Staring wide-eyed at the eventual end result of the confrontation, Cristyn didn't know how to describe how she was feeling at this point. Words seemed to be failing her entirely, and a plethora of different emotions were drifting about her mind, leaving her in a dazed state.
One thing was for certain, though: Never once had she anticipated that a 'divine' being would be slain today–and this easily, at that. She still remembered the time when she had prophesized this day's events, as well as the almost mind-shattering terror that had gripped her heart back when Spitamaneh had noticed her prying eyes.
Yet now, Theodore had thoroughly eliminated this nightmare of hers. It felt surreal, and was a huge relief... but it also terrified her. After all, such conventional understanding-shattering might would scare even the bravest souls a little. On the bright side, her decision to not become his enemy was once more proven to have indubitably been the correct choice.
'... and at the very least, my thoughts and emotions are still genuinely my own. I really wouldn't want to end up like those two...'
Glancing to her left, her gaze fell upon Devashtich and Spandarmad, who were seated not too far away from her. Before the battle had truly begun, she herself as well as the twins had been transported to Theodore's private island, where the Lesser Void Guarding Array's various functions were utilized to broadcast the ongoing events to the group of three, plus Cadi.
Upon witnessing the utter eradication of their own kind's army, neither Devashtich nor Spandarmad showed even the slightest signs of displeasure or sorrow. Instead, joyful smiles spread across their lips. Although Cristyn couldn't read their thoughts, from their expressions, she could clearly tell that they felt like the attackers had got exactly what they deserved!
Not knowing whether to pity them for how warped their minds and hearts had become, or to turn away in discomfort, she ultimately just heaved a resigned sigh.
Right when she had settled back down and regained her bearings somewhat, the power of the nearby Naxsir duo and Cadi suddenly increased markedly. Even the slightest traces of their strengthening auras, which inevitably escaped their control due to the abruptness of this change, caused Cristyn to pale. Fortunately, the three had responded quickly enough to avoid accidentally destroying their surroundings.
'What just happened?!'
Flabbergasted at this occurrence, she eventually noticed that Theodore appeared to have undergone a significant transformation. Recalling some past events and connecting the dots, her panic faded away, replaced by a hint of envy.
'I see, so his Subordinates benefit from his breakthroughs. That explains a lot.'
Other than Cristyn, who felt a bit disappointed about missing out on such a good deal, everyone else was in a rather jubilant mood. Even the ones who had just begun to get some rest were awakened and empowered, their exhaustion fading more quickly and their wound healing speed accelerating by a lot.
However, not everybody was focused on the new strength welling up within them. Whether it be Cadi at Cristyn's side, Xie Mei, Han Junqiao, Cheong Suhyeon, or even Navya, all of them had been paying close attention to Theodore's changes this entire time. As a result, they had all witnessed that short moment when his devastating charm had not yet been suppressed and carefully concealed.
"... looks like we'll have to watch you like a hawk from now on."
Already recovered from the rise in her Standard Attributes, Xie Mei appeared at his side, the look in her eyes a fairly complicated one. Although she was rejoicing over her lover having become even more of a delectable catch, a sense of crisis couldn't help but begin to spread. If he didn't keep a comparatively 'low profile' like right now, then their doorstep would be overrun with sisters-to-be in a couple of decades!
Knowing exactly what she was concerned about, Theodore rolled his eyes at her, his expression a somewhat reproachful one.
"Just what kind of man do you think I am? I've never been one for reckless indulgence, Mei'er. If there's anyone who you'll have to be worried about, then that's..."
Deliberately pausing for a moment to tease her a little, he showed a small smirk and recalled a certain unexpected discovery from earlier.
"... you yourself. There are another 20 Mei'ers out there right now, all pining for me without a doubt. Ah, what a mess!"
Watching him shake his head in what was partially mock-dismay, she initially wanted to come up with a playful, annoyed retort. However, as his revelation truly sank in, she fell silent in puzzlement. Having been with him for so long, she knew that he wouldn't be joking about such a matter.
'But where did another 20 mes come from all of a sudden?!'
Unbeknownst to her, her sisters had long since arrived next to her, and were now equally deep in thought. The first one to snap out of the shared confusion–as expected–was Cheong Suhyeon.
"If I recall correctly, then Mei'er has a very helpful Talent. And then there's the 'unusual' beginning of this round... I don't need to say more, do I?"
Although she had kept her exact speculations to herself, these hints alone already sufficed to earn her an appreciative smile from Theodore. Not keeping them in suspense for much longer, he teleported them to a heavily Array-reinforced location and roughly explained to them the concept of Reincarnation Clones.
For now, it would still be too dangerous for him to share this information with his entire inner circle, or even with all of his Subordinates, therefore his lovers alone would be the sole ones privy to it. After all, even if he didn't outright state it, him possessing the Regression Talent–or one that was very similar to it–could be easily inferred from what they had just been told. Only once he had obtained another proper life-saving measure would he risk a wider dissemination of this intel.
"... I never thought that I'd eventually turn into my own worst enemy!"
Slouching down in a crestfallen manner, a wry smile had blossomed on Xie Mei's lips. Naturally, she wouldn't genuinely view her additional selves as opponents to get rid of, but that was exactly why she felt quite stifled! Other women, she could properly oppose–yet copies of herself were an entirely different beast. She had no right to keep them from approaching her lover... as they were all fundamentally herself!
"So, from what you're saying, I gather that the other Mei'ers are currently scattered throughout the Heavenly Court's domain, right? Do you have any idea where or who they are?"
Trying to learn as much as she could, Han Junqiao asked a few pertinent questions, all the while gently patting her sister's back in an effort to cheer her up.
"That's the thing: For now, they haven't shown up on my Status Panel at all. I'm not sure if they somehow have ceased to be my Followers after their visit to the cycle of reincarnation, whether their visit has yet to end, or if it's because they haven't been properly welcomed into the world by their mothers yet."
Listing out everything that came to mind, Theodore thought about it some more and then shook his head.
"I think we can discard that first possibility. Usually, when somebody with a Reincarnation Talent undergoes this process, their Subordinate status will stay intact. The other two options, though, are quite likely. For now, I'll just keep an eye out for any changes."
Nodding in agreement, Cheong Suhyeon showed an amused smile as she glanced at Xie Mei, eagerly anticipating the chaotic future. Fortunately, there would never be more than 21 Xie Meis, yet finding them all and dealing with whatever troubles that they would inevitably attract... it would definitely not be easy.
"Good, that would be for the best. Inform us immediately once you notice anything, alright?"
Naturally agreeing to her request, Theodore made some final adjustments to his upcoming plans, then rose to his feet. Gently ruffling through Xie Mei's hair as he passed by, he turned back once he reached the door.
"If you'd like to distract yourself, then follow me–things are about to get busy. But don't force yourself, alright? You can take as much time as you need to recover."
His gentle, considerate assurance caused her turbulent feelings to settle down a little. A few deep breaths later, she energetically jumped to her feet, all of her worries stuffed to the back of her mind. At least for the time being, no Reincarnation Clones of herself should be showing up, so why wallow in misery unnecessarily?
"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be alright! I'd much rather take my mind off all of this. Lead the way!"
Linking arms with him before her sisters could react, she winked at them playfully, then 'dragged' him outside, her behaviour eliciting a host of smirks and chuckles.
Very soon after, Theodore's inner circle had been assembled in full force, and his intended action plan for them had been presented.
About twenty of his Subordinates were to be left behind in Pytho to safekeep the world and teach the Sybillans, racking up points for the Heavenly Succession in the process. Kiran was assigned to be their leader, with his only directive being to stay alive and well–his network was far too useful, after all.
Meanwhile, the rest of Theodore's forces would be moving out and handling a number of the surrounding civilizations. While waiting for the Naxsir's fleet to arrive, there had been enough time for him to prepare plenty of Compound Array Disks, therefore the Lesser Void Guarding Array could be expanded to envelop these areas as well. Due to the routine nature of such conquest-esque operations, most of them didn't actually necessitate his personal involvement.
Cheong Suhyeon and Cristyn–supported by a few maids and guards–would be going to the Illyrian Union. Not much resistance was to be expected on this front, and everything would be handled by the two of them.
Satoru and Conrad would be responsible for all matters related to the Iulian Empire, which should prove a bit more difficult to handle. That was also why quite a few more guards were assigned to them for this mission.
Kjartan's and Corinna's goal would be the Pontifical State of Tzyion. Joined by about half of the remaining, as-of-yet unassigned Subordinates, they would cleanse the rot undoubtedly pervading it from the roots. As for the strong faith of the people, while it might pose a slight obstacle, sufficient time was all that was required to deal with it.
Krysmidonia would be visited by Navya, Xie Mei and Han Junqiao, accompanied by another approximately ten guards plus maids. Due to how little was known about this civilization, their objective wasn't actually to incorporate them into Theodore's area of influence just yet, but rather, they should aim to gather information on them first. Of course, if they felt confident, then they were allowed to make a move.
Lastly, Vigdis and about 40 other Subordinates would embark on a journey to the Sarasvain Federation. Out of everyone else, they had by far the most dangerous assignment... although it couldn't really be compared to their battle against the now-obliterated Naxsir fleet. Still, Theodore's instincts were telling him that something was strange about that place, which is why he had told Vigdis to immediately notify him if anything went even remotely awry.
'As for me, I'll have a look at the Tetrachroma Palace. I'll have to be careful, though–Celestial Stage experts should definitely exist over there. They shouldn't be as common as cabbages, but I suspect that if I truly stir up the hornet's nest, then I will end up surrounded on all sides.'
Recalling his earlier speculations in regard to this civilization, minute hints of excitement flickered in his eyes. When he had last encountered the Ur Family's pawns, he had got to enjoy quite the interesting little interlude. This time, would he be blessed with more of the same? Or would he come across something different altogether?
'I cannot wait to find out.'