Multiverse Gacha

"Laeding?"

When the chains appeared, Koyomi Shizuka's first reaction was to glance at Nangou Natsuki.

But seeing the same shock reflected in Natsuki's expression, Koyomi Shizuka dismissed her initial suspicion.

It wasn't an unreasonable assumption. The Laeding were divine artifacts, forged by the gods themselves. Their binding power was unparalleled—most demonic beings, once ensnared, found escape utterly impossible.

And across the entire world, the only person known to wield these chains was Nangou Natsuki.

"Hey, where did you get those Laeding?" Natsuki asked, her voice sharp with confusion.

August smiled faintly at her question, his expression calm yet brimming with confidence.

"My treasury contains every treasure in existence, past or present. The Laeding are naturally among them."

"You bastard! Are you seriously showing off right now?" Natsuki snapped, irritation flashing across her face.

August simply chuckled, declining to offer further explanation. The Gate of Babylon didn't require elaboration—its magnificence spoke for itself.

In that moment, August finally understood the pleasure Gilgamesh must have felt. To possess the sum total of human history's treasures, every relic of wisdom and ingenuity, was a triumph beyond comprehension.

Especially now, with the power of the Sha Naqba Imuru, August could discern the true name and liberation incantation of any treasure. This absolute knowledge, paired with unparalleled power, gave him an intoxicating sense of superiority.

Swish!

As August exchanged words with Natsuki, Koyomi Shizuka made her move. From a distance, she launched a second attack, her intent sharp and unrelenting.

Clang!

Her strike landed directly on August, yet it didn't leave a scratch. He hadn't even bothered to defend himself.

Koyomi Shizuka stared in disbelief. Her attack, one capable of wounding even a Primogenitor, had done nothing. August's sheer physical resilience alone had negated the damage entirely.

In that moment, August turned his gaze toward her. Feeling the weight of his scrutiny, Koyomi Shizuka instinctively retreated, putting distance between them.

"How can your body be so strong?" she demanded, her voice tinged with frustration and disbelief.

Her abilities were formidable—she wielded the power to injure even a Primogenitor. Though she wasn't on the level of a true Primogenitor herself, as the strongest exorcist in Fusang and the leader of the Lion King Organization's Three Saints, her strength was undeniable.

For her attack to fail entirely was unfathomable.

"Why?" August repeated with a faint smirk, his tone mocking. "Because, my dear, you're far too 'arrogant.'"

"What?"

August smiled faintly, his voice dripping with certainty. "I told you already. Pride, anger, gluttony, lust — I am the embodiment of these Four Cardinal Sins. You carry the Original Sin of Pride, so naturally, you cannot harm me, the embodiment of Pride itself."

The explanation hung in the air, leaving everyone present, especially Nangou Natsuki, stunned in disbelief.

If that were true, then it wasn't just prideful individuals — but those marked by wrath, gluttony, and lust who couldn't inflict harm upon August, either?

"This is... unbelievable. A power like that actually exists in this world."

Koyomi Shizuka stared at August in a mix of awe and disbelief. "So you're the one who embodies Pride, then? From the beginning to the end, you've believed yourself to be in control of everything, always wanting to control everything."

Her gaze shifted to Kojou Akatsuki, who had been silently watching the conversation unfold. At this, Koyomi Shizuka fell silent.

In the original story, as the Fourth Primogenitor, Kojou's three Blood Companions were all affiliated with the Lion King Organization. Even his father, Akatsuki, had a secret admirer among the Agency's ranks.

August looked at Koyomi Shizuka, noticing her silence and the absence of any further combat intent. It became clear to him that she wasn't planning on continuing the fight.

"The Lion King Organization can do whatever it wants. I don't care. But I'll remind you of one thing — don't court death. If you dare extend your claws beyond the boundary, I won't just cut off your hand. I'll kill the one who owns it."

"Understood. I'll relay the message."

"Hmph, then leave."

Koyomi Shizuka gave a slight bow and departed.

August's overwhelming power had made his stance clear. In this world, the strong held privileges. Therefore, showing respect to those stronger than oneself was the bare minimum.

Once Koyomi Shizuka was gone, August's gaze returned to Kojou Akatsuki.

Under the weight of August's stare, Akatsuki's cells trembled in fear, his body seized by a primal dread. He couldn't understand why — but he was terrified.

"Akatsuki, strive to grow stronger," August spoke coldly. "When you're worthy, come and challenge me again. But if, by that time, you still lose... I will deem you unworthy of the title Fourth Primogenitor, and I'll take everything from you."

"Take everything from me?" Akatsuki's voice trembled, though he tried to maintain composure.

"Yes. Everything. Your power, your companions, even your life."

Akatsuki's eyes widened in realization. This man before him, August — though the island of Shenshin was as hot as a forge, Akatsuki felt as though he had plunged into an icy chasm.

Death, the end of all life, was something all living beings feared. Even Akatsuki, despite his outward defiance, still felt pride and excitement from the identity of Fourth Primogenitor. That title had granted him power. In this world, power was the only thing that afforded one a voice.

"Let's go, Natsuki," August said, his voice casual yet commanding.

"Hmph~"

Nangou Natsuki grunted, casually tossing Akatsuki out of the school grounds. Soon, only August and Natsuki were left atop the roof.

"Do you really want to kill him?" Natsuki asked, her voice cool but curious.

August didn't flinch, his tone resolute. "I'm not bluffing or joking with him. If he disappoints me in the future, I will kill him."

"You came to Shenshin Island for the Fourth Primogenitor, didn't you?"

"No, you've misunderstood. I came here by accident. The ultimatum to Akatsuki... was purely out of curiosity."

"Let's hope so."

Natsuki gave August a long, searching look. She didn't want to get tangled in this mess anymore. Her role here was clear — protect the academy, guard the prison boundary. That was all. She had no interest in anything else.

"One last question," Natsuki began, her voice soft yet probing. "Where did you get the Laeding?"

August chuckled, his eyes glinting with a secretive amusement. "I wasn't lying, Natsuki. My treasury contains every treasure in this world. And as for the chains... I don't just have the Laeding."

With that, a ripple of golden light appeared, and Enkidu emerged from the depths of August's Gate of Babylon.

"Enkidu..."

Natsuki gasped, her eyes widening in shock. Enkidu radiated a power so immense, so unfathomable, that even she, with all her strength, could not fully comprehend it.

If the Laeding were a powerful weapon, Enkidu was a divine construct — a force beyond anything she had encountered.

The two locks were on entirely different levels.

***

Bonus Chapter:

100 Power Stones = 1 BC

300 Power Stones = 2 BC

500 Power Stones = 3 BC

700 Power Stones = 4 BC

1000 Power Stones = 5 BC

***

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