Location: Upper Floor of the Sacred Temple
The sacred hall, whose ceiling could not be seen and whose pillars vanished into darkness, was wrapped in an oppressive silence. Even the flickering candlelight offered no comfort on the contrary, it only made the pressure more apparent.
Arthur took a heavy breath. When his voice echoed, it felt as though the temple itself had spoken.
Arthur: Let the meeting officially begin.
For the first time, the strongest Guardians of the world had gathered in such a confined space. Each of their auras was a disaster on its own; the air warped, and fine cracks spread across the stone floor.
But among them, the most abnormal presence was Arthur.
His aura was beyond measurement. It completely covered an area nearly one hundred meters wide, bending the very space around him. Even looking directly at him required sheer willpower.
Arthur turned his gaze toward Rick.
Arthur: Why do you think all of us are here, Rick?
Rick's shoulders were tense. Sweat streamed down his forehead, his breathing uneven. The combined pressure of the Five Kings' auras was crushing him; the fact that he was still standing was a miracle. Even so, he clenched his teeth and steadied his voice.
Rick: We're here because Liberty has returned.
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.
Arthur: Correct.
Another voice cut through the silence cold, sharp, and impatient.
- - - : I have only one thing to say, Arthur.
Arthur turned to his left, his gaze sharpening.
Arthur: And what is that?
- - - : Execute him immediately.
Arthur's aura spread outward.
But the word slightly was deceptive.
The hall shook violently, as if an earthquake had risen from deep beneath the ground. Dust fell from the pillars, candle flames bent sideways. The four kings and Rick were crushed under the pressure; their legs began to give way. Rick bore the heaviest burden of all.
Arthur's voice hardened.
Arthur: Do you think immediate execution is appropriate, Mr. Danial?
The aura pressed down on Danial, yet he held his head high.
Danial: You are correct.
Danial Fitness.
The War King.
Appearance: He has red hair and dark crimson eyes. He wears only armor on his upper body, with nothing underneath. There is a claw mark scar over his eye. He is 2.12 meters tall and 52 years old.
Another voice intervened calm, but cautionary.
- - - : Please stop spreading your aura. The one who came to speak is in pain.
Thin streaks of blood ran from Rick's eyes. His knees trembled; breathing was difficult. Arthur noticed and withdrew his aura.
Arthur: Thank you for the reminder… Emma.
Emma: No problem.
Emma Snakeman.
The Serpent Queen.
Appearance: She has silver-colored hair and emerald-like eyes. She wears a white dress that is partially reinforced with armor. She is 1.78 meters tall and 34 years old.
Arthur turned back to Rick.
Arthur: Now then can you explain what Liberty has done?
Rick hurriedly wiped the blood from his face and cleared his throat.
Rick: The moment Liberty appeared, he clashed with Peter Fitness.
Danial's eyes widened for a brief moment. He stood up abruptly.
Danial: That idiot kid went and picked the worst possible opponent-
Arthur's gaze alone was enough to silence him.
Arthur: Continue.
Rick: He toyed with Peter, throwing him around like a doll. Then Liberty used his technique and everything around him was erased.
A deep sigh came from one corner of the hall.
Arthur turned his head.
Arthur: What is the reason for that sigh, Marcus?
Marcus: According to history, his ability is the Erasure Technique. You know that better than anyone, Arthur.
Marcus Diesel.
The King of Justice.
Appearance: He has brown hair and black eyes. He wears a full black suit. He is 1.80 meters tall and 39 years old.
Arthur spoke slowly.
Arthur: Liberty Sacred is known as the King of Demons… but he has another title...
Another voice finished the sentence.
- - - : God Eraser… or God Slayer. But the most well-known title is: God Eraser.
Marcus: Interrupting Arthur and finishing his sentence takes courage, Scarlett.
Scarlett: How someone as stupid as you became a king is beyond me.
Scarlett Deathclaw.
The Witch Queen.
Appearance: She has blonde hair and orange eyes. She wears a red dress that is actually composed of powerful, fully concealed armor. She is 1.66 meters tall and 38 years old.
Scarlett turned her gaze to Rick.
Scarlett: Putting that aside seriously, how did you allow this to happen?
Rick frowned.
Rick: Allow what, exactly?
Scarlett's lips curled into a thin smirk.
Scarlett: Instead of sealing Liberty immediately, you stood there watching. And because of you, someone died.
Rick's teeth ground together.
Rick: How was I supposed to know?! Without seeing his face, I thought he was just an awakened participant not Liberty!
Scarlett: So what?! Even then, you-
Arthur: SILENCE!
Arthur released half of his aura.
The hall nearly collapsed. The air grew unbearably heavy; breathing became impossible. Knees felt as if they would sink into stone. Emma instantly moved to Rick's side and formed an energy barrier, slightly easing the pressure.
Arthur: Scarlett, we are discussing a serious matter. Yet you choose to target someone who is not at fault.
Scarlett's face paled. Her eyes welled up, her voice trembling.
Scarlett: I'm sorry… I'm sorry…
Rick stepped forward, his voice filled with desperation.
Rick: Jack Horizon… the one carrying Liberty. That child has a bright future. Please, do not execute him. If anything happens, let the responsibility be mine I beg you…
Arthur's eyes widened slightly. His aura slowly faded.
Arthur: Jack… damn it. What kind of fate is this…
Marcus watched in shock. The others finally managed to breathe again.
Arthur lifted his head.
Arthur: The decision has been made. Jack Horizon will not be executed.
Rick: Oh…
Arthur's voice hardened.
Arthur: However.
Rick: However…?
Arthur: I will take him as my student and train him properly.