If you notice any errors, please feel free to give me constructive feedback. English is not my first language, so if you notice any mistakes, please mention them in the comment section at the end of the chapter.
I do not own any characters except for OC.
Let's begin the story!
Word Count: 3200 Words
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Bruce observed the trio with mild amusement and growing curiosity. He leaned back slightly in his chair and turned to World, his tone casual. "As I had assumed, it's not just one person."
"That was our initial assumption," World replied, her gaze drifting back to the three summoned figures. She regarded their cautious stances, noting how none of them had taken a seat yet, wary of both the man who had brought them here and the woman seated across from him. "But it seems the rules of summoning have adapted to the number of individuals you've interacted with in the worlds you've visited."
Bruce raised an eyebrow at that. "So, it's tied to the connections I've made. Glad to be on the same page."
"Precisely," World said with a knowing smile. "Although three is unusual, I'd wager it's a consequence of your meddling in those worlds. Either way, they're here now, so perhaps you should address them."
Bruce glanced at the three figures again, each radiating a different kind of unease. "I suppose I shouldn't keep them waiting," he muttered. A sigh escaped him, heavy with the weight of responsibility he hadn't quite anticipated.
World chuckled softly. "And while you're at it, why not summon the rest of them? We're not done here. It's better to finish this faster."
Bruce let out a low hum, thoughtful yet resigned. "The rest, huh? That sounds interesting, so let's go with it." His sigh, louder this time, caught the attention of the three figures standing before him.
---
Moreover, as the hall settled into silence, the three summoned individuals found their gazes drawn irresistibly to Bruce. The air between them seemed to hum with a peculiar energy, one that neither magic nor psychic powers could penetrate. Diablo's unease turned into an analytical stare, his gamer instincts kicking in as he tried to assess the "rules" of this space. Frieren's curiosity deepened, though she remained as composed as ever, her mind already dissecting the possible mechanics behind their summoning. Saiki, meanwhile, remained impassive, though his sharp eyes betrayed a spark of intrigue.
---
Tired of the silence and the deliberate neglect of his presence, Diablo stepped forward, his patience wearing thin. "Hey..." he began, his voice tinged with restrained frustration. Yet before he could finish, the Mysterious Man seated at the head of the table rapped his knuckles against its surface. The sharp sound echoed through the grand hall, silencing Diablo as effectively as a thunderclap.
As if responding to this unspoken command, two brilliant pillars of light descended from the starry canopy above. The summoned individuals watched, breaths held in anticipation, as the light cascaded down, illuminating the hall with an ethereal glow.
Frieren and Saiki instinctively turned their gazes toward the remaining empty chairs, their sharp minds speculating about the purpose behind their number. 'Was this gathering meant to be filled completely? If so, how many more were to come?'
Diablo, on the other hand, found his attention fixated solely on the Mysterious Man. His crimson eyes narrowed as he scrutinized every subtle movement. 'Who is this guy?' he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. 'Is he some kind of hidden event boss? Or part of an unreleased expansion in the game?' His mind raced, weaving hypothetical combat scenarios, assessing strategies, and pondering his own chances of survival in a direct confrontation.
His thoughts darkened as he shifted his gaze briefly to the Woman seated across the table, her serene demeanor unsettling him further. 'She is beautiful, but...' He clenched his fists, turning back to the Man. 'If they are hostile, I'll destroy them both.'
---
As the brilliance of the descending light faded, two new figures emerged. The first was a young woman, her appearance suggesting she had only recently entered her twenties. Her poised stance and composed demeanor immediately commanded attention. Opposite to her stood a boy, his wide-eyed expression betraying his youthful curiosity. He appeared to be around the same age as Saiki.
Frieren's analytical gaze quickly assessed the new arrivals. She noted their ages and appearances, concluding with measured confidence that they were likely human—unlike the Demon who had been summoned alongside her. Despite her lingering caution toward Diablo, she felt the need to reassess her priorities.
Her attention shifted back to her surroundings, wary yet curious. 'No mana', she thought again, her mind circling back to the unsettling realization. The place seemed to drain her magic entirely, leaving her vulnerable. 'If this Demon decides to act hostile, I'll need to tread carefully without my spells.'
Meanwhile, Diablo remained blissfully unaware of the cautious hostility directed at him. His focus was entirely on the newcomers, particularly the woman whose graceful movements contrasted starkly with the boy's youthful excitement. Saiki, too, observed them silently, his expression as inscrutable as ever.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, the newcomers moved in unison, bowing deeply toward the Mysterious Man.
"It is my honor to meet you in my short life, Lord Fool," the young woman declared, her voice steady and reverent, shattering the stunned silence of the hall.
---
Among the onlookers, Sakura found herself particularly shaken. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. Her gaze locked onto the Mysterious Man cloaked in the veil of grey fog, her breath hitching as a deep, inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over her.
His presence tugged at something buried in the recesses of her soul, a feeling that transcended logic or reason. Nostalgia flooded her senses, filling her with a profound, almost comforting warmth. 'There's no mistaking it', she thought, her lips curving into a gentle smile. 'That fog... that aura... It can only be him.'
Though his face was obscured, she recognized the enigmatic figure who had aided her during the Holy Grail War. Her bow deepened, a silent acknowledgment of her gratitude and reverence.
After all, she could never mistake the gray fog.
The boy beside her was equally moved, though for reasons rooted more in admiration than familiarity. His voice, trembling with awe, followed closely behind hers. "I am honored to be graced by your presence, my lord," he said, his words rich with sincerity. "I cannot begin to express the joy I feel in this moment."
Kai's bow remained as deep as Sakura's, the intensity of his reverence palpable even to the others.
---
The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken questions and emotions. Diablo, Saiki, and Frieren exchanged subtle glances, each processing the scene in their own way.
Bruce, seated at the head of the table, leaned forward slightly, his fingers steepled before him as he regarded the newcomers. His demeanor remained calm, though the faintest hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"Interesting," he murmured, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room. The weight of his presence was undeniable, even as he spoke so softly.
World, seated opposite him, let out a light, knowing chuckle. "You certainly have a way of leaving impressions, S," she teased, her gaze flicking briefly toward the two who had bowed so earnestly.
Bruce ignored her comment, his attention lingering on the reverence displayed before him. Finally, his voice broke the silence once more, a question hidden within his words:
"Rise," he said simply, the command gentle yet absolute, resonating with an authority that none dared question.
The two newcomers obeyed immediately, their movements precise, as though they had rehearsed them a thousand times.
---
A whirlwind of thoughts coursed through the minds of those present, but Bruce's attention remained locked on something far more pressing. His gaze sharpened, and his thoughts echoed a single name: Zarios. He stared ahead at Kai's soul, but what truly captivated him was the second soul entwined with it—a presence parasitizing yet coexisting within the boy.
Bruce had the power to summon physical bodies, as he had done with the three new members before him. Yet, that was where his dominion ended. These physical entities arrived at the Heart of the Omniverse, their autonomy intact. In contrast, he could only summon the physical bodies of those summoned. While he could summon the soul or the physical body of those who have already been assigned the cards. That explained how Kai and Sakura had come to be present.
But the sight of another soul latched onto Kai's—one he recognized—left him momentarily stunned. His shock deepened when he identified it. 'Zarios, huh! I thought he had died'.
Bruce was about to speak when World's voice interrupted his train of thought. "They appear to be related," she remarked, her tone calm yet curious.
His curiosity piqued, Bruce shifted his gaze to her, raising a brow in question. As his eyes landed on the World Item in her possession—the Ravens of Knowledge—he sighed, realizing she must have taken it from his inventory at some point. Deciding not to dwell on her antics, he gestured for her to elaborate.
Sighing at his reaction, World obliged. "The boy, Kai, seems to be Zarios' descendant. And they're living in harmony, I suppose. Their connection doesn't seem forced. Rather, it's something both have come to accept."
Bruce's brow furrowed, his skepticism evident. "And how can you say that with such certainty? The Ravens of Knowledge doesn't grant such detailed insight."
World nodded, acknowledging his doubt. "True, but it seems to be the doing of this place. The Heart of the Omniverse is amplifying the World Item's abilities," she replied, her tone carrying a note of resignation.
---
Bruce exhaled sharply, setting aside the matter for now. "Never mind that. Let's begin the meeting, shall we?" he said to World, turning his focus back to the room. With a glance at World, he rapped his knuckles on the table.
The sound served as a signal, as he gestured them to sit, prompting them to sit as Sakura and Kai bowed to him, before taking the seat. However, Diablo and Frieren hesitated, their wariness of the situation keeping them rooted in place. Saiki, on the other hand, quietly followed Kai and Sakura's lead, taking a seat adjacent to where they had appeared.
Frieren remained cautious, her eyes flicking toward Diablo, whose presence hadn't escaped her notice. But before she could act on her thoughts, Sakura turned toward them, her voice cutting through the silence. As the High Priestess of the Fool, she felt it her duty to maintain decorum.
"You are being disrespectful to the Great Fool. You should sit down," Sakura said firmly, her gaze unwavering as it landed on both Diablo and Frieren.
Her words caught them off guard, and they repeated the title she had used, confusion evident in their voices. "The Fool?"
Shaking off his surprise, Diablo straightened, unwilling to let himself be pressured. His apathetic social skills drove him to silence, even if the situation was unfamiliar, he fell back to his Demon Lord persona, despite the fear he felt, he had to continue the conversation. "You're speaking to a Demon Lord," he began, his voice low and edged with warning. "You should be careful with your words, woman..." His words faltered into a whisper as his gaze settled more intently on Sakura's face, her beauty, making him more nervous than he was.
His declaration drew the attention of everyone present, particularly Saiki and Frieren. Saiki's expression remained neutral, but his thoughts churned. 'A Demon Lord, huh? Those horns aren't just props, then. Is he from another world?'
His gaze swept over the others. 'Long ears... an Elf, perhaps? If there are Elves, it's no surprise there might also be a Demon Lord. So, they're likely from a fantasy world. It's as if have entered a game world.'
Unlike most, Saiki didn't feel panic or awe. His mind, usually occupied with his suppressed psychic powers, now raced freely, his emotions rampart. Though cautious, he adapted to the new environment with a speed and ease that outpaced the others.
Frieren, meanwhile, caught on to Diablo's words. The term "Demon Lord" was unfamiliar to her, though it bore a resemblance to the "Demon King" she knew. She pondered the distinction, her analytical mind searching for clues.
Then, another realization struck her. She noticed something peculiar: the movement of their lips and the sounds they produced didn't align perfectly.
She wasn't the only one. Saiki had observed this inconsistency from the start, his sharp observation for details, picking up on every subtle differences. Stripped of his telepathic prowess, his observational skills had remained, and was all he could rely on. Sakura, ever alert, had already begun closely scrutinizing those around her. Meanwhile, Kai, trained by Zarios, had made similar observations, his experience allowing him to read between the lines.
Moreover, this shared realization only deepened the mystery of the place they found themselves in. Something unseen, something profound, was shaping their interactions, bridging the language barrier.
Bringing the realisation of them being in an another world. And those adjacent to them, to be inhabitants of the said worlds. After all, their characteristics and distinct features were too inconspicuous for them to be from the same World.
Moreover, the place the were in, only worked to cement the fact. The place was too otherworldly and Mysterious. Even the view of the outside from the open Hall, depicted a starry expanse. The view was too divine and majestic, it was unlike anything they had come across in their lives by themselves or heard of by others.
---
Sakura's silence was piercing, her unwavering gaze locking onto Diablo's. Her intent stared straight through him, and despite his best efforts to remain composed, a flicker of discomfort betrayed him. Yet, Diablo refused to falter completely, masking his unease with feigned resolve, his demon lord persona surfacing.
Bruce observed the exchange with evident amusement, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile beneath the shroud of grey fog that obscured his face. World, seated beside him, found it amusing in her own way, though her thoughts took a different turn.
'They're so vastly different, yet there's a peculiar familiarity in each of them', she pondered, her eyes flicking between the gathered individuals. 'Though their personalities are distinct—polar opposites—they each echo something of him. It's subtle, barely perceptible, but undeniable to someone who knows him as I do'.
Her gaze lingered on Bruce for a moment as her musings deepened. 'Perhaps it's not a coincidence. Could their summoning be guided by some underlying parameter? A reflection of his existence drawn into these individuals?'
The thought lingered as her mind wandered further afield. A sigh escaped her lips, laced with mild exasperation as she watched their silent battle. 'Is he even considering the chaos we've left behind? With both of us absent, those children... they'll undoubtedly go to extreme lengths. Their determination knows no bounds. If intruders were foolish enough to cross their path...'
The scenario unfolded vividly in her mind—a twisted parallel to a "Home Alone" scenario.
'Instead of a child defending their home against bumbling intruders, it would be those children, orchestrating merciless traps, hunting down trespassers with chilling efficiency. Torturing them in the hopes of finding him.' she mused as her gaze landed on Bruce.
Another sigh slipped out, though her irritation gave way to a reluctant smile as she glanced at Bruce again. His joy at the unfolding chaos was evident, his enigmatic demeanor momentarily softened by childlike delight. The sight tugged at her emotions, an odd blend of fondness and frustration.
'He's like a child living out his dream, immersing himself in this fantasy he's created', she mused, chuckling softly despite herself.
---
Sakura remained poised, ready to speak, but before she could, a calm yet commanding voice cut through the tension.
"I would advise you to sit and refrain from disrespecting the Great Fool," the boy said, his voice steady yet edged with an unusual authority. "Unless you wish to be erased from existence."
His words hung heavily in the air, and an oppressive wave of heat surged through the room. It wasn't just the sensation of rising temperature–they witnessed an illusion of a star, as they stared into his golden eyes.
Everyone, even those who considered themselves powerful, felt its presence and faltered momentarily. Bruce, however, was not immune to surprise. He studied Kai intently, his analytical mind racing.
'So, the boy carries more of Zarios within him than I anticipated', Bruce thought, glancing at World for confirmation. Yet when their eyes met, he saw only her smirk, her amusement barely concealed.
Her soft giggle broke the tension, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
Seeing that they had stopped their arguments, World looked over at Bruce.
Seeing her nod, Bruce sighed.
'So, anything that has my involvement is not suppressed by this place. Similar, to World, Zarios is something I had coined as Asura, fueled by a creation of mine, which is affecting Kai now.' Bruce shook his head, as he continued his thoughts.
'He is turning into one, though there is still time before the transformation is completed. Well, anyways it was Zarios now,' he mused as he turned to World. 'Wasn't it, World?'
Satisfied that the situation had calmed, World met Bruce's gaze. "Why not bring him out?" she suggested. "Kai is changing, yes, but the boy is still affected by Zarios' emotions. Let him emerge—it'll help move things faster. We still have to return to the Guild."
Bruce sighed but conceded with a subtle nod. With a theatrical snap of his fingers, he declared, "You can come out now, Zarios.", gathering the attention of everyone back to himself.
The scene confounded everyone a lot.
The scene that followed left the gathered individuals spellbound. From Kai's chest, a radiant star no larger than a tennis ball emerged, its light both brilliant and imposing. Despite its size, its intensity was undeniable, an embodiment of raw, unyielding power.
The star floated upward, expanding and shifting until it took the form of a man. His silhouette radiated divinity, his reddish-gold hair framing a face with glowing golden eyes. The very air around him seemed to hum with energy, his presence commanding reverence and awe.
Zarios bowed low before Bruce, the motion graceful. He remained bowed towards the Fool, his figure gave off a divine feeling. It was unmistakable to them, looking at him, everyone could feel it. The Man had the power to destroy Worlds, the pressure he gave off, radiated power. Though they remained oblivious to the principle of World Destruction, or what it would entail.
The feeling they got, gazing up at the man, it was undeniable.
The onlookers could do nothing but watch in stunned silence, their minds grappling with the enormity of what they had just witnessed.
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**The End**
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