Even within the circles of the "Lampbearers," the primitive rule of the jungle applies: the strong naturally sit in higher positions and wield greater power. This is especially true for a super-power like Shinji, who is capable of rivaling a Hegemon!
The Lampbearers' logic was simple: the stronger their Captain was, the safer they would be. If they encountered other troubles in the future, having a Captain like this meant they had a reliable path to seek help.
Shinji, for his part, needed more assistance and information. It was a mutual convergence of interests.
After the initial greetings, Shinji asked, "While I was away, were there any noteworthy special circumstances?"
Alice replied, "The invasion of the Reproduction Hegemon has stopped. Since that battle, we haven't discovered any more meat puppets. However, the invasion of the Plague Hegemon is ongoing!"
"Arcane" added, "The number of contaminated zones has increased by over a dozen. The speed of the Plague Hegemon's invasion is accelerating."
Shinji listened silently, showing no surprise. This was only natural. After all, the previous battle saw the death of the Storm Sorcerer Supreme and the collapse of the Tower of Knowledge. The "Sixth Ring World" had essentially lost one-sixth of its total combat power, creating a massive gap in the protective shield of the Magic Rings.
Under these conditions, it was expected that the Plague Hegemon's encroachment would speed up.
As they discussed, the group moved to a conference room. There, Shinji met two more unfamiliar Lampbearers. After brief introductions, everyone took their seats.
Sitting at the head of the table, Shinji said, "Tell me about your proposals."
Alice stood up and walked to a 3D holographic display. "Based on the current situation in the Sixth Ring World, we have formulated two operational plans for our subsequent actions!"
With a snap of her fingers, the display projected a 3D map of the world.
"Plan A follows the logic we used to defeat the Reproduction Hegemon," Alice explained. "We lure the Plague Hegemon into forcefully breaching the Sixth Ring World, then you, Captain, will defeat and seal it!"
"Mm." Shinji nodded slightly. This was indeed the best method he could think of at the moment.
Alice then frowned. "However, Plan A currently faces some issues. It might be difficult to perfectly replicate the battle against the Reproduction Hegemon."
She proceeded to list the problems with Plan A one by one. There were two fatal flaws:
First, how to lure the Plague Hegemon into a forced entry? During the last battle, the Plague Hegemon had an opportunity to force its way in but ultimately chose to retreat, suggesting it is more cautious than its counterpart.
Second, with the death of the Storm Sorcerer Supreme and the fall of his tower, the Magic Rings covering the world are missing a segment. The barrier has a massive hole. Even if they successfully lured the Hegemon in, the world's suppression effect would be much weaker than it was against the Reproduction Hegemon.
Shinji rubbed his chin. "And Plan B?"
Alice adjusted the display, shifting the projection to the Chibaku Tensei Shinji had created in space. "The first half of Plan B is identical to Plan A—luring the Plague Hegemon in early. Considering Plan A's shortcomings, the second half of Plan B involves releasing the sealed fragment of the Reproduction Hegemon once the Plague Hegemon enters, using the power of one Hegemon to fight the other!"
Shinji smiled. "An excellent idea!"
After the last clash, Shinji was certain that even Hegemons possessed emotions. The Reproduction Hegemon had been driven away by the Plague Hegemon last time, so there was definitely a grudge between them. If they released the sealed fragment while the Plague Hegemon was invading, the two would likely turn on each other within the Sixth Ring World.
In that scenario, the Lampbearers could play the role of the fisherman, potentially wiping out both at once!
Alice said, "I apologize; our understanding of Hegemons is still limited, so this is the best we could devise."
"It's already quite good." Shinji paused and looked at the other Lampbearers. "What does everyone else think?"
Hengo spoke up: "I lean toward Plan A. Letting two Hegemons fight inside the Sixth Ring World... I'm worried the world won't be able to withstand it!"
"Arcane" nodded repeatedly. "I share that concern. With one Sorcerer Supreme missing and a hole in the barrier, our defensive capacity is significantly compromised!"
At this point, a Lampbearer codenamed "Specter" said, "I think the key right now is how to lure the Plague Hegemon into forcing its way in. Only if it's willing to enter early do our plans have any room to work."
Everyone nodded in agreement. If they waited until the spatial barriers of the world were riddled with holes, the Sixth Ring World would no longer be suitable as a battlefield. Plans A and B only made sense if the barriers were still relatively strong, forcing the Hegemon to expend significant energy to break in.
Everyone turned their eyes to Shinji. They couldn't handle this problem themselves and could only place their hopes on him.
Shinji pondered for a moment and said, "I can try to provoke it, but I can't guarantee it will take the bait."
Hearing Shinji's words, the Lampbearers' eyelids twitched. Provoking a Hegemon—something they considered equivalent to seeking death—was spoken of by Shinji with such casualness that they found it hard to process.
Alice said, "Then let's take a vote. Should we execute Plan A or Plan B?"
Shinji interrupted her. "I think we can push both Plan A and Plan B forward simultaneously, then make a final decision based on the actual circumstances."
Alice whispered, "Captain, we are short one Sorcerer Supreme. If we go with Plan A, the pressure on you will be much greater than it was against the Reproduction Hegemon! Furthermore, in our assessment, the Plague Hegemon might be even stronger."
Shinji waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. I can find another Sorcerer Supreme to come over. However, you'll have to figure out a way to handle the Magic Tower!"
"What!?"
"Arcane" froze, looking as if he hadn't heard correctly. The other Lampbearers stared at one another in disbelief.
Shinji might look down on Sorcerers Supreme, but in the eyes of the Lampbearers, those figures were the ultimate apex powerhouses of the world. They couldn't imagine Shinji could just "find another one" to help out...