Inevitable Choice

Neron's heart sank. "You don't know where they are."

"Oh, but I do," the Martial Blade God replied smoothly. "The only reason you were able to teleport them is because I allowed you to, and I was also able to discern exactly where you took them to."

"N-no…"

" They're even rushing to this location as we speak."

Panic flared in Neron's chest, but the Martial Blade God raised a hand, as if to calm him.

"There's no need to be hasty. Join us, Neron, and none of this will come to pass. In fact," he added with a sly grin, "there are benefits to joining the Nether Cult."

"Benefits?" Neron asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

"The Arcanas we've gathered are more than mere trinkets," the Martial Blade God explained. "Our goal is to combine them and forge a new Arcana—one capable of granting the wishes of every Cult member."

The words hit Neron like a physical blow.

"Granting a wish… really?"