Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 125: What’s he going to do next

Instinctively, they knew everything was going to change when he opened his mouth. It happened when he said he was going to accept the mission, too, and kill the outlaws.

Dlodus leaned forward. "What can this guy be trying to cook up this time? I’ve been enjoying his tricks so far!"

"Huph! All these younglings who think brute force is everything will only learn the hard way. They think everything can be taken care of because they killed Rank 1 and 3 team leaders? If not for us holding the team members back, the second layer would have turned into chaos already!" Serdan felt as if she needed a long drink to successfully finish the meeting.

Manefor narrowed his eyes, the first expression he had shown since the meeting began. ’What will I do if he wants my help for protection? I’ve been asked to subtly protect him, but if...’

Vale said, "I’m going to clear the ruin with the Rift Seed."

The reactions this time were of absolute surprise, so much so that they could only watch him in silence.

Dlodus leaned back and laughed without humor. "You’re crazy."

Manefor’s expression closed, but his hands, previously crossed, were now placed on the table. His gaze was deep and darker. As the former owner of the Borderland, it had always been their wish for it to be free of Rifts and ruins.

Serdan took the wooden rod beside her, a rod that looked like a fresh tree branch. The branches on it glowed a deep green and grew a cocoon of leaves. She reached into it, making her hand vanish as if she was reaching into a portal.

She brought out a bottle, took a long drink, wiped her mouth, and pointed at Vale. "You’re always looking for new ways to die."

"I haven’t died yet," Vale said flatly. "I’m here to tell you and to request that you follow me to clear it together."

They returned to silence, and he let them stay that way. He’d already made up his mind anyway; he was going into that ruin whether they followed or not. But it would be much better if they did.

Dlodus tapped his finger on the table. "You know we can’t make this type of decision on our own... I can’t make it on my own. I have to report back to the Flagbearer. Besides, with the mess you created still not settled, I don’t think it’s in my best interest to work with you."

Serdan nodded and took another drink. She used the butt of her bottle to tap the table. "What he said! That ruin has been standing there since who knows when? It’s why the other ruins keep sprawling... and you just want to clear it?"

Vale leaned forward. "Are you saying you’re neglecting your primary assignment, which is to clear the ruin and Rift in this Borderland?"

She scoffed and sneered. "Don’t be naive, Vale. What do you think the Borderland is? It’s a gigantic money-making scheme! Do you think they wouldn’t have closed the Rift if they wanted to?

"The monsters are contained here... the bulk of them anyway. Those that might appear occasionally in cities and towns are the price that’s being paid. What I’m saying is that this is humanity’s time! How long has it been since you’ve heard of monsters trying to push forward in a march?"

She hurriedly took another long drink. "I know people like you, who think they’re some kind of hero in a play. Let me guess, you’re clearing the ruin because innocent people die now and then?"

Her words dripped with mockery and bitterness, her eyes feverish.

’Ah... yes... she’s right. I am naive. I thought clearing the ruin and taking the Flagbearers’ warriors for myself would be easy... instead, I’m finding out that different Flags are already loyal to different factions... Indeed... I am naive... but I am learning’ 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Vale smiled. "If the innocent people are tired of dying, then shouldn’t they stand and fight for themselves? If saving the innocent fits into my goals, then it’s a welcome development. I won’t stop it."

Serdan flinched. That wasn’t the answer she was expecting. Her mouth worked without sound for a while before she asked, "What is your goal?"

"My goal right now is to clear this Core ruin. I want it gone from this place," he said simply.

Dlodus shook his head. "I can’t give an answer yet, especially to someone who’s likely going to die soon."

"Same," Serdan replied.

Vale expected that. After all, their ruin benefitted from the ruin remaining standing. He turned to Manefor. "And you?"

Manefor remained silent. On one hand, he was glad that one branch of the Rift might be destroyed; on the other, he didn’t know what to do with Vale. ’Should I wait for the Chief or make a decision now?’

Vale stood and removed his sword. His throne-like chair vanished behind him. He turned to go, then paused. "Ah... I might have forgotten something important to add.

"I will be going into the Rift Seed ruin tomorrow..." He began to walk toward the door while mumbling loudly. "I wonder what type of resources I’ll find there. I should search this building for bigger spatial rings."

Dlodus flew from his seat. The air around him cracked, and his hair stood. His voice came out like lightning. "You can’t clear the Rift Seed ruin, Vale."

Vale paused, and his eyes glowed green. He looked at him sideways. "I am. Who’s going to stop me?"

The lightning around Dlodus cracked even more, white sparks flying around his body. He gritted his teeth and took a step forward, his body pressed against the table.

He hesitated, as if he was going to do something but was debating it. Then, he took a deep breath and forced himself to relax.

Vale raised his brows. "The fewer people to share the loot, the better."

Serdan finished her drink in one go. "We have a deal that no one will clear that ruin. The Ten all agreed."

Vale tapped his sword with a soft clang. "And how many of this Ten you mentioned have I killed? I’m going to do it tomorrow. If you want to join, then come. But if you stand in my way, I will try my best to kill you."

Nobody had anything to say to that as he swept out of the room with his team.