Chapter 262

Level 5 Death Priest.

Talent — God-Tier · Eternal Erasure

After permanently killing a target designated as the "true body," completely annihilate and erase all of its clones, incarnations, reincarnations, futures, and pasts... The slain target will cease to exist entirely, forever.

This was the talent Kanzaki Rei had chosen through his wish.

"I can use this talent to completely erase anyone after killing them."

At this moment, he finally possessed the means to truly kill him.

When considering this talent, Kanzaki Rei had thought deeply.

Today, he encountered someone difficult to kill. Tomorrow, perhaps someone completely unkillable.

Everyone had their own life-saving methods. Everyone had hidden contingencies.

If none of them could truly be killed... wouldn’t that become an endless nuisance?

And indeed—at higher levels, the more terrifying these escape methods became.

Who knew how many clones they had?Who knew how many backup plans were hidden?

"Ansu."

Ansu seemed to have sensed something.

For the first time, he cast aside his carefree, mocking demeanor.

He met Kanzaki Rei’s gaze seriously.

"Young man... I must admit, you have truly exceeded my expectations."

"I don’t know what exactly has happened to you..."

"But from you... I am now sensing something that could be called a threat."

His tone grew calm, measured.

"I believe you understand—I never had any intention of directly harming you."

"If I had, I would have acted from the very beginning."

Kanzaki Rei replied calmly,

"You should know... negotiations involving life and death aren’t just about attitude."

He still wanted to turn this encounter into an opportunity.

Ansu—someone who had lived since ancient times—possessed a far broader perspective than him.

About Moon辰, about gods... about countless hidden truths of this world—there was too much Kanzaki Rei wanted to know.

If he had someone truly experienced guiding him...

His future journey would become far easier.

Especially in chaotic events like this one.

If every step required personal trial and error, cautious probing, and independent judgment...

Who knew how many opportunities he would miss?

And worse—how many unseen traps lay ahead?

So even knowing the danger...

Kanzaki Rei still chose to gamble.

Because if he didn’t gamble now—

He might be forced to gamble countless times in the future.

Ansu responded steadily,

"What you offer me now is merely a premonition."

"I need to see what you believe gives you the right to negotiate with me."

"Why should I feel threatened?"

"Why would I need to negotiate at all?"

Kanzaki Rei pondered briefly.

Then—

A faint mark appeared on his right hand.

The imprint of his God-Tier talent manifested.

At the same time—

Insolvable Enigma cloaked him.

All attempts to observe or analyze him would instantly be forgotten.

Only Ansu—

Could perceive what he had revealed.

God-Tier · Eternal Erasure

The absolute authority of death itself.

The ultimate annihilation of existence.

Ansu’s pupils contracted slightly.

He recognized it.

"I believe... we now have room to talk."

Ansu let out a faint sigh.

"...Sigh."

"To think... I thought falling here was already the greatest joke."

"And yet... this child... actually holds the means to truly threaten me."

Kanzaki Rei spoke calmly,

"If this talent doesn’t work on you... then I accept my fate."

Ansu shook his head.

"No need to probe."

"It works."

"At least against my current state—it is sufficient."

"But clearly... you don’t intend to kill me."

"If you did, you wouldn’t waste time speaking."

"Correct."

"But if you live, then I must ensure absolute control over you."

"You cannot be allowed to pose any threat to my life."

Ansu smiled self-mockingly.

"No need to explain."

"I’ve done this countless times—binding slaves through contracts, forcing them into service."

"I never imagined... I, Ansu... would one day stand in their place."

He paused, then added coldly:

"But understand this, child."

"I am not someone who clings to life without dignity."

"I can serve you."

"But I must see a day where I regain my freedom."

"If I am to be bound forever... I would rather die."

Kanzaki Rei smirked faintly.

"Then there’s no need for further discussion."

"As for your freedom..."

"That’s simple."

"When you are no longer a threat to me, I will release you."

Ansu narrowed his eyes.

"Then let the contract end upon your death."

Kanzaki Rei shook his head.

"No."

"If that’s the condition, how could I trust you not to kill me?"

"I’ve already decided."

"When I reach Level 9—I will set you free."

Ansu stared coldly.

"And if you fail to reach Level 9?"

"Then you will be free after ten thousand years."

Their gazes locked.

Direct. Unflinching.

"Five thousand."

Ansu countered.

Kanzaki Rei’s expression turned cold.

"Ansu."

"This is not a negotiation."

"I don’t bargain."

"If you attempt this again, I won’t warn you."

"I will erase you."

Silence.

Ansu could tell—

There was no bluff here.

No room for doubt.

If he pushed further—

There would be no second chance.

"...Fine."

"Ten thousand years... is not so long."

"As for the contract—I do have a fair proposal."

"Speak."

"I have my own methods of verification."

"If I detect any deception..."

"You already know the outcome."

Ansu fell silent for a moment.

He could manipulate the contract.

As a Level 9 being from ancient times, he had countless tricks.

He could even create a flawless-looking contract.

But...

Kanzaki Rei had already shown too many impossibilities.

Ansu couldn’t be sure—

That the boy lacked a method to detect deception.

There were only two choices:

Create a genuine contract that completely bound himself

Or gamble with a flawed one—and risk total annihilation

And just as Ansu hesitated—

Kanzaki Rei placed a hand on his soul.

"Ansu."

"Soon... you may become a ’companion’ who stays by my side for a long time."

Around Kanzaki Rei—

Faint, distorted marks appeared.

Each one blurred...

Yet radiated unmistakable law-distorting power.

Every single one—

A God-Tier Talent.

Ansu’s smile turned bitter.

"...Now I understand."

"Why I fell into your hands."

Then—

The symbols shifted.

Replaced by different ones.

More God-Tier Talents.

How many... does he have?

Moments later—

Everything vanished.

And Ansu realized—

He couldn’t remember any of them.

Not a single detail.

Only one certainty remained:

Kanzaki Rei possessed many God-Tier Talents.

"Ansu."

"We don’t have much time."

Ansu exhaled deeply.

"...Fine."

"This is a master-servant contract tied to the essence of life and death."

"Once formed—every thought, every intention of mine will be known to you."

"I will be incapable of harboring any harmful intent."

"Even subconscious thoughts—you will sense them."

With a wave—

An intricate ritual array formed.

Complex beyond measure.

At its core—

Two points.

Black and white.

Like yin and yang.

Kanzaki Rei touched the formation.

Information flowed into his mind.

It was real.

"The white position is the master."

"How is it activated?"

"You stand on white. I stand on black."

"The contract will form."

Ansu added:

"One more thing."

"Thoughts arise naturally."

"Even I will have stray thoughts."

"You will perceive them—but they are not necessarily my true intent."

Ansu stepped onto the black position.

"...Understood."

Finally.

If he could truly control Ansu—

His safety in this world would increase drastically.

The contract terms were simple:

Ansu must serve him unconditionally

Protect him—even at the cost of death

Assist him fully in all matters

If Ansu dies fulfilling protection, he will not be erased

Duration: 10,000 years, or until Kanzaki Rei reaches Level 9

The contract formed.

Immediately—

Countless thoughts flooded Kanzaki Rei’s mind.

The first he heard:

"He can hear my thoughts? Then if I recall corrupted knowledge, could I contaminate him?""No... if he dies, I remain trapped. That’s pointless."

They locked eyes again.

Ansu spoke seriously:

"These... are stray thoughts."

"They cannot be hidden."