“So, the result of bestowing authority upon that god named Eva was that she gained the power to dominate all gods. Is that what happened?”
“Indeed, that is correct. I never imagined that even my great self would think such power, which subjugates gods without question regardless of their strength, would be born. However, now that I think about it again, it is a power befitting someone who stakes their life on resource management.”
“…I’m in no position to criticize anyone, not even a little bit… Adams, aren’t you incredibly foolish?”
According to Adams, the rest of the story unfolded in much the same way as the myths told in various regions. Kelvin, who had been doing visualization training with the dragons during the story, was also speechless. Even Kelvin, a self-proclaimed battle junkie, wouldn’t do something like that, no matter what. Well, maybe they wouldn’t. It could be said they wouldn’t, but it couldn’t be definitively stated they absolutely wouldn’t. Still, perhaps they might? …That’s about the level of trust he has.
“Well, it’s like this. Inferring from Adams’ story regarding my previous question, the reason the Ten Authorities and other gods appear young from Adams’ perspective is because he scouted them long after the creation of the universe. And the reason Adams’ face is not visible… maybe it’s because some function to measure combat power is equipped, huh? To borrow your words, it’s like being judged as inferior if your face isn’t visible.”
“That is correct. It seems you weren’t listening, yet you heard me perfectly.”
“Well, it was a story that fundamentally involved this world, so I wasn’t uninterested. Besides, I’ve become curious about that Eva person. Adams, after my wedding ceremony, you’re going to pick a fight with the current gods, right? Let me in on that. Honestly, I have no idea how to get to the god’s location. But you know the way, don’t you?”
“Of course. And even if you didn’t wish for it, I myself would have invited you. Your talent still has no visible bottom. If you accompany us, you can expect further growth. To the point where you can rival me.”
“That would be an honor.”
Conversely, it meant they were not yet equals. While looking at Adams’ face, which was still only half revealed, Kelvin interpreted his words that way.
“That’s right. If you wish, we can make it an assignment through the Adventurer Guild. That’s the custom in this world, isn’t it?”
“I feel it’s a bit different from a custom… but accepting a request from an Evil God might be interesting. Okay, I’ll do that. Oh, the reward is negotiable.”
“Hmph, you shrewd fellow. In any case, the authority of the one who caused your defeat in the previous battle is now meaningless, as she has stepped down from the throne of gods. Though her once-omnipotent power has been lost through a long-term seal and power dispersion, I have this body. We can experience the supreme time together without any worries.”
“Haha, you’re truly unnecessarily reliable. …By the way, I’m a little curious, but that lost power, isn’t it something as grandiose as creating the universe? Isn’t your ability to bestow authority derived from that omnipotent ability?”
“Hmm, does it concern you? It’s a slightly complicated story again, but do you still want to hear it?”
“…Well, since we’re here.”
“I see, I see!”
Adams, the chatterbox, spoke with delight.
Adams and Eva were originally one complete life form. However, as they created the universe and other such things, they depleted their power. When they each obtained a physical body, their power was divided into two. Eva consumed power when altering the world system, and Adams consumed power when awakening the potential of promising individuals. Furthermore, during the fierce battles that ensued, they exhausted most of their power. Eva, who was utterly defeated in battle despite winning the war, was particularly affected, and she no longer possessed her former power. Adams, as mentioned before, was also heavily affected by being sealed in this land, and his omnipotent power had vanished completely. What remained was the body revived by Eld’s sacrifice, and only the power of ‘Nurturing,’ which could be called the crystallization of Adams’ conviction—
“—Wait, I think I heard something similar in your story earlier, but does your authority mean that in exchange for strengthening others, you also pay a price by using your own power?”
“Mmm, that’s correct. In the past, I used resources as Eva puts it, but that’s no longer the case. I’m just substituting my own level. Rest assured.”
“There’s nothing reassuring about that!”
Kelvin was about to shout, “Don’t get weaker on your own anymore!”, but Adams stopped him with a hand first.
“Hmph, this is simply my reason for living. Even if you tell me to stop, I cannot. Furthermore, a decrease in my level is a trivial matter to me. It’s just a matter of some numbers fluctuating. As I have lived for a long time, I will eventually compensate. Moreover,”
Adams’ lips spread into an even wider grin.
“The fact that you are surprised by this now means you couldn’t sense my weakening. I see, I see. It seems the mountain that is me is too vast, and you are still only able to look up. Before you complain, why not try to defeat me?”
“…tsk! Very well, then I shall tear off the remaining half of your shadowed face…!”
The battle resumes as two battle junkies, both smiling, take the stage.
“■■■!”
“Ah, of course, you two haven’t forgotten either.”
Adams swung his fist at the two attacking dragons, instantly crushing half of their bodies. However, the scattered dragon remains transformed, one into blood and the other into shadow, and they once again turned their blades against Adams. In the meantime, Kelvin transformed his greatsword into a staff shape, then summoned forth a jet-black scythe from it, and further wrapped it with uncanny tentacles—
“Huh, what are these tentacles!?”
—For some reason, he was surprised himself. He seemed quite perplexed by the tentacles that appeared from nowhere and wrapped around the scythe’s handle.
(Hmm… It seems his authority allows him to wield the powers of those he has contracted with. Furthermore, it’s possible to manifest two or more abilities simultaneously. Naturally, he can create any weapon he desires using the black light he shattered during manifestation, and he can also create pseudo-creatures in the likeness of his subordinates. Judging by his confident demeanor, it doesn’t seem to be a simple copy ability, but a similar wave of power is burning my skin. And that’s not all. His raw physical and magical power levels have also risen unbelievably.)
While blowing away the approaching blood and shadow with the pressure of his fists, Adams continued his analysis.
(The fusion form of Gerard and Sera that he showed in the battle with Maria, I now feel as if he’s doing that with all his subordinates. I question if such a thing is possible, but if he can use the powers of those two at their full potential, then that question is resolved. Hmph, I see, I see. That makes sense. With that great power, do you intend to defeat me?)
Kelvin, having accepted the presence of the tentacles, raised his grotesque scythe and made a motion just before swinging it. Adams concentrated blood into his eyes to enhance his vision and precisely captured the scene. Kelvin’s movements were analyzed as if he were watching slow motion.
“—But that alone is still not enough.”
The body of Adams pulsed and grew even larger. The punch, delivered from this state, was a simple yet ultimate blow from the former Evil God.
