ã€ŠWorld&#x27;s End Pandemoniumã€‹


 Prologue

    Pandora, ???? POV

    Life and Death is basically a circle of destruction and creation ¨C and nothing is exempted from that vicious cycle. It is a perverse and endless phenomenon that is both beautifully tragic as well as unnecessary.

    Do you seriously believe that Life was created to simply die? Of course not. Despite what many would think of the Gods and the other Superior Beings, Life is a blessing that even they appreciate. So why does Life end?

    Let¡¯s start with Humans and the other mortal species. Did you know that that the concept of ether is what¡¯s killing humans? I digress, of course. Ether is the scientific law of what people call air. Of course, the current people on the planet aren¡¯t advanced enough to know that yet.

    Living things breathe. From the mammals who live on land to the fish who swim in the sea ¨C everything breathes ¨C and that is precisely why they die. Of course, not breathing will also cause people to die. So what is with this unwinnable status quo? Well it¡¯s about mana, of course.

    Mana is called many different things by many different tongues. Humans from a civilization long dead thought of mana as ¡°chi¡±. Other creatures called this the essence of life and so on and so forth. Mana is the existence of divinity inside every living being alive. It is the very existence of this universal law that creates life ¨C as well as takes it.

    The combination of ether (oxygen) and mana causes the surrounding blood cells to rapidly dry and deteriorate. This is the concept of aging that people were led to believe was natural. Another side-effect of the union of oxygen and ether is what people a couple million years ago would refer to as ¡°cancer¡±.

    There are several types of cancer such as that of the bone, the heart, the mind and even the skin. There are many causes of this fatal disease ¨C but all of them are wrong, at least in the eyes of someone like me.

    Cancer is the result of the metastasis of the dead blood cells from the union of oxygen and ether. The corroded leftovers that spread throughout the body is the cause of the degeneration of everything around it. For example, when the fragmented blood cell goes to the lungs, it develops lung cancer.

    Of course, other factors such as lifestyle, eating habits and external components will simply speed up this process. In truth, the corroded blood cells are the primary cause of every imaginable diseases known to every form of life. Cancer, venereal diseases, genetic diseases and whatever form of suffering is the result of the union of mana and oxygen.

    I simply call these things as ¡°Fragment of the Gods¡± or simply God¡¯s Fragment.

    Did you really think that the things created by the Gods would be imperfect? Of course not. Though this may sound haughty or even arrogant, life was created to thrive for a long time.

    For example, a long time ago in a civilization on a planet called Earth, people had a lifespan that reached up to 900 years of age. The God who managed that planet went through a lot but what he created genuinely made him happy.

    The creator of that civilization wanted his people to live normal lives so he simply created animals as well as his favorite race: Humanity. He didn¡¯t give them magic nor did he allow other forms of life to thrive on that planet. Angels, Demons, Beasts and even other bipedal creatures such as elves and dwarves did not exist in that land.

    In the beginning, after he had created light, he then created everything else around that patch of land the humans eventually referred to as the milky way galaxy. He also invited other Gods to help him manage his creation. These Gods were the cause of the many religions that sprouted on that planet but that¡¯s another story for another time.

    The Gods taught the Humans how to control the spread of God¡¯s Fragment. Of course, as a universal law, it was absolute so even though the humans knew how to contain it, they could not fully suppress it so they could only live for a measly 900 years ¨C but that was enough.

    A couple thousand years after their creation, their creator was disheartened and he abandoned his children. No longer did the Gods interfere with Humanity and slowly, humanity forgot about the means of containing God¡¯s Fragment. Eventually, this slowly corroded their measly life expectancy until it plummeted to a disgusting 30-year lifespan.

    The disgustingly low life expectancy was a cause of their environment. Everything was dirty and everyone was hungry. The state of things caused many wars and power struggles and this in turn sped up the development of God¡¯s Fragment in every single being in the planet.

    Luckily, a couple hundred years later, humanity discovered the importance of cleanliness and this raised their life expectancy to about 80 years of life.

    Of course, the appearance of such talented humans was no accident. Earth¡¯s God had not truly abandoned his children and every now and then, he would send a human that would create something beneficial to their race such as the process of sterilization or even the person who created pasteurization which helped humans stave of bacteria that caused the rapid expansion of God¡¯s Fragment.

    Sometimes, when the balance of life threatened the equilibrium of the planet, the Gods would send someone truly terrible but capable to mess things up a little. Sometimes they did so by accident. This resulted in the many wars and the many ¡°tyrants¡± that appeared every now and then during Earth¡¯s history. Truth be told, this was the disgusting side of humans that exists even until now, eons after Earth¡¯s demise.

    For example, my chilldhood friend Amaterasu appeared via proxy to the Imperial Family of the country she was managing. Her message was delivered by a fanatically patriotic priestess that she randomly chose.

    Her only criteria of selection were that the person should have a pure heart as well as love for her country. Of course, she never imagined that the woman was suffering from a common psychological disorder known as ¡°schizophrenia¡±. In short, the woman was severely disturbed. The fact that she was a social psychopath did not help either.

    She appealed to her country¡¯s imperial family to protect their people as well as to make their empire healthier, especially since it just recently survived through countless wars known as the ¡°Sengoku Era¡± which was known as period of many conflicts and political upheavals.

    Of course, because her message was distorted by the priestess, the imperial family with their hot blood took this as an affirmation of their superiority over the other races of the world. Driven by necessity as well as the Priestess¡¯ urging, the country declared war on the whole world.

    This resulted in the deaths of many ¨C which disgusts me until now. Amaterasu was heartbroken but such was the nature of humans. Even without the interference of the Gods, they would still find it in their hearts to kill their fellow man. What more of other races that wereunrelated to them, right?

    Anyway, the planet known as Earth has been gone for a long time now, obviously, a result of their own machinations. In short, the ego of humanity caused their downfall to nuclear war. Another concept that they too had come up with.

    The world that is the biggest among every sub-world created by the Gods and Demons around me is called Elysium. It is simply a combination of the basis of many planets that had come into being and are now gone.

    For example, the planet had some vestiges of what used to be Earth. It is primarily a sphere that is made up of at least 80% water and just 20% land. The difference between Earth and Elysium is that Elysium is as big as the star that Earth used to orbit. I believe they called this star ¡°The Sun.¡±

    Anyway, I digress. Precisely because it is the amalgamation of many different world, it is also made up of many different forms of life. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Dragons and whatever mystical being you can think of exist in this land.

    Amaterasu had a hand in the creation of the ¡°culture¡± that the world followed which is why some of the more fantastical elements of Elysium were similar to what you could find in what they call a ¡°light novel¡± from the planet called Earth. It seems as though Earth had affected her the most as she still has a collection of ¡°games¡± and these ¡°light novels¡± even unto this day.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Basically speaking, Elysium is a world where there is an adventurer¡¯s guild that allowed mortals to take up various jobs in exchange for money or precious materials. It is a fairly simple system but it works so I have no qualms with that.

    Oh, there¡¯s no need to worry about their lifespans either. Mortals here live depending on their racial features. For example, Elves can live for up to a couple thousand years while Orcs can live to about four hundred years. Humans live the shortest at around two hundred years. This time this was intentional because humans reproduce at such an alarming rate.

    On the other hand, while Orcs and Goblins can live longer, they also die faster because they¡¯re stupid so that balances things out.

    Anyway, magic is also commonplace on Elysium because the various races here received the blessing of the Gods allowing them to harness the divinity (or mana) inside of them. Magic is classified according to strength and from what I remember from the stories, titles are given according to the amount of magic that one can harness.

    For example, the most powerful magician who currently leads the Grand Magic Academy is called ¡°Warlock¡± and his mana grade is 80.

    On the other hand, Odin, one of the Gods most proficient with Magic has a mana grade of around 800 which allows him to destroy at least 10% of Elysium at his full power ¨C the price of this, however, is death due to the exhaustion of his divinity. In other words ¨C if he were to use all of his mana as well as his life force, his divinity, then he can destroy at least 10% of Elysium.

    Mr. Warlock, on the other hand, can achieve at the same price at most, the destruction of a major city. If I were to compare him with something from Earth, then he¡¯d be as strong as at least two nuclear bombs.

    Speaking of which, I once asked Odin what my mana grade was. With sweat flowing down his face, he simply said that it was infinite. I think he was just trying to make me feel better about being useless.

    Right, I¡¯ve been speaking for a long time now but you still have no idea about who I am. My name is _____. Some of my friends simply call me ¡°One¡± but I¡¯ve taken a liking to the name ¡°John¡±, also from Earth. So you can refer to me simply as John. Of course, you don¡¯t really exist either since you are just a figment of my imagination but again, I digress.

    I¡¯m not a God and I¡¯m not a Demon but I am someone who is friends with many of those great personalities. For example, my childhood friend Amaterasu. She is an extremely beautiful woman with contrasting features. She has sharp eyes that are shining with wisdom but her face is soft and lovely. Framing her face is her long silver hair which is styled practically to suit her warrior nature</a>. She is of medium height and her body is moderately toned due to her nature as a warrior. Her greatest assets are her breasts which can only be described as perfect.

    Though I say that, to me, she¡¯s simply a childish friend but I can¡¯t deny that I appreciate her companionship. As you, my imaginary friend may have noticed is that I¡¯m an unreliable narrator because my thoughts fly around here and there all the time. Well that¡¯s because I¡¯m someone who loves to imagine. I love to dream. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve been doing since the creation of the cosmos and that¡¯s a habit I can¡¯t simply get over because I wanted to. In fact, I¡¯m simply imagining this conversation right now.

    Anyway, I live in the furthest region of the cosmos called Pandora. In fact, Zeus once told me that he encouraged the people on earth to create a story based on my home and it was pretty well received as a story of hope. I digress, once again.

    Pandora is the home of many fantastic beasts and they are all different from one another. For example, my cute pet Jormungandr is a very big snake. If I had to compare its size, then I guess it¡¯s almost as big as a big mountain on Earth. Some of my God friends called her a world eater but I always get mad when they say that. Didn¡¯t they know that women, regardless of their race hated to talk about their weight?

    Jormungandr is one of my favorite pets. She¡¯s loyal and she¡¯s fiercely protective of me and I in turn take care of her. For some reason, the other Gods are strangely afraid of her saying that she¡¯s extremely poisonous. The most scared of her is my friend Odin¡¯s son Thor. Apparently, they fought once with Thor losing by a slight margin.

    Oh well, I guess Thor is still weak after all, he¡¯s only a couple hundred million years old. He¡¯s still got a long way to go. Speaking of which, I can easily control Jormungadr and when I try to exert strength when she¡¯s being rough, just lightly hitting her once apparently knocked her out for a hundred years. Maybe it¡¯s just that she¡¯s extremely loyal to me so she wouldn¡¯t hurt me or she was simply tired.

    Another one of my loyal pets is Byakko. She is a beautiful white tiger that can apparently pierce the skies ¨C at least according to some of my friends. While she¡¯s not any weaker than Jormungadr, she¡¯s definitely smaller on the scale of being bigger than at least a hundred times compared to Earth¡¯s Siberian Tiger. She¡¯s really cute though and she loves belly rubs the most.

    Anyway you get the point. I live in a place filled with many of such creatures and I¡¯m very much offended that even Gods call them ¡°Danger Beasts¡±, the highest possible classification of danger to any living being but all they are is ¡°cute¡± to me. I live in this area because my beloved pets live here and I enjoy the quiet. My friends visit me from time to time though.

    Amaterasu, on the other hand, lives in my house too. My house was built by the joint efforts of the Gods Hestia, Artemis and Hephaestus. They told me that they were somewhat renowned as Gods of the Arts so I let them do what they wanted. I think they went overboard though. I digress, again.

    Amaterasu not only lives in my house, she also sleeps in my room. What a clingy child ¨C but I can¡¯t say I hate it.

    What else should I tell you? Oh. I remember. Some of the bosses of the various Gods often visit me. The last time, it was Zeus, Amaterasu, Horus, Indra, Ahura Mazda and Odin. They were offering me flattering words and often asked me if I needed anything of them. Of course, Amaterasu was simply there because she lived with me but the rest of these boss Gods often pester me like this. I¡¯m touched by their friendship but I think that they feel sorry for me which is why they offer me favors every now and then.

    But I¡¯m someone who appreciates the friendship given to me, who is a lesser being to these great personages.

    Anyway, talking about the various circumstances around me as well as the state of the worlds has roused my spirit. I have long desired to leave Pandora and go around Elysium on a trip. Maybe I¡¯ll even join the adventurer¡¯s guild. Ares did once told me that I¡¯m probably a better fighter than he was since I was able to beat both him and Hercules with a single punch.

    Remembering that made me realize that maybe I was being pitied by them for having such frail strength for a man. Ah, they are so kind but I¡¯m no fool. They are renowned for their strength so it¡¯s impossible for me to beat them with a punch. I appreciate your kindness, you too, but that almost led me to think that I was good at fighting.

    Well I still don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do in Elysium but I guess I¡¯ll find out when I get there. How do I tell Amaterasu though? And should I bring Byakko with me? Ah so troublesome but I think this is going to be the start of a wonderful adventure.

    Maybe I can find a Woman there for me. I¡¯m constantly surrounded by Goddesses like Amaterasu and they are all supremely beautiful but that¡¯s the problem. They are too perfect for someone pitiable like me. I¡¯m not worthy of my childhood friend¡¯s love so I guess I can only hope of finding someone on Elysium but even then I¡¯m not that hopeful.

    I mean every time I see the male Gods who visit me, they are all peerlessly handsome and some of them even have Goddesses as their wives. Yes, Goddesses!

    Amaterasu once told me that she encourages polygamy with a sharp glint in her eyes ¨C ah, I truly envy the man that she loves. Speaking of which, I had heard from her father, my friend Izanagi that the guy Amaterasu likes was the chief of all the Gods, the most powerful one. He said this with a knowing grin. Ah, I¡¯m being pitied again.

    Ah, I feel depressed because I can¡¯t even be compared to him but no matter. I believe that even though I¡¯m not good looking enough compared to a God, much more the Chief one, I think I¡¯m still better looking compared to the mortals living in Elysium¡­or so I hope.

    I guess my adventure has become one for love? Or was it for my curiosity. I don¡¯t even care anymore because I¡¯ll probably get depressed again. Sigh.

    I do know that I¡¯ll have to be careful because Elysium is filled with danger but it¡¯s not from the beasts or the terrain, it¡¯s from the fragile hearts of the mortals who harbor ill-will towards their fellows. I wonder, is that world still suffering from wars? Are they still killing each other? Raping and pillaging foreign lands?

    I guess I¡¯ll find out.

    ¡­

    I open my eyes and I take in the scenery in front of me. I am in my garden sitting in a relaxed position and on my lap is a head filled with silky silver hair. She smells nice.

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s going to be quite the argument when I tell her of my decision, huh.¡± I wryly smile to myself. I gently caress my childhood friend¡¯s head and I call out her name.

    ¡°Amaterasu, we need to talk.¡±

    ¡­

    Pandora, Amaterasu POV

    ¡°I wonder, where is he?¡± I ask myself, as I exit our home.

    My dearly beloved is a strange character. He¡¯s supremely powerful and he is universally accepted as the Chief God among all major and minor pantheons. You¡¯d think that someone like him would be haughty or arrogant like the other Gods but he isn¡¯t. He¡¯s really gentle and he¡¯s really kind. For all of his wisdom though, he can sometimes be annoyingly dense. What an idiot.

    As I was lost in my thoughts of my beloved, I find myself forgetting to breathe. Sitting with his eyes closed and with the light of the sky illuminating him as though he was the most beautiful, most fragile creature was my beloved.

    The beautiful garden groomed by Artemis paled in comparison compared to my beloved. The world around him seems to be colorless because the mere sight of him enraptures and captures the love of anyone who sees him. Of course, this is true for even the other Goddesses so I have a lot of rivals. Tsk, how annoying.

    I try to place my hand on his porcelain like face but I immediately retract it as if I was afraid of harming him. Of course, with my measly power, how can I compare to someone like him? I love him but I am not worthy of him so I can only be content with being his ¡°foolish childhood friend¡± but even that much is enough ¨C for now.

    He has no idea how much he means to me ¨C and to the world around him. He is beloved by all and all of the Gods would rush to his aid should he ask for them ¨C that¡¯s just how respected he is.

    I saw his lap and I found myself desiring to lie on it. My heartbeat quickens but I immediately suppress it.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a sinful woman, I¡¯m just tired.¡± I gently assured myself.

    Just thinking about his firm body made me flustered but I paid it no mind, I¡¯m tired anyway so I¡¯ll just tell him that when he wakes up.

    I gave in to my desires and I rested my head on his lap.

    ¡°Mm, his smell¡­it¡¯s really soothing.¡±

    And with that, I fell asleep.

    ¡­

    Amaterasu POV End.

 Chapter I: A Maidens Affection

    Pandora, John POV

    With a slight breeze gently caressing my face, I watch Amaterasu as she slowly opened her eyes.

    With the sleep still on her face, she slowly sits up as she stifles a yawn.

    ¡°John? How long were you staring at me?¡± She asked coquettishly.

    I smirked at her question, ¡°Mm? Says the one sleeping on my lap? You have your own room you know? I replied¡± as I gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

    She closed her eyes at that, seemingly taking in the smell of our garden. The scenery around her paled in comparison to the serene look on her face. Remembering our positions, I quickly averted my eyes as I stood up.

    Patting off the dust off my clothes, I turned around and looked at her earnestly.

    ¡°I have to go.¡± I told her.

    She kept silent at that. I notice her eyes were showing a plethora of emotion ¨C and finally, after a while her eyes were filled with a renewed sense of vigor, as though she realized something.

    ¡°Mmm. I¡¯ve known for a while that you¡¯d leave eventually.¡± She looked me in the eyes and smiled. ¡°So do you want me to come with you?¡±

    As I opened my mouth to reply, looking at that sharp glint in her eyes, I felt a slight tinge of danger. It¡¯s definitely a loaded question. I have to answer carefully.

    I started observing her demeanor ¨C and obviously, she knew that I was thinking of what to say. Despite her sweet disposition, Amatarasu is first and foremost a warrior. In order for me to give her a pleasing answer, I would have to appeal to her dominant side.

    In short, I have to give her an answer befitting that of a warrior.

    I smiled at her as I opened my fan across my lips, as though I intended to hide my mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯d love for you to come with me ¨C I really do. But the reason that I am leaving is because I want to become stronger.¡± I closed my fan with a snap. ¡°Do you understand? I can¡¯t become stronger if you are with me.¡±

    I smiled haughtily inside, knowing that I had successfully tricked err I meant convinced her. After all, don¡¯t warriors respect the weak who strive to be strong? That¡¯s precisely what I am.

    I¡¯m not an idiot, I know that I am somewhat stronger than most of the mortals in Elysium but I am nothing but a frog staring at the sky from the bottom of a well. See, I¡¯m surrounded by Gods who are literal avatars of war, death and the like.

    In front of such personalities, I can¡¯t even think of farting in their presence. I¡¯m strong, but I know my limits! Yup.

    As I was giving myself the (self-proclaimed) best pep talk ever, Amatarasu was staring at me as though she was looking at an idiot. I can confidently count myself as one of the wisest existences in the universe, given that I¡¯m a shut-in who did nothing but read and learn so what is with this degrading feeling?

    *Snrk* ¡°Haha¡­hahaha!¡±

    Contrary to what I was thinking, she simply started laughing! How rude.

    After a few moments laughing, she looked at me. ¡°Dear, for the wisest being in the cosmos you sure are quite stupid you know? If Ares heard you call yourself weak he¡¯d probably cry you know?¡± She playfully replied.

    What? What did that guy have to do with this? Ares is one of the most powerful combat oriented Gods. He¡¯s a part of Zeus¡¯ Pantheon and he¡¯s also an avatar of war. So that¡¯s it, huh.

    I looked at her with a slightly annoyed face as I slipped my fan between my belt.

    ¡°What does Ares have to do with this eh? You¡¯re missing the point. I¡¯m going down to live amongst the mortals to live a care-free, er I meant to train myself. Yup. That¡¯s it.¡±

    At this, Amatarasu simply smiled as she rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t say anything anymore but you HAVE to bring your equipment with you. Kimono, a weapon and all, ok?¡±

    Looking at her earnest eyes made me waver for a bit but I have to be strong. She¡¯s just being nice to you, just play along ¨C I thought to myself.

    I smiled at her as if I was looking at my own mother (though I don¡¯t have one) and I quickly pulled out my fan as I handed it to her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m not a child but I want you to know that I can forget anything else in the world but I will never forget this Red String (the fan) of yours.¡±

    After saying so, I looked her in the eyes while I patiently waited for her reply. To my bewilderment, however, her reply never came. Instead, she simply stared at me. I would have mistaken her for a statue if her silver hair wasn¡¯t moving to the whims of the wind.

    What¡¯s happening to her? Her face is as red as a rose and I can almost feel her heartrate rising. No, I can really feel her heart beating fast due to my enhanced senses. What¡¯s going with her? I mean, this is textbook [A woman in love] but it can¡¯t be. I¡¯m just her childhood friend.

    She started walking towards me with that crazed(?) look in her face. I felt my heart quicken but I endured. Time seemed to slow in my perception as my brain went into overdrive.

    What did I say? I only told her that I¡¯d bring Red String with me and that I wouldn¡¯t lose it. Red String is the fan that she gave me a few thousand years back. Though I have equipment that were given to me by my friends, Red String is my favorite. It isn¡¯t anything special, really. It¡¯s a simple wooden fan with a red string tied to it.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    A sudden light of realization hit me. She¡¯s simply touched that I value her gift. That¡¯s definitely it!

    As time resumed to its normal speed, at least in my perception, Amaterasu came closer to me. A sweet scent permeated my nose. Mm. She smells good.

    I took the initiative and I took her in my arms. I gave her a tight hug as I burrowed my head into her hair. Amaterasu and I used to be as tall as one another but I am clearly taller than her now.

    She was taken aback by my sudden action but as if she woke up from a dream, she burrowed her head in my chest as she hugged me in return. Her well-developed chest as well as her soft body made the experience more pleasurable.

    ¡°Amaterasu..¡± I softly whispered.

    As if she was shaken to her core, Amaterasu fidgeted like a small animal but she quickly regained her composure.

    ¡°Yes, dear?¡± She replied as a matter-of-factly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

    ¡°I¡¯m really thankful that you¡¯re my childhood friend¡±, I replied in earnest, ¡°of course I would treasure your gifts.¡± I said as caressed her hair.

    As I said that, her body fidgeted but this time, it was more rigid compared to last time¡¯s gentleness but I didn¡¯t mind. She seemed to hesitate before hugging me again, but her hug was even tighter now than it was before.

    ¡°I already know that, dear. I also know how stupid you are but that¡¯s part of your charm.¡± She said as she raised her head to look me in the eyes. Damn, she¡¯s really beautiful. I just want to kiss her ¨C but obviously, that won¡¯t end well.

    I controlled my emotions again. I seem to be doing that a lot more now than before, by the way.

    ¡°Ah my precious childhood friend, I¡¯ll be careful. I can always talk to you through Red String you know?¡±

    ¡°True,¡± she said as she gently pushed me away. ¡°But don¡¯t forget to visit, ok? Once a year is fine but if you forget, I¡¯ll rain down the full might of the sun on your location ok?¡± She said with a smile ¨C but her eyes weren¡¯t smiling. Scary.

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget! Rather isn¡¯t that too extreme? That¡¯s crazy, only a forsaken lover would do that!¡± I retorted as a joke.

    Amaterasu gave me a knowing smile.

    She pulled my collar close and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. She pushed me away with slightly more force than before and she licked her lips, with eyes glowing dangerously.

    ¡°You have no idea, dear. You have no idea.¡± She said, ¡°Oh well. You take care. I will miss you terribly.¡±

    I activated my transmigration spell and targeted it towards Elysium.

    I smiled at her as the light from the spell started to surround my body.

    ¡°And I will miss you, my friend. Try to get a boyfriend by the time I get back ok?¡± I lightly quipped as the light finally took me away.

    ¡°..idiot..¡±

    Just before I disappeared, however, I heard a whisper. Must have been my imagination, but whatever.

    Somewhere in Elysium, John POV

    After disappearing from my garden in Pandora, I opened my eyes to a whole new world ¨C literally. I immediately felt that my magic had succeeded because the effect of God¡¯s Fragment here is infinitesimally more perverse than in my home. It¡¯s not enough to harm me but apparently, this much is fatal to even some of the Gods. Maybe I¡¯m just immune or something.

    Before starting on my journey, I decided to check my equipment. Though I can always go back to my home instantly, it isn¡¯t wise or prudent to do so. I am on a journey after all. I have to do it right, by camping and going through hard times!

    I¡¯m currently equipped with Tennin, a present from Izanagi. Tennin is essentially my kimono crafted from Izanami¡¯s hair. Apparently it has a ¡°special meaning¡± to it but what¡¯s really wonderful about it is that it regulates the temperature around me making me comfortable no matter the humidity.

    Another awesome feature is that it apparently nullifies damage, both physical and magical. Curses are also negated. This is an extremely precious piece of equipment that even Zeus is jealous of but I wonder why Izanami forced her brother Izanagi to give it to me? Oh well.

    Moving forward, I also brought my sword, ¡°Noble Air¡±. It is made up of two parts, namely: Anima the sword and Valefor the sheathe. Anima was forged in Asgard by Vulcan, Tvastar and Ilmarinen and it can cut through anything. It is also impervious to the elements and it will never rust or get dull.

    Valefor, the sheathe is apparently more special than Anima. According to Odin, it is connected to Yggdrasil the World Tree which allows instantaneous healing on a cellular level. He said something about ¡°being vaporized is ok too¡± but whatever.

    I understand that my equipment is extremely precious but I really didn¡¯t lie when I said that Red String was my favorite ¨C as well as my most hated possession. It is both a reminder of Amaterasu¡¯s love for me as well as the extent of what that love is ¨C that of merely one between two childhood friends. (Author: Yes, he¡¯s stupid.)

    Ah no good. I got myself depressed again, that¡¯s definitely no good. That¡¯s why I started on my journey right? It¡¯s time to live a carefree life and find myself a wife ¨C or something to that effect!

    While my head was filled with amazing thoughts, I never stopped to take a careful look at my surroundings. Realizing my folly, I sharpened my senses but the sight before my eyes was too terrible to look at.

    In front of me are numerous naked bodies, majority of them were women and some of them were pretty men. They were covered in white stuff and some of them had broken bodies. The more fortunate ones were only suffering from losing an appendage.

    One of the more unfortunate ones, a man, had a whole the size of an orange for an anus. What happened here? Well there¡¯s no need to ask. It seems as though a mass rape happened here ¨C but this is too terrible. I never expected my first problem here on Elysium to be this big.

    I saw a woman who was more beautiful than the rest, but that too meant she experienced more hardships than the others. One of her breasts was brutally sliced off. She was bleeding profusely from this wound but it couldn¡¯t compare to her other wounds.

    It seems her womanhood was mutilated with an explosive. She lost her right leg, most of her left arm and half of her face ¨C and yet, she still had a pained but resolute look on her face that mesmerized me.

    Some of the broken bodies around me were moaning in pain ¨C I believe those are the fortunate ones. The others are choking on their own blood while some were probably close to death. They were raped not too long ago, I thought.

    With my heart tightening in my chest, I felt disgusted. If I had a mirror directed to my face, I¡¯m sure I¡¯d see my face distorted in anger.

    As I was lost in my thoughts, I realized that my leg was being pulled ¨C but the pull didn¡¯t contain force.

    ¡°(whispers)*

    I realized that the beautiful woman was calling my attention. I turned to look at her, quickly replacing the look on my face with that of concern.

    ¡°Are you¡­.God?¡± She asked, ¡°Will you¡­give me my vengeance?¡±

    I smiled at her and¡­

    ¡­

    John POV End

    <hr>

    Author''s Corner

    I really appreciate the comments everyone, both private and public and please do know that I''m more than happy just to be back with you all. So anyway, did you expect that little twist in the end?

    Anyway, right now I don''t really have an editor and I''m not good at editing my own work so if you notice any error or whatever, please feel free to point ''em out! But please be nice haha! My heart can only handle so much. Just kidding.

    Anyway I''d love it if you could share your reactions or comments with me and I''d really love it if you could rate my my novel - though it might be a little early for that. But for now, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Cheers!

    Alizoned

 Chapter II: A State of Mindfulness

    Unknown Camp Ground, John POV

    I smiled at the broken, beautiful woman¡¯s question. The warm wind was blowing in my face and I realized that I was right in the middle of a camp. It looks peaceful at a glance but the horrifying scene around it is a stark contrast to the image of peace that I associate with a green forest.

    If I didn¡¯t know any better, I would have thought that I¡¯d see Dryads and Elves fluttering about but I now know what kind of things live on this planet. It¡¯s a dog eat dog world where the strong live and the weak suffer.

    I stared at the woman in front of me. Again, she was broken but I thought that her eyes were beautiful. Well, her eye was beautiful and this is considering that half of her face was melted away by some sort of corrosive agent.

    She was profusely bleeding but she was kept alive by a powerful emotion; it wasn¡¯t anything romantic like wanting to live for the sake of living. She wanted to let the people who inflicted this pain on her suffer.

    I¡¯m not exactly a paragon for good but then again, what is good and what is bad? Regardless of my naivet¨¦ about how people live, I am at least knowledgeable about the mysteries of the world. However, is there really such a thing as an absolute good or an absolute evil?

    I have lived amongst the Gods for a very long time now and aside from their overwhelming power, they weren¡¯t very different from the mortals they claim to rule. Immortal beings such as the Gods are insecure and at times, helpless. In fact, I can confidently say that they will not benevolently save other existences on a whim especially if their own safety is at risk.

    The strong live and the weak are eaten. Such is the law of the universe. It was true in the beginning and it will be true in the end.

    As I was musing about various things, my leg was again pulled without force.

    ¡°God¡­.are you a God?¡± She softly asked.

    I am surely some form of immortal but a God I am not. If a God that I knew was in my place, I am sure they would simply leave her to die. Some of them might even play with her on a whim. I have no such inclination but I am at a loss as to what I should do.

    ¡°I am not a God.¡± I simply replied. ¡°I¡¯m nothing like the immortals that you look up to but I can grant you what you seek.¡±

    Her vigorous eyes became wider as I said that. It seems I have piqued her interest.

    Restoring her and everyone else around her should be simple for me ¨C after all, they are still alive. Well, most of them at least. The problem is their mentality. Of course, after going through what they went through most of them would be broken.

    So how do I go about this? If I simply healed all of them, most of them would be dependent on me. Some of them would even go as far as killing themselves just so they could have an easy escape. After all, mentally broken people are more pitiful than the physically ill.

    Health defects and the like can be cured or alleviated by magic or with medicine, regardless of the civilization¡¯s advancement but mental scars are harder to deal with.

    I stared at her earnestly as I took out Red String, my fan. I pointed it towards her.

    ¡°Your name.¡± I asked.

    ¡°I am called Artesia, my lord.¡± She said, albeit hesitatingly she added ¡°Princess of the Empire of Glass¡±.

    ¡°Your titles are irrelevant; however I have received your name.¡± I retorted.

    The strong shall live and the weak shall die. I find inspiration through these words and I have found my path.

    ¡°I can give you your vengeance but it shall come at a steepcost.¡± I smiled, ¡°What say you, Artesia?¡±

    As though struck by a thunderbolt, her face is displaying a dumbfounded expression. However, it was quickly replaced with the same expression that took my breath away earlier.

    She closed her golden eye and pointed her head downwards as though she was bowing respectfully.

    ¡°Whatever the price, I shall pay it. My body though broken is yours. My spirit is undaunted but it shall be yours alone. I will be your sword so long as my lord is willing to wield me. That is mine answer.¡± She said with conviction.

    The frailty of mortality ¨C I seem to have awakened a perverted sense of interest in the feeble lives of these mortals. But that is fine, after all what is good is good and what is bad is bad. I will be the middle ground and I will forge my path with that.

    ¡°I acknowledge your resolve¡±, I snapped Red String close as I quickly stored it in my belt and in one swift motion, I drew Anima from its Sheathe.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    With a practiced swing, I brought down the blade of the sword on Artesia¡¯s body quickly ending her life. Of course, I wasn¡¯t killing her.

    I drew out the souls of the people surrounding her. They must have been her friends, her family, her partners or they could have been strangers victim to a meaningless violent crime. It doesn¡¯t matter. Her life must come at a cost. I¡¯m not going to be a hypocrite and claim this for balance but I have resolved myself to never help anyone for free. This is my personal policy.

    Artesia, caught by surprise, coughed out a blot of black blood mixed with semen as well as undigested food as I stabbed my sword deeper into her chest. I was collecting the souls of the people around me as I forced them to breathe their last. Some of them were screaming due to their rapidly declining life force while others simply accepted their demise.

    Pathetic. Those with lives should fight for it regardless of the cost. These people are weak but I shall give your lives a purpose. You will be the hammer that I will use to temper promising mortal into my sword.

    I pulled my sword out of Artesia¡¯s chest and I brought it near my face. With resolve, I slice my palm with force. Of course, it started bleeding but that¡¯s exactly what I wanted. I wiped her blood from the sword using my bloodied hand.

    I looked at the union of our life energy in my hand and I simply wiped it on my face.

    ¡°I seal our pact with the source of life. May it remain unbroken.¡± I carefully sheathe my sword, as though I was afraid of breaking it. ¡°With this, I grant you a life anew.¡±

    I invoked the highest recovery magic <Grand Heal> on her. A gigantic magic circle was formed over her body. It was a beautiful collection of sigils and other fantastical magical text that surrounded her entirety. It was an awesome display of holy power that even the winds refused to disturb the magic circle ¨C it was that kind of grand magic.

    Essentially, Grand Heal doesn¡¯t really mend wounds. It essentially replaces the target¡¯s body with that of a perfectly new one. It¡¯s a convenient phenomenon that doesn¡¯t cost me anything. How nice.

    After gathering energy within the magic circle, her body started wriggling as though worms were crawling around her body. She started discharging various human waste as well as semen from her orifices. Her face was slowly going through the process of regeneration and in time, it formed a perfectly beautiful face ¨C one that would even put Goddesses to shame or at least in a fit of jealousy.

    After feeling her face recover into its natural form, Artesia opened her eyes. They were a beautiful golden color and her already powerful gaze was strengthened with a sort of fanatical resolve within her. Her piercingly beautiful eyes are why I am helping her ¨C I want to see how she grows as a mortal. Yes, it was idle curiosity.

    Her body finally started fixing itself after discharging everything inside of her. Her limbs started growing back and after a while, all that was on her body was her pristine porcelain-like skin. She was stark naked. Of course, I too am a man and I was roused by her perfect appearance.

    I understood why those men were tempted by her looks ¨Cshe literally looks like she is not of this world. Is she one of the halflings born between a mortal and an immortal? I hope not, otherwise if her immortal parent finds out what happened to her then a massacre might occur.

    Artesia, finally recovered, rises from her kneeling position. Her long beautiful golden hair covers her beautiful body as she stands in front of me, looking me in the eyes as she started truly scrutinizing me. I have no idea what she¡¯s thinking of right now but her face is flushed.

    ¡°You are¡­my master and as vowed, everything that I am is yours.¡± She took my hand and she kissed it. ¡°I must have my vengeance, at least grant me this selfishness my master.¡±

    I nodded at her, acknowledging her resolve. ¡°By all means Artesia, take it. It¡¯s yours!¡± I opened a portal to my personal vault and I scrutinized her build. It seems she originally wielded a two-handed sword. The way she carries herself favours her dominant side which indicates a heavy sword normally adorns the left side of her body.

    I also took note of her measurements and I took out [Alexandra] the Sword of Luminescence as well as a light suit of armor that was hastily built by Hephaestus. I presented Artesia her new equipment with a smile on my face.

    ¡°Here. Earn your vengeance with this holy blade.¡± I said as I gave her Alexandra.

    She lowered her head as she respectfully took the sword in her hand as well as her new set of armour. Without any regard to my presence, she started dressing up in front of me. Well it would have been weirder if she remained naked but this is strangely arousing.

    Noticing my gaze, Artesia smiles at me. ¡°Master, are you attracted to my body?¡± She pauses as though she remembered something. ¡°It seems as though you restored my chastity as well.¡±

    ¡°How did you know?¡± I asked.

    ¡°A woman¡¯s intuition¡± She giggled as she replied coquettishly as she wore her arm gear. I noticed her breasts jiggling but I won¡¯t point that out.

    ¡°Ah I wasn¡¯t intentionally aiming to restore your chastity, Artesia.¡± I replied as though it was the most natural thing to do. ¡°I simply restored your body to how it was before you were tainted by mortality.¡±

    She tilted her head to the side and asked, ¡°So this body is as if I am a newborn child?¡±

    She¡¯s quite perceptive. ¡°Yes. So the body that you possess is perfectly new. It retains everything that you have learned such discharging waste, swimming and even your warrior training.¡± It¡¯s quite a cheat really. What this means is that even if she was infected with venereal diseases and degenerative diseases, they would all be cured as though they never existed in the first place.

    I hesitated a little but I gathered my courage and I turned to her.

    ¡°Were you pure before all of this happened?¡±

    ¡°Why yes, I was. Normally, men would never even have the opportunity to look at me, my Master.¡± She added in a whisper, ¡°I was betrayed by one whom I considered a friend.¡±

    A sense of melancholy covered her beautiful face and looking at her pained expression pained me too. After all, I¡¯m not that heartless.

    I caressed her hair which caused her to look at me in shock. Hey, I¡¯m not a pervert. This is a habit I picked up from having a Goddess as a childhood friend.

    ¡°This might not be so bad after all..¡±

    Eh. It seems she whispered something but I was too caught unaware by my own thoughts.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything but please, allow me this one selfishness. I must have my vengeance.¡± She paused, before suddenly adding. ¡°I¡¯ll come back to you soon, my Master.¡±

    I nodded at her. ¡°Go but you are forbidden from dying, you hear me?!¡± It¡¯s not as if she could die with that body anyway but I won¡¯t tell her that.

    She started walking away from me but before she disappeared from my sight, she looks back and gives me a smile, as if she wasn¡¯t about to walk the path of murder.

    As she went on her way, I looked at the corpses around me and I wrly laughed to myself.

    ¡°I should get started on my end too.¡±

    John POV End.

 Chapter III: The Sound of Silence

    Artesia POV

    I can¡¯t believe it, I¡¯m alive. I check my body from my face to my feet. Everything is there and in more ways than one, I was made whole again. I can¡¯t believe that I went through that ordeal. I started recalling the events that took place before I met my master.

    A couple of days ago¡­

    Back in the royal capital of the Empire of Glass, I was its Princess. I was beloved by the citizens due to my policies and projects which aimed to make the poorer citizens¡¯ lives better. Humans, Demi-humans and other races are given the opportunity to live as equals because of my ideology and all was well ¨C for the time being.

    I was in my office in the palace, taking care of some documents that required my attention. I was dressed in my usual attire which consisted of a sleeveless top and practical shorts that emphasized movement. I was totally unlike a princess and I wasn¡¯t one of those ¡°warrior women¡± who could only dress up in armor. In short, I was living a carefree life but I did my best to do some good.

    I stretched my arms as I yawned but I immediately felt a gaze that gave me great discomfort.

    Ronaldo was absentmindedly staring at me ¨C again.

    I¡¯m not stupid, I know my charms. Men are attracted to women with ample breasts, toned stomachs and round butts and I have all of those ¨C but to be openly stared at like that, despite my choice of apparel, is seriously disgusting.

    Of course, I couldn¡¯t say that out loud since Ronaldo is my friend.

    ¡°Ronaldo, you see anything you like?¡± I asked him.

    As if he was caught with his manhood inside another¡¯s spouse, he was jolted back to reality as he dumbly comprehended my question.

    ¡°Ah Princess, it wasn¡¯t like that¡± He held his head embarrassedly ¡°I came here to deliver a message to you but then the sight of you stunned me a little bit.¡± As he tried nervously laughing it off.

    Truly disgusting.

    I know how this man thinks of me. He¡¯s been frequently visiting this blonde woman with dull, yellow eyes in the city. She possesses what might have been an attractive body in the past but her life of pleasure has made her¡­lax, for lack of a better term. She was a little flabby in the wrong places but she holds an undeniable resemblance to me. Which is why a certain number of men use her to vent their feelings for me.

    In a way, that¡¯s flattering but at the same time, I found it to be disgusting. Personally, I haven¡¯t had the experience of sharing a bed with a man yet but a woman on the other hand, I¡¯ve had many of them.

    Do I prefer women? Not at all but having a beautiful woman to warm your bed isn¡¯t really a bad thing. Ah, I digress. Most of my partners, though female, are all beautiful in their own right both inside and out ¨C and I have seen their insides as well.

    It¡¯s getting tiring to always pretend to be a graceful princess but it comes with the job.

    As I was getting lost in my own thoughts about lust and about other men ejaculating to my image, I saw Rolando getting stiff there. I know you¡¯re into me but to get hard just because I wasn¡¯t wearing a brassiere ¨C truly a pathetic man.

    I have nothing against this stupid person and he is still a close friend of mine but I¡¯ve have a bad feeling about him recently. It just must be the fatigue getting to me.

    ¡°Ah. I should probably call her for relief again.¡± I inadvertently muttered out loud.

    ¡°Princess..?¡± With a flushed face, Rolando looked at me.

    Ah. My preferences are pretty well known after all. I did fuck his sister once but that¡¯s probably something that he doesn¡¯t know. Maybe.

    ¡°Never mind what I said.¡± I said as I tied my hair into a ponytail. ¡°You said you had a message. Let¡¯s hear it.¡±

    Rolando nodded at me as he took out a parchment.

    ¡°This was written by the King, your Father. Please read it.¡± He handed over my father¡¯s message to me.

    Artesia,

    It seems you were chosen to be the hero for the kingdom. You are henceforth <u>requested</u> to undertake a journey to subjugate the demon lord. You are the best fighter of our kingdom and more importantly, you possess the charisma necessary in order to attract heroes to you.

    However, as your father, I beg of you do not go. I have heard of the rumors about the women and sometimes of the men captured by the demon race. I do not want them to sully you like that.

    So please, stay.

    If however you do decide to go then take Rolando with you. He is your childhood friend and more importantly, your Knight. Feel free to bring your lovers with you as well since we both know how voracious they are.

    And if you get tired of women, I know of men who are more than qualified for your hand in marriage. After all, your mother was like you too but when she met me, I of course changed her mind.

    I digress but my message remains the same. Go if you want, but please stay if you will.

    Lovingly,

    George

    King and Proud Father

    I read the entirety of the letter and seriously, what a stupid man, I smiled to myself. It looks like I was chosen as the hero this time around. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m not scared or anything but I enjoy fighting and I am confident of my abilities as a fighter. As long as it isn¡¯t the demon lord, I¡¯m confident I can take out anyone in a fight!

    ¡°Rolando¡± I threw my sword at him, ¡°prepare the horses and equipment.¡± I stood up from my desk at he looked at me with expectation.

    ¡°We depart at first light.¡± I took out a pouch of gold from my desk and handed it to him. ¡°But for now, call up Mayuri.¡±

    Rolando took the pouch of money and pocketed it. I could feel him sniffing me when I handed the money over to him but whatever.

    He nodded and swiftly departed to carry out my orders. Unable to hold it in anymore, I closed the door behind me and I entered the room behind me office. It was my personal bedroom. I stripped my what little clothes I had on and I lay down on my bed.

    Getting hot over imagining the eventful night to come, I slid my hand below my stomach ¨C all the way down to my womanhood.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    As I caressed the smooth space between my legs, I let out a moan.

    ¡°Ahh¡±

    With flushed cheeks, I started comforting myself as my left hand grasped my breasts. I was imagining how it felt like to be loved by another ¨C by having a hard thing inserted in me despite my inexperience of the matter.

    ¡°Mmm¡± I slowly increased my tempo.

    My moans resounding through the room, a sweet scent started emanating from me. It was a tantalizing scent that caused my mind to go blank. I reached my climax and as I reached my peak, my body raised in an arc as a white hot flash gave me an intense pleasure.

    Inadvertently, I shouted out.

    ¡°I¡¯m cumming!¡±

    And finally, nothingness. It felt good. It felt empty.

    ¡°It seems I wasn¡¯t needed anymore Artesia.¡± A playful, teasing voice resounded beside me.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait anymore, Mayuri¡± I reached towards her and guided my hand near her mouth. ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait anymore. Clean it up.¡±

    The dark haired teenager with moderately sized breasts nodded at me as her chest bounced up and down. I licked my lips as I started at her barely matured body.

    She took my hand in her mouth and she started licking it as she played with my pink nipple.

    I moaned.

    With force, I took back my hand as I lifted her face up with my hand. She was breathing hard; so was I. I close the distance and I kiss her with abandon.

    With her hand still playing with my breast, I free up her breasts from the confines of her clothes. Mayuri may be young but she has a body that barely loses out to mine.

    I gently laid down on my bed and I guided her tongue towards the region below my stomach.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to have a long journey and this might very well be the last time you lick me without tasting urine or the mess of an adventure.¡± I teased her as she licked me.

    ¡°What are you talking about Artesia?¡± She slurped. ¡°I love your taste when you are unwashed.¡±

    She inserted two of her fingers in my womanhood as she kept licking my clit.

    ¡°Out of all the woman I¡¯ve slept with, you are the most delicious.¡± Slurp slurp. ¡°Even when you are sweat, you taste sweet. It¡¯s like you¡¯re not even human at all. Shlick shlick. She kept fingering me.

    Losing myself in pleasure, I inserted my finger up my anus.

    ¡°For teasing me, you¡¯re going to have to take responsibility Mayuri.¡± I raised her from my womanhood and gave her a deep passionate kiss.

    Suffice to say, we had a very fun night.

    Next Day

    At early dawn, Rolando, Mayuri, myself and a few servants rode out to start our adventure. I myself was wearing my warrior attire. Rolando was wearing his Knight¡¯s garment and Mayuri was wearing some light garment that emphasized speed over protection. Her primary fighting style is nearly non-existent as most of her strikes are aimed to kill. In short, she¡¯s a natural assassin.

    We have a pretty balanced party with myself and Rolando as well as a few servants as Vanguards. We had a few priests and magicians to support us and finally, we had Mayuri who was in-charge of dealing with troublesome enemies from the shadows.

    Suffice to say that these are all the members of my Valkyrie Squadron and majority of them are women. There are about 3 men here which involves Rolando and two young boys. One of the boys was a short, dark haired young man. He is Mayuri¡¯s younger brother and he¡¯s my page. In short, my assistant.

    Mifumi, her younger brother is a beautiful young man who wouldn¡¯t look out of place in a group of beautiful girls. He is a diligent young man who aspires to become a Knight ¨C and personally, I quite like him even without his sister being my lover.

    ¡°Mifumi, are you okay?¡± I called out to him as I led our march on my horse.

    ¡°M¡¯lady, this one is alright! No need to worry about me!¡± He replied sweetly.

    Rolando interjected, ¡°Kid, if you don¡¯t want to die, remember to stay behind me okay?¡±

    ¡°With just your abilities?¡± Called out Mayuri from the side.

    ¡°Why you annoying little ¨C¡° Rolando gritted his teeth as he drew his sword. ¡°You want a piece of me?!¡±

    ¡°Ara. Did you really think that I wouldn¡¯t be afraid of putting you in your place?¡± Mayuri drew out a short knife as well. ¡°Come at me, little one¡±.

    In a fit of rage, Rolando charged at Mayuri. ¡°I am not little!¡± He hastily added, ¡°Accompany me for a night and I¡¯ll show you little!¡±

    Mayuri simply laughed as Mifumi and I looked at each other. She replied simply, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your three inches okay?¡± Heh. What a cruel woman.

    At this, Rolando stopped and simply sheathed his sword. With practiced movement, he pulled down his trousers.

    ¡°SEE? IS THIS LITTLE TO YOU?¡± He proudly(?) shouted.

    ¡°Yup.¡± Was the consensus among the women and even Mifumi delivered the final blow.

    ¡°Mine is bigger, Older Brother Rolando.¡±

    ¡°GEH!?¡± Rolando could no longer retort and it seems he died. Farewell, Rolando.

    I looked up at the sky as I remembered Rolando¡¯s kindness ¨C though he was a disgusting whore-fucking friend.

    ¡°HEY WHY DO I FEEL LIKE YOU ARE KILLING ME OFF?¡± He suspiciously asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it, don¡¯t mind it. Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± I directed my horse towards our target direction with Mayuri, Mifumi and Rolando as well as everyone else tailing me.

    After a few hours of travelling, we reached a campground with a well beside it.

    Rolando was the first to step forward as he refilled his water container. He drank from it as he contentedly released a satisfied ¡°Ahhhh, that hit the spot!¡±

    He passed his water container over to me as everyone else was talking about how fun the journey was as they refilled their water containers and then they started drinking from them.

    I uncapped the water container and I drank from it.

    ¡°ARTESIA, NO!¡±

    Noticing something wrong, I saw Mayuri running over to stop me from drinking ¨C but it was too late.

    ¡°Why, did you want to drink first that much Mayuri?¡± I teasingly asked her.

    ¡°No! Look around you!¡± She said in an urgent voice.

    I observed my surroundings and I notice that everyone was slowly falling unconscious where they stood. Even Mifumi was sleeping unreservedly.

    Shit. It¡¯s a trap!

    I looked at Rolando and noticed that he was smiling at me.

    ¡°Oh my princess. We are going to be having one hell of a time.¡± He said as he stroked my breast.

    ¡°Men, come out!¡± He said as he was taking off my clothes. Of course, I couldn¡¯t fight back. It seems as though I was fed a paralysis potion.

    Feeling a sense of foreboding overtake my senses, I started sweating,

    ¡°Even your sweat looks delicious, Princess¡±, Rolando said as he started licking me.

    Disgusting. Disgusting. Disgusting.

    As I was helplessly being toyed with, I smelled a stench of blood in the air.

    I looked towards my companions and I saw Mayuri ¨C only she was bleeding profusely as a grotesque being was penetrating her. It was a demon!!!

    I suddenly feel at least 30 demons that are at least 7 feet tall surrounding myself and all of my companions.

    The biggest one of them was taking off his clothes as he approached Rolando. It seems he was a Minotaur.

    ¡°Fumu. Human. It fine to do what want to these woman yes?¡± He asked in broken speech.

    My eyes were glued to the big thing between its legs. It¡¯s outrageous, that won¡¯t fit. It can¡¯t fit.

    ¡°Get your dick out of my face. Do what you want. Hell you can even have the princess but only after I am done with her!¡±

    ¡°I gets it.¡± The demon nodded and proceeded to Mifumi. He roughly stripped the young boy and with his raging hard thing, he ¨C

    ¡°GAAAAAH!!!!¡± Mifumi started shouting, however this seemed to incite the demon to be rougher.

    I prayed for him in my head but I knew I had no time to worry about him as everyone else was being violated by a demon, even Mayuri was being penetrated by 3 demons at the same time.

    ¡°You have no time to be looking around Princess.¡± Rolando slapped me as he brought me to my knees. ¡°You¡¯re going to have to keep me company.¡±

    He took down his pants ¨C his small, pathetic thing was standing up right, no bigger than a finger.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking ¨C you¡¯re not gonna like what I¡¯m thinking about, though.¡±

    He tried forcing his pathetic thing inside my mouth but I wouldn¡¯t yield. I was powerless but my spirit is undaunted.

    I tried resisting until the bitter end but he simply pinched my nose. I tried holding my breath but in the end, I gasped for air. At that opportunity, he shoved his little thing inside my mouth and he tried shoving it down my throat.

    ¡°Kuh! This is the best image ever, ¡° He said as he was forcing my head up and down. ¡°Your lips wrapping itself around my dick is the best!¡±

    The taste was disgusting but I knew that my suffering had just begun.

    After two days of horrible rape and torture, it finally ended. The demons left and I found myself mutilated. Rolando placed an explosive magic inside my womanhood and detonated it after pouring acid on my face. I was in a horrible state but my friends, my comrades were suffering worse fates. We were kept alive by their crude healing magic but that was meant as an insult rather than a service.

    The only thing that permeated the killing fields was the sound of silence.

    A sense of anger and injustice filled my chest. As I was helplessly calling for justice in my heart ¨C I suddenly felt a presence beside me. It was a beautiful man with a sense of mysteriousness about him that caught my attention. He was staring around as if he had never seen a forest before.

    Consumed by vengeance, I wasn¡¯t thinking straight. All I knew was that I would give anything for an opportunity to avenge myself and my friends.

    I pulled at his leg.

    ¡°Are you a God?¡± I softly asked him. Again and again until he would notice me.At the third try, it seems he woke up from his delusions. He simply looked at me and he smiled.

    I thought, ¡°what a beautiful man.¡±

    Artesia POV End

 Chapter IV: The Karma of Sowing and Reaping

    Artesia POV

    I shuddered upon remembering what happened to me and my friends. I feel a slight tinge of rage and regret trying to claw its way through my heart. I feel¡­different. I know that my master gave me life anew but everything about me is familiar but at the same time, unknown.

    While walking to my destination and lost in thought, I bring my formerly severed arm close to me and I take in every little detail ¨C every blemish, every imperfection and every vein and bone and sinew but to my surprise, my skin was close to perfection. I felt stronger but I noticed that my body looked more fragile, as if it was made from porcelain that would touch at the gentlest of touches.

    I don¡¯t understand ¨C just what is my master? He says that he is no God but he is clearly one that surpasses common sense. He was able to give me life but..at what cost?

    I remember feeling foreign¡­things..entering my body when he was healing me. I felt the familiar presence of some of my friends and subordinates but there was no happiness in them ¨C only anger and bloodlust.

    Have I fallen so far as to discard my humanity? And for what? Regaining my chastity? This seemingly perfect body? I was already beautiful, to begin with, I¡¯m no simpleton but I am effectively compromised by how seemingly perfect I look to be.

    I don¡¯t mind. I gave everything up ¨C most importantly I gave my everything to him. Despite being sullied, being beaten, being ruined, he still took me in. I have no thoughts for his agenda or reason for doing so but he gave me what I desired the most ¨C the second chance I so desperately seek so that I can have my vengeance.

    With the darkness inside of me growing, I notice the life around me start to slowly wither at my presence. Am I becoming something worse than death? I don¡¯t mind.

    I can feel the souls of my friends inside of me, begging me to find my enemies and to brutally murder them where they stand.

    With the world slowly starting to become gray around me, I find myself falling into madness as I wander the forest alone.

    ¡°KILL¡± ¡°PILLAGE¡± ¡°CONQUER¡± The voices would whisper to me.

    What have I become?

    A single tear forms in my eye.

    With the wind blowing through my hair and with dusk approaching, I find myself crumbling down ¨C crying and laughing in a half-mad state.

    I take out the sword that my master gave me and I admire its beauty ¨C its craftsmanship.

    He said that it was a silver sword ¨C truly fitting to take the life of a monster like me.

    ¡°I failed before even starting but at least I can rid the world of some of its darkness..¡±

    With the world dyed in gray and with my heart and mind in tatters, I plunge the holy blade into my chest.

    Blood splatters everywhere but I feel no pain nor discomfort.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t take what isn¡¯t yours, mortal.¡± Said a familiar, but reassuring voice.

    Artesia POV End

    John POV

    What a foolish little girl. I knew that she would be overwhelmed by the side-effects of my magic but I didn¡¯t expect her to mistake magic sickness with madness. Of course, I didn¡¯t really use the souls of the people around her to make her whole again ¨C in fact, I simply viewed their memories because I didn¡¯t want to miss anything.

    I was walking through the forest looking for my newfound travel buddy ¨C to be honest though, I was enjoying my little stroll. It¡¯s been forever since I had the freedom to simply do as I wished.

    After sending her on her way to ¡®rest¡¯, she actually went on her own to find her enemies. The problem was that she was heading in the wrong direction and she was experiencing some mental fatigue due to magic sickness. On the other hand, I was ¡°fixing¡± her allies like new. I gave them their life back, restored their bodies to their original pure state and removed the memories and trauma of their ordeal.

    If I didn¡¯t remove their mental burdens then I¡¯d have a couple more idiots wandering around the forest thinking they were possessed by some evil force like Thanatos or even his cousin, Hades. Of course, those guys are too serious for their own good so they wouldn¡¯t do something like this. I think.

    With the wind blowing in the air and as I was putting one and two together, I find Artesia mumbling to herself as she was trying to stab herself with the sword that I gave her.

    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t be able to succeed in taking her life even if she wanted to because her body is blessed with holy magic as well as her life belonging to me. I manipulated God¡¯s Fragment around me to distort the space between me and her and by simply willing it, I find myself at her side.

    Everything is slow for me. With her blade at the ready, she was in the middle of stabbing herself in the chest. I leisurely took my time as I took her blade into my hand and let it stab me right in the middle while letting time run at its normal speed.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t take what isn¡¯t yours, mortal.¡± I wryly whispered into her ear.

    The moment I brought my face close to hers, her face reddened and she started crying.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the ¡®let me have my vengeance¡¯ vibe you were giving out earlier? Why are you crying now? Did you lose your resolve?¡± I asked half-heartedly.

    In the middle of crying with the wind caressing the forest behind her as her backdrop, she nodded at me vigorously.

    ¡°Nay, master. I did not lose my resolve but I am regretting for my friends, my subordinates¡­my family.¡± She lightly said, with tears in her eyes.

    Of course she¡¯d miss them. Though I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to mess with my Amaterasu, I¡¯m pretty sure I would feel the same way if she died or disappeared.

    ¡°So mortals could feel this profound feeling too¡­¡± I whispered to myself.

    Seemingly hearing what I said, Artesia meets my eyes with hers as she stands in attention, with her hand at her heart as though she was saluting.

    ¡°¡­forgive me for losing my resolve..and thank you for protecting me against myself in my moment of madne,ss¡± she said.

    Wait, what about my wound? It was gone the moment I took out the sword. No damage at all but it did hurt a little though. It was like that one time when I was angrily punched by Minerva when she beat me at chess. Also I let the blade stab me so this much is fine.

    ¡°I¡¯d always protect you but you should never try to harm yourself ever again,¡± I replied as I tucked her hair behind her ear. ¡°you hear me?¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Clearly startled by my actions, she paused but then immediately gathered herself and replied. ¡°Your servant hears and obeys.¡±

    Standing in place and clearly fidgeting, I called her attention and I placed my hand on her head.

    ¡°M..Master?¡± She stammered.

    I smiled as I spread Red String in front of my mouth. ¡°Vengeance. Right?¡±

    The Village of Fran, Wilderness

    And the forest around us started to distort and in its place, stood an empty village. The smell of blood permeates the air.

    ¡°KAKAKA. Did you see how I toyed with her pussy mouth?¡± claimed an uncouth young man in the distance.

    ¡°I enjoyed her bottom more ¨C it was tight as a virgins!¡± Replied another.

    ¡°Which lip are you talking about? The princess¡¯s front or her back?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t fucking matter, we fucked all of her holes!¡± The first man shot back.

    And wild laughter followed along with some whistles and cheers.

    ¡°..I hear the commander fucked her nose.¡± Interjected another soldier, ¡°HER FUCKING NOSE.¡±

    Silence.

    ¡°IS HIS DICK THAT SMALL?!¡±

    Wild laughter resumed and I felt Artesia tensing up beside me.

    Oh right. I transported us to the location of the soldiers and demons who violated her group. Of course, Rolando is here but he¡¯s having some ¡®fun¡¯ of his own at the moment. Artesia is right beside me as we are trying to hide our figures in a densely-packed field close to the village.

    We are observing the criminals with some observer wards that I created with my magic which allowed us to track their every movement, conversation and laughter.

    I pat her head out of reflex and I felt her relax beside me.

    With the campfire all around them and with mead, women and meat on their tables, the criminals were taking part in some more debauchery.

    ¡°I think I came inside the princess twice.¡±

    ¡°I did too. But it was in her asshole. Did you know that even her asshole is pink? None of that dark shitty assholes from the local whores but pink!¡±

    ¡°Hey hey, I feel my dick hardening up again just remembering how her breasts violently swayed as I pounder her from the back with the commander in front.¡±

    More pointless talk.

    I looked at Artesia and I signaled for her to remain quiet.

    I cover her lips with my index finger as I gestured for her to follow me.

    The cold wind in the air of Village Fran as well as the smell of blood around me, I felt a feeling of listlessness. Death is a natural part of life but for it to be wantonly taken, abused and violated like this is tiring.

    Needless to say, I was describing the current state of the poor farming village that the criminals were using as a hideout. A majority of the houses were burned to the ground with corpses littering the ground left and right. Women were either dead or wanted to be and the children were mercilessly toyed with.

    ¡°Why do you love humans so much, Amaterasu?¡± I asked her despite knowing that she couldn¡¯t hear me.

    I turned to Artesia and I stared at her with resolve.

    ¡°Do you still want your revenge?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Yes, master.¡± She replied with a dark smile on her face.

    ¡°I understand.¡± I patted her on her head. ¡°But it will not be yours to take.¡±

    Confused, she asked: ¡°Eh..? What do you mean, master?¡± while tilting her cute head to the side.

    ¡°I meant that I would take your vengeance for you. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I just want justice to be served ¨C at all costs, master.¡± She replied with a serious look on her face.

    ¡°Fine. Then vengeance is yours.¡±

    I planted my feet firmly on the ground while I held my right fist in front of my chest. I used my left hand to summon some energy to infuse to my right hand ¨C and immediately I could feel the world around me vibrate.

    Animals stopped chirping and the wind stopped howling. Rocks and other things, living and non-living were lifted in the air due to the lack of gravity in the area ¨C a natural side-effect of focusing dense divine energy into a single location.

    With curiosity in her eyes, Artesia simply stared at me.

    ¡°Master, what are you d-¡° Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t finish her sentence.

    I gently pushed towards the direction of the criminals and I unleashed a blinding hot streak of light on their target location which resulted in a contained, dense blackhole that ripped every piece of matter in their vicinity. Simply put, every living being that I designated as a ¡®target¡¯ was eliminated from the world without leaving any trace.

    With the deed done, I was surrounded by black lightning that crackled and sizzled ¨C clearly a result of over-compressing divine energy with the physical world.

    ¡°Satisfied?¡± I asked.

    ¡°..Master..what did you do?¡± Shaking with fear, Artesia turned to me.

    ¡°I killed them all¡­is that a problem?¡±

    With a slight smile on my face, I asked her if there were any problems to how her revenge was taken. Obviously, she didn¡¯t say anything but I too feel that this was a little anti-climactic but power is power.

    *Chirp Chirp*

    The animals and insects resumed their activities, clearly unperturbed by the sudden surge of divine energy. We were surrounded by laughter and sin a few moments ago but now, silence and the gentle breeze of the wind remain.

    (Shiver)

    I notice Artesia shivering beside me. Is it because of the coldness of night or because of what I have done? It doesn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Artesia.¡± I calmly call to her.

    ¡°Yes, master?¡± She replied with a tinge of curiosity and wonder in her eyes.

    ¡°The price that I told you about earlier about saving your life and for your vengeance..¡± I paused, ¡°I have taken it in full. I hope you do not renege on your promise.¡± I added.

    ¡°B..but..¡± Stuttering a little, Artesia tried her best to complete her statement. ¡°What price must I pay? I have given you everything ¨C my mind, body and soul.¡±

    You know, she never once mentioned her heart but I shouldn¡¯t point that out.

    I breathe in deeply, savoring my first few hours on Elysium. I have taken many lives in the hopes of saving many more ¨C or so I hope. Does it really matter? Maybe ¨C so long as I do not disturb the balance between the natural forces then this much should be fine.

    ¡°I do not mean that you should give me anything more.¡± I placed my hand on top of her head and ruffled her hair. ¡°I simply mean that you are already dead. You cannot return home to your friends and family.¡± I added seriously.

    Confused, Artesia looks at me blankly. ¡°My friends are all dead, master. You saw what became of them.¡± She replied in earnest.

    I chuckle at her reply. ¡°I gave them their lives back and sent them home.¡± Feeling her change in mood, I quickly added ¡°I gave them the impression that you fell in battle valiantly.¡±

    Surprised by my words, Artesia grabbed my hand and held it tightly. ¡°Master my friends ¨C they are alive and well? You are not lying?¡±

    I held her hand tightly as a gesture of sincerity. ¡°They are all alive and well but you on the other hand..¡±

    Shaking her head vigorously, Artesia replied ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. This servant is thankful, master.¡±

    Artesia took a few steps back and bowed down with finesse and grace. I seem to have forgotten that she was a noble in the first place.

    ¡°Eh. There¡¯s no need for this much formality you know?¡± I raised my hands in front of me as a show of rejection. ¡°You aren¡¯t my servant. Consider yourself my partner [Companion] okay?¡±

    (BLUSH) Artesia¡¯s face suddenly became red at my words. Fidgeting, ¡°I did not know you were that bold, master.¡± (Fuu) [Taking a deep breath] ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. All that I am is yours. I will be your partner [Spouse] from now on.¡±

    Artesia comes close to me and with her breath tickling my nose, she adds ¡°For you to accept me even though I am a dirty woman..you really are one hell of a man, master.¡±

    *chu*

    Artesia kisses my forehead. It¡¯s kind of a sweet gesture but for some reason, I dislike it.

    I gently push Artesia away from me as I ruffled her hair again. ¡°Well what do we do now?¡± I looked around us and since there¡¯s basically nothing, I add ¡°I¡¯m new here and I¡¯d like to see the world.¡±

    Artesia brightens up at my words, recovering from my rejection earlier. ¡°Well if you want to travel, we obviously have to go to Clotho the mercenary City!¡±

    Mercenary city eh? Why does that sound ominous? Ah well don¡¯t mind, don¡¯t mind.

    ¡°Ok then! To Clotho it is then!¡± I cheerily start walking towards a random direction.

    ¡°Eh..master, that¡¯s the wrong way.¡± She smiles triumphantly, ¡°are you surprisingly dense?¡±

    Hey that¡¯s offensive. And why is she still calling me master?

    ¡°HEY. I am not dense. I am just a free-spirited, healthy young [relatively] man.¡± I poked her forehead ¨C which is something that I do to Amaterasu all of the time out of habit. ¡°And please, call me..well my full name is a mouthful so call me John.¡±

    I gave her a bright smile.

    Her face reddens again as she stares at me dumbstruck.

    ¡°My name is Artesia ¨C but you already knew that¡­¡± she pauses, clearly hesitating. As I was about to retort, Artesia interjects ¡°John¡± she added sweetly.

    I smile at this surprisingly cute woman.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s start our journey for real!¡± I said as I started walking towards what I thought was Clotho¡¯s location.

    ¡°THAT¡¯S STILL THE WRONG WAY MA..JOHN!¡± Artesia retorts as she walks towards me to pull me towards what is apparently the correct way.

    With my hand in hers, we begin our easygoing adventure. I wonder how Amaterasu is doing. Should I go see her?

    With the moonlight illuminating the night sky and with darkness enveloping us, I started thinking about my childhood friend. It won¡¯t do to visit her when I am on my adventure though and it hasn¡¯t even been a few hours yet. I promised myself that I wouldn¡¯t come see her in a year so I should remain steadfast.

    Amaterasu¡­I found a new friend.

    I prayed to myself as Artesia and I started bickering over the smallest things as we made our way towards our first destination ¨C Clotho.