The thirteen mortals were split into two categories after they were informed of their purpose in the realm of Constellations.
The first group involved those who would undergo trials to garner the attention of a Constellation. Those under this banner were Serah, Aloe, Ciara, Ana, Aurora, Lemi, Jerry, Z'ark, Beruel, and Gerard.
The second category belonged to those who would be training under their respective Constellations. In essence, Kuzon, Edward, and Maria.
Despite being divided into two main groups, each individual had their own compartment where they would undergo their trial.
It was a personal journey for everyone, thus they were separated into what could only be defined as distinct realities all locked within the Constellation Realm.
With each person in a world of their own, they would undergo trials unique to them. As for the Constellations, they would observe the prospective Hosts, as well as the ones who aimed for improvement.
Whether or not Jared's allies would be able to meet up to their expectations was not up to the Constellations, but the allies themselves.
There was no need to rush too.
This Realm stood outside the reach of concepts like time. As such, they could spend an eternity within this place, and not even a second would pass in the real world.
Besides awaiting the results of those who desired to harness their power, the Constellations had one more responsibility.
… The Exchange between each of them, and the one called Jared Leonard.
It felt foolish and pointless to them, but since it was part of the deal, they had all agreed to do it.
"Of all the things he could desire…" Aquarius muttered as she watched Jared in a vast expanse that was a mere fraction of the entire Constellation Realm.
"... He chose this?"
She could see the determined face of the young man as he prepared to face his first Constellation. He didn't have any expression of pride or confidence.
Just… pure resolve.
It intrigued Aquarius a little, causing her to draw her attention closer to the scene.
'Well then, let's see what you can do…' She smiled to herself, despite having no face to achieve that.
The entire Constellation Realm held its breath to see a mortal challenge a Constellation.
'... Jared Leonard.'
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[Meanwhile…]
A black misty gate opened up in a world filled with carnage.
The skies were darkened, as if a terrible storm was brewing, and the bright rays of sunlight were dimmed by the sheer presence of darkness that now shrouded the entire world.
Dead bodies lay strewn all over the battlefield; from mangled corpses to dismembered body parts… all of them painted the landscape in death and despair.
The only two living people among this horrid sight were two individuals—a woman and a young man.
They both looked at the dark portal that opened before them, and from within it emerged the third member of their group.
"It looks like you're already done…" Legris smiled as he stepped foot into the world before him.
The smell of dried blood and the pungent odor of boiling flesh filled the air. It was a disgusting mix of several unpleasant odors, but Legris didn't mind at all.
After all, he was already used to it.
"You're late. Here you go." Ciel murmured, throwing what appeared to be a glass-like shard of energy at Legris.
The fragment brimmed with such intense light that it illuminated the dark expanse that surrounded them.
"Thanks." Legris accepted the light fragment and instantly opened a black portal to place it inside. "I had a bit of interference… namely, Jared Leonard."
Legris appeared to be in good shape. He looked handsome, as always, with his dark brown hair and pale skin. His dark coat complimented his tall physique, and nothing about him seemed disheveled in the slightest.
He was perfectly fine.
"Jared, huh? That Singularity bastard? The one who ruined my plans!" Ciel burst out, her beautiful face contorting into one of absolute rage.
The glow in her golden eyes made clear the amount of malice she held towards the owner of that name.
"No. The real Singularity is Neron. It has always been him. He was also the one who ruined your plans. Jared is more like a festering parasite that doesn't seem to go away." Legris muttered, shrugging slightly as he drew closer to his allies.
"He has gathered a team of thirteen other individuals, apparently. Most of them are nobodies, but a few of them pose a considerable amount of threat to us."
The moment Legris mentioned a 'team', something in Stefan's eyes flickered, and his ears twitched slightly.
He didn't say anything, but his furrowed brow made it clear that he was now paying closer attention to every word that came out of Legris' lips.
"I didn't expect him to return so soon. It puts a wrench in our plans, considering how he and his friends are closing in on us."
Ciel gave a sigh, and Stefan simply looked at the two of them in silence.
"Are they really that close? You couldn't do anything to get rid of them?" She asked, an annoyed expression replacing her previously malicious one.
"It's not that easy. I don't know much about his allies, but Jared is ridiculously strong now. You should have seen how he wiped the floor with… well, me." The way Legris explained his terrible experience with Jared was almost comedic.
He sounded unaffected by all the pain he must have endured… the horrors that was forcefully imprinted on him.
"In the end, I got him to destroy my soul. That way, he won't be able to track us down using his previous method. Knowing Jared, though, he might come up with some other machination eventually, which means we have to be more careful."
Even though it pained Legris to utter the next words that came out of his lips, the way he saw it… the situation called for it.
It was inevitable.
"Our plans will have to be delayed."
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[A/N]
Thank you all for reading!
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