Ranker Who Lives Twice

Because Oceanus already had the memory of being an Executor, he was able to smell the thick scent of 'darkness' on Kronos. At first, this realization put Oceanus into a bind. Should he kill his brother? Or should he just observe and wait?

Although the scent of darkness permeated Kronos' being, Kronos was not an Executor. No, to be precise, he had not 'yet' been designated the Executor.

Originally, being an Executor was like a fate that was suddenly given to one after carefully sifting through several successor candidates. So, the most convenient manner of delaying the end of days was to get rid of those who could be successor candidates in advance. However, this did not mean that one could totally prevent the real end of days apocalypse from occurring. This was because the laws of the world, which the Heavenly Demon called the 'wheel', would keep turning no matter how hard one tried to stop it. Additionally…

"…hyung?" Kronos tilted his head and looked at Oceanus in an affectionate manner.

Oceanus could not dare harm a being with such innocent and admiring eyes. Moreover, he had this thought, "If I just kill everyone who gives off the scent of darkness… What difference would there be between the Executor and me?" Additionally, Oceanus recognized that Kronos had not yet gone astray. Since nothing had happened yet, Oceanus decided to wait and see.

Once he came to this conclusion, Oceanus began to look at Kronos from afar from that point forward. He put the discussion he was going to have with his father, Uranus, aside for the moment because Oceanus did not know how Uranus would react to the unsettling news. Thus, Oceanus intended to proceed as quietly as possible.

The problem was that Kronos did not live a quiet lifestyle at all.

"Hahaha!"

"Uh, Prince! Please stop! That's very dangerous! Ah!"

Kronos, who had been a troublemaker since childhood, gradually grew into a bigger troublemaker as he got older. It had become so bad that Oceanus once thought that Kronos may be hastening the end of days.

But at the same time, Oceanus wondered if his special gift and ability was given to him so that people like his troublemaking brother could live in a world where children could just be children… And as he traveled around the universe, Oceanus met numerous successor candidates who smelled of darkness, and as he went through big and small events with them, that thought, of providing a world for these people, grew even larger.

To become an Executor, one had to harbor a grudge great enough to lead the world to the end. If Oceanus could relieve their pain, could he not fundamentally change the course of the universe and avoid the end of days altogether? Thinking in this manner, Oceanus seemed to have found the answer to his long-held question. He felt as if he had come down with a revelation, and he was convinced of what he had to do. However…

"Ohyohyo! What happens if the Opponent possesses the qualities which you're afraid of?"

Just as Oceanus felt that he found his answer, he met Yvlke.

***

"…I didn't want you to hear my story like this." Oceanus laughed as he watched his legends scatter before his eyes.

Although most of his shattered legends were those of 'other' Oceanus' in his memory, Yeon-woo read, among other things, the legends that made up Oceanus' soul.

However, Yeon-woo did not show or give a response. Actually, he became colder. "In the end, you just found another way to run away from your problems."

"…what?"

"I've felt it for a while. The safe haven (Pian) or whatever that Yvlke is trying to make for problematic beings to escape to isn't much different than just providing a rabbit hole for those beings to hide in, no?"

"What!"

"Did you think that I'd join your side if you shared these stories with me? Did you think that I'd empathize with you? Damn, I feel nasty." Yeon-woo snorted. "Do you guys see me as a being who is as problematic as you guys?"

「Wow! Our Master is so good at spewing venomous words. But you should really stop. That problem child might start crying if you continue beating him up.」 Shanon's giggles and words clearly rang out. Though his words seem to state that Yeon-woo should stop pushing Oceanus around, it also had a tinge of mocking and jeering towards Oceanus.

Oceanus' face soon flushed red. "It doesn't matter what backstory you guys have or what circumstances you've lived under. But I know one thing all too well…"

Yeon-woo guessed what objective Oceanus was pursuing from the legends he had peered into. Oceanus legends were stating that there was a limit in preventing the end of this 'dream'. It would be much easier to just create a separate world, a safe haven. In that world, there would be no gods or demons, no Heavenly Demon or Black King… So, theoretically, one could live one's life without the threat of the end of days.

Oceanus was going to talk about those things to Yeon-woo, since he had been persuaded to that side. Even if he did not agree to join the safe haven side when they asked, he would have eventually hit his limits in preventing the end of days from becoming reality. The group in which everyone called each other 'brothers' was no different from a group of 'problem children' who were gathered by Yvlke.

"What… What is the one thing you know all too well?"

"That your side isn't qualified." Yeon-woo put down his sword. The ravaging and destructive sword thunder strikes, which were about to explode the teetering illusory world, vanished immediately.

"I feel bad for Vimalacitra. He lost to such a nonsensical guy. He's probably glad that his soul has been totally annihilated."

If Vimalacitra was in the underworld and heard the bullshit that the being who confined him spewed, he might have felt too embarrassed and ashamed to continue living.

"I have endured you because of the promise I made with Vimalacitra. However, I can't endure it any longer. Since you've gone missing for a long time, I thought you may have a couple hidden cards up your sleeve, but it doesn't seem you even have those. Ugh, such a waste of air."

"You…!" Oceanus could not contain his anger when Yeon-woo cast off all his thoughts and judgements in an uncaring manner.

「Ah, I understand how he feels very well. No matter how wise and liberated one may become, even a being who reached nirvana would feel a few screws getting loose after mixing a few words with our temperamental Master.」

Oceanus' body burned red as if it was about to burst. Even if he died, he wanted to do something to Yeon-woo, so he stretched out his hand and released his power. However…

"Cernunnos."

Rumble!

['Cernunnos' is descending!]

[A rift has been established that connects the illusory world 'The Vast Open Sea', to the outside world!]

A thunderbolt slammed in front of Oceanus and easily deflected Oceanus' attack. Although his eyes were barely visible, as his face was half-covered by his unruly hair, Cernunnos gave off an overall sharp temperament with a skinny figure.

[Cernunnos is exuding killing intent towards the target named 'Oceanus'!]

"You've been dying to come in here since the beginning, right? I don't want to mix myself with this guy any longer, so I'll leave it in your hands."

[Cernunnos declares war on the target named 'Oceanus'!]

[Cernunnos conducts his offenses!]

Cernunnos did not respond to Yeon-woo. Rather, Cernunnos immediately flew towards Oceanus.

Cernunnos had been associated with Vimalacitra for a long time. They shared a common interest in Yeon-woo and shared a friendship with each other.

Vimalacitra had been steeped in embarrassed anger after being treated like a ragdoll by Oceanus. And when Yeon-woo met Oceanus, Cernunnos had constantly sent Yeon-woo messages to participate in the fight. Yeon-woo had been ignoring the constant messages because he did not want to give up the prey that he had designated for himself.

However, now, Yeon-woo felt so thoroughly annoyed with Oceanus that he did not want to sully his hand with Oceanus any longer. This was why he now called upon Cernunnos.

「If it were any other god, they'd be jumping up and down in anger stating that our Master had looked down upon them. But Cernunnos doesn't seem to care at all. Actually, he seems to be thankful. I thought he was just another cold divine being, but I guess he's a useful pony?」 Shanon grinned as he poked his head above the shadows.

Yeon-woo had to look down with an exasperated expression at Shanon because of his ridiculous interpretation of the situation. "Can you be here?" Yeon-woo was asking if Shanon did not have to join the other familiars who were fighting on the outside.

「There're others, after all. I don't think much will change with little old me not present, right? Actually, isn't it better that your loyal servant stay by his Master's side during the last moments of this universe?」

"If others overheard what you said, they'd think I'm dying soon."

「Well, it's not much different, no?」

Yeon-woo burst out laughing.

「Still, I'm glad Master seems to have returned to his normal self. There were many times when I felt frustrated at having to look at your constant serious and depressed state.」

Yeon-woo did not respond. He was able to read the long brewing concern and relief in Shanon's voice.

Cernunnos would get rid of Oceanus anyway, so Yeon-woo was going to continue on his way towards his objective.

Seeing Yeon-woo like that, Shanon exclaimed.「Your temper! Your temper is going to explode again!」

***

[The sun of 'Day (Eros)' is coming down!]

When Cha Jeong-woo appeared in front of Li's Tomb along with Nocturne and the others, Jeong-woo saw the Jie Sect and various beasts engulfed by Night.

"Hyung, you've really flipped the table quite well this time around."

[The Executor's fate is quickly progressing!]

Jeong-woo had rushed over after seeing that Yeon-woo was unconditionally using up his law of causality. Apparently, the situation was much more serious than what Jeong-woo had imagined. In fact, on the earth, the darkness was blooming like a haze, and it was in the midst of searching for a new prey.

"…oh, you're here." At that time, Erlang Shen found Cha Jeong-woo and smiled. He and the other heavenly world gods kept a distance from the battlefield, as they feared that they might be attacked and overcome by the Night in the heat of battle.

As soon as Cha Jeong-woo saw Erlang Shen, Jeong-woo quietly pointed Scythe towards him. "Would you like to have a battle?"

"…is it a family characteristic to threaten people once you see them?" Erlang Shen gave a dumbfounded expression.

Cha Jeong-woo smiled mischievously. "To be precise, I'm like this because you're a potential enemy. I can smell my brother's scent and aura on you from here. Isn't it obvious that I'd come out this way?"

"Ah! Really… You inherited the personality of the king of gods, Kronos."

Hearing Erlang Shen's words and the sigh that came afterward, Kronos could not help but make an appearance.『Hey! Why the hell are you bringing me into this?!』

"Are you saying your son is not like you?"

『Of course! Although I was a bit hyperactive when I was young, I was never at this level…!』

"If I explain in detail, it'll take up more than a day. Are you okay with that?"

『…argh!』 For a moment, Kronos could not reply and backed off.

"What the hell is everyone talking about? Stop talking about the old days like old folks."

『Hey! I'm still much better than that guy over there! Don't treat us like we're alike!』

"Are you going to stop us? State your position clearly." Cha Jeong-woo ignored his father's shouts and stared at Erlang Shen quietly.

Erlang Shen raised his hands. "No way. I have no intention of meddling in internal family affairs. Though I have a relationship with the Death King, my heavenly society is firmly on the side of Day."

"If you stab me in the back, you know what will happen, right?"

"…Yes, please stop threatening me." Erlang Shen did not even consider attacking Jeong-woo, even though Jeong-woo was scratching at his sore spots. Erlang Shen had seen firsthand just how mercilessly Yeon-woo bullied his enemies. Thus, there was no way that he would want to make himself an enemy to these brothers.

Cha Jeong-woo walked past Erlang Shen and the other gathered gods. For a moment, Nocturne and Erlang Shen met eyes, but the two did not talk to each other.

Tap! Once he landed in front of Li's Tomb, Cha Jeong-woo saw some new beings.

"You're Cha Jeong-woo? I heard you're twins, but you two really do look exactly alike. You're both very ugly."

Cha Jeong-woo did not know much about them, but through Draconic eyes, he could tell that the two were Sun Wukong and Cernunnos.

Sun Wukong smiled softly. Cernunnos was sitting silently.

For a moment, Kronos looked at Cernunnos and his gaze trembled slightly, but Cha Jeong-woo did not see it. Jeong-woo then asked them, "I'm much more handsome than my brother."

"What difference can there be between twins?"

"There is. Even if one shares the same soul, the Heavenly Demon looks much better than you, Sun Wukong."

[The Heavenly Demon nods his head contentedly saying that the being speaking is telling the truth.]

In an instant, Sun Wukong's eyebrows twitched. "How do you know that? You've never even seen the Heavenly Demon."

"One just knows without having to see something in person."

[The Heavenly Demon continues to nod as he agrees with the speaker's words.]

"These bastards…" Sun Wukong felt annoyed as he looked at Cha Jeong-woo, who acted in the same manner as Yeon-woo. He felt further infuriated at the chuckling Heavenly Demon, who had his eyes on the area. However, Sun Wukong just sighed. "Fine. Let's just say you're more handsome.

"It's not 'let's just say,' since it's the truth… But alright, let's move on."

"Damn. You must really think you're all that."

"I think the two of you are together with my older brother. Are you going to stop us?"

"No."

"Then?"

Sun Wukong smiled and stepped aside, opening the way to Li's Tomb. "To guide you. Your brother is waiting inside."

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