Chapter 215: White Star Radiance Sect
Outside the large building where Elton and company were stationed, three giant magic circle formations expanded outward in nearby areas every sixty seconds.
From the first magic circle, a giant portal opened in the ground. A blinding light spilled out and a small troop of individuals appeared, most of them core members and a few allied forces of the Black Reaper Corps. They arrived aboard magical aircraft and magical vehicles, stunned for a moment before everyone dismounted at Zoro's orders.
After a moment of scanning, Zoro and the others turned their attention to the second, incredibly bright magic circle formation as its portal coalesced. Everyone except Zoro, Joe-Pine, Kageha, and Kuroha went immediately on guard, braced for the unknown.
An army of people with magical vehicles and aircrafts poured through, one group after another, in an extravagant arrival.
"Whoooaaa! Where are we?!" someone shouted, voice booming with excitement. "Oiii!! Shaaaaaaay! The hell is this place?"
"Oh look, Rami. We have company over there," a female voice observed.
Zoro's eyebrow rose. He walked toward the newcomers with affiliates of the Black Reaper Corps trailing behind. Those who knew the other group relaxed; the rest kept grim, battle-ready expressions.
"Geh?!? Is that you, Tonta Espada Negra del Diablo?!" Ramiro barked as he approached with his people, mocking Zoro.
(He called him a Stupid Black Devil Sword.)
"Haaah? I don't speak your barbaric language. Heh, Doragon supia baka-me..!" Zoro shot back with a mocking sneer.
(He called him a Damned Dragon Spear idiot.)
"Hahaha I don't know what yang yang you speak but I'm suddenly itching to smack you around for some reason!" Ramiro roared, grin dangerous as he readied his spear.
"Looks like I'm going to have to teach you another lesson then," Zoro replied, fingers already moving toward his katanas.
"You guys…" Seralily smiled wryly beside Ramiro while Joe-Pine laughed heartily.
Those who didn't understand the context looked tense and confused; the insiders wore looks of amused recognition.
At that moment the third and largest magic circle formation flared a distance away. It outshone the first two. A brilliant light erupted as another portal opened, disgorging a much larger group of experts from varied races, along with many magical aircraft and vehicles.
Ramiro, Zoro, and their entourages froze and stared in astonishment. Several people felt that something was off. Then a loud screech split the air as a blazing falcon dove over the scene, shrieking with excitement. The people aligned with Ramiro cheered; they knew exactly who had come. Those less familiar with the newcomers only grew more wary.
Suddenly an extremely loud and vibrant voice with pressure faintly rivaling an early-stage Mortal Lord rang out and nearly frightened people into stillness.
"BROTHER ELLLLYYYYY!!!! YOUR BEAUTIFUL SHAY HAS ARRIIIIIIVED!!"
Newcomers on Zoro's side who'd only recently learned of the voice's owner trembled with barely contained fear. Any disdain for the woman who had controlled that doll earlier evaporated.
"Oi Shay! You know where Elton is? How about giving me a lift?!" Ramiro shouted from below as Elchris circled.
"Oh Brother Ramiro! Yes yes. You too Brother Zoro, KuroKage twins, Big Brother Joe, ah Sister Seralily, Sister Helga, Willowna, and the rest of you come along also! I have to introduce you to Sister Tongsheng as well." Shayleaf's voice chimed. Elchris dove down between Zoro's and Ramiro's groups.
After ordering most of the others to remain behind, the close-core members leapt onto Elchris, with Shayleaf's three familiars, Tongsheng, and Shia already aboard. The great falcon spread its blazing wings and once more shot into the skies.
A massive portal materialized above the largest building. Elchris paused mid-air, then dove straight into it.
On the other side, they emerged inside a vast hall resembling the inner structure of a sacred temple. After entering the place all of the people atop Elchris' climbed down his back while observing the inside
"Looks like you guys finally made it," Erica said with a graceful, noble-toned smile.
"It really feels like it's been forever! Sheesh." Christy added similarly smiling as Elchris soared toward her. The blazing bird nestled its beak affectionately against her shoulder as she rubbed his beak affectionately.
"Wow, really... what is this place? It feels so mystical," Sophia asked, eyes wide as she took in the surroundings.
"Oiii! Elton! Hahaha! It's been forever! How ya doin', buddy? What exactly is this place?" Ramiro laughed, striding toward the altar's center, his entourage following.
Zoro surveyed the hall with a serious expression. When his gaze landed on Elton, he exhaled quietly. "Elton, you've certainly made quite the achievements. Compared to us, you're a Mortal Lord in all but cultivation."
Gasps rippled through the room. Only Christy, Erica, Shayleaf, Tongsheng, and the familiars were unfazed.
"W-Wow, so it's true?" Princess Helga stammered. "And more than that, don't all of you have the strength to contend with Mortal Lords already?"
Isabella and Gabriela León exchanged looks, cheeks faintly flushed as they stole glances at Elton and then at their brother, Ramiro, with renewed awe.
Standing atop the altar where he was clearly visible, Elton smiled warmly at his gathered friends. "It's been a while, everyone. I've missed you all. I've got some big news."
"Ohhh? What kind of news could this be?" Ramiro grinned. "Have you conquered this place? Oh, are you about to go into seclusion and become a Mortal Lord?"
"Hmm, maybe he's finally going to marry our Fanged Elves' lady Shayleaf," Joe-Pine said with a teasing smirk.
"He could be preparing to marry our Aka Boshi no Tengan clan's Lady Christy. Is that correct?" Shia asked, her eyes sliding toward Elton.
"Sure, sure, but he's definitely going to marry Ms. Erica of the Soloman clan, I'm sure," added a tall, heavily built man clad in brown-and-red armor with a massive greatsword on his back. His rugged hair hung wild across his shoulders.
Everyone jumped in shock. None of them had noticed this man's presence upon entering this place. Noone except Elton, Christy, and Erica that is.
The three women blushed, momentarily speechless. Shayleaf, still flustered from the earlier teasing, only vaguely noticed him even after it was pointed out.
"What the hell?! H-H-How did you get here? When did you get here?!" Ramiro shouted, stumbling back.
"Hmm? Well, I came with Ms. Shayleaf, of course." The man chuckled calmly. "Oh, and I've already begun relocating the rest of the White Star Radiance forces to your central-region base. So, tell me, 'Laughing Blue Blade Reaper' Elton, does your news involve them too?"
Elton paused for a moment, then laughed lightly, nodding. "Hahaha, yes, actually. Ladies and gentlemen—welcome to our new territory's inner domain. From this day forward, this place is officially owned by our new White Star Radiance Sect!"