The Holders

We arrived at a two-story building, where the first floor served as the gathering place for the League of Rangers, while the second floor was used for planning. There was a board in front, filled with papers, a blueprint, and a kingdom map.

There were numerous cardboard boxes filled with information scattered around, appearing quite messy, but for some reason, it didn't bother me. Instead, I felt like this place reminded me of a past desire, when I wanted to have a space that made me feel like a detective.

Miss Sheila was waiting on the other side of a large table, a combination of four tables into one. On top of the table, there was a large sheet of paper with the Clockheart area neatly drawn, so detailed that I could envision it as if it were the actual terrain in the real-world map.

Several books were also placed on the table, on the left side, near the blue-colored rolls that were likely blueprints of airships. Most likely, this was where they planned their journeys, and the large map on the table would eventually contain the map of this world. I couldn't wait for that because I myself only knew about four places.

"Why did you take so long?" she asked irritably, folding her arms. She glanced at Sarah, her gaze sharpening for a moment before returning to me. "Is she the one? The girl you like?"

Sarah's face turned red upon hearing that, causing Miss Sheila to roll her eyes.

"Her name is Sarah, she's a member of my team," I replied, avoiding the issue.

"Hmm..." She walked closer, observing Sarah, who was now staring back at her.

Watching the two of them was like seeing two cats vying for a spot on their owner's lap. Neither of them wanted to back down, engaging in a silent battle through their gazes, trying to see who would surrender first. However, neither of them had any intention of backing off.

Reluctantly, I stood in the middle, taking control of the situation before it got worse. I especially didn't want Sarah to erase this place. "Aren't we already late for our schedule? Don't you also want to hear my explanation?" I interjected, hoping they would stop soon.

Luckily, Miss Sheila took a step back, presumably after giving Sarah a deadly glance, who was about to leap towards her if I hadn't intervened. "You're right," she returned to her original position. "What do you mean by this world facing a great disaster?"

I took a deep breath to prepare myself. "As I mentioned this morning, it's not just your people who was suddenly transported to this world. There are other worlds that have experienced something similar. None of them know the reason why, but in the end, they accepted the reality that this is their new world. However, there is a purpose behind all of this."

I started walking around the room, recalling the words of the native inhabitants of this world. "Why do I know about this? I have met the native inhabitants of this world who, for some reason, cannot manifest themselves. I'm not even sure if they're still alive or not. What I do know is that they brought me to a strange place, a place I have no idea where it is. They have moved me there twice, just like every other world that has been brought here.

In that large, spacious white room, they explained that the reason each world was transported here was because of the Holders. The Holders are those who are destined to possess the Glories, three rings that I am currently using temporarily.

Coincidentally, I have encountered three Holders, and each of them is from a different world. So, my guess is, what if the worlds brought here are the worlds of the Holders?

Meanwhile, they also mentioned that there are ten Holders, corresponding to the number of Glories in this world. But as far as I know, only five Glories have been discovered so far. The rest remain a mystery. One is held by another member of my team, while the other is held by someone else. Unfortunately, there is no further information.

The duty of the Holders is to assist me in stopping the disaster. The disaster is a colossal creature whose sole purpose is to devour worlds. That is its only reason for existence. Devouring worlds.

So, together with the Holders, our task is to send that creature to another dimension, where it will be dealt with by those who reside in that dimension, and our world will be safe. I know it sounds terrible, as we are essentially throwing the monster onto those who know nothing about it.

However, that's all we can do to deal with it. We don't possess the power to confront it directly. The only way is to relocate it to another dimension and hope that those in that dimension can do the same. The reason we can't face it is that once it awakens in this dimension, this dimension can be considered destroyed.

The way it devours worlds is like a high-powered vacuum... Ah." Seeing Miss Sheila's expression reminded me that we didn't come from the same world. "Just think of it as an object with such a strong suction force that it can engulf an entire dimension in a matter of seconds. While it's still asleep, we have to move it to another dimension and hope it doesn't awaken in that dimension.

The purpose of the Glories is to serve as a bridge to open portals to different dimensions, which undoubtedly requires a great sacrifice. That is why ten individuals have been destined to do it, as these ten people have much greater souls compared to ordinary people, whose souls would be instantly consumed upon attempting to open such dimensions."

I stopped right next to Sarah, who seemed to be deep in thought about this new information. I hope she doesn't push herself too hard.

"So, what you mean is, you're tasked with finding the ten Holders, one of whom could potentially be here, and together you will stop the disaster that could kill us all?" Miss Sheila summarized.

She walked towards the nearby seats, dropping herself onto one, still unable to comprehend that their world translocation held such a grand purpose.

"I know this is difficult to accept, especially for all of you who were transported without any prior notice. However, with all of you being brought here, it means we are all in the same dimension. Perhaps you can still find a way to return, but if you ask how, honestly, I don't know. If only we knew where your planet is located, maybe we could..."

After thinking it through, my head started to ache even more.

"You know what? It's better not to think about it. In this boundless universe, it's difficult to imagine where you come from. The chances of us being from the same galaxy or even the same group of galaxies are small. You'll only make your head explode trying to figure it out."

"Let-me-repeat-it-again," she emphasized each word, waving her hand in the air. "There's a creature out there capable of destroying our dimension in a matter of seconds. You know how absurd that sounds, right?"

"I know-"

Miss Sheila stood up, pacing back and forth while interjecting, "When you say that there's a figure who can flatten this vast kingdom as easily as flipping a hand, do you know what crossed my mind first?" She stopped, looking at me. "Nonsense. And now you're telling me that there's a creature so powerful and implausible? Are you playing games with me, Z?"

Miss Sheila approached, anger clearly visible on her face. "Do you think just because I always fall for your charms, I'll also fall for your lies? Do you think I'm that easily fooled?" She exclaimed, pressing on my chest until Sarah had to stand between us.

"Do that to him one more time, and I'll break your fingers," she threatened.

"Oh? You believe him? I never thought someone would fall for such nonsense. He's already made a mess of this kingdom! And now he's telling bedtime stories?! You're a liar and a coward who only knows how to hide behind women!"

Suddenly, a loud sound rang out, making my heart feel like it stopped beating. The room fell silent because of it, replaced by a tense atmosphere between two individuals on the verge of exploding.

Miss Sheila's cheeks were red from the slap she had received. She stood there, not uttering a word, unable to believe what had just happened to her. Her right hand touched her stinging cheek as she stared sharply at Sarah.

"You can call me a cheap woman, but never dare to call Zent a liar or a coward. Out of everyone I know, he's the only one who always keeps his word, even to the point of sacrificing his own life! Don't you ever insult him!!"

I never expected to see Sarah explode like that. Honestly, I was quite scared witnessing it.

Miss Sheila took a long sigh, lowering her hand and bowing slightly towards us. "Forgive me, I let my emotions get the better of me. Excuse me," she said, then walked out of the room.

Sarah remained silent for a moment before turning around. "I-I'm sorry. I slapped her out of reflex because of my emotions."

I tilted my head, giving her a warm smile to reassure her. "It's okay, Sarah. Thank you for doing it for me. But please, be careful next time. We never know who we might face, and if you lose control like earlier, you could be in danger. Do you understand?"

Sarah nodded softly, and I gently caressed her head.