The Empyreal Gem Master

"Where is my daughter?"

Words filled with interminable brilliance vibrated out as while Branch Leader Axel reacted this way, Branch Leader Julius looked at the complicated and scared gazes of the young man and woman before them as his eyes shone deeply!

In reply to the words that seemed more like a threat, Azazel bowed his head while beginning to speak calmly.

"There are traitors within our midst, so Lady Claire and Young Master Alex designed this ruse."

Shocking words came out as before any replies could be made, Azazel continued.

"In the Barracks of the Jungle Grounds after I left, they were able to confirm this by capturing a Gem Master that sent a message through a Communication Device. A Gem Master who revealed that he was communicating with the Galanis Bloodline and subsequently- Beasts of Corruption!"

…!

The words caused the gazes of both Branch Leaders to change greatly.

From Branch Leader Julius, a heavy pressure also began to swirl as it felt even more suffocating!

But it was Branch Leader Axel who continued to ask.

"You left my daughter unaccounted for in a Breach? You thought that to be safer than within the walls of Carthage where I am along with armies of Gem Masters? You dumb motherf-"

"She is safest outside of Carthage." The voice of Branch Leader Julius interjected at this time in an extremely somber tone that made Branch Leader Axel gaze towards him while continuing his fury.

Branch Leader Julius continued.

"If there is one rat, there are many. As of right now, those plotting against your daughter know that she is back in Carthage, while truthfully, she is far, far away. As for why Carthage would be even more dangerous for her…something I only had as a passing fear may come out to be true."

…!

"The Awakening of a Five-Link Gem Master is a blessing…in the right place. In a place where they are capable of being protected and fostered. In a place like this, she can become a target. For vile Four-Link Gem Master or any Four-Link Beasts of Corruption, she is a Panacea that if they can swallow…they can become Entities with Five-Link Gem Sockets themselves!"

Words that caused the pupils of Gem Master Azazel to tremble echoed out.

A Panacea?

Azazel’s unfocused eyes gazed towards Branch Leader Julius as he asked hesitantly.

"You don’t mean…?"

"In the Ascendant Branches of any of the Four Human Lineages, It is possible to find Five-Link Gem Masters who live within grand Empire Strongholds. They are able to awaken stronger Gem Masters and raise them without worry because there are already existing Five-Link Gem Masters or even Six-Link Gem Masters there who can defend them.

But if, in a corner of this World of Ephesus, a Five-Link Gem Master arises in a little place that only has Four-Link Gem Masters…how can they possibly protect something like that? So the gazes of those seeking opportunity turn over.

Those who always dream of Five-Link Gem Sockets or higher finally have such a possibility before them…they just need to get their hands on a girl who has only just Awakened and has accumulated very little life force."

…!

The words of Branch Leader Julius caused Branch Leader Axel to shake and seethe with waves of anger.

His daughter.

They actually wanted the blood and livelihood of his daughter!

His mind turned fast as countless thoughts flashed within a second.

And a moment later…

"I can send her to the nearest stronghold of the Ascendant Branch of the Asmodeus Bloodline. I will escort her myself!"

Yes.

If she was there.

Her life would be protected. She could be fostered as a powerful force as they would gladly take her!

Even Branch Leader Julius gave a light nod to these words as he came before Rachel and Charlie, his hands rubbing their heads as if thanking them for their courage as he replied.

"That is the only possible path to take. I just hope it is not too late. We will have to be vigilant in the days to come. Azazel, let Alexander know to meet us at a point outside Carthage, there-"

WU! WU! WU!

Before his words could end, a massive sound of an alarm that rarely rang over the months and years echoed out!

An alarm that caused the gazes of the Branch Leaders to flash with shock and somberness as Branch Leader Axel instantly turned into a streak of lightning that disappeared!

At the same time, a difficult look appeared on Branch Leader Julius as he shook his head while leaving behind shocking words towards Azazel.

"Things may already be too late. Tell Alexander to stay as far away from Carthage as possible for now. Just until we understand what ordeal is coming."

WU! WU! WU!

The alarm continued to ring out as Azazel’s face was ashen!

He knew this alarm well.

It sounded across the whole City of Carthage as it told those weak to shelter in place.

And it was a signal to those who could fight to man the Walls of Carthage and prepare.

It only sounded when dangerous Beasts of Corruption were spotted coming close to the Walls of Carthage.

It only sounded when at the very Minimum, a horde of Three-Link Beasts of Corruption were seen, or a Four-Link Beast of Corruption was spotted!

A tremendously rare event.

Why would it be happening now?!

"Remain in here for now."

Leaving behind these words, Branch Leader Julius turned into a pillar of flames that disappeared.

Moments later, a pillar of flames flashed and appeared above the Airship, levitating above and seeing the scene across the Hangar and beyond.

At the panicking Gem Masters that were running towards the Wall.

At…the skies above that had suddenly turned very, very dark.

Clouds covered everything.

And it didn’t take long before Branch Leader Julius raised his hand before him, and he felt drops of rain begin to fall!