"Mama Mia!"
Void exclaimed, turning behind him with Fur standing on end.
Right there, standing in the Void-Node realm, was a lady whose features remained hidden by the golden light that gushed from her radiant figure.
Even then, the four large wings stretched wide behind her were clearly discernible, and the sight alone made Void immediately understand.
This had to be one of those terrifying Experts of the Celestial Wingo Realm.
Without wasting another word, Void instantly flashed towards the nearest node to escape.
But even though his four tiny limbs dangled and flailed with incredible speed, he did not move forward an inch.
"What the!?"
Only a moment later did he recognize the golden aura that had encapsulated him, preventing him from moving forward.
"I never mentioned that you could leave, did I?"
Quietly, Void slowly turned around.
The fearful, twisted expression on his face immediately changed into a flattering smile.
"My Lady, forgive my lowly self for such disrespect. I assure you, it was only born out of caution before your unrivaled might."
He flattered, but none of his words came out like that in his mind.
They were structured and respectful, an instinctive switch born purely for survival.
"An intelligent Void Panther, I see," the lady said.
Void’s brow twitched, but he replied without hesitation.
"You seem curious about me, My Lady. Ask any questions freely, and I shall answer to the best of my ability."
"For a Panther only at the Mid Apocrypha Stage, even if you were able to recognize the trap, you should not have been able to break the invisibility lock."
"Clearly, that realization must have come from someone more intelligent than you," she said.
"I am curious as to how many of you are involved in this crime. What are your aims for barging into the Celestial Wingo Realm?"
She said.
’Damn, she’s smart.’
Still, his smile never wavered as he prepared to reply, only to be halted.
"If you lie to me, I will end you."
His fur stood on end, and the excuses forming in his mind instantly vanished.
"I dare not lie to you, My Lady. The truth is, I have no team at all, only a single partner."
"And we did not come to cause chaos or trouble in the Celestial Wingo Realm. I’m afraid we are too weak for that."
"We’re only here to give greetings to one of our own within."
"So that makes a team of three then?" she asked.
Void almost choked on his breath.
"I dare not refute your wisdom, My Lady," he said.
A clear snort rang out through the Void.
"You really are a scummy smartass."
"Ah...ah..ah. I humbly accept the praise, My Lady."
"If there is nothing more you wish to ask, then I must return at once to my partner, lest he becomes worried."
"Oh? Didn’t you come here intending to illegally sneak in through the gate?" she asked.
Void could have sworn he saw an amused grin curve her lips even trough the radiant light.
"Now that the brilliant godly light of your exalted self has shone upon me, my previously nefarious thoughts have been washed away," he said smoothly.
"I assure you, My Lady, we shall turn back at once!"
"And the one you came to see? Won’t it hurt to turn back now when you are so close?" she asked.
Void laughed.
"Do not worry, My Lady. She has a big heart. Besides, the days are endless. There will surely be another day when we meet."
She raised her hand.
"Pheww..."
Void unconsciously exhaled as the golden light around him receded.
’Glad that worked out well,’ He thought, but in the next moment, his face stiffened, noticing the receeding golden radiance flared violently around him once more.
He tried to run, but not a single limb moved.
Runes formed in an instant, transforming into chains of golden light that tightly wrapped around his body, halting all movement as they constricted his tiny figure.
In the next moment, he was dragged helplessly forward toward her outstretched hand.
"I wonder what it is you still want from me, My Lady," Void said in a sweet but also confused tone.
"A Void Panther is a rare beast even within the Peak Conglomeration, and one without a soul bond like yours is a treasure."
"I have decided to make you one of my favourite students’ soul beasts," she declared.
Void’s eyes widened in disbelief.
"But what of my partner still waiting at the gate?" he asked urgently as he was dragged closer.
"I will send someone to arrest him and imprison him in the dungeon."
"That is the rightful punishment for anyone who unlawfully attempts to breach the gate," she said coldly.
"But My Lady, our intentions are pure. We only came to see one of our own."
"Then why didn’t you enter properly?" she asked in return. "Why was your first thought to sneak in unlawfully instead of approaching the guards and requesting entry?"
Void was left dumbfounded.
"I feel you are too rare and with too much potential to rot in a dungeon is why I bring you with me," she continued. "Your normal punishment would have been the dungeon, the same fate as your friend."
"And unless someone comes to vouch for you in the future, both of you will rot there until death."
"Now, be quiet and stop struggling."
She opened a vortex to depart, turning to drag Void in, but she froze.
The Void Panther was nowhere to be found.
Her neck snapped to the side just in time to see the back of a white-haired figure holding the Void Panther in his arms.
"Open it. Now."
Ryuk spoke calmly.
The chains around Void’s claws snapped instantly.
Freedom surged through his limbs as he thrust his claws forward, piercing a node.
"None Shall Leave Unless I Allow It!"
Her voice thundered through the Void, golden energy surging toward them, but it never reached.
Void carved a vortex, and in an instant, he and Ryuk were swallowed whole, leaving only drifting golden particles behind.
A chilling silence was all that was left after they left before...
"Unworthy of my mercy," she whispered. "Very well. You shall know my anger."