OBS Chapter 3674 Questions and Answers with the Snake
Chapter 3674 Questions and Answers with the Snake
Chapter 3674 Questions and Answers with the Snake
For the rest of the time, Shad searched through the ruins. Although he found nothing of value other than the coin, the snake slough, and the stone tablet, he at least drew a rough map of the area, which meant that the War Arc hadn't been wasted.
With about ten minutes left before he could stay there, Shad headed to the temple.
The temple is located below a high platform in the northwest of the mountain, with its back almost touching the rock wall on the east side of the platform.
When Shad arrived, he saw from afar that the temple doors were closed, so it seemed that "Mr. Snake" had no intention of welcoming him. So Shad stood at the door and used "Thunder Wave" to push it open from a distance:
"Mr. Snake, are you there?"
He easily opened the two large doors, and the layout of the temple remained the same, but this time there was no statue of a giant snake, nor did a man with snake-like eyes stroll out.
It was waiting for Shad to enter, but Shad would absolutely not go in. Luvia had warned Shad never to go in on his own; she had even made him leave the snake-eyed creature, which could provide clues through the murals, on the ship before setting off, precisely to prevent Shad from venturing into the temple in search of clues.
Shad stood motionless at the doorway, gazing at the ouroboros relief on the wall directly opposite. He believed that the being behind the wall was also watching, and he was also convinced that it was the one who was more anxious than he was.
Sure enough, the silence was finally broken by a slippery, hissing sound coming from inside the temple:
“Summoner, now that you’ve arrived at the entrance, why not come in and take a look? There were too many people visiting the temple last time. Since you’re the only one here this time, I think we can talk about things that mortals shouldn’t hear.”
"Now, only you and I remain in this entire ruin. It's enough for me to stand here and speak to you. Besides, aren't you and I just mortals? Apart from the gods, everything else in this world is mortal."
Shad said this, and for a long while, the empty temple remained silent:
"Caller of Gods, do you want to know the secret of ascending to godhood?"
Xia De was somewhat disappointed; he had thought the other party would offer a more valuable "bargaining chip." He had known the secret of ascending to godhood since he first arrived in this world, and he had already climbed more than half of the long stairway to godhood.
"I don't want to know; it's too far removed from my reality. Instead of talking about such unrealistic things, let's talk about something more practical."
"Then do you know what kind of power I can give you?"
“I have my doubts. You have witnessed my moonlight, and I do not believe that your power is greater than that of the moonlight.”
The sound emanating from the empty temple was like laughter, a laughter that sent chills down one's spine:
"It's not a power that makes you stronger, but a power that allows you to live longer. Given your status, it's impossible that you don't know that the end is nigh and the world is destined to end."
Even if you were in the Thirteen Rings, even if you were, it would be difficult to survive in a world where everything is heading towards its end. Mortals cannot imagine what kind of world that is, what kind of era that is. But I know, because I am destined for destruction.
You've already witnessed on this island those human subspecies I bestowed with destiny, which evolved into beings better adapted to the apocalyptic environment, right? I can share that power and destiny with you. Don't worry, you'll receive far more than they did. You won't lose much, but you'll gain much more.
Shad grew increasingly disappointed:
"The end of the world, I've dreamt of it. In my dream, I saw endless yellow sand, a black sun, and the last remaining ruins buried under the sand; I saw a dim world about to face its final darkness."
Shade countered:
"Speaking of which, you were trapped on this island, so you must have been completely out of the loop, unaware that last summer, when I fought the dragon-devouring god in Moon Bay, I used a terrifying illusion lock?"
This refers to [The End City - Tobesk].
The snake did not give up its persuasion:
"Yes, Caller of Gods, you do know more than anyone else. But since you have received revelation in your dreams, you should understand better than anyone how difficult it will be to survive in the apocalypse. I can give you this power, a power you can even share with other mortals you care about, and this power will not fade even if I perish."
And you only need to do one small thing for me. Don't worry, our conversation today will be kept secret from everyone.
"Why should I believe you instead of the entity that gave me the revelation in my dream? Perhaps this dream has nothing to do with any other entity, but the fact that I was able to dream those things speaks volumes."
Time was running out, and Shad was unwilling to beat around the bush.
"Tell me everything you know about the Chosen Ones ritual, and I can guarantee that I can take care of you cleanly and efficiently during the final battle on Fatummont Island."
Amidst that eerie laughter, the snake nimbly said:
"Summoner of Gods, have you always been this arrogant?"
"Most of the people who said this to me in the past are already dead."
"Caller of Gods, do you think you can win forever?"
"At least I think I can beat you."
"The one who summons the gods, what will be the price?"
It finally asked a valuable question after the conversation had begun:
"I know your story, and after getting to know you, I also learned about your specialness. There are certain things that we all know, but we will never mention, that have given you great power, helped you in the most dangerous and difficult times, and made you the most special existence in this era."
So, what is the price you pay for these powers and special treatments that other mortals can't even imagine? The gods never show mercy to mortals out of compassion; everything they bestow upon mortals comes at a price, and most of the time, people are unaware of when that price will be paid.
The sound of snakes hissed in Shad's ears:
"Fate is a double-edged sword; the sharper one edge is, the stronger the other. You've achieved so much; you can't simply think it's all just luck, right?"
Perhaps you should also think about yourself. I can at least guarantee your survival; one should always have a backup plan, right? You should also be wary of those high and mighty beings. Believe me, when you pay the price for everything you have now, you'll thank me for my generosity.
Shad's answer was without hesitation:
“I know I will pay the price, but it has nothing to do with you or anyone else. It’s my own business.”
He turned to leave.
"Serpent, you shall wait here for the day of the final battle. You are the destiny of the First Era's destruction. Only when you perish can the world be born, destined to be destroyed in the Sixth Era. Mr. Ring sealed you here at this time, probably planning everything. No matter what you say, in the near future, only your defeat is inevitable."
The snake called to Shad again, not to refute his point of view, but to make a final deal:
"How about we make something simpler? I'll tell you about my affair with that devil; you answer me, how much do you really know about the end times?"
It finally showed some sincerity, and Shad stopped in his tracks:
"I don't trust you, you speak first."
The snake answered in a hoarse voice:
"The weapon demon wanted to find a powerful weapon left behind on a snowy mountain by a witch emperor from the Fifth Age, so it cooperated with me. I assigned it tasks to do things that I couldn't do myself, and it learned from me about places that witches had visited."
This is a fair trade; we both get what we want. But I know what it really wants. Although the birth and sealing of the primordial demon is a very ancient event, I was already born then. In my opinion, it's being too hasty; now is not the time for that being to reappear.
It did indeed know about the "Primal Demon," and it was quite curious about Shad's expression at that moment:
"Judging from your expression, you also know about that thing?"
"I'm curious, how did you see my expression? You know, the blood used to enhance the Pseudo-Human House and the Fallen Star Beast comes from that thing, doesn't it?"
"It seems you know far more than I expected."
"So what is your attitude towards the primordial demons?"
Shad asked, and the snake replied:
"It doesn't matter. Just like I said, it's far from the time when it should reappear. It has nothing to do with this stage."
This view aligns with the doctor's opinion, who also believes that the Demon King will not break free of the seal until the very end.
Although the snake was an enemy, Shad kept his promise and revealed the information he knew:
"In the apocalypse, the world will shrink little by little amidst endless yellow sand. Time, space, life, and death will all collapse, leaving only powerful apocalyptic evils still active."
That was a countdown to the end, an era devoid of meaning. The sun had turned black and was about to set; the moon had long since vanished. Fate had lost its meaning; even the strong who were lucky enough to survive that era were merely walking meaninglessly on the earth, waiting for the moment their own will completely extinguished. For them, perhaps dying when the apocalypse truly began was the luckiest outcome.
That's it, that's all the scenery in my dream.
The snake asked again:
"Have you ever seen me in your dreams, under that twilight sky?"
Shade shook his head:
"No."
No other sounds came from inside the temple, and Shad turned and left. For some reason, he felt a pang of pity for the other person for a moment, but that ridiculous thought vanished instantly.