He had simply been monitoring Reid’s movements. As a matter of fact, it was impossible to let the guard down against the final antagonist.

What if he suddenly changes his mind and disappears?

After a brief moment of hesitation, I decided to endure a bit of dishonor.

“Try to make up tonight.”

“Okay.”

I took the key with an empty response.

This was the conservative Elpenheim Church's territory. Men and women had distinct roles here, and traveling together without being married would be seen with disapproval.

The first floor was a lively pub and restaurant, and the rooms were on the second floor. As we climbed the stairs, Reid’s expression seemed to relax a little as we distanced ourselves from others.

The cold, distant atmosphere that had been there earlier began to warm up.

I unlocked the door and stepped into the room.

It was a small but neat room. Through the west-facing window, I could see the sun sinking below the horizon. The evening twilight gradually darkened the room.

“It’s cozy.”

His muttered words, coupled with his gaze, were the softest I had seen since we met. I smiled inwardly, feeling like I had found something positive, but—

“It’s like a coffin.”

“....”

“Why?”

“Nothing.”

Right. That’s Reid for you. When those eyes shine normally, it’s only when he reveals his longing for death.

“If you like this place, I’ll take the room next door.”

“Okay.”

Reid sat down on the windowsill and gently closed his eyes.

“Are you meditating?”

“No, I’m thinking.”

He was probably formulating a plan. Dealing with the final antagonist was a profession that required extreme planning.

Now that I thought about it, I had something to do as well. Alone.

“I’ll go to the next room. Rest.”

I entered the identical room and summoned the system window.

[ 'Leading the Final Antagonist Stage 3' completed.]

[ Quest reward: '+5 Strengthened Sacred Rosary Ring' has been automatically received.]

A golden ring with a cross engraved on it gleamed as it fell into my hand.

[ '+5 Strengthened Sacred Rosary Ring'

An artifact that greatly increases divine power depending on the religious influence you belong to.

Exclusively crafted by 'The Speaker of Worlds' for the future High Priest of the Lunary Church.

Starting from level 5 enhancement, an option is added.

Current option effect:

(+5) Ultimate skill 'Prophecy of the End' unlocked.]

“Wow, this is an amazing artifact. Thank you!”

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ happily encourages you to try it on.]

“It fits perfectly on my index finger!”

I could feel my divine power slightly increasing. It wasn’t a huge boost, probably due to the Lunary Church's influence. This was an issue I’d need to overcome through my own evangelizing efforts.

‘Wait, but why is it +5? Wasn’t the reward supposed to be +4?’

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ proudly mentions that it added one extra enhancement and option.]

[‘The Creator of All Things’ informs you that it failed 20 times due to poor craftsmanship.]

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ shakes with frustration, lamenting the abysmal odds.]

The owner of the VIP Point Shop teased the Speaker. I remembered that when I first visited, I didn’t need anything, so I hadn’t used the point coupons.

‘But what’s the skill attached to this +5 enhancement? Prophecy of the End? I can’t check it since it’s not in a skill book form.’

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ says it’s an ability that lets you see the future automatically when the final antagonist’s world destruction rate exceeds 99%.]

In other words, a future-previewing function related to the end of the world.

I hoped I wouldn’t need to use it.

“...Are there any skills that would help with combat instead of things like that, which are bad for my mental health? If I’m going to be around the final antagonist, I need to be as strong as the future version of myself.”

I clasped my hands together and looked up at the ceiling, pleading with bright eyes.

“I want to get stronger. I want to be strong. Okay?”

[‘The Balanced Cynic’ gives you an estimate for full farming to match your future strength.]

Flashing text appeared in front of me.

[ 9th Tier Divine Power Awakening]

[ Aura Mastery Advancement]

[ ‘Sacred White Lily Cross Dagger, Livrilli’]

[ ‘Holy Halo’]

[ ‘Pantheon Gate’]

[ ‘Martial Arts of the Heavens’]

[ ‘Royal Command’]

[ ‘Blooming Blade’]

[ ‘Momentary Future Vision’]

[ ‘Holy Legion’]

[ ‘Vanguard of the End Era’]

[ ‘God of Thunder’s Gesture’]

[ ‘Queen’s Strength’]

[ ‘Queen’s Charm’]

[ ‘Queen’s Vitality’]

.....

There was no end.

“It’s giving me a headache, Cynic.”

[‘The Balanced Cynic’ now understands just how monstrously overpowered your future self is and smirks.]

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ is flustered, wondering why you’re so proud over your own followers.]

I fell into thought. What kind of miracle logic could I use to persuade the gods?

“But you know, from the Speaker’s perspective, you’re raising me twice. Isn’t it a bit much to repeat the same hardships?”

[‘The Economic Manager’ agrees with your point.]

[‘The Scales of Soul Judgment’ suggests focusing on love instead of growth this time.]

[‘The Architect of Trials Skyscraper’ insists that growth is essential.]

[‘The Balanced Cynic’ adamantly opposes taking the easy route.]

The Architect and Cynic’s opposition didn’t matter much. After all, the head honcho gods had already given their support. Now, all I needed was the Speaker’s approval....

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ warmly looks at you, saying they can raise a god like you a hundred times.]

Ah!

The room felt pleasantly warm. A gentle breeze seemed to blow across my chest, but I quickly snapped back to reality.

No, wait, Speaker! You can’t be doing this here...!

Thankfully, my sincere plea was heard.

[‘The Speaker of Worlds’ firmly states that even though you’ve lost your memory, it’s not appropriate to revert back to your life’s genre.]

As expected of the Speaker! I believed in you, Master!

The development department gods left to prepare for the next update planning meeting.

<Now, let’s get ready for bed and clean up.>

“Okay!”

I changed into more comfortable clothes and felt the softness of the bed against my back. Lying quietly on my back, I noticed that the room next door was unusually quiet.

I knocked on the door that connected the rooms.

“It’s me. Can I come in?”

No response came.

<Wait, did he run away?>

As soon as the potential danger almost ignited, the door opened by itself. Reid had opened it.

“Come in. But put something on top.”

I quickly grabbed a shawl and draped it over my shoulders before stepping through the door.

I sat on the couch, and Reid positioned himself by the window, keeping a distance. His side profile was easy to admire.

<He’s wearing me out.>

I snapped back to attention and spoke.

“Ahem, I think it’s time to officially start conquering the world. I came to discuss it.”

“Do you have a plan in mind?”

“What about you, Reid?”

“We’ll have to be specific depending on where we attack first.”

“Hmmm, how about starting with the easiest place?”

“The easiest place....”

Reid easily read my thoughts.

“The Ragneif Magic Republic.”

“Right.”

“Good. We’ll start tomorrow.”

The system notification rang melodiously.

[ 'Leading the Final Antagonist Stage 4 (Difficulty: Unknown)'

Conquer the Ragneif Magic Republic.

Success reward: ???

Failure penalty: World destruction]

Thus, the fate of an entire nation was decided. Somehow, it felt villainous.

‘Wait, am I the villain?’

The handsome man still leaning on the windowsill gestured toward the dark window to replace the clock.

“The night is deep. It would be wise to sleep early, Ayleth Rodeline.”

“And what will you do?”

“I don’t know.”

“Stargazing?”

“Shall I just say that?”

Curious, I approached the window to see what he was looking at. The night sky was littered with stars, like the amount of money I’d wasted today.

I stole a glance at Reid’s face. He seemed calm while gazing at the stars.

“It’s beautiful.”

I said it purely to °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° appreciate the view.

“It would be even more beautiful if they fell. To the ground.”

“.....”

Sigh, I shouldn’t have said that.