Arcanum: Chaos Path

Chapter 330 Roland's Evil

“Currently?” Sasriel grasped the key word perfectly.

“Well, because I can’t do it right now, but I should be able to establish rules worldwide in the future.” Roland said, smiling at Sasriel.

"So, would you like to give it a try? Sasriel, my friend, I'd be more than willing to share this power with you." Roland smiled brightly, gazing at the Heavenly Kingdom's Vice-Lord before him, his voice carrying a seductive undertone:
"When I am able to establish rules around the world in the future, we may really be able to build a world where everyone is equal, where there is no war, no hunger, and no death that should not exist."

"In that world, children can grow up carefree. They can study and play, and they don't have to work to survive at a young age..."

Rowling spoke slowly and deliberately, painting a picture of a beautiful world, a magnificent blueprint, like an idealist, yet also like the serpent in the Garden of Eden that tempted Adam to pluck the apple. He said:
"Would you like to build such a world with me?"

Sasriel looked at him, his gaze slightly unfocused. He listened quietly to Rolin's brief explanation, and after the other finished speaking, he took a slight breath and said:

“Sometimes, I really feel that you are a very dangerous being, Lucifer. You are bewitching me, bewitching us, leading us toward loss of control.”

The "loss of control" here doesn't refer to the loss of control in the realm of the extraordinary, but rather to a loss of control in another sense. Rowling's utopia is indeed beautiful, but there's one crucial point—"unrestrained power is a terrible thing," and this is precisely what's implied behind the utopia Rowling just described.

If you were to describe a world as you wish, even the sun god would be unsure of his self-control—He is indeed noble enough, but precisely because He is noble, He is more likely to want more.

At first, perhaps He only prohibited oppression and exploitation, and heinous acts such as murder, but what happened after that?

Perhaps He might think that since serious crimes have been prohibited, shouldn't petty theft also be prohibited?
Then, shouldn't immoral things also be avoided? Should unhealthy behaviors also be prohibited?

What would the world be like if all these behaviors were banned?

The answer to this question is clear to Sasriel—the world will become a prison in another sense, civilization will become stagnant, and they will become tyrants in another sense.

Because human nature is complex, and humans naturally yearn for freedom, no one wants to live in a cage with all sorts of constraints, even if that cage allows them to live healthily and safely.

Therefore, this is a terrifying double-edged sword. If used properly, it can truly realize a utopia in a certain sense, but once this sword is out of control, it can easily turn the world into hell.

“That’s quite a serious accusation.” Rowling raised an eyebrow, then smiled, a smile that seemed rather pleased. “But I don’t deny it, after all, you said it yourself, I am Lucifer!”

Rowling never denied that he had a nasty side to his personality, after all, he was also a Nyarlathotep.

So sometimes, Rowling can't help but tempt these good people he likes. He will use worldly power and wealth to tempt them, and he will also use things that good people care about to guide their choices.

This isn't necessarily out of malice; sometimes it's just because Rowling is curious about what they'll do.

Faced with Roland's candor, a hint of helplessness appeared on Sasriel's face, but then he seemed to think of something, and smiled, looking at Roland and saying:
"But actually I don't need to worry about these things, because the power to make the rules is in your hands, and you won't let that kind of thing happen. That kind of world is too boring for you, and you would never want a stagnant world to appear."

Luo Lin raised an eyebrow, without denying it.

He certainly wouldn't allow such a world to exist, a world where everyone is a puppet of the rules, forced to be a good person—what's the point? That would be too boring. The interesting thing about humanity is precisely choice and freedom!

"Compared to that kind of world, I should be more wary of you establishing some kind of vile rule for your own amusement." Sasriel met Rolin's gaze without flinching. "Of course, I believe you won't do that, because you are not only Lucifer, but also Lucifer, and..."

“We will watch over you, we will restrain you, we will be your anchor, your shackles, just as we have always done.”

Roland met His gaze, then suddenly smiled and said, "So you were still tempted, Sasriel!"

Sasriel did not deny it; he simply looked at Rolin and said, "Because I know that we will always be bound to each other."

Unrestrained power is terrifying, but fortunately they do restrain each other.

Rowling would not allow the world to become stagnant, while the sun god would prevent Rowling from turning the world into a playground.

“Sometimes I really feel that our relationship is really twisted. We are friends, close allies. We trust each other, help each other, need each other, appreciate each other, and are wary of each other, always ready to be hostile to each other, or even kill each other.” Rowling suddenly sighed, his sigh sincere.

The Sun God was the first person he came into contact with in this world, the ally that Rolin relied on the most, and also the one that Rolin was most wary of.

“But you don’t dislike this kind of relationship.” Sasriel looked at him, neither surprised nor denying Rolin’s words, but simply said.

“Perhaps because it’s interesting?” Rowling chuckled, paused, and then added, “Or perhaps it’s because I’m a rather twisted person, so I don’t dislike this kind of twisted emotion.”

Upon hearing this, Sassriel couldn't help but glance at Rolin and asked, "Have you considered seeing a psychologist?"

"Who to look for? God? He may be the most powerful psychologist in the world, but He can't cure me," Roland joked, looking at Sasriel.
"But don't worry, although I am twisted, I am also very healthy, at least much healthier than things like divine dolls or three-in-one hot pots."

"Would you like to hear what you have to say...?" Sasriel looked at Rolin, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Medici rolled his eyes in annoyance and said, "Someone really has no self-awareness at all."

What a joke! Medici's mental state is much healthier than Rowling's!
Adam, who was also openly criticized, remained calm and simply smiled as he said, "I think I can no longer be considered a complete divine puppet."

Despite their reaction, Luo Lin showed no sign of unease. Instead, he remained incredibly confident, casting a pitying glance at them and shaking his head while sighing.

Medici: ...

It’s hard, and my fist is hard again!

(End of this chapter)