Caesar stepped into Hera's chamber and was struck by a surprising sight—not only did Hera reside here, but there was also a child with her. Fixing his gaze on the boy, Caesar inquired, "Is this your child?"
Hera nodded solemnly. "Yes, this child is the offspring of Zeus and me. No one else knows—only the two of us."
Caesar smiled softly as he observed the golden-haired, blue-eyed boy, standing about four feet tall. "What an adorable child. I find myself curious—does he possess any extraordinary abilities? Both you and Zeus are ranked above level nine; by evolutionary theory, your child's powers should surely exceed level ten, yes?"
Hera shook her head firmly. "That, I shall not reveal. The child is innocent—regardless of what sins we bear, he remains untouched. We refuse for him to be entangled in our transgressions."
Caesar nodded thoughtfully. "There's no need to fear that fellow Xiaofeng so much. No matter how formidable, even he has limits. I can grant you strength—strength so immense that even Xiaofeng would tremble at your name."
"What use is your talk? I no longer wish to meddle in your affairs," Hera declared, clutching the child tightly to her chest, as though he embodied her entire world.
"But I've heard that Zeus remains in Xiaofeng's grasp—not only Zeus, but also your close friend Apollo. Do you not yearn to rescue them?" Caesar's gaze fixed intently on the resolute woman before him.
"We do," came a voice—not Hera's, but a man's. Caesar turned toward the sound and saw Poseidon emerging from a nearby room, his spirit clearly diminished. "This is not the life I sought, nor the place I wish to dwell. I will defeat that wretched Xiaofeng and free Zeus and Apollo."
Caesar laughed heartily. "With your current strength? You lack the power still. You must ally with us. You save your Zeus; Jack rescues Satan; and I claim what I desire. That is the foundation of our cooperation."
"Wait—you're not on the same side?" Poseidon pointed between Caesar and Jack.
Caesar shook his head. "No. I am not one of your Seven Gods, nor among their Seven Fiends. I belong to no faction. I am an exceptional existence. I struck a pact with Sam to lend aid. You achieve your goals; I seize my prize. That is our bargain. Understand?"
"May I ask, what exactly do you seek?" Poseidon's sharp mind had always cast him as Zeus's strategist—he weighed matters with uncommon insight.
Caesar considered briefly. "Only this much: I seek a certain technology. Beyond that, I cannot say."
"A technology, worth such sacrifices?" Poseidon hesitated, uncertain of its nature, while Caesar remained tight-lipped.
Turning to Hera, Caesar declared, "I have revealed my intentions. What remains is for you to evolve—perhaps one tier, or several. Unleash yourselves against Xiaofeng. Not only your Seven Gods, but also the Seven Fiends—if united, I believe even Xiaofeng's X Legion will falter."
Hera regarded him with suspicion. "To what level could you elevate us?"
Caesar chuckled softly. "Madam Hera, it seems I have piqued your interest. Guess—what might you become?"
"A level ten ability user?"
Caesar shook his head. "You must surpass level ten. Xiaofeng's combat prowess now nears level ten. Unless you all reach or exceed that threshold, you stand no chance. I will not send you to die needlessly. This venture cost me dearly; it must succeed."
"A level ten ability user?" Poseidon was taken aback. "How do you intend to elevate us to such heights?"
Caesar smiled. "That is my unique power. Care to try?"
Poseidon nodded eagerly. "Of course. I desire to become a level ten ability user!"
"Good. Then we begin with you," Caesar stepped forward.
As Xiaofeng's lips left Athena's neck, she showed no overt resistance, knowing full well that even refusal would not prevent him from drawing blood. Better to surrender utterly than resist in vain. Against such overwhelming might, how could Athena defy him?
Xiaofeng lingered on the soft warmth of her neck—a sensation he instinctively craved. In earlier days, he would have welcomed the chance to kiss that delicate skin. But after Keli's betrayal, his mind held no room for such thoughts; he merely acted.
Afterward, Rin stared in astonishment as electricity sparked along Xiaofeng's fingers. He favored this electric ability, for with its potent currents, Xiaofeng could accomplish far more.
Noticing Athena's furrowed brow and pained expression, a flicker of guilt stirred within him. Had she resisted, he would have bitten without hesitation. Yet now, her uncharacteristic submission unsettled him. Softly, he said, "Rest here comfortably. Once I resolve the matters outside, I will release you. Mercenaries will care for you well."
Without another word, Xiaofeng turned and strode out, Rin close at his side, fearful he might vanish in an instant. Seeing her anxiety, Xiaofeng felt a pang of sympathy.
Outside the cave's mouth, he spoke gravely: "I know you wish to leave with us, but now is not the time. Wait until I have crushed the alliance forces. Even if you wish to stay here, I will not allow it. It's too dangerous to remain by my side—you might lose your life at any moment."
His thoughts drifted to Ivy, the first woman to capture his heart, slain by the vile Cult of the Evil Dragon. Fury flared anew within him.
"Not only the Cult of the Evil Dragon," he vowed silently, "but the entire alliance will pay for this."