Chapter 272 - Confrontation at the Portal

Homura Ryuu slipped his portable phone back in his pocket, his intense blue gaze never leaving the newcomer as he did. The Black God stepped out of the portal in a relaxed manner as if she was just out on a stroll, and it never boded well when she didn't look problematic.

Something was truly up – something bad was brewing, but Ryuu just couldn't point his finger to it. It was something related to his blocked memories and his failure to tap into them made him feel extra frustrated, most especially after his conversation with Gin earlier regarding the truth about the prophecy.

At least now, the Koutaishidenka knew that it was about him, Ara, and Czernobog. But how? The Black God had been banished thousands of years before Alencica was born. So what was Czernobog's connection to them exactly?

"We meet again, my love…"

The singsong voice carried by the wind reached Ryuu who frowned. The voice, although it was different in a way seemed to sound similar to his wife's. But he knew Ara couldn't be here right now. She's in Tokyo and just had her exam which only meant one thing: The Black God was messing with him.

Homura Ryuu's eyes turned into slits as he released his energy, the murderous aura washing over the other like waves. "You…"

The people of the Homura House backed away as they were instructed. They were there to help the Koutaishidenka contain the damage only and not help him in the fight as they would only get in the way. As soon as they detected their Master's energy, they went to their respective places to erect the barrier.

"Oh my," the Black God chuckled. "You seem to be in a very bad mood, my love."

"I'm not your love. Stop with the sickly endearment," Ryuu spat at her.

He would never forgive him for trying to mimic his wife.

With his rebuke, Czernobog placed a hand on her bosom as if she was hurt. "That's very horrible of you my love. Why would you suddenly give such an order after pestering me for so long to call you as such?"

With this, Ryuu's anger increased. "Silence!" he snarled as his body burst into flames – the blue flames of Kresnik. "I don't know why you are here, but you made a huge mistake. You shouldn't have come. I will destroy you no matter what."

If no one from the other side was strong enough to put Czernobog back into the depths of hell, then he would do it. He would defeat the Black God and then find a way to seal him away, this time, for eternity.

But the Black God was not even fazed with his words and obvious hostility. She remained standing in front of him without even exuding much malice as she did the first night she appeared with the chimera and the basilisk.

"But I'm not here to fight with you, my love," she informed him. "However, I do intend to keep you company."

Ryuu didn't know why, but the anger in his heart only increased. Without further ado, he released Mavara in the form of a flame dragon. The tattoo on his back traveled to his arm and spiraled downwards until it turned into blue flames that launched itself towards the Black God.

The fire dragon opened its mouth and breathed blue flames towards Czernobog before solidifying into a real dragon and swatting her with his claws.

BANG!

The explosion of the fire and the dragon's attack echoed in the place. For a normal foe, it would have been enough. But this was the Black God. Of course, an attack like this was not enough to defeat her.

Czernobog had teleported behind Ryuu, but the Koutaishidenka had detected her as soon as she appeared, and so he pivoted on his heels and sent another attack her way. However, as she could disappear and reappear in great speed, it was difficult to land her a blow, and it was not practical for Mavara to attack as a real dragon, and so he switched back into his flame form and followed the Black God around.

WHOOOOSH!

Master and elemental attacked alternately, not giving the Black God time to even pause, but she didn't seem to show any fatigue no did she even try to attack back. The entire time Ryuu came after her, she just evaded.

What's going on?

Ryuu stopped then. He let Mavara chase the Black God around as he tried to analyze the enemy's purpose. Czernobog had powers. She could summon beasts from the other side as already proven from the previous time they met. But so far, she didn't do anything but dodge.

Then he felt them…

Huh?

Different types of energy oozed from the portal suddenly that even Mavara stopped and turned to the rippling warp in alarm.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH

Mavara roared as he switched into solid form as he rushed towards the portal, but he was not fast enough. Before he reached it, a huge black and silver bird came out of it.

CAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

Its appearance startled everyone as it let out strong currents of electricity, making everyone step back. It flew past Mavara and then soared to the sky until it disappeared.

Damn!

Ryuu threw a fireball towards Czernobog, making her move close to the portal.  This time, she sent a bolt of black lightning on Mavara's way, making the dragon step back from the opening.

"You!"

Ryuu was beginning to be alarmed. He had no idea what that elemental was, but it's bad news. He had to hurry after it, but he couldn't do that with the Black God still there.

Damn!

He was thinking about how to deal with Czernobog fast when another set of energy oozed out of the portal. But this time, Ryuu paused for those were familiar energy he felt, and his eyes widened.

Soon, a great tornado appeared blowing everything away from its path as soon as it came out of the entrance. Even Ryuu had to stand behind Mavara to be able to see, but he was not worried.

The huge tornado soared into the sky, following the black bird's direction and the Koutaishidenka sighed, his attention returning to the Black God who also watched the sky where the elementals went.

"Aren't you worried about those, my love?" the Black God asked and Ryuu snorted.

"Why would I?" he countered.

That's right. That huge tornado was not an enemy Ryuu had to worry about. There was malice in the energy but that was normal as those were harpies flying together. Still, he didn't worry for there was only one being who could command a horde of harpies like that.

"Stribog's finally here."