"If there are those who succeed, then there must also be those who fail," Don said. "The 'Calamities' you fought — they are the failed results of those who couldn't ascend."
"The 'Botanical Weapons of the Ancient Labyrinth: Brion, and the Herb for All-illnesses.'"
"The 'Immortality Disease Zobae and Alchemy Plant Metallion of the Wasteland.'"
"The 'Human-Keeping Beast Pap and the Unmanned Rock' in the Steep Mountain Range."
"The Twin-Tailed Snake of the rainforest swamps, the Hellbells, and the Longevity Food Nitro Rice."
All of them were central elements of the "Ascension Ritual" — a chaotic ceremony of disaster and hope.
But that's not all. Within these 'disasters,' Curse of Resentment also infused the powers of many 'demi-gods,' hoping they would evolve into terrifying 'Apostles of God.'*
But these monsters ended up disappointing Curse of Resentment.
After Curse of Resentment and his 'Apostles of God' fell, these failed creations were nailed into their own 'zones,' forced to endlessly repeat their fates.
Only now, in front of the campfire, did everyone truly understand the origin of the disasters humanity had faced for centuries.
They were all remnants left behind by the Curse of Resentment — nothing more than failed experiments.
Ging and Bisky thought even further ahead.
If they were to encounter true 'Apostles of God,' like Don, Germain, the "Wall-Facer," or the "Gatekeeper"… or worse, actual demi-gods…
Could humanity even stand against them?
Right now, Germain had only just ascended to the "Legend" rank.
Even Don, who had been Legend for over three hundred years, had fled in panic after facing a demi-god — and had been tainted by a curse that couldn't be removed.
The two strongest humans in the world had only come this far.
So what could they — these few people — possibly do against demi-gods or Apostles of God?
It was a harsh and hopeless truth.
Maybe the best course for humanity… is to avoid them altogether. Coexist if possible, and stay far away if not.
Perhaps that's why humanity's ancestors migrated from the Dark Continent to the Six Continents in the first place.
In hindsight, that move was absolutely right — it allowed humanity to survive, grow, and flourish on this isolated archipelago.
That great migration preserved the spark of mankind.
But now, with talk of returning to the Dark Continent… both Ging and Bisky couldn't help but feel unsure.
Can they really establish themselves in a place like this?
Germain had already sensed the hesitation of Ging and Bisky, but he didn't comment on it.
He understood, it was only natural.
Without "capital," it's normal to feel uncertain and anxious about the future.
"Shizuku," Germain turned around.
"Ah," Shizuku replied, adjusting her glasses, her expression unchanged.
There was something abnormal here.
"Give me fifty plants of 'Longevity Food Nitro Rice.'"
"Huh? Oh..."
Shizuku reluctantly took fifty plants of 'Longevity Food Nitro Rice' from the 'Blinky' and handed them over to Germain.
Everyone quickly understood Germain's intentions through their 'mental communication.'
They didn't think for long before nodding in agreement.
Although this was an exchange of information, the value of the information provided by Don far outweighed theirs, so they should offer something in return.
Germain placed the fifty plants of 'Longevity Food Nitro Rice' into a box and walked toward Don, stopping halfway between them.
He set the box down: "Don, please accept this."
Don first glanced at the box, then looked up. "Why?"
Germain calmly responded, "Didn't you say before that you came here for 'Nitro Rice'? You've given us such important information, we should return the favor."
Don fell silent for a moment, without any pretense. "Thank you, I'll accept it then."
He indeed needed to extend his life. As someone chosen by the gods, his lifespan was already quite long, but there was still an end.
If he truly wanted 'immortality,' he would have to submit to the 'demigods' and become one of their 'apostles.'
But Don had already rejected 'flesh and blood,' unwilling to become a hideous monster. Naturally, he would not bow to other 'demigods' either.
When Germain returned to the campfire, Don stood up and solemnly took the box.
As soon as his palm touched it, the box transformed into a line of 'text,' imprinted onto the open pages of his book.
Don walked back into the shadows but didn't sit down. Instead, he turned and stared at Germain.
"You don't plan to give up, do you?" he suddenly asked.
Germain was silent.
Meanwhile, both Ging and Bisky looked up.
They already knew what Don was asking Germain, and they could guess Germain's answer.
Bisky found this the most intriguing.
At first, Germain and Ging were the most eager to explore the Dark Continent, while she and the other members took a more cautious approach.
Now, even Ging had concerns about the future, yet Germain remained so determined.
He still wanted to move forward, but not recklessly or without thought.
Don also saw through Germain's thoughts.
"You still plan to continue, even if it means encountering them and becoming something like me—neither human nor ghost, right?"
"Even if not for yourself, at least for your companions behind you... I didn't start out walking this path alone either."
Don briefly fell into recollection, thinking of the companions who had passed away. After centuries, their faces had become blurred in his memory.
He asked with a sense of sadness, "Do you really want to become someone like me, the way I am now?"
Germain shook his head.
"We're different people," Germain replied. "I will never become like you."
Don was momentarily stunned, then let out a dry laugh.
He hadn't expected that after saying so much, not only had he failed to discourage Germain, but it seemed like it had instead ignited his fighting spirit.
Such a strange young man.
"Then let me say a bit more... I wasn't planning to mention this part, as I thought it might be hard for you to accept."
Everyone was once again drawn in by Don's serious tone.
"Above the 'Apostles of God' is the 'Demigod', and above the 'Demigod' is the 'Blood Moon'... And above the 'Blood Moon'?"
Germain furrowed his brows.
Don smiled and continued.
"Have you ever thought about where our 'Nen ability' comes from?"
An eerie silence followed.
Don looked up, gazing at the crescent moon and the starry sky.
"Our planet is just one of countless stars in the vast universe, so small it could barely be considered a speck of sand."
"And the true 'God' exists deep in the cosmos. He is incredibly powerful. A single planet is nothing more than a meal for Him, and all 'Nen abilities' come from Him."
"Under its influence, our planet is merely a fruit that is gradually ripening."
"'Blood Moon' is its loyal servant, guarding this fruit for it, sealing the sky, sealing speed, making it so that nothing on the planet can escape its shackles."
"The planet's maturity, the day when it will be consumed by the 'Gods' of the universe, is probably only five hundred years away."
"At that time, only 'Blood Moon' and the 'Demi-Gods' will be able to retain their will, living forever with their souls."
"Why did 'Curse of Resentment' and 'Flesh' start the 'God War'? Because they wanted to keep their position as 'Demi-Gods', which required more territory and life."
"When it comes to facing the 'Gods' devouring everything, even the 'Demigods' are terrified. They are willing to do anything to survive, which shows just how terrifying the 'Outer Gods' are."
"Germain, even if you do your best, it's not as simple as trying to shake a tree with an ant. What you're shaking is an inescapable fate of being devoured."
*******
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