After listening carefully and understanding the fundamental flaw that plagued the Constellations, I finally narrowed everything into one central issue.
'The Unwritten Laws.'
They limited these supposedly invincible entities, and they caused a lot of contrivancies and inconveniences that it made it difficult—if not downright impossible—to achieve the goal we all wished they could.
However… there was a simple loophole.
'That's where the deal comes into play!'
"It is unreliable to expect you twelve to solve the current issue. Not only is it one of absolute pertinence, but it requires an immediate solution."
Legris was too smart to slip up when dealing with Constellation who were limited by their own cause for existence.
As a result, we needed to approach things from another angle.
"What is required at the moment are powerful agents who may act on your behalf. That way, you can bypass these limitations placed on you by the Unwritten Laws and put an end to Legris' plans… whatever they may be."
As simple and straightforward as it sounded, this solution was the most efficient way to address the problem.
However…
'I am sure they have alrady thought of this.'
… There was a reason why this plan wouldn't be particularly favored by the Constellations.
"What you propose brings nothing to the table. It isn't news that our Hosts face Legris and do their best to stop him. It is our hopes that they should succeed in defeating him, but he is too powerful and intelligent to let that happen."
Indeed. That was the risk behind this proposal.
'If the Constellations entrust the duty of stopping Legris to their agents—i.e the Hosts—there's a good chance they will fail to stop Legris, and he will only grow stronger.'
Legris was after the Constellation Essence that dwelled in every Host. If they actively executed this plan, it would be as though they were serving him his meals on a silver platter.
That was probably their reasoning.
'But… it is still fundamentally flawed.'
"Legris isn't as powerful as he appears to be. He is smart and dangerous, I admit that much, but his power isn't as high as you estimate it."
The fact that Legris was able to defy entities like Constellations and ensure he steadily achieved what he desired, was not a testament of his strenght, but of his vast understanding of how the world operated.
He was able to use this knowledge to his advantage and execute a strategy that seemed to be centuries in the making.
'From gathering the Arcanas… and now this.'
Everything was connected.
"He has been planning this for much longer than we have been deliberating countermeasures, so he clearly has the upper hand in that regard.'
However, the only way to ruin this plan was to attack him with the antithesis of a well-ordered strategy.
"Brute, unreasonable force. We require an unstoppable power that completely topples all the cards he has built up."
Like a stack of dominos, they would all roll out of order… and Legris would be greeted with chaos.
"Imagine this: your most elite Hosts attack Legris, surprising him in the process. If we coordinate our assault well and properly develop the roles of each individual, we will be able to create an unstoppable collective."
The risks remained that this would only serve a full buffet to Legris, but if we did nothing, the world was screwed anyway.
Yes, it was risky.
"But this is the only chance we have to stop him. You need us the same way we need you."
Once I concluded my speech, silence enveloped the world around me.
The searing gazes of the Constellations kept me stiff, but I maintained a confident smile. This was no time to show weaknss or doubt.
They all knew I was speaking the truth. However, their caution or pride prevented them from admitting it.
… At least, not immediately.
"You offer big words, Jared Leonard. However, the only things you spout are ideals." As I expected, Aquarius was the one who spoke.
I couldn't tell if she was scowling or frowning, but her tone didn't sound too pleasant.
"The combined forces of Hosts… all for the purpose of defeating Legris. It sounds perfect, almost poetic even. However, there is such a thing as reality, and the very nature of applying ideals to practice."
Yes, I knew this would surface too.
"Your plan offers no concrete solution. You say we require agents to bypass the Laws and defeat our adversary… but which agents?"
"My friends!"
Aquarius stopped speaking the moment I gave my response. She looked straight into my eyes, and while I didn't know what she saw… the most confident impression was plastered on my face.
"You sure are conceited, aren't you? There are vast worlds beyond your single branch… an infinite spectrum of choices. Yet, you limit us to your biased judgment." I could hear the chuckle of a few Constellations, but I kept my cool.
"Why should we consider your friends, when there are bound to be better candidates in the vast tree of Aether."
"No other branch has fought the Nether and emerged victorius." I responded flatly, my eyes still gleaming with confidence.
Conceit or Arrogance… they could call it whatever they wanted, but I didn't care.
What I uttered were only facts.
"Neron has been breeding us for this, apparently. It all makes sense. The conflict at Ainzlark. The Incursion. The Wars. Our journey into the Lost Worlds. It all culminates into this single point…"
Everything was to ensure we were ready for this final challenge.
"You are free to search the infinite layers of the worlds before you, but you will never be able to find more suitable candidates than the ones I call my friends."
With my right hand on my chest, I boldly declared the truth that all of the Constellations needed to accept.
"I guarantee it!"
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[A/N]
Thank you all for reading!
What do you think of Jared's plans? Let's hear your comments, everyone!
