Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 10: Hidden Hand, Part 5
...—City Port Rhevada—...
Menez did not give any response to Kurumi's insignificant remarks. He has no interest in getting involved in anything with her. Veria was historically an enemy of Islan—the history of warfare between the two can be found in every library in Islan. On the positive side, Islan once had unity and a high sense of unity ‒ the existence of a common enemy does not make them hostile to each other. But the bad thing is, the public's view of Veria is still negative.
“Ara, aren't you interested in making small talk?” Kurumi filled two small glasses with green liquid, putting them in front of herself and Menez. “Yeah, Shiva already said you're not the typical one to talk to or joke with.” Kurumi shook her head slowly, showing a hint of disappointment. “Then let's drink, afterwards we can talk seriously.”
Menez will not allow himself to be cheated twice. The last time he really trusted a woman, she trapped him in a chunk of ice. Indeed, Alstroemeria had not injured her physique, but she had stained her trust. Who can make sure this woman doesn't put anything in that tea. If it's not tea, it could be the problematic glass. Moreover, this woman was not just a Veria—she was a ruler of Veria. Therefore, Menez won't touch the tea.
“Normally, this can be called a severe humiliation that deserves punishment. Someone doesn't deserve to refuse a drink that a businessman already bothers to pour for him. However, this is not Veria ‒ and obviously this is not Mikazuki Empire.” Kurumi gulped down her tea, then also finished the tea that she intended for Menez. “Menez Helberth's. In one year, you'll die—and that happens before we can kill each other in the fight for the Land of Dream.”
That...It's definitely not what Menez expects to hear ‒ Menez really surprised.
“Someone precious to you died before you—you failed to protect her. And you again failed in avenging that man's death. You die without ever reaching your highest potential.” Kurumi paused, her eyes piercing sharply into Menez's eyes. “I came because I wanted to make sure you didn't die. If you listen to my words and do not walk in the destiny that brings you to death, we will fight for the Land of Dream in two years.”
This woman..what did she just say? Destiny said? How can he me—
—Mata Menez suddenly widened. No, he was not surprised not to believe in anything he had just said or what was going through his own head. Not at all. Menez was surprised not to play because he suddenly found himself in a standing state— and Kurumi was also in a state of standing before him.
“Ba-How can?” Menez really can't believe it ‒ turns out they still haven't moved from where they stood when Kurumi came. “How can you put me in an illusion without me noticing?” Menez's vigilance instantly skyrocketed to its highest level.
“This is the power difference between us.” Kurumi then turned her back on Menez, a distortion of space created faster than the previous one. “Edward Penumbra, or rather the person who parades himself as himself, beware of him. He put on two masks, and he was very troublesome—even Shiva could not see his past and future perfectly. That's of course if you really don't want to die.”
And the woman disappeared from the face of Menez. The distortion vanished without a trace. Only Menez himself with his heavy expression was left behind.
...—Royal Palace, Cornnas, Emeralna— Province...
Indeed, Kurumi's presence before Menez is not the only reason why she is on this god-chosen continent. There was another goal that was not very important to him, but very important to his allies. Artemys el Vermillion's. Kurumi doesn't really know why Shiva wants her. However, a covenant is a covenant. He still has to do it even if he doesn't like it.
Kurumi—who hid her original self in an illusion so that it looks like an ordinary human—incorporate all the inhabitants of the palace in an illusion, and with that illusion she turned them off. Everything other than two, and those two people were in the secret room inside the library that was in this palace. Kurumi could not put her illusions into the room; a barrier protected them. Kurumi had no choice but to go there.
Barier who protected the room was burning Kurumi with his purple fire, and he casually entered the hidden room.
Two women, one was the target, looked surprised. And the servant-clothed woman quickly stood before her target full of protection. But Kurumi did not care about them. His eyes had been attracted by the unusual black flames burning in the middle of the room.
Kurumi could throw a question at these two women about the fire (Shiva did not want to say the details), but she ignored it. His right hand was raised towards the fire, and at once the calm burning fire swayed. The fire never existed; it was an illusion.
Only then did Kurumi focus her gaze on the charming green haired beauty. “Halo, Artemys el Vermillion, I came to take you away. I honestly don't like doing this, but I don't have a choice. Indeed, I was given another option. However, instead of stealing Nueva el Vermillion's Ethereal Water and carrying you, it was clear I would take the option of carrying you. So, do you want to go voluntarily? Or, you want to be forced?”
...—Etharna, Favilifna Kingdom—...
Xavier who was already in one of the royal palace towers suddenly stiffened as his connection to the fire that was in the secret place in Artemys palace disappeared. A little panic seeped into Xavier. And without a second thought, Xavier immediately teleported to Cornnas.
…He found nothing at all to bother when he entered the palace, but that changed when Xavier discovered an abnormality in the activities of the servants. They were as if ilu—Xavier had quickly ordered [Reverse Law] to eliminate all the magic effects present.
And at once he fell silent beyond measure when he found lifeless bodies that had no wounds.
Xavier quickly dispelled his shock, and like a possessed person he darted towards the secret place.
…Just to find an empty room with nothing to fill.Besides an image of the flag of Emiliel Holy Kingdom carved with blood in the place where the black fire should be.
The air temperature suddenly cooled, even though a colorful fire had already lit up the room. Xavier's body trembled violently, the anger within him completely immeasurable. The anger was up to make the fire that was supposed to be hot to cold—it was as if [Reverse Law] had translated Xavier's mood. And Xavier did not realize it at that time, but among the colorful flames.
And Xavier also did not realize it.If the eyes that once looked at him when almost defeated Zorex now staring at him from a place that cannot be reached by mortal beings other than himself.
Xavier was so angry that he didn't realize it. And if not for the writing that suddenly appeared in the air, of course the palace was filled with flames with alternating colors. Xavier understood it was Artemys. He left a message so he didn't do anything.
“I WILL DEFINITELY be back with our son and Jenny alive in two years. I don't know who this guy is, but he's an illusionist. He hides his true form with illusions. Emiliel Holy Kingdom is not the real culprit.”
…As soon as the writing says.
...»»»»» End of Chapter 10 «««««...
#In the previous volume, Xavier who met Vermyna in the past tells us that he has already met Phoenix. So, you can interpret for yourself why the Phoenix saw Xavier from afar.