Declaration of Victory

|Arthur|

Every inch of my being screamed in agony as I strained to move my body, futilely attempting to resist the unbearable pain. The confrontation with Cecilia had taken a disastrous turn, her astuteness nullifying my deceitful tactics.

A resentful click of my tongue escaped my lips as I observed the approach of the black-haired woman, her aura exuding an overwhelming sense of power and authority. The very essence of mana in the air seemed to bend and bow in reverence to her, as though her presence commanded their unwavering loyalty.

Her cold, piercing gold eyes fixated upon me, revealing a deep-seated animosity that burned fiercely within her.

I averted my gaze and instead directed it towards Rachel, her motionless form lying in a pool of scarlet blood. Only the ethereal manifestation of her spirit, Undine, and the rise and fall of her chest with each breath provided any indication of life.

Suppressing any flicker of concern, I shifted my attention to calculating an escape route from this dire predicament.

Cecilia's grip tightened around my chin, forcing my gaze to meet her piercing golden eyes. Her words sliced through the air, laden with the weight of past grievances and unfulfilled desires.

"Grey," she spoke, her voice laced with venom, "For snuffing out my life in our previous existence and stealing away my shared future with Nico, I shall now exact retribution by extinguishing your very existence."

Killing her? Could she be referring to that fateful moment when she deliberately impaled herself on my blade, choosing death over a life ensnared by the government's manipulative control?

The cogs of my mind spun furiously, piecing together the puzzle of Cecilia and Nico's vehement animosity towards me. It became clear, like a fog lifting from a forgotten memory.

Agrona. Specifically, the insidious art of memory manipulation.

Cecilia, once someone who held affection for me, had her emotions twisted and perverted by Agrona's sinister influence. Love and gratitude were warped into seething hatred, a tragic transformation orchestrated by that treacherous serpent.

A surge of apprehension coursed through my veins as I felt Cecilia's absolute control over mana permeate my entire being, threatening to unravel my very existence.

Ever since I absorbed Sylvia's beast will and assimilated with it, my body had undergone a subtle transformation, imbued with a hint of draconic power. Although my physiology didn't rely on mana for sustenance like the Asuras, it remained intricately intertwined with every fiber of my being.

And now, Cecilia aimed to unravel those delicate threads, tearing my body asunder from its very essence, subjecting me to the most excruciating torment imaginable.

Her intent was crystal clear—to revel in my suffering and derive a twisted satisfaction from my demise.

My white mana core, the very essence of my being, would be ground down and obliterated, dispersed into nothingness. All to satiate her vengeful desires.

"Cease," a commanding voice resonated through the air, causing Cecilia to abruptly halt her actions. Her gaze snapped up, her eyes narrowing as she attempted to withstand the overwhelming pressure that emanated from Gary's aura.

The weight of his presence bore down upon me, as if an entire mountain had settled upon my shoulders, despite his focus not being directed at me.

A single drop of blood trickled from Cecilia's lip, evidence of the strain she endured. I watched intently as she bit down, desperately trying to hold her ground against the overwhelming killing intent radiating from Gary.

"What if I refuse?" Cecilia's voice quivered with both defiance and wariness, her mana gathering and condensing around her form. Yet, Gary's impassive amethyst gaze washed over her without a flicker of concern. He approached, carrying Rachel's unconscious body with him, and began to heal both of us using vivum, mending our wounds and granting us a reprieve, at least for the moment.

"How dare you ignore me?" Cecilia's voice reverberated with fury, unleashing a torrent of thick, interwoven rings of golden mana infused with the essence of all elemental forces, hurling them toward Gary.

But Gary remained unfazed, a shield of Destruction materializing before us, effortlessly deflecting Cecilia's assault.

"Your arrogance knows no bounds," Gary's voice resonated like a chilling whisper, carrying with it the weight of impending death. The very air seemed to shudder in response, causing an array of goosebumps to crawl across my skin.

Gary wasn't simply powerful; he exuded an aura that resembled the embodiment of Death itself. His piercing gaze bore the weight of a reaper's scythe, casting an indifferent gaze upon Cecilia as though she were nothing more than an insignificant insect, unworthy of his attention.

"Do not mistake your victories over Arthur and Rachel as a measure of your worth compared to me," he uttered with an unsettling calmness. "The only reason I refrain from ending your life here and now is because of the interference of that other Legacy. Offer your gratitude to him for preserving your pathetic existence."

"Cease your futile struggle, Cecilia," a male voice resonated with an air of authority as he descended beside her, his hand firmly grasping her shoulder. "The final act is not upon us yet. Your opportunity to bring an end to Arthur will come in due time."

Cecilia clenched her teeth in frustration, begrudgingly yielding to the words of the other Legacy.

"Until then, Gary," the man with piercing emerald eyes declared, swiftly turning on his heel while securing Cecilia in his grasp.

A lingering pause followed, as if time itself held its breath in anticipation.

A confident smile played upon Gary's lips, his amethyst eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.

"And on that day," he responded, his voice carrying an unyielding resolve, "We shall commemorate three death anniversaries."

"You truly believe you can win?" the male Legacy questioned, his tone laced with a mixture of disbelief and defiance.

Gary's smile widened, his purple eye radiating with unshakeable confidence.

"I will win."

Three profound words. They echoed through the heart of Darv, shaking the foundations of the capital city itself, as if the world itself quivered under the weight of the speaker's unwavering confidence.

It was a declaration, a proclamation of victory, spoken by none other than the indomitable Commander of Dicathen, renowned as the pinnacle of strength.

|Jezebeth|

"What an audacious fool," I chuckled in unison with Kevin, a sense of amusement flickering in my eyes. "To boldly declare that he will single-handedly exterminate all Legacies, simultaneously? It seems Ren's arrogance knows no bounds."

"He certainly knows how to make a grand entrance," Kevin laughed, his drink disappearing as swiftly as his mirth. "I never thought Ren would exhibit such a foolish display of overconfidence."

We reclined comfortably on opulent couches, attended by diligent servants who catered to our every whim, offering an assortment of beverages and delectable snacks.

"So, where is our third comrade?" I inquired, glancing at Kevin, who sported his preferred attire—a simple bathrobe, eschewing the extravagant garments at our disposal.

"She may join us shortly; she's recovering from last night's exertions," he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "She has proven to be quite good, the finest I've had so far."

I shook my head, perplexed by the humans' preoccupation with lust and carnal desires. Not that I failed to comprehend the concept of attraction—I did.

Seris, Cecilia, and numerous other women possessed undeniable allure. However, unlike Kevin, I remained unaffected by the primal urges that drove his actions.

'Perhaps I am the anomaly once again,' I mused inwardly, observing the familiar scene unfolding before me.

"You should give it a try, Jezebeth," Kevin remarked, his arm casually draped across the couch. "You've spent your existence in pursuit of purpose and unraveling the depths of the Akashic Records. But life encompasses more than just training and knowledge-seeking."

Before I could retort, Cecilia made her entrance. She was adorned in a captivating black nightgown that accentuated her curves and enhanced her inherent beauty. While I could acknowledge her allure, I remained unaffected by any carnal desires.

In contrast, Kevin whistled appreciatively, motioning for Cecilia to join him on his couch rather than taking her designated seat.

Cecilia reluctantly obliged, feigning hesitation as she settled beside Kevin. Her golden eyes discreetly roamed over his exposed physique, her desire visibly stirring within her. It was evident that Kevin's abilities, bestowed upon him by Agrona, had awakened her primal instincts.

Unknown to Kevin himself, he possessed a unique power. While Agrona manipulated the minds of others, Kevin had the ability to manipulate their emotions, specifically their lust. Combined with his charming demeanor and undeniable attractiveness, he effortlessly ensnared the affections of countless women and could get them naked in a matter of minutes.

Cecilia, although she possessed the strength of a Legacy and harbored deep affection for Nico, was not immune to the allure of her own desires as a woman. Despite her initial resistance, she eventually succumbed to the seductive influence of Kevin's powers, driven by both her natural inclinations and the lingering effects of Agrona's manipulation.

'Agrona's influence has truly transformed Kevin' I contemplated. 'The mind-altering techniques employed during the transfer have taken hold, erasing every positive memory of Ren and fueling a profound hatred within him. He has become a man consumed by lust, wielding his newfound arrogance and exploiting any advantage at his disposal to assert dominance.'

Kevin's cunning actions extended beyond his personal transformation. Aware of the strong bond between Cecilia and Nico, he deliberately hindered Nico's promotion to the esteemed position of Scythe, manipulating circumstances to limit their time together and weaken their relationship.

Kevin's devious plot extended even further. Instead of fighting alongside Cecilia in their battle against the Paladins, he cunningly chose to hold back, allowing her to face the overwhelming odds alone. His calculated move was driven by a sinister motive: to swoop in as her savior, rescuing her from the brink of defeat and manipulating her gratitude into a deep and profound love for him.

It was a calculated strategy designed to fulfill his ultimate mission: to deflower Cecilia, symbolizing the consummation of his conquest over her body and soul. In his twisted mind, this act represented the final step in his depraved agenda.

The depth of Kevin's manipulation and his willingness to exploit every opportunity to achieve his desires was truly unsettling. It showcased a level of cunning and malevolence that surpassed the ordinary.

Cecilia, now trapped in the clutches of Kevin's manipulation, appeared pitiable in her stunning form, captivating his attention and becoming a pawn in his game.

I, on the other hand, remained indifferent. As long as their twisted relationship served the purpose of advancing my own goals, the personal consequences for Cecilia were of no concern to me. Her life, tainted by Kevin's influence, held no weight in my calculations.

"I shall leave you two to your own devices," I stated casually, placing my glass of alcohol on the table. Rising to my feet, I made my exit, my presence no longer necessary in their love-infused charade. Kevin's lascivious gaze locked onto Cecilia, igniting a blush on her face as forbidden thoughts consumed her mind.

|Seris|

"The final battle looms upon us," I declared, standing before the figure seated upon the majestic throne. Her eyes, as dark as obsidian, pierced through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

"I am aware," she replied with unwavering composure.

"Do you believe Dicathen stands a chance of victory?" I inquired, seeking insight.

"No," came her simple and resolute response.

Puzzled, I pressed on, "Then what is the purpose of our actions? Why are we here?"

"Seris, you are not in a position to question my decisions," Vicht retorted, her gaze piercing and firm. "You made your choice to forsake Agrona Vritra, to stand by my side over Kezess Indrath. Now, you must adhere to the path I have set forth, with no right to defy it."

Anger surged within me, causing my teeth to grind. "And what of Lancelot? Was his death part of your calculations?"

"Every move is calculated," Vicht replied, her voice laden with confidence. "Nothing has transpired thus far that lies outside the realm of my predictions. Even Gary and Jezebeth, despite their power, are ultimately subject to the supremacy of Fate. They cannot deny it."

"You exude an excessive arrogance, Vicht," I scoffed. "It is this very arrogance that led the Djinns to succumb to the Indraths."

The world surrounding us quivered, as if the fabric of reality itself trembled under the weight of Vicht's unleashed power. A sense of helplessness washed over me.

"History shall not repeat itself," she uttered softly. "Now go, and know that I shall summon you when the time is ripe."