Chapter 3: The One Most Cruel.

"Failed?"

I look around me, surveying it using [Riverman's eye]

Nothing.

No strands of Fate, no disturbances on the River of Time, as if what happened was natural, a stroke of bad luck.

"Like hell it is."

I begin the activate [Travel] again, and the winged boot tattoo appears, its glow fainter than before.

Then....nothing. [Travel] failed again.

I'm screwed.

I know it, anyone who can manipulate chance is planets above the guy I just captured.

Who though?

I rack my brain, trying to remember anyone who can control chance.

First is Fate, that woman always hated me and highly likely that She's the One behind this.

The second suspect is Lady Misfortune, while we are not on bad terms, She could totally screw me over for the giggles.

The third is- wait.

No, no, no, no, hell no!

Literally anyone but Him!

Memories of hard-fought battles, bitter defeats and sweet victories surface in my mind. As well as mixed feelings of anger and gratitude.

"SHOW YOURSELF!"

I shout at the void, then the void ripples and answers my call.

Then He appears.

About 6 feet in height and donned in unassuming attire, His features are human, in simpler terms, nothing is special about Him.

But I know differently.

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

That blob with a thousand faces would look like a saint beside this guy.

For the man before me is One most cruel.

He is One most vile.

However, He is also One most kind.

One most grand.

He is the Order among Chaos.

The Chaos among Order.

A young Celestial, born from the laws of men, and against all expectations, rose to become one of the strongest One to ever exist.

He is known by many names.

Lord of Disappointment, Personification of Variables, God of Gamblers.

And.

The.

R.

N.

God!

*****

I stand before one of the most vile One In the universe.

I want to say I hate this guy, but I still remember the SSR He gave me back then thus making me silent.

Thankfully, He breaks the ice.

"By the Stars, what are you up to again old man?"

He said in a tone full of exasperation.

I replied in a tone full of nonchalance.

"Nothin' much so leave me be."

I wave a dismissing hand towards Him, seeing that, RNGod or Arengi as He liked to be called, says.

"Yeah right, you said the same thing back then, only for me to hear that you kidnapped Fate afterwards."

I halt my movements upon hearing that, then I say.

"Well, She was being obnoxious, always saying "It is not fated" and "Fate does not decree" and what not"

Hearing that, Arengi shakes His head and says.

"Old man, don't you know when to give up? The destruction of your world is an Absolute Future, something that not you, a mere shell of your former glory, can change."

Hearing that, I smile at him and say the most optimistic line I know.

"Young One, I tried a hundred times and all of them failed, I tried another hundred ways and I still failed. Learning my lessons, I tried it 199 more times and still failed. Now, this is my four hundredth try."

Taking a deep breath, I continue my words.

"Four hundredth times the charm."

After listening to me, Arengi sighs and speaks.

"I'm curious, why do you push so far?

Why do you go to such lengths for a single planet?"

Why?

Why indeed.

It's simple really, some may even call it dumb.

I close my eyes, reminiscing about the days long past, eons of trial and error flash before me as I try to find the reason to save the world.

And I found it.

The beginning of this quest.

I remember.

I still remember.

I open my eyes, green meets red as I stare at Arengi. Determination fills my eyes as I reveal the one reason that began this all.

"What other reason can a man have? There is still a war I need to win."

Arengi looks at me with a mix of confusion and disdain.

"I knew you were a madman, but to think you are a battle-crazed lunatic."

Arengi pauses and shakes His head.

"Seriously, what war can be so important that you tried to shatter this dimension so that you can see yourself win it?!"

Arengi shouts in befuddlement, He must be angry, given that He is the One to often clean after my mess, though He is also my closest friend among the Celestial Ones because of it.

He deserves the truth.

I close my eyes again, remembering the mantra, the battle cry, and the sole thing everyone agrees on, no matter which side they are in the war.

Our purpose.

"There.."

My voice breaks, the words stuck in my mouth. It has been so long since I said these words.

I try to remember the feelings that I wish to experience again, to once again come back with my comrades and defeat our enemies.

Shouting.

"There can only be one best girl."