Chapter 79: Chapter79-Are You Serious?
"Are you worried about them?"
Noticing John's unease, the [Deception Apostle] chuckled softly and said, "If you really can't rest easy, why not go back? Even if it's just me, I'm more than enough to handle [Lust]."
"I trust my friends. They can hold out until I take down [Lust] and resolve the current crisis."
"Hmm... rather than saying you trust your teammates, it seems more like you don't trust me at all."
Hearing this, John cast a sidelong glance at the [Deception Apostle] and said coldly, "Since you already know, why ask?"
"How heartbreaking. I've been trying my best to help you, yet you repeatedly..."
"Enough. Spare me the nonsense. I don't want to hear your rambling."
John impatiently waved his hand, cutting off the [Deception Apostle] as he focused on the crumbling seal before him.
"[Lust]... is coming."
"Yes, it's coming."
The seal was on the verge of collapse, no external force needed; it would turn to dust in just a few minutes.
"John, before that happens, I have a question for you. If you were to truly obtain [God] level power in the future, what would you do with it?"
"I don't know. I've never thought about it."
"Doesn't it excite you? That's [God] level power! You could control anyone's life and death at will. Such incredible power!"
"I'm not interested in controlling others' lives and deaths. However, if I were to gain [God] level power, the first person I'd kill would be you."
Hearing this, the [Deception Apostle] shrugged and said no more. Or rather, there was no time left for idle chatter. At that moment, the seal shattered, the ground trembled, and an ethereal portal appeared before them.
"[Deception Apostle], you beast! I knew I shouldn't have trusted you!"
Facing the enraged [Lust], the [Deception Apostle] smirked.
"Even a three-year-old knows not to trust me, yet you fell for it. You're exceptionally foolish."
"I'll kill you!"
[Lust] roared, and the gray-black mist thickened, surging toward John and the [Deception Apostle] like a tangible force.
John knew that even a moment's breath of this mist would render his desires uncontrollable, so he immediately held his breath.
Seeing this, the [Deception Apostle] rolled his eyes and said, "How long can you hold your breath? Besides, do you really think this stuff can affect us?"
"Can it not?"
"Of course not! Don't forget, we are Tricksters! I can assure you, we can move freely in this mist. Do you believe me?"
Meeting the [Deception Apostle]'s smiling gaze, John immediately understood.
"Of course, I believe you completely!"
With those words, John tentatively took a breath. As he had expected, under the effect of the Trickster ability, the gray-black mist no longer affected them in the slightest.
"So, without the mist, what else do you have?"
The [Deception Apostle] looked mockingly at [Lust], whose face was quickly turning red, barely able to contain his laughter.
In truth, the explanation of an authority ability is quite simple.
Every ability operates on a fundamental logic, no matter who or what the authority is, there are no exceptions.
For example, the [Deception Apostle]'s Trickster ability, a seemingly perfect power, has an unavoidable premise: you must believe the lie for it to become reality.
And [Lust] was no different.
His powers could only be unleashed through the gray-black mist, and now, he was helpless against John and the [Deception Apostle].
As an [Apostle], his greatest reliance was his authority--an ability so terrifying it could affect even the [Gods], making [Lust] the third most powerful among the seven [Apostles].
But he had the misfortune of encountering the [Deception Apostle], the second most powerful. In the face of the Trickster's authority, [Lust] was powerless!
"I don't believe your ability can last indefinitely. As soon as you're affected by my mist, you'll undoubtedly lose! Until then, let them entertain you."
[Lust] grinned maliciously, his bloated body writhing disgustingly.
The mist spread relentlessly, soon filling the entire labyrinth.
The hidden monsters, unable to escape its influence, turned bloodshot and uncontrollably attacked John and the [Deception Apostle]!
Seeing this, the [Deception Apostle] rubbed his temples and said helplessly, "I'll have to rely on you now. To counter his authority, I must exert all my strength. If I split my focus, we might be affected by the mist."
"I wasn't counting on you anyway."
John rolled his eyes and, with a thought, summoned a golem to guard him.
Under Seraphina's guidance and modifications, John had tested and found the golem's combat power to be nearly equal to a level 50 platinum-tier monster. He had kept the golem for such situations, and it had now proved its worth!
"Are you seriously trying to fight an Alchemist in a positional battle?
Believe me, this will be the worst decision you've ever made in your life, bar none."
John spread his arms wide, scattering countless seeds. Thorny cages, giant man-eating plants, surging vines, Earth Golems--all these seemingly insignificant creations formed an entire army!
"You're right, authority does have its limits, but my alchemy does not. [Lust], who do you think will win?"
"Damned human! Damn it! I should have devoured your soul along with your body back then!"
"Too bad you won't have that chance this time."
With a casual wave, John sent the golem charging forward. Its massive body brought unimaginable destruction. Each stomp, each swing, effortlessly dealt heavy damage or even killed the crazed monsters!
Not to mention the enhanced light cannon modified by Seraphina.
The nearly doubled barrel expanded from the golem's chest, drawing almost all the stored chant essence to unleash this devastating attack!
Boom!
The explosion erupted in front of the golem, tearing through the ground in its path. Every monster in the beam's trajectory was instantly obliterated, reduced to dust, leaving no trace behind.
Seeing this, even John was taken aback!
He hadn't tested this move before. The exaggerated power, even Elaria might not be able to match it!
At this moment, the battle was decided.
With authority nullified and the monster horde tactics failing, [Lust]'s control through the mist was sharp, but the life John casually created was even more formidable!
At this point, anyone could see that continuing to fight was meaningless.
"John, your name is John, right? Spare my life, and I'll give you everything! My authority, my abilities, even my knowledge of this world--I can share it all with you, just spare my life!"
"So, knowing you can't win, you plan to survive by groveling?"
"[Deception Apostle], shut up! If it weren't for your treachery, I wouldn't be in this mess! John, just three days ago, the [Deception Apostle] came to me. He tricked me out of part of my core authority. Did you know that?
Working with the [Deception Apostle], you'll end up just like me--drained and discarded! He's a self-centered madman. How could he willingly help you? He's not to be trusted!"
Looking at the nearly deranged [Lust], John blinked calmly.
"I have one question for you. Answer truthfully, and I might spare your life."
Hearing this, [Lust], as if grabbing at a lifeline, nodded eagerly and asked, "What question? Just tell me, and I'll tell you the truth!"
"Two years ago, during the time reversal, was my death related to you?"
As these words fell, [Lust]'s expression froze instantly. He stood there, stunned, unable to speak.
"How... how do you know?"
"I didn't know before, but after smelling that foul stench on you, I had a pretty good guess. So now, do you still want to beg for mercy?"