★41
THIRD POV
Somewhere in the forest.
Yami sensed Eren's location and went back.
"Eren."
"Heh...Ya...Yami? Where did you go all of a sudden?"
She flinched at his sudden appearance.
"We've been attacked."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"The Star Island was invaded, and more than half of its people were killed."
"I. Impossible...let's head back then."
Eren and her two companions were shocked at this revelation. However, before she could make a move, Yami blocked her path.
"I wouldn't come back if it's not settled."
"...still we need to go now.."
"We can't know. They are preparing for battle tomorrow. I've been giving orders to continue my journey. I can't go against that."
Eren was speechless as she knew Yami would never break an order. She had no choice but to give up
"O...ok.. but...what about the dead people?"
"His majesty will take care of it. Now let's continue.."
He took the lead.
Sai also came back to the Eastern Empire straight to Damrada. He appeared just like that in his room.
"Forgive me...for my sudden departure."
"S...sai?...well, I didn't care about that anyway. I knew you'd come back."
"...I'd like to apologise to his Majesty too."
The two set off to the majesty's hall and knelt. They waited, and he came out of the curtain blocking him. Behind him were the Marshal and Tatsuya Kondou.
"I..."
"Shut up! Who permitted you to speak!?"
The Marshal, as usual.
"It's all right...go on Sai."
Rudra gestured for her to keep quiet.
"Forgive me for the trouble I've caused."
"Trouble? O, yeah, you did freeze the coliseum, and for some reason, it's not melting. Luckily, no one was turned into an ice sculpture. "
"..."
"Not that I care. But you've pulled out an outrageous fight. It's fair to say you won."
"I appreciate it, but. I'll take the number 3 as a shadow."
Sai suggested.
"What?"
"I might be stronger than Damrada, but I can't just replace his rank. Instead, I'll be between single digit 003 and 004."
"If that's the case, then you're still not within the Imperial Guardians. I mean, based on what you said. 'You can't just replace them like that'."
"..."
"But... you have the potential, and I'll grant you that status that doesn't exist. Sai, I hereby appoint you as a Single Digit 00."
Everyone was surprised by the Emperor's declaration, but no one complained.
"The number doesn't matter, but you're undoubtedly the strongest. However, as you wish, you're below Damrada but higher than him in rank."
"I Sai... accept this status and will be of use to his majesty till death reaches me."
"Now then...I'll give you a gift."
"G.. gift?"
"Yes, all Single Digits have a piece of this. You'll be no exception."
Rudra spread his fingers towards Sai, and a light entered his body.
"By the ultimate enchantment, I have given you one of the strongest Ultimate Skills and a component of the angelic system skill Ultimate Skill Lord of Dominion Melchizedek."
"I can feel it... What else does this add to me?"
"It grants you the ability to instantly analyse the target's power and put it under control. Perfect for someone like you, I'd say.'
"Indeed. I truly accept this gift. I'll use these powers in your cause."
"One more thing. Where did you go?"
The Emperor asked & Sai took a moment before answering.
"The individual who found me was in danger. To me, he is the most important person."
"Found you?"
He nodded.
"I'm an otherworlder. After being summoned, I managed to escape from my summoner, who was later reported dead. He came to my aid while I was lying in the forest, helpless. Give me a home, food, and train me."
"Hmm, whatever. You can go."
Not finding his backstory worth his time, the Emperor dismissed him.
"Then pardon me, your highness."
They bowed and left, leaving the Emperor and the Marshal.
"So, did it work?"
She asked.
Rudra clenched his fist and spoke with a smile.
"He's mine now."
Later that day, in the night, Asteri stood in front of Hinamatsuri's healed corpse, which was dressed in a white and gold majestic gown. With permission, Ramiris flew into the room.
"Umm... sorry for not being here."
She apologised for not being there when he could've needed her, but Asteri gave off a different question.
"What did I do wrong, Ramiris? I can't find the answer. All I did was save people, and someone had a problem with that."
"..this.."
"According to Atlas, Annie and her village were the last sacrifice for Mimon to awaken as a True Demon Lord. Was that my mistake?"
He shook his head, his long white hair swaying.
"Whatever. I'll do it again and again no matter who's against me... I'll simply cut them down mercilessly."
"I'll talk to Guy and see if..."
"Don't you dare."
His voice startled Ramiris.
"He came for me, I'd be a coward if I left him for someone. I'll simply repay that favour tomorrow. You can go home now."
He dismissed her as if saying this has nothing to do with you. But Ramiris is Ramiris, so she refused
"I...I chose to stay."
"Whatever."
Asteri vanished and appeared suspended in the air, facing the star above the palace. Closing his eyes, he put his hand on it.
<
...
...
...
The next day, in the evening, everyone was preparing for battle. No, they are always ready.
It was time, and they were ready. They all lined up before the palace with Asteri and Shinn hovering above them.
"Well, it's time, guys."
<
<
They spoke telepathically.
"You all know your locations now; set free and bring victory to this island."
Shinn gave the command.
Eto teleported to Raja's kingdom with 20 demons and an additional 10 from Atlas's previous party.
"Remain in spirit."
He issued the order and entered the kingdom to meet with the queen.
"E.. Eto san.."
He nodded, and she understood it was time.
Shinn, Elaine, and twenty-five Demons bolstered by five more from Atlas's contingent remained to guard the island.
Black clouds churned on the horizon, swallowing the sky above the Kingdom of Harley Clown. At their head strode Majo, flanked by an army of forty-five Arch Demons, a rolling tide of shadow that devoured the daylight.
Across the fields, Atlas and Ban stood before the gates of El Dorado, statues of calm before the storm.
Asteri materialised in the sky; the nation below unfurled like a chessboard beneath his gaze. He looked down once, cold, composed and then spoke, voice carrying over every wind.
"Let's begin."
To be continued...