Let's just say I was somewhat bored this time around.

I experimented with many things during this period. Exploring, rather, getting used to wielding my power again, is one of them. Then, I reviewed the creatures inside my void. Most of them are cosmic beasts I've come across in my journey, but some are legitimate horror entities I have 'called.'

Among them, I decided to call forth a few. Since Zircon currently lacks manpower, most have been assigned on patrol duties. Thanks to them, this forest has been very safe. Though, that also means that the Tower of Horror won't receive many visitors. I should let the folks inside that building go out every now and then.

Nevertheless, I often roam around the place for an inspection. Unless they spend a lot of time fighting with me like Mister Slen or Smiley does, they can be quite unruly. Besides, horrors like them should have their own freedom.

That said, if they collide into one another and fight, it'll be a mess. That's why I'm doing this in the first place.

''Hm?''

And this time around, I encounter quite an unusual duo.

As soon as I sense the rhythmic rumble from afar, I stop in my tracks. The thumping sounds gradually get closer, accompanied by the ground vibrating. In the end, what appears before me is a colossal human skeleton.

...No, I mean, that's really about it.

A set of complete skeletons as tall as a five or six-story building, making clacking noises as it moves. This is Gashadokuro—a Japanese Youkai. Said to be formed by the bones of those who have died without proper burials, it wanders around at night looking for living people to eat.

Well, since I don't really have people lying around as food for it to eat, Gashadokuro often chews on Sikare and 049's failed experiments instead.

Now, the skeleton is one thing, but the little snake coiling in its eye socket is another. That's Medusa—not the complete person, but just one snake. It's quite small relative to everyone else, but one cannot underestimate its petrification.

''Why are you two together?'' I ask as Gashadokuro leans down. ''Hm? Coincidentally met?''

The skeleton can only let out rattling noises, while the snake slithers, but since they originate from my void, I can perfectly understand them. It's quite surreal now that I think about it.

After exchanging some pleasantries, I part ways with them.

Just like that, I fill the waiting time with encounters in Zircon. Seeing my offspring well and happy makes my mood better. Phrasing could have been better, but it's fine.

Soon enough, a contact reaches me. Chloe is calling me back, saying he has gathered everyone.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

So, with a single teleportation, I arrive at the cabin. In an instant, the rowdy atmosphere hits me, joining forces with sizzles and an awfully savory, smoky scent.

They're doing barbecue... and hotpot at the same time. Even though the participants look vastly different from one another, it feels just like an average New Year's party. Even Buezrith, who has stated she would only stay temporarily, seems relaxed. Warm and cozy—I like it.

''Aurora!''

''Boss!''

''You're back!''

And, as soon as the girls notice me, they abandon whatever they're doing and jump on me, even pushing aside Smiley. Dealing with these clingy girls has been my daily routine, although I can't say I don't sympathize with them.

It's already their third year in the academy, after all. Maybe they just want to vent some stress. Although...

''No touching inappropriate places.'' I firmly catch Luxia's wrist. ''Calm down.''

One by one, they back away, holding awkward expressions as their gazes are averted.

What's this? You all are guilty?

When I narrow my eyes, Nydia hurriedly changes the topic, ''R-Right! You have something to announce! Let's not waste time!''

''No.'' I shake my head. ''The meal started already. Finish it first.''

With me joining the feast, the food is quickly taken care of. Not that I'm saying I eat everything. It's just that some of them have big appetites, like Skely—for some reason—and Smiley.

''Heheh... puppy, here's some chocolate~!''

By the way, aren't chocolate lethal for dogs? Can someone stop that pink madwoman?

Thankfully enough, Luxia is feeding Smiley white chocolate, which isn't chocolate at all. The incident ends peacefully, and we properly take seats at the long table.

For a moment, all eyes are on me, their curiosity fervent.

''...''

I hold the silence briefly, choosing my words.

''I think we're about to get into a fight,'' I speak, smiling. ''I'm calling you here today... so that we can be ready for it.''

Perhaps they have been expecting and are prepared for the news, but none show a big expression. I suppose it is only right, because even without this meeting or any other, we've been pushing our limits for the battle anyway.

So, they don't need more explanations, nor do they need another round of encouragement.

''I will now assign your tasks,'' I announce directly. ''Nydia, Sierra, Amelia. You three inform the empire of the upcoming threat. Tell them to spread the message as far as possible. Buezrith isn't only targeting us, but the whole continent.''

''Okay!'' Nydia, the crown princess, the representative for the agents that handle human matters, raise her hand.

I nod at her, then turn to the goddess side, ''Neveah and Buezrith, you guys stabilize the system and sort out the blank souls we've collected. We need those to deal with the clones.''

''Sure.'' Neveah sighs.

''Got it.'' Buezrith responds.

''Sikare and 049, you two handle the forces of Zircon. Make them battle-ready as soon as possible.''

''Okay...''

''Roger.''

''Nova and Kyomu—you guys are responsible for solidifying the forest during this time. I feel it will not be a simple descent, but an invasion. If anything happens, I want our place to remain intact.''

Kyomu gently nods at my words, while the orca hmphs and turns away, though not rejecting her task.

''As for the rest... keep practicing. And this is for everyone, but make sure you're battle-ready at all times. Don't let down your guard.''

'''' Roger! ''''

So, the world has begun to move once again, influenced by my orders.

The countries across the continent begin to move their military, and under an extensive campaign, volunteers who possess strength are starting to gather. Even the civilians, perhaps sensing the floating sense of urgency in the governments' movements, are being cautious.

As if bracing for impact, the caged individuals are uniting.

No one knows what the threat is, where they come from, or how strong it is. Still, most people have a certain sixth sense. So, the closer to the day she descends, the more restless the world feels.

It waits, waits, and keeps waiting.

Until that boiling tension reaches a breaking point... and calamity finally falls upon this world.

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