Chapter 240: Results of the Aftermath
There was a troop of individuals in a certain location with many magical cars scattered about. There was a strange air to them as they silently stood with many thoughtful expressions. No one spoke as they all dazedly looked to the skies and wherever else.
Sitting someplace nearby on top of the largest magical car in this group were four figures. One of them was badly injured as black ki appeared to be slightly corroding certain wounds on his body. Two others looked on with grim expressions mixed with a hint of zealotry as they seemed to reminisce about something. The final person appeared to be the leader wearing more luxurious clergy robes than the others. The entire group was none other than the Nights Light Devouring Church experts that made their appearance in the Pocket Dimension.
What made this even more shocking was that each of these four individuals were Mortal Lords. Three were at the Early Stage while the man dressed in the most luxurious robes was none other than the leader whose aura hinted at being at the Middle Stage and perhaps towards is peak. A thoughtful look appeared on his face as he spoke. "Hahahaha. It appears that the Devil Lord has truly awakened. On top of that it happened much sooner than anticipated. What is even more impressive is that that kid Zoro managed to push to that point yet still had enough willpower to control much of his actions to an extent. But in the end…"
"Mmm things have become somewhat difficult and unpredictable have they not? The Devil Lord has awakened indeed but what happened after we abruptly escaped?" said one of the men with an expression of uncertainty.
The badly injured of the three gritted his teeth in pain as he also began to wonder. "From three Middle Staged Mortal Lords completely appearing out of nowhere to falling into the gaze of some divine goddess that engulfed the mind… In the middle of all of this we lost about a fourth of our forces in one go with others completely losing their minds. What exactly went wrong?"
"Eyes of a divine goddess… Was that not simply the power of a powerful expert with an evolved Aka Boshi no Tengan? We began making our escape the second those Middle Staged Mortal Lords appeared but…" The final of the four finally spoke with uncertainty.
"But… is that not strange? That was beyond the power of even the most powerful Aka Boshi no Tengan ability ever recorded so I have extreme doubts about that." one of the men said as a lingering fear filled his gaze.
The leader shook his head as he cast away his uncertainty and began to speak with conviction. "Regardless of what that was, we will proceed with our mission to take care of Zoro Tatsumaki and reclaim what belongs to the church, including the man himself."
The other three similarly cast away their unnecessary thoughts as conviction returned to their eyes.
…
Eight days passed since the counter invasion and along with the events related to the dark dual bladed devil. By now much of the White Star Radiance Alliance had conquered the large span of land intended to be utilized as a great defense zone to fight against the demon alliance while also gradually exploring more of the lands. Most importantly, the primary objective of all of the powers was to keep watch on other experts invading from the Purple Starmist continent outside of just the demons themselves. Demons dwelled there at a far higher number compared to the Desert Red Star continent but they were still a minority overall.
Ramiro met with the much larger contingent of the Lion's Spearhearts that was initially left back in the White Star Radiance's Blue Star Sect Grave lands location under the care of the Leon clan, namely his older brother Carlos Leon Jr. along with the second Prince of Brassaint, Jin Fang. Naturally it was a grand reunion filled with great excitement and competition. Instead of simply remaining within the now newly bordered territory they actively went out of their way to attack on the war front much to the admiration of many others.
Joe-Pine on the other hand led a group of individuals towards the White Star Radiance inner sect lands. Included in that group were Erica, Christy, and Shayleaf's parents. Upon entering the sect they could not help but to be incredibly amazed at its unique sight and structure. This was especially so for Jewleaf and Christina who had seen what the sect was like before its current transformation. Although there was still much to be done when it came to developing buildings and various other things, it truly gave off the vibe of being a powerful newly established sect.
Shearleaf and Shirleaf had come along with Jewleaf this time mainly to see Shayleaf who they already heard had broken through into the Mortal Shedding Realm. Given the sect's newborn status certain rules were still relaxed and Joe-Pine was able to escort them directly to whatever destination they wished to go to.
They were all taken directly to the main sect building embedded into the giant bronze tree. Three powerful auras faintly erupted from different spots around the area as they heavily scrutinized the newcomers behind Joe-Pine. Everyone became startled with Jonovan pulling Christina behind him as a form of protection. Similarly Bolland Soloman stood before Erin Soloman with a grim expression.
Unlike the former two, Jewleaf and Shearleaf felt as if one of those auras was very familiar so they did not react the same way. Shirleaf stood by her parents and, after noticing their calmer reactions, quickly relaxed.
The few other individuals wore uncomfortable expressions as the pressure lingered on them.
"Great Lords, these are very important guests. There is no need to be so forceful like this," Joe-Pine said while fighting off the pressure as much as possible.
There was only silence as the pressure became a bit more intense causing everyone to tremble faintly. At that moment a small doll in the form of Shayleaf suddenly leaped from the spatial bag on Joe-Pine's body and began glowing with a bright light filled with Nature magic.
The pressure suddenly decreased greatly. Not long after, Shayleaf stormed out of the main building's entrance with a face filled with frustration. "Yooouuu! Why are you doing this to my family and friends? What's the meaning of this?!"
A green light shot down from somewhere on the giant tree and landed a short distance away from Shayleaf as it bowed before speaking. "My apologies Lady Shayleaf. As your retainer it is my job to be extra vigilant towards anyone no matter who. Certainly I am very aware of your, no, our families' characters but as for the others we still have to make ourselves known as a deterrent."
"Uooohh! How seriously annoying!" Shayleaf grumbled.
"Hahaha my Shayshay! And even an uncle from another branch of our royal family. Long time no see you all." Jewleaf said with an easygoing smile in an attempt to soothe the tension.
"My dear daughter has really grown so quickly at a human like pace. It is so surreal." Shearleaf said with a kind and noble smile with faint watery eyes.
Shirleaf stood smiling similarly with slightly watery eyes as she looked at her younger sister's insane growth.
"Moooom! Daaaaad! Big sister Shirrrrl!" Shayleaf excitedly smiled as the family all moved into warm embraces filled with love.
Joe-Pine smiled warmly before his lip twitched when he thought about what just happened. He sighed before speaking to the others with an apologetic expression.
"Ah it is no big deal. Shay is an important person to be watched over after all," Jonovan said with a smile.
"I actually feel at ease seeing our beautiful daughter by extension doing so well," Christina said with a smile. "I cannot wait to check on Christy."
Erin looked between both Shayleaf's warm fanged elf family and Christy's parents who both gave an air of vibrance. A small sigh escaped her lips. "Bolland, do you not think it is about time that we officially draw our line in the sand? I think it is far more beneficial to break out of the deep rooted ideals of our Soloman clan. Just look at what our daughter and her friends have accomplished thus far."
Bolland stood silently with an intensely conflicted expression after hearing his wife's words. While he never verbally stated it he had already internally fought back and forth with many thoughts ever since the Fae region incident a few years ago. From that moment on things escalated to the point where he could no longer influence Erica's actions. His conflicting emotions eventually forced him into a state of constant cultivation escaping reality where he finally broke through into the Mortal Shedding Realm after so many years, but that was only after feeling great relief upon witnessing Elton's achievements and character.
As his thoughts wandered he sighed before finally speaking. "Before I make my decision on this topic I would like to see Erica again to confirm something for myself."
After a small agreement among each other a bit of time passed as Joe-Pine brought everyone into the main sect building within the giant bronze tree. After a tour through places they were allowed to visit, everyone eventually went to different areas either within the building or outside of it. Naturally Jonovan and Christina went directly to a room leading to an opening outside from the third floor with a polished wooden staircase built into the tree and zigzagging all the way up to the branch where Christy's house was located.
After knocking on the door Jonovan spoke happily. "Chrissy! Guess who is coming for a visit."
Both he and Christina waited in anticipation for a while before confusion slowly set in since Christy had yet to answer the door.
"Chris? Is everything alright? We have come to see how our dear daughter is fairing." Christina said with a smile though it slowly wavered.
After another minute of silence Jonovan's expression became stern. "Alright, I am about to force my way inside."
"It seems the enchantments have been deactivated though I am sure they were active when we first reached here. It is shocking how I failed to notice," Christina muttered with her Aka Boshi no Tengan activated.
Without holding back Jonovan forced the door open. As the two walked in they observed the place before quickly moving about. Not long afterward they stumbled into the bathroom area with greatly alarmed expressions as they looked at Christy lying in the tub with extreme exhaustion and dull eyes.
"Christy!! What is going on?! What happened?!" Christina dashed over to the tub with panic and tears in her eyes as she held Christy. Jonovan similarly rushed over with a pale expression.
"Mom. Dad. Relax. This was simply the result of me heavily overdrafting my power while using my Kokon Tengan." Christy said with a wry smile.
"What?! What exactly happened that forced you into such a state?" Jonovan asked with a grim expression as his voice deepened.
"I am sure you have heard the rumors about the black dual bladed devil right?" Christy responded with a bitter smile.
"Huh? Yes we have. Wait so you were involved with this incident?" Christina asked with squinted eyes filled with worry.
"Ugh… more or less… I will fill you in on the overall story. And like I said do not worry about me. I just need plenty of rest while recultivating my soul power to return to normal." Christy winced in pain before reassuring her parents as she prepared to explain everything.