Tonight, Alice joins the hunt.

Flora's voice echoed across the black sea, where she had frozen the space.

The next moment, a few square meters of sea in front of her began to writhe, as if some form was leaping upwards from the ocean.

— Ba instinctively wanted to protect her, but she stopped him with her hand.

A few seconds later, as the spatial confinement was lifted and the Rahms silently disappeared, a slender and loving female figure emerged from the ocean.

Tiamat, the primordial creator goddess, is a blue-haired woman with enormous horns, starlight-studded eyes, and bound by various restraints. The moment she emerged from the ocean, her gaze met Flora's.

“A—Aaaa…?” she asked tentatively.

“Yes, you guessed right. I understand you.” Flora nodded, and an invisible messenger appeared in her hand carrying a wealth of information. “I have data here that can define the current situation. I hope you can remain calm after reading it.”

“Aaaaa…” The invisible messenger landed on Tiamat’s great horn, then quickly disintegrated, separated, and merged into her body.

Five seconds later...

"A—!!!!"—Her scream was accompanied by unimaginable rage, and the entire sea seemed to boil at that moment, almost turning into tangible tentacles that lunged at the starry sky beyond!

Then, Flora froze the space once again.

"That's the general situation. The disparity in strength is enormous, and you'd be throwing your life away if you went. There's no way you could protect your children or avenge them. However, I do have a feasible plan that can save them."

“Aaaaaaa…” Tiamat’s voice became hesitant. She snapped out of her rage and looked at the starry sky with a sense of dejection.

The next moment, Imanitic, carrying a huge mass, descended from the sky in the clouds and then, under Flora's will, hovered in the air less than 100 meters above the sea!

"A...?"

“Yes, because of this.” Flora fully understood Tiamat’s words. “I plan to build an ark around it. However, while I have enough power, my wisdom… my processing ability is not enough to help me complete this task. I can provide it with protection against the erosion, but I cannot simultaneously manage its expansion and ecological reconstruction. Therefore, I need your help.”

"Become one with my city, Tiamat." She extended her hand to Tiamat. "I will provide the power and protection, and you will provide the ecological cycle and be responsible for its expansion—those ancient gods are too powerful; defeating them or gaining their approval is nearly impossible. But we can take all the mortals, all your children, from this continent and from the other continents."

"A——A——Aaaaa..."

“Yes, we will be wanderers, we will be far from our homeland. But,” her gaze was sincere and unwavering, “we can survive. Our people, our civilization… we can survive.”

The next moment, she clearly saw cracks appear simultaneously on the many restraints binding Tiamat. And with the chains breaking, Tiamat finally grasped Flora's hand!

The ocean surged a second time, and colossal beastly forms rose from the black sea, heading towards the massive city floating near the sky. An ark capable of operating in space, able to contain eight realities, was about to be forged. And at that very moment—

"stop--!!!"

A golden streak of light hurtled from a distant land. It was Venus, the celestial ark, its destination the point where Imanithy and Tiamat met. But before that—

Flora's form moved directly in front of the Sky Ship, extending her finger as if catching a light shuttlecock, freezing the Sky Ship and the goddess atop it. However, as she did so, she discovered an unexpected containment mechanism on the Sky Ship.

"Flora-senpai!?" Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was holding Ishtar's waist, stared at her in disbelief, her expression frozen.

Chapter 84: The Battle of Heaven - The Mediocre and Foolish

Should we deny it? — No, there's no need to deny it. The agreement with Mangottlund didn't include keeping secrets, so since we've been recognized, we might as well just admit it openly.

Would it be awkward? — No, that won't happen. Awkwardness and wavering are signs of weakness, vulnerabilities in one's emotional defenses, and give others the leverage to take advantage. The saying that honest people are always easily bullied stems from being bound by morality and emotions, thus revealing their weaknesses and exposing their bottom line, giving those who despise them an opportunity to exploit them.

[There's no time or resources to waste right now. Overly familiar people are unnecessary to me. Fujimaru Ritsuka's vision isn't sufficient for her to implement a plan that could save Earth's civilization—perhaps she could, but resources are limited. Since I've already taken a portion of it, I can't give it to her.]

This could perhaps be considered jealousy... but so be it.

Flora's mind raced, and she quickly devised a plan, executing it before her junior could do anything more. She raised her hand, and a time-space teleportation spell was cast. The next moment, she tossed Fujimaru Ritsuka directly into the city of Uruk, leaving behind only a cold, detached statement.

"Stop getting in the way, Fujimaru."

She casually closed the warped spacetime door she had forcefully opened, then turned her gaze away—"Tiamat, let's continue our agreement. Ignore that nonsensical girl; her existence is contrary to my will."

“A…Aaaaa?”—Tiamat just looked at her with a puzzled expression, and looked past her to look behind her.

Flora raised an eyebrow slightly—

She reached out and slashed at the air, and a realistic backdrop shattered beside her like broken glass. Only then did she realize that the dark sea was now covered in crimson flowers, and the ocean formed from these flowers almost touched her feet!

—It's Merlin!

—The illusionist used the barrier he left here to activate the transformation! He took advantage of Flora's rare distraction while she was signing the alliance with Tiamat to deceive her, and he was just a hair's breadth away from extending the illusionary trap to her feet!

"Oh dear, an overly enthusiastic beautiful girl can be quite a headache." She saw the white Fou spirit leisurely step out from the sprawling sea of ​​flowers, avoiding the several spatial rifts she had cleaved open. Then, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others, who had gathered all the combat power including Kingu and the miniaturized Gorgon, appeared under the protection of the sea of ​​flowers she had constructed.

This illusionist seems to have become stronger than before—is it because Avalon has been burned to the ground and he's using his full power? Or did he gain some new power during the previous cataclysmic event?

Ah, it doesn't matter. After all, Flora knew she could easily take him and his gang down, no matter what. Besides—

"It's been a long time, Flora. We parted ways in the Sixth Singularity, but I never expected that we would have the chance to meet again here." The Fou spirit bowed slightly to her, and the sincere smile on its face seemed utterly fake to her.

Ah, indeed, frivolous men are repulsive no matter where they are. Especially considering that this man indirectly caused my death once.

“Flora-senpai…” She saw Fujimaru Ritsuka and the complicated look in her eyes. Mash held up her round shield in front of Ritsuka, watching her with a hint of wariness. They were on the 'Vimana,' the divine flying vehicle that Gilgamesh often used. Ishtar and Ereshkigal, who had somehow evaded the underworld's surveillance, were also at the rear of the flying vehicle, supporting their junior Fujimaru Ritsuka on the same side.

"They're just chickens and dogs; killing them wouldn't be difficult. But... where would I find the time and resources to waste? And I also have to consider Tiamat's position... Ah, it seems you've really given me a tough problem."

She closed her eyes slightly, then opened them. She reached out and blocked Ba, who wanted to fight in her place.

"The day of destruction is near, and it is unpredictable." She exhaled and said calmly, "My goal is to preserve human civilization, or at least to preserve its flame. Therefore, I made a pact with Tiamat, and her dragon body will be merged into Imanityk, thus giving my city the power to travel through space. In the time to come, I will travel to the other seven continents to collect all the civilizations and races that are willing to leave with me, and take them away from this battlefield."

"I don't know what your motives are for hindering my alliance with Tiamat, and I don't care. I'm just telling you what I'm going to do now, and anyone who gets in my way will be considered an enemy and eliminated. No matter who she is, what her stance is, or whether she was ever my ally."

Flora paused slightly, and a trace of divine power dissipated from her body, transforming into golden flames that swirled around her like clouds.

"Anyone who gets in my way will be annihilated without hesitation. I will show no mercy or mercy." A golden light gradually appeared in her pale blue eyes. "This is my stance. If you have any objections, it is up to you whether you express them here. If not, please leave."

"Hmph." She stared at Fujimaru Ritsuka, but unexpectedly Gilgamesh interrupted with a cold snort: "Your pie-in-the-sky promises are quite grand, but I'll tentatively believe you can deliver. But since you intend to transport the civilizations of eight lands together, I ask you, does that include my Uruk?"

"I said that I would take all civilizations that are willing to leave with me away from this battlefield."

"Then how do you intend to deal with me? Do you want me, whom even the Sumerian gods cannot bow down to, to kneel and bend to you, a puppet of an otherworldly god?"—The Golden King's eyes were filled with seriousness, and the determination overflowing in them was unwavering.

"I believe in your abilities, Flora. After all, you once single-handedly repaired more than half of the singularities. However, I do not believe in the power you possess—your plan to save the world may seem noble, but in essence, it relies on the otherworldly divine power within you. And all the power that does not belong to you will ultimately lead you to betrayal."

"You may not believe me," Flora replied calmly. "I said I would take all the civilizations willing to leave with me away from this battlefield. If you don't believe me, then stay on this land and await your inevitable demise. Do you think I owe you anything, and you're crying and begging to drag a bunch of people who despise me down with you?"

She raised an eyebrow, and in the next instant, the pure white sea of ​​clouds in the sky transformed into thunderclouds. Thick bolts of lightning, as tall as towers, flickered and danced across the heavens, as if they could unleash a destructive storm at any moment!

"My goal is to preserve human civilization." The golden light in her eyes transformed into lightning and fire. "And I have prepared a corresponding plan and made comprehensive preparations for this. I know I can do it, I believe I can do it, and I am preparing to do it. And I do not intend to add any additional variables to my plan."

“I am different from Fujimaru. Fujimaru always wants to unite everyone and get a group of people or Servants to fight against a common goal under the same banner... That’s why she has many friends. And all her plans are based on her friends. But I am different. I will only use the power I have at my disposal. So... your existence or not is of no value to my plans.”

A bolt of deep yellow lightning struck her outstretched hand, transforming into a massive sword.

“I have no intention of fighting you, nor do I want to cooperate with you. I will carry out my plan, and I will be the sole leader in my plan. If you are willing to join my camp, I will neither welcome nor reject you. But apart from that, I do not intend to accept any of your demands.”

The thunder sword in her hand pointed diagonally at the sea of ​​flowers on the ground.

“My position has been made clear. It’s your turn now. If you have no intention of fighting or joining me, then please leave before my eyes. Otherwise…”—Otherwise, I will have no choice but to eliminate you here, even if it means breaking the alliance with Tiamat. After all, my city… doesn’t necessarily need a living Tiamat.

She stared at the people opposite her, and they stared back at her.

"Hmph, aloof and arrogant. Flora, you are more like a goddess than those good-for-nothings." Gilgamesh gave a curt snort. He didn't continue the conversation—he already knew Flora's resolve and her stance, and as for the rest... it wasn't his place as an ancient king to handle it.

“Senior.” Fujimaru Ritsuka stepped forward, her fingers pressing against the edge of Mash’s shield.

"I don't want to blame you, and perhaps I'm not qualified to criticize your decisions. I have no idea how much suffering and pain you've endured. But, but... if you, senior, are never willing to trust others or accept their help, how can the world possibly treat you kindly?"

Her tone was sincere and earnest. However, Flora simply tilted her head slightly, quietly awaiting her next act.

"...Did I fail?" Ritsuka lowered her head slightly. "I thought I could use this method to stir up your emotions, but it seems this is still too difficult for me."

Flora remained silent.

Ritsuka closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then slowly opened them. "So, what I'm about to say is what's on my mind. Flora-senpai, actually you..."

She hesitated for a moment.

"...Actually, you really want to have partners, and you also value us... former partners, right?"

"..." Flora did not answer.

However, Fujimaru Ritsuka didn't stop there. "This isn't speculation, but a judgment based on my understanding of you, Senpai. Because you've always been ruthless when pursuing your goals. You'll ruthlessly eliminate anyone or anything that might get in your way, and you'll use everything you can to squeeze every last drop of value out of them, by any means necessary. Unlike now, where you shut us out from the very beginning."

"Senior, you don't actually want to use us, do you? No, perhaps it's not 'us,' just me, Mashu and me. If only Ishtar or Ereshkigal had come here, you would probably have killed them all." — She was referring to the end of the previous cycle, the scene where Ishtar was killed remotely by Flora.

“You actually care about me and Mashu. Because you care, that’s why you said it’s up to us whether we leave or stay. Because you don’t know how to treat us, you emphasize that you won’t listen to any of our opinions. At the same time, you plan to expel us—because you know that we, Mashu and I, and Fou will affect you. So you’re hoping for companions while trying to cut off all your escape routes—am I right, Senpai?”

"…………" Flora's brows slowly furrowed. Ba, who was standing next to her, seemed to want to say something, but she stopped him by raising her hand.

"On this continent, I am the strongest besides those ancient gods... those otherworldly gods. If I want, I can completely cleanse this continent and transform it into the form I desire." She spoke in a declarative tone because she was stating a fact.

"In other words, on this continent, the only thing that can hinder my ideals is my own thoughts... Fujimaru, congratulations, you've found it. Although it's the worst way to use it. But I'm different from those guys who mingle in a society based on personal relationships. I don't need any excuses to hide my true feelings... You're right, you do indeed hold a... special place in my heart."

"...What do you want?" Both she and Fujimaru Ritsuka knew that this friendship would end after this conversation. From then on, nothing would be able to restrain Flora's ideals, and when she deemed it necessary, even Fujimaru and Mash would become her targets. But before that, this bond could still be exchanged for one last price.

Whether it's light or heavy, the true value of this affection to Flora is something Fujimaru Ritsuka must weigh for herself.

“Senior, I want to…” Ritsuka took a deep breath, then spoke with a firm tone.

"I want to fight you fair and square, to see who prevails." Her eyes reflected a pure light—not the light of her soul—"I want to defeat you, senior. Without relying on any external power, but simply using the skills I have mastered. I want to fight you fairly, senior."

"If we lose, then there's nothing more to say."

"And if I am lucky enough to win... Senior Flora, I hope you will carefully consider the plan I will be proposing later."

"I want to restore this world to its original state!"

Chapter 85 The War in Heaven - The Arrogant Man

“The original form.” Flora chewed on those words softly, repeating them.

"You have one minute to explain what 'the world in its original state' means—if you want to restore this Earth, which has been broken into eight parts, if you want to save everything in the midst of this war of many powerful gods, and you have no plausible plan—"

The lightning-fire sword she gripped tightly spread along her arm and up her body, instantly transforming into a full-body defensive armor. This was a self-protection she could achieve without relying on divine power or wisdom, allowing her to unleash a power beyond the imagination of many, a power unique to her alone.

"Then I will not hesitate to cut off that stupid head of yours in a minute, because it has made me waste so much time."

“I have a plan, and I have an explanation.” However, Fujimaru Ritsuka showed no sign of backing down.

“Fifty seconds left.” — Flora’s thunder sword gleamed.

"The 'original state' I'm referring to isn't the modern Earth. We can't go back to the past in human history, and I know that myself. So, I want to return the Earth to a state earlier than now, even earlier than the time when humans and gods were about to separate, back to a state where humans and gods were not separated, and human power and divine power could coexist peacefully!"

"You mean you intend to save not only people but also the gods who have been burned to ashes?" Flora raised her free hand, pointing to the many worlds ravaged by war in the Abyss. "Or do you intend to coexist peacefully with those powerful ancient gods, returning this war to the way it was in the first place?"

“No, Flora-senpai.” However, Fujimaru Ritsuka shook her head vigorously. “The god I’m talking about isn’t one of those otherworldly gods you call ancient gods. It’s not even one of those mythical deities, those true ancestors, those ancient heroes. No, the god I’m talking about is only one.” — Her toes touched the sea of ​​flowers on the black mud.

"I want to save this Earth. To save the one true god on this planet... I want to save Gaia. To save this great being that is called the Restraining Force, but is in fact the soul of the planet. And the way to save it is to unify the eight continents into one, to let it return to the beginning of the Age of Creation, when all the original civilizations at the top of the continents were quietly floating inside it, in its most primordial form!"

She looked intently at Flora and said, word by word, "Your ark alone won't be enough to escape this battlefield. Those otherworldly gods are far too powerful, so powerful that defeating them is out of the question, and even escaping the aftershocks of their attacks is nearly impossible. But if we can awaken Gaia and gain its approval, the situation will be completely different... At least we won't die in the aftershocks, and we can bring everyone else with us!"

Flora pressed the blade of her sword down slightly, but a minute had already passed.

"They won't die from the aftershocks, but they will die from the direct hit. These ancient gods won't care if an ant sneaks away, but if the entire planet and its star soul escape together, it may become a target."