[CH598+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

"Beckman, you felt that too, didn't you?"

Floating above central headquarters, the three strongest True Cored humans on the planet feel real fear for the first time in decades.

"I did, Redgrave. The Vermillion Family has returned..."

Beckman scrolls and taps through his system interface while sweat trickles down his temples.

Elara speaks through the link next.

"It feels like that True Core has grown stronger since the first visit... That Demon's Aura made it through the S-Grade Originator Stone Defenses. It's like he could see right through, as if we're in a glass room."

Beckman looks up from his status screen full of numbers.

"Yes, that wave that hit me was approximately 129% stronger than the strongest attack I felt the last time we met. That is certainly the same Demon, I don't forget faces."

There's silence on the three-way line for a few seconds before a laugh echoes through from Redgrave's crystal.

"We've grown stronger too, you know! Three on one should get the job done, don't you think?"

His transmission device clicks off, but his laughter continues in private as he begins to dance around and send shimmering yellow divine flames at the inner walls of his room. Voices come out of the transmission tablet left behind on the arm of his throne, the first is from Beckman.

"That is not part of the plan. We shall stay on target and wait one more day. The probability of unnecessary fighting is too high if we approach now."

Elara returns a message.

"He won't go unless you give the order, he's just getting overly excited..."

A few dozen messages are sent back and forth between the two of them while Redgrave finally begins to calm himself down and walks back to his transmission tablet to hear Beckman's next words.

"Yes, that would be best. Awaken the emergency squads. I want bases built as close to the abyss as possible, far away from the Vermillion Family's forts, and preferably far from the Flame Emperor's strongest settlement in Sector 2. Have the yellow cores bring the offering package to their leader, for now; we're holding true to the pact."

A satisfied sigh comes through the channel from Redgrave next.

"Fine, fine. Elara, take care of activating my squad. I don't want to talk to either of you until we're actually heading toward the throne."

There's an annoyed click of the tongue from Elara before she speaks.

"You know I can't do that, you need to activate your squad through the designated channel. This is a safety protocol for all of us."

He grumbles back.

"Then at least let me take out that pest calling himself the Flame Emperor on our way over. I want a clear mind before I enter the doors."

There's silence on the channel again, but finally Beckman speaks.

"That shouldn't be a problem. If the Vermillion Leader hasn't killed him first, you're permitted to do as you wish once we make our move. But please, keep the civilian casualties below 1,000,000 if possible this time. We cannot risk losing a portion of central's population if there aren't enough workers left to satisfy the Demons."

Redgrave grins.

"Deal."

Three clicks follow as the transmission tablets all go dark, and many hidden bases deep beneath the divine flames surrounding the city turn their lights on for the first time in decades.