[center][b][h2][color=black]Über Ethereal[/color][/h2]

New York, Arcadia-1[/b]

[@SgtEasy][@Flamelord][@Absolis][@lmpkio][@thewizardguy][@Tyki][/center]

[hr]

The God Emperor's words did not please the Ethereal one bit, in fact it angered it that its hypothesis would end up being true. This man would be progress' worst enemy, an endless logic of stagnation out of self-fulfilling ideologies that once led the Ethereal's race to annihilate other civilizations for what they deemed to be the greater good, for what they believed in. Nova may not have these homicidal views, but this kind of mentality would inevitably lead to everything being destroyed, no matter how strong he was. To the alien, this man was just as dangerous as the Conquerors, but unlike them he didn't pose an immediate threat. 

The overlord's patience would reach its limit when Nova would not only give Ruiko an easy mode out of her predicament, removing any form of possible evolution they could observe from her hardships, but also insulting their methods. He truly underestimated the Envisioning One and what they all stood for. If the power scales weren't as immense, the alien would have likely taken action against him to clear away the dangers he encompassed. But right now, it didn't follow its select few emotions and started reasoning. As an ally, collaborating with him would be the best way to go to weed out the conquerors. In the midst of its thought process, the android controlled by Cyano had finally demonstrated what she had bottled up in her for a while. The demonstration of the Kolon was no more impressive than the endless earthquakes caused by Apocalypse and the Yakuza nearby. 

The Ethereal managed to block the initial kick with wielded Psi-lance coupled with boosted strength, but before she could continue, she'd be completely immobilized by Nova's influence. The alien didn't expect that, but wasn't going to thank him either as it wasn't of his business to intervene. 

"[color=black]Your foolishness recalls many memories, Conablum. Perhaps now you can see the reasons behind your summoning.[/color]" 

It replied to her as Nova kept her bot in check, at least now she could understand why she was interrupted in the first place. At least now they were all comfortable to witness the following events. Apocalypse emerged, always such the enjoyable one, but before the beast could do anything else, it would simply be annihilated by Nova's ability. The blast would be deadly in itself, prompting the Ethereal to disperse the release energy using its Psionic influence, shielding Biollante in the process. 

Although Apocalypse was a loose cannon they were planning on destroying anyway, the elimination of not one but two resources for the Dark Outliners didn't help the Ethereal's mood. It was clear as day that Ruiko was going to drink the Kool Aid on this one, and why shouldn't she? If someone offered her free power, never having to use that enhancing drug again, any sane individual would take it. That is, unless they had plans to advance with it. Nova's evidently narrow mindset seemed convinced they couldn't simply study Esper brain activity and the composition of the Level Upper to create a similar tool to enhance all infantry. This kind of stagnating mindset was one of the best arguments to support the Outliner agenda. 

'[color=black][i]It appears you have chosen your path, Young Esper. Keep in mind that the easiest alternative is very rarely ... The wisest decision.[/i][/color]' 

With that fair warning given to the child through secured telepathy, the Ethereal would come to witness something that actually surprised it, unlike the destruction Apocalypse. It expected ridiculous power and destruction from Nova, but this scene between some random man and God Emperor just seemed so out of this world, the alien could only stare. It'd take Biollante to bring it back to earth for it remove all focus of this silly predicament. 

'[color=black][i]We will not do anything. He is amassing troupes already, which may very well be good news to our cause. For now, we retreat. Grab one of these Kolon creatures with you while avoiding hostility.[/i][/color]' 

Well aware of the situation at hand and the fact that the Imperium has just gained a new fleet thanks to the intervention against Apocalypse. What the alien learn that day was that Nova was indeed almighty, but it also started to understand that most of its power was linked to something it could not comprehend, yet. As such, it was convinced that there would be a point to exploit soon enough, and with the help of the angry bitch Cyano, they could very well turn the tables on everyone. 

A small, concealed crystal would flash on the Ethereal's mask, creating a portal a few feet away from it. The alien had itself a Terminal under the form of a diamond that it integrated in its decorative mask for safekeeping. Approaching the portal, it made sure that every outliner, even Sam, would be warned of this change of strategy.

"[color=black]Star Child. We will not step on your goals as they converge with our endeavor to purge the self-destructing tyrants you have fallen before once. However, you would lose a lot less of your [i]children[/i] if you'd accept to discuss your ways with us in the near future.[/color]"

Before stepping through the portal, it would first deliver a glance toward Stephen, because he was just insanely weird, even for the Ethereal. That in turn made him quite interesting. Using its psionic influence, it made it clear to the man that he at least had the interest of someone here. The second glance would be sent to Ruiko as it was curious to see how such a critter would engage with, well, everything now that stakes were higher than ever, greatly surpassing her petty desire to overcome Misaka. 

The portal would lead back to Cyano's World, in a locked chamber within Conablum labs in case some interloper decided to randomly join the party.