Chapter 271 - Chapter 25 - Part 7 - Zhao Quan's Decision

Shirone Toujou's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

"W-what are you even saying!? Are you serious, nya? And wait… she has a sister!?" Kuroka shouted, hands clawing at her cheeks like she was trying to snap herself out of some fever dream.

The revelation hit harder than I expected. It wasn't just shocking—it was baffling. Virion had always mentioned having only one daughter. That was all he ever let slip, right? If there was another, it meant one of two things: either we were all being lied to, or there were pieces of the story no one had dared to share.

Aaron's voice, calm but pointed, sliced through the confusion. "Virion and Aelin thought they were incapable of having children. Desperation pushed them to seek the Saerstial who lived on this planet. Few knew it existed here, but he did. Being an Eradicator, he always knew. That's how they found her: Eilona, The Wish Maker, and her twin aspect, Cindersilk, The Songstress of Soured Wishes. Two beings sharing one essence." His words came slow, deliberate, as if he were explaining something carved into the foundation of this world. He paused, eyes locked on the massive glass tube before us.

"Y-you mean…" I started but couldn't bring myself to finish. The words stuck in my throat, refusing to leave.

Aaron continued without hesitation, his tone measured but laced with something that felt like resignation. "After Virion and Aelin sought out Eilona, she granted their wish. But there was a condition—a cruel one. They didn't know what it was at first, but the price turned out to be the life of the unborn child Aelin was already carrying. Even that wasn't enough, though. Cindersilk stepped in. Her interference… split the child."

"Split… the child?" Kuroka repeated, her confusion mirroring mine. Her brows knitted as if trying to unravel a problem with too many missing pieces.

"One part of the child grew normally, eventually becoming her father's most trusted confidant after Aelin's death. The other part, however… it never matured. It couldn't grow. Stuck in a perpetual state, unchanged and frozen in time. And worse, anytime the younger half tries to speak about it, the thought disappears, the words erased as if they were never there."

Aaron let the explanation settle before continuing. "As for the older half, they suffer in their own way. Sometimes, they lose track of their actions, forgetting what they've done. It's the result of being incomplete. Only when both halves are reunited—merged—will they become whole again. But there's a final cost. One of them has to vanish completely."

He turned to face us, his expression unchanged. "When that part disappears, everything they did… will vanish from memory. No matter how hard they try to prevent it, it's inevitable."

I hesitated, piecing together the fragments of what he'd said. The explanation began to make sense, but one detail bothered me. "What about the younger one?" I asked, my voice firm. "The memories—does that mean people on this planet forget things too?"

Aaron nodded slightly. "That's part of the deal. Most of the inhabitants here have had their memories altered. It's the price they pay for making such a request to those two Saerstials. To exist and not exist simultaneously, to be remembered and forgotten, to be one person yet split into two—it's a strange, unnatural existence, isn't it?" His words carried an undercurrent of sorrow, though his tone remained calm.

"Weird" wasn't cutting it. Milt's situation, the older half of Virion's daughter, tangled with Xie Qiu, the younger half, felt beyond anything we could properly explain. Throw in the involvement of the two Saerstials, and it was a twisted mess no one seemed eager to untangle. 

I watched Aaron, half-expecting him to outline a plan. He had to have a solution, right? But the longer he stayed quiet, the more I wondered if he'd even decided what to do next. 

"So…what do we do?" Kuroka asked. "Do we tell Virion? Milt? Xie Qiu? Or just let them figure it out themselves?" Her voice had a bluntness to it, but it made sense. I wanted to know what the plan was just as much as she did. 

Aaron exhaled slowly, turning toward us. "I've already pointed Xie Qiu in the direction she needs to go. Milt's smart. She's had her own doubts about things for a long time now. If—when—they end up talking about what Xie Qiu is digging into, they'll start connecting the dots. What happens after that, and who they decide 'goes,' is up to them." 

Well, that tracks. He's not the kind of guy to just leave someone stuck when he knows he can step in. But Xie Qiu... she's the younger side of Virion's daughter. Does she even understand what she's digging for?

"I can tell you're worried, but don't be. She's more capable than she looks," Aaron said, his voice carrying an easy confidence. "She might not come off as much at first, but she's sharp—almost too sharp. Even if her mind hasn't caught up entirely, she knows how to work things out. Trust me, figuring out the truth won't be hard for her."

"That's… good to hear," I replied, the tension in my chest easing up just a little after hearing his take.

"Alright, so we've settled that. Now, what do we do about this mess?" My sister cut in, her tail flicking as she glanced around, looking far too relaxed for the situation. "Because unless I'm missing something, we're basically being tracked, and it's only a matter of time before we get thrown into some cell for all of this."

Aaron turned, fixing his full attention on us. "Zhao Quan probably already fed Virion some nonsense about us planning to bring the world to ruin or something equally absurd. But don't worry," he said, a smirk creeping onto his face, "I sent him the proof he needs as soon as we left." 

With that, he changed focus to the tube in front of us. "Now, this needs handling." 

Aaron placed his hand on its surface. A faint light began to spread outward, illuminating the space around us. The glow seemed alive, pulsing outward before suddenly stopping, replaced by the appearance of figures. They hovered faintly, pale and transparent, their forms flickering like memories brought to life. 

The crowd of spirits turned their attention toward us. Some lowered their heads in gratitude, others wept openly, while a few seemed to offer silent thanks through soft gestures. 

A woman appeared beside the tube. She was striking and carried a sorrowful expression. Her presence felt significant, though distant. Aaron was already speaking to her, his focus unwavering. She responded in kind, their mouths moving in a conversation we couldn't hear. I tried to read their lips, but no matter how closely I watched, the meaning slipped beyond comprehension.

"Nya~ Aaron's making sure we can't hear anything. That's typical of him, huh? Probably planning something secret. Maybe a surprise?" Kuroka chirped as she darted toward me, her tone as carefree as always. 

"Maybe," I replied, crossing my arms while watching him. "It's probably something private. Something he doesn't want anyone else to know, something only she should hear. He'll probably explain later—hopefully." 

Kuroka tilted her head, her usual playful smirk turning into something else entirely. "Nope. Look closer. There's more going on over there. Don't you see the baby?" 

Her words caught me off guard, and I followed the direction of her finger. That's when I noticed it—a tiny shape cradled in the woman's arms. 

"That's… Aelin and her baby?" My voice came out quieter than I intended, the realization settling in. "The baby she…had before…?" 

Aaron had called it a fetus when he mentioned it, hadn't he? Yet here it was, a child now, no longer just a possibility but something real. He must have done something—whatever it was, I couldn't wrap my head around it.

My thoughts spiraled, trying to make sense of what this could mean, but one feeling rose above the rest. Relief. If it really was Aelin and the baby, if she had the chance to hold that child like this, then at least something good had come out of everything.

After a few more minutes, their conversation wrapped up as Aaron placed his hand on her shoulder. The two disappeared instantly, leaving no trace behind. The barrier surrounding them shattered into nothingness, and Aaron turned back to us. "Sorry about that," he said, his tone direct but calm. "I'll explain everything soon. For now, let's wreck this place and get things moving." 

"You better, nya!" Kuroka shot back with a cheeky grin. "What exactly do you mean by 'get things moving'? Are we talking about taking out Zhao Quan's faction and the other generals backing him?" 

Aaron gave a single nod to confirm her guess. "That's right. But there are civilians here, so we're focusing on the ones actively involved in pushing this coup forward. Once they're taken care of, we can deal with the other generals more strategically. Less bloodshed that way," he explained, his expression tightening slightly as he spoke. 

"I don't want Virion caught up in this mess, and I still want the tournament to go on," he added, the weight of his thoughts clear in the way he spoke, though he didn't elaborate further.

"Okay, so keep the tournament running, take down Zhao Quan and his group, stop the Saerstials, and... that's it? Maybe talk Virion into joining the Resistance?" Kuroka tilted her head, her tone casual but her words cutting straight to the point.

Aaron gave her a nod in response. "That about sums it up. We're also going to make an alliance with General Huoshen Renqing. Her family's connection with the Keeper of the Eternal Flame will help us secure more support. After that... we'll figure out the next steps," he said, his voice firm, though he kept his focus on the empty tubes behind us. 

The alarms erupted suddenly, their shrill sound filling every corner of the space. 

"Did you set those to go off on a delay?" I asked, caught off guard by the sudden blaring. 

"Yeah, I needed a moment to talk to Aelin," Aaron replied, not looking the least bit flustered by the noise. "Now that they know we're here, it's time to move. Remember, we're keeping the damage to a minimum. Innocent people don't need to get caught in this," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He glanced at each of us in turn. "Focus only on his men. Leave everything else untouched. Our target is that massive building of his." 

As soon as his words left his mouth, the sound of approaching boots echoed closer. A cacophony of shouts followed, growing louder until a group of guards appeared. By their uniforms and the hostility plastered across their faces, it was obvious they were Zhao Quan's men. Their clenched fists and aggressive postures made it clear they weren't here to talk. 

"Don't kill them," Aaron said, his voice cutting through their noise. With a casual motion, he extended his hand, forming it into the shape of a gun. "Boom," he muttered, barely above a whisper. 

One by one, they dropped to the ground, their bodies crumpling as if their strings had been cut. 

I stepped past the unconscious bodies, glancing back briefly. "What did you do?" I asked, curiosity lacing my tone. 

"Overloaded their senses," he replied, not bothering to turn around. "Too much mana for their systems to handle. It knocked them out cold. They'll wake up, but not anytime soon." 

As we ascended the staircase, I reached out with my senjutsu. The energy signatures of more guards lit up ahead, their movement betraying their intent to intercept us. 

"We've got more incoming," I said, keeping my voice calm. "Should we pick up the pace?" 

Aaron shook his head slightly, continuing upward without breaking stride. "No need. They won't be alerting anyone important. At worst, they'll inform the other generals, but not Virion. It'd make them look incompetent if he found out we slipped past them like this." 

More figures appeared at the landing above, their weapons drawn and expressions hard. Aaron didn't flinch, keeping his focus on the path ahead.

He snapped his fingers again, and the guards dropped where they stood, their bodies crumpling in unison. The same scene played out repeatedly as we made our way back toward the alley. When we finally stepped out onto the main streets, we abandoned any attempt at subtlety, moving openly through the space.

The moment we emerged, more guards closed in, forming a tight circle around us to block every escape. Their movements were mechanical, almost rehearsed, as if this were standard procedure.

"This is starting to feel like something out of a bad story, nya~," Kuroka said, her voice light as she laughed, sounding entirely too entertained for the situation.

Before the guards could make their move, a purple mist expanded across the area, enveloping everything around us. The guards froze in place, eyes wide with alarm, before collapsing. Some lay motionless, others twitched slightly, but all were completely incapacitated.

"Nya~! I wanted to join in," Kuroka said, wagging her finger at Aaron, her tone somewhere between disappointment and playful annoyance.

I recognized her work instantly. It was her "Mist Poison," an ability designed to immobilize devils and youkai alike. It wouldn't affect dragons, but it was perfect against opponents like these. Still, something felt different—the technique was more intense, more effective than usual.

Aaron glanced at the downed guards, then back at Kuroka. "Did you change something about that technique?" he asked, his tone neutral but clearly curious.

Kuroka grinned, standing taller as if waiting for applause. "Nya~! Of course! You didn't think I'd sit around without making it better, did you? I've been working on this for ages."

"Yes, nya~! I was saving it for the tournament," Kuroka said, scratching the back of her head with a carefree smile. "With Cúntóir's help, I can knock out or paralyze anyone I want now. Well, except for you—you're way out of my league, nyahaha~!"

Her words left me unsettled. I hadn't anticipated her technique evolving to this level. If she intended to use it in the tournament, it could spell trouble. When she said "anyone," she clearly meant it—likely including gods. That meant she might even use it against us. The thought settled heavily in my mind, knowing we'd almost certainly have to confront her when the time came.

I let out a quiet sigh, pushing the concern aside for now as we continued moving. Aaron led us at a brisk pace, making sure we stayed on course toward Zhao Quan's location.

— ○ ● ○ —

We got there faster than I expected, standing just outside the place where Zhao Quan holed himself up. On the way, we destroyed his entire operation. It wasn't difficult; most of them didn't even know what hit them.

Kuroka's modified poison mist sent several to dreamland, my strikes to the back of the neck took care of others, and Aaron handled the rest with a casual snap of his fingers, knocking them out cold like it was second nature.

There was no need for bloodshed. They were just doing what they were told, after all. Still, I couldn't ignore the feeling that a few of them held a little too much hostility towards us. My instincts screamed to go further, to ensure they wouldn't try something later, but I reminded myself that I wasn't judge, jury, or anything else that justified overstepping. Even if it would've been easier.

"So, just Zhao Quan left to deal with?" Kuroka asked, her expression unreadable as she glanced over at Aaron. He gave a simple nod, the kind of response that needed no further clarification.

"He might have some things inside that Virion would want. They weren't his to begin with, so we're taking those too," Aaron said matter-of-factly.

As if on cue, more guards emerged from every direction, weapons drawn and eyes locked onto us.

Among them stood someone entirely different—a man towering at least eight feet tall, his form resembling a grotesque mix of human and insect. His appearance brought to mind a cockroach given human shape, an image both unsettling and oddly familiar.

Aaron, who had been mostly quiet up until now, suddenly lit up. "Oh, look at that! It's Cell from Dragon BallZ—but, you know, the cheap knockoff version," he said, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Hearing that, I stopped short. I studied the creature again, and the comparison hit me. Aaron had shown us the Dragon Ball Z anime during one of our downtime sessions in his [Pocket Dimension], and this person did resemble Cell—if Cell had been reimagined on a bad day, with patches of bright pink and streaks of washed-out blue slapped onto his body. The sight was strange and off-putting, seeing this twisted imitation of someone so iconic.

"Pink and blue Cell," my sister Kuroka added, her voice tinged with mockery as she folded her arms. "Too bad he's weaker. That just ruins it." She chuckled to herself, clearly entertained by the absurdity of it all.

The man—or whatever he was—listened to our exchange, his expression shifting from confusion to indignation as the realization sank in. We weren't treating him with the fear or respect he likely expected. Instead, we were laughing at him, reducing him to a parody.

"How dare you!" he bellowed, his voice trembling with outrage. He clenched his fists, his posture stiffening as if readying himself for some grand speech. "You insult me without so much as an introduction? Such vile words! I shall be the one to deliver your punishment and enact justice upon you!"

Our laughter grew louder as he continued to flail in his attempts to assert himself. Seeing this version of Cell—if he could even be called that—acting so seriously felt completely wrong, almost like watching a parody of something that was never meant to be funny. His reaction only fueled the humor, and our laughs came in fits as though we couldn't stop even if we tried.

Then he let out a scream. The sound was guttural, raw, and filled with desperation. His body began to glow faintly, and his energy intensified.

The ground under him cracked as his aura flared outward, and for a moment, his power seemed to reach the kind of level one would expect from someone nearly divine in strength. But even that wasn't enough to intimidate Aaron.

"Cell" charged at him, fist pulled back as if he were about to deliver the kind of punch that would send someone flying. But Aaron, without even flinching, raised his hand and caught the punch as if it were nothing more than an inconvenience.

The creature struggled, veins popping as he tried to push forward, but Aaron stood unmoving. Then, with what looked like a casual shove, Aaron pushed him away.

The result, though, was anything but casual. "Cell" flew backward at a speed that defied reason, slamming into the ground with such force that the impact crater spread out beneath him like a violent eruption.

The noise echoed, and dust flew everywhere, but when it all cleared, "Cell" lay unconscious, completely still in the wreckage of his own attack.

The others in his group stared, their faces showing unmistakable horror as they instinctively stepped away. Before they could even think to retaliate or run, Aaron clapped his hands together, the sound reverberating like thunder. The force of the shockwave hit them immediately, their bodies thrown backward as though caught in a storm, and they fell unconscious in the same instant.

The place fell silent after that, the stillness broken only by the faint sound of the debris settling.

He turned to face us, his tone calm but direct. "Let's get moving. Before that, though—who wants to take on Zhao Quan? I've got to go find those items for Virion."

My sister and I exchanged a quick glance, a silent understanding passing between us. Predictably, she was the first to speak. "I'll leave Zhao Quan to Shirone~," she said in a sing-song voice. "I just wanna wander around. If someone pops up, maybe I'll fight them, nya~."

Of course, that's exactly what she'd say. I let out a small sigh, already resigned to her whims. "Fine, but Nee-sama has to stick with me," I said, making sure to keep my tone light as I flashed her a smile.

Her reaction was immediate. She jerked back a little as if the idea itself had startled her, her expression shifting into something like discomfort before she started fidgeting.

Before she could wriggle her way out of it, Aaron stepped in. "Alright, it's settled. You two stay together, and I'll handle my part. Zhao Quan's at the highest point, completely isolated, but there are bound to be guards in your way. They'll be stronger, so don't let your guard down. Good luck," he said. Without waiting for any acknowledgment, he vanished.

Even though he was no longer visible, his energy was still present, lingering somewhere within the building. He hadn't gone far—probably teleported directly to wherever he needed to be. I turned back to my sister, who sighed dramatically before starting to jog ahead, her movements casual and unhurried.

I followed behind, trailing just enough to watch her expression, trying to gauge how serious she was about any of this.

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron Toole's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

Kuroka and Shirone set off as soon as I gave them their tasks. My own reason for being here was tied to objects Zhao Quan had collected from various sources over the years.

The remains of the Byramites trapped here, the Saerstial with its dual identities, and the corrupted wish granted to Virion—these were just pieces of a larger picture. It was unfortunate, sure, but I didn't think either of them needed to know the full extent of my purpose here.

Walking through the halls, I encountered several guards. Each one crumpled to the ground the moment I gestured at them, dropping into an unnatural sleep. Fighting wasn't necessary; causing unnecessary damage in this place would only complicate things.

The building itself had an uncomfortable design. The narrow passages gave it an oppressive feel, and while the exterior boasted grand windows, inside they served no real function. They weren't portals to the outside world, only decorative illusions meant to impress anyone looking at the structure from a distance.

What exactly was Zhao Quan trying to conceal here? The space he designed to reinforce the barrier was deliberately secluded, almost impossibly secure. Yet this particular site felt like a trap laid in plain view. Its unassuming appearance likely kept suspicion away from the horrors concealed within.

"For the good of the people," Zhao Quan always proclaimed. But words like that inevitably twist into something else. At some point, the so-called greater good becomes little more than a justification for self-serving ambitions. I won't claim to know everyone's limits, but it's hard to ignore how often it plays out. Maybe ninety percent of people give in to that hunger when life puts them to the test.

Most don't have the inner strength to resist when those temptations creep in. Whatever drives them, it usually drags them down. I'm no exception to that risk. I've stood at the edge of it myself. The pull was there, and for a moment, I almost let go. Somehow, though, I held on, and now I've ended up here.

As I turned the corner, a barrage of energy blasts and swords streaked toward me. I didn't even flinch, letting them collide against my [Infinity], where they stopped mid-air, unable to move further. Reaching out, I tapped one of the suspended swords with a finger. It shattered into countless fragments, scattering harmlessly.

"Stop him at all costs! Don't let this man near our Lords' treasures!" one of them yelled, their desperation echoing through the hall. The others roared in agreement, their voices trying to mask their uncertainty.

They were certainly committed to their task, throwing themselves into it with reckless enthusiasm. But I couldn't help but wonder—did they truly understand what they were guarding? Did they know the truth about these so-called treasures? Whatever their knowledge or motivations, it didn't matter much to me. I wasn't planning to seriously hurt them.

Walking toward them without hurry, I allowed their attacks to crash against the invisible barrier surrounding me. With each failed strike, their frustration grew, evident in the way their movements became more frantic and their shouts more strained.

Soon, I stood directly in front of them, the group cornered and pressed against the cold stone wall. They didn't look ready to back down, but resistance wasn't going to do them any good. "It's better if you rest for a while," I said calmly. At my words, they slumped to the ground, unconscious, their bodies falling limp without resistance.

I dusted off my hands and let out a breath, my attention drawn to what appeared to be an ordinary bookshelf in the corner of the room. It didn't look out of place, but I wasn't fooled. Without hesitation, I drove my fist forward, punching straight through the illusion that masked it. The projection flickered and disappeared, revealing a staircase descending into the darkness below.

"More stairs," I muttered, taking the first step down. "At least they're not spiral ones."

The staircase stretched downward, a long, unbroken path. Each step seemed the same as the last, and the descent felt endless. I lit a fireball in my hand, its glow casting just enough light to guide me forward. After what felt like an eternity, my feet finally touched the ground.

The bottom of the staircase was almost completely dark. The faint orange glow of my fireball wasn't enough to reveal much, so I raised my hand and conjured a brighter, white orb above me. Its light spread across the cavernous space, revealing the full scope of the room. Satisfied, I snuffed out the fireball and let the white orb do its job.

The room was vast but mostly empty, its corners lost in the shadows the light couldn't reach. I began to search, scanning the area for my target. It didn't take long before my eyes landed on it. At the far end of the room stood a large transparent case, its surface gleaming faintly in the glow of the orb. Inside were several items, each one locked away and perfectly preserved.

"Bingo," I muttered, a slight grin creeping onto my face as I walked toward the case.

The collection was scattered, ranging from small books to weapons and boxes of varying sizes. Yet, out of all the artifacts secured in the transparent case, my attention settled on a small tube containing two distinct liquids. One swirled with a vivid green hue, while the other seemed to capture the essence of a vast expanse filled with stars and galaxies, as if the universe itself had been trapped within its walls.

I exhaled slowly and stretched my hand toward the case. The entire collection vanished, absorbed into my [Inventory], leaving the area empty. Almost immediately, I summoned the two tubes back into my grasp, the urge to inspect them closer overpowering any sense of patience.

"Why would Elanor leave these behind?" I muttered, turning the vials in my hands. "Or maybe it's not that simple. Why would she hand them over to him?"

The more I thought about it, the less sense her decision made. Was this some kind of leverage for Zhao Quan? A bribe? Or was it part of a deal that didn't pan out? I couldn't say for sure.

The green liquid was familiar enough—blood harvested from a particular species, though the exact one didn't come to mind right away. The other vial, however, was something entirely different. Its contents weren't tied to this world.

No, this liquid came from another universe altogether. Whatever experiment she had in mind had been interrupted, and this vial was proof. If it was the only one in existence, then her work on it was far from complete.

It was called—

"Who the hell are you!?" a voice yelled, breaking through my thoughts like a brick through a window.

I turned, slow and deliberate, to the source of the interruption. Standing there was a young woman flanked by several dog-like creatures, their postures tense, almost like they were waiting for her command. She must have come out of the room I was planning to check next. It was a wonder she hadn't shown herself earlier, considering the racket I'd made.

Without missing a beat, I said flatly, "I'm Batman." To make the point stick, I swept my arm across my front, instantly replacing my outfit with his iconic costume.

Her expression twisted with confusion, her eyes darting between me and the sudden change in attire. She didn't look angry anymore—just completely thrown off. That didn't last long. Her face shifted quickly, first to worry, then straight into anger.

"G-get out of here! Weirdos like you—" she started, her voice shaking more than she probably wanted. Then her gaze flicked to the shelves behind me. Her sentence stopped cold. The realization hit her as she took in the empty shelves.

Her eyes locked on the two vials in my hands, and her expression darkened. "Give those back!"

"No," I said, smirking under the cowl and flicking the cape behind me with just enough flair to add insult to injury.

She clenched her jaw, her voice breaking into a sharp shout. "Get him, Belle, Pelle! Don't let him escape!"

The two dog-like creatures sprang forward without hesitation, their jaws snapping and claws outstretched. I didn't even flinch. They collided head-on with the invisible barrier of [Infinity], the impact halting them abruptly and leaving them visibly bewildered. Their confusion was almost comical as they pawed and pushed against the immovable force.

I took a moment to size her up using [Aosozth]. Her name popped into my view—Phensica. It sounded like someone trying too hard to be clever with "Jessica." The odd twist gave me a chuckle, though I kept my face expressionless.

"What!? How the hell…what is this?" Her frustration boiled over as her hands balled into fists. "Damn it, stop messing around and give it back! My job's on the line!"

Her tone cracked, and her eyes welled up for a split second before she quickly shook off the emotion. With a deep breath, she summoned swirling orbs of dark energy and hurled them at me in rapid succession. Each one fizzled out the moment it hit the barrier, never making it close.

"Why should I?" I said, still standing where I was. My voice didn't rise or falter as I watched her movements carefully. "This isn't yours. It doesn't belong to Zhao Quan, either. I'm taking it to Virion. He deserves the chance to make the call himself."

She stomped her feet like an impatient child, her arms flailing wildly as frustration overtook her. Her long pink hair whipped around in chaotic disarray, and her lab coat, too big for her frame, flapped as she moved. Her glasses slipped crookedly down her nose, making her look more unkempt than professional.

"I want it, I want it, I want it! He let me study it, so let me study it!" Her voice rose, and her tone bordered on desperation. She stopped suddenly, turning her tear-filled pink eyes on me, trembling with unrestrained emotion.

The whole tantrum reminded me of a kid throwing a fit after being denied candy. It was strange to watch, considering I already knew from my earlier scan that she was three hundred and two years old. A far cry from what anyone would call "young," at least by the standards of my universe.

"And what exactly did you discover? What were you planning to do with it?" I asked, focusing on her with intent. I didn't need to pressure her. She was already unraveling, and I wanted her to spill every detail. Even if I already suspected her motives, hearing her version would give me confirmation.

She sniffed, her voice faltering for a second before she started explaining. "The green liquid—it came from a Lutraonian. You know, the same species as the 3rd ranked Eradicator. It wasn't from him, though. Lady Elanor obtained it from another one. I don't know all the details, but just getting the chance to study it is incredible."

Her words slowed as she stared at me, as though measuring whether to continue. "The other one… I don't even know how to explain it. With some serious effort and, well, things I don't have access to, Lady Elanor and a few others managed to create a miniature universe inside it. They've been calling it 'universal liquid.' Anything it's combined with can produce an almost perfect replication of life itself," she said. "She named it Unimax."

I turned back toward the vial. That name had been etched on it earlier, and now it finally made sense. A universe in a bottle—just thinking about it felt absurd. But if anyone could pull it off, it would be them. Whether it was Magnum Tenebrosum's involvement or something completely beyond our understanding from a different dimension altogether, there was no denying this wasn't ordinary science anymore.

"Do you work for Zhao Quan?" I asked, tossing the vials lightly from one hand to the other.

Her expression changed in an instant, fear flashing across her face before she started shaking her head with force. The desperation in her reaction made it clear she wasn't holding anything back.

"No! I don't! I'm not even from this planet!" she blurted out, her voice sharp with urgency. "I'm what you'd call a wandering scientist. We move from world to world, staying for long stretches to pursue our research. When we're done, we hand over our findings to the local leaders, keep copies for ourselves, and then move on to the next stop."

"So, Phensica, right?" I said, tilting my head slightly as I continued to toss the vials. "Here's the deal. Work for me and the Resistance. I'll make sure you get access to any planet you need, and you'll be free to experiment or explore whatever you want. Our research and science division can support you. In exchange, you'll hand over everything you've discovered so far."

Her posture stiffened as she processed the offer. From the way she carried herself, it was obvious that her work mattered more to her than anything else. There wasn't much room for hesitation when I laid out terms that catered to her priorities.

With the offer hanging between us, Phensica froze. Her body tensed, her hands fidgeting at her sides like she wasn't sure whether to run or stay. It wasn't like she had deep ties to Zhao Quan, and from everything I'd seen, her connection to Phumera seemed just as flimsy. That worked for me.

Azazel had been grumbling for weeks about needing someone competent to handle his endless stream of projects. Phensica might just be the perfect fit. If I could keep her focused on her work and direct that obsessive drive into helping us, I'd have someone valuable on my side. Giving her access to multiverse data and the freedom to do her research was a small price for the discoveries she could bring to us.

She kept shifting her weight from one foot to the other, torn between whatever options she was debating. The seconds stretched out as she mulled over the decision, her expression flickering between doubt and determination. Then, all at once, she snapped her head up and blurted out, "Take me, Batman!"

For a moment, I just stared at her, my lips twitching as I fought to hold back a laugh. Out of everything she could have said, that was not what I expected. She had to know who I really was, but the fact that she threw herself into the joke anyway? That caught me completely off guard, and I couldn't help but find it hilarious.

"A simple okay would've worked, but sure," I said, gesturing her over. Her steps were hesitant, her expression unsure, but she came to a stop just in front of me.

With a quick thought, I dismissed the batman costume, the transformation peeling away like an afterthought. Reaching out, I tapped her shoulder lightly. The dragon tattoo spread across her skin in a flash, and she stiffened, her lips pulling tight as if suppressing a grunt of discomfort. The information must have been hitting her hard through the bond.

Her face turned pale, and for a moment, I wondered if she might back out. But then, after a shaky inhale and a few breaths to calm herself, she straightened up. Her expression shifted into something surprisingly determined for someone in her shoes.

"I'm fine with those conditions! I'll tell you everything right now!" she exclaimed, her tone far too energetic, almost like a character from some cheesy anime.

"Good. Lay it all out—don't hold anything back," I replied flatly.

Her face turned crimson, and she stammered. "E-even… like, my sleeping and bath times…?" she asked, clearly embarrassed, fidgeting as her voice dropped to a near whisper.

"…you know what I meant," I said, deadpan, already regretting entertaining this nonsense. She gave a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her head before she finally launched into her story, spilling every detail she knew without skipping over anything critical.

— ○ ● ○ —

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

Shirone and Kuroka moved through the expansive hallways of Zhao Quan's sprawling residence. They were on the second floor now, though it was hard to say how many levels the place had in total. "Too many" seemed like a safe bet. The pair had already dealt with a significant number of guards who tried—and failed—to stop them. None of them had posed any real challenge, leaving the two unimpressed.

"This is getting boring, nya~," Kuroka said, her tone light, though her tail flicked in annoyance as she skipped a few steps ahead. "I hope this Zhao Quan guy can at least give us something interesting. Aoife and Kuisha said he was a pushover, so I'm not exactly holding my breath."

"Doesn't matter if it's easy or not," Shirone replied, her tone even. She kept her focus forward, her steps steady and deliberate. "We just need to beat him and drag him back so Virion can deal with him. That's the only thing we're here for."

"Haha~ that's true," Kuroka said, her tone carrying an almost sing-song quality as they entered yet another room. This one was packed with guards, all armed and ready. There wasn't a moment of hesitation from their opponents as they unleashed their attacks in unison.

Swords hurled through the air, energy blasts crackled and sped toward them, laser fire lit up the room, and debris, including chunks of rock and twisted metal, was launched their way.

Kuroka reacted first. She clasped her hands together, channeling her senjutsu, and conjured a blazing wheel of fire. It spun violently before she sent it hurtling toward the barrage of attacks. Midway, the wheel fragmented into six smaller flames, each targeting a portion of the oncoming assault.

The resulting collisions triggered a chain of explosive impacts that rocked the entire room, filling it with smoke and rattling its walls. Somehow, the structure held firm, though the force reverberated through the floors beneath their feet.

As the smoke thickened, obscuring the guards' view, both sisters sprang forward, moving as one. They tore into the group of guards without hesitation, weaving through the disorganized defensive line. Each of their movements was calculated to disable rather than harm. Shirone aimed for the base of their necks, her strikes landing with precision to incapacitate.

Kuroka matched her pace, her strikes decisive as she executed identical maneuvers, rendering their enemies unconscious in seconds. Neither showed any interest in prolonging the fight beyond what was necessary to clear their path.

"And that's—" Kuroka started, only to leap sideways as something slammed into the spot she had just been standing.

She and Shirone turned to see the source of the attack: a massive knife embedded into the ground, the blade connected to a thick, heavy chain. Smoke and dust hung in the air briefly before settling, revealing the figure holding the weapon. Draped in dark robes, their opponent stepped forward, the distinct outline of her body drawing immediate attention. Her chest, particularly, stood out in a way that even the loose fabric couldn't conceal.

"Her boobs are huge!" Kuroka exclaimed, pointing with absolutely no restraint at the woman's chest.

The woman's expression soured instantly as she wrapped one arm defensively across her chest. "You are vulgar. Do you not possess any respect or sense of propriety?" she asked, her voice filled with irritation.

"No," Kuroka replied flatly, staring back without so much as a flicker of remorse. Her bluntness left no room for interpretation. Shirone, standing just behind her sister, let out a small, muffled laugh, unable to keep her amusement in check.

The reaction seemed to only aggravate their opponent further, her frustration practically radiating from her stance as her grip on the chain tightened.

She kept her eyes locked on them, her hands gripping her weapons before moving them to her sides. "So, the God of the Resistance has come to enslave us and annihilate our planet! How utterly vile!" she shouted, her words earning confused looks from both Kuroka and Shirone.

"Enslave? What the hell is this lunatic going on about?" Kuroka muttered, scratching her head with an irritated expression. "You know what? Talking sense into someone this far gone is pointless. Let's just shut her up the old-fashioned way," she added, balling her fists with a wicked grin creeping onto her face.

Shirone gave a simple nod, her actions silently echoing her sister's sentiments. Without wasting a moment, both launched themselves forward, charging straight at the woman.

"Idiots! I—" The woman's words were abruptly cut off as Shirone's fist slammed into her abdomen with a force that drove the air from her lungs. She gasped, spitting up as she was hurled backward, crashing violently through several walls that buckled and crumbled under the impact.

The woman staggered to her feet, clutching at her midsection, clearly winded. But before she could even process her next move, Kuroka was already upon her. A split second later, her shoe connected with the woman's face, sending her careening into the ground with a final, bone-jarring thud. She didn't stir after that.

Kuroka, acting without hesitation, removed her mask and tugged at the fabric of her outfit, exposing her face and revealing the upper part of her body. While her bra still covered her, stopping anything indecent from being visible, her expression betrayed her intention—a mix of confidence and playfulness turned to something else entirely.

The sight of the woman's face made her recoil immediately. Her features were horribly disfigured. One eye was missing, and her skin bore deep scars that cut across her face and extended to the parts of her body now visible.

Kuroka froze, her playful smirk vanishing as shock settled over her. She scrambled to cover herself again, pulling her clothes back into place and hurriedly fixing her mask. Her thoughts churned with unease. What she had planned as a teasing gesture to lighten the moment felt cruel in hindsight.

"Wha—what the hell..." Kuroka muttered under her breath, her voice low. She didn't even know where to start unpacking the uncomfortable realization.

"Nee-sama..." Shirone's voice cut in, soft yet disapproving, her expression pointed as she directed a look at her older sister.

"I didn't know! I mean—dammit, okay, I get it, my bad! Sorry! Let's just... handle this already, alright?" Kuroka stammered, her tone defensive yet laced with guilt.

She reached into the air with a flick of her wrist, summoning restraints designed to suppress supernatural abilities. Without meeting Shirone's eyes, she crouched and secured the cuffs around the unconscious woman's wrists, her movements abrupt and tinged with discomfort.

"Okay, we're done here. Let's just… oh, wait, I've got an idea! Hey, can you come out and keep an eye on this person for us? We won't be too long~," Kuroka said with a grin as she called out.

Moments later, a Shadow Soldier emerged. Its appearance resembled that of an insect, similar to Beru. The Soldier responded with a curt nod before positioning itself at the ready, casting its senses outward to monitor the area.

Kuroka exchanged a brief glance with Shirone, both of them pausing for a final look at the unconscious woman, then moved quickly, urgency lacing their steps as they hurried to finish their task.

"Nee-sama…" Shirone said, her voice low but weighted with meaning.

"I get it, alright? My bad! I won't say stuff like that again, okay? Sorry!" Kuroka shot back, her face flushed with embarrassment. She kept her eyes forward, her tone defensive but tinged with genuine regret.

As they progressed through the building, they dispatched the guards on the other levels with ease. The fights were over almost before they began, leaving no real obstacles in their way. However, as they moved closer to Zhao Quan's location, something shifted in the atmosphere.

The energy in the area grew more intense, almost oppressive. It wasn't just Zhao Quan's power, either. Two additional presences became clear, both far stronger than any of the guards they'd faced so far.

"Do you feel that? They're strong. Want to mess around with them?" Kuroka's lips curved into a mischievous grin, her tone teasing.

"No. We're finishing this as fast as possible," Shirone replied without hesitation. "I can sense Aaron. He's coming out of wherever he teleported to, and he's not alone anymore. Could be someone he caught or maybe a new ally. Doesn't matter. We need to wrap this up. Got it?" Her tone left no room for debate.

Kuroka sighed dramatically, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Fine, fine. But I'm gonna have some fun with mine first," she shot back, her pace suddenly quickening as she darted ahead, leaving Shirone behind.

Before Shirone could react, the sound of an explosion roared through the air, rattling the building and throwing her off balance for a moment. She exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her forehead. The mess was already starting. She hurried after her sister, only to be greeted by the sight of a massive hole punched through the wall. Standing amidst the wreckage was a man, his expression frozen in disbelief, clearly trying to process the destruction in front of him.

"What the ninja…" the man muttered, his voice rising in frustration, only for Shirone's foot to streak toward his face like a bolt of lightning. He managed to duck, but just barely, as she propelled herself past him with inhuman speed. "Rude—!" he began again, but the words were yanked from his lips as her touki-covered fist drove into his stomach with devastating force, sending him flying backward.

He landed hard on his stomach, the wind knocked clean out of him. His mind raced as the world spun. He hadn't even gotten a chance to utter a single taunt or speech, no monologue to assert his superiority. None of this was going the way he had imagined.

Pushing himself halfway upright, he glanced up and opened his mouth to shout, only to see a massive surge of touki barreling toward him. The energy coalesced into the form of a snarling dragon's head, its intensity roaring like a storm. Desperation lit up his instincts, and he hastily summoned a barrier. The shield flickered to life but cracked almost instantly under the attack, disintegrating in a flash as the touki engulfed him completely.

A thunderous explosion tore through the space, shaking the ground. Smoke and debris scattered in the aftermath. When the air cleared, the man lay motionless, unconscious. His left arm had been torn off by the attack, blood pouring from the jagged wound, painting the ground beneath him.

Shirone approached the unconscious man, crouching to secure his arms behind him with a pair of reinforced cuffs. Without pausing, she pressed her palm to the stump where his arm had been, touki flaring briefly as she cauterized the wound. The acrid scent of burned flesh rose in the air, but her focus remained steady. She hefted the man onto her shoulder, his limp form jostling slightly with the movement.

Her eyes flicked toward the gaping hole her sister had carved into the building, its edges still crackling faintly with residual energy. Beyond it, she spotted bursts of light and energy in the distance. Her sister was mid-fight with another opponent, this one with delicate features that gave him a deceptively soft appearance. Shirone's ring glowed faintly as her [Observe] activated, confirming what she already knew—male. She clicked her tongue, irritation briefly crossing her face.

"Stop dragging it out, Nee-sama," she muttered, her voice low but edged with impatience. Her narrowed eyes tracked her sister's movements, the subtle shifts in her posture speaking volumes to Shirone's trained perception. Kuroka clearly enjoyed the challenge, but Shirone's patience for her antics had limits.

Farther ahead, Kuroka shivered as though sensing her sister's annoyance. She chuckled, her amusement clear despite the intensity of the battle. Several wheels of flame erupted from her hands, spinning toward her opponent in rapid succession. The man fought to fend them off, his strikes wild and inefficient, his frustration etched into every movement as he struggled to keep up.

"Ah~ nya~ well, I have to finish this now nya, sorry~" Kuroka teased, her tone light, which only seemed to ignite the man's anger further.

"You dare?! Your filthy group claims to seek peace, yet you bring ruin! We of Lord Zhao Quan desire only to bring harmony and prosperity to our world and people. To achieve that, we must overthrow Lord Virion, who has grown complacent!" His words carried a wild conviction, his face contorted with indignation.

"Wow, you're really out of it," Kuroka replied, her unimpressed tone fanning the flames of his fury.

The man's hands moved quickly through a complex series of signs, his focus intense. Above them, massive spinning bicycles appeared, their parts breaking apart and descending toward her and the city in a cascade of colorful energy.

"And you said we're the destructive ones? You're willing to demolish an entire city?! You're completely nuts!" Kuroka shouted, her voice rising as she extended her arm. Magic circles sprang to life in front of her, unleashing counterattacks that shot through the air toward the incoming assault.

Each impact triggered explosions that lit up the skies over Daoluken, one after the other, the sound echoing like rolling thunder.

After the attacks neutralized one another, Shirone reappeared without hesitation, moving above the man before either he or Kuroka could react. Her expression had hardened, and her body surged with energy as she entered her "Shirone Mode." With her left arm extended forward, palm facing her opponent, and her right arm drawn back, her intent was clear.

With an abrupt thrust, Shirone launched her right arm forward. In the same moment, an overwhelming force shaped like a massive fist struck the man squarely in the back. The attack was silent yet devastating, its sheer impact undeniable. Almost immediately, flames erupted across his form, catching both him and his attackers off guard.

Kasha, infused with Shirone's energy, was renowned for its unparalleled potency. Its purifying nature allowed it to obliterate entities of dark origin effortlessly—beings like devils, vampires, and other creatures rooted in malice were especially vulnerable. Yet the man, who showed no signs of being one of those entities, began to burn as if marked by the same vulnerability. Shirone and Kuroka exchanged tense glances, the unexpected reaction raising questions about what this individual truly was.

"Damn it!!" the man bellowed, his body contorting grotesquely as his form twisted into a monstrous figure.

In the universe known as the Crepuscule Phantasma, most beings aligned with shadows or darkness in nature. These traits were not inherently evil but reflected the natural laws of this universe. Shirone's Kasha, typically devastating against darkness-affiliated beings like vampires, devils, or demons, didn't affect the creatures here unless they shared similar traits or characteristics.

The mechanics of her ability were tangled in nuances. Within her home universe of Draconic Deus, her power diminished anything linked to shadows or darkness indiscriminately. Here, its effectiveness weakened unless specific conditions were met, rendering it unreliable against beings unconnected to the types of corruption it was designed to purge.

"Is he, uh… like, some kind of ghoul?" Kuroka questioned, flying closer to Shirone, her expression shifting as she observed the creature below.

Shirone lifted her ring, activating its scanning function. The glowing projection displayed the creature's classification—Belgengu. However, what caught their attention wasn't just its species but the note in the analysis: Closely related to demons.

"Whatever it is, he's done for," Shirone said flatly, her eyes narrowing. "Let's tell Aaron when we catch up with him." She glanced back at the building they had leapt from, spotting Aaron standing there with a woman at his side.

After the man's body finished breaking apart, Shirone and her companion flew back toward the building. Once inside again, they got a better look at the woman with Aaron. Her appearance seemed slightly unusual to them, though Shirone ignored it. Instead, she turned her attention to Aaron. "What did you offer her?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Exploration across different dimensions and a chance to conduct research alongside Azazel. She fits into his team perfectly," Aaron replied, his tone matter-of-fact. Shirone let out a quiet laugh at his response.

"O-oh! A humanoid cat species!" the woman, Phensica, exclaimed with excitement as she adjusted her glasses, leaning closer to inspect Shirone. "I haven't encountered one of these in ages. Most of the main species died out, taking their related branches with them." Reaching out, she attempted to touch Shirone's feline ears.

Shirone quickly dismissed her transformation, hiding the ears before Phensica's hand could make contact. "Ah," Phensica sighed, withdrawing her hand reluctantly. "She won't let me touch them..."

"Anyway, beyond that door is Zhao Quan. You guys ready?" Aaron asked, his tone casual as he glanced over his shoulder. They gave quick nods of affirmation.

As they approached the door, Aaron raised his hand. With a single motion, the surface splintered and fell apart, revealing the scene inside. The man within had his back turned, his snow-white hair rippling from the sudden gust created by the destruction. His long white Yuanlingpao, a traditional Chinese robe, billowed faintly in the residual air current.

The noise of the entry caught his attention, prompting him to turn. His face, youthful and smooth, was not at all what Aaron's group had expected.

"He's pretty young-looking," Kuroka remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "I thought he'd be older."

"That's common," Phensica replied. "Lord Zhao Quan's appearance often surprises people. His youthful looks and reputed charm are well-known."

Aaron stepped forward without indulging further discussion. The others followed closely, their footsteps measured as they approached. Once they stood face-to-face, Zhao Quan lowered his head in a polite bow. His gesture left the group momentarily puzzled.

"Welcome, God of the Resistance," Zhao Quan said, his voice composed and smooth. "I had hoped for a calmer introduction, but I see that's not your style. No matter—please, make yourselves comfortable." With a snap of his fingers, chairs appeared behind them, neatly arranged and ready for use.

Aaron dropped into his seat, his expression neutral but his attention sharp. The others followed, hesitating only for a breath before settling in. Zhao Quan, already seated behind his desk, adjusted his posture and waited. The room held onto a brief quiet, broken only when Zhao Quan finally leaned forward and addressed the group.

"You're probably wondering why I've set this coup in motion. It's a fair question," he began, his tone measured. "And frankly, I have no illusions about the odds. From what I've learned, defeating you or your comrades outright would be... difficult, to say the least. So instead, I'll lay out my reasons. If I fail to convince you, I'll surrender. Does that sound reasonable?"

Aaron gave a small nod, his expression betraying nothing.

Zhao Quan straightened slightly, continuing without missing a beat. "To begin with—though I realize how overdone this may sound—it's for the people. Conditions on this planet are deteriorating, and anyone with eyes on the situation can see what's coming. Unrest is inevitable. And you, as the so-called God of the Resistance, must have noticed it too, haven't you?" He paused, locking eyes with Aaron. "Our Lord's health is failing."

Aaron gave another nod, his face remaining unreadable. Zhao Quan studied him for a moment longer before returning his attention to the broader group.

"With what we now know, wouldn't it be wiser to align ourselves completely with Madame Phumera? Lord Virion possesses strength and a genuine love for his people, but in the eyes of many throughout our universe, these traits are often mistaken for vulnerability," Zhao Quan said, his tone unwavering as he directed his words at the group.

"That depends," Shirone replied, meeting his words head-on. "Do the people themselves feel the same way? Under Virion's leadership, they've thrived. Even those from Honlugong have found stability and a sense of satisfaction in how things are managed. From what I've observed during my time with many different species in this universe, most just want to exist in peace, each in their own way."

Kuroka leaned forward slightly and added, "Exactly. When I traveled with my sister, we heard the same things. A lot of them have said they don't really understand what true peace feels like. They've grown up following whatever they were taught. But with the Resistance gaining strength, people are starting to see that there's more to hope for—and they're beginning to want it for themselves."

Shirone said, "As a leader, have you really listened to everyone's perspective, or are you just focusing on the ones who already agree with you? I get that it's not always realistic to include every voice, but assuming everyone supports this change feels reckless and self-centered."

Zhao Quan gave a slow nod and let his gaze sweep across the room before returning to Shirone. "I hear you, but doesn't the same apply to the Resistance? Aren't they making a similar assumption—that everyone wants to break free and rise up against Phumera and what she's done? Wouldn't that make them just as narrow in their thinking?"

Kuroka interjected without hesitation. "We've already had long discussions about this with several of the groups involved in the Resistance. There's something you don't understand. The people's ability to stand up for themselves and their freedom has been crushed."

Zhao Quan's expression hardened as he absorbed her words. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice measured but carrying an edge of unease.

Kuroka smiled faintly, the expression carrying a certain confidence as she began recounting what had transpired on the planet Svlalria. She spoke about the Saerstial, whose involvement had reignited Aaron's drive and vision, connecting that to the growing rebellion spanning countless planets and species against Phumera's rule.

Zhao Quan listened attentively, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her explanation. After a moment, he gave a small nod, his expression contemplative. "I see," he said quietly. "That must explain the strange sensation I felt back then," he murmured, his voice low as if the realization carried an unexpected depth. "To think something like that was being held back."

He fell silent, his thoughts clearly turning inward. After a few moments, his brows knit together, and his tone grew firmer. "Even so, I think surrendering ourselves entirely to Madame Phumera's control might lead to something more stable than what we'll face when Lord Virion is gone. He's done much for us, but when his time ends... who do we rely on then?" His gaze turned distant, as if he were grappling with the implications. "I don't believe he's made a decision about naming Princess Xie Qiu as his successor yet."

"If Lord Virion agrees to this, we can avoid fighting altogether. He'll relinquish control to me temporarily, and then I'll make contact with Madame Phumera or Lady Yve. They can send someone from the Eradicators to oversee us after that," Zhao Quan stated, his tone firm. His attention settled on Aaron, the words hanging with an unspoken demand for approval.

Aaron didn't respond immediately, his expression sharpening as he turned his focus toward Zhao Quan. "Are you sure this is what you want? Have you really thought through every possible outcome—good, bad, neutral? Have you considered what happens if the one sent decides to deal with all of you permanently instead of managing things?"

The question landed heavily. Zhao Quan's expression tightened, his jaw setting as he locked eyes with Aaron. He thought he had accounted for every eventuality, but the notion of outright annihilation hadn't crossed his mind. Could Madame Phumera really send someone that ruthless?

When he reflected on it, the list of transgressions Virion had committed against her directives stretched long. Yet, Virion's irreplaceable value—his influence and sheer capability—had often led her to overlook his repeated acts of defiance. Time after time, she had excused his behavior, even in circumstances like the current one.

But once Virion was gone… that scenario felt like a real possibility. The risk would grow, especially if his successor, Xie Qiu, failed to rise to the occasion with enough strength to lead. Should they face a serious downturn, it would be easy for chaos to consume what remained of their fragile unity.

From what he had seen, Virion's child lacked the instinct of a fighter. However, she had shown a spark of ingenuity in tactical matters. He recalled the times he had tested her with small war simulations, where her strategic thinking had left an impression, though her raw strength left much to be desired.

"…You don't think it could really come to that, do you?" Zhao Quan's question was barely above a murmur as he fixed his attention on Aaron. "I mean, Lord Virion has done plenty that Madame Phumera didn't approve of. But she wouldn't go so far as to wipe us all out over it. Right?"

"We've got the Honlugongians—essentially factories for soldiers, bred for nothing but war," Zhao Quan said, his words an attempt to justify their purpose. "It's like Ferrothos Prime all over again. Destroying it would cripple her efforts."

"Elanor doesn't need that," Aaron countered, his tone blunt, leaving no room for interpretation. "She can recreate everything with her androids and drones. The reality is simple: the planets under Virion's control survive because of him. He's the linchpin. If he falls, so does everything he holds together. To Phumera, you're expendable. None of you matter."

Zhao Quan stiffened. His unease deepened as Aaron's words sank in, each one striking with a brutal finality. He had long suspected this, but hearing it from someone with Aaron's stature brought the truth into sharp focus. His schemes—the coup, the rebellion, the attempts to curry favor with Phumera—were destined to collapse, no matter how carefully he planned.

"If… if that's true…" Zhao Quan's voice dropped as the weight of realization pressed on him. His hand came up to cover his face, his shoulders slumping as he leaned back. "Everything I've done… all of it… was for nothing."

Aaron crossed his arms and leaned forward, his tone measured but direct. "What you decide defines what it means in the end. But that doesn't mean your actions are unstoppable. There are ways to alter what happens. Shut down the coup. Warn the other generals. Though, I'm guessing not all of them would take your side, am I right?"

Zhao Quan felt an uneasiness coil within him, though he didn't deny Aaron's reasoning. He knew full well the generals only followed him because of the power he wielded and the convictions he had upheld. It was never about who he was, not truly. They needed someone to look to, and he had played that part—convincingly enough for it to hold. But it was never who he really wanted to be.

In his younger years, he avoided conflict whenever possible, wanting nothing to do with bloodshed or violence. Fighting was something he despised. But as time passed, circumstances changed, and he realized that peace could not always be preserved through silence or retreat. Now, every decision he made carried risks, and the outcomes he faced were heavier than he'd ever imagined—choices that could claim lives, including his own.

"As you've said, not everyone would agree even if I backtrack on my statement. Among the four currently standing with me, I think only one might be willing to listen. They're frustrated too, unhappy with the way things are, but they also value the peace that Lord Virion has managed to maintain," Zhao Quan admitted.

"So, who is it? And what about the others—who's backing you on this coup?" Shirone asked, tilting her head slightly as her voice pressed for clarity.

"There are eight generals in total. Out of the eight, five are with me, and two are against," Zhao Quan began, his tone steady as he listed them off. "There's myself, Beiyin, Liora, Kaiyang, Chengxi, and Galen. The opposition likely includes Milt and Huoshen Renqing."

"No," Aaron interrupted, his tone sharp enough to cut into the exchange. "We ran into Galen earlier. He's already sided against you and joined us. That makes four, not five. So out of those, who's most likely to flip if you do?"

The statement surprised Zhao Quan, though not entirely. His expression tightened briefly before he responded, "If Galen has already switched sides… then I suppose Beiyin might be the most reasonable to consider it."

Aaron muttered under his breath, "Beiyin… she's like the Black Tortoise of our world." His voice barely carried over the quiet hum of conversation. Without turning, he added, "Why do you think that? Can you go into her stance a bit more?"

Zhao Quan, leaning slightly against the table, responded without hesitation. "She's rooted in her own territory, guarding her people and their way of life. Most of her energy goes into teaching—she's created a school of sorts to share a distilled version of her techniques. Defensive, for the most part, though not entirely without teeth."

As he spoke, Zhao Quan raised his hand. A projection flickered into view above him, revealing video footage and snapshots of Beiyin's continent and the sprawling grounds of her school. The images changed, showing orderly lines of students practicing under the watchful eyes of instructors, the sprawling compound surrounded by natural barriers.

"This is a live feed," Zhao Quan continued, gesturing toward the projection. "Even now, with everything I've informed her of, she hasn't shown much concern. She stepped into this conflict for a handful of reasons, mostly to push back against some of Lord Virion's ways. Beyond that, she seems content to stay where she is."

Kuroka's quiet laugh broke the rhythm of his explanation. "Sounds more like she joined just to spite Virion."

Zhao Quan allowed a small smirk. "I wouldn't argue with that. It's likely her main motivation," he replied, amusement creeping into his tone.

"Now that we've reached this stage, what's your final decision, Zhao Quan?" Aaron asked, keeping his eyes fixed on the man across from him. "I've been trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. That's the reason none of the people you hired were harmed when they tried to stop us. But let's be clear—what you've done here is beyond questionable."

Aaron motioned toward the faint, protective barrier shimmering in the city. Zhao Quan's shoulders slumped slightly, his gaze falling to the desk in front of him.

"I set that up as a contingency," he admitted, his voice strained. "In case the worst came to pass. Deep down, I always knew it wouldn't stop anyone with power on the scale of Lord Virion's, but I still thought it was worth a try."

Shirone's voice cut through his explanation, her tone firm. "But did you really resort to using the remains of Virion's wife and unborn child to create it?" she demanded. The revelation had disgusted her when they uncovered it earlier. Her accusation hung in the air as Zhao Quan's head snapped up, his expression twisting into one of alarm and disbelief.

"W-what? What are you talking about?" Zhao Quan asked. His expression tightened as he grappled with her accusation. "I instructed my subordinates to gather as much of those as possible for use as an energy source. I didn't specify where they should come from…but it's always understood—disturbing Lady Aelin's resting place brings the wrath of Lord Virion."

"So you're saying you didn't know about it, nya~?" Kuroka's eyes narrowed, her skepticism obvious despite the playful tone.

"No! And what do you mean by…unborn child!? We only knew of one, and that was Princess Xie Qiu!" Zhao Quan's voice rose, the horror in his words unmistakable.

Aaron leaned back with a quiet sigh, his tone firm but measured. "There's no reason to inform the entire world about the death of one child if another survived. Virion likely wanted to mourn them both in silence, which is why he never spoke about this."

Aaron rose abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor as he broke the tense silence. "Enough wasting time. We have other priorities. What's your decision?"

Zhao Quan kept his focus on the desk, his fingers curling slightly before he, too, stood. "Fine. I'll call it off. But I'm telling you, the others might not go along with it. If things spiral from there…"

"That's on us," Aaron interrupted, his tone firm. He stepped closer, each movement deliberate as he locked eyes with Zhao Quan. "Just focus on setting things right here. And get rid of that energy barrier around the city. I've already dealt with the souls you've been exploiting. Keep clinging to them, though..." Aaron's expression hardened as the room seemed to constrict around Zhao Quan, forcing him to swallow hard. "...and you'll answer for it."

Zhao Quan hesitated, then gave a single nod. "I'll do what I can to return them to where they belong," he said, his voice low but steady.

They shook hands briefly, the gesture more transactional than cordial. Without another word, Aaron turned on his heel, leading his group out of the room.

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron Toole's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

"What now?" Shirone turned toward me, her expression neutral as we exited Zhao Quan's office.

I glanced at her briefly before shifting my attention to Kuroka and Phensica. "I'll leave some Shadow Soldiers here to handle things. Let's stick around and help them patch this place up. We also need to deal with those subordinates Zhao Quan sent after us. We knocked them out, so they're still our responsibility," I said, keeping my tone flat.

"Got it. We'll bring them back," Kuroka replied, grabbing Shirone by the arm and leading her away. That left me standing there with Phensica, who avoided making eye contact.

"You've been here longer than us," I said, gesturing vaguely. "Lead me to any hidden labs or locked rooms they might have stashed away."

Phensica hesitated, glancing around like she expected someone to appear and stop her. "Are you sure about that?" Her voice carried a nervous tremor as she shifted uncomfortably on her feet.

I met her eyes with a flat look. "Who here can stop me?"

A nervous laugh escaped her before she nodded, her hands fidgeting as she spoke. "Fair enough. But still, the things Zhao Quan let slip in that conversation… it's a lot to process." She sighed before starting down the hall, motioning for me to follow.

I instructed Shirone and Kuroka to follow us once they were done and to leave the bodies in the hall we had just exited, using telepathy to relay the message. Phensica guided us through several corridors and doorways until we reached a door that seemed completely ordinary at first glance.

"There's activity in there," I noted. "Not quite human, though." Phensica acknowledged this with a nod before she pushed the door open.

The room beyond revealed androids. Yet, parts of their bodies weren't mechanical—there was flesh intertwined with their construction. A bizarre amalgamation of human and machine. My eyes swept over the room, catching other examples of this unsettling fusion before Phensica turned toward me.

"This was Lady Elanor's space before she disappeared years ago," Phensica began. "She had peculiar habits, did things her way, and then... left all of this behind. We've kept it untouched, thinking she might eventually come back."

"However, she hasn't, and things have escalated since then because of the resurrection of the Resistance. And, well, now you guys are here, so…I thought this might be a place you'd want to check out," she explained, finishing her thought.

I acknowledged her explanation with a nod, then moved through the room, observing everything in detail. The humanoid robots were stationed in various positions, their appearances cold and lifeless.

Despite their inert state, I examined them closely and concluded they could likely be activated, their dormant forms not as lifeless as they appeared. No signs of organic life were present, yet the stillness felt far from permanent.

"No," I stated firmly, breaking the silence. My response startled Phensica.

"N-no…?" she echoed, her confusion apparent in her voice.

"These are similar to the barriers used by Zhao Quan," I clarified. "Except, instead of bones and the souls of the dead, these were…or are…human. Living people once. She must have abducted them—the kind of people society ignores: the homeless, unruly kids nobody would notice missing. She experimented on them, twisted them into…this." My voice hardened as I examined the mechanical remnants of their former selves.

It was clear what action needed to be taken. Although these constructs lacked souls, rendering them primarily lifeless shells, they still deserved to be freed from the torment they were subjected to. I extended my right hand outward in front of me and, in an instant, all sound in the immediate area vanished, replaced with an absolute quiet.

"W-what did you do?" Phensica questioned, her voice laced with confusion as she also became rigid due to the sudden stillness that had enveloped the entire area. Her confusion was visible on her face; she didn't comprehend what caused the sudden silence and stillness.

"I set them free from their 'task,' allowing them to move on, in a manner of speaking, since they never possessed souls to begin with," I said, turning my head to face her directly. "Anyway, that should resolve this situation." I then flicked my hand toward the back of me, and everything within the room was placed into my [Inventory]. With her now following, I walked towards the exit.

Once outside the building, I glanced around my surroundings, taking in the view before teleporting us both to the location where my Shadow Soldiers were keeping the prisoners we had recently captured.

— ○ ● ○ —

After some time, Shirone and Kuroka returned with the individuals they had previously defeated, and they also restored the remaining damage to the building. Following this, Zhao Quan made an official declaration, ordering his people to refrain from any further attacks against us and to stop all operations that were related to his earlier directives.

Yet, things didn't proceed as smoothly as anticipated because there were those who wanted to continue their attacks and were unwilling to stop simply because their leader had given them orders to do so. This presented an issue that required immediate attention.

"This is...a problem. I will go out and handle those who don't agree." Zhao Quan said as he frowned deeply while gazing out his office balcony, contemplating the situation before him. He was clearly stressed about the turn of events.

"I'll take care of it, the rest of you stay here. Provide me with a written list containing all the names of those who are currently acting in opposition," I said, my voice firm. He quickly agreed and wrote down the names of all individuals who had stated their refusal to adhere to his command. He gave me the list, and I took it. "This won't take long," I stated before I teleported away.

— ○ ● ○ —

I appeared in a space filled with a sizable amount of people, although I suspected that this was not the total number of those who had defied Zhao Quan's orders. I glanced around, observing that each of them possessed different types of equipment.

Some of them had more traditional-looking Chinese armaments such as swords, spears, and various blades, while others had more advanced, futuristic equipment that I didn't recognize.

"There he is! Intruder! He willingly walked right into us! Attack him!" someone shouted, pointing directly at me. Their voice was sharp and full of hostility, indicating their intentions.

All eyes shifted and were focused directly on me. They all brought out their chosen equipment or enveloped themselves in their personal energy and then launched it in my direction.

To be honest, observing this spectacle felt quite surreal because it was truly a strange sight. I was quite aware of the ridiculousness of this entire situation. If I was an ordinary individual, I would likely be terrified.

I exhaled loudly and extended my arm outward, then snapped my fingers, which caused all the attacks to vanish instantly. Their faces registered pure shock, as they were probably envisioning some kind of climactic final stand, or something. Sorry to ruin their little fantasy, but that wasn't going to happen.

"Well, I might as well make this whole situation more entertaining," I said to myself, moving my right hand to my side before summoning the [Excalibur] sword from the Fate Series. I then raised it with both hands, its golden surface shimmering in the dim light.

I immediately poured power into it, charging it to its maximum capacity and then exhaled slowly. "Nerfed… Excalibur!!!" I yelled before swinging the sword down with force. I unleashed a beam of golden holy light that ripped through the space in front of me.

Significant amounts of people were lifted from the ground and slammed violently against the metallic walls at the far end of the room, being utterly destroyed. It was a signature move that I gave a ridiculous name, but it was also weakened, so it wouldn't kill those affected by it, or accidentally destroy the entire planet.

But then I detected the life signatures of five individuals that managed to survive my attack, albeit barely. Suddenly, they appeared right behind me, weapons readied and in position, prepared to strike. I turned my head to look at them, smiling. Their resolve to fight was genuinely admirable and praiseworthy.

I quickly moved my wrist, which generated a forceful gust of wind, sending those behind me flying backward. Then, summoning the [Boosted Gear], a black and gold gauntlet manifested on my arm. I then formed multiple [Dragon Shots] and unleashed them toward the five individuals. The projectiles struck each of them directly, instantly knocking them unconscious as their bodies collided with the ceiling and walls, leaving them defeated.

Now, everyone in the area had been defeated. I snapped my fingers again and grouped all of them together. I searched through the city, and found numerous prisons in the area. I snapped my fingers again and teleported all the unconscious bodies into the prisons, ensuring they were safely locked up. Then, I teleported out of that place to continue my mission since there were still three other places that needed to be dealt with, and those who still opposed Zhao Quan had to be stopped.

— ○ ● ○ —

Upon my arrival at the last of the holdouts, I saw only three individuals standing there. I could feel their power, yet they remained completely motionless. After a few moments, their eyes opened, and they stared at me with a chilling gaze that made the room seem even colder.

Without exchanging a single word, they covered their bodies with a type of energy that was mostly made of darkness and shadow, along with a second elemental aspect that added to their overall power. The one on the left had added ice to their energy, the one in the middle had magma, and the one on the right had light.

I couldn't help but make a mental comparison between this scene to the times I saw the three admirals from One Piece, Aokiji, Akainu, and Kizaru, which gave me a small smirk. I could feel that they took that gesture as an insult, and then, they rushed at me.

The one in the middle launched a large fist composed entirely of magma directly toward me, the one on the right unleashed enormous beams of light in the form of swords, while the one on the left fired a barrage of countless icicles in my direction.

"Let's get this short party started then!" I exclaimed, while summoning [Divine Dividing]. Energy wings appeared on my back, and I extended my right arm forward and shouted, "Divide!"

{Divide!} Albion's voice resounded from the wings as all the incoming attacks were reduced by half in both power and size. The attacks became significantly smaller and less powerful due to my action.

I repeated the process several more times until the attacks completely vanished, which left my opponents in a state of shock. I did not give them an opportunity to recover, as I launched myself at them, attacking them at extreme speed.

They collapsed on the ground, due to a technique I created during the fight, which I called [Instant Divide]. This technique drained the overall energy of an opponent by 50 times the original amount once it made contact with their bodies.

To ensure that they remained completely unconscious, I added a sleeping spell on top of the technique to keep them down and unable to fight any further. Then, I made the call to Zhao Quan, letting him know that the situation was taken care of. "It's over, I'm heading back."

— ○ ● ○ —

After I reappeared within Zhao Quan's office, I stated, "We'll be going soon. I'll leave some of my Shadow Soldiers to watch over you and the surrounding area. Remember the consequences should you decide to go against your own word."

Zhao Quan acknowledged this with a nod, understanding completely that he had yet to gain my trust and that he would need to prove himself before that could ever happen.

I was already aware of what was going to happen in the future, but it was important that he and all those around him understood that fact, rather than me being the only one with that information.

"Understood, I will leave you now to carry out whatever you need to do," he said before pulling out a handheld device to contact his followers, and get them working on various tasks, including taking apart the structures they had recently completed.

We walked out of his office, and Kuroka asked, "What's the plan now?" She seemed curious and eager to start whatever task was next.

I looked out the large windows to our left and said, "All that remains for us to do now is wait. We need all the others to fulfill their responsibilities and allow the natural order of things to move ahead. Our involvement in this ends here for now."