"Kairagi?" Hiiragi Chisato's eyes widened, fury blazing across her face.
She was well aware of this vile organization lurking in the shadows of Inazuma's countryside. Ruthless and inhuman, they knew nothing of honor, pillaging villages and leaving only devastation behind.
"Now that Watatsumi Island has a branch of the Tenryou Commission, why didn't you seek help from them earlier? You live so close to Watatsumi Island, after all," Chisato asked, confused.
"My lady, the Kairagi have no fixed hideout," the young man replied bitterly. "They raid and immediately flee; even if the Tenryou Commission forces arrive, the bandits would be long gone."
"…" Chisato fell silent. He was right—given such swift and unpredictable attacks, even the Tenryou Commission couldn't respond immediately.
"Those animals, utterly devoid of humanity!" Chisato cursed angrily.
"…" The surviving villagers stood silent, heads bowed in fear.
"…" Akio quietly stepped forward, surveying the bodies strewn around. He let out a heavy sigh.
"My lord…" Chisato looked at Akio, wanting to say something, but hesitating.
Akio knew exactly what Chisato wished to say, and he sank into thoughtful silence.
At this moment, the young woman from before approached, gently pulling along her little daughter to stand before Akio and Chisato.
"This humble woman thanks the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven and Lady Commissioner for your divine mercy," the young mother said reverently as she dropped to her knees, gently pulling her child down beside her.
"Kneel and thank the gods," the woman whispered softly. Immediately, both mother and daughter bowed deeply to the ground.
"There's no need for this…" Chisato stepped forward to help them rise, but Akio raised a hand, stopping her.
Though confused, Chisato obediently stood aside without further intervention.
"You've suffered greatly because of human cruelty…" Akio looked at the kneeling pair, sighed gently, then crouched down to personally lift them up.
"Great Divine Sovereign…" The young mother was overwhelmed, never imagining she would receive such personal kindness from a god himself—a true honor beyond mortal dreams.
"Divine Sovereign, please… please save my daddy… and save all the uncles and aunties, grandpas and grandmas in the village!" the little girl pleaded tearfully. "Please!"
"Mind your words!" The young mother scolded softly, shocked that her daughter dared to make further demands of the gods after they'd already saved them.
"Forgive her, Divine Sovereign! She's still very young and doesn't know better…" the mother said anxiously, trembling as she gazed up at Akio.
"No harm done…" Akio gently shook his head, smiling kindly as he crouched down to the child's level. "Little one, what's your name?"
The girl wiped her tears and answered shyly, "Divine Sovereign, my name is Asuna…"
"Such a cute name," Akio smiled warmly, ruffling her hair gently. "Then, I'll consider your plea just now as a prayer offered sincerely to the gods."
"And now—I shall grant your wish." Akio snapped his fingers, and immediately, an immense wave of life energy surged out to envelop the entire village. Wounds rapidly healed, and the previously lifeless villagers stirred, groaning faintly in pain.
"Take good care of them," Akio instructed calmly, his gaze sweeping over the astonished crowd.
"This…!" Everyone stared in utter disbelief as villagers who were clearly dead began opening their eyes, coming back to life.
Revival from death itself! Truly a divine miracle!
In an instant, a wave of villagers dropped to their knees, fervently bowing their heads toward Akio.
"Live well. When a god fulfills your wish, one day you'll need to repay it, understood, little Asuna?" Akio smiled gently.
"I… I understand," Asuna replied innocently, not fully grasping what "repaying a wish" meant. Yet she knew clearly that the god before her had granted her heartfelt prayer, and she would faithfully worship him for the rest of her life.
"Very good," Akio affectionately tousled her hair again, then rose to face Chisato. "Chisato, let's go."
Chisato nodded obediently, and the two ascended once more into the sky.
"Great Divine Sovereign!" the villagers continued bowing deeply, their voices filled with reverent gratitude.
"Thank you!" Seeing her husband come back to life not far away, the young mother hugged her daughter tightly, overwhelmed with joy.
At that moment, lightning flashed across the sky. A glowing purple Vision crackling with Electro energy descended from the heavens, gently landing in Asuna's small hands.
"A Vision!" the young mother gasped, eyes widening in amazement.
Then joy replaced her shock. Her daughter had been favored by the gods themselves!
"Praise be to the Great Divine Sovereign!"
"A Vision! Little Asuna has received a Vision!" The surrounding villagers were dumbstruck by the miraculous scene before them.
To ordinary people, receiving a Vision represented an extraordinary, life-changing gift. Vision holders were incredibly rare, guaranteed wealth and status. Even in Inazuma City, very few possessed such divine favor.
Those granted a Vision at such a young age were destined for greatness and incredible power.
"Mommy, is this a Vision?" Asuna held the Vision excitedly, small sparks of lightning dancing playfully around her.
"Now that I have this, will I be able to repay the Great Divine Sovereign someday?" Asuna asked her mother innocently.
"Yes, Asuna! I'm sure you'll be able to!" her mother answered joyfully, shedding tears of happiness. Her daughter's future was now limitless, especially as she was personally favored by the Great Divine Sovereign himself!
…
Akio and Chisato flew silently through the sky, their expressions dark and heavy. The cruelty of these bandits had shaken the very foundations of Inazuma.
"My lord, if such incidents continue…" Chisato began, turning to Akio.
"Living decent lives isn't enough for them—they insist on becoming beasts instead," Akio snorted coldly. "No matter. Since the Tenryou Commission cannot fully track them down, I shall handle it personally."
Instantly, Akio's vast consciousness swept across the entirety of Yashiori Island, effortlessly pinpointing the exact location of the Kairagi hideout.
"Now begins… the hour of judgment."
At Akio's softly spoken words, an enormous black vortex tore open above the group of bandits. Overwhelming Imaginary energy flooded out in a torrent, completely engulfing the Kairagi.
In an instant, the entire group of bandits vanished into ashes, leaving nothing behind.
"It's done. The vermin have been thoroughly exterminated," Akio said coldly. "But the Tenryou Commission still bears undeniable responsibility. When we return, notify Sara immediately. She must greatly strengthen patrols throughout the region."
"Chisato, you have records of all village locations within Inazuma. Once we're back in Inazuma City, pass these locations directly to Sara. Order her to establish Tenryou Commission patrols in each and every village."
"Understood. I'll handle it at once," Chisato replied decisively, nodding seriously.
"Watatsumi Island lies just ahead. Let's descend," Akio said.
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