Immortal Pivot, Netherworld.
Within the [Attaining-Enlightenment Hidden Profound Residence], [Sky Soaring] stood with his hands behind his back, silently watching the Real World. Deep wariness showed in his narrow eyes.
Something is wrong.
Not long ago, he had suddenly sensed an unusual fluctuation within Netherworld. Even then, he had suspected that the Lord of Netherworld was not dead, but still lurking within Netherworld.
And by now, he was completely certain of it. The Netherworld, which had once possessed only rigid mechanisms, had recently begun operating with increasing "intelligence." This intelligence did not mean that Netherworld's operating mechanisms had changed; on the contrary, there appeared to be nothing abnormal with the mechanisms at first glance.
Yet it had become more targeted.
He is looking for me.
[Sky Soaring] understood that the Lord of Netherworld had not only awakened, but was also becoming increasingly clear-minded, to the point that he had vaguely discovered [Sky Soaring]'s existence.
That was not even the most terrifying part.
The most terrifying part was that the other party had deliberately concealed his probing of this foreign object. He was exceedingly cautious; even [Sky Soaring] had nearly been deceived.
Fortunately, the other party apparently had yet to fully take control of Netherworld, which was why he had not discovered [Sky Soaring] all this time. However, from the looks of it, that was only a matter of time.
What should I do?
At that thought, [Sky Soaring]'s mood grew worse and worse. If this continued, forget verifying Netherworld—he might even die directly within Netherworld!
There are only two ways to deal with this.
Either I begin seeking Netherworld now. But aside from [Great Forest Wood], I have not completely taken control of the other Fruit Positions; I am merely drawing upon their power temporarily.
Under such circumstances, his chances