Chapter 16 The Most Beautiful and the Most Poisonous
"And then?"
Standing opposite Beichen was the old-style Atlas—no, it would be more appropriate to call him Senagard. He was staring at Beichen's expressionless face, tilting his head and smiling slightly:
"After what?"
"After Theresa died. That huge video record file only goes up to the time before her death. What did you do after that?"
Senagard raised an eyebrow.
"You three great consciousnesses united, right? To suppress the development of human civilization? Then why did you later change your name to Senagade, the 'Graveyard of Gods'? And was Feinheim's name removed to Earth? According to Theresa, I should be her descendant, so why am I an Earthling?"
But the possessed Moon Envoy on the opposite side did not answer, but just shrugged with a teasing smile.
Seeing this, Beichen was a little angry.
"...Then let me ask you another question. You and Su Mo are secretly connected, right? The Soul-Killing Sword—without your cooperation, it wouldn't be easy for Ling Shuang to steal it. You were one of the two groups that framed Aunt Fang, right? You wanted to divert our attention to Su Mo, but you didn't realize that Su Mo had already taken action first, right?"
“…”
"Su Mo repeatedly urged me to cooperate, even hinting several times that there were certain things I shouldn't say or think about that would be discovered. He was just afraid that I would suspect you, right? He and Ragnarl are both wary of you."
“…”
"Why should he be afraid of you? Let me guess."
Beichen took a breath, stared at the familiar face of Atlas, and smiled a somewhat cold and charming smile.
"...Su Mo once said that he did this because he loved Senagade. One million is the bottom line he can bear. ... In other words, it is very likely that if Su Mo doesn't do it, not even one million people will survive. If he fails to destroy the world, and you do it yourself, you will be even more ruthless and leave no one alive... right? The 'great' planetary consciousness Senagade? The reason he is so afraid that the hesitation and conservatism in his attitude will be discovered by my people is that he is worried that you will lose your patience and take action directly, right?"
Facing the sneer on Beichen's face, Senagard curled his lips indifferently.
"Compared to your ancestor Theresa, you are indeed smarter. ...Well, this is not something that needs to be concealed."
"You admit it?"
Speculation is one thing, but confirmation by the other party is another. Beichen stared in surprise.
"...So you really do want to destroy this world? Why? This is your body! Aren't all the billions of creatures on this planet your people?"
"Subjects? Humph."
Senagard sneered - then he took a few quick steps, walked up to Beichen, and grabbed her chin.
"What I do with my body is my business—even if I wanted to commit suicide, what could you say? To put it bluntly, everything in the world is just a parasite on my body. I feel so dirty, so why not just give myself a quick, refreshing bath?"
"I understand where you're coming from."
With his chin pinched and forced to look directly into Senagard's red eyes, Beichen frowned and met the hateful gaze without fear.
"What you went through when Theresa was still alive was indeed infuriating, but that doesn't represent all of humanity, or even any other creature on this planet, right? I'm deeply resigned to Andre representing all of humanity. Don't you think it's a bit childish to want to destroy the world just because of this?"
"Chuunibyou? That's easy to say."
Senagade laughed twistedly.
"Am I looking at the problem with a negative perspective? Or am I being too pessimistic and extreme? Didn't I give humans a chance? No! It was precisely because I gave them countless chances, but they didn't cherish any of them, which is why we are in this situation today! I forgive them for abusing the power of the stars and causing the plague, I forgive them for disrupting the balance of the power's circulation, and I forgive them for possessing the Moon Messenger—but what is the result I got?
The two satellites guarding me have become strange, artificial bases. Their spiritual energy is being drained, and viruses are rampant. I gave them transformative weapons to protect them, but they transformed them into a pathetic, subordinate race! Now look at them: the Myriad Ancestors have undergone a severe mutation, creating something like the 'Berserk Iron Ghosts.' The number of weapons is dwindling, while the number of Berserk Iron Ghosts is increasing. If this continues, sooner or later, all the Blade Night weapons will be replaced by those mutated monsters—but what about humanity? What have humans done about it?
Those afraid of death are trying to drink the blood of the weapons, those greedy for money are trying to profit from the war, and those anxious are putting all the blame on the weapons. How many of them are trying to understand how this situation came about? And how many of them are truly trying to improve the relationship between humans and the weapons?
“──”
Beichen was startled by Senagade's excited tone. He was stunned for a moment and couldn't speak.
"Wan Zu is terminally ill, and the poison has spread throughout the entire planet. What else do you plan to do? Even if you can avoid it for a while, how long can you hold out? Although the star poison has long been overcome by human technology, now even many ordinary animals have been infected with the violent habits of the possessed Moon Envoy. The War Weapons, my children, have been toyed with by you, a bunch of parasites, for ten thousand years - a full ten thousand years! Do you have any idea what that means?!"
Senagade's chest rose and fell slightly, as if he was breathing harder.
"Those with slightly weaker Quantitative Seeds will end up being rejected by everyone, spending over a decade buried in a war weapon tomb. Moon Seeds become props for exchange and gift-giving among the powerful, and Star Vein Seeds influence the political landscape, becoming a link for rivalries and infighting among various factions. Those unable to bear children are treated as the most useful bed companions. No matter how beautiful they are, the pampering they receive is merely a gift from their owner to their pet. Watching your own children suffer humiliation for such a long time—how could you possibly understand?! How could you simply label me as 'middle school kid'?!"
Beichen was stunned.
Then she pursed her lips and reached out to touch Senagad's cheek, as if trying to calm his anger.
"I apologize."
She spoke to Senagade seriously.
"...I shouldn't have guessed your feelings so easily. I really don't have a personal understanding of how long ten thousand years is, but...watching my child suffer for ten thousand years, if it were me, I would probably have gone even crazier. ...I'm sorry, Senagard. I sounded...too easy."
She gave a wry smile.
"Actually, I've experienced things that make you angry, too—in my old world. Acid rain, ozone depletion, vegetation loss, groundwater depletion, nuclear pollution, abnormal global temperatures—if my home planet had a consciousness like yours, I'd probably be filled with anger and disappointment, too."
Senagade was silent.
"So, you lied to me back then, saying that my death was related to whether the possessed Moon Envoy would appear—in fact, you just wanted me to do my best to ensure my own survival—so that the apocalypse plan could proceed smoothly, right? After all, Pandora's Box is really useful. If I'm not mistaken, the turrets on the Crimson Moon also need this thing to function 100%? The claim that your personality only appears on the night of the star disaster is also false, right? You never appeared in front of me again because—are you worried that saying more would reveal something?"
Senagade remained silent.
"...Now I understand your hatred."
Beichen frowned and smiled, moving his hand that was covering Senagade's face.
"But, can you please... even if I, as a tiny, cowardly human, shamelessly beg you—since you've given us so many chances, can you please give us one last time? This time—I promise we won't neglect it."
"What did you say?"
As if extremely angry, Senagade gritted his teeth and grinned fiercely.
But Beichen shook his head gently.
"I understand your anger, disappointment, and resentment. ...But have you ever thought about what Wan Zu is thinking?"
Senagade's breathing stopped for a second.
"Wanzu, even in this state of illness, he never gave up hope of living, of healing himself. His mind remains so proud, gentle, and confident... Looking down at the world from his perspective, I can still see the most beautiful scenery in life. Do you know, Senagade, your body—this vast land, even in this state of illness, is still damn beautiful, so beautiful that it takes your breath away."
She said as she took a breath.
"...I, a member of the ugly parasite, have fallen in love with this world, yet you, the world itself, hate your own body so much that you want to destroy it. Isn't it strange? To destroy so many beautiful things in an instant, even the children you have been protesting for so long—Warriors, can you really bear it?"
“…”
"Please... give us one more chance. I will work with everyone to find a solution to Wan Zu's illness and the root of all your dissatisfaction. Please don't be so hasty to commit suicide. Whether it's a person or a giant planet, once it disappears, there will still be people who grieve for it."
The possessed Moon Envoy took a slow breath.
Then a strange light flashed in his red eyes, and he suddenly reached out and pressed Beichen's shoulders hard, pushing her to the ground!
"Senna...Gard?"
"……if……"
There was a slight tremor in the cold and ghostly voice.
"If all humans were like you—like you... then I wouldn't have to... I wouldn't need to—"
He gasped for breath, spoke intermittently, and put his face close to Beichen.
"But, things are not as naive as you think—"
The possessed Moon Envoy gritted his teeth and increased the strength of his arms, pressing hard on Beichen's shoulders.
"Do you think I haven't thought about dismantling Wan Zu's control device over the years? When those humans installed it, they had the evil intention of 'if Wan Zu is dismantled, he will be blown to death' - or do you really believe that human technological development can really not come at the cost of sacrificing the environment?!"
"cannot."
Beichen answered decisively.
"But humans aren't as ugly as you imagine. Good and evil can be guided. Andre and his forces have such a profound impact on the world because he's powerful. So, if I'm powerful enough, I can use my ideas to influence the world—this actually has little to do with the inherent black and white of humanity."
"How far can you go? Don't you have enough on your shoulders right now?!"
Senagade's voice suddenly became louder.
"Why can you still speak so tolerantly for this world? Even if the apocalyptic plan is launched, you and your family and friends will still have enough to survive, right? Do you really have to do this for someone completely unrelated?! How much have you lost as a priestess? Have you ever hated or complained? Theresa has thrown the burden of atonement onto you, don't you feel repulsed? From the moment you were born until now, you haven't had a few days of leisure and enjoyment. Do you plan to continue living like this in the future?!"
"Well, probably."
Beichen nodded.
"I've gained so much. So this is retribution. I once resented and resented my role as a shrine maiden, but not anymore. ... I'm happy to accept the fate of atonement that Theresa has left for me—because by doing so, this land will become more vibrant thanks to my efforts. I find this incredibly fulfilling, hehehe."
After saying that, he deliberately gave a smirk, probably trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"Whether it's the environment or racial tensions, I'll work until you're satisfied. I don't approve of suppressing technological development, but if there's a trend toward disrupting the balance again, you don't have to tell me I'll stand by you. Even if it means being labeled an executioner, I won't show any mercy—so... huh?! Uh-huh!"
Before Beichen could finish his words, his lips were blocked by Senagade who kissed him.
No—it wasn't so much a kiss as it was a frantic release. His lips bled from being bitten, his teeth bumped against each other from time to time, and the tip of his tongue pried open his teeth, trying to penetrate—Beichen frowned and turned his head, trying to shake him off. He struggled with his hands and feet, but was still no match for Senagade's strength and was pinned down.
Senagard, what's wrong with you?!
As if he understood the question in Beichen's angry eyes, Senagard sneered and finally left her lips.
"You love this land because it's home to the nation you built with your own hands. You love this world because your family, friends, and the people most important to you all live in it. You love me because you want to continue living in this world with the people around you. Am I right?"
“…”
Beichen was stunned for a few seconds, then nodded slightly.
"So to put it bluntly, you're doing this for yourself and your loved ones, not for me! You're telling me all this so kindly because you're worried I might hurt Atlas! If Atlas and I weren't in the same body, wouldn't you have attacked me long ago!?"
"No!!" Beichen retorted loudly, "Why would I want to stay in Senagard? If I really wanted to abandon and escape, then I could use the Red Box to absorb enough celestial power and take everyone back to Feinheim! Isn't the reason I want to survive in this world because of my love for you?!"
“That’s different—different!!”
The possessed Yue Envoy's expression became confused. He leaned over and kissed Beichen again. His hands began to ignore her struggles and tried to undress Beichen.
"What are you doing!?"
Beichen twisted in anger, trying to break free from the restraints.
"Why would you, as a planetary consciousness—"
"Why? For so many years, I have lived as an independent individual. I live in a humanoid body and have all the emotions of a human. But among so many lives, who can understand me? The only one who likes me is not me, but another consciousness in this body of mine!"
As he spoke, he sneered in a voice that sounded like tears.
"You once asked me if I created Atlas because I was tired of living. Now I can tell you, yes!! Even without all this disappointment and anger, my personality, modified by humans to have seven emotions and six desires, would have long been tired of the loneliness and helplessness accumulated over ten thousand years - so I created Atlas. I wanted him to bear this for me!! But why..."
"Senagarde, you..."
"Why, after he was born, he didn't suffer anything that I endured—instead, he even received your affection? Why? He was clearly just a shield I created—just a shield!! Why do I have to stay inside him and watch you smile at him?!
Let me tell you, I originally planned to pretend to be him and act out a good show of betraying all of you so that he would lose your trust, because if I didn’t do that, I—"
"You can't accept this psychological imbalance?"
Beichen spoke softly.
"I guessed it. That's why I came to you first after learning the truth. That's why I'm talking to you here alone. The Protoss Cores that possessed the Moon Envoys were given unified orders by Theresa, right? In the Poison Moon workshop, the possessed Moon Envoys cannot attack people. But I have the Red Cone in my body. Yes, it's the weapon drive of the Red Moon Knight. Even without a weapon, I could easily defeat you here, but I didn't do it. Why, can't you understand? Do you still think you are abandoned now, and only Atlas is important in my heart?"
"Then just give me your body."
The possessed Moon Envoy grinned grimly with some sadness.
"Anyway, this body belongs to Atlas. Even if I took advantage of you, you can think of it as Atlas taking advantage of you. No matter how you look at it, you won't lose out."
"Stop."
Beichen reached out and lightly touched the corner of the other person's eyes with his fingertips.
"Don't forget who you are. ... You are the greatest being in this world, the ruler of this beautiful earth. ... Don't do something as tasteless as Ling Shuang."
Senagard's whole body trembled, then he stopped his movements with gritted teeth. His bloodshot eyes looked at the woman under him with unwillingness, anger and a little sadness.
“Why did it become like this?”
He let go of Beichen with a wry smile, stood up and took a few steps back.
"The miko behaved like a miko, but was driven mad by the overwhelming burden of responsibility. She could have just obeyed our wishes and become our tool. ...Why did it become like this?"
"Why? You know it in your heart, right?"
Beichen also stood up and looked at his lowered profile.
"...If you don't anticipate our actions, you, who reside within Atlas, will have countless opportunities to capture us all in one fell swoop, leaving us no chance to even recover."
The body of the possessed Moon Envoy shook, but he did not respond.
After nearly ten minutes of silence, he let out a deep sigh.
"It seems that neither of us can convince the other. No matter how reasonable your words are, they can't clear away all the negative emotions that have accumulated in me over the past ten thousand years. So let's use the most primitive method to resolve this issue."
"……What?"
Senagard chuckled, walked to a small cabinet on the side, rummaged around for a while, and took out a small box.
"Carbon spirit crystals. Used for navigating oxygen-free environments. I'll take half, you'll take half. As for the air pressure issue, we can use star power to create a protective shield. Before they run out... let's settle this in the universe between Poison Moon and Senagard."
"…Is it absolutely necessary to fight?"
"Are you willing to back down?"
“…That’s impossible.”
"I won't back down either. Because I know that not all humans are like you. Even if you are indeed a human that I like, it won't change my opinion of an entire race."
"...I'll change your mind."
Beichen took the small box handed to him by the other party somewhat helplessly and took a look at the many small spirit crystals lying inside.
Senagade leaned over and, with a gentle and bitter expression, straightened her hair and clothes that had been messed up by the violent movement just now. Then, with a stern expression, he turned around and strode towards the exit.
Looking at his resolute back, Beichen sighed somewhat dejectedly.
In the end, this battle is still unavoidable.
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