Volume 7 – Chapter 25 – Part 4 – A Different Time

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

The hole in the earth glowed an eerie crimson, mirroring the hue of Aoife’s eyes. The light cast an unsettling ambiance, one that prickled at the edges of their senses. Yet, beneath the surface unease, there lay a steel certainty; they were capable, ready to face whatever might emerge from that ominous glow.

Without a word, Aoife took the lead, her steps firm and resolute. Kuisha and their new female prisoner trailed behind, the latter’s nervousness palpable in the oppressive air. Sweat beaded on the prisoner’s brow, her eyes darting around, searching for an escape that wasn’t there. The crimson light grew brighter with each step, intensifying the disquiet that gnawed at their nerves.

The prisoner’s agitation spiked as they neared the hole. Her frantic glances turned desperate, but she had no recourse, no option but to follow. They stopped at the edge, where a strange magic circle barred their path, its energy humming with the same eerie light.

“What in the world is this?” Aoife muttered, her eyes narrowing. “It feels like the energy of this universe, but it looks like a magic circle. What’s it doing here?”

Kuisha squinted at the glowing circle, her eyes narrowing as she examined the intricate symbols. “I can’t say for sure,” she began, her voice tinged with unease. “But the sense I’m getting from this thing... it’s like a warning. Trying to open it might unleash something catastrophic.”

She turned to Aoife, her gaze questioning. “Do you feel the same?”

Aoife gave a terse nod, her eyes never leaving the ominous circle. She took a cautious step back, her mind racing. “Yeah, I think we need to reconsider our approach. Maybe we should turn back, find another way to break the barrier that’s trapped us here.”

She glanced around, her eyes tracing the semi-translucent barrier that now surrounded them, shimmering faintly in the crimson light. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to close in, amplifying the tension.

“We’re going to die…” The female prisoner’s voice was barely a whisper, her lips trembling with fear.

“What—” Aoife began, ready to question her, but the words died on her lips. A powerful wave of crimson energy pulsed from the circle, the force of it chilling them to the bone. Instinctively, they turned to the source, eyes wide with shock. Another pulse followed, more intense than the first, and they leapt back, the ground trembling beneath their feet.

The air thickened with a palpable dread as they stared at the glowing circle, its energy now crackling ominously. Whatever lay behind that barrier, it was waking up.

The barrier sealing the hole shattered, a cascade of glass-like fragments dissipating into the air. From the depths below, an otherworldly shriek pierced the silence, its sheer intensity forcing them to cover their ears in a desperate attempt to block out the sound. The trees surrounding them quivered violently, their leaves rustling as though caught in a fierce storm. Moments later, a surge of crimson light erupted from the depths, enveloping them in its blinding radiance.

As the light receded, their eyes adjusted to the sight that had emerged. A monstrous creature stood before them, its form a grotesque amalgamation of various beasts. It possessed the elongated body of a dragonfly, the imposing horns of a beetle, and the majestic wings of a phoenix. A serpentine tail coiled behind it, ending in a gaping maw lined with venomous fangs.

“What the... what is that!? It feels... creepy!” Aoife exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and dread. She summoned a blade of ice into her hand, the weapon shimmering in the dim light as she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation.

“...Do you think... it’s—” Kuisha began, but her words were abruptly cut off as the insect screeched once more. The sound was sharper, more commanding, and in response, smaller versions of the creature began to emerge from the shadows. The main beast loomed over them, its vast size dwarfing the barrier that encased them. Its spawn swarmed around it, their movements synchronized with a predatory grace.

Not a moment later, the smaller insects charged at Aoife’s group, their shrieks harmonizing into a piercing dissonance. As they flew closer, they spat streams of venomous crimson gunk and launched spiky thorns, each projectile a lethal promise.

Aoife swung her sword in a wide arc, conjuring a wall of ice that rose before them, intercepting the barrage. The ice crackled and hissed as the venom splattered against it, but held firm. She exhaled sharply, her breath fogging in the cold air. “I’ll take on the big one—the brood queen, maybe? You handle the smaller ones, Kuisha.”

“Works for me,” Kuisha replied, her eyes flicking to their prisoner. Quickly, she broke the cuffs and chains binding the woman. “You need to fight with us, or you’ll die.”

The woman’s face paled further, eyes wide with terror. “I-I can’t! They’re too strong for me! I can barely block an attack from them!” Her voice quavered with desperation.

Kuisha’s expression hardened. “If you want to die a painful death, then do nothing. Otherwise, fight alongside us.” Her gaze bore into the woman. “What’s your name?”

The woman swallowed hard, her fear evident. “...Ling Feng,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

“Alright, Ling Feng,” Kuisha said, her tone unyielding. “Stay close, and remember—we either fight, or we die.” She turned her focus back to the swarm, her muscles tensing as the first wave of smaller creatures closed in.

Aoife launched herself toward the brood queen, her movements precise and deadly. Her ice blade cleaved through the smaller insects with ease, each swing sending their lifeless bodies to the ground. With her free hand, she conjured sharp icicles, flinging them with precision at the swarming creatures. Yet, despite her efforts, some insects evaded the icy projectiles or healed their wounds almost instantaneously.

“The anti-healing technique,” she muttered, focusing her energy. She imbued her blade and attacks with it. The effect was immediate. The insects’ regenerative abilities faltered, their wounds festering instead of mending. The swarm’s numbers started to thin noticeably.

Behind her, the sounds of continuous combat rang out. Kuisha and Ling Feng held their own, their attacks a relentless barrage against the encroaching horde. Aoife caught glimpses of Kuisha’s fierce strikes and Ling Feng’s desperate but effective defense. Their combined efforts bolstered her resolve.

She pressed on, her blade cutting through the seemingly endless tide of insects. Each movement was a precise ballet of violence, her sword an extension of her will. She weaved through the multitude, a whirlwind of ice and steel. Despite the overwhelming numbers, she advanced, her eyes locked on the brood queen.

The brood queen itself was a grotesque marvel, its vast size dwarfing everything else. It watched Aoife with a cold, calculating gaze, its multifaceted eyes glinting in the crimson light. The air around it crackled with menace. Aoife couldn’t fathom how a single creature could spawn such an immense army in so little time, but the evidence was undeniable.

She continued her relentless advance, cutting down the smaller insects that dared to stand in her way. Her blade now glowed with an eerie blue light, the anti-healing technique seeping into the wounds it inflicted. Each slash diminished the swarm further, the insects’ ability to regenerate crippled.

Finally, the brood queen stirred into action. Another shriek split the air, more piercing than before, and a series of shimmering circles formed around her. From these circles, a multitude of attacks erupted, mirroring the smaller insects’ venomous spits and thorns. Her tail, a serpentine menace, hissed before lunging at Aoife with terrifying speed.

Aoife twisted aside, narrowly evading the tail’s strike. She brought her sword down in a powerful arc, aiming to sever the appendage, but the tail bent with the blow, deflecting the attack without harm. Frustration flared, but she remained composed, her mind racing to find a solution. In those fleeting milliseconds, inspiration struck.

Her free hand conjured flames, not ordinary ones, but a silvery-blue fire that shimmered with a fierce brilliance. Without hesitation, she unleashed the flames at the tail. The fire engulfed it, eliciting a pained shriek from the brood queen. The tail recoiled, retreating back to its monstrous owner.

Aoife seized the advantage. With a single, quick step, she reappeared behind the towering insect queen. Her sword, now imbued with surging blue energy, rose high above her head. The blade seemed to hum with power as she swung it down with all her might.

The brood queen, in a desperate move, summoned countless energy circles before her, hoping to shield herself from Aoife’s assault. But Aoife’s attack smashed through them with unrelenting force. The blade’s impact cracked the queen’s exoskeleton, slicing through it and leaving a gaping wound that oozed blue blood.

Another shriek erupted from the brood queen, piercing the air. In response, she birthed more of her monstrous progeny, sending them swarming towards Aoife. With a graceful leap, Aoife propelled herself into the sky, her movements graceful. From her elevated vantage, she unleashed a barrage of icy crescent moon-shaped slashes.

These crescent blades, sharp and swift, tore through the horde below. The icy magic embedded within them froze, shattered, and sliced the smaller insects apart with ruthless efficiency. The speed and ferocity of Aoife’s attack exceeded the brood queen’s expectations. Unable to react in time, the queen took the full brunt of the assault. Each crescent slash bit deep into her, carving multiple gashes into her already wounded body.

Blue blood poured from the new wounds, the brood queen’s cries growing more frantic and pained. She tried to summon more energy circles to defend herself, but her efforts were in vain.

Before Aoife could deliver the final blow, something zipped past her, striking the brood queen. An enormous explosion erupted, hurling her backward. The shockwave shattered the barrier around them, engulfing everything in its fiery embrace. Aoife hit the ground hard, her instincts kicking in as she conjured a shield to protect herself, Kuisha, and Ling Feng from the blast.

When the smoke and debris cleared, the battlefield lay in eerie silence. The brood queen and the remaining insects were reduced to lifeless forms, their blue blood pooling on the ground or scattered in grotesque fragments. The once menacing swarm had been obliterated.

Aoife pushed herself up, sensing a familiar presence. Her eyes widened as she spotted a figure with long white hair and piercing yellow eyes. It was—

“Cúntóir!?” Aoife’s voice echoed with astonishment. Their friend stood before them, a serene smile on her lips.

Cúntóir descended gracefully, landing lightly in front of the group. As her foot touched the ground, a pulse of energy radiated outward, spreading through the entire forest. Trees that had been charred and broken straightened and bloomed anew, the scorched earth revitalized with vibrant life. The devastation wrought by the battle vanished, leaving the forest restored to its original, pristine state.

Aoife, Kuisha, and Ling Feng watched in awe as the forest came back to life. The magic wielded by Cúntóir was powerful, a stark contrast to the destructive force they had faced moments ago. Aoife approached her, still in disbelief.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a mix of relief and curiosity.

Cúntóir’s smile held an enigmatic quality as she regarded them. “I sensed something unusual here and went to investigate. It seems my intuition was correct.” Her gaze shifted to Ling Feng, scrutinizing her with a penetrating intensity before nodding subtly as if confirming a silent conclusion. She turned to Kuisha next, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You have an idea of what that was, don’t you?”

Kuisha hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face, before she nodded in confirmation. “…I believe they were the Byramites Aaron mentioned earlier, led and created by Yighoghazya, the Devourer of Worlds.”

“Correct,” Cúntóir responded with a smile, pivoting smoothly as she began to walk. “Follow me. There is still one egg that hasn’t hatched, and we need to destroy it.”

This revelation startled them, but they quickly fell in step behind Cúntóir. Ling Feng, though hesitant, joined the group, her eyes fixed on Cúntóir. She tried to gauge the extent of Cúntóir’s power, but it eluded her completely. She speculated that it might be on par with Virion or even Phumera, and dared to think it could be greater, perhaps rivaling the outer gods, their master Magnum Tenebrosum.

The entrance loomed ahead, its once vivid crimson now a faded memory, overtaken by an oppressive darkness that seemed to devour light. An odd sound echoed from within, adding an unsettling quality to the void. The stench that emanated from it was beyond vile, an unbearable attack on their senses. Each of them turned away, their faces contorted in disgust, except for Cúntóir. She stared into the inky blackness, her gaze steady, unblinking, as if the fetid air didn’t faze her at all.

“Ugh, what in the world is that smell?” Aoife exclaimed, swiping her hand furiously in front of her nose as if trying to bat away the foul odor. Her expression twisted in revulsion, her eyes watering from the intensity.

Cúntóir remained still, her eyes locked on the entrance as she spoke. Her voice carried an unnatural calm. “They were trapped down there for a very long time. One by one, they began to die off, until only the brood queen was left. Desperate to continue their species on this planet, she resorted to a different method. Orthogenic reproduction.”

Kuisha’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a hint of disbelief coloring her features. “Isn’t that something straight out of science fiction? How could it possibly be real?”

Orthogenic reproduction, or orthogenesis, is the idea that an organism’s development is driven by internal forces, rather than solely by external factors like environmental influences or natural selection. This theory suggests that living things possess an inherent developmental path, guided by an internal drive toward a specific end-point, often seen as progressive change.

In biology, this idea contrasts with other evolutionary mechanisms. Lamarckism focuses on the inheritance of traits acquired during an organism’s lifetime, while Darwinism centers on natural selection and adaptation to the environment.

Despite being discredited by modern evolutionary theorists, orthogenesis once played a significant role in early evolutionary thought. It encompasses various forms, such as Saltationism, which argues that species evolve through large, rapid leaps, and Teleology, which proposes that organisms develop toward a specific predetermined goal.

Though modern science has largely dismissed orthogenesis, it remains an intriguing part of evolutionary theory’s history. Its influence is seen in how it challenged and enriched early discussions on evolution. The notion of an internal drive, a self-directed path of development, provides a fascinating counterpoint to the more widely accepted ideas of evolution, highlighting the complexity of how scientists have sought to understand life’s diversity.

“Did you forget that this isn’t your original universe?” Cúntóir’s smile was gentle but knowing. “Or that some concepts from science fiction are very real in different universes?”

Kuisha nodded, eyes wide with realization. “You have a point. So it’s real? That’s really surprising… The Byramites are made like this, or close to it…”

“There are many more things you believe to be fictional but are very much real across the omniverse,” Cúntóir said. Her tone was patient, as if she had explained this countless times before. “In time, you’ll learn about it. Just learn to ask the right questions to me, Azathoth, or even Aaron.”

With a clap of her hands, the stench that had been assaulting their senses vanished instantly, leaving the three other women blinking in confusion. “Follow me,” she commanded, and without waiting for a response, she jumped down. Instead of hitting the ground, she hovered just above it.

The others exchanged wary glances before jumping after her. They landed heavily, their feet sinking into the muck with a revolting “squelch,” drawing grimaces of disgust from all three. The unpleasant texture and sound made their skin crawl, but they quickly pushed aside their revulsion and hurried to follow Cúntóir.

They walked on, the silence stretching between them, their eyes scanning the vast expanse of the tunnel. The walls, rough and unyielding, bore numerous holes that gaped like empty eyes.

“These holes,” Cúntóir said, her voice cutting through the quiet, “were made by the Byramites. They lived here, their lives snared in traps, set long ago by someone from this very place. Care to guess who?”

Aoife, pondering the words, finally spoke. “Well, Aaron mentioned there’s a traitor, or maybe traitors, among Virion’s people, right? A place that’s always been peaceful and orderly can’t stay that way forever. Rebellion brews over time. As for who, I’m not certain—Mitsuya and Aaron’s teams haven’t shared anything definitive yet.”

Kuisha turned to Ling Feng, curiosity in her eyes. “Who are the other generals under Virion’s direct command?”

Ling Feng nodded, her nerves evident in the slight tremor of her hand. “Zhao Quan, Galen, Milt, Huoshen Renqing, Beiyin, Liora, Kaiyang, and Chengxi,” she listed, her voice tight. “Those are the current generals under Lord Virion. There were more, but most fell to disease or mysterious circumstances.”

Aoife’s eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, a spark of suspicion in her gaze. “They’re quite a varied bunch. My bet is on Zhao Quan, since you mentioned him first.” Her words cut through the air, and Ling Feng looked away, shame coloring her cheeks.

Cúntóir stepped in, her tone firm. “Correct. Zhao Quan is the one behind this. He’s cunning. Even if you bring this to Virion, he may not take you seriously. Zhao Quan has built a solid reputation for loyalty since he joined Virion’s ranks.”

Kuisha interjected, her brow furrowed. “What if Aaron tells him?”

Cúntóir shook her head, her expression grim. “Even then, Virion won’t believe him. Despite any bonds they might forge, Aaron and all of us are still seen as enemies to Phumera. Virion is stubborn, and his convictions are unyielding. If Phumera were to strike, he’d likely meet his end.”

“Then what do we do?” Aoife’s frustration seeped through her words, her brow furrowed as she voiced the question that hung heavy among them. “Aaron’s always advocating for a peaceful resolution first, avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary. But it feels like our hands are tied here.”

The group moved through the narrow corridors, their steps echoing off the damp stone walls. After several minutes, they entered a wide, open room. The air was thick with a stench that clung to their throats, though they managed to stifle their discomfort. As they took in their surroundings, a faint heartbeat resonated, breaking the oppressive silence.

Cúntóir’s voice cut through the tension. “The path ahead is the final one. Deviating will have little impact in the long run. But be aware, every action you take might seem inconsequential now, but it shapes what lies ahead.” She raised her arm, pointing upwards. “Look.”

Their gazes followed her direction, and they collectively drew in a sharp breath. Above them, an enormous white egg hung suspended from the ceiling. Intricate yellow and blue lines traced its surface, pulsing rhythmically with an otherworldly glow. The egg seemed almost alive, each beat of light echoing the heartbeat they had heard moments before.

Ling Feng’s grip tightened on her weapon, the cold metal reassuring against her palm. “Is it close to hatching?” she asked, her voice steady despite the anxiety tightening her chest.

Cúntóir nodded, her eyes fixed on the egg above. “Yes, but there’s no need for concern. It will hatch half-dead.” With a small motion, she directed a pulse of energy toward the suspended egg, a glitch-like shimmer emanating from her hand.

Symbols and lines erupted across the egg’s shell, swirling in an intricate dance before settling into a permanent pattern, etching themselves into the surface.

“W-what did you do?” Aoife’s confusion mirrored on her face as she glanced between Cúntóir and the egg. “And what do you mean by it’ll hatch half-dead?”

Cúntóir’s gaze remained on the egg as she responded. “Exactly as I said, Aoife. Orthogenesis can only push so far, especially with Byramites. Yighoghazya made them inherently flawed, ensuring their loyalty through their imperfection.” With a gesture, she tore the egg from the ceiling, guiding it to the ground with her powers. The egg landed with a muted thud, its glowing lines dimming slightly.

Seconds later, the egg quivered, fissures spiderwebbing across its surface as it began to hatch. The three women tensed, muscles coiling, ready to spring into action, but Cúntóir’s calm demeanor held them in check.

The egg shattered with a sharp crack, revealing the creature within. The same insect they had encountered earlier emerged, but this time it was a pitiful shadow of its former self. The “brood queen,” once formidable, now appeared frail and shrunken. The moment it stepped from the broken shell, blue blood began to ooze from its segmented body.

It let out a feeble screech, a sound more pitiful than menacing, and attempted to summon the same attacks it had used earlier. But the effort was in vain, serving only to exacerbate its wounds. The creature’s blue blood pooled around it as it stared at them, its eyes filled with a mix of hatred and desperation.

“...It’s going to die, right?” Aoife’s voice was soft, tinged with an unexpected pity as she regarded the struggling insect. Her instincts tugged at her to offer aid, but she remained rooted to the spot, knowing that intervening would be unwise.

“Yes. It’s inevitable,” Cúntóir replied, her voice devoid of emotion as she stared unblinkingly at the pitiful creature before them.

Kuisha, still fixated on the dying insect, asked, “What did you mean by Yighoghazya made them inherently flawed?”

Cúntóir remained focused on the insect, her expression unchanging as she began her explanation. “Yighoghazya is a being consumed by distrust, believing in no one but himself. These insects are crafted in his image. They serve as an extension of his will, yet he ensured they were significantly weaker than him, produced in vast quantities with varying levels of power. The strongest among them can challenge universal beings, followed by those capable of facing dragon god-class and god-class entities, down to the foot soldiers, who range from the pinnacle of Satan-class to low God-class.”

Her gaze never wavered as she continued, “Driven by his paranoia, Yighoghazya embedded a failsafe within them. Should any turn against him, they would be reduced to this state, weakened and dying, allowing him to look down upon them one last time before their demise. Additionally, he ensured they could not reproduce in the usual manner. Only by his command and will could their numbers increase.”

With one final, despairing cry, the creature convulsed violently and then exploded, a torrent of blue blood splattering across the cavern floor, marking the abrupt end of its short, miserable existence.

“That was quick,” Aoife muttered, her eyes fixed on the spot where the insect had perished, the blue blood slowly seeping into the cracks of the stone.

“What I did earlier hastened its death,” Cúntóir explained, her voice matter-of-fact as she addressed the group. “Normally, it would take hours, and it would drag its suffering body through these tunnels. I deemed it more merciful to expedite the process. There’s nothing more to find here. Let’s head back up. I’ll begin the necessary repairs once we return.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the echo of her footsteps to fill the silence.

The three women exchanged glances, then looked back at the bloodstained ground where the insect had met its end. Each of them absorbed in their own thoughts, they fell into step behind Cúntóir, the weight of what they had witnessed settling heavily on their shoulders.

— ○ ● ○ —

Once they emerged back at the surface, the air was thick with the lingering stench of the tunnels. The group moved a distance away from the gaping hole. Cúntóir raised her hand, and the ground beneath them began to tremble violently for several seconds before settling into an uneasy stillness.

Where the entrance to the hole had been, there was now a solid expanse of rock and earth. Cúntóir had sealed it completely, the tunnels beneath them filled with stone she had conjured from the very air, obliterating any remnants of the Byramites within.

She stepped forward, her foot pressing firmly into the ground. The moment her sole touched the earth, a radiant pulse of green energy rippled outward. Grass, trees, and a profusion of vibrant plant life erupted from the barren soil, transforming the desolate landscape into a lush, thriving haven.

Ling Feng, taken aback by the display, watched in awe. She had never fully grasped the extent of Cúntóir’s powers. Before her eyes, the lifeless expanse became a vivid picture of green, far more vibrant and alive than it had been before the contamination of the Byramites.

Cúntóir extended her right hand with deliberate grace, summoning a seed that materialized between her fingers. Its shell was small and brown, but it pulsed with a gentle golden light, laced with vivid green lines tracing intricate patterns along its surface. She cast the seed towards the vanished entrance, her gesture both casual and precise.

The seed met the ground and disappeared upon impact. A moment later, the earth beneath them shuddered, a deep rumble growing in intensity. From the spot where the seed had fallen, a surge of emerald energy erupted, accompanied by fierce winds that lashed out in all directions.

Ling Feng staggered backward, struggling against the onslaught, her determination wavering. Before she could falter completely, Aoife stepped forward, a steadying presence against the tempest, bracing Ling Feng with a firm grip.

From the seed’s resting place, an enormous tree sprang forth, its growth rapid and unstoppable. It soared skyward, dwarfing every other tree in the vicinity. Its entire form—trunk, branches, leaves, and roots—emitted a soft, otherworldly glow. The tree’s branches soon bore fruit, each one glowing softly, adding to the tree’s majestic aura.

Ling Feng’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the towering tree that had sprouted before her. “T-that’s…! How did you…!?” she exclaimed, the words catching in her throat.

Cúntóir smiled, her gaze fixed on the glowing tree, an inscrutable expression playing on her lips. Without turning, she responded to Aoife’s puzzled look and question.

“So…what is it?”

“It’s a rare tree from Fengyun Fudi,” Cúntóir explained, her tone calm and measured. “There is only one of its kind left on this planet, hidden in a heavily guarded location known only to Virion, Milt, and Zhao Quan. It’s called Fennel Fructus, and it’s incredibly precious to this world, though we, as outsiders, might not appreciate its true value.”

“Fennel Fructus,” she repeated, her voice almost reverent. “A rare and powerful tree, renowned for its fruit, which possesses extraordinary healing properties and the ability to enhance one’s energy. It was highly sought after in ancient times, but greed led to its near extinction. Virion managed to save a single seed and nurture one tree to keep its legacy alive.”

The tree stood tall, its branches heavy with softly glowing fruit, each one a testament to its rare and potent nature. Its leaves shimmered in the light, and the air around it seemed to hum with a quiet, vibrant energy. Ling Feng, still grappling with her astonishment, couldn’t tear her eyes away from the magnificent sight.

“Yes. Because of our people’s greed from many years ago, it nearly became extinct. Understanding our history explains why, but that’s a long explanation for another time. But…” She turned, eyes locking onto Cúntóir. “Is it really real?”

Cúntóir nodded, her expression calm and assured. “I made modifications to it. Something Aaron would approve of, ensuring only those with pure hearts and intentions can benefit from it. If their motives are impure, the effects—whether healing or energy enhancement—won’t manifest.”

With a graceful motion, Cúntóir raised her hand. One of the fruits detached from the tree, floating gently into her palm. “Another improvement I made is to the ripening time. Normally, it would take six months for a batch of fifteen fruits to become fully edible. Now, it will be a monthly cycle. If none are harvested in a given month, the fruits will be stored in a different space, where they will continue to cultivate, increasing their quality.”

She tossed the glowing fruit to Ling Feng, who caught it with wide eyes. The fruit felt warm in her hands, pulsating with a gentle energy. The tree’s soft light bathed them all, casting a serene glow over the scene, as if the very air around them had been infused with the tree’s essence.

Ling Feng took a tentative bite, the fruit’s juices bursting in her mouth with a sweetness that quickly had her devouring it in rapid, eager bites. Within moments, the fruit was gone, its effects manifesting almost instantly. Her body began to vibrate, a silver mist coiling around her form like a living thing, wrapping her in its ethereal embrace.

The transformation was quick. The vibrations intensified, coursing through her veins, and the mist thickened, obscuring her from view for a few heartbeats. Then, just as quickly as it began, the mist dissipated, leaving Ling Feng standing there, breathless, with a pool of black sludge at her feet.

She opened her eyes, taking in the sight of Cúntóir, Aoife, and Kuisha, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and awe. “These effects,” she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Are…even better than I heard.”

Cúntóir nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. “Naturally. These fruits have been cultivating for a year, enhancing their quality. The effects on your body are more potent as a result. I can see it quadrupled your energy and healed other injuries you had before, yes?”

Ling Feng nodded slowly, still processing the dramatic change within her. The fruit’s power had surged through her, leaving her feeling revitalized and stronger than she had ever imagined possible. The black sludge at her feet, a tangible reminder of the impurities purged from her system, seemed almost symbolic of her rebirth.

“Would these fruits have any effects on us?” Kuisha asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. Cúntóir shook her head.

“No, unfortunately. Aaron already performed something similar for you and many others, in varying degrees. Do you remember your time in the [Pocket Dimension]? He did it there, and for the rest, before we came to this universe,” Cúntóir explained, glancing at Kuisha.

She then shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. “Now then, shall we get going? You came to this part of the planet for a reason, didn’t you?”

Aoife tilted her head, crossing her arms. “Mmm…well, yeah, I guess? We didn’t know exactly what we were looking for, but it definitely wasn’t this tree and the byramites,” she replied, letting out a sigh.

“Zhu Fu Dian,” Ling Feng interjected, closing her eyes. Her energy enveloped her, washing over her body and drying her off. She opened her eyes and looked at them. “Zhu Fu Dian is the place you’re looking for. Our superiors informed us about it.”

“Zhu Fu Dian?” Aoife asked, curiosity lacing her tone. “Doesn’t that mean ‘Palace of Granted Wishes’ or something?”

Ling Feng nodded. “Correct. I don’t know the full significance of the place or why it still stands, despite numerous requests from the generals for its destruction. Lord Virion has always denied those requests. There’s a beast that resides there, protecting it. If we go now, you may get to see it.”

She brushed her hair aside, the gesture elegant and practiced. Aoife’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Well, we know where to go, let’s get moving! Lead the way, Ling Feng!” She pointed in a random direction, her enthusiasm evident.

The others had already started walking away, leaving Aoife to catch up. Kuisha stood waiting, hands on her hips, her left foot tapping impatiently, a smirk playing on her lips. Aoife chuckled nervously and hurried to join them, the group now moving with a shared sense of purpose.

— ○ ● ○ —

A few minutes passed as they followed Ling Feng along a winding path. Aoife and Kuisha gazed around in wonder. The forest looked vastly different from what they had seen earlier, more vibrant and alive.

“Did you change the rest of the forest too, Cúntóir? This doesn’t seem like the one we saw before,” Aoife asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. I repaired any damages sustained over the years and rejuvenated the entire area. The place we’re headed to received the same treatment. So, if Ling Feng doesn’t recognize it immediately, that’s why,” Cúntóir replied. “We’re here.”

Before Aoife could ask another question, they arrived at a new clearing. This time, they passed through a shimmering barrier. Instantly, both Kuisha and Aoife’s instincts went into overdrive. They readied themselves, muscles tensed, senses heightened, scanning the area for any threats.

“Calm yourselves, nothing will happen here unless we step past that line,” Cúntóir assured them, pointing to a distinct boundary near the pyramid-like structure.

The structure gleamed in pristine white, perfectly symmetrical. Various runes and symbols adorned its surface, glowing with different intensities and pulsing with latent power.

“This is Zhu Fu Dian. That structure was destroyed a long time ago and lay in ruins. What Cúntóir said is true; it seems she repaired it,” Ling Feng said, her voice trailing off as a beast emerged from nowhere.

The creature walked in front of them, then leapt onto the stairs, gazing down at them. It was a white and golden lion, its fur sharp and streaked with gold. It held an air of mystery and elegance, as if judging their character from its perch.

“I don’t know what that is,” Ling Feng added nervously, staring at the beast.

The lion’s eyes glowed with a quiet intelligence, its presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating. It stood there, silent and regal, a guardian of the newly restored Zhu Fu Dian.

“Ekibo, that’s its name,” Cúntóir announced, her gaze locked on the creature that bore the appearance of a lion. Her voice was calm, almost detached, as she addressed them. “I will leave this to you then. If you need advice or minor help, I will do as much as I can.” With a flick of her wrist, a chair materialized from thin air, and she lowered herself onto it with an air of nonchalance.

“Wait, what? You’re not helping with...whatever we need to do?” Aoife’s voice wavered, confusion knitting her brows together.

“I am here for two things: to help you with the byramites and to take you somewhere else after this. What happens after this is up to you,” Cúntóir replied, her tone unyielding. She conjured a cup of coffee and took a leisurely sip, as if the monstrous beast before them were of no concern.

Kuisha and Aoife exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them, before they both turned to Ling Feng, who stood paralyzed, eyes wide with terror. Aoife stepped forward, her voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and tentative curiosity. “So, assuming all this fantasy stuff makes sense, you can talk, right?”

The creature’s eyes flicked towards Aoife, gleaming with an intelligence that belied its fearsome appearance. For a moment, the air seemed to crackle with anticipation, the silence thick and oppressive, as they awaited the beast’s response.

[Speak, why are you here?] Ekibo’s voice rumbled through the air, each word carrying a weight that made the ground seem to tremble.

Aoife’s eyes widened. “It speaks,” she murmured, almost to herself, before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. “What is this place?” she asked, her curiosity overpowering her trepidation.

The lion-like beast gave her an incredulous look, tilting its head slightly as if trying to comprehend their ignorance. [You came here not knowing what this place is?] he asked, an eyebrow arched in bewilderment, his gaze probing, searching for any deceit.

“No, we didn’t,” Aoife admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “We were told to explore and find things, for reasons and…stuff.” She finished lamely, her eyes locked onto the lion, unblinking.

Ekibo closed his eyes, a deep sigh escaping him, resonating like a distant thunder. [This place is Zhu Fu Dian, a realm of wish fulfillment. I was created by Eilona, The Wish Maker. When one arrives here, it is to undergo a trial, with the hope that their wishes might be granted.]

“That sounds neat,” Aoife remarked, her voice carrying an unsettling nonchalance. She turned to Kuisha. “We may as well take it, right?”

Kuisha stared at Aoife, her mouth slightly agape, utterly baffled by her friend’s casual demeanor. “We can’t just jump into a trial without knowing anything about it! This could be a trap for all we know!” Her voice rose, almost a shout, filled with a mix of exasperation and worry.

Aoife nodded slowly, acknowledging Kuisha’s point. “That makes sense,” she conceded, then turned back to face the lion. “Is this a trap?” she asked directly, causing Kuisha to slap her forehead in frustration.

Ekibo chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. [I assure you, this is no trap. However, I must caution you: even after undertaking the trial, your wishes may not manifest as you expect. No wish in this universe comes without its consequences. So, I ask you once more, do you wish to take the trial?] His gaze held a knowing gleam, as if he had seen countless seekers stand where they now stood.

Aoife turned to Ling Feng, her eyes questioning. “Are you coming with us? Do you know anything more about these trials?”

Ling Feng shifted her weight, her expression darkening with memory. “A few months back, a group we hadn’t seen before was brought here by someone from Madam Phumera’s faction. They took the trials and gained power, but it came with significant drawbacks. They didn’t seem to mind. As for the trials themselves… they are unpredictable. The nature of the trial changes depending on whether you enter alone or with others,” she explained, her voice tinged with resignation as her gaze returned to Ekibo.

“I’d like to say, ‘Let’s go!’ but everyone needs a say,” Aoife said, turning to Kuisha. “So, what do you want to do?”

Kuisha stared at the ground, her mind a whirl of indecision. She weighed the risks and benefits before looking up at Aoife. “What do we gain from this? I don’t have any wish I’m desperate to see granted.”

[The main reason for undertaking these trials is to gain power. However, individuals may have different motivations, as the nature of the trials varies, as your companion said. Whether the trial you receive benefits you is entirely up to you to decide,] Ekibo explained.

“So…it’s meant to teach you a lesson?” Aoife asked, her tone probing. Ekibo didn’t respond; he merely closed his eyes, a silent dismissal of her question. Aoife put her hands on her hips and declared, “Well, I’m for it. I think Aaron won’t mind if we do this.”

“I’ve been meaning to do these trials as well,” Ling Feng added. “Given how things have turned out, I believe I have time to take them now.”

Kuisha sighed, her resistance wavering. “Fine, fine, we’ll do them.” She turned to Cúntóir. “Will you be watching over this place then?”

“Yes. Please be assured that nothing will happen to this place while I keep guard,” Cúntóir replied, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

With that, all three of them stepped towards Ekibo.

“We’ll do the trial…all together or by ourselves?” Kuisha asked, looking at her companions.

“Together sounds reasonable,” Aoife replied, and Ling Feng nodded in silent agreement.

Kuisha turned to Ekibo and declared, “We’ll take the trials together.”

Ekibo’s eyes snapped open, glowing with an eerie brilliance. [So be it!] he bellowed, and the ground trembled beneath them. The air itself seemed to hum with power before erupting into a massive pillar of light, engulfing Kuisha, Aoife, and Ling Feng. In an instant, they vanished, leaving only Ekibo and Cúntóir behind.

[Entity of the God, how do you see them faring?] Ekibo asked, his gaze shifting to Cúntóir.

Cúntóir, who had been sitting with her eyes closed, opened them and smiled softly. “Fairly well. It won’t take them too long. As you mentioned, the trials will vary in difficulty, shaped by their perceptions and inner battles.”

Without another word, she closed her eyes again, retreating into silence. Ekibo followed suit, his powerful form lowering to the ground. He stared at the spot where the three women had stood moments before, then closed his eyes, as if preparing to sleep, his breathing deep and steady, merging with the stillness that settled over the place.

— ○ ● ○ —

“Hmm? Why are we back in our world?” Kuisha’s voice held a note of bewilderment as she took in the familiar surroundings.

“We’re in… Lilith?” Aoife’s confusion mirrored Kuisha’s, her brows furrowing deeply. “I—”

“Prez, get behind me!” a teenage boy’s voice rang out, cutting through their uncertainty. “Ddraig, let’s do this, Balance Break!” he shouted, and the [Boosted Gear] materialized on his right arm.

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!!] Ddraig’s voice thundered, and the boy was swiftly encased in the red armor of the [Boosted Gear].

Aoife’s eyes widened in recognition. It was Issei Hyoudou, the destined wielder of the [Boosted Gear] from the original series, a role that had seemed altered by Aaron’s unusual arrival in their world.

“What? How does that… devil… have the [Boosted Gear]?” Kuisha’s confusion deepened as she stared at the armored figure.

“Look…” Ling Feng’s voice was almost a whisper, her finger pointing skyward.

Hovering above them was a creature, one that they recognized all too well. It wasn’t just any adversary; it was a byramite, and not just any byramite—a massive brood queen, larger and more menacing than the ones they had encountered before.

“Everyone, get in—” Rias Gremory’s command was cut short by the brood queen’s piercing screech. The sound was otherworldly, reverberating through the capital city of the Underworld. Around a million byramites materialized, flooding the streets in a nightmarish deluge.

“What in Satan is this?” Akeno Himejima’s voice trembled with disbelief.

Kuisha turned to Aoife, worry etched on her face. But Aoife was already using her ring to assess the situation, her eyes widening as the data streamed in. “Is something wrong?” Kuisha asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“…This isn’t an illusion…we…we’re in a different universe and in an alternate timeline…” Aoife’s voice was a mere whisper. “…These two universes have collided and now…Phumera is attacking the Draconic Deus along with the Saerstials she made deals with.”

A heavy silence settled over them, the enormity of Aoife’s words sinking in. Kuisha’s eyes widened in shock, but before she could process further, Ling Feng sprang into action. With a powerful leap, she launched herself at the brood queen, unleashing an attack that blasted the creature backward, much to everyone’s astonishment.

All eyes turned to Ling Feng as she drew a fan and a dagger, her expression resolute. “My companions and I will help. Do not let your guard down,” she declared, before diving into the swarm of byramites, cutting through them with speedy, deadly precision.

“We can talk about specifics later, everyone attack!” Rias Gremory’s voice cut through the chaos, a rallying cry that galvanized her peerage and the few devils brave enough to stand with them. They took flight as one, a formidable force plunging into the swarm of byramites.

Aoife dismissed the holographic screen before her and joined the fray, her ice blade materializing in her hand. She moved with precision, freezing and shattering the insectoid creatures with deadly efficiency. Kuisha, not wanting to attract attention as Sairaorg’s [Queen], altered her appearance. She soared into battle, eschewing her clan’s distinctive [Hole] ability in favor of more generic demonic and elemental attacks.

As the battle raged on, Kuisha and Aoife’s group gradually gained the upper hand. The byramites fell in droves, their corpses littering the streets of Lilith, the cityscape transformed into a grim battleground.

When the last of the byramites had been slain and the cacophony of combat had faded, a tense stillness settled over the city. It was then that a communication magic circle appeared beside them. Grayfia’s voice emerged from the ethereal glow, grave and urgent.

“This event is happening everywhere in the Underworld,” she reported. “Various other pantheons and the human world are also under siege. At least 60% of Earth is already destroyed.”

“Sixty percent!?” Kiba’s voice cracked with disbelief, his eyes wide.

Before anyone could respond, a powerful draconic aura erupted from Issei’s body, suffusing the air with raw energy. “What about my parents in Japan?” His voice was ice, sharp and cold.

“We managed to evacuate them. They’re safe for now. But these creatures are multiplying at an alarming rate, and our defenses are stretched thin,” Grayfia replied, her tone brisk and efficient. “Lady Rias, I will be picking you up to bring you to a meeting with various faction leaders. We need to coordinate our efforts from there.”

The magic circle vanished, and seconds later, Grayfia herself appeared in the clearing, her presence commanding. She turned her scrutinizing gaze to Aoife’s group. “Who are they?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

“They helped us fend off those things. Without their assistance, I doubt we would have survived. Please bring them with us, Grayfia,” Rias implored, her voice urgent and earnest.

Grayfia’s gaze lingered on Aoife, Kuisha, and Ling Feng, weighing Rias’s words. Finally, she nodded. “Very well. We can use all the help we can get. Follow me.”

A larger magic circle enveloped them all, and in a flash, they were whisked away. They arrived in a different dimension, an intricate sanctuary forged by Ajuka and various faction leaders. The air buzzed with tension, the weight of countless eyes turning upon their arrival. They were greeted by the sight of an injured Sirzechs, his regal presence marred by the loss of an arm, now being tended to by a human wielding the [Twilight Healing] Sacred Gear.

“Brother!?” Rias’s voice trembled with shock, her eyes fixed on Sirzechs.

“I’m fine, Rias,” Sirzechs reassured her, his voice steady despite his injuries. “But our focus needs to be on the crisis at hand. Those creatures, whatever they are, have decimated populations across the human world, the Underworld, Heaven, and numerous other factions. We must devise a plan to stop them.”

With a grimace, he pushed himself up, offering a nod of gratitude to the healer. The room buzzed with muted conversations, leaders from various realms exchanging worried glances and hushed words.

Ling Feng stepped forward, her demeanor calm and commanding. “I know what they are,” she declared, her voice cutting through the low murmur of the crowd. “I’ll need a few minutes to explain, but once you understand, things will become clearer. May I?”

Sirzechs nodded, his expression a blend of curiosity and urgency. “Go ahead,” he urged, gesturing for the room to quiet down.

Ling Feng stood before the assembled leaders, her presence commanding as she began to explain her “hypothesis.” She detailed the collision of their universe with another, and how Phumera, the ruler of that different universe, now sought to conquer theirs. Her explanation of the Saerstials, beings of formidable power allied with Phumera, was thorough, with Kuisha and Aoife contributing their own knowledge to paint a clearer picture.

The room fell silent, each word Ling Feng spoke sinking in. Faces turned grim, expressions of hope giving way to the heavy weight of realization. When she finished, the silence was broken by a god who stepped forward, his voice resonating with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

“Then who are you, and how did you come by this knowledge?”

Ling Feng met his gaze steadily. “I am originally from that universe,” she began. “My leader was killed, replaced by one far more tyrannical. Many of us rebelled, but the situation grew dire. Now, as you’ve seen, Phumera is attacking your universe with her Saerstials, seeking to expand her dominion.”

It was a narrative laced with truth and falsehood, designed to be convincing. Ling Feng felt the weight of their scrutiny but sensed a shift as her words were accepted. The tension in the room eased slightly, and she felt a flicker of relief. The leaders seemed to believe her, their minds now turning to the practicalities of the threat they faced.

“How does one propose to deal with them then? You and your companions seem to handle them quite well,” inquired a god, his tone laced with both curiosity and underlying concern.

Ling Feng responded, her voice steady and firm, “The most efficient method would be to eliminate the brood mother or queen. They’re on par with the highest tier gods of your universe. Those smaller ones you’ve seen are merely the lower end of the spectrum. Your people managed to kill them, but only with our assistance.”

Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd. Issei Hyoudou’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What!? Those little insects are at least God-class!?”

“More precisely,” Kuisha interjected, her voice calm but drawing all eyes to her, “they range from the peak of Satan-class to the beginning of God-class. And there are even stronger beings than these, particularly the Saerstial responsible for their creation.”

“You speak about this... Saerstial, what are they exactly? You mentioned them briefly before,” Ajuka asked, his interest clearly piqued.

She nodded, considering how to frame her response. “Are you familiar with the concept of Outer Gods?”

Ajuka blinked a few times, processing the question before replying, “Those eldritch beings humans dream up for their fantasies?”

“Correct,” she confirmed, her tone serious. “Saerstials are a step below them, but they operate in a similar manner. The one currently invading this universe is named Yighoghazya, the Devourer of Worlds. His power is immense. He’s been responsible for the destruction of multiple galaxies and universes before he was halted,” Kuisha elaborated, her words hanging heavily in the air.

Aoife and Ling Feng exchanged puzzled glances, clearly taken aback by this revelation. They hadn’t heard this information before. Kuisha caught their eyes and gave a subtle signal, urging them to play along.

With this new revelation, the room sank into an even deeper silence, the weight of Kuisha’s words settling heavily upon everyone. A sense of unease rippled through the air, like a cold draft seeping into a warm room.

“W-wait, I read about them before. Aren’t they basically omnipotent or whatever it’s called?” Issei asked nervously, sweat beading on his forehead.

Kiba Yuuto nodded, his expression serious. “The powers they wield seem to surpass even the gods of our world, almost nonsensical in their magnitude. So, you’re saying Outer Gods exist as well?”

“Yes, they exist,” Aoife blurted out, a sudden smile lighting up her face. “In fact, one of them is my boyfriend!” She caught herself, clamping her mouth shut too late.

Every eye in the room turned to her, expressions ranging from shock to confusion. Aoife rubbed the back of her head nervously, an awkward chuckle escaping her lips.

“What?” Koneko Toujou asked, her confusion mirroring the thoughts of everyone else in the room.

Kuisha put a hand on her face and sighed deeply. “Don’t mind her. We are associated with an Outer God. While they are notorious for sowing chaos and destruction, the one we’re aligned with is somewhat different. A self-proclaimed ‘Outer God of Justice,’ if you will. With that in mind, we are prepared to engage the enormous brood queen currently hovering above Earth. All we ask is that you hold out until we can deal with her,” Kuisha explained, her tone steady.

Aoife’s demeanor shifted, her expression growing serious. “That means everyone must fight, including gods from every pantheon and all significant figures. If you don’t, there’s no assurance that your species or faction will survive.”

Another wave of unease swept through the room, thickening the already tense atmosphere. Asia Argento broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. “S-so… hypothetically, what happens after you defeat it?”

Kuisha met Asia Argento’s gaze with a somber expression. “It depends on their retaliation. They might launch another assault with something else, or they might withdraw. We can’t predict their response. But understand this: your universe and planet will never be safe again. Humans and the supernatural will need to unite in the future to forge stronger defenses.”

Ajuka sighed, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. “Unity, but not as we envisioned it. If we don’t act, the world as we know it might come to an end. I am for this plan.”

Sirzechs nodded in agreement, his voice firm. “Ajuka is right. To prevent our home from being obliterated, we must follow through with their strategy. The aftermath will be our responsibility.”

For several minutes, the room buzzed with intense discussions, the weight of the decision pressing on each participant. Eventually, consensus was reached. They quickly disseminated the plan, urging every faction and pantheon to prepare for war. The ramifications for the human world would have to be dealt with later.

— ○ ● ○ —

As everyone set off to prepare, the Gremory group hurried to catch up with Aoife’s group.

“Excuse me!” Rias Gremory’s voice rang out, causing the trio to turn and face them. “F-from what you said earlier, it seems like you have an understanding of our world. Why is that?”

Kuisha and Aoife exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them before Kuisha spoke. “We come from the Draconic Deus, this planet from a different timeline. We defeated Phumera and brought peace to that world. Our husband, the Outer God, enabled travel between a few universes, so we have good relations with them.”

It was a lie, but Kuisha knew that offering hope was better than feeding their despair. The Gremory group, taken aback, processed her words in stunned silence before speaking up again.

“But why? Why come to this timeline and world specifically to prevent these events?” Akeno Himejima questioned, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“I can’t bear to see my comrades perish in such a manner,” Kuisha replied, her voice heavy with determination. With a subtle motion, she dispelled the illusion concealing her true appearance.

“K-Kuisha Abaddon-san? Sairaorg-san’s Queen?” Issei exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.

“It seems you know me well,” Kuisha acknowledged, her tone steady. “I doubted you would have accepted me so readily if I had appeared like this from the start, so I chose to disguise myself. Nonetheless, I hope your universe thrives after this, as we likely won’t meet again.”

She restored her disguise with a practiced ease, then turned away, her group following suit. As she walked, her voice carried back to them. “If this universe survives, a team will be formed to combat such threats—a coalition of various groups, called Team [DxD]. This is our version, operating on a multiversal scale,” she declared.

With those final words, Kuisha, Aoife, and Ling Feng vanished, leaving the Gremory group to absorb the weight of their revelation.

— ○ ● ○ —

A few minutes later, Aoife’s group witnessed the supernatural forces and human governments springing into action. Across the globe, various governments—some already familiar with the supernatural—coordinated with them. To calm the public and facilitate evacuations, Heaven’s angels were deployed, their presence astounding the majority of the human population.

[Linsy-san, in about five minutes, every non-combative human will be relocated to a secure area, and we’ll commence our defense. We’ll leave the rest to you,] Gabriel, one of the angels, communicated through a glowing magic circle.

“Roger that, we’re on standby now,” Kuisha responded, using the alias “Linsy” she had provided earlier. As the magic circles dissolved, the trio was left alone with their thoughts.

“Was it wise to disclose so much?” Aoife asked, her voice tinged with concern. “Even though this is an alternate timeline, it still feels risky…”

“Aaron instructed us to save as many people as possible, regardless of whether this is an alternate timeline or not. I believe we’ll be involved in such efforts in the near future, once things have settled,” Kuisha said, her voice steady but her eyes scanning the horizon. She paused, then looked up sharply.

A resounding noise, the distinctive roar of the Byramites, reverberated above them. “It’s starting again. Prepare yourselves. We need to push forward and reach the brood queen as soon as she launches her next attack,” Kuisha directed, her tone tolerating no argument. Ling Feng and Aoife instantly moved to gear up.

The brood queen, high above, began spawning billions of smaller Byramites. These creatures descended upon Earth in a frenzied swarm, targeting anything within their sight. The supernatural forces braced themselves, prepared to fight to the last breath to protect their world.

“Our turn,” Kuisha declared, her voice cutting through the chaos. With a powerful stroke, she unfurled her wings and soared toward the oncoming insect horde, Aoife and Ling Feng following close behind. “Ling Feng, you’re not as strong as we are, so your role will be to support us.”

“Understood,” Ling Feng replied, her tone resolute. She began unleashing wind attacks of varying forms and intensities, directing them at the encroaching swarm of Byramites.

Ling Feng’s wind attacks tore through the swarm of Byramites with brutal efficiency. Many of the creatures fell, their bodies shredded or severely wounded. The recent power boost she’d received from the fruit—thanks to Cúntóir’s help—had made her a formidable force, a fact evident in the devastating impact of her attacks.

Aoife stepped in, her eyes narrowing with determination. She conjured a barrage of icicles, ice swords, and colossal ice balls, targeting the injured Byramites with pinpoint accuracy. Each icy projectile struck true, finishing off the wounded creatures and ensuring that their suffering came to an end.

Kuisha joined the fray, her presence a whirlwind of demonic energy. She unleashed dark, searing attacks, and her ability, [Hole], allowed her to slice through the Byramites with ease, splitting them in half as if they were mere puppets. Her interventions made their task more manageable, clearing a path through the onslaught.

Chaos erupted around them as fighter jets roared overhead, and devils, angels, and other supernatural beings engaged in a desperate struggle against the relentless swarm. The battlefield was a mayhem of combat; some fell immediately, their lives snuffed out in an instant, while others fought valiantly, their strength not enough to turn the tide but sufficient to hold their ground.

“If you want to help them, you may do so,” Kuisha called out over the din, her gaze fixed ahead. “But I will focus on reaching the brood queen.” Her voice carried a note of finality, recognizing Aoife’s visible distress over the carnage. The decision was made; while Aoife could choose to help the other fighters, Kuisha was determined to confront the source of the threat directly.

“It’ll be quick!” Aoife shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. With a burst of magical energy, she propelled herself toward the Sitri group, who looked up in confusion as she arrived.

“Who—” Saji started to ask, but his words were swallowed by the sudden, dramatic action. Aoife drew her sword, [Fragarach], and swung it in a powerful arc. The sheer force of the blow cleaved through the air, and a wave of energy eradicated at least half of the Byramites in their vicinity. The Sitri group stared in stunned silence, their confusion only growing.

“…are you?” Saji finally managed, his voice trailing off as he processed the sight before him. “What the hell was that?!” he exclaimed, unable to mask his shock.

“…I think she’s from the group Rias mentioned,” Sona said, her tone brisk as she refocused on the battle. “But right now, it doesn’t matter. We need to keep defending!” She and her peerage returned to their fight, their determination sharpened.

Aoife moved on, targeting her next destination: Vali’s group. They were entrenched in combat, struggling alongside other forces. Vali, within the fray, was clearly enjoying himself. The challenge of battling foes of God-class caliber invigorated him, despite the occasional painful hit. His enthusiasm for the fight was evident.

“Oi, Vali! We need to—” Bikou’s shout was abruptly silenced as a swarm of ice angels erupted into existence. They whirled around, their crystalline wings slicing through the air, their icy presence freezing and shattering the byramites with cold, ruthless efficiency.

The Vali Team stood in stunned silence, struggling to grasp the sudden onslaught. Before they could even begin to react, Aoife streaked past them. With a single, fluid sweep of her sword, she shattered the remaining ice angels. The fragments exploded outward, decimating another cluster of the insects in a flash.

“What the heck nya?!” Kuroka’s voice cracked with surprise, her eyes wide at the rapid, sweeping devastation.

Vali Lucifer and Arthur Pendragon watched intently. Their gaze was drawn to Aoife, both fascinated by her display of power and intrigued by the sword she wielded. Each man’s mind raced with the prospect of testing their skills against her. Yet, they both understood the moment was not right for such a confrontation.

Aoife floated above them, her crimson eyes flashing with a brief, piercing glance before she vanished again. Almost immediately, new ice angels formed, their crystalline wings slicing through the air as they circled and struck the byramites. The byramites shattered under the freezing barrage, their bodies breaking apart in a cascade of ice and fragments.

“Who was that!?” Bikou’s voice was filled with disbelief, struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in the battle.

“I’m not sure, but she’s incredibly powerful,” Vali said, a grin spreading across his face. “Le Fay mentioned she was from a different timeline, the one that warned us about these creatures.” He gestured toward the chaos surrounding them. “Her ability to defeat beings of God-class and Satan-class so effortlessly makes her a worthy opponent.”

“Ugh, there goes the battle maniac again,” Bikou sighed, swatting another byramite away.

“Heh.” Vali raised his arm and began chanting, preparing to enter his Juggernaut Drive form. He focused on the insects swarming around them, eager for the chance to confront Aoife and test his own abilities.

— ○ ● ○ —

“Do you have a plan to take down the brood queen?” Ling Feng’s eyes were locked on the massive insect hovering ominously above Earth.

Kuisha nodded, a firm, precise motion. “For the most part,” she began, her voice steady, “Aaron, our leader, usually instructs us to hold back. He determines how much power we use in battles. Our mission is to liberate and free the inhabitants of these planets, not destroy them.”

Ling Feng’s eyes narrowed, processing her words. “You’re saying… you’ve been holding back?”

Kuisha’s lips curved into a thin smile. “Yes. But tell me, can you survive in space?” Her gaze shifted to Ling Feng, curiosity mingling with challenge.

“Yes. Most species in our universe can, to some extent,” Ling Feng replied, her tone matter-of-fact. “It’s rare for any of us to lack that ability. Surviving and flying in space are almost second nature.”

“Follow me, and we’ll finish this quickly,” Kuisha instructed firmly. “You probably can’t kill it, so I’ll handle that. Your task is to manage the smaller insects it sends our way.” She moved forward with purpose, Ling Feng close behind, both passing the enormous insect and entering the space where it hovered with dark intent.

As they advanced, resistance grew. The byramites attacked with increasing ferocity. Kuisha led the charge, her strikes cutting through the swarm, clearing the smaller byramites. Ling Feng fought alongside her, her fan and dagger cutting through the insects.

When they reached the brood queen’s position, the situation escalated. Hundreds of thousands of byramites rushed towards them in a wild frenzy. Kuisha unleashed a series of demonic elemental attacks, each blast disintegrating the insects instantly. Ling Feng’s fan and dagger worked in concert, slicing through the swarm. They carved a path through the dense crowd of byramites, moving closer to the brood queen.

Kuisha pierced through the swarm of smaller insects with her [Hole] ability, appearing above the brood queen. The monstrous creature reacted by unleashing a storm of colossal spikes from its back, aimed directly at her.

Without moving, Kuisha extended her palm and released a barrage of demonic bullets. Each bullet struck a spike mid-air, shattering it into pieces that disintegrated on impact, rendering the queen’s offensive futile.

Annoyed by the ineffective response, the queen increased its attack, sending a new wave of spikes in her direction. Kuisha responded by creating additional [Holes] around her, allowing the spikes to pass through these rifts and redirect their energy. The queen’s own projectiles, now intensified by their redirected force, collided with the creature’s back.

The impact created numerous deep craters, causing the brood queen to screech in agony. Kuisha observed the scene with a steady gaze, ready to end the conflict to prevent further suffering for those caught in this timeline.

Kuisha took a deep breath, steadying herself before focusing her energy. In her hand, a small but intensely concentrated sphere of demonic energy began to form. She observed it closely, letting the ball gather more power before she released it with a deliberate push.

The sphere shot through space with remarkable speed, heading straight for the brood queen. Upon impact, it collided forcefully with the queen’s back. Just before the explosion occurred, a protective shield enveloped Earth, similar to the one Cúntóir had created in their own timeline. This unexpected appearance briefly caught Kuisha off guard, but she recognized it as Cúntóir’s intervention from afar.

The resulting explosion was enormous, spreading out across the cosmos. However, like Earth, the other planets were shielded by protective barriers, safeguarding them from the devastation. The explosion’s intensity lasted for about three minutes before gradually diminishing. When the light faded, the brood queen was no longer there, leaving only a scorched, lifeless shell behind.

The brood queen fell, a shudder rippling through the smaller byramites. Their initial panic was quickly subdued as Kuisha regrouped with Ling Feng. Together, they methodically dismantled the remaining threats. They descended from their vantage point, where the chaotic skirmish on Earth continued. Humans and supernatural beings alike fought to eradicate the last of the byramites.

From their new position, they saw the tide turning. Aoife was methodically sweeping through the enemy ranks, her movements precise, avoiding any harm to her allies while she annihilated the remaining byramites. Her control over her power was evident; each strike was calculated, aimed to ensure her comrades remained unharmed.

Rejoining the fray, Kuisha and Ling Feng added their efforts. Within the hour, the brief conflict reached its resolution. Yet, an unspoken understanding lingered: this battle was but a chapter in a larger struggle.

— ○ ● ○ —

Once Aoife’s group regrouped with the leaders from both the supernatural and human worlds, a brief silence enveloped the room until Kuisha spoke.

“This is the start. What I killed was just a brood mother, one of many, and far from the strongest thing from their universe. As I mentioned earlier, the beings from their universe are far more powerful than those from your universe, and you will need to fight them periodically from now on,” Kuisha explained, causing another wave of unease among those present.

“What can we do to completely stop this?” the president of Russia asked, his brow furrowed deeply.

“You need to defeat them, or at the very least, take down those responsible for this multiversal invasion, such as Phumera or one of the Saerstials,” Ling Feng replied. She then detailed the ones she was aware of, and once more, a heavy silence fell over the assembly.

“And on a scale of one to ten, how would you rate this Phumera individual?” another god from the Shinto pantheon asked.

Kuisha turned toward them and answered flatly, “If the Ouroboros Dragon Ophis, The Great Red, and the Beast of the Apocalypse are rated a ten, and Shiva is a nine, then Phumera is a twenty.”

This blunt statement left the room silent as the gravity of her words settled in. The gods looked at Kuisha, then at the table, trying to process her assessment. But then, a bold god broke the silence with, “Are you being serious? How is that even possible? Why should—”

Kuisha cut him off sharply, “If the attack and what that brood mother and its minions did hasn’t convinced you, then you’re welcome to get yourself killed, but we won’t let others suffer the same fate.”

Ajuka entered the discussion, his tone clipped as he asked, “What’s your plan for handling it now? A certain group I knew was supposed to help, but from what I can see, they’ve been wiped out. There’s no point relying on them anymore.” His face tightened for a moment, revealing a hint of something darker beneath his controlled demeanor, though he refused to elaborate further.

“We can’t be sure when the next attack will come, but it’s crucial to prepare your strongest fighters immediately. Bring them together, organize, and then take action from there. Our team will go straight to the source and eliminate the threat. We’ll keep you informed, or—” Kuisha paused, glancing toward Aoife, who picked up on the silent question.

“I’ll stay behind to help with training your people, and of course, handle any enemies that appear in the meantime,” Aoife said, stepping in without hesitation.

“Fine. We’re running out of options, so I’ll agree to that for now,” Sirzechs responded. A few others quickly followed his lead, though some remained wary. In the end, however, even those who had hesitated gave in, knowing they couldn’t ignore the losses they had already endured during the brief incursion.

— ○ ● ○ —

Aoife’s group emerged into the open air, the chill of the evening wrapping around them. Aoife, her face set with concern, spoke first. “I understand we all agreed on this plan, but are we genuinely prepared to confront Phumera and attempt to defeat her?”

Ling Feng nodded, her expression mirroring Aoife’s uncertainty. “I followed your lead, but do we have the strength to take her on? I’m aware of my own limits, and I’m uncertain about the rest of you. You’re undoubtedly more capable than most, possibly even the Eradicators, but I haven’t witnessed your full capabilities.”

Kuisha looked up at the darkening sky, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. “It’s more beneficial to offer them hope at this moment than to let them fall into despair. This is our best course of action. Leaving Aoife behind to help if further attacks occur is wise. I understand your hesitation; we haven’t used the full extent of our abilities yet. However, have faith. Everything will work out.”

Ling Feng closed her eyes, the weight of their situation pressing down on her. “Alright. Even though we’re in an alternate timeline, this is still a test set by Ekibo. Even if we were to ‘die’ here, it’s not a true death, so we can be reassured about that.”

Aoife folded her arms, a frown etched on her face. “That’s comforting and all, but… how do we even get back to the Phantasma? Aaron was the one who brought us there.”

Kuisha let out a soft chuckle, her gaze returning to Aoife. “Phumera has opened the floodgates. All we need to do is locate the portal they used to enter and pass through it ourselves. But be prepared; we’ll need to battle through countless waves of enemies just to reach our destination,” Kuisha explained.

“Ah… well, yeah, that makes sense,” Aoife said, nodding with comprehension. “Alright, I’ll stay here and help them. I’m quite curious to see how our actions will alter this place. I’ll head out then; contact me when you’re ready to leave,” she said, and then vanished from sight.

“Do you need me to back you up?” Ling Feng asked, her tone edged with concern. “You know the limits of my power. I couldn’t even defeat that brood mother, let alone Phumera or any of her Eradicators,” she said, her eyes narrowing as she fixed an incredulous gaze on Aoife.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Kuisha responded, her voice steady and reassuring. “I’ll handle her on my own. But you must ensure your own survival; I’d rather not see you fall here.” She unfurled her bat-like wings, the motion drawing attention as she looked back at Ling Feng. “Let’s move.”

Ling Feng hesitated for a moment, her doubts visible, but eventually, she began to float and followed Kuisha into the air. With the humans now fully aware of the supernatural, there was no need to be discreet. All the governments around the world were actively informing the public about the existence of supernatural elements, aiming to make the transition as smooth as possible.

— ○ ● ○ —

Kuisha and Ling Feng had been soaring through the skies for what felt like an eternity, their journey stretching across the globe. After thirty minutes of continuous flight, they finally located the site where Phumera had opened a gateway between the universes. It was not far from Kuisha’s earlier estimate—it lay close to the south pole. As they neared the icy landscape, they saw a large group of enemies gathered there, waiting with a cold patience, like soldiers at rest.

“There’s a substantial number of them,” Ling Feng remarked, her gaze fixed on the crowds below. “I’m quite certain that a significant portion of them are Honlugongians.”

Kuisha turned her attention to Ling Feng, her eyes searching for assurance. “Do you think you can handle them?” she asked.

Ling Feng nodded slowly, her resolve firm. “I believe so. With this new power at my disposal, I could likely wipe them out. However, if any of the generals appear, my confidence is uncertain. I might be stronger than some of them, or maybe nothing has changed, or maybe it’s just a mental block I’ve placed on myself,” she said, looking at Kuisha as she voiced her doubts.

“It’s fine; we’ll most likely have reinforcements,” Kuisha said, her words leaving Ling Feng puzzled.

“What do you mean?” Ling Feng asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Kuisha returned her gaze with a reassuring smile and shook her head. “As I mentioned, they’ll appear when the moment is right. Trust me on this. For now, let’s begin. But first, let me get in touch with Aoife,” she said, conjuring a communication magic circle. “We’re ready. We’ve located the portal at the south pole. Make sure to check the northern regions as well, or even the rest of the world if you have the chance.”

“Roger that. I’m heading there now,” Aoife replied before the magic circle vanished.

“Alright…” Kuisha murmured softly as she extended her arms out to either side. From them, two powerful orbs of demonic energy emerged, crackling with force. She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the unmoving army before them. “The first move is ours…”

Kuisha then unleashed the two orbs at separate locations. They sped toward the army with a velocity that was beyond the army’s ability to react. Mere moments later, colossal explosions of black and red erupted at various points across the south pole, shattering the ice and obliterating countless Honlugongians.

The sudden devastation startled the army from the Phantasma, causing them to turn their attention toward Kuisha and Ling Feng. Kuisha raised her right arm to the side once more, and this time, numerous [Holes] appeared around the Honlugongians. From these [Holes], a barrage of attacks in various shapes and sizes emerged. They struck the Honlugongians or the surrounding area, exploding and eliminating more of the foreign invaders.

“Let’s go! I’ve wiped out at least three quarters of them!” Kuisha shouted as she shot toward the portal.

Ling Feng, stunned by the rapid turn of events, quickly followed after Kuisha. They flew through the scene of destruction, their path marked by the continued elimination of enemies. Yet, as Ling Feng had anticipated, one of the generals from Fengyun Fudi appeared, determined to stop their advance.

“I—” the man began to speak, but his words were abruptly cut off. Kuisha covered her left arm in a demonic aura and swung it toward him. Her attack cut him into numerous pieces, ending his life instantly.

“Wha—!? T-that was General Galen of Bai Di Cheng! You just killed him like that!?” Ling Feng exclaimed, stunned by the sudden and brutal end of one of the high-ranking generals.

“There’s no time for grief or surprise,” Kuisha said urgently. “We’re approaching our objective. I sense more generals heading our way. Be ready to confront them as well.” As if on cue, additional generals appeared, determined to block their path.

Ling Feng’s eyes widened as she recognized the new arrivals. “It’s Generals Chengxi, Kaiyang, and Beiyin! I’m confident I can take on General Chengxi!”

“Then I’ll handle the other two,” Kuisha declared. She accelerated and vanished from Ling Feng’s view, already having taken Kaiyang and Beiyin with her.

“It seems you have chosen to betray us, Ling Feng!” Chengxi declared, her body enveloped in a swirling mix of black and white energy. “You will face the consequences for your treachery!” she roared, sending a serpentine wave of energy toward Ling Feng.

Ling Feng responded quickly, summoning her paper fan and swinging it with accuracy. The fan sliced through Chengxi’s attack, dispersing it and catching the general off guard. Seizing the moment, Ling Feng closed the distance between them and delivered a powerful knee strike to Chengxi’s stomach, sending her sprawling backward.

Ling Feng was uncertain if her move would be successful, but she was pleasantly surprised by the result. The boost in her power had evidently made a significant impact, and she sensed that Chengxi had underestimated her strength, which had allowed her to neutralize the attack so effectively.

“Ling Feng!” Chengxi shouted, snapping out of her stunned state and charging back at Ling Feng. But before she could close the gap, Ling Feng unleashed a flurry of wind-driven slashes, forcing Chengxi into a defensive stance.

As Chengxi attempted to block the incoming strike, she was stunned to find her hand severed by the attack. This shocking turn of events forced her to recognize the seriousness of the situation. Chengxi had never imagined that Ling Feng, whom she had always considered insignificant, could become such a powerful opponent. Now, she was locked in a fierce battle with her.

“I will eliminate you before you can fully harness your abilities! We deliberately restrained you to prevent your true potential from emerging!” Chengxi declared, leaving Ling Feng baffled.

‘Bloodline? What is she talking about? My parents were not part of any prominent lineage on our world,’ Ling Feng pondered, narrowly evading several energy-charged strikes from Chengxi, who was clearly losing her composure.

Ling Feng dodged a few more attacks before spinning and delivering a powerful kick to Chengxi’s neck, causing it to crack slightly and sending her flying. Seizing the opportunity, Ling Feng unleashed a single, massive slash that cut through the air and hurtled toward Chengxi’s airborne body.

As Ling Feng began to grapple with the situation, more and more Honlugongians, along with other creatures from her universe, emerged from the portal, converging on her position. The sight of this overwhelming influx caused her to tense up, and she was thrown backward by Chengxi’s powerful strike.

“Hahaha! We have been planning this for a long time,” Chengxi laughed, her voice filled with triumph. “After discovering this universe, we dedicated more of our resources to take control. Madame Phumera enlisted Rank 4 and Rank 2 of the Eradicators to assist in the takeover!” Chengxi declared, launching a new wave of attacks toward Ling Feng.

Ling Feng took a moment to regain her composure and countered Chengxi’s attack with several sharp wind slashes from her fan, which cut through the incoming threats. Yet, as she considered her options for dealing with the multitude of approaching enemies, her anxiety grew. She remained on edge, awaiting the next move with mounting tension.

Suddenly, a glowing magic communication circle appeared beside Ling Feng, and Kuisha’s voice came through clearly. “As I mentioned earlier, reinforcements should be arriving soon.”

As if in response, Ling Feng’s shadow began to stretch and grow on the ground. From this shadow, several figures emerged, their eyes glowing as they looked around. These figures took on the forms of knights, mages, and archers.

Before Ling Feng could fully understand what was happening, the knights seemed to disappear from view. Moments later, geysers of blood erupted violently around her, a shocking display of destruction. The knights struck with unseen force, leaving trails of red in their wake. At the same time, the shadowy mages and archers started their attack on the enemies surrounding Ling Feng.

Balls of shadowy fire and arrows made of darkness fell upon the enemies. The shadow fireballs exploded with intense heat, burning everything in their path—bodies and bones were turned to ash. The shadow arrows flew through the air, piercing through their targets effortlessly, ending lives quickly and efficiently. The attack from these reinforcements brought a sudden and brutal end to the advancing forces.

“Shadow Soldiers…I heard that woman Aoife call these things,” Ling Feng muttered to herself, her gaze flickering uneasily. She had caught glimpses of these shadowy figures before, but whenever she tried to focus on them directly, they vanished, leaving her with the unsettling feeling that they were quietly observing her every movement.

“What are these things!?” Chengxi demanded, her voice a mix of horror and fury. She turned her gaze sharply toward Ling Feng, charging at her with a snarl. Blood flowed freely from the wound where her hand had been, painting a gruesome trail as she advanced.

Ling Feng redirected her focus to Chengxi, but before she could fully prepare, a shadowy knight appeared out of nowhere. In one smooth action, it severed Chengxi’s arms and then vanished as suddenly as it had come. Chengxi stared in shock, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss, her screams piercing the air as she realized what had happened.

Seizing the moment, Ling Feng advanced toward Chengxi, her fan slicing through the air with a powerful swing aimed directly at her. Chengxi had only a fleeting instant to react, managing to leap backward just in time. However, Ling Feng’s fan still grazed her neck, leaving a thin but painful cut that caused blood to spurt and flow down her chest.

Chengxi clutched at her neck desperately, trying to stop the flow of blood, but her efforts were in vain. Her eyes burned with anger as she glared at Ling Feng, but before she could act on her rage, Ling Feng’s eyes narrowed with determination as she prepared for her final strike.

Ling Feng moved faster than Chengxi could anticipate, appearing behind her. She snapped her fan shut, and almost immediately, a massive green vortex sprang to life where Chengxi had been standing. The tornado’s force whipped Chengxi into the air, its powerful winds tearing at her clothes and slicing into her skin. The swirling currents inflicted numerous deep gashes across her body, lifting and shredding her.

Despite Chengxi’s frantic attempts to survive, the relentless loss of blood and the severity of her injuries proved too much. Her resistance gave way as her body was torn apart, turning the green whirlwind into a torrent of blood-red fury. Ling Feng’s face twisted in a brief grimace at the gruesome scene, but she quickly pushed aside her discomfort, focusing on the ongoing battle.

“Took you long enough,” Kuisha said, her voice cutting through the tense silence as she appeared beside Ling Feng, causing her to jump slightly in surprise.

Ling Feng’s expression was a mixture of confusion and concern as she glanced between Kuisha and the battlefield, silently asking what had happened to the other two generals. Kuisha’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “I’ve already dealt with them. I watched your fight from a distance.”

Ling Feng’s eyes widened in alarm. “Did you... did you kill them?”

“Yes,” Kuisha said, her tone serious. “I offered them a chance to live if they stepped aside. They refused, too terrified of Phumera to defy her. Now we need to focus on her—or more likely, one of the Eradicators,” she explained.

Ling Feng muttered, “...Lord Virion?”

Kuisha nodded. “There’s a good chance of that. We might end up facing a version of Fengyun Fudi from here on. Prepare yourself; it might be a different version of you,” she warned, gesturing toward the portal. “Let’s move forward. We’ll leave the rest to the Shadow Soldiers.”

Ling Feng remained silent as she and Kuisha moved toward the portal. Her eyes scanned the scene around them, taking in the sight of countless Honlugongians and other creatures being ruthlessly exterminated. The bloodshed was everywhere, a grim indication of the violence that surrounded them. Despite her awareness of the horrors, Ling Feng felt a deep, gnawing sense of resignation. Her actions had irrevocably severed her ties, whether in this reality or her own, and now, remorse offered no solace.

When they reached the portal, Kuisha glanced at Ling Feng without saying a word. Ling Feng met her gaze with a resolute nod, her expression reflecting a blend of resolve and acceptance. Then, without further hesitation, they stepped into the shimmering gateway.

— ○ ● ○ —

As soon as they crossed into the new universe, Kuisha extended her hand. A massive barrier of demonic ice formed instantly before them, blocking a stray projectile that had hurtled in their direction.

Ling Feng’s eyes widened in astonishment at the scene before her. Her initial expectation had been the familiar landscape of Fengyun Fudi, but instead, she was met with a world on the brink of collapse. The sky burned a deep crimson, streaked with dark red lightning, and the air was filled with the sounds of distant battles, clashes, and explosions.

“This place isn’t any better,” Kuisha commented as she scanned their surroundings. “It seems like there’s complete chaos here. I wonder what’s caused this mess.” She turned her gaze to her own shadow and instructed, “Please scout the planet quickly and gather some information for us.”

From her shadow, a Shadow Soldier emerged—a stealthy figure known as a Shadow Assassin. It gave a nod and then disappeared into the surroundings.

Kuisha glanced back at Ling Feng and asked, “What’s your take on this? You know this planet better than anyone. What do you think happened here?”

Ling Feng snapped out of her thoughts, her expression troubled. “I don’t know… This isn’t right at all. I need to find out what’s gone wrong here!” Her voice trembled with the distress of seeing her home planet in such a dire state.

“Understood,” Kuisha replied. “But we’ll need to wait for a while. The Shadow Soldier will be gathering information, and although they move quickly, it will take some time to get the details we need. Let’s find a safer location to wait. The Shadow Soldier will be able to locate us when they’re ready.” She began to lead Ling Feng away, searching for a secure spot where they could wait.

— ○ ● ○ —