In less than ten seconds after I let my Transcendent Aura burst forth and stretched it to its limit, it was eventually met by another Transcendent Aura.
Obviously, that one was released by the Rank 3 Transcendent currently on the other side of this world. He must've been shocked as his Transcendent Aura felt like it was hastily conjured with enough rage to make my Companions grimace even if they're protected by my own aura.
Battling it head-on, I noticed how his Transcendent Aura was overwhelming, rampageous even. He released it with the clear aim of trampling over mine. Most likely, he found it impertinent that somebody else suddenly made a show of force. He hadn't thought that there would be another Rank 3 Transcendent near him and it must've made him furious. Furious enough to even start rushing over here.
That's right. He's now on his way to intercept us even though I hadn't soared through the skies yet.
Having been told of their task at hand, Yuko and the others were still preparing but they were more than ready to engage another Rank 3 Transcendent in a battle if need be.
Thinking about his appearance that I spied earlier as well as considering how most people from a Physique-type World were muscleheads, this kind of behavior he's showing was fairly natural. Even my Erin tried to ask me for a duel the day we first met just to prove how strong she was.
In any case, it's too bad for this scar-faced Rank 3 Transcendent, whatever he's planning to do by rushing over wouldn't happen.
As soon as I felt that resistance coming from him, I exerted a little more Energy Control, stabilizing and strengthening my Transcendent Aura, halting his supposed domination over mine. My Companions as well as the dragon couple's expressions relaxed as they stopped being influenced by his Transcendent Aura.
Nonetheless, I stopped at a level where he would be crushed. We're not here to clash against these foreign Space Vessel Fleet. Moreover, it's not a sound strategy to put an opponent that I planned to fork information out be in dire straits right away.
Even if we could stand our ground against them, this Mortal World could very well say goodbye to existing if the fleet consisting of more than fifty Space Vessels rained down attacks on it.
With my Transcendent Aura matching the opponent's evenly, a silent yet chaotic invisible battle began between us. Even though there's not a direct clash yet, sparks and streaks of lightning almost rendered the visible space to crackle from the intensity.
Nonetheless, that was all flair. It could make someone faint if they got hit in the middle of it but there's no backing force with that clash.
"… Whoever that is, he's strong enough to make Dai-kun smile in excitement."
I heard Yuko comment from behind me while my other Companions who were close to our current level nodded in agreement.
Am I smiling? Perhaps.
That's because the scar-faced Transcendent was on another level than those three Rank 3 Transcendents who invaded Earth or the Energy Clones I encountered before.
He's also close to being a Rank 4 Transcendent. If they sparred with him in a virtual space, more than 90% of the time, they would lose. Yes, even Yumiko with her Spirit Channeling would lose.
Well, like I mentioned, we didn't necessarily have to fight each other. If he could come down for a conversation with me, there's no reason to turn this Mortal World into a battlefield for fairly strong or rather, destructive Transcendents such as us.
"Do I look like a battle-maniac, Yuko?"
"Maybe? Back in our previous life, you always said you were only going to accompany us but before we knew it, half of the world was already chasing for our life."
When the others heard that, they all started laughing and giggling. Dannae even said, "That sounds like typical Daisuke. When he had just gotten out of the Door of Transcendence, he didn't hesitate to confront and challenge the two, established Transcendents of our world."
Nysia chimed in, "I was planning to rush over that day! Husband is a complete battle maniac!"
However, with the way she said it, the girl was taking a jab at me which resulted in more laughter.
"That's not my fault! There were just worlds where those second generations didn't know any better than to drag their world down by being arrogant when their capabilities were just so-so. And Nysia, I'm not a battle maniac. You all know I mostly fight a battle I can definitely win."
The only battles I came out defeated were those hopeless ones. Right, just like that time with Remilia. It's not even a fight…
With all of them becoming relaxed, I soon told them to prepare and move out.
And around five minutes later, I could finally sense the approaching Rank 3 Transcendent.
While the others scattered to get to their task while guided by the Incarnation of the World's Will, I led the three women I picked and soared through the sky, charging through the airspace to meet the Rank 3 Transcendent halfway.
As soon as we reached a certain distance, the scar-faced Transcendent stopped and hovered in the air, his arms crossed haughtily while his eyes stared down at me.
He didn't even give the girls around me so much as a glance. It's as though they're insignificant.
What arrogance. Should I at least take him down a peg or two before negotiating with him?
His murderous focus settled down on me, most likely trying to see if I would be uncomfortable with it.
Unfortunately, I felt nothing of the sort.
With my memories, I met so much more frightening existence, whether they're Source Energy beings or not. Since he's only around my current level, there's no way I would be intimidated, much less be afraid.
"Who are you?"
"No. Who are you? I don't recall inviting a Space Vessel Fleet into this Mortal World. Even more so, you started digging its surface. What's your objective?"
Meeting his strong front with the same intensity, I firmly put my act as though I was a guardian of this world. Zerina, Reinys and Lunaria flew forward as though they were ready to unleash a storm of attacks at my command.
I very much like to see how much they have improved but it's not the right time yet.
Besides, like what I suggested earlier, they took on the same intimidating stance while staring outside or specifically at the Transcendents watching us from inside their Space Vessels.
Understanding that I wouldn't just become a pushover, the scar-faced Transcendent took a moment to observe us. He seemed to be communicating telepathically as though hearing a report from someone else.
A while later, he refocused his gaze on me and an overwhelming force suddenly bloated with him as a center, trying to engulf the four of us.
This guy. He chose violence, huh? Can he even afford to test us?
Anyway, I was about to see that when I heard Zerina's voice echoing in my mind.
"Daisuke, let me. Just watch over and support me with your buffs."
As soon as her voice ended, Zerina leaped forward and unsheathed her short swords, easily slashing out the thick visible force. It easily cracked and shattered like glass, making a new uncorrupted space for her.
Following that, her gray-colored domain spread open and her four gray armored Pillar Guardians were summoned around her, their bodies glowing in Runic Symbols as their flowing black capes fluttered against the wind.
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