Chapter 247 - 201 : Three Paths (1/2)

”Can I win?”

Arthur asked the question that was bothering him the most. He didn't want to enter a suicidal battle, however, he didn't want to run away and abandon his home.

This was the place he met Lucy and Saly, apart from this small world, he had no world to return to. He loathed Earth and didn't want to live the rest of his life there.

Raising his daughter there may be better in a lot of ways but she would grow up in a better environment if she lives on Astria.

She wasn't human and there's bound to be racism and mocking, her strength doesn't matter as they would talk behind her back, moreover, the little girl has suffered more than enough already, he wanted nothing but happiness for her and Lucy.

”Win? The numbers say otherwise. Arthur, do you believe in numbers or in yourself? Do you think you're capable of chasing them off? If your lover was here, the percentage of your win will rise significantly… unfortunately, she's not here and you're on your own.”

Arthur stood there, not knowing what to do or say, this lame copy of his did a good job at demoralizing him, but it has told him undeniable facts too.

”On your own, there's no way you can win but you could unite every strong person to fight with you. I would call them meat shields as they won't be able to injure the beasts, then again, I know for a fact that you won't resort to such a ruthless path… no matter how heartless you may be, sacrificing thousands of lives to ensure the safety of a world is not something you would do.”

”Then tell me what do you want me to do? Run away after all the things we've built here? After getting rid of the Holy Church and stopping the war… should I just turn my back and let things be… let this world be destroyed? Should I tuck my tails between my legs and find another world to build a home for my family and friends? Is running away the only option I have?” (Arthur)

The copy remained silent for a few seconds then clapped his hands, somehow changing the endless space into an old dirt road.

The road led to three different paths, one was littered with blood and bones, the second was of a peaceful valley full of greenery. As for the last, it led to complete darkness, the end couldn't be seen as the view was shrouded with darkness after only a few meters from the crossroad.

”I never said this was the only option. Fate exists but the person is the one who decides how his life goes on, I'm merely laying out the options for you, it's up to you to decide.”

Arthur contemplated the three paths, he only focused on the last one, which was shrouded in complete darkness.

”What is the last one?”

The copy also stared at the last path and replied

”The easiest yet most dangerous option. Theoretically, it's doable but I never tried it. It's about restarting from the very beginning.”

Arthur glared at his copy, clearly displeased that it was only revealing half the truth as if being cryptic or mysterious on purpose.

The copy shrugged and ignored Arthur's glare while he resumed

”Delete all your skills, destroy your cultivation. You will basically become the same person you were on Earth, physically. It sounds crazy but that's not the most difficult part, what's hard is what comes after that, I have designed a special program inside the ARK, if you follow it by the letter and make use of Zodiak's powerful Dark Magic and only rely on that, the chance to win against the Divine Beasts will significantly rise.”

”The percentage of my win will rise but that will not guarantee my victory. I'm supposed to give up everything just for that?”(Arthur)

”As I said, I'm only showing you the way. It's up to you to choose, I'm not forcing you to do anything.”

Arthur didn't reply and only stood there, ignoring his copy, seemingly lost in thoughts. A long time passed, the copy disappeared a while ago and there was only him, standing in front of three paths, each leading to different futures, varied outcomes, tragic consequences.

After a long silence, Arthur caressed his ring and said

”I'll do what I have always done, create my own path, forge my own destiny. If death is what awaits for me, then that's as far as I can go.”