Chapter 1104: Teaming Up
Chapter 1104: Teaming Up
Edward realized way back that Rex was the first one to have his view altered.
He was the one to realize that Supernaturals weren't all that bad, there were some that were good and couldn't be compared with the rest. It was shown subtly when he decided to spare Ugrok who was evidently a full-blown Supernatural.
Not to mention, Ugrok is an extremely rare breed of Supernatural.
If he was left unchecked, he could become a big threat to humanity in the near future.
But nevertheless, Rex spared him which was quite shocking to see.
From the moment Edward saw Ugrok, he instantly suspected that Rex had a change of heart.
Now, his assumption holds true as Rex vies to create a Kingdom that accepts all.
Humans or Supernaturals, all are welcomed to his Kingdom.
Going from hating all Supernaturals deeply into accepting them was a big progress—and that progress shows Rex's realization that it was wrong for him to associate all Supernaturals' evil with the sole act of a few Supernaturals.
Similarly, Edward knew that deep down Rex didn't want to abandon humanity.
It was the unbearable pain that made him like this.
Upon hearing Edward's words, Rex pivoted around, facing away from him with crossed arms.
He paused momentarily, seemingly in deep contemplation.
Even then, there seemed to be an air of reluctance surrounding his form.
Edward could sense it coming from him vividly.
As he waited for Rex's impending decision—a suffocating wave of nervousness washed over him, draining the strength from his limbs and leaving his feet icy cold. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as he waited for the outcome, unable to alter the decision anymore.
Despite he was confident that Rex would feel his genuine gesture earlier, it was gone now.
Edward looked down to the ground in front of him silently.
'It's not going to be that easy, huh...?' He mused inwardly, feeling a rejection coming.
But as he was contemplating what his next steps would be, resolved to stand by Rex's side in the battle against the Executor regardless of his decision—his reverie was abruptly shattered by the sudden appearance of a hand before him, causing his eyes to widen in surprise.
Looking at the hand absent-mindedly, Edward was trapped in a trance.
"Are you going to leave me hanging?"
Upon hearing this, Edward snapped out of his daze and looked up.
Edward saw Rex stretching his hand towards him, offering help to stand back up to his feet.
Despite giving no clear answer directly—the gesture was answer enough for him as a smile bloomed on his face. It was the truth that Rex hasn't accepted fully—he can't quickly forget the tragedy that befell him, but this gesture shows that he is willing to try.
At least, that is what Edward takes from this gesture.
It was also more than enough, as long as Rex was willing to try, then everything was worth it.
Although there was doubt in his heart when he started all of this, he was glad that he made a firm decision to go through with it. Now that he did, his sacrifice has paid off in full—he could only thank his past self for going through with this mad plan.
Being near the Executor, death always loomed as he is a lunatic who is unpredictable.
However, it was all worth it.
Reaching his hand with a slight hesitation, he took Rex's help.
Like a torrent of energy being infused inside his body rapidly—Edward could feel his strength coming back to him as he clasped Rex's hand firmly. He stood back up to his feet and looked at Rex who was giving him an encouraging nod.
As the two were standing face-to-face, Edward felt this very moment was surreal.
However, the firm handshake showed that this moment was a reality.
"So, why did you decide to come clean now?" Rex asked curiously.
Even though there were a lot of things that Rex and Edward wanted to talk about, especially about the time Edward had with the Executor, it was not time to discuss such matters. None of them has the time to relax right now.
It was simply not the time with the Executor still around.
Regaining his composure after the emotional moment, Edward's gaze shifted to the direction where the purple flash had appeared moments before. He became focused again, fully aware that the battle was not over yet, not until the Executor was slain.
"It's because of the Passue Matriarch," He replied, squinting his eyes to the far distance.
Upon hearing this, Rex raised an eyebrow, "What about her?"
"I don't mean to be rude, but the Shapeshifters' plan of luring the Executor to cross with the Passue Matriarch is quite plausible—but he wouldn't fall for it that easily. My goal is to force him to encounter the Passue Matriarch before confessing this to you—so I gave him further confirmation to lower his guard," Edward explained clearly.
Rex nodded in understanding, knowing exactly what Edward meant.
Moments earlier, on his way to this location, Lyra confided in him about her plan on luring the Executor—a plan she believed would ensnare him. Exploiting the Executor's pride—she made him think that the Shapeshifters were leading him somewhere.
Naturally, the Executor's mind went to the Passue Matriarch.
But in truth, the Shapeshifters and their walls were simply circling the Passue Matriarch.
Lyran's plan was to make the Executor suspicious of their movements—manipulating him to think that he was being led so that he would try and go in the wall's direction. It shockingly worked beautifully, yet Edward played a part there.
He probably knew where the Passue Matriarch too and helped in manipulating the Executor.
It wouldn't be going this smoothly without his help.
Since he was sent into the creek to search the Passue Matriarch and keep an eye on her, the Executor would think that the direction where he comes from was clear. However, that guess was far from the truth.
Despite being in the dark about Lyra's plan, Edward's intuition played the part.
Aside from the Passue Matriarch—he was also keeping his eyes on the Shapeshifters.
Lyra tilted her head at the comment.
She has no clear facial features, but she seems to be offended by Edward's words.
But then again, she couldn't deny that her plan could fail miserably.
It was a gamble on the Executor's response.
However, thanks to Edward who boasts of clearing the area—the Executor lowered his guard on going through the path that Edward was supposedly cleared. In truth, he only aims to also lead the Executor to the Passue Matriarch.
Pausing momentarily, Rex turned his gaze towards Lyra.
"Do you consider yourself as brave, Lyra?" He suddenly asked, catching her off guard.
Even though she was not expecting such a question—Lyra quickly recovered and nodded her head in response. Her people were watching her, and she had a reputation to consider, it was clear that Rex was probably testing her.
He knew her answer already.
"Yes, without a doubt," Lyra's expression tightened, her tone firm.
She could already tell that Rex was going to ask something substantial from his words alone.
Rex nodded his head and turned to face eastward, "If that's the case, lead your army to stall the Passue Matriarch as I deal with the Executor. Maybe this is considered a selfish request, but I want to kill the Executor on my own terms,"
"Killing the Executor is more than an act, it's a declaration," Lyra replied with conviction.
Grinning, Rex nodded as he expected that from Lyra.
After addressing her, Rex turned to look at Edward again, "Are you going to help?"
"What do you think?" Edward replied—grabbing the Soulreaver Lance once again. Cracking his neck—he loosened his body as he stood beside Rex with the same grin, "If you're going then you better count me in,"
Upon hearing this, a flash of excitement appeared in Rex's eyes—his confidence bolstered.
Seething with otherworldly aura, he trained his gaze onward again.
"Well alright then, since our little talk is over, let's focus on the main event,"
Swoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Rex sprinted eastward, heading to the Executor with extreme speed.
Similarly, Edward followed closely from behind.
On the other hand, Lyra also commanded her army to follow Rex's lead.
A moment later.
Unlike the Executor who was being held back by the endless Passues that were substantially stronger here compared to the ones at the outskirts—Rex and the others weren't affected by it them that much.
Most could sprint past the Passues without any trouble.
Naturally, that was not the case for Edward who was still a human and targeted.
Hmm, should I make Edward one of my pack members?
Rex was contemplating whether it was a good idea to turn Edward into a Werewolf as it was a lie if he didn't consider doing that. On top of that, in his corrupted state, Rex believed that he would evolve into a very unique Werewolf bloodline.
It was possible that Edward might turn into a one-of-a-kind Werewolf bloodline.
As he thought of that, he quickly shook his head.
What am I thinking? Edward wouldn't want to be turned, he always wants to remain a human.
Despite the prospect of Edward turning into a Werewolf being a savory prospect—aware that he would become way stronger and a great help in the future, Rex doubted that Edward was going to accept being turned into a Werewolf.
He found it a dumb idea to even ask Edward something like that.
Since as far as Edward is concerned, he loves his humanity which he was born with.
Even if he did, out of some unfathomable miracles, agree to be turned into a Werewolf—Rex couldn't do it right now as the process takes time which he doesn't have. On the other hand, Edward was also looking at Rex from behind.
'I thought for sure he was going to turn me, but I guess not...' He pondered, shrugging lightly.
Mentally, he was prepared, but it seemed he was mistaken.
As the group continued to sprint onward, Rex's ears perked up when he sensed something.
Casting a sidelong glance, he discerned the approach of hundreds of humans, their presence evident from their distinctive aura and scent. It seemed some Humans managed to reach the creek, and is now seeking to regroup with the Executor.
"Lyra, capture them and bring them to me," Rex instructed.
Upon hearing this, Lyra did exactly as he said almost instantly, sending a battalion to do that.
"What are you going to do with them?" Edward asked questioningly.
Rex didn't turn to look at him and replied, "A needed sacrifice to win against the Executor,"
A short while later—Rex and the others eventually reached their destination—the cacophony of battle ringing loudly in their ears. Surveying the area, he could see that the fight unfolding—taking a vast space, and there was the Witch's cursed energy amongst the clashing aura.
Sensing his arrival, the Witch who was gravely wounded at the distance nodded.
It was a direct signal to Rex which made him return the nod.
Just then, the Executor surged into the fray.
He was brimming with potent chaos energy as his form acted as a magnet that influenced all surrounding mana, regardless of what they were, and turned them into chaos mana to supply his body with even more strength.
Under this extreme influence, he reached a higher height of power compared to earlier.
Even with the breakthrough, Rex doesn't know how he will fare against him.
Keeping his eyes locked onto the Executor who was climbing back to his feet, Rex narrowed his gaze in contemplation. I need to separate him from the Passue Matriarch—but I need to play it smart. I have roughly two more uses of Brutal Impulse before also damaging my body—It seems I have no other choice but to weaken the Executor now.
As he sized his situation, a sudden chilling figure suddenly landed near the Executor.
Rex was shocked at the sight of this figure.
Moving faster than his eyes could see, the figure slashed its sight towards the Executor.
It sent the Executor hurtled away, coughing blood in the process.
However, even though he was propelled away, he managed to sneak an attack and pushed the haunting figure back a couple of steps from a blow that landed on its stomach. As Rex observed this figure, he sweated with a frown.
"So this is the one who could strike fear into the Executor's heart, the Passue Matriarch..."