Azazel couldn't believe his ears.
"A giant meteor storm? Sora killed 250 titans in less than 5 minutes? How is this even fucking possible?"
"Not sure, my lord. Just reporting what I saw. I chose not to engage," Pride said calmly.
"Maybe he is more powerful than we thought?" Helen asked Azazel.
"How? Gluttony said he couldn't control the titans with his eyes. What changed? What are we missing?"
"Suggestion, my Lord."
"Yes, Beezle what is it?"
"Now that Sora knows you're not playing nice, perhaps send a prince to do some reconnaissance on them?"
"Perhaps. Let's call a meeting with the princes and speak about this. We need to plan our next move. Make sure Ankha is present. We need the titan King."
"Will do."
Beezle teleported and scheduled a meeting. Azazel and Helen were confused.
*****
A month passed since the first major battle in the war. Sora and his party continued training relentlessly. Sora focused his efforts linking with Brie. She practiced the Lockheart skills and began getting into a rhythm and flow.
Lucious and Sera were dating. Luna fit in nicely with the party and recruited a male werewolf to the party.
[Oxford Nyx has joined your party. You now have 14 members. Secret reward achieved: Gain 100 HP. You now have 550 HP].
'Sweet. I wonder how many more we will actually add?'
Ox was Luna's younger brother and middle child in the Nyx pack. Their youngest brother, Abbott, stayed loyal to their parents and eagerly trained to become the King Alpha one day.
On a brisk afternoon, Sora found his mind wandering about what to do next. He went to his fourth floor and used his microphone to call a party meeting.
Everyone sat down in the meeting room on the third floor, which now had a large circular table with 14 chairs at it. Their 80' monitor showed different areas where human trappers were operating. The party did their best to shut them down and bring the victims to Sorbella.
"I've called you all today because before this ugly battle took place, Leila asked me if we could search for her ancient ruins. I believe this should be our next course of action. What do you all think?"
"I think we should do it and support her, but I also think we should be wise and not send the entire party. I think we need to come up with teams or start rotating the normal groups so that we get more experience working with people we haven't fought alongside before," Brie suggested.
"That's a good idea, Brie. I don't think we should ever leave ourselves in a situation where all the gods and goddesses are left alone or together. I know Brie and Sora are not likely to split, but if they go on a mission then Celeste should stay with the others. It only makes logical sense," Bishop said as he stroked his black mane.
"Agreed. I think the couples should stay together as well. Sasha and I have been with Brie and Sora since day 2, so maybe having us in a separate group would be wise," Levi said as he grabbed Sasha's hand.
"So, we have 14 members now. That allows us flexibility with many team combinations. We could even have smaller teams like 4-4-3-3! Who should go with Leila?" Lucious proclaimed.
"I'd like Sora, Brie, Bishop, Luna, Julius and Rissa to accompany me. That leaves Celeste, Sasha, Levi, Sera, Lucious, Jubelle and Ox behind in case of emergency," Leila stated confidently.
"Why do you want us?" Rissa asked while blushing.
"Because you two work together and are showing potential. It's ultimately Leila's choice," Sora said calmly. "All in favor, raise your hand."
Everyone's hand raised.
"It's settled then! Do you know where the ruins are, Leila?" Brie asked joyfully.
"I have a guess, yes."
Leila stood up and walked to the 80-inch projector. She pointed to a place on the map located north of Obsidian Hallow and Cairn, but on the borderline between the two.
"I believe it's right here."
"Ok, we will leave tomorrow. Does anyone else have anything?" Sora asked.
The group shook their heads no and Brie dismissed everyone. Sora stayed back as everyone left.
"What's on your mind babe?"
"I was hoping you and I would get some time to do something else, that's all. Also, Leila told me she's looking for some of her ancient artifacts."
"Aw, you're sweet. She told me she wants to find her old weapons and armor as well as some ancient tablet she desperately hopes is still intact."
"She mentioned the tablet to me as well. She didn't go into much detail other than it's very important and could help shape the war. Jubelle didn't even have a guess and Levi asked his family. I wonder what it is!"
Brie gave Sora a quick kiss and teleported them for their usual training session. They found an empty dojo, which surprised Brie.
"Sora, where is everyone?"
"I made sure you and I had some alone time, that's all. I want to show you something."
'Eye of Chronos,' Sora thought and grabbed Brie's hand and teleported away.
"Woah, you already found the ruins? This isn't anywhere close to what Leila thought. How babe?"
"I've been researching in my library and picking Bishop's brain. Let's surprise her tomorrow."
"How are you still holding time?!"
"I feel like every day you get stronger; I get stronger. Do you think it has something to do with the soul share?"
"It could. Maybe you gain my magical energy too when we link as well? I don't know if anyone will ever know."
"Well, one day, I'll be able to freeze it for who knows how long. When that time comes, please make sure I don't abuse it. I love you sweetheart."
Sora kissed Brie and they teleported back to their dojo.
'Release.'
"That was at least five minutes! I'm proud of you babe. Now let's get to my practice!"
*****
"So Jubelle, what do you think of Ox?" Luna asked playfully.
"He's sexy," Jubelle laughed.
"What if I told you he's kind of banished from the pack for not wanting to produce a child?"
"That's about as shitty as them telling you that you're not strong enough to carry a worthy Alpha baby because you're 'too short and too petite."
Luna frowned. Jubelle clearly missed the hint.
"Don't be mad at me. He's waiting for you on the third floor in the fifth room. Wear something nice!"
Before Jubelle could ask anything, Luna teleported to Sasha.
'Is she setting me up with her brother? That's nice of her. He is hot and a sweetheart.'
"Well?!" Sasha's eyes lit up.
"I hope it goes well. My brother deserves a good guy and Jubelle is certainly handsome!"
"Yay!" Sasha clapped a few times, which made Luna laugh.
On the third floor, Ox waited anxiously.
'I can't believe my sister is trying to set me up with someone from our party. I mean, I guess it's like a thing here? I'm kind of embarrassed I haven't come out to anyone yet. I should.'
Will the party of couples grow?!