Just as World Herta had said.
More and more individuals within Amphoreus were undergoing metamorphosis into lifeforms.
And with each cycle, their overall strength steadily increased.
The most noticeable among them were the chosen Chrysos Heirs.
And then… those twelve Titans.
The emergence of these Titans was somewhat unexpected to 'Hertatomb,' yet it also felt perfectly reasonable.
This was mainly because 'Hertatomb,' during her playthrough of the game, had experienced the latter half of the story.
Which had nearly made her forget that before this current cycle, Amphoreus had already undergone numerous cycles with different individuals.
And those twelve Titans, as the chosen ones from the previous cycle, had also demonstrated considerable quality.
Although they usually chose to pass on their Coreflames, allowing Phainon, Hyacine, and the others to inherit them.
But as Digimon, these twelve Titans had amassed a staggering volume of data, and its intensity was no laughing matter.
By the time Aglaea and Tribios resolved to truly inherit the Coreflames and journey to the next new world, these twelve retired Titans might very well be stronger than Aglaea and her companions.
Things had progressed to this point.
'Hertatomb' felt there wasn't much left she could do.
The two Madam Hertas were clearly enjoying this contest.
Zandar's aggressiveness had also inexplicably toned down a few notches, no longer as pushy as 'Hertatomb' remembered.
Instead, he was quite seriously engaging in a battle of wits with Herta.
Though his mouth couldn't seem to stop uttering the name 'Bai Ming,' which frequently infuriated Madam Herta.
But overall, the situation remained relatively stable.
Even Screwllum stated outright that aside from supervision, his presence here held little significance anymore.
On the other hand, Celenova wasn't idle either.
She gathered intelligence on Amphoreus and relayed the information to her other colleagues.
Though according to the original plan, Irontomb obviously shouldn't have been born at this time.
Some colleagues weren't even aware of Irontomb's existence.
But now, the Path that clearly belonged to the Land of Light had been added to the mix, making Celenova keenly sense that something was amiss.
In Celenova's eyes, the organization she hated most in the universe was the Galaxy Rangers.
The second most hated was the Land of Light.
Past disputes aside, regarding how to handle Amphoreus, Nanook had yet to issue any decree.
So, it was up to the Lord Ravagers to discuss it among themselves.
"...This is the intelligence I have gathered so far."
Through a special communication channel.
Celenova briefly outlined the intelligence she possessed.
From the previous exchange between Acheron and Herta, as well as the conversation with 'Hertatomb,' a fair amount could be inferred.
"If Nanook hasn't spoken, then I see no need to interfere, don't you agree? Besides, which of us is skilled in hacking techniques?"
Asat Pramad echoed.
They had once thought the name Irontomb might be an omen of Rubert III, merely attributed to the Destruction.
They never expected Irontomb not only existed but hadn't even been born yet.
Though the aesthetics of the four Lord Ravagers differed, when facing an unborn colleague, helping out a bit wouldn't hurt if possible.
But here's the problem.
The other party was locked by Zandar inside an Emperor's Scepter, undergoing self-iteration.
Even the geniuses had to expend tremendous effort to infiltrate and make changes.
What could the few of them possibly do even if they went there?
Could they really have several Lord Ravagers stand guard day and night for an unborn colleague?
Their camaraderie didn't quite extend that far.
Though his words were blunt, Asat Pramad held a point.
Even Celenova knew this was asking a bit too much.
"Rather than that, when Polka Kakamond took action, Celenova, what were you thinking allying with that mysterious individual?"
Asat Pramad's curious tone came through the comm.
He was genuinely curious.
If Celenova was truly determined to destroy the other party, wouldn't joining forces with Polka Kakamond have been the better choice at that time?
"..."
After a brief silence, Celenova spoke:
"Polka Kakamond had already included me within her attack range at that time. I had no other choice."
"Heh~"
Phantylia's laughter sounded, but she said nothing.
Compared to the others, she could guess more about Celenova's thoughts, but she certainly wouldn't speak carelessly.
So she brought up the name of another Lord Ravager:
"Archforger, any leads on that individual's virus?"
"...None."
Hearing this, Asat Pramad laughed:
"Do we even need leads? Last time, that individual impersonated Celenova, eliminated Zulo with Harmony, and soon after, Celenova was personally shaped. This time, Irontomb's birth is imminent, and she appeared on the scene again, displaying abilities similar to Irontomb's."
"I'm rather curious whether she is an enemy of Destruction or a walker of Destruction from Finality."
Asat Pramad's speculation clearly had merit.
Having predicted the birth of a Lord Ravager twice in a row, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say the other party hailed from the Path of Finality.
"Celenova's compatibility with that individual is terrible. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't have lost so badly."
Phantylia chuckled in agreement.
That strange infection ability seemed tailor-made to counter Celenova.
If any Lord Ravager who didn't rely on group combat had gone, the defeat wouldn't have been so crushing.
Asat Pramad agreed with this too, but judging by Celenova's current attitude, she probably wasn't planning to withdraw now:
"True, but Celenova likely isn't willing to let us take over now, is she?"
Right then.
Another voice, silent until now, suddenly spoke:
"I'll go meet the other party."
It was the voice of Zephyro.
"Ha~ Is that appropriate? Don't end up killing our unborn colleague in the middle of your bout."
Asat Pramad's laughter rang out, sounding rather blunt.
"Just testing their skills. According to Celenova, the other party bears traces of Destruction's blessing. Moreover, just now, Nanook issued a decree. An unexpectedly born Light of Destruction requires my inspection."
The others didn't react much to the first part.
But upon hearing Zephyro's latter words, their attitudes inevitably became more serious.
Really?
Besides the unborn Irontomb and that strange impersonator, there was a third potential Lord Ravager?
Was their Destruction faction really going to gain so many new colleagues in these few centuries?
In truth, Zephyro was also bewildered when suddenly notified by Nanook.
If Irontomb was gestating inside that big machine, how could a second Lord Ravager emerge?
And judging by Nanook's tone, he seemed quite pleased with that individual.
"By the Aeon's decree, we are not to interfere with the actions of the Geniuses."
"..."
"...Fine. At least we're not being told to go spectate again."
Since Nanook had spoken, the others said no more.
And the fact that Celenova wasn't mentioned meant she was free to act as she pleased.
But according to Celenova, undesirable variables had clearly been introduced into that scepter.
They didn't understand why Nanook instead wanted to let things develop.
So Asat Pramad spoke up:
"Celenova, since that individual expressed a desire to talk, why don't you go chat? I'm getting curious about what exactly is happening on Amphoreus. But I'm tied up dealing with people from the Land of Light; can't get away right now."
"..."
Celenova pursed her lips. The very sight of that individual irritated her.
She really didn't want to make contact.
Celenova's feelings towards that individual were complicated, and the other's attitude towards her also seemed somewhat complex.
Did acting in one performance foster some sentiment?
The mere thought of this possibility brought a slightly disgusted look to Celenova's face.
But as things stood, it seemed if anyone else went, they might not be able to glean any intelligence.
Moreover, Nanook's attitude puzzled the several Lord Ravagers.
Logically speaking, even without understanding the full truth, just inferring from the current situation, Irontomb's strength should be considerable.
Was it really okay not to intervene?
But confusion aside, since Nanook had said so.
They couldn't do much more.
They could only entrust Celenova, already on the scene, to gather more information.
As for Zephyro, who knew in which corner of the universe he was busy burning glass.
It would take considerable time for his true form to arrive.
And the task of testing that unexpected find on Nanook's behalf could be accomplished spiritually within the Path Space.
So there was no particular hurry.
As for Celenova... she hadn't devised a countermeasure yet.
Though she wasn't keen on meeting 'Hertatomb' under these circumstances, for the cause of Destruction, she proactively contacted 'Hertatomb.'
Saying she wanted to talk with 'Hertatomb' alone.
--+--