Chapter 141: Join Us

In the presence of something far greater than themselves, every proud Constellation slowly lowered themselves to the ground. One by one, they knelt before the white presence, their heads lowered in respect, even those who had never received the authority of a god and those who had long since abandoned their faith.

The white presence stood silently before them, its form impossible to properly discern through the radiance surrounding it.

"Greetings, Constellations."

Its voice resonated throughout the Dark Forest, lingering between the trees and within the hearts of everyone present.

"Rise."

The Constellations hesitated for a moment before obeying. One after another, they rose from their knees, their gazes remaining fixed upon the mysterious presence before them.

"We are preparing to wage war against foreign entities from beyond the farthest horizon," the presence said. "An enemy that exists far beyond the lands you know, separated from your world by distances your kingdoms could never hope to cross."

The white presence slowly raised one hand.

"You are the strongest beings this world has produced, and that is why I have called upon you. I require your strength, your abilities, and your willingness to fight."

Its voice remained calm, yet every word carried an undeniable authority.

"In return, those who participate shall be rewarded. Gold, power, knowledge, influence, treasures, or anything else that can reasonably be granted, you may ask for it."

The Entity paused.

"If your desire can be fulfilled, then it shall be granted. This is not charity. It is a reward for those who are willing to stand at the forefront of this war."

The Constellations exchanged glances.

Then, one individual stepped forward.

The Fearless Emperor, a powerful demon known throughout the world for his arrogance and refusal to fear anything, slowly approached the white presence. Yet despite his reputation, his voice stumbled slightly when he finally spoke.

"Then... God."

He swallowed before continuing.

"Please grant my desire."

The white presence remained silent for a moment.

"Go ahead."

The Fearless Emperor took another step forward.

"Let me become a god."

Several Constellations immediately turned toward him.

"I want to rule this world, but not just this world. I want to stand at the pinnacle of every realm. I want to become someone who decides the fate of everything beneath me."

His eyes burned with ambition. "You said we could have whatever we desired. You can do that, right?"

The Sky Devourer stared at him with visible confusion.

"What is this guy doing?"

The white presence simply remained before the Fearless Emperor.

"This fool..." Lapace muttered beneath his breath.

For several seconds, nothing happened.

Then the white presence finally spoke.

"Very well."

"We shall grant your desire."

The Fearless Emperor’s eyes widened. "Really?!"

Excitement immediately filled his voice.

The white presence slowly levitated toward him. Its hand extended until a single finger touched the center of his chest.

The Fearless Emperor froze.

A small void suddenly appeared where the Entity had touched him.

At first, it was nothing more than a dark spot, barely larger than a coin. Then it began expanding, as though an invisible force was pulling something out from within his body.

"What...?"

His expression changed.

"What is happening?!"

The void continued spreading through his chest as his body began twisting unnaturally. His flesh distorted, his limbs bending as though reality itself had begun rejecting his existence.

The white presence looked at him without emotion.

"You wished to stand at the pinnacle."

The Fearless Emperor struggled desperately against the force consuming him.

"You wished to stand upon the same footing as us."

His body continued to disappear into the growing void.

"You foolishly believed that because I said I would grant your desire, I would surrender everything I possess simply because you asked."

The Entity’s voice remained completely calm.

"Even the most foolish individual would understand that asking the richest person in existence for all of their wealth does not mean they will receive it."

The Fearless Emperor’s confidence finally shattered.

"No... wait!"

He reached toward the white presence.

"Please! I didn’t mean it like that!"

The Entity did not respond to his pleas.

"Then stand at nothing."

The void completely surrounded him.

"Remain within nothingness and wait in despair."

The Fearless Emperor’s voice trembled as his body was gradually swallowed by the darkness.

"Become forsaken."

Despite his name, the Fearless Emperor began trembling uncontrollably. "Please! Spare me!"

The white presence did not even acknowledge his plea.

Instead, it simply turned its attention toward the other Constellations.

"As I have said, you will lead your warriors into battle while we move against the foreign entities."

The remaining Constellations listened carefully.

"You will serve as the spearhead of this campaign. Your strength will be needed when we cross into their world and begin the invasion."

The white presence paused.

"However, there is a price."

The atmosphere immediately became serious.

"You may enter their world and fight alongside the forces I have prepared. But should you survive until the campaign ends, you will not return as the same individuals who entered."

Several Constellations exchanged glances.

"Your memories of this world will be removed."

The Entity’s voice echoed through the forest.

"Your memories, identities, and experiences may be rewritten so that you can exist within this world without revealing the truth of the origin."

The white presence looked toward the Constellations.

"Do not mistake this as punishment. It is a necessity."

Its voice became quieter.

"Your rewards, however, will remain within you. Even if your memories are erased, the power and blessings granted to you will remain as part of your existence."

The presence slowly raised its head.

"Now, join us on the path of the unknown. Beyond the farthest horizon lies an enemy this world has never encountered, and I need the strongest among you to stand at the forefront of what is to come."

"Become the swords of this world. Fight for the land beneath your feet, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and prove that your title as a Constellation means more than simply reaching the pinnacle."

"In return, I shall reward those who stand with me. Power, wealth, knowledge, or whatever desire can be granted without disrupting the balance of this world shall be yours."

"Take up your blades, walk into the unknown, and fight alongside us. When the battle is over, your deeds shall not be forgotten."

"Now, Constellations, will you join us?"