Chapter 353.2. The False Epilogue

The scattered weapons and accessories around were the Sacred Artifacts that sealed Ashtaroth. It was surprising even for the Demon God Ashtaroth that someone could gather all the artifacts, allowing for a complete resurrection. 
The last time people broke the seal, they only gathered half of the Sacred Artifacts, and Ashtaroth’s power was incomplete, destroying only half of the world. Humans, using artifacts created with the power of Gods, had sealed Ashtaroth again.
Now, Ashtaroth’s power was complete. This time, he could destroy the world, and reshape it into a realm where his magic ruled as he pleased. The Gods no longer existed in this land; their power merely lingered in the world like air.
Even if humans attempted to seal him again by gathering God power with Sacred Artifacts, it would be futile before the fully revived Ashtaroth. Overwhelmed by his power, Ashtaroth decided to enlighten the insignificant human figure with joy.
The human figure nodded appreciatively, and with a smirk on their face, they expressed happiness. Casually acknowledging the expression, Ashtaroth inquired what reward the human desired. After all, the human had played a significant role in his complete resurrection, and the reward should be substantial.
“Now, human. Speak of your reward. Do you wish to become my servant? If so, I shall grant you power as my top servant. Or perhaps, do you desire the wisdom of dark magic? I shall bestow upon you profound knowledge.”
In response to the demon’s inquiry about its desires, the human answered with unexpected words.
“In the novel, the Sacred Artifacts were incomplete. I recall the protagonist had a hidden artifact, making the resurrection incomplete. In the novel, an incomplete resurrection means less than half the power.”
“…?”
Ashtaroth seemed bewildered by this unexpected revelation. It appeared that the human figure was concerned about whether the resurrection was complete or not. Indeed, if even one artifact was missing, Ashtaroth’s power would be less than half. The number of artifacts gathered was crucial, and unless all were collected, his power would remain below full strength. To Ashtaroth’s dismay, the human seemed suspicious. 
The demon wondered if the human figure couldn’t trust its words, thinking the human to be insolent. However, that was not the case.
“In the novel, the protagonist and the enemies who gathered the Sacred Artifacts were surprised. The protagonist and allies unexpectedly defeated the incomplete Ashtaroth, the Saint performed resealing, and the world returned to peace. A happy ending.”
That’s a template, the human says, Astharoth isn’t quite sure what they’re talking about.
“What are you talking about?”
“But in the game, there was a hidden route. The protagonist secretly stole the protagonist’s ring and unlocked the true ending, fully resurrecting Ashtaroth. The drop reward was excellent, and the special ability received was the ability to use a third job, which was amazing.” 
The human figure continued their words together, heedless of Ashtaroth’s dubiousness. The words spread cheerfully across the room.
“But you had to defeat Ashtaroth within 10 minutes; otherwise, the 3rd job setting would get canceled. Well, you could just change jobs, but it’s a hassle. It’s a reward that tickles the collector’s soul, even though you can’t use it fully as a challenge element.”
Summoning a clock to its palm, the human figure pressed a button. It seemed to be a stopwatch. Tick-tock, the stopwatch began measuring time.
“So, farewell, secret boss. It was nice with the game’s scenario and all. Mufufufu.”
With a joyful laugh, the human, now understanding Ashtaroth’s confusion, pointed its index finger. Ashtaroth, realizing the human’s intention to defeat him, responded by showcasing his power with a dismissive gesture.
[Extreme Blaze]
The flame, like the sun, shot out from the index finger, burning the air and distorting space as it attacked the human figure. Even a fragment of those sparks, upon contact, would turn a person into charcoal without a trace, thanks to temperatures reaching several hundred million degrees.
That was supposed to happen.
“What?”
However, to its surprise, the extreme flame got absorbed and disappeared the moment it touched the human figure. The unbelievable sight made Ashtaroth doubt its eyes.
“Ah, sorry. I absorb flames. My bad.”
“In that case, how about this?”
[Extreme Wave of 4 Nature Elements]
God’s thunder roared from the weapons held by its four hands, an absolute zero that froze everything, a storm of wind blades that cut through anything, and a tsunami of sand that petrified living beings was released and directed towards humans. 
However, the result was once again unbelievable. All the magic, upon touching the human figure, got absorbed just like before, leaving no trace of its activation.
“Hehe. Let me rephrase. I absorb everything except for the All-powerful attribute.”
“Such power that is impossible for humans. Who are you?”
Ashtaroth finally realized that the person in front of it wasn’t human. Not knowing how they had concealed it, it felt an immense power from their being and asked with a serious expression.
“My second job is God. And as for my main job…”
Removing the hood covering their face, the person smirked.
“The pay-to-win job, the Old God. The Ancient God.”
Chaos spread around the Old God, melting the floor into a viscous substance, warping the space.
“…Old God! You were supposed to have disappeared into the far reaches of the universe!”
Feeling the unmistakable power of the Old God and the chaos, Ashtaroth shuddered in fear. Watching this, the girl chuckled with amusement.
“Ashtaroth, it’s quite a sophisticated design, reacting to the Old God and seemingly having normal thoughts like that.”
With gray hair emitting platinum particles and mischievous ice-blue eyes more beautiful than gems, the petite girl, Takano Miu, switched her consciousness with a click and spoke.
“My name is Takano Miu. I’ve come to return you to your original form. I think it’s about time we end Helheim’s playtime. And say goodbye to the game’s scenario.”
Wearing the magic armor Jarngreipr, Miu held a God Sword and, addressing the Demon God Ashtaroth, her mouth curved into a slight smile.