"Um... thank you?"
Ritsuka was puzzled by Ishtar's sudden intervention but still managed to offer his thanks.
"Hmph... A monster of this level is nothing to worry about, even in its true form. But don't get me wrong—this is just because of some arrangements. Even if you survive this time, it's uncertain whether you'll make it through the next."
"Arrangements?" Ritsuka was more interested in the nature of Ishtar's help than the threats.
"Never mind that. Have you... um... seen a powerful gem around here?"
"Eh?"
Ritsuka was confused by Ishtar's abrupt question.
"Yes, the one that looks very powerful..."
"Um... Could it be that something is missing?"
Ishtar's mood shifted quickly to frustration.
"What? That's impossible! Of course, I wouldn't make a mistake like that... It's just that I had to help find something that someone asked me to!"
"So it's still unclear who lost it, right?"
"That's not important! Just tell me whether you've seen it or not!"
Ishtar's patience seemed to wear thin, and her annoyance was palpable.
"Well..."
"Roar!!!"
Roman was about to respond when the sudden roar of approaching monsters cut him off.
"Sorry, I was distracted by the question. The monsters are back... and there are even more this time! Did this city become a monster nest?"
Roman's voice was filled with panic as he looked at the control screen.
"Hmm... As I said, 'next time' came a bit sooner than expected. Unfortunately, I didn't get an answer..."
While Ishtar mumbled to herself, Roman quickly assessed the situation.
"...Damn it, all the exits are blocked, and the number of monsters keeps increasing... We have no choice but to escape by air! Ritsuka, try to negotiate with the person next to you... If it's her..."
"Wait, wait, wait... Stop talking to yourself. I've already shown you enough tolerance. Asking for more is asking too much. Do you want me to drag these people away? That's a no-go. Touching my body is a serious offense in this world!"
Ishtar cut Roman off, her gaze scrutinizing Ritsuka and her servants.
"Master... your name is Ritsuka, right? If you can't handle this, then restoring humanity is a pipe dream. Just go back to Chaldea. If you can't even make it back, then you're just another hopeless soul. Only heroes earn the goddess's favor, and I won't help those who lack hope for victory!"
With a final, dismissive snort, Ishtar commanded her sky boat, which soared into the sky.
"Ah... Is it really not possible? I was hoping there might be a slim chance..."
"Doctor, who is she?"
Ritsuka was about to ask, but Roman cut her off.
"We'll discuss that later. The monsters are closing in quickly... We've finished analyzing the data. Head east—the encirclement there is weakest, so it offers the best chance of success!"
"Okay, let's head to the eastern city ruins. Mash and Lily, move out! We'll be ready to heal any injuries you sustain!"
"Yes!"
"Mash, attack!"
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"My king! This child is mine! Please decide!"
"Your Majesty, don't listen to her nonsense! This child truly belongs to me!"
Ophis watched as two women knelt before her with a child, both crying loudly. Her face twitched in irritation.
Isn't this something Solomon should handle?
…Ophis realized that Solomon's cases seemed just as bothersome as hers.
With that thought, she felt a bit more balanced while reviewing the family dispute report and the slate listing the two lost children.
"Cut it in half..."
Ophis sighed, holding her forehead.
Both Solomon and herself could easily determine the child's true lineage...
But neither of them did...
At that moment, Ophis's expression shifted, and she summoned a magic wand to her hand.
The staff was plain—a black rod with a golden sphere at its top.
By now, one of the women had agreed to relinquish her claim to the child, while the other woman continued to insist that splitting the child in half was acceptable.
...With your IQ, do you think you can outsmart anyone? You'd be the first to die in a palace drama.
"Hiduri, take them away. You should be able to judge the outcome yourself."
"Yes."
Siduri bowed slightly and directed the soldiers to take the women away.
Siduri was smart and knew what to do. Even if neither woman was a relative, it was better for the child to be with someone who cared rather than with someone indifferent.
Ophis didn't bother to watch the outcome. She raised her staff towards the sky, and a beam of light shot out. In the sky, the beam split into two, then four, then eight... until countless beams covered the entire sky.
"Aa...
Luckily, a foolish goddess flew her Sky Boat directly into the attack zone... or rather, the beam was originally aimed at her.
Although Ishtar demonstrated exceptional dodging skills—thanks to Tianzhou's automatic evasion system—she still ended up crashing down with some smoke after several hits.
Ophis took a few steps aside, avoiding a massive falling object that struck where she had been standing. Despite the impact, the temple's outer floor remained mostly undamaged.
"…So it's Ishtar. I thought it was a monster attack."
"You did this on purpose!"
Physical attacks couldn't easily breach the temple's magical defenses, but Ishtar's divine protection meant she took a hard fall. She took a moment to pull herself out of the debris and glared at Ophis angrily.
Ophis tilted her head slightly, avoiding Ishtar's spittle, and spoke calmly.
"How about it?"
"Well, it's not bad. Although the Master is not very powerful and her talent is limited, her soul shines brighter than any hero's... Even though I can't see through your soul."
"Kindness..."
Ophis responded with a nod, tossing a cyan gem to Ishtar.
Ishtar's face lit up with a flicker of joy, but she quickly masked it. As a goddess, she wouldn't be swayed by a mere gem (Ishtar's inner thoughts). She fixed her gaze back on Ophis.
"Hey, is that all?"
"This is just a deposit. If you help me again, I'll reward you even more."
"Really? Then... wait, wasn't it supposed to be a one-time deal? Why does it now sound like a long-term arrangement?"
"Isn't it?"
Ophis tilted her head in confusion.
"No!!!"
Ishtar's furious shout echoed in response.