Chapter 538 Joining the Family
"What son?"
"Right... So he never told, did he?" Daruun’s seriousness was shattered as he broke out in laughter. "Sorry... Don’t think of this as disrespect. I’m just surprised that he hid that fact from you of all people."
"Who hid what from ?" questioned Jack, feeling agitated by the blatant sidestepping of the answer and the intermixed laughter.
"Your father. We hide it from the rest but I’m still surprised Sterfen never inford you, of all people, that I’m his biological father and your legitimate grandfather."
Numb, Jack’s body went limp for a mont as he rag-dolled in his chair.
"Who’s Sterfen?" Duorda asked.
"He’s my son who was born on Kartonia while you were fulfilling your duties as temple guardian," answered Daruun. "Since he chose not to beco my full-ti partner in the inevitable future, I told Sterfen to not challenge you and ruin our little test."
"Sterfen is... That’s why he’s so... Does that an--"
"Yes, Jack. Sterfen’s potential is more than you know. Like , he was born with an affinity for illusions, mind tricks, and the like, not blessed with affinity for any cosmic energies of raw power," explained Daruun. "However, Sterfen has always been more crafty than anyone gives him credit. And his sudden appearance to the world as a god was because he needed no one to assist his ascension. Also, since you’re curious, the cause of his unhealing attacks is his use of pure cosmic energy, the opposite effect of Duorda’s healing abilities which you experience first-hand."
Jack nodded but was still on the ropes fighting the thought of accepting Sterfen’s identity.
Daruun added, "Once you ascend, Jack, Sterfen will be lv. 98 and will play a key role in our plans, albeit not the main role. He prefers to be a silent partner and not a public figure, so he’ll beco our third hand in governing the Fate District, controlling those in the shadows."
"That... I an..."
"Take your ti. This is a lot of information to take in at once, so don’t push yourself too hard," Daruun stated. "Ti passes differently here so take all the ti in the world."
The hero slowly nodded as he did just that. Fifteen minutes passed before Jack said another word. "Okay... So, I understand this much...
"Halmut and Skaryn failed to et your expectations, for so reason currently unntioned, so you had a son and offered the role to him instead. When he agreed but to only beco a silent partner, you were left with a vacant position and decided to fill it in the most perfect way you could, making sure your chosen champions wouldn’t fail you again. Then, you used the ga "A Hero’s Tale" to find candidates that greatly lacked physical capability but held the advantage with ntal willingness and longing for such an opportunity. The ridiculous achievent list was utilized as a ans to find the person most desperate to live in such a setting. Did I get that right?"
"Spot on, Jack!" Clapping, Daruun smiled and sighed in relief.
"You chose because you were ninety-nine percent certain that I would agree to your proposal in the end, and that’s why you always treated more like family than as a tool."
"Because you are family, Jack," added Daruun. "I truly acknowledge you as my grandson. Sterfen is my only living child, making you and Lina my only grandchildren. The other gods are also my children, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my bias for your father and mother, as well as my bias for you and your family."
As another pause ca to be, Daruun blinked and let his lip quiver only once. "Do you believe ?"
Witnessing the almighty Daruun show his vulnerability was jaw-droppingly startling, especially after Jack had learned of Daruun’s true station in the universe. Yet here he was, practically begging Jack to accept Daruun as Jack’s grandfather, watery eyes and all.
"Yeah... I believe you..."
Those four words brought a wave of relief over Daruun, who finally relaxed into the back of his chair. "Then... Do you accept my proposal? To join and your father in governing the Fate District as a family?"
"Yeah, I’m in..." Jack sighed, struggling to believe that such a conversation just took place.
"We’re the sa, Jack. You, , and your father are the sa. No matter what happens, we put our family first. And though our plans will be difficult and strenuous to complete, especially at first, I guarantee to offer protection to your wives and loved ones while you and your father take on your future endeavors."
Hearing those words co out of Daruun’s mouth sent a rush of relief throughout Jack’s body.
"That doesn’t an you can’t die, Jack," Daruun added. "For you and your father to grow, you’ll be forced to endure life-threatening circumstances, many of which I can’t do anything about. If I dared to interfere, you two would never be able to achieve your fullest potential. Becoming a six-star takes death-defying will and fate-defying determination, proven and forged only in dire circumstances. Are you okay with that?"
Nodding with a sigh, Jack replied, "If you’re protecting my wives and family, then I won’t have anything to worry about."
"Good, then allow to make a suggestion." Motioning toward Duorda, Daruun added, "From this point onward, Duorda will beco your assistant. He’ll form a pact with you’ll be able to buy his skills. After paying for the system update and ascending, you must buy his Undeath skill. If you do that, the odds of your permanent death could beco statistically impossible in most situations. So scenarios will still threaten your life, regardless of having such a skill, but you’re still better off than I ever was. And considering where I’m at now, I’m sure you’ll be able to overco the odds and design your own fate."
"Undeath? Is that why he passively revives himself? Would I get two bodies, like Duorda?" Jack questioned.
"No, that’s a separate part of his very being, designed into his construct body. But so long as your soul isn’t completely snuffed out, you would self-generate your wounded or even your nonexistent body. That’s why both halves are needed for Duorda’s self-generation, because he needs every portion of his soul present for self-generation to occur," explained Daruun.
"Now that we’re on the sa page, let explain what you’re both currently most curious about. How Halmut and Skaryn failed , and how their current situations ca to pass."
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