Apocalypse: System of lotteries



Ming returned home, releasing the frogs to roam freely.

On his way upstairs, Ming saw Wendy sweeping the ground floor hall with practiced precision and attention to detail. He was quite pleased with her work ethic. Wendy, once set on a task, wouldn't stop until told, and never once had she complained. Such dedication was truly commendable.

"Wendy," Ming beckoned, handing her several snakes, "Clean out their insides and peel the skin."

With a nod, Wendy set aside her broom, accepted the serpents, and headed to a cliff on the western side of the mountain. This was her designated workspace where she would dispose of waste such as fish scales and household refuse, tipping them into the crevices below.

Contented, Ming continued upstairs, shooing away three mice sprawled on his couch. He reclined to rest. Even with his formidable abilities, a fight still took its toll. This last he bridges the Euryale, but it also set him back by over 2 million.

Money seemed to always be in short supply. He needed to keep earning.

Summoning Kubo, who appeared holding a tray laden with exquisite pastries and water, Ming picked up a treat. As he nibbled, he perused the title of the Puppet Master.

[Puppet Master:]

[1. Puppet's Whispers.]

[2. Puppet Slots +2.]

[3. Puppets gain an additional 5% of the master's attributes.]

[4. Enhanced puppet control range.]

"Fantastic!" 

Ming was excited, albeit the first skill seemed redundant since he could already hear his puppet's thoughts. The increase in puppet slots was exactly what he needed now, and the added attributes, it was simply groundbreaking. 

Releasing Euryale, who appeared momentarily bewildered by its surroundings, its face covered in intricate scales.

  It fixed its gaze on the man lounging on the sofa, mentally bracing itself for an interrogation. As a puppet, it was bound to obey its master unconditionally—a steadfast rule, but...

[Your Euryale feels it won't betray you, but might try to deceive you.]

...

Ming glanced at Euryale, thinking, "You're unaware I can hear your thoughts, right? Well, it's a good chance for me to refine my skills in deception. Let's see what you've got."

"Master, are you weary? Would you like a massage to help you sleep?"

Euryale glided forward, drawing close to the man, and leaning down to inquire.

Ming tossed her a piece of clothing. "Put something on; your appearance is rather...shame."

Taken aback, Euryale looked down at herself, then accepted and donned the garment.

[Euryale is startled... She wonders if you truly favor men?]

[Euryale thinks that if you do, her methods of deception might not work on you.]

[Euryale doesn't give up, she continues to probe...]

Continuing her probe?

"Master, don't you find me captivating and entrancing?"

Euryale seductively swayed her upper body, caressing her waist and chest, batting her lashes, and letting out a sultry sigh.

"Do you have an itch?"

Ming pointed to a stone pillar supporting the rooftop pavilion. "You might get some relief if you rub this in."

It wasn't a mere jest; bears often did the same.

[Euryale is seeing you... Do you truly prefer men? Or am I not enticing enough?]

That's all?

Ming shook his head, leaning back into the sofa. He had expected more sophisticated tactics from Euryale, not just a display of allure. Unfortunately for her, she was barking up the wrong tree. 

But recalling Ares and the Orochi, they both met sudden deaths just as they were about to divulge critical secrets. Therefore, he couldn't pry too deeply. After all, voicing the truth seemed will dead. 

[Euryale watches you, pondering your intentions.]

Hmm?

Ming snapped his fingers, realizing something. Of course, if Euryale voiced her thoughts, she might be dead. But if she merely thought about them, wouldn't she be safe? And as her master, thanks to his Puppet Master ability and title, he could hear every word of her inner musings.

He then posed a question, "You haven't completed all your tasks, have you?"

Taken aback, Euryale looked at you, feigning ignorance. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

[Your Euryale wonders, how do you know about the tasks? Even more puzzling, how do you know she hasn't completed them?]

...

Ming smiled, gratified. This approach was working. He didn't need her verbal responses; her thoughts were enough. Continuing, he said, "There's no need to play coy. If I'm in a good mood, I might assist you in completing them, and help you reach that deity..."

Halting mid-sentence, he locked eyes with the serpentine woman.

[Euryale is astounded. Do you know about the realm of gods as well?]

...

Realm of gods?

A triumphant feeling swelled within Ming. He'd hit the mark effortlessly. But this 'realm of gods'... what exactly was it?

He continued, "The realm of gods must be quite a wondrous place, don't you think?" 

Euryale's eyes widened in surprise.

[Euryale is taken aback, wondering how you came upon such a confidential message.]

[Euryale thinks, the mighty Creator God decreed that whoever speaks the secret, dies...]

[Euryale is curious. Did a god perhaps reveal this to you? Aren't they afraid of their own demise?]

...

Afraid of death? Ming gazed towards the distant mists, pondering. They're all already dead. Besides, the one who divulged these secrets seems to have been you.

Creator God? How intriguing. Such rules indeed have a way of making themselves seem grand.

Indeed, if one is to create a 'god', wouldn't they be the 'Creator God'? It's no wonder the gods who were created cling so tightly to the belief that they are true deities.

After all, if a voice suddenly resonated in one's mind, I can  help you to be a 'god', it's easy to brainwash them. If it were him, perhaps... he might not be immune.

His gaze once again settled on Euryale, hoping that this method wouldn't cause her demise. After all, she hadn't voiced her thoughts, merely pondered them.

...

[Euryale is puzzled, wondering why you're staring so intently at her.]

After a moment, Euryale remained unharmed.

Ming felt relieved and momentarily halted his probing. Certain questions required deeper contemplation, not to be rushed.

Mainly, being a 'lesser deity' like Euryale, it's likely she might not know much.

[Euryale has a sudden realization, thinking, could you possibly be a 'god' too?]

[Euryale gazes at you, puzzled. If you are indeed a deity, why aren't you perishing after revealing the secret?]

...

"I am no god," Ming clarity his own identity—living, making money, and living again.

Huh?

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Ming. He stood up, his left arm holding the Shield of Ares, and his right hand clutching the Spear of Ares. He stood atop the sofa, looking down upon Euryale with a divine presence.

Boom!

Upon witnessing this, Euryale's mind roared!