章 253: Chapter 252

[Third Person's PoV]

A day later…

Cid was standing in front of all of his wives who all were wearing serious expressions on their faces.

"The time has come" Cid said with an equally serious expression, he was leaning forwards on the table with his fingers crossed and interlocked.

"It has come to my attention that the Monarchs have finished gathering and are preparing to attack any day now. Which is exactly what we wanted, if they all get together, exterminating them will become easier, we won't have to set out and look for them." Cid began to explain.

"Only four Monarchs remain, however they remain for a reason. The four that remained are Legia, The Monster of Beginning, The King of Giants; Tarnak, The Monarch of the Iron Body, The King of Monstrous Humanoids; Yogumunt, The Monarch of Transfiguration, The King of Demonic qSpecters; and lastly the leading force and the most dangerous of the all the other Monarchs… Antares, The Monarch of Destruction, The King of Dragons" Cid explained conjuring images of what they look like with his magic.

"Their powers aren't the only thing you will need to concern yourself about, it's their army, which I'm not ashamed to admit is much larger than ours at the moment, which stands over to hundreds of millions since the last time I've fought with them. They have Conquered and slaughtered many other planets in order to build their army to what it is now." Cid continued

"But we still have a chance don't we?" Claire asked with a sly grin.

"Oh but of course, what we lack in number we make up for in might and power. Quality above quantity, although that is not to say that their army doesn't have any qualities of their own, however it's nowhere near to the one I have or go all of you" Cid grinned back.

"Are you going to include all of the other members of Shadow Garden into your army?" Alpha asked pensively.

"Hmmm, I want to know your opinion on the matter, what do you think? You sins have a better understanding about how far they've come than I do at the moment, so I'm curious what you have to say" Cid wondering looking at all of them.

"Bring them" Said Alpha without hesitation, "Although we're dealing with forces concerning the Monarchs, they would definitely be useful when dealing with their armies."

"They've been training for years to be of use to you, like Conqueror this earth was one of the things they were most proud to be of use for you, they would be disappointed and think they are unneeded or unwanted if you simply decide to leave them out" Beta joined in.

"Delta says leave them," Delta said, drawing their attention, her smile widened showing her fangs, her eyes filled with bloodlust, "It'll just mean more fun for Delta! Delta wouldn't have to share her prey"

"Didn't you hear there are hundreds of millions in their armies? You will have more than enough prey for yourself and to share around" Gamma said with a sigh,

Delta pouted, "Delta doesn't share…"

"I'm in agreement to bring them along, they would be of help, like Beta said, they've been training to be of use, it would be a waste to simply leave them in the side line" Epsilon said.

"I couldn't care either way" Zeta said leaning back on her chair,

"Neither do I…" Eta said with a yawn leaning resting her hand on a pillow laid in front of her, "Come, don't come, the quicker we finish this the better"

"Well I guess they would be coming along–" Cid began but was interrupted.

"But wait" Akane said, raising a hand, although she wasn't a member of either the Sins or the Virtues, she gained a seat among them due to having inherited the power of Zeraphiel.

Most of the Sins glared at her for interrupting Cid in the middle of his sentence, which caused her to flinch slightly and look apologetic.

Cid chuckled and waved her on, encouraging her to say what she needed to say.

"What would happen to this Earth if we're all going to be going away. If this war takes far longer than we thought then it would be disastrous on everything we've been building so far, and if you take all the members of your Special Guard, who will be enforcing everyone to follow your rules and keep a rebellion from occurring when you leave" Akane asked with a hint of concern.

"A very good question," Cid nodded. "However, there's no need to concern yourself over that. I've already come up with a solution—"

Suddenly, Cid's head snapped to the side, his mouth slightly agape before he began laughing.

"Eh?"

Cid stood up, looking at Alpha. "It seems our little ones have just fully become Monarchs and awakened their abilities."

Alpha stood up with a large smile, pushing her chair back. Forgetting she could teleport, she ran out of the room. "Mama's coming, my little babies!"

Cid glanced at everyone else. "I'll have to cut this meeting short, but you've all gotten the gist of it. I want everyone to start preparing. Get our forces ready. In a few hours, we will confront the Monarchs directly. You are dismissed."

"Wait for me!" Cid shouted after Alpha, running after her, also momentarily forgetting he could teleport.

The rest of the girls chuckled. Claire stood up and stretched. "Well, you heard him. We better get a move on; we have a war afoot."

They all nodded in agreement, stood up, and began preparing.

…

When Cid and Alpha reached the yard outside their castle, they found the atmosphere warmer, with the ground covered in beautiful, colorful flowers.

Omega and Chi, two of Alpha's personal guards, stood with concerned looks, while Nu held Celeste in her arms. Beru, Bellion, and Igris stood protectively around the children, with Beatrix, Alpha's aunt, keeping guard.

"My lord! We were just about to get you when Sir Igris told us you were already on your way," Nu reported, her concern evident.

"Don't worry, nothing is wrong with them," Cid assured as Alpha approached the children.

Two blond babies with glowing purple eyes and pointy ears sat side by side on the ground, laughing together. Flowers continued to bloom around Loriel as she excitedly yanked them from the ground. Lorion, meanwhile, emitted a bright light, an aura surrounding him. Cid bent down and picked up Lorion, while Alpha picked up Loriel.

"Oh? You're a little warm, aren't you~" Cid teased. Lorion covered his mouth with both hands and chuckled.

Alpha cast a curious gaze at Cid.

Cid, anticipating her question, explained, "Our little sunshine here is going to be the Sun Monarch. It's amusing when you think about it—the Shadow Monarch giving birth to light…"

"Oh? I didn't know it was you who gave birth, my dear husband~" Alpha teased as she struggled to hold Loriel, who kept trying to reach the flowers, her hands opening and closing toward them.

"You know what I meant," Cid said, amused. "As for our little flower child, she's the Nature Monarch—practically the Monarch of Flora and Fauna."

Cid brought the twins closer together. Lorion's light grew brighter and warmer, while the flowers around them bloomed more rapidly.

"It seems being near each other boosts their power," Cid explained. "It might be because they're twins, but their powers have a synergy, enhancing one another."

"Sewl, wright?" Celeste suddenly asked, narrowing her eyes at Cid.

Cid gently bopped her nose. "Yes, yes, I'll be sealing their powers. Don't worry."

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章 254: Chapter 253

[Third Person's PoV]

"Lucifer… I'm entrusting you with the most important task," Cid said, his tone serious and unwavering. "You won't be alone. Bellion will leave some of his men behind, but you are in charge. Do you understand?"

Lucifer knelt on one knee, his fist pressed firmly to the ground in a bow. "My Lord, I am deeply honored that you would trust someone like me with the safety of your young. I will not fail you. You have my word."

"I don't need your words. I need your actions." Cid let out a sigh, closing his eyes momentarily. "I'll set up precautionary measures, but you, Lucifer, will be the very last line of defense. You are my fastest soldier. If things go wrong, your priority is to take them away at your utmost speed. Do you understand?"

"You have no need to worry, my Lord. You will emerge victorious," Lucifer replied confidently, his voice resolute.

Cid gave a small nod before turning to walk toward his children. "You already have your orders," he said firmly as he approached them.

Celeste looked up at her father with watery eyes, while the twins clung to Alpha, crying softly, sensing the tense atmosphere. Cid knelt in front of Celeste, his expression softening as he gave her a gentle smile.

He reached out, brushing her cheek with his forefinger. "What's with the long face, princess?" he asked tenderly.

Celeste's lips trembled, tears streaming down her small face as she stretched her arms toward him. "Dwddy…" she whimpered, her voice fragile and filled with sorrow.

Cid leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers to establish their mental connection.

"I understand what's happening, you know…" Celeste said, her thoughts heavy with emotion. "You're going to war… War isn't good. I'm scared, Daddy. I don't want to lose you."

Her tears flowed freely now as she clung to him tightly, her small body trembling.

Cid ran a comforting hand through her hair. "Lose me? Oh, come now, silly," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "Do you know who your father is? I'm the strongest in the entire universe. This will be over before you even notice. You might blink, and I'll already be back. So how about sending me off with one of those killer smiles, huh?"

Celeste looked up at him, her face caught between a shaky pout and a fragile smile.

Cid chuckled, using his hand to gently wipe her tears away. "Good enough," he said.

Celeste sniffled before adding, "I know Mommy is going with you too… So, promise me you'll take care of her, okay? Make sure nothing bad happens to her." She held up her tiny pinky. "Pinky promise me."

Cid smiled, wrapping his much larger pinky around hers. "I promise, princess. And just to seal the deal…" He kissed his thumb.

Celeste giggled through her tears, imitating his action. "Sealed with a kiss," she said with a small laugh.

Her expression turned hopeful. "Can I talk to Mommy too? I… I want to say something to her."

Cid kissed the top of her head. "Of course, princess."

Gently, he carried Celeste to Aurora, who stood nearby, giving them space. Handing their daughter over, Cid stepped back and made his way toward Alpha, who looked as miserable as he felt about the parting.

Alpha was the first to hand her children to Lucifer. "You better take good care of them," she said coldly, her voice steady even as dry tears traced her cheeks.

Aurora followed shortly after, her demeanor just as cold but far sharper, exuding a dangerous edge. Placing her daughter in Lucifer's enormous hand, capable of cradling all three at once, she whispered with venomous precision, "Not. A. Single. Scratch."

Lucifer nodded solemnly, cradling the crying children. The twins reached out toward Alpha, their small hands trembling.

"Mama!!" they cried, their first words piercing the heavy air like a dagger.

Alpha gasped, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs. Her knees threatened to give way, and she leaned heavily on Cid, who wrapped a steadying arm around her shoulders. As they began to walk away, Cid's voice was low but firm. "You can turn back, you know. I kind of want you to… stay with them."

Before Alpha could respond, the twins' second words cut through the tension. "Dada!!" they shouted, their tiny voices cracking with desperation.

Cid closed his eyes, his jaw tightening as he fought to keep his composure.

Alpha shook her head, wiping her tears. Her gaze, filled with love and resolve, met Cid's. "Ever since we met, I've followed your every step, walking right behind you as you led the way. This won't be any different. I'll always be behind you, wherever you lead."

"Go join the others while I finish setting up the last precautions," Cid said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead and then Aurora's.

Without another word, Alpha and Aurora sank into their shadows, disappearing from sight. Cid took a deep breath, his figure rising into the air before shooting upward, piercing the atmosphere until he reached the void of space.

Floating in the vast expanse, he stared at the green planet before him, its beauty contrasting with the weight of his mission. Closing his eyes, he slowly spread his arms wide.

A wave of darkness erupted from him, a cascade of shadows spreading outward with Cid as the epicenter. The stars dimmed, their light swallowed as his power consumed everything in its path. As the darkness extended to the edge of the solar system, Cid brought his hands closer together, his movements deliberate, his focus absolute.

The silence was deafening as he clasped his hands. When he opened them again, a miniature solar system swirled within his palms, its delicate twirl a testament to his mastery over darkness and shadow. He had encased the entire solar system within his shadows, safeguarding it in case things spiraled out of control.

Turning his gaze to the right, Cid narrowed his eyes. "He's unleashing his mana to summon me. His troops are in position, and he's ready for war. I underestimated how quickly he could mobilize… but it won't matter."

The shadows surrounding him retracted, swirling and wrapping around his body. They coiled tighter and tighter until, with a final pulse of energy, Cid vanished into the void.

…

Cid slowly froze the ground beneath him in the heart of the Monarchs' realm. He stood tall, clad in his dark shadow armor, a seamless blend of his Shadow Garden attire and the ominous essence of his power.

His gaze rose to meet Antares, who floated high above, exuding authority. Behind Antares stretched a vast, terrifying legion—millions upon millions of monsters. Flying dragons, demonic beasts, and colossal giants that seemed to scrape the clouds formed an unstoppable force. The other three Monarchs perched atop high vantage points across the battlefield, silently observing the impending chaos.

"Ashborn…" Antares intoned coldly, his piercing eyes locked onto Cid, hands clasped behind his back.

"Antares…" Cid replied in equal measure, his tone frigid and steady. "I trust you appreciated my gift."

Antares extended a hand from behind his back. Though humanoid in form, it bore a charred blackness, pulsing faintly with sinister energy. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting such ingenuity from someone like you. It was… enlightening, to say the least," he remarked before tucking the hand away again.

"However," Antares continued, his sneer deepening, "I owe you my gratitude. Thanks to you, those meddlesome Rulers are no more. I'll repay your kindness—by taking your life."

Cid chuckled, the sound carrying a sinister edge. He had cleverly masked the energy signatures of the Rulers, fooling Antares and the other Monarchs into believing they were dead. His laughter also mocked Antares' threats. "That is," Cid replied smoothly, "if you can."

Antares wasted no time. He unleashed his [Dragon Fear], a crimson, oppressive force that erupted from his being. The aura materialized into the spectral figure of a massive dragon, its terrifying visage bearing down on Cid.

Unfazed, Cid retaliated with his [Conqueror's Haki]. A black, shadowy figure resembling Ashborn, clad in a dark flame-like crown, rose from Cid's aura. With a single stroke of its blade, the spectral king sliced the dragon's neck cleanly, severing its form.

The two oppressive forces clashed violently, battling for dominance. The air thickened with tension as dark clouds gathered, blotting out the light. Space itself began to quake and fracture, unable to bear the intensity of their powers. Lightning crackled across the battlefield, tearing through the skies.

As the chaos reached its zenith, both Cid and Antares withdrew their powers simultaneously.

Cid took a deep breath, his eyes closed, and exhaled with a commanding voice: "Arise. Come forth, my army. Come forth and serve once more."

His shadow expanded, spreading across the ground like a consuming abyss. From this sea of darkness, millions of Shadow Soldiers began to rise—creatures and warriors Cid had slain and absorbed over the past fifteen years.

But these weren't the only beings to emerge. From within the shadows, women clad in Shadow Garden uniforms also rose, their forms materializing like the dead rising from the grave. Among them were the Seven Deadly Sins, standing behind Cid with solemn expressions, and the Seven Virtues, whose angelic wings and radiant appearances radiated an aura of determination.

Claire, Beta, Delta, and Eta emerged as well, their transformed Monarch forms exuding overwhelming power.

Antares' expression twisted into fury as he roared, "KILL THEM ALL! RIP THEM LIMB FROM LIMB! I'LL DEAL WITH ASHBORN MYSELF!"

"Show no mercy," Cid ordered coldly.

Iron let out a booming war cry as he charged into the fray, leading the assault.

Beru screeched murderously, his voice echoing across the battlefield: "FOR OUR MONARCH!" With a powerful beat of his wings, he shot into the sky, heading straight for the enemy.

The Monarchs' army responded in kind. Dragons roared in unison, their deafening cries shaking the ground as they surged forward.

The two forces raced toward each other, unstoppable in their momentum. The clash was inevitable, and the battlefield trembled in anticipation of the carnage to come.

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