"You maniac!" Alistair growls at Lucien, rage evident in his demeanor.

It’s almost like he could murder the man.

I see... I understand.

We were all fooled by Lucien from the very beginning.

Even though he lost the battle, he will still get to see what he wants the most—the destruction of the Randalorion Kingdom.

In the end, he will get precisely what he desires.

"YOU—!"

I nearly lunge at Lucien, even from my position in the sky, but the rest of the team hold me back.

They shake their head, while also trying to placate me.

"M-maybe he is bluffing again! There may only be that one Cadre 6 Magivore..."

"Unfortunately, that isn’t the case." Gabriel’s voice suddenly emerges from the Flying Buy Construct, and I can sense how grave it is. "There are indeed six Cadre 6 Magivores. My subordinates have confirmed their appearance in distinct regions of the Kingdom."

’Damnit!’

I glare at Lucien, who keeps laughing heartily.

"What are you still waiting for? Won’t you save your precious Kingdom?" He tells me.

Arghh!

I am so frustrated right now!

Rage boils deep within me as I stare at this man’s mangled face.

There’s actually nothing I want more than to save the Randalorion Kingdom, but I also have to think very carefully about this.

’Why is he urging us to save the Kingdom so much? Does he have some other arrangements?’

I can’t help but think along these lines.

I’m sure the others are also having the same thought, which is why none of us move.

Lucien, having noticed our hesitation, shakes his head.

"Hehe... I know it’s hard to choose, so why don’t I make things easier for you?"

As soon as he says this, a sudden spark rises from within him, and a formless force pushes his body away from us.

Even though Alistair had a tight grip on Lucien, it suddenly loosens. Thus, the man’s mangled body jerks from the group, now floating in the air a short distance away.

"Why did you let go of him?!" I scream at Alistair, who also appears flustered.

"N-no, I didn’t—!"

"Hehehe... It’s what happens when a certain resonance occurs within space. You should know about it, Alistair... about why this sort of thing would happen!"

Alistair’s eyes bulge at this moment.

"Lucien, you—!"

"That’s right! This is my final gambit... the ultimate card I have left to play!"

At that moment, silence fills the air.

It’s like the world turns still.

The only one who moves is Alistair as he yells with all kinds of emotions.

"Apotheosis Begin!"

VWUUUUUUSSSHHHHH!!!

A powerful gust of wind suddenly appears, and it sends all of us flying.

Lucien Zevalis becomes surrounded by a deep purplish black sphere, causing him to appear as a silhouette to spectators outside the barrier.

The ground trembles and the skies rumble as the world responds to his call.

Threads of all kinds of light dance around, connecting to his body, as his eyes remain closed and his expression is solemn.

I’ve seen this before... with Zarius!

’Apotheosis... He is actually going to undergo Apotheosis right now!’ I shudder while witnessing this sight with absolute shock and deep dread.

Why didn’t I think of this?!

Back then, when Zarius underwent Apotheosis, his body was protected that orb.

None of the surrounding explosions affected him.

The same should apply here.

At this point, none of us can touch even a hair on Lucien’s body until he has completed his Apotheosis—whether in success or failure.

I sigh deeply at this.

I take everuthing in with sheer horror.

All kinds of threads dance around, swirling and weaving, like a yarn of dark amethyst wool.

It has now begun—the enlightenment ritual of an Adept Leviathan!

Lucien Zevalis’ Third Apotheosis!

"Damnit... I was too careless. I didn’t think he would actually do it. I should have known he was too far gone in his insanity..." Alistair coughs while muttering bitterly.

He signals everyone to gather while his eyes remain fixed on the swirling mass before us.

There’s no one around but us to witness this Apotheosis.

Yet, the worry is palpable.

The threat is immense!

"Six Cadre 6 Magivores arriving while Lucien Zevalis undergoes Apotheosis? The Randalorion Kingdom is doomed, isn’t it?" I nearly weep while processing everything.

My heart is heavy.

I now fully understand Lucien Zevalis’ scheme.

Priority has to be placed on Lucien Zevalis while he is undergoing this enlightenment ritual.

That means I will not get any support from the Ouroboros Sect members.

Even if they empathize with me, they have to watch their target and prevent him from escaping the moment he is through with his Apotheosis.

This is especially the case if he succeeds.

If Lucien succeeds in his Apotheosis, he will become a Rank 4 Leviathan.

A Valiant Leaper!

With that kind of power, he will be unstoppable... especially if he isn’t dispatched immediately.

’As someone who has undergone Apotheosis before, I know the sensation that occurs when it is complete. There’s an initial period of euphoria, where your concentration is dispersed. If the team takes advantage of this, they can surely defeat Lucien... but they have to be on constant focus and not waver in the slightest!’

If they have to help me with my problem, they won’t be able to do this.

’They also can’t say they will help me first and come back for Lucien because the duration of Apotheosis is unspecified. It could take a minute, or it could take several years. It is impossible to estimate the exact situation.’

Since that’s the case, they can’t afford to distract themselves in the slightest.

I... I want to save the Randalorion Kingdom.

But that doesn’t mean these people share my values or desires.

No, they definitely do not!

Their goal is standing in front of them, and they will not budge on this.

Besides, all of them should know that this is Lucien’s scheme to either escape or ultimately achieve his goal of unlocking his memories through witnessing the destruction of the Randalorion Kingdom.

After all, if they wait behind Lucien succeeds in his Apotheosis, he will get to see the Randalorion Kingdom in ruins.

This could be the catalyst he requires for his memories.

If we end up saving the Randalorion Kingdom together and he succeeds before we can complete this task, then he will be able to make a successful escape.

No, he could even retaliate and kill all of us!

Don’t underestimate a Valiant!

Such a Leviathan likely has access to the Year Layer!

As a newly advanced Leaper of this Rank, even with limited Interference Power, Lucien should be able to travel months into the past or future. He could also use Tracing to go anywhere he has been in the past couple of months, or anywhere he will be in.

This is a frightening reality!

As a result of all of these possibilities, the Ouroboros Sect members cannot take the risk.

Of course, there’s a chance that he will fail.

The chance is even high.

After all, Apotheosis is very risky.

The higher the rank, the more dangerous it ought to be.

If Lucien fails, then they would have watched his Apotheosis in vain. If they focus on rescuing the Randalorion Kingdom and Lucien fails, then not only would we have saved this Kingdom from eventual destruction, but no danger would arise.

The latter is the most preferred option.

But—

’They will never agree to it!’ I stare at my colleagues, and they also look at me.

I know that look.

They are also seriously considering the matter.

It’s only natural.

I also know that it’s only natural that they arrive at the same conclusion that I fear.

"Javier..."

I suddenly hear Alistair Wormwood’s voice.

Without realizing it, I find myself already staring at him.

"A-ah..." I can see my conflicted and pained expression reflected in his deep, experienced eyes.

"I understand... I get it... I just—"

"If Lucien succeeds and emerges from Apotheosis as a Valiant Leaper, he will not have any Mystical Characteristic. Although he will surely be stronger, and he will also recover from all of his injuries, we will have a perfect window to finish him off. That moment when he isn’t fully conscious... if we time it right, we have a chance to beat him."

"I know...." A sigh leaves my trembling lips. "I already thought about that."

I get it already.

I’m on my own in this matter.

I can’t even resent these people for making this choice.

It is the most logical move.

As a Rank 4 Leviathan, Lucien will able to singlehandedly take all of us down if he chooses not to escape. Even without Mystical Characteristics, he will be a force to be reckoned with, and he could destroy the Kingdom even if we saved it.

Everyone present is exhausted and we are all weaker than a Valiant.

It’s only logical that we pick the lesser of the two evils and opt to kill Lucien while ignoring the plight of the Randalorion Kingdom.

"I’m glad you understand..." Alistair sighs, before a small smile forms on his face. "But... there is a way to save your Kingdom, Javier."

"W-what?!" My hear nearly jumps as I hear that statement.

"You are still a member of the Ouroboros Sect, right? Do you wish to make that permanent?"

"I... I don’t understand..."

"Right now, we are unwilling to take any risk for the Randalorion Kingdom, especially when our target is right in front of us. Especially when we have no affiliation with the Randalorion Kingdom. However, that changes if you are one of us." Alistair’s smile deepens.

"You mean—"

"That’s right, Javier..." Amnesis looks at me and nods. "If you decide to join the Sect, we will treat you as one of us and your problem will become ours to shoulder. Although it contains a big risk, with the permission of our leader, we could help you take down the threat of the Randalorion Kingdom."

"T-that is... You would actually do such a thing?!"

I am shocked!

This is an unexpected development.

Don’t get me wrong... I am glad!

Relieved, even!

But... I also find this situation to be very unbelievable.

"In the Ouroboros Sect, we operate as a family. Of course, there are Division Leaders who wouldn’t care about what happened to their subordinates, or the casualties that could occur in the pursuit of their goals. Lucien was one of such people. But... do you remember what I said before?" Alistair resumes, his gaze burrowing into mine.

I nod while remembering his exact words.

How could I ever forget?

"I told you that no one on my team is going to die here. I mean that." He stares off into the distance, at the rampaging Cadre 6 Magivore that is undoubtedly heading towards the nearest civilization to terrorize the people.

"I know you want to save the humans. I also know you will risk your life and do it yourself, even if we don’t help you." He mutters, almost incoherently. "You care a great deal about the people here, don’t you?"

"I... I..."

Unable to respond, I simply stare in astonishment.

"If you are so willing to sacrifice yourself for others that you care about, then you are a good fit for the Ouroboros Sect. And as your leader, I certainly wouldn’t let you charge towards your death by yourself."

"Captain..."

"So what do you say, Javier? Do you wish to make things official?"

"I..."

While speaking, I cast my gaze on everyone present.

I see their looks of approval.

They are all smiling at me, with the exception of Elma.

In fact, she has a deep frown... but she actually doesn’t say anything.

A smile forms on my face at that moment.

"... I would be honored."

"Good. " Alistair nods before casting his gaze on the sphere that shrouds Lucien. "From now on, you are a part of our Ouroboros Sect."

"Yes!"

"Then we have no time to waste. We’ll leave Gabriel to watch Lucien from a close distance and inform us of any changes by constantly looking into the future. It will be difficult, since Apotheosis interferes a great deal with external influences, but if he focuses on his ow future, we should be fine."

"I see. So he’ll alert you the moment he detects something off."

"Yes. That way we—or, at least I—can return as quickly as possible with Tracing and finish him off before he regains consciousness."

"T-that actually... works!"

Alistair smiles warmly at me and nods. "Of course..."

"Um... guys...?" A trembling voice suddenly emerges from the Flying Bug Construct.

It belongs to Gabriel.

"I think it’s a little too late for such deliberations."

As soon as Gabriel says this, we instantly feel something shift in the atmosphere.

The earth stops rumbling and the skies return to their original states.

A noticeable development is rapidly occurring within the sphere that shrouds Alistair, and although his figure is nearly obscured from my vision...

... I notice something happening to his silhouette.

Something strange!

It’s completely different from my experience with Zarius, so I am left confused.

Then, I hear a startled voice.

"This!" Alistair yells in shock. "Could this be—?!"

I don’t sense any dread in his voice, but he seems utterly stunned by the sudden development.

This makes me crease my brow and wonder in silence.

’What exactly is about to happen?’