The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha

"Alright."

Half an hour later.

"I'll cook today..."

Fifth day.

"Hercules, let's race our chariots today!"

"Alright."

Half an hour later.

"I'll cook today..."

...

Chefs are common in the world, but a four-legged chef who can play different games with you every day and still cook delicious meals is rare.

Swords, spears, bows, halberds, axes, maces, knives, forks, horseback riding, chariots, and eventually chess and painting—three whole months passed, and Master Ma didn't win a single time!

Three months! Do you know how Master Ma endured these three months?

"Master Ma, what shall we compete in today?"

Chiron said apologetically, "No, no, no. I'm not qualified to be your teacher. Let's just be friends."

"You are the most powerful and perfect hero I've ever seen. I see the hope of surpassing all gods in you. Hercules, I can't even imagine your future endpoint, but for the sake of our friendship, I hope you'll always hold onto this kindness."

The nearly eaten flock of sheep: Kindness? From this guy?

Nezha noticed his intent and asked, "Master Ma, are you leaving?"

"Yes, Hercules. The path ahead is yours to walk alone."

Nezha didn't show much sadness, but carefully reminded, "Master Ma, you're so weak. You must diligently practice the 'Lightning Five-Chain Whip' I taught you, or what will you do if you encounter danger?"

Chiron wanted to retort that he wasn't weak, it was just that this monster was too strong. But seeing Hercules' earnest expression, he nodded and said, "I will."

Under the morning light, Chiron ran off, while Nezha stood on the hill bidding farewell to his rare companion.

"Master Ma, goodbye!"

Chiron ran a long way before he dared to stop and look back at the grassland. Hercules gave him a sensation his former disciples never could—a feeling of true equality in friendship.

His parents had always disliked him because of his appearance, leaving him with a major deficiency in emotional connections. This was also why he dedicated himself to teaching disciples.

Hercules, you will definitely become a hero surpassing all gods. No one has ever surpassed you before, and no one will surpass you in the future.

...

Having bid farewell to his chef-friend, Nezha's life returned to peace. Eating sheep, training, sleeping—it was tranquil in its way.

Five years passed in a blink. Nezha had been in this world for sixteen years now. According to this world's traditions, Hercules had finally come of age.

After eating today's roasted lamb, he held a grass leaf in his mouth, stared up at the sky, and seemed lost in thought.

Suddenly, from afar, two exquisitely dressed women with contrasting temperaments slowly approached him.

"I didn't order takeout."

The Vice Goddess Kakaya, voluptuous and heavily made-up, wearing a black and very revealing dress, was about to speak but swallowed her words.

"What takeout?"

Nezha got up, glanced at the two women, and said, "Aren't you takeout riders? Such good appearances—what a waste."

Confused about what "takeout riders" meant, the Vice Goddess continued her seductive role, saying, "Hercules, do not idle your days away. We've been summoned by destiny to help you make your future choice.

If you choose me, you will have endless wealth, countless beautiful wives and concubines, and a lifetime of happiness and peace."

Nezha sneered and turned to the dignified white-robed woman.

"And you? What can you offer me?"

The white-robed woman spoke in a solemn and serious tone, "If you choose me, I can only offer you a rocky road. You'll have no time to enjoy life's pleasures, but at the end of this path lie glory and immortality.

Hercules, son of the King of All Gods Zeus, it is time to choose."

Nezha stepped forward, looked at the two women, and then, with arms as quick as thunderclaps, grabbed the throats of the two goddesses. With a slight squeeze, they looked on the verge of suffocation, teetering at the brink of the Netherworld.

The Vice Goddess's seductive expression vanished as terror took over: "Hera—Hercules, cough cough, what, what are you doing?"

The Virtue Goddess's dignified composure was also stripped away: "We—we are gods."

Their frantic struggles were futile against Nezha's grasp. Their ample chests heaved violently due to suffocation and exertion—a wild sight to behold.

"I mean no harm. I just want to tell you that my fate is in my own hands."

After speaking, he let go. The two goddesses collapsed to the ground as Nezha nonchalantly said, "See? Neither of you is capable of deciding my destiny. Scram."

Excessive indulgence leads to debauchery, while undue hardship only tortures the living. Neither of these women had good intentions. No matter the choice, it would be a trap. Nezha would never let this world's so-called fate control him; his sole goal had always been obtaining Hongmeng Purple Qi.

The two women fled miserably without so much as looking back.

Nezha carried on like usual, eating lamb and fruit as he advanced his training. Night fell, and as he lay sleeping, he felt shrouded by an unknown force. Opening his eyes, he found himself engulfed in endless darkness.

A graceful, black-robed, and agelessly beautiful woman stood before him.

"The Goddess of Night, Nyx?"

Her pitch-black eyes studied Nezha incessantly as she said, "Indeed. If Arrete and Kakaya couldn't handle your fate, I'll do it myself."

She seemed far stronger than he was even in his peak state, but Nezha showed no fear: "Just because of this?"

Nyx suddenly laughed, "A mere demigod isn't afraid of me, the Yuan Shi God herself. Is this the confidence of an outsider?"

The mention of "outsider" took Nezha by surprise.

"You know who the outsider is?"

"Your father, God King Zeus."

This revelation didn't entirely surprise Nezha; he had suspected it all along. Zeus reincarnating as the Thunder God—it made plenty of sense. Besides, Zeus's detached, fate-breaking personality was entirely fitting for someone of the Dragon Clan.

"Your goal, just like his, is to gain recognition from this world and obtain a certain item, isn't it?"

Nezha neither confirmed nor denied, signaling Nyx to continue.

"Therefore, we can cooperate. In this world I'll do my best to assist you, and when you obtain that item and leave, bring me along."

"I have a few questions."

Nyx smiled, "Ask away."

"First question: Why not choose Zeus? He has been here longer and likely has a better chance."

Nyx answered, "First, whether one gains the World Will's recognition doesn't depend on time. Zeus may be ahead of you, but your chances are not diminished.

Second, far too many have already invested in Zeus. If I want to join them, I'd have to offer an even higher stake to please that greedy man, including, though not limited to, my body.

Third, after observing Zeus for tens of thousands of years, I've concluded that he's not a reliable partner. My sister Gaia is the prime example."

"Second question: How did you discover me?"

"Because your fate changed. My Three-Phases Goddess of Destiny, Ananke, couldn't anchor your destiny, which raised my curiosity. After secretly observing you, and comparing you to Zeus, I became certain you were an outsider.

But rest assured, I've concealed your fate. Others cannot determine your identity."

"Third question: Why do you want to leave?"

This question surprised Nyx. She countered, "I've reached the apex of this world. To others or gods, this world is vast and boundless. But to me, Night, it's merely a box. Living in a box—isn't leaving it your desire too?"

This world's origin, interwoven with Hongmeng Purple Qi, was of Great Thousand potential despite its limited scale—but only as long as the Hongmeng Purple Qi remained intact.