The real Mithra sat before the crystal, his back to the entrance. But as Hayden entered, he immediately spoke:
"Loki, first of all, let me apologize to you."
…………What?
These words almost made Hayden doubt his ears. Mitra actually apologized to him?
"I apologize for the embarrassing behavior of Kalachakra Consort in the past."
But then he heard Mithra say this in a very serious tone.
“Those two incarnations were formed by forcibly twisting my power and spirit and stuffing them into the vessels of the Seven Great Wisdom Kings and Mirava. Therefore, they tend to be impulsive or childish. I am truly ashamed.”
………………oh.
In the end, all they did was apologize for.
Hayden was extremely disappointed.
Sensing Hayden's change in mood, Mitra sighed softly and continued, "Let's get down to business."
“I’ve heard almost all of your and Karen’s complaints.”
“You say that I am the root cause of the people’s suffering for the past four hundred years. I have also seriously considered this statement.”
Oh?
These words rekindled Hayden's hope. Could it be that after Mitra was broken down by him and Karen, she had truly begun to change her mind, realize her own problems, and start to reconsider?
Mithra frowned and continued, “But I still can’t accept this view. Although you say my actions have caused great suffering to the people, I haven’t actually done anything to endanger their lives. Rather, everything I’ve done is for the sake of today and in the future, to be able to resist the threat of invaders from outer space… Compared to dying under the flames of the Outer Gods, these four hundred years of hardship are nothing, are they?”
"Of course, I have seriously considered what you have said, and I have indeed thought that perhaps I have neglected the feelings of the common people for the past four hundred years. They have indeed suffered some hardships... But now that the [Reincarnation] has been successfully completed, haven't these problems been resolved? Why are you still so persistent and refusing to let go?"
呃啊
Hayden struggled to resist reaching out to cover his face.
No, this guy really doesn't understand anything from one to ten. All the things Hayden and Karen said before were a waste of time.
Moreover, this is probably not a matter of Mithra "not knowing." Hayden believes it's incorrect to say that Mithra hadn't witnessed human suffering and didn't know the extent of hardship the lower classes could endure. After all, Mithra had even tapped a rudimentary form of the "reincarnation" technology onto his own head four hundred years ago. He had essentially experienced and knew everything.
Hayden now understands that Mithra's question is reversed: If there is a super strong person with an infinitely firm will and not a single distracting thought, even if his power is sealed and he is humiliated by four gay men for three months without sleep, his will will never waver and he will not care... Then, when such a person stands in the position of absolute ruler and sees the suffering in the lives of the lower and even middle classes in today's capitalist society, would he think that it is not a big problem?
I'm afraid not.
Mithras wasn't unaware of the people's suffering. He simply felt, with remarkable rationality and foresight, that compared to the Outer Gods problem four hundred years later, the current plight of many poor people unable to afford medical care, unemployed, and elderly without support wasn't such a significant issue. Even putting himself in their shoes, which was more important: a child in someone's arms dying of illness or the continuation of all humanity's lives? Of course, the latter was the greater good!
This is the absolute ruler, the unimaginable ultimate authority, a super ruler who wields all kinds of power, making judgments based on reason and logic, wielding the most advanced technology. And if this judgment is even slightly wrong, even if he himself doesn't kill a single person, he can still cause the deaths of hundreds of millions of people.
Karen denounced Mitra as utterly evil. However, Hayden knew that Mitra did have his reasons… at least up to this point, they were somewhat valid.
Which is more important: future plans or present happiness? Should we give life to time, or time to life? Even to guard against external forces, shouldn't we limit the resources we consume? Shouldn't we ensure that people can enjoy a peaceful and happy life in the present, instead of resorting to the efficient exploitative and plundering methods of capitalism?
Hayden could have debated these issues with Mitra... but it seems unnecessary now. Besides, everyone has different opinions on these matters, so an argument wouldn't yield any results.
Now, Hayden only needs to say one thing to Mitra.
“There can be a million theories of rulers, and when people are debating them, they all seem reasonable. You can’t tell right from wrong just by talking,” Hayden said. “Whether a claim is correct or a theory is correct can only be proven by empirical evidence. Everything will be reflected in the results.”
He stretched out his hand, pointing to the light of [Reincarnation] above Mitra's head: "Mitra, your empirical results have failed. [Reincarnation] has not been able to liberate sentient beings from resentment and suffering, nor has it been able to enable them to attain enlightenment. [Reincarnation] was first activated in New Jersey several months ago. You initially absorbed millions of people, and now you have absorbed billions. After hundreds or thousands of lifetimes, who among them has attained enlightenment?"
"Those 'Five Hundred Arhats'? How can something that I can pierce with my 'sword of words' be considered enlightenment? The 'reincarnation' you've created so far is all fake liberation, because you yourself are someone who is far from liberation."
"Before you try to save all living beings, please free yourself from your own troubles."
This time, Hayden's sincere words finally silenced Mitra for a moment.
Just for a moment.
“No, I think it’s just a matter of time.” After a moment, Mithra replied calmly, “So far, I’ve kept the timeline of [reincarnation] under control to a certain extent, but it can actually be pushed even higher. I can make all beings spend a hundred million years, or even a billion years, in a dream within a single day in reality… Even the most dull-witted mind will be enlightened in this way.”
…Hayden couldn't really be wrong about that. A hundred million years is enough for a human life to repeat itself a million times. By then, perhaps the vast majority of humans would truly become some kind of non-human entity with completely different personalities, free from all suffering. That would indeed be instant enlightenment, nirvana.
However, Hayden believes that most people probably wouldn't like such an advanced way of playing.
“Well, that’s a conclusion, too.” Hayden rubbed his temples. “The empirical results of your theory have finally turned out like this. Even so, you still won’t give up.”
Even so, this is still a way for me to solve the problem.
Mitra gave Hayden a serious look.
"If a hundred billion people attain enlightenment, that will be more than enough. The energy they produce will allow me to defeat even Uriel, the Demon Lord. And you, Loki, what famous cases do you have of defeating Uriel and repelling Outer Gods from destroying our world?"
Hayden pointed to the massive yellow force field sphere behind Mitra, which sealed Raphael: "Give me back Angela, and I'll give you a live demonstration of how to save the world, no tickets required, okay?"
Unfortunately, Mithra shook his head: "I don't trust your methods. How can you be sure that Raphael, the messenger of the Outer Gods, will help you fight against his own kind? How do you know he won't turn around and help Uriel destroy us? I will not allow you to do this."
Hayden rubbed his chin: "Because I've never done anything for her, yet she's always cared for me, believed in me, and loved me. She's not just given to me, but helped many others achieve happiness, without ever asking for anything in return. Isn't that enough to convince me she's a 'good alien'?"
“Of course not.” Mitra frowned. “Even if it has shown you kindness and love now and before, and bestowed favors upon you without expecting anything in return, how can you tell whether it truly loves you or is preparing for future betrayal? It is an external force, and you have no reliable way to determine its nature.”
"Trust, that word you use is a very unreliable thing. Because 'trust' means making a decision about something without sufficient rational understanding and evidence. Loki, how can you convince me that Raphael is a good person without any evidence?"
Where's the evidence? Show us the evidence!
Hayden truly has no compelling evidence to speak of. He can say that Angela helped him and many others selflessly, but Mithra can say it was a conspiracy. He can say that Angela saved Miktikahiva and countless other sorrowful souls trapped in the artificial underworld of South America, guiding them to heaven. But Mithra can also say it was a conspiracy. He can say, who knows if those "ascended" souls were captured and devoured by Outer Gods?
There's no evidence. It's unclear. It will never be clear.
Therefore, Hayden only...
【cough cough】
Adam, who was attached to him, suddenly coughed lightly, emerged from behind Hayden, and raised his hand: "Gentlemen, in these precious final moments, I can't help but say a few words. May I?"
Hayden sighed: "Just say what you want to say, no one's going to shut you up."
"Then I'll say it." Adam's ghost turned to Mithra not far away, smiling, and said, "Chairman, there's something I've wanted to say for a long time. Although I, who climbed up from below, may be rather tongue-tied and not very good at expressing what I want to say, as the representative of the vengeful spirits who came to Tushita Heaven with Hayden this time, let me gather all our feelings, all our thousand words, into one sentence and give it to you."
He gave Mithrab the middle finger.
It's all your fault, go to the deepest hell!
Hayden quickly shoved Adam back into the water. Unfortunately, Adam had already finished speaking and was satisfied.
Joking aside, Hayden didn't think, "It's all your fault, fucking." But now... what to do?
"Mitra, honestly, just leave it alone."
He still wanted to give it a try in the end.
"You should know what's going on now that you're not even able to fart in this cycle of reincarnation. If you keep pushing this along, you won't even be doing anything good. Just watch from the sidelines and don't interfere. I'll save the world first. We can discuss what to do next later."
Unfortunately, it didn't work. No matter how they tried, it was useless. Mithra frowned: "Impossible. I've already said I don't trust your methods, nor do I trust anything related to Outer Gods."
Then there's really no other way. Hayden can't keep dragging things out with Mitra, who doesn't trust anyone. Uriel is still casting a trillion-degree fireball on Pluto. He has to rescue Angela to solve the problem.
Then war was the only option.
Fight his last battle.
"Alright, then I won't say any more."
Hayden unleashed his verbal sword.
"Mitra, I don't want to waste any more time fighting you for days and nights. Let's settle this with this move."
Mitra glanced at Hayden's sword, then at the hundreds of millions of souls coiled around him, and shook his head: "So what if you have the resentment and rage of hundreds of millions of souls supporting you? Even if Reincarnation fails for now, it can still provide me with the equivalent of billions of 'kowtowing insects' in faith and secret fire. How could you possibly defeat me with just your own faith and the rage of hundreds of millions? Not to mention, with just one move."
"How can you know if something is right or wrong without empirical evidence?" Hayden retorted. "Just based on your words? Anyone can talk big."
Mitra sighed: "I don't want to kill you, Loki... but at this point, I have no choice but to kill you first and let [Reincarnation] receive your soul. Let's talk again in a hundred million years."
In an instant, the golden mandala resonated, the divine power of Mithra condensed, and boundless radiance illuminated all directions. Stellar-level power overflowed from the moon's depths, accompanied by the convulsing screams of an entire world's population fueled by secret fire energy. The entire world trembled amidst the twisted chanting and hymns of billions of kowtowing insects. With such power, he had no belief that he could possibly be defeated.
At the same time, the blazing flames of countless wronged souls erupted from Hayden's very soul, engulfing him completely. White flames burned fiercely in Hayden's eyes, relentlessly overflowing from his body, even slightly distorting his form. Fighting according to the will of the world and for the greater good, Hayden no longer held back, giving his all. He would only accept the outcome of victory.
Now that things have come to this, neither side needs any complicated moves anymore; all that's left is a move that both of them are absolutely certain will lead to victory.
The last round
final hit
One last push!
446: The dream seen by the doll is the power of the gods.
I'm watching it now.
He had a dream underground.
I'm watching it now.
He had a dream in frozen time and enclosed space.
In the past, we dream of the future; in the future, we dream of the future.
But for Him, there is still something that can be called the present.
So she is watching from her slumber now.
Her beloved has arrived.
——————————————————————————————————
The last round
final hit
The last spell
As Mithra said, Hayden was much weaker than him.
Of course, the difference in strength between the two is not as vast as heaven and earth, otherwise there would be no need for them to fight. Currently, although Hayden and Mitra have opposite energy properties, the actual difference in their combat strength is probably only as great as that between a twelve-year-old child and a twenty-four-year-old adult.
...So should we say "only" or "yet there is"? The difference in strength between a twelve-year-old child and a twenty-four-year-old adult is certainly huge.
However, Mithra is the strongest god in the world, the supreme ruler, and the master behind the world—such a title is most inappropriate, because he could openly call himself the King of the World.
Hayden rose from humble beginnings, from the lower and middle classes of modern society, to achieve what we now aspire to. It's undeniably a miracle. Perhaps fate truly plays a part… but whether fate or destiny exists, the future is ultimately created by one's own hands.
Although there is a big gap between a twelve-year-old child and a twenty-four-year-old adult, it is not an absolute disadvantage for the child to win.
To secure victory, Hayden must create another miracle. And this is not merely his wish. Four hundred years of wronged souls demand that he represent them, that he defeat Mithra, who has ignored their suffering. They have poured all their resentment and energy into Hayden, so that he may use it for this final blow.
"Come."
Hayden spoke to the wronged souls trapped in the alchemical furnace of his soul.
"Everyone, come on, help me fight this final battle against Mitra. Today we must put an end to these battles."
Countless vengeful spirits indeed answered Hayden's call and united with him. Hayden's words became his "sword of words," and the power of the spirits gathered on his "sword."
Do not underestimate the power of this gathering of vengeful spirits. Hayden's mere act of concentrating energy in the astral plane was enough to shake the moon in the material world. The land within a radius of thousands of miles was trembled, and millions of tons of rock were blasted into the sky!
Mithra, however, was unimpressed by this power: "He claims to be saving the world, yet he uses the power of a vengeful spirit that wants to destroy it. Is there such a savior? This is truly laughable."
As he spoke, he also concentrated the power of [Reincarnation]. The sun mandala resonated, and the secret fire energy of billions of kowtowing insects condensed amidst the chanting, the sound growing louder and louder, like a terrifying bell that kept ringing and vibrating in the void of the Star Network.
“The Outer Gods want to sever the future of our world. If you are to betray us by siding with their power, then I will reshape that future. In my future, there is no end.”
Perhaps emulating Hayden's use of a sword as a final strike, Mithra's words and radiance also transformed into a weapon—a vajra wheel, a common artifact in Eastern magical implements. It seemed poised to spin indefinitely, seeking a future for Mithra's will.
What a ridiculous final battle. Both men possessed the ability to see the future, and both wanted to secure a future for the world and escape destruction. However, the futures they desired and saw were different, with completely contradictory meanings.
At this moment, all of Hayden's precognitive abilities seemed to have vanished. He could no longer foresee the future... and since he couldn't predict it, Hayden had to trust his instincts. A smile crept onto his lips.
Meanwhile, Mithra's precognitive abilities, his exceptionally powerful quadrupedal pupils, told him that this attack would undoubtedly result in his victory. His quadrupedal pupils had already foreseen Hayden's death at the hands of the Vajra Wheel. Therefore, Mithra sighed, filled with pity.
They attacked simultaneously, as if mirroring each other.
Beneath the radiant sun, Hayden, along with countless souls, unleashed a dazzling light of retribution from his hands! The white sword clashed with the golden Vajra Wheel!
Powerful, domineering, and intense! At the speed of light, with a roar louder than thunder, without any frills, a head-on collision, unprecedented in its kind! Boundless power surged and overflowed in this collision, like a new star about to explode!
Slash! ...
Boom boom boom boom boom!
Billions of sword lights slashed towards the single sun! Each impact was like a meteor hitting the earth! The entire astral plane of humanity was turned upside down by their attack. The entire world centered on them trembled!
This is not their weapon, but their combined will, enough to illuminate the future they desire!
In the initial clash, Hayden's sword light actually blocked Mithra's Vajra Wheel, and the two seemed to be evenly matched!