All For Naught

Gaia felt a little apprehensive. What were the chances that right after using an unparalleled technique that the whole universe would drool for, a being like Eridel would appear right before her.

It was suspicious. Way too suspicious.

But what could she do? The power of a goddess was something granted to her by him, and she even had suspicions that the Primordial Essence that she used to become a Creation Dragon rather than a Destruction Dragon all those years ago was also something granted by him. After all, other than him, she hadn't so much as seen another Immortal, talk less of a being that could generate Primordial Essence.

But even if both of those things were false, the fact that Eridel was much stronger than her still remained. She could practically feel the strength hidden beneath his skin like waves of radiation beating across her scales. It was horrifying.

If Eridel really knew about her Limitless Soul Brand and came here to obtain the technique manual, she… could not resist. It was very likely that her own life would be held hostage, and it would perish if she refused him, and considering the fact that she no longer had the means to undergo another reincarnation with intact memories, she would really have to cough up the technique just to preserve her life.

But what was to say that he wouldn't kill her anyway? Who could bare the existence of another being with a Limitless Soul technique when you could easily kill them and become the sole owner.

Gaia's blood cooled as she thought of these things, but she didn't lose her mind. She had been in many dangerous situations throughout the long duration of her previous life and would not crumble until she exhausted all of her options.

No, even then she would not crumble. Even if she had nothing left to give, she would never allow her mind to collapse. That was the dignity of an Immortal.

She began to concoct a plan. At this point, it was pretty much certain that Eridel was here for the technique. The coincidence was too big for that not to be so. She would definitely have to teach him the technique to prevent a bad outcome. But how would she preserve her life in the event that he decided to off her? Could she poison the technique- no. Too many chances of failure, not to mention he might even kill her before he later learnt that the technique had been sabotaged and needed her for the cure. Could she somehow pretend that the forces in Sigothia knew of her existence here and would retaliate if she were killed? Likely but not foolproof. Moreover, he had already expressed his disdain for this entire galaxy, talk less of a single Law World in its worst region. So how about a contract? Could she force one? The value of a Limitless Soul technique did not need to be expressed. Surely he would be willing to accept a contract that prevented him from harming her if she willingly gave the full technique without hiding or altering parts of it? He wouldn't gain anything if he killed her just for refusing so it was very likely. But… but what if he could just read her mind and search for the technique without her consent? How would- wait! Earlier he had said 'Care for a chat?' If he had the kind of ability to search minds or souls, would he need to care about conversation? The allure of a Limitless Soul technique would surely make that unlikely. Also, in regards to him making her a goddess, she would be a fool if she believed that it was solely to obtain her knowledge on this galaxy. He also mentioned back then that he wanted her to be a 'partner' of his. Most likely a subordinate. He definitely had plans for her. So would he be willing to kill her when he could accept a harmless contract? Likely, very likely.

Although the thought of him using the method of 'fattening a sheep only to consume it later' was something she had thought about many times before, perhaps she could still include a clause in the contract to prevent him from killing her, then she would be safe from both threa- Ah! But what if he felt pressured and knew he couldn't agree for the sake of his 'future plans', causing him to.....

Gaia's brain burnt through energy as it forced itself to come up with a method to ensure survival.

She didn't know it, but at that moment, her eyes began to visibly glow a little brighter. A result brought by her Will Flame (at the centre of her mindscape) burning more vigorously than normal.

However, seeing as she hadn't responded to Eridel's question, he decided to speak up once more, but not without a devious glint in his eyes that Gaia caught when his voice snatched her attention, making her even more wary.

"Dear goddess Gaia, your silence pains me so. But no matter! I'm sure you have a lot on your mind after such harrowing events. Poor, poor Aeshma~" He said with mock sympathy on his face.

"Alas!" He clapped his hands together. "Time waits for no one. So with that being said, I would like you to… help me out with something." A slow grind spread across his face.

"You see, It's come to my attention that…" He took a pause again, his eyes twinkling as he delighted in her discomfort.

'This bastard.' Gain inwardly growled. 'Just say it and get it over with.'

"That you… are the PERFECT person to deal with a problem I've been hoping to get rid of! Would you like to hear about it?"

'What?' Gaia blinked at the unexpected words.

"What are you talking about?" She spoke out loud, her voice as steady as always as if her mind wasn't in turmoil.

"I'm sure you've heard about them. Those unruly punks. The 7 Deadly Sins."

If Gaia had eyebrows to raise right now, they would be raised quite high. 'What the heck is going on?'

"They've been causing quite a few problems for me and I want them all gone. I'm sure you feel the same after the terrible peril that befell Aeshma so how about it? Are you willing to listen?"