— Heavenly Realm, Ares Palace, Goting Room
Inside the Goting Room, the office located within Ares Palace, an investigation into that fly-headed monster was being conducted in secret.
It was kept secret because his grandfather, Deus, had strictly forbidden him from any further involvement with Lemuria for the time being. Therefore, this was an act that could never be forgiven.
Naturally, Ares was well aware that the creature was far beyond his ability to handle. Deus, the strongest god, had declared that he would take action himself. That matter was a subjugation case for the Heavenly Army. It had long surpassed a level that Ars, a mere high god, could do anything about.
Even so—to Ares, that fly-headed monster was a detestable enemy that had toyed with his precious subordinates. There was simply no way he could sit by and watch in silence.
"All that remains is the inside of that barrier, then."
It was a transparent membrane deployed in a dome shape, perfectly covering the entirety of Northground, which spread out to the north of Eastend in the Holy Amelia Kingdom. It was purely by coincidence that Ares had noticed that membrane. It had happened because he was scouring every corner of Lemuria in search of the fly-headed monster.
That membrane seemed structured to reflect the surrounding scenery, completely cutting off any view of the interior layout. No, perhaps its structure was not even that simple. After all, when he had activated a spell in an attempt to analyze that transparent membrane, it had been effortlessly canceled out. All that remained was to actually go inside.
He had not yet reported that membrane to the Heavenly Army either. Of course, he was well aware that the fly-headed monster was entirely a matter to be handled by the Heavenly Army. Even so, merely twiddling his thumbs and looking on from the sidelines was the one thing he absolutely refused to do.
That was why—.
"Ramiel, I'm counting on you!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Kneeling with her head bowed, the girl with pure white wings answered Ares in a resolute tone.
If manifestation in the mortal realm were possible, Ares truly wished to go himself. However, Ars was already a high god. Even within the world under his own management, manifestation was strictly limited. Walking around and investigating in person was impossible.
Furthermore, if he made a careless move, Lord Deus and the Heavenly Army might find out that Ares was acting independently. He had no choice but to entrust this to her, as she specialized in espionage.
Of course, this investigation was akin to diving straight into the belly of the beast. The danger level was at its absolute peak. Under normal circumstances, this was not a matter that should have been entrusted to someone as inexperienced as her.
"Listen to me. This investigation is extremely dangerous. If you sense even the slightest danger to your life, return at once."
Despite Ares's earnest explanation,
"Yes, my lord! I shall accomplish this mission without fail and present the results to you!"
Ramiel gave an answer that was the exact opposite of what Ares had hoped for.
"I know I am repeating myself, but if it is dangerous, abandon the mission and return immediately. That is an order from me!"
"Understood!"
She must have been overjoyed to be relied upon. Her face flushed with absolute delight, Ramiel vanished from the Goting Room.
"I truly am a coward."
This was a personal grudge. Driven by that ugly emotion, he was about to impose new dangers upon his subordinate. In particular, the enemy was dangerous enough for Lord Deus to declare it a case for the Heavenly Army. He had sent his precious subordinate against an absolute powerhouse that even Ares, a high god, stood no chance against. Waiting for a report from a safe place was not something a god should ever do. Even so—.
"I cannot forgive them! No, I cannot allow myself to forgive them!"
This emotion that still scorched his chest was no lie; it was the absolute, unvarnished truth.
Looking back, Ares had lived his entire life suppressing his own desires. Yet now, for the first time, an intense, irresistible desire had budded within him. The ones who had planted this seed were that fly-headed monster and its master, the mysterious god known as the "Supreme Great One."
"I will strike back at you without fail!"
Ares clenched both fists so tightly that it hurt, voicing his vow of determination once more.