Chapter 82: Meeting between Alliances
"Seriously, both of your cultivations have already consolidated at Gold Tier 2… and here I thought that whatever you two displayed back then was just some transformation skill to boost your power temporarily!" Ramiro grumbled, his body still lightly bandaged. His eyes scanned Elton and Zoro, who were wrapped far heavier in gauze and linen.
Elton gave a bitter smile, lowering his gaze. "No, I was already at the peak of Gold Tier 1. But it's true—I didn't expect to truly break into Gold Tier 2 that fast… even if I spoke like I did." He sighed, remembering his inner voice's arrogance.
"It doesn't matter, though! We made it through—all thanks to Brother Elly and Brother Zoro!" Shayleaf exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.
Erica, seated nearby, nodded with relief. A heavy breath left her chest. She had been prepared to use that ability… and was thankful she hadn't needed to.
"I've said it once, and I'll say it again: job well done," Jewleaf commended. He stood at ease, but his tone carried authority. "Even with the wars escalating across this region, we're still managing… and a lot of that is because of you three."
It was true. Since the desperate battle a week prior, Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro had proven themselves repeatedly on the front lines. Their names spread, whispered as young powers firmly below Gold Tier 4 but already standing as major assets. Christy, Erica, Shayleaf, Joe-Pine, and the Oak twins were deployed further back to minimize risk, but everyone knew the truth—the group as a whole had become a weapon.
And because of that, an invitation had arrived. Two days earlier, the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect had reached out to the Celebi Forest Kingdom. Today, their representatives would sit together in a council, with one unusual request: the Laughing Blue Reapers must also attend.
Later that day, the grand meeting convened inside a sprawling hall near the heart of the Celebi Forest Kingdom. The chamber was alive with voices—nobles, envoys, guards from every race under the alliance. At the dais, Aeloria commanded the room, her aura radiating the confidence of a Golden Lord, though few knew her true level. Behind her, cloaked in blue and masked, the Laughing Blue Reapers sat in silence. Jewleaf stood before them, appearing as their official leader.
Then, the doors opened again.
Guided in under the banner of the Seven Sect Alliance was the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect's scouting platoon, led by a silver-haired Elder. With them came dignitaries from allied factions. To Christy's shock, among them walked her mother.
Her sharp eyes swept the chamber, pausing when they reached the cloaked Reapers. A flicker of recognition sparked immediately. One masked gaze locked with hers—then, a discreet finger lifted to the lips. Through the invisible current of the Aka Boshi Tengan, a silent understanding flowed. Recognition… acceptance.
Christy's mother adjusted her composure and sat with quiet curiosity.
"Whew…" Christy whispered under her breath. "I knew Mom would recognize me in an instant."
Beside her, Erica fidgeted, visibly tense. "Good for you, but my clan won't be as forgiving. I can already feel their eyes burning into me."
"No need to worry," Christy replied with a calm smile, her tone carrying a hidden edge. "I already spoke with Lady Aeloria."
Elton caught Ramiro's muttered whisper: "Oi, your girl Christy is a schemer at heart."
"What 'my girl'…?" Elton muttered back, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Still… you're right. She's sharper than me in some ways."
The meeting began with Aeloria's voice echoing across the hall.
"We of the Celebi Forest Kingdom, and this grand alliance, extend our hand in partnership. Our comrades—geniuses of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, bloodline heirs of the Aka Boshi no Tengan Clan, and kin of the Soloman Clan—stand here as proof. Even a noble house of the Brawlmanica Kingdom has shown interest in talks. This alliance is our chance to stand united."
At her signal, the masked Laughing Blue Reapers rose and bowed.
Christy stepped forward, her tone steady. "For safety, I'll speak on behalf of us. My clan can confirm I'm under no spell or coercion. I forced my way here through the Dimensional Gate to save my friends—and I succeeded. Two of them, younger than me, now stand at Gold Tier 2. This is the caliber of those you call criminals."
A wave of astonishment swept the hall. The Bright Brilliant Blade Sect's elders murmured with shock, calculating the implications. The Aka Boshi no Tengan clan exhaled relief for Christy's safety. But the Soloman clan—
"We, the Solomans, have other thoughts!" an Elder barked. His voice cut sharp through the crowd. "We care nothing for your talks. Release our Lady this instant!"
Tension flared—until a calm voice stilled it.
"Elders of the Soloman clan," Prince Hunter spoke, his presence silencing even the angry elder. "Let us hear them out. This negotiation could benefit the clan, if handled wisely."
The elder's jaw clenched, but he relented. "Hmph. Then we will give you face, young prince. For now."
John Soloman bristled, but his words were swallowed as Hunter's eyes flicked toward Elton's masked figure.
For hours, the meeting churned. Aeloria and her allies outlined histories, the dangers of the Whispering Expanse, looming threats from hostile factions, and the purpose of the Grand Fae Spirit Alliance. They spoke of opportunity… and of survival.
The Soloman clan, along with another sect, remained defiant, raising sharp questions and dismissive rebuttals. The air was heavy with politics and tension. By the third hour, even news of an invasion attempt couldn't break the atmosphere.
When a recess was called, the chamber scattered into hushed discussions.
Christy's mother quietly informed Shia and others of the truth, careful to keep appearances. Erica silenced her clan's protests with uncharacteristic fire, demanding they stop embarrassing themselves. Ramiro, Kageha, and Kuroha whispered to their sect elders, hinting at the truth of Elton and Zoro without naming them outright.
In one corner, Christy's mother leaned close. "So, tell me, dear—who was it you risked everything for?"
Christy flinched, then answered quickly. "My friends. Nothing more. Everything is fine now."
Her mother smiled knowingly. "Sure, sure…"
Christy stiffened, then leaned closer. "I have one request. No matter what, our clan must side with Daoist Blue Heavens Sword—unless he crosses our bottom line."
Her mother's brows lifted. "The Laughing Blue Reaper? Ohhh… so it's him. Don't tell me he's—"
"Not here. Later," Christy cut her off firmly.
When the recess ended, the talks resumed for two more hours. By the end, the Seven Sect Alliance chose to withdraw for now. The threat of spies, assassins, and looming invasions made it impossible to escort the Laughing Blue Reapers openly. For now, they left them behind in Aeloria's protection—choosing to regroup, and reconvene once the storms ahead had passed.
The hall emptied, but the weight of the meeting lingered.
For the first time, the Laughing Blue Reapers stood not just as fugitives… but as players in the politics of nations.