“We have to defeat the Allfather! No matter what the cost!” Raphael’s statement resonated in the minds of others. The Allfather was far stronger than the Alliance’s wildest calculations. The Black Masks now held Mythpoint Reach and hundreds of Payircis were littered all over the Terre Continent and the Lantis Archipelago. It was a crisis that was unprecedented for modern times. So, it made sense to throw all mainstream conventions out of the window, just to combat the threat of the Black Masks.

“I agree with you, Alliance Head...” Emperor Tenno didn’t deny the man’s stance. “However, you must understand that our national security is of paramount importance. The Himmel Empire will follow your suggestion for bringing remote villagers and townsfolk into our major cities. Also, we would provide all the information we have to the shared intelligence network headed by the Mercenary Guild. We will even work with the Alliance when it comes to taking down Payircis. As for replenishing the White Knights… That is a deed that we cannot commit...”

“Emperor Tenno is right...” Prime Minister Duncan, the man with the most experience in a government office, agreed with His Imperial Majesty. “Spirit Kings and Emperors don’t grow on trees. They’re the best of the best, and most of them are elders or heads of their respective clans. Even if we wanted to replenish the supply of White Knights, we’re simply incapable of convincing them to leave their families behind during this time of peril.”

“... I guessed that would be the case...” Raphael sighed, disappointed that his impassioned speech wasn’t enough to sway the opinions of the leaders.

“Don’t be that despondent...” Emperor Tenno watched the red-haired man, and his heart churned in remorse. They had forced the position of the Alliance head upon Raphael, who was the most neutral leader they could find. All of the three leaders knew how hard the Raphael worked to keep the Alliance afloat. Building the White Knights, creating complicated administrations, and gathering budgeting the operations well enough without bankrupting the three superpowers. Yet, time and time again, the three superpowers weren’t able to answer to the head’s goodwill.

“Though we can’t promise you Spirit Kings and Emperors, we can mobilise thirty percent of the Empire’s army for the Alliance.” Emperor Tenno declared, bringing hope back to the saddened man’s eyes.

Jingyu Shenxian nodded, “The Lantis Republic promises to commit fifty percent of our navy. We’ll deal with the Black Masks from the east.” Mythpoint Reach was sandwiched between the Lantis Republic to the east and the Himmel Empire and Kori Federation to the west. If the Allfather and Black Masks wanted to escape, the easiest route was by the vast ocean to the east. Alas, the Lantis Republic would never make it that easy. “I swear by the blood of my clan, we will sink any Black Masks that dare to escape!”

“The Kori Federation will provide ample resources as well...” Not to be outdone, Prime Minister Duncan put forth his own plans. “It’ll take some time to convince all of the Core States, but the Master Sects should be on my side… Saint Geom, would you help me?” The young-looking man then looked over to the elderly swordsman who was staring out into the distance.

His aged wrinkles continued to intensify, and his brows were now connected. The Samingeom was sheathed, but somehow, its legendary sharpness could be felt not only in the chamber but through the Cikai Mirrors as well.

“I’ll do you one better...” Saint Geom closed his eyes for five seconds before turned about to face Raphael. “The Dalgeom Sect will move half of its swordmasters here. We’ll provide our own logistics and weaponry… Also, I’ll be permanently stationed here as well.”

“WHAT?!” That revelation came as a surprise to everyone present in the chambers. The Dalgeom Sect was one thing, but a Spirit Saint permanently stationed in the Alliance Headquarters was utterly unheard of.

“S-Saint Geom…” Prime Minister Duncan was the first to break the silence. The Kori Federation only had four Spirit Saints living today. Furthermore, he was the only one among them at Rank 95! Losing Saint Geom would be a significant blow to the national security of the nation. “Shouldn’t you discuss this with the other Saints first? Or even the Master Sects?”

“No, my decision is final...” The elderly swordsman shook his head and turned to Saint Thor. “I suggest that the Blacksmith League, Healer Association and Mercenary Guild all gather their forces upon the Land of Dreams. We cannot underestimate the Allfather anymore. Saint Thor… You, as well as Saint Althea from the Healer’s Association and Saint Atossa from the Mercenary Guild… I suggest all three of you band together here in the Alliance Headquarters. That way, we wouldn’t have to worry about the Allfather killing us off one by one.”

Saint Geom was quick to realise that the key to beating the Allfather, who was suspected to be a Rank 99 Spirit Saint, was the other Spirit Saints of the land. Currently, all fourteen Spirit Saints were alive and kicking. However, it could all change if the Black Masks decided to target them one by one, particularly the ones not made for battle such as Saint Althea and Saint Thor.

“That’s true...” The burly man stroked his unkempt beard as he considered the alternatives. Before, if someone told him that he would be cowering in fear because of one criminal syndicate, Saint Thor would have simply laughed it off, claiming it to be a big joke. However, he had experienced the Allfather’s power once before. He knew that it wasn’t a stretch for that mighty being to pull his head off clean like plucking a chicken.

“If possible, bring Deus Citadel as well.” Saint Geom suggested.

“Four Spirit Saints AND Deus Citadel?! Are you trying to make the Land of Dreams the most impregnable place on earth?” Saint Thor joked, his expression of fear switching to one of jest.

“Not just four...” A third voice interjected. Saint Firebird, who had been watching from the sidelines, decided to make his move as well. “I will fortify the Alliance Headquarters with you.”

This time, it was Emperor Tenno’s turn to be stunned. “Saint Firebird!” he cried, ready to stop the Spirit Saint from making that life-altering commitment. Unlike the Kori Federation and the Lantis Republic who had four Spirit Saints, the Himmel Empire only had three. If Saint Firebird left, the Himmel Empire would be far more vulnerable as compared to their two neighbours.

“Tenno, child…” The old man gazed into the Cikai Mirror, his face showing affection and wisdom beyond the years of the Imperial Emperor. “You weren’t there when the Allfather massacred a hundred Spirit Kings and Emperors with just his spiritual pressure. You weren’t there when he unleashed his wave of darkness… You don’t understand what we’re up against...” Saint Firebird explained.

“...”

“Protecting our national security is paramount, no doubt. However, I can tell you this now. If the Allfather decides to raid the Capital tomorrow, we’ll all be wiped out… The Ancestor included,” said Saint Firebird grimly. Saint Geom and Saint Thor acknowledge the claim with their closed eyes and nodding heads.

“We’re fighting a war that could only be won if we joined hands. The Alliance is the best first step. If we can fortify the Alliance Headquarters, at the very least, we can stand a chance.” The Saint of Fire suggested. “Don’t worry, I’ll personally report my decision to the Ancestor himself.”

“...” Emperor Tenno was instantly rendered speechless. He was now in the same boat as Prime Minister Duncan, who could only sit back with a gaping mouth, powerless to stop the decisions of the Spirit Saints. Even though they were the leaders of their nation if the Spirit Saints wanted to leave their country, who were they to stop them?

“Saint of Time? What is your decision?” Saint Geom looked over and squinted his eyes. Obviously, they wanted the Lantis Republic to station a Spirit Saint in the Alliance Headquarters as well. Six Spirit Saints were definitely better than five, and Longyu Tian’s time-element would be a worthy ally to their defences.

Longyu Tian closed her eyes. Jingyu Shenxian in the Cikai Mirror did the same. They too wanted to provide as much assistance to the Alliance, especially after witnessing the Allfather’s power. It is unfortunate…

“I’m sorry, I can’t stay with the five of you,” replied Longyu Tian after a long pause. “The Lantis Republic is currently in the midst of a massive shift. The paradigm of the Eight Ancient Clans of Water is going to change rapidly. I can’t commit my power to your aid right now.”

“A paradigm shift?” Saint Firebird raised his brows as his ears perked up.

“I can’t discuss this now. However, I can tell you that the Lantis Republic is a mess internally right now. I definitely can’t migrate out of Longyu Reef or Celestial Island as we continue to dispute our case.” Longyu Tian purposely made her reasons cryptic. She couldn’t just announce to the world that the Celestial Dragon Spirit has been reborn and Shin was now the Heir to the Lantis Republic’s Throne.

The other Spirit Saints were a little sceptical, but in the end, they couldn’t force Longyu Tian to do something against her will. “Fine… However, I hope that you would come running at the first sign of trouble,” Saint Geom replied, his voice as low as can be.

“Definitely, that I swear!” The black-haired woman hollered. “We stand united in the fight against the Allfather. For the sake of our future and the children that will inherit our land...” Longyu Tian’s mind instantly went towards Shin, who was most likely still in the midst of meditating at the Celestial Dragon’s Shrine. Once the youth descends from the Celestial River, he would most definitely spearhead the efforts to defeat the Black Masks. After all, the Black Masks and the Allfather had hurt Shin personally before.

Raphael watched with watery eyes as the three superpowers finally came as one. There was no more falsehoods, no more politics, no more holding back… Finally… They were now united as one…

❖❖❖

Mythpoint Reach. The Tree of Darkness.

Just as how the most venerable leaders of the human race were having their own meeting, the Black Masks were also united in one singular chamber. Surrounded by the nine Payircis, the Tree of Darkness was now the undeniable hub where all Black Masks could return to. The interior was dark and gloomy, just like the eternal patch of darkness that coated the Tree of Darkness. By all descriptions, the Tree of Darkness was just a modified Payirci. It had a Paradise Heart, multiple levels, and a horde of Umbras or Spirit Beasts. However, the Tree of Darkness was so much more than a dungeon for the Alliance to clear.

It was also… The throne where the Allfather sat on...

The throne room at the peak of the Tree of Darkness was completely empty. The Black Masks that served under the Allfather were now building their own hospitable bases while the Umbras continued to spawn to protect the Payircis. In the corner of the chambers, was a viewing platform, only two silhouettes stood side-by-side. Of the two, only the black-haired man’s face was revealed. Kuro, the only Primordial Beast in the Allfather’s service, stood loyally by the man’s side, like a dog waiting on its owner.

It was a triumphant day for the Black Masks. Not only did they decimate half of the White Knights, but they had also executed the next phase of their plans almost flawlessly. The four Spirit Saints that faced the Allfather were spared by the man’s mercy, and the Tree of Darkness was finally erected upon the Terre Continent. Everything was going great! However, the Allfather’s faithful servant was trying his best to hide the grimace on his face.

“Allfather… Did you really have to rush your plans by this much?” Kuro questioned. “The others might not understand, but I know that your power isn’t infinite. Using this much mana… Aren’t you afraid of your lifespan?”

“...” The Allfather quietly stared into the distance. He could roughly make out the Land of Dreams that laid a few hundred kilometres away. It was once the home of Spirit Immortal Dream, and now, it was the base of the first-ever Alliance that brought together the entire human race.

“Allfather?”

“Kuro...” The hooded man replied, sending a spine-tingling sensation down the Primordial Beast’s entire body.

“Yes, Allfather!”

“My time has been limited in the first place,” said the man, his voice hiding a tinge of lethargy. “Humans don’t live as long as Spirit Beasts… I was supposed to die the day that my liege left me. And yet, I’m still alive.” The Allfather turned his attention to the starry sky, hoping to spot even an inkling of the Immortal Realm.

“Allfather...”

“No, it’s not the time to be sentimental...” The hooded figure shook his head. “Kuro, I’m going back into hibernation. Just as you’d said, those theatrics had cost me a year’s worth of my remaining lifespan. I don’t have much left… I have to take some time to replenish my soul…” The Allfather sighed, “I trust that you can handle the rest?”

“Leave it to me!” The black-haired man instantly kneeled.

“Good...” The darkness that covered the Allfather dissipated gradually, and the man turned illusory in comparison. The dominant mana that killed a hundred White Knights and sent the four Spirit Saints running with their tails between their legs was now a mellow breeze in the air.

Midnight passed, and the night thickened. The Allfather, the man that struck fear in every man, woman or children’s hearts. He was an enigma and yet… He slept through the night, just like any typical human would...