I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [160]

Subaru immediately understood—

Echidna’s so-called “resurrection” was nothing like what Zhongli had done for Guizhong.

It would not be flawless.

Not body, not soul, not memory—none of it would be whole.

If he followed Echidna’s so-called correct method to revive Emilia…

He would regret it for the rest of his life.

The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine.

He would rather die here and reset everything than accept such an outcome.

...

Meanwhile, Guizhong’s questioning continued.

【Second Question: In the first method of resurrection, do the revived individuals lack their past memories? Will they merely be new beings with only bodies and basic consciousness?】

The Witch of Greed remained silent once more.

【Third Question: In the second method, is it true that the resurrected individuals will not regain their original bodies? That they can only exist within this dream realm?】

This time, the Witch did not remain silent.

She did not deny it either.

Instead, her voice was calm, indifferent—

【If revived through the second method, Emilia and the others will exist solely within this dreamscape, their consciousness preserved.】

【However, with further research into my past experiments, creating artificial bodies to house them would eventually be possible.】

【Subaru-kun, your ability allows you to push forward any experiment without fear of failure. If the results are unsatisfactory—simply drink poison and reset the world. Isn’t that the most convenient power? The most useful ability?】

【I believe that with my knowledge and your ability combined—there is nothing we cannot achieve.】

"So that leaves only the third option…?"

Subaru ignored Echidna’s manipulative words.

He took a deep breath, regaining his composure.

Then, within his mind, he asked—

【Echidna, how do I convince the Witch of Envy to restore everyone?】

Echidna did not answer immediately.

Instead, she asked back—

【So you truly choose the third path?】

【This is the most impossible option.】

【If the other paths require one or two miracles… then this path demands that you yourself become the miracle.】

Subaru did not waver.

【Give me the answer, Echidna.】

For a moment, the Witch of Greed sighed.

Her voice carried something unfamiliar—something between amusement and resignation.

【Very well. To reward your persistence…】

【I shall grant you the only truly correct answer.】

【Face the Witch of Envy directly.】

【Ask her—no, plead with her—to undo the destruction she has wrought.】

【There is no other way. No other choice.】

【Because in this world, only she possesses the power to revive everything perfectly.】

【…No, even she may not be able to.】

【But this is your last possible path.】

【Even I do not fully understand what powers and blessings she truly holds.】

With those final words, Echidna’s voice faded completely from Subaru’s mind.

No matter how much he called for her, she did not respond again.

...

Subaru fell into deep thought.

【What are you hesitating for?】

Guizhong’s gentle voice echoed in his mind.

【Are you afraid?】

【Do you doubt?】

Subaru clenched his fists.

—Will she listen to me?

Silence.

Then, a soft chuckle.

【What are you doubting?】

—Will the Witch of Envy truly grant my request and restore Emilia and the others?

【What are you questioning?】

—Can I trust the most fearsome being in this world—the one who swallowed half of existence—to be merciful?

【What are you afraid of?】

—She says she loves me, but she also summoned me to this world. She cursed me with [Return by Death].

—If she truly loves me, why would she subject me to such cruel suffering?

【Heh.】

Guizhong sighed—a soft sound, almost mocking.

【Then, Natsuki Subaru, let me ask you this.】

【If you had never met Emilia—what kind of life would you have lived in this world?】

Subaru’s breath hitched.

Memories flashed before his eyes.

His first day in this world.

He had just stepped out of a convenience store, snacks in hand—

And then, in the blink of an eye—he was here.

There was no summoning circle, no grand welcome by a king or princess.

There was only the familiar sound he now associated with death—

"Ahhhhhh—!"

He understood now.

That voice was the Witch of Envy’s call.

But what if…

What if he had never walked into that alleyway?

What if he had never been beaten up by those thugs?

Would he have ever met Emilia?

What would I have done instead?

—Maybe he would have played it safe.

—Maybe he would have worked odd jobs at an inn to survive.

—Maybe he would have tried to learn magic.

—Maybe he would have picked up his long-abandoned sword training.

—Maybe he would have met Felt, simply because he ended up living in the slums.

—Maybe he would have sold his phone for quick money.

…What am I even thinking?

【Have you realized it yet?】

Guizhong’s voice returned, patient and warm.

"…Yeah, I think I’m starting to understand."

【If you had no [Return by Death]… If you had no Chat Group… What kind of existence would you have in this world?】

"I’d be nothing."

"I’d be a stray dog—just another nobody, struggling to survive until I ended up dead in some gutter."

【Then, do you finally understand?】

Subaru closed his eyes.

He inhaled deeply.

Then, he exhaled.

"Yeah. I understand now."

【And what is it that you have understood?】

Subaru opened his eyes.

And within his heart, he answered—

[Return by Death] is not a curse.

It is the Witch of Envy’s love.

She pulled him into this world alone, with no allies, no guidance.

But if he hadn’t had [Return by Death]—

He would have died a meaningless death, alone and forgotten.

Because of [Return by Death], he had a chance.

She wasn’t tormenting him.

She was protecting him.

He had simply been too selfish to see it.

He was the one who kept throwing himself into danger.

He was the one who chose death, again and again.

And yet—he blamed her for the pain he suffered.

The pain wasn’t her intention.

It was simply the consequence of his own choices.

It wasn’t a punishment.

It was love.

【So, Subaru.】

【Now that you understand—】

【What will you do?】

Subaru lifted his head.

His gaze locked onto the approaching, veiled figure in the distance.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips.

And then—

He smiled.

【I know exactly what I need to do.】

---

This is a fan translation of 我，21亿岩王帝君加入聊天群 by 大一统. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!