Surviving without God

Gunther looked with slight confusion at the slender hand gripping his wrist.

“What are you doing?”

“That’s what I should be asking you. What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?”

“Why would I?”

“Ha, you don’t even realize what a foolish waste you were about to commit.”

...A waste? Gunther glanced at the pitch-black box in his hand.

“You mean this?”

“Yes, that box.”

Her tone made it perfectly clear that the Chaos Chest was not some trivial object to be handled so carelessly. Gunther tilted his head for a moment, puzzled. Of course, last time he had hit the jackpot, but... wasn’t this just a junk item meant for amusement? The Ruler of the Oceans let out a heavy sigh.

“Your stupidity reminds me of Dietrich.”

[King of the Knights of Ninety-Nine Defeats twitches his eyebrow nervously]

Then she snatched the box from Gunther’s hands. And spoke quietly.

“Once you open it, there is no predicting the result, and the consequences can be extremely polar. Nine times out of ten it will contain trash, but on extremely rare occasions it will produce a treasure beyond anything you could imagine. When you hear that, what do you think of?”

The one who Runs Ahead of the Wind, who had been waiting for a chance to speak, immediately answered:

“Sounds fun, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s fun. The thrill of gambling.”

The Ruler of the Oceans replied to her for the first time.

“There is no god who does not enjoy gambling. There is no better entertainment for passing endless centuries.”

Only then did Gunther understand what she meant.

“So... this box itself becomes a valuable exchange item for most gods, which is why I shouldn’t waste it by opening it?”

“Yes. That is exactly what I said.”

“Hmm.”

Gunther had never considered that aspect. In the game, Chaos Chests dropped on the battlefield with an absurdly low probability. That meant they were not items handed out in batches as completion rewards like they were now. Because of that, even a veteran player like Gunther had only obtained them a few times, and even then he usually opened them without thinking too much.

‘Fair enough...’

Gunther eyed the icon of the box suspiciously. Eight remained. Would the gods really exchange high-level equipment for this junk item that always produced spoons, pots, or whips?

...Really?

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[“Liquid of Silence” sold to participant No.77]

Clap-clap—

Applause rang through the hall. Gunther, who had just secured his third successful bid, muttered to himself:

‘This actually works.’

An unbelievable situation. Yet on the table before him lay three certificates of winning bids. And every one of them was top quality.

The first item was the [Crown of Thorns]. The moment it was worn it caused unbearable pain, tearing the skin, yet at the same time it was an ancient artifact that increased the recovery speed of allied party members. Naturally, it was meant for Parco.

The second item was the [Tablet of Oblivion]. A stone slab covered in writing from an unknown language discovered in the ruins of Badland. At first glance it seemed like simple antiquarian junk, but the arrangement of the patterns followed a clear logic, like a map hiding treasure, which significantly increased its value. The deity contracted with Levain would certainly appreciate it.

The final item was the [Liquid of Silence]. A polishing substance that granted armor noise-reduction properties and a stealth bonus. He planned to apply it to the armor set Dramcrow was supposed to forge for him. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

All of this had cost only five Chaos Chests. Deities who had wrinkled their noses when he offered one had eagerly accepted once he offered two. ...Somewhere far away, Gunther could almost hear Rakies screaming in excitement.

[Ahhhh, my lord! You’re not merely adapting to the tastes of the gods — you’re setting the trend!]

“Ha...”

A smile naturally appeared on Gunther’s lips. The main reason for this success — the Ruler of the Oceans — was staring at him intently.

“Hm. These are items for your companions?”

“Yes.”

“Hm. Dietrich was like that too. Always carrying around piles of odds and ends. It was troublesome.”

The Ruler of the Oceans smirked. Though her tone carried annoyance toward “Dietrich,” Gunther could easily sense longing and attachment beneath it. So he asked without thinking:

“Why did you two break up?”

“...!?”

...Only when he saw the reaction of the one who held the oceans did he realize his mistake. She didn’t know he was connected to the three gods. After all, because of a certain taboo they were completely cut off from the world. Her former lover seemed just as stunned.

[King of the Knights of Ninety-Nine Defeats opens his mouth in astonishment at your lack of tact]

[Alphonse of Red Street giggles and sticks a finger into the gap, then pulls it out]

[Drug-Addicted Saint adds that they used to be a famous couple]

The Ruler of the Oceans looked at Gunther with confusion.

“How did you...? Were there records left... no, that’s impossible. Dietrich definitely...”

Gunther swallowed his words. He very much wanted to explain the current situation of those three gods, but Running Ahead of the Wind, sitting beside them, was watching with wide curious eyes.

“Let’s focus on the auction. There are still many lots left.”

Fortunately, the Ruler of the Oceans also seemed relieved to change the subject. She picked up the brochure lying at her seat and fanned herself with it as she muttered:

“Y-yes. After all, we still haven’t found my gift. Do your best.”

...And so they returned their attention to the bidding. But perhaps the first success had been nothing but luck. Starting with the next lots, things did not go the way Gunther wanted at all.

[“Thunder Tip” sold to participant No.55]

[“Feather of Thunder” sold to participant No.55]

[“Lightning Strike Crystal” sold to participant No.55]

Gunther, who had lost every lightning-attribute item, stopped even pretending to clap politely. Instead he glanced toward the far end of the hall.

Participant No.55, wearing a white lion mask, calmly accepted another certificate of victory. The participant who was sweeping up every lightning and fire item. On his chest gleamed a badge with the large number 5.

‘Just how rich is he?’

Even when Gunther offered Chaos Chests, the man crushed him with items of absurd value. ...In his ears Gunther could almost hear Tarsha’s playful voice.

“Gunther! I’m disappointed! Discrimination corrupts people.”

Gunther sighed quietly.

‘Maybe I should try offering Karma?’

And then a natural question arose.

“Come to think of it, something is strange.”

“What exactly?”

“Why do the gods insist on barter only? Isn’t Karma the currency of gods? It would be much easier to trade using Karma.”

He did not expect an answer. Discussions about Karma and Return After Death were always taboo. Yet to his surprise the Ruler of the Oceans replied directly.

“It no longer exists.”

“What?”

“Karma was a currency used in the forgotten era, or perhaps even before it. In the current era it has almost disappeared.”

“...Disappeared? Why?”

“Why do you think?”

She spat the words out.

“It is the work of those disgusting Seven Evil Gods and their followers — creatures like rotten sea cucumbers.”

While Gunther was stunned by the revelation, the Ruler of the Oceans continued.

“The gods gather offerings in hopes of achieving an effect similar to Karma. Therefore offering Karma at an auction would be like turning everything upside down.”

“...I see.”

Gunther suddenly realized how advantageous his position was when dealing with deities. The gods struggled to gather offerings that were merely substitutes for Karma, while he received pure Karma as payment after each life. If the gods learned that, they would burst with envy.

“That is why Karma should be used carefully. If—”

The Ruler of the Oceans, who had been lecturing him, suddenly fell silent. Her calm gaze fixed upon the stage. Her brows furrowed as if she had seen something extremely unpleasant. Gunther also turned his head involuntarily.

“......”

The auction was in full swing. Naturally a new lot should appear on the stage. But what was being brought out now was far from that.

Clang.

The metallic sound cut through the silence. Mana shackles tightly wrapped around a body produced a noise like a scream every time their owner was shoved forward.

Clang.

Ankles, wrists, neck. Complete restraint, leaving not the slightest freedom. Even the mouth was gagged. A breath filled with anticipation passed through the hall. The servants brought her beneath the spotlight as though presenting a dangerous but valuable beast.

Silver hair and golden eyes. Pale skin painfully bright beneath the light.

Gunther held his breath. Then inhaled again. Before the air could fully fill his lungs, something hot burst forth from inside him, spreading like a spark.

“...You?”

The voice of the one who held the oceans faded away. But something else approached.

[Gunther, unauthorized connection within the upper level carries a risk of tracking. I cannot maintain it long. I will cut the connection in 10 seconds.]

“My life is on the line.”

[I will try to maintain the connection for about a minute. How can I help?]

Click—

His hand slowly touched the link at his ear. But as during the past two days, no answer came. And it would remain that way. Gunther stared with pitch-black °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° eyes at the bound Dimona.

[The climax of today’s auction. The product I now present is the legendary Arcane Runner of this city!]

[The exhibitor has stated that only truly worthy offers will be considered. Who will claim this rare creature — and for what price! Now then, let us begin!!]

The auction had begun.

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For a long time humans had been considered both the simplest and the most effective offering. Perhaps the offering closest in efficiency to Karma. Especially if the subject was an Arcane Runner of Dimona’s level — that would be far more valuable than gathering dozens of mediocre offerings.

Of course, not every deity accepted human sacrifices. But there were plenty of gods who turned a blind eye and allowed such things. Moreover, if the subject was an “alien race” rather than a “human,” the guilt that gods or contractors of human origin might feel was greatly dulled.

Such silent agreements.

Dimona standing on the auction stage was the result of that consensus and...

‘This is because of me.’

It was the result of Gunther’s own carelessness. He had placed Dimona in danger. Believing nothing would happen to her, he had continued issuing impossible demands. That was an undeniable fact, and Gunther had to take responsibility for it.

Click—

“...What are you doing?”

Gunther’s hand, which had raised the bidding plate, was suddenly seized. Surprisingly, it was Running Ahead of the Wind. Although confusion was written on her face, she did not loosen her grip.

“...I understand how you feel, but how about calming down a little?”

“You understand?”

“I have been observing your path for quite a long time. I know very well how you think about your companions. And that is precisely why I am stopping you.”

Gunther stared at her silently. The goddess continued, rare seriousness in her voice.

“...You are a rational man.”

“....”

“Don’t you find this situation extremely strange?”

Those words restored Gunther’s vision, which had been clouded by anger. He let out a short breath and ran a hand through his hair.

‘Yes. It’s a trap.’

Gunther understood. Right now there was no way to save her.

...At least not here.

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Ding—!

[Personal Scenario Triggered! “Silver Responsibility”]

Arcane Runner, Dimona. Until now she has shown loyalty bordering on self-sacrifice. But the price of that loyalty is standing bound beneath the cold, cruel lights of an auction hall.

You know it. This tragedy occurred because of your carelessness and arrogance. Yet saving her is not merely responsibility — it is a step toward far more dangerous and vast conspiracies. Perhaps she herself would wish that you would abandon responsibility and escape.

Now the moment of choice has arrived. Your intervention will change not only Dimona’s fate, but many future events as well.

What will you do?

Objective: Find a way to free Dimona. Exchange, negotiation, or any other method — it does not matter. Or abandon her.

Completion Reward:

— “Dimona Ryen” joins “Night Raven.”

— ???