I Will Still Stake Everything... (Please Vote)

The fire continued to burn.

In the forest clearing painted crimson by the flames, Fang Li and Scarlet God faced off once more.

Only, unlike before—

Though Fang Li's breathing was still somewhat ragged, Scarlet God's expression was no longer as composed as before. It was filled with irritation.

Meanwhile, Shirayuki knelt on one knee on the ground, holding Monkey and Bami respectively, seemingly at a loss over what to do.

Their carefully planned strategy had been declared a complete failure because Monkey and Bami had thrown themselves in the way.

Though they had regained Monkey and Bami because of it, to Scarlet God, they were merely useful chess pieces now. Their loss did not amount to much.

Presumably, Scarlet God had originally intended to send Monkey and Bami to countries around the world, using their extraordinary combat power to stir up conflict in each nation, gradually kindle the flames, and cause wars to erupt across the globe.

Therefore, for Scarlet God, losing Monkey and Bami merely meant that her amusement had been interrupted.

As long as Aria remained under Scarlet God's control, it did not matter.

Of course, Scarlet God was still somewhat wary.

Wary of the Shikigane in Shirayuki's hands.

Although Fang Li's abilities were more powerful and mysterious, Shikigane had always restrained Scarlet God. When it came to what she feared, Scarlet God feared Shikigane more.

Thus, Scarlet God did not rush to act for the moment. She stood where she was, calmly observing the situation.

This instead gave Fang Li a chance to catch his breath.

"Phew..."

Slowly exhaling, Fang Li assessed his condition.

His Star Pulse Energy had barely recovered at all.

His stamina was somewhat depleted as well.

With the plan to counterattack using Shikigane having failed, Fang Li's disadvantage had yet to be