The Ark Of Backup In Case

"We are just using its power as a punisher and association with the aspect of deaths. When it is fully activated, this is the result," explained the Ankou as the screen morphed into something else when he gently touched the picture.

The Ankou described how the Fourth Frame would break through the armor by moving his hands around and playing with the screen. Mavislin seemed intrigued as the Ankou played with the holographic image like a toy floating midair.

By closing his fist with the picture in his palm, the Ankou had turned the view into the Death Scythe when he opened his hand. The Reaper then tapped on the table to create a rendition of what the Black Knight would look like from the records in front of him.

After a series of hand gestures, the Ankou showed how Duncan would perform the Fourth Frame if everything were in order, which meant that the King didn't have any backup or friends during the battle. The boy would be striking from the back since the front would be the King's attack.

As the Ankou took the fake scythe and knocked it onto the King's armor, the outfit shattered, but the shards were paused in midair.

"This is where the next attack must come in, right after Duncan successfully bashes through the armor. You've got at least half a Tick to strike the King while he is at a vulnerable point. Don't worry if there's another layer of protection because the scythe can also break it."

"The shockwave of everything happening simultaneously will send everyone flying, so be prepared. The last thing to note is that if the backup comes in the middle of this operation, we have to devise plan B... Which I presume Mavislin has got one?" questioned the Ankou.

The Valkyrie blinked rapidly since she never expected the Ankou to pinpoint her during his explanation. She quickly cleared her throat and answered him.

"I have one, but you could say it's a sluggish plan..." said Mavislin, refusing to meet the Ankou's luminous eyes.

"A sluggish plan? What are you proposing if the enemy suddenly had the backup of the fallen Round Table Knights?"

"I intend to unleash Heaven's Wheel at the beginning, during our first meeting about the Six Rogue Mages since I was heading into battle alone. The spell is strong enough to defeat both the King and anything else that proves evil within my judgment," explained Mavislin.

"That's a huge cheat..." complained the Headmaster.

"You're one to talk, Word Mage... Whatever Element you speak or write, you can use it against anyone without affinity for it. You've never used the Time or Galaxian Element, but I bet you could if you wanted to..." retorted Ashley, defending his boss.

"That's not the same as Mavislin's Heaven's Wheel... Besides, I thought you needed permission to use the spell. You must take part of your Core away every time you use it. If you use it too often, you will die," warned the Headmaster.

"Yes, but you forget I was next in line to take the throne. Because of that aspect, I don't need permission to perform the spells, nor does it take away my Core. Except for the final Stage of Heaven's Wheel, which sacrifices a part of my sanity to power the spell."

"Anyways, I was planning to use Judgment Day on the King after playing with him for a few Ticks."

"You sound confident that you can take on the King... Why did you even need us then?" asked Rina, not realizing her tone.

Bryan quickly flicked the girl's shoulder, causing Rina to wince in pain.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" complained the Flower Mage.

"To put you in line... Can't you see that she's giving us a chance to participate? If we don't get enough Missions under our belt, you get kicked out of the Arks," replied the Slayer.

"Yea... But I didn't mean it rudely! It was an honest question, and I didn't mean to challenge her! I'm just curious..."

"Alright, that's enough. Bryan is right; I'm giving the Pillars a chance to show the Domains that we are a reliable group during times of crisis by letting you guys defeat the King."

"And it's much better to take on a worthy opponent with the friends you made along your journeys instead of doing everything yourself. Plus, it's a fantastic way for me to see how the Pillars work together and the twins' current power level, " explained Mavislin.

"So long as you know that the backup plan will work when we fail, then go for it. I don't care much about the political stuff since our only goal is to survive and come back for dinner," said the Ankou, giving a thumbs up as he messed with the models again.