Chapter 35

[Talia POV]

We stood in the ship, watching the event unfold through the window as a burning figure, like blotted black ink floated in the sky hovered far away from us. Around him were figures who are just as awe inspiring, although a bit lacking compared to him.

For some reason, his figure overlapped with that man from before and at times even over lapping with Renya’s. But that’s impossible, the aura he emanates... It’s too much…. I feel my mana become rampant with just his presence, as if he were subduing me just by existing.

“Michael, can you feel it?”

With a weak voice I asked, even if he was kilometers away I was still affected.

“Yeah, it’s rather unpleasant.”

I can understand how he feels. With the face he’s making, I can tell that he’s enduring a lot of pressure. But before I could continue, the figure in the sky unleashed a godly skill as its immensity can be felt till here, almost as if I was the one on the receiving end of it.

I felt my blood go cold, before I’ve realized it my back is starting to become drenched with cold sweat. Fortunately everyone else is more or less in the same situation and as the attack descended, the enormous crow was separated in two along with the enormous formation in sky.

I could not believe the events unfolding before my eyes.

“Such strength… comparable to the gods in the legends…”

A guard near us muttered as he saw the event unfold. I agree, this level of strength is something only the most ancient of text in the grand elven library could describe. I originally thought that this was nothing more than the exaggeration of events, who knew I’d get to see a live demonstration one day.

“What now? I feel as if that group is one that is on our side…. But I can’t be sure…”

Michael’s worried voice caused me to wake from my stupor.

“Indeed, they might’ve already noticed our presence…”

Diana added.

“Then it’s likely that they’d come over at any moment now.”

I said with a sigh, dealing with beings that could kill us with a simple sneeze, fear gripped my heart as I prepared for the worst.

Dear sister, there’s a chance that I won’t be able to return from this trip…

Then, as we began to prepare ourselves, I felt an overwhelming gaze scan our location.

“Let’s brace ourselves.”

Before we could fully prepare, he was already hovering a dozen meters away.

“You are?”

Contrary to what I expected, his voice was soft, calming and familiar even, lacking his previous splendor.

“Your excellence! W-we are an army from the Notus Empire! We came here to uproot the main cause of the dreaded sandstorm!”

One of the braver captains spoke, causing the figure to go into deep thought. Although the silence was unnerving, there was nothing we could do about it.

“Well, I can tell that you’ve already witnessed what happened. Though fear not, we came with no ill intent as we’re here for the same reason.”

“I-is that so! We give our whole hearted thanks for your assistance!”

I heaved a sigh of relief, dealing with these lofty beings is never easy…

“Mhm…”

Before I realized it, he was staring directly at us. His stare was piercing, although it did not hurt, it still felt rather uncomfortable. But this gaze feels… familiar?

“We’ll meet more in the future. For now I suggest you avoid getting near the vicinity of this area for the next few months.”

With that, his figure turned into a flash of light that flew like lightning towards the horizon.

“We’ll meet again…?”

Michael who stood beside me began pondering deeply, even Diana did so as well. With that, I began to grow more and more interested in the place Renya mentioned from before. Such grand beings must be common place there…

“Ah!”

“Miss Talia? Are you okay?”

Diana asked me with a concerned tone, I could not help but grow embarrassed at my own self.

“It’s nothing… I just wondered if that figure and the one from that night are related to one another.”

“Hmmm, it is possible. They both control flames, although this one seems more terrifying than the previous. They are beings beyond our comprehension, their levels must’ve long past the 100 mark.”

Hearing her words I nodded in agreement as I added.

“They were capable of flight, and seem to be very proficient at that. I can only compare my elder sister’s ability to theirs, and even then she’s still quite lacking…”

“Well, let’s not worry about it too much. They’re on our side and the crisis had been resolved, this is worth a celebration!”

Michael was too joyous at the event. Although we don’t know much about those beings, based on their actions so far, they’re on our side and are willing to help.

I should really ask him about this issue the next time we meet….

“Ooh Talia, you’re making a rather cute expression. Are you perhaps thinking of Renya?”

“….”

“Oooh! You’ve become a bit red!”

At her teasing, my face had become rather unsightly…

“Haha, I too am rather curious as to where he is at the moment.”

Indeed…. I wonder what he’s doing right now, is he doing fine I wonder?

••••

In front of a grand and imposing throne room, a figure wearing pitch black armor appeared.

“Haahhh…”

As the armor vanishes, Renya revealed his figure looking rather tired. His shoulders moved up and down as he took in deep breaths.

“This isn’t becoming anymore easy, it’s becoming more and more stressful.”

He massaged his brows, walking towards the throne before slumping down to rest. But before he could close his eyes, he felt someone’s presence behind the door.

“Come in.”

The door swung open, and walked in was Laura. She had a dignified look as each step was full of elegance.

“M’lord.”

Giving Renya a bow when she reached him.

“Rise, you don’t need to be so formal if it’s just the two of us.”

Her gaze softened as her lips curved in to a slight smile.

“Father.”

Seeing this caused Renya to raise the corners of his lips, like a father watching over his child.

“What do you need?”

“I wanted to let you know that Nabila is currently being taken care of by Charlotte.”

“That’s good. I’m a bit tired from the fight, so I can’t take care of her right now.”

“Rest, I’ll have the others take over management for a little longer.”

“Hmmm, have some people oversee that dungeon in case it flares up. Have them guard the perimeter around the area but make sure they don’t kill anyone.”

“What if they came with ill intent?”

Pondering for a moment, Renya rested his chin on his hand.

“Killing them would be too much, that’d be the same as bullying children in the playground. Have them captured and kept captive before handing them off the Notus Empire. It’s their lands, it might be bad if we enforce our own rules on their territory.”

Hearing his reply, Laura made a beautiful smile.

“Father is kind with a vast heart. Even if you could do as you please with your level of strength, you don’t.”

“No no, it’d be embarrassing if you praise me that way hehe.”

Chuckling in embarrassment, he scratched his cheek.

“As you will, rest well father.”

With a slight bow, she left the room before closing the door. Seeing her leave, Renya slumped further on his throne. Despite having fought even more intense battles back in the game, battles here would result in actual deaths.

Being a modern man that he is, death is something he still feared as well as something he would not wish upon others if possible. Having his hands stained with blood he did not mean to have would be too haunting to him.

Having rested for a good while, the sun is close to setting by the time he opened his eyes. Standing up, he felt his whole body become slightly sore.

“Perhaps resting on a throne made of divine metals would not be the most ideal spot…”

Stretching his limbs, he made his way to out and around the citadel. The grand décor that covered each hallway made him nod in self-satisfaction after seeing it again after a long while.

“M’lord.”

Each guard and servant greeted with utter respect wherever he went the citadel. He gave them a slight wave as he made his way to the dining room. Inside the dining room was an enormous room that could easily fit several hundreds of people and still have room to spare.

But to his surprise, a familiar face could be seen stuffing her head in food together with a white owl on one of the enormous long tables.

“Liking the food so far?”

The moment Renya spoke, the girl and the owl froze in place as they glanced at his figure.

“Renya… *gulp*”

Renya could not help but smile.

“Charlotte brought you here?”

“Un, she had to go… Matters to take care of… Told to eat first… Will come back soon”

(Her speech got a bit better. That’s a good sign.)

He thought to himself as he continued.

“Is that so? Well, continue though don’t over eat. It’d be bad for you, you too Little White.”

“Un..”

Although she remained a girl of few words, he felt that she had a more spirit in her voice. “Which is good.” He thought to himself before sitting next to them as he started eating as well.

As Renya was about to finish, a figure drew close to their table. She had a green and vibrant hair colour, wearing a simple green dress that had a leaf pattern design to it.

“M’lord!”

She gave him a cheerful response before making a deep bow.

“Its fine Sylph, we’re all family here so no need.”

Renya waved his hand, causing her to raise her head as a wide smile that caused flowers to bloom around her appeared on her face. He could not help but to smile wryly after seeing this.

“Should I say as expected of a dryad?”

“Yes..?”

“No, it’s nothing. What brings you here?”

“Ah, well it’d be rude not to greet you M’lord. I was on my way to deliver ingredients to the kitchen when I saw M’lord. Oh! This child is?!”

Seeing the busy Nabila, Sylph eyes li up.

“Nabila and treat her like a little sister, she’s been through a lot.”

“Okay! Nabila, you can call me Sylph! Or big sister would fine too!”

She stared at the lively Sylph before uttering.

“Big… sister?”

“Ooooouhh!”

With renewed vigor, she began talking more and more to her. Thankfully, Nabila was not too bothered by it as she attempted to match her pace.

Sadly, the keyword in the paragraph was “attempted”. Sylph’s enthusiasm was just too much for timid Nabila to handle.

“Don’t get too excited, mind others too Sylph.”

His voice was like a bucket of cold water poured on top of her as she froze the moment she heard him before scratching the back of her head.

“Hehe… My bad M’lord. I seldom see new faces so I got a little too excited.”

“It’s fine, just don’t get too carried away. Anyways, I only came to grab some dinner. Keep watch of her for a bit.”

“Okay!”

Coming over to Nabila’s side, he caressed her head, causing her eyes to turn in to thin slits. Little white seemed to have gotten jealous and had hopped over to receive affection as well to which he generously give.

“Take care you two. Sorry I can’t show you around Nabila, I have a few urgent things to discuss with Amitiel at the moment.”

Hearing his words, she glanced upwards with a slight smile.

“It’s fine…. Big sisters… Very kind to me….”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll come see you once I finish settling the matters alright?”

Seeing her nod, Renya left them as he contacted Amitiel to have the sentinels managing the city to head to the meeting room. He then made his way to the room.

Inside, only Amitiel could be seen seated to his spot around the grand round table.

“How’s the city been?”

“Honestly M’lord, we barely did any work.”

Taking a seat at the most grand throne, Renya relaxed his posture. The mood was not that serious, more casual even despite the furnishing of the room itself.

“Is that so? Nothing troublesome came up?”

“Indeed.”

Amitiel then gave him a slight smile.

“We even have a surplus of products, enough supply another country. In fact, our weaponry is starting to overflow. Borri might just have to halt movement in the Inner Crafting Stations. Speak of the devil.”

“Hehe, it’s a pleasure to see you M’lord.”

A short yet largely built dwarf stood at the entrance. He had the temperance of a cheerful uncle as he mustered a hearty laugh.

He wore clothes befitting of a hardworking blacksmith as he outfitted some work attire.

“Borri, been well I see?”

“Of course! Although it has a new skin, this world is more or less the same as ours.”

He spoke with vigor, causing his long beard to sway.

“It won’t be far till you can let your weapons shake continents and tear mountains apart.”

Amitiel added as Borri sat down on his respected spot.

“Hehe.. I’m afraid that mine will not be able to compare to M’lord’s. His might even sink a continent whole! Hahahaha!”

Borri replied. Rearing this rather absurd conversation, Renya could not help but wryly smile. Although he felt that sinking a continent might be an exaggeration, tearing mountains seem possible. Unfortunately, or fortunately for the residents of this world, Renya has no plans to do either of them.

“Hohoho, M’lord! When will we begin selling wares to the coin bank- I mean, respected nations of this world? I cannot hold my excitement!”

A voice rang out from the door. A rather mischievous dwarf stood as his body radiated in anticipation.

“Khali, as greedy as ever.”

Amitiel called out.

“The feeling of profit is too addicting Amitiel! Oh if only you can experience this joy with me!”

Khali enthusiastically shouted out. His overflowing energy caused Renya’s cheek to twitch a few times, causing him to wonder if having increased his enthusiasm then had been a good idea in the end.

“Sit down Khali, we still have Orloth, Thali and Maya.”

“Ooh? The 11th Sentinel.”

“Yes, you did call her Amitiel?”

Renya’s gaze made Amitiel’s smile to stiffen.

“Well… I’m not too familiar with her M’lord, I have no ways to contact her even…”

“This…”

“It is fine Lord. I need not their calls, only you will and I shall be at arm’s reach.”

A blue orb of blue light flew over to her spot to the left of Renya. His stern expression softened as he glanced at the wisp that took the burden of managing the entirety of the city. Feeling his glance, Maya slowly became more and more and unease as her body shook.

“Lord..?”

“It’s nothing, you’ve done a wonderful job maintaining the city.”

“Ah! N-no… It was not much…”

Her voice grew quieter the more she spoke. So even wisps like her can become shy, Renya thought to himself.

“Ahem, apologies for being late M’lord.”

“Apologies as well.

Orloth and Khali quietly made their way to their spots as they all waited for Renya to formally begin the meeting.

“Well then, now that everyone is here we can begin. One of the first things I want to say is that you all have done an excellent job maintaining the city. I thank you for agreeing to my rather selfish wish of handing the work that I should doing to you.”

Giving them a sincere smile, he gave his heartfelt thanks. The sentinels were immediately startled as Orloth humbly spoke out.

“M’lord, compared to the millenniums you’ve spent handling the city, the few months’ worth of time is nothing of praise.”

“Indeed, you have taken care of everything splendidly since the day you invited me to join your endeavors.”

Amitiel added.

“Nonetheless, I give you my thanks. I still have a few personal matters to handle but after that I will take over management again.”

“Lord, even if you take leave the management to us for a few centuries we would not mind.”

“If we were still in Altinea that would’ve been fine, however, we’re in foreign lands. Although we’ve discovered that our strength can easily topple a country or two, it appears that the Evil Gods might still have a chance of making a second appearance.”

Tension filled the air as he finished his sentence.

“The Evil Gods, excluding the 8th, can easily be handled by us. However, based on what I’ve seen so far, they can’t even handle the weakest of transcendent. Well even if they can, not without a price.”

“M’lord.”

Amitiel spoke.

“Yes?”

“Why trouble ourselves with these lesser beings?”

“Good question, why not?”

His voice filled with resolution as he spoke.

“Pardon?”

“Why not? What else are we to do with our strength if we don’t do something about the Evil Gods?”

Amitiel could not find words to rebuke him, Renya did not mind his question, it was reasonable after all. Why bother over a problem that can barely affect them? But for some reason, Renya could not help but remember a certain lovable elf, or a certain group of teens, perhaps a prince even that he could call a friend.

“Besides, it’d be a shame to see an interesting world such as this fall to ruin due to our negligence. I won’t be able to sleep at peace if that were to happen.”

Seeing their Lord’s resolve, the rest went quiet.

“I feel like we were sent here for a reason. I also came to realize that this world and Altinea are the same, although a different era or time.”

Speaking slower, he began recounting all his suspicions.

“Which is why I also gathered you here. Khali.”

“Yes M’lord!”

“You wished to make a profit in this world correct? Then start preparing, we’ll begin trade with this world soon.”