"Mm." The three nodded in unison and explained one after another, "Strictly speaking, we didn't come back because we completed the mission."
"The Empire suddenly issued an order, announcing that our contracts had ended early and that we could go home."
"As for the reason, they said someone was about to challenge Lievice, the Lustful Woman, so they were clearing the area."
Flana said, "Ever since White Candle Star fell, Lievice, the Lustful Woman, has occupied Galaxy Eye for fifteen years. Although she is limited by the Layer Abyss's ceiling and is only at Kappa (10) rank, she is still not someone ordinary powerhouses can handle. Yet word has spread through the Empire that someone intends to challenge her directly, and they seem quite confident."
"I'm not optimistic, anyway." Crocodile Prophet shook his head. "Lievice is an evil god, after all. Her divine status is there. Even covered in curses, she isn't someone mortals like us can mess with. If demigods were transferred over from the Lower Star Abyss, there might still be a chance of dealing with her."
Kavin Magnet added, "But things are even more dangerous now than during Silent Uncontact. Only a few Submerged Abyss Ports remain under Narrative Civilization's control. Evil gods can rise endlessly from Wild Harbour, but we have no way to quickly and accurately assemble suitable people..."
None of the three thought highly of that challenger.
"Still, Mr. Olavier, what does what you just said have to do with this?"
Flana asked casually.
"It has something to do with it."
Olavier said:
"The one challenging Lievice is Mr. Xu Kefu."
Rumbleeeeeee! A gleaming golden blade pierced through the sun and viciously cleaved it in two. A figure fled the corona in disarray, turning around to hurl evil divine arts while cursing:
"Damn mortal!