Chapter 115: World

“Hmm…”

Even the faint sound from her nose carried overwhelming pressure.

Virdel had to clench her fists, struggling to stand upright and face the being before her.

Starlight hair, strong yet graceful features, and a perfectly proportioned frame. She was, without doubt, a stunningly beautiful woman.

Yet for all that, every cell in Virdel’s body screamed in alarm, refusing to acknowledge the other as anything but a monster.

“You are the one in charge here?”

“…Yes.”

“Hmm…”

The woman before her, Maxien Asteria, had summoned Virdel. Less than an hour after arriving in ‘World,’ Maxien had already established herself as its most powerful being. By Virdel’s guess… she was either a subordinate or comrade of Karlstein.

“…”

Were all of his companions like her?

12 million…

If not for the recent breakthrough she experienced, Virdel would’ve struggled to surpass even 2 million in combat power. For her, 12 million was an unfathomable number. And yet, this might not even be Maxien’s true form—just like Karlstein.

Then, how strong was this woman exactly? Virdel couldn’t even imagine it.

The woman of starlight hair spoke, breaking her thoughts.

“I don’t know who you are. Frankly, I don’t care.”

“…”

“The reason I called you here regardless…”

The oppressive energy radiating from her starlight hair seemed to squeeze the very air around them.

“…is because I don’t like your eyes.”

“…”

“You haven’t realized?”

Virdel could not grasp Maxien’s words. What was she implying? Was she simply looking for a fight?

However, Virdel had not realized she had instinctively displayed hostility the day she met Maxien.

“…Fine. I’ll set that aside for now. There doesn’t seem to be an immediate issue.”

“…”

“Then let me change the question.”

Question?

“Why are you so weak despite acting as Karlstein’s aide?”

“…”

Virdel had pondered this question herself before, but never had anyone voiced it to her. Since being rescued by Karlstein, she had only ever encountered awe or fear from others. Furthermore, Maxien’s casual mention of his name revealed a closer connection than Virdel had anticipated. R

Is this feeling inferiority? Why do I feel anger?

Unexpected emotions surged within her.

“I’ll have to ask Karlstein for the details, but you don’t think you’ll be of any real help at that level, do you?”

“…”

Virdel could hardly say anything. The starlight-haired woman maintained an unyielding gaze, and above all, her words carried no personal malice; they were a dispassionate statement of fact. And that, ironically, was what ignited Virdel’s anger.

Anger directed at herself.

“Nevertheless, I’m glad you’re not content with where you are.”

Virdel had not spoken, but she felt a discomfort as though her deepest thoughts had been exposed. Yet such trivial emotions were secondary.

“…How can I become as strong as you?”

Virdel met the other’s eyes, forcing the words out.

“…”

The starlight-haired woman remained silent this time.

“If I become as strong as you, could I stand by his side?”

“…Bold, aren’t we.”

Despite Maxien’s reaction, Virdel’s gaze did not falter. The question she posed represented her true feelings—something she had long contemplated.

“Well… that look in your eyes. I don’t like it, but it’s not bad.”

Fortunately, her sincerity was not dismissed.

“Still. Heh.”

DRRK- BRK-

Starlight swirled around Maxien’s body as the whole room began to tremble.

“!!”

“It’s problematic if you aim so low…”

“Agh.”

“You are aware, yes? That this body isn’t my true form?”

“…Is that so.”

“But still…”

Maxien’s immense presence quickly returned to its previous intensity.

“Perhaps you can follow him from behind?”

“!!”

The tentative approval relieved Virdel, making her legs wobble.

“You’ll need to brace yourself.”

“…Yes.”

“Stay out of combat for now. I’ll inform Karlstein. You’ll likely have a hectic time ahead.”

“…Thank you.”

“If you can endure, that is.”

***“Karls. Why are all your subordinates women?”

“…”

Karlstein sighed as Maxien burst through his door with this question.

All women? The Murim Squad and the Community’s Transcendents… weren’t most of them men?

More importantly.

“Where’d your respectful address go?”

“Haha. This is ‘World’, and you aren’t the Emperor of the Galactic Empire right now.”

“…”

Well, Karlstein didn’t find it impudent or offensive. She was the one who had started with the rigid formalities, to begin with.

This brings back memories.

Memories indeed. He wasn’t anything like the Emperor of the Galactic Empire when he first met Maxien, after all.

“Have you had a change of heart? You were the one who started with the formality in the first place.”

“…

“That’s?”

Maxien hesitated, struggling to find the words.

“…?”

“I can’t say.”

She couldn’t say? What could possibly be keeping the Great Hero of the Galactic Empire silent?

“Anyway, Karls.”

“Yeah?”

Her old way of addressing him certainly did bridge the distance between them.

“I found a useful one among yours. I presume it’s fine if I train her?”

“Huh? Who?”

Maxien usually recoiled at the suggestion of taking on a disciple.

“Oh, Virdel?”

“Mhm.”

“Hmm…”

Virdel…

“It’s your discretion to take a disciple.”

“Still, it’s only natural that I gain your permission.”

It was no small matter for a Great Hero of the Galactic Empire to take on a disciple, which was why she reported to Karlstein directly. Despite her casual attitude, Maxien was strict about separating personal and professional matters.

“Do as you please. But you know, right?”

“What?”

“Even if you’re using an Avatar, the restrictions on your abilities won’t be lifted.”

“…”

“I worry for you, Maxien.”

“Hmph.”

Maxien looked away awkwardly.

Karlstein wondered if she was displeased. Regardless, some things simply couldn’t be allowed. Her health, as a Great Hero of the Galactic Empire, was paramount.

He trusted she would not push herself after his warning.

“On another note, maybe it’s the Avatar affecting you. You seem to be showing your old self a bit.”

“Well… I don’t know. This body just feels constricting. It seems this, so-called link? Isn’t perfect.”

“All the more reason for you to take care. You have to live long, until I die of old age.”

Essentially, that meant forever, as he was practically immortal.

“…I get your concern. I’ll go then.”

Maxien dashed out as if she had urgent business.

“Look at her go.”

Karlstein shook his head.

“Anyway, I welcome Maxien training Virdel.”

The stronger she became, with her awakened Dimensional Travel Ability, the more cards he could play.

Karlstein picked up the wine glass on the table and took a sip.

Mm. I guess it’ll be fine.

As sword users, the two women had good compatibility. Virdel would have much to learn, and if Maxien could uncover clues about Dimensional Travel, it would be beneficial.

Karlstein would be content either way.

***“Retreat! It’s them!”

“Th-those are…?”

“Send a report first! Get the communication network up!”

“Communication is down!”

Panic swept through the retreating forces.

“Everyone be quiet! There must be a communication jamming signal. Prioritize escaping the area.”

Boom.

Lightning struck from a giant ship in the sky, destroying everything below. And it wasn’t just one or two bolts.

“What is that?”

“It must be the Sephiroth bastards.”

“So we have to report this.”

The Sephiroth had changed. Until recently, both sides had only engaged in mutual restraint, each expanding from their respective strongholds.

The Galactic Empire’s Murim Infantry and battleships had skirmished against enemy squads, but solely for the purpose of scouting and containment. They had not engaged recklessly, only focusing on expanding their territories while holding the line. The Empire’s side suspected the enemy had the same idea.

The Sephiroth had never shown a ship this massive before. This indicated they were fully ready for a serious conflict.

“Did you record the footage properly?”

“Yes.”

“We’re leaving immediately.”

Most of the bombardment directed at the giant ship was nullified by an invisible barrier.

“Is it finally time for a real fight?”

Naturally, the Empire had also concealed their strength. For example, their top-ranked fighters, and the starlight-haired woman.

“This isn’t the time to get complacent! Move out!”

“Squad Leader…”

“Huh?”

“Th-there.”

But then, another colossal battleship appeared in the direction they were retreating.

“Looks like we’re surrounded.”

They quickly changed their retreat direction, preparing for battle.

They had to report the situation ASAP!

***DRRRP-

DRRP- DRRP-

In a space filled with slime and flesh, a giant, pulsating sac burst, spewing slime.

Slosh. Slosh.

A figure emerged from within, cloaked in shadow. As the figure walked out, countless eyes turned toward it.

“..Co..mmence..the..counter..attack.”

-KREEEGH!

-Grrk.

-KRAAAH!

-KEEEEGH!

-Hsss.

A swarm of Kaiju surrounded the emerging figure, screeching and writhing.

Ssss-

World quivered.