Side Story 54. Poison With Poison, Evil With Evil (1) (2/2)
“Suna. Suna?”
Kim Soohyun knocked on the door several times. When there was no response, he turned back with a flustered face.
“How angry do you think she is?”
He asked, looking at a floating blue orb.
—She’s lying down on her bed with her face buried in her pillow.
Zero Code spoke clearly.
Kim Soohyun sighed. But it seemed he had no intention of changing his mind as he started walking back to his room silently.
—I’m surprised. I thought you wouldn’t refuse your adorable daughter’s request.
“I almost agreed… but what’s not allowed is not allowed.”
Kim Soohyun shook his head.
“That world has already become a mess. If it keeps borrowing external power, it will only bring about a worse result in the long-run. You should know that too.”
—I won’t deny that, but it also can’t be helped. You can’t just say they were unlucky.
“Even if that’s true, there’s no reason for us to step in.”
Kim Soohyun turned the doorknob to his room. He then glanced back at Suna’s room.
“Besides…”
He spoke.
“It is protected by someone stronger than me. I don’t know what she’s worried about.”
Zero Code paused.
—Hoh. I didn’t expect you to say that.
“I’m not just talking about his martial prowess.”
Kim Soohyun murmured quietly.
Martial God — a legend who changed the fate of a world and achieved an undefeated myth.
He knew a bit about Seol Jihu.
A man who changed the future by only sending his emotions back, a trailblazer who paved the way for an ideal future for all.
Kim Soohyun was not able to do so. Though he managed to achieve his goals by using any means necessary, when he looked back from the apex, all that remained was regret. Only after borrowing Zero Code’s power was he able to lessen his guilt.
If he went back to those days and sent only his emotions back like Seol Jihu, would he be able to achieve the same result?
Kim Soohyun could not confidently say yes. As he had regarded everyone, including his comrades, as mere chess pieces, the result would have been the same no matter how many times he redid it. After all, he could not achieve it even when he went back with his memories.
It was simple, really. Kim Soohyun couldn’t succeed with more favorable conditions, and Seol Jihu succeeded in a poorer environment.
So how could Kim Soohyun not hold him in high regard? He was even envious of him!
“...He’s a monster in a different sense. And I say that sincerely.”
—It sounds like you really mean it.
“There’s a lot I can learn from him. Moreover, he defeated my wives in a head-on battle. That’s something I could never do in a billion lifetimes… I’m actually curious how he is with his family members. They must be full of laughter and peace, right?”
—….
Zero Code did not say anything.
Closing the door, Kim Soohyun sat down on a chair. Seeing Zero Code floating in, he smiled bitterly.
“Anyway, I’m surprised too. I didn’t think you would be so interested in him.”
—Rather than interested… I’m curious.
Zero Code spoke.
—Aren’t you curious as well?
“Hmm?”
—Permasnow, Hell’s Conflagration, Primal Fire, and even your daughter. They are all pinnacle-rank gods.
“And?”
—The Golden Constellation has caught the attention of such beings. His potential is also said to be above yours.
Kim Soohyun’s eyebrows went up slightly.
—But my thoughts are a little different, hehehehe.
Zero Code laughed in a low voice.
—That’s why I’m curious. Curious to find out who’s right.
“Jeez, that’s what you want to know?”
—How can I not? This question would have been answered long ago if Paradise’s Seven Sins didn’t pull such a ridiculous trick.
Kim Soohyun’s eyes widened at what Zero Code said. He then muttered ‘Ah,’ as if he realized something.
“Don’t tell me. That world’s gods purposely placed a restriction on him fearing his growth?”
—I won’t go that far.
Zero Code spun.
—But from a third-party perspective, I can’t help but criticize. The Golden Constellation has grown too much for the purpose of that world’s salvation.
“What do you mean by that?”
—Each person has a set of gloves that fit their hand. He could have tried on different gloves, but the Sins forced him to wear one particular glove.
Zero Code continued in a calm voice.
—Of course, there was the advantage that the glove was suited for fighting his enemy, but since they guided his growth in a way that went against his natural disposition, result-wise, his growth was restricted.
“That’s true… It’s not like only good can defeat evil.”
—Precisely. Evil can be suppressed with an even greater evil. The Golden Constellation’s natural disposition is no different than yours.
“Really? He seemed like a kind person though.”
—No, I’m sure of it. His actions in that world prove it.
Zero Code barely held himself back from saying, ‘At least you didn’t wipe out an enemy clan the day you created your own because you didn’t like them.’
Kim Soohyun closed his mouth. He stared at Zero Code for a while before speaking.
“Even so, do I have a duty to help you satisfy your curiosity?”
—You don’t have a duty to me, but you do have it to that world.
“How so?”
—I won’t say it’s your fault, but everything indeed happened because of the Parasite Queen fleeing to Paradise. Can’t you at least consider it accidental homicide?
“Hmm, if you want.”
Kim Soohyun shrugged. He looked rather apathetic.
“Let me ask you something.”
He asked in a low voice.
“Do you want me to go to that world and help that man personally?”
—I know you drew a line saying it is not allowed. I respect your decision.
“Then are you hoping I send Goh Yeonju or Ahn Sol to help?”
—That’s a meaningless question. Even your daughter has to be careful around you. The Shadow Queen nor Saintess Angelus would dare to defy you.
“One last question then. Do you want me to order Suna, Mercedes, Gehenna, or Hwajung to bestow divinity to him?”
—Of course not.
Zero Code laughed.
—Why would I ask you to do something I can do myself? Plus, I wouldn’t have even asked if that’s what I wanted. The answer’s obvious.
“...Okay.”
Hearing this, Kim Soohyun nodded.
“Let me change the question then.”
Sitting straight, he suddenly tapped the desk with his finger.
“Then what is the thing you are asking me to do?”
Zero Code spoke as if it was waiting for this question.
—What I want is...