"Well, this is it, we are defeating our first Supreme faction opponent today."
The people of the army cheered.
"We have been through quite a lot, war, peace, and that weird point last month."
A few people laughed, remembering the gala period.
"But now, let's finish this. Three more enemies. After we win, then there will be no more conflict. No more pain for us. Give us this. Give our future generations this. This is our calling. Remember what we fight for. Not just power, but peace."
The cheers erupted loudly.
Then I opened a gate.
"FORWARD!"
Then we marched into Michael's Barracks.
_
Michael POV
"Interesting, they are attacking so soon."
"Heh, told ya Rose would come and beat ya."
"I have my own contingencies, Darsen. Release the twins."
My retainer nodded before running off.
"Let's see her fight her own kin."
_
"This can't be his contingency."
I was almost disappointed.
Michael had found Trite and Gold, the twin dragons of Wind and Light. He sped leveled them, likely feeding them prisoners.
"Wait, Cat? You're the lady we're supposed to fight?"
"Yep. Rose Hood."
"… did he actually think that we would fight you?"
"I mean, if he was aware of Mom's command, then maybe."
"Yeah, but… we know what actually happened with you… We heard the legend of Kala a while ago…"
"Why not join me?"
"Hm, that would be fun."
"But are you really his contingency?"
"Yep, we are his secret weapon."
"… That's… I'm disappointed."
[Triton and Phasia have sworn loyalty to you.]
"Phasia… really?"
"Light phases, so I thought, why not?"
"Okay, now that that disappointment is out of the way…"
I looked at the angelic army that were in disbelief of the current situation.
"Wanna help us with those idiots?"
"Sure, could be fun."
_
Michael POV
What just happened? Those two were loyal to me to a T. How and why did they betray me… for her?!
Darsen belted out laughter.
"That was it? That was the big move?! You do realize that dragons originated in Pandora, right? You literally just got her siblings to get funny looks. Hahaha!!!"
"Silence, mutt. I will defeat her."
"Oh, be my guest, maybe bring out another dragon. Oh, or maybe tell Dallel to kill her, that would turn out well. HAHAHA!!!"
"Oh, I'll simply go with the plan to fake kill you. She will lose hope, then get angry. She will easily make mistakes then."
"Ah, so you failed to listen to Gabriel, so I'll give you a hint. Angering her is the last thing you want to do. She doesn't start making mistakes when mad, she only becomes more calculated, more precise."
"Then why are you so against it?"
"Because if she thinks I'm dead, then she is going to cause this tower to collapse, and you will die, and so would I."
"Please, she won't be able to destroy it, this is made of an unbreakable material."
Michael turned to his lieutenant.
"Calon, start the projection."
"Yes Sir!!!"
_
A Hologram appeared in front of me, shortly after I reached 799, then my eyes narrowed as my army slowed to watch.
"Hello, Rose, you have gotten quite far, but now I see no more reason to hold back."
Darsen was summoned to his hands, coughing out blood.
"Your little plan, while impressive, failed."
"Don't you dare lay another hand on him."
The realm shook with my words. Jalad whispered to the men.
"If Michael stabs Darsen, run to the gate as fast as possible."
They nodded. Everyone knew the result of that action, except for Michael and his men.
"Say goodbye."
Then he sealed his fate.
_
Michael POV
"My, her rage isn't quite what you all made it out to be."
I looked at Darsen who was shivering.
"You fool, you actually killed everyone in your faction. She thinks I'm dead. Do you know what you have done?"
"Caused her to lose hope. If anyone's friend dies, they will lament. Calon, I assume you have already sent your detachment."
"Indeed."
"Very well."
"Heh, ha. HA HAHAHA!"
The wolf started laughing.
"Oh, you idiots, you've killed everyone in this city. You've killed us all. Do you not see her army running? Our men fleeing their leader? You've only sealed our fates. If you let me go now, I can calm her."
Then a massive presence shook the entire realm.
"Sir?"
"What is it?"
"We sent 100 men…"
"And?"
"Their signals all cut off at the same time."
"SIR?!"
"What is it?"
"Look out the window."
I looked and blanched.
[Owner Rose Hood has achieved the requirements and has proceeded to the highest class. She is now a level 801.]
[The faction, Garden, is now a higher faction.]
"We made a mistake… Gabriel was right."
An eye, as large as the window itself, glared into my very soul.
_
Ruler POV
What are you doing here, friends? Attempting to peek into my mind? Go to Gabriel, you'll still hear our conversation.
_
Gabriel POV
"Sir, we need to stop Michael."
"And why would we do that?"
"Because he will die. His plan will kill him and his entire faction. You know it as well as I do."
"And why do you doubt him?"
"Because I've seen what she can do. And his plan involves angering her. You have seen her, can you honestly tell me that Michael could beat her at the peak of her rage?"
"…"
"Don't let him die like my sister. He is your greatest retainer. You need to sto-"
A massive presence shook the hall. I blanched.
"As you can probably tell, Gabriel, our general has already made his choice. If you would like to try to go in the center of that, be my guest."
"… You are the one that enabled him to do this. Please… save him."
The Ruler smiled.
"I enabled him? Yes, I suppose I did, but he did it… did he not?"
"Do you not care what happens to him? Are you so scared that you will not even use your power to save the one who is risking everything for your sake?!"
"Silence, child."
"No, I have been silent for far too long. You know why he is doing this. It is to slow her down so she will never go for you. He had the knowledge that he could lose, but he's doing it for you. And you do nothing!!!"
"So, are you standing against me?"
I would not back down.
"You never do anything… I'm going in there, and I'm going to save as many angels as I can. You do what you've always done and cower."
"DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM ME, CHILD!!!"
I warped to Michael's Barracks. And I saw her size.
[Owner Rose Hood has achieved the requirements and has proceeded to the highest class. She is now a level 801.]
[The faction, Garden, is now a higher faction.]
"Well, this isn't good."