NEOMA was at her peak.
She had fully recovered, her body was in its top condition, and of course, her face was working hard as always.
In short, she was pretty sure she would win even against Ruto.
[I'm in my golden days.]
"Alright, we can go to Lord Levi's domain. I also think it's best to fight in a space where we won't accidentally hurt other people or destroy properties," Ruto said, then his gaze went past Neoma. "Are you bringing that kid with you?"
The "kid" would be Lewis who was standing behind Neoma in silence.
"I'm not a kid," Lewis said, scoffing. "I'm taller than you."
Despite the serious ambiance, Neoma almost burst out laughing.
[Gosh, Lewis inherited my pettiness.]
In her eyes, Ruto and Lewis were just the same height. She couldn't tell if her "son" was really taller than her ex-man.
[Is it just the hair? Since Lewis' hair is a little puffy compared to Ruto's hair?]
"I haven't stopped growing yet."
What?
Neoma was surprised by Ruto's response to Lewis' taunting.
[Wow. When did Ruto become petty, too???]
"No, you're already twenty-two years old, Ruto," Neoma blurted out before she could even stop herself. "You won't get taller than you already are."
"Our physical bodies are different from that of ordinary humans, Princess Neoma," Ruto said. "You know that."
Of course, she knew that.
That was why she was frustrated by the fact that she would continue growing taller against her wishes.
"Whatever. Let's stop talking about height since it's a sensitive topic for me," Neoma said, gently grabbing Lewis by his sleeve. "I'm not going anywhere without Lewis. Not anymore."
Lewis didn't say anything, but his face beamed.
[Someone is happy.]
To be honest, all of her "children" wanted to come with her.
But she knew that it would be hard for both of her and Lewis to bring everyone to a divine domain. Hence, she chose Lewis to bring with her.
[Lewis is the commander anyway, so the other kids are satisfied with that.]
"Very well," Ruto said, snapping his fingers. "Let's go to my house."
House?
Where?
In the Upper World?
Neoma didn't have time to ask questions because she was fascinated by the pretty magic circle that appeared below her feet.
The magic circle was purple, and there was the image of Ruto's ancient bow inside. Little arrows were circling around inside the big ring, and there were also glowing golden ancient texts circling around outside the big ring.
Ah, no.
They weren't ancient words but ancient numbers.
"Is this your house password or something?" Neoma asked curiously, then she looked at Ruto's face with a raised brow. "Interesting how I recognize my birthday there."
Ruto looked surprised as if he just remembered that Neoma could read ancient language, then he avoided her gaze as if he was embarrassed. "The old me set that up– I'll change it later if it makes you uncomfortable."
***
"I NEVER really liked Ruston Stroganoff for Neoma."
Mona laughed softly at what Nikolai said. "Love, you think NO ONE is good enough for your daughter. I'm sure you'll find flaws in every person who shows interest in Neoma in a romantic sense."
If Ruto Solfrid, no doubt the most sought-after bachelor of his generation, were no good for Neoma– then no one would ever be.
[I don't like the fact that Ruto threatened Neoma's life, but I can't deny that he's a "catch."]
Ruto was good-looking, wealthy, and capable.
Moreover, there was no imbalanced power dynamic between Ruto and Neoma because both had high social status.
Ruto was the Solfrid Heir– a huge and influential clan from the Eastern Continent. He also had royal blood in him because he was closely related to the king of the Kingdom of Suoh. Most of all, he was the divine son of Lord Levi– the God Among Gods.
Neoma was the one and only royal princess of the Great Moonasterion Empire, the future empress regnant, and the descendant of Lord Yule– the Moon God.
[The two are also both capable of destroying the world if they wanted to.]
"You're not wrong," Nikolai agreed with her. "But Ruston Stroganoff is the worst. He dared to point a weapon at Neoma."
Nikolai was upset because they both knew that Ruto was capable of killing Neoma.
"It's a shame," Mona said while putting some clothes inside the glowing cube on the table. It was an enchanted storage. She was putting some food, clothes, hygiene kit, and some other things they might need in there. "Neoma really likes Ruto."
Of course, Mona didn't like that Ruto tried to kill Neoma.
But on the other hand, she understood where the young God Slayer was coming from. Hence, she would also understand if Neoma still chose to be Ruto despite everything.
"How can Neoma continue liking that rascal after he tried to kill her?"
"Nikolai, we're in no position to judge their relationship," Mona scolded Nikolai. "You tried to kill our twins when they were still in my womb, hunted me down because you thought I ran away with Gavin, then neglected our children for years. Yet, despite all of that, I forgave and accepted you again. And here were are now, still together."
When she was living in Korea, she learned a lot of things about relationships.
Mona recognized Nikolai as a 'red flag,' and she was aware that their relationship was 'toxic' in the eyes of most people.
Even so, it was her decision to stay with him.
[Fortunately, I haven't regretted my decision yet.]
"I know our relationship isn't really healthy," Nikolai admitted. After all, he also learned the things that Mona had learned in Korea. "And that's exactly why I don't want Neoma to follow our bad example."
Aww.
Mona smiled because THIS was the reason why she accepted Nikolai in her life again– he was a good father to their children. Well, sometimes he would let his love for her take the better of him. But she knew he was working on it. "You're getting better each and every day, Nikolai. If you were still the old you, I'm sure you wouldn't have allowed me to investigate the Blood Sea with Miss Dahlia without throwing a tantrum."
Not that she would listen to Nikolai.
She would have still left even if he didn't give her "permission."
"I'm still worried, though," Nikolai admitted. "If the crows' Impure Mana could kill a powerful Sorcerer like Trevor Kesser, who's to say that it wouldn't harm you or Neoma? Both you and our daughter are favored by Nature, and one of Nature's natural enemies is Impure Mana. After all, you can't purify it."
"Neoma has a theory that she wants to test," she said hesitantly. "To be honest, I'm quite worried about the thing that our daughter wants to try. It's too dangerous even for her."
"I know you'll stop our daughter if it's too dangerous, Mona."
"If I could, I would. But you know it, don't you?"
Nikolai flinched at first, then he nodded. "I know, love."
"Neoma has already surpassed me," Mona said, smiling proudly. "Neoma is now stronger than me."
***
A WHITE ROOM.
As expected.
Neoma thought the white empty room with a high ceiling was as boring as the current Ruto's personality and expressions.
[But I should just keep my mouth shut when I have nothing nice to say.]
See?
[Contrary to popular belief, I have manners.]
"This is my training room," Ruto explained. "This domain is connected to Lord Levi's domain, but this is isolated from the Upper World. Hence, even if we go all-out, the gods won't notice it… I guess."
Neoma raised an eyebrow at Ruto. "You don't sound convinced by your own explanation, Ruto."
"I haven't fought anyone yet in this space, so I wouldn't know what would happen if two people who have the power to destroy the world fought here."
"Then let's set a limit. I don't want the gods to notice me. Not yet, at least," she said, the gameplay that she envisioned already getting completed in her head. "We will still go all-out, but let's just use one technique or weapon. I won't use Tteokbokki, Grandpa Kingston, and my baby Spirits. I won't borrow Vespera's strength, too. Not even Skewer. And especially not my premium air purifier mode."
Ruto knitted his eyebrows, confused. "Then what are you going to use to fight me?"
"My Dome," Neoma said confidently. "That's enough to win against you."
He didn't say anything back, but he turned more serious as if he couldn't accept her statement. "Then I'll only use my ancient bow and arrows."
"Perfect," she said, genuinely relieved by Ruto's choice of weapon. "I was actually hoping you'd choose that weapon. After all, my pride was bruised when your arrows cracked and pushed back my Dome."
"I will only use a single arrow," Ruto announced in a serious tone. "Not because I'm looking down on you– but because I'm putting everything in that single shot."
Oh.
Good thing he explained because she almost got pissed.
"Very well," Neoma said, nodding. Then she turned to Lewis and smiled at him. "Stand behind me, Lewis. I will protect you."
Lewis nodded, his eyes full of trust. "I got your back, Princess Neoma."
***
LEVI was having a conference with the major gods currently active in the Upper World when IT happened.
For the first time in centuries, a huge part of the Upper World exploded.
No– the explosion came from somewhere else, and it just so happened to reach the Upper World because of how powerful the impact was.
And he instantly recognized the cause of that explosion.
Levi shut his eyes tight.
[Neoma de Moonasterio, Yoan Solfrid… have you gone mad and decided to destroy the Upper World together?]
***
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