Feng Zao Shen Yin

The day after the incident, Eve convened a meeting with all the Elf Kings. Everyone at the meeting was made aware of the situation.

Afterward, Eve restored the powers of the Elf Kings to approximately their original strength. Mio, Shizuku, Alexander, and Ren were also discussing defense against interdimensional attacks.

At that moment, Rod raised a question.

“Why were humans the ones attacked? Alexander, do you have any leads?”

“One possibility is that someone ordered it, and another is to silence witnesses. It’s unlikely that interdimensional angels would attack on their own, but for other beings behind the Gate of Origin, who knows? If anyone encounters them, don’t attack immediately—try to communicate, then everyone can figure out what to do. Otherwise, it’ll just lead to another war.”

Alexander also added,

“The attack took place in the neutral zone between Odyssia and my country. Since even my real body was attacked, there must be something in that forest.”

“Do you think Rubia and the others are in danger?”

Volcanic seemed worried, but Ren reassured him,

“If we’re by their side, they’ll be safer.”

“Exactly!”

Suddenly, a white-haired, red-eyed, purple-skinned, pointy-eared boy in strange clothing appeared on the table.

Eve immediately became alert.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Fu. I am a messenger from behind the Gate of Origin.”

“Don’t tell me you were behind the attack on Alexander and that family!?”

“No, no, no. I’m here to tell you the truth.”

“The truth?”

“There’s a demon named Jia on my side. Because of a matter involving the Kawaji family, he silenced them. But then he was discovered in the forest by Alexander. Jia doesn’t like being seen… They fought, and Alexander pierced his heart. He’s still recovering. However, his next target is a girl named Amashima Tairi, currently in an orphanage in Jiwon Wind Country.”

“Why is he going after her?”

Shizuku stared intently at Fu.

“Don’t look at me like that—I’m not the one who did it. He’s targeting anyone related to the Kawaji family incident.”

At this point, Mio’s gaze became a bit terrifying.

“Tell that guy for me: leave Amashima Tairi alone and stop killing the innocent. Otherwise, he’ll be my enemy!”

“Alright, alright. But do you really think a human body can defeat Jia?”

“Of course.”

Isaria looked anxious at that moment.

(Alexander seems to be siding with humans… but it’s fine, for the sake of humanity.)

Fu smirked wickedly.

“He’ll show up in Jiwon Wind Country later. If you don’t want to die, it’s best not to interfere. After all, Elf Kings are only mid-tier in strength.”

Then Fu turned into smoke and vanished.

At that moment, Mio’s hidden personality from the original world surfaced.

“Hahahaha… Interesting! Then let’s fight! I’ll enjoy it to my heart’s content!”

Shizuku also got excited.

“It’s been a while since I’ve fought seriously!”

But Eve sighed.

“Watch your words and behavior.”

The two of them: “Yes!”

However, Eve didn’t really mind. All living beings in this world were her manifestations. Even if physical beings resisted, they couldn’t harm her in the slightest. Any ability, seal, magic, or curse was completely ineffective—only her original world’s mother’s subordinates, the trio of Mio, Shizuku, and Rin, and Anyue could harm her. She also possessed absolute and ultimate power to destroy her enemies.

After the Elf Kings left, Eve gathered everyone in the living room.

“Everyone, I have a mission for you. Mio, Shizuku, and I will go abroad. Yugudora, Mireia, Ari, and Ren, help Mio retrieve an Infinite Stamina Stone. Ari already has the coordinates. Yugudora, Mio and I have already prepared a new sword spirit for you. I’ve also given Ari the location. Once you get the sword spirit, go. Mireia, make sure to bring your Sara.”

The two of them: “Understood!”

“Nibekor, Restia, Rin, Luminarias, you all stay and watch the house. Everyone, don’t forget your detectors so we can stay in touch.”

Eve glanced at the clock.

“Those going, we’ll leave around 1 PM. Eat lunch first. Mio, Shizuku, come to my room.”

After arriving in Eve’s room, she spread a map on the bed.

“Little Dark, what’s this?”

“A map of Jiwon Wind Country. Our goal is to protect Amashima Tairi. Once we find her, we’ll bring her to our country. Also, she’s the younger sister of the Divine One.”

“The Divine One has a sister?”

“First time hearing this.”

“Alexander and I discussed it yesterday. While we’re at it, we’ll recruit her to our side.”

“What about the enemy?”

“Don’t worry. That guy hurt you yesterday—I won’t let him off.”

When the time came, everyone set off together. Mio returned to her original form and teleported with Esther and Eve.

At that moment, in Odyssia, a girl named Nemesis received a message via Eve’s detector and planned to deliver it to the Divine One.

This Nemesis was also someone Eve brought from another world, similar to Akame and Kurome. She had little memory when Eve took her. Nemesis came from the To Love-Ru world.

“Looks like little Eve has her hands full. I might as well help out.”

Nemesis vanished instantly.

In Jiwon Wind Country, everyone caught the smell of something delicious.

“Smells so good, Little Dark.”

“Yeah, is that roast chicken?”

Esther pointed to the right, and everyone walked that way.

There, they found a black-haired girl roasting chicken on a rack over a fire in the sand. Her body was covered in scars, and her blue eyes were cold.

“Hey!”

Shizuku called out, and the girl slowly approached.

“Hello.”

To their surprise, her voice was very pleasant. Though her long hair resembled Rubia’s, she looked about 14 to 16 years old.

Mio stepped forward.

“Hi, we’re from the Divine Federation of Shin-Yuest. We’re looking for someone we need to protect.”

“Who are you looking for?”

“A girl named Amashima Tairi. She’s been targeted by interdimensional beings, and as the Elf King, I’m here to protect her.”

“I remember now—you’re the Elf King, right?”

“Yes.”

“Actually, I’m Amashima Tairi. I now go by the name Yuni, with no last name.”

“Then come with us.”

“Where to?”

“To our country, the Divine Federation of Shin-Yuest. It’ll be safer there.”

“Thanks for your kindness, but I’m being targeted. I might endanger you.”

“Then what do you know about the interdimensional beings?”

“I learned from the Kawaji family that the beings were after a secret technique passed down in their family. But even they couldn’t fully understand it. In the end, they gave me the pages of the secret text.”

“I see. No wonder everyone connected to the Kawaji case was silenced.”

Eve smiled.

“Don’t worry. With us protecting you, you’ll be safe.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you have the pages on you?”

“Yes, I always keep them in my underwear.”

“Hand them to me.”

“Alright.”

Yuni took out the pages and handed them to Eve. Upon seeing them, Eve was shocked.

“Whoa!”

“What is it, Little Dark?”

“These small inscriptions say that the spell grants the caster immortality and eternal life, but it can only be used once every 670 years—and it requires 35 people each time!”

“No wonder that guy is after Yuni.”

Then Mio asked,

“Yuni, do you know how many families have the surname Kazehaya?”

“Just one. But she’s an orphan, though she’s close to me.”

“What’s her name?”

“Kazehaya Kanone. I usually call her Kanon.”

“Take us to her.”

“Okay, but can I finish roasting the chicken first?”

“Sure. In the meantime, tell me about Kanon’s life.”

“She’s always dreamed of living in a big country, but she doesn’t have much money… Right now she runs an ice cream shop to get by.”

“Does she know she has an older brother?”

“She does, but she really resents him.”

“Why?”

“He never came back. Left her alone. She nearly died several times.”

Eve realized that resolving this sibling matter would be tricky.

Once the chicken was cooked, Yuni wrapped it in aluminum foil and placed it in a box.

“Yuni, what’s that?”

“A nutritional supplement for the orphanage director. Grandpa recently broke a bone—he needs to rest and recover.”

“You’re so kind. But, can I ask—how did you get all those scars?”

“Old injuries. I used to be bullied a lot, until the director took me in.”

“Girls really have it tough.”

“You get used to it. As long as I’m okay, it’s fine.”

“Let’s deliver the roast chicken to the director first, then go see Kanon.”

“Alright.”

Meanwhile, at the lakeside, the Divine One received a letter shot by arrow. It was addressed to him.

He opened the letter, and its contents stirred old memories. It read:

“Do you still remember that you have a younger sister? Before you were taken to the institute, she was part of your life. She’s now in your homeland, Jiwon Wind Country. But she resents you deeply. You never returned, left her alone, and she almost died several times. This is even worse than your adopted sister Miuya’s case. The Holy King is currently protecting those targeted by interdimensional beings in that country. I’ve asked her to bring your sister. You’d better be prepared. Her name is Kazehaya Kanone.”

“Kanon…”

“Big Brother!”

A girl’s voice and a blurred image flashed in the Divine One’s mind.

“This is going to be tricky. I hope Alexander can help mediate first.”

Far away, Nemesis chuckled.

“That’s the look I wanted to see.”

Her detector transmitted all of Eve’s earlier conversation.

Then the sky grew cloudy, and rain began to fall.

Later…

“Little Eve, I’m done.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Why is there static on your end?”

“It’s raining here. Just a light drizzle though, nothing serious.”

“Then go home and rest.”

“Can I play a bit more? Also, when are you introducing me to Little Mio and the others?”

“Sure. Just be careful with your shapeshifting ability. I’ll let you meet Little Mio soon.”

“Thanks!”

And Eve was like that.

“Xiao An, who is it?”

“Like Akame and Kurome, someone from another world, but couldn’t wait to meet you all.”

“What’s its name?”

“I guarantee you and Shizuku know each other.”

When they reached the dean’s house, Yuni handed the box to a man standing at the door.

“Sir, please give this to the dean when he wakes up.”

“Alright.”

“Yuni, how do you know the dean is asleep?”

“Many people around here know the dean has a habit of napping during the day. I just wanted him to have roast chicken ready when he wakes up.”

“Good idea.”

“Now adults, I’ll take you to see Xiaoyin.”

“Okay.”

“Mhm!”

Eve looked up.

“What’s wrong, Xiao An?”

“Nothing.”

(Why is Anyue here?)

After that, Yuni brought everyone to a rundown little inn.

“This is where Xiaoyin lives.”

When they reached the 4th floor, Yuni knocked on Room 401.

“Who is it?”

After the door opened, a long-haired girl with the same hair color as the divine ones, dressed in a maid outfit, was eating an apple.

“Xiaoyin.”

“Xiaoni, why are you here? And who are those people behind you?”

“These are the people protecting me, and this one is the Holy King.”

“The Spirit King!”

“Shhh, keep your voice down.”

Mio didn’t want the neighbors to know her identity.

“Sorry, please come in.”

Everyone entered the room. Although it looked poor, it was livable.

Shenyin took some ice cream from the freezer and gave it to everyone.

“Sorry everyone, the conditions are a bit rough. This is all I have.”

Esther opened the package and took a bite of the ice cream.

“Mmm… it’s good. Tastes like milk.”

“Don’t worry. I came to you for two reasons.”

“To me?”

“One is about your brother. The other is an invitation.”

“My Lady, you probably heard from Xiaoni about how I feel toward my brother, right?”

“I know. But do you want to defeat him?”

“Of course I do. But I don’t know where he is, and because of the peace treaty, I can’t just cut him down.”

“Then how about participating in the Spirit Blade Dance Festival? I’ll provide you with free accommodations and a good environment.”

“Really? But I don’t have a spirit.”

“No problem. I’ll arrange that.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

“Just don’t actually kill him in the tournament. You’ll be disqualified.”

“Don’t worry, my Lady.”

“Would you like to come live with us now?”

“Sure, but let me check out of the inn and tell the ice cream shop staff first.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll go now. I’ll be back in 5 to 8 minutes.”

“Go ahead.”

After Shenyin left, Yuni said:

“My Lady, Xiaoyin has always been kind, but her hatred for her brother has crossed the line.”

“I understand. But I’ll test a few things. I feel she still knows her limits.”

“Sis, I have an idea about the tournament.”

“What is it?”

“What if we change it to a one-on-one format?”

“One-on-one sounds good. And let’s add a rule that no one outside the ring can give advice to the fighters.”

“My Lady, there’s something I’m not sure I should say.”

“Go ahead.”

“Xiaoyin has great potential in battle. Once, she single-handedly wiped out a squad of demon spirits and fairies.”

“Why didn’t she join the knights?”

“She doesn’t like the exhausting training of the knight corps and prefers ordinary work.”

“I see.”

Eve’s detector went off.

“Hello?”

“This is Ari. The sword spirit has been found, and Yugutora has already formed a contract.”

“Great. Then take them to find the gemstone.”

“But I found traces of Geo and the princess of the Holy Kingdom. They’re with a spirit I once created called Infinite Divine Might, and they seem to get along well.”

“Let them be. I’ve had quite a gain on my end. Once you’ve got the gemstone, come home.”

“Alright.”

After hanging up, Eve walked to the window.

“The air here is so clear. Maybe there are fewer trees on my side.”

A while later, Shenyin returned, having packed her things.

“My Lady, let’s go.”

“Okay. Everyone, grab onto me.”

In an instant, they appeared in the living room. Luminarlis was so shocked she dropped her cup.

“Ah! I’m sorry, everyone!”

“It’s fine.”

With a snap of Eve’s fingers, the water and shards disappeared.

Yuni and Shenyin looked around.

“This house is huge.”

“Really big.”

Mio smiled.

“I’ll help you two get changed.”

“Thank you, My Lady!”

Eve muttered to herself.

“I thought it would take days. Turns out we came back in under three hours. But it’s already pouring outside. I wonder how Alexandria and the others are doing.”

At that moment, Lin came running in.

“Mio, Shizuku, Xiao An, I heard your voices and came down.”

“Hey Lin, where are Restia and Niebercore?”

“They’re sleeping. I arm-wrestled Niebercore and lost. I wasn’t even a match for one of her fingers.”

Shizuku couldn’t help but laugh.

“Arm wrestling a spirit? No wonder you lost.”

“By the way, Shizuku, who are these two flat-chested girls?”

“One is the person we’re protecting—Tenjima Tanri, now renamed Yuni. The other is Shenyin, the divine one’s sister. No need to say her last name.”

“Nice to meet you, Shenyin and Yuni.”

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

“Me too. I’m Kamikoshi Lin Wescott, the adopted sister of the Holy and Dark Kings.”

“Wow.”

“Amazing.”

Mio smiled.

“Let’s go change, you two.”

“Yes!”

They entered Mio’s room. Mio returned to her usual form and took out underwear for Shenyin and Yuni.

After they undressed, Mio noticed a 3cm scar under Shenyin’s left breast.

“Shenyin, what’s this scar under your chest?”

“Old sword wound. But, My Lady… your chest is even smaller than mine.”

Yuni smacked Shenyin on the head.

“Stupid Xiaoyin! Watch how you talk to the Lady. Sorry about that, My Lady.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

After all, in her original world, she was constantly called flat-chested or tomboyish. But she didn’t care—neither did Shizuku.

Just then, loud thunder rolled, and a bolt struck the forest, starting a fire.

But Mio and the others were completely unaware.

Meanwhile, Alexandria had just gotten the gemstone when an arrow flew toward Mireya. Alexandria caught it with a flick of her hand.

“Who’s there?”

Attached to the arrow was a note. Alexandria handed it to Mireya.

“For you.”

“For me?”

Mireya read it. It was a revenge letter.

“Mireya, you made my life hell. I still suffer from the trauma. I won’t forgive you. I’ll be launching a revenge plan soon. Just you wait. The pain I’ve endured in body and dignity—I’ll repay you ten thousand times over!”

Mireya put the letter in her pocket and muttered, “How boring.”

Alexandria was amused.

“Looks like someone’s holding a grudge.”

“Petty humans and their tricks.”

“That’s not quite right. And you’re no longer a spirit—you’re human now, aren’t you? Mireya?”

“Don’t lump me in with those barbarians. Anyway, let’s head back. The rain’s getting worse.”

“It’ll take at least three hours to return. Only Lian and I can fly. You guys can’t, plus there’s Yugutora and the new sword spirit, Aiwa.”

“Oh no.”

“Stop whining. You never complained when doing missions for the Holy King.”

“That’s because it was for the Holy King, not you.”

“Still, I’ve got core memories.”

“Tch.”

Lian sighed.

“Let’s just call Eve.”

Lian tapped the detector.

“Yes?”

“It’s me, Lian.”

“What’s going on?”

“We got the item. Can you bring us back?”

“Sure.”

A black portal appeared, and everyone walked into it.

In a flash, they were back in the living room. Luminarlis jumped again—but thankfully, she wasn’t holding anything.

“Whew.”

Eve, sitting on the sofa eating snacks, said:

“You’re all soaked. Go take a bath.”

“Lady Eve.”

Aiwa walked over to Eve, and Eve patted her on the head.

“Just as cute as little Sarah, but you and your master should go take a bath first.”

“Okay!”

Aiwa’s crimson hair and red eyes couldn’t help but remind Eve of the traits of a Super Saiyan God.

After the group went off to bathe, Eve turned to Luminaris.

“Luminaris, now that it’s just the two of us in the living room, I have something to talk to you about.”

“Yes, ma’am. Please go ahead!”

“I’ll perform a ceremony for you tonight. Mio asked me to do it.”

“What kind of ceremony is it?”

“I don’t remember if we ever mentioned it to you, but in this year’s Blade Dance Festival, Mio plans to extend human lifespans to around 3,000 years without aging… the mind stays the same, and when the time is up, you simply die. But your ceremony will differ—there’s no lifespan limit, and your strength, defense, and speed will all increase drastically and continue to grow.”

“Thank you so much, ma’am.”

“Do your best in the Blade Dance Festival from now on. It’s a one-on-one competition. This year, you can watch as a spectator and gain experience.”

“Understood.”

At that moment, Kamine came running down dressed in a Spirit Academy uniform.

Eve clapped her hands.

“Looking good.”

“Ma’am, the Holy King asked me to tell you she’s taking me to meet my brother.”

“You’re not going to start cursing the moment you see him, are you?”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll control myself.”

“Alright, then go with Mio.”

“Okay.”

Kamine ran back upstairs.

“Luminaris, did you feel it?”

“I did. There’s a strong killing intent in her aura!”

“As expected of the captain of the Holy Spirit Knights—you’re sharp about these things. Of course, so am I.”

“Then why let her go?”

“Because Mio’s with her.”

Mio brought Kamine to the entrance of the dorm building where Kamito lived, but it was empty due to the rain.

Kamine looked around.

“So this is the place my brother lives? Impressive.”

“It’s not a shop. It’s a girls’ dormitory.”

“A girls’ dorm!?”

“Your brother is the only male spirit contractor in the world.”

“Wow.”

“In a bit, control your emotions and tone.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am!”

Mio took Kamine upstairs to Claire’s room.

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

Claire opened the door.

“Mio!”

“Hello.”

“And who’s behind you?”

“Is Kamito here?”

“He is. Come on in.”

“Thank you.”

Inside Kamito’s room, Restia immediately became serious.

“Kamito, I sense intense killing intent outside the room.”

“Me too.”

“Who is it?”

Claire opened the room door.

“Kamito, Mio brought a girl who looks a lot like you. Her hair and eye color are just like yours.”

“Could it be!?”

Kamito rushed outside and saw a girl who closely resembled him.

Because of her appearance, fragments of Kamito’s memory were awakened.

“You… you’re Kamine!?”

Kamine smiled.

“Yes, I’m the sister who most wants to chop you down!”

Having once been an assassin, Kamito could instinctively gauge killing intent—and Kamine’s aura was extremely dangerous!

“Chop me down?”

Claire had no idea what was happening.

“Brother, do you know how much I suffered after you left me behind? I nearly died multiple times and lived in horrible conditions. My greatest goal now is to take you down and fulfill my revenge!”

Kamine had memorized this line from Mio because she wasn’t good at saying harsh words herself.

“Kamito, is this true!?”

Claire stared at Kamito, but he didn’t want to avoid the truth.

“Yes.”

Kamine stepped up to Kamito and said:

“Brother… you’ve made a lot of friends, huh? While I was suffering, you were living carefree. It makes me so mad!”

“Kamito isn’t that kind of person!”

Claire shouted.

“Then how do you explain him leaving me and never coming back?”

“This…”

“Enough, Kamine…”

Kamito revealed a pained expression he had never shown before.

“I’ll accept your revenge until you’re satisfied. No matter what you do, I won’t resist. Do as you wish.”

“Fine then.”

But Est ran over and blocked her.

“Don’t.”

“Stay out of it. Move!”

“No. I’m Kamito’s contracted spirit.”

Kamine grabbed Est by the collar with one hand and threw her onto the couch.

“Ah… that hurts.”

Kamine yelled out.

“This is a family matter! What business is it of outsiders like you?”

Kamito knew Kamine wouldn’t forgive him now, but Est ran over and hugged her.

“You dare throw me? I’m not letting you go now.”

Kamine sighed.

“Ugh… Brother, I promised the Holy King I wouldn’t cause a big scene, but I still couldn’t control myself.”

“Kamine… so what are you going to do with me?”

“To be honest… yelling or hitting you won’t make up for the pain inside me. But just so you know, my revenge target is only you. I won’t hurt your friends.”

“Miss Kamine, what exactly do you want to do now?”

Restia walked over.

“I said, it’s a family matter. Outsiders should stay out of it.”

“And if I refuse?”

“You want to fight? I’m ready anytime. But I didn’t come here to fight today.”

“Kamine, that’s enough.”

Mio gently called out.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mio walked over and grabbed Kamine by the shoulders.

“Est, let go. I’ll take her back now.”

“No… she threw me.”

“Brother.”

“Est, let her go. If it’s not raining, I’ll take you out for a giant ice cream sundae.”

“Okay.”

After Est let go, Mio and Kamine vanished in a flash.

“Kamito, explain everything—what’s going on?”

Claire was at a loss for words.

“Actually, I was taken by the training institute without Kamine knowing. She’s just under a year younger than me. We were very close as kids. One day I went into the forest to look for a mushroom from my hometown, but I was knocked out and taken away.”

“So it was a misunderstanding?”

“But Kamine won’t see it that way. She probably wonders why I never came home. Seeing me here today probably made her misunderstand even more.”

“Kamito…”

Meanwhile, in Mio’s room:

“Ma’am, that was so refreshing. Thanks for making me memorize those lines.”

“Heh, you probably only hate him a little but still want to talk to your family, right?”

“You saw through me, ma’am. I just wanted my brother to think I hated him deeply. My killing intent was so convincing they all believed it.”

“Why did you practice that killing aura?”

“It makes people feel their lives are in danger. But I’ve mastered it perfectly. I normally only use it on bad guys.”

“Not bad. From now on, enjoy life in our great nation. I still need to ensure Yuni’s safety.”

“Ma’am, can I open an ice cream shop sometime? I’m an expert in ice cream.”

“Sure. Come live with Yuni and us. I’ll help you find a good shop space. You two can run it together.”

“Thank you, ma’am. It’s been my dream since childhood to live in a great country, and now it’s finally come true thanks to you.”

“But don’t push your brother too far.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am.”

“I heard from Yuni you once defeated a demon-class spirit and a fairy tribe squad.”

“Yes, but I didn’t kill them. Just sent them to prison. Though I did tear off the ear of one called Inel.”

“That must’ve hurt.”

“Fairy ears are so pointy and fun. But I’m a kind person—they tried to kill me and I still let them live.”

“You follow a no-kill principle?”

“Yes, though I talk tough—saying things like chopping and killing—it’s mostly just to scare people. My killing aura makes it believable.”

“But you’re not a spirit contractor. How did you defeat a demon-class spirit and a fairy squad?”

“I’m a genius at combat. I can even deflect normal spirit attacks with a hand chop. I grow fast in battle.”

“Why not join the military?”

“I hate trouble and exhausting work. I’d probably die in the army.”

“Same here.”

Mio was also afraid of military drills in her old world—let alone real military life.

But at that very moment, in the original world’s heavenly realm, the King of the Gods was betrayed and killed by his own men.

Though the traitors were executed, chaos broke out across the heavens.

“Lord Karuben, what do we do now!?”

“We have no choice. Quickly summon Lord Anvitel, the elder brother!”

“Yes, sir!”

(Damn… why did that guy betray the Lord? If the heavens fall, the human world will face even more disasters. If only Eve were here. If not for her father saving me long ago, I wouldn’t be alive today. Now his daughter’s fate is unknown—how can I face her late parents!)

The next morning in the Blade Dance world, Mio accompanied Kamine on a stroll around the neighborhood, helping her get familiar with all the nearby shops.

“It’s an honor to have you personally accompany me, my lady.”

“Don’t call me ‘my lady’ in public, just call me Mio. I’m using a human identity and can’t let others know I’m the Spirit King.”

“Understood! Then the Dark King, I remember her name is Shizuku, right?”

“Yes. Right now Shizuku is also out with Yuni, showing her around.”

“I heard from Lady Eve that you and she are like real sisters.”

“We are real sisters, but the other Spirit Kings just don’t know.”

“What about Lady Rin?”

“She’s my adopted younger sister.”

“By the way, Mio, if my brother comes here to play, let me know. I’ve thought of some scary lines I want to use on him. I used them in a play before.”

“You acted before?”

“Yeah, three years ago in a stage play, I played a villain. I had to put a lot of work into my expression.”

“Now, with your killing intent, it’s believable enough to scare anyone.”

“Exactly. I enjoy scaring people… Next time I see my brother, I’ll say, ‘In the next match, I’ll kill all of you. I’m serious! I don’t care about the rules.'”

“Your brother will probably have a headache—and you might get beaten up too.”

“That’s fine. I’m extremely confident in my growth potential, and I don’t think I’d lose to anyone besides you or Shizuku.”

“I have an idea. Let me ask if you’re interested.”

“Please go ahead.”

“Would you like to become a citizen of our country?”

“Of course I would! Becoming a citizen of a great country is my dream.”

“We need talent in our nation. Besides, our past actions caused issues with other countries.”

“It’s fine. As long as you realize the mistake, it’s not too late to turn back.”

“Exactly!”

Walnick suddenly appeared in front of the two.

“Walnick, welcome to our country.”

“You’ve adapted to your human identity well.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have worries.”

“Tell me.”

“It’s a bit inappropriate to discuss out here.”

“Then let’s talk at your place.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, who’s that next to you?”

“Hello, Lord Walnick. I’m Kazehaya Kanon, Shinon’s sister.”

“Now that I look closer, you do resemble him. But there’s no seal on your hand—you’re not a Spirit User!?”

“No, but my goal is to eliminate the brother who abandoned me.”

“You hate him?”

“Yes.”

Kanon started acting again. She wanted most people to believe she was out to kill Shinon to add drama, but in reality, she just wanted to teach him a lesson, using his abandonment as an excuse.

“Then, Kazehaya Kanon, you don’t mind if I tell others?”

“I don’t mind. He’s the one who abandoned me first anyway.”

“But hear me out—hatred is unhealthy. A lesson is fine.”

“Yes, yes!”

Later, the three entered the living room, and Mio started talking about her worries.

“Actually, my biggest worry is the guilt from the past.”

“Didn’t everyone already say they’ve let it go? We all made mistakes. If only we had talked it out properly back then…”

At that moment, Alexander was eavesdropping from the second-floor hallway.

“…maybe things wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

“Soon, I plan to work on improving diplomatic relations between our country and others. I used to have my subordinates stir up trouble, which upset many nations. But now I genuinely want peace. Still, some humans will oppose it, so I hope you can talk to the other Spirit Kings and help spread support. After all, Spirit Kings are humanity’s faith.”

“No problem.”

“I’ll help too.”

Bahamut came down from upstairs.

“Bahamut, when did you arrive?”

“I got here earlier. Lord Ren’s will-incarnation has all of his past memories. Since I was Lord Ren’s subordinate, I represent Dragunia and support friendship with your country.”

“Thank you.”

Mio showed a heartfelt smile.

“What about your sister?”

“Shizuku is out with Yuni—the girl targeted by lifeforms from another world, as Little Dark told you.”

“Acting like a babysitter.”

Rin came out of the kitchen, grumbling.

“Not a babysitter—it’s called protection.”

“Just joking. Anyway, where’s Little Dark? I just woke up.”

“She said she was taking Mireia and the others out, and left Ren and Little Yari behind.”

“You mean Mio’s adopted sister?”

“Here! Lord Dragon King!”

“No need to be nervous. I just want to ask—what are the specialties of your country’s cuisine?”

“A lot! Like sushi, burgers, rice bowls—there’s so many we can’t finish them all.”

“Mio, you don’t mind if these foods spread to other countries, right?”

“Not at all. I’d love to open more branches if possible.”

“Thanks.”

Bahamut had already eaten many delicious dishes in the Shen’yuester Federation, and the Spirit Kings often visited to try never-before-eaten foods.

“Once I deal with those interdimensional beings, I’ll start training again.”

“Training?”

“Walnick, listen up too.”

“Okay.”

“In the next Spirit Blade Dance Festival, Shizuku and I will participate using human identities. It’ll be a seven-person team format, but each match will still be one-on-one.”

“What about the age limit? Can it be abolished?”

“Sure, but I’ll send an official letter before the tournament starts.”

Bahamut smiled.

“Sounds like you want revenge.”

“Yeah. A Spirit King losing to humans is unprecedented. But even if I win under a human identity, it’s only a human victory. Still, as a Spirit King, I’ll feel satisfied. I’ll just give the prize to the runner-up—I don’t need it anyway.”

“That’s petty revenge, not even real vengeance.”

“Pretty much. This time, let Yari and Ren’s incarnations sit on the throne and watch the tournament in our place. We’d rather go have fun than watch matches.”

“Got it. But from what I hear, Yari and you are like two different people.”

“It’s a personality thing. Besides, why should will-incarnations be identical to the original? As long as they have self-awareness, they’ll develop independently.”

“Fair point.”

“By the way, one of my subordinates said your country’s steak is amazing. What kind of cow is it?”

“Ah… I remember Leora mentioning it once. Something like ‘pureblood cattle.’ The meat’s excellent, so it’s expensive. Normal people don’t usually buy it, but Leora is a princess, so that’s different.”

“Pureblood cattle? Sounds like Kobe beef.”

“Kobe beef?”

“A type of beef with amazing marbling. I’m just a foodie, really.”

Walnick listened with growing hunger.

“Let’s all go eat something good.”

“Sure, Bahamut, come too.”

“Thanks.”

“What about Kanon?”

“I’ll pass. I’ll wander around by myself for a bit.”

“Alright.”

But Kanon just wanted to be alone for a while.

On the street, she saw a little girl around five or six fall down. As Kanon was about to help her, a slightly older boy ran over and helped her up.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, big brother. I was just running too fast.”

“No rush. There are plenty of burgers at the burger shop.”

“Then let’s go eat!”

“Okay!”

Seeing this, Kanon couldn’t help but recall the happy times she had with her brother when they were little.

“Big brother… oh whatever. I’m not a child who relies on family anymore. Time to check out the new stuff in this great country.”

Meanwhile, Shinon was having trouble focusing on training because of the issue with Kanon. And now, everyone knew. Restia even warned him—Kanon’s killing intent and emotions showed she truly wanted to kill him.

“Shinon, you’re thinking about your sister again, aren’t you?”

Claire hit the nail on the head.

“I’m trying to find a way to fix this.”

“I’ve thought about it too, but… she’s not even a Spirit User.”

“Shinon, you still need to go see her.”

Restia spoke sternly.

“Dark elf, what are you saying? She wants to kill him!”

“But she’s still his sister. If he keeps avoiding her, the resentment will only grow.”

“I understand. I’ll go see her!”

With firm resolve, Shinon immediately set out.