Illimitable Until Death

Chapter 711: IUD-Chapter 708 Bandire

Fang Li’s surprise wasn’t without reason.

Shirayuki had already told him that ever since the incident with I-U ended, aside from Fang Li, another person had disappeared for a full three months.

That person was Tohyama Kinji.

In fact, ever since Kinji had acted together with Tohyama Kana at I-U, he hadn’t returned to Butei High, only submitting an application for a long-term mission to the academic office, which prevented him from being marked absent.

Now, Kinji had suddenly appeared here, once again accompanied by Tohyama Kana, just like before.

“It seems that since then, this guy has been working with Tohyama Kana,” Fang Li mused.

However, Tohyama Kinji’s presence wasn’t the only thing that surprised Fang Li.

Leaning against one of the wind turbines, holding a sniper rifle, and staring intently at Fang Li, was a robot-like girl.

Who else could it be but Reki?

Among the extraordinary figures gathered around, some were familiar faces to Fang Li.

Others were superhumans from I-U whom he had met briefly.

And then there were those whom Fang Li had never encountered before.

For instance, one person resembled a robot— a steel-clad figure, like something out of Gundam.

Another was a man dressed in vibrant Chinese clothing, his face showing a sly smile.

And yet another was a little girl in a kimono, innocent-looking but with horns on her head resembling those of an oni.

These individuals were unknown to Fang Li, but the dangerous aura they emitted was no less intense than anyone else present— perhaps even greater.

This gathering was composed of superhuman individuals, a terrifying group so formidable that even I-U paled in comparison.

Each person here was powerful enough that the only option for anyone else was to concede.

At this moment, Fang Li had become one of them.

And Fang Li understood very well that, in the eyes of these individuals, he too was considered a dangerous figure.

The proof was that, aside from Reki, Tohyama Kana, and Tohyama Kinji, everyone else had immediately shifted their attention to Fang Li the moment he arrived.

Their reactions varied.

The members of Ignatis from I-U, led by Hilda, regarded him with vigilance and hostility.

The otherworldly individuals, led by the fox-eared girl and the oni-horned girl, looked at him with curiosity.

Others were simply assessing him.

Clearly, just as Jeanne had said, everyone here had been waiting for Fang Li’s arrival.

Waiting for the arrival of the person responsible for dismantling I-U.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s begin,” Jeanne, holding her Holy Sword, scanned the room with her blue eyes.

Then, in a commanding voice, she spoke.

“All of you gathered here are envoys or representatives of the world’s most powerful factions. Even if you are attending this meeting in a personal capacity, it proves that you have the strength to stand at the forefront of global power. Therefore, this meeting will be held with all of you as representatives, and we shall officially commence in this manner.”

“I am Jeanne d’Arc, a remnant of I-U’s Daio, and I have the honor of presiding over this meeting.”

“The presiding over this *Bandire*.”

—”Bandire.”

When this term left Jeanne’s lips, everyone’s eyes turned to her.

However, the atmosphere in the room, instead of easing, became even more tense and dangerous.

In this oppressive atmosphere, even Reki and Tohyama Kinji wore serious expressions.

Kinji, in particular, quietly placed his hand on his waist, revealing a glimpse of his holstered gun.

In contrast, Fang Li remained calm despite the dangerous situation.

Of course, Fang Li’s attention had also been piqued.

“Bandire?” Fang Li muttered.

Could this be the *Bandire* that Riko had mentioned before?

What kind of battle was this meeting declaring?

What were the positions of those who had gathered here?

There were too many questions.

Thus, Fang Li chose to stay quiet and observe, focusing his gaze on Jeanne.

Perhaps noticing Fang Li’s gaze, Jeanne nodded slightly and began speaking again.

“Since some of you are attending Bandire for the first time, let me explain the origin of this meeting.”

With this opening statement, Jeanne began her explanation.

“Everyone present represents powerful factions from various nations. These factions, whether known or secret, have the ability to influence national politics. Throughout history, they have fought, allied, and contested each other from the shadows. These conflicts have never ceased.”

“However, with the emergence of I-U, things began to change.”

This change was natural and expected.

From Jeanne’s explanation, it became clear that many underground organizations had always existed, exerting influence over the politics of various countries.

The people gathered here were the representatives of those organizations.

These groups had been vying for power since ancient times, sometimes opposing each other, sometimes forming alliances.

Their power struggles had been constant.

But since their abilities were fairly balanced, none could completely eradicate the other.

However, the emergence of I-U had shifted this balance of power.

The terrifying superhuman group not only possessed nuclear submarines but also had strategic missiles and powers that even nations feared.

Thus, I-U’s appearance could determine the outcome of global power struggles.

If I-U were to ally with one faction, that side would gain an overwhelming advantage in the long-standing conflicts and might be able to eliminate all of its enemies.

This was why I-U’s position was critical, and no one dared to act recklessly.

If one’s enemies formed an alliance with I-U due to rash actions, the power balance would crumble, and the faction could be wiped out.

“Therefore, after I-U’s appearance, our conflicts came to a temporary halt, entering a relatively peaceful period of observation.”

Jeanne’s expression suddenly became serious.

“However, now that I-U has been dismantled.”

What did this mean?

It meant that the peace maintained until now was no longer necessary.

“And so, we have gathered here to declare war once again.”

Jeanne declared loudly.

“For this, we shall follow the ancient traditions and first recite the three agreements.”

“First: At any time, any side may initiate conflict. Battles will be treated as duels and sneak attacks, espionage, and the use of underhanded techniques are permitted, as is humiliating the opponent.”

“Second: To avoid endless bloodshed, unqualified foot soldiers are prohibited from participating in the battles. This rule takes precedence over the first.”

“Third: The conflict will primarily be fought between two factions, ‘Deen’ and ‘Grenada,’ representing the two major alliances. These names have a long history, and out of respect for those who came before us, they shall remain unchanged.”

“Now, I ask all of you to choose your factions and declare your stance for the coming war!”

(End Of This Chapter)