Chapter 713 The One Above All (2)
The silence that followed Rood's words was palpable, so much so that it felt like they could hear each other's heartbeat echoing as the after-effect of the information disclosed. All eyes were fixed on either Ashton or on Rood.
On the other hand, Ashton remained unaffected by the revelation, at least on the surface. But a lot was going on inside his mind. [The One Above All], he had heard that name countless times by now, and every time he did, it seemed that man's power had grown even more.
Before his encounter with Kro'Han, Ashton had assumed that [The One Above All] was another Precursor as, in his eyes, they were the strongest creatures to have ever existed.
But after hearing what Rood had to say, he was even more fascinated with such a being. Someone who was stronger than the Precursors... someone who could defeat kro'Han in the blink of an eye.
"So you're telling me... Ashton is the son of the leader of the Precursors?" Astaroth mumbled, wondering if Ashton knew about it beforehand because he didn't look surprised.
Ashton heard Astaroth but refrained from either confirming or denying anything. Instead, he turned towards Rood and asked the most obvious question.
"[The One Above All], where can I find him?"
Lord Rood shrugged before replying, "I'm honoured that you think someone as insignificant as me would know that information, but no, I don't."
Ashton nodded and went silent again. He was hoping he could somehow persuade this [The One Above All] character to help them subdue Kro'Han or something, but it seemed like it would be impossible.
Why would Jo'Han urge Rood to tell him about something from the past? Could it be that Kro'Han was somehow related to the mysterious creature? Or was it his father's way of warning him about more precarious threats?
Ashton was hoping the meeting would give him an answer to deal with Kro'Han, but it did everything but that. And then it hit him... that creature was the only one to have ever defeated the Precursors and, by extension, Kro'Han.
'Do I need to get as strong as that creature or something?'
The more Ashton thought about it, the more precise the picture got. Jo'Han was also the first Grim Reaper and had informed Ashton that it would be his biggest strength.
'Could it be... He wants me to resurrect that creature!?'
Ashton's eyes widened as he considered resurrecting the beast. While it would ensure their victory, it was too reckless to even consider. There was no way Jo'Han would want his son to risk the safety of the entire universe just to defeat Kro'Han.
'No. I'm not resurrecting whatever that thing was... No, until I have tried every other means of victory,'
Ashton sighed, pushing such a dangerous thought out of his head. But there was something he needed to confirm from Lord Rood.
"The war my father talked about," he mumbled. "Do you know where it took place?"
Rood nodded, "Celestria's Verge."
"The edge of the galaxy?" Astaroth commented.
"Precisely," Rood commented before turning his attention towards Ashton. "Why do you ask?"
"To visit it, of course."
Rood had expected Ashton to request something along those lines, but he hadn't thought he would be so straightforward. Even then, Rood knew he had to make some things clear first.
"Ashton," Rood began cautiously, "you do realise that the place where the Precursors fought that creature has been forbidden for anyone to enter? Furthermore, the Precursors themselves placed defences to prevent unauthorised access."
"I'm aware of that. But I'm a Precursor, too, and I have the right to go there," Ashton replied, his eyes filled with confidence. "No defence can keep me out of there; anyone who tries will regret it."
Rood sighed, realising that challenging Ashton's resolve would be futile. Still, he had to try.
"It's a dangerous place, Ashton. Even the Precursors chose not to tread there after that battle."
Ashton, undeterred, replied, "I can handle danger. Besides, I need to understand more about Kro'Han, and if there's information on how to defeat that fucker, I want it."
"If that's what you want, then... I'll accompany you to the forbidden zone," Astaroth, observing the exchange, finally stepped forward. "We'll leave after the council meeting."
"Very well," Rood sighed in defeat. "If that's what you want, then you have my blessings."
Ibis, always eager to participate in risky endeavours, expressed her desire to join the expedition. However, Astaroth, with a protective concern, declined her offer.
"Celestria's Verge is harsh and unforgiving. I cannot risk your well-being, Ibis," he commented. "Besides, someone needs to monitor Kro'Han, and I can't think of anyone more suitable than you."
"...I know you just want to get rid of me, but fine. I'll do it." Ibis scoffed before smiling.
Astaroth's golden eyes softened a rare display of emotion. "I promise, Ibis. We'll be back before you know it."
"Also, I'd need to contact Earth and tell them it might take a while longer to get back," Ashton mumbled. "They will not be happy about it, but it is what it is."
"Ibis can help you with that as well," Rood said. "I hope that's everything you need as of now."
"Yes, you have been more than helpful, Lord Rood," Ashton respectfully commented.
Rood nodded before retiring to his room, leaving them alone. Ashton then turned his attention towards Lucifer, who smiled as he greeted the former.
"How have you been?" Ashton asked. "I can't believe such a scrawny man was behind such aggressive system notifications."
"Try dealing with someone with two intelligence points and see what happens to you," Lucifer chuckled.
"You're still on about that?" Ashton joined in and laughed. "Sometimes, even I have a difficult time believing how pathetic I used to be."
"Used to be?" Astaroth commented. "You mean you aren't anymore?"
"I'm not anymore since you now have a body of your own," Ashton retorted.
Meanwhile, Ibis silently watched the trio banter like old friends. She couldn't help but wonder how things would have been if Astaroth had never died to begin with.
'We'll probably be married, right?'
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