My Substitute CEO Bride

"You understand the implications here. While the God of Memories can complete the task faster and more efficiently, he was originally a god of the West. Rather than assigning him to root out Western influences hidden in Drakonia, I believe it's better to leave this matter to us."

Xenoth was silent, but the figure, eager to demonstrate his loyalty, stepped forward to make his case further. Suddenly, a massive blade appeared in front of him, forcing him to dodge back.

"What's the meaning of this, Zeodria?"

Standing before him, a spirited young man was wielding a blade nearly ten times his own size, leveling it at the figure. "I could ask you the same thing, Nicky! Have you lost your mind?"

Zeodria shattered Nicky's black cloak with a burst of boundless energy, revealing his true form a muscular man who looked to be around 40 with half of his face obscured by a mask. The contrast between Nicky's robust build and Zeodria's youthful, lean frame was stark.

"What's your deal, Zeodria?"

Zeodria lowered his blade and pointed directly at Nicky. "What's my deal? The real question is, what's yours? Are you questioning the emperor's decision?"

"No! I was only-"

Nicky started to protest, but Zeodria cut him off sharply.

"Only what? Let me make something clear-the reason why my blade didn't cut you just now was partly out of respect for the emperor. But if you keep using your age as an excuse to undermine his decisions, don't think I won't split you in two right here and now!"

Hearing this, Nicky was thoroughly enraged. "Kid! Is this how you're supposed to talk to me?"

Nicky released a powerful surge of divine energy. "You listen here, I'm one of the most senior among the gods! Show some respect, you brat!"

As the two were on the brink of clashing, Xenoth lightly tapped his throne. Instantly, both men turned toward him and knelt respectfully.

"Enough, both of you," Xenoth said, looking at Nicky. "Nicky, I understand your concerns. Since you don't trust Dusky, you'll monitor him. Zeodria, you should head down to the mortal realm as well. You can act separately, but remember the task I entrusted you both with."

"As you command, Your Majesty," the two replied in unison. With a slight wave of Xenoth's hand, they disappeared.

At that moment, Howl stepped forward. "Your Majesty, everything is ready." "Good. Let's begin..."

...

"What? Nox Mountain?" Nash exclaimed, speaking on the phone with Thresmund. Thresmund continued deciphering the markings on the map.

"That's right. These four locations on the map appear to represent the origins of witchcraft. I've decoded our region's mark. The remaining three are in the Western Territory and the Southern Territory, and they're all known for parasitic poison.

"The Southern Territory's coastal area is associated with witchcraft, and Nox Mountain in the Western Territory. You should check them all out."

After receiving this information, Nash hung up the call. He knew a few people in the Southern Territory, but Nox Mountain, which was in the Western Territory, was unfamiliar territory.

He had heard the mountain range there was treacherous. With one peak encircling another, the place hid many ancient legends within. Survival there was challenging without a certain level of cultivation.

Just then, his phone rang again.

"Hello? What? Soren and Hera?! What happened to them? Stay calm, Theo. I'm coming back right away!"

With that, Nash hurriedly packed and headed toward the door, but a voice stopped him.

"Nash, it's useless."

He turned around to see the little girl, a manifestation of the Light Reflector Mirror.noveldrama

"You're now the 'Lone Star of Misfortune' with the Six Ritualistic Weapons you bear," she said solemnly.

"Before long, everyone close to you will..."