Strongest Hammer God novel Chapter 619

619 /624

"Continue," Swamp Dragon said.

Kyle resumed his story.

When he talked about the trade with Horatio, his freedom for the end of the world, Swamp Dragon didn't show any reaction.

Then, Kyle talked a bit about the Cult.

He talked about how they had helped him and how they had increased his Karmic Luck.

Swamp Dragon remained silent.

"Don't you think the weighing of Karmic Luck is strange?" Kyle asked. "I killed 500 Initiates, who were supposed to die anyway, and in exchange, the world decided that I was redeemed."

"Even more, the Desperation Trial that was made in my name just helped 50 people, and that was enough to counteract the death of tens of thousands of Mortals."

"It's about potential," Swamp Dragon said calmly. "The 50 people who were saved in your name might save thousands of mortals."

"Or they might kill thousands of mortals," Kyle answered.

"On average, due to the effects of Karmic Luck, a Seeker is more likely to help people than to hurt them," Swamp Dragon said.

"Then, what about the dead Initiates?" Kyle asked. "They would be killed anyway. There was no potential for harm reduction there. Why did it increase my Karmic Luck?"

"Isn't it strange? I didn't sentence them to death. I was just the executioner, but I still got almost all the Karmic Luck."

Swamp Dragon didn't immediately answer.

He instinctively tried to find a counterargument, but deep inside, he felt like what he would say would feel hollow.

"I do not have an answer for that," Swamp Dragon said after several seconds. "I can't think of a good explanation. The only thing I can come up with is that it is a flat reward for getting rid of dangerous individuals."

"While your execution of the 500 Initiates didn't benefit anyone, for fairness' sake, the reward must be given to retain consistency. The reward has to be consistent, reliable, and pure so that others may rely on the rules of Karmic Luck."

"However, that argument is weak, and it sounds more like an excuse than an actual reason."

"The truth is, I don't know. In such cases, I can only defer to authority. I can only trust that whoever or whatever made these rules knows what they are doing," Swamp Dragon said.

"But do their values agree with yours?" Kyle asked.

"I don't know, and it doesn't matter. I will do what I think is right. Up to now, my morality has aligned with the rules of Karmic Luck, but if my morals ever differ, I will do what I believe is right. Even if it damages my Karmic Luck. "

Kyle sighed again.

He admired Swamp Dragon for his character.

But at the same time, Kyle knew that he wasn't as stalwart in his morals as he was.

Kyle tried to follow his morals.

He tried to help the people who had helped him.

But if his life or future were on the line…

He would prioritize himself.

He was doing the same thing right now.

After all, he was still a member of the Cult of Final Fate.

As Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon, he felt a bit ashamed.

He couldn't do what Swamp Dragon was doing.

"I can't be like you," Kyle said. "I can't sacrifice myself for what I believe in."

"Nobody expects you to," Swamp Dragon said. "People have freedom. People can make their own choices. I realize that my standard for my morals is significantly higher. Just because someone won't go to the same lengths to do good as I do doesn't mean they are worthy of disdain."