Chapter 273 - The Mech God Returns

"How have you been?"

That was what the Mech God said as his feet planted on the ground. To which, Rynold glared at the Mech God with a sense of hostility, tension slightly exuding.

"You disappear for two weeks, and that's the first thing you wanna ask?" Rynold responded, true to what he currently felt, "Let's cut the pleasantries and just tell me why you're back."

"Heh," the Mech God chuckled at Rynold's displeasure. It was as if Rynold's current attitude didn't come off as a surprise. If anything, the Mech God might have even expected it, "What? Spending two weeks in a haven wasn't enough for you? Huh. I thought you'd like it here. The resources that this place has and the archives you just came out of weren't enough? The guaranteed safety this place even brings envy to the other gods."

Rynold wasn't foolish.

He knew just as well as anyone else that the Mech God was taunting him. While his haughty and arrogant nature was something Rynold experienced before, it still got on his nerves. And the worst part is both of them knew the context of what they were talking about, but Rynold couldn't say anything about it. That was unless he wanted to snap the god's bait.

But then again, what's the worst thing that could happen if he did?

"Not gonna lie, the whole benevolent, guilt-tripping act doesn't work for you," said Rynold with a smirk plastered across his face, "At the very least, though, I'm not ignorant enough to say you haven't treated us well these past two weeks. It was plenty good, with all the accommodations and whatnot."

After that statement, Rynold took a brief pause as he moved closer to the Mech God. He then looked him straight in the eye and, without hesitation, called the god out.

"But, I'll be damned if I didn't notice that you sent that thing to attack me. What the hell was all that about, huh? The destruction of property better and almost killing me better be worth whatever you tried to pull on me back then."

Rynold realized that the mechanoid assailant he had to deal with not too long ago was nothing more than the Mech God's ploy. It was no mystery whatsoever. And, if not for being pummeled, Rynold would've figured it out sooner too. The whole experience was nothing more than a thorn by his side. And an immensely prickling one at that.

"It's well worth it," the Mech God matched Rynold's stare and answered, a somewhat gleeful tone to his voice, "Now I know if you're ready to leave or not."

"Oh? Then, what's the verdict?"

"You're not."

Funnily enough, Rynold expected as much.

While he could chalk it up to some petty reasons the Mech God had, Rynold knew that he was nowhere near the strength he was supposed to be in by now. The fight against the mechanoid proved as much. Rynold should have been able to stand his ground during that fight. Instead, what had happened was something completely different.

At this point, Rynold's expression turned crestfallen as he continued to stare at the Mech God. This entire experience made Rynold feel bitter, pained that he had not made any progress. And, the unfortunate thing about this was that he had rejected the Mech God's help before now.

"Oh! You're back!"

From the archival building, Crimson came out and locked the door behind him. He greeted the Mech God gleefully as he approached, vying for some form of camaraderie with the god.

"Ah, Crimson. How have you been?"

While the two talked, Rynold inched back and looked to the side. Keeping his eyes on the asphalt, his train of thought wandered extensively, thinking on what he could do moving forward. But, no matter what he thought, the whole concept of becoming stronger felt lost to him. There was no clear path to take, not that there was one before. But, back then, Rynold at least had something to do. Now, though, even that seemed ungraspable.

Rynold was out of options. He knew that going back to the Tree of In-Between would further stunt his growth. Even if he had gone out to dimensions to build up his strength and level, it was nowhere close to what the other Candidates could do. And, what's more, the gods' Chosens might be well on their way to greatness while he stood there perusing.

Even with all of the theoretics in his head, there really was nothing Rynold could do. He knew it was only a matter of a time until he got to an impasse.

He just didn't know that it would have come so soon.

"Let's go," the Mech God sternly ordered, catching Rynold's attention. It took a second longer than Rynold would usually take to adapt to the situation. He then followed the Mech God all the way back to the main building at the center of the island.

"You alright?"

Crimson asked, noticing that Rynold had fallen silent as soon as the Mech God arrived. He didn't catch their conversation, though, just that Rynold didn't say a word when Crimson showed up.

To which, Rynold looked to Crimson and took a second before responding, saying, "I'm fine." And, upon hearing Rynold's answer, Crimson saw a cause of concern, seeing as how Rynold's expression was the clear opposite of fine.

Even so, their relationship wasn't up to the point of talking about things like that. Rynold dealt with his concerns silently while Crimson constantly glanced over. The two of them didn't say a word to each other as they followed the Mech God to the building's entrance.

"Look at this place," the Mech God noted as he took one look at the building's interior, "What a mess! I wonder who would do such a thing!"

Rynold glared, knowing full well the Mech God directed the snide comment at him.

"Why did you bring us here?" he asked, trying to get a move on, "As much as I appreciate a valuation on the destruction of property, we do have better things to do."

"Right, right," the Mech God said as he walked to the center of the room and looked at the Mana Crystal situated there, "I'm surprised that you didn't make another suicide attempt."

"I know when I'm dealing with something that's too much, even for me," Rynold answered, arms crossed, "Did you manage to finalize your Chosen back at that stupid competition you had us do?"

"I'm not obligated to tell you," the Mech God dismissed.

"Fine by me," Rynold nodded, "Whoever the guy is, it's on you for whatever might happen. Anyway. Mind telling us why you're here?"

The Mech God turned around, slightly displeased at the same arrogant nature Rynold used to converse with the Mech God. It wasn't at all surprising, though, but the god thought Rynold would at least act a little better around him.

"There's been a development," the Mech God answered without losing his composure. "While all the Candidates have been shipped off to where they came from, the Chosen included, you two are still here. Don't get me wrong. I brought you here, so it's just as well that it is my responsibility to send you two back. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done."

Crimson looked to Rynold, waiting for him to respond. But, Rynold didn't seem to be in the talking mood as he just stood silently, eyes locked on the Mech God.

"Er..," Crimson awkwardly spoke, "How come that's the case?"

"Allowing either one of you to leave is a risk that I would not like to see come to pass. If you recall, the goddess is a conniving and tricky one. We simply do not know when she will strike next or again, for that matter. Until you two are ready, I urge the both of you to stay behind."

It was an undeniable truth now. There was no telling how or when Rynold would act up again. The whole situation before wasn't something he wanted to repeat. As much as he could, Rynold had to get stronger before he could head back home.

And, with that in mind, it all came down to whether Rynold would comply or not. Even if he were sensible, something about sitting around on this island was off-putting.

"You're holding back on us," Rynold sighed and shook his head, "I'm sure you know one way or another to get that ex-goddess off of our backs. There's something in your archives or something you can come up with to cope. If I could, I'd rather stay out of that damned workshop every day and go fight something. Well, you know, something that won't attack me as your mech did."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," the Mech God dismissed with a somewhat conniving and mocking smile on his face, "But if you insist on finding a way out of your predicament, there are more than one approach to doing so."