Reincarnated as a Duck: A beast progression litrpg isekai-Chapter 250: Confession

Levandis glanced upwards and stopped his speech. “That is enough for me. I am deep. I remember.” She calmed and relaxed her hand, easing the grip on both of her subjects. “I was worried about something else, wasn't I? The source of this being is debatable, yet I doubt one would know it without hints, is that right?”

[Correct. It isn't related to those like Amelius for sure, while that... Mother, is what? This concerns a completely new and detached point. Levandis, you... What will you do?]

“Not my concern, isn't she?” Levandis guessed, though she long thought of her as a far away imagination. Even if she would come, what would it even do, let alone cause? Perhaps a giant spark was blooming across the horizons and seas, but that wasn't something this continent and Gods would not foresee or tolerate easily. They probably heard its whispering threat. The End might come.

[I am concerned.]

“You shouldn't be too certain about it, Archie.” Levandis teased him. “What goes above us is well above us when it does it like the wind. That's the charm of Endless Skies. Shit just happens. Nothing one could do about it. She could be a simple Breach and mistake like that Old One, but it ain't about that. I was... that close to feeling it. Now, I am this close to seizing it.”

Mindarch watched how Levandis's posture decreased. Then, she started to giggle like a little kid. “She is here, isn't she?”

[Those are vastly different things, you see. I thought about it, and it doesn't sound right, and you know why.]

“Not as if I care about the old history.” She waved a hand and almost tossed Lorry away. “I cared about my words, while you are showing me problems of not only me but broader ways. Well, it is a problem anyway, so where and how far does this go, or what should we do? Secrets. Mistakes. This comes out of nowhere, and what could I do?”

Mindarch figured this would happen, yet facts were logically where they belonged. Issues that pissed Levandis off were different from what could be important, yet some things weren't what they looked like, or touched on. Lisa's acts of thievery and forgery spoke of numerous facts.

Who else knew about it? Who else dreaded that Old One was here, and something else came as well, faking being a Life Companion? Who was the real one? Was even the Old One a proper one? Well, that fact was subjective since this world was never proper.

Mindarch found this charade of linked problems more than funny, since no matter how he read into it, there were more bad results, than good ones. Oblivious to Lorry and Manager Kil who weren't that pivotal in what Mindarch knew, the reason he was showing these pictures to her affects one side of the memories. Like a key, it connected the past.

Levandis relaxed as much as she could without looking suspicious after she realized something she hadn't accomplished once in this world. Sitting down and pointing back to the screens, she wanted to get back to the essential matters.

“You see, this was supposed to be a discussion when we see reasons in that Mother and overall mess, yet here we go, see another screen that is what, Kil? That ghost doesn't concern me right now.”

[Is what you wish for. Who is speaking from you? Which Grave?]

“None! I am myself.”

[Said Lady of Thousand Graves, calmly.]

“Shut up!” Levandis attuned to Fury once more. “You started it, so you should get going, fucker.”

“I've said it before...” the little Tontati retorted from one of her palms. “Don't make me repeat myself, my Lady. You've feared it, whispered it in sleeps devoid of love. It is a curse, we know. For it to resolve, a key to a far too big hole is not up to us. But it exists, which... makes us glad.”

“Well, then. Let me repeat the narrative,” She said calmly. “A single fucking Anatidae and following Encounter that Lordis constructed is here, barely anticipated with all other little shits surroundings it against our knowledge or a public one. Now, Ravine is gone as well because some clever fox thinks she can grow wings and... accomplishes it, so... good job, I guess. So, what is it for us again? Isn't it a mess, or a blessing in disguise?”

Mindarch figured that Levandis started to pretend. Good. [Many things are around. I feel...]

“You shut up!” Levandis shot him a deadly stare. “You are a meddler yourself. I heard about the deal with that guy Amelius and you and... Kil. You barely gave me a report on their conversation and what happened with that guy. I know who he is! I know the price. I know you were sneaky against me but fret nobody. I know what I should know because many things go against my knowledge, like storms. That doesn't mean I can't see the storm, or endure it, or pretend it won't come, or... it is here. Why?”

“Promise,” Lorry suggested.

“Job.” Manager Kill guessed.

[Silly purpose of no God, I presume?]

“Everyone is like that, I know. It is inevitable when I simply can't bother with a sense of justice and punishment. I wouldn't have anyone around otherwise.... which is sad, because one is far... better. I suppose... this picture suits her. I suppose it is good that she is around and... here. It means the end. Thank the Goddess. Thank her,” she mumbled and wished for some fruits or Chickens.

Mindarch wasn't pretending anything; he would speak of this sooner or later. If he had to, of course. Such a time had come, and sooner than anyone else would ever predict. Well, that was wrong. Someone did predict it, but those were far too careful about it, lest others know about it. Perhaps not even Mindarch knew.

[Not as if it is important. Not now.]

“Back to narrative, Archie. What about Vermillion?”

[Fled. I challenge the point of this inquiry.]

“Hm. Fine. The Mother?” Levandis asked him, no longer tuned on Fury.

[A seeker of something that she really wants for any and all reasons one could give, and won't think. A mother and her child are bonded, omitted, and forged, yet not always, but they should be, but aren't. They won't be but are related. I suspect this has been a ticking bomb, as I like to think of this word from time to time. Or is it about you, Levandis?]

“You jest. I am totally fine.”

[I could almost assure you about it. Neither means a threat to your direct mission, as they don't seek what you own or do, but what you touch or have is a completely different thing. I mean, what if they learn all the shit that is brewing around? Well, Vermillion doesn't give a shit. She is far too busy.]

[So what about the other? Mother is mothering. Sun God isn't significant. Amelius has done his wit. For the core reason, their reasons could collide with your interests, as some things do influence many things the more they move. Like a river, truly.]

“Collide?” That word held many meanings in Levandis's heart. “I surely know that things in Hell don't mean everything respectable in their words or meaning. Many cultures do whatever they can with must tongues like grunts and whatnot.”

[What then, do you want? Do you seek problems where there are options? If it is about Anatidaes, what's the point]

“Why are you trying to redeem this situation or turn it aside?” Levandis frowned, figuring that Mindarch was speaking and acting strange.

[I care about this temple, and right now, something awful is happening. It hurts my pride, you see. Sometimes, I care more than you do. My former master was night and day different from you, little girl. I miss the Old World!]

“I do not.” a little par said at the same time, though neither lived through it enough to speak a word.

Levandis laughed, once again pressing her arms around herself. “You can't seriously take this conversation to the worst possible link.” she wheezed. “I would love to reprise it more, but your melancholy over the lost world isn't here for us. Anatidae are interest. I get what they are, what they do, and what they desire. Touching. The one in my temple is a different story that... makes that ghost into what?”

[Pick your guess. I bet none would be correct, I know. I just mentioned some topics because you demanded it. I speak the truth, you see. In a time where no jokes are appropriate.]

“What a nice spirit you are,” Levandis stopped laughing and relaxed in her 'seat'. “What about this Blessed named Razmund behind this... pair of vast problems? Where did he come from? Oh, wait, let me guess. He is a silly Blessed human, and so is that Anatidae, but not so human. They are players set by those above, yet the strands are fickle, burning, and could turn into fine weapons. Well, the ones above might not even get it. Every piece under Lordis is in place and moving or burning. He does what?” She barked, and Fury flashed all over her face.

[Lordis lost part of his treasure and doesn't fear some commitments or... this case as a whole is beneath him. That's so fucking wrong that I can't even put it into words or screens. I suspect his choice, or arms, are locked. Not because of Vermillion, because... it went on this far even without her. A whole lot of things changed as well. Destruction is easy. Fixing shit is not, so who is the biggest sense of dread and change?]

Such childlike matters of the speech made Levandis glad and ferocious, and her aura flickered forward, smashing and tensing the whole room again. More walls vanished again.

“N-nothing,” Manager Kil said, “is here as rightful place, but timing is always around. We tried to seek some clarity, get if that is correct, yet things got worse and worse, until... it got to the present situation because everything devolved into many camps. Little, yet vast, who can even do it justice? The Mother? Ah...”

“Exactly!” Levandis said. “And don't even get me started in that Mother that struck this pace... It was like a declaration of war. Damnation itself! It was... who was it again, Kil?

“Wasn't a big deal in the end,” he assured her. “As with many things. You often exaggerate the problem, my Lady. She was seeking something. That is what we should judge as a natural event that was... perhaps, never ever possible and...”

[Don't... mind the flash of light.]

Levandis lightly chuckled and tossed manager Kil at the ceiling, half certain he wasn't surprised and half certain he deserved it. He bounced from the ceiling with the head and landed back into her palm.

He barely flinched.

“Can I repeat what isn't exaggerated right now? Can I list it for your little head?” Levandis said to him as if she wanted to make another toss; his improper-sized head was surprisingly good at throwing.

Then, she calmed down and released her hands, resting Kil and Lorry on top of her open palms. Manager Kil staggered and knelt on top of its firm yet soft surface. He was used to such a position, but doing so on top of her palm wasn't common. It was a rather haughty and unusual position.

As for Lorry, he was a bit disappointed to be left without her grasp or closer proximity.

Levandis calmed down even further, realizing some reasons for this act. Her face returned to a healthy color, which in her case was a smooth and deadly pale color with an enchanted smile and sharp eyes.

Both Lorry and Manager Kil hadn't said a word back. They knew some problems were impossible to fix, though one could try to lessen their bad influence, duties, or problems. And for this to happen, it was no longer possible to do anything about it.

Encounter was probably the biggest problem, yet what's the point in that worry when she saw those screens? Hell Party was another insignificant problem, while this little hunt was more like an amusing event.

Lisa was... no one's problem, frankly. She shouldn't and everyone in this room was delighted to think of it as such, even if some were incapable of doing so. Murai was important, despite everything else being here, in this temple that she was possessing. Memories turned over.

The overall picture was close, and the origin of those individuals and their problems came from some layers and depths of something Levandis could not foresee.

But that depended on who was speaking and who was answering and what she would willingly do about it. Levandis should feel much more involved, yet she wasn't feeling it when one part overlapped the rest.

Something fascinating came to her mind, shivering her until those giggles returned.

What wasn't worth noting were the problems in the Surface surrounding Vermillion, Ravine, Centralis Kingdom, and especially the majority of what Lordis planned for. It surged over her head, though her eyes locked onto those pictures.

Through all possible outcomes, almost everything wasn't where it could be if Lordis was concerned. If others were, Levandis believed there were inconceivable blunders in every corner, her included.

She smiled at the screens, figuring that this was splendid.

Then, she twisted her smile, still angry that they had withdrawn this very notable information from her for days and days, if not longer. Wasn't this an ongoing problem for weeks?

It was very odd information, but it was worth mentioning it to her at all costs. At least Mindarch knew the weight of this reminder, indicating to an old foolish blood relative that met her End wasn't everything about this. It was deeper.

Deep down, Levandis was absolutely livid at Mindarch much more than anyone else, but there was no way to punish him or give him... pretty much any of her tones.

Frankly, this spirit could easily laugh at her without any problems, as there was nothing bad that could happen to him besides having some curfew and hearing her silly, bratty pouts or acts for the next couple of years. Such a time was wrong, yet this reveal could not come at a better time.

Levandis was the one who depended on him in her current juncture. Nobody else did.

Shooting a glance at the pair of her subjects, Levandis proclaimed her final objective. “I want things calm within a day regardless of this topic and... screens. Got it?”

[I suppose that is also an option. How to go about it has thousands of answers and acts. What do you dare to do?]

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“B-but the Paradise...” Manager Kil hesitated to even mention it, yet he did think it was a sensitive subject like everybody else.

“Including it, of course. I can't care about Lordis right now or his plan when I see the truth. It is my truth. Not his. Or theirs. They are away, proceeding to a direction only they know, but... those Sides in my backyard do influence my decisions as well, giving pain and desirable paths. One way or another, they aren't fine to be here, yet they came because it is a correct choice.”

[Indeed so. Correct like myself.]

“You... shut up.” Levandis hissed.

[I wish I'd tried...]

“Are there some suggestions?” Manager Kil asked.

“Not many when it comes to the Encounter, but if anything, let's not crack the already bashed status quo like heads or some minds. This involves big shots and... probably more than I am willing to judge. I mean, can you believe it?” She gestured her subjects up, seemingly losing her presence on the screen.

[Anything is possible.]

Manager Kil was confused by what she meant, which was notable by his open mouth and rather funny look on his face. “What does that mean?”

“When the situation changed alongside Vermillion and these little groups and my Hellscape, we could've done something in the Surface or via my Hell. But now? Nah. It is not worth it. Vermillion purchased this chance to go and pretend to be bottomless, unlike Lordis who has his thoughts about those Sides like a thief, Ruler, and someone who knows a great deal about pain and death. Both are... profound. She is proud and crafty like me...well, one of them is for sure, but she has always been neutral, until now. Why? Any bets?”

[A clear chance. She has seen the truth. That comes through age and proper eyesight. Have both.] Mindarch whispered.

“Opportunity,” Lorry said.

Manager Kil remained silent.

“Hopes of Gods balance in a single way: their personal power. That is many things added together to form a very large sack of bullshit, so I will probably do something when there is a need for it, but for now, I am curious about where everything goes, so... Mindarch, you clever bastard. You crashed the status quo even further and you know it!”

Mindarch innocently laughed and turned his smile into a mist. [You could say that about all sorts of things. Her too.]

“I... guess.” Levandis jerked her head, looking away to find some peace within herself. No matter how she looked, she couldn't calm herself at all.

“Is... Is this about myself as well?” Lorry asked.

“You,” Levandis pressed her lips, wondering why exactly he was even here. He was a good toy, so that was perhaps why. She almost forgot who here was a Guide of those two above. “Oh, you are still a Guide, so you do what you can and let them come to their conclusion. I suspect it is more of a long-term plan, rather than a push to get me moving. I mean, if I do, what can it matter?”

[Avalanche.]

“And countless deaths.”

[And avalanche!]

Lorry's Soul Flames twisted like the wind going backward. “Thank you, my Lady!” He cheered for a path ahead and answers that were better than he had expected. For her to appease this subject with reluctance was rare and useful. He feared she would get way too worked up.

“Don't rush there yet. My rules stand for you like Laws. Your involvement is nigh because all sorts of things that happened in just a few days were away from you, but not from our awareness. That won't happen again. I am sending you back after our chat is over and you are going to see through the end of their stay in this temple. Safely, I mean. You either take my words of calm or take care of your little lights.”

Lorry cheered as if he had gained a Blessing. “Yes. Yes. Yeeeees.”

“Be it through death or their plans, I want my place to be proper, unlike the Surface with all the mess around. They have something to do here, right? That pair. Encounter forced them here. To me...” Levandis frowned and pressed her lips, wondering if her doubts and hopes were right. She is that and beyond, yet... what was that above her head, and what else could come? WHO?

[You should cheer up.] Mindarch commented after sensing her turmoil.

“I have nothing to cheer on,” she said, feeling as if the matter of her ideas weren't worth mentioning. “I just dread this picture.”

[I do it for cycles. Get used to it.]

“How do you wish to solve this then?” Manager Kil said with a firm voice again. He was ready to accomplish whatever she demanded, as long...well, as long as there were some moments of peace because that Mother was a problem.

Most of the Gates took it badly; if even that. That calamity poised as a very inherent problem that straight up clashed against Levandis and what she stood for.

Loss of Ultra Gems because of that wasn't a problem as a whole, but for many people and miners, they were worth their lives.

Levandis hadn't mentioned her solutions for his worry over this topic; she barely mentioned it in this room for good reasons. It didn't matter much because she won't move. Others will. Deaths were coming, and there was nothing many could do about it.

Thankfully, Mindarch felt it was good to talk less about it since history shouldn't repeat itself.

Levandis thought of some ideas as quickly as her hair flickered behind her back. “For the start of my ideas, Lordis's intentions aren't known to me, but his and my position in the Battleworld are sensitive.

He, regardless of who made this move onto my temple alongside everything else, seems like one large conjunction of some very nasty problems, while solutions to work around it have been careful plots that devolved into a calamity. How many does it involve now? I can't imagine it. So, either of you, could you?”

“Conscience indeed.” Manager Kil said.

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“Craftiness,” Lorry replied. “Attempts to fix are harder, so why not destroy? I suspect Lordis knows it. It is bad if he doe know, and if don't, it can be so much worse.”

Levandis nodded, appreciating their answers and taking Mindarch's silence for a good thing. He probably had an even worse opinion and kept it to himself.

“What if both of you are right, hm?” she raised her brows, sighting.

The current situation wasn't appealing to her. The rules of her power carried weight and reputation. If she didn't do something, her position would lose some face, yet what was here to reprimand her, where she saw the greater truth? Even a loss of four Gates would be worth it.

The Encounter wasn't like a slap at her, as it wasn't against the rules to rush it here. Now, it seemed like a payment, a blissful comeback, and a gift. This place had its wonderful spot in this world, like Hell that was against the Sky.

Thus, many ideas made a large web of interest around Battleworld, creating disparities. The plot wasn't thick when one watched it from the single pace of someone like Razmund or Murai, but when Levandis saw the rest, she was hesitant to get worked up.

Her time wasn't nigh yet. It will be. Soon. Sooner!

No. She wants to wait because she could've done worse. I am not fine, so... my touch can be close, and not arousing suspicions is... part of what my Mindarch wants. He doesn't want it to be oblivious. That jerk! Does he doubt my integrity? After all these years? Nay. He sees me because of this problem. Levandis eyed the screens once more, briefly recognizing the main point.

What about her temple and subjects? Well, it wasn't as if a war had arrived here, so it was true that she was somewhat exaggerating this situation because it was a rather grounded Encounter that hadn't moved a lot of forces. But every one of them was a bit annoying and not simple either.

It involved some nasty figures who had yet to grow to possess some qualities. Alas, they were here, hiding, pretending, and plotting what they could and could not do. Working around it, it was about a grand plan she was not privy to. Mindarch wasn't either, though imagination could become a key or a simple glimpse.

Levandis loved to see that because it was what she had adored for ages. She wasn't joking with her anger and desires.

She had all the intentions to solve problems for her people in a day because she left it unattended for far too long. For it to change in this discussion seemed like a lot, and as far as her little subjects were concerned, they could not foresee any outcomes.

They couldn't refuse her either.

There was a high chance that their Lady could have moved against Lordis or changed this situation by any other nasty matters, done by her experience or members of her family, or worse. Her own chess pieces weren't small after all, and she attained awareness about a queen.

Not every one of them was a handful or simple to handle.

Levandis remained silent for a good minute, figuring many things as she gazed at the ground or her subject, trying to think without looking at these screens that remained.

All that surrounded this time wasn't something that should trouble, for they troubled each other, making a storm as if they were political spheres of gods. It wasn't a problem to her besides arranging some touch where it itched.

Particularly, she desired to meddle with Lordis's ideas out of sheer spite, as it should be interesting since their conflicts had been an ongoing problem for a very long time. Getting a proper excuse to trouble that lofty asshole was worth some losses and thoughts, and this could become bigger as well.

The last time she tried very hard, she lost. So, for this to come and grow and remain, she had to be clever about it.

She would do that, become clever, considered, fierce, and in no way become complacent in brief wins. War isn't over. It will arrive, and this backyard is probably just an entrance to it. Fine. I will do it. For you.

“Both of you,” Levandis said to those on her palms, smiling. “Kil, you will do the following: Paradise is unchanged from my previous points. It is still ongoing, so call that Party one of the better ones in a while, I suppose. Have you thought about some improvements?”

“Some...yes,” he answered simply. “But what about those visitors and upkeep? Hellscape has two Challengers, and they... are bound to meet and probably change the Hell Party too. I mean, it is the Fourth Gate Hell Party. Its points clashes, and meetings could twist the rules apart.”

“I saw the details in the last report.” Levandis changed the subject. “It was fairly well done on your part about the forces, and advancement in my armies is passable. Lost some numbers, sure, but what Hell fears the End? What God should detest lacking subjects when pushing them to greater heights? Nay. That is unfilial. Improvements come with dangers. They outweigh the losses when one grows to be a menace. Humans seek greed and power. They can get both in this place, yet so few of them are truly worthy of it. Why, Kil?”

Manager Kil cupped his hands and bowed, thankful that he was no longer squeezed by her arms and not glad over the rest.

“Surface is why. Location is sensitive, while other matters touch on quality and rather subjective matters of Paradise. We could work in advertising this place in many ways, my Lady, yet it wouldn't change much with the way the Centralis Kingdom works with us. If we meddle with portals to connect this place to the Somalis Empire, or slowly nurture a belief this place is a trial worth visiting, we would suddenly gain completely new directions. With fewer deaths, that is. Youths can be our main targets. Experienced ones do visit a lot, you see.”

[Shameless stinkers!] Mindarch added, appeasing his mind.

“Oh, that again...” Levandis sighed. “You've mentioned this to me many times, Kil. Doesn't that mean more work for me and you?”

“Does it matter?”

[It doesn't sound half bad. Means more death anyway, but what if the flood of adventurers and those hoping for power meet their clashes here after realizing our stakes, and... the rest? I mean, this is still connected to Hell, and we have our forces. It would inevitably devolve with the existing mindsets.]

“Are you suggesting a Reform, Archie?” Levandis asked, smirking.

[You are doing that yourself.]

“Many continents are directed much more to their Hells and Surface. The Sky is always distant, appeasing the greater sky and all that is beyond. This Hell is detached.”

[Frankly, it means that some nasty figures would get pissy about it. Would Sky Gods allow that?]

“They might,” Levandis said, “if we implement... some measures and do it in a way they could not refuse but... why are we making this statement? Aren't we having a much throughout discussion?!” A bit of Fury seeped, giving Levandis a different face after Mindarch tried to change the topic.

Manager Kil coughed. “I might have some solution.”

[I am all ears.] Mindarch said.

“I am not!” Levandis replied. “Get back to the main topic. Do you think we are here discussing the well-being and reputation of this temple after a small disaster and... this!? I think Hell Parties are fun, but where did it end? As an excuse and instrument instead, right, Kil?”

He cupped his hands again. “Yes. I will continue trying to improve things and... watch and try.”

“Do so when it calms down. As for the Hellscape, those matters are much more complicated. What is going on there anyway? What is the current status?”

Manager Kil winced his body, still kneeling, but his body jigged up to give a proper report. Customs were a kind of necessity to follow, be it in her army or his heart.

[Every piece is there, Levandis. Every one of them.] Mindarch said instead of him. [In fact, that Mother acted for good reasons that we all know and get. The one that you have greatly overlooked is also present. Someone from your little palaces should be fairly happy about it.]

Levandis paused, her brows itched like her limps and eyes. She was confused about what he meant, yet she wasn't very familiar with every detail. That task was up to Manager Kil.

Her eyes turned to him, seeking answers.

Manager Kil was a little angry with Mindarch for talking about it in this manner. “First, let's state the losses. Gems are...”

“Whatever,” Levandis said coldly and let him continue discussing what was worth some words.

“Then, apart from the Vermillion's group that has been relatively free to roam our land, besides some touches to estimate their strength, the losses are... big when we consider the size of this Hunt. Many involved are still fodder to them, so I suspect allowing those Paladins inside was our great loss. A sizable chunk of it is within expectations. They stopped, so they stopped as well. Many died already, be it in internal strifes, or against the Hunted. Weirdly, the human is strong, so fewer Hunters push against him. Instead, many aim at the pair that is worth many points and.... probably fewer issues. Some of those with Laws met their Ends because of it, but... that goes without saying when we know those clashing under this Hunt.”

“Which are?”

“A company called Lost Brothers became Helpers for that Anatidae Blessed. Four fools, frankly speaking, led by a human called David Denuvin.”

“I remember that point. Should I know him?”

“No,” Manager Kil shook his head and glanced upwards, his gaze firm. “But you should and do know. Never mind. One of his employees is a devil called Ultium.”

Levandis pursed her lips again, smiling. “Now, that is something... interesting. You left to mention it or show it to me, Kil, Archie.”

[I bet that it wouldn't be a fitting surprise. Also, the timing has been kind of good. Also...well, it wasn't worth mentioning because we didn't know how far this would fare. It ended up all right. Better than anyone would've expected. The boy is getting ready. Should we leave it?]

“Oh, shut up. Why are you mentioning him?”

“Well...I said it.” Manager Kil shifted his position nervously, afraid to get squished because she had yet to realize the degree of this record. “Helper. Encounter. Pledge. All after the end of the Ravine's reign, things proceeded. Why?”

Her face shifted and turned. “Huh!? No way. How is that possible?”

[Want to hear my guesses?] Mindarch offered.

“If you call me your queen, dumb-spirit,” Levandis barked at him. “This answers some questions I had. Someone meddles with... wait, Mindarch!”

[Yes. I heard them rules. She and him as well and... I suppose you get it at last. This screening. The previous mess. The current one. I am the one who made it happen.] He pled guilty to not revealing Vermillion sooner or not making a deal with Ravine open. It involved Ip'ur Mountain after all, so not speaking of it was an incredible blunder.

“You cheeky brat! Why did no one speak to me about what is essential?! Her, Ravine, and Ultium too? What else is missing? What rules work and do not? What had she done against my place, Mindarch?” Levandis cursed and almost tossed those on her palms away. Instead, she tensed up, forcing them close to her body as she stood.

“My lady,” Manager Kil failed his bow and cherished the tightness. “I considered it to be inevitable interest. Since we let things go so far, I decided to let it go where it belongs. All because of the Encounter and those that follow your interest, we decided to let it flow, while... the reason is much bigger. We let that one seek the Ip'ur Mountain portal out of the requested voice that Mindarch got from Ravine, after... the incident.”

“You think I haven't realized that by now?” Levandis asked coldly. “What else have you kept from me? In my sleep, I presume... Oh, dear, am I surrounded by morons?!”

[And who is not stupid this time around, huh?] Mindarch chuckled. [You underestimated the weight of these things, Levandis. You aren't really a Ruler anyway. Just a farce.]

“Hmpt! Then it is a good idea to speak about them,” she cracked her fingers as she squeezed. “Or I will get physical.”

Lorry was silent for a good while, shuddering and turning his Soul Flames into little whirlpools. “My Lady! This is far from something terrible! It isn't bad, frankly speaking.”

“What is it, then? Ip'ur Mountain is a sensitive place, and you know it. Why have you let that proceed there? You know why it is... or... wait!?”

“Ravine and Vermillion promised some interesting things that I wanted to not reveal after this mess began,” Manager Kill suddenly proclaimed. “Frankly, it is mostly Vermillion who wanted this to happen. How or why, is beyond her. Well, as far as it goes, and how her party does their duty, they are slow and do deliberate acts. I suppose they aren't in a hurry. Ip'ur Mountain is the current location of the clash and where everyone is going to have their rife. Razmund is one, and a most important part of Lost Brothers is with Vermillion, going there as we speak.”

Levandis tossed Lorry into the air and massaged her temple and face before quickly catching him again. “You are all responsible, sinned by going against my back. I will deal with you later. Mindarch, Ravine, or Vermillion---it doesn't matter to me. You are all terrible to me!”

“Apologies,” Manger Kil bowed. “Mindarch insisted on it.”

[I did. Good that I did. Thank the heavens.]

“Figures.” Levandis sighed. “That answers even more things. So that little fox wanted to devolve it further? It is there. Never mind. Vermillion did force something very interesting indeed. I don't hate it, which is... odd. What about the rest, Kil?”

“Besides the Ultium and situation in the Ip'ur Mountain, many unkempt gangs and mining companies are up in arms, hoping to take part in the last stretch of Hunt without knowing there is a portal underground. Well, Razmund does not know about it as well, but he is coming anyway, which makes Hunters aware that everyone is underground. Hungry, that guy is. It... complicates things a little bit, so Mindarch is currently thinking of some solutions.”

[Right. Many things need some touch, while some do not. It is a matter of perspective. It can change in a heartbeat.]

“The biggest problem was Ozeki. He is dealt with, fighting two morons that I judge to be Dukes. You gave him a rare breather, yet he took too much of a bite out of this chance. He has been with Razmund far too long. I think he got cursed or sick by that crazy guy. I suspect Razmund is why... or, this is about Sky Gods who are trying to meddle with some Authority. They put out promises, my Lady. They stink of more meddling.”

Levandis listened without a chance of expression. Then, she realized far too many things moved behind the scenes, and she was getting a headache because of that single word that spoke of worldly reminders. “Fuck me. This is getting insane and quite lovely. I like it.”

[How appropriate.] Mindarch said, laughing as if nothing was his fault.