On Hiatus: God's Personal Reasons

Chapter 118: This God Has Decided to Be Nice

Using Power of Words on over a thousand targets wasn’t easy, but as a Mid-tier Malevolent God with upgraded divine power, it was still doable.

“Aaaargh! Die!”

“My arm! My arm!”

“Fourth brother! How could you! Raaargh!”

Like pandemonium, the humans beneath my throne slaughtered each other.

[Infinite Abundance tearfully expresses her disappointment toward you.]

Now, now, don’t cry, Abundance. Didn’t I listen to your request? I’ll show mercy—to the last one standing, that is.

So, who will it be?

Most would think it was Lin XiaoMing, but that was a mistake.

“Everyone, open your eyes! We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves right now!”

“Black Moon Leader?”

There was still a man instigating the group of lunatics.

With desperate eyes, the middle-aged man pointed at Lin XiaoMing.

“We must first kill that traitor! None of this would’ve happened if it weren't for that bitch!”

“Yes, Black Moon Leader is right!”

“Brothers! Let’s stop fighting against each other and kill that bitch!”

“Kyahahaha! This trash! How dare they! Come! Come at me!”

The battle direction changed. Not even a strong mantis could stand a chance against a swarm of ants. Moreover, Lin XiaoMing had been fighting against a bunch of S-rank Hunters for a while, and was suffering from multiple injuries. It wouldn’t be surprising if her energy had been completely used up.

I didn’t care whether she lived or died. In fact, she would have died much earlier if I hadn't found a use for her. But...

Sss—

After rallying everyone else, the Black Moon Leader pretended to fight. In truth, he was sneakily pulling himself out of the situation.

“Where have I seen him before?”

Oh right, that snake face.

I’d definitely seen that face in Xu Zhu’s memories.

[The innate power Blind Eyes of God has been activated.]

I saw through him.

He was Sa Ma-Hyeok, leader of the Black Moon Hall of the Three Martial Association. He was in charge of training the assassins of the Black Demons, and would soon be promoted to an Elder. The Elder held a high-ranking position, not just as an executive in meetings, allowing him to gain both wealth and honor through connections in political and business circles.

After taking care of the Three Martial Association’s dirty work for the past few decades, his time had finally arrived—and I had ruined everything for him.

I could read his mind.

'As if I, Sa Ma-Hyeok, will go down so easily! I’ll survive no matter what and make a comeback! And for that to happen, Lin XiaoMing has to die!'

Despite being blinded by fanaticism and influenced by Power of Words, he was still quite clear-headed. I could see why. Outclassed in strength, he had to rack his brain to find another way to survive.

Not bad.

But I’d seen his past. Previously, Xu Zhu mentioned that she lost her father, a martial artist, in an accident.

In truth, Sa Ma-Hyeok had killed her father because the latter disobeyed his order. Then, he further manipulated Xu Zhu, saying he’d take care of her sickly mother—but this was also a lie.

Her mother was left unattended in an abandoned village with other patients, waiting for her time.

I’m Malevolent God Yu Il-Shin, a great evil god seeking destruction and pleasure.

The Black Moon Leader, Sa Ma Hyeok, was about to take the chance to stab Lin XiaoMing.

“Crushing Forefinger of God.”

Cruuush!

“C-cough!”

In the next moment, Sa Ma Hyeok was crushed by my power, blood and chunks of his flesh flying in all directions.

“Hyii! Black Moon Leader!”

“T-the god is enraged!”

Full of terror, the masters backed away from Lin XiaoMing.

“Haa! Haa! M-Mr. Yu Il-Shin, did you just help me?”

Lin XiaoMing looked at me emotionally. She was mistaken. I wasn’t saving her, nor was I avenging Xu Zhu. I was merely crushing an obnoxious insect and nothing else. Besides, why would I need a reason to kill a bug?

Suddenly, my right hand began turning into a blur.

“Is it almost time?”

The effect of the Proliferating Thumb of God was nearing its end.

Sss—

Reaching out my left hand, the rose on the sleeping Yu Il-Shin’s head fluttered over to me.

Coo coo~

“Tsk.”

I frowned as I stared at his sleeping face. He was myself, yet the sight of him infuriated me to no end. If I could kill him, I would. However, we were one and the same. If he died, I’d die.

As much as I despised the idea, I had no choice but to stay with him until the day he attained the highest level of godhood.

Sss—

I turned to look at Lin XiaoMing, leaving her with one message. “...Do it.”

Lin XiaoMing bowed lightly. “Yes, Sir.”

I stared at Yu Il-Shin. I’d eliminated all the dangers, so It should be fine now.

“Clean up the rest. You’re me, so I’m sure you can handle things from here on.”

I closed my eyes. It was time for me to sleep.

Psss—

I turned into black smoke, seeping back into the slumbering Yu Il-Shin.

***

Just how much time had passed?

The next time I woke up, everything had been settled. The first thing I saw was a bloody qipao, Lin XiaoMing’s Asura Spiritwalker Sword, and Demon Lord. I picked those up as I got up.

The Three Pure Ones, symbols of the Three Martial Association, had collapsed. The Three Pure Hall also lay in shambles, with several thousand of the members buried within after killing each other.

My hand, holding Demon Lord, trembled slightly.

-Disciple, the martial artists always risk their lives. They brought upon their own deaths. Moreover, all of this was done by your alter ego. You don’t have to feel guilty about it.

Uncharacteristic of him, Demon Lord consoled me, but it didn’t help at all.

I was the one who did all this.

There was no denying it.

I was the one who brought upon the downfall of the Three Martial Association. I was also the one who ordered their members to slaughter each other. After reuniting with me, the memory of my malevolent alter ego was still fresh in my mind.

I’m a murderer.

They were definitely evildoers, but that didn’t justify killing them?! If anything, they should’ve been brought to justice! I wiped the tears streaming down my face and took out my phone. Guilt could come later; something more pressing needed attention right now.

[Launching God-Maker.]

[The Forty-First Floor of the Tower of Warriors: Trial of Space and Time]

On the screen, I saw Il-Ho collapsed in a heap, his shiny head cradled in the arms of a baby. It was truly heartbreaking to see him lose both arms in his battle against the malevolent god, all to save me. Was I truly worthy of his sacrifice? No, now wasn’t the time for sentiments.

“Hold on a bit more.”

Lin XiaoMing had lost an arm while fighting with me in Korea. But when I met her again, her lost arm had regenerated. The secret was the sword that was now in my hands.

-----

[Asura Spiritwalker Sword]

A sword made of the bones of a god. Around for 666 years.

Special note: Holds the power of the King of Asura Versatility, growing stronger as it feeds on more sacrifices.

-----

As fate would have it, this divine sword had been fed sufficient sacrifices. I pointed the sword at Il-Ho.

-Waaaah! Aboo aboo!

Shocked by my actions, the baby fairy stood between us, trying to protect Il-Ho.

“Little One, will you step aside for a moment? I’m not trying to hurt him, Il-Ho is very important to me.”

Will my desperate sincerity get through to her? The next moment, the baby nodded nervously, stepping aside.

“Asura Spiritwalker Sword, O’ divine sword made from bones of god! Please, lend your power to Il-Ho.”

As the sword poured its divine power onto Il-Ho, I recalled the sensation I had when executing Asura Heaven-Sundering Dance as a Malevolent God.

Tzzzz!

Ominous, blood red divine power enveloped Il-Ho’s entire body.

Sss! n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Contrary to the ominous appearance, Il-Ho’s scorched arms miraculously regenerated!

“Y-yes!”

Although his new arms were less pigmented than the originals, the regeneration was successful!

“A-aboo?”

The baby fairy stared in bewilderment before abruptly looking back at me.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“Pu...ck!”

Little One, are you cussing me right now?

I was about to choke, but her innocent face and bright smile told me that I must have misunderstood.

-Ughhh...

Then, I heard a low groan.

“Il-Ho, are you awake?”

The moment he heard my voice, Il-Ho jolted awake, as if well-rested after a good night’s sleep.

-Oh! This bright and dignified voice?! God Yu Il-Shin! You are safe!

Even if he was my follower, seeing his round, bright eyes and dramatic appearance made me feel scared.

“Yes, it’s all thanks to you. How do your arms feel now?”

-My arms? What do you... Huh! No way! My arms!

Il-Ho stared at his regenerated arms in disbelief.

Trickle!

Big droplets of tears overflowed from his eyes.

“Il-Ho, what’s wrong? Is something wrong with your arms?”

-Argh! No! Il-Ho is merely overwhelmed by the grace of Lord Yu Il-Shin! Not only did he regenerate my lost arms, he also saved my life!

Uhm, hey, isn’t his priority a bit off? Was I mistaken, or did he just imply that training was much more important than his own life?

-I, Il-Ho, will serve God Yu Il-Shin for the rest of my life! O’ great and merciful God Yu Il-Shin! May you always be blessed with honor. Puck puck!

Il-Ho raised his arms while roaring chants. The baby fairy, who had been watching our interaction, joined in with giggles.

-Puck!

-Oh, the baby is even mimicking my prayers now. How clever!

Ack! Il-Ho, so you’re the culprit! What have you been teaching to that child?!

-Kekeke!

-Kya~ Kya~!

I watched Il-Ho and the baby fairy hugging each other in joy. A warm feeling engulfed my guilt-ridden heart. I’d decided to never forget this day and to save as many people as I could. This was the least I could do to atone for my sins.

[Eternal Seeker gazes upon you and the warrior in satisfaction.]

[All-Cutting Heavenly Sword is satisfied. Since good entertainment is hard to come by, he hasn’t had this much fun. He chuckles, encouraging you to commit another massacre like today.]

[Infinite Abundance glares at All-Cutting Heavenly Sword, shouting that he was the one who led the good child astray!]

[Silently Crawling Nightmare grins in a daze, saying that she loves bad boys.]

“...These gods. Who are you to make such decisions?”

I let out a heavy sigh, turning my back on the ruins of the Three Pure Hall. In less than half a day, so much had happened. I was dying of exhaustion. I couldn’t wait to get home and get some proper rest. I also had to submit the manuscript by the upcoming deadline.

“Ah.”

At that moment, a certain thought flashed across my mind. Cold sweat trickled down my face.

“H-how do I go back?”

The teleportation of the Follower Salvation Quest was a one-way trip...

Whirrr!

Chilling breeze swept by as China’s most famous mountain, Taishan, stared down at me pathetically.