Chapter 168: chariot!

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Surprised by Issei's response, Ingvild's eyes widened with a mix of curiosity and astonishment. "Really? I've heard rumors that my Longinus might have an effect on dragons, but I never expected it to manifest through singing."

Issei nodded, a glint of understanding in his eyes. "I think I might have an idea of how it works now. You're like a bard, but for dragons. It's a unique and powerful ability. We can explore it further tomorrow. I'm glad to see you've been working on it while I was away." He affectionately patted her on the head, a gesture that brought a shy smile to Ingvild's face.

"Thank you, Issei-kun," she replied softly. Her embarrassment from earlier had transformed into a sense of validation and encouragement. Issei's presence and support meant a great deal to her.

Curiosity piqued, Ingvild couldn't resist asking about the recent events involving Xenovia and Irina. "So, what happened with Xenovia and Irina? What did you tell them?"

Issei let out a sigh, his expression tinged with a mix of concern and resignation. "I went to check on them, but things took an unexpected turn when we summoned Gabriel. It turns out Gabriel knows that I'm the Sekiryuutei..." He paused, his voice filled with a hint of worry.

The half-devil frowned, recognizing the potential implications of Gabriel's knowledge. "That's not good..."

Issei's demeanor shifted, his tone becoming resolute. "You know what? It doesn't matter. After hearing your song, it brought clarity to my mind. There's no point in stressing over what might come. It's out of my control now. All we can do is prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario. Get some rest, Ingvild. Tomorrow, we'll find Saji and begin our training." His words carried a sense of calm and acceptance.

With that, Issei made his way upstairs to examine the master bedroom he had prepared earlier. Ingvild followed suit, realizing that her room was conveniently located closest to Issei's. In the vast expanse of the house, their presence was the sole source of warmth and companionship.

As they approached their respective rooms, Issei turned to Ingvild with a final question. "By the way, Ingvild... Did you notice anything unusual in the forest or on the property?"

Ingvild nodded, her expression serious yet determined. "Yes, there were some minor anomalies. I'll show you tomorrow during our training, Issei-kun. Goodnight."

With a wave, Ingvild bid him farewell, and they went their separate ways for the night. As they retreated to their rooms, the anticipation of the training session and the shared responsibility that lay ahead seemed to strengthen the connection between Issei and Ingvild, forging a bond rooted in their shared mission and unwavering support for one another.

High above the lands of Shinto, on Artemis' Chariot, Athena gazed pensively at the sprawling Japanese landscape below. The journey with her half-sister had been marked by an uncomfortable silence, their words restrained and their interactions strained. Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt, fixed Athena with an accusatory glare, breaking the silence. "What's with your gloomy silence, Athena? You think you're too good to talk to me?"

Athena responded in her usual stoic manner, her voice devoid of emotion. "There are alternative means of travel, Artemis. Perhaps ones that suit our status better."

Artemis bristled at Athena's words, her fiery nature clashing with her sister's calm demeanor. "Oh, really? The favored child of Zeus, too high and mighty for my chariot, huh?"

The two half-sisters had never been particularly close. While both possessed formidable powers and excelled in combat, their similarities ended there. Athena embodied wisdom, stoicism, and a passive nature, while Artemis was known for her passionate temperament and emotional disposition. Their differences extended to their views on men, with Artemis harboring a deep-rooted distrust and disdain for them, save for her deceased friend Orion.

Their lack of closeness was not uncommon among the children of Zeus. Many of them carried a subconscious envy and resentment towards Athena, the favored child who could seemingly do no wrong, while they felt like failures in the eyes of their father. Ares, in particular, held the deepest estrangement from Athena. As for Artemis and Athena, they often avoided each other, their opposing philosophies and mindsets creating a rift between them. Artemis despised Athena's stoicism, perceiving it as condescension, while Athena found fault in Artemis' unrestrained emotions, her animosity towards men, and her quick temper.

Athena's blank response only seemed to fuel Artemis' anger. "What do you mean by that? Are you saying you don't appreciate my chariot? You could have flown here as an owl or teleported if you hated it so much."

Athena remained composed, determined not to be drawn into her sister's provocation. "The chariot itself is not the issue. It suits you well, and it's more spacious than I initially thought. I simply find it unnecessary for our current mission."

Artemis growled in frustration, her annoyance palpable. "You always find a way to belittle me, don't you? I bet you'd be happier if I just stayed away and you could carry out this task alone."

"It's not about happiness, Artemis. We have a duty to fulfill, and I am focused on that objective," Athena replied, her tone even and unwavering.

Artemis scoffed, her anger not abating. "You're worse company than Ares, and that's saying something. At least he wouldn't ignore me the entire journey."

Athena couldn't help but comment on their strained relationship. "It's interesting how you and Ares don't get along. You share many similarities."

Artemis glared at her half-sister, her eyes sharp and filled with defiance. "Absolutely not! We are nothing alike."

Athena's calm demeanor remained intact as she continued to engage in the conversation. "On the contrary, there are striking resemblances. Both of you possess intense emotions, both take pleasure in combat, and both command devoted followings—your Amazons and his sons, the Amazons' original creators."

Artemis visibly grimaced, her disapproval evident. "The Amazons worshipped me, not Ares. Why would a society of warrior women venerate a clown like him?"

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