569 Price of the Eternal Crown (1/2)

Though he'd spent epochs in the Firmament, Regretless had no knowledge of an existence named Shadow. But following Celestial Slaughter's words, that existence should stand as the true core of the Firmament, and the last barrier between Konrad and the eternal crown.

But for what reason would it deny him? After all, although according to Celestial Slaughter, he could never complete his final step, Konrad possessed Firmament Bridge, Physiques and Bloodline. There was nothing missing in the equation. That being the case, it wasn't Shadow that'd reject him, but Konrad that'd willingly forsake the crown.

”Why?”

Regretless couldn't help but ask. After all, all Konrad did led to this point.

”Naturally because he's unfilial. If he'd listen to his father's teachings, the crown would be his. Alas, he does not. Opponents like Konrad are fascinating. Always a step away from victory, but doomed to cut their own legs.”

Celestial Slaughter began before casting his gaze to the ongoing battle.

”If the Omniverse is the Earth, the Firmament is the Heaven. There is one Earth, one Heaven, myriads of mortals, some greater than the others, but only One True God. God regulates the world from the confines of Heaven, never taking a direct stance in the mortals' conflicts. As long as they do not directly challenge its plans, God will not care for them.

To God, birth, death, love, pain, anguish, forgiveness, retribution, primal instincts, all are part of a cycle, a grand wheel in the machinery of life. To God, there is nothing special about sentient beings. The ability to love, to care, to question, doesn't make them any more special than the little ant carrying 50 times its weight back to the colony.

In this analogy, Shadow is God, the pair of eyes watching this machinery in silence after setting it in motion. It has simple rules. Don't break the rules and Shadow will never interfere. The first rule is the simplest:

All things must die!

Let's not even mention the cost of wielding the crown. With that rule alone, does Konrad dare grasp it?”

Celestial Slaughter rhetorically asked. Back when its consciousness still supervised the Firmament, the Dharma Lord had been by Shadow's side, receiving its guidance. Therefore, he knew things no one else did. For that reason, Celestial Slaughter didn't fear Konrad laying hands on the crown. His emotions would not allow it.

...

Meanwhile, Konrad verified in Shadow's appearance a truth he'd already guessed.

”Is the Firmament Throne just a lure? A false tool you used to lure me - or whoever succeeded in fulfilling the requirements - into awakening you?”

Konrad inquired. Indeed, he'd long since hypothesized that there was no such thing as the Firmament Throne. But that instead, an Almighty force hid in its core, guiding potential candidates toward its resting place. And clearly, he was right.

Shadow began in that cold, deadpan tone carrying not the tiniest bit of emotions.

”Without that part, you will forever remain incomplete, always under threat of someone rising to surpass you. Therefore, you will seek it, you will seek me. And here you are. Thanks to you, my dormant consciousness awoke. The only one aware of this truth is the man you call Dharma Lord.

Though, with the fading of his consciousness, I suppose that Talroth is the only one remaining.”

Shadow's acknowledgment seemed to produce no reaction from Konrad's cold gaze. His eyes remained lowered at Shadow's, and between their inexpressive standoff, a suffocating tension brewed.

Undisturbed, Shadow pursued.

”I know what you're thinking. 'Why?' The answer is simple. I cannot maintain my consciousness for long without a body. Without a body, my strength is not only limited, but I also must fall into torpor and let the Omniverse run its course. That's the rule. But once you and I unite, body and spirit become one.

The Omniverse can finally return to the right path. Accept me, and henceforth, you are the One True Sovereign, all things in the past, present and future shall obey your will. But in exchange for that power, you must surrender what makes you vile. What makes you stained, corrupt and vulgar: your emotional spectrum.”

Shadow declared with his hands crossed behind its back. But before he could carry on, Konrad broke into an involuntary chuckle.

”Did I say something funny?”