Chapter 214: Is it clear? (1/2)
”…huh?” Malum exclaimed. ”Why? Do you know how much of pain it is to teleport everyone on this planet without bringing that same planet along with them? Do it yourself.”
Arima snickered and pointed at the sky. ”You can listen to what he has to say before that.”
Malum raised an eyebrow and bent his neck to look up. The World Serpent sighed in fatigue and it was felt until the surface of the planet.
”A few days ago, by the universal clock, the Pillars changed their plans,” he started talking and the Guardians particularly reacted at the mention of the Pillars.
”Under the First Pillar's order and with her power, they managed to shift the position of around two thousand Planes. Right now, they're about to complete the conditions for the Stavrós Astéri,” Jorga announced and every Guardian; from Shakti to Gilgamesh, trembled.
Night, Karma, Malum, and Layla were impassive in comparison. They were just thinking about one thing at the moment: 'How long will this one take?'
”Right now, Harion and Vlad are preparing to invade Melumnia with their armies. That was their plan even before Arima started doing some stupid shit,” Jorga didn't hesitate to badmouth Arima and merely got a shrug in response.
He sighed again. ”Anyway, get out of here. This place will soon be invaded and devastated. You all know what happens to the losers of a war, right? Don't let that happen the people living here. It won't be limited to this planet only. This entire plane will also be put under the Pillars' domination and they'll use it as a strategic place to get the rest of the Reality,” he uttered and stared at Arima.
”He already knew that though. That's why he's telling you to leave with his gate.”
”Eh?” Karma made an incredulous expression and looked at Arima. ”When?”
”It's been a while already. The moment I laid out the First Black Art, I was able to hear every conversation happening on this planet. I also caught irregular magic reactions and people who seemed to be Harion's spies. I tracked them with a familiar while they were using their transfer portal, then found out what they were planning,” Arima explained and Shakti glowered.
”Don't tell me you were doing that while fighting us…”
”Nah, of course not. I figured it out while Ambrogio was introducing you all to me,” Arima smiled and Shakti pursed her lips.
'I'm not sure that's better…'
”Didn't you get that information from Yeion?” Raylein had calmed himself down and managed to ask.
”No, his professionalism was quite high. He erased his most crucial memories before dying.”
Flavio mused. ”Then what do we do? If what you're saying is true, then it's a fact that we won't be able to fend them off. Even with you, we can't hope to save everyone, particularly when you killed three of our assets. Are you proposing to simply escape Melumnia before they arrive?”
”Indeed, that's all we can do,” Arima nodded and a powerful aura suddenly made the air vibrate. Everyone looked behind him in shock; at Layla who had just absorbed Shiva's life force. Arima smirked without turning back.
”Now, let me be clear. I killed your leader… that's unfortunate. But I don't plan on apologizing or taking his place as the First Guardian. I said I would get rid of the 'Plane Guardians' eventually. I wasn't kidding.”
”My final goal is to kill the Original God as well as the Original Devil,” he declared with unshakable resolve and no one could even reply to him. They were both overwhelmed by his confidence and stunned by his insanely grand goal.
”Since I have Ambrogio's memories, it'll make things easier for me. At least, I know how to communicate with the Creators now,” he added. ”But until then, protecting this Plane is our main priority. So, Malum will bring everyone on Melumnia to somewhere safe while I expect you to follow my instructions.”
”Is it clear?” Arima's blank pupils slowly contracted and glowed.
Shakti, who was now the Guardian with the higher rank, lowered her head. ”I have no problem with that,” she accepted without any resistance. The rest followed soon after.
”I don't care anymore…” Raylein muttered and ultimately agreed with Arima's words.
”I will comply of course,” Ganesha grinned and Arima scowled at him.
”I know that you voted 'no' intentionally. I'll warn you; don't you dare plan behind my back. At the first doubt, I'll eliminate you to unravel it,” Arima coldly said and even Ganesha couldn't help to step back with an awkward smile.
”What about you?” Arima faintly directed his ears toward Aergia. She was the one whom he wanted the most to accept. Ambrogio said she had a power rivaling his. But Arima knew that it was completely wrong. It was at least two times stronger.
'But she's indeed bored and indolent. A person's nature is as it is, it can't be changed. Attitude does not equal nature. In that case, her casual strength is truly equal to Ambrogio but her full power should be something even more terrifying. Moreover…'
She silently gazed at Arima and waved her hand lazily. ”Don't worry, I'll follow you. I think you're a better option anyway. We have more chances to win with you on our side.”
Arima smiled then focused on the two remaining people.
”I… have no reason to deny you as our leader. Even if it's in name only,” Evangeline bashfully replied.
And then we had Gilgamesh who just nodded his head without saying anything. No one knew what was going through his head.
Arima clapped. ”Good, now let's review this. For now, Malum will teleport everyone out of this planet. After that, Shakti, you'll go with him to stop the Stavros Astéri. He should be more than enough to replace Shiva.”
Malum snorted with an expression screaming 'Of course' and Shakti nodded her head after glancing at him.
”Wait, why don't you let me teleport everyone? Did you forget my specialization?” Raylein spoke up.
”No, I didn't forget. But I want you to go with Evangeline, Ganesha, and Gilgamesh to gather forces. You'll be the one teleporting them,” Arima answered and Raylein's eyes widened.
Ganesha shrugged and Gilgamesh didn't have any reason to refuse. Evangeline was a bit flustered though.