Volume 7: Da Mu Da Mu Chapter 61 Congratulations on submitting a good answer sheet, but the final assessment is still ahead
"If I had met such a generous boss earlier, I might have sold myself out without any resistance. After all, in today's highly competitive workplace, it's rare to find a boss as generous as you."
In the conference room, Mason looked at the blank contract floating in front of him and the pen handed to him.
Without hesitation, he shook his head and said:
"But unfortunately you are too late. I have already sold myself to my ideals and future, and I got a pretty good price , so I can only say sorry to you."
"No, young man, you have to think carefully about this kind of important matter in your life. It's always good to have more options."
Mephisto shook his head and dissuaded:
"You can't be too impulsive and indulge in the beauty of the future. You have to move forward with your feet on the ground. Every decision you make at this age is very important to your life. If you take a wrong step, your life will be ruined.
Believe me, this is the life experience from a lonely old devil. Although it is for reference only, I really don’t want to see such outstanding young people go astray.
You see, in the final analysis, there is no conflict between your goals and mine. We are all trying to find a ray of light leading to the future in this dark age.
Did Strange tell you of my plans?"
"He did."
Mason stepped back, pulled out a chair, sat on it and relit a cigarette.
Although the person standing in front of him was the big boss of the evil organization he wanted to overthrow, Mason found that he was not too nervous.
That comes from past experiences and character-building experiences, just as a captain who has seen strong winds and hurricanes will no longer be afraid of the oncoming sea lion waves.
Although he was young, he already had the capital to chat and laugh with this guy who could be the villain in any story.
He blew out a smoke ring and said to Mephisto who was standing in front of him:
"Before the warlock died, he tried to help you win over a more powerful character, and he told you the details of his contract with you and your plan.
And that magical 'Mephisto Network'.
Excuse me for asking, does that divine power network still exist now?"
"certainly."
The old devil pointed to the sky, and like a kind elder talking to a young man, he leaned on the table and chair next to him, playing with the cane in his hand, and said humorously:
"All the Mephistos were quarreling in the middle, and there was nothing that could promote unity except that everyone agreed on the concept of 'transcendence'.
From big things like future plans to small things like today's lunch, they argue about everything and greet each other's mothers, expressing their eagerness to have intimate relationships with each other's immediate female relatives.
Until I came into contact with my other selves, I never realized how annoying I was, nor did I realize that I was such a rude and vulgar devil.
Alas, we are perfect in our own eyes, but only the self in the eyes of others is real.
It's really a pity.
You won't have that trouble, little Mason."
The old devil paused, and looked at Mason as if he were looking at a rare treasure. He said:
"You don't have a time-space body, so you don't have to worry about dealing with yourself, and you don't need to play tricks on yourself, although this will also reduce a lot of fun.
But overall the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.”
"But I created twelve water clones for myself, each with a complete mind and unique personality."
Mason sighed and said:
"I made it up to myself and I really regretted it, especially when I was ganged up on by those guys every time we met.
Although everyone's current situation is different, I do understand your troubles. It's really tiring to fight wits and courage with yourself. "
"Hahaha, what an interesting young man. If I were tens of thousands of years younger, we would definitely be good friends."
Mephisto laughed, then his face turned serious.
He looked at Mason and asked seriously:
"How on earth did you do that?"
"Huh? Water clone?"
Mason pretended to be stupid and said:
"That, of course, comes from superpowers. The mutants' superpowers are enough to replicate water bodies, and then give them the greatest freedom within their powers to separate the different characteristics of their personalities and reorganize them.
It's not difficult.
Especially for a devil like you."
"You know that's not what I'm asking."
Mephisto reminded him, and Mason responded with a smile:
"You should also know that it seems impolite to ask such a private matter when you first meet?"
They both fell silent at the same time.
After a few seconds, the old devil shook his head and said:
"What a tough kid, he reminds me of my old friends.
We also had a similar confrontation in the Twilight Parliament. As the Lords of Hell in charge of one side, we didn't dare to start a war at will, so we could only try to gain some advantage through words.
But there is still a difference between the good memories of that time and what is happening now.
Well, don't waste your time bickering, Mason Cooper. I don't know how you managed to get around the effects of the soul curse, but you have that tattoo...
You are mine!
There is no doubt about this.
Now, the humiliating defeat you brought to the Star Society has become a hot topic in the Council of Hope these days. People I have seen and those I have not seen, people I care about and those I don’t care about are all discussing this matter.
Although I haven't fully woken up yet, I have already guessed how much ridicule and strange looks I will get the next time I enter that time-wasting meeting place.
Compared with the damage to my own reputation, the crisis that the Star Society will encounter is the most important trouble.
Ciri and Liana are the hands I chose for the Star Society, but they need a brain to command them to function. If you destroy the brain that is still useful, you must replace it yourself. "
The old devil shook his fingers and said:
"I don't care how you integrate the Star Club after you take over, whether you disband it or reorganize it, it's up to you. My only requirement is that other forces cannot openly get involved.
I'll just say it straight!
I don't trust those guys whose heads are full of Machiavellian schemes. Politics has corrupted their brains and will only make those idiots mess things up.
The Star Conference itself is not actually important, but it is very important to complete our plans and goals.
Do you understand what I mean? "
"certainly."
Mason nodded and said:
"You are on the verge of transcendence, of breaking free from the constraints of the universe's destiny so that you can become a truly free being. This is the most important stage in your long life, both personally and from a larger perspective.
If I were you, I wouldn't want things to change at this point.
But here comes the problem.”
He leaned forward and blew out a puff of smoke. He looked at the old devil through the smoke, grinning and said:
"Why should I help you fulfill your wish? Do I have to do that? Do I owe you money or steal your rice? I don't owe you anything, Lord Mephisto.
So please.
Don't talk to me in that daddy way!
You have no right to order me to do this or that. I am not Strange who can be bewitched by you. The bad things I have done under your instructions will eventually pay off one day.
I would love to do this myself.”
"So there's nothing to talk about?"
The hypocritical expression on Mephisto's face could no longer be maintained.
After all, the lonely old devil is a person of status, and no one has dared to challenge him in this way for a long, long time.
He looked at Mason and said:
"You know I have many ways to control you, such as Ciri, Harley, and your teammates. They are not as magical as you in ignoring my power."
"They're my people!"
Mason looked up into Mephisto's eyes without fear and said:
"If you dare to touch them, we will fight to the death. You haven't woken up yet, old devil. Three extraordinary masters have entered your lair...
I mean, if there's even a one in ten thousand chance that we get a little lucky, things wouldn't be so pretty, right?
As far as I know, you are not a risk-taker.
And how can a graceful devil act with the same brute force as a crude demon? Your character is such that you always act with devious tricks and schemes when challenges arise.
That is an instinct that cannot be overcome.”
"Are you sure you can find my bedroom in the endless hell?"
Mephisto scoffed.
Then he saw Mason flicking his fingers to ignite a ball of devil's fire. That was his power, and it was burning right before his eyes, but the old devil couldn't control the fire to extinguish.
That was the power that was taken away from Mason when he joined the Star Society.
“I have never been to hell.”
Mason looked at the flame on his finger and said to Mephisto:
"But I have some 'friends' there, and Johnny hasn't informed you yet that he has found himself an 'apprentice'?
Although I am still in the internship period, I think if I express my desire to visit my future workplace and familiarize myself with the environment, my knight mentor will not refuse.
Or do you still have inappropriate confidence in the loyalty of the Ghost Riders you recruited through all kinds of underhanded means?
Do you think they'll miss this opportunity to backstab you?"
"ha!"
The smile on the old devil's face became more and more distorted. He stared at the flames on Mason's fingertips and said:
“You were prepared! You guessed that I would visit you at some point and threaten you, so you made a plan in advance and it worked as planned.
Is this your countermeasure?"
"What else?"
Mason rolled his eyes and said:
"Otherwise, what is the point of me serving those three masters so diligently? You will certainly not lose on your territory, but once the real friction begins, your most precious time will be wasted.
We, the rootless trees, can afford it, can you?"
"That makes sense! I'm convinced by you."
The old devil nodded.
He stood up solemnly, straightened his clothes, burned the blank contract in front of Mason, and put his pen back into his breast pocket.
He said to Mason:
"Then let's stop here for this time. I want to say hello to you and meet you, a young talent. I am very satisfied. If you were a devil's child, I would have confirmed you as my successor on the spot.
But you were right in saying something just now.
time!
Time is precious, for everyone.
Ignorant people all think that there is a punishment for every sin in hell, but they don’t know that wasting time is the most terrible sin. I have arranged a small compartment in my hell specifically for those who cannot make good use of their time.
Of course, this is not a threat.”
The old devil bent down and stared into Mason's eyes. He smiled meaningfully, reached out and patted Mason on the shoulder, and said:
"This is a reminder. The Fourth Impact is coming soon. It will arrive much faster than you think . To be exact, it should be in thirty days.
My dear Mason, you seem to have a strange contract with some strange guys, a contract that gambles your ideals and hopes, limited to the Fourth Impact.
You see, I just advised you to be cautious when making major decisions in life and to avoid falling into this life-or-death dilemma.
There is no need for me to spend any extra time dealing with you personally, because you have bigger problems ahead of you than challenging me.
If you survive..."
Mephisto paused, straightened Mason's collar, patted his collar, and said in a more serious tone:
"We can play a separate game later. Now you should go enjoy your celebration banquet. Your friends are waiting for you. Your little cutie has prepared a surprise for you.
Oh, by the way, remember to comfort Ciri after having fun with her.
Her mind is in a mess right now, and she has completely lost the rationality that a great mentor should have. All she thinks about and sees are things related to you. Tsk tsk, little Mason, you are such a sinful man. "
After saying that, the old devil stood up straight, as if he was going to turn around and leave, but he thought it would be too much trouble, so he turned to Mason and said:
"Just give me a ride. I'm too lazy to dissipate this projection and regain my consciousness. Look, if we want to fight each other, there should be some sense of ritual, right? Like a bullet or something?"
"Of course, Lord Mephisto, I would be happy to do so."
Mason stood up and drew out the Black Death Sword Ragnarok pistol, aiming at the old devil in front of him who was smiling and holding out his hand to say goodbye to him.
He pulled the trigger and the bullet flew out and shattered his head.
Amid the scattered light of the astral projection, the projection disappeared from Mason's sight like a collapsing sand castle, and the conference room became quiet again.
"Successfully completed a supernatural high-level life-long-range headshot execution. Shooting skill proficiency has been improved and is currently at Lv7."
Tips for improving skills flashed before Mason's eyes, but he was no longer in the mood to look at them.
"Don't be influenced by that cunning fellow, Mason!"
The hat immediately reminded:
"That might just be a psychological tactic, just to confuse you. These hellish creatures are good at these little tricks."
"But you can't pretend you didn't hear it!"
A projection of Consus also appeared next to Mason, and the Isu biologist reminded him:
"Especially with regard to clues about the fourth impact, there has been enough evidence to prove that the speed of impact events is accelerating. Our original estimate that it might take a year or half a year was too optimistic.
Now it’s only been more than two months since the Third Impact…”
"This shows that the speed of the cosmic tremor is accelerating and it can't hold on any longer."
Mason sat back in his chair and put the gun aside. He rubbed his forehead and whispered:
“It is almost exactly the same as the prediction of the Supreme Beast. This is a bad sign. The subsequent impacts will become more frequent until the last one brings about the end of all things and the restart of a new era.
This is the fourth time.
According to the current rules and the number of existing parallel worlds, a simple calculation shows that everything will return to nothingness at the latest after the seventh impact.
He is right.
We are running out of time, I must get back to my lab immediately, I must immediately…"
"But your teammates are waiting for you, Mason!"
The hat emphasized:
"They have a right to know this information."
"Yes, my brother, you can't carry all this on your shoulders anymore."
Consus also advised:
“You should stay with your partners. The more serious and critical the moment, the more you need their support and solidarity.
You can’t fix this on your own.”
"Well, okay, I'll listen to you."
Mason sighed, stood up, stretched his neck, and said:
"Let's go to the celebration party and don't keep them waiting."
