569 Price of the Eternal Crown (2/2)

It was the same deadpan voice, showing no emotion. In fact, Shadow didn't have any. In its eyes emotions were mortal flaws.

”I couldn't help it. I am the founder of diabolism, the ancestor of all devils, the Profane Prince -- and my emotional spectrum is the one thing you find vile in me?”

Konrad quipped, amused by Shadow's view. However, the creature's standpoint remained unchanged.

”Naturally. Emotions and desires are mortal vulgarities, useful only to breed and curb lives. Because of them, civilizations rise, because of them, they also fall. For those reasons, only a Bridge that controls the heart and baselessness of all beings can reach the Firmament level.

Talroth, or Celestial Slaughter as you call him, could have created a Firmament Bridge too but didn't because he knew his bridge would have to crush yours, and had no confidence in success.

However, because he is heartless, void of emotions and driven by the Conqueror's Will, your Bridge cannot affect him.”

Shadow reasoned, reminding Konrad that without its aid, taking down Celestial Slaughter for good, was a daunting task. Still, Konrad didn't bite.

”What else? What other rules are there?”

Konrad asked, knowing that there was more to come.

”Nothing much, really. Once you obtain the right of eternal sovereignty, all immortals across the omniverse shall become mortal. From those with eternal lifespan to the indestructible, from the indestructible to the ones with eternal reincarnation, all shall fall to mortality, never again claiming the seat that does not belong to them.

All things must die, immortals threaten the balance of the omniverse, the balance of the machinery, their existence ought to be removed. The roads to Supremacy, the roads of cultivation...will also vanish.”

Alongside those startling words, shadow swept its right hand, causing a fluctuation of images to appear before Konrad. In the new world order sentient mortals would struggle to live beyond a century. But every step forward would be rewarded with more pain and anguish. Yet, they'd keep trying.

The current immortals would vanish into dust, erased by the Firmament Sovereign's Will, leaving Konrad alone, to observe the world like an overseer. The images vanished, and Shadow stretched out its left hand, making a kaleidoscopic crown appear within and float toward Konrad.

”Did your brain get stomped by a stampede or rampaging bulls? In what world do you see my Profane Self rejecting the delights of existence and the company of my beloved to become a bearded old man shackled by himself?

What a joke, I might as well pursue Nothingness Insight.”

Konrad sneered. Though he had no intention to pursue Nothingness, if this was all Shadow had to offer, the result was indeed not much different. However, unfazed by the insults, Shadow shook its head.

”You can't. From the moment you formed your bridge, you inwardly rejected Nothingness Insight. Without doing so, how could you ever build that specific bridge? You don't have what it takes to pursue Nothingness.

But here, you don't need to struggle. You don't need to sit in meditation, trying to crush barriers whose roots you cannot grasp. You just need to say yes.

But make no mistake, the one you call Celestial Slaughter has been playing you from the start. If you reject me, you die. I will enter torpor, awaiting your demise and the rise of a new candidate to fulfill my will.”

Shadow claimed, and as if echoing its words, the crown shone in resplendent light.

Regardless of the cost, this was the crown of eternal sovereignty, the final aspiration of all that sought supremacy. Who would reject all it entailed, the right to weave life and death, just for those base and low sentiments? Shadow couldn't fathom it.

Konrad turned heels and left, leaving Shadow behind, without a single word. For a second, Shadow blinked, wondering if its flawless sight suffered some mortal malfunction.

No, it didn't.

He was truly gone!