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Chapter 53 - Then

Several months had passed since Riku and his companions arrived in the world of Eryndal, and many events had unfolded during that time. After assisting with the relocation of residents, Makoto received a message from his father regarding an attack planned on the fortresses of Stella and Kanaleon. Without hesitation, Makoto dispatched the forces he had prepared earlier to travel to the Goddess's world to meet his parents. There, he divided his army into two divisions: his father led the Highland Orcs, Elder Dwarves, and several Alke, while his mother commanded the Mistio Lizards, Forest Ogres, and the Ninja units.

As anticipated, thanks to the overwhelming difference in combat strength, they easily overwhelmed Fortress Stella and seized control of Kanaleon from the Demon race within a matter of hours. However, they refrained from killing General Io, who was stationed at Stella, and General Left, who commanded Kanaleon. Makoto's mother sent both generals back to the Demon race's capital using teleportation magic, leaving behind a message stating that Kanaleon was now under their domain. She further declared that Kanaleon would henceforth be a neutral territory, aligning itself with neither the Human race nor the Demon race.

After Makoto's parents returned to Eryndal alongside their troops, they were given a grand welcome by the city's residents. A great feast was then held to celebrate their victory and to welcome the new inhabitants who had recently arrived. The celebration was magnificent, featuring various performances presented by the townspeople—ranging from songs, dances, and musical recitals, to comedy skits performed by Eris and Aqua. Their acts drew waves of laughter from the audience, making the festive atmosphere even livelier.

Following the night's celebration, life in the city returned to its usual daily rhythm. A few days later, the newcomers from the world of No Game No Life: Zero began to adapt fully to their new life. Makoto then made a special appointment: he recruited Riku to serve as the head of the Intelligence Agency, operating under Tomoe's supervision and responsible for managing all information gathered by the Shadows and Ninjas. Riku, who had been determined to repay Makoto's kindness since the very beginning, agreed without a moment's thought. Makoto also appointed Shuvi as Riku's assistant and secretary. Before they assumed their duties, Makoto gave them a special gift: he transformed Shuvi's body into that of a true human.

Shuvi, overwhelmed with joy upon seeing her new form, could not hold back her tears as she thanked Makoto. Riku, equally delighted by Shuvi's transformation, expressed his gratitude to Makoto for everything they had received and vowed to repay his kindness. Although Makoto insisted it was simply a gift and that no repayment was necessary, Riku and Shuvi remained steadfast in their resolve. Seeing he could not dissuade them, Makoto finally agreed, saying that if he ever truly needed help, he would not hesitate to call upon the two of them.

Over the course of a few months, the city—which had previously remained unnamed—finally received a title agreed upon by all its citizens. Since this place marked the beginning of their new lives, they unanimously decided to call it City of Origin. They presented this name to Makoto for formal approval and sought his consent. Agreeing that the name suited the place perfectly, Makoto gave his blessing. From that day onward, the first city of the world of Eryndal was known as the City of Origin.

Makoto also planned an expansion of the city's layout, designing eight main avenues that formed an octagonal shape. At the end of each avenue, eight magnificent towers were constructed, intended to house permanent portals that would connect to other worlds. With the assistance of the Ex-Machina race, who had arrived shortly after Riku, the development of the City of Origin progressed at an unimaginable pace. Thanks to their help, the construction work was completed in a very short time.

Recalling all that had transpired over the past few months, and thinking about how drastically the city had changed before and after its development, Makoto smiled with deep satisfaction. At this moment, he stood before a crystal sphere that radiated a beautiful rainbow light—this object was none other than the Core of the world of Eryndal. He was currently standing within the World Core Dimension, a place accessible only to the Ruler of the World.

"Nueria, how much longer until the process is complete?" Makoto asked.

[Response: The modification process will be completed in approximately 40 minutes.]

"It seems modifying the Core of Eryndal isn't as easy as adjusting the world core I created specifically for you, Nueria," Makoto remarked.

[Response: That is because Eryndal is already a complete and perfect world. Modifying its Core requires significantly more time and energy compared to altering the core of a world that is still empty and unformed.]

"Now that you mention it, you are absolutely right. If I weren't the Ruler of Eryndal, we would never have been able to modify this Core so easily like this," Makoto replied.

Time passed swiftly as Makoto conversed with Nueria.

"Ah, finally finished. Even with your help, Nueria, modifying Eryndal's Core was no simple task," Makoto said, letting out a long breath of relief.

[Response: Congratulations, Master. The Core of Eryndal has now been integrated into the System.]

"With this, we can easily register every living being within Eryndal and allow them to use the System without any limits on the number of users," Makoto stated.

Upon returning from the World Core Dimension, Makoto went back to his residence. Shortly after, Shiki arrived in a great hurry.

"waka-sama! Where have you been?!" Shiki called out loudly.

"What is it, Shiki? Why are you in such a rush?" Makoto asked.

"Waka- sama, the exploration team has reported discovering a mysterious object within the Chaos Dimension," Shiki said seriously.

"What kind of object could make you this serious, Shiki?" Makoto asked, intrigued.

"This is the image captured by Exploration Group Number 3," Shiki replied, projecting the visual before Makoto.

"Group Number 3? If I recall correctly, that group is led by Jibril," Makoto said, remembering the proposal Riku and Shuvi had submitted a month earlier regarding the formation of teams to explore the Chaos Dimension. Their mission was to record the coordinates of any worlds they discovered and conduct investigations upon them.

When the various races from the world of No Game No Life: Zero arrived to visit the City of Origin and learned that Makoto was recruiting members to explore the Chaos Dimension, they flocked to sign up in great numbers.

This was especially true for the Flugel race, driven by their immense curiosity about the unknown; almost all of them volunteered. In addition to the Flugel, many from the Elf and Dwarf races also applied to join the exploration teams.

After conducting interviews and assessments with all applicants, Riku and Shuvi finished organizing ten groups, each consisting of four members. Each group selected their leader through their own methods.

Some chose based on who was the strongest or the smartest, while others selected based on demonstrated leadership qualities. Regardless of the method, as long as the members acknowledged the person as their leader, Riku and Shuvi did not interfere further.

Returning to Makoto:

"What do you think, waka-sama? According to Jibril's report, she sensed an extremely dangerous threat emanating from the object if one were to touch it," Shiki explained.

"Hmm... what plans have you and Riku made regarding this mysterious object?" Makoto asked while looking at the projection of the object, which resembled a spear that had been heavily damaged in battle.

"We haven't made a final decision yet. Currently, we have instructed Team 3 to remain on standby at the discovery site. We are waiting for your further orders, waka-sama," Shiki replied.

"Very well then. I will go and inspect this object myself. Besides, I happen to have some free time right now," Makoto said casually.

After obtaining the exact coordinates from Shiki, Makoto opened a portal leading to Team 3's location. Stepping through, he saw a spacecraft. Its design was similar to the one Tomoe had shown him previously, yet simpler in construction. Unlike the vehicles Makoto had personally designed, the interior—apart from the cockpit—consisted of a large space expanded using magic technology, divided into several sections serving as living quarters and rest areas for the crew. This ship was the creation of Shiki and the Elder Dwarves, built to replicate the vessels Makoto had created earlier.

Although the internal layout was quite different, the essential functions—such as navigating the Chaos Dimension, camouflage capabilities, and onboard weaponry—met the safety standards set by Riku. However, Shiki believed there were still many aspects that could be improved and strengthened for future missions.

"Welcome, Makoto-sama!" Jibril exclaimed joyfully upon seeing him emerge from the portal.

"How are things going, Jibril?" Makoto asked casually.

"I feel more alive than ever before, Makoto-sama! Since arriving in the City of Origin, I have seen and experienced so many new things I never knew existed. Every single day feels absolutely wonderful!" Jibril replied enthusiastically.

"Very well, that's enough chatting. Where exactly is this mysterious object?" Makoto asked.

"It is located not far from here, Master. Let me guide you," Jibril said.

After a short while, Makoto sensed a distinct, malicious energy source just ahead.

"Jibril, is the object in that direction?" Makoto asked, pointing forward.

"Yes, exactly, Makoto-sama," Jibril confirmed.

"You are very fortunate you did not attempt to touch it. From the energy I am sensing, if any living being without sufficient strength were to touch it and become contaminated, they would transform into a mindless monster that would destroy everything in its path," Makoto said gravely.

"Is that truly true, Master?! Thank goodness I didn't try to touch it!" Jibril exclaimed.

"You couldn't feel the energy radiating from it because you were inside the ship. If you had stepped outside or brought that object inside this vessel, I dread to think what would have happened to all of you," Makoto warned.

Jibril and her three team members felt a chill of fear run through them upon hearing Makoto's words.

"You all wait here. I will secure the object," Makoto instructed.

"Please be careful, Master," Jibril and her companions said.

Makoto then flew toward the center of the energy source he had detected. As he drew closer, the intensity of the malicious energy grew stronger and stronger.

"Nueria, have you finished analyzing this energy?" Makoto asked internally.

[Response: This energy is negative in nature and corrupts any living being that becomes contaminated by it.]

"What is the safest and most effective way to secure it?" Makoto inquired.

[Response: Master may use a barrier or a special container made from dimensional walls to isolate the energy completely.]

"In that case, please create a box constructed from dimensional walls," Makoto ordered.

[Response: Creation process 10%... 30%... 50%... 80%... 100%... Complete.]

Makoto then carefully placed the spear-like object inside the box to contain it. Once he was certain the object was fully secured and neutralized, he returned to where Jibril was waiting.

"How is it, Master? Is everything alright?" Jibril asked anxiously.

"Everything is fine now. I am returning to Eryndal. What do you plan to do next?" Makoto asked.

"We intend to continue our exploration mission, master," Jibril replied.

"Very well then. Until we meet again," Makoto said, opening a portal back to Eryndal.

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