Evilness, the all-consuming power that holds sway over life and death.

Chapter 20: Nightmares in the night, the calm after the storm.

Under the starlit sky, on a rooftop balcony, two mysterious figures share a clandestine meeting. Lucifer, his aura as dark as the night, raises a glass of wine as he contemplates the dazzling city lights below. Beside him stands Darkness, a shadowy figure exuding an air of knowledge and secrecy. "So, your primary form still lingers by his side. Tell me, who truly plays a part in this game of lies and truths that you have unraveled?" Lucifer questions, his voice filled with intrigue.

Darkness gazes into the distance, pondering the forces at play. "All entities aware of the risks involved in this tantalizing experiment. Your father, his loyal subjects, yourself, and him. However, the two enigmatic beings you speak of remain a mystery. Thus far, no evidence suggests they possess any form of consciousness. And yet, you align yourself with them. Do you not?"

Lucifer's response is shrouded in contemplation. "Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Though I am not one of them, I may be something akin to them. My brothers, they trust me without question. Bound together since the dawn of time, despite our true natures, this bond is sacred to us. I comprehend the essence of mortal connections, forged through unconditional trust and loyalty."

Darkness expressed, "We all have a fear of the end, including myself. But what do the unique beings fear? They are the only ones who cannot die, only lose themselves."

Lucifer replied, "I was present at the beginning. When I opened my eyes, I was the first, alone. Only he was beside me; my brothers had not even awakened yet. We were numerous, almost infinite. Then, in the blink of an eye, our father destroyed them all, except for me. He did not do it intentionally; his power was uncontrollable, and he was very young. I was like a baby, but he was hardly more than a child. That is what terrifies me – true omnipotence, a gift and curse in itself."

Darkness commented, "The uniques are what they are, unable to avoid it. They represent true eternity."

Lucifer responded, "And now we engage in this game, where beings that exist can vanish in the blink of an eye, including myself. But you, like Gabriel, will carry out what 'YOUR' father desires, even if it means your own erasure."

Darkness acknowledged, "Indeed. It is possible the other two may not appear. How long did it take you to find my father? How long was he unaware of his own existence?"

Lucifer sighed, "Eternities. I have been waiting, never expecting a myth to actually exist. I will play my role. Is the reward I was promised still on the table?"

Darkness assured, "In the end, you are a necessity, and all your imitations. So, of course, if we succeed, the promised reward is yours, and even your brothers will be rewarded."

Lucifer concluded, "Then let us ensure our success. One last question: How profound is the dream?"

Darkness replied, "Very deep. He is as we anticipated. Everything has unfolded as it should."

Lucifer nodded, "Perfect."

The mysterious silhouette vanished into the cloak of night, leaving Lucifer to ponder in solitude on the rooftop balcony. Moments passed before one of his brothers, Asmodeus, approached him while he was lost in contemplation, enjoying a drink in hand. Asmodeus posed a question, "Is he truly on our side out of self-interest, or should we view him with caution?"

Lucifer replied with a knowing glint in his eye, "He is akin to us, driven by his own desires. He is neither ally nor friend, but a potential threat that we must handle. Tell me, Asmo, have you ever felt the vulnerability of being the victim?"

Asmodeus paused, reflecting, "It is a curious sensation, delving into the depths of human emotion. I can sense their desires, their agonies, their fears. In my previous existence, I merely observed them, but now I inhabit their world. I can perceive their joys and their nightmares, glimpsing their very souls through the windows of their eyes.

Lucifer's voice was a dark symphony, resonating through the shadows as he spoke to Asmodeus. "You now stand closer to me than the others, still clinging to the illusion of invincibility. Even Leviathan, who once basked in the flames, take it like a joke, at least they learn what is fear."

Asmodeus questioned, "But why was it necessary to forsake our godlike status? I reveled in the power."

Lucifer's eyes glinted with ancient wisdom. "We needed to taste vulnerability to grasp the essence of our existence. Despite belonging to a generation that witnessed no disappearances, you comprehend this truth better than most."

Asmodeus ponders, "In the age of primordial beginnings, what was it like? How many of our kind faded into oblivion, leaving scars on the oldest of beings?"

Lucifer's voice softened, recalling a time veiled in mystery. "I vividly recall the first vanishing, a fleeting moment that stretched into eternity. I couldn't fathom why she dissolved, unlike the others. It was then I realized my distinct nature and the boundless potential of my power. I believed I could create as our father once did."

Asmodeus acknowledged, "And that is why we stand by your side, following your lead."

Lucifer corrected gently, "No, Asmo. You are my brothers not because you follow, but because without you, my existence is incomplete."

A faint whisper enveloped Asmodeus, "We only exist when others exist to acknowledge it."

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The caravan meandered through the landscape, guided by a quartet of sturdy trucks transporting the precious cargo known as "vital energy liquid." Our journey to the city was uneventful, yet we remained ever watchful, keenly attuned to our surroundings. At the outset, a flicker of movement on the horizon caught our attention, only to fade into obscurity. As we reached our destination, the city buzzed with ceaseless activity, each inhabitant deeply engrossed in their own endeavors. My mother and Frenia stood at the city gates, their eyes brimming with tears of joy as they enveloped us in a warm embrace.

The vast group of thousands souls was divided into makeshift homes , where the city's orphans found solace amidst their newfound companions. Soldiers, many of whom were volunteers with families of their own, were tasked with caring for these young ones. In the heart of the city stood the grand castle, where the royal family awaited our arrival. Meanwhile, the rest of our company dispersed throughout the bustling market, eager to offer aid and contribute to the community's well-being. The trucks bearing the vital energy liquid were escorted to the castle, where the liquid was revered as a divine bestowal, leaving a lingering sense of loss in its wake. Though most of us felt Sisi's spectral presence by our side, it seemed that he had taken a liking to Brayan's family, albeit with a lingering wariness of Frenia. His reasons for this caution remained a mystery to us all.

Alidia with confidence and wondering in her voice mention, "A serene calm has settled upon us since the beasts were defeated. The enigmatic figures that once haunted our streets have vanished without a trace, melting into the air like whispers in the wind." Frenia chimed in, "While we braced ourselves for another attack, it's clear that most have found solace in rebuilding. The city hums with activity as businesses spring back to life, and the pier stands proud, untouched boats bobbing gently in the harbor as if spared by some unseen force." Intrigued, Leonidas pondered, "How can this be?" Luyira mused, "The boats, sturdy metal vessels, resilient against the chaos. A mystery indeed." Alidia shared, "Our thorough search revealed a city devoid of bodies and blood, save for the scars of battle. Shelters and homes untouched by conflict stand tall, a testament to our resilience. With no graves to tend to, we contemplate a tribute, a landmark to honor those who fought valiantly." Leonidas nodded in agreement, "A memorial, a token to remember the brave souls lost." Luyira proposed, "Perhaps a grand monument at the castle's gates, a towering wooden obelisk as a beacon of remembrance." Trepidation in my voice, I posed the question, "And our comrades?" Alidia's voice was a soothing balm, "Fear not, our friends are safe. The stalwart hunters of our time—Carlos, Sakura, Francisco, Lizzie, all are well. Rest easy, my dear." Relief flooded through me as I learned that our companions were unharmed. Frenia illuminated how some had embraced their new reality, though the ache of missing loved ones lingered for many."

Alidia commented, "Everything has been calm since the beasts were taken down. The mysterious men who appeared vanished without a trace; they disappeared into thin air and haven't been seen since."

Frenia added, "Even though we were preparing the city for another assault, as you can see, most people are already occupied with something. Many are trying to restart businesses, and the pier is operational. Some boats remain there, undamaged, as if they were spared."

Leonidas asked, "How is that possible?"

Luyira responded, "Do you mean the boats? They're made of metal and can withstand some damage. Still, it's strange that they weren't touched."

Alidia continued, "We checked the entire city. There are no bodies or blood, except in the places where we fought. Shelters and other buildings that weren't battlegrounds were clean and organized. The children don't have bodies to mourn over, so we're considering creating a landmark to honor those who fell in the battle."

Leonidas agreed, "Yes, that's a good idea. It will help us remember the fallen."

Luyira suggested, "We could make a large monument at the castle's entrance, like a big wooden obelisk."

I hesitated but asked, "I'm afraid to ask this, but our friends?"

Alidia reassured me, "Everyone is safe. Most of the hunters from your generation are healthy—Carlos, Sakura, Francisco, Lizzie, everyone. So don't worry, my love."

I felt relieved knowing that all our friends were safe and sound. Frenia explained how some people had already adapted to their new lives here, even though some missed their parents or siblings.

In the ruins of a once bustling city, now ravaged by monsters, people moved about with purpose, working together to rebuild what was lost. The remnants of grand structures stood as silent witnesses to the devastation, but amidst the rubble, there was life. People were helping each other, carrying materials, treating the wounded, and distributing food. The air was filled with the sounds of construction and chatter, a testament to the resilience and determination of those who remained.

Ninaies walked alongside the others, observing the scene around her. "We were on the run, so we didn't notice how big and beautiful this city was," she remarked, her voice tinged with melancholy. "So many stories happened in this place. It's kinda sad, and at the same time, I can see so many people, all were soldiers."

Rina looked around with wide-eyed wonder. "It is fantastic," she said, marveling at the size and complexity of the city.

Aido, walking a bit ahead, glanced back at them. "You guys adapt and keep going pretty well," he observed, impressed by their resilience.

Ninaies nodded, a determined look on her face. "Of course, we are the hunters. We adapt, we survive, and we win. That is our way."

Rina smiled, her enthusiasm shining through. "I like this city. It is so big, and there are many places to play."

Leonidas, a seasoned warrior, joined the conversation, his tone serious. "We are used to losses, I feel, even more than humans."

Aido sighed, reflecting on the past. "Humanity has suffered a lot in the last centuries, but we never lost someone from hunger or sickness. Until now, I didn't realize how fortunate that was."

Alidia, with a knowing smile, pointed towards Ninaies. "I assumed the blond girl was Ninaies Hernandez. She is like her mom, a beauty. But the other girl that is beside her..."

Luyira, ever sharp, nodded. "You are sharp like always, yah. He has wooed both, and Destroyer said, 'Let's build a harem of goddesses.'"

Destroyer, somewhat defensive, interjected. "I never said 'build.'"

Alidia smirked, not letting him off the hook. "Ah, but you admit he is doing a harem."

Destroyer, unable to deny it, conceded. "He is doing a harem, and you are also one of them."

Leonidas looked thoughtful, listing the names. "So Aido's partners are Luyira, my Nina, Rina, Alidia... Frenia?"

Frenia, who had been listening in, laughed. "I am not on the list. It's my sister Mary, hahaha, but maybe I can enter."

Luyira and Ninaies quickly responded in unison, "NO!"

Chimara, observing the dynamic, chuckled. "It seems the wives have to approve the new additions. That's not different from the tribe customs."

Frenia, amused, addressed Chimara and Leonidas. "So you are the kitties that climb my wall from time to time. You're cuter than I expected."

Leonidas, caught off guard, admitted, "We had to. You were aware of us?"

Frenia nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "I never understood the fear some people have of demi-humans. But in my wall, no one would have done anything to you. We were aware and let you. It was dangerous enough to travel in the arid zone for your people, no need to add more problems."

As they continued to walk through the ruins, the group found a strange comfort in each other's company. Despite the destruction around them, they were bound together by their shared experiences and hopes for the future. The city, once grand and now a shadow of its former self, would rise again, built by the hands of those who survived and remembered. And in this new chapter, they would forge a path forward, guided by the lessons of the past and the bonds they had formed.

As they approached the center of the city, the scene grew more bustling and organized. The remains of a grand castle stood tall, now repurposed into a hub of activity. Soldiers, machines, and workers moved with purpose, their efforts focused on rebuilding and fortifying. The castle, more like a large guild or institute, served as the headquarters for the hunters and the city's management. Despite the recent devastation, a sense of hope and determination permeated the air.

Leonidas, walking alongside the others, spoke up. "Thanks to the gods, you are kind and good people."

Frenia, with a wry smile, responded confidently, "I know, I am a goddess after all."

Rina, curious as always, interjected, "I thought that was Luyira?"

Alidia clarified, "She is a Retter Messiah, known as The Warrior. She's kind of venerated by hunters and is the commander of the wall."

Luyira, with a humble smile, added, "Frenia is a kind person, but she is more a warrior than a saint like us."

Leonidas, ever pragmatic, steered the conversation to more pressing matters. "I would like to talk about what we are going to do next, but first, we have to deal with the important matter."

His words brought a solemn reminder of the recent tragedy. Just days ago, over 30,000 people had been lost. The weight of that number hung heavily, casting a shadow over the present moment of rebuilding and recovery. Despite the sorrow, Aido couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief and happiness at having found Ninaies and knowing that his people were safe. It was a conflicting mix of emotions—grief for the lost and gratitude for the survivors.

As they approached the entrance of the castle-guild, they saw Sakura waiting. The moment she spotted Aido, she ran towards him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face.

Sakura sobbed, "You idiot, you stupid, you crazy! I missed you. I was afraid you wouldn't come back."

Aido, touched by her concern, simply replied, "Hey."

Sakura then turned her attention to Luyira, leaping into her arms. Luyira caught her and held her close as Sakura peppered her face with kisses, carefully avoiding her lips out of respect or perhaps a personal choice.

"I was afraid you wouldn't come back," Sakura confessed, her voice choked with emotion.

Luyira gently stroked her hair. "I know. I'm sorry. But we came back, as you see. I love you."

"I love you too," Sakura whispered, holding on tightly.

Carlos, standing nearby with a welcoming smile, gave Aido a knowing look. "Welcome back, bro. Seems you've brought company this time."

Aido nodded, feeling a warm sense of homecoming. "It's good to be back. I have things to tell, and it seems I have things to hear, too."

Carlos gestured toward the building. "The rest of the team is waiting inside, and someone else, too."

"Someone else?" Aido asked, curious.

As they entered the building, the organized chaos of recovery efforts surrounded them. People were coordinating supplies, reestablishing communication lines, and dispatching hunters to scout the city's perimeter. Builders were being brought in from the wall to aid in the reconstruction. The urgency to repair and fortify the city was palpable, especially with the looming threat of the monster nests in the north.

Carlos led them through the bustling hallways, explaining the situation. "We've been working nonstop to prepare everything since we knew you were coming back. We need to talk about our next steps."

Sakura chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "We need you, Aido. Now we can fight without fear. You can lead us and defeat those monsters. Luyira has surprises that everyone needs to discuss, including the dragon-like creatures she brought with her."

The mention of these creatures piqued everyone's curiosity. As they approached the main hall, the anticipation of what lay ahead mingled with the somber remembrance of their losses. The group knew they stood on the cusp of a crucial turning point, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.

As they entered the grand hall, the sheer scale of the room was awe-inspiring. The ceiling stretched high above, almost touching the sky, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to tell stories of ancient times. The walls were lined with military-grade equipment, showcasing the latest in technology and weaponry. Large screens displayed live feeds and maps, while documents pinned to the walls provided detailed plans and intelligence reports. The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension that hung over the group as they made their way to the large round table at the center of the room.

The importance of this meeting was clear to everyone present. This was not just a gathering of allies but a crucial discussion that would shape the future. Emotions ran high as the weight of recent events and the responsibilities they now bore settled in. The devastation wrought by the monsters, the loss of countless lives, and the hope ignited by recent victories all converged in this space. They were at a crossroads, and the decisions made here would have far-reaching consequences.

As Sakura and Carlos opened the doors to the meeting hall, the room fell silent. Inside, the table was surrounded by key figures, each absorbed in their thoughts or discussions. Arthur stood at the far end, a stern expression on his face, while others examined the monitors and documents. One figure, however, stood out—Mary, with fiery eyes, glaring at Aido. The moment she saw him, she broke into a run, leaping into his arms. She clung to him, her voice breaking with emotion as she cried out his name.

"Aido, Aido, Aido!"

Aido felt the depth of her sadness and longing. Her embrace was desperate, a release of all the pent-up emotions she'd held back. He couldn't be angry at her; seeing her tears melted his heart. As she held his face in her hands and kissed him, he returned the kiss without hesitation, forgetting for a moment the room full of people watching.

Luyira, gently reminded them, "Hey, we're in public, you know? We can do this later, in private."

Sakura, smirking, added, "Seems someone else is in the list too."

Luyira nodded, acknowledging the situation. "I know, we've talked about it. Things are beyond our understanding. It's difficult, so I'll leave it to the smart people."

Mary pulled back slightly, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and relief. "You... I was so sad, I couldn't do anything. You idiot, I was so sad and angry, but I love you too much. I missed you so much; you made me suffer."

Aido held her close, whispering softly, "I'm sorry. I couldn't contact you. I'm sorry. I love you, I love you."

Rina, observing the scene with a knowing look, quipped, "It's obvious who the fifth one is."

Ninaies, with a soft smile, remarked, "She's an angel."

Leonidas, reflecting on the situation, spoke with a hint of awe, "The saint... my dear, she is one of the most important beings in this world. Life is strange; now, in front of gods, when we lived in poverty."

Aido, sensing the gravity of the moment, addressed the room. "We have something very important to discuss, but before we begin, is everyone here?"

Arthur stepped forward, his voice steady and authoritative. "Everyone that needs to be. I feel secrets won't be helpful after what we've seen. Luyira has basically become a force capable of doing what an army of 30,000 couldn't. News is spreading—radios and televisions are in chaos, discussing the tragedy but also the hope of the goddess in crimson awakening. People expect a lot from all of you."

Destroyer chimed in, acknowledging the pressure. "It's logical. The savior was to take over the nest that has plagued their lives for centuries. Many were ready to sacrifice their lives, feeling useless in the end, only to be surprised in their darkest hour by a goddess descending to help them. It's like a fairy tale. They're happy, they're sad, they're full of emotion. They're confused, but at the same time, the news spreads. More people are looking for salvation and hope for the future."

Frenia, with a calm and thoughtful demeanor, added, "That's true. We are the guardians of humanity. We protect them; they worship us. It's natural they expect us to protect them, not because we're better, but because we have a duty. We're the same; we were created as saviors, but now we're guardians. The destiny of humanity is in our hands. The gods aren't here; we're the closest they have. Retters and humans live in a symbiosis, complementing each other. But if we fail to protect humanity, that would never happen."

The room fell silent, the gravity of Frenia's words hanging in the air. Everyone knew the stakes were higher than ever. This was a pivotal moment, and the choices they made would determine the fate of not just the city but potentially the entire world. As they prepared to discuss their next steps, the weight of responsibility settled on their shoulders, and the hall echoed with the unspoken resolve of those ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Arthur ensured everyone's attention was focused, the atmosphere in the meeting room shifted to one of seriousness and concentration. The large round table became the focal point, with documents and monitors detailing various reports and strategies. The room's vastness, high ceiling, and military-grade equipment underscored the gravity of the discussion. The weight of their responsibilities hung in the air, as they prepared to tackle the myriad issues at hand: mutated beasts, monstrous threats, and unknown enemies.

Arthur began, "Here is a report summarizing the events. After consulting several sources, let me read it aloud so we can discuss it."

He unfolded the report and started reading. "When the army was engaging in battle with a swarm of thousands of mutated beasts rank 1 and a Titanic Beast known as an Armadantoise, a giant cannon appeared from nowhere and blasted the invincible monster along with some mountains. The savior was missing in battle due to the intervention of four individuals with powers similar to the Retter Messiah. They vanished when Luyira, the Crimson Goddess, released her energy, manifesting numerous appendages that covered the battlefield. These appendages formed weapons, mechanical hands, and containers capable of healing people on the verge of death. The full extent of her powers is unknown, but she is classified as our savior."

Arthur continued, "The report goes on to say that the army is being reorganized, new troops are arriving from the capital, and the survivors are en route to the city. Hunters are being recalled from other cities, and we await your decision. If we go on the offensive, we could potentially destroy all the nests in the north, thanks to information about their locations and weaknesses."

Aido spoke up, "I think it's our best option. We should clean out the nests and recover as much technology as we can. We've learned that someone has tampered with the nests, which were originally meant to preserve life on Earth, turning them into weapons against humans and demi-humans."

Luyira added, a bit uncertain, "I still don't fully understand how I do what I do, but I can still manifest some of those... tentacles. That sounds so wrong. Let's call them what Destroyer said, Nanomachines."

Ninaies nodded, "Well, I understand avoiding that name. Maybe 'divine arts'?"

Destroyer chimed in, "People used to call them Nanites, magic, extensions."

Aido, with a slight smile, remarked, "I like tentacles; it's simple, but magic works too."

Luyira, agreeing, said, "Then it's settled. We'll call them tentacles."

Mary, confused, interjected, "What are you talking about? Who tampered with the nests?"

Aido explained, "It's a long story. The original nests were designed to preserve life and maintain the planet's health. They were machines with nanomachines that could heal, create food, and repair the planet. But then someone used them to create weapons and attempt to control the world. After that, the nests became monsters and started killing people."

Frenia, pondering the information, asked, "So the nests' original purpose was to help people. Are they related to us, the Retter Messiah?"

Destroyer answered, "Only in their mission. The technology is actually inferior. A Retter is almost a miracle. We might learn something if we can find the nests' information and databases."

Arthur brought the conversation back to the immediate plan, "Then, we need to locate the nests and decide our next move. There's a chance we can destroy them all, but we can't let our guard down. I know our forces are superior, but we need to be cautious. Thanks to Alejandro, most of the small and medium nests in the north are registered here. As you can see, there are around 47, besides the main nest in New York. We sent one ship to scout the main nest this morning, and we expect a report within the week, if everything goes well."

Aido outlined the plan, "The plan is to send troops to eliminate all the small nests and concentrate our main forces on the main nest. The army can support us with their artillery."

Arthur nodded in agreement, "Exactly. It's the best way to use our strengths. The army has the firepower to deal with the monsters in the nests, but you—the goddesses, demi-humans, and hunters—have the unique abilities needed to destroy the cores if the nests are like before."

Frenia leaned forward, her expression determined. "Now you're talking. First, let's clean up the small nests. They're spread out from the main nest, likely positioned to call reinforcements if there's an invasion."

Alidia nodded in agreement. "I agree with Frenia. If we attack the main nest directly, they could flank us from behind. We need to secure the perimeter first."

Ninaies added, "I'm on the same page as Alidia. It's the best choice. I can deploy my people to scout the locations and report back."

Arthur spoke up, his tone authoritative. "Then let's organize the parties. I have an idea that may or may not be popular, but I believe the civilians should stay in the city. They're at risk if they travel with us."

Aido nodded, his expression grave. "I agree. We've already lost too many civilians."

Leonidas chimed in, looking thoughtful. "I was surprised by the power of the Retter and the savior. Having witnessed a battle between an army of 20,000 and a swarm of beasts, I feel the civilians are more a liability than a help. Even I feel useful only to an extent. We would prefer that the non-combatant demi-humans remain in the city, under protection, while the combatants can be utilized as needed."

Arthur turned to Leonidas with a respectful nod. "My apologies for the late introduction. I am Arthur Lux Pendragon, King of the Empire."

Leonidas responded in kind. "Leonidas, leader of the demi-human alliance and chieftain of the tribes. Beside me are my wife Chimara and my daughter Ninaies, but I believe you were already aware of that."

Arthur smiled slightly. "Our intelligence mentioned most of your details. We are grateful for the assistance of the demi-humans. I'd like to discuss our future relationship."

Leonidas replied, "It would be our pleasure."

Arthur continued, "To begin, I've enacted a law across the Empire ensuring that demi-humans are treated as equals. This includes the right to trade, work, and enjoy the same benefits as humans. Of course, this also means respecting our laws and traditions. For now, I can only assure you that our towns in America will be informed of this soon. Most hunters are accustomed to working with demi-humans, except perhaps in the more remote towns."

The demi-humans around the table exchanged surprised and pleased glances, including Rina and Ninaies.

Ninaies expressed her surprise. "This is really unexpected. It's good to know humans can change. The world needs to progress, and we can help if we're given a place. All we ask for is a peaceful home."

Arthur nodded, understanding. "We're working on it. There are details to iron out within the Empire, but as far as my power extends, we'll strive to bring peace. Some people still associate demi-human appearances with Mutated Beasts, so it won't be easy to change that perception in remote areas where they rarely see demi-humans."

Destroyer added thoughtfully, "Humans are curious beings. They can learn and forget, learn and remember, but most importantly, they can learn and choose to ignore."

Carlos chimed in with an idea. "Since hunters are already working with demi-humans, perhaps we could make demi-humans hunters as well. We could use the hunters we already have to recruit and train demi-humans, offering them the benefits of the Empire."

Mary agreed, "That's a great idea. I'm sure many demi-humans would love the opportunity. There are many without homes who would gladly fight to protect a town."

Leonidas nodded, considering the proposal. "I'm not opposed to the idea, but any demi-humans fighting for a city must prove they can keep their families there safe. That's my only condition. Everyone knows there are not hunger in human territories, "

Arthur acknowledged the concern. "Understood. We'll send you the paperwork soon. We'll need to determine which demi-humans are fit to join the hunters, but I believe most are capable fighters."

Leonidas explained further, "Most can fight, but only a few are truly skilled. As Aido noted, we're more accustomed to fleeing and only fight when we have no other option."

Aido interjected, "I think the demi-humans will grow stronger after we eliminate the main nest. Even those without a natural affinity will likely improve. It's a win-win situation, but we must consider the other humans who aren't aware of these developments."

Mary added, "Most towns have at least one TV, so radio and TV broadcasts should reach them. The androids in the capital are working on figuring out how the enemy jammed our communications."

Aido concluded with a grave tone, "The mysterious enemy that appears to be human."

Alidia furrowed her brow, her voice carrying a hint of unease. "Four individuals... They separated us with unsettling ease and then vanished without a trace. There's something profoundly strange about all of this."

Destroyer, with his deep and resonant voice, added, "They felt akin to me, yet not entirely. There was a powerful presence about them—something that resonated with our own, but with a distinct divergence. I am certain these are no ordinary humans."

Luyira's eyes narrowed, her words dripping with disdain. "Then we must hunt them down and eradicate them. Their existence is an abomination. I won’t tolerate it."

Despite the calm in Luyira's tone, the intensity behind her words was palpable. She had mastered her emotions since their last encounter, but the sheer force of her gaze caused a noticeable tension among the group. Whatever she had experienced, it had left an indelible mark on her.

Destroyer interjected with a measured tone, "Even so, I propose we focus on what is within our grasp. The nests are still our foremost concern, and the intelligence we've gathered is invaluable. The only change to our plan is what Arthur has already initiated."

Mary nodded, her voice soft but resolute. "Arthur was right to be cautious. I was in the capital, consumed by worry, when he told me to fly to Star City and stay close to Alidia and Frenia. He feared the enemy might strike while I was isolated."

Alidia's gaze softened as she spoke. "You were lucky, Mary. I was beside myself with concern, thinking you were safe in the capital, only to realize you could have been a target. I nearly left to search for Aido when you arrived. The Saint's safety is crucial for maintaining the morale of our people. Even Luyira's rising fame cannot compare to the centuries of faith humanity has placed in the Saint."

Frenia leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "I agree. We need to rally our main forces and strike at the heart of the nests. If there’s any chance of victory, it’s now. Thanks to the elite demi-humans who’ve joined us, we can face these beasts with strength rather than sheer numbers. They’ve always relied on overwhelming us, but now we can challenge them with our finest warriors."

Arthur turned to Frenia, his voice steady. "My family is ready. We will all fight, even in our current state. Mary is part of this family, and as we fight, so will she."

Ninaies spoke with determination, her gaze unwavering. "I will join the fight as well, leading the demi-humans and hunters. This battle is for our future. I haven’t forgotten the struggles of my people—they still fight and survive against impossible odds. After witnessing those machines birthing such horrific creatures, I understand we must destroy them completely, or this war will never end. The fallen have become nothing more than fodder for those beasts."

Leonidas, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "There’s something I’ve been wondering. It’s said that the south of the continent is free of nests, but what about the demi-humans there?"

Arthur looked at Leonidas, his tone thoughtful. "The south is relatively free from nests. James the Hero eradicated those in Brazil and Argentina years ago. While there were fewer nests there compared to the north, that region has become a technological hub. However, there is a longstanding taboo—‘The Amazon must be left untouched for the good of humanity.’ As a result, we have only five cities in South America: one each in Brazil, Salvador, Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay. We maintain radio contact, but beasts still migrate south from the north, almost as if they instinctively know where to attack. Thankfully, most are intercepted during patrols, and the south has enough hunters to deal with any that slip through."

Aido’s expression turned pensive. "That’s new to me."

Frenia nodded, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "It’s been a mystery for years, but after the recent worm attacks, I began to consider—"

Aido interjected, "They could be passing beneath the wall."

Frenia continued, "That’s one possibility. Another is that they come by sea. However, it’s true that attacks in those southern cities are less frequent. Many beasts seem to prefer staying in the Panama-Guatemala region, between us and them. We must exercise caution when traveling to those cities—or when they travel to us."

Leonidas nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Then it seems we should focus on clearing the northern nests first. I have an idea—why don’t we send a scouting party to South America? While the capital is secure, we can use the opportunity to explore the south, seek out new allies, and perhaps find more demi-humans."

Ninaies smiled at her father’s suggestion. "That’s an excellent idea, Father."

Destroyer agreed with a firm nod. "I concur, but let’s prioritize clearing the nests in the north first."

Arthur concluded with a resolute tone, "Our primary objective remains: cleanse the north, and maintain vigilance over Alaska in case another titanic beast emerges. As the answer to you first question, there are reports of Demi humans, but the Amazon is a fertile and big zone, so the encounters are a miracle, still that also mean they are not that many to be easily spot."

Arthur’s voice resonated with unwavering determination. "Our primary objective remains: cleanse the north and maintain vigilance over Alaska in case another titanic beast emerges. As for your first question, there are indeed reports of demi-humans in the Amazon, but the region is vast and fertile, making encounters rare. This suggests that their numbers might be too few to be easily spotted."

Leonidas nodded thoughtfully. "I’d like to send our Avian demi-humans, but to be honest, our numbers are limited, and the flying enemies you mentioned—the dragon creatures—worry me."

Arthur acknowledged Leonidas' concerns. "That brings us to another matter: the new enemies. The corpses are being studied as we speak, and the dragons have been captured. They actually breathe fire. It’s incredible. Unlike the mutated beasts, their bodies don’t decompose, which suggests they’re not related to the beasts. This has led me to a troubling thought..."

Alidia interjected, her tone laced with suspicion. "There’s likely a third party involved in all of this—perhaps the ones who separated us. They didn’t seem to care about the beasts’ deaths, either because the beasts were expendable or because they weren’t their allies."

Aido hesitated before speaking. "May I say something? One of those individuals pushed me right into the path of the demi-humans and refugees. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have found them. Another thing—when I reached them, it felt like perfect timing, almost as if they wanted me to save them."

Frenia’s eyes narrowed, contemplating Aido’s words. "So, the enemy intended for you to meet with the demi-humans."

Arthur’s expression grew more serious. "That’s an astute observation, Aido. It implies they’re helping us, but their true intentions remain unclear."

Luyira’s voice broke the silence, tinged with frustration. "Then why was I blocked by them? Did they only want Aido?"

Alidia’s gaze hardened. "I was trapped beneath the turtle. Even with my strength, I couldn’t move until it died, and I had to claw my way to the surface."

Frenia’s tone was contemplative. "They don’t give off the same bloodlust as the beasts. I sensed no desire to harm, but there was ambition—something they’re after, I’m sure of it."

Aido’s voice was steady, yet filled with uncertainty. "They seemed human, but I don’t believe they’re Retter Messiah. Something about that doesn’t sit right."

Alidia’s eyes widened slightly as a realization dawned on her. "They feel like me."

Arthur turned to her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Alidia continued, her voice tinged with introspection. "My body was once ordinary, but it transformed into something akin to a Retter Messiah. Yet, I still feel weaker than Mary, Luyira, and Frenia in the long run. I’m certain that given time, Frenia and Mary could achieve feats like Luyira, but I can’t see myself doing the same."

Aido, his voice full of concern, spoke softly. "Mother…"

Alidia smiled sadly. "It’s the truth, Aido. My abilities are extraordinary, but I’ve always known I’m not a Retter Messiah. Luyira has opened our eyes to a new reality."

Frenia’s voice was filled with admiration. "It’s beyond incredible—her power, her energy, her bloodlust. It’s something I never thought possible for a Retter to desire the death of a living being."

Mary’s voice, always gentle yet firm, offered a different perspective. "Is it their death she desires, or is it another form of love?"

Luyira’s curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Mary’s tone became thoughtful. "In our teachings, there are contradictions—love everyone, but how do you love someone who harms those you cherish? Isn’t hatred born from the love of your precious ones? Or perhaps it’s not hatred, but love that drives you to act as if it were."

Frenia nodded in agreement. "That’s something only she can decide."

Aido’s voice was filled with awe. "That’s a profound way of looking at it."

Alidia regarded Luyira with newfound respect. "So, Luyira, you’re the first Retter Messiah who has ever wanted to kill someone who isn’t a beast."

Luyira’s voice wavered, filled with a mix of confusion and resolve. "I feel so weak. I was so happy, and now I’m angry. I don’t know what to do. I’ve never felt like this before, but I can’t stand them."

Mary’s tone was warm, comforting. "I understand. I love humanity, but there are people I don’t like. So maybe…they aren’t our enemies after all."

Luyira looked at Mary, seeking reassurance. "So, you’re not angry with me?"

Mary smiled softly. "No, of course not. I’m angry with those who hurt you."

Luyira’s voice softened, filled with affection. "So, you love me?"

Mary’s response was immediate, her voice full of conviction. "Of course, I love you."

Luyira’s eyes brightened. "You’re amazing, Mary."

Mary’s tone was protective, almost maternal. "I won’t let anyone hurt you, but please, don’t do anything reckless."

Luyira nodded, her voice steady. "I understand. So, you’re worried about me."

Arthur, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "My own son, Lasui, and now even my daughter are organizing some kind of cult around Luyira, Mary, and Aido. It’s a strange feeling, seeing Luyira at the center of it all, with Aido as her consort and Mary as her saint and teacher."

Alidia’s voice was soft, yet filled with pride. "Even so, the people love them. The new generation, the young, even the old—they’re all so positive and hopeful."

Leonidas nodded in agreement, his voice thoughtful. "As Nina said, they’re gods among us. We’re not human, and neither are the beasts. The history of this world is shrouded in mystery. We only know that in ancient times, people were more advanced and committed some great sin that led to their punishment. All we can do is keep moving forward, as we always have. It’s comforting to know we have some form of divine protection. I agree with the common people."

Arthur’s voice grew resolute once more. "Then let’s cleanse the north. Once we’ve eradicated the nests, we can focus on finding the source of the Titanic Beasts and reestablish contact with the other great capitals—South Africa, Spain, India, and Australia. We believe they’re still standing. The envoys we sent returned, but it’s been years for some. My father should be in Spain, and my grandfather in South Africa. The contrast between these places is stark—Spain is like Star City, an outpost constantly battling to keep the beasts in check, while Africa seems to be a more peaceful environment."

Destroyer’s voice was firm, tinged with concern. "The nests were likely factories for repopulation and terraforming, which means that the countries with the most advanced technology are also the ones with the most nests. It's troubling, especially now that we're realizing someone has weaponized them against the people."

Chimara furrowed her brow, her tone contemplative. "For some reason, something just popped into my head—if gods are real, then demons must be too, right?"

Luyira shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss the idea. "We’re already dealing with these beasts, and the enemy is bad enough as it is. Demons? I don’t think they’re going to show up."

Destroyer’s gaze was steady as he addressed the group. "The idea isn't far-fetched, Chimara. But for now, we haven't encountered anything to suggest that demons are involved. Analyzing the enemy might give us some answers, at least regarding what we're facing right now."

Arthur leaned forward, his expression resolute. "You’re right, Destroyer. We need to focus on what we can handle at this moment. Once we’ve cleared out the nests and finished scouting South America, we’ll shift our attention to the enemy. In the meantime, we can send out hunters to gather intel. With the radios, we’ll be able to maintain contact, but this is going to take years."

Mary, always the voice of reason, smiled gently as she spoke, her tone calming. "That’s enough for now. We have our next steps, but there’s still so much we need to learn. Let’s call it a day for now. I need to speak with Aido, Luyira, and Alidia."

Aido, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. "Agreed. We have a lot to catch up on."

As the group began to disperse, Mary turned to Luyira, her eyes softening. There was something unspoken between them, a conversation that would continue long after the others had left.

The group gradually dispersed, leaving only Leonidas, Chimara, Arthur, and Queen Jessica, who had been silent throughout the conversation. The room felt quieter, more intimate, as the four remained behind.

Leonidas turned to Jessica, his voice gentle with concern. "Jessica, how are the repairs coming along? You still look tired."

Jessica sighed softly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought. I didn’t expect that—I was surprised by Luyira, and Aido is incredibly strong."

Chimara leaned forward, curiosity evident in her tone. "Is it really true about the cult?"

Arthur’s expression darkened, his voice grave. "It’s turning into madness, but at the same time, it’s a way for people to escape the horrors of the mutated beasts. Many would prefer to live in a peaceful place like the capital, but after watching the videos of the Titanic Beast, they understand the danger of everyone being in one place, even though no one openly admits it."

Leonidas nodded thoughtfully, his gaze distant. "Maybe it’s better to have more places like this. It’s hard, but when people see how amazing those three are, they start to think that maybe they can do it too. Maybe there’s hope, a chance to defeat the beasts and the enemies. People are caught between wanting to be safe and not wanting to lose that hope."

Jessica’s voice softened, a note of reverence in her words. "The capital has the Saint for Millenials, a figure people gather around. But it wasn’t until Frenia appeared that humans had the power to stop the beasts. And if it hadn’t been for James the Hero and his adventures, we wouldn’t have the technology to create weapons to defeat them. The androids in the capital have been with humans for as long as we can remember, but they didn’t have the knowledge until James recovered it."

Arthur’s brow furrowed in thought. "And I suspect we’ve lost a lot of history—like why people keep shunning demi-humans. It’s true that many demi-humans resemble mutated beasts, except for the mechanical ones, but still, there’s something we’re missing. The teachings tell us that demi-humans are human, but…"

Leonidas tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean? It sounds like you know something…"

Arthur hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I’m not sure, but if it’s true, we should have all the knowledge of the world. Yet, we don’t. I can’t see a reason for humanity to treat them like that, and this is something we need to keep between us. I trust you, Leonidas. Aido treats you the same way he treats me."

Chimara’s eyes narrowed as she listened closely. "You’re onto something, Arthur."

Arthur nodded slightly, his expression serious. "I noticed the Mixed girl, Rina—is that her name? What do you think the reason is for her existence?"

Chimara’s voice was thoughtful, almost analytical. "A hairless cub? They usually appear rarely, often meaning the ancestor was a human without demi-human characteristics."

Leonidas’s eyes widened as he pieced it together. "Prostitution…is that your point?"

Arthur’s tone was grim as he responded. "We have records going back centuries, maybe even before the Saint, of humans treating demi-humans as sexual tools. You’re aware of the practice where humans have their first time with a parent, which is seen as becoming a ‘loser’ because only a family member is willing to do it with you."

Leonidas looked troubled, the weight of the revelation settling in. "In demi-human culture, that’s a sensitive topic too. We have to avoid it because it weakens our strength and endangers our legacy."

Arthur nodded in agreement. "It’s similar to the rules nobles follow to keep the Hunters strong, but we have the Saint, who can correct some problems in the children’s bodies. One of her busiest hours is spent removing those kinds of issues in babies. People bring their babies from far away to see the Saint, but not everyone can afford to do it."

Leonidas’s voice was thoughtful as he considered the implications. "But hairless cubs are usually as strong as a demi-human with fur; their only disadvantage is the lack of claws."

Chimara looked between them, clearly trying to follow their line of thinking. "You guys are talking in circles—what are you getting at?"

Jessica, who had been silent, finally spoke up, her voice gentle. "It seems you’re lost in thought."

Arthur took a deep breath, his expression serious. "We’ve received some disturbing reports in recent years. In some faraway towns, there are practices of trading sexual activities with demi-humans in exchange for services. That’s not the worst part, though. The real problem is in Africa. We’ve received reports of slavery—demi-humans being used not just as sexual tools but also as a workforce, in a horribly abusive way."

Leonidas’s eyes widened in shock, his voice almost a whisper. "Slavery? What is that?"

Jessica’s voice was somber as she explained. "In ancient times, people used to capture others and use them as slaves. They were treated as less than animals, bought and sold, even killed without consequence. Even though we live in a similar situation with the beasts, we never actually considered it slavery."

The room grew tense as Arthur continued, his voice grave. "A slave is treated as an object, a piece of property. Someone who cannot resist their owner without being punished. Here in America, it’s rare, more like kidnapping than actual slavery. There’s no market for it, and it only happens in certain towns."

Chimara’s expression darkened as she connected the dots. "Leonidas, that sounds like when our people go missing."

Leonidas’s eyes widened in disbelief, his voice trembling. "You’re kidding… You mean—no, it can’t be—my own people selling their own kind?"

Arthur’s tone was somber as he nodded. "That’s the report. It’s not confirmed, but it’s strange when a town is found empty, and we discover demi-humans chained up. We assumed it was the beasts, but that’s not what’s happening. It goes against the teachings. The Academy rules say to release demi-humans once they’ve repaired the damage they caused, like stealing food or damaging property. But it seems a few people didn’t follow the rule—or worse, abused it."

Chimara sighed, understanding dawning on her. "That explains the behavior of some of the other tribes."

Arthur’s voice took on a note of determination. "That’s why I want to spread new laws protecting the demi-humans. Your people rarely attack humans, and most can tell the difference between mutated beasts and demi-humans. But I’m worried about the other capitals. We’re lacking information, and their reports are strange. We suspect there’s a market where demi-humans are being sold to humans and… something else. Drugs."

Leonidas frowned in confusion. "Drugs?"

Chimara’s curiosity was piqued. "What are drugs?"

Arthur’s expression grew serious as he explained. "Drugs are substances that alter the mind. They can make you feel happy, forget pain, or even give you temporary powers. But they’re dangerous. The body can become dependent on them, leading to its destruction. Some of those towns are actually drug dens. Hunters have reported seeing demi-humans who aren’t chained but seem like they’re in a trance. In one town, they found humans injecting something into demi-humans that made them more submissive and happy. The problem is we lack the technology to detect these drugs, and we can’t just send our hunters to investigate every town."

Leonidas clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger and sorrow. "I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel both angry and sad."

Chimara’s resolve hardened. "We’ll do our best to protect our people."

Jessica spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "Drugs are derived from medicine, but they can weaken even a hunter, making them as helpless as an infant. It’s easy to keep someone addicted to drugs obedient."

Leonidas’s face fell as he asked, "What happened to those demi-humans?"

Arthur’s expression darkened. "Unfortunately, we lost them. They became too feral. The few we managed to save were too far gone—their bodies were already too weak to survive. It was as if they’d been doing drugs for so long that their bodies just couldn’t recover. They died before Mary even had a chance to see them, on the way here."

Leonidas looked deeply troubled as he turned to Arthur. "It seems like you’re hiding this from Aido and the others. Why?"

Arthur sighed, his voice heavy with worry. "Fear. He’s too young. Mutated beasts are monsters—easy to target, easy to justify their eradication. But even so, he has doubts. And now Luyira, with her incredible power, has left us speechless. They only know the good in this world. We didn’t do it on purpose, but we wanted to show them the bad side of the world little by little. But this world won’t let us—or maybe someone won’t let us."

Chimara’s gaze softened as she addressed Leonidas. "You killed the demi-humans who kidnapped Rina, even though we didn’t know everything at the time."

Leonidas met Arthur’s gaze, his voice steady. "What is your fear, Arthur?"

Jessica chimed in, her voice thoughtful. "The holy judgment?"

Chimara looked confused. "What is that?"

Arthur hesitated before speaking, his tone full of concern. "Aido is too innocent. If he finds out about this, he’ll be furious. He’ll want to go to the other capitals, to Africa, and I’m worried about what he’ll do."

Leonidas nodded, understanding dawning on him. "That’s why you’re keeping it a secret?"

Arthur nodded slowly. "Yes. It’s a problem he’ll have to face eventually, but we need him to be ready, to mature a little more. And yes, I fear the punishment of the sinners. Even though most people see it as a good thing, is it really good to kill them all? If it comes to that, I will have failed as a king. I’ll have to take responsibility for my people’s actions. It’s a complex feeling."

Leonidas’s voice was thoughtful as he looked out the window, taking in the scene outside. "That’s a very human-like sentiment. And I only need to look at that massive hole in the hills and mountrains outside to understand your fear. They’re really powerful."

Arthur’s voice softened as he spoke of Aido and Luyira. "He’s a good kid. I’ve spent the last few months with him, and she’s as adorable as my daughter—who, by the way, is now obsessed with her and Alidia. But I still tremble at their power. I feel powerless."

Chimara nodded in understanding. "I see your fear, but I don’t think they’re like that. I mean, maybe they are, but I don’t think it’s that simple."

Jessica’s voice was steady as she offered her perspective. "We can’t know for sure, but maybe we should focus on what’s important. We know what we know, and we need to do what we need to do. You don’t have to tell them everything."

Arthur sighed, a hint of relief in his voice. "Maybe you’re right. But the thing is, if I have to protect our continent from another Titanic Beast, how am I going to stop them?"

Leonidas placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder, his voice firm. "You can count on my people and myself."

Chimara smiled, a sense of camaraderie in her tone. "The king of humans and the king of demi-humans—sounds interesting. It seems we share the same goal."

Jessica nodded in agreement. "That’s good, but we have more problems than just the beasts. We’re lacking resources and information. We need to build more communication devices, train more hunters, improve our defenses. We need more people to help. I think that’s what we should focus on first."

Arthur smiled, feeling a sense of purpose. "You’re right, Jessica. Let’s see what we can do. We have some people here; let’s talk with them."

Leonidas grinned, a sense of determination in his voice. "Alright, let’s discuss those laws. And I swear to cooperate with Aido—he’s the man, my daughter’s choice, so it’s only logical, as his father-in-law."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Father-in-law? So it was not my imagination, your daughter and her friend are intimate with Aido."

Chimara chuckled, intrigued. "Yes, they are together, but nothing has happend yet, still I am hoping for grandchildren, in a future, Rina family too."

Jessica smirked. "That is a problem, they are so young and innocent."

Leonidas sighed, his expression rueful. "We can only wait for the time being. They are too young, and he is a worrysome."

Arthur laughed, shaking his head. "You can say that again."

They spent the rest of the day talking, making plans for the future. Afterward, Arthur sent a message to the other cities to gather the people and explain the new laws, hoping to make them understand—even if they had to use force—to protect the demi-humans. Meanwhile, Aido and the girls watched as the caravan set up camp in the empty zone of the city, while the hunters’ children returned to the houses, still in good condition, with a pair of civilian soldiers acting as foster parents.

The children, dealing with the grief of losing their parents, reacted in various ways. Some stood tall, filled with pride, believing it was their family’s duty to make such sacrifices for a greater cause. Others, however, longed for the comfort of their parents’ presence, preferring love over duty. A few were simply devastated, clinging desperately to their friends for support. Recognizing the complexity of these emotions, we decided to keep them together, allowing them to form new families. Interestingly, the demi-humans adapted quickly, almost as if they were used to such losses. Sisi, in particular, showed remarkable resilience, though my own feelings were mixed—happiness for them, but a deep ache in my heart.

Afterward, we headed to a nearby restaurant. Watching humans and demi-humans working side by side was a sight to behold. Initially, there had been tension between them, but with time, they began to communicate and collaborate. Seeing this, I felt hopeful that these changes would benefit both species.

During our meal, the conversation shifted as Rudy and Rina pointed out something curious about Georgina, the leader of the avian demi-humans. She appeared different, almost like a “hairless cub,” reminiscent of the harpies from old tales. In those stories, harpies were often seen as either demi-humans or monsters. But seeing her alongside Rudy and his tribe—who had bird-like faces, beaks, and wings instead of arms—made me realize how diverse the avian demi-humans truly were. The older demi-humans seemed to keep their distance from humans, while the younger generation, particularly the females, were more open to interaction. However, not all avians were happy with Leonidas’s choice of Georgina as their leader, creating an undercurrent of tension.

As I observed the interactions between humans and demi-humans, I noticed the girls deep in conversation. It seemed Mary had taken on the title of "main wife."

Mary leaned in, her eyes curious. “So, who are the new girls?”

Destroyer smirked. “Remember the girl Aido was searching for?”

Mary’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Mhmm... we do look kind of similar. Nice to meet you.”

Ninaies smiled softly. “I didn’t know he was looking for me. I was so focused on our lives, but I always hoped we’d find each other someday.”

Luyira chimed in, her tone teasing. “And you two act like sisters, even your names are similar.”

Rina grinned. “Right! I love how we seem like a package deal, but actually, I’ve got my own family.”

Ninaies nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve heard that a lot. Everyone seems to think that. I guess you guys are just in love with Aido.”

Rina laughed, glancing at Ninaies. “But you’re adorable, and those wings are like Rudy’s. Avians usually have feathers all over their bodies, but Georgina’s tribe has a mix due to certain circumstances.”

Mary’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my, so there are avian demi-humans that look like me?”

Destroyer nodded. “That could be helpful in some situations but might make them more of a target in others.”

I recalled that other demi-humans didn’t always appreciate those who looked like Rina and Rudy, even though I found them beautiful. Sadly, their beauty could make them targets, with some humans possibly trying to claim them as partners, seeing them almost as Saints. I felt a pang of sorrow for those who had to suffer because of their appearance.

My thoughts drifted back to our journey home, remembering how Luyira had drawn admiring glances from the humans. Her beauty was undeniable, and though I didn’t think anyone would harm her, her innocence and purity worried me. I feared someone might take advantage of her.

Aido glanced around, his voice thoughtful. “So, this is the building they assigned us. It’s kind of big.”

Alidia smiled. “Well, actually, Lasui and Sasari wanted to stay with us, but now those rooms will go to your new wives.”

Luyira looked up, concern in her eyes. “Is it true that they’re forming a cult around me?”

Alidia’s smile faded slightly. “That worries me a bit. Sakura was already a little obsessed with you, and now Lasui, Michi… you’re becoming more popular and gathering more followers. They’re all good people, but sometimes people do strange things out of devotion.”

Mary nodded in agreement. “I completely understand that. As a Saint, there have been many moments of joy, but there are also times when people’s fantasies blur with reality.”

Luyira frowned, confused. “I don’t get it. What do you mean?”

Mary sighed softly. “Like, if people think I can make it rain just because I’m a Saint. But I can’t. If I don’t have that power, I simply don’t have it. People have fantasies, things they like or don’t like. They have faith in me, but it’s not like I can control the weather.”

Luyira’s expression softened, her voice sincere. “That’s why I love Aido more than any Saint. He’s the first person who sees me for who I am, not just for my powers.”

Mary smiled warmly, her voice soft. "That’s right. I really like that about Aido."

Luyira beamed, her eyes shining with affection. "I like you too, Mary. You’re so sweet, and your wings are beautiful."

Mary blushed slightly, returning the compliment. "You too."

The two shared a tender hug, their closeness evident. Alidia and the other girls watched, smiling at the bond forming between them.

Rina grinned, her tone light. "I think we’re going to get along just fine. We’re very much alike."

Ninaies nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "It’s strange, but it feels like we’ve known each other forever."

Rina and Luyira exchanged a knowing smile, while Alidia moved to open the door, revealing a vast space with a grand staircase leading to the upper floors.

Alidia glanced around, her voice filled with anticipation. "It looks like we’ll be together for a while."

Luyira’s eyes widened as she took in the size of the house. "Yes, and this place is huge! What are we going to do with so much space?"

Aido stepped forward, his voice steady as he laid out a plan. "We can use the first floor as a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The second floor could be bedrooms for our family and guests, and the third floor could be a space where we can relax or get some work done."

Ninaies looked around, slightly overwhelmed. "It is kind of big."

Rina laughed, already imagining the work ahead. "So we’ll need to clean it up, move things from the attic to the third floor, and set up furniture. This place is massive!"

With a burst of energy, Rina and Luyira ran around the house like excited children, exploring every nook and cranny. Meanwhile, Ninaies and Alidia walked inside, taking in the details.

Aido looked around, his eyes filled with appreciation. "This place is impressive. I’m sure it was built for nobility."

Alidia nodded, her tone reflective. "It is. The walls are brick, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There’s light, water, and various other services. Arthur mentioned that this mansion was meant for important guests. There are also other buildings nearby for hunters coming from the capital. For a city of hunters, they were surprisingly cultured."

Aido’s thoughts drifted, a mix of emotions tugging at him. It felt as if they were taking over a place that once belonged to someone who had fallen, and that thought saddened him. But Alidia’s words reassured him—this mansion had been built to receive guests, perhaps to protect them, and was designed with all the comforts of home. The other buildings nearby kept hunters away from civilians, making this area, close to the city hall, a place of importance.

From where he stood, Aido could see the city hall and a few other buildings in the same block, including houses for other important figures. He wondered if they would stay long enough to truly make this place their home.

Alidia’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Aido, come here, dear. We’re going to settle into some rooms, but tonight, you’ll have to sleep with your sister. It’s okay to just cuddle, but remember, any move from her should be met with the usual response. Do whatever it takes to keep her happy for now."

Aido nodded, understanding the unspoken message. "I also noticed the large crater on the horizon, Mom."

The destruction caused by the recent attack was staggering, capable of wiping out any human capital. But despite the devastation, most people treated the group with respect. Mary was already revered as a goddess, his mother commanded authority as always, and now Luyira had earned the titles of Monster Slayer and Goddess of Life.

Aido’s thoughts lingered on the massive crater in the distance as he followed his mother’s instructions. The weight of everything was heavy, but he knew his place within this group was crucial, even if it was still a little unclear to him how exactly he fit into the grand scheme.

As they moved further into the house, Mary tugged at Aido's sleeve, her voice filled with curiosity. "Aido, what do you think of this place? It feels... different."

Aido glanced around, considering her words. "It does. It’s a little too grand for us, but maybe that’s a good thing. We need space to grow, to make this place our own."

Alidia nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose you’re right. It just feels strange, like we’re stepping into someone else’s story."

Mary, overhearing, chimed in with a gentle smile. "Maybe, but now it’s our story. We can shape it however we want. This place will be a home, not just a shelter."

Rina and Luyira returned from their exploration, breathless and excited. "You won’t believe the rooms upstairs," Rina said, her eyes wide. "They’re huge, with big windows and lots of light. It’s perfect!"

Ninaies added, "There’s even a balcony that overlooks the garden. It’s so peaceful up there."

Alidia smiled, glad to see the enthusiasm. "It sounds like we’re settling in well. Let’s start organizing the space, and soon enough, this will feel like home."

As they began to arrange the house, each taking on different tasks, there was a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The girls worked together, moving furniture, cleaning rooms, and setting up the kitchen. Aido took charge of the heavier tasks, ensuring that everything was in place for their new life here.

As the day wore on, the mansion started to take on a warmer, lived-in feel. The grand spaces, once cold and imposing, began to feel more intimate and welcoming. The kitchen filled with the aroma of a meal being prepared, the sounds of laughter and conversation echoing through the halls.

Later that evening, as they gathered around the large dining table for their first meal together in the mansion, there was a sense of peace that hadn’t been there before. They were no longer just a group thrown together by circumstances; they were becoming a family.

Alidia raised her glass, a soft smile on her face. "To new beginnings, and to making this place our home."

The others raised their glasses in return, the clinking sound echoing softly in the room.

Mary, sitting beside Aido, leaned in close. "You know, I think we’re going to be alright here. We have each other, and that’s more than enough."

Aido nodded, a quiet determination settling within him. "Yes, we will. We’ll make this work, together."

Destroyer point out, the big machine outside the building, it is a container to health people, I heard from Luyira and others about it, but as Destroyer they are a mystery to me, but the important thing is that with that machine the human race will not end.

Destroyer’s eyes narrowed as he examined the containers left behind. "I want to analyze these. They seem too advanced for her to just conjure up, but Luyira doesn’t seem to have any real understanding of how they work or were constructed. It’s like her desires just materialized them."

Ninaies gave a small, self-deprecating laugh. "I’m not exactly the brains of the operation. I’m more of a support role—leading people to get in, gather resources, and get out."

Destroyer nodded, sensing her discomfort. "That’s fine. I’ll leave the technical stuff to our team for now. We’ve got more pressing matters to focus on. Being honest neither Aido, he usually smart enough but complex stuff have him feeling dizzy"

Aido observed Rina and Luyira continue their exploring of the house, their excitement contagious as they chatted and laughed. Meanwhile, Mary and Ninaies were poring over some old furniture and faded photographs.

Ninaies squinted at the pictures. "Who do you think these people were?"

Mary’s voice was tinged with nostalgia. "These are probably the leaders of Star City. This town started as a small outpost to clear out the Nest, but constant attacks slowed progress. It’s similar to how they never gave up in Spain. The city kept growing, just like the wall. At its peak, there were over 200 nests. Just yesterday, the city was attacked by a swarm of 5,000 beasts, 300 of which were Rank 2 mechanized and bipedal."

Ninaies looked shocked. "We had no idea."

Mary nodded solemnly. "Most people don’t. You’re young, and it’s not common knowledge, but we survived. I’m older than I look. This city was built with the hope of freeing everyone from the terror of mutated beasts. It stands as proof that humans can overcome their struggles. I’ve only seen this place in drawings and photos until now. It was much smaller back then. Now it’s about a third of the size of the capital. It’s a shame so many people had to die, especially when we’re up against monsters the size of titans. It shows how fragile humans are."

Ninaies nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "Yes, but the ones who made it possible are standing here today. You’re the proof that we can fight for our freedom. As long as there are people like you, there will be light in our future."

As Aido looked around, he realized Rina and Luyira had disappeared. He could hear their laughter echoing through the walls but couldn’t find them. There were no other people in the house, so he wasn’t too concerned.

Alidia’s voice brought his attention back. "Now that we’re going to be staying here, I think we should get to know each other better. We’re family now, living together. I’d love to hear anything you’re willing to share."

Ninaies smiled softly. "I can see why Aido likes you so much. You’re kind. But I think I’ll pass this time—there’s too much we need to take care of."

Alidia’s gaze softened as she looked at Ninaies. "You’ve grown into a beautiful woman, but I can sense a burden weighing on you."

Ninaies’s expression turned serious. "I have questions, but first—what happened to my parents?"

Alidia hesitated, then sighed. "They died. What do you remember?"

Ninaies shook her head. "Nothing about that day. I just remember Leonidas waking me up in the Arid Zone, near Fertile. We only recently learned I was in the north."

Alidia frowned in thought. "That would take days, even with a gas-powered vehicle. I wonder what happened. There are some mysteries we may never solve. Unfortunately, your parents died under the rubble of your house. They were killed by a massive impact—a golem, like being falling over your house."

Ninaies’s voice was a whisper. "Like the turtle..."

As the conversation shifted, Alidia guided Ninaies into living area, followed by Mary, where they take tea together. They talked about Ninaies’s upbringing among the demi-humans, how she had many friends but no romantic partners. Rina and Luyira eventually joined the conversation, and they all shared stories about different cultures and experiences.

It was clear that the girls were getting along well, but Aido had yet to make a move. Alidia wanted him to spend time with Luyira, to get closer to her, and to explore the new dynamic between them.

After midnight, everyone chose a room to settle into. Ninaies and Rina shared one, while Mary and Alidia each took their own. Aido selected the room in the middle of the corridor, and Luyira quietly slipped in with him, never letting go of his arm.

Luyira's voice was soft, but filled with an emotion that Aido could feel deep in his chest. "Aido, you don’t know how happy I am right now."

He tilted his head slightly, curiosity in his eyes. "Really? Why?"

Luyira’s eyes shimmered with a mix of affection and vulnerability. "You are my everything, my first memory, my partner, my love, my family, my all. For the first time, I felt fear, and I felt lonely."

She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, and kissed him with a tenderness that spoke of all the emotions she was trying to convey. Her hand found his, fingers intertwining, seeking comfort and reassurance as she always had. Aido could feel the warmth of her body against his, the slight tremble in her touch, the intensity of her need to be close. There was a palpable tension in the air, not just of desire but of a deeper need to connect, to feel safe and loved.

The moonlight streamed in through the partially open curtains, casting a soft, silvery glow across the room. The atmosphere was thick with a blend of nervousness and anticipation, her eyes locked on Aido, filled with emotions that had been bottled up for far too long. The short time they had been apart felt like an eternity, an endless void of separation that had weighed heavily on her.

Aido stood near the bed, his intense purple gaze fixed on her, making her heart race. It was as if the world had stopped, and in that moment, all her fears and doubts evaporated. The only sounds in the room were the soft rustling of the wind outside and the faint, uneven rhythm of their breaths.

Luyira took a step forward, then another, gaining confidence with each one, until she was standing directly in front of him. Aido reached out, hesitating for just a heartbeat before his hand cupped her cheek. His touch was gentle, familiar, yet it felt new, heavy with unspoken promises and a depth of feeling that made Luyira close her eyes, savoring the moment.

"I missed you so much," she whispered, opening her eyes to meet his. Her voice carried the weight of the loneliness she had endured, a mixture of relief and lingering sorrow that tightened her chest.

She tried to speak again, but her voice broke. "Aido..." was all she could manage, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Aido, sensing her struggle, stepped forward and gently closed the door behind her. He approached the bed, his expression tender, and sat down beside her. Without a word, he pulled her into a warm, protective embrace. Luyira melted into his arms, feeling her emotional walls crumble as tears began to fall, soaking into his shirt.

"I’ve missed you so much," Aido murmured, his chin resting on her head as he gently stroked her back, a comforting gesture she had yearned for. "Every day without you felt like an eternity."

Luyira looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting his, which were brimming with love and understanding. "The loneliness was... unbearable," she confessed, her voice shaky. "My body felt empty without you, and the nights were so cold."

Aido tightened his hold on her, his lips brushing her forehead in a soft kiss. "I’m sorry, Luyira. I’m sorry for leaving you alone," he whispered, his voice filled with a sincerity that cut through the silence between them.

She shook her head, her fingers clutching at his shirt as if to keep him from slipping away again. "It wasn’t your fault, but I never imagined how much it would hurt." She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. "But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters."

Aido gently pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his expression serious but full of love. "I promise, I’ll do anything to always come back to you. I want to be with you, here, sharing every moment, whether good or bad, by your side."

A small smile touched Luyira’s lips, and she nodded, her heart swelling with hope. "That’s all I want too, Aido. To be with you, in this moment, and in all the moments to come."

The atmosphere in the room grew even more intimate, with a silence filled with unspoken promises. Aido raised a hand to caress her cheek, wiping away the last of the tears that had fallen. "I love you, Luyira," he whispered, with an intensity that resonated in her heart.

"And I love you, Aido," she replied, her voice barely a whisper, but laden with absolute truth.

They drew closer, their lips meeting in a soft, loving kiss. It was a kiss of reconciliation, of renewed promises and a shared future. The warmth of their touch dispelled any trace of sadness that remained in Luyira's heart, filling the emptiness she had felt during his absence.

Finally, they parted, but did not move away. Aido lay down on the bed and Luyira curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. The steady sound of his heart under her ear soothed her, like a familiar, comforting melody. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.

The silence of the night enveloped them, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. It was the kind of silence that spoke of mutual understanding and deep love. Aido stroked Luyira's hair, his fingers moving gently through her red locks, tickling her ears, moving as her tail, showing her happiness.

Luyira closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Aido's breathing. The warmth of his body against hers was like a balm to her soul, and she let herself relax.

"Rest, love," Aido whispered, his voice deep and soothing. "I am here, and I will always be here."

Luyira closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body next to hers. For the first time in a long time, she felt completely at peace. "Thank you," she murmured, barely audible. "Thank you for coming back."

With a final caress on her cheek, Aido kissed her forehead, whispering words of love and comfort until Luyira drifted off to sleep, safe in his arms. The night went on, but for them, it was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope and renewed love.

Destroyer: "Luyira is showing rapid growth in various aspects – as a person, a Retter Messiah, and as a woman. Her natural abilities are evident, although much remains to be discovered about them. She appears to possess a natural talent in harnessing her powers, effortlessly tapping into the aural energy without comprehending its full extent, thus allowing for further Analisis is need."

As I drifted into sleep, I opened my eyes to visions I would rather not witness. These images appeared before me like a movie playing in my mind, a dream blurring the line between reality and imagination. Yet, as is often the case with dreams, I had no control over these scenes. I could glimpse the past, the future, and the present of the world, but these were more than mere memories—they were visions of a reality I didn't want to acknowledge. It was as if I were being forced to watch a movie I had no desire to see, learning truths I wished to remain ignorant of. Despite being hailed as a savior, I realized that understanding eluded me. I could see, feel, and hear, but none of it made sense.

Before me, hundreds, maybe thousands of people, gathered in a sprawling square. I was chained, and a man in bizarre, almost comical attire stood before me, scrutinizing me with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. The crowd was seething, a mass of enraged individuals demanding the execution of witches and demonic beings. I was on my knees, restrained and powerless, my body weak and vulnerable like never before. In the distance, three girls were bound in a crucifixion-like manner. One resembled Rina, another Nina, and the central figure was Alidia, though her physique seemed different, altered. A wave of dread washed over me as I struggled to comprehend the horrific scene unfolding before my eyes. My voice failed me, leaving me unable to cry out or protest.

The girls, though still retaining their beauty, bore the visible scars of their suffering; their once radiant energy slowly fading, leaving them as mere echoes of their former selves. The square bustled with a multitude of people, resembling a turbulent ocean beneath a somber, overcast sky. The chilling wind swept through the streets, carrying with it the ominous whispers and angry cries of the gathered throng. In the heart of the square, on an elevated stage, stood the girls surrounded by armed guards, while I, elevated on a balcony not much higher than the crowd, served as a beacon for addressing the masses. My wrists and ankles were bound tightly with heavy iron shackles, holding me upright in front of a bloodthirsty and eager audience craving for a spectacle.

Around me, guards stood vigilant, their expressions a blend of boredom and malicious glee as they followed the orders of the man who commanded them. This man, a religious fanatic with eyes alight with twisted zeal, stood at the forefront, his expression one of triumphant satisfaction. His voice rang out above the clamor, clear and powerful, echoing through the square as he addressed the masses, feeding their frenzy with his fervent words.

"All hail the Apostle of God, Federico the Pope, the Blessed!" The crowd roared with fervor, their cheers echoing through the square. Though many were simply there for the spectacle, they could all sense the Pope’s hatred and contempt directed squarely at me.

Federico raised his hand, and the throng instantly fell silent, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of awe and fear.

"The witches must be incinerated!" Federico's voice boomed, dripping with righteous fury. "They are the progeny of evil, engaging in abominable acts to breed more demons and malevolent entities into our realm!"

From across the platform, Alidia's voice, though weak, reached my ears. "Aido."

Her tone was warm, comforting, as if telling me not to worry. Even in this dire moment, she tried to soothe me. Alidia, always the most mature and seductive of the three, maintained a composed façade. Her gaze was defiant, her lips pressed into a thin line. She had always been the strongest, using her charm as a weapon. But now, even she could not fully conceal the fear in her purple eyes. Despite her weakened state, she still attempted to calm me. But why?

The man in the strange hat and absurdly ornate clothes continued to speak, his words stoking the crowd's rage.

"The demons they conjure are a scourge to our society!" Federico proclaimed.

"Aido, all will be okay," Rina whispered.

Rina, with her more petite frame, looked exactly as I remembered her, though battered and wounded. Her big, frightened eyes tried to maintain a shaky smile. She had always been the cheerful, if often carefree, one. Her naivety, once endearing, now made her seem even more vulnerable. She tried to stay strong, but her body trembled, and tears gathered in her eyes as she attempted to comfort me.

"We know you are suffering. We are here to help you. Please, you can be strong. Aido, we love you, and we will remain united eternally," Nina said, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow.

Nina, the mature and protective figure, looked at me with a calmness that hid deep pain. She had always been like a big sister, always watching out for the others. Even now, she tried to keep her composure so as not to worry the other two. Her eyes were soft, filled with a sadness she could not fully hide.

The crowd grew more enraged, their screams filling the air as they shouted for our torture and death. The girls were crying, but it wasn’t from fear or pain—it was for me. I could feel it. They were grieving because they couldn't stop the suffering they knew I was enduring. Even if I were stronger, I knew I couldn't save them.

Federico approached the edge of the balcony, his face twisted into a sinister smile. "These women," he proclaimed, "have been Aido's undoing! Their lust and treachery cannot go unpunished. Today, they will be purged so that the heretic will witness the price of his sins."

"The witches must be purged with fire to prevent further dissemination of malevolence. These spawn of the devil must be put to death," Federico declared, his voice dripping with venom.

"Release them!" I shouted, my voice breaking with desperation.

Federico sneered. "So, the demon speaks. You, who birthed the witch, must face death as well!"

"I am not a demon! Spare them!" I pleaded, my voice filled with anguish.

"We cannot grant mercy," Federico replied coldly. "They must be sacrificed!"

I sensed an imminent threat behind me—a figure readying to strike me down while others brandished spears to execute the girls.

"By divine decree, we must eradicate these demonic entities who lack even loyalty among themselves," Federico continued, his tone filled with self-righteousness. "They have slain demons to earn our trust, masquerading as heroes to abduct our children and lead us astray. Evidently, the devil had multiple accomplices, which is forbidden by our laws!"

"They must perish," Federico concluded, his voice final, "lest they bring about our demise."

The crowd clamored in agreement, their frenzied cheers echoing across the square. Federico, basking in their adulation, raised his hands to the heavens and called upon God, leading them in a twisted chorus of righteousness. They followed him blindly, believing his every word, unaware of the truth. The girls were not evil, they were not witches. They were simply people who wanted to live with me, who had the misfortune of attracting the lustful gaze of a man as vile as Federico.

Visions of our past flashed before my eyes. We had been adventurers, our skills and bravery earning us fame and glory as a team. But with that success came envy and resentment. People coveted what we had, and in their jealousy, they whispered lies. We only realized Federico's true intentions when it was too late. We had rebelled against his authority, fled from his grasp, but he had hunted us down relentlessly. When he discovered that the girls were not virgins, his fury knew no bounds, and the result of that rage was this grotesque farce.

The girls were crying, their bodies covered in bruises and cuts. My companions, my friends, my lovers—now crucified in the middle of this crowded square, their bodies exposed to the biting cold of the winter air. They were suffering, and I was powerless to help them.

"They must meet their end," Federico declared, his voice cold and merciless.

I struggled against my chains, my voice hoarse with despair. "No, please, they are not to blame, they are innocent!" But my cries were lost in the deafening roar of the crowd, and the indifferent stares of the guards.

Federico raised a hand, and the executioner advanced towards Rina. The young woman let out a small scream, her body trembling with fear. I felt as if an icy hand was squeezing my heart. "Please, let her go!" I begged, my voice cracking. "I'll do anything you want, but don't hurt them!"

Federico ignored my pleas and nodded to the executioner. With a swift, cruel motion, the executioner slid a dagger across Rina's neck. She let out a choked gasp, her eyes widening in shock as her life drained away. Blood stained her dress and spilled onto the platform. The crowd erupted in cheers, their bloodlust sated for the moment.

I screamed, my voice raw with pain. Tears streamed down my face as I watched Rina's body slump to the ground, her eyes losing their light. "No, no!" I murmured, my voice trembling with helplessness.

Federico, savoring the moment, turned his gaze to Nina. "The big sister, the caretaker," he said with a sneer. "May her compassion be repaid in blood."

Nina looked up, meeting my gaze with a sad, resigned smile. There was a peace in her eyes, as if she had already accepted her fate. "It's okay," she murmured, barely audible. "Soon we will be together." Those were her last words before the executioner repeated his horrific act. I felt the cold weight of despair settle over me as I watched Nina’s head fall, her body collapsing like a puppet cut from its strings, joining Rina in death.

Finally, Alidia was led to the center of the stage. My heart ached with a pain I could barely endure. "Justice will prevail in the end," she said, her voice a mixture of anger and despair.

But Alidia, ever defiant, stood tall, glaring at Federico with unyielding determination. "Your god will not save you," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "You can take my life, but you cannot take my will." With one last look at me, her expression softening with a mixture of love and resolve, she closed her eyes, accepting her fate with stoic dignity. The executioner's blade fell once more, and Alidia crumpled to the ground, beautiful and tragic in her final breath.

A deafening silence followed. The crowd, once roaring with approval, fell quiet, as if the gravity of what they had just witnessed had finally begun to sink in. But Federico, reveling in the tragedy he had orchestrated, appeared triumphant.

"Thus ends the chapter of these sinners," he proclaimed to the crowd. "And so shall be the fate of all who oppose the true faith."

Teary-eyed and heartbroken, I barely registered Federico's words. All I could see were the blurred, lifeless bodies of Rina, Nina, and Alidia. I was shattered, stripped of everything I loved. The loss was unbearable, and the helplessness overwhelmed me.

Federico turned to me, his expression one of satisfied cruelty. "Your final punishment," he said with a cold smile. "Now the demon, the possessed, the leader, powerless before the power of God."

At that moment, I felt the presence of my murderer behind me. In an instant, the world spun around me, and my vision was filled with the ground rushing up to meet me. I saw the crowd, Federico’s feet, and then, in one swift motion, the sword sliced through my neck. There was a sharp pain—and then, nothing.

"The spawn of the devil has been killed!" Federico announced to the crowd.

The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the execution of the three girls and myself. But amidst the clamor, faint voices of doubt and remorse began to surface.

Federico turned to the crowd, his face a mask of triumph. "Our work is done," he proclaimed. "The heretics have been dealt with, and the faith remains pure."

Never in my life have I hurt someone who didn’t deserve it. I never sought to be a hero, only to eliminate those who threatened my life and the lives of the people I love. But now, I don’t know what’s happening. All I know is that they’re no longer breathing—they’re gone. So why are you still here…?

I have no words to describe my feelings, just a burning, all-consuming hatred. The vision of the girls smiling at me has transformed into the image of three cold corpses, and my own lifeless body beside them. "Don’t leave me, stay with me," I think, as the light of the world fades from my eyes. Now, I can only think of one word: DEATH.

Suddenly, a growing murmur spread through the crowd. The eyes of those present widened in terror and amazement, staring down at my body. Something indescribable, something unnatural, was beginning to manifest. A cold, oppressive air descended over the square, and the daylight seemed to fade, plunging the place into an unearthly gloom.

My limp body began to tremble and convulse. From my open wounds, a black, viscous substance started to ooze, spreading across the ground like a dark tide. The liquid seemed alive, moving with sinister purpose. Suddenly, thin, elongated tentacles began to emerge from my torso, each one twisting and thrashing through the air with unpredictable force.

But the tentacles were only the beginning. Hideous snouts, lined with rows of sharp teeth, appeared from my flesh, emitting snarls and hisses that echoed like the screams of nightmares. Glowing yellow eyes opened across my skin, glaring malevolently at the crowd. From my back, torn and misshapen membrane wings sprouted, fluttering in the stagnant air.

The horror continued to grow. The tentacles stretched and elongated, some lined with suckers, others bristling with barbs dripping a corrosive substance. The snouts, with their snaking teeth and tongues, emitted inhuman screams that pierced the air. The creature that had emerged from me was no longer recognizable as human—it was an abomination from the darkest corners of the cosmos, a being of pure chaos and destruction.

The crowd erupted into screams, fleeing in all directions in absolute panic. The square became a whirlwind of chaos and terror. The tentacles moved swiftly, reaching out to people trying to escape. They pierced bodies, tore off limbs, and destroyed everything in their path. The snouts darted forward, biting and tearing flesh, while the glowing eyes watched with a gaze filled with rage and insatiable hunger.

The soldiers, initially frozen in shock, tried to respond with their weapons. Arrows and spears were useless against the entity that had risen before them. Bullets sank into the dark mass without causing any visible harm. One tentacle lashed out at a group of soldiers, crushing them to the ground with brutal force. Another wrapped around a battle tank, lifting it effortlessly and hurling it into the fleeing crowd, causing an explosion of screams and devastation.

The massacre continued. The square became a nightmarish landscape of bodies and blood, a grotesque spectacle of horror and chaos. The few who managed to escape looked back in terror, unable to comprehend the monstrosity they had just witnessed. The creature, now completely unshackled from any semblance of humanity, reveled in its orgy of destruction.

Eventually, the dark energy that fueled the abomination began to wane. The tentacles slowed, the snouts closed, and the creature started to retract in on itself. What remained of me, or what was left of what once was me, slowly collapsed into a dark, lifeless puddle. The square, once a place of public justice, was now a field of carnage and despair.

Federico, still standing on the balcony, his robes stained with blood, finally spoke. "God was right. His visions were right. He sent his angels to punish your devil." His voice trembled, but there was something in his eyes, something I couldn’t quite describe—a flicker of fear, or perhaps a recognition that the horror unleashed was beyond even his understanding.

The shadows and darkness that shrouded the city, lurking in every corner, began to stir, creeping toward the balcony where Federico stood. As the light of day started to push back the encroaching gloom, a figure emerged from the shadows—a human form, yet not entirely human. It was Aido, his lower half still fused with the darkness, a swirling mass where the tormented faces of the crowd could be seen, their expressions twisted in pain, desperation, and agony.

"Your god is nothing but an invention of your delusions," Aido's voice echoed, filled with contempt. "You are no saint."

Federico's eyes widened with fear as he clutched his robes. "God will protect me! His angels will protect me!" he cried out, his voice trembling.

"There is no God," Aido replied, his voice cold and unyielding. "Only chaos."

Behind Federico, the shadows began to coalesce, forming a massive, ominous face that loomed over him. It whispered in Aido’s voice, a sinister murmur that sent shivers down Federico’s spine. Panic seized him, and he tried to flee, but the shadows were faster. They crawled up his legs and arms, wrapping around him like a living nightmare. Federico screamed, his voice high and desperate, as the darkness consumed him. His cries echoed through the air, then faded into nothingness as the shadows devoured him.

At that very moment, the light began to return to the city, sweeping over the landscape with a strong gust of wind. The shadows dispersed, revealing a scene of utter desolation. The city, once vibrant and filled with life, had become a barren wasteland—a desert town devoid of any sign of humanity. Only one shadow remained, lingering in the light, a stubborn remnant of the darkness that refused to vanish.

The desolate landscape lay before Aido, a silent reminder of the devastation he had wrought. Entire cities had been razed to the ground, their buildings reduced to rubble and ashes. There was no sign of life left, only ruins and an oppressive silence that seemed to echo the final, desperate pleas of the damned. Aido, now a monstrosity composed of a mass of bodies and souls, lumbered forward, leaving a trail of death and desolation in his wake.

His present form was a grotesque amalgamation of corpses—a mountain of bodies that moved with a will of its own. Those who had tried to stop him—whole armies, brave warriors—had become part of his being, their corpses fused with those that already formed the abomination. The innocent and the sinful alike had been consumed, mere pieces of a macabre puzzle swept along by the unstoppable tide of Aido’s vengeance.

Aido’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions and memories, a storm that he could not escape. He could never forget Rina, Nina, and Alidia, the three women who had been cruelly taken from his life. Their faces, their voices, their laughter—they were etched into his very being, haunting him as he continued his path of destruction. Loss and grief consumed him, fueling his unrelenting anger and despair.

"The world was my enemy, and I became the enemy of the world," Aido mused bitterly. "How many have used justice as their excuse to bring me down? How many have howled for revenge? How many have pleaded for mercy—for themselves or their loved ones? Not one of them tried to understand my pain, my suffering, my anger."

The only thing that could soothe the torment in his soul was the thought of bringing everyone to an end. He would ensure that the world suffered the same fate as he had. He would make certain that no one else would ever know the excruciating pain of losing someone they loved.

"If the world is against me, I will end the world," Aido muttered, his voice ringing with an unearthly gravity. The declaration was a sentence, an oath of total destruction. It did not matter to him whether those he encountered were innocent or guilty; to him, they were all responsible for his suffering. The world had taken what was most precious to him, and he would take the world in retaliation.

In the depths of Aido’s mind, the voices of Rina, Nina, and Alidia began to whisper, echoing in the abyss of his consciousness.

“Aido, please stop,” Nina’s voice was soft, laden with sorrow. “We don’t want to see you suffer like this. It hurts us.”

Aido closed his eyes, his heart pounding with a mixture of fury and desolation. “They’re not really here,” he muttered, his voice thick with bitterness. “This is all a lie.”

“Please, we don’t want you to suffer like this,” Rina pleaded, her tone warm and desperate. “The world took us away from you, but we don’t want you to be destroyed by it.”

“You’re the reason I’m doing this,” Aido replied, his voice trembling. “The world took you from me, and I can’t accept that. I will destroy this world and be with you again.”

“If the world is your enemy, then destroy the world,” Alidia’s voice cut through, filled with resigned melancholy. “But please, don’t suffer and don’t cry, please.”

Aido felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if an invisible wound had opened within him. “If destroying the world is the only way, I will do it,” he declared, his voice resolute. “I cannot bear this suffering any longer, and it’s the only way to be with you.”

As Aido’s resolve hardened, the voices of the people around him became clear—honest in their cruelty. They revealed their jealousy, their greed, their sins, their anger against others. Their conspiracies against their own brethren spilled forth like a dark tide, even the children infected by the malignant ways of their parents, embracing lies and power over justice and love. Aido felt a deep bitterness rise within him, a profound disillusionment with his naive dream of a peaceful life.

“We are here with you,” Alidia continued, her voice soft and comforting. “We are the souls who stand with you. We will always be with you.”

Nina added, “We are together, and we always will be. The bond we share is something the world can never take away.”

“Please,” Rina insisted, her tone imploring. “Smile, and be the Aido we know and love.”

“Forgive the world, and forgive yourself,” Nina said, her voice heavy with a sad sweetness.

Alidia concluded, “The sins are ours. Forgive us and forget the past, please.”

Aido opened his eyes, staring at the desolate horizon before him. The weight of his actions, the devastation he had caused, pressed down on him like a physical burden. The girls’ words echoed in his mind, a faint glimmer of the humanity he once had struggling to surface.

“This is a nightmare,” he muttered to himself, his eyes a mix of anger and sadness. The reality of his existence—an amalgam of pain, hatred, and despair—was unbearable. The world felt like a cage, a trap from which he could not escape, and his only answer had been destruction.

But the girls’ words stopped him in his tracks. Could he really forgive? Could he let go of the hatred that had consumed him? The thought of releasing his pain and anger was terrifying, as if doing so would mean betraying the memory of Rina, Nina, and Alidia. Yet continuing down this path of destruction only brought more suffering, more despair.

The voices of the girls faded, leaving Aido alone with his thoughts. The wind blew softly over the ravaged land, carrying with it the echo of Alidia’s last words: “Forgive and forget, please.”

Aido froze, the mass of bodies that composed him came to a standstill. For the first time in a long while, he felt a small glimmer of doubt. Could there be another way? Could he find peace, even in the midst of the destruction he had unleashed? The dilemma consumed him, the reality of his unending nightmare looming over him.

But was it too late? In this world of vast, empty cities, only a few pockets of life remained. Only a few still breathed in this shattered world. The animals, unaware of the cataclysmic events that had altered the fate of their planet, continued their existence in blissful ignorance.

Aido’s visions revealed the last bastion of humanity—an armada of ships at sea, desperately trying to escape him. They had been running and hiding for three long years, ever since Aido began his relentless march across the globe. In this world, only two continents remained, separated by an expansive ocean. The sea was vast, but it didn’t matter—Aido knew where they were, where they had been. Their very existence, their desperate will to survive, was a beacon guiding him. They were the last, and he would find them.

The ships, neither small nor large enough to elude him, were visible on the horizon. Aido could sense their fear, their hopelessness. They were the final remnants of a world that had betrayed him, and soon, they too would fall.

As Aido reached the sea, the ships finally came into view. They had been fleeing for years, and now, they were within his sight. The vessels, armed with heavy guns designed to fend off enemies, opened fire. The sea roared with the thunder of cannons, but the barrage was futile. Aido, an unstoppable force, ignored the attacks as he slowly advanced toward the fleet. Behind him, the wind carried the agonized screams of the countless dead that had become a part of him—a mountain of corpses and souls fused into a single, terrifying entity.

Onboard the ships, the remaining survivors watched in horror as their inevitable death approached. The monstrous figure of Aido loomed closer, and the ocean around them began to churn ominously. From below, the sea itself seemed to rise up in shadowy tendrils, devouring the ships one by one. The darkness pulled them down, and as the ships sank into the abyss, hands emerged from the void—clawing, grasping, pulling the desperate souls into the depths. Screams filled the air, but within moments, silence reigned. Every last person had vanished without a trace, swallowed by the darkness.

In the middle of the now-calm ocean, only one figure remained—a solitary mountain of flesh and darkness, with Aido standing at its peak.

The world had fallen into absolute silence. Not a single human being was left alive; Aido had ensured that. For three long years, he had hunted down and exterminated every living person, regardless of their status or innocence. The planet was now a desolate wasteland, a vast, lifeless graveyard under a bleak, starless sky. Aido, enveloped in a mass of dead bodies and tormented souls, stood at the center of this devastation, his gaze fixed on the void that stretched out before him.

It was then that a figure appeared, materializing from nothing with an aura of authority and command. The man called himself Xenos, his presence glowing with an ethereal light that starkly contrasted with the darkness surrounding Aido. His eyes were cold and distant, as if he were merely observing a play from a position of absolute control.

Xenos spoke, his voice echoing with an eerie calm. "Well, it looks like another defeat. Time to reset the game and start over. You are an interesting creature; I've seen a few like you before."

Aido looked up, his expression hardened by years of suffering and hatred. "Game?" he asked, his voice rough and laden with disbelief.

Xenos nodded with a quiet, almost patronizing smile. "Of course. This is all a game. You're a character, they were characters, the humans, everything. And I am the god, creator, and manager of this world. I've been failing to raise its rank to a B, but beings like yourself keep making it difficult."

The revelation left Aido silent for a moment, processing Xenos' words. "What is the purpose?" he finally asked, his tone defiant. "The purpose of all this?"

Xenos arched an eyebrow, as if the question were trivial. "Purpose of what?" he replied dismissively.

"Of this—everything," Aido insisted, gesturing at the devastated world around him. "What is the purpose?"

Xenos shrugged indifferently. "It's simple: fun."

Aido felt a surge of fury at the answer. "Fun? Is this all a joke to you?"

Xenos shook his head, an almost fatherly smile playing on his lips. "Not exactly a joke, more like an experiment. An experiment that has lasted millions of years and is still ongoing. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. You, demon, abomination—whatever you are—are a glitch in the game or perhaps a feature, a challenge I must overcome to elevate this world’s rank. But you have grown beyond expectations. We didn’t give magic or advanced science to humans, and you weren’t born a demon. You were barely different from any other human. But look at you now—a demon through and through. How? It should have been an easy game for them. And yet, here we are. The only thing they had to do was follow my commands, my designs. But greed and negative emotions dominated them. I recognize that the game failed long before you appeared, as if this world and its souls had no desire to advance, preferring to remain a damn world where good and evil are locked in a ceaseless struggle, dictated by numbers and forces."

With a small, soft voice, almost as if questioning but fearing the answer, Aido asked, "If you are the god of this world, can you resurrect people? Can your power give me back what I lost?"

Xenos looked at him with a face of disbelief. "Why would I?"

Aido clenched his fists, his voice filled with desperation and anger. "Bring back Rina, Nina, and Alidia. Bring back the world I had before!"

Xenos' expression remained unchanged. "Why would I? Even if I could, the world was already a mess. Whether today or a thousand years from now, it would have ended similarly. You only hastened the inevitable. We can only follow what we are meant to do."

Aido looked at Xenos with a mixture of disgust and understanding. "Who are 'we'?" he asked, his voice laden with defiance.

Xenos chuckled softly. "It's just you and me," he stated with chilling aloofness. "The deities of distant realms pay no mind to us or this world. I am but a minor deity in a grander scheme, where the gods of Order and Chaos crave entertainment to satiate their insatiable hunger. Without it, they are nothing, yet they remain fixated on observing, hardly lifting a finger."

Aido, filled with a deep, burning rage, stared at Xenos, realizing that everything he had fought for, all the pain and suffering he had endured, had been nothing more than a spectacle for the amusement of distant, uncaring gods. The world had been nothing more than a game—a cruel, meaningless game. And now, as the last remnants of humanity had been wiped from existence, all that remained was Aido and the cold, indifferent deity before him.

Xenos' cold, dismissive reply made Aido's fury intensify. "So, this was all just an experiment," Aido said in a gravelly voice. "The lives, the suffering, the deaths... it was all just for your entertainment."

"Indeed," Xenos affirmed with unapologetic certainty. "It's all just a piece of the grand scheme. A never-ending game destined to be reset, each time with new characters, evolving stories, yet the game persisting. There's no need for guilt; they serve their role, I serve mine. Isn't that cause for celebration?"

Aido, eyes filled with a mixture of despair and hatred, took a step closer to Xenos. "To you, this is nothing more than a series of trials and errors," he said bitterly. "But to me, it was all I had. My emotions, my losses, my loves? All real to me."

Xenos stared at him with a vacant expression, unmoved by Aido's words. "This is the nature of our game," he answered calmly. "To us gods, your reality is merely a work of fiction. Whatever you go through and however deeply you feel it, it is all just a predetermined sequence of events. I have the power to restart these events, but I am not all-powerful. I cannot alter your past, nor do I desire to. Your story is woven into the fabric of who I am."

Aido fell silent, feeling the weight of the revelation. All her suffering, her hatred, her despair, all had been manipulated and controlled from the beginning. But at the same time, he understood that, while for Xenos and the other gods it was all a game, for him, the experience was completely real.

"So," Aido murmured, his voice ringing with dark resolve, "if this is all a game, what's to stop me from doing what I want? What's to stop me from defying your control and destroying everything?"

Xenos looked at him, with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Nothing," he said coldly. "You can do as you please, but it will not change anything. The game will reset, and everything will start over. You cannot escape the cycle. I control the Gaia system of this world, to me you are no different than a character written in a notebook, I only need to erase the letters to retrieve what is within you, I do not need them intact, only the energy, the materials, I can make civilization start from scratch, wild, almost animal-like, or I can create an advanced civilization in science, but I must confess, the more advanced it is, the easier it is for others to intervene in the game, that's why I need to rank up, you are proof that I need more power."

Aido closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. He knew Xenos was right, but he also knew he couldn't simply accept that reality. "If destroying everything is my only option, then I will do it," he said firmly. "No matter how many times the game restarts, no matter how many times I destroy myself, I will keep fighting."

Xenos watched him for a moment, as if assessing Aido's determination. Then, he nodded with a calm smile. "Then keep going, Aido. Keep fighting, keep destroying. But remember, in the end, it's all just a game."

With a cry of defiance, Aido advanced, ready to destroy everything once again, even knowing that there was no hope of escaping the cycle. For to him, his struggle and his suffering were real, and that was all that mattered. And so, the game continued, with Aido determined to defy his fate, again and again, until the end of time.

Xenos watched with a condescending smile as the mass that formed Aido's body began to disintegrate, dissolving into a faint mist. "I wish I could meet you again," Xenos said in an almost casual tone, as if speaking of an old acquaintance. "You're interesting, but not that interesting. We can continue the conversation if we meet again."

With a snap of his fingers, Xenos activated a mechanism he believed to be infallible. The mist spread out, beginning to fade as the system took back what it considered its own. Aido, the creation that had exceeded his expectations, was dissipating. Xenos, confident in his power, assumed that Aido, in the end, was nothing more than a toy in his great game.

The mist that was Aido spread out into the void, as Xenos turned to go about his business. But, at that moment, an unsettling feeling ran through him, as if something fundamentally wrong was happening. However, he dismissed the uneasiness quickly, convinced that the system was working as it should.

Aido had been just another fragment in Xenos's game, one that the self-proclaimed god believed he had finished. But appearances, as they so often are, were deceiving. Xenos had made a monumental mistake in attempting to eliminate a being far more than a mere creation.

The ocean lost its sound; the waves ceased their swaying, and an unnatural calm spread over the horizon. The sky was silent, devoid of even the faintest whisper of wind or birdsong. The entire environment seemed to freeze, trapped in a moment of absolute stillness. Xenos, confident in his absolute control, felt a cold sensation creep through his body, as if an invisible specter had just brushed against his spine.

Suddenly, a soft but haunting whisper echoed close to his ear, a voice that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. "I'm still here."

Xenos felt a shiver of pure terror. This voice was not of his world, not from any of his creations, nor from a toy he thought he had destroyed. The mist that was once Aido had not vanished; instead, it had remained dormant, omnipresent, waiting for the right moment to make its presence known. The voice, dripping with ominous certainty, reminded Xenos that although he fancied himself a god, there were forces beyond his understanding and control.

The silence around him grew oppressive, and Xenos realized that he had unleashed something he could neither contain nor fully comprehend. The cold sensation within him intensified, accompanied by the stark realization that his "game" had taken a darker, more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined.

The absolute void stretched out before them, a space without time or form, where the rules of the physical world dissolved into nothingness. Aido, now an entity devoid of a physical body, floated in front of Xenos, who stared back with a mixture of disbelief and horror. The god of the world, the architect of the great game, had profoundly underestimated the nature of his creation. Aido was no longer just a demon; he was something far more ancient, something that Xenos could sense but had never truly encountered—something beyond the very concepts of origin or end.

Xenos tried to regain control, his voice faltering as he struggled to assert his authority. "This is just a game, a simulation. You're not real, just a character, an experiment. You can't do anything."

Aido laughed, a sound that reverberated through the void like a disturbing echo. "A game? A simulation? Everything you've done, every pain, every loss, was real to us. And now, without a body to restrict me, I am free."

Xenos frowned, his usually impassive demeanor cracking as concern etched itself onto his face. "What are you, really?" he asked, desperate to understand the phenomenon before him.

"I am more than a demon," Aido replied, his voice resonating with an unearthly gravity that vibrated through the very fabric of the void in which they stood. "I am what I am—an infinity of lives, both my own and others. Memories, thoughts, feelings... I exist outside of your game, outside of time, outside of space. I am your fear, beyond the outer gods and their order and chaos."

Xenos watched with growing confusion and terror, his mind struggling to grasp the magnitude of the entity before him.

"But even that is not the whole truth," Aido continued, his presence expanding, filling the void with a darkness that felt almost tangible. "I was neither human nor demon—just an avatar, a mask for something much older and darker. Something that exists beyond the comprehension of any being in this universe, beyond the limits of your game. I am the embodiment of what you fear, and what you can never control."

The void around them seemed to pulse with Aido's words, the darkness deepening, becoming a living, breathing entity in its own right. Xenos, for the first time in his existence, felt truly powerless—a god confronted with a force that transcended everything he believed he understood.

Xenos felt a surge of panic as he realized that the entity he faced was not simply a creation of his own that had escaped his boundaries, but a manifestation of a primordial power that had always been present, latent and watching. Aido had transcended any category Xenos could imagine, revealing a terrifying truth: that not all the mysteries of the universe were under the control of the gods and that some forces were so ancient and vast that they made a mockery of any attempt at comprehension or containment.

The void was filled with an overwhelming presence, and for the first time, Xenos felt the weight of its own insignificance before the vastness of the true cosmos. Aido, or the entity that had been known as Aido, loomed like an omnipresent shadow, proof that even gods can be confronted by something beyond their limitations and understanding.

Xenos took a step back, terror growing in his eyes. "What do you mean?" he stammered, trying to maintain his composure.

Aido smiled, a smile that had nothing human about it. "You unknowingly awakened something you should never have touched. Something that transcends the outer gods, the demons, chaos itself. By attempting to erase my avatar, you unwittingly released the bonds that kept me contained."

Xenos watched in horror as Aido transformed, his form no longer just an accumulation of souls and corpses, but an indescribable entity, a formless shadow emanating unimaginable power. "It can't be... This isn't possible!" cried Xenos, his voice laden with despair.

"It is," said Aido with eerie calm. "What you see before you is a manifestation of a being far older, darker than anything you can conceive of. An entity that exists beyond the confines of reality and fiction, beyond the boundaries of gods and demons. A being of primordial chaos that has been freed from its chains, chains called a dream."

Space began to distort eerily as Aido expanded his influence, spreading his dark and overwhelming presence. Out of the darkness emerged a gigantic figure, a monstrosity made up of countless faces of the dead, all merged into a single expression of agony and despair. This colossal entity held the planet in one hand, and in the other, the celestial realm of Xenos, a reflection of the domain of the gods and their inhabitants. The sight was so unconscionable and unnatural that all celestial beings fell into absolute panic.

In the celestial realm, angels and other divine beings looked at each other in disbelief, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the presence that loomed over them. The systems and structures that maintained the orderly harmony of their existence were going haywire, sputtering and crumbling under the pressure of a reality that should not have manifested. It was as if a cosmic nightmare had broken through the barrier between the unreal and the real, unleashing pure chaos.

Below, on the existential plane of the planet of humans, the image of this cosmic horror was projected into the heavens. A gigantic hand formed by infernal entities held the celestial realm, gripping it with unrelenting force. Xenos, looked up at the sky, his mind unable to process what they saw. Reality itself seemed to reel under the weight of the entity Aido had unleashed.

Xenos, for the first time in his existence, experienced true terror. The god, who had always played with creation as a child plays with his toys, felt his power and importance fade before the enormity of the entity he had inadvertently summoned. In a reflex action, he tried to step back, wishing to escape the presence that surpassed him in every way. His confidence and arrogance disappeared, replaced by a primal panic.

The laughter and whispers of faces in the monstrous figure echoed in the void, an echo of the despair of countless souls. The entity Aido had revealed was a being that transcended mortal and divine comprehension, a force that broke the barriers of the known and the unknown. For Xenos and everyone else, the appearance of this entity meant the end of everything they thought they knew about the universe and their place in it.

You are powerless," Xenos whispered, his voice quivering with fear. "My demise means yours as well. The game will cease to exist. I understand your desire to revive the girls. I am capable of it, willing to make it happen. Just hang on." With a chilling gaze, Aido met Xenos's eyes. "Isn't it ironic? I was designed for amusement, a puppet under your control. Yet here I stand, beyond your grasp. And you, Xenos, will bear the consequences." In a frenzy of panic and despair, Xenos faltered, "Why are they not appearing? Why are you not appearing? What's happening to the system..." Aido interrupted coldly, "Failing? They have transcended the system, no longer bound by it. They are existing elsewhere, safe and untouched. Once I regained my power, my first act was to ensure their safety. Now, I will shatter your joy as you shattered mine." The visages of the deceased coalesced into a monstrous entity, spanning across worlds and galaxies. Xenos screamed frantically, trying to defy the unavoidable. "Stop! This is not permissible! This is all a travesty! What you are orchestrating is forbidden!" "If it's forbidden, then it is even more enticing," Aido retorted, a malevolent grin spreading across their face. "Now, it is your reckoning." The gaping maw of the entity devoured entire worlds. An abyss, a never-ending void, expanded and engulfed the celestial realm of Xenos. The heavenly beings, gods, and angels, were swallowed by the darkness, consumed by the insatiable hunger of the primordial force. In a realm devoid of light and hope, Aido emerged as the sole sovereign, a wrathful entity in a nightmarish existence.

"Welcome, Xenos, to my world," Aido said, his voice echoing like the echo of a infinite laments. "A world of chaos, of despair, lifeless, without beginning or end. And I am the only inhabitant, what it feels to be the only one here, the lifeless scenario, the powerless sensation, that everything you know and love has been taken away?"

Aido leaned over Xenos, who was now a shadow of his former arrogance. "I am the walking hell. welcome to my domain! welcome to my bowels! I will torture you until there is nothing left of you!"

Xenos, defeated, could only whisper. "Stop. I am immortal, I am god, I am..."

"Never!" roared Aido, his voice shaking the very fabric of reality as he lunged at Xenos, devouring the deity with a ravenous hunger. He absorbed every memory, every thought, every feeling of Xenos’s being. In an instant, Aido possessed all the knowledge, all the truths and lies that Xenos had hidden. But something strange happened at the moment of absorption—something that twisted the very essence of his existence.

Aido awoke suddenly, gasping for breath. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. It was the middle of the night, and he was lying in a bed that seemed unusually spacious. The room was dark, save for the faint light filtering in from a nearby window. Next to him, Luyira lay draped over his chest, her breath soft and even. To his right, Nina and Rina slept soundly, their bodies curled up against his side. On his left, Alidia and Mary were nestled close, their forms entangled with his. The bed, now far too small for all of them, had been expanded with a sofa and some chairs, a makeshift arrangement that looked uncomfortable but seemed to suit them well enough. They were deep in sleep, their faces peaceful and untroubled.

Aido’s mind was still reeling from the intensity of his dream. He could feel the weight of the knowledge he had absorbed, yet there was a strange dissonance, as if something vital had slipped away from his grasp.

“Destroyer,” Aido whispered, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. “Did you see my dream?”

The Destroyer, an entity connected to Aido on a soul-deep level, responded, its voice echoing within his mind. “Even though we share a connection at the soul level, and I can read your thoughts, dreams are difficult to see. I could sense what was happening, but the details were elusive.”

Aido sighed, his brow furrowing as he tried to piece together the fragments of his dream. “I see…”

“What are you planning to do?” the Destroyer asked, its tone inquisitive but supportive.

“I don’t know,” Aido admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “That Aido in the dream—he was like me at the beginning, powerless, but I felt in his heart that he was a good man. Later on, he became something… something that resonates with me, but it wasn’t even close to being me. Or was it? That nightmare, that power, the countless lives lost, and that god—he’s the first god I’ve met. He was…”

“A disappointment, right?” the Destroyer finished, a note of understanding in its voice.

“Yes,” Aido agreed, his voice heavy with reflection. “A god who could watch people die and not care—what kind of god is that? But in the end, I feel like he understood something… something important. There’s something in the back of my mind, something about his knowledge, but now I can’t recall it.”

“Don’t worry,” the Destroyer reassured him. “You’ll remember it when the time is right. What matters isn’t the dream—it’s the present. And these girls are happy with who you are.”

Aido looked down at the sleeping forms around him, a sense of peace washing over him. “Yes, you’re right,” he murmured. “I can be a better version of the man I once was.”

“Now rest,” the Destroyer urged. “It’s time to clean the nests tomorrow. You need a good sleep.”

“Yes,” Aido agreed, his body relaxing as he allowed himself to sink back into the comfort of the bed. “I need to rest.”

As all the figures on the bed settled back into sleep, two unseen entities lingered nearby—phantoms, invisible to the naked eye and imperceptible to the group. They observed the scene in silence, speaking only to each other in hushed tones.

Asmodeus, with his air of ancient knowledge and maturity, gazed thoughtfully at Aido. His eyes, deep and reflective, held a scholar’s curiosity mingled with a cautious awareness of the potential consequences of what he had just witnessed. He spoke with a measured tone, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of countless ages.

“Interesting,” Asmodeus murmured, his gaze never leaving Aido. “The cycle continues, yet something has changed. This Aido… he carries the burden of worlds, yet he clings to his humanity with a fervor I have seldom seen.”

"Lucifer, we tread on dangerous ground. Aido's nature is not just a mystery; it's an anomaly. If he truly possesses the essence of an Unique, For our father sake, that is why we never met it before, his ego was no in everything but focusing in one place, then we are dealing with forces beyond even our comprehension. The primordial souls are the only barrier protecting us right now from this. His existence here, his potential awakening, could unravel more than just this reality."

Lucifer, standing beside Asmodeus, exuded an aura of brilliance and ambition. He was a prodigy, a being who had witnessed the birth and death of stars, the horrors of creation. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous mixture of fascination and hunger for control. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, a slight smile playing on his lips as he looked at Aido.

"Yes, but think of the possibilities, Asmodeus," Lucifer's voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of excitement. "Imagine harnessing that power. To control it, to bend it to our will. We've seen the limits of our abilities, the boundaries set by Father and the creation. But with Aido... with what he could become, those limits could be shattered."

Asmodeus sighed, his expression one of wary contemplation. "You speak of control, Lucifer, but do not forget what happened with Leviathan. The chaos, the near collapse of the barriers. We barely managed to contain it. Aido is not just another entity; he is a convergence of myriad forces, memories, and perhaps even the will of something older than the primordial souls. We might not be able to contain him. Even so I understand, you still believe a Unique can be obtain and you want to be one."

Lucifer pushed off the wall and walked closer to Aido, gazing down at him with a mixture of admiration and calculation. "Yes, you know my dream, my purpose, my goal.Containment is not the answer. Understanding is. We need to explore the depths of his potential, to see how far we can push the boundaries. This... game, as you call it, is more than just a risk. It's an opportunity. Aido's dreams, his memories—these are glimpses into a reality we barely understand. If we can guide him, shape him, we might unlock secrets long buried by time and existence."

Asmodeus shook his head slightly, a frown creasing his forehead. "And what of the consequences? The Apocalipty's nature is to consume they are formed of desires that end in a true death, he could be even beyond them. If Aido becomes aware of what he is, of the power he holds, he might choose to destroy everything. And not just this world, but all worlds, all realities. Are we prepared to face that?"

Lucifer's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. He reached out, almost touching Aido's face, but stopping just short. "I am prepared to face anything for the sake of knowledge and power. We are beings who have seen the very fabric of creation, Asmodeus. To be afraid now, to shy away from the unknown, would be to deny our nature. Aido is not just a tool; he is a key. We must unlock him, even if it means risking everything."

Asmodeus studied Lucifer's face, seeing the determination and the lust for power. He knew the risks, perhaps even better than Lucifer did. But he also knew that Lucifer's ambition was not easily swayed. With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Very well. But we must tread carefully. One wrong move, and we might not just lose Aido... we might lose everything."

Lucifer nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He turned back to Aido, who continued to sleep peacefully, unaware of the titanic forces deliberating over his fate. The room seemed to grow darker, the shadows deepening as if the very cosmos held its breath. The two beings, embodiments of ancient knowledge and cosmic ambition, stood vigil over Aido, knowing that the path they chose could lead to unparalleled power—or total annihilation.

As the two debated, a third voice echoed in the room, chilling the atmosphere with its ominous presence. "Stop talking. You're getting too close. Be careful; I am still here, and though our goals may seem similar, if you challenge me, things will end as you mentioned, Asmodeus," the voice of the Destroyer said, echoing like a deep, ancient echo. It was as if the ghosts had encountered something even darker.

Asmodeus, with an expression that oscillated between curiosity and caution, replied, "So the dog is what we think it is. Isn't it wrong to deceive your own master?"

Destroyer replied with menacing calm. "I am loyal to my master beyond his expectations. Aido is not my master, but the cocoon from which he will emerge."

The atmosphere in the room became even more tense. Lucifer, Asmodeus and the entity known as the Destroyer exchanged silent glances, understanding that the situation was even more complex than they had imagined. Each of them, with their own agendas and ambitions, knew they were playing with forces that could overwhelm them.

With a last glance at Aido, the two beings decided to withdraw, leaving the young man to rest. The room fell into a deep silence, broken only by Aido's soft breathing. As they faded into the shadows, it became clear that Aido's story, and the fate of them all, was far from over. The calm before the storm settled in the air, with everyone present aware that what was to come would be decisive and potentially cataclysmic.