''By the way, Kierra.''

''Hm?''

''Did little Miss Disciple ever say who was gonna come here?''

At Diamante's question, the archwizard nodded, ''White Tower's master, Red Tower's master, Golden Tower's master, Green Tower's master, and Black Tower's masters.''

'''' Ugh. ''''

Immediately, repulsed grunts were simultaneously let out by both Diamante and August.

''That annoying red-headed guy is coming...?''

''Those goddamn twins...''

On one hand, Diamante hated the Red Tower's master, who made it his life goal to pursue the 'most powerful flame,' which, according to himself, would roughly take a shape similar to Diamante's. She didn't see him as a competition; no, she was merely annoyed from being pestered by this guy for so long.

On the other hand, August just hated kids in general. Even though she would very much love to see two or three daughters born between her and Kierra, she didn't like cheeky brats in the slightest.

'How childish.'

Kierra giggled, seeing the grumpy faces of her Linoel loves. It was as though they just ate a gloveful of lemon.

'Well, I didn't mention that Valentine was coming, too. Looks like Au forgot about her.'

The archwizard felt a bit guilty, thinking that August would soon be captured by the strict knight commander, yet she was also responsible for not letting her lovers go astray.

Rest in peace, August.

Curious, the others began to join the conversation one by one. Tian Yun was the first person to ask a question.

''Kierra, are these tower masters strong?''

''Maybe.''

''W-What do you mean by 'maybe'?''

''It depends on one's standard. By a normal standard, they are indeed very powerful, but by my standard, they are not too impressive.''

Overhearing this part, Wen Zhuwei comes forward with a question of her own.

''By any chance, are you familiar with them?'' She asks. ''If so... can you help us negotiate?''

By any definition, Kierra had fallen in love with the Central Divine Realm. She loved the people, the sceneries, the cultures, the food—everything. Yet, this love of hers was hardly ever revealed. Only those who stayed close to the archwizard knew how smitten she was.

Wen Zhuwei wasn't one of them.

She had merely assumed that being from another world, Kierra would take a neutral stance on this realm's destruction, meaning she wouldn't harm it or go out of her way to defend it.

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Knowing all of this, Kierra only nodded once.

''Sure.''

The initial goal was to call for Linoel's support in exchange for a certain degree of freedom in extracting this world's resources, be it cultivation manuals or physical goods.

However, Kierra knew better than that. For the pesky wizards who always tried to get her knowledge, she would have them fight and never pay them a dime.

And so, when Angelica finally finished establishing the portal, Kierra confidently stepped forward.

Amidst the suspension, a gentle breeze blew.

The first to cross was an elderly man with an impressive white beard. The instant his body completely entered the world, his eyes widened.

''Hoh... this is quite...''

Like a kid finding a room full of treasure, the White Tower's master excitedly darted around the area, riding a cane made of light.

The others' reactions weren't too different. As soon as their bodies stabilized, a wave of inspiration and awe would seem to wash over their minds, turning them back into their young, curious selves.

Watching this scene of clearly powerful individuals zooming around, many couldn't contain their laughter. Some found it endearing, while some found it hilarious.

August was of the latter.... until she saw a shade of violet passing through the gate.

''Crap—''

''Your Majesty.''

In less than a moment, Valentine von Bismarck, the one and only knight commander of the Lilienthal Empire, the most loyal and close vassal of August, closed in on her lord.

Clutching the Sword Empress's slender wrist with a palm full of calluses, Valentine coldly uttered, ''Do you have any last words?''

''Err... um... do you want an ice cream?''

''...''

''...''

A chilling fear enveloped the area, the kind that would make even seasoned fighters tremble.

''Hey, don't break the house, okay? We're going to negotiate in there.'' Kierra nonchalantly said.

''Understood.''

''W-Wait, Kierra? Can't you help me out a little bit...? We're lovers—''

The archwizard casually ignored that statement, clutching her hat so as not to let it be blown away by the blast. What blast?

''Ugh...!''

The blast coming from Valentine punching August in the stomach, of course.

''Arara...☆''

As everybody watched the Sword Empress fly away in a straight line, a group of four people approached them amidst the chaos. They were all elegant women clad in shining silver armor. From the swords hanging by their waists, one could infer their occupation.

One of them, who had a little wind spirit sitting on their shoulder, spoke up.

''Excuse me. Are you perhaps this realm's representative?''

''A-Ah, yes. I'm Wen Zhuwei. Formally known as the Heavenly Shura.''

''Nice to meet you, Miss Wen Zhuwei. I am Vivian, a knight under Captain Valentine.''

''Hm... is Valentine the woman with violet hair earlier?''

''Yes. We are all under Her Majesty, the empress, August von Lilienthal's command.''

''...''

It took a while for the situation to finally calm down. Everybody gathered inside Wen Zhuwei's spacious living room for the talk, while August and Valentine were still missing.

The tower masters sat on one end, while Kierra and the Heavenly Shura were on the other. Everybody else was behind them, the ones actually doing the deal.

''So, I've heard the details from your cute little disciple, Crimson Archwizard.'' Golden Tower's master said, covering her mouth with her hand. ''You want our help, was it?''

''I want you to clarify that as well.'' Red Tower's master chimed in. ''You, of all people, calling for help?''

''Hahah! Aren't you just lazy or something?''

''She's definitely being lazy!''

The twins followed suit.

Indeed, it was such an unbelievable node that Kierra, who could easily topple the world as they knew it, was requesting support. At this, Kierra only smirked.

''We're against gods, that's why.''

'''' ...! ''''

Gods.

This topic was highly controversial among scholars for centuries, and to bring that into this mess...

''Let's be serious here, young lady.'' The wise, seasoned White Tower's master spoke up. ''Since we have sacrificed our precious time to be here, I won't tolerate any nonsense.''

The pressure coming from the seemingly frail old man was immense. His silver eyes stared intently at Kierra, and then...

''First of all, don't ever talk to me in that tone. You're younger than me. Secondly, if you don't have the trust to believe my words, get out.''

'''' ... ''''

Kierra's furrowed brows said it all—she was annoyed. Nevertheless, as soon as she took out the bottle containing the late Heavenly Venerate's water, that suffocating atmosphere was replaced by a surprised one.

''See it for yourself.''

The archwizard smirked, taking in the astonished faces of her soon-to-be victims.