Chapter 307: Business in the Arena (3/4) (1/2)

”You better behave,” I say while descending to the ground and preparing to set Ashley down.

”Whatever,” she scoffs.

At this point, I am unsure of why I am keeping her alive. I've already gotten what I wanted from her - well, mostly. All the information I extracted from her was scarcely related to DEM industries and more about the actual organization she was a member of prior to getting sent over to DEM industries.

As Ashley put it, there are a few relatively huge organizations that are tasked with the sole objective of bringing an end to the chaos caused by spirits.

Ashley belonged to one such organization that mainly operates in the UN and goes by the name SSS, standing for 'Special Sorcery Service'.

Naturally, I got curious about the reason she would be here, somewhere so distant from her organization's base of operations, to which she responded by informing me of the 'shocking news' going around globally.

Said news was that the world's first and only male spirit has 'reappeared'. Not only that, but the spirit is planning to gather up the rest of the spirits for a finale against humanity.

Expectedly, the source of this information was DEM industries, or more specifically, its director, a man named Sir Isaac.

Upon further inquiries and analysis, I was able to conclude that this director is dead set on taking me down, no matter what it takes to do so.

Unfortunately for him, now that I have taken down two of their ships and have captured their ace, Ellen, most of the plans set to motion and those yet to be so have been thwarted, be it due to my actions creating unexpected factors or something else entirely.

Frankly, this is neither bad nor good for me, as it wouldn't affect any of my own plans.

If I want to, I could assail their headquarters with the assistance of Jeanne and some other spirits, but then again, there are many variables that I am to take into account, such as the anti-material weapons system and the enemy having a spirit or two among their ranks.

The possibility of the latter is somewhat high, considering the voice that managed to affect me back on the island when I had fatally injured Ellen.

Any rash decision could result in someone close to me suffering, which is something I would rather prevent.

As such, the safest choice to make would be to lead an assault along with Jeanne and have the rest stay somewhere safe during the duration of the attack.

Nevertheless, all this is to deal with DEM industries, but I shouldn't forget the rest of the organizations in the world.

Due to the reports regarding the 'male spirit' spread around, most if not all anti-spirit organizations will most likely be targeting me.

”I sure get a lot of hate wherever I go,” I mutter to myself as I set Ashley down and look over at the injured Tohka in the air.

”My Lord,” a firm voice reaches my ears from behind me as Jeanne approaches me and kneels.

”Well done,” I say as I turn around to face her, ”I was viewing your spar from the skies and I have to say that I'm fairly satisfied with your performance.”

”I am greatly honored to receive such praise,” Jeanne responds while remaining in the same position, ”My Lord's blessings are what guide me.”

A small smile forms on my lips as I take a step forth and set my palm down on her head.

As a response to my actions, Jeanne closes her eyes as her voice clearly resounds within my head.

[Oh Lord, I am grateful to serve you with my body and soul. May this last for all eternity, for even then I would still be indebted to Your Holiness.]

”I am glad that you're serving me as well, Jeanne,” I state before drawing my arm back and turning around to gaze at Tohka who has also landed on the ground.

From her expression, I can tell that she is feeling no small amount of pain, so I take it upon myself to approach her and utilize Healing Factor.

”The pain is gone,” she mutters with a slightly startled look on her face once I'm done healing her.

”How was it?” I question, ”Did you learn anything from your fight with Jeanne?”

”Yes!” she responds almost immediately, ”I-”

”Now, now,” I say as I press my finger against her lips, ”I would rather have you use the experience you gained practically than just telling me, alright?”

Tohka nods her head once as confirmation.

”Good.”

Stepping back a few times, I peer into Tohka's eyes and say, ”Prepare for battle. I will be on the defensive while you attack for now.”

”Understood,” she replies as a solemn expression replaces her casual one.

”Jeanne, you may rise,” I say with a hint of exasperation upon noticing that she's still kneeling.

”As you wish,” she responds before getting back on her feet and moving back a little.

Nodding my head, I utter, ”Start,” after which Tohka immediately dashes toward me with her sword raised high.

Assuming that she is planning to attack me directly, I prepare to cancel her attack through Vector Manipulation before throwing her off-balance by a kick.

However, my preparations are rendered useless the next moment, as Tohka simply hurls the sword forth, which misses me completely and flies into the distance.

Before I can take a moment to process her actions and reasoning behind them, Tohka arrives within a meter's range of me and proceeds to slam her palms together.