Persuasion

Azathoth (Elemental King): "Monster? Is that what they call me? You must know, elemental beings are the oldest creatures in this world, older than the gods themselves. We are the originators of this world. I think those gods are the monsters. As for your claim that the gods are omniscient and omnipotent, did the gods choose their own path to destruction?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "The gods have fallen? What do you mean by that?"

A look of suspicion suddenly appeared on Loken's face.

Azathoth (Elemental King): "You still don't know? Oh my god, I guess they haven't told you anything. The gods are long gone. In the great war with the Old Gods ten thousand years ago, most of the gods perished. Only two or three are still alive. They are no longer able to maintain order in this world. Think about it, when was the last time the gods inspected this prison?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "About ten thousand years ago."

Azathoth (Elemental King): "See, I told you so. Ten thousand years ago was the time when the gods fell. They haven't come to inspect for so long. I bet they've mostly forgotten you even exist here. Poor Loken."

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "You—you're lying! Shut up, you monster! I won't be bothered by you. No matter what you say, I'm afraid I won't let you leave." Loken looked extremely agitated.

Xiao Yu chuckled to himself, "They've fallen for it, haven't they?" He knew that these things couldn't be rushed. Generally, it would take a very long time for imprisoned demon kings to corrupt and bewitch their guards, sometimes thousands or tens of thousands of years. Although he didn't have tens of thousands of years, he still had a few hours.

So he nodded. "Alright, let's not talk about such heavy topics anymore. Let's talk about something more cheerful. By the way, we've known each other for so long, and I still don't know if you're married or not."

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "Marriage? What's that?"

Azathoth (Elemental King): "Marriage, huh? It's about being with the person you love, never to be apart again. By the way, you have someone you love, right?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "I—I don't know. I've been guarding this place since I was created. A person you like? What does that mean?"

Azathoth (Elemental King): "It's that when you're with him, you feel very happy. By the way, you know what happiness means, right?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "Of course I know. When I was first born, seeing the azure sky and the white clouds, and Freya, I felt very happy. But later, I was sent to guard you, and whenever I think back to the sky and clouds I saw back then, and Freya, I still feel a little happy."

Azathoth (Elemental King): "Freya? That's a lovely name. You seem happy to see her, so you like her? Why don't you go and chat with her? Traveling and enjoying life with someone you like, or finding a beautiful and peaceful place to settle down—ah, that feeling would be amazing."

A hint of longing appeared on Loken's wooden face, as if he were imagining everything Xiao Yu had described, but suddenly he shook his head violently.

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "Don't give me that. My duty is to watch over you and prevent you from escaping this place."

Azathoth (Elemental King): "Of course, of course I know it's your duty. But if your duty is to guard me, then who is responsible for guarding you?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "Of course, it's the Jailer."

Azathoth (Elemental King): "So if the Jailer is gone, you'll be free?"

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "This..."

"So, what would you do if you were free?" Xiao Yu didn't give the other party a chance to breathe and started to launch into a long-winded verbal attack. In no time, Loken was immersed in Xiao Yu's description, but he still showed no intention of letting Xiao Yu leave.

"Perhaps you could ask your superior for a leave. I mean, you've been working for thirteen thousand years, can't you even take a break? We get two days off every seven days, and we only have to work eight hours a day. Someone like you is unheard of. Even slaves aren't this miserable."

Loken (Guardian of the Gods): "The Jailer won't allow it. It's our duty to guard you prisoners."

"I understand, I understand. Duty, everyone has their own duty. But since even the gods haven't fulfilled their duties, why are you fighting so desperately?"

"I don't know, I've been like this since I was born."

Xiao Yu said, "Look, this is what I mean by lack of ambition. You don't even know why you have this responsibility, yet you stay in this room every day. It's pathetic, so pathetic."

Loken was rendered speechless, stammering, "That might be, perhaps—"

"However, perhaps I have a way to solve our problem."

What method?

"Let me out so I can kill the Jailer. Wouldn't that make you all free?"

Loken shook his head violently. "No, you can't defeat the Jailer. He possesses power bestowed by the gods; no one but the gods can defeat him."

Xiao Yu said, "How will you know if you don't try? I am Azathoth, Elemental King. I don't even need the Jailer. And what's the worst that could happen? They'll lock you up for dereliction of duty? Ha, as if you're not a prisoner right now."

"This—!" Loken was silent for a moment, clearly somewhat persuaded.

Haha, there really is a way! Xiao Yu thought to himself, feeling a surge of excitement. I knew things wouldn't be that simple. As the team's big boss, waiting for his subordinates to come to his rescue was obviously a bit far-fetched. Bewitching and corrupting the prison guards—this competition really could do just that.

Suddenly, Loken raised his head. "Swear, swear you'll kill the Jailer and give me your freedom, and I'll let you out."

"I swear in the name of my soul that I will kill the Jailer and free you from his the Jailer," Xiao Yu said without hesitation.

Loken nodded, hoping you would keep your promise. Now I will open the cell door, but whether you survive with the Jailer is up to you.