CHAPTER 2: FEAR AND HOPE

***Cherflammen…***

Once again back in her lonely, dark prison, the Seductress—now strengthened by the powers from the Black God—hovered over the forever shifting sands of the dead world. Compared to what she was after the duel of Gaius Julius Caesar and the Otherworlder, she regained a few more of her abilities, which included the summoning of that dark dragon that devoured Cherflammen’s light. Still, as she was never given the authority to possess the god-power, she remained weak, and eternally hungry.

“Eat…”

The Seductress was a creature from the Void—a place where even gods fear to tread. Yet, she possessed a form, and sentience, just like her ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ borne out of the swirling miasmas that filled the chasms in-between the universes. And as she grew more powerful, she started to have feelings…

“It’s painful…”

Nevertheless, contrary to the effects of hunger to any mortal, the Seductress’ hunger was never meant to kill her. Her pain only increased her already voracious appetite, made worse by her most recent victim.

“Eat…the gods…”

The Seductress was desperate; the more she craved for souls, the worse that she felt. With her miasma extending far and wide across what remained of the former demon realm, she looked for ways to escape her dead domain. She even searched for any ‘rifts’ that might’ve existed somewhere in the empty vastness. With her dark dragon, the Seductress tried to pierce through the skies, and into another world, to no avail.

“Eat the gods…the mortal souls…everything!”

At that moment, everything flashed before her mind. The times she spent with Gaius, being the deities of Chersea and the other realms connected to that world. The praise of the people given to her as the ‘wife’ of their god. And her downfall, caused by that otherworldly girl, Cassandra David…

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”

Rage suddenly burst from her chest, and the Seductress let out a powerful scream that tore through the corners of Cherflammen. Frustrated at her weakness, she lashed at everything her miasma could reach, destroying the dunes, sending sand particles into the air, and breaking the boulders that stood in its spot for epochs. The Seductress even attempted to take control over her ‘daughter’, the Human Saint, Madelaine Ann Rubinforth, but of course, that world was already cut-off from Chersea.

“I don’t want to diiiieeeeeeeee!!!”

While starvation won’t affect an immortal creature like her, the Seductress was still under the influence of time. Spending her ‘life’ passing of eons in that dead land was no desirable outcome for her, and even more so when her stomach had a throbbing pain that intensified with every second. However, the Black God severed even the traces of magic that she could break to let herself free. And each moment she thought of that, the anger and frustration grew within the void creature’s chest, and she would lash and thrash like a toddler on a tantrum, once more.

“That…that Black God!” she hissed. “That otherworlder!”

Kuro’s face seemed to appear in the dark skies, with an expression taunting her.

“Curse you!” the Seductress bellowed, trying to hit her hallucination with her miasma. “Curse you, otherworlder! Curse you, Greg Santos! Curse youuuuuuu!!!”

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**Kuro**

The next thing I knew, I was in another, yet familiar, place.

“…”

Though the greenness of the plants that formerly occupied the surrounding fences were now lost in the near-blinding whiteness, I could still make out the chairs and tables that were set up in its old spots. And Gaius—back then I knew him as Jules, would always greet me while doing something unexpected.

“Did you like it?”

Yep, just like now.

“One thing I love about minds is that, anyone can do anything here,” the former deity finally appeared in one of the chairs at the biggest table. Needless to say, this was a replica of his ‘garden’. “The best part is,” he added, “everything’s free of cost!”

“I get you,” I chuckled. “But what gives? Why I was summoned here?”

“Well, first, this is your mind,” Gaius answered. “Don’t you think it’s kind of ironic if I summoned you someplace else, when the most convenient way is to call you here, inside your thoughts?”

“True.”

“Second, I’m aware that you don’t like what you’re doing right now. So, thank me, for I saved you from boredom.” The former god then reached out from beside him, and produced a can of beer, which he popped open before handing it to me. “Hey, I told you we can do everything here, so why don’t you relax for a bit?”

“Right…” Yes, if I remembered right, I was at my own court in Dupree Palace, entertaining some visitors from the nobility. They learned of my engagement, and was giving me their well-wishes.

“We both know it’s a ploy to curry your favor,” Gaius countered, reaching out his hand that held his beer can for a toast. “But in any case, I want to say my congratulations to you, future god of Chersea.”

“I didn’t seduce the saints to gain the god-powers,” I pointed out.

“Everyone in heaven knows. That’s why we all believed you’re the best candidate to succeed me.”

“Thanks…though if I can pass it to anyone else, I would.”

“A tempting offer,” Gaius grinned. “But I would refuse; you know what happened when I was god.”

We both laughed as we shared beers and barbecue inside my head…which I find quite weird, though pleasant. Also, I had no idea how Gaius would pull out stuff from thin air. Nevertheless, as long as we’re enjoying our time, I won’t ask about it. I could always lay the blame on the alibi that he was a ‘former god’, anyway.

Then, Gaius changed the topic, “Kuro, we’re at the crossroads now, see?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve been inside Time’s chamber, right? And you already know about the timeline threads her spinning wheels make. I’m telling you, another thread is being spun right now…”

Perhaps it was the alcohol, but my thoughts were already a bit clouded. “I’m not sure I can get what you’re saying, Gaius.”

“You remember Cassandra’s words before in Cherflammen, when she revealed that you have no future?”

“Yes?”

“That was—in this realm’s timeline—six years ago,” the former god explained. “You see, the threads of time the spinning wheels make have the so-called ‘points’, where additional ‘paths’ diverge from a single event. Based on the decision of the person, one path can be taken. However, in Time’s chambers, you’ll see those as diverging threads…each would then form a new timeline derived from the original one.”

“The Theory of Eternalism?”

Gaius nodded. “Here, it would seem that you only took a singular path or decision. But in Time’s chambers, there are ‘multiples’ of you taking different paths, with some forming up new timelines. The Black God—your version from one of the timelines—came from those, though you understand that his timeline had already been ended and devoured by the Seductress?”

Now it’s my turn to nod. Still, questions remained. “Why are you bringing this up?”

“This is the only timeline of ‘you’—of Chersea and the Other Realms—that is left,” the former god replied. “The others are already in the belly of that accursed creature from the Void.”

“Isn’t that the reason I resolved to become a god?”

“It is,” Gaius confirmed. “All of your ‘versions’ gained a future and became god, when you decided to take a step out of Cherflammen, and back into this world. But, of all the ‘Kuros’ that existed, you are the only one who was never embittered by his traumatic experiences.”

“Okay, I’m aware of that. The Black God said that to me before, and…?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Why?”

“I think it didn’t sink unto you, Kuro,” Gaius continued. “This is the last timeline where ‘we’ exist. If you don’t defeat the Seductress, then we’re all done for.”

I could only stare in silence at the former god. The atmosphere surely went downhill, from ‘happy’ to ‘depressing’ in a matter of a few sentences between us. Gaius never cried, nor showed any distress, but one could feel his despair oozing from him. Well, it’s not that I couldn’t understand what he meant; I think I would fare even worse that he was if I was in his situation. However, I guess it’s no use to panic now. What I could do was to think of ways to get out of this predicament.

----------

“Sorry man,” Gaius spoke once he collected himself again. “Didn’t mean to rain on your parade.”

“Tis fine.”

“Though I’m a former god, I’m mortal now. And as such, I can’t do anything about it. Still, no one wants to vanish, not even you.”

“Yes…” was all I could say. Honestly, I had no idea of where to start. I only knew I should gather the god-powers and ascend to become a god. However, the Black God was my ‘ascended’ version, right? Yet, he couldn’t defeat the Seductress by himself…

There is something in the Black God’s past, and my ‘human’ future’ that enabled the Seductress to gain a foothold on him.

“If only I’m still a god, I can help you,” Gaius pointed out.

“But then, if you’re still one, we won’t even be here. I won’t be summoned, and maybe I’m still teaching in my old school right this moment.”

“Yes,” he shrugged. “Probably.”

I chuckled when I remembered my classroom days, “I think that’s the best route to take.”

“You idiot!” the former god threw an empty beer can on my head. It didn’t hurt, but it sure surprised me. “If you’re not here, the Human Saint will be long dead. Your Iron Princess is condemned to a dungeon for being a crazy murderer, and the rich brat is the wife of some arrogant noble, living off her house’s wealth. Also, there’s no queen in Amaranth. The von Albert girl was married off to some noble supporter of the crown to appease the rebellious nobility of that kingdom. And the paladin captain, Duchess of Henristone, is dead in some obscure lands north of Chersea.”

“Eh?” I blurted out. “The Lady Henristone’s got that kind of future?”

“I can still remember those futures we didn’t take,” he pointed to his temple. “It’s the privilege for being a god. You want me to reveal the other paths for your other waifus? Let’s see…uhm, your demon waifu is already a sex slave to some crazy-ass demon lord she refers to as her ‘brother’. Under the Lord Haya’s leadership, the demon clans are united, but for only one purpose: to exact revenge on humanity for their past losses. That’s the 12th Human-Demon War, and the Duchess of Henristone—as well as the current Calabrian chancellor, which is your friend—are commanders on the human side.”

“Oh…”

“You must be wondering about the Beastmen and Elves?”

“What about them?”

“Your teddy bear waifu will die, executed is the right word, because she’s a ‘thorn’ for the human forces under the Duchess of Malvette. The Lady Jean, in turn, will perish in the hands of the bear guy, Banu, whose loyalty to the former saint candidate, Konka, will lead him to destruction as well. The chicken tribe and the falcon girl, Minahaba, will also be annihilated, devoured by the ever-increasing flocks of harpies in their land. That owl-girl who resembles your silver-haired human waifu will be partnered to some tribe member, but their lives won’t be peaceful as the humans will encroach on their territories…pushing them further into the interior and into the mouths of the harpies as well.”

“You didn’t tell me the fate of the Elves.”

“The Lady Hinwe will die as well.”

“Figures.”

“Executed by her own people, after they got enough of her inaction. Her head will be paraded on a stake, and I will destroy them for their unfaithfulness.”

“Damn…those are all dreary futures…”

“The most likely ones, yes,” Gaius admitted. “Remember that, without you and Cassandra, I will still be the god. And the Seductress—Arame—will slowly influence everyone to act on her whims. Hence, the ‘dreadful’ and ‘bloody’ events I mentioned.”

“You knew all of those, yet you didn’t take action?”

“More than take action, I was blinded by my hubris,” he revealed. “After all, Arame poisoned my mind. Those visions are mixed with ‘pleasing’, yet deceitful, results. It’s only when you ‘killed’ me in Cherflammen that I was freed from her control, thus I was able to see through her deception. Do you think if I was in my right mind, I would allow those?”

I shook my head. Even though we fought before, I won’t deny that Gaius loved the worlds entrusted to him, though he had certain biases…

“I failed as a god,” he muttered. The Roman had a poignant look at his face when he said that, and I found that I could say nothing. Nevertheless, he felt he had to explain himself, so he continued, “You know my past, back in our world, Kuro. To my people, we don’t care about the existence of those we look down as our inferiors. What matters to Romans like me is that you are useful to the state, to our ends. Now, combine that with our decadence, and arrogance, that’s where my mistakes lie.”

I just let him speak. The Gaius Julius Caesar I knew from the books was a charismatic orator, with a penchant for ruthlessness and determination to achieve what his mind had set to do. Nowhere in my mind did I expect to see the man before me…a former dictator, and conqueror, now mellow and vulnerable.

“Disappointed?” I heard him speak.

I shook my head. “More than disappointed, I’m quite relieved that you have your own struggles I can relate to. The burden of godhood lightens when you see a fellow ‘human’ bear it before you.”

Gaius threw another beer can to me, though I caught it before it landed at my feet. Then, he gave me another plate full of barbecue.

“Haa…” the former god relaxed. “It feels good to talk to someone who understands you.”

“It does. And I’ll always listen, see?”

“Thanks!”

Another round of silence. We just drank our alcohol and consumed the food, though I doubt it would really translate to reality, once I leave this place. Nevertheless, a few minutes later, it was me who broke the ice. “Well, if there’s anything I wonder about,” I paused for a moment, “why is the Black God unable to defeat the Seductress? Everyone says he’s embittered about his experiences. We’re both the same, right? So, I’m also embittered. And isn’t that the normal reaction to something, or someone, we lost unexpectedly?”

“You already made ‘amends’ over those, right?”

“Yes, and? The Black God hasn’t?”

Gaius shook his head. “He’s another version of you. Sure, you may have been embittered in the past, but now, do you even blame yourself for what you have lost?”

“No…I mean, I could’ve done something, but I can’t save everyone.”

“That’s what separates you from him,” he explained. “The Black God is dictated by his need to satiate his desire for vengeance. In his revenge, he was blinded by rage, thus the Seductress gained a foothold on his soul…that later blackened and tainted his thoughts. After all, a student can’t surpass his teacher.”

“I…I see.”

“Kuro, look. The future is still uncertain,” the former god said, never taking his eyes off me. “That’s why I’m afraid. The Black God, after trying countless of times to kill the Seductress in multiple timelines they faced each other, figured out what’s ultimately wrong, and searched for his ‘forgiving’ self—that is, you. However, while he attempted to do it different in this timeline, there’s no guarantee his plan will be successful. Still, though there are lingering doubts on my part, I’d still throw my support to you. After all, this is not the first time I fought with the odds stacked against me.”

I had to admit, while the mere thought of godhood was intimidating for me, hearing Gaius say those words was reassuring. I mean, the guy’s a brilliant military strategist and tactician, so he knew what, or who, he was throwing his lot with.

I can’t fail him. I can’t fail everyone. I will create a future for all of us, and it will be the best they deserve!

----------

And so, after that ‘relaxing’ break in my mind, I found myself sitting on the chair at my court, welcoming the nobles that visited me. Not even a second passed, and I wished I was back in that chill space inside my thoughts, talking, drinking, and eating with Gaius.

“May we congratulate the great duke of this land, the Lord Kuro of Maverny, on his engagement!”

“Thank you, Lord Alvis! May the heavens bestow blessings upon you and your household for this gift you gave me!”

The count from the neighboring imperial fief then bowed before taking his leave from my court. From where I sat, I could only watch with resignation and heave a sigh, as exhaustion from dealing with these ‘important’ people took over my body.

“Are you okay, Kuro?” Eris, who stood beside me acting as my secretary, asked. I couldn’t help but be impressed; nothing would really escape her eyes. No matter how much I’d try to hide my sentiments, she would still see through my cover.

“Well, talking to those VIPs all day depleted my ‘extrovert’ energies,” I explained, though I also put a smile on my lips so as not to worry her and the other ladies who might learn of my situation.

“I see…” she grinned, however, pinching my cheeks a little. “If that’s the case, would you like me to deal with the rest of the visitors?”

“Eh?” I felt my heart sank when I heard her words; I wished I could just disappear right that moment. “There are more of them outside?”

“We can’t help it, see?” Eris chuckled. “After all, you have done something no other mortal in the entire history of this land—and of the others, too—had achieved. It’s no easy feat to seduce most of the prominent leaders of the four races to become your lovers…or close friends and supporters, but you went even further and got four of the six saints falling head over heels for you!”

“What the heck? I don’t even think of making everyone my friends, even so with them becoming my lovers! Not even once in my waking memories!”

“Yep, we know,” the duchess winked at me. “And, come to think of it, that makes you even more dangerous. Your influence and power have grown without you even trying. Now, imagine if you put more effort unto it? It’s no wonder the nobility of this land is rushing to get your ‘good side’.”

Ah, yes…classic politics coming into play. This was exactly what I was trying to avoid before, hence I always rejected titles, wealth, and power given to me. I was aware that being influential and powerful had a lot of benefits, yes, but with ‘strings’ attached to those? I couldn’t even stay comfortable! It made me remember that famous television series from my world; the show where the eponymous throne was made of swords melted and welded together, for the king who had it made reasoned that anyone who’d gain that seat shouldn’t be so confident and lower their guards…

I agree to that fictional king’s observation. Being at the top is always a magnet of trouble and treachery, after all.

“…”

But then again, it’s not like I could help it. Not only would I’d be seen ‘ungrateful’ by those who wanted to ‘compensate’ me in some way or another, I did promise the Black God—my other self from another timeline—that I’d finish what the deity started. Perhaps this was the reason I was still alive today: I had the mission to destroy the Seductress, and secure my loved ones’ future.

Ugh, and speaking of my ‘loved ones’, I guess I’m really an asshole, hogging all those beautiful ladies to myself.

“Kuro?”

“Hm?”

“Honestly, are you feeling bad? You’ve been shaking your head for some time now,” Eris placed her hand on my forehead to check for any signs of fever. Nevertheless, I assured her I was fine.

“In my world, others will call me a ‘playboy’, and a ‘cheater’,” I told her. “And really, I can’t defend myself from those labels; my relationship with everyone is the very definition of those words.”

“Does it matter, though?” the duchess countered. “For one, this is Chersea, not your world. According to our culture, you’re doing nothing weird, or bad. And second, everyone loves you. I don’t think you should cater to the opinions of those who are far from this place; what’s important is everyone consented to it.”

“Haa…” after making sure we were alone in the throne room, I pulled Eris close to me, and held the duchess to my chest, much to her pleasant surprise. “Some habits die hard, I guess?”

“Personally, I think you deserve all that you have right now, and you should get some more,” she added. “We have lots of heroes in our old histories who received more than they deserve, and got away with it. I guess even the divinities would reward you with more compensation.”

“I already have you, guys…”

“You’re putting too much value on us, whom you saved so many times before.”

“That’s why I did it; I value all of you more than myself.”

“So, accept our love,” Eris replied.

“Thanks for the reassurance, Eris.”

The Duchess of Braunhauer smiled, and pulled herself away from my arms. “Should I send the visitors home?”

“I’ll entertain them later, since they’ve come all the way from various corners of Chersea just to see me…even if they have ulterior motives,” I gave her a head pat. “But first, let me just take a quick rest from all these formalities. It’s getting dull for me, you know?”

“Alright, gotcha!” Eris kissed my cheeks before she went out to entertain our guests.

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***The Dupree Palace, a few meters outside…***

As the guards of the Duke of Maverny were busy securing the guests visiting their beloved noble, they didn’t notice a figure watching the palace windows with a telescope, even as he was standing near the fences of the estate. From where he was, he could see the interiors of the duke’s study room, where he often stayed to relax. He knew because they were surveilling his place for several weeks already, and were reading his movements and habits.

“…”

On his ear was a golden earring, which was connected to a device that covered his ear. As the figure waited for the Duke of Maverny to appear in his private study, a voice came in.

“Alois said that the Lord Kuro has left his court. Take note; he might return to his study soon.”

“Roger,” was the mystery figure’s muffled reply.

“Anything unusual from your spot, Troix?” another voice asked. “Or any movement of the guards?”

“Just a few guards from the Paladin Corps of the Human Saint,” ‘Troix’ answered, checking the paladins’ positions through his telescope. “They’re making sure no trespasser will climb the fences and invade the Dupree Palace. The duke’s got a lot of visitors today, after all.”

“Good. It will be easy once we breach the place,” the person on the other side quipped. “Have you seen the duke?”

‘Troix’ then turned his telescope back on the study windows. “No sign of him, yet,” he replied. “Oh…wait, there he is. I think he’ll be taking a break now. Are we going to crash in later?”

“Not yet, just keep on observing. We’ll wait for the orders of the Hammer to eliminate him,” was the other side’s decision. “After all, we got all the time in our hands. We can hit him whenever we like.”