Infinite Returns
Volume Two Part-2 (V2.2)

Chapter 51: Meeting With Goddess (2)

Ethan stood frozen, hearing the list of the items the goddess needs. Even without checking, he knew they were absurdly expensive.

But still, ever the optimist, he asked anyway.

'System, do I have enough points to purchase all three?'

[No. The cost of even one—The Fragment of the Origin of Ice—far exceeds your current balance.]

'Fuck.'

Ethan cursed inwardly, but his expression remained composed—calm, neutral, unreadable. His poker face was immaculate.

Then, he turned to the goddess and smiled. Not a warm smile, but the kind a con artist gives right before swindling someone.

"My lady," he began smoothly, "I did say you could name anything, and I would give it to you. But… you must understand, I'm still new to the Tower. There are things even I have yet to grasp."

Skadi's lips curled in amusement.

"So, in the end, you don't have it. All that confidence, all that boasting—only to fall short."

Her eyes gleamed with quiet menace.

"And now, you've lied to a goddess. A Stage-3 goddess on the verge of reaching Stage-4."

She tilted her head slightly, the weight of her power pressing into the space around them.

"Tell me, mortal, do you understand the gravity of what you've done?"

Ethan held her gaze, his mind working rapidly. He had let his guard down—grown complacent because things had been going smoothly. One trillion points had seemed like a fortune. But he had underestimated what it meant to deal with gods.

A mistake.

'I should've measured my words.'

He exhaled slowly, analyzing his options.

'She can't kill me. The Tower wouldn't allow it. But she can make my life hell… and I'd rather avoid that.'

His thoughts sharpened.

'System, tell me—what can I offer her with all the points I have? Something valuable enough to satisfy her… without putting me in danger.'

[Titles.]

[Titles can elevate the soul. At her level, obtaining a new title—one that strengthens her soul—is nearly impossible. That's likely why she asked for those three resources in the first place.]

Ethan's lips twitched.

'Didn't I just say without putting me in danger?'

[Your only other option is to walk away and return when you can afford her request.]

Or… he could simply wish for it.

But he wouldn't.

Pleasing a goddess is worth shouldering the burden of a wish.

His decision was made.

Ethan straightened, then inclined his head slightly.

"I apologize, goddess. I should have been more careful with my words." His voice was measured, deliberate. "I may not be able to provide the resources you asked for… but I can offer you something else. Something I believe you will find satisfying."

Skadi barely looked interested as she leaned back, her posture relaxed, almost dismissive.

"I'm listening."

Ethan ignored the attitude.

'Use all my points. Create the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.'

[Ding! You have created the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.]

[Remained points: 0]

Ethan's eyes twitched. His lips pressed into a thin line.

He exhaled. Then, he turned to her with a charming, knowing smile.

"What I'm about to give you… could bring me trouble." His voice was smooth, almost conspiratorial.

"So, before I proceed, I need your word. A vow that you will never speak of this—neither in life nor in eternity." His eyes locked onto hers. "If you give me that, I promise—you won't be disappointed."

Skadi studied him.

A secret?

If what he offered was truly valuable, she had no reason to share it. If it wasn't, she'd dismiss him altogether. Either way, the vow cost her nothing.

She raised a hand.

"I swear on my name—Skadi, Goddess of Winter—that I will not reveal what happens here, nor use it against you."

Tink!

An unseen force descended, the air itself vibrating violently before settling. The oath was sealed.

Ethan smiled.

"Then, allow me."

He gave the command to the system.

Immediately, a translucent window appeared before Skadi.

The Tower's voice rang out.

{You have received a title from The Allholder.}

{You have received the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.}

{Your soul has been greatly strengthened.}

{You have reached the soul requirement for advancement to Stage-4 Godhood.}

{Complete the 103rd floor to ascend.}

Skadi shot to her feet.

Her pupils dilated, emotions colliding in a chaotic storm. The air trembled. Snowflakes formed in the space around her, swirling in silent awe.

She forced herself to calm, suppressing the phenomenon.

Then, slowly, she turned to Ethan.

He stood there, unfazed, a soft, knowing smile on his lips.

Finally, he spoke.

"It seems I forgot to introduce myself properly, goddess."

He let the silence stretch, the tension settle.

Then—

"I am Ethan Yagami."

His voice was steady, yet carried undeniable weight.

"I have obtained many titles since I started climbing this Tower. Some, I imagine, would even surprise you."

His gaze sharpened.

"But recently, I acquired one I particularly like."

His lips curved into a flawless smile—brilliant, effortless, and utterly captivating.

"I am The Allholder. The one who possesses all things."

He extended his hand slightly and bowed lightly.

"Pleased to meet you."

Chapter 52: Meeting With Goddess (3)

Skadi stood frozen, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

She simply couldn't believe it.

In all her experience as a goddess, nothing had ever come close to something so absurd. So nonsensical.

A D-rank being granting a title—to a god?

Madness. Absolute madness.

And yet… the proof was right there. Clear. Unmistakable.

The Tower's system had been deliberate with its wording. It hadn't simply said, You have received a title.

No.

It had said, You have received a title from The Allholder.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Because in that moment, she understood the terrifying implications.

If Ethan could bestow titles upon others…

Then he could grant them to himself.

He would never be bound by the limits of soul power. Never be stalled in rank.

He could tailor his own divine attributes, refine them, stack them—until something obscene was born.

Now she understood.

She understood why a mortal—a D-rank mortal—was granted an audience with her, a Stage-3 goddess.

A feat so rare that even most Stage-1 and some Stage-2 gods weren't deemed worthy.

The man standing in front of her—this impossibly beautiful young man—was an irregular.

No… an anomaly, even among irregulars.

And so, her decision was made.

She stepped forward, slow and deliberate, stopping just an inch away from him.

Ethan didn't flinch.

Didn't blink.

Didn't step back.

His face wore a calm, unbothered smile, as if he hadn't just committed an act of divine-level blasphemy.

Skadi spoke.

"I don't know how you just did something only the Tower should be able to do… but I won't ask."

"I've already sworn an oath—binding and absolute. I won't speak of what happened here. I won't use it against you."

"So, you don't need to worry about betrayal."

She paused, eyes—icy blue—locking with his dual-toned black-and-white gaze.

"I have a proposition. If this ability of yours—granting titles—is something you can repeat, then let's cooperate."

"Tell me what you want. What you need. I will do everything in my power to provide it. In return…"

Her voice lowered, more serious. "You'll grant titles. Ones I personally select."

Ethan stayed silent, his smile unchanging.

'It's good to have the upper hand,' he thought to himself.

Then he spoke—gentle, but with unmistakable weight.

"But… not to sound presumptuous, dear goddess…"

"…as someone who can enhance the soul of a goddess like you—what exactly do you have to offer me?"

Skadi didn't answer right away. But when she did, her voice was calm and sure.

"Information."

"I'm a goddess. I've lived millions upon millions of years. I know things you couldn't begin to fathom—secrets of the Tower and what lies beyond."

She stepped closer, her eyes glowing now—not with power, but with certainty.

"So… are you in, Allholder?"

Ethan smiled.

"Yes, Goddess of Winter. I'm in."

They held each other's gaze—and smiled.

For the first time, a god treated a mortal as an equal.

And the Tower responded.

⸻

{Impossible Achievement Unlocked!}

{You have received a new title.}

{Title Received: The Mortal Who Humbled a Goddess}

{Your soul has been greatly enhanced.}

⸻

Skadi watched him carefully, then added one final note.

"Normally, no god may speak with a climber who hasn't passed the 50th trial. But for you… I'll make the sacrifice."

"Call my name. I will answer."

Ethan nodded. His body began to dissolve—his time here was up.

"Okay then. I'll call you."

And just like that, he vanished.

Skadi stood alone, still processing everything that had just happened.

Then, slowly, a smile crept across her lips.

"With this," she whispered, "I can challenge the 103rd floor… and finally become a Stage-4 goddess."

She couldn't wait.

⸻

Ethan reappeared in his rest zone, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Things had ended on a good note—but they'd started off horribly.

"I really need to shut my mouth sometimes," he muttered. "But…"

He opened his system panel.

[Current Points: 0]

His body trembled. He'd kept his cool in front of Skadi, but now that he was alone—he could finally react.

He dropped onto the cold grass, staring blankly up at the sky.

"…Is life even worth it?" he muttered.

"What the hell am I gonna do, System? I was counting on those points to prepare for my class awakening on the 10th floor."

"Now I have zero. Zero. From trillions to nothing. Seriously, who told me to mess with a goddess?"

[Once you reach the 10th floor, you'll be able to help others. That will earn you points.]

"I know that," he groaned. "But I'm lazy. Can't you tell?"

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Then, after a beat, he exhaled.

The act of despair ended. He sat up. Cracked his neck. And smiled.

"Let's go meet them. I hope they're waiting for me."

He looked upward.

"Tower—take me to the 10th floor."

{Understood, O Allholder.}

Chapter 53: Solaris

Ethan appeared in the heart of a bustling city.

Around him stretched a vibrant landscape—various races, shops, food stalls, guild recruiters. The air was thick with noise and excitement.

⸻

{You have stepped into the First Realm of the Tower: Solaris.}

{You are in the territory of the Kingdom of Balor.}

{You are currently in: Newbie City.}

{You may remain here as long as you like. To ascend to the 11th Floor, you must awaken your Class and clear the 10th Floor Trial.}

{To awaken your Class, simply will it.}

{The choice is yours, O Allholder.}

⸻

"Hey newbie, first time here? I've got the best guide to Solaris!"

"Join our guild—The MusclesMan! We'll take care of you!"

Voices shouted from every direction. The energy of the city was overwhelming.

Ethan's sudden arrival didn't go unnoticed. His appearance—divine, ethereal—was enough to turn heads instantly. Whispers followed him. People stared, some even drooled, struck dumb by his beauty.

But no one dared approach him.

His presence was simply too unapproachable. Too divine.

Ethan frowned. Attention was the last thing he needed.

Without a word, he turned and slipped into a shadowed alley, away from the crowd. Once alone, he pulled out a sleek artifact from his inventory—an SSS-grade appearance-altering tool.

A flash of light—and he changed.

His silver hair turned to raven black. His unnatural eyes shifted to a calm, verdant green. His features settled into a more human, unremarkable form.

He looked… normal again.

Pulling out his mana communicator, he dialed the one person he trusted most.

The line clicked instantly.

"Young Master Ethan?" Ellie's voice came through, eager and anxious—like she had been waiting for the call.

"Yes, my adorable maid, it's me. I finally made it to the 10th floor. Where are all of you right now?"

"We're in the capital city of the Kingdom of Castria—"

Ethan's heart skipped a beat.

"Wait. Wait, say that again. Which kingdom?"

"…The Kingdom of Castria. Do you… know them?"

"Who's their king?" Ethan asked sharply, tension surging through him.

"King Lucius. Also known as the King of Swords and a devout follower of the Church of the Giver. He's infamous for rejecting all other religions—his loyalty is only to the Giver Church. He has many enemies because of that."

Ethan went still.

They were really here.

On the 10th floor.

In his world.

His heart thudded with excitement.

"I'm in the Kingdom of Balor. How far is that from you?"

"What??" Ellie's voice spiked with alarm. "Master, the Kingdom of Balor is on the complete opposite end of the realm! The only known path is through the Forest of Death. No one's ever survived it. It's said to be the grave, the prison of some ancient being."

Ethan sighed heavily. Of course it wasn't going to be easy. That would've been too convenient.

He clicked his tongue. "Tower… you really don't know how to take it easy, do you?"

"There must be another way," he muttered.

Ellie's voice dropped in tone. "The royal family of Balor could help you. But… relations with Castria are cold. Rumors say war could break out at any moment."

"The King of Balor hesitates. He knows the power of the Sword King and his noble houses."

Ethan resisted the urge to curse. This was turning into a political nightmare.

And then—

⸻

{You have discovered the location of individuals you once saved during a Trial.}

{They are waiting for you.}

{You have received your 10th Floor Trial.}

{Trial: Traverse the Forest of Death. Survive. Reach the Kingdom of Castria.}

{Time Limit: None.}

{Rewards: Based on performance.}

⸻

Ethan's eye twitched.

"Now you're just trying to kill me, huh?"

He shook his head. This was getting ridiculous.

"Ellie… I don't know how long it'll take, but I will make it there. In the meantime, if you can contact King Lucius, do it. Once you do, I'll guide you from there."

"I have to move quickly. Say hi to Mei and Julie for me."

Tiint.

The call ended.

Ethan exhaled. "Alright… first step: gain points. Awaken a bloodline. Get a class. Then I'll face that damn forest."

He mapped it out mentally.

The fastest way to gain karmic points? Help those who truly needed it.

And so—

Ethan moved.

Over the next few days, he roamed through slums, hospitals, and prisons. Offering food. Healing wounds. Donating artifacts. Using his vast resources, skills, and Eyes of Judgment to help those deemed worthy.

He gave with no expectation of return. He simply helped.

⸻

Several days later…

Ethan sat alone in a rented inn room. Space-time barriers surrounded the area—layered, sealed, untraceable.

He had returned to his original form.

"System, how many points did I earn?"

[75 billion.]

"Only that much? After days of effort?" He clicked his tongue. "Tsk. Not worth it."

He leaned back, considering.

"I'll hold off on creating a bloodline for now. Instead… I'll create a new talent. One that will actually help me."

"Ready, System?"

[Yes, Host.]

He inhaled deeply.

This step mattered—it would shape the class he awakened.

He thought about his path. His nature.

He was balance.

He gave, and he took.

But he disliked combat. He preferred the shadows. Pulling strings.

He didn't want to stand at the front. He wanted to command from behind the curtain.

No one really knew him yet. Except for the Tower… and Skadi. But she was bound by oath. King Lucius too.

So why not create an identity?

A second face.

One that could act in secret. The true Giver and Taker. A name that wasn't Ethan Yagami.

And for that, he needed the right talent.

"My current talent lets me take what I need from hostiles. My system lets me give anything. My intent is about balance."

"So this next talent…"

He paused, eyes sharpening.

"…Concealment. Deep, absolute concealment."

"If I'm to move without the gods noticing… I need to be hidden even from them."

"System—create it."

"A talent in concealment strong enough to hide me from divine eyes."

[Understood, Host.]

Chapter 54: Merchant Beneath The World

[Please wait, Host.]

A few seconds passed.

[Talent creation complete: Veil of Silence (Supreme Grade).]

Ethan felt it immediately—something slipping into his body, into his very soul. Knowledge flooded his mind. He could feel the essence of the talent, its skills, its subtle yet overwhelming power.

He opened his eyes minutes later.

He hadn't activated anything. He hadn't moved.

But already, his presence felt… dimmed. Distant. Like even standing in a crowd, no one would ever truly see him.

"System, show me the description."

⸻

[Talent: Veil of Silence — What is not seen, is not touched.]

• Blank Presence (Passive): You become unnoticeable. Even in plain sight, you appear forgettable—background noise to the world.

• Erase Step (Active): Every step leaves no trace—no sound, no prints, no scent. You pass like a ghost.

• Mindblind (Passive): Attempts to detect, track, or remember you without your consent lead only to confusion and false memories.

• Seal Truth (Active): You may hide truths—yours or others'. Intentions, past actions, even facts vanish from knowing.

• No One Beneath The Sky (Active): For a short time, you cease to exist. Untraceable. Erased from fate, magic, memory, time, and divine sight.

⸻

Ethan grinned, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "With this, even the Forest of Death might become just a long walk."

His thoughts drifted.

"Esmeray… Anita… I wonder where they are. Have they reached the 10th floor too?"

He frowned. He'd forgotten to give them communication tools before they separated.

"Knowing those two, they'll cause some kind of chaos. Especially Anita… she's an angel. She draws attention like fire draws moths."

He paused.

"…Worst case, I will have to make myself known. Not as Ethan, of course. But as…"

He blinked.

"…Wait. I never came up with a name for this new identity."

A wicked grin spread across his face.

"Let's go with something cool."

"I'll be the one who trades beneath the light of the world. I deal in everything—life, death, souls, emotions. So long as one is ready to pay the price of their wish…"

"I will be known as… The Merchant Beneath the World."

The grin widened. The persona was born.

Time for its debut.

First step? A simple act of trade. Granting common folk what they desire. Build whispers. Spread reputation. Nothing too flashy… yet.

And with Veil of Silence, no one could trace it back to him.

Ethan stood, activating Erase Step. His footsteps vanished as he headed toward the heart of the city.

⸻

Meanwhile…

Esmeray had just completed her 9th Trial. She now stood on the 10th floor.

But not in the Kingdom of Balor.

She stood amidst shadows—in demon lands, her new racial homeland.

A realm of twilight skies and cursed soil.

Demons turned to stare.

Her appearance was unhidden—horns, wings, and a scent that made male demons around her nearly fall into madness. A true succubus.

"A succubus? It's been ages…"

"There's only one other in this city—the Red District leader."

Esmeray heard them whisper and smirked faintly.

She wasn't here to hide.

A voice echoed in her mind, deep and ancient.

"Master… what shall we do? Awaken your class and challenge the 10th floor?"

It was Dracula—her strongest undead. An ancient vampire, loyal and bound.

Esmeray smiled. "Yes. Let's awaken my class… but not to challenge the floor."

"I have someone to meet, my master."

Dracula frowned. "I still don't understand how you can have a master. It's… confusing."

"You'll understand when you see him."

"And how are we supposed to find him? For all we know, he's on the other side of this realm."

Esmeray chuckled—low, sultry, confident. "He'll do something absurd. He always does. I just need to keep my ears open."

She turned toward the west.

"Let's head toward the human kingdoms. He'll be in one of them."

Dracula nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Let's call him Grandmaster, then. Otherwise, things might get awkward."

And so, Esmeray began her journey toward Ethan.

⸻

Elsewhere…

Anita was already on the 10th floor.

She had been dropped into a poor, sickly village. Disease, hunger, despair—she had seen it all upon arrival.

She healed them. Fed them.

Her holy aura, her angelic presence—these people had never seen anything like her. To them, she was not a visitor.

She was a divine messenger.

They began to worship her.

And now… she was stuck.

She sat in the most lavish room they could offer—still modest, by most standards—and pondered.

Her appearance had changed. Taller, more mature. A woman now. As beautiful as she was powerful.

A perk of her race.

She frowned, whispering softly, "I miss Mister…"

She could leave. Nothing stopped her. But something pulled at her heart.

"I want to build something here. A faith. For him."

Yes. That was the reason she stayed.

She would play along. Act the angel. Because she was one.

But not just any angel.

"The Angel of my Mister."

She tapped her chin, eyes shining with mischief and devotion.

"But… what divine name should I give him?"

She grinned.

"Let's go with something mysterious… something weighty."

Her voice dropped to a whisper, reverent and resolute.

"The Forgotten One. The True God."

She rose from her seat.

"Yes. I am his Angel. And I am here to spread his name through every world, every dimension. His message… will be heard."

Anita smiled.

This was going to be fun.

Chapter 55: A Month

A month had passed.

Deep within a shadowy corner of Beginner City, a hidden cave entrance had become the center of quiet whispers and long lines.

People gathered—some desperate, others hopeful—all drawn by one name that now echoed in hush tones through the streets:

The Merchant Beneath the World.

"Hey, brother," one man whispered to another as they stood in line, "it's my first time here… are the rumors true?"

The other grinned, clearly a frequent visitor. "Brother, you wouldn't believe it even if I told you. This man—this being—can grant any wish. Any. But there's always a price. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes… not. But it's always fair."

"You've been here before?"

"I was one of the first," he said proudly. "Back then, I didn't even pay anything. I just asked for one million platinum coins to clear my debts. He gave me two million—for being the first."

He gestured to his fine clothes, a smug smile on his face. "Look at me now."

The other man's envy was clear, but excitement burned brighter.

The Merchant, they said, rarely asked for material wealth. His prices were… different.

Inside the cave, cloaked in layers of enchantments and shadow, Ethan sat in silence.

His Veil of Silence talent was active.

No one who entered saw Ethan Yagami. They saw only a formless silhouette—faceless, genderless—a presence shaped from living shadow. His eyes, twin voids, stared lazily, calmly. Even his voice became a memory that faded the moment one stepped away.

He had become truly unknowable.

A woman now sat before him.

Old. Hunched. Her face marred by age, acne, and something deeper.

Ethan didn't flinch. He didn't judge. His expression—if anyone could even see it—remained unchanged. He didn't care about appearances.

"What do you wish for, my lady?" he asked, his voice smooth, respectful, even kind.

That was part of his growing reputation. The Merchant Beneath the World was always polite. Always fair.

The woman didn't hesitate.

"I wish to marry… and have children. But I've always been ugly. Since I was born. No one's ever even looked at me twice." Her voice trembled.

Ethan didn't blink. He'd heard countless wishes by now.

He activated Eyes of Judgment, peering into her soul.

She was good.

It didn't matter too much—he had systems in place. Anything he gave, he could take back. If someone misused his gifts, he'd know instantly. And he would reclaim them—no matter where, no matter when.

That was the nature of his path: balance. Give and take.

'System, do I have a potion that can improve her beauty?'

[You do. But she is cursed. The potion alone won't suffice. The curse is powerful—it must be lifted. Once done, her true form will return.]

A curse?

That explained a lot.

'How many karmic points do I have?'

[1 trillion.]

'What's the cost of removing the curse?'

[5 billion.]

'Do it.'

A moment passed.

[You have received: Curse Removal Potion (Stage-1 God Grade).]

Ethan held the shimmering vial, then turned to the woman.

"You have been cursed. That is the reason your appearance has always been this way."

The woman's eyes widened in shock. "Cursed? But… who would curse me?"

"I do not know," Ethan replied evenly. "But if you wish to learn, I can find the answer."

He paused.

"However… judging by the strength of the curse, the consequences will be heavy. You may not like what you learn."

The woman hesitated—then slowly shook her head. "Not yet. I'll come back… when I'm ready."

"Now, for the cost of your wish…"

Ethan now has the authority to determine the cost of the wishes.

Most of the time he is lenient. But sometimes he can't even if he wanted to.

And for lifting a curse at the stage 1 god level it's no easy matter.

So,

"The cost will be your beauty. Your beauty will be too exceptional. And because of that you will live in constant trouble. Men will do all to claim you."

The woman trembled. Her expression hesitant.

But she does not back down. She had lived in this state for too long. As a woman she wanted to beauty and to be loved.

So she accepted the burden. The cost.

"I accept it."

Immediately when she did, a coin appeared in her palm. Cold. Impossibly smooth. Black and white—like dusk and dawn trapped in metal.

One side bore a perfect scale.

The other, the faint etching of a veiled figure—faceless, watching, unknowable.

"This is my mark," Ethan said. "All who strike a deal with me carry one. With it, you may call upon me, wherever you are, whenever you wish."

He paused, voice soft as a falling blade.

"I might answer. Or I might not."

She nodded.

She took the potion and left, her heart full of gratitude—and something new. Hope.

But even as she walked away, her mind fumbled to remember what his voice sounded like. It left no echo. No tone. Just… silence.

Ethan exhaled softly.

One more soul helped. One more balance struck.

Then the final visitor of the day stepped forward.

A man. Plain. Ordinary. Unremarkable in every way.

But Ethan's instincts screamed otherwise.

There was something off. Something hidden.

The man bowed slightly. "Greetings, Merchant Beneath the World. I come with a request."

"Speak." Ethan was calm. Unworried. He had enough Stage-2 and Stage-3 artifacts, barriers, poisons, and explosives on hand to wipe out armies if needed. Any fool who tried to strike him would be erased before drawing a second breath.

But this man wasn't a fool.

He felt the pressure, the chill in the air, the weight of legends.

"I am the last prince of this kingdom," the man said. "I was sent here on an assignment by my royal father. And by chance—or fate—I heard of you."

Ethan tilted his head slightly, intrigued.

"The kingdom plans to declare war against the Kingdom of Castria. The king has decreed that whoever contributes most to the war effort shall be named his successor."

"I… am the weakest of his children. The least talented. But I want to be king."

His eyes burned with resolve and determination.

"I know I am worthy. So I ask of you, Merchant Beneath the World… grant me this wish."

Ethan sat in silence.

A smirk played on his lips, hidden behind the veil of shadows.

Now this… was interesting.

Chapter 56: Eternal Servitude

Ethan stared at the man seated before him, his twin void-like eyes calm and unreadable.

"You wish to be king?" he asked, his voice soft and smooth—neither loud nor whispering, but perfectly balanced. A sound that made even the most nervous of visitors feel strangely at ease.

Jack Balor nodded, the last prince of the Kingdom of Balor. "Yes. I want it."

Ethan tilted his head slightly. "And are you ready to pay the price?"

"I am."

"Are you sure?" Ethan's voice remained calm, but the air around them grew colder, heavier. "The burden of the throne is no light matter. Your chances are slim, and the consequences… great. Once you ascend, you will carry the weight of the crown until the end of your days."

He paused, fixing his unblinking gaze on Jack.

The prince flinched. But he didn't back down.

"Yes," Jack said firmly. "I am ready for everything."

Ethan nodded once, slowly. "Why do you wish to be king? Is it to rule wisely? To bring prosperity to your people?"

"Tell me the truth. If you lie… I will know. And if you do, not only will your wish be denied—but you'll bear the consequences of lying to me."

The temperature in the cave dropped sharply.

Jack swallowed hard. Fear and tension ran down his spine like ice. But he steeled himself. He'd come too far.

"I want to be king… to rule," he admitted. "I want to stand above all. I want the power to shape this kingdom as I see fit—to mold it into my image."

"The people?" He gave a half-shrug. "If they benefit from what I do, fine. If not, it's no concern of mine."

He said it all honestly, laying bare his soul before the Merchant.

Not because he wanted to.

Because he had to.

Because this being—the one cloaked in shadow and mystery—was his only path to the throne.

Ethan had already judged him.

From the moment Jack walked in, he'd seen it all using Eyes of Judgment.

This man wasn't evil in the traditional sense. But he was selfish. Hypocritical. Ambitious to the point of delusion. The kind of man who'd justify any atrocity for the sake of his goals.

A snake. The kind that would bite the hand that fed it if it meant tasting power.

The kind who looked weak only because he'd never had power.

Give a man power, Ethan thought, and you'll see who he truly is.

He should've refused.

But he wouldn't.

No—he saw a better path.

"Let's bind him to me."

Let me show you, little prince, just how heavy a wish can truly become.

"I see," Ethan said aloud. "If your desire is to become king, it can be done. As long as you are willing to shoulder the cost."

Jack's face lit up with joy.

"Yes! Yes, Honored One—I'll pay any price!"

Ethan, still calm, spoke silently to his system.

'Any ideas?'

[Plenty. If you were more powerful, the simplest way would be to grant him the destiny of a king. But you are not yet strong enough. Altering fate is no small thing.]

Tch. Damn system. I'm climbing the tower, aren't I? Just give me an answer.

[You can grant him a talent, or knowledge—something that can make him a key figure in the war and lead him to the throne naturally.]

I don't care about the war. This is against Castria. I'm not helping that.

System, take whatever points you need. Just tell me: who's at fault in this conflict? Balor or Castria?

[Balor.]

Why?

[They covet Lucius's daughter for her extraordinary talent and bloodline. Her elemental affinity is unmatched, and Balor attempted to kidnap her. Though they failed, Lucius retaliated by killing two Balorian Dukes. Now the King of Balor, desperate to reclaim his authority, is pushing for war.]

Lucius has a daughter, huh…? Interesting.

Fine then. Let's skip the game. Let's wipe out this entire corrupt royal family and put this snake on the throne.

[You've chosen. Cost: 500 billion points.]

…System, you're bleeding me dry.

Still, he didn't care. He turned his gaze back to Jack, who was trembling with anticipation.

"Are you willing," Ethan asked, voice now colder, sharper, "to kill your entire family for the throne?"

Jack froze.

Then, slowly, his lips twisted into a grin.

"Yes, Honored One. I am."

Ethan clicked his tongue softly in amusement. Not even a second of hesitation.

But it didn't matter.

"I will give you the means to do so. The power to kill them all—and make it look like you had no part in it. When the dust settles, the throne will be yours."

He let that settle in the air.

Then added the final twist.

"But the price… the true price of this wish…"

Ethan's voice turned into a whisper of fate itself.

"You want to stand above all. To rule everyone."

"In return, your burden is this—eternal servitude to one being. No defiance. No betrayal."