Chapter 2254

2254 - Checkmate

When the Archon was still a user of the Fourth Level of Causality, he caused disasters wherever he went. No matter how much the Behemoths tried to besiege and kill him—for being one of the fiercest Candidates of the All-Knowing God, or the All-seeing God, or whatever his name was—he only caused more horrors.

Until the day he broke through to the Fifth Level. He fought three Behemoths and won with great difficulty, but he did not kill them.

He declared that he would abandon his old ways, would no longer follow the same path, and would seclude himself to contemplate the world, leaving a number of his disciples and followers to manage his affairs peacefully… And of course, those disciples and followers were the ones who established what is now known as the Syndicate—the most despicable thing to ever happen in the history of the universe, yet still better than the Archon acting on his own.

Of course, this is from the Behemoths' perspective.

That is why no one stood in the Syndicate's way as it expanded; instead, they helped it to earn points with it.

Do they regret it today, now that the Syndicate has grown to such size and power? Most of them do. But it is too late… Even without the Archon's involvement, the Syndicate alone has become a monster that cannot be negotiated with.

"The Archon's decision to intervene saved the universe from falling under the control of the All-Knowing God and his followers, and gave us the ability to fight so that our rule remains in our own hands." Marlik tilted his head slightly, clearly reciting words he had memorized. "But he does not want to fight directly. All of you know his history with the All-Knowing God and the reason he has not appeared for millions of years. This is no secret to anyone."

"Of course, of course, we greatly appreciate that." Zargul leaned forward in his chair. "That entity is now taking clear and grievous steps. I never imagined that the Cosmic Elder would also take his side." Then he showed a tense smile. "But... where is our front? Hahaha, we will fight against evil and everything, but ten thousand Fleets may not be enough against that strange creature and his minions."

"Your battle hasn't started yet, but you want to extort more benefits." Marlik laughed and looked around with a narrow, gleaming eye. "And you found no one but the Syndicate to try to extort?"

"!!..." The blood in Zargul's veins froze.

"My brother here did not mean that." Darvion quickly stepped forward. "He is merely asking if we have other allies or additional plans."

"Hmm." Marlik looked ahead once more. "If he's asking about reinforcements, then fine—there are indeed more. We'll give you a number of Nexus States and World Calamities to work alongside your armies, along with several weapons and ancient Arrays. The Archon does not intend to leave the outcome of the war to chance."

Then he offered a faint smile.

"Not after you've already suffered a crushing defeat."

"..." Darvion and Zargul fell silent.

Militarily and strategically, they had undoubtedly been defeated. Had it not been for the overwhelming power they and their sons possessed, their fate would have been sealed.

But as it turned out, this was not due to any shortcoming on their part. They were fighting a front that included the Cosmic Elder and the All-Knowing God!!

Then Marlik continued:

"...As for the allies on the front." He stressed the word, then went on with a smile. "We are currently in talks with a number of Behemoths surrounding you to bring them in officially."

"...In talks with them?" Darvion noted. "They didn't immediately comply with your orders?"

"The Archon gave us orders to proceed cautiously on this matter." Marlik nodded. "Our opponent is, after all, the All-Knowing God and the Cosmic Elder. It remains an enticing front for others to join, and we do not wish to pressure the other Behemoths into foolishly siding with them, unaware of that evil being's schemes."

Then he continued:

"Our negotiations with the Behemoth of Relativity are progressing well, and the Behemoth of Gravity is also moving steadily." He raised an eyebrow toward Zargul. "If the Behemoth of Gravity joins, it would be a great support for you in particular."

"..." Zargul nodded firmly.

Having the Behemoth of Gravity on the opposite side of the Behemoth of Time, Arkail, would allow him to harass and break the siege. That would be an immense help!

Then Marlik continued:

"As for the Savage, Zavarus, he's being very stubborn—he doesn't open paths for negotiation, but he doesn't close them either. It seems like he's waiting for something." Marlik rubbed his forehead slightly. "As for the Behemoth of Oppression, he said he has no intention of getting involved in this chaos."

"What about Helmor?" Zargul furrowed his brows deeply. "What did he say regarding the two fronts?"

Marlik laughed and fell silent.

"Why would that rogue Zavarus play games in a situation like this?" Darvion raised his voice. "After everything we've been through together, can't he take a simple stance like this?" Then he pointed in a certain direction. "He leaves the war we started together to rage on, and goes off to play with Helmor, while I—"

Darvion suddenly fell silent, his expression souring as he noticed something.

"...What exactly is going on here?"

"Heh~" Marlik laughed and turned toward the Sorcerer. "A while ago, we helped you gather all your remaining forces in Young Sector 98 and send them silently toward Young Sector 99. What happened to them?"

"They will arrive within a few days." Zargul showed a malicious smile. "And according to the orders they carry, the winds of this war will undoubtedly shift, even before your major reinforcements arrive."

"You'd better make sure of that." Marlik nodded twice. "Robin Burton is a man proud to the point of stupidity. After your last message to him, he sent nearly all his armies in Young Sector 99 to fight in Young Sector 98. All their wars there have stopped; every planet under their control or hostile to them has been emptied of every single soldier or vehicle belonging to the True Beginning Empire. Nothing remains effective on their affiliated planets outside the safe zone except those planetary police forces."

Then he smiled.

"...The safe zone, which contains the Nihari Galaxy, is now a paper tiger. Once you breach the defenses, which amount to no more than thirty fleets... your forces will find themselves in the heart of Nihari."

Then he chuckled.

"At that point, it will truly be checkmate—at least for his presence in the Young Belt, hehe."

Then he grabbed the armrest of his throne and stood up.

Instantly, all of Zargul the Sorcerer's sons bowed.

As for Darvion and Zargul themselves, they quickly stood up.

"Where to, Master Marlik? You still honor us with your presence."

"Continue planning your next wars." Marlik ran his hand through his soft hair. "...I will go visit your next comrade."