What kind of idiot made this stupid thing?
"I don't believe this is the only way. Even if I have to dig three feet down, I'll do it! Get me a shovel!"
The Frost King commanded; the White Walkers and undead produced ice-crystal weapons.
The weapons transformed into shovels, beginning to excavate downward.
The Frost King mounted his Frost Dragon; if digging failed, they'd have to seek out The Clown, who could cut through anything.
At that moment, a white figure flashed across the sky!
"Angel?"
…
Far north, atop Sacred Mount Snow.
The boundless white snow obscured any discernible structures.
Angel Moon found nothing resembling a treasury. She descended onto the snow-covered peak.
Upon landing, she saw a man shackled in heavy chains.
The chains were studded with sharp spikes, deeply embedded in his flesh, fused with his skin.
His hair and beard were tangled, reaching down to his feet, like some ancient demon.
Seeing the Angel, the man's dull eyes flickered, then revealed decaying teeth. "You've come too…"
Thud!
Before the man could finish, a wing cleaved his head.
Blood spurted; a head plunged into the snowdrift.
Angel Moon flicked blood from her wing and continued forward.
About thirty paces from the man, she found a protruding ice formation.
Beneath it was a seamless wall, adorned with a stone gargoyle head.
As the Angel approached, the gargoyle's eyes glowed red.
"You…"
Boom!
The gargoyle seemed to come alive. As it opened its mouth, the Angel's wing struck it, shattering its head.
The wall crumbled, revealing what lay beyond.
The Angel was about to proceed, but the rubble, seemingly imbued with magical power, reassembled itself, reforming the wall.
The gargoyle reformed as well.
"You…!"
Boom!
Before the gargoyle could speak, the Angel struck it again, shattering it.
But the stone reformed once more. Angel Moon repeated this several times, confirming its endless regeneration, then revealed a white wedding band.
The longing gargoyle was almost suffocated by its desire.
"You… you have the key?"
"Why didn't you say you had the key earlier?!"
"If you had the key, you should have just said so! Why did you attack me?!"
The gargoyle was exasperated. An Angel appeared out of nowhere and started attacking!
The gargoyle had assumed the Angel didn't have the key and was about to mock her for her futile rage.
Now, she had the key, and not only had she attacked, but he had to happily open the door for her.
A completely pointless fight.
However… the ability to shatter the wall indicated the Angel's power reached the Ancient God level.
Best not to provoke her.
The door opened; the Angel entered a vast tunnel.
Angel Moon retracted her wings and proceeded to the tunnel's end, entering a spacious hall.
The hall was dark; a mithril sarcophagus stood in the center.
As the Angel approached, magical wall sconces lit up, casting a golden light.
Click.
Some mechanism activated; a clicking sound echoed.
Simultaneously, the sarcophagus lid slowly opened.
A hand emerged, grasping the mithril edge and pushing it further open.
"How long has it been since someone last entered this place?"
"No, it must be since my death… you are the first."
A muffled voice emanated from the sarcophagus; a figure wearing a white platinum clerical robe and a silver mask emerged.
Upon seeing the Angel, a surprised look flickered beneath the mask.
"Another Heaven-born creature? I expected a human."
"I've been here for a long time… so long I've forgotten what time is. The silence here… a deathly, eternal silence."
"It is a fitting resting place."
"And I deeply hoped someone would break this silence."
"But not you."
With that, the White Mask drew a white cross-shaped sword from a stand, its point directed at the Angel.
"I am one of the founders of the Holy Church; I am the first Pope, Caesar Elgarde, the White Emperor."
"Intruder, state your name."
...
A month later.
The submerged poet, Larter, and Paladin Zane reached Sacred Mount Snow.
Reaching the summit, they first saw a headless, frozen corpse.
Shortly after, they found a head in a nearby snowdrift.
Upon seeing the head, Paladin Zane was startled.
"Duca?"
"Do you know him?"
"Many in the Church knew him. He was an ascetic, guardian of the Atura Treasury for over a thousand years."
"A thousand years?"
"Yes, he was a long-lived earth spirit."
"But that's irrelevant. What matters is that he was a legendary powerhouse."
Hearing Zane, Larter suddenly realized something. "You mean… someone got here before us?"
"I'm afraid so. And that person was incredibly powerful; powerful enough to instantly kill this legendary powerhouse."
"How can you be sure?"
"First, the ascetic Duca was a legendary powerhouse. A battle between legendaries wouldn't leave him unscathed."
"But he has no other wounds. The clean cut on his neck suggests he was decapitated instantly, without time to fight back."
"This…"
"Unbelievable?"
"Honestly, me too."
"Who could instantly kill a legendary powerhouse? Aside from an Ancient God, I can't think of another explanation."
"But an Ancient God on Sacred Mount Snow? Is that possible?"
"The Ancient Gods we know might not be capable, but what about Ancient Gods we don't know?"
Hearing Zane, Larter remembered someone. "More than an Ancient God, I think one of the two who took Jena could have done it."
"You mean the one with the dagger?"
"Yes, him."
"Hmm, that's possible."
"But regardless, this isn't good news. It means someone reached the Treasury before us."
"Let's hope they couldn't get in."
They continued forward, reaching an ice formation.
Before them stood a wall adorned with a gargoyle statue.
The gargoyle, opening its eyes, showed initial fear, then relaxed upon seeing them.
"Uh… do you have the key?"
This gargoyle…
Why does it seem so submissive?
Aren't gargoyles supposed to be aggressive?
Whatever, it's irrelevant.
"We don't have…"
"You don't need it to enter!"
Before Larter could finish, the gargoyle opened the gate.
Larter and Zane stared, dumbfounded. What was happening? They hadn't even presented the Broken King's relic.
"Going in?"
"Isn't that why we're here? If we don't go in, would you be satisfied with just returning?"
"Fine."
They entered the Treasury; the gate didn't close.
Why? Because a month ago, an Angel had kicked the door open, carrying a sack, and swaggered out.
...
Entering the Atura Treasury, they found widespread destruction, as if a great battle had taken place.
Larter stepped forward; numerous magical sconces lay scattered. He picked one up, its light illuminating his path.
"Wait!"
Zane stopped him, shining the light on the ground.
A desiccated, heartless corpse lay there.
Its limbs were scattered; it wore a platinum robe.
A silver mask lay nearby.
"This is what was used to cover the deceased's face during a Pope's burial."
"This corpse… is probably the White Emperor."
Larter's gaze shifted to a severed arm near the sarcophagus, clutching a cross-shaped sword.
"Your Popes were brave, still clutching their sword in death."
Still clutching a sword in death?
Larter swept the light around, feeling a sudden tremor in his arm, as if something was guiding him.
Following this tremor, he moved to the side and saw a black heart.
The black heart resonated with Larter's arm. This had to be the Broken King's heart.
But why was it here?
Larter looked at the corpse. "Perhaps the White Emperor replaced his heart with the Broken King's and remained alive?"
"Then someone invaded the Treasury, awakening the White Emperor. This person was powerful; the White Emperor wasn't a match, and the Broken King's heart was taken."
"That makes sense."
"But why didn't they take the Broken King's heart? Did they disdain it, or was it not their goal?"
"Unclear. Let's search the area."
"Two of the Broken King's ten vital body parts are here. The heart is here, so the left arm should also be present."
"Zane, let's split up and search."
...
After a while, they returned.
"Anything on your side?"
Zane shook his head. "Any records were taken or destroyed."
"I only found two usable items: a large fragment of dragon crystal and a ritualistic tool."
"And you?"
Larter sighed. "Same here. Anything valuable is gone; not even a single coin."
"Did we really come all this way for nothing?"
"Actually… maybe not."
Larter suddenly looked at the White Emperor's corpse. "I have an idea."
Larter produced a necromantic amulet.
"Hey, this is the first Pope's corpse."
"While I despise desecrating the holy dead, we should prioritize the present situation over moral qualms."
"This…"
"Alright, you're right."
Larter approached the corpse and began chanting. Green light flowed into the White Emperor's body; his eyes opened.
"First, did you seal the Broken King's heart within yourself, preventing your death?"
White Emperor: "…Yes."
"Who killed you?"
White Emperor: "A Heaven creature, a Myriad-Winged Angel."
A Myriad-Winged Angel?
Never heard of it.
"Did that Angel take all the treasures?"
White Emperor: "I don't know…"
Three questions down, two chances left.
Larter took a deep breath. "Why… did you seal the Broken King's heart within yourself?"
White Emperor: "To… await the next Pope and convey… the truth of the world, which I spent a thousand years verifying."
One last chance.
Should he ask about this so-called truth?
No.
"Is there a hidden passage or a secret treasury here? If so, where is it?"
White Emperor: "The true treasury is… beneath the sarcophagus."
"As expected."
Larter clenched his fist; the White Emperor's body fell back into place.
"There really was a hidden treasury! I've never heard of it."
"Precisely. If everyone knew, it wouldn't be hidden, would it?"
"Let's do this."
With great effort, they moved the mithril sarcophagus. Beneath it was a dark passage.
They entered, reaching a deeper, hidden treasury.
The space was small, just a corridor with display cases on either side.
Each case was protected by a shimmering barrier.
Seeing the contents, Larter almost shouted. "Incredible! Everything we need is here!"
"The Heaven-defying Sword, and the Broken King's other arm!"
"Let's figure out how to disable the barriers!"
...
In the far north, on a secluded island.
A colossal black tower stood tall, surrounded by the sea. Beneath the tower lay a vast complex of buildings.
This was the renowned gathering place for mages: Moonlight Island.
Moonlight Island housed the continent's highest institution of magical learning: the Cosmic Academy of Magic.
The black tower at the academy's center was the ultimate aspiration for all mages.
The greatest mages of antiquity graduated from that tower.
Ascending the tower wasn't just recognition; it was the ultimate honor.
Few managed to reach the summit in a lifetime, let alone a single lifetime.
The current occupant of the tower's summit was one of humanity's four strongest beings: the High Tower Master, the Academy's director, and the continent's foremost mage.
Professor Starry, Principal Starry, Master of the High Tower—he had many titles.
But these were titles given by outsiders.
Those who knew him personally used only two words:
Supreme One.
The enigmatic Supreme One was currently napping on the tower's summit.
He wore a lavender robe, adorned with intricate star-like patterns.
His silvery hair flowed freely; his white beard was unkempt.
A soft murmur echoed from the top of the tower. Three small Leprechaun, red, blue, and green, fluttered their dragonfly-like wings, circling the Master.
These Leprechaun resembled miniature humans, only palm-sized, with dragonfly wings.
"How long has the Supreme One been asleep?"
"Um… it seems like he's been asleep… always?"
"I remember the last time the Supreme One awoke… it was similar to the time before that."
The three Leprechaun chattered. Suddenly, the sleeping Supreme One awoke.
His eyes opened, revealing a strange gleam.
"Octopus?"
"Supreme One, you're awake?"
"Supreme One, why are you sweating so much? Did you have a bad dream?"
Hearing the Leprechauns' chatter, Principal Starry instinctively touched his forehead. He'd had a nightmare.
As usual, his spirit roamed freely, traversing the cosmos and countless dimensions without constraint.
Or rather, he was daydreaming.
His dream was a typical cosmic expanse, observing the vibrant stories unfolding across diverse worlds.
He'd been watching a flock of lambs, each leaping over obstacles, a peaceful scene.
Just as Principal Starry smiled, a colossal foot descended!
The enormous foot blotted out the sky, crushing everything beautiful into endless stillness!
Principal Starry looked up, seeing a gigantic octopus-like face staring at him!
An unspeakable terror instantly consumed his consciousness!
The creature, with a chin like an octopus's tentacles and a pair of tattered, malformed wings behind it, seemed to be smiling.
It reached out a giant hand, grabbing for Principal Starry!
Principal Starry awoke with a start. He'd dreamed of this; it couldn't be a coincidence.
It was a premonition.
"Everything has its own reason; every omen has its cause and effect. Something terrible is coming."
Principal Starry stood, gazing through the clouds at the distant cosmos.
"Water-Moon Star Shift?"
"Is this change related to the ocean?"
In this world, besides the radiant sun, there were four intensely bright stars, sixteen secondary stars, and three hundred sixty-five visible stars.
The four major stars were the primordial cardinal directions, corresponding to Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire.
Their positions were almost immutable. Any shift indicated a disturbance in the world's fundamental laws!
Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire were the four basic elements that formed the world, interconnected with all things.
All things arose from these elements. Any fundamental change would trigger a terrifying chain reaction.
Principal Starry was not only the continent's greatest mage but also its greatest astrologer.
His astrology was even more powerful than his magic. A change in the primary star would cause secondary stars to also change.
This was celestial guidance. By analyzing the patterns, one could receive the answers conveyed by the stars.
"The Moon-related star is greatly shifting; water draws the moon, indicating an impending tide… not human calamity, but natural disaster."
"The three realms' stars are in disarray; extradimensional beings are erupting. The Ancient God stars are dimming; the light and dark stars are approaching the sun's trajectory; extradimensional beings are coming…"
"It's the Evil God."
"The Lion Star's darkness… the Yaren Empire's collapse; the Northern and Southern Pole stars' darkness… Achilles and Styx are dead?"
"Supreme One, what are you looking at?"
"Hush, don't disturb the Supreme One."
"Ah ah."
...
About half an hour later.
Principal Starry suddenly jolted awake in his chair. "All this… happened a month ago?"
"I've been sleeping too soundly."
"Time is short. But what does the Crimson Moon signify?"
A Leprechaun, hearing the Supreme One's words, suddenly remembered something. "Oh Supreme One, while you slept, the moon turned red one day. It was terrifying!"
Crimson Moon?
"The Crimson Moon returns; the bloodlight approaches. It's tonight, near the Eastern Star Constellation… are they here for me?"
As Principal Starry finished speaking, a blinding crimson light erupted from the moon!
Countless bats swarmed the sky.
"The red moon again!"
"So many bats!"
Two Leprechauns exclaimed, "Supreme One, look…"
Before the Leprechaun could finish, Principal Starry hastily grabbed a small vial and deposited the three Leprechauns inside.
He tossed the vial into the back room, then looked up at the Blood Moon.
"So this is my blood-light tribulation. It came rather unexpectedly."
Principal Starry spoke, as countless bats coalesced into shadowy figures.
The inky blackness emanated from two massive bat wings, folded across their chests like dark robes.
A white-haired man led the group; beside him stood a blonde woman with red eyes.
Alice drew a folded ancient magical artifact from her sleeve; it unfolded into a colossal double-headed scythe.
She swirled the scythe, like a distant gale.
"Gentlemen, ladies, what a lovely moon tonight?"
Alice smiled, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Principal Starry raised his staff; a massive protective barrier sprang up, shielding the academy from the Vampires!
Simultaneously, all the academy's mages mobilized!
The protective barrier only activated when an attack on the academy was imminent!
Countless mages, using flight spells, soared into the air!
Leading them were three men and a woman, their aura exceptionally powerful.
They were the elite mages of the Black Tower, close to legendary status.
Seeing the increasing number of mages, Alice sneered. "Sir, our visitors are unfriendly."
Unfriendly visitors?
"We are the visitors."
Hearing the True Ancestor, Principal Starry sighed. "May I inquire as to why you're attacking the academy?"
"Unprovoked attacks aren't war; this is an invasion."
The True Ancestor chuckled. "It seems your comprehension isn't outdated. Indeed, this is an invasion."
"We've traveled a long distance from another world. Don't be naive enough to think we're here for peaceful coexistence, for a joint interdimensional development towards a brighter future."
Principal Starry shook his head. "Everything has its own order; each world has its own system. Interdimensional invasion is the ultimate imbalance."
"I don't know if you're acting on orders or of your own accord, but you may not realize that invading other dimensions, waging war, and expanding is self-destructive."
"When you invade others, your world will one day become prey."
"That's inevitable."
The so-called karmic retribution.
Unfortunately, that logic doesn't apply to Earth.
Because whoever comes to Earth is merely jumping into Mei's mouth.
They face not a civilization, not a race; they face a black hole, a devourer, an invisible Supreme God!
"Then don't bother yourself."
"Whether celestial gods or mortals, all will be devoured. Because my god… is hungry!"
"And we… will provide the feast!"
...
For nearly a month, the True Ancestor, having gathered sufficient intelligence, began his operation. He wasn't foolish enough to attack directly.
His preparations were complete.
The academy's protective barrier could withstand even Ancient Gods, far beyond 008's capabilities.
Given enough time, he could potentially use the Philosopher's Stone to slowly analyze its composition and principles, dissolving it instantly.
But that required ample time.
These people wouldn't give him that time, so the True Ancestor didn't consider that option.
At a specific moment, a group of mages at the rear split into two; one group attacked the front-line mages, while the other charged towards the High Tower!
Boom!
Chaos erupted; the mages' eyes turned crimson!
"Vampires, you?!"
Slash!
Observing the ensuing pandemonium, the True Ancestor chuckled. "This scene never gets old."
This was a frequently used tactic.
Fortunately, these were mages.
One of the most basic spells was dazzling and rainbow magic, which could alter the refraction of light in the eyes.
It was an insignificant little spell.
But in the hands of Vampires, it was quite interesting.
They could alter their eye color, masking the crimson of their bloodshot eyes.
These were elite mages from the academy; almost everyone knew this basic spell.
But no one had ever considered how to counter it; it was inconsequential.
This convenience served the True Ancestor well.
A single seed could sprout a massive tree in fertile soil.
"I will offer your head to my god, and your knowledge, everything you possess, will become mine."
Nothing in this world is inviolable, including memories and knowledge.
The True Ancestor could extract memories; he could refine a person's abilities.
For example, Achilles. The True Ancestor now knew how to unleash Holy Slash, along with all of Achilles' techniques.
Unfortunately, he lacked glory energy.
That power was inaccessible to him. Even Achilles' source of power had been extracted by the Angel; all that remained beneath his decaying flesh was memory.
However, that memory wasn't entirely useless. For example…
The True Ancestor slowly raised his right hand. The arm disintegrated and reformed, transforming into a crimson longsword!
He raised the transformed longsword; crimson energy erupted from the blade, extending towards the sky!
It coalesced into a massive crimson sword image; the fluctuating energy resembled burning flames, similar in essence to Holy Slash!
"This is a variation of Holy Slash. I replaced the glory energy with blood energy, using the same release method as Holy Slash, adding my own refinements. It's a slashing spell usable only by Vampires."
"Bloodflame Slash."
Seeing this, Principal Starry waved his hand, grounding the incoming Vampires with a gravity spell, then raised his staff.
"Such imbalance… Paladins are meant to defend against evil, though their skills are rather ordinary."
"Their abilities are wielded by impure creatures like Vampires; it is truly ironic."
"That only shows your world lacks imagination." The True Ancestor, wielding Bloodflame Slash, charged!
Simultaneously, five of the island's magical pillars were destroyed!
The protective magical barrier shattered, its immense shield dissipating.
That was the real meaning behind infiltrating the Vampires!
Principal Starry pointed his staff at the ground, then swept it forward in a semicircle; pure crystalline magical energy coalesced on the staff, forming a massive, ethereal sword!
The energy resembled Holy Slash, but the blade wasn't formed of glory energy, but pure magical energy.
"It's not that we lack imagination; we adhere to our own rules. Everything follows its own path; crossing boundaries leads to imbalance, and imbalance brings disaster."
"Enough talk."
The True Ancestor raised his massive Bloodflame Slash and struck!
Principal Starry met the blow with his magical greatsword!
The two colossal slashing energies collided, causing an immediate explosion!
The shockwave shattered the top of the Black Tower!
A terrifying shockwave sent many flying!
When the shockwave subsided, both Principal Starry and the True Ancestor, unscathed, stood in the air.
Alice, behind them, swung her massive double-headed scythe. "Come, finish this battle before the Supreme One concludes his."
"Leave no one alive."
At Alice's command, the horde of Vampires descended upon the rearguard mages!
Alice, however, charged towards Principal Starry from behind, wielding her scythe!
Sensing the air current, a crystalline magical shield instantly appeared on Principal Starry!
The double-headed scythe struck the shield, creating a shower of sparks!
"Not bad, turtle. Your defensive magic is quite effective; tough as glass."
Principal Starry didn't exchange words; his body shifted, his right hand pointing forward with his staff, his left hand pointing backward.
Comet!
Azure magical energy surged into both staff ends; two powerful energy blasts erupted, trailing energy trails!
Boom!
Two comet-like energy spheres sped towards their targets, leaving swirling spiral trails in their wake!
The dual attack was significantly more powerful.
This indicated Principal Starry considered 008 more dangerous.
Alice swiftly dodged, but still took a direct hit!
The energy explosion sent Alice flying over twenty meters!
The energy blast also struck 008!
But 008 intended that; he made no effort to evade.
He had activated the Blood Moon; this attack was insignificant.
He could gradually adapt to the magical energy, understanding it while evolving his resistance!
Thus, Principal Starry faced two opponents, engaged in prolonged combat!
Neither side seemed to notice a colossal figure moving across the ocean, beyond the island.
The water barely reached its knees; with each step, the ocean swayed.
It reached out, lifting a massive stone from the sea.
"May I throw a ball?"
"Do as you please."
...
"Water Dragon King!"
Principal Starry waved his hand; water coalesced into a dragon, instantly encircling him with nine heads, attacking the True Ancestor from all angles!
The True Ancestor smirked, then swiped his hand, condensing blood energy into a crimson dragon!
The dragon circled him, then also split into nine heads!
"I've always said, using the same move twice is foolish. If you keep using the same attack, I'll learn it!"
Was this guy a genius?
He could copy such complex magic after only two viewings?
The blood dragon and water dragon clashed. As Principal Starry continued to unleash various spells, the True Ancestor's arsenal grew.
He seemed to have activated a Sharingan, relentlessly copying Principal Starry's magic!
No matter how many times Principal Starry hit him, he wouldn't die!
Even if he were burned to ashes by a volcanic eruption, he'd survive. This exceeded the limits of a Vampire!
This wasn't a Vampire; this was practically a blood god!
This fight was unsustainable, but…
Swish!
Suddenly, a massive rock hurtled towards Principal Starry!
The rock was the size of a mountain peak and moved faster than Principal Starry's comet magic!
What was that?
Before the Principal could react, the giant rock slammed into his protective shield!
Boom!
A deafening sound echoed; the rock shattered, and numerous cracks appeared on Principal Starry's shield!
"What…?"
An unknown rock with nearly legendary magical power?
Was this a joke? Did an Ancient God throw that rock?
And that was only because the rock wasn't hard enough. What if it were a dragon crystal? Wouldn't it shatter Principal Starry's shield in one hit?
Where did that rock come from?
...
On the distant sea.
Hydra observed the situation. "Hit! Good!"
"Though I don't know what's good about it, hitting is good."
"But… it doesn't seem to have done much…"
Hydra spoke; in the distance, Principal Starry's eyes widened, then he spat blood and fell!
"Huh?"
"So it did work?"
It wasn't the rock's effect; it was a far more potent, unseen attack.
A spirit attack.
At that moment, Principal Starry's vision darkened; a massive octopus face appeared before him!
A terrifying spirit wave erupted from its eyes!
That 5th Step spirit power struck Principal Starry, who had no spirit defenses, delivering a fatal blow and nearly causing a spirit collapse!
This was, of course, Chino's doing.
Chino had evolved to 5th Step, but his physical form hadn't changed significantly.
At least physically, the Angel's 5th Step form was far superior.
However, Chino's spirit power had undergone an extreme enhancement, a qualitative change!
He had become the first spirit-type 5th Step!
His spirit attack capabilities reached unprecedented heights!
Unlike Siren's mental control, Chino's spirit attacks ignored distance and were impossible to defend against in lower dimensions!
With a single thought, he could kill any being below 4th Step.
Killing a 4th Step wasn't impossible, but an instant kill was unlikely; 4th Steps were comprehensively evolved.
This world's inhabitants, while not physically strong, possessed decent spirit strength, comparable to some 4th Steps.
Even so, the spirit damage Chino inflicted was still terrifying!
Chino's lack of appearances was because he didn't need to appear.
His life level was approaching that of the Great Old One, Cthulhu, a mythical creature of the Deep Sea.
He might even already be one.
Hydra looked towards the True Ancestor. "That silver-haired man is on our side. Why didn't you help him?"
"He wants to kill me."
"Why?"
"No reason."
"He wants to kill you… but he can't defeat you, right?"
"Not necessarily. Don't underestimate any being. The series itself represents infinite possibilities. Today a mere ant; tomorrow, it could be a giant that pierces the heavens."
"Today I suppress him; tomorrow, the situation could reverse."
Hydra nodded. Whether she understood or not, whether it made sense or not, nodding was sufficient.
"By the way, why isn't your brother here?"
"Sh…"
"Huh?"
"Why aren't you talking?"
"I said nothing. You misheard."
"Stop acting, Chino. The city is full of police; you can't keep this up." Hydra teased.
"Have you heard about the white rabbit pulling out radishes? Shyly, shyly, pulling them out…"
"…"
Silence.
Quiet.
Silence was the strongest defense.
"Hey?"
"Why is there no sound? Bad connection?"
Hydra called out. From the deep sea, Chino's voice echoed again.
"According to Lord Aurora, this world's 5th Step powerhouses are not to be underestimated. The reasoning…should be…"
"That's a rather abrupt change of subject."
Hydra stood on the sea's surface, unaware of a cargo ship passing in the distance.
The sailors aboard heard Hydra's words, echoing across the ocean!
"It's the whispers of the Ancient Gods! Hahaha, I heard the Ancient Gods whispering!"
"What maddening language! Incomprehensible, indescribably complex!"
"Even repeating it once felt like a mental contamination!"
"It's a completely different linguistic structure; a complexity never seen in human history. It can only be the language of the Ancient Gods!!"
"Hahaha, I want to become a god! I want to become a god! I've received divine guidance!"
"I think you're going to experience godhood."
"He's gone mad! The captain is doing a shoe dance on the deck!"
"What twisted fate brought me together with you lunatics on this ship? This isn't a Siren's song! Stop your madness!"
A sailor knocked over the man beside him; in the distance, a merfolk—or perhaps a siren—appeared on the rocks.
"Ugh…"
"I'm fainting!"
The sailor collapsed.
Hydra, witnessing the scene, slowly approached, gently lifting the tiny creature with a fingertip.
007 Siren fell silent.
"Who?"
Hydra held her in her palm. "So cute. So small, I could barely see you."