When Phantylia glanced at Bronya, she immediately noticed something unusual.
Desire.
That unmistakable look—half envy, half longing—was impossible to hide.
And not far from Bronya, Jingliu had the exact same expression.
"…An opportunity."
Phantylia's mind spun rapidly.
She decided instantly—she would seize it.
Turning back to Raiden Shogun, she gave a polite shake of her head.
"My apologies. I have other plans for this item."
"…Think about it again."
Raiden still wasn't willing to give up.
"If you don't want the spear, I can trade something else."
"I'm not trading."
Phantylia refused again.
She didn't need the item herself—
But Bronya clearly did.
And that meant—
There was room to maneuver.
As Phantylia turned to leave, Raiden instinctively reached out—
Only to be stopped by Yae Miko.
"That's enough."
A subtle glance.
Don't make a scene.
"…Fine."
After a long pause, Raiden finally gave up.
Continuing would only make Inazuma look bad.
She returned to the group—
Popped another candy into her mouth—
And immediately felt better.
Meanwhile, Phantylia glanced sideways at Valerius.
Seeing no reaction—
She walked toward Bronya.
"…Shall we talk?"
"…Me?"
Bronya frowned slightly.
Still—
She followed.
The two moved aside.
Phantylia leaned in—
Whispering softly.
Bronya's expression shifted—
Frown.
Glance at Valerius.
Hesitation.
A silent internal struggle.
After a long while—
She finally spoke.
"…No."
"I'll earn it myself."
Firm.
Decisive.
Phantylia's proposal had been simple:
Give her the resurrection item—
In exchange for helping her stay near Valerius in Belobog.
Not even by his side—
Just close enough to meet him.
But Bronya wasn't foolish.
The item?
Only worth 6 points.
It could appear again.
But Valerius?
There was only one.
"…You won't reconsider?"
"No."
Her answer didn't waver.
Phantylia fell silent.
Then—
Her eyes lit up again.
"…I heard the ice on Jarilo-VI is melting."
"…Yes. Why?"
"…Then how do you plan to deal with the Antimatter Legion?"
Bronya frowned.
"…What do you mean?"
Phantylia smiled faintly.
"You don't think 700 years of ice killed them, do you?"
That sentence—
Hit like a hammer.
Bronya froze.
They weren't dead?
Then—
Belobog was in danger.
Even in the past, with far greater strength, they had struggled.
Now—
With only one city remaining—
Could they really withstand a revived legion?
For the first time—
Doubt crept in.
Seeing her hesitation, Phantylia pressed further.
"I may not be a strategist…"
"But I am a Lord Ravager."
"I can command them."
The implication was obvious.
Let her come—
And she would handle the Legion.
Bronya fell into deep conflict.
She didn't think Phantylia was lying.
There was no need for her to.
And logically—
It made sense.
But that meant—
She had to choose.
Valerius—
Or Belobog.
Her gaze drifted toward him.
He stood calmly.
Watching.
Not interfering.
Waiting.
"…You're not doing this for him?"
"Of course not."
Phantylia nodded quickly.
"I know my place. I wouldn't dare."
That was enough.
After a long silence—
Bronya made her decision.
"…Fine."
"I'll speak for you."
"…Thank you."
Phantylia handed over the Resurrection Cross.
Satisfied.
As long as she could stay near Valerius—
She feared nothing.
"…This is a trade."
Bronya said quietly.
"I'll repay you with future rewards."
"No need."
Phantylia smiled.
(How easy it is to deal with upright people.)
Returning to Valerius—
Bronya studied his face carefully.
No displeasure.
Only then did she speak softly—
Explaining everything.
"…Alright."
He agreed immediately.
Without hesitation.
"…Thank you."
"…Don't mention it."
Valerius smiled faintly.
(Trying to get close, huh?)
(Causing trouble?)
(Good.)
(Let's see how long you last.)
If she stayed—
He would make sure she behaved.
Properly.
After all—
Even Klee knew—
The bigger the boss—
The worse they were.
"…Will you use it now?"
"…No."
Bronya shook her head.
"I want my mother to see Belobog first."
"…That works."
Valerius nodded.
The item was hers now.
Her choice.
With all rewards distributed—
He tapped the interface.
[Game Over — Players may now return to reality freely]
The system prompt echoed.
Players began preparing to leave.
The resurrection item—
Had changed everything.
Plans would need to be made.
Strategies rewritten.
"…Wait."
Just as people began to leave—
Ningguang spoke.
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