My Goddess is Good at Pretending

The ten-day treasure hunt had finally ended, and all the disciples should have returned to the Sacred Mountain no matter what results they got.

Four of the 154 disciples had yet to return, but Ely was not worried because they might be on their way home. It was still morning, and they might arrive in the afternoon.

The ten core students gathered at a round table under the Sakura tree.

They secured their spot in the top ten merit point rank in this treasure hunt, and some of them had already exchanged their merit points for something they wanted or needed.

However, they looked restless that morning, especially Gabriella and Rafaela. The Apostle's first and second in command were extraordinarily wary of the newly recruited elder.

Of all disciples, only Jophiel didn't feel so wary because she had known Yuuki longer than the others. Even Uriel and Remiel still had their wariness towards Yuuki.

Although everyone already knew that Elder Yuuki was their master's old friend and sworn sister, it did not ease their anxiety because the said elder was a mysterious 10th Rank powerhouse and an authentic legendary nine-tailed snow fox with divine-like ice abilities.

They should be happy their master recruited such a powerful expert into the Guardian of Dream. However, they still couldn't rest easy, nonetheless.

The source of their anxiety was the unknown. They had no idea what this cold elder had in mind or what motives she had for approaching their master right now.

Not to mention, the recent event that occurred in Sumore Forest City would need more attention and precaution. Their master would declare war on the Tiangong Sacred Land just for Elder Yuuki.

The legendary nine-tailed fox was revered and sacred, but if there was one, the greedy powerful powerhouses would hunt down the said legendary creature.

Gabriella exchanged glances with the other Apostles. She felt they needed to have a private, in-depth conversation with Elder Yuuki soon. The explanations from Jophiel, Uriel, and Remiel couldn't help the others understand Elder Yuuki's motives and goals.

The other core disciples' heads moved in an almost imperceptible nod. They understood their first sister's intent.

'Ely, your disciples don't look friendly to me.' Yuuki said nothing to those glares, but she started to feel uncomfortable after two days without any improvement.

'Hmm, they were also fierce when I first recruited them. They will gradually get along with you over time, Yuuki.' Ely rubbed the back of her hand.

Two of the core disciples once attacked her right after she saved them. Even one disciple bit her hand like a desperate beast, but the lost lamb became as docile as a little puppy.

'Then, let's meet them. I'll help you to get along with them~' Ely put on her butterfly ribbon hair ornament, then left the room. She was no longer the nine-tailed shadow fox but the shrine priestess.

'...' Yuuki glanced out the window again and followed Ely to the round table under the Sakura tree.

"Today is a pretty peaceful day, but winter is almost here. What are your plans for the new season?" Ely intertwined her fingers together and placed her hands on the table.

She looked at her disciples with calm and peaceful expressions so they didn't feel tense because of Yuuki.

"Master, our initial plan is to explore the ancient secret realm before winter arrives, which will open in two weeks. Please take a look at this report." Gabriella placed a document before her master.

The secret realm's gate opening was accelerated by one week because some unknown experts triggered something. All parties also agreed upon several rules to avoid great wars within the ancient secret realm due to deadly disputes over ownership of treasures or inheritances.

"..." Ely read the report from beginning to end.

The ancient secret realm's opening time was changed than the initial estimate, and only talented juniors under the Spirit Transformation Realm were allowed to enter the ancient secret realm.

The juniors would enter to take risks and fight for the treasures, while the seniors guarded outside to secure the exit and prevent the others from stealing.

It was fishy. Ely knew those old monsters didn't want to risk exploring the ancient secret realm without knowing anything.

Their lives could be lost inside the unexplored ancient secret realm, and their hundreds of years of efforts would be lost in an unknown stream of murky water.

"So, the first few batches that will enter the ancient secret realm are the suicide team and the vanguard. The seniors and elders want the said juniors to return with information about the ancient secret realm. If they are lucky, they can also obtain first-hand treasures..." Ely seemed to understand what the people from the major forces had in mind.

It was not as sweet as giving juniors a chance to find their fortuitous encounters.

"Yes, but those juniors will never know their elders' intentions." Gabriella nodded in agreement.

"Then, that is good. We will go with three teams of seven people. Elder Yuuki will act as Elder Gumiho, our backup to guarantee our escape path. Gab-chan, Raf-chan, you will lead other disciples for our exit. This will not end peacefully." Ely rested her chin on her hands as if deep in thought.

She possessed hundreds of treasures and artifacts and had many talented disciples. With Yuuki's assistance, the escape would be guaranteed. The first batch was the one who had the greatest chance to plunder all the treasures from the ancient era.

She only needed to survive the risk with the help of her disciples, and they would leave nothing behind for those old monsters. It would be like fighting over treasures with a bunch of babies, err, juniors.

"Are you sure about this? How high is your confidence, Ely?" Yuuki didn't want Ely to go to the ancient secret realm, but she knew it would be unwise to prevent Ely's intention.

"100% chance of success without causality. Here's the plan. Let me know your thoughts." Ely formed three teams to go with her to the ancient secret realm.

The vanguard and rear team consisted of three Apostles and four disciples. The mid-team only consisted of two Apostles and four disciples. Ely would disguise herself and join the mid-team.

Everyone expressed their thoughts, and the plan was successfully formed. However, it was still two weeks to go before the action.

"Phew..." Ely felt that this exploratory operation would go poorly, but she could only provide everyone with thorough preparations.

After her monthly ritual to the sacred ground beneath the Sacred Mountain, they would depart for the ancient secret realm.

She also wished to go to the Aubourus Empire in Human Realm to meet her old friend.

She could recall some memories of Evelyn. The talented mage and swordmaster, the noble princess. Her first human friend and dormmate when she attended the magic academy in the previous world, Vrelenia.

Evelyn might still be looking for her... But what if Evelyn had forgotten her and moved on?

Ely thought about it at least twice. Even so, she would still go to meet Evelyn and confirm it with her own eyes.

She drew a portrait of a beautiful girl with long hair and a graceful, princess-like appearance. The girl's expression and everything was displayed as if it was a photo.

She then coloured the painting. Emerald green eyes, healthy white skin tone, golden blonde hair, and cherry-colored lips.

"???" Ely's disciples were curious. They previously thought the girl in the painting was Gabriella, but they were wrong.

"Azra-kun, you have great connections in Aubourus Empire, right? Ragu-kun also has a profound influence there. Can you help me with something before our next operation?" Ely put the painting on the table, then looked at her fourth and ninth core disciples.

Raguel, the ninth core disciple, nodded. He would complete his master's order flawlessly.

"My connections and influence are deeply rooted there, master. Please tell me, and I will complete everything for you perfectly." Azrael's eyes lit up as he could see a golden opportunity.

"The girl in this painting was my first human friend when I attended magic academy years ago. She should currently be in Aubourus Empire, next to the sword saint in the Imperial City. Please find all the information about her, including the people associated with her. I will catch up with you in two days. Can you do it?" Ely took a deep breath. This was the first time she told her disciples a little about her past.

"Please leave it to me, master. I am more than enough to complete everything. My branch organization and companies can do this task efficiently and perfectly." Azrael took the painting immediately. He chose to move independently rather than let his junior brother share the opportunity with him on this occasion.

"Um, fine then." Ely gave her permission, but she was curious about why Azrael was so excited about this task.

"Hmm?" Ely was about to bring Yuuki into the conversation, but her amulet was vibrating and heating up. She pressed the gem on it, and the rough map appeared like a hologram.

Three of the 154 dots were bright red, and one was gray. The four disciples were currently in a place close to each other. Regardless, three disciples were seriously injured, and one was dying!

"Our people are under attack. We are moving now to save them!" Ely exclaimed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.