Chereads / The God of Tartarus / Chapter 4 - Payback

Chapter 4 - Payback

Chaos Thanatos

When I was in a deep sleep. I was curious about mortals. Why can't they be satisfied enough with what they have?

This is because I can't relate to them. I am a god. I don't need anything that mortals do. I don't eat to be full. I don't drink to quench my thirst. I'm not thirsty or hungry. I don't feel tired, and I don't sleep every night. I may have slept for centuries, but it was different from humans. I have lived a thousand years. I can live a thousand more. And most of all—I have the power to make anything in my mind happen.

Now I understand. Human needs are infinite, whereas mortals' realm has limited resources. Only those with privilege can live a comfortable life. And this is their world, where savages reign.

A grin appeared on my lips as I looked down at the top of the building I was in. The city was loud tonight, as I think it always is.

Distinct noise. Crimes can be heard. Killings, accidents, and anything involving death can be heard everywhere. They exist because I exist. My ears are filled with a variety of voices. But these are just a few of the phrases I have long heard, even in the depths of my sleep.

"Gods, I wish we had money. We could build a house."

"Lord, I hope we can advance."

"Gods and goddesses above, I hope I can pass our exam tomorrow."

"Gods, I wish I could buy new shoes and a bag."

Everyone is solely reliant on requests. It's like you've already prepared meals for them, yet they still want to be spoon-fed. The Gods provided them with lives and resources, but they also includes how to get them in prayer.

The Gods have mercy, but man has to do the work. Your prayer will not be answered unless you take action to obtain it. We are not genies who will grant your wishes at any time. But, it is not my responsibility to teach them that. I am the death god. I'm responsible for more deaths than I am for lives.

"I wish, I wish I didn't live. I wish I had just died. I wish I wasn't even born." I shook my head because of that one.

Another thug. How can you wish for such a thing? Do you believe your death will give you peace? Be careful what you wish for because I'm very easy to talk to.

I was about to leave to pick up that punk when I heard another noise. It was not the voice of those mortals who were asking for prosperity. But why am I hearing her voice?

"M-mom..."

I looked around, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. I arrived at her location in an instant. I noticed she was walking aimlessly. I could feel her body trembling, even the rapid beat of her heart. Her arms were crossed, and she almost bowed her head. She appears to be afraid of something I don't understand. I shook my head, trying to hear what was going through her head. But I couldn't do it. She was too perplexed for me to understand. I don't read people's minds; I can hear what they're thinking. Her wet hair and clothes that were a bit ruined and muddy were another thing I noticed. Why am I standing here, staring at her?

Yes, it was my job to oversee mortals, but not the living. And I'm not here to do that. I have no intention at this time but to watch the destruction of the world. Watch how the Gods in Alynthi panicked because mortals were already losing faith in them. That's what I should do, not watch a mere worthless mortal.

I was about to leave when I heard her weak sobs. She continues to chant and call out for her mother. I could smell her anxiety. I stayed where I was and just watched her until someone stopped her. I was not shaken. I just crossed my arms against my chest and leaned against the wall. My legs are also crossed. I have no intention of interfering with their business. That girl is stubborn.

"Miss, it looks like you're freezing. Do you want to warm up?" The man's companions laughed. The girl stepped back a little. My head shook.

"Yes, miss, our house is right over there. I promise you won't catch a cold, and there we have clothes, you can change yours." assholes. I turned to the woman and I could hear the doubling of her heart rate.

"Go away..." her voice was trembling.

"Miss, you've already been offered help. Go ahead, don't be shy." The guy held her arms. I suddenly moved away from the wall and stood straight.

"W-what the hell, I s-said stay away from me."

"You're already being helped. Why are you so stubborn?" In an instant, I was already close to them. I appeared behind the three men, who I already knew the intention for the woman.

"Leave the girl alone," I said in hushed tones. A voice that seemed to emanate from the depths of the earth. I noticed how the men's bodies shook. They gradually turned to face me, and I revealed my true identity to them, alone. I chose not to show it to the woman. And when they saw me, they went unconscious. I took advantage of the opportunity to replace their memory of tonight.

Maledixi tibi, ut perdas huius noctis memoriam. You were all inebriated and did not return home. You chose to sleep here. When you wake up, that's all you'll remember.

I gave one more glance at the girl who was staring stupidly at me. I chose not to pay attention to her and turned away. I started walking away from her and at that place when I noticed something that she was holding, so I slowly turned around. I frowned when I saw that book... a very familiar book. I shook my head and was ready to leave again when she suddenly ran towards me, which surprised me.

"C-can I come?" Her eyes are pleading. But I can't go with her, and I don't want a mortal with me.

"No. Go home." I started walking.

"I have nowhere to go home to. My mommy is gone." I stopped. And I can't explain why I stopped.

"I-I came from the other town. I just ran until I got here. My mom's dead. She was killed by... I don't know what that is. It was just like smoke—a shadow." My eyes widened and I immediately looked at her.

"What did you say? Smoke-like creature?" She nodded while crying. I frowned.

It can't be. The shadow demon? What was that thing doing here? Is it because of my awakening that even the evilest creatures have escaped from their prisons and are here to sow terror?

I looked back at the woman and, without hesitation, took her by the hand. I will take her with me. Shadow demons can smell people close to their victims. He will consume the family members of his first victims as he moves to another family. That's the pattern of their killings. If I take the girl with me, there is a chance that I will meet him.

"I can go with you now? Do you believe me?" Of course, and no one else will believe you but me.

"I have no choice. It's payback time. You owe me, don't you?" She nodded and did not refuse when I dragged her out of that place.