Journey to Become the Zenith

The Goddesses’ Invitation (Part 1)

As Victor completed the explanation of his plans for Fantom City, the atmosphere inside the meeting hall gradually settled.

Ramona Redcliffe carefully rolled up the maps spread across the table while Brinda organized the documents Victor had prepared. Eon silently memorized every order, already planning how to carry them out.

Each of them wore a determined expression.

Victor’s vision was ambitious.

But none of them doubted it anymore.

If there was anyone capable of transforming a ruined city into a prosperous kingdom...

It was the young man standing before them.

Ramona placed a hand over her chest.

”My Lord.”

”We’ll begin immediately.”

Brinda smiled elegantly.

”I’ll make sure every official understands your policies.”

Eon nodded firmly.

”I’ll personally oversee the preparations.”

Victor looked at the three of them before giving an approving nod.

”I’ll leave it in your hands.”

One after another, the three bowed respectfully before leaving the meeting hall.

The heavy wooden doors slowly closed behind them.

Silence returned.

Victor walked toward the tall window overlooking Fantom City.

Morning sunlight bathed the city in warm golden light.

Workers repaired damaged buildings.

Merchants cautiously reopened their shops.

Children laughed as they ran through the streets, no longer afraid of the darkness that had once gripped the city.

A faint smile appeared on Victor’s face.

This city has finally begun moving forward.

Now...

It’s time to investigate the Elmhart Family.

His thoughts had barely settled when—

Knock.

Knock.

A firm knock echoed from the door.

Victor turned.

”Come in.”

The door opened slightly before one of the city guards stepped inside.

He immediately bowed.

”My Lord.”

Victor raised an eyebrow.

”What is it?”

The guard hesitated for a moment.

”Someone wishes to meet you.”

Victor looked puzzled.

”Me?”

”Yes, My Lord.”

”Who are they?”

The guard awkwardly scratched his cheek.

”I...I’m not entirely sure.”

Victor blinked.

”You don’t know?”

”They introduced themselves, but...their identities were rather unusual.”

Victor’s curiosity deepened.

”Send them inside.”

”As you command, My Lord.”

The guard bowed once more before leaving.

A few moments later...

Three figures entered the meeting hall.

The first was an old acquaintance.

Max.

The elderly man wore his usual warm smile as he stepped inside.

Walking behind him...

Were two breathtaking young women.

For just a brief instant...

Even Victor’s eyes lingered on them.

He recognized them immediately.

Those two...

The women who fought during the battle.

He still remembered watching them from afar.

Their movements had been graceful yet overwhelming.

Each possessed remarkable combat ability.

Now that he saw them up close...

Their beauty was no less astonishing.

The first woman had long scarlet hair that flowed like blazing fire, vibrant green eyes, and an elegant red-and-gold robe embroidered with majestic dragons. Every movement she made radiated confidence and vitality.

Ruby.

Beside her stood another woman whose temperament contrasted completely.

Natalia possessed long blonde hair that shimmered beneath the sunlight and calm blue eyes that reflected quiet dignity. Her yellow-and-silver robes gave her an almost sacred aura.

If Ruby resembled a blazing flame...

Natalia resembled the peaceful light of dawn.

Victor smiled.

Beautiful...

And incredibly capable.

Quite a dangerous combination.

Max cleared his throat with an amused smile.

”Victor.”

”Allow me to introduce these two.”

He gestured toward the women.

”This is Holy Maiden Ruby of the Temple of the Dragon War Goddess Kia.”

”And beside her is Holy Maiden Natalia of the Temple of the Goddess of Justice Jenna.”

Both women stepped forward together.

Their expressions were unusually respectful.

”It is an honor to meet you, Lord Victor.”

They bowed gracefully in perfect unison.

Max nearly rubbed his eyes.

He had known these two Holy Maidens for years.

Normally...

Whenever they met, they argued over nearly everything.

Yet today...

They acted with flawless harmony.

Just what happened?

If the temple elders saw this...they’d probably faint.

Victor smiled warmly.

”The honor is mine.”

As the two women straightened...

Ruby couldn’t help stealing another glance at Victor.

He’s even more handsome than I remembered...

Those golden eyes...

No wonder Videl couldn’t stop talking about him.

During the battle, she had admired Victor’s strength.

Standing before him now...

She found herself appreciating something entirely different.

His calm smile.

His composed demeanor.

The confidence that seemed effortless.

Beside her, Natalia remained outwardly composed.

But her heartbeat had become noticeably faster.

Stay calm...

You’re here on official business.

Don’t let Ruby tease you later.

Unfortunately...

Ruby had already noticed the faint blush forming on Natalia’s cheeks.

A mischievous smile tugged at her lips.

Victor naturally caught both of their reactions.

He chuckled softly.

”I have to admit...”

”The temples certainly have excellent taste.”

Ruby tilted her head.

”Oh?”

Victor smiled.

”I expected capable representatives.”

”I didn’t expect them to be this beautiful.”

Ruby laughed happily.

”My, Lord Victor...”

”You certainly know how to compliment a lady.”

She took another step closer.

”So...”

”Do you say that to every beautiful woman you meet?”

Victor answered without missing a beat.

”Only the honest compliments.”

Ruby covered her lips as she giggled.

”I like honest men.”

Natalia quietly looked away.

A faint blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

Victor noticed.

He turned toward her.

”And Lady Natalia.”

She looked back at him.

”Y-Yes?”

”I believe serenity can be just as captivating as passion.”

Natalia blinked.

”What do you mean?”

Victor smiled gently.

”Lady Ruby shines like a blazing flame.”

”But you...”

”Carry the elegance of a clear morning sky.”

”For someone devoted to justice...”

”I’d say it suits you perfectly.”

Natalia’s blue eyes widened slightly.

”...Thank you.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

A faint rosy color spread across her cheeks.

Ruby immediately leaned closer to Victor with an amused grin.

”I think...”

”You’ve just made her day.”

Natalia’s face reddened even more.

”Ruby...”

”Please.”

Victor couldn’t help laughing.

She’s much easier to fluster than Ruby.

Ruby folded her arms dramatically.

”I object.”

Victor looked amused.

”Oh?”

”You complimented her with poetry.”

”But mine was just ’beautiful.’”

Victor pretended to think seriously.

”You’re right.”