Chapter #12 — Troubles In Paradise

The clearing where food and water were being distributed filled with shocked gasps, but the Sharrï who had entertained similar thoughts  often remained tight-lipped within the midst of the crowd, too scared to speak up and reveal the thoughts they had hidden.

I didn’t blame them…

For ordinary people, watching as Mages lifted rocks thrice, sometimes four times their size which usually took a whole group of them to carry must’ve been a humbling experience. I knew I’d have been rather frightened if I were in their shoes. “Quiet your tongue this very instance, boy! The High Lords are wisemen! They communicate with the Gods to guide our society! Without them, we are NOTHING!”

I snorted. ‘What self-defeating words for Paradis’ apex predators…’

The fact neither I nor the Paradiseans realized the Sharrï had formed a cult’s surprising, and humbling I must confess.

Admittedly, theirs was only the barebones of one.

No church; no altar or even a tiny corner of worship, and since neither Bäli nor Næran needed to eat, there wasn’t even a need for offerings. Plus, the Gods walked amongst the Sharrï still… They’re not this distant figures the ‘Aryan race’ of Paradis needed to pray to, for although rare, Næran the Mother—as they had come to call her—would appear before them in all her glory every once in awhile, if only to… Connect with her children and guide them to the right Path, or so she claimed.

She definitely, 100% enjoyed basking in their praises too.

“So they claimed, but who have seen them talk to the Gods?”

I knew Næran did her share, but neither Næran nor Bäli had directly conversed with them. There was never a need to because the Sharrï, as the apex predator in the region, had everything they required for their survival.

Both flora and fauna existed primarily for their consumption or utilization. As a result, their children were already thriving, leaving little room for parental assistance or intervention. “How do you know they are not lying to enjoy our labors?” Again, gasps reverberated in the clearing, as if the idea was new to them.

“Lying… What’s that?”

Although I supposed it was.

People had been both the deceivers and the deceived, yet no real terminology had been coined to encapsulate this particular form of falsehood. “It means speaking falsehoods.” I explained.

“You dare accuse the wisemen of such heinous crime?!”

“I’ve not accused anyone of anything!” I objected, carefully choosing my words so none could accuse me. “No need to get touchy… I have merely raised a concern of mine.”

Never once did my face reveal anything other than confusion, presumably why the guards hadn’t taken us into custody yet.

Even my appearance was made to appear youthful for this exact purpose—trickery. The guard whispered something in his tablet and stared at me, before yelling. “Which Class and Rank do you belong to? Present your ID, or I will—”

“What will you do to me?”

Fearful expression etched onto my face, I cautiously retreated as the Lich observed me with a perplexed gaze, as if asking, ‘What are you doing?’

Offering a subtle wink, I privately communicated with her through a hidden channel. It is instinctual for humans to sympathize with those who are disadvantaged, and I pondered whether the Sharrï shared the same sentiment. “As punishment for your sacrilege, you must endure severe beatings!” Squeezing out tears and clasping my hands together, I pleaded, “It’s only a question! Just a simple question!”

In the meantime, the Lich, who had retreated according to my instruction, accidentally bumped into me.

Despite being cloaked, she managed to identify me. Could it be that the Law-Bearers possessed an inherent ability to detect their Creator?

Acting on instinct, I covered her mouth, but Häel never lost her composure, maintaining a somewhat inquisitive gaze fixed on my face.

After Häel pointed towards the clone, clearly taken aback. “That’s—”

The Lich began, but before she could finish her sentence, I cheerfully interrupted. “Me,”

I said with a hint of amusement.

Häel seemed perplexed, gaze fixated on my face, so I leaned mischievously next to her ear. “Also me.” I revealed, a smile playing on my lips.

“Teach me!”

Häel expressed, her eyes alighted with awe, but I simply shook my head. “This level of Magic is too complex for you at the moment.” I explained.

My Cloning Technique differed from Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.

The clones I created were devoid of any consciousness—empty vessels that would crumble without my manipulation.

Contrary to what fiction may have led people to believe, it was no easy task to divide one’s consciousness and control multiple bodies simultaneously. It was akin to playing Mario Kart alone, maneuvering two characters at the same time, but each was in a different map. It's not a… Perfect analogy, but it was the closest thing I could think of in human terms.

“When can I learn it?”

With a lighthearted chuckle, I affectionately tousled her hair and made my way through the crowd, effortlessly parting it as if it were the Red Sea. “When you’re ready…”

Strangely, no one seemed to perceive or acknowledge anything unusual happening around them. As an esteemed deity, I relished in the numerous perks and privileges that came with my divine status. One such perk was the ability to manipulate reality to suit my whims. However, as Paradis continued to develop, my intervention should be kept to a minimum.

The ultimate objective was to attain full automation and empower the populace to the point they could fend off the imminent threat of Deviants and Voidspawns that infested the boundless Void.

We couldn’t tear our eyes away as my clone received a brutal beating after we escaped the crowd. “It is like an alcoholic stepdad and his autistic ginger-haired stepson… Glorious.”

“Why bother with this? Do you have some sort of masochistic inclination?” Her innocent response caught me off guard as I objected, “I don’t have such strange fetishes… This is for the growth of Paradis!”

“Getting hit can foster growth?” Häel looked puzzled.

I sighed, not in the mood to elaborate, and pointed towards a nearby group. “What do you think they’re thinking?”

“I’m not sure,” Häel admitted sincerely.

I did not fault her. “They’re relieved they didn’t defend me… They have resigned themselves to this fate forever.”

I gestured towards another group, appearing more resentful.

“Those individuals are furious, but not for me… They’re angry for themselves. They see themselves in the boy, and each blow I received feels like a strike against them too.” She hummed in understanding, “Which group do you think will prevail?”

“Hmm…” The Lich pondered for a brief moment before conceding. “The angry crowd, perhaps?”

I let out a small laugh. “The answer is neither.” Slowly, I extended my finger towards a particular group that, like the Lich and I, stood at the back of the crowd, silently observing. “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole lurking behind. The lower castes will rise against the Mages, that’s inevitable. But it’s those who choose to stay on the sidelines and take advantage of the chaos who will benefit the most.”

That is, unless the Powers-that-be: A Paradisean, the Universal Will, or I myself decide to intervene, of course.

Häel furrowed her brow slightly as screams and cries echoed through the clearing, fake, of course.

‘I really should’ve gone for acting school back then…’

Above, a few Sharrï members kept a vigilant eye on the crowd. It was only then that I noticed their clipped wings which, if I had to guess, probably was not done by their own choice. ‘Næran’s really a terrible Mother, isn’t she?’ Either she had never noticed this despite checking on them every other century, or she hadn’t realized the severity of what they were practicing… I couldn’t decide which was worse.

As a—mostly—impartial third party, I didn’t care, but for as for someone who seemed to pride herself on being a good ‘Mother’, Næran sure came up lacking.

To be fair, it was her inaugural attempt, so I supposed a few oversights were to be expected…

“But…” Häel paused. “That isn’t right.”

I smiled, “What isn’t?”

“If it’s the second group that engaged in the fight, then it’s only fair that they reap the benefits, right? That seems fair.”

Oh, to possess the pure innocence of a child once more… It must be a blissful state.

“In this world, and any world for that matter, there is no concept of fairness or justice. It is the strong who dictate reality.”

This fact remained unchanged even in the depths of the Void.

"Might makes right, as it is the victorious who have the power to shape history… They have the authority to define what is right and wrong. It is just fact of Life.”

Lost in thought, the Lich’s brows knitted together even more. “What if I desire fairness and justice?” I cast a meaningful glance her way. “But how can you claim your notions of fairness and justice surpass theirs?”

“What if they happen to be right, and you happen to be wrong?”

“Is it truly wrong to desire harmony and unity among all?” She pondered.

Gazing up at the vast expanse of the Heavens, I let out a sigh. “It’s not inherently wrong, I suppose. I’d say you have lofty aspirations, but it’s an unattainable dream that will only lead you on the Path of a deranged lunatic—scarred and shattered under its immense burden. To be fair, that fate is… Inevitable… All of Creation is plagued by a madness which grows stronger, not weaker.”

“Why?”

I shrugged. “Who knows… Maybe the Creator of All is a little off the cooker too?”

Häel’s suspicion grew, the budding idea of my real identity slowly taking shape in her head.

“Or perhaps it is out of necessity that ensures Paradis is denied the place of eternal peace it seeks,” I mused.

“Or he’s a bad man…”

Blinking owlishly, I held back a laugh. ‘Have mercy on your ol’ man’s heart, dear.’

“How did you jump to that conclusion?” I asked, finding humor in her reasoning nevertheless.

“He has the power to prevent unfairness, yet he chooses to stand idly by. Is that not a sign of his inherent wickedness?”

Her accusatory gaze turned towards me, lacking judgment surprisingly. “You’re worse than him… You’re actively causing harms.”

Once again, I let out a chuckle, one devoid of emotion, merely driven by my curiosity.

“Do you wish to venture on your own?” I questioned.

However, she declined, stating her purpose. “I’m here to learn, not to pass judgment.” Additionally, she added, almost in a whisper, that even if she wanted to, she couldn’t defeat me, hence deeming it a waste of her time. I nodded in understanding.

Yet, deep within her cold, undead heart, a persistent seed of rebellion and determination had taken root. I would have been fearful, if not for the constraints of the Law which held her back. Her determination was bound to remain little more than an impotent rage.

While we’re discussing Life, my doppelgänger had already been reduced to a bloody pulp, then ruthlessly discarded into the midst of the crowd.

His eyes widened, frozen in an accusing stare as his last breath escaped their lips. The surrounding onlookers, brimming with fearful anticipation, turned away, refusing to meet my gaze. Unfortunately, someone had claimed the Law of Murder, hence the Sharrï guard couldn’t take it for himself. But still, he did kill the ‘Last Boss’ in the early game, so a reward’s only appropriate.

With a devilish grin, I waved, manipulating the shopping list in the Reincarnation Cycle.

I had just decreased the amount of Credits he would have to pay for each boon, but wicked as I was, I couldn’t resist adding a twist to it.

All non-combat-related Talents and Traits would come with exorbitantly high prices, making them incredibly difficult for him to afford. In layman’s term, I basically soft-locked his Character Class to Warrior… Forever. “And so it is done…”

I murmured under my breath.

Once the Sharrï realized the power the Mages held over them, rebellion wouldn’t be far.

Hopefully the damages, since the Great Rebellion happened earlier than scheduled, would be mitigated…

The whole situation was like a balloon, where the Mages, given ample time to prepare and unravel the metaphysical currents, became an insurmountable challenge for the average Sharrï.

“Oh my God, what’s happening to me…” I mumbled softly. “I can’t believe I actually considered an earth-shattering war as a preferable option. I must be completely out of my fucking mind.”

Staring at my hands, I clenched it as a thought crossed my mind, ‘Not human… I keep forgetting.’

Why was this seen as a bad thing? Reincarnation existed, and I knew it because I helped create it.

If any died, wouldn’t they just get reincarnated with improved abilities?—Only with a positive Credits, of course. So why should this be considered sad? While my human sensibilities perceived death as evil, was it not a million times better than the dreadful Void which laid within a Voidspawn?

A sudden disturbance in the skies drew my attention, yet I could sense the confusion and surprise emanating from the Universal Will. “I didn’t do that either.” I told it, just as a mountain was blown to smithereens.

Perplexed, we both searched through the vast expanse of my Universe, trying to pinpoint the source of the explosion that had shaken Paradis.

Eventually, my vision settled on a group of Paradiseans. 57 in total, they’re arguing within a cave abode… And the one who hurled that lightning bolt was none other than Orion. “This is what I think of your filthy creatures!” Over at the razed mountain used to sit a builder camp of the Sharrï…

“They’re stealing all the resources from other parts of Paradis!”

Bäli the Father sighed, his frustration evident in the way his eyes rolled. “Your beasts only have themselves to blame for being weak,”

He grumbled, voicing his disappointment. “Or you, for making them so pathetic. What good are they if they aren’t aware enough to even appreciate Paradise?”

“Say that again, I dare you.” Orion challenged.

I had hoped Næran would step in to be the voice of reason, but the unprovoked attack on her Creations had struck a blow. Her voice, once softly and motherly, was now filled with wrath. “The fact that your beasts attacked our children first aside,” She began, her tone laced with a chilling intensity, “We are not to mess the mortals—that was Father’s Command, and you just disobeyed him.”

The temperature In the cave seemed to drop as Næran’s words grew increasingly louder, each hanging heavy in the air. “Will you not punish him, Father?”

Orion made a sound that’s akin to a click of tongue, then hissed. “Damn tattletale!”

“Father?” Næran pleaded. “Please see that Justice be served, and punishments dealt!”

“Well—” It was my command… Immediately, I began transmitting my thoughts directly to the Paradiseans. “Orion, what punishments should I hand you?”

“But Father!” Orion’s voice rose in urgency. “Their Creations are draining Paradis of all resources! My beasts are starving! Even the Pleiguseans are suffering!”

Then, the King of Beast turned to First, who appeared rather distracted with his Incarnation. “Back me up here!”

First, finally tearing his attention away from Shittu, looked conflicted.

“Though I acknowledge that I share Orion’s concern, I firmly believe that his action was unwarranted, and deserves punishment.”

Orion had the gall to look betrayed at that.

“What punishment do you think he deserves.” Upon hearing my question, First knelt. “His actions came from concern for his children, Father. I beg you to be lenient. Orion might’ve caused damages, but it’s nothing we cannot fix.”  

I let out a sound of approval, pondering for a moment before making my decision.

“For the next fifty thousand years, a portion of the Credits earned by the animals shall be divided, with 30% being allocated and added to the Sharrï’s share.”

“Father—!” He begged, but my mind was already made, my voice emotionless as I cut in. “In addition, Orion… Your disregard for my direct command cannot be overlooked. While your intentions were well-meaning, the damages caused are substantial. I hereby pass my sentence upon you—”

Abruptly, a menacing black hole materialized before them, its gravitational pull too intense for even the Paradisean to resist.

“You shall endure a period of silence and contemplation for the duration of 100 thousand years as consequences of your actions.”

In a matter of moments, Orion was completely engulfed and consumed, disappearing without a trace.

However, rather than dissipating, the Singularity continued to expand, steadily growing in size until it eventually assumed the form of a massive cube. “Thank you, Father!” Næran bowed, satisfied with the outcome, but her happiness wasn’t going to last. “Næran, Bäli… Your Creations have done longer lasting damages to Paradis in their greed than any other species.”

She stilled, noticing the detached tone I was using.

“I’ll not intervene—”

She instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

“But know this,”

Again, Næran tensed.

“Greed will spell their end if left unchecked.”

She shivered in fright, swearing. “I’ll tell them to stop right now!”

“You need not go through the trouble. Simply instruct them to reserve 50% for the others. No more, no less.”

The Whale nodded as I continued. “Today’s event has proven to me this lawlessness cannot be allowed to exist any longer. Hence, I hereby order for the Creation of the Heavenly Host. They’ll hold onto Null, and it’s justice they will enact, by my Will.”

The Paradiseans all shared concerned looks. “Father, may we ask why?”

‘Because I can’t be bothered to deal with your squabbles.’

I thought, but instead said cryptically. “For the whole of Paradis to thrive, there must be Order.”