Chapter 80: Chapter80-Divinity!
[Lust]'s expression was quite remarkable.
After hearing John's words, he first looked at the [Deception Apostle], who spread his arms and shrugged, then shifted his gaze back.
"What's wrong? Don't know how to answer? Is it that hard to say yes or no?"
"I-I was also deceived! It was the [Betrayal Apostle] who wanted to deal with you. It had nothing to do with me! John, since time has reversed, none of that has happened, right? If you spare me this once, I promise not to disappoint you. Killing me won't benefit you in any way!"
"Who said it wouldn't?"
John smirked and said, "I will take your authority. Not just yours--[Lust], [Betrayal Apostle], and the others. Do you think the grudges of my past life will be so easily forgotten? No, never! I will come for each of you. You can start now."
"You are the boss."
The [Deception Apostle] nodded slightly, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes as he looked at [Lust].
"[Lust], you were never truly trapped in the game world. This is all just your delusion."
This is the strength of the [Deception Apostle].
You know there is a high probability that his words are lies, you tell yourself not to believe him, but your wavering heart makes you believe, even if just for a moment.
And that brief moment is enough!
As the [Deception Apostle] and [Lust] suddenly vanished before his eyes, John exhaled deeply.
"Next, it's going to be a tough battle."
With his preparations complete, John severed the connection and returned to the real world.
Sensing the two terrifying presences emanating from the city center, John frowned.
In the game world, due to the restrictions of its rules, neither of them could fully unleash their power.
But back in the real world, it was their home ground.
They no longer had to worry about certain entities noticing them, and the true terror of the [Apostles] was on full display!
By the time John arrived at the battlefield, the city center had been completely leveled. Even the ruins had been shattered into dust, and the impact had whipped up gusts of wind, forming a gray-brown sandstorm.
At the very center of the storm, the [Deception Apostle] and [Lust] stood in the air, facing each other.
The intensity of their battle was far more straightforward than John had imagined.
Since their authorities were now ineffective against each other, they had abandoned them entirely, resorting to physical combat!
[Lust]'s bloated body shrank under the [Deception Apostle]'s relentless attacks. Finally, a man with a physique similar to the [Deception Apostle] and a face of extraordinary beauty emerged from the mass, catching the [Deception Apostle]'s strikes with ease.
"This face, it's been a long time. I almost forgot what you looked like."
The [Deception Apostle] chuckled lightly, delivering a kick that sent [Lust] flying, smashing through an abandoned building and into the ground, raising clouds of dust!
"[Deception Apostle], no one knows better than you that you can't kill me. No one can kill me. The [Apostles] are immortal! By bringing me back to the real world, what do you plan to do?"
If he had stayed in the game world, [Lust] would have been easily suppressed, with no chance to fight back.
"You made a mistake, [Deception Apostle]. Here, that human you pinned your hopes on, what help can he possibly offer?"
"Let me correct you on one point. I never had high hopes for John. I only believe in myself. The one who made me do this is our master. You're right, I can't do much to you. I can't kill you or seal you.
There is no absolute counter between [Apostles]. We balance each other, which was our master's intention."
The [Deception Apostle] paused, then looked up with a smile.
"But I never said that I would be the one to kill you!"
"What... what do you mean?"
"The authority given can also be taken back. What do you think I mean?"
As the [Deception Apostle] spoke, he suddenly knelt, a magic circle appearing beneath him, glowing with a bright blue light!
The [Deception Apostle] began uttering obscure words, as if chanting or summoning something.
Above the [Deception Apostle], a portal of light gradually opened in response to his chant, as if something terrifying was about to emerge!
To John, this aura was incredibly familiar, but to [Lust], it sounded like the tolling of a death knell!
"How... how is this possible? How can a single [Apostle] summon our master? Impossible! This must be an illusion! You're deceiving me!"
"Alone, I couldn't. But don't forget, I've already absorbed part of your core authority. By sacrificing it, summoning our master for a brief time is not difficult.
My master! Your most loyal servant, the [Deception Apostle], has brought [Lust] to you. Please, deliver your judgment and cleanse this [traitor] of all his sins!"
In response to the [Deception Apostle] was a beam of light piercing the sky, engulfing [Lust] instantly. The powerful energy explosion sent John flying hundreds of meters away!
In the center of the light, [Lust]'s body began dissolving at a visible rate, exposing raw flesh and bone!
In his daze, John heard a voice, like a whisper from above, resonating in his ears.
Hearing this, the [Deception Apostle]'s eyes lit up.
"Your authority has been reclaimed. You will pay for what you have done."
This was the pronouncement from that terrifying entity, sealing [Lust]'s fate!
However, John couldn't shake the feeling that it might just be a hallucination.
After witnessing [Lust] vanish into nothingness, John felt an overwhelming sense of dread, as if the presence from the heavens was pressing down on him, making it impossible to breathe!
Fortunately, this sensation lasted less than three seconds. The oppressive figure passed back through the portal, and the world returned to calm.
John was left with lingering fear.
The master the [Deception Apostle] spoke of, the master of the [Abyss], was undoubtedly a [God]-level being.
Such terrifying power--just one glance nearly caused John to explode.
How could one possibly defeat a [God]?
It is only when you truly face a [God] that you realize the idea of slaying one is a mere joke.
That overwhelming power cannot be described by any words. Its abilities, its very essence, are immeasurable!
"It's... over?"
"Yes, it's over. [Lust]'s authority has been reclaimed, and even his existence has been erased. He is as dead as dead can be.
As for you, you've gained a great benefit."
The [Deception Apostle] flicked his fingers, and red-black sparks instantly entered John's body. For a moment, it felt like an electric shock, a tingling sensation spreading throughout his body.
This feeling was not new to John.
It was the same sensation he felt when he received the [Deception Apostle]'s authority.
"Congratulations, John. You now possess the core authority of two [Apostles]. Unfortunately, your strength is too weak to fully utilize the power of the authority. However, it is enough to deal with any trouble you may encounter for now."
Hearing this, John opened his character panel.
Name: [John]
Class: [Alchemist (Level 137)][Trickster (Level 11)]
John's gaze scanned until he saw an entirely unfamiliar term.
[Debauchery (Level 1)]
"Debauchery... is that [Lust]'s authority?"
"To be precise, it's the manipulation of desire--not just your own, but the desires of others, creatures, anyone who has absorbed that mist. They can all be controlled by you."
As the [Deception Apostle] explained, he stepped forward, looking at the ground pierced by the beam of light, and let out a long breath.
"Next, I might disappear for a while. When I can return, I don't know. The trouble with the [Betrayal Apostle] will have to be handled by you alone. However, with the power of two authorities, I don't think you'll be easily defeated."
"You're being targeted?"
"No, it's the master assigning me a new task. I cannot disobey the master's orders."
"You, of all people, speak of loyalty?"
"It's not loyalty."
The [Deception Apostle] sneered at these words, turning to stare directly into John's eyes, explaining each word clearly.