As the explosion occurred, the area rumbled and shook. The explosions were grand enough to cause some nearby trees to fall, making it quite difficult for the audience to watch and protect themselves. Ashley quickly pulled out a few pellets and threw them forwards.
"Lord Atlantia: Dome!" yelled Ashley as the pellets started to glow in bright blue light.
Ashley's hands were extended outwards with hands wide open to power the dome. Each pellet started emitting a large holographic shield and merged. Ashley's emblem on his eye started to shine radiantly, showing the full force of having Mavislin's powers.
The dome fully covered everyone except the battling participants. Z could only look at the skinny man with confused eyes. No word came out despite how big his mouth was.
"How did you use Lord Atlantia? We only allow the main six to use them. Hell, we can't even use other Ancient Relics. So how could you wield Lord Atlantia without Mavislin around?!" asked Gillian, effectively speaking Z's mind.
"I've got the emblem of the Pillars engraved into my eye. It creates a direct channel to Mavislin's arsenal. However, I can only do it once a day. And not all spells can be channeled through. This version of Lord Atlantia does not exist in her stockpile of spells."
"Since I couldn't drag out the actual Lord Atlantia, I had to make do with just a fraction of it while using my pellets as a foundation. A backbone for a spell. Hey, it worked better than I had expected it to, so I'll call that a win. I thought you would know about this fact, Headmaster."
"Ultimately, you were the one who established the rules of the Arks with your wife. Or am I mistaken to have thought so? You know, these emblems aren't just for show on the members' bodies. They hold meaning purpose, more than just a decoration."
"This thing in my eye connects me to my boss and gives me the protection I need against certain ailments. For example, it helped the Slayer Pillar advance within potent areas of poison. It also enabled the Spearman to activate the Forbidden Dance when she had not mastered it."
"I didn't expect Mavislin to master the use of the emblem so early into controlling her Pillars. I'm her father figure, so I've got every right to mess you up to seven ways to Sunday if you mistreat my daughter by taking advantage of her power," replied Gillian, pointing at Ashley.
"You do notice that Mavislin has the smallest Ark in terms of staff strength, right? There's a reason for it, you know. Not anyone can be a Pillar. They must have shown Mavislin that they were willing to work for her without caring for a reason. We are no more than weapons," replied Ashley.
"Are you sure about that, Marksman? You don't sound like you've all your dogs barking in there. Because it sounds like you've got no clue who you're working for, boy. Watch your tongue, or else I might have to sever it for talking about Mavislin like that," threatened Z, with his head to the side.
"You're quite the aggressor, Head of the Blizzard Faction. You made yourself sound like Sir Baldwin Noble. But it would be best if you let someone finish their sentence first before butting in. It's proper manners. It would help if you learned it," glared Ashley.
The Marksman held a dangerous smirk as he delivered the sentence with anger. It was lucky for the children to be at the back of Ashley. Or else they would've started crying with the face he pulled. But, Z and Gillian remained unfazed by the defiance of the Marksman.
"Well, one thing's for sure. You hadn't changed your attitude from before you died," commented Z, looking away.
"I mean, I died with this attitude, so it's highly like it would follow me even beyond the grave. As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, the Pillars are supposed to use as weapons within the battle. If war was to break out, the Pillars are sent to the frontlines first."
"Now, before you want to throw me over a tower, hear me out. I got this information from Baldwin, but when I confronted Mavislin about it, she scolded me. She mentioned that she wanted to treat all of her underlings as if we were her kids. Thus, we were granted the use of the emblems."
"But she believes in fair trade. So, in turn, we are to serve her in missions for protection and power. And, Mavislin told me about how you are hiding the true use of the emblem from all of the Founders. It kinda sounds shady to me, Headmaster," growled Ashley, raising an eyebrow at Gillian.