Summoning the Holy Sword

Chapter 1288: Everyone's Will

After spending some time with Christie and the rest, Rhode turned around and left. It seemed like the young ladies were elated that they got the chance to have fun today. Although Anne and Lesa kept hinting to Rhode that he could join them for more 'fun' activities, considering the fact that his younger sister and the innocent Christie and Bell were around, he wasn't willing to educate his daughter in the wrong stuff.

After taking a stroll by Christie's side, Rhode went to look for Mini Bubble Gum. Earlier, he stayed with his younger sister mainly to accompany her. Now that he was done with his younger sister and daughter, he naturally had to care for the rest since they were his supportive wings most of the time. Since his harem was so huge, it went without saying that the most capable people had to do the most work.

But what left him speechless was that those two clowns were still fishing!

Can those two even catch a fish while screaming and jumping by the shore?

"How's the catch?"

Upon reaching the lake, Rhode swept a glance at the turquoise water before him and asked. But, in fact, he knew without asking that these two clowns didn't catch a single fish. Although he sensed the presence of several huge fish in the lake… Not even the most foolish of fish would take their bait while they screamed like they were in a karaoke room.

"Hahaha, Leader, we caught none!"

"Yea, yea! Not even one!"

It was often said that people with similar personalities were either close friends or enemies. And now, these two Bubbles were apparently 'joined at the hip' like a single person. The fact that they were in a frenzy together made Rhode shake his head. And as a matter of fact, there was indeed not even one fish in their bucket. But the look of those two laughing as though they were cracking a joke left him utterly speechless.

"Why? I thought you two were having a contest?"

Rhode remembered clearly when the two Bubbles said to compete in a fishing contest and ridiculed each other for being worse than the other. Not only that, but they also grabbed their fishing rods and said to treat everyone to a feast of 100 braised, stewed, and fried fishes. But it didn't take long for these two rascals to become drunk buddies in a karaoke room?

Upon hearing Rhode's question, Bubble No. 2 giggled and said.

"That was what happened, Leader. We were going to settle our argument, but after some thought we changed our minds. Wasn't this place crushed to smithereens by us? Think about it. There were corpses everywhere and the fish in the lake are so huge. Who knows whether they fed on the corpses? What if we discover human bones in the fish stomachs when we grill them? Can you imagine how disgusting it would be? So for the sake of everyone's appetite, we decided to give it up!"

"…"

The corner of Rhode's eyes couldn't help but twitch.

What a surprise that these two rascals are actually so considerate for the rest. Well, this isn't too bad, anyway. If they were to catch a huge bucket of fishes, cook them, and then discuss how many corpses the fishes fed on, perhaps everyone would really lose their appetites… Seems like they have learned to hold back a lot already.

"Where's Little Icy?"

"She ran off as soon as we started discussing the problem."

Earlier on, Icy Snow looked reluctant as she was dragged over by them to be the contest judge. No wonder Rhode didn't see her around. But what surprised him was that she was, in fact, scared off by both of them. Frankly speaking, he suspected whether the two Bubbles had actually planned to disgust Icy Snow when they pulled her over in the first place. Judging by the lack of integrity in them, it wasn't entirely impossible.

"So what exactly are both of you discussing?"

As the saying 'one woman equaled 500 ducks' went, there were actually 1000 ducks here with the two Bubbles around. Earlier on when Rhode came over, his head almost exploded just by hearing their squabbles.

They can't have been discussing how many corpses the fishes fed on for so long… Although they are delusional, they shouldn't be that insane, right?

"We are discussing the ensuing issues after heading back, Leader."

It was the original Bubble who answered this time.

"Leader, didn't you say to bring the Dragon Soul Continent to the solar system? We're discussing whether we should head to Earth to have fun or teach them a lesson so they won't look down upon us. Or maybe we can set up a secret organization on Earth like those guys in comics where they manipulated the world in secret. Isn't that a nice touch?"

Upon hearing their gibberish, Rhode finally understood what was going through their heads. It seemed like they were considering how they should go about getting along with planet Earth after the Dragon Soul Continent was transported to the solar system. But due to their personality, they couldn't come up with any good ideas. They would either dispatch troops to dominate Earth or establish a secret organization to manipulate the planet. Anyway, those were only bits and pieces that would come out of comics, books, and movies.

But…

So they do feel anxious too, huh?

Rhode couldn't help but let out an inward sigh at the sight of the two excited young ladies. He had indeed neglected what others thought. As days went by, almost everyone felt nervous. It was just like counting down to the college entrance exam. Whenever one saw the 'X Days Left Until The Exam' on the board, one would more or less feel a sense of urgency. And now, the two Bubbles were as though discussing which university they would get into and lead a nice life before taking the college entrance exam. In fact, things hadn't even begun to take shape yet.

After giving Rhode a brief idea of their intentions, the two Bubbles turned around and continued to sketch their 'Earth Domination Program', from how to build a base for a secret organization, their recruitment, how they would spread their beliefs, and how to control authority at the top… Rhode could only say that those two had watched too many animated films.

At that moment, Rhode also agreed with his younger sister that giving everyone a break was a decent choice. All this while, they were on edge. After all, one had never attempted to transmigrate their continent to another plane. Even his younger sister and the rest just transmigrated in their spirits and didn't transmigrate alongside the entire continent. Even if the likelihood of success was calculated theoretically, no one knew what would happen until it succeeded. Maybe the entire continent would crumble or the transmigration would fail. No one could be sure of anything. Everyone did their best, but even so they were still unsure about the future. If Rhode didn't let them take a breather, there was a good chance that they would collapse at the most critical juncture later on due to stress. When that happened, things would be even more dire.

It seemed like after Rhode headed back, he should also let the rest of his subordinates take a break. If not, it would be too late for him to regret it if they broke down during critical battles.

Looks like they are already discussing the off-topic issue of how they should lead the army against the United Nations Command. [1]

Rhode shrugged. He knew that this was a method for them to relieve some stress, which was why he stopped caring, turned around, and sauntered toward the other direction.

Meanwhile, under a huge tree near the lake, the two Canarys and Marlene sat and read books silently. Icy Snow, who was disgusted by the two Bubbles, also hugged a heavy book and started reading. Upon witnessing Rhode's arrival, the young ladies projected their gaze at him. Icy Snow even extended her arm and waved at him.

"Ah, Big Brother…"

"How're things?"

Gazing at Icy Snow and the others, Rhode nodded and asked. Icy Snow nodded in response.

"Hmm, this place is really quiet… and so comfortable… But Big Brother, what are we having for lunch? Let me make it clear. If we're having any fish from Bubble, I will not touch them…"

"Pigs will fly when they're able to catch fish. Don't worry, Little Icy. Lize and the rest prepared lunch already."

"Phew… Okay…"

Upon hearing Rhode's response, Icy Snow stretched out her arm, placed her hand on her chest, and let out a long sigh of relief. The repulsive topic that the two Bubble talked about was unbearable for her. Unlike those two rascals, Icy Snow was a much more innocent young lady. After hearing the two Bubbles discussing how huge the fish could grow after feeding on corpses and organs, the terrified Icy Snow ran away in the blink of an eye. While Icy Snow heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing Rhode, she also made up her mind to never touch any fish if the two Bubbles were to serve them.

"So how are the three of you feeling right now?"

After answering Icy Snow, Rhode turned to the other three young ladies. He had thrown the thought of searching for the Book of Life to the back of his head for now. Since this place was so huge, they wouldn't be able to find it in a short while. And since it was rare for everyone to come out for a break, he let them relax, clear their minds, and not think about unnecessary and trivial matters. That was why he stopped urging them to look for the book.

Unlike Mini Bubble Gum, Canary didn't have much attachment to Earth. As for Rhode transmigrating the Dragon Soul Continent to the solar system, the two Canarys didn't have any objections. But judging from their behavior, it seemed like they wished to never return to Earth in their lifetime. Facing his question, the two Canarys shook their heads, said nothing, and gestured to the side at the same time. It was at that moment that Rhode noticed that Marlene had fallen asleep. She leaned on the thick trunk with an open book on her knees. The young lady tilted her head as she fell into a deep slumber.

Looks like she's got enough on her plate too.

Gazing at the face that appeared a little haggard from being busy for days on end, Rhode extended his arm and arranged her messy, long hair. During this period, Marlene was busier than him because she had to keep an eye on the specifics of the entire Void Territory, as well as ensure the stable operations of Grandia. Due to the huge scale of this migration, it was almost like migrating people from several countries, so a lot of politics and economics were involved. Of course, not everyone was willing to cooperate. Some people from the Country of Light were itching to get punished after entering the Void Territory and Munn Kingdom. They demanded Rhode and Lydia provide them with more benefits and special treatments. After being ignored from Rhode and Lydia, those fools actually had the nerve to gather people to protest and wreak havoc in the city. Now was a time of crisis, so how was it possible that Rhode would tolerate such disturbance in his own territory? Without saying a word, Rhode sent out men to arrest the instigators, hanged them on the streets like street lamps, and forcefully shut down the demonstration. Meanwhile, it went without saying that Lydia also wasn't soft-hearted. Soon after, she captured and buried those instigators in the back of the mountain to serve as fertilizer.

After getting cleaned up several times by Rhode and Lydia together, those guys finally learned what it meant that beggars couldn't be choosers. They finally obeyed orders and stopped asking for 'special treatment'. For that reason, Marlene was finally free and had the time to join this 'treasure hunt' in Casabianca with Rhode and the rest. If not, perhaps she wouldn't even have the spare time.

Meanwhile, Lilian and Sonia went to an entirely different place.

"Casabianca… Looks like we're back, Sonia."

Staring blankly at the palace that had collapsed and was buried before her, Lilian couldn't help but speak with a complicated expression. Right before her, the palace that she lived in for so long had crumbled with broken walls everywhere. At a glance, lush, unrestrained saplings were peeking out from the ruins, while fresh green vines shrouded the debris. This place seemed just like a green ocean.

Looking at this scene, Lilian couldn't help but recall a certain memory. Back then, she was like a mascot, loved and worshiped by all in the palace. But in fact, she was nothing more than a puppet: a manipulated being. She didn't have the authority to express herself and couldn't do whatever she wanted. To Lilian, this palace was like a white cage, and she was the bird trapped inside it. But now, she finally broke free, expanded her wings, and soared into the sky.

"Hey… You know, Sonia? Last time, a minister once suggested to me in private that I should build another Casabianca as my empire. They thought it wasn't appropriate for the ruler of the nation to lodge under someone else's roof."

Lilian said and couldn't help but force a smile. Upon hearing her words, Sonia who followed behind her remained silent. Just like Lilian, Sonia had already made a clean break with her past self. Her family suffered greatly when Rhode bombarded Casabianca earlier. Her remaining family members weren't even as powerful as some of the smaller and newer families. The once glorious and huge financial groups in the Country of Light also went missing. Everything changed.

"But I don't think it's any bad. I like Big Brother Rhode. I like Grandia. I like everyone here. To me, this is my home. Even if I were to leave Grandia one day and rebuild the empire in the Country of Light, I would not treat it as my home… I want to continue living this way. The current Casabianca no longer belongs to us…"

Lilian said and closed her eyes.

"Do you think Big Brother Rhode's plan will work? The power of Chaos is so strong. Honestly, when I was influenced by Chaos earlier, I felt like my entire self was resisting a tidal wave. My powers were so weak that they didn't take any effect. All I could do was watch as Chaos corrupted my body and soul. If it weren't for Big Brother Rhode and the big sisters, perhaps I would have ended up like His Majesty Ion, turning into a puppet of Chaos."

"I think… Master's plan will not fail, Your Majesty."

At that moment, Sonia finally spoke.

"He is always the winner. No matter what he does, he always succeeds. Back then, even when you were struggling against Chaos, he never once gave up. I think… This time he will also definitely succeed."

"You're right."

Upon hearing Sonia's reply, the corners of Lilian's lips perked up into a smile. Her adorable face unveiled a gentle and blissful smile.

"I believe Big Brother Rhode can do it. I heard from Big Brother Rhode and Big Sister Bubble that their world is an interesting place and there are many amazing gadgets. When the time comes, I will surely explore that place called Earth."

Lilian said, extended her arm, and reached for a golden key from the fold of her clothes. She gazed at the key. Her expression became gradually solemn.

"So, are you ready, Sonia? According to Big Sister, this time, it is my turn to do the hard work."

[1] Unified command for the multinational military forces, established in 1950.