But at this moment—
How Ajak and the others had explained things no longer mattered.
Because judging from Arishem's words, it seemed there was still room for negotiation!
Thinking about it carefully, that actually made sense.
To the Celestials, whether it was Earth or the countless humans living on it, all of it was utterly insignificant.
Arishem didn't care in the slightest about humanity's life or death.
The only thing he cared about was Tiamut's birth.
As long as Tiamut could successfully be born, it didn't matter whether humanity lived or died.
"If that's your requirement, then Arishem, I believe we've already reached a consensus."
Alex spoke up, first acknowledging that point.
Tiamut must be born—this was the fundamental premise.
"But Tiamut's birth should have other methods, right? It doesn't have to destroy Earth, does it?"
Alex then went straight to the heart of the matter, asking the crucial question.
"Tiamut's birth requires life energy—vast amounts of life energy!"
"As long as sufficient life energy is provided, the birth can proceed."
"Life energy on the scale of an entire civilization at its peak—an entire living planet."
Arishem's voice echoed once more.
The implication couldn't have been clearer.
As long as someone could supply life energy on that scale, Tiamut could be successfully born—and Earth could remain unharmed.
So the real question was—
Could Alex provide life energy of that magnitude?
And was Alex willing to make such a sacrifice for Earth?
Alex fell into brief contemplation.
Very quickly, a solution flashed through his mind.
He raised his head again and sought confirmation from Arishem:
"The life energy you're referring to isn't limited by species, correct? Or let me put it more directly—if I transfer Tiamut to another living planet, would that also work?"
That's right.
Relocating Tiamut.
This was the simplest and most efficient solution Alex could think of.
He had already planned to use the Infinity Stones to transfer all of Krakoa anyway. This plan was similar—just with a different target.
In fact, it would be even simpler.
There was no need to move Tiamut into another universe. Any living planet would do.
After all, Tiamut only needed life energy. As long as there was life, it would suffice.
No picky eating involved.
"Yes."
The good news was that Arishem immediately gave a firm answer.
This lifted Alex's spirits.
Things were going far more smoothly than he had expected.
"However, the life energy must reach a certain threshold. Otherwise, it will affect Tiamut's birth."
Arishem added calmly.
But to Alex, that wasn't a serious issue.
"I can select several candidate planets in advance. When the time comes, you can choose the most suitable one."
Alex proposed his plan.
"No need."
"I already know which planets are suitable."
As Arishem spoke, a three-dimensional cosmic star map appeared before Alex.
With Arishem's words, the map flickered rapidly.
Finally, one planet locked into place.
Its corresponding coordinates were displayed clearly.
Alex glanced at them and etched the coordinates firmly into his memory.
"You possess the six Infinity Stones. For you, accomplishing this will be effortless."
"Homelander, you have just saved your entire planet. Everyone should be grateful to you."
Arishem's voice echoed once more.
Saved my planet?
Alex paused slightly.
Before agreeing to anything, there was still one thing he needed to confirm.
"Before I do this, there's one thing I must ask," Alex said after a moment.
"You altered the plan of creation because of me. What price do I have to pay for that?"
"You do not."
"This is the minimum respect we offer to a being of your strength."
Arishem replied matter-of-factly.
Indeed.
If Earth were nothing more than a nest of ants, the Celestials would never care about their survival.
But if one ant suddenly ascended to godhood—gaining power that surpassed even the Celestials themselves—
Then naturally, the Celestials would no longer casually destroy that ant's home as they once would have.
That was only reasonable.
"In any case, I accept that sentiment."
Even though Arishem said so, Alex wasn't someone who lacked basic sense. He responded accordingly.
Flash!
Arishem said nothing more and directly severed the connection with Alex.
Alex's vision blurred, and he instantly returned to reality.
"Homelander, how did it go? What did Arishem say?"
Sersi immediately looked at Alex anxiously.
The other Eternals also cast hopeful, expectant gazes toward him.
"Earth is safe."
That single sentence filled all the Eternals present with overwhelming joy.
At last—
The matter had been resolved perfectly.
"Homelander, what does Arishem plan to do? Do we Eternals need to assist in any way?"
Sersi asked solemnly.
"No need. I'll be transferring Tiamut to another planet."
Alex answered honestly.
There was no reason to hide it.
Besides, Arishem would probably inform the Eternals soon enough anyway.
Sersi froze.
The smile on her face seemed to be cut off by a blade.
If Tiamut were transferred to another planet, wouldn't that mean another world would be mercilessly destroyed?
That wasn't something Sersi wanted to see.
"Is there really no other way? Homelander… do so many lives truly have to be sacrificed?"
Sersi asked unwillingly, staring at Alex.
Alex: "..."
This woman really was too much of a saint.
What did the fate of other planets have to do with her?!
Having feelings for Earth after living here for so many years was at least understandable.
But now she was worrying about the survival of entirely different planets?
Alex truly didn't feel like saying anything more.
Arishem, what kind of bizarre subordinate did you create?
"If you're really that bored, I hear there are still Deviants left on Earth. That should give you something to do."
After throwing those words at Sersi, Alex stepped onto his hoverboard and whooshed away.
Leaving without taking a single cloud with him.
"Hey—Homelander…"
"Sersi, enough. This is already the best possible outcome."
Thena reached out and stopped Sersi.
Tiamut's birth would inevitably destroy a planet—this was unavoidable, unless the Emergence itself was stopped.
And was that even possible?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For 60 advanced chapters, visit my Patreon:
Patreon - Twilight_scribe1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~