One by one, the sins didn't just torture Evan—that was an understatement. They toyed with him until his mind neared total collapse, and then they kept going.
If Evan were asked to name the most benevolent sin, he would choose Wrath without a second thought.
While Wrath had given him three challenges, the others inflicted three whole sets with not one, not two, but three challenges each. The rotation was completely chaotic: Lust for one set, then Sloth for two, Pride for one, Greed for one, Gluttony for two, Sloth for two, Lust for two, and Pride for two.
It kept him constantly on edge. If suicide had been an option, he would have committed it a thousand times over. Yet, he never once cried or whimpered; he refused to give them the satisfaction.
After what felt like an eternity, the sets finally ended, and his body began to repair itself. He stared at the entities as if they were demons—sadistic and malevolent beyond anything known to mankind.
Pride maintained a smug expression as he spoke. "Mortal. Rejoice, for you have survived the most brutal challenges, though they were mere child's play to us. Each of us will grant you one wish. Choose wisely. And as the most benevolent among us, I shall grant your first wish."
He smirked, while Evan's mind raged in turmoil.
Did this guy lose his marbles? He's the one who literally turned me against myself, twisted my memories to his sadistic liking, and nearly tore my mind apart with those f*ing cryptic questions! And he dares to call himself benevolent?!
Evan took a few deep breaths to rein in the raging inferno within him, then spoke up.
"I have a request. Well, it's in two parts. Can you fulfill it, or are you all bark and no bite?"
Evan saw Pride's body tremble slightly in contained fury before the sin gave a slow nod.
"First, summon an orb that will fulfill my second request in your place."
Pride snapped his fingers, and a luminous blue orb materialized. Evan could sense it was ready to carry out his exact directive, so he delivered his second condition:
"Limit Pride's power to minus seventy-five percent of my current power in all forms, known and unknown, restricting the use of any magic, superpowers, or abilities, and bring him before me."
The orb pulsed quietly before yanking Pride down from his throne to stand right in front of Evan. Knowing the command had taken effect, Evan cracked his knuckles and unleashed all his pent-up fury, throwing a heavy punch straight into Pride's face.
Pride tried to run, but Evan easily caught up, bashing his face in. Once Pride fell, Evan mercilessly kicked him until the sin lay twitching on the floor. Only then did Evan let out a satisfied sigh.
After what he put me through, he deserved far worse. Lucky for him, I was 'benevolent' enough not to use the other sins' powers against him.
The surrounding sins laughed heartily at the sight, while Sloth cracked an eyelid open and chuckled.
The blue orb shattered, and Pride reappeared on his throne, breathing heavily. Evan smirked and turned toward Lust.
"My request: I would like a moderately handsome face—nothing overly dramatic, but handsome—paired with the highest-grade charm skill you have. Thank you."
He continued down the line, asking Greed for the sharpest, most shrewd mind a trader could possess, and asking Sloth for absolute knowledge on the best methods to refine both his mana quality and quantity. He intentionally skipped Wrath and Gluttony.
Lastly, he demanded a binding assurance that none of the sins would ever intervene in his life, nor even glimpse or watch what he was doing.
Once they all agreed, Evan walked up the steps toward the vacant green throne. For reasons he couldn't explain, he felt an irresistible pull toward it.
Reaching the top, he spotted a green crystal containing a writhing, formless shadow. Instinctively sitting upon the throne, he picked up the crystal, examined it briefly, and swallowed it whole. A sudden compulsion forced his hand—it tasted like honey coated in salt, warm yet cold, calming yet frightening.
Moments later, a translucent display materialized before him, identical to the interfaces in the MMORPGs he used to play:
[System Initializing...]
[System Bonding... 1%... 4%... 12%...]
[System Bonding... 95%... 98%... 100%]
[System Bonding Complete!]
[Welcome, Host!]
[Access to Envy's Successor System Granted.]
[Host can access: 'Status', 'Shop', 'Inventory', 'Quests']
[Due to Host demonstrating extraordinary resolve and an unshakable will before entities of unimaginable power, Host is granted one SSS-Rank System Wish!]
"Yes! YEEESSSS!" Evan pumped his fist in the air.
He could feel the judgmental gazes of the sins bearing down on him, but he didn't care. With this, he could dominate his next life.
"Alright, System. Grant me the power to comprehend, analyze, and instantly master anything and everything I see."
[Request Received. New SSS-Rank Skill Acquired!]
[Host is advised to check the 'Status' interface.]
Evan willed the status screen to open.
[STATUS]
Name: Evan Lighthart
Level: N/A
EXP: N/A
HP: N/A
MP: N/A
Strength: N/A | Dexterity: N/A | Wisdom: N/A | Stamina: N/A | Luck: N/A
Affinities: N/A
Skills: Comprehension (SSS-Rank)
Comprehension (SSS-Rank): Grants understanding at a level that inspires fear even among gods. Any technique, skill, or concept observed is instantly analyzed, laying bare its underlying mechanics, flow, and flaws.
Traits: N/A
"Holy shit, this is beyond broken!" Evan gasped in disbelief. He re-read the description until a wide grin spread across his face.
He looked back at the sins with an arrogant smirk, taking particular satisfaction in Pride's face, which was contorted in fury and disbelief.
Sloth let out a sudden, loud laugh. She looked at Evan and said, "Off to the Wheel of Samsara for your reincarnation, then. Good luck with your journey."
With a wave of her hand, Evan was pulled upward through the clouds, disappearing from the realm of sins and reappearing in a dazzling, white sanctuary.
The first thing he noticed was the ice-crystal floor; the second was a figure draped in pure white, seated upon a massive icy throne.
Realizing where he was, Evan spoke up. "Hi. I'm guessing you were supposed to summon me first, but the sins beat you to it."
"Fufufu~ It seems you already understand the situation." Her voice was as sweet and mesmerizing as pure honey—so potent that if she commanded him to end his own life, he felt he might obey without thinking.
The entity continued, "I am Goddess Aurora, Goddess of Nature. Forgive the abrupt summons, but I require your assistance..."
"Wait, wait, wait..." Evan interrupted, holding up a hand. "Sorry to cut you off, but if you're planning to test me with anything even half as tedious as what the sins put me through, I'd rather you just send me on my way."
"Why such a hurry? I would never subject you to something so vile. All I ask is for your help."
Evan stared at her with open curiosity, nonverbally inviting her to elaborate.
"Haha... There is someone I need you to eliminate in the world I am sending you to. As for the reason..."
For a split second, the calm aura around her shifted into raw fury—and in that single second, cold sweat drenched Evan's back. This was an entity who could erase him with a snap of her fingers. Deciding it was wise to show more respect, he listened as she resumed her gentle tone.
"I am sorry, but I cannot give you his true name... that information is restricted. However, I can give you his current title. He is widely feared for his monstrous strength and abilities—he is currently the strongest being in that realm."
"His title is..."