Chapter 215: Declaration of War
Chapter 215: Declaration of War
Mise didn’t need to be told twice. He scrambled to his feet, scurrying off like a scared beast, dashing off as best he could with his injuries. Prota simply watched as he ran away, staring him down with cold eyes.
“Prota!” Destiny panted, running up to her. “What… what was that? What did you just…”
“Not here,” Prota said quietly. “...lot of things to do, now.”
She quickly turned to leave, only to realize her body wasn’t listening to her. It wasn’t that she was feeling weak. Rather, she wasn’t turning when she had intended to turn. It was like her mind and body had been disconnected.
“Eh…?”
Suddenly, she fell over, helpless to even pull herself back up. Her body hit the ground with a soft thud, and she landed on her back, staring up at the night sky.
“...pretty.”
How different things were, now. In her past life, these enemies had been an incredibly difficult battle, one she’d barely managed to survive, but this time, she’d managed to almost singlehandedly dominate two opponents at the same time while dealing with a Final Stand.
In hindsight, she definitely could have fought better. There were a lot of ways she could have won without pulling out all the stops. But that feeling of absolute power over her foes… it was a little addictive, she had to admit.
“Prota, are you ok?” Destiny said desperately. “We need to get you to-”
“...tired.”
With that, Prota closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.
~~~
Slowly, Prota blinked her eyes open. Sunlight streamed into the now somewhat familiar hospital room.
“Ah, you’re up.” Destiny stood up, closing the book he’d been reading. “Nothing seemed wrong with you other than some exhaustion and whatnot, but I thought this would be the safer play.”
“...thank you.”
“So. Is this a fine place to talk?”
Prota looked around, then shook her head. This wasn’t the right place for it. If anything, she actually wanted to talk to Kit as well.
The reason was simple.
Doctor was coming.
At least, that’s what she hoped. If everything with Anta went according to plan, then he should be coming out to deal with her personally relatively soon. Although Anta had said she wasn’t capable of scheming, she certainly came up with some good plans.
To begin with, there were very few alternatives that would affect them. Doctor could, of course, send Elfin after them, but the elf wasn’t strong enough to defeat Prota if she truly needed to fight for her life. He could send more chimeras, but as they’d just proven, those were defeatable. He no longer had Draco to create a surprise attack, and while he could send Breaker out, it was likely that Albert would defeat his old friend.
The only potential issue was if Doctor decided to take Danjo hostage. However, Prota had yet to truly associate with the dwarf, meaning if he wanted her, such a strategy wouldn’t work.
At least, that’s what they hoped.
Of course, there were a few ways to coax Doctor out of his little cave.
The first was to start mentioning [Deus Ex Machina] energy in front of Elfin. He would likely report such information back to Doctor, and that would incentivise the man to try and take Prota personally. The second method was to simply eliminate Elfin entirely, although this method wasn’t as guaranteed.
The best method, however, was to tell Albert and Destiny everything Prota knew. All of Doctor’s plans, all of his motives and strategies, simply lay them all out with Bren and Elfin present as well. Surely such an act would pique the madman’s interest.
Finally, if all else failed… challenging him directly might work as well.
“Alright,” Destiny said. “It seems you’re fine. Then, let’s talk later-”
“Albert’s office. Soon,” Prota said, getting out of the bed.
She combed her hair with her hands, then grabbed her cloak and staff.
“Tell Elfin and Bren to come too.”
“Wha- you know about those two? Of course you do,” Destiny laughed. “Right. I’ll let them know.”
Prota nodded, watching as the hero left the room.
“Hey,” Anta said quietly. “Are you sure? Destiny and Danjo… well, this is the time for Danjo to grow as well.”
Of course, the dwarf had grown. He’d been through a few quests as well as a single dungeon with Destiny for the same reasons he’d done so in Prota’s past life. In addition, Prota had spoken to the boy a few times, although rather briefly, so it was good to know he seemed to be coming along well.
The problem, then, was whether or not ending things early would stunt his growth.
“...you should ask him for help. Include him in your plans.”
“Anta. What if… what if this is wrong?” Prota said quietly.
“Wrong?”
“If… If I fight John alone, then no one else dies-”
“Are you stupid?!”
Prota flinched as Anta yelled in her mind.
“You and your stupid saviour complex! Do you not get it? Who cares if they die? If you fail, everyone dies. Everyone! You’re not saving anyone by being stupid! If you want to change the [Plot] because it helps, then fine. Do it. I won’t say anything. But you’re just being plain stupid right now! You need all the help you can get! Do you understand?”
Prota sat there, stunned, but then realized Anta was right. There was no point in trying to sacrifice herself. She didn’t have [Resets]. She wasn’t keeping everyone else alive if she alone failed. There was no world in which she sacrificed herself for everyone else.
“You’re not being altruistic or selfless! You’re being selfish! They want to help you. You’re not forcing anything.
If they all died, they all died, and if they succeeded… well, there would be some future in which they all made it out together.
Right?
“Nn. Thank you.”
“That’s right. Now, let’s go. Come on. We’ll think of something later, but… if you’re going to lay the trap, you may as well do it now.”
“Are you-”
“I’m you, remember? If you’re ok with it, then so am I. My existence is not something we need to hide. It’s for you. If you want to reveal me… then I’m ok with it as well.”
Prota nodded, slinging her staff onto her back.
The war would start under her circumstances. Not Doctor’s.
This time, she wouldn’t be running in to rescue someone.
It would be Doctor who would be running into his death.
~~~
“...you’re the one who called us all here. Are you going to say anything?”
In the meeting room were Albert, Bren, Elfin, Destiny, Kit, and Prota. One was not like the rest.
As far as everyone but Destiny knew, Prota was unaware of their plans or attempts at success. Therefore, revealing everything would definitely drop quite the bombshell on those present. Still, that was the intention.
It was just that all that pressure was making Prota a little tight lipped.
In the end, she nodded her head, much to everyone’s surprise. What was that supposed to mean?
Then, to an even greater surprise, her hair shifted colour. The light blue that made up the inner lining of her hair turned a bright red, and when her eyes opened again, they were red instead of blue. Instead of a blank expression, there was a fierce grin that seemed out of the ordinary, yet completely natural at the same time.
“A-Anta?” Destiny stammered, stunned.
She spared Destiny a nod before turning to the others.
“Hello. My name is Anta.”
She spoke with a level of respect, yet maintained a tone of dignity, suggesting that she was neither above nor below those in this room, but an equal.
A mere child. Equal to these adventurers.
“Wha- split personalities?” Bren exclaimed. “Is that-”
“No. To be more precise, I am Prota’s soul.”
Those words alone shocked the room into silence.
“There’s a lot we need to tell you. Unfortunately, Prota’s personality makes it so that communication is on the more difficult side, so I have taken control instead.”
“T-taken… control?” Albert stammered. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I am a sentient soul. I can command the body should Prota give up control. Is that so hard to understand?”
“I… I suppose not.”
“Are there any other questions?”
Elfin raised his hand. “Pardon, but… can you prove that you are indeed a soul? That you haven’t simply changed your appearance and attitude?”
“No. Any other questions?”
“Wha- what do you mean, no?” Elfin exclaimed.
“I mean, I cannot prove it. I do not intend to. I don’t care. Now, if that’s all, then I’ll start.”
For a moment, she closed her eyes.
“Prota,” she thought. “Do you mind if I take over for this one?”
“Of course,” Prota said confidently. “You… are my soul. You are me.”
“And you are me. Right.”
Anta’s eyes snapped open.
“As you may have heard, I am a half-dragon. I am a creation of the man behind the events you’ve been investigating.”
She snuck a look at Elfin, who had reacted just a bit. That meant that the bait had been taken. It also confirmed that all Anta needed to do was continue.
“This means my magic proficiency is stronger than most, and I am capable of Soul Steal. Unfortunately, my proficiency with it is weak, and my core is not the size of a normal dragon’s. This is the secret behind my strength.”
“But- no, that can’t be all!” Elfin exclaimed. “You fight like an experienced warrior! Genetics do not explain experience!”
“Do they not? I suppose that’s true,” Anta smirked. “But why are you owed an explanation to begin with?”
Elfin opened his mouth, but no words came out.
“Now, there is a power I bear that has nothing to do with dragons. After all, I was not born. I am a creation. Within me is the power of prophecy.”
“Prophecy?” Albert exclaimed, standing straight up. “What kind of-”
“Again. I’m not obligated to answer your questions. However… Breaker and Elena. Do those names ring a bell?”
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Albert’s eyes widened as Anta finished speaking. Without another word, he vaulted over his desk, grabbing Anta by the collar, lifting her up to look her in the eyes. Of course, she didn’t react in the slightest, but the scene was almost comical in nature.
“Don’t play with me. Where did you hear those names?” he growled.
“Sir-” Destiny started, but Anta raised her hand, stopping him.
“I told you. I’m a prophet. Want to know something even more interesting?” Anta said, glancing around the room.
“You’d better choose your next words carefully, girl.”
“Breaker is alive.”
“Sir!” Elfin suddenly exclaimed, his tone mildly panicked. “She must be insane! They died-”
“What do you mean by that, girl?” Albert said, loosening his grip slightly. “You’d better not be joking.”
“I’m not. Breaker is alive. Of course, he has the same illness as you. He can’t use magic. But then again, neither of you need magic to do your best, right?”
Albert slowly lowered Anta to the ground.
“Of course, you don’t have to believe me,” Anta said with a smile.
“Why should we believe the words of some stranger?” Elfin said, drawing his sword. “Hey. Can you back up what you’re saying?”
“Of course not. Do I need to? Is there a reason you’re so flustered?” Anta taunted. “Again. So what if I’m lying? All you have to do… is ignore what I’m saying. Of course, if there’s a reason you need to believe what I’m saying, that’s a different story entirely, isn’t it?”
Elfin nodded, visibly trying to calm himself. “Of course. I apologize.”
Anta turned back to Albert, bowing her head.
“Elena is dead. I’m sorry about that.”
“You… couldn’t have saved her, anyway. Don’t burden yourself over something that does not concern you,” Albert said quietly. “But… what’s the point in all this? Why are you telling us everything?”
“Why? It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” Anta grinned. “I’m going to tell you exactly where Doctor is, and what his plans are.”
There was suddenly a loud commotion in the room, in which everybody reacted violently. Elfin specifically looked a little nervous, which was good. Anta waited for the noise to die down before continuing, acting as if nothing of importance had happened.
“Why should we believe you?” Bren suddenly said. “I know Elfin was questioning you, and you already responded, but… do you have anything to back your words?”
“No,” Anta shrugged. “I’m only telling you this because I have my own plans. Whether or not you’d like to help is up to you.”
“Anta-” Destiny started once more, but she shook her head.
“You, too. Helping isn’t necessary this time around,” Anta said confidently.
She turned back to the others, her expression determined.
“I plan on killing that man within a month’s time.”
Once again, an explosion of noise. This time, it died down faster, but it still had the effect Anta needed.
“What do you mean by that?” Albert frowned.
“I mean, I’m going to enter his lab, find him, and kill him. It’s as simple as that. The reason I bring you all into this is because Breaker is there. Whether or not you all come is up to you. I am simply offering the opportunity to reconcile with an old friend.”
“But… alright, let’s say we believe you,” Bren said carefully. “What… why would Breaker even go to a man like that?”
Anta shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“But-”
“Does the talent of prophecy come with mind reading these days?” Anta grumbled. “Seriously, expecting me to be some kind of omniscient being… no. I just know where he is. Motives are something I am unaware of.”
For a moment, she waited, seeing if anyone had anything to say. Seeing as no one spoke up, she continued.
She explained, in detail, where Doctor’s lab was and the threats within. She wasn’t aware of how many chimeras there were, but she was aware of the ones they’d fought in her past life, so those were the ones she described. No point of interest was spared. She even explained the fact that they harboured multiple souls, making them far stronger than the average being.
From what she remembered, she’d have to be the one to deal with the chimera with shadow abilities, and included that within her plan. The other two could be dealt with by the others, but she urged them to call for help if needed.
Finally, Doctor himself.
“There’s nothing to say about him,” Anta said quietly.
“What? Then how-” Albert started.
“He’s mine.”
Bren looked like he wanted to speak up, but ultimately, he refrained from doing so. Elfin looked uncomfortable, but he, too, remained quiet.
“He is not someone any of you can deal with. He harbours abilities that can defeat Mystics, abilities you cannot handle nor comprehend. He is mine to deal with. Understood?”
“I- I understand.”
“Very good. I’ll let you know when I plan on hunting that rat down. Otherwise… thank you for your time.”
With that, Anta left the room. Quickly, she passed control over to Prota.
“That… was tiring,” Anta muttered sleepily. “One week. Don’t go after him for that long for the very least, alright? Oh, and tell Destiny about Elfin.”
Prota accepted the instructions without much resistance. She continued down the stairs, exiting the guild hall and heading deeper into the town.
She glanced back as she saw Destiny running after her, stopping as she waited for him to catch up.
“P-Prota,” he panted. “What- what was that all about?”
“I have to stop Doctor,” Prota said simply. “Soon.”
“But- what was that all about? Why cause such a mess? And why did you tell them you’re a prophet? I- never mind. You know what? I’m sure you have your own plans. Just… is this really ok?”
Prota nodded.
“You need to learn a little more. Not here.”
With that, she headed to the clearing in the forest one more time.
Perhaps it would be the last time, but there were no guarantees. After all, she hadn’t expected to end up in this town again, and yet here she was.
“Come on.”
~~~
“He’s what?!” Destiny yelled.
Prota just sighed. Well, such a reaction was to be expected.
The first bit of information Prota had provided was that Elfin was a spy. Anta hadn’t told her why she was to reveal this information, but she was beginning to understand what the soul had in mind anyway.
“That’s why Anta lied,” Prota explained. “Can’t fight Elfin here.”
“But- wait, hold on. If he’s a spy, shouldn’t you have told Albert? It’s not like he can’t-”
“Friends. Destiny. Do you want… to kill a friend?”
Those words shut the hero down. That was right. Although they weren’t familiar with the relationships Albert had with the other executives of the guild, if they were friends, that changed everything.
“Long time ago… they were adventurers,” Prota explained. “So… it’s too hard. Elfin has to expose himself.”
“I… I see,” Destiny said slowly. “And to force such an issue… there’s a chance they wouldn’t have believed you anyway. I get it. But… everything else?”
“Nn. Danjo’s sister is captured,” Prota explained.
“Yeah, I heard,” Destiny nodded. “That’s… wait, hold on, you’re not thinking-”
“I told you, Doctor is too strong. You can’t win,” Prota said simply. “But… I can.”
“Wh- how? Didn’t you say even a Mystic wouldn’t be able to beat him? I get that you’re strong, but being on the level of a Mystic is-”
“Destiny. Power… not in this world. Different. Doesn’t make sense. So trust me. Only me. Deal with everyone else. Chimeras… up to you. Bren… not good enough to fight all. Albert will deal with Breaker. So you…”
“Right. Got it,” Destiny said, clenching his fists.
He was also starting to catch onto what was going on. Even without saying it, Prota’s plan was obvious.
She planned to lure Doctor out.
If Elfin reported all this information to Doctor, then the man would likely come out looking for a fight. After all, a prophet couldn't be left alone. Information was half of a war, and if one side could see everything that would happen at no risk to themselves, that was an issue entirely.
More than that, though, was the fact that Doctor had the ability of “control.” Thus, if someone were to come in and claim that control from him, he would definitely be concerned, enough that he would go out to deal with the problem himself. At least, that was the hope.
Still, knowing his personality, he would definitely react soon. However, as Anta had announced that she wouldn’t be attacking any time soon, Anta had likely hoped that Doctor would also take his time in taking action.
Then, if Elfin refused to report this information for whatever reason, instead opting to take care of Prota himself…
Well, Prota wasn’t sure. But she was confident in winning.
“Destiny,” Prota said quietly. “Danjo’s sister… can’t save her if Doctor is nearby. Your job now.”
She still remembered bringing Olivia’s fresh corpse being revived using [Deus Ex Machina]. If they could avoid doing that this time… no, it wasn’t an “if.” It needed to happen. Prota didn’t know if she had the ability to use [Deus Ex Machina] the way John did.
There was only one shot at this.
“Do you… trust me?”
For a moment, Destiny seemed like he was about to say no. Then, he shook his head, not as an answer to her question, but simply as a means to clear his mind.
“I don’t know if I can,” he said with a hollow laugh. “To be honest… this is a lot, even for me. You’ve been bombarding me with so much information it’s been taking everything I have to keep up. But you’re going through more, aren’t you?”
“...no. I’m ok-”
“It’s ok to admit you’re not doing well, Prota. I’ve learned not to stop you, but at the same time, you’re young, aren’t you? There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’re hurting. With needing help. In fact, it would be more strange for someone to be perfect all the time. So just… relax. Alright?”
Prota slowly nodded.
“As to your question, it’s not such a bad thing.” Destiny let out a deep sigh. “I had a feeling I was going to have to deal with this eventually.”
“Because he tried to take Celestia?”
“You know about that, too?” Destiny laughed. “Yeah.”
“Are you… will you be ok if you don’t fight him?”
“Well, no. I’ll be upset, I think. But if I can’t win, then what am I supposed to do about it?”
For a moment, Prota went silent. Should she tell him? Doing so might jeopardize everything. But at the same time, if he was going to trust her while expecting nothing in return…
“Destiny,” Prota said quietly.
She refused to look at him. She was afraid of the reaction she’d get.
“Doctor… is also reincarnator.”
“...what?”
“The medic. Back at… camp.”
Destiny’s expression was still out of view. But, based on the silence she’d received, he definitely wasn’t taking it well.
“Why did you tell me that?” Destiny finally said.
Prota closed her eyes. “Trust. Not fair to hide it.”
“...thank you.”
“Then-”
“I still guess I can’t do anything about it. That’s… it makes me kinda mad, you know? That even in this world, that man just gets away with anything he wants. To take him down with my own hands… I mean, is there even a point?”
His voice was hollow.
“...Destiny. Do you believe in fate?”
“What?”
Prota turned to him, looking sincerely into his eyes.
“This world… does not have fate.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There is something like fate. I… I can’t say. But Doctor… Medic… his fate is to die. So don’t worry. Bad guys get punished. Because that’s what this world is. Ok?”
Destiny could only stared upon hearing Prota’s words, not because they were confusing, but because they were just so ridiculous that he was having trouble processing them as something serious.
Then, he burst out laughing. Not a hollow laugh or an awkward laugh, but a joyful, amused, deep laugh.
“Right! That’s not… that’s not too realistic either. Then, you’d better keep your word, alright? Do it for me, if nothing else. Beat the crap out of that guy for me.”
“For your friends. For you. Nn,” Prota nodded. “Ok?”
Destiny took off his mask, revealing a wide grin.
“Alright. Let’s do it, then.”
~~~
“Hm… she said all that, did she? But why…? And why was I not informed sooner?”
Doctor was muttering to himself incessantly, pulling at his hair.
“No, no, something is off… I’ll have to deal with it… I’ll have to deal with it… it’s all under control, all under control…”
He began to spin in his chair, giggling to himself as his mind continued to erode.