Kaito looked at Ophis as the environment around them seemed to freeze.
Her words echoed in his mind.
"I want my home back." He furrowed his brow, trying to understand the true intention behind the Infinite Dragon Goddess's request.
There was something there, something that seemed to elude immediate comprehension. Why did she want that particular space so much? Why the Dimensional Gap? Couldn't there be another place? The place of silence... maybe that was it. Perhaps Ophis needed somewhere where silence was absolute, where she could find peace or recover lost power.
'If what she needs is a silent place, there are other options... Mount Olympus is a place of power and relatively isolated. If I could eliminate the gods, it would be free for her to take as her own. Or maybe the Fairy Realm… both could be good substitutes for the Dimensional Gap. Ophis is powerful, but she seems to have a specific focus. If I can form an alliance with her, we could turn this into an advantage. All I need is her help to bring down the gods.'
Ophis continued to look at him, showing no sign of impatience or curiosity in her expression. Her gaze remained empty, indifferent to the thoughts passing through Kaito's mind. It was as if time held no importance to her, as if her existence was on a plane entirely different from that of any other creature present.
Kuroka, on the other hand, observed Kaito with concern. She knew Ophis better than anyone there and knew how dangerous any alliance with her could be. There was a weight in her presence that could crush even the strongest souls, and Kuroka didn't want to see Kaito succumb to the pressure of this incomprehensible entity. Still, she remained silent, respecting Kaito's moment of decision.
Finally, Kaito raised his eyes, meeting Ophis's empty gaze. His expression hardened, and he gave a slight smile.
"So, Ophis, maybe it isn't necessary to reclaim the Dimensional Gap. There are other places that could be a home for you, places where silence and power are present. Mount Olympus, for example, could become an ideal refuge if the gods were not there. Or another place that I can think of. All I ask in return is your help to bring down the gods."
Ophis remained silent, her gaze unchanged, but something in her posture indicated slight interest. She continued to observe Kaito, as if pondering his words.
Thalia, beside him, widened her eyes slightly, realizing Kaito's intention. "He's trying to use Ophis to kill the gods..." Dark thoughts and concerns began to rise in her mind. It was a dangerous move, and Thalia knew it.
Kuroka, meanwhile, only shook her head internally.
"Kaito is crazy for trying to manipulate Ophis like this... This could end very badly." Even so, she continued there, watching the scene without interrupting.
Xenovia, however, remained indifferent. The whole situation didn't seem to affect her in the same way. She was only focused on her mission and on following Kaito, no matter the direction.
Kaito began to feel regret growing within him. Perhaps he had gone too far with his words. Manipulating an entity like Ophis was too risky, even for him. But there was no turning back now; everything depended on her answer.
"I accept."
Ophis's voice was soft and empty, yet full of a decision that made the air around them feel denser.
Kaito took a deep breath, trying to process what he had just heard. He had done it. The Infinite Dragon Goddess had accepted his proposal. The alliance was formed, but the cost of it was yet to be determined.
SHUUUM!
Without warning, a magic circle glowed under Kaito and Ophis's feet, and in an instant, they vanished. The sudden teleport left Kaito dazed, his senses momentarily confused as the vision around him changed completely.
"Kaito!"
Thalia's voice echoed in the place as she reached out towards where Kaito had been, only to see him disappear.
Kuroka and Xenovia, who were nearby, exchanged worried looks.
"That was very sudden, nya... Could Ophis have taken him somewhere safe?" Kuroka murmured, her tail swaying nervously.
Xenovia remained firm, but her expression showed a certain tension. "We need to stay alert. Kaito may need our help at any moment."
...
Ophis and Kaito materialized in the city of Nightshade.
Kaito was still stunned by the sudden teleport. He blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings and understand where they were. His gaze passed over the buildings in the city until he realized where they were.
"Nightshade, Thalia's city."
Ophis looked at him, her expression unchanged. "There is a Greek god in this city. He will be the first to be eliminated."
Kaito nodded slowly, still recovering from the shock of the sudden transition.
"Alright… let's begin."
Kaito and Ophis started walking through the city, keeping alert for any sign of the Greek god. Kaito knew this could be the most dangerous moment of his life, but it was also a unique opportunity. He needed to proceed with caution.
Finally, after crossing several streets, Kaito spotted a man of ordinary appearance, dressed in modern clothing and apparently distracted. His movements were graceful, and he seemed to be observing his surroundings as if looking for something or someone.
"Hermes," Kaito murmured to himself, recognizing the messenger god. 'He's looking for Thalia. He must be following Zeus's orders.'
Kaito approached silently, and Hermes, noticing the approach, turned to him, curious.
"Can I help you?" Hermes asked, raising an eyebrow, his gaze evaluating Kaito. It was evident that Hermes did not know who he was, and that gave Kaito a small advantage.
"Actually, yes." Kaito smiled slightly, his eyes cold as he watched Hermes. "I am the one you were looking for."
Hermes narrowed his eyes, clearly confused. "You? I don't know who you are. I'm looking for a woman."
Kaito did not respond. Instead, he raised his hand, and immediately, the reality around them began to distort. Hermes widened his eyes as the environment changed dramatically, the buildings of Nightshade disappearing and giving way to large marble columns and a sand floor, as if they had been transported to the Roman Coliseum.
Hermes looked around, stunned, his eyes wide. "What is this...?"
Kaito remained silent, merely observing Hermes as the distortion of the alternate dimension completed. Now, they were surrounded by the walls of the Coliseum, the clear sky replaced by an infinite and distant dome.
Hermes looked at Kaito, and something in his expression changed. His eyes narrowed as he felt the energy emanating from Kaito. An energy he knew well.
"This power… it's Ares's." Hermes muttered, his voice low as shock took over his expression. He took a step back, realizing what was happening. "You… you're the one who killed my brother."
Kaito only observed Hermes, his gaze cold and determined. "Yes, that was me. And you will be next."
Hermes clenched his fists, his expression shifting between anger and disbelief. "Do you really think you can kill another god, Devil? This won't go unpunished."
Kaito raised his hand, and his spiritual spear Vendetta appeared with a threatening gleam. "Then let's find out."
Hermes advanced with impressive speed, his movements almost imperceptible to the human eye. In an instant, he was beside Kaito, launching a series of quick and precise blows.
THUD!
THUD!
THUD!
Hermes's fists collided with Kaito, each impact echoing through the Coliseum. Kaito tried to defend himself, but Hermes's speed was overwhelming, and he could barely keep up with the god's movements.
BAM! BAM!
Kaito was pushed back, his feet sliding across the sand of the Coliseum as he tried to maintain his balance. Hermes didn't give him time to breathe; the god advanced again, his fists glowing with intense light as he delivered more blows.
WHAM!
Kaito was thrown against one of the marble columns, cracking it upon impact. He breathed heavily, his body aching from the blows received. Hermes smiled, confident, as he watched Kaito recover.
"I'll defeat you and bring you to Zeus!"
Before Hermes could advance again, roots began to sprout from the ground around him, thick and intertwined, moving with surprising speed.
CRACK! SWISH!
The roots rose and wrapped around Hermes's body, trapping his arms and legs. Hermes tried to resist, but the roots held him tightly, squeezing harder and harder.
"What is this?!" Hermes struggled to free himself, his face showing surprise and anger.
Kaito slowly approached, watching Hermes struggle as the roots immobilized him.
"You talk too much." Kaito said, his voice cold as he watched Hermes struggle, frustration etched on the god's face.
Hermes gritted his teeth, muscles tense as he tried, in vain, to free himself from the roots binding him. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at his pride, each movement resulting in an even tighter grip. It was clear the situation was beyond Hermes's control, and it made him furious.