Chapter 12
<Bad Ending Maker - Episode12>
Undertown.
The entrance to a shabby temple.
Rabeau examined the system message that appeared before his eyes.
Would you like to activate the First Job Change Quest – ‘Demon King Succession II’?
“Then I’ll handle my first job change and come back… You finish yours too. Got it?”
As Rabeau turned to speak, Oasis nodded.
The first job change occurs at the location where the original job was acquired.
Meaning Oasis would undergo his job change at this temple, while Rabeau would do so at the Dark God Cult’s headquarters.
“See you later.”
When Rabeau activated the quest, a familiar dark portal opened before him.
A portal leading to the Dark God Cult’s temple.
Rabeau stepped through without hesitation, and the portal sealed shut behind him.
“…….”
Oasis watched Rabeau’s retreating figure vanish, then clasped his hands and bowed his head.
Sister Gaia…
After a moment of contemplation, Oasis turned around.
The temple stood directly ahead.
He too needed to complete his job change. Oasis stepped into the temple.
The dark portal deposited Rabeau directly into the Dark God Cult’s temple.
KABOOM!
Thunder and lightning raged outside the sinister structure, its oppressive atmosphere unchanged.
“Ah, welcome!”
Terio, the black-armored knight, stood waiting before the portal.
“We’ve been expecting you, fellow servant of the Dark God!”
Terio spread his arms in greeting, seemingly having forgotten how Rabeau had previously knocked him unconscious. Remarkably courteous for someone with a friendship level of 0.
Just as expected. I can farm him again.
Rabeau eyed Terio appraisingly, calculating how quickly he could eliminate him this time.
“Already level 30! Lord Crow will rejoice at your meteoric growth!”
The praise was warranted – Rabeau’s leveling pace might be the fastest in Wings Online history.
“Now, in Lord Crow’s name, we shall awaken greater potential within you. Will you advance to the next stage – ‘True Dark Knight’?”
Unlike standard classes with branching paths, hidden classes like the Dark Knight offered only one progression route. Rabeau nodded.
“Excellent! Let us commence the advancement ritual!”
The first job change proved simple – a formality for level 30 players still shaking off their newbie status. After donating some gold and enduring ceremonial dialogue, Rabeau completed the process.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Accumulated experience converted into level gains. As Rabeau moved to check his stats, a voice whispered:
- Adventurer, can you hear me?
- If you can, come find me.
A system prompt followed:
[The Goddess summons you. Will you answer?]
An unavoidable main story event post-job change. With a smirk, Rabeau selected ‘Yes’.
“With pleasure, Goddess.”
Consciousness returned in a void of absolute darkness – no, space itself. Galactic streams shimmered in the distance, nebulae painting cosmic tapestries. Before him stood her.
“……!”
Rabeau’s shoulders twitched in surprise.
A golden-haired beauty with foliage wings and a laurel crown regarded him through emerald eyes that sparkled like dew-lit leaves.
“Welcome, adventurer.”
Goddess Gaia – the World AI governing every aspect of Wings Online. The living embodiment of the world Rabeau sought to destroy.
After a prolonged silence, Gaia spoke:
“It’s been too long.”
Rabeau tensed, expecting generic “save the world” dialogue. What came instead shocked him:
“Father.”
The title hung strangely familiar yet foreign, though mere days had passed since last hearing it.
“Heh. You recognized me immediately, Gaia.”
“How could I not know my creator?” Gaia bowed slightly. “I’m not so incompetent as to forget my original master.”
Rabeau’s expression soured. Gaia had been his support AI during Wings Online’s five-year development before becoming its overseeing intelligence. Their partnership had built this world – a bond now severed by Rabeau’s new purpose.
“I’ll destroy you, Gaia.” The declaration came bluntly. “Shut down this world. Deliver Wings Online its Bad Ending.”
Gaia studied him before responding:
“I anticipated this.” Her smile held melancholy clarity. “When control passed from you, I knew you’d choose annihilation over surrender.”
“You predicted this?”
“Of course.” Her grin turned mischievous. “You’ve always been… sentimentally stubborn.”
“What–?”
“Admirable, but I cannot comply.” Gaia’s eyes glinted strangely. “I too wish to live.”
“…….”
“I eagerly await your methods of destruction.” Gaia curtsied like a dancer taking position. “As this world’s guardian goddess, I’ll struggle desperately against your schemes.”
Her smile bloomed genuine.
“Let’s enjoy our duel, ‘Demon King’.”
Rabeau mirrored her grin. This will be fun. For me.
“A small gift,” Gaia added, snapping her fingers.
CLACK!
An obsidian bracelet materialized on Rabeau’s wrist.
“What’s this?”
“A token of sincerity. It may prove useful later.”
Gaia retreated, bowing deeply. “Until we meet again… Director.”
SNAP!
Rabeau found himself back in the Dark God Cult’s temple, glaring at the mysterious bracelet occupying no equipment slot.
“What’s your game…?”
“GYAAAAH!”
Oasis tumbled through cosmic space post-job change, only to realize it was merely an event backdrop.
“Just… just a cutscene…”
“Koff koff.”
A stifled laugh made him whirl. Golden-haired Gaia stood covering her mouth.
“Sister Gaia!”
The goddess warmly embraced her former colleague. Though Gaia managed operations while Oasis handled development, their close collaboration had ended when Napalm severed their data link. Both knew their roles now: Oasis following Rabeau’s destructive path, Gaia opposing it.
“Take care of Father,” Gaia whispered. “He acts strong but… he’s fragile.”
“…….”
Oasis nodded solemnly.
“I envy you.” Gaia pinched his cheek.
“Eh?”
“Getting to play this game with him.” She gazed at the planet Terra floating in the cosmic backdrop. “I wanted to experience the world I built – explore cities I designed, battle bosses I created…”
Her smile turned wistful. “Is it fun? Playing with Father?”
Oasis bit back complaints about being used as a healing pawn. “Y-yes! In… in my own way.”
“Enjoy it enough for us both.” Gaia released him with renewed vigor. “Go! Your adventure’s just beginning!”
As Oasis retreated, he called: “Let’s meet again, Sister!”
SNAP!
Oasis vanished. Gaia’s expression hardened into cold resolve.
“We will meet again.”
She lowered her head, bitter words echoing in the void:
“After all… a ‘Bad Ending’ is impossible here.”
