“I see… If that is your final answer, then…” Orcus slammed the palm of his hands together as the golden ribbons closed in on his position! Simultaneously, a transparent black prism developed from a spiral of mana in the air before Orcus.
“Spatial Tempus Magic: Array of Revocation.” Orcus kept the palm of his hands pressed together. He then shifted his right hand until his fingertips were pointing in the direction of the golden ribbons that shot towards him.
Right as Orcus performed this action, the black prism spun rapidly as it expanded outward in all directions.
“Without revealing your affiliation to the Netherworld, how long would it take you to subdue him? Alive, of course.” Izroth asked as he observed Orcus and their Spatial Tempus magic.
After hearing Solomon call his name and witnessing Orcus’ magic firsthand, Izroth knew that he was a member of the Jestal family—the same as Dolos, who sided with not only the Shadahi but the Nether Realm.
‘Does this mean that the entire Jestal is involved in the collusion with the enemies of the Mortal Realm?’
However, it did not make any sense. If that were truly the case, why would the Jestal family reveal their hand so openly after hiding it so well for so long?
Impatience? Arrogance? No, a group capable of concealing themselves that well would not have made such a blatant oversight.
‘It’s too early in the war. To reveal themselves now—it doesn’t add up.’
“Just him? Ha, this emperor may not be at full strength, but against the likes of that weakling, I only need one move to-” Satoras stated confidently; however, he was swiftly interrupted.
“With his body in one piece,” Izroth added. There was no definitive proof that Dolos was not acting alone; therefore, he could not act rashly and simply dispose of Orcus or recklessly injure them. If, by some chance, there really was no connection, then he may lose his war rank and the contribution points he earned up to now if he accidentally killed Orcus. There was even a chance that his title and property in Amaharpe would be revoked!
Most likely, General Solomon had an identical trail of thought, seeing as how not a single person he captured with the golden ribbons was severely injured.
‘Right now, I still need the Mystical Realm Palace. Losing my contribution points would also be a waste. Keeping those from the Jestal family alive is our best option to get to the bottom of things.’
“…You humans sure love to overcomplicate things. If someone’s your enemy, just kill them. But, if you want him in one piece, so be it.” Satoras said. However, just as he took one step forward, a loud voice echoed throughout the surroundings.
“Both sides! Cease your actions at once!” As this voice entered everyone’s ears on the battlefield, a golden light fired from the nearby distance and stabbed into the ground between Solomon and Orcus. The moment this light touched the earth, it formed a bridge of pure dense energy. A few seconds later, one could see three silhouettes soaring along the golden bridge.
As the silhouettes moved closer, it revealed a group of familiar faces. At the front was none other than Captain Yan!
Instead of Yan’s typical War Brigade uniform, he was now in a set of extravagant robes. There was also a fresh air of authority that encompassed him as he arrived on the battlefield. He was no longer Captain Yan of the War Brigade, but Prince Yan of the Amaharpe Kingdom!
Accompanying Yan was Soothing Smoke, the War Intelligence Group Lead Agent, and Duchess, the Rosentarus Ten Beast Guardian.
“Wait,” Izroth said, causing Satoras to halt his steps. Now that reinforcements had arrived, Izroth chose to hold off on sending Satoras. The Death Emperor could be viewed as one of Izroth’s trump cards. Therefore, having one of his trump cards be seen by so many watchful eyes, especially someone from the War Intelligence Group, was too inconvenient.
Meanwhile, Aurie released a sigh of relief upon Yan’s appearance. She wanted to lend a hand to General Solomon but understood that the General was handling the situation with a great deal of care. If she jumped in the middle of it without thinking, then Aurie knew that she might do more harm than good.
Yan quickly scanned the battlefield and inwardly nodded. Fortunately, it seemed that no one had been killed as of yet. Since that was the case, there was still a chance for things to be resolved peacefully.
“I was somewhat skeptical of Soothing Smoke’s intentions, which is why I requested the Ten Beast Guardian Duchess accompany us. But, it seems he was not misleading me.” Yan internalized.
Just as Solomon ordered, Soothing Smoke informed Yan of the current situation regarding Dolos Jestal and his link to the Nether Realm. However, Soothing Smoke did not mention anything about other Jestal family members or the presence of his Commander and Captain Izroth.
“What is the Commander doing here with Captain Izroth? Also, that guy—I’ve never seen him in the camp before… That monster looks somewhat familiar… I suppose I need to be brought up to speed..” Yan thought to himself.
If possible, Yan hoped to resolve things peacefully. But, if what Soothing Smoke said was true, and Dolos Jestal sided with the League of the Eidolon and the Netherworld, then Jestal family or not, Yan would dispense swift justice! There was no room for traitors in his eyes!
When Orcus first heard a voice telling them to cease their actions, he scoffed at its arrogance. Though he never expected that the voice would belong to a prince of Amaharpe! What was a prince doing in a dangerous place like the Demilitarization Belt?
Orcus immediately halted his black prism as it receded and dispersed. If his attack kept going just now, it would have undoubtedly struck the prince. If that happened, it was akin to his Jestal family declaring war on all of Amaharpe! In the end, Orcus could only halt his attack and hold his anger inside.
“If that is Prince Yan’s wish,” Solomon said as he released Anaemia and Leuko from the golden ribbons. The instant he released the pair, they were livid and ready to fight until one side was eliminated! But, they were quickly chastised and silenced by Orcus.
One could tell by the look in their eyes that they wanted to tear Solomon apart limb from limb to repay him for their humiliation; however, they swallowed the shame. It was the first time Orcus had ever displayed that level of fury and disappointment towards them.
“General Solomon, Sir Orcus—shall we speak candidly? Why are two friends crossing blades so close to the enemy’s doorsteps?” Yan questioned.
“Friends? Your people not only forcibly captured but also injured a member of my Jestal family! Look at the abomination they have transformed him into! This General wants to protect the culprits and try to cover up their crimes! Prince Yan, you must seek justice for my Jestal family!” Orcus stated.
Yan frowned and responded, “Sir Orcus, those culprits you speak of are people I happen to know the character of quite well. Neither of them fits with your claim. Unless you have some evidence to present, I am afraid it will only be your word against theirs. Your presence here without submitting an official report is also concerning.”
“Careful with your words, Prince Yan. It almost sounds like you are suspecting my Jestal family of misdeeds. Even you cannot afford the consequences of driving a wedge between the bond of our kingdoms.” Orcus said with a cold gaze.
“My only concern is the truth, Sir Orcus. I’m sure someone of your stature must feel the same way. If that is true, isn’t our solution one of simplicity? We just need to get to the bottom of the truth together.” Yan said as his gaze landed on Izroth’s group.
…
Around ten minutes later…
Izroth arrived back at the temporary camp at Rosentarus’ border along with everyone who was present on the battlefield just moments ago. At the moment, he sat in a private and isolated command tent that was sealed off at every corner. No one was allowed in or out.
‘If things continue at this rate, the alliance won’t survive a full month before disbanding. First, the War Intelligence Group’s Head gives a strange order, and now a member of one of Proximus’ most prestigious noble families is part of the League of the Eidolon, who worsh.i.p.s the Netherworld Monarch. Everything is too organized to be a mere coincidence. Someone is pulling the strings behind the curtain and orchestrating these events on a grand scale, and if I’m right… The real crisis has yet to unfold.’
