Chapter 403

Undeniably, Eclair's questions all hit the right points.

Especially regarding the ability of the "Great Will" fragment to manipulate minds, she showed particular attention.

But for this, Precht had already prepared a corresponding answer.

"The number of 'Great Will' fragments in each world differs, and in this world, it is this: once both fragments are collected by the same side."

"Who gains the 'Great Will's' approval can obtain the world's power and control everything."

"And now, the reason you haven't been controlled is because the Monu Sect holds only one fragment; once they obtain the other, this battle will end."

"However, even with just one 'Great Will' fragment, the Monu Sect can still activate the world's suppression, suppressing those they deem enemies."

"Conversely, one can ignore this world's suppression and simultaneously amplify one's own power."

"I suppose you've already felt the world's suppression against you by now."

As Precht spoke these words, Eclair and the others had gradually begun to believe.

Because in truth, it was exactly as Precht had said.

Every time they entered another world, they felt their strength suppressed, while the opposite was true for the other world's inhabitants—no suppression was observed.

This point was evident from the earlier incident involving the Akatsuki.

One could say it was visible in every war between forces from other worlds.

In fact, Precht himself had first entered this world precisely because of this, which confirmed the intelligence he had received.

Otherwise, even Precht himself would not have fully believed it.

Yet even so, Eclair and the others still harbored some doubt about Precht.

After all, the effect of world suppression could be experienced by anyone—they couldn't be sure whether Precht was fabricating a plausible lie to deceive them.

Seeing the doubt on Eclair and the others' faces, Precht added further.

"Think back: why didn't those Shinigami tell you the truth? Isn't it because they feared you'd become lost in it?"

Upon hearing this, Eclair and the others' expressions changed slightly.

Recalling the moment, when Aizen was about to continue speaking, his companions, Byakuya and Gin, had indeed stopped him.

From their earlier conversation, it was clear the two feared they couldn't resist the temptation—and indeed, that was true.

To obtain one or two 'Great Will' fragments allows one to dominate a world.

Such temptation was indeed something few could resist.

One could say, if this information spread, all of Ishgaria—and indeed the entire world—would go mad.

Only such a temptation could drive the forces from other worlds to frenzy.

Even someone like Hu Zi would wage war to obtain the 'Great Will' fragments.

In fact, according to the intelligence Lin Cheng had leaked, Precht had omitted even more—but even so, what Precht had said was already enough.

After hearing it all, Eclair and the others were utterly stunned.

"These 'Great Will' fragments are terrifying beyond belief."

Wendy, the smallest among them, stared blankly, her gem-like eyes frozen.

"To obtain a fragment means controlling everything…?"

Not only Wendy—even Natsu, the most furious among them, had calmed down.

"So those guys were all after these things…?"

"No wonder Mr. Aizen didn't tell us—this seems even more terrifying than we imagined."

…

"Now tell me, what is your answer?"

By this point, Precht had said everything he intended to say.

Yet,

"Forget about cooperation."

Just as Precht expected Eclair and the others to agree, he saw Eclair step forward and shake her head.

"Leaving aside whether your claims are true—"

"We still can't trust an enemy. Perhaps what you say is correct, but we can't be sure you aren't tempted by the 'Great Will' fragments."

"Likewise, you betrayed the people from the other world, betrayed Ishgaria—you could betray us too."

"Moreover, you likely haven't revealed all the information, proving you harbor ill intentions toward this 'Great Will' stone."

Though Precht had spoken much, Eclair still found flaws in his words.

For instance, the intelligence he claimed to have obtained—

Seeing this, Precht's eyes darkened. He had spent considerable effort, revealing secrets he knew, not to receive such an answer.

"Aren't you worried the 'Great Will' fragments might fall into the hands of those from the other world? If they do, do you know what it means?"

"You and I could join forces—ensure the 'Great Will' fragments remain in this world."

At this point, Precht's meaning was clear, and his tone carried a hint of impatience—his patience was nearing its limit.

Remember, Precht was the head of the Moxinzang Society, and its former leader.

They were merely youngsters—after he had spoken so clearly, what right did they have to bargain with him?

"Know this: within the Mist Plains lie many dangerous regions. Only by cooperating with me can you stop the Monu Sect from uniting both fragments."

"From my observations, those three Shinigami have moved deeper into the Mist Plains—likely now…"

"Wait…!"

"Plains? What plains?"

Before Precht could finish, Lucy interrupted.

Looking around, all they saw were trees and mist—where were any plains?

Not only Lucy was confused; everyone else was too.

Plain? This is clearly a forest!

Since entering the forest, though actions had been halted due to battle, they had already penetrated three to four kilometers deep.

Such a vast sea of trees—you tell me it's a plain? Even if Precht himself believed it, they wouldn't.

However, just as everyone expected Precht to continue explaining, Precht had no intention of saying more.

For cannon fodder, Precht had no patience or care to explain further; what he cared about was merely the friendship between Elisha and the three Death Gods, to avoid antagonizing the three Death Gods.

Otherwise, Precht would have acted long ago, and saying too much would inevitably cost him his position of dominance.