"Why are you laughing, my goddess?" Aisha asked, her brows knitting in confusion. She stared at the glowing screen that showed Kitsune and the others, the blood draining slowly from the tatami floor. For a moment, she wondered if the goddess had finally lost her mind.
The goddess leaned back on her throne, her smile sharp and knowing. "Aisha, tell me—do you think Wei could have killed those four?"
Aisha hesitated, then nodded. "He could have, yes. Those teenagers you took from the human world aren't experienced fighters yet. Even though you fed them with the Book of Battle Experience… I still think it wasn't enough."
The goddess chuckled, her laughter echoing like bells in a cold hall. "Mmm, true. We didn't expect Wei to summon allies that strong." Her eyes glimmered as she leaned forward, fingers tracing the screen's edge. "But that's not a problem…"
Her smile widened into something devilish. "I have another warrior—and I'll send her today."
The goddess burst into soft, manic laughter as Aisha felt a chill crawl down her spine.
Meanwhile, a teleportation circle flared to life in the middle of a cobblestone street in Commonwealth—a prosperous city a hundred miles from Mercado. The light pulsed brighter, drawing startled gasps from nearby elves before fading to reveal Wei and Xue, stepping out of the glow.
Wei blinked, his eyes widening as he took in the sight—elegant spires of silver and glass, golden banners fluttering in the breeze, and streets lined with elves of striking beauty.
"Whoa…" he muttered, a grin creeping across his face. "Hey, Xue, where did you just bring me? And why are there so many gorgeous elves walking around?"
Xue smirked, folding his arms. "This is the nearest city my wisdom system suggested. I didn't realize it'd be crawling with pretty elves."
Wei laughed, his voice full of mischief. "Then I say we make ourselves at home."
Xue chuckled darkly. "Or better—let's get ourselves some wives before Kitsune's crew shows up and steals them all."
Wei froze mid-step.
For a fleeting moment, Elenita's face flashed in his mind—her smile, her voice, the warmth he'd almost forgotten amidst the chaos.
He exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… these elves are beautiful, no doubt. But—" He smirked faintly, eyes softening. "My heart belongs to Elenita. I'll wait until I'm back in our world before I marry."
Xue's grin vanished, twisting into an expression of pure disgust. "You're so boring."
Before Wei could respond, Xue's body began to liquefy—his form collapsing into a crimson pool that seeped between the cobblestones until he was completely gone.
Wei stared at the spot where his clone had vanished, sighed, and muttered under his breath, "Still can't handle a little romance, huh?"
Wei strolled through the bustling streets, his eyes wandering over the city's beauty—the small ornate buildings, the shops lined with trinkets, the apple trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the elegant elves moving gracefully among them. For a moment, he almost forgot he was in another world.
Then, something familiar caught his eye.
Sitting cross-legged on a worn carpet by the sidewalk was Ryo. Spread out before him were talismans, blades, throwing knives, and small glass bottles filled with swirling potions.
Wei's face lit up in surprise.
"Ryo! My human friend!" he called out, waving enthusiastically as he made his way over.
Ryo looked up, startled at first—then his eyes widened in recognition as Wei approached.
"Why are you sitting here selling all this stuff? That's kinda odd for someone with a Legion Slayer title. Don't you want your own palace?" Wei said, grinning. "I'm actually here to conquer a city and build an army. Come on—join me."
"I just slayed a few high-level goblins for exercise," Ryo replied casually. "That's where I got these items. Since I can't really use most of them, I figured I'd see if anyone in this city was worth trading with. As for conquering this place—nah, not worth the effort. But…" He leaned closer, smirking. "If you really want action, I can suggest a city we could raid."
Wei's eyes widened, his grin returning. "You know a city we can raid? Is it better than this one? Like—does it have a big enough army I could use to take on the goddess?"
Ryo nodded slowly. "Better than this city in terms of military power—and far more dangerous. If you go there, make sure you have something ready for a quick teleport. You'll need it if things get out of hand."
Wei raised a brow, half-smiling in disbelief. "What kind of city is that? You make it sound like walking into it is a death wish."
"We might both carry the title Legion Slayer," Ryo said, "but there are many in this world who are far stronger than us."
Wei shrugged. "Good. My goal is to defeat the goddess. If I can fight someone stronger than me, even better. That'll make me stronger."
Ryo's voice grew hesitant. "That's—if we both make it out alive when we get there."
"Arrgh, Ryo, you're pissing me off." Wei's irritation flared. "I thought you were a great warrior. Now you sound like a coward. Why don't we look for another city with fewer powerful foes, so I can start raising an army there?"
Ryo frowned. "You say you need an army to take on the goddess—what are your chances if that army is weak? Don't you think you'd be pulverized? If you're going to challenge a goddess, shouldn't you clear those beneath her first?"
Wei breathed in deep, the anger draining as reason landed. He exhaled slowly, tension easing from his shoulders. "…Yeah. You're right."
He looked out over the street, mind already planning. "Okay. We'll find a place to build strength first. Then we'll come for the goddess."
Ryo rose from the carpet, stretching his back with a faint groan. "I've been sitting here for a few hours now," he said, brushing dust off his pants. "I only managed to sell one good item—an amulet. Honestly, I think another fight with the Scarlet Goblins would wake me up. Especially if I've got a party to go with." He gave Wei a knowing smile.
Wei raised a brow. "So… the Scarlet Goblins. That's the army you said you were wary of?"
Ryo nodded. "Yes. But you'll be with me this time. That gives us a little more of a chance."
Wei fell silent for a moment. The weight of Ryo's words sank in—not fear, but realism. Unlike himself, Ryo wasn't blinded by ego. Despite carrying the same title of Legion Slayer, Ryo acknowledged that danger still lurked everywhere in Birigan.
Wei clenched his jaw. For the first time, a cold truth pressed into his chest.
He wasn't invincible.
And if he wanted to get out of Birigan… he needed to get stronger. Fast.