Unorthodox sects.

These were people who refused to abide by justice, always looking for unethical ways to obtain power. Not to confuse with demonic sects, who worshipped the evils and used totally dangerous cultivating methods, though.

Typically, annihilating the latter was the priority of the orthodox sects, yet the situation in the Central Divine Realm was different. Because the previous generation of the orthodox was practically overwhelmed by the demonic sects, the latter took the opportunity to infect the unorthodox, coaxing, converting, and possibly forcing them to worship the evils.

By this time, the two had combined forces, creating a formidable army full of strong cultivators. In truth, the leaders of the major sects were hurriedly training their disciples in the hope of finding a hero or heroine who could save the world—that was until Kierra appeared.

With the archwizard came a mysterious power, one that could elevate their strength to a whole new level, and of course, no one could deny Kierra's own prowess. If the rumor that she was as strong as an Immortal was true, this long-lasting rivalry between the orthodox and unorthodox might just be possible to resolve so long as Kierra wanted to.

In short, Kierra was their light—the hope of the world and the most glamorous heroine!

Currently, the same glamorous heroine:

'This motherfucker...'

(ꐦ𝅒_𝅒)

Kierra cursed in her heart. This was a super rare occasion as the archwizard only let out profanity, even in her thoughts, a few times per year.

Pacing back and forth inside the room, the archwizard's face was slightly crumbling. It had indeed been a long time since she was this triggered!

A few minutes prior, she and her usual group were simply discussing the war matter. According to Mie Xieren, who received the information first, there had been certain movements in the Land of Death. Particularly, a few scouts had reported sightings of war infrastructure being raised near the border.

This meant that the war was imminent and that everybody should prepare for it. On this side, the major sects had already mobilized troops to initiate preparations for the confrontation. Now was exactly the calm before the storm.

For Kierra, this was nothing unpredictable. Just as she was about to celebrate new toys to play with, a small blue bird flew in from the window.

It immediately caught her attention since her detection spell couldn't identify it beforehand, but most importantly, it was strikingly similar to that woman's messenger.

Sure enough, the next moment, a majestic burst of mana engulfed the bird, rapidly turning its body into the shape of a human. Standing in front of the group, with light blue hair cascading and golden eyes, was undoubtedly the sword empress herself.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Even through a mere hologram, her majesty could be vividly felt.

For Kierra, however, this was certainly a moment of shock. Suddenly, seeing her ex proudly appearing like that, with the same confidence, the same vibe, the same heavy obsession toward herself, she couldn't help but feel a bit bitter.

Not waiting for a response, August von Lilienthal briskly and accurately walked right up to Kierra. She raised her hand to pet the archwizard's chin, but it was immediately dodged.

[Still playing cold?]

''...''

Hearing August's voice for the first time in months, Kierra was momentarily stunned. A terribly nostalgic and bittersweet feeling arose in her heart as she furrowed her pretty eyebrows.

''Took you long enough, August von Lilienthal.'' Kierra shot back.

At this, the sword empress's smirk disappeared.

[I told you to call me by my nickname, didn't I?]

''We are not in that kind of relationship anymore, so keep dreaming.''

[Is that so? Then I must have slept with the wrong woman back then, hm? Who was the one begging me to continue—]

''Stop.'' Kierra glared, not keeping her murderous intent dormant in the slightest. ''If you dare to utter a word, I will kill you!''

[You say that every time, my pitiful kitten.]

''Shut up.''

[Both you and I know it—a cat shouldn't disobey its owner.]

''Get out.''

[Still, you're irresistibly cute even when you're hissing like this... I guess people love cats for a reason?]

As August teasingly whispered into Kierra's ear, the surrounding atmosphere was already trembling. Dreadful pressure constantly escaped the archwizard's body as if answering her rage, and right when she was about to blast the hologram away, August pulled back.

[Aside from that.]

''...?''

[Although I am happy that we have met again, this time, I must announce: You and I will fight each other very soon.]

''Yes, and I shall crush you.''

[Oops, before you get ahead of yourself—I have a proposition.]

''...Speak.''

[Since we are not in the same league as the folks in this world, I reckoned we should not intervene much in their business, especially if it determines their survival. For that, I would like both of us to not support them directly in battles, lest they become dependent on us.]

''Helping or not is my business. Why should I care?''

[Think about it again, cutie. You also want them to stand on their own, don't you? By the end of this war, we can settle with each other separately. In the first place, I have done you a favor by delaying this side's advance until now. All for you lot to make progress.]

''...''

[Or... perhaps you are afraid of losing to me?]

Instantly, this triggered the prideful person inside Kierra, and in a surge of recklessness, she shouted. ''No way. I shall do it.''

[Excellent. To remind you once again, I am very, very angry about you fooling around with these foxes. Once I defeat you... expect a heavy punishment.]

As August mentioned it, a dark shadow fell onto her face, and in her eyes gleamed a certain twisted love—a grudgingly terrifying obsession and an unsatiable lust. This made the women in the room quiver in fear, and as for Kierra, she was strangely aroused, remembering what August could do to her body before.

By normal standards, Kierra was a top person. This was due to her long-developing pride, her unparalleled power, and her trained bed skills. However, by nature, she was a bottom, reflecting her initially shy and soft personality.

In practice, she would only 'lose' to her very first precious person—a top of the top—August.

''...Fine.''

After hearing Kierra's meek response, August smiled in satisfaction. She took a good look at her treasure one last time before turning away.

[Then, we shall definitely meet again. I love you, Kierra.]

With that, the sword empress turned into the blue bird again and flew out the window.

''...''

'Me too.'

If this were a few hundred years ago, Kierra would have replied so immediately. Oh, how time had changed...

Still!

Just how haughty was that bitch?! Did she think that being somewhat strong and possibly winning her in bed gave her the right to be that arrogant?!

(╯｀□′)╯~╧╧

Fuck that bitch!

No, not literally! Not in a million years...!