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Chapter 498 Crisis in Miss Delta Pageant!

The second round of the pageant started. It brought the gorgeous contestants in a series of sexy gowns that made the audience gasp.

The first to walk the catwalk was Viivi.

She looked timeless in her red sequin bodice as she walked effortlessly, catching the attention of the audience with her elegant yet incredible figure.

Kiba placed a hand under his chin and scrutinized her.

The red of her gown was rosy-red and it matched her body like a glove to a hand. Then there was the amazing demeanor with which she carried herself.

All over, she was marvelous.

"She would definitely be in the top three," Kiba observed as he jotted down her scores. "She even has the ability to emerge as the winner."

After Viivi, Athina followed.

She put on a dazzling show in a strapless yellow gown. As she strutted down the catwalk, she slightly tilted forward her shoulders and made her hair bounce.

"Bombshell!"

The audience muttered. They were stunned by her style and the ease with which she carried herself.

One after another, more contestants walked down the catwalk, dressed in colorful gowns and adorned by diamonds.

Each was as beautiful as the last, making it hard for the audience to guess who would ultimately pass this round.

The beauties walked with a variety of styles. Some offered little tilt from their hips or necks while some walked in the cross-over leg technique.

It took an hour for the fifteen contestants to display their beauty and style, but not a single member of the audience complained.

It was when the round completed that the audience felt like complaining. Because they wanted to see the contestants back, showing off their sexy gowns!

...

After the second round completed, Teresa went back on the stage. She then did something that made the audience uproar.

She invited a hundred men and women from the audience for an after-party event!

"After-party!?"

"Yes!"

"The pageant always has a wrap-up party type event from the second round!"

"It is mainly for the contestants and judges to relax after hectic day!"

"Also for the contestants to establish contacts and earn sponsorships!"

"Indeed! Many higher-ups from the society attend these parties!"

"The perfect combination of glamor and power!"

The invited men and women were pleased while the rest of the audience was left disappointed. Sadly, there was nothing they could do except for curse their luck.

Still, they were happy to get the chance to witness the pageant in-person, unlike those who were watching it on broadcast...

Teresa waited for the audience to calm down before adding, "The party would be hosted in the hall above the auditorium. Please follow the protocol and have fun."

…

Half an hour later.

The grand hall was an envy-worthy place with its grandeur matching royalty. Tables were spread around with catering staff serving lavish starters, wine, and alcohol.

Guests were evenly distributed, having a chat with friends and being introduced to each other.

Kiba walked to the table reserved for Kestone family. Lager sat with his trophy wife and other family members, including his four daughters-in-law.

"Lager, nice to see you with your family."

Kiba said while grabbing an empty chair from another table. He created space between the chairs occuiped by Kestone family to place his chair and sit.

Lager's face fell.

Because Kiba was sitting between his daughters-in-law!

Lager'seyes flashed with the scene from yesterday - Catching Kiba fucking Katy, his daughter-in-law.

"Are you fine?" Kiba asked.

The family members of Lager noticed the change in the expression as well. His face was like he was on the verge of a heart attack.

"Is everything alright, dad?" One of his sons asked, concerned.

Another son too followed, "Dad, what's wrong?"

Lager's body stiffened.

The first son to ask him the question was the one whose wife was banged by Kiba.

How was he supposed to answer and say that no, not everything is alright! How to tell him that you are a clueless cuckold and there was a fear your brothers would join you!?

As for the second son to ask... how was he supposed to warn him of the danger Kiba carried while sitting next to his wife! If he seduced Katy in a few hours, what was the guarantee he couldn't do the same with this daughter-in-law?!

Lager didn't want to admit, but he was becoming a standard paranoid man. It might be due to his old age or the fact that he thought he sensed a disaster.

"No! I must not overimagine things!" Lager reminded his old heart. "Kiba swore he wouldn't target my family's women!"

Lager then glanced at his beautiful young wife.

Sandra has donned a figure-hugging black dress with sheer sleeves and looked absolutely marvelous. She didn't pay any attention to Kiba at all.

"Just like I did with her, I should plant spying devices with my daughters-in-law! That would reassure me!" Lager thought.

At the same time, after distracting Lager's sons with possible health problems, Kiba used the golden opportunity to spend valuable time with their women.

He reassured them Lager was fine and that there was nothing to worry. He then made subtle flattery and cracked jokes to bring smiles on their concerned faces.

"Time to leave!"

Kiba thought as he excused himself in less than five minutes after his arrival. He has done what he wanted to.

...

Rivera brightened up the party in her blue polka dot dress. While politely facing the advances of the rich and powerful, she glanced at Kiba.

He was paying attention to every contestant. He was polite with them, had a short but encouraging conversation and then moved with the other contestants.

He even accepted the requests of selfies and autographs from the women who were part of the earlier audience.

"He is paying attention to everyone but me!"

Rivera bitterly thought while emptying her wine glass.

...

The media and social influencers were naturally part of the party. They didn't record and invade the privacy of other guests, but used the opportunity to get familiar with the contestants.

Daniel and Sarah, being the owners of SBC News, were different. They conversed with the rich and mighty while leaving the lesser tasks to their representatives.

"Please god! Don't let him come to this table!"

Daniel prayed while chatting with his friends.

Sarah passed occasional glances in the direction of Kiba and prayed the same as her husband. She didn't want to cheat on her loving husband, again.

…

"Lord Kiba!"

Suddenly, a youthful voice filled with vigor and excitement swept through the noisy hall. The chatter died and the hall turned pin-drop silent as everyone was left stunned.

Lord?!

The tone with which the word was used, it was almost like a devotee was witnessing the presence of God!

Everyone turned towards the source of the voice…

Kiba was chatting with a group of married and single women when he heard the voice.

Lord Kiba!?

The worshipping tone made the corners of his mouth twitch. Because he has heard the same worshipping tone before!

Though it was the first time he was hearing directly from the source…

He turned around and wasn't at all shocked to find a youngster, around twenty-years-old.

Erone.

Erone was awe-struck as the lord responded to his call and turned in his direction.

Others saw Kiba as a handsome man dressed in a black tuxedo.

But not Erone.

He saw Kiba surrounded by a divine halo, radiating an awe-inspiring presence.

All around, the women stood naked, bending down to receive his grace; waiting for their sacred caves to be filled with the divine essence.

The married men stood by the side, begging the Lord to bless their wives with his holy grail.

Erone was fascinated by the might of the lord. He felt a strong urge to kneel down and pray.

Oh, great Lord!

You are the Messiah of this doomed world! The savior of the world!

Bless the maidens and wives!

Brighten their gloomy faces with the divine essence!

Give your lowly follower the strength to share the great burden you carry!

Allow this lowly servant to carry your duty in your reverend name and enlighten the world with your great ways!

...

Kiba looked at Erone and noticed the reverence glowing deep in his eyes. Kiba wanted to laugh bitterly.

He has seen sportsmen, movie stars, and even politicians having impressive fan following. He even knew of fans that were fanatics, treating their idol as gods.

But never in his life, he expected him to have a fan.... no, a devotee!

Because his profession wasn't the type to have fans!

But he was proved wrong!

Five to six months ago, from far away, he has witnessed Erone worshipping a poster of his with honesty and reverence.

The prayer Erone used left him embarrassed!

Now meeting him face to face, for the first time, brought back those embarrassing memories. Thankfully he knew Erone wasn't aware of that so he sported a nonchalant expression.

At the same time, a male media tycoon asked Erone, "What do you mean by Lord Kiba?"

Erone glanced at the media tycoon in disdain.

How dare he commit blasphemy by asking such a preposterous question?!

Erone opened his mouth to explain the ways of the great Lord but then he stopped.

"No! I don't deserve to let the Lord knows I'm his devotee!"

Erone self-corrected his thoughts.

"And with what face could I directly address him as the Lord?!"

"After all, despite being his loyal follower for years, I haven't succeeded in enlightening the world about his great ways!"

"The world is still filled with non-believers who don't know he is the hero that was promised by the great prophecy! The messiah the world needs!"

Erone's eyes shined with determination. He has made a decision.

"Only when I establish the church and succeed in enlightening the ignorant masses, would I deserve the honor of worshipping the Lord directly!"

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Erone smiled and answered the media tycoon.

"I was trying to say, Sir Kiba," Erone explained. "But in my excitement, I mistakenly used Lord."

He then turned towards Kiba, and in a respected tone introduced himself.

He made an introduction only as a formality for he knew it was unnecessary.

Because the man in front of him was not a human! But a god! He was all-knowing!

"I run a news portal," Erone further said. "And I would be forever grateful if your esteemed self could give me your valuable time for a short interview."

News portal?

Everyone in the vicinity looked at Erone with curious eyes.

"..." Kiba felt a headache.

He knew what type of portal Erone ran. It was anything but news... but then again, from one perspective, Erone was totally honest.

Teresa was walking by when she heard Erone's introduction. Curious, she asked, "What portal do you run?"

Erone's expression turned bright as he realized it was a woman asking him the question. And that too the host of the pageant!

In a sweet tone, he answered, "I'm sure you know the portal I run! You borrowed lines for the introduction you did yesterday!"

Teresa's eyes turned wide.

He is... the prophetic webmaster of Wife Hunter Society?!

The great society with extraordinary web hits and donations?!

Kiba: "......."

...

Meanwhile, in a room adjoining the hall.

A local lifestyle tycoon took a contestant named Ranae into the room; by saying he wanted to discuss exclusive advertisement contracts in private.

"You have a stunning face," The tycoon praised. "And I can recommend you the right way for you to get my contracts."

Ranae's face was bright but when she heard the second part of his statement, it lost luster.

Fucking creep!

She cursed in her heart.

Being in the fashion industry, she was well-aware of men who preyed on women. They would use coercion, lucrative deals, and everything possible to make the women give them what they want.

She initially thought he really wanted to discuss, but now, she knew she was being preyed.

"Sir, the party is proceeding," Ranae made an excuse. "And the other contestants would be looking for me. We can discuss the contract later."

The tycoon's expression turned ugly.

This whore!

She didn't knew what was good for her!

Just as she was about to turn, he jumped at her. Ranae was taken aback and she was on the verge of screaming.

But suddenly, in mid-jump, the tycoon's skin crawled into a swirling texture.

"Hey~" A murderous voice ringed out. "No one touches my exclusive collection!"

At the same time, in the hall, Kiba snapped his head towards his left. He grabbed Teresa and Erone and pulled them back.

Before the two could react, an explosive sound reverberated and a ball of humanoid figure exploded out of the wall, making the wall collapse into debris.

The humanoid figure rolled through the air and collapsed in the place where Kiba and others were originally standing.

Foul ghastly smell swept out, making everyone cover their faces.

Teresa looked at the humanoid figure and faced a strong urge to throw up. The humanoid figure didn't have any skin, thus exposing terrible blood mass.

"What's going on?!"

The hall fell into chaos and everyone jumped to their feet, shocked. They looked in the direction of the collapsed wall where smoke from the explosion filled up.

"AHHHHHH!"

Rane ran out through the smoke, screaming out of her lungs.

While everyone gazed at her, Kiba closed his eyes and swept out his senses to the outside of the building.

A transparent circular screen enveloped the entire building.

Kiba whistled his senses to the ground and noticed dozens of mechanical orbs that ultimately powered the screen.

"The building is locked with powerful arrays that have more than one function! Fooling the outside world with holographic projection and blocking all forms of contacts is one of them!"

Kiba realized.

"The main function is sealing this place!"

He channeled his teleporting powers and concluded he could use them. But he also knew he was the exception.

If someone here was a teleporter, they wouldn't be able to teleport out.

Meanwhile, as the smoke settled, Goten Whiteskins donned in the military guard's skin came in sight.

"I promised to be good and subtle."

Goten Whiteskins rubbed his hands.

"And I'm always good on my promises!"

He smirked and icy glint flashed in his eyes.

"Just like I told that bitch when she sent me to that island to be imprisoned forever instead of killing me!"

"Annoying bitch! Jailing me for some stupid revenge for her bastard son's disappearance!"

Chapter 499 You Don't Deserve Lord's Grace!

Goten Whiteskins turned towards Ranae who ran to the end of the hall.

"Hey girl, don't run like that!" Goten Whiteskins licked his lips excitedly. "You are supposed to join my presently empty collection!"

Just then, a team of guards banged into the hall and aimed their weapons at him.

"Who are you?!"

"Get on your knees otherwise don't blame us!"

Goten Whiteskins stepped without paying any heed to them.

The head guard sent a signal and they fired.

BANG

Bullets, laser beams, and energy rays flashed forward, to tear the intruder to pieces.

Goten Whiteskins's skin deformed and twisted to an impossible degree. Despite the hail of attacks concentrated like water droplets in the sea, he dodged every attack by negligible movements of ducking to one side or another.

A mutant guard appeared behind him and sneak attacked by launching out a tsunami of force.

BOOM

The tiles cracked into pieces while the furniture flipped over before breaking down. The guard mutant that just attacked staggered backward with a look of anxiety over his face.

Goten Whiteskins didn't suffer a single scratch. It was like he could harden his skin whenever he wanted, turning it into indestructible.

As the mutant and the other guards thought of attacking again, Goten Whiteskins lifted a hand.

"Urgh!"

"Oogk!"

The guards screamed. The flab on their bodies rose up like sharp icicles before stabbing down right through their vitals. Blood splashed out and they dropped dead.

With another moment of his hand, their skins drew out into his body and fused with his present skin.

"!" Unease, worry, and fear struck the hearts of everyone as they witnessed the ease which he defeated so many guards at once.

"He must at least be a Level IV mutant!"

"Run!"

"Escape!"

"Someone fight him!"

"You fight him instead of asking others to die!"

"Call help!"

"All communications are down!"

"Stop talking and start running!"

The hall turned chaotic and resulted in a stampede like situation.

"Fufu, the mutants here are so weak that it's fun playing around," Goten Whiteskins said as he walked forward.

He looked around and noticed Ranae has left the hall, taking advantage of the commotion. He didn't mind though for the building was sealed.

"So many variety of skins here," Goten Whiteskins said aloud. "Let's choose the best in here."

At the end of the hall, Lager and his family were trying to get out when a patch of skin jumped up, transforming into Goten Whiteskins.

He locked his eyes on Sandra and rolled his tongue out to lick his lips. Sandra turned pale from terror and tried to move but she found her skin numb, not responding to her commands.

"You are so young and lovely," Goten Whiteskins observed. "I'm giving you the honor to be my first female skin!"

He raised a hand and stretched it towards her face.

Lager and his sons jumped back and as did others. They were so frightened by his earlier display of strength that they didn't even tried to fight him with their abilities.

Who would want to act as a hero and lose their life?

The wisest thing to do was use the deaths of others to buy valuable time and flee!

"You all are the next," Goten Whiteskins said as he grabbed Sandra. "I lost all skins due to that bitch, so I wouldn't mind having extras."

Lager and others froze just as Sandra felt her skin crawl.

As Goten Whiteskins started, from the corner of his right eye, he noticed a foot rushing at him.

A frightening might exploded out of the foot, turning the air into raging waves.

Goten's eyes flickered. He tossed Sandra away and took a step back, narrowly avoiding the foot kicking him.

The raging airwaves brushed past and smashed into the adjoining wall and floor. The entire targetted area rolled down into the auditorium below.

Everyone jumped to avoid falling down and land on the remaining floor.

Sandra turned her head and noticed her unexpected saviour.

Kiba!

...

"Ah! A man coming to the rescue of his woman! How touching!"

Goten Whiteskins eyed Kiba and then at Sandra.

He noticed her wedding ring, and then smelled the traces of pheromones, oils, and other secretions of Kiba that were present on her.

Those were secretions shared during mating, something that remains present for a long time and could not be cleaned through simple bathing. Of course, no one ever notices them, except Goten Whiteskins.

Now concluding the relationship between two, he grinned at Sandra and said, "I'm afraid I have to turn you into a widow first!"

Lager's face cramped and he broke out in cold sweat.

"Widow?!"

He started trembling from fear and stumbled down on the floor.

Goten Whiteskins was amused by Lager's reaction. He couldn't help but ask, "Why are you cowering instead of her husband?"

"What do you mean?! I'm her husband!" Lager's face whitened.

"Ah! So you are a cuckold!" Goten Whiteskins realized. "Given your age, it does make sense why you would need a bull to do your job!"

In the years he has lived as the skin collector, he has faced various types of people. To him the tastes of the skin wielders didn't matter, he only cared about adding skins to his collection.

Why should he care if there was a cuckold as long as he gets his skin?

"What?!"

Lager's face turned unsightly and his heart constricted. He couldn't believe the world-shaking words he has heard.

NO! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!

It has been a few days since his wife and Kiba met, and he has even implanted a spying device on her to avoid the fate of his son! So there was no way he could be a cuckold!

This bloody killer must be lying!

But he has no reason to!

Then are my other sons as well...?!

So not only I failed to protect my sons from being cuckolded, I too was cuckolded!!

Realizing the tragic truth, his old heart couldn't bear any longer. A squeezing sensation rooted through his chest and his body tightened before dropping to the floor.

He died from a heart attack!

Sandra winced.

She never expected her secret to be exposed, and that too in such a manner. And she definitely didn't expect her husband to die!

Then again, how was she supposed to know a psycho killer would expose her affair in such a manner?

Even Kiba was shocked.

He has never faced a situation like this. It wasn't like he hasn't seen a cuckold husband showing an extreme physical reaction, but he has never witnessed a husband dying!

"Haah~ What would happen to the pageant?" Kiba wondered.

Everyone in the room was terrified by what happened, but one youngster smiled with eyes full of devotion.

"The Lord's powers are mysterious!" Lager thought, awe-stuck. "Having his secrets exposed before the right time could get one killed!"

Kiba moved his eyes back to Goten Whiteskins and grinned.

"You really live up to your words," Kiba praised with a round of applause. "Turning her into a widow!"

Goten Whiteskins didn't appreciate the sarcasm. He flicked his wrist and the skin on his arms opened up like the wrapped linen bandages.

"I will take it slow," Goten Whiteskins said. "And enjoy unwrapping your skin by my own skin constructs."

The opened skin stretched out and split into multiple threads that ultimately transformed into tentacles and various offensive tools, secreting lethal chemicals.

Kiba wasn't surprised. He has guessed his opponent carried the power to use every cell of his body like an extra limb.

Simultaneously, they charged at each other. From the spectator's point of view, their bodies transformed into a series of phantoms before they crashed into each other.

BOOM

Terrifying energy ripples cascaded out. They smashed through the hall and adjoining rooms. The building violently trembled as if it might collapse at any moment.

The contestants and everyone else was alarmed.

"What terrifying might!"

"Who is facing that psycho!?"

"Obviously Kiba!"

In less than a minute since the clash started, half the building split apart. Crushed pieces of stones and splinters rolled down while dust and gravel stirred through the air.

The clash that initially started in the hall now occupied every place. One moment Kiba and Whiteskins were in the kitchen, and the next moment in the auditorium, ripping the catwalk to pieces.

"You are rather strong!" Goten Whiteskins remarked with a hideous grin.

"And so are you!" Kiba replied.

Facing Kiba didn't fully stop Goten Whiteskins in completing his objective. Every time he and Kiba clashed, Goten Whiteskins would sweep out extra strands of his powers to rip the skin of bystanders. He didn't care if it was male or female because if he didn't like the skin, he could throw it away.

"Watch out!"

"Dodge!"

The bystanders used their abilities to avoid the attack and survive, knowing full well the situation was bad for them.

After all, as the saying went, the prey needed to be lucky every time but the hunter only once!

Killing was always a lot easier than protecting!

BANG!

Kiba blocked the strands of power targeting those near him.

He lifted a fist high in the air and streams of golden energy enveloped his hand. He then punched the fist in the air behind him.

Ripples of strength boomed out and a force shield erupted, turning into an incorporeal wall.

"Brat, stop being a spoilsport!" Goten Whiteskins' eyes narrowed and he charged at Kiba.

At the same time, as another clash happened, Erone's eyes brightened.

"What's there to fear when the Lord is here!"

Erone declared with eyes full of devotion. He tapped a foot on the floor and shot off.

Through the debris and splinters, he ran using his high-speed moments and appeared behind the incorporeal force wall.

The energy shockwaves from the clash continued to explode out, crumbling the surrounding into gravel. But when the shockwaves bombarded on the force wall, they dispersed, completely blocked. Even the energy strands used by Goten Whiteskins to rip off the skin faded when they banged on the force wall!

The bystanders now realized why Erone said what he said. The force wall was the safe line!

Everyone ran for it!

The models - who were were protected by Kiba till now- appeared behind the wall first, joining Erone. They were followed by staff and audience members, both male and females.

Erone allowed the females to enter behind the wall but stopped the males. He used his high-speed to create a wind barrier by running at lightning speed from one side to another.

"You don't deserve Lord's grace!" Erone announced.

The eyes of the males turned bloodshot and they stared at him angrily.

"What?!"

"Why!?"

"Who are you to announce that?!"

"The wall is for all!"

"Stop trying to hinder us!"

The males shouted while trying to push him away.

Sadly for them, it was impossible to push him away with the number of females behind him and his high-speed moments that made him hard to catch.

Plus they also have to dodge the energy shockwaves and debris whipping through the air.

Just as they thought of killing him, Erone declared, "You all lack the ability to worship Lord and receive his grace!"

"Really? Then what about those women behind you!"

A man asked while wrapping his fists with plasma energy.

"They all were born to worship the Lord and receive his grace!"

Erone explained while raising his knee in blinding speed to kick the man in the crotch.

"Unlike you all!"

Erone concluded and lowered his knee.

The man's eyes popped out and the energy on his fists faded. He dropped on the floor, too shocked by his ungrateful defeat.

The other men were crestfallen, not just by the defeat of the man but the words Erone used.

The women were born to receive the Lord's grace...

These words were then followed by a kick to the crotch and then the conclusion - unlike men!

The meaning of his words couldn't be more clear with the kick!

"Fuck!"

"Dammit!"

"We are here trying to protect ourself of a psycho! And this guy is stopping us because we were born as males!"

"This guy is just like those cult fanatics!"

"Yes! He doesn't make any sense!"

The men cursed while trying to avoid the strands of power that wanted to rip their skin.

Behind Erone, the female bystanders were astonished. Almost all of them understood the profound meaning of 'they were born to receive the Lord's grace.'

The meaning was so profound that it made their cheeks flush with warm blood.

Among the female bystanders, a woman said, "Erone, let those men enter! Their survival is necessary!"

Erone glanced back and identified the woman.

She was a married woman from yesterday's audience!

The one who started the commotion when the Lord was introduced as the judge! The one who was the first to announce her marital status and show-off her wedding ring to gain Lord's attention!

The one who received the first heart emoticon ❤️ from the Lord!

Knowing she was favored by the Lord, Erone asked, "Why?"

The woman's husband was also trying to enter. When he saw his wife requesting Erone to let them enter, his heart swelled with pride! She might have embarrassed him yesterday, but her actions now proved the pure love that existed between them!

He urged his wife to answer Erone! Tell him the women needed their husbands and boyfriends! Explain to him what love meant!

The woman nodded at her husband's request.

"If men wouldn't exist, then there would be no husbands!" The woman started. "If there would be no husbands, there would be no wives!"

"!!"

Her words were like a clap of thunder under Erone's ears. A look of enlightenment took over his face as he realized what she meant.

"Then Lord would fail in his mission of rescuing unhappy wives!"

Understanding why the survival of men was important, he no longer blocked them. In fact, he used his speed to pull them behind the wall.

When he pulled the husband of the enlightened woman, he was startled.

The husband had passed out!

"What happened to him?" Erone wondered. "Did an energy shockwave hit him?"

Since the husband couldn't answer, Erone placed him next to his wife. He lifted his head and looked at her with admiration.

"Ma'am! You are one of the few enlightened ones in this world shrouded by ignorance!" Erone started respectfully.

The woman smiled.

"The world is on the brink of crisis due to non-believers!" Erone continued. "So would you join me in spreading the light of enlightenment?"

"How?" The woman asked, intrigued.

"By joining the Holy Church!"

Chapter 500 I'm There To Console!

Through the falling mass of debris, Kiba and Goten Whiteskins clashed, their bodies flashes of virtual phantoms.

Hundreds of tendrils shot out from the skin constructs Goten Whiteskins created. They passed through falling debris and smashed forward.

In mid-air, Kiba jumped to the side and avoided them while punching out. Before his punch could land, the tendrils moved to catch him from behind while the skin on Goten Whiteskins's wrist lashed out.

Kiba snorted coldly. His body erupted with violent golden fluctuations.

BANG

The debris in the vicinity turned into flying dust as the fluctuations ripped forward, shredding the tendrils into patches of dry skin.

At the same time, as the wrist skin lashed out, the punch Kiba launched moved to crush it. The wrist skin hardened like an indestructible metal, and an ear-numbing sound rang out as the skin and punch smashed into each other.

Terrifying shockwaves surged outward like a cyclone.

Multiple booming sounds rang out and violent tremors passed through the collapsing building. The floors completely toppled over each other.

The bystanders looked at the sight in alarm, their bodies shaking.

\"Monsters!\"

Everyone thought as the force wall continued to protect them.

Meanwhile, Kiba and Goten Whiteskins staggered backward, both in surprise.

Kiba glanced at his scratched fist while Goten Whiteskins observed the web-like cracks on his wrist.

\"Do you know skin secretes various biological substances for body stability?\"

Goten Whiteskins rhetorically asked as he concentrated on Kiba's skin secretions.

\"Naa, you are the only skincare expert here,\" Kiba mocked.

This annoying brat!

Goten Whiteskins swore while using his powers to influence Kiba's skin secretions.

Even as the skin secretions on Kiba's body turned wild and his body cramped, Kiba further remarked, \"Though given your fascination with skin, I think becoming a cosmetologist should have been your calling in life, instead of a serial murderer.\"

\"Impudent!\" Goten Whiteskins clenched his hand into a fist.

\"!\"

Kiba flinched.

His entire body broke out into cold sweat and his temperature rapidly changed.

Sweat was an aid in body temperature regulation, but after reacting with other secretions, it acted as a damaging substance. The combined result made Kiba feel lightheadedness and fatigue.

Every skin cell rose up, like a bump, ready to tear from his body. Paradoxically, he felt the skin on his chest tightened, giving him symptoms similar to a heart attack.

\"He is strong!\"

Kiba thought while fighting the dizziness.

He wasn't using his true powers since there were spectators but even still, his physical body was powerful on its own.

To affect him to such a degree, the opponent was an expert in his ability control. Someone who has long surpassed the realms of Domain!

\"What level is he?\"

Kiba wondered as he fought off the fatigued feeling overpowering his senses.

Goten Whiteskins was able to mask his aura and power level thanks to his ability to manipulate skin. As he looked at Kiba on verge of falling, he smirked.

\"Brat! I'm not even using my true strength!\"

Goten Whiteskins laughed while sending his skin constructs forward. They opened up into claws to rip his skin.

Behind the force wall, the faces of everyone paled. The female contestants shut their eyes, not able to handle the only possible scenario.

The claws arrived on his face and started digging into his face.

Just then, Kiba's eyes snapped open.

His gaze was like that of an ancient beast awakened from a long slumber, making the world reverberate with rumbling roars.

Wild winds surged out and cracks erupted on the land below his feet.

Swoosh~!

Golden energy wrapped around him as if he was bathed in blazing golden flames.

CRACK

Goten Whiteskins was dumbstruck as fissures sprang into the claws and they shattered one after another.

\"Manifesting physical strength into energy?!\"

He wondered as the golden energy rushed forward to engulf his other skin constructs. He tried to move them back, but suddenly, he felt something amiss.

He couldn't move.

It wasn't like he was grabbed by something or he wasn't trying to move. It was just that his body wasn't listening to him!

A foreign command has overpowered his instructions making ability, making him freeze.

\"Mind control?!\"

Goten Whiteskins was shocked. He quickly bit his tongue and used the pain to gain some clarity. Instead of trying to move, he used what strength he could muster to increase the enhanced layers of skin around his head.

He felt his senses back and used precious time to jump backward.

By now, all the skin constructs were destroyed to pieces.

\"You surprised me!\" Goten Whiteskins remarked. \"It seems ripping your skin would give me many benefits!\"

The missing skin on his body regenerated at a speed visible to the naked eye. But the regenerated skin was different in smoothness, texture, and color.

\"You are using the skins you absorbed to power regeneration,\" Kiba observed. \"So you do use skin for more than simple collection.\"

\"Fufu, obviously,\" Goten Whiteskins replied.

\"Obvious, indeed,\" Kiba nodded his head.

\"....\"

\"Before we resume, can I ask something?\" Kiba enquired with a curious expression.

Goten Whiteskins grinned and told him to go ahead.

\"When your mother learned your interest in wearing female skin, did she request a doctor... to confirm you were really a male?\"

Kiba sincerely asked.

\"!!\"

Everyone behind the force wall held their breaths, their ears ringing. Slowly they moved their vision on Goten Whiteskins and noticed him burning in fury.

Goten Whiteskins has rarely felt anger like today. His eyes erupted with venom as he shouted.

\"How dare you!\"

His body surged out a frightening burst of energy. His entire skin unwrapped to activate combat mode.

Most of it entered camouflaged mode by turning into the same color as the surrounding.

BOOM

Goten Whiteskins exploded forward, his body turning everything in between to dust. Kiba smirked and charged forward, crashing head-on.

\"With your short temper, you fit the profile of a cheap criminal!\" Kiba remarked as they smashed into each other, launching dozens of attacks.

Goten Whiteskins tear through the attacks and stabbed a skin tail. Kiba ducked to the side and punched out.

Golden force ripples cascaded out, crushing forward like a berserk seastorm. Goten Whiteskins moved to the side and avoided most ripples.

BANG

A ripple of golden force smashed onto a mechanical orb embedded in the ground. Cracking sounds rang out and the orb blasted into chunks.

The barrier screen around the building turned blurry and the real scene of the building came into the sight of people on the streets.

\"Isn't that the place where Miss Delta Pageant is taking place?!\"

\"I think so... but it doesn't seem so!\"

\"The building is in ruins!\"

\"What are those explosion sounds?!\"

\"I want to ask the same!\"

\"Wait! What are those two streams of light constantly crashing into each other like firecrackers?!\"

\"Mutants!\"

\"What?!\"

\"They must be fighting at speed inconceivable to our eyes!\"

\"Wow!\"

\"A real fight!\"

\"Use the motion slowing feature of phone camera and see the battle!\"

The people inside the building were too frightened and alarmed to record the fight, but the same didn't apply to the people on the streets. They brought their phones and started recording the rare sight of two powerful mutants fighting, leading to the collapse of the building.

\"Damn them!\" Goten Whiteskins swore.

He had planned to kill everyone in the building while ensuring no information was leaked. But with those outside recording the fight, his intention of not exposing himself was damaged.

Still, he was donning another man's skin so his identity was safe.

\"Ever since I helped them in trying to kill that bitch's bastard son, my luck hasn't been good,\" Goten Whiteskins thought while dodging the attack.

Suddenly, Kiba's expression flickered. He raised his head and looked above. From the sky, a column of light smashed on the barrier and energy moved into the barrier.

A swirling portal opened up and Marlon's voice ringed out, \"You have done enough damage! Leave!\"

\"No! I haven't collected skins!\" Goten Whiteskins refused.

\"Idiot, forget about that!\" Marlon said angrily. \"The higher-ups are already pissed! You can forget about collecting any skin from now!\"

Goten Whiteskins snapped his teeth angrily. Even he knew that if he pushed his luck beyond the limit, the government would be forced to act. They wouldn't want another scandal.

\"Brat, you are lucky!\"

Goten Whiteskins said to Kiba. He regretted not using his full powers and ripping him earlier.

\"I have to leave!\"

The skin on his back opened up in the form of wings and he flapped them to run into the portal.

\"Don't think you can leave after ruining this beautiful contest!\" Kiba warned while launching at him.

\"Back off, city dweller!\"

Marlon's voice swept out of the portal. Alongside his voice, waves of strange energy crashed out of the portal like a tsunami.

\"Ability nullifying waves!\"

Kiba backed away, startled. He has the means to overpower them but he couldn't employ them without exposing his secrets.

\"Haah~ It is for good,\" Kiba thought with a sigh as Goten Whiteskins disappeared into the portal.

...

A few minutes later.

Media vans and police cars filled the street outside the ruined Miss Delta Pageant's building. Ambulances and other emergency services rushed to help the injured.

Kiba provided moral support to the contestants while helping them to vehicles.

They all were beautiful and confident a few hours ago, but now they were like panicked cats, frightened by the encounter with Goten Whiteskins.

\"Everything would be alright,\" Kiba reassured them. \"Take some rest and don't overthink about the pageant.\"

\"Yes, don't worry,\" Teresa added. \"We have insurance and other claims so you all would be fine.\"

\"And my companies would provide you all the support you need,\" Kiba concluded.

...

Kestone Family members stood in a corner, drowning in the sorrow of their patriarch's death.

Sandra felt the sorrow of her deceased husband's sons and daughters-in-law. She knew why.

Lager's death has broken the delicate power balance and pushed the family into a chaotic situation. Now everyone would try to grab power, even the outsiders.

\"You bitch! Your cheating killed dad!\" The eldest son swore.

\"How dare you cheat on him?!\" Another son asked.

\"I always knew you were a slut!\" One of the daughters-in-law remarked. \"I warned dad to not marry you!\"

\"Gold digger!\"

\"Selfish bitch!\"

They started cursing her as if to show they loved Lager the most. Sandra obviously knew the reason was to put her out of the estate and force her to give up her right on the property.

Just as she felt they might get physical with her, Kiba stepped in. The family turned silent and those nearby focused their attention on them.

Sandra looked at him with a complicated expression before forcing a smile. He has saved her and that mattered to her more than anything.

\"Sandra, I'm so sorry for your loss!\"

Kiba said as he wrapped an arm around her and took her into his embrace.

\"Lager was a good husband and I'm sure he would want us to be strong in his absence!\"

Sandra: \"....\"

Lager's sons and daughters-in-law: \"....\"

Everyone else: \"....\"

Kiba rubbed her back as she rested her head on his shoulders. He eyed Lager's family members before continuing to her.

\"The city is in crisis with the appearance of mystic phenomenons, ruthless terrorists, strange beasts, and psycho killers. I have a feeling, Lager's soul in heaven would be constantly worried about all of us... After all, anything could happen in these testing times.\"

\"!!!!!\"

Every family member of the Kestone family felt their backs turning icy cold.

He was vague but they were smart enough to realize his words were a threat!

With his powers, he could kill them. Sure there was police and government, but with the crisis in the city... there would be no forces to act as a deterrent.

Furthermore, given the resulting power struggle in both the family and company, there would be a lot of suspects if a murder occurred.

So, as long as he plays it smart, he could get away without any consequences!

Sweat dripped down the faces of Kestone family members as they reached this conclusion.

Their vision darkened as they felt death overlooking them, ready to send them to the deceased patriarch.

No matter how much they desired wealth and power, it wasn't to the degree that they wanted to have a family reunion with Lager.

\"But I'm sure with Lager blessing the family from the heavens, nothing bad would happen!\"

Kiba continued with a warm smile.

\"The family would support each other, especially his poor wife who has been burdened with the responsibility of running the family estate!\"

\"...\"

Lager's sons clenched their fists so hard that cracking sounds ringed out. Their faces were as ugly as they could get.

Sandra's eyes brightened. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

\"Thank you!\"

She said with sincerity. He has done so much for her already, and now with his words, he has ensured she would have a smooth life.

\"Well, Lager and I were more than fellow judges, we were friends,\" Kiba said before brushing a strand of her hair away. \"He would want me to be there for you, consoling you.\"

Shameless!

Everyone in the vicinity swore in the heart. They wondered just how thick-skinned was he!

He was responsible for Lager's death, but now he speaks of consoling the widow in Lager's name!

How could he speak of such things without being embarrassed at all?!

...

Sandra smiled.

As they hugged, she closed her lips to his ear and guided his hand between her thighs.

\"This pussy would be only for you!\" Sandra whispered. \"Now and forever!\"

Kiba suppressed a grin.

A few seconds later, he broke the hug and turned around.

Lager's sons and daughters-in-laws had bitter looks on their faces. His words pretty much destroyed all the plans they have built to grab property.

Feeling the sadness of Lager's four daughters-in-law, he stepped towards them. A gust of wind sprang and the sons found themselves staggering backward.

Kiba then spread his arms wide and wrapped them around the four women for a group hug.

\"Don't worry, I'm there for you just as I'm there for Sandra,\" Kiba said as he hugged them. \"I would make sure you are never lacking for anything.\"

Everyone was stunned especially the four women.

The bodies of their husbands cramped and veins popped throughout their bodies.

Kiba would be there for their wives just like he was for Sandra?!

Fucking bastard!

Because you were there for Sandra, our dad got a heart attack! You want us to have a heart attack as well!?

Just how shameless could you be?!

Earlier they felt their expressions couldn't get more unsightly, but they now realized they had underestimated Kiba's abilities.

Still, no matter how angry they were, they didn't dare do more than cursing him. They were scared witless of this shameless scoundrel...

Some distance away.

Through his phone, Erone clicked pictures of Kiba hugging Lager's wife and daughters-in-law. He then opened Wife Hunter Society's admin page to create a new post.

He first added the pictures he clicked and then typed the headline: \"In times of need, deceased Lager Kestone's fellow judge steps in to console his grieving widow and heartbroken daughters-in-law.\"

Erone then wrote possible ways Kiba could make the widow forget her sorrow and mend the heart of daughters-in-law.

\"Lord is so great! Ordinary mortals can't handle consoling one woman, but Lord can handle five!\"

Erone thanked the Lord for being so benevolent. Earth was so lucky to have him!

Chapter 501 Birth of Hope! I/II

\"Lord is so great! Ordinary mortals can't handle consoling one woman, but Lord can handle five!\" Erone thought, his eyes full of awe and devotion.

Sandra was pleased by what Kiba has done for her.

She first glanced at her step-sons and then at her step daughters-in-law.

All of them were older than her, and the rightful owners of the most of the Kestone estate, but now everything was in her control! She was getting more than she legally deserved! All because of their greed!

Some distance away, as seconds passed, the faces of Lager's four sons turned white.

Here they were in open, surrounded by police, media, and emergency personals, and yet, that fucking son-of-a-bitch was continuing to hug their wives, next to the smoking ruins!

And just how long were his arms?!

He was hugging four women without any discomfort!

Aren't his arms getting tired?!

Lager's elder son, who was unaware he was a Good Husband, turned wide-eyes when he noticed Kiba's face nuzzling on his wife's neck! He even noticed his wife shaking her body, making her curves press against Kiba!

Shameless bitch! This isn't the part of hugging or consoling!

He no longer cared for consequences and stepped forward to break the group hug!

\"Brother, stop!\" His third brother, around forty-five-years-old, grabbed him. \"Katy is doing it for our family's sake! You should be proud of her!\"

\"What?!\" The elder brother snapped.

\"Third brother is right!\" The second brother intervened. \"Katy is fooling Kiba and losing him up! There is a very good chance she would be able to make Kiba forget about Sandra!\"

\"Indeed! When that happens, the estate would be fully ours!\" The youngest brother, around thirty-five years old, added. \"We would kick Sandra out!\"

\"Don't worry, we would give you 2% extra for your wife's contributions!\" The third brother assured the elder brother of extra benefits.

\"YOU!\" The eldest brother trembled from volcanic fury.

These good for nothing brothers!

How could they expect me to allow my wife to look like a slut for some 2% profit?! That too in front of so many people!

While it was true that 2% of Kestone Family was in millions, but that didn't matter in front of his honor as a man!

Thinking of this, he decided to charge forward but his brothers didn't let him go.

\"Elder brother, as the descendants of Kestone Family, it is our duty to do whatever is necessary for the future of our family!\" The younger brother said with righteous indignation. \"We can't lose the estate our father built with blood and sweat! And definitely not lose it to that adulterous bitch whose cheating killed father!\"

\"Our dad sacrificed so much for the sake of our family!\" The third brother chimed in. \"You think it is fine to ruin those sacrifices just because you are getting jealous for nothing?!\"

The elder brother stopped with a jerk.

These fucking bastards!!

Just then he noticed something. Kiba's lips moved close to the face of the youngest brother's wife!

The youngest brother noticed it as well. He even detected his wife leaning her hips forward to press her lips against Kiba's!

\"No!\"

His face paled. He knew his gorgeous wife was a gold digger but didn't expect her to show her true face this soon!

\"Bloody slut!\"

The youngest brother jumped forward with hatred deep in his soul. He barely crossed a meter when a hand grabbed his shoulder.

\"Younger brother! Your wife is helping mine for the future of our family!\" The elder brother said as he pulled him back. \"You wouldn't want to ruin her efforts, right?\"

The elder brother's eyes contained ridicule. His expression was like, how does it feel?

\"Elder brother is right!\" The third brother stepped in. \"But don't worry brother, we would give you 2% extra as well!\"

The younger brother's heart cramped.

This couldn't be happening!

Both the second and third brothers secretly took pleasure in the misfortune of their brothers.

\"What unlucky fools! Their wives married them for money!\" The second brother thought.

Thinking of what the wives of his brothers did, he remembered what his deceased father said: Women sense the direction of the wind and act accordingly!

\"Thankfully I'm fortunate enough!\" The third brother thought differently. \"My wife married me for love, unaware of my background at that time!\"

The third brother was the proudest of his wife. He knew she didn't broke the hug because she didn't want to anger or slight Kiba's 'consoling' attempts.

He looked at the scene of Kiba hugging his and other brothers' wives. Suddenly, a chill passed through his spine and he froze.

His loving wife has locked her lips with Kiba!

What the hell?! My wife couldn't be doing what I'm seeing!!

He rubbed his eyes but the scene didn't change.

There is no way she could be kissing him! She is the mother of kids for god's sake! Wait! Perhaps she is under mind control! Yes! That would explain her behavior!

Seemingly realizing the truth, he stepped forward to rescue his wife. But his eldest and youngest brothers didn't let him pass.

\"Brother! Don't worry!\" The youngest brother patted him. \"You were generous in offering us 2% extra. We don't mind giving you the same!\"

The eyes of the second brother turned bloodshot. He didn't care for money! He wanted his wife!

\"Brother, surely you wouldn't let our family ruined for some unjustified jealousy, right?\" The eldest brother mockingly asked.

The third brother's expression turned ugly. The question was something he asked a few minutes ago and now it was being asked to him.

If he acted, he would come across as a hypocrite!

Damn! Fuck that!

He didn't care. Just as he thought of running forward, his second brother ran towards Kiba with explosive speed.

\"Why the hell are you rushing there?!\" The eldest brother asked, bewildered.

\"Kiba hasn't even made out with your wife!\" The youngest brother reminded.

\"Fuck you, idiots! I'm not going to wait for my wife to fall under that playboy's charm!\"

The second brother has seen what the wife of his third brother did. If even a seemingly loving wife fell, what was the guarantee the same wouldn't happen to his wife?!

Make haste while the sun shines!

He needed to stop before his wife was charmed!

\"Kiba! Keep your hands off my wife!\" The second brother shouted as he arrived behind Kiba. \"If you want to hug a woman, marry one!\"

Kiba glanced back and replied: \"Why would I marry when I can have all the advantages of marriage without marrying?\"

The jaws of every husband in the area dropped. It didn't matter if it was the police, media, or emergency staff, as long as they were husbands, their bodies turned icy cold.

All the advantages of marriage?!

Those words made their thoughts run wild. They visualized Kiba doing unspeakable things with their wives!

Shameless bastard!

You are almost saying - \"Why should I marry when I can have all the fun from someone's wife?!\"

How shameful!

Are you perhaps implying we are idiots to marry!?

\"You indeed have all the advantages, but at the expense of us poor husbands!\"

The second brother shouted.

\"You use our bedroom as you please, but we bear the rent! That's highly unfair!\"

The remaining brothers: \"....\"

The wives in Kiba's embrace: \"........\"

Sandra: \".......\"

Police: \"......\"

Media: \"........\"

Emergency personals: \"........\"

Erone : \"Using other's occupied home without paying rent?! As expected, the Lord's ways are too profound!\"

He clapped his hands together and closed his eyes.

\"Great lord! Thanks to your blessings, I'm following your path! So far, I have succeeded in occasionally occupying the houses of my friends!\"

He then prayed from his heart.

\"Please enlighten me with methods to displace the house owners!\"

***

Dream Rise House.

The incident in Miss Delta Pageant's afterparty has caught the city's attention. The news regarding the same was projected in the living room.

Claudia has also hacked the communication devices in the area to collect real-time information for Agatha. So they both pretty much heard what was spoken.

\"Claudia.\"

Agatha called out while massaging her forehead.

[[Yes?]]

\"Was he always this shameless?\"

[[... I'm afraid so.]]

\"....\"

Agatha let out a soft sigh. She didn't know whether she should cry or laugh.

\"He better change before Hope grows up!\" Agatha said, amused.

[[I'm afraid we both would have to handle two kids.]]

Agatha smiled.

\"!!\"

Suddenly, out of blue, she felt contractions from her womb. A pain she hasn't experienced but known all along occupied her body, making her feel so weak that she couldn't even stand.

The sensors in the room detected her condition at the same time.

Two droids quickly rushed to support her while Claudia sent an urgent message to Kiba.

Outside the ruins, just as Kiba broke the hug, he received the message. His expression rapidly changed.

\"A week earlier!?\"

Kiba didn't think further. The ground under his feet erupted with blinding mass of white light and he teleported away.

***

Five minutes later.

VIP Maternity Suite, City Heart Hospital.

Claudia has reserved the advanced suite months ago, implanting it with necessary tools if the need for her intervention arises.

Kiba teleported inside with Agatha in his arms. He gently placed her on the bed just as two female doctors and a few nurses rushed in.

\"Her water is about to break!\" The head doctor observed as she activated the technology in the room. The nurses joined to help in with other tasks.

Agatha grabbed Kiba by his arm as the doctors started. She looked up to him and said, \"Stay with me!\"

Kiba nodded and said, \"I will... and I'm sorry.\"

\"You don't have to be,\" Agatha replied with a smile. \"You did what I wanted... getting it out of the system before Hope arrived.\"

\"....\"

\"And I know you have!\" Agatha added before the pain overtook her.

\"Yes, I have!\" Kiba reassured her. \"No more playing around!\"

***

Author's Note:

With this chapter, the last arc of Volume 2 - Onslaught of Reality starts: The Temptation of Darkside.

It would be completed in less than 40 chapters and connect all the subtle plotlines from Volume 1 & 2. You will get all the answers you have wanted.

I hope I succeed with what I have in mind.

Thank you.

Chapter 502 Birth of Hope II/II

In the maternity ward, Kiba slid his fingers into Agatha's hand as she started undergoing labor.

\"Apply more pressure!\" The head doctor urged. \"You can do it!\"

Agatha nodded and did her best as the doctor began pulling down the beautiful, nascent soul. She felt twisting, squeezing pain that made her scream and dug her nails on the bed and into Kiba.

Kiba looked pained.

Not from her nails but from the understanding of the intense agony she was undergoing. And yet despite everything, she didn't stop. Her persistence, courage, and determination astonished him.

\"Everything would be alright!\" Kiba said, not knowing if he was assuring her or himself.

Agatha forced a smile in the moment of intense pain. She could feel he was far more nervous than her.

\"He might not know it, but he would become a great dad!\"

Agatha thought before concentrating her strength to push down.

...

After what seemed an eternity, the new life stirred into existence. She has an adorable face and golden hair just like her father.

\"She is here!\" The doctor said as she showed the newborn to the exhausted mother. \"And trust me, she is the most beautiful child I have ever seen!\"

Agatha smiled from elation.

As the child's body came in her hands, the pain faded as if it never existed. Vigor spread through her body as if she was getting a new source of energy, making her exhaustion disappear.

She knew the source of energy wasn't inside her body but in her hands.

\"My child!\"

The one for whom she could do anything was now in her embrace...

A few minutes later, she lifted her head and noticed Kiba looking at her and their child. There was a deep longing in his eyes.

\"She is yours just as mine,\" Agatha said with a warm smile. \"Take her.\"

Kiba nodded. He carefully stretched his hands out to take her, afraid he might make some mistake.

\"Don't be so nervous,\" Agatha said while placing their child on his open hands. \"She won't break.\"

The instant the child touched his hands, everything in the world disappeared. It was as if for him, the whole world was engulfed in the darkness.

And in this darkened world, the nascent golden eyes opened, peering at him. They radiated sunshine that cut through the darkness, bringing him warmth that instantly melted his heart.

She was the extension of his life...

\"My Hope.\"

Kiba looked back at the golden eyes. He didn't know if he was mistaken, but for a moment, he noticed them glowing with happiness.

Tears erupted in his eyes and his lips spread to form a smile. He was the happiest he has ever been... something that bewildered him greatly.

How could someone he has just met give him such happiness?

How could she make him so weak that he would cry?

He didn't need to think of the answers. He already knew... perhaps he has always known.

Kiba kissed her on the forehead and made her asleep. He then gently placed her next to Agatha.

\"Agatha.\"

\"Yes?\"

\"I think I know what it feels to fall in love at first sight.\"

\"I know.\"

Agatha replied with a content smile. She was feeling what he was feeling.

Love.

A feeling that was far more than parental instinct.

...

Kiba's eyes remained on the child. He observed her soft breathing, the faint stir of her closed eyes, and the eternal bond she shared with him.

\"Hope.\"

He slipped his index finger into her open hand and watched as her hand unconsciously wrapped around it.

\"Thank you for coming to my life.\"

...

Dream Rise House.

In the underground section, Claudia observed the scene through the sensors embedded in the maternity ward.

[[Welcome to the world, Lady Hope.]]

Claudia then examined her body through the advanced sensors.

[[As expected, she derives her genetic and bloodline from master's Kiba form... and not Zed.]]

Claudia then brought dozens of digital screens.

She opened the security logs of the laboratory from two different days, separated by months. The first was the night Hope was conceived and the second was the day Kiba learned Hope was his.

[[So far, it still doesn't make sense...[1]]]

...

Half an hour later.

Kiba stepped out of the ward and sat in the waiting lounge. The doctors needed to run basic tests on Agatha and Hope so they asked him to wait outside.

Kiba wasn't worried. His powers have confirmed they were safe and so has Claudia. Still, he wanted to have another confirmation from professionals.

\"You have become a father! Congratulations!\"

A sweet voice entered his ears just as a bouquet of flowers landed in his hands.

Kiba raised his head to see Eva walking into the lounge. He placed the bouquet on the coffee table and nodded in thanks.

Eva sat next to him.

\"I thought you were like me - selfish to such an extent that you could love no one but yourself, not even children,\" Eva said with a grin. \"But for once, I'm glad I was wrong.\"

\"Well, I always thought you knew my love for you,\" Kiba replied with a smirk. \"Guess I was wrong as well.\"

\"Stop being cheesy now!\" Eva laughed.

\".....\"

\"So what's your plan for the future?\" Eva asked.

Kiba thought for a moment before answering.

\"Same as always... live every day like it would be my last.\"

***

State of Avalon.

Hestia Family Mansion.

Hundreds of clan members and servants hastily rushed out of the mansion. They looked dozens of miles away, in the direction of the most sacred region owned by Hestia Family.

A valley where Everlasting Fire constantly burned.

Presently, terrifying heat fluctuations rippled out and clusters of fire surged, bypassing the barrier.

\"What's going on there?!\" A servant wondered aloud.

A column of fire erupted from the valley and illuminated the night sky.

\"The birth of true clan member!\" An elderly servant muttered in shock.

The clouds seethed and warped in flames before evaporating out of existence. In their place, a giant bird of flame appeared.

Inside the mansion.

Lord Harley gazed out of the window, his expression heavy. As the head of the family, he obviously knew the significance of the event taking up in the sky.

\"Who is it?\"

Lord Harley thought with a frown.

He wasn't aware of anyone sharing the origin source of Soverigness Hestia expecting a child. And if he wasn't aware, then it was a serious matter.

In another room of the mansion, Rebecca stepped in front of the window. An automatic wheelchair moved alongside her.

\"Mom, what's going on?\" Kirstie asked.

\"Someone sharing the origin source of Soverigness Hestia has been born,\" Rebecca answered.

\"You mean someone like us, the direct descendants of the Soverigness?\" Kirstie further asked.

Rebecca nodded. She opened her mouth to explain when her expression drastically changed. The bird of fire opened its mouth and shot out a beam of fire in her direction.

\"Impossible!\"

Rebecca muttered just as the beam of fire landed on her hand. Fire energy spiraled around her hand like a vortex before transforming into an incorporeal red crystal; emitting a warm and comfortable sensation.

At the same time, Lord Harley melted the spatial boundary and teleported into the room. He looked at the incorporeal crystal with deep shock on his elderly face; though for a reason different than Rebecca.

\"How could this be possible?!\"

Every crystal that appeared throughout the years have materialistic existence. Yet the new crystal was incorporeal, its existence on brink of real and illusory.

\"It has the psychic source but the bloodline source is missing! That should not be possible!\"

For a moment, he wondered if the crystal was defective, but he quickly rebuked himself. The crystal was created by the Valley of Fire!

The valley that originated from Celestial Elysian Plane!

Mistakes and defects were impossible!

\"Then what could explain this state of the crystal?!\"

Despite his vast knowledge, he couldn't think of any scenario where a newborn only shared the psychic source, the aspect that masses usually referred to as the soul.

Meanwhile, Kurtis barged in the room. The moment he observed the crystal in Rebecca's hand, his expression turned ugly and veins popped throughout his body.

\"That bastard! He has become a father!\"

Kurtis didn't need to think to know why the crystal appeared in Rebecca's hand. He has seen the crystal phenomenon enough times to know the crystal would resonate with the one who shares the closest bond.

The fact that it resonated with only Rebecca even though she wasn't pregnant... it could only mean someone who shared her source has become a parent.

And who could it be if not for her bastard!

\"First he survived Akshobhya! And now he expanded his lineage!\"

Every droplet of blood in his body burned with fury. If he could find that bastard and his newborn, Kurtis swore he would torture them in the Valley of Fire.

...

Rebecca observed the crystal with a complicated expression. Misty tears glimmered in her eyes as her lips curled up.

\"Zed... you are alive...\"

She sighed in relief, knowing her worst fears were unfounded.

Behind, Lord Harley took a step forward and said, \"I'm afraid you couldn't use the crystal to track him down. It is incorporeal---\"

\"You don't need to tell me the obvious,\" Rebecca's cold voice cut him short. \"And neither do you need to show off your knowledge on the functions of the crystals. I have seen enough of that when you used my disappearance to grab his crystal.\"

Lord Harley stopped and lowered his head.

The crystals were one of the ways the royalty of Celestial Elysian Plane ensured to prevent possible rebellions. No member could sire a descendant in secret and increase the risk to the throne.

\"The Family couldn't be more sorry for its role,\" Lord Harley apologized again.

Kirstie listened to the conversations with a bewildered look. She couldn't make sense most of it, but she did understand a little.

\"Mom, brother has become a father?\" Kirstie asked.

The coldness on Rebecca's face melted and she replied with a smile, \"Yes, he has.\"

\"Wow! He must be around twenty and yet a father!\" Kirstie's eyes were of awe. \"Leyla once said only very physically active people become father at such a young age! Brother must be very good at sports!\"

Rebecca: \"...\"

Lord Harley: \".....\"

Kurtis: \"...\"

In the corner of the room, the thirty-years-old servant, Leyla, was checking the medicinal inventory of her young miss when she heard the words. She broke out in cold sweat and her body stiffened.

She could feel three pairs of intimidating eyes locked on her.

***

Dream Rise House, Delta City.

Kiba walked through the gardens with Hope in his arms. She was asleep with a cute smile on her sweet face.

Claudia observed this happily.

[[No one would believe he is Kiba!]]

[1] Chapter 65: Unexpected Twist. Give it a quick re-read as it would deal with the conclusion of this arc.

Chapter 503 Welcome to Parenthood!

Red Tiger noticed her savior has changed. He was always with the newborn, focusing on nothing else.

When he introduced her and the cubs with Hope, his eyes were full of love. Something Kiba saw in Red Tiger's eyes as well whenever she looked at the cubs.

\"This must be why she was willing to sacrifice herself back then.\"

Kiba thought with a smile.

He then thought of the woman from the slums whom he helped many months ago, after the party at White Angel Corporation. She was a mother who starved to keep her children fed with what little food she earned.

Kiba realized that in the eyes of a parent, there was space for nothing or no one but the child. Not even the dreams, desires, and needs.

It was something he obviously knew from his experience with people but didn't comprehend until he became a father himself.

Somethings could be only understood from personal experience...

Red Tiger gave a slow gentle lick to Hope before handing her back to Kiba. She then licked him.

\"Thanks!\"

Kiba said as he felt the heartfelt wishes from her heart. All she prayed was for eternal happiness for him and his child.

The cubs excitedly jumped around him, letting out faint roars.

\"Thanks to you guys as well,\" Kiba rubbed their heads.

***

A few hours later.

After Hope fell asleep, Kiba took her to the underground lab. He placed her on the examination table and commanded Claudia to start.

[[Activating deep genetic scan.]]

The light from the sensors passed through Hope, without creating any discomfort. Her genetic structure flashed in front of Kiba and he observed it carefully.

\"There should be no problems with her.\"

Her genetic structure was different than most humans, but that was to be expected as she derived her origin from power Cosmic instead of Divine Particles.

[[She isn't far away from awakening her potential...]] Claudia voiced out the only abnormality.

Kiba took Hope in his arms and left the lab without replying.

***

As the night arrived, Agatha breastfed Hope. Kiba observed them with a happy smile.

\"This is far better than I could ever expect.\"

Kiba thought.

Agatha completed feeding Hope. She first placed Hope on the side and then brought her hands on the blouse to cover up her breasts.

In between, she suddenly thought of something and didn't fully cover her exposed breasts.

\"I wonder if someone in the room is hungry,\" Agatha said aloud as her lips curved up in a teasing smile.

\"...\" The corners of Kiba's mouth twitched.

Agatha knew she got him good. She pressed her left nipple and a drop of milk streamed out.

\"There is some milk left,\" Agatha continued. \"I pray it doesn't go to waste!\"

\"...\"

Kiba wanted to change. But how was he supposed to that with such a gorgeous woman next to him?!

\"No, it wouldn't go to waste!\"

Kiba declared as he grabbed her by shoulders and teleported into the adjacent room. The moment they appeared on the bed, Agatha found her lips locked by his for a deep passionate kiss.

Agatha was surprised. She was only teasing him and didn't expect he would actually start this.

But she didn't stop him.

The kiss wasn't of lust but of love. She responded with the same feelings, melting under his body.

***

An hour later.

Agatha felt her nipples sore.

\"You were really hungry!\" She said while catching her breath.

\"What can I say? The more I drank, the hunger I felt!\" Kiba replied.

Agatha smiled and rested her back against the headboard. The next few minutes passed in silence and finally, Agatha broke the silence.

\"Want to know something truly strange but cringy?\" Agatha asked.

\"Yes,\" Kiba looked at her while tracing her thighs.

\"Despite the scandal I created, this was the second time I could remember sleeping with a man,\" Agatha said with a warm smile. \"And both times, it was you. I'm really glad about that.\"

Kiba smiled for he didn't care about such stuff, never have. And it wasn't due to his own lifestyle choices of fucking around. No, it was because there was one life and he believed everyone had the right to live as they please, without being afraid of society's norms...

Suddenly, seriousness gripped his consciousness.

He remembered the security logs he checked the day he learned Hope was his. In the video logs, \"Kiba\" told Claudia that Agatha has never slept with anyone till the party where Kiba seduced her.

\"You know, I don't even think I and Jack were together for three to four days in the years we were married,\" Agatha continued. \"And in all those times together, I wished he wasn't there with me...I'm sure he wished the same since we were forced to marry and disliked each other. And now that I think about it, Jack was actually never with me in the times we were together... I wonder if I unconsciously used the cosmic power I gained to achieve that...\"

\"....\" Kiba nodded. With her power of intangibility and space isolation, it would be easy for her to do that.

Agatha looked at him and smiled.

She knew he didn't care about her past, no matter what it was. He would have been the same with her, even if she had slept with others, unlike most men with hypocritical standards. He didn't judge people and that was why she was glad she was with him... sharing more than physical intimacy. And this why she told him this, to show how happy she was with him.

\"Let me stop with this cringy stuff,\" Agatha closed her face with his. \"The past no longer matters!\"

Kiba responded with a smile and kissed her. Their tongues wrapped and bodies entangled in love.

\"We should start with another round!\" Kiba said as he broke the kiss and caressed her smooth skin.

Agatha thought of nodding when a burst of cry entered their ears from far away. They both froze and then jumped in shock.

\"She is crying!\" Kiba said as he quickly dressed up and rushed out.

Agatha suppressed a smile.

\"Welcome to parenthood!\"

***

The next morning.

Felicity contacted Zed through video chat.

Zed made excuses to skip academy sessions and hang out with her for a few days. He used Claudia for plausible excuses and Felicity let him go, though suspiciously.

\"Sorry, but I couldn't tell you yet.\"

Zed muttered to himself as he closed the video chat. He then walked into the bedroom, forgetting he hasn't transformed back to Kiba.

He leaned his head down the cradle, close to the sleeping Hope. As if sensing his arrival, she peered her eyes open and looked at him.

\"Good morning!\" Zed greeted her.

Her golden eyes sparkled and she eagerly stretched her hands to run them over his face. The different face or voice couldn't deceive the bond she shared with him.

\"I missed you as well!\" Zed said while lowering his face further down.

Her delicate hands were divine, making him realize how lucky he was to be her father...

Chapter 504 Hope Is Happy!

(A/N: Even though the new arc deals with the main plotline, and has serious moments, the story would never lose its main essence. It isn't tragedy so please read without any worries.)

...

Without Kiba realizing, a week passed. Hours turned into days but for him, the time seemed to be at standstill.

People often complained about newborns, saying they were annoying with their cries and the attention they demanded.

Kiba begged to differ.

Hope did cry and scream, but to him, it was never annoying. He only felt pain to see her eyes full of tears and did everything to ensure she didn't have to cry again, though he failed in that again and again.

***

One morning, for the first time, Eva arrived in Dream Rise House. As a confidante of Kiba and being on good terms with Agatha, she paid this visit, bringing gifts for their daughter.

\"I don't like kids but he does!\"

Eva thought as she stepped into the living hall.

\"This still baffles me! Oh well, I only have to feign interest for his and Agatha's sake! How hard it could be?\"

There inside, she felt the breath of fresh air from the waterfall upon which the villa was partly built.

\"His design for the villa is impressive,\" Eva mused while scanning the hall.

Some distance from the waterfall, she discovered Kiba actively involved in Hope's day-to-day upbringing.

\"!\"

Eva was surprised.

Noticing her surprised reaction, Agatha smiled. She explained how he helped in changing diapers, giving baths and cuddling.

\"Wow~\" Eva exclaimed. \"He is a totally different person!\"

When she saw Kiba singing a lullaby to Hope, she almost stumbled.

Was he really the one invoking fear in the men of Delta City!? Could he truly be the infamous rake whose every word provoked even the calmest of men?!

It was so hard to associate the changes she noticed.

\"That baby is frightening!\" Eva remarked. \"Defeating the most powerful man with cuteness!\"

Agatha giggled.

\"Yeah, she has changed him,\" Agatha agreed. \"And for the better.\"

Eva nodded.

At the same time, as Hope listened to the lullaby, she tapped her little hands in the air. Her golden eyes glowed with bright light and strands of lightning erupted on her fingers.

Zzzt!

The strands of lightning were as thin as needles, crackling in the air, filling the hall with a dreadful pressure.

The expressions of everyone drastically changed.

\"She has awakened?!\" Eva was taken aback.

Agatha creased her eyebrows in worry.

[[Lady Hope!]] Claudia was alarmed.

Kiba was equally astonished. He observed the strands of lightning swirling around her little fingers, feeling them resonate with his powers.

Hope noticed her father stopping the lullaby. Her hands started dropping to the cradle and in between, the strands of lightning shot out.

Rushing like bolts of lightning, they crashed down on the waterfall.

BANG

The water splashed and the dark rocks burst apart in a deafening blast. And then, like waves of an angry ocean, the pieces of exploded rocks and water droplets splashed into the hall.

\"Watch out!\"

Eva warned as she noticed the rock pieces and water droplets flickering with strands of destructive lightning.

She dissolved her body into a shadow just as a rock piece flew towards her, narrowly missing her, and smashing into the floor behind.

The titles charred black before turning into flying dust, leaving behind a large hole.

Kiba took Hope in his arms and then turned towards the wave of incoming rock debris. A single glance from him smashed them into dust.

Agatha lifted a hand and flicked it outward. The water droplets and rocks rushing in her direction turned illusory, like phantoms, loosing their materialistic characteristics.

\"Isolate!\"

The space in the hall divided into two, one in which she and others existed alongside the hall, and in the second, the pieces of rocks and water droplets wrapped with lightning.

Eva turned into humane form and scanned the hall with a wry smile. The tv, sofa, chairs, and the remaining furniture has been destroyed. Even most of the tiles were smashed into dust particles.

\"She has definitely inherited his talent in destruction!\" Eva said while eyeing Hope.

\".....\" Agatha turned towards her daughter with an equally wry smile.

Kiba looked at his daughter who looked back at him. The glow in her eyes faded but a smile filled her eager face as if she was anticipating praise.

\"....\"

Kiba knotted his eyebrows.

Some distance away, Agatha was worried by his expression. She knew every parent has a limit, and when that limit was crossed, the parent would get angry and punish the child.

Eva was equally startled. She thought of telling him not to be harsh on the child.

But then Kiba did something that made their jaw dropped.

\"You were good,\" Kiba said as he released a strand of lightning and blasted apart the adjacent wall. \"Even better than me.\"

Hope's eyes sparkled as she saw the mini-explosion, resembling firecrackers. The sight left her fascinated and pleased.

\"Next time you want to create an explosion, just signal me,\" Kiba said with a warm smile. \"I know many places in the city, inhabited by those I don't like. We could have a real blast there!\"

His words might be spoken by his mouth, but they entered her mind telepathically, making her understand his intent.

In response, Hope clapped her little hands happily.

Claudia: [[....]]

Agatha: \".....\"

Eva: \".....\"

The three women were left speechless.

[[How irresponsible! Master is turning little lady into a delinquent!]]

Claudia remarked while ordering the droids to clean up the mess and repair the hall.

Agatha observed her happy daughter and Kiba for a long time before saying, \"I take back what I said... He has not changed.\"

\"....\" Eva nodded. \"At least, not for the better.\"

Kiba left the destroyed hall and stepped into another room. Hope let out a cute yawn and her beautiful eyes closed.

Kiba smiled. He knew she was exhausted by the use of her powers so he made her asleep.

Behind, Agatha rubbed her forehead.

\"God, Hope inheriting his strength is fine... but please, don't let her inherit his devilish personality! If you still have to give his personality to her, give Zed's! Not Kiba's!\"

Had she known what \"Zed\" did in Desolate Blood Forest, she wouldn't have prayed for that either...

***

On the ninety-third floor White Angel Corporation, Chairman Hank Webley scanned the plan that took him several months to create.

\"Sir, everything is ready.\"

His secretary - Carole- said while observing the virtual plan.

Reading the final objective of the plan ---- acquiring Divine Particles from Sky Fiend Group and stepping into the path of extending longevity ---- she couldn't control her excitement, despite the dread she felt in case they failed.

\"But are you sure it would be the right thing to do?\"

Carole asked while glancing at a specific part of the plan. There, the image of Hope in Agatha's arms from City Heart Hospital floated.

\"Right?\" Hank lifted his head and snorted in disdain. \"There is nothing in this world that can be classified as right or wrong.\"

He waved his hand and the plan disappeared.

\"Besides, it isn't like we are kidnapping or killing anyone,\" Hank said with a grin. \"We are just going to be extra smart, and Kiba can't blame us for that.\"

Carole didn't reply.

She still remembered the day Kiba almost killed her and Hank... just hours after asking her for a date. He was like a menacing demon, dreading nothing, completely different than the persona of the playboy she knew.

\"There are always risks when the stakes are high!\"

Chapter 505 End of Goten Whiteskins! Part I

The next day.

Zed couldn't make more excuses to delay leaving the house and meeting Felicity, Jessica, and others.

\"Go and have some personal time!\"

Agatha pushed him away when he thought of calling Felicity again to skip the promised meeting.

Zed bitterly nodded before stepping in front of the cradle. He kissed Hope goodbye, and the latter excitedly waved at him.

Zed smiled.

He could feel the unconditional love she has for him. Something that remained unchanged, no matter if he was Kiba or Zed.

She would always know who he was, regardless of what outer shell he wears...

\"I will return soon,\" Zed assured her.

...

An hour later.

The cafeteria, Royal Heart Academy.

Zed sat across Felicity, joined by Jessica and Loren.

\"You are always absent,\" Felicity said, bored. \"Are you tired of studying?\"

\"Well, a bit,\" Zed nodded. \"But mainly I'm busy.\"

\"Because of what happened back then?\" Jessica asked, hinting of the Dark Beasts' attack on the villa.

Zed silently nodded. He wouldn't mind them misunderstanding he was making preparations to avoid another attack.

\"Oh!\" Jessica gasped in understanding.

Felicity eyed him suspiciously but didn't say anything more on the matter. She then glanced at Loren who has been silent from the start.

\"What's wrong with you?\" Felicity asked.

\"Nothing wrong with me, but everything is wrong with my family,\" Loren answered with a sigh. \"They are behaving strangely again.\"

\"Strangely again?\" Jessica asked.

\"Yes,\" Loren started. \"Remember the two months when Zed was outside the city and Felicity in hibernation?\"

Jessica nodded, bewildered.

\"During that entire time, mom was pissed for some reason. Her mood affected dad's as well... though Olly was very happy, don't ask me why because I also don't know. Then, around the time Zed returned, mom regained her cheerful personality and dad was on clouds nine... but Olly became depressed!\"

\"That's indeed strange!\" Jessica found Olly's behavior as strange.

What type of son feels happy from his parents' sadness? Definitely a bad son! He needed to learn manners!

\"Well, that's not the strange part.\" Loren shook her head. \"From a week ago, around the time Zed stopped attending classes, mom's mood gradually changed for worse, which in turn affected dad... and Olly as well. In fact, Olly is now very cheerful!\"

She glanced at Zed and wondered how the timing of her family's strange condition always related to Zed's absence.

She then noticed his pure, serene expression and remembered his honest persona. It was obvious he wasn't connected, and all resemblances were plain coincidences.

\"I think everything is Olly's fault!\" Jessica remarked after deep contemplation.

\"I agree with Jessica,\" Felicity added in agreement. \"His cheerful behavior is far too suspicious.\"

\"I'm thinking the same,\" Loren shared her thoughts. \"And I also think the fault is of the lipstick mom loves!\"

\"Lipstick?\"

Jessica was startled. The mystery of Loren's family was getting too complex.

\"Yes! Dad always appreciate the flavor of that lipstick on mom's lips!\" Loren said with some embarrassment. \"And now mom is out of stock again!\"

\"Ah!\" Jessica gasped. \"Your mom must truly love that lipstick for her mood to be affected by it!\"

\"Yeah, though I never applied it so don't ask me why,\" Loren said with a sigh.

Zed didn't participate in solving the mystery. He silently grabbed the glass of orange juice.

Suddenly, ripples emerged on the juice's calm surface and every utensil in the cafeteria shook. A menacing presence shrouded the chatty students.

BANG

A loud bang sound erupted from the outside and simultaneously, the glass door of the cafeteria collapsed.

\"My my, so many young skins here.\"

Goten Whiteskins, donning the military guard's skin, remarked while stepping in.

\"Who would have known that completing my job would bring me in the sea of fresh skins?\"

Goten Whiteskins dropped a few old skins on the floor.

Zed's eyes constricted as he looked at the dropped skins.

Slum-dwellers!

He knew them, but not enough to be acquainted. He has seen them when he used to live in the slums. They were few of the lucky ones in the area he used to live, the ones who managed to avoid participating in the BSE-79 expedition.

\"Why would that serial killer hunt some innocent slum-dwellers?!\" Zed wondered, in shock.

Goten Whiteskins stepped forward as the cafeteria erupted into chaos.

\"A pity these rotten skins are as useless as they were before death, not knowing anything those bastards want to know!\"

Goten Whiteskins rubbed his hands and stepped on the skins.

\"Thankfully, I could feel it here, the scent from the slums. Perhaps this skin would be different!\"

He licked his lips while scanning the terrified students. The looks of horror on their faces excited him.

\"How strange!\"

Goten Whiteskins thought as he found the source of the scent he felt from the slums.

Felicity's heart sank when she noticed Goten Whiteskins locking his eyes on Zed. She could feel the terrifying power of the enemy and sense how academy guards were lying outside, their skins shredded.

\"He is stronger than the assimilated Dark Beasts!\"

Felicity has become more sensitive to life energy as her ability with plant manipulation evolved.

While she loved risking her life but that didn't mean she wanted Zed to die, nor the other students. And she could feel, the enemy carried the strength to risk everyone's life.

The thoughts quickly flashed through her mind, and even before she completed, she felt her skin swirling as suddenly Goten Whiteskins appeared before Zed.

Felicity stretched out her hands and they glowed with emerald radiance as vines emerged. But before they could whip, a smashing force hit her on the chest and she crashed against the wall. Jessica, Loren, and others in the vicinity found themselves in similar conditions.

\"Don't you worry, girls,\" Goten Whiteskins grinned and said. \"I would give you special attention, but first, I have to do my job. And frankly, I'm tired of being told I'm wasting time on my hobbies!\"

He then focused on Zed who was still sitting on the chair with a look of shock.

Goten Whiteskins felt pleased to see him so terrified that he wasn't even moving. He grinned further and observed Zed's skin.

\"How surprising!\"

Goten Whiteskins' eyes flashed viciously.

\"Your skin carries so much similarity with that annoying bitch! But how could that be?!\"

Zed's expression changed and he looked at Goten Whiteskins in confusion.

Bitch? Who was he talking about?!

\"Wait! Now that I think about it, your scent also seemed familiar! Don't tell me!\"

Goten Whiteskins grabbed Zed by his shoulders and grinned murderously. Zed was astonished because he was sure Goten Whiteskins wouldn't be able to smell Kiba's scent on him.

\"You are that lucky baby from back then!\" Goten Whiteskins's eyes glinted in realization. \"So Red Fox really managed to save you!\"

Zed's pupils dilated.

Red Fox?!

That was a name he has never personally heard or used, but knew from months to whom it belonged.

The caretaker!

Someone who has been dead for over a decade!

Goten Whiteskins put a hand on Zed's face and said, \"It would be so much fun to kill you!\"

Just then, a blast of hot air exploded before Goten Whiteskin's eyes. Even before he could feel the impact and remove his hand from Zed's face, columns of flames erupted from Zed's hands and viciously landed on Goten Whiteskin's chest. There was no scope of avoiding them, not at such a dead-close range.

\"Argh!\"

Goten Whiteskins was blown back, smashing through chairs and tables before crashing on the crushed door.

Zed tapped his feet back on the floor while looking in front. A sea of flames wrapped the cafeteria thanks to the explosive attacks he launched.

Fortunately, the students managed to avoid damage and escape. Felicity wrapped herself and others with a cocoon of vines and tree trunks to lower the impact.

\"I spent too much energy but that was the only way to push someone like him.\"

Zed thought as Goten Whiteskins jumped on his feet and stepped through the sea of flames.

\"You are that bitch's child! I should not have expected any less!\" Goten Whiteskins said while extinguishing the flames with a flick of his hand.

\"What are you talking about?\" Zed asked as flames erupted below his feet and wrapped him like an armor.

\"Ah~ You don't know?\" Goten Whiteskins' eyes flashed with surprise but then understanding. \"Red Fox didn't tell you about her, did he?\"