Chapter 958: Meeting
Fort Rindo, Giza Continent.
A middle-aged man with short blonde hair and yellow eyes stood beside the window, gazing out at the landscape beyond the mansion. He was clad in exquisite armor that emitted a potent energy, marking him unmistakably as Bargan Hevifield, the Flame Master.
Seated not far from Bargan were a man and a woman, engaged in conversation on a plush sofa.
The man boasted a thick chestnut beard and closely cropped hair of the same hue. His attire, crafted from fine materials, bespoke his status as the Admiral of Fort Rindo's naval army: Admiral Geopaz.
The woman, garbed in a mage robe that concealed much of her form, possessed bright eyes, cherry lips, and long brown hair cascading down her shoulders. Adorned with delicate earrings and wristbands, she was none other than Shimley, the Ascendant Storm—a Hero-rank adventurer hired by Admiral Geopaz. All three individuals had ascended to the pinnacle of Hero-rank, having shattered the tenth shackles and reached the coveted Freedom Realm, as known in God's Continent.
"The demons... Do you think they'll attempt to traverse the waters?" Shimley inquired, turning her gaze to Bargan.
"With the collapse of the Heretic's Dynasty and the significant losses suffered by the Gigantis Kingdom, surviving remnants are scrambling to endure. The demons, however, have remained dormant since you vanquished their main force," Admiral Geopaz responded.
"They're amassing near Heaven's Mount. Should the Demon Pillar emerge, the Gigantis Kingdom's deities will confront him. The plan seems sound, but I can't shake this foreboding feeling," Bargan remarked, his eyes narrowing in concern.
"True, everything is proceeding remarkably smoothly. But therein lies the cause for concern," Admiral Geopaz added.
"Isn't that a positive sign?" Shimley interjected.
"In theory, yes. But it also raises suspicions. There's a possibility that the demons are orchestrating events to deceive us into believing our plans are unfolding predictably," Admiral Geopaz explained.
"What if... there's another Demon Army infiltrating our continent? At present, the situation in the Listen Wastes remains uncertain, so if a secondary force were to arrive..." Bargan's voice trailed off, the implication clear.
"You're suggesting they might assault the Gigantis Kingdom from multiple fronts? The demons amassing at Heaven's Mount could be merely a decoy," Admiral Geopaz surmised, grasping Bargan's implication.
"It would be a gruesome conflict. We must brace ourselves for the worst," Shimley concurred, her expression grim. Then, a thought struck her. "Wait, I've heard rumors that the Mechanic Country intends to deploy its forces against the demons. Is there any truth to this?"
"Indeed. They plan to mobilize, but their arrival won't be immediate. If we wait for their intervention, it might be too late for the Gigantis Kingdom. Moreover, the Mechanic Country's alliance with us is uncertain. Reports suggest they'll navigate the waters to reach the Listen Wastes directly," Admiral Geopaz clarified.
The situation was dire. If only the Three Great Countries could commit their forces, things might have been more manageable. However, their wariness of the Bringers of Calamity, especially after the sighting of the Zodiac Leo in the Giza Continent, prevented them from doing so. The memory of the Zodiacs' previous assault on the Three Great Countries decades ago loomed large, adding to their caution. With reports of Gula's rampage in God's Continent, the chaos only intensified.
"What if the Zodiacs follow Gula's lead? A war between the Three Great Countries and the Zodiacs would be catastrophic," Shimley voiced, echoing the concerns shared by many.
"That's why the Three Great Countries are bolstering their forces," Bargan affirmed, his expression grim with resolve. "I'll escalate our response this time. I'll personally confront the demons at the Demigod Rank and Hero-rank. Support me in containing them, and I'll ensure their eradication. Though we may not be able to fully divert our attention to the Gigantis Kingdom, eliminating key Demigods and Hero-rank demons will ease their burden."
...
Somewhere in the God's Continent.
Alexander sat before a stone tablet, his eyes closed in deep concentration. After a while, he opened them, a determined expression on his face. "It seems that I have to return to the Hall Plains," he murmured to himself.
His preparations were complete. The ancient ruins he had left behind remained untouched, their secrets known only to him. He alone held the key to activating the main mechanism.
As Alexander pondered his next move, he sensed a presence entering the hall. His attention shifted to the newcomer: Princess Yaniesvyl of the Heiro Kingdom.
"I bring news," Yaniesvyl announced, her gaze fixed on Alexander, awaiting his response.
"It's about the initial clash between the Gluttony Army and the Alliance Army. The Blood Lightning Monster participated in the battle and displayed unparalleled combat prowess. He defeated several top experts of the Gluttony Army. His name is on the lips of countless people at this moment," Yaniesvyl explained.
The news surprised her. She hadn't expected the Blood Lightning Monster to take to the frontline, but considering his affiliation with a God's Legion, it made sense.
"It was said that a mythical-grade fruit appeared on the battlefield. A battle ensued for the fruit, and the Blood Lightning Monster emerged victorious, claiming the fruit for himself," Yaniesvyl added.
"A mythical fruit...!?" Alexander was taken aback. "If a fruit of that caliber is appearing now, I fear there may be more to come. The Imperium is heading for greater chaos."
He rose from his seat, straightening his clothes. "Let's go. It seems I need to return to the Hall Plains immediately. There's something I must confirm there."
...
Eru Empire, God's Continent.
Esquin sat upon his throne, attentively listening to the reports from his subordinates regarding the battles across the three lands.
After a while, he turned his gaze towards the window and remarked, "So, in the end, they failed to breach the All Filter Barrier Formation?"
The silence of his subordinates spoke volumes, confirming the failure of the mission in the Selnes Country. The battle had resulted in significant losses as the Alliance Army made a decisive move.
"A mythical-grade fruit has appeared earlier... The final burst is imminent," Esquin muttered to himself. He then addressed his subordinates, commanding, "Set up all the Bloodstones... Despite this setback, we must proceed with the plan. We need to present a formidable front to the Alliance Army."
"My Lord, what about the issues in the smaller regions?"
"Leave those matters to the organizations under our command. They can handle the affairs of the various smaller countries," Esquin instructed.
Suddenly, Esquin paused, sensing something amiss. He fixed his gaze upon his subordinates and ordered, "Get out."
The subordinates respectfully bowed their heads and promptly vacated the throne room, obediently following their Lord's command.
After a brief interval, a crimson figure materialized in the chamber. It lacked a discernible face, its form a pure, uninterrupted red.
Surveying the room, the figure spoke, "The energy fluctuations here are intense and erratic. The demise of the gods of this land... You have indeed ignited a conflict."
"Why have you come?" Esquin inquired, his tone devoid of emotion.
"Gula, is this truly your course of action?" the figure countered.
"Yes, time is running out. This is my final recourse. I must proceed, regardless of the consequences. If you seek to impede me, you must do so forcibly," Esquin asserted.
"There is still time," the red figure retorted.
"Superbia, do not attempt to dissuade me, or I will be compelled to engage you in combat. You comprehend the nature of my actions. Even if my efforts prove futile, the major factions in this realm will not emerge unscathed. It is undoubtedly advantageous to whatever designs you harbor," Esquin declared, his gaze steely as his aura intensified, causing the ground to tremble beneath him.
"Very well... But be mindful, the factions in this continent wield considerable power," cautioned Superbia.
"I am well aware. Were they not formidable, I would not have remained in concealment for so long. You should rouse your true form, Superbia. The world is undergoing rapid change," Esquin urged.
"When the moment is right, I shall awaken," Superbia affirmed before vanishing from sight.
Esquin furrowed his brow. He sensed that Superbia awaited a specific juncture.
That enigmatic entity had played a role in various global events and was undoubtedly connected to the catastrophe that befell the Hall Plains.
The extent of Superbia's involvement remained shrouded in mystery to Esquin, who lacked comprehensive knowledge of the matter.
The once tranquil God's Continent now found itself thrust into the throes of conflict, its landscape scorched by the flames of war. Gluttony's proactive stance further exacerbated the dire situation.
This was merely the beginning.
The Selnes Country, Fedru Republic, and Bruim Principality emerged as the primary theaters of war, witnessing countless clashes as various factions mobilized to repel Gluttony's advances.
Simultaneously, chaos engulfed numerous smaller regions across the continent, with some nations succumbing to the onslaught, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.
Meanwhile, in the southern reaches of the continent, the demons bided their time, observing the unfolding chaos. They awaited the opportune moment, poised to strike when their adversaries had been sufficiently weakened.