Ranking System



"I didn't think you would have a second form..."

"Sorry, but your curse would have sent me to the hospital. I can't have that at a time like this."

Even though I had lost, I didn't feel terrible about it. I had made Agnus reach new heights that I would have never reached without progressing. I could see how far I had come, which motivated me.

His dragon form was pretty majestic. Agnus had this intimidating azure-colored aura, and his figure form was graceful yet intimidating. He had a light blue scale, four large wings on his back, and a serpent-like tail.

After the fight was over, he returned to his humanoid form. He walked up to me, checking how I was doing. He didn't need to when I could recover in a heartbeat.

"I thought this was a spar. Did you have to finish me in one hit..."

"It can't be helped. Your abilities are too deadly for anyone to take on casually. Touching that might send me to the hospital for days."

Even he sees my abilities as a threat. While the fight was short, I could see where my abilities lay.

"Do you have anywhere you need to be?"

"I broke the news to the girl yesterday, and most of them want time to think for themselves. So right now, I'm free."

"Then follow me. I have something that's worth your time."

Once again, I followed where Agnus led me. We left the office and went to a different space. The path was dark, yet we could see the path ahead.

"Where are you taking me?"

I wasn't demanding an answer. I was just curious about where we were headed. Agnus didn't say anything and smiled mysteriously.

"Be patient."

Those were the only words he spoke. After walking silently for ten minutes, I decided to ask Agnus a question.

"How far away are we from our destination?"

"It's not far."

With those words, we arrived. What a coincidence! It was only a few seconds after saying that, and we had found the end of the road.

The end of the road had a portal, and we entered inside without stopping. We were transported to a shrine once we arrived on the other side.

"Welcome to my ancestor's shrine."

"Why are we here?"

There was no reason for Agnus to bring me here. While I was sure that we were close, we weren't that close.

"This is a shrine where my family has worshiped. My ancestor is the water god from the ninth realm."

"Do you remember the words I said earlier today? Bringing in sacrifices would allow the gods to descend on this world."

"For this ancestor of mine, I would have to sacrifice high-quality purified water. Look around you."

In the shrine, we were in a dome with water surrounding us. I could feel the quality of the water surrounding us. A drop of them was worth as much as an elixir. I wonder how much it would cost to have this many of them.

"Why are you going so far for me?"

While I may be ahead of myself, I knew Agnus was doing this for me. Now that my worth was limited, I didn't see a reason for him to do this.

"..."

"Charles. I will tell you this once."

"You're the most talented individual I have seen in my entire life. So much so that I don't doubt that your talent would be any lower than that of those in the tenth realm. In contrast, you're also the most foolish and irresponsible with it."

"The realm of gods is a dangerous place. So much more than the world that we live in. With your attitude, you won't have long to live."

"..."

"Don't deny it, Charles. While confidence is great, you have turned that confidence into arrogance. You could have avoided meeting with the goddess if you had done your job correctly."

"As someone who has watched over you for the past few months, it would hurt me to see such a talent as you die from a careless mistake. I have given you some guidance, and because of that, it's my responsibility to watch how far you will go."

I was at a loss for words after hearing those words. Agnus' words shot me down, and I felt the pain coming from them. I couldn't refute those words since they were true.

This is why I admire Agnus. Not only was he straightforward in times of need, but he also would do whatever it took when he convinced himself to take responsibility for those he kept an interest in.

"Even so, don't you think this is going too far for someone to claim to be responsible for me?"

"That may be true, but think of this as an investment. When you reach the top, I hope you won't forget my assistance."

This was a big gamble on his part. If his ancestor didn't find this situation amusing, we might have to pay the price for it. There is also no guarantee that I could return the favor.

I was grateful to Agnus for doing this for me. He has already helped me a lot over the past couple of months.

"Is that all you have to say? If so, I will begin the ritual."

Agnus did what he said and started the ritual. The water outside the dome began to shine as the area we were in was shaking. Not only was the water outside shining, but the power I felt from it was being drained.

The body of Agnus' ancestor began to form, and its aura was on a whole other level. I had felt this suppression like I did with Iris. How much stronger are these people?

A god-like water spirit has descended, and we were now graced with presence. He stared at Agnus, but his interest in me heightened.

"Descendent of mine. What is your reason for summoning me?"

And just like that, we were in the presence of a god.