Summoning the Holy Sword

The space shuttle glided, before landing silently on the tarmac like a piece of origami. The metallic ramp ejected slowly to connect to the jet bridge and the hatch opened.

Looks like I’m finally back…

Rhode sauntered out of the space shuttle, taking in everything with complicated emotions. Be it the towering buildings or pleasant country sceneries on the other side, everything seemed so familiar to him. In an instant, he felt as if it were all from a lifetime ago. He thought he was dreaming. This clear view in front of him became a distinct comparison to the Dragon Soul Continent in his memories. At that moment, the Dragon Soul Continent was slowly becoming indistinct as though it were nothing more than a thrilling dream. On the other hand, this modern city was spreading its arms apart to embrace and welcome his return. At a glance, the familiar scenes around him were as though reminding him silently that this was his true home.

“Your Majesty Rhode, what’s wrong?”

Erin’s voice sounded beside him. Like some sort of magic, the instant he heard her voice, the hazy sceneries in his head once again became clear. The title that Erin addressed him with made him recognize his identity. He was neither an online player nor university graduate who should be looking for a proper job now, nor an ordinary civilian. Right now, he was the one of the rulers of the Dragon Soul Continent, one of the five Creator Dragons, the owner of the Void Territory, and the Void Dragon.

“I’m fine, Your Highness Erin. Thanks for your concern.”

Rhode said, nodding to her and turning around to head down the ramp.

There wasn’t anything peculiar ahead of him. There were neither ferocious, fully-armored soldiers nor armored tanks nor special forces clad in black and wielding mysterious weapons, not to mention any guard of honor or important figures donned in expensive suits welcoming their arrival. The entire airport was silent. In fact, this was to be expected since civilians had already evacuated after the terrorizing attacks on the moon. Before the matter came to an end, it was likely that they wouldn’t return to the moon through this space airport. Perhaps this was why no one was here. Apart from some service personnel, it was noiseless like on ordinary days.

“You can stay at the hotel temporarily. I’ve arranged the accommodations already.”

At that moment, Orchid Heart yawned, sauntered to Rhode, and said. Frankly, judging from her look, one would think she didn’t sleep for days. But in fact, Rhode was aware that she had slept all the way since boarding the space shuttle and had only just woken up.

“Alright then, you guys can go for a stroll. I’ve given you the phone and contact number. Call me if anything comes up and make sure you keep an eye on the two Highnesses. I don’t want them to cause any troubles here.”

Just like that, Orchid Heart handed over the most troublesome task to Rhode irresponsibly, before turning around and hopping onto the car. Rhode couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his brow while he watched as the black car go farther away.

Look at her go and leave all the troubles to me!

But it was a pity that he had lost his chance for regrets. He sighed helplessly, turning to Erin and Lydia who smiled cheekily and Canary (x2) and Bubble (x2) as though they were twins. He let out a cough for their attention.

“Okay then, let’s…”

“Go shopping! Since I made it to this world, we must properly admire the differences between this world and ours.”

Lydia interrupted, sizing up the bustling scene outside the window curiously. Meanwhile, the other Bubble standing behind Mini Bubble Gum raised her arms high up.

“Me too, me too. Leader, I want to check out the CD shop, I haven’t bought the CD for the latest theme song! And also that MP3… I’m gonna bring everything back this time!”

“In that case…”

“Your Majesty Rhode, you will bring us to watch the scenery, right?”

“…”

Upon hearing Lydia’s words, Rhode finally realized that his dreams of heading back to the hotel for a good rest were shattered.

No matter in which world, accompanying women for shopping was the cruelest punishment for Rhode. In the Dragon Soul Continent, he rarely accompanied the young ladies for shopping except Christie. At the very most, he allowed Anne and the other young ladies to go shopping in a group. The good thing about a harem was that the young ladies could find their favorite companions for entertainment and didn’t need him to accompany them. In this world, even though Rhode had many girlfriends in the past, only a few of them managed to get him to accompany them while they shopped. Even Canary—he had gone shopping with her less than five times.

But today… he thought he could stand on the balcony of a restaurant, overlook the scenery, be deeply moved by the world, and head back to a bar to hook up with some drunk ladies. However, his plan was completely smashed, only to be replaced by his most painful punishment. Since Lydia had already asked, it was impossible for him to say ‘no’.

That was why he grudgingly brought the group of young ladies and began his most resentful exercise in this world: shopping.

One had to admit that Rhode’s group was conspicuous. Lydia and Erin were stunning beauties and had unique, distinct, and grandeur presences as an archangel and moon princess respectively. As soon as one glanced at them, one’s breath was taken away. The two young ladies wore their initial clothes which were noble, elegant, and eye-catching. No matter how one looked at their dresses, one felt as though the dresses were made out of the context of time in this modern city and were out of this world.

As for Mini Bubble Gum and Canary who were following closely behind them, they were equally mesmerizing. Perhaps they weren’t as glorious as Erin and Lydia, but their exquisite faces, as well as their ‘twins’ who were as though reflections in a mirror also captured a lot of attention.

In comparison, Rhode, who was escorting them in the middle, felt tremendous pressure.

As this was their first trip to this world, Erin and Lydia were incredibly curious about everything they saw. Be it the flickering ‘magic crystal signboards’ or transparent ‘floating devices’ outside the ‘magic towers’, they were all amused by them. They asked Rhode about them along the way, pulling and dragging his arms. After all, apart from Rhode, Mini Bubble Gum, and Canary, no one understood their language.

On the other side, the two Mini Bubble Gums were also a troublesome duo. The projected Mini Bubble Gum craved to buy everything and couldn’t wait to bring all the high-tech items back to the Dragon Soul Continent and hole herself up in a room to indulge in them. The real Mini Bubble Gum was nowhere better. Ever since she told Rhode that she wanted to follow him back to the Dragon Soul Continent, she began her preparations as well. It seemed like she would be carrying a lot more than one suitcase this time.

As for the two Canaries, they were much quieter. But for some unknown reason, Rhode felt like the real Canary behaved somewhat differently from his impression. He remembered her as a sweet and lively young lady. But after this one year, he realized that she seemed to have changed. He thought it was his misconception, but immediately detected the differences as soon as she stood beside her projection. Compared to the projection, the real Canary seemed more troubled and was obviously more mature. Even though she continued to present a gentle smile, unsolvable worries were written all over her forehead. Standing beside her projection, it became much more apparent.

Although Rhode had asked Bubble about what happened to Canary over the year, Bubble stammered and refused to tell him. That was why Rhode gave the task to the projected Canary. Since they were technically the same person, they should get along better.

Even though this matter with Canary gave him a headache, he also had other troubles to attend to right now. After spotting the dazzling lineup of clothes in a fashion store, Lydia’s and Erin’s eyes lit up as they charged into the store. The clothes in this world were odd and amusing to them at the same time. Some could be worn in different ways to make unique combinations, leaving them entertained and feeling fresh. After all, no matter how advanced magic and civilization were in the Dragon Soul Continent, in terms of clothing designs… it was an entirely different matter.

“Your Majesty Rhode, what do you think of this dress?”

Lydia stood before him and lifted the hem of her skirt. She asked with a smile.

Right now, this archangel had taken off her expensive and luxurious long dress and put on a skimpy outfit. She wore a short, close-fitting, bikini-like top that covered her chest and neck and revealed her slender shoulders and snowy, slim waist. Clad on her lower body was a pure, white miniskirt, as well as a pair of clean, white socks that bundled her fair, attractive legs. Paired with a small, exquisite coat, she had the presence of a superstar. She merely stood on the spot, but was so dazzling to the eyes. What surprised one was that even though this outfit was fitting for this archangel’s aesthetic view of ‘revealing all that should be revealed and concealing all that should be concealed’, the onlookers sensed a holy and sublime beauty from her. She was like the bright, dazzling sun that blinded all customers and staff in the store.

“Hmm… that’s alright, I suppose.”

Compared to Lydia’s bold outfit, Erin apparently had a more reserved style. Her outfit was also much simpler than Lydia’s. She wore a full-black long dress with sheer lace trim that accentuated her elegant curves perfectly. Paired with pitch-black stockings, she emanated a dark and serene sense of beauty. Unsure if she had bad tastes, she also wore a leather collar around her neck. Ion should never witness this. If not, no one could imagine what would happen!

If Lydia was like an idol at the forefront of fashion and the matching clothes she wore would become a fashion trend, Erin would be on the other extreme end, where she ignored fashion trends, but continued to maintain her own unique charm uninfluenced by fashion.

It was imaginable how conflicting the auras both of them were exuding. Not only were the customers bewildered, but the staff also whipped out their phones and took pictures. After all, it was unprecedented for such glorious models to be around them. If they seized the opportunity and took some pictures, it would be great for remembrance and also for their store’s publicity!

Lydia and Erin didn’t mind having their photos taken. As ‘public figures’, they were already used to it. Even though people stood in a circle and gawked, they continued to pick out clothes that were interesting and good-looking to them. The ‘onlookers unaware of the truth’ were excited, but they didn’t know these two young ladies were also the culprits who had destroyed the moon bases and half a city with the rise of an arm.

“Sigh…”

Gazing at this chaotic scene, Rhode let out a helpless sigh. He reached his hand out and patted the enthusiastic Mini Bubble Gum who was enjoying the bustling scene.

“I’ll leave this place to you, Bubble.”

“Huh? Why? Where are you going, Leader?”

“I need to do something. I’ll be right back.”

Rhode said, withdrew himself from the crowd quickly, and arrived at a secluded fast food restaurant. It was working hours now, so there weren’t many people on the premises. Rhode ordered a cup of cola and sat down in a relatively quiet corner. He retrieved the phone that Orchid Heart handed to him and dialed a number.

Beep———

Shortly after, the call got through and a voice sounded in his ear.

“Hello, this is B&M Company.”

“Please get Mr. Arthur on the phone.”

“Mr. Arthur is having a meeting right now. May I know who…”

“Please pass this message to him immediately. Tell him that…”

Rhode paused and the corners of his lips perked up into a smile.

“… Rhode has something important to discuss with him.”