"Master?" Jendol's voice cracked the silence.
Akin turned. Jendol blinked in confusion, then grinned.
"Who's she, bro? Don't tell me you're already building a harem in this world while I'm out here fighting for my life.
"They both laughed, the tension melting momentarily as they joked like old times—like nothing had changed since their high school days back on earth. For a heartbeat, they were just teens again, escaping the chaos of a world they never chose.
Akin turned to Annabel, noticing her oddly quiet demeanor. "Hey," he said, softer. "What's wrong with you?"
Annabel looked at him briefly, then away. "Nothing," she said immediately. Before he could press further, the palace maid appeared, bowed respectfully, and gestured. "Please follow me."
As Akin and the others stepped away, within the throne room, Estria turned to the King with venom in her voice.
"Your Majesty, we cannot allow him to stay. He is a threat to this kingdom. Look how he disrespected—"
The King raised a hand, silencing her. "Contact the church. Summon the High Priest. Now."
The chamber prepared for Akin and his friends was lavish. Silk-draped windows, golden candelabras, and cushioned chairs too extravagant for a boy once exiled. They sat, a quiet buzz of disbelief hanging in the air.
"So," Jendol broke the silence. "How in the world did you survive?"
Akin leaned against a pillar, arms crossed. "It's a long story. I went through hell… but not everything needs to be said now."
He told them bits and pieces—how he clawed through the cursed lands, how he found strength in the place they abandoned.
He left out Elan. Some truths were not yet for them.
"And her?" Jendol nodded toward Jane.
Akin shrugged. "She's a companion I met on the way. She had no name when I found her, so I named her after my sister."
Annabel spoke at last, arms folded. "Alright then. What's your plan now? Which god are you contracted with? Even we who are contracted to divine beings, can't compare to the power you displayed back there. What really happened to you?"
"So you mean to tell me," Jendol added, "you're the main character now?" He chuckled.
Akin laughed too. "Or the villain, man all I know is, I want to go home, finding a way to go back to our world is very important, But before that, this world needs cleansing."
Annabel and Jendol looked at each other, confused.
"Have you heard about the conflict between the gods?" Akin asked.
They both shook their heads. "No."
"Well, it's a long story. I inherited a land called Elarian. I'll develop it soon. But first, I need to examine your energy to see the nature of your contracts... whether the god you follow are worth trusting."
Annabel tensed. "You can't talk about them like that. No matter how powerful you are, you're still a mortal. You can die. You're not comparable to the divine beings"
Elan's voice cut through Akin's mind via Sound Link. She's right. Approaching them carelessly could corner you.
Understood, he replied silently, then turned to Annabel. "I know you're worried. But right now, I just want to make sure you're safe. I don't trust any of them. If they can betrayed one of their own and see humans as pawns, then they're not to be underestimated."
He stepped forward toward her. "Hold on."
She hesitated but eventually allowed it, trusting him. He gently placed his hand on her forehead, and in that instant, a radiant golden light burst from her. The room shifted, time froze, and Akin was no longer there.
In the divine plane, a celestial hall of glowing vines and floating orbs surrounded Akin. And before him stood a regal figure of elegance and strength—long emerald hair, flowing robes of nature itself, and eyes like golden moons.
Elan's voice echoed. Careful, Akin. That's no ordinary entity. That's Goddess Myrra—Divine of Nature. A High God.
Myrra smiled gently. "Don't be afraid, Kid. Come, have a seat."
Akin's body remained unconscious in the physical realm. Jane reassured the others. "Don't panic. There's no one who can hurt Master as he is now."
Back in the divine domain, Myrra spoke again. "Akin, I felt the rage within you. Against my servants. Against this world. I want to apologize… on their behalf."
Akin blinked, surprised. "A god... apologizing to a mortal?"
"You don't understand," she said gently. "You, Akin... you're a walking god in human form. I don't know how you've learned to suppress or channel it, but your energy—if unleashed—could obliterate this land. Perhaps it's due to the deity I sense within you. He feels... familiar."
Her eyes narrowed with divine insight. "But that's not the only reason. Nexis. You've inherited his power. No—you've made it your own. And for that... the gods who killed Nexis will come for you. You, and anyone close to you."
Elan's voice cut in via sound link. She hasn't changed. Myrra supported Elarian once... before stepping back. Her allegiance may have faltered, but she remains one of the few trustworthy deities. She could be an ally.
Akin teased, Elan...you have a crush on her?
Hey! Elan snapped.
Myrra smiled knowingly. "Elan, right?"
Akin's eyes widened. "Wait… how did you—?"
"You're in my domain. Of course I know you're not alone. You've been talking nonstop since you arrived. And a crush, is it? Fufufu…"
She chuckled softly, then turned solemn. "Akin, I know you care for your friends. I will support you. Help me—help us—stop the other gods, their greed for more power has cloud their judgement. And know this: their ambition doesn't end in this world. They aim to extend their reach to others... including your original world."
Instantly, Akin's aura flared.
The domain trembled.
Even the physical realm shook. Jane, Annabel, and Jendol felt the sudden pressure ripple through the walls.
Back in the divine realm, Myrra raised her hand, releasing her own aura. The two energies clashed, divine might against unleashed fury.
Akin's voice thundered, "Who the hell is trying to mess with my world... while my family's still there?!"
"Calm down!" Myrra said quickly.
Elan followed, his voice echoing urgently. Akin, stop! You're harming Annabel and Jendol. Even Jane's struggling to keep up.
With gritted teeth, Akin forced his aura back into himself.
"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I just... I can't stand hearing my family might be in danger."
He took a breath. "Can we continue this later?"
"I understand," Myrra said. "We can continue later."
Akin asked, "Is there a way to come here again without touching Annabel?"
Myrra nodded. "Of course. But next time, you don't need to touch Annabel to return here. If we form a contract, you'll be able to visit at will."
"Alright... Let me think about it first."
"We'll talk soon, God-child."
Akin faded from the domain.
End of Chapter 23