Chapter 204: Back to Desert Red Star
Flying through the Dimensional Gate entrance were none other than the three allied forces — the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan, the Fanged Elf Tribe, and the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect.
Following close behind on foot marched the crimson-eyed warriors, their collective aura so fierce that it made even distant observers tense. Overhead, massive flying Essence Beasts carried additional detachments: the Umankan race led by Obianuju, the Red Flounders led by Aka-ko, the Daemonorcs led by Damorca, the Serpent Sharks led by Gwarola, and the Fishmen led by Longar.
It was an overwhelming sight — one that could easily be mistaken for an invasion if not for the inside information circulating among high-ranking factions.
Behind the formation, Elchris soared silently in the skies, gliding behind the many magical aircrafts and essence beasts. On his back rode Christy, Elton, Shayleaf, Tongsheng, the Winged Serpent, Jewleaf, Jonovan, and Christina, each wearing serious expressions as they watched countless experts gathering from every direction. The faint essences of both the Aka Boshi no Tengan and the Grand Fae Alliance filled the air.
"…There are definitely Mortal Lords hidden among those experts from afar," Jonovan muttered with narrowed eyes.
"To think things have really escalated to this extent because of us… this is going to be problematic," Elton said with a bitter smile.
"Not to worry, son-in-law. Things will be dealt with accordingly. Let's not forget — you've got allies aplenty. No powerful organization can simply bully you now." Jewleaf smiled, patting Elton's shoulder reassuringly.
Christy's expression was tense and uncertain as she and the others suppressed their auras to avoid exposure.
Moments later, multiple armies swept toward their position: two large divisions from the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan, one from the Soloman clan, and other contingents from the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, the Grand Fae Spirit Alliance, and various lesser factions.
"For your protection against vile fiends, stay where you are!" shouted a voice filled with commanding energy from the Aka Boshi ranks.
"We must investigate to ensure no enemies have infiltrated!" boomed another voice from the Soloman clan's direction.
Dozens of declarations rang out, each faction with its own motives, creating a storm of tension. Christian, Aerlan, and Murphaus — as leaders of their respective factions — could not ignore the growing commotion.
Then suddenly, a white blazing light burst from Elton's chest. Everyone on Elchris froze — and not just them. The light was visible across multiple armies and even beyond.
"Damnit, what is this?!" Jewleaf barked, alarmed. "A summoning circle?! Is this an attack?"
At that moment, Christy felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over her, as if her memories had been stirred. Elton's expression shifted too, realization flashing across his face as he felt the markings on his chest pulse.
"Erri?!"
"Sister Erri?!"
Both exclaimed in unison.
Shayleaf gasped, then smiled brightly. "Sister Erri's coming! Ah, I thought we were being attacked."
"Wait—Erri? Are you referring to Erica Soloman?" Christina asked in disbelief.
Before anyone could react further, the light flared. In an instant, Erica appeared — or rather, dove directly into Elton's embrace with a radiant smile.
"El Onyem! Oh, how I've missed you! Now then… I'm taking you out of here!" she said excitedly as white flames enveloped them.
"W-Wait! Erica! What the heck are you trying to pull?! I won't let you!" Christy shouted, activating her Kokon Tengan and forcefully inserting herself into the summoning circle. She wrapped her arms around both Erica and Elton — and in a flash of brilliant light, the three vanished.
"H-H-How could you all leave meeeee?!" Shayleaf wailed in despair.
While the flash attracted many nearby forces, none could see what had actually occurred. Confusion and speculation spread rapidly — and trouble was sure to follow.
"…Madam Christian," Aerlan muttered through a private transmission, "things are about to get extremely annoying."
Christian sighed with a bitter smile. "Perhaps… but this may have been for the best. The fact that I can't trace them through the red stars of fate is actually a blessing. That girl Erica clearly prepared this well. Grandson Elton could have resisted — but he chose not to."
Her calculating gaze gleamed faintly. Christy's disappearance alongside him was, in her view, a positive development. Together, they were far safer than apart.
Murphaus and Aerlan exchanged knowing looks before nodding. What was done was done. And considering the aura of multiple Late-Stage Mortal Lords vaguely revealing themselves in the distance, they were grateful the young pair had fled.
Back in the basement beneath Erica's residence, a flash of white flaming light burst forth, igniting countless inscriptions across the room's walls, ceiling, and floor. The air shimmered as space itself twisted—then, within moments, Erica, Christy, and Elton stood in the center of the chamber, the latter two wearing stunned expressions.
"Chrissy, I knew you'd somehow tag along inside my teleportation magic," Erica said with a sarcastic lilt and a playful smile.
"Haaah… Erri, how could I not? This isn't the first time I've seen this magic of yours—or been caught up in it firsthand," Christy replied, equally sarcastic but smiling all the same.
Elton exhaled deeply, brushing the soot from his sleeve. "Haha, you girls… Truthfully, this might've been the best outcome we could've asked for, given the situation. Now we just need to adjust our plans and think ahead." His tone was calm but thoughtful, eyes reflecting calculation.
Erica crossed her arms with an exasperated sigh. "Ah, about that, El Onyem— I've already made plenty of preparations. What you don't know is that, besides the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan going all out to track Chrissy down, many high-ranking experts of the Soloman clan are actively trying to capture— or even dispose of— you. All of it to separate us and marry me off to some so-called 'supreme-grade bloodline heirs!' Ugh, I can't stand it!"
Christy's expression twisted in shared frustration. "So it's not that different from certain factions in my clan… always scheming, always trying to use people as pieces."
"Not just that, but there are certainly other factions from different clans and sects with their own plots targeting you, El Onyem. The interesting thing about it all is that most people don't even know your identity by face. From your rise under the terribly infamous name Laughing Blue Blade Reaper to your now much more widespread fame as the heroic Daoist Blue Heavens Sword, your identity has always been shrouded in mystery.
Also, because of Big Brother Ramiro's and Big Brother Zoro's incredibly widespread influence right now—along with me, Chrissy, and Shay's own prestigious standing due to our clans—on top of being the leader of White Star Radiance, you're deemed a serious threat."
Erica's tone carried both pride and concern, her expression a blend of seriousness and subtle admiration as she spoke.
"So that's how it is, huh…" Elton said quietly, rubbing his temple. Then he blinked. "Wait—Zoro's influence is that widespread now?"
Erica's lips curved into a proud smile. "Yes, El Onyem. He's practically been given a status equal to Mortal Lords. Word has it he singlehandedly killed two from the Night's Light Devouring Church."
"Oh my! Big Brother Zoro truly is amazing—only below you, Gege!" Christy said brightly, eyes sparkling.
Erica chuckled, stepping closer and clasping Elton's hands with a faint blush. "And you're no less impressive. I heard all about your exploits before your disappearance—taking down two Mortal Lord demons! When I learned that, I was ecstatic!"
"Hehehe, not just that," Christy interjected proudly. "We fought countless Golden Lords and even Early-Stage Mortal Lords during our journey. Gege even tamed a Mortal Lord Demonic Beast! Speaking of that guy…"
"Tch. I'm here," growled the Winged Serpent, stepping out in his humanoid form with folded arms. "This guy dragged me into a dimensional space for contracted beast the second you appeared, girl! Everything went downhill the moment you entered my life! My four comrades, endless battles, near-death fights—dammit all!"
"No," Elton shot back dryly, rolling his eyes. "Most of that was your own fault. Don't try to pin it on me."
Erica laughed at the bickering. "Wow, how entertaining. But let's put this conversation aside for now and move. It's dangerous to linger here. Luckily, most of the attention and chaos is still focused around the Dimensional Gate."
Christy nodded firmly. "Agreed. The longer we stay, the more trouble we invite."
Elton gave a quick nod as well, and with that, the group ascended from the hidden chamber. Outside, a sleek enchanted vehicle awaited them—a rare, custom-made craft gifted to Erica by a merchant months prior.
The four of them climbed in without hesitation, the engine humming softly with spiritual power as the runes along its sides lit up.
And so, the four departed as they sped towards the direction of the Brassaint country for the Bright Brilliant Blade sect.