It was now painfully obvious—

Kalbira had planned everything long before this moment.

Unless both she and Kartora managed to merge their divine thrones at the stage of Fake God, neither of them could ever ascend to True Godhood.

That was the truth hidden behind their conflict.

And it was precisely for this reason that Kartora had once asked Daniel to duplicate her soul, hoping to create a way to escape that fatal paradox.

Kalbira's gaze shimmered faintly with mockery as she looked at Daniel.

"So, Lord Crossbridge, what do you intend to do?" she asked softly.

"Will you choose to stay here with me—forever—and perhaps, someday, prevent me from reaching Demigod Rank?"

She tilted her head slightly, her tone deceptively gentle.

"After all, as long as I remain below Demigod, there's still a chance… perhaps, someday, Kartora might ascend instead."

Her crimson lips curved into a half-smile.

"But if you walk away now, then Kartora's fate is sealed. She'll never become a true god."

Her voice lowered to a whisper.

"So tell me, will you really abandon me here—alone, forever?"

Kalbira's expression was fragile, almost pitiable, as though she were the victim in this cruel game.

But Daniel, using Psychic Perception, could see through the illusion entirely.

Beneath that delicate façade lay a heart twisted by madness and destruction.

The Kalbira before him shared nothing in common with the Kartora of old.

The two were no longer reflections of one another—they were polar opposites, walking divergent paths that could never converge again.

Meanwhile, Daniel shared everything he was sensing with Isabella through a telepathic link.

Though she remained inside the Corridor of Time, she could perceive the current situation clearly, as if watching it through a vast mirror of consciousness.

But unlike Daniel, who was tensed and alert, Isabella appeared utterly relaxed—amused, even—as though she were watching a stage play unfold before her.

"My, my… little brother, you really are something, aren't you?" Isabella's silvery laugh rang out in his mind.

"I can see it clearly—both of those girls, deep inside, have a strong sense of possession toward you. They both want you for themselves."

Her tone was teasing, melodic.

"I used to think you were some pure, innocent little hero. But it turns out you're quite the heartbreaker, aren't you? A charming little rake!"

Her voice dropped into a playful purr.

"Still, even knowing that, my affection for you won't change. I don't mind if there are other girls, you know. As long as you're strong enough, I'd be happy to share."

A giggle followed. "Even if we all have to live together, that would be perfectly fine~"

Daniel's expression twitched violently.

Even his composure had limits.

What on earth is going through that woman's head? he thought bitterly. Always imagining nonsense.

He sighed inwardly and decided the best course of action was to ignore her entirely.

Shaking his head, he spoke aloud with calm firmness.

"Isabella, can you deal with that Demigod?"

Upon hearing the question, Isabella's lips curled into a mischievous smile.

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she fixed her large, glimmering eyes on Daniel, gazing at him intently.

Then, after a few seconds of silence, she asked in a sing-song tone:

"Daniel, when you say 'Demigod,' you mean that faith-bound puppet over there, don't you?"

Her smile deepened.

"If that's the case, then you're really underestimating me, you know."

She raised a finger to her lips coyly.

"Even if I were to become your little captive, I've always been very diligent about maintaining my power."

Her words carried a dangerous sweetness. "I don't slack off, ever."

And then, she began leaning toward him—trying to press herself against Daniel's chest.

Daniel reacted instantly, vanishing from where he stood with a flash of spatial displacement.

He reappeared several meters away, clearly intent on keeping a safe distance.

Isabella didn't seem the least bit offended.

In fact, her eyes gleamed brighter, and a smirk curved across her face.

She licked her lips slowly, predatorily.

"Ten seconds," she said. "That's all I need to erase him."

"Back then, if it hadn't been for Aurelia's sneak attack, I never would've been sealed away so easily."

Her tone turned casual, almost boastful.

"If you really want to measure my strength, little brother, try comparing me to the Goddess of Luck, Luke. That should give you an idea. I'm not nearly as fragile as you think~"

Hearing that, Daniel finally let out a quiet breath.

For the first time in a while, he felt the situation beginning to turn back in his favor.

The balance of power had shifted again—this time, toward him.

But even as relief washed over him, caution remained.

Because Isabella—despite her flirtatious tone and whimsical behavior—was not someone to take lightly.

After all, Aurelia herself had once deemed Isabella dangerous enough to warrant personal sealing.

That alone spoke volumes.

Even so, Daniel hadn't realized until now just how terrifyingly strong Isabella truly was.

Could she really be on par with a Demigod Rank combatant?

Could she have fought Aurelia to a standstill?

The more he thought about it, the less certain he felt.

Isabella was one of the few beings Daniel couldn't bring himself to peer into deeply with Psychic Perception.

Her very essence belonged to the Domain of Allure, and her consciousness radiated such raw temptation that Daniel feared a single lapse in focus could lead him into irreversible ensnarement.

Thus, he relied instead on Mental Deduction, calculating probabilities and intent rather than peering directly into her mind.

He could not deny it—releasing her from her seal had been a double-edged sword.

Her strength was invaluable, but her motives… unpredictable.

Even now, Daniel wasn't sure what her true limits were.

He suspected that she was still holding back—perhaps deliberately concealing her full capabilities.

And yet, he didn't dare test it.

Because deep down, he knew: if he tried to read her soul directly, there was a chance he would never escape it.

"Since you're that powerful, can you capture Kalbira for me?" Daniel finally asked.

At that, Isabella rolled her eyes and gave him an exasperated glare.

"Honestly, Daniel, do you have any idea what you're asking?"

She crossed her arms beneath her chest and let out a small huff.

"That time-domain girl is far trickier than that Demigod puppet of hers."

Her tone turned sulky. "If you want me to deal with her, you'll have to pay extra."

She tilted her head, her hair shimmering like liquid silver.

"A mere hour of freedom isn't enough. You'll have to give me something more… satisfying."

Her smile became wicked. "Unless, of course, you're willing to fulfill me."

Daniel's brow twitched.

Isabella leaned closer through the psychic link, her voice dripping with honeyed poison.

"If you refuse, I'll still take care of the Demigod Rank one," she said with a shrug.

"But the time girl? You're on your own."

She paused, her tone softening.

"And if you won't satisfy me… then at least, Daniel—"

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "—look at me."

The sudden shift in tone—so tender, almost pleading—caught Daniel off guard.

His instincts screamed caution, but oddly enough, his perception of danger remained silent.

There was no malice in her intent—only… vulnerability?

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