Chapter 117The World is Approaching Doomsday(1/?)
"Wait, you're—" Ethan hesitated and swallowed hard. "Are you a demon?"
Jack wanted to laugh at Ethan's expression, but he stayed true to his role and replied calmly, "Unlike you, I introduce myself as a god. But if you prefer, you can just call me a guy."
Gwen's eyes narrowed and glimmered with curiosity. It was astonishing to be so close to a demon who called himself a god.
"But isn't there only one God?" Sam interrupted, speaking hesitantly as if afraid of Jack's reaction. However, Jack ignored Sam and smiled. "Remember, the Abrahamic religions aren't the only ones in this world; there are also other pantheons."
The group of friends was taken aback. Ethan asked curiously, "Are you telling me there are other gods?"
Jack nodded. "Yes, but they're all dead. Or rather, they were killed and destroyed."
"What!"
"Don't act so surprised," Jack said calmly. "After all, their destruction was a good thing. Otherwise, humanity wouldn't have advanced this far."
Despite his words, even Jack believed that gods had once existed. The reason was simple: a world with a history spanning billions of years bore striking similarities to an otome game world.
While Jack thought of gods as something out of stories, the existence of other universes strengthened his belief in them. After all, even in otome worlds, gods had died. Similarly, in this world, the influence of gods was gradually fading.
"So then? Where is God?" Gwen asked curiously. Her question intrigued Ethan and Sam as well. Jack, however, gave a short response. "I don't know."
"Even a demon doesn't know where God is?"
"How would I know?" Jack retorted, rolling his eyes. He wasn't an all-powerful being. Forget knowing where God was, he didn't even dare to stand before God.
He wasn't stupid. Facing a supposedly omnipotent being was foolish and impossible—at least until Jack became strong enough for such a feat.
Gwen frowned, dissatisfied with her unanswered question, while Ethan finally decided to ask about the recent events.
He looked down shyly, gathered his courage, and looked at Jack resolutely. "What did that thing do to me?"
Ethan vaguely remembered hurting Gwen. He felt deeply remorseful; he had nearly harmed his friend. The guilt weighed heavily on him.
Jack, sensing Ethan's emotions, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. You didn't know; your mind was manipulated."
Ethan accepted the consolation and sighed. "Gwen, I'm so sorry. I—"
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"Don't worry about it," Gwen waved her hand dismissively. "It's all over now, after all."
Ethan fell silent for a moment before smiling. "Thank you, you're a great friend."
Gwen grimaced at the sentimentality and grumbled, but the smile on her lips betrayed her happiness.
"As he said," Sam added gently, "your mind was clouded. You didn't know what you were doing. So don't beat yourself up over it."
"Now that it's all over, it's time for me to leave," Jack said as he turned to leave, but Gwen's voice stopped him. "Wait!"
"What is it?"
Gwen hesitated for a moment before speaking seriously. "We want to help you destroy demons too."
Jack froze, his face showing genuine surprise. At the same time, Sam was shocked by Gwen's words. "Gwen—"
Gwen silenced Sam with a glance. Her gaze then turned to Jack, firm and determined. "We can help you."
"Help with what?" Jack asked calmly, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "You're powerless, young, and incapable of doing anything."
Jack's words stung, but Gwen had to admit he was right. They had only just learned about these supernatural events.
They had no powers, no skills, and not even money. Instead of helping Jack, they'd likely become a burden.
"But if you give us power, we can help you," Ethan said earnestly. Jack glanced at him, pausing in thought.
Could he bless the three friends? Jack's eyes grew serious at the idea. In the otome game, all he had to do was think about it to grant blessings… But here?
Could it be that easy in this world too? Jack was unsure, but there was no harm in trying. Perhaps, surprisingly, he might be able to bless humans with Mana.
"I'm not sure I can give you the power to use Mana," Jack said thoughtfully. Ethan's face fell instantly, but the group was taken aback by his next words. Jack smiled. "But I can give it a try. If it works, you'll be lucky."
Ethan grew excited at the thought of gaining supernatural power, while Gwen's mind flashed with ideas about profiting from such abilities. Jack sensed Gwen's thoughts and grinned. "No, you're not allowed to use these powers to make money."
Gwen pouted but knew Jack was right. If they suddenly started performing magic, they could be kidnapped for experiments, just like in the movies.
"Alright, Ethan and Gwen are in. What about you, Sam?" Jack turned to Sam and asked calmly. "Do you want power? If not, just say so."
Sam sighed. He didn't understand why his friends wanted to pursue something so dangerous. Why risk fighting demons when they could live comfortably and happily at home?
Sam didn't get it.
"I think—I think I'll refuse," Sam said hesitantly. Jack nodded in acknowledgment, while Gwen and Ethan looked disappointed that Sam wouldn't join them.
"But I don't want to leave my friends alone." Sam spoke firmly. "That's why I'll accept your offer."
As Gwen and Ethan smiled, Jack admired their friendship and smiled as well. "You're a good kid. Let's begin, then."
"Are you ready?"
"We're ready," the group said in unison. Jack then raised his hands. He didn't know what he was doing, but he didn't need to.
"Then I bless you with power." Dark energy flowed from Jack's hands, gradually enveloping the three friends. They flinched and shut their eyes in fear.
"Don't be scared; it won't harm you," Jack said confidently. As the dark Mana swirled around them, a wind picked up.
Amid the rising hum, something changed. The three stopped fearing the darkness and allowed it to seep into their bodies.
Time seemed to slow down drastically. As the Mana surged, the group's attributes around them began to change. Lightning flickered around Sam, while illusions swirled around Ethan.
Jack frowned in confusion, not understanding why the Dark Mana had transformed. The Dark Energy around Ethan and Sam turned into lightning and illusions, while Gwen's Dark Energy was enveloped in a purple glow.
"It worked," Jack said seriously as he injected more Mana. "But in what way?"
As the hum subsided, the attributes surrounding the three finally diminished. Jack smiled and congratulated them. "Well done, it looks like it worked."
"I feel strange, but good?" Gwen clenched her fist and smiled. She raised her hand slightly, letting Dark Energy swirl in her palm. Her eyes sparkled, and she grinned like a child.
"This is an incredible feeling..."
"How did you do it?" Sam asked curiously. Gwen answered, "I just thought about it, and it happened. You should try it too."
"Got it," Sam said with determination, standing firmly. He opened his palm and focused. As expected, lightning began to dance in his hand. "This—"
"Your ability is amazing. Unlike mine," Sam said with a hint of disappointment as he used illusions to make his hand invisible. Jack smiled at him. "Don't underestimate yourself. Illusion is a powerful ability, especially for close combat."
Ethan understood what Jack was implying. If he wielded a weapon or a sword, the illusion would be an effective tool, especially with invisibility as camouflage.
"Gwen and Sam are effective in ranged attacks, but in close combat, if the enemy is strong, they'll need to retreat," Jack said calmly, turning to Ethan. "That's where you come in. While they attack from a distance, you'll be the melee fighter."
"Like in RPG games?" Ethan smiled, finding himself immersed in the idea. Jack felt the analogy was fitting. "Yes, think of it as a game."
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"Then let's go if we're done," Gwen said, dispersing the Dark Energy in her hand. Jack signaled for her to stop. "Not yet. You need code names. It'll make things better. From now on, we'll address each other by code names."
Gwen found the idea of code names pretty cool and agreed. "Alright, Boss, your call."
"First, I'll decide for Sam," Jack said, looking at Sam and pondering. He decided to go with mythological names and chose one that matched Sam's attributes.
When the name came to mind, Jack smiled. "Your code name will be Zeus from now on."
"Why am I getting the name of a playboy like Zeus instead of a god like Thor?" Sam sighed. Jack smirked mischievously. "I think it suits you. The decision is final."
Ethan and Gwen laughed, while Sam, finding no further arguments, remained silent. Jack then turned to Ethan. The perfect name for him quickly came to mind.
"From now on, you'll be called Hermes," Jack said with a smile. "Hermes might not be the God of Illusions, but like you, he's intelligent. This name fits you well."
Ethan, not objecting, nodded calmly. Next came Gwen. She enjoyed the code names and prayed for a good one for herself.
"Better pick something cool, old man."
"Old man?" Jack raised his eyebrows in amusement at the term, then continued to think. Since he was using Greek mythology, he decided to stick with it for Gwen too.
"I've decided. Your code name will be Hecate," Jack announced proudly, pleased with his choice. Gwen liked the name. "Great, from now on, let's all call each other by code names."
"Sure, but you're forgetting something," Ethan said calmly. "Who's going to lead the group?"
The three friends turned to Jack, expecting him to take the lead. Jack, unwilling, declared, "No, Sam will be the leader."
Sam didn't want the position, but Ethan patted his shoulder in encouragement. "Sam, stop complaining and lead us."
"Exactly," Gwen chimed in. "You're the best fit for the role."
"But I'm not smart or anything," Sam said in surprise. Ethan frowned. "You're the most charismatic among us, Sam. Your only flaw is being shy. Honestly, it's surprising you hang out with us at all."
Sam was confused by their words. Gwen smiled. "Sam, most people at school know you. Even if you don't realize it, you're popular. Unlike us."
Hearing this new information, Sam was at a loss for words. "Me? I'm popular at school?"
"What did you think?" Ethan grinned. "People keep their distance because of us. They don't want to get close to us. They call me a nerd and Gwen a dangerous woman."
"A dangerous woman?" Sam looked at Gwen curiously. Gwen rolled her eyes, and Ethan answered on her behalf. "Gwen beats up any guy who tries to approach her. That's why no one dares."
"Because they're all perverted jerks," Gwen said in disgust. "Don't worry, though. You two are exceptions."
"Good to hear," Jack said with a playful smile. "Now that your chat is over, we need to discuss our next steps."
As the three friends quieted down, Jack looked at them and explained his plan.