Chapter 3: For a World Worth Saving
World of Ruins
-Seth Ambrose-
[ KING OF ANGEL 'CHEEK' (FAUX) TRAUMA RECOLLECTION COMPLETED. ]
….
[ KING OF ANGEL 'ALISTA TUDOR' (FAUX) TRAUMA RECOLLECTION COMPLETED. ]
….
[ Name: Seth Ambrose
Symbolisms: Nurturer of the Chaos Primogenitor
Authorities: Conquest (S1) | Evil (ATS) | Corruption (ATS) | Exploitation of Life (ATS) | Pleasure (S1) {New}
Traits: Charm (S2) {New}
Abilities: Door Opening (S9) {New}
Skill: N/A ]
…
"Mr. Fool," Seth's gaze shifted from his status, once again greeting the Half-Lord of Mysteries with a bow, hand placed over his chest. "Before any inquiries, might I borrow a mirror?"
The Fool paused slightly, dark brown eyes considering him, before his lips lifted in a trace of amusement. "Interesting." He retrieved a mirror from the Historical Void and offered it.
"I'm glad my questionable luck provides some entertainment for the great Mr. Fool," Seth replied flatly, hinting at his transmigrator status, before turning the mirror to face himself and—
"It could have been worse," he concluded, studying his now greatly softened, androgynous features and the hair that had grown to his shoulders.
"My apologies if I caused offense, fellow countryman," The Fool inclined his head slightly. "You may be aware that while Pleasure is not identical to Charm, it is a subordinate Authority. Pleasure is not confined to ecstatic release; it encompasses food, appearance, the sensation of silk, the taste of fine wine, anything that can be enjoyed. The experience of one's deepest desire made manifest is, in itself, a form of pleasure."
"Thanks for the explanation," The Suicidal Hunter acknowledged with a nod, not keeping the Half-Lord of Mysteries in suspense. "To put it simply, this is our third meeting. My cheat allows me to randomly gain a copy of the Authorities, Symbolisms, Abilities, or Skills of whoever kills me, but only the first time they do so. After that, I return to 24 hours before my death." He explained for the third time to Klein Moretti, or rather, as he learned the previous round, to Gehrman Sparrow.
The Half-Lord of Mysteries' expression, as ever, betrayed no surprise, merely a gentle nod. "I believe you."
Seth raised an eyebrow at the response. He wasn't startled at being believed—he had no doubt Klein would always trust him—but rather, "It's interesting how your answers don't fully repeat each time. Last round, you mentioned the Apprentice Boon you granted me."
Mr. Fool smiled knowingly. "New information gives rise to new answers," he replied simply, in that characteristically Seer-like manner.
The Isekai Survivor nodded, then glanced into the distance at the three-headed giant trudging toward them, its heavy steps vibrating through the ground. Further behind Lumian was a womanly figure, whom he knew from the previous round and his knowledge of the story to be Franca Roland, a Demoness and Lumian's… girlfriend?
Seth wasn't entirely certain of their relationship, to be honest. As a former man, Franca had been more of a 'bro' to Lumian in canon initially, but later things got muddled when the Hunter slept with his bro, effectively making her his girl. It reminded him of the odd conversations he'd overheard during his time as a substitute teacher, where students joked about what they'd do if one of them became a girl.
"Do you have any plans—" Mr. Fool's voice drew Seth from his thoughts, the question shifting midway. "I didn't catch your name, fellow countryman?"
Seth blinked in realization. "My bad, it slipped my mind. Seth Ambrose," he introduced himself again, then pondered aloud. "I think it'd be best if I change my respawn point, to stay longer than 24 hours so I don't need to keep re-explaining my circumstances."
"It would indeed save time," Gehrman agreed, instead posing a question. "I take it you're done farming Lumian?" The knowing tone he used on the word 'farming' made the androgynous young man's lips twitch.
Seth nodded, glancing back at the approaching Hunter. "Jenna and Aurore aren't in any condition to, ahem, kill me." His gaze traveled further back to the Demoness of Unaging, and he paused thoughtfully.
He had just said it would be best to change his spawn point to avoid repetitive explanations, and yet… even with several Authorities already, gaining a free ability from a Sequence 3 was tempting. It's just…
My luck is… chaotic.
In the last two rounds, Seth had gained two rewards of questionable utility. Useful, yes, but the consequences of employing them—Charm and Pleasure—would be strange, to say the least.
As if sensing his thoughts, Mr. Fool glanced at him, an amused smile playing on his lips. "If you are concerned about becoming a Demoness in all but gender, perhaps I could enhance your Luck? We could see if the effect carries over after your… reset," he proposed considerately.
Seth ruminated on the suggestion, first thinking of the Snake of Mercury, Will, before recalling that the Sequence 0: Door could Replicate other Authorities to a degree. With the Angel of Mercury under the Half-Lord of Mysteries' banner, it was unsurprising Mr. Fool could hand out Luck freely.
However, could his Luck truly be augmented enough to sway the chance of receiving a specific Skill Card after death? Seth leaned toward no. After telling Mr. Fool—during their first meeting—that he was not yet ready to go to the past, they had returned to this point where he received aid to ensure he was killed specifically by the Alista Tudor and Cheek consciousness within Lumian.
Before that death by Faux Cheek—an interesting surprise in itself—Gehrman had granted him the Apprentice Boon and a wisp of his own Aura, so the Half-Lord of Mysteries could comprehend everything without lengthy explanation next round. Yet, in the subsequent return, while the Apprentice Boon remained, The Fool's Aura had not.
And like that Aura, Luck was not a permanent ability like Door Opening.
Even without voicing these thoughts, Mr. Fool seemed to have once again guessed them, as he offered another path. "Would you prefer I make a Wish?"
Seth's eyebrows rose in realization. "Can't I just Wish for my original appearance back?"
Mr. Fool considered for a moment before shaking his head. "For a True God, holding an Authority means They become that concept's embodiment. Their appearance, demeanor, and very existence shifts to align with it. While your Pleasure Authority is only at Sequence 1, as a subordinate of Charm, it passively refines all aspects of your being toward an ideal 'pleasure to behold' for any observer. Wishing for your prior looks is possible, but your appearance would inevitably revert."
"Nevertheless, if you wish, I can attempt it. We may observe if your power locks the change in for your next return," the Half-Lord of Mysteries added. "Sealing the authority is also an option."
Seth considered it, glancing once more at his reflection, before shaking his head. In the end, an Authority was an Authority, a game changer. "Forget it. I'd be lying if I said I didn't appreciate this new look. And given that you, Mr. Fool, are already aiding me so substantially without knowing much about me, it would feel embarrassing to ask for something this trivial as well," the Isekai Survivor admitted frankly.
Gehrman did not reply, his lips merely curving into a faint smile as he tapped his star-encrusted cane upon the ground.
In an instant, the figure who had been trailing behind Lumian appeared before them.
"M-Mr. Fool?!"
Seeing Franca up close for the first time gave Seth a pause, though, thanks to Isekai Survivor—and having seen Cheek's face on Lumian—he avoided drooling and embarrassing himself. She had flaxen hair tied in a high ponytail and lake-blue eyes holding a vibrant, cheerful light. What intrigued him was the contradictory charm she naturally exuded: the allure of a mature woman mingled with the spirited soul of a youthful girl.
….
"I Wish for Seth Ambrose to select a Skill Card relating to Curses after he dies."
….
[ YOU HAVE DIED! ]
[ DUE TO YOUR DEATH, THE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET. ]
[ RANDOMLY COPY SKILLS OF DEMONESS OF UNAGING 'FRANCA ROLAND'. ]
[ PLEASE CHOOSE A SKILL CARD. ]
….
[Dark Magic (Sequence 3)]
….
[ SELECTION COMPLETE. ABILITY WILL BE COPIED. ]
…
[ RETURNING TO 24 HOURS PRIOR. ]
…
[ RECREATING THE TRAUMA OF THE ENEMY WHO KILLED YOU. ]
[ RECREATING DEMONESS OF UNAGING 'FRANCA ROLAND'S' TRAUMA. ]
….
Above the Spirit World, Sefirah Castle
-General PoV-
"Are you ready?" Mr. Fool asked with a soft chuckle, glancing at the person occupying the high-backed seat at the opposite end of the table, where The World customarily sat.
Hearing the question, Seth—who had been admiring the majestic expanse of Sefirah Castle—glanced back at Gehrman Sparrow.
After dying to Franca and acquiring Dark Magic with the aid of Mr. Fool's Wish, Seth had, as usual, explained his circumstances upon returning. This time, however, he decided to let a full day pass rather than seeking another immediate death.
To be entirely honest, it was a welcome reprieve. He took no pleasure in dying, nor in the pain that often accompanied it. Thus, having the opportunity to unwind, to explore Backlund, sample Desi pie, and savor sweet iced tea had been pleasant. He could now understand why Klein composed such detailed reviews whenever he tried new foods.
"I am," Seth gave a short nod to Mr. Fool, whose features were veiled by the grey fog.
In the next moment, several beams of crimson light erupted from the empty chairs, silhouettes gradually solidifying within them.
Once the radiance subsided, ten figures were seated opposite one another.
Several gazes landed on Seth for a fleeting second before moving in unison to The Fool. The members rose together, but the first to greet the Half-Lord of Mysteries was a cheerful voice Seth was certain belonged to Miss Justice, Audrey Hall.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~"
The rest of the Tarot Club followed suit: Mr. Hanged Man Alger Wilson, Mr. Sun Derrick Berg, Miss Magician Fors Wall, Mr. Moon Emlyn White, Miss Hermit Cattelya, Mr. Star Leonard Mitchell, Miss Judgement Xio Derecha, Miss Temperance Sharron, and Mr. Chariot, Lumian Lee.
Observing these figures—all Demigods and an Angel—a rush of excitement and keen anticipation filled Seth.
So many walking gold Skill Cards!
"Mr. Fool, this is…?" Audrey questioned, feeling slightly perplexed as she glanced at the figure in The World's seat. First, there was the seat he occupied, and secondly, there was the unmistakable anticipation and glee in his gaze as he looked at each Tarot Club member… except for Lumian.
And it was not only Miss Justice who noted Seth's unrestrained gaze.
Mr. Hanged Man observed the slightly blurred figure, numerous thoughts sprouting in his mind. A new member this late into the Apocalypse? And he's sitting in The World's seat… An Angel? His demeanor seems too lax and emotive… A Demigod?
Knock. Knock.
Mr. Fool rapped the table softly, gathering everyone's focus. "This is Mr. Tower, a temporary member of the Tarot Club."
"Temporary?" Mr. Star cocked his head to the side in confusion, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
The Fool did not answer directly, instead giving Seth a meaningful glance. All eyes naturally shifted to the Suicidal Hunter.
Seth did not shrink from the collective gaze of Saints and Angels; rather, he leaned back into his chair, resting an arm on the armrest. "As Mr. Fool stated, I will be a temporary member. Feel free to address me as Mr. Tower, or by my name, Seth. I am a Transmigrator."
"Oh?" The Chariot, Lumian Lee's interest was piqued by the revelation. "I haven't seen you in the gatherings of the Curly-Haired Baboon's Research Society," he pointed out casually.
"I've only recently Transmigrated, you see, approximately a day ago, to be precise," The Nurturer of the Chaos Primogenitor said, much to the Tarot Club's collective surprise. "I don't think it's that surprising. Just as there are innumerable planets in the cosmos, there are similarly infinite universes within the vast multiverse."
"Multiverse?"
The experienced Beyonders, Saints and Angels alike who had witnessed the world's madness and chaos, were left stunned by the revelation.
Their gazes shifted almost simultaneously toward The Fool.
Mr. Fool gave a slight, confirming nod in response to their silent inquiry.
"If an infinite number of universes exist, wouldn't that imply an infinite number of Original Creators, the Oldest One?" The Chariot voiced the question none had dared to fully contemplate.
The majestic palace instantly fell into a profound silence.
Seth, however, broke it. "You are both wrong and right. An infinite number of 'Original Creators' exist across the infinite universes, but they are not identical to the one you know. They are Creators, but they are not mad, nor do they endlessly split and converge. Some are truly Omniscient and Omnipotent on a scale beyond your Original Creator, while others cannot fully descend, and still others could erase an infinite number of such Creators from existence."
He was alluding to entities like the Greater Will from Elden Ring or Zeno from Dragon Ball. If the Lord of the Mysteries universe existed, then others certainly did as well.
Rather than being shaken by the revelation of entities surpassing the Original Creator, The Chariot instead grew eager. "Then, in other universes, do methods of true resurrection exist?"
Of course that's what he'd focus on. Miss Magician Fors shook her head internally, the sense of dread from the revelation lessening as she observed a fellow Angel seemingly unperturbed. What could we possibly do even knowing such existences? The fact there's no mention of Their intervention means traversing between universes is no simple feat.
Realizing this, the last vestiges of trepidation vanished from Fors. She glanced around at her fellow members, locking eyes with Miss Justice, whose emerald eyes remained as calm as a still lake.
Beings surpassing the Original Creator? Mr. Hanged Man regarded Seth with renewed speculation. Could The Tower actually be the equivalent of the Original Creator in His native universe? But if that were true, would He deign to join the Tarot Club? Perhaps He exists on a level comparable to Mr. Fool?
"Resurrection?" Seth's lips twitched as the image of a certain useless goddess, Aqua, sprang to mind. "A method exists, and it is precisely the reason I am considered a temporary member of this gathering."
It was not only Lumian whose interest was piqued by the topic of resurrection; The Sun Derrick, The Star Leonard, and Judgement Xio had all lost family and friends. Unlike Mr. Chariot's situation, there were no preserved soul fragments, making resurrection an impossibility. Hearing that a method existed—and from someone of such mysterious origin—a spark of hope flickered within them, and they unconsciously leaned forward in their seats.
"Changing the past," The Suicidal Hunter continued before anyone could interrupt. "I can return to the past and prevent the circumstances that lead to an individual's death." His eyes scanned each member of the Tarot Club. "In return, I ask only for one thing, well within all of your capabilities."
"Even if you ask me to kill myself, I'll do it, so long as you prevent Aurore and Jenna's deaths," The Chariot Lumian stated with grave seriousness.
Seth chuckled at the irony. "The condition is that you all kill me once."
Though surprised by the request, none of the Tarot Club members displayed outright disbelief.
A resurrection akin to a Miracle Invoker's? Mr. Star Leonard wondered. As a Saint within the Church of Evernight, privy to the formulas and intelligence of the Seer pathway, he was aware of the high-sequence abilities. The Old Man, Pallez Zoroast, had even provided him an in-depth analysis of their workings.
"May I ask why we need to kill you, Mr. Tower?" The Sun Derrick inquired calmly, his brow furrowing slightly beneath the grey fog. The notion of killing a fellow Tarot Club member—even a temporary one with the apparent capacity to revive—did not sit right with him.
It was the same with Miss Judgement, Xio.
"I can copy the abilities of whoever kills me. This is my unique capability as a Transmigrator," Seth clarified without reservation. There was little point in withholding the information when his stay in this point in time would be brief. Their knowing now did not mean they would know in the altered past, and when the time came to wield the Chaos Primogenitor symbolism, who could say if even the future would remain the same?
Anything could happen where the Original Creator was involved; from being flung into the distant past, to appearing somewhere in the vast cosmos, or even something as outrageous as Klein ending up female.
Yes, he had mentally prepared for such chaotic outcomes, and in all honesty, he was curious how the canon would diverge with a female Klein. Would Cynthia still try to have her babies? Or would the situation reverse?
"Just copying abilities? Let me kill you," Lumian stated without a second thought. There was no animosity nor aggression in his tone. All that mattered was that Jenna and Aurore were alive and well.
Mr. Chariot is truly eager… Miss Justice noted, also understanding now why Seth's body language had radiated such anticipation upon seeing them. He wanted them to kill him to gain their abilities. In a way, Mr. Tower and Mr. Chariot are similar.
If Seth returns to Emperor Roselle's era, he should be able to prevent His corruption… Miss Hermit Cattelya discerned. Given how readily Mr. Tower asked them to kill him, she was certain he would not refuse the chance to gain an ability from Queen Mystic Bernadette, an Angel. All he would need to do is warn the Emperor to avoid the Moon.
Seth looked at Lumian with amusement. "Unnecessary. You've already killed me three times, or rather, you, Alista, and Cheek have. As for why you don't remember, it's because I return to the past upon death, 24 hours prior."
As a Conspirer, Lumian's mind instantly connected the dots. "A day ago… you Transmigrated a day ago, during my rampage. Is that why Mr. Fool only convened the Tarot gathering now? So the next person who kills you must also wait another 24 hours, ensuring we don't forget this meeting?" His words were more a statement than a question.
"As expected of an Angel-level Conspirer," The Isekai Survivor clapped his hands in admiration.
"When you return to the past, ensure you tell my past self to join the Harvest Church," Mr. Moon Emlyn interjected suddenly. "I live south of Backlund Bridge, Unit 48 Riverbay Avenue. Even if you must deceive my past self, make certain he joins the Harvest Church," he stressed.
A sudden hush once again fell over the gathering.
Now that I'm aware the Earth Mother is actually Sanguine Ancestor Lilith, it's better to join even sooner! He could reluctantly accept his past self's initial ignorance, given it involved the Ancestor's plans with the Evernight Goddess, but at the very least, he wanted to follow her earlier!
The other Tarot Club members exchanged glances, well aware of the Sanguine's train of thought.
At that moment, Miss Temperance Sharron—who had been as still as a porcelain doll in her black gothic dress—lifted a piece of paper with words written upon it.
[If past events are changed, would that not remove critical Advancement and Acting opportunities? The current members of the Tarot Club might never join.]
Realization struck everyone simultaneously.
If the current members never joined the Tarot Club, who would aid Mr. Fool? They all now knew that Mr. Fool, at the time of the club's founding, had been a low-Sequence Beyonder like them, struggling against impossible odds, uncertain if he would ever see his family again.
They are all his Anchors. If even one was missing, would the being before them now be Mr. Fool… or the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth?
Lumian, who had been single-mindedly focused on resurrecting Aurore and Jenna, suddenly stilled. He, who had played a pivotal role in Mr. Fool's awakening, if he did not experience the events leading to Cordu's destruction, his sister Aurore's death, all his hardships until now, would that mean Mr. Fool might lose against the Celestial Worthy?
Was his suffering necessary for the world to survive the Apocalypse? Were Aurore and Jenna's deaths a reasonable development within the grand scheme of things.
For the first time, the ever-decisive Lumian was truly stumped. Mr. Fool was the very reason the soul fragments of Aurore and Jenna resided within him, granting the chance for their revival.
Knock. Knock.
Before the Arcana holders' thoughts could spiral further, the sound of knuckles rapping the table echoed from the head of the mottled table.
All eyes returned to Mr. Fool.
The Fool looked at each of them, one by one, before his gaze finally settled on the seat at the opposite end.
In a gentle, clear voice, he spoke words that instantly eased the tension in every heart.
"I trust Seth."
+++
A/N: Praise the Fool! Can't believe I got Charm and Pleasure from spinning a wheel. Reading the description of the Pleasure Authority reminds me of Kiara from Fate (Beast III/R).
Description of Abilities gained this chapter:
+
[Pleasure (Sequence 1)]
[Type: Authority]
[Pathway: Demoness (Assassin)]
[Effect: The ultimate Pleasure that drives all things to indulge. It is the sublime facet of Charm, the irresistible promise that hooks the soul through the promise of ecstasy, and the devastating pain and emptiness that follows, binding the target in an unbreakable cycle of craving. Crying in Pleasure, sublimating in Pleasure, and dying in Pleasure, this is the Apocalypse of the spirit, a prelude to total dissolution.]
+
[Charm (Sequence 2)]
[Type: Trait]
[Pathway: Red Priest (Hunter)]
[Effect: You possess a Charm that makes people want to follow and be loyal to you, and may cause women to develop feelings of admiration. However, do note that this is a passive, not an active Charm.]
+
[Dark Magic (Sequence 3)]
[Type: Ability]
[Pathway: Demoness (Assassin)]
[Effect: Dark Magic is the comprehensive mystical art intrinsic to the Demoness Pathway, deriving from the Authority of Apocalypse.
You command Black Flames that ignite Spirituality itself. These flames can be conjured from the body, enveloping weapons to deliver internal detonations, compressed into cannonball-like projectiles, or manifested in defensive rings. They are unquenchable by conventional means, effective against spiritual bodies, illusions, and curses, serving as both a purifying blaze and a weapon of spiritual annihilation.
You wield the Blessing of Frost, granting supreme control over cold and ice. This allows for the instantaneous creation of vast icy terrains to control movement, the formation of formidable frost spears and seals for offense and containment, and the generation of freezing gales. At this level, the you can encase yourself in near-impenetrable ice for defense or flash-freeze large areas to manipulate the environment and gather materials for substitution.
Your mastery over Mirrors and the Mirror World reaches unprecedented levels. You are capable of Mirror World Traversal, forcibly pulling landscapes and targets into the Mirror World, and projecting your power or illusions across a city-wide range (approximately 15 kilometres) through positioned mirrors. Your consciousness is unified with your Mirror Self, granting you agelessness, multiple avenues of resurrection, and the ability to surveil, communicate, and transmit power through any mirror within their domain.
Your Curses are elevated to a profound and terrifying art. Utilizing blood, hair, or mirrored reflections as a medium, your curses can now afflict not only the target but their direct bloodline. With proper rituals and arrangements, your curses possess the potency to threaten Angels. Your own eyes, now akin to mirrors, can lock onto any sighted target as a vector for these curses.]
+
[Door Opening (Sequence 9)]
[Type: Ability]
[Pathway: Door (Apprentice)]
[Effect: Apprentices possess the ability to Open some things related to Doors. Using the unique traits of the Spirit World, an Apprentice can phase through walls and other big obstacles by Opening a symbolic, incorporeal Door. The premise is that there are no restrictions from Beyonder powers present and that the barriers an Apprentice is phasing through is not too thick.
In terms of mysticism definitions, as long as the barrier can still be called a wall in the conventional human understanding, it is not considered too thick. Apprentices are not able to bring other people with them while using this ability, but can bring the things that are currently on their body.
Even if an Apprentice's connection to the Spirit World is blocked, they are still able to use Door Opening to accomplish this feat. They can Open any lock which doesn't contain mystical powers, as well as a small number of locks that are reinforced with Beyonder effects.]