Ascension of the Nephilim

"An army to hide?" The Gigantes repeated.

"Yes. That's just it. Hide my team."

"Why?"

"To surprise Destiny, of course. I am a member of Fate's team. I understand that you don't want to be involved in this. But Destiny's forces will end in oblivion. No one will live to see you even if you somehow manage to endure, oh altar."

"And why would I let myself fall for the same mistake? I made that spawn of Greed find his way here and look what that did to me?"

"Are you seriously asking that? Or are you just looking to find a way to squeeze more benefits from me? The Gigantes Core is something far more precious than you. If you don't want this agreement, then fine! I can search for other houses. I don't really care what the Fallen Spawn is. I have ways to kill it anyways." Nightwing turned around.

"Wait!" Bomos shouted,

"Fine! I am trying to find a way to gain more benefits! Because even if I have the Core, I still need to live and eat! And it is only through this can we grow stronger! Do you think I'm giving birth to more Gigantes for the sake of it? No! They are born so that I can create a True Challenger!"

Nightwing suddenly turned back to Bomos.

"True Challenger? As in True Neutral? That's possible?"

"Hmph! So it seems that you are not omniscient as I thought you were! But given that you are of Fate, you surely wouldn't know." But then Bomos was startled at what he had just said.

"Wait... Then why did I tell you? You! You have tasted it, haven't you? A world with no Fate or Destiny! But that's impossible! You said you are of Fate... And yet..."

"What are you talking about?"

"True Neutral! There is a being that is equal to the strongest god or fallen in this universe. He is the reason why we haven't taken any side. I'm sure I'm not the only True Neutral who has learned of End's true goal, just as you have revealed! But why are there still many of us on the neutral side?"

It was only then that Nightwing realized he underestimated the purpose and power of those who thread as neutrals. Nightwing assumed that a True Neutral had a mysterious purpose and future but did not stand on Destiny or Fate's side.

"So there is a deeper secret to you guys, huh?"

"Yes! And what's more, is that we are sealed from ever leaking this information! But I just did!"

"I feel that being a clumsy talkative stone won't make you accidentally leak this information."

"Yes. But I just did. Nightwing. I don't know what you are. But you are not of Fate. That I am certain you simply cannot be."

Nightwing was silent, but he couldn't understand the Gigantes's assessment.

"Do you know who this True Neutral god or being is?"

"No. I just know... that if there is a being that can hide from the battle of End and Beginning against Fate and Destiny, it's someone worth banking on."

"I doubt he is hidden. You underestimate the End and Beginning."

"Perhaps. But we serve someone who is at least on equal standing. You are our kin. This gives me confidence in following your arrangements. You yourself don't know that you are of the True Neutral."

Nightwing had an unsettling feeling. He knew that even his past self hated being kept in the dark. It was his nature to know the deepest truths to reveal them.

"Then, if you trust me, we can make more deals... You want the same agreement that you had with the Fallen Spawn. Am I right!"

"Obviously! I need to live! I am a Death Dependent. We need to have the dead here for us to survive! And not just that... If I can regain the power and ability to move, you will have a hidden mobile base! You seem smart enough to plan how to move and be kept hidden from everyone. And you surely have ways to send more people to die here!"

"I do have a lot of enemies. And if you agree to have some battles happen inside this place, then I am all for it! I can give you thirty percent of whatever spoils I send here. And if your body becomes the battleground, I can give you up to fifty percent."

"Deal. I won't hesitate now. But what can you do with this Fallen Spawn? I need to see your strength."

"I understand. Then tell your Antibodies not to interfere with our match. Allow me to hurt your body."

"That would give you an advantage. I can agree, but only after informing Fallen Spawn of my deal. If you win, you get everything we talked about. But if he wins, he can have you. And... I will give him enough power to become a Gold of Mammon. My real goal is to create an army of neutrals. In the hundreds of years that have passed, several have died in these lands worthy of becoming them. So I crafted them and allowed the Fallen Spawn to become a parasite so my sons could fight and clash with them and hone their powers as Neutral. Despite being Fate, you seem to be desiring the chance to hide from her. Then show me your power. If you do, then you might also take control with my army of Neutrals."

Nightwing gave an understanding smile.

"So this is True Neutral."

"Yes. This is who we are. Everything has to be... fair."

"Alright. Then I guess I'll have to be more serious." Nightwing smiled.

"You best hurry. My Antibodies have just given the announcement. If you move too late, your allies will be dead!"

"I only have five allies here. The rest can die for all I care. And if there is a True Challenger among them, then they can become part of your army. Although... if they do die, then they aren't exceptional True Challengers, to begin with."

"...True Challengers are born in thousands and thousands of battles. They are those that survive on the edge of extinction without Fate or Destiny to guide them. So making them... will be very, very difficult."

Nightwing frowned. For some reason, a figure of three people that he could not remember flashed through his mind.

"Hm... Interesting. I might have met people like those. And I have a feeling I already have an army." Nightwing smiled as he could sense that a distant memory lost in time and oblivion was telling him that he had met powerful True Challengers.

"I'll be back." Nightwing quickly charged out.

CRASH!

He smashed at the wall.

"MOTHER FRAGMENT!"

"You underestimate being at the epicenter of the power to Forget. So naturally, You forgot where the exit is. Don't worry. For me, it's a one in five tries." The Gigantes laughed.

Meanwhile, at heart...

Krysta and Angelian were now together with the armies of Sherah and Monica. Huge spiders fought on their sides, and soon the two armies reached a stalemate.

But now, no one was fighting. An Antibody was floating in between the two armies.

The Fallen Spawn couldn't believe what he heard.

"What... did you say?!" The Fallen Spawn asked again.

"Our Master has made a deal with the 'angel'. We will not attack if the heart is damaged. Our master is willing to bear the pain. And as for you, a portion of the heart will be given. It will be just enough to transform you into this gold. Best hurry, the Angel is coming."

The Fallen Spawn trembled.

"Coins! Silvers! Attack! Kill them now!" The Fallen Spawn roared, and the Coins and the Silvers armies made their reckless charge.