Upon switching places with an Automaton, I decided to utilize my Space Magic once more.

'I'll use a more powerful version of [Unknowable] to get in this time. I'll also steer away from my earlier location.'

I had to be extremely careful. If I was caught by the Martial Blade God again, I wasn't too sure of pulling the same trick twice. Since that was the case, I had to be more prepared.

'I'll move to my pocket dimension and use that chance to restore my strength while creating something better than [Unknowable]. Hopefully, I can still find the others and find a way around searching for Neron.'historical

As for completing the mission, I still had one more ace up my sleeve. Once I secured everyone else, I would use it. For now, though.. everyone came first.

'Alright, Jared.. let's get a move on!'

*********

"Garghhhh!!!"

Serah Crimson yelled as her body was flung to the ground, creating a massive explosion in the boiling surface.

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!<

The earth rumbled, and the shockwave of the hit spread for miles.

"U-urgh.." She growled, glaring at the opposition who hovered above her.

Her opponent, the Succubus who had the 2nd Seat in the Nether Cult, cast a condescending look on her injured form—causing Serah's determination to soar even more.

"I told you already.." The Succubus, Karlia, sighed in exasperation.

ραпdα Й?νê|(сòm) She had repeated this very same thing to Serah countless times, but they always fell on deaf ears.

"It doesn't matter how hard you try—you can't kill me. Trust me, I've also tried."

Karlia's demon wings flapped behind her, and her tail danced as she folded her arms while maintaining her position in the air.

Her clothes, which had been destroyed many times by Serah's attacks, instantly reappeared on her body. The Succubus was not only immortal, but it seemed her lab coat and her accompanying attire, were also capable of restoration.

"You're almost out of steam. Your power won't even be enough to damage me at this point. I've done well to adapt to it all."

"Haa.. haa.. is that.. so..?" Serah huffed and put on a brave smile.

Despite all her bravado, she knew Karlia was right.

She was already well past her limits, and the 2nd Seat was yet to break a sweat.

"Guess I have no choice.." Serah whispered.

Karlia appeared puzzled, but also curious. It initially felt insulting to Serah that the Succubus never showed any caution or fear when they fought, but after a while she completely understood.

There was no real reason for her to feel threatened by Serah's power. In the end, even if she was damaged, she could instantly heal. She could never die. She was virtually unstoppable.

"I can clearly see what you're doing. You're going to kill yourself if you attempt to use so much power." Karlia spoke after watching Serah keenly.

"Is that your trump card? Don't use it."

"I can't believe you care that much about my wellbeing.." Serah leaked out a smile as she huffed even more.

Even though she was tired, her eyes contained enough resolve to carry out her mission. To save Neron, to protect her Kingdom—no, the world—she wouldn't mind sacrificing her life.

"W-w-what are you even talking about? You'll just blow yourself up and me alongside you. Now, I'm sure I'll still survive, but my lab is still right there. I would prefer it if you didn't resort to that." Karlia's face seemed redder than usual, for some reason.

Was she angry at Serah's stubbornness, or was she feeling some other form of emotion—perhaps embarrassment?

But why?

"Well, I'm not a big fan of throwing my life away. But.. I have to do all in my power to accomplish my mission!"

"Haa.. you're so insufferable. Look, I told you already, I don't really want to kill you. Of course, you'll leave me no choice if you threaten my project."

"Haha.. well, I also don't feel like killing you—not that I could—but.. we are enemies. That hasn't changed."

"I suppose. Hey, I've been curious about this for some time now, but.. what exactly is your mission? If it is to stop us, then even if you sacrifice yout life, it would be for no—"

"That's not all there is to it! I want to save my people, and I want to save the world from your organization. But more than that.. I want to save my man from your clutches!" Serah pointed at Karlia with resolve.

"Your man? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb. Neron came here to scout, and we lost track of his signature. Clearly, he was taken by one of you."

"O-ohhhh.."

"See? You know what I mean. It's just as I thought! You're guilty as charged."

"N-no, wait—"

"Neron wouldn't die that easily, so you've kept him in that lab of yours. The fact that I can't sense whatever is inside shows that if Neron could be anywhere, it's in there."

"Just hear me ou—"

"I can only imagine what he's going through in there. Ah, Neron.. don't worry.. I'll save you!" Serah tightened her fist in resolve as she ascended to the air in order to confront the enemy once more.

"Are you finished?" Karlia sighed.

"No, I'm just getting starte—"

"Shut up, you idiot. I don't have Neron. Legris does."

"U-uh..?"

For a moment, silence pervaded the whole area. Serah blankly atared at the Succubus, who groaned as she slapped her head in annoyance.

"S-so you're saying.."

"Yeah. This whole thing is a misunderstanding. Look, we were all assigned our respective tasks. Legris was to take care of Neron—and neither of them is even on the island as we speak."

Serah's face slowly began to leak beads of sweat. Her body suddenly began to ache, and she could feel the flame within her quell.

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" She asked her final question.

"Have I ever lied to you? Lies are something I can't stand, so I don't engage in them. So, there you have it."

Serah an instant sense of awkwardness wash over her as Karlia sighed. Everything suddenly felt like a waste of time and energy.

"H-hey, Karlia.." Serah mumbled, feeling nervous and embarrassed as she stared at the Succubus in front of her.

She never thought she would resort to this, but after hearing the truth about Neron, and that there was no longer any point in fighting, Serah could no longer help but wonder..

"D-does your offer still stand?"

*

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[A/N]

Mass Release off 10 chapters incoming!!!

Also, you can purchase the privilege chapters if you can. They've been made more affordable, so you can check out what happens 50 chapters ahead.

Things are reaching the climax.

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Thank you all for reading this far. I appreciate the support.