Episode 1053
Chapter 251: The Adversaries (3)
For a while, Orgal and his companions stared intently at Jin. Only Sandra wore a satisfied expression.
“Well, yeah. We should have a meeting…”
Orgal was the first to break the silence, his enthusiasm clearly deflated.
“But what exactly is there to discuss? Kinzello has already said he’ll treat you as allies from now on. Aside from that, isn’t there really nothing more to say?”
“Orgal, you suddenly showed up and forced this meeting today, yet you say that so casually.”
“Try to argue with me.”
Jin was momentarily speechless. Because it was true.
Orgal had revealed the truth of the world—the existence of multiple dimensions and the immense power the G-PL held—to the Barmel Union.
But for now, knowing the truth didn’t grant them much room to prepare or respond.
The ‘G-PL from another dimension,’ the Demon Realm, was, in many ways, an abstract enemy. They knew it existed and that it somehow aided the G-PL in this world, but that was all.
No one here had any idea where they were, how they operated, or how they crossed between worlds.
“…Fine, let’s start by clarifying the alliance. The Barmel Union will cease all attacks on Kinzello for the time being. But if your stance toward the G-PL changes, this agreement can be revoked at any time.”
“Do as you please. But I’d advise you to drop your unnecessary suspicions. Even without the G-PL from another dimension, the Demon Realm, this world has enough problems. Jin, you didn’t even know that Bligiet had gone to the Tower of Stories until I told you.”
That was true. The Tower of Stories was constantly shifting locations, making it nearly impossible to track even with record magic.
“We’ll continue to share all the information we uncover with you. Whatever helps in fighting the G-PL. After all, we can’t let Bligiet get what she wants from the G-PL. Let’s hope the Abyss Legion can stop her.”
“Speaking of which, I’ve been curious about something. Orgal, I heard the Abyss Legion is attacking the Tower of Stories directly through your steel dimensional gate. Wouldn’t it be better for the Union’s top forces to invade through that gate all at once?”
“That’s impossible. First, the Abyss Legion can strike the Tower directly because they don’t fundamentally belong to this dimension. Neither you nor I can enter the Tower through the steel gate—it rejects us. It’s not something even someone like the War God Ban can force with sheer strength.”
Orgal explained that the Tower couldn’t stop the Abyss Legion because it hadn’t yet identified their true nature.
“When the Demon Stone advances further and the Tower learns the Abyss Legion’s identity, they won’t be able to manipulate it anymore. In other words, the Abyss Legion won’t have much more time to come and go as they please.”
To prove his point, Orgal opened a dimensional gate right then and there. The moment Ban, Jin, and Luna saw it, they shook their heads. Their insight told them this was a gate they could not enter.
“You can verify this later with record magic, right? The Changsung won’t even need to. If you want, go catch Valeria right now.”
“I understand. You know the Solar Faith fell, right?”
“I do. Ban… if he had been with me, whole and unscathed, in all those countless battles I faced, the outcome might have been different. Damn it.”
“Then the Union’s remaining enemies, aside from you Kinzello, are Ganesto, and the G-PL and the Solar God’s personas who want to destroy or remake the world. What do you think about Ganesto?”
“Before I knew the truth, it was the place ruled by the bug that shattered my great work. Lokia Ganesto… Helluram said they’re like the dregs of dimensional divergence.”
“The dregs of dimensional divergence?”
“When the G-PL first manipulated history and the world split, impurities kept forming. Those gathered in one place and became the Ganesto family.”
“How was Lokia in your memories from other worlds?”
“Much the same. Scheming behind the scenes, playing tricks, drawing Helluram’s attention, then leaving her…”
“I think Lokia and her group are trying to create their own paradise. Once it’s complete, they’ll either leave, destroy this world and leave, or replace this entire world with that paradise.”
“The third option is probably correct. Tell them to wake up from their dreams. With the Demon Realm glaring and ready to intervene, those puny things are nothing. But they’re very likely to cling to the G-PL.”
“Why is that?”
“The Keliak here isn’t impressive compared to the others I’ve faced. He never reached Changsung alone and was even pushed to the brink of hell by the mad Veradin. None here would say he’s stronger than other Changsung.”
That was true. Without the terrifying and overwhelming Demon Stone, the Union’s Changsung would be confident they could tear Keliak apart immediately.
“So from Lokia’s perspective, wouldn’t Keliak be tempting? If they could pretend to submit, then stab him in the back, the Demon Stone might fall into their hands. Of course, the Demon Realm won’t stand idly by, so no matter what Lokia tries, she’ll fail.”
“You’re confident Ganesto won’t be much of a threat.”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. You and Valeria are wildcards. There’s no guarantee the Demon Realm won’t make a deal with Lokia. If I were the Demon Realm, and this world’s Keliak got wiped out by someone like Lokia, I’d rather make her the G-PL’s leader. Either way, Ganesto is a cockroach that needs to be crushed.”
Jin nodded quietly. Overall, Orgal was saying things he could agree with.
“Now that we’re talking, there’s a lot to discuss. Jin Runkandel, what do you think is the most important right now?”
“Tracking down and attacking the Tower of Stories. The Abyss Legion is probably stronger than any force that existed in Inse, but they can’t deliver a decisive blow. The Demon Stone prevents them from infiltrating like this once it recognizes their nature.”
“Exactly. Most of the Abyss Legion soldiers are other-worldly Orgals, but there are also other-worldly Lunas and even Sirons. But fundamentally, they’re worn-out biological weapons. They can’t fight like the originals, like true Changsung.”
In the end, striking the Tower and cutting down the Demon Stone is a task for real people. The Abyss Legion alone can never end the war.
“Is there a way to locate the Tower?”
“Helluram offered to help. But since Helluram doesn’t have much capacity, Valeria Hister’s role will be significant—especially after her public confession just now.”
“Orgal, Sandra G-PL doesn’t like the phrase ‘public confession.’ It’s been bothering her since earlier. Don’t think I’m holding back on cursing you just because of memories from another world.”
“Helluram… thanks to that witch, we’ve learned incredible truths, but honestly, I can’t trust her. I don’t know her true intentions.”
“Didn’t I tell you Helluram’s goal is to eliminate light from the world?”
“From one perspective, a world destroyed by the G-PL could be seen as a world without light. ‘Eliminating light’ is a phrase open to many interpretations.”
“Smart Jin Runkandel is talking nonsense for once. If she wanted that, she wouldn’t have told me the truth! Anyway, if you doubt Helluram’s intentions, wait for the Solderet’s subspace that Siron is searching for. If Solderet knew the truth of this world, there should be information about Helluram there.”
After saying that, Orgal suddenly looked at the Abyss Legion beside him and opened a dimensional gate.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. Hey, friends, head to the Black Sea. Help Siron out. Go deep into the Black Sea and find wherever you can sense Solderet’s energy. Oh, wait, take this note. It says you’re kind and trustworthy friends sent by Orgal and Jin Runkandel… Jin, sign here, please.”
Jin shrugged and signed. The Abyss Legion silently stepped through the gate, which led near the Black Sea.
For Luna, Runtia, Veradin, Hedo, and Sandra, it was an uneasy moment.
“Don’t think too badly of them. They’re just pitiful remnants of me and you. You know, Abyss Legion soldiers suffer most when they’re idle. That’s when they remember their defeats in past worlds. They never forget that.”
“I’m not sure if the Abyss Legion will find Siron. I only met him easily because the Solar Faith and Nirgand made foolish mistakes.”
“If they don’t find him, they’ll come back on their own, so don’t worry, Ban. The friends who just left are warriors specialized for the Black Sea. No chaos can taint them. Not even Helluram’s spirit…”
From Orgal’s perspective, the Abyss Legion was steadily growing. If they helped Siron by any chance, it would be beneficial. He was just as eager as Siron to confirm Solderet’s arrangements. That would help determine whether Solderet was innocent or not.
Alright, I think we’ve got a rough plan laid out. For now, let’s focus on tracking the Tower of Stories, while keeping an eye on Ganesto and the manifestations of the Sun God. Valeria will have the most on her plate. Commander, it’s time for you to deliver the message in person—go and respond to the confession as well.