"How so?" Finn asked, having no idea about any of this. This was the first time he was hearing about 'the Expungement' and whatnot. His history lessons in school never mentioned anything about humanity being nearly wiped out.
"I'm not sure either," Archon sighed. "I'm just repeating HQ's words. They didn't tell me why, and when I asked, they didn't answer."
"O-Okay, but we can survive, right? I mean, we haven't been wiped out yet, so…" Octane trailed off.
"That's because Ghost Hunters are quelling all the Outbreaks happening across the world," Archon explained. "But until we slay all the Emperor-level Ghosts that were released from the Perfect Outbreak, one in each of the 26 Districts… they will never stop spawning in. One day, we Ghost Hunters will fail to detect one, leading to countless deaths — and besides, you know how Ghosts work. The more they kill, the more that spawn."
"So… Emperor-level Ghosts create Outbreaks?" Finn deduced.
"Correct. They are the strongest-level Ghosts, and have entire armies serving them. Not only are they extremely powerful foes, they can also manually create Outbreaks infinitely. Therefore, the sooner we get rid of them, the better — and there is one hiding right in District A, where we are. It just so happens that the Emperor-level here is a Phantom archetype… also known as our specialty."
"FYI, the Ghost leveling system created by the GHO goes from Minor, to Major, to Boss, to Baron, to Emperor," Iris whispered helpfully to Finn from beside him.
'Only to Emperor…?' Finn thought in his head. 'But then… what is the Overlord level Zelestria mentioned?'
He didn't ask out loud though, deciding to save the question for Zelestria instead.
"We're nowhere near strong enough to take on an Emperor-level with just us alone," Fanatic analyzed. "How are we supposed to fulfill this mission, Archon?"
"Don't worry, we aren't the only Ghost Slayers in District A. There will be a few other teams helping us," Archon explained. "And besides, we don't even know where the Emperor-level is right now. However… we do have info on one of its Barons. Once we take out all of the Barons, the Emperor's energy signature will be exposed, and we will be able to drive it into a corner."
Octane sighed in relief. "Well, that makes me a lot more confident. So, when are we raiding the Baron?"
"Around two weeks from now, give or take," Archon said, narrowing his eyes. "There are still plenty of things I wish to show Ace, starting tomorrow. I told HQ to give us a break for the next week, meaning other Squadrons will take care of any Outbreaks that happen in our area. Of course, you're welcome to go train with them if you want, but Ace and Ivis, you two have to come with me."
To be honest, Finn wanted to kill more Ghosts and level up further, but he figured it would be good to gather some more information on the underground world of Ghost Hunters as well. Knowledge is power, after all.
"What about the good news though?" Octane asked, raising his hand. "You said there were good news too, right?"
"Oh, that." Archon scratched his head. "It's just about Ivis. Your new wheelchair should be arriving tomorrow — and the expenses were all paid for by the guild, so don't worry."
At this, Octane, who broke her old one, sighed in relief.
"Ah, but of course…" Archon smirked, seeing Octane's reaction. "… The one who broke your last wheelchair will still have to pay you accordingly."
"G-Guh…" Octane froze mid-chewing, food still stuffed in his mouth.
*****
After they finished eating, Finn and Iris went up to their own rooms with the excuse of 'I'm tired'. For Finn, it was because he wanted to speak to Zelestria about the whole Overlord thing, but he didn't know what Iris was doing this for. Perhaps she was actually tired… but that theory was quickly shot down as she whispered in his ear.
"Can we talk?"
"… Sure."
Inside, Finn wasn't too keen on doing it, but at the same time he was curious to see what she wanted to talk to him about. And so, the two entered Iris's room together.
After seeing her down on the bed, Finn sat down in the chair a few meters away.
"So? What did you need to speak to me about?"
"It's about what happened earlier… do you really have no idea what could have caused you to be completely fine even after getting splashed directly by Phantom blood?"
At this, Finn was a bit surprised, but kept a neutral expression on the surface.
"How am I supposed to know?" He replied, as if it were the most obvious thing ever. "I only found out about Phantoms and Ghosts recently… what makes you think I know why I'm immune? Besides, why are you insistent on this matter? I'm just happy to be alive… don't tell me, you were hoping for me to die there?"
"No!" Iris immediately cried. "It's not like that… i-it's just… I was wondering if you were the same as... ugh, never mind."
She bit her lip and averted her gaze, clenching her fists tightly. "Please forget I said anything. Sorry to have been a bother."
"…" Finn fell silent, contemplating her words. Now didn't seem like the right time to ask about them, however, so he just stood up and headed for the door.
"Good night."
"Mm… good night."
*****
After returning to his own room, Finn settled into his bed and let out a sigh.
'Zelestria, pull me.'
'Mkay~'
In an instant, his consciousness was transported into the reality rift, where Zelestria hovered in the air with a seductive smile that didn't seem to get old no matter how many times he saw it.
"Now then, Finn, what would you like today? A shower? A dinner, perhaps? Or… me?"
"What are the Overlord-level Ghosts you mentioned the last time we spoke?"
"G-Guh… okay, I'll admit, that one hurt a bit," Zelestria clutched her stomach and groaned, but quickly recovered the second after. "I knew you were going to ask about this, but it was worth a try."
"Get to the point," Finn said coldly, as time was limited.
"Yes, yes~" She giggled softly. "Right now, as we speak, an Overlord-level Ghosts awaits in District C. It's just that... the rest of the Ghost Hunter world has been kept hidden from this fact."
"District C... that's where the Perfect Outbreak occurred."
"Indeed," Zelestria said with a wry smile. "To the public world, the GHO managed to hide the truth under the cover of a nuclear power station malfunction. But to their own Ghost Hunters, they didn't exactly tell the complete truth either."
"But why would they do that...? If such a monstrosity has really appeared, then shouldn't they be calling all Ghost Hunters to battle it?"
Zelestria laughed. "You'll understand if you saw it with your own two eyes. That 'thing'... calling it a monstrosity would be far too little of an understatement. In order to prevent Hunters from outright giving up, the Guildmasters of the various guilds have decided to keep silent on the matter."
"If that's the case, then you sound quite relaxed and casual, despite the situation," Finn noted.
"Well, even if this world gets destroyed, I won't. This is but one of the many realities I govern. It is of little concern to me." Zelestria shrugged nonchalantly. "That said... if this world ends, you will die, so I will still help you defeat the Overlord."
"... Why? You could easily just choose someone else for this... task of yours. Someone from a different one of the worlds you control."
"Oh? So you don't want my help?"
Finn shook his head. "No, I appreciate it. It's just... I fail to see any benefit for you in doing this, which makes me somewhat skeptical of your intentions. In the off-chance that I fail, even with your help, you'll be left without someone to fulfill my part of our deal. I don't see any reason why you should put all your eggs into one basket here."
"You won't fail," Zelestria replied firmly, without an ounce of hesitation.
Finn raised an eyebrow. "You're that confident in your own abilities?"
"No... I'm that confident in you, hehe~"
"..."
After a short silence, Finn sighed at last.
"I hope you don't regret this decision."
Zelestria smiled. "I won't. You'll make sure of that, no?"
Finn nodded. "I know the difference between ally and enemy. If someone were to harm me, I will pay them back a thousandfold, but the same applies to anyone who helps me. Our agreement... I'll be sure to fulfill it."
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