Winds of Change (DxD)

Volume 7 - Chapter 18 - Shadenvyre Machinara*

Word count: 70k

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Third Person Point of View

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In a concealed location, beyond the boundaries of the Phantasma universe, Phumera, Yve, and a multitude of researchers and scientists toiled relentlessly at a specific site. Their mission: to awaken the true master, the Outer God known as Magnum Tenebrosum or simply "Darkness" itself.

Amidst the focused activity, a scientist nervously approached Phumera with a report. "L-lady Phumera, we just received an alarming report," he stammered, catching her attention.

Phumera, her gaze fixed on the enormous shadowy figure of the Outer God, signaled for the scientist to continue. With trepidation, he relayed the unsettling news, "F-Ferrothos Prime has been destroyed by the Resistance. Anything resembling the planet has vanished, along with Zenosius, his subordinates, the ships, and reinforcements that were sent over there."

The weight of this revelation hung in the air, and Yve, who had been engrossed in her work nearby, halted her tasks. She swiftly moved toward the scientist, taking the holographic clipboard from him and scrutinizing its contents.

"Why weren't we notified of this sooner!?" Yve's voice resonated through the room, laced with frustration as she directed her anger at the scientist.

"I-I don't know, there were some interferences, apparently. E-each and every time they tried to contact us, something went wrong or something got in the way!" stammered the scientist, attempting to provide an explanation amidst the tense atmosphere.

Yve, visibly irritated, was on the verge of another outburst, but Phumera intervened, lifting her hand to signal restraint. "Those interferences may have come from the outer god... They have come to our universe, so our own 'war' has started," Phumera declared, her gaze shifting to Yve.

A hush fell over the room as various individuals ceased their work, turning their attention to Phumera, anticipating her next words.

"It's no wonder why something felt off for me... It matters not. As long as we wake up our master, we will win in the end. Alert the remaining Eradicators, Ueboros, Umbra, and other significant groups. Have them prepare for anything that the Resistance may do and target some of these planets for me," Phumera commanded, pointing at Yve's clipboard. New information promptly began to appear, detailing the strategic steps to be taken in response to the unfolding events.

"At once!" Yve responded with a bright smile and briskly darted away to attend to the assigned tasks. Her enthusiasm carried a palpable sense of dedication.

"Let us resume our own work, and let the rest delay [DxD] until we reawaken our master," Phumera directed, a commanding presence guiding her words. The workers surrounding her rekindled their activities, each movement a synchronized effort toward a shared goal. As they resumed their tasks, a serene smile graced Phumera's face as she gazed back at the imposing form of Magnum Tenebrosum.

"Soon... we'll be reunited soon," she murmured, the anticipation for the impending reunion reflecting in the gleam of her eyes.

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Haru's Soliloquy

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Several hours had drifted by since the operation, and as dinner time approached, I found myself tasked with rallying a few groups to head to the expansive dining area. It was more than a mere hall; Aaron had fashioned it as a large outdoor space reserved for special occasions.

Entering a particular room, I encountered some of Aaron's women, and I waddled over to them. "Hey, everyone, dinner's about to start, so we should make our way to that area soon," I informed them.