Mythica says "That is just what I was going to ask you."

  "No, nothing wrong. I am simply recovering my mana before continuing my journey back to the peninsula."

  Mythica says "Oh, is that all? From what I understand, normally when you appear, trouble follows."

  "Well, I admit that I am often involved in serious situations, but not always. This time, I am simply traveling. I am sorry that you have wasted your time."

  Mythica says "It is of no concern. I wasn't doing anything important."

  "Really? I thought that you would have already been off hunting down the angels of Holos."

  Mythica says "Unfortunately, no. Issues amongst the gods are not decided so quickly. Besides, Holos must be given a chance to defend himself. Only once the entire pantheon agrees will he be named a traitor. Until then, I am not allowed to hunt his angels."

  "Oh, I see. This is why I hate politics!"

  Mythica says "That is a strange thing for a ruler to say!"

  "Not really, any good ruler hates politics. The ones who enjoy it are the ones using it to manipulate people."

  Mythica says "If you say so. I only have limited contact with mortals and the only rulers I have met were those of our empire."

  "Well, I don't know about the past rulers, but the current emperor is a good ruler from everything that I have seen. I wouldn't have agreed to an alliance if he wasn't."

  Mythica says "Mortal affairs sound so much more straightforward than ours are. I envy you that. However, when I speak with you, I don't feel like I am talking to a mortal."

  "Not all mortal affairs are like that and I am mortal. I just have a different perspective since I am a beast. It sounds to me like you just haven't talked with many mortals."

  Mythica says "That is true. My job doesn't often bring me into contact with mortals. Situations requiring me to descend are very rare."

  "Well, since you are already here, if you don't have to go back right away, maybe you should disguise yourself and gain some experience."

  Mythica says "While that sounds interesting, I don't have the time. I need to get back and observe the proceedings. It was pleasant speaking with you again. I will let you get back to recovering your mana now."

  "Alright. Good luck dealing with Holos. I am sure that we will meet again."

  Mythica gives me a polite bow and then disappears into thin air, just like last time. I wish there was another pillar of light, just so I could be sure she was gone. Not that I really think she would turn invisible to spy on me, but I am paranoid for a reason.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I take out my medallion and contact Myria to let her know that I survived the raid, as promised. Then I check in with Leonarr to make sure that I don't need to rush back for anything. Once that is done, I re-enter my meditation, create another soulscape, and invite Krenocia.

  Krenocia appears and says "What did the angel want?"

  "It was Mythica. She was checking to make sure I wasn't causing any trouble in the empire, I think."

  Krenocia says "Well, that's understandable. You do have a habit of causing trouble."

  "Maybe, but that wasn't the interesting part. I now know why Holos didn't chase me out of his domain!"

  Krenocia says "Really? Why?!"

  "Because he wasn't there! He was meeting with the rest of the pantheon to defend his actions. Which means that he is lying and making excuses."

  Krenocia says "That does explain things. You got really lucky!"

  "Yeah, I guess I did. Hey, would Holos have been able to sense the deaths of his angels or the human souls?"

  Krenocia says "No, he shouldn't have been able to. He might have felt something when his lieutenants died, but only if he was paying attention."

  "I would imagine that being on trial for consorting with demons is very distracting!"

  Krenocia says "Yes, of course it is. What are you planning now?"

  "Well, Holos isn't at home and won't be for a while at least. So, I am thinking that maybe I will go back and raid some more. Let him come home to find everyone dead!"

  Krenocia says "Ash! Don't you think that you have pushed your luck enough?!"

  "You're right. I should go to the main continent and attack a different god's domain instead."

  Krenocia says "Ash! Don't you dare! That would be even more dangerous!"

  "Okay, then you tell me, where else am I going to find angels for you and your sister?"

  Krenocia says "You don't need to, what you have is plenty."

  "For now maybe, but what about later? When will there be another opportunity to raid a god's domain? We should take advantage while we can because there probably won't ever be another opportunity that's this good."

  Krenocia says "You are probably right, but that doesn't mean that it is worth the risk. All of this will be completely pointless if you end up dead!"

  "Holos isn't there, so there is no real risk. He doesn't have an eight-wing, at this point he might not even have a six-wing! Besides, I can get back by myself, I don't really need your permission."

  Krenocia says "I will tell Lin!"

  "Go ahead, Lin trusts me. She knows that the risks I take are normally worth it and that I don't take them without thinking first."

  Krenocia says "Are you saying that I don't trust you?!"

  "Yes, I am. When I made the suggestion you didn't even stop to think about it. You just automatically decided that it was too risky. That tells me that you don't have any faith in me or trust my abilities."

  Krenocia says "That's not true! At least, I don't think it is? It is normal for me to assume your plan is too risky, all your plans are risky!"

  "When was the last time I got seriously hurt? When did I last need help? Do you think that this raid is more risky than facing five demon lords at once? Because that is what I am going to have to do."

  Krenocia doesn't respond right away, she stops and thinks about what I have said. That is a good sign, she is thinking instead of reacting, which means my words hit a sore spot. I know that I have changed since I was summoned, but she hasn't changed how she treats me.

  She needs to stop thinking of me as the inexperienced nerd that she summoned. I may still act in a similar way sometimes, but that is not who I am anymore. Although I can't take all the credit for that, Lin has played a big part too.

  Krenocia says "You may be right. I do tend to react to your words without thinking. I am not sure where that habit came from, but it is not something I can continue to do. I will think things through. You go ahead and do what you feel you need to do."