Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 9: Causa Proxima, part 1
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...Volume 2: Kingdom and Eternity...
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...—30th June, E642| Royal Palace, Etharna, Favilifna Kingdom—...
NEWS of the Vermillion Empire's defeat at the hands of the Elf Kingdom yesterday had reached Etharna.
It was not shocking news, moreover the empire only sent around twenty thousand soldiers. What surprised Elmira as the queen of the Favilifna Kingdom was the participation of vampires in the battle. That's something that's not expected at all. Even Neix—the man who willingly offered his life for his love for Vermyna— never thought it would happen.
If it was before Evillia Evrillia's leadership, it wouldn't be surprising. However, the Vampire Kingdom had been the main enemy of the Elf Kingdom since Evillia came to power. They did not hide the intention to destroy the kingdom of vampires. Elmira had heard that some time ago they had worked together with the Knights Templar to find the hidden location of the Vampire Kingdom.
Therefore, Elmira was very curious about the reason behind the incident. He can assume if Vampire Kingdom joins New World Order ‒ that's the most reasonable assumption. However, it does not rule out the possibility that the assumption is wrong. He wanted to make sure, but he had no errand boy he could send to gather information other than Mary—and for his safety, Elmira would never send the necromancer away from him.
Although the news was shocking, what was of primary concern to Eternity right now was the existence of a Knight Templar near the Forbidden Valley of Ed. Elmira of course did not see it herself, but based on Eternity's reliable informant report, their number reached twenty thousand. They all camped three kilometers from the outer edge of the Forbidden Valley Ed.
That was also the reason why today Elmira rejoined the Six Crests members to kneel before Neix who she had been allowed to sit on her throne.
“Zegyus has given me the key to prevent Fie Axellibra from knowing we touched the barrier that hid the ruins of Heavenly Crystal City.” Neix started talking. “However, the existence of the Knight Templar there is very disturbing. Most likely they already know about the location of Eternity's whereabouts and its destination.”
Elmira did not let out her serious expression as Neix's gaze focused on her. He had already done his best to cover their existence from Emiliel Holy Kingdom. Neix knows that. If this masked man blames him, he'll shut him down. Ah, of course he didn't have the strength to do that directly. Mary who will do it ‒ she can kill all these people if she wants.
“Elmira, are you sure only Rossia Himera was sent here? There's no one else? Or, you subconsciously hired a spy?”
“Sorry, Mr. Neix, I think that question is more appropriate to ask the members of Eternity.” Elmira gave her flat look. “If there is anything else other than Rossia Himera, it means that Mr. Neix's followers have committed negligence. Or, the person has a higher ability. If there are spies working here, it also means that your confidants are incompetent. I've done my part perfectly.”
Elmira could not see Neix's expression due to the mask blocking her. However, he could feel that those eyes were squinting sharply at him. I don't know what she's thinking, and Elmira's not interested in looking at it.
“Hebranest?” Neix set his sights on the complacent needs of his mother Elmira. “You have something to say?”
“Nothing, Mr. Neix. There was no carelessness from the Eternity members; there was not a single spy. Everything is safely under control; our dark activity is also kept secret. Regarding the information about us that they have, it is more trustworthy if it is because of the high level [Clairvoyance Magic] users. We're talking about Emiliel Holy Kingdom, certainly not surprising.”.
“It looks like Neix is upset,” said Elmira as she sat herself back on the throne. “What do you think, Mary?”
The necromancer simply put his shoulders down. “That's more important than that, Elmira, what are you going to do?” asked with a slightly serious expression—his emotionless expression still remained domineering. “If Eternity clashes with the Knights Templar and their leader, Eternity will inevitably disappear. Neix wouldn't care. He will sacrifice everything as long as he can perform that ritual.”
“You did not replace Eternity with pronouns ‘kita’,” comments Elmira, her face rested on the right palm resting on the throne pad. “You don't consider yourself a genuine member of Eternity?”
Elmira already knew the answer. However, he still wanted to hear it from the necromancer's mouth. There is no specific reason. He just wanted Mary to talk, nothing more.
“I told you, my loyalty is to myself.” Mary looked down at Elmira. “I'm not loyal to you. It's just that, compared to others, I'd rather work with you.”
“Of course, Mary, of course.” Elmira showed off her beautiful all-knowing smile. “About your question,” he continued with a more serious expression. “I want to take advantage of this situation to completely eliminate Eternity from my kingdom. I will use the empire to clean up those who survive here.”
“What about your soldiers? Neix won't hesitate to have Hebranest mobilize your troops.”
“Ah, for that, I want you to manipulate Hebranest so that his loyalty lies only with my mother. Ah, I also want you to make Miera loyal to me; it is a pity that she should die as a slave of Neix.” Elmira paused for a moment and looked intensely at the necromancer. “Hm, I want to take advantage of Shiftor as well, but you don't seem to like him. Why so?”
“Hebranest and Miera. I will refuse if you tell me to do it to Zegyus or Crow. About Shiftor, he sucks; I've long wanted to make him a victim to call Grim Reaper—entity who is above the Overlord, he's the strongest dark creature to rule out Thanatos.”
“Grim Reaper.it's the first time I've heard the creature's name. How strong was he compared to Thanatos? What special ability does he have.”
“He is as strong as half the full power of the original Thanatos.” Mary carried her right hand to her chin. “More or less so,” he continued after some time weighing. “Grim Reaper can only be called if the victim matches. And so far, only Shiftor is suitable; I have yet to find another victim that can be used.”
“For Grim Reaper ability,” Mary continues, “dia has all abilities small part self Thanatos. Only, which made it even more special than Thanatos's fragments, the Grim Reaper could draw souls from a distance. He could strengthen himself with a absorbed soul. I don't know if he can match the real Thanatos or even surpass him, but it never hurts to try.”
“Ah, I want to see you call him. Oh!” Elmira suddenly stood up excitedly, a spectacular idea had just popped into her head. “Can I control it? I want to try to be the bearer of death. ‘Ongoing soul, disappear and return to death!’ I want to call it in front of the people.”
Elmira's eyes flashed. He could imagine himself approaching someone who was in a crowd. Then to the man he called out the words of death, which then made the people run away in a storm. He would chase them until their feet could not move, and then uproot their souls so slowly. “Do you want to try death?” That question he would ask as his soul stayed in the esophagus.
“You can't do it; Grim Reaper has control over himself—he also has a soul.”
…And the glint in Elmira's eyes went out instantly, her body again sitting on the throne.