Angela's lips curled into a smile that was part cruel and part mocking. "Oh, my dear Mio, if I had the identities of all of Kanji's most dangerous followers, do you think I would share them with you?" she asked, her voice dripping with feigned hurt. "No, no, no. Some things are better kept hidden, and the true faces of Kanji's dangerous allies are certainly among them."
As Angela spoke, Mio felt a pang of frustration and disappointment. The goddess had a penchant for being enigmatic and withholding crucial information. She clenched her fists, her voice betraying a hint of irritation. "Why even bring them up if you're not willing to share their identity?"
Angela's lips curled into a sly smile as she confessed, "Oh, I am one of them, you see, but I am not his follower. I am one of those who has made a deal with him. Our arrangement is not one of loyalty or devotion, but rather a mutually beneficial exchange."
Mio's eyes widened in surprise at Angela's revelation. The thought that one of the most powerful beings in the Heavens had made a deal with the Demon of Battle was both shocking and intriguing. "A deal?" she echoed, her voice betraying her astonishment. "What kind of deal?"
Angela chuckled, her eyes narrowing as she spoke, "A deal, my dear Mio. A deal that ensures my power and influence remain unrivaled in the Heavens. In return, I grant him certain... favors, shall we say."
Mio wonders for someone strong who can Destroy Universe like Angela need an deal with him
Mio pondered Angela's need for a deal with Kanji, despite her immense power. It seemed counterintuitive that someone as powerful as the Goddess of Angels required such an arrangement with a being like Kanji.
"It seems puzzling," Mio ventured. "With your power and status, I wonder what Kanji could offer you that you would need to strike a deal with him."
Angela chuckled derisively, her gaze fixed on Mio. "You underestimate the value of alliances and connections, my dear," she replied, her voice dripping with condescension. "Even someone of my stature realizes the importance of having powerful allies, even if they are as chaotic and malevolent as Kanji."
Mio bit back a sigh, recognizing the veiled refusal in Angela's words. She knew better than to expect straightforward answers from a goddess like Angela, and she didn't let her disappointment show on her face. "I understand," she replied, her tone neutral, "Your discretion is noted."
Angela's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she observed Mio's restrained response. "Ah, you are learning, my dear," she commented, her voice laced with mock approval. "It is wise to respect the boundaries of others, especially when it comes to matters that do not concern you."
Angela gestured for Mio to take her leave, her voice suddenly dismissive. "You have your mission, archmage," she declared, a hint of boredom in her tone. "Run along and investigate Xue Island, and report back with any useful information. I expect results, and don't keep me waiting."
Mio nodded, her mind filled with a mixture of determination and resignation. "As you command, Goddess Angela," she replied, her voice steady despite the mounting sense of pressure. "I will do my best to uncover the truth."
With a graceful leap, Mio took to the air, her wings unfurling as she ascended. The wind rushed through her hair, the chill air contrasting with the heated conversation she had just had with Angela. She focused her thoughts, mentally preparing herself for what lay ahead on Xué Island.
Angela strolled through her sealed garden, her steps slow and contemplative. The silence of the tranquil surroundings enveloped her as she made her way to the center of the garden. The air felt heavy with an unspoken tension, as if the very atmosphere was holding its breath, anticipating the unfolding events.
Angela's slender fingers traced the surface of the coffin, her touch gentle yet filled with a sense of reverence. "Yes," she whispered, her voice carrying an undertone of melancholy. "Kanji is indeed a being of formidable strength, capable of taking down even the former King of Heaven - my father."
Angela let out a soft, almost mischievous chuckle as she leaned against the coffin, her eyes gleaming with an unusual mix of admiration and excitement. "Kanji," she murmured, her voice tinged with a hint of mockery, "such raw, untamed power. His mere presence makes even my heart flutter with a twisted blend of fear and... excitement."
Angela's smile grew wider, an almost wicked glint in her eyes as she spoke. "Ah, yes," she purred, her voice filled with a dark satisfaction. "My love, indeed." She caressed the coffin, her fingers lingering on the cold surface as if she were touching Kanji himself.
As Behemoth traversed the frozen expanse of Xué Island, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation thrumming through his veins. He was a brutish and fearsome warrior, renowned for his loyalty and unyielding determination. With every step he took, his massive boots left deep indentations in the snow, the landscape seemingly bowing down before his colossal presence.
Beside Behemoth, a slight figure followed with a steady stride. It was Zero, a man of uncanny beauty and enigmatic power. Though he wore a white coat, there was an aura of magic emanating from him, a hint of mystical force that set him apart from ordinary humans. His eyes held a sharp intelligence, and his features were etched with a subtle smile as he walked by Behemoth's side.
Zero's petite frame stood in stark contrast to Behemoth's muscular build. Despite his slender appearance, there was an undeniable air of power that surrounded him. His white coat billowed in the frosty breeze, creating a captivating aura around him. His eyes, filled with a sharp intellect and confidence, darted back and forth, taking in the surroundings with a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Behemoth, the towering brute, shot a sidelong glance at Zero, his irritation evident in his voice. "Why in the blazing fires am I stuck with you?" he growled, his eyes narrowing with annoyance.
Zero chuckled softly, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Oh, now, Behemoth," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of mockery, "don't pretend you're not enjoying having me around. I bring a touch of elegance to your brutish nature."
Zero's expression hardened as he reminded Behemoth of their purpose. "We're here on Lord Kanji's orders, remember?" he said, his voice now stern and serious. "We've been tasked with investigating Orion Shadow's plans with the God of Strength, Rai. No time for your sulking."
Behemoth let out a gruff huff, his irritation slowly subsiding. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, his voice gruff with resignation. "Investigating Orion the so called Shadow Emperor plans, I remember. And let me guess, you have some brilliant strategy in mind, all elegance and finesse?"
Zero shot Behemoth a knowing smirk. "Oh, Behemoth, you've got me all figured out, don't you?" he replied, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "Sometimes a bit of finesse and elegance can accomplish more than brute force alone. Not that you'd understand, being the muscle-bound brute that you are."
Behemoth grumbled, not wanting to admit that Zero had a point. "Yeah, yeah, I get it," he said gruffly. "You've got your fancy magic and all that. But don't forget who'll be the one dealing with any heavy hitters that show up. I'll do the heavy lifting, and you can do your sneaky tricks, okay?"
As they arrived at the location of the ice cave, both Behemoth and Zero paused to survey the frozen entrance. The cave seemed to lead into the depths, its icy maw dark and foreboding. The air was bitterly cold, and the wind howled through the surrounding cliffs, adding an eerie ambience to the already ominous environment.
"This is the place," Behemoth grumbled, his breath visible in the freezing air. He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing through the silent landscape. "Let's do this," he said, his voice filled with determination. "And let's hope there's something worth finding inside. I didn't come all this way just to freeze my balls off."
Behemoth unleashed his brute strength with a single punch through the air, pulverizing the Undead creatures that were under Orion's command. The impact created a shockwave that echoed through the frozen landscape, dispatching the undead creatures with brutal efficiency.
Behemoth's punch, infused with his immense strength, obliterated the undead creatures that stood in his path. The shockwave from the impact coursed through the air, its force sending the undead creatures flying in all directions. Those unfortunate enough to be caught directly in the line of fire were reduced to mere scattered bones, unable to withstand the sheer power behind Behemoth's blow.
While Behemoth's brute strength tore through the undead creatures in a direct and devastating manner, Zero unleashed a more subtle and calculated assault. With practiced ease, Zero moved his hands through precise gestures, conjuring otherworldly elements that crackled with energy. Bolts of energy and bursts of elemental forces flew from his fingertips, targeting any undead remnants or hidden dangers that dared to challenge them.
Inside the depths of the ice cave, Orion Shadow, the Emperor of Shadows, and the God of Strength, Rai, were engaged in a mysterious ritual. Rai sat before Orion, his form radiating a powerful and fearsome aura. He was immersed in the Divine Ascending."
Inside the enigmatic ice cave, Orion Shadow, known as the Emperor of Shadows, and Rai, the God of Strength, were deeply engrossed in a secretive ritual. The ice cave's depths echoed with a mix of chilling cold and an otherworldly murmur, and Rai's powerful aura filled the air, creating a foreboding atmosphere. The divine energy surrounding the duo crackled and intensified as Rai focused on a formidable technique known as the "Divine Ascending."
Rai's face was etched with determination and concentration as he continued his cultivation. His goal was clear – to regain his divine powers and reclaim his legendary weapon, the Flame Bracelet. The air around him vibrated with intense energy, a testament to the immense power he was trying to access and restore.
As the sacred ritual continued, Rai's face was a mask of concentration and determination. His focus was unwavering as he strove to regain his lost divine powers and reclaim his legendary weapon, the Flame Bracelet. The air around him hummed and vibrated with the sheer intensity of the energies he was channeling, a clear indication of the monumental task he was undertaking. The very essence of the cave seemed to react to his efforts, as if the ice itself was aware of the profound act that was unfolding before it's frozen walls.
Orion, standing nearby, watched Rai with a calculating gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and caution. He was fully aware of the power and significance of the Flame Bracelet and understood the importance of its restoration for their cause.
Orion, standing beside Rai, observed the god with a shrewd and calculative gaze. He understood the profound significance of the Flame Bracelet and harbored both anticipation and caution. The bracelet held immense power and importance for their plans, and his watchful eyes monitored every movement of the ritual, ensuring that no unexpected obstacles arose to impede their endeavors.
The sound of the cave entrance bursting open shattered the intense silence inside the depths. Behemoth and Zero stood in the entrance, their imposing figures casting long shadows against the icy walls.
Orion, jolted out of his concentration, spun around to face the intruders with a scowl.
The sudden intrusion of Behemoth and Zero shattered the intense silence that had filled the depths of the ice cave. Their imposing figures cast long shadows that danced against the icy walls as the two figures stepped further into the cave. Orion, who had been immersed in the ritualistic concentration, was disrupted by the unexpected arrival and swiveled around, his face scowled as he faced the newcomers.
The sight of Behemoth and Zero filled Orion with a sense of annoyance and irritation. He immediately recognized them as followers of Kanji, his rival, and their presence signaled an unwelcome complication. Orion's scowl deepened as he spoke, his voice dripping with disdain. "Ah, how predictable," he sneered. "I should have known that Kanji would send his lapdogs to meddle in my affairs.
Behemoth's deep chuckle echoed through the cave, his colossal frame shaking with the sound. He took a step forward, his gaze unwavering as it fixed on Orion. "Lackeys, huh?" he said with a challenging tone. "We prefer to call ourselves 'elite followers,' actually. We're here to make sure you stay in line, Shadow Emperor."
~Next Chapter: Orion Domain