why are you looking at me like that?”

I didn’t appreciate the way she was scrutinizing me, so I explicitly asked.

It was only then that Senoa explained why she had been looking at me.

– I met Karlos before coming here.

Why is that name suddenly coming up?

With a furrowed brow, I listened to what Senoa had to say.

– After avoiding me for so long, he suddenly appeared and asked me to relay a message to you. That you could meet when the time comes, so in the meantime, be faithful to your role.

What does ‘role’ mean? There was no way for me to decipher the intent behind those sudden words.

– He seemed quite excited since he discovered a power aligned with destruction.

“What do you mean by ‘excited’?”

– Just as it sounds. The fool, eager to die, must have been happy. Anyway, I’ve told you everything I know about the ‘Omby’.

Beyond that, there’s information about its swordplay and martial arts.

– There’s a limit to verbally conveying it. I’ve been stuck with that creature for over a decade, and this is all I can share.

A trace of regret and cynical muttering escaped as she sighed deeply.

– Then I shall take my leave now.

Just before Senoa left after everything was done, it was I who stopped her.

“As time passes, you too might change like one of those creatures. Are you prepared?”

I detained her with my question.

“Rather than become a mindless beast living for survival, maybe it’d be better to embrace the end like Karlos.”

It might have seemed a rude comment from Senoa’s perspective.

However, instead of showing displeasure, she responded calmly.

– If you were in my shoes, would you quietly await the end?

Of course not. I would’ve sought every method to survive.

Senoa grasped my intent through my wry smile and spoke.

– I feel the same. I will never give up as long as there’s a possibility.

That’s how I was able to achieve divinity.

– Who knows? If I hold out long enough, Karlos might change his mind and rebuild the dimension.

Indeed, Senoa seemed well aware of how unlikely that was.

Yet even if it was a faint possibility, it was merely a demonstration of determination to not let it slip.

– The other siblings aren’t too different either, probably.

Senoa left me with words that were ambiguous enough to be either advice or a warning.

If someday she becomes one of those creatures and threatens Earth…

Would I not regret today?

We have taken steps to ensure we are not at a disadvantage, but…

There remained uncertainty about whether letting her go due to immediate necessity was the right call.

‘Well. With the contract bound by divinity already in place, there’s nothing that can be done.’

Having found out about ‘Omby’, I intended to keep my promise.

Watching Senoa’s departing figure in the distance, Karlos’s words from before resounded in my mind.

“My role, huh…”

It was impossible to discern the intentions of a god shrouded in mystery.

‘But if Karlos specifically sought out Senoa to say it, it might not be something to take lightly.’

As I subconsciously clenched my empty hand, a System Message appeared in my vision.

《System Message》

《I will take my leave now.》

I turned my head to see a white sphere floating further and further away through the air.

I pushed my thoughts aside and followed behind the system, speaking shortly.

“Don’t come out randomly when I’m not around. Why take such dangerous actions?”

《System Message》

《I will handle my matters my own way. Don’t concern yourself, Kang Hyunwoo.》

Once again, instead of hearing a voice, system messages filled my view.

I squinted, glaring at the system.

‘What’s up with it today?’

Though we were close enough to speak freely, it insisted on communication through text.

Perhaps it was due to some lingering dissatisfaction.

《System Message》

《Your concern is utterly unnecessary, Kang Hyunwoo, so discard it immediately.》

“Hah.”

It seems my words from last time had remarkably rubbed it the wrong way.

The system quickened its pace, though its speed was comparable to a floating balloon.

I clicked my tongue but continued to follow the system.

I needed to ensure the system returned safely to the dome.

With me trailing behind, apparently much to its displeasure, the system glanced my way repeatedly.

– Eek!

The system trembled its round body as if agitated and spoke.

《System Message》

《Don’t follow me!》

The bold and intense font spoke volumes about its emphasis.

“Good grief.”

I let out a dry laugh at this absurdity and pushed the system while speaking.

“Instead of wasting time with pointless words, just move.”

Of course, the system didn’t comply with my words willingly.

It repeatedly attempted to wriggle free and push me away.

《System Message》

《I said go away! I can handle my matters just fine!》

“Ha.”

I abhor such unnecessary time wastage.

I picked up the stubborn system, carrying it.

– Kyah!

“Screaming like a bird. You’re not one, are you?”

– How rude! How dare you! Put me down immediately!

“Stop yapping. Since you’re so slow, why not just go in quickly?”

I gripped the system tightly as it kept twisting and squirming, then spoke.

“Show the direction.”

Once again, the system didn’t comply readily, but…

“Would you rather stay like this?”

I had no intention of backing down until the system returned inside the dome.

With a bit of coercion, an arrow appeared in my field of vision, pointing in a direction.

Following the arrow’s guidance, the white orb gradually gave in.

The system ceased its defiance.

‘It’s like a rice cake.’

Soft and bouncy, it seemed like it would spring up if tossed like a ball.

I glanced at the limp white sphere on my shoulder and asked.

“Being a primordial god, it’s not like you can’t mimic the form of living beings… So why choose to present as a sphere? Any particular reason?”

The system wasn’t born as a human or beast.

Naturally, it wasn’t born with a physical body.

So, it didn’t cross my mind that the system would take on a human form.

‘But I didn’t expect it to be a sphere.’

It wasn’t just a flat circle; it was a 3D sphere.

‘… Not really something you’d call a living being.’

Having seen Karlos with a human form, it struck me as peculiar.

I hadn’t had the chance to ask before, but now I was genuinely curious.

Yet, the system seemed uninterested in satisfying my curiosity.

– It’s not something Kang Hyunwoo should concern himself with.

“Hmph.”

Grumbling at every statement.

Might as well just shout out if you’re sulking.

Its floundering attempt to gain my attention seemed far from appealing.

Shaking my head side to side, I muttered.

“Well, whether you live as a circle or a square, what’s it to me?”

-….

Though its intention was to have me overlook it, another complaint lingered.

While seated quietly on my shoulder, a grumpy aura emanated from the system.

As though ready to burst from overflowing discontent.

‘Is this thing really a god or a child, it’s hard to tell, hard to tell.’

How did I end up having to protect such a creature?

Senoa pretended to keep it together while present. Why does it regress into a child-like behavior when alone with me?

For a moment, I felt a bit pathetic and pitied myself.

Fortunately, my destination came into view right as I let out a sigh.

Unlike last time, there was a clear pathway, as if it had left through the entrance itself.

“Get in.”

I tossed the system toward the entrance as I spoke.

“From now on, whenever you plan to go out, call for me. Even during calm times with no attack attempts. Whenever you need to step outside, always have me accompany me. Got it?”

I stressed not to wander alone.

However, the system, with its displeased tone, retorted.

– Why should I listen to Kang Hyunwoo?

It seemed quite adamant.

– We’re not in the sort of relationship to worry about each other. Just as I won’t care about whatever dangerous acts Kang Hyunwoo engages in, don’t meddle with my actions.

That was utterly ridiculous.

With my expression twisting into a scowl, I spoke in a stern tone.

“Is your safety the same as mine? I’m not in a position to be safe, but you need to be the safest.”

Even before my words ended, the system attempted to interject with counterarguments.

But I cut it off, giving it no chance to squeeze a word in.

“Your safety is the result of me risking my life. Yet, you’re behaving so carelessly?”

The system shouldn’t be preaching to me about safety or avoiding danger.

I was the spear, leading the charge to end this war.

If I sought a safe way to win, would the enemies oblige with a gentlemanly invasion?

‘Rather, as I ensure my safety, they would boldly strike Earth again.’

Knowing that, how can I leisurely and safely proceed, without urgency?

I can’t consider safety and hold back.

Hence, advice disguised as concern is nothing but an obstacle.

But the system isn’t like me.

“Damned System”