After fifteen minutes of silent flying, Aziz decided to engage the Paragons in conversation, just in case they tried to start up more blasphemous dialogue again. They were free to do what they wanted, but the colonel had enough surprises for today.

“So, why are you guys heading to World’s End?” Aziz asked.

The nine Paragons looked at each other, and then Paragon Maylin nodded her head. One of them, who wore armour that was similar to Paragon Abele save for a bandanna, said, “We’re intending to join the fight four years from now.”

“As you said, it’s four years from now,” said Aziz. “You guys aren’t just early anymore. There’s no word to describe how overly-punctual going there right now is. Isn’t it better if you enjoy a few years of freedom and fun before heading over?”

“None of us have the discipline to do that,” the Paragon replied. “Maylin’s been watching over us, and more than once, a few of us had to be, uh, broken out from jail.”

“Broken out?” Aziz echoed. “What did you guys do?”

“Oh, you know…this and that.” The Paragon coughed.

“Alright, that’s enough,” said Paragon Maylin. “Basically, these idiots acted like robbers and were taken into custody at a Mi-Zu port town. Fortunately, they had the sense to not resist, although we’re probably wanted criminals by now.”

Aziz wasn’t too sure about what to say to that, so he deftly shifted the topic by saying, “Do you know anyone from World’s End? The Worldshaper might be somewhat disturbed at the prospect of the Lifespring’s familiar spirits coming over to his turf and turning it into a mess.”

“Oh, no worries there. We’re all acquainted. Before the Great Fall, we often stayed over and had drinks and other fun stuff,” said Maylin. “They’ll welcome us with open arms and all. Don’t let the great gods fool you — they’re as fun-loving as the next guy. Alcohol, good food, attractive people that they don’t mind getting intimate with…”

Marie coughed, cutting off the Paragon’s words before she could stir up yet another gale.

“I-is that so?” Aziz scratched his head. Somehow, he just couldn’t reconcile the great gods that had menaced the mortal nations of Orb with the portrayal of the Paragons, but whenever he thought about Demigod Rene…

“Well, all things considered, she’s right,” said Marie. “Remember Takamagahara? Yeah, some books, the older ones, noted that events like banquets and parties were held there quite often, before the Demon God appeared...”

“Eh? What happened to the strict meetings and disciplined, solemn sermons?”

“Sermons?” Paragon Abele looked at Aziz. “If the Lord was that boring, I would have fled his service long ago. In fact, I wanted to run when He stopped me from fighting to my heart’s content.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” said Paragon Maylin. “But yeah, sermons? No way.”

Marie giggled, and said, “Well, the Holy Temple intervened after a while, and whatever disrespectful things written about the great gods were eventually changed in future editions. They burnt a few offensive books, and placed pressure on other authors to make some changes.”

“Burning books…” Aziz shook his head. “Did they succeed?”

“Hard to, when the Mortal Light Dynasty was busy keeping an archive. When the Central Circle moves, so does the Northern Continent,” said Marie. “When I retire, I’ll head over to the North and read all the books I want.”

“Well, assuming we get past the Demon God’s invasion,” said Aziz. “And that the North is still standing. Then I’ll retire too, and I’ll spend the days lazing around staring at lush fields and flowers.”

“Statistically speaking, the North has the highest chance of survival, due to its location,” said Marie. “No worries there!”

“Anyway, we’re close to the South now,” said Aziz. He turned to the Paragons. “Please don’t do anything stupid there, or else we’re going to get scolded for it.”

“Why are you looking at me?” Paragon Abele asked.

“Do you really need to ask?”

“Mortal, don’t piss me off— ow, ow! I’m sorry!”

Aziz and Marie watched as domestic violence continued to break out, and the colonel idly wondered whether Paragon Abele would ever learn. He was getting tired of the domestic abuse gag by now, and from the looks of the Lifespring’s remnant forces, they didn’t seem to have any difficulties in learning.

Maybe it was just his character.

“Ma’am,” said Captain Augustus, commander of Charlie Company, “we’ve received a request for identification.”

He glanced at the nine Paragons. “How should I proceed?”

“I’ll do it myself,” said Marie. The captain nodded, and passed his Radio over. In her business voice, the marshal began to speak to the person on the line, and within moments, the Paragons were all crowding around Marshal Marie, trying to figure out how someone was speaking from a small box.

A few glares later from Aziz, the curious Paragons ceased their chattering, enabling her to work in peace. Thunderbolt Battalion began to speed up too, as news that they were in communication range of the Republic spread through the battalion. Everyone had suddenly moved into a neat formation, their Straight Shots suddenly in their hands. Alert lights sparkled from their eyes every so often, and from them, the colonel could see a desire to please.

“Is it me,” said the Paragon who had spoken to Aziz earlier, “or is everyone suddenly very uptight?”

“This is their big chance to show off,” said Aziz. “Promotions all around! Off-days! Returning as selfless heroes! You know, things like this.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if everyone was injured, then?” the Paragon asked. “You know, get some pity and all.”

“That’ll look like we’re blackmailing the State Council, so no,” said Aziz. “Or so Marie says, anyway. But bleeding out over a long return trip? Even fools would know something’s wrong. It’s not like we were fighting the entire time anyway.”

“True.”

“Well, I’ll go issue my last instructions. Try not to do anything,” said Aziz. “We’re at the last stretch, after all.”

He looked at Marie, who was still talking on the Radio, and then at Augustus, who was talking to Paragon Abele and hitting it off somehow, before making his way to the rear of the battalion.