Chapter 378: Is It Finally Victory? (2)
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If Neji's memories served him right, Lady Luck told him that amidst the few Class-1 Abstracts that existed, Mistress Death was one of them.
Now, that being was right here, ready to help.
He wasn't too sure about this, though. From what Famine Fatale, the agent of death, said before, she didn't like Luck due to how many of her targets survived "death" out of luck. In that case, Famine's employer must not like Luck either. Given Neji was the Agent of Luck, even if he didn't have any luck-related powers, he wasn't so sure if they'd help him.
The only thing he was sure about was that Celestine was hiding her identity for a reason, and off the top of his head he could see that it was probably The Abstracts.
She didn't want them to notice her, and by calling Mistress Death he had just ruined that plan of hers. He was sure this woman would solve this situation somehow, and if she didn't other Abstracts would surely come too.
"It has been a while," the entity walked out of a crack in space in all her glory, her beauty as cold as snow as she spoke. "Madam Celestine, it is nice to meet you again."
Neji was relieved but he still stayed in a high guard. With EA in his grip, he observed as Famine walked to his side while the two celestial women stood before one another.
Celestine who was welding Excalibur had an expression sourer than ever before. With a disgruntled sigh, she threw the sword away, turning it into mere essence before it could fall to the ground.
She jerked her head left and right, as her horns vanished, her dress changed, and her overall vibe grew exquisite… more royal-like.
[Image Here]
"This is quite the annoying situation, Death."
Eurynome Celestine said as Neji grew pale on the side. The text floating on her head had changed along with her dress.
[Eurynome Celestine – The Primordial Creator Goddess – Tier Inexplicable]
The underworld began to crack and break. The sheer presence of two Deific existences, who were in their true forms, caused not only the underworld to shake, but the whole world itself. Neji thought the world would collapse in on itself. Fortunately, it didn't.
"Why did you reply to his call? He is the successor of your enemy. You were one of the biggest enemies of the First Gamer, you always wanted him dead, but now you are here just because the Second Gamer called? You should have ignored his summon."
Neji frowned at that. He quickly looked at Mistress Death… She was the First's enemy? This was a bad call then. Just like everyone else who hated 1st, she would hate him too.
To his surprise, Death just laughed at Celestine's words. She was amused.
"Hey, I am not a Primordial God. You know mortals say that it's stupid to blame a child for what his father did, and I agree with that agenda. Moreover, this situation isn't even that deep. He's the 2nd Gamer, not even a 'successor'. It's not wise to direct my hate for that man toward this child. Also, have you seen his kitten? She's just so adorable, I cannot hate someone who adores that cute thing."
While Mistress Death spoke, more and more tears in space occurred. Countless beings wearing white armor walked out, surrounding the Goddess. They all had the same vibe that Famine had; they were all Agents of Death.
"You're making it problematic for no real reason. Just let me have the Gamer, and this matter ends. You don't even know him personally, why risk all this for his sake?"
Mistress Death stayed silent when Celestine brought up a clear point. After a few seconds of silence, she shrugged.
"Well, I guess there is no point hiding this. Neji Hado, your sponsor made a sacrifice to beg for my help."
The golden eyes of Death turned to look at Neji, who shook.
"Lady Luck has been neutralized for continuously breaking the laws. After her sister punished her in her home, she still used the last bits of her power to read your future. She noticed you'd used your Death Card to call for help, but I wasn't supposed to accept the summon. Knowing that, Lady Luck contacted me, she… paid me with something and had me come here. Now she's locked in the Prison of Suratrat. To forever rot."
Neji's mind blanked. He tried to say something but the Entity raised a finger to stop him from talking.
"I don't want to hear you, please stay quiet. Just know that there was once someone who really loved you, and has sacrificed her entire self for you."
"...That little girl is stupid."
Celestine frowned and said. She looked flabbergasted.
"What does she see in this child? Haaah. What a disappointment of an Abstract."
Mistress Death giggled upon hearing that. "It's not the first time something like this has happened. My own sister did something stupid like this for the First Gamer, you know? That nostalgic factor is the only reason I accepted Luck's offer."
"Your sister, eh? Class-1, Lady Life. What a shame to all of you in the Cube that the next prisoner of Suratrat is a criminal for the same offense."
"I think we are wasting time talking here."
Mistress Death returned to her prior expression: a gentle smirk, as she stared at Celestine. The stronger woman just sighed in response.
"Oh well, you do you I guess. Should we fight now?"
Death's slight smirk grew wider. With a chuckle, she looked at Celestine.
"You sure you want to fight against me? We are a bad match you know. I am Death, destroyer of worlds. Your creations won't keep up."
"We can always find out."
Celestine narrowed her eyes and a dangerous red glint bled into the world around her. After a while, noticing that Death didn't take the bait, Celestine sighed and looked away.
"That fucking Director. You are still the greatest schemer I have seen; I will give you that."
Celestine looked back at Death.
"All right. Let's go. You win. Your little Gamer will survive for today. Make sure you don't regret it when he turns out the same way the First did."
"He won't turn out that way, no, not in my watch. Now, please,"
Death stepped to the side and gestured. Space broke apart and twisted, a portal formed. Celestine approached it and paused right before entering it. Slowly, she turned to look at Neji. She didn't say anything, she just let her eyes talk, as she gave him a blank expression, with eyes filled with a lot of emotions. Then, she walked into the crack. Immediately the dozens of other Agents that had come along with Death jumped back into a crack of their own until only Famine and Death remained.
"You finally used the card."
"I had no other choice."
"I noticed that."
Famine gave him a smirk. She sighed with a smile and spoke.
"You're lucky. The price would have been a lot for you to handle for such a job, but thankfully Lady Luck already paid."
Neji observed her. "What was the payment?"
"Can't reveal, ask my Master. I will see you later."
Saying so, Famine stepped back, as a crack appeared behind her and she dove into it.
Now, with only death remaining, she walked closer to him. She was… tall. She was at least seven feet tall. Neji had to look up as she stood before him and looked down at him.
"You're cute, I like you. Don't turn out like that monster, and I'll keep you… moderately safe. I'll be back to pick you up for something in twelve hours. You better be ready."
Saying so, she ruffled his hair and then vanished from her spot. She just faded away, the space absorbed her.
All the time, Neji wore a dark, blank expression. He had no reaction to her touch or anything right now.
He survived. But… at what cost?
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