After casually sending the cameramen back to the Tokyo Area, Tatsuki landed on the Monolith. The moment he touched down, Enju, Aya, Nion and Yun rushed toward him— even the usually composed Kayo wasn't an exception. They clung tightly to Tatsuki, all shouting the same thing:
"Tatsuki-nii, we love you!"
To them, Tatsuki standing against the world for the sake of the Cursed Children was something that shook their very souls. He had become the god of hope in their hearts.
The Saint and Kisara Tendo looked blankly at Tatsuki's return. Could a human's power really be strong enough to kill a Stage V Gastrea with such ease?
To Shinobu, however, this level of power from Tatsuki had long become routine. After all, that was just a casual plasma attack he conjured. Even Exusiai was relaxed enough to start a livestream.
Ainz: "Boss is too cool! Bam—and all the monsters are gone!"
Nami: "Of course! That's Tatsuki we're talking about."
Aqua: "Tch, such evil creatures. I could've purified them with a big flood."
Nami: "Yes yes, Aqua is the strongest…"
Bronya: "So that's what Apocalypse looks like in other worlds… horrifying creatures."
Silver Wolf: "Feels like a miniature version of the Stellaron Swarm."
March 7th: "Huh? Stellaron Swarm? Himeko said that was a disaster that spans galaxies!"
Tatsuki: "That's the power of the Aeons. These Gastrea are nothing in comparison."
Silver Wolf: "Aeons… I wonder how we're supposed to kill an Aeon."
Tatsuki: "Silver Wolf, ever heard the phrase 'fight fire with fire'?"
Silver Wolf: "...You mean fight an Aeon with an Aeon? Haha, sounds easy when you say it."
Tatsuki: "Can't I even dream a little?"
Silver Wolf: "Tch."
Saeko Busujima: "Tatsuki-kun, does killing these monsters mean the apocalypse is over in your world?"
Tatsuki: "Not yet. There are still many Gastrea worldwide. The real problem is the Gastrea Virus and the darkness in people's hearts."
He turned to the Saint. "You heard what I said earlier, didn't you?"
The Saint's expression was complicated. "I heard it."
But this time, she didn't plead. Having accepted the reality before her, she finally learned to face the world. "Everything will be decided by you, Tatsuki-sama."
"I'm glad to see you mentally prepared. No need to call me sama. Just Tatsuki will do."
Tatsuki smiled. "Let's go home. Everything will be decided four days from now."
…
Four days—long or short, it depends on perspective.
For the people of this world, four days was far too short. After Tatsuki's battle with Scorpius, public opinion exploded overnight. Some claimed the broadcast had been faked, but those in the Tokyo Area could vouch for what they saw. Tatsuki's power was hailed as transcendent.
His words were either called divine revelation—or devil's whisper.
Some believed. Others didn't. Especially those who hated the Cursed Children. Some even tried to hunt or kill them, refusing to believe anything Tatsuki said.
But the moment those thoughts surfaced—those people suddenly acted like they were cursed.
They jumped off buildings. Slit their throats. Died in strange suicides.
Even those plotting revenge on society perished the moment the idea took form.
And this didn't happen just once or twice—nor in just one region. These events began occurring all over the world.
Eventually, a disturbing pattern became clear: As soon as anyone had the intent to harm a Cursed Child or take revenge on others—they would instantly lose control and take their own life.
Humanity was thrown into panic.
The divine revelation or devil's whisper… had become real.
No one dared to act out anymore.
The world fell into a hushed silence, awaiting judgment.
The Cursed Children noticed the change too. They emerged from the sewers and drains. They walked openly on the streets.
People no longer cursed or beat them—most didn't even dare meet their eyes and stayed far away.
Some even offered them warmth, food, clothes… begging forgiveness for past sins.
The Cursed Children slowly came to understand: That gentle voice they had heard deep in their hearts—was real.
They were being protected… by a god.
"I really want to meet God-sama with my own eyes."
That wish became the shared thought of nearly every Cursed Child.
…
For Tatsuki and the others, though, the four days felt long. Reinhard, Shinobu, Exusiai, and Kisara spent the time tediously exterminating Gastrea. Shinobu's wide-area poison was particularly effective for that.
Tatsuki, however, didn't join in. Having already slain Scorpius and countless other Gastrea, he didn't want to compete for points. After all, ending the apocalypse would be his task anyway.
Instead, his four days were filled with a different kind of richness.
For one, he took Enju and the girls to experience human life properly—even if the world was in chaos, it couldn't touch them.
More importantly… he spent time slowly corrupting the Saint.
He wasn't about to let go of this beauty. He still savored the memory of her soft, warm flesh. How could a self-proclaimed harem-seeking protagonist easily give up a girl?
Even if she had a saintly demeanor that made people want to roll their eyes… He didn't want his woman to be some self-sacrificing martyr.
These four days weren't just for humanity's transformation—they were also time for transforming the Saint herself.
Thus, the corruption plan continued.
Each day, he took her to visit places all over—to witness with her own eyes the true evil of humanity.
To see those who, despite everything, still wanted to harm the Cursed Children, to see their twisted faces before they killed themselves… to understand how hopeless they truly were.
After seeing enough of this, the Saint transformed from a woman in pain and resistance to one of numb calm. And in time, after a few of Tatsuki's motivating speeches, she regained her will—her new purpose and sense of duty.
She decided that, after judgment day, she would help build a new world order.
During this time, their accidental moments of intimacy—both intentional and not—led the Saint to develop deep trust, reliance, and even admiration for Tatsuki.
For example, even now, as Tatsuki held her hand, their fingers interlocked while walking the empty streets, she merely blushed and said nothing.
The night wind blew gently.
The streetlights couldn't dispel the night entirely, but they still lit a path for them to walk forward together.
The streets were empty now.
Tatsuki's rules made people afraid to go out at night.
Quiet and still.
The Saint, held by the left hand, was uncommonly serene.
She lifted her face, letting the wind brush her hair beneath her white beret.
She gazed up at the star-filled sky and whispered softly, "Tatsuki-kun… do you think I can really be a proper ruler?"
Though she had a goal now, she still harbored doubt—afraid she wasn't capable enough to fulfill it.
But Tatsuki could feel her hesitation in the tremble of her voice and the warmth of her hand. He couldn't let his newly forged Saint remain in doubt.
He stopped walking.
Gently tugged her into his embrace.
"I..."
The Saint didn't resist. Instead, she shyly wrapped her other arm around his waist.
She looked up, eyes timid and unsure.
Under the streetlight, her soft, glossy lips glistened faintly.
They were especially tempting—Tatsuki felt the urge to kiss her.
But he restrained himself. Instead, he looked stern.
"Don't forget—it was I who turned you into what you are now. Doubting yourself… is doubting my judgment."
"Tatsuki-kun…"
From his simple words, the Saint drew strength.
It was the power of unwavering trust and support.
Tatsuki had helped her understand people, accept reality, and given her new meaning.
His seemingly cold demeanor had always been gentle at heart.
She was growing addicted to his presence, to his teachings.
He always helped her find what her heart truly sought.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She tilted her snowy white neck upward, her eyes closed.
Her long lashes trembled faintly.
Tatsuki smiled. She was adorable when she was shy.
Without hesitation, he leaned in to leave his mark on his woman.
Boom!
Suddenly, the streetlight exploded.
The light vanished.
The Saint hurriedly opened her eyes, wanting to speak but Tatsuki held her firmly, not letting her go.
In such heat, she could only respond with passion.
After a while, the two separated.
The Saint, now flushed, leaned against Tatsuki's chest and whispered, "There was an attack just now."
Tatsuki smirked and replied calmly, "I know."
He turned toward the darkness and spoke aloud, "Do I need to invite you out, Miss Assassin?"
From the nearby bushes came a rustling.
A blonde girl in a green dress stepped out, carrying a sniper rifle with one hand.
She had red eyes. Given her size, her strength, and her eyes, her identity was clear—a Cursed Child.
She looked at Tatsuki with teary, sparkling eyes.
Thank goodness… I've finally seen God-sama...
She smiled brightly. "God-sama, please be careful. The higher-ups want to assassinate you."
She had been sent on a mission.
The humans believed they couldn't hurt him—but maybe a Cursed Child could.
Only a Cursed Child could kill that man.
Unfortunately for them, they were wrong.
Even the Cursed Children carried the same anti-social prohibitions.
That rule was absolute.
And the fact that this girl hadn't self-destructed meant—she had never truly intended to kill Tatsuki.
During his travels, Tatsuki hadn't deliberately suppressed his presence.
It wasn't surprising someone eventually found him, but he wasn't worried.
These assassination attempts only helped the Saint further understand the evil in humanity—and pushed her deeper into her fall.
He welcomed it.
What surprised him was who the assassin turned out to be—Tina Sprout, the owl-eyed Cursed Child.
But she didn't seem to be here to kill him.
She came instead to warn him about the human elite.
Tina could never kill the man who had protected the Cursed Children so completely.
Just imagining her gun aimed at him made her heart ache unbearably.
But she hadn't forgotten her mission.
She had to warn God-sama to be careful.
Now that her mission was complete, she felt at peace.
It was time to leave…
Even if she might be erased—she had done what she needed to do.
But just as she turned to leave—her body suddenly flew into Tatsuki's arms.
Tatsuki let go of the Saint and caught her with both hands.
"!"
God-sama's… embrace!
Tina's heart exploded with happiness.
"What's your name?" Even though he already knew, he wanted to hear her say it.
"Tina Sprout."
Tina, holding back her excitement, answered honestly.
"Tina—what a lovely name."
"Th-thank you, God-sama, for the praise!"
Tatsuki looked curious. "Why do you call me God-sama?"
Tina raised her little face and answered, "Because you love and protect the Cursed Children. You're our God-sama!"
Even her colleagues thought the same.
Some were so fanatical that they swore they'd kill themselves if ever ordered to assassinate him.
"I see. So you were sent by the higher-ups to carry out an assassination mission?"
"Yes! God-sama, please be careful!"
Tina once again reminded him.
Even knowing how powerful he was she still couldn't help but worry.
"Haha, I will. Thank you for the warning, Tina."
Tatsuki rubbed her hair affectionately.
Then, smirking, he teased her. "So what was that shot earlier for?"
"Um…"
Tina lowered her head, muttering, "Because I saw God-sama kissing… her, and I got upset… so I shot the lamp."
Tatsuki had already sensed her emotions and thoughts, he just wanted to tease Tina.
And her obviously referred to the Saint.
The Saint blushed and said awkwardly, "Sorry…"
"Haha, what are you apologizing for? I kissed you."
Tatsuki chuckled helplessly and explained to Tina, "This is the Saint. She's also my friend."
"The Saint?!" Tina was shocked.
She knew full well the Saint's status and authority.
She also remembered the new Gastrea policy the Saint had issued before.
A good person—that was Tina's simple judgment.
...
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