Star Eater

Chapter 553:

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

"That bottomless hole where Klasteris was," I began as I gestured to myself. "That was me. A last-ditch effort if you will. To stop her. Thought I was the one responsible for destroying Klasteris in my rage, but that shield surrounding Klasteris must've held strong. I figured stopping Thana was more important than letting her run free. Now, I'm waiting for that rematch."

"We once asked you if you were able to face her." Pestilence stated as he crossed his arms. "Your answer wasn't very positive."

"My answer has changed." I said firmly as I looked him in the eyes. "As far as I know, I've killed more Demon Lords than anyone else recently, and defeated Tor. He escaped by running back to Thana, but her plans in the East have failed as well." Leaning forward my fingers steepled together. "I'm not so bold as to say I've halted her progress singlehandedly. I know you three have likely been a large part of why she has failed to gain ground. However, working together might be the only way to stop her. Permanently."

Leaning on the couch, the woman spoke. "And how do you plan to do that?"

"I have a few ideas. None of which will be possible immediately, but I plan to unite Crevalis against The Crimson Wasteland." They looked surprised at that. "A global summit will be held soon. Uniting this world against the Demons will surprise Thana at the very least."

Pestilence scoffed. "Maybe so, but numbers matter little when faced against us. You of all people know that. Didn't you say you decimated her army?"

Credo just sighed as he looked at his brother. "That's the point. Strategically speaking, if it was only us four against Thana and her Demon Lords, do you really think we would win?" He then turned back to me. "This is just the first step to even the playing field."

The High Elf continued. "Thana has more Demon Lords than our little group. Numbers doesn't necessarily guarantee higher quality, but who is to protect the people while we fight?" She asked Pestilence. "Her Ghouls and the Ancient Demons under her command would decimate most normal armies alone."

"There are a few exceptional mortals that would be able to face them, but they are few far between." Credo explained further. "However, this would be disturbing to Thana for many reasons. She'd be unable to move as she pleased. Unlike the incident in the East where she faced no consequences for launching an assault, Thana would have to be prepared for everyone else to intervene."

Pestilence looked frustrated. "Again, why does that matter? They're all weak. Separated, they're weak. Together, they're still really fucking weak."

Credo sighed and gestured to me. "If the world unites, it would likely be under Arthur. Dragon fire and magic working together is something that Thana has wanted to avoid for a long time. She started the war between the Elves and Dragons in the first place."

My eyebrows shot up at that. "I didn't actually know that."

"Not many do." Credo replied.

"Then can I assume she's been involved in other historic events? I mean, I already did assume as much, but if you confirm it, it just makes it better." He nodded simply. "Do you know which ones?" Another nod. "Mmh. Once I have a date for the Summit, I want you three to attend."

Pestilence scoffed. "Demons attending a meeting about dealing with Demons. Seems a bit counterproductive."

Once more, I leaned in. "Maybe so, but Thana's not a Demon either, is she?" The two horned Demons went silent at that. "Aside from that, I also want to know which kingdoms Thana has a hold on. Her move on Lestrania backfired with Rudnurth betraying everyone. I'm not foolish enough to believe that she doesn't have a foothold somewhere in the world outside of The Crimson Wasteland."

Credo nodded. "That makes sense. The Northern Kingdoms are constantly infested with Demons. We clear out several installations there on a consistent basis."

The cloaked woman spoke. "Not something that should be so simple unless they have inside help."

"Agreed. I'll look into the Zugal Clans when I have the chance." Gesturing to my eyes, I continued. "Easier for me to spot Ghouls and the like. If the summit occurs before Klasteris's return, how can I contact you?"

"We keep an ear out for any news that might be occurring. Invasions mostly and unexplained disappearances. Our little group was going to go east before we found out you were." She explained. "Figured you could handle it, and you did. If we hear news of the Summit, we'll return to get an exact date from you and work out the details."

Pestilence's arms dropped to his side. "Did everyone forget something important?" He asked the room, but none of us answered as we waited for him to continue. "Do you really think Thana will just by and let you hold a Summit to unite the world against her? She'll do everything she can to stop it."

Credo frowned. "Pestilence is right. Thana won't allow it. She's confident enough she'd probably show up and try to participate herself."

A smile came to my lips. "I'm counting on it."