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Chapter 443
All gods hostile toward Lee Gun were dragged toward Death.
[Ahhhhk!]
Running away was futile. Death had acquired the power of chaos, and it didn’t miss anyone. It ruthlessly kept sucking in anyone who possessed a Divine status.
Kwah-jeek! Kwah-jeek!
That wasn’t all. Cluders that were pretending to be dead and barely clinging to their lives were dragged in too.
Kwahng!
[Shit! Damn snake god!!]
Death didn’t leave anyone behind as it dragged away Lee Gun’s enemies.
To check up on them, Lee Gun even went inside Death. He entered a space akin to the universe. It was a space of darkness and stars.
The Primordial god looked at Lee Gun, as if he was asking whether this was really ok.
[It was a good idea to turn them into tools, but the time within the Cradle differs from the earth’s time.]
Find the original at bit.ly/3iBfjkV.
In other words, it was unknown when they’d be reborn after being dragged into the Cradle. That wasn’t all.
[The inside of the Cradle is like the universe. There are countless dimensions in it, and they are connected to countless timelines.]
In other words, they might reappear in places other than the version of the earth where Lee Gun resided. They might appear on earths in different timelines. They could also appear in the past or the future.
In fact, they might be sent to the distant past or even a timeline where monsters had never appeared.
[Basically, they can cause trouble in places where you can’t monitor them.]
Lee Gun laughed. “That’s why I gave Death the abilities of Space-Time and Time.”
[!]
It didn’t matter which dimension or timeline they were in. If they got out of line, they could be shoved back into the Cradle.
“If push comes to it, Jun can exterminate all of them.”
If they got out of line, they could be destroyed and made again. They could also be imprisoned forever.
‘I won’t let the gods get out of this so easily.’
After entering Death, they were basically going through the process of inheritance. They would lose their memories, and that would stop most of their shenanigans.
At the same time, Lee Gun realized he had forgotten something. He looked at his Constructs.
“Ah. If you guys don’t want to become tools, I want you to tell me beforehand. I’ll release you guys from it.”
Since he had turned all gods into tools, his Constructs would suffer the same fate. However, his Constructs laughed as if it was unnecessary.
[Master, you told us of this plan earlier, and you carried it out only when we all agreed to it.]
[Also, we’ll be able to use our power. It isn’t as if we have to stay in the form of a tool all the time.]
[Since we are Constructs, we continue to follow the mandate of “Work for the humans” and “Do not go against the wishes of our parent.” Nothing will change.]
[We merely gained an ability to transform, so we find it novel.]
[It isn’t just the transformation ability! Look! We have new abilities!]
[We became more handsome!!!!]
[We are taller!!!!]
[In fact, this is more relaxing since we don’t have to monitor our lifespan and Divine power.]
The gods looked excited. However, they did have a different worry.
[We aren’t the problem. We are worried about the tools that went into Death. Humans will interact with them. I wonder if humans will be fine.]
“!”
Will those gods behave now that they would become tools?
Lee Gun’s Constructs were tasked to be watchers, and they would do their best to prevent any problems. However, some gods held a grudge against the humans. They might try to torment or entice the humans away from the eyes of Lee Gun. They might try to revert to their normal selves.
[Also, do you think normal humans who aren’t disciples can handle tools containing the power of the gods?]
This made Lee Gun laugh. “I believe in humans’ strength. If they do discover the tools, I believe they’ll be able to use them well.”
[!]
Lee Gun shook the Rule Book. “I made it so that normal humans will be able to use them.”
[What?!]
[That’s possible?]
“Yes.”
The exact details were a secret, so he didn’t show what he had done. “Now that they have become tools, they can never go against the humans. Still, this doesn’t mean I won’t put in safeguards.”
[What kind of safeguards…]
At Lee Gun’s gesture, the thrones of the thirteen Zodiac temples appeared. Since both the Gemini and Pisces temples had two Zodiacs, they each had two thrones. So a total of fifteen thrones appeared.
‘The thrones originally belonged to the thirteen Zodiacs.’
They had the basic ability to bring in and control Constructs.
‘I’ll use these to make the safeguards.’
When Lee Gun gestured with his hand, the fifteen chairs turned into cores.
[M-master, what do you plan to do with those?]
Instead of answering, Lee Gun summoned some beings. They were the beast gods.
[You called for us, Master!!!]
“Yes. You guys can proceed by picking fifteen volunteers among yourselves.”
[What…?]
[Volunteers… For what purpose….]
The beast gods were taken aback by the sudden order, but Lee Gun merely smirked. Beast gods had always been great at discerning corruption. This was why they were chosen to punish the fallen gods. They would be perfect for this task.
“I want you guys to mingle with those that became tools and pick humans that’ll be useful.”
[What??]
“I want you guys to choose human leaders who will be in charge of tools that entered the Cradle.”
[What?!]
“I’ll grant the power of the throne to the guys you choose.”
[This is….]
“Anyone that became a tool can be considered as a Construct-rank. These Divine items used to turn gods into Zodiacs. Now, they will allow the humans to command the Constructs as if they were Zodiacs. The mere possession of these items will give the humans a power beyond themselves.”
The Constructs were surprised. They had no idea why Lee Gun was going so far as to put in a safeguard like this.
[Master! You don’t have to ask us to do this. You can keep the tools in line!]
[Master, you are the only Great Spirit that exists in this current universe!!]
“!”
Yes, Lee Gun was the one to turn those gods into tools, and of course, he hadn’t become one himself.
While he had separated Life and Death himself as Cradle, they were his Constructs. If he wanted to, he could easily command them.
[That’s right. If you want, you can travel to any timeline that you want… Why would you want human managers…!]
[Can’t you keep the tools in line and protect the humans?]
Lee Gun furrowed his brows as if they were talking nonsense. “Have you lost your minds? Hey. I’m the one who made them. I’m not the one who is going to use them.”
[!]
The gods were weapons and tools now. He was their manufacturer, and there were better-qualified people who could handle those items.
“I’ve done my duty. I made the weapons, and it’s up to the users to use them. You want me to carry out the after service too?”
[Master?!]
Mimir looked at Lee Gun with a bit of worry.
The beast gods didn’t know the implication behind Lee Gun’s words, so they shook as they spoke.
[You want to pick fifteen among us… Are you saying we will pick fifteen human managers too?]
“Yes. Each of you will choose a bold human who will stand up to the gods who became tools. If they turn out like the twelve Zodiac Saints, you can pick someone strong like me and trim the fast. You guys are free to do as you want.”
[W-Wait a moment! A task like this should be given to the highest-rank gods among the beast gods! We will go ask them!]
[They are all headstrong, but powerful. Of course, there will be a big fight since they'll try to gain approval from you, Master, but…]
“Let them do it. If they die during the fight, they can go through the process of inheritance. Tell them to do it in moderation.”
Something seemed to be bugging Mimir. As the God of Wisdom, he couldn’t deny that Lee Gun was coming up with the perfect safeguards. However, he felt as if Lee Gun was preparing for things that would come after his death. Was he mistaken?
[Master, excuse me, but would you…]
He was about to ask something when Lee Gun called for Life and Death. The two Divine statuses were in their human forms, and they seemed to really like Lee Gun. They hugged Lee Gun as if they were koalas.
This was especially true with Jun, who looked at Lee Gun with a twinkle in his eyes. It was as if he was asking Lee Gun if Lee Gun had seen what he had done.
[Did you see, Master? Did you see it? I got rid of all your enemies!]
He spoke as if he wanted a compliment.
Lee Gun patted his head as if Jun had done a good job. “Good! From now on, you will have to manage them in my stead.”
[?]
The smile on the faces of the two Divine statuses faltered a bit.
[Master?]
“Also, you will someday meet a new master. I want you to treat that master well and protect humanity.”
Lee Gun’s Divine statuses of Life and Death were like his alter egos in some ways. This was why he trusted them the most, and he was saying that he would leave everything to them.
For some reason, Jun started crying. He desperately clung to Lee Gun as if he had sensed something as the Divine status of Death
[No. I don’t want a new master! I like you, Master! I don’t need another master!]
“Yes. I’m sending you guys away so suddenly, and I get you might not like this. That is why I’ll give you a choice.”
[!]
“If you don’t like your new master, you don't have to follow him. If you think he’ll be harmful to humanity, you can get rid of him. You will continue to have a choice to pick your master. You guys just have to protect the one you choose.”
Life didn't answer him as she continued to hug Lee Gun, while Death kept crying.
[I will never pick anyone. I will wait for the day when you come back to us, Master. I will continue to wait.]
Lee Gun patted their heads as he turned them around. He was telling them to go back to work. He also sent the other gods away so that they could help restore the destroyed land.
At the moment…
Throb!
Lee Gun, who was alone inside the Cradle, furrowed his brows when he felt the pain in his arms. He immediately turned the Primordial god into his book form.
‘It’s time for me to use the exoneration tickets.’
He would revive his idiot friend and save Hailey.
Hearing this, the Primordial god spoke in a worried voice.
[Are you sure you don’t need to use the exoneration tickets on yourself?]
“Yes. I made this decision from the start.”
[But….]
“It’s fine. I won’t be able to last long either way.”
Lee Gun hadn’t told anyone about this, but his body was a problem.
‘I guess there really is a difference from not being over a hundred years old.’
Gods became stronger as they aged. Since Lee Gun possessed a body that wasn’t even a hundred years old, a Great Spirit’s power was too strong for him.
He had grown way too fast, and his power was excessively strong. This was why his body, which was considered newly born, couldn’t stand it.
He could use the power of Life, but that would be like trying to pour water into a jar with a hole in the bottom.
‘It would have been a different story if some of my data was written into the universe.’
Lee Gun had thought he had caused a lot of trouble, but unexpectedly, the universe considered him a speck. Or maybe it was asleep.
Anyway, Lee Gun’s body was breaking down, and if it continued, he would take his Divine statuses and Constructs with him. They were considered to be joined at the hips.
This was why he had separated Life and Death from himself. He had also separated the Constructs from him by turning them into tools. He didn’t want them to be swept up in his demise.
‘If I’m going to break down, it’s advantageous for me to save everyone I can.’
This was how Lee Gun had always felt, yet Hugo had preemptively dragged away the Cluders to save him. His friend had died before him, leaving Lee Gun with mixed emotions. However, he was thankful for Hugo’s gesture.
Lee Gun quickly moved to use the exoneration tickets on Hugo and Hailey. He put up a barrier so that no one could bother him. He had to do this before Mimir came since Mimir was very quick on the uptake.
But…
“!”
Lee Gun furrowed his brows when he felt a presence. When he unleashed his power, a figure surrounded by blue light, who had been hiding, came into view.
Lee Gun flinched when he saw that face. “Yeonwoo.”
Yeonwoo had her head lowered, and she was making small sounds as she cried.
“You heard it all.”
The gods had been defeated, and Yeonwoo had learned a new skill. She had planned to surprise Lee Gun. But right now, she was unable to raise her head.
Lee Gun let out a bitter laugh as he approached Yeonwoo. He hugged her as he patted her back. “I’m sorry, Yeonwoo. I won’t be able to marry you.”
Yeonwoo buried her face further into his chest as he held her. “You don't have to accept me. Just don’t die. Please…!”
Lee Gun let out a bitter laugh. He finally realized how his father would have felt back then. When his father had died, the baby snake would also have been on his mind like this.
“Mmm. I’ll try my best”
“Gun….”
Lee Gun kissed Yeonwoo on the forehead and grabbed her face.
[Sleep.]
Yeonwoo suddenly went stiff. She was Lee Gun’s Construct, and she couldn’t disobey her master’s order.
As expected, Yeonwoo’s eyelids became heavy. She tried to fight it off and stop Lee Gun, but it was useless.
Flash!
When she fell asleep, Lee Gun opened Pond underneath her feet. After falling into the Pond, Yeonwoo immediately disappeared from the Cradle.
Then, Lee Gun called for his Construct. It was none other than Piggy Bank Pixiu.
[Boo-ohhh!!]
When it saw Lee Gun, the Construct assumed its stomach was going to be cut open again. It started to sweat as it tried to run away.
However, Lee Gun merely apologized for cutting its stomach open all this time. He patted it as he gave it eight crystals.
These crystals were all the power of the Primordial god, except Eliminate, which Ennead’s Great Spirit had taken for himself.
[Boo-oh?]
“I want you to store this in your stomach and give it to Yeonwoo later. I want you to take care of it instead of me.”
[B…Boo-oh???]
Pixiu looked taken aback. It was asking why Lee Gun was letting someone else do such a thing.
“There might be a time when she’ll be in danger, and she might have to use them. I would have liked to have given all nine to her, but I couldn’t acquire the last one as Eliminate has already fused with Death. I’m sure not having it won’t be a big deal. It isn’t as if an artifact will appear if she has the entire set.”
When Lee Gun put his hand into Pixiu’s mouth, the Construct suddenly got an ominous feeling. It shut its mouth and refused to eat the items.
“What the hell! Hurry up and eat it, pig! I know you like to eat!”
[Boooooo-ohhhhh!]
Lee Gun forced Pixiu’s mouth open. He was about to force-feed it when…
Kwahng!!!
“!”
From within the universe-like space that Death had created, a black shadow shot out from the chaos.
[Give me that ability!!!]
“!”
It was none other than Ennead’s Great Spirit! Was it a last-ditch effort? Or was there some reason behind this move?
Despite being unable to use his power after being turned into a tool, Ennead’s Great Spirit went crazy. He tried to take the power of the Primordial god, which Lee Gun had been trying to put into Pixiu’s stomach.
The Great Spirit was almost dead, and half of him had turned into bones. Yet, he grabbed Lee Gun’s foot. This was true spite on display.
‘Is it the grudge left behind in the Divine status?’
This was the power of the Divine status without any rational thoughts left behind!
Lee Gun couldn’t comprehend what was going on, but he let out an ugly laugh. “This is great.”
Ennead’s Great Spirit possessed Eliminate. Since the Divine status of Eliminate had entered the Cradle, Lee Gun had known it would be turned into a tool. This was why he hadn’t been bothered by its absence.
However, it was a different story now that the Great Spirit had appeared in front of his eyes.
“I’ll make it a set of nine!”
Lee Gun liked this development. He shoved the eight crystals into Pixiu’s mouth.
This bastard Great Spirit was a mutant that could escape the rules! So Lee Gun quickly put a headlock on Ennead’s Great Spirit.
Kwah-jeek!!
Lee Gun shouted, “Piggy Bank! I’m going to extract the Divine status! Keep your mouth open!”
[Boo-oh?!!]
Lee Gun finally extracted the Divine status from the body of the Fire Wheel Lord and held it up.
Poo-hahk!!!
“Eat it!”
[B-Boo-ohhhhh!]
Pixiu reflexively ate the crystal of Eliminate.
Ennead’s Great Spirit despaired. He had planned on escaping the Cradle after killing Pixiu.
Lee Gun grabbed his head. “Where do you think you are going? I’ll take you with me to the afterlife.”
[?!]
Lee Gun bared his teeth and laughed. He looked at the Primordial god (Book), which Pixiu held in its mouth. “Hurry up and activate the exoneration tickets! Both of them!”
[Are you sure about this?]
“Yes.”
Lee Gun laughed. He had planned on saving Hugo and Hailey from the start. Since one of them was destined to die, he chose the better option. He was about to jump into the Cradle with Ennead’s Great Spirit.
‘It isn’t too bad to meet my end using the item that I made.’
Of course, he was the parent of Death. He doubted he would turn into a tool despite jumping into Death. Still, he thought living as a tool that he had made wouldn’t be a bad life.
However, he heard Mimir’s voice at that instant.
- Master? Master? What are you doing right now? Please let me enter the Cradle!
It seemed he had been found out. Lee Gun ignored Mimir. He had put up a barrier and made sure no one could come in here.
‘Let’s do this.’
However…
“You shouldn’t do that.”
“!”
Lee Gun heard a familiar voice, and this voice came from Pixiu’s stomach.
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