Chương 12: DEI OBSCURIUS HILARANS

A cosmic chuckle resonated through the vast, ethereal expanse of the 'White Room', a sound like a thousand tiny bells chiming in mischievous unison. He leaned back on his invisible throne, a smug, satisfied smile playing on his lips. Before him, like a colossal, shimmering projection, floated the image of Elias, currently perched innocently on his mother's lap, being spoon-fed rice pudding. Deus watched as Elias almost choked, then recovered, a subtle, calculating gleam entering the child's eyes.

"Yes, that's right," Deus murmured, his voice a low, pleased rumble.

"Start asking questions, little mortal. Start testing the boundaries." He took a sip from a goblet that seemed to hold distilled starlight, his amusement palpable.

"Oh, the delicious irony! He rails against his existence, begs for death, and when granted the very thing he thinks he wants, he immediately seeks to unravel its true nature. Humans, such ingrates, always unsatisfied." He waved a hand, and the projection zoomed in on Elias's face, catching the fleeting, almost imperceptible, smirk.

"He probably thinks he's found a loophole, doesn't he? Thinks there must be a 'catch' to his 'true immortality.' As if I, Deus, the Architect of Worlds, an all powerful God would be so crude." His smile widened, a touch of malevolence entering his ancient eyes. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"No, my dear Elias, there are no loopholes, no ways around it, no limitations. That way, you can entertain me more." Deus tapped a finger against his chin, his gaze fixed on the boy.

"He's thinking of all those fictional characters, isn't he? And their so called 'types of immortality'. Bless his little, mortal heart. So predictable, so endearingly naive in his understanding of cosmic gifts. Just wait till he finds out what his 'Trait' is." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, an eager glint in his eyes.

"Go on, Elias Linford Dukker. Show us all. Show us the true extent of the 'gift' I've given you." His chuckle deepened, growing into a low, rumbling laugh that echoed across the celestial void. The grand game had begun, and Elias, unaware of the puppet master's ever-watchful gaze, was about to become the most fascinating player on Deus's cosmic chessboard. The god's plan was unfolding precisely as he intended, and the anticipation of the boy's eventual despair was a sweet, intoxicating elixir.