The word "eternity" echoed above the shattered island.
Ageless immortality! A leap in power! Absolute dominion! Eternal existence!
That was the price Imu offered.
In exchange for a "blessing" that could be created or replaced at any time, Imu demanded Gern's submission and the surrender of the Mother Flame.
And Gern would replace the "outdated" Five Elders, becoming a sharper, more effective "tool" or "mouthpiece" for the World Government's rule over the world in the new era.
Immense temptation intertwined with cold calculation, becoming the sweetest poisoned wine, laid before Gern.
Gern stood there, his grip on Eight Desolations still tight, his face expressionless as he listened in silence.
He watched Saint Nusjuro's head in Imu's palm, watched those dark red Rinnegan eyes that seemed capable of devouring every soul.
The sea wind howled, sweeping up smoke and dust.
The island groaned beneath his feet, while the distant sea churned.
A choice lay before "Heavenquake" Gern.
Would he accept the shackles and gifts of "eternity," becoming a new "eternal one" under Imu?
Or... reject this "charity" and go over there to give Imu a slash?
Time slowed at that moment.
Imu waited, seemingly patient, because in its view, this choice
Should have been obvious to any "mortal."
After all, the Five Elders and Harald had willingly chosen to kneel back then!!
The silence lasted a long while.
Accustomed to standing above time and all living beings, treating everything as a pawn, Imu faced Gern's prolonged silence and his delay in making the "wise" choice
(In its view, kneeling in submission and offering up the Mother Flame was the only reasonable answer)
And, for the first time, showed a flicker of emotion.
A ripple of displeasure.
Then that inhuman, hollow voice sounded again, its tone still flat, but now carrying