That space—it was practically where the surface and inner worlds were about to completely overlap.
There was no doubt that this was a consequence of the previous chain of violent events that forcefully linked the two worlds.
If that beam of light were to pierce through that position, what would happen? No one knew, but it was clear it wouldn't be anything good.
Naturally, seeing such a situation, the heroes tasked with protecting the world immediately acted to stop Icarus's ongoing beam attack.
However, from Icarus's back opened countless launch units—countless magic missiles that resembled the modern-day missiles of the surface world soared into the sky. And not only were they guided, but upon impact, they would explode into spheres of magical light, disintegrating anything within into atoms.
Anyone below A-rank hit directly wouldn't even leave ashes. Even A-ranks could only withstand around ten strikes.
As for S-ranks—well, it wasn't clear.
But under such concentrated bombardment, even an S-rank couldn't afford a single mistake. If that beam-spraying dragon caught them with its light, they wouldn't stand a chance. Thus, even the S-rank heroes attacking didn't dare get too close.
Who knew what other bizarre weapons that monster still had up its sleeve?
Looking again, the missile waves already surpassed a hundred thousand—some even contained distorted darkness within. If you got touched by one, it would be a nightmare.
Of course, some S-rank heroes were already preparing forbidden arts or taboo incantations—but they needed time.
"Crack, crack, crack—!"
A sharp fracturing sound rang out, audible even from the battlefield. The massive spatial cracks spreading from the beam's point of impact toward the horizon looked as if the sky itself was about to shatter and collapse.
"No way!"
Gasps of horror spread among the people.
Despair started to take hold. Was this really unstoppable? If it crossed into the surface world, how many casualties would there be?
Sure, the destruction in the inner world right now was terrifying, but the population was sparse and scattered. Plus, the surrounding areas had already been evacuated, so the death toll wasn't as catastrophic as it could've been.
A heavy shadow loomed over everyone's hearts—until, suddenly…
A radiant light—brighter than anything—erupted from the ground toward the sky, enveloping the entire destruction dragon in pure white light.
The light was alive, wrapping around the black miasma-covered body of the destructive dragon. Where the two forces met, violent reactions erupted like fire and water clashing—completely incompatible.
The squirming darkness visibly evaporated.
And when the white light made contact with the dragon's body, it gave off a sound like boiling water being poured over molten metal.
In mere moments, the dark dragon was almost completely swallowed by the white light. Massive clouds of white steam billowed outward. The continuous laser-like beam also flickered due to energy depletion—then vanished altogether.
"This power—"
"Such tremendous purification energy!"
"Who is it?"
"Tch… did that guy finally wake up?"
That guy? Some people seemed to know exactly what was going on.
The scene shifted to a group of heroes—most of them had awakened memories of their past lives and called themselves saviors.
All their eyes focused on a single figure—a boy. Judging by his age, he looked like a high school student, dressed in a standard school uniform.
He wasn't a celebrity. His face wasn't especially beautiful. There were no striking features about him.
Yet despite that, the moment he appeared, everyone's gaze was inexplicably drawn to him.
As if his very being carried weight unlike anyone else. As if he was born to stand out—an overwhelming presence radiated from him.
"You've all done well. And you too, Principal Mari."
The words that came from the boy's mouth were filled with authority—noble and imperious. As if he'd ruled for decades—no, as if he ruled the entire world like an emperor.
"No, this is our duty, Minister Suruga."
The so-called Principal Mari—a stunning blonde beauty—spoke with utmost reverence, bowing so deeply it was practically prostration.
The other saviors affiliated with the Akane Academy followed suit, welcoming him as if receiving a true monarch.
Even those outside the academy who recognized him looked on with deep respect. He was a legend.
And as for this boy who seemed to shine with the same light that had consumed the dark dragon—it was obvious that he was the one who saved the surface world at the last second.
Who was he?
His name was Suruga Andou, one of the six heads of the White Knights Order, and the minister of the Japanese branch. Among all saviors who had awakened memories of their past lives, he was one of the strongest—an SS-ranked Savior.
He bore the sacred title of "Saint of the Far East."
SS-ranked individuals were incredibly rare across the world—figures who stood at the very peak of all heroes.
A living legend.
And he looked only sixteen or seventeen? Could it be that his body was made youthful by his overwhelming power? No—Suruga was truly a teenager. He had become SS-ranked two or three years ago. Just imagine how monstrous his potential was.
At such a young age and with such influence, it was no surprise that countless factions wanted to win his favor. He was a godlike figure whose actions could sway both the inner and surface worlds alike.
A sixteen-year-old SS-ranked being. Could SSS-rank be far off? If he reached that point, he'd truly be like a divine entity.
So, it was easy to understand just how exalted he truly was.
"He seems… kinda amazing?"
"You think? Kana, look around—look at everyone's eyes."
The murmured exchange came from two newly arrived individuals who had somehow ended up near the scene.
One was a girl with bobbed blue hair and matching eyes. Her pale face reflected a calmness that showed she wasn't shaken by his aura in the slightest.
The other was a sharp-eyed black-haired girl with a cool, straightforward presence. She sensed the atmosphere but didn't seem particularly moved by the boy's entrance—her reaction was rather indifferent.
And yet, their quiet remarks seemed to reach the ears of the emperor-like boy. He turned toward them with an amused smile.
Even though they were fifty meters away, a few steps later, he was suddenly just meters in front of them.
"Oh? You two must be new. And quite the beauties, too."
His words sounded a bit flirty, but his tone remained lofty and prideful.
"Alright then. You two are joining the White Knights. Also, tomorrow, we're going on a date."
He declared this casually, arrogantly, without the slightest care for their opinions. It was as if his decision was law.
The two girls frowned.
Especially the black-haired one, who looked ready to snap—her face darkened with clear displeasure. Just as she was about to speak, a powerful, domineering aura surged from the boy, pinning her in place.
She couldn't move. Couldn't even speak.
"Settled then~"
The boy extended both hands toward the girls as if to gently take theirs—like a prince about to bestow a kiss.
But just at that moment—
A figure stepped through the air as if walking through it, inserting themselves right between him and the girls, perfectly breaking his momentum.
(T/N: Fucking finallyyyy, ma boi got his entrance.)