System's POV

“You’re good, Ossan,” Camazotz praised the giant purple snail that had put the Artemian Scouts under mind control.

The dead bodies of the Azothralls lay on the ground, and the one who killed them was none other than the Death Bat, who gave them no time to escape or call for help.

“Hey, how about working for me instead of Zion?” Camazotz asked. “I’ll give you more benefits than he does.”

“No,” Ossan replied telepathically. “I’ll only serve Master.”

“Such a shame.” Camazotz smiled as he patted the purple snail’s body. “But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

The Death Bat then unceremoniously opened the portal to the Domain of the Apocalypse and tossed the unconscious Artemians inside.

The Rank 9 Artemians, whom Thirteen and Camazotz had captured in the Arcadia Archipelago, looked at their comrades with pity.

They already knew what was waiting for them on the other side of that portal, and it was none other than an existence that even their King would not dare to offend.

With Athena watching over the Cygni Continent, it was very easy for it to locate the scouting parties of the Jinns, as well as the Artemian Army.

Since her Master was currently deep within enemy lines, she made sure to inform Camazotz of the location of these scouting parties, allowing the Death Bat to neutralize them before they even knew what hit them.

Rocky and the rest of Thirteen’s monster army were hiding deep under the city of Velmusa, ready to come to their Master’s rescue at a moment’s notice.

After sending the prisoners to the Domain of the Apocalypse, the Death Bat returned to Casimir City.

Since the Wanderers had already left it, Camazotz’s and Zapar’s forces took over and converted it into their base of operations.

They had already gained Thirteen’s approval for this and were also in constant communication with Renz Elrod, as well as the Monarchs and Thrones of Pangea.

With Zion as the middleman, the Wanderers and the two Majin Princes had formed an official alliance.

For the time being, the Wanderers were focusing on the construction of their naval base far out into the sea.

However, if they needed to act, they would mobilize their battleships and aircraft carriers to unleash a barrage on the Cygni Continent upon receiving Zion’s order.

All sides were using the calm before the storm to strengthen their forces, as well as form alliances with each other.

They all knew that once the fighting started, there would only be one who would come out on top.

Two more days passed without much happening on the continent. Soon, the day of the banquet arranged by the Dragonkin to meet with the representatives of the Artemians finally arrived.

“Are you ready?” Princess Xynalia asked Zia, who had dressed for the occasion.

Of course, the one who chose her clothes was none other than the succubus princess, who did her best to make Zia look as plain as possible.

Unfortunately, even if Zia wore leaves, it was impossible to hide her beauty, which was being highlighted by her plain clothes.

“I’ll be as ready as I’ll ever be,” Zia replied.

“We will do our best to always be by your side at all times,” Princess Laventia said. “But if there is a situation where we can’t be with you, just remember to not drink or eat anything that Prince Aurelion will give you. This is for your own safety.”

Zia nodded. “Understood.”

The two princesses still looked very worried about Zia’s safety, especially since their Aunt Ristella would be joining them as well.

Princess Xynalia had already informed her aunt that her little sister would also be accompanying them in this banquet, and the only reaction she got from her aunt was a raised eyebrow.

“She’s very suspicious of you,” Princess Xynalia sighed. “But this can’t be helped because anyone would.”

“That’s why I told you that you should’ve let me meet with her once before the party,” Zia replied calmly. “You’re being too overprotective of me.

“Did it ever cross your mind that something bad will happen if she says something about me during the party? Like she doesn’t know anyone named Zia among her family members?”

Princess Xynalia nodded. “I already put that into consideration, but the chances of that happening is low. She’s someone who always looks at the bigger picture for the sake of the Velmoria Royal Family.”

Thirteen blinked. “If that’s the case, we should meet with her first before we go to the banquet.”

“Why?” Princess Laventia frowned.

“Because if what you said is true, wouldn’t she happily send me to Prince Aurelion for engagement? The way I see it, that’s quite effective for the sake of the Velmoria Royal Family,” Thirteen replied.

“After all, a marriage alliance will not only increase your faction’s status in the Jinn Army, but also prevent any problems—like having your people used as cannon fodder when the war starts.

“If I’m your Aunt, I will not hesitate to serve a suspicious girl who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, claiming to be a succubus princess, to the Dragonkin Prince. That’s the most cost-efficient way to keep your neutrality in check.”

Princess Xynalia’s and Princess Laventia’s faces both paled after hearing Thirteen’s explanation.

The two of them didn’t think that far, and now that she had carefully laid everything out to them, it really did make sense.

“We have to go and meet her right now,” Princess Xynalia said in a grim tone.

Fortunately, their Aunt still hadn’t left their residence and happily received her nieces, especially the niece she never knew existed.

“I’ve heard the rumors, but seeing you right now doesn’t give any of it justice,” Ristella Velmoria said with a smile.

She then waved her hand to add another layer of protection in the room, preventing anyone from spying on them.

“Do you know why I still haven’t left for the banquet?” Ristella asked in a teasing tone.

“I’m sure it’s because you are giving us sisters a chance to meet with you before the party,” Thirteen replied.

“Oh my, and I thought that you were a shy girl.” Ristella chuckled before using her finger to raise Zia’s chin, making sure that they had proper eye contact.

“Now, tell me, who are you?” Ristella’s eyes glowed faintly as she used her power to hypnotize the young lady so that she would know the truth.

“Hypnosis doesn’t work on me,” Zia replied. “However, I will tell you what you want to know. On the condition that you sign this contract.”

Thirteen then took out a Non-Disclosure Agreement that was created by Metatron himself.

The contract was very simple, implying that Ristella Velmoria wouldn’t divulge anything that she would know after hearing the truth.

“You’ve come prepared.” Ristella nodded in acknowledgement. “It seems that the rumors failed to give you justice.”

She already sensed the power within the contract, and it was something she couldn’t dispel even with her magical abilities.

But since she wanted to know the truth, she decided to drop her blood over the contract, activating its effects.

“Now, tell me everything,” Ristella demanded. “Your identity, your reason for being here, and why I should trust you.”

From those three questions alone, Thirteen already knew that Ristella wasn’t an ordinary succubus.

She might even be doing a very important role, similar to how shadow assassins or underground units protect their kingdom by doing shady things in the background.

Thirteen was well aware that there were many faces to the royal families of the world.

“Very well, I will tell you everything.” Zia smiled. “But you will tell me your honest opinion after I finish, okay?”

“Okay.” Ristella nodded. “Now, spill the beans.”

Zia complied and told her everything, including her real identity.

After she finished her explanation, the first thing that Ristella did was chuckle before asking Zion a question.

“Do you have suicidal tendencies?” Ristella asked with great curiosity.

The flashback of Thirteen fighting against the System God briefly appeared inside his head.

Back then, he was truly prepared to die, and what he did was indeed a suicidal act.

“Of course, I don’t have suicidal tendencies,” Zia replied. “At most, it can be called a calculated risk.”

“Interesting.” Ristella’s smile widened a bit before glancing at the two succubus princesses, who were hell bent on protecting their beautiful little sister from the big, bad Dragonkin Prince, who was patiently waiting for Zia to arrive at the party that had already started not long ago.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!