The SSS Ranked Villain's Return - Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Back to the Start
I’m here… This is the same place the Gluttony Sovereign showed me. Neraxis mused, his expression complicated.

In front of him, both the Gluttony and the Envy Sovereigns were kneeling down to a figure, who was none other than the Eternal Sin.

Evangel—

[No Evangeline this time. It’s just me.] Another voice interrupted him.

Neraxis immediately picked up on who this was. What exactly are you trying to show me? Why am I even seeing these past visions?

The voice was none other than the one these Sovereigns were referring to as the Eternal Sin.

[I want to change the outcome of an event that is already set in stone. I, myself, can’t do so,] the Eternal Sin replied in a deep voice. [I’ve changed many events and have given you a great advantage over the past me.]

So by showing me these visions, you want me to learn from them. Is that what this is all about? Neraxis asked with furrowed brows.

It seemed like the system log wasn’t progressing, as though everything was frozen in time—except for him.

[You can think of it that way,] the Eternal Sin affirmed. [You’re much further away from my expectations, but you’re growing splendidly. I appreciate the effort.]

You just want to take over my body again, don’t you? Neraxis shot back.

And it seemed like the Eternal Sin wasn’t trying to hide it. [Indeed. Your misfortune makes me stronger, and there’s only so much you can endure before you finally break again]

You sound like an absolute idiot. Care to show me this system log then? Neraxis said, rolling his eyes.

[You have a foul tone,] the Eternal Sin eerily chuckled. [Nonetheless, here you go, front seat view and all.]

As the Eternal Sin’s words fell, Neraxis’s body was propelled forward before colliding with the body of the Eternal Sin.

In an instant, they merged together, with Neraxis eventually reopening his eyes, only to notice that the entire view of the world was much different than before.

Everything was darker, and red particles were floating all around the debris.

Forcefully moving his head, he spotted the bodies of the heroes, each with swirly orbs glowing around them—some even contrasting with the colors swirling around the Sovereigns.

A deep red color emanated from the dagger hero, Asher, the same hue mirrored by the Sovereign of Envy.

[Done sightseeing?] the Eternal Sin asked, suddenly taking control of the body. [I don’t have all day, so just watch.]

He suddenly flicked his fingers, and in an instant, time seemed to resume again.

This time, however, Neraxis had no control over his body—he could only watch as a spectator.

[Don’t worry, I am in the same boat,] the Eternal Sin assured. [We are merely rewatching what has already transpired.]

Right. Neraxis hesitantly replied before turning his attention to the events that were about to unfold.

The Sovereigns stood back up and dusted their knees off.

“Sucks that you have to make us do this every single time, boss. Would much rather prefer some kind of heated mat prepared for us before we kneel,” the Sovereign of Gluttony grumbled.

“Suck it up. You don’t do this often,” the Eternal Sin said, making a shiver go down Neraxis’s spine.

This is even more realistic than the last, he thought, focusing further.

“Even so, you’re finally back,” the Sovereign of Envy remarked with a scoff. “Though, was it really worth it? All this time spent wasting your essence for a mere body.”

“It’s a gamble, but it worked out,” the Sovereign of Gluttony said before turning toward the Eternal Sin, a wide grin on his face. “Boss, we reached the same rank as you when you were still alive.”

“Congrats. I don’t give a shit, though,” the Eternal Sin replied before bringing his hand forward.

Immediately, a black wave of mana materialized, and Neraxis recognized it instantly.

{Aura of the Abyss…?}

But the black wave soon made contact with the Sovereign of Gluttony, blasting his head clean off.

The Sovereign of Envy widened his eyes, preparing to fight, but not even a moment later, he faced the same fate—killed in an instant.

However, the Eternal Sin did not seem satisfied, staring off into the distance.

“Lust, you can come out now,” he said, and in the very next moment, an alluring figure emerged.

It was a pink-haired woman, her enchanting rainbow eyes distorted his vision.

Yet that distortion did not last long, as the Eternal Sin seemingly grasped something in the air.

Immediately, a loud sound rang out, as though someone had shattered thousands of planes of glass.

At the same time, Neraxis, who was watching the entire scene unfold, widened his eyes.

The alluring woman from a moment ago was gone, and what replaced her was an incredibly ugly old witch.

“Stop playing games with me, Lust. You two, stop it as well,” the Eternal Sin stated, glancing around.

The two Sovereigns whose heads had been blown off stood up as though nothing had happened, as their heads regenerated instantly.

“Shucks, here I thought we’d make you sympathetic,” the Sovereign of Gluttony said, clicking his tongue. “Anyways, boss, we are the only ones here at the moment. The others are off doing their own things.”

“It’s fine. Lead the way,” the Eternal Sin said, and immediately, with the Sovereign of Gluttony in front, they walked toward the purple tower in the distance.

They walked in silence for several minutes as the Sovereign of Lust shot glances toward the Eternal Sin.

Neraxis, who was watching, could vaguely feel the emotions of this body, and it was clear the Eternal Sin was disgusted.

[Yeah, I can’t say I was pleased with this bitch gawking at me the entire time.]

…Is this really what happened after I died? Neraxis asked.

[The details are 1:1, yes. This is how it transpired,] the Eternal Sin replied. [Though I suppose we can skip the annoying walk.]

As his words fell, time seemingly sped up—their walking speed increasing many times—until eventually, they arrived in front of the tower’s gate.

It looked exactly like the Dreamspire gate, and soon, the Eternal Sin placed his hand onto the door.

However, instead of being thrown into a trial, another interface appeared.

<Welcome back, Fragment of the Eternal Sin. I have waited a long time.>

“Aka, it is a pleasure to see you again. Send me up.”

<Confirmed.>

Is this the Aka from the first and second logs? Neraxis wondered.

And the Eternal Sin soon affirmed, [Indeed. She’s a very high-ranked life form, rivaling even myself when I was in my prime… And to think there are still more like her out there.]

Yet here she is, playing elevator, Neraxis added with a chuckle.

Nonetheless, his vision distorted once more, and this time, he found himself in front of some sort of massive white palace.

<Welcome to the 99th floor, Eternal Palace.>

“Hmm… this floor has been abandoned for far too long…” the Eternal Sin said, trailing off as the rest of the Sovereigns finally arrived. “I need you all to do something for me.”

“Yes, boss?”

“Give me back the mana I gave you.”

I still don’t understand what you’re trying to show me. It just looks like you’re out on some sort of stroll after being reborn again, Neraxis commented with frustration.

[Hahaha, that is what it seems like, right?] the Eternal Sin stated, amusement clear in his tone. [But I’d much rather you have a breather before the next part.]

[After all, you are curious right? About what caused this sudden reality shift?]

…I am.