Chapter 40. End of the Battle

New York, United States

"I can explain this, Artoria-chan," Naruto said with a terrified look, sweat dripping down his face.

_______

Kazuma-sama: "Bastard! And here I thought you were an innocent boy. I'm jealous!"

Esdeath: "Oh my, this is quite fascinating."

Evil Spirit: "Ara-ara~ Who knew the innocent boy we saw before is such a beast? And that fox is adorable! Can I hug him? @God."

Emilia: "Ha… ha… Harem? 😨"

Robin: "How does he even handle that many women? Dating one is already troublesome enough."

________

Artoria's gaze fixed on Naruto, her expression unreadable. "Explain what to me, Naruto?"

Naruto began fumbling through an explanation, his words tumbling out in an incoherent mess. "Well, you see... um, I—there's this thing about not being able to choose just one, and, uh, I have my reasons... and, uh—"

Satria watched with a raised brow. "This is painful to witness. Should I step in or let him dig his own grave?"

The memory of Kiyohime and Valiana bickering flashed through Satria's mind, and he sighed. "I can't even blame the guy. With this level of bad luck, he might actually outdo me someday."

Fatalis chimed in with her usual dry tone. "You mean outdo your stupidity, weirdness, and unearned self-confidence? Only the 'handsome' part was accurate."

"Shut up, Neet Dragon! Stop teasing me for once!" Satria protesting internally.

Artoria, despite the clumsy explanation, listened intently. Her years as a king had honed her ability to discern sincerity, and she could tell Naruto was being honest.

"I'm not mad at you," she finally said, her voice calm. "Your words... they're sincere." A faint smile crossed her lips. "Perhaps... when we meet again, we can spar or..." Her words trailed off, her cheeks warming slightly.

Naruto perked up. "Of course, Artoria-chan. Uzumaki Naruto never breaks a promise. Believe it!" 

Satria nearly choked. "Hold up—why are you acting like you won't see him again soon? You've got the Dimensional Chat tickets, Saber. You can visit him whenever you want."

Artoria blinked, her face reddening further. "Ah, you're right... I didn't think of that." She turned to Naruto. "Would it be alright if I visited your household, then?"

"Sure! You're always welcome," Naruto replied, flashing a bright smile. "My home is your home."

Satria pinched the bridge of his nose. "What the hell is happening here? Did he just conquer the King of Knights without even trying?!"

Fatalis snickered. "It's like watching a romantic drama where the protagonist doesn't realize he's already won."

Jiraiya, meanwhile, was sobbing tears of joy, furiously scribbling in his notebook. "Naruto, my boy! You're a treasure trove of inspiration! I must immortalize this moment in my next book!"

Peter leaned over to Satria, whispering, "Is he always this smooth? Or is this just luck?"

"Smooth? This is luck of an idiot who somehow stumbles into success," Satria muttered, still in disbelief.

Baobhan Sith, not to be outdone, sidled up to Peter, wrapping her arms around his. "Master, they're making me jealous. How about we show them how much we love each other?"

Peter's face turned crimson. "B-Baobhan! Not now!" he stammered, trying to gently pry her off.

Finally, Satria couldn't take it anymore. "Alright, enough of the drama. Naruto, what's the deal with your transformation? I don't remember Kurama having that kind of power."

Naruto's demeanor shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "It's... complicated. Someone entrusted me with this power to fight the Burning Legion. It's demon energy, but I can't reveal who gave it to me—at least, not yet."

Satria narrowed his eyes. 'The Burning Legion... that means the entity who granted it must be someone like Illidan. But what's his endgame? This Illidan is not the type to give his power away for free... He is someone who is always hungry for power.'

"All I can say is that this power was given to me to protect others. I'm still learning to control it, but I won't let it harm anyone."

Satria couldn't help but marvel at how far Naruto had come. This version of Naruto was a far cry from the dense, bumbling ninja from the Elemental Nations. With mastery over almost every jutsu, nine Bijuu under his control, magical abilities, and even legendary swordsmanship, he was a force to be reckoned with.

"Honestly," Satria thought, "maybe becoming Hokage would've been a waste of his potential."

Fatalis, ever the cynic, sighed. "A Hokage with this much power would've solved every problem in a week. But then, we'd have no drama to watch."

"Guys, just a heads-up—you've got about 10 minutes until the system transports you back to your worlds," Peter reminded everyone, checking the countdown on his interface.

"What should we do until then?" Jiraiya asked, glancing at the group with curiosity.

"Why don't we open our rewards from the mission?" Satria suggested, leaning casually against a wall. "Might as well see what we got while we're waiting."

Artoria nodded, her expression softening. "I agree. It'll be a good way to pass the time—and I'm curious to see what rewards we've earned."

With unanimous agreement, the group began opening their surprise boxes. 

The moment Satria opened his reward, a notification appeared on his screen. A shimmering light coalesced into a thick, ancient-looking book bound in ornate leather. His eyes widened slightly as he read the item description:

Private Journal of Qin Shi Huang: The writings of the First Emperor who united China under one banner.

Satria's lips curved into a grin. "Magnificent. What secrets could this book hold? The personal thoughts and strategies of one of history's greatest rulers… this is beyond valuable."

He ran his fingers lightly over the cover, feeling the weight of history in his hands. For Satria, power wasn't always about brute strength. To him, knowledge was the ultimate weapon—a tool to outwit, outmaneuver, and dominate in ways physical strength never could.

"This journal… it's more than a reward. It's a treasure."

Though Satria had little interest in ruling, he recognized the significance of what he held. Qin Shi Huang's wisdom and insight had forged an empire from chaos—an empire that changed the course of history.

"Perhaps I don't desire to stand at the top," Satria thought, leaning back with a reflective look. "But understanding the path of someone who did could make all the difference in my own journey."

He smirked, closing the book with a soft snap. "Wherever this knowledge takes me, I'll be ready."

As the others excitedly discussed their rewards, Satria let his mind wander. He didn't care if his reward didn't grant him immediate power or flashy abilities. He'd always believed that strength fades, but wisdom lasts forever.

"It's a troublesome job to lead others," he mused, watching the lively chatter around him. "But maybe… just maybe… this will show me how to navigate the chaos that lies ahead."

For now, the journal would remain a mystery. But one thing was certain: it would guide him toward a future he couldn't yet see.

After opening the mysterious box, Naruto froze in shock at what lay inside.

"Looks like destiny doesn't want us to stay apart, old friend," he thought, memories of his "emo" teammate flashing in his mind. The bittersweet nostalgia of their countless battles and reconciliations brought a small smile to his face. Sasuke... what would you think if you saw this now?

Before he could dwell further, a familiar voice chimed in.

"WOW!!! This Dimensional Chat is amazing! Father would be speechless to see his pupil already surpassing him!" Son Goku exclaimed in a boisterous tone, his excitement filling Naruto's mind.

Matatabi's soft, purring voice followed, her pride evident. "Congratulations, Naruto-kun. With this, you've reached—no, surpassed—the level of our father at his peak."

Kokuo, ever the composed one, added with calm satisfaction, "Now you've gained mastery over the Yin-Yang element. It's only a matter of time before you perfect Father's greatest technique: the Creation of All Things."

Naruto felt a surge of warmth hearing the praise from his Bijuu allies, but before he could respond, an intense, searing pain shot through his eyes. He instinctively placed his hands over them, groaning as the heat built up, like a fire forging steel.

When the pain finally subsided, he hesitated for a moment before slowly opening his eyes. The reflections in the nearby glass stunned him: the whites of his eyes had turned purple, and rippling patterns covered his irises, each decorated with nine tomoe.

His breath hitched. "The Rinne Sharingan..."

He felt the energy coursing through him—pure, unrestrained power. It was unlike anything he'd experienced before, even with Sage of Six Paths' chakra. The combined might of Asura and Indra's legacies now fully coalesced within him.

Kurama, who had been silent until now, spoke with a rare tone of reverence. "So... the new Rikudou Sennin has been born."

Naruto clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming strength surging in his veins. It wasn't just raw power; it was knowledge, understanding, and balance. He could feel the threads of reality itself bending at his will.

But despite the exhilaration, Naruto closed his eyes, grounding himself. Power is a tool, nothing more. He wasn't the same knucklehead ninja who once sought strength for validation. This was a responsibility—a burden he would carry to protect the worlds connected through the Dimensional Chat.

He opened his eyes again, the glow of his new Rinne Sharingan gleaming with resolve. "Sasuke, Father, everyone... I'll carry this legacy forward, not just for myself, but for all of you." 

Standing confidently, Naruto's face reflected a nostalgic smile, his eyes now a mesmerizing blend of crimson red sclerae and rippling patterns. The Rinne Sharingan gleamed with unearthly power, signifying his evolution to a new plane of existence.

"Is that... the Rinne Sharingan?" Satria muttered, both impressed and slightly apprehensive. "This guy is on another level now."

Fatalis's amused tone echoed in his mind. "Puppy, you might want to keep an eye on this one. The power of a god in the hands of someone as unpredictable as him? Quite the gamble."

Satria chuckled. "Naruto's never been the type to misuse power. If anything, this world might need him someday."

"What I mean is... When we crossed paths. I have a hunch that someday you and he will..." 

The sudden, piercing headache struck Peter like a lightning bolt, forcing him to clutch his head and stumble. A pained expression twisted his face as a torrent of unfamiliar memories surged through his mind, foreign and yet hauntingly vivid.

"Master! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Baobhan was instantly at his side, her arms supporting him as she gently caressed his head. Her crimson eyes shone with worry, her usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern.

Peter gave her a weak nod, signaling that he was okay, though the truth was far more complicated. He understood now—it was because of the strange card he had drawn from the Surprise Box. It wasn't just an item; it was a fragment of a soul, a piece of someone else's life.

The memories came in waves, unrelenting and suffused with melancholy. He saw the life of a man who had walked a solitary path, driven by a singular, unwavering ideal: to be a Hero of Justice. A man who saved others at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing himself—his happiness, his pride, and ultimately his humanity.

Peter's vision blurred as he watched the man's relentless struggle. He fought tirelessly, smiling for the people he saved, yet bearing the crushing weight of betrayal and loneliness. Friends abandoned him, allies turned against him, and still, he stood alone, wielding his ideals like a fragile blade against the world.

"Shirou... Emiya?" Peter murmured the name, a faint whisper on his lips, though he had no idea where it came from. The name felt heavy, laden with the weight of a thousand sacrifices. "Is this what I've been striving to become?"

His gaze flickered to Baobhan, who was still holding him with anxious eyes. The mere thought of betraying her—betraying his family—made his stomach churn. No, he wasn't like the man in those memories. He would never let his ideals strip him of the people he loved.

For the first time, Peter felt himself crash against the cold, unyielding wall of reality. No matter how much he saved others, no matter how many lives he protected, conflict would persist. War, greed, and hatred—they were constants, woven into the fabric of every era. His naïve dream of saving everyone, of fixing the world, now seemed like the folly of a child.

But those memories also left him with resolve, a new understanding. I will not end up like that forgotten hero. He wouldn't discard his loved ones for an impossible ideal. He would protect them, cherish them, and fight not for a perfect world, but for the people who mattered most.

With a deep breath, Peter steadied himself. His resolve crystallized into a singular thought: If the world threatens my family, I'll put an end to that threat—no hesitation, no compromise.

Baobhan's soft touch brought him back to the present. "Master, are you sure you're okay?" she asked again, her voice trembling.

Peter nodded firmly this time, his clarity restored. He stepped back, closing his eyes as the fragments of the forgotten hero's life settled into place within him. His hands moved instinctively, as though they had always known what to do.

"Trace... On," he whispered, his voice steady and unwavering.

In an instant, glowing circuits ran through his body like veins of light, his hands crackling with the energy of a new power. He felt the connection, the ability to shape weapons from nothing, to etch their history and purpose into reality. The legacy of Shirou Emiya—his pain, his strength, and his ideals—was now a part of him.

Peter opened his eyes, a determined smile on his face. "Thank you for the lesson, Shirou. I'll carry this gift forward in my own way."

Satria's eyes narrowed as he processed the implications.

"Fatalis, that's Shirou Emiya's ability, isn't it?"

"Exactly. Seems like he not only inherited the ability but also Emiya's memories and ideals," Fatalis replied, her tone slightly grim. "The question is, which path will Peter choose? Emiya's journey was riddled with sacrifices and regrets. Will he learn from that, or repeat the same mistakes?"

Satria smirked, intrigued. "We'll see. Peter's not the type to give up easily. If anything, this might make him stronger."

The light of the Surprise Box dimmed, and as it faded, I felt a surge of warmth—something ancient and familiar, yet entirely new. It was not unlike the feeling of wielding Excalibur for the first time: a connection to something greater than myself. But this… this was different.

The knowledge of the ability flooded into my mind, as though it had always been a part of me. Chivalric Summoning.

I closed my eyes and focused on the name, the meaning behind it. The ideals I had spent my life striving to embody—valor, loyalty, justice, and honor—all came alive in a way I had never imagined. This power didn't just belong to me. It was a call to every knight who had ever upheld these ideals, no matter where or when they existed.

I opened my eyes and looked at the battlefield before me. There was chaos everywhere, but I could feel the strength of the summons waiting beneath the surface, a mere thought away.

"Let's test this."

"By the Oath of Chivalry, rise and fight!"

The summoning circle flared to life with golden light, crackling with energy. I hadn't expected it to work so quickly, and the force of the spell sent a faint gust through the room.

When the light dimmed, standing in its place was a figure clad in crimson armor, her spiked gauntlets resting on the hilt of a gleaming blade.

"Mordred?" I breathed out, my eyes widening.

She turned to me, her expression twisting into one of disbelief, irritation, and confusion all at once. "What the hell?" she demanded, pointing at me. "How the heck did you summon me? Where am I? And who the hell are these clowns?!" Her fiery eyes darted to the others in the room.

Before I could respond, Peter leaned closer, looking curious and a little wary. "Uh... Saber, who's this girl? She your friend or something?"

Mordred's eyes narrowed dangerously, and she jabbed a thumb at herself. "Girl? Watch it, buddy! Never call me a woman!"

Peter froze for a moment, his face slack with confusion before he held his hands up defensively. "Whoa, whoa, chill out! Are you, like, the extreme type of that community where people refuse to be called he or she?"

I groaned inwardly, pinching the bridge of my nose as I braced for Mordred's inevitable explosion.

"What the hell did you just say?!" Mordred roared, taking a threatening step toward Peter, her grip tightening on her sword.

"Easy there!" Satria stammered, backing up with a nervous laugh. "He was just asking! No offense, okay? You just give off that, uh, vibe." 

"Mordred, calm yourself," I intervened, stepping between her and Satria. "He didn't mean anything by it. You're not in Camelot anymore. This is another world, and these are... allies."

Her glare flicked to me, still simmering with anger. "Tch. Fine." She crossed her arms, but her stance remained tense, her annoyance clearly not abated. "Still doesn't explain how you dragged me here! What kind of magic even does that? You just snap your fingers and, poof, I'm out of my own timeline?"

I sighed. "It's complicated, but it's a power granted to me by this... system."

"System?" She tilted her head, frowning. "What are you even talking about?"

"Uh, yeah, Saber, mind explaining?" Peter asked, still keeping a cautious distance from Mordred. "Because I'd really like to know why you summoned what looks like an armored berserker into my house." 

"She's not a berserker!" I snapped, though I couldn't entirely dismiss the comparison. Turning back to Mordred, I softened my tone. "Mordred, I didn't summon you on purpose—this ability reacts to the summoner's will. It must have sensed our connection."

Naruto, who had been watching quietly up to this point, stepped forward with his signature grin. "Hey, uh, Mordred, right? I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Nice to meet you! And don't worry, this whole dimensional thing confused me at first, too, but it's actually kinda cool once you get used to it."

Mordred squinted at him. "Dimensional... thing?" She looked at me, her expression demanding answers.

"Later," I said firmly. "For now, just trust me. These people are trustworthy, if a bit... strange."

"Strange is putting it lightly," she muttered, but she didn't press the matter further.

Satria crossed his arms, glancing between Artoria and Mordred. "So... what are we supposed to do now that she's here? I mean, you summoned her, right? Does she just stay here indefinitely or what?"

Artoria took a deep breath, her expression calm despite Mordred's lingering scowl. "This is part of my new ability granted by the Dimensional Chat system. I can summon individuals I share a bond with, like Mordred, to aid me temporarily." She paused, glancing at Mordred. "And don't worry. If she's causing too much trouble, I can cancel the summoning."

Mordred's eyes widened, her face twisting into a mix of offense and disbelief. "Oi! Wait a minute! We're not done here!" she shouted, taking a step toward Artoria, her gauntlet clenching as if ready to argue her case.

But before she could continue, the summoning glyph beneath her feet lit up once again, and her form began to shimmer and fade.

"Damn it, don't just send me back—"

Her voice was abruptly cut off as she disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the room eerily quiet.

"Well," Jiraiya muttered after a moment, scratching the back of his head, "that was... something. She didn't even get to finish yelling at you."

Artoria sighed, the faintest hint of amusement flickering across her face. "Mordred has a lot of spirit, but she can be difficult. It's best not to let her linger too long. She'll return to the Throne of Heroes now and resume her place there."

Naruto grinned, crossing his arms. "Still, it's kinda cool you can summon people like her. I bet it's handy in a fight, right?"

Artoria nodded. "It is. Each knight carries unique strengths and skills. But it's also a responsibility; summoning them isn't something I should do recklessly."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Well, you just did it in my living room. That counts as reckless, doesn't it?"

Artoria gave him a sidelong glance. "I'll be more careful next time."

Baobhan Sith chuckled, leaning against Peter with a sly smile. "I liked her energy. Maybe next time she'll stick around longer. She and I could cause all kinds of fun together."

Peter paled. "Let's... not encourage that, okay?"

Satria shook his head, muttering, "This is just getting weirder and weirder."

Artoria smiled faintly. "Perhaps. But Mordred's appearance reminded me of something important: even if they're summoned temporarily, bonds transcend time and space." She turned toward the others. "We're all connected in some way. Let's not forget that." 

Jiraiya grinned widely, holding the glowing vial in his hands. "What will I get from this, I wonder~" His voice was filled with excitement, though his signature perverted chuckle escaped as well. "Something to really fuel my inspiration, perhaps?"

He uncorked the vial and admired the shimmering, golden liquid inside. The description attached to it glowed with the promise of youth and vitality: "This Elixir of Life will restore your youth to its prime."

As the rest of the group gathered around, they were still buzzing with the excitement of their own rewards from the Surprise Box. Some had received powerful abilities, others rare artifacts, and some even unexpected allies. But all eyes turned to Jiraiya, who was holding his own reward with a peculiar grin plastered on his face.

"What's got you so excited, old man?" Naruto asked, eyeing the older ninja with suspicion.

Jiraiya just chuckled, trying to suppress his enthusiasm. "Oh, nothing... just something that'll help with ahem my work," he said cryptically, attempting to sound nonchalant, though his voice betrayed the excitement that bubbled underneath.

"Come on, spill it!" Artoria demanded, raising an eyebrow at him, clearly not believing his calm demeanor.

Jiraiya finally uncorked the vial with a flourish, revealing the shimmering Elixir of Life inside. "Well, well, well," he began with a smug grin, "Seems like the Surprise Box has blessed me with the Elixir of Life. A drink that will restore my youth to its prime!"

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone stared at the vial, eyes widening in disbelief.

"Wait... what?" Naruto blinked, trying to process what he just heard. "That's... that's insane! You're gonna get young again? Like, how young?"

"Exactly! All the strength of my youth—without the wrinkles!" Jiraiya responded, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I'll be back to my prime, ready to take on new adventures! And perhaps finally find some inspiration for my next book, hmm?"

Artoria crossed her arms, giving him a skeptical look. "You're going to be even worse than before, aren't you?"

Jiraiya simply shrugged, his grin widening. "What can I say? Life's too short not to enjoy the perks of being a handsome, youthful ninja!" He laughed, clearly relishing the thought of returning to his former glory.

The others exchanged glances, some chuckling, others shaking their heads. Satria smirked. "Does this mean you're gonna start hitting on even more women now?"

"Why not?" Jiraiya responded with a wink. "I'm in my prime again! I'm gonna have the ladies lining up. And don't forget, there's always room for more inspiration for my future works."

Artoria groaned and buried her face in her hands, muttering something about her sanity being tested. Meanwhile, Naruto and the others couldn't help but laugh at Jiraiya's predictable reaction to the newfound vitality.

"You really can't change, can you?" Naruto said with a grin.

"Nope!" Jiraiya declared proudly. "I'm just getting started!"

The group shared a mix of laughter and exasperation, and while some were excited by their own newfound powers, Jiraiya's joy at his "second chance" was hard to ignore. He might've just received a gift of eternal youth, but to the others, it seemed like nothing would change—except perhaps his already legendary antics would be more energetic than ever.

As the light grew brighter, signaling their imminent departure, Peter decided to address the group.

"It's goodbye then?" Peter spoke up, bowing slightly. His voice carried a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you for coming here and helping me fight off the Invader. I owe all of you."

Jiraiya, ever the spirited elder, gave him a thumbs up. "You can count on me, Peter-kun. Just call if you need backup—or inspiration!"

Naruto grinned, his Rinne Sharingan fading temporarily. "Don't worry about it. You're a good guy, Peter. Just let me know if you ever need help."

Finally, Satria stepped forward, his expression serious. "Peter, listen. Because of this incident, you've painted a giant target on your back. Governments, corporations, shady organizations—they'll all want to know your secrets. If things get too dangerous, you're always welcome in our world. Evacuate your family if you need to."

Peter nodded, his resolve evident in his eyes. "I understand. Thank you, Satria. I'll keep that in mind."

Baobhan Sith tightened her grip on Peter's arm, silently vowing to protect her master no matter what.

As the white light began to envelop them, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Satria gave Peter one final nod.

"Stay strong, kid," Satria said with a grin.

"You too," Peter replied. "And good luck with your own messes."

With that, the group members vanished, leaving Peter and Baobhan alone in the now-quiet room.

Baobhan Sith turned to Peter, concern etched across her face. "Master, what's on your mind? You've been... different since you opened that box."

Peter stared at Kanshou and Bakuya, still shimmering faintly in his hands. His voice was steady, but tinged with the weight of newfound knowledge.

"I've seen what it means to be a 'hero.' To save everyone, no matter the cost... even if it destroys you in the process." He looked at Baobhan, his resolve hardening. "I won't be like that. I'll protect you and our family. I'll fight for justice, but not at the expense of those I love."

Baobhan smiled softly, her confidence in him unshaken. "I know you will, Master. And I'll always be by your side."

Without warning, Baobhan gently cupped Peter's face and kissed his lips softly. Her touch was tender, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away.

When they parted, Baobhan smiled, her eyes soft but mischievous. "Enough of that for now. Let me help you relax, my dear. You've done so much today, and you deserve a bit of rest."

She carefully guided him to the nearby washroom, where they could clean up. Baobhan's voice was soothing as she spoke, and her presence made Peter feel at ease.

"Let me take care of you," she whispered, her hands gentle as she helped him prepare for a warm bath. "Consider this a little reward for everything you've done." Baobhan spoke in a seductive tone and stripped off her dress leaving only her underwear which made something inside Peter rise at that. 

Peter couldn't help but smile at her kindness, feeling a sense of warmth he hadn't realized he needed.

•

Satria Mansion

Kuoh, Japan

Satria finally returned home after completing the mission, feeling a sense of accomplishment. As he entered the living room, he was met with a sharp gasp from Valiana.

"Who the hell are you?!" Valiana's eyes widened in surprise, looking at the tall, muscular, white-haired man before her.

Satria grinned, his playful smirk ever-present. "It's me, princess. Your beloved Satria."

Valiana blinked, unable to comprehend the transformation. "Huh? How? When?!" she stammered. "How did you go from cute to... this hunk?"

Just then, Kiyohime appeared in the living room, her elegant kimono flowing behind her.

"Ara-Ara, Danna-sama," she said with a smile, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Are you perhaps doing some quest again with your friends in Dimensional Chat?"

Satria laughed softly, his tone teasing. "What do you think of my new look, my dear? Falling deeper for me?" He struck a ridiculous pose and winked.

Kiyohime chuckled. "No matter what changes you go through, Danna-sama, I will always love you for eternity."

Satria's heart warmed as he lifted her into his arms, kissing her cheek affectionately. "And I feel the same way, sweetheart. We're husband and wife, after all."

Valiana, growing jealous of their playful exchange, stepped in with a sharp demand. "Quest? What do you mean? Explain it to me now, and stop flirting in front of me!"

Kiyohime, ever patient, explained the concept of Dimensional Chat to Valiana, who seemed equally shocked and intrigued by the idea. Albion, her ever-present dragon, remained silent, clearly just as confused by the news.

Valiana, unable to contain her excitement, grabbed Satria by the shoulders and shook him violently.

"You—YOU MUST INVITE ME TO YOUR GROUP RIGHT NOW!" she demanded, her voice firm and filled with impatience.

"Waaa! Stop shaking me, you crazy woman!" Satria sputtered, struggling to break free of her grasp.

Valiana, now in full dramatic mode, glared at him with intensity. "You dare call your wife crazy?! I demand you invite me, or face my wrath!"

Satria groaned. "My group doesn't even have an invite feature yet, you crazy girl! Stop shaking me."

After a moment, Valiana pouted, crossing her arms in a huff.

"What kind of enemies are you facing in these worlds? I need to know!" Her curiosity now piqued, she shifted her focus from her husband's teasing back to the dangerous missions he had been on.

Satria's expression darkened, his mind flashing back to the horrors he had witnessed in New York—the mutilated bodies, the demons feasting on the helpless, and the undead legions being raised by twisted forces.

"That's... something I don't like talking about," he said, his voice low. "But if you must know, we're facing True Demons."

"Demon? Like the devils in the Underworld?" Valiana blinked, surprised by the seriousness of his tone. She had never seen Satria like this, and truth be told, it made him even more alluring. She bit her lip, thinking about how much she loved when he was serious.

Satria sighed. "No, these demons are far worse. They're called the Burning Legion, and their only goal is to plunge every universe they touch into darkness. They're pure evil with a singular purpose—to destroy everything in their path."

Valiana's eyes widened. "So these demons are the real deal, huh?" Her voice softened with a mix of admiration and concern.

As soon as the words left his lips, Albion, the Heavenly Dragon, let out a strange growl—a low, rumbling sound. His eyes narrowed, his body tensing.

"Burning Legion?" Albion's voice was heavy with disbelief. "I've never heard of them before. But... just saying their name..." He shook his head, and for the first time, a chill ran through his enormous body.

Valiana turned to her dragon, noticing the strange unease in his tone. "What's wrong, Albion?"

"That name... it sends chills down my spine," Albion muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "For a dragon to feel fear from a mere name... There's something about these Burning Legion that even I can't explain. This is unlike any evil I've encountered before."

Kiyohime, who had been listening attentively, now placed a hand on Satria's chest. She had never seen him look so grave, and she couldn't help but worry for him.

"You're really fighting that kind of enemy?" she asked quietly.

Satria nodded grimly. "It's a battle for survival, and it's not just our world at stake. But don't worry, we'll handle it."

Valiana, though serious for a moment, suddenly brightened at an idea. "Hmm, I'm still jealous though. Can't you invite me to your adventure?"

Satria chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We now have something called a Dimensional Ticket, which means you can travel to other worlds with me."

"Really?" Valiana's face lit up with joy.

"Of course," Satria reassured her. "You're my princess. What's mine is yours."

Valiana squealed with excitement, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly. "You're the best husband ever!"

Satria laughed, feeling a sense of peace wash over him as Valiana clung to him. It was moments like these—when they were all together—that reminded him why he fought so hard.

"Now, let's relax for a bit," he murmured, holding her close, feeling the warmth of her affection.

To be continued.