"You have good eyes", I praised sarcastically. "It will be heads in Antarctica."
"What? Heads? What do you an?"
"As in undead, monster, and demonkin heads"
"You... you are serious? That’s all?"
"Yes. The winner will be the battlefront that helps reclaim Antarctica the most. The one who gives us the most heads will be honored as Hell’s Eden’s ally. We will exclusively sell Fakers to them. Everyone else will only get sets of soulgear of our creation."
"You’re g-giving away sets of soulgears? Sets? As in compatible pieces? Where did you even get such treasures?"
"Yes. 10,000 sets will be given to any battlefront that sends us an army. You can keep them even after your Reaper dies."
Kaziema began to pace around in contemplation. Juno finished cleansing the malice from the pregnant woman. Then, she ca over to . She had a small tennis ball of malice floating above her palm.
"My lord, it is done."
"I see, thank you, Juno. Please head back with the rest of the Vithriss. We need to prepare for the next assault."
"But my lord, it is not safe. The ladies will take offense if we leave you unguarded. At least let leave Roach."
Hearing her fussiness, I knew better than to argue, "Fine. But take the wolves with you."
"What? Patron! Big sis will kill us if you get hurt! We will leave when the other Specter is dead," Claire retorted.
Before I could ask Eva to protect so that they can leave, the prince I was negotiating with answered.
"That won’t be necessary."
Kaziema then placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head toward .
"Limitless, I apologize for my earlier actions. Considering what we intended to do to you, you have every right to be angry. In fact, your actions can be considered kind. You not only intend to help us but also truly wish to strengthen the Reapers.
"I apologize for doubting your intentions. I am aware of the disease Onye has infected our battlefront with. Many of my brothers died pitifully, all so we could preserve our way of life. If I had your strength and conviction, many of them might still be alive."
I didn’t bother to reply but simply nodded. Change was hard. For old people, more so. My short tenure as a Reaper ant I had very few traditions I acknowledged. It was the reason why I had no qualms about throwing anything not of any use.
The prince raised his head and faced . His eyes showed a deep conviction. One that felt fiery hot like a warrior on the eve of battle.
"I vow to you on my {fate}. The Conservatives will stand down. We will also work with your faction to prepare the strongest army possible. Thank you for sparing my family and elder eagle. If you will permit it, I also have a proposition."
Surprised he even had one, I replied, "What is it?"
"The next assault you intend to do is to Tshilumba’s residence, correct? I wish to aid you. As a demonstration of my sincerity."
[My lord, I highly advise against doing so. Kaziema Lulendo is incredibly capable. He likely wants to study our tactics and technology while pretending to help.]
’That is fine. I figured he would.’
[You allow it, my lord?]
’Yes, at the rate we are going, they do not understand how powerful we are. Still, I would have to rely on you to keep him under constant guard, Exa.’
[I will try, my lord. Despite having your blood in him, I am unable to touch his mories or his body. At the mont, the only thing I can ensure is that {Sins of Limitless} can kill him. Everything else has been restrained by his innate constitution as a Specter.]
’Hmm, can’t say I am surprised.’
As Specters had domains in their bodies, it made sense how Exa, a high-tech {Kist}, would be blocked from working her magic. It would have made everything much easier, but such was life.
Ending my short discussion with Exa, I nodded at Kaziema’s suggestion.
"Okay, I don’t mind. You may hide your family in our base should you wish to do so. Exa. Let us return. Eva, leave the Specter."
[I understand, my lord. A return {Portal} has been opened.]
A doorway from the Gate of Irkalla appeared a few feet away from . The Vithriss and Wolves all began to pick up the bodies closest to them and entered the portal. Eva Baker sucker-punched the unconscious Specter she had fought before joining us.
"Is everything all right, Mrs. Baker?"
"Peachy. I haven’t fought in a long ti. I hope the other prince bastard has more Specters," Eva replied in a bad mood.
’Ah right, Exa, about Kaziema’s words earlier?’
[It was a bluff, my lord. All the Specters are accounted for. There is no way Kaziema would be able to hide more.]
’I see. That is good.’
Zanele and Pierre moved to assist Kaziema and his family as they entered the {Portal}. They were obviously amazed by the dazzling universe in Lilly’s special soulgear.
When we returned to the hall, I noticed the tense air. The Sirens were standing at odds with the South Arican Specters, most of the Seraphs, and the Amari and Mia. It was obvious why. My revelation about {Sins of Limitless} was the reason.
’Exa, how did the rest of Hellsend take it?’
[There were so who grumbled, but overall many simply accepted it. The officers understood the need and welcod it. The Seraphs, with the exception of those from the 2nd Andnt, were quite shaken.]
’Hmm, speaking of which, the wolves hardly bat an eye at my demonstration.’
[That’s because the Wolves have an even worse failsafe placed on them by Lady Jo.]
’Oh? What is it?’
’I have a hypnotic suggestion on them, Darling! The mont they betray , their bodies will move to butcher each and every person they ever loved! My lil sisters still all accepted! They are incredibly strong! They are the best Siren squad.’
’Okaerinasai Anata. For the record, the Kitchen also has one. A powerful neurotoxin that only {Digest} can neutralize flows in their blood. It is the cost for receiving my blessing.’
’Welco back, Possum. Only the Hellcats don’t have anything like that crap. The tast of the failsafes is Bella’s, which turns her nerds into vegetables. The pervert’s is particularly grueso.’
’I only banish my bloodline into the void forever. At least, I don’t even hurt them! Liv’s turns her squad into kamikazes! Oh! Dearest, welco back.’
’My failsafe at least grants those who betray us an honorable death. Beloved, I missed you. I am curious, though, Jas, what does yours even do?’
’It sells the souls of my squad as advance paynt for {Insight}. They are sacrifices of sorts for my questions. Husband, thank goodness you’re safe.’
’Can it, girls. Honey, Amari, and Mia are a bit miffed. Carlos and Herman are only acting. Neither of them cares that they have a gun to their heads, ’cause South Arica did it first.’
Hearing the lively discussion of my girls, I felt my lips curl into a smile. While the rest of Africa was in chaos, the girls were, as usual, just moving along at their pace.
’Thank you for the update, girls. I apologize for moving without asking you. Bella, tell Carlos and Herman I have no need for any acting. Just let them tell their honest thoughts.’
’Okay, Mr. Code. I just told them.’
The rest of the girls all expressed through their links that they didn’t mind my decision. With that resolved, I moved towards Amari and Mia, the only people who did mind.
’Exa, tell Eva to watch Kaziema.’
[Understood.]
The pair who saw glared in defiance. I expected more, but they hardly had anything they could do. They couldn’t hurt no matter what they did. Despite there being several people present, I saw no need to mince words.
"Got sothing to say?" I challenged. We had [Cipher] and Exa, so confidentiality was never an issue.
"Since when?" Amari grunted.
"Since the mont I created the {Kist}. You really think I would help anyone just because?"
"YOU INSANE BASTARD!"
Unable to stop herself, Mia raised her hand to slap . But despite her aggressive actions, her hand never reached . The one to stop her was not Aki, Liv, or Jas, but Amari. Mia bit her lip in frustration.
"Are you done?"
At my provocation, Amari embraced Mia and nodded.
"Please forgive her, Limitless. She is just..."
"I couldn’t give a rat’s ass what she wanted, Amari. I could have hidden this from you all. But I wish for us to be true allies. Think of it what you will; Now, will you continue to follow or stop here?"
After a mont of pause, the African prince answered, "We will follow. I am sure you have your reasons."
"Good."
Just then, Lilly, Bella, and Jo ca closer with Carlos and Herman in tow.
"What about you two?"
"Compared to the power and gear you give, it’s a small price to pay," Carlos replied.
"Reapers already have a foot in the grave anyway. Plus, at least this simplifies things when our reapers have soul collapses."
Hearing their words, I nodded approvingly. With that settled, it was ti to move for the Reformist faction’s head.
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