Chapter 159: Agreeing to Go

"Cain, this is far too dangerous... We literally got married two seconds ago, and now we’re supposed to go fight in a massive cosmic tournament against other combatants?! What about our honeymoon?! We haven’t fully cleared up our unresolved issues back home yet, and this risk isn’t worth it at all. I can’t guarantee that I’m at a high enough realm to fight opponents at higher levels than us, with powers that could prove lethal and dangerous."

Her words touched upon the absolute truth; they had literally completed their marriage vows moments ago, with barely a minute having elapsed.

Even the most battle-hardened entities who lived and breathed war in blood-drenched arenas throughout the ages required a leave of absence and a rest of at least several days following their wedding before plunging into any new battle. How could it be reasonable, right after finishing the ordeal of their marriage contract—without even taking a break—to gamble such precious time for the sake of an unknown tournament?! Taking such a step would lead to a outright, meaningless loss.

Yet before Cain could utter a word of firm refusal, Author-san interrupted them in a soothing, pleading tone:

"Master Cain, please don’t worry at all! You two aren’t expected to win first place whatsoever. You can treat the entire thing as a mere trip for your wedding and an extraordinary honeymoon! This grand tournament will be hosted in the Telzmira city ...one of the most beautiful tourist cities in Universe 501, which is hosting the competition. It’s enough as long as you don’t lose in the first three rounds, and if you feel it’s too exhausting, don’t strain yourselves in any way, shape, or form. You and Lady Lucy just need to make it look like you lost because you were weaker than your opponents. Even if you don’t receive any consolation prizes, I will personally—as the Guardian of Universe 431—grant you any favor you desire without hesitation!"

This offer began to sound exceedingly tempting and comfortable to the couple; they could approach the matter as a luxury vacation and a free honeymoon without the need to fight seriously. They wouldn’t train, nor would they strain themselves to win; instead, they would visit a breathtaking city in another universe to enjoy quality family time together, then return with the guarantee of a personal favor from the Guardian of the Universe himself!

Cain was actually stunned and bewildered that this man with messy hair and dark eye bags was the very Guardian of their universe; naturally, he had never crossed paths with him before or cared to seek him out. He couldn’t comprehend how a entity bearing the title of Cosmic Guardian possessed such a suspicious, shaky, and weak personality! However, since the invitation included a free trip, full accommodation, and luxurious dining, why decline?! In the end, they had nothing to lose!

Cain looked at Lucy, then turned toward the Guardian, speaking firmly:

"Very well... If you are true and faithful to your words, then I agree, so long as Lucy agrees as well."

Lucy had never ventured far beyond the borders of her original Universe 431... and those past trips weren’t even for leisure, serving merely as reconnaissance and research. For a long time, she had wished to go on a trip across the multiverse accompanied by her husband and their young daughter, to experience warm family moments, play together, sample exotic and delicious foods, and explore unknown worlds. So long as the matter was free of pressure and mandatory combat, there was zero reason to refuse. The only urgent issue weighing on her mind was the matter of the Ayan family, as they needed to clear their names first before embarking on this adventure.

Lucy probed further, asking cautiously:

"Alright, I agree as well... But how many days will the tournament last? And how long will we stay there? I recall that press interviews are usually held before combat matches back on Earth—will we be required to appear at such events and convey our impressions to the audience?"

Author-san replied swiftly:

"In fact, there is something precisely like that! However, it’s merely a brief three-minute confrontation where opponents exert their aura pressure against one another, stating their opinions on their rival’s strength and whether they predict a victory or not. The entire tournament lasts for two months due to the massive number of preliminary rounds."

Cain and Lucy immediately felt that such high-pressure press conferences might sour their vacation; they didn’t want to utter words that would spark the ire of other universes or forge unwanted rivalries in a place they intended for relaxation.

Cain asked gravely: "Can we refuse to attend, or is presence mandatory?"

Author-san didn’t want the two to back out of their decision over media details, answering diplomatically:

"Honestly... refusing to attend is considered, in tournament etiquette, a declaration that an opponent is too weak to face or speak with! Furthermore, the vast majority of advertising and sponsorship funds are funneled there to stoke the hype of the crowds and viewers."

Cain and Lucy exchanged glances for a moment. Following a brief whisper between them, they agreed on the optimal strategy: to speak politely and respectfully to everyone, earning friendships rather than building cosmic rivalries—it was far safer for their trip.

Cain settled the matter decisively:

"Fine. Set up all the arrangements and meet us tomorrow to transport us there. We need to settle a few pending matters here, and then we will be ready immediately."

Despite his relief over their consent, Author-san felt a harsh sting of pangs of conscience and fear due to a single secret he had brilliantly concealed from them... a secret he knew with absolute certainty that, if exposed, would cause them to curse him and hunt him to the ends of the cosmic boundaries! Author-san prayed in his heart that no harm would befall him after these two months; deep down, he was dead certain that they would try to kill him without a doubt!

Yet his precious life was on the line, threatened by Morzoth... No one could truly fathom his suffering... It was a choice between instant death or delayed execution!

He resolved that he would try his absolute best to appease them before they discovered what truly awaited them there...

For naturally... those traitors hadn’t abandoned their camp and defected to the rival universe without a reason...

For matters were not quite that simple...

Author-san leaped through the portal taking him back to his room, desperately trying to devise a way to appease them following what they would inevitably discover upon arriving there, all to buy himself a bit more time.

Perhaps he ought to start outfitting the vessel that would transport them with the finest luxury and entertainment amenities possible...