Beware of Landmines

On the morning after the rain had cleared, sunlight shone directly into Mio’s room.

Although Mio had just woken up, she was still holding Esth in the blanket.

Currently, Mio and Shizuku were using their original bodies, while Eve only used teleportation to inform Shinjin and the Spirit King that the two were using human forms, without actually showing them in person.

At that moment, Mio slowly got up, got out of bed, and walked to the window.

(It still feels best in my own body… but I really want to try a good fight.)

Stare…

Esth stared at Mio.

“Good morning, Esth. I’m going to visit Shinjin later. Want to come?”

“Yes, I want to play with that guy too.”

In the city center, Eve was walking around with Alexander and Ren.

“I say, you two—why aren’t you using your original bodies?”

“To adapt to the new ones.”

“Same here. But you sent Mireia on a mission with the Twelve Generals—are you sure that’s okay?”

“She was once your subordinate, after all. If she doesn’t do missions, her body will go dull.”

“Before Mireia left, didn’t you cast some spell on her?”

“Just something to let her beat up the guy who bullied Luminaris. Actually, killing him wouldn’t be a problem either.”

“Mireia definitely hits hard. That much I know. But whether she’ll go all the way… I’m not sure.”

“You’re the one who corrupted her. She used to be such a cute elf.”

“Sorry.”

“Forget it. As long as the divine soul stabilizes in a few decades, it’ll be fine.”

“Divine soul?”

“When I revived everyone except Mio and Shizuku, I gave them 0.1% of my divine soul.”

“The divine soul is opposite to a certain demon realm technique. The demon realm expands one’s dark inner side, while the divine soul enhances the good side.”

“But each god’s soul has different properties. Mine enhances kindness and chuunibyou traits.”

Ren chuckled.

“According to Mio and Shizuku’s memories, chuunibyou is just about dramatic speech and showing off.”

“At least you two were former Spirit Kings. Unlike those Four Kings, whose true forms Alexander turned into doorways—they now run around in child avatars.”

Ding ding ding!

Eve’s detector went off.

“Hello?”

“Miss Eve, I’m borrowing Miss Akatome’s detector to speak with you.”

“Aren’t you Bahamut? What’s going on?”

“I didn’t really want to get involved, but our Dragon Emperor Knights are tracking a major criminal.”

“The knights reported the suspect has entered your country, and they don’t dare act rashly.”

“Okay, what are the suspect’s features?”

“Sorry, only Leora knows. I just came to notify you.”

“Thanks anyway.”

Eve sighed afterward.

“Alexander, besides Yugudora, do you have other subordinates?”

“Yes, but they’re just slightly above normal people.”

“Eve, I’m concerned about something.”

“Hm?”

“The covenant forbids all killing, war, and plundering—but what about Luminaris having her belongings stolen?”

“Probably a power malfunction. But as long as there’s no killing or war, it’s not a violation.”

“Then maybe we need to adjust the policy.”

“True. Let’s discuss that when the other kings visit. For now, let’s handle the Dragon Kingdom’s criminal.”

Three hours later, Mio brought Esth to the academy gate.

Though she could teleport, Mio preferred walking.

At the gate, a security guard walked over.

“Excuse me, miss, are you here for maintenance?”

“No, I’m here to see Kazehaya Shinjin. We’re friends.”

“Ah, then please come in.”

Inside the academy, Mio walked toward Shinjin’s residence, guided by memory.

“Esth, how about fried noodles for dinner tonight?”

“Sounds good. Can we add some tofu?”

“Sure.”

“I’m so happy.”

“Who are you?”

A white-haired girl blocked their path, but Mio recognized her immediately.

“Grevas, long time no see.”

“Oh… You are?”

Mio glanced around to ensure no one was nearby and whispered.

“Holy King Alexander. Real name: Mio Kamikoshi Viscott.”

“Then I’ve been quite rude.”

“It’s fine. Living as a human isn’t bad either. Is that kid around?”

“He’s training at the western lake.”

“Come to think of it, besides that kid and his girlfriends, no one else knows what you look like now, right?”

“Correct.”

“I’m going to find him, then.”

Mio grabbed Esth’s hand and vanished.

“Hah!”

Shinjin was training with throwing knives near a tree when Mio suddenly appeared.

Noticing the knife flying toward her, Mio glared.

The small blade immediately turned to powder.

“Trying to kill me!?”

Mio was a bit angry.

Shinjin looked on.

“Sorry.”

“Esth.”

“Yes.”

Esth transformed into her elf battle gear.

“Esth!? That means you’re…!”

“Indeed, the Holy King!”

“Uh… I was just practicing with knives and you appeared suddenly.”

Mio held Esth’s sword, which radiated a deadly aura.

Shinjin felt her killing intent was even stronger than before.

“You’re not actually going to strike, right?”

Mio pointed the sword at the nearby lake and slashed down—cutting the water surface apart.

“Whoosh!”

“What are you slashing?”

“Just letting off steam. That knife startled me.”

“Sorry.”

“By the way, where are your elves?”

“They’re in the room. I came alone.”

“Alright, I’ll let it go this time. But next time, I’ll kick your butt.”

“Uh, what brings you here?”

“To have fun. Also, I plan to settle the score from last time in the next match.”

“Still holding a grudge?”

“If I said no, I’d be lying. I just want a bit of revenge. Plus, I brought Esth to play.”

“Then shall we go downtown?”

“Sure, let’s have some fun.”

Esth turned back into her human form and joined the two as they walked to a small shopping street.

“Looks lively. There’s an ice cream shop ahead. You’re paying, by the way, as compensation.”

“Alright.”

Inside the shop, Mio picked up the menu, while Esth sat beside her, peeking over.

“Large chocolate sundae.”

“No problem.”

“I want one too.”

Esth gave Mio a pitiful look, and Mio looked at Shinjin.

“Please get Esth another one.”

“Sigh… Fine.”

Shinjin looked a bit helpless, while outside, Claire and Linslet were shocked to see Shinjin with unfamiliar cute girls.

“That shameless guy—I’ll roast him later.”

“But he looks reluctant.”

“Probably because Esth is nearby. He’s afraid she’ll tell us.”

“What are you girls talking about?”

Fianna walked over.

“Look.”

Claire pointed at the shop.

“Who’s that girl?”

“No idea.”

“But she and Esth seem really close. Why is Esth here?”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw Esth and Restia earlier down the road.”

“Ah—so who’s this one?”

“Let’s go ask.”

Meanwhile, Mireia was confronting Liyada in an abandoned building.

Virei had to wait a kilometer away because of a barrier Liyada set.

“Tch, the barrier closed too slowly.”

“Liyada, setting the barrier to auto-activate a kilometer away is smart, but that little girl saw it closing—and since I’m fast, I dashed in before it closed. I didn’t bother with the kid.”

“Mireia, you think a single elf like you can catch me? That’s overestimating yourself. I was once an assassin.”

“You’ll regret underestimating me. The Lord said I can ignore the covenant—killing is fine!”

“Then I should be free to kill you too?”

“Sure, but anyone who wants to kill me ends up seriously hurt.”

Mireia summoned a sword, and Liyada drew hers too.

“Let’s go, Liyada! Show me the strength of a former Holy Nation assassin!”

“I don’t need your cue!”

Both radiated terrifying killing aura—enough to scare any normal person away.

Liyada rushed in with a vertical slash.

Mireia blocked it with both hands, but Liyada kicked her in the stomach.

Mireia smirked.

“Is that all?”

She backed up three meters, then dashed forward with a flurry of sonic slashes.

“Ahhhh! Stop… please stop!”

Liyada’s body was covered in crimson gashes. Blood dripped from Mireia’s sword.

Turning around, Mireia looked at Liyada.

“How is it?”

“Why… are you so strong? You didn’t use to be this fast.”

“Hahaha! It’s all thanks to the Holy King. Since my revival, my power, defense, and speed have all skyrocketed.”

“That useless Spirit King who lost to humans?”

Mireia grew angry.

“You dare insult the Holy King? I’ll teach you a lesson.”

“Wait—what do you want from me today?”

“Two things. First, give me Luminaris’s belongings.”

“Fine.”

Liyada pulled out a red stone from her pocket and tossed it to Mireia.

“Second, get captured by the Twelve Generals.”

“No way! I’ve had enough of Balsas Prison!”

“You’re going, whether you like it or not.”

“If that’s how it is—come out, Earthstone Spirit!”

A two-meter stone creature appeared.

Mireia fearlessly walked forward.

“All useless. Give up, or this won’t end with just cuts.”

“Earthstone Spirits are Steel Spirits’ natural enemies. You should know that better than me.”

“True. But after I deal with this useless spirit, you’ll pay for slandering the Holy King!”

“Go! Earthstone Spirit, turn her into elf paste!”

Roar!!!

The Earthstone Spirit raised its stone fist to strike, but Mireia punched back with her left fist.

Boom!

“Hahaha! You fool, you punched an Earthstone Spirit—”

Before she finished, the creature shattered and split in half.

“What!?”

Mireia’s eyes turned cold. Liyada panicked and knelt immediately.

“I surrender! Please spare me!”

Mireia’s sword emitted a freezing aura.

Seeing her walk over with that cold stare, Liyada was terrified.

“Are you left-handed or right-handed?”

“R-right… Wait—are you planning to—!?”

“The price is one hand.”

“No! The Holy King stands for peace now! You can’t—”

“I—don’t—care!”

Mireia slashed swiftly—Liyada’s left hand was cut off.

“Ahhhhh! My hand! Ahhh sob sob sob!”

Mireia immediately covered her mouth.

“Make another sound, and your head goes too. You know my nature.”

Liyada tore her clothes to wrap the wound.

“Sob sob sob sob…”

“Cry again and I’ll cut more.”

“No more… I’ll go to prison.”

“Then next…”

Mireia picked up the severed hand and stuffed it into Liyada’s bag.

“Are you really not going to hurt me now?”

“Yes, but slandering Lord Holy King is the same as stepping on my landmine — same outcome. If it were the old me, you’d already be dead.”

“As expected of one of the Holy King’s confidants. I really underestimated you.”

“Less talk, come with me quickly! Hurry up and go with that girl from the 12 Generals. I’m going too.”

“What, afraid I’ll run?”

“Stop talking nonsense and move!”

After that, Mireya forcefully dragged Liada over to Virei.

“Wow, your methods are even rougher than mine.”

“It’s just a broken arm. Plus, this girl said things she shouldn’t have.”

“Liada, looks like your time has come.”

Liada was particularly annoyed.

“I admit, today was a disaster.”

Virei and Mireya kept an eye on Liada all the way back to Virei’s country. They handed Liada over to the relevant authorities, and Virei received nine gold bars.

Meanwhile, Mireya waited outside.

After Virei came out, she let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

“How much did you get?”

“Nine gold bars.”

“I said I’d take half, but one gold bar is fine.”

“Thanks. The stuff Liada stole is countless. We’ll interrogate her more once she recovers.”

“What a boring mission.”

After securing the gold bar, Mireya left alone.

Once in a deserted place, Mireya used a detector to contact Eve.

“Lady Eve, I caught the person and retrieved the items.”

“Well done. There’s another capture mission. Will you take it?”

“I will.”

“A major criminal from the Dragon Kingdom has infiltrated our country. Coordinate with the Dragon Emperor Knights to capture them.”

“Understood.”

After the call, Mireya yawned.

“Haa… so boring. These small fries are no match for Rubia. But the power my lord gave me is really strong. I hope I can meet stronger opponents in future matches.”

Meanwhile, Mio was getting along surprisingly well with everyone, despite them only recently learning she was the Holy King.

In elementary school, Mio was actually a pitiful girl. She had few friends and was often bullied. Shizuku was the type who dared to fight back. Compared to her sister, she didn’t have many friends either, but by third grade, she had already made a fifth-grade boy cry from a fight.

Mio, wanting to become stronger, began to stand up for herself. But she remained gentle toward the weak and kind people. However, she showed no mercy to bullies and mockers.

“Holy King, how long will it take you to fully recover your power?”

Asked by Linslet, Mio didn’t know how to answer.

“That… it’s hard to say. I was incredibly weak after being resurrected, and reviving Shizuku again drained me. Honestly, even Leora could probably beat me right now.”

“If you hadn’t done bad things back then, it wouldn’t be like this.”

“True, but I still prefer the current peace. God… you should go visit your hometown occasionally.”

“Alright.”

“Right now, Shizuku and I can’t go to the Elemental Spirit World. But my friend Eve has a lot of advanced technology from another world. The detector is one of them.”

“What’s that other world like?”

Claire asked curiously.

“That world has no spirits or magic. Everything is developed by humans. Our world is thousands of years behind. I plan to develop tech here in the future. But first, I’ll teach you all knowledge from that world.”

“No spirits…”

Claire spaced out a bit, and Fiana did too.

“Anyway, I’ll get things started soon. Look forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Eve was watching Mio through a crystal ball.

“Technology, huh… Maybe someday.”

“Eve.”

Alexander walked over.

“Didn’t you go with Ren to get burgers?”

“I sent Ren. I didn’t feel like eating.”

“I see. But you seem to be thinking about something.”

“As expected of you. I’ll be direct — I want to claim an island in the Xianghai region as my own.”

“Xianghai region? What’s there?”

“A 4 cm magic stone. I made it myself using divine power 5,000 years ago.”

“What does it do?”

“It grants any living creature unlimited stamina.”

“Then why didn’t you take it before?”

“I was too busy analyzing the Interdimensional Angels and handling other projects. Totally forgot about it.”

“Alright. Where exactly is this Xianghai region?”

“468,000 meters east of our current location, in the middle of the sea. A small island country called Jiwei Yuanfeng Nation.”

“Got it.”

“Give the stone to Mio. But according to records from my subordinates, the Divine One, Kazehaya, has a younger sister. Their hometown is also Jiwei Yuanfeng.”

“Adopted sister — her name is Miya.”

“No no… According to records before the academy started capturing people, the Kazehaya siblings were in the census. But the sister’s whereabouts are unknown, and the boy seems to have forgotten he even had a sister.”

“He was just a kid. Can’t expect him to remember everything. Officially, he was the only one.”

At 4 PM.

“Xiao An, is my sister back yet?”

“No, and neither is Mireya.”

“I think Mireya came back once, gave something to Luminarlis, then left with Sarah.”

“She’s probably out on a capture mission. And little Mio is likely still with the Divine One.”

“Isn’t it boring being alone, Xiao An?”

“A little. But I came up with an idea. I’ll share it when Mio gets back.”

Eve got up from the sofa and walked to Luminarlis’ room.

“Luminarlis, how’s your body?”

“My Lady, I’ve fully recovered.”

“We also finished reviving your friend with Mio.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

“But in the future, try using names in public. They don’t like having their identities exposed.”

“Understood.”

“I’ve arranged for your fellow Holy Spirit Knights to stay downtown. When there’s a mission… I’ll let you contact them. You’ll have one in a few days. Rest up until then.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Just then, Eve’s detector rang.

“Hello?”

“My Lady… It’s Mireya. I have urgent intel.”

“Speak!”

“I handed the criminal to the Dragon Emperor Knights, but I found three corpses in the neutral forest between our country and Odesia. A wooden sign with words was placed on them.”

“What did it say?”

‘Descendants of Kawaji must be eliminated. Anyone who helps Kawaji shall be eliminated as well!’

Eve instantly teleported to Mireya.

“My Lady!”

Eve examined the corpses carefully and noticed something unusual.

“These weren’t killed by humans or spirits. These are from an interdimensional being. The wounds are magical.”

“My Lady, does the covenant only apply to intelligent life from this world?”

“Yes. But these were two adults and a child… This attacker is ruthless. You all need more training.”

Eve touched a corpse.

“Judging from the temperature and conditions, they died about an hour ago. I’ll report to Odesia later. Also, summon the Spirit Kings tomorrow at noon. You go back first.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Eve was clearly displeased.

(Whoever did this, I won’t let them off. But just who is Kawaji…?)

At 8 PM, Mio and Esther finally got home, but they were in rough shape.

Yugdola looked worried.

“My Lady… what happened?”

Mio sighed.

“On the way back, I saw someone sneaking through the forest. I approached, and they attacked me without hesitation.”

“My Lady, this matches what Lady Eve saw — interdimensional beings are attacking!?”

“Probably. My detector was broken in the attack, so I couldn’t contact anyone. But Esther managed to stab it once. Its blood was purple.”

“Then I’ll go inform Lady Eve.”

“Good. But you all be careful too.”

“Understood.”

Eve suddenly appeared in the living room.

“Mio, are you alright?”

“I’m fine — just a few scratches. How’s Shizuku?”

“Already asleep.”

“I see. We need to have a serious discussion tomorrow.”

“I’m not afraid of that guy.”

Eve patted Esther’s head.

“Right. You’re a top-class sword spirit — perfect to protect your master.”

“Xiao An, maybe there’s another race in this world not bound by the covenant.”

“Go on.”

“Interdimensional angels — the apostles from beyond the Gate of Origin that Little Aya mentioned. But it’s possible there are other things beyond the gate too.”

“True. She’s still awake upstairs. I’ll go ask.”

“Then Esther and I are going to bathe and sleep.”

“Okay.”

Later, Eve entered Alexander’s room.

“Alexander, I have questions about your past.”

“Alright.”

She shut the door and sat by the bed.

“Alexander, besides angels, are there other things beyond the Gate of Origin?”

“There are.”

“Tell me.”

“Besides angels, there are human-like beings I couldn’t control.”

“How strong?”

“According to angelic records, there are seven or eight with power rivaling Spirit Kings. But they’ve never fought. And there’s another — the god who created the Elemental Spirit World and all Spirit Kings.”

“Thanks for the info.”

“Why are you asking? Did something happen?”

“Three people died. Mio was attacked too.”

“Isn’t there a covenant?”

“It only applies to beings from this world and the Elemental Spirit World. Interdimensional beings can only enter if I allow it. But interdimensional angels… are a different matter.”

“I see. So Mio’s world counts as ‘otherworld,’ but our world’s original ‘interdimensional’ beings don’t count in the covenant.”

“Exactly. This world was created so you could have physical form. You were originally novel characters. I can’t control Dragon Ball-level power systems.”

“Because they’re too strong… Beyond your capabilities. According to Mio’s memories, Dragon Ball characters can destroy planets. You can’t.”

“Right. If I had that power, I would’ve already gone to fight Heaven.”

“So, what will you do now?”

“Call a meeting of the other Kings tomorrow. I’ll also restore everyone to their original powers.”

“But be careful. That god behind the Gate isn’t a pushover.”

“I know. By the way, do you know Kawaji?”

“Kawaji…? I remember that name — a family with connections to angels.”

“Another link… These people really are stepping on my landmines. And I worked so hard to build peace in this world…”

“Well, don’t get mad. Worst case, just destroy them.”

“Hmm!?”

“What is it?”

“I saw a shadow outside the window just now.”

“Could someone have overheard us?”

“Relax. I always set up anti-eavesdropping magic when building houses. Plus, the window’s closed.”

“Then I’ll talk with Ren too.”

“Alright, I’ll head back to my room.”

After Eve left, Alexander closed the curtain and muttered to himself.

“The God of Origin isn’t to be underestimated. If it’s really them, things could get messy. I better prepare before trouble starts.”