Schordinger and Deviola successfully escaped.
A portal to another dimension, leading to different places, opened. Schordinger and Deviola emerged from it, a portal that only Deviola and those she permits may enter. Now, Schordinger could run in peace, slowing down slightly to preserve his energy for the next battle in the Kingdom of Valhalla.
They arrived at the abandoned main entrance to the Kingdom of Valhalla, shrouded in eternal clouds. It was a dark, barren wasteland where millions of living beings had once fought an inevitable war against the Evil King's army. The place had become a graveyard for swords, spears, bows, and other weapons used in the war. Even unknown technologies could be found, corroded and forgotten in this desolate land.
Deviola descended from Schordinger's hand and then slowly walked toward their next destination, having noticed someone who wished to greet them properly. Schordinger halted his movements, allowing his lord to walk past him. They then walked in sync, as a lord and her servant.
"Don't let your guard down, Schordinger. But I doubt they'll look trouble with us this soon." Deviola warns.
"I understood, my lord."
The man awaiting their arrival was shrouded in a dark aura and shadow magic, as though a serpent were coiling around his body. He wore a black oriental suit adorned with a lotus motif at the lower hem. His long black hair, sharp eyes, and pointed ears gave him the appearance of an elf. However, with his pale white skin and mastery of dark magic, he belonged to the race of dark elves.
With great confidence, Deviola approached the man, and the shadowy figure greeted her with utmost respect.
"I see, I understand, welcome back to our world, The Evil King, Diavolo." the man in shadow bowed deeply.
"No need for formalities. Tell me, what do you want from me. We're in a bit of hurry today." answer Deviola.
The man then raised his head, gazing at Deviola with full confidence, clearly appreciating her attitude from the moment she spoke to him. He smiled, let out a brief laugh, and spoke in a mysterious tone as the dark aura around him intensified.
"As expected from the lord of chaos, I truly am amazed by your show. Let me introduce my name first." the shadowy man then bent slightly, placing his left hand over his right chest while hiding his right hand behind his back, "The name's Sima Yi, I am the puppeteer of Weiss and Noir, Watcher of The World. I came from another world that surpasses this fantasy magic world. A world where strength of money and authority rules above all."
"Sima Yi? What an odd name."
"He was the man who shattered the legends of the three kingdoms in my land and united them as one. In my eyes, he was a hero, but modern society portrays him as a cunning villain. Truly fascinating. That's why I admire his name and use it as I please."
Schordinger had a bad feeling about this man. Despite his claims of being from another world, Sima Yi's mana flow structure resembled that of most people in this world. While Schordinger considered marking him as a liar, his story was convincing enough to be true. The dark elf might be hiding some mystery and conspiracy around them, but he hadn't anticipated it being this serious.
"I came here in the name of D.I.A.S to offer you a cooperation business that might piqued your interest. Would you like to hear?"
Knowing that Sima Yi is from an organization called D.I.A.S, Schordinger recalls that Noir had also extended an invitation to resurrect The Evil King. However, now The Evil King is present and has transformed into The Evil Queen. Schordinger assumes that Sima Yi might seek her cooperation to help them dominate the world, considering he is speaking with The Evil Queen herself. Yet, the possibilities are vast.
"D.I.A.S, eh? You're a shady organization that's tried to create new Evil King after my death two thousand years ago. But should I remind you, a lord hating having a rival, you know?" Deviola cynically stares at him.
Hearing her response, Sima Yi laughed. He had expected Deviola might reject him, believing his offer was good enough to mock her position as the resurrected Evil King. However, what he didn't anticipate was how quickly Deviola would recognize the hidden insult behind his offer before he even stated it. Deviola truly mesmerized Sima Yi in a strange way, as she could see his intentions as clearly as the day.
"Mwahahaha.... Good one, Evil King or should I call you, Evil Queen. Are you curious why we want to invent the new Evil King after we had one? It's because you're not qualified as one and never be qualified as one. Your methods are too soft, too kind to be an Evil King. And look at yourself now, you're as innocent as the birds who lives in the clouds.
The title you've earned as The Evil King is merely self-proclaimed, and the evil deeds you spread are nothing more than a justification to make others see you as such. But deep down, you are just a solitary figure who masquerades as evil while playing the role of a righteous saviour. Besmirching the name of evil by performing righteous acts behind the scenes, you see. Genocide can't be counted as an evil deed, as even the reaper has done the same.
"What kind of Villains are you?" ask Sima Yi using higher tone as if he was angry.
"Then if you put it like that, I am evil enough to make you cry about it, right?" Deviola put a smug face answering his question.
"You're evil."
Sima Yi then checked his ego and tried to regain his calm. He regained his composure instantly, as if he were speaking with them for the first time. The shadows around him also settled back to their previous calm state. Sima Yi then pulled a folding fan from his suit and began to fan himself.
"Today's sure hot as they said. However, this doesn't conclude our meeting as there's one last thing you should know about the resurrection of our new Evil King. I hope with this you're interested to join us someday." Sima Yi smiled ominously.
"Hoho... now we're talking. I guess I'll extend my talking session with you just for this one." Deviola interested.
"My pleasure then."
As I was saying, Sima Yi is a legendary figure who shattered the reign of the three kingdoms and united them as one. However, legends can be perceived differently depending on one's perspective. From another side of the world, they might be seen in a completely different light. Your legend as The Evil King is only known within the four kingdoms; beyond that, you are merely an ordinary girl in our everyday lives.
We, too, come from the outer world, beyond your four kingdoms. To us, you are merely an ordinary girl within our reach. Our vision for the new Evil King is to conquer the entire world, starting with your fantasies within the four kingdoms. And this is just the beginning.
Chaos reigns thanks to one of your subordinates' efforts in making one of our plans succeed, and it will continue as a domino effect. The four kingdoms will collapse, slowly but surely, drowning in their sea of greed. We, D.I.A.S, will orchestrate the chaos across this land and make you feel insignificant in light of your past achievements.
"Unfortunately, we still don't have enough resources to bring it to fruition. But the red thread of fate has never denied the awakening of a new Evil King. Isn't that right, Evil Queen?"
Deviola was stunned when Sima Yi mentioned the red thread of fate, as if he knew she had the ability to see into the future. She stared at him with a cynical gaze, accidentally emanating her wicked aura, causing most people to tremble before her presence. Sima Yi was no exception.
He laughed, pleased that he had succeeded in proving she possessed the ability to foresee the future. The wicked aura she emanated was evidence that she had been hiding this power. However, Sima Yi soon stopped laughing, as her wicked aura had touched his very soul, threatening to corrupt him if he lingered around her any longer.
"Then, I've told you what you need to know. We are waiting for your arrival." Sima Yi then moved closer to Deviola's ear and whispered, "Don't forget to tell your subordinates about the secrets you're hiding. Sooner or later, they will know."
Just like that, Sima Yi vanished into shadows and departed in an instant, leaving Deviola and Schordinger alone in front of the golden door, adorned with magnolia flowers growing like mushrooms on every side. Confused, Schordinger had no choice but to proceed as Deviola had instructed. Meanwhile, Deviola stood before the entrance to the Kingdom of Valhalla, lost in reminiscence.
Then Deviola realized that she had left her subordinates waiting while she stood idly in front of the entrance. She turned around and smiled beautifully at Schordinger, as if nothing had happened. However, her smile did not match her face; instead, it took on an ominous quality, as if she were about to do something dreadful to him.
"Ah, I'm sorry for making you wait. Let's go then to our next destination."
Schordinger, now accustomed to her smile, nodded and followed Deviola. Although he had thousands of questions in his mind, he knew it wasn't the right time to ask. He was confident that there would always be an opportunity to inquire later.