Chapter 743: We won’t [2/2]
"Yes. I am no longer, Sahashi Tsubasa. He was nothing but a coward. I am duke Stefan De Arno. Commander of the Dawn Bringer. I am no coward.
The dawn I wish to see is the light of my enemy's corpses on fire."
As if that was not enough, his body and identity the only thing connection to his family was stolen by Bifrons. And in his desperation, he offered up the Archdemon to me on a silver platter just so he could get his vengeance.
He then took a chance and transferred his mind into this chimera. Unfortunately, even his gamble turned out into a dud. Leading to the current result. Even though he followed the template of a standard Isekai he didn't get to achieve the ending most stories in the genre got.
Of course, from my point of view he was the main reason for his failures. If he fought on the front lines, he might have gotten strong enough to protect those he treasured. But alas, we must live with the consequences of our mistakes.
"Wouhouuuuu…" Sahashi again cried mournfully.
The chimera slumped on the ground and ceased trashing. Liv who noticed the change in demeanor grew confused. I gestured for her to slowly separate from her opponent. Truly, even without Stefan I was certain I could have killed Bifrons. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire
But it seemed wrong to just leave him like this. As I contemplated what to do, I walked towards him. It was unfortunate that I couldn't talk to him. With {Interpret} I should still be able to converse with even the Chimera.
As I couldn't it probably meant this beast hand neither an ego or a soul. Much like the undead. I walked up to the monster and laid my hand on it.
"Sahashi, I am not sure if you can understand me. But thank you. Because of your efforts we could kill Bifrons. I know It doesn't mean much. But I will cremate this chimera and bury you in Japan back on earth. Well done my friend.
You can rest now."
"Wohoooo…"
The Chimera nodded its head before it closed its eyes and began to shed tears of blood. Even though he wasn't a Reaper, he also tried to fight against the armies of Hellsgate. It was unfortunate that we met under such circumstances, but such was life.
I turned to Jas and asked for a favor.
"Wifey, can you give him rest?"
Wordlessly Jas pulled out her M107 Barret and used {Insight}. In the same moment she shot a .50 caliber BMG into eye of the chimera. Her bullet didn't manage to penetrate the monster skull but a sound like glass shattering resounded.
When it did Chimera completely stopped moving. A figure came to my side. She took my hand in hers and intertwined our fingers.
"Somehow, he seemed at peace. Was he...your friend?"
"I guess? I learned a lot from him. And his life is a reminder of what await us."
Lilly rested her chin on my shoulder as she murmured.
"That sounds ominous. Hopefully we do not get the same outcome."
"We won't," I said confidently.
I won't let it. I will make sure we were sufficiently ready by the time we hit the sixties.
"Beloved, what do we do with your…friend?"
Why was everyone dancing around the fact that I called this bastard my friend? While I did say all that shit about bringing him to Japan, I meant his Noble Vampire body. There was no way I would waste this Chimera's corpse just to fulfill the wishes of a dead guy.
"We are bringing it back home. I think the Production or Fortification Reapers can do something with it. Dear, do you have the space to fit this thing?"
"I do. Because I have {Magnitude}, I can shrink object for storage. I practically have ten times the space I used to and that was before I became a Specter."
"Husband, Trash."
Jas approached me and pointed to the Iron Wolverine's party. While I could think of something to do with the Chimera, I wasn't sure about the old bastards who kept screwing up. Was there even a need to bring this them with us? They weren't part of my responsibility.
They originally came with me to die to the vampires. Miraculously although we were attacked by millions they didn't die. Technically they weren't mine, I just needed them to understand what happened. Now that if Zach and Administration heard of the thing that they did they would probably be executed. Not that I cared in the slightest.
My goal in coming here was to get Evelyn Flowers. Being able to stop the Vampire conspiracy was an excellent bonus. I also managed to learn a lot. But ultimately it was time to return home. I was separated from Bella, Jo, Robyn and Aki for far too long.
"They are not part of our responsibility. Put them in the basement and wait for someone else to find them. With the commotion from earlier someone has to have figured out that things were going to shit."
I then looked at Juno. While George's group was useless, she and her brood was a welcome addition to our forces. And our plan was to have them integrate with Hellsend as our malice collectors.
"Juno, what about you and your sisters? We will welcome you if you come with us. I will supply you and your brood with malice. So much so that I think you and your sisters can all evolve from it."
[That sounds like a wonderful thing. If you can really grant us a way without having to fight Reapers, it would better for everyone. But I cannot.]
Hearing her rejection, I got disappointed but tried to hear the reason for it.
"I see. That is too bad. May I ask why? If you tell me what is wrong, I can take steps to change it."
[There isn't anything to change Limitless. I merely wish to see Roach and tell him of what we have done. I believe he deserves to hear that at least. Regardless of if he wants to join me, I will move to your nest. I will try to rally as many of the Awakened as I can.]
When I heard her explanation, I grew amazed. Despite not being to understand English less than a a few days ago she was now becoming quite articulate. But the best news perhaps is that she will be coming to the 24th floor once she gathers more of her sisters.
"That is great! Then I will wait for you there Juno! Tell Exa in advance before you come up. I will ensure that I am present to welcome you."
[My lord, aren't you and the ladies going to proceed with operation Rock? Or do you intend to wait for Juno to arrive first before leaving.]
"Oh right. I do not think we can wait. Amari and Mia have been waiting all this time. Everyone would you mind staying behind to wait for Juno and her sisters? I am concerned the others would just shoot them by mistake."
"I do not mind, Beloved. I can see the rest of Hellsend panicking at the mere sight of the Awakened. It would be wise if one of us is present when Juno and her sisters arrive. The bigger reason to stay behind would be I think the Anvil team intends to monopolize you upon our return."
"Agreed. I do not think those four will let us anywhere near you out of spite. Especially Robyn. And maybe my sister. Anyway, I am fine staying behind to wait for Juno and the Awakened, Husband. They are incredible valuable allies."
"I am of the same opinion, Dearest. As you will be traveling on Earth, my {Fates} will have no issue connecting us to you. I can bring Liv and Jas to reinforce you immediately, should the need arise."
"Great thank you three. Juno you got that?"
[I have. Thank you very much Liv, Lilly and Jas. Then I will see you soon. It was an honor to be able to fight by your side once more. I wish you well.]
"Got it thanks Juno! Take care!" "Bye Juno!" "Bye!" "Take care!" "Until we meet again!"
Somehow emotional we waved goodbye as Juno turned around and left. It was kind of lonely seeing them leave. I grew comfortable having the Lizardkin as our ground troops.
"As for us, it's finally time to go home."
And after a long series of battles, Operation Paper finally came to a close.