The Author's POV

"Are you here to kill time, or do you intend to declare war on us directly?"

"I wonder about that..."

"Don't feign ignorance."

It was the sound of Octavious and Hemlock's voices that roused me awake.

When I opened my eyes, I noticed that the scene was continuing to unfold exactly as it had been when I had closed them.

I lowered my head to check the time.

'Only two minutes have passed.'

I was surprised to see that not much time had passed since I had activated Monarch's Indifference and that the scene had not changed much since I had left.

'You'll find out in due time.'

These were the words that Kevin told me before ending the connection.

What did they mean? ...I didn't know. There were so many questions that I had, yet at the same time, had no one to answer them.

Whatever was happening was fucked up.

All this secrecy bullshit, I was fucking tired of it.

'In the end, I'm still probably not strong enough.'

I silently clenched my fist under the table. All it took was a deep breath to calm my nerves down.

There was something else that needed my immediate attention at the moment.

"I don't get it; why are you people willing to throw away your lives in such a reckless way? Do you have any idea how formidable the Demon King really is? Do you honestly believe that you have even the smallest chance of beating him?"

"What I'm doing is for the good of humanity, which you guys are unwilling to acknowledge. I have already spoken with the Demon King, and he has promised me that if we choose to submit to him, he will provide us with a land where we can survive in the future."

"Why must we waste so many lives when the solution is right in front of us? Are you really willing to let our race go extinct?"

The air resounded with Hemlock's voice. His voice had a peculiar allure that briefly hypnotized me, but I was able to quickly shake off the effect and my gaze fell on Octavious.

For some reason, Octavious was strangely calm.

Even stranger was the fact that he appeared to be quietly listening to Hemlock's voice without any hints of rage or impatience.

The Octavious that I was familiar with would have almost certainly put an end to Hemlock's life right then and there; however, for some inexplicable reason, he had remained perfectly still the entire time.

For some strange reason, it appeared as if they were both stalling for time.

'It can't be right?'

Another ridiculous notion occurred to me, and I turned my attention to the direction in which Octavious was sitting.

'What exactly are you planning?'

"You seem to be waiting for something."

"I am―"

in the room began to shift at the same time that the muffled sound

"What's going on?"

"What's happening?"

one might have anticipated it would as a result of the unexpected situation; however, it was obvious that the people

was sealed; no one was able to communicate with the outside world

concern. I will

he was able to calm

some people would have already exited

he turned his head to look at Hemlock, who was seated

you

twitched slightly in response to Octaviuos'

"I believe so too."

spite of the fact that he appeared to be calm on the surface, I could sense the anger that was emanating

not expected Everblood to go as far as blowing up

weren't going to be

Tap. Tap. Tap.

over the wooden desk, his gaze lingered over me for a brief moment, and then he suddenly dropped

Thud―!

to look at him, they discovered to their

"He's left."

voice echoed beside

a great deal transpired in the span of a few minutes, and it was unavoidable that everyone would be a little unnerved

think the explosions

head raised to look up

from the corner

this room the entire time, if you want to ask someone, he's your best shot at

with my head and Monica's head turned to

could count more than ten of the people in the room already staring in his general

tense, and before long, everyone's attention was drawn

something about the

comment. A smattering of solemnity could be seen in his eyes

before that you would give us an explanation of what is going

fiery red hair and bushy eyebrows spoke. With his arms crossed and wearing a tight black suit, his basketball-sized muscles were accentuated by his attire, which seemed to be a size too small for

extremely intimidating. In fact, he appeared quite comical seated in his chair, which was obviously too small

Jordan, the new 7th

people

was one of the few that didn't seem to be

odd was the fact that he didn't do or say anything. Then again, he

I will provide you with an explanation, and I

hand, and the room fell into an immediate

fingers together,

already stated that I wanted to discuss two topics with you guys before we were abruptly interrupted by...

about an alliance, wasn't

was the one to speak

her glossy red hair falling over her shoulder, Ivana's disposition seemed wild and unrestrained. She was

which were yellow

from the others were, in fact, her pupils,

forward on her extended elbow, she smiled, exposing her

guess, for the next ten minutes you will brief us on how the alliance is going to work