As Zero and Valna prepared to continue their journey deeper into the forest, a sudden, sharp hissing sound echoed through the area. They both froze, senses heightened as a feeling of being watched settled over them. Instinctively, they stood back-to-back, scanning their surroundings for any sign of threat. Their eyes landed on a large, boa-sized snake hanging from a nearby tree. Its scales were white on the inner side and a deep green on the outer edges, blending seamlessly with the foliage. The snake hissed once more before speaking in a cold, detached voice.

"Are you done with the useless discussion?" it asked, its tone dripping with disdain.

Recognizing the voice, Zero's eyes narrowed as he addressed the serpent. "Jörmungandr, is that you?"

The snake tilted its head as if in confusion. "Who else could it be?" it responded, its voice carrying a hint of irritation.

Zero sighed, tension easing slightly. "What are you doing here, Jörmungandr?"

Jörmungandr's eyes glinted with a cold light. "I've returned after fulfilling the request put to me by Hel. I've been scouring the solar system to ensure we are alone out here. This planet is the only one with life, but I detected two distinct types of divine mana surrounding it. I’m led to believe there are currently two deities on this planet."

Valna's brows furrowed in concern. "Two deities? Are you certain?"

Jörmungandr nodded slowly, his scales shimmering in the moonlight. "Yes. However, one of the energies is very weak."

"Could the weak energy belong to a demi-god like us?" Valna asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

The serpent shook its head. "No, it’s even weaker than that. It’s possible that this deity is either dying or sealed away."

Zero's mind raced with possibilities. "Were you able to locate either source of the divine energy?"

Jörmungandr hissed in frustration. "This world is saturated with mana, making it difficult to pinpoint their locations. Currently, Fenrir is scouring the globe. His sense of smell is superior and better suited for this type of work. If anyone can locate them, it's him."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Zero nodded thoughtfully. "I made the right call by suggesting we hide our divine mana and avoid drawing attention until we have a better understanding of this world."

Jörmungandr's eyes flickered with a hint of acknowledgment before he continued, "I've done what Hel asked of me. I'll go rest now."

Zero offered, "Should I open a doorway for you?"

The serpent shook its head. "No, I prefer the cold. I'll head north to sleep for some time."

With that, Jörmungandr slithered down from the tree and vanished into the underbrush, leaving Zero and Valna alone once more. Zero turned to Valna, his earlier thoughts momentarily overshadowed by the new information. "It seems our situation is more complicated than we thought. We need to be even more cautious."

Valna nodded in agreement, the weight of their predicament settling heavily on her shoulders. "I understand. We'll follow your plan and proceed carefully."

Zero took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening. "Let's continue. We still have much to do and no time to waste."

They resumed their journey through the forest, the night air cool and crisp around them. The conversation with Jörmungandr had added an edge to their mission, a reminder of the dangers that lay ahead. But for now, they focused on their immediate goal: locating the ghouls that Zero had left here before.

Zero moved with purpose, his senses alert for any sign of the ghouls he had left in this part of the forest. He had placed them here to allow them space to grow, but now he needed to expedite their growth. Valna followed closely, her thoughts still lingering on the recent revelations and the kiss that had momentarily soothed her worries. She remained silent, her mind a whirlwind of emotions and calculations.

After several minutes of navigating the thick underbrush, Zero came to a halt, raising a hand to signal Valna to stop. They were close. The air here felt different, charged with a faint, smell of death and decay. Zero's eyes scanned the surroundings, and he reached out with his senses to locate these undead minions of his.

"Stay alert and be careful," he murmured to Valna. "We're in their territory now, so try not to kill them by accident if you stumble upon them."

Zero could easily find them if he unleashed his divine mana and used his sight to find their souls, but that would draw attention that he didn't need at this moment. So they would have to search like normal. The scent of decay permeated the whole forest area, making it difficult to pinpoint the two ghouls.

Zero saw that Valna was clearly distracted and he somewhat understood why. So he brought out a small black crystal and explained, "Remember how I explained that the animals of this world have such crystals within their bodies. I’ll find the ghouls but I need a few more black crystals like the ones I’m holding. Can I ask you to hunt a few animals and bring me back some more of these?"

Valna snapped out of her deep thoughts and asked, "How many do you need me to get?"

"Nine more of this size would be ideal," Zero replied.

Valna then took flight, leaving Zero by himself. Zero grew a claw on his right pointer finger and used it to slice open his left palm, drawing some blood before the wound sealed shut. Holding his blood in his palm, Zero waited for the scent to draw in the dimwitted ghouls who moved on instinct.

There was a brief silence, followed by the sound of rustling leaves and the unmistakable groans of the ghouls. Two figures emerged from the shadows, their forms grotesque and twisted, with decaying flesh and hollow eyes that glowed faintly in the moonlight. They moved with a slow, deliberate gait.

Zero smiled, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good, right on time. Let’s hurry up then I don’t have much time to waste here and there much to do."