Chapter 43: Sanctuary (6)

Chapter 43: Sanctuary (6)

~Mash B. POV~

Leaning on the back of my chair Echidna analyzed my face as she sighed asking me about my knowledge related to Od, "Sigh… before we begin, do you know what Od is?"

Pausing at the question I pondered what Beatrice explained to me explaining what I remember from my lessons with her, "Hmm… Od is the life energy that dwells within all living beings by birth which is synonymous with the soul. Could be used to Cast a Spell at the cost of Od or be a vessel to contain Mana. Anything I'm missing?"

She gave me a cocky grin leaning forward pointing at my chest correcting me, "You're right but also wrong."

And with her finger hitting my heart she stared right into my eyes explaining in detail giving me an example, "This energy Od isn't dormant at all. As you go day by day, your Od is subconsciously burning to keep you alive. So you are technically using it already, just not in a conscious way that is."

Raising an eyebrow at this she continued a bit further of her observation from a scientific standpoint in a neutral tone, "To create, shape and manipulate Od, the fundamental force that allows life to appear/exist, grow and flourish throughout the universe. We subconsciously control our Od that dwells within them, allowing them to achieve untold power and great abilities considered to be beyond that of normal beings. At least in theory..."

Closing her eyes expressing her Witch smile grinning wider going over her theory or concept of the idea opening her arms in an excited tone, "The concept of Od or life force is a concept closely related to the concept of power. Energy is the most basic need. Every living thing needs energy to live and act in any way. And power is the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way. That is why it can be said that this power is the basis and most basic fuel of all other forces…!"

But soon her excitement died down returning to a calm expression surprising me how unnatural she is in a neutral tone, "But at least in theory. Being dead has made my theories impossible to test out for myself."

Hmm… she certainly seems to have an interesting way of explaining it. But that doesn't answer my question, but she replied in the end it would be impossible.

However, she gave me a good hint. Od is a concept closely related to the concept of power is a hint she gave me.

It closely relates to power huh…

I still felt a bit confused about how helpful the Witch of Greed was. Seeing my expression, she explained herself in a calm tone, "Why? This isn't something I would do but because I'm dead I believe that someone like me will be able to test my idea regardless of morality. Plus, it would be a shame to let my knowledge die out wouldn't it?"

She then let out a sad smile and lowered down towards her feet admitting her faults in a 'genuine' kind tone, "Especially when someone like yourself can build upon it. Who knows… maybe you can 'complete' what I failed to do."

Tsk. I just realized but I saw the wind of lies thanks to Crusch Divine Protection. She gave a lie in her last statement.

And I already know she's a being incapable of emotion. An empathic person. I would've probably fallen for it but my skills remained truthful even to now.

I sighed tired at the witch's question gesturing to my hand of what she wanted to ask already bored with her, "Sigh… go ahead and get to your question Echidna."

She pouted at this annoyed by how casual I was – Ack!

Feeling something clench my chest it seems like my time here is up in this place looking at her with a sly grin, "Damn… seems like my time is up Echidna. What a shame…"

She then got up from her table walking towards me before leaning down in front of me. And with her black eyes staring directly into my own she let out a soft smile placing one of her hands over my face.

That was till I saw my notifications giving me a heads-up when her hand was over my face alerting me immediately to put my Gamer Ring on. Yeah, this bitch is going to die I'll make sure of that now.

[Ding!]

[Authority of Gluttony attempted to 'EAT' players memories!]

[Due to the [Gamer Ring] the Authority of Gluttony has been blocked!]

Her eyes widened in shock seeing that little trick wouldn't do before her face expressed a grin widening listening to her words, "You…!! You managed to block the Authority of Gluttony!! Hehehe… You have earned my interest Mash Bastion. I'll give you the right to take the trials. But it's only because I'm EXTREMELY interested in you now."

Great what I need in my life. Another crazy thot. With her parting words, I felt myself blank out again.

/////

My eyes shot open waking up. I found myself in a very familiar place. Yup… I found myself under the sheets of a bed. With my eyes now open, I looked around the room and noticed that it was dark outside through the window.

Hmm… less time than I would've liked to have spent. Considering I'm soooo owing Elsa my rematch but priorities first.

And if it's this dark outside, Emilia should have either failed or just begun her trials. Gazing at my surroundings I looked to my right and noticed a sleeping, Beatrice. To my left, I noticed Rem also sleeping peacefully.

Shouldn't she be watching Emilia's trials with her sister? Although I'm thankful she remained by my side.

"Mash?"

My ears perked up to see Emilia… completely okay. I expected her to be a nervous mess from her trials so seeing her be fine eased me as I grinned greeting her, "Morning – I mean good afternoon Emilia I see you are awake – ow…"

*Bonk*

Bonking me on the head she pouted with tears in her eyes explaining to me grasping my hand in a worried tone, "Mash… you had everyone worried after you vanished… Rem and Beatrice was worried… I was worried… when I heard I needed to take the trials to free everyone I managed to pass the first trial but – "

Wait what?!

My eyes widen in disbelief that Emilia managed to first run try on the trial as she continues explaining trying to stand up, "-When I found you unconscious on the ground, I was extremely worried about your safety… I managed to get you out. You must have tried to save everyone, but I guess you couldn't complete the trials right?"

Asking me that question I sighed out loud explaining to Emilia in a defeated tone crossing my arms, "No. I was curious about the temple what I didn't expect was to encounter the spirit of the Witch of Greed allowing me a try for the trials. But…"

Placing my hand over her shoulder surprising her I smiled fondly at Emilia being braver than her canon counterpart, "… It seems like it was for naught. Perhaps I was over-worried for nothing thinking you couldn't handle your past. I'm sorry for not trusting you because of what happened to Puck."

Emilia grasped my hand nodding in understanding slowly smiling happily wiping the tears off her face, "Yes… Despite my fear and confusion facing the first trial. I managed to pass through it. I apologize for being a burden but Mash… please believe in me to do this. You've done so much I want to do something for you. I simply want to be brave like you."

Slowly nodding my head I can see that Emilia will be different. She'll manage the trial all on her own possibly completing it.

Smiling at her chance I decided to explain to Emilia my plan starting to get up since she was serious about being useful might as well let her in, "I see… if you're that serious about helping me out… I would need your help. So… Emilia would you like to help me with the plan I have in mind."

Her smile brightened up with Rem and Beatrice slowly waking up. Rubbing their eyes together their expression changed to relief seeing me okay.

Getting everyone's attention I began to sigh explaining to everyone present in the room of my plan, "Sigh… good to see you guys again. But I have something I need to do. And I need everyone's help with this. Before this though Rem can you fetch Ram, Garfiel, and Otto? They would all be necessary for this to work."

Rem perked up believing my words in a happy tone as I pat her head, "Yes Mash-sama! Leave this to Rem to bring them here."

Good. I thanked Rem as I began to explain to Beatrice and Emilia what was going on…

/////

"WHAT?!"

When everyone present was here the ones I needed for my plan they all exclaimed in shock at the news. They all had mixed reactions when I revealed everything I had on the table.

Emilia was worried but determined. Rem and Ram are shocked at the news of Frederica and Petra getting assassinated by Elsa. Beatrice is annoyed that the clown is bringing the Great Rabbit. Garfiel is majorly pissed off that his sister is getting targeted.

Otto looked scared of the news but remained calm showing a brave face and asking for my friend's help. He is that kind of guy loyal to an end.

I explained to them what was happening currently and going to happen. Of course, Garfiel was skeptical but with Ram confirming my words he gritted his teeth yelling out loud, "Why'd that good for n'othing bastard! Think he'd get away with this?!"

Being the overly emotional guy that he is I smirked responding to him agreeing with Garfiel emotions, "Now that's something we can both agree with. But if I manage to win my bet Roswaal won't be able to break his words. Even now he made his Oath under his bandages to forcibly be our slaves for safety's sake and his resources."

Everyone nodded their head agreeing to that. Especially since Roswaal was the person behind the curse of Rem almost getting killed seemed to ignite the Oni some disdain towards their former master except for Ram of course.

But considering she owes me one for Beatrice explaining to her that once Roswaal goes into Sanctuary in his weakness would be the moment she needed to destroy the Gospel for good.

Ram has much in this bet getting her man to agree. Otto for his loyalty and helping him out.

Garfiel for obvious reasons despite his relation to his sister does care about her. And knowing Elsa he is more than willing to agree to team up with me despite our obvious dislike towards each other.

Add that Ram asked of this he fell into line. Beatrice seeing a reason to live is obviously on my side.

I gazed at Emilia who had a difficult expression waiting for her input as she began to speak apologizing to me lowering her head, "I'm sorry again Mash… once again I seem to have gotten you in danger –"

*Pop*

Flicking her on the forehead she flinched surprised as I replied with a grin on my face speaking with confidence, "Emilia I'll say this as many times as I can. You're my friend nothing will ever change that not even attempts of danger at my life! No matter what happens I will always be on your side."

My words seemed to have affected her to smile tightening her fist as she replied expressing a serious look but pouted at my reaction flicking her, "… You're right. I'm sorry for apologizing but must you flick me like a child?"

I grinned causing her to pout more. But enough with teasing Otto being the voice of reason asked in a nervous tone, "Not that I disagree with your words here but who's going to deal with the crazy dangerous Demon Beast in the mansion and who's staying to deal with the… The Great Rabbit… gulp…"

I grinned as I explained easily who was going to whom and dealing with whom in groups.