novelraw Chapter 185 185 | Timeskip: Remembrance Long Forgotten
Chapter 185 185 | Timeskip: Remembrance Long Forgotten
The Dominion Enclaved fortified its border, expanding the defense lines that separated the central region and the outside world. To those outside, the reason for the expansion was clear. The greatest threat of humanity and vampires was preparing for war.
In the Federation was the reformed government led by the Paragons of humanity. Looming over them was the strongest of humanity, the White Devil, Alastair Glass. She walked into the marble hallway, the Rogue Blade strolling beside her.
The doors to the assembly room opened as the higher echelons of the Federation rose and bowed before the Sentinel of the Federal Government. Reverence was embedded into their heart and minds.
With a gesture, Alastair calmed the higher echelons and sat on her chair in the middle of the assembly room. She was the High Consul of the Federation. In simpler terms, she had become its emperor. To be expected from the strongest.
"I have heard reports from the border regarding the enclave..."
Indifferent words escaped from her supple lips tinged with arrogance. It was as though she was aloof before worldly affairs. A goddess who couldn't care less about the mortal realm.
The Prime Minister of the Federation nodded and added. "Indeed, Consul Glass. The Dominion Enclave are establishing defense lines throughout their borders, north and south. According to our strategists, we have a few weeks before the invasion."
Hearing the words of the Prime Minister, Alastair was deep in though as though something was reminding her heart and mind. She didn't know where it came from, but for an unfeeling entity like her. It was important.
After all, over a decade had passed since she felt a tinge of emotion.
"Contact the generals of the military... Prepare the economic sectors for a war economy. The monsters in the center of the New World has finally made their move. Caution is paramount, otherwise we will be consumed by them."
Alastair declared, her indifferent words echoed throughout the assembly room. The higher echelons of the Federation bowed in agreement while the Rogue Blade stood beside her like a lonesome guard.
She gestured for them to leave the assembly room, giving her some breathing space.
Glancing at the higher echelons for one last time, Alastair sighed to herself. Since her awakening as a metahuman, she never thought of becoming the ruler of humanity. It never came into her mind for she didn't care much about authority.
But it all changed during the Revolution.
In the end of it rebellion, her faction almost broke apart because of power struggles. Some of them even dared to stab her in the back. It was the first time she got angry. Through her power alone, she subdued the entirety of humanity.
To think that the rebel would become the next tyrant.
It made her wonder if this was destiny?
"Francine... what do you think about the Enclave?" The gorgeous silver-haired lady turned her pearl-like eyes towards her lone guard. The Rogue Blade, betrayer of the Espada Clan. An ally, a partner, and a close-friend.
"Its existence is an anomaly within the New World..." Francine responded tacitly and continued. "Humans and vampires coexisting to worship monsters. It sounds like it came from a nightmare. I doubt the Clan wouldn't feel the same."
Alastair nodded in agreement, recalling when she first became the High Consul of the Federation. Other than the great divide during the Revolution, the establishment of the central nation has also forced her to take the reigns for herself.
"Indeed, the establishment of the Dominion Enclave was abnormal. The individual behind it is a powerful intelligent Aberrant who wielded monsters capable of overpowering me and the progenitor."
"Most of the time they had been silent, barely making any moves in the border. But such a peculiar country has been a threat to the New World for a long time."
"Now that they are preparing for war... It is without a doubt that most Paragons will have to stand in the frontlines. Otherwise, human cities would be devastated in the fiery flames of conflict. I believe that I will die in this war, Francine."
"Many more Paragons will also die in this battle."
"But I want you to be ready for it, prepared to take my seat as the High Consul when the time comes. Surrendering ourselves to the Dominion Enclave or continue fighting until the end."
"The decision will be for you to choose."
Hearing the words of the strongest, Francine was somewhat dumbfounded and sighed to herself. "You're not joining the war expecting to die are you? There must be some other way you can survive."
"I am the pillar and hope of the Federation. As long as I exist and keep fighting, humanity will never stop resisting. In the eyes of those below me, I am unstoppable."
"But even eternity has its end. Humankind must come to the realization that the moment I fall. Defiance would only breed destruction. I have spent no longer than a decade building the Federation."
"It might not be the utopia we dreamed of when we rebelled against the Clan. Regardless, it is the home we built for ourselves. I'm sure you understand what I desire, Francine." Alastair's pearl-like eyes remained aloof.
She didn't fear death for all things must come to an end. Whether it'd be natural death or otherwise, she had long been prepared to face it all alone. Just as she did long ago when she became the High Consul.
The Rogue Blade understood that there was no changing the mind of the strongest. Francine could only clench her teeth, acknowledging that despite the second strongest human in the New World.
That title became a shackle that prevented her from fighting alongside with her partner.
"I understand, Alastair. I'll see through it and ensure the Federation doesn't get devoured by its defiant flame." Francine could only yield for the moment, understanding the stubbornness of the one before her.
The assembly hall grew silence, a sense of tranquility and trepidation mingled like dancing stars. No one knew of their destiny, no one understood their fate.
No one remembered the Aberrant of the SIGIL Seventh Division.