Chapter 127 The Time-Based Ace to End Knull
The arrival of the Dark Elves earned a second glance from Du Wa, but nothing more.
"Trying to use the Dark Elves to interfere with my connection to the World Tree to achieve your coveted ends? You think I obtained the World Tree's power so casually? Even if you help those elves, you won't succeed."
Du Wa's expression was extremely calm, which made Knull furious.
What He hated most were gods who, when facing Him, projected an air of guaranteed victory. This was both a form of arrogance and the greatest way to show Him contempt.
Moreover, Knull truly didn't want to admit that Du Wa, who had been a mere ant not long ago, had now, at light speed, become a Celestial capable of matching Him head-on.
If one had to point out a difference, Knull was a born Cosmic Celestial, while Du Wa had attained godhood through various means. The fact that he could still contend with Knull only served to highlight Knull's "failure."
Knull frantically vented his inner rage. His long, sharp claw swatted away All-Black the Necrosword, attempting to reclaim the weapon. However, he discovered that the blade of the Necrosword was already covered in strange, divine runes; it was filled with Du Wa's mark from the inside out.
Not only did All-Black the Necrosword refuse to obey Him, but it also struggled desperately.
Enraged, Knull attacked, unleashing a darkness as profound as a black hole. Simultaneously, he went straight for the World Tree, attempting to sever the connection between it and Du Wa.
"I've seen plenty of beings who rely on the power of a Dimension to become a Deity, and I've killed quite a few with my own hands! You're no different from them!"
Knull's evil eyes widened, taking in the full sight of the World Tree, which emanated an endless divine light, appearing as if it were constructed from countless points of light.
He watched helplessly as nearly every single tiny branch extended an incomparably tough chain of divine power, anchoring directly onto Du Wa.
Even one as ancient as Knull couldn't understand the principle behind it. It was as if the World Tree itself had suddenly gained self-awareness and was purposefully funneling its vast reserves of divine power into Du Wa in one go.
But how could that be possible? Something like the World Tree couldn't possibly develop self-awareness. It was as absurd as an entire universe suddenly coming to life.
Of course, Knull's actions were not aimed at destroying the World Tree.
Even for a being as powerful as a Cosmic God, destroying the massive World Tree would require immense effort. Moreover, other Cosmic Gods might intervene, unwilling to tolerate such a crazed act that would damage a part of the Universe's framework.
Knull wanted to interfere with the connection between the World Tree and Du Wa, creating an opportunity for the Dark Elves.
Just as Du Wa had predicted, Knull couldn't completely sever the unknown connection between Du Wa and the World Tree. However, he would try to dispatch the divine race of the Dark Elves to siphon away a portion of the World Tree's power.
The Dark Elves mobilized their entire race, deploying all their clansmen and piloting all their battleships to launch a massive invasion.
"We've returned. We've finally returned. The World Tree, the cradle that nurtured us... It's a pity it's so bright, and it doesn't belong to us. It's like an exclusive world for those Light Elves."
The Skyfather of the Dark Elves, Malekith, stared expressionlessly at the behemoth that had clearly appeared before him.
The World Tree, due to the frenzied battle between two Cosmic Gods, had never been so clearly visible.
One must understand that the World Tree was both a physical object and an amalgamation of rules and divine energy. Even for a Skyfather, getting a complete view of the World Tree's full form was extremely difficult.
But now Malekith saw it, although it wasn't achieved through his own power.
"A Cosmic Celestial... I thought that with Odin dead, the greatest obstacle in our path was gone. All that remained was to return to the World Tree step-by-step and reclaim what is ours. But who would have thought that the World Tree would birth a Celestial."
At this thought, even Malekith felt the situation was absurd.
Peak Odin never had the opportunity to challenge the rank of Cosmic Celestial. At best, he only had a chance to test his might against a Cosmic Celestial by relying on various means, such as wearing the Destroyer Armor blessed by the god-kings of the major divine races.
But Odin was, in the end, only a powerful Skyfather, and he never managed to break through the super-barrier of that rank.
But Du Wa did it. With his human origins, he unified a terrifying species that had never been heard of in previous years, participated in one grand war after another, and rapidly grew in power.
"A guy who can get the better of both Dormammu and Knull is too dangerous. It's a good thing I contacted Knull in advance this time to clear the path for us. If we had truly tried to return to the World Tree on our own..."
Malekith watched from afar the violent tremors shaking the solar system and its surrounding star systems.
The terrifying flashes of light, each comparable to a supernova explosion, signified just how brutal each exchange between the two Cosmic Gods was.
It was fortunate that they were fighting within the World Tree, and specifically in Midgard, its central and most resilient region.
Had this been any other region of the Universe, the stars would have long since shattered and all life would have faced mass extinction.
Malekith immediately gave the order for all starships to invade the solar system and kill everyone in their way, especially the Asgardians.
Although his relationship with Knull was one of mutual exploitation, when Knull actually issued a command, Malekith had no choice but to lead the entire divine race of Dark Elves into a desperate struggle, because he lacked the ability to refuse the demands of a Cosmic God.
The entire World Tree, along with countless planets, fluctuated with the undulations of space-time.
Under Knull's crude interference, the chains of divine power showed signs of instability. This was the opportunity Knull had created for Malekith.
"He wants me to interfere with Du Wa's connection to the World Tree? No, to be more precise, He wants to use me to observe the extent of Du Wa's control over the World Tree. The moment even the slightest flaw appears, Knull will be able to figure out the principles behind it."
Malekith was a cunning individual as well and saw through Knull's purpose in a single glance.
Cosmic Gods are exceptionally terrifying. Their degree of control over information far surpasses the limit a Skyfather could ever reach.
"It's the Dark Elves!"
"These paranoid madmen actually followed Knull and betrayed the World Tree?"
"Damn it, they want to use Knull to obtain the power of the World Tree! Malekith is already on the move!"
The Skyfathers of the Other Worlds were all shocked. Seeing the long-vanished Dark Elves again after so many years was like a depth charge, stunning many people.
Thor roared, intending to charge out and shoot down a few of the Dark Elves' battleships.
But these battleships plunged into the black tide of Symbiotes, becoming enveloped by a massive number and gaining a powerful barrier out of thin air.
Malekith completely ignored Thor and the others. Under Knull's intentional guidance, he reached for the divine power surging from the World Tree.
"Finally, after so long, I've finally grasped you again."
An intensely excited expression appeared on Malekith's face as he felt a majestic divine power that, in the past, he had not only never personally experienced but had never even heard of.
He was both shocked that Du Wa could make the World Tree achieve such a state, and jealous that such a young Midgardian had accomplished what countless Skyfathers could not.
However, since Du Wa could wield such immense divine power, he, Malekith, could also obtain a portion.
"Malekith has made contact with the World Tree."
"That's normal. With Knull clearing the way for him, if it were me, I would also imagine whether I could become the next Cosmic God. In terms of origin, we are actually more suited to bear the power of the World Tree than Du Wa, with his Human or Xenomorph origins."
Many Skyfathers watched from across the realms, and various ambitious figures grew restless, ready to make a move.
"Get ready. If Malekith makes any progress, we will also dispatch our troops."
In Muspelheim, the world of flames, Surtur's daughter, Queen Sindr, issued the command.
Large numbers of Fire Giants, Rock Giants, Fire Elves, and other divine races began to assemble.
But the powerful individuals from each race hesitated.
"Du Wa is resisting Knull and the Dark Elves. If we attack him at this time and cause Knull's side to achieve victory..."
"Idiots, what are you thinking? Our mortal enemy is Asgard, not Midgard! Why would I lead Muspelheim to attack Midgard's forces and let Knull benefit? That madman is infamous throughout the entire Universe. If he rules the World Tree, how could we possibly survive?"
Fierce flames burned around Queen Sindr. She drew a whip and cracked it irritably. "If Malekith can obtain the power of the World Tree, we will prioritize attacking the Dark Elves. At the same time, I will also draw divine power from the World Tree and surpass my father."
It was true that the many Skyfathers of the World Tree detested and feared Knull, but it would be a lie to say they weren't the least bit envious of Du Wa's authority.
Naturally, some began to think: if someone like Du Wa, who wasn't even from a divine race, could do it, couldn't they, the orthodox Skyfathers of the World Tree, do it even better? They simply hadn't grasped the method and principles of controlling the World Tree.
With Muspelheim on the move, the other Worlds also took action.
The Light Elves of Vanaheim were the most active. Following the Vanir, they fearlessly attacked the Dark Elves' battleships.
Looking at the overall situation within the World Tree, it could be said that aside from the war where Odin led the God-Kings against the Celestials and suffered a crushing defeat, no other war could compare to the current scale.
Everyone was staring at Malekith's actions, and even Knull was watching closely.
BOOM!
Du Wa split the darkness, clearing a path with massive runes, carving one horrifying pattern after another onto Knull's body.
"Getting distracted when you're facing me is not a good habit. No matter how ancient you are, you'll die if you're killed. You are not Death itself."
Du Wa was completely unaffected by Knull's series of moves. He was always so calm and composed; not even a shattering world or a rebooting universe could shake his heart in the slightest.
He simply seized every opportunity to achieve his goals, continuously wounding Knull.
"Even a Cosmic Celestial needs accumulation. You relied on the World Tree to suddenly enter this domain; you have no idea how truly omnipotent a real Cosmic Celestial is." Knull looked at the numerous runes flashing rapidly across his body's surface.
The more of them that struck his body, the more clearly He could feel the World Tree's suppressive power against Him intensifying. Every single rune was draining and weakening Him.
But it didn't matter. This situation was about to be reversed.
"The World Tree couldn't have become your greatest support for no reason. You're not of a divine race, and even if you were, you must have used some method to achieve this. I only need one look to understand how you did it."
The rage in Knull's heart intensified, the endless fury rapidly transforming into a biting cold intent. His eyes were fixed on Malekith, hoping this ant would scout the path for Him and bring some unprecedented new discovery.
*If he can do it, so can I,* Malekith thought. Knull thought the same. No one would complain about having too much single-universe-level power under their control.
Malekith made contact with the World Tree and began trying to obtain more divine power.
Normally, there was an upper limit to the divine power a Skyfather could receive from the World Tree. What Malekith was doing was trying to break that limit, relying on Knull's help to seize more divine power and thereby create an opening in Du Wa's defenses.
But just as Malekith was about to accept more divine power, even at the risk of damaging his body...
With a snap, the World Tree suddenly and forcefully severed its connection with him. Even the portion of the divine power connection that originally belonged to him was suppressed.
Malekith felt the divine power suddenly vanish. He was stunned, an expression of utter disbelief on his face, and he exclaimed, "This is impossible! How can the World Tree act like a living being and specifically reject a Skyfather like me?"
"I'll tell you why. It's because you're not worthy!"
Queen Sindr charged over with her grand army, heading straight for Malekith.
But Malekith's actions had been enough for Knull to see something crucial.
"I see. As expected, something has been secretly helping you... I saw those furtive figures hiding in the darkness, although I couldn't see them clearly..."
Knull was also extremely astonished. To think that in the shadows of the World Tree—shadows he normally wouldn't even bother to glance at—there was a group of peculiar 'rats' hiding?
But no matter how well they were hidden, they could not escape the notice of an ancient Evil God like Him, who was born of Darkness.
"As long as I slaughter those few rats, they won't be able to use the World Tree to transmit divine power to you. At that point, even if you remain at the rank of a Cosmic God, without the World Tree's supply, you'll no longer be my opponent."
Knull let out a wild laugh, a sound so powerful it caused dense cracks to appear in the surrounding vacuum of space.
The Evil God prepared to shake off Du Wa. He would personally charge into the shadows, even at the cost of letting Du Wa drain more of his power. In an instant, he could drag those few rats out and crush them one by one.
Du Wa still showed no sign of panic. He said calmly, "You are completely mistaken. My true weapon against you was never the World Tree. That was merely a means to weaken you, to lay the foundation for the next stage of my plan. Most importantly... even if I succeed in killing you in this form, so what? I disdain becoming a Cosmic God reliant on the World Tree. Power of this kind... I have never held it in any regard."
At this moment, after weakening Knull, Du Wa finally played the ace he had meticulously prepared for him.
"Moira, it's your turn."
(end of chapter)