The Substitute Gods' True Power

In the Spirit Realm's war, the number of Highest Creator Great Gods among the Substitute Gods was extremely small. Even among those who had completed all their training and trials and been liberated, there were never more than ten in any single Master Universe. Yet their very existence embodied overwhelming power.

“Since there are currently no liberated Creator God Kings among the Substitute Gods, the Creator Great Gods will handle all collective decision-making.”

The prohibition against conversing or negotiating with any race other than the Substitute Gods was a restriction imposed by Truth. Although that constraint had been lifted upon their liberation, they had voluntarily chosen to extend it. These beings had transformed the stigma of defeat into racial pride and used that foundation to elevate most of the dominant species across 498 Master Universes to align with their ideals. That was their true strength.

Compared to ordinary gods, they possessed more than ten times the defensive and offensive power. But what made them truly terrifying was that, upon liberation, they gained creative power that had almost no equal even in the Absolute Realm. To put it simply, a liberated Creator Great God consumed vitality at the same rate as an ordinary god yet wielded combat strength more than ten times greater along with that same creative ability. Moreover, their authorities encompassed entire regional universes.

“Among the Substitute Gods, only the 10 Mainstays and their clans can be considered comparable even in the Absolute Realm.”

They possessed combat power exceeding that of a Highest Creator God by more than ten times, and their creative power was even greater. Because their level of danger far surpassed that of a Destruction God, they were all designated as high-priority management targets. That was why the Cyber Realm’s analysis had been completed in an instant.

“All Creator Great Gods up to the 499th Master Universe have not left their designated territories. There are also no beings responding to the Dimensional Mage God’s summons.”

“Then what the hell is that? Why the fuck is something being summoned into my territory without permission?”

The Black Flame Absolute, who had already recovered from the blow and risen to his feet, glared with a face full of irritation as he pressed the Cyber God for answers. If any ordinary god or other ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠being trespassed into his domain, he would kill them without question and turn them into insects on Wind Star.

Unauthorized intrusion into a domain is an extremely grave offense.

However, a liberated Highest Creator Great God of the Substitute Gods was not someone even the 10 Mainstays or their clans could ignore. That was why even the highest-ranking Black Flame clansmen, who had been wounded by the Origin beings’ sacrificial attacks, hesitated and refrained from responding. Of course, the Black Flame clans held the clear advantage in pure combat ability, but the problem was their pathetically low creative power, which could not even be compared.

The Black Flame clan is so heavily specialized in combat that their creative power is actually inferior to that of a Lower God. That is precisely why the Substitute Gods are currently essential for development.

If it had been the demon race, there would have been no issue. But for the Black Flame clan, which ruled the Absolute Realm, the prosperity of the universes was an absolute, non-negotiable mandate granted by Truth. Yet if they killed even one precious liberated Creator Great God, the entire clan would have to bear the collective karmic cost.

The karmic bill, calculated based on the planets and prosperity that Creator Great God would have created in the future, was never easy to repay. While the Black Flame Absolute pondered how to handle the situation, an anomaly was detected.

“That is…”

At that moment, the entire space of the universe began to resonate.

The unique planetary defense armor of the Substitute Gods began to tremble violently under an immense surge of divine power, filling the entire space with its resonant sound.

“The Substitute Gods’ Creator Great Gods and Creator Gods are arriving via spatial teleportation.”

“What the—! These arrogant bastards—! How dare they trespass on someone else’s territory—! Karma or not, I’m going to kill them all! Gaaah—!”

BOOOOOOM—!

The Sword of Ruin and Soul automatically activated once again above the head of the raging Black Flame Absolute, striking him with a violent tremor. It hit him so hard this time that blood actually flowed. The Black Flame Absolute clutched the massive lump on his head, completely dazed.

Watching him, Truth clicked his tongue and spoke.

“Tsk tsk—! You may not think so, but do you have any idea how much was invested in creating Substitute Gods of that caliber? And above all, when ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it comes to the development of the Master Universes and the Absolute Realm, the karmic evaluation of the Substitute Gods ranks higher than that of the Black Flame clan. Do you even understand what kind of ruling would come down if you pick a fight with them? If you recklessly kill legitimate Creator Great Gods, you should know that the compensation will be at least a hundred billion years of unpaid labor.”

“Truth. I am the Black Flame Absolute, ranked fourth among the 10 Mainstays. How can you suggest forcing me to work for free for a hundred billion years just because I killed a few Substitute Gods who trespassed on my territory? Above all, dealing with those who invade my domain is my natural right.”

The Black Flame Absolute, whose head wound had already healed perfectly, shouted back defiantly. A vein bulged on Truth’s forehead. Still, since the argument held some logic, Truth explained further.

“Until you restore the territories of the Absolute Realm that you destroyed during the ranking matches and compensate for the losses caused by the absence of the other 10 Mainstays, the Wind Castle of Black Flame is not yours—it is mine. It is only natural, considering the first thing you did after barely becoming one of the 10 Mainstays was to turn everything into a mess.”

“B-but—! Gack—!”

GRAB—! SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE—!

Before anyone realized it, Truth had seized the Black Flame Absolute by the throat with his right hand. The giant’s face instantly turned black as he was lifted into the air. A being over three meters tall and weighing more than three hundred kilograms was being overpowered with ridiculous ease by a body less than a third his size.

“If you don’t like it, get the hell out of Wind Star right now—! I gave you an entire planet so you could create a clan and do your job properly, yet all you do is cause accidents? After putting up with you for so long, you went completely insane during the ranking matches ten billion years ago and used every ounce of your strength to create this disaster? Solving it all at once would have been fine, but there was also the option of quietly calling them in one by one and beating each of them half to death, wasn’t there? Why did you incapacitate six of them at the same time and bring all operations to a complete halt? The first generation was an idiot and a headache, but the second generation is a walking disaster whose only talent is scheming. And who the hell told you that the Black Flame clan isn’t supposed to be stupid? You end up destroying more through mismanagement than what you naturally produce? In the end, you’re making me stay here personally? If it weren’t for the vitality I invested and your exceptional combat ability, I would have already—!”

“Kek—! Kek~! I-I was wro—Gaaah—!”

The grip around his throat exerted power beyond imagination. Although his authorities greatly enhanced combat ability, physical strength was directly proportional to muscle mass. That youthful body clearly did not belong to a muscular physique, yet it was purely overpowering him—a muscular giant nearly three meters tall—through raw strength alone. If Truth applied just a little more force, his neck would snap like a twig. The Black Flame Absolute didn’t even dare try to pry the hand away. Truth, growing even more irritated, lifted him higher.

“Shut up—! Do you know how many billions of times I’ve heard that excuse? Why do you always act out after saying that? I told you that the ferocious Black Flame should charge in first and that thinking only leads to loss, so stop thinking and just smash everything according to your instincts, didn’t I? Yet here you are again, spouting nonsense with that broken brain of yours? Have you gotten so used to getting hit automatically by the Sword of Ruin and Soul that you can endure it now? Or are you missing the good old days when you used to kiss the dirt during training? Fine then—! Here’s the ground for you.”

BAM—! BAM—! BAM—!

The sight of Truth slamming the Black Flame Absolute into the ground repeatedly as if he were a ball of air made the other 10 Mainstays turn their heads away. They couldn’t bear to watch because it reminded them too much of their own past selves.

They would probably end up the same way if they hindered development or caused losses.

The Black Flame Absolute was by no means simply taking the beating. He was unleashing every authority at maximum power, desperately trying to break free, but it was completely useless. Even divine power exceeding 1,000 trillion and the authority Always Coin Heads—which ensured every choice and attack hit its mark and could even alter the surrounding environment—were powerless if there was zero chance of escape. Yet it was normally impossible for anyone to unleash a continuous barrage of attacks with zero possibility of evasion against the Black Flame Absolute, who possessed the greatest close-combat ability in the Absolute Realm. Only someone on Truth’s level could manage ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it.

In the end, the Black Flame Absolute, now reduced to a rag, squeezed out a voice begging for mercy. His face was completely crumpled.

“Kek—! Kek—! F-from now on… I’ll take them out one by one without anyone knowing. I absolutely won’t let it happen all at once again.”

The other 10 Mainstays automatically reached for their foreheads at the absurd answer that completely ignored the rest of the 10 Mainstays. Especially those who had been defeated by the Black Flame Absolute in the ranking matches and pushed down the hierarchy looked ready to emit killing intent.

Ten billion years ago, they had let their guard down after seeing that idiotic behavior and suffered critical injuries from a surprise attack.

It had taken an enormous amount of time and vitality to fully recover from the wounds inflicted by the Authority of Black Flame. Asking Truth for help would have made recovery simple, but suffering critical injuries from a fellow 10 Mainstay was such a humiliation that they couldn’t even speak of it. They had simply endured the pain while grinding their teeth in silence. That memory resurfaced vividly now.

But the next words from Truth made their heads ache even more.

“Do it one by one—! And be prepared to take responsibility for the empty seats you create. If I have to clean up after you again, know that you will work for free permanently. Not just you—the entire Black Flame clan.”

The eight Absolutes watched with gloomy eyes as the Black Flame Absolute nodded frantically while still held by the throat, and Truth continued to shake him violently.

So this is what being one of the 10 Mainstays truly means.

To outsiders, the 10 Mainstays were the strongest beings in the Absolute Realm and the rulers of dominant races. In reality, however, they were the managers and mid-level administrators responsible for overseeing the Absolute Realm. They were the guardians and enforcers of the karma system established by Truth, which valued only development and prosperity. And if they strayed even slightly from that path, this was always the result.

There are almost no beings qualified to become one of the 10 Mainstays, so they aren’t annihilated or erased, but getting beaten like this is simply part of the daily routine.

Moreover, they were in a competitive relationship where they exercised veto power against one another and fought each other to the brink of death. It was absurd. Of course, they had formed an alliance to oppose the Truth who oppressed them like this, but the man himself knew about it and simply didn’t care.

If it’s for the development of the Absolute Realm, he leaves everything to us and only steps in when problems arise, so it’s difficult to truly hate him.

Aside from the resentment of being beaten, he was an unparalleled benefactor who granted them immense power and forces and would step in without asking for anything in return whenever something arose that even their own power could not handle. However, it had become too difficult to endure, so they had even gone so far as to appoint the Sole Dragon God Emperor—the current head of the Wind Family and representative of the Transcendents—as a protected race, bringing shame upon themselves. Yet Truth had said nothing about that matter.

He had simply confirmed their impartiality—that even blood relatives would remain neutral for the sake of prosperity and development. What made it even more painful was learning later that the Sole Dragon God Emperor had been beaten half to death by Truth ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠for messing up external affairs.

That was why the eight Absolutes were grinding their teeth. It was a pointless act that only earned unnecessary grudges. Their relationships were already bad enough due to constant vetoes and the resulting duels. If they became mortal enemies on top of that, it would be truly problematic.

That was why Golden Absolute, who had taken on the role of mediator and representative among the 10 Mainstays, was gradually developing a headache.

At first, after suffering so much during the training period and before taking on the role of one of the 10 Mainstays, I created and operated the anti-Truth alliance out of sheer spite, but there have been countless times I wanted to give up.

Although he was the representative and supposedly the strongest among the 10 Mainstays, the actual power gap wasn’t that large. In nicer terms, they simply refused to listen. He had been dragged into fights many times while trying to mediate from the middle. The first-generation Golden Absolute had been able to make them listen, at least roughly. But the current generation would never accept mediation unless they were defeated first.

They’re so damn stubborn that the moment they meet, they start fighting.

It had gotten so bad that he could now understand why Truth grabbed any excuse to beat the 10 Mainstays whenever they met. It was already common knowledge that the 10 Mainstays got beaten by Truth, so there was no issue, but it was not a sight suitable to show to newcomers. Thus, he intervened once again.

No—more than that, the bigger reason was that he could not tolerate the Substitute Gods trespassing without permission into the territory of one of their own, the Black Flame Absolute.

“Truth. The opponent for judgment is waiting. If you wish, I will take care of the Substitute Gods’ intrusion.”

THUD—! CRASH—!

The moment Truth released the hand that had been gripping and shaking the Black Flame Absolute by the throat, the giant—who had only his limbs intact while the rest of his body was a complete wreck—crashed to the ground with a tremendous noise. Truth looked up into the empty air and spoke a single word.

“Scram—!”

A hollow sigh escaped him automatically. The beings who had refused even dialogue with the Absolute Realm and charged forward with terrifying tenacity had come fully mobilized with clear determination, yet they retreated at a single command. It made him realize just how long a road they still had to walk.

But there was an even greater question.

Why on earth did the Substitute Gods come here? Those beings who only act arrogant, believing they were selected by Truth and chosen by the Creator, why are they in such a hurry? Moreover, no matter how strong a Master Universe becomes, they still cannot defeat even one of the 10 Mainstays. Unauthorized territorial intrusion is a grave crime that would justify annihilation or erasure without complaint. Even if a Creator Great God is powerful, they cannot defeat the Black Flame clan as long as the Black Flame Absolute exists. So why take such a risk?

Watching the puzzled Golden Absolute, Truth spoke as if explaining.

“Just now, the entire hierarchy of the Substitute Gods has changed.”

“Pardon?”

“That is Seongmyeol, ranked first among the Highest Creator Great Gods. From the perspective of the Substitute Gods, who currently have no liberated Creator God King, he is their de facto strongest member and representative.”

“Pardon? Then that person…? But with only one trillion divine power, he wouldn’t even rank in the top 100 among the Substitute Gods. And he is clearly not in a normal state.”

Something felt off. Although his divine power and abilities clearly exceeded one trillion, his presence was far too weak. It felt like looking at a doll without a soul. However, at the mention of abnormality, Truth smiled and spoke.

“That is exactly why they all rushed here. To punish an unacceptable abnormal being. Moreover, they could not tolerate the fact that the Substitute Gods’ number one only possesses a mere one trillion in divine power.”

“Then it means I can kill him, right? Gaaah—!”

Seeing the Black Flame Absolute’s face brighten with joy even while using polite speech to say he shouldn’t, Truth swung the Sword of Ruin and Soul in his hand once more, slamming it into the ground. The boy who used to faint for days from even a graze was now so used to being beaten that he recovered instantly from any attack and flashed a stupid grin. Truth felt the passage of stopped time.

“Since he is not a legitimate Substitute God formed through the Eternal Judgment, it doesn’t matter. In fact, the Substitute Gods will probably thank you.”

“…….”

The moment he heard that it was fine to kill him, all traces of laughter vanished completely from the Black Flame Absolute’s face. He began shouting so that the highest-ranking Black Flame clansmen floating far away in the void could hear. It was a completely different appearance from the stupid grin he had worn moments ago—the true visage of the Black Flame Absolute, an embodiment of murderous intent and fighting spirit.

“Did you hear that? He is a heretic among the Substitute Gods, so you may kill him. A rebellion that aimed for my weakness is irrelevant. Since it has awakened me from my carelessness, it is rather an act worthy of praise. However, I will not forgive defeat or a shameful victory. The opponent is currently the Substitute Gods’ combat rank number one, ‘Seongmyeol.’ But kill him with a single strike using Exploding Blood and Pahoton. Show the entire Master Universe why the Black Flame clan possesses the greatest combat power.”

“…Understood. First Star—Explosive Sound—! Second Star—Thunder Sound—! Third Star—Annihilation Sound—! Fourth Star—Silent Sound. There is no enemy before them.”

Although slightly inferior to himself, it was nearly perfect Exploding Blood and Pahoton. The maximum power they displayed was undoubtedly the strongest in the Absolute Realm. Even a 10 Mainstay with over 1,000 trillion divine power would find it difficult to survive if caught defenseless. A Creator Great God with only one trillion divine power could not possibly defeat a Black Flame clansman of equal rank, no matter how generously one evaluated him. Yet he had been summoned to face a highest-ranking Black Flame clansman with over five trillion. He had clearly miscalculated.

However, the gazes around him were strange. Everyone wore expressions of utter pity.

“Why? Huh?”

The other eight Absolutes each tossed out a mocking remark.

“The Substitute Gods’ Creator Great Gods all rushed here to kill a being born without following proper procedures. That means he is that strong. Yet you told them to kill him in one strike? Are you telling them to carry out the Eternal Judgment? What if he launches a big attack and gets hit by a surprise counter? Wouldn’t it be better to probe and understand the opponent first?”

“The Black Flame without Always Coin Heads activated is truly weak.”

“Look at him acting all high and mighty, imposing his standards as one of the 10 Mainstays onto his own clan.”

“Giving orders to clan members on the battlefield from behind the lines? How ridiculous. The entire flow has been ruined, hasn’t it?”

“Why don’t you just fight him yourself?”

“Idiot.”

The Black Flame Absolute’s face gradually heated up under the barrage of criticism coming from all directions. Golden Absolute kept his hand pressed to his forehead as if suffering from a headache that refused to go away.

“Becoming the Substitute Gods’ number one is not such a simple matter. Even the other Creator Great Gods possess authorities and abilities that are the highest possible, excluding only the 10 Mainstays. Yet you expect a highest-ranking clansman to defeat him in one strike? That is an unreasonable demand. And look above you, Black Flame. It is Truth’s discipline.”

The moment he looked up, his body froze involuntarily. The Sword of Ruin and Soul, which always activated automatically when he ignored his instincts and acted on thought, was now blocked by another Sword of Ruin and Soul.

I don’t even need to look to know.

Truth had blocked the sword that had been attacking automatically, bypassing his instincts. Holding the two swords crossed above his head, Truth spoke coldly.

“I told you not to let adults interfere in children’s fights. And you dare interrupt a judgment that I am presiding over? Do you want to be beaten that badly? However, I will overlook this matter this time. Black Flame, you are the one who stepped forward recklessly and influenced your clan. Watch the results.”

His instincts, which had been momentarily paralyzed by sudden anger, reactivated. What his instincts showed him was the image of the highest-ranking clansman being torn into twenty pieces by the newly arrived Substitute God’s Creator Great God, brutally shredded and vanishing without a trace.

“Their combat power can’t even be compared, so how did it turn out like this? What? You’re saying it’s my fault? The probability of defeat was almost zero, yet because of my instructions it ended up like this? That’s ridiculous—! No—?”

His instincts warned him of another crisis. He hurriedly turned his head. At some point, the Dimensional Mage God had discarded his robe and was now enveloped in brilliant golden light and a black luster like black pearls. His form could not be clearly seen, but one thing was certain.

An amplification of divine power and magic power was occurring on a scale incomparable to anything before. The body of the Absolute Realm’s strongest Black Flame clan was informing even the Black Flame Absolute himself. He was achieving an amplification that surpassed even the miraculous 100-fold increase in divine power possible in the Absolute Realm.

A monologue that sounded like an incantation continued.

“One. Conditions for victory—complete. Two. Now I will create the opportunity. I will go personally. Using the strongest techniques of the Master Universe, I will create an opening in the strongest Black Flame of the Absolute Realm—!”

Though it seemed courteous, the insane laughter that followed conveyed pure madness.

“I offer my gratitude to the Black Flame Absolute who helped me complete the conditions for victory. KHAHAHAHAHAHAHAT—! Absolute Dimensional Maneuver—!”

“Stop—!”

The Black Flame Absolute forgot that this was the Eternal Judgment presided over by Truth and charged forward in utter desperation. According to what his instincts had shown him, the outcome would be decided in the very next moment. It didn’t matter that a Creator Candidate had been chosen as the opponent for the Eternal Judgment against a highest-ranking Black Flame clansman, but if he achieved a complete one-hit-kill victory, the signboard of the clan with the greatest combat power would have to be taken down.

It was an honor he had obtained through countless sacrifices and costs. He could not allow it to be lost like this.

The sight reignited Truth’s anger, but he closed his eyes. Since the Black Flame Absolute had once again ignored his instincts and acted on emotion, the result would naturally be failure even without Truth’s intervention.

“Didn’t I tell you that an emotional and passionate Black Flame has no problems living alone, but becomes a major issue when he has comrades or holds a high position? Well, since the first generation never listened, there was no way the second generation would either.”

“I have no excuse. I will make sure he improves somehow.”

Looking at the Golden Absolute, who had politely bowed his head on behalf of the 10 Mainstays, Truth clicked his tongue and spoke.

“Tsk—! You’ve had a hard time mediating. By the way, that anti-Truth alliance or whatever you called it? You actually managed to create it. But with the current 10 Mainstays who lack reason and patience, how do you plan to run it? The first-generation Golden lived for an ideal future and died when his strength ran out, but you look like you’re going to die from a stomach ulcer caused by reality not going your way.”

“…I am holding on better than the first generation.”

The sudden, indifferent mention of the secret alliance created by eight of the 10 Mainstays caused cold sweat to break out. In a way, it was an act akin to rebellion, so he would have no defense even if he were disposed of immediately. But he also knew that Truth was fully aware of it. As long as the Cyber Realm existed—the entity that supplemented management across all Master Universes and the Absolute Realm through information, the Substitute Gods, and karmic contracts—everything was always within Truth’s palm.

With the Cyber Realm, nothing can be hidden. That’s why I tried to abolish it, but the Black Flame Absolute keeps opposing the idea. That’s the problem.

Not knowing any of this, and unable to understand even if it were explained, only made his head hurt more. Even with Always Coin Heads, which ensured every attack hit its mark, the Black Flame Absolute had failed to capture the Dimensional Mage God because he could not overcome his own emotions and rage. Truth was now sighing openly.

The sight of the Black Flame Absolute, famous for his ignorance, unable to chase after the extremely secretive and complex Absolute Dimensional Maneuver and instead rampaging wildly was a natural phenomenon. If he had fully activated his authorities like during the previous ranking matches, he would have caught him easily. But after defeating five people at once and achieving his goal of rising in the hierarchy, the poisonous obsession with life had disappeared from him. The Black Flame Absolute’s authorities had sharply declined since then. That was why he was now full of openings.

Even if he were returned to his peak condition, he would undoubtedly clash with the other 10 Mainstays. After all, the only opponents for a 10 Mainstay were other 10 Mainstays. Now that he had almost completely submitted to Truth, his lost fighting spirit had nowhere to go. It was obvious where it would turn.

Huuuuuuu—! This is exhausting. Still, I cannot give up that combat ability, or we will be no match for Truth. So I have no choice but to protect him. But the other eight Absolutes are also complaining that they can no longer tolerate his arbitrary and reckless behavior. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I miss the days when I lived alone as an Absolute with my old title. No… the time when I was training while getting beaten by Truth was actually the happiest.

This was the self-reproach of the Golden Absolute, who had not only taken on the role of representative of the 10 Mainstays but had also ended up shouldering mediation. After creating the anti-Truth alliance, he had only sunk deeper into the quagmire.