"It's actually still here."
In the ruins of a section of Z-City, Zuke saw the black cube Homeless Emperor mentioned—just as in Zuke's memory, it should indeed be "God's" item.
What surprised him slightly was that this black cube was just lying quietly in the ruins, as if isolated from the world, and had actually never been picked up by anyone else all this time.
According to Homeless Emperor, the first time he touched this cube was quite long ago, so he had been worried this thing might no longer be in its original location.
"Don't know if it's good luck or some other reason..."
Zuke thought while crouching down, then reached out to pick up that black cube—this way, he should have obtained the qualification to converse with "God."
As for whether touching the black cube would result in "God" forcibly infusing power, Zuke wasn't too worried about this.
In the original work, Saitama had also touched this thing, but Saitama wasn't forcibly bestowed power by "God." Instead, "God" requested that Saitama place his hand on the cube and pray.
Clearly, touching this black cube only granted the ability to meet with "God." But whether to accept "God's" power still depended on whether one touched "God" itself.
In the original work, "God" had multiple times lured others into actively touching his body. It seemed this kind of active touching was the prerequisite for him to forcibly infuse power.
"Zuke-sama, is this really the key to conversing with God?"
Homeless Emperor stood behind Zuke, also looking curiously at the black cube Zuke had picked up—he had never imagined this thing was actually related to "God."
He had always thought he could receive "God's" favor purely because his insights moved "God"... but now it seemed that wasn't the case.
If he hadn't touched this black cube before, then no matter what his thoughts were, "God" couldn't possibly have sensed them.
With such huge limitations, could this "God" really be called a god... In Homeless Emperor's mind, such a thought involuntarily emerged.
If before, Homeless Emperor still held awe toward "God," then now Homeless Emperor's view of "God" had probably undergone considerable change.
Just as Homeless Emperor was contemplating what exactly "God's" existence was, a somewhat sinister voice rang in Zuke and Homeless Emperor's ears:
"Oh? Another person has come... How unexpected, and it seems they came actively seeking me."
This voice was indistinguishable in gender or age, seeming to come from right beside the ear yet also from distant depths, filled with unknown mystique.
Although this was Zuke's first time hearing this voice, he knew this must be "God's" voice.
And beside him, Homeless Emperor's performance further confirmed this—though he had just harbored disrespectful thoughts about "God," at this moment Homeless Emperor still unconsciously showed a panicked expression:
"G...God!"
As for why he panicked... probably worried that "God" had heard his inner voice just now and would strip him of his power as punishment for disrespect.
However, "God" currently clearly had no interest in bothering with Homeless Emperor, this small fry. Its attention seemed entirely focused on Zuke, and even that sinister voice carried a hint of interest:
"Actively seeking this box—could it be you want to obtain power? Then place your hand on the box and pray. I will bestow upon you power beyond ordinary humans."
Hearing this, Zuke couldn't help but laugh—what, in "God's" eyes was he just an ordinary person?
Originally Zuke thought "God" would have something else to say, but now it seemed... "God" seemed unable to perceive the power within Zuke's body.
Perhaps because the power in Zuke's body all came from other worlds? The only ability to "break the limiter" couldn't be clearly manifested either, so "God" might not necessarily be able to discern it.
The power bestowed by this "God" was indeed quite good, able to make Garou's strength surge madly. Even in a state where Saitama could blow up Jupiter with a sneeze, he could still grapple with him.
However, Zuke didn't need this guy's power. Simply put, if this guy's abilities were truly that strong, he wouldn't have been sealed up.
It was just mediocre.
Zuke also didn't plan to release "God." Contacting this guy was mainly to make Garou awaken as Cosmic Garou, completing his special mission in this special mission world.
However, bringing Homeless Emperor along to contact this black cube this time, there was another matter to test.
"Homeless Emperor, try cursing at this 'God.'"
Zuke turned to look at Homeless Emperor trembling nearby, then suddenly spoke, giving him a command that made his expression drastically change.
Homeless Emperor's expression instantly became as ugly as if he'd eaten excrement. He stared wide-eyed at Zuke, seemingly not understanding why Zuke would have him do such a suicidal act.
And Zuke's purpose was also simple—he wanted to test whether, in a situation where Homeless Emperor's everything was controlled by his "King's Army," "God" could still strip Homeless Emperor's power away.
He wanted to see if "King's Army's" control could forcibly lock Homeless Emperor's power in his body, making even "God" unable to extract it.
Homeless Emperor didn't know Zuke's thoughts. He only knew that once he cursed "God," the outcome definitely wouldn't be good—but he couldn't refuse.
Even though inwardly extremely resistant, Homeless Emperor could only be forced to open his mouth, then curse toward the sky as Zuke required:
"God... you're not any god at all! You're just a sealed-up clown, a piece of trash that can't even manifest yourself!"
As Homeless Emperor's words fell, the air suddenly quieted, the ruins seeming to have even the wind stop, becoming as silent as the universe.
The next instant, Homeless Emperor suddenly let out a piercing scream, his body involuntarily kneeling to the ground, both hands raised scratching wildly at the air, seemingly suffering extremely terrifying torment.
Simultaneously, Zuke also heard "God's" sinister voice echoing around:
"Then, your power... I confiscate it."
To be continued…