Little Garden 136-140

Title: Canaria, You Really Did Some Terrible Things!

The effect was too dramatic; this should’ve been good news.

But Aslan was starting to get a headache. Azi Dahaka had truly lost his sanity—how was he supposed to communicate with him later?

With good intentions to build a rapport with Ahriman, Aslan actually wanted to help Azi Dahaka.

There’d probably be more trouble later. Oh well, no point overthinking it—the immediate problem was more pressing. He hoped the other gods could be relied upon. If it was just him and Kalki, Aslan wasn’t confident they could defeat Azi Dahaka, even though Azi Dahaka was currently very weak.

In an instant, his thoughts were organized.

When Aslan snapped back to reality, Azi Dahaka had broken free from the heavily injured Kalki and was charging toward him. Looking up at the insane killing intent in Azi Dahaka’s eyes, Aslan smiled and waved, greeting his opponent.

“Die!!!!”

He wanted to leave a good impression on Azi Dahaka, but why did it feel like Azi Dahaka was getting crazier? Aslan sank into his thoughts…

As for being killed by Azi Dahaka? As the embodiment of a virus concept, a Last Trial of Mankind, Azi Dahaka truly couldn’t kill him. Even injuring him was difficult.

Aslan was too widespread now; he was a phenomenon. He couldn’t be killed unless every virus in Little Garden was destroyed at once. Even if he died and was surpassed, he could revive through a Magic Card.

It could be said his attack power was lacking, but his immortality was maxed out.

Forget it—Aslan had no time to think further. Azi Dahaka was already attacking.

*SWOOSH!*

A claw nearly the size of an adult’s head pierced through his chest, crushing his heart. Even so, Azi Dahaka wasn’t satisfied. He opened his dragon mouth again, aiming the full-powered, unrestrained Wheel of the Overlord at Aslan!

Even Azi Dahaka, to avoid damaging Little Garden, tilted the angle slightly, shooting toward the starry sky of Little Garden.

Who knows how many stars would be destroyed this time.

“Kind of hot,” was Aslan’s comment on it. Since his body died too quickly, he didn’t feel much.

Seeing Azi Dahaka, slightly confused after venting his rage, Aslan sighed in relief.

(Thank goodness he’s not completely insane. If Absolute Evil truly went mad, Little Garden would be finished.)

Absolute Evil was still manageable because Azi Dahaka only bore the “Curse Flag” and boldly waited for others to challenge and surpass him. He didn’t have much inclination to destroy Little Garden. In other words, Absolute Evil wasn’t entirely absolute.

If Absolute Evil hid and grew like Dystopia, perhaps no god or Buddha in Little Garden could sleep soundly.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Hello? Anyone with a healing gift?”

Atop a majestic Roc bird, its entire body cloaked in golden flames, Aslan held a pitiful, heavily injured child whose consciousness was fading, on the verge of death.

Yes, that pitiful child was Kalki. Fortunately, he was the savior, and his character could be called resilient. Otherwise, who wouldn’t have psychological trauma after enduring such blows right after being born?

In a single day, he’d nearly died twice. Once by Thor—no, by Zarathustra—and saved by Heracles. Then, before he could recover, he was almost killed again by Azi Dahaka.

If Kalki had grown a few more days and awakened his Another Cosmology, he wouldn’t be this miserable. Or perhaps, Azi Dahaka would’ve used his Another Cosmology too, and Kalki would’ve been beaten even worse.

Hearing Aslan’s voice, some spectators below, along with those trying to seize Arcadia’s flag, started scheming. Though they weren’t sure they could truly surpass Absolute Evil now, leaving an impression on Arcadia’s heir could help.

Next time, when they were ready to challenge Absolute Evil, they could be called again. That way, when achievements were distributed, their Pantheon could claim a larger share.

Even if not for next time, only Kalki could truly face Azi Dahaka. The others weren’t pure human Spirit Status holders. What if they triggered Another Cosmology and added Spirit Status and worldview to him? In the end, they’d be the ones in trouble.

Back then, to prevent useless people from interfering with defeating Absolute Evil, Canaria didn’t hide information about Absolute Evil. She let them know how serious the issue was. Of course, except for the fact that a Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status was required.

“Here!”

A golden-haired, nine-tailed fox with a white face emerged from the ground. Her two claws gleefully held a jade bottle.

“This servant has a golden pill from Taoism. It can revive the dead and heal broken bones. As long as he has one breath left, he can be saved!”

“Please, Your Highness, use it freely!” Though she felt reluctant, for the sake of achievements and leaving a good impression on Aslan and Kalki, she was willing to sacrifice.

After this, as long as either Aslan or Kalki remembered her, she’d gain significant benefits.

Aslan wasn’t polite and gave it to Kalki.

The pill truly deserved to be called a Taoist golden pill; its effect was remarkable. Just one pill healed Kalki’s wounds. And there were still two pills left in the bottle.

Aslan glanced at the fox in slight surprise. Why did she seem familiar?

(A golden-haired, white-faced, nine-tailed fox? Ah, that’s Tamamo no Mae. I didn’t expect her to be only Four-Digit?)

Even the Demon King Roc was Four-Digit. After all, Tamamo no Mae was just a Great Demon.

The fact that she was still alive and even came to join the fun surprised Aslan.

“Anyone else willing to help? We need combat support!” Aslan tossed the partially recovered Kalki, letting him float in the air.

It’d be strange if a Four-Digit couldn’t fly, especially since Kalki was the savior.

But the surroundings remained silent. Even Tamamo no Mae, who’d just offered the pill, said awkwardly, “Um… this servant already gave a pill. Can we call it even?”

They all had psychological trauma from how Canaria used people, leading to their deaths.

If Canaria hadn’t sacrificed people so ruthlessly back then, Aslan might’ve been able to ask for help now. Unlike now, with only the pitiful Kalki, born just days ago, holding on here.

No choice.

Who told Aslan to be Arcadia’s secret heir, trained by them?

Even the savior’s achievement was a world Canaria had discovered long ago, all arranged, just waiting for Aslan to bear the burden at the critical moment.

It was all part of Canaria’s plan. So, in terms of using people, Aslan didn’t inherit Canaria’s ruthless style of sacrificing others. Most importantly, afterward, you couldn’t even hold her accountable, as it was all for the greater good, a necessary sacrifice.

“Fine.” Aslan paused, then held Arcadia’s flag and stared at Azi Dahaka.

(Canaria, you really did some terrible things! No wonder Ouroboros exiled you, and you died.)

(Damn it, now I can’t even get help! Or rather, of everyone here, not one dares take the risk, all because of Canaria! The only one who took a risk was someone who gave medicine and has no combat ability.)

(Even past allies, even Heracles, stayed silent, pretending to be absent. Just how awful were you back then, Canaria!!!)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Hahaha, I didn’t expect the community that sealed me back then has fallen this far?”

“Arcadia!” Azi Dahaka couldn’t hold back his laughter seeing Aslan.

He had truly hoped Canaria and Koumei, after using every means, would surpass him and stand over his body, proclaiming absolute good.

But who would’ve thought Canaria chose to seal him instead?

What was the true way to surpass Absolute Evil? It was a way even Absolute Evil himself didn’t know! Only then would it be the safest. Absolute Evil just needed to wait for others’ challenges; he didn’t need to know how to be surpassed.

“As his heir, are you ready to face the trial of Absolute Evil again?” Azi Dahaka tilted his heads, a cruel smile appearing on all three of his dragon faces.

He decided to show Aslan despair once more, as he did to Arcadia before!

He’d let him gather enough strength before challenging him again!

He wanted to feel that thrill of nearly losing again.

“Of course I’m ready.”

Aslan stomped his foot, signaling Kalki to fly higher.

“Don’t step on my head! Believe it or not, I’ll toss you down!” Kalki said, annoyed. But he still flew higher, to a height where he could oversee the entire battlefield.

That height also let Aslan ensure everyone on the battlefield could see Arcadia’s flag.

“I swear on Arcadia’s flag! I won’t sacrifice anyone who helps me.”

“I guarantee with my Spatial Divinity, under the witness of the Central Core, that whenever someone is severely injured, or when the three-headed dragon unleashes his Another Cosmology, I’ll teleport them out of the battlefield.”

Hearing Aslan’s guarantee and oath, others finally dared to step forward and offer help.

“Lord Aslan, don’t forget this servant. I can provide illusion support!” Tamamo no Mae gleefully waved her claws and tails, her face full of flattery, like a dog begging for a bone.

“Kid, don’t forget Greece. No Greek hero is a coward in battle!” Heracles raised his club and stood firm on the ground.

“And the Huntress!” A bright moon descended.

A green-haired girl, agile as a leopard, clad in animal hides, raised her simple bow. This was Artemis, the Greek moon goddess.

Even in the previously ravaged forest, someone made of leaves and vines emerged.

“Vidar, the avenger, there are no cowardly gods in the Norse!”

Vidar, one of the two Norse survivors, unlike Thor, whose true identity was unclear.

-

Title: Fighting Azi Dahaka, You’ll Know What a Battlefield Strategist Is!

Seeing everyone enthusiastically joining after his guarantee, though Aslan was mentally prepared, the corner of his mouth still twitched twice.

Were they that afraid of dying? Or perhaps they suffered so much from being deceived by Canaria? At least, after Aslan’s assurance, their hearts were somewhat at ease.

(Oh well, as long as there are people willing to help, it’s much better than fighting alone. And it seems after seeing some step forward, more heroes want to take on Azi Dahaka.)

“Sala Doltrake, representative of the Draco Greif Alliance!” A girl with a stunning figure, wearing a revealing swimsuit-like outfit and bronze skin, stepped forward.

“As a Floor Master, I can’t just watch the three-headed dragon, once sealed by our predecessors, come back to cause trouble.”

Sala broke free from the claws of a large, suited cat trying to hold her back, spread her red dragon wings, and said, “Seniors, let me lead the charge.”

The cat man sighed helplessly but stepped aside. He knew he couldn’t stop Sala’s determination.

Garol Gundark, the founder and first leader of the Draco Greif Alliance. He was also a veteran who had fought Azi Dahaka alongside Canaria multiple times in the past.

He was one of the few not sacrificed by Canaria and still alive today. However, he also carried many internal injuries; otherwise, he wouldn’t have handed the leadership to Sala, who had only recently joined the Dragon Horned Griffin.

“Forget it. I’ve recovered from my injuries for over two hundred years. I hope this kid has half of Canaria’s ability.”

Garol stretched his body like a cat, then lay on the ground. In an instant, his clothes tore, and in his place stood a giant cat, six or seven meters tall, ready to attack.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones answering the call. There were many other characters and heroes whose names Aslan didn’t even know, some not even appearing in the original story.

At this moment, the aura of the past Arcadia Great Alliance was somewhat revived.

Aslan felt a bit emotional about this, but the pressure on him was immense. He had to focus entirely on the big picture, constantly adjusting their movements and preventing Azi Dahaka from unleashing his Another Cosmology.

This was Aslan’s first time doing something like this. He wasn’t sure if he could lead, but he was grateful that, at the very least, they were all cooperative. Was this one of the legacies Canaria left for him?

“Ready? If so, my trial begins now!” Azi Dahaka stood at a high altitude, coldly staring at the gathered crowd below and Aslan, who was overseeing the battlefield, preparing to act as commander and micromanage.

He also showed a hopeful smile, wishing Aslan could truly surpass him, surpass Absolute Evil, and lead humanity to a better future. He hoped Aslan would stand over his body and offer victory to justice that was sure to triumph!

He was merely a trial, so he wouldn’t attack any hero preparing to face it. That was his pride.

“Of course not… Ready!!!!”

Aslan smiled confidently at Azi Dahaka, while his eyes glanced at a tall figure with horns, swinging an iron staff in a cave.

It was the Demon King of the Bulls, charging up. In fact, ever since Azi Dahaka broke the seal, the Demon King of the Bulls had been preparing to deliver a single blow to him.

After Sun Wukong became a Buddha, the Demon King of the Bulls took his place, becoming the leader of the Seven Heavenly Saints. He was a renowned great demon with a Four-Digit Spirit Status.

Even among exceptional Four-Digit demons, he was among the best, save for a few hidden Kings of Gods or those who descended to earth as humans. Even Erlang Shen might not gain an advantage over the Demon King of the Bulls.

In the original story, the Demon King of the Bulls was even earlier than the Halloween Queen in discovering Canaria, becoming an investor and gatekeeper for the orphanage where Canaria and Izayoi were. He was also one of the few allies Aslan could fully trust.

The Demon King of the Bulls’ Spirit Status focused on weapon manipulation and strength amplification. As he repeatedly swung his iron staff, he accumulated potential energy within it.

In the end, he could even surpass the limits of an exceptional Four-Digit, unleashing a strike comparable to a Three-Digit. When the potential energy in his iron staff reached its limit, that was the moment to swing!

Now, the potential energy in his staff had reached its limit; he couldn’t control it beyond that.

“Then—”

Azi Dahaka tilted his heads, in no rush. He decided to keep waiting and see what other tricks Aslan could pull.

“Take a hit from your Bull Grandpa!”

But before he could finish, an iron staff, brimming with limitless potential energy capable of shattering stars—even dwarf stars—fell from the sky!

The staff struck Azi Dahaka’s back, knocking him from the sky into the ground.

It created a massive crater. The smoke and heat from the impact even formed a mushroom cloud. This strike, with the accumulated power in the iron staff, might have reached Three-Digit level?

Because the power was amplified. Each strike was at the exceptional Four-Digit level, not exceeding the lower limit. But when combined, it became extraordinary.

Even top-tier Three-Digit Kings of Gods might not fare well taking this hit head-on. It could only be said he was worthy of being one of the strongest Great Demons in the monster-filled Chinese Pantheon.

However, the Demon King of the Bulls was a demon, not a human. Though his attack was powerful, it couldn’t deal significant damage to a Last Trial of Mankind. All he could do was knock Azi Dahaka from the sky.

But that was enough!

A bright moonlight had, at some point, replaced the sun in the sky. In the moonlight, with no other light present, an arrow hidden in the darkness, faintly glowing with moonlight, shot into the sky.

Was it aimed wrong? Maybe! It should’ve targeted Azi Dahaka, right? But don’t forget, Aslan could manipulate space at will. Direction and distance were never important. As long as the arrow was fired, it would hit its target. Spatial Divinity was indeed cheating.

“This arrow will sever your wings!”

Just as Azi Dahaka tried to rise from the crater he’d made, an arrow, appearing out of nowhere, pierced the base of his wing, instantly severing his right wing.

And the other wing? Garol wouldn’t miss this chance either.

Like a cat spotting a small bat and feeling intrigued, Garol pounced, biting Azi Dahaka’s other wing with his claws.

Afterward, Aslan instantly teleported Garol away. If he’d been a moment slower, Azi Dahaka’s claw would’ve pierced Garol’s throat and heart in an instant.

Seeing how reliable Aslan was, other heroes and gods grew bolder. Countless attacks came from all directions, precisely hitting Azi Dahaka’s body under Aslan’s coordination.

Close-combat experts like Heracles engaged in guerrilla tactics under Aslan’s control. The strategy was simple: strike once and retreat.

No heroes or gods had been injured yet, but Azi Dahaka was covered in wounds. However, though their attacks were strong, their effect on Azi Dahaka was limited.

As a Last Trial of Mankind with the ability to mimic opponents’ Spirit Status, Gifts, and worldviews to neutralize their attacks, Azi Dahaka’s damage reduction was extraordinary. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it reached ninety-nine percent.

But as long as it wasn’t one hundred percent, there was an effect, and that was the greatest encouragement. This was also better. Aslan was worried about accidentally killing Azi Dahaka and triggering his revival.

What would revive wouldn’t be the weakened version now but a Demon Lord at his peak, unstoppable even by the Twelve Divine Generals.

Life was tough. He not only had to oversee the heroes and gods but also constantly monitor Azi Dahaka’s health. The battle had only been going on for a few minutes, but Aslan already felt his head might explode.

Indeed, a commander’s job wasn’t for humans.

But Azi Dahaka also realized that if he didn’t deal with Aslan first, he’d keep being harassed like this. Boundary abilities were too overpowered!

Of course, Aslan and Kalki couldn’t be underestimated either, especially after Kalki returned to his original form, his speed was extraordinary. Combined with Karyou’s golden flame barrages, though Azi Dahaka’s damage reduction was immense, it didn’t stop Aslan from pushing him back with their attacks.

Without wings, with Azi Dahaka’s weight comparable to a continent, flying wasn’t easy.

Azi Dahaka clearly realized this issue. Countless streams of blood flowed from his back, where his wings were injured. The blood turned into two-headed dragon clones, bearing some of his weight and reducing his mass. But his Spirit Status and power didn’t decrease at all.

However, the reduced weight meant Azi Dahaka was easier to knock back, and his power was slightly diminished. This was Kalki’s moment to fight.

“I choose you! Kalki!”

Without hesitation, Aslan kicked Kalki toward Azi Dahaka, pushing him to the ground as he tried to launch into the sky.

-

Title: Another Cosmology? Hand It Over!

As for the two-headed dragon clones, they were naturally left to the other heroes and gods to handle.

It wasn’t like even a single clone still needed Aslan’s direction and command, right? If so, they’d be too useless.

Aslan also focused his attention on Kalki, using his spatial abilities to assist him. However, Kalki was too young.

Unlike Azi Dahaka, who had fought countless Pantheons, Kalki was only a few days old. Apart from his strong physique and an unactivated Another Cosmology, he had no other advantages against Azi Dahaka. He didn’t even have a decent weapon.

Aslan paused for a moment, then turned to Indra, who was still fighting Zarathustra. He saw the beautiful golden spear in Indra’s hand. After a brief silence, he unhesitatingly reached out and snatched Vasavi Shakti from Indra’s grip.

“Take it!”

“Uncle Indra, lend Vasavi Shakti to Kalki. He’s struggling a bit against Azi Dahaka barehanded.”

Indra felt like crying. He was already uneasy. He relied on Vasavi Shakti to hold off Zarathustra, who was recklessly burning his Spirit Status. The wounds from two hundred years ago still hadn’t fully healed. Now, he might lose against Zarathustra.

Then Indra pulled out his Vajra and kept controlling lightning to fend off Zarathustra.

What else could he do?

Both were old-timers who’d lived for thousands of years. Zarathustra was no weaker than him. Plus, Indra was still heavily injured, so just holding on was already good.

If it weren’t for him, perhaps only the Demon King of the Bulls could survive briefly under Zarathustra’s hands before dying of aging.

The Demon King of the Bulls hadn’t reached a level of mastery over his Strength Authority to break the law of aging.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Meanwhile, after receiving Vasavi Shakti, Kalki’s strength surged instantly. After all, to some extent, he was the savior within the Hindu Pantheon’s worldview.

But as known, the Hindu religion was now split into two factions: the Heavenly Forces led by Indra and the Sun King Group led by Vishnu’s incarnation.

Kalki was the savior born from the Sun King Group’s investment.

The combination of ten worldviews was indeed powerful but left many gaps due to conflicts among them. Still, as part of the Hindu worldview, using Vasavi Shakti was easy for him. At the very least, he wouldn’t fail to unleash Vasavi Shakti’s true power. And Indra’s Vasavi Shakti was an Another Cosmology.

It was highly sensitive to compatibility. Forcing its use with poor compatibility would only lead to rejection. But with good compatibility, the boost was significant. Like now, Kalki, wielding Vasavi Shakti, even managed to suppress Azi Dahaka temporarily.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Maxwell, where are you going?”

A figure in red and blue, controlling ice and fire, kept blinking across the sky. He teleported, dodging countless shadow attacks chasing him. Even after escaping to a high altitude, tens of thousands of miles from his shadow, the shadow still stabbed at him with thousands of shadow thorns.

He’d tried teleporting to escape Lamia’s pursuit, but it failed. Lamia had completely locked onto his shadow. She had merged with Maxwell’s shadow. No matter how much Maxwell teleported, as long as he couldn’t sever his connection to his shadow, Lamia would always be in it, hunting him.

Until he handed over the Third Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status!

“Quickly hand over the Third Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status! His Highness is waiting for your Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status.”

Lamia spread her shadow-made wings, like an angel’s, emerging from Maxwell’s shadow. She stared at him and declared loudly. Though this was confidential information, this was the effect she wanted. She only needed to draw Aslan’s attention. With Aslan’s mastery over space, Maxwell wouldn’t escape.

That way, the Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status could be secured, and Maxwell’s purpose would be fulfilled.

Hearing “Perpetual Motion Machine” countless gazes instantly focused on Maxwell. Even Indra, suppressing Zarathustra, couldn’t help but look up.

He might’ve realized why Ouroboros released Azi Dahaka.

Ouroboros planned to explain themselves to the gods by surpassing Absolute Evil after preparing. Thinking of this, Indra’s expression grew graver. He couldn’t imagine how chaotic Little Garden would become or how much Ouroboros’s power would swell if they truly surpassed Absolute Evil and let the gods reap massive benefits.

“Damn it, this cursed Ouroboros really knows how to seize opportunities!” Indra couldn’t help cursing.

Ouroboros, as it was now, dared to attack Arcadia directly. What else would they dare do after growing stronger? Indra didn’t even want to imagine.

Would the lower layers ever know peace?

Would the Heavenly Forces still have authority?

Instantly, Indra was in a dilemma. On one hand, if Absolute Evil wasn’t surpassed, the Wind of Decadence would descend, and Little Garden would be utterly destroyed.

On the other hand, if Ouroboros claimed all the achievements, Little Garden’s lower layers might return to the initial chaos, without order.

Though the current order in the lower layers was terrible, thanks to the Heavenly Forces and the hierarchical ruler system, bad order was still far better than chaos.

Ouroboros was indeed a venomous snake hiding in the dark. One strike was an absolute, lethal blow. Silent, then shocking everyone.

Honestly, Indra slightly regretted attacking Ouroboros now. They’d hidden too long, their preparations too thorough.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

On the other side, Aslan didn’t miss the chance to seize the Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status. He reached out, aimed at Maxwell, and gripped the space.

“Kalki! Now!”

“Golden Flame of the Sun Wheel!”

Aslan controlled space, locking Maxwell in place and sealing his teleportation ability.

Kalki didn’t miss the chance. He unleashed the Golden Flame of the Sun Wheel, annihilating Maxwell, the paradox demon with the Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status, on the spot.

As for the Third Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status that would flow to Copellia, Aslan intercepted it with Magic: The Gathering.

“I can’t let this Spirit Status escape. If it does, everything’s over.”

The Perpetual Motion Machine was something that shouldn’t exist for Little Garden and human history. Or rather, according to Little Garden’s Central Core and human history, the Perpetual Motion Machine was a mistake, a paradox. So, if it flowed to Copellia, she’d instantly become a Last Trial of Mankind, as in the original story, and face the Wind of Decadence’s trial.

But this time, there was no Izayoi, the true Third Perpetual Motion Machine fitting the era, to prove to Little Garden it truly existed and keep it. Instead, it would be instantly annihilated by the Wind of Decadence. Like the paradox demon Maxwell, its existence was wholly denied by science.

Then Aslan looked at Kalki, fighting Azi Dahaka, and sank into thought.

“Should I let Kalki surpass Absolute Evil now and let Angra Mainyu become the true Absolute Evil?”

“Or keep sealing Azi Dahaka and plan again later?”

The key elements were gathered. The chance to surpass Absolute Evil was at hand. But was now really the best opportunity to let Angra Mainyu become Absolute Evil?

No, it wasn’t the best time.

The Umbrella Corporation hadn’t grown, and its virus hadn’t spread throughout Little Garden to cause irreparable consequences. It couldn’t even threaten the gods; instead, it would trigger the Wind of Decadence like Absolute Evil. Its impact would only harm the lower layers and human history.

Moreover, a newly formed Absolute Evil in Angra Mainyu wouldn’t affect the countless gods. Even the current Absolute Evil was the same. Azi Dahaka’s impact on the gods wasn’t even as great as Dystopia’s in the past.

At least the gods truly feared Dystopia. Unlike now, where Ouroboros even dared use Azi Dahaka for their own goals.

So, it was better to wait and grow stronger. At least until the Last Trial of Mankind Spirit Status targeting gods, Kali Yuga, was formed.

Aslan suppressed his restless heart and desire for Absolute Evil’s power. Now wasn’t the time.

Then Aslan saw the gold coin that dropped after Maxwell’s death, along with a gift unscathed by the Golden Flame of the Sun Wheel. It was Salamandra’s true inherited Gift, the reason Salamandra stood tall in the lower layers for years.

Another Cosmology Void Star · Tai Sui and Dragon Sun Authorities!

Perhaps it was time to end this.

“Mirror reflecting the sky to the equator! False Star: Taisui!”

With the Yanhuang Zisun bloodline and the [Chenlong] and [Xugou] Sun Authorities in hand, Aslan had no trouble using False Star: Taisui. At the very least, restricting Azi Dahaka wouldn’t be difficult.

Azi Dahaka also sensed Aslan’s intent, but the only thing that could counter an Another Cosmology was another Another Cosmology!

To avoid being sealed again and to make the justice that surpassed him more righteous, Azi Dahaka finally unleashed his full power!

“Avesta activated – Counter them in sequence!”

Three updates, nine thousand words, rounded up to ten thousand. I’ve gone all out, so where are your votes?

It’s the end of the month, time to clear your monthly passes, seniors. The author kneels begging for monthly passes!!

-

Title: Deceiving the Gods, Deceiving the World, Deceiving Human History

“Want to add Spirit Status and worldviews? No way!”

Aslan couldn’t possibly miss Azi Dahaka’s intent.

Another Cosmology: Avesta, the pinnacle of dualism, first defines itself as the extreme right wing of good and evil, then mirrors the target’s worldview, adding it to itself like a reflection. Even Spirit Status and Gifts can be absorbed into itself.

Except for pure humans and Zoroastrian Evil Gods, everything else is within its range. Right now, the only pure human is Kalki. As for Zoroastrian Evil Gods, there are only Indra and Zarathustra.

This means that everyone present, except these three, as long as they’re alive—whether they’re Azi Dahaka’s enemies or not—will become part of the Spirit Status he absorbs. This is the terror of his Another Cosmology.

As for Another Cosmology: Void Star · Tai Sui in Aslan’s hands, it’s relatively ordinary. It can only produce remarkable effects against naturally born gods and Star Spirits, sealing them, while against other beings, it can only reduce their Spirit Status by half.

Though this effect is also very powerful (in other words, Spirit Status is the essence of life, and reducing it by half means cutting half their life essence), it’s still far inferior to Avesta and its previous effects.

Unfortunately, though Azi Dahaka is a Zoroastrian Evil God, he’s also a dragon species with draconic remnants. He can’t be considered entirely a god. Thus, Void Star · Tai Sui can’t fully seal him but can reduce most of his Spirit Status and halt his movements.

For Azi Dahaka, currently weakened to a Four-Digit Spirit Status, a sudden reduction in Spirit Status would have an absolute impact. It would even affect the outcome of his battle with Kalki.

As Absolute Evil, he’d use every means to test anyone trying to surpass him, and Another Cosmology was part of that. But how could Aslan let Azi Dahaka achieve his goal so easily?

He’d been at a high altitude, overseeing the battlefield, precisely to prevent this technique from Azi Dahaka.

“Mass Teleportation Magic!”

In an instant, except for Kalki and the two Zoroastrian Evil Gods still fighting, even Aslan himself was teleported to another outer gate.

Due to Little Garden’s restrictions, an Another Cosmology that could destroy an entire universe only has the range of one outer gate. This means that as long as they were teleported to another outer gate, they’d escape Avesta’s range.

This time, Azi Dahaka’s Another Cosmology activation had zero effect. It gave him no advantage. Instead, it consumed much of his power.

“Hahaha, that’s it! Use every means to surpass me!”

“Step over my corpse and proclaim your flag of justice!”

Seeing his Another Cosmology fail, Azi Dahaka was thrilled. Though Aslan used plenty of tricks, it also meant they’d cleared the hardest step in surpassing Azi Dahaka—his Another Cosmology.

Now, after using every means, all that was needed was for Kalki to thrust Vasavi Shakti into his heart. This would complete the great achievement of surpassing the Last Trial of Mankind: Absolute Evil.

At this moment, Kalki was full of hope. He hoped he could save the world again.

Maybe this time he could complete his mission?

Azi Dahaka was also hopeful. He hoped the footnote he created for humanity’s destruction would be surpassed.

Maybe he could wipe the tears from his mother’s face?

Even the gods of Little Garden were hopeful. They hoped that after Absolute Evil was surpassed, human history, stalled at 2000 AD, would advance a few centuries. They looked forward to the feast of distributing achievements after surpassing Absolute Evil.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Wait, Kalki, there’s one thing you still lack to surpass Absolute Evil.”

Aslan’s voice sounded in Kalki’s ears. He pulled out a Magic: The Gathering card containing the Third Perpetual Motion Machine and placed it in Kalki’s hand.

“But I must warn you, is surpassing Absolute Evil truly your mission?”

“The tenth incarnation of Vishnu, the white horse Kalki, descends at the end of Kali Yuga, eradicating all evil, ending the collapsing old world, and building a perfect new one. Is that really your mission?”

“Destroy this card, gain the Perpetual Motion Machine Spirit Status, then thrust Vasavi Shakti into Azi Dahaka’s heart. You can surpass Absolute Evil.”

“I won’t stop you. But don’t you feel everything’s been too smooth?”

Aslan patted Kalki’s shoulder and said no more. He’d conveyed what he wanted. He hoped Kalki could make the right choice for himself. Only then would his true final trial appear.

“Quick! Kill him!”

“You’re the savior, aren’t you? Will you let Absolute Evil go?”

“Quick! Thrust the spear in your hand into the three-headed dragon’s heart, kill him!”

Countless voices echoed in Kalki’s mind, urging him to kill Azi Dahaka and complete the Last Trial of Mankind: Absolute Evil. Even Kalki’s own resolve wavered. He raised his spear, aiming at Azi Dahaka, lying on the ground, panting weakly.

He prepared to deliver the final blow to surpass the Last Trial of Mankind!

*THUD!*

Vasavi Shakti fell from Kalki’s hand to the ground. Kalki, after all, was destined to be the savior who’d surpass Kali Yuga, not Absolute Evil.

How could illusions and hallucinations created by a virus affect Kalki’s mind?

Everything just now was caused by a virus Aslan planted in Kalki’s body while stabilizing his wounds. After all, this was Little Garden. Under the guarantee of Little Garden’s Central Core, even Gifts affecting human minds weren’t allowed, let alone Inner Demons.

This wasn’t a cultivation world demanding mental fortitude. Where would Inner Demons come from?

Kalki, only a few days old and unaware, ignored it subconsciously. If it were a seasoned veteran, they’d likely have noticed something wrong with their body immediately, realizing they might be under a spell’s influence.

“Sorry, surpassing Absolute Evil isn’t my mission. Sorry, I can’t do it.”

“And, can the person making noises in my body come out?”

Kalki spoke very politely. Truly worthy of being called a savior. He realized something was wrong with his body so quickly.

But seeing the person hiding in his body didn’t react, Kalki felt a bit helpless.

“Pretending isn’t useful, senior.”

Kalki shook his head helplessly.

No choice. It seemed he’d have to do it himself. If they wouldn’t come out, then stay in!

“Ten Radiant Cycles! Avatāra!”

Countless rays of light gathered in Kalki’s body, instantly expelling a pale figure from within.

“I was just hiding in your body for a bit. Do you have to be so dramatic?” Aslan, or rather Angra Mainyu, rubbed his backside and said. “Did you have to use Another Cosmology?”

“It’s you!!!”

Instantly, Azi Dahaka grew agitated. He struggled to use his last strength to deliver a final blow to Aslan (Angra Mainyu).

Then Aslan (Planeswalker) picked up Vasavi Shakti from the ground, using Another Cosmology: Void Star · Tai Sui to suppress Azi Dahaka, preventing him from causing more trouble.

Azi Dahaka was now too weak. He hadn’t even killed a single god, nor could he add Spirit Status with his Another Cosmology. Instead, he’d exhausted most of his remaining Spirit Status.

He was so weak that a strong spear thrust could kill him.

“You’re not dead?” Aslan (Planeswalker) said with slight surprise. Pretending, just pretending.

This was the perfect chance to infuse the Kali Yuga Spirit Status into Angra Mainyu.

In fact, though Ahriman had successfully reverse-engineered the Kali Yuga Spirit Status structure from Kalki’s, becoming Kali Yuga wasn’t easy, especially for a Spirit Status like a Last Trial of Mankind.

Divinity could be artificially created, and Spirit Status could be granted. But a Last Trial of Mankind Spirit Status was more like a position, requiring selection by human history and Little Garden’s Central Core. Otherwise, no matter how much you knew, it was useless. If it wasn’t yours, you wouldn’t get it.

But there was a way. Aslan had now deceived Little Garden’s Central Core, and it had agreed to turn a blind eye. As long as human history didn’t object, he could grant the Kali Yuga Spirit Status.

Little Garden was also a world where lies and truth intertwined. Under the mutual observation of human history and Little Garden, even if it was false, if enough people believed it, it would become reality.

Human history lacked consciousness. This meant that as long as Little Garden’s gods believed Angra Mainyu was Kali Yuga, he could truly gain the Kali Yuga Spirit Status.

Thus, he would deceive the gods, deceive the world, and deceive human history, and amid endless lies, he would birth the true Last Trial of Mankind for the gods!

“Me? I don’t die that easily.” Angra Mainyu turned, spread his arms, and said confidently and arrogantly.

“What do you think can kill a Last Trial of Mankind?”

[Note: I misremembered. Void Star · Tai Sui can seal the strongest species besides dragons, namely Star Spirits and gods. It can’t seal dragon species. Sorry, I’ve corrected it.]

-

Title: Can the Gods Live in Peace in Little Garden?

As Angra Mainyu spread his arms before all of Little Garden, a scene reminiscent of when Azi Dahaka broke his seal reappeared.

In the sky, countless black, wordless contract letters fell from the heights, announcing to the world the arrival of a new Last Trial of Mankind!

“Rejoice! The gods of Little Garden will finally meet your end!”

“The Iron Age, the end of everything, Kali Yuga has been born!”

“Um, isn’t your name Angra Mainyu?” Aslan weakly raised his hand, asking like an elementary school student.

Honestly, this was beyond Aslan’s expectations. He had suspected that the Last Trial of Mankind from Hinduism, Kali Yuga, might emerge early, like Kalki. But who would’ve thought his opponent would arrive in Little Garden under the alias Mother of the Evil God, Angra Mainyu?

Don’t tell him that just as Indra could switch from Zoroastrianism to Hinduism, Angra Mainyu switched from Hinduism to Zoroastrianism.

“Talkative, why are you so curious?” Angra Mainyu stomped his foot in annoyance, pointing at Aslan’s nose. “Planeswalker, do what you’re supposed to do and let this guy surpass Absolute Evil.”

“But what if I say no?” Aslan kicked Azi Dahaka, who was frantically trying to pounce on him.

He used Vasavi Shakti to knock him out, then employed Another Cosmology: Void Star · Tai Sui to temporarily seal him. He then curiously stared at Angra Mainyu. He even boldly stepped forward, pinched his cheek, and rubbed his chin for a moment.

“As expected, in an immature state, just like Kalki?”

“Sorry, if you want to obtain the Absolute Evil Spirit Status this way, I really can’t agree.”

“Because Little Garden hasn’t reached its period of destruction yet, nor has it reached the Iron Age. This causes your birth, like Kalki’s, to be incomplete.”

“So you want to use the Absolute Evil Spirit Status, also a Last Trial of Mankind, to complete your Spirit Status early and achieve the goal of becoming more perfect than the savior Kalki?”

Aslan held Vasavi Shakti, confidently pointing its tip at Angra Mainyu. He was certain his guess was correct.

Of course it was—because he orchestrated it all. Even this performance was his solo act, so how could there be any mistakes?

Unlike Aslan’s confidence, the gods, after painstakingly defeating Absolute Evil, were suddenly confronted with another Last Trial of Mankind, with black, wordless contract letters falling.

Many gods felt dizzy—literally—and didn’t dare open their eyes. One Last Trial of Mankind was bad enough, and now another appeared.

“…Last Trial of Mankind.” Athena took a deep breath. Her hands and feet felt cold despite the hot weather. “What’s wrong with this world? Can we gods live in peace? Tears flow uncontrollably… ah, forget the rest.”

In short, even the flower-crowned girl, who thought she was the mastermind of this grand drama, puffed out her chest and sank into thought. Who would’ve known she came to fish for information on Ouroboros’s plans, only to create the savior Kalki?

And now Ouroboros had made it clear they summoned Kalki just to try completing Vishnu’s Spirit Status. As an apology, they generously decided to share the achievements from surpassing Absolute Evil to silence Little Garden’s gods.

This also showed everything was under Ouroboros’s control, with no issues. But… damn it, what was with this new Last Trial of Mankind? Did they bring about the apocalypse while creating a savior?

Damn Ouroboros!

As for whether it was fake?

Try withstanding the Wheel of the Overlord from that three-headed dragon. A Last Trial of Mankind has absolute God-Slayer traits. All tricks like Star Spirit immortality, gods returning through human history, or avatars still existing… none work against a Last Trial of Mankind. If it kills you, you’re truly dead, and that Spirit Status is gone forever.

A Last Trial of Mankind will crush anyone who underestimates it. So, the only one who could survive the Wheel of the Overlord is another Last Trial of Mankind. Though still in its infancy, it can’t be compared to ordinary beings. Especially since it nearly gained the Absolute Evil Spirit Status and became perfect early.

At this moment, not only Athena but other gods thought the same.

Though Angra Mainyu’s Last Trial of Mankind identity needed further verification, his ability to spread black contracts and the fact that he was killed by the Wheel of the Overlord and revived was enough to confirm he was indeed a Last Trial of Mankind.

Wouldn’t it be worse if he truly was the incarnation of the Mother of the Evil God?

In an instant, most gods believed Angra Mainyu was Kali Yuga. After all, the elite gods in the upper layers weren’t easily fooled, but the lazy gods in the lower layers definitely were.

Aslan didn’t need everyone to believe to control the Kali Yuga Spirit Status; he just needed the dumbest, most gullible lower-layer gods to believe.

When the gods believed, human history would observe that the gods’ history believed, and Little Garden’s Central Core would believe too. Then, the prototype of the Kali Yuga Spirit Status would form in Angra Mainyu’s body.

This was the benefit of building good relations and paving the way early. With a good rapport with Little Garden’s Central Core, everything would go smoothly.

As for what the Two-Digit seniors would think? Little Garden’s Central Core playing dumb wasn’t new. Wasn’t it normal for bugs to occur sometimes? Two-Digit beings weren’t omniscient or omnipotent. They couldn’t predict every situation.

“That’s right, but how are you so sure it’s me—”

Before Angra Mainyu could finish, a lightning-filled spear pierced him.

It was Indra, or rather, Indra wielding Vasavi Shakti.

Guess why Aslan wasted time talking to him? It was just to stall. While conversing with Angra Mainyu, Aslan secretly returned Vasavi Shakti to Indra.

Indra seized the chance to injure Zarathustra and disable his movements. Then he delivered a fatal blow to Angra Mainyu.

“Kali Yuga? I’ve surpassed it once, what’s wrong with doing it again?”

Indra’s eyes were filled with worry. He hadn’t expected even Kali Yuga to rise and surge. What about other Last Trials of Mankind defeated by gods who descended as humans?

Like Yamata no Orochi, Hanuman, or Angolmoa, King of the End of the Century?

This was truly an unsettling signal. Hopefully, Kali Yuga didn’t have that disgusting trait of only being killable by humans, not saviors. That would be utterly repulsive.

“A sneak attack?” Angra Mainyu suddenly laughed. Then he said, “Mother of the Evil God Ahriman, I leave this fight to you.”

Ahriman said nothing and didn’t refuse. She gently extended her finger, stopping Indra’s full-powered Vasavi Shakti. Then she reached out, a beating golden heart appearing in her hand, which she crushed.

In one move, Indra could no longer rise.

Instantly, all watching gods were shocked. Even the Full Authority Domain (Two-Digit level) in the upper layers.

What… what happened?

Indra maintained his position as the Heavenly Forces’ leader not just through achievements but absolute strength. He was an invincible existence at both Three-Digit and Four-Digit levels.

When he was Three-Digit, his achievement was splitting his Spirit Status among Hindu gods fallen in the Last Trial of Mankind Kali Yuga, then defeating Kali Yuga himself while retaining top Three-Digit power.

After descending as a human, he also defeated Azi Dahaka, who had absorbed worldviews, Spirit Statuses, and Gifts from many divine groups. Even after a sneak attack, he still had the strength to save the Heavenly Forces and maintain their power.

This invincible history let Indra hold his position as the Heavenly Forces’ leader. But now… Indra lost in one strike?

All gods felt it was unreal. More than that, they panicked yet felt relieved. Kali Yuga, still at Four-Digit, was already this strong—what about its perfect form after gaining the Absolute Evil Spirit Status?

Aslan truly saved Little Garden’s gods this time.

“When did you show up? I didn’t have the illusion I’d achieved my true goal?” Ahriman left, and Aslan took over. Angra Mainyu flicked the golden divine blood off his hand, looked at Aslan, and laughed.

Then, under Aslan’s wary gaze, he walked step by step toward the unconscious Azi Dahaka. He reached out, directly extracting Another Cosmology: Avesta from Azi Dahaka’s body.

After merging it into himself, Angra Mainyu casually explained.

“Absolute Evil Spirit Status? Of course, I knew the chances were slim. After all, I didn’t expect you to guess the truth?”

“But since you guessed, why did I call myself Angra Mainyu?”