No one, not even Michael, fully understood how the phenonon of the golden tree had co to exist or why it settled over Earth.
However, he had so theories.
In his first life, when the last human fell and he was left utterly alone, the final remnant of their race. The golden tree also ca to its fall.
At first nothing changed.
But soon, the grass grew darker, the trees withered, and the planet gradually lost its natural luster, transforming into a lifeless world.
Nothing was clear to Michael at the ti until the ground split open and a colossal, recently evolved Titan erged from the planet’s crevices.
"It’s just a hypothesis..." Michael spoke out loud as he paced across the tunnel, Devil following behind.
"But if we consider Earth as a living organism, a host in a sense. Then the golden tree’s relationship with the planet could be seen as mutualism. The Monarch we’re about to encounter, however... it’s a parasite."
Michael’s guess was that the golden tree and the Monarch parasite had reached a delicate balance. The tree produced the necessary spiritual energy for Earth to thrive, while the parasite consud a portion of it, preventing humanity from reaching its full potential.
That was why, when Michael witnessed the fall of the golden tree, he believed he had also seen the balance break, allowing the parasite to grow to uncontrollable levels.
Honestly, most of it was guesswork. Even the location of the cave was uncertain. In his previous life, the only evidence he had after slaying the parasite was a massive hole beneath the ocean.
Fortunately, his bet had paid off, bringing him here to prevent the parasite from festering any longer.
"Slow down." Devil exclaid, his claws sinking deep into the fleshy root, searching for a response.
"Leaving aside how you know these things, that still leaves the questions... Why now, and why alone?"
Michael answered without turning back.
"I could be wrong. Imagine that after I kill the parasite, unforeseen consequences follow. If there’s a ti to experint with the Monarch’s true purpose, it’s now, with the tournant’s conclusion in sight. Given the anticipation, the strongest soldiers of humanity are stationed on Earth, so they should be able to prevent total fallout in the case of my hypothetical death."
He paused briefly.
"As for why I ca alone... it would be far too dangerous for anyone else. Even reaching this place ant dodging countless abominable creatures lurking in the dark waters. The potent spiritual energy that caused these beings to be born didn’t appear on its own. It’s the Monarch’s way of declaring that it will defend itself if ever threatened or intruded upon."
’Plus, explaining the existence of a Monarch buried under the ocean wouldn’t be possible.’ Michael thought. ’Unless I disclose that I’m from the future. Devil is... an exception in a sense. Even if he learned sothing, he would have to follow my orders and stay quiet.’
The gears in Devil’s head began to turn.
"Basically, if things proceeded without a hitch, the golden tree would reach its full potential. It would make the spiritual energy around Earth and, by extension the entire solar system, more potent... increasing the effects of cultivation and making humanity stronger?"
Michael nodded.
"That’s the best-case scenario. But even then, it would take ti for the spiritual energy to amplify. And don’t ask how long... it’s not like I’m omniscient."
"No, you are not." Devil sneered. "You’re just soone who happens to know things, as if by so stroke of luck."
Abruptly, their conversation was cut short. The cave opened into a massive chamber. Countless pulsing limbs, stirred in every direction, all converged at the center.
Unlike what many would have expected, the Monarch didn’t bear a fearso appearance. It was no different than a wrinkled pile of flesh, with a disfigured head, two exposed eyes, and a crooked mouth. Disgusting, perhaps, pitifully deford... but certainly not fearso.
Since Michael didn’t recognize the integral structure, he concluded this creature wasn’t a mber of the known alien races. Most likely, it had deviated so far from its original nature that it had beco sothing entirely different.
Although its outer appearance didn’t stir fear, its presence certainly did. When the Monarch took notice of the new arrivals, it unleashed the full extent of its aura.
A titanic wave of energy crashed into Michael and Devil. However, to the alien’s utter shock, both remained unfazed.
Michael’s eyes grew colder, devoid of any warmth or life, as he took a step forward.
Devil smiled widely, his grin stretching to unnatural levels, staying close to his master.
Seeing that the two hadn’t co to play, the Monarch’s mouth parted, releasing a hoarse voice as its disfigured tongue uttered.
"I have been alone... For so long..."
Michael arched an eyebrow in surprise but remained silent.
"Would you consider keeping company?"
Devil whistled.
"Conversing with a Monarch? Now that is new!" He remarked.
"But do you really expect us to remain here with you?"
The Monarch t Devil’s gaze for a few seconds, then shifted its attention to Michael.
"No... I just want to eat your mories. Here, it’s all the sa. But you? You must have seen the outside world. The grass, the ocean, the sky. I want to see it through your eyes and experience your emotions. Do that and I will spare your lives."
Be it isolation or the nature of the parasite, it had gone utterly insane.
Taken by the absurdity of the situation, Devil erupted into maniacal laughter.
However, his laughter was cut short by Michael’s next words.
"Sure. Go ahead."
The Monarch’s eyes refocused on Michael, observing him with growing clarity.
"Aren’t you afraid? Once I’m done eating your mories, there won’t be anything left of you."
Michael tilted his head to the side, a nacing smile spreading across his face.
"Bon appetit."
Unwilling to miss its chance, the Monarch focused on Michael’s mind. Finding no resistance from his side, mories began to flood the tyrannical alien.
"Yes! So this is how the outside world looked—"
Its gaze unfocused, the countless limbs stretched in every direction started to tremble.
"AAAAHHHH!" The Monarch roared in a defiant cry.
So of its limbs jerked violently. The alien proceeded to gouge out its eyes and skin, drawing blood as it endlessly scratched itself. Overwheld by guilt, fear, and fury, the Monarch writhed.
"What have you done?! What have I done?! MONSTER!"
In retaliation, the Monarch attacked without direction, bringing ruin to the underground chamber.
Unsurprised by the end result, Michael summoned Heaven’s Judgnt, his gaze shifting toward Devil, who was too stunned to react.
"We go for the kill."
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