Kyle took a deep breath. "That's kind of surprising but also unsurprising. I mean, as far as I have heard, they are somewhat of a neutral party. If they have people on one side, they probably also have people on the other side."
Kyle thought about the offer for a bit. He didn't feel great taking advantage of someone who hadn't been an ass to him, but there was nothing he could complain about. In a way, this could also be seen as a switch in sponsors.
"That's fine, then," Kyle said. "As long as things are relatively transparent, I'm fine with it. I'm sick of constantly having to keep everything about myself secret."
Manny smiled. "Then, do you all agree with the plan?"
Sebastian, Fierce Breaker, Star Genesis, and Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon, or more precisely, at the Last Light in his hand.
"I need assurance," Star Genesis said.
The others nodded in agreement.
"I'm willing to swear an oath," Swamp Dragon said. "I am willing to swear that I will not use this as long as no one tries to kill or attack me. This oath will only be valid until we arrive in the Primary World."
"And then?" Sebastian asked with an annoyed tone. "You could just use it then."
"He can't," Manny answered. "We can't take anything from the Supreme World with us. We are not supposed to be in that world to begin with. If the world finds anything that's not supposed to be there, it will destroy it and its owner."
Kyle's brows rose. "Wait, so, we can't take anything with us? What about our weapons?"
"Only if you have created the weapon yourself, including materials," Manny said. "Anything you have not created yourself will not be permitted. That also includes things like a Blessing."
Kyle blinked a couple of times. "So, I can't contact the Cult while inside?"
"There is no way to contact the Supreme World," Manny explained. "If there were, this world wouldn't be unknown."
"Right," Kyle commented.
"What about after we enter?" Sebastian asked, looking warily at Swamp Dragon.
"I want a safe period of one century," Swamp Dragon said. "We do not necessarily need to work together, but I also don't want any of you to kill me. I need enough time to leave and establish my own power."
Sebastian snorted. "Fine. I agree, assuming you swear your oath."
Swamp Dragon just wordlessly nodded.
Manny looked at Star Genesis expectantly.
"As long as we are not forced to work together and as long as the oath is sworn, I also agree," she said.
Manny nodded and looked at Fierce Breaker, who wordlessly nodded.
"And you?" Manny asked Kyle.
Kyle took a deep breath before turning to Swamp Dragon. "Assuming we all enter battle, how will you act?"
"I will unleash my full power. I will not retreat as long as everyone else is still fighting. I will risk my life, but in moderation. I will not sacrifice myself for something I do not believe in," Swamp Dragon answered.
Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon for a second before turning to Manny. "And you?"
"Nothing has changed," Manny said with a smile. "I've been a double agent ever since we met. What you have seen is what you will get."
"Meaning?" Star Genesis asked from the side. Even though Manny had technically also betrayed the group, it wasn't nearly as bad as what Kyle and Swamp Dragon had done. He had not secretly worked for an Organization that tried to kill her and everything she knew, and he had also not taken them hostage. Because of that, she wasn't as angry with him, but she still wanted some assurance.
"Meaning, as long as you have my back, I will have your back," Manny said. "If you are willing to risk your life for me, I will do the same. I have done it in the past, and I will continue to do so."
Kyle nodded. "Then, I have a proposal."
Everyone turned to him.
"I want us to work together. I do not want the group to split up."
One of Sebastian's brows rose in skepticism as he wordlessly gestured to the Last Light in Swamp Dragon's hands.
"I know," Kyle said. "This is not going to be a friendship. This is a beneficial cooperation. Five of us want to ascend, while one person wants to become the Overseer. We all have the same goal, and despite the rift between us, we know each other. While allegiances have been unclear and shady, during battle, I haven't seen anyone do something they're not supposed to. As long as this continues, working together will only bring benefits."
Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon. "We do not need to like each other. We do not need to talk to each other unless it's important. We don't need to spend time together. We don't need to be friends."
"We only need to work with each other and pull our weight. As long as everyone can agree to these terms, I'm fine with staying together. The more people we have, the greater the chance of success."
The different sides looked at each other.
Swamp Dragon and Manny were on their own side, representing the neutral party in the Supreme World.
Sebastian was on the side of the Cult of Final Fate.
Fierce Breaker's and Star Genesis' sides were unknown. It wasn't clear if they belonged to the side of the Cosmos or the neutral party, but they were definitely not on the Cult's side.
As for Kyle...
He didn't know which side he belonged to. He liked the Cosmos, but he also hated the God. Sadly, even if he wanted to be on the side of the Cosmos, it wouldn't be possible. The Array of Stars, the Contrast Empire, and Inner World wanted him dead.
He liked how the Cult had treated him, but he also wasn't the biggest fan of killing every living thing in the Cosmos.
The neutral party seemed like the best option, but he didn't know enough about them to join them.
For now, Kyle was undecided.
"As long as we work towards the goal, I am willing to work with everyone," Swamp Dragon said.
"Same here," Manny said with a smile. "I like being here."
Fierce Breaker nodded. "As long as we have defined rules and everyone follows them, I can work with everyone."
"Assuming the oath is sufficient, I can let certain grudges rest and cooperate," Star Genesis said.
Everyone looked at Sebastian, who glared at Swamp Dragon.
"Sure, fine," Sebastian said with a sigh. "However, I want another kind of assurance. If the group pulls me down because certain people have hit their growth limit, I do not want to sacrifice part of my resources to pull them along. I'm not saying I'm not willing to do that. I'm saying that I want the option to refuse."
"Of course," Kyle said. "Valuables will be fairly distributed. No one has to give up resources for others. It's all voluntary."
"Good," Sebastian said. "Then, I agree."
Kyle nodded and turned to Swamp Dragon.
"Swear your oath."
Swamp Dragon nodded. "I swear..."
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