[Vol. 6] Chapter 238: The Keeper of the World
Two god-level forces collided in an earth-shattering explosion, as if a massive nuclear bomb had detonated in the sky. The resulting shockwaves and spatial fractures roared outward from the point of impact, turning into a wave of pure destruction that spread in all directions.
However, this uncertain past world didn’t seem to contain much life. Perhaps this region had always been like this during that time, or maybe it was merely a fabricated realm created to temporarily contain Taotie. Either way, combined with the [Beast of Chaos]’s prior devouring, most physical objects within visible range had already been erased. As a result, the aftershocks did not cause any major collateral damage.
But if this battle or even just this single exchange had occurred in the real world, even if it wasn’t directly above a densely populated city, the death toll would have easily reached into the hundreds of thousands, if not millions.
As the invisible distortions in the air gradually faded and the lingering energy waves finally settled, the black-haired girl flapped her wings and swept away the residual chaos, assessing the condition of her protective barrier.
The [Multi-Layer Barrier: Holy Shield Bastion] was a composite skill, not quite at the level of Tier-10 magic, but its biggest advantage was that it could be instantly activated. Unlike [Eternal Light of Protection], which required a casting process before it could fully form.
While its coverage and special effects weren’t as powerful as [Eternal Light of Protection], in terms of pure defensive strength, the difference between them wasn’t too significant.
And yet… half of it had been shattered by a single attack from Taotie.
Even the [Doomsday Bombardment] and Silvina’s [God-Slaying Sword] had never accomplished such a feat.
In other words…
That single breath attack from Taotie, despite its simplicity, was already comparable to a forbidden spell.
…This thing is absolutely insane.
Just as Violet was preparing to channel her magic and take this embodiment of destruction seriously, a weighty will, more immovable than a mountain, suddenly emanated from the towering figure before her.
[Bearer of Light… why have you come here?]
"?"
The priestess froze for a moment, the golden light glowing on her staff flickering slightly as she realized that Taotie was trying to communicate with her.
Despite being an embodiment of destruction, since even those pseudo-god level spirit beasts have wisdom that is no less than that of real humans, it made sense that [Beast of Chaos] would be capable of speech.
Still, Violet hadn’t expected [Taotie] to actively engage in conversation. She had assumed it was similar to a mindless force of nature that would attack on sight without a word.
After a brief moment of thought, she decided to project her will outward with SP, attempting to communicate in the same way.
That said, she had no intention of answering its question directly.
[And what about you? Why are you here?]
Perhaps recognizing her strength after she had blocked its attack, the colossal beast actually paused, falling into momentary silence, as if considering how to respond.
In that instant, Violet's sharp mind was already racing through seven or eight possible answers, ranging from the dramatic—
'I am the incarnation of destruction!' or 'I have come to cleanse this chaotic world!' And even a few ridiculous ones.
But Taotie’s actual response completely shattered all of her serious and playful guesses alike.
[If you require a name, you may call me the [Sustainer]. One of the Keepers of the World, ranked Seventh in the Sequence.]
"…Huh?"
She was so shocked that she momentarily forgot to use SP, blurting out her confusion out loud before quickly following up with a question.
[The Keeper of the World? What does that mean? Aren’t you a creation of “Destruction”?]
[Destruction… Hmm.]
Taotie’s colossal body trembled slightly, as if acknowledging her words. Then, its massive upper torso, which vaguely resembled a humanoid figure, turned toward her.
[From a certain perspective, that isn’t entirely wrong. So… you stand before me because you wish to protect those pests that should be erased, correct?]
Hearing that [Taotie] had no intention of explaining further or engaging in deeper conversation, the black-haired girl frowned slightly.
[My name is Violet. I’m a traveler from another world. To be honest, you are far more rational and logical than I expected. If there’s a deeper reason behind the chaos caused by the Evil Spirits, perhaps we could—]
Taotie lowered its gaze to the ground below, its deep, human-like eyes devoid of any emotion or hesitation.
[There is no room for negotiation. This world must be purified.]
[What?]
[There is… a familiar presence on you, one that I have not sensed in a long time. But the duty of a Sustainer must be fulfilled. Leave now… or be destroyed.]
[……Why?]
Violet wanted to keep talking, to understand its reasoning. But Taotie seemed to have already found its answer from her attitude or perhaps it had simply run out of patience.
Its massive humanoid arm suddenly rose into the air, then clenched into a fist.
[Boommmm!!]
In an instant, the entire world collapsed inward as if crushed by an overwhelming force. The space around her folded and twisted, like a waterlogged sponge being compressed from all sides.
Before Violet could even react, her figure disappeared, swallowed completely into the distorted chaos.
[……]
[Taotie] took one last deep look at the sealed space, then, without hesitation, turned away, its four massive legs stepping forward as the earth trembled beneath its weight.
But before it could take more than a few steps—
*Pfft… pshhh—pshhhoo—pshh—pshh—!!!*
A brilliant eruption of pure light suddenly burst forth from within the “chaos”, like an explosion of golden arrows, radiating outward in all directions like the quills of a glowing hedgehog.
"Let there be light."
A golden divine presence surged forth in response to the call.
Behind her, six magnificent wings, a hundred times grander than her own, unfurled like a divine curtain. The holy spear in her grasp cut through the chaos that had attempted to imprison her. Her radiant form, sculpted from pure light, resembled a masterpiece forged by the hands of a god, so flawless that even the falling [Feather of Destruction] disintegrated on contact.
This was the power of light. The purest force in existence.
[I see now… So the Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden developed the [Void Prison] by analyzing the power of the [Beast of Chaos].]
The black-haired girl spoke calmly, while behind her, the radiant Spirit of Light continued to expand, growing larger without limit.
By the time it had reached its full size, it now stood equal to [Taotie], whose colossal form once seemed capable of blotting out the sun itself.
She pointed her staff forward, and the towering Spirit of Light mirrored her movement, raising its holy spear, ready to face [Taotie], who had now turned back toward her.
[Very well. If you're not willing to talk, then let’s settle this the other way.]
[Whether you are a [Sustainer] or a [Beast of Chaos], it doesn’t matter.]
[No matter what your purpose is, the past won’t change. The Evil Spirits have always been a force of destruction upon this world. And you, Taotie… you are no different.]
As the giant beast stood silent, Violet closed her silver-blue eyes.
Ten golden halos radiated from her body, their divine aura expanding across the battlefield.
And when she opened her eyes once more—
Her gaze burned with pure golden light, as brilliant as the sun itself. There was no hesitation or emotion.
She had fully entered her [Destruction Mode], unlocking the combat prowess worthy of her level.
With unwavering resolve, she raised her staff, summoning the light of the heavens.
[I declare. Sinners shall face divine judgment.]