"Your Majesty, Empress, what should we do now? If we can't break through this plant barrier, we won't be able to leave the Tower of Exile. And it's on the verge of total collapse," the Mechanical Tutor said, her mood worsening by the second.
She had never imagined that the Tower of Exile would face complete collapse just because of Jeremy and his group's invasion.
In response to the Mechanical Tutor's question, the Mechanical Empress slowly shook her head.
"I don't know what to do next either. Our power is not enough to break through this barrier. So perhaps we should return to the area where we came from."
The Mechanical Empress's words shocked the other mechanical monsters. None of them wanted to go back to the previous area.
The Mechanical Tutor directly objected to the Empress's suggestion.
"Couldn't we release all the souls trapped here in the Soul Prison? It seems like they'd be willing to help us."
As the Mechanical Tutor spoke, the Mechanical Empress glanced at the powerful souls locked within the prison cells. Though the souls appeared calm now, the Mechanical Empress knew that once they were released, they would immediately turn on them. After all, these souls had been captured and imprisoned by them.
"Doing that would only make our situation worse. Instead, you should focus on how to make yourself more powerful in the upcoming battle," the Mechanical Empress replied sternly.
This remark only deepened the Mechanical Tutor's despair. She believed she had already pushed her abilities to the limit, and no matter what, she couldn't become any stronger for the next fight.
Just as the Mechanical Tutor was about to say something else, both she and the Mechanical Empress suddenly sensed the presence of Jeremy and his group not far behind them.
Both the Mechanical Empress and the Mechanical Tutor quickly prepared for battle, but they didn't immediately launch an attack. They knew that in their current situation, avoiding conflict was wiser than provoking it.
As soon as they saw Jeremy and the others, they called out in their direction, cautious but not aggressive.
"Don't come any closer! If you keep approaching, don't blame us for being hostile! You are our enemies, and we'll attack you without hesitation," the Mechanical Empress threatened.
In the face of her warning, Jeremy merely smiled calmly and replied, "Do you really think you have the time for a fight right now? The Tower of Exile is on the verge of collapse. If we don't get out before it crumbles, we'll all be destroyed along with it."
Jeremy's words made the Mechanical Empress and the Mechanical Tutor breathe a little easier. Their biggest fear was that Jeremy might be oblivious to the reality of the situation, which could lead him to insist on fighting them.
Although the Mechanical Empress considered herself strong, she also knew that engaging in battle with Jeremy wouldn't lead to a quick victory.
"So, what's your plan? Are you suggesting you'll take us out of the Tower of Exile with you?" the Mechanical Empress asked slowly.
"No problem! I'll send one of my companions to you. But after that, you must follow my plan," Jeremy said, turning his gaze to Ritchie.
Without hesitation, Ritchie walked calmly over to the Mechanical Empress, standing by her side.
Watching Ritchie and Jeremy's actions, the Mechanical Empress grew even more suspicious.
"What's wrong? Do you think my sincerity isn't enough? I've done what you asked—shouldn't you now show some sincerity in return? Or do you think you can't cooperate with me?" Jeremy's tone had turned slightly stern as he spoke.
In his view, he had already made a gesture of goodwill, so it was only right for the other side to reciprocate.
After thinking for a moment, the Mechanical Empress turned to the Mechanical Tutor and said, "Since they've shown sincerity, I must do the same. You will go over to their side and stay with them until our cooperation is complete."
The Mechanical Tutor 's face showed a flicker of hesitation after receiving the Empress's order. She was reluctant to move closer to Jeremy. Being near him felt dangerous, and she feared what risks that might entail.
The Mechanical Tutor's hesitation drew the attention of everyone around. Under the mounting pressure from the Mechanical Empress, she had no choice but to slowly walk toward Jeremy's group.
With the exchange of hostages complete, the cooperation could finally proceed smoothly.
"It looks like we're ready to cooperate at last. Now, lead us to the barrier that's blocking your way," the Mechanical Empress said. "When I arrived at the Soul Prison, I sensed the presence of the barrier. And frankly, I doubt you have the strength to break through it on your own. Only with our help will you have the power to shatter it."
Jeremy nodded as he briskly walked ahead.
Although the Mechanical Empress and the other mechanical monsters still harbored some doubts, they realized that given the circumstances, cooperation with Jeremy was their best option. They followed him, albeit with lingering wariness.
The group quickly arrived at the plant-based barrier. Jeremy turned to the Mechanical Empress.
"Let's start now. I don't think you should hold back your strength, because if you do, none of us will be able to escape. And I won't be holding back either!" Jeremy declared.
The Mechanical Empress stepped beside Jeremy, fully agreeing with his statement. Both of the most powerful individuals unleashed their full strength without hesitation.
As they launched their attacks, the Goddess of Life withdrew the energy that had been sustaining the barrier. Before everyone's eyes, the plant barrier rapidly crumbled. Seeing this, the group couldn't help but smile. The collapse of the barrier signified their chance to finally escape the Tower of Exile.
However, neither the Mechanical Empress nor Jeremy relaxed. They both immediately sensed a strange disturbance in the surrounding space as soon as the barrier fell. It was clear to them that the master of the Tower of Exile wasn't going to let them leave so easily.
Moreover, the World had not yet defeated the Fool or The White Tower in the battle that continued elsewhere.