"It is precisely because it's incurable, that it holds greater value for redemption."
Standing beneath the half-collapsed majestic stone gate, the Key Changing spoke thus.
The greater the difficulty, the bigger the challenge, the more unreachable the goal, the stronger the sense of accomplishment after success.
Such was the simple value held by the ancient Angels.
[To this, the Hero's evaluation (Revenge Heart -40)]
"We've arrived." The Key Changing pointed forward towards the ruins that still showed their past grandeur.
"Up ahead lies the most glorious area of this Cloud Top Ruins, the location of the Gate of Heaven and the resting place of the Four-winged King." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel⁂fire.net
Stopping before the collapsed stone columns and the cracked plaza, the Key Changing introduced: "The core of the city worshipped devoutly by countless Angels and humankind—the Central Temple Group."
The Hero gazed up at the half-collapsed archway, her eyes shifting from confusion to calmness.
The history of Angels is so ancient, and the civilization they built was so magnificent and splendid.
Logically, her heart should be filled with awe, wonder, tension... feelings of that nature.
But now, after hearing about the absurd entanglements between Goblins and Angels, all such emotions have faded away, leaving only a slight sense of disdain.
Her Emerald Eye moved away from the half-destroyed yet still grand archway, and the Hero coldly commented:
"No wonder it perished, terribly sick."
"What a merciless evaluation, is it because you dislike Goblins?"
The Key Changing was clearly surprised, blinking several times unexpectedly.
"However, what you said isn't entirely wrong. Though Angels never saw themselves as rulers, in fact, they were even more arrogant. They naturally regarded themselves as leaders, intending to plan the destiny of other species... Such conceit did indeed lead them to destruction."
The Hero shook her head without regret, asking:
"What happened to the Goblin that pushed the gate?"
"Naturally, it died," the Key Changing replied flatly.
"Though the Gate of Heaven successfully purified its core, creating a truly benevolent Goblin, only slightly opening the gate not only failed to transcend its own species but also evaporated its inherently evil life force.
Seeing the Hero seemingly relieved, the Key Changing smiled slightly.
"However, as a reward for the third question's correct answer, there's a special piece of information to tell you here—the benevolent Goblin indeed died, but its soul and essence ascended to Heaven, with the Lord."
"It wasn't a fleeting miracle but became the king's feather wings, imparting kindness alongside the Lord to all who seek a Newborn."
At this, an image of that pitch-black wing suddenly flashed through the Hero's mind, sending a shiver of cold dread rippling down her spine, causing her to shudder.
Yet the Key Changing acted as if she hadn't noticed, maintaining a light tone: "However, since the reward for the third question has been given, before continuing with the fifth question—Hero, how do you wish to accept the penalty for the fourth question's mistake?"
3.7. Information disclosure
10. Great Success/Great Failure
♛: Communication Great Success~, Fire spark +1
"Hero, have you decided on the punishment you want to accept?"
Upon hearing the Key Changing's inquiry again, the Hero's expression turned bitter.
"Hero? Are you trying to back out?" The Key Changing squinted, locking eyes with the Hero.
"Of course not!" The Hero quickly waved her hand, shaking her head as she honestly replied: "It's just... I'm not sure what kind of punishment would be appropriate."
Since the Key Changing indeed provided valuable information, the Hero naturally wouldn't violate the rules of the game. However, compared to the weight of the intel, the severity of the punishment became another dilemma.
Hurting herself was obviously not an option, but casually brushing it off didn't seem right either.
'What's the hesitation? Just grunt like a wild boar a couple of times, it suits you well.' The Depraved Hero scoffed.
'Then I'll call you out to do it together, making it more sincere.' The Hero seriously responded.
No longer talking to herself inwardly, the Hero looked at the Key Changing, abandoning her troublesome hesitation: "Do you have any suggestions? After all, you're the one who came up with the rules."
"Hmm, I can see that the Hero takes this game seriously." The Key Changing nodded with satisfaction.
1.5. I want to feel loved
2.6. Let's exchange Magic Power
3.7. Show me your Commandments
4.8. Let me feel all of you
9. Transformation Magic
10. Great Success/Great Failure
♛: I want to feel loved
"Hero, as a penalty for your mistake, I hope you can recall the person you love the most while looking at me."
The Key Changing smiled.
"I want to feel loved."
[Hero's love perspective (No experience -30, 60+ Success)]
The Hero opened her mouth, her eyes filled with confusion.
Although she had never deeply considered whether she wanted yet anticipated a certain kind of love, and was seen by her family as lacking the noble temperament of feminine elegance to the extent they were uninspired to set up any engagement, leaving her to linger in her maidenhood.
But for a girl of her age, it wouldn't be entirely unknown to her.
"Can you tell me first why you've come up with such a punishment?" The Hero pondered slightly and then posed a question.
The Key Changing's smile remained unchanged, her tone steady as if narrating someone else's tale: "As you know, I have no emotions of my own. Until I receive a clear directive, my mode of action depends on the last person I observed."