Life Hunter

Arima snickered and pointed at the sky "You can listen to what he has to say before that"

Malum raised an eyebrow and bent his neck to look up. The World Serpent sighed in fatigue and it was felt until the surface of the planet "A few days ago, by the universal clock, the Pillars changed their plans" He started talking and the Guardians particularly reacted at the mentions of the Pillars.

"Under the First Pillar"s order and with her power, they managed to shift the position of around two thousand Planes. Right now, they"re about to complete the conditions for the Stavrós Astéri" Jorga announced and every Guardian; from Shakti to Gilgamesh, trembled.

Night, Karma, Malum, and Layla were impa.s.sive in comparison. They were just thinking about one thing at the moment "(How long will this one take?)"

"Right now, Harion and Vlad are preparing to invade Melumnia with their armies. That was already their plan even before Arima began doing some stupid s.h.i.t" Jorga didn"t hesitate to badmouth Arima and he got a really light shrug from him as a reaction.

The serpent sighed again "Anyway, get out of here. This place will soon be invaded and devastated. You all know what happens to the losers of a war, right? Don"t let that happen the people living here. It won"t be limited to this planet only. This entire plane will also be put under the Pillars" domination and they"ll use it as a strategic place to get the rest of the Reality" He uttered and stared at Arima.

"He already knew that though. That"s why he"s telling to leave with his gate"

"Eh?" Karma made an incredulous expression and looked at Arima "When?"

"It"s been a while already. The moment I laid out the First Black Art, I was able to hear every conversation happening on this planet. I also caught irregular magic reactions and people who seemed to be Harion"s spies. I tracked them with a familiar while they were using their transfer portal, then found out what they were planning" Arima explained and Shakti glowered.

"Don"t tell me you were doing that while fighting us…"

"Nah, of course not. I already figured it out while Ambrogio was introducing you all to me" Arima smiled and Shakti groaned.

"Didn"t you get that information from Yeion?" Raylein had calmed himself down and managed to ask.

"No, his level of professionality was quite high. He erased his most crucial memories before dying"

Flavio mused "Then what do we do? If what you"re saying is true, then it"s a fact that we won"t be able to fend them off. Even with you, we can"t hope to save everyone, particularly when you killed three of our a.s.sets. Are you proposing to simply escape Melumnia before they arrive?"

"Indeed, that"s all we can do" He nodded then a large aura suddenly made the air vibrate. Everyone looked in shock behind Arima, at Layla who had just absorbed Shiva"s life force. Arima smirked without turning back.

"Now, let me be clear you all. I killed your leader, that"s unfortunate. But I don"t plan on saying sorry or even take his place as the First Guardian. I said it, I will get rid of the "Planes Guardians" eventually" Arima had almost a mad grin on his face. Even Malum shuddered.

"My final goal is to kill the Original G.o.d as well as the Original Devil" He declared with absolute confidence and no one could reply to him. They were overwhelmed by his confidence and the power he showed to them just before.

"I also have Ambrogio"s memories. It"ll make things easier for me. At least, I know how to communicate with the Creators now" He added "But until then, protecting this Plane is our major priority. So, you all; Malum will bring everyone on Melumnia somewhere safe while I expect you to follow my instructions"

"Is it clear?" Arima"s blank pupils slowly contracted and glowed.

Shakti, who was now the Guardian with the higher rank, lowered her head "…I have no problem with that" She accepted without any resistance. The rest followed soon after.

"I don"t care anymore…" Raylein muttered and ultimately agreed with Arima"s words.

"I will comply of course" Ganesha leered and Arima scowled at him.

"I know that you voted "no" intentionally. I"ll warn you; don"t you dare plan behind my back. At the first doubt, I"ll eliminate you to unravel it" Arima coldly said and even Ganesha couldn"t help to step back a little with an awkward smile.

"What about you?" Arima faintly directed his ears toward Aergia. She was the one whom he wanted the most to accept. Ambrogio said she had a power rivaling his. But Arima knew that it was completely wrong.

Rather, it was at least two times stronger "(But she"s indeed bored and indolent. A person"s nature is as it is, it can"t be changed. Att.i.tude does not equal nature. In that case, her casual strength is truly equal to Ambrogio but her full power should be something even more terrifying.

She silently gazed at Arima and waved her hand lazily "Don"t worry, I shall follow you. I think you"re a better option anyway"

Arima smiled then focused on the two-remaining people "I… have no reason to deny you as our leader. Even if it"s in name only" Evangeline bashfully replied for some reason. But then we had Gilgamesh who just nodded his head without saying anything.

Arima clapped "Cool, now let"s review this. For now, Malum will teleport everyone out of this planet" He started to give his orders.

"Afterward, Shakti, you will go with him to stop the Stavros Astéri. He should be more than enough to replace Shiva" Malum snorted annoyingly and Shakti nodded her head after she got a glimpse of him.

"Wait, why don"t you let me teleport everyone? Did you forget my specialization?" Raylein raised his voice.

"No, I didn"t forget. But I want you to go with Evangeline, Ganesha, and Gilgamesh to gather forces. You"ll be the one teleporting them" Arima answered and Raylein"s eyes widened.

Ganesha shrugged and Gilgamesh didn"t have anything to say. Evangeline was a bit fl.u.s.tered though "Hum... if you want me to use my ability as a succubus to gather an army, I"m not sure I can do it"

"I know. Based on Ambrogio"s memories, you are a very gentle person and don"t like to use your ability to manipulate others" emotions. I"m not forcing you to do it. Just follow them for now, you can decide to use it or not by yourself" Arima told and Evangeline sighed in relief.

"As for Flavio and Aergia, I want you to team up with Layla. It"s not a dangerous task, just a bit long and delicate" Aergia"s mouth twitched "I need you to collect stars. As much as you can"

Flavio furrowed "What is it for?"

Arima snickered "Backup. Just do it. I don"t prohibit you from going into other planes to get some. The bigger, the more powerful they are, so focus on those. Just gather as many burning stars as you can. You will also need to nullify their magnetic and gravitational field"

Aergia raised her hand with a stone expression "I changed my mind. I don"t want to join you"

Arima chuckled "I refuse"

"…How the f.u.c.k do you refuse that?" The G.o.ddess of sloth clicked her tongue and mumbled to herself.

"Good, now we"re all set. You can begin now" Arima stated and everyone moved immediately. Raylein grunted and confirmed with his partners before teleporting with them.

Aergia stood up angrily and joined Flavio, waiting for Layla who was talking with Arima "Do I really have to go with them?"

"Yes, go. It will more efficient this way" Arima responded.

Layla quietly stared at him "What are you planning to do? You didn"t tell us that"

He peered at Layla and smiled "I"ll stay here to use the First Black Art"s initial variety"

"Huh?!" Night exclaimed "Why the h.e.l.l did you restore this planet if you are going to use that?!"

"I had to do that because I needed the pulverized bodies to be a.s.sembled to resurrect them" Arima retorted and Night rumbled before rubbing his face "Well, in any case, I want to talk with those Pillars at little bit. So, I have to stay to meet them"

Layla glared at Arima and turned around "Fine. I"ll go. But don"t you dare be dead when I come back" She uttered and teleported away with Flavio and Aergia.

Arima smiled wryly and looked at Malum next "Do it" He said and the formation of the Second White Art activated. A giant silver gear appeared in the sky and started spinning and glowing. As it was turning, new gears formed to mesh with the original one. It continued for a while before the whole sky was filled with gears meshing with each other.

Malum sighed and snapped his fingers. Hundreds of billions of silver drops fell from the gears and transported everyone on the planet away.

"Done" Malum peeked at Arima and shortly said "Let"s go" He beckoned Shakti who was beside him and also transferred away.

When there was no one on Melumnia except Karma and Night, Arima looked up "Do you have something to tell me?"

Jorga"s body coiled inside the blue mist and his big eyes gleamed "I do" His voice was solemn and calm "I found out about all the Pillars. I just sent it to you through telepathy"

Arima received the information and frowned "What about the First Pillar?"

"That"s what I want to talk with you about. I think it"s better if I tell you directly" Jorga disclosed and Arima felt something was wrong with his att.i.tude "The name of the First Pillar of Elysium is Ahura. Ahura Mazda"

Arima"s eyes narrowed dangerously and his entire body shook "…What?" It was as if that name was echoing inside his soul.

"That woman is said to be the strongest living being there is. She was born under the a.s.sumption that she would become the personification of Ahura Mazda. When she was born, a prophet predicted that her entire life would be meant to fight someone"

"There are some differences" Jorga"s voice became deeper "But don"t you think this has some similarities with a certain someone?"

Arima fell silent and his two partners were astounded "That"s you. When I became Jörmungandr, I learned everything. You"re called Arimane. But, Arima, your true name has always been Angra Mainyu. You"re the reincarnation of an ancient evil"

"It"s the same for the First Pillar. She is the reincarnation of a divine and awe-inspiring spirit. The creator of earthly matter, the heavens, and humankind, as well as the source of all goodness and happiness…"

"She is your sister and superior, as well as your long-lasting nemesis" Jorga"s body came out of the blue mist. His head approached Arima. His body was extremely large and definitely long since the tail couldn"t be seen even after he extended it for tens of miles.

"Ahura Mazda was born for the sole purpose of killing you"