The Arcane Guardians Chapter 45: Chapter 41: To Sup On Suffering

Read chapter 45 of The Arcane Guardians by Mercynarie on NovelPedia.

Fun Fact: Although Tier Five Metas are rare, most of them have made significant impacts on the world throughout history due to how much power they hold within them. Some notable examples include: A Cryokinetic who permanently caused an eternal winter, a Teleporter who accidentally caused a disaster by teleporting large amounts of toxic gases from Jupiter to Draco States, and a Chronokinetic who trapped the entire Old Pegasus in a time loop that lasted for two years. ~ ~ ~ The Meta Liberty Fighters’ base of operations lay sprawled beside a rundown factory. A thick sheet of ice covered the depowered heating grilles, almost as if it was taking the pleasure of mocking them for finally losing their war of attrition. Their place was secluded enough, as compared to the street littered with poorly insulated tents that led up to it. The tents were already empty, and a small weight lifted off Felix’s chest. At least the Meta Liberty Fighters had honoured their word. Felix reached the end of the long spiralling staircase and found himself in a much more dimly lit bunker. He squinted his eyes, struggling to adjust his vision to the darkness. His surroundings were a monotone, gravel grey, and the whole place resembled an undercroft in need of some serious refurbishing. A blast of warm air hit Felix, and he took the moment to fully bask in its comfort. Dull as the place was, at least they had a nice heating system. There was a small click, and the device around Felix’s neck stopped humming. He pulled the unlocked collar from his neck. “Apologies for that.” Isis kept another device that resembled some sort of lighter. “Some of our comrades don’t know who you are.” She gestured to a small table. Felix looked around as he pulled out a wooden chair cautiously. Most of the Metas had left, leaving only Aglaia and him alone with the Liberty Fighter’s leader. “Welcome to our organisation, Mister Pagonis.” The woman poured him a cup of tea. “I can assure you’ll find a good home in this place.” “I didn’t say I was joining you.” “Nonsense,” she chuckled. “You didn’t come here because you felt threatened by me. Our cuffs are convenient tools to maintain order, aye. But the shock they deliver will be nothing more than a mild itch to a Tier Five like you.” Felix’s eyes flitted to the collar still on Aglaia’s neck. So Isis was unaware of Aglaia’s Tier Five status, huh? A small smirk curved his lips, feeling confidence returning to him. This woman was sharp, but she wasn’t omniscient. “You’re right.” He leaned back against his chair. “I’ve come to see if we can come to an agreement. To convince your organisation to use their abilities and resources for good.” “Why do you insist on helping those who would leave you at the first sign of trouble?” Isis took a sip from her own cup of tea. “You have been abandoned by your so-called brothers in arms.” “Have I, really?” She leaned forward. “Tell me something, Felix. Do you believe in peace for one and all? That so long as we find a compromise, we can find happiness for everyone?” “No, but I choose to believe that such ideals are man’s guide to a better path. Politics and division are nought but an illusion to distract us from that.” “As expected from a soldier who has fought countless battles,” Isis replied, leaning against her chair as well. “And yet, despite all your victories, you still do not realise a simple truth. To fight for a dream come true is fleeting, and the reality is that the victor takes it all.” Felix kept his silence, and the woman took the cue to continue. “There is no ‘better path’ . There is only bloodied victory, and what the condemned winners choose to do with their spoils.” She downed her cup and set it down with a loud metallic thud. “We are all sinners; death awaits us all. But until then, I choose to share my spoils with my kind. Our kind. Why waste time and effort trying to make peace with those who have oppressed us? They’ll use us and dump us, just like the Guardian Council, who refu