LI

[System: Would you also kill yourself if I marked you red? You've committed quite a few sins in your time.]

'Heh…' Rokas chuckled, swinging his saber and collapsing an empty building with its sheer force. 'I know, I'm a hypocrite. There's no point in fighting that. Even now… I'm not so sure if I did the right thing. It feels right, I think it's right… but is it truly?'

[System: Morality is a societal construct created by humanity. There is no such thing as wrong or right, good or evil. In this world, if you have the power to do it, you are well within your rights to act upon it. Might makes right.]

'System, do you think I've made a positive change?' Rokas looked around, seeing his fires of destruction everywhere. 'Or have I wasted my time?'

[System: On the scale that you intend to change the world… this act, in fact, is quite insignificant. For it to be even slightly effective, you would have to have thousands of such incursions across the Realm of the Gods. That would take over ten years according to my estimates.]

'... I see. You're right.' Rokas put away his Heavenly Demon Saber. 'Considering where I stand in terms of power, it is a waste of time. I could be far more productive and make an impact in another, more positive, way.'

[System: Saint Rokas in da building.]

'Though, the entire purpose of me being here was to fight someone who would challenge me to some degree. Instead, it diverted into him bending over like a useless dog and then… you showed me what you showed me.'

[System: You know, the Brahma Heaven God Emperor's offer still stands, right?]

'I have an omniscient System… surely you can give me a quest or some shit? Some cunt who can push me above and beyond my limits.'

[System: Really sounds like a nice feature but I'm kinda… *yawn*... procrastinating. Maybe tomorrow?]

'Useless wanker.'

Rokas cleaned himself up and turned himself invisible, vanishing from the Black Soul Divine Sect.

…

"Lady Goddess." Yue Ying bowed before Qianye Ying'er, not even daring to look up. Her eyes were practically glued to the ground. "It seems that something truly unnatural occurred in the Darkya Realm as you had predicted. Through some effort, I managed to interrogate the surviving members of its ruling sect, the Black Soul Divine Sect, and uncovered a great many… strange stories."

"What do they speak of?"

"In the middle of the night, it's said that a powerful devil known who called himself the Heavenly Demon emerged. Immediately, he challenged their Realm King to a duel, calling him a sinner in the process. He swung his sword and crimson flames emerged, burning many of their experts. The Realm King then rose to the challenge. However, he swiftly ceased all fighting… when he saw the Heavenly Demon use the Star God's Broken Shadow with seven afterimages."

"I see… seven afterimages. Quite impressive, I must say. It is an extremely rare feat even among Star Gods." Qianye Ying'er grinned slightly, having her back turned. "And it was a devil, you say?"

"It's said that he possessed a course, corrupting, aura of crimson darkness profound energy. Another thing… his appearance was truly one of a kind. Many said that he was the most handsome man that they had ever seen with silver hair that glowed like the stars and crimson eyes which flowed with boundless killing intent."

"Amusing, this is truly amusing." She laughed. "So, this Heavenly Demon went on to destroy their entire sect?"

"Most of it, yes… although, he strangely spared several million of their members, most of whom were disciples. It is unknown why. His killings seemed random, as far as I know."

"Who do you think it was?" Qianye Ying'er asked with an amused tone.

"It would have to be a Star God… if the news is true. However, it is equally likely that the foolish Realm King had mistaken a mediocre profound art with theirs. I highly doubt the Star God Realm would harbour any devils nor do they have anyone who matches this Heavenly Demon's appearance. I believe that it's someone from the Northern Divine Region looking for trouble."

"... I suppose it has to be." Qianye Ying'er nodded, glancing back. "You've done well, I will take over from here. Return to the Brahma Monarch God Realm and attend to your usual duties. I will be away for a good while."

"Forgive me for asking… but do you intend to chase down this devil, my Lady Goddess?"

"No. Why would I bother to waste my time with such a clown?" Her tone grew cold for a moment.

"Forgive me."

Yue Ying nodded and left immediately.

She took out Rokas' plushie and glanced at it.

"Someone is being a naughty boy."

~

With the System navigating me to the secret location, finding it wasn't difficult at all (as expected). Although there was a special illusory formation, I could easily see through it and the village beyond. I decided to use my actual appearance as I made myself visible, landing at the centre of the village.

"Li Suo, I think this sight would please you." I stated, smiling slightly as I called out to her.

"Who is he…?" One of the villagers questioned.

She left my Inner World, in all her divine beauty. She observed the wood spirits before her, smiling gently. Her emerald eyes glowed with warmth as she looked around the village. Slowly, she descended.

"So beautiful…"

Instantly, she caught the eyes of everyone around her. I had become a side character from the moment she appeared and I didn't mind at all. If anything, I still didn't like having to meet new people… especially this many.

"I sense that some of you feel fear, a lack of freedom and even helplessness because of your lack of prowess in fighting." Li Suo remarked, smiling like a pure angel from heaven. "You don't have to fear anymore and your freedom will one day be assured. No one will ever come to harm the Wood Spirit race again. No one will take advantage of your shortcomings and you will be able to live at peace, as you were created to be."

"All you have to do is accept this young man, who will one day stand at the absolute pinnacle of the universe…"

She drew me in, placing her hand behind my back and rubbing it gently. I raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Then she looked at me with a supremely heartwarming, soul-taking, look. Her emerald eyes were like voids that drew you into paradise.

"As your protector."

It was like she had divine authority over the wood spirits… they all, without much dispute, entered my Inner World with smiles of joy. Once they saw it, they fell in love immediately with the paradise Li Suo and I had built. After that, Li Suo went on to help them build a new village. Also… naturally, the newcomers ended up interacting with the OGs. Given their naturally kind nature, there weren't any disputes. Everyone got along well.

Except… the Heavenly Demon Saber… who laughed at their weakness. Hong'er ended up 'accidentally' biting the blade's tip off. Now that I think about it… that sounds a bit… you know, I don't want to delve further into that.

"Thank you, Rokas." Li Suo glanced back at me, observing the wood spirits having fun in my Inner World. "This act holds significant meaning to me."

"You know, I wanted them to join me, right?" I shrugged. "If anything, I should thank you for making them come along so easily."

"In my time, wood spirits were treated like untouchable treasures of the land. No one dared to harm or threaten them, they supported the swift growth of endless flora and aided those who needed it. However…"

"The Realm of the Gods isn't quite the same as it was." I remarked, shrugging my shoulders. "It's human nature to take advantage of the weak, especially when they have something that would be useful to you. To an even extreme extent, one may even think that it is the smart thing to do."

"Do you believe so?" She questioned, tilting her head.

"When it comes to wood spirits, killing them for short-term gain is immensely stupid." I remarked, shaking my head. "Since they're not strong enough to stand up for themselves, shouldn't the strong protect them and gain all the benefits that come with having them in your territory… for practically the rest of time? One might see it as a bigger cage… however, it's better than being hunted down and killed."

"In a way… they're farming for you, just by being there. Add the potential of reproduction and those benefits begin to grow exponentially into the next generation. When they die of old age, you also get perfect Wood Spirit orbs instead of tarnished ones."

"I suppose that is one way of looking at it." Li Suo replied, nodding. "Pragmatically good."

"This sort of arrangement benefits both parties, even though my intentions aren't exactly selfless."

"I genuinely believe you have done something commendable by accepting these wood spirits into your Inner World. I know how much you like your peace, after all." Li Suo remarked with a subtle smile. "As I see it, actions carry far more weight than mere words."

"You know… if you had the power to, would you eradicate evil from the universe?" I questioned, glancing at her. "More accurately, all the evil people in the universe?"

"Wouldn't that be a perfect universe?" Li Suo questioned. "As the Creation Goddess of Life, I find it simple to create life… but all the more difficult to take it. It's not my duty to kill."

"So you'd die on the hill of moral righteousness?" I remarked, tilting my head. "I was expecting something more."

"How so… why did that question linger on your mind?"

"Because… well, I have my own way. I'm not nearly as soft-hearted and forgiving as you. My 'golden-heart' did not form in the same way as yours did. If anything, it makes me all the more willing to dirty my hands. Even in matters that do not concern me… I feel a sense of repulsion, a desire to act more drastically."

"If you asked me that question, I'd say yes."

"... That's good." Li Suo nodded. "Justice sometimes means staining your hands. If you were just like me, our ambition would be all the more difficult to achieve. You have to be the sword that carves and I the hand that heals."

"Hmph…" I chuckled. "You can't stop being this perfect saint, can you? Is it truly your nature… something you can't escape from? Sometimes I wonder if you want to be free from such fetters? To live life the way you want to, for yourself… instead of living for others?"

"Is there wrong in living for others?" Li Suo questioned. "You live for others, Rokas, don't you?"

"I live for both… for myself and my family. Though, you haven't exactly answered my question. Is it your nature or do you choose to be this way?"

"Can't it be both? Would you rather that I was the opposite to my nature?"

"No…" I shook my head, smiling slightly. "In fact, I find it admirable that you stand by your beliefs so firmly despite being challenged over and over again. As for me… I'm a jumbled-up and conflicted mess, unsure of who I truly am. The Rokas of the past seems like such a distant memory."

"You are still so young… like clay that can be moulded in any shape or form. It does not help that you have so many divine inheritances flowing chaotically within your body and your number of experiences is still rather small. However, I'm certain that you will find your true self overtime and when you do, it will be no less of a man who is brilliant beyond words."

"..." Rokas couldn't help but smile, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "You flatter me, Li Suo. I hope that someday I might be able to live up to your high praise."

"I have no doubts in my heart that you will."

[Li Suo (Empress III): 6 → 7]

~

Rokas sat inside the invisible Violet Queen, still chilling in the Darkya Realm two weeks later. He had spent most of this time inside of his Inner World, training alongside Cang Yue. Bored, he decided to go through the cameras of all of his BMR models. Every one of them except for the Akatsuki were stationed in the Brahma Monarch Realm. As for the Akatsuki, it was chilling in some unknown world which looked eerily similar to the Darkya Realm.

'System… explain why the Akatsuki is very clearly active.'

[System: Dunno. Though, it doesn't seem to be doing anything terrible. ]

'...'

He looked down at the chatting array, finding it rather tempting. He altered some settings and decided to have a reunion of sorts.

Sexyman212: What are you doing in MY Gundam, woman?

Qianye Ying'er raised an eyebrow as a system pop-up appeared on the Akatsuki's interface.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Long Ke?

Sexyman212: That Long Ke fella sure as hell must be flattered to be associated with the legendary username of 'Sexyman212'. Alas, you haven't answered my question.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Why, I'm seeking you out, my lovely fiance. You cannot imagine how dull these days have been without you to entertain me.

Qianye Ying'er smiled slightly, her golden eyes awaiting Rokas' response rather patiently.

Sexyman212: Bitch, do I look like your monkey?

BMR-01 Akatsuki: No… but you are entertaining nonetheless. A true natural. Not only that… but… I also miss your warmth. Your saintly heart, your heart-warming cuddles and the way you use that spectacular body of yours. Dare I say my world has lost its colour in your lovely absence.

'Saintly heart? She's taking the piss.'

Sexyman212: You sound down astronomical for some dick to me lmao :skull:

'I'm so immature.' Rokas chuckled. 'Fuck, all the chatting habits are coming back to me. I suppose Ying'er shouldn't mind too much.'

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Lmao?

Sexyman212: Your dao of chatting is still so low that you can't comprehend such a simple word? I'm truly disappointed, Ying'er. You should go into closed-door cultivation and educate yourself.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Why don't you teach me in person, dear? I'm more of a… physical learner, as you may know.

Sexyman212: Rise and grind, business man got business plans. I ain't got time for distractions.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Come now. I am in the Darkya Realm, where you left quite the amount of your profound energy. You don't need to hide from me.

Sexyman212: What would a dignified, prestigious, member of society such as myself… the great Sexyman212… have to do in some shitty, irrelevant and painfully mediocre Darkya Realm?

Ying'er chuckled slightly.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: I don't know, you tell me.

Sexyman212: Do you truly intend to stalk me across the Universe?

BMR-01 Akatsuki: Would you rather if I did not care about you? I could very well act like a cold fiancee if you want me to. Though, I feel like you'd truly be hurt if you ever lost me. No, not feel… I know you would.

'...' Rokas sighed as he recalled his time with Qianye Ying'er. It was really and truly a rollercoaster of emotions.

Sexyman212: I fear you're right. It's strange, one half of me loves you while the other holds a strong distaste.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: If you let me, I'd solve your little problem rather swiftly. Together, we can give each other the Universe in its entirety… any desires or wishes you may have could come true along with my own. I'll even apologise to the scarlet brat if you come back to me. Your daughter could be raised in the finest environment she could ever hope for, your wives would be well taken care of and you… well, you remember my royal father's offer.

'Well taken care of… yeah. I'm not that naive.'

Rokas paused for a long moment… feeling conflicted. As he thought of the Trial of Space, he heard the Brahma Heaven God Emperor's seemingly perfect offer. It would be foolish and a waste of time to reject it. After all, his current goal was to complete the Trial of Space.

It was his stubborn pride… against his desire for absolute power and freedom.

In the end, freedom won.

Sexyman212: It's like wherever I go, you'll just find me anyway. I'm not intent on hiding forever and being unable to do what I truly want to do. I don't have time to waste like that. I want my freedom… true freedom.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: And you shall have it.

Sexyman212: In the end, I'm only going to say this once; if you break my trust, you'll live to regret it. If you hurt anything that is precious to me, I will fucking eviscerate you; I don't care how golden and beautiful you are. That's a promise on everything that I hold dear.

BMR-01 Akatsuki: I promise to be a good girl UwU.

Qianye Ying'er raised an eyebrow as her words were overwritten. Rokas was just as confused.

'No way she typed that.'

Sexyman212: If you want to see me that badly… then come.

The Violet Queen rose to the skies, its GN-Drive beginning to spin rather rapidly. Purple particles of primordial profound energy emerged across the entire suit, spreading to form luminescent, angel-like wings of light. The locals looked up, their eyes widening in awe of such a brilliant, divine, sight.

Before long, another Gundam joined the Violet Queen in the skies.

The Akatsuki.

Rokas' heart beat increased slightly and he sensed the difference. The rush of emotions coursing through him.

'Of course… yet, this time it'll be different.'