When preparing for war, a general does not inform the troops or even the captains of the entirety of the plan.
This isn't done out of malice, or an underlying attempt to lose the war, but for the opposite reason.
In leadership, there was the concept of compartmentalization.
Keeping information in little bits and distributing them when necessary. That way, the troops were not overwhelmed by the complexity of the general's plans, but on the single task they had been assigned to.
Certainly, in war, some soldiers were going to be sent to their deaths.
However, if an all-powerful and benevolent strategist was the one who took command, wouldn't it be reasonably expected by the troops that victory was assured?
Using all of this as references to the current situation, I could see why Neron did not see a supposed error in his plan.
'I did the same thing in the just concluded war. There were a lot of aspects in my plan that I didn't reveal to everyone. I still keep things from my friends as well, and it's not out of malice. It's just...'
"You all wouldn't understand. I'm sorry, but it's true." Neron finally broke the silence and spoke.
"There's only so much I can tell you. I won't ask you to understand my rationale, and I have apologized for your hurt emotions. But, the decision I made remains valid."
That's right. I never really thought of this before, but after obtaining all the Arcanas and catching a glimpse of truly absolute power, I could somewhat sympathize with Neron.
No... even back when I was reincarnated, among people who were way younger than me and had a very rudimentary understanding of the things I knew.
'I can understand what's happening...'
The problem wasn't particularly with Neron. It was with us.
Or rather, a disconnect that existed between us.
'He knows too much, and he's too strong. It prevents him from being able to freely relate with us at that level.'
I was once quite envious of Neron, but now I could also sympathize with him.
In a way, he led a lonely life.
"I just have one question, Neron." Aloe Vida spoke, her tone serious.
She hadn't said anything since we started.the conversation, even though it seemed like she had a lot to pour out back when we discussed what to do about Neron.
"Are you on our side? Can we trust you?"
"Um, you know that's actually two ques... never mind..." Edward kept shut the moment Aloe glared at him for trying to raise a very valid point.
"So what will it be, Neron? Why aren't you answering the question?" Aloe narrowed her gaze as her tone grew even sterner.
Silence radiated among us for a while. Tension spread throughout the expanse surrounding us, and I noticed gazes all focused on Neron.
"I'm just wondering why you think I'm untrustworthy. But, it's fine. I understand. In the end, you'll understand too."
"Just answer the question, Neron." I sighed.
"No. I won't." He glanced at me, and the moment our eyes met, I could see more of the hollow loneliness I suspected.
Truly, Neron was...
"Neron, if you don't confirm that we can trust you, then we can't bring you home with us." Kuzon added.
"Words are flimsy. Actions matter most. Also, I'm a bit tired of explaining things to you, so I'll just stop now."
With a shrug, Neron smiled at all of us.
"Besides... I never said I was returning with you all, did I?"
"What??" Even this came as a surprise to me. What in the world was Neron up to now?
"There's something I have to do. It's private as well, so I won't be going back with everyone."
My eyes slightly widened as I searched hos face for any hint of what it could be.
And finally, something appeared in my head.
"Does it have to do with the deal you made with Crazy Neron?" I asked, narrowing my gaze on him.
"Precisely. I have my own reasons too, so it's not particularly detrimental to me."
"Will you tell us what it is?"
"Nope. I don't need to. Don't worry, it's really none of your business anyway."
I felt a little sting within me as soon as I heard those words. Because I finally understood what that meant.
The true question we all had to be asking wasn't whether we could trust Neron, after all
'It's whether Neron can trust us. And we've just recieved our answer.'
"Doesn't this work well for you? Your intentions must have been to abandon me if I didn't prove my trustworthiness, right? Well, there's no need to make that decision." Neron smiled at Kuzon, whose expression appeared slightly guilty.
He must have begun to reflect on all that he thought and said concerning Neron.
"You should all return to your home world as soon as possible. Do your best to stop Legris."
"Do you know what his plan is?" I swiftly asked. "It could help us in stopping him."
"You should already know, Jared. Piece it together." Neron smiled at me.
'What? Piece it together?!'
If I was to start, I'd begin with his origins.
Legris wasn't originally from the Aether tree, but from the Nether one. He somehow managed to leave the Nether tree, and proceed to the Aether one, where he joined the Nether Cult to retrieve all the Arcanas and obtain [The World], which he used to send us into various branches of the Aether tree.
'But the Nether was also able to send us to the Nether Tree using [The World] as well. Why didn't Legris send us there instead? Could it be... hold on... but that means!' My eyes widened as I looked at Neron, who nodded at me.
"Legris has all the Arcanas of the Nether Tree already. That's how he was able to arrive in this world. He got the Arcanas of this world too, which gives him both [The World] of both Trees..."
What could he possibly need both of them for? This was the plan he executed. He wanted to have them... no, he needed them!
'But why...?'
A theory slowly began to form in my head, but it was inconclusive at the moment.
"He needs a phenomenally huge amount of energy to achieve his goals, and since I injured him greatly, he'll need to restore his strength." Neron interrupted my thought.
In essence, we had to stop him before he finished harvesting all the energy he needed.
At the very least, that was the mission.
"Where would he find the amount of energy he needs?"
"There are a few options to consider. I can't see his future, since he's... different. So I can't say for sure. But I suppose the first thing to do is find him, and then stop him."
Upon hearing everything Neron said, I felt both grateful and amazed that he was on our side.
But, there was still one thing that troubled me.
"You'll... be coming back, right?"
