Chapter 2362

2362 – Crossroads

“Heh~” Sevar flashed a mocking smile as he stared directly at Qarun’s face.

Even after all their conversation, Qarun still insisted that he had used those dirty methods to obtain his master laws for the sake of the All-Knowing God, even though he knew full well that the All-Knowing God would reject such tactics.

But this came as no shock to Sevar. He had spoken with him more than once, dug into his background until he knew everything about his childhood… and understood him.

Anyone who looked at the honorable history of the child Qarun would have tears in their eyes and see him as a true hero. But those who observed his methods throughout his life and his personality, then used that personality to examine his actions as a child, would uncover many hidden truths.

Helping the weak humans? Qarun kept them scattered in separate groups within the city, even though a child with his intelligence and cunning could have gathered them together and smuggled them out.

Giving them food? Examining Qarun’s many operations revealed that he collected far more food and resources than he distributed, meaning he could likely have fed them much better—far more than just one feast a month.

Asking for food itself? That made them grateful to him and look at him like a god, ready to fight for him if needed, but it also made them become dependent on him and stop thinking for themselves, just lying around waiting for food… In truth, after Qarun left to complete his mission, he didn't ask about them even once, and they began to move for their own interests and earned a better standing. True, they became servants and workers, but it's still far better than dying of hunger in an alley.

Is it hard to imagine that a five-year-old child could plan something like this?

Perhaps.

But his later actions aren't too far from the same approach…

The Stellar Academies contribute to killing The Plague to a degree that allows intelligent beings to exist only in the Sector, but he doesn't try to eliminate them entirely. Meanwhile, he hoards money and weapons and gains influence… The condition of everyone who takes charge of them gradually worsens while he becomes stronger and richer.

Previously, Sevar slipped away from the All-seeing God's mission when the Weaver explained everything to him, and he ceased his war against the Behemoths. He then completed his mission—the mission to topple a specific Centennial Empire—by sending orders to that empire's emperor to use a planetary displacement tool to move his capital to a particular Star Field, whose coordinates lay at the bottom of the Sector. Thus, the Empire was *toppled*.

Technically, he carried out the mission, but in a way that infuriated the All-Knowing God and struck a nerve.

Qarun contacted him during that period. In truth, he was trying to steer him away from his path. He knew that Sevar was a Candidate and knew this would greatly anger the All-Knowing God, so he tried to appear as a kind and faithful advisor.

But Sevar confronted him with a few truths and told him to leave him alone, angry that Qarun had never helped him with anything, only to return and act like a wise Big Brother.

Strangely, Qarun later came back to cooperate with him—with the Syndicate—and offered several ways for them to make a lot of money together, like brothers!

Since then, Sevar has taken a step back. He agreed to Qarun's suggestions because they were indeed good, but he made no effort to get closer to him.

"...What exactly are you laughing at?" Qarun furrowed his sharp brows. "Has defending the universe become a joke in your eyes? At least I'm trying."

"Tsk, tsk~ As always, big brother." Sevar shook his head. "Sharp-minded when it comes to what you want, but you'll never admit your reasons. You always do what you do for someone else, for the common good, huh? Because if you stopped for a moment and saw how ugly your true actions are, you wouldn't act as if you have higher moral ground than me. You'd realize you're limiting the universe's progress just as much as I am, or worse."

"I didn't contact you to exchange insults, but to coordinate." Qarun frowned. "I intend to take action and formally object to the All-Knowing God supporting his candidate in this manner. Do you intend to participate?"

"Hmm, of course I'll participate, whether you like it or not. That boy's mission is to destroy me anyway." Sevar smiled, then shook his head. "But I'll do it my own way."

"You're only making things harder for both of us." Qarun's brow twitched. "If you use Causality and I use my own abilities to map out a vision of events, there will definitely be a conflict."

"Anything would be better than cooperating with you." Sevar replied calmly, "What do you want this time? For me to be the front for all your dirty work while you give me advice and guidance from behind? Keep it to yourself. Go ahead, take the vanguard and do as you please."

"..." Qarun raised his head slightly, "Remember these words."

*Whoosh* The Golden Gate closed.

"Finally..." Marlik stepped forward from the darkness, hugging his swords, an expression of annoyance filling his face, "I thought it would never end."

Then he nodded toward Sevar, "Thank you, my lord, for not agreeing to cooperate with him. That dandy boy wouldn't have done anything anyway. We're the ones who will move, and we're the ones who will set things right in B-14. He would have just stood and watched."

In response to those words, Sevar remained silent for a moment before opening his mouth again: "...No, we won't set anything right for now."

"What do you mean, my lord?" Marlik showed a shocked smile, "He's openly attacking the forces of the Patrons. He directly threatened you. How can we stay silent about this!!"

The humiliating short battle scenes he had with Robin Burton began playing before his eyes once more.

“…Something is off.” Sevar spoke calmly, “Robin’s growth rate is astonishing. I’ve watched the thread between us transform from a barely visible, laughable shape into a chain that could drag planets. And now, after my attempt… the thread has vanished entirely.” Then he stared intently at the ground, “Set the Unbound aside. Robin himself is abnormal.”

Then he looked at Marlik, “Didn’t you say he used Spacetime and Balance in your fight? That’s alongside Truth. That alone puts him on par with that elegant one… Robin hasn’t even lived a thousand years!”

Then he narrowed his eyes slightly, “And who knows… what else he’s hiding?”

“…Your orders?” Marlik felt like screaming from the pent-up frustration and anger.

“Support, monitor, and analyze,” Sevar replied calmly, “…until I weave a suitable plan.”