Chapter 880 Defeat and Retreat

Chapter 880 Defeat and Retreat

The goddess watched as Benjamin and his team ran out, not bothering to stop them. She simply sneered and said, "Benjamin, one day, you'll willingly kneel before me!"

After escaping Herbert's mansion, there were no pursuers. The Dragon Corps members regrouped according to their pre-arranged route. When they met up, the mention of the goddess sent shivers down their spines.

A month ago, during the battle at the Divine Gate, just two Terrestrial Realm peak Divine Masters had cost the Dragon Corps nine members. This time, they encountered someone even more powerful, a Divine Realm entity, along with two Ninth-Stage Terrestrial Realm individuals.

Although James and Cameron had forcibly enhanced their abilities, everyone knew that if they had fought head-on, they might not only suffer casualties but could face total annihilation.

As the captain, Benjamin had the responsibility to ensure the safety of his team. Taking unnecessary risks was not an option, especially since the enemy had only shown a fraction of their peak power. Benjamin lacked a true understanding and assessment of their actual strength, so for now, self-preservation was the priority.

The sixteen Dragon Corps members returned to their hotel, not bothering to sleep. They grabbed their gear and drove straight to the border, almost like they were smuggling themselves back to Stonecrest.

This mission was a complete failure, thwarted before they even had a chance to act. The key reason was the appearance of the goddess.

It seemed the goddess had the ability to turn anyone with Inner Energy into a Terrestrial Realm master or even a Celestial Realm entity. This power could help her quickly assemble a world-ending army. And right now, Benjamin had no way to stop her. The most troubling part was that Benjamin's enemies weren't just the goddess. Besides her, there was also a godson, and above them both was an even more terrifying entity, the Warbringer.

According to Joseph, the Warbringer wasn't ready to be resurrected yet, but if the godson and goddess continued their actions, they might just bring him back. That guy had been the most powerful being in Stormaria for thousands of years. Given that Benjamin couldn't even defeat the godson and goddess, he had no chance against the Warbringer.

It was truly worrisome!

The gap between the two sides was now as vast as heaven and earth. If they didn't come up with some extraordinary strategy, they would be doomed.

It seemed Benjamin had only one viable option left: Somnia.

Based on Benjamin's reasoning, Somnia, who also had Divine Realm power, should be able to help others enhance their Inner Energy. Although this kind of help would be a significant shortcut, the obvious issue was that without it, the Dragon Corps might face total annihilation.

Back in the city of Stonecrest, Benjamin found a luxurious hotel and told everyone to rest for a day. This was Stormaria's territory, and no matter what, the goddess's people and Valoria's soldiers shouldn't chase them here.

Entering the hotel, Benjamin, who hadn't slept all night, felt exhausted. Without thinking, he lay down on the bed, ready to fall into a deep sleep.

Just then, Aurora walked in.

Benjamin was almost asleep, squinting his eyes in a daze and mumbling, "Aurora, what's up?"

Aurora closed the door and locked it, looking listless. "Nothing, I can't sleep."

"Why?" Benjamin was practically snoring.

"Benjamin, be honest with me. Are you hiding something from us?" Aurora asked seriously.

"Hiding something? What could I be hiding from you? You even know how many women I've been with," Benjamin said, suddenly wide awake.

"I'm not talking about that," Aurora said. "I'm talking about the goddess."

"Yeah," Benjamin said. "The goddess is too powerful. I was afraid we'd be wiped out, so I ordered the retreat. Luckily, she didn't chase us."

Aurora nodded and asked, "Do you know the goddess from before?"

"No," Benjamin said. "Today was the first time I saw her. I was as shocked as you all were. If I had known Valoria had someone like her, I wouldn't have come here for this mission."

"Yeah," Aurora said. "I remember Deathshade told you before he died to continue fighting against the godson and goddess."

"Yes," Benjamin said. "Now it seems I have no choice but to take up that mantle. It looks like the godson and goddess are building their dark army. Once their army is complete, the world will be theirs."

"What should we do?" Aurora sighed lightly, clearly never expecting to face such a huge challenge.

"Aurora, don't worry," Benjamin pulled Aurora to the bed, holding her close and whispering in her ear. "Don't worry too much about the future. Those things haven't happened yet. Remember how we were worried about fighting the Divine Gate a year or two before the battle in the underground palace? Even the strongest people have their weaknesses, and the most powerful organizations have their flaws. As long as we avoid direct confrontation and preserve our strength, we'll never lose."

"Yeah," Aurora nestled against Benjamin's chest, suddenly saying, "Honey, I miss you."

"I'm right here!" Benjamin yawned, a bit nonchalant.

"I just miss you!" Aurora said playfully. "Can't I miss you even when you're right next to me? Should I apply to miss other men?"

"No way!" Benjamin quickly responded. "I don't approve. You should keep missing me!"

"Alright," Aurora said, touching Benjamin's firm chest muscles. "Do you miss me?"

"Of course I do!" Benjamin said. "I think about you every day. But honestly, I've always seen you as a strong, independent woman. Why are you suddenly acting like a cute, playful girl today?"

"Am I cute?" Aurora asked mischievously.

"Absolutely! You're adorable!" Benjamin said. "It'd be great if you were this cute every day!"

"No!" Aurora said. "If I'm cute every day, it won't be special anymore."

"Oh? Why's that?" Benjamin asked.

"Let me ask you, do you like soda?" Aurora asked.

"Yeah, I do," Benjamin said.

Aurora asked, "If I made you drink soda every day, every meal, even gave you soda instead of water, would you still think it's good?"

Benjamin shook his head. "That would be torture."

"Exactly! Same principle," Aurora said. "If I act cute once, you might find it adorable. But if I act cute all the time, 24/7, you'd start thinking..."

"What would I think?" Benjamin asked.

"How annoying," Aurora giggled.

"That's true," Benjamin nodded. "Everyone has their limits. Exceeding those limits can lead to unpredictable consequences."

"Yeah," Aurora said. "That's why I maintain my goddess and strong woman image most of the time. Otherwise, you wouldn't appreciate my occasional cuteness."

"Wow! You're really smart!" Benjamin exclaimed. "Where did you learn this?"

"I figured it out myself!" Aurora laughed. "I read books when I'm bored, and I learned from them."

"Oh!" Benjamin said. "Do you read books on physiology?"

"Physiology?" Aurora was puzzled. "What kind of physiology?"

"Like books on sexual health," Benjamin grinned mischievously.

Aurora blushed, lowering her head. "You rascal! Why don't you just say sex?"

"No, no, that's not right!" Benjamin said. "Jumping straight to sex lacks romance. I prefer talking to a girl first."

"Talking and then having sex?" Aurora laughed.

"Exactly!" Benjamin held Aurora tightly. "Just like this." As he spoke, Benjamin's hand slipped under Aurora's white nightgown.

"You're so naughty!" Aurora scolded playfully. "Weren't you tired and ready to sleep? Why are you suddenly interested in teasing me? What, not tired anymore?"

Benjamin's hands roamed Aurora's chest. "I was tired, but hearing your sweet voice woke me up! Isn't that strange?"

Aurora giggled, squirming to avoid Benjamin's advances, but she couldn't escape. Instead, Benjamin held her tighter.

"Stop! It hurts!" Aurora said softly.

"If it hurts, don't move," Benjamin said.

Aurora obediently stopped moving, letting Benjamin's hands roam freely over her supple chest.

Aurora's breathing grew heavier, her face showing a mix of pleasure and pain. She looked at Benjamin, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

"Baby, say you love me," Benjamin said.

"Mm, I love you," Aurora said obediently.

Encouraged by Aurora's words, Benjamin's hands became more daring. He lifted Aurora, letting her straddle his waist as he lay on the bed, facing her.

Benjamin unbuttoned Aurora's nightgown one by one, peeling it off and tossing it aside.

Aurora looked at Benjamin with a seductive gaze, both encouraging and teasing.

Aurora wasn't wearing a bra, allowing Benjamin's hands to explore her breasts directly.

"Ah..." Aurora moaned softly, her eyes filled with a dreamy look. She unbuttoned Benjamin's shirt, but in her haste, she accidentally tore off two buttons.