After returning to the hotel, Zhu Li led us until we reached the top floor, where a penthouse presidential suite was located.

The suite was 17,000 yuan a damn night, which is around $2,330 a night. Also, the two rooms flanking it were rented for the guards.

The stay here easily costs over $10,000 for three days... which is enough to rent an apartment for a year. And this doesn't include the extra costs.

By the way, Zhu Li stayed in our room as a live-in maid.

As for why?

"The previous young master and young miss wanted me to stay close for... more convenient service." - Zhu Li said with a scrunched look.

"Yeah... Stupid question..." - I thought.

And so Tess and I stayed in the same suite with an adult woman the same age as us... one with a complicated relationship with the ones we impersonate.

After ordering our food, we ate with Zhu Li in our room.

Our dinner included shrimp dumplings, roast pork with Chinese vegetables, fried rice, and Peking roast duck. The tableware was also fine and exquisite, and the grand view to the outside was marvelous.

The food is outstanding, I can tell you that. Saying that I like ALL Chinese cuisine would be a big fat lie. Chinese cuisine is varied, and many things are disgusting. However, the good stuff is good, and the things rich people eat are usually healthier and tastier.

So, yeah, this meal is enjoyable, especially when two oriental beauties are eating together with me.

After dinner...

"So, did you enjoy your day, you two?" - I smiled and asked.

"Well, that art museum was interesting." - Tess smiled.

"Yes, young master. I haven't visited Beijing since I was a little girl. I am glad I saw the forbidden city again." - Zhu Li gently said.

"Good to hear. Tomorrow, we are visiting the Great Wall, right?" - I asked.

"That is the official plan." - Tess nodded.

Although Zeng Wei and Liao Lan saw these places several times, they still wanted some sightseeing before heading to Hainan Island.

Since we took on their persona, we also follow their schedule.

"Good. I'll leave the two of you here for a bit. I need to head out and make President "Big Man" my Zealot." - I said and got up.

"Need my help?" - Tess asked.

"No need. I'll finish it in under 30 minutes. You guys can chat in the meantime. I think you need it." - I said and walked to the balcony.

And with that, I teleported outside, leaving the two women to have a well-needed alone time.

 

...

 

After several teleports, I was already near the Zhongnanhai.

I already knew several Supers were here, including a class 3 detector.

That was also why I didn't convert the building into a Dark Idol.

At least, not yet.

However, before entering, I didn't forget to check things with Arly.

Putting her on, I asked, "Arly, is "Big Man" inside?"

[Yes, Iver. He is working at his office. However, I just lost contact with your sister and future brother-in-law.] - Arly reported.

"What?! Why?!" - I asked with an ugly expression.

[Well, that is answered in an Email Filip sent.] - She said.

"Show it." - I ordered.

[Here.]

And then I read the letter he sent.

The more I read it, the more my brows furrowed.

"One of the three True Sun candidates, a Class 5 Illusion Assassin, likely with foresight powers, is on the loose and presumably after me? And my sister and Ewan are under a protection program? And only he and I are privy to their location? Is he fucking with me?" - I muttered.

[Improbable. This sort of trick is too low-tier for someone with his power.] - Arly replied.

"True... Then I should assume that it's true." - I said.

I then looked down and saw he also gave his phone number... Or at least one of them.

"... Call him." - I ordered.

Trr*

Trr*

[I have been waiting for your call, Sir Gulliver.] - An elderly British-accented voice answered.

"You must be Sir Filip, the Guardian of Sun's Advent, right?" - I asked to confirm.

[That is correct, Sir. I assume you called because of the Email, right?] - Filip asked.

"Yes. Where is my sister?" - I cut to the chase.

[She is very safe, Sir. We are transporting her and her boyfriend to a nearby airport, where they will have a private jet fly them to a secret VVIP island resort to enjoy safety and relaxation under the protection of four class 4 Supers, including one of our two remaining class 4 Detectors.]

To his words, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Why are you trying so hard to protect her? Aren't class 4 Supers your strongest forces?" - I couldn't help but ask.

[That is indeed correct, Sir. We only have 58 class 4 Supers. As for why we protect her, you should know best, Sir.] - Filip responded.

"... I guess you figured it out from the breadcrumbs I left." - I replied.

[That would be an apt description. We wouldn't have noticed it if it weren't for pure, blind luck. May I ask how advanced is that other reality? 50 years? A hundred?] - Filip asked.

"Technologically speaking, 128 years. However, they recently went through a 12-year apocalypse and are now transitioning into genetic transhumanism." - I said without fear.

It doesn't do me any harm to tell him this. They can't do anything to me anymore.

It was time to put the cards on the table for both of us.

[Ah... I see... And I suppose you got a supercomputer from there, correct?] - Filip asked, his voice stable.

"That is correct. This is also why I am willing to talk to you for so long without worrying about being traced." - I replied.

[Hmhmhm... I assumed that. And how many deadly diseases are there that can pose a threat to our world?] - Filip chuckled and asked.

"I stopped counting at 871. I think there are more, however. Luckily, I can sanitize myself, or humanity would have gone 99.99% extinct." - I shrugged.

[I guessed as much. And what about those transhumans you mentioned?] - Filip curiously asked.

"That would take too much time to explain over the phone. But if you wonder how much of a threat it can pose to Earth, let's say they can terraform the planet with a few fruits and make everyone starve to death if not eaten by plant/human hybrid monsters." - I casually said.

[That does sound terrifying.] - Filip calmly said.

"Yet you don't sound scared at all." - I retorted.

[No, I am very much mortified. It is just that I am mentally prepared for many apocalyptic scenarios.] - Filip said.

"Hm... I see. My turn to ask questions. Where is the candidate?" - I asked.

[I am not sure, Sir Gulliver. He escaped neutralization several hours ago and should be somewhere in the southern ocean.] - Filip replied.

"Neutralization?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Ah, yes. We eliminated the other True Sun candidates because we deemed them too unstable and dangerous for you. Two got eliminated, but the third one escaped, likely due to sensing the danger hours before it happened. He even killed one of our three class 4 detectors.] - Filip lamented.

"Hm... What does he know? Does he even know about me?" - I asked.

[He stole our class 4 detector's phone, which contains info about you. It shouldn't be hard for him to connect the dots. However, it would likely take him a week or two before he reaches the nearest land, likely Africa.]

"I see. Then, let us talk about something else. What do you want from me as the new True Sun? What does Sun's Advent want from me?" - I asked.

[We want a God, Sir Gulliver. Humanity needs guidance before we destroy ourselves. We seek to better the future of humanity. As for what I want on a personal level? An extension of my and the elders' lives would be great. The texts said you can reverse the aging process of others.]

"Eh? Can I do that without evolution?" - I asked.

{Touch of the True Sun can achieve that effect.} - Trod said.

"... Wasn't it supposed to be a healing spell?!" - I exclaimed in my mind.

{Aging is a form of cellular degradation and damage. Using Touch of the True Sun, Sanitization, and Strengthening, you can achieve virtual immortality. Your Zealots and most loyal followers are thus immortal, given enough energy and the willingness to prolong their lives.}

"Welp..."

"I can do that... But you would have to part with your freedom." - I stated.

[Ah, you mean to become your Zealot, right? We would be honored to.] - Filip said.

"You even know that?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Of course! Only your Zealots are your inner circle. So, as elders, we are ready to be converted.] - Filip said in an eager tone.

"But what do I get in return?" - I asked.

[The world on a platter.] - Filip stated.

"Oh? You have that much power?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Sure. We have puppets planted everywhere. Heads of state and government, Large corporations and businesses, International organizations, Military forces, Religious powers, criminal syndicates, and Wealthy individuals. They are all under our control. The media is just a plaything for us, a tool to control the masses into believing the hogwash it feeds them. And every class 3 Super and above is our agent.] - Filip said.

Hearing his words, I couldn't help but look at the Zhongnanhai. Aside from the class 3 detector, three more class 3 Supers were around.

"So... you mean to say that even the presidents are part of your organization?" - I asked.

[Yes. In every major country, the head of state is tightly controlled by us. That includes the US, the UK, Russia, India, China, Japan, and more. Not only them but many inside their parliaments are our members.]

"..."

"I wasted my energy for nothing."

"But why didn't you rule the world, then? What's the point of staying in the shadows like this?" - I asked.

[What would happen if you suddenly told a free man he is in chains?] - Filip asked back.

"... He would rebel." - I replied.

[That is correct. So why not give the illusion of freedom to the masses? A happy bee is productive, and we beekeepers only care about honey, not to get stung by angry bees.] - Filip said.

"Fair point. And what do you all want in return?" - I asked.

[You must be jesting, Sir. You have nigh omnipotent evolution and healing powers and are a living god. Who wouldn't want to curry favor with you? Besides, you have access to invaluable knowledge we can use to better the world. What more can we ask?] - Filip replied.

"Good enough. So, what do I get from having the world on a platter?" - I rhetorically asked.

[Our loyalty, devotion, and support. Humanity will become a platform for you to expand in the future. And, of course, you will have everything we have. While we govern the world for you, you can enjoy the best military support, material wealth, faith, and earthly pleasures. You only need to say the word.] - Filip explained.

"Figured as much..." - I muttered, bored and apathetic.

Honestly, I stopped feeling anything about all this lately.

Have you ever imagined yourself being an immortal being ruling the world without worry? I'm sure most kids thought about being the king of the world.

Well, I am now given the crown on a platter. And for a second time, at that.

"I'm bored... There is no challenge at all... No growth... This sucks." - I complained in my heart.

Shaking my head, I started asking for what I needed to know.

"We will talk about this later. For now, send me the info about that candidate." - I said.

[Yes. I shall send you a detailed email containing all the information about him. Read it at your discretion. Is there anything else?] - Filip asked.

"Not for now. Contact me if anything pops up." - I replied.

[Of course, Sir Gulliver. Good day.]

Toot*

"Hah... This is some next-level bullshit." - I sighed.

[Well, it does sound like that.] - Arly agreed.

"Hey, Arly? If you got to be the king of the world without any effort, how would you feel?" - I asked.

[Hm... Well, at first, I guess I would be happy and excited. However, I would also feel the weight and responsibility of such a post. I might feel isolated from others, followed by loneliness and depression. However, this also depends on how you behave and what you do. This isn't a universal answer.] - Arly replied.

"And if I add immortality to the mix?" - I pursed my lips.

[Then the loneliness would quantify as time goes on. The connections I have built would be gone. Even the mightiest citadels and pyramids crumble over time, inevitably leading to loneliness. I would also feel purposelessness and boredom after experiencing everything life has. However, this is not an absolute. I can find purpose in other things, such as art, writing, music, sports, travel, or harmonizing with nature. Ultimately, it is up to my outlook on life.] - Arly replied.

"... I know your answer is based on a dataset, but I accept it." - I sighed and shook my head.

[Iver, I think you shouldn't overthink things. Just go with the flow and do whatever you want. You are a damn literal immortal godly being, so what's the point of overthinking things?] - Arly said.

{She is right, Iver. Overthinking things is stressful, even for a god. Do the things you want.} - Trod added.

"... Whatever." - I sighed.

Deciding to follow the advice, I stopped giving a damn and headed back to the hotel.

A few teleports later, I found myself on my room's balcony.

"Hah..." - I sighed and entered the large living room.

I then found Tess and Zhu Li whispering and chatting happily in the kitchen. Unknowingly, I smiled.

"Tess, Zhu Li, I'm back." - I said, my dour mood lifted.

"Oh, hey, hubby! I was talking with Zhu Li about some things." - Tess smiled.

Zhu Li on the side nodded, but for some reason, her cheeks turned red as she looked at me with complicated eyes.

"... What did they talk about?" - I asked myself.

"Well, good for you!" - I said, swallowing back my curiosity.

"So, how did it go?" - Tess asked.

"Eh, there was a twist. The "Big Man" was part of Sun's Advent, or at least controlled by them. And every other government, military, religion, and part of the super-rich people." - I shrugged.

"Seriously?! Wow, talk about a conspiracy theorist's wet dream." - Tess exclaimed.

"Erm... What is Sun's Advent?" - Zhu Li curiously asked.

"Ah, right." - I uttered, remembering I hadn't told her anything yet.

So I took the time to explain everything...

 

Zhu Li limply sat on a chair, her expression numb.

"So, everything was a lie...?" - Zhu Li had a blank look.

"Pretty much. Hard to digest, I know, so take your time." - I said.

Zhu Li merely nodded her head.

"So, what is the info about that guy? Can I see it?" - Tess asked.

"Sure, but what do you want to do with it?" - I asked while handing Arly over.

"I can try to divine him and see where he is and his next move." - Tess said while wearing her.

"You can already do that?!" - I exclaimed.

"Yes, however, it is a shallow mastery and is relatively inaccurate. Please don't expect much." - Tess said while looking through the info.

"That's fine. Take your time. I'll make us some coffee." - I said and headed to the kitchen.

"Ah! Young Master! Let me do it." - Zhu Li woke up from her stupor and headed to the kitchen.

"Hm... Alright." - I shrugged and sat down.

I am not about to argue with my new maid over making coffee.

Sitting facing Tess, I saw her skimming through the info quickly before closing her eyes in deep concentration.

There wasn't anything flashy or voices. It was just her staying silent.

Ten minutes later, Tess's brows were scrunched, her face pale, and her forehead sweating.

With two cups of untouched coffee on the table, I worriedly looked at her, ready to intervene and wake her up at any moment.

Luckily, things didn't reach that point.

Tess's eyelids twitched before slowly opening.

With a fatigued expression, she let out a smile.

"That Filip guy didn't lie. The candidate, Vajya, is in the southern ocean and will likely land in South Africa in 10 to 17 days." - Tess said.

At her words, I silently nodded. Filip didn't lie.

"Did you find anything else?" - I asked.

Tess's expression turned strange.

"Yes, I did... There is an almost guaranteed probability he will try to live the rest of his life away from us." - She weirdly said.

Now is my turn to make a weird face.

"... Hah?"

.

.

.

Somewhere in the Southern Ocean...

A handsome young man of Indian ethnicity wearing military clothes drove a motorized lifeboat.

Of course, that young man was Vajya, the Illusory Sun.

Since he joined Sun's Advent's True Sun Candidate program, Vajya became aware of three powers.

The first was Illusions. Initially, it was just creating illusions, but over time, he could even create corporeal illusions, able to interact with objects. Although they were relatively flimsy and weak, he could create dozens of soldiers instantly, but he had a hard time controlling them all.

The second was Presence Concealment. It allowed him to conceal his presence, making others less aware of himself. This proved especially valuable against dogs, patrols, and especially Detectors. Only class 4 Detectors like Major Indira Saanvi could find him these days, barely.

As for the third power... It is Survival Sense.

From the time he started getting Ichor injections, Vajya could detect danger and how to survive it. However, it wasn't just finding incoming threats but also things that could potentially endanger his life. This included telling anyone else about this power. It was so profound that it stopped him from telling anyone about it, even under hypnosis. That is how nobody except him knew about it.

That same power also drove him to seduce Major Indira Saanvi two years prior, as his danger-sensing told him that she posed a major underlying threat to him and also the only key to escaping if things went south. It was easy to seduce her, as his status as the Illusory Sun made him a promising figure in the organization. All he had to do was whisper some sweet nothings and place some dummy illusions while privately meeting.

A day prior, Vajya felt uneasy, as if he was about to die. The threat came from the same organization that raised him from childhood. He was about to be backstabbed and killed. That is why he implemented the plan he brewed for two years.

While having sex with Indira, he regretfully choked her to death, thwarting any chance of being detected. He then stole her credentials and supplies from the kitchen, stole a lifeboat, and hightailed it to the North. Of course, he left a dummy illusion in the cell so nobody would notice until he was well in the ocean, where nobody could find him thanks to his illusion powers.

As for what he planned to do next?

First, it was to find a ship to take him to Africa.

And then...

He would find somewhere to settle down and live the rest of his life.

Why?

Because he sensed that doing anything else would get him killed.

It wasn't because of Sun's Advent. To him, they are nothing to be afraid of.

What he feared was that Gulliver guy, the new True Sun, the new living god of Sun's Advent.

Whenever he looked at his picture from Indira's phone, Vajya had a deep chill. He felt as if he was looking at a death god incarnate.

Even that fleeting thought of taking his sister hostage made him almost vomit out of fear. What would happen to him would be even worse than death!

"I'm not messing with that monster! Fuck godhood! I wanna live, dammit!" - He screamed in his mind.

And so, the young and desperate man traveled to Africa, where no one would find fault with him.