Argo had tapped deeply into his Gluttony-related abilities while battling a relentless stream of S-Rank opponents.
Considering the number of powerful Sages he had confronted immediately after ascending to the Sage Rank, it was downright astonishing that he still drew breath. The battlefields he had left behind had become barren and inaccessible by regular Rankers.
Even his S-Rank mana core wasn't entirely stable, making his survival even more remarkable. His role as a vessel for the Demon Prince of Gluttony was instrumental in this extraordinary feat.
These logic-defying demonic powers facilitated rapid healing, helping him recover from wounds and renew lost energy and mana. Thanks to these incredible abilities and well-laid plans, he ultimately managed to reunite with Eren on the battlefield.
Eren could discern the struggles Argo faced despite his brave facade. Putting Argo at risk wasn't part of his plan. But he was always aware of this possibility and had allowed him to tag along anyway. This was because Argo was the only one he could count on.
The butcher affectionately patted Argo's shoulder and then embraced him.
"Thanks for giving it your all," he told Argo in a solemn tone. "You've been a big help, you fat bird." Argo chuckled, returning the gesture, "Damn right. I… or rather… "we" did you a solid, didn't we? Remember that when you take your 'throne'."
Eren's smile briefly acknowledged Argo's words. However, his expression soon grew serious as he inquired, "Alright. How many did you manage to get?" His gaze was expectant, filled with urgency.
Both Eren and Argo understood that Argo's ascension to the S-Rank would inevitably bring the wrath of Sage Rankers from both Edinburgh and the Anfang Alliance. Rather than viewing this as a disaster, Eren saw an opportunity.
He had unwavering confidence in Argo's ability to accomplish a specific task essential for the Lazarus Project's success. That's why he had eagerly awaited Argo's return.
To ensure Argo's safe return, Eren had discreetly informed Rodrick about Eliza's presence. This move compelled Garos Renar to cease pursuing Argo, enabling the demon to reunite with Eren. Argo rejoined Eren just as they were approaching the battlefield's center, which was perfect timing for Eren's mission.
"I… I got five. Five freshly baked Pearls of Gluttony, boss!"
Argo exclaimed, raising his right hand and revealing five radiant pearls resting in his open palm.
These were no ordinary pearls; they were Gluttony Pearls, unique resources that Argo had obtained for Eren by harnessing his Domain of Gluttony: Beelzebub's Authority.
Argo had extracted them from the remains of the S-Rank foes he had confronted, making them incredibly potent and exuding an intimidating aura.
***
The moment the Gluttony Pearls emerged, a potent surge of mana radiated from them, causing everyone in the vicinity of Eren and Argo to freeze in their tracks. Eren's allies and adversaries alike turned their attention toward Eren and a newly arrived young man.
"What... what is he holding?"
Stammered a Layos Ranker, his voice trembling as he cautiously distanced himself from Eren's group, which stood at the epicenter of the battlefield.
"Never mind whatever the fuck that may be, who is that guy holding them?"
Questioned an Edinburgh Grandmaster Ranker as he observed the scene from a distance. Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, it took some time for those present to realize that an unknown S-Rank entity had mysteriously materialized before Eren.
A wave of dread and unease washed over the Rankers surrounding Eren and his allies once they comprehended that Argo was an S-Rank entity. They understood that any of his spells possessed the power to obliterate them without a glimmer of hope for survival.
Consequently, both Edinburgh and Layos Rankers ceased their combat and shifted their focus to Eren and Argo. Fear and apprehension enveloped them, urging them to flee.
The once tumultuous skies, hosting a fierce battle between the Sages of Edinburgh and Layos, fell eerily silent. The Sages, too, halted their clashes as they sensed an unfamiliar S-Rank presence intruding upon a battlefield intended for non-Sages.
Swish. Swish. Swish.
Sages from both factions abruptly materialized in the center of their respective groups. On Edinburgh's side, Sage Marcus Moretti, Sage Ursula Moretti (Marcus's wife), and Sage Hansen Lehan appeared.
The Layos side was mirrored, with three Sages who had been locked in combat with the Edinburgh Sages. It appeared that, in a rare moment of unity, all the Sages had collectively decided to cease their ongoing skirmishes and confront the new threat that had materialized on the battlefield. Their wariness extended not only to each other but also to the enigmatic S-Rank entity now facing Eren.
"That lad is Eren. And his demon beast companion. When… when did he.. S-Rank?"
Remarked Hansen Lehan, gazing at Eren and Argo with astonishment. He couldn't fathom how the once insignificant young man he'd known a decade ago had grown to pose such a significant threat to both kingdoms through his actions and the formidable allies he'd brought into the fray.
"Indeed, Hansen."
The deep voice of the King's Hand, Garos Renar, rang out, catching the attention of those present. Garos had nimbly positioned himself behind Hansen Lehan and the other Edinburgh Sages after arriving on the battlefield by his own means. He cast a menacing look at Eren and Argo before disclosing critical information.
"That demon is the one who attacked the city of Lancelot," Garos stated, his voice weighty with authority. "He's also the same filthy demon who breached S-Rank and caused a ruckus a few days ago.
He… serves as the vessel for the Demon Prince of Gluttony."
Garos's voice carried throughout the battlefield, reaching every Ranker. Amid a day filled with shocking events, these revelations left the assembled forces in even greater astonishment. Even the Layos Sages became wary of Eren and Argo after hearing Garos' words.
Hansen Lehan voiced his uncertainty, asking.
"Beel… Beel… I shouldn't say that name. What should we do now?" He harbored no fear of Argo, but the demon soul fragment residing within Argo was a formidable entity he was reluctant to confront.
Garos responded with authority, "What do you mean, 'What should we do'? We kill them."
This declaration hung heavily in the air, leaving the assembled Rankers to process the gravity of the situation.
A profound weight descended upon the entire battlefield as Garos initiated his actions. The situation had spiraled into unrestrained chaos, and it was now Garos's turn to intervene directly and restore order.
In the blink of an eye, Eren found himself hoisted off the ground by his throat, suspended by the formidable grip of none other than Garos Renar. The King's Hand left no room for Argo to act, utilizing the powers of a limited-use artifact to immobilize him and everyone who could come to potentially Eren's rescue.
Eren, trapped within Garos's vice-like hold, was rendered powerless. All of his abilities and Elemental Attainments proved utterly ineffective. He struggled to break free from Garos's unrelenting grasp, locked in a gaze with the relentless King's Hand.
Yet, he couldn't even cough, let alone utter words.
The chasm in their Ranking Status was insurmountable, and Eren felt the grip on his throat tighten further. Ultimately, he ceased his futile resistance and met Garos's gaze with unwavering resolve.
"Don't get too cocky, you brat. I'm not sure of your motives in orchestrating this. However, your intentions can be unraveled once you're gone. Rest in peace."
Garos declared as he clenched Eren's neck with a forceful grip, ultimately ending his life. With his other hand, he seized Eren's head and crushed it into oblivion. With his S-Ranked powers, he also squashed every bone in Eren's body before destroying the flesh entirely.
The abrupt arrival of the Sages on the battlefield led to an instantaneous transformation of events. There were no grandiose displays or world-shattering spells. None were required.
In the presence of countless onlookers, their emotions ranging from shock to horror, and amidst an eerie silence that hung over the tumultuous battlefield, Grimdawn was extinguished by Garos Renar as though he were nothing more than an insignificant insect.
