'Without being a proper vessel, I won't be able to handle Aether's power…'
I began the process of attracting all the Arcanas that had not yet been corrupted by the Nether's influence.
'Without sufficient power from Aether, I can't defeat the Nether.'
In the end, I still needed to pry open the Nether's vessel, in order to ensure that he could never return to this world by utilizing the Arcanas in his possession. But my current power wasn't enough. This was only a tiny fraction of what I needed.
A mere drop in an all-encompassing ocean.
'But this drop will be enough for what I'm about to do.'
"[Call Of The Progenitor]" A Spell I had learned from Aether; it was meant to allow me to easily attract all the Arcanas in the world to my current location.
The moment I cast this Spell, I began to sense all of the Arcanas that still existed in this plane—undefiled.
The Magician
The Pope
The Lovers
The Chariot
Justice
Wheel of Fortune
Strength
The Hanged Man
Death
The Tower
The Star
The Sun
Judgment
"Thirteen of them, huh?" I smiled to myself.
That took over half of the burden from my shoulders.
In the process of scanning the world and resonating with these thirteen Arcanas, however, my attention was brought to some rather interesting observations.
'Some Arcanas are still in use. Maria is utilizing hers, and so is Elrich. Those fighting Ciel are using theirs as well, albeit to a limited degree.'
Even Jane was still using the Hanged Man in her office, even though the project was supposed to have been completed.
'And then, there's the lab…' My senses went to the structure that belonged to Karlia.
It had been long buried under the sea of destruction, but it was still sturdy enough to not be destroyed. I could sense [The Lovers] Arcana within it.
'Karlia…' Before arriving here, Aether put me up to date about everything.
She showed me how the Martial Blade God sacrificed himself in a battle against the Nether. It was fortunate that he left behind his Arcana, though I suspected that he must have known we would have use of it in his absence.
However, the most concerning incident was Karlia's abduction by the Nether. The Nether took her, no doubt. Aether did not know where, so it had to be somewhere only he could access.
The Nether Realm, most likely.
'Let's not get distracted.' I told myself.
I had a mission, now that I was back in this world as Jared Leonard. I had to defeat this evil monster that sought to eradicate all of existence.
'Once I obtain all the Arcanas, I'll be able to access the Nether Realm too. I'll be able to save Karlia.'
Having that thought was enough to give a final push to my resolve and I completed the Spell.
Instantly, a white cocoon shrouded me, keeping me in its warmth.
I could feel countless energy sources lunging at me from various directions. It was only a matter of time before the existing Arcanas arrived, meaning I had to create the remaining based on the time I had left.
'Let's trust in Kuzon, the duplicate, and everyone else. I'll be back soon.'
*
*
*
Elrich Lendertwale had just arrived at the Eastern Kingdom, where Maria had erected her huge Dome to protect the several denizens around the world who were inside it.
As promised, he had brought even more powerless people to seek refuge in the dome, and he was about to go to get more.
The corruption had stopped, but they had no idea when it would commence again. To save as many lives as possible, he had to hurry.
However…
"Huh…?"
He couldn't teleport!
Suddenly, even the dome went down. It seemed like his and Maria's Arcanas had suddenly stopped working.
"What is going on?" Maria gazed at him, her face instantly paling as she heard the terrified murmurs of those protected by her sanctuary.
As if that wasn't enough, the Arcanas in their possession suddenly warbled and left them. In mere moments, the cards rose to the sky and went off in the same direction.
Shock and fear, mixed with confusion, filled their hearts at that very moment.
"What could be happening?" Elrich wondered.
"I have no idea. It must have something to do with the Nether Cult, though!"
While they were speaking, another bright light emanated from within their midst, and they found yet another card flying in the same direction as the previous two.
It had the insignia of a multitude of stars, and an entity at the very centre of it.
"T-the Star? Then—!"
Maria and Elrich instantly looked in the direction of the unconscious Stefan. Much to their shock… he was nowhere to be found.
"What in the world is happening?!" Maria exclaimed, now paralyzed with fear and worry.
Not only had they lost their greatest source of strength and protection, but now even the prisoner had managed to slip away.
Locked in mystery and fear, they pondered what to do next.
*
*
*
"You persistent rats!" Ciel growled as she was surrounded by the alliance that sought to stop her and her master.
Jane, Aurora, Dulum, Z'ark, Gerard, Jerry, Ivan, Asa, Maro, Beruel, Ana, Edward, Ciara and Lemi were all working together to defeat her. It sounded like a bit of overkill, but it only attested to the level of danger she posed.
As a matter of fact, if not for her massive deficiency in power, she would have easily defeated all of them despite their number.
However, thanks to their Arcanas, and her lack of sufficient energy to initiate more powerful Spells, she found herself cornered.
Her Clairvoyance and the Magic Items she had on, were her only saving grace now. Still, time was running out and she had to score a decisive victory.
'For my Master. For the Nether!'
