The Villain's Story

Chapter 900: The Beginning of War.

Harrison turned to the windows of his office, looking at the sunset. A warm, orange hue enveloped his entire office. It was calm, peaceful, and soothed his robust body.

Harrison took a deep breath and closed his eyes, enjoying the slight warmth. A stack of papers was present on his desk, but he did not mind it. After a moment, a robotic servant entered his office, but remained silent.

The man raised his hand, allowing it to speak. It began its report.

[Preparations are underway, Sir. The portals are almost complete. Gary has created portals in every major city on the planet, as well as key strongholds and important military locations. However, he is unable to activate all of the portals, complaining about a shortage of mana. Gary is only able to activate portals closest to Askolt city. It appears Alan Peccator is needed to activate the portals around the World, an easy task considering his vast mana reserves.]

"What of his whereabouts?"

Harrison asked, turning around and taking a seat at his desk. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey from his storage ring and poured himself a glass.

The robot answered

[Unknown, Sir. His party has already returned from their 'expedition', but Alan Peccator has yet to step on Earth. According to Alexander Miller and Sabrina Wellington, it is said he is undergoing 'training'. It is unknown when it will be complete.]

It had been two months since Alexander and Sabrina returned to Earth, but Alan Peccator was still a mystery. It had also been two months since the agreement with the Alliance and the House of War had been reached.

"What of the party's status?"

[Olivia Olsfer, Emma, and her brother, Edward, have seen various improvements in their strength. They have reached new heights, embarking on special paths. Alice Thompson has remained the same, staying inside her laboratory without any major increase in strength. Although she had begun producing 'high' level potions of various strengths. She also had an encounter with Lucas Hiddleston, but it is unknown what it entailed.

Shortly after this, Lucas requested permission to go to Gigantium; it is unknown what he is doing there. Kazikato remains in the headquarters of Twilight, mostly spending his time sleeping. Maxwell is the same as always.

Alexander Miller and Sabrina Wellington, however, have shown the greatest improvements. Alexander Miller has improved by a significant margin, capable of standing up to S-rank individuals and even defeating them with the help of his bloodline; furthermore, he has had some success towards his 'domain' as well. Sabrina Wellington, in addition to showing mastery over magic, has also started teaching some of the awakened at the Wellington family about runes. This was a matter you were greatly interested in.]

"How did it go?"

[Regarding this, the Wellington Family, or rather, Sabrina Wellington, has requested to meet you. She wishes to share some parts of the expedition as well as something 'important'. She was very insistent about it. An appointment has been scheduled for tomorrow.]

Harrison nodded, leaving the topic after ordering.

"Tell Twilight to send Alan Peccator to the Association the moment he comes back."

The robot continued, reporting on the other important matters.

[All cities are undergoing reconstruction, it is expected to be complete in about three months, one month before the 'War'. Recruitment has also begun, along with mass production of the special 'Alpha' weapons. Awakened academies have adopted the new protocol, preparing every awakened we have for the war...]

It continued for a while, reporting every detail to Harrison. After it was done, Harrison inquired about the current leader of the Humans, Ragnar Drakmor, and the other fire dragon, Elijah Ardor, and the information about the demonic humans, and the Obelisk.

[Sir Ragnar has submerged himself in Mauna Loa, in an attempt to familiarize himself with the powers of a Fire Dragon. Elijah Ardor is still in Gigantium, procuring the special minerals for Project Ichihara, as well as for Project 'Alpha.'

As for the Obelisk and the demonic humans, it has been confirmed that some guilds in the top ten were colluding with them. These guilds are Rank 5, Black Panther, Rank 7, Golden Wind, Rank 9, Rank 10, Aurora, and Hunter. Titan, Behemoth, and Twilight have been mobilized to eradicate them, as per your orders. The eradication is going smoothly. Furthermore, a total of thirty-seven bases of the Obelisk have been found around the planet, mostly in wilderness and mountainous regions. All Underground Gatherings of Demonic Humans have been destroyed in major cities.

The Obelisk has grown aggressive, and terrorist attacks rise by the day. What is to be done about this?]

"Let it happen for now, respond with minimal force, let the hate build up. The more damage they do, the more people we can recruit.

Harrison ordered. The robot nodded before continuing. There was nothing important, only informing Harrison that all other projects were progressing smoothly. If nothing out of the ordinary happened, humanity would be fully ready for war a month and a half before the deadline.

If nothing happened, of course. Harrison continued to nod as the robot finished the report and dismissed it. He downed his whiskey and silently tapped his finger against his desk, producing a heavy, metallic sound. The sun had long since set, and darkness had drowned the world. Harrison stood up once more and walked to the edge of his office, towards the window.

He looked down at the cacophony of lights of the city, at the forest of concrete, metal, and glass, but his expression remained indifferent.

He sighed, remembering the events of the meeting with the officials of the alliance, and the dragon Izima a month prior. In all fairness, it had gone well... better than he expected.

In about four months, the demons would descend on Earth once more, along with an Epic being, the ruler of the abyssal layer 555, the Martial Star. In about four months.

Earth... no, humanity would fight its biggest war. A war for its survival, a war for its reputation, for recognition and a war for revenge.