Heavenly Procrastinator Chapter 65

Beneath the waterfalls, a truly tyrannical figure was having a nice shower. The trampling pressure of its rush was no more than light, pleasant rain. Its nine heads were coloured by golden-crimson scales with shades of azure. The majesty of the creature was magnified by beautiful feathers of various beautiful colours. Its ten wings stretched out far and wide, each accompanying a unique divine aura that could shiver the timbers of any God Emperor.

It was the sight of a God.

Qianye Ying'er floated close by, near the water of the lake.

Rokas swayed his wings lightly, forming ten waves that were much like hurricanes and unintentionally shattering through space. He dispelled them before they spread far. Then, he crashed into the lake.

Splaaaaaaaaash!

Qianye Ying’er dodged the tsunami that came from his crash, watching him settle down in the lake.

“Nothing like letting off some steam in something resembling my true form…” Rokas remarked, his voice sounding deep as hell as it echoed nine times over.

“Something resembling?”

“My true form… it’s simply too impractical.” Rokas lazily spread over the lake. “If I were to use it now, there would be no Southern Sea God Realm.”

“That… large?”

“A blessing and a curse.” Rokas nodded. “Anyways… you should learn to loosen up from time to time. I haven’t seen much resembling a smile from you in a while.”

“... And what is there to smile about?”

Splash.

Rokas waved his tail, and this time, Qianye Ying’er wasn’t fast enough to dodge. The result was her robes being wet as she crossed her arms.

“...”

“You’re too dependent on so few things,” Rokas remarked, slowly transforming into a more human form. “Life is a gift in itself, and you should learn to cherish it. Even the smallest of things… that is how one achieves true happiness.”

He floated at the same height, towering over her with his draconic physique. His long wild hair shined with a celestial white hue. His eyes were the same as usual, a hybrid of Mo E’s gold and Ni Xuan’s crimson red… a burning flame of divinity. Naturally, as he had just transformed, there was nothing covering his most natural body.

A culmination of many powerful divine bloodlines, this ‘true’ human appearance of Rokas was handsome beyond measure.

He reached out for her mask, removing it.

Qianye Ying’er glanced away from him slightly.

“What’s wrong? You seem strangely flustered, Ying’er.” Rokas grabbed her chin and smoothly tilted her sight back to him. “You’re acting like you’ve never seen me naked before.”

“... You don’t mean to…”

Her golden eye shined slightly.

“You’re right.”

Rokas chuckled, his hair gradually growing shorter and turning brown. His appearance changed back to what he usually rocked. He also got some casual clothes by tapping his chest with a Clothes Beam.

“...” Qianye Ying’er crossed her arms, turning away. “You should not tease me like that unless you truly intend to do something.”

“I think I’m well within my authority to tease you as much as I want.” Rokas sat down at the edge of the lake, facing the waterfall. “Come sit with me, Ying’er.”

“... Very well.” Qianye Ying’er replaced her mask and turned right back around, sitting down beside him rather closely. “So… what do you have in mind for my next task? Surely you don’t intend to leave me lying around doing nothing?”

“What use is that mask in front of me?” Rokas ignored her question, countering with his own. “Are you ashamed of your appearance? Do you think that my opinion of you will lessen the more I see it? Take it off.”

“...” Qianye Ying’er slowly lowered her mask, revealing her scars. “Do you not feel a sense of disgust seeing a face so ugly?”

“What is the use of hiding a truth that is already known?”

Rokas questioned, turning to her.

“... I suppose there is no use.”

He raised his hand and graced the side of her face… his palm softly crossing along her scars. A white light followed his finger, soothing one of her many wounds and erasing it completely.

“You’ve done a lot of good recently, in your own way.” Rokas smiled slightly, turning away. “As for your next task, it is more of a permanent position. I couldn’t imagine you trying to teach the profound way to a class of individuals much less talented than you… without dying of boredom or misleading them.”

“I could most certainly try.” Qianye Ying’er countered, shaking her head. “If that is your wish-”

“No, I have a far more suitable position in mind. As you have perfect invisibility and prefer to stay in the dark, this role is almost too perfect. I want you to be my Master of Shadows, meaning it will be your duty to execute my laws where the usual Space Marine cannot reach. Essentially… you will be the one getting rid of the hidden bad apples.”

‘The larger the city grows, the more of them can slip through. This is inevitable…’

“... I see.” Qianye Ying’er nodded. “That would be far more fitting of my skill set.”

“To achieve your goals, I bestow upon you a special bloodline that will aid you.” Rokas stretched out his palm and formed several drops of his blood, refining them to feature just one of his many bloodlines. The Yun Family specifically. He tapped her forehead and passed it on.

“This will awaken the Profound Handle soon enough, which is the same interrogation ability I used on Qianye Fantian. Not only can it be used for that… but it can also search one’s memories directly.”

“The ideal tool for finding secrets.” Qianye Ying’er remarked, closing her eye as she refined the blood to suit her body.

Meanwhile, Rokas used the System to make him a cheburek and started munching. Once the process was done, she presented her purple Profound Handle.

“I’d expect no less from the Brahma Monarch Goddess.” Rokas remarked, nodding before moving his half-eaten cheburek closer. “You want a bite?”

“What dish is that?”

“Le cheburek.” Rokas replied, smiling slightly. “It’s my personal favourite and has been for as long as I can remember. It comes with the warm taste of… home. Try it.”

Qianye Ying’er opened her mouth and had a little bite, retreating shortly after.

Rokas glanced at her.

“You don’t like it?” He pouted slightly in a jestful manner, turning away. “It seems that we can’t be together, after all.”

“... No, it’s really good.” Qianye Ying’er replied, shaking her head. “It has been so long since I’ve tasted any food.”

“The simple things in life. Countless experts hold their head high and forget what it means to be human… which, in the end, leaves them with few things to find joy in.” Rokas stated, looking upon the sight before him. “If you take a moment and look at the world around you, it truly is beautiful.”

He offered another bite. This time, Qianye Ying’er was not nearly so hesitant and took a proper bite.

“Yet… it can seem so ugly from the people that inhabit it,” Rokas remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It is a fact that when you give certain people a hand, they will want your entire arm and perhaps even more than that. Not that I am against being generous… but kindness can be mistaken for weakness. It would be naive to believe that every person in my city means well.”

“So… that is why you’ve given me this role.”

“Indeed, it would be best to deal with such people before they start causing trouble and spreading their poison. One hateful act will lead to another… that is the way people are.” Rokas nodded. “Though, if you find any of them, don’t act immediately. Inform me first.”

“You don’t trust me to act autonomously?”

“Hm… I want you to know my way of thinking better. This way, we’ll be able to compare.” Rokas smiled, shrugging his shoulders. “Anyway… you reminded me of something.”

Rokas gave her the remains of the cheburek and cleaned his hands in an instant.

“The first time Jasmine and I met.” Rokas chuckled, taking out his silver cross and fitting it back on his neck. “See, I didn’t have the handy ability to create clothes back then… nor did I have any confidence in myself. I had to rely on my bestial instincts more often than not.”

“Hm?” Qianye Ying’er’s eye widened slightly as she listened rather keenly.

“That day, I stumbled upon the initial person that was bestowed the Heretic God’s Indestructible Blood by Jasmine. The first successor of the Heretic God. He held the Sky Poison Pearl and she had just expended her strength in order to slay a relatively powerful dragon the idiot had triggered. Because of the Absolute God Slaying Poison that she had… this simple act had made her very weak.”

Upon hearing of the Absolute God Slaying Poison, Qianye Ying’er lowered her head slightly.

“Anyway, while he was transferring his blood and trying to do what he could, I asked for a change of clothes… as I did not have any to spare. We were of a similar size, so it was quite a reasonable request.”

“However, in the end, I decided to seize the moment… and ate him alive.” Rokas smiled slightly, recalling those days. “Let’s just say that I did get more than a set of fresh clothes… and no, he did not have any spare clothes, the bastard.”

“So… you were naked with the Heavenly Slaughter Star God for all that time?” Qianye Ying’er questioned.

“Mhm.”

“I could imagine the scarlet princess’ deep embarrassment.” Qianye Ying’er chuckled slightly as she had a bite of the cheburek. “She wasn’t all that mature then, was she?”

“No, not at all. The funny thing is, I was just as embarrassed as she was.” Rokas shook his head, smiling slightly. “She berated me pretty harshly. Alas, things only trended upward from there. Not only did I find some clothes, I eventually found my confidence as well. It has come to the point that I may as well be considered shameless.”

“I see…” Qianye Ying’er chuckled. “Yes, you are.”

“Am I?” Rokas grinned slightly. “Well, I got some laughs out of you today. I’ll see you around.”

Rokas left behind a can of Coke as he vanished instantly.

Qianye Ying’er finished off the cheburek slowly, delighting in its taste more than she thought she would. After that, she had the drink he left behind. Its black colour made it seem like poison… yet she had seen Rokas drink it plenty of times.

She tried it and also found it flavourful.

'The simpler things…'

[Qianye Ying’er (Magician I): 5 → 6]

~

With applications flying in like no tomorrow, it was clear that a great majority found the Academy appealing, whether it was for their personal growth or the benefits that graduation would bring. Rokas got to work on its construction alongside Li Suo, building a place of learning that would accommodate all of the needs of its future students. It had every facility one could imagine and while it looked smaller than the main castle on the outside, its interior was incomprehensibly large. From arenas to classrooms to secret worlds for exploration to meditation rooms to simulations to even basketball courts…

[System: The origin of the new ABA, Atlantian Basketball Association.]

'For now, it will just serve as a recreational activity that students can use to loosen up. Of course, it could be more than that in the future…'

Of course, now that he had the Academy built and plenty of students waiting to learn… he needed capable teachers to teach and a Master of Learning to oversee this process for him. Excluding his ladies, no one quite fit the bill in the city.

That meant he had to look elsewhere.

~

In the Jade Heart Sword Pavillion, there were only ever two residents. The esteemed Sword Sovereign, Jun Wuming, and his sole disciple Jun Xilei. The former was teaching his disciple a new sword technique when Rokas made himself visible.

“Greetings, Sword Sovereign.” Rokas nodded, smiling slightly. “Even though we’ve never met face to face-”

“You… you are that unrighteous brat who stole from the Eternal Heaven Realm.” Jun Wuming remarked, frowning instantly. “What business do you have here, thief?”

“I would speak with a kinder tone…” Rokas observed the elder, who seemed to be at the end of his life. Then he glanced at Jun Xilei, whose peerless beauty could not be understated, yet he had little interest. “You must be quite upset that the opportunity to cultivate for three thousand years in the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm was stripped away from you… Sword Sovereign, as her master, you would feel the same. This feeling is understandable.”

“What are you trying to say?” Jun Xilei crossed his arms. “We do not need aid from a selfish devil like you.”

“... Truly?” Rokas questioned, tilting his head. “At what point is it enough to convince you otherwise, Sword Princess?”

He spread open his arms, a myriad of heavenly cultivation resources appearing before their eyes.

“An entire container of Divine Water of Absolute Beginning…”

“Untamed World Pellets…? And so many…”

“These divine resources… they are thriving with primordial energy… some of these could only have been found during the Primordial Era… others I’ve never even heard of… how?” Jun Wuming’s eyes were shaking with shock. All of the divine resources had taken away the breath from his body.

Jun Xilei began to secretly regret her choice of words. All of these resources were beyond priceless… many of which she wouldn’t even dream of seeing. And here they were, only an arm’s reach away.

As he saw their reactions, Rokas grinned slightly.

‘It never fails…’

“You are nearing the end of your life, Sword Sovereign.” Rokas stated, stepping forward. “Yet, this doesn’t have to be the end. You could live so much longer… break past your limits, continue to spread your teachings to the wider world and live to fulfil an even greater purpose.”

“... I do not understand. What is it that someone like you would wish from me?”

“Well, I’ve opened up a little Academy, and I’m looking for teachers. Someone as esteemed as the Sword Sovereign of the Eastern Divine Region would be the most suited to educate the youth in the Way of the Sword… or am I wrong?” Rokas questioned, stroking his chin.

“You want me… to teach in your Academy?” Jun Wuming raised an eyebrow. “Me, the Sword Sovereign?”

“Yes…” Rokas raised an eyebrow. “Do you consider it beneath you?”

The Sword Sovereign… a teacher in some ‘little Academy’, how could he not be overqualified? He, who is among the fifteen strongest experts in all of the Eastern Divine Region and possesses the highest seniority in the region…

“...” As Jun Wuming thought about it some more, he came to swallow his pride and bowed down. “No… not at all. It would be my greatest honour to teach in your academy!”

Jun Xilei glanced at her master, following suit reluctantly.

Rokas chuckled.

“It’s good that we’ve come to an agreement.”

He waved his hand and all that he had shown flew over to Jun Wuming’s side.

“Do not say that I am not a generous master.” He grinned slightly, opening a space portal to the Southern Sea God Realm. “Take all you need and join me. Also… your disciple is free to attend my Academy. Such a talent would be most welcome in my halls.”

‘Take all you need’... yeah, right. Jun Wuming shamelessly wrapped his arms around everything like a spoiled child and took it for himself.

“This Long Ke… he certainly knows how to tempt an old man.” Jun Wuming sighed, shaking his head. “Alas, these are gifts that cannot be denied. With some of these resources alone, my life could be extended by a couple of thousand years, if not more. They would benefit your future greatly as well.”

“Master… that means that I will have to go as well.” Jun Xilei remarked.

“Naturally.” Jun Wuming nodded. “If he can so casually toss such precious resources away, imagine what he is willing to give once he is impressed? Yes, the inheritor of the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor cannot be considered an ordinary person. I dare say that this is the beginning of a new era… one where True Gods may emerge again.”

“This disciple understands.”

‘From calling me an unrighteous brat, thief and devil to this… and I didn't even have to use force in the slightest. The shamelessness of old men is truly unprecedented. Then again, who would not act shamelessly when what they desire is right before them and more?

[System: You’re really raining money down on them.]

‘Creating those resources was like taking a drop of water from the boundless ocean.’

…

“Jasmine, would you happen to know any experts who stand at the peak of what they specialise in?”

Rokas sat at the edge of the table of his study room, observing as Jasmine answered his call and left his inner world.

“On the level of the Sword Sovereign? Such individuals are immensely rare and may only appear once in a hundred thousand years.”

“Even a level below would do.”

Jasmine stroked her chin. “I do know of a spear master in the Western Divine Region who is said to be unrivalled in the Spear Path. He happens to call himself a Sovereign, too. The Dragon Spear Sovereign.”

“Oh, a Spear Sovereign?” Rokas raised an eyebrow as he grinned slightly. “Is there a Bow Sovereign too?”

‘People sure do love calling themselves a Sovereign…’

[System: Said by the esteemed SovereignOfHeaven.]

“I believe so.” Jasmine nodded, smiling slightly. “Are you intent on collecting all the Sovereigns and making them teach in your Academy?”

[System: One Sovereign to Rule them All.]

‘Heh…’ Rokas chuckled. “No, it’s my intention to find the finest teachers in the universe for my Academy. They just so happen to be largely uncreative and seemingly call themselves Sovereigns. Surely by living so long, you’d be able to come up with a more unique name?”

“They tend to prefer simplicity. What more needs to be said when you are unrivalled in your field?”

“Fair enough…” Rokas nodded. “Anyway, do you know more of these Sovereigns?”

“I can compile a list of such experts and their suspected whereabouts…”

“That would be ideal, Jasmine.” Rokas’ lips curled into a smile as he properly stood up. “This Southern Sea God Realm of mine will have the most stacked roster in the Universe.”

“Hmph… reducing such experts to no more than teachers.” Jasmine chuckled. “I suppose this is what it means to have supreme power.”

“I’m not forcing their hand, am I?” Rokas made his expression look innocent as he widened his eyes. “In Jun Wuming’s case, he was beyond happy to help me out.”

After compiling the list, Rokas inspected it and took note of all the remarkable figures.

“Yes, this is good.” Rokas gave a thumbs-up of approval. “Brilliant.”

“I want to know where that Brahma Monarch Goddess is hiding.” Jasmine questioned, crossing her arms. “The golden bitch has been hiding away from me too long. She owes me an audience.”

“I spoke with her earlier,” Rokas replied, shrugging his shoulders. “She should be around the city, taking a closer look at my residents and fulfilling her new duties.”

“Oh… so you spent some private time with her,” Jasmine remarked, turning away with a slightly sour look of jealousy. “No wonder why you locked the Inner World for that period of time.”

“You have quite a vivid imagination, Jasmine. Would you have liked to join us?”

“Hmph, of course not.” She crossed her arms.

“Regardless, we merely had a chat. I did give her some meat towards the end… I suppose.” Rokas chuckled. “A cheburek. Would you like one too?”

“Hmph…”

“Here-”

Jasmine took a massive bite and turned away from him, munching rather angrily. “Why do you even pay her any attention?”

“She needs a guiding hand to nudge her in the right direction,” Rokas replied, gently grabbing her shoulder and moving her closer to him. Her face grew more red over time as they exchanged gazes. “Or is it that… you want me to pay more attention to you?”

“... Hmph! Now you wish to taint your master!” Jasmine pouted, slapping his hand away. “I-”

Rokas enveloped her in his warm embrace, patting her head.

“It’s alright, I’m always here for you… just as you are for me.” Rokas spoke in a soft and soothing voice, leading to Jasmine turning red as a tomato. “It goes without saying that I love you like a precious little sister. If Qianye Ying’er is who you want, I will naturally oblige and bring her to you.”

“A precious little sister…” Jasmine muttered, frowning slightly.

“Of course, is there anything wrong with that? Do you think that I would make such daring advances on my dear and noble master?” Rokas let go, raising an innocent eyebrow. “I would not even dream of such a thing.”

[System: Your acting has improved greatly.]

“What if I want you to…” Jasmine muttered in a low, low voice.

“Pardon?” Rokas questioned, although he had perfectly heard her.

“Nothing!” Jasmine turned away, shaking her head. “I said nothing!”

“Uh-huh.” Rokas chuckled. “Alright, then. I’ll just ignore that and hand over Qianye Ying’er to you when she’s done with her duties.”

“... Besides her, why don’t you give me something to do?” Jasmine questioned.

“You never really asked to help me out until now.” Rokas stroked his chin. ”As of now, the Academy does need an overseer in the form of the Master of Learning, and the Space Marines require a head in the form of the Master of War. So…”

“Master of War,” Jasmine replied, nodding. “It is only fitting for the Heavenly Slaughter Star God to be at the head of your military. Even though I doubt there’s anyone stupid enough to fight against you… I would be more than happy to trample upon them should it happen.”

“The universe may very well be larger than we think.” Rokas countered, frowning slightly.

“What do you mean… did you see something beyond the Primal Chaos Dimension? Other than the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor?”

“... I have an inkling.” Rokas sighed as he thought of the Abyss of Nothingness. ‘At the point that I reincarnated, I only heard of the theories. Alas… it would be unwise to not prepare.’

“I see…”

~

While Rokas was planning for the future, he was met with a familiar figure.

“I’ve scoured through the minds of every last resident of Atlantis.” Qianye Ying’er stated, giving him two scrolls.

“Every resident?” Rokas raised an eyebrow as he looked through the list on his desk. “That was quick. It has hardly been a day…”

“I included their identity, address, the crimes they committed and the punishments that I would give them. There are a few especially concerning individuals that I’ve highlighted. There is also another list of suspicious individuals that may break the law in the future.”

‘I’m convinced she would be the greatest 100% speedrunner…’ Rokas thought to himself. ‘Not only did she complete the task absurdly quickly, she did it in such depth.’

[System: That’s best girl material for real.]

“You proved me right… there isn’t anyone better for this task.” Rokas smiled slightly as he began to add his own judgments to each case. He paused at one peculiar case, one of the few Ying’er had highlighted.

‘Is this some joke?’ Rokas chuckled as he read on.

[Name: Yun Che

Location: Lives three kilometres south-east of the sacred tree.

Crime: He possesses dark dual-cultivation arts that twist the mind of his victims into willing vessels and has stolen three wives of other men using them specifically. Prone to causing conflicts and offending others. Recently he has set his eyes on the princess of the Wood Spirit Race and his intentions are not pure in the slightest.

Judgement: I would exterminate him immediately.]

“You seem amused?” Qianye Ying’er raised an eyebrow.

“That name…” Rokas smiled, shaking his head. “It just so happens to be the exact same as the Heretic God’s initial inheritor. Even more coincidentally, this Yun Che seems to share in his lust. Regardless, your judgement would be right. Such a figure should be apprehended immediately and made an example of publicly before meeting the chopping block.”

“I agree.” Qianye Ying’er nodded. “I will do so now if you wish.”

“No, I’ll deal with this bad apple myself.” Rokas’ eyes glowed as several Space Marines were given a revelation. “Anyway, read over what I wrote and change your future approach in line with my own. Most of it is more or less the same, so you won’t have much to change.”

“Also… that reminds me, faithfulness and the matter of adultery was not mentioned in the laws.” Rokas stroked his chin in thought. “Where I come from, it used to lead to stoning. Then the punishment grew less and less until the men weren’t even allowed to avenge the act.”

“Regardless of what the law says, some people will act against it if they truly wish to do so… and, I suppose such a reason is more than good enough.” Qianye Ying’er added.

“Of course.” Rokas nodded. “If anyone were to touch any of my women, death would be a mercy…”

Qianye Ying’er smiled slightly as he looked at her, giving the impression that he considered her his. “So…”

“Even though He Ling is not my woman, she is still under my protection as a wood spirit. Besides that, intentionally taking a man’s wife will naturally lead to conflict. Between the men taking out their anger themselves and the law handling it, I would rather it would be left to the law.” Rokas stood up from his seat. “I’ll need to put more thought into it and revise the laws a little to reflect this.”

“I see…”

“Alright, as promised, Jasmine…” Rokas alerted Jasmine, joining his hands behind his back. “You can have the Brahma Monarch Goddess to yourself.”

Qianye Ying’er frowned slightly, glancing at Rokas.

“Are these scars not enough?”

“Scars? No, I won’t be scaring you further.” Jasmine appeared next to Rokas. “You’re ugly enough as it is.”

“What, then?” She questioned.

“Hmph, I’m glad you asked!” Jasmine grinned, pointing at the ground beneath her feet. “You owe me a million kowtows! And not just some light ones, either. I want you to smash your face into the ground for each one and beg for forgiveness.”

‘A million…’

“... Very well.” Qianye Ying’er bit her lip. “I’ll do as you wish, Heavenly Slaughter Star God.”

“Heavenly Slaughter Star God? Hmph! You will call me Honoured Master from henceforth, brahma bitch.” Jasmine raised her head. “Do you understand?”

“... Yes, Honoured Master.”

“Get out of my castle before you do so,” Rokas stated, turning away. ‘I don’t think Ying’er needs further humbling, however…’

“You heard him, brahma bitch. Follow me.”

…

Jasmine took her a bit further away from the city, watching the Brahma Monarch Goddess smash her head into the ground repeatedly. It was rather thrilling for Jasmine but not quite so fun for her victim who had a bloodied head. She had already reached several hundred kowtows… though a million seemed too far away.

“Forgive me.”

“Forgive me.”

“Forgive me.”

“Hmph…” Jasmine observed from above as Qianye Ying’er began to slow down. “Keep going.”

Qianye Ying’er stopped, looking up at her.

“Are you deaf now, golden bitch?”

Jasmine smashed her head into the ground.

“Do I have to do it for you now?” Jasmine dragged her up by her hair. She observed the wounded and exhausted Brahma Monarch Goddess, whose golden eye grew hazy.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

Jasmine smashed her head into the ground repeatedly, creating a deep crater.

“Would you prefer it if I did it this way?”

“When…” Qianye Ying’er struggled to speak, closing her eye. “When is it… enough?”

“Hmm? When is it enough?” Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “When does my brother come back to life, hmm? Rokas might largely overlook what you did to him… but I know… and I am more than willing to exact vengeance on his behalf too.”

“Who is… Rokas?” Qianye Ying’er frowned.

“Ah, he didn’t tell you his real name, did he? That shows how lowly he views you. You aren’t even fit to know his true identity.” Jasmine let go and immediately kicked her to the side. “I’m speaking of Long Ke, your beloved.”

“... Rokas…” Qianye Ying’er muttered, struggling to raise herself from the ground. “Is it more than… your brother? Do you… feel envious?”

“Envious?”

“Of the passion that… we shared.”

“Passion? You are truly deluded.” Jasmine laughed. “I suppose that happens when you repeatedly hit your head so many times.”

“If he is more than a disciple to you… why do you avoid being true to yourself?” Qianye Ying’er wiped away the blood flowing from her nose. “Why do you merely dance around the matter?”

“... What the hell are you talking about?”

“Heh… why don’t you go on and confess your love? He would surely… marry you.”

“...” Jasmine paused, frowning slightly. “What does any of that have to do with your punishment, brahma bitch? Are you perhaps changing the subject so that I would grow bored of you?”

“You have… a position… that I would kill for…” Qianye Ying’er got up to her feet and fell on her knees shortly after. Even so, her eye suddenly shined with a golden glow of indomitable spirit. “To be by his side for the rest of time… to bask in his love and protection… to share in his passion… his dreams… and see my own come into fruition…”

For a moment, Jasmine had expected her to cry.

“It’s all there… for you.” Qianye Ying’er took a deep breath as she clenched her fists. “It is only because of him… that I am willing to endure such humiliation. He is why I have a reason… to exist. Otherwise, what else is there… to this Brahma Monarch Goddess? I am absolutely… nothing.”

“You won’t ever make me pity you, no matter how many times you cry your eyes out.” Jasmine shook her head. “And do you know… the funny thing about your strong devotion to him? He doesn't love you in the slightest.”

Qianye Ying’er’s fists loosened as she stared at Jasmine.

“Yes… don’t give me that look. Qingyue, even with her Heart of Snow Glazed Glass and all the comprehensive abilities that come with it… did not see an inkling of love within him towards you. Not even desire. Truly, the Brahma Monarch Goddess, aren’t you useless?” Jasmine laughed. “Not even your body entices him anymore…”

“... Not even an inkling?” Qianye Ying’er’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re lying.”

“Is it all that hard to believe that he views you as a tool, just as you are taught to treat others? The irony is too amusing to me.” Jasmine shook her head. “Then again, you only have yourself to thank. You partially helped in creating the Rokas of today. He did have… questionable qualities before. However, since you stained him, he has gained an underlying edge that is both ruthless and calculating.”

“He is not against manipulating others… and you fall into that category, as much as you delude yourself into believing otherwise.”

Qianye Ying’er listened on, smiling slightly as Jasmine finished.

“Are you done?” She questioned. “With… your speech? Did you think those words would… harm me?”

“Such devotion to Rokas… if only you were that way with my brother, huh.”

“Those two… are worlds… apart. Xisu was not even worthy… of standing in front of me. You’re comparing the dirt to the heavenly sky.” Qianye Ying’er shook her head. “Even if it is as you say… and Long Ke intends to use me solely as a tool…”

“Then I, Qianye Ying’er… am perfectly willing.”

“...” Jasmine was too shocked to speak. “What? You… you’ve fallen that low?”

“Do you… have the same commitment as I do…?” Qianye Ying’er questioned, standing up on her feet. “I suppose… not.”

“Tch… you’re truly lost.” Jasmine shook her head. “Even when he lets me do whatever I want with you, you cling onto that hope… I was wrong, truly. I pity you ever so slightly, Brahma Monarch Goddess! You’re just a broken doll now.”

“I can hardly look at you, ugly as you are.”

Jasmine left with a trail of crimson star-like particles.

“Jasmine is needlessly harsh…”

Rokas remarked, appearing where Jasmine once stood.

“You… were watching?” Qianye Ying’er’s eye widened.

“I only started recently.” Rokas sighed, shaking his head. “Never-ending vengeance leaves a bad taste in my mouth. In a way, Jasmine has become a prisoner of her own hatred. At the same time… it makes it more difficult for you to move past where you are.”

“To deal with such hatred… one would need to kill the source, whether through killing the person or forgiving them completely. Otherwise, those negative emotions will forever stir each time you meet.” Rokas stepped closer. “The source of her hatred is the death of her beloved brother… but, if he were to come alive, would your actions be quite so unforgivable?”

“... How could that be possible?” Qianye Ying’er questioned. “To raise one from the dead?”

“Well, the possibility of cutting through space, healing limbs, the ability to destroy worlds… these were all things that a normal mortal would consider impossible. Even living thousands of years was considered absurd.” Rokas smiled slightly. “As far as I am concerned - anything can be possible through the Profound Way. I intend to stretch the limits of what I am capable of… and perhaps, once I reach those supposed limits, who can say that death will be so large of an obstacle?”

Qianye Ying’er thought of her mother, raising her head slightly. She smiled slightly as she looked at him.

“I see why…”

“Why what?”

She rested her head on his chest, refusing to elaborate.

Rokas helped her remain on her feet as his light profound energy enveloped her body and healed the wounds she gained on the day.

“You know… I found your words earlier quite touching.”

“Did you?” Qianye Ying’er closed her eye and sighed. “To think that I… would be so helplessly obsessed with a man.”

“At least… you picked the right man.” He grinned slightly, embracing her rather tightly. “I can be just as obsessed.”

“... But are you?”

“That’s up to you to decide.”

Rokas let go after a short while, teleporting away.

“...” Qianye Ying’er observed her body, where his pure white light profound energy had yet to fully disperse. It was incomparably warm and gave the sensation of being reborn. ‘Not even an inkling of love… hmph, that Heavenly Slaughter Star God… ‘Jasmine’... simply wishes to eliminate her competition…’

‘Does she truly believe that I am so gullible?’

…

Meanwhile, Rokas returned to his castle. Or rather, he stood at the top of its highest tower as he looked over his city.

[System: No one else saw but I did, bruddha was almost blushing.]

‘What can I say? Such devotion… is quite touching.’

Rokas smiled as he looked at the stars in the sky.

Several Gundams launched from the Dreadnought in various directions, piloted by Space Marines.

‘Now that my instructors will be arriving soon… I can focus on other, more important things.’