Villain Retirement

Chapter 1186: Another Speedster

"State your purpose, or turn around. These people have enough problems as it is."

Megawoman hovered miles away from Earth; her eyes, reflecting the behemoth of a ship floating in front of her. She had travelled across the universe for hundreds of years, and yet this was the first time she had ever seen anything like this.

But of course, the expanse of the universe was ever expanding—it might be possible that somewhere out there, a ship like this existed… But no.

Although she could admit that she wasn't technologically savvy, she knew enough that the ship in front of her should be… close to impossible.

Because it was being powered by steam.

Well, Whiteking and the Hope Guild did tell her that the ship was interdimensional, meaning that it wasn't from their universe at all. She thought that they were kidding and that there was no way something like that was possible, but they were all convinced that Whiteking was not lying at all, and that his technology was flawless.

And if Whiteking was actually right, then this situation was extremely weird. She was fully aware that sooner or later, the people from the other planets would start discovering Earth—and that was fine, that was just how it was.

But to think the first ship that Earth would be meeting was from a completely different plane of existence? What sort of logic was that?

But then again, this ship was completely devoid of logic. If she were right, then the ship would look like a small planet if seen by the people from Earth, with the steam the ship was releasing just completely staying in place and almost covering it entirely. Almost like Jupiter, in a way.

And to top this all off, this steamship, the size of several cruise ships, only had a single person inside it. Aerith could hear them running around the ship on their own with a speed rivaling hers, no. Faster.

Aerith was about to ask another question, but she heard the gears and cogs start to turn in the ship. She quickly put up her guard, increasing her senses to be ready for what was about to come—but contrary to her expectations, a part of the ship only opened up.

She narrowed her eyes at the opening for a few moments before slowly floating toward it and entering the ship.

And immediately, she was greeted by the faint scent of copper and steam. Surprisingly enough, even with her heightened sense of smell, the scent was extremely faint despite the ship literally being powered by steam.

The corridor was spacious and stretched out, very much similar to another race she was somewhat familiar with. She was about to fly across the hallway, but before she could do so, a silhouette suddenly appeared right in front of her.

It was a particularly short man, wearing some sort of leather vest and an obviously oversized belt. It was hard to discern what he looked like, as he was also wearing a pair of oversized goggles.

Aerith started to lower her guard, however, as she couldn't feel a single hint of killing intent from the young man.

"Are you an evaniel? Can you understand me?" She finally asked as her feet planted themselves on the slightly rubbery floor. The young man didn't respond and only stared at her for a moment before he took off his goggles. Revealing a somewhat youthful but exhausted face, his eyes silver.

"I don't know what that is," the young man said while narrowing his eyes, "But it sounds extremely similar to my name. I'm Evans. I came from—"

"A different dimension than ours," Aerith continued his words for him, "I'm Aerith, and the planet you're planning to land on is under my protection. And I would have to ask you to leave and just visit some other planet, these people do not need any more trouble."

"The thing is, Ma'am…" Evans sighed while shaking his head, "...There are no other civilizations or planets other than this one."

"What are you talking about?" This time, it was Aerith's turn to narrow her eyes again, "With technology like yours that is close to magic, I am certain you could detect the other people."

"I could, but there are no other people," Evans once again sighed, "Because your dimension isn't another dimension, Ma'am—but only a simulation. I could have told you that more carefully, but I don't really see the point."

"W—"

"I know you're strong enough to also sense life out there," Evans stretched his arms out, "Hear the closest one you know. They're not there anymore—in fact, there is nothing past that planet with a ring."

"What?" Aerith blinked a couple of times, but she tilted her head to the side as she expanded her senses. And not even a second later, her eyes widened, and a short gasp escaped her lips. She wanted to say something to Evans, but no words were coming out of her mouth.

"That's fine, you can take your time to process everything."

"No," Aerith quickly shook her head, "Explain."

"I'm afraid I can't explain why this simulation exists, but what I can tell you is that your existence is real—so, you don't have to have some sort of existential crisis or whatever," Evans shrugged, slightly adjusting his long scarf as he looked Aerith in the eyes, "What I can explain is why I'm here—I am here to kill the anomaly. Well, or at least think of a way for them to disappear or be sealed away. Most beings that strong can't die even if they want to anyway… like me."

"What?"

"Yes," Evans shrugged again before his voice started to turn into a whisper, "I'm afraid a being that could end all life, in any and all dimensions, is now resting here, on your planet. It's my job to… collect them. My penance."

"You…?" Aerith returned Evans's stare, but Evans only smiled at her.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to measure how strong I am," Evans shook his head, "Much like how you didn't even realize that the anomaly is here. Our plane of existence is way beyond yours."

"I… can't wrap my head around this," Aerith placed her hand on her face, "All of this is… unbelievable."

"It is," Evans nodded, "But it's here. And there's nothing else you or anyone could do but accept it."

"If what you're saying is true… then why not capture this anomaly already? Why all the theatrics?"

"The battle would annihilate this world."

"But you said we're just… a simulation."

"I also said that you exist," Evans shrugged, "That means you are real, and that you're living. I would like to avoid loss of life if possible."

Aerith didn't say anything and just stared at Evans for a while. But after a few more seconds, she stepped closer to him, her voice now deeper.

"Then where is this anomaly you speak of?" She whispered.

"I don't know," and Evans answered without any hesitation, "His energy is enough to completely fill this entire simulation, there is no way to accurately locate his… location. I need to investigate first. So, I would truly appreciate it if you allow me to stay on the planet. I won't cause any trouble."

"You… don't know where he is?"

"Afraid not. But what I can tell you… is that he's listening to us now."

Riley, who had actually been listening to their conversation all the way from Earth, could not help but blink as he heard Evans's words. He stared at the ceiling for a few moments before muttering to himself,

"Well, interesting."

But as interesting as it was, Riley tilted his head and completely drowned out their conversation with the noise inside the Ross' residence.

After all, he was here to spend more time with his sister.

The action can wait.