Approval of the Grey

The moment he saw the trajectory of the Sword of Ruin and Soul slicing down from above, he desperately mobilized every defensive authority at his command and threw up a barrier.

"The Incomprehensible Eight Founders makes all evasion impossible in principle. The only options are to endure it with the Black Flame race's raw physical durability or to weaken the attack itself."

While the vast divine power and authorities of the Substitute Gods clinging to the blade faltered for a split second, he drove a satellite-sized right fist straight into Jinri’s body.

"In the past I couldn’t even dream of rebellion, but as the Origin of the Substitute Gods who now rules more than four hundred main universes, I cannot fall so pathetically."

Relying on the overwhelming divine power support from the tens of billions of creation gods among the Substitute Gods, he made one last gamble.

"In terms of divine power alone, few beings can surpass me, the Origin of the Substitute Gods. I even exceed the Ten Mainstays. But that does not mean I am stronger than them. For those monsters, the very idea of losing to someone with less divine power is simply impossible."

As expected, a cold sneer rose on Jinri’s face.

"Too late—! And your concentration is pathetic. No matter how powerful your support, if the main body is weak it means nothing."

Kwaaaaaaaaang—!

Crack-crack-crack—!

Every single defensive authority—each carrying thousands of trillions of divine power—shattered as if it had never existed. Even the right fist he had swung was lightly blocked by Jinri’s left arm.

"As expected, when the level of authority and physical training differs too greatly, no amount of divine power can bridge the gap. The body nullifies differences in physical force, while authority transcends the quantity of divine power. To those above you in circle rank, mere numbers are meaningless. However…"

The desperate gamble had been blocked with ridiculous ease. Strength drained from his body.

"Support from allied forces only paves the road to becoming stronger. Even if an Origin borrows the power of his subordinates to unleash more than a thousand trillion in divine power, any authority that cannot be perfectly controlled will never work on a Ten Mainstays-level being. That strike would have been stopped even by the highest-ranking clan members. Yet you dare rebel against me? How ridiculous. Stop this pointless resistance and return every authority you restricted from Seongmyeol. Take one hit and go home."

Kwa-woooong—!

The instant the tip of the Sword of Ruin and Soul touched his nose, an overwhelming shockwave slammed into his core. At the same time, his consciousness faded and he felt his entire body being forcibly teleported back to its original clan estate.

"My attacks don’t work on Grandfather Jinri, but Seongmyeol’s attacks worked on the highest-ranking clan members. The destructive force unleashed from that planet-sized body combined with the perfectly synchronized amplified divine power—power that wasn’t even his own—completely annihilated a highest-ranking member of the Ten Mainstays clan in a single strike. That is proof that the Substitute Gods can surpass those monstrous Ten Mainstays. And it is also proof that I can defeat Grandfather. A faint possibility discovered after five hundred billion years. Whether I’m a created puppet or whatever else doesn’t matter. Grandfather Jinri, please show mercy—!"

The will of the Substitute Gods’ Origin had been clearly conveyed. Yet he already knew the result.

"No matter how much I beg, the answer is always the same. I have known what to do in these situations since I was a child."

First, run. If he fled until Jinri’s anger subsided, he could delay the punishment and at least escape with only a half-beating. Leaving Seongmyeol here would only waste him on another hopeless endeavor. The moment Jinri’s refusal left his lips, the Origin activated dimensional movement at full power.

"No—! Fairness is the very truth of domination. To absolute beings who have fully opened their titles without the ability or qualification, my Eternal Judgment shall descend. That is the sole restriction I placed upon title-bearing absolute beings. This bastard dares to run after I told him to release the restriction—!"

The forced teleportation of the Substitute Gods’ Origin only accelerated. Jinri clicked his tongue as he watched the figure frantically fleeing into the distance, then stabbed the Sword of Ruin and Soul into space.

Shuk—!

A hole tore open in space. Jinri clicked his tongue again at the sight of the Substitute Gods’ Origin desperately trying to escape, then closed the rift. The being possessed truly immense divine power; his speed and ability to maintain full strength were both exceptional. Chasing and capturing him would take time, and Jinri had none to spare. He decided to discipline the boy properly later.

Seongmyeol had not yet activated his racial authority, so there was still no change in the situation.

"Tsk—! This immature grandson of mine! Did you really think running would stop me? Still, your qualifications remain sufficient. Remember that you are the main culprit behind raising the difficulty."

Behind the furious Jinri, a single figure moved stealthily.

Slither, slither.

The body was already turning transparent. The Origin of the Mage God, momentarily freed while Jinri was occupied with forcibly sending away the Substitute Gods’ Origin, had regained his senses. His form blurred as he crawled away, trying to slip from Jinri’s presence.

The Ten Mainstays frowned at the way perception itself warped under the newly activated reality negation of the Mage God. The sight was comical, yet they felt genuine threat. If even their own senses could be distorted, landing an attack would be extremely difficult. Moreover, the divine power and realm they sensed were by no means beneath their own.

The Substitute Gods’ Origin from earlier had been formidable, but this one gave no hint of how to deal with him. Attacks would miss, yet he possessed equal offensive power—an annoying foe indeed.

"As expected of Jinri’s bloodline. Not a single one is easy to handle. But in the end, we will win."

‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

They steadied their minds and focused their blurring perception on the Origin of the Mage God. Yet they could not stop their expressions from twisting further.

"Even the Black Flame Absolute who possesses the infallible authority ‘Always Coin Heads’ is grinding his teeth. Just how powerful is this reality negation?"

Thud—!

The Sword of Ruin and Soul pressed firmly against the waist of the Origin of the Mage God, who had been trying to erase himself from reality and flee. Jinri forcibly dragged the blurring figure back into clear existence.

"Are you going to spit it out right now or not?"

Who else but the Origin of the Mage God would try to ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠run the moment things turned even slightly unfavorable? If there was even the slightest chance of victory, he was supposed to charge forward and seize it. When would he ever create his own clan? And where had he hidden the dimensional authorities and magic he had absorbed? Was he going to return them this instant or not?

At the sight of the black flames flickering inside Jinri’s eyes, the Origin of the Mage God nodded. He had found it strange that his reality negation—which could deceive even the Ten Mainstays—had been seen through so easily, but if it was that, then it made sense. If it was not the incomplete version used by the Black Flame Absolute but the perfect intuitive authority wielded by Jinri himself, then no authority of any Mage God could possibly work. Without the power of magic, resistance was impossible for someone who was only at the level of the Ten Mainstays. That was why he had tried to escape quickly amid the chaos, but it had gone completely awry.

"Ahahaha—! There’s no chance of winning anyway, so what can I do? As expected, perfect ‘Always Coin Heads’ renders reality negation completely useless. What a rotten, unfair intuitive authority—! It really shows why the Black Flame race is the natural enemy of not only Mage Gods but every administrative god. Above all, Grandfather Jinri truly is the best! To see through even this grandson’s trump card of reality negation—your humble descendant is deeply moved! Deeply moved! You are the pride and hope of our clan… gah—!"

"Trying to scheme even while talking. You really haven’t changed at all. You’re not getting away."

Hwaaaaaaaaak—!

The light of the Black Flame illuminated the entire body of the Origin of the Mage God. The form that had begun to blur again became clear. He tried several times to turn transparent once more, but eventually gave up and conveyed his intentions.

"Just let this one go. After looking through his memories, he’s a crybaby and a coward. If you knew what kind of disgraceful behavior he displayed while building a magic tower far beyond his own ability and creating magic formations to surpass opponents he could never defeat, you would lose all affection for him. This guy only has persistence, an inability to give up, and a stubborn will to endure. But as you know, the Mage God lineage suffers from a shortage of talent, so even someone like him is necessary. Moreover, an absolute-level Dimensional Mage God famous for being difficult to train—there’s no telling when another might appear. If you permit it, I will bear the Eternal Judgment in his place."

At the unexpected offer, Jinri’s eyes sparkled with interest. Seeing the flustered expressions of the surrounding Ten Mainstays, a look of amusement rose on his face.

"A being who ranks at the very top in pure ability, yet grew so strong that he reached Truth and then secluded himself from reality to train in solitude. This is the first time he has volunteered to step into reality himself."

It was like a shut-in who claimed to hate the world suddenly offering to run a massive corporation. If the ability had been lacking, Jinri would have beaten him, but since it overflowed, it was worth consideration.

"Oh? You? Truly? You who have refused to intervene in reality under any circumstances since that time?"

The Origin of the Mage God answered Jinri’s question with a smile full of profound emptiness and mischief.

"Kahahahahaha—! There is normally no need to intervene in a hellish reality, but if there is profit to be gained, that changes things. In exchange, I will be taking this guy’s dimensional authorities and magic. With the racial authority of the Black Flame creation god Seongmyeol sealed and most of his dimensional authorities and magic lost to rampage, he is now merely a creation-god-level Mage God. Rebuilding it all will take an enormous amount of time. He is no longer at a level that requires Grandfather Jinri’s personal attention."

"You want to wring him that badly? Enough to make even you—who knows everything and has given up on everything—want to intervene in reality again?"

"Emotions are worthless, but inspiration has value. Shall we call it a blessing bestowed upon the Mage God who granted victory to the cold Origin of the Mage God who never intervenes in reality? Currently, there is no Mage God or administrative god reckless enough to challenge—let alone defeat—the Black Flame clan that acts as their natural predator. Moreover, he even passed the Eternal Judgment. I am truly delighted. I will fill the position in the way Grandfather Jinri desires. The process differs, but the result will be exactly as you wish. Or will you refuse, claiming I lack the qualification or ability?"

"No, there is no one more qualified than you. In fact, you overflow with qualification. Even at your current level, you could immediately begin the plan, but…"

After a brief silence, Jinri shook his head.

"You are my bloodline. Among the Ten Mainstays or those who intervene directly, I only acknowledge one representative of the Wind Family. Any more and the Absolute Realm cannot endure it. The Absolute Realm originally belongs to the Ten Mainstays, not the Wind Family. Furthermore, the Wind Family does not rule or dominate for all eternity. It shall remain forever as the family of transcendent beings who challenge the impossible and make it possible. This is the will of the great patriarch who holds all life-and-death authority over the Wind Family, and as the Origin of the bloodline."

The Ten Mainstays wore complicated expressions as they watched Jinri personally declare that all rights to the Absolute Realm belonged to them and block the Wind Family’s intervention. Seeing those expressions, the Origin of the Mage God gave a smile filled with thick killing intent.

"There is not a single member of the Wind Family who does not find it displeasing that those who received excessive positions, authority, and special treatment compared to their actual ability—ability gained from connections in a distant past that they themselves cannot even remember—are treated this way. What is even more infuriating is that, thanks to Grandfather Jinri’s full support and education, they have become so strong that they cannot be handled one-on-one."

If multiple members of the Wind Family fought together, victory was not impossible, but that would mean all-out war. If it escalated into a total war involving entire clans, the racial authorities Jinri had personally granted the Ten Mainstays’ clans would make mutual destruction unavoidable.

"If not for that circumstance, we would have already ended this."

He was not so lax as to leave alone formidable enemies who openly displayed hostility toward Jinri and the Wind Family—beings who had single-handedly suppressed the Absolute Realm and the entire main universe and were currently advancing permanent subjugation.

"The flaw is the one-hour limit, but the absolute racial authority that turns every clan member into a Ten Mainstays-level powerhouse? Each of the Ten Mainstays’ clans numbers over a billion. If all of them became Ten Mainstays level, even the Wind Family could not win in a head-on collision. There was no way to overcome this, but now there is. Using absolute-level dimensional authority, I clearly twisted the activation of the racial authority. I altered the time difference and effect, however minutely. If I can grasp it perfectly and create an opening, I can end them. Yet for a mere absolute-level Mage God to possess a magical defense system capable of making even me, the Origin, hesitate even momentarily—fully analyzing it will take time. Above all, the insane idea of fusing title and magic with the magic tower? Thanks to that, both power and potential have increased dramatically. But what if the tower breaks? Thanks to that, properly exerting power now requires the tower itself. In the end, I must remain in this damned present world for a while. During that time, I will also attempt to dispose of those arrogant Ten Mainstays."

For various reasons, the Origin of the Mage God—who had ultimately intervened in the present—had to handle the matter cleanly. If he stepped forward so dramatically only to return home with half-baked authority, he would be mocked for eternity. Fortunately, he already knew what Jinri desired and had prepared a way to pass the trial.

"Therefore, I have a good solution. It satisfies Grandfather’s standards and allows me to obtain what I want. This guy will be able to live comfortably as well. Everyone will be satisfied."

"Tsk—! He’ll only barely survive. After all, the thirteen-circle dimensional authority and magic he barely obtained will all be taken by you. The problem is the magic tower that has already nearly fused with the dimensional title and magic, isn’t it? Because they cannot be separated, you couldn’t fully analyze it? As the Origin of the Mage God, is there no shame in being unable to analyze the authority of a lower Mage God, so you plan to compensate this way? Or, since he survived thanks to you, are you telling him to offer it up and start over from the beginning? Has your bad habit as a Mage God flared up again? How many times must you be beaten before you stop trying to exploit weaknesses for personal gain? Spit it out before I split your body in half and take it, then go home."

At the sharp observation and the Sword of Ruin and Soul pressing firmly into his spine, a scream almost escaped; he covered it with laughter and opened his mouth.

"Ahahahaha—! As if I would do that? I am generous. Besides, a Mage God is not a demon god but a god of light. As the Origin of the Mage God of reality negation, I belong to the light, and my karma value is correctly ‘absolute good.’ There is no way I would take such one-sided, harsh measures. Look. This karma value… Huh? It’s barely hanging on."

He did not need to see the reason. It was because his long avoidance of reality had caused a shortage in the positive karma value he should possess as a god of light. Maintaining karma in the positive while negating reality was difficult. That was why most successful Mage Gods eventually abandoned the path and lived as members of the Divine Realm. That was also why absolute-level Mage Gods were so rare.

The Dimensional Mage God, having absorbed most dimensional authorities and magic and been left penniless, appeared as shabby as a beggar.

"The aftermath of the short but fierce battle, extreme fatigue, and the cost of activating ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Ego Ayuta were so great that even the strongest Black Flame body in the Absolute Realm could not endure the magical power and nearly ruptured. It was fortunate he had quickly absorbed all the magic and authority; otherwise he would have self-destructed."

Originally he had planned to absorb even the soul and body and take them home intact, but with more than half the authority and magic bound to the magic tower, that was impossible. The solution was either to take the tower or create a new one. It meant he would have to put in some effort after all.

"I shall step forward like this and earn some karma as well."

The Origin of the Mage God, now in a transparent state that made the Sword of Ruin and Soul pressing against his back seem nonexistent, stood up. Twenty-six pairs of wings of light surrounded by brilliant golden radiance, and twenty-six pairs of blazing wings of black flame surrounding those, enveloped his entire body. At the sudden appearance of a powerhouse whose divine power exceeded a thousand trillion, the Black Flame clan instantly entered emergency stance. The Origin of the Mage God looked over them and spoke.

"This is the future Dimensional Mage God I have recreated using the dimensional authorities and magic I absorbed, along with the vitality of the Black Flame, estimating roughly one thousand trillion in divine power. With this, I shall uphold Grandfather Jinri’s Eternal Judgment."

"Oh? Your skills have improved greatly. But the fact that you are still my bloodline does not chan—"

Jinri’s mouth suddenly stopped mid-sentence. The voice of the Dimensional Mage God burst forth.

⚠ DECLARATION OF THE ABSOLUTE ⚠

I AM THE DIMENSION, THE ORIGIN, AND MAGIC—!

You foolish beings weaker than me, with inferior computational ability. All of you shall become my subordinates and turn into dogs pursuing the hopeless goal of ‘eternal happiness’ that Jinri speaks of. If you have any complaints, come at me. The stupid Ten Mainstays who challenge Jinri are no exception. You are in the way, so either follow me or shut up and stay out of it.

☠ CHALLENGE ACCEPTED ☠

…….

At the sudden torrent of abuse, the Origin of the Mage God could only stare at the fourteen-circle Dimensional Mage God he had created with a dumbfounded expression. Then a huge laugh burst out.

"Kihihihi—! Kahahahahaha—! As expected, he digs his own grave with that mouth. With one thousand trillion in divine power, does that mean every being from the Ten Mainstays downward is now a target? You’re saying it’s fine to turn everyone except the only superior being you can understand—Jinri—into enemies? It’s exactly like a Mage God who ignores reality and lives only according to his own will. Really, this guy just can’t be allowed to die peacefully. Puhahahahahaha—!"

After laughing for a long while, he continued his explanation.

"Klkklkl—! It is a part of my magic. I perfectly recreated the personality the Dimensional Mage God would have if he possessed one thousand trillion in innate divine power and perfect fourteen circles. The behavior just now was the first greeting he gave when he became Grey. As expected of a Mage God, if it doesn’t harm him personally, he only looks for opportunities to vent his anger and rampage. Moreover, if he judges there is no danger or that he must endure it anyway, he acts this provocatively. Since he’s going to get hit anyway, he’s basically saying let’s see who dies first. In the end, he won’t back down like I, who belongs to the clan, would. Besides, although he is a Mage God, he is also an absolute being with a title and a main god who possesses a Dimensional Divine Realm, so he will never give up. I have perfectly implemented the level Grandfather Jinri desires, and there is no risk of annihilation in the middle. What do you think?"

Jinri, whose eyes had flickered with a complicated light for a moment, opened his mouth.

"I approve the future Dimensional Mage God as ‘Grey.’ However, I only permit him to act according to the personality of the future Dimensional Mage God that has been implemented. Furthermore, all responsibility that arises shall be borne by the current Dimensional Mage God, not the Origin of the Mage God. This shall remain valid until the current Dimensional Mage God personally exercises the rights of Grey. Return the current Dimensional Mage God to the main universe. Raise him well."

"Thank you. I will not disappoint your expectations."

At the absurd situation in which Grey was suddenly decided, the Ten Mainstays rushed forward in panic.

"Jinri—! This is unacceptable!"

"Are you saying you will seat a bloodline member among the Ten Mainstays after all?"

"Implementing the future Dimensional Mage God, assigning him the current duty, and shifting all responsibility onto him? How can you appoint someone with such absurd ideas to the Ten Mainstays?"

"You implemented his personality? There is no guarantee he will not act according to his own thoughts, is there?"

The eight absolute beings directly involved expressed their dissatisfaction from all sides at the idea of appointing a Dimensional Mage God created and altered by a bloodline member to the Ten Mainstays when bloodline members themselves were not allowed. Moreover, from his very first words it was clear he had no intention of getting along with them and was openly declaring war. Since he had already defeated a highest-ranking clan member with a mere one hundred billion in divine power, the danger if he surpassed one trillion was easy to imagine.

"According to the data we just confirmed, he is a magical war god specialized in long-range strikes who has trained mobility and evasion to the extreme."

"If they are of the same rank, he will be extremely difficult to catch."

"We have also confirmed he possesses the authority of a creation god. In a faction war, we might be pushed back."

But Jinri’s verdict was firm.

"It is permitted. When he possesses one thousand trillion in divine power, the speech, conduct, and authority of the future ‍‍‌‌⁠⁠‌‍‍‌⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠‌‌‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Dimensional Mage God are correct. This is an excellent method that dramatically reduces the long time required to become Grey and the risk of loss in the middle. If he acts with a different personality, he will be immediately sanctioned. Above all, we can no longer leave the Grey seat vacant. The Golden Absolute who concurrently holds Grey may lose his original authority."

When all eyes turned to him, the Golden Absolute—who had brightened at the news that ‘Grey’ would be appointed—hurriedly hid his expression and closed his mouth. Since he was finally being freed from the absurd duty of coordinating the Ten Mainstays, he would deal with the consequences later.

The expressions of the Ten Mainstays as they looked at the unconscious, sprawled eleven-circle Dimensional Mage God and the fourteen-circle Dimensional Mage God created by a bloodline member of the Wind Family—who did not even bother hiding his killing intent and fighting spirit toward them—grew extremely dark.

"It looks like this will be pushed through after all."

All sorts of thoughts crossed the minds of the Ten Mainstays.

"One thousand trillion in dimensional authority and magic. He even perfectly recreated the title of Origin."

"Truly astonishing magic and ability. He can fully handle Grey. I am finally free."

"It means I have to fight that thing until the eleven-circle Dimensional Mage God becomes Grey."

"Wide-area destruction authority is really bad against our side. The clan members will be in danger."

"What do we do about him? Should we kill him right now?"

"What if the Origin of the Mage God from the Wind Family completely takes over Grey?"

In the end, their awareness converged on one fact.

"This is one of the biggest accidents to happen since Jinri stepped forward. The one who should be stopping and resolving it is so happy about lightening his burden that he is rejoicing without any sense of the consequences. This is a complete disaster. Who is going to handle this?"

The Ten Mainstays suddenly felt their stomachs twist and their heads ache. Everything was thanks to the Dimensional Mage God who had foolishly copied not only their authority and magic but even their knowledge and personality, and because he had grown as strong as them, his reckless behavior was even harder to tolerate.

"We must deal with him."

"But taking action immediately is difficult."

It would only be possible after escaping the management of Jinri’s Eternal Judgment, and they could not predict what effect that would have. Therefore, the killing intent and fighting spirit in the eyes of the Ten Mainstays as they looked at the fallen eleven-circle Dimensional Mage God gradually deepened.

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Approval of the Grey

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