Chapter 76

The two were drawing closer, their breaths mingling, hearts pounding as the moment felt infinite. Each second stretched as if the universe itself was pausing to witness their union. The stars above sparkled, casting a soft glow over the rooftop, creating a perfect scene.

Their lips were just about to meet when—

BOOM!

The deafening sound of an explosion ripped through the air, shaking the building beneath them.

Zoth and Maria instinctively backed away, frustration and concern etched on their faces.

"It seems like it's not time yet," Zoth said, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Maria turned her gaze toward the distant explosion, her sharp eyes narrowing as she spotted smoke rising into the night sky. "Wait..." she muttered, leaning forward. "That's... a mall!? What in the world happened there?"

Zoth squinted, his vision enhanced by magic. "I can sense demonic energy... and it's massive. A large-scale operation, no doubt."

Maria's phone buzzed, breaking the tension. She answered immediately.

"Miss Woods," a frantic voice on the other end began, "we need all available A and S Rankers. Three demonic gates have appeared simultaneously. Evacuations are underway, but we need to seal those gates fast!"

"Three!?" Maria exclaimed, her voice betraying her alarm.

"Yes, three! One near the mall, one at the Tokyo Tower, and another in the residential district. Mobilize immediately. Other guilds are being contacted as we speak."

Before Maria could respond, the line went dead. She stood frozen, the weight of the situation pressing down on her like a vice. Her breaths came in short gasps as panic threatened to take over.

"Maria!" Zoth called out, stepping closer, but she seemed lost in her spiraling thoughts.

"Maria!" he repeated, gripping her shoulders firmly. "Snap out of it!"

She jolted at the sound of his voice, her wide eyes meeting his.

"Calm down, okay? Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine."

Maria nodded shakily, forcing herself to inhale deeply. Slowly, her breathing steadied, and clarity returned to her gaze.

"Now," Zoth said with a reassuring smile, "go grab your gear and rally your team. Get those demons out of there! And don't worry..." He paused, his expression softening. "We'll save that kiss for after this is over."

Maria hesitated for a moment, her lips trembling. "You'll be okay... right?"

Zoth's grin widened, his confidence unwavering. "Don't worry about me. I'm not going anywhere until we finish that moment properly."

With that, he turned away, summoning a swirling portal beside him. From its depths, a gleaming set of armor emerged, attaching itself seamlessly to his chest and vital areas. The metallic sheen caught the moonlight, giving him an ethereal glow.

He stepped to the edge of the roof and reached into the portal once more, pulling out a glowing purple sword. The portal flickered and vanished, leaving Zoth standing as a lone warrior ready for battle.

Zoth glanced back one last time, his golden eyes meeting Maria's.

She smiled faintly, her fear replaced by determination.

Zoth nodded and leapt from the building, his figure disappearing into the distance as he rushed toward the chaos.

---

Maria Woods and the Call to Arms

Maria turned and hurried inside, her steps quick and purposeful. She made her way to the training yard, where she slammed her palm against the emergency button. A piercing alarm blared throughout the facility, echoing through every corridor.

The response was immediate. Heroes poured out of their quarters, fully geared and ready for action. They assembled in neat rows, their expressions a mixture of focus and concern.

Maria, clad in her ironclad mithril armor, paced before them. Her short sword rested at her side, and a trusty shotgun was slung across her back. Her mind raced as she formulated a plan.

After a moment, she stopped and addressed the group, her voice commanding and unwavering.

"Listen up! I need half of the S Rankers and all available A Rankers with me. We're taking the gate near the mall!" she shouted.

She continued, "The gate at the Tokyo Tower will be handled by the Titan's Guild. The remaining S Rankers and the entire Awakened Squad, you'll head to the residential district. Protect the civilians and seal that gate! Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" the heroes responded in unison, their voices ringing with determination.

Without hesitation, they dispersed, rushing to their assigned destinations.

Maria tightened her grip on her sword and shotgun, her resolve firm as she headed out. The battle was calling, and she was ready to answer.