Chapter 405 - 10: Temple of the Water God and the Changing of Eras

’Even if this god probably hasn’t recovered its full power, it’s still a god!’

’No, this won’t do. I have to tell Mr. Su about this as soon as possible!’

With this thought, the gray-eyed boy’s brow furrowed. He hurried from the repository and made his way to the study.

「A short while later, in the study.」

"You want me to leave?"

After listening to the gray-eyed boy’s urgent warning, Su Zhou closed the Magic Book in his hands. He was in high spirits, having just learned a few basic Water Magic spells, but Elias’s words had soured his mood.

The young man gave Elias an odd look, meeting his gaze. "Well, I didn’t see this coming. Trying to kick me out already? I never took you for a power-hungry little guy."

Of course, Su Zhou could tell that wasn’t Elias’s true intention; he was just teasing the boy. And just as he’d expected, Elias’s face flushed red as he rushed to explain, "That’s not it, Mr. Su! I told you, there might really be a God behind that Mysterious Organization! A Water God on par with the Earth Father God!"

"Water God?" Hearing that, Su Zhou’s interest was piqued. He stopped teasing the boy and asked curiously, "Didn’t you say before that there were no other Gods in this world?"

"That’s what I thought, too, but..."

Elias concisely but thoroughly relayed the information he had found in the exploration records to Su Zhou. Then, he repeated gravely, "The enemies are followers of the Water God. Their organization may be far more powerful than we imagine. Moreover, they’re dead set on reaching the Maze’s Divine Hall on the eighth floor. The next time they come, they’ll definitely bring more than just a handful of people."

"The core of their forces are likely Maze Explorers like Yabo, who have undergone a sudden, atavistic Awakening." The gray-eyed boy concluded, "Naisel City will be very dangerous. So please, leave."

"And you?"

Su Zhou didn’t answer right away. Instead, he asked with great interest, "I could just walk away, but they won’t let you go."

"I’ll burn the exploration records and leave this Shelter City. If all else fails, I’ll kill myself."

When he spoke those two words, Elias’s tone was decisive, even carrying a hint of ease. "That way, it’ll take them a great deal of effort to find the entrance to the Maze’s eighth floor. After all, they aren’t familiar with the seventh floor. It’s sure to delay them for a very long time."

To this, Su Zhou’s reply was simple.

"I refuse."

He set the Magic Book aside. Su Zhou sat in the large cashmere armchair, lacing his fingers over his raised knee. His expression was calm as he said, "I have to say, your city is quite interesting—as expected of a center of conflict. I’ve decided. I’m staying. I want to see just what other tricks these followers of the Water God have up their sleeves."

"Huh?"

Although Su Zhou’s decision to stay in Naisel City was good news for both the Shelter City and Elias himself, the boy couldn’t help but raise a hand and wave it in protest. "This... this is a private matter for the Naisel family... It has nothing to do with you, Mr. Su. You really don’t need to get involved..."

"Tsk. Are you looking down on me?"

Su Zhou frowned at his words. ’Everything the kid says is well-intentioned, but it’s all so... deflating. How can I put it? It’s like hiring an attendant for a back scrub at a bathhouse and politely asking, ’Sir, have you eaten yet?’ It’s a kind gesture, but to the attendant, it sounds like you’re implying he hasn’t eaten his fill and won’t have enough strength for the job.’

’So what’s the attendant to do? He’s obviously going to use all his strength to scrub off a layer of your skin!’

It was the same for Su Zhou. He wasn’t the type to take that kind of slight lying down. He immediately and decisively replied, "Because I want to!"

Then, he reiterated, "I have the power, the time, and the interest. I want to stay here. Danger? Danger is what I came for!"

"What, are you still going to try and kick me out? Let me be blunt: considering the difference in our strength, it’s not so clear who would be kicking out whom."

"Mr. Su..." Elias was speechless at Su Zhou’s veiled threat. He could sense the goodwill and Determination behind the words, which left him feeling both moved and utterly baffled.

’Most people act for personal or collective gain, but Su Zhou’s actions seem to have nothing to do with self-interest. To say he’s following his heart isn’t even quite right... this is just him doing whatever he pleases!’

’He had never met someone so genuine, so completely unaffected!’

In reality, Elias was overthinking things. Su Zhou had plenty to gain from fighting enemies. His purpose in coming to this world was to challenge Powerhouses, and killing Evil People also got him Evil Souls! In fact, each of the three followers of the Water God had provided an Evil Soul, which was a rare, bountiful harvest.

’Speaking of which, I still haven’t had a chance to check what effects those Evil Souls have.’

Then again, even without the Evil Souls, Su Zhou would have done the same. His curiosity to uncover the truth of this world was reason enough.

"Tomorrow, I’ll head into the Maze to check things out."

Su Zhou’s tone was firm as he confirmed his plans for the following day. "I’m going to see for myself what this Temple of the Water God is all about."