Half a day had passed. With Selena's help and Corone's guidance, all the residents had finished packing and gathered not far from the cave entrance. Riku and Shiki had also returned after picking up Riku's subordinates who were scattered across various regions. Shiki had also healed their injuries caused by the black ash corrosion. Initially, they thought they would never see their families again while carrying out their mission, and were determined to give their lives if it meant success.
However, when they heard Riku explain that their mission was over and they no longer needed to fear for their lives due to the aftermath of the battle between other races, they were confused at first by the sudden conclusion. But hearing the explanation filled them with immense relief. When they reunited with their families and learned they would all be going to Makoto's world, they were overjoyed. They knew that under Makoto's protection, their lives would be safe from external threats.
"Is everyone ready?" Makoto asked Selena.
"Everything is ready, Waka-sama," Selena replied.
"In that case, I will open the portal connecting the two worlds," said Makoto.
With Erin's assistance, Makoto created a permanent portal linking the two worlds. The residents were initially wary when a portal suddenly appeared before them, but they relaxed upon learning it led to Makoto's domain.
"Selena, I leave the rest to you," said Makoto.
"Leave it to me, Waka-sama," Selena responded.
Then, under Selena's direction and Corone's help, all the residents entered the portal in an orderly manner.
"Makoto-sama, is there anything I can help with right now?" Riku asked as he approached with Shuvi.
"Not at the moment, Riku. Why don't you help Selena and Corone settle the people in the city?" Makoto suggested.
"Understood, Makoto-sama. Shuvi and I will go ahead," Riku said before entering the portal.
Makoto watched as everyone entered, then muttered, "Now, the only business left is with the Old Deus."
"Is it time, Waka? I can't wait to test their abilities," Tomoe said enthusiastically.
"Don't go overboard, Tomoe," Makoto warned.
"Don't worry, Waka. I know what I'm doing," Tomoe replied confidently.
"Waka-sama, what will we do with this portal?" Mio asked.
"It's simple, Mio. Even though it's a permanent portal, Erin and I can choose whether to keep it connected to Eryndal or not. For now, let's leave it as is. I have already disconnected the link between this portal and Eryndal," Makoto explained.
"Then we can leave without worrying about intruders entering Eryndal, Waka-sama," Shiki noted.
"Let's go. Tet has gathered all the Old Deus already," said Makoto, teleporting everyone away.
They appeared in a sub-dimension connected to the world. Looking around, Makoto saw all the Old Deus had assembled. Since they lacked physical bodies, they manifested as glowing humanoid shapes or floating luminous spheres.
"It looks like you are all gathered," Makoto said.
"Yes, Makoto-sama," Tet replied.
"I assume Tet has told you who I am," Makoto said, scanning the crowd.
"I won't beat around the bush. I have no intention of making you submit to me or become my subordinates. I simply ask that you do not cause widespread destruction in this world," Makoto stated calmly.
"I am willing to obey you, but I have one request," said Artosh.
"What is it?" Makoto asked.
"I want to see just how strong you are, Makoto-sama," Artosh declared.
"Oh? It seems you don't know your own limits. There's no need for Waka to make a move; dealing with you is more than enough for me. If you can't even defeat me, what's the point of challenging Waka?" Tomoe interjected.
"Very well. I will defeat you first, then challenge Makoto-sama," Artosh agreed.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Makoto asked, looking around.
"Makoto-sama, may I go see your world?" Holou asked.
"Of course. I have created a portal connected to my world. If you wish, you may go and see it. Actually, I am quite interested in the Ex-Machina; I would like to hire them," Makoto said casually.
"There is no need for that. If Makoto-sama desires them, I can hand all of them over to you," Holou offered.
"Any more questions? If not, the battle between Tomoe and Artosh will begin," Makoto announced.
"In that case, I will strengthen this sub-dimension first. If those two fight seriously, this place will be destroyed," Makoto said, reinforcing and expanding the space. Once done, everyone stood at a safe distance to watch the fight.
"Are you ready?" Tomoe asked, drawing her sword.
"I am always ready," Artosh replied seriously, sensing immense danger from her.
"Then, take this!" Tomoe shouted, swinging her katana vertically and launching a flying slash toward Artosh.
"!?" Seeing the attack coming, Artosh's instincts blared. Without hesitation, he dodged to the side. He knew if that slash hit him, he would be severely wounded.
"Oh, so you can dodge. But this is just the beginning," Tomoe said lightly. Although the attack looked simple, she wasn't just using magical energy; she was also applying the laws of space, allowing her slash to cut through anything effortlessly.
"This is the battle I wanted! Take this!" Artosh roared, firing a barrage of magical energy at Tomoe.
Meanwhile, in the Goddess' World, Makoto's parents were planning to retake Kanaleon from the Demon Race.
"How are the preparations going, dear?" Makoto's mother asked.
"Everything is going smoothly," his father replied.
"Who is going to destroy the Stela Fortress?" she asked.
"Earlier, Makoto told me he would send troops to assist us. With our current strength, as long as the Goddess doesn't interfere, we can execute our plan easily. I will handle Stela Fortress myself. Are you okay with leading the army to take Kanaleon?" he asked.
"Don't underestimate me. Have you forgotten who I was before? Leading an army is not difficult for me," she said confidently.
"I'm just worried about you. What if you get hurt during the battle?" he asked with concern.
"Ouch!" His father clutched his head as she smacked him.
"...." After hitting him, she simply stared at him in silence.
"Alright, alright, I surrender! Do whatever you want!" he conceded.
"That's better. Why didn't you say that earlier?" she said with a smile.
Seeing her smile, his father could only force a grin.
"By the way, how are Eva and Luria doing?" he asked.
"They are currently learning how to govern. Although I've taught them the basics, they need to actively make decisions to manage Kanaleon properly in the future," she explained.
"Looks like we're going to be busy for a while," he remarked.
"Of course. We can't just hand over a country to two people with no management experience. If they are even slightly careless, they will be tricked and manipulated by those with bad intentions. They need at least one or two years to adapt to their positions," she said.
"One or two years, huh? We will be quite busy. What if we ask Yukiko and Mari to help them? Consider it experience for them too," he suggested.
"Yukiko and Mari? Yukiko can definitely help, but we can't rely on Mari for administrative work. We'll think about that later. Tonight, we will execute our plan to destroy Stela Fortress and reclaim Kanaleon," she declared.
"Makoto said we don't need to intervene directly, as this is a good opportunity for the Eryndal forces to prove themselves," his father mentioned.
"With their capabilities, we have nothing to worry about," she replied.
Back with Makoto, watching the fight between Tomoe and Artosh, he commented, "It seems Tomoe has fully mastered her new abilities after evolving."
"Waka-sama, here is some fresh juice I made," Mio said, handing him a cold glass.
"Thank you, Mio," Makoto said.
"It is my duty, Waka-sama," Mio replied happily.
"What do you think of the fight, Shiki?" Makoto asked.
"In terms of raw power, Tomoe-sama is far superior. However, Artosh is indeed a formidable opponent. If Tomoe-sama fought him before her evolution, it would have been difficult to predict the winner," Shiki analyzed.
"Hmm, Artosh is quite strong. If he fights strong opponents regularly, he will grow powerful very quickly," Makoto observed.
"It looks like the battle is about to end," Shiki said, watching as Artosh took a barrage of hits.
BOOM! Artosh crashed heavily into the ground after being kicked down by Tomoe.
"Hahaha! Artosh is indeed a tough opponent," Tomoe laughed, walking casually back toward Makoto.
"You seem quite pleased, Tomoe," Makoto noted.
"Of course, Waka! Fighting a strong opponent—who wouldn't be happy?" she beamed.
"From what I saw, it looked like you were just playing with him, Tomoe-san," Mio teased.
"Huh!? What do you know, Mio? Didn't you see how intense my battle was?" Tomoe protested.
"Alright, alright, stop bickering you two. Shiki, can you check on Artosh?" Makoto ordered.
"Yes, Waka-sama," Shiki said, heading toward the fallen Old Deus.
Moments later, Shiki returned with Artosh, who had been healed by magic. Although his wounds were gone, his magical energy was still depleted.
"Tomoe-sama, you are truly strong. Thank you for the lesson," Artosh said respectfully.
"No need to thank me. I simply did what I wanted to do," Tomoe replied casually.
"With that, our business here is finished. Let us return home," Makoto announced.
"Yes, Waka/Waka-sama!" his followers replied in unison.
Makoto returned to Eryndal through the portal, appearing outside the city. Since there were many people coming from the world of No Game No Life: Zero, he had set the exit point outside the city walls.
"Welcome back, Waka-sama," Selena greeted as he emerged.
"How is the resettlement going, Selena? Any issues?" Makoto asked.
"Everything is going well, Waka-sama. I have asked Rembrandt-san and the city residents to help," she reported.
"It seems we can finally begin the city's development as planned," Makoto said.
"Yes, Waka-sama. I have already prepared the construction blueprints," Selena confirmed.
Not far away, Riku was directing the new residents when he saw Makoto. He immediately approached.
"Makoto-sama, I am truly grateful for all the help you have given us," Riku said sincerely.
"I told you before, I also need inhabitants for this world. So you don't need to thank me," Makoto replied.
"Even so, you have given us the chance to live in such a wonderful world," Riku insisted.
"Very well, I accept your gratitude. In return, live happily here," Makoto said.
"Yes, Makoto-sama! If there is anything I can do to help, I will do it with all my heart!" Riku promised seriously.
"Hmm, in that case, how would you like to work directly under me? I have a department that suits you perfectly. You will receive a monthly salary, and I will even give you rewards," Makoto offered with a smile.
"With all my heart, I accept! Makoto-sama!" Riku said joyfully, finally finding a way to repay Makoto's kindness.