My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2761

"You understand the implications here. While the God of Memories can complete the task faster and more efficiently, he was originally a god of the West. Rather than assigning him to root out Western influences hidden in Drakonia, I believe it’s better to leave this matter to us."

Xenoth was silent, but the figure, eager to demonstrate his loyalty, stepped forward to make his case further. Suddenly, a massive blade appeared in front of him, forcing him to dodge back.

"What’s the meaning of this, Zeodria?"

Standing before him, a spirited young man was wielding a blade nearly ten times his own size, leveling it at the figure. "I could ask you the same thing, Nicky! Have you lost your mind?"

Zeodria shattered Nicky’s black cloak with a burst of boundless energy, revealing his true form—a muscular man who looked to be around 40 with half of his face obscured by a mask. The contrast between Nicky's robust build and Zeodria’s youthful, lean frame was stark.

"What’s your deal, Zeodria?"

Zeodria lowered his blade and pointed directly at Nicky. "What’s my deal? The real question is, what’s yours? Are you questioning the emperor's decision?"

"No! I was only—"

Nicky started to protest, but Zeodria cut him off sharply.

"Only what? Let me make something clear—the reason why my blade didn't cut you just now was partly out of respect for the emperor. But if you keep using your age as an excuse to undermine his decisions, don’t think I won’t split you in two right here and now!"

Hearing this, Nicky was thoroughly enraged. "Kid! Is this how you're supposed to talk to me?"

Nicky released a powerful surge of divine energy. "You listen here, I'm one of the most senior among the gods! Show some respect, you brat!"

As the two were on the brink of clashing, Xenoth lightly tapped his throne. Instantly, both men turned toward him and knelt respectfully.

"Enough, both of you," Xenoth said, looking at Nicky. "Nicky, I understand your concerns. Since you don't trust Dusky, you'll monitor him. Zeodria, you should head down to the mortal realm as well. You can act separately, but remember the task I entrusted you both with."

"As you command, Your Majesty," the two replied in unison. With a slight wave of Xenoth's hand, they disappeared.

Just then, his phone rang again.

"Hello? What? Soren and Hera?! What happened to them? Stay calm, Theo. I'm coming back right away!"

With that, Nash hurriedly packed and headed toward the door, but a voice stopped him.

"Nash, it’s useless.”

He turned around to see the little girl, a manifestation of the Light Reflector Mirror.

"You're now the 'Lone Star of Misfortune' with the Six Ritualistic Weapons you bear," she said solemnly.

"Before long, everyone close to you will…"