(27) What a Grand Welcome Party

Empyrium.

White Haven.

Aldrich stood at the front with unparalleled dignity and regality.

Down below were all of his subordinates kneeling and unmoving. The Dragon Corps with only a thousand members left.

12 Legions of the Triskaideka with less than 800 members left.

The 12 Zodiacs. 3 of the 4 Horsemen.

Tadashi, the Ultimate Divine-Demonic Overseer.

Kael Blakely, the Demonoid Divine Human.

Aldrich looked at his forces without any ripples in his emotions, he tried his best to prepare that he even lost himself in the pursuit. Whether these guys can help him is still up for debate, but he needs to move forward regardless of the circumstances.

'I'm having a hard time resisting the voices inside my head anymore. It's already powerful enough to influence my thoughts even with the help of Azrael.'

'I need to lure them out as soon as possible.'

'Veldanava, if you're behind this, I'll make you suffer a fate worse than death.'

'In the worst case, I'll just personally intervene.'

He vowed internally and looked towards his subordinates.

The quality of his high-end combat forces are already on par with the Cardinal World. After Azrael explained things to him, he decided that the Zodiacs would be mobilized fully and the Horsemen will only move unless half of the Zodiacs are obliterated.

"Go, my children. Conquer this world using any means necessary, don't falter for I am with you." He said in a low voice but his voice reverberated and echoed throughout the Empyrium.

The inhabitants are clueless but everyone in the White Haven were filled with battle desires and killing atmosphere. Even the usually stoic Heavenly Emperors were already smiling and grinning like an idiot.

'Finally!' They all thought, the moment they have longed for, the moment they were born for has finally arrived.

"Leo." Aldrich's voice resounded and it calmed down the excited atmosphere.

Swoosh!

A tall Female High Dwarf immediately appeared in front of Aldrich and kneeled piously.

"At your command, Supreme Lord." She said solemnly.

Aldrich looked at the transformed Dwarven Zodiac and smiled slightly.

"You've changed." He said warmly.

Leo trembled slightly at the compliment and bowed her head even lower to hide her excitement.

"This is all thanks to the Supreme Lord." She said devotedly.

"Whatever you say. This time, I will give you to the authority to command everyone and lead them in conquering the Cardinal World. You can decide how to punish insubordination." He said sincerely.

Leo was dumfounded for a moment before she regained her composure and answered excitedly. "I will not let you down, Supreme Lord!"

"I know you won't." Aldrich replied calmly.

"Go before Kamuina loses control and fight Ivarage with his full strength." He reminded and it jolted Leo awake.

"Leo obeys the Supreme Order."

Swoosh!

She immediately teleport in front of the Zodiac, Triskaideka and the Dragon Corps and she marveled at the envious sights and jealousy of others.

"Let's move."

"Scorpio, Capricorn and Aries, go with Gemini in the Otherworld and continue the planned incarnation of Ivarage."

"Doryu, Ehecatl and Viper. Lead the Dragon Corps and sweep the Barren Lands, pay a particular close attention to these coordinates." She ordered as she handed the coordinates for Ivarage's incarnation.

"Triskaideka, I want you to surround the whole Barren Lands and delay as long as possible the enemies. They will surely sense the tremendous amount of magicules once Ivarage descended. Kill them if you can but retreat once you're at a disadvantage, every second bought will be a tremendous help."

"The rest of the Zodiacs will be on standby and reinforce the fallen frontlines immediately." She efficiently barked out orders one after another and the others could do nothing but listen as Leo held the Supreme Authority personally given by Aldrich himself. Soon, the all forces moved to their designated position and prepared for a large scale war against the Cardinal World.

Just as the Empyrium was sharpening its claws and harnessing its fangs, the Cardinal World was experiencing a relative peace, a moment of breather. Ever since the Dragon Corps and the Triskaideka were called back, the Cardinal World did not suffer any attacks from them anymore. Feldway's forces, the Angels, vanished into thin air. After expelling Rimuru, Feldway did not make any more moves.

Tempest Federation.

All the powerhouses the Cardinal World could offer have been forcefully summoned to this place by Guy Crimson. The situation have developed to a stage that he could no longer solve it on his own, thus he forcefully summon all combat power he could gather as his instincts were telling him that this world is on the verge of destruction. As the Mediator appointed by Veldanava himself, he could not let that happen no matter what! So even if the all the creatures of the world died as long as the world in intact, he will do it without second thoughts.

True Demon Lords, True Heroes , saints, sages, and majins alike were all gathered here.

Just as the atmosphere was extremely heavy. An oscillation in space alerted all of them!

"Stand down. I mean no harm." An extremely beautiful figure with dazzling wings appeared and said in an enchanting voice.

"Feldway." Guy Crimson narrowed his eyes at the sudden appearance of Feldway.

"Guy." Feldway returned the greeting with a nod and sat down elegantly.

All of those present were staring at Feldway with fury, especially those from Tempest.

"Relax. Your Master, the Demon Lord Rimuru, is on his way back here." Feldway blurted out casually as if he was oblivious to the death stares thrown at him.

Boom!

Benimaru could not hold back anymore and struck with his Tachi, the Crimson Lotus!

Black flames gushed out and rushed towards Feldway as he parried the sword, but he was calm and blew it away simply. Seeing that Benimaru's attack were easily nullified, Zegion also attacked with Dimension Ray!

Fortunately Guy erected a barrier that contained the aftermath.

Boom!

5 terrifying space distorting slashes landed on Feldway but he still did not retreat a step!

Without waiting for Feldway to do anything, everyone from Tempest attacked Feldway relentlessly, even the usually calm Shuna and Rigur also launched attacks one after another.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Earth-shattering fluctuations resounded as the wrath of the whole Tempest Federation landed on Feldway! The others just watched this calmly and did not interfere as their interests were not in conflict with this skirmish.

"Are you done?" A cold enchanting voice resounded from the mushroom cloud after several minutes of ear-piercing explosions.

"If you are, then scram!" The voice was laced with impatience as a majestic aura blew everything away.

After the dust settled down, an elegant figure emerged while sitting like a King!

Feldway was unscathed!

Not even a dust on his clothing could be seen!

His head was lying lazily on top of one of his arms while sitting cross legged!

Snap!

He snapped his finger and everything returned to normal as if nothing happened.

Guy Crimson and the others narrowed their eyes, especially Chloe, as Feldway commanded Time itself without using any energy.

"Let's form an alliance." Feldway ignored their gazes and said his purpose.

A moment of silence ensued as nobody understood the meaning behind Feldway's words.

Snap!

Feldway did not wait for them as he snapped his finger and a holographic screen appeared out of thin air.

It was the live broadcast of the Empyrium!

All those present were shaken visibly!

They saw Keanala, a recognized Demon Lord of the Enneagon was kneeling in front of another being. Especially Guy, his eyes were already spewing out flames of anger as he stared unblinkingly at the hologram.

"So, you know them, then that makes it easier for me to explain." Feldway took note of their reactions and said after pondering deeply for a moment.

Snap!

He then snapped his finger again and the scenes changed one after the other. The Otherworld where Ivarage and Kamuina were duking it out. The movement of the Triskaideka. The momentum of the Dragon Corps. Everything was laid bare by Feldway, the scene fell into pin drop silent.

"An alliance." Feldway said coldly.

"Only by combining our forces could we expel them." He said

Guy narrowed his eyes as he questioned Feldway, "Why would you initiate an alliance if your very goal is to destroy creation itself. Their actions are clearly inclined towards your interest."

"You are correct there, demon. But you are also in the wrong, I want to personally destroy what my master has created not some bug that appeared out of nowhere!" He said as his aura spread out along with his fury.

Ting!

Guy Crimson also released his aura and the clash between them was enough to push back almost everyone present.

"Kufufufu! How rude, please restrain your rudeness in Our Lord's Domain." A maniacal voice resounded as they were battling with their spirit and 12 powerful auras also joined the fight!

Swoosh!

Swoosh!

Swoosh!

Even Veldora who was reading a comic book turned to look at the onslaught of these powerful auras!

The 12 Guardian Lords of Rimuru did not hold back at all and joined the clash of Feldway and Rimuru.

Colorful auras intertwined as the sky above Tempest changed colors!

Roar!

Roar!

Suddenly, 2 majestic dragon roars resounded a much more terrifying coercive aura spread out.

Dragon Spirit Haki!

Velgrynd and Veldora reverted back to their draconic forms and pacified the situation!

"Enough! We have a much larger problem than your pride!" An elegant voice roared as Velgrynd reprimanded them. Velgrynd then eyed Feldway with undistinguished hostility and sneered!

"A mere servant of my Brother wants to destroy his creation? Don't make me laugh!" She roared as she chided Feldway. Feldway restrained his aura and looked towards Velgrynd and Veldora with emotionless eyes. In the past, he would have treated them with respect in regards to their older brother. However, since Feldway decided to destroy his master's creation to lure him out. His respect has long been thrown down the drain. Feldway stared at the 2 True Dragons without any emotions then turned away silently. As the calmness of the scene has returned, the 2 True Dragons slowly flew downwards and returned to the human form.

"Tell us everything you know about them. Don't even think about holding back any information from us." Velgrynd coldly said towards Feldway.

Feldway nodded and started to recount everything he knew about the Empyrium.

"Before we start, I want to remind you low lives that the best I could do is infiltrate their hideouts and capture some images, as for the sound transmission, I haven't figure it out yet." He said condescendingly. The others ignored his boasting and continued to listen attentively.

"Based on the images I've provided, we can infer that Keanala, a Demon Lord you've acknowledged is serving a much more powerful individual than herself." He insinuated and scanned the room with cold eyes. The others continued to ignore him but all the members of the Enneagon has an ugly expressions, especially Guy Crimson.

"On top of that, there seems to be a hierarchy present within them. Keanala and 3 others are at the forefront which could only mean that they have at least the same status. In regards to their strength, I'm guessing that they should all be the same." He said in a heavy tone.

Guy Crimson's face contorted further and Feldway added salt to the injury.

"Keanala alone was enough to defeat the Oldest and the Strongest Demon Lord, however, there are about 4 of them that possess such overwhelming might."

Ping!

A dreadful aura filled with fury enveloped Feldway as Guy was furious as he was reminded of a certain humiliation!

Feldway continued despite the overwhelming aura of the Demon Lord. "After those 4 monsters, there are still 12 powerful creatures." Feldway said as he manifested the hologram again and pointed towards the 12 Zodiacs.

"In case you don't know, that guy right there behind the 12 was the one who defeated a True Demon Lord." He then moved his fingers towards Takako kneeling at the back of the Zodiacs.

"It can only mean that those 15 cockroaches are as powerful as an Awakened Demon Lord." His finger stopped and pointed towards the Triskaideka and the Dragon Corps.

"Do you now understand? Majority of our high-end combat power only equates to their rank and files." He then said solemnly.

"We may have the advantage in terms of quantity. But quality sometimes becomes quantity." He blurted out.

"I've managed to track down some clues... Several months ago, a Demonoid True Hero altered the landscape of the Barren Lands under your noses, yet none of you managed to sensed it even in the slightest." Feldway berated in a mocking voice.

"I'm impressed that you guys could actually still raise your heads after becoming that much of a laughing stock." He added.

"Enough!!" Guy Crimson roared as he was fed up with the condescending attitude of the Phantom.

"You came here to propose an alliance, did you not? So that could only mean that your strength is not enough to face them." Luminous Valentine said calmly.

"Yes, you are correct there, Vampire. Although it is extremely shameful of me to admit that I could not exterminate a mere bug on my own. But I will need your assistance on this matter." Feldway admitted without any shred of hesitation.

Luminous snorted and said, "An alliance could only be created if both sides are on equal footing. Where does your confidence lay that you could actually think that you could stand as equal to us."

Swoosh!

Feldway's aura quickly spread out as it enveloped the Great Jura Forest!

Guy Crimson narrowed his eyes and thought, 'Powerful! It has exceeded mine!'

"Is that enough?" Feldway said as his aura continued to ravage the Whole of Tempest.

"Don't even think about retaliating with your own aura, it will only bring more disaster around." He said emotionlessly as he sensed that several auras wanted to clash with his own. Everyone around looked at Feldway with trepidation as they realized that they were throwing stones at a mountain earlier.

Snap!

Feldway snapped his finger and 7 powerful auras emerged from behind him!

These auras were all on the level of Guy Crimson, the Oldest and Strongest Demon Lord!

7 human beings with exquisite features that they seemed like they were carved from the purest of jade!

3 Gentlemen! 4 Ladies!

"Master." All of them came and kneeled in front of Feldway.

"Rise." He said softly.

The 7 nodded their heads and immediately moved to stand in silence behind Feldway.

"Tell me, Vampire. Are you qualified to question me?" Feldway said as he did not even turn his head to face Luminous Valentine.

Luminous' face turned sour and she frowned heavily but kept her silence.

"You have no other choice but to form an alliance with me... Your strength and my strength alone is not enough to deter them."

"Am I right? Master's Mediator?" He asked Guy specifically.

Guy groaned under his breath, his pride is so strong that he wants to refuse the offer of Alliance but his role given by Veldanava is overpowering his conscience.

"Let's do it." He finally relented unwillingly.

"You still have a good head above your shoulders, demon." Feldway finally displayed some emotions as he smiled after the confirmation of Guy. As such, an unprecedented yet the strongest alliance was born. Their discussions lasted for a week until all necessary precautions were met with their ultimate goal of protecting the Cardinal World and the universe that it belongs to.

------

---

-

Barren Lands.

Dragon Lords were circling the sky with their majestic dragon forms, tightly guarding the airspace around the Barren Lands. While humans, elves, dwarves, monsters, beasts and demons were roaming the lands like emperors, erasing even the smallest trace of outsiders.

At the center of it all stood 8 majestic figures exuding earth-shattering auras!

A huge magic circle was imprinted on the ground and it will occasionally throb as it was releasing a tremendous amount of magicules.

"Lord Kamuina is fighting such monster with only his physical body... Just how strong are the Heavenly Emperors?" Aquarius muttered after feeling the aftermath of the battle that is happening in another plane of existence.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg, in fact, I could confidently say that it is not even the tip but a mere speck." Leo said from the side after hearing the question of the Elven Zodiac.

Aquarius fell into deep contemplation and asked after some thought.

"Leo, just how strong are they?" She asked in a shaking voice.

"I don't know. But if there's one thing that I knew of is that Supreme Lord Aldrich strictly prohibited the usage of their Ultimate Skills." Leo said in a cold voice.

Aquarius can't take in the information for a brief moment and the Zodiac narrowed her eyes in disbelief, however, Leo's stance was firm so she slowly believed it.

"Leo, then Tadashi and Kael?" Aquarius asked shakily.

"They are most likely at the level of a Horseman without the Heavenly Gates." Leo said after pondering for a moment.

"What do you mean by that?" Aquarius asked back.

"Their strength is on par but their energy reserves and levels are worlds apart. So, in a fight between them, Tadashi and Kael will be exhausted first before they could defeat a Horseman because when a fight occurred between equal sides, a battle of attrition is inevitable. However, their energy reserves and levels are still far beyond our imagination." Leo said calmly, as if fully accepting the difference between a Zodiac and a Horseman.

"If that's the case, then why wouldn't Lord Aldrich allow them to help us?" Aquarius asked hopefully

Hearing the remarks of Aquarius, Leo smiled bitterly and looked down at her rough feminine hands.

"It's because Lord Aldrich believed that we are powerful enough to handle this world." She said after taking a deep breath. Even though her voice was so soft and low, the 7 remaining Zodiacs heard her clearly and everyone stared at her agressively.

"Are you saying that Lord Aldrich is sending us to our death?!" Sagittarius blurted absentmindedly but quickly covered his mouth after realizing his slip-up.

"So what if he is? Can you even do something about it?" Leo asked coldly.

Sagittarius and the other Zodiacs hang their heads down in shame but their thoughts were extremely clear and empty. They just had to conquer this world and offer it up to Lord Aldrich and survive the ordeal to tell the tale. This kind of blind faith is what Aldrich has been instilled in them since their creation that no matter what happens, their faith and loyalty to Aldrich and the Empyrium will never falter!

Aldrich was prepared to use any means necessary just to succeed in this life, even if he completely foregoes his humanity and everything that once made him human. It's success or death, there's nothing in between.

"Enough! Return to your posts immediately before I move you there myself!" Leo roared and although the forces of the Empyrium were dissatisfied, they could only swallow it up and move their asses for Leo holds the Supreme Authority of this operation.

Shing!

Shing!

Shing!

As they were moving and preparing, the void above the huge magic circle shook violently, the strongest throb it has released so far!

"This is already real! It's coming!" Leo shouted towards his colleagues as they prepared for the incarnation of the World Destroying Dragon, Ivarage, that Veldanava once sealed because no other being could match it.

The manifestation of death, slaughter and carnage has been freed from its shackles and will once again wreck havoc in this world.

"What a grand welcome party." A cold malicious voice resounded from the magic circle.

"Kuwahahahaha! Mere ants wants to stop me?!" A sinister voice filled with deep malice and hatred resounded as the void shook violently as the space was having a hard time to contain the force.

Rip!

A ripping sound echoed as a huge spatial was forcefully ripped opened!

Thud!

A large shadow landed on the Cardinal World with unstoppable momentum. The shadow sniffed loudly that it was enough to echo throughout the world.

"Finally! The air of the Cardinal World... To think that I would relish in this kind of sensation after countless years of enslavement." Ivarage's sinister voice said calmly.

"Veldanava, if you want your creation to survive my onslaught, you should come here personally!" Ivarage roared towards the air as he basically announced his arrival.

4 Zodiacs followed behind Ivarage while looking at him with disdain. The evolution of the Zodiacs after suffering a humiliating defeat at a mere 'World System Skill' of Aldrich was tremendously high.

Before experiencing the 'Cosmic Paradise', they were filled with fear and were shaking in despair at the mere presence of Ivarage, however, right now, all they could feel was disdain and contempt. The once shattered pride of the Zodiacs were finally surfacing!

"You are overestimating yourself. Veldanava doesn't need to make a move to subdue a mere lizard like you! We are already an overkill!" As Ivarage was high in spirits, an extremely cold voice came from behind him and the malicious intentions were not hidden.

Swoosh!

Ivarage swung his huge dragon claw towards the source of the voice and sneered, "A bug-like existence dares to blurt such words in front of me!"

"Yes, I dare to do such things." Leo quickly teleported out of the way and appeared in front of Ivarage.

Swoosh!

She quickly summoned 'Oblivious Sun' and used her 'Ultimate Skill, Lord of Luminescence, Apollo'!

Apocalypse Smash!

Boom!

The warhammer struck the indestructible dragon scales of Ivarage with a powerful force that is enough to destroy a continent!

"Argh!!" Ivarage's excruciating cry of pain reverberated althroughout the Cardinal World.

Guy Crimson and all others that were rushing to the scene after sensing the incarnation of Ivarage stopped for a moment and looked towards each other.

"That's a True Dragon's roar." Guy's face was ashen white as he said those words.

"It's them. It is as we predicted, their target is Ivarage, the world-destroying dragon." Feldway said calmly as if everything was within his control.

Guy clicked his tongue and rushed forward once again as everyone followed suit.

Barren Lands.

"That should be enough to warn them." Leo muttered to herself as she looked towards the direction of Feldway and the others. She inhaled then exhaled loudly and shouted clearly, "Zodiacs! Heed my command and continue the plan!"

She turned around slightly and shouted, "Triskaideka! The enemies are coming that way, buy us time as much as possible!"

"The whole of Dragon Corps shall spare no effort in assisting them!"

Leo looked towards all his colleagues and said slowly but loudly.

"Don't you dare fail. If your death ensures the success of the mission, then die."

She then turned around with as a small teardrop fell unto on her cheeks.