"The Eyes of the World possessed the ability to manipulate time and space. Both the Sage Clan and the Umbra Witches had made crude imitations of the Eyes of the World's power. That was not hard to understand. For so long, even the finest among the World Watchers had been unable to wield the power of the two Eyes of the World. Witches and Sages had to find another path to strengthen their combat abilities." As the Silver Key he kept close began to release its magic, Salomon recalled the Venerable One's conclusion. The power released by the Sage, the Witch, and the boy resonated with one another. No matter what form the truth of the world took, its essence never changed.
The Arcanist had only just figured out what was going on when he saw Rodin standing in the distance and waving at him.
Damn Rodin!
Salomon was certain Rodin knew everything about the boy's background. Bayonetta had suddenly joined the battle because Rodin had persuaded her. Yet before the Arcanist could make the distinctly Italian gesture he had learned from the Witch, the magic released by the Silver Key tore open a blackish-purple rift behind him and swallowed the unprepared Salomon whole. The fallen angel craftsman shrugged—his task from the Sorcerer Supreme was complete, and so was his work. It was time to return to the Material Plane. As for why the Sorcerer Supreme wanted to screw over her own disciple, he could not even be bothered to think about it.
Salomon took a deep breath, silently recited an incantation, and checked his condition.
He looked around and felt an inexplicable familiarity. Though the surroundings were dark, they were not cold. Instead, they carried a familiar sense of splendor, and he could not help recalling where he had