65 – After Tournament! (End of Volume 2)

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PART 1 – Updates!

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The empire promised a great deal of entertainment to its citizens, but this led to complications.

As many cities received the “big screens”, which showed the fights in real time, few villages had such a privilege; there was a lot of travel, resulting in several cities being packed with people.

This naturally helped the money flow, which is good. But then came the complications. People returned to their villages and towns, but there were those who decided to stay, choosing a better life.

This small journey in search of entertainment led to the discovery of many talented people.

The lathe changed the lives of thousands of people, but it hurt many, especially when they returned home. There was a lot of banditry despite the Hermit Swordsman killing most of them.

Problems arose over the next few weeks, but they gradually resolved. However, influence was another important factor that entertainment brought.

The nobles recognized the influence and advantages of having such “screens” under their control. If they used them, it would be possible to increase the loyalty of their people while at the same time suppressing them, showing them the real strength of those who lead them.

As a result, during the week-long feast at the city lord's mansion, the nobles tried to get to Skarla and Letiphia. They wanted to know the mechanisms and methods used.

Even if it were easy to access the screens, they are scattered all over the place, with some of them already receiving news from their inventors about having one part of the technology—the one that receives and transmits images, not the one that records and sends them.

Even if it seems simple, it's not something they can figure out in 1 or 2 weeks; it would take months to years. That's why they need the “camera”.

To the displeasure of the nobles, Skarla was the one who had this technology, and she refused to hand it over. Naturally, Letiphia was aware of it, but she

did not receive permission to disseminate it.

The week of festivities concluded with a beautiful and wonderful wedding, just as the disciples had decided.

Skarla accepted Senah, Zang, Luisel, and Hackel as her official disciples. There was interest in a few others, but Skarla needed to conduct further research into the Shadows of Veremor. Naturally, many were invited to join Skarla as subordinates, and most of them accepted.

The privilege of serving a Legendary individual, one of the most powerful people on the continent—how could they refuse?

Meanwhile, right after the festivities, rumors began to circulate that war was imminent and the nobles were already moving. The imperial family also made their move, starting with the installation of amusement “screens” throughout the empire.

As the situation intensified and rumors began to circulate, the people's animosity grew. The Zenirys family's anger began to fall on the Torwin Kingdom.

As for Skarla and Hackel, their relationship was heating up. Hackel had a lot of frustrations built up, but when he received Skarla's monstrous cock, he expelled them as if by magic.

Hackel talked to her parents in secret, but it didn't seem like a good conversation because, after leaving the room with the transmission devices, she was angry.

Soon after, Skarla spoke with her parents, who appeared unhappy and avoided discussing their daughter. Instead, they inquired about Gojira and the "big screens." They also asked what had happened at her meeting with Teresa, The Saint of the Radiant Church.

She just smiled and said it was no big deal.

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PART 2 – Radiant Church!

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Day 3 after the tournament's conclusion!

Skarla was constantly disturbed by nobles, most of whom were arrogant and overconfident old men, showing off their offspring, talking all sorts of nonsense about how incredible they were, trying to attract her attention so that she could take them as her spouses or disciples.

The worst were the bastards who brought young children who hadn't even acquired the system yet, talking about how strong and talented they were and that they could handle anything she pushed them with. Their tones had a truly hideous sexual connotation.

She literally purged slavery and tortured a nobleman because he was in bed with children. Where do these retarded nobles think there's a chance that Skarla would even consider seeing a child as a target to play with?

It's surprising how many rotten nobles there are. Skarla noted them and informed Letiphia of those who must suffer unfortunate accidents in the war to come. Letiphia was more than pleased to go along with such plans.

Letiphia, a mother and pregnant with another child, despised even more those nobles who sold their children so easily.

Of course, there were nobles worth associating with, and they had plans for future cooperation.

Skarla plans to open a school in the near future, so it's good to find commoner and nobler children who have some decent character. Of course, this was difficult to find among the nobles, but there were those who were patriotic and loved the people.

In the middle of all this, there were churches. Numerous churches have gained significant influence in recent months. They came to Skarla, but not to send her proposals or try to convert her; just to congratulate and thank her for her achievements against the demons.

These were fairly neutral interactions, until requests began to come in to bring the word of their priesthood to the Krugar Mountains, to bring hope to the tribal peoples.

Skarla avoided such headaches, saying that the people weren't ready for something like that, and she didn't want to betray their trust. They gave up for now, but once the borders are opened, they will proliferate in the mountains and exploit the unbelievers.

Amidst the religious groups, the Radiant Church emerged, led by a stunning white-haired woman, a formidable figure, and a true warrior. It was none other than Anna Zlad, who had escorted Skarla on her final journey.

“Anna, it's wonderful to see you. If you'd come to me, I could have found better places to watch the fights.” - Said Skarla, smiling, naturally having seen her in the audience.

“I didn't want to disturb you. It was a very grand event, and congratulations on your relationship with the princess.” - Anna smiled as she bowed.

Skarla smiled, and her gaze fell on one of the many hooded figures, which did not escape her eyes. - “I don't think it's likely that you've come here just to try and gain a foothold in the mountains; I think it has something to do with that legend after you and, of course, the fact that our agreement was forcibly broken.” - His smile widened as coldness appeared in his gaze.

Anna opened her mouth, but Skarla interrupted her. - “Do you think I wouldn't notice the broken contract? Nothing can escape my eyes and senses, Anna. I don't think you heard my warning about what would happen if this information was spread.”

“I beg your pardon for feeling offended, but Anna is incapable of lying or hiding truths in front of our supreme lord.” - The hooded figure finally said, raising his head to show eyes shining with a silver tint, silky silver hair hidden by illusion magic, which was unable to escape Skarla's eyes.

“If that's the case, she must have spoken my words, and yet she still came to me?” - Skarla laughed.

“This is too significant a matter to ignore. We certainly don't need to get into a conflict; no one will gain anything from it, so why don't we sit down, talk it over, and come to an agreement that will be beneficial to everyone?” - The woman smiled confidently and calmly.

Skarla looked at her with the same calmness. It wasn't long before a room was prepared for them to have a private conversation.

......

The hooded figure finally showed her face and body. A beautiful figure with large hips, a slim waist, moderate breasts, skin as white as milk, soft as feathers, long silver hair, and an authoritative, divine air about her.

[Image] →

This is Teresa, Saint of the Radiant Church. She flashed a beautiful, confident smile as she sat down, showcasing her curves, which did indeed attract Skarla. However, she had been engulfed in pleasure over the last few days, so she didn't pay much attention.

Teresa was dissatisfied with Skarla's lack of response; her actual appearance often captivates both men and women, akin to a succubus luring them in. But Skarla didn't react, which displeased her but only made everything more interesting.

Skarla sat down on the sofa, gazed directly into Teresa's eyes, and finally spoke. - “Go on. You certainly didn't come to admire my beautiful face.”

“Well. Anna told us of your peculiarities, but also of your threats, which were not welcomed by those in high command in my church, but with an open mind, I ignored that and focused on those techniques you possess to know how we can reach a consensus that benefits both parties.” - Teresa smiled gently and accepted the tea that was served.

“If you know what the threat was, please repeat it.” - Skarla smiled; Teresa laughed and spoke.

“The technique that allowed you, even if you weren't level 21, to have the power of a legend, to the point of clashing with a Legend possessed by a demigoddess. These techniques have the potential to drastically alter the global power dynamics, giving the first person to use them a significant advantage. Your threat was that if Anna spread such news and we, the Radiant Church, threatened your life in pursuit of these techniques, you would ally yourself with the empire, purging our branches from the continent.” - She smiled and added. - “Do you think a small empire would be enough to threaten us?”

“I knew it wouldn't, but Anna didn't know that, and it was only temporary protection. But I've reached a strength that, quite frankly, I don't need to worry about anyone below the level of a demigod.” - Skarla smiled nonchalantly. - “But the threat wasn't false; purging the Radiant Church from the continent would be easy; I'd only need a month to annihilate their temples and churches.”

Teresa narrowed her eyes. - “Is there a conflict between you and my church?”

“No. I just don't like being used or ordered around. Being associated with churches is just that, pathetic trash who hide in the wings of some god, using their power and authority to do what they want and then claim to be by divine order. You could say I don't have a pleasant view of religion in general, so I know I can't give too much power to its people, because that would mean their word would become law; anything against it is heresy.” - Skarla showed her white teeth, and Teresa kept quiet.

"Your techniques—can they really deliver benefits like five levels?" - She asked calmly.

“I guess you must be using some magic or item to detect lies, right?” - Skarla asked, and Teresa kept quiet. - “Don't worry, you can keep it on. But you should know that so far, none of the points I acquired when I leveled up have been spent on my attributes, and none of them are below 30.”

His words made Teresa's eyes widen, and those who followed her, silent behind, reacted as well.

“Surprising, huh? Of course, not everyone can benefit from my techniques like I do; it takes many decades of training and perfecting them; it would take 5 times as long for anyone to reach my progress, but let's say I teach Anna one of these techniques; in 1 year, she would be seeing increases of 1 or 2 points in each attribute, some of which could receive up to 3~4 points.” - Skarla raised her hands in a relaxed manner as she laughed. - “Of course, that's if I only teach her the basics and leave her alone to train.”

“Do these techniques have levels?” - Teresa asked as she swallowed her saliva, trying to keep her composure.

“They can't level up by allocating points; you have to understand the basics, and over time she'll get better on her own, giving you the benefits. There are 4 official levels of quality, but there is an unofficial level, above all the others, which I am close to being able to use.” - Skarla smiled. - “When I use it, I believe that even the weakest demigods won't be able to stand up to it.”

“I see.” - Teresa brought the cup to her lips, feeling that they were dry. She looked at Skarla with a confident smile. - “What do you want for each level? Surely you have your price. You've started taking on so many disciples, one of whom will end up withdrawing from the contract, as was the case with Anna, then spread the news of what you have, then teach it to others.”

Skarla smiled and laughed with a certain debauchery. - “You believe that a technique that can break the rules of the system is something that at most should be achieved by consuming all sorts of legendary elixirs. God, nations spend absurd amounts of gold for items that can increase their attributes by 1 or 2 points; you're going to tell me that things of that value are something that anyone can get their hands on.” - Skarla began to laugh.

“My techniques are great, not something you can learn just because you want to.” - Skarla calmly took something out of her storage item, a book. - “This contains one of the most basic techniques I teach. It's garbage in my eyes, but even for those who can read, it's useless because we're talking about concepts, something beyond the understanding of magic itself. It's so abstract that even a sorceress like Letiphia had to abandon her logical thinking about the world in order to learn the basics. Do you believe that if I give it to you, you'll be able to use it and create ramifications? I say no, because it would be like handing a book to an illiterate person; they wouldn't know what they were holding.” - Skarla put it away, Teresa's eyes never leaving the precious book.

“My techniques cannot be learned by anyone who doesn't have a basic grasp of their concepts. Only by having an aligned mind and understanding the basics can you learn the fundamentals. And I happen to be the only one who can teach the basics, because learning the wrong way will result in death or incapacitation.”

“The wrong teaching can make you vomit your guts out, rupture every blood vessel in your body, and, in extreme cases, explode like a balloon. For those who haven't mastered their concepts, teaching others is like making them consume poison. So if any of my disciples betray me and spread my teachings to the world, congratulations; they will be condemning the world and everyone who learns from it.” - Skarla laughed.

Teresa frowned, taking a deep breath. - “Let's say that's the case; you still have plans to teach it to others, right? Otherwise, there wouldn't be 4 levels, with a supposed 5th level that you're about to reach.”

“Indeed. I have plans to use the Krugar Mountains as my home, a place to raise my children, and, of course, the safest and most powerful place in the world. I'm going to create a great academy that won't discriminate against anyone for their race or social status; everyone will be equal; if they're not, there will be expulsions, even if they're the children of kings or emperors. A place to teach and make strong, only the greatest talents, learning my most basic techniques.”

“And what's the point? To create an army?” - Teresa narrowed her eyes.

“No. I just want to make the world stronger and, in the process, increase my power. I don't yearn to conquer the continent or the world; I think that's too trivial a goal, but if I did, what would I do then? Would I spend the years of my life ruling, taking care not to get stabbed in the back? I don't want a mediocre life; I want to be the strongest and leave an important legacy that will last for millennia, more than any king, hero, catastrophe, or religion.”

“I will conquer the world with great deeds, having overwhelming power that no one would dare confront, and then I will achieve my absolute peace. I will teach future generations, see the world progress, future crises avoided, and the population increase. Know that these are not plans; they are deeds that will come true because they are a certainty. I don't fight or work for a nation or god, but for myself and my family, because I have the power to do so and I will.”

“All you want is to win these techniques, strengthen the power of your religion, conquer more space, perhaps conquer continents, and proliferate your religion, gaining more power over the world and handing everything over to your God. You think selfishly; all for the sake of one being, I'm thinking about the future, how my children will live, how my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will become great.”

“I want a great legacy from someone who has achieved extraordinary things, but what legacy will churches and nations leave behind? Empires fall, replaced by others, until they are forgotten, leaving only insignificant traces of their past glory. As for religion? Several warring among themselves, corruption that keeps rising, to the point where there are countless jokes about pedophile priests. As people become more aware, these jokes will gain more weight, and the churches will lose their power if they no longer have wars to fight or enemies to face.”

“Teresa, Saint of the Radiant Church. You and your church will be able to learn my techniques in the future, that is, if your acolytes pass the entrance exams, but apart from that, I don't see you having anything that interests me to the extent that I would give it to you now.”

Teresa had a cold look on her face. - “I'm offering peace and cooperation. I understand that you have a broad point of view, but do you believe that giving power to the masses is the right thing to do? A lot of bad people will learn it and cause evil.”

Skarla calmly took out a sword. - “This is a sword, a weapon that is only used to kill. Many try to use philosophy and romance to change these facts, saying that they wield swords to protect their nation and family, but it's all an excuse so they can kill their enemies with a lighter conscience. Even so, they are sold in every town and village; anyone, even children, can buy them. Do you think blacksmiths care who uses their weapons or for what purpose? They know what they're made for.”

Teresa narrowed her eyes. - “So you don't mind if demons, criminals, and all sorts of evildoers learn your techniques and use them for evil?”

“I just need to make sure that there are more decent people using my techniques so that they stop the bad ones from multiplying. Unlike the churches that need a common enemy to increase their influence, I don't need anything but myself.” - Skarla scoffed. - “Sooner or later my techniques will become commonplace; I believe that in 40~60 years there will already be branches and many talented people scattered all over the continent. I'll make sure that the first generations to learn my techniques will be morally upright, and if they're not, I'll personally take care of the dissidents.”

“What if your techniques are used against you? Do you think you'll be the only Legend using such techniques? Many others will rush to learn them, master them, and become stronger.” - Teresa pinned her.

Skarla smiled. - “Indeed, that's a problem, but a problem that doesn't affect me.” - Teresa frowned.

“I'm confident that without my help, it would take 20~30 years for them to superficially understand my techniques, in which time I would be even stronger, consolidating my power to even more absurd levels. In 40~60 years, a complete understanding of the basic techniques, along with the ramifications, would begin to change the world, but it wouldn't affect me or those around me, because you see, we'd have a 40~60 year advantage.” - Skarla laughed.

“In a few decades, I guarantee that my wives, all of them, as well as my main disciples, will have power on a par with a Legend. As for me, even at Legendary level, I'll have a power that even demigods couldn't go against, and I wouldn't provoke them, so they wouldn't be able to do anything against me.” - Skarla laughed.

“I believe you're thinking of using the demigods of your church to try to force me into something, but I'm not a fool, and I know how they work. Your demigod would need permission to act against me, or he would be penalized, making him an easy target for others who would use him as a ladder to climb up the ranks. As a result, to deal with me, you and your church would need to use Legends and, of course, artifacts to try to kill me.”

“I admit it would be complicated at first, but if I unleash everything I have, there's no way you'll be able to resist me. I have the confidence to kill one or two dozen Legends.” - Skarla smiled confidently. - “Oh, if they try to use my family against me, I admit that they'll be able to get control of me; they're my weakness, but understand that I'll do anything to get out of control, and when I do, it'll be to extinguish any trace of the Radiant Church from the face of the earth!”

Teresa growled. - “I understand; unfortunately, there's no way we can cooperate. If you wish to be our enemy, so be it.” - She stood up, but was surprised by Skarla grabbing her neck and lifting her into the air.

Teresa's eyes widened; she tried to use her power but soon shuddered, finding herself unable to use her magic and holy power, just as her magic items and artifacts weren't working.

“You're so helpless in my hands now; I can kill you like an insect, and you can't do anything about it. Try using your treasures, all the power your god has given you.” - Skarla smiled, and Teresa's subordinates found themselves lying on the ground, a colossal pressure on their bodies.

“Dare to hurt me, and you'll see fire fall on your head; your whole family will be killed before your eyes!” - Teresa snarled, her threat being met by a fist to her stomach, a resounding thud, and her sputtering, almost vomiting, but Skarla's hand went to her mouth, preventing her from vomiting.

Teresa shuddered, pissing herself; she could see how her HP in one attack dropped to less than half. Even with all the passive treasures protecting her and reducing the damage, she still took hundreds in damage.

“Everything I've said so far has been fact, but now it's going to be a threat.” - Skarla said seriously, growling as she faced Teresa. - “If you or your church make me your enemy, you won't be able to resist; nothing but demigods can stand against me. Your talents, magic, and treasures? It's all useless; look at you yourself, armed to the teeth with all kinds of treasure, but it's all useless; not even your protective magics stopped you from being grabbed by me.” - Skarla laughed and threw Teresa to the ground, and she got up in a rage, screaming and trying to activate her Miracles.

AAAAAHHH~

She suddenly screamed loudly as she fell to her knees, noticing that she was unable to use any of her energy, something was blocking her path. Skarla calmly walked over to her, frightening Teresa in the process.

Teresa already saw Skarla as a demon; in terror, she backed away, knowing that all the strength she prided herself on was nothing in the face of this monster.

“Oh-ho~” - Skarla smiled as she looked up. - “I see you've finally taken an interest in what's going on here. Yes, I felt your presence the moment you looked at me.” - She laughed, and soon Teresa was covered in a golden and silvery glow.

She calmly stood up, the dirt leaving her body. She was in perfect condition. - “Why do you assault my child?” - She asked.

“You powerful entities love to possess the bodies of others.” - Skarla said, laughing.

“You didn't answer my question.” - Teresa remained cold.

“Your child is arrogant and annoying. She has nothing to offer; she knows it, and she tries to play pathetic games. This is just a warning in case you think about touching my family, because I'm sure your hypocritical children will try something.” - Skarla laughed scornfully.

“You know who I am, and yet you act like a wild animal. Don't you fear the punishment I can give you?” - Teresa snarled slightly, frowning and the atmosphere shivering.

Skarla laughed. - “I don't care who you are, because I know you have no real power here. If you want to curse me, you'll need the world's permission to do so; otherwise, you'll have to sacrifice a lot to do anything against me.”

“Do you think this world would protect an arrogant, disrespectful child like you?” - Teresa laughed, holding out her hand.

“I don't know, what do you say?” - Skarla crossed her arms, and the energy building up in Teresa's palm was extinguished. Teresa's eyes widened. - “WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?” - She roared.

“Gods are external beings who consume the resources of worlds, but they are necessary for their progression and evolution, as well as protection. But worlds will always prioritize who can bring them the most benefit, and that's exactly what the world sees in me.” - Skarla smiled. - “I think you've seen your toy's memories; you understand what she wanted and what I have in hand. How about I let you see the real power of what I have in my hands?” - She approached a furious Teresa.

“Use your eyes; see my status. I give you permission, Radiant God. Better not let your toy see.” - Skarla smiled, and Teresa narrowed her eyes, but then opened them wide in pure shock.

“THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!!” - She roared.

“You don't believe your eyes? Do you think the system is lying to you?” - Skarla smiled, and Teresa shuddered.

“That doesn't make sense... I see, you're the cause of the system being weird.” - Teresa growled, and Skarla smiled.

“I alone have knowledge and techniques that can raise the power of this world. Do you think this world will prioritize a God who consumes its resources and poisons the minds of his children, or the mortal born in this world who aims to increase the quality of its resources, protecting them and better, without taking anything?” - Skarla's smile widened.

Teresa shuddered.

“Don't waste your time trying to recruit me. I don't intend to oppose you, Radiant God, nor do I intend to exploit or permit my family to exploit me. Let us live in peace; you do your thing and I'll do mine.” - Skarla said, looking into his eyes.

“Do you think that being protected by your world makes you immune to my actions?” - Teresa narrowed her eyes.

“You certainly have your ways of affecting a mortal like me, but if you can't kill me, I'll get stronger. That strength you see is only according to the age you've seen; imagine 20, 40, 60, or 100 years from now. How strong will I be? Do you think your church would resist if, in 20~30 years, I decided to focus all my efforts on annihilating it?” - Skarla decided not to weaken, even if she didn't understand the true extent of a god's power.

Teresa frowned, still looking at her status: 21 years old, attributes above Level 15 limits, skills at high levels, 6 level points to spend, and she's still getting stronger.

Something that defies the laws of the system exists. A pioneer, one of the most dangerous beings, and Skarla is certainly at the top of the list of all the pioneers who have ever existed.

“You have the power to become a goddess; I can feel it.” - Teresa said calmly. - “I can avoid conflicts if I make exceptions for my children. I won't give up on this world, and I want your techniques; I can use them in other worlds.”

“I refuse. There will be no exceptions; their only advantage will be that they know what I have in hand and part of my future plans. So as soon as I open the doors to take on apprentices, get them to send decent talent. I have no plans to teach old people or fanatics.” - Skarla didn't hesitate, and Teresa growled.

Teresa held out her hand; a book appeared in her palm, the same one Skarla had before. Skarla narrowed her eyes, but let him have it.

Teresa opened it, reading its contents, and the confusion was visible. - “This garbage allowed you to achieve this power?”

“That garbage is only the beginning; the rest comes from it.” - Skarla smiled. - “You can take the book and study; I doubt you'll achieve great results in the next few years. But I recommend you don't teach it to others; teaching it the wrong way will be worse than poison.”

She growled, and the book disappeared. - “The matter will end here. I hope you won't refuse my children.”

“I won't refuse those who yearn for knowledge and improvement, but if they are arrogant idiots and harm my institution, I won't hesitate to expel them.” - Skarla crossed her arms.

“Well, so be it.” - Teresa huffed, and soon the glow left her body; moments later she fell to her knees, sweating profusely, eyes wide as she breathed heavily.

Skarla calmly sat up; it didn't take long for Teresa to calm down enough to leave, whereupon Skarla said. - “Anna!” - Everyone in her entourage froze. - “Don't appear in front of me again; that's a warning.” - Their eyes met; Anna shuddered and nodded.

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PART 3 – The World!

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[“You're playing a dangerous game.”] - Skarla heard a familiar voice, finding herself in an equally familiar space.

“It's wonderful to talk to you so soon. Your voice is surprisingly pleasant and welcoming.” - Skarla laughed lightly.

["I protected you this time because your words carry a certain weight; I see you as more valuable than many gods; you're my child too, even with all these complications. But use me like that again and I'll discard you."]

Skarla was surprised by the aggression and said. - “I beg your pardon, but this has taken me by surprise. These are mistakes I've made in the past, and if it hadn't been for them, none of this would have happened. I didn't want to trust you to protect me, but I had no choice.” - Skarla bowed her head.

["I understand, you're not perfect, but I don't like being used. There won't be a second time, regardless of the great benefits you can bring me."]

“I understand, but how would you like to give me that privilege?” - Skarla smiled.

[“What do you mean?”] The voice sounded bored.

“You must have missions that need to be completed, but few trustworthy individuals to do so. Since you communicate with me so easily, I find it difficult that it's a matter of will, but because you're unable to communicate so precisely with other of your children, right?” - Skarla narrowed her eyes, probing this possibility.

[Indeed. Your techniques make you more connected to nature, allowing you to transmit information more accurately. The closest would be the World Tree, one of my most beloved daughters, the Elves, and finally the Druids. There are also the fairies. But none of them come as close as you and your techniques."]

Skarla smiled; she loved being right.

“As it is, I think you can give me difficult missions; you know I can handle it. It'll help me level up and give you a headache.” - Skarla smiled as she held out her hand.

[“In return, will you want tokens so you can use my protection?”]

“Of course. Unfortunately, I can't go against the gods; I'm not going to provoke the demigods myself; I have Sueika as a shield in case of emergency. All I ask is that you relax the rules in my direction. I may not even give advantages to the gods, but I'll certainly give privileges to you.” - Skarla smiled as she held out her hand, and soon a simple tree mark appeared. - “Mark your favorite children with this mark; at this same frequency, few will be able to see it. When I or my wives find people with this mark, we will help and support them, as well as giving preference to training and teaching.”

[“You're making it hard to refuse.”]

“Of course, I know how to be a demon too. We both win; you get strong children to protect you, having those you believe to be the most reliable, while I not only have less on my conscience about who I teach, because I doubt I'll choose evil children, but I'll be able to make mistakes and use the card up my sleeve called: spoiled daughter privilege.” - Skarla laughed.

["Well, I agree. So, for your first mission, I'll reward you with 5,000 XP. Help Shunam in her revenge, find a cure for her condition, and give a quick death to the child who is playing with life and death."]

Skarla had almost forgotten about that. - “So I only have to take care of those three things to earn 5,000 XP? You know I don't have to.”

["They're rules. Normally, in order to give such missions, I would manipulate fate so that a few capable children would come together to carry out the missions. Afterwards, the reward would be given to everyone. That's the way we worlds communicate with our children, but that won't be necessary for you. XP is a formality and an obligation."]

“I understand; I'll gladly accept. Don't worry, I have no plans to harm you; I just want to use your protection at key moments to prevent my neck and that of my family from being cut.”

[“If I do my missions, I'll keep my end of the bargain.”] Skarla nodded.

Skarla nodded.

=== [Author's Note] ===

After 36 chapters, Volume 2 comes to an end!

It was a volume that took a long time; my work prevented me from finishing it on time, taking many months, and I have to apologize for that, but I also just have to thank all the loyal readers and patrons who stood by me for so long.

I know I haven't been excellent to you, nor do I deserve all the love and support you've given me over the last year, so... thank you for everything.

Now, leave the thanks aside. I'll try not to take a break, as my hands have improved, so I can get back to writing, but not with so much impetus, as the damage seems to have been greater and will take longer to recover from.

I particularly wanted the chapter to be much longer, but I had to take a lot of breaks because of the pain. It's surprising how much your hand can hurt from writing incessantly for hours. Because of my condition, I expect patience.

So I'll make up for the few chapters of “Skarla” with some fun writing. I wrote it purely to test a TRPG system that I was about to narrate. In the end, I got carried away, and since I had a lot of free time at work, I used it to write drafts and parts of the chapters, where I then only spent 20~30 minutes polishing what I had and thus creating chapters.

Surprisingly, I completed what would be the first volume of that work, 35 chapters with over 5,000 words. Even I was surprised at how easy it was to write that piece, which made me even angrier.

In the end, I wrote Skarla with meticulous attention to detail and extensive planning, while I wrote "ADRPGS" spontaneously and without any real plans, which ultimately led to its outcome. I wanted the same performance for Skarla, but unfortunately it's not possible at the moment.

Another thing I'd like to thank (back to the thanks) is that one of my readers has agreed to be my proofreader, but so far he's only proofreading “ADRPGS”. I won't go into the reasons why, but I think he'll soon start paying attention here too.

Look forward to next season, time will pass more quickly, and the Krugar Mountains will develop into something great. Depending on how I work on this 3rd Volume, it could be the smallest or the largest. Wish me luck and a good recovery, so I can get back to writing like a machine!