While Miko was planning for the future, people worldwide were reacting to Rouge’s coronation.

Somewhere on the Demon Continent.

“Things really got moving after we left.”

A group of five were on a safari of black grass. Demonic beast corpses laid out around them.

“I can’t stand him but Miko really is an amazing guy.”

One of them was a young adult male. He was fair-skinned, had shaggy brown hair, an average face and build, and bright green eyes. It was Luka’s #1 Apostle, Robin. He was sitting on the corpse of a three-headed monster looking at a holographic window.

“He didn’t become Clan Leader but it’s pretty obvious from the way things went that his authority isn’t below Rouge’s…I wonder how he did it?”

An explosion erupted nearby. A man with features resembling a lion landed beside Robin.

“Why are you taking a break when we’re literally fighting for our lives.”

He spun around and split a monster with a kick.

“Sorry, Saika. I was still in awe by that ceremony.”

Robin stood up and looked around. There was a sea of monsters rushing towards them from every direction.

“This really isn’t the time to slack, huh?”

Arrows rained down on the approaching monsters. Kana moved with lightning at her feet and fired arrows with speed rival machine guns. The monsters trampled on their kin’s corpses and continued their charge. Aya flew past Kana with wind surrounding her. Spread her hands and clapped with her fingers pointing at the monsters. With a roar, an invisible force pierced through the sea of monsters creating a path. Remi appeared floating in the sky. He stretched out a finger. A drop of blood seeped from his fingertip and fell towards the earth. The blood suddenly accelerated. Holes opened up in the monsters’ bodies. They exploded in quick succession.

“They’re coming along nicely.”

On a cliff overlooking the safari, three people were watching the battle with Robin and the others.

“Originally, I thought throwing them into a colony of demonic beasts was a bad idea but they’re doing better than I expected.”

Ouroboros wore a smile on his face. He turned to the two girls to his right.

“Are you really going to make them exterminate the entire colony by themselves?”

“It would be a problem if the gap between me and them widen too much. A Proxy’s Apostles are their lifetime comrades. They fight together until their last breath. If they are going to walk the path that I walk, then they must earn the qualifications.”

Luka coldly watched as her apostles fought for their lives.

“I agree but they’ve been fighting for 3 days without rest.”

“We left the empire a week ago. Look at what Miko has done in that time. Every second count.”

“Are you of the same opinion, Hinami?”

Hina didn’t answer immediately and continued to watch the battle below.

“…There’s definitely no time to lose with how fast things are developing.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“If we’re taking on Miko then we must get stronger than we can even imagine.”

Dragna City, as expected Miko was the talk of the town. Many people were cursing his name, but a lot of them were replaying his words in their heads. Among these people was Rogan. He was walking the streets. Believers of the church of Augustus could be seen mingling among the crowd. They were speaking with the rest of the citizens. Some seemed to be debating something.

(The whole empire seems excited. They’re cursing Miko but they’re eager to protect their country….This is a good thing for the empire but a bad thing for the church.)

His thoughts raced as he walked.

(Most people who joined the church are patriots who were fed up with how those in power led the country. They didn’t feel like they had the Dragna pride they grew up learning about. But now it’s different, Miko has reawakened the Dragna pride in everyone and even using it to his advantage.)

Rogan smiled.

“He’s pretty much doing what I did.”

The smile on his face disappeared quickly.

(However, him threatening to kill his citizens doesn’t sit right with me. I understand his train of thought but the problem is he’s serious. I understand getting rid of traitors, but killing their families, regardless if they’re innocent or not, is overdoing it. He wants to do it because he fears that his actions will result in the birth of avengers, who will cause unrest in our society. He wants to take the easy way out and rule the people with fear instead of compassion. I know what he’s thinking because it’s what I would’ve done if I conquered a country…But I wouldn’t do it with my own.”

His eyes narrowed.

(His method is alright in the short run, however, it’ll cause a lot of problems in the future. Especially, if he doesn’t change the way he thinks.)

He folded his fists.

“I need to take over before that happens.”

Elsewhere in the capital, Nina Dragna was sitting by herself on a rooftop. She watched as the citizens discuss what happened today. Her dull eyes reflected those she was watching.

“……..”

She suddenly felt a cold sensation on her neck. She looked down and saw a dagger pressing on her throat.

“Hello, Nina Dragna.”

A familiar voice came from behind her.

“May I help you with something, Lord Aeon?”

“Yes. I want you to surrender and allow yourself to be captured here.”

“I take it that the reason why my head is still attached is that you need me alive? If so, why should I comply if there’s no threat to my life?”

“I don’t need you alive, I just don’t want to kill you if possible.”

“Hmm…This is uncharacteristic of you. I take it that you don’t want to burden Miko with my death. If so, you’re overthinking things. That man abandoned me and failed to live up to the promise we made. Killing me would make his life easier.”

“What promise are you talking about?”

Nina showed a rare smile.

“We promised that we would kill each other if we didn’t find any meaning to our lives by the time we’re old enough to take Tiamat’s trial. I failed the trial and we separated myself to wait for him. Originally, we would commit double suicide after the trial…”

“But Miko found a reason to live when he became a Proxy.”

Nina nodded.

“Do you understand now? Miko abandoned me because he knew that I would stir up negative feelings in him. He doesn’t see me as a romantic partner, despite what you think. Our relationship was nothing like that. We were just two walking corpses who enjoyed each other’s company. We did have a sexual relationship though.”

“So you’re saying that if I killed you then Miko would benefit?”

“Any guilt he felt towards me would disappear. You’ll also get rid of an enemy of the state.”

Nina pressed the sword on her neck until it started bleeding.

“Go ahead and put me out of my misery.”

“………”

“Too bad.”

“?!”

Aeon’s vision became blurry. He dropped his sword and stumbled back. He vomited blood and collapsed.

“You shouldn’t have hesitated.”

Nina stood up and turned around.

“You gave me time to activate Bloody Oath…Hm?”

The Aeon in front of her was younger than she remembered. A ticking sound reached her ears. Her eyes widened as she looked down and saw a clock underneath her.

“Shi-!”

Her body froze. Aeon appeared beside her.

“I knew that you received abilities from that Gaius woman. That’s why I sent a 14-year-old me to approach you. Too bad that he’s too naïve though.”

He smiled at the frozen Nina.

“Unfortunately for you, I’m not.”

“So he’s making moves on his own. He’s growing up.”

Rihan, who was a couple of miles away, witnessed what happened. He was also keeping an eye on Rogan at the same time.

“Miko’s actions were beyond my expectations but I’m a bit grateful they were. After all, it makes everything a bit more interesting.”

He smirked while watching Rogan head to the Church of Augustus.

“His actions will make Rogan anxious and force him to be a bit reckless. His defeat isn’t certain, since he is very intelligent and has Gaius on his side, but Miko should be aware of his or the Church of Augustus’s existence. The problem is neither wants to start a war at such a sensitive time. Because of that, it’s hard to predict what they’ll do. Their battle will be a short one, a battle of wits.”

He chuckled to himself. At that moment, he received a call on his phone. He frowned and answered the call.

“Hello, Eden…You got a message from Red and Black Queen?... Oh?”

A huge grin crawled onto his face.

“So it’s about to begin.”

Somewhere in the world. Bloom Newgate, Jin Makoto, Shòuxíng, Hana, and the members of Silver Crow were lined up. In front of them was a bronze-skinned man with blue hair and black eyes. His stern face and steel-plated outfit screamed that he was a warrior. This was Jun Mizune, Tiana Draxler’s subordinate. He was sitting on a boulder.

“I’ve been training you kids for 3 months now. You all did well to survive. Honestly, I thought half of you would’ve dropped dead already. I guess I underestimated your willpower. As a reward, I’m giving you all a bit of freedom.”

“Freedom? You can do that?”

Jin seemed puzzled.

“You’re all originally under MYTH, so normally I wouldn’t be able to since I’m under Genesis. However, my position in the New Era is a bit special. I can order around any member from any branch outside of those in Nexus.”

“Then, you’re saying that we can travel around the world if you allow it?”

“Exactly.”

Jun answered Bloom.

“If you all work together and give it your all, you should be able to kill a novice Divine Warrior. That’s enough for me to allow you to travel.”

“What if we try to run away?”

Shòuxing asked.

“Do you still wish to run away? After everything that you’ve learned do you still think that there’s anywhere you can go that we can’t reach you? Besides, you should all know the direction this world is going in. Your best chance to survive in the future is to stick with us.”

Jun got off the boulder.

“You’ll be traveling with the three from the Luna Family you fought in Newgate.”

“Are they supposed to supervise us?”

“In a sense. Plus they also need to experience the world more, otherwise, they won’t grow.”

Jun turned his back to them.

“They’ll meet up with you tomorrow. You can decide what to do then.”

“Wait.”

Bloom called out to him.

“You once said that Miko will join New Era…Do you have any idea when?”

Jun thought about her question for a bit before shrugging.

“Since you’re all connected to him and I have high hopes for you, I don’t mind answering.”

He looked over his shoulder.

“From what I hear someone pretty insane is going to start a war with the Dragna Clan soon. Depending on what happens during that war, we might join in. We’ll collect him and Ringo’s children then.”

“Then, it’ll be a World War!”

Jun paused and smirk.

“Better hope we all survive.”

Somewhere in the world. A man dressed in all white and wearing a smiling ghost mask was walking through a desolate wasteland. He was heading towards a mountain range in the distance. The space suddenly became distorted. The next instant, he, Phantom was inside a room with a giant monitor.

“Oh, you’re back.”

A voice echoed in the room but the source was nowhere to be seen. Yet, Phantom showed no signs of panic.

“Marx, did you watch the coronation?”

“I did. It was quite interesting.”

The voice answered.

“I suppose you didn’t like it.”

“I didn’t. It was overflowing with hypocrisy.”

“I guess you’re right. More importantly, now that you’re back, can I take it that it’s time?”

Phantom nodded and approached the supercomputer in the room. He placed his hand on the biometric scanner and started up the computer. A skull mask appeared on the screen.

“The preparations have been completed. Now, it’s time to start a continental war between the Dragna Clan and the rest of the Silver Continent.”

Seven masquerade masks appeared on the monitor.

“So we’re really gonna do it, huh? The chaos that’s going to follow will be insane. We’re looking at a world war with us and the Dragna Clan at the center. Oh, I can’t wait!”

Phantom took off his mask. His face was hidden by the dimness of the room. The only thing that could be seen was gleaming blue eyes. He smiled and showed off his fangs.

“It’s time to start the crusade.”

After he got back from Augustus’s library, Miko temporarily returned to Renacido. He was in his office when he heard a knock on his door. Layla came in.

“Miko, Alesia Dragna is here to see you.”

“….I see. Let her in.”

Layla nodded and exited the room. Alesia walked in and the door was locked behind her.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me.”

“So, it was you, huh. That’s quite unexpected. Then again, you were always in the background, completely different from your brothers, Al-Shura and Ashur.”

Miko pointed his pen at her.

“Did you feel isolated? Did it felt like you didn’t fit in?”

Alesia took a seat before answering Miko.

“Would you believe me if I said that I did it for love?”

“Love, huh? Well, I’m not one to judge. I mean, I’ve done some sick stuff for the ones I love as well.”

“Are you saying that you’re still capable of love?”

“I am, at least a little bit.”

“…….”

Miko’s eyes widened and narrowed again.

“For what reason do you cry?”

“I just find it sad. For me, love is my reason for existing. And yet, here you are. Someone who lives only for hate. This world has done you so many wrongs.”

“Saved your tears for the one you love. They’re wasted on me.”

“…I suppose you’re right.”

Miko opened his mouth to say something—

“?!”

He stood from his seat in a haste. However, he quietly sat back down.

“I see. So that’s how it is.”

“Before I go, Miko. May I ask you a question?”

Miko sighed.

“Go ahead.”

“Did everything go as you planned? I mean, you never wanted to be Clan Leader in the first place, right? Your goal was to convince everyone to follow you while making it clear that you’re not fit for the title. You told Alec that you might go out of control because you planned for that to happen. That’s why you fought Nen, Rin, and Krul the way you did. So that you would be backed into a corner, both mentally and physically. That way you could summon your alter-ego.”

“I’m impressed that you figured it out.”

“Why go through so much trouble to distance yourself?”

“Because it would be easier to replace an heir. If the clan were to lose its leader, it would be a disaster, but they could easily find a new heir. For example, Alec or Christensen.”

“If you’re so intent on leaving, so why do you go through so much trouble to strengthen the clan? As far as I know, you didn’t lie at any point during the meeting, the coronation, or when we were at the library. You were giving your all to lay the foundations to create an eternal empire. Your desperation to save everyone was real. But you’re still planning on leaving them. So why?”

“Love, I guess. I love everyone.”

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing.”

“…Your times up.”

“……….”

Alesia stood up.

“I suppose it is.”

She approached the door. She stopped when she touched the doorknob.

“Miko.”

“Yes.”

“If you’re dead set on a life of destruction and solitude, I suggest you cherish the time you have with your family now. Love them with everything you have until the hatred inside you completely devour your heart.”

She exited the room without waiting for him to reply.

“…I never took her for the sentimental type.”

“I felt the same way when I just met her.”

Someone walked in without waiting for permission to enter.

“I thought that Arsene had weird taste in women at first, but when I got to know her I found out that she was just a bit shy.”

A little bit under 6ft, lean body, shoulder-length gray hair, tanned skinned, green eyes. Dressed in casual gray and blue clothing, this person closed the door behind them and took a seat.

“Alesia is a good woman.”

Miko smiled and nodded.

“Seems like it. She probably volunteered to stay behind because she’s worried about her family. Arsene Mors must be head over heels for her if he allowed such a thing. Too bad my grandmother is gonna have his head when she finds out he betrayed her clan.”

“So you figured that we had an accomplice left in the empire.”

“I merely thought about the possibility. I had no way of knowing who it was though. I intended to take my time, after all, I’m sure they’ll reveal themselves eventually.”

The man nodded.

“You have good instincts.”

Miko grinned.

“You look different from your true form.”

“I can say the same for you. Can I take that you knew it was me for a while now?”

“I had my suspicions. I mean, who else would fit the role of Hero better than someone known for twisting fate in his favor despite impossible odds. Only a True Hero could mock the heavens the way you do.”

“I guess you’re right.”

The man burst out laughing.

“It’s nice to finally meet my mortal enemy face to face.”

“I feel the same way. I had some doubts at first but one look at your face and I can tell…You and I will be trying to kill each other a lot in the future.”

Miko stood up and stretch his hand out towards the man. He stood up and took Miko’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, True Hero…No, the youngest Deicider and Leader of New Era, Lennox.”

The man, Human God Lennox, smiled and shook Miko’s hand.

“The pleasure is all mine, My Young Adversary.”

The Hero and the Villain have finally met! Their endless battle begins now!

Dragna Crisis Arc End!!!

Continental War Arc Start!!!