So It Comes

"With this, our troops will make the most out of the new monsters we are about to face," Luna immediately stated. He was aware of the negative effects the EXP Agimat might bring to his nation.

But why would he live in fear? So what if eyes fall on the <Sovereign Nation> even more? If they're strong enough, can anybody do anything about it? Hold back and lay low with it? Why would he? Of course, if other people from weaker Nations were to find it, they would definitely keep it a secret.

The <Sovereign Nation> was built so it wouldn't have to worry about things like that. Now, with even more numbers on their side, as long as everyone else was trained, they weren't just quality over quantity. They were quality in huge quantities.

"Lord Luna, there is no longer any reason to hesitate. Let us walk forward unto the next phase." Elder Aran suggested.

"Agreed," he replied as he pressed his palm towards the ground. "Come to me, Sarimanok." Flames appeared on each one of his fingertips. He didn't melt a hole directly, but rather manipulated the flames to form a cage around it first. It was better safe than sorry, after all. "Whew," Luna breathed a sigh of relief. "I was somewhat afraid that my flames would be stopped mid-way like some ridiculous plotline in a role-playing game."

Soon, the Sarimanok was in Luna's hands. He held it with both arms, not allowing it to wriggle free.

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<Experience Agimat - The Sarimanok>

A bird of legend said to bring good fortune to whoever is lucky enough to see it.

It's long, multi-colored tail is said to possess magical properties of unknown origin and power.

Increases EXP gained from killing enemies by 50%.

Increases comprehension of Anitos.

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"Shall we head back, father?" Maxene's sweet voice sounded from behind Luna.

"We've lucked out this time. There's nothing else for us here. Let's head out," Luna replied as he patted her on the head.

As soon as they got back, Luna personally set up the <EXP Agimat> within his own residence, one of the safest areas within the <Sovereign Nation>. Much to his and everyone's surprise, the Sarimanok dashed off into the distance at a speed not even Sura herself could match.

Luna remained calm. After all, he was already the official possessor of the <EXP Agimat>. The only thing he was feeling, was curiosity. Sensing the Sarimanok's location, he eventually found out that the Sarimanok had made the <Cradle of Evolution> it's new home. The very same one located in between the <Life Trees>.

"Sigh. What a willful Chicken. It actually made the Cradle of Evolution it's home," Luna said.

"It'll slow down the birth rate of our Elven people, but I can't complain. The EXP Agimat! We really procured it!" Elder Aran was still in disbelief.

The very same Agimat that resulted in their defeat to the Dark Elves was now in the possession of the Sovereign Nation!

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Heaven.

Currently, the Gods were utilizing all their resources.

"Had we not been so fearful of them surpassing us, maybe the Void would be facing our invasion instead." A High-ranking God decked in Golden armor commented.

"The mistakes of the past, we can do nothing about them now. We need only to give them as much time as we can," Answered a similarly garbed person.

"Tch, that Sovereign Nation and it's leader sure are lucky to have been born on top of the Earth Guardian's corpse*."

"Indeed. They are quite blessed with the most resources, not to mention their leader, Luna, actually hoarded all the initial prizes for his Nation. Che! I'll make sure he doesn't get too arrogant in front of us in the future!" A God with a long white beard wore a perpetual scowl on his face as he arrogantly proclaimed. Over the myriad worlds' existence, thousands of Gods, now unknown were born. This man was one of the relatively newer, but less popular ones, yet worshipped enough to sustain his form. This man was known as Scowlface, known as the God of Enmity by the people who worshipped him.

"Little Scowlface, why are you always so angry?" An elderly looking God, similarly with long facial hair and an eyepatch on one eye questioned the other. This man was the one known as Odin.

"It's in the name, Odin. Why even ask?" Scowlface retorted.

"Hahaha! Nothing, nothing. But you must have figured it out by now. We Gods are but a means to an end at this point. The future belongs to those young ones. Had we raised them in the beginning, they would have been strong enough to fight for us while we made use of the Agimat of Attribute. Yet all we did was fear their hypothetical betrayal. But it is too late for regrets now. Their growth is our highest priority and nothing else comes close!" Odin, the All-father stated. They had been too closed-minded for too long, comfortable in their kingdoms. The void having the advantage was a result of that.

"Whatever. I still think that Luna is a lucky bastard." Scowlface replied.

"Enough. It's true that he was lucky to be born where he was. But so were millions of others. You cannot just call someone lucky to numb your wounded pride, Scowlface. Hahaha!"

To the Gods, this banter was all that they could do to keep themselves entertained for the majority of the time. There wasn't much time for anything else.

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Back on Earth, all the other Nations were preparing as well. The weaker, yet smart ones that noticed the stronger monsters from the Void began contacting the stronger Nations to work out whatever form of Alliances they could. In the end, the bigger Nations only left them one choice. To be absorbed or be left out.

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A few days later, Luna took his place in the Western walls. This was the place they deemed to be the toughest one to defend.

"Lord Luna, first, second, triple, and final checks are finished. We're as ready as we can be." Paco, who was also stationed on the Western walls reported to Luna.

"Well done, Paco," Luna replied.

"May the Gods help us," Paco said, after taking in a deep breath. He was calm on the outside, but it would be a lie to say that he wasn't a bit worried.

"The Gods are busy. Only we can help ourselves," Luna answered. He had done all he can for his people. The <Nation of Santa Rita> reached out to them, but in the end, they couldn't come to an agreement.

They were somewhat confident in their defense and Luna was not willing to risk an unstable alliance to jeopardize his defenses. He held all the cards, after all.

He also received a message from the leaders of the Mutant Beasts to ally against the other beast Nations, but there was no longer any time to consider these offers.

The skies darkened and a wave of energy swept through the land before portals opened in various locations around the Earth.

"So it comes," Luna thought out loud. Paco, Sura, Elder Aran, and Maxene slowly nodded.

Even the usually carefree Maxene was aware that what was coming would threaten the happiness of her family. This was not something she would take lightly.