The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 70

Chapter 70: The Eight Thunder Gods

“Ka-ka-ka-ka!”

Layers of laughter echoed all at once. In the lightning that illuminated the surroundings, eight skull-like figures with horns protruding from their heads hovered around the altar, each cloaked in a pale blue flame.

“It’s been ages since we’ve been outside!”

“And this air… it’s the familiar stench of Yomi! How nostalgic!”

“Indeed, indeed! It seems the Gate of Yomi has opened once again!”

“Yes! And it was that child there who awakened us!”

All eight skulls turned their glowing eyes toward me simultaneously. In an instant, they burst forth with lightning, encircling me.

“Hmm? This child… is of the Kamishiro bloodline, is he not?”

“Oh, yes, indeed! Those bones, those eyes—it reminds me of Taketo!”

“True, but while he resembles Taketo, the aura around him feels different… Boy, what is your name?”

“…Belk. Belk Leesh Mildrea.”

“Such a long-winded name… Well, Belk it is. Now, tell us, why have you awakened us, the Eight Thunder Gods, from our slumber?”

One of the skulls, larger and speaking with a calm demeanor, addressed me. I briefly explained the current state of Hizuchi. Upon hearing this, the Thunder Gods began laughing again.

“How amusing this has become!”

“Indeed, indeed! So these children have reached this place while searching for a way to stop it!”

“Ka-ka-ka-ka! To have come to us… you were born under quite the interesting star, weren’t you?”

“Enough, you all… Now, boy, by awakening us, you must intend to use our power, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“Ku… ku-ka… ka-ka-ka-ka!”

The Eight Thunder Gods laughed uproariously. But their laughter abruptly stopped, replaced by an overwhelming killing intent that cracked the stone floor and walls.

“Are you mocking us, boy?”

The skulls merged into one. Lightning gathered and formed a body nearly twice my size. A monstrous figure with four arms, resembling a demon, loomed over me. This was the Eight Thunder Gods.

“We once descended to serve your ancestors. But we are the embodiment of flames that can scorch even those who dwell in the heavens. To dare seek to use us, gods as we are… Shall we shatter your arrogance along with your body?”

The Eight Thunder Gods glared at me, their enormous eyes boring into mine. I returned their gaze and answered firmly.

“Try it.”

“What?”

“I’m not someone who cowers before gods anymore. Whether you lend me your power or not… that’s the only answer I need.”

“Boy… you seem quite confident.”

“Want to test me?”

My provocation made the Eight Thunder Gods release an intense pressure and a surge of lightning. Their face twisted into a fierce grin as they roared.

“Ku-ka-ka-ka! Amusing! Truly amusing, boy! Very well! Let’s see if you are worthy to bear my lightning!”

With those words, a torrent of lightning rained down upon me.