A aningful light crossed the eyes of the gathered powerhouses as Cain's words sank in. Although none of them had yet reached a formal decision, it was no secret that they preferred a defensive war.
Mobilizing their forces while the Heart of the Root remained silent was not exactly what they had planned. And yet, not a single one of them could deny the logic behind Cain's reasoning. It was, after all, better to beco familiar with the battlefield before being forced into its depths.
Of course, Cain's intentions went beyond simple reconnaissance. He wanted their people gathered within the Golden Hall so that, when a battle erupted, they could be mobilized instantly. That
rapid-response positioning would soon beco crucial, for Cain was preparing to make a move-one with a very real chance of provoking an offensive reaction from the Heart of the Root.
Still, despite understanding the urgency, Cain did not press the five super powerhouses or try to strong-arm them into following his suggestion. A forceful approach would only backfire and fracture the goodwill he had painstakingly built with them. So he waited- patiently, silently-until a voice finally echoed through the chamber. "The Scarlet King's plan is logical," Arkam said. The Anima
Machinarium's voice was calm, asured, and carried a rare weight. His chanical eyes shimred with aningful light. "His proposal will help our forces prepare for the horrors the Root will unleash. And it will also allow us to test the compatibility of our combined armies."
The last part of Arkam's statent drew every gaze toward one another. Even now, the representatives of the Dark Races were making sure not to sit too close to the mbers of the Light Races. It wasn't a problem here-these individuals were all disciplined, intelligent, and fully aware that infighting in the face of an existential threat would be suicidal. But the question lingered:
Would their people show the sa restraint?
With thousands-perhaps millions-involved, even a small clash could spiral out of control, especially in the midst of battle. And if that happened while facing the Root, they were all dood.
Cain looked toward the man of the Anima Machinarium Race and nodded softly, his impression of Arkam rising. The chanized powerhouse still wasn't determined enough to adopt an offensive stance against the Root, but at least he could see the value in preparation and the problems they needed to address. That alone placed him higher in Cain's regard.
The remaining powerhouses analyzed his reasoning. Seeing that two of their number had already voiced support, they exchanged glances and-after a brief silence-nodded one by one.
"Perfect," Cain said, his tone shifting with a hint of thrill as a wide smile spread across his face. Without further delay, he turned toward the portal leading to the Everstrife Empyrean World and released a stream of Ego Wave through it.
Then he simply folded his arms and waited.
A similar aningful light crossed the eyes of the five super powerhouses as they waited with him. Less than half an hour later, nine figures stepped through the portal, instantly drawing the full attention of everyone in the chamber.
Upon arrival, the nine warriors turned toward the Scarlet King and perford deep bows before arranging themselves silently behind him. None of them suppressed their auras, allowing all present to feel the overwhelming power radiating from their bodies, souls, and Alter-Egos.
Cipher, Amara, Zephirax, Uriel, and Arkam could only stare with awe and shock at the power of those nine.
Each of them commanded legions of elites and had nurous ArchDeities under their authority-yet the warriors standing behind
Cain operated on an entirely different tier.
Their bodies, souls, and minds had been refined to an extre degree. That was especially true of the eldest among them, an old man with a muscular fra whose power neared the peak of the ArchDeity Rank and did not seem far from matching their own.
What made the scene even more unbelievable was how effortlessly Cain controlled them. He had offered no warning, no preparation, no prior command-yet all nine imdiately obeyed his will the instant he summoned them.
Another startling detail revealed itself: among Cain's forces were
warriors from both the Light and Dark Camps, standing side by side in
perfect unity. There was no tension, no hostility-only the unmistakable bond forged through hardship, loyalty, and mutual
respect.
Cain offered a small smile to Leonidas and the others before turning back to the five super powerhouses of the Six Sacred Races.
"My people will remain within the Golden Hall." A aningful light appeared in his eyes as he carried on. "If you agree, they can ensure that no conflicts break out among your forces."
Cipher, Amara, Zephirax, Uriel, and Arkam exchanged contemplative glances. The chances of conflict appearing among different forces gathered in the sa place were high-especially with racial tension in their histories-so having a regulating presence was not a bad idea. And given the racial diversity within the Scarlet King's own subordinates, his people were uniquely suited to act as neutral ground.
One by one, they nodded their approval.
"Excellent." Cain turned toward the nine ArchDeities of the Scarlet
Kingdom. "Explore the Golden Hall. Familiarize yourselves with it. Find a place where our people may gather when the ti cos."
Leonidas and the others bowed once more before departing, their
footsteps echoing like distant thunder.
Cain then glanced at the five powerhouses. "This was a productive eting," he said. "We should reconvene in three months. I am preparing sothing new, and I intend to show it to you then."
Although they had no idea what he was referring to, the five could not hide their excitent. Their hands subconsciously traced the treasures they had just received, their expressions brightening with anticipation.
Cain smiled at this reaction, then nodded to the group before stepping through the golden portal alongside Anark.
But the mont he returned to the Everstrife Empyrean World, the
smile on his face vanished.
In its place, eyes of cold, unwavering determination appeared.
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