Chapter 1968: The Great Ancestor’s Decree
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Hours passed as the entire clan absorbed a wealth of knowledge through the long conversation and detailed explanations. Every participant in the event had the chance to speak and share their side of the story, bringing greater clarity to what had truly happened.
Later, the Great Ancestor acknowledged the members and participants of the Holy War. She reprimanded them, yet assured them that they remained under the alliance’s protection. She would not let them die in vain.
They also discussed the Chaos Gate incident, the confrontation against their boss, and their future plans. They speculated on what he and his daughter might be plotting, while exchanging vital intelligence about their current movements and recent activities.
After this, everything became clear to all clans in the alliance: Elayne was a Divine Heroic Spirit, Elena was her master, Harumi was the master of Yasuke, and so on. Everything was revealed. There were no longer any secrets.
The girls apologized for becoming involved in the Holy War. Elena was quickly forgiven, as she had unintentionally drawn herself into it by accident. Harumi, however, would face further reprimand once they returned home.
Once the conversations ended, the focus swiftly shifted to planning their next steps. The cleansing of the Canvas Bleed Phenomena had to continue no matter what. They could not simply pause it. Even if it risked their lives, it had to be done.
New magic, artifacts, and items were distributed to the teams and students. These tools were specially crafted to help them escape danger and report any attackers from the Holy War—or any other threats—while on duty.
Aside from that, they properly discussed their overall strategy and future actions now that they were all gathered together.
"Moving forward, we shall take some drastic measures," she declared, her voice stern. "Intense training will begin. We will distribute our methods, techniques, and magic more freely. We have been too stingy with them. It is part of our school’s duty to teach our students, yet we have failed to do so. We apologize.
"Aside from that, I shall create special reconnaissance teams. These teams will gather intelligence on the world around us and any emerging rumors. They will also be paid and commissioned to eliminate powerful threats that ordinary young students could not face. This will be known as the Cleansing Faction. And the leader has already been chosen... Elayne."
"...?"
Elayne’s eyebrows twitched in disbelief. She looked around, then pointed at herself, utterly stunned.
"M-Me?"
"That’s right."
"W-What?! But Your Majesty, I am merely a heroic spirit. I will fade away one day!"
"Then the duty will pass to the second-in-command, Matsuo’s father, Kensetsu-san."
"B-but..."
The Great Ancestor sighed.
"He was the one who insisted. It seems he wanted to give you motivation to keep moving forward. As you will be in charge of investigations and cleansing operations—along with all those you assign—it will grant you greater flexibility."
"And what is my mission, Your Majesty?"
Elayne felt genuinely perplexed but decided to go along with it.
"You will be assigned tasks and rewarded accordingly," she replied. "Later, once everyone else has left, we will speak more formally about your duties. From now on, rest assured that you will not be forced. It is entirely your choice to accept them or not. You will be rewarded handsomely. Both I and Amaterasu-sama believe you will accept them, as our interests align."
"Huh... I see. Well, thank you," Elayne nodded. "Is that all?"
"Because the current situation remains unclear at best, we will conclude this meeting here," said the Great Ancestor. "Everyone except those I have called to my side may leave."
Once everyone else had departed, leaving only the most important members, the Great Ancestor called Elayne to her side. Elayne nodded and approached with a sense of disbelief.
"Amaterasu-sama is waiting to speak with you about the current state of our world," she explained. "While eliminating the Canvas Bleed remains our top priority, she has pinpointed the likely location where Caster might be residing."
"Caster?!" Elayne and the others gasped. "Really, Your Majesty?"
"Quite possibly. The Kami have used their clairvoyance to accurately trace the supernatural wavelengths from which his powers originate," she said. "If he is eliminated, the phenomenon may weaken severely—or vanish entirely. It is in our utmost interest to destroy this threat that the Holy War has brought here. It continues to interfere with our already complicated lives and challenges..."
"You’re right," Elayne nodded.
"Another matter is the position of the Necropolis and the Nether Pillars that have risen across the country," the Great Ancestor continued. "One secret kept from the public is that a Necropolis suddenly appeared in the southern region of Japan. It has twisted the land around it. We believe it has become a portal to the Netherworld—a zone where the Demon King of Death’s forces are replenishing their strength to build an army capable of razing this entire country to the ground. We cannot allow that to happen."
"What?!" Elayne gasped. "No way we’re letting that happen! But these Nether Pillars... what are they?"
"Special catalysts of energy, resembling massive towers built from bone and flesh," the Great Ancestor explained. "The undead have placed them, protected by dimensional barriers and the power to twist reality around them, creating Field Dungeons. The more they raise, the stronger the Necropolis becomes. We have already destroyed one, thanks to Akatsuki-sensei’s help. Three more remain. If they are destroyed, the Undead Army will be severely weakened. Attacks have increased in recent days—undead, especially high ranking soldiers, emerging through gates are becoming more common. If all the pillars are taken down and the Necropolis is destroyed... Japan might be saved."
"Japan..." Elayne sighed. "I would like to eventually expand my range beyond this country! Would it be possible for you or Amaterasu to help me expand my range beyond this city, even while I remain a heroic spirit tied to the dragon veins beneath?"
"...I see," the Great Ancestor said with a smile, nodding. "So those were your intentions all along. You are a kind soul, Elayne. But a foolish one. Such immense responsibility should never rest on your shoulders alone."
"I know, but I was also summoned as a Counterforce to protect the planet—forged by the consciousnesses of this world," Elayne explained. "As long as I can continue growing... I will eventually become strong enough to save it!"
"?!"
Everyone was left speechless after hearing her words.
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