clang!

As soon as he finished speaking, Victor swung his shield again, perfectly blocking the rib that the Judge was about to break through his cloak.

"But……"

It wanted to say that the thing in front of it was not a monster at all, but an existence that no one could defeat.

Before Vega could say another word, Victor's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting him.

"I know what you're trying to say, but it's showing me its health bar."

The health bar is showing...?

What does this mean?

Vega suddenly realized that Victor's consciousness seemed somewhat confused, as if he had fallen into a state of extreme exhaustion.

Even speaking seems to have fallen into an instinctive state.

This is bad; Victor may be experiencing mental problems.

Even his current fighting style seems to be...

Using instinctive muscle memory, they fought continuously against the opponent.

Seeing all this, Vega's body trembled slightly, and he asked Victor:

"How long...did you fight it?"

"Three days? Or five days? Or eight days?"

Victor transformed into elemental form once more, nimbly dodging the attack, his burning, gleaming eyes still fixed on the Judge.

"It doesn't matter anymore."

"Right now, all I want to do is defeat it immediately."

Upon hearing this, Vega's wide eyes gradually calmed down.

It stared in a daze at the enemy that kept attacking it.

Vega slowly closed his eyes, feeling the shattering of the surrounding space and the scorching sounds of the flames.

As if he had made up his mind, Vega slowly opened his single eye again.

However, this time, a hint of azure shimmered in the depths of Vega's dark eyes.

[Connection successful]

"Hey buddy."

"I am willing to believe in you unconditionally."

...

Hermes raised his head, and the firelight, like a baptism, illuminated his face.

He looked up at the burning sky, his gaze finally settling on Erica, who was engulfed in flames.

At this moment, Erica, who was composed entirely of pure elements, burst forth with dazzling and terrifying flames like a ferocious beast.

Even the trench coat behind her flickered with firelight as it swayed in the wind.

A splash of crimson reflected deep within Hermes' golden eyes, as if he were somewhat moved.

"It's really beautiful."

Seeing this scene, Aubrey put away the crimson spear in his hand and put his hands behind his back.

He also looked up, but his gaze fell on the massive doorway where twisted machinery and flames coexisted.

"Guide the gods back to the world."

"Is this your plan?"

"No."

Hermes shook his head.

He knelt on the ground, his head tilted back slightly, gazing at the steps above the door that led into the highest heavens.

"This is the gods' plan."

In order to return to the world, the gods need more than just faith.

They are locked on the throne in the sky, and someone needs to appear and break the divine staircase that blocks their passage.

"So, we created this plan."

He then looked at the enormous doorway, at the millions of souls within, scorched by the flames, and slowly said:

“Countless immortal new life forms will be revived on this ancient land of nascent life.”

"And this is just the beginning."

At this point, he smiled, as if he had been relieved.

Even if you kill me, it won't change anything. I've done what I had to do.

"And Viktor will never come back."

He abandoned his previous composure and said with a smile:

"The next era will be a completely new one."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hermes' eyes widened dramatically, his face filled with anticipation.

He stared at the massive door engulfed in flames, his heart filled with tension.

The countless fiery steps trembled in response, stirring up flames several meters high.

A crimson wisp of smoke rose from the center of the doorway.

"It's a success..."

Seeing the scene before him, he couldn't help but feel overjoyed.

"Our plan has succeeded..."

But suddenly, Aubrey looked at the massive door and chuckled softly.

"Is that so?"

At that moment, Erica felt her trench coat suddenly flutter behind her.

She seemed to sense something, her gaze fixed firmly on the massive, blazing mechanical door.

Then, within that fiery gate, hazy crimson smoke began to flicker.

Amidst the flowing orange light, light and shadow intertwined.

The terrifying roar and the intense heatwave drew everyone's attention.

They held their breath, as if some incredible monster might step out of them at any moment.

Suddenly, a "whoosh!" sound rang out.

A foot stepped out from the fiery door.

Slight flames and red smoke swirled around his trouser legs.

Immediately afterwards, half of a man's body slowly emerged from it.

In that instant, Hermes went from excitement to ecstatic joy.

"They're here! They've finally arrived!"

From behind that gate, the man's entire body emerged.

Burning, blazing shoulders and heads enveloped in endless flames emerged from the doorway, revealing themselves to the crowd.

But suddenly, Hermes's laughter, which had been accompanied by wide eyes and a wide grin, came to an abrupt halt.

Even the surprise on his face seemed to freeze, solidifying on his expression.

"It seems you're not very welcoming to me."

The person who stepped out of the door spoke softly.

As the flames on his head gradually dissipated, Viktor's cold face was revealed from the ashes.

At that moment, everyone clearly saw the man walk out of the door.

They all stared in shock, their eyes wide, frozen in place.

His mouth was wide open, but he couldn't utter a single word.

All they could feel was the intense heat slapping their faces, their eyes filled with surprise and delight.

To the astonishment of countless people, Viktor twisted his neck, making a crisp sound as if his bones were dislocating.

Then, a jet-black crow flapped its wings and landed steadily on his shoulder, preening its somewhat messy and singed feathers.

At the same time, two cold gazes were simultaneously directed at Hermes.

"But we came back anyway."