Fuck, fuck, fuck, that hurt like hell!
Lynch sat on the floor, grimacing as he rubbed his rear. He felt as if his pelvis had shattered. All he had done was slip and land on his butt, yet it felt like he had fallen from ten thousand meters in the air. The shockwave traveled straight from his tailbone up to his cervical spine, leaving his brain buzzing.
Ow, ow, ow, that hurts so much... Hm? What's going on?
His eyes suddenly met countless strange looks, and Lynch realized he was sitting in a hallway bathed in starlight. Behind him were Archbishop Trinlais and President Olei, and standing shadowy in the darkness were numerous figures clad in black robes.
He seemed to have just tossed the medicine box to Trinlais and was following the guidance of the starlight into the depths of the cathedral, only to perform a spectacular tail-first faceplant right in front of all the priests, landing hard on his rear.
Everything that had just happened had taken place within a single step, in the blink of an eye. He had merely taken a quick nap on his feet, and it had all been a dream. Now he was finally jolted awake by a hard fall, the dream shattered, leaving behind only a rear end on the verge of breaking and an unlucky bastard picking himself up under a barrage of amused stares.
What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a klutz trip on flat ground? Uncultured swine.
And you—don't think I actually took what just happened as a dream. You clearly kicked me out, you old woman, you hag, you witch, you ancient old biddy hundreds of thousands of years old! Just because I poked fun at you a little behind your back, you deliberately made me lose face in public! With a petty, vengeful streak like that, you must have tons of forehead wrinkles.
Hss, this feud is irreconcilable! If I can swallow this, I can swallow anything! I will never forgive you!
Pushed past his limit, Lynch decided to endure it a bit more, because...
【Night's Whisper: A blessing from the Goddess of the Black Night. The recipient's gaze can see through darkness, perception abilities are enhanced in the dark, and sleep quality is significantly improved—requiring only four hours of sleep to fully restore energy. Additionally, physical healing capabilities are markedly enhanced after nightfall, accelerating injury recovery. Can be stacked with other effects.】
Mom, you're way too generous! How could I possibly accept this...
A fresh, vivid mark was imprinted on his soul, radiating waves of warmth. Lynch raised his head and looked around. The darkness was still the same darkness, yet he could now see everything clearly.
Setting everything else aside, such an effective night vision alone was a strategic-tier gain. It was a zero-cost, all-around massive boost to his environmental adaptability. As long as the power gap wasn't too massive, it was enough to make him invincible in the dark.
Even more importantly, from now on, he wouldn't need to burn gas for lighting at home, carry a kerosene lantern when going out, or use a Torch of Light underground. Think of how much money he'd save... Ahem. Even more crucial were those additional abilities. It meant he effectively gained several extra hours every day compared to others. Whatever he used that time for, it would be a massive advantage.
If I were to decline this, I'd be letting down your kindness, so I'll gladly accept it! Hahaha...
【Lynch, are you alright? I felt something unusual just now. Did she do something to you?】
Yeah.
Hearing the familiar voice in his head, Lynch's tone became extremely cool, bordering on cold.
【...】
She told me the truth about the God-chosen. That's all.
【...】
I finally understand, respected Lady Red Moon. I was nothing more than a vessel, a tool.
【...】
My body, my soul, even the traces of my existence—all sacrificed for the revival of a deity. Completely recycled down to the last scrap. Truly green and eco-friendly. What a useful tool I turned out to be.
Though tone of voice couldn't be expressed directly in consciousness, every thought bled with sarcasm and self-deprecation.
【Lynch, you...】
Shouldn't I feel proud? Just like those other God-chosen, being able to offer my everything to a god ought to be my honor. What right do I have to be dissatisfied?
【You've misunderstood, Lynch, I...】
You don't need to explain, respected Lady Luna. Lady Nyx has already told me everything, including your purpose and my ultimate fate. I have nothing to say about it. I'm very tired right now, and I just want to...
【I just want to ask you a question, Lynch. Surely that's fine?】
Fine. What question?
【Have you forgotten something?】 The gentle voice sighed softly. 【Have you forgotten that I can peek at your memories?】
?
【Also, you probably didn't know this, but as for how our communication works, I can't actually read your thoughts unless they are extremely intense and related to me. For instance, when you want me to hear them, or... when you're mulling over something concerning me.】
???
【That's actually why she caught you calling her 'old aunt' in your head. Mm.】
Eh? How intense does it have to be to get caught?
【Hmm... Probably intense enough like 'Hehehe, serve you right for keeping secrets from me, I'm going to give you a fright too' or 'I'm probably the first brave soul to tease a god, haha.' For me, the effect is roughly equivalent to someone loudly conspiring right in your ear and putting it on loop.】
Wait, wait a second, there must be a misunderstanding here. Lynch's face turned green, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Wait for me to make up—no, wait for me to explain! Ah, I've got it! This is just a side effect of transmigrating! What you saw were actually leftover thoughts from movies and shows in my memory, not my real thoughts!
【Is that so? That's fine, useful tool. You won't have to worry about leftovers much longer. Soon, there won't be any leftovers at all, rest assured.】
Calm down, neighbor, you're my dearest neighbor! Calm down, I was wrong, I was wrong, spare me! In his mind, Lynch was already picturing himself clinging to her thigh and weeping bitterly. I am fiercely loyal to the red moon! I've performed great deeds for the red moon...
【Hmph.】 Though her voice was so gentle, Lynch could actually hear the grit of teeth in her tone.
Cough, cough, don't be mad, I was just making a little joke to lighten the mood. Dropping his playful attitude, Lynch grew serious as he thought, I don't want to drag this out, but I just want to confirm one thing. Is what the old aunt said true? Do you really have a way to achieve a win-win outcome?
【That is merely a concept, and I cannot guarantee its success. But if it does succeed, neither of us will perish, and perhaps we can even completely resolve the threat of the Dreamlands and the great catastrophe.】
And if it fails?
【Heh, you need not worry.】
I see. Well, if it ultimately fails, could you reserve a spot for me beneath that crimson moonlight in the Dreamlands?
【Hm? You...】
I have no interest in inheriting such a bizarre divine domain as the red moon all on my own, nor do I feel like facing the threat of a great catastrophe every so often. So it's a deal, alright? Consider one premium seat reserved for me.
【Mhm.】
A faint sigh echoed in his consciousness. Hearing that gentle response, the corner of Lynch's mouth curled up slightly into a knowing smile.
“Child, did you bump your head when you fell just now? Why are you smiling so...”
The familiar voice pulled Lynch out of his daze. He snapped back to reality to see the two old men looking at him with deep concern, as if caring for a fool.
Rate on N.U.
