196 Tough Conditions, Unique Reward (1/2)

”Do you two have contact crystals?” Assuming that they didn't, considering how long they had been hiding, Jack threw two purple crystals onto the table. ”These are high-tier contact crystals. They'll let you contact anyone instantly, no matter where they are on the continent, so long as you link the crystals with the person your contact.”

Lunara picked up one of the crystals on the table. ”So, with this, I could call you or my daughter at any time?”

”Correct. And we could do the same, just in case something happens and your daughter needs your help. Besides, me and Maura won't be her parents. She can think of us as her brother and sister than you'll know we'll take the best possible care of her.”

The Water Goddess was silent, still struggling to agree, but she eventually nodded.

”Alright, then how about you go and help our daughter hatch. In the meantime, I'll explain a few things to Jack. Since he'll be caring for our daughter and is willing to be her big brother, I'll be nice and help him, like I would a son.”

Shocked at how cooperative Sterfen was, Jack put up his hands innocently. ”I won't turn down your offer, but I'm surprised you'd be so willing to--”

”Jack, you're the champion that my faction chose and supports. Also, you've managed to save my wife from the biggest regret of her life, her greatest worry and misery. Since you'll be protecting my daughter and helping her grow, the least I can do is share some of the many secrets I know,” explained Sterfen.

”And my information network is only second to Daruun's, but unlike him, I can say anything I want without worrying about the laws of fate,” Sterfen laughed with a proud smile.

”In that case, should I call you father?” Jack joked around with him.

”To be honest, I'd find it an honor. With someone Jack J. as an adopted son, I think we'd be the envy of the gods. If Luna is fine with that, I wouldn't mind it.”

Jack froze, not expecting the God of Secrets to agree so easily. He thought it would be fine to play along with the joke, but didn't expect to get setup.

”I have two conditions,” stated Lunara. ”First, swear on your life to protect our daughter, like a true brother would. Second, swear to kill that pestro Halmut, even if it isn't necessary for your mission as Daruun's champion.”

Not sure how to respond, Jack just stared at the two gods. ”Hmm, the first condition is a given. If she's in the party, I'd be willing to lay my life down to protect her. The second condition is the one I'm not sure I'll be able to fulfill.”

”But--”

”She has a point, Jack,” Sterfen chimed in. ”Otherwise, we'll just have to thank you for returning our daughter to us with a warm meal.”

Pondering the offer, Jack started to wonder what he would have to do exactly as a champion.

If his true goal was to cleanse the gods, then there would be a chance that he would have to fight Halmut anyway, whether he liked it or not. It would make sense since Jack would have to face either Halmut's champion or the other gods.

”Jack, please accept these two conditions,” begged Lunara, catching Jack off guard. ”I hate to admit it, but you and your party will be the best place for our daughter to grow. And you also might be the only one who could kill that pestro and free me from the contract I made long ago.”

”Contract?”

”If you agree, that and more will be explained,” stated Sterfen. ”I'll tell you how we became gods and how it is you can do the same. Considering your mission, you'll have to become a god at some point, Jack.”

With a pounding heart, Jack was hard-pressed to turn down the offer. The only doubt was Halmut, would Jack be able to kill such a powerful being, a main god?

”I… I'll accept the terms.”

”Wonderful!” Sterfen rose to his feet and walked over to Jack.

He stuck his arm out, wanting to shake Jack's hand. But when Jack reached out, Sterfen pulled him up into a hug. ”Then, I guess I'll have to start calling you by your newest title. Jack, I'm sure you'll make me proud, Son.”

Suddenly, a blaring alert flashed across Jack's eyes, leaving his notification alert golden in color.

Too curious not to open it right away, Jack opened the notification and almost lost all of his strength in shock.

[New title earned: Demihuman]