Became the Patron of Villains Chapter 471: Astarotte (2)

'I truly hope nothing untoward occurs.'

This thought occupied Alon's mind as he proceeded towards the rift.

Had the assembly consisted of humans, his tension would have been significantly less profound. However, what convened within that rift was a congregation of Divine Blood.

Even though an accord might momentarily exist between them, the ultimate aim of these beings was the world's destruction—an objective fundamentally at odds with Alon's own purpose.

This disparity was precisely why he had chosen to leave the others behind, including Seollang, to preempt any potential complications.

'…If it's Seollang, she'll handle whatever arises.'

Alon reflected upon the circumstances of Seollang, whom he had left behind.

He was acutely aware of the challenging situation she faced.

He understood its perilous nature all too well.

Nevertheless, Alon maintained his faith in Seollang.

From the very outset, in his estimation, she—

'Ah.'

Lost in contemplation of Seollang, Alon inadvertently emitted a soft exclamation.

His mind had been so engrossed that he hadn't noticed his progress, but he had, without realizing, already reached the rift.

'Have all the other Divine Blood already entered?'

Ascertaining that no other Divine Blood members were in his immediate vicinity, Alon increased his pace slightly beyond his usual stride.

He was determined not to make a dramatic, 'protagonist-like' entrance at the very last moment, under any circumstances.

'Hoo—'

Releasing a controlled exhalation, he soon propelled himself through the rift.

Wooooong—!

The instant he traversed the boundary, a chilling sound reverberated.

For a fleeting second, a sound akin to fingernails scraping across etched glass echoed in his ears.

Then, the interior landscape of the rift unfurled before him.

'...!'

The cavernous interior was characterized by its shape.

A cavern bathed in a subtle, verdant luminescence emanating from an unseen source.

However, it wasn't the light that elicited Alon's surprise.

What truly astonied him was the sheer immensity of the cavern's interior.

It was so vast that even if hundreds of Divine Blood were present, the space would still feel remarkably uncrowded.

Thus, after a brief moment of astonished observation—

[You have arrived.]

A voice soon emanated from a distance.

And there, he discerned two figures of Divine Blood.

Two Divine Blood, standing as if they represented the collective assembly.

Their imposing physiques caused Alon to pause momentarily, but he soon advanced and drew nearer to them.

Wooooong—!

'!'

Suddenly, the ground beneath Alon's feet ascended, lifting him into the air.

[It would prove inconvenient to constantly gaze downward at you; hence, I have elevated you. This arrangement should also offer you greater convenience.]

At the declaration of the Divine Blood whose visage was distinctly shaped like a colossal cross, Alon offered a nod.

[Very well, as it appears all have convened, we shall commence.]

It surveyed its surroundings once, then promptly initiated its introduction.

[I am Red Conviction, the progenitor of the Pureblood lineage.]

In response to the cross—no, Red Conviction's introduction, the Divine Blood figure standing silently to its right then articulated.

The sight of an immense, inverted black eye floating where its head ought to be was profoundly unsettling.

[I am Clumped Eye, the progenitor of the Closed Light.]

A concise self-introduction, but evidently sufficient. Red Conviction inclined its head, its gaze settling upon Alon.

Alon hesitated for a brief interval.

'How ought I to present myself?'

Should he announce himself as Alon Palatio, Sovereign of Palantia?

Or perhaps as the Star Eater?

'I am—'

Just as Alon parted his lips, his resolve wavering momentarily—

[Nay, your introduction is entirely unnecessary.]

'What?'

[There resides no individual within this assembly who is unaware of your identity. Is this not accurate? Star Eater, progenitor of Star Root.]

Red Conviction pronounced this with a discernible smile.

'?'

Alon experienced a sensation of bewilderment.

This was due to the inclusion of information within those words that was unequivocally erroneous.

Thus, just as Alon prepared to interject a correction—

'What are you—'

[How exceedingly presumptuous.]

A voice, originating from behind him, cut through the air.

[How do you dare address the Star Eater with such casual familiarity?]

[Is the Star Eater a peer of yours?]

The voices carried a peculiar timbre.

As Alon redirected his gaze, he observed a Divine Blood entity enveloped in flames and another bearing a black, skull-like appendage, both directing overt gazes of hostility toward Red Conviction.

[Shall we truly descend into squabbling over such trivialities amidst this solemn occasion?]

[At the very least, exhibit a modicum of deference. The Star Eater is not an individual of your standing.]

The Divine Blood figure, its entire form swathed in flames, issued a final admonishment before offering a slight bow of its head towards Alon.

For a fleeting moment, Alon nearly mused, 'Hmm? Have we crossed paths previously? No, has my name even reached their ears before?'

But alas—

[Your retinue exhibits a loyalty commensurate with the accounts I have received.]

Without affording him an opportunity to react, Red Conviction spoke once more.

My retinue?

Since when did that entity become my subordinate?

Barely managing to suppress the words poised to escape his lips, Alon shifted his attention.

The Divine Blood figures remained in their positions.

And not merely a handful—their numbers were sufficient to unequivocally surpass several dozen.

While Alon stood there, momentarily stunned—

[Upon reflection, what was it you were about to articulate?]

Undeterred by the hostile Divine blood's presence behind him, Red Conviction directed his question to Alon.

Recalling what he was about to voice moments before, Alon mused internally.

He genuinely desired to comprehend the essence of their current predicament.

Indeed he did.

He could state with absolute certainty that he had never encountered the Divine blood standing before him.

Not only had they never met,

they had never exchanged words,

nor had he ever heard any rumors concerning them.

Absolutely nothing.

This could only mean the situation was utterly bizarre.

But—

"..."

Simultaneously, he possessed enough social awareness not to voice such thoughts in the prevailing atmosphere.

"...No. It's nothing."

For the moment, he elected to preserve the existing ambiance.

####

[Though you likely already grasp this from the Sculptor, permit me to briefly elucidate the circumstances.]

Red Conviction, the leader of the Pureblood faction, currently the most prominent among the Divine blood groups.

Even as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed upon the Star Eater.

Truthfully, Red Conviction had initially found the Star Eater quite perplexing.

The reason being his human form.

Of course, this was already established knowledge.

Among the Divine blood, it was well-known, for reasons unclear, that the Star Eater had transitioned into a human state.

Nevertheless, even assuming a human guise, Red Conviction had anticipated some discernible difference, yet the Star Eater appeared remarkably ordinary.

This momentarily caused him to hesitate.

Then, Red Conviction shook its head.

The rationale was that the Divine blood who followed the Star Eater were far from ordinary.

They were beings belonging to the highest tier of Divine blood, possessing immense power.

And yet, observing them exhibit such unwavering loyalty to the Star Eater—

'…So that rumor holds true?'

Red Conviction observed the Star Eater, recalling a circulating rumor amongst the Divine blood, one recounted by a powerful first-tier Divine blood who had been captured by Star Root and miraculously escaped.

Despite being first-tier Divine blood, renowned for their formidable strength, they were showing the Star Eater unparalleled devotion, yet he paid them no heed.

It was as if he held no interest in them whatsoever.

He even appeared lost in thought, gazing blankly into the distance, seemingly unconcerned by the current meeting.

Upon confirming this observation, Red Conviction concluded his explanation.

[That concludes the briefing. Are there any inquiries?]

[No. None whatsoever.]

The Star Eater responded concisely.

Following this, Clumped Eye commenced speaking.

[Then it is time to deliberate on the operation.]

[There is an operation planned?]

[No. The operation involves overwhelming them through sheer numbers.]

[Hmm— to my understanding, the Descended One has already attained the second tier. Will such a force suffice?]

In response to Clumped Eye’s question, Red Conviction nodded.

[Under normal circumstances, it would be insufficient. Ordinarily.]

[What do you imply?]

[Everyone present is already aware. The Descended One has acquired a divine law enabling limitless fragment consumption. However, as also commonly known, laws invariably entail restrictions.]

[…So, you have ascertained the nature of this restriction.]

[Precisely.]

Red Conviction affirmed with a nod.

[It is straightforward. In exchange for the ability to consume fragments without limit, the temporal duration required for that entity to digest these fragments has apparently increased exponentially. In essence—]

[If we deal with Astarotte’s contingent, the matter is settled?]

[Exactly so.]

[Is this information definitive?]

[After multiple confirmations, we have ascertained that the Descended One is currently incapable of movement.]

Clumped Eye emitted a soft sound of appreciation.

[In that case, a direct charge is the most viable approach. This engagement is not one where intricate strategies are likely to prove effective.]

That assessment was logical.

For Divine blood, engaging in strategic battles that leveraged the terrain offered minimal advantage to begin with.

And if their sole objective was to neutralize Astarotte, the necessity for complex strategy diminished even further.

However, the primary reason Clumped Eye and Red Conviction advocated for and concurred upon a direct frontal assault was that strategy itself was inherently equitable.

A strategy could always be devised.

But what if such a strategy designated a perilous role for one group while assigning a secure one to another?

Such a disparity alone bore the risk of fostering internal discord.

Therefore, they had resolved upon the course of a direct charge, even if it meant accepting a certain degree of losses.

Astarotte absolutely needed to be dealt with, but this single action would not conclude all hostilities.

This was the reason Red Conviction and Clumped Eye reached an agreement—though, naturally, the two were still subtly gauging each other.

No, to be precise, their underlying intentions differed.

Understandably, due to the impending pact they would formalize, even after confronting Astarotte, they would be precluded from direct confrontation for a period.

However, that restriction only pertained to direct assaults. If, by some unforeseen circumstance, Astarotte were to attack them and they 'coincidentally' suffered attrition of their forces, that represented an entirely separate scenario.

[Yes. That is precisely why I suggested it.]

[I concur.]

Red Conviction and Clumped Eye each held their own thoughts and agreed to the plan, their gazes now settling on the Star Eater. He was the only one yet to respond.

A heavy silence ensued. The Star Eater, his expression unreadable and lost in thought, finally looked towards Red Conviction and Clumped Eye. His dry eyes held no discernible emotion, nor any clear intention.

[...What is it?]

"..."

When Red Conviction inquired, the Star Eater offered no verbal reply. He merely observed the two before turning his head. His attention shifted to the two Divine Blood standing at attention behind him.

As if receiving a subtle signal from the Star Eater, the two Divine Blood gave firm nods, then regarded Red Conviction and Clumped Eye with expressions tinged with smugness.

'What was that exchange?'

'What did they communicate?'

Both felt an involuntary tension rising as they witnessed this, when—

"I have no objections either."

Hearing the Star Eater's words, they snapped back to the present reality.

And then—

[...Excellent. We depart tomorrow morning.]

With that pronouncement, the impromptu meeting held within the crack drew to a close. It left behind an unsettling uncertainty in Red Conviction and Clumped Eye, who couldn't help but remain wary of Star Root, the dominant faction present.

Following the meeting's end, as Alon emerged from the crack as if nothing had transpired—

'This is not good.'

He felt a profound weariness.

'I genuinely did not absorb any of that...?'

And it was understandable.

He had been deeply engrossed in contemplation regarding the intricate structure of the star swarm behind him and its very formation, thus failing to properly attend to the proceedings of the meeting.

'Even when I glanced at them to check, they were just nodding...'

Even upon belatedly considering, 'Wait,' and looking back, the two Divine Blood he had encountered for the first time today offered only nods, as if placing their complete trust in him. This left Alon feeling a simultaneous sense of bewilderment and exhaustion.

When Alon directed a look at the Darkness-Eating Sword and Burned Vegetation, with eyes that plainly conveyed, 'Inform me about the meeting's outcome—'

'...I have earned acknowledgement...!!'

'The first to be bestowed power shall be me...!!'

—They interpreted his gaze according to their own desires, grinning internally with delight.

And then—

"A-Alon?"

"...What is all this, suddenly...?"

With that immense following of Divine Blood trailing behind him—

Alon continued to ponder deeply how this situation had come to pass, all the way until he reached the carriage.

"Evan..."

"Yes...?"

"I believe I might be sleepwalking..."

He arrived at a rather astonishing conclusion.

"...What???"

[?]

For the first time in a considerable while, both Evan and Basiliora's expressions contorted. The unspoken sentiment was clear: 'What on earth is this fool talking about?'