"Crimson Ghost, I've come to offer you an alternative to what the Anfang Alliance might propose."
Eren's meaningful smile preceded his words.
"The proposition I bring isn't shackled by constraints. You won't be bound to serve the Anfang Alliance for endless centuries just for a taste of the wider world beyond. If all proceeds as planned, you could be departing Anfang within a matter of months.
Moreover, this endeavor wouldn't subject you to binding agreements that limit your freedom even beyond Anfang's reaches. Does this proposition intrigue you?" Eren posed the question, locking eyes with Altair, his expression brimming with an enigmatic intensity.
Altair maintained a contemplative silence, his gaze fixed on Eren. Despite having attained the exalted status of a Sage, he found himself unable to unravel the intricacies of the young man's thoughts. It seemed that with each revelation about Eren, Altair was merely scraping the surface of an enigmatic and complex character.
"Your demeanor doesn't suggest jest," Altair sighed, breaking the silence. "It appears that you're already privy to the notion of the Immortal Planes."
Eren swiftly deduced that the term "Immortal Planes" encompassed both the divine and demonic realms. He nodded in affirmation before elaborating, "Indeed, within a few months, I'm planning to..."
Before Eren could unfold his plan, Altair interjected, his words brimming with urgency.
"You're missing the point, Eren. If you've come across the existence of the Immortal Planes, do you think that veterans like us, who have spent centuries here, remain oblivious?
I was aware of their existence when I ascended to the Grandmaster Rank. A considerable span of time has elapsed since then. The deeper I delved into the Immortal Planes, the clearer it became that traversing other realms, using them as conduits, isn't as straightforward as it might appear," Altair's tone conveyed a hint of resignation as he turned away.
Leaning against the balcony's railing, he intertwined his fingers in a contemplative stance, his gaze drifting over the vibrant panorama of House Argas estate. After a moment, he resumed speaking.
"Eren, you must realize that entering the Immortal Planes mandates at least a Master Rank. However, paradoxically, the higher your power, the more perilous these planes become. It's an intricate equation," Altair paused, granting Eren time to absorb his words.
Altair's revelation left Eren astounded. Leaning beside Altair against the balcony's railing, Eren's gaze wandered across the grand hall's lavish splendor as he posed a query to Altair, his voice rife with curiosity.
"I was under the impression that achieving the Master Rank was the sole prerequisite for entering the Immortal Planes. Wouldn't your journey through these planes become safer as you advance in your Ranking Journey and bolster your Individuality?
Your Sage Rank should offer you maximum safety while traversing through the Immortal Planes. What am I missing here?"
Altair appreciated Eren's ability to converse with him in a casual manner, despite the inadvertent leaks of his Sage Ranker aura that intermittently emanated from him. Altair had achieved the revered Sage Rank a few months prior to this celebration and had largely stabilized his Ranking Status since then. However, broaching a sensitive subject like this momentarily unsettled the equilibrium of his Individuality.
Gathering a composed breath, Altair responded to Eren's inquiry with a measured composure.
"Navigating the Immortal Planes poses an intricate dilemma. Master Rankers are exposed to the highest risk when utilizing these pathways. They face the possibility of losing their way or encountering fatal accidents that might unfold within the Immortal Planes."
Altair's explanation continued, drawing a larger picture.
"However, Grandmaster and Sage Rankers are not exempt from danger within the Immortal Planes either. These realms are inhabited by entities of unfathomable power, Eren. Some of them are often on the lookout for potent vessels through which they can infiltrate the mortal realm.
Paradoxically, the more formidable a Ranker becomes, the more they attract these potential possessions during their traversal of the Immortal Planes."
Altair concluded with a sigh. He conjectured that Eren might have inadvertently stumbled upon some perilous esoteric passage into the Immortal Planes. Consequently, he was intent on educating Eren about the inherent hazards of such methods.
Contemplating Altair's words, Eren deduced the implications.
"Hmm. This implies that the less powerful you are, the more fraught the Immortal Planes become. However, the mightier your stature, the greater the risk you draw upon yourself.
Damn. These Immortal Planes are a bitch.
In essence, there's no ideal Rank for Anfang's Rankers to venture into these planes. Irrespective of their Rank, danger hangs over their heads as soon as they step into these domains," Eren mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Altair nodded, not casting his gaze toward Eren, as he continued the discourse.
"Indeed, Eren. The Immortal Planes transcend being mere gateways to alternate worlds. They represent the dominion of entities akin to gods, beings capable of obliterating thousands like you and me with naught but a fleeting thought.
Whether divine or demonic, this latent peril remains an ever-present shadow. That's why it is important to have a formidable patron if one even contemplates venturing near the fringes of the Immortal Planes," Altair's words resonated with a solemn gravity, allowing the weight of the information to seep into Eren's understanding.
Beside Altair on the balcony railing materialized a brimming chalice of wine, conjured forth by his mere intention. He replicated this motion for Eren, producing a drink as well, and signaled for Eren to raise it in a toast. Uncertain of Eren's level of familiarity with the Immortal Planes, Altair took it upon himself to elucidate further.
"Let me clarify, Eren. I, too, want to transcend the confines of Anfang and explore realms beyond. With my unexpected rise to the rank of Sage, this world has begun to feel stifling.
However, placing my faith in a haphazard method to venture beyond Anfang's borders, devoid of the safeguard of an immortal guardian, is not a course I can take.
The Anfang Alliance, while admittedly restrictive, provides a secure conduit for a select circle of Sages to traverse into other domains, shielding them from the veiled perils enshrouding the Immortal Planes.
Have you ever wondered why numerous Sages opt to align with the Anfang Alliance despite its binding agreements?"
Altair Argas conveyed his sentiments in a tone tinged with disillusionment. The notion of being instrumentalized by the Anfang Alliance post his attainment of Sage rank did not sit well with him. Yet, the alternative Eren was presenting did not appear to him as a preferable alternative.
"So, does this imply that one requires the benediction of a divine or demonic entity to even consider my proposition?" Eren's emerald gaze glistened with an enigmatic gleam.
He flashed a mysterious smile before delivering a final inquiry to Altair. "Altair, what if I could provide the assurance you seek?"
