Chereads / The Adventure of Zog Zorblatt / Chapter 33 - The man who is protected by the Author

Chapter 33 - The man who is protected by the Author

In a narrative shift, Agony takes center stage, unraveling the cosmic mysteries of the Feneverse and the Outerverse. He introduces us to the enigmatic entities known as the End and the Author—distinct beings that shape the very fabric of existence.

Agony, with a certain flair for naming, dubs the amalgamation of these cosmic forces as "the author." The End, birthed from the author's whims, emerges as a concept tied to finality and cessation. Agony elucidates that the author's creation of the End stems from a cosmic case of boredom, a manifestation of creativity with no other purpose than to bring stories to a close.

The author, Agony explains, has a singular purpose—to craft stories. The quality of the narrative, whether good or bad, becomes inconsequential in the grand scheme of the author's existence. The Feneverse and the Outerverse, shaped by the interplay of these cosmic forces, unfold as a vast tapestry woven by the whims of the author and the inevitability brought by the End.

This cosmic exposition adds a layer of meta-awareness to the unfolding narrative, inviting contemplation on the nature of storytelling and the role of creative forces in shaping the destinies of characters like Volo and the Prince. The stage is set for a cosmic dance where the intricacies of existence intertwine with the narrative threads spun by the author and the looming presence of the End.Agony, in a moment of cosmic awareness, addresses the unseen readers with an air of urgency. "You must go, dear readers. I'm searching for you, but my time is limited. Someone is destined to end my existence." A palpable sense of impending fate hangs in the air as Agony hints at his own demise.

However, Agony, ever the cosmic guide, anticipates the swarm of questions swirling in the minds of the readers. "You must really have a lot of questions," he muses, acknowledging the curiosity that drives the narrative exploration.

Anticipating inquiries about Zog's transformation into the Vanity Monarch, Agony simplifies the complex tale. "How did Zog become the Vanity Monarch, you ask? Well, it's simple, really. He was merely lucky." Agony hints at the fickle nature of cosmic fate that propelled Zog into a position of unparalleled power.

Addressing the rebellion against the Vanity Monarch, Agony dismisses any intricate political motivations. "Why did the rebellion think to dethrone the Vanity Monarch, you ask? Simple. The previous monarch, the Greed Monarch, decided it would be a good idea to let some random guy ascend to the throne." He pauses for effect, then drops the cosmic bombshell, "Not just some random guy—he was, in fact, the Primordial of Vanity, Zog Zorblatt." The revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the cosmic machinations, and Agony's imminent departure hints at the unfolding complexities that lie ahead.The narrative shifts to Volo and the prince, identified as Aries, as they make their way to the palace. The grandeur of the palace unfolds before them, and within its opulent halls, a banquet awaits—the stage set to welcome the enigmatic Demon Hunter, the Demon Slayer, Volo.

As they step into the regal surroundings, Volo and Aries are greeted with a spectacle of abundance. The banquet table, adorned with a myriad of delectable dishes, stands as a gesture of hospitality for the esteemed guest. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of celebration, the air filled with the aroma of culinary delights.

Volo, known for his extreme love for food, is undoubtedly enticed by the lavish spread before him. The palace, a stark contrast to the chaotic streets where Volo's reputation preceded him, now opens its doors to honor the legendary figure in their midst.

The banquet becomes a convergence of culinary indulgence and royal reception, marking the beginning of a chapter in Volo's journey within the confines of the palace. The interplay of cosmic intricacies and the earthly pleasures of a feast weave a narrative tapestry that hints at the unfolding dynamics within the royal abode.Amidst the indulgence in the sumptuous banquet, Volo's mind buzzes with a dual experience. On one hand, the flavors dance on his palate, tempting him to devour the delectable spread. Yet, a gnawing suspicion creeps into his thoughts.

In a moment of clarity, Volo addresses Prince Aries, voicing the unease that taints the seemingly grand gesture. "It's suspicious how you'd bring a random person to the palace," he observes, his discerning gaze fixed on the prince. "What's even more suspicious is bringing someone who can kill people here. What do you want?"

The king, sensing the probing scrutiny, metaphorically wets himself as he unveils a hidden agenda. "We have an enemy, and we want you to kill him," he confesses, the weight of the request hanging in the air.

Internally, Volo grapples with a recurring predicament. "This again," he sighs in his mind. "I am not a weapon. I am just a weak mortal. Why do I keep getting into this kind of situation? Is it some cosmic test, or am I merely a pawn in a grander scheme?" The cosmic complexities of Volo's journey intensify as the palace banquet becomes the backdrop for a clandestine plea that entangles him once more in the cosmic dance of power and destiny.In a breathtaking moment, the Primordial of Pain descends upon the palace, unleashing a brutal assault directed at Volo. However, to the shock of all witnesses, Volo remains seemingly unaffected by the primordial's vicious strike. His right hand, which should have been severed, remains intact, defying the expected outcome.

The banquet hall falls into stunned silence as the realization sets in—Volo, the Demon Hunter, stands impervious to the devastating attack. The Primordial of Pain, bewildered by this unexpected turn, glares at Volo with a mix of surprise and frustration.

Unbeknownst to those witnessing the cosmic clash, Volo's resilience stems from a shield woven by the author's protection. The forces that should have brought harm to him are rendered powerless, leaving the Demon Hunter unscathed.

The scene transforms into a battleground of cosmic proportions, where the clash between the Primordial of Pain and the author's chosen protagonist takes center stage. The narrative unfolds with newfound intrigue, as the interplay of cosmic forces and mortal resilience reshapes the destiny that binds Volo and the unfolding cosmic drama.As the dust settles from the Primordial of Pain's failed attack, Volo, just as bewildered as the onlookers, questions his own survival. "How am I still alive?" he ponders, the mystery of his resilience echoing through his thoughts.

Driven by a mixture of confusion and perhaps a dash of defiance, Volo decides to take matters into his own hands—or rather, hand. In an audacious move, he delivers a resounding slap to the face of the Primordial of Pain. The impact is not just felt in the physical realm; it resonates through the fabric of cosmic forces.

The Primordial of Pain, caught off guard by this unexpected retaliation, is sent hurtling through the air. The force of the slap propels him into a neighboring building, triggering a cataclysmic domino effect. Twelve towers in the palace crumble under the sheer impact, creating a spectacle of destruction.

The palace, once a symbol of opulence, now bears the scars of a cosmic clash between the Primordial of Pain and the Demon Hunter protected by the author. The narrative takes a dramatic turn, leaving a trail of awe and disbelief in the wake of Volo's unprecedented resilience and audacious counterattack.In the aftermath of the unexpected spectacle, Volo stands amidst the debris, his confusion mirroring the stunned expressions of those around him. He turns to the onlookers, attempting to make sense of the surreal events that just transpired.

"I just slapped him," Volo confesses to the bewildered crowd, a mixture of disbelief and realization etched across his face. "I accidentally tapped him on the street. Oh my God," he exclaims, the weight of the situation settling in.

As Volo contemplates the bizarre turn of events, a profound realization dawns upon him. The Primordial of Pain, a formidable force he found himself pitted against, is not just any adversary. He's fighting not only a minion of the author but one that appears entirely oblivious to his cosmic purpose.

The cosmic dance continues, and Volo, caught between the realms of the author's protection and the oblivious nature of his opponent, finds himself at the center of a narrative whirlwind. The confusion in the air reflects the intricate tapestry of destiny, power, and the unexpected nuances that define the cosmic drama unfolding within the palace walls.As Volo stands amidst the aftermath, his demeanor shifts into a thoughtful contemplation, a furrowed brow reflecting the inner workings of his mind. In reality, he's wrestling with the complexities of his life choices and the cosmic forces at play.

Unbeknownst to the onlookers, they misinterpret Volo's introspection. His furrowed brow is mistaken for a smirk, and the weight of contemplation is misconstrued as amusement. The crowd, observing from a distance, begins to whisper among themselves, wondering why Volo finds the Primordial of Pain's strength so lacking.

In truth, Volo's contemplation is a profound reflection on his own journey, the twists of fate, and the cosmic dance he finds himself entangled in. However, the cosmic irony lies in the misinterpretation of his expressions by those witnessing the aftermath. The narrative takes a turn, threading the complexities of perception and reality as Volo contemplates his life while the onlookers believe him to be scoffing at the perceived weakness of the Primordial of Pain.In a shift of focus, Agony takes center stage, addressing us directly. His gaze reflects a sense of resilience amid the cosmic chaos, and he muses, "Oh, my friend, you're bad, wondering how I'm not dead."

Agony delves into the intricacies of his existence, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic nature of his life. "You might ask, 'Did I see my life flash before my eyes?'" Agony chuckles, revealing that the author's whims spared him from that fate. "The author decided that I'm not gonna die today, but I probably hate him for that," he adds, acknowledging the ambivalence of his relationship with the unseen creator. "But it's not like I can do anything."

In a moment of cosmic exposition, Agony sheds light on the term "cosmic dance." "Oh, you're wondering what the cosmic dance is? Essentially, it's what the lower beings refer to as the universe loopings, but the higher beings call this cosmic dance," he explains. The revelation hints at the multifaceted nature of existence, viewed differently by entities on various cosmic planes.

Curiosity piqued, Agony continues, providing a glimpse into the author's backstory. "You might wonder, 'What's the backstory of the author?'" Agony shares with a wry smile, "Well, he's just extremely bored. I think I've said that more than once," underscoring the simplicity that underlies the cosmic complexities. The narrative unfolds, intertwining the perspectives of higher and lower beings in the cosmic dance orchestrated by the author's whims.