- Mercer sits inside his room. The luxurious life really doesn't fit him. Oh, how he would trade all this power just to return to his normal everyday life -
- He uses the Hive Mind, linking himself to one of the Flyers he left roaming in Orario -
- As always, he flies through the Church, the new home of Vonika, with the Godkiller and that little white-haired brat -
- His eyes widened, seeing the Church collapsed -
"What happened here?" He asked himself, circling the rubble.
- He rests the Flyer upon one of the higher structures, seeing an ever-growing crowd on Daedalus street -
- Without pause, the Flyer leaps into the air to spy on the ongoing commotion in Daedalus -
- Mercer couldn't believe his eyes. The Godkiller and Vonika are on a stalemate. He perches the Flyer to gather some more information -
- From what he heard from the residents of Orario, The Godkiller is out of control, and Vonika has to stand with him there to keep him from lashing out -
- Mercer didn't need any other information. He instantly cuts the link off and runs out of his room with a sinister smile -
- Stopping just in front of Ares' room, the God's personal guards eye him suspiciously before letting him pass -
"My lord. I have great news." Mercer says, knocking on the door.
- The door suddenly opens, hitting Mercer in the face. Ares walks out and sneers at Mercer -
"It better be." Ares commented, walking away with his two personal guards.
- Mercer recovers from the hit and instantly stands up to catch up to his God -
"Lord Ares, The Godkiller is currently out of control. Vonika is the only one keeping him stable." Mercer said, catching his attention.
"If we kill Vonika, The Godkiller will lay waste to Orario, giving us the right opportunity to take it over." Mercer continued. Ares abruptly stops, looking at him.
"And how do you propose we take care of him after?" Ares asked.
"Orario holds many of the most powerful Familias. After his onslaught, the Godkiller will be severely injured and can be easily defeated." Mercer explained.
Something snaps in Ares after hearing about other powerful Familias, "Are you trying to say something to me!?" Ares growled, pushing Mercer to the wall.
Ares' pride got hurt. He punches Mercer in the gut, showing a part of his Godly powers as Ares doubles over on the ground.
"N-No, my lord." Mercer replies weakly.
"Good. At least you know your place, dog." He glares at the man.
"Now go gather my troops. We immediately leave if what you're saying is true." Ares ordered before leaving.
"Yes, my lord." Mercer quietly says as he looks at Ares with a face full of anger and hatred.
▲▼▲▼▲
"How do you think they're doing?" You asked.
"I'm sure they're doing quite well. Your sister is on the team." Vonika answered, trying her best not to let go of the hold after hours in that position.
"Tell me, Vonika. Why did you leave?" You asked, finding it the right time since Vonika can't ignore or run away from the question.
"My mother. She was what us Retributions call a trigger." Vonika explained, learning quite a bit from her time with Benedict.
"A trigger?"
"A trigger is our weakness. Some of us have those that make us unable to follow one's orders..."
"It was my mother for me. She decided everything for me in my life. Even after my death and revival, she still did." Vonika solemnly explained.
- Even now that Vonika is free from her mother's grasp, she always looks back at her, unable to forget what she did to her -
"And some of us have triggers where we lose control of ourselves trying to protect what we once lost..."
"So much that we even hurt those we wished to protect." Vonika explained.
- You nod, fully understanding what Vonika meant -
"So the Entity is using my trigger to make me feel like I'm losing my family once more..."
"After all I've gone through, I would've thought I were much more powerful." You said with a dry chuckle, looking around at the damage you dealt.
"You are strong. You just don't know where to put all that strength." Vonika said.
- You agree with her. All the time, you did nothing but destroy all the problems in your way. And now that you're willing to stop violence, you have no choice -
"How long before I can embrace my sister again." You asked.
"Soon." Vonika smiled.
She looks away, 'I'm losing mana quick.' She thought, waiting for Ryuu and Naaza to return.
▲▼▲▼▲
- Ryuu and Naaza arrive at Athello, being greeted by Raziel -
"What brings you here, Ryuu?" Raziel asked.
"Y/N is out of control. His mind is being warped by what's controlling him." Ryuu said, shocking Raziel.
"Vonika arrived earlier today and told us the only way to fix it is to have all of us together." She continued.
"Wait, Vonika? Are you still believing that traitorous bitch?" Raziel says, outrageously mad that she still had the gall to return after what she did.
"Traitor or not, we all need to be there for Y/N. Are you coming or not?" Naaza interjected.
- She's talked to Vonika personally and knew why she left. But she chose to swallow her pride and argue later -
"Wait." Raziel says, walking back inside.
- After a couple of minutes, Raziel returns with Arashi, all geared up for war. Without any more pause, the four all run back to Orario to assist -
"So. What's our contingency plan if all else fails?" Arashi asked, knowing the power you possessed while out of control.
"We'll have to get Ares to initiate a full attack on Orario." Ryuu replied.
"Are you out of your Goddamn mind!?" Raziel asked in horror.
"No. The elf girl's right. Ares is the source of Godkiller's aggression. Having Ares here will take his attention." Arashi said.
They near Orario and see a thick smoke arise from it.
"Vonika couldn't hold on. Let's go!" Ryuu asked, picking up the pace.
The other two did so, leaving Raziel there.
<With You>
"Did you think you can sway me with some sweet words, traitor!?" You growled.
- You disappeared into another plane using Spirit's ability, circling around Vonika to find the perfect chance -
"I was hoping to talk sense into your feeble mind-controlled brain." Vonika said, trying to anticipate your attack.
- Vonika hears you reappear behind her and sends three crosses of light toward you -
- She tries to send more but finds her left arm trapped by a hook and chain. More appear out of nowhere, trapping her entire body -
"You don't stand a chance, Vonika. You spent all your energy trying to keep me at bay instead of killing me when you had the chance."
"I will not show that kind of cowardice anymore." You growled, raising your scythe to kill her.
"Roulette!" Arashi shouted.
- You look onto the side and see Arashi running straight for you at blazing speeds. Arcs of electricity follow him as he runs. Arashi collides with you, pushing you away as the arcs of electricity stun you -
"More hindrances to my... Arashi?" You said, snapping out of it to see a familiar face.
- Ryuu and Naaza stand beside him, confusing you further. Why are you killing allies? Why are they here? Why are they AIDING VONIKA -
- You growled in pain and anger, releasing Yamaoka's Wrath. Arashi stretches, releasing his own Curse of Wrath. You and Arashi enter a stalemate, trying to prove who has the firmest Wrath -
"You stand no chance, Arashi! Your power has drawbacks while mine does!" You shout, slowly overpowering Arashi, who is already feeling a slight pain from activating the Curse Wrath.
"Isn't this all a drawback?" Arashi replied, angering you.
- You continue pushing him down, but an arrow flies across your face, cutting your cheek. You get distracted, giving Arashi time to regain his strength -
- Another arrow from Naaza flies to you. This time, you catch it with your mouth as you continue to try and overpower Arashi -
"Protect me!" You shout, summoning The Trickster.
- Naaza releases another arrow to disorient you, but a colorful blade collides with it, either stopping it or changing its trajectory -
- Seeing Naaza occupied, Ryuu springs into action, hopping on your back to try and put you in a chokehold -
"You're overpowered, beast! Let Y/N go!" Arashi said.
- You smile at him. Arashi watches in horror as your chest splits open, letting a horrible-looking creature crawl out. It runs to your back, jumping on Ryuu's face -
- Ryuu, distracted by the thing, lets go of the chokehold as she tries prying the monster off her face -
"You are fighting an entire armada of beasts, Arashi." You laugh sinisterly, rearing back to puke on him using Vile Purge.
- Arashi stares in fear. Hoping the next skill on his roulette saves him -
"Roulette!" He shouts.
- A dome of ice circles around him before expanding, pushing you and your summons away while protecting Ryuu, Naaza, and Vonika inside -
"I love this skill." Arashi breathes in relief.
"You don't want to fight? Alright then." You tease, jumping towards a crowded area in Orario.
"Greed!" Vonika shouts, using her remaining energy to trap you.
- Greed takes effect as you feel a heavy boulder drop onto your body as you fall down from above and collide painfully to the ground -
- Arashi runs towards your location, activating Curse of Wrath again, even after the toll it did to him. He holds you down with the Greed Vonika gave to you -
"Does anyone of you have healing?" Vonika says weakly.
"I have some health potions." Naaza says, pulling some.
"Give them to Arashi, Naaza. I got Vonika." Ryuu says.
- Naaza nods and runs towards Arashi, already seeing some effects after using Curse of Wrath for too long. She assists Arashi, helping him drink the potion -
- Ryuu kneels down and uses Noah Heal, healing Vonika and restoring her stamina -
"How long till you have me fully healed?" Vonika asked.
"Not long, but it will take longer since we are not in a forest." Ryuu says, trying her best to speed up the process.
- Arashi's roulette timer ends, giving him another try -
"Roulette!" Arashi shouts.
- Green particles surround Arashi's hands before dissipating. His allies felt rejuvenation as their health and stamina were restored -
"That's a convenient skill." Naaza complimented.
Both feel fear as they hear your freezing chuckles echo through the area, "You fool, giving me back energy." You laugh, breaking free of Vonika's sin and Arashi's hold.
<With Warren>
"How far until we reached Orario, Benedict." Warren asked, worried for Vonika and the little girl.
"We're still far away from Orario, but we'll get there eventually." Benedict answers. He scours the book again to find other hidden solutions to the problem.
- Valerie sits on the end of the carriage, peering towards the horizon as she worries for Y/N and the others. Her ears perk up, hearing something in the distance -
"Huh?" She asks, seeing a bunch of carriages behind them. She takes a closer look and sees the Ares symbol on them.
"Warren! Ares is on our tail. Can't that damn horse go any faster!?" Valerie shouts, grabbing her war axe.
"No! This is as fast as we can go!" Warren shouts back, getting stressed further.
"I don't think they've seen us yet. Swerve to the side, Warren. We can wait till they pass." Benedict orders.
- Warren swerves to the side without hesitation, driving the carriage into a wooded area to hide from Ares' carriages and chariots -
- They all hop off the carriage and head deeper, hiding behind trees and shrubbery -
"Why do you think they're here?" Warren asked.
"I don't know. But I fear Ares caught word of Y/N losing control." Benedict answers, watching as dozens of carriages pass the area.
"Oh no. Ares' will use Y/N to weaken Orario so they can invade it." Valerie said.
"If Ares gets Orario, I don't think anyone can stop him." Benedict said, fear enveloping him at the thought.
"You're right." Someone whispers behind them.
- Valerie tightens the grab on her war axe and tries to cleave the person behind them. She successfully hits them, cutting them almost in half -
- All three watch in horror as the man grabs the axe, breaking it. He regenerates the wound sustained -
"That was a nasty strike. Too bad it didn't kill me." The unknown man laughs as Ares walks into view.
"Good work, Ares. We can potentially use these three against Y/N." Ares says.
- Each one gets hit in the head by Ares' knights. Warren and Benedict fall unconscious while Valerie powers through it, killing the knight behind her before getting apprehended by Mercer -
"Feisty beast, this one." Mercer laughs, grabbing her arms and locking her in place.
- Mercer smiles at Valerie as he proceeds to choke her, rendering her unconscious after a while -
<Timeskip>
- Valerie wakes up inside one of the carriages. This one was lined with metal, acting more like a prison than a transport vehicle -
She looks beside her and sees the two men already awake, "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you two." Valerie apologizes, bowing toward Benedict.
"Don't worry. At least with this, we can reach Y/N faster." Benedict said, lifting the mood up.
"So stop sulking, you two. We didn't reach this far to give up." He continued.
"Knowing Ares, he will charge inside instantly, knowing the opportunity..."
"Ares won't engage against him. Giving us the right opportunity to break free and help the others get Y/N back." Benedict explained.
- Warren accepts the plan, and so does Valerie, but she feels down, being more of a problem for him than actual help -
Benedict sees Valerie's reaction and walks toward her, "I know what you're thinking, Valerie. Y/N doesn't need you to be strong. He needs you to be there."
"If you're thinking of sacrificing yourself to get us out of here, you'll only make Y/N lose more of what he cherishes." Benedict assures, calming Valerie a bit.
<With Bell>
- The battle starts on day one. The Gods, all on their toes after the Godkiller has gone quiet from his rampage -
- Ares' men stand on the castle walls, confident that the opposing side won't attack the first day -
- The men look on the ground, rearing their bows to attack the target -
"Wait! It's only a little girl." One of the archers says, staring closely.
"What is this, Hestia? A child!?" Apollo asked, confused at the strategy. Hestia sat quietly.
- Everyone watches in anticipation as the girl lifts her hands up, breaking something inside. The crowd stands still, not seeing anything happening -
- One of the archers shouts. He instantly becomes muffled as he catches every archer's attention -
"What's this! It seems Hestia Familia has another Godkiller on their team!" An announcer from Ganesh Familia said, surprising the Gods.
- Hermes looks at Hestia, narrowing his eyes, trying to find out if she created a Retribution herself -
- He shrugs it off after, realizing Hestia doesn't have the attitude to condemn a child to eternal suffering just for this occasion -
"Another one!?" Apollo shouts in confusion and anger.
One of Apollo's men runs from inside the castle, "They're annihilating the archers! We'll become unprotected from the next siege!" Luan shouts.
"What?" An elf from Apollo's team asked.
"Hyakinthos' orders are for fifty of us to go outside and defeat the girl out there!" Luan ordered.
"50? That's half our forces!" The elf said.
"That's another Godkiller we're facing out there! Any less and those who engage will just perish!"
"The girl's alone, and she's untrained. Just defeat her and come back!" Luan ordered.
- More archers fall from the top of the wall, getting everyone's attention -
"G-Get going!" Luan shouts.
- They open the gate a bit, letting the fifty troops run outside to take care of the girl. They turn the corner and instantly get webbed to the ground -
- The men all cry in fear as a bandaged man walks closer with two human-sized dolls and beats them to the ground -
- Those who weren't trapped instantly go for the girl, only to be toyed by two invisible summons -
- The elf runs forward, planning to end this on his own. He lunges towards the girl but feels something clamp shut around his leg -
"What?" He said, looking behind to see a chained bear trap had snagged his leg.
- He gets pulled back and repeatedly smashed on the ground by a deer-looking monster with a human body -
- With half of the troops on the ground occupied with the Little girl, the others got to enact the rest of the plan, with Mikoto trapping most of what's left inside using one of her magic spells -
- But what broke Apollo the most was the reveal that Luan is actually one of Hestia's children disguised, opening the castle gates to let Bell and Welf inside -
- While chaos ensues in the War Game. A singular fear-inducing shout fills the area -
- Everyone looks at the source of the sound and sees three people running towards the castle with a rabid Godkiller chasing them -
- The Gods collectively look towards each other to determine if this was still part of the rules or not -
"Oh no." Hestia mutters to herself.
▲▼▲▼▲
Chapter 52. God this book has come so long, already reaching 100k readers. Thanks to all that helped me reach this, this is such an achievement for me.
I'll probably focus on this book as much as the others for now since it's almost at its end with everything going together as the story closes.
Once again, thanks for all the support! Bye!