The 99-Second Hero God

Thinking back on his past as a mercenary god in the Otherworld War—where he had often fought entire armies alone—the sheer destructive power was something he could not abandon. However, if I must wage prolonged campaigns as the Main God of the Divine Realm or Lord of the Main Gods, leading my subordinates, then stability matters more. Battles between god races normally dragged on for tens of thousands of years until the opponent’s vitality was completely exhausted. A mere 99-second limit was absurd.

Yet as someone who continued working as a mercenary god even after becoming Lord of the Main Gods—just for the rewards—he could not abandon either path. It was an unavoidable dilemma. By then the Main Gods had finished adapting to their promotion to Creator Gods. All of them, now empowered with vastly stronger divine power and authorities, radiated pure joy as they unleashed their fighting spirit without restraint. With over four hundred of them, they formed a truly terrifying force within the Master Universe. Some even possessed transcendent authorities befitting true Creator Gods, and because they originated from the Master Universe itself, they could display the full might of their new rank.

The waves of authority they emit are crashing straight toward me.

He did not need to look to know who was daring to send such oppressive waves toward the Main God of the Divine Realm. It was nearly all of them.

So most of the Main Gods are lifting their heads again the moment they grow a little stronger? Aah—how utterly realistic.

No matter their numbers, the Main Gods had been unable to contend with him when he stood as their Lord, equal to a Creator God. But once they themselves were promoted and their numbers swelled, confidence had bloomed. Moreover, the Troop of Creation God’s greatest strength was also its weakness: once activated, the effect persisted until every last drop of divine power was consumed.

Even if I try to stop it, the authority will continue as long as the Main Gods still have divine power.

Such wide-area support was only natural on a battlefield where anything could happen, but in a situation where he could not trust his own subordinates, the inability to cancel it immediately was a serious problem. What made it worse was that he knew the more powerful Main Gods under this authority, the better—and the more necessary it became. No wonder they had raised their heads again.

Now that they’ve noticed that fact, they’re showing their true colors immediately. Why are my worst predictions never wrong?

With the balance of power and necessity reversed once more, they were trying to seize the initiative. If he had time and leisure, he could have accepted it; after all, he intended to hand over most of his authority anyway before departing for the Otherworld. Yet their rude reaction not only angered him, it highlighted a fundamental issue.

I was going to distribute nearly all my authority before leaving, but handing it over like this will make it nearly impossible to reclaim. And now that their positions had grown similar, they were trying to stand as his equals at once. He did not expect loyalty, but with the enemy before them, should they not finish the war first? The education system in the Divine Realm was an absolute mess. Perhaps I should start by correcting their manners?

However, with the Origin of the Mage God watching, he could not simply run wild. He had to regain his composure. Yet the absurd situation—being forced to choose the nature of the authority granted by the Dimensional Origin—had already pushed his fury to its limit. On top of that, his subordinates’ coldly realistic and swift response irritated him so much that he released his fighting spirit, shattering the converging waves.

Because the situation had arisen from a lack of power, all thoughts of the ‘99-Second Hero God’ had already been thrown into the far distance. The ability was operating at maximum capacity. In this awkward predicament, he had no choice but to settle on power at the risk of danger.

“Chiiii—! After obtaining the divinity of a Creator God and gaining so many followers, do I look easy to you now? Of course I must. However, I will ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠no longer tolerate political games in the Master Universe.”

A low vibration shook the air—Uuuuung—! Uuuuung—!

The Main God-Slaying Spears that had pierced the necks of the dark gods embedded in the round table rose into the air, positioning themselves on either side of the Dimensional Mage God. Together with the Dimensional Mage God, who still sat upon the seat of honor, the severed necks of the dark gods began chanting in perfect unison.

At some point a copy of the ‘Signature of the 10 Centers’ lent by the Dimensional Origin had appeared in his hand. The signature of the Grey Absolute Cyan II engraved upon the blade blazed with brilliant light. Nine black orbs floated into existence in the air at the same time.

The overlapping chants of the Dimensional Mage God and the dark gods reached their peak, and he issued the activation command.

The nine Koas vanished instantly. A heartbeat later, a cataclysmic roar erupted from the walls of the Main God Temple.

Kwa-ga-ga-ga-ga-gang—!

At the transcendent surge of authority and the deafening explosion, the Main Gods whipped their heads around. What they saw was a perfectly circular dimensional gate large enough for dozens to pass through at once. The gate radiated such overwhelming waves of power that the entire Main God Temple shook violently, as if it might collapse.

On the other side lay the Main God Temple of the Main Divine Realm—the very place they had been conversing with through the projection. With a single strike, he had created dimensional gates linking to all nine scattered Main Divine Realms that surrounded the Creation Realm, the heart of the 499th Master Universe.

“What is that? No way—!”

“He opened dimensional gates straight to other Main God Realms without going through the Master Universe? All of them are beyond regional-universe distances?”

“And multiple gates at once? Is this something a Creator God of the Master Universe can even do?”

A Main God’s authority radius was 100 kilometers. A Creator God’s reached a hundred times that—ten thousand kilometers. Naturally, certain authorities could expand the range exponentially, but for an ordinary Creator God of the Master Universe, that was the limit.

The dimensional authority displayed by the Dimensional Mage God, however, rendered such measurements meaningless. Its range and power defied imagination. Yet the Main Gods’ shock was mild compared to the enemies’.

To have an invasion route suddenly open directly before them in the middle of a video conference left them utterly stunned. Urgent voices burst out from the managing Main Gods desperately attempting to seal the forcibly opened gates.

“How did he open a dimensional gate from that distance? Close it again, now—!”

“The Main God Temple’s barrier has been nullified?”

“None of the barriers or wards are working? No matter how strong a Creator God’s authority is, how can this many Main Gods fail to stop it—!”

The managing Main Gods whose necks were now on the line clung desperately, but the dimensional authority was so vast and intricate that even approaching it was impossible.

Watching the chaos erupt across every Main God Realm, the second-ranked Lord of the Main Gods, Feminist, ground his teeth and issued a sharp command.

“Abandon closing the gates! Prepare for battle—!”

“The enemy is coming—!”

The Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family had found the situation burdensome and hoped words would suffice, but as expected, it had not. The enemies, now promoted to Creator Gods, were charging directly toward the Main God Temple with thunderous war cries.

Waaaaaaaaah—!

Pa-ga-gang—!

The war gods of the Main God Realm, already briefed on using the dimensional gates for a rapid assault, showed no hesitation. Empowered by their new Creator God divinity, they boldly threw themselves through the gates toward their assigned targets.

On the opposite side, the Lords of the Main Gods and Creator Candidates, faces twisted in shock, frantically equipped their divine artifacts and full-body armor to respond.

“Simultaneously attacking all nine upper Main God Realms scattered across the Creation Realm? Is that even possible?”

“So this is the power of a Creator God from the 499th Master Universe?”

The Main Gods, who had been energized by the earlier display of seemingly miraculous power, were now completely horrified. Their momentum evaporated. Seeing them bow their heads once more before an insurmountable gap in strength, the Dimensional Mage God felt utterly refreshed.

Following the war gods, the rest of the Main Gods—carefully watching his reaction—also leaped through the dimensional gates toward their assigned realms. After witnessing a display of dimensional authority beyond anything imaginable in the Master Universe, none of his subordinates dared disobey orders again.

Originally, even as the Grey Present, continuous use of Absolute Distance Koa should have been impossible. Yet by combining the ‘Signature of the 10 Centers’ with the ‘99-Second Hero God,’ I can wield power on the level of the 10 Centers. Truly incredible—! As expected, the might of a single decisive strike is supreme. Stability is unnecessary. I simply must not exceed 99 seconds.

Having thoroughly crushed his subordinates’ pathetic attempt to test him using nothing but his own power, the Dimensional Mage God stroked the Signature of the 10 Centers in satisfaction and declared in a low voice.

“Stop the pathetic act of testing your superiors. If you wish to challenge me, come at me together with your Lords of the Main Gods—! I will receive you proudly. I am now among the strong—! Kha ha ha ha ha—!”

Even though it was a childish provocation that struck directly at their emotions, no one replied. They simply followed orders and headed toward the Main Gods of their assigned realms. In the faster sectors, battles between the Lords of the Main Gods and the newly promoted Creator Gods had already begun.

As expected, the advantage is overwhelming.

The newly promoted Creator Gods were powerful, but the enemies had been completely caught off guard by dimensional authority far beyond anything the Master Universe could imagine and were responding poorly.

I don’t even need to step forward myself. With dimensional authority that can cover the entire Master Universe and the ability to multi-chant Koa to promote any Main God into a Creator God at will, I am truly 10 Center-level—! The pinnacle of the Master Universe and the strength of an upper-rank warrior even in the Absolute Realm. Though it is limited to the Master Universe and lasts only 99 seconds, this is more than enough. Now I need not fear any Creator God—!

Having gained 10 Center-level power despite the time limit, the Dimensional Mage God no longer needed to watch his words or actions in the Master Universe. He let out a grand, satisfied laugh—only for the Dimensional Origin to speak in a troubled tone.

“Hmm? Only thirty seconds remain. Using power beyond the standard reduces the time even faster. If you had used anything greater, you would have exceeded the limit instantly and been in serious trouble. Is judging the remaining time difficult? Shall I add a warning sound?”

“Huk—!”

At the unexpected observation, the Dimensional Mage God hurriedly canceled the ‘99-Second Hero God’ authority and touched the jewel on his forehead to check the time. Cold sweat ran down his back. He had definitely had sixty seconds left when he stopped the authority earlier. Yet not even five seconds had passed since then, and thirty seconds were already gone.

Just as the Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family said, the ninefold chant of Absolute Distance Koa had consumed twenty-five seconds in a single instant.

It’s true—! So the time limit doesn’t simply decrease at a steady rate but shrinks drastically according to the power used? Then it’s actually far less than 99 seconds? What is this—! Isn’t this a scam? Above all, if I trust only the stated time and use it while feeling empowered, it’s extremely dangerous!

The time displayed on the surface of the Divine Spirit Purgatory jewel on his forehead was not visible within his own field of view.

Unless I pay special attention, I cannot grasp it.

Had the Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family not warned him just now, he would have believed he still had plenty of time, laughed in satisfaction, exceeded the limit, and nearly died without understanding why.

Only twenty-nine seconds left. If not for that warning, I would have relaxed thinking I still had time and been erased on the spot. But if I use power on the same scale as before here, will I really die? Still, since I possess this much strength, wouldn’t he have secretly installed a safety device at least because ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it would be a waste not to?

With an anxious gaze, the Dimensional Mage God turned only his head. The Dimensional Origin, face full of mischief, clenched both fists and pressed them to his chest. Then he spread his hands outward theatrically.

“Huk—!”

He did not need to ask what had exploded. The Dimensional Origin’s kind explanation followed immediately.

“Of course it’s the end. The world is not so soft as to offer help without reason or compensation. Therefore, always keep in mind the irregular reduction of the time limit when using excessive power. Naturally, since I adjusted it according to your request, I will not modify it again. However, being able to wield power ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠no one can overcome while never knowing when you might die if you let your guard down—isn’t this tension truly thrilling? The anguish of a hero who cannot live happily because he must serve the weak is also quite interesting. I do not understand why the strong must live harder than the weak in order to protect them. If you are going to live that way, why struggle so desperately to become strong? In that case, it would be far better to abandon power yourself and live as one of the weak, protected by others—yet they never do. The strong are unhappy while the weak are happy within that protection? Goodness—! It is full of mysteries that such forced logic works so well in the Otherworld. Go and test it thoroughly yourself. Since serving as Truth’s proxy will leave you with little to do anyway, it should be a good experience.”

“!!!”

Not only could the authority no longer be modified, but the Dimensional Origin had nailed the point home. On top of that, he was telling a Lord of the Main Gods to play the absurd role of a hero. Of course, playing hero had never been in his fate, and he had zero intention of doing so. Yet no matter how lightly the words were spoken, they came from a higher direct Origin.

During training, if I failed to react or take action even to words spoken in passing, the Sword of Ruin and Soul would come flying with the judgment that I had failed to understand the meaning, right? From my training experience with the Origin of the Wind Family’s Mage God, ignoring even such casual remarks never leads to anything good.

The Origin’s tenacity—clinging for thirty thousand years despite lacking talent and producing no proper results until finally creating this—was horrific to even imagine. Therefore, although it was not an explicit order, if he took no action simply because he did not want to, the consequences would be terrifying.

I even laughed at the protagonists of Otherworld fantasy novels for being foolish, but it seems I must at least act convincingly enough to satisfy him.

Just thinking about playing the hero—a role that brought only loss and no benefit or reward—made the back of his head throb. No matter how much I struggle or oppose now, with my current position I cannot endure it. Even though it is only lent, the benefits of the ‘Signature of the 10 Centers’ and direct intervention are simply too great.

Since the intention seemed firm, he could no longer oppose. He began grumbling inwardly.

That’s just a novel from the Otherworld. There’s no way the strong actually live like that in reality. No, more than that—didn’t you already give up on turning me into a real hero in the Otherworld? Are you ignoring my opinion? Does the Truth Proxy truly have nothing else to do?

Above all, the initial killing intent and determination to immediately dispose of any subordinate who refused to listen to a superior as an unfilial wretch had been genuine. Having directly experienced the killing intent of an Eternal Being—a higher existence than a Spiritual Being—his flesh still trembled at the memory.

Not only will there be no help, but if I refuse to the end, my own life will be in danger. And if the Dimensional Origin becomes angry with me and leaves in this situation, it will be disastrous. The subordinates’ rebellion is one problem, but I also lack the time to properly deal with the Lords of the Main Gods.

With only thirty seconds remaining on the ‘99-Second Hero God,’ he could not completely suppress the other Lords of the Main Gods. There was no doubt that the reason his subordinate Main Gods did not dare rebel or resist was not only his own strength but largely thanks to the protection of the Dimensional Origin.

The help I am currently receiving is too great; I cannot refuse it outright.

In the end, the Dimensional Mage God realized he had been completely caught in the Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family’s plan. It would proceed exactly as the Origin wished—to personally witness the heroes from the novels of the Otherworld.

Moreover, the Origin was staring straight at him and even seeking confirmation.

“Be sure to test a variety of hero gods who sacrifice themselves for everyone in the Otherworld. This is a very important matter both privately and publicly. If it is difficult for you, you may order others to do it. However, you must report every single process and result to me directly and accurately. Understood?”

I can order others instead of doing it myself. Who else is even in the Otherworld besides me? ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠At least he is showing some consideration. It seems I have no choice but to do it.

“Yes. I understand.”

Even though the Dimensional Mage God answered in a completely unwilling, powerless tone, the Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family did not become upset. Instead he smiled brightly. Listening to worthless weaklings whine for the help and sacrifice of the strong while refusing to become stronger themselves was extremely irritating. Therefore, even if it was an order from the Wind Family’s Origin who possessed absolute authority, there was no guarantee it would be carried out properly or produce good results.

Yet because the Dimensional Mage God had given his answer, the Origin knew he would definitely do it. As long as the results were satisfactory, that was enough.

Haha! With this, the preparations should become a little easier. I need many test results regarding the Otherworld, but if I intervene directly I cannot avoid leaving traces. If I am discovered, Truth Grandfather will scold me severely, so I must be careful.

Of course, if the Dimensional Origin of the Wind Family intervened directly in the Otherworld as Truth’s proxy and an Eternal Being, there would be no problem. However, considering the special environment and surrounding conditions, it would be extremely bothersome.

If it ends with this level of support and the lending of an absolute device, it is an extremely profitable deal.

Yet the voice of the Dimensional Mage God, who had been saddled with an unwanted task and was thoroughly irritated, rang out harshly.

“Why are you two still here? The enemy who committed marriage fraud against your old nemesis and turned you into this state—Feminist. Are you not going to cut off his head? He sent you to the Spirit Realm, became Lord of the Main Gods himself, and now lives comfortably with dozens of concubines in addition to his partner. Are you still lost in misunderstanding or delusion? If you miss this opportunity, do you think another will come? Do you want to live your entire lives as losers and fools, unable to raise your heads? More than that, while all the other Main Gods are fighting, if you continue showing such a disgraceful sight, you will be impeached later and sent back to the Spirit Realm.”

All the Main Gods had gone to battle in the other realms, yet Riasna of the God-destroying Red Flame and God-slaying Black Lightning and Himejina remained behind. Knowing their circumstances and watching them, he felt as if his insides would burst.

“Does love feed you? After suffering so much, shouldn’t you have come to your senses? What are you trying to do by acting so childishly? Damn it—! Is this really the time for me to be worrying about others?”