As the two archenemies seemed about to start quarreling again, before the ancient voice presiding over the meeting could intervene, the black-robed figure, Exmont, took the initiative. His voice, deep and still low, completely overshadowed the two opponents.
【Regarding this Violet, I have also come to understand through certain means. Frankly speaking, judging by the standards of those experiments in the mortal realm, I am temporarily unable to determine the extent of her divinity... Flam, since you have personally faced her, do you have any specific insights?】
【.......】
The crimson flames flickered for a moment before answering in a muted tone.
【Hard to say. At that time, I only exchanged a few moves with her summons, she herself did not act. But judging from the intensity of her divine power, even at my peak, I’m afraid it would be difficult for me to win stably against that light deity head-on.】
【Tsk......】
The burly beast-headed councilor, Bystel, disdainfully curled his lip. Despite being archenemies, he understood Flam’s character well enough to discern the meaning behind his ambiguous words.
In simpler terms, all that talk boiled down to—I definitely can’t win.
Otherwise, even if there was just a ten percent chance of victory, the hot-headed and prideful God of Blazing Flames would surely describe it as “the outcome is yet uncertain.”
After all, when confronting the Demon God in the past, before heading into battle, he used similar language to describe the gap in strength between them, and the results... everyone had seen them.
Naturally, Exmont easily caught Flam’s implication, and under the surging aura, wisps of grey mist began to emanate from under his hood.
【Could it be... a major deity’s incarnation? Where could this figure possibly come from?】
Immediately after, it raised its head slightly and spoke solemnly towards the top of the council chamber.
【I propose postponing further action and attempting to make contact with this mysterious entity discreetly. Once we have identified their identity and origins, we can then discuss our strategy accordingly.】
【Seconded.】
【Seconded.】
【I agree as well.】
For a moment, the councilors unanimously agreed. Even Miss Hen, who appeared aloof yet powerful, nodded slightly to indicate her stance.
It was only then that the ancient voice echoed once more throughout the hall.
【Seven votes in favor, with Flam opposing. What are your thoughts?】
The black-and-white mask seemed unusually excited, spinning around on the stone seat for a while before coming to a halt, its expression now a delighted smile with lips stretched wide.
【Hehehe, since it passed with such a high vote, I guess my opinion doesn’t matter anymore, right? But... this Violet sounds really interesting! I’d love to meet her if possible~】
Hen, the silver-haired woman, subtly furrowed her brow, while Exmont immediately responded.
【There’s no harm in it. While I’m a bit cautious about crossing the world barrier, if it’s just for contact, I have a few suitable experimental subjects. It so happens I had a similar idea. Shall we collaborate?】
【Ohhh! The mad scientist has her moments of reason! Let’s settle on that then. We’ll talk more privately later! Hehehehehe!!!】
Laughter, sharp and clown-like, filled the hall once again. Yet, this mysterious meeting unfolding within the shadows of the grand hall... seemed to be known to few.
.........................................
Outside Moon Shadow Valley, Violet and her party were bidding farewell to Chief Vanessa and their other friends who had come to see them off.
“Well then, we’re off. Eilush, are you really sure you won’t come with us?”
Miss Doll, blending into the crowd, smirked slightly, sizing up the black-haired girl from head to toe, then rubbed her hands mischievously.
“What? Can’t bear to part? You know how handy my inventions can be, right? Actually, if you sincerely begged me, I might consider it~”
“Forget it. It was just a routine question. If you don’t want to come, that’s fine by me. I quite enjoy my leisure... So, what are your plans next? Heading straight back to the Spirit Puppet Forest?”
Eilush shook her head.
“I’m not going back for now. I’ve heard there are lots of interesting things among the humans, and our relations have improved lately. I plan to wander around like Sister Ewan and see where it takes me. When I get tired of it... then maybe I’ll think about going home.”
“I see...”
The priestess smiled faintly.
“Then I wish you a smooth journey?”
“Hehe, same to you guys.”
After formally bidding farewell to Eilush, Violet turned her gaze to the young woman beside her, cradling a white wolf cub.
“Chief Vanessa, we’ve been grateful for your hospitality during this time. The Ten Thousand Demons Mountains and Moon Shadow Valley are both wonderful places. I wish prosperity for your tribe in the future.”
The chief smiled and nodded in response.
“Thank you for your blessings, Miss Violet. We owe you a debt of gratitude for various things. If there’s ever anything we can help with in the future, feel free to come to our Moon Shadow Tribe.”
“Awwooo...”
At that moment, the white wolf cub in her arms whimpered softly towards the priestess, as if sensing what was about to happen, reluctant to see her go.
The black-haired girl simply smiled and rubbed Novia’s smooth and soft head.
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“Don’t be like this. All good things must come to an end... Although I’m not sure if you understand, today’s farewell isn’t forever. Grow up well and become a worthy new Wolf King. Don’t let down everyone’s love and the bloodline you carry.”
With that, Violet changed the subject.
“Of course, being happy and safe is the most important. I believe your mother hopes the same. But next time we meet, I hope to see you’ve learned how to speak, okay?”
“Awoo!”
As if making a real agreement with the girl, Novia nodded earnestly, her tail spinning like a fan at full speed, looking incredibly comical and adorable.
Next, the priestess turned her gaze to the blue-gold slime girl on the other side.
“Little Blue, I entrust the care of the Divine Tree to you. This responsibility may be heavy, but the benefits are immeasurable. You are an unprecedented slime and one of my most trusted friends here...”
“After three years, when our agreement expires, if you no longer wish to remain bound to this gateway, you can tell me. I will arrange for someone else to take over. There’s no need for guilt, this was our agreed upon arrangement. Whether you continue or not, I will still look forward to your future. After all, you are my first... hmm~”
With a knowing smile, Violet believed the other understood her meaning. It was this cleverness that led her to entrust Little Blue with the task of guarding the Divine Tree.
“Lady Violet, please rest assured. I... will defend the safety of the Divine Tree with my life, and I will not fail your kindness.”
Feeling the determination in the slime girl’s words and her deliberate avoidance of the three-year deadline, the priestess nodded slightly but said no more.
Some things didn’t need to be explicitly stated.
“Well then, everyone, like green mountains and flowing waters, let’s part ways here!”
As the priestess and her companions lightly leaped onto the broad backs of the mountain wolves, their figures gradually disappeared into the distance of the mountains amidst their farewells.
Above the clouds in the sky.
“Why aren’t you saying goodbye to them?”
The young man in ash-gray robes stood ethereally in the sky, his robes fluttering in the wind like a celestial being. He glanced at the butterfly girl with long pink hair beside him.
She immediately gave him a disdainful look.
“Say goodbye for what? It’s not like we won’t see each other again. Besides, it’s not quite appropriate to keep borrowing this child’s body to meet them. After all... she is not me.”
Minchen sighed helplessly.
“It can’t be helped. You’ve long ceased to have a physical form. When you’re away from home, you need something to rely on, right?”
“Hmph, you make it sound like I’ve already died and become a ghost. Isn’t it just merging my will with the sacred place? In a sense, the sacred place is my body now!”
“Alright, alright, whatever you say...”
“Whatever, you’re just humoring me...”
The conversation abruptly fell into silence. After a moment, Tiyelu spoke quietly.
“Minchen, are you leaving?”
The young man didn’t turn around, just gazed at the distant mountains and land, nodding slightly.
“There are things that I must do. I owe them too much, at the very least... I must make amends.”
“If you leave, what will happen to the gateway?”
Minchen smiled.
“Isn’t it the little slime left behind by Miss Violet? Despite her being just legendary rank now, if formidable enemies appear, her role could be as significant as mine. Besides, Siel and Eileen are also there. These two kids aren’t bad at heart, and with their contracts and the support of the Divine Tree, do you really think they won’t give their all?”
Seemingly at a loss for words, the butterfly girl could only pout in annoyance.
“It seems you’ve made up your mind... Fine, go ahead and get lost. It’ll save us from seeing you show off every day. So, where do you plan to go next?”
“Well, first I’ll visit the Demon Suppression City to the south. Miss Violet left me some... tasks before she departed. After completing those, I’ll probably start searching for the descendants scattered across the world, take good care of them, and then visit my daughter’s grave to fulfill my responsibilities as an unfit father.”
For a long while, Mr. Gatekeeper, relieved of his duties, gazed once more at the mountains, his eyes filled with age and distance.
“And what about Cheese Mochi and Xiao Shuai... after three hundred years, where have they... gone?”