Chapter 226 - Chapter 18 - Part 3 - Shadenvyre Machinara

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

He despised causing harm, averse to the very idea, but circumstances left him with no choice. Nights were filled with silent tears as he grappled with the internal struggle against the encroaching darkness threatening to engulf him.

Then came a day when a sinister transformation occurred—he found satisfaction in taking lives, a twisted smile replacing the anguish. Despite the haunting realization of his actions, a fragment of his younger self, a voice of morality from the past, continued to protest, labeling his deeds as wrong. Yet, trapped in the relentless momentum, he couldn't halt the descent into the abyss he had unwittingly embraced.

— ○ ● ○ —

Spuzarth underwent a massive transformation, morphing into an enormous dark purple dragon adorned with numerous eyes across his massive form. The once-secure facility lay in ruins, a testament to the destructive power unleashed. In response, Asia swiftly gathered the people she had rescued, leaping away from the decimated site.

Anticipating their grim destiny, she carefully placed them on a high platform. Moments later, an imperceptible light materialized, targeting them with lethal precision, extinguishing their lives.

As the aftermath unfolded, Cúntóir's voice echoed in Asia's mind, bringing forth an unexpected directive. [Asia, change of plans. Keep him alive; we can extract his powers and pass them on to someone in the Resistance more suited to wield them,] conveyed Cúntóir.

Asia hesitated, grappling with the ethical weight of the proposition. [That... feels a bit inhumane,] she responded tentatively. [But I'll do it...]

Cúntóir's response was pragmatic, a reflection of the harsh realities they faced. [These are the truths we confront in our lives, Asia. If the burden becomes too much, consider stepping back from the front lines,] advised Cúntóir.

Asia hesitated, reluctant to take on a role that would distance her from friends and involve her in actions conflicting with her moral compass. The front lines, she believed, demanded compromises she wasn't comfortable making. Still, the urge to make a positive impact and influence decisions tugged at her, even though she acknowledged the inherent challenges of altering certain harsh realities.

Amidst her contemplation, Spuzarth's ominous figure loomed in the skies, unleashing a deafening roar that echoed through the air. The destructive aftermath of his roar claimed more buildings, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. To add to the chaos, he conjured a massive purple and white fireball, launching it into the heavens. The explosion fragmented into smaller fireballs, scattering in all directions.

Feeling the weight of responsibility, Asia clasped her hands together and uttered, "Balance Break." Instantly, her form became encased in the protective armor of her Sacred Gear. Activating her healing ability, she directed its healing aura across the entire planet, a targeted effort to heal the wounds suffered by her allies, steadfastly choosing to heal only those who fought by her side.

"Ahin, can you help me?" Asia requested, and in an instant, her familiar materialized by her side.

"Gah!" Ahin responded promptly, ready to assist Asia.

Asia leaped onto Ahin's back, and together they soared towards Spuzarth. The menacing dragon noticed their approach and unleashed a barrage of breath attacks in their direction. However, to their surprise, the typical fireballs transformed into various creatures and weapons as they hurtled towards Asia and Ahin.

Adding to the challenge, some of the attacks bore purple bells above them. These silent bells began ringing, inducing various effects. Some attacks accelerated, others fluctuated in size, and a few slowed down before vanishing into thin air.

In response, Ahin roared, and a cascade of black lightning bolts erupted from him. The bolts struck the onslaught of attacks heading their way. Simultaneously, Ahin's body became enveloped in a dense cloak of black lightning, boosting his speed. He darted around, his wings coated in the same black lightning, colliding with the attacks and obliterating them in the process.

Tiny, inky swirls appeared before Asia, responding to her command as she directed punches towards them. These mysterious swirls transformed into small black lightning arrows, gaining speed as she propelled them forward using demonic wind. Her intended targets? The flame attacks that had seemingly vanished earlier.

In reality, those fiery attacks had only decelerated, adopting a stealthy invisibility. Maintaining a safe distance from both Asia and Ahin, they patiently awaited the opportune moment to strike. Unfortunately for Spuzarth, Asia's heightened senses allowed her to detect the impending assault as soon as the concealed attacks initiated their move.

"You're that annoying and pretentious to have a pet dragon, huh?" Spuzarth grumbled in irritation.

Asia remained silent, sharing a quiet exchange with Ahin before disappearing from sight. Spuzarth, sensing something amiss, swiftly erected defensive barriers around himself, fortified with the ominous energy of darkness. A potent shockwave reverberated above him, and although Asia's appearance prompted a grin from Spuzarth, his satisfaction was short-lived.

"I guess this combination wor—" he began but was cut off abruptly.

In a matter of seconds, the protective barriers he had crafted shattered, and Asia's clenched fist connected with his face, propelling him forcefully backward. Despite the force behind her blow, Asia refrained from obliterating him. Her mission had changed from one of lethal intent to capture, prompting her to carefully temper the strength behind each strike, a calculated effort to subdue rather than annihilate.

Swiftly, she trailed behind Spuzarth, reappearing above him. Her right fist crackled with potent and condensed touki. With a decisive motion, she descended, driving her empowered fist into his back. The impact reverberated with a resounding thud, eliciting a pained groan from Spuzarth.

Seizing the moment, Spuzarth attempted to counter, but Asia moved with a rapid response. Her fist connected with his mouth, the force behind it accentuated by the summoning of a basic sword imbued with a demonic aura. In a swift and calculated strike, she thrust the sword from the bottom to the top of his mouth, effectively sealing it shut with the imposing weapon.

Following that, she leaped onto his back, a look of pain etched on her face as she proceeded to shatter the wings on his back. Spuzarth attempted to scream, but any sound was stifled by Asia's sword, sealing his mouth shut.

Spuzarth possessed a natural healing ability, an innate power that typically kicked in automatically or could be hastened by his active effort.

Nevertheless, similar to others, Asia had the ability to halt the use of any regenerative or healing powers. Once she discerned Spuzarth's unique capability, she began incorporating that power into her strikes, employing the technique that hindered him from initiating the healing process.

As Asia prepared to strike Spuzarth's tail, an unexpected transformation unfolded. His colossal figure began to dwindle, prompting her to leap off. Gradually, he reverted to his human form, sprawled on the ground, marked by the evidence of a fierce struggle. Though unconscious, he remained alive, the spark in his eyes extinguished.

Witnessing the aftermath, Asia wore a pained expression. Swiftly, she conjured restraints designed to nullify any use of power, securing them around Spuzarth's wrists. With a gentle touch, she mended his battered body, restoring him. However, just as he stirred, she delivered a measured karate chop to his neck, ushering him back into unconsciousness.

[Cúntóir-san, I've defeated Spuzarth,] Asia reported. In a brief span, Spuzarth's form began to radiate a faint glow, and then he simply vanished.

[Great job. I've teleported him to the cells on our ship. Now, please rejoin the others. They're currently halfway up the tower but have encountered another one of Sagriff's subordinates,] Cúntóir instructed Asia. She nodded in acknowledgment before disappearing and reappearing on Ahin's back.

"Ahin, let's crash through the midpoint of that building," Asia commanded, pointing towards a structure to their side. Ahin, in agreement, accelerated towards the building and collided with it.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh?!" Irina's exclamation echoed through the air as Ahin and Asia collided with the other subordinate of Sagriff, creating a disorderly encounter that caught everyone by surprise.

"Ahin, come back!" Asia's voice echoed as Ahin vanished in a puff of smoke. Asia's gaze fixated on the individual who had successfully halted Ahin's impending attack. Even though Ahin had aimed at the building without targeting anyone specifically within, this mysterious person managed to catch Ahin's nose and bring him to a standstill.

The figure before Asia was a woman, adorned with long, pale white hair, eyes tinted with a dull shade of red, black horns elegantly coiling around her head. She wore mostly black and red armor, with an aura of darkness enveloping her.

"You...stop...here," she murmured, then swiftly lunged towards Asia. Before Asia could respond, Xenovia intervened, wielding her [Durandal] in a decisive move against the approaching woman.

Xenovia took charge, declaring, "I'll handle this; the rest of you proceed. I sense two more of them ahead of us before you reach Citrina."

"Very well, thank you, Xenovia!" Aldrake expressed his gratitude, leading the group as they continued their ascent up the tower.

The woman attempted to impede their progress, but Xenovia countered with a forceful headbutt, causing her to crash through the remaining walls of the tower, plummeting downward to the ground. However, summoning wings of darkness, she swiftly recovered and ascended. Xenovia, undeterred, quickly reappeared above her and swung her sword down with wide smile on her face.

The woman conjured colossal claws made of darkness, successfully halting Xenovia's attack. However, their clash didn't halt their momentum, sending them both crashing to the ground. Upon impact, Xenovia forcefully kicked the woman away, causing destruction to the structures surrounding them.

Taking in the aftermath, Xenovia observed the wreckage and muttered to herself, "Asia really left her mark here. It seems we're in the capital city. I wonder about the rest of the planet. Akeno did unleash a planetary attack earlier." She surveyed her surroundings, contemplating the extent of the damage and the possible consequences for the entire planet.

A piercing shriek reached Xenovia's ears, prompting her to shift her attention. The woman she engaged in combat exhibited an escalating fury, and the shadows around her deepened, enveloping their surroundings. Curious, Xenovia raised her ring, checking the identity of her adversary, and let out a low whistle.

"The Demi God, Clyindrela, at the pinnacle of the Middle-Tier Dragon God-class. A worthy opponent, indeed," she remarked to herself. "Who would have guessed that she was born of a god of darkness here, though? Aaron never fully explained the intricacies of how the gods and deities in this universe operate," she mumbled contemplatively.

Shadowy tendrils lunged towards her, but Xenovia countered effortlessly. Unleashing her demonic aura, she crafted an impromptu shield that halted Clyindrela's assaults, catching the woman off guard.

"Don't underestimate me," Xenovia warned, her sword poised at her side. "I'll end this swiftly, just like how Aurelia-sensei handles things."

With determination, Xenovia surged towards Clyindrela, vanishing from sight. The woman, now on high alert, scanned her surroundings, searching for any sign of Xenovia's presence. Suddenly, a searing pain shot through her side, and she realized that Xenovia's blade had breached both her armor and the darkness that cloaked her, leaving Clyindrela startled by the unexpected attack.

Her features contorted into a scowl, a visible transformation in her demeanor. Swiftly, she lowered her hands to the ground, conjuring an army of jet-black spikes that erupted from every conceivable surface in their vicinity. The spikes sprouted from buildings, debris, tiny planets, and even her own armor and flesh.

Driven by an intense desire to harm or potentially end Xenovia, Clyindrela launched an attack, unleashing the onslaught from every available surface. Indifferent to the well-being of comrades and citizens alike, her sole focus was on causing harm, or perhaps even securing Xenovia's demise.

Clyindrela's instincts flared abruptly, prompting her to pivot and swipe her claws in a defensive arc. The attack clashed against a powerful and large holy aura slash from Xenovia, who stood atop a remaining fragment of a building.

"For someone born from a god or goddess, you seem to trust your instincts more than your intellect," Xenovia remarked, offering a wry smile. As she spoke, she couldn't help but reflect on her own reliance on instincts. 'Although I used to do that, well, I still do,' she thought.

"Who gave birth to me doesn't play a role in my existence. I've cast them aside, and they hold no significance for me," Clyindrela retorted, fixing a stern gaze on Xenovia. "Those who waste their time on such trivial and foolish matters like familial bonds or bloodlines are nothing but naive fools."

Xenovia remained silent in response, swiftly disappearing once again. In an instant, an "X" suddenly appeared on Clyindrela's chest, evidence of Xenovia's sudden strike. Unfazed, the demigod retaliated, slashing at Xenovia with her eerie claws. Yet, Xenovia effortlessly parried the strike using [Durandal]. The force of Clyindrela's attack reverberated, leaving a colossal crevice on the planet, threatening to cleave it in two.

Observing Clyindrela's resilience, a thought flickered in Xenovia's mind. 'She didn't even flinch. Does she possess some form of pain nullification? If so, what are its limits? No, I shouldn't dwell on that. Let's—'

[Xenovia, can you hear me?] Cúntóir's voice echoed through their transceiver.

Responding swiftly to the inquiry, Xenovia leaped away, narrowly evading another attack from Clyindrela. The dark slashes unleashed by the demigod wreaked havoc on their surroundings, but Xenovia skillfully landed on a ledge.

[Yeah, what do you need?] inquired the blue-haired girl, her focus unwavering despite the ongoing confrontation.

[Capture that woman; I want her powers for myself. Asia recently nabbed another, and honestly, I think I can merge both abilities into something intriguing. I'm informing the rest of the team about this. Capture the others, and I'll grant this new ability to one of the Resistance leaders.]

[Roger that. I'll try to keep her alive then,] Xenovia responded. [By the way, where's Lysanvar? Wasn't he with us?]

[He temporarily returned to the Resistance's planet and will rejoin us soon,] Cúntóir explained.

Xenovia summoned both [Excalibur] and [Durandal], wielding them in tandem. She unleashed the holy energy from both swords, and the shadows and darkness surrounding Clyindrela weakened significantly. This sudden change made the woman cautious, casting a wary glance in Xenovia's direction.

Xenovia lunged forward, covering the distance in the blink of an eye, positioning herself directly in front of Clyindrela. Swiftly, she swung both swords with precision, aiming for Clyindrela, who, in an attempt to defend, extended her claws. Yet, the darkness enveloping her dispersed as the swords struck, shattering her armor and ruthlessly slicing through her arm, severing it from her body.

A fleeting panic flashed across Clyindrela's face as she leaped away, leaving a sizable crater in her wake. Xenovia wasted no time and pursued her, executing a graceful spin in mid-air with her swords.

Clyindrela scrambled to block and evade the unexpected aerial assault, but once again, her darkness, shadows, and armor succumbed to Xenovia's relentless attack. Each strike inflicted more cuts, intensifying the toll on Clyindrela.

In a desperate move, Clyindrela opened her mouth, gathering a ball of white energy and shrouding it in shadows. With a swift motion, she unleashed the charged energy at point-blank range, aiming directly at Xenovia in a last-ditch effort to turn the tide of the battle.

However, Clyindrela witnessed a perplexing sight—Xenovia smiling. The confusion lingered in Clyindrela's expression as her impending attack closed in on Xenovia. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the threat disintegrated, obliterated by a certain demonic sword hurtling their way. The blade, known as [Holy Eraser], belonged to Yumi Kira.

Perched atop a distant tree, Yumi grinned down at Xenovia, having expertly thrown the sword to intercept Clyindrela's energy attack.

"Too bad, my friends are quite sharp about certain things," Xenovia remarked, her words slicing through the air. Clyindrela wore an expression of utter bafflement just before Xenovia swiftly severed both of her arms. A forceful kick to the neck sent Clyindrela sprawling back to the ground.

Without missing a beat, Xenovia fused [Durandal] and [Excalibur], recreating [Ex-Durandal]. The combined weapon descended, aimed at the fallen Clyindrela. Xenovia began charging an overwhelming amount of holy energy into her sword, preparing for a decisive strike that would echo through the battlefield.

"Haaaaaa!" Xenovia's scream echoed through the air as her sword thrust into Clyindrela's chest. The stored energy within the blade erupted, creating a colossal pillar of holy energy visible even from the spaceship where Cúntóir stood.

After the intense attack subsided, the holy energy dissipated, revealing a severely weakened Clyindrela beneath Xenovia's gaze. Despite her vulnerability, Clyindrela looked up at Xenovia and uttered, "Kill me."

Xenovia responded with a smile, shaking her head. "No, you'll be quite useful after your defeat."

The weight of Xenovia's words carried an ominous undertone that sent shivers down Clyindrela's spine. With no energy left to resist, Clyindrela reluctantly accepted her impending fate. Lying there, she released a sigh, accompanied by a resigned smile.

"Then use me. If my abilities can dismantle Phumera's organization... then I'll find contentment," Clyindrela conveyed to Xenovia before losing consciousness.

Perplexed by Clyindrela's words, Xenovia pondered, 'Does she harbor hatred towards them? Some might have joined under coercion, but for a demigod to resent her own parents and Phumera's organization... it must be a complicated web of emotions. I'll have to ask in the future, assuming Cúntóir doesn't kill her.'

The complexities of Clyindrela's motivations lingered in Xenovia's thoughts, leaving a trail of uncertainty about the demigod's past.

[Well done. I'll move her to the spaceship's cells and provide medical attention. Aldrake and the others are closing in on the top. Head back and rejoin them,] conveyed Cúntóir.

[Roger that,] Xenovia acknowledged. With a swift leap, she propelled herself toward the damaged section, swiftly making her way towards the summit.

— ○ ● ○ —

"Did you take care of them?" Jeanne inquired, swiftly dispatching another adversary before joining Yumi.

"Yeah, I handled it in time, though Xenovia caught me off guard with her sudden request for assistance," Yumi responded, her hand clasping [Holy Eraser] once again. "Anyway, let's head that way. I sense two formidable energies in that direction. We should defeat and capture them."

"Alright, I'm ready to test out some moves on tougher opponents," Jeanne replied with cheerful enthusiasm. Together, they ventured towards the designated location.

Upon arrival, they found themselves near a towering tree emanating a gentle glow, a soft yellow crystal nestled in the center of its trunk. The surroundings resembled a charming park with large streetlamps casting a warm yellow light, scattered benches, chairs, and wooden tables dotting the area.

Underneath the towering tree, two figures emerged—a man and a woman. The man's untamed white hair cascaded down, complementing his piercing black eyes. His predominantly black armor, adorned with a purple crystal at the center of his chest plate, gleamed ominously. White pants clung to his legs, and black metallic armor encased his lower limbs and feet. In his grasp, an intimidating black and wine-red blade exuded an air of absolute power.

Standing beside him was a woman, a mysterious aura enveloping her. A black hat adorned with a purple rose perched atop her head, and a veil of the same color concealed her face. Her attire, a daring black dress, showcased her figure provocatively, revealing much of her chest, stomach, and thighs. Notably, her elf-like ears captured the attention of both Yumi and Jeanne.

Quietly, Yumi surged forward, wielding her [Holy Eraser] against the man. Though he managed to deflect her attack, he couldn't help but be taken aback as he was forced backward by the unexpected strength.

Meanwhile, the man's companion, the woman, conjured purple tentacles, poised to launch an attack against Yumi. Yet, in the nick of time, Jeanne intervened. Swiftly, she positioned herself in front of the woman, brandishing her sword with a horizontal sweep, compelling the woman to divert her attention, defending against Jeanne's strikes with her tentacles.

In tandem, Jeanne and Yumi repelled both their enemies, creating space for each other in the process. The serene park they occupied and the once-standing tree bore the brunt of the clash, succumbing to destruction in their wake.

— ○ ● ○ —

Jeanne and the mysterious woman engaged in a fierce battle, the air crackling with tension. The woman conjured small wisps of purple flames, each adorned with yellow eyes, which unleashed a barrage of fireballs in Jeanne's direction. Swiftly, she maneuvered, deflecting some attacks while evading others.

With each deflection using her holy sword, a radiant glow emanated, showcasing that something amiss was up. The fireballs she managed to repel incinerated the towering buildings and surrounding trees, underscoring the destructive might of the confrontation.

Silence hung between the combatants; no words were needed to convey their mutual understanding—they were enemies locked in a struggle for supremacy. Jeanne leaped backward, conjuring multiple magic circles that launched water spears towards the purple flames, propelled even further by the manipulation of wind magic.

Simultaneously, she swung her sword in a downward arc, summoning hundreds of thousands of holy swords from the ground. These holy blades swiftly surged toward the mysterious woman, poised to strike her, to end her life.

The fiery wisps swiftly multiplied, coalescing into a makeshift barrier that intercepted Jeanne's attack. However, the barrier's defiance was short-lived, crumbling within a few seconds and surprising the woman with its rapid demise.

Reacting swiftly, the woman teleported away, attempting to evade Jeanne's attack. However, Jeanne, equally quick on her feet, reappeared beside her enemy. With an assertive thrust of her shoulder, she propelled the woman through several buildings, leaving destruction in their wake. Undeterred, Jeanne pursued, only to observe her opponent's eerie purple wisps trailing closely behind.

Recognizing the persistence of the pursuing wisps, Jeanne swiveled around, conjuring water spears with her magic. She hurled them at the persistent entities, attempting to fend them off. Yet, to her dismay, the wisps showcased an uncanny resilience, rapidly repairing any damage inflicted upon them.

"Alright, let's do this instead then!" Jeanne declared with enthusiasm. In a swift motion, she unleashed a barrage of holy aura slashes aimed at the wisps, incorporating anti-healing and anti-regeneration abilities into her attacks.

This time, as her strikes cut through the wisps, there was no sign of recovery or regeneration. They simply succumbed to the onslaught, bringing a satisfied smile to Jeanne's face. With the immediate threat dealt with, she turned around and employed her ring's [Appraisal] to gather more information about the woman in front of her.

"Muyette, huh? A hybrid I haven't encountered before. It's always intriguing how we continue to meet new individuals while being close to Aaron-san," Jeanne mumbled to herself. Feeling a surge of excitement, she increased her pace, swiftly catching up to the woman in front of her.

Confusion flickered in Muyette's eyes as Jeanne appeared in front of her, alerted by this, Muyette launched an attack with her powers at Jeanne. Tentacles emerged from portals surrounding Muyette, shrouded in a dark aura that heightened their potency. The chaotic appendages surged toward Jeanne, aiming to strike her down.

"So many tentacles. Is this your chosen means of self-indulgence?" Jeanne bellowed, a blend of mockery and incredulity in her voice. Activating her subspecies Balance Breaker, she summoned dragoons forged from holy swords. Three of these majestic beings soared toward the encroaching tentacles, slicing through the darkness that enveloped them.

Caught off guard by Jeanne's unexpected counter, Muyette swiftly teleported higher into the air. Behind her, magic circles materialized, unleashing a barrage of dark spheres, shadows, and beams of purple energy upon Jeanne and her [Stake Victim Dragoons].

Jeanne's face brightened with a smile, and harnessing her magical abilities, she employed duplication magic, creating a multitude of clones.

As approximately fifteen versions of her appeared, Jeanne and her duplicates clutched their holy swords tightly, infusing them with an intensified surge of holy energy. In mere moments, the blades radiated a brilliant glow of holy energy, prompting Muyette to shield her eyes from the dazzling brightness.

With a synchronized motion, Jeanne and her clones initiated a barrage of attacks against Muyette. A myriad of holy slashes soared skyward, effortlessly maneuvering around the dragoons and systematically dismantling the onslaught of attacks that Muyette hurled their way.

Muyette's eyes widened in shock at the unfolding events. Desperate to counter, she launched another series of attacks, but Jeanne soared toward her, synchronizing her movements with the unleashed onslaught. Jeanne calculated that this maneuver would divert Muyette's attention, creating an opportunity for her to blend into the multitude of strikes.

Employing her dragoons as a shield, Jeanne concealed herself skillfully, ensuring she remained unnoticed and enhancing her chances of success. Seizing the moment, she swiftly darted past Muyette, executing precise strikes that severed both her arms and left a shallow cut on her neck.

[Jeanne!] Cúntóir's exclamation pierced the air, momentarily startling the young warrior.

[Yes, Cúntóir-sama!?] Jeanne responded with a shout.

[I need her and the enemy facing Yumi alive. So, don't kill them,] instructed Cúntóir. [You two are the last that I need to inform. Do you understand?] she asked.

[Yes, I understand,] Jeanne replied, turning around. As she glanced back, she noticed Muyette attempting to stem the bleeding from her neck. However, her regenerative abilities seemed ineffective, leaving Jeanne with a sense of urgency. 'I need to subdue her before—'

Before Jeanne could conclude her thoughts, Muyette, positioned below her, burst into a colossal purple flame, catching her off guard. The flames transformed swiftly into a gigantic octopus with purple, flaming tentacles and several imposing wisps surrounding its head.

"I should—" Jeanne hesitated, her gaze fixed on the transformed Muyette. She shook her head, thoughts racing. "No, I won't tap into that power just yet. Let's reserve it for the tournament or a worthy opponent," she pondered, exhaling in a thoughtful sigh.

Her countenance shifted to a more determined one as she addressed Muyette, "Let's bring this to a swift end. It seems Cúntóir-san is interested in your abilities, so I can't kill you, but that's fine."

Much like before, Muyette's colossal tentacles lunged at Jeanne. Calmly, she gestured to her dragoons, and they effortlessly intercepted the oncoming onslaught, destroying them easily. Then came the barrage of energy beams and magic attacks.

With precise and controlled movements, Jeanne skillfully sliced through the attacks, infusing her sword with holy energy. This seemed to only infuriate Muyette further, prompting an escalation in the attacks sent her way. Jeanne continued her defense with her eyes closed, a serene focus on her face amid the chaos.

As she continued to slice apart the attacks, a recollection surfaced in her thoughts—a memory from not too distant a past, replaying vividly in her mind's eye.

— ○ ● ○ —

In the confines of Aaron's [Training Facility], the moon cast its silvery glow on a group determined to push their limits during a nocturnal training session. Jeanne's team and a handful of others chose to forgo the typical evening break.

Most would pause for rest and recovery after dinner in Aaron's home, but this group yearned for rapid improvement. Aaron, mindful of their well-being, usually enforced mandatory breaks, but for now, they were in a safe zone.

The man himself, Aaron, observed the diligent efforts of each individual, offering occasional guidance and engaging in brief sparring matches upon request. His watchful presence reassured the determined souls seeking progress.

Among them, Jeanne pursued her training with quiet dedication. Her usual training partners, including Yumi, Xenovia, Irina, Asia, Gabriel, and others, had already retired for the night. Instructors and peers alike had dispersed, leaving Jeanne in the silent embrace of her practice.

Scathach and Aurelia, the remaining instructors, lingered nearby, engrossed in conversation rather than actively overseeing or participating in training sessions.

They currently found themselves in a different "zone" within the [Training Facility]. Aaron had the ability to alter the environment at anyone's request, and this time, Vali and Cao Cao had approached him. They asked for a change to a mountainside at night, mirroring the current time in the real world.

In this simulated setting, Jeanne diligently honed her sword skills, aiming for precision, speed, and strength. As she immersed herself in her training, Aaron approached her. Catching her attention, she turned toward him and asked, "Could you lend me a hand? Would you spar with me using a sword for a bit?"

Aaron responded with a smile, readily agreeing. Summoning his trusty bokken sword, he stepped away from Jeanne and assumed a ready stance. "Feel free to begin whenever you're ready, Jeanne," he encouraged, and Jeanne nodded in acknowledgment.

In mere moments, she vanished and materialized behind him. However, instead of making a direct move, she executed a series of feints, aiming to confuse him. Reappearing on his left side, she thrust her sword toward him.

Aaron deftly dodged by tilting his head, causing Jeanne to miss. The shockwave of her powerful strike resonated, shaking the very air. Swiftly, she redirected her attack toward his neck, but Aaron skillfully intercepted with his bokken.

Creating some distance, Jeanne prepared for another attack. However, Aaron, appearing beside her, caught her off guard. Anticipating this move, she swung her sword once more. This time, Aaron not only parried the attack but also utilized the momentum to unbalance her arm and body, their swords interlocked in a tense struggle.

Jeanne, thrown off balance, began to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Aaron thrust his sword toward her face, stopping just inches away. Jeanne, realizing the inevitable, gracefully succumbed, settling onto her backside with a sigh.

"Great fight, Jeanne," Aaron complimented, extending his hand toward her. She took his hand, allowing him to help her up. "Seems like you've been revisiting the basics. What's the reason for that?"

"His Eminence Strada, Crom Cruach, Slash Dog-san, and Cao Cao advised me that the most effective way to refine your skills is by returning to the fundamentals. Once you've mastered them and gained a fresh understanding, that's the cue to focus on mastering new skills and abilities," she explained.

"But, honestly, there are times when I'm not entirely sure I grasp their advice. So, I've been practicing my swings, footwork, and balance, even though it doesn't feel like it's making much of a difference," she admitted, recalling how Aaron had effortlessly thrown her off balance just moments ago.

Aaron shut his eyes, appearing immersed in contemplation. After a brief moment, he reopened them and playfully poked Jeanne on the head. "Taking in their advice is good, but bear in mind that not all guidance is universally applicable. Training methods are personal, tailored to the individual. Revisiting the basics benefits everyone. Having said that, demonstrate it for me."

Jeanne nodded and proceeded to showcase her customary routine, illustrating how she honed her foundational skills. Aaron observed her silently, taking in the nuances. After a few minutes, he interrupted her.

"I understand now. That's your approach. While it's fine, and you've undoubtedly mastered the basics, persisting in this manner won't contribute significantly. Occasionally revisiting is good, just to keep it fresh in your mind. However, tell me, did Vasco Strada show you a certain technique used by Yumi?" he inquired.

"Technique?" Jeanne inquired, a hint of confusion in her voice. Aaron proceeded to explain it to her. "Ah, I see. I think I accidentally pulled that off once."

"Give it a shot, on me. Attack me in your usual way first, then apply that technique," Aaron suggested. Jeanne followed his instructions, swinging her sword with formidable force, creating a powerful impact and a small shockwave around them. "Alright, now try the technique."

Jeanne nodded, directing another swing towards Aaron. This time, upon impact, she infused her sword with her touki, amplifying the force significantly. The impact and resulting shockwave were much more potent, and as she glanced beside them, a section of the mountain crumbled away from the sheer power of the strike.

"It's a nifty way to catch your enemy off guard or make the most of your power, especially if you don't fall into the typical 'power-type' category in Rating Games. Though, with everyone here being well-rounded, it might not be a game-changer, but this technique could still prove useful for various situations. With a bit of tweaking, you can probably alter its functionality. For instance, you might be able to cut through things you wouldn't usually," Aaron explained.

Jeanne absorbed his words, thinking, 'Tweak it as I like... being able to cut through things I normally can't.' The idea echoed in her mind. Excitement bubbling within her, she stammered, "T-then, please let me practice a bunch of things on you!"

"Sure thing," Aaron replied.

In the distance, Bikou shouted, "So lewd! She's finally making her move!"

Blushing, Jeanne shot a glare at Bikou and retorted, "T-that's not what I meant!"

— ○ ● ○ —

Slicing through yet another oncoming attack, Jeanne channeled an increased amount of holy energy into her sword. Rather than the usual radiant glimmer, the sword emitted only a subtle glow, while her own eyes took on a faint silvery luminescence.

Detecting an anomaly, Muyette heightened the intensity of her attacks, sending a barrage toward Jeanne. However, Jeanne's dragoons swiftly intercepted the onslaught, deploying their swords to block or slice apart the incoming threat.

Undeterred, Jeanne continued to infuse her sword with holy energy, the charging process taking a few more seconds. Gradually, the blade transformed, shimmering with a blend of golden and silver hues. Observing the change, Jeanne smiled to herself.

"All preparations are complete. I'm uncertain if this will be effective, but if it is, I might be able to utilize it more in this universe. I just need to refine and master it, so I don't have to wait for such a lengthy waiting time," she muttered, contemplating the potential of her newfound ability.

Adjusting the intensity of her power, Jeanne vanished from her original position. In the blink of an eye, a resounding sonic boom echoed behind her, demolishing everything in its path. The air itself seemed to ripple, revealing the force of her movement.

Caught off guard and unable to spot Jeanne, Muyette's panic set in. In a frantic response, she summoned a shield crafted from her tentacles, and created a web of protective magic circles around her. Commanding her wisps, she urged them to use their flames to forge an additional barrier, a desperate attempt to thwart Jeanne's advance.

Despite Muyette's earnest efforts, all proved futile. Jeanne's onslaught began with the wisps, their bodies swiftly incinerated in a burst of flames. Following this, the magic circles, typically impervious, succumbed to Jeanne's power. The ease with which she severed magical defenses left Muyette bewildered and frightened, an unfamiliar vulnerability in the face of this unknown but powerful blonde woman.

However, Jeanne's sword effortlessly cleaved through everything in its path, overpowering any of Muyette's attempted defenses. The tentacles that once offered protection were swiftly severed, leaving her vulnerable.

In a desperate bid to stall the impending defeat, Muyette reluctantly tapped into the power that every denizen of their universe possessed—darkness and she used that to envelop and conceal herself.

Darkness was a force she wished to discard, a stark reminder of a life she sought to abandon. Yet, faced with the threat of demise, she found herself compelled to wield it in a desperate attempt to survive.

As Jeanne closed the distance with a speed beyond Muyette's capacity to follow, she observed subtle tears tracing down Muyette's face. A hint of regret emanated from Jeanne's heart, revealing the internal conflict within her. Despite the remorse, Jeanne remained resolute, pressing on with her determined course of action.

Jeanne raised her sword, swift and decisive, slashing it toward Muyette. In the blink of an eye, she reappeared behind her enemy. A soft, shimmering light emanated from the center of Muyette's colossal form, rapidly expanding until it enveloped her in a ball of radiant, holy energy.

The air was filled with Muyette's agonized screams, the pain transcending the physical realm and reaching into the depths of her soul. Jeanne's new attack was unconventional, targeting the very essence of the 'evil' within beings. This unique move had taken shape during the weeks they spent in their own universe, training.

For Jeanne, this was the debut of her creation in real combat, and uncertainty gripped her. The question lingered: would this new technique 'cleanse' Muyette, or was it a swift path to her demise? Suspended in the air, Jeanne anxiously awaited the dissipation of the holy energy, grappling with doubts about the effectiveness and consequences of the bold move she had unleashed.

Finally, the radiant sphere of holy energy dissipated, leaving Muyette's massive form sprawled on the ground, motionless. Jeanne touched down beside her, and within moments, Muyette's colossal figure transformed back into her ordinary human self, trembling uncontrollably.

"Are you—" Jeanne started to inquire, but Muyette erupted into screams.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't hurt me anymore! Mommy! Daddy! No! No! No! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Muyette wailed, tears—or was it blood?—streaming down her face as she relived the traumas of her past in a harrowing loop within her mind.

Simultaneously, wounds not inflicted by Jeanne began to manifest on Muyette's body. These were not the marks from the battle but the scars of Muyette's history. The technique Jeanne employed proved so potent that it not only reopened the physical wounds of her past but also inflicted mental and emotional damage as the haunting memories resurfaced.

As her screams persisted, Muyette's desperation escalated, leading her to claw at her own throat. Blood began to flow in torrents, hinting at the potential for self-harm. The gravity of the situation struck Jeanne—if Muyette kept on like this, she might end up killing herself. Witnessing the alarming scene, Jeanne reacted swiftly, casting a sleeping spell to render Muyette unconscious.

The spell worked effectively, and Muyette promptly fell into a deep slumber. However, the haunting image of tears of blood continued streaking down her face even in sleep. Jeanne stood there, stunned by the shocking scene that had just unfolded before her.

'S-Should I use this technique more?' she pondered, grappling with the uncertainty of its use. Observing the potent impact it had on her enemies, she contemplated its potential application on those she deemed "evil" in this universe.

Yet, a lingering doubt gnawed at her conscience as she wondered about the ethical implications of deploying such methods during the tournament games in the future.

[Well done, Jeanne. That's a very powerful technique you've crafted. However, it didn't yield the effects you desired, did it?] Cúntóir inquired.

Jeanne remained silent for a moment before posing a question, [Should I utilize this more, or should I change it? I'm unsure of what to do or think.]

[It's your call, Jeanne. Ethically, it's quite questionable since it can lead the target to consider taking their own life, especially if their past trauma is severe. What you might not realize is that your technique amplifies the pain they feel—it's as if they're reliving that trauma again, but this time, it's directly impacting their brain and soul. And you know the quickest relief for that?] Cúntóir hinted.

Jeanne didn't provide a verbal response immediately, but the implication was understood. [For now... I'll only use it on people I believe are truly evil. I don't know Muyette-san's history, and I feel remorseful now. She seemed like a child screaming for help just a few seconds ago.]

[Very well if that's your decision. I'll transport her now. Please go and join Yumi,] Cúntóir conveyed before Muyette disappeared from Jeanne's sight.

Jeanne let out a sigh as she leaped away. Once again, she found herself facing a challenging situation, uncertain of the next course of action. "...Perhaps Aaron can offer some guidance," she mumbled to herself, contemplating seeking assistance.

— ○ ● ○ —

Yumi and the man she'd been engaged in a sword duel with had exchanged blows for the past few minutes. However, a sense of nonchalance lingered in the air, signaling to Yumi that neither of them was truly putting in their full effort. Recognizing this, she decided it was time to shake things up, especially since Jeanne had successfully concluded her own battle.

With speediness, Yumi swung her [Holy Eraser] toward the man known as Jalahad. In an attempt to defend himself, he raised his sword, but Yumi, drawing upon her demonic power, intensified the impact point, forcefully propelling the man backward and leaving him visibly astonished.

Momentarily taken aback, Jalahad swiftly recovered and charged back at Yumi, launching a flurry of wild sword strikes.

Yet, his entire demeanor shifted the moment he noticed Jeanne appear behind Yumi. A surge of strength erupted within him, evident as he swung his sword with newfound vigor. Caught off guard, Yumi found herself forcefully knocked back by his powerful strike.

"Where is Muyette?" he hissed, his eyes ablaze with burning hatred as he glared at Jeanne.

Jeanne, wearing a somewhat guilty expression, responded, "I defeated her. She's our prisoner now." After a brief pause, she gazed blankly at him. "She screamed something about mommy and daddy not hurting her anymore."

Jalahad's eyes widened with rage, and his power surged even further. A dark blue aura and shadows enveloped his body as he vanished, targeting Jeanne's neck. However, Jeanne remained unmoved, not making any effort to dodge. Unexpectedly, Yumi intercepted Jalahad's attack, catching him off guard.

"You're fighting me, not her," Yumi declared.

"Get out of my way...!" hissed Jalahad, attempting to throw Yumi aside. However, Yumi stood firm, delivering a powerful kick to his stomach. Jalahad was sent hurtling away, crashing through several buildings in the process.

Yumi turned to Jeanne, her curiosity evident as she inquired, "What did you do?" Jeanne sighed, walking Yumi through the events that transpired, causing a frown to crease Yumi's forehead. "That's quite a technique. It could wield significant power in the tournament. If the organizers catch wind of it, though, they might ban its use, considering its potential danger."

Shifting her attention back to the impending threat, Yumi observed Jalahad's return. He flew back with heightened fury, a massive, foreboding darkness looming above him. "Let's discuss it with Aaron once we're back and get his perspective. For now, I'll handle him so Cúntóir-san can put him in our ships prison cells."

Yumi dashed toward Jalahad, the clash of their blades resonating through the air. In the heat of the battle, she observed Jalahad's darkness creeping along her sword. Swiftly, she released her grip, opting for a point-blank shot of demonic fire. The flames surged towards him, creating a momentary separation.

Taking advantage of the distance, Yumi conjured a new sword, imbued with various properties. Meanwhile, Jalahad responded by unleashing a swirling blue vortex of darkness from the tip of his sword.

Anticipating the impending threat, Yumi swung her sword down, generating several slashes that sped toward the oncoming vortex. Each slash bore distinct characteristics—one demonic, another draconic, a third divine, and the last crafted from pure light.

The divine and light-made slashes cleaved through the swirling darkness, clearing a path for Yumi's successive attacks. Jalahad responded by activating the gem nestled in the center of his armor. From it emerged a peculiar manifestation—a mysterious praying mantis creature's head. It rapidly expanded in size, intercepting and consuming Yumi's oncoming attacks.

As the creature absorbed the attacks, it detached from Jalahad's armor and took on a physical form of its own. The praying mantis bore a striking resemblance to the gem-infused armor, its head moving in an unusual manner as it fixed its gaze upon Yumi with its intense eyes.

[Anything absorbed by that gem will give rise to creatures, and these creatures retain the powers and abilities of whatever they've absorbed. The praying mantis, for instance, possesses both draconic and demonic properties,] Cúntóir enlightened Yumi about the unique nature of Jalahad's gem.

[What about physical attacks?] inquired Yumi.

[It won't absorb those. The best way to defeat him is by using your sword skills. Demonic attacks and aura attacks won't do anything except create more of those creatures. Those creatures also have immunity from the properties it absorbed, so be careful,] cautioned Cúntóir.

Taking in the advice, Yumi nodded, preparing to confront Jalahad and the towering praying mantis, measuring around 20 meters. Both adversaries surged toward Yumi simultaneously. The praying mantis reached her first, slashing its claws at her, but Yumi skillfully evaded the attack, swiftly countering with her sword.

Yet, Jalahad swiftly intervened, intercepting the attack before it could reach the praying mantis. He unleashed a wave of blue darkness toward Yumi, prompting her to leap away, narrowly avoiding the ominous assault. Seizing the moment, she inquired, [How 'alive' are we talking about when capturing them?]

[...Alive enough that I can extract his powers,] Cúntóir responded.

[You can extract powers when they're dead, right? Or almost dead?] inquired Yumi.

[I can, but you know, reincarnation is quite unpredictable in the omniverse. It can happen immediately or take hundreds of thousands of years. Most people's innate abilities are linked to their soul. Destroy that, or if it departs, the power is lost forever. Of course, there are exceptions, but roughly 95% of cases are tied to the soul,] Cúntóir explained.

Yumi absorbed Cúntóir's information, contemplating a plan. She decided to incapacitate Jalahad, then swiftly have Cúntóir transport him to the ship for power extraction. Alternatively, she considered injuring him to the point where he couldn't move, ensuring she acted before he succumbed to death.

With determination fueling her, Yumi launched herself back into the fray, targeting both Jalahad and the menacing mantis. Opting to deal with the insect-like threat first, she refocused her energies. Swift as a shadow, she materialized behind the praying mantis, executing a powerful swing that cleanly severed it in two.

The strength behind Yumi's blow surpassed her usual capabilities. Unlike the other subordinate Clyindrela that Xenovia had faced, Yumi Kira's strike not only split the planet in half but also cleaved through its core, initiating an unexpected countdown.

Cúntóir's urgent voice echoed, alerting everyone to the impending disaster. [Attention, everyone, in around an hour, the planet will explode. Please ensure you conclude your battles swiftly. I repeat, this planet will—] the warning began, urging a swift resolution to the ongoing battles.

Before embarking on their journey, Aaron had emphasized that the planet they were on held little importance compared to the greater utility of Ferrothos Prime over Shadenvyre Machinara.

[Have you completed your part, Cúntóir?] Georg inquired.

[Yes, I've gathered the necessary data a few minutes ago. The planet itself holds no value for us now. As I mentioned earlier, our goal is clear: defeat the subordinates so I can extract their powers, eliminate Sagriff, and rescue Citrina. That's the extent of our mission now,] Cúntóir explained, reiterating their plans once more.

Yumi's quick thought of 'Oops' raced through her mind as she skillfully parried a sword strike from Jalahad.

"Are you insane!? If you destroy this planet—a large part of this galaxy will be eliminated!" Jalahad's voice held a mix of panic and fury as he expressed his concern.

Casually, Yumi replied, "I trust my comrades and the man I like to prevent that," and with ease, she pushed Jalahad away, following up with a forceful knee to his face.

Jalahad was sent flying again, but Yumi wasted no time and swiftly pursued him. Her sword, now infused with touki, descended upon him. However, Jalahad, turning to face her, activated his gem, ready to absorb her touki. To his surprise, it vanished, leaving him bewildered.

"I didn't think you'd get tricked by something so simple," Yumi remarked before thrusting her sword into the gem embedded in Jalahad's armor. The impact not only made the man cough up blood but also drove the blade through his chest, intensifying the damage inflicted.

Yumi propelled herself away from Jalahad's collapsing body, one of her swords still lodged in him. Swiftly, she summoned [Gram] and soared toward him. "Checkmate," she declared before administering the decisive strike, cutting through his limbs and further gouging the planet.

As Jalahad lay defeated, a silent stream of tears marked his face. 'I'll join you soon, Muyette...' he reflected, closing his eyes in anticipation of his impending demise.

In the aftermath of his defeat, Jalahad found his life flashing before his closed eyes. Much of it, however, was a blur, skipping over his early years marred by harshness and suffering at the hands of his own parents—a mirror of Muyette's own tumultuous past. As he grew older, he took up the sword, breaking the cycle of abuse by bringing an end to his family's torment.

Fate led them to cross paths, brought together through the peculiar recruitment efforts of Sagriff, who possessed his own unique brand of eccentricity.

Observing the unfolding narrative of their "blossoming love," Sagriff found the whole affair quite amusing, allowing the story to unfold organically. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the eccentric mastermind found himself strangely influenced by their connection.

In the grand scheme of conquering the planet Il Regno della Luce Brillante, Sagriff, on a whimsical decision, chose to capture Citrina. He entertained the idea of a future union, but not before keeping a watchful eye on the developing relationship between Jalahad and Muyette.

Jalahad and Muyette shared a genuine bond, finding solace in each other's company as they navigated the lingering shadows of their traumatic childhoods. When Jalahad learned of Muyette's defeat, a spark of anger ignited within him.

Jalahad felt a surge of anger building up inside him when Jeanne exposed a distressing reality—Muyette's pleas for her parents to stop hurting her after their battle, or at least that's what he believed.

Jeanne didn't provide details on the how or why, but the mere revelation of Muyette's cries pushed him beyond reason. In the heat of his battle with Yumi, he abandoned logical thinking, ultimately leading to his own defeat. The overwhelming emotion fueled by Muyette's revelation became a turbulent force that clouded his judgment and sealed his fate on the battlefield.

Yumi's words lingered in the air, leaving Jalahad bewildered. "We may see each other in the future," she remarked, a statement that injected a sense of perplexity into his thoughts. In the blink of an eye, as he attempted to articulate a response, a mysterious force whisked him away to an unknown destination.

— ○ ● ○ —

Upon his arrival, his eyes widened in astonishment. The injuries that had plagued him started to mend, and the miraculous sight unfolded as his arms and legs regrew. However, what intensified his shock was the sight before him—in another cell, Muyette lay peacefully asleep.

"Muyette!" he exclaimed, desperately banging on the glass of the cell. Attempting to harness his powers, he found them strangely inert. Repeated efforts proved futile, leaving him staring helplessly at Muyette. To his relief, neither she nor he seemed to be in any immediate danger.

In a sudden turn of events, a woman with short white hair and yellow eyes appeared, fixing her gaze upon him. "Who are you?" Jalahad inquired.

"That... isn't important. I will elucidate what awaits you from this point onward. Your compliance can secure your reunion with Muyette. What will be your choice?" the woman posed the question, casting a veil of uncertainty over Jalahad's predicament.

"...Can you ensure her—our safety?" he inquired, and the woman affirmed with a nod. In a gesture of earnest submission, he lowered himself onto all fours, placing his head to the ground. His words spilled out with a desperate urgency, "Anything! I will betray Lord Sagriff and Lady Phumera if it means ensuring Muyette's safety!"

A warm smile graced the woman's face as she responded, "Then, make an oath with me."

"Yes, I will! W-what should I call you!?" he hastily inquired.

"Cúntóir, just call me Cúntóir," she replied, initiating the process of explaining the specifics of the oath they were about to make.

Jalahad was resolute; he cared little about the means if it meant ensuring Muyette's safety. He was prepared to betray anyone and everyone if that's what it took. In his perspective, as long as they could carve out a normal life, free from the relentless struggles, he was willing to go to extreme lengths—even offering his soul to an outer god.

— ○ ● ○ —

"How did he fare?" Jeanne inquired, joining Yumi.

"What you said to him completely shattered his focus, making it easy for me to defeat him. It seems those two were quite close, weren't they? I wonder what Cúntóir has in store for them," Yumi pondered.

"I guess Aaron would probably react similarly, right? Although, knowing him, his response would likely be more dramatic and potentially involve the destruction of the entire universe," Jeanne awkwardly suggested, to which Yumi nodded in agreement.

"Most likely. He came dangerously close to losing his composure when Lavinia suffered severe injuries from Azrael. That day is etched in my memory," Yumi replied, reflecting on that particular moment.

"Alright, let's get moving. We need to collect whatever might come in handy and take down anyone standing in our path," Yumi proposed. Jeanne promptly nodded in agreement as they bounded away.

— ○ ● ○ —

Crom Cruach faced a formidable figure in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. For the past two minutes, since their unexpected encounter, not a word had passed between them, an unusual and tense stillness hanging in the air.

Before him stood a woman, her long white hair cascading around her, adorned with a crown boasting unique colors, though predominantly white. Light pink eyes held a quiet intensity, matching the mostly white armor she wore. In her hand, a blue crystal-like blade exuded an aura of power.

Breaking the silence, Crom Cruach spoke, [You are the strongest among Sagriff's subordinates, state your name.]

A subtle frown marred her features as she responded, "I am not a subordinate. I am reluctantly complying with his orders, a necessity to safeguard the life of Lady Citrina."

Crom Cruach, puzzled, mumbled, [...Lady Citrina? Are you perhaps from Il Regno della Luce Brillante? Aldrake mentioned there were no other survivors from his planet.] Confusion clouded his expression at the unexpected revelation.

"Sir Aldrake is alive!? You! Tell me who you are!" the woman exclaimed, her eyes narrowing in suspicion at Crom Cruach.

Spotting an opportunity for a fight he had been seeking, Crom Cruach responded, [You'll have to beat it out of me first.]

Consumed by rage, the woman lunged at Crom Cruach, brandishing her blade. Her initial intent was merely to leave a mark, but to her profound surprise, Crom Cruach intercepted her sword, his interest waning.

[If you're not going to take me seriously, I'll leave without sharing the information you're seeking. I've been looking for a good fight for a while now. Provide me that, and then we can talk,] Crom Cruach explained, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"Don't regret your words!" the woman shouted, intensifying her effort. Despite her increased strength, Crom Cruach remained unmoved, a broad grin spreading across his face.

This turn of events left the woman perplexed, prompting her to channel 80% of her power. However, the individual standing before her remained unfazed, an enigma in the face of her formidable might.

[State your name,] commanded Crom Cruach, cutting through the tension.

Though she frowned, the woman complied. "Eirelis! I am Lady Citrina and Lord Aldrake's personal bodyguard, and a member of the Royal Guards of the Shining Kingdom!"

A smirk played on Crom Cruach's lips. [At least you're energetic,] he remarked.

Abruptly, he spun around, delivering a forceful blow to Eirelis' stomach that sent her hurtling through the air. The impact not only propelled her away but also wreaked havoc on the surrounding buildings, a testament to the sheer power that Crom Cruach held within him.

Crom Cruach swiftly trailed after Eirelis, realizing she hadn't suffered significant injuries from his initial attack. He had been testing the waters, aware that the woman before him hadn't unleashed her full power. His intention was clear—to provoke her into revealing the extent of her capabilities before he escalated his own.

As Eirelis channeled more energy into her sword, Crom Cruach sighed, leaving her puzzled. Casting her a glance of disinterest, he spoke, [First, calm yourself. I find my opponents dreadfully dull when they lose their composure. I have no interest in someone throwing a tantrum.] His words hung in the air, a challenge for Eirelis to regain control and show her true strength.

Eirelis gazed at him, momentarily taken aback, yet recognizing the wisdom in her words. Inhaling deeply, she released a heavy sigh, her eyes fixated on the ground below.

Recalling the advice imparted by her master, she mentally repeated the teachings: 'Keep your head cool and don't let them provoke you.' A sense of regret settled within her. 'This man is right,' she acknowledged within herself, acknowledging that losing control wasn't the solution. 'I can't just lose control like that. I'm sorry, master. I've faltered in your teachings. I still have a long way to go before I can truly master my powers and become a valuable asset to Lady Citrina and Lord Aldrake.'

At last, Eirelis opened her eyes, and in a tranquil tone, she spoke, "My apologies, I have calmed down now. Shall we continue?"

Her gaze transformed into one of serenity and focus, her body easing into a relaxed state, offering no vulnerabilities to the common enemy. She shifted into a different posture, gripping her blade with determination, prepared to strike down Crom Cruach.

In response, Crom Cruach smiled, but the unsettling nature of his grin sent a shiver down Eirelis' spine. It resembled the manic expression of a deranged individual. [Good, let's continue then!] exclaimed Crom Cruach, swiftly closing the distance between them and launching a punch in her direction.

Eirelis skillfully blocked the attack, sensing the immense and intimidating draconic energy emanating from Crom Cruach's fist. The energy was dense, powerful, and nearly invisible due to his mastery, leaving Eirelis stunned by its intensity.

Despite Eirelis unleashing her full power, the force of Crom Cruach's might sent her reeling backward, a jolt of surprise coursing through her. Undeterred, she swiftly closed the distance, resuming their intense duel.

Crescent silver slashes sliced through the air as Eirelis aimed her attacks at Crom Cruach. However, the dragon met each attack with a mere punch, obliterating them effortlessly and wearing a smug grin.

Observing Crom Cruach's formidable tactics, Eirelis couldn't help but marvel. 'He's relying on some energy that's around his body and sheer physical strength. This man possesses insane power. Could he be their leader?' she pondered while continuing the fierce exchange.

Suddenly, Crom Cruach vanished, leaving Eirelis momentarily stunned. In an instant, he reappeared beside her, catching her off guard. [What's wrong? Don't let your mind wander from the fight!] he declared before launching a swift kick toward her.

Eirelis barely managed to block the attack in time, but Crom Cruach's assault didn't relent. He propelled her into the air, his relentless strikes following suit, a relentless barrage that showed no concern for the surroundings.

The aftermath was a desolate scene. Every structure reduced to mere dust, vast craters scattered in all directions, and any followers of Sagriff unfortunate enough to be in proximity instantly met their demise. Aaron and Cúntóir had conveyed the insignificance of these individuals, urging their swift elimination, and so it was done.

Eirelis, caught in the tempest, was tossed through the sky. Her sword and armor absorbed the brunt of the assault. Despite Crom Cruach reveling in the chaos he wrought, there was a peculiar facet to his actions—he wasn't truly causing harm to Eirelis. She skillfully blocked his every attack, turning the destructive display into a peculiar dance of power and resilience.

In response, Eirelis gathered energy around her sword, ready to counter Crom's onslaught. Their clash, a meeting of sword and fist, birthed a powerful shockwave accompanied by sparks of electricity.

The shockwave, a force to be reckoned with, obliterated the remaining structures and claimed the lives of more lingering citizens. A rift in reality itself emerged, a tear caused by the sheer intensity of their clash.

[Isn't it enjoyable?] Crom Cruach inquired with a sly grin.

"I don't find pleasure in fighting. I'm here to protect Lord Aldrake and Lady Citrina!" Eirelis retorted, swinging her sword at Crom Cruach. In a nimble aerial dance, he maneuvered to evade the attack. The force of her strike, however, wreaked havoc on their surroundings, extending from the planet into the vastness of space before eventually dispersing.

Crom Cruach smirked, countering with a punch aimed at Eirelis. Their clash sent shockwaves, propelling them away from each other upon impact.

As they landed on the ground, a lingering tension hung between them. Crom broke the silence, remarking, [There's no shame in finding joy in battle. I suspect even Aldrake enjoys it to some degree. All that's left is to grant him peace of mind by safeguarding Citrina. I observed him during our shared experiences in a certain place; he wore a smile while confronting powerful people, you know?]

"...Lord Aldrake lacks battle experience, he has never fought once in his life, at best he's a novice," Eirelis responded.

Crom fixed his gaze on her for a brief moment before nodding to himself. [Right, you're unaware of what happened to them... no wonder you still think of him that way,] Crom Cruach muttered. A subtle smile played on his lips as he continued, [I'll reveal everything to you if you can make me bleed.]

Eirelis, though frowning, recognized that the man before her held crucial information about Aldrake. Without uttering another word, she swiftly lunged back at him, accepting the unconventional challenge.

As she reached him, sword in hand, she swung it towards him. However, Crom sidestepped with ease. In retaliation, he attempted to land a punch on her face, yet a transparent crystal materialized before him, thwarting his attack and repelling his fist.

Intrigued by the crystal, Crom's curiosity got the better of him, and he threw another punch at it. The same result followed, a sly smirk playing on his face. Having encountered several abilities akin to this one before, he was eager to explore the limits of its resilience.

A surge of power radiated from Crom Cruach's fist, sending shivers down Eirelis' spine. Before she could evade the impending strike, Crom slammed his fist into the crystal, causing it to shatter. Unexpectedly, a small explosion ensued between them, propelling both figures backward. To Crom's surprise, his arm was now encased in the same transparent crystal that had once fascinated him.

As he examined the crystal-coated arm, Crom pondered, 'It's draining my power, much like a leech. Interesting.'

Eirelis possessed a unique ability involving crystals, serving as her ultimate defense. These crystals functioned as a last line of protection, capable of blocking attacks of equal or lesser strength than hers.

However, if confronted by a stronger enemy whose power surpassed the crystal's resilience, it would detonate, latching onto the aggressor. The insidious purpose behind this power was to siphon their power, draining them in an attempt to diminish their strength.

Eirelis, skilled in the craft, could conjure up to six of these crystals. If all six were destroyed then their collective impact would amplify, ensuring a more potent effect against her enemy, securing her victory. However, facing Crom Cruach, a being far from ordinary, challenged the conventional outcomes.

With a wicked grin, Crom heightened the aura enveloping his form. Raising his arm, he slammed it into the ground. Eirelis anticipated a moment of panic, a reaction she often witnessed from her opponents when their defeat loomed.

Yet, Crom defied the expected course of action. As his fist connected with the ground, the crystal encasing his arm shattered, leaving Eirelis stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

"How—" Before Eirelis could fully register her shock, Crom Cruach swiftly closed the distance, lunging towards her. His arm collided with her, sending her reeling through the air once more. As she soared into the sky, he pursued, ascending to an even greater height.

Gathering flames in his mouth, Crom Cruach unleashed a torrent towards the astonished Eirelis. She hastily conjured the remaining crystals, only to find them melting under the intense heat of Crom's fiery breath attack. To no one's surprise, she was engulfed by the flames and another colossal explosion erupted in their battleground.

Anticipating that this wouldn't be enough to defeat Eirelis, Crom descended rapidly to the ground. His fist collided with the charred earth, creating a shockwave. As expected, Eirelis survived the attack, but parts of her pristine white armor had succumbed to intensity of his breath attack, it had now melted away by the intense heat of Crom's attack.

With both hands gripping her sword, Eirelis gasped for breath but surged back towards him, prompting an even broader grin from Crom. This was the confrontation he craved—a battle that would lay waste to everything in its vicinity, a clash where his enemy unleashed their full might, a struggle for a victory that remained elusive.

Eirelis brought her sword down in a fierce strike, and Crom responded with his arm enveloped in draconic energy. A shockwave of aura rippled from their point of impact, a testament to the force of their clash, yet they pressed on. Crom discerned signs that Eirelis was wearing thin, her energy depleting, but the desire to continue coursed through him, urging him to keep the fight alive.

However, Eirelis pressed on, her determination unwavering as if her very existence hinged on it. In that moment, she acknowledged the slim odds stacked against her, understanding the formidable challenge ahead. Yet, an insatiable curiosity fueled her—she craved the information held by her opponent.

Exhausting the remnants of her strength, she executed a series of feints, weaving through the battle with deceptive movements. Swiftly, she reappeared behind Crom, leaving behind a trail of afterimages that mirrored her fleeting presence. With a decisive upward swing of her sword, she aimed for an opening, but Crom, ever vigilant, pivoted swiftly, intercepting her blade and thwarting her attack.

[You have the potential to grow even stronger, Eirelis! When that moment arrives, come challenge me again!] declared Crom Cruach, his words echoing with a promise. His fist crashed into her stomach, robbing her of breath and shattering her armor in the process.

Continuing his assault, he followed up with an uppercut to Eirelis' chin, leaving her momentarily stunned. A swift spin and a forceful slam of his foot against her face sent her sprawling, the impact launching her through the surrounding debris.

Crom Cruach wasted no time. Closing the distance, he landed beside his fallen opponent, observing her for a few moments. Retrieving a Slime Pill from his necklace, he compelled her to ingest it. In mere seconds, the pill worked its magic, healing her injuries, and Eirelis blinked her eyes open once again.

Eirelis cast her gaze downward, wearing a bitter expression as she clenched her teeth. However, her mood shifted as Crom Cruach commenced recounting the tale of Aldrake and his companions. Initially skeptical, Eirelis listened attentively. Her skepticism gradually gave way to astonishment as Crom utilized his magical circles to reveal Aaron's memories and their conversations with Aldrake.

"T-to imagine Lord Aldrake reaching his father's level of power, but enduring such confinement for that extended period," Eirelis muttered, her anger intensifying at the revelation.

[The outer god responsible for the imprisonment has been killed by Jin, making it inconsequential now. Regardless, Aldrake, along with three others, is going up the tower. Join them, especially since you'll need to leave this place with Citrina,] Crom Cruach instructed, turning away.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Eirelis questioned, "What about you? What are your plans?"

Crom Cruach flashed a smirk, his gaze sweeping backward. [Look for more enemies, obviously. I haven't had my fill for the day,] he declared before disappearing into thin air.

"...Master, I don't get why people love fights so much," Eirelis mumbled to herself, shooting a skeptical glance at the spot where Crom Cruach had stood just moments ago. Shaking her head, she redirected her focus toward the towering structure that remained steadfast amid the chaos on the planet.

"I have to rendezvous with Lord Aldrake and rescue Lady Citrina," she determined, rising to her feet and dashing towards the towering structure.

— ○ ● ○ —

Cao Cao wandered through the labyrinthine passages of Shadenvyre Machinara's underground networks. The peculiar sight of unfamiliar contraptions met his gaze—giant tubes housing a variety of entities, whether monstrous creatures, intricate machines, or even people.

Intrigued, he examined them when he stumbled upon these devices, but more often than not, their occupants had already met their demise. The rare instances where he encountered something still "alive" were grim, with the fragile threads of life hanging by the barest of threads.

His journey led him to a room that remained untouched, merely four floors away from the planet's core. Without a specific purpose for being there, Cao Cao trusted his instincts, a silent guide leading him to a place where he might encounter someone of interest.

Surveying the room, Cao Cao discovered approximately six enormous tubes containing living beings submerged in an eerie green liquid. He marveled at the sheer number of these entities, noting their power levels akin to Shiva, the God of Destruction. The audacity of creating such beings struck him as outrageous.

"So many of these things, and they rival the might of Shiva-sama. It's quite audacious that they can create them so effortlessly. It makes me wonder if they withheld this knowledge from the Khaos Order intentionally or if their plans for disclosure were stopped prematurely," Cao Cao mused, his thoughts echoing in the sterile environment.

"That's because we kept it under wraps, young hero of the Resistance," a voice reverberated through the room.

"Hmm?" Cao Cao turned in the direction of the sound, discovering a woman with a smile on her face. Shock widened his eyes as he recognized her. "Netesha? Savina told me you perished on a mission. Why are you now part of Phumera's organization?"

Netesha tilted her head, her smile carrying a hint of understanding. "Ah, so that was the name this woman went by, wasn't it? Yes, it's true she met her end. However, I deemed her abilities and intellect invaluable, so..."

Casually, Netesha grabbed her coat, producing an odd sound as she opened it. What unfolded before Cao Cao was beyond his expectations. Netesha's chest opened, revealing a large blue wisp adorned with eyes and a mischievous grin.

[Hello there, Hero of the Resistance. What do you think of this technique? Pretty nifty, huh?] inquired the blue wisp, its presence and form leaving Cao Cao both surprised and intrigued.

[Even if you kill this body, I will keep on living; this little thing is controlled remotely. I'll admit, she put up a fight when we tried to destroy her soul, but she eventually lost. But she did erase her memories of where the Resistance's base was. What an annoying woman,] remarked the blue wisp.

The wisp then sealed its chest and let out a sigh. "With this technique, I retain their memories. Although, as I just mentioned, the previous owner's soul erased a certain part of their memory. I also retain everything else, including her intellect and ability. It makes me wonder if innate abilities are just tied to our physical bodies."

Cao Cao remained stoic, unmoved by the woman's ramblings as he continued to stare at her.

Netesha, a scientist of the Resistance, was known for her friendliness, intelligence, and versatility. Cao Cao believed she would have found camaraderie among the fallen angels of Grigori, especially Azazel, Avezza, and Satanael.

Even though their past encounters were brief, Cao Cao remembered her as someone approachable and friendly enough to engage in conversation from time to time.

She maintained a close bond with Savina and Isatha. As he prepared to make a move, the echo of footsteps reached him. He had deliberately lagged behind, leaving Isatha to secure their path—a precaution to ensure her safety. His concern for her lingered as he forged ahead, clearing a safe passage for her.

"Cao Cao—" Isatha began, her words trailing off as she beheld Netesha standing before them. Uncertainty tinged her voice. "N-Netesha? You were... alive?" A perplexed expression adorned her face. "W-what's wrong with you two? Why are both of you so quiet?"

"Fufu, I've glimpsed that girl in her memories often. You two were friends, weren't you?" the woman before them inquired. She then revealed, "I am not Netesha. Let's see... I've borne many names, but for now, call me Westlock. And with that said..." Westlock clicked her fingers, causing the tubes around them to burst open.

Out of the tubes emerged six monstrous figures, unleashing screams that reverberated loudly, assaulting the ears of those present. Isatha felt a twinge of panic and promptly summoned her grimoire, preparing herself to face the impending threat. However, amidst the chaos, Cao Cao remained eerily still.

Cao Cao's gaze remained fixed on Westlock, the antagonist grinning menacingly. In the midst of this tense moment, a new memory began to play in Cao Cao's mind, one that he had experience just before they left their universe.

— ○ ● ○ —

In the midst of a training session within Aaron's [Training Facility], Cao Cao took a brief respite. Unexpectedly, a familiar face from his past joined him, settling down beside him. A quiet interlude unfolded, and they found solace in the calm.

"It's been a while, your Eminence," Cao Cao greeted the elderly man. The figure was none other than Vasco Strada.

"It has, former wielder of the Holy Spear," replied Vasco Strada. He directed his gaze towards Cao Cao, a smile gracing his features. "You've undergone quite a transformation since our last encounter. It appears my words to you then have contributed to your growth."

Cao Cao offered a wistful smile, his gaze fixed ahead. "Yes, my experiences in the Phantasma have spurred some changes. Assuming the role of a 'hero' there was quite an eye-opener. It made me ponder if that was how Jin felt."

"Well, we won't truly grasp his sentiments unless we approach him, but go ahead and share your thoughts," Vasco Strada urged, and Cao Cao concurred. He proceeded to narrate to the old man the journey he and his team embarked on in the Phantasma—traversing various planets, rescuing individuals, and liberating planets from oppressive forces.

"To be honest, I don't see myself as a hero. When I witnessed Jin interacting with his fans as the Oppai Dragon, and hear the stories of people he encounters during his missions, it's like night and day when I reflect on my own experiences in the Phantasma," confessed Cao Cao.

Cao Cao expressed an interest in witnessing Jin in action during his duties as the Middleman, so he accompanied him on two of his assignments. Together, they addressed minor issues and carried out various tasks for different pantheons. However, instead of clarifying things, this experience only left Cao Cao more perplexed.

During these encounters, he came to a realization—despite his earnest efforts and numerous acts of goodwill, a shadow from his past affiliation with the Khaos Order still loomed. Many individuals harbored mistrust towards him. Even as he worked alongside Jin that day, the skepticism lingered. Though people outwardly tolerated his presence, the wariness in their eyes conveyed a lack of complete trust.

"Why do you not see yourself as one?" Vasco Strada questioned.

"...Well, I did rescue people in the Phantasma and set them free from the grasps of Phumera and her subordinates, but they don't respond to me the way they do to Jin. He has this way about him that makes people naturally drawn to him, and my personality doesn't quite match his—it's not exactly hero-like," Cao Cao explained.

"Hmm..." Vasco Strada closed his eyes, dwelling on the young man's words for a solid two minutes. When he reopened his eyes, he spoke, "Do you believe people should treat you the way they treat Jin?"

"...I guess so?" Cao Cao replied, uncertainty clouding his own response.

"Tell me, bearer of the Spear of the Universe, do they regard you in the same light? Do they speak of you favorably? Are they grateful after you grant them freedom? And what about the responses from the Resistance and their leaders? People have various ways of reacting when faced with their hero," inquired Vasco Strada.

"If your observations about them hold true, perhaps they just needed time to acclimate to the shift from being aligned with the Resistance. Once that period has elapsed, they'll likely reveal their true sentiments towards you. Heracles mentioned that you provided toys for the children?" questioned Vasco Strada.

Cao Cao contemplated the elderly man's words, his gaze sweeping across the other seats before him. Indeed, as the weeks unfolded, the people they had rescued gradually warmed up to them, and the team managed to procure toys for the children. The once somber expressions transformed into expressions of joy, validating the impact of their actions.

Vasco Strada's smile widened, and he remarked, "I believe you know the answer to that as well. Speaking of which, I've heard whispers about you finding love, is that true?"

In response, Cao Cao's face reddened, and he stammered, glancing at the old man who chuckled heartily while giving him a friendly pat on the back.

Observing Cao Cao's reaction, Vasco Strada teased, "Judging by that blush, it seems you have indeed. So, how does it feel?"

"I-I'm not entirely sure. But... I feel this desire to spend time with her, to protect her, more than anything," Cao Cao confessed.

Vasco Strada offered his wisdom, "Remember, love isn't confined to the romantic realm. It's a versatile emotion, extending to brothers, sisters, parents, friends, comrades, and in your case, your team—the Resistance as a whole, and this woman of yours."

Vasco Strada extended his finger, pointing directly at Cao Cao and gently tapping his chest, just above his heart. "Hold onto that feeling. Nurture it, let it flourish, and consider it another wellspring from which you can draw strength. This, my friend, is one of the ways Jin accomplishes miracles. He taps into that power to shield those he cares about, especially his family."

Vasco Strada averted his gaze from Cao Cao, a smile gracing his lips. "Gradually, in the few weeks since little Vivi entered his life, he has revealed glimpses of becoming an exceptional father. Despite his youth, there's still room for growth, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing that growth. The same sentiment extends to you."

"Don't shy away from that emotion, and if you feel it's time—let it flow," Vasco Strada advised, rising from his seat.

Cao Cao, curious, asked, "What about you, your Eminence? Have you discovered love again? You've returned to your youth, after all."

The old man offered a gentle smile and shared, "I once experienced love in my youth, but I chose to devote my life to the Lord. However, with the restoration of my youth and the church easing a few rules, some opportunities have presented themselves. To answer your question—for now, no. Yet, the future is ever-changing, so who truly knows?"

Reflecting on Vasco Strada's words, Cao Cao mumbled to himself, "Cultivate this new power, huh?" He gazed at his hand, contemplating the transformative journey ahead.

— ○ ● ○ —

In an abrupt burst of speed, Cao Cao swiftly dispatched three out of the six creatures that had unleashed a sudden attack at them. His rapid succession of strikes rendered them instantly lifeless.

Employing the power of the Belial clan of devils, he applied the ability known as [Worthless] to his spear. This nullified any chances of regeneration or healing for the creatures, ensuring their permanent demise.

Witnessing this unexpected shift in Cao Cao's prowess, Westlock and Isatha were taken aback. The other monsters, reacting to the threat, unleashed a barrage of attacks on the agile warrior.

Cao Cao, however, deftly dodged and maneuvered through the onslaught. Running gracefully on enormous tentacles shot at him, he evaded laser attacks with inches to spare and sliced through elemental attacks with precision.

Navigating through the chaos, Cao Cao reached the creature using its tentacles from its mouth to attack. With a swift horizontal swing of his spear, he severed the tentacles, disabling the threat. Following up, he concluded the encounter by unleashing a barrage of small fireballs at point-blank range, extinguishing the creature's existence.

Shifting his focus, he directed his gaze towards the being adorned with numerous cannon-like extensions encircling their bodies, launching elemental attacks in his direction. Swiftly, he closed the distance between them, his spear thrusting rapidly towards the creature.

The attack resulted in a significant portion of the creature's form being blown away, yet it lingered on, clinging to life. Undeterred, Cao Cao adjusted his approach, aiming for its chest, specifically the heart. Instead of a fatal piercing, he executed a precise tap while uttering, "Compress."

The creature's heart underwent a remarkable transformation, shrinking until it vanished into non-existence, leaving the creature lifeless in its wake. With this foe neutralized, Cao Cao's attention pivoted to the final creature, a colossal mass of darkness featuring a solitary eye at its helm.

He soared into the air, uttering an incantation as he directed his spear towards the creature. A colossal surge of energy erupted from the spearhead, obliterating everything in its path. The energetic torrent persisted, tearing through the underground layers of the planet before hurtling into the vastness of space.

Cao Cao had harnessed the formidable power of the Sacred Gear [Star Buster Star Blaster]'s standard function, an aura blast renowned for its ability to rival the attacks of Satan-class and God-class beings. However, in Cao Cao's hands, it transcended those expectations.

As he descended to the ground, the once-vital creature lay lifeless, its eye rolling on the ground. Cao Cao approached the defeated entity and, with a resolute step, crushed any remnants of life that lingered.

The entire sequence unfolded in a blur, a symphony of destruction and retribution compressed into a matter of seconds. Once the deed was done, Cao Cao shifted his gaze emotionlessly towards Westlock, his focus unwavering.

"Seriously?" Westlock muttered, her astonishment evident as she grappled with the unexpected revelation of Cao Cao's formidable capabilities. "I never imagined you were that powerful. Our data must have been a complete fabrication."

Unaware that Cao Cao had returned to his own universe and undergone significant enhancement, Westlock found herself frustrated by the inaccuracies in the data they had meticulously compiled over the months of Cao Cao's stay. The truth eluded her, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction lingering in the air.

"Isatha, that isn't Netesha; it's—frankly, I have no idea. A scientist from Phumera, perhaps? Regardless, our priority is to eliminate her and recover Netesha's body," Cao Cao explained.

"Recover? Oh no, no, no. I won't allow you to do that. Seeing your concern for this woman, I'll simply destroy her body once I'm finished here. I may be nobody special, but Lady Phumera values me for my abilities," Westlock asserted with a sly chuckle.

Cao Cao stayed silent, his spear emanating a sudden glow that triggered two distinct events. Firstly, Weslock found herself immobilized, her attempts at movement futile. Secondly, the remnants of machinery and debris within the underground base transformed into makeshift hands, ensnaring her in a mechanical grip.

He had utilized the powers of two Sacred Gears, [Unknown Dictator] and [Aeon Balor], Cao Cao advanced steadily toward the woman. Unfazed, Weslock maintained a smug expression, observing him with a sense of confidence.

"Do you believe this will change my stance? Please, I've faced threats that could obliterate my soul and strip away my abilities before. Something as straightforward as this won't faze me. As I mentioned before, Lady Phumera deems me valuable and ensures my survival on numerous missions," she explained, her demeanor unwavering despite the mechanical restraints.

[Cúntóir, I need some help,] Cao Cao relayed through his transceiver.

[I will prevent the destruction of her body, so feel free to 'kill' her,] Cúntóir responded promptly. [I'm aware of the situation, so go ahead.]

[Thanks,] Cao Cao acknowledged. He redirected his attention to Westlock, who appeared confused by his sudden whispering. As he raised his spear, Isatha approached them, her face contorted with a pained expression.

"Don't look at me like that; it makes me sick," Westlock snapped, scowling at Isatha.

[Aim for the chest, destroy the essence of the technique. Aiming anywhere else won't yield the results you want,] Cúntóir advised suddenly, just as Cao Cao was about to thrust the weapon toward the woman.

He acknowledged her command in silence, maneuvering his spear toward the woman's stomach, the epicenter of the blue wisp. With deliberate precision, he thrust it forward, the tip penetrating the ethereal "crossing" and impaling the blue wisp directly.

Westlock, determined to eradicate Netesha's physical form, discovered an unexpected obstacle. No matter how hard she tried, the destruction of Netesha's body eluded her, leading to a series of futile attempts that ultimately ended in resignation.

"I don't understand what you did, but congratulations. Now, you're left with a soulless corpse, you bunch of idiots," Westlock sneered, her words hanging in the air before a vibrant blue flame materialized around Netesha's lifeless body.

[This won't be our final encounter, Hero of the Resistance!] Westlock declared as Netesha's body descended toward them, devoid of any trace of life.

[A Slime Pill won't heal her; I'll take her back to the spaceship and tend to her injuries personally. In the meantime, carry on with the mission. I assure you both that she'll be safe and sound when this is over,] declared Cúntóir, earning nods of agreement from both Cao Cao and Isatha.

Cao Cao, a silent storm of anger etched on his face, spoke, "Let's move. We can seek answers once we return to our base. I have a few questions for Jin."

"Absolutely, let's join the others and provide support," Isatha replied, her fury matching Cao Cao's determination.

— ○ ● ○ —

Rias Gremory faced a colossal gorilla-like creature, carrying another person atop it. The surroundings were teeming with thousands of menacing creatures, each possessing formidable looks, physiques, and powers.

Despite the intimidating scene, the heiress of the Gremory clan maintained a composed demeanor. A calm expression adorned her face as she gazed at the person on the creature.

With a gradual smile, she raised her eyes to meet the individual on the gorilla-like being. "Care to repeat that again?" Rias inquired, her voice exuding confidence.

"I will be the one to bring down your teams and become one of the Eradicators!!" proclaimed the person on the creature, prompting a sigh from Rias.

"The world isn't that easy," she muttered, summoning a single ball of [Power of Destruction] on the tip of her finger.

Laughter echoed through the air, a defiant taunt hanging in the moment. "Hahaha! What's that going to do—" The person's laughter came to an abrupt halt as Rias' small ball expanded with formidable force, eradicating every creature in its immediate vicinity. Amidst the chaos, only the person perched atop the gorilla-like creature remained, their descent back to the ground marked by shock and disbelief.

Rias greeted the now-horrified individual with a triumphant smile. "Now that we're at eye-level, care to enlighten me with a demonstration of the power you so proudly boast about?" Her question, though laced with sweetness, carried a challenging undertone.

"I'm eager to finish this rescue mission quickly so I can return to the embrace of my fiancé," she continued, a subtle trace of impatience coloring her features.

— ○ ● ○ —

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