Chapter 261: The Sect Moves; Bollagon Soloman
In a large square within the White Star Radiance inner sect lands, Erica stood with a proud and confident expression alongside the members of her Soloman Division. Various individuals from other divisions were also present, all wearing serious expressions. Beneath them spread a massive magic circle infused with powerful nature magic. Thousands of smaller magical circles, each carrying traces of Erica's magic, manifested throughout the larger formation.
Erica looked around before speaking with determination. "We are all set and ready to depart now. You should brace yourselves. We will head straight to the sect location in the Old Blue Star Gravelands. From there, we will swiftly move to Brawlmanica together with other sect disciples and White Star Radiance Alliance members stationed there. I hope all of you have made the necessary preparations."
Everyone exchanged glances before nodding in affirmation. Erica then gave a decisive nod of her own. "Alright. Ahem. Fellow Daoist Crimson Star Fang, let us begin the teleportation sequence."
"Kaaay! Off you go, everyone. Make sure you stay safe and come back alive!" Shayleaf's excited voice rang out.
The massive magic circle beneath everyone's feet flared with intense light, flooding the square in brilliant radiance. Everyone braced themselves as a strange sensation washed over them, and in the next instant, they vanished in a flash. The square was left empty as lingering magical residue slowly dispersed. The thousands of smaller circles bearing Erica's aura faded into dormancy, subtly hidden within the ground.
Sometime later, Zoro and the Black Reaper Corps gathered in the square with solemn expressions. Zoro glanced toward a nearby figure whose eyes gleamed with brilliance. Her perpetually activated Aka Boshi no Tengan observed everything while she appeared lost in thought.
"For now, I cannot leave the sect. But when the moment comes for you all to depart, take care, Big Brother Zoro. Gege has already left in secret. Big Brother Ramiro and the others are still defending the alliance base, so unfortunately he cannot take part for now," Christy said, concern faintly coloring her expression.
"Relax, Christy. You are even bringing up that spear idiot to me," Zoro replied confidently, a faint killing intent leaking from his body. "We can handle things here. You just keep doing what you do best, and I will do the same."
The members of the Black Reaper Corps, including Kageha and Kuroha, similarly released faint killing auras in response.
"Alright. I naturally believe in you," Christy said with a wry smile. She gave a soft chuckle before heading back toward the Mini World Tree. After she left, the group sat cross-legged in the middle of the square, entering a semi-meditative state. Zoro glanced once more in Christy's direction and lightly shook his head.
"Aniki, are you really not going to tell Christy-Anego what you are actually planning to do?" Kageha asked thoughtfully.
Zoro remained silent for a moment before replying. "It is not so much a plan as it is something inevitable. We are wanted fugitives by certain parties, especially the Church. Whether we strike now or later, those people will be crushed."
"And we will follow your will through every step of the way, Aniki," Kuroha replied coldly, her gaze carrying a quiet affection as she watched him.
Kageha nodded with a smile, reflecting on their current strength, individually, as a faction, and as part of the White Star Radiance sect as a whole. He would never admit it out loud, but for the first time, he truly felt at home—even more so than when they had merely been disciples of the Bright Brilliant Blade sect.
…
Inside a large square at the White Star Radiance sect location in the Old Blue Star Sect Gravelands, Erica and the others had already arrived and were quickly gathering experts stationed at the sect, along with members of the White Star Radiance Alliance. They boarded magical vehicles and aircraft before setting off. As they traveled swiftly through the southern central region toward Grimhollow Valley, a small army of experts aboard vehicles and aircraft appeared in their path.
Upon seeing them, Erica felt a flicker of irritation mixed with dread. Her parents stood beside her, their expressions mixed but noticeably calmer than their daughter's.
"The clan has dispatched aid for us? Or are they here to stop us?" Bolland muttered as they drew closer.
Both sides came to a halt, tension filling the air for those outside the Soloman clan among the White Star Radiance forces. In contrast, the Soloman clan experts who followed Erica within the sect appeared far more neutral, even quietly pleased. Rija and Amoria Soloman remained composed, though curiosity shimmered in their eyes.
A powerful voice echoed among the small army bearing Soloman clan emblems on their vehicles and attire.
"Hahaha, greetings to the young Miss Erica of our Soloman clan. And greetings to you as well, Sir Bolland, one of our Soloman clan's four lieutenant main family heads along Brawlmanica's borders. The current family head of our branch has ordered me, as another lieutenant, to bring a portion of our forces and oversee both you and Lady Erica's actions," the voice said, leaving no room for questioning.
"…Big Brother has?" Bolland muttered with a stern expression. "That man… is he planning to interfere with us?"
"To be honest, that was not his original intention," the voice replied. "The former family head has finally returned from seclusion, wherever he disappeared to. That development influenced this decision."
"!!! What?!" Bolland exclaimed. "Father has returned?!"
Erin also wore a startled expression. Among the Soloman clan experts affiliated with the White Star Radiance Sect under the Brawlmanica branch, similar shock appeared on many faces. Rija stood still for a moment, as if something long forgotten had suddenly resurfaced.
"Bollagon Soloman," Rija muttered quietly. "The man who played a major role in shaping Brawlmanica's current landscape by empowering the late King Helmsley during the rebellion against the Fighting Brawlman Sect. So… in the end, he really did survive."
With a faintly distorted expression, Erica recalled vague memories of her grandfather. He was very much like her father, if not more so. Her uncle, the current branch leader near Brawlmanica's borders, was also similar, though with a more sinister edge. If Bolland and Bollagon were considered relatively moderate within the clan, then her uncle Bollegard Soloman was closer to an extremist, much like John Soloman.
"I will cooperate with whatever you are plotting for now," Erica declared coldly. "But make no mistake. I, Erica Soloman, while technically under the jurisdiction of our Brawlmanican main family branch, am currently a Mortal Lord with greater responsibilities to my sect. According to clan bylaws, unless Regional Clan Leader Donald himself issues orders, it would be best for you to refrain from overreaching."
Silence followed. A small magical aircraft slowly flew forward. A man stepped out from its doorway, his aura at the peak of Gold Tier 5, a Golden Lord expert. He gave a slight bow.
"Then let us work together," he said solemnly.
He was Lieutenant Family Head Ingraham Soloman.
…
Within the Pocket Dimension, a certain Umankan woman with a faintly demonic air quietly exited a building. The stench of blood lingered faintly behind her. As she moved, the surrounding Natives failed to notice her presence. She approached another structure where a visibly nervous Native glanced around before hastily opening the door to let her inside.
"M-Miss! As agreed, here is your reward for taking care of those fools," the Native said nervously, handing over a pouch filled with items. "I only hope that His Excellency, White Lightning Sage Solman, might find it in his heart to retrieve my family and friends so we may join his sect…"
The woman studied him silently for a moment before replying, "Whatever lies within my Lord's will shall be done. I will relay your request to my Lord."
The Native's face lit up with hope as he bowed repeatedly. "Thank you! Please, put in a good word for me, miss!"
Later, after the Native quietly arranged her exit, the woman departed the stronghold. As she moved, her thoughts drifted to her life since being rescued by her almighty savior, Elton, or rather, the being known as the White Star Sage. Outside the sect's core members, she was one of the rare few who had begun to form her own suspicions.
"…Regardless of Master's true identity, it does not matter," she murmured. "I am forever in his debt and will do anything for him."
From the distance, a flying essence beast slammed onto the ground, faint smoke curling around its body. A woman's voice rang out from atop its back. "Looks like your mission is finished. Let's head to the next place ASAP!"
As the smoke dispersed, the demon woman Taurawnack stood revealed atop the beast. Without a word, the Umankan woman leapt onto its back. Moments later, the creature roared and shot off into the sky.
"Sword Slaves of the White Star Sage… aaaawn! I want to receive Master's cultivation essence," a voice rang out between the two as they vanished into the distance.