Chapter 138: This Is How You Use a Stand!
Thud!
After regaining control of his Stand, The World immediately swung its fist toward Aeron.
But it was instantly blocked by Arsène's claw strike, which then returned the favor.
"Muda muda muda muda muda muda muda muda muda muda—Hahaha, you old fart, your Stand is the most useless one!"
Who would have thought, who would have thought—Aeron would have a second chance to shout such lines, and in a situation like this, the tables had truly turned.
Meanwhile, the Grand Architect observed Aeron and Arsène's movements.
"Accelerated his perception of time, huh."
"Yare yare, you saw right through me. As expected of you."
First, he used Status Refresh to reset the time-related state Aeron himself was under, then activated Sandevistan within the frame when time stop was triggered, barely managing to gain mobility.
That was what Aeron had just done.
Aeron now felt every nerve in his body radiating with a burning pain—no wonder they say not to overindulge.
But trading this for the chance to move within stopped time was, honestly, completely worth it.
After all, he wasn't afraid of this at all. Besides, since they were going to collaborate anyway, why not let him borrow it for a bit?
...Though he still preferred Star Platinum.
"Alright, what other toys did you bring over from the tunnel gate? If you have any, show me—like Mantis Blades or Monowire or something."
"Unfortunately, I only brought The World with me this time."
Originally, his plan was to use time stop to capture Aeron if negotiations broke down, but it seemed opportunities like this truly only came once.
"I originally thought you were just a fox relying on the strong beside you, thinking you had become strong yourself... But now I see you're a wolf in sheep's clothing."
"Coming from you, that sounds like praise."
"The coldness that treats death as a tool, and the greed that can turn others' power into your own... Truly exceptional qualities. Fractsidus indeed needs talent like you."
"Sorry, but I've already set my stance on her side. I won't waver easily."
"Is that so? I don't believe any stance can truly bind you."
The Grand Architect let out a light chuckle, and The World's punching speed suddenly accelerated. Golden fist shadows poured down like a torrential rain, enveloping Aeron.
Arsène neither dodged nor evaded. With a ferocious laugh, it charged forward. Jet-black claws clashed with golden fists, producing a piercing screech. Pure power and will collided violently within the frozen spacetime.
"I thought someone like you, who only serves your own desires and logic, wouldn't submit to someone else like this."
"If you think so, why come looking for me? Just to get scolded?"
"I prefer to call what's between us 'cooperation.'"
"Then what I have with her is cooperation too. And do you have any idea how much criticism I've suffered because of you, you bastard?!"
Hearing Aeron's retort, the Grand Architect merely let out a hoarse, light chuckle.
At the same time, The World's offensive did not lessen, but Arsène's counterattacks grew increasingly savage and precise.
Each claw strike began tearing through the golden light gathered on The World's fists, producing crisp sounds like shattering glass.
And the conversation between the two continued.
"To materialize the power of personality and desire to this extent... I truly underestimated you."
The Grand Architect's voice remained steady, even carrying a hint of pleasure.
"Though often criticized, this is one of my few strengths."
"Did she bring this to you as well?"
"Just a decoy to draw attention. After all, I have no real connection to her. It would be a great help if you all went after her instead."
"A decoy... Hehehe."
Hearing these words, the Grand Architect's voice grew even more delighted.
"It seems we cannot reach an agreement, then. I'll break your limbs and send you to Aleph-1."
"Are your ears malfunctioning? Didn't you hear what I just said?"
And why has the conversation revolved around Rover since earlier? Do people think the two of them have some kind of relationship?
"Besides, I might just upset your precious research subject."
"That would still serve as meaningful data."
As the Grand Architect's words fell, within the domain of stopped time, the figure of The World flickered briefly. Then, with even greater speed, it unleashed a barrage of supersonic punches toward Aeron and Arsène.
"You want to compete in this?"
"Since we are under the witness of the one beside us, I don't intend to reveal too much."
As he spoke, the Grand Architect glanced toward Rover, who stood nearby.
Following his gaze, Aeron also looked over and locked eyes with Rover.
Wait, wasn't she standing somewhere else just now... Huh? She can even do something like this? That's just absurd.
"...Was all that buildup just for this?"
"But that's her—always capable of the unexpected, isn't it?"
Truly, terrifying enough to make one cry.
"Then everything I just said must have been heard by her."
"That has nothing to do with me."
"I'm going all out with you."
With that, the conversation between the two came to an end.
In the frozen time, the shadows of fists and claws from the black demon and the golden warrior nearly filled every inch of space.
Only the echoes of pure, violent collisions reverberated, only to vanish swiftly.
In these brief seconds, the duel between the Persona Mask and the Stand would determine the victor.
And Aeron could not lose, nor would he lose.
Because what had carried him this far was this unique, one-of-a-kind self that belonged solely to him.
Swallowing blood and sweat, paving the way with scars and death, using desire and self as guideposts.
Arsène's body suddenly expanded, its black wings fully unfurled, crimson patterns pulsing like blood vessels across its surface. It let out an even more manic and arrogant, sharp laugh.
Bang!
For the first time, the black claws completely shattered the fist of one of The World's clones, continuing unabated to tear open the clone's chest. No blood flowed—only scattered streams of shattered golden light.
"I see... It's not just 'self,' but the desire to chew, swallow, and assimilate everything encountered along the way, whether light or dark, turning it all into nourishment..."
"What are you muttering about? Watch closely—this is how you use a Stand!"
Crack!
The final blow—Arsène's claws pierced through The World's layered defenses, plunging into its chest with a crisp sound.
"Roar—!!"
Arsène let out an ear-splitting roar as the ferocious demon opened its massive maw, tearing into the Stand's body. The golden frequencies within began to be devoured bit by bit.
"Mine now!"
Those frequencies ultimately converged, transforming into a glowing card that shone brilliantly in the world losing its color, landing in Aeron's hand.
Major Arcana Card—The World.
"A splendid plunder."
The Grand Architect turned to look at the attacks from Rover and Fleurdelys behind him, his tone still calm, even carrying a hint of admiration.
"With mortal will, to usurp divine authority... No wonder you were able to defeat Leviathan."
"...Are you done talking?"
"Hah, not even a farewell. What a heartless guy."
"Alright, enough idle chatter."
As he spoke, Aeron raised his other hand, and Satanael's massive figure reappeared in the air.
"Goodbye."
For a moment, time began to flow.
The Holy Sword in Rover's hand unleashed a torrent of starlight that cleaved light and darkness, while the cold gleam on Fleurdelys's blade slashed toward the Grand Architect's position.
At the same time, Satanael pulled the trigger.
Boom!
The light faded, leaving only two deep trenches and another gaping hole piercing through the main tower in its wake.
A few golden specks slowly dissipated—the Grand Architect was nowhere to be seen.
"..."
Only after confirming there was no danger did Aeron finally let out a sigh of relief. His body, battered and bruised from the Sandevistan, lost the strength to hold itself up and collapsed to the ground.
Although this could be considered a form of physical enhancement, it ultimately taxed the nerves. Forcing its use like just now... was still too much to bear.
Afterward, The World card in his hand also transformed into a stream of light and merged into Aeron's body.
Regardless, this unexpected battle could be considered over now.
Not only did he gain new information, but also a new ability.
Though there were still many things on his mind... well, he'd save those thoughts for later.
And...
The main tower had a huge hole blasted through it, and the Holy Spire of Confluence was also mostly wrecked.
The precious site where the Blessed Maiden was once consecrated had just been utterly defeated.
....Once I make a fortune later, I'll definitely fix you all up!
After silently making this solemn vow in his heart, the exhausted Aeron tried to muster his last bit of strength, deftly pulling out his gun, ready to restart everything.
Then, his hand was pressed down, and the sky before his eyes turned gray.
"..." x5
Five faces were scrutinizing him with different expressions.
Roccia's face was filled with worry, Phoebe was already crying, Carlotta was flushed red, and Fleurdelys had furrowed her brows.
As for Rover...
"Could you not look at me with that expression like I'm some kind of scum?"
"..."
Afterwards, because of the conversation they had during the time stop, Aeron was stared at by Rover for a whole week, but well... that's a story for later.