BXBX NOVEL Chapter 183: Becoming the Deity's Puppet
First, he extended his hand into the entrance of the instance, and immediately, he felt an endless surge of power flowing into his body.
Under normal circumstances, Kean would have been extremely pleased.
After all, his primary objective had always been to enhance his own strength, to acquire the power capable of defeating Jeremy.
However, Kean now felt a slight tinge of concern.
He had a persistent feeling that this boundless power, upon entering his body, swiftly reached his brain, attempting to place his mind under its formidable control.
"What on earth is happening? This is entirely different from our original agreement! I only promised to bring you into this instance, and in return, you were supposed to bestow me with immense power.
Why is this power trying to control my brain? Are you planning to turn me into your puppet? I will never accept such a fate."
Kean shouted loudly.
However, at this point, Kean's regret was utterly futile.
Kean realized that he was entirely unable to withdraw his hand from the entrance of the instance.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts, he glared furiously in the direction of the instance and roared, "I will never allow you to turn me into a puppet! Our collaboration is completely over!"
Kean retrieved his most formidable weapon from his backpack, channeling all his strength into hurling it violently towards the instance.
What appeared to be an ordinary instance displayed an extraordinarily powerful defense under Kean's full-force assault.
Kean's attack did not inflict any damage whatsoever on the entrance of the instance.
The ethereal voice once again resonated in Kean's ears.
"You need not struggle any further. At the moment you decided to collaborate with me, your fate to become my puppet was sealed. Your current resistance is merely a waste of our time.
Haven't you always aspired to decisively defeat Jeremy? I can help you achieve that goal! All you need to do is relinquish control of your body to me."
The ethereal voice grew increasingly tangible.
Kean felt as though this voice was emanating from within his very own body.
Kean glanced at his chest with a hint of panic, and immediately witnessed a baby-sized head sprouting from it.
The head even lifted and gazed directly at Kean.
"Who are you?"
"I am a great deity! I shall use your body to manifest successfully in this world!"
The ethereal voice filled Kean's mind.
Kean found himself incapable of contemplating anything else. His brain was utterly disrupted by what seemed like an infinite force.
Under the influence of this overwhelming power, Kean's thoughts quickly dissipated.
Kean collapsed right at the entrance of the instance, and after an indeterminate amount of time, he opened his eyes again. But his eyes had now turned a deep shade of purple.
In that moment, Kean had been transformed into the deity's puppet, controlled by the very deity he had once sought help from.
Kean slowly rose from the ground, took a deep breath, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"I have finally arrived in this world, at long last, I can help the Fool completely eradicate the scourge that is Jeremy!"
After uttering these words, Kean swiftly disintegrated into a stream of data.
At that moment, the deity inhabiting Kean's body was none other than one of the masterminds behind the apocalypse game, the most intelligent subordinate of the Fool, known as the White Tower.
Under the control of the White Tower, Kean's body was entirely transformed into High-Dimensional Data.
Freed from the constraints of Kean's physical form, the White Tower could more easily manipulate Kean for upcoming actions.
Furthermore, the White Tower could channel the immense power of its divine realm into the real world through high-dimensional data.
Under the command of the White Tower, Kean swiftly made his way to Moonlight City.
Naturally, no one was aware that Kean had been transformed into a deity's puppet.
Even the Lannisters, who had intended to remain aloof and observe the unfolding events, had not anticipated such a turn of events.
In Moonlight City, Jeremy was even less likely to suspect that Kean had become an adversary nearly impossible to defeat.
At that moment, Jeremy was busy hosting envoys from both the military headquarters and the federal government alongside Howard.
The envoy from the military headquarters was a colonel, while the federal envoy was the deputy minister responsible for security.
Both were eager to learn how Jeremy had acquired the platinum-grade treasure chest.
Jeremy recounted the process of defeating the Soul Ravager.
The two envoys, upon hearing the account, displayed expressions of admiration on their faces.
"You should join the military, the military can provide you with an abundance of resources. With the military's support, you would undoubtedly be able to enhance your abilities at a much faster pace."
The envoy from the military headquarters openly extended an olive branch to Jeremy.
The federal envoy's expression turned slightly awkward upon hearing these words. Although he had heard rumors about the arrogance of the military headquarters' members, he hadn't anticipated such blatant disregard for his presence.
"Please, don't be hasty. Jeremy is not only a highly valued talent for the military headquarters but also a crucial asset for the federal government. The federal government also hopes that he will serve our interests."
The federal envoy spoke in a gentle tone.
However, the military envoy didn't even spare a glance at the federal envoy.
"No matter what, the military headquarters is your best choice. Besides, haven't you always collaborated with General Howard while in Moonlight City?
Has the federal leadership ever provided you with any assistance? The federal leaders absolutely won't prioritize Moonlight City because they have numerous other areas to defend."
The envoy from the military headquarters was, in fact, offering a semblance of face-saving to the federal envoy.
Upon hearing these words, the federal envoy felt a twinge of dissatisfaction internally. However, he ultimately chose to remain silent.
Everyone's gaze then shifted towards Jeremy.
Only Jeremy himself could make the final decision.
After a moment of calm contemplation, Jeremy slowly spoke.
"I deeply appreciate your kind offers. However, my decision will not please either of you because I will neither join the military nor serve the federal leadership."
Jeremy's words left all three individuals present utterly astonished.
Howard further cautioned Jeremy, "You shouldn't make a hasty decision, this matter is extremely significant for you. You must think it through calmly before arriving at your final conclusion."
In response to Howard's reminder, Jeremy nodded and expressed his gratitude.
"I am very grateful for your advice. However, what I just said reflects my true inner thoughts. I have grown accustomed to operating independently.
Whether I join the military or serve the federal leadership, it would significantly impair my future performance. I believe you wouldn't want my abilities to diminish, would you?"
Jeremy's words caused the two envoys to feel slightly disheartened.
However, the two envoys eventually accepted Jeremy's decision.
After all, they both understood that a highly powerful awakened individual would surely have their own principles.
The envoy from the military headquarters stood up with a smile and said, "Since you have made your decision, we will respect it. However, should you change your mind in the future, the military will still welcome you."
The federal envoy also nodded and said, "The federation welcomes you as well."
Jeremy expressed his gratitude to both envoys.
Subsequently, accompanied by General Howard, Jeremy escorted the two envoys out.
After the envoys had left, Howard hesitated before asking Jeremy.
"Do you really disregard the resources provided by the military and the federal leadership? Without their resources, you will face significant challenges in enhancing your strength.
Your current level is already quite high, to further elevate it, you will need more resources. The resources from Moonlight City alone are far from sufficient."
Jeremy turned back to look at General Howard with a smile.
"Are you suggesting that the military and the federal leadership will no longer provide me with any assistance? Would they really maliciously withhold the resources I need?"
Howard shook his head.
"Not to that extent. Although you have neither joined the military nor served the federal leadership, you are still our ally. Your strength is crucial for all of humanity.
Therefore, the military and the federal leadership will still provide assistance, but they won't do so proactively. They will only help when you seek their assistance."
Upon hearing Howard's words, Jeremy replied calmly.
"That will be sufficient. In fact, I don't need them to go out of their way to help me. All I need from them now is to provide the gemstones to open the platinum-tier treasure chest."
Howard sighed, realizing he could no longer change Jeremy's decision.
"This time, the two envoys brought enough gemstones, you will soon be able to open that platinum-tier treasure chest."