Chapter 51: Meeting with a Goddess (2)
Ethan stood frozen, hearing the list of the items the goddess needs. Even without checking, he knew they were absurdly expensive.
But still, ever the optimist, he asked anyway.
'System, do I have enough points to purchase all three?'
[No. The cost of even one—The Fragment of the Origin of Ice—far exceeds your current balance.]
'Fuck.'
Ethan cursed inwardly, but his expression remained composed—calm, neutral, unreadable. His poker face was immaculate.
Then, he turned to the goddess and smiled. Not a warm smile, but the kind a con artist gives right before swindling someone.
"My lady," he began smoothly, "I did say you could name anything, and I would give it to you. But… you must understand, I'm still new to the Tower. There are things even I have yet to grasp."
Skadi's lips curled in amusement.
"So, in the end, you don't have it. All that confidence, all that boasting—only to fall short."
Her eyes gleamed with quiet menace.
"And now, you've lied to a goddess. A Stage-3 goddess on the verge of reaching Stage-4."
She tilted her head slightly, the weight of her power pressing into the space around them.
"Tell me, mortal, do you understand the gravity of what you've done?"
Ethan held her gaze, his mind working rapidly. He had let his guard down—grown complacent because things had been going smoothly. One trillion points had seemed like a fortune. But he had underestimated what it meant to deal with gods.
A mistake.
'I should've measured my words.'
He exhaled slowly, analyzing his options.
'She can't kill me. The Tower wouldn't allow it. But she can make my life hell… and I'd rather avoid that.'
His thoughts sharpened.
'System, tell me—what can I offer her with all the points I have? Something valuable enough to satisfy her… without putting me in danger.'
[Titles.]
[Titles can elevate the soul. At her level, obtaining a new title—one that strengthens her soul—is nearly impossible. That's likely why she asked for those three resources in the first place.]
Ethan's lips twitched.
'Didn't I just say without putting me in danger?'
[Your only other option is to walk away and return when you can afford her request.]
Or… he could simply wish for it.
But he wouldn't.
Pleasing a goddess is worth shouldering the burden of a wish.
His decision was made.
Ethan straightened, then inclined his head slightly.
"I apologize, goddess. I should have been more careful with my words." His voice was measured, deliberate. "I may not be able to provide the resources you asked for… but I can offer you something else. Something I believe you will find satisfying."
Skadi barely looked interested as she leaned back, her posture relaxed, almost dismissive.
"I'm listening."
Ethan ignored the attitude.
'Use all my points. Create the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.'
[Ding! You have created the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.]
[Remained points: 0]
Ethan's eyes twitched. His lips pressed into a thin line.
He exhaled. Then, he turned to her with a charming, knowing smile.
"What I'm about to give you… could bring me trouble." His voice was smooth, almost conspiratorial.
"So, before I proceed, I need your word. A vow that you will never speak of this—neither in life nor in eternity." His eyes locked onto hers. "If you give me that, I promise—you won't be disappointed."
Skadi studied him.
A secret?
If what he offered was truly valuable, she had no reason to share it. If it wasn't, she'd dismiss him altogether. Either way, the vow cost her nothing.
She raised a hand.
"I swear on my name—Skadi, Goddess of Winter—that I will not reveal what happens here, nor use it against you."
Tink!
An unseen force descended, the air itself vibrating violently before settling. The oath was sealed.
Ethan smiled.
"Then, allow me."
He gave the command to the system.
Immediately, a translucent window appeared before Skadi.
The Tower's voice rang out.
{You have received a title from The Allholder.}
{You have received the title: The One Loved By Ice and Water.}
{Your soul has been greatly strengthened.}
{You have reached the soul requirement for advancement to Stage-4 Godhood.}
{Complete the 103rd floor to ascend.}
Skadi shot to her feet.
Her pupils dilated, emotions colliding in a chaotic storm. The air trembled. Snowflakes formed in the space around her, swirling in silent awe.
She forced herself to calm, suppressing the phenomenon.
Then, slowly, she turned to Ethan.
He stood there, unfazed, a soft, knowing smile on his lips.
Finally, he spoke.
"It seems I forgot to introduce myself properly, goddess."
He let the silence stretch, the tension settle.
Then—
"I am Ethan Yagami."
His voice was steady, yet carried undeniable weight.
"I have obtained many titles since I started climbing this Tower. Some, I imagine, would even surprise you."
His gaze sharpened.
"But recently, I acquired one I particularly like."
His lips curved into a flawless smile—brilliant, effortless, and utterly captivating.
"I am The Allholder. The one who possesses all things."
He extended his hand slightly and bowed lightly.
"Pleased to meet you."
—End of Chapter 51—