Exodia 196: Countdown to Zero (10)

"Wait, Master, what was the point of that?!"

Regulus looked down on Faith from his throne. She appeared to be worried.

After getting the Key, Regulus and his entourage returned to the mainland, and from there, proceeded to his base where all of the Major Arcana—also other homunculi—resided.

The Key, Emika, was being processed and analysed by homunculi. She was being treated with care, yet she was almost like a scientific test subject.

"You mean messaging Ryoka, right?"

Ophelia appeared at Faith's side with a similar confounded expression.

"Could you at least explain this much to us?"

She pleaded.

The Mortal Sin sighed.

"The Key is our target. That much is true. The Magician, the Tarot lying within her, is not enough to fully seal Solomon."

"I thought you said the Magician was all that we needed."

Faith was disconcerted. She was worried that Regulus had lied to her.

Faith and Ophelia were Regulus' most trusted assistants and servants. They were fine with not being told things, however, lying was another problem. At least for Faith, it was.

Compared to Ophelia, she was far more subconscious and thoughtful, despite her wolven genetics. Ophelia lacked most human common sense as she closely served Regulus ever since her birth. Faith was more adventurous and lived among humans for a while, developing their emotions and feelings.

As one of his most trustworthy servants, she never wanted him to lie to her.

"That was at the time. When they analysed her, they said that she wasn't enough. I could take the life force of civilians but that would take too long. Attacking Magi directly would take too long. Their bureau can only be accessed through a teleporter which I can't access anymore."

With a faint smile, she exhaled, relieved.

"It's easier to antagonise Ryoka and have her come to me. She'll most likely bring Shoya and other students. I caused a problem with the Bureau, so we'll be safe for a while."

"So, using the life force of an Emperor or the Fairy Magia will be enough?"

Regulus snapped his fingers and smiled.

"Exactly. With all of the Tarots, we're more or less guaranteed to win."

·———·

In the Bureau, Gedo Sasaki held his head, spinning on his chair. In the room, all of his subordinates were staring at him with their words caught in their throats.

"Sir... We're awaiting your orders..."

The next second, the entire building shook from a shockwave. The Bureau was being attacked. Not by any terrorists but by allies.

The ISO—International Streia Organisation.

The ISO was led by Zayner Ness, who was a narcissist and a tyrant. He would do anything to get power.

It was three days ago when he received a tip that the SSB had the Black Emperor. The Black Emperor was not in the same standing as the others. He was still powerful.

Of course, Zayner Ness did not act on a mere tip. It was when he heard Weissmann's voice, that convinced him.

"We can't adhere to their demands because we don't have the Black Emperor. Is he not dead?"

"Him being alive was a rumour, was it not?"

Gedo thought deeply before making his choice.

"Zayner's forces are limited. Hold here and I'll go talk to him. If they attack, then activate the backup systems were a solid defence."

He stood up and walked towards the exit. He was nervous but he still did his best to keep a stern expression.

If Gedo were to openly show his discomfort, his subordinates would also crumble alongside him. It would be a sign of ruin.

An all-out war between a small fraction of the ISO and the top branch of the SSB. The ISO could wage war without consequences but the SSB had to stay defensive and could not attack otherwise, they would suffer consequences. Of course, that would not matter if they fought in a secluded area.

The ISO have far more influence than the SSB. They could easily cover the incident and pin the blame on the SSB. That was mostly as to why the SSB could not retaliate, even after being attacked. It was also because they had no idea who was the Black Emperor. They did not have him. The ISO was attacking for a reason foreign to the SSB, however, they had to hold out.

"Tch. What would Aria do at a time like this?"

In his time of desperation, he thought of his late wife. He always did.

·———·

Tatsuya has been avoiding me ever since yesterday. Every time I attempt to talk to him, he ignores me and brushes past me.

Guess Emika being taken and him discovering that I'm the Black Emperor was a big shock in one. I'm surprised that Kana didn't also hate me. She treats me like how she usually does. I don't know if she's hiding her true feelings but it still comforts me.

"Uhhh, Sasaki, Hikari,"

A student in our class came up to us.

"Seniors are calling for you."

Seniors?

There are only a few that I know.

When I thought about all of the third-years that I've met, chills travelled down my spine. It's either Sumika-senpai or Hysaka...

We both exited the classroom.

"Shoya."

Hysaka greeted me. I sighed, relieved that it wasn't Sumika-senpai.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

I turned to look at the smirking senior. It was Sumika-senpai. I did my best to hide my discontent to greet her.

"Yeah, it has, Sumika-senpai... So, why did you two call us out?"

"Well, let's move somewhere else and talk. Let's go to the student council room."

Hysaka said.

Kana and I exchanged glances and shrugged at each other.

We made our way to the student council room and as we sat ourselves down, the bell rang, signifying that the next period would begin.

"It's fine. We have permission to be out of lesson. Of course, for you two, as well."

We would have Summonings Arts, now, we should be fine.

"What was it you wanted to discuss with us?"

Kana asked, slightly uneasy.

I felt the same as her. Well, I was nervous because Sumika-senpai smirking at me.

"It wasn't us but..."

Hysaka turned to look at the person walking around the corner. Kyoka Sakai stared at us with a gentle smile.

"I want to speak about what's to come, Shoya Sasaki. Perhaps, I should call you my idol..."