Winds of Change (DxD)

Volume 7 - Chapter 23 - Stolonium

Word count: 71k

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Third Person Point of View

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Phumera's response to the Phoshetoms' actions was not a mere dismissal; she viewed it as a manifestation of cowardice, deriving amusement from their reluctance to directly confront the Eradicators, Ueboros, or Umbra. This understanding of their tactics and mindset only fueled her resolve to decisively put an end to the conflict.

Upon her return to the main planet's base, Phumera did not immediately spring into action. Instead, she took the time to assess the situation, strategize, and mentally prepare herself for the impending confrontation. This demonstrated her leadership, strategic prowess, and dedication to efficiently resolving the conflict.

When Phumera crossed paths with Caeda, it was not a casual encounter. Their meeting held great significance, as Caeda, being Rank 8 of the Eradicators, possessed valuable information and insights about the ongoing situation.

"Lady Phumera, allow me to bring you up to speed," Caeda offered, her tone respectful yet urgent. Phumera nodded, signaling her readiness to listen and absorb Caeda's briefing.

Before them, Caeda displayed a series of screens, offering a comprehensive overview of the planets currently controlled by the Phoshetoms. Each screen detailed the extent of Phoshetoms' control and the precise locations where they had siphoned resources for their own benefit.

Additionally, she provided Phumera with detailed intelligence about the positioning of the Umbra, Ueboros, and Eradicators, showing their readiness to spring into action at the mere signal from Phumera herself.

Taking in the wealth of information, Phumera maintained her stride alongside Caeda, her mind spinning with strategic considerations. Upon reaching a new room, she broke the silence with a decisive directive.

"Given the value of the assets that have been stripped away, instruct two of the Ueboros to initiate a reclamation operation. We cannot afford to overlook any resources, particularly in light of the interference from the Outer God. Every piece of equipment and every morsel of sustenance is now crucial to our cause. Move swiftly," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

"Yes, of course, Lady Phumera," acknowledged Caeda before swiftly departing, leaving Phumera to her solitary contemplation. The room she now occupied was a vast control center, its walls adorned with an array of screens that offered insights into the operations unfolding across numerous planets.

Alone in this chamber, Phumera embraced the solitude, dismissing the attendants who would typically clutter the space. Preferring to oversee proceedings with her own eyes, she settled into a chair, surrounded by the glow of the multitude of screens. With practiced precision, she manipulated holographic displays and tapped commands into the translucent keyboard before her.

Focusing her attention on the planets ensnared by the Phoshetoms, she honed in on each one, scrutinizing the scenes playing out upon them. To her satisfaction, she observed her loyal followers being treated with a degree of care by their captors, receiving sustenance that elicited a faint smirk of amusement from Phumera's lips.

"How naïve... such innocence," she reflected, her laughter reverberating through the room as she observed the unfolding scenes on each planet. The sight of resources being used for her captured followers elicited a blend of amusement and disdain from Phumera.

With each transition to a new planet, the pattern repeated itself, further cementing the absurdity of the Phoshetoms' actions in her mind. Despite their reputation as warmongers, they displayed a surprising inclination for generosity, a contradiction that amused Phumera endlessly.