Desolate World

"Okay. Please tell Boss Mars that I came bringing people. He should have been waiting for me," Ace said. He wanted to take initiative, so the drama wouldn't take too long.

The angel seemed surprised. He then acted more politely and said, "Don't worry Mr. Ace, I will tell him what you have said."

The Angel then flew away directly in the direction of the center of the village. Ace still couldn't feel easy, so he called his family to do something for him. 

<Sofia, where are you? I have already arrived in front of the village, > Ace said.

<Have you? Okay, I will bring Aria over. She didn't believe your theory. But, she promised to check them,> Sofia said.

<Dad, I will go there with Grandma. She said, you might have a problem with some guards,> Suddenly Geo intruded.

<Ok. I will wait for you here,> Ace then closed the party channel.

He then looked at Andrea and the rest.

"You should be ready. The guards are new. They don't know me. And it seems the angel knew your race a little bit. So, let me handle everything," Ace said.

The shadows expressed their understanding. After all, Ace had already said that it would not be easy to convince the rest of the villagers. But, they must stay cool, no matter what. Once they could pass this hurdle, they would be able to integrate with the village.

A minute later, Geo came with Cloud. They rode Orochi, the snake chimera. This name was given by Cloud. It was the Japanese language for the great snake. Ace thought it was pretty cool, when he found out about it on a party channel the day before.

Geo looked at the shadows with a curious glance, but Cloud was different. She was wary at first. Like the angel that just came, she had a suspicion of the shadows' origin. But she had her way to test them, with the agreement of Andrea, he tested her. And the result was that she passed.

Ace finally could sigh of relief. Although, he was very confident with his theory. The theory was only a theory. It never became a fact, without convincing proof. Actually, he was surprised that such a simple test could be used to prove the theory. He admired Cloud for finding such a means.

Andrea and the other shadows also looked surprised. She then asked Ace to test the method on him. And the result further convinced everyone.

Ace was sure that with this way, they would confine everyone. 

Three minutes after the arrival of Geo and Cloud, Ace could see dozens of creatures departing from the floating island in their direction. It convinced Ace that the angel didn't do what he had said. He didn't directly report to the village hall, as Ace had asked. But, he told the other angels on the floating island.

It showed that they hadn't fully integrated into the village, at least in their hearts. As they hadn't put Mars's judgment more important than over their thoughts. Because of that, they chose to move by themselves.

However, the interesting thing was, Ace could see his acquaintances among them. It was the belligerent dragon, Erica, and her naive brother, Eric.

Ace couldn't help but sigh. He must meet the people who he least wanted to meet. With the appearance of the two, Ace couldn't guarantee they could talk well. He didn't want to do it, but he must prepare for the worst.

"There they are, but I'm afraid that we need to be ready for the worst, as those who will come first, like to solve everything with force. I suggest you order the shadows who have levels less than 20 to hide in the shadow," Ace said with a bitter face.

It surprised the shadows. Andrea then asked, "But, wasn't the test that Cloud has just done enough to prove the fact that we are living people?"

"Well, yeah. But those who are flying in our direction can't think well. And, how should I say, one of them likes to quarrel a lot," Ace said.

Although she seemed unconvinced, she still said, "Everyone that has levels below 20, hide in the shadow! We prepare for the worst."

"No, I think we the knights could hold them for a while until the village authorities come. Let us handle it," Peter, who was usually silent, said. 

Ace was pretty curious about his plan. These few days he hadn't seen him show his abilities, because of a lack of opportunities. 

'It seems I can see it soon,' Ace thought.

Andrea looked at the quiet guy for a moment and said, "It seems that is the better idea. I leave it to you! You have heard what Peter said. The knights, you stay! As for the rest who are still below level 20, dive into the shadow immediately!"

Then a quarter of the shadows sunk into their shadow one by one. The spectacle seemed to surprise Geo and Cloud. They couldn't help but widen their eyes when the shadows were doing it.

"So cool!" Geo exclaimed.

Ace could only smile when he saw it. But, the situation didn't let them waste any time, as the angels had already come. Their number was around 60. Besides them were the sacred beasts. They were white winged horses the pegasuses, golden giant birds the rocs, and the hybrids of lion and eagle the griffons. Their total number was around 30.

Most of them wore white clothes with silver chest guards and helmets. There were longbows or magic staffs in their hands. Their appearances were handsome and beautiful. As expected of angels.

In front of them were two blue dragons and a handsome male angel with a golden chest guard and helmet. Ace could detect arrogance and righteousness in his gait and expression. Ace couldn't understand why such a contradiction appeared in the aura of a person. Maybe it was because he was an Angel. Ace then checked the male angel's and his two acquaintance dragons' information.

[Uriel] (elite)

Race: Angel (sharpshooter)

Level: 35

[Eric] (elite)

Race: Ice dragon (intermediate)

Level: 37

[Erica]

Race: Ice dragon (intermediate)

Level: 37

***