Chapter 138 - Joshua, the Gold-Medal Marketing Team Member
Translated by eve
Edited by Serefina
9. Joshua, the Gold-Medal Marketing Team Member
Xie He was once again shut inside the bird cage. But this time, Saj did not make him put the accessories back on. He even gave him some clothes. It looked as if he had no interest in putting his hands on Xie He for now. He only waited on him by providing him food and drink. He didn’t even take a single step into the cage.
Xie He felt very anxious, but he had no way to contact his fellow clansmen. Every day, he drowned in anxiety.
A few nights later, a voice suddenly called out to Xie He.
Xie He opened his eyes and saw Thamior calling for him from outside the cage. The handsome, brown-haired elf looked at him with concern. At this moment, it was as if they had returned to the past. This familiarity made him nostalgic…it felt like everything had occurred a lifetime ago.
Xie He stared at Thamior in a daze. Soon after, his gaze changed and he shouted, “Quickly escape. It’s a trap.”
Thamior tried to break the lock with his sword. His eyes were resolute. He said, “We will not abandon you, Your Excellency Galan.”
Xie He’s eyes reddened.
These were his companions, his clansmen. They didn’t know just how dangerous this was…. But in this world, there were often times where even if you knew that a path would only lead to a dead end, even if you knew that the pit before you is bottomless, you still couldn’t bring yourself to retreat.
Because what they valued more than personal interest and even life itself was camaraderie, the bonds they made. They would not let go of them.
The comrades he loved dearly loved him the same.
Xie He’s eyes lost focus for a moment. Soon, it looked as if he had made a decision and he flashed a smile of relief.
They would rather die than abandon him. And he was willing to give up everything for them.
They were, by nature, elves that loved life with a passion. They would never commit suicide. Suicide was an action that meant one was giving up faith. It was the symbol of corruption and self-indulgence. Even after death, they would not be able to return to nature or the forest, nor could they enter the cycle of reincarnation. It was the cruellest punishment for them…but at this moment, Xie He wanted to die.
If he died, his clansmen would not need to risk their lives to save him.
Xie He walked over to Thamior and reached out to press down on his arm. He smiled through the cage and said with a soft voice, “Go, ba. Don’t turn back and don’t try to save me again.”
Thamior stared at Xie He, obviously unwilling to give up.
Xie He shook his head slightly, “Go. Otherwise, I will kill myself right now. Do you want me to have nowhere to return after death?” As he said this, a weak light emitted from his skin. Faint starlight seemed to circle around him.
Thamior’s expression changed abruptly. His eyes turned red. “No. Don’t do that. We can save you.”
“Go, or else I will die here before you,” Xie He stressed.
Thamior’s eyes were full of despair and reluctance. In the end he said, “Stop! I’ll leave!”
【Ding, Thamior’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 100.】
Xie He finally smiled. He gave the elf a yearning gaze full of deep love, but he didn’t stop his actions. His long, pale blond hair looked like it was covered in a layer of starlight. Each strand rose, flowing separately in midair. He wanted to see Thamior leave completely.
Thamior didn’t dare tarry. He turned and left!
At this moment, a fierce wind arose. Thamior was knocked to the ground. Black fog gathered and then slowly dispersed, revealing elves scattered along the ground. An intense pressure forced them down onto their knees.
Saj’s furious roar echoed in the night sky. “If you dare kill yourself, I will kill them all, sending them off with you!”
Xie He’s actions paused. Despair emerged in his eyes. He had been a step too slow.
Saj walked out from the darkness. His handsome, cold face had on a dark and cold expression Xie He had never seen before. It looked as if there was dense fog rolling within his pitch-black eyes. Xie He dared to attempt suicide. For the sake of the elves, he actually dared to attempt suicide!
No matter how much torment or humiliation he suffered, no matter how the darkness corroded his body, no matter how his clansmen misunderstood him—even as he was auctioned off as a slave…even as he had suffered immeasurable pain, he had never contemplated suicide. But now, he had chosen to give up.
When he thought of this beautiful elf dying, Saj could not control the rage in his heart…as well as an unprecedented fear.
This elf would rather choose death than to accept Saj’s control. He was not willing to become his believer.
Saj walked over to Xie He and lifted up the other’s chin. His voice was icy and dark. “Since you’re willing to die for them, then you must be willing to live for them.”
“Serve me. Otherwise…elves will never again walk this planet. I will kill off every single one, burn down all the forests, and let your race completely disappear from this world.”
There was a faint angry smile hanging off of Saj’s lips, “No elf will ever be born again.”
Xie He’s face turned deathly pale. His lips trembled, “No&#k2026;.”
Saj bent down and picked Xie He up. The sleeves of his black robes draped over Xie He’s body and he whispered, lips pasted to Xie He’s ears, “You should rejoice that I like you so much. As long as you listen to me, I can spare them. If I didn’t like you, I would have already massacred them. Why would I need to leave them?”
“My beautiful Elf King, it’s time for you to fulfill your duty. Protect your people. Isn’t this what you’ve always done?”
Saj’s Dark Knights suddenly appeared. They seized the elves, shackling them all up. They were all thrown into the dungeons.
Xie He could make out Amakiir, Thamior, Mileya and countless other familiar faces. These were the people he loved most. But because they tried to save them, they had fallen into the hands of this demon. Xie He’s voice was full of anguish, “You should not have come….”
Thamior shouted, “Don’t listen to that fiend! Don’t worry about us!”
Amakiir also cried out, “Your Excellency Galan, you don’t have to do so much for us….”
Mileya stared at Xie He quietly. Although she didn’t say anything, there was no longer disappointment or criticism in her eyes. There was only gentle encouragement and care.
The elves all jeered and cursed Saj and the Fallen Dark Ones angrily. They all told Xie He not to worry about them, to not serve this demon….
Xie He felt his eyes heat up. He whipped his head to the side, face sticking against Saj’s chest. He implored quietly, “Take me outside, please?”
Saj smiled blandly. “Why not stay a while longer? After all, you haven’t seen them in so long, you must miss them.”
Xie He’s shoulders began to shake.
Saj narrowed his eyes and took Xie He out. He placed him on the ground and his deep voice sounded, “Have you thought about it?”
“Yes.” Xie He shut his eyes and then walked into that cage.
Saj gazed at Xie He and then slowly spat out, “And then?”
Humiliation and pain flitted through Xie He’s eyes. He slowly peeled off his own clothes and then knelt in front of Saj. With a hoarse voice, he pleaded, “Don’t let them see me, please?”
Saj’s eyes turned slightly cold. For the first time, a restless feeling emerged in his heart. It was useless. It was completely useless. He could only force the other, threaten him….This elf would never submit to him willingly.
He would not be tempted. He didn’t fear power. He wasn’t afraid of torment…. He was invulnerable.
But Saj couldn’t let go. This was the first time he wanted to possess something like this. No number of believers would triumph over this one elf in terms of importance..
He was originally just a toy to pass the time with. This was just a game of temptation…. Yet in the end, it was Saj’s heart that had been hooked. He had sunk deeper, step by step.
Xie He saw that Saj did not reply and the sorrow in his eyes grew. He grabbed the things he had thrown onto the ground before. With an unprecedented determination, he slowly put the collar around his neck and then put each accessory back on.
He threw away his pride and chose to become this demon’s subordinate.
Xie He’s beautiful eyes glistened. He once again begged Saj, “I will listen. From now on, I will worship you and obey you. I only have one request…don’t let them see me. I beg of you…Your Benevolent Excellency….”
Saj suddenly bent down, slender fingers caressing Xie He’s neck. His slightly cold fingertips caused Xie He to shudder.
“From now on, you belong to me only. All of your happiness, pain, your life and your death—all of it is within my control. Remember…” Saj’s voice carried an unquestionable tone, “You are mine.”
His thumb pressed down on Xie He’s chin and he kissed him.
My elf, since you’re not willing to Fall, then serve me. It’s my loss, but so what? You are still mine. The result is the same.
【Ding, the target Saj’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 85.】
………………………………………………………………
From that day on, the golden birdcage was never locked again. However, Xie He never left. He was like a completely tamed pet. Even though he was not trapped nor bound, he would not leave on his own. He would not go against his master’s wishes.
He did not resist eating meat or rebel against Saj in any way. He emptied his mind and thought of himself as just an extension of that fiend. He relied on him, pleased him and loved him…. Like this, he wouldn’t be in so much pain. Like this…he could persevere on.
He felt that he already couldn’t recognize himself anymore. This wanton, lowly, vile being…he had changed completely.
Saj doted on Xie He immensely. Every day, he would bring him all sorts of rare delicacies. He would acquire all sorts of lavish, priceless toys for him to use. There were only the two of them in this flower garden, as if it was their secret garden. Here, they could indulge themselves and act depraved as much as they liked. They didn’t have to care about outsiders.
Xie He never again saw the other elves nor any other person, for that matter. It was good like this. He didn’t care about how repulsive he appeared, but he didn’t want his clansmen to blame themselves or suffer because of it.
Actually, he didn’t think much of anything now. He just followed his instincts. It was less painful like this.
In the beginning, he thought that meat was disgusting. In the beginning, he had thought that the stuff Saj brought were used to punish him. But it wasn’t that difficult to bear….
One time, after doing it, Saj held Xie He in his arms and raked his fingers through Xie He’s hair. He gently combed through the soft, golden hair. All of this made him feel obsessed. Just by having this elf, he felt as if he had the whole world.
Xie He curled up, sitting atop of Saj’s knee. His bare back was littered with marks.
Saj used his thumb to caress Xie He’s cheek. He then slowly shifted his fingers to the elf’s ear, gently tugging at the earring. He then planted a brief kiss on Xie He’s lips before deepening it. In the end, their lips and tongues became deeply intertwined.
Xie He raised his neck a bit. That pale, slender neck was beautiful, like that of a swan. His blond hair swayed like waves….He was more beautiful than imaginable.
Saj’s eyes darkened further…he really couldn’t get enough.
At this moment, his ears twitched, as if hearing something. He didn’t continue with Xie He and instead let go of him.
Xie He didn’t seem to understand. He peered at Saj with puzzled eyes, arms wrapping around the other’s waist.
Saj sighed helplessly. He kissed the corner of the other’s lips and then chuckled, “I’ll come back and satisfy you in a bit.”
After saying that, he left.
Xie He watched Saj leave. He then cast his eyes down and let out a quiet sigh in pleasure.
【Xie He：Recently, I’ve been feeling really damn good. Smile.JPG】
【444：It’s good as long as Host dada is happy. O(∩_∩)O~】He was also really happy, ai. Everyday, he got to go out, to shop and gossip. He had nearly enjoyed himself so much that he nearly forgot about the mission. Indeed, as long as Host dada was happy, 444 would be happy.
【Xie He：If we could continue on like this indefinitely, I would feel rather reluctant to continue with the mission…sigh.JPG】
【444：Then will you continue to play? (⊙v⊙)】
【Xie He：Baby, do you remember the information you told me?】
【444：I remember! The new pope is Joshua! ( ⊙o ⊙)】Because this matter was still quite important, he had adhered to Host dada’s request and paid attention to the happenings of the outside world. Therefore, when the old pope died and Joshua became the new pope, he told Host dada.
【Xie He：The story has begun. 🙂 】
After saying this, Xie He did not move again. He shut his eyes and fell asleep. After such a long time, the battle between the dark and light had become very fierce. The flames of war spread everywhere outside. When he thought that he would soon be unable to feel good like this, unbridled, he felt a bit regretful.
…………………………………………………………………………………
When night came, for the first time, Saj did not return.
【Xie He：Baby, what’s the situation outside.】
【444：Today, the Wu Country of the West fought with the three allied countries under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Church. Dahl City’s position is crucial. Moreover, they’ve dispatched quite the military force. This battle is very important. Recently, the Light Church’s influence has expanded rapidly. They have already recaptured quite a number of fallen cities. Saj had taken a disguise and was personally leading the troops. He probably wants to catch the other side off guard.】
【Xie He：Got it. This time, the Church has brought out their hard-earned capital. I seems that I will be seeing an old friend tonight.】
【444：Ah?】
At midnight, white moonlight shone down on the verdant and lush, fairyland-like garden. A silhouette clad in white robes slowly walked over.
Here, Saj had set up a darkness barrier. However, this person was still able to leisurely walk in. He slowly walked to the golden birdcage and gazed at the blond elf inside.
The elf didn’t have any clothes on. His flawless, beautiful body was on full display. He had once seen this perfect body and had since then longed for it. However, he had left for the sake of his faith.
After so much time, he once again laid eyes on that beautiful elf. That extremely handsome face was still cold but his body was now more erotic. The elf’s eyes were shut as he slumbered, eyebrows slightly furrowed. He stretched out his limbs and then curled up again on the ground, changing positions as if uncomfortable. This caused the jewels hanging from his body to sway gently as they revealed themselves.
The beautiful emeralds suited the elf, making it difficult to take one’s eyes off him.
The noble Elf King had fallen to become the world’s most seductive beauty.
The white robed person lifted both hands and took off his hood, revealing a handsome face. It was Joshua.
He gazed at the beautiful elf. So it turns out this was the treasure Saj so carefully hid away. He didn’t know why, but when he found out that the treasure was Galanodel, he wasn’t the least bit surprised.
As if it was only logical.
Because even Joshua yearned for him, didn’t he? Distance did not lessen his yearning. Instead, he wanted to take the other for his own even more now that they met again.
And the current him did not need to accept a compromise anymore. He had come here to steal him away.
【Ding, Joshua’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 85.】
Joshua walked silently and entered the cage. He bent down and took Xie He into his arms.
Xie He felt movement. He murmured a bit and then reached out to wrap his arms around Joshua’s neck. He slowly opened his eyes. His blond eyelashes fluttered open like tiny fans, revealing emerald eyes. Because he had just woken up, there was a layer of haze over his eyes. But very soon, he came to himself. When he saw who was holding him, shock appeared in his eyes. “You—”
Joshua’s handsome face flashed a gentle, pure smile. His dark blue eyes peered at Xie He. “Your honourable Excellency Galan, you’ve already submitted and fallen to the darkness, haven’t you?”
Xie He’s body shook. Joshua’s words made him unable to deceive himself. He was once again pulled back into the cruel reality.
What right did this person have to question him?! He was the human traitor that had fallen to the darkness and conspired with it!
“Let go of me.” Xie He looked at him with ice in his eyes. He could not forget about this despicable human’s betrayal.
Joshua laughed. “Why? Aren’t you an elf that fervently loves nature and the light? It can’t be that you’d rather submit to the darkness and drown yourself in pleasure than walk underneath the light? I came to save you.”
Xie He said, “I don’t believe it. Moreover, you don’t represent the Light.”
Joshua said, “No, I do.”
As his words were uttered, a soft white halo enveloped his body. The light did not seem to be created by magic, but rather seemed to come from his body. This was…the light of faith.
Xie He stared at him in disbelief. This…was the light that only the gods could possess. Although the light was very weak, it meant that this human already possessed the qualifications to become a god. He had received the faith and worship of the people. Endless faith pushed him up towards godhood!
“How could this be…this is impossible…” Xie He muttered to himself. This had turned his world upside down.
Why was an evildoer like him recognized by the Light? He could even become the new God of Light.
Joshua’s gaze was still sincere, a look of mercy for the people in his eyes just like there had been at the start. He smiled and said to Xie He, “I once told you that it would only be when the Darkness descends that people would understand how to treasure the Light. Only when on the verge of life and death are they willing to offer their faith without hesitation. They can do anything when begging for asylum.”
“And I am the only person who can grant that to them, the only one who can protect them. So they believe in me as if I were a God.”
“In this age of Darkness, people are willing to worship the Light, because only fear can make them understand how to respect the gods.”
“Darkness and Light are two sides of the same coin.”
Xie He’s faith had taken a hit. He wasn’t willing to accept such a fact. It couldn’t be that this kind of person could become a god, right? What did this make his faith? It couldn’t be that what he worshipped before was also something like this?
He let out a quiet, bitter voice. “Then what about the God of Light? Where is he? Why doesn’t he stop you…?”
Why didn’t his god appear?
Joshua looked at Xie He tenderly. “Since a long time ago, all the other gods have disappeared. After the War of the Gods, aside from the sleeping God of Darkness, all the other gods vanished…. Without the darkness, without war and fear, they lacked faith and support. All of them disappeared in time.”
“But it’s fine. Because right now, a new god is about to be born.”
Joshua lowered his head, gently kissing Xie He on the forehead. He said with a smile, “I’ll take you away from here. No need to suspect me. I came here for the sake of resealing the Darkness.”
The person Saj loves—of course he will come for you.
Xie He shook his head, “No, I can’t leave with you….” His people were still in Saj’s hands.
Joshua raised an eyebrow, gazing at Xie He with his deep blue eyes.
Xie He stared back. He was about to save something when a wave of drowsiness hit. He slowly shut his eyes, both hands falling to the sides.
Eve: Oh ho. Also I can just imagine XH replaying footage captured from this world and admiring his own body.
sere: damn did i mention how much of an ass joshua is because i hate this man too. Also he doesn’t get ML-type protection so i hate him more wtf what a greedy and self-centered bastard