"Maya, I'm well aware of these factors you've raised," Eren took a deep breath before speaking further.
"However, my plan doesn't revolve around dismantling the World-Encompassing Array itself. I've no intention of meddling with something on such an immense scale directly.
What I'm seeking your assistance for is to superimpose another Runic Array Formation atop the existing one," Eren revealed, his gaze unwavering as he observed the intrigue flickering across Maya's features.
"Essentially, you're suggesting that I collaborate on establishing another world-spanning array formation? In theory, given the necessary resources and time, this could be achievable. But how does this tie into your goal of breaking the World-Encompassing Array?" Maya's curiosity was tinged with a hint of inquiry, her perspective on Eren's proposition evolving.
"It's an ambitious undertaking, one demanding significant ranking resources and a substantial investment," Eren responded composedly, his demeanor unfazed.
"While I possess the financial means and resources, what I lack is your expertise. Moreover, considering you're already journeying across different places across Anfang, your involvement in constructing this global array would be convenient.
Do you see where I'm going with this?" Eren punctuated his question with a rhythmic tap of his finger on the table.
"So, you're suggesting that I continue my travels in the same vein, scattering the pieces of this complex puzzle wherever I go? All with the ultimate purpose of assembling them into a monumental array that you'll activate one day," Maya contemplated Eren's proposition, her gaze tinged with caution as she raised the fundamental question that had sprouted in her mind as she unraveled his plan.
"Yes," Eren replied simply and honestly.
"Eren, your suggestion to embark on this worldwide journey, does it serve as the foundation for your grand plan? Have I been manipulated by you right from the beginning?" Maya's tone shifted, the atmosphere around her acquiring an undertone of suspicion as she confronted Eren head-on.
"It's not as you might suspect, Maya," Eren replied, shaking his head.
"Why would I manipulate someone for their own benefit? And even if I did, would it harm you? This is simply a coincidental alignment of circumstances. Or rather, I've taken into account your ongoing journey in devising this plan.
You can continue exploring the world, collecting experiences, while also helping me seed the components of this grand array. It's a mutually beneficial proposition.
However, I won't deny that what I'm asking isn't trivial. To reflect its significance, I'm prepared to offer substantial compensation in return. So, what do you say? Are you in?" Eren inquired, his gaze fixed on Maya.
After a period of contemplation, Maya nodded in affirmation. Eren cleared his throat, then proceeded to expound on his scheme, starting from the beginning. He understood that Maya needed the entire base context to make an informed decision, so he conveyed the rationale behind his plan. He also outlined his vision for the extensive array formation he sought Maya's assistance in casting across Anfang.
Maya's astonishment was palpable as she learned that Eren hadn't just been approached by Anfang's World Will, but also tasked with such an ambitious mission. The revelation about Spirit Beasts evolving into God Sparks was a paradigm shift for her understanding. It took time for her to assimilate this new information.
Eren's explanations also altered her perspective on him. She began to grasp that Eren was not bluffing; his intentions were genuine.
In this light, she saw Eren as an extraordinary entity, perhaps even Anfang's figurative heir. Despite her father's knowledge and talents, he had never been given such prominence by Anfang's World Will, even though he had actively tried to communicate with it through diverse array formations. Eren seemed to surpass even her father in this domain.
Eren's concept for the grand array was surprisingly straightforward, a common formation employed by many Rankers from their earliest days in the field. However, its sheer scale was unprecedented. Maya was confident in her ability to help Eren enact this uncomplicated formation on such a massive scale. However…
"Still, something perplexes me, Eren," Maya addressed him with a puzzled expression.
"How does the act of creating the array you propose correlate with destroying the divine World-Encompassing Array crafted by the goddess?"
Eren's smile took on a mysterious quality as he continued, "That's a question you'll uncover the answer to as you proceed, Maya.
Naturally, I'll provide you with the evidence you seek to validate my earlier claim to help you. Here, examine the contents stored in this array disk." Eren produced an array disk from his ID Storage and placed it on the table before Maya. With a focused breath, she sent her Artificial Mana Sense into the disk, immersing herself in the audiovisual content it contained.
For several moments, Maya remained with her eyes closed, traversing the data within Eren's array disk multiple times. Instead of immediate answers, the information it held engendered a slew of new inquiries. Nevertheless, one truth became apparent – Eren's sincerity. The disk illuminated the path he had charted, a step toward their respective goals.
"So, it seems your bloodline is truly exceptional," Maya remarked, her gaze fixated on Eren with an intrigued gleam.
"I always sensed an intriguing peculiarity about you as a half-blood, but it appears I greatly underestimated the extent of it. If your claims align with the data within this array disk, then the creation of this array formation won't clash with the ancient World-Encompassing Array. Rather, it would..." Maya's voice trailed off, prompting Eren to fill in the missing pieces.
"It would activate its self-destruct mechanism. Essentially, the World-Encompassing Array will crumble from within," Eren elucidated, his expression brightening into a smile.
He locked eyes with Maya before continuing, "These constraints that bind us will be eradicated. Why confine yourself to these lands when we can explore otherworldly realms beyond Anfang together, Maya?"
Pausing for a moment, Maya raised another critical point.
"Your plan certainly seems viable. The grand-scale array you're envisioning is straightforward, and the necessary ranking resources aren't scarce.
However, the sheer scope of this array is staggering, Eren. Its execution would drain a substantial portion of your guild's amassed funds. By any reasonable estimate, more than half of your wealth would be expended, regardless of the project's outcome.
Your guild could even face bankruptcy. Are you truly prepared to shoulder such a risk?"
Maya wanted to ensure Eren was fully aware of the scale he was dealing with. While she recognized his adequate knowledge in array formations, she assumed he might not fully grasp the monumental dimension of his endeavor.
"Money exists to be used," Eren replied, his tone resolute. "My guild was established to support my Ranking Journey. Every investment is justified if it leads me to obtain the God Spark." He observed Maya, awaiting her final confirmation.
With a nod, Maya rose from her seat, signaling her readiness to take action. "Hehe. We better get to work then," she stated, her smile radiant.
Eren breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that he had finally secured Maya's commitment to his audacious plan.
