"You think everyone is built like you?" Jashin-chan, bundled up in layers of thick clothing like a ball of yarn, sneered. "You're just a Kyonshi who spends all day rotting in a damp, dark coffin."
"Of course you wouldn't be afraid of the cold!"
"Jashin-chan. Bullying Kyon-Kyon is forbidden."
Hanazono Yurine's beautiful eyes narrowed coldly at the snake girl. "If you bully her again, I'll kill you."
Kawashima Toya crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Count me in."
"With that kind of attitude, maybe Jashin-chan should have been used as a punching bag a little longer during that banquet in the 'Future'."
Instantly becoming the target of public condemnation, Jashin-chan shrank her head back into her scarf, not daring to retort.
Damn it! I'll remember this grudge!
Just you wait, Kyonshi! One day, I'll tear you apart!
"Let's go. We'll head to the resort hotel first. It's too cold out here." Toya led the group toward the only resort hotel situated on the mountain.
His current constitution made him immune to extreme temperatures, but the others couldn't withstand the freezing gale of the high altitude.
"I feel alive again!"
"Finally, a temperature fit for human survival."
Inside the hotel lobby, Toya stretched comfortably and found a spot with a good view to sit down.
"Kawashima, is it really okay for us to sit here?" Eriri's cute face showed a hint of hesitation. "These look like VIP seats."
"VIP seats? You're right, they aren't quite suitable," Toya agreed, standing up. "Let's change. I remember booking the Royal Suite area."
Regarding this trip to the mountains, the System didn't just sell items; it provided tickets and reservations for everything imaginable.
As long as he could think of it, the System could provide it.
"Royal Suite?" Yukinoshita Yukino looked at Toya in surprise.
"I recall that the highest tier is reserved only for the most distinguished state guests."
Eriri asked incredulously, "Kawashima, what exactly is your job?"
"It's normal," Kasumigaoka Utaha said, not surprised in the least. "After all, he's someone who can walk on the sky."
"People with absolute power always have their own privileges."
Guided by a waiter, Toya led the group to the most luxurious private terrace, where they sat down to enjoy the best view of the snowy peaks.
Just as everyone settled in to relax, the peak of the mountain suddenly erupted with Prismatic Light.
The radiance spread in all directions, illuminating the mountains.
Where the light shone, everyone felt a sensation as if they were being reborn, their bodies cleansed of fatigue and impurities.
Kasugano Sora ran over excitedly, her delicate face full of anticipation. "Onii-chan, is the Sanctuary opening?"
"Not yet." Toya gently patted Sora's head, teasing her. "We, the guests of honor, haven't even arrived at the gate."
"The Sanctuary won't open without us."
"Darling, how do you know it hasn't opened?" Nyaruko's eyes flashed with confusion. "I haven't even ckecked it yet, and you already know?"
"I saw it, of course," Toya said mysteriously.
Since integrating the Third Perpetual Motion Machine, his already powerful physique had transcended human limits.
His vision was incredibly sharp; even sitting in the hotel's observation area, he could clearly see the situation on the distant peak.
Although the ancient mansion was shrouded in mist and radiating multicolored light, the seals on the cave entrance remained unbroken.
That was how he knew the time hadn't come yet.
"What a relaxing life." Utaha ate a delicate pastry, admiring the breathtaking scenery. "Kawashima, this is what life is about."
"Not having to think about writing light novels or meeting deadlines every day... it's amazing!"
Toya smiled faintly. "Isn't writing light novels that people love your dream?"
"Writing good novels is a dream, but balancing it with proper leisure is also important."
Utaha's tone was filled with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing me on this trip. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known travel could be so refreshing."
"I finally understand why my parents go on world tours."
"Oh right! Onii-chan, the desserts here are delicious!" Sora held up a piece of cake, her face full of hope. "Onii-chan, want to try some?"
"Thanks, Sora." Toya took the cake and savored it slowly.
Not far away, Yukino sat in a quiet corner reading a book, looking like a beautiful painting amidst the snowy backdrop.
Meanwhile, Jashin-chan sat at a table piled high with exquisite desserts, devouring them like a starving beast.
"Such a peaceful and cozy atmosphere." Toya gazed at the distant mountain, murmuring in his heart, "I hope the Pantheon doesn't stir up trouble."
Nyaruko's words from earlier were still fresh in his mind.
The Eastern Pantheon, known as the high-tier of mythologies, was led by six Primordials—the Sages. These old entities were unfathomable.
They were always plotting something, hoping to drag the entire Root and all other pantheons into muddy waters.
.....
Eastern Realm.
Six supreme, majestic figures stood in the void.
"Brother, we seem to have been misunderstood."
"Who cares? Why bother with such trivialities?"
"Was the Artifact delivered? Make sure there are no mistakes."
"If anyone fails to generate enough animosity, don't blame my staff for being merciless!"
"Relax. The Disc has been delivered. Once the Savior breaks through the 'Present,' that will be the moment we rise!"
"All deities, awaken immediately! Do not waste time! This is a Golden Age that appears only once in countless Cycles of the Root."
"If we miss this, who knows how many cycles we'll have to wait for the next opportunity?"
As their voices fell, the realm erupted with waves of sacred, majestic light.
The Gods were awakening, preparing to participate in this unprecedented banquet.
In that instant, all other pantheons boiled over with activity, their gazes turning in unison toward the East.
"Darling! This is bad!" Nyaruko's beautiful face changed, her expression becoming extremely grave.
Toya put down his teacup, confused. "What happened?"
"I don't know." Nyaruko shook her head seriously. "Almost all the Gods of the Eastern Pantheon have awakened. They've left their domain and are spreading toward the Root."
"So what?" Toya took a calm sip of his tea. "No need to care. Let them do whatever they want."
"Eh?" Nyaruko doubted her hearing. "Darling, do you really not care?"
"Why should I?" Toya replied calmly. "Outside our world, we have the Crawling Chaos and the Living Flame."
"With you two lurking out there, what danger could there be?"
He wanted to pay attention to the Eastern Pantheon's issues, but he simply didn't have the strength.
For a mere mortal to worry about Gods... even if he stood just below divinity and possessed top-tier power, in the face of true Gods, he was just a slightly bigger ant.
Meddling too much would only lead to a swift death.
"That's true. With Kuuko and me here, there won't be any problems." Nyaruko nodded in realization. "We're already in the final phase. Let them do as they please."