"But I had to move on, too," Joseph said, his voice softening. "And I believe your mother, Yukio, has as well. But that doesn’t mean I don’t still love her. I would give up my life for her any day, at any time. Even when we’re not together, I’d still sacrifice so much for her."

  Joseph's words were imbued with warmth, his heart bared.

  "Do you really mean that?" Josephine asked, her voice trembling, a tear slipping down her cheek. She didn’t look at him, but Joseph’s response was unwavering.

  "Yes, I mean it."

  A relieved sigh escaped Josephine as she wiped her eyes, and for a moment, silence filled the air between them. The weight of the years apart seemed to ease in that instant. Then Joseph, ever the father, changed the subject, asking her why she had come.

  "I wanted to see you," she answered, her voice steady now, "After all these years."

  Joseph smiled at her, the fondness in his eyes unmistakable. "I’ve missed you too. So much. I remember your childhood, the little moments, the laughter we shared. I’ll never forget those."

  A soft laugh escaped Josephine as she wiped the last of her tears. Then, without warning, she embraced him, her arms holding him with the warmth of a father and daughter reunited. The hug lingered for a moment before they gently pulled apart.

  "Look at you," Joseph said, his voice filled with pride. "All grown up, beautiful, and strong. Stronger than I am, and even more powerful than I’ll ever be."

  Josephine chuckled, but he wasn't finished. "You know, I’m actually quite jealous. You and your siblings—none of you have that seal on your forehead," he said teasingly, and they both laughed. The bond between them, despite the years, felt as solid as ever.

  But then Josephine stood, her expression softening. "I have to leave," she said, her voice quieter now.

  Joseph’s heart sank a little, the sadness creeping in. He had just begun to build a bridge to his daughter again. He looked at her, his eyes searching for an answer. "Will I ever see you again?" he asked, though he knew the unspoken truth in her silence.

  She didn’t answer.

  Joseph nodded, his smile a mask to hide the sadness that threatened to spill over. "Goodbye, Father," she said softly, before vanishing into thin air.

  Joseph stood still for a long moment, his chest heavy with emotions he couldn't shake. He exhaled sharply, as though physically hurt by the weight of his own feelings. But he knew, deep down, that he couldn’t afford to dwell on it. There was a mission at stake, one that demanded all his focus.

  With a quiet resolve, he turned, making his way back to his guest house. The next day would bring the start of the mission. He couldn’t let his emotions get in the way of what needed to be done.

  The following morning, Joseph and his team prepared for their mission. Alongside them were Kouta and a few of his warriors, while the remaining forces of Nagano stayed behind to defend the city, should the unexpected arise.

  As they ventured out of the city and into the wasteland, Joseph’s team engaged in light conversations, sharing stories and banter with Kouta's warriors. Despite the camaraderie around him, Joseph seemed distant, his usual upbeat demeanor absent. His silence did not go unnoticed by Mari, who had been observing him quietly. There was something about his mood, something that felt off. It wasn’t like him to retreat into himself during moments like these.

  Sensing his inner turmoil, Mari approached him, her steps soft as she gently inquired, “Joseph, is everything alright?”

  Joseph offered a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m fine, Mari. Don’t worry about me.”

  But Mari could see through the fa?ade. She knew something was weighing on him, even if he wasn’t ready to share it. Without pressing him further, she gave him a warm, comforting smile. “I may not know what’s going on in your mind, but I hope you find peace with it. Whatever it is, I believe you have the courage to face it.”

  Joseph’s heart warmed at her words. He was grateful for her kindness, even if he wasn’t ready to open up. “Thank you, Mari,” he replied softly, watching her walk away, leaving him to wrestle with his thoughts.

  Before long, Yuki’s voice broke the silence. He had been debating with Yoshinori, arguing passionately with one of Kouta’s warriors over what the most powerful, ineffable ability could be—something beyond definition, a force beyond comprehension. Their discussion was spirited, and when the question was directed at Joseph, all eyes turned to him, eagerly awaiting his response.

  At first, Joseph was quiet, contemplating the question carefully. His gaze shifted briefly to Mari, who gave him a slight nod, a silent encouragement. He smiled back at her, appreciating the support. Joseph cleared his throat and clenched a fist in front of his mouth, a small gesture to gather his thoughts before speaking.

  “They would be described as ineffable,” he said with a knowing smile, his words simple but carrying weight. The group fell silent for a moment, stunned by the answer.

  Yuki, grinning from ear to ear, turned to Yoshinori and the Kouta warrior. “See? Told you!” he boasted triumphantly. Mai joined in, high-fiving Yuki in celebration. Yoshinori, however, remained unconvinced, shaking his head, refusing to accept Joseph’s answer.

  Joseph’s smile never faltered as he tried to explain further. “It’s about the limits of power, the things beyond our understanding. Something that defies all attempts to quantify it.”

  When Yoshinori still didn’t seem satisfied, Joseph suggested, “If you’re not sure, perhaps we should ask my XPT. It can give you a clearer perspective.” The group agreed, and as if on cue, Joseph's XPT chimed in with its calm, analytical voice.

  "Terms like that often arise in speculative cosmology and debates about cosmic hierarchies, where they describe levels of existence or power that transcend conventional limits," the XPT explained. “Let’s break down these terms and explore their implications to better understand the true meaning of such concepts.”

  Joseph listened as the XPT continued, the team engrossed in the explanation, but for a moment, Joseph’s thoughts drifted, caught between the uncertainty of the mission ahead and the warmth of the connection he’d shared with Mari. The journey had only just begun, but he couldn’t shake the weight of what lingered in his heart.

  As Joseph's XPT presented the breakdown of the cosmology hierarchy, the group listened intently, their curiosity piqued by the complex concepts and the weight of each definition. The air was thick with the challenge of grasping such abstract ideas, yet Joseph’s calm presence seemed to anchor them as the XPT laid out the intricacies of power.

  "Let's begin with Boundless," the XPT's voice resonated clearly in the stillness. "A being defined as Boundless has no limits, no boundaries. It exists beyond all dimensions, time, and even the very notion of existence itself. It is not restrained by any concept, and thus, it is often considered the ultimate pinnacle of power."

  The group absorbed the words, each of them contemplating the enormity of a power so immense that it could transcend every known framework.

  "Then, we have Transcendent," the XPT continued. "A Transcendent being surpasses ordinary existence, going beyond physical reality, time, or space. It exists above the natural laws of a given universe, but it may still be tied to some overarching system, meaning it remains within a larger, though higher, structure. It is powerful but not beyond all frameworks."

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Yuki, who had been listening with great interest, frowned slightly. "So, it's like being higher than the system but not free from it, right?"

  "Exactly," the XPT confirmed, "which is why it’s not considered the pinnacle—there are more advanced stages."

  The explanation deepened. "Then we have Absolute Transcendent—a state of being that completely transcends all dimensions, concepts, and frameworks, nearing omnipotence. It’s far more powerful than a mere Transcendent but still potentially not beyond all boundaries."

  Joseph's gaze briefly flickered toward Mari as the explanation unfolded, her earlier comforting words echoing in his mind. He could feel the weight of their journey ahead, but in this moment, the talk of ultimate power somehow gave him a sense of reassurance—there was a kind of order to it all, something tangible in the midst of uncertainty.

  “Following that is True Transcendent," the XPT went on, "which represents the ultimate form of transcendence. This being is completely free from any framework, logic, or existence. It can be considered synonymous with Boundless in some systems, though it tends to be viewed as a potential but not definitive form of the highest power."

  "And after True Transcendent?" asked Yoshinori, clearly eager to understand more.

  "After True Transcendent, we enter into the realm of Outerversal beings," the XPT explained. "These entities exist beyond dimensional structures, beyond the multiverse itself. While incredibly powerful, they are still a step below Boundless, as they are part of the system of 'beyond dimensions' but not completely detached from it."

  "Wait, so that means there’s a hierarchy even among beings that exist beyond dimensions?" Yuki asked.

  "Yes," the XPT responded, "just as in any system of power, there is always something beyond."

  The XPT moved on, its voice flowing seamlessly through each level. "Hyperversal beings operate on a higher-dimensional level, above entire universes or multiverses with infinite dimensions. While immense in power, they remain within the framework of the multiverse."

  Joseph’s thoughts swirled as the distinctions between each level became clearer. The idea of Infinite beings, entities with unlimited potential but still within a specific framework, made him reflect on the constraints even the mightiest powers might face.

  "And then there's Eternal," the XPT added. "These beings exist without beginning or end, embodying timelessness and immortality. While they endure forever, they remain within the bounds of a system."

  The explanation continued, but a final piece of the puzzle was still to be revealed.

  "Finally, we come to Ineffable," the XPT said, pausing as if to emphasize its importance. "A being described as Ineffable cannot be understood, described, or even conceptualized. It exists beyond all comprehension, defying any attempt at definition. It’s often associated with divinity, something beyond our understanding, something that cannot be framed by any logic or system. Ineffable power surpasses Boundless, not by being limitless, but by being unknowable."

  There was a long silence after the XPT's words settled in. Joseph glanced at his team, his gaze lingering on Mari. He understood now, in a way he hadn’t before, the weight of the unknown they were all facing. There were powers beyond their comprehension—ineffable, transcendent, boundless—but what mattered most was the journey ahead, not the ultimate pinnacle.

  "So," Yuki said, breaking the silence, "I guess that means the most powerful beings are the ones that can’t even be defined, right?"

  Joseph smiled, nodding slightly. "Exactly. Some things are too great to be contained by words or concepts. And that's what makes them so powerful."

  The conversation continued, but for Joseph, the idea of ineffable power lingered in his mind like a distant star—something to strive toward, something to seek, even if it could never truly be understood.

  After hours of trekking through the desolate wasteland, the group arrived at a strange and unfamiliar junction—a split in the path that had never appeared on their maps. Kouta stood at the crossroads, his brow furrowed in confusion. “This... this wasn’t here before,” he muttered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “Which path leads to the Demon Lord?”

  The others gathered around, eyes scanning the paths that stretched before them, each as treacherous and unknown as the last. Joseph, however, stepped forward with calm assurance. Placing a hand on Kouta’s shoulder, he spoke in his usual confident tone. “We’ll split up,” Joseph suggested. “You and your team take one path. My team will take the other. We’ll cover more ground and find the Demon Lord quicker that way.”

  Kouta hesitated, uncertainty swirling in his mind, but he knew Joseph’s decision was sound. With a reluctant nod, he agreed. Without further discussion, each group set off in a different direction, hoping to find the right way.

  Kouta and his team found themselves heading toward a stronghold of the Demon Lord’s minions, where they were guarding the powerful biotech weapon.

  On the other hand, Joseph’s path was smooth and swift. They encountered only minor resistance, dispatching demons with practiced ease, moving ever closer to their destination. Soon, the air grew thick with a palpable sense of foreboding as they neared what could only be the Demon Lord’s lair.

  It wasn’t long before they found themselves standing before her—the Demon Lord. She appeared from the shadows like a dark vision made real, her presence commanding and unyielding. The first thing they noticed was her striking beauty. She was tall, lithe, and fluid in her movements, exuding an almost unnatural grace. Her crimson skin gleamed in the dim light, so smooth and flawless that they could see their reflections upon it. From her head to her feet, she was perfection—a terrifying vision of beauty and power.

  Her tail swayed behind her, its trident-like tip flicking with deadly elegance, as though it were a weapon in itself. The men could barely tear their eyes away from her. Joseph, Yuki, and Yoshinori stood frozen for a moment, struggling to reconcile the creature before them with the terror they had been prepared for. She was no mere demon—her beauty was so divine, so otherworldly, that it was almost impossible to believe she was truly the Demon Lord.

  Her beauty was so overwhelming, so divine in its perfection, that for an instant, they questioned whether they had been deceived. Was this truly a demon, or had they somehow stumbled upon a fallen angel cursed to walk this dark path? Even now, she retained the radiance of divinity, a cursed beauty that defied the darkness she embodied..

  For a fleeting moment, they considered the possibility that they were facing not a demon, but a fallen angel. Her radiance, even in the shadows, suggested divinity—a being cursed to fall, yet blessed with beauty beyond mortal comprehension. A goddess twisted into darkness, now ruling as a Demon Lord.

  The silence between them stretched, heavy with disbelief and awe. Then, Joseph, ever the leader, broke the tension. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of hesitation beneath it. “Are you... the Demon Lord?”

  Her lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. Her gaze swept over them, not with malice, but with a kind of eerie amusement, as though she had been expecting them all along. She stepped forward, her presence almost suffocating in its intensity.

  It was then that Joseph’s team realized—this wasn’t just any demon lord. This was something more. The beauty, the power, the air of invincibility—it was all too overwhelming. But what came next from Joseph was something none of them had anticipated.

  With a calm yet intense gaze, Joseph, standing at the forefront of his team, spoke the words that none of them had dared to utter aloud. “I didn’t expect... this.”

  The Demon Lord tilted her head slightly, her smile widening, and for the first time, the men understood: they were not dealing with just a fearsome ruler of darkness. They were standing before a force of nature, one whose allure could captivate and destroy in equal measure. And what Joseph said next—what he did next—would change the course of their fate forever.

  Seeing her massive cleavage flaunting in his face, Joseph collapsed to the ground, unconscious. His abrupt fall stunned everyone, including the female demon lord, who stood frozen in disbelief.

  "You killed our leader!" Yuki shouted at the demon lord, his voice filled with panic.

  "But I didn’t even touch him!" she snapped back, equally angry and confused.

  "Touch him?" Yoshinori yelled, pointing accusingly at her. "It was your massive... your obscene... your perverted breasts that killed him!"

  The demon lord raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? Your leader collapsed because of my breasts? You’re calling me the pervert?"

  Mai chimed in, shaking her head in frustration. "He’s unbelievably powerful, but his greatest weakness is—well, that and tasteless food," she muttered, shooting a sideways glance at Mari.

  "He was temporarily killed, but it took him three days to resurrect," she added.

  Mari, embarrassed, whispered, "It was one time! My cooking isn’t that bad..."

  Ignoring the brief distraction, the group continued their bickering. "Now, thanks to your, uh, immodest display, it’ll take our leader three days to rise from the dead," Yuki said, grimacing.

  The female demon lord smirked. "You mean my breasts? That’s rich, considering your ‘all-powerful’ leader can be undone by a little cleavage."

  "For someone so powerful, he’s surprisingly easy to defeat," she added with a soft chuckle. "What’s next? Blindfolds to keep him safe from temptation?"

  "Actually, yes!" Yoshinori replied, his face serious. "Our leader usually avoids fighting females unless absolutely necessary, and even then, he wears a blindfold to block out any unnecessary distractions. He clearly didn’t use it this time!"

  The demon lord let out a low laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "So, the invincible warrior is rendered helpless by a little skin? Pathetic. And here I’m not even the most powerful demon lord out there... or the sexiest."

  The entire crew gasped in unison. "What?!" they shouted, horrified at the realization.

  Mari comrade muttered softly, "There’s no way master Joseph can win if every female demon lord is this… provocative. Especially if their islands are filled with women like her..."

  "Wow! I can't believe their islands are filled with big-breasted demon lords," Yuki muttered to himself with a smirk, his thoughts turning lewd. "An island where a man could die happy." His grin widened, lost in his fantasies.

  He was abruptly snapped out of it when a Mai jabbed him in the ribs with an annoyed look.

  "Quit thinking dirty, you pervert," Mai scolded, her frown deepening. "We’ve got a real situation to deal with right in front of us." Her sharp tone left him momentarily stunned, bringing him back to reality.