That's not all Ashton got from eavesdropping.
From their conversation, he also discovered that the hierarchy of demons was plunged into some serious trouble because of what he did.
They were supposed to be in a celebratory mood because the famous General Labolas arrived at this camp, and that's something that usually doesn't happen.
All of them thought that, since Labolas arrived, the days of this planet were numbered. They thought that another great clash between the Celestials and Hypogeans will once again occur.
They were certain that this backward planet cannot endure that kind of clash and therefore, it will be destroyed, just like what happened to others. Once the planet was destroyed, they will have no reason to remain here and they could come back to the comfort of their home.
But alas, that's not what happened.
Labolas hasn't come back since, and neither did the army he brought. What's more is that, instead of helping this camp defend against the meteors that fell, Labolas outright ditched them, leaving them to fend for themselves.
On any other occasion, they wouldn't have said anything, but it just so happens that their way back home was cut-off because of what happened.
They were stuck here, and none of them knows for how long. They can't contact the headquarters, and the figure that had the most authority over them was missing.
Add the fact that Demons were already unruly creatures from birth, it's already a miracle that there's still some semblance of order here.
Ashton's welcoming gift for both Labolas and St. Francis caused tons of problems with the camps that were stationed here. And even though weeks have passed since then, the situation still hasn't stabilized.
Once he got a general idea of this place's situation and visited all layers of the Qliphoth, Ashton left right away.
He had seen enough to know and predict what was going to happen.
After that, his next destination was Laguna, the Palace Behind the Clouds.
It took Ashton at least 6 hours to go from the Qliphoth to Laguna at his top speed. He passed through and alerted hordes of enemies along the way but none of them could catch up to him so he ignored them.
Upon arriving there, he essentially did the same thing. He suppressed his presence and sneaked in to check the state of the angels.
And just as he was expecting, they are just as screwed as the Demons.
His meteors truly did a number on their morale. But unlike the Demons, the Angels are aware of St. Francis' death. That's because all of them felt his disappearance the moment he died.
They absolutely couldn't believe that there was something in this world that could kill their beloved saint, yet his missing grace was proof that it was real.
And it's not some random death either. St. Francis' death is a permanent one. He didn't return to the embrace of their Great Miracle, he cannot be reborn. He's gone, permanently.
The idea that same could happen to them...scared the living shit out of some angels here.
And thus, with fear clouding their mind, their true colors are shown. With their interest and survival clashing with the mandated order around them, chaos was bound to ensue.
Hence, Laguna is in dire straits right now.
Ashton noted all of this and left without being seen even once. His mind whirred with plans upon plans on how he can take advantage of this.
For one, their situation wouldn't stabilize anytime soon. In fact, due to the friction between their ranks, this might even explode into a whole new mess in itself.
They'd be focused on themselves for a good while, just to regain some semblance of peace, and that will take time.
Time that Ashton could certainly use to increase Humanity's strength.
Ideas flooded his mind. He wasted none of them by writing every single one in his journal on the way back home.
Back in Fantasia, where Humanity keeps on getting more and more prosperous as time goes on...
A certain teenager was inside his room, watching tv while panting.
The teenager had a head full of short black hair. He had small eyes, hiding his hazel-colored pupils. His nose was round, he had fair skin and a ripped body.
He was shirtless and was sweating all over. Panting as he watched the show on his little tv, right next to him was a rack of DIY weights which looked like they'd survived the test of time.
The teenager's house looked humble. It's big enough for him and has everything a home would need, it even has one of those security ai which made him feel safe.
The show he's watching was a replay of something he recorded a few weeks ago. It's a broadcast of the Mystic Guild's battle against the forces of the invaders.
Even though weeks already passed since then, the teenager still couldn't move on from this.
'They're just so fucking cool!'
Is what he repeatedly found himself saying.
Seeing those people bravely standing there, risking their lives to defend their homes just lit up a fire in his chest.
He's already been a fan of the Mystic Guild ever since its creation. He watched them starting with humble jobs, going around the community, and helping whenever they could.
Their efforts made Fantasia a better place and won the hearts of the citizens.
He's already resolved to join the guild but what solidified it even more, was this broadcast right here.
When he watched these people bravely step out of their comfort zones and risk their lives to do the right thing, his view of them changed.
To him, these people are all Heroes. And since they all came from the Mystic Guild, that means that the Mystic Guild is the home of Heroes.
For a kid like him, nothing is cooler than becoming a Hero. So from that point onwards, he had decided that no matter what, he will join the Mystic Guild so that he too can become a Hero.
He had been working hard since. Practicing his Skills, working out to make himself stronger, and even going as far as replacing sleep with meditation. All that, just so that he can perform well on the next recruitment exams of the Mystic Guild.
The teenager lifted his wrist and checked his smartwatch. He brought up the announcement he found online on the official site of the Mystic Guild and saw the date of the next recruitment.
"Three days left..." he mused to himself. "Not enough time for a possible breakthrough. I should use that time to get some good rest so that I can be at my peak state when the exams start."
Grabbing a towel nearby, he stood up shakily from his seat. He winced in pain, feeling the consequences of leg day, but he endured it and dragged his body to take a cold shower.
After showering and putting on a new set of clothes, he placed his dirty laundry in the washer and went out to grab some food.
"Oh, Dylan! Over here!"
The teenager blinked in surprise. He looked at the person who called him and started walking towards him.
"What do you want, Fred? And please don't ask me to treat you again, I am struggling, my guy."
"Hey, am I that much of a nuisance to you?"
"...do you want me to answer that truthfully or...?"
"Aish, you rude little shit!"
Dylan deftly dodges a playful punch heading his way while chuckling.
"No, really. What brought you here?" He asked.
"To pay for my sins." Fred replied, "My dad finally returned my card. I'm no longer piss poor!"
"Congrats. Treat me to lunch then, I'm hungry."
"Lead the way boss man!"
The two of them then went into a nearby restaurant to order some food. Dylan didn't hesitate to order some good food for himself since Fred was the one paying for it.
And Fred didn't mind obviously, if anything he even urges Dylan to order more if he likes it, making it really obvious that he's a rich kid.
"...you know, I never understood why you like this 'minimalist' lifestyle of yours." Fred stated, his face showing genuine confusion. "You're not lacking money, you and I both know that."
"You are entitled to the inheritance of your parents plus the support of the Federation with you, so why are you still living in that...house, if you can even call it that."
"Old habits, I guess," Dylan replied, sipping his tea. "My parents got me used to this kind of lifestyle. Plus, I am planning to join the guild so I'm saving money to support myself."
"...saving money my ass, money doesn't mean crap in the guild. You can't even use it to exchange for merit points." Fred shook his head, "But, speaking of the Guild, man I'm nervous."
"You better be." Dylan snorted, "I'd be appalled if a slacker like you isn't nervous."
"...is there really a need for you to hurt my feelings?"
"Yes." Dylan rolled his eyes and dodge a slap coming his way.
"I hope you fail the exams."
"Oi, that's foul!"
