Awakening in The World of Gods

Hidden in the shadows, Poll watched as the group stopped and began a hushed discussion. His heartbeat quickened. Something felt off—not just the powerful mana radiating from the two figures but the palpable tension in the air. Suddenly, to his absolute shock, Eryndor stepped out from behind a tree, hands casually resting at his sides.

"Who are you all?" Eryndor asked calmly, his tone measured but sharp. "Are you my enemy?"

Poll's eyes widened in disbelief. Father?! He nearly fell from his perch in surprise. How on earth did he detect them? I spent hours setting up those traps, and he walks right past them like they're decorative furniture.

Gathering himself, Poll decided it was time to reveal his presence. "Hey, Father! Be careful—that guy is Demon Lord Kaedros from today's meeting." His voice was steady, but inside, his thoughts were racing. Alright, Poll, play it cool. Don't let on how much you know—or how freaked out you are right now.

Eryndor turned slightly, his face betraying no surprise. "Oh, really?" he replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Poll blinked. "Yes, yes, Father! And the woman… she's Queen Celestia Aelthor." He gestured emphatically, his voice tinged with urgency.

Eryndor raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to mild exasperation. "I know that."

Poll froze. "Wait… you knew? How?" He leaned forward, genuinely baffled.

Eryndor rolled his eyes, a rare show of impatience. "I got a message on my badge. But how did you know?" His voice took on a more pointed tone. "Tell me the truth, unless you'd like to be grounded."

Poll hesitated. Think fast, Poll. Think very fast. "Uh… I just… uh… guessed? You know, I've been reading a lot of strategy books lately, Father. Really improves the ol' deduction skills!" He tapped the side of his head with a sheepish grin.

Before Eryndor could respond, Queen Celestia stepped forward, her presence commanding. A mischievous smile played on her lips. " How did you see through my disguise? BOY" she asked, her voice a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Poll grinned, finding his confidence again. "Well, I am a genius, aren't I?" Then, as if remembering an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and hello, Liana," addressing the third figure, who he now recognized as the maid from earlier.

Liana, her expression unreadable, gave a slow nod. "Hello, young master," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness.

So, she was just acting that time, Poll thought, his mind buzzing. But why would a maid be mixed up in something this big? May be she isn't a maid but she was professional...!!

He shifted his attention back to the group. "But… why are you all here?" he asked, trying to maintain an air of innocence while desperately piecing together the puzzle in his mind.

Liana's expression turned serious. "We're under threat, and our sources suggested this area would be the enemy's first target."

Poll tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "Sources? Like… spy-level sources?" He waved a hand dismissively. "No, don't tell me. Classified, right? Fine, keep your secrets."

The Demon Lord, who had been silent until now, chuckled, his deep voice reverberating. "You're an interesting one, child. Most would cower in fear, yet here you are, chatting away."

Poll shrugged, leaning nonchalantly against a tree. "What can I say? I like to keep things… casual." Relax, Poll. If they think you're clueless, they'll underestimate you. Just stick to the plan—or the lack thereof.

Celestia's gaze lingered on Poll, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not as simple as you appear, are you?"

Poll put on his most innocent smile. "Simple? Me? Nah, I'm just a kid who happens to know things. Totally normal."

his mind racing as he looked at Kaedros. "But why is Demon Lord Kaedros here?" he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. Wait, no... That's too obvious of a question, Poll. Think of something more... insightful. Hmm...

The Demon Lord's response was cool, his voice as calm as ever. "Don't address us by our names. Refer to us by our number. I am Number 3."

Poll blinked, processing the statement. Number 3? What's with the numbers? Am I supposed to be impressed?

Before he could voice another thought, Liana chimed in, her tone amused. "And I am Number 6."

"Ah, that's... creative," Poll mumbled to himself. Guess I need to start counting. But where do I fit in this puzzle?

Celestia, a slight smirk on her lips, added, "Number 2."

Poll's eyes flicked from one figure to the next, trying to piece together the ridiculousness of it all. Okay, so... we're playing the number game now. Fine, whatever. Let's count it up, Poll.

The next figures introduced themselves in turn. "I'm Number 4," said one, with a slight bow. "And I am Number 5," added another, their tone full of formal gravity.

Poll rubbed his chin thoughtfully, holding up his hand and counting on his fingers. "So, there are 10 of you here… who's Number 1? And who's Number 10?"

The Queen's expression hardened, the air thickening around her. "Number 10…?" Her voice dropped low, becoming more dangerous. "Wait… are you saying there are ten of you in total?"

Poll nodded, his mind clicking into place. "Of course. I counted ten enemies on the map I projected. Wait… are you saying you're not…?"

The Queen's eyes narrowed sharply, her voice dropping to a low growl. "There are only seven of us here."

Everyone's demeanor shifted, the atmosphere becoming tense. Seven? So, I miscounted? Poll thought, processing the discrepancy. Great, just what I needed...

Eryndor's hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword, the rest of the group following suit. The air hummed with anticipation as they scanned the surroundings.

"Stay on guard," Celestia ordered, her voice commanding.

Poll raised his hand, his concentration on his mana readings. His brow furrowed in confusion. "Hold on. What the hell? Two of their mana signatures just... vanished." His mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Vanished? No, no, no. Not killed.

They were absorbed... But by what?

His thoughts were interrupted when two bodies fell from the branches above, both clad in the same uniform as Celestia's group. Poll's heart skipped a beat. What the hell is going on?

Before anyone could react, a new figure stepped from the shadows. Dark energy radiated from her, the air growing thick with an oppressive aura. Intricate black patterns traced across her skin, swirling like a living curse. Behind her were others with similar markings, though their aura was far weaker.

Poll's mind spun. This wasn't part of the plan. Wait, did she just pop out of nowhere? What the hell is that—some sort of cursed tattoo?

Demon Lord Kaedros spoke, his voice cracking with something that sounded like panic. "What the hell? Why is she here? Be careful—her name is Tiara. She's a Supreme Guardian… but corrupted. A Supreme Guardian twisted by the influence of Mana corruption."

Poll's thoughts exploded. A Supreme Guardian? Mana Corrupted? Wait, that is a thing? He quickly ran through his mental catalog of possible scenarios. Corruption? Is this a new thing, or is it just some long-forgotten curse coming back to bite us in the ass?

Wait...!! how can I forgot Mana corruption, Shit..!!

"I did not sign up for this," he muttered under his breath. "First, numbers, then disappearing signatures, and now this... I really need to stop overthinking things, but—damn, this is way beyond my expectations."

Everyone froze, expressions of horror spreading across their faces. Poll glanced around, confused by their reactions. Why is everyone so freaked out? I mean—come on she is women, I can read her mana—she's not that much stronger than me, he thought.

Then it dawned on him. Oh yeah, my traps are still attached to them.

Stepping forward, Poll called out, "What do you want, and why are you here?"

Eryndor grabbed his arm, hissing, "Don't get too close, idiot!"

Tiara's gaze fell upon Poll, a twisted smile spreading across her face. "What a cute boy," she cooked in a sickly sweet tone. "I'd love to see what's inside you…"

Without turning her head, she gestured to one of her assistants to her left. "Capture him. I want this boy alive."

Poll's eyes narrowed. "Not happening."

With a sharp flick of his wrist, Poll channeled his magic through the mana traps attached to the assistant, using his gravity manipulation. "Kneel down."