Location: Inside of Star Palace—Colosseum
[Unconcious State]
Feldway's POV
My whole body ached—deep, gnawing pain running through every nerve. I expected difficulty, sure. But this? This went way beyond anything I planned for. That vortex trap in the center… yeah, I got too confident.
But more than the pain… that dream at the end. What the hell was that? And what happened to my body the moment it ended? The last thing I remember is the sound of someone declaring my victory.
Still… the bigger mystery is—who was that person in my dream?
At first, I thought it had to be some kind of mental interference. Magical influence, maybe? But no—that doesn't make sense. I analyzed that flame vortex thoroughly before it collapsed. There wasn't a single trace of any magic capable of messing with the mind.
So what then? Subconscious reaction from stress? No. That's both, first—it's stupid and second—it's illogical. It wasn't some blurred hallucination.
I combed through every scrap of data from the fight, compared it to what I know about Ultimate Skills. Obera's technique, Dino's abilities, even the Primordials' sub-skills—none of them could create that kind of intrusion… I mean, that's what Veldanava told me.
That leaves only one possibility… and one Ultimate Skill I know of that could do it—Michael.
But I'm its only user.
So, what the hell was that?
"Wakey, wakey! You've had enough rest—time to get up and face the speech I've been preparing for so long!"
A voice cut through the haze in my head.
I forced my eyes open, vision blurry, body still aching. And there he was.
Veldanava.
I had a ton of questions for him. I cut straight to the point with a thought-link.
'You didn't tell me you gifted them Ultimate Skills. I thought I had the advantage. Why did you give them that?'
'To make the fight more interesting,' Veldanava said casually. 'But to be fair, I did give you an advantage too.'
'How exactly did I have any advantage?'
'You have complete authority over those who wield angelic Ultimate Skills. Obera. Dino. Their power bows to yours. That was my little gift to you.'
That… actually lined up. Regalia Dominion did activate against the golem. I wasn't trying to manipulate minds, but it happened anyway.
'I don't intend to use those mind-control features on conscious beings. It's not my style.'
Veldanava laughed. 'But you did use it on that golem. Smart move, by the way.'
'Wait… does the golem have a will of its own?'
I paused, thinking it over. No. It didn't. It just followed commands. It could mimic pain, yes, but there was no awareness there.
'Then it doesn't matter to me,' I decided.
'Hmm… I see. Interesting mindset,' Veldanava mused. 'But enough talk—it's time for my fabulous speech. And an extra announcement!'
I cut the link off before he could go full drama mode.
Sitting up slowly, the pain dulled into something I could manage.
Dino and Obera were kneeling before me. I just waved a hand dismissively, not sure how to process it. Do they actually mean it? Or is this temporary?
Either way, the atmosphere felt… different. Heavier. Like the future had just shifted in a way I didn't see coming.
And I wasn't sure if I should be ready for it—or concerned.
Veldanava's POV
"And therefore—Feldway, as the result of your victory in this spectacular duel, I now grant you the title of Angelic Right Hand!"
Heh. What a title. That's the biggest promotion I've handed out since… well, since beginning of time and space. Am I not the kindest Creator?
Feldway blinked. "What does that mean? Do I have to work with you directly or something?"
"Of course! Not just that—you're also the new second-in-command of the Primordial Angels!"
His expression shifted. He didn't seem to like the sound of it.
"Are they even okay with me being in that position?"
I turned to the six. "You heard him. What do you say?"
Zalario stepped forward. "We have no objections. Feldway has proven his strength. We look forward to serving with him."
The others nodded in unison. Loyalty? Maybe. Respect? Possibly. Fear? Definitely a factor.
I opened a new thought-link with Feldway. 'See? They respect you. You've earned this.'
His reply came with cold logic. 'They said the right words. But words are cheap. Respect is earned through understanding, and trust takes time. They don't know me. And I don't know them.'
Interesting. So he has grown, but he's still human at the core—too grounded in emotion, even if buried under layers of logic.
He's more dangerous than before.
'…Veldanava.'
'Nothing more. Just accept your position,' I snapped, then closed the link.
Back to the crowd.
"I have another announcement," I said. "But this colosseum isn't the right place for it. So—Abracadabra: Teleportina!"
To be continued…