Chapter 538 Joining the Family
"What son?"
"Right… So he never told, did he?" Daruun's seriousness was shattered as he broke out in laughter. "Sorry… Don't think of this as disrespect. I'm just surprised that he hid that fact from you of all people."
"Who hid what from me?" questioned Jack, feeling agitated by the blatant sidestepping of the answer and the intermixed laughter.
"Your father. We hide it from the rest but I'm still surprised Sterfen never informed you, of all people, that I'm his biological father and your legitimate grandfather."
Numb, Jack's body went limp for a moment as he rag-dolled in his chair.
"Who's Sterfen?" Duorda asked.
"He's my son who was born on Kartonia while you were fulfilling your duties as temple guardian," answered Daruun. "Since he chose not to become my full-time partner in the inevitable future, I told Sterfen to not challenge you and ruin our little test."
"Sterfen is… That's why he's so… Does that mean--"
"Yes, Jack. Sterfen's potential is more than you know. Like me, he was born with an affinity for illusions, mind tricks, and the like, not blessed with affinity for any cosmic energies of raw power," explained Daruun. "However, Sterfen has always been more crafty than anyone gives him credit. And his sudden appearance to the world as a god was because he needed no one to assist his ascension. Also, since you're curious, the cause of his unhealing attacks is his use of pure cosmic energy, the opposite effect of Duorda's healing abilities which you experience first-hand."
Jack nodded but was still on the ropes fighting the thought of accepting Sterfen's identity.
Daruun added, "Once you ascend, Jack, Sterfen will be lv. 98 and will play a key role in our plans, albeit not the main role. He prefers to be a silent partner and not a public figure, so he'll become our third hand in governing the Fate District, controlling those in the shadows."
"That… I mean…"
"Take your time. This is a lot of information to take in at once, so don't push yourself too hard," Daruun stated. "Time passes differently here so take all the time in the world."
The hero slowly nodded as he did just that. Fifteen minutes passed before Jack said another word. "Okay… So, I understand this much…
"Halmut and Skaryn failed to meet your expectations, for some reason currently unmentioned, so you had a son and offered the role to him instead. When he agreed but to only become a silent partner, you were left with a vacant position and decided to fill it in the most perfect way you could, making sure your chosen champions wouldn't fail you again. Then, you used the game "A Hero's Tale" to find candidates that greatly lacked physical capability but held the advantage with mental willingness and longing for such an opportunity. The ridiculous achievement list was utilized as a means to find the person most desperate to live in such a setting. Did I get that right?"
"Spot on, Jack!" Clapping, Daruun smiled and sighed in relief.
"You chose me because you were ninety-nine percent certain that I would agree to your proposal in the end, and that's why you always treated me more like family than as a tool."
"Because you are family, Jack," added Daruun. "I truly acknowledge you as my grandson. Sterfen is my only living child, making you and Lina my only grandchildren. The other gods are also my children, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit my bias for your father and mother, as well as my bias for you and your family."
As another pause came to be, Daruun blinked and let his lip quiver only once. "Do you believe me?"
Witnessing the almighty Daruun show his vulnerability was jaw-droppingly startling, especially after Jack had learned of Daruun's true station in the universe. Yet here he was, practically begging Jack to accept Daruun as Jack's grandfather, watery eyes and all.
"Yeah… I believe you…"
Those four words brought a wave of relief over Daruun, who finally relaxed into the back of his chair. "Then… Do you accept my proposal? To join me and your father in governing the Fate District as a family?"
"Yeah, I'm in…" Jack sighed, struggling to believe that such a conversation just took place.
"We're the same, Jack. You, me, and your father are the same. No matter what happens, we put our family first. And though our plans will be difficult and strenuous to complete, especially at first, I guarantee to offer protection to your wives and loved ones while you and your father take on your future endeavors."
Hearing those words come out of Daruun's mouth sent a rush of relief throughout Jack's body.
"That doesn't mean you can't die, Jack," Daruun added. "For you and your father to grow, you'll be forced to endure life-threatening circumstances, many of which I can't do anything about. If I dared to interfere, you two would never be able to achieve your fullest potential. Becoming a six-star takes death-defying will and fate-defying determination, proven and forged only in dire circumstances. Are you okay with that?"
Nodding with a sigh, Jack replied, "If you're protecting my wives and family, then I won't have anything to worry about."
"Good, then allow me to make a suggestion." Motioning toward Duorda, Daruun added, "From this point onward, Duorda will become your assistant. He'll form a pact with you'll be able to buy his skills. After paying for the system update and ascending, you must buy his Undeath skill. If you do that, the odds of your permanent death could become statistically impossible in most situations. Some scenarios will still threaten your life, regardless of having such a skill, but you're still better off than I ever was. And considering where I'm at now, I'm sure you'll be able to overcome the odds and design your own fate."
"Undeath? Is that why he passively revives himself? Would I get two bodies, like Duorda?" Jack questioned.
"No, that's a separate part of his very being, designed into his construct body. But so long as your soul isn't completely snuffed out, you would self-generate your wounded or even your nonexistent body. That's why both halves are needed for Duorda's self-generation, because he needs every portion of his soul present for self-generation to occur," explained Daruun.
"Now that we're on the same page, let me explain what you're both currently most curious about. How Halmut and Skaryn failed me, and how their current situations came to pass."