SOML – Chapter 28: Conference

 Chapter 28 – Conference

***Long Chapter Ahead***

…

“Boss, here’s the latest news.” A subordinate extended his hand to Giness. The latter caught the paper and scanned it.

Nowadays, Giness lived in an inn. A few months passed, yet no news from the party. Old Man Pendragon had already left because he needed to be ready.

“The conference is fast approaching. And this news is just right on time.” She held a fork and stabbed the meat on her plate. It was a small piece, and the woman swallowed it. The man beside her gulped. It was hard to know if it was because of the meat or her.

“The demons actually invented such thing.” Giness licked her lips. “They will kidnap humans and kill them. Then used and processed their skins. With a special stitching and use of Evil Arts, any demon can impersonate the dead person. Of course, they still needed to understand the behaviors of the human so they can mimic them.”

“It is almost a Transformation Art! With this, they can infiltrate any county.”

“But the disadvantage of this, Evil Arts will wear off in time. Estimated one to two weeks. And still have space for improvement. Hmm.” Giness cupped her cheek.

Then suddenly, she craned her neck. From the distance, a pillar of light shone. It was resplendent. And everyone stopped in their tracks.

“It has come.”

…

“Tsk. When are we going to get there?” A man with a blonde ponytail grumbled. “We’ve been on the road for a long time!”

His female companion shook her head. “Don’t complain. At least we can rest in inns from time to time.”

The man clicked his tongue. He flipped the curtain and peered in the window. “You heard the rumors. Something of the legend, an Evil, appeared here.”

Rosechild grinned. “People love to make-believe. I guess it was the demons who did this. Not a sham legend.” He traced his lips.

His companion didn’t speak.

“Wait! Look, see the girl with red hair.” Rosechild uttered. Hina got suspicious and also looked.

“That’s Sarah Pendragon, right?”

“What about it?”

Hina also heard a couple of things about the girl. From where they came from, they considered Pendragons celebrity. Thus, the young miss of the clan also became famous.

“She doesn’t look much. Hahaha.” Rosechild leaned on the window. “I observed her aura. She’s only an Expert Level. When I am that young, I’m already a Master.

The constant clicking of tongue irritated Hina. But she could do nothing against her teammate.

“Oh.” But a voice replied instead. The duo turned around, seeing their other companion. Rosechild squinted. Animosity appeared on his chest, but he put a fake smile.

“Pintar. How long have you been here?”

But Pintar disregarded to answer. He moved and peeked at the girl with red hair. Beside her was Ben. She came to get him for training. The girl felt angry because he was late once again!

“Expert Level…”

“Yep. Heh. She wasn’t much, right? Housed talent are not genuine talent.” Rosechild’s mouth curved. “I bet she ran when the demons came.”

But Pintar continued to disregard him. This lack of response and other things finally snapped Rosechild. His arrogance couldn’t take Pintar’s silent treatment of him. He had enough of it.

“What the hell, man!” He pushed Pintar. “Fucking talk to me! You have a mouth, so fucking talk!”

This time, Pintar faced him. When Rosechild saw his gaze, he shuddered. But his animosity was greater. “What? Your problem?!”

Pintar closed his eyes. Then Hina cried in shock!

With a whooshing sound, the blade of the sword touched Rosechild’s neck. The latter gulped as a trail of blood fell.

Rosechild could feel the biting coldness of the metal. He became frightened; his piss leaked from his pants. Sweat poured down as he recalled how ruthless the man before him. He decapitated all their enemies without remorse.

“Expert level, Training in both Combat and Spell Foundation Arts. And both at 6th level.” Pintar verbalized. “You are only sixteen years old. Truly a talent.”

“But the girl you are looking down, trained four times of your entire life’s.”

It was a bland tone. But Rosechild swore he’d never felt terror before anyone. “Man. Chill, we are team here.” He let out an ugly smile.

Pintar let go. With one glance at the window, he exited the room.

Staring at his back, Rosechild gnashed his teeth. Inside him, a seed of resentment sprouted.

Exiting the inn, Pintar crossed his arms. He stared at the now appearing pillar of light.

…

A man with black skin spread his arms wide. The glistening sunshine shone above his long golden wavy hair, which was kept on his back. Feeling the intense heat, the man’s smile became even wider.

It was a refreshing day!

Never mind the lack of greeneries, anyone alone surrounded by desert would feel enervated. And yet this man felt his thought to be true.

Because he was born in this place. 

He loved this place more than anything. 

Although they had scarce food and water, it didn’t diminish his love for the place. Instead, got further motivated to do something for it!

They would share the little food they had with each tribe. Yet they were already thankful for that.

Hence, each day was a blessing. Each day seemed always a fortunate day.

Thus, he would do this every day. Every month. And every year. It was his method to pay respect and be thankful.

“I love this place.” He let out a wide smile.

On his back, a young man jogged towards him. He gasped for breath, but he insisted to finish his task.

“Father! Huff. The conference is starting! A pillar of light has arrived!”

…

The machine called Humanity moved. All its gears spinning, roaring to life. The snappy motor rotated like wheels of fate.

People of different colors and customs raised their head. Their eyes reflected the resplendent light.

Many forces also noted the light. Thoughts swirled in their heads. But only they knew what they wanted.

…

“Where is this, Grandpa?” Sarah asked as they walked through a secret tunnel. She didn’t know that there was a secret basement in her own home.

Actually, she wanted to train, but she forced to summon Ben back home.

The girl gripped her fist, feeling excited and dread. The resplendent light was a call for conference, but for her it was the start of her plans.

On the walls of the tunnel, large cylinders filled with water stuck on its surface. There were sorts of objects floating around in it.

“These are…”

“Genetic Engineering”, Old Man Pendragon stated.

Beside him was Ryan. The latter didn’t want to talk about this topic. But his father didn’t have restriction.

“Coin Clan developed business formulas, theories, and plans.”

“Dult Clan developed training regimen for generals and tactic class for their descendants.”

“Metallon Clan developed constructions techniques and constructs.”

“As for us, Pendragon Clan, we dabbled in Genetic Engineering.”

“We are best in Body Refinement Liquid and genetic mutations in body.”

“Our famous invention was the Dragon Drink, a Grand-Grade Body Refinement Liquid.”

“But little they know our greatest is a Pseudo Supreme-Grade Body Refinement Liquid.” The old man explained while walking.

“As for true Supreme-Grade Body Refine Liquid, it will be hard if you cannot discover a Supreme-Grade Herb. So, you better get one in Enderian Journey.” Old Man Pendragon emphasized his words.

Though his eyes appeared mysterious, making his thought unknown.

Sarah nodded. She had read it in books. 

Observing with her vision, she also saw various runes and diagrams so complex that she soon fell into a daze.

Only when an old voice sounded, she got awakened.

“There’s another purpose in this basement. Aside from the secret of our clan, there’s also a location.” They arrived in front of a stone wall. The old man pushed a protruded part. Then the wall quivered. Dust fell down and the wall gradually opened.

Looking inside, it was a small room. At the center was an orb. She had many questions about the strange runes and complex diagrams. But she erased her thoughts when she saw the thing before her.

“Familiar?” Old Man Pendragon teased.

Ryan couldn’t continue his strict face and pursed his lips.

“Father… Sarah is-”

But Sarah’s reaction interrupted him. She was smiling. She strutted and held the orb in her hand.

“A Projection Transmission?” She smiled and willed her World’s Energy.

A droning noise sounded. Sarah felt nauseated. Scanning her body, it became translucent but still appeared solid. In addition, she could still sense the surroundings. She marveled by the novelty. Only her projection arrived, but the laws of this realm transformed her into another specie!

She had arrived into a new world.

Bright lights shone behind her, it was her father and grandfather. They were similarly translucent. They ambled beside her.

“This place is mystical!”

“Mm. This is also my first time getting here. I’ve only heard from father how special this place is.”

“Before anything else. Lass, what do you think we do? Go with fanfare? Or not?” A hint of cunning appeared on the old man’s face.

Ryan panicked. “If we strutted, the entire Mortal Lands will watch her. You basically given them permission to do so.”

“But if we lied low, we will not have the initiative.” Two wrinkled arms spread apart.

His son was still worried and contemplated. “Do they- will they suppress us?”

Old Man Pendragon nodded. “Hm. And it’s unfortunate, we don’t have the hilt, only the blade.”

“And one side of our blade couldn’t cut.” He gazed at his granddaughter.

“So, it’s your choice, Lass. Will you be tempered and complete the blade of the clan? Or will it will destroy you leading to all us of crumbling?”

Sarah lowered her red head. Many thoughts appeared on it. The two adults observed her in silence.

Many times, Ryan almost opened his mouth. But he ended up gulping his words.

This was too much for a child, he thought. Yet, he also remembered that he wasn’t much of a father to her. She had made all her decisions since he could remember.

His lowered head stared at his gripped fist. He bit his lips and hesitated. But he wanted to say something.

Yet her expression shook him as she raised her head.

She was grinning. Sarah didn’t bother to hide her thoughts. And she disliked to be treated as a child.

Sarah had developed to be audacious. Ever since she could think, she knew her life was perilous.

Assassination… burning houses… killing Beast… all people pushed it to her.

They recognized it was her doing.

But they didn’t know everything happened for a reason.

No, with multiple reasons.

Hence, she considered the world as her enemy. And now, this occasion given a chance to see one of them. The humans. Its very own authorities.

His father and grandfather had given her the straw to decide. Then she would. Regardless if it would lead them to greatness or shambles, she didn’t care.

Because… so what? She had decided. Let the universe burned together with her!

“Let’s go.”

…

High Council Palace.

Many called it a palace, but it was actually a small world. It moved like a satellite around the Mortal Lands. But its orbit was chaotic and very difficult to pinpoint. Only with few methods one could enter it.

Having a ninety percent of land, a long and enormous castle stood in the center. Towers with conical roofs jotted, piercing the sky.

It didn’t have many walls; humanity owned the world with no natural enemy. Rooms were large as gymnasium but no living beings occupied them. In fact, the castle lacked of people.

But right now, a crowd of people bustled inside its important room. They sat in their seats and talked with one another. The designer spaced the seats with attention. Most of them could even lie down in their chair.

Golden and bronze decorated the whole place. Frescoes also drawn on the ceiling, giving the entire place a dim light.

These people were renowned and reigned in their areas. Most people won’t be able to see these paragons in normal occasions. Yet here they were, sitting together like cabbages in the market.

Weng. The door of the auditorium sprung open. As if choreographed, people craned their neck. They gazed at the faint figures exiting the dark.

Then, they saw a child with her red hair riding along the wind. The pink dress she wore danced along the aisle. Each step filled with confidence. The five-petal insignia reared its head proudly on her chest.

The girl’s eyes probed their gazes. She smirked, not minding to release all of her arrogance.

“What is this?”

“An Abandoned Elderly Institution?”

All of them gaped. They stared at her with wide eyes. A few got filled with admiration. Others got furious. While most frowned. With their standings, no one would disrespect them.

Yet, the first thing the newcomer did was to give an insult.

“What gall!” A man with a large build immediately stood. He hollered as he skipped through the seats with large strides.

The girl observed the man. He only wore simple clothes. But it wasn’t enough to hide his muscular contours. Even Ryan’s body couldn’t compare to him. His black hair tied into a ponytail, though still messy. There was a stubby hair on his face. And one look from him was enough to scare a baby from ever crying.

Sarah blinked. She felt a headache coming because this guy wasn’t from any clan. Simply not her target.

He was a vagrant Venerable. And vagrants rarely had ties with authorities.

Vagrants were open and often joined common people. So, they appreciated manners and morality.

Thus, vagrants disliked authorities’ disposition. The latter looked good outside, but everyone knew the truth.

“Speak! How dare you insult your elders like that? Just still a pipsqueak and already had this nerve!” The man towered over Sarah. His aura was so heavy she took deep breaths.

Anyway, she didn’t back down and glared at him.

“Because we have strength.”

Ghian’s eyes twitched. He raised his head and looked at the duo beside the girl. His heart trembled a little and recognized them.

One of them had a tiger-like body, while the other stood towering like a spear. They walked parallel to each other and faced everyone’s assessing eyes.

“So it’s Sir Old Man Pendragon. And is this your son, the new Venerable, Ryan Pendragon?” Ghian nodded. Next, he growled. “But you can’t let your descendent running around here. This only ruining our reputations.”

But he didn’t expect Old Man to stay quiet. Instead, that little girl grinned.

“Ugly Grandpa!”

Ghian almost choked. He caught her gaze and knew he was the one being called Ugly Grandpa. He wanted to reply, but the girl continued.

“My grandfather here is old. And seeing everyone, I thought, here is where senior people go. Ugly Grandpa, can you be kind and prescribed a session for my grandfather?” Sarah let out a wide smile.

Ghian shot flames through his eyes. But he didn’t bother with the girl anymore. He gazed at Old Man and Ryan instead. In fact, he disdained Ryan because the latter had only stepped on their level. “What’s the meaning of this, huh? Pendragon?”

“The same meaning you understood.” Old Man Pendragon put his arms on the back. “I’m already late in years. Having to live thousands of year. Unless I broke through, then my life span will not lengthen anymore.”

“And you know, being in this age, I’m plague with ailments.” Old Man made a face, making him looked like senile. But to Ghian, the old dude was mocking him.

The old man continued. “I have these back pains that only by sparring someone it will ease.” Sarah’s grandfather looked straight him in the eyes. “Perhaps, you can help me with this.”

A million Beasts galloped through Ghian’s head. But it was further affected when he heard the girl’s next words.

“See, I told you. I’m just being filial to my grandfather. Now, I will pay respect to all of you, Grandpas and Grandmas. May the Mother bless you with long lives.”

Ghian’s eyes bulged out. He hopped and pointed his finger at Old Man’s nose. But he couldn’t let out any squeak, making him looked comical.

Those with no intents laughed. This child was amusing. She was cursing them, yet they couldn’t do anything. Alas, they didn’t mind it. They recognized it as a child’s arrogance and blabbering.

But others became offended. Though, they were old foxes and hid their emotions deep in their chest.

“Hm. It’s okay Venerable Mountain Feral, Ghian.” Another man, with thin brows and long eyelashes, stood up in his seat. He had a scholarly disposition and still maintained his youth. On his head was a handsome silver crown. His clothes got embroidered with beautiful flowers and held in his hands was a fan with a red bird drawn in it. He resembled a young master a lot.

The man bowed and smiled kindly at the Pendragons.

Though anyone with a head knew, he threw a stone to strike two birds. He suppressed Ghian while reminding Sarah who she was facing.

Sarah nodded like an obedient child. She let out a sweet smile and replied. “Thank you, Grandpa Sissy.”

Those watching choked. This man was a king, the King of Miracle Kingdom! County of Hopes and Dreams was under this kingdom. So, he was basically her king!

Also, he even bowed to them even though they were his subjects. Yet, she was unbothered and called him sissy!

A flash of darkness appeared in a split second, but the king’s face recovered and hid it. “Thank you too, child, for understanding.”

Sarah squinted. She disliked this kind of opponent. She suddenly remembered the manager of the flower shop. “Shall I take a seminar from that old lady?”

Ryan patted his daughter. He whispered, “We got plenty of chances. Now, let us seat.”

Sarah nodded and led the way. Everyone was now looking at her. They awaited where she would sit. This would show the Pendragon’s attitude. Siting on the back would mean lack of power. Going to the front equaled arrogance.

But the girl continued until where the king of Miracles’ seat. She lifted her butt and slumped at his right side.

This was unexpected to them. This was neither at the very back nor very front.

“Grandpa Sis, when will the conference start?”

King Milagro’s left eye twitched. People beside them suppressed their laugh. He curled his lips and said. “Soon, soon.” His fan sped up a little.

“Oh.” Sarah scanned her back and saw his grandfather and father. She observed the arrangement of the crowd. Vagrant Venerables stuck with each other. Though only a few had small frames. They looked comical sitting beside hulking bodies. But Sarah concluded how hard for those without inheritances to become a wizard. Hence, they were few in numbers.

She then gazed at both sides. As for the clan’s Venerables, wizards were as many as combatants. Their clothes were more beautiful and their mannerism was more subdued compared to the vagrant. And their sitting arrangement was further divided to each region, then to factions.

Pendragon got isolated, though.

Old Man Pendragon didn’t want to stretch his hands in squabbles, which was also inherited by Ryan.

Because of this, people ridiculed them as nothing but training lunatics.

In addition, Pendragons were too arrogant.

Although they didn’t fringe on others’ interest, their inflexible ways instead became a thorn for others.

Sarah disdained them. Arrogance might offend many people, but not enough reason to be unfriendly towards them. So, she surmised that not placing themselves on the chess boards was the true reason.

The girl peered at the king beside her. Both of their eyes met. Only they knew their own thoughts.

It was then a pair of sound emerged from the entrance.

Unlike the Pendragons, everyone gave respect to the person arriving. If only considered strength, then Old Man Pendragon was on the top. Yet, not everyone gave a damn about him.

Instead, it was this man that made everyone all-smiles. Though, in their hearts they called him Demon face.

“Greetings, Humanity’s Brain, Venerable Demon Subduer, Ntse Ghand.” Everybody else greeted, though, only few stood.

The man’s ugly face resembled a calm lake. He waved his hand, prompting these few people to take their seats. He strode until he reached the podium. Then he stood there, as silent as a statue.

The chatters also stopped. Sarah wondered why everyone quieted when a large droning sound emerged.

Instantly, six gigantic auras covered the entire place. The golden carpet flapped open, and the ceiling seemed to tremble. The girl even mistaken them for her grandfather!

“Greeting Elders.” Everyone stood and clasped their hands.

Sarah shivered. Several powers conflagrated on their bodies. And yet! Although the six old men in front were strong, they took the side positions!

Everyone also noticed it too and knew why.

A strange silence ensued. Everyone waited with abated breath. Sarah becoming pale as times goes. She felt suffocated from the silence.

After a long time, four more spectacles finally appeared. But this time, the six elders before became akin to stars around the sun. Each new aura was like heaven looming above the land, impossible to reach.

The first to appear was a heaven-engulfing sand. The tsunami-like momentum and terrifying heat of desert sand surged around the room.

Then, a throne made of golden orange sand emerged from the rightmost location of the stage. Engraved in it was an image of a reptile with protruding gem like eyes.

After that, a swirling cloud accompanied with dragon roars and golden lights swooshed into the space.

Carried by fluffy looking clouds, a majestic throne made from emerald gems and bird feathers appeared just after the first throne.

Then, an icy breeze blew, and the atmosphere became cold. Most of them became frozen just right after the wind blew. Of course, its effect was only for an instant as many Venerables canceled it. Only Ryan had to pat Sarah to negate its effect.

Then, one more throne appeared like it was emerging from the depths of hell. It was a spotless white ice throne with glacier like slabs and stalagmites formed on its arm chair.

A boundless radiance flashed through the room. As if a starry sky appeared above them, they stared at the lights in awe. The aura emitted by the starry sky wasn’t pressuring like others. Instead, it was embracing and gentler. It was as if caressing their back and touching their heart strings.

Next, a purple whirlpool descended from the starry sky. The whirlpool slowly dissipated and what emerged was a throne of silver.

The silver throne wasn’t blinding, nor had a metallic sheen. Instead, the silver color gave solemnity and purity.

Starting from the right side, a man with black complexion and golden hair sat unbridled on his seat, The Conqueror of the Sand and the Great Chieftain of the Desert Tribes, South Venerable Desert Eater!

Followed by a man lying down and feet lifted on his throne while holding grapes on his fingers, East Region Hero, Unfettered and the Unreachable, East Venerable Cloud Rider!

Next from him was an armored figure where only his cold eyes were visible, sitting upright with unspeakable authority, the Majesty of the Ice Palace, the Monarch of Northern Tundra, North Venerable Frozen Immortal!

And from the leftmost side was an old man with scholarly disposition and affectionate smile, the Undisputed Leader of Humanity, The Strongest, The Unity of Heaven and Man, West Venerable Pure Man!

The Four Supreme Venerables of Humanity had appeared!

“Hello everyone.” The old man preceded anyone before they could even greet the four of them. He resembled an elderly neighbor next door. He scanned each of everyone and greeted all of them with a smile.

“Old Bro!” Pure Man lifted his hand towards Old Man Pendragon. The latter also waved his hand. “Old Dick, how have you been?”

Pure Man made a wry smile. “Your naming sense still… creative.” This prompted Old Man Pendragon to laugh.

Desert Eater showed his white teeth. He stood up, put his palms together and bowed towards everyone. “Shall we discuss business already?” At his back, his son, Arturo Batzorig face palmed and poked his father.

Ntse Ghand interjected. “We shall not be hasty, Sir Desert Eater.” He clapped his hands.

“I’ll direct the discussion from here on out. Is that okay for all you, Sirs?”

No one rejected it. They recognized his fairness and maintained their silence. Who would lead if not him? After all, the Supreme Venerables had too much power, meaning their words spoke volume itself. As for the Six Elders, their powers seemed clear, but there were still others that could match them. And to the Royalties, everyone would be dumb to give them the pedestal.

“Good. The proceedings are now starting. Sir Desert Eater already announces his intent, so shall we honor him?”

Desert Eater hurried to raise his hand. “Me, first. Me, me!”

But a man with common countenance bested him. “White Metallon will trade our new designs. First is architectural blue prints. Take a look and we can discuss the pricing.”

“The second is our new Construct; a Mobile Type, Color: Blue and Red, Frame: Intermediate, Controls: Expert-smart, Maintenance: 40 years. It has thrusters, laser swords and built-in Sword Formation.”

Sarah frowned. She inferred that the man only considered White Metallon and not the whole Metallon Clan. Also, it seemed he wasn’t together with the king of Miracles Kingdom.

In fact, clans with Venerables didn’t have to report to the king. Royalties gave them a lot of power except political power. For example, the king of Miracles Kingdom seemed polite towards the Pendragons.

Only County Lords had the rights to politics. But even they didn’t want to encroach with royalties’ squabbles. Sarah thought of what the royalties relied. “The blessing? What is this secret? Why does Venerable needs it? Also, why does only royalties enjoyed such blessings for many generations?”

The other people didn’t think twice, prompting to discuss the products.

“The construct is not bad.”

“It would have been better if beginners can remote control it.”

“I see where you are going. For example, if we give a three-year-old child genius the rights to control it, then our potential would multiply.”

“Bar any expectations, we can mass produce it and it will be terrifying. We might not even need to send lives to the front line and have the toddlers and handicaps played with these constructs from a safe distance.”

“White Wall, if you can create a better construct, call me first.”

“It is the blueprint that is more of my likings.”

“Venerable White Wall, we would like to cooperate with you…”

…

Chapter 27 | Chapter 29