Gates's face went pale as the implications crashed over him. One of his trusted subordinates harboured intentions dangerous enough to trigger the guild's most advanced security measures.
"I'm sorry," Gates muttered. "It's my fault. I should have been more careful with bringing him."
Arthur studied Joseph, noting subtle details that painted a clearer picture.
"Joseph," Gates called out, his voice carrying new authority. "Four people are enough here. I need you to log out and head to the company. There's something important I need you to handle there."
Remove the threat without revealing what we know.
Joseph's expression changed before returning to neutral.
"Alright," he agreed, though confusion colored his tone. "Should I expect specific instructions?"
"I'll contact you directly," Gates replied. "This requires immediate attention."
Get him away from sensitive information.
Joseph nodded, activating his logout sequence. His form began to shimmer as the exit process initiated.
"I'll be waiting for your call," he said as his body dissolved into light particles.
When Joseph's presence fully disappeared, Arthur turned toward Gates with a grim look.
"You made a mistake that could have been fatal," he said quietly. "The guild's security detected malicious intent. That man wasn't here to help—he was gathering intelligence."
Gates ran a hand through his hair, stress evident in every line of his body. "How long do you think he's been compromised?"
"Does it matter? What matters is damage control and prevention."
The past is fixed. The future is malleable.
Arthur's countdown timer pulsed with increasing urgency.
There is no time to waste on a dead person...I've got priorities to handle.
"Gates, we need to log out. Now. Whatever's coming will affect both worlds, and our real-world preparations matter just as much as what we've built here."
Family first. Always family first.
Understanding Gates's expression. His daughter, his business empire, his real-world responsibilities—all potentially at risk from whatever the merge would bring.
"You're right. Let me brief the remaining team leaders first."
Both men began their logout sequences simultaneously, reality beginning to dissolve around them as they prepared to face whatever awaited in the world they'd been born in.
Time to see what the merge really means.
The guild hall faded away.
Arriving back in the real world, Arthur stepped out of his hospital bed and made his way outside.
The guard stationed outside his room straightened to attention as he felt movement coming out of the room.
"Sir, is there anything you need?"
"I need you to escort me to Gates soon, but first I need to check on my sister."
He walked toward the adjacent room, each step carrying the helplessness that physical reality imposed.
No spatial manipulation here. No legendary summons. Just a young man visiting his dying sister.
A powerful figure in that world, yet here...I'm nothing... and I can't save the one that matters most. Soon...
The medical barrier prevented his entry. Through the reinforced glass, Arthur watched Charlotte's pale form connected to machines that monitored her failing body. Her breathing was shallow and irregular.
The cancer was winning.
"It's okay, Charlotte," he whispered against the glass.
"When the merge happens, I'll let Jasmine heal you. She has powerful healing abilities now."
His reflection stared back from the glass, determined, unbreakable.
"Even if I have to bathe this universe in demon blood to gather enough life force to restore you completely."
Whatever it takes. However long it takes.
The promise stood between the two siblings. Arthur watched his sister's chest rise and fall for several more moments.
Her face was etched in his memories...how could he forget her?
Soon. Very soon, this nightmare will end.
He turned away from the window, his expression hardening into something that would have made enemies tremble.
The guard nodded, recognising the change in Arthur's mood.
They walked the hospital corridors that felt surreal after hours in Armageddon's landscapes.
In about an hour, everything changes.
Gates waited in a private conference room, surrounded by tablets, documents, and the chaos of crisis management.
Three of Gates's subordinates occupied the room's perimeter; they were professional, alert, and competent.
"What has happened in the past twenty-four hours?" Arthur asked, settling into the chair.
One of the subordinates stepped forward, a woman in her forties with the eyes of someone who'd spent decades processing intelligence.
"Several countries have announced support for Fateless," she began without preamble.
"While the US and most Western allies still classify him as a terrorist and a threat to global stability, these nations welcome alliance opportunities."
International politics.
Gates leaned forward, fully engaged.
"What countries are willing to ally with Fateless, especially given the US's hostile stance?"
"China leads the list," the woman continued.
"France, Canada, Palestine, several Middle Eastern nations, and the Philippines have all expressed interest in formal alliances."
That's... more than expected.
Gates raised an eyebrow. "I didn't anticipate this level of international support."
"What do you want to do?" Gates asked.
Arthur's smile carried no warmth.
"I will show you now...Let's record a video. I need it to be covered by every important channel. This news must reach...everyone."
Time for the world to understand what's coming.
The recording equipment came almost immediately, professional lighting, multiple camera angles, and the full production capability that Gate's powerful resources could provide.
Arthur positioned himself in the centre frame, radiating confidence even through digital media.
Behind him, the subtle symbols of power, but nothing ostentatious.
Simple. Direct. Undeniable.
"Recording in three, two..."
Arthur looked directly into the camera.
"To the nations that have chosen alliance, China, France, Canada, Palestine, the Philippines, and others who've shown wisdom in these crucial hours, you have made the right choice. You will not regret this decision."
"I assure my protection to your peoples, your territories, your futures."
"Those who stand with you stand with me. Those who threaten you..."
His smile turned arctic. "Become my enemies."
His lines were clear, his purpose was obvious, there was no ambiguity in his words.