Lord of The Red Planet

Rian gazed at the NPCs kneeling respectfully before him. Unconsciously, his black armor reappeared, slowly enveloping his entire body like the nanotechnology in a science fiction movie.

SWOOSH! The terrifying black aura of his Abyss King of Fallen Angel race instantly spread out, making the atmosphere around them incredibly tense. Some of the Floor Guardians even found it hard to breathe under the pressure of this aura.

Rian spread his arms, a gesture indicating he accepted their loyalty. "Excellent, Floor Guardians! I have seen your devotion. At this moment, Avanheim is facing an unknown disaster. To that end, a few minutes ago, I sent Jarvis and The Ninth Oath Maids to investigate the situation outside."

Just as Rian said that, a large, irregular-shaped magical portal of blue-black energy appeared. Jarvis stepped out from within.

The shape of this 'Gate' spell effect… why has it changed? Rian thought, but he knew this wasn't the time to dwell on it.

The Guardians, except for Merlin, stared at Jarvis with great curiosity.

Jarvis knelt before him. "My Lord, I and The Ninth Oath Maids have investigated the situation outside Felius Castle. As per your orders, I explored a five-kilometer radius. This is the information we've gathered."

Rian looked at a small black object in Jarvis's palm. It was square-shaped with electric blue lines as a pattern.

Then, a holographic projection with an incredibly clear image—perhaps clearer than any camera on Earth—appeared before them. There, the Guardians and Rian stared at a vast expanse of red rocks, red soil, and a reddish-orange sky. It all looked like a dead land, as if life had never existed in this place.

Asuka Morgan looked at the environment with a disgusted expression. "What a repulsive environment." As a nature lover, she was naturally sickened by the sight of such barren land.

Emma Wiliams showed a similar expression. "Whoever moved Felius Castle from its beautiful tropical island to a barren place like this deserves to die in the most gruesome way possible." To her, Felius Castle was her home, the place where she would live with her family and her future children with Lord Arthur. Anyone who would deliberately move their castle to a place where not even an insect would dare to venture… deserved to die. Emma clenched her fists tightly.

Meanwhile, to Belial, this place wasn't so bad. As the guardian of the Sixth Floor, he was used to seeing hellish landscapes. Of course, he didn't dare say it out loud, as he would be opposed by his colleagues.

But an enemy who could move Felius Castle to this place without setting off a single alarm? Belial couldn't imagine an enemy that powerful. As the head of intelligence, he knew just how strong the castle's defenses were, protected as it was by an Anti-Teleportation World Class Item. This makes it even more unbelievable. So… it's impossible… unless… there was no enemy at all!

Belial's gaze shifted to Lord Arthur. For some reason, his master didn't seem panicked at all, or at least he didn't show any expression that suggested this was beyond his control.

Could it be… this is all part of Lord Arthur's grand plan? A sudden enlightenment flashed through Belial's mind.

Rian was completely unaware that Belial thought this situation was his doing. If he knew, he would have cursed that crazy line of thought.

Lily Loriart didn't quite understand what was happening, but from the serious expressions of the other Floor Guardians, she realized the situation must be very dangerous. In a situation like this, staying quiet is probably the best choice, she thought, remembering her creator Fitria's advice: "If you don't understand what's happening, be quiet and listen carefully."

Rian continued to stare at the scene in the projection. He felt like he'd seen this place before, but he couldn't remember where. Not in the game, but in the real world.

"What else did you find, Jarvis?" Rian shifted his gaze. His heart began to pound. I don't know where Avanheim is now, or what dangers might threaten us. This situation… is truly dangerous!

"My Lord, in addition, I found that the environment surrounding Avanheim has no oxygen or air whatsoever. And I also discovered that the gravity in this place is 2.6 times lighter than in the world of Monia," Jarvis explained, presenting his findings to the Floor Guardians and Arthur.

The more Rian heard the description of this place, the more familiar it felt. I'm sure I've heard about this place… but where?

"Lord Arthur, we should send out an exploratory force to learn more about the surrounding environment," Felix Aurelius, who had been listening intently, suggested. "I recommend extending the range to one hundred kilometers, to find out if this entire place is indeed like the environment around Avanheim."

Rian nodded. Right, for now, the priority is gathering information. "In that case, who will carry out this task?" he asked, looking at the Floor Guardians before him.

"I will, Lord Arthur!" Emma Wiliams immediately volunteered. "I will go and explore what kind of place this is." Her eyes were full of fanaticism, as if she were hoping Arthur would praise her.

"No, you're not suitable," Rian replied firmly. "Besides, if I give this task to you, who will manage Avanheim's administration? You're not suited for this task, and I already have another one for you." This problem should be handled by… no, Merlin is one of my trump cards. I still don't fully trust these NPCs. Even though they show loyalty on the surface, no one knows what's in their hearts, unless I use a Divine-Tier anti-deception item. But if I do that, the NPCs will get the impression that I don't trust them. So, having a trump card like Merlin is essential.

Rian's gaze shifted to Natasha Evergarden. This one is a close-combat fighter and a Valhallan Knight. Although not very suitable for reconnaissance, I think she can be relied upon.

"In that case, Natasha Evergarden will handle this task."

Natasha was stunned. "Me?" She didn't understand why Lord Arthur had chosen her for this reconnaissance mission.

"Yes. While I know a task like this isn't very suitable for a close-combat knight like you, I want you to do it. What do you say?" Rian waited for Natasha's response. Actually, he had another reason. I want Natasha to gain experience in information gathering. I know from her backstory that she relies more on brawn than brain. If this were still a game, I wouldn't care. But things are different now. Avanheim has become real, and future combat situations will also be different. I believe there are no stupid people in this world, only lazy ones.

"I accept, Lord Arthur. But, if I'm alone, it will likely take a long time," Natasha said hesitantly.

"Then take one of The Ninth Oath Maids with you." Rian turned his gaze back to Jarvis. "Who among The Ninth Oath Maids is suitable to accompany Natasha, Jarvis?"

"I believe Epsilon would be a good fit to accompany Lady Natasha. She is the most skilled among us at gathering information," Jarvis replied in a calm tone.

Rian didn't know Epsilon very well, but if she was recommended by Jarvis, there shouldn't be a problem.

"Alright, do that," Rian said. Then, he turned his gaze to Emma Wiliams and Belial. "For you two, I have a special task."

"We will do our utmost to carry out your orders, My Lord. Command us as you will," they replied in unison.

"I want you to strengthen Felius Castle's defenses as much as you can. Also, try to use illusion or optical magic to make the castle appear to vanish from the outside." Rian didn't know what dangers might befall Avanheim, so it was best to take precautions first. He wasn't considering landing Felius Castle, as it would be a huge hassle to get it airborne again. The Avanheim Guild had made that mistake in the past, so he wouldn't repeat it.

"Leave it to us, Lord Arthur," Emma and Belial replied with fanatical gazes.

Ahh, if I complete this task, will Lord Arthur praise me? Emma thought, imagining herself being praised and kissed as a reward.

Lord Arthur gave this task to me… Does he want me to pretend I don't know about his grand plan? Yes, it must be so. To this day, Belial still couldn't believe there was a power that could move Felius Castle to a place like this completely undetected, unless it was done by a Supreme Being himself. In his view, Lord Arthur was doing this to test the loyalty of the Floor Guardians and the inhabitants of Avanheim. Lord Arthur, I will ensure your grand plan succeeds!

"Monica Megelli," Rian called. "You are highly skilled in illusion magic. Create some illusion-type magic items to assist Emma and Belial. This is crucial for Avanheim's security."

"I understand, Lord Arthur. I will do my best to make Felius Castle appear to vanish from the outside," Monica replied with full confidence, though her flat, automata expression made her words seem less credible.

"Yes, good." Then Rian turned his gaze to Asuka Morgan. "Asuka Morgan, I want you to research the surrounding soil so that plants can be grown." Although Avanheim currently had no shortage of food and had its own farmlands on the Fifth and Seventh Floors, it didn't mean this production would be sufficient for the future. Now that Avanheim has become real, population growth won't come from adding NPCs with in-game commands anymore. Sooner or later, the NPCs will have their own families and children, and if I don't address this now, it will become a disaster in the future.

"Lord Arthur, this task seems difficult. The soil outside, according to Jarvis, has long been untouched by oxygen. Even the driest desert in Monia is better than this soil. But as a Great Spirit of the Sacred Forest, I will try my best."

That… is basically Asuka's way of saying: 'This task is very difficult and seems impossible. If the results aren't good, don't blame me. I tried my best'. Rian understood what she was trying to convey. She's right. Although Asuka is an expert in greening, her abilities depend on environmental conditions. Here, where there might be no water, oxygen, or even an atmosphere, the task is indeed nearly impossible.

"I know. Just do what you can," Rian replied.

He looked at Felix, Merlin, Lily Loriart, and Velusia Glacielle, who had not yet been given tasks. I'm not sure what tasks to give them…

"I don't have any tasks for you at the moment. For now, set your floor defenses to the highest level."

"Understood, Lord Arthur," the four of them replied in unison.

"And I have one last question for you, Floor Guardians." SWOOSH! The once-calm aura instantly became menacing again. Two pairs of jet-black angel wings, made from a chaotic mass of dark energy, appeared on Rian's back.

The wings didn't look like bird wings or any other physical wings; they were more like a wild, irregular collection of dark energy.

Lord Arthur, your wings are so beautiful, Emma thought, imagining herself touching and licking those beautiful wings.

The other Floor Guardians felt an immense pressure from their master's body, except for Merlin. He used Miracle Magic to block the pressure and currently looked very impressed. This is what my Creator should possess.

Velusia Glacielle, who had been silent until now, felt her hands trembling violently and sweat pouring down her face. It was as if she were facing death itself.

Lily Loriart just stared in awe at the beautiful wings that appeared behind her master. It seemed she didn't feel the immense pressure emanating from Arthur.

"From you, Natasha Evergarden. What do you think I am?" Rian asked with a serious gaze, making Natasha shudder. This look was different from the kind impression her master usually gave.

Lord Arthur is testing my loyalty!

"The strongest among us and the Supreme Beings," Natasha answered with a tone full of respect and praise.

As expected from a muscle-brained knight.

"Felix Aurelius."

"A walking library of magic. His knowledge surpasses any being in the world," Felix said with an expression of worship.

"Monica Megelli."

"The only Supreme Being who did not abandon us," Monica answered with a flat expression. But from her answer, it seemed her heart wasn't as cold as her appearance.

Rian looked at her with a complicated expression. From their perspective, it does seem like my friends abandoned them. I can't deny that kind of thinking.

"Velusia Glacielle."

"A kind and compassionate ruler, who stayed with us until the end." Velusia looked at Arthur with eyes full of gratitude, as if to say, 'Thank you for not abandoning us like the other Supreme Beings'.

Why another answer like this? First Monica, now Velusia.

"Lily Loriart."

"A kind, loving, and gentle leader!" Lily answered in her cute voice, her expression as she said it incredibly adorable.

"Belial." Rian looked at Belial, curious about the answer from this demon NPC who looked like a good person.

"Lord Arthur is the wisest ruler, the only one who stands above the other fourteen Supreme Beings. Such an extraordinary and calculating figure!" Belial answered with an over-the-top, fanatical enthusiasm. There was no trace of a lie in his eyes.

Rian's stomach churned hearing that sentence. This, yeah… I've confirmed what kind of person Belial is. He's the same type as that character in the novel. Damn it.

"Merlin."

"The figure I respect the most and a wise leader," Merlin answered calmly, with no exaggerated expression or fanaticism.

Rian felt pleased hearing Merlin's answer and his calm, peaceful manner.

"Asuka Morgan."

"The one I love and my future husband." Asuka's eyes were filled with love for her master, but there was no over-the-top behavior like the others.

Rian's stomach ache worsened. Another one like this… I don't understand why Asuka Morgan is also acting like Emma Wiliams.

Emma Wiliams, who was kneeling beside Asuka, suddenly emitted a terrifying aura from her body when she heard that answer. Her blue eyes with reptilian pupils radiated danger. You damned bitch! How dare you say the words that only I am allowed to say to Lord Arthur! Lord Arthur is mine, and I will be his wife in the future!

Rian hesitated to ask Emma the question, but the woman's gaze seemed to threaten him with a chilling smile, as if to say, If you don't ask me that question, something bad will happen to you later.

"Emma Wiliams," he called out hesitantly.

"The leader of all inhabitants of Felius Castle, and the one I love the most! And my future husband!!" Emma's tone shifted from calm to one of crazed fanaticism.

Rian shuddered hearing and seeing Emma's expression now.

"Umm… yes, I understand all of your thoughts now." Rian coughed to hide his embarrassment. "In that case, I will be going."

He hurriedly left for the Ninth Floor. He felt extremely embarrassed hearing Emma's and Asuka's answers, especially in front of the other Floor Guardians.

…

"Phew… that was really intense," Natasha complained after Rian disappeared.