Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Hours had ticked away since Layla commenced the fusion process, aiming to craft a vessel wholly compatible with Eliza.

Eren discerned that the project still had a way to go before its conclusion.

During this interval, more and more Rankers congregated around the Birdcage Barrier. Some hailed from the kingdoms of Edinburgh and Layos, while others represented various factions and places, drawn to witness a momentous event unfolding in the Land of the Faithless.

Some remained on the fence about the whole thing while the others decided to take active part in the situation in some form or way. There were some Rankers who had started recording the audiovisuals of the scene unfolding in front of their eyes, wanting to make a fortune by selling the Array Disks for the right prices.

The Anfang Alliance persisted in their efforts to dismantle the Birdcage Barrier, utilizing all available resources and influence. Yet it was evident that the Sages and Rankers tasked with this mission had all but surrendered.

They grasped that this barrier wasn't one to be overcome through sheer numerical advantage. They continued their attempts primarily to keep those within distracted.

By this juncture, even the least informed Rankers recognized Eren and Layla's endeavor to resurrect Eliza.

The Sages from the Anfang Alliance, Edinburgh, Layos, and their allies, who had gathered around the barrier, now waited for it to disperse naturally. They intended to launch a concerted attack, showing no mercy to anyone within.

However, to their surprise, another faction abruptly appeared on the battlefield, utilizing the Sansara Sage's space-element runes. This group was composed of Sages from the Last Blood Bastion.

"JJ Edgar!"

Hansen exclaimed, recognizing one of the key figures in the newly arrived faction. Even the leader Sage from the Anfang Alliance grew tense upon seeing Sage Edgar and his associates materialize outside the Birdcage Barrier to act as another group of uninvited specters.

"Before you jump to any conclusions, allow me to clarify."

Sage Edgar interjected, raising both hands and addressing the Anfang Alliance's Rankers in an affable, non-threatening tone.

"We had no hand in planning this. We aren't here to form alliances or engage in conflict. At least, not anymore. We merely wish to observe what emerges once the barrier disperses. So, shall we agree to a temporary truce until then?" Edgar proposed calmly, locking eyes with the Anfang Alliance's leader Sage.

"Haah! I find it quite difficult to believe that the Last Blood Bastion had no hand in Sage Eliza's possible resurrection, Edgar."

The leader Sage remarked as he locked eyes with House Lowin's de facto leader. He was reluctant to accept that a mere Master Ranker, not even a century old, could orchestrate all of this.

Edgar shrugged, his expression neutral, before speaking further.

"You're free to believe what you want. I can't back up my words with evidence I don't possess. Even if I did have such evidence, I wouldn't share it. However, the truth is, at this juncture, we're just as in the dark about this situation as you are," Edgar calmly explained, his ocean-blue eyes steady.

Zavir, the leader of Sages from the Anfang Alliance, remained skeptical. Seeing this, Edgar took a deep breath before continuing.

"I know we are enemies. And we will act like one when the time is ripe. But just think about this for a second, Zavir. I've no motive to deceive you, have I?

We could stake a claim in Sage Eliza's possible resurrection, but I doubt the Witch of the Enderflames herself would be okay with that. We could remain neutral, but I don't think your group would appreciate that either.

So, all we aim for is to observe and assess the situation with that ancient monster. If she proves a threat to us as well, we may need to collaborate to… to "take good care" of her."

Edgar stated, his gaze shifting towards the Soul Seed Insertion Array Formation.

Zavir had no intention of engaging his forces with the Last Blood Bastion at such a crucial moment. Doing so would only make it easier for Sage Eliza to handle them if she were resurrected in a new body.

The Last Bloods who had joined the battlefield were formidable, equipped with the Sansara Sage's space-element runes. As such, targeting them for elimination in one swift strike was not a viable option either.

Furthermore, the idea of temporarily joining forces with the Last Blood Bastion's Sages to deal with Eliza before settling their own disputes didn't seem too bad to Zavir. Frankly, they could use all the help they could get to confront the Witch of the Enderflames. They treated Eliza as the biggest spoiler on the Land of the Faithless at this point and dealing with everyone else involved in the Lazarus Project was a minor matter for them.

"Alright, let's stand down and monitor the situation for now." Sage Zavir nodded at JJ Edgar, signaling his agreement. Edgar motioned to his forces to pull back as well.

Consequently, the Anfang Alliance Rankers positioned themselves on one side of the Birdcage Barrier, while the half-bloods from the Last Blood Bastion stood on the other. Both groups maintained a respectful distance, adhering to the unspoken rules of their temporary truce.

Edgar breathed a sigh of relief upon Zavir's acceptance of the temporary truce. It wouldn't have been so had there not been a more immediate threat demanding Zavir's attention. The threat of the resurrection of the Witch of the Enderflames was so serious that it made it possible for the Alliance to stop seeing the half-bloods as their enemies, if only temporarily.

Edgar then approached the Birdcage Barrier cautiously and spoke in a calm tone.

"Lad Eren, can I have a word with you?"

Edgar inquired from just outside the Birdcage Barrier, maintaining a non-threatening posture. It appeared that he wished to converse with Eren.

Eren, observing Layla's ongoing work and estimating that it would still take some time for her to complete the new vessel, took a deep breath and decided to accept Edgar's offer.