For I am The Absolute Deity

The breeze washed over the hill where Riko and Hikari sat. The air was cool and silent—almost comforting.

Hikari’s eyes slowly widened as she turned to Riko, her face trembling in disbelief.

“Riko…?” she whispered.

Riko’s vision blurred as tears welled up in his eyes. All he could think about was his mother—her voice, her smile, her warmth that was long gone.

Dammit… I’m crying again… he thought, shutting his eyes tight as the tears began to trace down his cheeks.

Hikari gave a soft scoff, though her own eyes glimmered with tears. “Riko… you really are one hell of a comrade,” she said quietly, trying to hold back her sobs.

Riko slowly opened his eyes to the golden sky above. The wind lifted his hair, brushing gently against his face as he let out a faint chuckle.

“I could say the same thing to you, Hikari…” he replied softly, his voice trembling as tears fell onto the grass below.

Hikari turned her gaze slightly, her voice cracking. “Riko… why are you also crying?”

He closed his eyes again and rested his arm on his knee. “It’s nothing… don’t worry about me,” he murmured, though his voice quivered.

Hikari gave a faint, bittersweet smile. “Riko… tell me. I’m your friend too, aren’t I…?”

This heavy, suffocating guilt… why is it still inside me? Why would Mom ever leave me behind? Was it really… my fault? It always had… always me.

Then, amidst the silence, a voice echoed gently within his mind—a voice calm, warm, and familiar.

“Riko… why do you think that way?”

Riko froze. His eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat.

That voice… it couldn’t be.

Riko could only think of one person that could only have that same exact voice.

Ritumara…?

“Yes,” the voice replied, soft yet absolute. “It is I. Your creator… the origin of all beginnings. Tell me, Riko—why do you weep?”

Riko clenched his teeth, trembling as he tried to form words.

I… I don’t know. It’s just that…

His throat tightened; tears fell silently onto the grass below.

It’s my fault… my mom took her own life. All because I was a burden to her…

A quiet sigh filled his mind, deep and sorrowful yet comforting.

“Why is it that you believe it was your fault, Riko…?”

Riko’s hands dug into the grass beneath him, trembling. His heart ached with every thought of his mother.

She… she was so happy without me.

If I didn’t exist, she would’ve lived a better life… smiling, laughing… never knowing I ever existed.

His voice cracked as his jaw tightened, teeth grinding against the weight of his own guilt.

“And how do you know that, Riko?” Ritumara’s voice echoed softly, yet carried an undeniable power. “You misunderstood her feelings. She was truly happy to have you. It was you who looked down upon yourself.”

Riko’s breath caught; his eyes widened in disbelief.

Bullshit… if she was truly happy… THEN WHY DID SHE LEAVE ME?!

He screamed in his mind, clenching his fist so tightly that his nails pierced his skin.

“Riko,” Ritumara continued, his tone gentle yet filled with sorrow, “what she did was not born from hatred or rejection. It was from despair—her belief that she had failed you. She saw herself as unworthy of being your mother. Her mind twisted with guilt and pain, convincing her that you would be happier without her… even though she was dearly wrong.”

“She truly loved you… Riko. She truly did…”

Ritumara’s voice echoed softly within his mind. Riko’s eyes widened as his breath caught. The tears that had once streamed down his cheeks suddenly stopped. The breeze brushed gently against his face, carrying with it a faint, familiar warmth.

For a moment, it felt like time itself had slowed—like the world had gone silent, waiting for something sacred.

***

“Riko, I always want you to smile brightly. Don’t let anyone take that smile away… okay, Riko?”

His mother’s voice was soft, full of light and kindness. She knelt beside him, her hands resting gently on his shoulders, her eyes glowing with warmth.

“Right!” The young Takahiro—his past self—grinned back at her, his small face beaming under the afternoon sun.

***

Mom…?

His voice cracked, trembling as a single tear slid down his cheek.

“Now do you realize it, Riko?” Ritumara’s gentle voice echoed within his mind. “She truly did care for you—deeply. So don’t blame yourself, for what she wanted most… was to see you live, to see you succeed. She wants to see you smile, Riko…”

A breeze passed through the cliffside, lifting the loose leaves that drifted softly around him. In the distance, Hikari sat beneath the tree, quietly gazing at the golden horizon.

Riko’s lips quivered as his tears fell freely—this time not from sorrow, but release.

Mom… forgive me for thinking so wrongly of you.

Just wait… I’ll show you. I’ll reach my goal—no matter what it takes.

A soft chuckle resounded through his mind.

“Determined, are we?” Ritumara’s tone was warm, almost proud. “Then keep that determination close, Riko. Let it guide you toward your path. For I am always with you, everything is possible…”

And as his voice faded into the wind, only the gentle rustling of the leaves remained.

“Are you okay, Riko?” Hikari asked, her face mixed with concern and exhaustion.

Riko wiped the tears from his eyes. “I’m okay… don’t worry.”

Hikari and Riko then gazed quietly at the endless view. The leaves danced in the wind, the grass swayed gently, and the sunlight washed over the golden fields beneath the cliff.

For a brief moment, peace returned.

A few minutes later, the two were seen entering the Adventurers Guild. The air inside buzzed with chatter and the smell of freshly served ale.

They were greeted by Takashi, Miraku, Daigon—and a tall, unfamiliar man sitting by their table.

Daigon wore a stiff, nervous smile. “Heeey… how did it go, Riko?” His voice trembled slightly.

The stranger’s gaze immediately locked onto Riko. His purple eyes were sharp—almost piercing—as if they could see straight through his soul.

Why is he staring at me like that?! Riko thought, a bead of sweat sliding down his cheek.

Still confused, he waved awkwardly. “Uh, hey guys! Sorry for taking so long. Everything went pretty smoothly, I guess.” He scratched the back of his head with an uneasy grin.

Hikari noticed the man standing silently behind Takashi. “So, uh… who’s this new guy?” she asked, raising a brow.

Takashi leaned back, propping his leg onto the table. “Oh, him? Daigon said he’s a friend of his—or something like that.”

Riko blinked in disbelief. “Oh, really? Daigon… I never knew you had friends.”

Daigon’s face turned bright red. “THE HELL’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!” He yelled, flailing his arms.

Taisken smirked faintly. “Well, isn’t it the mortal—Riko.” His voice carried a calm yet menacing edge, every syllable dripping with power.

Riko narrowed his eyes.

Mortal…?

Daigon quickly tugged on Riko’s cloak, leaning close. “Psst! No matter what happens, don’t piss him off. Just trust me, Riko—your life depends on it.”

Before Riko could respond, a chill swept through the air.

Taisken was suddenly behind Daigon, his grin sharp enough to freeze the room. “Having a chat, are we? I suppose it isn’t about me, is it?” His tone was polite—too polite.

Daigon stiffened, beads of sweat rolling down his face. “W-What? No, never! Why would I ever talk behind your back, big bro? Haha… ha…” His smile twitched painfully.

Taisken’s eyes narrowed, the air around him darkening. “Daigon… I hope you aren’t lying to me. You remember how much I hate liars.” His voice grew colder—almost inhuman.

The room fell silent.

Then, completely oblivious to the deadly aura, Riko smiled and stepped forward. “Hey! I guess you already know my name since you blurted it out earlier. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Riko extended his hand for a handshake.

Daigon’s soul nearly left his body. “RIKO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” he whispered in horror.

Taisken’s calm expression slowly twisted into irritation, his eyes narrowing. Daigon panicked, waving his hands wildly.

Taisken exhaled sharply through his nose before composing himself. “Hmph… I suppose it is a pleasure.” His tone softened, though the weight of his presence lingered. “My, my, I didn’t even introduce myself.”

He raised both arms slightly, a faint aura shimmering around him. “My name is Taisken Valmara. Be honored, as I am a go—”

“Okay, that’s enough, his name is Taisken Valmara that’s all!” Daigon interrupted loudly, slamming his hand on the table, forcing an awkward laugh.

Everyone blinked in confusion.

Meanwhile, inside Riko’s head, his thoughts went pale.

Did I hear that right? I think I did because his name is Taisken… and Daigon on the other day tole me about that name. Oh yeah, I’m totally going to get my ass beat because that’s his strongest brother.

“Hey, guys! We’re gonna, uh… head to our room real quick, okay? We’ll be right back! Just, uh… don’t eat all the food.” Daigon said, his voice cracking slightly as he forced a nervous smile.

Before anyone could respond, he grabbed both Riko and Taisken by the arms and dragged them out of the room at lightning speed.

Hikari blinked. “What… was that about?”

Takashi shrugged with a lopsided smirk. “Heh, I dunno… but they seem way too close for comfort.”

Miraku, still munching with her cheeks puffed like a chipmunk, looked up and mumbled, “Mmf… weirdos.”

Inside one of the inn’s private rooms—

Riko sat on the edge of the bed, pale as a ghost. Daigon stood awkwardly, beads of sweat running down his temple. Meanwhile, Taisken stood with his arms crossed, expression dark and unamused.

Finally, Taisken tilted his head down, his cold eyes narrowing at Daigon.

“Who gave you permission to drag me like that, you fool?” he said, his tone sharp.

“HEY—look, I didn’t mean to disrespect you that much! And also—WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Daigon shouted, flailing his arms in the air like a panicked monkey.

Then, clearing his throat, he crossed his arms and tried to sound calm. “Seriously though, didn’t you hate this mortal realm? I thought mortals bored you to death.”

Taisken’s eye twitched, his expression flat with irritation. “Don’t get the wrong idea, dumbass. I didn’t even plan to be here at all.” He turned his back, tone sharp and dismissive.

Riko blinked, finally snapping out of shock. Wait… if he didn’t want to be here… then why is he?

Almost as if he’d read his mind, Taisken glanced at Riko, his piercing eyes cutting through him.

“Well, it has to do with my father, of course. Always talking about ‘bonding with filthy, vile creatures.’”

***

Meanwhile in The Sacred Palace…

Taisken stood in the gleaming hall, arms crossed, idly toying with divine magic that shimmered around his fingertips.

A soft sigh escaped from Ritumara, seated upon his throne. “Taisken, you’re going to the mortal realm. And that’s an order.” He said suddenly.

Taisken froze mid-motion, his spell fizzled out. “GUH?! WHY?!” he barked, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Ritumara rose slowly, his tone commanding.“Because I know you, Taisken. You’ll never bond with at least one mortal, unless I force you to.”

“I’M NOT GOING!” Taisken shouted, rage burning in his eyes.

Ritumara’s gaze sharpened. “Are you going to disobey me, Taisken? My orders are absolute—no matter who you are. Now go.”

Taisken clenched his fists, grinding his teeth. “Tch… such humiliation to my name…” he muttered before vanishing into thin air, the air crackling where he once stood.

***

“And yes,” Taisken said coldly, looking back at Daigon and Riko, “here I am—standing before you two morons.”

Riko leaned forward, exhaling softly. “So… Ritumara forced you to come here?—”

Before he could finish, Taisken’s eyes flicked toward him—sharp, glacial, and suffocating.

“You dare speak his name so casually?” His tone was low, almost calm—too calm. “You should be calling him Lord Ritumara.”

The air seemed to thicken. Even Daigon flinched, sweat running down his temple.

“Ha—haha, Taisken, that’s enough,” Daigon said quickly, waving his hands nervously. “Eheh, he’s just not used to calling others ‘lord,’ you know? He’s mortal, after all—”

Taisken’s gaze snapped to him, cold and sharp. “You’re defending this fool instead of Father? Is that what you’re saying?”

What? No uh, I’m not trying to say that I’m defending him, it’s just that—uh—” Daigon stammered, only to be cut off once again.

“Riko… or perhaps I should call you by your real name… Takahiro,” Taisken said coldly, his crimson eyes narrowing. “Don’t get too comfortable with that eye Father bestowed upon you. That doesn’t give you the right to speak his name so casually.”

Riko froze. His throat tightened as sweat slid down his face. His hands clenched onto the bedsheet.

Dammit… the one thing Daigon told me not to do—and I did it anyway.

Taisken leaned back slightly, then smirked. “Or perhaps, for your punishment… I shall eliminate your little friend, Shizo.”

Riko’s eyes shot wide open. His blood boiled.

“Don’t you dare… touch her, you bastard.” Riko’s voice cracked with rage as he grabbed Taisken by the collar, face inches apart.

Taisken didn’t flinch. Instead, his grin widened. “So that caught your attention, huh? Maybe next time you’ll think before laying hands on me… you filthy mortal.”

In an instant—Taisken’s fist connected.

“GUH!”

Riko’s body jerked as blood splattered from his mouth. He doubled over, clutching his abdomen, eyes wide in shock.

“RIKO!” Daigon shouted, panicking.

Riko coughed violently, blood dripping from his lips and nose. His vision blurred, everything spinning.

“Guh… h-help me…” he gasped weakly, reaching out.

Taisken towered over him, eyes glowing faintly with divine wrath. “Know this, mortal—no mortals can defy a god… as my power is absolute, no mortals can ever escape my wrath.”

He leaned closer, voice dark and absolute.

“For I am the Absolute Deity.”

Riko’s darkened into pitch black…