Death... and me
chapter-2815

"Hum?" Gragatou's voice was laced with uncertainty. "Soul Gem, do you truly believe you can mend the shattered Foundation Pillar?"

Soul Gem obviously nodded. "Yes. But for that, we need the Fragments of the Foundation Pillar."

Gragatou narrowed his eyes. "That would be difficult. You know that the Fragments are too important. Some even think it could lead to the breakthrough into the Celestial Realm."

"Even if it was true, that also means you would all be sent out of this Universe," Kafan spoke. "Did you forget the Celestial Realm guy from Garisan, the one called Flavio, can't even enter? Let's pretend one of us can break through. We would immediately be rejected by the Universe and sent out. No, it could be even worse than that. Flavio doesn't even attempt to enter this Universe. It might be because it is too risky for him. So, if someone tries to enter the Celestial Realm in our Universe, could it be they would be killed right after?"

"This..." Gragatou's voice faltered, his eyes widening in realization. He hadn't considered the possibility of such dire consequences.

"That's not all," Kafan continued. "Let's say the Universe will simply force you to leave this Universe once you reach the Celestial Realm. What waits for you outside? An experienced Celestial Realm expert who already knows perfectly how to use his powers. Even if you manage to escape so what? You will be thrown into the Great Void. The future is just too bleak."

"We need you, Gragatou," Soul Gem pleaded. "Your presence is crucial when we negotiate the exchange of Fragments. We've already convinced the turtle to part with three Foreign Fragments. We can't afford to let this opportunity slip away."

Gragatou scratched his head. Just hearing that Kafan had three Fragments with him already made him jealous. But then again, he didn't hide that fact. They came to him and asked for help to save the Universe instead. "Why do you always come to me for these things? You do know I'm also interested in the Fragments regardless, don't you?"

Kafan smiled. "But I do believe you will make the right decision for our Universe instead. Besides, we aren't hopeless anymore. Did you forget? Suppose the plans work, and we manage to become a vassal Universe from Garisan. Can't we ask for information regarding the Celestial Realm, too? This is a much more concrete plan. Much better than relying on Fragments that we DON'T EVEN KNOW if they can be used in this way."

"Fine..." Gragatou relented. "I don't know where the hell you got the confidence in me, but I will give it a try. If I try to steal the fragments from you later, don't say I didn't warn you."

"Hahaha!" Kafan laughed, satisfied. "If that happens, then I can only fight back."

"By the way," Gragatou looked at Roan, who didn't seem to have any reason to be there. "Why are you carrying him around? Is it okay for him to hear this conversation?"

"He is my disciple, did you forget?" Kafan shrugged. "I decided to spend some time training him while we wait for the next attack from Garisan. Besides, I trust him even more than I trust Gem, so there is no need to worry."

"If you say so..." Gragatou didn't really mind. He was just curious.

"Alright, you all," Soul Gem called their attention. "The earlier we do this, the better. Kafan, can you call Huban?"

"I'm already here," said a voice before a colored being suddenly appeared. Obviously, that was Huban, the Semi-Celestial of the Essence Race. "Shall we go already?"

"Where to first?" Gragatou asked back.

"The easiest ones to negotiate with are definitely the angels. That's why I would rather leave them for last," Soul Gem spoke. "Let's go to the Underworld. Oh, right! Kilindou is here in the headquarters, so it would be good if we called him out to come with us first. That way, we can show our intentions of not causing trouble."

"Sounds like a plan," Kafan and the others nodded.

Later that day, Kilindou, Kafan, Gragatou, Huban, Soul Gem, and Roan entered the Temporal Path. Because the Temporal Path was also where you could find the Vruve Organization's home, it was constantly under surveillance in and out. Of course, the Vruves definitely had other ways to enter and leave their Dimensional Realm, and some are even known. Nonetheless, no one could enter it.

On their way to the Underworld, they had to pass by many checkpoints. Of course, with their status, it only took a second before they passed through them all. Finally, they exited on the other side, appearing inside a gigantic formation in the Underworld.

All three Higher Realms had Formations around their own Temporal Paths now. That was to prevent invasion from other forces. Now it was even more important with Garisan outside. Kilindou came forward and waved his hand. The formation opened a path, which their group used to come out. As a Semi-Celestial Devil, he was one of those in control of that formation. Black Locust was already there, waiting for them. Naturally, Sansara and Turen were there as well. "Kilindou told me you had something important to discuss. Come with me."

Their group arrived at Black Locust's residence a while later. Different from what most might expect, the Black Locust was quite similar to Kafan in this aspect. He only had a small house in the middle of nowhere, not being protected by anything. There wasn't really a need for protection. Anything Black Locust considered important he simply carried inside his Pocket Dimensional Realm. The Underworld Relic, which was once being used by the Peak Divinity Realm Elder Devils, was now there, too.

Black locust simply pulled a chair and sat down. "Just sit anywhere you want. So, what is it?"

Kafan didn't waste time and immediately pulled out a Fragment. Obviously, a Foreign Fragment.

"This..." None of the Devils expected that. "Where did you get this?"

Kafan smiled. "Black Locust, Kilindou, Sansara, we need your help."

Author's note: The new wisp book is now available in the main account, Suiyan, too. ;)