Tower of Heaven

[Who is Pangea?]

It was the first thing Atlas saw. On the very front of the Tower Forums, the name of his Society was plastered.

He almost couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Deeds that he had never planned for, carried out by people he had no connection with, were being attached to his name.

For what reason?

’It would have been a question if I found out on my own.’

However, he had been told by the perpetrator himself.

’A final gift, you say?’

It was more than that. With this level of publicity, a large portion of the world’s attention was placed on Pangea. Alaric didn’t just generate good press. He had sent people out, disguised so they’d never be recognized, to contribute to the world under Pangea’s name.

’This kind of help is different from what I’ve received so far.’

It was completely unconditional. All of the credit for those deeds, all of the Legends associated with them, were given to Pangea and Pangea alone.

’Which means the Society Legend I thought I still needed to develop has likely reached the point I have been aiming for.’

Atlas was truly grateful. Now, rather than a few weeks from now, he could challenge the Hell Guardian the moment he returned to Alfros.

’I have specifically avoided cultivating and liquefying my qi in order to keep the Hell Guardian’s strength predictable. I have done more than enough training to feel prepared for the battle that seemed extremely difficult in the past.’

He stood up, peeling his attention away from the courtyard.

The assembly was still ongoing, however, Atlas had no reason to remain.

He was different from the others who were invited. Unlike them, he wasn’t yet involved in Alaric’s plans.

Really, Alaric wanted him to come here so he could understand that Artemia couldn’t be revealed to the world immediately. It seemed his original plan was for them to discuss how to do so, but he refrained and left it to Atlas.

’Did something change?’

Whether it was because he was more confident in him or because he had other things in mind didn’t matter. In the end, Atlas received the information he needed and gained an understanding of the world’s overall situation.

’There isn’t anything left to do in Vanatos, is there?’

He had the thought as he walked through the halls of the palace, reaching the entrance. When he stepped out of the doors, he found himself standing in front of some unexpected faces.

"There you are. We were looking for you."

They spoke first. There were two of them, one man and one woman. It felt like it had been ages since Atlas last saw them.

"Since you’re here, I’m assuming you passed?"

Right, the last time he met them, they were desperately trying to reach Divine Sanctuary. The Jason and Nadia who stood in front of him now looked much less on edge than they did at that time.

Jason shrugged in response to his question.

"To say we passed… Well, we didn’t fail."

"Actually, the reason we came to see you is exactly that. Do you have a moment?"

Jason and Nadia both had looks in their eyes as if it was necessary for them to see him. Since he was a bit curious, he decided to entertain them.

The duo led him to a resting area in the garden standing between the palace and its gates. As they walked, Jason explained what had happened since their last meeting.

"After receiving word from you, we made our way directly to Vanatos. It really was perfect timing. If it had been even a few days later, we would have died."

"We were greeted and tested by Lady Adella, and fortunately, my and Nadia’s talent was enough to gain favorable impressions. Only…"

Jason sighed before continuing.

"To say it simply, our unique circumstances put us in a strange position. We are beasts, but we aren’t beasts. We are rightfully able to claim ourselves as so, but we are also imposters. I can explain more later, but it essentially came to a point."

"We couldn’t join Divine Sanctuary, but we could still receive their protection."

By this point, they reached a small gazebo with enough seating for eight people. As they sat down, Jason looked Atlas in his eyes.

"They told us about Pangea."

Did Atlas need more information to understand what was happening?

’That old man probably arranged this.’

He "gave" Jason and Nadia’s group to him. He offered them protection, but instead of taking them in, he urged them to find Pangea.

’Divine Sanctuary is definitely strict, but it’s not a hard influence to be tied to. They are supportive of all beast clans that align with their vision. It is easy enough for a half-beast or someone with similar circumstances to gain protection from the Great Society, but they’ve been led to believe it will be difficult.’

Well, rather than that, they had been led to believe that Pangea was their only option.

Atlas looked between them, sensing their sincerity.

"Currently, Pangea is not looking for new members."

Not yet.

Nadia’s expression clearly fell when she heard those words, but Jason remained stalwart.

"However…?"

"However, when I return from the quest that I am about to embark on, that will change."

Jason’s eyes narrowed.

"How long do we have to wait?"

"I don’t know. Maybe a year, maybe five. I can’t tell you for certain, but you don’t have to worry about it. I’m sure that they’ll accommodate you if you tell them my words."

Jason was worried about them losing protection if he didn’t accept them immediately. Such a worry was needless. Once Atlas assured him so, Jason’s expression noticeably loosened.

Their story… Atlas could hear it once they were members of his Society.

’Once they are members…?’

He was surprised by his own thoughts.

At first, it was created only to accomplish a purpose. Because of that, he refused to accept new members and validate it more than it needed to be validated.

But, he remembered those goals he set. He remembered that he had been thinking of forming his own Society. He remembered what he wanted out of that Society, and his reason for not accepting new members changed.

Pangea…

’...once I return, I will turn it into something.’

It was no longer an empty thing. The word Pangea was gaining new meaning with every passing moment.

Atlas thought about the distant future as he ended his conversation with the two young cultivators. He looked back at the palace for a moment, remembering the atmosphere he felt at that time.

’When I return

"When" had become too common of a word in his vocabulary. It was time to change that.

He didn’t need to say goodbyes to people who expected him to be gone already. He left Vanatos and returned to Alfros. He ran through the scenery to that place he’d become so familiar with.

And the moment he reached it, that voice called out to him again.

[Two months, you claimed…]

The deep rumbling in the ground was much more pronounced than ever before.

[In all of my wildest thoughts, the last thing I could have imagined was you making due on that promise.]

The Hell Guardian acknowledged his qualifications.

Their fated battle was nigh.

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