Chapter 166

Arc 16 - The Fastest Man Alive - Part 3

Lucifer's dimension:

Nazar appeared in the dimension of the first angel and wanted to see how Aarin was doing. He was also interested in knowing how Azazel was after his reincarnation. However, Lucifer took offense to that and they broke into an argument.

Their short-lived argument was stopped by Aarin who forced the two of them to talk it out. She imprisoned them within golden chains and left them to solve their problems.

However, it has been minutes since then and neither has started talking.

The gloomy and awkward silence continued for a long time and Nazar started to feel restless. So, he began speaking.

"So… You hate power too, huh?"

Lucifer felt great guilt in the voice of this God. After all, he was responsible for some of the recent troubles of Lucifer.

"...Yes," Lucifer hesitated to reply at first. He did not want to indulge in a conversation this personal with the one he despises, but in the end, he couldn't stop himself from answering.

Was it the influence of God? Or was it simply because Lucifer wanted someone to hear about his pains?

"It is something I have always despised, but in the end, I had to turn a blind eye since it's necessary."

"For you or the universe?"

"I have a duty to these people. We are angels, soldiers and concepts given one job. Unlike you, we don't have the luxury to play around," Lucifer's eyes darted towards the sky and spaced out as he was reminded of his dead brother. "Freedom is an alien concept to some of us."

Lucifer turned his head around slightly and caught a glimpse of Nazar's white hair.

"Do you regret what you did to Azazel?"

"I…"

Nazar's head dangled down as he exhaled loudly.

Lucifer could not tell what Nazar was feeling, was it annoyance or another emotion?

"I would be lying if I said yes."

Lucifer's face twisted in anger and he grit his teeth.

"With every passing day, I lose myself in the sea of the unknown. Every day I learn something new, but that opens pathways to things I do not understand. I lose the meanings of words I once knew, and I lose the meaning of emotions I once held."

Nazar raised his head and looked at the blinding sun.

"Without Solace, I feel lost. She was the light that guided me. She would stop me from doing something stupid, she would stop me from being an idiot, she would save me… But without her, I am barely holding on."

Lucifer, who was an outsider to him, did not notice any difference within him.

In fact, no one ever did. He acts the same as he did weeks ago, so how could anyone understand?

"If she were here, Azazel would not have died. If she were here, I wouldn't have accessed that filthy power. If she were here, I wouldn't have gambled with creation itself. If she were here, that wouldn't have happened. If she were here… If she were here…"

Nazar closed his eyes as a cold tear dropped from his eye.

"Nothing would have changed," he added in a barely audible tone.

Lucifer faced forward once again and scoffed.

"You really are the worst," Lucifer said slowly.

"Mm," Nazar nodded. "I know."

"I admit, I never liked your companion. I asked myself, how can an individual who has that much freedom would continue to be used as a tool. I always hated her for that, but…" Lucifer's tone gradually grew colder. "I was blaming the victim for something she hadn't done."

Nazar did not say anything but opened his eyes and stared at the blinding light above this dimension.

"When she returns, what will you do?"

"...'

That was a question that never crossed his mind.

What was Solace to him? Just a robot? A tool? A friend? Or something more?

He does not know, but he knows one thing for sure, she will always be by his side. That's how she was programmed.

"I gave her free will and now emotions… I took her for granted but…"

Words were not forming in his mouth and thoughts were dispersing in his mind. He did not know what he wanted to say or even if he could, how would he even say it?

But he knew one thing which he should have done for his companion centuries ago, timelines ago.

So, he let his heart speak for him when his mind failed.

"When she returns, I will set her free," he spoke in a broken voice.

His low and sad voice caused Lucifer to relax his shoulders a little.

Perhaps he found his sadness something to cherish. It was not a sight he could see too often.

In the past, he had seen Nazar in anger and sad, but nothing came close to this.

"I will set her free from this miserable life," he forced out those heavy and painful words, almost as if he would choke on them.

Lucifer let out a soft sigh.

"The feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness, it's sweet, but ultimately… It will lead to a downfall you don't expect."

"..."

Nazar widened his eyes.

"Are you…?"

"Power is necessary."

"..."

"Power is evil, but what if we reshape it."

Nazar laughed.

"Seriously, I did not expect you to be like one of those anime heroes. Disappointing, if I am being honest."

"No, you misunderstand," Lucifer shook his head slowly. "Let me rephrase it for you."

With Lucifer's tone growing firmer, Nazar's interest in it increased significantly.

"Power is a drug that pulls us into hell, but it means it is controlled by something, do you not think so?"

"..."

The confused Nazar kept quiet as he waited for Lucifer to continue.

"What is magic?"

Nazar was lost, trying to understand what Lucifer was trying to say. But even then, he answered his question.

"It's the energy of dead universes and the residual energies of angels, as well as the souls of people."

"Precisely. Who created magic?"

"The Supreme One."

"Who controls magic?"

"Astrosh…"

Nazar's eyes widened as he realised something. He caught onto what Lucifer was trying to say.

"You don't mean…"

"Yes, powers are created by someone or something. Once we taste power, we enter a state of… narcotism."

"Ah," Nazar recalled a memory from a timeline long gone.

In that world, he experimented on the human race.

He divided the planet into many pieces and the amount of power - wealth, weapons, and supernatural abilities - given to them varied.

At the beginning, no one had any sort of power. But over time, more power was given to certain pieces.

He lived in that world for twenty-one years and experimented on them for twenty years, so he had gathered enough data to form a hypothesis and prove it.

"The will of some are overwritten with power, they go through a significant change in how they act and feel."

"Yes, you are correct."

"Hmm."

"Fate."

Lucifer said one word, and everything made sense.

Nazar had thought about this, but ultimately, he shrugged it aside.

Fate is an abstract term, but he did not look at it from an unfamiliar perspective.

For a being who exists infinitely higher than the known hierarchy and can witness aspects of creation others cannot even hope to comprehend, he sure is blind sometimes.

"Magic is power. Fate is Astroh. Then…"

And Lucifer finished his sentence with narrow eyes, "Who controls 「Fate」?"

What followed next was a long silence.

The two of them sat in silence and thought.

But they did not arrive at an answer.

"This is… troublesome."

Lucifer chuckled, "Tell me about it."

"When did you learn about this?"

"..." Lucifer hesitated to answer for a brief moment. "Recently."

Nazar frowned.

"The truth, please," he said exasperated tone.

Both of them knew that was a lie, so there i no point in hiding it now.

Lucifer clicked his tongue.

"I have experimented with billions of worlds and witnessed the rise and fall of many. Heroes, villains, tyrants, so-called Gods and more."

"I assume you have known since you gained a little control over yourself?"

"That is indeed so."

"So, how are you affected? Or Arael?"

"That's simple."

However, before Lucifer could continue, he heard the sweet sound of giggling which belonged to his younger brother, so he stopped talking.

The child was running in the garden and laughing to himself. He was enjoying this life.

In all his life, not once did Lucifer see his brothers or other angels enjoying themselves. So, that warmed his cold and black heart.

"Smile now, the stars will bless you. Cry now, the stars will curse you."

"...?"

Nazar darted his eyes left and right with a wry smile in a confused manner.

He wondered, what was Lucifer talking about.

But at the same time, he did not want to ask. It did not interest him.

However, he could not put aside the words of Lucifer.

It lingered deep within him as he tried to find the meaning in it.

There was something in his words that caused Nazar to think, and not shrug it aside.

So, with wide eyes, he searched around the sky for an answer.

But will he find an answer?

❢◥ ▬▬▬▬▬▬ ◆ ▬▬▬▬▬▬ ◤❢

Xiem, Vanaha Empire:

In the home world of the Vanaha Empire, King Iket royally sat on the throne.

Before him, stood many generals and politicians.

The stiff audience had their large heads down. Their breathing was heavy, but they tried their best to make it seem as if it was normal - although, they failed.

Their fast-beating heart of fear caused their bodies to become hot and shed sweats. The sweats that rolled down their bodies led to an ugly odour in this divine throne room.

King Iket, however, did not mind that.

He savoured the feeling of their fear and anxiety.

“”

The nauseated generals and politician dared not look up to the face of this devil.

Their greatest leader had returned to lead them once again, but why were they scared?

However, King Iket smiled thinly as he looked down upon them.

“”

No one dared answer that question.

In the eyes of his audience, before them stood a deity who could warp galaxies in his hand, so one small mistake and it could cost them their very life.

“” his sharp words caused everyone to shudder.

The Divine Emperor raised from his throne abruptly, causing the room to shake.

“”

Iket chuckled.

“”

The pressure from the king increased even more, causing more of the audience to fall to the ground and faint.

“”

His deduction was correct, so the politician’s widened their eyes in horror.

“”

One of them forced their body to raise their head.

For a split second they caught a glimpse of the monster before them.

A tyrant who stood above them like a black sun looked back to him.

Their gazes met for a split second.

The angry eyes stared back at this man.

!!

What was he staring at? A man or a creature of horror?

Since the day I was a soldier, a rookie, I was considered strong. The strongest soldier. But...

King Iket’s gaze stabbed into the very being of this man.

And that was enough to cause this general to meet his end.

The dead body plumped to the ground.

*Thud.*

The new sound caused everyone to jump in fear.

“”

King Iket sat down on his throne with a sigh.

He flicked his finger, and it sent a ringing sound into the ears of everyone, causing them to focus on him.

“”

With his one word, everyone ran out of the room, leaving only the unconsciousness and the dead.

King Iket rolled his eyes as he looked at the bodies on the floor.

“”

Iket sat down alone for a short while before the door knocked.

He flicked his fingers and the large doors opened wide.

A familiar person walked through them.

“”

“”

The two emperors from some of the largest empires in the universes nodded at one another.

King Iket walked down and stood on the same level as his guest.

“”

“” the King of Duluria Empire locked his hands behind his back and asked calmly. “”

“”

Hial scoffed.

“”

Iket smiled thinly.

“”

“”

Hial burst into a loud laughter.

And Iket understood.

“”

The king of Duluria Empire stopped his laughter abruptly and narrowed his eyes.

In a cold voice, he said, “”

“” King Iket widened his eyes slightly in surprise.

“”

Iket smiled softly, like a proud father.

“”

“”

Hial brought out his right hand forward at great speed.

He clutched onto the air, hardening it, only to then crack it like a glass.

“”

“”

“”

Iket threw away his faint smile and narrowed his eyes in a serious manner.

“”

The two emperors shook their hands and formed a new partnership.

“” Hial continued to speak in a cold tone. “”

Iket scoffed.

“”

The two emperors understood. The terms of the contract were simple, and they had to follow it.

While one holds the advantage in power, he is also smart enough to not do something hasty.

“”

“” King Iket shook his head. “”

“”

“”

“”

“”

And so, the evil partnership between the two emperors began. What will it lead to?

❢◥ ▬▬▬▬▬▬ ◆ ▬▬▬▬▬▬ ◤❢

Phanomia, the Planet of Little Worlds:

This world which exists in the north quadrant of the universe is full of vibrant spheres that float far above the ground.

Inside a white sphere, a tall and muscular hero stood in a colourful garden.

The spheres which look small from the outside are in fact exceptionally large. The spheres are pocket dimensions which can be decorated in the way the user wants it to be. A small world for everyone.

Interaction with other people and their little worlds is possible and greatly encouraged through the long life of this empire.

Building stable relationships with others is the way forward towards harmony and peace.

"Uncle," Venus - Phantom Star - who walked leisurely into the garden from her house - which was quite small and simple for a princess, but she did not mind that. After all, the smaller house meant she would get more free space to roam in. “How are you doing?”

"Venus," the hero turned around with a faint smile on his face. “I am feeling… great.”

“Now, now, uncle,” Venus walked closer to him. “That is not the truth, is it?”

“It’s...” Soar sighed. “I have missed too much. This universe is unrecognisable.”

“That is true… Even I, who lived through the change, find it oddly unrecognisable at times.”

A few centuries ago, much of the universe was filled with tyrants but a lot of them have passed on and democracy has taken a rise.

The bloodshed and war in the universe have almost vanished too.

In the past, Soar had come across many poor planets, but since then, the number seems to have diminished greatly.

The relationship between empires and other planets is a lot more transparent and good.

“If I may… When did this change start?”

Venus chuckled.

“Are you playing dumb, uncle?”

“What do you mean?”

Venus scoffed.

“I hope you realise that you set the foundation for what this universe is today. Your death marked a turning point for the universe, and they vowed to help make this universe flourish brightly. Some disagreed, but that is also okay.”

“I… see.”

The latter half of his life is nothing but a blur to him, so he thought; Did fate want to bring upon this change using me, or...

Soar looked down at his hand and clenched it.

Did I win against fate itself?

“Speaking of the universe, why have you hidden your return from them? One word from you can bring about perfection in the universe. Your voice carries hope that can save the remaining worlds.”

Soar looked Venus in the eyes and realised how sincere her words were. She was telling the truth and he knew it.

So, he turned away and looked at the colourful flowers in front of him instead. He could not face those eyes or words just yet.

Soar wondered, is it okay for one man to have this much influence?

Was it wrong to do so much good? Was it wrong to have the trust of everyone?

But... Soar sucked in a breathe as he shut his eyes. I am a failure.

“I am not sure where I stand yet, or if I am ready to leave this room yet. And I don't want an old enemy resurfacing.”

“I see...” she was quite disappointed, but she understood.

Soar opened his eyes.

"Anyway, how is your father?"

"He regained consciousness earlier today. But he is still recovering.”

“What happened to him?”

“I...” she scoffed. “I am not sure if it is the truth, but it seems a demon had invaded our universe. But I am not sure how much truth is in those words.”

“I see.”

“But let’s leave that aside,” Venus excitedly strode towards Soar. “I wanted to ask, is the story about planet Rove true? I always wanted to know, but did not find the right moment.”

He laughed faintly as he shook his head.

“No, it’s not. In some worlds, I told them that story so they don’t fear my kind.”

“I see, I realised as much, but did not want to sound rude.”

With a faint smile on his face, he clicked his tongue and said, “No, no, you never have to feel that way. At least not around me.”

“Mm, I see.”

“But I am surprised that fairy tale of origin still get passed on to this day.”

“That’s because planet Hura turned that “fairy tale” into your real origin.”

“Oh?” with an interested look in his eyes, he turned around quickly.

“It seems they did not want people to push their abilities so far which could hurt the universe. Very few ever knew the truth, it seems.”

“Hmm, interesting.”

A hole in the sky of this dimension appeared as Lord Cosmos flew through it hastily.

The old man landed in front of Soar, breathing heavily.

“S...r?”

The old man was breathing so heavily, he could barely form a proper sentence.

His expressions were all over the place, ranging from surprise to sadness, from fear to guilt, from anger to regret, and more.

“...”

Lord Cosmos opened his mouth, trying to utter a word, but nothing came out.

His lips moved, but no words would come out.

Seeing the complicated emotions of his old friend, Soar smiled softly.

“You have grown old, Il.”

“Y...”

Lord Cosmos opened his mouth again, but no words escaped his lips.

His eyes welled up and cold tears streamed down his face.

The lips of the old man moved once again but words did not leave his mouth.

His thoughts and body were in a state of emotional disarray.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, Il, what’s done is done.”

How could he say that? After all that’s done, how could he smile like that? The old man thought.

“The past is the past, it is long gone but...”

Soar walked closely towards his old friend and patted him on the shoulder.

He smiled widely at this man and said, “Thank you.”

With complicated emotions welling up within Il, his face twisted. He bit his lips to force himself to not cry.

The old man lowered his head in shame.

What he did to him back then was terrible, but this man is smiling at him as if he was innocent.

How could someone do that?

“One day...” with trembling shoulders, Il spoke. He spoke with conviction and strength. “One day, I will...”

“Mm,” Soar nodded. “If that’s what you want to do, then I will look forward to that day.”

His kind voice caused even more pain to this old man.

Soar wanted to help him be at ease, but it had the opposite effects.

So, he wrapped his arm around his old friend and hugged him tightly.

“Do you remember what you told me all those years ago?”

“...”

“Doing something terrible once for the greater good… There is nothing wrong with that.”

The two of them were reliving the same memory in their minds.

Il nodded.

“So, why the long face now? As I said, what’s done is done. The past is the past. We need to leave it there.”

“I...” with teary eyes, the old man finally managed to utter out the words he wanted to say for so long. The words he should have said years ago. The words that were eating him alive. “I am sorry. I am sorry.”

Apologies don’t fix everything, but it is a start.

Soar, in a soft voice said, “Apology accepted. Now can we leave that behind us?”

"I am sorry."

လလလ

“Are you feeling better?” after a short while, Soar asked his old friend, who in return, nodded his head.

“I--”

“I said, let’s leave it behind us,” Soar’s tone grew firmer and his face turned serious. “There is no point dwelling in the past.”

“I see...” Lord Cosmos nodded. To change the topic, he asked a different question. “So, how did you return?”

“There was a man with white hair and red eyes...”

Lord Cosmos’ face twisted up unpleasantly and Soar slowly trailed off.

“So, you know of him.”

“Ah, yes, the white haired krilin, he is nothing but a pain in the rear.”

The old hero did not try to keep his bitterness hidden.

Seeing him act like that, Soar snorted.

“Who is he?”

Soar glanced at Venus, who was smiling for some odd reasons.

Was it because of her feelings or was it because she knew what her father would say before he even opened his mouth?

“He is an evil man,” Lord Cosmos spoke with hatred. “Destroyer of worlds and salver of empires.”

“Oh...”

Soar ignored his words and gestured to Venus, asking her the same question.

“He is a great man - a heroic man, worthy of the respect of many, save for my father.”

“...”

Soar looked at the father then the daughter and then he heaved a heavy sigh.

“I am not going to get a good answer here, am I?” he muttered under his breath.

Venus laughed at his expected reaction.

“It’s just father sees too much of himself in Nazar,” Venus joked.

“Blasphemy!” Lord Csomos said abruptly in an unpleasant voice. "He is a mongrel."

Venus rolled her eyes a little and ignored him.

"But I have to say, Venus, you seem to have chosen a good man."

"About that…" Venus scratched her cheek a little as she averted her gaze.

"Oh," Soar understood what she was trying to say. "That's not good."

Lord Cosmos, however, did not understand her gesture.

"Going after married men is… wrong."

Embarrassed, Venus covered her face with her right hand.

"I did not know," she said slowly.

"Still, that--"

"An-anyway, why don't you two old men go and have a drink somewhere?" she went close to Soar and placed her hands on the back of his shoulders and pushed him forward. "You have got a lot of catching up to do."

Soar laughed before letting out a soft sigh, "Alright."

The two old men flew away, leaving Venus alone.

Being left alone, she relaxed her shoulders and heaved a heavy sigh.

"Phew," she swept her hand across her forehead, as if getting rid of sweat. "Safe."

She stood in the garden for a few minutes and looked at the flowers.

After a while, she turned around and looked at her large house.

She walked into her house. Walking up the stairs, she reached her bedroom and stood in front of it for a moment as she yawned.

Venus was about to open the door of her room when she heard the voice of an old woman, so she paused and looked at her.

“Are you okay?” the old maid asked in a worried manner.

“Mm, yes. Just a little tired”

“Should I send a man in?”

“No,” Venus replied with a scoff. “I lost interest.”

“?”

“After seeing her, I want to become something he can notice, so I don’t have the time or interest in someone else.”

“What do you mean, m’lady?”

Venus looked up and heaved a heavy sigh.

“I need to be stronger.”

“But--”

Venus raised her hand, causing the maid to swallow her words.

“She is strong. The energy within her was… interesting. So, I need to become someone worthy of his gaze. After all, he is one of the most powerful beings in creation.”

With a distant look in her eyes, she smiled faintly.

“If I am strong enough, I can see a possible bright future for him and I.”

She clenched her hand tightly.

“And I will be. I will clutch onto that bright future and make it real.”

Leaving the confused and worried maid behind, Venus locked the door behind her.