I learned a lot of things after our return to Earth. When me and Isaac got whisked away to Athiens, it was around early May when that happened. We spent around eight months in Athiens and then some. It is now the end of January. While that may not seem like a lot of time has passed, to me, it felt like a lifetime. Surprisingly, Earth had gone through a ton of changes while I was gone and now. There are now superhumans who are obviously stronger than regular humans. These superhumans are regarded as the cream of the crop and are high in demand for their skills. They are recruited as bodyguards for important officials or celebrities, work under guilds accepted by the Department of Mythical Affairs, or even live normal lives. Well, as normal as one with powers could live, I suppose. I'm pretty sure the government tries to keep a watchful eye on superhumans in case they do something they weren't supposed to do.
Furthermore, Mr. Reed kindly provided both Isaac and I with smartphones. Apparently, he sent out a quick text to some guy named Jared, who returned to the estate with a box of goodies. In it were two smartphones, two black cards with a chip reader, and a touchscreen watch. When I asked what they were for, the man simply said that they're for us. The black cards were credit cards that the extremely wealthy use. Since we were in the top five rankings, we are given special privileges as long as we swore to use our powers for good and follow the laws and all that. We accepted the gifts without so much as a thought. I think we were simply awestruck by the amount of cash we possessed in our hands. Back then, the black card felt heavy in my hands for a moment, but that feeling washed away when I realized I deserved this. After what I experienced, this is the least I could receive!
"We will arrive at our destination soon, Miss Hall."
"Already?" I muttered. "That was quick."
I was strapped to the back of a luxury black sedan with Jared as my driver. The interior was clean and sleek, with the seats being made of soft leather and the vents blowing a cool breeze. Jared was cruising along the streets of Los Angeles as I gazed out the polished windows. Rows of palm trees crowded the front of busy sidewalks as all sorts of characters were out and about. A few were topless- men and women, and many were fully clothed (thank god). I would count a few homeless people staring blankly at the sky while people leisurely walked by them. People minding their business would be absorbed in their smoking sessions or lunch breaks in front of shopping plazas or little fast-food restaurants. A lot of the buildings were closely knit, so it was easier for the people to commute wherever on foot. However, that doesn't mean the streets are empty. It was jam-packed with cars and buses! You'd be lucky if you could move a few yards in under two minutes. The light in front of us was red as a conga line of cars littered the road.
I decided it was time to stop gazing out the window and scroll through my new phone instead, an action I desperately missed. Last night, I had already downloaded all the apps I wanted and signed into websites I hadn't accessed in a while. For lodging, I slept over at Mr. Reed's mansion. Ten out of ten experience, might I add, given all the facilities that were readily available. If I wasn't using the facilities, I used my free time to check through social media to catch up on what I missed, gossip and all that. A girl like me is starved of technology and entertainment!
I was in a daze, rapidly scrolling down tons of tweets and stories, until Jared's voice interrupted me.
"I apologize for interrupting your relaxation, Miss Hall, but may I ask you a question?"
I looked up from my phone. "No need to be so formal, Jared. It's kind of weird, to be honest. Just call me by my first name. Also, what is it?"
How can you remain so composed at a time like this, Laila?"
"Uh, what do you mea- Oh…"
He's probably worried about the monster threat happening around the world. Yea… it isn't looking too hot for Earth right now. When I checked the internet to keep myself up to date, a lot of cities in many parts of the world fell to monsters. Fire-breathing creatures are burning cities to the ground. Seafolk are conquering small seaside towns and cities with their sheer numbers. The casualties are nearing billions and it is increasing every hour. Due to sheer luck, most of California got off scot-free since a few portals opened up in the state. California also contains a lot of strong superhumans too and they helped subjugate monsters that appeared. Honestly, I might consider living here…
"Jared, do you have any friends or families living outside of California?" I asked, returning my gaze outward.
Jared was quiet for a moment. "…I live with my wife and kids in Los Angeles and most of my friends live here too. Why do you ask?"
"I don't have any friends or anyone important that warrants my full attention, other than my brother and Sol. As for your question earlier, I wouldn't say I'm composed. Just numb."
"…I see." Jared whispered.
As if on cue, the light in front of turned green, and we continued driving in silence as my answer lingered in the air. I don't know whether my answer satisfied Jared. I think the man was afraid of what's coming, and I don't blame him for that since he has a wife and children he has to take care of. All he can do is hope that fortune favors him…
****
"Here we are, Miss. Laila." Jared announced, stepping out of the vehicle.
With a quick stride, the prim and proper man opened the door for me, which I happily thanked him for as I stepped out. The skies of Los Angeles had sparse clouds that reminded me of white cotton candy drifting along a blue canvas. It wasn't hot nor cold; the temperature was only dipping into the mid-sixties. I was comfortable in brand new clothes, a striped sweater that reminded me of a bumblebee, blue jeans with some holes, and white low-top shoes. I also did my hair into a small afro just so that I could let my hair breathe for a moment. Attending a hair salon was wonderful. As for where I got these clothes, I bought them myself! Jared was kind enough to drive me around as I shop for essentials and all that. I'll say, this black card I have is amazing! I don't have to worry about how much I spend! Is this the rich life celebrities and Dungeon Conquerors live? I might be having second thoughts here…
"Miss Laila?" Jared asked once more.
"Hm? Ah, my bad. I was a little distracted," I chuckled.
"No worries," Jared smiled. "Mr. Reed informed me he'll be waiting for you at the meeting place."
"Really? I guess it must be important then…" I mumbled. That man must be wanting to ask me a lot of questions about Athiens, the Pillars, and Cardinal Nicholas. I swear… Yesterday that guy bombarded me and Isaac with so many questions, my head throbbed! I mean, it's understandable. It's his job to be up to date with these kinds of things since he's in charge of the Department of Mythical Affairs…
I had been so deep in thought that I hadn't seen Jared enter the stylish sedan and he was already getting ready to leave.
"I have many important matters to attend to, Miss Laila. I hope you have a splendid day!"
With a quick wave and the sound of an engine roar, Jared sped off into the distance. I watched the car for a few seconds before turning around and heading inside Mr. Reed's mansion. Right when I entered through the mahogany doors, a tantalizing smell wafted through the air.
"Is that seasoned meat and pasta I smell?!" I gasped, my mouth watering. I was about to head to the kitchen and see what's up when something solid collided into me from behind.
In the corner of my eyes was Sol perched on top of my shoulder.
"I've only been gone for a few hours," I smiled, scratching the dragon's neck.
"Sol, I don't want to induce panic and have the FBI or something knocking on my doorsteps. Also, you know I hate warranting a lot of attention. I like to lie low if I can help it."
I simply rolled my eyes at the dragon's sass and headed for the shack at the back. Eating whatever is in the kitchen can wait.
"Sol, where's Sophie? Shouldn't she be taking care of you while I was out?"
"Really now…"
I continued my trek to the big shack and spotted Paul standing guard at the front entrance. He gave me a quick greeting and punched in some numbers, led me through the underground stairs, and ushered me inside the meeting place. Seated at the table were Mr. Reed, Sophie, and Joel. Quietly, I took my place right next to Sophie as she said hello to me and Sol.
"How was the shopping trip, Laila?" Mr. Reed said calmly.
"It was amazing. I didn't buy much, but I did a lot of exploration. Got my hair done, ate some tacos, admired the scenery… It was quite crowded."
Mr. Reed let out a hearty chuckle. "Ha! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I'm sure you missed Earth."
I rolled my eyes at his words. "Pfft. Tell me about it…"
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about what you mentioned yesterday, L-Laila…" said Sophie, fiddling with her fingers. "If I was in y-your position, all alone in a world unfit for me, I would p-probably go insane…"
Sol mumbled in my head. The dragon was stretching her little limbs while laying down on the cold surface of the table.
"I wouldn't even make it past a month if it were me," Joel grumbled.
"Thankfully, I was with my brother, so it wasn't too bad. Ah, speaking of brother, Isaac should be with Lana and Darion, right?"
"Precisely," Mr. Reed spoke up. "Darion has an eye for recruiting promising superhumans, and that eye of his fell upon those two. I'm sure he's taking good care of them as we speak."
My first impressions of Darion were that he seemed to be the serious loner-type that valued strength. The way he spoke to his teammates and his demeanor so far led me to believe that. After the meeting yesterday, he even asked me if I would like to join Dungeon Squadron, and I politely refused him. I don't hate him or anything like that. I just didn't feel like joining a guild with people like Darion and Isaac. As for Lana, she gives me the creeps. It's painfully obvious she dislikes all of us by the way her face somewhat contorts during conversation. She's way too sketchy…
"So, what did you want to talk about, Mr. Reed?" Joel said.
Mr. Reed wasted no time and said, "How much longer until the next stage?"
It was as if someone had just dropped a bowling ball down a skyscraper. Joel and Sophie sucked in their breaths as they glanced at each other anxiously.
"We got six days, according to the Missions Tab," I disclosed.
Mr. Reed blinked slowly at the news and sighed. "Six days? I was hoping for it to be longer, or never."
"Y-yea…" Sophie murmured.
"We have a lot on our plate, Sophie, Laila, Joel. And when I mean we, I mean humanity. There are threats at every corner of the world, and it seems like we've received the poor end of the stick."
Mr. Reed's forehead was creased, and the man, who is most likely stressed, is biting the corners of his lips. There was a certain alertness in his eyes as he looked each of us down, like a vigilant watchdog guarding their owner's home. Honestly, I hate to be in that guy's position having to shoulder some of the burden.
Mr. Reed drummed his fingers on the table. "Laila, if I'm not mistaken, you mentioned this fellow named Cardinal Nicholas."
"Uh, yeah. I mentioned him. He's a bastard. What about him?"
"Just to be on the same page, he was an extremely important figurehead in a land called Aglona, correct?"
"Aglona was also referred to as The Holy Kingdom. In a sense, the dude is like the pope."
Mr. Reed nodded his head. "Well, I have some information regarding him. Information I received from Enigma. A few days ago, I sent superhumans from Enigma, a guild that is the best of the best when it comes to exploration and espionage. New landmasses have popped up onto Earth and have occupied the Pacific, Atlantic, Southern, Indian, and Artic ocean. Scientists have also confirmed that the Earth has increased in size, yet they have not made the calculations to confirm this."
Wait, the Earth increased in size? I was not aware of this! If so, then how come my body doesn't feel heavier? Pretty sure the gravity of Earth would become stronger. Then again, I am a superhuman and my body is much stronger than a regular human so it wouldn't apply to me. Mr. Reed, however, doesn't seem the least bit bothered by the increase in gravitational pull. Either he's a superhuman himself or the thing about the Earth increasing in size is a bunch of bull… Wait, does that mean there's more land than water now? Or does water still reign supreme?
"The new land called Aglona is nestled in the South Pacific, so right near Chile. Enigma is also surveying the other lands posted around the world. Alas, they aren't the only ones. As expected, our government and other countries are scrambling to send their own men to these foreign lands, all in the name of protection and exploration."
"Just like the nineteenth century…" Joel mumbled.
"And the Age of Exploration," Sophie added in.
Hmph. It's understandable. What kind of idiot wouldn't try exploring these lands? Human curiosity is a sight to behold. It could satisfy or lead you to your own demise, depending on what you're curious about.
"Cardinal Nicholas' whereabouts have been determined," Mr. Reed said, finally bringing up the main topic. "According to Silver, he informed me that Cardinal Nicholas was en route to South America."
"South America?" I spoke up. "Is he sailing there? Their means of transportation is limited, compared to ours."
"You are right. The athios' technology prowess resembles that of the pre-nineteenth century. They are extremely far behind, so we have the upper hand in that department."
I narrowed my eyes at Mr. Reed. "Upper hand? What do you mean by that? You make it sound like-"
"We're preparing for war, aren't we?" a feminine voice interjected.
Joel, Sophie, Mr. Reed and I cocked our heads to the side, staring at the person who had just walked in; Camila. She was wearing a navy blue dress that reached her knees and white high-heel shoes. On her straightened hair was a straw hat that matched her heels.
"Tell me, señor Reed. What exactly are you planning?" Camila demanded with pursed lips.
"Camila… Aren't you supposed to be at a photo shoot?" Mr. Reed asked.
The woman clicked her tongue. "That's not important now, is it? What's important is that you answer my question."
"Aren't we impatient today…" Mr. Reed sighed. "I was going to get to that without you barging in like that, Camila. Come, have a seat."
Without being told twice, Camila strutted over, her hips swaying like a hypnotizing pocket watch, and sat next to the troubled Joel.
"To answer your question… Yes, we are preparing for war. However, we will not start it if we can help it. If the athios declared war on us and strikes first without even seeking peace with humans, then we would have no choice but to fight."
"Mr. Reed," said Joel. "If you've already started preparations for a war that may or may not happen, then are you saying that it's highly probable?"
Mr. Reed closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, as if the man was pondering his next words carefully. "I will not lie to you, Joel. We're already pressed enough as it is with monsters and all that. Adding that there are basically alien intruders on Earth, the other countries may not be so fond of sharing a planet with the athios. Countries are more than likely to impose what is normal and may force the athios to convert to their sense of normalcy upon them. Do you get what I'm trying to say?"
Joel paused for a moment and nodded. "Forcing our ideals and whatnot may not go over so well with the athios."
"Those with a conscious dislike being ordered around like dogs," Camila noted. "It breeds hostility, and that hostility festers into something terrible. Every war that has happened on Earth happened because of opposing ideologies, or something else. If you want to force your ideals on someone else, you either convince them you're right or rule over with an iron fist."
Oh wow. Camila has such a way with words. This woman not only has the looks, but her brain matches her beauty. Camila seems like a wise and well-spoken individual…
"I fear that war is inevitable," Mr. Reed continued. "The fact that this Cardinal Nicholas is heading to South America illegally and, with no warning might I add, could cause a rippling effect that will lead to war. A snowball spiraling down a snow-coated mountain. While we do not know his intentions, it is best that we-"
"Nah, I'm 100% sure Cardinal Nicholas is going to declare war," I sputtered. "I know him better than anyone in this room. That man will do whatever is necessary to satisfy the Pillars. If world domination is needed for the Pillars goals, that bastard will drop whatever he is doing in a heartbeat and enact it. Trust me on this. We need to act first."
Upon my announcement, the room was as still as a stalking predator, with everyone staring at me in silence. I know what I said is outrageous and possibly insane, but there is nothing else I can think of other than striking first. I know firsthand that Cardinal Nicholas cannot be reasoned with. That man is a loyal devotee of the Pillars, frighteningly so. I still haven't forgotten that this man waged war against Craidol just because they didn't believe in the Pillars' existence.
"I-If war is inevitable, then w-what do we do?" Sophie asked.
I glanced over at the troubled woman. "…I might have a plan. Don't know if it'll work, though."
Camila squinted at me, as if the woman was doubtful of me. "And what would that plan be?"
"Okay, follow along with my thought process here," I said, standing upright. "If you want to start a war, what do you need?"
"You need troops and resources foremost," Mr. Reed answered.
"Exactly. Cardinal Nicholas only has his archbishops and the troops of Aglona. As for resources, if he wants to wage war, then he would need a heap of weapons, troops, and necessities like food and water."
As if struck by a lightning bolt, Joel quickly rose from his chair. "Are you suggesting he'll rally all the athios to fight against us?!"
"If I were in his shoes, that's precisely what I'd do." I said grimly.
That man Nicholas isn't stupid in the slightest. He knows that fighting with only his own troops wouldn't end well in the long haul. He needs to prepare and bide his time, the cunning and conniving man he is. Cardinal Nicholas betrayed Solgen and Volken and led his colleagues to their deaths, squirming under the Pillars boot. He took advantage of the Pillars' authority to strike fear against the hearts of his brethren and created a religion out of it all in the span of a decade.
"H-hold on," Sophie murmured, catching the attention of everyone. "Didn't Mr. Reed say he's heading to South America? What b-business would he have there?"
"Probably surveying the area. Reconnaissance," Camila shrugged. "If I were in his tiny shoes, that's what I would do."
"Most likely sent the archbishops to other parts of the world too, for reconnaissance," I added in.
As I mentioned before, curiosity and all that. Now that I think about it, this reminds me of a quote Isaac used to repeat a couple of years ago. Something about knowing your enemy and yourself to succeed in battles. In this case, Cardinal Nicholas needs to know his enemies' capabilities and find countermeasures against them pronto, or else he'll face utter defeat. I don't want to toot our own horn, but we humans can be extremely stubborn. We also pack quite a punch. Not only that, but we have superhumans on our side too! On second thought, what the hell can the athios even do against us? We have the power and home turf. I really don't see how we'd lose in the confrontation…
"So basically, we have to worry about Cardinal Nicholas and the athios, the Pillars, monsters, and stages? We have our work cut out here…" Joel murmured, rubbing his forehead.
"Our w-worst enemies are the monsters, Nicholas, and the Pillars…" Sophie whispered.
Yea… we really pulled the short end of the stick here. All of this could've been prevented if Isaac and I did our jobs properly. We really wasted the chance the Grand Elder gave us to pursuit Cardinal Nicholas inside The Labyrinth. I should apologize to her soon whenever I can…
Like a lit-up firecracker, I unknowingly shot upward at a passing idea.
"Wait a minute! That's it!"
"What is it?" Mr. Reed said, exasperated.
"I just thought of a genius idea!"