Chapter 372: Keith's Confinement (3)

Perseus POV

"But what about others like you?" Brie asked, "How will they be treated afterward? We'll be feared even more, we'll be executed as soon as we're born! They'll make sure that we're extinct."

"Some will have those feelings, but I've grown so tired of being discriminated against and painted as the villain, this was my last choice. I have to become the common enemy and destroy everything to show the world just how deep its prejudices run.

"I could no longer endure the relentless cycle of being vilified and ostracized for being different, for not conforming to society's expectations. It had taken a toll on me. So...even if some people have those feelings, I will continue to do this." 

"So you're saying that there's no solution?! You'll unify the world, die, and then let the rest of us suffer?" she said with a sad face.

"No, the solution is quite simple really. They will have to treat people like me better. The world can't afford to repeat its mistakes."

Mutants will always be born, and the power of the gods always chooses a host, we can limit its power, but only a god can do that, and it must be a powerful god. At least, a group of normal gods can, they can make sure that the powers will be weak enough to not affect the world on a global scale.

"Time and time again, in history, we've seen the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and the dehumanization of others. It has led to division, conflict, and suffering on a massive scale. And I refuse to let the world continue down that destructive path.

"Remember what the Germans did during World War II? After the atrocities of World War II, Germany made a conscious effort to teach its citizens about the horrors of the past so that they would never repeat the same mistakes. Germany confronted its own demons, and they made sure their society understood the consequences of hatred and discrimination. I want the world to confront its demons too, to see the consequences of prejudice and intolerance."

"So, you're hoping that by becoming the common enemy, you can force the world to confront its prejudices and ensure that they're never repeated," Brie summarized.

"Yep, I want to be a living example of the consequences of discrimination and hatred, so that future generations can learn from our mistakes and build a more inclusive and just world. It's a painful path, but it's one I'm willing to walk."

That's what I'm doing for this world...but...I'm not sure if I can do it for the other, I want to live there, and I want my kids to live in peace. The only way for that to happen is to eliminate the need for people like the heroes and the demon lord.

The world will always be in conflict, however, nothing's perfect, and there's no such thing as a perfect society. They exist only in fiction, but...at least, people won't try to cause the extinction of the other. 

"I know that you have refused treatments in the past...but...I can cure you...do you want it?"

"No..." Brie denied, "I can't accept help from you, and I definitely can't accept help from that pharmaceutical giant. Even if your goal is noble...I know we've killed before...but what you're doing now is too much..."

"I understand." I nodded, "Since I'm hurting you just by being here. I'll leave. I hope that you will live happily for the rest of your life, I won't bother you anymore."

In a super cliché fashion, she rushed to hug me one last time.

"I'm sorry." she apologized, "But just let me have this before you go."

*****

Dawn POV

Without Perseus knowing, I had a subordinate record the whole conversation. Paparazzi are already surrounding the house as Brianna has the chance of being visited by him, so this won't be linked back to me. He may be fine about becoming the villain in everyone's eyes, but I am not.

I cut out the part where he said that he lived in a world of magic and I cut it off after the hug. I also no longer eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Wow, he really is great." Anna commented as she put down her recording device and edit the audio.

Anna is my subordinate and she works as a journalist. She's been with me for the last 60 years, her only wish was for me to extend her lifespan to 200 in exchange for her service as she said that she wants to die on Mars. She's about 80 this year, she's a descendant of my previous subordinate, and she looks young and beautiful.

We'll be sending them only when we leave for the other side, I would want Perseus to not know about how this world will treat him afterward and be surprised when he decides to come back. I want him to think that his plans are going smoothly.

"Boss, can I have him?" Anna asked

I take back the beautiful part.

"What?! No!"

"Just a one-night stand, you can also join in if you want." she offered

"...No! He and my daughters won't allow it!"

"Oh, you don't mind?"

"That's not the point! Why do you want to sleep with him?!"

"Handsome guy and you just said earlier that he got a good body. Besides, a guy who's willing to go through all that? I won't mind giving myself to him."

"You're fired."

"Then that means you no longer have the authority to stop me."

"Fine, you're rehired."

*****

Cain POV

As I delved deeper into the web of intelligence networks and covert operations, I knew that my ultimate goal was not to protect Keith but to eliminate the threat posed by Loki. They had become a symbol of defiance, a thorn in my side, and they needed to be eradicated.

I saw his dead body! How is he somehow alive?!

I can't believe that I've left a loose end get this strong!

Maybe it's better to just hasten out plans and invade heaven now...Loki, if I get my hands on you, you're dead!