Published at 26th of December 2025 7:43 am

Chapter 520: The One Who Belongs, Returns to Where They Should Be.

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The room was approximately five meters square, appearing somewhat small compared to the expansive scale of the ruins we had explored so far.

However, the walls were adorned with carvings of a complexity far beyond anything we had encountered in the corridors. At the center of the room was a grand pedestal, and atop it floated a mysterious object exuding a palpable sense of significance.

Combined with the serene and solemn atmosphere of the space, it was undeniable that this was the most important chamber within the ruins.

So, it seems weve reached the innermost part of these ruins, Zurich remarked, his voice carrying a sense of accomplishment.

Nyaa, weve finally made it, Nyaa! Nyamcket chimed in, her tail swishing in excitement.

We stepped cautiously into the room, our attention drawn instantly to the mysterious object floating above the pedestal.

The innermost chamber of the [Seat Of The Gods: Dashiketama] which means this must be the [Divine Throne] Zurich speculated thoughtfully.

The object atop the pedestal was a cube composed of thin stone plates, each no more than a millimeter thick and measuring approximately 15 centimeters per side. Each plate had a circular cutout at its center, offering a view of the interior, where a glowing red stone hovered ominously.

A red stone one that was eerily and unmistakably familiar. Thats rightLuka had mentioned sealing the Demon Kings power here.

So, this is God? Its quite different from what I imagined Zurich mused.

Nyaa, just looking at it makes my tail tingle, Nyaa, Nyamcket added, visibly uneasy.

Ah well, I dont think this is God, I muttered hesitantly.

What do you mean by that, Ed-kun? Zurich asked sharply, fixing a piercing gaze on me.

I couldnt leave things as they were. Swallowing my nerves, I tried to answer, though Zurichs intense stare made it difficult to think straight. I needed a plausible explanationand fast. Alright, here goes

Well you see, um, a long time ago, I had this dream. In it, God appeared to me and said that His sanctuary had been defiled and asked me to do something about it

An awkward silence followed.

Yeah, I get itit sounds suspicious and totally made up. But thats why I didnt mention it earlier! Whod believe something like that, right? Still, remember how strong I was back there? That strength came from God granting me the power to conquer these ruins!

Hm I see. Your earlier display of strength was indeed remarkable. For someone your age to wield such power is highly unusual. If what youre saying is true, it does explain quite a bit Zurich admitted, his gaze softening slightly.

Though Zurichs skepticism seemed to fade, I couldnt relax just yet. Wed only been in this world for a few days, and I would need his trust and cooperation for the months ahead.

And I can prove it! Watch this, I declared boldly.

I stepped forward and reached toward the floating cube. As my hand neared the glowing red stone, it began to tremble violently, as if reacting to my presence.

All right, lets see.

I pushed my hand through the circular opening and grasped the stone, absorbing it directly into myself. For anyone else, such an action might have been risky, but to me, this weakened essence of the Demon King was no threat.

The red stone crumbled to dust in my hand, leaving the cubethe so-called [Divine Throne]empty.

Hup!

To balance what I had taken, I replaced the stone with something else. Reaching within myself, I retrieved the Fragment of God that I had been carrying and placed it into the throne. (T/N: Indiana Jones reference?)

The frame of the cube seemed to draw in the fragment as if it had been designed for this purpose. The ominous red glow was replaced by a radiant white light that emanated outward in six directions. What had once been sinister now felt serene, exuding an aura of divine reverence.

Chhuuuuuu!? Ed-kun, what just happened!? Zurich exclaimed in shock.

I purified the throne and restored the divine energy it was meant to hold, I explained, keeping my tone even and calm.

Nyaa, its so shiny now, Nyaa! Nyamcket added excitedly.

[Hey, Ed are you sure this is okay?] Tia whispered to me telepathically.

[Itll be fine probably,] I replied, doing my best to sound confident.

While Zurich and Nyamcket were captivated by the glowing artifact, Tia remained skeptical. I tried to reassure herafter all, I had only returned divine power to its rightful place. What could possibly go wrong?

Whats happening!? The light is getting stronger! Zurich cried out.

Nyaa!? Its starting to vibrate, Nyaa! Nyamcket yelped.

Uh Ed? Are you sure this is okay? Tia asked again, her voice filled with concern.

Well maybe not? I stammered.

The white light from the stone frame grew brighter and brighter, and the entire artifact began to tremble violently. Soon, it started spinningslowly at first, but gaining speed rapidlyuntil the room itself was filled with an overwhelming brilliance.

What an incredible light! I cant even keep my eyes open! Zurich exclaimed.

Its spinning like crazy, Nyaa! Nyamcket added, his tail bristling with alarm.

Ed!? Is this really okay!? Are you absolutely sure!? cried Tia, panic in her voice.

Sorry, it might not be, I admitted.

Ed! You idiot!

Damn it! Whatever happens, happens!

Shielding the screaming Tia behind me, I stepped forward, extending a hand toward the glowing stone framethe [Divine Throne]. I didnt know what was happening, but if the process was similar to that of the Demon King, removing the source would likely bring it to an end.

Squinting against the blinding light, I stretched out my arm. My fingers brushed against something soft and squishy. Got it

Ahn~!

Huh!?

A strange, almost comical voice reached my ears, and the overwhelming light suddenly subsided. When I opened my eyes, standing where the light once was, I saw a figure

Luka!? No wait, Luka?

Ah, Senpai! How long are you planning to grab my chest? Even if youre the embodiment of lust theres a time and place for everything, you know! Luka scolded, his tone playful yet exasperated.

Who the hell are you calling the embodiment of lust!? And wait What the hell is going on here!?

Realizing where my hand was, I immediately let go, only to be faced with even more confusion. It was Luka, without a doubtbut his figure was noticeably different. His chest and hips had become far more pronounced, to the point that it was impossible to ignore.

Ta-da! Your lovable junior Luka is back! Though, thanks to you mixing me with Last-san, this body ended up like this. I kinda liked my androgynous charmit was one of my selling points! Are you disappointed?

No, thats not it Wait, hold on. Luka, are you revived!?

Only for now, Luka replied, her previously cheerful tone giving way to something more somber.

For a brief moment, joy swelled in my chest, only to be extinguished by the bittersweet smile on her face. I could feel itthis wasnt the start of something new. It was the end of something fleeting.

This body is just a temporary vessel. My compressed personality, which was on the verge of fading entirely, managed to surface for a short while. But this stone vessel can only sustain me for a few minutes.

Then Ill

You dont have to, Luka interrupted with a gentle shake of her head.

I had been about to suggest finding a more stable vessel for her, but her calm refusal stopped me in my tracks.

Last-san was able to properly say goodbye to you, but I I didnt get that chance. I just talked at you one-sidedly before disapparing. Being able to say goodbye properly now is enough for me.

Last So that really was?

Yes, that was definitely Last-san. If you stack something real on top of itself, of course it becomes real. Though I doubt therell be a next time. The ability is gone now, isnt it?

Yeah. Its gone.

The original [Hollow Hologram] was still usable, but its advanced derivative, [Last Chance] was no longer accessible. That, more than anything, was proof that Lasts individuality had completely disappeared, leaving only raw power behind.

Dont make that face, Senpai. Just because something cant be seen doesnt mean its gone. Isnt that what this whole experience taught you? The same goes for Last-san and for me. Oh, and herethis is for you.

Luka raised her right hand and gently flicked her index finger. A small orb of light emerged from her fingertip and floated toward me, sinking into my chest.

What was that? I asked, bewildered.

Its the best I can leave for you, Senpai. I wish I could give you more, but Im still an Apostle of God, after all. With the other me having turned out the way it did, at least this version of me has to return to Gods side.

I see That makes sense.

So This is really goodbye. Being able to talk to you one last time like this Im truly grateful.

Yeah, me too. Say hi to that god of yours for me.

Somehow, I dont think God will appreciate a message from someone He still sees as a mere insect, Luka teased with a slight laugh.

Say what you want! I retorted with a wry smile of my own.

This really was the end. I could feel it in every word exchanged between us.

Well then, Senpai Goodbye.

Yeah, Luka Until we meet again someday.

As Luka made her final farewell, I raised my hand in a small wave, promising a reunion that might never come. She smiled, her expression caught between amusement and melancholy, before her body was enveloped in light.

When the glow faded, the now-empty Divine Throne fell softly onto the pedestal with a faint clink.

Goodbye, Luka, I murmured, running my hand gently over the still-warm frame of the throne.

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