Volume 7 – Chapter 25 – Part 5 – Eilona, The Wish Maker

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

After a tense wait of ten minutes, Ling Feng’s patience was on edge. The Shadow Soldier reappeared in front of them, and Ling Feng, unable to contain her urgency, demanded, “What’s happening on my planet!?”

The Shadow Soldier’s gaze flicked between Ling Feng and Kuisha, who responded with a subtle nod. The soldier then turned back to Ling Feng and began to relay the information. “Based on the data I’ve compiled, it appears a civil war has erupted following some deep-seated disagreements. One faction has emerged, led by the Huoshen Renqing from Hishudu. Meanwhile, another faction is under the command of Zhao Quan. As for the Eradicator Virion Deamonne, he has disappeared without a trace. His current location remains a complete mystery.”

Ling Feng’s reaction was immediate and intense. Her hand tightened into a fist, the tension visible in every muscle. “Do you have any further specifics?” she pressed, her voice edged with frustration.

“The situation is dire. The Generals Liora and Milt are also unaccounted for. No one knows where they are. There are speculations that they might have gone with Virion Deamonne, but these are just rumors at this point,” the Shadow Soldier elaborated, his tone revealing the gravity of the situation.

“However,” the Shadow Soldier continued, “it seems that one of the Saerstials is present on your planet. According to its own reflections, this entity appears to have been the catalyst for the conflict. The specifics are not entirely clear to me at this moment, so perhaps you and Kuisha-sama should begin your investigation there.”

“A Saerstial is here!?” Ling Feng’s voice was a mix of disbelief and alarm, her shock evident.

Kuisha shared in the astonishment brought on by this revelation. However, as the words settled, another thought occurred to her, prompting her to voice it aloud, “Is this what Aaron was referring to when he mentioned that the situation was more complex? A Saerstial’s involvement… does this mean that in our original universe…”

Ling Feng quickly grasped the implication and responded, “The conflict that might happen in our own universe could soon mirror what’s happening here. We need to find out more about this situation and identify who is truly behind it. I doubt it’s solely the Saerstial.”

“Thank you,” Kuisha said, addressing the Shadow Soldier. “Please go and gather more details for us. We’ll proceed on our own for now.” The Shadow Soldier nodded in acknowledgment before vanishing from sight.

Kuisha turned to Ling Feng and added, “You lead the way. I’m with you on whatever you decide. I’d like to confront and perhaps deal with this Saerstial immediately, but…”

Ling Feng cut in with urgency, “Let’s go and confront Zhao Quan first. I don’t care which side is deemed ‘right’; I need to understand why he’s instigating all of this!”

Kuisha acknowledged Ling Feng’s urgency but added, “That’s a valid point, but keep in mind… different timelines can bring about different motivations. The Zhao Quan in this universe might have reasons that differ from those of the Zhao Quan we know.”

Ling Feng’s response was tense but resolute. “I understand,” she said. They left their position and began to fly away, keeping their altitude low to avoid detection or interruption from the ongoing battles around the planet.

— ○ ● ○ —

After several minutes of flying and tuning into the distant sounds of ongoing battles, Ling Feng and Kuisha pinpointed Zhao Quan’s location in the capital city of the planet. They made their way there, but the sight that greeted them upon arrival was far from what Ling Feng remembered. The city had been transformed beyond recognition.

The once-familiar skyline was now dominated by an enormous barrier that enveloped the entire city. Beyond this barrier, towering walls stretched up, adorned with magical spikes. Watchtowers rose above the landscape, each one manned by guards. These guards were armed with what appeared to be highly advanced firearms. The weapons, held firmly in their hands, suggested a sophisticated level of technology. They seemed to operate with some sort of liquid power source, adding a layer of complexity to their design.

“A world with martial arts yet they use guns?” Kuisha observed, her eyes fixed on the weapons with a mix of surprise and curiosity. “It looks like these guns are powered by some kind of liquid.”

“Life force Quen is the type of energy that most of us use,” Ling Feng explained. “However, since many of us are born with the shadow, darkness manipulation, or both, we don’t often rely on it. Mastery of Quen can lead to significant power, but it hasn’t been utilized in this way before due to its dangerous nature, especially for those who are less skilled.”

Kuisha looked intrigued and asked, “When you mention Quen, is it similar to Qi, Ki, or, as you said, Life Force?”

“Yes,” Ling Feng confirmed. “It flows through all our bodies. But now, they’re using it in their bullets, which is troubling. To some, this might even be considered a form of martial arts, despite how unconventional it seems.”

“The Gun-Fu style, I believe Kuroka referred to it as that,” Kuisha said.

Ling Feng gave Kuisha a puzzled look but then shook her head, dismissing the remark.

She then asked, “Can you try to locate Zhao Quan? Theoretically, he should be the most powerful person in the city, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you. I doubt I can pinpoint his exact location myself.”

Kuisha agreed and started to concentrate. She began searching throughout the entire city, focusing on the specific energy she had in mind. It didn’t take long for her to find it. Before relaying the information to Ling Feng, she decided to assess the energy levels. To her surprise, Zhao Quan’s power was slightly below that of Shiva. She had expected him to be more powerful and concluded that he might be suppressing his true strength.

“I found him, but he might be hiding his power,” Kuisha reported. “From what I remember, he’s in the meeting room where Aaron’s team had their encounter with Virion.” She continued scanning for other powerful individuals.

Eventually, Kuisha detected three more individuals, though they were mostly dispersed throughout the same building where Zhao Quan was located. She promptly relayed this information to Ling Feng.

“Anything specific?” Ling Feng inquired, her tone reflecting a sense of urgency.

“No, I only picked up their levels of power. I can’t see through walls or anything like that,” Kuisha responded. “But I can do this.” As she spoke, another Shadow Soldier emerged from her shadow. “Can you go and check on those three, and take note of their appearances?” she directed. The Shadow Soldier nodded and instantly disappeared to carry out the task.

Ling Feng looked at Kuisha with a hint of apprehension. “How many of these Shadow Soldiers do you actually have?” she asked, her voice betraying her uncertainty. She had braced herself for an astronomical number, thinking in the millions, but Kuisha reassured her that the number was around ten thousand.

“How is that any better?” Ling Feng asked, her disbelief evident.

Kuisha chuckled softly. “It’s definitely better than the millions he suggested. Although, it’s worth noting that some did take Aaron up on his offer.”

“…He’s ridiculously overprotective,” Ling Feng remarked, shaking her head in disbelief at the absurdity of the situation.

They stood in tense silence for about two minutes before the Shadow Soldier reappeared, silently emerging from the darkness. Without delay, it described the three individuals it had observed. Ling Feng listened closely, but confusion quickly creased her brow. “I’ve never heard of those three before. Are you sure about this?”

“Yes, I’m certain,” the Shadow Soldier confirmed. “I can show you my memories by projecting them onto the wall behind you.”

Ling Feng nodded, curiosity clear in her expression. A soft glow emitted from the Shadow Soldier’s chest, illuminating the area as it projected the memories. The first image revealed a towering figure, nearly eight feet tall, resembling a grotesque fusion of human and insect. The creature was dressed in punk rock gear—leather, studs, and chains clashing with its insectoid features. The second figure was even more bizarre—a woman resembling a walking dolphin, wrapped in a frilly skirt and elaborate dress that seemed ridiculous on her aquatic form. The last figure was the strangest of all—a humanoid chicken, moving with a swagger that defied any sense of logic or seriousness.

“What the hell am I even looking at?” Kuisha muttered, unable to mask her confusion. The absurdity of the scene left both of them struggling to grasp how these odd characters could be involved in anything significant.

“From what I gathered, their names are Byazzart for the humanoid insect, Johplun for the dolphin, and Clucker for the chicken,” the Shadow Soldier explained.

“Clucker… that’s amusing,” Kuisha murmured to herself, a trace of amusement in her voice as she considered the chicken’s name. She shook her head and turned to Ling Feng, who still looked puzzled. “Which one do we go after first? As I mentioned earlier, it’s up to you.”

Ling Feng snapped out of her thoughts, fixed her gaze on Kuisha, and replied, “Let’s target the insect… Byazzart. He looks like the most aggressive of the group, at least based on his appearance.” She then turned to the Shadow Soldier and asked, “Can you lead us to him?”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me,” the Shadow Soldier responded and began to move away. He guided them through the city, making sure they stayed hidden and avoided detection. Whenever they encountered a guard or anyone who blocked their path, the Shadow Soldier efficiently neutralized the obstacle, allowing Ling Feng and Kuisha to continue without interruption.

— ○ ● ○ —

They eventually arrived at a spacious room adorned with lavish decorations, the opulence of the surroundings contrasting sharply with the scene before them. Byazzart was the only occupant, seated at a grand table covered in an array of freshly slaughtered human bodies. The sight was grotesque: the bodies, still oozing with blood, were arranged haphazardly, and Byazzart seemed to be devouring them with a disturbing satisfaction. The sight caused both women to narrow their eyes in revulsion and disbelief.

The Shadow Soldier who had accompanied them melded back into the darkness of Kuisha’s shadow as they focused their attention on Byazzart. He remained engrossed in his grim feast, ignoring their presence. Unable to contain her frustration, Ling Feng raised her voice, demanding answers. “Who are you? Tell me why Zhao Quan is doing this!”

At last, Byazzart lifted his gaze. His many eyes locked onto Ling Feng, and a slow, menacing chuckle escaped him. “Why should I know? I was merely hired by Zhao Quan to eliminate his enemies. In return, I was permitted to feast on their remains to increase my strength. This arrangement has proven quite profitable, and I have grown significantly stronger because of it.”

Ling Feng glared at Byazzart, her frustration evident. She drew out her fan and launched a barrage of wind blades at him. Byazzart’s expression turned into a smirk as he countered her attack. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a swarm of small insects shaped like shurikens. These insects raced toward the wind blades, meeting them directly and causing a series of small explosions.

Before the dust from the explosion had even begun to settle, Byazzart vanished from his position, reappearing behind Ling Feng with a sudden, deadly swipe of his sharp claws aimed directly at her. His intention was clear: to end the confrontation quickly. However, his attack was blocked when Kuisha’s leg intercepted his strike. To Byazzart’s astonishment, the impact left no mark on Kuisha’s leg.

“Wha—” Byazzart began, his voice filled with disbelief. Before he could finish, Kuisha’s leg lashed out, breaking his claw’s grip and slamming into his face with such force that it sent him crashing through several walls of the building, his form disappearing from view.

“So much for being stealthy,” Kuisha remarked, watching the path Byazzart had been flung along. “That should alert everyone else to our presence. We need to prepare ourselves. We’ll have to defeat everyone here before we can confront that Saerstial.” She stood ready, her gaze fixed on the direction where Byazzart had been sent flying, preparing for the challenges ahead.

“Understood,” Ling Feng responded, though there was a hint of surprise in her voice, realizing how easily her attacks had been neutralized.

“Don’t let it bother you too much. Leave these opponents to me, and go meet with Zhao Quan. I’ll send the Shadow Soldier with you as a precaution,” Kuisha suggested. Her stern expression left no room for disagreement. Ling Feng nodded in agreement and quickly set off, the Shadow Soldier merging into her shadow as she departed.

Byazzart charged back at Kuisha, his remaining claw now larger and more menacing, aimed directly at her.

Kuisha stayed composed and extended her hand in front of her, creating a [Hole] in the space before her. Byazzart’s enlarged claw pierced through the opening, and as soon as most of his shoulder was through it, Kuisha shut the [Hole], severing his arm cleanly from his body.

She sidestepped the falling body with ease and brought her foot down sharply into his side, sending him crashing into a wall with a resounding impact. He tumbled to the ground, emitting strange, guttural shrieks of rage and pain while fixing a venomous glare at Kuisha.

Kuisha formed several additional [Holes], each one methodically targeting Byazzart’s limbs. She created one around his neck, allowing it to slowly close in on him. As she approached, she asked, “So, was that the only reason you took this job? What about the other two?”

With his life slipping away, Byazzart gave up. He recognized when the fight was lost and made no attempt to resist further. His confidence had been built on his past victories, and it had made him somewhat complacent.

“I don’t know much about the others. I accepted this job purely for the money and the opportunity to gain power. You understand the rules of our universe, don’t you? It’s survival of the fittest. If you’re defeated or killed, it just means you weren’t strong enough. It’s as simple as that,” he said, smirking despite his dire situation.

Kuisha couldn’t detect any deception in his words. With a sigh, she closed the [Hole] around his neck, severing his head from his body and ending his life. She turned around, sensing the approach of the other two hired individuals closing in on her position.

Moments later, the dolphin and the chicken appeared before Kuisha, their expressions a mix of alarm and rage.

“So someone would come here so recklessly, you’ve got some nerve, woman cluck,” the chicken said, glaring at Kuisha with a mix of anger and contempt.

Kuisha raised an eyebrow, amused by the peculiar “cluck” at the end of the chicken’s statement. It reminded her of Kuroka’s habit of adding “nya” to her sentences. She then turned her attention to the dolphin, which was opening and closing its mouth rapidly. It appeared to be speaking, but the sounds it made were unintelligible to her.

“Why did you come to this planet?” Kuisha asked abruptly, catching both of them off guard.

“We have a job cluck,” the chicken replied, his tone blunt and dismissive. “It pays well, what more is there to life?” he continued, his attitude both rude and unapologetic.

Kuisha shook her head, her expression cold as she summoned more demonic aura around her hands. She fixed her gaze on the two figures before her. “Well, I have my own tasks. Let’s finish this quickly.”

The chicken and the dolphin assumed their combat stances, their intent clear. Their mission was vital; they could not let a stranger who had already caused so much damage roam freely. If they failed, Zhao Quan’s plans and the conflict he had started could be disrupted.

Without hesitation, the chicken moved forward, creating a sword from feathers that glowed with a sharp, white light. It swung the weapon, aiming to cut down Kuisha. At the same time, the dolphin shot a powerful jet of water from its mouth, a forceful stream designed to incapacitate her quickly.

Kuisha reacted, directing her hand toward her attackers. She unleashed two massive orbs of demonic aura, each one filled with destructive power. The chicken, focused on its attack, managed to sidestep one of the orbs, but the other struck its target. The edge of its shoulder was obliterated in an instant, though the full extent of the injury had not yet registered. The chicken continued its assault, unaware of the severity of the damage.

Kuisha promptly conjured a [Hole] and directed it toward the dolphin’s assault. The powerful jet of water passed through the [Hole], vanishing from sight. In an instant, Kuisha reappeared behind the dolphin, driving her foot into its back with force. The impact sent the dolphin hurtling away.

The chicken, taken aback by the speed of her movement, refocused its attention. It aimed its feathered sword and unleashed a beam of white energy. Kuisha responded with a surge of demonic aura, the two forces meeting in a violent clash. The collision resulted in a massive explosion that obliterated the room and a significant portion of the building.

As the dust settled, what remained was a vast crater where the room once stood. The chicken, still injured from the earlier attack, finally registered the pain. It clutched its wounded shoulder, attempting to heal it, but to no avail. Frustration etched on its face.

Its gaze shifted to the dolphin, now lifeless on the ground. Shock washed over the chicken as it realized the dolphin’s end was caused by its own attack. Above the corpse, the [Hole] Kuisha had created was clear—she had skillfully redirected the stream of water back onto its source.

“What’s the matter? Not going to keep fighting?” Kuisha taunted, her voice cutting through the clamor. “I heard from Byazzart that none of you are particularly close, that you’re just here for the job. So why are you so upset about your companion’s death?” Her words were aimed to provoke, and Clucker the chicken responded with a fierce glare, his anger evident.

Clucker remained silent, his focus narrowed. Ignoring the severe wound on his shoulder, he launched himself at Kuisha with renewed urgency. Despite his increased speed, Kuisha matched his movements effortlessly. He attempted to maneuver around her, but his efforts were in vain.

Each swing of his feathered sword sent droplets of blood spraying from his injured shoulder. With every strike, his strength waned, and the ease with which Kuisha evaded his blows increased. She moved with calculated accuracy, her energy barely taxed as she sidestepped his desperate attempts.

Gradually, Clucker’s movements grew sluggish. Exhaustion took its toll, and he collapsed to his knees, his strength spent. His reckless attacks had drained him, his blood loss clear in the weakening of his efforts. Despite the danger, he pressed on, driven by the loss of a comrade—one who had accompanied him on numerous assignments.

“She was... a good friend... and I always knew this was our end. I’m just furious it came from such a pitiful failure,” Clucker rasped, resignation overtaking the earlier defiance. He had realized—perhaps too late—that fighting Kuisha was a losing battle from the start. The difference between their capabilities was undeniable now, and his earlier arrogance had faded into reluctant acceptance.

“Tell me, do you know anything about the Saerstial lurking on this planet?” Kuisha’s voice remained cold, her palm raised toward Clucker as a dark orb of demonic aura began to spiral and expand.

“Saerstial? No... I had no clue one was even present,” he answered, his tone carrying a sincerity that was difficult to dismiss.

Kuisha’s gaze sharpened, distrust creeping into her expression. “You expect me to believe that?”

Clucker gave a hoarse laugh, shaking his head in a defeated manner. “Believe it or don’t. Makes no difference now. I might look odd, maybe I even act in a way that doesn’t match the usual mercenary, but there’s still a line I won’t cross. Our code demands we fall in combat, not beg for our lives or jump ship. I won’t disgrace myself like that.”

“I see,” Kuisha responded flatly before unleashing the gathered energy in her palm. The resulting explosion obliterated everything in its vicinity, reducing both Clucker and Johplun to ashes as the remains of the structure collapsed under the force. Dust and debris hung momentarily in the air before settling, leaving a massive crater where the building once stood.

With that task done, Kuisha turned her attention to the location of Zhao Quan’s energy. Ling Feng’s presence there was unmistakable too, signaling that their confrontation was well underway. Without delay, Kuisha moved toward them.

Upon arrival, she observed the intense struggle between the two. Ling Feng’s body was littered with scratches, cuts, and bruises, while Zhao Quan, though less battered, still bore several deep slashes. His expression twisted in fury, eyes blazing with hostility as he continued his assault.

Noticing Kuisha, Zhao Quan launched a dense orb of dark energy in her direction, hoping to catch her off guard. She deflected it with an almost indifferent motion, leaving him visibly stunned. That brief moment of shock gave Ling Feng an opening.

She surged forward, fan ready, and struck Zhao Quan with all her might. The blow sent him hurtling backward, but her frustration grew—despite her strength, the attack didn’t slice him in half as she’d hoped. Instead, he was merely knocked away, irritating her as she prepared to press on.

“This is...!” Zhao Quan roared, his voice reverberating with anger as he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts from behind him. Shadows gathered into several sword-like shapes, their dark edges shimmering menacingly. “For the future of Fengyun Fudi! Virion has lost his way, and we must follow Madame Phumera’s commands! Disobeying her will lead to our destruction!”

Ling Feng recognized the truth in Zhao Quan’s words, but the idea of igniting a civil war and destroying their planet in the process made the situation even more dire. She gritted her teeth, her resolve solidifying as she directed powerful gusts of wind from her fan. Each slash of wind cut through the air, aimed directly at Zhao Quan, who was too focused on his own anger to notice.

“You cannot refuse—!” Zhao Quan began to shout, but his words were abruptly interrupted as Kuisha appeared behind him. Without hesitation, she drove her foot into his back with force, sending him crashing into the path of Ling Feng’s attack.

Unprepared, Zhao Quan had no chance to defend himself. The wind blades from Ling Feng’s fan struck him with brutal force. His right arm was severed cleanly from his body, and deep cuts appeared all over his skin. Although he was not killed outright, the extent of his injuries left him severely incapacitated.

As Zhao Quan collapsed to the ground, grunting in agony, he looked up at the two women who had come to confront him. They expected him to surrender, but instead, a powerful energy burst from his body, throwing them backwards.

He started to stand up as more energy flowed from him. His body began to change, his arms and physique altering dramatically. “You dare get in my way?” he roared, his voice full of anger and conviction. “I am creating a perfect world for this planet and its people…!”

As Zhao Quan’s transformation continued, Kuisha acted quickly. She conjured a massive sphere of demonic aura and launched it at him. The sphere collided with the energy surrounding Zhao Quan. To their surprise, it shattered the barrier and struck Zhao Quan’s body, causing a massive explosion that destroyed the building they were in.

Ling Feng stood there in shock, stunned by Kuisha’s intervention and the destruction it wrought.

As the dust settled, a jagged chunk of Zhao Quan’s torso had been obliterated, but he remained standing. His eyes narrowed at the two, every breath labored. “You… pest…” he spat before toppling onto his back, gaze locking onto the bleak sky above. “It was… all for peace…” he rasped, his voice trailing off into a whisper.

Both women approached, their steps echoing in the silence that followed the destruction. Kuisha, looking down at his broken figure, demanded, “Why? Why did you push everything to this point? Do you really think we’d believe you now?”

Zhao Quan didn’t offer a response. His gaze stayed fixed on the sky as the final moments of his life slipped away. He refused to let them hear anything more, his convictions buried deep with him. Like Virion, he would cling to his ideals even in death.

“The sky…” he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips, “is beautifully blue today…” With those words, Zhao Quan’s body went still, his expression oddly content.

Kuisha’s expression darkened as she noticed Zhao Quan’s eyes were still open, staring blankly at the sky. She crouched beside him and gently closed his eyes with a somber expression. Rising to her feet, she turned to Ling Feng, whose face was marked by distress. “Our next goal is to locate the Saerstial. I suspect that finding it will lead us to Virion and the others,” Kuisha stated firmly.

Ling Feng, still grappling with the aftermath of the confrontation, nodded in agreement, her voice caught in a tangle of thoughts. She had little to say, her mind swirling with confusion and unease. Kuisha, wings unfurled and glowing with a faint, otherworldly light, ascended into the air. Ling Feng followed, their flight taking them in the direction of a peculiar energy signature that Kuisha had sensed.

No longer concerned with stealth, they advanced with purpose. The closer they got, the more Kuisha felt an unsettling sensation in her gut. This, she realized, might not just be about saving the universe but understanding the true nature of the turmoil on Fengyun Fudi. They had failed to intervene in this timeline, and now they faced the consequences. The trial, she suspected, was not merely a test of strength but a revelation of the deeper forces at play.

— ○ ● ○ —

Upon reaching their destination, they found themselves near the edge of the forest, the very place they had explored at the beginning of their journey. Ling Feng’s gaze swept over the familiar landscape. “...Why have we come here? This is the Area of Passing…”

“This is where I sensed the energy,” Kuisha responded, her eyes fixed on the grand entrance before them. “The Saerstial is likely in this location. Let’s proceed.”

Without waiting for further discussion, Kuisha advanced toward the entrance. They crossed a small lake, its surface reflecting the sky, and ascended a series of large white stairs adorned with golden lotus flowers. As they climbed, delicate white curtains appeared around them, fluttering gently in the breeze.

Reaching the golden lotuses, Kuisha placed her hand upon them. In an instant, the surroundings transformed, taking them to an entirely new location. Ling Feng, taken aback by the sudden change, stared around in bewilderment. “W-what is this place? I’ve never encountered anything like this before,” she stammered, her voice betraying her astonishment.

Kuisha remained silent, but she extended her arm in front of Ling Feng, leaving her perplexed. Before them stood a lone figure, hunched over and sobbing softly.

The figure commands attention with an air of strict authority. Dressed in white robes accented by deep violet and gold, her outfit balances elegance with a firm design. Sharp lines extend from her form, hinting at an armored core beneath the flowing layers. Golden metal details run along her garments, perfectly aligned with the complex clockwork halo spinning behind her. A golden visor partly covers her face, hiding all but a subtle expression, while silver-white hair cascades in neatly arranged ribbons.

In her hand, she holds a thin staff—more symbol than weapon—with angular designs matching those throughout her attire. Behind her, rotating rings and arcs create a dynamic scene, marking her as the center of control, as though she is the fixed point in a world of constant movement.

Kuisha had activated her ring’s scanning function, and with a tense voice, she said, “That’s the Saerstial—Eilona, The Wish Maker. But it’s strange. If she has the power to grant wishes, why would she allow such devastation to befall this world?”

As if in response to Kuisha’s words, the weeping figure abruptly ceased. Eilona looked up with a sorrowful expression and whispered, “I’m sorry.” Before either of them could react, she was enveloped in a surge of dark and violet energy. The overwhelming force lasted only a few seconds, and when it dissipated, a different figure stood before them.

Stood tall in obsidian armor that swallowed light, with sharp edges and gold inlays accentuating its ominous elegance. A royal blue cape flowed from the shoulders, contrasting against the dark armor, pulsing with an almost otherworldly energy. A crown of sharp spires adorned with deep blue gemstones sat atop the figure’s head, a mask concealing their face entirely, deepening the air of mystery.

In one hand, a long, tapered sword rested against the ground, its edge gleaming dangerously. The backdrop was a burst of gold and darkness, framing the figure like the center of a frozen star. At their feet, vibrant blue flowers bloomed, delicate against the cold, imposing armor above.

Kuisha stared at the new figure, her eyes wide with disbelief. Ling Feng, noticing the change in her expression, looked at her with concern and asked, “What’s wrong? Why do you look like that?”

Kuisha swallowed hard, trying to gather her thoughts, before replying, “Have you ever thought about how people have different faces they show to different people? For instance, one face for their family, another for their friends, and then a different one for the world at large—a ‘true’ self that remains hidden from view?”

Ling Feng’s confusion deepened as she listened. Kuisha continued, “This situation is a bit like that. Eilona, who you thought was one person, is actually something entirely different. What stands before us now is not her true self, but rather a being known as… Cindersilk, The Songstress of Soured Wishes.”

Ling Feng stood motionless, her mind struggling to grasp the implications. The idea of soured wishes—that desires granted might come with hidden malice or adverse consequences—left her in stunned silence.

Without warning, Cindersilk raised her sword high and brought it crashing down. A massive streak of darkness shot toward Kuisha and Ling Feng, compelling them to dive out of the way. The attack cleaved through the space around them, leaving Ling Feng in awe. She had never imagined being attacked by a Saerstial—creatures she had only heard of in old tales and legends. The reality of it was both shocking and terrifying.

As the dark slashes continued to fly at them, Ling Feng struggled to keep up. The strikes were coming fast, but surprisingly, they were not as fast as she had anticipated. Each attack seemed to follow a predictable arc, giving them a chance to evade.

Kuisha’s voice cut through Ling Feng’s surprise. “If they’re anything like the gods we know, not all of them are fighters. Their combat skills might not match ours. We probably have more fighting experience. Remember that, and let’s take this thing down!”

Kuisha lunged forward, her resolve driving her as she summoned a barrage of demonic aura and hurled it at Cindersilk. Yet, before the attacks could reach their target, Cindersilk opened its mouth and an unsettling, haunting melody spilled out. As the eerie notes filled the air, each of Kuisha’s projectiles was encased in undulating bubbles, which neutralized and obliterated them.

Frustration marked her face, Kuisha extended her hand and created a [Hole] around one of Cindersilk’s arms, attempting to close it and sever the limb. The maneuver succeeded in slicing the arm from the Saerstial’s body, but to her irritation, the limb quickly regenerated.

Ling Feng joined the battle, wielding her fan with precise movements. She unleashed a series of sharp wind slashes aimed directly at Cindersilk. However, the Saerstial countered with a barrage of dark purple force that surged from its body, intercepting Ling Feng’s attacks. The wave of energy not only deflected her strikes but also converged on the two women, forcing them to brace for the relentless barrage.

Kuisha extended her focus and conjured multiple [Holes], drawing the incoming attacks into them before creating several more around Cindersilk and redirecting her own attacks back at the Saerstial. Cindersilk responded by unleashing a fresh wave of the same attack, resulting in a massive explosion where their forces met.

The impact sent a series of sword slashes hurtling towards them, prompting the two women to evade the incoming threats. Kuisha had resolved to end the confrontation, yet she was driven by a need for answers. The insights gained from this alternate timeline could potentially benefit their own reality.

Despite her intentions, Kuisha had not attempted to communicate with the Saerstial, believing such efforts would be futile and unproductive.

“Why?!?!?!” Ling Feng screamed in frustration, drawing her fan back and swinging it with great force. An enormous green tornado surged toward Cindersilk, the wind howling with raw power. “Are you the one responsible for all this!?” she demanded, her voice filled with urgency.

To their astonishment, Cindersilk smirked in response, a hint suggesting that Ling Feng’s accusation might hold some truth. Yet this revelation raised further questions: Why would Cindersilk engage in such destruction? Was it driven by amusement or some other motive entirely?

“Answer us!” Ling Feng demanded fiercely as she charged towards Cindersilk.

“Stop!” Kuisha shouted, but her voice was drowned out by the sudden, harsh reality. The instant Ling Feng crossed the threshold, a powerful, unseen force sliced her body in half, the clean cut leaving no room for hesitation or escape.

“Ling Feng!” Kuisha’s scream erupted, filled with shock and horror. Though their encounter had been short and contentious, the abruptness of Ling Feng’s death struck her deeply, leaving her momentarily paralyzed by the gruesome sight.

Her mind raced through the rules of the trial: death here didn’t mean death outside. Yet, the uncertainty about Ling Feng’s fate after this moment troubled her. There was no time for further contemplation. Cindersilk’s attention snapped to her, unleashing a relentless storm of energy blasts and precise slashes.

Kuisha clenched her jaw, her resolve hardening as she created several additional [Holes] to intercept the barrage of attacks. She charged forward, launching her own counterattacks. Numerous [Holes] formed around Cindersilk, their energies converging to strike back with force.

As Cindersilk managed to block most of Kuisha’s attack, Kuisha flew past the threshold that had just claimed Ling Feng’s life. Nothing happened to her, leading her to infer that Cindersilk must have been the one to kill Ling Feng with a strike that Ling Feng couldn’t see coming.

Kuisha quickly generated more [Holes] around the Saerstial, launching additional attacks from them to keep it distracted. At the same time, she formed a ball of demonic aura in her right palm. In an instant, she appeared directly beneath Cindersilk and fired the attack straight at her stomach.

A tremendous beam of demonic aura shot forth, annihilating everything in its path. As the beam roared onward, Kuisha twisted her body back at an unnatural angle, narrowly evading a blade that Cindersilk had swung towards her.

Kuisha leaped back, putting more distance between herself and Cindersilk. She watched as her attack had indeed caused damage: a significant portion of Cindersilk’s body was missing. Yet, she noticed the creature attempting to regenerate the lost section. She had anticipated this, as she had applied the anti-healing and regeneration technique that Aaron had taught them, which should prevent such recovery.

As soon as Cindersilk realized its regeneration was ineffective, its previously confident smile vanished, replaced by a scowl. The creature opened its mouth, emitting an ear-splitting shriek that forced Kuisha to cover her ears in discomfort. Seizing the momentary advantage, Cindersilk unleashed a new barrage of energy beams aimed directly at Kuisha.

Despite the attack, Kuisha did not need to make any gestures to summon her [Holes]. She called forth the openings effortlessly, redirecting the incoming beams back at Cindersilk. Each beam, redirected with precision, struck the creature repeatedly as it continued to emit its piercing shriek.

Kuisha hesitated, contemplating whether she should unleash her full power in this moment. Back in their own universe, Aaron had strictly forbidden them from doing so, citing the potential for severe damage. However, this was merely an alternate timeline within a trial, and the usual restrictions seemed less binding. With that in mind, she decided to release her full strength.

After taking a deep breath and closing her eyes for a brief moment, Kuisha channeled her raw power to its maximum. The very fabric of the universe seemed to tremble in response to her surge of energy. She understood now that there was no need to employ any other techniques; her sheer force would suffice.

She realized the urgency of acting swiftly to prevent the entire structure from collapsing. The [Holes] surrounding Cindersilk intensified, their power growing stronger. The attacks emerging from these [Holes] became faster and more penetrating, effortlessly piercing through Cindersilk’s form.

In an instant, Kuisha reappeared directly in front of Cindersilk’s face, catching the creature off guard. Without uttering a single word, she conjured a small, tightly focused sphere of demonic aura in her hand, preparing for her next move.

With her gaze icy and resolute, Kuisha fixed her eyes on the Saerstial and asked, “Why did you do this? Was it out of your own arrogance, seeing yourself as something beyond mere mortals? Were you driven by a need for personal satisfaction, or is this just a manifestation of your warped sense of humor?”

Cindersilk remained silent, its response a piercing, unrelenting shriek as it unleashed a beam of energy from its mouth towards Kuisha. The attack blazed through the space between them, but as the beam dissipated, Kuisha remained unaffected. The creature’s eyes widened in shock as it realized its attack had no effect.

With the same impassive expression, Kuisha remarked, “That’s not the right answer. But I had expected as much; I didn’t truly anticipate a satisfactory response from you.” Without wasting another moment, she directed the condensed sphere of demonic aura towards Cindersilk and released it.

The sphere hit Cindersilk directly. Moments later, the explosion wiped out the planet and a vast portion of the surrounding cosmos. The space around them was consumed by a blinding mix of black and red light, and with the overwhelming power of the attack, it seemed as though sound itself had vanished.

Once the blinding light had faded, the dimension where Kuisha had been transported lay in ruins. The landscape that had briefly appeared—a structure resembling an Altair—was now entirely obliterated. She had barely registered the details of this place before being thrust into combat with Cindersilk.

Surveying her surroundings, Kuisha saw that Cindersilk’s aura and life force were nowhere to be found. She speculated that the creature might have attempted to flee. A few seconds later, a large, translucent bubble appeared above her, bearing the simple message: “Completed.”

“Was eliminating that Saerstial the key to finishing the trial?” Kuisha pondered aloud. She remained uncertain about the trial’s outcome but chose to accept the result, given her lack of understanding of Ekibo’s requirements.

At that moment, a magic circle appeared beside her, and Aoife’s voice echoed through it. “What was that!? I felt a massive disturbance, but since you were in a different dimension, we didn’t sense it here. What exactly did you do, Kuisha!?”

“I’ve finished the trial. We should be sent back to our universe soon, so get ready,” Kuisha said. As if on cue, their bodies started to transform into tiny points of light, slowly disappearing into the void.

Kuisha glanced at her arms—her lower half had already vanished—and let out a sigh. “I didn’t uncover much about what was happening here, but I did gather some information. We’ll need to share it with the others when we return,” she murmured to herself.

In an instant, she and Aoife were no longer part of the trial. They were transported back to their current location, leaving behind the remnants of the alternate dimension.

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron Toole’s Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

I glanced up at the sky, a smirk curling at the corners of my mouth. It looked like those two—or was it three?—had wrapped up their trial. They’d likely fill us in on the details soon enough.

Noticing my expression, Shirone tilted her head and asked, “Is something the matter, Aaron?”

I met her gaze and shook my head, brushing off her concern. “No, nothing serious. We’re making steady progress with what needs to be done. For now, let’s stick around and help the Honlugongians with their situation.”

Kuroka, perched on a small wall nearby, looked down at me and said, “Help them with what exactly? We’ve already supported them through their civil war and provided information about Elanor’s role. But they’ll need to integrate both cities eventually, right?”

I nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And I have the resources to aid them with that process. Since this place is still in transition, they’ll need time to adapt to the changes. Plus, after everything that’s happened, they have to update their citizens on what’s coming next.”

I strolled over to where Kuroka was perched, leaning against the wall. My gaze swept across the scenic area that Jikalzu had chosen for their new city. “I have a feeling they’ll want to hold the merger here. The other location doesn’t have nearly the same charm. What’s your take on it?” I asked, turning my head to look at both of them, with Shirone resting comfortably against my chest.

Without missing a beat, they both responded in unison, “This one,” causing me to chuckle softly.

Kuroka then posed a question. “Who do you think will come out on top in the tournament here?”

“Sairaorg,” Shirone answered decisively, her voice carrying a clear certainty.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Mind explaining why?”

Shirone glanced at me, her expression confident. “No one else in the tournament matches his strength. Anran Wu is strong, but she’s no match for his level of power. On top of that, Sairaorg is still holding back. He’ll win easily unless he faces one of the generals before reaching the finals, or even if he battles Virion. Even then, it won’t be a significant challenge for him.”

Chuckling softly at Shirone’s assessment, I reached out and gave her head a gentle pat. “You’re pretty much on the mark, but things are likely to become more complex soon, so don’t rely on that sharp intuition of yours for too long. For now, though, it seems they’re here to take us somewhere,” I said, gesturing toward the figure now appearing in front of us.

Bashoqing appeared with a calm demeanor. She had been the first to greet us upon our arrival and was undoubtedly here to guide us to another meeting location.

“Greetings,” she said warmly. “Lord Jikalzu and Zhen Yuan Hu have requested that I bring you to a small gathering where they wish to continue our discussions. Please follow me,” she instructed, turning to lead the way.

We fell into step behind her, with the two nekomata by my side still admiring the stunning surroundings. I glanced at her and asked, “Any ideas on what this is all about?”

Without turning around, Bashoqing shook her head slightly. “They mentioned that you might have some insight into the matter. My role is merely to escort you there. I’m not typically involved in the details, so I don’t form opinions about these things.”

I raised an eyebrow, observing her. “Having an opinion wouldn’t hurt. By the way, will you be staying with us for this event? You seem more like a guard for them than an attendee.”

Bashoqing tensed slightly, then quickly replied, “No, I have other responsibilities to attend to. However, if I’m called upon again, I will return.” Her hurried response and shift in demeanor left Kuroka and Shirone puzzled.

Shirone looked at me, her brow furrowed. “What was that about?”

Kuroka tilted her head, looking equally confused. “Period?” she asked, before her little sister playfully smacked her on the side.

As we continued our brief walk, Kuroka and Shirone took in the surroundings, their eyes darting from one beautiful detail to another while discussing Bashoqing’s sudden shift in attitude. Their speculations were cut short when we arrived at our destination. The area was bustling with activity, filled with a spread of food and a crowd of Honlugongians we hadn’t encountered before. A few familiar faces from Zhen Yuan Hu’s group were present as well, looking noticeably more relaxed and at ease.

“I’ll be taking my leave now. Best of luck and enjoy yourselves,” Bashoqing said, her voice carrying a touch of formality before she vanished in a swirl of bubbles.

We descended the stairs and approached the leaders. The crowd’s curious gazes followed us, but we barely noticed, accustomed as we were to such attention. “So, you called us? Have you decided on a location yet?” I asked, directing my question at the two leaders.

Jikalzu turned to face me with a smile, giving a nod of affirmation. “Yes, we reached a decision rather quickly after our discussions. We were unaware that many of the structures in the previous location for the Honlugongians had deteriorated significantly. The widespread influence of the brainwashing had prevented any efforts to address these issues.”

I listened attentively to his explanation, nodding in agreement. It made sense given the level of disorder Elanor was capable of. Considering how her influence could have led to the deterioration of the cities while maintaining the illusion that everything was normal, it aligned with what I expected.

“Well, that fits with what I know about Elanor. So, what’s the plan? Should I relocate the city or merge it? Or would you prefer that I demolish it and start from scratch? Perhaps you want to preserve certain elements and then move them?” I asked, my interest sparked as I waited for their decision.

Zhen Yuan Hu responded with a nod. “We would like you to preserve some aspects of the old city and bring them to this new location. We no longer have any use for the old city as it stands, so perhaps you could dismantle it and repurpose it for different functions.”

“Repurpose, you say?” I echoed, considering how best to transform that area. I imagined options like a large training facility or an entertainment complex. I wasn’t certain yet, but consulting with them seemed like the most prudent approach.

“Let’s go over the details then. I can start on this right away, so please provide me with every specific instruction,” I said, ready to dive into the task. They began to outline their requirements in meticulous detail.

One of them even brought over a detailed blueprint of the main area they envisioned, which closely resembled one of the older districts from the other faction’s city. Since Cúntóir wasn’t with me, I had to manage this manually rather than relying on her usual assistance.

Stepping back from them, I let the blueprint hover in place and created an exact duplicate. One of the individuals then flew back to Zhen Yuan Hu with the original. I directed my hand toward the designated starting point, causing a variety of concrete blocks, wood, and other materials they had specified to appear.

The building blocks began to levitate and position themselves according to the plan. Each component was assembled with the correct materials, and I applied additional magical reinforcement to ensure that the structure could withstand any conventional attack.

I followed the same process for the remaining structures and surrounding areas. As soon as I began, people started to evacuate, clearly aware of the scale of work about to unfold. I also teleported away several tables and other obstacles that would obstruct the construction, clearing the space so I could proceed without hindrance. The crowd watched with a mix of curiosity and trepidation as I continued.

Gradually, the area began to change. New buildings and homes took shape, street lights flickered into existence, and roads and other essential city elements began to appear. I made sure to link this new development seamlessly with the existing city structures, directing my focus to integrate everything smoothly.

Behind me, Kuroka commented, “It’s like giant fish nya~”

“That’s... a reference to something the original Zhen Yuan Hu said long ago,” Zhen Yuan Hu explained, turning his head slightly away as he spoke.

The two nekomata sisters looked puzzled, but seeing Jikalzu smirking to himself, they assumed the reference was more mundane or perhaps a bit embarrassing, rather than an actual historical saying from the original Zhen Yuan Hu.

The structure did indeed resemble a fish, but did it really matter? It was their home, not ours. As I continued to develop this part of Meixingtian, it began to feel less like a mere extension and more like an entirely new city in its own right.

But I held my thoughts. Gradually, the initial section of the project was completed. Tall buildings now reached up towards the sky—or should I say, towards the water? Regardless of the terminology, the construction of this section was finished.

There were still four more sections to complete before connecting everything to the existing part of Meixingtian and then to the main city. Once all those were finished and linked together, the entire project would be complete. I lowered my hands and let out a sigh of relief, marking the end of this phase. The two leaders approached and stood beside me. Jikalzu glanced over the newly finished area and said, “It looks fantastic.”

“There are still four more sections to complete before everything is finished,” I explained to them, preparing to move on to the next phase. “In any case, I’ll get it done right away.” With that, I disappeared, heading off to tackle the remaining work with efficiency.

— ○ ● ○ —

Shirone Toujou’s Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron vanished abruptly, leaving me momentarily bewildered. However, Nee-sama quickly broke the silence, saying, “Hmm. He’s going to finish the rest of the work soon, so let’s just stay here and enjoy the food. It won’t take Aaron too long to get everything done nya~”

Her suggestion made sense, and honestly, I didn’t mind the delay too much. As we waited, I noticed that in the distance, new buildings were rising from the ground. Alongside them appeared various other structures, including what looked like an amusement park complete with Ferris wheels.

“Oh~ an amusement park~” Nee-sama remarked with a hint of excitement, which caused me to let out a resigned sigh.

“Let’s just tidy up and then get something to eat,” I suggested. She nodded in agreement, and with the assistance of everyone else, we set about restoring order. Soon, we were seated, enjoying our meal and socializing with the Honlugongians.

Suddenly, a male Honlugongian, accompanied by two friends, approached us and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem… are you two ladies… single?” he asked, catching us off guard. Nee-sama reacted immediately, shaking her head vigorously.

“We are…pregnant!” Nee-sama declared boldly while continuing to enjoy her meal.

The startling announcement caused a piece of food to lodge itself in my throat. Pregnant?! What on earth was she talking about?! The idea was utterly absurd, especially given our current circumstances. Not only were we devils, but the concept of pregnancy for us was even more foreign than it would be for ordinary beings.

Aaron had mentioned he would develop something to normalize devil pregnancies, aligning them more with human birthrates. Ajuka-sama and Sirzechs-sama had been pressing him about it before we arrived in this universe, emphasizing the need for such a change.

Nee-sama continued, “With Aaron’s children, so sorry, no!” before she resumed eating as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

The three Honlugongians who had approached were visibly distressed and horrified by her response. They quickly apologized and hurried away, clearly mortified by the situation. Unlike others who might have reacted with a different attitude, they took the awkwardness in stride, which I appreciated. Still, it was rather surprising that even in this strange place, such reactions were not uncommon. And to think, we weren’t even the same species...

I jabbed my sister sharply in the side, causing her to choke and cough up a mouthful of food she had been eagerly devouring. “What in the world are you talking about!?” I hissed quietly, my voice barely contained with frustration. “Neither of us are pregnant!”

Nee-sama winced from the impact and shot me a reproachful look. “Ouch, Shirone, that really hurts…ugh, well, I just wanted them to leave us alone, so I blurted it out without thinking. I mean, it worked, didn’t it?”

“There were so many other ways you could have handled that!” I snapped back at her, my eyes narrowed with irritation.

She cast her gaze downward but continued eating with a subdued demeanor. “Sorry,” she mumbled, though it was clear she didn’t fully grasp why I was so upset. The Honlugongians around us were now back to their meals, oblivious to the tension.

With a sigh, I turned my attention away from the awkward situation and observed the progress of the construction. Several more buildings were emerging from the ground, and it seemed that Aaron’s work was proceeding smoothly and efficiently.

Gradually, the area around us began to transform. Street lamps flickered into existence, casting a warm glow, while roads stretched out, connecting various parts of the island. After a span of about seven minutes, Aaron reappeared, a look of satisfaction etched across his face.

“It feels like I was just playing Minecraft,” he commented, causing a wave of confusion among us. It seemed like a reference to a game from his past life, perhaps similar to another game I vaguely remembered. Aoife might have been able to decipher the reference more easily.

Turning to us and the two nearby leaders, Aaron gave a casual thumbs up. “All done. Just give me the signal, and I’ll illuminate the whole area!”

“Not blow it up, right?” Nee-sama interjected with a mischievous grin.

“No…just no, Kuroka,” Aaron replied with a chuckle. At least he—

“I’d rate that joke a nine out of eleven,” he added, which made me groan in exasperation. The two of them exchanged smirks, while everyone else looked on, puzzled by the exchange.

Jikalzu, accompanied by his partner Keyiyuzhua, chuckled warmly. “Yes, please, go ahead and ‘light it up,’” he said with a playful tone.

Aaron responded with a nod, lifting his hand before closing it into a fist. For a moment, there was a tense silence. Then, the ground beneath us trembled slightly, and the street lights around us flickered to life. Above, lights emerged in the shapes of jellyfish and other marine creatures, casting a mesmerizing glow across the sky.

“That looks really beautiful,” I commented, taking in the stunning view.

“Tasty…” Nee-sama murmured beside me, her eyes still fixed on the spectacle. I sighed in exasperation. Even surrounded by an abundance of food, she seemed perpetually hungry. It was astounding—she had an appetite that rivaled Shigune-san and Poh-kun’s. It made me wonder if they were long-lost siblings from a different mother…

In the distance, more lights sprang to life, illuminating other buildings as well. The largest Ferris Wheel, situated further away, started its rotation, adding to the vibrant scene.

“This entire display is powered by an underground generator that utilizes solar energy. I’ll give you a tour of it later,” Aaron said with a grin. “But for now, this is the new section of Meixingtian. What do you think?” His expression radiated pride as he awaited their responses.

“It’s truly remarkable, and we appreciate the effort you’ve put into this,” Jikalzu said, his tone earnest. “Given the revelations we’ve uncovered, we will sever our connections with Phumera. However, if your plan succeeds and Lord Virion changes his allegiance, it could create a rift among the planets under his control. The consequences of such a move are unpredictable, and we can only speculate about the aftermath.”

Aaron’s expression turned serious as he nodded. “What happens in the future will depend on numerous factors. For the most part, if everything turns out favorably, the results should be positive. I apologize for being vague, but this is the clearest picture I can provide at this point.”

“Oh, he’s being cryptic! I find it quite interesting!” Nee-sama commented, her attention still focused on her food.

I wasn’t convinced that Aaron’s words were cryptic riddles. To me, it seemed like he was intentionally keeping his statements broad, aiming to guide the situation toward the most favorable outcome without directly influencing it. It appeared that Aaron had taken on a more detached role, rather than diving headfirst into the issues. Although, given his past attempts, he had faced his share of failures in this regard.

Zhen Yuan Hu looked thoughtful as he asked, “Then we’ll place our trust in your approach. We’ll proceed to notify everyone about the upcoming changes. When will you begin to dismantle the old city?”

Aaron considered the question before replying, “I’ll start as soon as your people have vacated the area. I won’t touch it while they’re still there. I assume you plan to inform them about the impending transition, correct?” Zhen Yuan Hu gave a confirming nod.

“Indeed. I intend to make the announcement today,” Zhen Yuan Hu confirmed. “We aim to leave our past behind and move forward. With that in mind, I’ll take my leave to make the necessary announcement.” He then departed with his group.

Jikalzu turned to Aaron and asked, “I’ll start preparing for the next steps. Everything else in this section of town is set up, correct?” Aaron nodded, extending his hand toward the sky. From his gesture, images of the interiors of the new buildings appeared, floating in the air and demonstrating that they were ready for occupancy.

“Perfect, then I’ll proceed with my announcement as well. Thank you once again,” Jikalzu said, nodding before departing with his own group.

The area was still bustling with Honlugongians who chose to remain and continue enjoying their time, fully aware of the changes that were about to take place. I turned to Aaron and asked, “What’s next for us?”

Aaron glanced over and replied, “We’ll be meeting up with Kuisha’s team shortly, along with the rest, with the exception of Mitsuya’s team. Until then, we can stay here and relax.”

I nodded in agreement and glanced at Nee-sama, who appeared quite content with the situation. She was happily devouring the array of food laid out before her. I felt tempted to join her, but I held back, observing that our presence here felt more like a leisurely visit than a mission.

— ○ ● ○ —

Shizuka Kirino’s Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

“Ugh…why is it so stifling down here?” I grumbled, swiping my hand across my face as the oppressive warmth of the underground passage seemed intent on overwhelming us.

“It’s linked to the system that keeps Hishudu warm during the winter months,” Hakuun explained, gesturing toward the network of glowing lines etched into the walls of the tunnel. “You noticed the dome surrounding the city, right? This is what maintains it.”

She pointed to the lines, which pulsed with a gentle, amber light. “These are Amber Crystals.”

Bisusbyu added, “Amber Crystals are crafted by Lady Huoshen Renqing. Although many have attempted to replicate them, none have achieved the exact same results. Nonetheless, their versions work reasonably well, which is why these crystals exist. They were originally designed as heaters to keep the city’s temperature stable during colder periods. However, Lady Huoshen Renqing’s original creations are what form the dome around the city.”

Mitsuya glanced at Bisusbyu, curiosity evident in his eyes. “So, there are others who can produce similar crystals, but they’re less effective? Are these sold throughout the city?”

“Exactly. As I mentioned before, these crystals are less potent and are mainly used for routine functions. The place we’re in is where the majority of these crystallized stones are formed,” Bisusbyu elaborated, pointing to the walls where faint, shimmering lines marked the space. “They were originally quite dull, but after Lady Huoshen Renqing channeled her energy into the land and charged the stones, they gained their current properties.”

Mitsuya looked at Bisusbyu, his curiosity clear. “How do you know so much about this? Did you grow up here or something?”

Bisusbyu remained silent, not offering any explanation.

We pushed deeper into the labyrinthine network, the air growing even warmer. My long hair grew increasingly damp with sweat as the temperature soared. At moments like this, being a woman with long hair felt particularly inconvenient and irritating, yet the thought of cutting it never appealed to me.

We finally arrived at a small, unremarkable room. It contained only two chairs, a table, and what appeared to be a fridge. I approached it and opened the door, only to discover it was empty. To my dismay, it wasn’t a refrigerator at all but an oversized microwave designed to look like a fridge, and it was powered by the Amber Crystals.

“What on earth is this?” I asked, closing the door and taking a step back, still trying to wrap my mind around the sight.

“They’re quite common here,” Hakuun replied. “The workers have easy access to the Amber Crystals, which they use to power these devices. We use them to cook our meals. There are other methods, of course, but as you can see, there aren’t any other kitchen tools around here.”

Without further explanation, Hakuun conjured a chicken drumstick into her hand. She then opened the door of the strange appliance, placed the drumstick inside, and activated the device with a touch of her power. The appliance, which was a bizarre blend of a microwave and a refrigerator, began to heat up with an increasing intensity.

Within moments, the appliance emitted a cheerful ding, signaling that it had completed its task. Hakuun opened the door and retrieved the drumstick, now perfectly fried, to our collective amazement. Despite coming from different timelines, Mitsuya and I had never encountered such a device. It struck us as both remarkably advanced and strangely archaic.

Hakuun ate the drumstick with evident satisfaction before Bisusbyu shook his head disapprovingly. “This is merely a standard guard station, and that device belongs to the staff. Let’s move on. And try not to tease them too much, Hakuun.”

Hakuun let out a light laugh at Bisusbyu’s comment before we continued our journey. I was on the verge of asking if Aaron Toole could create something similar, though I suspected he’d likely design something even more advanced and convenient.

As we walked further, the noise grew louder and the heat became almost unbearable. I began to use ice magic to counteract the oppressive warmth, which made the environment more tolerable. We eventually reached the source of the commotion and found a small wall to hide behind.

Peeking around the corner, we saw a large group of individuals engaged in what appeared to be a ritualistic chant in an unfamiliar language, which left us increasingly perplexed. I glanced at Hakuun, whose expression had turned serious and somewhat unsettled. Bisusbyu, on the other hand, appeared more baffled than disturbed.

“What on earth is that?” I whispered, glancing at my companions for an explanation. They, however, remained silent, their eyes fixed on the scene before us. Since I wasn’t going to get an answer from them, I turned my attention back to the ritual.

The group of people were engaged in a strange dance, forming a circle around a glowing Amber Crystal placed at the center. Lines of shimmering energy flowed from the crystal, snaking out to connect with the individuals who were hopping and chanting. It appeared as though their life force was being drawn towards the crystal, though I couldn’t be entirely certain. The sight was reminiscent of something I had seen with the Evies, though it seemed distinct in its own way.

Then, without warning, one of the dancers stepped out of the circle and leapt toward the crystal. To our horror, the person drove themselves onto the crystal, their body impaled by the jagged edges. The shock of the act momentarily froze us all. The remaining participants halted their movements and turned their gaze toward the individual, their chanting growing louder and more fervent in response.

Then, another participant stepped forward, lifting their hand high and chanting with increasing intensity. As the chant grew louder and more rapid, a large, glowing wisp appeared above them. The wisp flickered momentarily before spiraling around the individual and plunging directly into the person impaled on the crystal.

A blinding flash followed, culminating in a small explosion that sent several of the dancers sprawling, while others were struck down instantly. The force of the blast was so powerful that it created a thick cloud of smoke, shrouding the room in a dark haze.

When the smoke began to clear, we could see that the floor was splattered with blood, and the once lively room had fallen into an unsettling silence. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, some lifeless, others twitching and raising their hands in desperation.

At the center, where the Amber Crystal had once stood alone, it now appeared to have transformed. A creature had emerged, or perhaps the crystal had awakened something within the impaled individual. The exact nature of what had happened remained unclear, but the sight was both chilling and perplexing.

The creature was imposing, its towering shape radiating with the same patterns and glow as the Amber Crystal. It had a glowing horn protruding from its forehead and eyes that glowed a menacing crimson with vertical slits. Its massive fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly as its gaze locked onto our position. Without hesitation, it launched itself toward us with alarming speed.

“Kill or capture!?” Mitsuya hissed, turning to Hakuun, who was still transfixed by the creature’s menacing approach.

“Capture if possible!” Hakuun shouted back, inadvertently drawing more attention to our location.

Bisusbyu was the first to act. He charged forward, his own fist raised as he prepared to confront the beast. The creature met his advance, its fist coming up to block the incoming strike. When their fists collided, the impact generated a deafening explosion that reverberated through the room, shaking the very walls and sending debris flying. Despite the powerful blast, the creature remained unmoved, standing its ground with a menacing presence.

I reached for my pen, ready to take action, but Mitsuya quickly placed his hand in front of me, shaking his head in silent objection. Understanding the cue, I sheathed my pen and summoned my sword instead, preparing for the imminent battle.

In an instant, I appeared beside the creature and swung my blade. The creature attempted to block with its hand, but my sword cut through its defense effortlessly. Realizing its vulnerability, it quickly recoiled, pulling its entire body back to avoid further harm.

Bisusbyu seized the opportunity, launching a powerful kick that drove into the creature’s chest. The force of the blow sent it crashing to the ground, creating a shockwave that echoed through the chamber. As the dust settled, we hit the ground, with Aubilca already drawing her wand and chanting a spell, while Hakuun remained poised, and Mitsuya’s rings began to glow, indicating he was preparing for his own attack.

“Do we have any idea who these people are?” I shouted over the noise, hoping for clarification.

Hakuun’s voice came from above, clearly stating a negative response.

“Could they be a cult?” Aubilca suggested, her eyes narrowing as she examined the group and the creature.

“There’s a possibility a new cult could have emerged, but we haven’t encountered them before. Defeat and capture that creature, if possible. We might uncover more about this situation through interrogation. Also, try to leave some of them alive,” Hakuun directed, her tone authoritative. We quickly moved to carry out her instructions.

Despite Bisusbyu’s powerful kick, the creature had already regained its footing, showing no visible signs of damage. Though it tried to maintain an air of indifference, a subtle frown betrayed that the attack had indeed affected it. The exact impact of the blow remained unclear, but it was evident that the creature was not entirely unscathed.

As the creature attempted to advance, it stumbled, crashing face-first to the ground. Mitsuya had likely played a role in this mishap; there was no other explanation for such a clumsy fall unless he had intervened using his [Telos Karma] Sacred Gear, which influences the outcome of events according to his will.

Furious, the creature scrambled to its feet and charged toward Bisusbyu and me. Flames erupted along its arms, forming blazing blades that it swung in our direction. We both leapt aside, narrowly evading the fiery assault. Undeterred, the creature quickly grew a tail and aimed a similar fiery attack directly at me.

I drew my sword back with calm resolve and swung it fast, cutting through the creature’s tail with ease. The creature’s expression darkened into a frown, and it prepared to strike again. However, my attack had not just cut off its tail; it had rendered that part of its body permanently disabled.

To clarify, if a being or entity could generate extra limbs through their own energy, aura, or power, my sword had the ability to permanently disable such limbs. This capability was linked to an innate power from my earlier use of the pen, though it could be applied through other weapons as well. The sword was particularly effective for this purpose.

The creature appeared puzzled as it attempted to regrow its severed tail, only to find it impossible. Its eyes widened in disbelief, and before it could react further, a glowing green fist struck it forcefully in the face. The impact sent the creature crashing into a nearby wall. However, just before hitting the wall, it stumbled over an invisible obstacle, veering off course and impaling itself on a rusty metal rod.

The creature howled in agony, its screech echoing through the chamber. Before it could fully react, Mitsuya descended from above. I glanced back to see Aubilca’s hand extended, wand pointed forward—she had cast a spell to close the distance between Mitsuya and the creature, allowing him to engage directly.

Mitsuya was in his [Transcendental Arrival] form, a state that enabled him to temporarily harness the full power of both [Innovate Clear] and [Telos Karma]. His fist connected forcefully with the creature, and immediately, a series of distorted effects began to manifest, causing the creature to writhe and scream in torment before finally collapsing, its body going limp.

The skirmish was brief but effective; we managed to subdue the creature without taking its life. I surveyed the scene around us and saw that Bisusbyu and Hakuun were busy rounding up the surviving individuals. They had left the deceased where they had fallen, choosing not to involve themselves with the dead. It was a somber sight, but one that made sense given the circumstances.

“That should settle it,” I muttered, glancing down at the creature sprawled before us. “So, what’s next? Do we take these guys to Aaron or hand them over to your people?” I turned toward Hakuun, looking for some clarity.

Hakuun’s gaze stayed fixed on the carnage around us, her expression tight. After a long pause, she sighed and said, “This is within our territory, so we’re taking them to our general. You can notify your leader, but they aren’t leaving this continent before General Huoshen Renqing makes her decision. Her word stands.”

I nodded slowly, her reasoning clear. We were on their soil, and yanking these prisoners out without permission would likely cause a problem. It was fair, though a bit inconvenient. I thought back to when we met General Huoshen Renqing—she was intense, no question, the type of person you don’t want to piss off, but she wasn’t unreasonable either. I could handle it.

While I was considering what Hakuun said, Mitsuya came out of his [Transcendental Arrival] state, looking like he hadn’t just punched the life out of some freakish abomination. He strolled over and caught my eye. “I’ll contact Aaron, let him know what went down. In the meantime, round up the survivors. Get them back in custody and slap those anti-power cuffs on. We don’t need anyone trying to get creative.”

I didn’t argue, just pulled out the cuffs. They clanked heavily in my hands as I duplicated them and made my way over to the barely conscious prisoners. Snapping the cuffs on, I made sure each one was securely restrained, cutting off any chance they’d use their powers to fight back or escape.

Not long after, we began heading out of the place we had been trapped in. Oddly enough, we had grown accustomed to the heat from the Amber Crystals. It wasn’t as irritating as it had been at first, though we still had to use ice magic every now and then to keep from sweating too much. That warmth lingered in the air, pressing on us, but we learned to deal with it.

Once we made it out of the tunnels, Hakuun wasted no time teleporting us straight to the entrance of the building where their general stayed. She turned and told us to hang back outside for now, so that’s exactly what we did.

Mitsuya wasn’t around—he was still talking with Aaron, probably relaying everything that went down. It made me wonder what our next move would be and what these crazy bastards were really after. As strange as it might sound, I couldn’t shake this strange buzz of excitement that was creeping in. It was almost disturbing how interested I was in figuring this mess out.

Hakuun eventually reappeared, giving us a quick nod, signaling it was time. We followed her through the same corridors we had walked before. This time, though, a couple of guards had joined us, sticking close to Bisusbyu and Aubilca.

They weren’t taking any chances with these prisoners, making sure no one pulled any stunts on the way. I was left with Hakuun, and walking next to her was unsettling, to say the least. Something about her presence always made my skin crawl, but I kept my cool.

We eventually made it to the room, where the general stood waiting. It was just Hakuun, me, the creature, two guards, and General Huoshen Renqing. Bisusbyu and Aubilca had taken the rest of the captives to their cells. The creature was cuffed up, its power locked down, unable to do much other than breathe and glare at us.

Hakuun wasted no time explaining to Huoshen Renqing what had happened, running through the details of our encounter and tossing in her theories about what the creature might be or what its motives were. The general listened, arms crossed, not saying much until Hakuun finished talking. A thick, uncomfortable silence settled in the room once her words trailed off.

And then, just when we thought it was over, the damn creature started to laugh. It was a low, guttural sound, and it sent a chill down my spine. Everyone was caught off guard, looking at each other for a split second, unsure of what to make of it.

[You think any of this matters?] the thing growled, its voice like gravel being ground down. [This is just... no, I won’t ruin it for you,] it continued, leaving us in even more confusion. [But... I’ll say this much—the end is coming for all of you.]

And with that, it exploded. No warning, no sign that it was going to self-destruct. One second it was talking, the next, it was gone—blown to bits, painting the room with its blood and flesh. We stood there, covered in its gore, staring at where it used to be, trying to process what the fuck had just happened. It gave us nothing, no real answers, no clues, just some cryptic words before deciding to blow itself up. What kind of help was that supposed to be?!

Huoshen Renqing stood up from her seat, the blood and bits of flesh splattered across her burned away in a flash of heat. She stepped toward the mess left behind, kneeling at the thick pool of blood where the creature had stood. She pressed a finger into it, and a surge of blood-red flames erupted from the spot, flickering into the air like a torch.

As she rose, the flame hovered, staying right in front of her. For a few moments, it just hung there. She watched it, though what exactly she was doing was hard to tell. She didn’t say anything, just stared at it like she was trying to see something inside it. Then, suddenly, she waved her hand, and the flame vanished. It turned back into a mass of blood, falling to the ground with a loud, wet splatter.

“What the hell was that?” I asked, leaning over toward Hakuun. I expected her to answer, but she stayed quiet, her face unreadable.

Huoshen Renqing broke the silence. “I know what it is, where it came from, and how they’re made. You’ll find more of them with the Eluudors.” She paused, her tone sharp and cold. “They were given technology—advanced enough for them to pull this off without having any real knowledge themselves. Someone handed it to them, and I don’t know who. But I will find out.”

“Could it be Elanor?” I blurted. “She’s been nothing but a thorn in the Resistance’s side, and everyone else’s for that matter. This isn’t new for her. She’s been involved with plenty of other groups on this planet, too.”

Huoshen Renqing stared at me for a moment, her expression unreadable, then gave a short nod. “That does make sense. Lord Virion was aware of her presence here, but he didn’t act on it.”

“What?” I couldn’t hold back the frustration. “Why the hell not? She’s... frankly, she’s a vicious bitch. She’s done nothing but cause chaos, destroyed lives. Why doesn’t anyone bother to deal with her?”

Renqing’s eyes didn’t waver as she answered. “Apart from the top three Eradicators, Elanor is Madame Phumera’s favorite. She decides who becomes an Eradicator and who gets thrown out. She holds more sway than most. And she chose to stay in last place on purpose. She calls the shots when it comes to who rises or falls. It’s all about control—for her, power isn’t just about strength. It’s about who controls the game.”

Control? A game? I’ve never understood what drives these kinds of people. Villains—if that’s what we’re calling them—just seem to be the same every time. It’s like there’s two main categories. One group is simply born twisted, something inside them was wrong from the start.

The other group, they’re the ones who’ve been broken by life. Something happened to them, and now they think they can fix it, but only by making everyone else pay the price.

There are some who don’t fall into either of those categories. They get shaped into something monstrous. Molded by hands that know exactly what they’re doing. But that thing that exploded? It wasn’t shaped over time.

It wasn’t even around long enough for that. Barely a day old, if that. So why would it say something like that? Unless the ones who made it, they filled its head with everything it needed to say right when they created it.

“You’re wondering about too much, young one. Don’t,” Huoshen Renqing’s voice cut in. “Just leave it, go inform your leader, the Outer God. He’ll know exactly what needs to be done. I’ll send my own team to investigate, but let me tell you, the group behind all of this—they’re hard to track down. Elusive. We won’t be able to catch them easily, unless your Outer God gets directly involved,” she said, brushing a strand of hair aside like the rest of this situation was just another problem she’d seen too many times before.

I didn’t have anything to say back, so I just nodded and turned, heading for the door. As I reached it, she added, “Oh, and tell your leader I want a word. There are a few things we need to discuss.”

I nodded again, not bothering to look back. The second I stepped past the doorway, fire surrounded me, and I found myself outside the building in an instant.

I frowned at what had just happened, but didn’t dwell on it. I stood there, waiting for the rest of the team to catch up. It wasn’t long before Bisusbyu and Aubilca showed up, and then Mitsuya arrived, teleporting in without much warning. We filled him in on what had gone down.

“Well, nothing much from my side. We may as well report it all. Let’s hope Aaron Toole has something useful,” Mitsuya said before turning, not giving any more time for questions. He teleported us all out of there without another word.

— ○ ● ○ —

Later that night, we returned to the main continent and headed straight for the inn the planet’s Lord had provided for us. We walked through its dim halls and made our way toward Aaron’s room. When we got inside, the place was a mess.

Despite being on a mission that was supposed to be serious, Kuroka was in her cat form, nibbling at Aaron’s hair. Koneko, meanwhile, was sprawled across his lap, her head resting on his chest like she didn’t have a care in the world.

The rest of the group sat around the room, talking about the most mundane things, none of it remotely connected to the mission. The scene looked so out of place, like we’d stepped into some bizarre alternate reality where nothing actually mattered.

“Oh, welcome back. How’d it go?” Aaron asked, like this was just any other day.

I glanced over at Mitsuya. He looked annoyed, like he was trying to keep it together but was barely managing. He let out a long sigh before dropping into the nearest open chair. The rest of us followed suit, finding whatever seats we could.

It took me a moment to notice there was something strange about the room. Some kind of barrier surrounded us, sealing everything in. No one outside would be able to listen to anything we were saying. I wondered if Aaron had set it up himself.

“It’s fine. Anyway, we’re getting into it,” Mitsuya’s tone had a blunt finality to it. “Eluudors, that creature, and Huoshen Renqing. Explain.” His eyes bore into Aaron.

The rest of the teams, who hadn’t followed any of this, suddenly leaned forward, their eyes darting between Mitsuya and Aaron, waiting for answers. Aaron’s eyes closed briefly, and he exhaled before speaking, as though he’d been preparing for this question for a long time.

“Eluudors are…well, they’re a group that came about pretty recently,” he began, tone flat. “They’re driven by their hatred for the way things are. Add to that some help from Elanor in messing with science and whatever they call ‘divine creation.’ They think they’re onto something. They’re trying to create some kind of god-like being.”

Murmurs rippled through the room. Aaron held up a hand, and the silence returned. “The creature? That’s just one of their failed attempts. Plenty more like it where that came from. But there’s more to it. A connection.”

He paused, his eyes cutting toward Kuisha and Aoife, who gave quick nods.

“Toward…the one, or in a way, two Saerstials that are here,” Kuisha finished quietly, and the silence that followed was so deep it felt like the entire room was holding its breath.

“Eilona, The Wish Maker, and Cindersilk, The Songstress of Soured Wishes… I believe they’re one and the same,” said Kuisha, her tone steady. Then she went on, recounting what happened to them during the trials, detailing what they’d uncovered in the forest.

As her voice trailed off, the whole room fell into a deep silence, a kind of silence you don’t often find, the type that signals something wrong, something no one wants to acknowledge. Mitsuya and I exchanged glances, both knowing this was new ground. Neither of us had ever encountered anything like it before.

Everything here seemed out of place: a history of the Draconic Deus that didn’t line up. In this world, Hyoudou Issei had been erased, wiped away. In his place stood Aaron Tool—no, Jin Skyward. And now, with each passing day, more strange things were surfacing. None of us really knew what might come next.

“Wait…how does that even work?” Kuroka asked, looking at Kuisha with a raised brow. “Two in one? Like, split personalities?”

Aoife gave a nod, like it made perfect sense to her. “Yeah, probably something like that. You know, how some people can change depending on who they’re around? Like, act all friendly with one group, but then cold as ice with another? Maybe that’s how this Saerstial is. Or maybe it’s just who they are—switching faces, always showing a different side.”

“To give you a wish, only to twist it back at you,” Koneko muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, and suddenly her eyes went wide, something like a realization dawning on her. “Is that…what you meant with Virion?” she asked, turning her attention sharply to Aaron.

Mitsuya stopped, letting something click in his head before he spoke up, “Twisted wishes and Virion… Something must have happened with his wife, something tied to their kid. But what exactly? What was the wish?” He took a breath, seeming to wrestle with it, then shifted focus. “And what about those other two points?” he asked again, this time more insistent.

Aaron’s eyes stayed on the floor, his voice low. “I already told you about the Eluudors. The rest? That’s yours to figure out. As for Huoshen Renqing… she, or her family line, is tied to the Saerstial we have on our side now, or at least to the embers she left behind. I use those to help us,” he continued, looking out the window.

He gave a nod, turning back to us with a hard look. “I’ll keep this brief about Huoshen Renqing. How she ended up here, why she’s on Virion’s side—all her own choice, for her own reasons. She’s got her plans, sure, but she’s not even aware of the Saerstials here, or what the Eluudors are. The only thing she wants is to get Virion to switch sides. The other generals… they need to be convinced, too.”

“Fine, we’ll go over the rest tomorrow. Get some rest.” He clapped his hands, and the next second, the room dissolved around us. In a blink, we were back in our own rooms.

Mitsuya looked like he wanted to protest, maybe throw a few choice words at Aaron. But then he let out a long breath, shrugged, and dropped onto his bed without a fight. I followed, but lying down didn’t shut off the thoughts. They hit me like a wave, crowding my head with pieces of conversations, strange images, half-formed ideas—all of it scrambling for my attention.

But, for now, I’d follow Aaron’s lead.

— ○ ● ○ —