Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2174: Held hostage

My heart sank at the sight of this figure already mounted on the beast.

"Weren’t you supposed to confront me with your base form first, only to unleash your second form when you’re on the verge of defeat?"

This was my mild complaint upon observing War already in its enhanced state, yet there was truly nothing that could be done about the situation. With War already in its second form, my only recourse was to confront it in kind.

The moment War materialized, an oppressive pressure emanated from it, which I could keenly feel.

The sole comfort was that this pressure felt less intense than before.

It appeared the strength enhancement gained from the third inheritance had, to some degree, proven effective. At the very least, War wasn’t utterly overwhelming me with its released aura.

Not to mention, this was War in its second form.

"It’s possible."

That was the extent of my thoughts as I registered this difference, though I also understood the immense difficulty I would face in opposing War, given my current inferiority in strength.

Upon its appearance, War seemed utterly indifferent to the assembled crowd, nor did it appear concerned by the lingering divine energy from the detonated divine grenades.

However, a closer inspection revealed that War was indeed affected by the residual divine energy. Faint traces on War’s armor indicated a subtle purification effect from the divine energy.

Though minuscule, it had an impact.

As War positioned itself directly before me, it suddenly spoke, "You have finally returned; I have been anticipating your arrival. My error was allowing you to escape previously."

A deep furrow formed on my brow upon hearing this, but I simply retorted, "You were the one who sent me away in the first place, so how could that be deemed a mistake?"

War remained unfazed by my provocation, fixing me with its cold, dark, and profound black eyes. It seemed to be scrutinizing me, as if it had just perceived something significant.

Then, War declared, "Holding these individuals captive was indeed worthwhile. Without their capture, I would have had no means of locating you."

Holding them hostage?

I was taken aback by this revelation, yet it did seem to clarify War’s preceding actions.

There was no logical reason for War to have spared the inhabitants of the capital, especially considering Dorothy, the target of the forces of Destruction, was among them.

I had previously theorized this was connected to Dorothy’s awakening, but that no longer appeared plausible, as there was nothing they could have realistically done to achieve that. At worst, they might have induced a destructive rampage, which would have offered them no strategic advantage.

But if they were using the populace as leverage to draw me back…

The sole puzzling aspect was my own perceived importance; I hadn't considered myself significant enough for War to expend such effort. Even with my increased strength, the disparity between us seemed too vast for me to be on War’s level.

If I couldn't even reach War’s current standing, what then of Death, positioned behind War?

It simply didn't add up that they would be so concerned about me.

Nevertheless, this implied that the citizens of the capital were, for the moment, out of harm’s way.

War had no incentive to deceive me, as such deception would likely prompt my departure. Only the truth would compel me to remain, driven by the desire to protect the people of the capital.

Instead of responding, I simply observed War, awaiting its next move.

There had to be an underlying reason for War's pronouncements; it was evidently preparing for something.

Yet, War showed no outward signs of preparation, continuing to fix its gaze upon me. The manner in which it observed me was peculiar, as if it were meticulously assessing my capabilities.

Suddenly, the realization dawned upon me: I understood what War had been waiting for.

A distinct sensation enveloped me, as if the very fabric of space around me had ceased its flow.

This peculiar feeling, the method by which War achieved it remaining a mystery, conveyed a clear understanding: War had manipulated the space surrounding us.

"Now you are ensnared. Your escape, as it was last time, is no longer possible," War declared with a chilling laugh.

This statement confirmed that whatever this sensation entailed, it originated from an action taken by War.

However, I couldn't help but question how the power of Destruction could manifest such an ability.

This effect seemed intrinsically linked to the laws of space and time, far removed from the typical domain of the power of Destruction.

"It is the application of Destruction Energy to create spatial-temporal distortions. Not a complete rupture, but a partial breakdown rendering it too unstable for conventional warping."

Though I couldn't pinpoint the origin of this insight, I ultimately grasped the nature of the phenomenon.

Irrespective of the mechanics involved, a retreat was out of the question, with my family still held captive. My sole remaining course of action was to engage War in combat and strive to secure my family's safety.