The God stood before Takeyo, radiating a gentle warmth despite the weight of concern in her expression.
"Don't worry, you're all by my side. I'll adjust the time flow of the universe. It'll take a few days at most."
Takeyo's tone remained steady, though determination flickered in his eyes.
"Even if you insist on this, I won't argue... but take this."
A golden spear materialized in the God's hand, its divine light washing over the space between them.
"The True Longinus, Spear of the Setting Sun. I've infused it with my will. It should sustain itself for several uses."
She extended the holy spear toward Takeyo.
At least this would offer some reassurance. If this weapon stayed at his side, the God could detect whether he encountered danger or if circumstances forced him to unleash the spear's power.
"Come on, we're barely one universe apart," Takeyo said with mild exasperation.
They'd discussed this arrangement extensively. They'd even coordinated strategies for maintaining contact across dimensional boundaries. Yet the God's protective nature remained unwavering.
Was this what "God loves the world" truly meant? Perhaps it simply reflected the God's tendency to worry endlessly.
"Alright, so be it."
After adjusting Takeyo's outfit and checking his appearance one final time, the God finally released a breath she'd been holding.
"I'm leaving now. Won't you give me a parting gift?"
Takeyo's playful smile broke through the tension.
The God blinked in surprise before her expression transformed into something radiant enough to captivate all creation.
"You really are a child who loves being pampered."
She leaned forward gracefully.
The most sacred beings from their respective universes united in a tender moment.
During this period, not only had Ophis and Great Red grown stronger, but the God's power had also increased substantially.
These changes made Takeyo realize something crucial about the God's nature.
She'd always existed in a larval state, hence her perpetual appearance as a young girl. Though beings at their level could easily manipulate their physical forms, the God preferred maintaining her most authentic self.
Catalyzed by her advancement in power, the God's form had evolved from child to maiden.
The most sacred maiden in this universe.
In short... Takeyo thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of subverting the divine.
"By the way, don't bring back a whole group when you return."
Before Takeyo departed, the God issued one final warning.
"Yes, yes." Takeyo couldn't help but smile at her excessive concern.
Should he interpret this as too much confidence in himself, or too little? Did she genuinely believe he'd return trailing a crowd of followers?
"I'll be back in a few days."
With a gentle step forward, Takeyo moved beyond the boundaries of space and time.
"Sha, "
Power transcending temporal and spatial limitations surged through him!
Using the incarnation of the Dwarf Vamana, Takeyo departed the DxD universe.
The boundless expanse of the dimensional void stretched before him. Takeyo exhaled slowly.
Though he'd achieved near-omniscience and omnipotence within the DxD universe, that power resulted from stealing the universe's fundamental essence through the Box Court system and the God-Slaying Spear.
This next step marked his true entry into the infinite multiverse, a moment of vital importance.
His upcoming strategy would determine whether he could progress from one to two.
Once he achieved this transformation, the remaining path would simplify significantly.
However, this first step demanded his personal completion.
Only by accomplishing this step alone could he potentially walk the remaining path from two to infinity with assistance.
"So... let's begin."
Takeyo's body began glowing as the majestic incarnation of the Spirit Fish Matsya manifested behind him!
You are the boat of worlds!
Because of your infinity, your body accumulates worlds as it moves forward!
Because of your sacredness, you bring endless vitality to humanity!
Matsya Incarnation, Original!
Takeyo invoked the Spirit Fish Matsya's incarnation once more!
Specifically, the original incarnation!
Unlike before, when he could only sustain the original form briefly, now he could maintain it for extended periods.
Within his own universe, he could theoretically sustain the original incarnation indefinitely!
"Wooosh, "
Water seemed to splash across the dimensional void as Takeyo transformed into the Spirit Fish Matsya, tumbling through the surrounding cosmos.
After successfully severing the invisible connections linking his universe to others, just like before, Takeyo leaped upward and swallowed the entire DxD universe into his being!
"The coordinates should be approximately... there."
Takeyo's eyes narrowed as he gazed into the depths of endless dimensions.
That was where his contractor awaited...
Since he needed to attempt this step anyway, wouldn't choosing a familiar universe make more sense? This reasoning guided Takeyo's decision.
You are weak,
But your body can stand against the world!
You are short,
But your footsteps transcend the endless!
To reclaim lost worlds and territories,
Noble Dwarf,
Here, make a contract with the world!
Vamana Incarnation, Original!
Another small figure merged with Takeyo's form.
Though seemingly diminutive, it possessed power capable of easily transcending endless dimensions and space-time itself!
Takeyo stepped forward again.
This time, he carried his entire universe with him!
Takeyo needed the incarnation to transport the complete universe.
Because achieving his goal required the DxD universe's power!
Without operating from within his own universe, using the original incarnation to influence other universes imposed strict time limitations beyond the DxD's boundaries.
Therefore, he needed both his own strength and the God's support working in tandem to accomplish his objective.
"Arrived."
Takeyo finally reached his destination universe.
As his body dissolved into countless motes of light, the DxD universe materialized near his target universe.
Then Takeyo released the two original incarnations from his form.
Afterward, a crystalline black figure separated from Takeyo's body.
The figure shared Takeyo's appearance, radiating divinity and wisdom, the kind of presence that captivated at first sight.
This was the Krishna incarnation, whom Takeyo often summoned as his chess opponent.
What Takeyo required now was Krishna's near-omnipotent capability and extraordinary computational power!
It essentially equaled Takeyo's own processing capacity, capable of effortlessly analyzing universal nodes, pulsations, and other fundamental structures!
After exchanging a knowing glance with Takeyo, the Krishna incarnation flew toward a position between the two universes.
Seated cross-legged at the dimensional boundary, the incarnation extended both hands toward each universe. Endless particles and waves exchanged between the two realities as the calculations began.
Simultaneously, within the DxD universe, the final machine Schwi activated her calculation mode!
"The rest is up to me."
Behind Takeyo, another incarnation manifested.
The Enlightened One incarnation!