System's POV

Chapter 435: I Almost Got Infected By The Zion Virus

"Why is the Supreme Commander drinking and eating all alone?" Shana asked as she approached Thirteen, who was watching the soldiers, who were merrily celebrating their victory.

Countless big bonfires were lit, illuminating the darkness, and everyone was having a great time.

The Dvalinn Federation opened their coffers, and made sure that everyone was able to eat and drink to their heart's content.

Even Benedict, who was always straitlaced, was happily drinking with Arthur, whom he considered as his love rival during their teenage years.

"I'm not alone," Thirteen replied. "I have Tiona with me. Isn't that right, Tiona?"

The Black Snake nodded, completely agreeing with what her Master said. As long as they were together, Thirteen would never be alone.

"You know that's not what I meant," Shana said as she sat on the log where the teenage boy was seated. "Everyone wants to be with you, so why aren't you celebrating with them?"

"If I go to one of those bonfires, everyone will ask me to go to the others," Thirteen replied matter-of-factly. "It will be a pain to do that all night, so I'll just stay here and not be a killjoy for everyone."

Shana shook her head helplessly because she could tell that Zion Leventis was firm in his decision of not mingling with the others.

"I guess it's inevitable that you will be forced to return to Solterra," Shana replied. "Even though I am the same. After all, I am only an Apostle, and only those who gained the Master Rank will gain the ability to go to Solterra whenever they wish."

"Yeah, you and the Hero Party will also be forced to return on the eve of the night of the Solstice," Thirteen smirked. "If you're lucky, you might get the same mission as me. If that happens, wouldn't that mean that you will be getting a free ride?"

Shana looked at the teenage boy who was three years younger than her. Every time the two of them talked, she always felt like Zion was the older one between the two of them.

He was more mature and very reliable.

'Oh no! I almost got infected by the Zion Virus just now,' Shana couldn't help but raise her guard because she was now starting to understand why her sister, Rianna, was a big fan of the teenage boy beside her.

Also, it didn't help that her Sisters from the Valkyrie Division, Viola, Sharon, and Louise, were always praising Zion whenever she was around.

They even said that the Hero, Roland, and the Sage, Joshua, who were both part of Shana's Hero Party, couldn't even compare to Zion's pinky finger.

Of course, her other Sisters agreed with the three of them, especially after their consecutive victories against the Majins.

Shana was even constantly casting mind resistance spells on herself to prevent her from going with the flow. The last thing she wanted to happen was to get infected by the Zion Virus.

"What's wrong, Shana?" Thirteen asked the girl, who was lightly slapping both of her cheeks as if she was trying to keep herself sober.

"Nothing," Shana replied. "I just remembered something embarrassing. Also, if we are sent on the same mission in Solterra, the one who will be getting the free ride will be you and not me."

"Really?" Thirteen arched an eyebrow.

"Really." Shana nodded firmly.

"I don't mind getting a free ride." Thirteen smirked. 'But knowing The One, I'm sure I would once again be sent to a very dangerous place. If Shana will be having the same mission as I do, it will be very dangerous for her.'

Hiding his thoughts from the Saintess, Thirteen once again gazed at the soldiers in the distance.

A second later, he sensed a presence right behind him.

Shana also felt it, so she immediately summoned her staff and used a light spell to illuminate the surroundings.

There, standing a few meters away from them, was the Death Lord, Erasmus.

Shana subconsciously stepped forward and stood between Zion and the Death Lord, who could easily cut her head off with a single slash of his sword.

Suddenly, the Monarchs and the Thrones, who were paying close attention to Thirteen and Shana, appeared in front of the Saintess and faced off against Erasmus, who had come to their celebration unannounced.

"I didn't come here to fight," Erasmus stated as he spread his hands, showing them that he was unarmed. "I just came to have a talk with your Supreme Commander about the borders that will be established here in the North."

"You can talk to me," Wendell stated as he stood between Shana and the Death Lord. "I will hear you out."

Erasmus wanted to say that he had no intention of talking to one of the people who belonged to Aaron's group.

But he also understood that if he insisted on only talking to Zion, things might get out of hand.

"Very well," Erasmus replied. "Who else has a say in this matter aside from you?"

The three Monarchs and the Thrones all stepped forward.

"I'll only be talking to you three," Erasmus pointed at Wendell, Trevor, and Lawrence. "The rest can go back to whatever you are doing."

Thirteen eyed his Former Host, while the latter gave him a telepathic message.

"That young lady is good," Erasmus said. "She tried to protect you knowing that she's no match against me."

"Next time, just send me a message," Thirteen replied. "Things might spiral out of control if the Alliance thinks that the Jinns will break the agreement first."

"Indeed," Erasmus commented before leaving with the three Monarchs.

After the three had disappeared from the camp, the Soldiers, who had thought that they were under attack, were still on high alert.

Because of this, Thirteen needed to do some damage control and explain to them that the Death Lord was a nocturnal monster and only came to their camp to discuss the details of the non-aggression pact.

Fortunately, everyone had strong faith in Zion, so when his explanation ended, the soldiers returned to their merry making.

But just as he expected, the liveliness had lessened a bit. Everyone was still subconsciously on guard just in case something happened.

After making sure that everyone knew the reason for Erasmus' visit, he decided to retire for the night.

Shana, who had been rattled by the sudden appearance of the Death Lord, also decided that she had enough excitement for one night and went to bed.

Now that the Alliance had finally finished their mission, they would be returning to their posts.

Some would also go to the Cygni Continent in order to help the Defenders defend their home.

But since Thirteen would no longer be around to command them, their chain of command would revert back to their usual commanders.

Also, there were other stuff that would have to be dealt with, like the split of lands between the members of the Alliance.

A different battlefield would have to be fought, but this time, he would not be contending with the Jinns and Majins.

No.

He needed to fight against the greed of humanity, which was almost always insatiable.

Fortunately, Thirteen had secured Evuvug's Domain, as well as a few other resources near the center of the Rigel Continent.

Even if the Leventis Family yielded a bit of their shares to the Ashford and Stallard Clans, it wouldn't matter in the long run.

Thirteen had his own resources to mine, which could further increase the more he made the Earth Dragons happy with the technology and comforts that he would be introducing to them very soon.