As one of the god-level zombie dragons fell, the other raised a roar in anger. It surged from within the fog, aiming to bite Alpha, who was floating right in front of it. However, there’s nothing more worthless than trying to surprise attack someone who can see the future.
“You must be hungry. Here, eat this.”
As if to welcome the incoming maw, Alpha threw a small grenade toward it before moving to the side and dodging the attack. As soon as she did, the maw closed and…
*KABOOOM!*
An explosion of purifying light spread, turning the demon’s head into ashes instantly. That grenade, containing a purification effect, cost several million credits for one piece… What an extravagant way to finish an enemy!
The other one, who was now one-winged, stood up while still reeling in pain, seeing its partner fall down like a stone dropped on water. Seeing that, the demon ran to where its partner was falling and caught it.
“What? Is it the other dragon’s spouse or something?”
As I muttered such in wonder, the next scene proved me wrong. The two dragons started merging like clay, creating a much larger and more powerful zombie dragon. Its strength doubled, becoming even more powerful than Zeshion was… Energy-wise, that is.
After it merged, Zeshion and Alpha still had the same expression. A face of indifference, as if they knew about this beforehand.
Alpha moved at a speed that looked like she was teleporting, appearing right before the enemy’s nose. As soon as she did, two more grenades appeared in her hands. Without any hesitation, she chucked the two into the giant dragon zombie’s nostrils, letting the two grenades travel down its nasal cavity.
Right after doing so, she moved right beside us with her usual frown, standing beside me and staring up at the giant dragon’s figure.
“And… Sneeze.”
As if matching her words, a violent explosion of purifying light spread around, escaping from the nose, the eyes, the ears, and the mouth—all orifices. After the explosion ended, the zombie dragon’s head was still intact, but it was releasing large quantities of smoke.
It wasn’t dead yet, but that double punch of purification grenades brought it down to its knees.
Zeshion, as if anticipating the flow of events, moved with his sword and decapitated the demon. As soon as he did, the body started dissolving into black smoke, vanishing into thin air, as two large essence crystals dropped down. 𝙡𝙞𝒃𝓻𝒆𝓪.𝓬𝒐𝒎
Zeshion didn’t hesitate and caught it before moving to where Alpha was. After we appeared, not even three minutes passed, and the battle had already ended. Zeshion had a faint smile on his face as he extended his hand, holding the two large essence crystals, each as big as my head.
“Here, Will. Take these.”
Zeshion said as he passed two basically priceless treasures to me. I didn’t hesitate at all and took it. I’m not one to waste an opportunity, after all. Who knows when I could get my hands on another god-level essence crystal? Taking one when offered should be the best choice.
Making sure that he couldn’t change his mind, I quickly threw the two items into my [Spatial Storage] for safekeeping before turning to the two gods and expressing my gratitude.
“Thanks for the gift. I’ll make sure to use it properly when the time comes!”
Hearing my words, Alpha sighed.
“Well, you’ll be using it in the near future anyway… Rather than that, I need to talk to you right now.”
Her frown deepened further as she continued talking to me.
“You… tampered with the past, didn’t you? I knew you were a troublemaker, but to think it was to this extent…”
As expected, she really did notice. Well, I wasn’t hiding it anyway, but I’m also not announcing it to the world. The less people know, the better.
“I did, and I don’t regret my choice.”
I puffed my chest with pride, answering her question with a satisfied smile on my face. Seeing me like that, Alpha’s frown faded as she sighed.
“Well, I guess this is for the best. Be careful though, as due to your actions, that day is coming faster.”
“…!”
She even knew about the singularity?! What the hell doesn’t this little girl know?
*BAM!* *SQUISH!*
I was victimized by her punch before after she seemingly read my thoughts, so I quickly managed to guard my family jewels from her punch. However, the first attack was nothing but a feint, as the true one was her vertical kick.
The same as before, an excruciating pain spread all over my brain, making me see stars even though it was broad daylight.
“Say little girl again, and I’ll definitely castrate you.”
“…”
I didn’t even say it…
About a few seconds later, the pain started to subside, but I could feel that my legs were still like jelly. Like this, it’ll be impossible for me to move for a while.
“Right, Will! We’ll be heading to Ajax’s battlefield now. You should follow after us when you can already move.”
Zeshion quickly mentioned it as he recalled their tight schedule.
“Ah, God Zeshion, please wait!”
Before they could teleport away, Minerva raised her voice and stopped them. Sweat was pouring down her forehead as it was her first time conversing with god-level tamers.
“I-It’s about the plans of the Demon Tamers… I need to pass the information to you two at least.”
“Oh, I forgot about that too! Please do tell.”
Zeshion, hearing her proposition, quickly closed the portal he was about to open and turned to listen. Minerva was nervous but still tried to explain everything as clearly as possible.
Apparently, the aim of the twelve Zodiacs wasn’t just to delay the god tamers but also to make sure that the god-level demons, which were forcefully upgraded and had not that long to live, followed orders to the T. They weren’t only there to support the demons but also to supervise them, technically.
“And also, their boss seems to be planning something in the capital city… But the two of them were completely clueless about it.”
As she completed her report, Minerva heaved a long sigh. As tension left her body, she fumbled lightly, falling toward Hekate, who quickly caught her in her arms.
On the other hand, I was finally able to stand up while leaning forward. It still hurts, but not to an unbearable level anymore. I didn’t come close to Alpha, however, afraid that she might really cut off my happiness if I upset her with my thoughts.
“I see… So Agor is…”
Zeshion frowned, placing one hand on his chin while pondering. Soon, he raised his head and expressed his thanks.
“Thanks, little girl. With your help, we now have an idea about what Agor is planning… But we don’t have enough time.”
His face turned serious as he faced me.
“Will, I know you want to follow us to Ajax’s battlefield, but rather than that, you should go to the capital ahead of us instead. Visit Yu Na and give this to her.”
Zeshion passed a small letter with an unknown wax seal on it. I have no idea what the content was, but since it was Zeshion’s request, there’s no real reason to refuse.
“Got it. I’ll go and protect the capital while you’re away.”
Noir is planning something. I also think he already has the Royal Capital in his hands. The problem was, was the capital, the one where the teleportation array leading to the Royal Capital was, still safe? There is only one way to find out.
“Alright, then we will be going. Be careful out there, Will.”
Zeshion waved goodbye to us as he opened a portal, probably leading to God Ajax’s battlefield. As soon as the two vanished, I turned to face Minerva and Hekate.
“Alright, you two. We’ll be returning to the capital. It’s your first time there, so make sure to stay close to me at all times!”
“”Yes! Sir Will!””
Seeing the two answers in sync, I started molding the portal toward the capital. The construction still took half a minute before the portal stabilized. As soon as it was stabilized completely, the three of us entered the portal.
The exit location was none other than Yu Na’s training center. However, the crowd around the place was beyond imagination.
“Did all the populace that escaped go for the capital?”
The number of people around was just too many! It was like there’s nowhere you can look that doesn’t have anyone standing or sitting around. There’s even a part where several government officers were giving food rations to the refugees.
“… Let’s go find Yu Na first.”
I felt that they were pitiful, but the best I could do for them wasn’t to give them food or relief, but rather to stop whatever Noir was planning. I entered the training facility, showed my VVIP Pass to the guards who weren’t familiar with my face and went straight for the counter. Without beating around the bush, I quickly told the receptionist about my purpose.
“Please call Yu Na. I have a message for her from God Zeshion.”
The receptionist was surprised but quickly bowed her head before running off. I guess, now, all I needed to do was wait.