After Allen and his companions fought off wyverns and dragons, they finally reached the edge of the city.
Allen sensed something odd about the place.
"Amaterasu, may I borrow your map for a moment?"
Amaterasu handed him the map.
Allen examined it carefully.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Why are you smiling, Allen?" asked Amaterasu.
Allen rubbed his chin.
"As I suspected, we were tricked by Erina."
"What do you mean?"
"If you think about it logically, the Katanuri Village isn't located in the sky. It's supposed to be at the border of the Royal Forest."
"So you're saying… we're in a different village?"
"Yes. Right now, we're in Celestial Dragon Village."
Amaterasu, Kamui, and Megumin were shocked by Allen's statement.
"Could it be that Erina wanted to secure the strongest hero first?" said Megumin.
"Given Erina's personality, she's highly strategic. She knows our team is powerful," Allen replied.
"That damned old teacher tricked us!" Kamui cursed.
"I have a plan," said Megumin.
"What is it?" asked Allen.
The group gathered around Megumin to discuss it.
"My plan is that we split up to search for the heroes and gather as much information as possible."
"Isn't that too basic of a plan?" Allen questioned.
"Even if it's basic, it could be effective, right?"
The others went silent for a moment.
"Alright, let's do it," said Amaterasu.
"Let's regroup here again at noon," added Megumin.
Everyone nodded and scattered.
---
Elsewhere.
Fujimiya was in a void—an absolute emptiness.
"Yo, I've been waiting for you for a while now, Author."
Someone approached Fujimiya.
"I am everywhere," said the Author.
"You're using your usual avatar again."
"Hahaha."
"Did you see that?" Fujimiya asked, pointing to Allen, who had become a god in his world.
"Yes."
"The existence of Allen Stolen could threaten both you and my father."
"Your father is far stronger than that guy."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I created all of you, after all."
"But you were created by my father—from his dream."
"Hahaha… but remember, some beings can escape their dreams—including him."
"Allen Stolen?"
"Yes."
Fujimiya smirked.
"Hey Author, you always underestimate people—so much that you don't even realize if they'll become a threat in the future."
"Are you saying you're looking down on the Almighty?"
Fujimiya just grinned.
"I don't care if they're almighty, omnipresent, or all-knowing. If they're arrogant beings, I can deceive them."
"Ahahahaha! You're becoming more interesting, Fujimiya."
Fujimiya turned his back.
"Just a warning: don't underestimate Allen Stolen."
As he began to leave, the Author stopped him.
"Where are you going? Our conversation isn't finished."
Fujimiya paused.
"You took the name 'Allen Stolen' from 'Elsyia Stolen,' didn't you?"
Fujimiya turned to the Author.
"Bastard," he muttered.
"You're probably wondering why I didn't stop HWL."
Fujimiya raised his pistol.
"You already know everything."
"Hey hey, it's not good to threaten the Almighty—unless you want to be erased."
"Damn it…"
"Don't be arrogant just because you tricked me once. I am only all-knowing in the world I created."
"Are all higher beings like this?"
"No, they're just ordinary people living their daily lives… like your father."
Fujimiya left without another word.
"Ahahahahahaha! Are you scared, Fujimiya-chan?"
The Author glanced at Allen.
"You're the same as me—a being from the higher realm, Kanaya."
---
Back at Celestial Dragon.
Allen was walking through the marketplace, using his tournament MVP winnings to buy supplies.
He noticed some affordable beef. Just as he was about to grab it, his hand brushed against someone else's.
"Wait a second—"
He looked at the woman.
"Rika?" Allen said in surprise.
"Allen? Why are you here?"
"You're here too?"
"Maybe it was Erina's plan."
Someone approached Rika.
"Rika, are you done shopping?" asked Stella.
"Stella?" Allen reacted.
"Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be at Katanuri?"
"That sly teacher tricked us."
"Hahaha, chill, Allen. No need to get so worked up."
"I need to find my group."
Allen left quickly.
"What's up with Allen? Why's he in such a hurry?" asked Rika.
"He's just weird like that," Stella replied.
"Let's continue, Sister Stella."
Stella was puzzled—since when did Rika start calling her that?
Amused, she rubbed Rika's wolf ears.
"Hey! Stop that—it tickles, sis!"
---
Allen found Megumin.
"Megumin, something important came up. Gather Amaterasu and Kamui," Allen said.
"What is it?" Megumin asked.
"The students who joined the expedition were also sent to this village."
Megumin was shocked.
"What do you mean?"
"What really happened in Katanuri?"
Megumin tried contacting Amaterasu and Kamui using her communicator.
But someone else answered.
"Yo. We've kidnapped your friends."
"What are you talking about?!" Megumin snapped.
"If you want them back, bring us the flesh of a beast-woman," said the kidnapper.
"Bastard!" Rika growled furiously.
She ended the call.
"This is bad, Allen."
"I'll save them."
To be continued...