[There has only ever been one deity I could associate with such a description.]

Norman’s expression grew more serious. "Which one?"

There was a brief silence before Atia answered.

[Speaking her true name, or any of her true titles, would immediately draw her attention toward you. If she is indeed the one involved, doing so would place your life in considerable danger.]

[For that reason, I shall refrain from uttering it.]

[The deity I speak of... is the Evil Goddess—the very reason the gods chose champions among mankind.]

Norman’s eyes widened. "The Evil Goddess has appeared in this era?"

[Even I cannot say for certain.]

[It is equally possible that these events are the work of one who carries her blessing.]

[Perhaps... one of the Dark Ones now walks among humanity.]

Norman fell silent as his thoughts immediately began connecting everything that had occurred over the past few months.

"The unprecedented rise in crime, the influx of demons... And now the possibility that either the Evil Goddess herself, or one of her Dark Ones, exists in this era"

He narrowed his eyes. "This no longer feels like mere coincidence. What do you advise, Lady Goddess?"

[Indeed. The threads of fate are beginning to converge.]

[Continue as you have always done, Norman.]

[The culprits you pursue this time will undoubtedly prove more challenging than those before them. However... you have been entrusted with our blessings because you are capable of overcoming such challenges.]

Her voice became noticeably firmer.

[There is one matter you must never forget.]

[Should you ever encounter one of the Dark Ones... your foremost priority is to ensure they cease to exist.]

A brief silence followed, before Atia spoke once more.

[I have no doubt the others would reach the same conclusion.]

The other voices began echoing in agreement.

[Heracles: I share Atia’s judgement.]

[Anos: Should such a fiend stand before you, eradicate it.]

[Zarses: There can be no tolerance for the servants of the Evil Goddess.]

[Jorus: We are unanimous, Norman.]

Norman slowly closed his eyes. "I understand, I shall act accordingly."

The connection faded as Norman turned toward a new direction.

With a deafening burst that scattered the surrounding clouds, he shot across the sky at tremendous speed, disappearing over the horizon in an instant.

———

Later on in the day...

Eduardo had successfully arranged the meeting. And now, Nathan was seated within the living room of Stark Residence, with Jillia occupying the space beside him.

Ethan was seated on the opposite side with Isabella and Ishtar beside him.

For a while, It was kinda awkward.

Ishtar’s eyes never left Nathan even once, making no attempt to conceal the hatred burning behind them.

Eduardo and Francesca were standing at a certain corner of the room, observing everything in silence. At this time, Hayley had already returned to her own house.

Eventually, Ethan let out a sigh. "Well... this isn’t awkward at all."

Then he gestured towards Nathan. ’Let’s get to it, shall we?"

-

For the better part of the next hour, Nathan recounted everything.

Beginning from the events surrounding Irene’s capture, he carefully explained everything he had previously shared with Eduardo. Throughout the conversation, Ethan interrupted numerous times.

Rather than accepting Nathan’s words at face value, he questioned nearly every major point that had been brought up, probing for inconsistencies and hoping to uncover even the slightest contradiction that would expose a lie.

But every question Ethan raised received an answer. Every discrepancy he pointed out was met with an explanation that corresponded with everything else Nathan had already revealed.

As the discussion continued, the story gradually fit together with fewer and fewer gaps remaining.

Several times during the conversation, Nathan apologized for his part in the experiments performed upon Ishtar.

He admitted that he had been complicit, while maintaining that, at the time, he had no other choice if he wished to save Irene.

Eventually, the conversation reached its conclusion. Nathan once again explained that he no longer wished for Ishtar to become another subject upon an operating table.

Instead, he expressed his desire to teach her how to properly wield Carrion’s power and reveal the true potential that lay within it. In hopes that she would choose to help him in bringing Irene home.

This weird silence followed after, then Ishtar slowly rose to her feet and turned toward Ethan. "Lord Ethan, may I return to my room?"

Ethan gazed at her for a moment before responding with a nod.

Ishtar inclined her head respectfully, then turned and quietly left the living room without regarding Nathan.

Ethan watched as Ishtar disappeared from the living room before letting out a sigh. "Well.. that was a much better reaction than I expected."

Nathan’s expression tightened. "Ethan, this is important... Irene cannot keep suffering like this"

Ethan had this frown on his face as he returned attention to his father. "I know it is. But you don’t seriously expect her to simply accept everything you’ve said just because it all sounds convincing."

"You spent years being the face behind everything she suffered, so It doesn’t matter how reasonable your explanation is nor how genuine your intentions are now."

"To her, you’re still the man responsible."

Nathan shook his head and averted his gaze.

Ethan sighed. "If she’s ever going to help you, or if you’re ever going to achieve what you’re hoping for...You’ll have to let her do it her way, and in her own time."

***

——

At the Western Coalition Headquarters...

The headquarters was situated within Fliu Gristan, a small nation located some distance away from Gritnia.

After leaving Gritnia, Norman had flown directly there to meet with the President of the Western Coalition, Julius.

Several minutes had passed since the meeting began, and during that time, Norman had laid out the findings of the investigation he had conducted over the past few days.

He had identified those responsible, stating that some were part of the Grand Class or capable of bringing about destruction on a comparable scale.

In light of that, Norman had come seeking reinforcements. But he wasn’t asking for ordinary agents, he was asking for the other three. Among the Coalition’s finest, they were the only individuals whose strength Norman genuinely acknowledged, particularly in a situation involving opponents of this calibre.

Unfortunately...Julius seemed reluctant.