Chapter 101 - 100
Chapter 101: Chapter 100
Chikyu Chikara City - Noboru's Castle
Noboru woke up feeling refreshed. He had enjoyed a dream about Ayame and himself engaging in adult activities. Today, however, was significant for another reason: he planned to enhance the power of his city. Thanks to his grandfather Haruki's stories, Noboru had learned much about science and technology. While Terravale was somewhat advanced, it paled in comparison to the tech-based realms his grandfather described.
"It shouldn't be too hard now. I already have the power to traverse realms, both higher and lower, through flight or teleportation. The Dimensium was only needed when my base was a lesser being; now that my base has evolved, I don't need it. In theory, I should be able to use my power to peer into other realms, dimensions, and existences, even non-existence, whether they be higher or lower. But that's not enough. If I add time manipulation to this technique, I should be able to view an entire cycle from a civilization's start to its end," Noboru mused, his eyes shining not with their usual red of the Gensogan but with gold.
"Chrono-Dimensional Insight," Noboru declared, naming the technique in a way that described its function, allowing him to gain insights into other worlds, timelines, and beyond.
As Noboru observed multiple technologically advanced civilizations across different realms rise and fall, he learned how to create similar technologies. Personally, Noboru did not see the charm in relying on technology, but he knew this was because he possessed Omni Energy, which allowed him to do anything, even if it contradicted itself. However, those born here had quite a limited power source, Aura, so by introducing technology, he could increase the value of his city. The Duke of the North would reward him with a higher rank, and once he received the highest rank the duke could offer, he would be granted an audience with the earth god, the ruler of Terravale. Then he could achieve his goal: to create an alliance to fight the disciples of darkness.
Noboru had been thinking about the future. When he left this world, he would need to pass his city to someone else. It didn't mean he would discard it; he needed someone he trusted to take care of it, and who better than Emiko? He knew he could ensure that this realm wouldn't collapse when he left.
Noboru stood and prepared for the day. It was going to be busy.
BANG... BANG.. BANG.
"Noboru-kun, where are you? We are waiting for you; breakfast is ready," Layla called out from outside Noboru's bedroom door.
Noboru sighed. How had Layla and Emiko grown so attached to him? "I'm coming," he shouted as he walked over to his door and opened it. "Let's go," he said, smiling at Layla.
"Noboru-kun, good morning," Layla said, hugging him from the side. "Hey, I want to join in," Emiko pouted cutely as she hugged Noboru from the other side. Noboru sighed, "As long as you don't cause a scene, we can walk like this," he said, shaking his head. 'How did this happen?'
"Don't worry, Noboru-kun, nobody is here; the others are in their rooms. Fire General Kai is in his courtyard practicing, and Yumeko maybe is still asleep with sku," Layla reassured him, smiling.
"Yumeko must have stayed up late researching another one of her projects or was doing the naughty with Sky," Emiko teased, causing Noboru's face to turn bright crimson.
"Emiko!" Noboru exclaimed scandalised, embarrassed by her comment. "What, Noboru-kun? Didn't you know all young ladies and men at her age do it?" Emiko replied with an innocent smile, causing him to turn even brighter.
"Come on, let's not tease Noboru-kun so much and get going to breakfast," Layla said, trying to mediate as she found the blush on Noboru's face cute.
The trio arrived in the dining hall where Yumeko, Sky, and Fire General Kai were already waiting. "Hey there, everyone, sleep well?" Noboru asked as he took his seat at the head of the table, with Layla sitting to his right and Emiko on his left. Fire General Kai sat at the far end, while Yumeko sat next to Layla, and Sky next to Emiko.."Noboru-kun, good morning. I hope you slept well?" Yumeko asked. Noboru nodded, "Yes, I did sleep well. I feel pretty refreshed." "That's good. What about you, Sky?" Yumeko asked her love.
"I slept well, Yumeko-chan, how about you?" Sky inquired. Yumeko giggled, "I slept well. We should try to sleep together more often," she said, causing Sky to blush and Noboru, Fire General Kai, and Emiko to stare, not knowing what to say.
Yumeko noticed the looks and turned red. "N-N-Not like that. We only cuddled with each other. We didn't do it. R-R-Right, Sky?" Yumeko stuttered in embarrassment as she glanced at Sky. "Y-Y-Yes, it's just like Yumeko-chan said. We only cuddled with each other," Sky stuttered, not believing how bold Yumeko was about their relationship.
"Relax, Sky, Yumeko. We aren't going to judge you. Besides, I support you guys. It's so cute," Noboru reassured them. "Speaking of relationships, do you have someone, Fire General Kai?" Noboru inquired.
Fire General Kai blushed slightly at this question. "No, I don't have anyone, but if I did, they would have to be a strong warrioress worthy of standing by my side," he said, causing Noboru and Sky to look at him in admiration.
"Well then, I guess we have a new side mission: find the great Fire General a girlfriend," Noboru declared, causing Fire General Kai to turn even redder while Yumeko, Emiko, Layla, and Sky laughed at him.
"Come on, let's eat. Layla-chan, what did you make for breakfast today?" Noboru asked the still laughing Layla, who stopped laughing at his question.
"Today we have omu rice, miso soup, fish, and salad," Layla announced, causing everyone to cheer and dig in. Suddenly, a giant boom was heard from outside, followed by a flash of green. "What's that?" Sky asked as he stood up and rushed toward the window to look outside the castle. "N-N-Noboru, tha... that's..."
Sky was shaking as he saw a creature outside that looked like a fantastical dragon. It had a serpentine body that coiled and curved, armored with overlapping scales in shades of dark and light brown. The creature had a formidable head with a pronounced snout, sharp teeth, and a pair of long, curved horns extending backward from its skull. Its eyes were narrow, suggesting a menacing expression. The neck was thick and muscular, supporting its massive head. Additionally, the creature possessed clawed limbs visible at the end of its body, which seemed powerful and adapted for grasping or ripping. The overall appearance of the creature gave it a fearsome and mythical look.
Noboru, Layla, Sky, Yumeko, and Fire General Kai rushed to the window.
"By the gods! A Basilisk," Fire General Kai said, shaking. The Basilisk was the most powerful and fearsome of the legendary creatures, part of a quartet that included the legendary Leviathan that killed the hero, the mythical Phoenix, and the Sky Griffin, each representing the element of one of the four kingdoms. The Sky Griffin represented Aeritha's wind, the Phoenix represented Ignarock's fire, the Leviathan represented Aquora's water, and the Basilisk represented Terravale's earth.
Noboru's eyes narrowed as he sensed the power of the being. It shouldn't have been this strong, but since he returned to this prison realm, these creatures and some beings rivaled his power. His thoughts raced faster than an instant. In fact, they were so fast they were indescribable by any known words: 'If I kill this being, I will definitely get a rank up from the Duke of the North, but the question is, can I win?' Noboru decided it was worth the risk.
"Layla, Yumeko, Sky, Fire General Kai, I need you to start evacuating the city. This beast thinks it can come into my city and attack it. I won't stand for it. I need to let my people know I won't hide or cover; I will fight for them," Noboru declared.
"Are... Are you sure, Noboru?" Sky asked, as Noboru nodded.
"Be careful, Noboru. Basilisks are known for their ability to burrow underground to ambush their enemies, as well as spit projectiles that explode into a toxic gas upon making contact with a target. This poison is so deadly it can destroy entire civilizations," Fire General Kai warned.
"There isn't any time; we need to move now. Fire General Kai, Layla, Emiko, Yumeko, Sky, can you gather the soldiers to start the evacuation? I will hold off the beast until everyone is safe," Noboru directed, turning to his friends.
"Noboru-kun, we can help," Layla said, which Emiko nodded in
agreement, but Noboru shook his head. "No, it's my city, my responsibility."
"Noboru-kun, everyone lives here; they have as much responsibility to protect this place as you do," Emiko insisted. "Please let us help you," she added.
"No. Emiko, Layla, this is a fight for me. I know you two are strong, but that thing is too powerful even for you two. You, Fire General Kai, Yumeko, Sky, Emiko will start evacuating the civilians. Their lives are more important, and keep the soldiers there to protect them," Noboru said sternly, refusing to allow anyone to assist him.
"FINE, BUT YOU BETTER BE SAFE. WE CAN'T LOSE YOU!" Emiko shouted as she ran out of the castle toward her army while Sky and Fire General Kai followed her. Layla stayed behind with Noboru.
"Noboru-kun, stay safe... promise me that," Layla said as her eyes teared up. Noboru pulled her into a hug. "I promise. Now go help the others and ensure they are safe."
"I love you," Layla whispered in Noboru's ear before she ran off.
"I... I don't know," Noboru quietly muttered. He loved Ayame, but his heart also had feelings for Layla and Emiko. He quickly shook his head and ran toward the giant serpent.
"Now, let's teach this bastard not to mess with this city," Noboru declared as he flew toward the Basilisk.
The Basilisk roared as it noticed Noboru approaching. It began spitting projectiles at Noboru, who looked at it with his Gensogan and watched as the attacks turned into illusions before he aimed his hand at the giant, bigger-than-castle serpent.