While Stefan apologized with pure remorse and a display of regret, the expression of the two other guilty members were merely husks of sincerity.
And for good reason.
For Beruel, it wasn't in his place to seriously interfere with the enemies, considering it wasn't even within his territory. He simply cautioned himself and decided not to act rashly.
"My original body was searching for the Arcanas as I was instructed to, and I met no resistance. While it is unfortunate that I failed to retrieve any, it wasn't due to any fault of mine."
As a result, he saw no reason to profusely apologize. Instead, he offered his genuine regrets for not taking his enemies more seriously… though there was a limit he could achieve with clones.
As for Legris Damien—
"I would have killed them and retrieved the Arcanas if you didn't call me back. I know I was taking longer than needed, but… victory was within my grasp."
—He sounded more unapologetic than anyone else.
Even though he was currently the lowest in rank, his actions towards the members of the Cult—especially the leader—seemed a bit conceited.
However, in a place such as the Nether Cult, bothersome things like complete respect and limitation of expression was nonexistent.
As a result, even the all-powerful leader didn't deem it fit to make an example of Legris or any of the others.
They weren't in the wrong, after all.
"Ah, that's well alright, Stefan… and the others too."
The most important thing right now wasn't that they had failed in their missions, but rather it was to ensure that such a thing never occurred again.
"We currently possess eight Arcanas, while the enemy has twelve. The odds have shifted against us."
The situation indeed sounded grave. The Nether Cult had spent such a long time gathering these tools for achieving their goals, yet in such a short while, their plans became compromised.
They all knew it was due to the interference of a particular human within the Eastern Kingdom. The boy known as Jared Leonard.
"You don't seem too worried, though. Your tone is awfully calm." Kido Midas interjected, cutting through the tense atmosphere.
The golden haired man appeared as elegant as ever, adorned with earrings and other jewels that simply added to his magnificence.
His smile and playful gaze settled on the unusual composure of their leader. Everyone knew that he hardly showed any emotion, but one would expect some level of annoyance after their organization lost against the idea of a mere child.
"It is regretful that our efforts to secure the last pieces we require ended up being foiled. However, nothing has truly changed."
Stefan and Kido in particular had expressions of curiosity as they stared at the Cult Leader. Only their eyes depicted the desire to know more.
"Even if we had secured all of the Arcanas we sought, and we didn't lose the ones we did, the clash between our organization and Jared Leonard was unavoidable." The Leader calmly posited.
"They had some Arcanas in their possession prior to the search, and we would have still needed to retrieve those eventually. The only consequence of this development is that there are now more Arcanas in their possession."
"Haha! Doesn't that make it more difficult to obtain them?" Kido laughed in response.
It was a habit of his to have fun while making points that many others would rather not get involved with.
However, as has already been proven by the Cult Leader several times, all of his questions would always be accurately answered.
"Each of you possess individual power that surpass anything Jared Leonard and his allies can muster. Plus, it takes a very long time to understand and fully manifest the abilities of the Arcanas. They don't stand a chance."
The Cult Leader's words were absolute, and his wisdom was profound. Even their newest member—Stefan Netherlore—who had gotten two years of training, still hadn't perfected the use of his Arcana.
How much could the opposing side achieve in mere days? If the Cult chose to attack them as soon as possible, then it would be checkmate.
However—
"Are we forgetting the fact that they have [The Hermit] with them? Plus, with Neron's abilities, wouldn't they have enough 'time' to be proficient… at least, to a certain extent." Karlia spoke this time.
She would have preferred to be silent about her thoughts, but the Cult had to consider all their alternatives.
They couldn't mess up now.
'Not when we're so close…' Her thoughts trailed.
"I thought about that too." Kido pointed out, smirking at the Succubus who plainly ignored him.
Needless to say, his words fell flat.
The prospect of Jared and his allies having enough time to grow even further was scary to imagine.
Sure, they couldn't entirely stop time, but the time they had was still unfair.
"Then that's even better."
Everyone stared at the speaker in surprise. It wasn't the Cult Leader, but the authority in his tone was similar.
The one who uttered those absurd words were none other than the First Seat himself.
The Legendary Martial Blade God.
"I see. You want to fight them at full strength?" Kido asked with an amused expression.
It was suicide for anyone to face wielder's of twelve Arcanas who had mastered it to an expert degree. Yet…
"Indeed. I wonder how far I will be able to go. How shall I fare against those odds? It puzzles me."
Of course, the only person who could dream of uttering those brave words was none other than the First Seat.
His words gave the others enough confidence—or at least—a moderate amount of excitement, for what was to come.
"The opposing forces, no matter how long they are given, will not prove to be a threat to us. That much is certain." The Cult Leader concluded.
His focused gaze told everyone present that he saw what they didn't. He knew things they couldn't fathom.
He was truly certain.
"So, what should we do in preparation?" Legris asked, and Stefan nodded in response.
Everyone wanted to know their next step, and as usual, they looked up to their commander.
"We wait. There is no need to seek them out…"
It was a surprising take, but the Cult Members had never had a reason to distrust the judgement of their leader.
They all simply nodded in perfect understanding.
"… They'll come to us."
