Chapter 1208 - 1208: LOST IN PARADISE

In order not to hold back the steps of the strongest, to set everything she resolved to protect, including herself, ablaze—

"As expected, old man, you're a complete lunatic. I like it!"

After listening to her father's confession, the Depraved Hero burst into laughter, clear and wanton laughter echoing in the vast open space.

And on the screen, the Hero, looking at the contents recorded in the e-book in his hand, could only muster a wry smile.

Seeing this, a faint smile also appeared at the corner of the father's mouth.

"Although you were just an accident between your mother and me, it doesn't feel bad to be understood by a child."

After revealing the inner thoughts that he had never told anyone, his expression didn't change much, but the whole atmosphere around him seemed calm and refreshed.

Deviation from humanity, wandering evil... If it were any other normal person, no, even if it were a colleague from the Black Gate, upon hearing this man's confession, they would probably give such an evaluation without hesitation.

But maybe it was because I had mentally prepared. At this moment, the Hero harbored no anger, dread, or loathing. Only a complete, unspeakable speechlessness and helplessness from deep within.

The skill called 'Heart Soft and Easy to Pay,' awakened to better communicate with friends and heal wounded spirits, allows the Hero to perceive the softest spot within the other's heart.

This "softness" is relative, and according to the construction of the other's spirit, the spots one reaches are entirely different.

If the other were a Goblin, although she had no interest in exploring the Goblin's heart, one would possibly sense only a mass of chaotic desires.

But the human spirit is complex.

Sometimes, the soft spot might be the vulnerable part, such as a criminal in hiding; you might perceive his deeply buried guilt and fear.

But sometimes, it might be the happiest memory, such as a soldier notorious for killing, where his softest spot is his homesickness.

Conversely, a murderous fiend's softest spot might be a happy childhood memory; while a seemingly good man might harbor suppressed desires deviating from the righteous path deep inside.

And the father's "softness," freshly exposed after laying bare his inner journey, was equally far from the normal definition.

He didn't hate humankind, wasn't afraid of annihilation, didn't despise the Saintess, and didn't even long for Strength.

He didn't care about any of this.

The only thing that mattered was the dignity rooted deep in the soul and the obsession with removing the obstacle known as the "end."

Just like the example he mentioned earlier—he would devote himself for a future without him.

Thus, at this moment, his heart was devoid of evil, greed, or ambition.

He simply deemed it natural that this was what he should do.

—Even if the cost is the demise of all humankind, he must pave the way for the strong.

'Middle-aged man's major psyche issue.'

Though knowing it was inappropriate, another evaluation she once gave flashed in the Hero's heart.

But she also knew that be it insults or condemnation, it was all meaningless to this man, not even as loud as the wind blowing past the window.

Continuing the conversation would probably be a waste of time.

But the Hero sighed, then spoke without much hope:

"Father... Though I'm indeed not yet claiming to surpass the predecessors with Divine Knowledge, you must know I've grown somewhat stronger. Moreover, the other me just said—I will become even stronger."

"Mm, I know." The father nodded approvingly.

"Since the former Saintess with Divine Knowledge has resigned, and I, the current one, have given a different answer from her... Have you ever considered changing your approach?"

Upon hearing this, the father responded serenely.

"If you want something in negotiations, you must first prove that you can obtain it without negotiating—did I not teach you this?"

"...I suppose so."

Hearing this unsurprising answer, the Hero showed a relieved smile.

And at the same moment as her words fell, the Depraved Hero, with a ferocious smile, jumped off the table and, without warning, twisted her waist and kicked out.

"Then just go die!"

As the petite foot flew, the enormous wooden office desk, wider than a double bed, shot through the air like it was made of foam, shattering the heavy scenic glass with a boom, dragging countless sparkling shards down toward the clouds.

However, as a mere mortal, the president who should have been crushed into pulp by this impact was no longer there.

The raging wind surged in from the shattered window, with streams of emerald winds intertwining to recreate the man's figure.

His suit was open at some point, the tie had been ripped off, and the shirt's hem fluttered in the wind. Next, a long spear, clear and transparent like tears, formed in his hand, which he grasped steadily.

"Ha, not bad."

Although the computer on the desk was smashed into pieces from that hit, as the lights flickered, electricity flowed in sizzling streams from all corners of the building, gathering in the hands of the Depraved Hero, turning into a large, illusory golden book.

Although the Hero just used electronic devices to communicate with the father, the control of the current body was still with the other her.

It wasn't that she couldn't just forcibly take over, but since fighting was inevitable, it didn't matter who was in control.

The father focused on his murderous daughter, his emerald eyes remaining calm and concentrated.

"Though this is the Illusion Realm of the Land of Oblivion, thanks to you, it seems we can have a decent fight in this form."

This Illusion Realm, crafted on the foundation of the Magicless Civilization based on the Shield Woman's memory, originally had barriers of concept isolating it heavily from the outside world, even greatly suppressing a Legendary Strongman's power.

The Mute Girl, earlier, could only temporarily regain Strength through the Dungeon's Blessing Ring.

However, external Ritual Magic's strong intervention created multiple holes in the originally seamless Magic Power barriers.

The Mute Girl seized this opportunity to successfully summon the Fallen God, creating this miracle termed the "Depraved Sun."

Given that she could do it, naturally, the Pantheon Mage father could achieve the same.

Previously immersed in dreams without awareness, upon awakening, he swiftly mastered the method to project Magic Power from the outside world.

Seeing this, the Depraved Hero wasn't surprised; instead, her smile grew crueler, eyes sparkling with eager anticipation.

"Looks like I can properly beat you up. After all, killing you in one punch is just so boring."

"Then let me see if you really have grown strong, daughter."

The father and daughter faced each other on the top floor above the clouds, as Magic Power expanded, wind and lightning wove through the void.

At the moment when the fierce battle was about to erupt—

[Winged Boy activates skill: Logic of the Outlander]

[Offer sacrifice, devote piously, and pray for True God's miracle, Outer God's wisdom]

[Default success]

[Winged Boy gains Wings of Logic: Wisdom]

[Four-winged King activates skill: All-Knowing]

D764=689

[Verdant Demon activates skill: Emerald-Starred Key]

D765=294

[Emerald-Starred Key: The key to unlocking the limit of all phenomena, used only within the Starless Dungeon. Determine with an attribute 1 higher than the opponent's without guarantee, failing will append the user's value to the opponent]

[Winged Boy activates Forbidden Curse: Breaking Limit]