CH 208

Chapter 208 – Garden Above the Clouds

High up in the sky, there was a massive cluster of clouds floating over 10,000 meters above the ground. It was moving through the sky in a way that was unthinkable for normal clouds.

“Hoh, even Manta’s Cloud Garden was brought here.”

Standing atop the white mass of clouds was Vodara, who had recently appeared in Elrond. Next to him was the robed Curseweaver. Clouds seemed to materialize under his feet as he walked forward. When he saw the scenery spreading out below him, he snorted coldly.

“Hmph. As always, what an annoying sight.” (Vodara)

Before Vodara’s eyes, a lawn that looked like a huge expanse of green appeared. There were colorful flowers in full bloom. The trees and plants looked like they had been tended to by a skilled gardener. A beautiful pond was at the center, with many fish swimming about happily in it.

It was a lush garden overflowing with lively spirit, but Vodara simply frowned at it in displeasure. As he stood there in place, he spoke aloud.

“What a rubbish place. Wouldn’t you agree—Garib?” (Vodara)

His eyes were still fixed on the garden, but his words were directed at the giant figure standing behind him.

“What are you doing here, Vodara?”

Although he was trying his best to maintain a calm voice, the face of the giant known as Garib was trembling with anger. It looked like he was on the verge of exploding and attacking Vodara at any moment.

“Whoa, don’t be so harsh, Garib. It’s my first time traveling to another world. I’ve come to celebrate.” (Vodara)

As he said that, he took out a bottle of wine.

“Did you really think I would forgive you over something like that?” (Garib)

“Ooh, scary, scary. I didn’t come here to destroy this place… Just like before.” (Vodara)

When Garib heard his last words, his anger soared to even greater heights. The lightning became even more intense and shot towards Vodara.

However, Vodara dodged it easily and gave a fearless smile.

“It’s been 1,000 years since I last saw you. I’m going to kill you right here and now!” (Garib)

“Like I was saying, calm down. Besides, is it really okay for you to be going on a rampage with me here? Your precious garden… No, the Manta Cloud itself will disappear, won’t it?” (Vodara)

“…..!” (Garib)

Garib gritted his teeth in frustration. It seemed that Vodara hadn’t come to fight, but Garib didn’t let down his guard in the slightest.

“Then what did you come here for?” (Garib)

“I told you. It was to celebrate. Take it.” (Vodara)

Vodara tossed the wine to him, but Garib smashed the bottle in midair with his hand like he was swatting a fly.

“Hey, that was a vintage wine.” (Vodara)

“I have no intention of buddying up with you. If you don’t have any business here, hurry up and get lost.” (Garib)

“Don’t be so mean. I don’t have any ulterior motives in coming here. I merely… had the whim to come and give my greetings. It’s just that I happened to run into you here.” (Vodara)

“…You were the one that created these circumstances, weren’t you?” (Garib)

The two people clearly looked different. One of them had a slightly larger build than normal, though still having the appearance of a human, while the other was a giant that stood at a height of 10 meters.

“You’re not my brother anymore. You said that with your own mouth!” (Garib)

“…Ah, right. You are yours. I have my own way. I will definitely achieve that dream. That’s the only reason I’ve endured until now.” (Vodara)

“…So that really is your objective in the end? Then I will have to kill you right here! That is my duty as your former brother!” (Garib)

“Hmph, what can you do when you’re tied down by this small garden?” (Vodara)

“I’ll kill you right here! UOOOOOHH!!!” (Garib)

Garib leapt forward. His massive body closed in on Vodara from overhead.

“—<Lightning Bolt Iznal>!” (Garib)

Garib’s entire body was clad in electricity like he was being electrocuted as he unleashed a lightning bolt at Vodara.

—Ptch, bzz, bzzzt!

Because the lightning bolt fell on top of the cloud, its impact wasn’t as powerful as it would’ve been on the ground, but it still caused a violent eruption of electricity, scorching the part of the cloud where it fell.

However, the target, Vodara, was nowhere to be seen.

“Tch, where did you go?!” (Garib)

“—Right here.” (Vodara)

Hearing Vodara’s voice behind him, Garib whipped around and swung his right fist. It didn’t reach, but a bolt of lightning was released from his fist.

The lightning strike cut vainly through the air. Garib turned around again, sensing a tremendous bloodlust from behind him. This time, he didn’t attack.

“…You can’t beat me. Not back then… and not now.” (Vodara)

“You don’t know that unless we try! —<Thunder Prison Bolgatch>!” (Garib)

Garib formed an orb of lightning. The orb exploded overhead and spread out in an instant, surrounding Vodara and Garib in a birdcage made of lightning.

“Hmm. As expected of the caretaker of the Manta Cloud Garden, who was once called the God of Thunder. It seems that you haven’t diminished since those days.” (Vodara)

“As you know, if you touch this cage of lightning, you’ll be erased from this world in an instant. Don’t even try to escape. We’ll settle everything right here, right now!” (Garib)

“Kukukukuk, how brave. Hey, Garib. Abandon everything and come with me. Use your power for my sake.” (Vodara)

“DON’T MESS AROUND WITH MEEE!!!” (Garib)

Garib charged towards Vodara as if he had been provoked. He swung a boulder-like fist at the unmoving Vodara.

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But just before it hit, Vodara again disappeared like mist.

“Damn it, where did you go this time?!!!” (Garib)

He looked all around him, but Vodara was nowhere to be seen.

“Impossible… How did you escape…?!” (Garib)

He had absolute confidence in that move. However, when it was easily broken through, he became confused.

Then, out of nowhere, he heard Vodara’s voice.

“Garib, the time will surely come. There is no one in this world who can stop me. I will achieve that dream. And when that time comes, I will experience for the first time… what it means to live.”

“Vodaraaa!” (Garib)

“Stay satisfied with your small, cramped world forever. Goodbye… Brother.”

With those final words, Vodara’s presence disappeared.

All that remained was Garib, who angrily pounded his fist on the ground made of clouds, trembling in frustration.

“…Vodara… That’s right. It’s true that I can’t do anything. But… I’m sure the world won’t take it silently. Someday, definitely… Someone with the power to stop you will appear. I’m sure of it…”