2214 - Calling for a Friend
Whoosh
Robin swung his black spear with force, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. "Killing me won't be that easy, Lady Executioner. I urge you to reconsider, or you'll be forced to leave an arm and a leg here."
Was Robin afraid? Certainly. Afraid that he wouldn't complete the path he had begun toward Eternal Glory, afraid that his legend would be cut short midway.
But... he had already made up his mind moments ago when he showed his cards and prepared to fight. If the Executioner wanted to take his life, then he would fight!
"You are undoubtedly strong, human, but it's clear that you breached The Shell through tricks and techniques, not your raw power. And those tricks won't be enough to save you today." The Dark Executioner continued advancing. "However, your threat isn't entirely wrong. You might inflict some unwanted harm on me, but still, there's no escaping it."
"Why is there no escape?!" Robin raised his voice. "Are lives a game? Are you betting that I don't have other cards that could wipe you out completely?!"
"There is no escape, because I have decided to report the breach and the ancient incident, and I will leave the authorities to deal with Universe B14 in whatever manner suits them... I have been convinced by your words, about the ancient incident and the survivor; this is the only explanation for why you were not shocked by us, for your preparedness for us..."
The Executioner spoke calmly as she stepped forward, "But my failure to enter the guilty universe and complete my duties is indeed a major problem for which I will be punished. Even if I speak of the entity that killed the Executioner long ago and is still alive, I will be described as negligent and punished. But at least I will not lose my life and status because of the information about upgrading a universe to a higher rank."
Then she stared into Robin's eyes, "But what excuse can I give for not killing the person who broke The Shell this time?" Then she pointed at him, "I must take your corpse as proof of completing my duty, then destroy The Gate. Only then will I survive when reporting the ancient incident, and about not imposing sanctions this time."
"..." Robin's expression turned into a smile, "So I am your sacrifice then? The weak side you will use to save yourself from the danger of Athena and Sevar?"
"I don’t know who they are, but yes." The Executioner replied calmly, "Thank you for being kind enough to tell me about the dark history of Universe B-14. Reporting it may subject me to accountability for a while and possibly sanctions, but I will receive a promotion and better treatment after finishing you off. After all, a Universe Promotion isn’t discovered every day." Then she narrowed her white eyes, "Especially since that universe had harsh sanctions imposed on it in the past, according to you… This is an unprecedented case."
"You’ll get a promotion after finishing us off?" Robin stepped back slightly, trying to absorb as much information as possible, "How will you do that?"
"Me?" The Dark Executioner shook her head, "A Legion of Executioners will come to investigate, remove unforeseen factors, and impose the necessary sanctions. Of course, a good number of Reapers will accompany them to carry out orders." The Dark Executioner waved her scepter, and the space beasts began to move, surrounding Robin.
Then she continued, lifting her head slightly, "But you don’t need to worry about that. Our round trip, along with preparing the Legion and the Reapers for the mission, might take ten thousand years. If you have children inside B-14, they’ll be dead by then."
"Our trip?" The smile returned to Robin’s face.
"Of course, your body will come with me." The Executioner replied as if it were the most obvious thing. "Unfortunately, I'll likely have to return with the Legion to prove my report in their presence and show them the evidence." Then she showed a very small smile. "But it's fine. Once the claim is confirmed and the punishment is carried out, I'll return as a hero."
"Those are some beautiful dreams you have..." Robin chuckled, then gestured around him with his spear. "Why don't you prove your strength face to face and take my head with pride, instead of sharing it with your comrades?"
"I am an Executioner, not a duelist." The Dark Executioner continued advancing with a face as expressionless as a statue. "There is nothing in this job that warrants an honorable duel."
"..." Robin raised his head slightly in indignation.
He recalled the news about the First Ancestor Beast that struck Athena from behind the space beasts and attacked the Cosmic Elder while he was completing the Negation Array. Then the Cosmic Elder spoke about how he had encountered them and how they chased him into the Void, using other space beasts as shields.
No... rather, it could be said that the Executioners use the Reapers as shields and cannon fodder.
"I had wanted one last honorable duel befitting me, but..." Robin's eyes showed blazing anger. "If you're going to call for help, then I'll do the same."
“Do you have someone to call upon?” The Dark Executioner smiled, then gestured toward Blokan and the others. “Them?” She then flashed a small smile toward Robin. “Go ahead and call them—I’d be delighted.”
“I’m ready,” Morgana shouted, though her shadow clearly refused to move.
*Clang.*
Althera moved her short sword with difficulty. Blokan and Asr also understood the situation and stood back-to-back, prepared for a final battle.
“Them?” But Robin had a different opinion. “They’ve already done more than their share.” He then pointed to himself with his right hand. “This is my fight. Even if someone helps me, it will be myself!”
“…?” The Dark Executioner paused, puzzled by those words.
But the confusion didn’t last long.
Robin waved his right hand.
*Huum.*
A small space portal opened beside him, and out stepped a human-sized figure—a muscular man with long hair, wearing a loose robe. It was Arkalon, who began looking around with furrowed brows.
Then—
*Hooooooooooom.*
Purple stars began appearing in the sky, one after another.
Until the total reached ten.
Those stars began raining a heavy purple substance down on Arkalon alone. His body began to blaze, and the pressure he exuded quickly grew heavier.
Then something even stranger happened.
*Hwoosh.*
The Huge Golden Eye released its light upon Arkalon, enveloping him in an additional, more imposing layer.
"...?!" The Dark Executioner halted, her expression shocked.
"Arkalon, today's battle may end in death." Robin spoke very calmly. "What is your weapon?"
"...." Arkalon sighed as he beheld hundreds of thousands of beasts of various sizes, then extended his hand toward Robin. "Give me Seraphim, and I'll handle it."
Whoosh
The Pen flew from Robin's side to Arkalon's hand instantly.
Arkalon raised the pen and began twirling it between his fingers.
Then he started to laugh, "Hehe, I haven't tested a battle in a long time... hehehe... I've been longing to try out this pen, you miser, hehehe."
Then he looked toward the largest adult space beast and shouted, "Hahaha, looks like it's going to rain shit over your heads today!"