Krenocia doesn't answer, she just walks up and kisses me, which I am used to. However, as soon as the kiss ends she catches me by surprise with a smack to the back of my head. Before I can react, she is gone so I go ahead and end the soulscape.

I have something to eat and then go check in with Leonarr to see how things are going. While I am at it, I also tell him to inform me if any angels are spotted. I can't absorb too many archangel cores, but a few shouldn't be a problem.

Besides, just one more core would allow me to evolve to the next level. Angel can't be any worse than insect as an influence and if it causes problems I just won't absorb any more. As unique as I am, I think Seronia was underestimating how much it would take to change me.

Although, I would love to find something to absorb that would give me more dragon traits. Of course, I mean something other than an actual dragon, I am not suicidal. Maybe when I get some time I should go explore the land bridge and look for drakes.

There are far too many things that I want to do when I find some time. The way things are going I am never going to find enough time for all of them. It makes me want to experiment with time magic, but I know that is a horrible idea.

However, I do plan to return to the castle before experimenting on the armor and sword. That will reduce the chances of me getting interrupted at a bad time. Since nothing major is going on right now, it is a good time, so I gate back.

The kids happen to be eating when I arrive so I join in and spend some time with them. I spend more than an hour listening to their stories about exploring the shadow plane. It makes me happy to see all eight of them getting along and enjoying themselves.

I'm sure there have been issues and arguments, but siblings aren't meant to always get along. Once they finally run out of stories, I tell them what is going on outside. Of course, they all immediately ask to be allowed to go help the beastmen.

I try to dissuade them by telling them they will have to follow orders, but they still want to go. Since them getting more experience and working with the beastmen is a good thing, I eventually agree. If the kids are going with me to the front, then I may as well take the castle with me.

Bella isn't in the castle currently, she is probably in the tower with Lin. Instead of working on my experiments, I leave the castle and tell Core what is going on. Then I put the castle away and head up to the tower to update Yui, Lin, and Bella.

Lin says "Why are you picking a fight with Holos?"

"That wasn't the plan. It kind of just happened. Anyway, what were you able to find out?"

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Lin says "Holos is a lesser member of the pantheon belonging to the southern empire. That probably explains how he was able to find out about the peninsula."

"The southern empire? That might complicate things since we are allied with the empire. Technically, that would make their pantheon an ally to the goddesses, but I doubt it will work that way. I really don't want to get dragged into the politics of the gods, but I might not have a choice."

Lin says "That could get interesting. According to the books I read, the leader of that pantheon is female. She is the only female pantheon head on the main continent. That has caused some issues in the past."

"It might also explain why Holos is setting up his own church and not telling anyone about the goddesses."

Lin says "You think he is trying to break away from his pantheon?"

"Maybe, that was the first thought that popped into my head. He might also be trying to become strong enough to take over his pantheon. I don't know enough about how pantheons work, I am just making guesses. What else did you learn about Holos? Anything about his personality?"

Lin says "He is known for his arrogance, but what god isn't? Oh, his church does not allow females to become clergy members. That struck me as odd since over half of the pantheon is goddesses."

"Yes, it is odd. It also makes it more likely that he is trying to act against his pantheon in one way or another. He sounds like a male chauvinist and if he is, then being under the orders of a woman would be the worst thing possible in his mind. He is starting to sound more and more like someone I don't want on my peninsula."

Lin says "That's probably true, but how do you kick a god out of an area? Do you have a plan?"

"I'm working on one. For now, I can just order the army to kill any members of his church that they encounter. Without followers, he won't be able to use as much power here. The gods are limited in a number of ways. I'm also wondering if we can't cause problems for him in his pantheon, but I need to talk to the goddesses first."

Lin says "About the pantheon, the leader is Artlysa the goddess of magic. Her second in command is Strassi, the protector of the empire. According to the books, the two of them are as strong as the rest of the pantheon combined. So, if you meet them try not to offend them, but don't make them fall in love with you either!"

"I don't have any control over that! I already met one of Strassi' angels, I have a decent impression of her. If Artlysa is anything like her, I think we can work something out. After all, I am friends with the emperor and the demons are a common enemy."

Lin says "Alright. Try to keep me informed and talk to me or Myria before you do anything insane."

"Oh, I am taking the castle and the kids with me. They want to help free the beastmen."

Lin says "You mean they want to run around and explore the empire! Try to keep them out of trouble!"

"Don't worry. I won't let them do anything that I wouldn't do."

Lin says "That is not reassuring! There isn't much that you wouldn't do!"

"I was kidding! I plan to spread them out among the combat units and put them under the command of the officers. That should keep them from running wild."

Lin says "Okay, that sounds much better!"

"So, do either of you need anything from the castle before I leave? Yui, do you need anything while I am here?"

Lin and Bella say "No, we are good."

Yui says "I am fine as well. Those suggestions that you made are working out well."

"Oh? How's the time dilation?"

Yui says "The entire library now has five times dilation."

Lin says "Yeah, it's great!"

"Awesome! There is a ton of reading that I want to do once things settle down. I will come back when I can to check in and keep you updated."