Repeat Vice - The Villainous Noble Doesn't Want to Die, So He Swore to Not Die As One of The Four Heavenly Kings - Chapter 61: Fengshen

Chapter 61: Fengshen

——Lily…

The murmured words from the Elf King sounded unbelievable.

Upon hearing this, Rofus’s vision went dark and then changed.

The previously decayed and worn-down throne room now appeared drastically different. Polished floors were covered with crimson carpets, and numerous deep green banners hung on the stone walls. These banners were embroidered with the symbol of an eagle with outspread wings, clutching a laurel branch in its beak, as if it represented a nation.

The throne, along with the giant artificial magic stone floating above it, was now resplendent, showing no signs of decay. Rofus felt as though he had been transported back to a time before civilization’s fall.

Riruka, who had been beside him, was now absent, causing Rofus to frown.

What was happening?

While Rofus heightened the strength of his magical barrier in alert, the grand doors of the throne room burst open. A man in black entered, cutting through the air.

With abyss-like black hair and a cold gaze that could intimidate anyone, Rofus sensed a similarity to Rudens.

Although Rofus had never seen this man before, he instinctively knew.

“Dark God…?”

The description matched what Riruka had mentioned about the Dark God. As Rofus readied himself, the Dark God frowned in displeasure and spoke.

“As promised, I will take this one.”

“What…?”

Confused by the Dark God’s words, Rofus frowned.

Behind the Dark God, a young elf girl peeked out timidly. The voice of the Elf King, whom Rofus had turned into a shadow familiar, roared from behind him.

“Do not joke! A mere human taking my daughter! Guards! Arrest this insolent man immediately!”

The voice, originating from the throne, had no visible source.

“No soldiers will come.”

The Dark God’s short, cold words were directed towards the throne, not at Rofus, as if Rofus was invisible to him.

Narrowing his eyes, Rofus wondered if this was a glimpse into the past.

The scene cracked visibly like a shattering glass and then disintegrated, revealing the decayed and worn-down throne room once more. The Dark God and the elf girl were gone, and so was Riruka.

Instead, an elf girl now sat on the throne. She resembled the young elf girl but looked more mature, as if the younger one had grown up to become her.

Observing the changing scenes, Rofus realized this might be another vision of the past. But then the elf girl on the throne turned her gaze toward him.

“…Finally, we meet, Rofus.”

The elf girl smiled at Rofus with a familiarity that surprised him.

“…Who are you… no—”

Taken aback by being addressed, Rofus scrutinized her. He remembered Riruka mentioning someone with a similar appearance before.

“—Wind God, is it?”

“Correct. You are quick to grasp, aren’t you?”

The elf girl—Wind God—smiled kindly as if looking at a grandchild.

“…I apologize for earlier. Showing you that strange vision was a mistake. Using Baaldel as an intermediary projected his memories.”

The earlier vision of the past, it seemed, was not meant for Rofus to see. The Wind God chuckled awkwardly.

“Baaldel… the Elf King. Now that you mention it, he did call himself that. So, that vision was indeed of the past.”

Recalling the Elf King who attacked him, Rofus mused.

“By the way, Riruka mentioned that you haven’t responded to her calls?”

“…I used too much power. I won’t be able to guide anyone for a while. Originally, we gods should not engage excessively with humans, even with apostles.”

Shrugging, the Wind God added, “Well, nonetheless, it seems I was able to help heal Iz’s illness through Riruka’s request.”

Smiling, the Wind God looked at Rofus with narrowed eyes.

“So, what do you want? You wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of setting this up unless you had something to discuss.”

“Indeed, I have something to discuss with you, which is why I brought you here. However, you…”

The Wind God chuckled as if recalling something.

“Despite the circumstances, you go straight to the point, just like the Dark God Ais who hates inefficiency.”

The Wind God laughed heartily, but under Rofus’s piercing gaze, he finally composed himself, still chuckling.

“Ais is the nickname for the Dark God.”

“That’s not what I asked… If there is no reason to keep me here, return me to my place.”

“My apologies. Let’s get to the point.”

Clearing his throat, the Wind God’s smile faded, and he looked seriously at Rofus.

“The reason I called you here is simple. I want to make a deal with you.”

“A deal?”

Frowning, Rofus listened as the Wind God continued.

“I want you to accomplish something. In return, I will support Rofus Ray Lightress, regardless of what future awaits.”

“…What?”

The proposal left Rofus narrowing his eyes.

“Was it too abrupt? Given your knowledge of the future, I thought this would be a fair deal.”

“…”

Rofus pondered the Wind God’s words, considering the implications of having such an ally.

＊

Rofus recalled the events of the second chapter of the story.

In the second chapter, Abel and his companions defeated the second demon lord Raymond and his four generals. However, Raymond and his generals were overwhelmingly powerful, capable of conquering the most magically advanced kingdom in just a few days. Normally, Abel and his companions stood no chance against them.

But they triumphed.

The key factor was the blessings of the Six Gods.

Before battling the four generals, Abel and his group visited shrines connected to the Six Gods, receiving their blessings and significantly enhancing their power.

The Six Gods were six deities closely tied to the kingdom’s founding. To defeat Raymond and his generals, who threatened humanity and the kingdom, the Six Gods bestowed blessings on Abel and his companions, greatly boosting their strength. This allowed them to wield powerful attribute magic techniques.

Initially a skeptic, Rofus believed the protagonist’s power-up through the blessings was more about self-belief or placebo effect rather than divine intervention.

However, the Six Gods did exist and possessed the power to turn back time. Granting blessings and empowering individuals would be easy for them.

To Rofus, facing an opponent who might be similarly strengthened by such divine intervention was an intolerable prospect.

“To support… does that mean you won’t grant ‘blessings’ to Abel and his group?”

At Rofus’ question, the Wind God smiled broadly.

“Of course. And it’s not just that. I promise to remain friendly towards you personally and offer my full cooperation.”

“…That’s not a bad deal.”

One of the Six Gods siding with Rofus. This would greatly contribute to his goal of surviving without being brutally killed. However…

“It’s not bad at all, actually too good to be true. There must be a catch.”

Rofus’ cautious nature didn’t allow him to accept it at face value. The Wind God, seeing Rofus’ suspicious look, chuckled wryly.

“You’re wary of lies, huh? I want you to rest assured. We gods cannot lie. Being a god means being bound by the world. While we can do many things, we are also subjected to many restrictions. One of those is that we can only speak the truth.”

“You claim you can only speak the truth, but there’s no guarantee that’s true. Even if it is true, there are countless ways to deceive without lying. By omitting important information, you can lead someone to misunderstand or misinterpret.”

“Hmm… You’re very distrustful. This is something where you’ll have to take my word for it.”

Rofus glared at the Wind God, who was scratching her head in perplexity.

“Give me a reason I can accept. Why make such a concession? What is it that you want me to do?”

“I’ll say it again. Even if it means going against the other Six Gods, I’ll remain your ally. The reason I’m willing to go that far is because the thing I want you to do is directly tied to my own desire.”

“So, you have a desire that you want fulfilled even if it means opposing the other Six Gods? What is this thing you want me to do?”

“…What I want you to do is—”

The Wind God chose her words carefully. Rofus listened in silence, then his face twisted in anger.

“Don’t mess with me. This is a bad joke!”

“I told you, I can only speak the truth.”

“That makes it even worse!”

From Rofus’ body, a wave of dense magical energy burst out in his anger. The space around them distorted and cracked under the pressure.

“What good would it do for you!? What’s your desire connected to this!?”

While taking in Rofus’ angry shout and magical energy, the Wind God tilted her head in confusion.

“…Why are you so angry? It shouldn’t be a bad thing for you or for Riruka.”

“Don’t assume you know anything about Riruka.”

At Rofus’ words, the Wind God’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“I’ll return your words. What do you know about Riruka? I understand her far better than you. I’ve been watching over her since she was a baby.”

Receiving the Wind God’s pressure, Rofus exhaled deeply.

“I see… If that’s the case, then this negotiation is over.”

“You don’t need to answer now. Just know that doing ‘that’ will lead to a better future. Consider it a divine revelation.”

“Say what you want, you damned god.”

The Wind God gave a troubled smile at Rofus’ dismissive words.

“My business here is done. I didn’t intend to make you uncomfortable. Please continue to get along with Riruka.”

As the Wind God spoke, her presence began to fade. The surroundings wavered like a heat haze, and the space seemed to be coming to an end. Rofus raised his voice in a hurry.

“Wait! I have more questions… Damn it! Why haven’t I had any contact with the Six Gods? Am I not one of their apostles!?”

As the space cracked and the Wind God’s figure faded, he answered.

“…Sorry, I don’t know if you’re an apostle. Even among the Six Gods, the information about chosen apostles isn’t shared.”

But the Wind God continued.

“I think the Dark God Ais would choose you based on compatibility. You should find it easier to make contact at the places associated with the Six Gods. Try visiting his grave. There should be the tomb of the Dark God Alastair Ray, your ancestor, in your domain.”

“What?”

As he was told this unexpected fact, the space shattered, and Rofus’ vision went dark.

＊

—Rofus…

—Rofus!

An echoing voice.

Rofus’ vision, which had gone dark, now clearly reflected the surroundings.

“Rofus!”

With Riruka’s repeated calls, Rofus regained consciousness.

Standing in place, Riruka clung to Rofus with a worried expression. In his still dazed state, Rofus muttered irritably.

“…Don’t yell in my ear.”

“Rofus! Thank goodness…”

Riruka touched Rofus’ cheek in relief. Still somewhat exhausted, Rofus let her do as she pleased, glancing around to see the elf king, now a familiar, standing and watching.

“…How long was I out?”

“Uh, about a minute?”

“A minute…”

Rofus felt like he had been talking with the Wind God for a much longer time.

“One moment the king was talking, and then you just stopped responding. I was so worried.”

As she spoke, Riruka patted and touched Rofus’ cheeks and forehead as if checking for any abnormalities. Rofus pushed her hands away irritably and spoke.

“I met the Wind God.”

“…Did you say, just now when you blacked out?”

“I’ll explain later. For now, let’s return to the airship.”

“O-Okay… Ah.”

As Rofus turned to leave the throne room, Riruka called out.

“What is it?”

“Well… you see that big magic stone? Is it okay if I take a little of it?”

Riruka asked, looking at the large artificial magic stone floating above the throne. Magic stones were valuable, not only fetching high prices but also serving as fuel for the airship. Sigil and Hawk would likely be overjoyed to have it. Rofus sighed.

“That’s the power source keeping this sky city afloat. If you tamper with it, the whole place might collapse.”

“Oh… That would be bad.”

“If you must do it, at least wait until we’re over the ocean. If you do it here, the Holy Dragon Kingdom won’t stand for it.”

“Got it. I’ll wait.”

With that exchange, Rofus and Riruka left the sky city and returned to the airship.