For him to appear twice……

  Although not quite sure how, Sungjin was certain there was something between Lucifer and himself. He hypothesized Ereka’s forbidden summoning may have played a part in the initial meeting, but perhaps he had miscalculated.

  Maybe even before the incomplete summoning, he and I had already been connected on some level?

  Or perhaps Lucifer himself was a part of his summoning ritual, but he would have to figure that out later.

  “Why do you show yourself?”


  “I have come to you.”


  “You willingly……” Sungjin believed there was truth in his words.

  “You hold the fruit of God, and with that is your second opportunity.”


  “A second chance. As expected……there must be a great power hidden within this fruit.”


  “Correct. Although the initial sacrificial ritual failed, the fruit will give you a new opportunity. If you wish to gain my powers and reach the pinnacle of this world, speak.”


  “My answer is the same.”


  “For now, but a human’s mind always changes at a crisis.” The lord of Ninehell was in no hurry.

  “You will appear before me when you are ready with your new answer.”


  A strong wind passed by.

  ***

  “Sungjin, are you okay?” Ereka shook his shoulder as she looked at him with a concerned expression.

  “Ahh, I’m fine.”


  “I was worried. You spaced out after touching the fruit.”


  “I’ve met a face I never wanted to see again.”


  “What?”


  “The power of the fruit is real.”


  Sungjin revealed no more about whom he had seen.

  “Rachel, tell me when it’s time to utilize the fruit.”


  “Yes, Oppa.”


  Sungjin stopped talking to those around him and fell into deep thought. He could use the fruit too but knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself afterwards.

  To think if I used it, she then wouldn’t be able to.

  Why would it only respond to one person; couldn’t they both use it?

  It should not be that only I could use it.

  If he only used it on himself, Lucifer and the High Priest would not have been interested. Kuga had also said the fruit served one purpose only and had no other specific powers. Why wouldn’t Rachel also be able to use it?

  The fruit is not ripe enough to cause the miracle, so I suppose I’m the anomaly.

  Through Ereka’s sacrifice ritual, he was almost connected to Lucifer; maybe that’s why he could use the fruit earlier than anyone else.

  Or maybe Rachel needs a separate ritual for herself.

  Among his many theories, he could not whittle his thoughts into a specific one; there were too many unknown variables. When the time came, eliminating Rachel’s pain was still the priority.

  But I should prepare for myself being able to use it also for the upcoming battle.

  Sungjin had made up his mind. The High Priest who could split the ocean had walked away. To promise a following fight meant that he would pull out all the stops for the next battle.

  Which means he knew there’s still plenty of time to fight before Rachel can use the fruit to lift the curse.

  Today’s victory was truly a tie.There was not much meaning in obtaining a fruit that couldn’t be used. The High Priest would attempt to capture Rachel once again. The true fight would come then.

  ***

  Sungjin and the High Priest went back to their respective countries and immediately started preparing for the next fight. Sungjin first gathered his team for a talk.

  “As long as the fruit retains its power, the High Priest will aim for both Rachel and the fruit. He will fight to the death.”


  “As expected……right?” Ereka replied worriedly.

  It would have been too easy if he left Rachel alone to be freed from her curse; they couldn’t expect him to give up so easily.

  I should grow stronger to help stop the High Priest.

  “Then what should we do?” Rachel trembled.

  The scene of the High Priest Pedrian splitting the ocean had come as a shock for everyone. He was their future enemy.

  “Let’s wait for now. We should wait to move after Rachel’s curse has been lifted. We will train steadily in the meantime.”


  He had become bloodthirsty, but he knew he must respect the differences in strength between the High Priest and his allies. It would be a fight of blood and sweat to the end.

  That doesn’t mean I have any intention of stopping.

  Sungjin smirked. The High Priest would be an excellent opponent worth any preparation. The higher the mountain the more satisfying it is climbing to the top and to be in the position of challenger was something that required a lot of competitive spirit.

  There was nothing to do but prepare for the next battle logically and devise a fool-proof strategy.

  Kuga added a few words:

  “When Rachel’s curse is lifted, her powers, originally given by the goddess, should be restored. Although it will pale in comparison to the High Priest’s strength, she should still be able to offer some assistance.”


  Eustasia’s eyes lit up at the good news.

  “It will be a time of preparation until then. We should focus on defense and survival tactics.”


  “We should.”


  Sungjin stood from his seat.

  “Then let’s start preparing right away. I’ve come up with a drill we can all practice.”


  So Sungjin and his team came up with a plan to consolidate all their defensive force until Rachel’s curse was lifted. It was the only logical solution. But Sungjin knew there was the possibility of another angle of attack. There was the probability of the High Priest dragging him down with whatever means he could. What mattered most, however, was the timing.

  Nothing will go as you plan.

  He resolidified his determination to stop Pedrian.