Otherwise, you can find another savior.

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In particular, Kukulkan was walking with them.

Ultimately, Dinos are a species lacking in fighting spirit. Even when faced with beings similar to Oserot and from the same pan-human history as the Hidden Ones, their primary motivation remains curiosity.

"What a peaceful life," Shiomi remarked after sensing the non-hostile gaze.

Although, I could already sense it after meeting with Tepeu.

"The Dinos are like this. Considering their behavior, you don't need to worry too much. If you need anything, just tell the Dinos. They can provide most of the supplies that are useful to you."

Kukulkan, who was saying this, walked along the street, stopping and starting, occasionally picking up something from a stall, looking at it, and then putting it down again.

Thanks to her actions, Shio saw that their return to StormBorder outside the city was slower.

“If necessary, we will do so… or rather, we already have.” Morgan said softly, then she asked a very important question, “Kukulkan, there’s something I’ve wanted to confirm for a while, but it wasn’t convenient.”

"What is it?" Kukulkan seemed to have guessed what Morgan was going to ask.

"Before we entered this Lostbelt and arrived in the underground world of Miktland, we fought the 'Alien Messenger,' but midway through the battle, a luminous giant emerged from the ground and attacked us," Morgan said. "Although the giant used a single strike to put us at a disadvantage, interrupting the battle, and didn't even reveal its true form—"

“Oh, that matter…” Kukulkan was a little embarrassed. “I only sensed the crisis on the surface in Miktlan. Your battle caused such a commotion that I mistook you for an external enemy that would threaten the survival of Miktlan, so I went to the surface and launched an attack on you.”

Despite his embarrassment, Kukulkan did not conceal or deny his actions, and frankly stated his reasons for launching the attack, thus maintaining its legitimacy.

“I see.” Morgan couldn’t help but sigh.

The reasons for hostility are very valid; one could even say that it would be abnormal not to be hostile.

The surface of the South American Lostbelt is unsuitable for life, so all life here has moved underground.

Kukulkan, the actual king of the Lostbelts, also plays the role of the guardian of Miktland.

She judged that the battle on the surface would spread to Miktland and destroy the entire underground world, so she launched a counterattack in her own way.

Logically speaking, there is no room for criticism.

If it were Morgan back then, if anyone were fighting off the coast of Britain and potentially threatening the British mainland, Morgan would have launched an attack to protect Britain.

The principle is the same, and it applies to Skadi as well.

"Huh? You accepted it already?" Kukulkan was surprised.

To be honest, after confirming that Chaldea had no hostile intentions and that they were even partners with whom he could communicate and cooperate, Kukulkan felt a little embarrassed.

In particular, Shiomi showed unexpected kindness.

"Chaldea today has many former allies who were once enemies," Artoria told Kukulkan kindly. "There are also more than one Lostbelt King like you. For example, Morgan."

"I see, so he's a king from another Lostbelt," Kukulkan said, understanding dawning on him.

Once things were out in the open, Kukulkan became more talkative, seemingly filled with childlike curiosity, constantly inquiring about Chaldea and other Lostbelts.

I was particularly surprised to learn that the South American Lostbelt was the last one still existing.

But after hearing that the Lostbelt's foundation, the Imaginary Tree, had merged with the ORT, Kukulkan revealed a thoughtful expression, contemplating the future and fate of Miktland like a true king.

The awakening of ORT is inevitable and a fact that is bound to happen.

So after that—

"Your next plan is to go through the fifth level and continue deeper into Miktland to find the whereabouts of ORT, right?" Kukulkan asked.

“Yes.” Shio nodded. “Mexico City is destroyed. If Tescatlipoca wants to rebuild it, he won’t have time to hinder us. Or, he may have other plans and intend to abandon Mexico City. In any case, it won’t hinder us.”

Meanwhile, Mexico City is no longer able to pose a threat to Chichen Itza for the time being.

Because they are friendly partners, Chichen Itza is safe, and Shiomi and the others can have fewer worries about things beyond their own safety.

"So, you're going to have to cross the Third Underworld next?" Kukulkan asked.

“From Kamazot’s words, we learned that a fourth underworld exists,” Scáthach said. “He has now returned to the fourth underworld, which should be the final obstacle to entering Miktland, right?”

"Kamazotz?" Kukulkan was slightly surprised. "You've already fought against him?"

“We fought a battle,” tide Jian said. “That man took away a third of my power. Although I regained my power, I was unable to deliver the final blow to him in time.”

"Your powers are not yet complete?" Kukulkan asked in astonishment. "Even I wouldn't dare say I could easily defeat you..."

“It’s a long story,” Shio said. “However, the last third of the power has not yet been retrieved. The ‘Alien God’ who holds this last part of the power has moved deeper into Miktland.”

Kukulkan nodded: "Well... if you intend to go deeper, there's something I need to remind you of. Although the Fourth Underworld was originally empty, with no one stationed there, not long ago, some strange Servants suddenly appeared there, seemingly waiting for something."

"A Servant?" Scáthach raised an eyebrow.

Kukulkan's statement drew everyone's attention.

“They should be Servants, right?” Kukulkan said. “In any case, there is more than one Servant. After they appeared here, they did nothing but stay in the Third Underworld and did not hinder anyone’s passage. But I can sense that they are waiting for someone to arrive.”

At this point, Kukulkan's gaze fell on Shiomi.

"After seeing you, I'm certain that you're the one they've been waiting for... though there's no specific reason why~"

After saying this, Kukulkan laughed heartily, as if he had just talked about something trivial.

"Wait for me...?"

tide Jian pursed her lips, a vague premonition forming in her mind.

Chapter Sixty-Three: On the Third Underworld

"Although I didn't have time to look closely before, I can confirm that the Third Underworld is a desert area."

On the bridge of Storm Border, Shiomi and Romani were holding a brief operational meeting.

After all, the overall direction and operational strategy are already very clear.

While attempting to reclaim the powers that Shiomi had been taken from her, they ventured deep into the underground world of Miktland in search of the location of the ORT.

Along the way, all potential enemies must be eliminated.

“But it’s called a desert area, yet the weather is far too harsh.” Olga Marie looked at the images projected onto the monitor screen. “It’s practically a sandstorm zone, isn’t it? Didn’t they say there were no guardians? It feels even worse than the First Underworld.”

The First Underworld, ruled by the pan-human Smogen, was shrouded in thick fog and transformed into a vast natural magic workshop, amplifying the Queen's power.

"Regarding this..." Romani kept switching between several images, presenting them side by side on the projection screen, "According to the observations of Trismegistus II, this is indeed a natural phenomenon. There are no signs of workshops in the entire underworld, and no barrier can be observed."

"No, to be more precise, the magic here is so abundant that it can conceal anything hidden inside," Sion added, adjusting his glasses and speaking in a somewhat irresponsible tone.

tide Jian said with some helplessness, "In short, it is a natural phenomenon, but we also have to take into account the special nature of Miktlan. Perhaps the unique phenomenon of the Third Underworld is related to the will of Maiar?"

"That's the only way to consider it," Romani nodded. "Also, is it true that the 'Alien God' is in this place?"

“At least that’s how I perceive my own powers,” Shiomi nodded. “If those powers are taken away by beings like Kamazozz, then it’s a different story.”

Speculation aside, considering the immense power of the "Alien God," there are probably not many enemies in Miktland who could defeat her and take something from her.

Kukulkan is one.

Then there's Tescatlipoca, who fought with all his might in his god form.

And then there's Kamazot, whom I just mentioned. —Although this man claims to have returned to the Fourth Underworld to recuperate, and will be waiting there for Chaldea's arrival.

Based on the structure of the underworld lines in Miktlan, the fourth underworld is probably the eighth layer of the underground world, and the final barrier to the deepest part of Miktlan.

"Then let's temporarily assume that the 'Alien God' is hiding in the Third Underworld and prepare for the operation," Romani said.

"The operation is scheduled to begin in five hours," Olga Marie added. "Since it's a desert area, the temperature inside the Third Underworld will likely be very high, coupled with the harsh environment. Even as the teacher of the One God and Ms. Morgan, they will eventually be affected."

"Yeah, a little bit." Shio chuckled lightly. "Just thinking about fighting in there and accidentally getting a mouthful of sand is really unbearable."

“Teacher…” Olga Marie was amused by him and immediately smiled.

Even though I understand that Shiomi is just trying to lighten the mood and help everyone relax, I am still naturally affected and my mind is less tense.

"Also, there's the situation in Mexico City." Romani smiled gently and switched the screen to show the scene. "Your operation to infiltrate the city earlier seems to have been very effective."

What appears on screen is Mexico City, which has been largely destroyed by floods.

It can be observed that the surviving Ocelotes are working hard to rebuild the city, and the progress is not slow; the city is rebuilding at a visible speed.

“Based on the current rate of calculation, Mexico City will be able to be rebuilt in about five days.” After saying that, Sion did not forget to add a joking remark, “It is an amazing speed of reconstruction. Even in the pan-human history, after suffering the devastation of the flood and the destruction of the city by the Noble Phantasm, there is no reason for it to be this fast.”

"Perhaps it's the power of Tescatlipoca, or maybe it's the rain god Traloc?" Shiomi speculated. "In any case, this place is still in the age of gods in a sense. It's not surprising that we receive the protection of the gods and receive corresponding blessings."

Olga Marie then operated the projection screen, enlarging several surveillance images outside the city: "Look, the Oserot warriors are patrolling, and they seem to be heading towards the Third Underworld."

“It seems necessary to remain vigilant in Mexico City,” Shiomi said. “It wouldn’t be good if we were shot in the back while we were investigating the Third Underworld.”

After all, Traloc and Tescatlipoca are still around; who knows what they'll do?

Storm Border flies across the sky, and although it is far from Mexico City, it is not impossible to observe.

No amount of concealment could escape Tescatlipoca's eyes.

It's hard to say whether the God of War will simply watch the battle between Chaldea and the "Alien God" or the unknown enemy with a spectator's mindset, or whether he will rush in and get involved.

The fickle nature of the wind is so unpredictable.

Moreover, Storm Border has no plans to enter the Third Underworld, and the sandstorms with magical turbulence pose a serious obstacle to navigation.

"While waiting for the teacher to engage in battle in the rear, Storm Border will switch to patrol alert mode to guard against attacks from Mexico City," Olga Marie instructed. "Then, have Master Scáthach stand by on the ship. If Traloc bypasses the range of fire and jumps aboard to launch a surprise attack, we will need Master Scáthach's god-slaying power."

tide Jian agreed with the idea: "I will talk to Master about this."

"The remaining question is whether to directly storm into the Third Underworld, or send someone to scout out the situation first before returning," Sion asked the final question. "Or perhaps we should find a way to stop the sandstorm in the Third Underworld?"

Of course, the latter is feasible, but it would be tantamount to announcing the arrival of Chaldea to the beings within.

Even if there is an advantage in combat power, it should be further expanded by taking the enemy by surprise.

“My suggestion on this is to send someone in to investigate first,” Olga Marie said. “However, this action itself is dangerous…”

“How about we try asking Kukulkan for help?” Sion suggested. “Since she’s working with us, why not take this opportunity to confirm her thoughts?”

“That makes sense,” tide Jian agreed.

At that moment, Olga Marie suddenly grabbed Shiomi's arm—she almost instinctively grabbed Shiomi's hand.

"Teacher, there's something I'd like to talk to you about privately."

Chapter Sixty-Four: Striving for the First

After the small meeting at the bridge, Olga Marie came to the corridor on the side of Storm Border and looked out at the Miktland land through the glass window, and said what she wanted to talk about alone.

"When you go to the Third Underworld, can you take me with you?" Olga Marie asked.

"Why?" tide Jian countered by asking her reasoning.

Olga Marie, holding onto the railing, said, "Didn't our teacher say that the 'Alien God' is acting strangely right now? If she really is receiving feedback from her physical memories, which is affecting her mental state, perhaps letting me get close to her could have some unexpected effects."

To date, Olga Marie has never had direct contact with the other party; she only knows of their existence.

Even more so, the "Alien God" may still not know Olga Marie, let alone their connection.

“Logically, I understand,” Shio said knowingly. “Are you thinking about what happened between Anna and the Gorgon back in the Uruk singularity?”

"I can only say it's somewhat enlightening," Olga Marie shook her head. "After all, I'm not a follower, so I can't generalize. If the teacher finds this inappropriate—"

“How could that be?” Shiomi stroked her hair and answered gently, “If Mary has already made up her mind, then I’m willing to try with you. But if there’s any danger, we’ll send you back to the ship immediately, understand?”

Olga Marie was very happy.

It wasn't just because she could do something for the battle against the "Alien God," but also because her teacher understood her so well, would provide support within reasonable limits, and would ensure her safety to the greatest extent possible.

"Okay!" she agreed emphatically. "Then I'll go make preparations now. If we're going to explore the desert area, wouldn't it be more appropriate to wear Chaldea's Mystic Code?"

Before Shiomi could answer, Olga Marie jogged off, humming a cheerful, unknown tune, to her room to change into her combat uniform.

He could only shake his head helplessly and go to the lounge to discuss with the combat personnel who were resting and preparing there who should conduct the investigation.

Although Shiomi knew very well that as soon as she spoke, someone would immediately rush to ask to investigate.

But when he opened the door to the lounge, he saw Melusin sitting on a stool, staring at Kukulkan with curious and scrutinizing eyes.

It's obvious that it's the attitude of someone who has encountered a competitor.

To put it more directly, it's the feeling of a powerful creature encountering another powerful creature within its own territory.

Melosin is the right hand of the last dragon. Although she has gained intellect, she is still slightly swayed by instinct at such times.

Staring at each other is the maximum expression of emotion; the fact that they didn't fight shows that they are still rational.

Upon hearing Shiomi mention this, Kukulkan immediately stopped making eye contact and readily agreed.

"Investigating the Third Underworld? No problem. Although I don't really like desert areas, since there's nothing there, just some landmasses floating in the sky," Kukulkan casually described the situation inside the Third Underworld. "But there haven't been sandstorms this severe before."

"When was the last time you entered the Third Underworld?" tide Jian asked.

"It'll probably be seven or eight days," Kukulkan said after a moment's thought, then explained sheepishly, "I've been in Mexico City lately and haven't been paying much attention to the time."