Chapter 384 We have many secrets between us, don't we?
Dante's initial plan had been complex, but now that he had the scene set, he knew what he could or couldn't do at this moment. And here he was...
"You'll go to these locations. I was going to send others, but the Virtues will only listen to other Virtues," Dante said, looking at the dark-haired woman he hadn't seen for some time, just like Sara... though, well, he saw her every day.
"Alright, we'll help you," Jeanne said, looking at Dante's face. "You're nervous," she remarked.
"How could I not be? That bitch wants to destroy the world," he said, slamming his fist on the table. "Damn, I need to see the Heavenly Father." Dante stood up. "Go to where I instructed, do whatever needs to be done. I'm going to see the Heavenly Father to ask for help. This involves more than you can imagine," he said, disappearing in flames.
"He..." Sara murmured, a bit upset. "He's taking on too much responsibility, not just with all these women, but... there's a lot at stake. Let him work; the weight on his shoulders must be heavy," Jeanne said, standing up and placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Let's go. When we come back and solve these problems, you'll have time to talk. Let's save the world, shall we?" Jeanne said, smiling.
"Yes, Mistress," Sara nodded before they both disappeared in a magic circle.
...
The first location Dante indicated was a place Jeanne knew quite well, as she had once taken care of this Virtue.
They were in a secluded part of the world, the best place for someone like her, as she couldn't have any contact with humans in a normal way.
Sara and Jeanne trekked up the steep mountain path, the air thinning and the cold stones chilling their feet. When they reached the top of the hill, they saw a serene figure meditating, her long silver hair and white robe contrasting with the grey, misty sky.
The woman slowly opened her blue eyes and stood, her expression calm and her smile gentle.
"It's been a while, Mistress," she said, bowing slightly. "You've come here... for me?" she asked, her voice sweet and serene like the cold wind.
Jeanne smiled and gave a slight bow in return. "Yes, sister. The world is under threat, and we need all the Virtues together. We need you," Jeanne said, looking at the serenity in the woman's gaze.
She gave a small sigh, glancing out at the fog-covered horizon. "My archangel has already warned me about the situation. I knew this moment would come… but facing it is terrifying."
She looked back at Jeanne, her expression softening. "Justice, if it's necessary, I am ready to follow you and fight."
"It won't be necessary, Aurelia," Jeanne replied, gazing at the horizon. "For now, we will simply protect the virtues from those who are after them."
Aurelia sighed again, but then smiled, her trembling hand resting over her heart. "If that's the case, I'll go with you. I promise to give everything I have to protect what is sacred. My Virtue of Chastity will help in any way possible."
Sara stepped forward. "I don't believe we've met... I am Sara, of Humility," she said, bowing.
"No need for introductions; we are among sisters," Aurelia said. "Shall we go?"
...
Hours had passed, and now they were in pursuit of another Virtue. This time, their target was someone neither of them really knew; in fact, it was something Dante had arranged... How? They didn't know, but somehow, he had her location.
Stay tuned to empire
Now they were in a forest where the leaves glowed in the gentle light, seeming to radiate their own energy.
Sara and Jeanne made their way to a clearing… Ahead, a woman with brown hair and a green tunic waited for them, seated on a stone surrounded by flowers and animals drawn to her presence.
She stood, her blue eyes filled with kindness, greeting the visitors with a calm smile.
"I was told you'd come, Humility and Justice. Welcome to my grove. My angel informed me that you would need me. Dark times, aren't they?" she murmured, her voice as peaceful as the scenery around them.
Jeanne nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We're in serious trouble... That's why we're gathering all the Virtues to protect them," Jeanne concluded.
She seemed to ponder, looking at the swirling leaves around her. "Peace has always been my calling. But... if the only way to preserve it now is to fight alongside you, then so be it." She smiled, though a hidden sadness lingered in her eyes. "I never imagined I'd have to wield a weapon myself."
"Forgive my manners… I am Cia Mondetus, the Celestial of Temperance."
...
Another location, an ancient stone city where buildings covered in vines and moss stood in majestic ruins. Here, Charity helped feed the hungry and heal the sick. She was a woman with a warm smile, golden hair, and radiant skin, wearing a pink dress that glimmered in the sunlight.
She finished tending to an injured child and spotted the Virtues. A bright smile lit up her face as she approached.
"Sara, Jeanne! It's been so long!" Charity opened her arms to them, unreservedly showing her affection. "My mission here is difficult, but my angel told me of the gravity of the situation. You need me, don't you?"
Sara nodded solemnly. "We need you, Sephina. Your heart, your kindness... the world is going to war soon."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Sephina let out a long sigh, her gaze still on the children she was leaving behind. "These people need me, too. But maybe it's time to care for the whole world, not just this small corner." She placed her hands gently on the nearest child's face, whispering comforting words. "Well... I've never been one to ignore those in need."
Jeanne placed a grateful hand on her shoulder, her gaze firm and supportive. "Sephina, the sacrifice you're making won't be in vain. We'll protect everyone, together."
Sephina nodded, wiping a tear before pulling away from the children. "Then let's go, and may kindness guide our steps."
...
In the lush plains of Valon, where grass stretched to the horizon, Sara and Jeanne saw a figure with a long braid and dark brown hair, surrounded by small animals drawn to the warm aura around her. This was Kindness, who turned upon seeing the visitors and walked over to them with a radiant smile.
"So wonderful to see you! You must be my sisters, aren't you?" Kindness exclaimed, taking both their hands and filling them with her warm energy. "My angel explained what's happening. I feel in my heart the urgency to help."
Jeanne smiled at Kindness, her voice full of gratitude. "What's your name? I'm Jeanne, but you can call me Sister Jeanne, and this is Sara."
"Oh yes, that's right! So lovely to meet you; I'm Valeria Clemente! The Virtue of Kindness!"
...
Inside the ruins of an ancient abbey, where a sacred fire burns constantly, Diligence waits. Clad in silver armor, she holds a sword adorned with runes, her expression one of pure determination.
She turns as she sees Sara and Jeanne, her gaze piercing and austere.
"I presume you are Humility and Justice," she states, keeping her posture firm. "I received my message, and I am ready. Whatever it takes, I will fight."
"I am Max Zeal," she adds. Sara smiles, satisfied with her sister's resolve. "I am Sara Vortex, and this is Joan of Arc... Let's get going... We have many challenges ahead," Sara commented, not mincing words. Unlike her other sisters, this one truly seemed eager to fight, her gaze fierce.
...
Dante gazed at the divine spark, a sphere of light pulsing with a distant, silent energy. He was beyond the planet now, in a place that transcended the boundaries of the physical world, within the special chamber of the "Heavenly Father," or more precisely, the "Heavenly Mother." The vastness of the surroundings seemed to reflect the weight of his own doubts.
Strelitzia, seated on her majestic golden throne, watched Dante with a piercing gaze. The air around her was heavy, filled with a stillness that made time feel distorted. She knew what he wanted to ask but waited for him to speak, knowing also that Dante always had one question hidden behind another.
"There's still one left, but yes, most of them are probably already under your protection. What concerns me is why you're here. I'm sure I gave you this information months ago," she said, her voice soft yet commanding.
Dante didn't respond immediately. He paced back and forth, lost in thought. Something didn't add up, and he knew that to fully grasp the picture, he needed to ask the right question. He finally stopped, facing Strelitzia, his eyes filled with a fire she knew all too well.
"Why are you here, Dante Scarlet?" she asked again, her patience beginning to wear thin.
"We have many secrets between us, don't we?" Dante replied, anger seeping into every word. "The world is about to enter a final war, a full-scale war, and here sits the Absolute Being of Creation, while I do all the work. Don't you think it's amusing?" he said, his tone laced with irony but with an undertone of deep frustration.
Strelitzia remained imposing, not allowing her emotions to show. "Where are you going with this?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.
Dante, however, was not backing down. He was furious, but he knew the anger needed to be channeled into a question that could change the game.
"You are the Absolute Being of Creation in this sector—where is the Absolute Being of Destruction?" he demanded, his voice low but carrying a threatening weight. "Why are you here while the other side remains silent? What does this mean?" he continued, feeling the tension rise within him.
There was a suspicion in his mind, an idea that consumed him, and he had come to her, hoping for a clear answer. Something he could use. Something that would change everything. And so, he waited to hear the missing answer that would complete the board.
Strelitzia remained silent for a moment, Dante's eyes fixed on her. Then, with an almost ethereal calm, she replied, her voice gentle:
"This sector has no Absolute Being of Destruction."