Chapter 80: Volume 2, Chapter 25 – I Am Revealing

The clamor that erupted around the table mere seconds after I spoke those words was understandable, to say the least.

Celatria’s entire theological model revolved around six deities: Pyladae, the God of Strength. Edranora, the Goddess of Dexterity. Tertrane, the God of Constitution. Yrdenleid, the God of Intelligence. Medeanyria, the Goddess of Wisdom. Blestianora, the Goddess of Charisma.

There were more deities that made up the massive pantheon of this world, but all of them were derived from the original six.

To refer to the destruction of “God” as a singular noun was not only an act of blasphemy, but also inaccuracy. After all, none of these people were aware of the true God who sat behind the scenes, playing the part of a cruel puppetmaster hell-bent on driving this world to its end.

When I first came to this world, my only thoughts were of ruining this God’s plans. The world itself hadn’t mattered to me back then, and neither did any of its inhabitants.

But it was different now. This world had taught me so many things about life that I’d never known before. Kindness was nothing more than a lie. Friends were no more than tools. Effort was nothing but pointless.

These were all things that I had thought were facts before arriving here. While the state of affairs on Celatria were far from perfect, I had found those who possessed kind hearts. I had found friends who I could confide in. Most of all, I had witnessed the fruits of my labor.

My revenge against that stupid God was still important, sure. But that was no longer the sole reason for my existence anymore.

This place that gradually cast away the shadows of my past life... I want to protect it. I want to protect it no matter what.

“All of you, listen to me!” My voice exploded in the air like a burst of flame from the jaws of a great dragon.

At once, the noise ceased, like a candle being snuffed out. The eyes of the chieftains fell upon me. I returned their gazes with taciturn confidence as I collected myself.

I was well aware that convincing everyone here wouldn’t be easy, but failure wasn’t something that I had time for right now. Although what I was about to tell them would be counterintuitive to everything that they had learned since they were children, they would simply have to accept my words.

It wasn’t as easy as simply forcing them to believe in me through violence or force of will. I needed to show them complete, unadulterated proof that they could not deny.

For days, I had racked my brains attempting to think of a solution that could dispel any disbelief that the chieftains would have. In the end, I was forced to take the only solution offered to me.

I cleared my throat. “What I’m about to tell you all is probably so outlandish that you’ll all think I’m shittin’ straight outta my mouth. But trust me, I ain’t. That’s why I’m gonna show you—beyond a doubt—that what I’m sayin’ is true.”

Some of the chieftains frowned. Others stared at me expectantly, as if they thought I would somehow manifest a deity straight out of my ass. Of course, I did neither.

Instead, I looked toward the large double-doors that served as the sole entry and exit point of the room. They were completely gilded and engraved with a large depiction of the Zaltsel clan’s coat of arms.

“Come in,” I called out in a voice loud enough to carry through to the other side of the doors.

They opened with barely a sound thanks to their newly oiled hinges. The sunlight that streamed through the windows opposite of the doors caused their golden surface to shimmer beautifully. The resulting light diffused around the lone figure who stepped through those doors.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. That entrance is way too fancy for you, bitch.

As she walked forwards, her eyes twinkled and she returned my gaze with a haughty smile, as if to say “Deal with it.”

“This is Antenora.” I announced after she took her place beside me. “She is a maid of the Zaltsel clan and she serves as Princess Lucrezia’s personal maid.”

Antenora bowed elegantly. It was a practiced motion that was akin to the graceful spreading of a swan’s wings the moment it prepared to touch down upon water.

“An’ how the hell’s this bitch s’posed to show us the ‘proof’ that you were talkin’ ‘bout?” A rather gruff looking chieftain asked in a voice that was dripping with pure annoyance. It seemed that they had already forgotten my goodwill of returning their authorities in mere minutes.

Before I could answer, Antenora stepped forward. That single motion caused all eyes to land on her. She showed no hesitation, and her eyes were set in a determined gaze.

You are reading story I Am the Greatest at novel35.com

Even though...

“I am the Hero.”

Antenora’s words left everyone in the room completely stunned. It was the second time I had heard her make such a declaration, but the way she spoke still carried a certain ring of strength and pride that I couldn’t help but acknowledge.

The only one in the room who remained completely unsurprised was King Borea. There was no doubt in my mind that he was already aware of Antenora’s history.

“A shurai? The Hero? Don’t waste our time, Ryuuko of the Zaltsel clan!” Many other chieftains echoed this sentiment, but I simply remained silent until their protests died down.

“...Are you really alright with this, Antenora?” I said in a quiet voice.

Instead of speaking, she simply nodded once. Once again, there was no hesitation in those iridescent eyes of hers. Those crimson eyes which were usually a deep and dull red were now like twin stars, dousing all who they looked upon with the glory of their light.

She returned her gaze to the room and held out her hand. The mana in the room began swirling toward the center of her palm almost immediately, emitting a bright golden-violet light.

“This is the proof that I still wield! Heed my call, Holy Sword Clematis!” Antenora’s voice echoed in the confines of the room like thunder. A bright flash of golden-violet light burst forth from her hands, blinding everyone for a split-second.

When my vision finally cleared, I could see a beautiful golden-violet longsword that was clearly crafted by hands that were not mortal. Antenora brandished it above her head for all to see, displaying it in all its glory and splendor.

The Holy Sword Clematis. It was the Hero’s sole right to call upon the god-forged weapon. Antenora doing so was unchallengeable proof that she was the Hero.

The eyes of those present widened. This time, even King Borea had joined the count. This awe persisted for mere seconds before the sound of steel slithering against leather was heard throughout the entirety of the room.

“T-The Hero! Kill her, kill her now!”

“So you’re the bastard who slaughtered so many of my people! I’ll fuckin’ kill you!”

It was only now as similar statements rang through the room that I allowed myself to complete my earlier thought.

Even though... It would ruin your livelihood and everything that you’ve worked for so far.

Of course, it wasn’t as if Antenora hadn’t predicted this situation would happen. When she suggested that she reveal her true identity to all the chieftains, I protested vehemently and stated that it would be our last resort. 

Yet in the end, it was the only thing that we could do to make certain there would be no doubt in the hearts of the chieftains.

“So long as it allows us to strike at the God who has forsaken this world, I would give my life, Ryuuko. My livelihood and reputation is a small price to pay.”

She had said those words without hesitation. Her resolve had been ironclad, and her gaze was unwavering. Yet, why was it that I could see such unfathomable sadness in your eyes, Antenora?

I could answer that question later. Right now, I had to deal with several of the chieftains that were already rushing toward Antenora’s position with murderous intent.

I understood their feelings and their rage, but their desire for revenge was misplaced. It wasn’t Antenora that they should be pointing their swords at. It should be that fucking shithead of a God.

I stepped forward, gently pushing Antenora behind me.

“Everyone. Stop.”

You can find story with these keywords: I Am the Greatest, Read I Am the Greatest, I Am the Greatest novel, I Am the Greatest book, I Am the Greatest story, I Am the Greatest full, I Am the Greatest Latest Chapter