Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 197: A Painful Choice

Meanwhile, outside the cult in the area of ​​the portals, Narinder stood facing the Mystic.

Narinder crossed his arms impatiently, tapping a finger on his arm.

"I only ask for a few words," he said, his tone more diplomatic than sincere. "I could seek more divine tears if that's what you want."

The Mystic's voice was so neutral it almost sounded like a breeze between portals.

"I will not be used to spy on a mortal."

"Come on..." Narinder insisted, taking a step closer. "I know you can see many things!"

"I am a merchant," the Mystic replied evenly. "I deal with gods."

Narinder raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

"I am a god... and Ramael was one? Doesn't that count?"

"Could you take my very existence more seriously?"

Narinder clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes mockingly.

"I don't know... you're some kind of being from a totally different dimension than mine. In fact, I'm almost certain that body you're using is just an avatar... a puppet, right? Even if I attacked you right now, nothing would happen. So, to be honest, I'm just talking to the ventriloquist while looking at the puppet."

The Mystic tilted his head slightly.

"Too serious for my existence."

Narinder chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well... then, what can I do with you? Do you want me to gather more divine tears and play roulette with you again? You know all I want is information about the ram... Or, if you can, open the evidence! I want another... another variant..."

His voice grew a little higher at the end, and a smile crossed his face as his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. The thought of encountering another variant, another reflection, thrilled him.

"I've explained this to you many times," the Mystic said with infinite patience. "The Great Trial is not a toy-collecting game. It is a method by which a god can reach new heights. Overcoming the barrier imposed by physical limits. In your case, it was about regaining the power lost when you were freed. The goat sought a fight that would rekindle the spark in its soul. The ram... sought to defeat you in order to overcome its past fears and sins."

Narinder simply replied with an arrogant, "Yes, huh... of course..."

"You, more than anyone, know the dangers of taking the Trial," the Mystic continued, unperturbed. "You won on a technicality. And yet, you have done nothing with a reward that cost you so much to earn. You have Ramael's crown locked away. The relics you claimed... they are still gathering dust." Even Ramael, with whom I thought you could purify those relics... is outside your cult.

Narinder pursed his lips, slightly annoyed. He raised a hand and waved it dismissively.

"Good summary, Captain Obviousness. Look, I do what I can... and when I can. So don't push me!"

The Mystic remained silent, as imperturbable as a distant constellation.

Narinder dramatically crossed his arms, turning on his heels in a theatrical gesture before stopping again in front of the Mystic. His tone was a mixture of annoyance and divine arrogance.

"Look, I'm immortal, but I'm wasting precious time talking to you... And you know what? I'll waste all the time in the world if I want! So stop being so bitter, open that door, and let me face another variant of my lamb."

The Mystic, on the other hand, barely reacted. He only blinked slowly, as if carefully calculating his answer before dropping it with his usual neutrality.