It wasn't the Inner World that was shattering—it was his real self, truly about to be killed by this mysterious power.
Suddenly, a streak of light pierced the darkness before him. Six pairs of snow-white wings beat, and warm sunlight drove away the darkness, shattering the sky.
The woman with six wings was the naked woman Ryan had previously seen curled up within the sun. The difference was that she was now clothed and had grown wings.
The six-winged woman shone as brightly as the sun. Wielding a flaming greatsword, she slashed at the shadow lurking in the darkness. A roar followed, full of fury and unwillingness—
"...Baalshatt of the Gods, you will eventually return to death once more..."
The voice descended from above.
Ryan froze. Was that speaking to him?
Bang!
The Inner World shattered along with it.
At the very last moment, a streak of light fell from above the palace and pierced the ground before Ryan. It was a Silver Cross Sword. He pulled it out, but before he could even take a proper look, his consciousness was swallowed by the collapsing space.
"Hey! Ryan, are you okay?!"
A familiar voice rang by his ear. Ryan opened his eyes to see Jonathan staring at him with an anxious expression.
"Chief?"
"Whew! Good thing you're okay. You scared the hell out of me. Damn, that was exciting."
Jonathan picked up the cigarette he had dropped in fright, dusted it off, and said, "What happened to you just now? First there was a cold wind, then a heat wave. You nearly blew up the room."
"Mm..." Ryan frowned in thought, then shook his head. "I can't understand it."
"Forget it if you can't figure it out. But now I'm certain you can become one of the Chosen of the Gods." Jonathan said excitedly, "This damned beauty—hehe, a Chosen of the Gods actually appeared in my team. Ryan, you've really made me proud."
"Chosen of the Gods? Me?"
"Who else? A talent that lit up Six Stars, and that might not even be the limit. If that doesn't make you one of the Chosen of the Gods, then there are no Chosen of the Gods in this world... But you absolutely can't tell anyone about what happened today, understand? Even if Jack asks, tell him your magic talent is B-rank."
Ryan nodded at Jonathan's serious expression.
A B-rank talent meant lighting up five stars.
"Don't worry, Chief. I'll keep it secret."
"Good. Get some rest. I'll go outside and see what's going on."
Ryan had definitely gone through something unusual just now, but Jonathan didn't intend to press him for answers. He knew Ryan needed some time alone.
Watching Jonathan leave the room, Ryan withdrew his gaze and opened the right hand he had kept clenched.
Resting in his palm was a Silver Cross Sword.
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