"It seems that borrowing the miniature Plasma Spark device… might have to rely on Lord Keshiva after all."
Yuzare sighed softly as she spoke.
Truth be told, Yuzare didn't want to entrust this matter entirely to Keshiva.
If her guess was right, Keshiva would most likely try to obtain it through the relationship between Camearra and Tiga.
Although that method would likely work, Yuzare really didn't want to see that happen.
"There's nothing wrong with letting Lord Keshiva handle it, though,"
Cain said from the side, scratching his head.
"You don't understand," Yuzare shook her head gently, not bothering to explain further.
"Tiga isn't an unreasonable man," Cain added after a pause. "If he refused to lend us the miniature Plasma Spark, he must have a reason for it."
It was rare for Cain to show such insight, and Yuzare nodded faintly in acknowledgment.
"Perhaps you're right," she sighed again. "But I still can't figure out what that reason is."
The invasion of darkness continued.
During the time when the Earth Defence Corps set out to explore the ocean, several new incidents of monster attacks had erupted across the continents.
The corps had no choice but to divide its forces to battle them, but every fight came with heavy casualties.
"If only we possessed the same power as the Giants," Yuzare murmured, watching the screen in front of her. "We could save so many lives."
She scrolled through her device, showing footage from one devastated city after another—
cities reduced to rubble, flames rising high, corpses strewn across the streets, and the wailing of survivors echoing everywhere.
As the princess of the continent and commander of the Earth Defence Corps, the sight made her heart ache.
"Your elder sister has been traveling across the continent's cities lately, hasn't she?"
Yuzare finally asked, placing her device down.
"Yes," Cain nodded. "It's said that she has also received the power of light—hers can heal wounds almost instantly."
"So, her light is for healing…" Yuzare whispered, a hint of envy in her voice. "That's why she travels between cities, treating the wounded after every attack."
She smiled faintly. To her, the power to heal was far more beautiful than the power to destroy.
"If only my light was like hers," she murmured to herself.
"A light that saves… not one that must keep fighting."
But the endless waves of darkness didn't care what kind of light she held.
"Father, did you just say that Tiga is going to the Island of Darkness with Yuzare?"
Camearra's eyes widened in disbelief when she heard the news.
She had always felt uneasy about that woman, Yuzare.
Something about her presence made Camearra uncomfortable—and she definitely didn't want Tiga getting close to her.
The last time Yuzare had visited to talk to Tiga, Camearra had already been quite upset, though she had tried her best not to show it.
But now?
Tiga was going to the Island of Darkness with her?
"Not just with Yuzare," Keshiva clarified quickly, realizing his daughter's growing agitation.
"She'll be leading the Earth Defence Corps. Tiga will only be accompanying the expedition."
"That's even worse! I'm going too!" Camearra declared angrily.
"No," Keshiva said firmly. "That place is far too dangerous."
"Father, you can't stop me."
Camearra's voice was calm, but her tone was absolute. "I'm not asking for your permission. I'm telling you—I'm going with Tiga."
"..."
Keshiva froze for a moment. He knew she was right. He had no real way to stop her anymore.
With a heavy sigh, he finally relented.
"Fine. As always, take Hudra and Darramb with you. And remember—stay close to Tiga. He's the only one who can truly protect you."
As a ruler, Keshiva was wise enough to see the truth.
The Earth Defence Corps could barely handle the monsters that appeared—sometimes even suffering casualties from smaller ones.
If his daughter's safety depended on them, she would be in real danger.
Only Tiga could guarantee her protection.
"Don't worry, Father," Camearra said softly. "I'll come back safely—with Tiga."
Then, a spark of determination flashed in her crimson eyes.
"And maybe… in the Dark Domain, I'll finally find the key to becoming a Goddess."
With that, she bowed respectfully and left the palace, her long cloak fluttering behind her.
When Camearra told Yu Zhou (Tiga) that she was coming along, his first instinct was to refuse.
The Dark Domain was said to contain extremely powerful beings—far beyond what ordinary warriors could handle.
He didn't want Camearra anywhere near that kind of danger.
After all, the current Camearra was still just a normal girl—unable to transform into either a Dark Giant or a Giant of Light.
If she had transformation powers, at least she could protect herself.
But now… bringing her along would only make him worry.
However, seeing her so eager—her eyes shining with excitement as she packed supplies into a dimensional bracelet for survival—Tiga couldn't bring himself to crush her spirit.
"I'll protect you, Camearra," he said gently, his voice filled with warmth.
"And I'll protect you too, Tiga!" Camearra replied, blushing as she threw herself into his arms.
Her heart pounded wildly, but she didn't pull away.
She loved the feeling of being held by him—safe, strong, and close.
Tiga wrapped his arms around her, smiling softly.
Holding this lively, beautiful girl filled him with a quiet happiness he hadn't felt in a long time.
At the R'lyeh Airfield, hundreds of battle ships stood ready—each one belonging to the Earth Defence Corps.
All of them were armed with the latest energy cannons developed by Keshiva himself, capable of vaporizing weaker monsters with ease.
When Tiga and Camearra arrived, most of the fleet had already taken off, floating in formation high above the sea.
"Tiga, you're a little late today,"
Yuzare's voice called out as she approached. She was still on the ground, apparently waiting for him.
Then her eyes flicked to the girl beside him.
"Camearra… you're coming too?"
"Yes," Camearra said firmly, crossing her arms.
"The Dark Domain isn't exactly a travel destination," Yuzare cautioned.
"It's fine," Tiga replied before Camearra could answer. "As long as I'm here, everywhere is safe to travel."
Yuzare blinked, then gave a small, unreadable smile.
"Very well. I'll head to my ship first. You'll be leading the way later, Tiga."
Without another word, she turned and boarded her vessel, her long robes swaying behind her.
Just as Tiga prepared his own ship, two familiar voices called from behind.
"Wait for us, Lady Camearra! Tiga!"
He turned around to see Hudra and Darramb running toward them, both looking out of breath.
"Finally caught up!" Hudra panted. "Lady—!"
But when both of them saw Tiga and Camearra holding hands, their words froze midair.
They just stood there, staring—speechless.