Chapter 1115 (1/2)

Randidly’s jaw dropped. That… that man is actually empowering his image directly with Aether!

It was enough of a shock to see someone with such a firm and detailed image on Earth that was not him. Not that Randidly believed he was particularly special, but his experience on Tellus gave him a huge advantage in developing an image. It was due to that experience that he had seen how problematic Donnyton’s image was and took actions to rectify it.

Honestly, before Randidly came to the frontlines and spent so much time refining his Willpower, he wasn’t sure who would have won in a direct confrontation against this image. But that was nothing compared to the shock of seeing that this man possessed the capability to manipulate Aether, even if it was the blunt sort of manipulation similar to what the System did so that his Judgement overwhelmed Randidly.

Randidly’s gaze sharpened as he looked at this Straud more closely with Aether Detection activated. Definitely Aether. Does that mean… he also possesses an Aether Crossroads. Then he might be one of the other experiments supported by the Creature…

The more Randidly looked at the man’s cruelty, the more it seemed like this connection to the Creature was the only logical explanation for his shocking strength. With his mouth pressed into a thin line, Randidly’s gaze shifted to Ezekiel and Ace. A really strange combination of people… and although dad didn’t end up the one who was committing the murders… it is also obvious that he’s been killing something to maintain his Stats and gain all these Skills.

Then Randidly focused on Ace. And you… Ace, why-

“Do your worst,” Ace roared. The image behind him roiled and rejoined from its bisected form. As it spun, a figure of seawater and metal came back with an even more imposing presence. Randidly couldn’t help but be impressed to see how much Ace was improving with each strike. It really was like every attack he received gave Ace a bit of insight into the power of images that he could make his own.

As always, Ace’s talent was monstrous. Much more than Randidly had ever been, his former best friend was something of a genius.

“Then let’s settle this now,” Straud said as he poured more Aether into his rider. Even through the Nether Ritual, Randidly could feel the heavy pressure that radiated off of the image. However, Randidly also noticed how pale Straud was becoming as he channeled energy into the attack. It seemed this process was not costless for him “Then we-”

“Ha, are you an idiot?”

Ace hopped lightly backward, all of the power in his image dissipating. He landed next to Ezekiel, who had rapidly activated a Skill with several sharp gestures. Ace shook his head sadly at Straud. “Remember, you are just a stand-in for the real deal. If you won’t serve me? Why waste time dealing with you?”

“You-!” Straud was so furious that he spat saliva out with the word. But Ezekiel already raised his arms and a strange formation filled the air.

“Long Distance Teleportation!”

With a pop, Randidly’s focus was dragged after the three as they crossed space and time. A half-second later, they were standing on the rocky beach of an island as waves crashed below and sprayed salt into the air. Of the three, the woman took the arrival the worst. When they suddenly appeared, she took a steadying step and stuck her foot into a tide pool.

As she was windmilling her arms to keep her balance, Ezekiel stretched out and put a steadying hand on her shoulder to help maintain her balance.

“Get your hand off me,” The woman said stiffly, but it was clear that a lot of her earlier fire was extinguished. Looking around, she asked, “And where did you take me?”

“A place that’s safe,” Ezekiel said. “We wanted to ask you a favor. To help heal someone. So-”

Before Ezekiel could continue, Ace swayed and then collapsed. Ezekiel had to hop forward and seize the other man so he didn’t fall off of their perch into the water frothing around the rocks below.

The woman raised an eyebrow. “...is he the one who needs to be healed?”

“Well, not more than you can currently see.” Then Ezekiel shook his head and gave the woman a firm glance. “Look, I’m not gonna try and hide the fact we want to use you, but it doesn’t have to be a one-way street. I understand that you hold quite a bit of resentment to the sibling duo that currently rules Zone 19 after the actions they took in the Raid Dungeon.”

For the first time, the woman seemed genuinely surprised. “How did you-”

“Lucky guess,” Ezekiel said with a sharp smile. He heaved Ace over his shoulder and walked next to the woman. “For now, follow me back to our cabin. We can rest for a few hours… then we can talk business. And if you don’t agree… I promise on the life of my son that I will take you back to your cabin. You can return to face down that Straud all by your own, if you want.”