Little Garden 181-185

Title: Astrology Bureau: Unexpectedly, We’re Joining Too

“Mechanical Demon-Purging Assault Spear Mark Seven, Heavy Demon-Purging Bow Type Six, and Demon-Slaying Sword Type-13.”

“Hmm, there’s also a large-caliber sniper rifle locking on from a distance.”

Kiriha truly had no options left. Though she considered herself far from weak among Sword-Shamans—otherwise, she wouldn’t have been assigned this mission—her task hadn’t even started, and her life was already on the line.

“A minor Priestess of the Six Blades test mission, and they deploy two high-level Spirit Mediums and one of the Lion King Agency’s Three Saints, Shizuka?”

(Is the Lion King Agency really committing total betrayal? This isn’t just siding with the enemy—it’s full-on treason. Thankfully, those fat pigs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs still dare to let the Lion King Agency go after the Fourth Primogenitor…)

Kiriha was utterly speechless. However, after confirming she had no chance of fighting back, she relaxed significantly and adopted a resigned attitude.

“It seems the rumors circulating in the Ministry of Internal Affairs about the Lion King Agency planning to betray aren’t baseless.” Kiriha said expressionlessly, though a faint smile appeared in her eyes.

“So, can I join? I also want to leave the darkness and step into the light with you.” Kiriha emphasized the words “leave the darkness and step into the light.” tossing all her weapons and equipment to the ground to show she was harmless.

“Of course you can.” A black cat appeared out of nowhere, leaping onto Kiriha’s head and stepping on her glossy black hair while speaking.

(A black cat? Even the legendary Endou Yukari is loyal to the Fourth Primogenitor? It seems the Lion King Agency has fully joined.)

“But I still want to ask, who leaked the details of my mission?” Kiriha sighed, asking with slight curiosity.

The people surrounding her dispersed, leaving only Yukari’s black cat Familiar, two Sword-Shamans in junior high uniforms, and a braided girl whose presence wasn’t particularly noticeable.

Himeragi Yukina, a Sword Shaman from the Lion King Agency, was currently tasked with monitoring the Fourth Primogenitor. Kirasaka Sayaka, who had slipped in at some point, and Shizuka Koyoki were also there.

Yukari’s cat eyes showed a hint of a mischievous smile. Using a Transfer Mantra, she connected to someone Kiriha never expected.

“Hey, Kiriha-chan, did you miss me? You must’ve received the surprise I prepared for you, right?”

Arashima Sami, Kiriha’s instructor, close friend, and partner. Her position in the Astrology Bureau was Head of the Investigation Team, responsible for investigating evidence of betrayal or similar actions by bureau members.

Hearing Sami’s voice, the corner of Kiriha’s mouth twitched twice.

Surprise? More like a terrifying shock.

Who could’ve imagined how good her mood was when she risked her life infiltrating Itogami Island, only to be detected and surrounded before her mission even began?

It seemed the Astrology Bureau wasn’t faring well either. For some reason, Kiriha began to mourn for the fat pigs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The feeling of both major secret agencies under them betraying at the most critical moment of war— their expressions must be quite entertaining.

In truth, the relationship between the Lion King Agency and the Astrology Bureau wasn’t that bad. The so-called rivalry was just a show for the higher-ups. After all, members of both organizations were originally orphans adopted from around the world, fostering a strong sense of solidarity.

Moreover, much of the Astrology Bureau’s structure was modeled after or even derived from the Lion King Agency. Once the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ control was removed, the two organizations became very close.

So, after the Lion King Agency reasonably “left the darkness and stepped into the light.” it was only natural they targeted their sister organization, the Astrology Bureau. In the current Astrology Bureau, it was estimated that no small number had defected, like Sami.

However, the Astrology Bureau was, after all, an organization long managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was hard to say whether there were still loyalists to the Ministry within it.

Thus, those in the Astrology Bureau who wanted to defect had to go through introductions and proactively seek out Lion King Agency members spreading the rumors.

Even so, the defectors from the Astrology Bureau could be described as a continuous stream. At least two-thirds of the bureau’s senior members had joined… Yukari was truly speechless.

It seemed the sisters in the Astrology Bureau were also living in hardship. Despite being brainwashed and indoctrinated from childhood, under layers of exploitation and oppression, they too harbored grievances and could no longer endure.

Additionally, the core members of the Astrology Bureau, aside from the leaders forced to maintain group solidarity, were all orphans. While parentless orphans were easy to intimidate, they also had no burdens or ties.

As long as their instructors, who were like parents to them, gave the order, they would flee as quickly as possible. If not for the childhood brainwashing, these young men and women wielding supernatural powers and inheriting Deva blood would rather die alongside the officials exploiting them.

In this regard, the Lion King Agency performed better than the Astrology Bureau.

“What’s going on? Why’s it so lively here?” A male voice suddenly interrupted, startling Kiriha.

She turned and saw a void before her. From it, a girl in a black Gothic dress holding a parasol emerged, arm-in-arm with a man who wore a gentle smile.

“The Witch of the Void… and the Fourth Primogenitor…” Kiriha’s expression changed again. She suddenly realized the situation had exceeded her expectations.

Could it be that the details of her mission were already known to the Fourth Primogenitor?

Taking Eguchi Yume back and attempting to control Leviathan to destroy Itogami Island—those damned fat pigs. She had already joined, yet they still wanted to harm her.

However, Aslan clearly didn’t pay much attention to Kiriha. Only her cold, long, straight black hair caught his eye slightly. But with Natsuki by his side, he couldn’t linger on the young girl.

Yukari saw Natsuki in her adult form and glanced helplessly at Yukina, Sayaka, and Kiriha. She had been hoping to seize this chance to strengthen ties between the Lion King Agency and the Fourth Primogenitor.

Gathering three beautiful girls at once wasn’t easy, but who would’ve thought the Witch of the Void would be with Aslan? And she didn’t know if her thoughts were detected, but she suddenly felt a chill down her spine.

Sighing, Yukari could only abandon this perfect plan. She didn’t dare offer concubines to the Fourth Primogenitor in front of the Main Wife (Natsuki).

After all, the Lion King Agency and the Astrology Bureau might work under Natsuki in the future. If she upset her future boss, it wouldn’t bode well if she were made a scapegoat later.

“Your Majesty arrived just in time. Have you ever heard of Kamioda Shrine? The scenery and hot springs there are fantastic.”

“Would Your Majesty be interested in taking a break there with Her Highness?” Yukari, ever perceptive, shifted the topic.

She had originally planned to let Yukina and the others accompany Aslan to Kannawa Lake at Kamioda Shrine to obtain the Cleansing Legacy. Meanwhile, Akatsuki Hisano and she would provide support. It would be even better if Aslan developed something with them.

Now, that plan had to change. All they needed to do now was ensure Aslan and Natsuki had an unforgettable experience.

Natsuki couldn’t help but give Yukari a knowing look. “Next time, don’t be too harsh on them.”

In Japan, the Lion King Agency, specializing in capturing magical criminals, and Natsuki, as an Attack Mage, had serious business conflicts. Additionally, as a secret agency, the Lion King Agency’s methods were often harsh, frequently displeasing her.

Many fugitives she caught were often snatched by the Lion King Agency. Though the bounties remained, it was embarrassing. Now, these Lion King Agency women even wanted to steal her man—how could she tolerate that?

But now, they seemed much more sensible, starting to create opportunities for her.

Seeing Natsuki’s satisfied expression, Yukari felt relieved.

“Natsuki-chan, want to give it a try?” Aslan smiled at Natsuki.

After all, he was still on a date with her. If Natsuki didn’t want to go, he could open a Space Gate and resolve the issue quickly.

Kamioda Shrine—he had a vague impression of it. It seemed Kannawa Lake was there. Cain’s Familiar, Glenda, was sleeping at Kannawa Lake. It appeared Glenda held a significant amount of crucial Cleansing information, though Aslan didn’t recall it clearly.

After all, he had only watched the anime back then and didn’t finish it. Many clues were quite vague. And anime couldn’t perfectly depict many real-world details. It was normal for anime plots to differ greatly from reality. It could only serve as a reference, so Aslan didn’t dwell too much on the original storyline.

Natsuki thought for a moment and then showed a smile. “Alright, let’s go for a stroll.”

Hot springs? She hadn’t experienced them since using a Clone to walk in the outside world. After all, a Clone couldn’t even feel heat or cold, let alone enjoy hot springs. Now, she planned to rediscover all the experiences she missed as a Clone.

“Yes, we’ll arrange a private plane immediately.” Koyomi knelt on one knee, addressing Aslan and Natsuki. Then she stood and led Yukina and the others toward the airport.

“There’s still time. How about we visit the aquarium, Natsuki-chan?”

“I’ll follow you.”

Like an ordinary couple, Aslan and Natsuki continued their date. The earlier encounter was just a small interlude.

-

Title: The Cleansing Is Very Useful

Inside Cain’s Coffin, at the zeroth floor of Keystone Gate.

This was the legendary nonexistent Room C, the core of all of Itogami Island. The five supercomputers managing Itogami Island were stored here.

From this place, one could gain priority access to all computers on Itogami Island and control every smart device on the island.

Of course, that was merely the outward appearance. The place where Aslan and Natsuki now stood was the true core of Cain’s Coffin. It was also where the runes of the Forbidden Incantation Cleansing were truly inscribed—the circuitry of Cain’s Coffin itself.

The surrounding walls, ceiling, and floor were all etched with numerous strange, twisting patterns. These patterns emitted a faint glow, preventing the hall from being too dark.

All the patterns here were highly mysterious, and the inscribed symbols were dizzying. Even Natsuki felt a headache when looking at them and didn’t dare stare for too long.

Only Aslan showed a surprised expression upon seeing these symbols and patterns.

“Indeed, Cain deserves to be the greatest genius in this world’s history. I underestimated the Cleansing.”

“Rather than underestimating the Cleansing, it’s more accurate to say I underestimated the Cleansing System.”

“I had already suspected that the Cleansing, created by Cain at the cost of nearly all of the Deva’s resources, couldn’t be that simple.”

“If the world is considered a computer, then the Cleansing System is the programming system designed to intervene in the world, and the Cleansing is the program it runs.”

“In essence, the Cleansing restricts the Cleansing System.”

The corner of Aslan’s mouth twitched as he looked at the Cleansing System with a hint of helplessness.

Figuratively speaking, Cain, with his own power, built a computer by hand and created its initial operating system by hand. But the software used, the Cleansing, only had the ability to modify life.

If only there had been more time back then, or if the Cleansing had lasted longer under the destruction of the Deva and countless Beast Vassals. If Cain had created a ritual to modify the world suited for the Cleansing System, perhaps the issues with the Deva and Beast Vassals could have been resolved.

Even if it were something like the later Dark Covenant, a ritual that neutralized magical energy, there would’ve been no need to worry about the Deva or Beast Vassals.

“Of course, it’s also possible that Cain didn’t have the ability to activate the Cleansing System at all.” Natsuki glanced at him, offering another possibility she had guessed.

“That’s true. Even with the power from the Dragon Veins, it’s somewhat difficult to fully activate this system.” Aslan nodded in agreement.

After all, this was a system encompassing the entire Earth. Both its activation and usage had extremely high requirements for the controller. At the very least, the other party’s power needed to reach Five-Digit levels; otherwise, they would only die from the backlash.

“However, an inactive Cleansing System doesn’t mean it plays no role.” Aslan said, running his fingers over the intricate patterns.

“So-called magic in this world, and all those Grimoires, are based on this inactive Cleansing System.”

“In a sense, the Cleansing System is already considered part of this world’s foundation.”

“Even though it hasn’t been fully activated.”

“It’s a pity the Cleansing System can only function in this world.” Aslan shook his head with slight regret.

“Come on, I can see the corners of your mouth practically reaching your ears.” Natsuki rolled her eyes at Aslan, speechless.

Regret? Were there really that many things to regret in this world? Clearly, Aslan had hit the jackpot.

The Cleansing System couldn’t be taken away, but its principles and rituals were a massive gain. Aslan could fully analyze these rituals and thereby create his own system capable of influencing the entire world.

For Aslan, it was only a matter of small or large gains.

“Ahem, don’t put it so definitively.” Aslan said, a bit embarrassed as Natsuki called him out. He could only stroke Glenda, who was obediently tugging at the hem of his robe.

This was the result of Aslan and Natsuki’s trip to Kamioda Shrine. Aslan hadn’t even gone looking for her—Glenda had awakened from her slumber and rushed to him. This surprised Aslan quite a bit.

However, Aslan also suspected the reason Glenda was drawn to him was likely due to the Dragon Race blood in his body. In fact, ever since Shiroyasha helped adjust his Spirit Status, the Dragon Race blood in him had begun to awaken.

After all, the physical Spirit Status of a pure-blood human couldn’t compare to a Star Spirit, especially one like Shiroyasha, who was once a Star of Origin and now a Sun Star Spirit.

Pure-blood humans had insurmountable limits in many aspects. Especially when compared to the Three Strongest Races, their physique, Authority, and Spirit Status couldn’t match. Even if they were both deviant Four-Digit beings, the Three Strongest Races or those with their blood could overpower pure-blood humans.

Of course, this was just raw data. Actual combat also depended on information, performance, Grace, compatibility, and so on. While Planeswalkers weren’t human either, they were Illusionary Beasts of the Human Race, and their physique couldn’t grow to match a Star Spirit.

In Little Garden, another Four-Digit being whose physique was comparable to a Star Spirit was the well-known Yang Jian, who received true teachings from the Daoist Patriarch and practiced the Eight-Nine Arcane Art.

Aslan’s current physical strength was not inferior to Yang Jian’s. This was a manifestation of his growth beginning to surpass the System Tree, gradually awakening as a Dragon Race.

Of course, the Dragon Race in Little Garden didn’t solely refer to literal dragons. All those who surpassed the System Tree were called Dragon Race. For example, the Old Gods Cthulhu were considered Dragon Race, not necessarily dragon-shaped.

Even a newly awakened Dragon Race’s aura had a strong attraction to ordinary beings with Dragon Race blood. Glenda was drawn by the aura Aslan unconsciously emitted.

Relying on the affinity brought by that aura, Glenda openly shared all the information she possessed with Aslan without holding anything back.

The information hidden within Glenda’s genes was also easily deciphered by Aslan.

This was why Aslan and Natsuki came to the core of the Cleansing System within Cain’s Coffin.

The information was deeply hidden, providing only coordinates and no means of entry. Only Aslan, who controlled Spatial Divinity Authority, could force his way in.

“Find a chance to let Asagi activate the Cleansing. Let me see the Cleansing in action.” Aslan said, holding Natsuki’s hand with a slight smile.

Natsuki rolled her eyes at him, speaking with a hint of complaint. “You’re asking her to activate the Cleansing? I can tell you’ve got some bad intentions toward her.”

Who else was like Aslan, handing an entire empire to Asagi Aiba to play with just to tease a young girl? Even at this stage, he didn’t forget to help her out.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At Whispering Garden, the heads of state from the Sanctuary Treaty Nations all appeared in this strange space, wearing false masks.

“Itogami Island has truly taken control of Leviathan.”

“Based on satellite observations and the monitoring of magical energy flows in the Pacific Dragon Veins near Itogami Island, such a massive amount of magical energy could only come from the God-Slaying Biological Weapon Leviathan sleeping at the ocean floor.”

“It seems Itogami Island has found a way to control Leviathan.”

“No wonder Itogami Island declared independence. They were prepared.”

“We can’t wait any longer. I propose a vote for military intervention against Itogami Island. It’s too dangerous.”

“Agreed!”

“Agreed!”

“…”

Many heads of state from the Sanctuary Treaty Nations voted in favor, except for the Aldegyr Kingdom, which had reached a cooperative agreement with Itogami Island. The Queen of the Aldegyr Kingdom didn’t even attend this Sanctuary Treaty meeting.

Then, dozens of eyes turned to the three golden chairs in the center of Whispering Garden. Those were the seats of the leaders of the Three Night Empires—the Primogenitors.

As the only three individuals with veto power in the Sanctuary Treaty Nations, every vote required their approval or abstention.

Unlike ordinary people, these heads of state knew the power of the Primogenitors. They were walking nuclear weapons. Combined with the military strength of the Three Night Empires, this was why the three Primogenitors held veto power.

However, the heads of state breathed a sigh of relief when no figures appeared in the golden chairs. How could Primogenitors, who had stood at the world’s pinnacle for thousands of years, care about such trivial matters?

According to Whispering Garden’s rules, failing to vote within fifteen minutes counted as an abstention. After fifteen minutes, no Primogenitors appeared to express approval or rejection.

Thus, the proposal was immediately passed.

The English spoken with the accent of the island nation’s Prime Minister echoed in Whispering Garden. “Since everyone has voted in favor, please adhere to our Sanctuary Treaty.”

“Please have all nations promptly assemble their forces and intervene militarily against Itogami Island. We cannot allow Itogami Island’s power to continue growing.”

The heads of state reacted en masse. The Sanctuary Treaty united these nations, granting them the greatest voting power. At the same time, they didn’t want another golden chair added to the center of Whispering Garden, nor another Primogenitor above their heads.

The Fourth Primogenitor might not be like the other three, who were offline every day and didn’t care. Thus, they would do everything to prevent the establishment of the Fourth Night Empire.

Moreover, the massive purge on Itogami Island during this period had seriously violated the interests of many nations and powers. These matters couldn’t be easily overlooked.

-

Title: The Out-of-Control Leviathan

More than a dozen warships from the Sanctuary Treaty Alliance completely surrounded Itogami Island. In the sky, countless fighter jets circled, and massive air battleships floated among the clouds, aiming all their advanced weaponry at the island below.

Though anticipated, the sudden joint military operation by the Sanctuary Treaty Nations, disregarding all military conventions, shocked the world and sparked various speculations.

Despite being part of the Sanctuary Treaty, these nations typically had disputes among themselves and were unlikely to unite like this. This time, the Sanctuary Treaty Nations had truly formed a united front, with each country sending elite forces to begin their assault on Itogami Island.

This caused people worldwide to speculate fervently about what grave mistake Itogami Island had committed to provoke such hostility from so many nations.

However, in such a situation, the interior of Itogami Island remained free of chaos. Everyone went about their work as usual, as if the sun rose as it always did.

“I didn’t expect Yaze Akishige to have such capability. A Suggestion Formation this large—he actually managed to set it up.”

At Keystone Gate, Aslan and Natsuki sat across from each other, their expressions utterly relaxed. On the table before them was freshly brewed tea and newly baked desserts.

For Aslan and Natsuki, this was merely a slightly grander fireworks display.

Even if he were to face the entire world, Aslan could use his power to show the world that it would be the world that perished, not him.

Aslan’s calm and confident demeanor gave sufficient confidence to the forces supporting them on Itogami Island.

“Maybe there’s value in bringing them to Little Garden too, who knows.” Aslan said calmly, observing the performance of the Itogami Island Guard, the Lion King Agency, various Ancient Weapons, and even the recruited LCO Witches on the battlefield, nodding in satisfaction.

Though he might seem like a scoundrel, with an attitude of neither rejecting nor taking responsibility, seeing so many people fight for him still moved him.

“Hmm? You’re planning to bring them all to Little Garden?” Natsuki set down her teacup, shifting her gaze from the battlefield outside to Aslan, speaking with slight surprise.

“Getting a chance to go to Little Garden isn’t that easy, is it? Or can you bring that many people?”

“How should I put it?” Aslan pinched his chin, speaking after a moment of thought.

“Under certain special circumstances, Little Garden will also summon parts of a planet.”

“So, it’s not impossible to summon Itogami Island as well.”

“And if it really can’t be done, don’t I have the Space Gate? Though it’s a bit troublesome, creating a Space Gate isn’t difficult for me.”

“I plan to manage this world as a headquarters.”

After that, Aslan and Natsuki continued to shift their attention to the battlefield between Itogami Island and the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In the vast ocean, thousands of warships advanced toward Itogami Island. In the sky, countless air fleets blotted out the heavens.

Various weapons from the warships and air battleships were aimed at Itogami Island, freely unleashing their cannons.

The ocean roared as massive, grotesque octopus-like monsters tore through the sea, wrapping around giant steel ships and snapping warships under their immense, crushing strength.

Various magics erupted across the ocean. The LCO Witches were battling the Sanctuary Treaty Army.

In Itogami Island’s sky, a massive magical formation blanketed the heavens, glowing with a rose-red light. Emerging from this formation was Deep Rose, a feng shui formation enveloping the entire island, created by December.

Drawing magical energy from the Dragon Veins, this formation continuously summoned Dragons and the Four Sacred Beasts, launching devastating attacks on the fighter jets and air battleships in the sky.

The forces representing the Four Elements of the Five Elements wreaked havoc in the air. Sharp Metal (Geng Jin) sliced through fighter jets, summoned Water (Kui Shui) corroded steel, Fire (Bing Huo) incinerated magical energy shields, and Wood (Yi Mu) brought not life but death.

The clash wasn’t limited to the frontline battlefield. In unknown places behind the scenes, the Lion King Agency and the Astrology Bureau, once rival secret organizations, played their roles.

Infiltrating, assassinating, and spontaneously launching attacks on commanders.

Aiba Asagi and Lydianne Didier collaborated in electronic warfare, both offensive and defensive.

Of course, Aslan wasn’t just watching the show. For those fighting for him, he would teleport them back to headquarters to rest and recover when they faced danger.

Especially the Lion King Agency and the Astrology Bureau. To demonstrate their loyalty, they fought with all their might, ruthlessly stabbing their former superiors in the back.

Aslan naturally wouldn’t let them down. Whenever they faced danger, he would instantly pull them back.

Various advanced magical technology weapons bombarded Itogami Island. Simultaneously, a force field shield rose, protecting the island. All weapons reliant on magical energy became ineffective.

This was the Dark Covenant activated by Tokoyogi Aya. The Witch of the Notaria allowed this ritual to envelop the entire island, temporarily gaining the ability to alter rules. In this world of magical technology, the simplest and most direct defense was to make magical energy disappear temporarily.

With the Dragon Veins beneath Itogami Island providing magical energy, Aya gained near-infinite magical power. This made Itogami Island nearly indestructible.

However, the disparity in numbers was too vast. Itogami Island was just a small island. Even with the forces that joined them, their available personnel wouldn’t exceed a few thousand. When facing the onslaught from the Sanctuary Treaty Nations Army, they were still somewhat short-handed.

But it didn’t matter—Asagi had anticipated this step. The main force was about to appear, accompanied by the full power of Eguchi Yume, the world’s strongest succubus heir, Lilith.

*WHOOSH!*

A deep, massive roar echoed from the ocean not far away.

A loud explosion sounded. A colossal monster, four thousand meters long, its surface covered by a dense black magical energy shield, resembling a hornless dragon, leapt from the ocean floor. With a roar, it crashed into the gathered fleet.

*CRASH!*

A tremendous collision sounded, followed by the sound of steel bending and breaking. The giant monster merely passed through, but many warships were damaged and sank into ruins.

Of course, the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army also realized the situation had spiraled out of control. Facing the rampaging Leviathan, they redirected their cannons, firing countless shells at it.

Naturally, Leviathan wasn’t to be trifled with. As the strongest God-Slaying Biological Weapon of the Mythical Era, the dense black magical energy shield covering its body withstood all attacks.

Its powerful magical cannons, biological torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles across its body were unleashed in an instant, striking the warships, air carriers, and fighter jets attacking it.

Leviathan truly lived up to its title as the strongest God-Slaying Biological Weapon. With just one round of bombardment, the entire ocean fell silent, leaving only a few pieces of debris floating on the surface.

Seeing Itogami Island’s victory, Asagi couldn’t help but show a joyful smile. Seeing the island saved by her arrangements filled her with satisfaction, and she couldn’t wait to run to Aslan to show off.

“Alright, Yume-chan, control Leviathan to return to the ocean floor to sleep.”

“We’ve won. We don’t need Leviathan anymore.”

However, after a long while, Yume didn’t respond to Asagi. And Leviathan in the distance showed no signs of returning to the ocean floor to sleep.

At this moment, Asagi’s face displayed unmasked panic. Especially when she saw Leviathan moving toward Itogami Island.

“Asagi-san, Leviathan seems to have broken free from my control.” Yume said, cold sweat dripping from her forehead, her voice tinged with fear. She hadn’t expected this giant Leviathan to escape Lilith’s control.

“What now?” Asagi was truly out of options. She had never imagined Leviathan would go out of control.

Seeing Asagi’s panicked and confused state, Aslan knew it was time for him to step in.

“Well, now you know you’ve caused trouble, right?” Aslan appeared before Asagi at some point, flicking her forehead.

Asagi looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting Aslan’s.

“I know.” Asagi said, her voice slightly choked with tears. This time, she truly realized her mistake.

But facing Leviathan, which could easily destroy the entire Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army, how could a small island like Itogami stand a chance?

Because of her momentary mistake, Itogami Island was now being destroyed by her own hands. This was a psychological burden Asagi could hardly bear.

“Good that you know you were wrong.” Aslan smiled, gently wiping the tears from Asagi’s face.

Seeing his gentle smile, Asagi’s heart calmed slightly. Maybe the situation wasn’t as bad as it seemed?

She suddenly realized that the Fourth Primogenitor was the strongest vampire and might have a way to handle the out-of-control Leviathan.

“You must have a way to save Itogami Island, right?” Asagi looked at him with a glimmer of hope.

“No, I haven’t even seized other people’s memories—where would I get the magical energy?” Aslan shrugged helplessly.

“You’re still joking! You must have a way.” Asagi said, her misty eyes glaring at him. She hit his chest lightly in frustration.

“A way? I do have one, but it depends on whether you’re willing to make a sacrifice, Asagi.” Aslan said slowly, his smile fading.

Asagi looked straight into Aslan’s eyes with unwavering determination and said seriously, “As long as I can protect Itogami Island and deal with Leviathan, I’m willing to make any sacrifice.”

“My mistake, of course, I have to handle it myself.”

-

Title: Asagi’s Resolve

Asagi stared curiously at the intricate underground facilities beneath Keystone Gate. Though she had learned from some classified archives that mysterious things were hidden below, this was her first time coming here.

“Aslan, where are we going? Is there really a way to save Itogami Island?” Asagi asked anxiously.

Outside Itogami Island, the rampaging, out-of-control Leviathan was heading toward the island.

“You’ll find out soon.” Aslan replied, his steps light and unhurried, keeping the secret from Asagi.

Seeing that Aslan didn’t answer her question, Asagi could only suppress the doubts in her heart and follow him nervously.

Soon after, the two arrived at the lowest floor of Keystone Gate. They passed through a submarine base and arrived before a stone gate.

The stone gate was etched with highly intricate patterns. Asagi recognized that these patterns were ritual circuits, their complexity far surpassing any magical ritual she had ever seen.

Yet, for some reason, despite seeing these patterns for the first time, Asagi felt an odd sense of familiarity, as if she instinctively understood their meaning without needing to comprehend them.

“Aslan, what is this?” Asagi already sensed that this stone gate and what lay behind it were far from ordinary.

“Beyond this stone gate is the Cleansing System. Right now, it’s one of the few things we can use to defeat Leviathan.” Having reached their destination, Aslan no longer kept secrets and spoke frankly.

“Cleansing?” Asagi’s pupils contracted, and she exclaimed in shock.

“Yes, it’s the Cleansing you know, but this isn’t the ancient Cleansing ruins that caused massive destruction to the world and hid countless weapons.”

“This is the true Cleansing System, with immense power capable of modifying the world.”

Aslan’s smile faded, and he looked at her seriously. His eyes, deep as the universe, captured all of Asagi’s attention, making her breath catch.

“Asagi, at this point, I don’t want to hide anything from you. It’s time to tell you some things.”

“You are Cain’s Miko. As for what a Cain’s Miko is, you don’t need to understand it now. Once you activate the Cleansing System, everything you want to know will become clear.”

“You can think of the Cleansing System as a kind of weapon. With Itogami Island now facing Leviathan’s threat, only the Cleansing System can handle it.”

“I’m telling you all this here to give you your final choice, Asagi.”

“No one knows what will happen if the system is fully activated.”

“No one knows what Cain’s Miko, as the core control component, will experience after the Cleansing System is activated.”

Aslan’s expression was grave. He left everything to Asagi, letting her make her own decision.

“Of course, even if you don’t activate the Cleansing System, I have other ways to deal with Leviathan outside.”

Aslan’s serious expression vanished, replaced by a mischievous smile.

“Why’d you suddenly get so serious?” Asagi patted her chest, which didn’t match her age, startled by Aslan’s sudden gravity.

“You have a way, so why didn’t you say so earlier? You almost scared me to death.”

“You mean you’ve always had a way to deal with Leviathan? No, to win the battle against the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army?”

Asagi showed a helpless expression. This outcome was still a bit beyond her expectations.

So all her earlier worries had been for nothing.

“What’s the big deal?” Aslan shrugged, admitting it openly.

“Then why didn’t you tell me earlier, letting me worry all this time?” Asagi pouted in frustration, turning her face away, unwilling to talk to a jerk like Aslan.

“Aslan, how do I activate this Cleansing System?” Asagi gently touched the tightly sealed stone gate and its intricate yet familiar patterns, asking softly.

Asagi had made her choice. After all, Leviathan’s loss of control was her fault. It was a problem she caused, so she had to resolve it herself.

After all, she was the Temporary Supreme Crisis Commissioner personally appointed by Aslan. Handling Itogami Island’s crisis was her responsibility.

As for the bad things that might happen when activating the Cleansing System, she trusted Aslan would step in.

With that said, Asagi pushed the stone gate open without any difficulty and walked inside without hesitation.

Aslan said nothing, silently watching her enter the Cleansing System.

After seeing Asagi go in, Aslan shrugged casually.

“Looks like I might not need to activate the Cleansing System after all.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the deepest part of Keystone Gate, inside Cain’s Coffin.

The moment she passed through the stone gate, countless memories awakened in Asagi’s mind. They contained numerous secrets, including, of course, her true identity.

She was one of the descendants of the many Mikos chosen by Cain in the distant past. Upon contact with the Cleansing System, her powers as a Miko were fully restored.

“So this is the Cleansing? What incredible power. With massive calculations, even the laws of the world can be freely modified.” Asagi exclaimed in awe.

“Young lady, even so, don’t use this power lightly. Don’t expand the scope of the Cleansing, let alone forcibly alter certain laws. The side effects are too great for you.”

“If you act recklessly, you’ll be consumed by this system!”

From Asagi’s phone came the electronic voice of Mogwai, the strongest artificial intelligence on the island—perhaps even in the world. Of course, this was only its surface identity. Mogwai’s true identity was a virtual persona replicated from data of Cain when he was alive.

It could also be called a clone of Cain.

The Cleansing System was created by Cain himself. No one knew better than him how powerful its backlash was. Even Cain back then had died from overusing the Cleansing System, let alone Asagi, who was merely a Cain’s Miko.

“I know, Mogwai. I won’t overuse this power. But to protect Itogami Island and everyone on it, I have to borrow the Cleansing System’s power.”

The junior high school girl wore a resolute expression, displaying an unyielding and determined demeanor.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

As the Cleansing System activated, the ocean roared, and the entire underwater continent trembled.

Aslan, standing outside the stone gate, felt an intense vibration. This was an earthquake caused by drawing massive magical energy from the Dragon Veins.

No, it wasn’t just an earthquake. Aslan could clearly see that, centered on Itogami Island, a piece of the continent was rising upward.

The landmass was nearly ten times the size of Itogami Island. It formed a massive conduction chain, visually transforming Itogami Island from an island to a landmass, and from a landmass to a floating city.

“Is this because the world is starting to reject the Cleansing System?”

Aslan observed the monumental event of the Cleansing System’s activation, its operations, the program’s execution, and all the changes it brought with great interest.

Suddenly, a deep crimson beam shot out from Itogami Island. This red light ignored all magical energy and pierced straight through the magical energy shield covering Leviathan’s body.

“ROAARR!!” Leviathan roared anxiously.

Wherever the red light swept, no matter how thick its magical energy shield was, everything vanished without a trace, including the flesh and blood of its body.

For the first time in tens of thousands of years on this planet, it felt the threat of death.

“Emmm…”

Aslan held his chin, watching this scene with slight dissatisfaction.

The Cleansing System’s power altered the physical effects of the beam, twisting certain laws. Under the Cleansing’s laws, the magical energy in Leviathan’s body became ineffective, similar to the Dark Covenant’s domain. The magical energy shield naturally lost its effect.

At the same time, the deep crimson light had the effect of turning existence into nothingness, causing all parts of Leviathan it touched to vanish.

But how to put it? In Aslan’s eyes, Asagi’s use of the Cleansing System was merely utilizing the light emitted when the system was activated.

It was like the light shining on a screen when a computer is turned on. Meanwhile, the true world-law-distorting power of the Cleansing System wasn’t manifested at all.

It was as if you spent a fortune on a high-spec computer, but someone only used its glowing screen as a lamp.

“Moreover, the magical energy provided by the Dragon Veins is still far from fully activating the Cleansing System.”

“I really don’t know how Cain managed to activate the Cleansing System back then, even creating the Three Primogenitors—oh, no, Four Primogenitors.”

Well, the Fourth Primogenitor was also created by Cain. What’s that called? I Killed Myself?

However, the reason Cain let the Fourth Primogenitor kill him was to give himself a chance for resurrection.

The Cleansing System’s backlash would gradually erase his existence. If it were erasing someone else’s existence, the system’s feedback could restore normalcy. But for the ritual’s user, it was irreversible and unstoppable.

So, after Cain resolved the rampant Beast Vassal issue on land, he let the Fourth Primogenitor kill him, leaving an opportunity for resurrection using Cain’s Altar.

“But for the energy supply…”

Aslan reached for something and pulled out a circular object glowing golden like a small bedside lamp from his body.

Yes, that’s right—this was the Sun Authority. It looked like a cheap toy.

-

Title: Want to Try Humanity Foundation Destruction?

“By the way, isn’t using the Dragon Sun Authority for an energy supply like using a butcher’s cleaver to cut a chicken?”

After all, this was just a planetary-scale system. While the planet’s Dragon Veins could supply energy, the planet itself rejected the system.

“Forget it, never mind.” Aslan said nonchalantly. After all, the Dragon Sun Authority was only temporarily in his possession. If he didn’t use it now and experiment with it, he wouldn’t get the chance later.

The Dragon Sun Authority had to be returned to its rightful owner. Since it wasn’t truly his, he had no qualms about using it.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Deep within Cain’s Coffin, the connection point between Itogami Island and the Dragon Veins.

This was where Itogami Island served as Cain’s Altar. The primary function of Cain’s Altar was to supply energy to the Cleansing System in Cain’s Coffin.

Abundant magical energy was continuously drawn from the Dragon Veins, flowing through countless rune carvings toward Cain’s Coffin.

The earth began to tremble, rocks on the ocean floor tore apart, and cracks spread rapidly like a spider’s web. The seawater grew murky as it churned, and massive waves rolled across the ocean floor, as if seeking to swallow everything.

Lava erupted from craters like enraged giant monsters, illuminating the entire seabed. The scorching magma met the cold seawater, emitting deafening roars. Steam and ash filled the water, forming clouds of gray mist.

“Good thing this is underwater. If it were on land, it’d be hard to imagine.” Aslan sighed, observing the Dragon Veins roaring as vast amounts of magical energy were drawn.

He tossed the Dragon Sun Authority in his hand toward the seabed, to the point where Itogami Island connected with the Dragon Veins.

Upon contact, warm light and heat radiated from the small “bedside lamp.”

Under the contrast of this warm light and heat, the Sun Authority no longer looked like a toy hiding its grandeur as before. It was now more like a true small sun rising from the ocean floor.

The deep sea, which had never seen sunlight, felt its rays for the first time.

Thus, the earthquake subsided, the lava monsters returned to their lairs, and the seabed returned to its previous silent and peaceful state.

The Dragon Sun Authority effortlessly replenished the magical energy drawn from the Dragon Veins at the ocean floor.

As for the energy required by the Cleansing System, the light it emitted alone was sufficient to supply the energy needed for activation and operation.

Even an unreleased Sun Authority possessed mass and energy comparable to a star.

The Cleansing System, now with sufficient energy, became calmer, almost as if entering a dormant state.

However, Aslan could see that rather than dormancy, the Cleansing System was rooting itself deeper into the Earth, and the planet’s repulsion toward it was diminishing.

“Honestly, the Cleansing System is great hardware, but the software running it—a ritual like the Cleansing that modifies the essence of life—is still a bit of a waste.”

Inside Cain’s Coffin, Aslan stood beside Asagi, complaining as he watched her operate the Cleansing System.

“You didn’t think about what kind of ritual could drive the Cleansing System first?” Asagi responded, arms crossed.

As Cain’s Miko, the key to activating the Cleansing System, after activating the Cleansing, Asagi was now equivalent to the incarnation of the entire Cleansing System.

In a sense, her will was the will of the Cleansing System.

Of course, Asagi’s ability to control the Cleansing System so perfectly was inseparable from the Dragon Sun Authority Aslan provided for energy.

The Cleansing System created by Cain was still quite perfect. Naturally, when fully activated, minor backlashes were no cause for concern.

And clearly, Cain, who had used all the Deva’s resources back then, hadn’t succeeded in fully activating the system he created.

“If you’re talking about a ritual that can drive the Cleansing System, I actually have one.” Aslan said, recalling for a moment.

He remembered the Humanity Foundation Destruction ritual he had previously asked Sajyou Manaka to help collect. The complexity of this ritual surpassed the level of Authority.

If combined with this system and slightly modified, it might be possible to perform Humanity Foundation Destruction in this world.

After all, this world, first, lacked various Counter Forces, and second, had no strange Quantum Record Fixation Belt, making time travel quite easy.

In Aslan’s memory, in the original plot, there was Akatsuki Kojou’s daughter from the future, Akatsuki Reina, who traveled back in time. This ritual was even created by Asagi’s daughter, Akatsuki Moegi.

It seemed highly feasible.

“So, Your Majesty, are you the Demon King of Annihilation? How dare you think of performing such a terrifying ritual using the Cleansing System.” Asagi said, staring at Aslan in shock.

“Relax, I’m just thinking about it.” Aslan said, patting Asagi’s shoulder and nudging her aside so he could study the Cleansing System more closely and thoroughly.

“Even thinking about it is not allowed. Your idea is too dangerous.” Asagi said, glaring at him sharply.

She didn’t want Itogami Island, which she had just saved, to be destroyed in an instant by the whims of the Fourth Primogenitor.

Don’t think she was clueless. Did she not know about space-time paradoxes?

Destroying the Humanity Foundation, altering history—what would happen to those living in the present? Just waiting for death?

Even a slight disturbance in past space-time could have immeasurable impacts on the future. No one wanted their current existence erased due to past space-time interference.

However, Aslan just stood there, observing, calculating, and showing no intention of responding to Asagi.

“Of course, it’s still too difficult.” Aslan sighed helplessly, shaking his head as he looked at the Cleansing System before him.

Completing Humanity Foundation Destruction with the Cleansing System’s help wasn’t difficult, but preserving the current space-time was.

Aslan only wanted to alter history. He didn’t want to completely annihilate humanity, wipe out all life in this world, and start evolution from scratch.

“I really want the History of the Ages.” Aslan said with a touch of emotion.

Something like the History of the Ages was enough to think about. If it truly fell into his hands, he’d still feel it was too hot to hold.

However, this didn’t mean Aslan couldn’t draw inspiration from the History of the Ages in the Jackie Chan Adventures world and the structure of Good and Evil to do something.

After all, that world’s worldview was very similar to Zoroastrianism’s.

Both were dualistic, leaning toward a situation where good would inevitably triumph.

Coincidentally, Ahriman, the Mother Goddess of Evil in Zoroastrianism, was currently within Aslan’s body.

Quickly, Aslan thought of another possibility: the reason why something as overpowered as the History of the Ages could exist in that world, and why history hadn’t been altered, was due to the mutual antagonism between Good and Evil?

In other words, a dualistic worldview of opposing good and evil could effectively stabilize history. At the very least, it could ensure history wasn’t massively destroyed?

What Aslan wanted was to modify the past while ensuring the present remained unchanged, completely erasing the Deva’s traces and, in passing, increasing the merits he might gain as the Fourth Primogenitor.

Now that he thought about it, it was indeed troublesome, but it wasn’t entirely unfeasible.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The crushing defeat and retreat of the Sanctuary Treaty Nations shocked the entire world.

Elite forces from over a dozen superpowers couldn’t capture a single island.

And the final outcome for the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army was total annihilation, without even a Primogenitor appearing.

The entire world—whether the heads of state and power leaders in Whispering Garden, the spectators watching the show, or even the Aldegyr Kingdom, which planned to support Itogami Island—never expected this outcome.

But it was a fact.

After this battle, Itogami Island’s independence was recognized, and it was acknowledged as one of the world’s strongest powers.

Naturally, Aslan also earned the qualification to attend Whispering Garden with his strength.

Under the expressions of the heads of state, looking as if they had just eaten dirt, an additional golden chair appeared in the center of Whispering Garden.

Seated upon it was a man with a faint smile, looking at them.

“What’s wrong with all of you? Why do you all look so glum? This is supposed to be a joyous occasion.”

Joyous for you alone!

They had just suffered a total naval and air force annihilation, and now they had to prepare for war reparations.

Their mood couldn’t possibly be good…

But they only dared to think this in their hearts, not voicing it aloud.

Because at this moment, Aslan occupied a position that only the Three—no, now Four—Primogenitors could hold.

And he also held the Sanctuary Treaty’s veto power—yes, a veto power that could veto a veto. An utterly arrogant and unreasonable authority.

“Well then, gentlemen, I won’t waste words.” Aslan said, crossing his legs and looking at the heads of state and power leaders below, a cold smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

“Gentlemen, sign.”

Aslan snapped his fingers, and a stack of equal treaties appeared on their tables.

The treaty’s restrictions weren’t too severe. Just standard territorial reparations and compensation, plus a few diplomatic privileges for Itogami Island. It didn’t look like an unequal treaty at all.

“What is this? Reparations of one percent of GDP annually?”

“And a unilateral technology-sharing agreement with Itogami Island…”

“What’s a negative tariff?”

“…”

“Sorry, we can’t possibly sign such a treaty!” At this moment, nearly all the Sanctuary Treaty Nations’ heads spoke in unison.

This treaty was too humiliating and degrading to their nations. Anyone who dared sign it would see their political career utterly destroyed.

“Oh? Is that so?” Aslan looked at their resolute stances, gently holding his chin as he sank into thought.

“How about this then? Not signing isn’t impossible, as long as you allow Aurora to take a stroll in your countries.”

As he spoke, Aslan pinched the cheek of Aurora, who appeared in his arms, and patted her small head.

“Aurora, bark once!”

“Gentlemen, I’ll give you three minutes to think.”

“Aww~~”

In an instant, the phones of nearly all the heads of state rang. The information displayed on their screens was that the Pacific Ocean had frozen for unknown reasons.

The entire Earth seemed to have become a giant block of ice.

However, Aslan still had Aurora restrain her power. Otherwise, it wouldn’t just be the oceans freezing. Their countries would be included, forever entombed in glaciers.

“What’s an unequal treaty?”

“In my opinion, this treaty is too generous. I think the compensation could be increased.”

“Agreed, great minds think alike.”

Everyone who had just been grimacing instantly switched to smiling faces within seconds. They eagerly competed to sign this “equal treaty” with utmost willingness.

There was absolutely no hint of coercion.