Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 521:I Belong To Neutral Side

Rathalos brought the captured demon to Ethan, compelling him to emerge from his seclusion. Much to Ethan's surprise, the demon proved quite cooperative, divulging all its knowledge without significant resistance. After hearing everything, Ethan regarded the demon with an impassive expression.

"You're not jesting, are you?" he inquired.

The demon, Karev, froze, its gaze fixed on the white-haired, blue-eyed man before it, who was directing a chilling stare his way. Karev's demeanor suggested a man who had already resigned himself to his unfortunate circumstances and was making a concerted effort not to worsen his plight.

"I swear, I was merely scouting," Karev stated.

"A scout from the Mythic realm, perhaps?" Ethan remarked, his brows lifting slightly.

"Indeed. Believe me, I harbored no ill intentions. I hail from the neutral faction," Karev affirmed, his voice tinged with the distinct urgency of one speaking the truth solely because deception was no longer an option.

Ethan turned to face Rathlos, a questioning look in his eyes. Rathlos simply shrugged, completely unconcerned. "How would I know? I'm not a demon."

Ethan redirected his attention to Karev. "So, tell me, why are you here?"

"As I mentioned, I was dispatched to survey the area. The situation on the Demon continent is quite dire at present," Karev explained.

"Dire?" A foreboding sensation settled in Ethan's chest, and a realization began to dawn in the back of his mind. "Is it related to that peculiar disease?"

Karev's expression flickered subtly, and he nodded. "Yes. It concerns that very affliction. The disease preys on the young, draining their inherent potential. A human heart is required to concoct the elixir that can cure them. This is the primary impetus behind the demons' aggression; it stems not from avarice, but from a need to protect their own. Although, I concede that some among them may have succumbed to madness and simply sought to satiate their bloodlust."

Ethan remained silent, merely inclining his head slightly, a gesture urging Karev to continue.

"As I stated, I belong to the neutral faction and wished to avoid this conflict. We devised a method to forge a pact instead," Karev proposed.

"A pact? What sort of pact?" Rathlos interjected, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"We require human hearts, but engaging in slaughter and overt warfare is far too destructive. Therefore, we wish to negotiate an arrangement. Every day, people succumb to natural causes. We would offer compensation to their bereaved families in exchange for the heart. This approach would guarantee a consistent supply while ensuring their families are provided for," Karev elaborated.

Ethan's expression grew complex as he mulled over Karev's proposal. On the surface, it possessed a certain logic, yet the practical implications were far more complicated. It was unlikely that many families would readily agree, and while some might indeed seize the opportunity for financial gain, the same arrangement could easily mask acts of mass murder, making them indistinguishable from natural fatalities. The more he contemplated it, the heavier the implications felt.

Regardless of the specifics, it was not his place to make a decision of such magnitude.

"Why not present this proposal directly to the Demon Emperor yourself?" Ethan suggested.

"It's because the opposing Royal faction is unwilling. They are set on war. However, the sudden outbreak has temporarily halted further actions," Karev explained.

"Is the situation truly that dire?" Ethan inquired.

Karev offered no verbal response, and his silence served as its own answer.

"Is there no alternative cure?" Ethan pressed.

Karev slowly shook his head.

Ethan observed him for a quiet moment before making a dismissive gesture. "Let him go."

"My Lord?" Rathlos turned, his expression clearly one of shock. His look plainly conveyed his strong disapproval of this decision.

"He caused no direct harm, nor was he involved in the recent monster disturbances, which were a consequence of my battle with Volcanus. Since he has inflicted no genuine injury, I find it difficult to justify taking his life," Ethan stated plainly.

Karev's eyes widened, and he nodded vigorously. "Thank you. Thank you for sparing me."

"Do not offer thanks," Ethan interrupted him curtly. "Should we ever meet again, I might not be so merciful."

He acknowledged that this decision might be misguided, yet for reasons he couldn't quite articulate, his heart resisted condemning the demon. He wouldn't release Karev without ensuring his departure. He instructed Rathlos to blindfold Karev and escort him out.

Following Karev's departure, Ethan proceeded directly to Mareti's location, relaying the entirety of their conversation. Mareti listened intently, his arms crossed and his brow furrowing more deeply as Ethan's account progressed. By the conclusion, a profound frown had settled upon his features.

"I cannot recall any mention of such a disease. In my thousand years of existence, this is the first time I've encountered information regarding anything of this nature," Mareti declared.

Ethan's expression faltered. Even Mareti, with his vast knowledge, was unaware of this affliction.

"Then, if we were to acquire samples, would we be able to find a cure?" Ethan inquired.

"I can't say for sure. Honestly, the chance is extremely slim as this isn't my area of expertise," Mareti responded, then paused. His expression twisted into something far more unpleasant and uneasy than his typical mild displeasure. "However, those over at the Mage Tower might stumble upon a discovery."

"However, what?" Ethan pressed.

"What if this illness was artificially created and not a natural occurrence?"

His statement hung in the air, plunging the room into complete silence.

Karev's words had offered Ethan more than just data; they had provided a path for contemplation, a path that was far from comforting.

The demonic forces were faltering, their assaults ceasing. This indicated one of two possibilities: they were retreating to ready a significantly larger assault, or they were fortifying their defenses. Neither scenario suggested a resolution; rather, the quiet from their side felt less like tranquility and more like a collective pause before a storm.

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