Two weeks have passed since the photo shooting.

  During that time, I didn’t do much besides training and heading to the academy for the student council works. I had some hangouts too, but we didn’t go anywhere far.

  Since summer isn’t over yet, we decided to go to the beach, and not just any beach.

  “Welcome to our little foreign home.”

  It’s a private beach all the way in Greece, owned by none other than Takenada-san’s family.

  From the outside, the pce looks like a luxurious four-story high mansion with white as the dominant color. The entrance consists of gardens full of colorful flowers and a water fountain in the center.

  “Woah, this pce…it’s amazing!”

  Amazed by the scenery, I excimed. I know just how wealthy my best friend is, and I’ve been to her house a few times, yet she still manages to amaze me.

  “I know right? My dad paid a lot for this pce, and it’s for a good reason. Check it out!”

  After a quick detour, we head inside to the living room. What caught our eyes first are the u-shaped couches surrounding a table full of snacks. Facing them is a big curved TV with a firepce below it and some pictures hanging behind the TV as well.

  John and his crews are here too. They are currently upstairs, preparing the room for the four of us. Takenada-san and Tiamat are helping them too, so we don’t really need to do much.

  “Whew, what a day…I’m gassed up…

  After a long journey from Japan, we’re quite exhausted. I quickly sit on the couch and grab a cookie. The taste and the texture…they’re all perfect. It’s pretty addictive too, but I think it’s best to save it for much ter instead of munching them all now.

  “Ahhh…This softness…my back really needs this…”

  Right next to me, Kira expresses his tiresome as he’s stretching his body. Just like he said, the couch according to Takenada-san costed a fortune, as it was made from the best material money can buy.

  You can easily fall asleep sitting on it, but that’s not the case for now.

  “For a former terrorist, you sure look rexing huh…May I remind you that the trial is right around the corner?”

  From behind us, Kariuda-san shows up. Due to the missions, she didn’t get to spend some time for herself, which is why she agreed to be here.

  “Haha, don’t do that to me…We’re on vacation you know…”

  “My point still stands, Kira-kun. We still haven’t decided what to do with you, so until then, don’t get too comfortable. You never know what destiny could do to you.”

  “Scary…” I whispered.

  If there’s one word I can use to describe her, it’s “emotional”. She can be menacing, serious, hotheaded, but she can also be gentle and caring as well.

  Despite the seriousness in her voice and the scary look she gives to Kira while tilting her head, I can already tell that Kariuda-san is just joking around. She’s not in her “mission mode” right now, so the mood won’t be brought down that easily.

  Then again, her words do carry some weights to them.

  Kiriwatari-sensei has guaranteed that Kira won’t receive any death penalty, but a punishment is still inevitable. He did help rescuing hostages during the Miller Mega Center incident, but it’s going to take a lot more than that.

  I might have to step in and defend Kira if needed.

  “Alright guys, the rooms are ready! Let’s go!”

  “We’re coming!”

  Leaving the couches behind, we head to our prepared rooms. There’s four, or should I say five, of us, so two rooms are more than enough. Besides, the beds are quite big, so it’s not a big deal at all.

  “Huh, this pce really is that big…”

  Lying on the bed, I skim through the mansion’s map John gave to me earlier. Not counting the two bedrooms, the mansion has another eight bedrooms, a small theater, a gym alongside a fully equipped kitchen and bar with a big dining room right next to the living room.

  And that’s not all.

  “Woah…”

  As I’m heading to the balcony, a beautiful scenery appears in front of my eyes: a golden serene sand followed by a blue wavy sea spreading to the skyline. Sandwich between it and our mansion is a pool with and entrance leading to the beach.

  The way sunlight reflects on the water surface, the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves, all the clouds slowly floating in the blue sky…even the breathtaking beauty of it all…

  “I know, speechless right? And you won’t believe what I’m about to say.”

  “Oh, it’s that true? I can’t wait to hear it young girl.”

  From behind, Tiamat slowly walks towards us with her arms crossing. Both of us can see her smirking, a sign that she’s not up to something good. Let’s just hope that she’s not causing any trouble.

  “Uhm well…you guys remember the Miller Mega Center right?”

  “Yeah, we do.” I responded.

  “Well normally I’m not allowed to say this but…*whisper* we just recently renovated this pce using [Chimera], and let me tell you, it’s quite costly.”

  “Well that’s a surprise…” Tiamat said.

  After successfully unching the mega center, Mr. Miller had decided to sell some of the [Chimera], mainly to the wealthy first. Its’ origin while questionable doesn’t change the fact that it’s a rare metal. Its durability, longevity and hardness feel like it comes straight out of comic books.

  Such event had made the news and social media outlets around the world busier than ever, and I’m sure “they” knew it too.

  On the other hand, I was shocked to know that my best friend’s family is one of the customers, but giving that they never once mentioned it every time we meet, so unless I ask Tiamat to read people’s mind all the time, it’s no surprise.

  I think I get why Mr. Miller made that decision…so let’s just hope I was right, that he did it out of his kindness and desire to change the world.

  “*Grrr*…”

  Suddenly, Takenada-san’s stomach starts growling. Her face immediately starts blushing as well, followed by a little smirk from Tiamat.

  “Oh dear…that’s not the sound a young dy should make you know?”

  “Shu…Shut up! It’s not my fault my stomach made that kind of noise!”

  “Haha, whatever you said young dy…”

  After that, the three of us regroup with Kariuda-san and Kira and head downstairs for lunch.

  “Woah, you’re right Yasutaira-kun, this pce is amazing…” Kariuda-san whispered.

  Not too long after lunch, we finally step our foot into the beach.

  Kira and I are all wearing swim trunks, with me having an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt on. Meanwhile, Tiamat abandons her normal outfits and instead don a gmorous bck two-piece with deep V-neck bikini top.

  “Heh, how do I look Master? I’m only wearing this for you and you only.” Tiamat said as she’s posing seductively.

  Are you trying to flirt with me, again?

  She has to know by now that I’m basically immune to these kind of stuff, not that I don’t care, but for the fact that I’m fully aware of this trope. I’ve seen enough shows to know just what she wanted, and I’m not falling for that.

  “I’m gd you’re doing it for me, but that pose…you do know that’s not going to work right?” I responded after face-palming myself.

  “Oh really, I guess I’ll have to level up next time. Ufufufufu…”

  After that, Tiamat and I help Takenada-san setting the chairs and umbrels. Kira and Kariuda-san are also preparing a cooler for drinks and other stuff as well. Normally John and his crews are the one doing this, but Takenada-san insisted that they should just let us do everything on our own, and she was right.

  “And there we go, all done!” I said after opening the final umbrel.

  Since there’s only five of us, simplicity is best: five beach chairs sitting next to one another, with two big umbrels plugging down behind it for shades. The cooler will be in front of the center chair alongside our essentials as well.

  “Hey Kira, how’s the net going?”

  “Rock solid Yasutaira, I think it’s good to go now!” Kira responded.

  Not too far from our “camping spot”, Kira with the help from Kariuda-san sets up the volleyball net. Of course, we’re not going to have a match right away, as the sea is calling us.

  And to return the call, we put on the sunscreen and immediately dive to the cold water. I’ve heard that Greece has some of the best beaches, and after experiencing it, I can confidently say that those rumors are true.

  “Cannonball!”

  “Not again!” Kira excimed.

  Takenada-san jumps directly into the water, making it spshing all over the pce. Kira and I who got there first are also being spshed as well.

  “Huh, so you guys were right after all, she does in fact love cannonball…”

  Being te to the party, Kariuda-san said those words. Unlike Takenada-san and her crochet bikini top mixing with low-rise high-leg bottom, she’s wearing a blue halter tankini top with a bck bottom and a bck sarong as well.

  Both of their swimsuits are the ones Kira and I picked for them a few days ago while shopping for this vacation, among others as well. We’re quite easy: if it looks good and we can afford it, we take it, and since both conditions are satisfied, here we are today enjoying our summer vacation together.

  “What, cannonballs are fun! That’s the best way to enjoy this cool refreshing water!”

  “Not when you’re wetting everyone the wrong way in the process, Takenada-chan.” Kariuda-san responded.

  “Ehehehe…”

  After a little setback, we continue our fun. Unfortunately, Tiamat won’t be joining us, as she loves to, and I quote, “sit back and rex”. Honestly, having a goddess guarding us while a little too overkill is a great idea.

  Besides, if that’s what she wants, then we won’t be forcing her as well.

  “Ahaha, take this!”

  “Oh no you don’t!”

  Takenada-san tries to spsh us again, but this time, Kira and I manage to dodge her. She does it a few more times, and while mostly failing, she actually hits us quite a few.

  “Kyah!”

  “Haha, got you!”

  Even Kariuda-san can’t escape her attack. Just like us, she can’t avoid every spshing, and that alone infuriates her.

  “Hey you two, are we just going to let her running wild like that? Do something!”

  Angrily said, Kariuda-san swims towards us. We don’t want to hurt Takenada-san or anything, but at the same time, we don’t want to piss off Kariuda-san. Needless to say, we both immediately agree and join force with her.

  “And now, let the counter attack begins!”

  From a one-sided 1v2, it has now turned into a 1v3 battle. With three of us combined, we manage to push Takenada-san back. Of course, we’re just having fun, not fighting for our lives. Even when Kariuda-san seems to be the most serious person here, she still cracks a smile, and that’s all we need.

  “Take this, [Water Wall Spshing Attack]!”

  Takenada-san spreads her right arm aggressively, creating a thin but wide yer of water. The water yer heads straight at us with immense speed, leave us no choice but to dive down in order to dodge it.

  “Hey, *pant pant* I think I have an idea…”

  Despite our best effort, it’s not just enough to defeat her, and that’s when Kira suddenly comes up with something. Normally I’m the one brainstorming here, but let’s see what he has in mind.

  “Whatever that is, it’d better work Kira.” Kariuda-san responded.

  “Trust me, it will. Now here me out.”

  As we’re listening to Kira’s initial pn, back on nd, something else is also happening. Little do we know, that “something” will forever change the course of this little vacation.

  (Tiamat’s POV)

  As Master and his friends are enjoying their day, I shift my focus to the nearby cave and notice something fishy. Not wasting any more time, I personally head there while leaving the guarding job to a clone of mine.

  “Alright, seems like nobody can see me. Let’s see what we’re dealing with this time.”

  Coating myself with [Invisibility], I stand right in front of the cave mouth. From the outside, it seems like this pce is quite empty, but of course, that’s not actually the case, not when there’s cameras right outside.

  “Huh, something fishy really is going here…”

  Teleporting myself to inside the cave, a bunch of soldiers appear right in front of me. I immediately realize they’re [Rising Phoenix] from the badge and how organized they are.

  I scan through the cave and from that, I know there’s three entrances leading to a small underground ke deep inside. All three of them are guarded strictly by the soldiers, and on top of that, there’s a magic circle embedded to the ground to alert them about the intruders.

  In other words, the moment their enemies step foot into this cave is the moment they choose to die mercilessly.

  Or so they thought.

  “Huh, I must say this is quite impressive, but too bad, it’s not working at all.”

  I slowly walk through the soldiers with ease. I’ve been inside for five minutes now and yet have I not heard a single sound coming from the circle. I admire their effort for making this as secretive as possible, but you can’t hide it forever, not when a goddess is right inside here.

  Or should I say goddesses.

  When I finally reach the ke deep inside, the first thing I see is a tanned woman standing in the middle of the soldiers. The woman is giving out orders to the soldiers, meaning she’s the leader.

  She’s wearing what seems to be a big and bulky golden battle armor, but her movement is light as feather. If I remember correctly, the Kira kid said that this is [Apocalypse Warlord], one of the [Chaotic Seven] and arguably the toughest opponent to fight against besides their leader.

  The kid also said that normally, she’s wearing a battle helmet, but not this time. Thus, her long curly purple hair is seen in its full form.

  “Huh, they really thought of it before…”

  They must have been here for a few days, giving that they’ve lighted this pce up and I can also see makeshift camps everywhere, along with multiple monitors and equipment.

  “They really studied this pce huh…” I thought to myself.

  If I also count those guarding the entrances, it’s about a few hundreds of them camping right here in this cave. Of course, numbers isn’t a problem for me, Master or even his friends: it’s the big bad wolf over there that concerns me.

  As for the ke itself, a small isnd can be seen in the middle of it. There’s no tree, instead an ancient temple with symbols and structure that represent Greek architecture is presented.

  “Tsk, idiots…Me wasn’t enough for them, so now they’re doing this? Just what the hell are these guys up to anyways?”

  It didn’t take me too long to realize what they’re doing and how stupid that idea is. I can totally stop them right here and now, but where’s the fun and growth for Master? Besides…

  “I’ll give you the war you always wanted, please just wait a little longer…” the woman whispered.

  I came here way too early.

  “Alright, let’s hear your story shall we?”

  As I’m following [Apocalypse Warlord] to her makeshift camp, I secretly read her mind. I know Master won’t allow me to do such things without his permission, but this…this is an exception. This has to be an exception.

  “Huh, I wonder how Hades would react to this…Lucifer might be very impressed too you know…” I thought to myself.

  This woman…she has problems.

  Blood had been shed, lives had been taken and tears had been dropped, that’s all she’s known for. A warrior who knows no fear, a beast when unleashed is unstoppable. All of that are just scratching the surface on the reputation and power she possess.

  But even the mighty [Apocalypse Warlord] has her limits.

  Despite everything, she’s still striving for more, not just for her own selfish goal, but for her master’s “glorious purpose” as well. She’ll do everything to go even further beyond, and she now thinks she has just the tool to do it.

  “As much as I want to admire this effort woman, I can’t do that. Too many innocent people had died under your hands, and if you succeeded, it’ll just pile up faster than ever. I’m sorry woman but tonight…no limit of yours will be broken. That’s a promise.” I thought.

  Gaining what I come here for, I slowly disappear from the cave, returning to Master for a strategy meeting hosted none other by me.

  (Yasutaira’s POV)

  It’s now 8 p.m.

  After having our fun in the water, we then switched to a volleyball match.

  I paired up with Takenada-san while Kira and Kariuda-san was our opponent. The match ended with us came out on top. After that, we stayed at the beach for a while before packing our stuffs up and headed back to the mansion for dinner.

  After that, we were heading to the living room for some puzzle games, and that’s when Tiamat revealed what she was doing while we were at the beach.

  “So you’re telling me that our enemy is five minutes away from here?”

  Kariuda-san was the first to react.

  She’s coming with us hoping to have some peaceful off-duty times, and now she has to deal with a [Chaotic Seven] member half a day into her vacation. We’ll be shocked if she didn’t act like that.

  “Yeah kid, and it seems like they want to even the pying field by doing what Master had done with me in the past: forming a contract.”

  “Wait a second, they’re doing what now?”

  This time, it’s Kira turn to respond.

  Of course, he knew all about my story. In fact, he was the one given the task to eliminate me in the first pce after all. Since he’s no longer a part of them, there’s a lot he doesn’t know, and so do we.

  “Remember when this pce was attacked a few months ago? Yeah apparently this was what they took.”

  Tiamat borrows Kariuda-san’s phone and projects a hologram. A small piece of wooden statue appears in front of our eyes. Not all of us are history bookworms, but luckily, we have an expert, and she’s ready to break it down for us.

  “Since we don’t have much time under our belts, here’s a short version: this statue is the inspiration behind the [Athena Parthenos]. It’s also the catalyst to summon the [Goddess of Warfare], Athena.”

  “Goddess of…”

  “…Warfare?”

  The four of us excimed.

  We’re all fully aware of the existence of gods and how dangerous that is, and that’s the root of our reactions.

  Tiamat was lucky to have me, but once they’re working together with an evil force…it’s the endgame.

  “Yes, THAT [Goddess of Warfare]. From my investigation, it seems like [Apocalypse Warlord] want to utilize, or should I say abuse, Athena’s god-like abilities so she can further strengthen her own power.”

  As the name implies, she’s known for multiple battles in the past that ended merciless massacre for her enemies. Her abilities, [Gravity Control], [Armor Summoning] and [Weapon Manifestation] are what lead her to those victories.

  Of course, she’s human after all, so those abilities have their own limits. Finding a way to push through those limits is her ultimate goal besides taking over the world with [Rising Phoenix].

  At least, that’s what Kira told Kiriwatari-sensei a few months back.

  “So you’re telling me that if we don’t stop her, not only do we have to deal with a weaponry master who just got access to unlimited resources, but the goddess who provided her that too?” Kariuda-san asked

  “I’m afraid so kid.” Tiamat replied.

  This is bad, like really bad.

  I may have caused some trouble to [Rising Phoenix], but this will be the first time I get to fight one of their big guns. I really wish I had a pn for this, but hey, sometimes you just have to jump in and do what you have to do.

  “Then I say we do it now! I know she’s a [Chaotic Seven], but we can’t just sit here and let them getting stronger just to kill more innocent people!”

  Smming the table, Takenada-san said with a sense of urgent. Needless to say, despite how underprepared we are currently, when the time comes, we’ll do anything in our power to finish the job.

  “Actually, we can sit here, but not for too long though.”

  “Eh? How so?” Takenada-san asked.

  “About the summoning…the ritual requires something only occurs once every one hundred year.”

  Tiamat then switches the hologram, this time to the inside of the cave where our enemy is hiding. We notice a ke with a small isnd in the middle of it, and it seems like…that’s where the problem began.

  “A portal will open right here in this temple when these conditions are satisfied: you put the statue right in front of it and you pour your mana into it when midnight comes. Like I said, it only happens once every one hundred year, and today is that day.”

  According to Tiamat, they’ve been camping here for days now. They’ve also known about this mansion and its owner as well, and I’m sure they have a contingency pn for that too.

  On the other hand, we literally just nded here this morning. If anything, this is just pure bad timing for us. It’s like this is a coincidence and a set up at the same time.

  Regardless, since time is temporarily our ally once again, we need to make use of it as efficient as possible.

  “So, what’s the pn? Assuming she waits until midnight, we have like 4 hours top. This is five of us versus a few hundreds of them, and I do not like those odds at all.” Kira asked.

  “Hmm let’s see…Tiamat, you told us that you infiltrated that cave with no difficulties at all right?”

  “Yes Master, none of them suspected a thing. Hell, I don’t even think they knew they had visitors!”

  “Then it’s settle: Tiamat and Takenada-san will deal with the cave. Kira, you and Kariuda-san will work together with John and his team to clear the entrance. And as for [Apocalypse Warlord]…I’ll handle her myself. How’s that sound?”

  I give out my initial pn. Just like Kira said, we’re very much outnumbered, so the best option is quality over quantity. We have our weapons right here with us, and we certainly are not out of shape at all.

  “Well, beside your solo match Yasutaita-kun, I think this pn is possible. I’m in.” Kariuda-san responded.

  “Don’t worry, I have a backup pn for that, and they’re right in front of me.” I replied, reassuring Kariuda-san.

  “Alright, let’s not waste any more time and gear up! They think they’re prepared huh? It’s about time we show them one more time that messing with us won’t end on a high note!”

  “Yeah!”

  As I expected, everyone agrees to it without consideration. We all know the risk of fighting against a [Chaotic Seven], but ignoring them is not a great idea either.

  The four of us then head back to our room. Takenada-san will return ter, as she has to discuss with John about the pn.

  “Hey Master.”

  “Hmm, what is it?”

  As I’m changing into my uniform, Tiamat suddenly interrupts me. It’s pretty rare seeing her do that, but let’s just see what she has to say.

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Eh, me, nervous? Well, it’s hard to say, but…”

  I stop for a moment.

  I think I know what she’s trying to do here.

  At first, I thought that she was just showing her concern towards this fight, since I’ll personally be [Apocalypse Warlord]’s opponent, but giving her confident and somewhat carefree personality…that’s just not the case.

  “I’m about to fight someone way out of my league on my own, of course my stomach is churching. But at the same time…I’m not really scared of her at all.”

  “Ehh, really? But you said she was “out of your league”.” Tiamat asked.

  “Yes, yes she is. That’s why I need you to confirm this.”

  “Whatever that is Master, I’ll do my best.”

  I close my eyes and take a deep breathe. Ever since she told me about their pn, an idea just popped up in my head. I know I can’t find the answer to that all by myself, so I settle for the second best option: asking an expert in that field.

  “Gods can’t be controlled by human unless they wanted us to, am I right?” I asked.

  “Yeah Master, humanity aren’t capable of doing such thing. After all, we’re beings beyond your comprehension, with the mission to protect this pnet. If we let ourselves being controlled, how are we going to do the job properly?”

  “I see…then I guess there’s still hope…” I muttered.

  From what I’ve known and experienced, humans had found a way to seal up superior entities, but controlling them forcefully…I don’t think it’s possible. If they could, they should have just freed Tiamat instead of using her to kill a mere teenager.

  In other words: My backup pn is to actually let them summon Athena. If my theory were right, no matter what methods, Athena wouldn’t submit to [Apocalypse Warlord], and that’s when I jump in.

  “You know Master, I’m aware of your “backup pn”, so the real question here is: Will you let the others know about it too?” Tiamat asked.

  “Well, hiding it would be a really bad idea, so I’ll tell them when we regroup. Honestly, I don’t want to rely on that pn at all. It’s too risky…”

  “Then we’ll just have to do our best, am I right Master?”

  “Yeah Tiamat, you’re right…” I replied.

  After sheathing my sword, I stretch my body. From my own experiences and what Tiamat said earlier, I might have to gamble tonight. I’m no expert in that, and to make thing worse: I also only have one shot at it.

  This is literally a “do or die” situation, and I’m betting everything on a st-minute theory. I might return home on a wheelchair, but at least I’m doing that knowing I’ve done the right thing.

  “Whew, tonight is going to be rough…” I thought to myself.

  “Don’t worry Master. As long as I’m here with you, that woman won’t stand a chance. Just stick to the pn and things are going to be fine.”

  Tiamat pads my shoulder. She can read my face and my mind, so she knows exactly just what I’m going through right now, and that puts a smile on my face.

  “Ah, thanks a lot Tiamat.” I replied.

  “Don’t mention it Master. Besides, I’ll keep doing this until death do us part, and there’s nothing stopping me!”

  “And I’ll keep looking forward to it. How’s that sound to you?”

  “Perfect! Now that’s my Master!”

  After the conversation, Takenada-san returns with a smile on her face. She told us that John would go with us before heading to the bathroom and get change.

  A few minutes ter, the three of us regroup with the rest. After telling everyone about the backup pn, we head out, ready for the most important fight of the night.

  Twenty minutes before midnight.

  John and around twenty members of his team are also coming along with us. They alongside Kariuda-san and Kira are standing outside the cave serving as the bait to draw the soldiers’ attention. As for the rest of us…

  “Alright everyone, stand by and wait for the signal.”

  Using the same old trick, Tiamat helped us infiltrate the cave successfully. We’re just a few steps away from the exits, and now we’re secretly approaching near the ke.

  Despite the clock is ticking, we’re not attacking just yet. First, we need to have them taking the bait, which is what exactly is happening right now. Then, we’ll attack and eventually, buy just enough time to ruin their pn.

  “I see, so the guests finally decided to come huh…Very well, boys, let’s welcome them all, [Rising Phoenix] style!”

  The woman in bulky armor gives out order through her earpiece. She then quickly walks towards the ke and takes a deep breath, before turning around facing the soldiers.

  “MY COMRADES! Tonight is the night! The power of infinite control and eternity are in the palms of our hands! I hereby announce the ritual has officially begun! Be prepared, not for what to come, but for what we will become!”

  The remaining soldiers cheer in excitement. After that, they immediately get into formations with weapons on their hands. Smiled happily, the woman turns around once again, ready to do what she’s here for.

  But that smile won’t st very long.

  “Huh?”

  On the ground, multiple smoke bombs start rolling. The moment they stop, all of them explode simultaneously, blocking the enemies’ vision.

  “Argh, what the…Who is it? Show yourself!”

  “Everyone, stay calm! Do not break the formation!”

  The soldiers still haven’t known where the attack came from stick together, trying to locate the source of the problem. We can still see them struggling due to the small scale of the bombs, but as for the big gun…

  “Whoosh!”

  She creates and throws multiple daggers at us with no hesitation. All of them are intentionally missed, meaning that was just her warning shot.

  “Whoever you are, I suggest you stop being a coward and face me like a warrior I expected you are!”

  “Good grace, she’s quite aggressive isn’t she Master? Well then, it’s show time!”

  Tiamat uncast [Invisibility]. Right after that, I activate [Super Strengthen Magic] and run towards her immediately. Tiamat and Takenada-san on the other hand will take care of the remaining soldiers.

  “Harghh!”

  Drawing my sword, I approach [Apocalypse Warlord] and ssh her downwardly to the right. Unsurprisingly, she slides to the left, easily dodging my first blow. Immediately, she creates two brass knuckles.

  “Too slow!”

  “Oh no you don’t!”

  Pouring mana into her hands, she attempts to double punches me, but I swing my sword just in time, blocking her attack.

  “Hurgh…”

  The impact from the double punch is enough to push me back. I’m down on my knee for a sec, but I immediately get back up, holding my sword as tightly as ever.

  “Not bad kid. Usually I’ll hear some bone cracking and blood gushing, but you manage to not experience that. Quite impressive I must say.”

  Suddenly, [Apocalypse Warlord] complimented me out the blue. There’s definitely a deeper meaning behind that, and I think I know what that is.

  “Haha, I know I shouldn’t say this but…thanks, I’m gd I can somewhat entertain you.”

  “Oh trust me kid, besides the main event, the best entertainment show I’ll ever have tonight is to kill you and everyone you love and care. Better yet, why not make you watch me kill them first, then you’ll be the st to die?”

  “Well that’s just brutal…” I replied.

  “See, that’s the difference between adults and children. We don’t live in a world with rainbows and sunshine. We know better. We do better. We are better.”

  Yup, just like [Fire Fist] a few months back, she’s not taking me way too seriously, and that makes sense. I’m just an annoying teenager in their eyes after all. Even with a goddess under my belt, they still don’t consider me a lethal threat that needs to be taken down at all cost.

  But at the same time, they aren’t blindly arrogant. They know just what exactly I can do, thus they act like that just so they can pnt an illusion in my head, making me think I’m somewhat important to their ultimate journey.

  In other words, they want me to fall miserably, to the point of sucking off not just my strength but also all my willpower as well.

  “But you see, living in a world full of rainbows and sunshine isn’t that bad, because if there’s one thing I learn about that world…”

  I dash straight to [Apocalypse Warlord] once again. This time, instead of a ssh, I thrust her with my sword. As expected, she easily dodges my attack too, but that’s the pn.

  “Is that we’re quite stubborn, and therefore…”

  As she’s taking a few steps back for distance, I quickly charge my sword and swing it. A blue beam flies straight at her, exploding mid-air.

  “There’s no “give up” in our dictionary.”

  I sheathe my sword, waiting for the smoke to clear out. That attack won’t do much damage to her, but it serves as my own warning shot at her. I don’t need to win, I need her to lose.

  “Kurgh!”

  All of sudden, I feel very heavy.

  On top of my own blue aura, another purple one starts covering my body. Immediately, I’m on my knees, struggling to even keep myself from falling. It’s like I’m being pressed down for eternity, waiting to be stomped to death.

  Eventually, I’m lying on the ground. Despite that, I still gather all I have and start crawling forward. I think I know exactly who did this, and it doesn’t take me too much time to be proven right.

  “You’re still alive? Isn’t my [Gravitational Press] like twenty times the Earth’s gravity? Are you sure you aren’t secretly an alien?”

  From the smoke, the tanned woman with shiny golden armor appears. My previous beam attack as expected didn’t do much to her besides a few shallow scratches here and there.

  Her left hand is covered in some sort of visible purple aura, and she’s raising it towards me.

  “Well…even if I am one, it’s not like I’m here to take over the world and sell it to the highest buyer you know?”

  Having to endure double the gravity used in Tiamat’s training, I still manage to get used to it and get up eventually. Her sudden attack got me shut down [Super Strengthen Magic] for a brief moment, but once it’s back, twenty times Earth’s gravity are no longer that hard to deal with.

  It was definitely a horrifying experience, but hey, that’s what I’m signed up for.

  “Tsk, arrogant kid…[Gravitational Pushback]!”

  With just an aggressive push of her hand, she sends me flying backwards. Despite my effort to get up, she’s still in control, so it’s inevitable that I’m being treated like a rag doll to her.

  “Argh!”

  My painful and somewhat unenjoyable flight ends with me crashing on a wall behind me. I still haven’t figured out how to counter this, so for the time being, I’m stuck on it with both my hands and legs spreading widely.

  “What’s the matter? Is that the best you can do? You’d better find a way to entertain me more kid, or else…”

  [Apocalypse Warlord] flicks her fingers up and from below, a boulder rises, floating in front of her. The moment she flicks her fingers at me, the boulder starts flying in that direction as well.

  “I’ll squash you like an annoying fly you are.”

  Needless to say, if that thing hit me, I would probably die, not immediately, but slowly and painfully. Still struggling to move, I come up with a st stupid resort: pumping more mana into [Super Strengthen Magic], hoping it’ll help me somehow.

  “Whoosh!”

  Somehow, that stupid idea works.

  I freed myself from [Gravitational Pushback]. I nded safely and immediately after that, I sliced the boulder in half just in time.

  “What the…”

  Surprised by my second wind, she can only excim. Since I’m overflown with mana, my blue aura is thicker and brighter than ever. But as for my body…I’m starting to feel the pressure, thus I’m breathing a bit more heavily.

  “Are you OK Master?” Tiamat asked through [Telepathic Line].

  “My back *puff puff* is hurting a little bit, and so are my arms and legs, but yeah I’m still fine. How’s it going over there?” I replied.

  “Pretty good Master. Sure we’re getting outnumbered, but watching them all fall down one by one is worth putting me and her into this situation you know?”

  “Well, whatever floats your boat Tiamat…”

  Ending the small talk, I quickly get back to where I left off. In front of me, [Apocalypse Warlord] deactivates her gravitational abilities and instead opts for the previous hand-to-hand weapons, at least that’s what she wanted me to believe.

  “Breaking my [Gravitational Pushback] by overloading [Super Strengthen Magic], quite ingenious I must say. Too bad kid, you’re going to have to do better than st-minute quips!”

  Threatened me, she creates a pole and immediately gets into fighting position. Her golden bulky armor also changes, this time it’s a simple Spartan body armor with cingulum belt and leg guards as well.

  There are no pauldrons or any arm protections, as well as a shield and the signature helmet. I don’t know if this a stylistic or tactical choice, but judging from the amount of mana coming out of her and that armor…it might be both.

  Returning her fighting call, I make the Koncho no Kamae stance. I also cover my sword with the raging blue aura as well. This might not be enough to defeat her, but that’s not exactly what I’m here for.

  “Harghh!”

  I run towards her with top speed, trying to go for a ssh. Unsurprisingly, with just a swing, she’s able to block my attack.

  “Hurgh…”

  Even with [Super Strengthen Magic], I’m still no match for her strength. The more I struggle to break through, the more I realize how hopeless that is, and eventually…

  “Whoosh!”

  Another few swings with the pole and she hits me multiple times, almost making me lose my bance. I try to counter, but I’m immediately met with a pole in my face.

  “Argh!”

  Following the hit, I fall back a few meters.

  It takes me some times to get back up giving how hard those hits are. My mouth starts bleeding, some of my ribs are hurting and even my head starts to feel very dizzy.

  The fact that she was able to hurt me that bad shows just how strong and fast she is, and I have a bad feeling that there’s more to come.

  “Alright Yasutaira, think. Close-range attacks won’t work on her, not when she’s using long-range weapons. There has to be a way to even the pying field.”

  Whispering to myself, I decide to take a step back and strategize. I don’t have much time to think, or should I say I’m not allowed to have that luxury, so brain, please give me something, anything!

  “Hargh!”

  As I’m yet to figure out a good counterattack, [Apocalypse Warlord] dashes right to me in an attempt to thrust me with the pole. I tilt my head, dodging the thrust inches before it hits my face again.

  Before she can even follow up the attack, I quickly leap back to gain distance. To my surprise, she’s not doing what I thought she was going to, but regardless, that might just be another trick of her sleeves.

  “Well, if I can’t buy myself time then let’s try something shall we?” I thought to myself.

  More focus and prepared than ever, I immediately fight back while also trying to analyze her movements and skillsets. Fortunately, this time, I actually manage to hit her a couple times. I’m taken quite some damages in return too, but that is to be expected.

  “*pant pant* I think I have an idea…”

  Dodging the test attack, I quickly charge my sword and fire another blue beam at her. She doesn’t need to dodge or block it really, as I intentionally aimed for the ground just right in front of her, and as for why…

  “Hargh!!!”

  Using the unclear smoke, I charge right at her.

  I’m not going for a thrust or a ssh, in fact I’m not even trying to attack at all. I’m also going a bit lower, as it’s the crucial part of the pn.

  “Whoosh!”

  As she’s about to swing the pole downwardly, I suddenly slide on the ground, going right under her legs. Before she can even react, from behind, I get up and leap straight back at her. This time, I’m actually going for a ssh, hoping it might work.

  “[Gravitational Shield]!”

  A wall with purple aura appears in front of me, blocking my fsh. I try cutting it a few more times, but I soon realize it’s not working and immediately take a few steps back. Despite that, my little “idea” was proven to be right.

  “I see…so that’s why you need this ritual…”

  “Tsk, annoying kid…A woman’s secret is not something to be toyed with, Yasutaira Waka!”

  From what I’ve learnt from Kira, [Weapon Manifestation] is the higher version of [Weapon Mastery]. It can give her the ability to create any weapons to her liking, but she can’t do it simultaneously, at least not with immense speed.

  However, the gap time between each weapons being projected is not much, thus it’s hard to point out her weakness. Besides, just by looking her speed, strength, stamina and reflex, I believe she has trained herself to cover that weakness, thus making it harder to notice.

  Therefore, unless you know her personally or you survive long enough during the battle, you can pinpoint it out. Anything else will lead you to either nothing or death.

  “Well then…I suppose you don’t want to tell me why you’re doing all of this?” I asked her.

  There’s a few reasons behind that question if anyone’s wondering.

  [Rising Phoenix] from what I’ve known was born to cause destruction and chaos to this world, but that’s just the surface. What they’ll gain after that is what makes me curious about all their actions and efforts.

  On the other hand, compare to other members and those who were affected by them, [Apocalypse Warlord] just doesn’t scream “I’m being under-controlled”. She’s still a merciless fighter regardless, but the way she fights and acts…It makes me feel like [Chaotic Seven] are the exceptions of the mind manipution.

  At least, that’s my specution.

  “Actually kid, that I can tell you, but with only one condition.” she replied.

  “And that is?”

  “You die. [Gravitational Pull]!”

  The purple aura covers me once again.

  This time, I’m being picked up and sucked into where she’s standing. The process is way faster than st time, implying she’s even more serious this time.

  I already discovered a way to temporarily counter her ability, with how fast I’m being pulled…I can’t make it, at least if it’s my entire body.

  “Cng!”

  Confident that she’s finally winning this time, she creates a dagger to stab through my heart. In the st minute, I manage to free both hands and block her attack. Both parties are struggling to gain the advantage, meaning I have just the time for the whole package.

  “Hmmp!”

  Using the same trick, I escape from her little “prison”. I try to slice her, but she easily blocks my attach with the dagger. Realized that I’m putting myself into the same situation, I leap back while not forget to keep my guard up.

  “Alright kid, you win. I’ll change the condition. I’m still going to kill you afterward anyways, but before that, how about an answer for an answer?”

  All of a sudden, [Apocalypse Warlord] demands an answer to a question of hers. I don’t know what that might be, so let’s just hear what she has to say.

  “Why you and not Tiamat, kid?” she asked.

  “What does she have to do with this?”

  “EVERYTHING! You know damn well I’m hopelessly outmatched against a goddess, yet she’s just behind you sweeping creeps! What exactly is your purpose of doing this huh?”

  As much as I don’t want her to get mad, she has a point.

  If Tiamat and I switched pces, things would turn out way more different than now, and that’s the problem.

  How can I confidently tell Takenada-san that I’m strong enough to keep our promise when all I do is letting others take care of my business? Sure, I’m just a teenager, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stand on my own two feet.

  “Hey Master, sorry for bugging you but…did that woman just try to py mind game with you? I can smell it even from here.”

  As I still haven’t given out the answer, Tiamat contacted me. It seems like she worries that [Apocalypse Warlord] is up to something not good, and she decided to check out.

  “Yeah, she’s doing just that. Don’t worry though, I’m not falling for that at all. It’s going to take more than that to break my spirit.”

  “Whew, and I thought you’re going through some crisis or something.” Tiamat said.

  “Well, I can always count on you to save me. Also, how’s everything?”

  “Let me check…There’re only a few dozen left, the rest are all tied up and being guarded carefully. The exits are also almost clear too Master.”

  “Really? That’s great! Thanks a lot Tiamat!”

  “Well Master, how about we save it for after we take down the big gun?”

  “Yeah, that’s a great idea. I’ll see you soon.”

  Ending another little conversation with Tiamat, I quickly get back to the main event. Since answer her question is where I left off, I’d better make it quick and snappy.

  “Call me na?ve, dumb or whatever you want, but…we have faith in each other. There’s no dramatic monologue or sublime ideology…that’s all I have for your question.” I said.

  “Tsk, you think you’re so smart huh…”

  Judging from her reaction and facial expressions, she’s quite pissed off by my underwhelming answer. She keeps grumbling non-stop, and I can clearly see her holding the dagger tightly, to the point of almost break it in pieces.

  “This world is a mistake.”

  “Huh?”

  Just when I’m least prepared, out of the blue, she utters those words.

  My head just feels empty hearing that, not because I don’t know what she meant, but because…there’re too many ways to interpote her words.

  “Look around kid. Years going by, our ignorance, superficiality and idiocy had led to more and more destruction than ever before. Any achievements we made are just a fa?ade, a terrible lie to hide themselves behind the masks of falsehood when in reality, there’s no better tomorrow. We without a doubt are a disgrace and a ughing stock to all species!”

  Witnessing her outburst, all I can do is look down and process all of it.

  In some way, she reminds me of the old Tiamat: Having deep hatred towards humanity for their actions. They both believe we aren’t capable of redemption or even a small chance at doing it, but there’s a key difference.

  With Tiamat, she met me, a teenager forcefully being thrown into her own ir for the “higher purpose”. His fighting motive isn’t to be the best hero, the greatest warrior or to enforce justice. It’s not even come close to revenge, satisfying his killing intent or watching the whole world burn before his very eyes.

  What keeps Yasutaira Waka from backing down so darkness can consume him is rather…simple and childish: a promise with his childhood friend.

  Despite that, the teenager is able to pull off the impossible, not once, not twice, but multiple times. The path he’s taking not only helps him growing stronger, having more friends and allies but it’s also a liaison for a broken partnership to be bonded back.

  Witnessing all of that, Tiamat realized: Maybe, humanity aren’t that bad after all. Sure, they’re weak and easy to fall, but they’ll eventually find a way to come back and become something greater.

  Maybe, she can do that too.

  “Well not anymore! [Rising Phoenix] was born to be the superior, the stronger and the better than those pathetic fools! The only way to save this world from its mistakes is to join us, be the pious sheep we’re meant to be. Master has enlightened me, and so will you.”

  But [Apocalypse Warlord], she doesn’t have that privilege.

  Whatever tragedies she went through, she must have never recovered from them. I don’t think I have the right to judge her past, so the best I can do is to find a way to change her one-sided viewpoint.

  After all, I’ve done it before. Another try won’t hurt me right?

  “Let’s just say we do join you, how exactly are we doing to, and I quote, “save the world from its mistakes”?”

  “Oh kids these days, so na?ve and blind to see the bigger picture…Don’t you see? The only outcome of this world is total annihition, but we…No, Master can control our ending, not those idiots out there. Start over; rise back to where we’re supposed to; the future is ours to decide!”

  “So it’s a sacrifice then?” I asked.

  “No kid, it’s a reboot.”

  I’m speechless right now.

  I know the idea of the end of the world isn’t something new thanks to sci-fi movies, but this…isn’t this just a product of a delusions of grandeur? I don’t know what this “Master” had infected her with, but what she said…they are all based on nothing but false prejudice, unfair judgements and desire to cause harm to basically anything and everything.

  I can’t let that happen, not when I’m still one of the idiots who lives on this pnet!

  “And what if we don’t follow through?” I asked.

  “Then you can perish with the rest while we, the chosen ones, can live in eternal utopia.”

  From behind, she tries to sneak attack me with the dagger. I leap back and dodge her slice, only to find out that another dagger is also coming at me.

  “Whoosh!”

  This time, I can only tilt my head to the right, which results in a shallow cut to my left cheek. Right after that, I leap back even more, seemingly gaining as much distance as I possibly can.

  And that’s when I fall for her trap.

  “[Symphony of War]!”

  [Apocalypse Warlord] summons multiple weapons of various types. Those weapons, no matter the size and types, are all covered in a thick purple aura.

  As they’re floating mid-air behind her, she spreads her arms widely and immediately, those weapons point straight at me, ready to strike at any given time.

  “Attack!”

  With just one command and an arm raise towards me, all the weapons start flying towards me. Knowing that I might not survive through all of it, I quickly run away as far as I can, while also pumping more mana into my body for what to come.

  “[Blooming Shields of Heaven]!”

  Gaining enough distance, I use up a rge amount of mana to cast multiple giant protection yers in a form of blooming roses. I never thought that my effort of recreating “that” would come in handy, yet here we are.

  “Boom!”

  As the weapons collide with the shields, multiple explosions echo simultaneously, slowly stripping the yers. Every single one of them is also destroyed in the process also, leaving a single yer of shield left in front of me.

  “[Reaper’s Arrow]!”

  As the smoke has been cleared, the wind starts blowing intensively like small tornados wanting to py with me and in the middle of them all, [Apocalypse Warlord] casts a magic circle right below her while stringing her longbow.

  Immediately, a small but deadly purple sphere starts forming right in front of the arrow’s tip, while the arrow itself is covered in a thick yer of mana of the same color.

  Just by sensing it, I can already tell that the next attack would not only pierce through my remaining shield easily but also kill me instantly if I don’t do something. I quickly gather as much power as I can to create more yers in hope that they’ll be enough.

  “Fire!”

  With just a pull, she sends the arrow flying straight at me with immense speed. It has no problem breaking through the three brand new yers I made, before stopping at the final one, which I spent a lot of effort reinforcing it.

  “Kurgh…”

  This thing is more stubborn that I thought.

  My shield, despite on the verge of breaking into pieces, refuses to give up, and so does the arrow. It’s like they’re struggling for their own purposes: one trying to protect while other long for killing.

  As expected from a [Chaotic Seven], you either die horribly under their hands or live by pulling out everything you have.

  “Crack!”

  The arrow successfully does its job, but at the cost of being reduced in damage and mana. As the sphere touches my stomach, a purple aura covers my entire body before slowly disappearing in front of my eyes.

  “Boom!”

  A small explosion starts bursting out and, sending me flying back as the result. Despite being weaker due to the shields, the damage I’m taking is still quite a lot. My pants are torn heavily and my shirt is shredded into pieces.

  “Ouch, my head…”

  After nding, I struggle to move my body.

  I start bleeding quite a lot, my legs feel heavy than ever before and my left arm is severely injured. Luckily, my sword is fine, so even if I died, dad wouldn’t be mad at me for not preserving it properly.

  Surrounded by the unclear smoke, I finally manage to get back up. My body hasn’t fully recovered, meaning a single flick could absolutely bring me down again.

  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s going to happen to me, and the method…

  “Kurgh…”

  “And this…this is the [Encore].”

  It’s way worse than I could imagine: a stab piercing through my stomach.

  As the smoke and dust just cleared up, [Apocalypse Warlord] approach me with such speed I could barely keep up. The moment our eyes met, she pulls out a sword covered in a thick mana yer, aiming for my heart.

  Using what’s left in the tank, I try to dodge, which ends up making the sword drills through my stomach instead. Right after that, she grabs my neck and presses me down on the ground.

  Unsurprisingly, more blood starts gushing out of my mouth and the brand new hole. I try to take her hand off my neck, but not only I’m hopelessly failed, she even pushes forward even more.

  “You know kid, I’m really surprised that you st for this long. Too bad, your journey ends here, so please, just die already.”

  “Didn’t I…tell you…already? I’m quite stubborn…you know…Besides…I have…a promise to…to…make.”

  I heavily utter those words. More blooding is coming out of my mouth, and my arms…they’re getting weaker as time goes on. I can feel my mind going bnk already, yet I’m still trying to hold on to my life.

  As long as I keep her here, everything she has prepared will go down the pan.

  Or so I thought.

  “Huh…isn’t she a bit blurred…and…why…why can’t I feel anything…?”

  With that muttering, my body gives up. My arms start falling down on the ground and my eyes are slowly closing, with her distorted face being the st thing I saw.

  Eventually, I pass out, failing to buy the necessary time to ruin [Apocalypse Warlord]’s pn.

  (Tiamat’s POV)

  As part of the pn, Master’s best friend and I are in charge of taking down the soldiers in this cave. It’s a pretty taxing job consider to number of enemies we have to face, but step by step, we manage to get through it all.

  Now all of them are being tied up alongside those in charge of protecting the exits. Simir to us, John and his team, with the help of the Kira kid and his teenager “babysitter”, have also defeated them.

  “That’s everyone right? You sure you didn’t miscalcute?” I asked John.

  “Of course not, Ms. Tiamat, I’ve checked it myself. I can assure you that not even a single fly could escape, let alone a human being.”

  “Good, now let’s make them talk. I want to know all of their dirty secrets’ secrets.”

  “Roger that.”

  Receiving the order, John immediately gets to work. Usually I’ll just do it myself, but since it’s not currently my top priority, I can leave it to others so I can deal with the “big event”.

  And speaking of “big event”…

  “Boom!”

  “Aw man, this is bad…”

  Just when we thought the situation is getting better, things took an unexpected turn.

  Near the ke, a big explosion roars through the sky. The impact of it makes the dust flying everywhere and the wind…it’s blowing like crazy.

  “Everyone, look out!”

  I shout at those behind me, telling them to find a safe pce, including the soldiers. As for me, I quickly run towards the explosion, fearing for the worst scenario.

  “Come on Master, please be alive. You can do this…” I thought to myself.

  Master’s presence…I can still feel it, though it’s quite weak. I could have just teleported there myself, but that would ruin Master’s backup pn.

  “Tiamat-san, wait up!”

  From behind, Takenada Mitsuko, Master’s best friend, is running towards me. She must have worried about Master as well, thus she goes this far.

  “Alright kid, I’m not going anywhere.”

  Despite the clock is ticking, I stop for a moment to wait. Finally catching up to me, the kid breathes heavily as she’s lying down holding her knees. Since both of us had to deal with hundreds of soldiers, it drained out a good chunk of her stamina.

  “That explosion…Do you think Yasutaira-kun is going to be OK?”

  “He will, but we have to hurry up.”

  “Yeah, I’m right behind you!”

  Both of us then quickly head to Master’s pce. The smoke and dust is slowly clearing, and so does the path. But just to make sure, we find a nearby boulder and hide behind them, waiting for the right moment.

  “Master…”

  “Yasutaira-kun…No way…”

  Unfortunately, that “right moment” would turn into a “horrifying moment”: Master, lying down on the ground, has a sword piercing through his stomach. Blood start spilling everywhere, and his body…he’s passing out with some of his vital organs being destroyed.

  As for his opponent, she’s slowly approaching the ke, since midnight is right around the corner. Judging from how much damage she and that Spartan armor took, Master didn’t really stand a chance again her.

  “Now kid!”

  Using this spare time, both of us immediately run to Master. After a quick check on his pulse, I take the sword out of his body, revealing a big gaping hole right in his stomach.

  “Oh God…Yasutaira-kun…”

  Witnessing her own best friend’s condition, the girl almost throws up, but she manages to keep it down. What she also manages to keep it down is the burning rage against [Apocalypse Warlord]. She’s totally mad at her, but she has to put that aside, as there’s something more important to take care of.

  “Don’t worry kid, he’s still alive, but not for long. Besides…”

  I cast a green magic circle beneath him. Multiple small particles appear, covering Master. Immediately, the smaller wounds start healing rapidly, and as for the bigger ones…

  “The hole…is closing?”

  Surprised by what she’s witnessing, the Mitsuko girl asked, and it’s for a good reason.

  [Regeneration] is the higher evolution of [Healing]. As the name implies, the body missing body parts when use it can be healed and grown back to normal. The downside of it, however, is that it uses up too much mana and time.

  I’m a goddess, so those issues just don’t exist. If my calcution is right, Master’s injury will heal in around five minutes.

  “Yeah Mitsuko, he’ll back in no time. Although, he might be a bit te to the party…”

  “Eh?

  I look directly at the temple where Athena is about to be summoned. I haven’t met her in a while, but I know for a fact that she won’t get along with the “master” at all.

  “O mighty Athena! For years thy servant have searched for thee and now, I bring upon thee blood, olives and owls. Thy have given, and thee shall take. Hereby thy call, thee shall awake!”

  With that, a bright light starts shining all across the ke, with the temple being the center of everything. Everyone here with the exception of me and Master all covers their eyes.

  Despite not being able to see anything, they can still sense something inexplicable and extraordinary happens on the small isnd. And they aren’t disappointed.

  “Hey Tiamat-san, is that…”

  “Yeah kid, she’s here.”

  The shining light then gathers up at the temple and turns into a giant pilr shooting to the sky. Thanks to that, no one is missing out the once-in-the-lifetime scenery. Of course, there’s nothing they can do to intervene, not that they should or allow to.

  In that time, I slowly approach the ke, with the Mitsuko girl following right behind while carrying Master. After finding a better view, we put Master down and continue to witness this little “py”.

  “Hereby your call, I have ascended from beyond the sky! Now answer me: Who dare to summon me here? Whose head do I have to chop off? And who shall I stand together with?”

  Oh Athena, still hasn’t changed much since we st met.

  That silky sliver hair along with those majestic sapphire eyes, the confident and sharp yet cold, composed and charming face, she is, without a doubt, a beauty with a body of a well-fitted and fearless warrior.

  Her clothes haven’t changed that much too: a golden armor body pte with an owl symbol on its chest pte. Pairs with it are a red leather skirt, golden half-greaves and knee-high white combat boots.

  She’s missing her signature golden helmet with plumes on top of it and her [Spear of Infinite] too, but in return, she still has her light gold round shield with the bck rim and her symbol embedded around it.

  To repce [Spear of Infinite], she’s using something called [Cosmic Sword], a legendary weapon with a silvery-white aura known as [Cosmic Energy] covering its bde.

  [Cosmic Sword] is one of, if not the most, powerful items to exist. Instead of expining it, I think it’s best to let her showcase is, and as for why…

  “O Athena, it is I who opened the portal for you to descend into this world. Join me o mighty Athena, become the fearsome warrior of legend and together, we shall bring the world to the end and open up a new, better chapter for it!”

  [Apocalypse Warlord] has made one major mistake: asking her to destroy the world.

  We gods were born with one purpose: protect Earth and watch it grow day by day. Any attempts of using us to bring it down will have consequences, and unfortunately…

  “I see…Then you shall die for your arrogance, woman.”

  That is exactly what [Apocalypse Warlord] is experiencing.

  “Swoosh!”

  Not wasting a second, Athena appears right in front of [Apocalypse Warlord] and delivers a blow to her face. She successfully dodges it, but it’s still not enough.

  “Argh!”

  The impact of the attack creates an invisible force, sending [Apocalypse Warlord] down to the water with just a simple contact to her face. Of course, that’s still not thing compare to what she’s capable of, but it still serves as a strong message to those who bolds enough to challenge her.

  “And you Tiamat, please tell me you have nothing to do with this mess. I don’t want to fight you, not here, not in this condition.”

  Athena asked as she’s pointing her sword at me while giving me a stare. We’re evenly matched, and that’s the worst part. If we went all out, the world is destined to doom.

  Fortunately, I can get out of this situation with no sweat at all.

  “Oh don’t worry lovely dear, I’m not with these idiots. They aren’t worth my time at all. Besides, aren’t their better ways for us to meet each other again?”

  “So we are not enemies?” she asked.

  “Nope, not at all.”

  “Good, then stay out of my way. I have an unwanted business to deal with, and I do not want to have you on the list at all.”

  “Haha, but someone might want to be on that list…” I whispered.

  Waiting for Master to recover and wake up, the Mitsuko girl and I decide to sit back and watch, as another one-sided match is about to begin.