World Slayers

by SoImAWriterSoWhat

With the disappearance of Fairy Tail's strongest members, there has been an increase in the activity of criminals and dark guilds, however the legal guilds can't keep up with this wave of evil, so the Magic Council decides to resort to one of their secret weapons: World Slayers, a secret guild composed entirely of mages with a form of Slayer Magic! [ SLAYER SYOC - CLOSED ]

9. God Serena and the Seven Sins!

"Slayers!" - Talking

'Slayers!' - Thinking

"Slayers!" - Communication via Lacrima / Telepathy

"SLAYERS!" - Screaming

"Slayer Attack!" - Spells

Slash! - Sound Effect

[ Here / Now ] - Place / Time

Chapter 9: God Serena and the Seven Sins!

[Pergrande Kingdom / 6th August X786]

Even those among the World Slayers who had lived in isolation, like Bogart and Sava, had heard of the name God Serena. His reputation was larger than life, spanning across the continent and whispered in awe and fear. Tales of his unmatched strength were legendary: how he single-handedly defeated a vast horde of demons that numbered thousands upon thousands among its ranks in the Great Divide Mountain Range, east of the Pergrande Kingdom, how he dismantled the famous Black Grathor guild in Bosco, a dark guild that was said to almost rival the members of the Balam Alliance, without so much as breaking a sweat, and how he once turned a raging typhoon into a weapon to annihilate an invading fleet. He was not just a man; he was a force of nature.

And now, he stood before them.

The air remained oppressive, God Serena's magic saturating the atmosphere like a storm ready to break. The tension was palpable, the group aware of the difference in power between them and the man whose gaze bore into them with a mix of amusement and disdain. Seconds stretched into an eternity, each breath labored under the weight of his presence. Kris finally stepped forward, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by cautious diplomacy. His hands raised in a placating gesture, and he spoke with measured calm.

"We're not here for you or your Lacrima." he began, his tone steady but laced with respect "This is all just a misunderstanding. We're simply following our guild master on a stroll, nothing more!"

God Serena tilted his head, his smirk widening into something predatory. Without warning, a booming laugh erupted from him, resonating through the landscape like a thunderclap "A stroll?" he repeated, the mockery in his voice cutting like a blade "You think I'm some simpleton? You wander into my domain by chance? And this 'guild master' of yours, where are they? I don't see anyone else here but you!"

The group hesitated, God Serena's words sending a ripple of unease through them. Lugh's eyes narrowed, glancing over God Serena's shoulder toward where Katharina had been moments before "Wait…where-?"

"She's gone?" Cobra muttered, stepping slightly forward, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon "She was right there…" he sniffed the air, his nose twitching as he focused his enhanced senses "Her scent…it's completely gone."

Lugh joined him, his expression tightening "No trace of her at all. It's like she just…vanished." his voice was quiet, tinged with disbelief. Beside him, Bogart had a surprised look on his face, a sign that he too had been unsuccessful in finding traces of Katharina.

"Do you hear her?" Kris asked, his tone tense as he glanced toward Cobra.

"No." Cobra growled, his frustration barely contained "No sound, no heartbeat, nothing."

Carolina's gaze darted around "She wouldn't just leave us…right? That's not like her."

"No, the Boss Lady would never do that." growled Lugh while staring at the Wizard Saint.

God Serena's grin widened further, his sharp teeth glinting in the sunlight "What's the matter?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery "Did your precious leader abandon you…if this guild master actually exists! I thought Slayers were supposed to be the strongest among mages, a cut above everyone else, but now you're nothing more than lost little lambs."

Kris clenched his fists, his mind racing as he tried to piece together their next move. His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned slightly toward Mako "Stay ready…" he murmured "If this goes south, we'll need to-"

"Move fast?" God Serena interrupted, his tone light but laced with menace "Did you forget, little Slayer? I can hear everything you're saying." his smirk turned into a toothy grin, his aura flaring as he leaned slightly forward "I'm a Dragon Slayer too, you know. Your tricks won't work on me."

The oppressive air grew even heavier, the ground beneath them trembling faintly. God Serena's gaze swept over the group, his amusement clear.

"Enough with the games." he said, his voice hardening "I'll give you one chance to prove you're not after my Lacrima: fight me, Slayers! Show me if you're worthy of stepping foot in my lands, or if you are just a cheap pastim-!" suddenly, the ground trembled ever so slightly, and a massive boulder behind God Serena shifted before hurtling toward him with deadly intent.

Before anyone could even process the motion, God Serena moved with blinding speed. He turned with the grace of a predator, his hand crackling with raw electricity. In one fluid motion, a bolt of lightning surged from his palm, obliterating the boulder into a fine dust cloud that scattered into the wind. The entire action took less than a heartbeat.

Turning back to face them, God Serena's lips curled into a smug grin "Now, that's more like it." he said, his voice carrying a mocking edge "But if you think petty tricks like that will do anything to me, you're gravely mistaken."

God Serena's sharp gaze locked onto Sava, and his grin widened into something almost feral. For a moment, his amusement seemed to deepen as if he had sensed something beyond the physical.

"Oh?" he murmured, tilting his head with exaggerated curiosity "What's this now? A little rat trying to scurry around where it doesn't belong?"

Suddenly, a semi-transparent aura of darkness enveloped him, its ominous energy rippling faintly around his form. The aura seemed alive, pulsing with an almost sentient malevolence before dissipating just as quickly as it had appeared. Sava's expression shifted from mischievous and playful to surprised, his violet eyes focused on their opponent.

God Serena chuckled, the sound low and mocking. He raised a single finger to his temple, tapping it lightly "Nice try, little one, but wandering into my mind won't be so simple anymore. You'll find it a much less hospitable place from now on." his grin widened further, his tone dripping with condescension "I'd suggest sticking to parlor tricks. At least they might amuse me."

Cobra's eyes narrowed as he observed the exchange. He furrowed his brow slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He focused, trying to tune into God Serena's inner voice, only to come up against a deafening silence. His usually sharp senses found no trace of the thoughts or emotions that had been so vividly clear before.

"Impossible…" Cobra muttered under his breath.

God Serena noticed Cobra's reaction and smirked "Ah, looks like I'm full of surprises, even for the one with the snake's scent. Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from." his voice was a silken taunt, laced with a promise of chaos to come.

"And here I thought all you knew how to do was talk big and strike poses! Is there a point to all this, or should we get you a stage for your one-man show?" Sava said, a playful lilt in his voice.

Mako, Carolina, and Bogart froze on the spot, their jaws practically hitting the floor. It wasn't every day someone openly mocked the strongest mage in Ishgar. Bogart glanced back and forth between Sava and God Serena, his eyes widening as if trying to process the sheer audacity of the younger mage's taunt in the face of such overwhelming power.

Before anyone could recover, Lugh stepped forward, releasing a low growl as flickering flames erupted from his body. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, exhaling a puff of smoke "Well, if we're not leaving in one piece, might as well go all in." his yellow eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Kris and Cobra exchanged glances before stepping forward as well, their expressions grim but resolute; even Kozune, who had remained quiet until now, joined them after taking a deep breath.

God Serena observed them with his usual arrogance, his gaze lingering on each of them before breaking into a dark chuckle "Oh, I must admit, your sheer stupidity is…impressive. Maybe, just maybe, you'll keep me entertained for a whole minute."

His voice, however, grew fainter with every word until it vanished entirely. His lips still moved, but no sound emerged. The tension in the air shifted as the World Slayers exchanged confused glances, unsure of what was happening.

"I…can't hear him…?" said Carolina while putting a hand to her ear.

"Uh…me neither." blinked Bogart, without understanding what was really happening. Kris looked at Cobra who shrugged and shook his head.

It was Mako who noticed first. His eyes widened as realization struck, and he whipped his head around to look at his left "Wait a second…Livie!"

The others turned toward her, finding the mage standing slightly apart, her head tilted back as her mouth stretched open. Thin, shimmering gray strands that distorted the air flowed into her mouth like threads being devoured. Her cheeks puffed slightly as she swallowed them down.

"Are you…eating his voice?!" Mako asked incredulously, his voice a mixture of shock and apprehension "Do you have any idea how pissed off that's going to make him?!"

Livie closed her lips thoughtfully "It tasted…weird. Like…multicolored jelly beans, but with a bitter aftertaste."

The entire group stared at her, dumbfounded. Even God Serena seemed momentarily taken aback, his lips frozen mid-sentence before his brow furrowed, and his expression turned dark.

God Serena's laughter echoed ominously as he raised a finger, shaking it back and forth mockingly. "Thieves and rude brats. You really are the complete package, aren't you?" his grin widened "Well, I see no reason to waste even a fraction of politeness on pests like you."

Before anyone could react, God Serena vanished in a blur of motion. A split second later, his fist connected with Kris's chest with a sickening thud, sending the mage hurtling backward like a ragdoll.

The others froze momentarily, stunned by the sheer speed and ferocity of the attack.

But as God Serena straightened, preparing for his next strike, his movements abruptly halted. His arms twitched, but he couldn't lift them, and his legs remained locked in place. A sharp glint of realization flickered in his eyes before his lips curved into another predatory smirk. He managed to tilt his head enough to catch Sava in his peripheral vision.

"Clever little rat." he snarled, his tone laced with mockery "You think your little trick will stop me? Adorable."

With that, his body began to shimmer with a radiant glow "Luminance Dragon's Augite Heavens!" a blinding flash erupted from him, an intense burst of light that forced the World Slayers to shield their eyes. The sheer power of the spell sent them all sprawling backward, groaning as the overwhelming radiance left them momentarily disoriented.

Freed from Sava's hold, God Serena shot forward like a predator closing in on its prey "Here's what happens to cheeky little insects who think they can clip my wings!" he roared, his voice filled with vicious glee. He surged with power, while shouting "Purgatory Dragon's Burning Claw!" and his hands ignited with hellish flames that extended into razor-sharp claws.

Sava barely had time to register the attack before God Serena slashed downward, his burning claws slicing through the air. The moment they struck the ground near Sava, a fiery explosion erupted, the sheer force of it blasting Sava off his feet and sending him hurtling into a jagged boulder. The rock cracked on impact as Sava slumped to the ground, momentarily dazed.

God Serena straightened, his fiery claws dissipating as he gazed at the smaller mage sprawled against the boulder. A wicked grin spread across his face "You wanted my attention? You've got it now!" he sneered, his tone dripping with sadistic amusement as the flames from his earlier attack flickered around him.

Lugh charged forward, flames erupting from his body as he shouted "Let's see your fancy little flames against my fire!" his fist, wreathed in roaring flames, shot toward God Serena, who sidestepped effortlessly and countered with a diamond-clad punch. The blow, however, passed harmlessly through Lugh's now-incorporeal body of flames, causing the younger Dragon Slayer to smirk.

"Poison Dragon's Crimson Claws!"

"Holy Devil's Light Sabre!"

Before God Serena could adjust, Cobra and Kozune leapt at him from opposite sides. Cobra's hands were shrouded in dense, writhing venom as he slashed at Serena with deadly precision. Simultaneously, Kozune charged forward, a luminous blade of light forming in her grip, swinging it in a brilliant arc aimed to cleave through him.

God Serena reacted with lightning-fast reflexes, propelling himself backward to evade the dual assault. As his feet touched the ground, the terrain beneath him shifted suddenly into loose sand, causing him to skid slightly. His gaze snapped to Carolina, noticing her hands pressed firmly against the earth, and his smirk deepened.

"Not bad." he muttered "But it won't be enough." his body agile as he vaulted high into the air to avoid being ensnared. Hovering momentarily, he glanced down at his opponents, his amused grin widening. "You can keep trying…" he said, his voice booming over the battlefield "…but it's pointless! You can't hope to beat me! Sea King Dragon's Roar!" and a massive torrent of water surged from his mouth, crashing toward the ground like an unstoppable tidal wave. Lugh, Kozune, and Cobra were directly in its path, the sheer force threatening to overwhelm them.

But just before the water could engulf them completely, it veered unnaturally, cascading toward Mako and Bogart instead. The two stood firm, their instincts kicking in. Bogart drank deeply, his Water Dragon Slayer Magic absorbing the torrent with practiced ease, while Mako's Water God Slayer Magic devoured the remaining water with a commanding presence, leaving the battlefield dry once again.

God Serena landed gracefully a short distance away, his amused grin widening as he observed them.

"Well, well…" he muttered to himself, his sharp gaze darting between the group "Two water-based Slayers." his eyes shifted to Cobra "One with the venom of a Poison Dragon." then to Kozune "A wielder of sacred Devil Slayer magic, such rare power." finally, his gaze settled on Lugh "And, of course, a Fire Dragon Slayer."

He inhaled deeply, the air thick with residual magic, and his smile turned into a knowing smirk "But not all of you are Dragon Slayers." he said, his voice laced with intrigue as his sharp gaze moved deliberately from Mako to Carolina, then to Kozune, Livie, and finally to Sava, who had pushed himself back to his feet.

"Interesting." he remarked, tilting his head as if weighing his options "A curious mix of powers, and yet…some of you reek of inexperience." his smirk deepened as he locked eyes with Sava, who responded with an amused smile while waving at him, the mouths on his body twitching in eerie unison "You, for example. I can't quite figure out what you are…but I'll enjoy testing your limits."

The tension in the air grew heavier, God Serena's towering presence exuding confidence and unrestrained power as he stood poised to continue the fight. He stomped the ground with immense force, causing a devastating shockwave that tore through the terrain. The ground cracked and shattered, sending the members of World Slayers stumbling as they struggled to maintain their footing. Only Sava remained unaffected, casually floating a few feet above the chaos with an amused grin.

God Serena's gaze locked onto him, and with a crackle of electricity, he fired a bolt of lightning toward the hovering mage. Sava, unfazed, tilted his head slightly as a large boulder erupted from the ground, intercepting the attack in a burst of sparks and debris. God Serena clicked his tongue, his focus shifting as he lunged forward with terrifying speed, targeting Mako with a diamond-coated punch.

Before the blow could land, Kris darted between them, his arms crossed defensively in front of his face, metallic scales already covering them. God Serena's fist connected with a resounding impact, shattering the scales and sending a wave of pain shooting through Kris' body. Gritting his teeth, Kris was hurled backward, crashing into Mako and knocking them both to the ground.

Unbothered, God Serena turned his attention to Bogart, who instinctively began backing away. The Water Dragon Slayer knew full well he couldn't take God Serena head-on. But before the legendary mage could strike, a strange sound filled the air, melodic yet undeniably awful. God Serena froze mid-step, his head snapping toward the source of the noise. Livie stood a few meters away, singing with her hands clasped together, her voice as beautiful as ever, but the dissonant melody and absurd lyrics left much to be desired.

"What is this horrendous racket?!" God Serena roared, visibly agitated "A melody like that could never win me over!"

His outburst left Livie momentarily stunned, her face a mixture of indignation and disbelief.

"Not again!" she wailed dramatically, diving to the side just in time to avoid God Serena's electrified hand as it slammed into the spot where she had been standing, leaving a scorch mark on the ground. Dusting herself off, she looked at him "You don't have to be so rude about it!"

The air crackled with tension, but there was no hesitation in their movements. Cobra, Lugh, Mako, Kris, and Kozune dashed forward, their combined charge forcing God Serena's attention away from Livie. The singer took the opportunity to retreat, her steps hurried but steady as she distanced herself from the battlefield.

God Serena stood in the center of the ruined terrain, his arms crossed lazily and a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Watching their determined approach, his expression shifted from amusement to predatory excitement.

"Now that's the spirit." he muttered, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The five mages charged simultaneously, each striking with their own unique style. Cobra led the attack, his fists and feet cloaked in venomous energy as he aimed a flurry of strikes at God Serena's chest. The Dragon Slayer of Ishgar parried effortlessly, weaving through the blows with a serpentine grace. Cobra's final kick was caught mid-air with a diamond-coated hand, and with a flick of his wrist, God Serena sent him stumbling backward.

Lugh seized the opening, his body igniting in flames as he closed the gap with a fiery roundhouse kick. God Serena ducked, the intense heat grazing the top of his head. He retaliated with a diamond-clad uppercut, but Lugh twisted his body, evading the strike and countering with a flaming punch. God Serena deflected the blow with a sweep of his arm, his movements fluid and calculated.

Mako surged forward next, his lance shimmering with water-infused magic. With a precise thrust, he aimed for God Serena's torso. The veteran mage sidestepped and spun, grabbing the shaft of the lance and redirecting its momentum. Mako barely had time to react as God Serena sent him skidding across the ground with a well-placed kick.

Kris and Kozune darted in from opposite sides, their movements perfectly synchronized. Kris' fists, armored in metallic scales, struck with resounding force, while Kozune's sword of light flashed like a beacon in the dim air. God Serena laughed, blocking Kris' punch with one hand and deflecting Kozune's blade with the other.

"Not bad!" he admitted, his grin widening as he shoved both of them away with a surge of raw power.

Cobra rejoined the fray, his venomous strikes cutting through the air as he targeted God Serena's midsection. God Serena countered each strike with precision, his movements almost tauntingly relaxed. Lugh and Mako flanked him again, their flames and water combining in a spiraling assault, but God Serena leapt skyward, evading the attack with ease.

As he descended, he landed directly in front of Kris, who lunged with a powerful iron-coated punch. God Serena caught the blow, his grip crushing the metallic scales with a sickening crunch. Kris growled in pain but didn't falter, using his free hand to deliver another punch. God Serena stepped back just in time to avoid it but was forced to block a sudden slash from Kozune's blade of light.

The battlefield became a chaotic blur of strikes, dodges, and counters. Cobra's venom sizzled against God Serena's diamond armor, Mako's water lanced through the air in deadly arcs, Lugh's flames danced in unpredictable patterns, Kris' iron-coated punches struck like battering rams, and Kozune's sacred light flashed with unwavering intensity.

But God Serena stood firm, his every move a testament to his experience and raw power. He deflected and countered with ease, each of his retaliatory strikes sending one of the mages sprawling. Yet, every time he focused on one opponent, another would intervene, forcing him to divert his attention.

Kozune lunged with a sweeping slash aimed at God Serena's legs. He jumped over the blade and retaliated with a downward kick, only for Cobra to intercept with a venomous strike to his side. God Serena twisted, avoiding the blow, but his attention was pulled to Lugh, whose fiery punch connected with his diamond armor, causing a resounding impact. Unfazed, God Serena grabbed Lugh by the wrist and hurled him into Kris, knocking them both to the ground.

He landed a powerful blow to Mako's shoulder, sending him stumbling, but before he could capitalize on the opening, Kozune's blade arced toward him once more. God Serena sidestepped, grabbed her wrist, and threw her into Cobra, breaking their momentum.

Despite their combined efforts, they could barely keep up with God Serena's overwhelming speed and strength. His strikes were precise, his counters devastating, and his magical presence almost suffocating.

Worst of all, save for his diamond armor, he wasn't using any spells.

Carolina watched the chaotic battle unfold from a short distance, her gaze shifting to Sava, who floated effortlessly above the ground. She moved closer with Bogart at her side, her voice low but urgent "Why don't you stop him again? We need an opening!"

Sava, still suspended in mid-air, frowned slightly, his usual cheerful demeanor tinged with frustration and small pout on his face "I'm trying." he muttered "But he's resisting, hard. Whatever spell he's using, it's like a fortress. Every time I try to lock him down, he pushes me out!" and his two extra mouths hummed at his words, as if to prove him right.

Carolina glanced back at the relentless battle "So, he's not just strong physically, but magically, too…well he's the strongest mage of Ishgar after all."

Sava gave a half-smile, the glint of excitement returning to his violet eyes "Oh, he's good. But I just need time!" his gaze flickered toward God Serena, his expression playful yet determined "It's just going to take a little more to break through."

Bogart swallowed as he watched the fight "Shouldn't we support them?"

"If you see one of them get seriously injured I want you to heal them as soon as possible, I'll try to distract that monster." said Carolina, before muttering "I'd rather face a pack of dune sharks than that calamity…"

Back to the fight, God Serena's arm lashed out, catching Cobra mid-strike and flinging him backward with startling ease. The Poison Dragon Slayer landed heavily, skidding across the cracked ground, but managed to push himself up, coughing slightly as he glared at his opponent.

Small shards of stone suddenly hurtled toward God Serena at blinding speed, forcing him to turn sharply. With a flick of his wrist, a shimmering barrier of wind encased him, deflecting the projectiles into harmless debris. His sharp eyes flicked toward Sava, who was hovering just above the ground with a wide grin, already preparing another attack.

"Persistent little gnat." God Serena muttered, his voice tinged with mock irritation.

Before Sava could follow through, God Serena moved with dizzying speed, appearing directly in front of Lugh, who had just launched a flaming punch. The veteran Slayer sidestepped and countered with a forceful backhand, with his hand wrapped in water and wind, that sent the Fire Dragon Slayer sprawling. Mako and Kris immediately charged in tandem, one swinging his gleaming lance while the other threw a punch encased in metallic spikes.

God Serena twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the lance before grabbing Kris's arm mid-strike. With a fluid motion, he flung Kris into Mako, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Kozune seized the opening, her blade of light slashing toward God Serena with unrelenting precision.

"Nice try." he mused, his fingers crackling with electricity. He caught her blade barehanded, the clash of light and lightning creating a brief explosion that sent Kozune sliding backward. The battlefield grew still for a moment, the air heavy with tension. God Serena rolled his neck, the faint sound of cracking bones echoing ominously.

"Not bad for a warm-up." he remarked, a twisted grin spreading across his face "But now it's time to get serious."

A sudden surge of magic radiated from him, the sheer force pressing down on the group like an invisible weight. The ground trembled beneath his feet as a fiery aura of energy surrounded him, flickering between his many Dragon Slayer elements. Sparks danced in the air, the scent of salt, ash, and ozone mingling into a heady mix that flooded their senses.

The pressure in the atmosphere intensified as God Serena raised a hand, the elemental magic swirling around him coalescing into a chaotic display of his overwhelming power "Let's see if you can keep up this time!" he taunted, his voice resonating with confidence as his magic flared, promising devastation.

The tension snapped as Cobra shouted, his voice sharp and commanding "Now! Attack him while he's isolated!" the group reacted instantly, their voices ringing out one after another as they unleashed their most powerful roars in unison.

"Poison Dragon's Roar!"

"Desert God's Bellow!"

"Iron Dragon's Roar!"

"Water God's Bellow!"

"Holy Devil's Rage!"

"Hell Flame Dragon's Roar!"

"Siren's Cry!"

The combined forces of their magic surged forward, a devastating torrent of elemental power converging on God Serena's position at the center of their formation. Fire, poison, sand, water, sound, light, and metal surged like a cataclysmic storm, shaking the ground and tearing through the air with incredible force.

God Serena stood at the epicenter, his expression calm yet laced with a mocking smirk. He raised his hand lazily "Diamond Dragon's Peerless Armor." and a protective armor of gleaming diamond materialized around his whole body, encasing him in an impenetrable fortress. The combined attacks slammed into the diamond barrier, resulting in a massive explosion that sent shockwaves rippling outward. Dust and debris flew in every direction, obscuring the battlefield in a dense cloud.

As the dust began to settle, the group stared in shock. God Serena emerged from the dissipating smoke, standing tall and unscathed. His diamond defenses shimmered brilliantly. Not a single scratch marred his form.

He chuckled darkly, the sound cutting through the silence like a blade "Impressive effort." he said mockingly "But not enough."

The air grew heavy with the resurgence of his magical aura as he flexed his hands with an air of nonchalance. He glanced around at the stunned faces of his opponents and smirked wider.

"My turn."

God Serena didn't hesitate after his declaration. His body blurred as he launched himself into the fray with inhuman speed despite his armor, his fist encased in gleaming diamond as he aimed a devastating punch at Kris. The metallic Dragon Slayer barely had time to raise his arms to block, but the sheer force of the impact sent him skidding back, his boots digging furrows into the rocky ground.

God Serena followed up instantly, swinging his other arm in an arc that summoned a massive crescent-shaped wind blade that sliced through the air toward Lugh. The Hell Flame Dragon Slayer reacted quickly, igniting his wings of fire to propel himself upward, narrowly avoiding the deadly arc as it cleaved through a distant boulder.

Kozune dashed in next, her sword of holy light slicing downward toward God Serena's head. He stepped aside with an almost casual motion, letting the blade narrowly miss him, then retaliated with a backhanded swipe of his claws, now aflame with hellish fire. Kozune managed to block, but the sheer heat forced her to leap back to create distance.

From behind, Cobra surged forward, his hands coated in venomous energy as he aimed for God Serena's exposed back. The veteran Slayer twisted mid-step, catching sight of Cobra's attack. He deflected the blow with an arm encased in diamond, smirking as the venom failed to penetrate his gleaming armor.

"Predictable." God Serena muttered, his tone laced with mockery.

Suddenly, a torrent of water surged toward him from Mako, who was riding atop a spiraling current. God Serena leapt into the air, narrowly dodging the wave, but Carolina capitalized on his airborne position.

"Desert God's Sarcophagus!" the ground beneath him shifted, transforming into loose sand, which rose around him in a swirling mass, attempting to trap him in a solid block of sand. God Serena smirked, his hands igniting with a surge of hellish fire. With a swift motion, he unleashed an explosive burst of flames that obliterated the encasing sand, scattering it in every direction.

He landed gracefully, but as he turned, Cobra and Kris attacked again in tandem, striking with venom-coated claws and reinforced punches. God Serena blocked and parried with calculated precision, striking back with brutal efficiency. He caught Kris with a solid blow to the ribs, sending him crashing to the ground. Cobra followed up with a swift kick, but God Serena sidestepped and struck with a sharp jab that sent him sprawling.

The battlefield grew chaotic as Lugh and Kozune took advantage of the opening to assault God Serena with fire and light attacks. God Serena responded with a devastating roar of sharp diamond shards, forcing them to scatter to avoid being shredded. The shards embedded themselves in the ground, creating a glittering field of destruction.

After taking a second to catch their breath, the mages of World Slayers charged at God Serena from all directions. Each mage adjusted their tactics, shifting strategies as they tried to find a chink in his impenetrable armor. Cobra was the first to engage again, his hands emitting an eerie glow of venom as he swung with calculated precision. God Serena dodged effortlessly, pivoting on his heel to counter with a palm strike that Cobra narrowly avoided by twisting his body mid-air.

Lugh followed up by launching a wave of flames from his hands. God Serena grinned, stepping into the attack with confidence. His hand shot out, grabbing Lugh's wrist mid-strike, and his mouth opened wide as he devoured the flames in an audacious display of dominance. The Hell Flame Dragon Slayer's eyes widened in shock as God Serena smirked.

"Spicy." God Serena mocked, licking his lips "Not really my flavor."

Before Lugh could react, God Serena conjured a vortex of water with his free hand and blasted him away, sending him tumbling across the rocky terrain.

Kozune, observing the exchange, adjusted her stance. She dissipated her light sword and opted for a ranged approach, clasping her hands together to summon a glowing orb of holy light "Holy Devil's Valiant Strike!" with a swift motion, she launched it at God Serena. The orb burst into dozens of smaller beams upon contact with his diamond armor, scattering harmlessly around him.

"Interesting choice." God Serena mused, his tone dripping with amusement "But still not enough."

Kris took advantage of the distraction, transforming his arms into metallic girders. He swung one with tremendous force, the ground trembling beneath his feet. God Serena met the attack with his own diamond-clad forearm, the clash sending shockwaves through the area. Sparks flew as metal met diamond, and Kris transitioned into a sweeping kick reinforced by steel boots. God Serena leapt back, evading the strike with ease.

Livie took the opportunity to attack, inhaling deeply before unleashing a powerful cry, her voice rippling through the air in visible soundwaves. The concentrated blast of sound struck God Serena directly, forcing him to stagger for a moment as the vibrations resonated against and inside his diamond armor. His amused smirk faltered briefly before he clapped his hands together, summoning a powerful gale of wind to scatter the lingering sonic energy.

Mako joined the fray, summoning a massive wave of water beneath his feet to ride toward God Serena. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the torrent of black water crashing down on the eight-element Slayer. God Serena responded by summoning a whirlwind of sharp winds, dispersing the water in a misty explosion.

From behind, Carolina attacked silently. She dissolved into a wave of black sand, flowing across the battlefield before reforming behind God Serena. Her hands surged with sand shaped into jagged scythes, which she swung with deadly precision. God Serena turned just in time, blocking her strikes with arms covered in diamond armor. He countered with a swift kick aimed at her torso, but Carolina's body shifted into sand again, dispersing harmlessly around his leg before reforming a safe distance away.

"What an amusing trick." God Serena admitted, tilting his head at Carolina "But it won't save you forever."

Cobra, having regained his footing, lunged again. This time, he focused on creating distance, launching venomous energy slashes that arced toward God Serena in rapid succession. God Serena dodged the attacks effortlessly or destroyed them thanks to the diamond protecting him, but one stray slash forced him to shift his footing, leaving him vulnerable for a split second.

Kris seized the opportunity, leaping high into the air. His arms morphed into jagged lances of iron, which he used to pierce God Serena with devastating force. His opponent raised a hand and blocked the attack with ease, sending out more sparks. Kris gritted his teeth before leaping away 'Damn it, he is even more resistant than Madmole. I don't know if the same tactic will work here.'

"Siren's Wrath!" concentrating the soundwaves around God Serena, Livie caused them to detonate in a series of sharp, thunderous bursts. The ground trembled, and even God Serena's reinforced armor showed faint cracks under the relentless auditory assault. He spun toward her, his expression darkening, and unleashed a massive diamond shard toward her. Livie barely dodged, rolling to the side as the shard embedded itself into the ground where she had stood.

Kozune capitalized on the moment, rushing in with her light-infused fists. She landed a series of rapid punches, each strike glowing with purifying energy. God Serena grunted, his diamond armor cracking slightly under the relentless assault. With a growl, he unleashed a blast of fire, forcing her to retreat.

"Persistent little brats!" God Serena snarled, his tone no longer amused "Cavern Dragon's Igneous Bombs!" he slammed his fists together, summoning a massive eruption of jagged rocks from the ground. The World Slayers were thrown off balance, but Sava's powers caught Kozune and Kris mid-air, setting them down safely.

As the dust settled, God Serena stood in the center of the carnage, his body emitting a faint glow as his magical energy surged.

"You're putting up a decent fight." he admitted "But you can't keep up forever."

Mako and Lugh exchanged a glance, their resolve unshaken. They attacked in unison, Lugh engulfing his body in flames while Mako summoned a massive whirlpool of water. God Serena leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the combined assault, but his momentary reprieve was short-lived. Carolina reappeared above him, wielding twin scythes of black sand, which she brought down in a deadly arc.

God Serena blocked with his diamond armor, but her relentless strikes forced him to land awkwardly. Before he could recover, Cobra struck from behind, his venomous energy slicing through the air with Kris at his side. God Serena's smirk deepened as he swatted aside Cobra's venomous slash, his body moving like a blur to evade Kris's strikes.

The Iron Dragon Slayer lunged again, his fists transformed into jagged metal gauntlets as he aimed a crushing blow at God Serena's side. The eight-element Slayer caught the attack with his diamond-coated arm, the impact reverberating through the battlefield. With a sharp twist, God Serena redirected the force, sending Kris sprawling to the ground.

Cobra took the opening, unleashing a stream of venomous energy aimed at God Serena's chest. The veteran Slayer raised his other arm, summoning a barrier of swirling wind that dispersed the attack before retaliating with a brutal kick to Cobra's midsection. The Poison Dragon Slayer grunted in pain as he was sent hurtling backward, skidding across the rocky terrain.

With a burst of speed, God Serena closed the gap between himself and Kris, who was just beginning to rise. God Serena's diamond-coated fist slammed into Kris's chest, the force sending him crashing to the ground with a sharp cry of pain. Cobra, trying to regain his footing, barely had time to react before God Serena appeared in front of him, delivering a devastating from above using his hands like a mallet that left him crumpled on the ground.

The battlefield fell momentarily silent as Kris and Cobra lay motionless, their injuries severe enough to take them out of the fight. God Serena turned his attention to the remaining fighters, his smirk never faltering.

"Two down." he said, his tone almost bored "Who's next?"

Mako, Carolina, Lugh, and Kozune didn't hesitate. They launched a coordinated assault, their combined attacks creating a maelstrom of fire, water, sand, and light. God Serena's grin widened as he met them head-on, dodging and countering their strikes with devastating precision. A blast of lightning forced Lugh to retreat, while a diamond-coated punch shattered one of Carolina's sand clones. Kozune's holy light seared against his diamond armor, but it failed to penetrate, and Mako's whirlpool was dispersed with a casual flick of his wrist.

Despite their best efforts, God Serena's dominance was undeniable. He moved with effortless grace, his strikes landing with brutal efficiency. Yet, even as the tide of battle seemed to turn in his favor, a flicker of movement caught his eye.

To his astonishment, Cobra and Kris were back on their feet, their injuries fully healed. Cobra's hands surged with venomous energy, while Kris's iron-coated fists struck the ground with renewed strength. They charged at God Serena, their attacks coordinated and relentless.

God Serena blocked and parried their strikes, his movements precise but tinged with disbelief. His sharp eyes quickly scanned their forms, noting the dampness in their clothing. A slow, amused grin spread across his face as realization dawned.

"Ah." he said, dodging a slash from Kozune's blade "You have a healer."

Pivoting on his heel, God Serena turned his attention to the source of their recovery. In the distance, Bogart stood with concentration clear on his face, his hands outstretched as he enveloped Mako in a sphere of healing water. The misty aura around him glimmered faintly in the sunlight, a testament to his restorative power.

"So you're the one keeping them in the game." God Serena said, his tone almost congratulatory "Guess I'll have to take care of you first."

He stepped forward, his body radiating power as he prepared to lunge at Bogart. But before he could close the distance, a sudden burst of sound erupted from Livie's position. Invisible waves of concentrated sound wrapped around God Serena's form, forming a spherical trap that vibrated intensely. The reverberations distorted the air, creating ripples that made it difficult to focus.

Livie's spell tightened around him, her voice echoing through the battlefield "Let's see you break out of this!" she called, her tone a mix of determination and defiance.

God Serena halted, momentarily caught off guard by the force of the spell. The sound waves pressed in from all sides, their intensity forcing him to pause as the vibrations disrupted his balance. For a brief moment, his smirk faltered.

Then, with a sharp growl, he summoned a surge of magical energy that shattered the sound-based trap in a burst of shimmering vibrations. He emerged from the explosion of sound unharmed, brushing off the remnants of the spell with an air of amusement.

As the others capitalized on Livie's opening, launching their respective attacks, God Serena's movements became a blur. He ducked under Kozune's glowing blade, sidestepped Lugh's punch, and leapt over Carolina's sand-infused lunge. Each strike seemed to miss by mere inches as God Serena deftly wove through their coordinated onslaught.

Despite their combined efforts, he maneuvered closer to Bogart, who was focused on healing Mako's injuries. Just as God Serena closed the gap, the ground beneath his feet shifted violently. A massive block of earth surged upward, carrying him along with it before launching him high into the air. God Serena twisted mid-air, landing gracefully on the ground several meters away.

He brushed the dust off his armor, his gaze locking onto the group again, however, as he took another step, the world around him abruptly shifted. The light dimmed unnaturally, plunging the area into an oppressive darkness. The air thickened, and the solid ground beneath his feet turned into a strange, viscous substance that clung to his boots, making each step a struggle.

God Serena paused, his brows furrowing as he took in his surroundings. The darkness wasn't natural, it was alive, twisting and writhing like something pulled from the depths of a nightmare.

A cacophony of unsettling sounds filled the void: dissonant laughter, faint whispers, and otherworldly shrieks that seemed to pierce directly into his mind. God Serena grimaced, his usual composure cracking as he brought his hands to his ears in an attempt to block out the maddening noise. In his frustration, he smashed his diamond helmet, shattering it into glittering fragments that fell to the ground.

But the voices didn't stop. Instead, they grew louder, clawing at the edges of his sanity. His hands were suddenly coated in a sticky, unpleasant mixture of dirt and water that clung to his skin, blocking his hearing further. The eerie laughter faded into muffled silence, but the unsettling sensation of the darkness remained.

"This isn't ordinary darkness." God Serena muttered, spitting out a glob of the oppressive black substance after attempting to consume it. His face twisted into a grimace as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand "It's something…else. Surreal."

His gaze darted around the void, his senses straining to locate the source of the magic. The oppressive atmosphere reminded him of the peculiar psychic energy he had sensed earlier. His suspicions confirmed, he growled lowly.

"You." he hissed, realizing Sava was behind the twisted spell.

Not one to be outdone, God Serena gathered magic into his hands, summoning the brilliance of one of his elements. The ground beneath him trembled as he unleashed an overwhelming surge of light magic "Luminance Dragon's Golden Shine!"

A blinding, radiant flare erupted from his position, flooding the entire area with pure, dazzling brilliance. The magical energy dissipated the darkness, the oppressive sensations evaporating in an instant. As the battlefield returned to its natural state, God Serena stood tall, his expression still confident, though his eyes gleamed with a hint of irritation.

"A neat trick." he admitted, his voice carrying across the battlefield as he looked at Sava "But if that's all you've got, you'll need to try harder."

A moment passed, and in the distance, he noticed Mako rising to his feet, his wounds fully healed thanks to Bogart's magic. God Serena clicked his tongue. That fighht was turning out to be quite annoying.

Without hesitation, he reached down, grabbing a handful of jagged rocks from the shattered battlefield. He tossed them into his mouth, crushing them effortlessly between his teeth before tilting his head back and inhaling deeply, drawing in massive gulps of air. His magic surged anew, the replenished elements fueling his body like kindling to a roaring fire.

Then, without warning, he extended his arm skyward. The air crackled with raw power as bolts of electricity danced along his fingers before he unleashed them in a violent, focused blast "Thunder Lord Dragon's Bolt of Retribution!"

A colossal lightning strike descended from the heavens, aimed directly at Sava. The smaller mage, despite his airborne position, barely managed to avoid the brunt of the attack, twisting unnaturally midair at the last second. The impact rocked the entire battlefield, sending out a shockwave that forced everyone nearby to scramble for cover.

God Serena's smirk grew as he took advantage of the ensuing chaos. Cloaking himself in streaks of electricity, after letting his armor shatter, he accelerated forward in an instant, closing the distance between himself and Sava in the blink of an eye. His right fist, charged with enough force to reduce solid stone to dust, rocketed toward the floating mage.

But at the last possible moment, Lugh's wings of hellfire ignited. With a burst of unnatural speed, he swooped in and yanked Sava away from the strike. God Serena's fist smashed into empty air, the sheer force of the missed attack causing a violent gust to ripple outward.

Sava, still in Lugh's grip, beamed at him "Wow, you're really fast! Thanks for the save!"

"Try to be more careful next time!" Lugh grunted, releasing him as they landed.

Sava dusted himself off with a casual air, then turned his gaze back to God Serena "There's no need to worry about me, Lugh. I got everything under control!"

God Serena's keen senses immediately picked up the movement behind him. He twisted his upper body slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the shimmering diamond shards, remnants of his own previous attack, suspended in midair. A moment later, they shot toward him with deadly precision, propelled at incredible speed like a barrage of crystalline bullets.

His smirk widened 'Using my own magic against me?'

He had to admit, that was amusing.

With a flick of his wrist, God Serena summoned a powerful gust of slicing wind, sweeping the majority of the diamond shards off course. The remaining few still managed to slip through, forcing him to shift his footing as they grazed his hardened skin, leaving faint scratches against his cheek and forearm.

"That was a first." he muttered, more entertained than annoyed.

Before he could counter, another force interrupted, Sava's psychic energy twisted the air, yanking the shards that had missed back into place, redirecting them for a second strike from multiple angles. God Serena's grin faltered slightly as he felt the unnatural tug in the air.

God Serena shifted again, narrowly avoiding another volley, but as he did, Carolina reappeared at his flank. The ground beneath him softened, his feet sinking slightly into a sudden patch of loose black sand. She wasn't trying to trap him, she was slowing him down.

In that split second, Livie's voice cut through the air with a dissonant melody. The vibrations coiled around him, disrupting his senses just enough that he missed Cobra lunging in from the other side, his hands wreathed in venomous energy.

God Serena managed to block the strike with a swift, diamond-armored forearm, but the distraction cost him: Kris took advantage of the moment, his iron-covered boot slamming into God Serena's ribs, actually forcing him to stagger.

That was new.

God Serena's smirk twitched, but before he could react properly, Mako struck next, wielding his weapon with a swift, calculated motion, forcing God Serena to sidestep. The attacks were relentless now, each one a perfectly timed link in a deadly chain. His smirk widened as Carolina was hurled backward by a sudden, powerful gust of wind, her sand form scattering briefly before reforming further away.

He stepped back, evading a series of follow-up attacks with practiced ease. His sharp eyes flickered between the battlefield and the two biggest threats keeping this battle prolonged: Sava and Bogart.

'I can't use fire or water freely.' he mused, dodging a rapid slash from Kris's iron-clad arm 'Not while some of them could just turn it against me. But if this keeps dragging on, those two will keep resetting the fight.'

His gaze flicked to Bogart, who was already working to heal Carolina's injuries from his last attack, and then to Sava, who hovered above the battlefield, watching intently.

'That healer will run out of magic eventually.' God Serena considered 'But patience was never my strong suit.' a glint of amusement flickered in his gaze 'I'll just end this in my own way.'

He took a sharp look around, mapping out where each of his opponents had positioned themselves. Mako was to his left, Kris and Carolina to his right, and Livie slightly behind them, her body shifting, likely preparing another one of her annoying sound-based attacks. Bogart stood only a few meters away, with Sava above them, and Cobra and Lugh not too far away with Kozune.

His grin sharpened 'Perfect.'

Without hesitation, he lunged. Carolina barely had time to react before he was upon her, his fist cutting through the air toward her face. But just as his knuckles were about to connect, her body dispersed into sand, avoiding the impact entirely. God Serena, however, wasn't stopping.

Rather than slowing his momentum, he surged through Carolina's shifting sand form as if it weren't even there, his true target revealed only at the last second: Livie.

She barely had time to process the shift before she reacted instinctively. Her mouth opened, and a shockwave of compressed sound burst forth, an ear-splitting, concentrated attack aimed directly at him. The force was powerful enough to make his head reel, his ears ringing violently as blood trickled from one of them.

But even as his head pounded from the sensory overload, his body kept moving. Before Livie could reposition herself, he twisted into a vicious spinning kick, his foot slamming into her side with brutal force.

The impact sent her hurtling backward like a ragdoll, straight toward Bogart. The Water Dragon Slayer's eyes widened, barely managing to react in time as Livie crashed into the ground just a few meters away from him, coughing from the sudden, violent impact.

God Serena straightened, shaking off the last of the lingering discomfort in his ears, then flicked the blood from his fingers with a look of utter satisfaction. Then, without hesitation, he turned his attention back to Cobra and Kris.

The two braced themselves as he approached, expecting another aggressive assault. But to their surprise, God Serena remained on the defensive. Every attack they launched, Cobra's venom-laced strikes and Kris's reinforced iron punches, he parried or dodged, never retaliating with full force. His movements were precise, measured, like he was waiting for something.

Cobra furrowed his brow. Something wasn't right.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it.

Behind God Serena, Bogart had reached Livie, kneeling beside her as his hands began to glow with his healing magic. It took Cobra only a fraction of a second to realize what was happening, but it was already too late.

As soon as Bogart's magic flared to life, God Serena grinned.

Cobra's eyes widened in shock 'No-! He was waiting for this!'

"BOGART, STOP-!" Cobra shouted, but the warning came just a heartbeat too late.

God Serena suddenly lunged, not at Cobra, but at Kris. The Iron Dragon Slayer barely had time to react before God Serena's foot slammed into his crossed arms. The force of the impact sent him skidding back, but instead of following up with an attack, God Serena used Kris as a springboard, launching himself high into the air.

Then, at the peak of his jump, lightning crackled around his body.

Using the burst of electricity to accelerate, he became a golden streak of speed, hurtling toward Bogart like a lightning-charged missile.

Bogart had just managed to form a protective water barrier around Livie when he felt a sudden shift, like a powerful pull.

All of the water he had just conjured was rapidly draining away, siphoned toward something to his right.

His head snapped in that direction.

And there, towering over him, was God Serena, his body still surging with absorbed water energy, his form illuminated by crackling lightning.

A shadow fell over Bogart as God Serena came down on him like a force of nature.

Bogart instinctively tried to retreat, his body being pulled backward by an invisible force. But before he could fully escape, a crushing grip latched onto his ankle: God Serena. The moment he secured his hold, he turned his gaze toward Sava, his grin widening with predatory amusement.

"You won't snatch this one from me." he sneered, his grip tightening "Not this time."

Before Sava or anyone else could counteract, God Serena's entire body crackled with electricity as he reeled back his fist and then "Thunder Lord Dragon's Thunderclap Strike!"

The air exploded with the devastating force of his spell. God Serena's lightning-infused fist slammed into Bogart's torso, sending a surge of searing electricity coursing through his body. The force alone shattered the ground beneath them, sending out a violent shockwave that cracked the terrain in all directions.

Bogart's scream of agony ripped through the battlefield before his body went limp. His unconscious form collapsed into the shattered earth, steam rising from his scorched clothing.

The others barely had a second to react.

"Luminance Dragon's Golden Shine!" a blinding golden radiance erupted across the battlefield as God Serena used the same spell from before. The intensity of the light seared their vision, forcing them to shield their eyes. Even Sava, who had been floating above, winced at the abrupt overload to his senses.

And in that moment of disorientation, God Serena struck again. His body blurred into motion, launching himself skyward. Lightning and wind surged around him as he ascended, his right arm pulling back. With the height advantage secured, he glared down at Sava, who was still struggling to clear his vision.

"You're next." God Serena growled. Then, with all his force, he descended. His right fist now encased in molten rock, radiating an unbearable heat "Cavern Dragon's Igneous Fist!"

The attack struck Sava squarely in the chest, sending him hurtling toward the ground like a meteor. A massive crater erupted upon impact, the sheer force splitting the ground as dust and debris blasted outward in a violent shockwave.

Without sparing a glance to check if Sava was truly down, God Serena landed smoothly on the fractured terrain, his movement fluid and uninterrupted. The moment his feet touched the ground, he shot forward with an explosive burst of speed, closing the distance between himself and Cobra in the blink of an eye.

Cobra barely had time to react.

'He's even faster than before?!' the realization struck him like a gut punch, had God Serena been holding back this entire time?

The answer came instantly.

Without giving him a chance to evade, God Serena exhaled a swirling vortex of pure destruction "Darkness Dragon's Roar!"

The unleashed torrent of darkness tore through the battlefield, a chaotic force of obliteration that consumed everything in its path. Cobra was sent sprawling, his body slamming hard against the shattered ground, the force driving the air from his lungs. His clothes were scorched and tattered, his body momentarily stunned.

Before the dust had even settled, Lugh roared in defiance and launched himself at God Serena, flames igniting around his fists as he aimed a devastating punch. Kris followed immediately, his metallic limbs gleaming as he swung in tandem. God Serena sidestepped at the last moment, slipping between their attacks with unnatural ease, without even bothering to eat the flames of Lugh.

"You'll have to do better than that!" he sneered, propelling himself skyward.

His eyes locked onto Kozune, who had already prepared her counterattack. She summoned her radiant blade of light, the holy energy crackling as she charged forward.

God Serena grinned "Two can play at that game! Luminance Dragon's Killing Saucer!"

With a casual flick of his wrist, two shining blades of energy materialized in his lunged at Kozune, their weapons clashing in a fierce exchange of rapid slashes. Sparks and golden streaks of energy erupted from their blades as they clashed over and over in a dazzling display of swordsmanship.

But God Serena was faster. Stronger.

With each strike, he began to outmaneuver Kozune, slipping past her guard and carving shallow wounds across her arms, legs, and torso. A final, decisive slash knocked her blade aside, leaving her completely exposed.

With a swift kick, he sent her hurtling backward, her body crashing against the ground. Not pausing for a second, he spun around and set his sights on Mako, who had already begun his counterattack.

"Gale Dragon's Roar!" a powerful, howling gale erupted from God Serena's mouth.

Mako clenched his weapon tightly and retaliated without hesitation "Water God's Bellow!"

The two roaring torrents of wind and water collided in a deafening explosion, the shockwave shaking the entire battlefield. For a moment, it seemed like the two forces had neutralized each other, but before Mako could react God Serena was already upon him.

A massive, rock-clad fist swung down with terrifying force "Cavern Dragon's Igneous Fist!"

Mako barely had time to process the attack before he was struck squarely in the chest, the sheer impact sending him flying backward. His body crashed into a massive boulder with a sickening crack before he slumped to the ground, writhing in pain.

God Serena exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the battlefield. One by one, he was tearing them down. His grin widened "Who's next?"

Lugh let out a defiant roar "I'm right here, you bastard!" without hesitation, he surged forward, his fist igniting with raging hellfire as he swung with everything he had "Hell Flame Dragon's Iron Fist!"

The burning punch shot toward God Serena's head like a meteor, the sheer heat distorting the air around them. But just as it was about to connect God Serena simply raised his arm.

A loud clang echoed across the battlefield. Lugh's eyes widened in shock. His fist, his full-force, flame-empowered strike, had been completely stopped, by nothing more than God Serena's forearm. A gleaming, diamond-covered forearm.

The heat of Lugh's flames barely seemed to faze him. The hellfire danced uselessly across the crystalline surface before flickering out, leaving nothing but the unblemished diamond beneath.

For the first time, Lugh felt a deep, sinking dread settle into his gut. Slowly, God Serena turned to face him, his smirk stretching wider, more menacing now, less amused.

And that was when Lugh noticed his eyes.

The normally bright, arrogant gaze of God Serena was gone. In its place were two endless voids of blackness, punctuated only by two tiny white pinpricks where his pupils should have been. Something primal stirred in Lugh's chest. A feeling he hadn't known in a long time, not since he had asked Katharina to seriously fight against him in a duel.

Instinctive fear.

God Serena quickly moved his arm, firmly grasping Lugh's wrist, then he spoke, his voice carrying none of the playful mockery from before "The time for games…" his grip on Lugh's wrist tightened slightly "…is over."

Lugh gritted his teeth, his body instinctively reacting. Flames surged across his form as he partially transformed into fire, slipping free from God Serena's grasp and staggering back a step to regain his footing. But he had no time to breathe since God Serena was already moving.

Lightning crackled along his arm as he pointed directly at Lugh "Thunder Lord Dragon's Solid Shooter!" and a huge lightning orb was fired with pinpoint accuracy, searing through the air with blistering speed. Lugh tried to dodge, but the attack was too precise. Even with his body still partially aflame, the electricity found him, sending his nerves into a frenzy.

He hit the ground with a grunt, his muscles spasming as residual electricity ran through him. Even with his Slayer resistance, the sheer power behind the attack left him momentarily stunned. God Serena didn't even spare him another glance. His focus shifted to Kris.

The Iron Dragon Slayer had charged in from behind, attempting to take advantage of the distraction. His fists, clad in hardened steel, came crashing down toward God Serena's back.

Clang!

Another block.

God Serena barely even moved, catching Kris's strike with a single hand. For a moment, the two forces clashed, Kris pushing with all his might, but God Serena, completely unfazed, tilted his head toward him, smirking "You really don't learn."

Before Kris could react, God Serena suddenly let go of his fist, spinning in place just in time to intercept Carolina. She had been closing in from the side, her hands weaving intricate motions as black sand spiraled around her in an unpredictable storm but God Serena reacted in an instant "Sea King Dragon's Encircling Deluge!"

Water erupted outward in a swirling torrent, the sheer pressure alone distorting the air. Carolina's eyes narrowed as she quickly countered, summoning a black sand vortex around herself to buffer the attack but it wasn't enough. The deluge of water surged through her defenses, breaking past the vortex and slamming into her with crushing force. She was sent flying, her body spiraling through the air before crashing hard against the rocky ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop.

God Serena exhaled through his nose, rolling his shoulders casually. He turned his gaze across the battlefield, briefly glancing at Kris, who had been forced to back off.

Mako, meanwhile, had managed to push himself up on one knee, shaking off the lingering pain from his previous wounds. His breathing was heavy. His arms felt sluggish. But that wasn't what concerned him most. His mind raced, thoughts swirling with desperation 'How do we defeat a monster like this?' every time they thought they gained ground, he crushed them again. His magic was endless. His attacks were precise 'And worst of all he can hear everything we say.'

Mako's fists clenched. He knew God Serena was listening even now. His Slayer senses meant he could track every whisper, every plan they tried to form. His gaze flickered toward Livie. She was still on the ground, her body trembling slightly from pain, but she was conscious. If she could use her magic, could she block his hearing?

But before he could dwell on that, his attention shifted again. Not too far away, Sava was standing up. The small mage was pushing himself to his feet, one hand clutching his chest, his breathing steadying.

Mako's eyes narrowed 'Sava's awake…and he can-!' without hesitation, he shouted "Sava!" when his guildmate looked at him, Mako said "Read my mind!"

Sava's grin stretched wide, somewhere between amusement and intrigue. His violet eyes gleamed as he caught a glimpse of what Mako was planning "Ooooh!" Sava mused, dragging out the syllable with a delighted hum "I like the idea." he clapped his hands together, his energy visibly sparking back to life "Whenever you're ready!"

Mako didn't waste another second. He rose to his full height, gripping his lance tightly. His stance was firm, his resolve unwavering. His eyes flickered toward Kris and then he shouted "Kris! Hold him down!"

God Serena's head snapped toward him, his smirk widening with obvious amusement "Hold me down?" he echoed mockingly, tilting his head "Oh, that's funny. You think your little friend can-?" before he could finish, Kris lunged. God Serena barely had time to process the movement before the Iron Dragon Slayer closed the distance, his iron-coated arms swinging forward with monstrous force.

God Serena's instincts kicked in. His fist shot out, coated in solid, gleaming diamond, and met Kris's chest with a devastating impact. The ground beneath them cracked, shockwaves bursting outward from the sheer force of the blow. But Kris didn't move.

God Serena's grin faltered.

The impact should've sent him flying, just like before. Instead, Kris stood firm, digging his feet into the earth, his hands clamping down around God Serena's wrist in a vice grip. Blood dripped from his mouth, but he grinned through it "Not the first time I've taken a hit like that." Kris rasped, his voice laced with unwavering determination. He tightened his hold, his muscles straining "I could do this all day."

God Serena's amusement dimmed. His leg shot up, aiming for a quick, brutal kick to shake Kris off, but before he could, something latched onto his left leg. He looked down, eyes narrowing.

Lugh.

The Hell Flame Dragon Slayer had coiled himself around God Serena's leg, both arms wrapping tightly around his calf. His grip was solid, his flames flickering faintly as he slammed a blazing fist into God Serena's knee, forcing his stance to buckle ever so slightly. Lugh smirked up at him, his expression wild with excitement "You're scary I'll give you that." Lugh taunted "But our Boss Lady's way scarier!"

God Serena barely registered Lugh's taunt, already shifting his focus. He raised his left arm, ready to strike down with overwhelming force, but before he could summon his magic, a twisting vortex of black sand surged up, coiling tightly around his limb.

His sharp gaze flicked to his arm just in time to see Carolina materializing from the sand itself, her body reforming as she latched onto him, sinking her teeth into his hand while her nails dug into his forearm. A low hiss escaped between his teeth, more from irritation than pain. Her grip wasn't enough to injure him seriously, but the way she clawed into his flesh was an unwelcome distraction.

His patience was wearing thin. Kris holding his right arm in place, Lugh gripping his leg, and now Carolina clamping onto him like a wild beast, he had allowed this to go on for too long. His body tensed, muscles flexing as he prepared to shake them off with brute force, already gathering his magic to tear through their defenses. But then his eyes caught movement ahead, and for the first time since they tried to restrain him, he hesitated.

Mako had repositioned himself directly in front of him, though still several dozen meters away. His stance was strong, focused, with his lance drawn back, black water swirling around it in a spiraling current. God Serena instantly recognized the preparation: it was a throw, infused with magic meant to pierce straight through whatever was in its way. He smirked, unimpressed. Even if the attack was powerful, it wasn't enough. If Mako thought this was going to turn the tide, he was sorely mistaken.

"Water God's True Strike!" then Mako hurled the lance forward with all his might. The weapon cut through the air like a bullet, its spiraling motion leaving a darkened trail of magic behind it. God Serena tracked its movement, already shifting his weight to break free from his captors and avoid the attack, when suddenly the lance's speed surged forward with unnatural force. It wasn't just thrown; it was accelerating, faster than Mako's strength alone should have allowed.

His smirk faltered. Something was off. He hadn't sensed any magic reinforcement from Mako, so how had the lance suddenly gained such an unnatural burst of momentum? Then, just out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Sava. The smaller mage was grinning, his violet eyes gleaming with unmistakable mischief. The realization hit him an instant too late.

It wasn't just Mako's throw. Sava had intervened. And before he could react, the lance was already upon him.

The world seemed to slow as God Serena watched the weapon close the distance, its spiraling form tearing through the air with deadly precision. In that instant, he processed everything: the speed, the trajectory, the unnatural force driving it forward. He had already deduced the truth. Even if he dodged, it wouldn't matter. Sava would simply alter its course mid-flight, ensuring it found its mark. There was no escape through conventional means.

Scholars of battle would call this a checkmate. But God Serena had never been one to play by the rules.

His instincts roared to life. If dodging was useless, then he would simply overpower it. With an explosion of magical energy, he channeled his flames, summoning a roaring inferno around his right leg. The searing heat spiraled upward, licking at the air in wild, untamed waves. Lugh's eyes widened in alarm, recognizing the energy signature of God Serena's fire. He moved, ready to consume it before it could be used, but the seasoned Dragon Slayer was already ahead of him.

Before Lugh could react, God Serena bent his knee and ignited the flames even further, using them as a propellant. The raw force from the explosion launched his leg upward in a sudden, violent motion, his knee rocketing toward the oncoming lance. The combination of his sheer physical strength and the propulsion of his flames allowed him to meet the weapon mid-flight, striking it with a perfectly timed knee strike.

The moment of impact sent shockwaves rippling outward. Water from Mako's magic clashed against the surrounding flames, sending hissing steam into the air. God Serena gritted his teeth, feeling the force of the impact reverberate through his leg, but his counter had worked. The angle of the strike had shifted the trajectory just enough, sending the lance veering upward.

The blade sliced through the air right in front of his face, close enough to graze the surface of his skin. A single crimson line appeared on his forehead, a shallow cut that barely broke the skin, but it was proof that the attack had nearly landed. He exhaled sharply as the weapon spun past, finally losing momentum and embedding itself deep into the ground behind him.

Silence followed.

The World Slayers stared, stunned. What should have been a guaranteed strike had been denied at the last possible second. Kris and Lugh still held him, Carolina's grip had tightened around his arm, and yet he had found the perfect moment to twist the fight in his favor once more.

God Serena stood momentarily still, the faint trail of blood tracing a slow path down his forehead. His leg lowered, grounding him firmly once more, and yet he did not need to turn his head to sense the movement behind him. The distinct sound of metal being wrenched from the ground reached his ears: the lance had been retrieved, its wielder preparing for another strike. He exhaled sharply, already anticipating their next move.

Before they could act, he made his own. With a sudden movement, his right hand seized Kris by the front of his vest. Despite the Iron Dragon Slayer's grip still being locked around his arm, God Serena lifted him effortlessly into the air. With one decisive motion, he swung Kris downward like a weapon, slamming him into Lugh with such force that the impact sent a concussive ripple through the ground. The two crashed into the dirt, momentarily stunned by the sheer power behind the blow.

As he stepped back to free his leg from Lugh's grip, his left arm surged with magic. A massive vortex of water erupted from his palm, slamming into Carolina before she could react. The force of the spiraling current sent her hurtling away, leaving God Serena finally unrestrained.

It was only then that he turned his focus to the real threat. The lance was already flying toward him, this time stripped of Mako's water magic, its trajectory still unnatural with no apparent magic around it.

God Serena's smirk returned as he shifted his stance, waiting for the exact moment the weapon came into range. Then, with both hands, he reached out and caught it mid-flight. The sheer force behind it sent him skidding backward, his feet carving trenches into the dirt as he struggled to halt its momentum. The muscles in his arms flexed as he fought against the violent push of that invisible force, his grip tightening until, at last, the lance stopped.

Lifting his gaze, he turned his head just enough to glance over his shoulder. His sharp eyes locked onto Mako and Sava, standing side by side in the distance. The two had proven to be persistent nuisances in the last few moments.

"I've had enough of your little games." he announced, his voice carrying an edge of finality. Darkness surged around his hands, coiling around the lance like living tendrils. A suffocating pressure filled the air as he called upon one of his deadliest abilities "Darkness Dragon's Impurity!"

A sphere of absolute blackness expanded outward, swallowing the weapon whole. The swirling mass pulsed ominously, its inky tendrils devouring the space where the lance had once been visible.

"This spell is meant to kill." God Serena remarked, his voice calm but brimming with arrogance "But for now, it'll do just fine keeping your little toy out of my way."

His fingers withdrew, leaving only the churning sphere of darkness in the air before him. The lance was gone.

God Serena turned slowly, his gaze sweeping over his battered opponents, each one either struggling to rise or still reeling from the relentless assault. His smirk deepened, his expression one of amusement mixed with a touch of genuine appreciation.

"Well, I have to admit." he said, his voice carrying effortlessly over the silent battlefield "You lot have lasted longer than expected. More than most, really. And, if I'm being honest, you've managed to annoy me more than I thought possible." his tone dipped into mock seriousness before his smirk widened again "But, alas, all good things must come to an end. And I happen to be a very busy man."

Then, the air shifted.

A massive surge of magic erupted from his body, an overwhelming force that eclipsed anything he had unleashed before. The pressure was suffocating, the sheer density of it warping the very space around him. His form was swallowed by the radiant glow of power, his silhouette standing at the center of a towering column of raw magical energy. Each of his eight elements flared in vibrant colors: golden sparks of light, jagged arcs of lightning, roaring torrents of water, shifting fragments of rock, searing flames of purgatory, whirling gales of wind, jagged crystalline diamond shards, and the abyssal void of darkness.

"I'll be sure to remember your faces." he mused, then paused before adding with a smirk "Until dinner, maybe."

The earth beneath them trembled violently, fissures splitting through the already broken terrain as God Serena slowly raised a single hand, fingers curling like the claws of an unseen predator. His voice carried through the chaos, dripping with mockery.

"God bye bye."

Then, with a theatrical flair, he slammed his hand onto the ground.

"DRAGON GOD'S FANG!"

The battlefield roared to life.

Eight colossal dragons of pure energy erupted from the shattered earth, each composed of one of his Dragon Slayer elements. Their immense forms coiled and twisted through the air, their glowing maws opening wide before surging forward with devastating force. Each dragon bore its own terrifying presence: flames that burned with the fury of the underworld, lightning crackling with divine wrath, winds sharp enough to carve through steel, tides crashing with the weight of the ocean itself, a blinding serpent of pure radiance, jagged diamond fangs gleaming under the flashing storm, a monstrous shadow swallowing all light in its path, and shifting rocks and stones devouring everything they touched.

The World Slayers had no chance to react.

The eight dragons struck in unison, crashing into each of them with an apocalyptic explosion of power. The impact sent them careening through the air like broken dolls, their bodies weightless against the overwhelming destruction. The force of God Serena's spell was undeniable, it was like being caught in the wrath of a true dragon god.

The devastation raged for only a few moments, but when the blinding light and tremors subsided, the aftermath was undeniable. The battlefield was reduced to a chaotic wasteland, massive craters marking the sheer power of the spell. And at the center of it all stood God Serena, untouched, unharmed, and utterly victorious.

With an exaggerated flourish, he threw his hands toward the sky, striking a dramatic pose as the nine battered bodies of his opponents came crashing down around him.

God Serena let out a long, exaggerated sigh, stretching his arms as if he had just completed an exhausting task and could finally take a well-earned break. With a casual flick of his wrist, he pressed a hand to his ear, listening. He raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting into one of amused surprise. Sarcastic, mocking, but carrying the faintest tinge of genuine curiosity.

"Huh…still beating." he mused, tapping a finger against the side of his head "You lot are really something. Many other thieves have died for far less."

A strained, ragged breath cut through the silence. Lugh gritted his teeth, forcing himself onto one knee despite the pain wracking his body. His muscles screamed in protest, but he still managed to glare at God Serena, his eyes burning with defiance.

"We're not here to steal anything, you pompous bastard!" he spat.

The others stirred around him.

Kozune barely managed to sit up, her arms trembling from the effort. Kris, face down in the dirt, slowly pushed up onto one elbow, lifting his gaze toward their so-called executioner. Mako groaned, pressing a palm against the ground as he struggled to even lift his torso, while Cobra turned his head just enough to shoot a venomous glare at God Serena. None of them were in fighting condition, yet none of them looked ready to break, either.

God Serena smirked, giving an exaggerated round of applause "Ah, what bravery! What persistence!" he declared, his voice dripping with mock admiration "A liar to the bitter end, and courageous to boot. A shame that I hate that combination."

Without another word, he clapped his hands together, summoning a glowing sphere of light between his palms. The luminescence wasn't blinding, but it pulsed just bright enough to be seen by all. A weight settled over the group, their bodies instinctively tensing, bracing themselves for whatever devastating spell he was about to unleash.

God Serena chuckled, rolling the ball of light across his fingers as if toying with it "And exactly because of your audacity, your unshakable will…!"

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the glowing sphere high into the sky. It soared upwards before bursting into a cascade of multicolored fireworks, illuminating the battlefield in dazzling streaks of red, blue, and gold.

"…you all pass!"

Silence.

Not a single person spoke.

Lugh blinked "…eh?"

God Serena let out a dramatic sigh, placing a hand over his face as if pained by their stupidity. Then, with his free hand, he extended a finger and pointed directly at Lugh.

"You. All. Pass."

More silence.

Then, all at once…

"HUUUUUUH?!"

A soft, melodious laugh echoed through the air, breaking the stunned silence left in the wake of God Serena's ridiculous declaration. The voice, feminine and dripping with amusement, rang out clearly, addressing him directly.

"They won't understand if you keep using your methods." the voice chided playfully.

Under the bewildered gazes of the battered World Slayers, an unnatural shift occurred. The shadow beneath God Serena stretched and rippled unnaturally, expanding just slightly before two figures rose effortlessly from its depths.

From the abyssal blackness emerged Katharina and Nox.

Katharina's entrance was as effortless as if she had merely stepped through a doorway, her usual air of self-assured amusement fully intact. A hand perched on her hip, and a broad, delighted grin played on her lips. Nox, standing beside her, was the picture of composed elegance, his smile much smaller but carrying its own brand of quiet amusement.

While the others were still too dumbfounded to react, Katharina lifted a hand in greeting, her crimson eyes glinting mischievously.

"Yo~!" she greeted, waving at her guildmates "How'd it go?"

Lugh stared at Katharina, his finger trembling as he pointed at her "B-Boss Lady?!" he stammered, barely able to process her sudden appearance.

Katharina gave him a playful nod, placing a hand on her chest with exaggerated pride "The one and only~!" she chimed, her wide grin unfaltering.

Mako, still completely lost, rubbed the side of his head "What is going on?" he asked, his voice carrying more disbelief than frustration "You vanished completely before God Serena even arrived!"

Katharina let out a chuckle, waving off his concern "Relax, relax~ I'll explain everything in a moment." then, she turned to God Serena, tilting her head with a knowing smirk "But first…mind putting them back in one piece?"

God Serena, still sporting his ever-present grin, gave a small shrug "Child's play." he remarked, his usual arrogance softened but not entirely gone.

Without hesitation, he lifted both hands, summoning powerful currents of wind. The air whipped around the battlefield as he effortlessly levitated all nine of the World Slayers off the ground, carrying them toward him with careful precision before setting them down in front of him. Once they were arranged properly, he brought his hands together "Sea King Dragon's Cradle."

A massive sphere of swirling water manifested around them, large enough to engulf all of them at once. Inside, pockets of air formed naturally, allowing them to breathe despite being submerged. As the seconds ticked by, they began to feel a strange warmth spreading through their bodies. Bruises faded, broken bones mended, deep cuts sealed without a trace. Every wound they had sustained in the battle against God Serena was undone in mere moments.

The process lasted only a few minutes, but it felt surreal to them. As the magic finished its work, God Serena glanced at Bogart and Mako, his grin stretching just a little wider "You two can go ahead and drink it." he said casually "It's done its job."

Without hesitation, Mako and Bogart obeyed, drinking deeply from the healing waters. The remaining liquid vanished as they absorbed it, leaving all nine mages sprawled on the ground, soaking wet, clothes tattered, but otherwise completely healed.

Katharina clapped her hands together with a sharp smack, instantly drawing everyone's attention back to her. With an easygoing smile, she gestured toward God Serena with one hand.

"Alright, before anything else, I think introductions are in order!" she announced, her voice carrying an almost mischievous undertone "Everyone, meet Godfrey 'God' Serena, former S-Class mage of World Slayers!"

Silence fell over the group and then "WHAT?!"

The reaction was instantaneous. The mages from World Slayers (aside from Katharina and Nox) stared at God Serena with wide, disbelieving eyes, their faces a mixture of shock and confusion.

God Serena, in response, simply grinned at their reactions, looking thoroughly entertained by their disbelief "That's the face I was waiting for."

Katharina chuckled at their stunned expressions and waved a hand dismissively "Oh, don't be so dramatic. You were never actually in danger. This was just a little test~" she tilted her head toward God Serena "Something both he and I arranged."

The silence stretched again.

"...eh?!"

Livie was the first to break the silence. She blinked, then nodded to herself and smiled brightly "Oh, I get it!"

Cobra, Lugh, Carolina, Bogart and Kris whipped their heads toward her in sheer horror.

"YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY 'GET IT' THAT FAST!" Carolina all but shouted, throwing a hand in her direction.

"Yeah, what the hell, Livie?!" Lugh added, still looking like his brain had been flipped upside down "That makes NO sense!"

Livie tilted her head in confusion "What do you mean?" she asked innocently "Katharina said we weren't in danger, so that means it's true!"

The five of them stared at her, jaws slack. The sheer simplicity of her reasoning was almost physically painful. They could only watch, dumbfounded, as a blissfully unconcerned Livie beamed at them like she had just solved a complex mathematical equation.

Sava clapped a fist into his open palm, his eyes lighting up as if he had just pieced together a crucial puzzle. He turned to Katharina, his usual grin widening in curiosity "Ah-ha! So it was you! You blocked my magic on him, didn't you,master?!"

Katharina chuckled, shaking her head playfully "Nope~!" she said with a teasing lilt "That was all him. Godfrey here is just very resistant to nearly any form of physical or mental manipulation. It's a little trick that comes from combining certain magics together."

Sava blinked, intrigued "Ohhh?"

Katharina nodded, then gestured toward God Serena, her expression taking on a more analytical edge. "Not only that, but his sheer amount of magic power allows him to completely overpower and override certain spells much more easily than most mages could. If you two had been on the same level of strength, you probably would have been able to overpower him."

God Serena let out a sharp, amused laugh "Hah! You really think so?" he said, flashing his signature smirk "Can't say I agree with that, but…" he shifted his gaze toward Sava, this time with something almost resembling genuine interest "You're a tricky one. I'll give you that. I don't run into mages like you often."

Sava's grin widened even further, practically beaming at the praise.

Meanwhile, Mako, who had been silent until now, suddenly remembered something and snapped his head toward God Serena "Wait! My lance! Is it still intact?!"

God Serena raised a brow before his expression shifted into realization. With a casual snap of his fingers, the dark sphere he had conjured earlier dissipated into nothingness, revealing Mako's lance suspended mid-air before it clattered to the ground. Before anyone else could react, the weapon was already flying back toward its rightful owner.

Mako caught it effortlessly and let out a relieved sigh "Still in one piece…" he muttered, inspecting the weapon with care.

A heavy exhale came from Lugh, who ran a hand through his hair in sheer exasperation before crossing his arms "Okay, okay, whatever!" he huffed before turning back to Katharina "But that still doesn't explain how the hell you completely vanished before the fight even started! What was that?!"

At that moment, Nox, who had been standing quietly beside Katharina the entire time, took a single step forward and gave a polite, refined bow.

"That…" he began smoothly, his voice calm and composed "…was my doing." Lugh, and a few others, turned their attention to him as he straightened his posture "My magic allows me to become entirely undetectable so long as I remain within the shadows. Not just to sight, but to all senses." Nox explained matter-of-factly "From the moment you left the guild, I followed all of you from within Lady Katharina's shadow. And when God Serena arrived, I simply moved us both into his shadow instead."

Silence followed his explanation.

Lugh opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

Then furrowed his brows in frustration.

"Okay, but…" he stopped, then groaned, rubbing his temple "You know what? Fine. Sure. Why not. That makes as much sense as anything else today."

Katharina chuckled at Lugh's reaction, clearly amused by his frustration. Then she turned to God Serena and asked in a lighthearted tone "Shall we move to your house?"

God Serena shrugged with a smirk before turning to Nox with a raised eyebrow "Tell me, Shadow Butler, do you still remember where my house is?"

Nox nodded without hesitation "Of course. It has been a while since I last transported this many people, but I believe I can manage without much trouble."

Without further delay, he clapped his hands together, and his shadow rapidly expanded across the ground, engulfing everyone present like a tide of darkness "Shadow Devil's Endless Domain."

In the blink of an eye, the ground beneath them gave way silently, as if they were being swallowed by an abyss. The world around them faded into darkness, their forms consumed by the spreading shadow, and within a single heartbeat, they vanished.

---

When they emerged, they found themselves in a completely different place. The sunlight filtered through the clouds, illuminating an enormous mansion standing before them, grand and imposing. The World Slayers mages, still somewhat disoriented from the sudden teleportation, looked around with growing astonishment.

The building was massive, at least three stories high, with pristine white walls and golden embellishments along the edges of its windows and supporting columns. Expansive glass panes reflected the daylight, while a double set of solid wooden doors stood tall at the entrance. The surrounding garden was meticulously maintained, with lush green lawns, a crystal-clear pond a short distance away, and a smooth stone pathway leading up to the mansion.

Lining the pathway were several statues, sculpted with near-manic precision.

All of them depicted God Serena.

In dramatic poses.

In regal, awe-inspiring stances.

And in outright exaggerated displays of grandeur, one depicted him stroking his chin in deep thought while a dragon bowed at his feet, while another had him standing with both hands on his hips, his cape and hair seemingly sculpted to look as though the wind were dramatically blowing through them.

Silence followed.

God Serena, still smirking in self-satisfaction, spread his arms theatrically "Welcome to my kingdom!"

He casually turned and started walking toward the mansion. Katharina and Nox followed without hesitation, as if nothing about this situation was out of the ordinary. The other mages, on the other hand, exchanged incredulous glances.

Mako opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again, rubbing his temples. Lugh took a step back, staring at one of the statues with an expression somewhere between confusion and horror.

Kris raised an eyebrow and nudged Cobra "…please tell me I'm dreaming."

Cobra sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose "I wish. I really do."

Livie, on the other hand, nodded in admiration "Wow! What a fantastic sense of aesthetics!"

The others turned to look at her as if she had lost her mind.

Meanwhile, God Serena and the other two were already disappearing beyond the entrance. With one last glance at the ridiculous scene before them, the World Slayers mages exchanged one final look before sighing in resignation and following them inside.

Once inside, the group found themselves in an entrance hall that was even more extravagant than the exterior had led them to believe.

The space was massive, with high ceilings and polished marble floors that reflected the golden glow of the oversized chandeliers above. A grand staircase, wide enough to fit an entire squadron, stretched before them, splitting into two separate paths leading to the upper floor. Alongside the staircase, several double doors, tall and elaborately carved, lined the walls, each closed for now.

In the center of the room, between the entrance and the staircase, stood a luxurious fountain, the water cascading down from multiple tiers in an elegant, yet somehow absurdly over-the-top, fashion.

And, of course, there was no shortage of decorations featuring none other than their host himself.

Massive oil paintings adorned the walls, each capturing God Serena in different exaggerated poses: some noble, some contemplative, some outright absurd, like one where he stood atop a mountain with a dozen defeated dragons at his feet. Statues of him, each more dramatic than the last, lined the hallways leading deeper into the mansion.

The World Slayers mages barely had time to absorb the sheer level of self-indulgence before God Serena stepped forward, positioning himself in front of the fountain with an air of absolute grandeur.

Spreading his arms wide toward the ceiling, his head tilted back as if basking in divine light, he declared "Feast your eyes on my incredible palace! Feel free to make yourselves at home!"

The moment the words left his lips, a spotlight from above suddenly illuminated him, casting a theatrical glow over his entire form. From somewhere above, golden glitter rained down in slow, shimmering cascades, making the scene look as if it had been rehearsed and orchestrated for maximum effect.

A long, stunned silence followed.

Cobra, Lugh, Mako, Bogart, Kris, Kozune, and Carolina all stood frozen in place, their expressions ranging from bewilderment to sheer horror, as if they had just witnessed something that defied all reason and logic.

Meanwhile, Livie and Sava burst into applause.

"So cool!" Sava said, clapping enthusiastically.

"That was so flashy!" Livie chimed in, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.

Katharina, standing off to the side with Nox, covered her mouth slightly with one hand to stifle a laugh, clearly entertained by the spectacle. Nox, ever composed, simply adjusted his cuffs and observed the scene in silence.

The World Slayers mages continued to stare, unable to fully process what was happening.

Finally, Lugh broke the silence, rubbing his temples "This has to be a dream. Or a hallucination. Maybe I hit my head harder than I thought."

Mako nodded slowly "Yeah. That's got to be it."

Carolina looked to the side "Maybe Sava did something to our minds…?"

"Nope!"

"I almost hoped so…"

God Serena, still basking in his moment of self-adoration, either ignored or simply did not care about their reactions.

Kozune's eyes wandered across the walls, taking in the overwhelming number of portraits featuring God Serena in his various exaggerated poses. However, as she scanned further, something caught her attention, paintings that did not depict him at all.

Among the grandiose self-portraits, several equally well-crafted paintings showcased a different subject: Katharina.

Unlike God Serena's dramatic and theatrical depictions, these paintings captured her in more natural, elegant settings: sitting by a lake with a book in her hands, standing on a balcony gazing at the stars, or simply smirking knowingly as if she had just told an inside joke.

Kozune blinked, then turned to God Serena "Wait…is that our guild master?"

The others followed her gaze, noticing the paintings as well. God Serena nodded without hesitation, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world "Of course. Why wouldn't there be paintings of her? She is my teacher, after all."

Another silence followed.

Then, for what felt like the hundredth time that day, the mages who fought against him collectively yelled "HUH?!"

The Devil Slayer looked at the blonde mage "Is that true?"

Katharina, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, shifted her gaze to Kozune. The moment their eyes met, Kozune's face turned a deep shade of red. The guild master smirked "It is indeed true, and if you'd like, I could teach you a few things too." her voice dipped into a sultry tone, her eyes gleaming with mischief "Though…I do prefer the term mistress over teacher."

Kozune's entire body tensed as her face turned a shade so red it seemed like steam might start escaping from her ears. Her balance wavered, and she nearly collapsed backward.

Without missing a beat, Lugh and Kris, standing on either side of her, extended an arm each to catch her without even looking in her direction, as if this were a reflexive response they had developed in record time. Seeing this, Carolina sighed and shook her head.

Meanwhile, Sava's eyes lit up with excitement "So it's true? You really taught God Serena?"

Katharina chuckled, nodding "That's right. He was once my student."

Sava gasped dramatically, looking between the two "That's incredible! This is the kind of thing you hear about in legends! The mighty warrior trained by the master herself-!"

Katharina cut in, waving a hand with a smile on her face "Save the storytelling for later, Sava. We'll discuss it properly over a meal."

At the mention of food, it was Lugh who took a sudden interest in the conversation "Oh, food?! Why didn't you say so earlier?"

God Serena chuckled, leading the way "Come along, then. I'll make sure you all eat well before we talk."

As they followed God Serena through one of the grand doors near the staircase, they entered a long corridor lined with extravagant decorations. Every inch of the hallway screamed excess, with towering pillars, crystal chandeliers, and rich tapestries hanging from the walls.

Carolina's eyes landed on a particularly gaudy statue, a massive, solid gold figure of God Serena himself, posed heroically with a self-satisfied grin. She exhaled sharply, muttering under her breath "All this gold…and he used it for this? Unbelievable. He really is the most eccentric person I've ever met."

She hadn't intended for anyone to hear, but unfortunately for her, God Serena had.

He halted mid-step, spun around in an unnecessarily dramatic pirouette, and then struck a pose, pointing directly at her "Why, thank you!" he declared, his voice filled with genuine pride.

Carolina's eye twitched, her expression shifting into pure disbelief "That wasn't a compliment!"

God Serena merely laughed, his grin widening as he resumed walking, completely unfazed.

The rest of the group exchanged glances, some shaking their heads, while Lugh patted Carolina's shoulder sympathetically "You brought this on yourself."

Carolina groaned, dragging a hand down her face "This man is insufferable…"

The group eventually arrived at a grand dining hall, where a long table was already set, covered with an impressive spread of dishes. The scent of freshly prepared delicacies filled the air, making a few of the World Slayers pause in appreciation.

God Serena stretched his arms dramatically before grinning at them "The finest chefs in the kingdom prepared this feast." he announced, making his way to the head of the table. His seat, naturally, was an extravagant, high-backed chair decorated with gold embellishments. Katharina took the seat to his right, while Nox sat to his left. The others hesitated only briefly before finding their places.

As they sampled the food, they quickly realized it was delicious beyond expectation. Lugh, between bites, compared it to the cooking of Nox and Rayleigh.

Nox, ever composed, gave a small nod of appreciation "A fine compliment." he admitted before gesturing slightly toward the table "However, I must concede that some of these chefs surpass me with ease."

While the meal continued, Cobra took a slow sip from his wine glass before shifting his gaze toward Katharina. His usual laid-back demeanor carried an edge of curiosity as he asked "So, what's the story between you and God Serena?"

Katharina, already mid-sip of what appeared to be red wine, gave him a knowing glance over the rim of her glass before lowering it. The Dragon Slayers around the table, however, caught the distinct scent of blood mixed in with the wine. They exchanged looks but chose not to mention it, Katharina's peculiar dietary habits were not exactly a secret due to her magic.

She leaned back in her chair, tapping her nails against the table before speaking.

"Let's see…this was about twenty years ago." she began, her voice laced with nostalgia. "Back then, most of the guild members were not yet part of it. I was traveling since I heard rumors about a powerful Dragon Slayer in the Pergrande Kingdom. Naturally, I was intrigued, so I went to investigate." her lips curled into a smirk "That's when I found him, God Serena, a reckless upstart, fighting off monsters in some backwater forest."

The group turned their attention to God Serena, who gave an exaggerated shrug as if the memory amused him.

"One thing led to another…" Katharina continued "…and little Godfrey here ended up challenging me to a duel." at that, she chuckled, shaking her head "It did not end well for him."

God Serena clicked his tongue "You could phrase it a little better."

"You got destroyed."

He sighed theatrically, waving a hand "Fine, perhaps I underestimated you. A tiny bit."

Katharina smirked "Oh, it wasn't just underestimation. You were utterly outclassed."

God Serena rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.

"So, after his humiliating defeat…" Katharina continued "…he begged me to teach him. Said he was destined for greatness and that he needed to become even stronger."

The table fell silent as the revelation sank in.

Katharina stretched her arms above her head "I took a liking to the brat, so I stayed with him for a couple of weeks, training him in combat." she paused, then added "Back then, he was just fifteen so he had a lot to learn." a few of her mages raised their brows at that "Then one day, his parents, both well-known merchants, came home with something quite interesting: a Lacrima containing the power of a Water Dragon."

God Serena interjected with a casual wave of his hand, leaning back in his chair "They were the ones who found my first Lacrima too, the Fire Dragon's one. Picked it up during one of their endless trips. My parents were always dealing, buying, selling…collecting rare goods was just part of the business."

Katharina nodded, letting him finish before continuing "After they brought home the Water Dragon's Lacrima, this idiot here…" she gestured toward God Serena with her fork "…immediately came to me, asking if it was possible for him to obtain its power as well." she paused to take a sip from her glass, then smirked "I told him no."

The World Slayers mages blinked, taken slightly aback.

"It wasn't just a matter of 'possible' or not." she clarified, setting her glass down "Even obtaining the power of one Lacrima was already an extremely dangerous process. A body not meant to hold that kind of power can reject it entirely. At best, you'd be left gravely weakened. At worst, well…" she tilted her head slightly "…you'd die."

At those words, both Cobra and Kris visibly tensed. They exchanged quick glances but remained silent, clearly understanding her point on a deeper level.

"But did he listen?" Katharina scoffed "Of course not." she leaned back in her seat, resting an elbow on the armrest "Despite my warnings, he went ahead with it anyway." the room remained silent as she continued "And just as I predicted, his body did start rejecting it."

God Serena folded his arms but said nothing, his usual cocky grin momentarily absent.

Katharina's expression darkened just a fraction, her voice losing its playful edge "By the time I arrived, his magic power was violently unstable. His body was on the verge of completely shutting down." a few of her mages grimaced at the thought "Fortunately for him, I got there just in time. Using my blood magic, I stabilized him throughout the process, ensuring his body could properly assimilate the Water Dragon's power. It wasn't easy, but I managed." she took another sip of her drink, as if the memory itself was exhausting "After that, I waited patiently for him to recover. And then…" her smirk returned, sharp and satisfied "I smacked him around for an entire hour."

At that, the others turned to God Serena, who, shockingly, had the decency to look away, his expression almost sheepish. With obvious reluctance, he muttered "…I might have gone a little overboard back then."

The others could hardly believe what they were seeing. The all-powerful, endlessly arrogant God Serena actually admitting to a mistake?

Katharina laughed, raising her glass "Damn right you did."

Mako, still trying to process everything, furrowed his brows "Wait…but God Serena is famous for having eight Dragon powers."

Katharina nodded as she set her glass down "That's right. At the time, he only had two, but things…escalated." she leaned back in her chair "After that whole ordeal, I convinced him to officially join my guild, if only so I could keep an eye on him. The risk of another magic rejection was too high to ignore, and I wasn't about to let him drop dead from his own recklessness." she glanced at God Serena, who simply shrugged, looking completely unbothered "But while he was with us, he wasn't exactly sitting around doing nothing. He had his parents, who were still dealing in rare goods, keep an eye out for more Dragon Lacrima."

The table remained quiet, save for the occasional clinking of cutlery against plates.

"They were expanding their business beyond Ishgar at that point." she continued "Over the next six years, they found six more Dragon Lacrima."

At that, Carolina muttered under her breath, scowling slightly "And yet people still call this kind of magic Lost Magic…when Dragon Lacrima are apparently just prizes in snack boxes with how often they show up."

God Serena let out a short laugh at her comment, but Katharina smirked and continued "At first, I was hesitant. The risk was still there, and adding more Lacrima could have led to absolute disaster. But…" she glanced at God Serena "He is relentless. He wouldn't let the idea go, and in the end, I let myself be convinced." her fingers tapped idly against the table "I was there for every single operation. Every time he absorbed another Lacrima, I made sure he survived it. By the time he obtained his eighth Dragon Lacrima, he was already a certified S-Class Mage in my guild."

The entire table fell into stunned silence once more. Katharina exhaled, then smirked slightly "And that's when things really started to get interesting." she lifted her gaze to God Serena, who was still lounging in his chair, grinning to himself "The stronger he got, the more arrogant he became." she continued. Her tone wasn't harsh, more amused than anything "But more than that, he was restless."

Cobra let out a small huff. "That tracks."

"He hated feeling like he wasn't doing enough." Katharina explained "Back then, World Slayers was still a very secretive guild. We didn't take as many missions as public guilds did, and it didn't suit someone as attention-hungry as him." she turned back to the others, lips curling into a knowing smile "So, one day, he had a brilliant idea to relieve his frustration…"

The other mages waited, almost dreading the answer.

Katharina leaned forward "He decided to challenge one of the Wizard Saints to a duel."

Everyone at the table instantly recoiled.

"You did what?" Lugh blurted, nearly choking on his food.

"Was he completely out of his fucking mind?" added Kozune before closing her mouth, forgetting for a moment who she was talking about.

God Serena just grinned, looking immensely pleased with himself.

Cobra pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply "You know…I should've expected something like that…and yet, somehow, I'm still shocked."

Kris rubbed his temples, clearly trying to process the sheer absurdity of it "And let me guess…he didn't stop there?"

Katharina chuckled "Oh, he absolutely didn't. That day, I received an urgent call from Gran Doma himself. He was completely out of his mind with fury, ranting about how one of my mages had challenged a Wizard Saint for no apparent reason, utterly humiliated them, and in the process, leveled an entire mountain."

The room went eerily silent. Every single mage at the table slowly turned their heads toward God Serena, who smirked, still looking immensely proud of himself. Katharina sighed dramatically "I didn't even need to ask who it was."

Lugh groaned and ran a hand down his face "Of course you didn't." but then a satisfied grin spread across his lips as he shifted his gaze to God Serena "But I have to admit that I respect his choice! If he was already strong he had to aim for someone equally strong!"

"Please don't encourage him…all we need is for him to do something equally stupid…" muttered Carolina.

Ignoring their reaction, Katharina continued "I rushed to the scene, and sure enough, I found God Serena, injured, sure, but standing tall like he'd just conquered the world. And in a way, I suppose he had." she rolled her eyes "That, however, was just the beginning of the headache that followed." she swirled the liquid in her glass "For the next few days, we had to sit through several meetings with the Magic Council and the Wizard Saints. It was an absolute mess. Luckily, they didn't know anything about World Slayers. God Serena never revealed his guild mark, so as far as they were concerned, he was just a rogue powerhouse causing trouble."

Bogart blinked in surprise "I can't believe you got away with that."

Katharina chuckled "Oh, I wouldn't say we got away with it. We were reprimanded plenty. But in the end, they made him an offer. They invited him to become a Wizard Saint."

The reactions were immediate. A few jaws dropped, Carolina nearly choked on her drink, and Kris muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "Of course they did."

"Fast forward a few weeks and he came to me, asking if he could accept the Council's offer."

Mako raised an eyebrow "Wait…he actually asked?"

Katharina smirked "Oh, yes. And I think it was the only time he ever asked me for something with a 'please.'"

At that, God Serena scoffed "I wouldn't go that far."

Katharina ignored him "So, I gave him my blessing. We removed his guild mark since, again, World Slayers was still a secret, and I let him go and from there, he made a name for himself. He took on the name God Serena and, eventually, became the strongest among the Wizard Saints."

Silence settled over the table as the weight of her words sank in.

Cobra ran both hands through his hair, groaning "This is too much information all at once."

Kozune nodded "I second that."

Sava, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear "I love this story! Please continue!"

Livie nodded vigorously "Yes please!"

Katharina chuckled, leaning forward slightly "Honestly, there's not much else to tell. At some point, years ago, Godfrey reached out to me, asking about the new recruits. He wanted to know what they were like since he rarely visited due to his constant travels and duties. That's when I came up with this little test."

Lugh narrowed his eyes "You mean…"

Katharina smirked "Yes. Just like you all, I sent the recruits of that time against him. He posed as a powerful enemy, just as he did with you."

Livie blinked "So, everyone in the guild has fought him at some point?"

Katharina nodded "Pretty much. The last test was two years ago. That group included Rad, Kiro, Keira, Luna, and Lita."

That immediately caught Lugh's attention. He leaned in, intrigued "And? How did that go?"

Both Katharina and God Serena burst into laughter at the memory.

"Well…" Katharina began, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye "Luna had just become queen a few months prior, and her first instinct was to try and appeal to him through her royal status."

"How did that work out?"

God Serena smirked "I laughed at her and then spit on her face."

Lugh immediately nodded "Yeah, I'd have done the same."

---

"Ugh…"

Ruina looked to the side, where Lunafreya had taken on a sad and melancholic expression "You okay?"

"I feel like someone is making fun of me…as if they were distrusting my royalty!"

---

"Rad, meanwhile, tried to get out of the fight entirely, so naturally, God Serena made sure to go after him specifically." said Katharina with a grin.

Kozune winced "Poor bastard."

Katharina smiled wickedly "Keira and Litavis attempted to handle things diplomatically at first, but when that failed, they switched to brute force. Kiro, on the other hand?" she paused, glancing toward God Serena "He attacked immediately, without hesitation."

The Wizard Saint's grin widened "Gotta respect that kind of spirit."

Mako sighed "So, let me guess…they got flattened?"

Katharina shrugged "Well, let's just say the outcome was the same as today."

God Serena leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head "Honestly, this group performed better than the last one." he admitted "Especially thanks to the little one and the healer. Magics like yours are rare, and having two made things far more interesting."

Sava grinned at the compliment, his eyes shining with excitement, while Bogart, caught off guard, rubbed the back of his neck and muttered a quiet "Thank you." clearly flustered.

Katharina took a sip from her glass before setting it down with a light clink "Well, that wraps up the story." she announced, her tone shifting back to its usual ease "Now, let's focus on enjoying this meal."

The others quickly agreed, any lingering tension from the day's events fading away as they dug into their food with renewed enthusiasm. The conversation at the table became lighter, laughter filling the dining hall as the group slowly relaxed.

Once the meal concluded, God Serena led them through a lavish hallway into a spacious lounge area, grand yet welcoming. He gestured around with a sweeping motion "You can rest here for now. Two of my servants will bring fresh clothes shortly."

The group, still a bit weary from their earlier battle, muttered their thanks as they sank into plush chairs and sofas. Without another word, God Serena turned on his heel, exiting the room with Katharina at his side.

The two walked in silence for a moment, their footsteps echoing lightly against the marble floor as they moved through the long corridor. Eventually, they arrived at God Serena's private study, a space as extravagant as the rest of his home yet exuding a more refined atmosphere. Bookshelves lined the walls, a large ornate desk sat in the center, and a crystal decanter filled with expensive liquor gleamed under the dim lighting.

God Serena moved to the decanter, pouring two glasses "Drink?"

Katharina took the glass without hesitation but didn't drink right away. Instead, she fixed him with a more serious expression "Any news?"

God Serena exhaled through his nose, rolling one shoulder before finally responding "Nothing surprising. What you already knew has just been confirmed: civil war is coming to Pergrande." he swirled the liquid in his glass, his usual amused smirk absent "From what I've gathered, the entire royal army stands with the queen. That includes her firstborn, who just so happens to be leading the entire military force, and the second-born is known to see his mother as a goddess, so he sided with her." he took a slow sip, letting the burn settle before continuing "Meanwhile, all the noble families and their private armies are siding with the king."

Katharina's fingers tapped lightly against the rim of her glass as she absorbed the information, her sharp eyes unreadable "So it's really happening, a full-blown civil war." she shook her head, a note of frustration in her voice "How did no one see this coming sooner?"

"It's the same story everyone knows. The king's betrayal, the anonymous informant that leaked everything…at this point, it's public knowledge." said God Serena.

"Even Iceberg and Seven have caught wind of it, if what Luna told you is true." Katharina groaned "And your position in all this?"

God Serena chuckled dryly, resting his free hand on the armrest of his chair "You already know. As a Wizard Saint, I have to remain neutral. Same goes for the Magic Council. As far as they're concerned, this is a 'local dispute', something to be handled between the involved parties." he took another sip before adding "The legal guilds of Pergrande have already been ordered to stay out of it."

Katharina hummed in acknowledgment "Doma-kun told me as much." she admitted, setting her glass down "Do you know anything else?"

God Serena's smirk returned, but his eyes held a glint of something more serious "The king has quite a few Chimera Slayers at his disposal. A lot of them come from noble families, meaning they've naturally sided with him. The queen has the advantage when it comes to raw military strength, her forces are disciplined and organized, but the king has the mages."

Katharina narrowed her eyes slightly "So she's at a disadvantage in magical combat."

"Exactly." God Serena confirmed "That's why she's been hiring independent mages: mercenaries, freelancers, anything that can help. She's even reaching out to the legal guilds despite knowing full well that none of them will step in due to the Magic Council's orders."

Katharina nodded, stating that she would likely need to reach out to Gran Doma to address the situation. Like many other guilds, World Slayers was just beginning to reestablish stability in Ishgar and put an end to the crisis that had swept across the continent. She finished her drink with a final sip, then set the glass down with a quiet clink before exhaling "We should get back to my mages." she said.

God Serena gave a brief nod of agreement, standing alongside her as they made their way to the door. Just as they were about to exit, Katharina suddenly paused and turned to him with a thoughtful expression "By the way, have you ever heard of the Sin Slayers?"

God Serena blinked, his brow furrowing slightly at the unfamiliar term "Sin Slayers?" he repeated, tilting his head "Never heard of them. Is this some new kind of Slayer magic? Someone in your guild using it?" he paused for a beat, then smirked "No, wait. If that were the case, you would've sent them after me along with the others."

Katharina chuckled "True." she then proceeded to recount the events at Lily Town, detailing the unexpected appearance of the Lust Sin Slayer, a woman named Vasia Kimber.

God Serena listened closely as Katharina spoke, his usual playful smirk fading slightly as he processed her words "Sin Slayer Magic, huh? Never heard of it, and I make it a point to know about rare magic types."

Katharina rested a hand on her hip "So it's not some forgotten Dragon Slayer variation you've come across before?"

God Serena shook his head "Nope. If it were, I'd have recognized it immediately. Slayer magic isn't exactly common, especially one tied to something like 'sin.'" he thought for a moment, rubbing his chin "Still…something about it bothers me. You said her magic didn't work on that Litavis girl, right?"

"Right." Katharina confirmed "Because she's a machine. No lust, no effect."

God Serena exhaled through his nose, his brow furrowing "That's weird. Most magic, even mental types, have ways to affect artificial life, at least to some extent. If it's completely ineffective, that means this magic directly targets emotions rather than thoughts or instincts, and that's not even the strangest part. If this 'Sin Slayer' thing follows the pattern of other Slayer magic, that would mean it's designed to counter something. Which raises the question…" he straightened, locking eyes with Katharina "What exactly is it meant to slay?"

Katharina held his gaze, her expression unreadable "That's what we need to find out, along with that woman's reasons for acting that way."

A moment of silence stretched between them before God Serena scoffed, shaking his head "Tch. This is a real headache. But fine, if it's that much of a concern, I can ask around. You sure there's no one else you can poke for information?"

Katharina crossed her arms "I already have Rayleigh digging through everything he can find, but this magic isn't recorded anywhere in Ishgar. Which means if we want answers, we'll have to look inside his Archive Magic."

God Serena clicked his tongue "How about the Country of Sin?"

She nodded "It's a long shot, but the name alone makes it our best lead."

"I do know a few people who like to keep their ears open. If this magic's been floating around long enough to make an appearance here, someone in Sin has to know something."

"Good." Katharina said "Reach out to them. Meanwhile, I'll check with Doma-kun and see if he's ever heard of anything like this. I trust Rayleigh but maybe even his Archive won't help us this time."

"Fair enough. But don't expect quick results. This isn't the kind of thing that gets solved overnight."

"Neither is the mess in Pergrande." she muttered "One problem at a time."

God Serena smirked "Guess that means you're heading back to your mages."

"That's right." she confirmed, following him as they exited the office. "Can't have them running off and getting into trouble while I'm gone."

He let out a short laugh "Too late for that, I think."

Katharina chuckled in response, then glanced at God Serena with a casual smile "You know, you can stop by the guild anytime. You may not be a member anymore, but you'll always be welcome."

God Serena smirked but said nothing. He already knew it but it was nice to hear it again every now and then, even if his duties as Wizard Saint, as the strongest wizard of the group, were really too much to give him enough free time even for a relaxing trip.

Together, they made their way through the extravagant halls of the mansion, the distant sounds of conversation growing louder with each step. The lively chatter of the World Slayers echoed through the corridors, a stark contrast to the fierce battle they had endured just hours ago. As they approached the room where the others were gathered, Katharina's mind drifted for a brief moment. She would let them rest until nightfall before taking them back to the guild. After all, they had earned it.

And then, once they were back, she would get to work.

The situation in the Pergrande Kingdom was escalating faster than expected, and one way or another, she and her people would deal with it.

The Slayer way.

---

[Unknown Location / 6th August X786]

Inside a large villa, there was a modestly sized room, its centerpiece a long, pristine white marble table surrounded by seven chairs, one at the head and three on each side. The space was illuminated by the natural light streaming through the large windows along one wall, offering a breathtaking view of the sea stretching endlessly beyond the cliffs.

The villa itself stood atop a hill, not far from the rugged edge of the coastline, where waves crashed below in a steady, rhythmic pulse. Opposite the windows, the only other feature of the room was a grand wooden door, its dark surface standing in stark contrast to the bright, refined decor.

Suddenly, a portal of swirling blue light opened at the end of the table, where there was no chair, and Vasia, the Lust Sin Slayer, stepped out of it with a playful hum, her heels clicking against the smooth marble floor as she stretched her arms above her head. The sultry Sin Slayer was dressed as provocatively as ever, her hips swaying with each step as she took a moment to survey her surroundings.

Behind her, the portal rippled once more before another figure emerged, though with significantly less enthusiasm. Kimberly, the Sloth Sin Slayer, all but dragged her feet as she stepped through, her movements slow and heavy. Rather than properly lifting her legs, she shuffled forward in a halfhearted attempt at walking, eventually reaching one of the chairs along the right side of the table. Without so much as a word, she slumped into it, resting her chin on her hand, her long hair pooling onto the surface in front of her like a curtain.

Vasia, meanwhile, turned on her heel, hands on her hips as she scanned the empty room with a pout "Are we seriously the first ones here?" she mused aloud, tilting her head as the portal closed behind her "Unbelievable! How is it that everyone else is late? That's got to be some kind of miracle!"

The door to the room creaked open, revealing a young woman who strode in with a carefree air. She was slim and dressed in a worn, patched-up lab coat that had clearly seen better days. Bandages wrapped around her legs and arms, peeking out from beneath her clothes. Her short, messy blonde hair framed her mischievous green eyes and a wide, toothy grin that gave off an unsettling energy.

The moment she stepped in, Vasia lit up like a child on a sugar high "Daphne!" she squealed, rushing over to her with open arms "I missed you!" without hesitation, Vasia threw her arms around the newcomer and nuzzled her cheek against Daphne's.

"Missed you too." Daphne replied, her grin widening as she returned the gesture. She glanced at the table and gave Kimberly a half-hearted wave "Hey, Kimberly."

Kimberly barely reacted, simply raising a sluggish hand in acknowledgment before letting it flop back onto the table. Daphne didn't seem particularly bothered, shrugging before turning her attention back to Vasia, who was practically bouncing with excitement.

"So, where are the others?" Vasia asked, tilting her head curiously.

Daphne stretched her arms lazily and said "Busy breaking in the new guy. They sent me to come fetch you two as soon as they sensed you arrived." her tone was casual, but then she added with a sly smirk "I only volunteered because it gave me an excuse to stop by the kitchen first."

Vasia giggled at that and leaned closer, batting her eyelashes playfully "Oh, if you want something to eat, I've got something for you~ and I guarantee it's...satisfying~" her voice dripped with flirtation.

For a moment, Daphne's smile grew unnaturally wide, her teeth gleaming as she flashed an unsettlingly predatory grin "Thanks, Vasia, but I'm still working on my last snack." she said, her voice sweet yet unnervingly casual. Raising her right arm, she revealed what she meant: a mangled, half-eaten arm dangling from her grasp. The limb clearly belonged to a woman, judging by the delicate, manicured fingers. Blood still dripped slowly from the remains, leaving a small crimson trail on the floor.

Both Vasia and Kimberly seemed unfazed, with Vasia letting out a delighted laugh "Oh, you always know how to make an entrance, Daphne!"

Daphne's grin remained, her dull green eyes sparkling with amusement as she gave the arm a little wave "What can I say? I have a taste for the finer things."

Vasia sauntered over to Kimberly, who was still slumped over the table, and with a grin, she effortlessly hoisted her onto her shoulder as if she weighed nothing. Kimberly didn't resist, her expression unchanging and her body as limp as ever. Daphne gave a low chuckle as she pushed the door open, leading them out into a long, dimly lit corridor.

The three of them walked in silence, the only sounds being Kimberly's occasional sleepy sighs and Vasia's soft humming. Daphne led the way, her steps erratic but purposeful, while Vasia followed closely behind, carrying Kimberly with ease. At the end of the corridor, Daphne opened a door, revealing a spiral staircase leading downward.

They descended the marble steps, the faint vibrations beneath their feet growing stronger with each step. Eventually, they emerged into a vast, pristine hall of pure white marble. The room was eerily empty, save for an area to the right furnished with small tables, chairs, and other amenities, starkly contrasting with the rest of the space. The ceiling was lined with soft lights that illuminated the room evenly.

The floor trembled lightly, a rhythmic pulsing emanating from the center of the room where two figures were locked in combat. Their movements were too fast to make out clearly, but the sheer force of their strikes sent shockwaves rippling through the air.

Vasia, however, paid no mind to the battle. She walked toward the small furnished area, where Gregory stood, his posture impeccable, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched the fight with calm, calculating eyes.

Hearing their approach, Gregory turned his head slightly, his sharp blue gaze landing on them. He inclined his head in a polite greeting "Ladies." he said in his deep, smooth voice "Welcome. I had a padded chair prepared for Kimberly."

His attention shifted momentarily to the woman on Vasia's shoulder, and a faint, almost amused smile graced his lips.

Kimberly, still looking as though she might drift off to sleep at any moment, murmured a quiet "Thank you…" her tone lethargic yet sincere.

Vasia placed Kimberly gently onto the plush armchair Gregory had indicated, brushing off her hands afterward with a satisfied grin "There we go." she said, taking a seat on one of the nearby chairs herself.

Daphne leaned casually against a table, crossing her arms as her gaze drifted to the center of the room, watching the fight with a predatory glint in her eyes while Vasia asked "So, how long has this been going on?" she asked Gregory without looking away from the sparring match.

"Not long." Gregory replied, his tone composed "But long enough to test the resolve of our newest recruit."

A series of angry shouts and curses erupted from the center of the room, drawing everyone's attention to the two combatants. Kurel, his face twisted with fury, swung his arm in a wide arc, unleashing a torrent of crimson wind that roared toward his opponent.

Opposite him stood a tall, imposing man with a powerful build. His long, flowing blonde hair shimmered under the light as it danced wildly with the force of their battle. He had sharp golden eyes that sparkled with exhilaration, a chiseled jawline, and an expression that oozed unrelenting confidence. He wore loose, dark trousers and a sleeveless vest, leaving his muscular upper body bare, save for golden accessories that jingled with his every move.

With a fierce grin, he countered Kurel's attack, summoning a whirlwind of yellow energy that clashed with the crimson wind, dispersing it instantly. He laughed, the sound booming across the hall like thunder.

"That's all you've got?" he bellowed, his voice dripping with mockery "If you want to make an impression, you'll have to do better than that! Give me everything you've got, Kurel, or don't even bother!"

The taunt only enraged Kurel further. His fists clenched tightly, his body trembling with fury as veins bulged on his forehead. With a guttural roar, he charged straight at his opponent, his movements wild but fueled by sheer determination.

From the furnished area, Vasia smirked as she leaned back in her chair "Looks like Kaelen's having the time of his life." she commented, her tone lighthearted.

Gregory, still standing with his hands behind his back, inclined his head slightly in agreement "Indeed. Though the same cannot be said for Kurel." his gaze lingered on the raging Sin Slayer of Wrath, his expression calm yet observant.

Vasia tilted her head toward Gregory "How's the new guy holding up, then?"

Gregory exhaled softly, his blue eyes briefly flickering toward the fray "He's adapting to his powers quickly, I'll admit. But as expected, his anger makes it difficult for him to focus. It's both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness."

Daphne chuckled from where she stood, watching the fight with an amused grin. "And it doesn't help that Kaelen keeps egging him on. He's like a dog with a bone when it comes to pushing people's buttons."

Vasia giggled "Well, that's Kaelen for you."

A smooth, rich male voice broke through the tension in the room, carrying a tone of satisfaction "Ah, excellent. It seems we're all here."

The Sin Slayers, save for Kurel and Kaelen who were still locked in their chaotic duel, turned toward the source of the voice. Standing in the doorway was a man of unparalleled beauty, his presence commanding yet refined. His long black hair cascaded down his back, framing a perfectly symmetrical face with sharp features. His piercing red eyes glinted with a predatory sharpness, and his cold, knowing smile seemed to promise secrets and schemes untold. Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit with a crisp blue tie, he radiated an aura of wealth, power, and superiority.

In his right hand, he leaned on an ornate black cane crowned with a large, dazzling green gem that caught the light with every movement. He moved with an effortless grace, his steps unhurried yet deliberate, as if he owned not just the room but the very air within it.

It was no wonder that someone like him could inspire envy and jealousy in nearly anyone who laid eyes on him. And yet, among the Sin Slayers, none of them seemed to feel those emotions.

Vasia was the first to greet him, lazily raising a hand in acknowledgment "Valerius." she called out with her usual playful smirk "Fashionably late, as always. What kept you this time?"

Valerius adjusted his tie with a casual elegance, his smile unwavering "Unlike the rest of you…" he began in his silky tone "…I have a highly successful company to manage. Running an empire of sophistication and class takes effort, my dear."

Daphne chuckled softly, shaking her head "Of course. Always the busy businessman, aren't you?"

Valerius inclined his head slightly, his gaze briefly scanning the room and taking note of each of them before settling on the ongoing fight in the center. "And yet, I made it here, didn't I? It seems I have a far better grasp of time management than some others." his tone was light, but the subtle dig was impossible to miss.

Gregory offered a polite nod in greeting, as composed as ever "Good to see you, Valerius. We were just discussing how well our newest member is progressing."

Valerius's crimson eyes flicked toward Kurel and Kaelen, who were still exchanging blows with unrestrained ferocity. His smile curved upward ever so slightly "Ah, yes. Our hot-headed Wrath and the ever-insatiable Greed. Quite the pairing, wouldn't you agree?"

Kimberly let out a soft groan, her monotone voice cutting through the noise "Too loud…"

Valerius chuckled, brushing his sleek black hair back "I couldn't agree more."

He raised his hand, releasing a wave of green magic that rippled across the room. The sheer presence of his power drew the attention of the two combatants, who immediately paused and turned to him.

"My sincerest apologies for the interruption." Valerius said with a polite yet insincere smile "But now that everyone is here, we must talk."

Kurel snarled, his black eyes narrowing "Go fuck yourself!"

Kaelen burst into laughter, clapping his hands together "For once, I agree with the rage machine." his gold eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued "I've never approved of you as our so-called leader, Valerius. If anyone should lead, it's me! After all, I deserve it all!"

Vasia rolled her eyes, an amused smirk curling on her lips "Here we go again."

Meanwhile, Daphne, seemingly unfazed by the tension, tilted her head back and shoved the entire arm she had been holding into her mouth, swallowing it with an unnatural ease. Her throat seemed to have no limits.

Vasia watched the display, arching a brow "You know, I might actually be a little jealous of that trick." she then leaned closer to Daphne "So, how was it?"

Daphne licked her lips, letting out a satisfied hum "Not bad. A bit bland, though. She put up a decent fight before losing, so I'll give her that."

Valerius, unfazed by the exchange, turned his crimson gaze to Gregory "Gregory, could we trouble you for some tea?"

Gregory gave a slight bow of acknowledgment "Of course." and without delay, he moved to the small kitchen area at the corner of the room, where a teapot was already on the stove.

As Kurel and Kaelen approached, the former still fuming, he barked out "Why the hell did we have to stop, huh?!"

Kaelen, on the other hand, simply grinned, clearly enjoying the chaos. Gregory worked with swift efficiency, preparing seven cups of tea in no time. With practiced ease, he handed them out to everyone, pausing only to place a straw in Kimberly's cup before handing it to her.

"Your tea." Gregory said with his usual calm tone, his movements graceful and precise as he ensured everyone had their cup.

Kimberly lazily sipped through the straw, offering a small, barely audible "Thanks…" while the others began to settle down, if only slightly.

Valerius took a slow sip of his tea, the delicate aroma filling the air as he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Across from him, Daphne wasted no time, downing the entire contents of her cup in one go, just as Kaelen and Kurel did, before casually biting into the ceramic cup itself and crunching down on it as if it were nothing more than a biscuit.

Vasia, watching with mild amusement, drank at a leisurely pace, while Gregory took small, measured sips, his usual composure unshaken.

Eventually, Valerius placed his empty cup down and spoke "Now that we have all seven Sin Slayers together, we can finally fulfill our duties to our masters properly."

Before anyone else could react, Kurel slammed his fist on the armrest of his chair, his face twisting into a furious snarl "Tch! I don't have to do a damn thing! That bastard who gave me these powers nearly killed me!"

Valerius exhaled lightly through his nose, his cold red eyes settling on Kurel with an air of quiet patience "Calm yourself. Your powers are the most unstable among us. That is not Lord Ira's fault."

That explanation did nothing to soothe Kurel's anger, but for now, he merely crossed his arms and muttered under his breath, fuming silently.

Vasia took the moment to interject "So, what exactly are we supposed to do?"

Valerius turned his gaze toward her, his usual sly smile returning "For the time being, we will be handling minor assignments for the next few months before we move on to more important matters." he then tilted his head slightly "However, one of our ongoing priorities remains unchanged: learning as much as possible about that little group of Slayers."

Kurel scowled "The hell is that supposed to mean?"

His confusion drew the attention of the others, who turned toward him. Daphne, ever the opportunist, reached into her tattered lab coat and pulled out a worn image of a possible guild mark, holding it up between two fingers "This little thing ring any bells?"

Kurel's eyes widened in shock the moment he laid eyes on the symbol. His breath hitched for half a second before his expression twisted back into sheer fury "No way…I've seen that before!" he growled, his fists clenching.

The others reacted with mild intrigue, their expressions shifting slightly but none of them looking particularly surprised. Valerius arched a brow, tapping a single finger against the table "Oh? And where, pray tell, have you seen it?"

Kurel gritted his teeth, his anger intensifying "One of the bastards that wrecked my gang had that damn mark on their face. And I'm damn sure I saw it on the left wrist of that little punk who took me down!"

Kaelen's expression immediately shifted to one of great interest, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement. He leaned forward slightly, ready to press for more details, but before he could speak, Gregory calmly interjected "And where, exactly, did you see them?" the Pride Sin Slayer asked, his voice as composed as ever.

Kurel clicked his tongue in irritation, his fingers drumming against the arm of his chair "Iceberg. It was in the damn Kingdom of Iceberg," he muttered through gritted teeth.

Gregory stroked his neatly trimmed goatee in thought, processing the information carefully. Before he could voice any thoughts, however, Valerius turned toward him with a knowing look.

"Don't do anything reckless." the Envy Sin Slayer warned smoothly "We must proceed with patience."

Gregory let out a soft hum of consideration, but then his lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile "Oh, I wouldn't dream of acting recklessly." he assured, his tone ever-gentle and refined "That said, I wouldn't mind finding these Slayers and testing their mettle for myself."

A sudden amused giggle broke the momentary tension as Daphne tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes "Now, now, Gregory." she teased, her grin widening unnaturally "Didn't you recently fight a Wizard Saint? You wouldn't want to get too greedy now, would you?"

Gregory's smile remained, unshaken, as he glanced in her direction "A fair point." he conceded smoothly, taking another measured sip of his tea.

Kurel leaned forward, eyes blazing with unfiltered rage "So what, we're hunting these bastards down?"

The others nodded in confirmation, and that was all Kurel needed to hear. He shot up from his seat, his fists clenched at his sides "Then we go to Iceberg and burn it all to the ground until they crawl out from the rubble!"

Before his anger could escalate further, Valerius shook his head, his expression remaining as calm and composed as ever "That would be…impractical." he stated, his tone smooth and unwavering "There are too many complications, and we know far too little about our opponents' true strength. We investigate first. We act later."

Kurel's lip curled in disgust "Coward."

Valerius didn't so much as blink. Instead, he merely gestured toward the chair Kurel had just vacated "Please, sit."

For a moment, the Wrath Sin Slayer stood motionless, his fury still simmering beneath the surface. But whether it was because he saw no point in arguing further or because his rage hadn't reached the boiling point just yet, he eventually dropped himself back into his seat with a heavy thud, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Ignoring him entirely, Valerius turned his attention back to the others "Lady Lussuria's plan for the Pergrande Kingdom is progressing as expected." he announced. "Soon enough, a lovely little civil war will erupt."

Vasia's grin widened at the news, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand "Hah, that fool of a king was almost too easy~" she mused, her voice dripping with amusement "It didn't take much to seduce him. I suppose his dear wife hasn't been keeping him properly entertained these past few years."

Daphne let out a small giggle while Kaelen smirked, shaking his head in amusement. Gregory, ever composed, merely took another sip of his tea, while Kimberly, as expected, remained unfazed, her gaze half-lidded as if she could fall asleep at any moment.

Valerius simply smiled. "Everything is proceeding as planned."

Kaelen stretched his arms with an eager grin "So what now? Do we get to dive in and fight both sides, or are we supposed to help one of them?" he scoffed before answering his own question "Doesn't really matter. I'm fighting them all anyway."

Valerius shook his head "Not yet. We wait. The kingdom must first descend into proper chaos before we act."

Kurel groaned in frustration "And why the hell are we wasting time waiting?"

Daphne giggled, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she tilted her head toward him "A juicy steak isn't eaten raw, my dear. It has to be cooked just right for it to be truly enjoyed."

Valerius nodded "It's all part of our masters' grand design. Every step we take brings us closer to the perfect world they envision."

Kurel rolled his eyes, unimpressed "Sounds like a load of bullshit to me."

Valerius remained unbothered, merely offering a small, knowing smile "You are free to think whatever you like, as long as you don't interfere with our plans."

Reaching into his coat pocket, he retrieved a silver pocket watch and checked the time. With a satisfied hum, he snapped it shut and returned it to his pocket "Speaking of which, I have a business meeting to attend." he rose gracefully from his seat, brushing a hand over his coat to smooth out any creases "Remember, do not set foot in Pergrande Kingdom." he reminded them "And expect new assignments in the coming days."

With that, Valerius turned and strode out of the room, leaving the other Sin Slayers to sit with their own thoughts.

Vasia let out an exaggerated yawn, stretching her arms lazily "So we really have to wait around and do nothing?" she complained, her voice dripping with boredom.

Kurel scoffed "Screw that. I'm not sitting on my ass while we waste time. I'll just head to Iceberg myself and hunt down that bastard who beat me."

Before he could take another step, Gregory raised a calm hand, stopping him in place "No need for such reckless actions." he said, his voice smooth and composed "We can always cleanse a dark guild or two, those that have failed to serve their purpose and are simply festering in the shadows rather than contributing to the chaos." he adjusted his gloves slightly before adding "Defective tools should be discarded rather than left to gather dust."

The others, save for Kimberly, seemed to agree with the idea. Vasia, ever the opportunist, turned to the Sloth Sin Slayer with an eager smile "Kimmy, be a dear and give us a ride, would you?" she purred.

Kimberly, slumped comfortably in her chair, barely reacted. Instead, her dull gaze drifted toward Gregory, who had already pulled out a small leather-bound notebook and slipped on a pair of thin reading glasses. With an air of casual refinement, he flipped through the pages, humming thoughtfully to himself before stopping at a particular entry.

"Caelum." he mused aloud, adjusting his glasses slightly "The situation there is far too stable. There are at least four dark guilds that have done absolutely nothing for the past year."

Kurel frowned "And why the hell is that?"

Gregory turned a page before replying "The military presence in Caelum is quite formidable, certainly not to be underestimated. Furthermore, there's a particular guild by the name of Shogunate Pride. It appears to have instilled a significant amount of fear into the dark guilds, keeping them in check."

Kurel's scowl deepened at the information while Vasia grinned, licking her lips in amusement "Ooooh, that sounds fun."

Gregory turned his gaze to Vasia and shook his head slightly "We're not here to fight Shogunate Pride." he reminded her "Our targets are the stagnant dark guilds."

Kaelen scoffed, cracking his knuckles "Doesn't matter. I'll be more than enough to wipe out those failures myself."

Kurel's head snapped toward him, his glare sharp and filled with menace "Not a damn chance. I need something to take my anger out on!"

Daphne hummed with amusement, licking her lips "Perhaps there's someone among them that might finally satisfy my hunger."

Vasia twirled a strand of hair around her finger, tilting her head with a sultry smile "And I could always use a few new playthings."

Before their excitement could spiral further, Gregory raised a hand once more, his calm presence silencing them "Let's make this interesting." he proposed "I will accompany Kurel to ensure he doesn't let his temper ruin everything, and the rest of you will go alone. One guild per person."

The others exchanged glances, intrigued by the challenge.

Gregory's smile remained eerily cold "The first to complete their extermination will decide what we do next."

"Even deciding to go to the Pergrande Kingdom?" asked Kaelen with a grin.

"Or the Iceberg Kingdom?" added Kurel.

Gregory nodded at them "But of course. If you accept this challenge, everyone will consequently accept the winner's choice."

Daphne giggled "I love democracy!"

The room grew heavy as power surged around them. Gregory's aura flared first, a dense, regal violet that pulsed like a living entity. Kurel's body was engulfed in a furious red, his anger rolling off him in waves. Kaelen grinned wildly as his own yellow energy crackled in the air. Daphne's aura shimmered in a deep orange, flickering unpredictably like fire. Vasia's blue aura wrapped around her in a slow, entrancing swirl.

Gregory's smirk deepened as he took in the sight before him "Happy hunting." he murmured, his tone smooth yet ice-cold "Cause as much chaos as you please."

His gaze then drifted toward Kimberly, who, for once, seemed slightly more alert, her pale blue aura barely flickering around her as she lazily blinked. Gregory listed the locations of the four dark guilds, and without hesitation, Kimberly raised a single hand. Four portals swirled into existence, each glowing ominously, their energy rippling like the surface of a disturbed lake.

Without another word, the Sin Slayers stepped forward, one per portal, except for Gregory, who entered alongside Kurel. As soon as they vanished into the swirling depths, the portals snapped shut, their energy dissipating as if they had never been there.

Kimberly let out a slow breath before promptly slumping back in her chair, already drifting back to sleep. Not a trace of concern crossed her face, utterly undisturbed by the fact that she had just sentenced dozens of people to their inevitable, horrible deaths…

TO BE CONTINUED…

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And here we are again! After nearly a month, a new 53-page chapter served for you! I hope you enjoyed it and that I have properly rendered all the various OCs present!

In this chapter we got to see a long (maybe too long) fight between God Serena and the World Slayers mages, a brief description of his past and his connection to the World Slayers (since I intend to use him much more than he has been used/wasted in the canon manga), and finally the introduction to all the Sin Slayers in one fell swoop!

This chapter also concludes the first arc of the story, Introductory Arc, which will probably always be one of the longest in the fic with its nine chapters! Many other arcs will be shorter and others will definitely be just as long!

Now I want to thank Warmachine375 (on Discord he is Bato of the Iron Rock Hammer) for creating many of the spells for God Serena. Several of the ones used in this chapter were created by him when God Serena hadn't fought in the new 100 year quest manga yet! So the names of his"elements" have also been changed, and to clarify things they are:
- Thunder Lord Dragon Slayer Magic
- Cavern Dragon Slayer Magic
- Purgatory Dragon Slayer Magic
- Sea King Dragon Slayer Magic
- Gale Dragon Slayer Magic
- Diamond Dragon Slayer Magic
- Luminance Dragon Slayer Magic
- Darkness Dragon Slayer Magic

With that said, I hope I did your OCs justice and that you enjoyed the chapter!

See you next time!

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OC list (created by you!):

WORLD SLAYERS

- Radogan Elgrave, created by: alucard deathsinger

- Mukuro Murasaki, created by: Lezusia

- Kris Bliviah, created by: Singofffan

- Kiro Jarndyce, created by: theotakureader101

- Rayleigh Whitlock, created by: pricefree

- Palomita Alvarez, created by: JackHammerMan

- Brigid Sorren, created by: News Boss

- Mako Maverick, created by: Sweet brisk

- Bridget Kaelan, created by: Wolf0830

- Lugh Atlas, created by: King0fP0wers

- Sava Erunant, created by: Deadly Animals Are Cute

- Bogart Cresthill, created by: SureJahn

- Livie Marilee, created by: Arrow-chan3

- Yumi Shishi, created by: ShiinIn

- Kozune Mura, created by: Sempi

- Keira Everstern, created by: RevolutionaryCleo

- Romain Housing, created by: NyescoBlaze

- Lunafreya Lacrima, created by: Bluestar076

- Litavis Deckard, created by: Warmachine375

- Carolina Course, created by: ArcaneQuil09

OTHER OCs

- Momonary Sachie, created by: klbubblepop786

- Genbu, created by: King0fP0wers

- Daphne Ashbella, created by: Fathernight