Struggling as a Villain

Among the hundreds of possibilities Veris had about this war, getting defeated by Zulcriz was also one of them.

She envisioned this situation in which her Emissary and her Apostles failed to defeat the other side. That's why she has already considered what she could do if something like this happens.

Looking at Zulcriz, she asked, "Before I give my answer, tell me this, Zlucriz—if I were to grant you immortality, would you dare conspire against us?"

"Sister?"

"Eh?"

"What are you even saying? Granting him the title…do you want to let him exploit his authority and manipulate our domains?" The Goddess of Justice asked with a frown.

The only reason they plotted against the Death God was because they were fed up with him using his powers to meddle with their domains, and no one stopping him. He was backed up by the Allfather, after all.

However, "We cannot restore what once was, nor can we return these worlds to their former state. No matter how we try, true and absolute faith can never be reclaimed."

It made her ego bleed to accept that even if Zulcriz disappeared today, they wouldn't be able to make people forget him.

He had a seat in the heavens only for a hundred or so years, yet the influence of his presence was quite profound. But this time, he was directly involved with the mortals, so the effect would be much more permanent.

Despite how much she tried, Veris knew that she wouldn't be able to erase the concept of death anymore.

The other goddess turned silent, even though most of them were against this decision. However, considering Veris's authority and her connection with the Allfather, they couldn't raise their voice against her decision.

Zulcriz hated all these five because they conspired against him and humiliated him. However, more than anyone else, he blamed himself for that blunder.

It wasn't that the Allfather didn't know that these five had plotted against him, yet he didn't punish them. After all, someone who has gotten the role of governing the world has to be wary of such petty tricks. As such, they were never blamed, nor could Zulcriz hold hatred against them.

Richard glanced at the Death God and could feel his thoughts. Although he agreed to what he thought, Richard didn't speak to suggest anything and left the decision to him.

Everyone else held their breath since his next words would decide several things. Even Eleanor, who was loyal to the Goddess she followed, wished for Zulcriz to say yes.

Finally, after a few minutes of silence, the cloaked being said, "I can only promise you if you let me meet Helena."

Richard's brows elevated…that was the name of the same woman for whom he fell and later granted her freedom from death.

"Who is Helena, baby?" Bellarine asked, which garnered the attention of the other five as well, as they also looked at the redhead.

Richard sighed. "The one who became the cause of his fall. The person he fell for."

Bellarine ooh-ed, and the others showed varying reactions.

Eleanor had fear on her face since she believed that the Supreme Goddess might not allow Zulcriz. After all, someone who, upon being ordered by the deities, fooled the Death God must have been under strict protection.

"Helena, huh…it would be difficult to meet her. She is held by Hell Chains, no?" The Goddess of Love uttered absentmindedly.

Richard's eyes widened. "Hell chains?!"

That place was more cruel than Endless Hold. No, there was no comparison between the two.

Zulcriz also had to spend a few years in that hellish place as a punishment; that's why Richard knows how cruel that place is.

Bound by unbreakable chains. Hot lava, which can swallow several ice pillars in a blink, continues to pour on the being. Screams echo as the denizens of Hell tear into their flesh, devouring them again and again. There is no sky, no sun, no moon—only endless darkness, choking and cold. No friends, no family, only the cruel whispers of tormentors. This is a place where hope is not just lost—it is shattered, crushed, and ground into nothing.

Although the other five didn't know what kind of place it was, they knew by Richard's reaction that it must be a cruel place.

"So, helping you guys granted her such a paradise, eh?" Zulcriz taunted.

Atheris narrowed her eyes before relaying, "She herself chose to go there."

The Goddess of Love followed, "Yes, yes! Little Helena was so guilty that she chose to punish herself!"

Zulcriz frowned upon hearing that. She was guilty, huh?

Veris voiced, "I can send you there, but you are forbidden from harming her."

"If she is bound by Hell Chains, no other pain would even make her flinch." Zulcriz retorted.

Veris glared at the cloaked one, and Zulcriz also held his gaze.

Feeling the tension between the two, Eleanor glanced at the older Ethan before the man grinned, "You could have let me enjoy a little more." Hugging his lover's waist, he added, "After all, my Veris looks extremely adorable when she gets angry."

All the anger turned into steam, which appeared above her head.

She glared at Ethan with her eyes narrowed, only to find him winking at her.

Veris decided to deal with him later before turning toward Zulcriz. "In the name of the Supreme Goddess, I, Veris Gladeborn, solemnly swear to restore Zulcriz Gladeborn to his rightful authority as a god."

A brilliant light enveloped the Goddess as she took the oath.

Ethan sighed in relief as he began to bring his heart back to his chest and with Eleanor's help, he got his chest sealed. The Divine Essence instantly healed him, allowing the three girls around him to sigh in relief.

Bellarine smiled in elation as she turned toward her baby and kissed his cheek, "We won, baby."

Richard also smiled at her as he hugged both women close to him.

Soon, all five Goddesses teleported after they exchanged a few words with Zulcriz.

The older Ethan's body was also engulfed in brilliant light, but before he could be pulled by his dear Veris, he told his younger self, "A request, Ethan. Please forgive Eleanor if you can, okay?"

Ethan didn't react to that and just kept looking at him until the man disappeared.

Eleanor glanced at Ethan but seeing his nonchalant expression, she thought that her only chance to get forgiven was ruined.

Soon, those who were frozen started to move again.

Zulcriz turned to look at Richard. His hand rested on his successor's shoulder as the Death God said, "You know I am not good at this, and currently, we don't have much time…so Richard, I will say this from the bottom of my heart."

Suddenly, the cloak from Zulcriz's face disappeared, revealing a face that only Richard could see…and the reaction Richard had clearly told that he was mesmerized.

With his golden eyes holding nothing but extreme warmth, the man said, "Thank you, my friend."

As those words faded, Zulcriz's form dissolved into shadows, leaving a shocked Richard behind.

However, that shock didn't remain for long as suddenly someone jumped on him, "RICHARD!"

The first one was Lilia, and followed by her were Bella, Rena, and even Emily, and Bellarine also didn't hold back.

Being surrounded by his lovers, Richard sighed.

A warm smile formed on his lips as he said, "Finally, my struggle as a villain ends here…"

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A/N:- I finished my first book! I am smiling and weeping at the same time.

It was a great journey. Thank you a lot for being a part of it until the end.

See you~