Chapter 1659: Chapter 1108: Return
Compared to when they were summoned, the return journey was somewhat long. Duanmu Huai did not just blink and transport back to the original place. Instead, he locked onto the coordinates, piloted the Cobra Class into the Net Path, and then crossed all the way — it took about five hours to return to the original world.
After returning, Duanmu Huai naturally first transmitted the students from the space station located in the outer space orbit to the chapel below, and then let them go home. The students were already homesick and bid farewell without much conversation. As for Murasakifuji Ilina, Isia, and Tower City Kitten, they each went to report to their superiors about this journey to the Isekai. Only then did Duanmu Huai finally have time to rest.
“Phew… at least I didn’t exhaust myself to death.”
Returning to the space station, Duanmu Huai plopped down on the sofa, too lazy to even move.
“Yo, you’re back.”
Sitting on the other side, Frieren lifted her head and greeted Duanmu Huai, then immersed herself once again in the book before her.
“Yeah, I’m back. Thanks for your help this time.”
Duanmu Huai waved a hand to Frieren in gratitude. The reason everyone was not treated as dead was that Frieren specifically came to the classroom after the incident and indicated that some magic similar to space teleportation had been activated here, so there was no rush to hold funerals for Duanmu Huai and the others.
One has to admit, this Elf Magician certainly has impressive skills despite her laziness.
“So what are you reading?”
Duanmu Huai curiously looked at the hefty book in Frieren’s hands, inquiring aloud. Frieren lifted the book, showing it to Duanmu Huai.
“…Quantum Mechanics?”
“That’s right, isn’t it interesting?”
“I just feel my brain itch when I see these words.”
Duanmu Huai shook his head; he didn’t like things that required too much thinking. Stuff that made him unsure of directions was better left to academic overachievers. Duanmu himself wasn’t good at academics and steered clear of mental exercises.
Of course, with his fists, he could probably punch through a hundred books on quantum mechanics without issue.
But unfortunately, some things require Duanmu Huai to use his brain to solve.
For example, the upcoming plans.
All fifteen slots have been unlocked, but Duanmu Huai didn’t think he could gather fifteen followers. The reason is simple: one slot has already been given to Frieren, and she obviously has no interest in becoming a follower. Besides, Duanmu Huai and her relationship isn’t deep enough to invite her into the Tribunal, even though her skills and intelligence are sufficient and her attitude towards the Demon Clan would make her a suitable member.
Forget it. If she isn’t interested, you can’t force it, right?
As for the candidates, they’ll be decided later.
Next are the students who crossed over this time. Although they returned safely, there remains an unresolved issue.
That is their “Heavenly Duty.”
To be honest, Duanmu Huai couldn’t understand why students, who were ordinary people in the original world, suddenly gained such unique strength after traveling to that world. Could it be that this world has some unique suitability that allows ordinary people from other worlds to possess this “Heavenly Duty” ability?
If this is the case, then if Duanmu Huai encounters more ordinary people, perhaps he could take them to that planet to see if he can activate any special abilities?
If that planet indeed has this trait, Duanmu Huai would certainly treasure it.
Oops, the topic strayed far, let’s bring it back.
In conclusion, these students are no longer just ordinary students now. After all, it’s not like any regular high school student can revive a nearly dead person at will, or release lightning fireballs from their hands… or can they?
It can be imagined that these students with the “Heavenly Duty” ability will inevitably be talents fought over by the Angel or Demon Camp, but Duanmu Huai wouldn’t just let his students be given away. Therefore, on the way back, he had a meeting with these students, stating that if they were willing, they could join the Tribunal and use their power to protect this world. After all, this world also needs a human force to suppress the three sides of Angels, Fallen Angels, and Demons. Although Duanmu had confirmed that he had wiped out the idiots from these camps in the short term, what about after that?
He couldn’t always rely on himself, so cultivating talent is also important.
And these students have experienced the war in that world and are well aware of the disasters involved with angels and demons, naturally not wanting such events to repeat in their own world, thus they decisively agreed.
As for the planet itself, Duanmu Huai plans to observe it further; after all, he still doesn’t know how powerful the human bloodline will become once its seal is released in that world. If there’s indeed something interesting, then Duanmu intends to turn that planet into a Conscripted Planet for the Tribunal.
For the Tribunal, soldiers from planets where civilization is less developed have more recruitment value. After all, the worldview of humans from these places is relatively simple. At least they wouldn’t see jellyfish or bug-like alien creatures and consider them a “Civilized Race,” at most recognizing them as “Monsters” or “Talking Monsters” — which is just right for the Tribunal’s perspective.
Unlike the hesitant modern civilization folks… a Holy Mother type would be even more troublesome.
“Although we look different, we are all intelligent beings capable of communication…” Anyone who said this was long burned by the Tribunal.
“But speaking of which, you’re not in a hurry at all.”
Looking at Frieren lounging on the sofa in a Ge’You-style pose reading a book, Duanmu Huai couldn’t help but sigh.
“Of course, I’m planning to finish reading the books of this world before going back. Staying for ten or twenty years is no problem at all, and I think with your ability, you should be able to return much sooner.”
Although they’ve fought together, Frieren is quite aware of Duanmu Huai’s abilities.
However… you’re planning to stay at least ten to twenty years…
Duanmu Huai rolled his eyes and stood up, while the black cat and white rabbit, transformed from Ling’Nu, climbed onto him.
“I’m going to rest, suit yourself.”
“………”
Frieren didn’t say anything, just raised a hand and waved at Duanmu Huai — this elf wasn’t afraid of staying up late at all, or rather, was a complete night owl.
The downside being that it’s impossible to wake her during the day.
By now it was already late at night, and most people returning from the Isekai had dragged their exhausted bodies into deep slumber.
But for some others, sleep was completely elusive.
“…that’s the detailed report.”
In a meeting room, three stern-faced men sat at the table, looking grim. They were none other than Demon King Sazekes, Fallen Angel Governor Azazel, and Archangel Michael.
After their subordinates returned, they immediately summoned them and listened to their complete account of the interdimensional journey. Although there was much to discuss, the most crucial issue for them now was only one…
“The Tribunal sure dares to act.”
The Fallen Angel Governor chuckled lightly, but his laugh was dry, with no real amusement.
“Thankfully, we’ve already signed a peace treaty, otherwise things could have turned bad… I wouldn’t want to end up like our counterparts in that Isekai.”
Indeed, what shocked these three the most was the report of the eternal war between angels and demons — since it was so similar to their world, they almost immediately put themselves in that scenario.
Unexpectedly, Duanmu Huai mercilessly destroyed the High-order Heaven and Abyssal Hell, utterly annihilating the angels and demons…
In fact, Duanmu Huai had always made it clear that anyone daring to threaten the existence of humans, even deities, would find no way out but death.
They had assumed it was an analogy, but it turned out he was simply stating a fact…
Both Tacheng Kitten and Murasakifuji Ilina had experienced how powerful angels and demons were. According to them, high-order demons in that world were as strong as archangels and superior demon aristocrats in their world. Yet, just because their war involved humans, they were ruthlessly exterminated by the Tribunal!?
Just thinking about it made their hair stand on end.
Initially, after learning that the faith in that world had vanished, the leaders of the angel and demon camps had the idea of convincing Duanmu Huai to let them go there and preach, to convert that world’s people into angels or demons for replenishment… they’d rather think twice now.
Not only did they lack means to reach that world, but even without thinking, they knew the Tribunal would never allow it.
“For the peace of our world, I suggest we three parties organize a joint department to maintain our connection with the Human World.”
Yes, that’s why these three big shots were holding a late-night meeting. Although there’s a cease-fire between the three factions, there were still private skirmishes and conflicts. They had considered controlling these conflicts to avoid impacting humans too much. But upon learning the unlucky fate of the angels and demons in that world, all three leaders felt they couldn’t delay any longer.
After all, the situation in that world was too similar to their own. If Duanmu Huai returned now and considered them a future threat, then the Tribunal might show up first thing in the morning!
They knew their own matters best; they might not have a Crystal Dome or Abyssal Forge, but they did have similar things in the Devil World and Celestial Realm!
If Duanmu Huai smashed them… it’s terrifying even to think about!
So the only thing they could do now was to… show their attitude to the Tribunal! To avoid disaster!