"My name is Killing Star. That's right, it isn't my original name. I no longer wish to use that name. The moment I became one of the Five Elders..."
The bald Elder began telling Werther the secrets of the Five Elders.
"The five of us don't so much hold power as maintain a balance."
Werther frowned as soon as Killing Star finished speaking.
"Explain."
Killing Star nodded.
"Perhaps you think the five of us use our authority to commit evil, but there's one thing you should understand: none of us have descendants."
Surprised, Werther motioned for Killing Star to continue.
"When the World Government was first founded, the two leaders granted us eternal life. But that immortality came at a price. In truth, 'immortal' isn't quite accurate. We exist somewhere between life and death.
"We cannot have children. We've lost our senses of pain, taste, smell, touch—every sensation. All we can do is endure the passage of time. Look."
Killing Star drew the First Generation Kitetsu across his arm. Blood dripped down, but his expression did not change.
With Werther's perception, he could tell that not even a flicker crossed Killing Star's face, as though the arm were not his.
"Our existence kept the power of the successive Royal Families—those who later became the Celestial Dragons—in check, separating them from the organizations under the World Government. We deeply admire the foresight of those two leaders."
Werther glanced at Anita beside him. She nodded; what the Five Elders had said was true.
That surprised Werther. If so, the Five Elders before him really were important.
Imagine what would happen if the Celestial Dragons commanded the Marines.
If that had been the case, the World Government would have been overthrown long ago.
The Five Elders' immortality was no blessing. What pleasure was