《I Became the Youngest Prince in the Novel》 Chapter 1: Prologue Chapter 1: Prologue The room wasrge enough to be mistaken for a banquet hall, but it held only the bare essentials for living. Swoosh- Inside that room, a man sat in an antiquated chair made of ck wood, flipping through the pages of a book. His eyes followed the characters relentlessly as the pages turned. The man was known by many titles: The First Emperor. The Iron-Blooded Emperor. The World''s Ruler. The Conqueror. The Demon Emperor. The ck Star Emperor. From the fairy forests of the West. To the beast seas of the East. And up to the giant hordes of the North. With his overwhelming military power and a charisma that sent shivers down spines, he devoured every country on Earth, except the Demon Territory, weaving them together into a grand empire known as ''Agnes''. He was the true king of the world. All beings worshipped and feared him. "This is pathetic," the man said, his voice faint. He had finally turned thest page of the book he had been reading. The Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar. That was the title of the book. It was nothing more than a heroic novelmonly circted in the world, a book he had stumbled upon in the library. How such a book found its way into the pce was a mystery. But this book, set hundreds of years in the future, had caught his interest because it depicted his own empire, Agnes, as it was. Moreover, its realistic descriptions and detailed narratives made it feel as if they were depicting actual future events. In particr, the descriptions of various regions, including the royal pce, were so vivid and lifelike, as if they were based on real experiences. However, he didn''t like the ending. Most novels about a hero''s journey ended with the annihtion of a destined enemy, a Demon King. But this book portrayed the failure of the hero, not his sess. The hero met a tragic death without being able to eliminate the Demon King, and as a result, the world was destroyed by the Demon King and his forces. The most crucial reason for this urrence was the empire''s downfall. Even as the world crumbled, both the empire and humanity were solely focused on their own interests. In the end, the hero embarked on a journey to the Demon Territory without receiving any support from the fragmented and fallen empire. "I''ve just wasted my time." Especially considering the empire''s copse, it was a pitiful novel that couldn''t even be called third-rate. His perfect memory, which retained everything after a single reading, almost felt regrettable. The emperor closed the book immediately, as if it wasn''t worth lingering over, and a deep sense of boredom and fatigue settled in his eyes. It was a sensation that always clung to him like a shadow, now that he had everything in the world within his grasp. There was nothing left to conquer, no territory left to seize. "......" And so, the emperor, with a gaze of boredom fixed on ''Chronicles of Frosimar''s Hero''id before him, slowly closed his eyes. * * * In the tranquil pce, only the faint moonlight illuminated the surroundings. Thud! A stoic-looking, aged knight with stern eyes and tightly sealed lips hurried through the pce corridors. "Huff, huff!" Rough breaths escaped the knight''s mouth ceaselessly, as if he had already reached his limit. Despite his age, he could have run for an hour on his own, but on the knight''s backy an unconscious man, not moving an inch. "Why... why is this happening!" The old knight''s eyes trembled as if he couldn''tprehend the situation. The pce, cloaked in darkness, remained unusually quiet. But it shouldn''t have been. Not at this moment. Because the man on his back, breathing precariously, was the ruler of this pce and the prince of the grand empire, Agnes. "Is there no one to protect His Highness!" Despite the prince being pursued by assassins within the pce, the royal guards, instead of safeguarding him, were nowhere to be seen. Not only that, the magical barriers and traps that normally activated when intruders entered were not triggered at all. "...Sir Fredo? Who is the person on your back..." Just then, a maid who had been inspecting the extinguished magicmps in the pce ahead noticed the old knight rushing towards her. She wore a puzzled expression, her eyes widening upon seeing the prince on his back. Thud! The old knight, without even having time to respond, swiftly passed by the maid, who was left with a fleeting regret in her eyes. As the knight''s figure grew distant... Swish! A silver sh sliced through the air from the darkness, and the maid''s head fell to the ground. ''Prince Zion....'' In the old knight''s exhausted state, a faint vision of a man with a faint smile appeared in his mind. He was the lord of the knight, one who had been pushed out of thepetition for the throne due to his congenitally weak body and delicate nature, practically banished. And now, those who had imprisoned his lord were trying to take his lord''s life. A life worse than that of ordinary people, filled with utter misery. The old knight couldn''t bear to see his lord meet such a fate. He had to protect him, no matter what. ''This cannot continue.'' Bam! With that thought, the old knight bit his lip, abruptly halted, and kicked open the door to the adjacent reception room. He carefullyid the prince on the long sofa inside and blocked the entrance to the room. He had made up his mind to establish a defensive line and fight, before his stamina waspletely depleted. Without uttering a word, the assassins pursuing the knight charged at him. sh! Swords shed, releasing bursts of light. However, despite his firm resolve, the old knight''s sword was unable to halt the assassins'' advance. Two of the assassins pinned the old knight, pushing him back, while the rest stormed through the open door toward the prince. "Your Highness!" The old knight, as if willing to sacrifice his own life, turned his back on the assassins he was battling and leapt toward the prince. However, the assassins proved to be swifter than the knight. Thud! With footwork as light as walking on water, one of the assassins swiftly reached the unconscious prince, raising his sword. The assassin''s eyes appeared devoid of any emotion. He held no interest in who the man before him was or why he needed to be killed. He was merely fulfilling amission. Finally, the assassin''s sword descended toward the prince''s heart. "No!" In that instant, a cry resembling a wail burst from the mouth of the old knight, Fredo. And then... Everyone present witnessed it. The target of the assassin¡ª the prince''s heart. The tip of the sword came to a halt, unable to advance any further, right in front of that heart. Screech! It seemed frozen in space. Despite the assassin''s temples bulging with exertion, the tip of the sword remained motionless. "...!" At this peculiar sight, the other assassins'' eyes began to waver for the first time. Slowly but surely, the unconscious prince opened his eyes. His gaze was tranquil andnguid, akin to a still surface of ake undisturbed by even the slightest breeze. It was a look that had never been seen in him before. Gradually... Using his finger, the prince pushed away the tip of the assassin''s sword in front of his heart, rising to his feet and scanning the room with his eyes. As if he sought toprehend fully what had just urred. "Prince... Zion?" The old knight''s perplexed voice flowed from his mouth as he beheld the prince''spletely altered and unfamiliar appearance. "Kill him." Thud! Only then did the assassins regain theirposure and rush toward the prince once more. The prince, with eyes that remained indifferent, as if the situation held no concern for him, observed the assassins closing in on him. Just as the assassins swiftly arrived in front of him, ready to strike at his neck... Swoosh- The surrounding darkness flickered. And then... Pop! One after another, the heads of the assassins rushing toward him began to burst. Shortly after, the headless bodies of the assassins dropped lifelessly to the floor, their bright red blood staining the floor. What in the world is happening? "...." The old knight gazed at his lord with a dumbfounded expression, unable toprehend the situation. Observing the knight and the room growing increasingly stained with blood... "This is quite amusing." The Iron Emperor residing within Prince Zion, or rather, Emperor Zion, smiled faintly *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 2: Sweeping Away (1) Chapter 2: Sweeping Away (1) "Can you take a look at this magicmp?" "It seems like only the core has been cleverly damaged. What happened?" "Do you not know about it? It''s been kept under wraps, but something happened herest night..." The pce was bustling with activity as they tried to erase any traces of the previous night''s attack. "..." Amidst the busy servants, Sir Fredo, the seasoned knight, stood motionless, gazing at the door. Beyond that doory Prince Zion, his master whom he faithfully served. Since the unknown assantsunched their attackst night, his lord had retreated into his bedroom and hadn''t emerged even as evening approached. "Your Highness Prince Zion..." Sir Fredo murmured, memories of the previous night flooding his mind. The sword, frozen mid-air. The assassins'' severed heads The image of Prince Zion emotionlessly observing the scene. Even for Fredo, who had been by the prince''s side since birth, this behavior was so eerie that it sent shivers down his spine. It was as if he was looking at an entirely different person. ''What in the world is happening...?'' Could it be that the Star Blood of the Agnes Imperial Family had awakened, albeit btedly? If not... The elderly knight standing at the door harbored concern in his eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- He had be a character from the pages of a novel. It was hard to fathom, but it was the conclusion he had arrived at after gathering information and contemting since the previous night. ''I don''t know who did this or why...'' With that thought in mind, the emperor gazed into the mirror. And what he beheld was not his original self, but a man with deep gray hair and skin so pale it was almost translucent. The emperor recognized this man. Zion Agnes. He was one of the princes of the Agnes Empire in the novel ''Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar,'' appearing only briefly at the beginning of the story. A feeble temperament that couldn''t harm even a passing ant, and a frail body that grew breathless with a mere walk. Devoid of any influential power, he had been practically abandoned in a vi on the outskirts of the Imperial City after being ousted from the throne contention long ago. The reason why Zion Agnes didn''t have a significant role in the novel was simple. He met his demise as soon as he made his appearance. An embarrassingly insignificant character. ''Ordinarily, I should have lost my life in the attack that urred yesterday.'' The emperor, now inhabiting Zion''s body, thought so and recollected the events of the previous day. After reaching the end of ''Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar'' and closing his eyes, he found himself facing an assassin cloaked in ck, swinging a sword at him. If his power, ''ck Star River,'' were not more influenced by his soul than his physical form, he would have perished just as described in the novel. ''I still need to train. This body is too weak.'' Zion briefly examined his fragile form and lightly tapped the table with his fingers. ''If this world truly corresponds to the world within ''Frosimar Chronicles,'' it will face destruction in three years.'' ''Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar'' meticulously details the three years from just before the hero''s emergence to the brink of the world''s demise caused by the Demon Territory. The fact that ''Zion Agnes'' in the novel meets his end at the beginning of the chronicles indicates that there remains a reasonable length of time before the end of the world. It would be troublesome if the world ended before he could figure it out. ''To do that...'' The fragmentation of the empire, which served as the primary cause of the world''s destruction. He needed to resolve that. ''The full-scale war between humans and the Demon Territory begins in two years.'' Resolving the fragmentation of the Agnes Empire, which governed the entire world except for the Demon Territory, appeared impossible. Especially for a mere side character, not even the protagonist, and with a presence even less significant than air¡ªmerely three lines of dialogue. However, what shimmered in Zion''s eyes was not anxiety but excitement. The original world had be mundane for the First Emperor. There was nothing left to aplish, nowhere left to go. That was why Zion found this world within the novel so appealing. The current desperate situation, where he had to turn the impossible into the possible, was incredibly exhrating. The higher and more formidable the barrier blocking his path, the greater the thrill Zion experienced. There was no anxiety about being unable to achieve. He was the ruler of the world. Zion, who had already aplished a feat beyond anyone''s reach. If he decided, he simply had to reach out and take it. ''I should first assess my surroundings.'' Zion concluded. After finishing his inspections of one of the files on the table, Zion stood from his seat and left the bedroom. The magicmp had been fixed, shining light upon the dark castle with a dazzling radiance. "Your Highness!" ''Had he been waiting outside all this time?'' As soon as Zion stepped outside of the door, Fredo greeted him with a smile. The old knight thoroughly scanned Zion''s body, searching for any hidden wounds. Deep concern was etched upon the old knight''s eyes. "Are you all right?" Zion nodded and slowly began to walk down the hallway. "Your Highness Zion, where are you going?" Fredo asked while following behind him. "Has this incident happened before?" Zion asked the old knight, ignoring his question. "Yes?" "The attack." Fredo''s eyebrows furrowed together, his expression disying his confusion at Zion''s words. Had the prince developed amnesia due to trauma fromst night''s attack? Fredo swiftly erased that thought and answered Zion''s question. "......This is the first time the assassins have infiltrated the pce so tantly." Meaning there had been several attempts before, just not as evident. ''They''re crazier than I thought.'' Zion smirked at the thought. The ''Chronicles of Frosimar'' didn''t mention the ones behind the attack yesterday, but he could make a good enough guess. The Chimseong Pce, where Zion currently resided, although along the outskirts, was still included within the territory of the Imperial Castle. Very few in the empire had the capability to dispatch assassins to such a ce and conceal the matter. "Reporting to the pce to strengthen security here would..." "No." "Pardon?" "It''s unnecessary." Without addressing the root of the problem, nothing would change. Whether the pce''s knight guards increased by a hundred or a thousand, the same situation as yesterday would repeat. Thus, Zion resolved to take the first step toward resolving the root problem. ''First, the gate.'' With that in mind, Zion gazed toward the main gate of the pce visible at the end of the corridor. Like other pces, the main gate possessed grandeur, but there was one distinction. Typically, the guards were stationed outside the main gate to defend the castle against adversaries. But peculiarly, in the case of Chinsung Pce, the guards were positioned inside. As if barricaded from within. "..." Even though they noticed Zion''s approach, the knights guarding the gate didn''t bow their heads or offer salutations. Instead, they simply stared nkly at him. An unimaginable attitude to exhibit toward their lord. It wasn''t a rare urrence; their behavior seemed all too natural. Unfazed by their indifference, Zion, maintaining hisposure, intended to pass by the knights and open the gate when... "Where are you going, Your Highness?" One of the knights guarding the main gate extended his arm to impede Zion. "I feel suffocated. I''m going out to get some fresh air." Zion calmly responded, his gaze fixed on the arm blocking his path. "The sun has already set. It''s dangerous. Please remain inside the pce." "It seems more dangerous inside the pce." With those words, Zion took another step forward, but the knight didn''t retract his arm. "I was instructed not to let you leave. You cannot go." "Whose instructions are these?" The corner of Zion''s mouth twitched slightly. "You all are under mymand, and I don''t recall issuing such an order." "...You cannot go." The knight, parroting his words, used his body to obstruct Zion, closing the distance between them. Chinsung Pce was essentially a prison without bars, and Prince Zion was the discarded prisoner within. His only crime was being born a prince devoid of any qualities or power. And it was a grave offense. ''I thought I understood my circumstances well... but was I mistaken?'' Annoyance, irritation, and disdain began to fill the eyes of the knight gazing at Zion. "Fredo." Prince Zion, locking eyes with the knight, spoke in a quiet voice. "Yes." "From what I gather, treason against the royal family carries the penalty of death, correct?" "...Yes." Fredo replied, his voice tinged with confusion. Undeterred, Prince Zion continued his line of questioning. "And neglecting the duty to protect the royal family?" "Death penalty." "Remaining passive during the assassination of a member of the royal family?" "Death penalty." The gaze of the obstructing knight began to shift. "Taking part in a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family?" "Death penalty..." As Prince Zion''s eyes narrowed, "What-what are you...!" A desperate voice escaped the knight''s mouth, and in that moment, Whoosh! A streak of light cut through the air. And immediately after, Thump, roll... The knight''s head, separated from his body, rolled across the ground. All of this urred in the blink of an eye. "..." The onlookers fell into silence. Unable toprehend what had just transpired. Prince Zion, who had never received swordsmanship training or learned self-defense techniques, was believed to be defenseless. Yet, had that same Prince Zion just decapitated a knight with his bare hands? And so effortlessly? It was an unbelievable spectacle, even for those witnessing it. In the ensuing silence, Prince Zion casually brushed off his hand, opened the pce gate, and stepped outside. As he left the pce, he felt the refreshing night air. "Indeed, this ce is..." Inhaling the cool night air, he murmured while gazing at the sky. A crimson moon. The moon, a different color from the blue moon in his original world, confirmed that he had indeed entered a different realm. Thump, thump! "Prince Zion! What in the world have you done?!" Immediately, panicked shouts filled the air as knights rushed toward him from inside the pce. And with that, a smirk slowly formed on Zion''s face. "I''m grateful if theye to me of their own ord." The attack that urredst night. Under normal circumstances, such an assault should never have been allowed. Unless there were aplices within the pce. That''s what Zion believed. Who exactly was involved in the pce attack? There was only one conclusion. "Everyone who was present in the pcest night, except for the deceased and Fredo." Especially the knights had no room for excuses. That was why the pce remained eerily quiet, even when the prince himself was under attack. Last night''s assault was likely the result of multiple parties conspiring together. In Zion''s mind, a list of knights who had been on night duty began to form. And among them was the knight whose head he had just severed. "Under normal circumstances, he would have been passing information from inside the pce to the outside." This was an opportunity. An opportunity to eliminate all the external eyes and ears that had been nted within the pce. There was more than enough justification for this action. Even without justification, he couldn''t let this opportunity slip away. "In addition, I need to assess the current state of my body." As the approaching knights caught Zion''s attention, a shadowy aura began to ripple around him like a mirage. *** Thanks for reading! I will be pushing out 1-2 chapters a day to catch up to the previous trantor, then going back to a more regr release schedule after that. Cheers! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 3: Sweeping Away (2) Chapter 3: Sweeping Away (2) It was as though every pce knight had emerged. A middle-aged knight, ostensibly the eldest among a contingent of about ten, stepped forth, his voice echoing out toward Zion. Knight Wolfent Beer, the man responsible for the Imperial Pce''s defense. His countenance was a tangled mess of bewilderment and fury. "How could you... Why would you murder Alec?" He remained skeptical until one of his fellow knights came forward with the report. Prince Zion of Agnes, the master of this pce, was known for his delicate constitution. Consequently, he couldn''t even undertake physical training, let alone make attainments in ''Astral'', the imperial family''s ability. It was utterly unbelievable that such a frail prince would have brutally ended a knight¡ªa virtual weapon of war¡ªwith his bare hands. Yet the severed neck of Knight Alec, who had been safeguarding the main entrance,id on the ground, refuting his disbelief. Although he still couldn''t fathom that Prince Zion was the direct executor, he grudgingly acknowledged the prince''s involvement. "He was so sin-ridden that it would be odd if I hadn''t killed him, right?" Zion directed his words at Wolfent. There was a noticeable shift in him. Previously, Prince Zion couldn''t even muster an appropriate response to Wolfent. But now, not only was he speaking up, he was also meeting Wolfent''s gaze. The calm,nguid look in Prince Zion''s eyes stirred an intense sense of estrangement in Wolfent. ''What in the world...'' "And that applies to all of you as well." Gradually, gradually. Zion advanced towards the knights, his voice barely more than a murmur. "If there are four death-deserving crimes among you, I have no qualms about carrying out the execution right here and now." There was no palpable intensity or strength about him. Yet, his approach evoked an ominous feeling in Wolfent. ''He knows we had a hand inst night''s assault.'' Indeed, it would''ve been odd if he hadn''t figured it out. Though they assumed it wouldn''t drastically change anything, it seemed they were mistaken. For Prince Zion was now pointing the finger at them for their crime and plotting their demise. As Wolfent looked at Zion with momentarily faltering eyes, a dark decree escaped his lips. "...End the prince''s life right here." A second attempt to murder Prince Zion posed no issue, as they''d already conspired to do so from the start. There was only an initial hesitation in having a pce knight directly partake in a prince''s assassination. But it was decidedly better than meeting their own ends. The Imperial City would hardly be affected by the death of a disgraced prince. Even if it were, the ones they pledged their allegiance to were sure to shield them. With a metallic rasp, a handful of knights at the back, who concurred with Wolfent''s judgement, began to unsheathe their swords. "Prince Zion!" Fredo''s voice echoed urgently upon witnessing this development. Yet in that moment, Zion, who was facing the knights, wore a smile. As though he had been eagerly anticipating this event. It was exhrating. Genuinely exhrating. How much time had passed? Since hest confronted enemies with swords drawn, intent on his demise. Once the world came under his dominion, all Zion saw were the backs of bowed heads prostrating before him. And that''s why Zion found pleasure in the present scenario. "Let''s add another crime to the list. Attempted assassination of the royal family." In a muted voice, Zion''s form dissolved into the flickering shadows, rematerializing before one of the knights with a brandished sword. "What...!" Perhaps the knight didn''t anticipate he would be the first target? Or did he fail to consider that the prince, having never acquiredbat skills, could move with such speed? The knight''s sword lifted in surprise, but it was toote. Crack! Zion''s hand was already thrust through the knight''s chest. The knight, his eyes filled with disbelief, gazed down at his skewered chest as his life flickered out. By the time the knight''s body slumped to the ground, Zion was no longer before him. Zion knew the truth. With his ''ck Star'', not yet ascended to a 1-star level, and this frail body, he couldn''t confront these knights head-on. So, he had to seize the opportunity before the knights could fullyprehend his capabilities and the unfolding situation. Sheathe- Once again, Zion''s form blended into the darkness. Soon, Zion emerged before the knight nearest to the fallen one, his right hand pulsing with a ck aura. Demonstrating his worth as an imperial knight, the knight reacted to Zion''s movement and raised his sword. If they shed, Zion''s hand would surely be cleaved by the knight''s de. Yet at that instant, Zion''s hand moved with spectral fluidity, finding its way beneath the knight''s sword. Thud! A light reverberation sounded as the knight''s sword was hoisted upward. Zion executed a technique of barehanded sword deflection¡ªa theory he understood yet had never utilized due to hisck of genuinebat experience. The moment the knight registered his disarmed state, Zion had already taken the initiative. Thud! Almost as if anticipating the knight''s reaction, Zion''s extended foot forcefully trod upon the knight''s instep. "Thi...!" The staggered knight, incapable of retreating, was left off bnce. Rising from the opposite side, Zion''s knee shattered the knight''s ribs along with the armor encasing them. Crack! "Aargh...!" A tortured scream erupted from the knight, cut short by the grim reality that Zion''s hand had already severed his neck. "You wretched cur!!" The other knights, snapping out of their stupor, finally retaliated. A burly, bearded knight thrust his sword towards Zion''s back. Was it a whisper from the darkness that alerted him? Without even turning, Zion tilted his head slightly, seizing the de that hade ufortably close, pulling it forward. "Wha, what...?" The knight, unable to resist Zion''s surprising strength despite his untrained and weak physique, was yanked along with his sword. Phew! Zion''s initial n was to dispatch these knights before they fully understood the situation, but circumstances had spiraled out of control. No, it was beyond mere chaos. It seemed a total rout was imminent. ''I''ll snuff out their lives before thates to pass.'' As soon as this resolution solidified, Sir Wolfent charged at Zion like a bolt of lightning. Whoosh! Wolfent''s sword, glowing with a white aura, exuded a steely resolve. He closed in on Zion rapidly and swung his de without a second''s hesitation. It was a decisive strike, aimed at severing Zion''s life thread. Zion, who sensed the impending de, cast aside the corpse of the beheaded knight and stretched out his hand towards Wolfent. "Fool!" A sneer curled on Wolfent''s lips. Thus far, Prince Zion had caught the swords barehanded, but those des were ordinary. If his sword, saturated with a potent concentration of mana that formed a secondary de, shed with Zion, it was clear whose hand would be severed. ''I''ll cleave your neck along with it.'' Wolfent''s sword picked up speed, and the moment Zion''s hand made contact... The knight saw it. The darkness flickering from Zion''s hand. "!!!!" His sword, upon encountering that darkness, vanished without a trace. Thump! Zion''s hand, having shattered the mana-infused de, pierced Wolfent''s heart in an instant. "How did you..." A stunned whisper escaped the knight''s lips. The final scene that unfolded before Wolfent''s eyes was that of a gleeful Prince Zion, a ck star spiraling in his gaze. Thud. After casting a cursory nce at the copsed Wolfent, Zion flexed his hand. ''This seems to be my limit.'' A slight tremble gued his fingertips. His remarkably frail physique was protesting even these minor exertions. ''I need to fortify myself.'' As he surveyed the vicinity, he found a plethora of eyes trained on him. Unbeknownst to him, the pce knights and servants had amassed in front of the pce. Their expressions indicated utter confusion at the unfolding situation. "Your Highness, might you exin why you took these actions?" One of the knights, who had not partaken in the previous night''s assault and thus survived in obliviousness, inquired of Zion. Zion''sposed gaze met the knight''s. "Who is your liege?" "Excuse me?" "I don''t repeat questions." "...It''s Prince Zion." Entranced by Zion''s whispery voice, the knight responded. "The lord owes no exnation to his servant." Such was Zion''s stance, always. "Neither exining." He had never justified his actions to anyone. "Nor persuading." He never sought to enlighten anyone. "All that is your duty towards me." It was incumbent upon those who stood before him. "Those menmitted transgressions and simply received their due punishments." The knight, who had been tremblingly maintaining eye contact with Zion, gradually lowered his gaze. "¡­Understood." He was clueless about the current scenario and his course of action. The aura ofmand. The aura ofmand that he had never sensed from Prince Zion before nowpelled the knight to bow. Zion, having scrutinized the knight for a moment, surveyed the multitude of individuals gazing at him, their eyes brimming with an array of emotions. ''...Not yet.'' Locking eyes with a select few among them, Zion mulled over his thoughts and addressed the crowd. "From this point forth, anyone who discloses pce affairs to outsiders will be answering with their life." Was that promation a signal of sorts? "We will heed your orders." As if overpowered by Zion''s aura, the knights and servants of the pce began to bow their heads in acknowledgment. Zion, sauntering through the throng of bowing heads as if it was the norm, directed his steps towards the pce. ''It''s merely a step, no¡­'' He had barely taken the initial step. Zion''s gaze wasn''t fixated on the pce towards which he was headed, but something beyond it. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 4: The Fiancée (1) Chapter 4: The Fianc¨¦e (1) Deep in the heart of the Agnes Imperial Pcey a private training chamber. Sssss- The hall was enveloped in a churning sea of ck mist. It ebbed and flowed like a sentient being, creeping outwards to fill every nook and cranny. In certain respects, it echoed the canvas of the night sky. The billowing mist was studded with infinite, twinkling stars, each outshining the other. Amongst these celestial bodies, a ck star carved out its own orbit. This ck star whirled, greedily swallowing up the light shed by the surrounding stars. Its form might be nebulous, yet its domineering aura was unparalleled. Sssss- All at once, the stars, the ck one inclusive, and the apanying ck mist, began coalescing towards a singr locus. At this epicenter sat Zion, legs folded in a cross-legged posture, eyes sealed shut. ''Soon, the first star shall be within my grasp.'' Gradually parting his eyes, Zion hoisted himself up from the pool of sweat he was established in and flexed his fist. ck Star River. A power anomaly that rejected all else, an ability exclusive to Zion in this realm. Had all gone ording to the script, he should have ascended earlier. But the surprise attack on him, shortly after he woke up in the shell of Zion Agnes, had thrown his timeline askew. Regardless of how much the ck Star River was reliant more on spirit than the physical form, it was no mean feat to ward off assants with a body devoid of any form of training. Moreover, his recuperation period was elongated due to skirmishes with treasonous knights. But now, he was back in his prime. ''The trouble is with this body...'' The ck Star River was indisputably the most formidable force, yet it exacted a hefty toll on both spirit and body. The frame of Zion Agnes, bearing this burden, was in such a decrepit state it was a marvel he could even function. ''If only I possessed ''that''.'' Zion spared a fleeting thought for his ''weapon'' before shaking the thought off. There was no merit in yearning for something that was not avable here. His immediate respitey in persisting with relentless training. ''Furthermore, I am due somepany.'' As he wrapped up his training and made his way towards the door, Zion began ruminating. The recent attack on the Agnes Imperial Pce. Considering the assault was a bust and there was no retaliation, the perpetrators must be reeling. Added to that, the severance of allmunication lines onlypounded the situation. Just then. "Your Highness, Prince." A soft rap at the door revealed Fredo''s voice from outside. "Enter." At Zion''s behest, Fredo gingerly pushed open the door and stepped into the training chamber. Upon setting eyes on Zion, Fredo''s gaze filled with reverence. Zion, drenched in sweat from head to toe. His current state was a stark contrast to his past self, who considered a mere walk to be a strenuous workout. ''At longst, His Highness...'' His disy of might during the assault on the Imperial Pce and against the knights, coupled with his steely resolve that resulted in the instant decapitation of his enemies. The transformation was staggering, yet Fredo embraced this evolution. Only then could His Highness stand his ground in this empire. ''He must have stirred the dormant Agnes lineage in his blood.'' Fredo''s solement was his fleeting contact with Zion, as he practically resided in the training hall these days. "What brings you here?" Feeling perplexed under Fredo''s scrutiny, Zion questioned about the purpose of his visit. "Ah, you have a guest." "Who?" "Lady Prisci." "And she is?" Zion, unable to ce the familiar-sounding name, posed the question to Fredo. Fredo responded with a peculiar expression. "She''s your betrothed, Your Highness." --- Raei Trantions --- "A fianc¨¦e...." As Zion made his way to the reception room where Prisci awaited, post a quick rinse to wash off the sweat, he found himself muttering. It was usible, on second thought, for a prince to have at least one fianc¨¦e. Being Zion Agnes''s fianc¨¦e, she wouldn''t have featured in ''Chronicles of Frosimar,'' and he, devoid of the original Zion''s memories, couldn''t possibly know her. ''But why does she seem so familiar?'' Perplexed by this conflicting sentiment, Zion pushed open the door to the reception room he had reached. Inside, he found two men and a woman seated on an antiquated sofa, sipping tea from their teacups. The woman, who he presumed to be his fianc¨¦e, locked eyes with him. The woman surveying Zion through eyes as frosty and as pure as snow. ''Now it makes sense.'' In that moment, Zion was able to connect the dots to where he had heard the woman''s name. Prisci Bammel. A name referenced asionally by characters in ''Chronicles of Frosimar.'' A woman destined to earn the moniker ''the Ill-fated Princess'' due to a future event. Her name had escaped his recall as she never directly featured in the chronicles. ''Who would''ve thought this Prisci Bammel is my betrothed.'' Her physical traits aligned perfectly with the descriptions in the book, especially her eyes radiating a deep, crimson glow, solidifying Zion''s suspicions. "Why have you...." "Could the two of you kindly leave us alone for a bit?" Before the two irate men could address Zion, Prisci interjected and requested them to vacate the room. Without a hint of objection, the men left the reception room. They seemed to be henchmen drawn towards Prisci by her striking beauty. "...." Then, Prisci, seated across him, wordlessly fixed her gaze on Zion. Zion returning her stare. How long did the silence ensue? "It''s been a while." Prisci was the first to break the ice. A frigid voice reflecting her gaze. Hardly the tone you''d associate with a fianc¨¦e. "Has it?" "Yes. You appear remarkably different from thest time I saw you." With that, Prisci, who had been appraising Zion over her teacup, resumed the conversation. "From daring to meet my gaze... to making me wait." Her remarks, although audacious for a noble addressing a royal, were undeniably urate. Zion had never kept her waiting previously. "So, am I to be the one waiting for you now?" Zion chuckled in response to Prisci''s remark. His previously unseen demeanor seemed to pique Prisci''s curiosity. Something had changed. "¡­¡­That¡¯s not the case." Regardless, she chose to remain indifferent. After a brief pause, closing her eyes momentarily, she got straight to the point. "I came here to dissolve our engagement." A thought that had been festering for quite some time. A dethroned crown prince. The disgrace of the Agnes royal lineage. A cast-off of pure blood. All thesebels pertained to Zion Agnes standing right before her. He was a prince who, befitting these titles, wielded neither power nor ability, leading an existence lesser than a noble. However, the primary reason for terminating their engagement was simply that he didn''t sit well with her. After all, their engagement was nothing more than an arrangement struck between their families to forge an alliance with the royal household, regardless of her will when she was young... "If you don''t ept, I--." "I ept." "...What?" "I see you have no further questions." After saying that, Zion got up from his seat and headed for the door. From the beginning, Zion had no time to think about the engagement. He had no intention of bing involved with her eventual predicament. She had no rtion to him and he didn''t have any time to spare her. Nevertheless, there was one reason why he gave her his precious time and came to meet her. It was because he suspected Prisci was involved in the recent attack. Her visit was just too coincidental. ''But Prisci doesn''t know anything about the attack.'' If she had, she would''ve mentioned it, or at least showed concern over his well-being. Hence, he didn''t want to waste any more time on her. That was Zion''s reasoning as he walked out of the drawing room. "Your Highness." But Zion was obstructed by one of Prisci''s followers who had been waiting for their conversation to end. He was a man with arge head and seemed to be a son of a high-ss aristocrat, as he was wearing very luxurious clothing. "Return inside and apologize to Lady Prisci." It almost seemed as if he had been eavesdropping on the conversation within. The man, ring down at Zion with an imposing tone, initiated the dialogue. "What do you mean?" Zion retorted, confronting the man. "It refers to your rude interruption of Lady Prisci''s speech and your untimely departure before the conversation could conclude. Lady Prisci is not someone to be treated in such a manner." "Ah..." A sigh unwittingly escaped Zion''s lips upon hearing this. It was a sigh intended for Zion Agnes, himself, rather than for the other person. The idea of a noble treating a royal in this way was unthinkable. How powerless must he have been? How much humiliation had he endured? Was he implying that even such individuals were overlooking him? Did Zion''s sigh irk the man? Another attendant, who had been silently observing the situation, irritably voiced his thoughts. "Least of all, Lady Prisci should not be disrespected by a royal who has been discarded by the royal family. Isn''t that so?" A man who seemed a mage, with a slender body swathed in a robe. "I, you know," Zion''s eyes, which were fixed on the two men obstructing his path, "I''m not particrly fond of people obstructing my path." Began to narrow. Then, their bodies began to twist slightly. --- Raei Trantions --- "Ah..." As Zion vanished into the distance, Prisci sighed in disbelief, observing his receding silhouette. She was well aware that Prince Zion harbored a significant fondness for her. Hence, she had anticipated his staunch resistance and had even concocted several strategies to extricate herself from him. However, she never got a chance to utilize them, let alone discuss them. Because Prince Zion had epted the dissolution even before she could broach the topic. ''It feels as though...'' She felt as if she was being rejected. Regardless of whether that was the case, her pride was wounded, and there was no avoiding that. Coupled with that was an unfamiliar difort. ''I can''t leave it at this. Even if we''re severing ties, it shouldn''t end this way.'' She had to assert control, or at least see the conversation to its conclusion. Having resolved, Prisci briskly stood from her seat and paced towards the door. Just then, as she swung open the door of the reception room to call out to Zion who had exited first. "Hm?" She spotted Zion, a short distance away, confronting two nobles she had apanied. Gregor and Arto. Both were scions of distinguished noble houses and ranked amongst the highest-tier followers smitten by her beauty. They were rtively useful, which was the reason she had permitted their apaniment. However, their expressions, as they red at Zion, were severely contorted. ''What has transpired?'' Could there have been a dispute between them? Faces primed as if on the brink of delivering a punch. In fact, one of Gregor''s hands was ominously inching towards Zion. ''No!'' At this, Prisci''s eyes red wide in shock. Gregor, notorious for his rage-induced blindness, was a dangerous adversary once provoked. If Gregor, who boasted the prowess of a highly trained knight, even slightly shoved, Prince Zion would surely suffer grave injuries. "Halt it right...!" Just then, a desperate outcry was on the verge of escaping Prisci''s lips. In that split second. She bore witness to it. Gregor, towering above 190cm with a physique and might worthy of being termed a demi-ogre. Creak! The sight of him, toppled onto the ground, headfirst, by Zion. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 5: The Night of Hunting (1) Chapter 5: The Night of Hunting (1) Gregor copsed on the floor, his head thudding against the ground. Zion''s attention immediately shifted to Arto, who was beside him. They were both high-ranking nobles with ess to the Imperial Pce, but Zion didn''t hesitate. From harsh words to aggressive actions. After all, they instigated this situation. ¡°Wha, what¡­!¡± Arto stuttered in confusion, taken aback by Zion''s reaction. He was lost in the sequence of events, from Gregor reaching out to him to his sudden fall. Trying to back away, Arto was slowpared to Zion''s speed. Whoosh! Arto''s ne, an artifact, sensed its master''s peril and shone, creating a blue shield around Arto. However, this didn''t deter Zion. His hand didn''t slow. In fact, it seemed to speed up. Swoosh- A ck glow appeared at Zion''s fingertips. The instant Zion''s hand made contact with Arto''s shield. ¡°¡­!¡± Arto''s shield was extinguished. It didn''t shatter or pierce. It simply disappeared as though it never existed. This left Arto and Prisci, who was observing, shocked. Then, Zion grabbed Arto''s head and smashed it against the wall. Crack! Arto''s body fell limp, just like Gregor''s. ¡°Take them away.¡± After studying Arto and Gregor for a moment, Zion turned towards Prisci, rooted on the spot. ¡°They''re still breathing.¡± With that, Zion started to walk away, seemingly finished here. As he moved further away, Prisci, who had been nkly staring at his back, finally came to her senses and called out. ¡°Wait, just a moment!¡± Zion turned his head with a look of annoyance, and Prisci, who had approached unnoticed, spoke. ¡°Could I stay here for a while, if you don''t mind?¡± Her face suggested she wasn''t really worried about the two unconscious men. Her eyes were full of intense curiosity and interest. ¡°As you know, preparing for a divorce takes many steps.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Zion paused, intending to reject her weak excuse, aware that allowing it could cause problems. However, a glint appeared in Zion''s eyes. If managed well, Prisci could be useful. Prisci, dubbed the ''Unfortunate Princess'' in the novel, had a unique attribute. It seemed possible to use that attribute to uncover the ''true enemy'' hiding in this pce. ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Zion consented, his eyes meeting Prisci''s red ones. Prisci briefly looked surprised, apparently not expecting such swift agreement. She then spoke. ¡°¡­Very well. I''ll be in your care.¡± --- Raei Trantions --- ¡°Sigh¡­¡­¡± Wandering through Chimseong Pce''s corridors, Prisci exhaled a sigh. Three days had passed since she moved into the pce. While she was content with her decision to stay, the problem was that she hadn¡¯t seen Prince Zion once during this time. He seemed like a man consumed by training, spending the whole day on his personal training grounds, retiring to his room only to sleep. This summed up Prince Zion''s daily routine. He even ate all his meals there. As expected, Prince Zion didn¡¯t invite her to either his training area or his room. ¡°Why invite me to stay if it¡¯s going to be like this¡­¡­¡± Prisci initially chose to stay due to a newfound curiosity about the changed Prince Zion. Understandably, she felt frustrated. The only progress she made was with the knights and pce servants. Their previously subtle disdain and contempt for Prince Zion had entirely vanished. Now, they seemed to fear Zion. The only exception was Sir Fredo, who served Zion closely and didn''t show such fear. ¡®What happened?¡¯ Even when she questioned the servants, they kept their lips sealed, refusing to speak. As if speaking would cost them their lives. ¡®And that power he demonstrated that time¡­¡­.¡¯ Days ago, Prince Zion had disyed a power against Gregor and Arto that was formidable enough to defy public opinion. But the power he used... had piqued her interest. The ck substance that erased Arto''s shield upon contact. It was a power unknown to her, despite being a seasoned magician like Prisci. ¡®He¡¯s a mystery.¡¯ Until recently, she thought she had figured out Prince Zion. They had grown up together after all. But now, she realized she knew nothing. ¡°Hello, Miss Prisci.¡± While lost in thought, Knight Fredo approached and greeted her. ¡°I won''t say hello.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± At Prisci''s blunt reply, Fredo looked confused. ¡°You¡¯re aware that the Prince has changed, aren''t you?¡± ¡°I am.¡± ¡°So what on earth happened?¡± ¡°About that¡­¡­¡± Fredo looked troubled in response to her question. To answer her would inevitably mean discussing the attack on Chimseong Pce and the traitors'' punishment. But Zion had strictly ordered silence on the matter. Aware of what Fredo''s reaction would be Prici nodded her head and changed the subject. "By the way, what is Prince Zion doing? Even though I''ve been staying in the pce, I haven''t seen him..." "His Highness has been very busytely. Oh, he is currently with the knights in the training hall, would you like to go there together?" "Let''s go immediately then." Even before Fredo had finished his sentence, Prisci had begun walking. She almost ran since she didn''t want to miss the opportunity she had finally stumbled upon after a long time. How long was she walking for? Prisci kicked open the door of Chimseong Pce and found Zion with the knights outside the training hall. Zion seemed to be instructing the knights. "Prince Zion." Prisci approached Zion swiftly and sang his name, her cheeks flushed. On the other hand, Zion gave her a strange look, as if there was something wrong with her. "What are you trying to do?" "Why didn''t you show your face even once?" Are you avoiding me? Why did you ask me to stay in the pce then?" "First of all." Zion''s cold voice interrupted Prisci''s words. "Watch what you say." Zion''s gaze pierced Prisci''s crimson eyes. "And don''t overstep your boundaries." It was a warning that he would no longer tolerate her antics. "I never asked you to stay here." Zion''s voice rang out from the training hall. Prisci, who had been quiet, gave Zion a quick nce before he opened his mouth once more. "I simply didn''t stop you from staying. And am I obligated toe see you?" After hearing his words, Prisci realized that he was right. Zion had never asked Prisci to remain in the pce. He had just stated that she could stay for as long as she pleased. Struck by that reality, she replied with a bitter expression on her face. "No you''re not... I understand." Zion''s gaze lingered on Prisci''s back as she walked away. He wanted to request something of her, but the timing wasn''t right. Before that, he had a task toplete. "Over the next week, we will double the number of night guards." Zion announced his order as his gaze fell back on the knights. "The patrol team will also be increased from a group of two to a group of three, and all knights are required to wear iron tes covering their neck and heart." "As youmand!" They were just following orders. ''At least three days.'' With these thoughts, Zion turned and began calcting time in his head. Contrary to Zion''s expectations, those who ordered the recent attack didn''t bother to check on his condition or employ any other tactics. An unusually passive response. There was only one usible exnation for this. --- Raei Trantions --- Some wizards attempted to exin why the moon in the sky was progressively turning red. They proposed that the moon was God''s eye, observing us, and due to its ceaseless vigil, it was bing bloodshot. Thus, they exined, a lunar eclipse was when God chose to rest his eyes. ''Clearly, that''s nonsensical....'' No. 4 held this belief, gazing at the sky where even the moon had lost its luminescence. While there was consensus about the absurdity of the tale, No. 4 held an affinity for nights when a lunar eclipse took ce. That''s because he feltfortably settled in the darkness that remained when all the light vanished. Additionally, his sess rate for his undertakings also escted. ''Is it there?'' Considering this, No. 4 studied the pce emitting a faint glow ahead of him. Chimseong Pce. Tonight, No. 4 had a target to eliminate within this pce. ''I can''t believe there''s a plot to assassinate within the Imperial Pce.'' No. 4 was conscious that he was in the heart of Huangcheng, the core of the Agnes Empire. The client was oblivious to this. Nheless, even though it was on the outskirts, the fact that No. 4 was permitted to operate within Huangcheng signified that the one who assigned this task was in an extremely high position. ''I''ve heard there was a previous failed attempt.'' He was unaware of the reasons for the failure. None of the assassins dispatched had returned. Therefore, the assassination team No. 4 belonged to had sent an overwhelming force this time. A force potent enough to obliterate an entire noble house without a trace. That also meant they were taking the client''s opinion extremely seriously. "Eradicate all life in the pce before dawn." As No. 4 murmured softly to the assassins quietly standing behind him, his figure started to move, embraced by the darkness. The assassins swiftly followed him. Despite the movement of dozens of feet, not a whisper of sound escaped. Thud, thud! With a subdued slicing noise, the heads of the knights guarding the pce''s main gate tumbled from their bodies. Without a moment''s hesitation, the assassins stepped into the pce, stepping over the falling bodies. Shortly thereafter, the pce lights began to extinguish in areas infiltrated by the assassins. "......" On the top floor of such Chimseong Pce, Zion was idly observing the pce, where the lights were slowly disappearing. The anticipated second assault, and the adversaries who were far stronger than before. But they weren''t the ones doing the hunting tonight. Hiss- The one doing the hunting was Zion himself. Zion''s eyes traced the vanishing lights. Shortly, Zion''s form started to dissolve into the darkness. Thanks for reading! Sorry for the missed chapter yesterday, had a bunch of stomach issues whoops! Will be back on pace starting today. Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 6: The Night of Hunting (2) Chapter 6: The Night of Hunting (2) "A surprise attack...!" Thunk! Before he couldplete his exmation, a dagger found its home in the mouth of the knight. "What are you vile creatures doing... cough!" Soon, the weapons of the assassins inevitably cut short the lives of the knights in tow. And so, the assassins, having swiftly dispatched three knights in the Chimseong Pce, emerged from the shadows, casually shoving the bodies aside. In contradiction to their reputation as solitary operators, the assassins also enjoyed forming groups to effectively snuff out their adversaries. "Did they anticipate our arrival?" Assassin Number 18 mused, his gaze resting on the metallic tes affixed to the throats and hearts of the fallen knights. Moreover, the number of knights on night duty was double their intel, and they were patrolling in trios rather than pairs. Even with meticulous preparation for the initial attack, this was an odd scenario. It appeared as if they knew an attack was imminent. "It''s a surprise attack!" "Gather and be on guard!" Already, the pce was alive with warning cries. ''But nothing changes.'' The original n had been to eliminate all life within the pce. And they possessed the might to do so. Even though it waste for an assassination, all they needed was to fulfill their objective. ''If we begin from the lower ranks and erase upward... hmm?'' While contemting this, a question flickered in the eyes of Assassin Number 18. His original team consisted of seven members, excluding himself. But he only counted six. "Where did one disappear? Solo action was strictly forbidden..." Then. Sssss- A sinister sound, akin to a serpent slithering on the ground, reached Number 18''s ears. As Number 18 and the other assassins involuntarily turned towards the noise. Thunk! A noise resembling something shattering echoed from the exact opposite direction. Once more, Assassin Number 18 swiveled his head towards the sound. "....!" The sight of a beheaded assassin, copsing, filled his vision. "What is happening...!" The assassins'' eyes were filled with confusion. However, their confusion didn''tst long. Number 18, quickly deciphering the situation, instructed the remaining assassins. "Halt your advances, keep watch around." In the face of an invisible adversary, to continue was the same as suicide. They closed their ranks, covering each other''s blind spots. The assassins quickly formed a protective formation, seemingly well versed in such a tactic. With that, silence began. Yet within this silence was a palpable tension. The unseen enemy had managed to assassinate two of them, unnoticed. A momentarypse in concentration could result in immediate death. ''There are no blind spots in our vision. At this rate, we shouldn''t lose any more members¡­ huh?'' Something peculiar caught Number 18''s eye. Darkness. At the corner of his vision, the darkness was shaking oddly. As if it were sentient. Despite his familiarity with darkness, this was a form of darkness he had never witnessed before. As Number 18 was entranced by this strange darkness. It appeared to ripple withughter. Absurd as it seemed, it was the only fitting description. The moment Number 18 felt a chill run down his spine at this spectacle, Crack! A peculiar noise echoed from behind. Sensing impending danger, Number 18 swiftly turned his head to see, Crumble! A dark entity was engulfing the upper body of one of the assassins. Swish! The surrounding assassins swiftly drew their swords, but the entity had already vanished, leaving behind the lower half of the assassin''s body. "What...?" A wave of nausea surged up in another assassin, his voice a choked gurgle. Fear spread like a gue among the assassins, uncertainty creeping into their hearts. This... creature, this entity - they couldn''t be certain if it was human at all. "Get a grip!" Number 27, the vice leader, noted the growing panic and tried to instill some courage. "We''re up against just one opponent. The next attack--" But he couldn''t finish his sentence. Crack! His head disappeared into nothingness. "Oh, God...!" Number 27''s gruesome end intensified the panic among the assassins. Reason failed them, and they scattered, only looking to escape the nightmare. The assassins were not cowards; they would rather face death than flee. But that was when they knew what they were up against. An unknown adversary. A monstrous entity that obliterated theirrades, one after another, sowing terror they had never experienced before. ''I never knew such a creature existed in the Chimseong Pce.'' Number 18, like the rest, fled from the scene, leaving a trail of cold sweat. Panic-stricken cries of his fellow assassins echoed in his ears, chilling his heart. They were being hunted. Their specialty, assassination, was now being used against them. Despite running at full speed, the terrified screams seemed to draw nearer. "Ah..." And then, all was silent. The screams ceased. And then Number 18 saw it. Ssssss. The darkness at the edge of his vision was... shifting. "Who are you... Who are you?!" In response to his desperate question, a man emerged. Silver hair, a lean figure. His eyes were so serene, it was unnerving. ¡°¡­!¡± Recognition dawned on Number 18, filling him with incredulity. Zion Agnes. Their target, the exiled prince of Chimseong Pce. "How... How can this be..." He found himself repeating the words, dumbstruck by the realization that it had been Zion who was hunting them. ''I need to report this.'' The world was ignorant about the truth of Prince Zion, the despised prince. Number 18''s goal shifted from assassination to escape; he had to ry this shocking revtion to his organization. He pivoted on his heel, intending to run as fast as he could. "I''ll let one of you go..." The calm voice of Zion echoed in his ears, stopping him in his tracks. "You''re not the one." His headless body staggered forward and then copsed. ''A real battle is far more exhrating.'' Zion mulled over this as he observed the corpses of the assassins. His ck Star had grown exponentially in today''s battlepared to any recent training. Zion did not shy away from this battle; he had savoured it. "Halt!" "Where is the Prince? We must secure his safety!" The mor of battle reverberated through the expansive halls of the Chimseong Pce. ''This will soon be over.'' The constant noise indicated the pce guards were not merely falling to the onught, but were resisting. A little boost from Zion and the tide of battle would turn in their favor. Suddenly, a new sound resonated. Boom! It was distinct from the sh of swords and shields, a sound indicative of an explosion. Zion¡¯s eyes lit up in recognition. ''I had forgotten.'' With that, he began to melt into the shadows once more. Undercurrent. This basic movement technique was part of the arsenal of the ck Star. An alien power, the ck Star did not integrate seamlessly with anything, but it had an affinity for the darkness, hence the rted techniques. Riding the wave-like motion, Zion moved swiftly towards the source of the sound, taking in the chaotic scene. "How dare you invade the Imperial Pce!" Boom! Prisci, her countenance seething with rage, unleashed a series of spells that engulfed the surroundings in a fiery inferno. Zion found it somewhat captivating. But. ng! The assassins squaring off against Prisci were formidable adversaries. They seemed to be the cream of the crop among those who had infiltrated the Chimseong Pce that day, holding their ground against her onught. In fact, they were beginning to gain the upper hand. "Arrgh!" A cry of pain tore through Prisci¡¯s lips as the relentless attacks found their way through her magic. The umting injuries were taking their toll. And then. "You¡­!" Just as an assassin broke through her protective magic, poised to plunge his sword into her heart, Zion acted. A single step. He moved between Prisci and the assassin, his hand extending forward. Swoosh! The trajectory of the assassin¡¯s de was diverted, guided by the ck Star pulsating in Zion¡¯s hand. He seized the moment. Crash! In a blink, the assassin¡¯s heart was obliterated. "Who¡­?" Prisci watched, her eyes filled with questions. Before the lifeless body of the assassin whose heart Zion had crushed could hit the ground, Zion was already a shadow dashing towards the remaining assassins. Crash, crash, crash! Each move took a life. There was no evading or resisting him. This was not a battle anymore. It was a massacre. ''What a disaster.'' Observing from the sidelines, Number 4 frowned at the bloodshed, a sinking feeling taking root. Even the formidable mage had not seen thising. The enigmatic figure, however, wreaking havoc amongst the assassins - boasting superior skills and shrouded in an unidentifiable power - was indeed the root of this failure. He must have efficiently eliminated all the assassins infiltrating other parts of the pce. ''Who could have anticipated such a presence in the Chimseong Pce, a ce we had assumed was deserted.'' An unforeseen factor. A substantial enough factor to single-handedly overturn the situation. Step, step. Just as Number 4, who was observing Zion striding towards him after dispatching all the assassins, prepared to surrender. Whoosh! He hurled himself towards the window behind him, not towards Zion. He opted for flight over fight. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Zion did not pursue Number 4, but rather dispelled the ck Star enveloping him. "Zion... The Prince?" A voice, filled with disbelief, came from Prisci as she recognized Zion, but he offered no response. His gaze was fixed on the rapidly receding Number 4, and the ck thread extending from his fingertips trailing behind him. Soul Thread. This ethereal strand, visible only to Zion, was one of the techniques of the ck Star. Once linked, it allowed him to track the target within a certain radius. The Soul Thread would lead him straight to theirir. ''I will be there soon.'' From the moment he became conscious of his surroundings, Zion had never allowed those who targeted him to live. If a hundred set their sights on him, he would annihte a thousand. If a thousand targeted him, he would decimate ten thousand. Thoroughly, leaving no room for unexpected variables. This instance was no exception. Within Zion''s eyes spun a single ck star, itsnguid glow resonating. It was an indication that the ck Star had finally transitioned to its first stage. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 7: Evelyn Agnes (1) Chapter 7: Evelyn Agnes (1) "Prince Zion......." Prisci murmured as shey on the bed, her gaze fixed on the intricately designed ceiling. Zion Agnes. The master of Chimseong Pce, a discarded royal, her fianc¨¦, and recently, her primary concern. Not long ago, before entering the pce, Prisci had been set on discussing a divorce with Zion. However, Zion''s apparent affection for her made the topic difficult to broach. It''s why it took her so long to voice her intentions. Surprisingly, Zion agreed to the divorce without hesitation. Who else in the empire couldpete? She was a daughter of the influential Bammel family and was renowned for her stunning beauty. Yet, he epted her divorce proposal without a fuss. ''And he''s different now.'' Zion''s transformation piqued Prisci''s curiosity. Despite her divorce deration, she had reasons to stay in Chimseong Pce, and her curiosity was one of them. ''And there was that attackst night....'' The memory of the unexpected assault made Prisci shiver. She was forced to face the assassins in her nightclothes. Could it be because she was caught off guard? She barely managed to fend off the assassins who barged into her room. In fact, she was almost killed. Then Zion appeared. He emerged from the darkness, easily handling the assassins that Prisci struggled to keep at bay. He moved like a phantom, eliminating the assassins one by one. The sight was chilling. After all the assassins were dealt with, Zion emerged from the shadows. Prisci felt relief, not shock or surprise. ''Prince... Zion?'' She remembered sitting down, calling out Zion''s name. She had questions about Zion''s mysterious power, but above all, she felt grateful. ''He looks better now...... No.'' Prisci quickly dismissed the thought that crossed her mind. ''But who would dare to attack the pce?'' What was more surprising was the attack on Prince Zion''s pce, a ce thought to be abandoned. No matter how vulnerable the outskirts were, it didn''t make sense. An utterly inexplicable event. And, curiously, Zion ordered aplete cover-up to keep the incident under wraps. ''Normally, you would inform the central and bolster the guards......'' Prisci couldn''t fathom Zion''s intentions. The change in his personality ensured that he wouldn''t let this issue go unnoticed. Then. "Hmm?" A suddenmotion outside drew Prisci''s attention to the window. She saw a line of knights amassed outside the Chimseong Pce''s main gate. These weren''t the pce''s knights. Their powerful aura surpassed that of the pce knights by a great extent. Undoubtedly, these were the city''s elite knights. Slowly, steadily. Between the ranks of knights, a figure approached the main gate. "That person is......" Surprise filled Prisci''s eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- ck Star River. Zion wasn''t entirely sure of the origin of this mysterious power. Born with an instinctual grasp on it, he had always referred to it as the ck Star Following the previous night''s battle, Zion finally reached the 1st level of the ck Star. ''Leveling up is beneficial......'' But his physical burden grew in tandem. And it would continue to increase as he furthered his proficiency with the ck Star River. Zion Agnes''s weak body couldn''t withstand such strain. Training might help, but with his inherently low physical specs, it wasn''t a permanent solution. ''I need to enhance my body.'' Rearranging his priorities, Zion looked out at the knights assembled at the main gate of Chimseong Pce from the corridor window. Dozens of knights stood still, their breaths perfectly controlled. Zion''s next meeting was with themander of these knights. "Prince Zion has arrived." The courtier''s formal announcement preceded the opening of the reception room door. Momentster, Zion saw a woman seated on the sofa, her gaze fixed on him. Grey hair, characteristic of the Agnes royal family, fell in soft waves to her chest. Her emerald eyes shone with a determination that brooked no injustice. Lips pressed together in resolute stubbornness, her body emanated the strength of rigorous training. Evelyn Agnes. Zion''s half-sister and a princess of the Agnes Empire. ''Did Evelyn Agnes and I share a close bond?'' Zion pondered this as he took a seat across from Evelyn, who observed him intently. Evelyn Agnes was a recurring character in the ''Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar'' which Zion had read. She was one of the central figures in the story, and the closest to the protagonist, aside from the hero. Nicknamed ''Lion Princess'', she was a force to reckon with. Already possessing world-ss power in her thirties, she led one of the most formidable factions in the imperial city. Her unique charisma and fairness, coupled with the knights'' unwavering support, positioned her as a likely candidate for the next ruler. She was the sole woman in the royal family who sought to back the hero''s party. ''No, more urately, she intended to.'' Her death preceded her support, and ultimately, it was a futile effort. Suddenly, "Are you feeling okay?" With calm assurance, Evelyn looked at Zion and spoke. "What do you mean?" Zion responded in an unusual tone, prompting a question from him. Evelyn raised an eyebrow at his informal address, but she didn''t correct him and instead answered. "I heard about an attackst night." ''So, word has gotten out.'' Noticing the worry in Evelyn''s eyes, Zion understood she knew about the attack. It would have been odd if she didn''t. The assault urred within pce walls, it was inevitable that it would be discovered, even if Zion remained silent. The news simply spread faster than anticipated. Regardless, he didn''t believe Evelyn was behind the attack. It wasn''t like her; she was someone who wielded honesty and fairness as her weapons. "I''m fine, as you can see." There was a change in him. Evelyn saw it when Zion met her gaze and responded. Was it the aftereffect ofst night''s attack? ''Poor kid.'' Evelyn''s eyes filled with sympathy and pity. Zion was her brother, discarded here due to his limited abilities. His royal birth and low capabilities subjected him to years of scorn. His life was hard enough, and now someone had tried to take it. It wasn''t surprising that he had changed. "I''m d to hear that. I''ll find and punish the attacker soon. Also, I''ve brought some knights today. They''ll be stationed in the pce, so you can feel secure." "No, that''s not necessary." Zion declined her well-intentioned offer. Evelyn looked surprised, but Zion was firm. Even if her knights were stationed here, it would only provide temporary safety and increase the number of prying eyes on him. "I have adequate security. But why are you here?" "¡­I was worried after hearing the news. Despite being half-siblings, you are still my brother." Evelyn sipped her tea and addressed Zion again after uttering those words. "You''ll being of age soon. You understand that entails a session ceremony, right?" At that moment, Zion instinctively understood the real reason behind Evelyn''s visit. The Session Ceremony. It was a ritual every Agnes royal had to undergo in the year they came of age. It was essentially a prerequisite to be considered for throne session. Simply put, those failing the Session Ceremony wouldn''t be eligible for the throne. In addition, it granted entry to the Baeksung Pce, the heart of the imperial city, instead of the outer court. This was akin to offering them a chance to consolidate their power. "You should abandon the idea of the Session Ceremony." Evelyn suggested that Zion forfeit the ceremony. Initially, she assumed he would. The ceremony didn''t require leadership or charisma but personal strength. Those without power weren''t fit to be an emperor, a long-standing tradition in the Agnes royal family that highly valued individual power. It would be nothing short of a suicide mission for the powerless Zion, a fact he was likely aware of. However, Zion''s response shattered Evelyn''s assumptions. "Why should I?" His voice was as calm as a stillke. He looked at her with cool, serene eyes and asked her the question. "Do you ask out of ignorance?" "Why do I have to?" "...I didn''t realize you were so reckless." Worry and annoyance filled Evelyn''s gaze. Did heprehend his predicament? "You won''t make it through the Session Ceremony." She could say this with confidence, being a firsthand witness. "Youck both strength and skill." Her voice was ice-cold. "You''ll copse during the first trial. Even if you do pass and get into Baeksung Pce, it''s much harsher than the Session Ceremony. You won''tst a day, let alone a week." An overwhelming rumble! Was she trying to intimidate him into changing his decision? As her stern words echoed, an imposing energy radiated from Evelyn, vibrating the entire room. Six stars shone brightly in her eyes. Celestial Sea. A power unique to the Agnes royal family''s direct descendants. A sovereignty over everything in the world. "Abandon the Session Ceremony." With her six-star Celestial Sea exposed, Evelyn ordered Zion again. Yet, amid an aura that could make even an experienced knight hesitate, Zion was smiling. He was staring into Evelyn''s eyes as if he found the situation amusing. "I have a question." He seemed to be challenging Evelyn''s oppressive aura, stretching from the reception room to the entire Chimseong Pce. Slowly, Zion murmured. "Who says Ick power?" A single ck star twirled within Zion''s curved eyes, bright and clear. *** Thanks for reading! Zion is toooooo sick. Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 8: Filtering (1) Chapter 8: Filtering (1) "Did you manage to see Prince Zion?" A knight of middle age, his face marked by a scar running diagonally, paid his respects to Evelyn Agnes as she returned to her pce. "Yes." Evelyn, after a brief hesitation, responded to his salutation with a nod. "But why have youe back with the knights?" "He refused." "Pardon? What do you mean? Did Prince Zion refuse?" "Indeed." Bafflement filled the knight''s eyes as the situation defied logic. The imperial city had been breached, Chimseong Pce assaulted, and the victim had only just managed to escape with their life. Although Zion seeking refuge in this pce was surprising, it was strange he would refuse support. Furthermore, Evelyn''s demeanor as she answered was unusual. ''Usually, she''s merely looking grim...'' Today, her face bore a trace of bitterness, but there were additional emotions at y. Anxiety, sympathy, and... bewilderment and confusion. What had happened? "He''s different, so much so that I question if he''s the same person." Evelyn voiced her thoughts more as a poem than a conversation, reflecting on her recent meeting with Zion. While Zion''s behavior was noticeably altered, his mention of participating in the session ceremony not only shocked her but also enraged her. In Evelyn''s mind, if Zion took part in the session ceremony, his death was certain. She couldn''t stand by and let Zion, the only one she saw as her younger brother, walk towards death, so she unleashed her intimidating aura as a deterrent. ''But he resisted that aura.'' Her aura was so potent that it wouldn''t be surprising if he passed out the moment it was unleashed. Yet, Zion not only endured the aura, he shrugged it off with unbelievable calmness. When had he matured so much? Or had he concealed his strength all along? While Evelyn felt both amazed and proud, she also sensed danger. A single ck star spiraling in Zion''s eyes as he gazed at her Celestial Sea. ''That was certainly not a Celestial Sea.'' A foreign star unseen anywhere else. The sight of that ck star, stirring a primal fear within her, Evelyn issued an order to the knight. "Secretly strengthen the defenses around Chimseong Pce, in a way that Zion won''t notice. We can''t let a simr incident ur." "Understood." "And... keep Zion under surveince." The knight quietly nodded to Evelyn''smand. --- Raei Trantions --- "Heh, it''s evident how dearly you regard Prince Zion, Your Highness Evelyn." Zion, listening to Sir Fredo''s pleased voice, fixed his gaze on the object before him on the table. A round item radiating an intense blue light, a result of the concentration of immense magic power. In his handsy the heart of a thousand-year-old ogre, a symbol of raw strength and vitality. Over its millennia-long life, power had pooled within its heart, a power known to greatly enhance physical strength and endurance when consumed by a human. "To give such a precious thing so readily..." Indeed, Evelyn had frequently sent Zion restorative items in the past to help bolster his frail health. Yet, this was the first time she''d presented him something more potent than any elixir. ''This should provide a temporary solution.'' Zion thought, feeling the heart pulse withtent magical power. An average person, despite cooking and consuming this heart, would fail to fully assimte its strength, benefiting only from hardened bones and muscle fortification. But Zion was different. He was certain he could extract all the heart''s power and leverage it to its fullest extent. This would notably diminish his limitations when wielding the ck Star River. However, unless he fundamentally transformed his body, this would not be a permanent resolution. ''Evelyn Agnes.'' His thoughts strayed from the ogre''s heart to Evelyn Agnes, who had visited the Chimseong Pce earlier. Could she be deemed a central figure in the Chronicles of Frosimar? Even though the chronicles were still in their early stages, she seemed fully formed as both a ruler and a warrior. Especially the stars that shone brightly in her eyes ¨C a testament to her mastery of the Celestial Sea. The Celestial Sea, in the Chronicles of Frosimar, was a power exclusive to the Agnes imperial lineage. As a governing force, those who wielded the Celestial Sea were inherently more powerful than the average strong individual. Like the ck Star River, a unique feature was the variation in the number of shining stars in the eyes ording to one''s level of mastery. ''But it''s peculiar.'' A realization struck him - something he hadn''t considered when reading. He felt a simr yet distinct sensation from Evelyn''s Celestial Sea, akin to his own ck Star River power. His power was unique to him, how could there exist a simr power? ''Well, finding myself in a novel is absurd in itself.'' As Zion nodded, conceding that there was more to learn, he remembered his recent encounter with Evelyn. ''Six stars. She is at her peak.'' Evelyn Agnes, with her Celestial Sea in full disy, exerted pressure on Zion. In response, he revealed his ck Star River. Had Zion not shown his power, Evelyn would have relentlessly pushed him to renounce the session ceremony. ''......Alright, I understand. If you want it that much, Zion.'' Evelyn looked surprised for a moment at Zion''s reaction but she soon relented. ''I won''t ask about your powers for now. However, when the timees, I''ll need an exnation.'' Even though she added those words. The subsequent conversation centered around safety measures for the session ceremony and mutual health inquiries. Through this discussion, Zion realized Evelyn harbored a good amount of goodwill for him. Evidently, she handed him the Millennial Ogre''s Heart, a potent potion, without any hesitation. The primary purpose of Evelyn''s visit to the Chimseong Pce was not only to hand over the Millennial Ogre''s Heart but also to ensure Zion''s safety. ''This goodwill might be usefulter.'' Just then, "Your Highness Zion, the princess from the Bammel house is here." Seemingly aware that Zion had wrapped up his thoughts about Evelyn, a servant announced a guest from outside the door. "Let her in." Apanied by the creaking door, a woman with distinctive reddish-brown hair and crimson eyes entered. It was Prisci. "Why did you summon me so abruptly when you''ve been ignoring me all this time?" Although her tone was quite harsh, as though holding a grudge, her eyes hinted at some odd anticipation. "You''ve been residing in the pce all this while. I thought it''s time to return the hospitality." "What? What are you talking about?" Prisci''s forehead furrowed in confusion at Zion''s sudden words. "How long would it take toplete this?" "What in the world are you......" However, as soon as she caught sight of the paper Zion offered, her confusion turned to surprise. "Where did thise from?" Prisci, her nose almost brushing the paper as she examined it, asked Zion in astonishment. She was looking at a magic circle drawn on the paper. "I drew it." "What? I beg your pardon? Your Highness, did you draw this?" Prisci''s eyes were wide with surprise, bordering on shock. It was shocking enough that Zion could draw a magic circle, but that wasn''t the real surprise. "This pattern and structure... and the operation principle as well. I''ve never seen anything like it." Prisci was a prodigious mage herself and had ess to all thetest magical theories due to the reputation of the Bammel family. Yet, she couldn''t find anything like this in any of those theories. It implied that Zion had made this magic circle himself. Creating anything new, even something simple, required an in-depth understanding of the respective field. ''I didn''t realize Prince Zion had such a profound understanding of magic...'' "I asked you, how long would it take to finish it?" Zion seemed to grasp what misunderstanding Prisci was under, but he didn''t make any attempt to rify. The Search Circle. The name of the magic circle from the Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar. It didn''t exist in this era yet, as it was developed just before the war between humans and demons, two years from now. Its singr effect was profoundly useful. The Chronicles illustrated this magic circle in a diagram, making it memorable to Zion. "I''ll have it done by tomorrow." Prisci, captivated by the magic circle, responded to Zion''s deration. She had never seen this magic circle before, but it wasn''t hard to grasp its principle and form. However, its purpose was unclear. ''It seems like a detection spell, but with a twist... As if it''s meant to reveal something...'' Curiosity piqued, Prisci looked up from the paper to ask Zion, "Where are you nning to use this?" "A hunt." Zion''s response, apanied by a slight smile, met Prisci''s question. The setting sun behind Baeksung Pce dyed the world red. One of the pce maids, Hanna, rushed around, ncing at the sunset. "What''s going on?" Her eyes reflected her confusion. Simr expressions of uncertainty marred the faces of other attendants and knights in the pce corridor. Minutes ago, a sudden assembly order from Prince Zion set the pce abuzz. Everyone, including Hanna, was heading towards the gathering point, the training field outside the pce. "Hanna." A kind voice from behind interrupted Hanna''s rush. She turned to see an elderly man with tidy white hair. "Oh, Head Steward!" Her eyes brightened. The man was Baren, the pce''s head steward. Known for his kindness and decorum, Baren, who had served at the pce for more than 20 years, was respected by the staff. Hanna regarded him as a grandfatherly figure. "Do you have any idea why His Highness summoned us, Head Steward?" "I''m not entirely sure." Baren shook his head in response to Hanna''s question. "I''ve found it harder to read his thoughts since he changed. He''s never been one to divulge his ns." "You''re right... He''s been somewhat intimidating since his change." Hanna nodded in agreement. After the ambush, Prince Zion had be elusive, rarely making appearances. He had stopped issuing orders to pce staff, including Hanna. While this lightened their workload, Hanna found herself increasingly wary of Prince Zion. Catching even a distant glimpse of him sent shivers down her spine, like plunging into frigid water. His strange aura was enough to incite fear in her. They had covered quite a distance. "He didn''t just call for the night shift, did he?" Hanna mentioned this to Baren as they reached the already crowded training field. Prince Zion stood at the center, his silent stare over the crowd making her uneasy. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Zion''s gaze fell on her. "Begin." With that cold deration, signaling the end of the arrivals, Prisci, standing next to him, began her chant. Swooosh- A red glow emerged from a pre-drawn magic circle on the training field. It grew brighter with Prisci''s continuous incantation, soon enveloping not only the field but the entire Chimseong Pce. The stewards and knights, seeming to naturally recoil, winced and stepped back from the glow. "What is this light... huh? Head Steward?" Under the eerie red illumination, Hanna turned to Baren, her face filled with confusion. Unlike her and the others, Baren seemed transfixed on the red light''s source¡ªthe magic circle¡ªas if under a spell. Just as Hanna stretched out to tug on Baren''s clothing to stop him from approaching the magic circle, Drip. A blood droplet, more vibrant than the light,nded right in the magic circle''s glowing center. In that instant, "Oh, ah...." Hanna saw it. Baren, who had always been as loving as a grandparent to her. Screeeeeech! Giant tentacles burst out from every opening on his body. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 9: Filtering (2) Chapter 9: Filtering (2) In a forest near Chimseong Pce within Huangcheng, Knight Alex was stationed on guard duty, assigned by Evelyn Agnes. He frowned at the sudden red light radiating from the pce. "What is that?" The light originated from the training ground, eventually engulfing the whole pce. The peculiar red hue gave an ominous feeling that had Alex''s brow furrowing. "I''m not sure. It looks like magic... but there doesn''t seem to be any attack." A lieutenant, also keeping an eye on the pce, responded. If there had been an attack, sounds of shing weapons and battle cries would have been unmistakable, but the surroundings were quiet. "Hmm... should I report this?" Alex hesitated, unsure if this warranted the attention of the ''Lion Princess.'' He didn''t want to bother her unnecessarily. However, his deliberation was interrupted by a chilling noise. Screaaak! A terrifying echo filled the air, akin to a guttural scream. It reminded Alex of demons crawling from the depths of hell. Instinctively repulsed, Alex gave a swift order to the lieutenant. "Notify the upper ranks immediately." "Understood." With no time to waste, the lieutenant acknowledged the order and sprinted away. Alex, watching the lieutenant''s receding figure, set his sights on the Chimseong Pce and moved. --- Raei Trantions --- Enemy Manifestation. The effect of this magic circle, which Zion had Prisci craft, was straightforward - it revealed the true nature of the ''enemy'' within a certain range. This magic circle was developed by humans, two years before the breakout of the full-scale war, to identify ''enemies'' hidden among them. Its effect had been thoroughly proven. Screaaak. Zion watched the magic circle, gradually emitting red light, and the crowd gathered around it. His attention then shifted to Prisci, who looked bewildered. "I need your blood." "......What?" Prisci was taken aback by Zion''s crypticments, but he offered no exnation. "Just one drop will be enough." Ignoring Prisci''s confusion, Zion kept his focus forward. After a moment of hesitation, Prisci pricked her finger and let a single drop of blood fall onto the magic circle. At that instant. Screaaak! A horrifying roar echoed from the assembly of courtiers. Prisci instinctively recoiled, but Zion remained unfazed. "I found it." Zion''s soft murmur apanied the figure of Baren, the head of Chimseong Pce''s courtiers, reflected in his eyes. Baren, now a grotesque abomination far removed from his human self, writhed and shrieked in agony, sprouting tentacles from every inch of his twisted form. "What... what is that?" "Enemy." Zion''s curt answer echoed in response to Prisci''s question, herplexion turned ghostly white from the malicious energy radiating from the monster. Indeed, it was the true ''enemy'' chronicled in the Hero of Frosimar''s tale, a menace to humanity itself. A demon. The term referred to all inhabitants of the demon realm, including demons, devils, and evil beings. These entities harbored hostility towards all life except their own kind. These were the agents of the Demon King, the perpetrators of world destruction. ''So, one was here too.'' The demons from Frosimar''s Chronicles were insidious beings. For decades before the war, they had hidden among humans, following the Demon King''s directive, gradually consuming humanity from within. Their cunning was such that humans remained oblivious until the brink of war, manipted into a frenzy of self-destruction. And so, the world was decimated. ''Just a lower-rank one.'' Zion mused, observing the demon revealing its true form. The inconsequential Chimseong Pce, it seemed, had been host to just one low-ranking demon. What was surprising was the meticulous strategy of the Demon Realm, infiltrating even such minor ces. Eeeek! The screeching demon made a beeline for Prisci. "Why, why me...!" Unfazed by her startled exmation, Zion began to conjure darkness. The demon''s target was predictable. Prisci''s ''Demon Blood'' was a veritable panacea to these creatures. Within a year, demons would kidnap Prisci, attracted by her unique bloodline, and reduce her to a living, breathing blood bank. Thus, she earned the title of the ''Unfortunate Princess.'' Prisci''s blood could significantly amplify the effectiveness of a magic circle, detecting even mid-level demons rather than just low-level ones. Hence, it was impossible for the lower-level demon to hide. Eeeeeek! With single-minded intent, the demon charged at Prisci, ignoring all others. "Protect His Highness, the prince, and Miss Prisci!" Roused to action, the knights attempted to shield Prisci from the demon''s onught. But it was already toote. Countless tentaclesshed out from the demon, slicing through the knights with terrifying speed. "Th, the sword!" "Aaaaargh!" Within a minute, the charging knights were either dead or grievously injured. Such was the terror of a demon. The lower ranks were monstrous beasts, their strength far exceeding that of humans. ''The Demon Territory is overrun with such creatures.'' Zion smirked at the thought, shifting his foot subtly. As he moved, his form seemed to blend with the twilight, and then-- Swoosh-- He stood right in front of the demon. Unlike its previous opponents, the demon recognized Zion instantly,shing out with its tentacles. Their terrifying cutting power aimed straight for Zion''s vitals. Crack! Zion''s body was skewered. "Pr, Prince Zion!" From behind, Sir Fredo cried out in a panic. Swoosh-- Zion''s impaled figure melted away, as if made of water. Almost instantly, he reappeared behind the demon. Darkness began to pool in Zion''s hand, and-- Crack! He ripped off one of the demon''s tentacles. In agony, the demon thrashed about. Unfazed, Zion tossed the severed tentacle aside and aimed for the demon''s weak spots. Grrr! Sensing danger, the demon rallied its tentacles in defense. Dark magical power surged along the demon''s appendages. But the moment Zion''s hand touched them. ¡°...!¡± The magic dissipated, as if it had been wiped clean. As if it never existed. Crash! In disbelief, the demon watched as Zion shattered its defenses and impaled one of its hearts. Kuhaaaaa! ''Didn''t it have two hearts?'' Zion didn''t stop, immediately searching for the next heart. The demon recovered its senses and mustered the remainder of its magic, releasing it all in a massive explosion. Boom! Unable to dispel this much magic at once, Zion retreated to evade the magical st. The demon, catching its breath, red at Zion. ¡°...Who on earth.¡± In a slurred human tongue, the demon spoke. Twenty years. It had been twenty years. Since the demon infiltrated the human realm and took refuge in the Chimseong Pce. There hadn''t been an incident like this. Nor anything simr. Humans hadn''t seen through its disguise, and it thought this would continue. But then... ¡°That, magic circle, what is it?¡± Seeing the red light seeping from the magic circle, it yearned to cast off its human guise. The moment Princess Prisci''s blood touched it. Rationality deserted it. An insatiable craving for Prisci''s blood filled its mind. Moreover, something even more perplexing was. ¡°And, that power, what is it?¡± The darkness that nullified all traces of magic upon contact. It had never witnessed or heard of such a thing in its life. The situation unfolding before the demon was beyond belief. This was all happening due to Prince Zion, who it had watched for over a decade. "Who are you?" It couldn''t believe that the man standing in front of it was Prince Zion. That was the demon''s conclusion. "Your enemy." "¡­What?" Zion''s blunt answer filled the demon''s eyes with questions. But the uncertainty was short-lived. With a sudden movement, Zion swiftly approached it, riding on the shadows. Kiaaaaa! In response, the demon morphed all its tentacles into a giant, drill-like form and charged towards Zion. It was an instinctive reaction to the impending doom, an attack vastly more potent than any it hadunched before. ''If it''s this strong, it could prate his darkness¡­.'' But then, something unexpected happened. Zion''s hand, which had only destroyed everything in its path until now, began to move oddly. It slipped under the charging drill of tentacles like a snake gliding through water. Then, with an unusual lift from Zion''s hand, Boom! The demon''s drill-like tentacles shot upwards as if struck by lightning. "How can this be¡­!" Seizing the moment, Zion thrust his hand towards the demon''s heart. Crack! The sound of tearing flesh echoed through the air. Thest thing the demon saw, with its life fading and its hearts destroyed, was the joyful curve of Zion''s eye and a single ck star spinning within. ''Without the rise of the ck Star River to one star, things might have been difficult.'' Monsters infiltrating the human world leave no remains behind to avoid leaving traces, even in death. As he watched the monster''s corpse slowly vanish, Zion reflected. It was powerful. The first monster he encountered was incredibly powerful. If this was the strength of a lower-ss creature, how formidable would the superior ones be? This thought excited him. The tougher the opponent, the higher the wall, the more intriguing Zion found it. ''It should be around here.'' Zion focused on the disappearing monster, raised his hand, and plunged it into its neck. Snap! A breaking sound followed. There are two safeguards the demon realm employs against monsters sneaking into the human world. One is the self-destruction of the corpse, currently in progress. The other is the transmission of information. Upon a monster''s death, all information it has gathered is sent back to the demon realm. Zion had just destroyed the core responsible for that. "What happened...what happened?" A shaky voice reached Zion, who had just finished dealing with the situation. He turned to see Prisci, her eyes trembling as they looked at him. The scene before them was one of pale-faced knights, their spirits sapped by magic, and attendants sprawled on the ground. Confusion stered on their faces, they struggled to understand the recent happenings. "But, what was that thing that just...vanished?" Prisci, unable to contain her curiosity, voiced her question to Zion. Crash! "Prince Zion!" A group of knights burst urgently into the training yard, throwing open the pce gates with unrestrained force. These knights were leagues above the guards stationed at the Chimseong Pce. They were likely the escort knights Evelyn had discreetly positioned near the pce since herst visit. The man who seemed to lead the knights approached Zion and bowed, seemingly aware that the crisis had passed. "Greetings, Prince Zion. I''m Alex of the White Lion Knights. Could you enlighten us about the situation?" Zion met Alex''s inquiry with an unreadable stare, then his lips slowly parted. "Nothing." "¡­Excuse me?" "I just eliminated an enemy." Confusion surfaced in Alex''s eyes, but Zion didn''t offer more information. ''Not yet.'' He couldn''t reveal the truth yet. Should this be known, his hidden adversaries would retreat further into the shadows. ''It can''t happen.'' Not until he had hunted them all down. With this resolve, Zion''s gaze turned towards the distant Baeksung Pce, visible as a small speck on the horizon. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 10: The Black Forest (1) Chapter 10: The ck Forest (1) The Imperial City houses five magnificent pces, with Baeksung Pce reigning supreme at the center. Within the red-hued pce, a man sat on a throne-like chair at the highest level. His silver hair, a royal emblem, hung untamed as he looked towards Baeksung Pce. "......" His hand reached out towards the slowly materializing Baeksung Pce. His about-to-clench fist froze at a low knock followed by a voice. "Your Majesty." "Enter." The man halted and turned his attention towards the door. A wizard entered, politely pushing open the door, falling into the man''s sight. "There''s been a situation at the Chimseong Pce." The wizard spoke, head bowed, cutting straight to the point. "A situation? What kind? Did our assault n fail? I can''t fathom why." "It''s about a certain event." "Exin." "Magical energy was sensed at Chimseong Pce." "Magical energy? rify." "We have no further information. All our watchers around Chimseong Pce have gone silent recently. The servants there refuse to speak as well." "Re-establish our surveince there. Gather more intel." "Understood. Furthermore..." The wizard seemed to have more to say. The man looked at him, silently urging him to continue. "Rumors about Prince Zion have been circting." "What kind?" "His demeanor has reportedly turned incredibly violent. Additionally, he''s wielding some unknown power..." "Did he finally lose his sanity? Could be... he''s been an assassination target... always came across as weak." The man chuckled at the wizard''s words. "I wouldn''t fret over such gossip. That boy has been a loser since birth. The only thing he inherited from the Agnes bloodline is hair color. No matter how much he resists, he''s no more than an insect on the ground. Speaking of which, isn''t the session ceremony approaching? How''s the preparation?" "As per reports, there''s no talk of cancetion. It seems it will happen as nned." "......If he had given up, I would''ve left him be. He doesn''t know his ce and acts arrogant." Lost in thought, the man tapped his chair''s armrest. "For the session ceremony." "Yes." "Why don''t we make it a tad more exciting?" A cruel smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he spoke. --- Raei Trantions --- The Imperial Pce, the Empire''s heart, is located in the middle of Hubris, the world''s hub capital. The empire''s Imperial Pce, a spectacle of grandeur overwhelming any onlooker. Zion, his face half-concealed by a hood, stood staring at this sight. ''About a week left until the session ceremony?'' Zion was on the outskirts of Hubris, the capital city, a fair distance from the Imperial Pce. After handling the demon in Chimseong Pce and tidying up, Zion''s first action was to flee the Imperial Pce. He had urgent tasks to attend to before the session ceremony. ''I think it''s this way.'' Zion recalled memories of reading the Chronicles of Frosimar as he walked. Generally, a royal family member''s exit from the Pce would include an escort entourage, but Zion was alone. He had left in secret. ''It was easier to sneak out, being on the outskirts of the Pce.'' The only person aware of Zion''s whereabouts was Fredo. To the rest of the courtiers and knights, it would appear Zion was alternating between his bedroom and the underground practice room. He didn''t trust thempletely, despite their ims of loyalty. Therefore, he concealed the truth about the demon incident, making them believe it was merely an assassination attempt by a dark magician. Needless to say, strict information control was necessary. Rumours would eventually circte, but for now, he was safe. ''I won''t cross paths with her for a while, despite the suspicious look.'' How long did he wander, thinking of Prisci? ''Is this the ce?'' Zion paused before a building, reading the signboard. Moonlight Feast. A well-reputed restaurant in the capital, living up to its name. The second floor was reserved for private rooms and required advanced booking. But Zion wasn''t here for dining. Information guild, Eye of the Moon. That was the true face of this restaurant. Or more urately, it was one of the Eye of the Moon guild''s secret branches. "Can I take your order?" A mustached waiter approached Zion, who was seated at a table on the ground floor, topped up his ss, and asked politely. "Sun-soaked liquor and snowke fritters for appetizers." Although not listed on the restaurant''s menu and a cringe-inducing phrase, it was necessary. It was the secret passphrase for this ce. A ssical method, indeed, but its effectiveness has ensured its continued usage. "Understood." Despite the odd password, the waiter kept a poker face. After a brief interaction with another employee at the counter, he returned to Zion. "Sir, this way to your private room." With that courteous invitation, Zion rose and followed the waiter. Private rooms were typically upstairs, on the second floor. But the waiter led Zion towards a corridor descending underground. Without further exnation, the waiter began his descent down the dimly lit tunnel. Zion followed him, one step at a time. Suddenly, the corridor expanded into a circr chamber. At its center, a woman sat behind a lone desk. Her reddish-brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and round sses perched on her nose. She studied Zion intently. "You must be new here." Her voice was as cool and calm as she appeared. ''Is she the boss?'' Zion''s gaze shifted from the polite waiter to the woman. "I have a request." At his straightforward words, she remained silent for a moment before responding. "Certainly. May I have your name first?" Zion smirked. "Since when does the Information Guild need the client''s identity?" "Normally, we don''t... but this is an exception." Her gaze grew icy. "An exception?" "Did you know that ''Banquet of the Moonlight'' recently became a branch of the ''Eye of the Moon''? It''s not even officially open." She began to tap rhythmically on her desk. "Even within our guild, few are aware of this ce. Plus, I remember all the faces of those who do. But you..." Her tapping ceased. "How exactly did you discover us?" Just as her hand stilled... Masked figures emerged from the chamber''s shadows, swords lunging at Zion. It was so abrupt that he had no time to react. Even as the des targeted his heart and throat, Zion''s eyes remained fixed on the woman. No. "...!" The swords halted within an inch of striking Zion. Despite the attackers straining to drive their swords home, they didn''t move an inch. It felt like trying to pierce densely packed sand. An unknown darkness swiftly enveloped the swords. "What is this..." The woman and the masked attackers stared in bewilderment at the surreal scene. "Was that too fast?" Zion''s voice was barely a whisper. Too fast? Before she couldprehend his words, Zion acted. His right hand released the ck Star River, instantly scattering the masked men on his right. Masked men hit the wall, unable to resist. The others, recovering their swords, lunged at Zion again. Swoosh! Their des, honed sharper, aimed for Zion''s throat. But, once again, they couldn''t touch him. Like a phantom, Zion evaded the swords and struck. Thud, thud, thud! One blow, one man down. The men didn''t have a chance to react before being knocked to the ground. "How is it possible..." A puzzled whisper came from the woman. The men werepetent bodyguards provided by the guild for her, a woman with a unique status in ''Eye of the Moon.'' Yet, they were easily defeated? "What matters isn''t how I discovered you." Zion, having neutralized all the men, approached the woman, readjusting his disheveled robe. "The point is I have a request, and you''re going to listen." Even though he was early, before the ''Eye of the Moon'' branch started taking requests, it was irrelevant. If he wanted something, he obtained it. With trembling eyes, the woman finally spoke. "What do you want?" --- Raei Trantions --- "Details about the ck Forest and a forged ID card..." Aileen, the woman, murmured to herself, remembering the man in the robe who had taken what he wanted and left. He had demanded two things. An ID document and the location of a ce known as the ''ck Forest.'' "Aileen, why did you ept his demands?" Allen, a moustached employee, questioned while clearing the mess. He knew Aileen wasn''t one toply with an unreasonable client, even under threat. And though she might have been overpowered by the robed man, she''d have had numerous escape ns. Yet, she''d readily agreed to the man''s demands. Even though he had attacked her using her own bodyguards. "Do you recall the earlier fight?" In response to Allen''s question, Aileen, observing her injured bodyguards being carried away, spoke. "Yes, it''s unforgettable." "His robe slipped momentarily." That''s when Aileen saw it. His ash-gray hair. "Ashen hair... that''s a characteristic of a single family in this world." The world''s current ruling family. The House of Agnes. Only the Agnes bloodline possesses such hair color. "So you''re saying..." "One of the Agnes lions seems to have stirred." The imperial family seldom left their territory. But their rare excursions always sparked great upheaval. "I''ll assign someone top-tier to this." Aileen slightly nodded in response to Allen''s words. "Determine his royal lineage, why he left the Imperial City, and his reasons for traveling alone. Also, delve into details about the ''ck Forest.''" "Understood." As Allen departed with a determined expression, Aileen found herself pondering about the mysterious man once more. ''Just who is he?'' His undeniable charisma effortlessly controlled everything, supported by an underlying strength that suggested his proximity to the emperor''s throne. Yet, Aileen couldn''t fathom that this man could be Zion Agnes, famously known as the dethroned prince. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 11: The Black Forest (2) Chapter 11: The ck Forest (2) "No matter how much I ponder, I can''t grasp it." A soft grumble escaped Prisci as she briskly navigated the Chimseong Pce''s corridors. "Could a mere dark wizard really be responsible?" Many aspects didn''t add up. Dark magic was far from ideal for assassinations. It demanded sacrifices, and its implementation was conspicuous. Sending assassins would have been a more practical choice. Moreover, she had an insight. The magic circle she drew at Prince Zion''s behest was not solely for detecting dark magic. ''The royal family probably suspects something about this incident as well.'' They would be running their own probe, and they''d soon have answers, but Prisci had no intention of waiting. She wanted to hear the full ount of this incident straight from Zion. ''He should at least share it with me. I''ve drawn the magic circle and even provided the blood!'' Ever since the event, she found herself visiting Zion''s private training grounds almost daily. "His Highness is currently not epting visitors." Every time she was met with the same refusal. Fredo conveyed the message on Zion''s behalf. "Why?" "He''s still reeling from the recent incident..." "Stop deceiving... I mean, stop lying! His Highness handled ''that'' matter!" "Please be cautious with your words. His Highness has decreed silence on this matter." "Why should Iply when I''m neither a Chimseong Pce member nor a subordinate of His Highness..." In her frustration, Prisci bit her tongue. Zion''s image,zily looking down at her, shed in her mind. He never forced her, nor used his perplexing power. Yet, when Zion spoke, Prisci felt a strangepulsion to heed his words. Something hidden deep within his calm gaze. A force that drew people to him, impossible to resist. A quality the old Prince Zioncked. "Miss Prisci, His Highness has a message for you." Fredo''s voice filled her ears as she thought of Zion. "What, what is it?" "If you have no other matters, you should return home now..." Her face fell at his words. --- Raei Trantions --- The Chronicle of Frosimar''s Heroic Legion unfolds centuries ahead of the world Zion originally inhabited. Hence, all kinds of advanced cultures thrived. The rhythmic rattle of the magic train Zion was aboard was a testament to this. Powered by magic and operating on set rail tracks, the magic train was a beloved mode of transport. Within the empire, it could take you almost anywhere. "I''ll have to use this knowledge when I return to my world." Zion, intrigued by the magical train, stared out at the rapidly changingndscape before his gaze shifted to the adjacent carriage. Then, he noticed the covert nces. "Just as I thought." He was aware the moment he left the secret Moon''s Eye branch, he''d be under surveince. In fact, he had deliberately shown a strand of his hair, hoping for this oue. Having them nearby would facilitate easy ess to additional information. They couldn''t extract anything further from him. Revealing his hair might risk the pce discovering his outdoor activities, but Zion was confident it wouldn''t happen. Primarily, Moon''s Eye had a propensity to stay in the background when royal affairs were concerned. Above all, Moon''s Eye, which prioritized trust and uracy, wouldn''t divulge unverified information. Zion, who had not left the pce since his youth, remained a stranger to the world outside. It would take considerable time to identify him. By then, he would have already returned to the pce. "I chose the Moon''s Eye for a distinct reason." Moon''s Eye was indeed among the top-tier information guilds, but there were alternatives. However, Zion selected Moon''s Eye as they were the informational backbone for the imminent hero, working selflessly towards the goal of saving the world. He wanted to witness this first-hand. -We will be arriving at Ruin Station shortly. For passengers who will be disembarking, please use the left door... An announcement snapped Zion out of his thoughts. Having concluded his reflections, he quietly rose from his seat. Ever since he handled the demon of the Chimseong Pce, or even earlier when he stopped an assassination attempt, Zion had been considering one thing. He needed to gather a group of individuals who could aid him. Aspetent as he was, he couldn''t do everything by himself. The knights and servants of the Chimseong Pce were too diverse in abilities to handle the uing journey. There was no time to start training them from the beginning. Therefore, Zion looked beyond the pce walls, utilizing the information from the chronicles. The outer city, Ruin. In this city, nestled beside the colossal Saleos mountain range in the north of the empire, Zion nned to recruit his first ally. "Specifically, a location near this city." Whirr- The train door glided open. Simultaneously, the northern chill kissed Zion''s skin as he stepped off the train. Even though it was summer and snowless, one could see their breath in the chilly air. ''Perfect.'' As Zion exited the station, he spotted the city square with a massive me in its center. He nodded in approval. This me only burned during the ''Purification Festival''. The Purification Festival. A monthly event in Ruin, it was a ceremony that cleansed sins through the city''s guardian entity and prayed for peace. Zion intended to capitalize on this uing festival. ''Specifically, it''s an event that will coincide with the Purification Festival.'' The chronicles prophesied Ruin''s destruction at the end of this festival. This event, being the first major crisis early in the story, served as a catalyst for one of the future hero''s adversaries. Only through this cmity could Zion recruit the person he wanted, prompting him to hasten here right after his tasks in the Chimseong Pce. ''The trigger for Ruin''s downfall is the ck Forest.'' The ck Forest. Located on the outskirts of Ruin, its true nature was only known to the lord of Ruin and his family. Of course, Zion was privy to the ck Forest''s secret. It was the seal for one of the ''evils'' that once threatened the world. ''Entering the ck Forest requires the lord''s permission, but...'' There was another way, exclusive to this period. After a thoughtful walk, Zion detoured into a quiet alley and faced a wall. "Appear." Predictably, the wall remained static. "I don''t repeat myself." Without a moment''s hesitation, Zion flicked his finger towards the wall. Suddenly, Crack! "Kya, kyaak!" A woman withrge eyes and short hair emerged from what seemed to be an empty wall. "...How did you know?" The woman, Nari, was a top-ss informant from ''Moon''s Eye''. She was typically clumsy, but her skills in stealth and tracking had elevated her to her position. Thus, she couldn''tprehend how she was discovered. "I have further requests." Ignoring Nari''s question, Zion pressed on. "I need information on the mercenary recruitment period at the lord''s castle. And the whereabouts of those in the city bearing a six-headed beast tattoo." During this time, Ruin''s lord''s castle would be hiring mercenaries to exterminate the ck Forest. Zion intended to exploit this. Moreover, since the ''extermination of the ck Forest'' was tied to the inception of Ruin''s destruction, he could kill two birds with one stone. "Eh? What?" Nari looked confused at his abrupt request, but Zion left without answering. "I trust it won''t be too long. You''re a member of one of the top information guilds in the empire, after all." "Well, we''re not exactly at the top yet....." Zion was referring to a future he was certain of, but Nari wasn''t privy to that. "....A six-headed beast tattoo? And how would you know that the castle is hiring mercenaries?" She rattled off questions brimming with skepticism, but Zion, who could have answered her, was already far away. --- Raei Trantions --- The lord''s castle was situated in the heart of Ruin''s outer city. ".....Do we really need to do this?" In the office on the castle''s top floor, a timid-looking middle-aged man expressed his reservations, ncing at a woman who had her ming red hair tied in a single knot. "Absolutely." The woman, Rain Dranir, affirmed, looking at her father, the lord of Ruin, Richard Dranir. "It''s an opportunity to get rid of that damned purifier." Rain''s words were harsh, but the lord, used to it, didn''t chide her, his expression one of discontent. "Even our ancestors, who held the power of dragons, could only seal it. How can you manage it?" "Father." Rain''s voice held a firm determination. "I can''t sacrifice our people anymore to that damned creature. I won''t. No matter their sins!" With those final words, Rain exited the office, not willing to hear anything more. "....." The lord sighed softly, watching his daughter''s retreating figure with a worried gaze. "Damn it....." Rain muttered a curse under her breath as she strode away from the office. The Dranir family, rulers of the city of Ruin. A family descended from a great hero who defeated ''Evil'', thereby saving the empire''s northern region. Yet, that was only part of the truth. The salvation wasn''tplete. "Why the long face, Rain?" At the outdoor training ground within the castle, a lean man with long hair approached Rain with a question. "Did you get a scolding from the old man again?" Before Rain could answer, a burly tattooed man, lounging on a chair on the left side of the ground, chuckled. "Mind your words. He''s the lord of this city." A tidy man, always close to Rain, took offense to the tattooed man''s casualment. He adjusted his sses and spoke up. All three were Rain''s close friends, having spent over a decade with her, and were well-known in the northern region of the Empire for their strength. "You''re too uptight, it''s no fun." "I can''t let insults to the lord go unchecked." "Both of you, quiet. How''s the recruitment? Found anyone useful yet?" Rain held up a hand, halting the argument, her gaze focused on the mercenaries showcasing their talents on the training field. This recruitment drive was her initiative, not the lord''s. It was an event directly managed by the lord''s castle, promising significant rewards and perks based on the sess of the ''extermination''. The honor it promised drew in a flood of mercenaries to the lord''s castle. "Do we need more? Taking a bunch of novices like them will be a waste. Why not just us?" "I second that." The tattooed giant responded with a shrug, and the bespectacled man nodded in agreement. "Useless lot. Hart, your thoughts?" Rain turned to the long-haired man with her question. "I can''t vouch for their usefulness, but a few have caught my eye. Ah, one of them is stepping up." Hart pointed towards the training ground as he spoke. Following his gesture, Rain turned her head and noticed a man leisurely walking onto the field to face his challenger. Step, step. A lean figure, an ordinary aura devoid of any remarkable traits. His rxed eyes were a stark contrast. It was Zion. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 12: The Black Forest (3) Chapter 12: The ck Forest (3) "Isn''t that Hart, the Lightning Sword?" "And Ragnod of Red Fortress too." "Huh, aren''t the Seven Great Northern Masters all gathered?" "What are they nning?" "I''ve heard about a purification festival..." "......" Zion half-listened to the surrounding mercenaries'' chatter while observing the training grounds. Kwaaaang! Mercenaries showcasing their abilities, eager to be selected. The ck Forest, what it was or why it required subjugation, remained a mystery. Yet, a substantial number of mercenaries had gathered at the fortress. The reason was the young man and woman nonchntly sitting on the tform beside the training ground, surveying the scene. ''Were they referred to as the Northern Seven?'' The Northern Seven. Led by Rain Dranir, the sole daughter of the Lord of Ruin, these seven rising stars had been cultivating a terrifying reputation in the north. Their skills were already recognized empire-wide, and spection was widespread that one or two of them might ascend to ''heaven'' someday. ''That woman is...'' Zion found himself particrly drawn to Rain Dranir. Even now, her abilities were terrifying for her age, as the leader of the Seven. However, Zion knew her potential didn''t stop there. Rain Dranir. She would be one of thepanions of the future hero. A celestial warrior''s talent that only emerges once every thousand years. The most formidable spearwoman in history. The Dragon Strike Emperor. The Divine Spear. In the future, she would be one of the most potent beings in the Frosimar Chronicles, with all these titles attached to her. ''Not just yet, though.'' Her extraordinary talent would fully bloom through a series of incidents. Zion recalled that these incidents were linked to the cause of Ruin''s destruction. "Zion Harness." At that moment, a voice called Zion by his pseudonym. Thud, thud. Zion rose from his seat and walked towards the training grounds. His hair and eyes were dyed ck. He had removed all royal traits from his appearance. "Are you my opponent?" A scar-covered, muscr man already stood on the training ground, ready for a fight. "Isn''t that...the Butcher?" "Indeed. How did a criminal..." The other mercenaries began to murmur upon recognizing him. The Butcher, Uro. He was a notorious figure, linked to numerous crimes, and feared for his brutal tendencies, so much so that the word ''human'' seemed inadequate to describe him. Yet, his formidable skills matched his brutality, which made even public security forces hesitate to apprehend him. ''All these guys are interested in is skill.'' Uro thought to himself as he nced towards the tform. Regardless of his thoughts, the Seven on the tform, Rain included, maintained their disinterested expressions despite his entrance. ''I must make a striking impression here to secure a recruitment spot immediately.'' Joining this operation would allow him not only to clear his past sins but also elevate his reputation. With that in mind, Uro studied his opponent. A skinny frame devoid of training signs, and dull eyes. Plus, he was unarmed. It was perplexing how he got selected and made it this far. "I''m worried someone might die here." "Will recruitment get stopped because of Uro?" "I hope he goes easy on him." The observing mercenaries shared Uro''s apprehension, their eyes trained on Zion. It was understandable as the name Zion Harness was unknown. Additionally, his adversary was the Butcher, Uro. ''However, on the off chance he''s a mage, I''ll end this swiftly.'' "Hey, back off now. Don''t risk losing something." Though insincere, Uro murmured and readied himself. Meanwhile, Zion remained unmoved. He just gazed at Uro with sleepy eyes from his position. Was he paralyzed by fear? Kwang! Regardless, Uro had no ns of holding back and initiated his attack with full force. His overwhelming strength, paired with perfectly harnessed mana, ced Uro in front of Zion in an instant. A speed unimaginable for his bear-like physique. Swooosh! Swiftly, Uro''s halberd, swung overhead in tandem with his leg, descended to split Zion. A cruel smile graced Uro''s lips. At that instant, the observant Zion finally moved. Every motion in this world has a force center. Numerous force centers arise before forming a single motion, and if even one shifts, the motion distorts. ck Star River wasn''t necessary. For Zion, a veteran of thousands, no, tens of thousands of battles, locating the Butcher''s force center was as easy as flipping his hand. Tuck. Just half a beat faster than his opponent. At the precise moment, Zion''s foot gently grazed the side of Uro''s shin. A force no stronger than a child throwing a punch. But the result was unexpected. "...Ugh!" With a sharp cry, Uro''s body, now off-bnce, veered to the side. Consequently, Uro''s halberd just brushed past Zion. Zion lightly punched Uro''s face, now tilted towards the ground. Thud! Even though Uro was only lightly hit, the momentum of the charge propelled his body into the air with a sound like something breaking. He crashed onto the ground and didn''t move, possibly unconscious. "...What?" "What just happened?" "Why did Uro fly off?" The watching mercenaries murmured in shock at the unexpected result. Zion, who caused this surprise, left thebat arena without any exnations, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if waiting for something. "It''s fun, isn''t it?" Hart, who had been observing the fight between Zion and the Butcher from the tform, grinned at Rain beside him. "He always overpowers his opponents with minimal movement. You''d usually see this approach when someone has a significant skill advantage... but I think he''s moving so efficiently because of his physique." Rain looked at Zion''s retreating figure, musing over Hart''s words. With such a physique, that would indeed be the only way to suppress an opponent. "Why are you so interested in the kid?" Ragnor, a tattooed giant, chuckled as he joined their conversation. "He''s skilled, sure, but any of us could do the same. Plus, everyone knows that with a physique like his, one small mistake would be the end. He''d be more of a liability than help if we bring him along." "I feel the same. That Zion Harness, he seems to be walking a tightrope. He''s obviously trained, but... he seems inherently frail," Lian, a clean-cut man in sses, agreed with Ragnor. Lian was also one of the Seven Spears but served the Dranir family as Rain''s subordinate. "With hisbat sense, he would have made an excellent mage." "Guess he didn''t have the talent for it." Rain shared their thoughts and sank into her chair with a deep sigh. "Are there no capable people...?" She wondered if their hasty recruitment of mercenaries was to me. In the past few days, no one had stood out in terms of skill. At this rate, they might not even be able to mount a proper expedition. ''No, we can''t afford any more dys... Huh?'' Rain, who had been observing the mercenaries with a weary expression, suddenly looked puzzled. A man was confidently striding towards her from the entrance to the fort leading to the training ground. There was no reason for the tension, considering this was a subjugation hosted by the Seven Spears. Rain''s gaze fixed not on the man''s face, but on his legs. ''Could it be...'' Beneath the hem of his attire, his ankle bore a tattoo of a six-headed beast, faint but discernable. Rain''s eyes widened in shock. "Why is a follower of the Purification Doctrine here...!" The Purification Doctrine was a minor sect that revered the ''evil'' sealed within the ck Forest, which Rain was tasked to conquer. It had insidiously spread throughout the northern part of the empire, infesting the city of Ruin. A malevolent group known for heinous crimes ranging from kidnappings to murders and human sacrifices. ''How did one slip through our filter...'' Rather than pondering over it, it was time to act. Rain made a swift decision, gripping her spear tightly. The appearance of a Purification Doctrine disciple at the mercenary recruitment for the ck Forest campaign was certainly not a good sign. "Rain?" The other Seven Spears turned to her, puzzled by her reaction. "The six-headed beast will arrive." The disciple of the Purification Doctrine stepped into the training ground and addressed the crowd with his first ominous words. "...?" People stopped in their tracks, drawn to the fanatical tone in his voice. "Our duty is to prepare for his arrival. And..." The disciple, speaking with a conviction that resonated through the crowd, raised his garment, revealing his bare torso. "Purge these ignorant non-believers." His heart bulged grotesquely from his chest, dark red veins snaking outward. "What, what is that...!" The disciple''s heart started pounding fiercely, the attached veins writhing like serpents. "Damn, stop him!" "Through death, you willprehend. Now..." The surrounding mercenaries, grasping the gravity of the situation, rushed at the disciple just as his body began to swell ominously, hinting at an impending explosion. Crash! A deafening sound echoed as the disciple''s head disappeared, reced by a spear. Sizzle! A sh of lightning followed a beatter, marking a trail from the tform to the training ground. Rain stood at the center of the training ground, the spear that had shattered the follower''s head still gripped in her hand. Lightning swirled around her, reminiscent of a thunder deity making its descent. "Rain!" The other Seven Spears quickly rushed to her, their voices carrying her name. "We''ve managed to stop it, for now..." Rain''s voice faded as she turned her gaze towards the approaching Seven Spears. Confusion flickered in her eyes. Beyond the training ground, at the entrance leading to the inner city, she saw a woman swelling up like a balloon. ''This is a trap!'' Sizzle! Rain''s spear transformed back into lightning, aimed at the ballooning woman. The distance was too great. No one could reach her in time. It''s toote. Running or throwing a spear; both were futile. Rain''s gaze shifted to the building behind the follower of the Purification Doctrine. It was the office of the lord and her father, Richard Dranir. "No!" A desperate scream escaped Rain''s lips. Just then, a massive explosion erupted from the swelling woman. Rain''s vision darkened from the explosive wave of evil energy. She saw it. The void next to the explosion where nothing existed. Then something more alien and ominous than the exploding evil energy appeared. She saw a darkness that swallowed the entire explosion in one breath. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 13: The Black Forest (4) Chapter 13: The ck Forest (4) The sight was surreal. As though time was rewinding, the explosion that threatened to consume the estate began to recede. In fact, it was vanishing entirely. It continued shrinking until it was reduced to a small dot and eventually, it disappeared. The spectacle left everyone on the training field, including the Chilgeol, in shock. A phenomenon that defiedprehension even when witnessed firsthand. Their stunned eyes inevitably turned to Rain Dranir, who was standing closest to the site of the vanished explosion. "Ha ha ha! Rain, how did you pull that off? When did you learn this trick?" Laughing heartily, Ragnod approached, sweeping aside the remaining debris of the explosion. "Miss, are you unharmed?" "You were incredible, Rain." Lian and Hart added their voices, their awe apparent. "No." Rain, who had been staring nkly at the spot where the explosion had once been, slowly shook her head. "I didn''t do anything." Indeed, she hadn''t. She had seen the rising threat of the Purification Sect and raced towards it, but she was toote. All she could manage was a desperate wave of her hand. "Did you guys... not see it?" Was it because she was closer? Only Rain, among those present, saw him. A man, slightly farther from the explosion than she was. The instant he clenched his fist, a strange darkness swallowed the entire explosion. She was sure of it. No, the circumstances made it even more evident. "Who could it be..." Rain''s gaze followed the retreating figure of a man, Zion Harness, who casually returned to his position as though nothing had transpired. --- Raei Trantions --- The six-headed beast tattoo, the Purification Sect, and the terror within the estate. For Zion, who had read and memorized the ''Chronicles of Frosimar'', these events were as predictable and maniptable as a coin toss. Zion knew it. ''Merely outperforming other mercenaries isn''t enough to capture Rain Dranir and the Chilgeol''s attention.'' That''s why he had been tracking the Purification Sect''s followers even before he set foot in the estate, and he continued to do so after his arrival. And he waited. Until they made their move. He could''ve intervened earlier, but he chose not to. If he had, he wouldn''t have caught Rain Dranir''s eye. In the end, the followers of the Purification Sect executed their n without a hitch, and Zion, having kept tabs on their movements, resolved the situation effortlessly. As a result... "Everyone present will take part in this mission. Get familiar with each other." Zion now found himself in a small conference room within the estate. Across a lengthy table, eight people were seated. Standing alone, Rain surveyed the room. ''Only two individuals were selected from the mercenary recruitment?'' Zion''s gaze swept across the room, these thoughts flitting across his mind. The room hosted five Chilgeols, including Rain Dranir. Four had been judging the mercenaries earlier on the training field. A mature woman with dark brown hair named Ka had joined them recently. Sitting next to Ka was a middle-aged man, seemingly an acquaintance of hers. They seemed to have been inducted together. The only other candidate for the mercenary recruitment was the elf woman with the scar, seated across from Zion. "I''ll summarize the subjugation mission now. Listen closely," Rain''s soft voice filled the room. "A peculiar forest exists between Ruin city and the Salleos Mountains. Trees, grass, everything is stained ck. We call it the ''ck Forest''." This was an infamous ce. No one who ventured inside ever emerged, hence its management by the city. Rain intended to subjugate this ce. "I''m familiar with the ck Forest. However, I need to know ''what'' we''re meant to subjugate and why," the scarred elf woman interjected, her tone brusque. Lian started at her frank words, attempting to respond, but Rain was quicker. "Evil." "Evil?" The elf woman looked nonplussed. "You might have heard legends about our family''s founder." People nodded at Rain''s remark. The tale of the hero who donned dragon''s blood, earned dragon-like powers, vanquished evil and founded Ruin city over it, was renowned in the North. "The evil didn''t perish then. It was so potent that our founder could only seal it away. And for that, Ruin has been paying the price with...¡± "Purification ceremony." Rain''s eyes flickered at Zion''s interjection. This was the first discussion of this matter beyond the family confines. ¡°...Yes. Precisely, the purification ritual, conducted towards the purification ceremony''s conclusion." "The ritual where convicts from your city are sent to the ck Forest?" At Hart''s grave question, Rain nodded. "Yes, they are given to the forest as a sacrifice to preserve the seal." "I wondered why such a barbaric ritual persisted¡­¡± Hart nodded as if he now understood. "So, why do we need to subjugate anything? The convicts are already marked for death." "Five per month." As Ragnod stated this, Rain raised five fingers. "That''s how many are sacrificed to the ck Forest. But consider this - what if there aren''t enough criminals?" "......" Innocents, or those guilty of minor offenses, would be offered up instead. The quota had to be met, no exceptions. Rain had witnessed it since childhood. The terrified sacrifices being dragged into the ck Forest, pleading for mercy. Contrasted with the jubnt cheers of city folk, reveling in the festival-like atmosphere. This city was fundamentally wed, and the purification ceremony perpetuated its distortion. A tradition passed down in Ruin for centuries. A tradition Rain was determined to shatter. "It''s uneptable. Giving my people''s lives to some unknown demon." Even if they were criminals, it was his duty as lord to pass judgment, not some unknown entity. "Ha ha ha! Exactly! That''s right! That''s reason enough!" Ragnod, agreeing with Rain, mmed the table in robustughter. Hart and Ka nodded in recognition of Rain''s typical stance, while Lian sighed deeply at his harsh words. "We don''t know much about this ''evil'' entity; its lore isn''t well-documented. We only know that its power has significantly diminished due to the longstanding seal." That was their window of opportunity. "The ck Forest is essible to only a few due to a unique magical barrier. And you here are the strongest I could muster." "I understand where you''reing from, but......" Ka, having absorbed Rain''s exnation, pointed at Zion, resting her chin in her hand. "Why is he involved?" She wasn''t present for the mercenary exam, but she was aware of the circumstances. Zion Harness. She knew he wasn''t chosen through the exam, but personally by Rain. Seeing him in person, she didn''t sense any extraordinary power, and his physique seemed unfit for a warrior. "I''d also like to know the reason." The others looked at Rain expectantly. The Northern Chilgeol. A gathering of rising talents, potential sessors to the title ''Sky''. Each held a reputation that couldmand a significant force, and their skills were acknowledged as superhuman. Five of such individuals were here. The middle-aged man and the elf woman, albeit slightly inferior, were renowned for their exceptional skills in the North. Zion, however, was noticeably inferior. To the point where they questioned Rain''s decision to include him. "......" In response, Rain simply observed Zion for a moment. She couldn''tprehend it. How could ''that'' be? The memory resurfaced with striking rity. The power Zion had shown wasn''t magic or martial arts. It was something out of this world,pletely foreign. "Just... a hunch. I felt he was necessary." After a moment of silence, those were the words Rain spoke. "What nonsense is this? Are you drunk?" People frowned at him, but Rain remained silent. ''Does she suspect?'' A faint smile appeared on Zion''s lips. Rain''s silence, even after witnessing his power, was proof of his suspicions towards those present. That a Purification believer had gained ess to the castle during the previous examination, suggested an insider''s aid. Someone in a high position, most likely. Rain probably suspected they might be among the crowd. His assumption was right. And Zion knew who the traitor was. ''I won''t reveal it.'' This was a trial for Rain Dranir. Only by oveing this could he truly be an ally of the hero and a brave reformer. "We''ll discuss thister. For now, focus on the entry route n. On the forest outskirts..." Zion tuned in to Rain''s words, ignoring Ka''s watchful gaze. --- Raei Trantions --- The Lord''s Castle garden bathed in soft moonlight. In the middle of the empty garden, a huge shadow flickered. Sssssss- An alien darkness, pushing back the night and growing stronger. Inside the expanding darkness, stars swirled as if in a universe, with Zion at their center. ck Star River. The most alien power in this world, under Zion''s control alone. This power, denying all it touched,cked form, features, or concept. It belonged to nothing and could be anything. Juuu- The darkness swirling around Zion began to flow like water. Soon it hardened like stone, then flickered like fire. ''I can''t control it easily yet.'' Zion''s eyebrows furrowed as he gathered the darkness. He had progressed considerably since his first encounter with this body, but satisfaction eluded him. ''At this pace, I can''t guarantee victory against any of the Chilgeol I saw today.'' The Seven Masters were indeed strong, formidable on a global scale. It made sense Zion couldn''tpete yet, being new to his training. But that didn''t matter. His future adversaries were stronger than the Chilgeol, and they wouldn''t wait for Zion to get stronger. ''I must advance to the 2-star level faster.'' With that, I could imbue attributes into darkness more efficiently. The situation was growingplex, but Zion, now on his feet, had a spark of anticipation in his eyes. The harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory. Suddenly, "You wield an intriguing power, don''t you?" A high-pitched, thin voice echoed from behind Zion. Zion turned to see a young woman, barely out of girlhood. Waist-long hair, a pale face. Eyes so red they seemed filled with blood. She exuded an air of mystery and charm. "......" Zion sensed no life force or power from the woman, but he remained calm. She hadn''t triggered his sense, which monitors all individuals in the castle. Even now, up close, she was faint, barely there. "How do you do that?" Eyes brimming with curiosity, the woman asked Zion. Zion didn''t question her identity. He already knew. "Have you already gained your freedom?" "What? You know me?" Taken aback, the woman twirled in her spot. "Well, does it matter?" Then she started to slowly move towards Zion. Her steps were silent, not a single footfall sound. "Avoid the forest." She stopped in front of Zion, smiling with a chillingly bright red grin. "If you venture in, you''ll die." With those words, she vanished as though she were a mirage. Zion, who watched the spot where the woman had disappeared, smiled, "This is getting interesting." His smile mirrored the woman''s. *** Thanks for reading! TL: The author refers to the "Seven Great Northern Masters" as "Chilgeol", so I will be using the two titles interchangeably. Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 14: The Black Forest (5) Chapter 14: The ck Forest (5) The Frosimar Chronicle. An unusual book, given its title, which detailed the life of a hero yet was called a ''chronicle.'' As its name suggested, this Chronicle of Frosimar covered various events in this fictional world, starting from before the birth of the hero. That''s why Zion found it useful. But, the chronicle didn''t cover everything. Like what just happened. ''Did the story change because I stepped in?'' Zion briefly wondered but quickly dismissed the thought. He hadn''t messed with the ck Forest yet. It was more urate to say the seal had always been broken. ''Well, it doesn''t matter, really.'' Thinking this, Zion began to walk slowly. The red-eyed woman who had vanished had warned him against entering the forest, but Zion was going to ignore her. She probably knew Zion wouldn''t listen to her. Her words were probably just a passing thought. "Show yourself." Walking a bit further, Zion looked at the trees in the garden and called out. "No, how did you figure me out?" From the shadow of a tree, as if waiting for a cue, Nari from the information guild ''Moon''s Eye'' appeared, sounding incredulous. She had snuck past all the castle security, even his senses. She couldn''t fathom how he found her out. "Did you bring it?" Ignoring her question, Zion asked her immediately. In response, Nari reached into her clothing, pulled out a small pouch, and handed it to Zion. "Here''s the high-grade spell storage stone you asked for. If the spell recorded is perfect and there are no locks on it, you can transfer it just by touching it. It was tough to get so quickly, so it''ll cost more. But why did you want this?" "Give up." "Excuse me? Give up? What do you mean....." The woman with her characteristic confused eyes asked Zion, but he didn''t answer. "Phew... what should I tell them...." Watching Zion walk away, Nari sighed. --- Raei Trantions --- Preparations for taking on the ck Forest were progressing smoothly. The Lord of Ruin had already given approval, and nobody in the city dared to stand in Rain Dranir''s way. Plus, most of the members of the team tasked with the job were close to her, and since it was a small group, there wasn''t much to get ready. Finally, on the closing day of the purification festival, Zion found himself standing at a secret path that led from the lord''s castle to the ck Forest. He was apanied by the task force, including Rain Dranir. ''It''s totally dark.'' That was Zion''s first thought when he saw the ck Forest after crossing the secret path. Everything from the soil, trees, grass, and even the scattered pebbles, was pitch ck. It was as if it swallowed up all the surrounding light. Hence, the ck Forest seemed like one massive abyss. Just gazing at it brought on a sense of unease. Besides, the enormous, evil energy radiating from the forest naturally made one''s hair stand on end. "...How has this ce stayed hidden from people until now?" Staring at it, Hart, the Lightning Sword, murmured with slightly troubled eyes. "It feels like not just the city, but the Empire should step in to handle it." "Hehe, are you going back?" "Yeah, you go ahead. You''re a chicken." Zion nced at the Seven Swords, who were joking around, possibly to lighten the mood. Since theirst meeting, nobody had challenged Zion, even though they ignored him. Even though Rain hadn''t given a proper exnation. It showed how much they trusted her. Only Ka, who joinedte, still looked at Zion suspiciously. Even now, as their eyes met, she pointed two fingers from her own eyes to Zion. When Zion chuckled and turned away, "Are we heading in directly?" Rain''s soft voice asked. She was staring at the ck Forest with a serious expression. ''The evil energy is stronger than before.'' She didn''t know what was happening inside, but they couldn''t afford to wait any longer. "Are we sticking to the n and cutting straight through?" "Yeah. But before that...." In reply to Lian''s question, Rain, with a faint smile, lifted her spear. "We ought to say hello now that we''re here." Zzzzt! As she spoke, an enormous wave of electricity erupted around her. It turned the surroundings blue, and in that space, Rain took a step forward, bent her knee, and drew back the arm holding the spear like pulling a bowstring. She drew it back as far as it could go. All the lightning in the area began to gather at the tip of her spear, now ready to be thrown. Drrrr! The atmosphere screamed, unable to bear the horrifying power of the concentrated lightning. The moment everyone shielded their eyes due to the immense light it radiated, Rain''s spear took flight. A trail of lightning extended from her hand, reaching beyond the ck Forest. After a moment of silence, shorter than an eye blink, Zzzzzt! Following the lightning trail, chain explosions erupted, cleaving the forest in two. It was as if a dragon had just released its breath. Truly, a strike befitting a Dragon yer of the future. "Kuh! She certainly knows how to make a grand entrance." At that moment, a mixture of awe and admiration flowed from the mouth of Red Wall Ragnod, who had been watching the scene unfold. "Let''s go." Zap! Apanied by a thunderbolt, Rain''s figure shot towards the opened ck Forest. "She''s always the first one in." Whoosh! Trailing her, the task force quickly caught up. Their pace would be challenging for average people, yet none of them showed signs of struggle. If they couldn''t match this speed, they wouldn''t be part of the task force to begin with. How far had they ventured into the forest? Just when the path that Rain had sted open began to close, Crack! With an uncanny sound, the forest ahead started to tremble. Soon, two monstrous beasts that resembled wolves but were even more grotesque emerged. Evil beasts. Creatures that were exclusive to the ck Forest, each one surpassing the abilities of typical monsters. Screech! The evil beasts charged, blurring their outlines, and in an instant were right before Rain. Just as they were about to pounce on Rain, "I told you not to charge ahead." Boom! With a gruff voice, Ragnod leapt from behind her, sending all the evil beasts flying. His now glowing-red body was covered in tattoos. "The front line is my territory." His appearance truly matched the Red Wall. And before the scattered evil beasts even hit the ground, Swish! A silver sh descended from the sky. The evil beasts were sliced into pieces by the sh. Where the dismembered bodies of the beasts fell, Hart already stood, his crescent-shaped twin swords in hand. Despite all this, the pace of the advance didn''t slow down. However, it seemed this was just the beginning. Creak, creak! Dozens of evil beasts sprang out from both sides of the forest, apanied by continual sounds. And with this, the actual battlemenced. Roaaar! The blue mes of Ka, like a me magician, filled the air, consuming all the nearby evil beasts. Screech! The evil beasts, seemingly shielded by the ck Forest, kept moving even after being hit directly by the mes potent enough to melt iron. "Ka, cover me." As if he had foreseen the scenario, the middle-aged knight standing next to Ka swung his hefty halberd. Crash! The evil beasts caught on the de of the halberd were literally pulverized. On the other side, the charging evil beasts were deftly eliminated by Lian, stationed right next to Rain, and a scarred elf mercenary exhibiting extraordinary swordsmanship. Could it be urate that they had been close friends since their youth? The task force, particrly the Chilgeol, exhibited wless synchronization as if they were performing a rehearsed routine, all without exchanging a word. ''When will it happen?'' As the task force was decimating the evil beasts and advancing, Zion was vigntly scanning the forest from the rear, waiting for something. This ''ck Forest'' was peculiarly eerie. The forest seemed to behave like a single, gigantic organism, perpetually shifting and shuddering. As evidence, the path that Rain Dranir had earlier sted open was now refilled to the extent that no traces remained. And what Zion was anticipating was rted to this. Then, Chirp! A massive evil beast, resembling a bat, rocketed from the dense forest, where light failed to prate, directly towards Zion. The evil beast charged with a speed that far exceeded those that had emerged so far. Its velocity was such that even the scarred elf in close proximity couldn''t react appropriately. But Zion seemed prepared, casually stepping aside to evade the attack. Subsequently, Zion grasped the empty space behind the swiftly passing evil beast with his hand. At that instant, Thump. Like a marite severed from its strings, the movement of the evil beast ceased, and it plummeted to the ground. Without sparing a nce at the fallen beast, Zion absorbed the ck star that had orbited his hand. All the evil beasts in this forest were connected to the ''evil'' at its core. Hence, these lower-ranking evil beasts could be easily neutralized by severing their connection with the ''evil'' using the ck star, a power that negates everything. ''But it will be challenging once we reach the forest''s heart.'' Then, "What... how did you aplish that?" Ka, who had been observing the scene, asked Zion, ring at him skeptically. Although Zion had demonstrated his ability to defend himself, her suspicion had deepened. Because what just transpired was far from ordinary. "You''re asking how I did it, you say..." Just as Ka was about to question Zion again... Roaaaaar! With a roar that reverberated through the entire forest, a gargantuan evil beast appeared before them. Its body, swathed in jet-ck fur, stood on two legs. Its pointed snout was bristling with razor-sharp teeth, akin to saw des. Could it be due to their proximity to the forest''s core? A chilling aura, distinct from the evil beasts encountered So far, emanated from the beast''s body. "Form up." Rain issued the tranquilmand with an unruffled gaze. Crash! As if this wasn''t the climax, the forest began to convulse and the ground beneath trembled. No, the forest wasn''t merely convulsing - it was transforming. ck trees sprouted from the barren ground, forcing the earth to shift. As a result, thendscape was fragmenting, splitting, and rearranging. ''Has it begun?'' Simultaneously, Zion cast his gaze upward. "st it, stay close, don''t get pulled apart!" Ragnod spat out a curse and issued a warning, aware that separation would lead to their swift defeat. But this forest refused to obey their will. Screaaaam! The evil beast, disying a terrifying speed that belied its massive size, suddenly appeared before the task force and swiped its front paw. Naturally, the force of the strike created a distance as they evaded it. Creak! As if lying in wait for this moment, trees started sprouting in the newly created gaps and thendscape began to warp. The majority of the task force dodged the warp with superhuman agility and reformed their ranks. "This sted...!" But some couldn''t. Individuals caught up in the warp vanished behind the trees in a sh. Among them, Zion was included. How much time had psed? Zion finally studied the forest where the warping had ceased. ''Given that I can''t sense any presence, it seems I''ve been flung a great distance.'' Although he had foreseen the warp and could have dodged it, Zion opted not to. His n involved separating from the group. His destination was the ''sealing ground,'' but he had another matter to address beforehand. "st it." A small curse emanated from nearby. Soon, the figure of Hart, the lightning sword, with an annoyed expression, came into Zion''s view. He must have been ensnared in the warp too. "Why of all..." Hart, casting a disgruntled look at Zion, clicked his tongue and began to move to locate the others. "This isplicated." "Why? Because you can''t assassinate Rain Dranir?" Zion quietly rebutted Hart''s grumbling. Stiffly. At that, Hart''s movements stopped. "What do you mean by that?" Hart inquired, slowly turning his gaze towards Zion. His eyes were frosty. "You understand better than anyone." Meeting Hart''s icy gaze, Zion offered a slight smile. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 15: The Black Forest (6) Chapter 15: The ck Forest (6) "Damn... Hart!" With a loud crash, Ragnod deflected the massive dark hand shooting towards him. Only moments before, Hart and another member of their team had disappeared into the morphing forest. The sinister hands rose up immediately, preventing them from going after theirpanions. "I can''t believe that shorty was the one who disappeared with him." "Hey, pay attention!" Thinking of Zion, Ka yelled at the distracted Ragnod, her magic continuing to ze forth. With a massive eruption, her mes burst forth, proving the public opinion correct - her magical prowess was indeed on par with Chilgeol. Her fierce mes scorched everything around them, even incinerating the dark hands reaching towards them. Her fire was more potent than the pale mes she had conjured earlier. Ignis Chain. Her hands sent out another stream of mes, extending like a whip and wrapping around the massive hand of darkness. The hand twisted and squirmed, releasing a pained screech andshing against the fiery chain. But, their team wouldn''t just stand there watching. A woman with a noticeable scar moved with the graceful agility of a fairy, darting to the rear of the dark hand. In an odd angle, she thrust her sword deep into the creature''s skin, tougher than any steel. At the same time, Lian and a middle-aged knight charged forward, as if they had nned it beforehand. With a loud grunt, they swung their weapons, each slicing off a leg of the dark hand. Unable to keep its bnce, the hand of darkness toppled backward. And as it fell, the figure of Rain, who had leaped high into the air, appeared in its sight. Her hand pulled back, holding a spear that zed not with blue but white-hot lightning. Thunder Dragon sh. In the instant Rain''s arm propelled forward, a bolt of lightning came crashing down from the sky. Without resistance, the lightning bolt sted through the dark hand''s head, burrowing into the ground. With a resounding thud, the now headless body of the dark hand hit the ground. Rainnded next to the defeated hand, quietly contemting as he stared at the lifeless form. "What a nuisance." With a grunt, Ragnod, now standing next to Rain, gave the fallen monster a frustrated kick. He then turned to Rain. "What''s the n? Should we go after them?" Even though he didn''t specify who he was talking about, everyone present understood his question. Rain shook her head in silence. "No, we need to keep moving forward." Her fists tightened at her own words. She wanted to search for the missing members, but wandering aimlessly in the forest would likely result in all of them getting lost - or worse. They could only hope that the separated members would survive until they could regroup. ''And if Hart is with Zion... they might have a chance.'' Remembering Zion''s unusual ability to absorb the malice, Rain held onto this thought. She chose not to ask Zion about his power, aware of the traitor among them and not wanting to reveal her suspicion. Rain believed that Zion''s power might be the opposite of the malice infesting the forest. "Alright. I understand." Recognizing the difficulty of Rain''s decision, the others didn''t challenge her. They started tending to their wounds and preparing to move forward. Rain''s gaze lingered on herpanions, filled with uncertainty. ''None of them could be the traitor.'' Ever since the attack on the lord''s castle, suspicion had tainted her trust in those around her. Yet, she couldn''t help but dismiss these doubts. Lian had been like family to her since childhood, and Ragnod, Ka, and Hart were old friends. She refused to believe any of them could betray her. ''I have to think positively.'' With that resolve, Rain began to trudge deeper into the Sechaman Forest. Hart of Chilgeol, known as one of the rising stars of the northern empire and the second son of the Sidmael family - a noble house that ruled the north alongside the Dranir family. But there was another, unknown aspect to his identity. He was a high-ranking member of the Purification Sect, serving the ''Evil'' of the ck Forest. "No... how?" The usual easy-going demeanor of Hart turned somber. He didn''t deny his association with the Purification Sect. The moment he looked into Zion''s eyes, he knew his secret was out. "Who else knows?" Hart quickly shifted the topic, deeming the ''how'' irrelevant at this point. "Only me, for now." Zion met Hart''s eyes, his own gaze rxed yet intense. "Is that so? Are you shrewd or just reckless?" Even with his secretid bare, Hart maintained his calm demeanor, continuing his walk through the forest. Uncovering Hart''s hidden identity, which had eluded everyone else, was indeed sharp. Yet revealing it here, alone in the forest with him, seemed like folly. "Do you not fear I might kill you? Or perhaps..." A hint of incredulous amusement colored Hart''s expression. "Do you think you can escape from me?" The notion of Zion confronting him directly hadn''t crossed Hart''s mind. Zion remained silent in response to Hart''s queries. Drawing closer to Zion, Hart continued his discourse. "Do you know this? The ''One'' we serve was not originally dubbed ''evil''." He was merely superior to others, wielding a power beyond theirprehension. "But humans, in their ignorance, branded the ''One'' as evil, banishing him to this forest, simply because his power was beyond their grasp." Zion knew this was not the truth. The entity they worshipped had gathered more than its share of ill repute. Yet Zion was uncertain if they genuinely held such a belief. "We await the day when ''He'' will break his seal and cleanse this world." Swish- Hart''s twin swords, slightly curved at their tips, smoothly slid out of their sheaths. "Our duty as members of the Purification Sect is to eliminate any vermin obstructing ''His'' path." His words came to an end. With a swift kick off the ground, Hart vanished from his spot, reappearing before Zion in an instant. Then, Swish, swish, swish! A flurry of silver shes filled the air. Hart was known as the sh Sword, a moniker bestowed due to his blindingly swift de, so quick that his opponents failed to see iting. By the time the silver sh had urred, his opponent''s life was typically at its end. This rule seemed to hold true in this instance. No, it was wless. The unique charge that triggered mana to explode from the soles of his feet was even more satisfying than usual. The strike he unleashed towards Zion, who stood still seemingly oblivious to his movements, was impably executed. And yet, why? Why on earth? Crack! Hart could notprehend why his own arm was now soaring through the air. Thud! His right arm, still clutching the sword, hit the ground with a thud. Perhaps it was the sheer unexpectedness of this situation. "This is..." As Hart stared in shock at his severed arm, Zion''s calm voice wafted through the silence. "You made two mistakes." Only as he unconsciously turned towards Zion did Hart trulyprehend. "First, you assumed that I am weaker than you." Why hadn''t he realized sooner? Those eyes, appearing dull, as if veiled in fog. "Secondly, you held back, failing to strike me with your full strength from the onset." It finally dawned on him that thosenguid eyes were, in fact, the gaze of a being looking down upon everything from an untouchable height. Step by step. As Zion leisurely made his way toward Hart, the twirling ck Star began to flicker in his eyes. It was true that Zion, in his current state, couldn''t be entirely certain of victory against Hart of Chilgeol, but that didn''t mean he was without a fighting chance. Especially against an adversary who was this unprepared. "This..." A chill ran down Hart''s spine, the unsettling sensation growing stronger, like darkness emanating from Zion. "You... wretched bastard!" Finally sumbing to the oppressive aura, Hart charged toward Zion, his fearpelling him to attack first. Escape was futile. Hart''s instincts screamed at him, leaving him with one path to follow. Bang! The air exploded as Hart hurtled toward Zion, faster than ever before. Screech! His remaining sword glowed with a lethal aura, sharp enough to tear the fabric of space itself. One gleaming arc of light shot towards Zion. Moonlight. A technique passed down through the Sidmael family, fabled to have once cleaved the moon itself. As the secret twin-sword technique, only the family''s sessor could wield it. ''With this...'' They say a crisis triggers evolution. As Moonlight unfurled, more perfectly executed than any other stroke he had previously dealt, a glimmer of desperate hope lit up Hart''s face. However, "One more mistake." Zion''s hand leisurely extended towards the radiant arc. Ink me. Darkness poured forth from Zion''s hand, kindling into me. The moment it made contact with Hart''s sword, it consumed the condensed moonlight entirely. "!!!!!!!" Shock seared through Hart at the sight unfolding before him, leaving him at a loss for words. Boom! With ease, Zion knocked aside Hart''s sword, now reduced to mere steel, and closed the distance to his adversary in a heartbeat. "You should have fled immediately." The next blow was swift and lethal. Zion''s other hand, already drawn back, plunged into Hart''s chest, shattering his heart. Crack! "Ah...." Blood-tinged breath escaped Hart''s lips as he gazed at his own skewered chest. His body began to topple backward. Victory was Zion''s from the moment Hart lost his arm. Even though the attack had exceeded his usual skill, Hart was limited by the execution of a dual-sword technique with only one hand. Zion wasn''t going to miss such a ring weakness. "Cough! Heh¡­ You really had me fooled." As death encroached and blood spewed from his mouth, Hart managed an emptyugh, locking eyes with Zion looming over him. "But... you can''t stop us. There''s still¡­" "Another one, you say?" ".....!" Hart''s eyes widened in rm at Zion''s indifferent murmur. "I already know." "How could¡­!" Crack! Before Hart could finish his sentence, Zion silenced him permanently, crushing his head. Zion briefly surveyed Hart''s lifeless form, his gaze void of any discernible emotion. With one of the Chilgeol and a Purification Sect executive eliminated, Zion lifted his gaze to the sky. ''I must act swiftly.'' Zion gazed up, his eyes piercing through the evil cover of the ck Forest. What met his sight was a night sky that had silently taken hold. By this time, Rain would have advanced closer to the heart of the forest. Before she confronted the ''evil'' awaiting there, there was something he had to do. ''Is it this direction?'' Based on his knowledge from the ancient chronicles and the celestial cues he had just observed, Zion set his course. The Grey Marsnds. Zion''s current destination was a solitary ''true'' sealed area concealed within the forest. It was here where the hero and the ''evil'' first shed many centuries ago. And it was here where the key resided, the key that would grant Zion the power to wee a new ally. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 16: The Black Forest (7) Chapter 16: The ck Forest (7) Evil Energy. A unique force, different from the usual magic or energy that monsters use. Its source was a mystery, but it was definitely rare and odd. Only a few people could use this energy, ording to the Frosimar book that Zion had read. Hssss- Zion was on his way to the grey swamp, using the ck Forest''s evil energy to glide through the darkness. Dark flow. Merging. Krrrk? Creatures, unaware of Zion passing overhead, looked around puzzled. He wouldn''t be able to reach the heart of the forest, but luckily, the grey swamp he was heading for was close to the edge. How far had hee? A sight he had never seen in the ck Forest came into view. ''I think I''m here.'' The grey swamp. Although the ck Forest was as dark as if all light had been swallowed, everything in this ce¡ªthe swamp, the grass growing in it, the trees around it¡ªhad a grey tone. The evil energy was fading here. Zion stared at the huge stone pir rising from the center of the swamp. ''Is that it?'' The Evil Spirit Control Pir. That pir, covered in writing that was hard to read, was the key that Rain''s ancestor used to lock up ''Evil'' long ago. It was a masterpiece of magic used for sealing, filled with a power that was hard to describe as just ''strong''. Why it was here, and not in the middle of the ck Forest, was a mystery. ording to the books, this pir would be used by the heroes who woulde here in the future to lock up the ''Evil'' again. So, Zion knew about this pir too. What Zion needed was the stone, or more specifically, the top-notch sealing magic inside it. Thump! Without any doubt, Zion stepped on the swamp and quickly moved toward the pir. That''s when it happened. Swoosh! The swamp started to bubble, and dozens of hands reached out from it, aiming for Zion. They were leftovers from the brutal fight between the previous hero and the Evil, as well as remnants of ghosts locked up in the Evil Spirit Control Pir. Pffft! As if he knew it would happen, Zion spun in the air, easily dodging, and shot toward the pir even faster. "Huh." With that, Zion took a deep breath, pulling back his hand as if drawing a bowstring. The moment a ck star energy swirled at the tip of Zion''s hand. Kwaaaack! Something enormous jumped out of the swamp in front of him. A hideous creature with dozens of arms across its body. It seemed to pop up when Zion sidestepped its grasp. As all of the creature''s arms lunged at Zion. Tooung! As if waiting for this, Zion''s hand, where the ck star energy was at its peak, surged forward. Like ripples across a pond. Krrk? The darkness that began from Zion''s hand quickly spread through the air. Kwajjjjjik! It began to demolish the iling arms and the creature in the path. The remnants disintegrated without even getting a chance to screech. Zion was nearly at the second level of ck star energy, and shards that weren''t even phantoms couldn''t possibly block him. Uuuuung! Had it sensed it was about to be used? As Zion stood before the creature''s remains, the pir''s inscriptions began to shine with a resonating hum. Just as Zion, studying the pir, took something from his chest. Hwaaaaaack! The sky above the heart of the ck Forest. A massive wave of evil energy erupted from there. Unlike before, an overpowering evil energy that momentarily rocked the whole forest. "It''s started." Zion''s eyes began to glow softly at this sight. [BREAK] The ck Forest was much more expansive and profound than it appeared from the outside. Kiiaaaaak! "Three from the top!" "I see them!" Tooung! At least those who were part of the cleanup team had been painfully aware of this since they entered the forest. Was it because the colossal evil spirits were on guard? The power of the evil spirits that followed was unimaginable. The earlier evil spirits were a piece of cake, to put it lightly. Kwaaaack! Evil spirits charging even after a full-force hit from Ragnod. Even though their heads were all skewered by the spear that Rain threw, their faces were stern. ''How much farther do we have to go....'' The unending forest. The ''evil'' they were supposed to eradicate was still out of sight, and they were slowly running out of steam. Injuries were piling up, and strength was ebbing from their arms and legs. The forest seemed to be continuously opening its pitch-ck mouth to devour them. "Is Hart... still alive?" "Don''t chat and clear the path in front!" Ka, cutting off Ragnod''s murmurings, emanated heat all around. But she, or rather most here, had a hunch. That it would be very tough for the two who fell here to survive in a ce even they found challenging. Zhezhezhezhek! "We just need to push a bit further." Rain, who split three evil spirits with a single lightning strike, spoke while looking ahead. Her body bore numerous injuries, but her eyes were glowing more than ever. ''It''s near.'' Could it be that the blood of an ancestor who once battled the ''evil'' in this forest was resonating? Rain instinctively felt that her sought-after target, the one she yearned to dismantle, was close. How much further did they press into the forest? "Stop." The Scarred Fairy, leading the way, abruptly came to a stop. "...We shouldn''t proceed." A fairy''s senses are typically far sharper than those of an untrained human. Something had caught her senses. Moreover, her eyes were rapidly flickering. "What?" "If we continue, we''ll die...." The moment the fairy began to retreat with those words. Drrrrr! The ck trees, densely enclosing the squad, began to retract in unison. Along with the trees, the evil spirits also retreated, revealing arge clearing. Atst, in the center of the clearing. It was visible. "Are we toote?" On a colossal stone bathed in moonlight. There it was, seated. Hair so ck, it appeared to absorb the moonlight itself. In contrast, blood-red eyes stared at them, sending shivers down their spines. A woman whose beauty and eeriness surpassed any they had encountered before. "....Evil." Rain''s voice, filled with determination, echoed as she eyed the woman. "Who is evil? Surely not me?" The woman, seemingly genuinely puzzled, pointed at herself with wide eyes. "Why am I considered evil?" As she spoke, the woman stepped off the stone and slowly began to approach the squad. Were they captivated? They couldn''t tear their eyes away from her movements. The woman seemed amused, ncing at Rain and her team. "I merely did what I desired." The woman genuinely did notprehend. Everyone has desires, and everyone seeks to fulfill those desires. So she merely indulged in hers. The woman simply harbored the desire to kill other beings, including humans. "Everyone, snap out of it!" Fzzzt! The tiny bolt of lightning that apanied Rain''s outcry began to rouse those around her. "F*ck!" The squad cursed, forcefully regaining their senses. Though they had recovered, they trembled, sensing a wave of despair radiating from the woman. "...Is that truly the sealed entity?" "Yes, it might appear so, but it''s currently unable to utilize most of its power." If they don''t eliminate it here and now, even this tiny window of opportunity will evaporate. That was Rain''s thought. So, with trembling hands, she firmly grasped her spear. "Everyone, form a li...." Whumph! The sound of a human body being impaled. Rain, who, despite being a noble''s daughter, had spent her childhood as a mercenary and was well-acquainted with battlefields, recognized the sound instantly. Following the sound, Rain''s gaze slowly shifted to its source. Then, "...Ragnod?" A bizarre sight met her eyes. Ragnod''s throat had been impaled from behind by a de. And the individual clutching the hilt of that de was none other than Lian. "Uggh, erk!" Unable to utterprehensible words, Ragnod spat out bloody froth, and his breathing ceased. A hollow, unexpected demise for a man who had once reigned over the North. Everyone stood petrified, faced with a scenario no one could have foreseen. Everyone, except for Lian. Swoosh! Whether it had been his intention all along or not, Lian rapidly assaulted and killed the unguarded middle-aged knight, then swiftly lunged at Ka. "What the...!" Though he wasn''t as agile as Hart with his sh sword, Lian was reputed for having one of the speediest swords among the seven knights. In such close proximity, there was no way Ka, a mage, could effectively guard against such an attack from Lian. Whumph! Lian''s de punctured Ka''s heart in an instant, exiting through her back. "...Cough, this deranged bastard..." Ka''s eyes, filled with disbelief, flickered between Lian and the sword impaled in her chest, then the focus in her eyes faded. "Ah..." Until that moment, Rain had remained motionless. No, she was unable to move. She couldn''t believe it. She didn''t want to believe it. What on earth had just urred? "Ah..." Her eyes became unfocused, and only meaningless sounds slipped from her lips. She was aware of a traitor. She might even have harbored a vague suspicion about Lian. But she thought that couldn''t be true. She needed to believe so. After all, Lian had been like family since a time she could barely recall. But her faith was met with betrayal. "Oh mother... Mother of all beasts..." Lian, sauntering past the stupefied Rain, slowly approached the woman. His eyes disyed more emotion than they ever had before. Tears streamed down his cheeks. "Atst... your child hase to see you." Swoosh! With those words, the tattoo of a six-headed beast was unveiled on Lian''s chest, visible through his torn clothing. He continued addressing the woman, who was observing him with inscrutable eyes. "These people dared to injure you, so I reprimanded them in your stead. And here," At the end of Lian''s pointed finger was Rain. "The primary instigator of this expedition, and a descendant of Dranir who had imprisoned you here, I present to you." With those words, Lian lowered his head before the woman. In the meantime, the scarred fairy had vanished into the forest, but nobody noticed. She would merely get lost in the forest and meet her end anyway. "I trust you find this offering satisfactory." A sacrifice. Lian was proposing Rain as a sacrificial offering. The woman quietly observed the back of Lian''s head for a moment. The subsequent words that fell from her lips took Lian aback. "I''m not pleased?" "Beg your pardon?" Taken by surprise by her wholly unexpected response, Lian lifted his head, his eyes flickering with confusion. "Why are you killing my prey without my permission? And..?" Before he knew it, he saw the woman creepily smiling at him. "I''ve never had a child like you." At that moment- Kwajik! Lian''s head is gone. His head vanished without a trace as if he had been bitten by a giant beast. The woman''s red eyes looked at Lian''s corpse for a while and began to turn towards Rain, who was still standing dazed. --- Raei Trantions --- "We must flee!" Those were the words of the scarred fairy who, while making her way towards the heart of the forest, chanced upon Zion. "Everyone... they''re all gone. The spectacled man betrayed us." The fairy uttered with a half-dazed expression. ''Is this the finale?'' From this, Zion could guess that Lian, another double-agent mingling with the expedition, hadmenced his move. The demise of hisrades due to Lian''s treachery. It was Rain Dranir''s trial. A test to awaken as a bona fide Dragon yer. That''s why Zion, despite having prior knowledge, refrained from interfering. "And that woman... she''s no creature for humans to reckon with." The fairy shivered, as if the mere recollection of her was a formidable task. It wasn''t merely a matter of the expedition team being outnumbered. Whether the expedition teamprised a hundred or a thousand members was irrelevant. She was beyond the scope of what humanity could handle. "There''s no time to dawdle. We must escape now!" "No." Zion shook his head at the fairy''s desperate plea. "This is an even better scenario." Zion''s eyes shone with what seemed like enjoyment. The more powerful and formidable the adversary, the more challenging the circumstances, the more Zion relished the situation. The euphoria of eventually oveing and subduing it was indescribable. This joy had long since vanished in his original world, but since arriving in this new world, he had been re-experiencing it. "I hope she''s better than I expected." Zion''s eyes, gazing towards the heart of the forest, zed with intense anticipation. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 17: The Black Forest (8) Chapter 17: The ck Forest (8) From the moment I was born, a hunger gnawed at me, a thirst to kill. At first, I didn''t know I was different. Not until a seer told me of my fate - ''Heavens'' ughter''. A fate marking my path from birth. I epted it. There was no rejection. No need for it. Why turn away from something that gave me such joy? Even when that fate turned me into an enemy of the world, when it led to my sealing, I felt no regret. How many did I kill? Thousands? Or perhaps tens of thousands? "Are you a descendant of Dranir?" A woman stepped on the remains of Lian, headless and gone. She was nearing Rain. The Church of Purification, its followers, including Lian who had worshipped her, meant less to her than dust. She never had a hand in creating the Church of Purification. Humans made their own religion, idolizing her. To her, humans were only prey, whether they followed the Church or not. "Hmm... You don''t seem to be," she finally said, scanning Rain top to bottom with her glowing red eyes, her head tilted to one side. "You''re too weak for that." A blow to one''s pride, but Rain did not react. Was she frozen with fear? Or was she rejecting reality? Losing everything built up to this point was too much, even for someone as mentally strong as Rain. "Boring." The woman lost interest. She turned her gaze toward Ruin, where the Purification Festival was still going on. "Do you know? After I kill you, I''m going to destroy that city." Rain''s finger twitched. "I''ve been holding back for so long. So I''m very hungry." But it wasn''t food she craved. It was the satisfying rush of ending a life. "Hmm... I wonder if one city will be enough?" As she said that, her hunger red up again. Crack! A spark of lightning shed in Rain''s eyes. "Huh?" Confusion flickered in the woman''s eyes. Crackling! Dozens of lightning bolts fell from the sky, striking the woman. At the same moment, Rain shouted, "You damn creature!" and hurled her spear at the woman, now covered in lightning. Thunder Dragon Spear. A spear glowing hot-white in a storm of immense lightning. In an instant, it pierced the woman''s heart. But it wasn''t enough. Crackling! Lightning erupted, nketing the field in a brilliant white. Rain, her spear wrapped in a storm,unched another strike at the woman. ''I must stop her.'' The city of Ruin was her home, her family and friends lived there. She couldn''t lose them too. She had to stop this ''evil'', by any means. There was no room for fear. "So you''vee to your senses?" The woman grinned at Rain''s charge. Struggling prey amused her. The more they fought, the sweeter the despair when they fell. Growl! The woman''s pierced chest bubbled and warped into a hideous beast''s head. It sprang forward, gulping down the lightning Rain hurled at it. ''If I collide, I''ll die.'' The feeling sent a shiver down Rain''s spine. Using her momentum, she twisted to the side. The attack grazed her shoulder and whooshed past. Crack! From her skewed stance, Rain thrust her spear towards the woman, faster than before. Rain''s spear, gleaming with white lightning, followed a beautiful arc, aiming for the woman''s head. But as it was about to pierce through... Snap! The beast''s mouth from the woman''s shoulder snapped at Rain''s spear. The spear, forged of ck iron, known to be one of the toughest materials, broke. And as if that wasn''t enough... Snap, snap, snap, snap! Many beast mouths popped up around the broken spear, rushing towards Rain. Yet... Crack! Rain was gone. Her figure disappeared with a streak of lightning and reappeared high up in the night sky. ''I have to end this with one blow.'' Rain knew it. She knew that this was herst chance to kill the monster while she couldn''t use her full strength due to the seal. She had to strike before her power faded further, while the monster was still off guard. That''s why Rain threw everything into her attack. Crackling! Dozens of lightning bolts fell from the sky, gathered in her hand, forming a spear. A spear not of metal, but of pure lightning. "Please...!" In a prayer to a god she didn''t believe in, Rain gathered all her waning strength, pulling back the spear of lightning. The air around her tensed. "¡­Oh." The woman, finally looking up, let out a sigh of admiration as she watched the white lightning fill the sky. -------------! The forest ignited. The darkness, brought about by the intense evil energy, suddenly evaporated, reced by a world alight in white. As the sh of lightning faded, Rain plummeted from the sky in the ensuing silence. "Cough!" With a violent cough, red blood poured from her mouth. She crashed into the ground, unable to control her fall. The Beginning. A technique she could hardly execute in her current state. The consequences of forcing its use were inevitable. ''She is¡­.'' Struggling, Rain turned her head, ncing at the ce where the woman once stood. In her sight, nothing but remnants of the woman remained. ''It''s done. This is enough.'' Just as Rain was about to sigh in relief and surrender to the darkness... "You can''t use your full strength because of the seal." A chilling voice pierced her ears. "This is yourst chance to kill her. So you mustered all your strength now, while she''s off guard... You thought that, didn''t you?" The voice echoed from the direction she was looking. An impossibly grotesque sight met Rain''s eyes. The scattered remnants were pulling themselves together. Crunch, crunch, crunch! Bones righted themselves, organs reunited, and skin covered them. "Do you know something?" Hair growing rapidly from the scalp reached down to the waist, and red eyes red at Rain from the hollowed-out sockets. "The seal was broken a long time ago." A distant past. The moment the woman''s seal was undone. That she had been immobile until now was nothing but a whim. However, even that was nearing its end. Today''s events prompted the woman to make her return to the world. "From the beginning, there was no chance of you winning." From the fully regenerated woman, six monstrous heads emerged, and with them, blood-red eyes began to fill the sky. A fragment of the true form of the woman once deemed the most monstrous. "Ah¡­" Despair seeped into Rain''s eyes. This wasn''t something a human could face. How had her ancestors managed to seal such a creature? Roar! A beast''s head shot out from the woman, charging at Rain, its maw gaping open. Rain should have dodged, but due to the recoil of the overused technique, she couldn''t lift a finger. Her vision blurred. ''Father.'' Just as the beast''s head reached her, its maw ready to consume her. Whoosh- An abyssal darkness descended around Rain. Not the darkness born from the malevolent energy of the ck forest. It was a distinct, ominous, and alien darkness. Crack! This profound darkness crushed the beast''s head, simultaneously enshrouding Rain in its protective folds. As her consciousness teetered on the edge and her eyes began to close. She saw him. "Am I not toote?" Zion stood tall, darkness swirling around his form. --- Raei Trantions --- Zion studied the unconscious Rain Dranir, her body limp. ''This should suffice.'' Originally in the Chronicle of Frosimar, after further devastation of the city of Ruin, Rain Dranir survives by the woman''s whim, awakening as a dragon yer after witnessing the cataclysm. But Zion had no intention of letting it progress to that point. His ns wouldn''t allow it. "I remember telling you that you would die if you came." A voice echoed in Zion''s ear. Turning towards the source of the voice, he saw six monstrous heads and a sky filled with red eyes. All eyes were fixed on Zion. The malevolent energy pouring from them was suffocating. Zion knew the woman''s identity. Liushina Bloodwalker. Two centuries ago, she manifested in this world and was dubbed the most powerful and sinister witch. The entity responsible for the most human deaths singlehandedly. One of humanity''s primary foes, she bore many titles - Queen of Evil, a one-woman army, Mother of Beasts, and countless others. But one moniker stood out. The Witch of Heavenly Murder. A mid-boss of the Chronicle of Frosimar, fated to be sealed once more by the hero''s party after awakening as the ''Witch of the Apocalypse''ter. She was beyond the reach of an unawakened Rain Dranir and Chilgol. She was such a being that even the future hero''s party could not kill her, only seal her. The notion of a mere extermination team defeating her wasughable. "Was my warning not clear enough?" Liushina, edging closer to Zion. Her smile, as mesmerizing and eerie as the first time he saw it. "Why should I heed your words?" Zion responded, a slight smirk ying on his lips. "Because otherwise, I''ll kill you?" "Really? I had no intention to kill you." "...What?" For the first time, uncertainty flickered in Liushina''s eyes. It was not just surprising, but utterly absurd. He spoke as if he could surely kill her, yet he did not n to do so. However,pared to the words that next tumbled from Zion''s lips, that was a mere shockwave. "From this day, you serve under me." "..." In the present circumstance, such a deration could only be seen as madness. But Zion was earnest. Because from the outset, ''Liushina Bloodwalker'' was a part of the ''move'' Zion had nned. That was why he undertook such a perilous journey, and why he ventured into the ck Forest. The Witch of Heavenly Murder in front of him held that much value. He was indifferent to her temperament, the powers she wielded, or how many lives she had imed in the past. To Zion, a subordinate was simply a tool, nothing more, nothing less. Therefore, he was willing to enlist even a demon if it proved useful. Initially, he had considered Rain Dranir, but chose not to interfere because Rain was destined to be apanion of the hero. "...Kahahahaha!" Laughter erupted from Liushina, who had been gazing nkly at Zion. But her eyes betrayed her difort. "I am to serve you?" The malevolent energy circting around Liushina began to surge exponentially. The power was so overwhelming it sent shivers down his spine. How long had it been? Since anyone dared utter such words in her presence. "Alright then... Let''s see if you can make me serve you." Craaack! With these words, the beast heads sprouting from her body coalesced into one and lunged straight at Zion. An attack so all-epassing that it dominated the surrounding space and left no room for evasion. "..." Zion watched the onught of the beast heads with calm eyes. Just as the beast''s head was about to shred him. Ping! Zion extracted something from his bosom and tossed it into the air. A small stone marked with intricate runes. Soon after. Fwaaahhh! Brilliant light exploded from the runes, swallowing both Zion and Liushina. The spirit-binding spell attached to the gravestone in the grey swamp that Zion had visited earlier. Zion had transferred this spell into a high-grade spell storage stone he had received from Nari and triggered it here. The spell was so immense and intricate that he only managed to bring the core part, but that was enough. Waaaaaah! Feeling a force grip and tug at his hair, he was pulled into somewhere else. His vision flickered uncontrobly. How much time had passed? A sight starkly different from the forest he was in just a moment ago came into focus as Zion''s vision stabilized. ''It activated correctly.'' A realm awash in monotonous grey. Trees, air, water. In this deste world where nothing else existed, only Zion and Liushina stood. Soul Extinction Grand Array. An immense spell previously wielded by the Dranir hero to seal the Witch of Heavenly Murder. A formidable incantation that secludes only the souls of the caster and the target in an isted realm. That spell was being reignited here. However. "So¡­ you ce your faith in that?" Liushina''s eyes brimmed with derision as she surveyed the ashen world entrapping her. Gradually, the witch''s gaze swiveled to Zion. "Do you realize? The moment you trespassed into the forest, I became privy to every step you took." She couldn''t have been oblivious. The ck Forest was akin to her own entity. That was why she had grasped Zion''s strategy. Even the act of translocating the sealing spell from the swamp spirit to the storage stone. "But have you wondered why I chose to turn a blind eye?" Because it was a useless exercise. "The Soul Extinction Grand Array you rely on is not fundamentally a sealing spell." Thud Thud Thud! The world of grey shuddered at Liushina''s words. "It''s a magic that obliterates the soul of the adversary, using the caster''s soul as a form of coteral. If the caster''s soul does not outweigh that of the opponent''s, it''s useless." So, even the hero of Dranir, one of the most potent entities in the bygone world, could only seed in sealing Liushina, not annihting her. Centuries have since psed, and her soul has burgeoned in strength. Who could possibly obliterate her? No, even a partial seal was imusible. That''s why she disregarded the demonic spirits and merely observed. Because there was a certain amusement in watching the futile struggles of insects before crushing them. Poohahahahak! Liushina''s malevolent energy erupted, as if the constraints no longer mattered, transforming the entire grey world into a crimson abyss. Within it, thousands of beast heads and tens of thousands of scarlet eyes manifested. If evil deities were existent in mythology, they might resemble this. "Can your soul truly overpower mine?" The millennial witch gazed down at Zion, his head lowered, her smile as crimson as fresh blood. The answer to her inquiry was preordained. At least, that''s what Liushina believed. Then. "Well." Aposed voice emanated from Zion. The emotion mirrored in Zion''s eyes as he slowly lifted his head was neither disorientation nor trepidation. tion. A look of unbridled delight, despite the dire circumstances. "So now, I shall put it to the test." Zion proimed. Ever since he was thrust into the world of the chronicles, he had always been intrigued by one question. Was he, trapped in the body of Zion Agnes, truly the Emperor who once reigned over the world? Or was he merely an impotent prince who had inherited the Emperor''s memories? Had his soul genuinely relinquished all its potency? This realm was a dimension where only the soul held sway, bereft of corporeal influence. Consequently, Zion held faith that he could unearth his answer within these confines. A world entirely transfigured into a crimson abyss by the evil energy. In such a realm. Drip drip. A veil of darkness began to descend. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Chapter 18: The Black Forest (9) Chapter 18: The ck Forest (9) The world''s brightness seemed to fade. As if ck ink had been spilled on a bright painting. When Zion''sst word was spoken, the world of the obliteration array, painted red with wicked energy, turned dark. That was how Liushina saw it. "A test? You''re testing me?" sheughed, thinking it was a silly joke. It made sense given the vast power difference between herself and Zion. Two hundred years ago, she had already touched the brink of the ''sky'', and her power had grown since then. Compared to her, this man named Zion Harness might be unusually skilled for his age, but his power was enough to take down a bug, and nothing more. To her, he seemed like a helpless, squirming bug. "I had ns not to kill you for a bit because your power is unique... But if you''re trying to provoke me, then you''ve done well." The truth was, once Zion had entered the obliteration array, Liushina intended to kill him. She still felt the annoying remnants of the obliteration array, even though the seal was long gone. To get rid of this lingering trace, she thought she had to return to the array and destroy the caster, so she had dismissed the Evil Spirit Mystery. That''s also why she stayed in the forest. Zion, frozen as if he were scared, did not answer her. Liushina, looking down at him, gave a cold, cruel smile. "How many lives do you have?" One of her powerful spells, Sangria Requiem, allowed her to absorb the life energy from the blood of her victims and make it her own. She used this energy to measure the worth of her opponent''s life. With a slight pull of her hand, hundreds of surrounding beast heads formed a giant hand. Just the energy from this hand made the air ripple and twist. Suddenly. A deafening roar echoed across the world as the wolf''s head with red eyes shot towards Zion from the giant hand. The space the hand passed through broke down, unable to handle its power. Zion just watched the handing his way, unconcerned. Finally. The hand, now close enough, opened its massive jaws to swallow Zion. That''s when Liushina''s eyes narrowed with anticipation. It was just a moment. No, it was even less than a moment. The head of the hand, its jaws wide open for Zion. Liushina''s right arm that transformed into the hand. The space that held all of these. And the moment it all disappeared. "What¡­!" Liushina''s eyes filled with confusion, facing somethingpletely unexpected. What had just happened? It wasn''t sliced, devoured, or torn away. Her right arm, now a hand, had simply vanished. Without any warning. Then. "If you try to eat me, you''ll explode." Zion said, a sly grin on his face. His smile was more intimidating than anything Liushina had shown. ck Star River. The most mysterious and powerful energy in the world and Zion''s source. Zion felt the ck Star River fill him as soon as he entered the obliteration array, stretching out to every corner of this world. His senses became sharper and wider. In his mind, he managed the flood of information from it, forming hundreds of ideal ns to beat the enemy in front of him every second. The power of the ck Star Empire, once a ruler of the world. That power now fully returned to Zion''s body. At this moment, Zion already knew. Whatever his opponent did, it couldn''t beat him anymore. "...What did you do?" Liushina, swiftly restoring her right arm, stared at Zion and asked. The smile had faded from her eyes. Losing her right arm wasn''t a big issue. The problem was that Liushina couldn''t detect its disappearance. "Can''t you tell?" "How dare you..." Almost instantly, Liushina''s face twisted in anger. Did she feel insulted to be attacked by something she saw as an insect? Suddenly, tens of thousands of red eyes in the sky focused on Zion, ready to release a horrifying wave. The Evil God''s Gaze. One of Liushina''s major spells she used in her past fight with the hero of Dranir. She knew he had a trick up his sleeve, but the basic fact was that she was superior. Or so Liushina believed. A red wave filled the world inside the obliteration array, aimed only at Zion, descending on him. Zion, watching the wavee at him with calm eyes, stretched out one hand. Right after, as Zion''s hand clenched tightly. The red wave that had burst out, and the tens of thousands of red eyes that shot the wave, all disappeared from the world. As if a god erased a part of the world with a stroke. "What on earth..." Liushina''s mouth dropped open at the overpowering and baffling sight. This was already the second time. Yet, even as she witnessed it, she was at a loss to understand what had transpired. Neither magic nor martial arts. Not shamanism, nor spirit magic either. Even her eyes, seasoned by centuries, couldn''t discern the origin of this power. Then. "Do you still not understand?" A soft voice echoed in Liushina''s ears. As she turned, she found Zion standing close, a mischievous grin on his face. Kvooooom! The moment she registered this, the ws that sprouted all over her body lunged to tear Zion apart. But. Phwoooom! Her head vanished before they could reach him. Zion''s hand, now smeared with the blood from where Liushina''s head had been. Liushina''s decapitated body stumbled for a few moments. Kvooooom! As though rewinding time, the scattered flesh began to collect and rebuild her head. "This damn¡­" Halfway through the reconstruction of her head, a curse escaped her lips. Freshly formed red eyes all over her body aimed at Zion. Kvack! This time, not just her head, but her entire upper body disappeared. Kvack! Kvack! Kvooooom! What followed was a relentless assault. No, as soon as she regenerated, Zion shattered her body, not allowing a proper fight to happen. ''What on earth...!'' She couldn''t regain herposure. Her attacks were obliterated before they could fully form, and she couldn''t even understand how the opponent''s attacks were being executed. No matter how far she distanced herself, or even if she shifted through space to regenerate, Zion''s attacks followed her without break. ''How, how...'' Dread, fear, despair. Words all too familiar to Liushina. Usually, these were emotions she invoked in her adversaries. But. Kvzzzzk! Now, the tables were turned. The mounting sense of helplessness and terror. Blood magic, challenging to even begin without exceptional talent. She was experiencing these feelings for the first time since reaching the pinnacle of such potent blood magic. And in that moment. Finally, the millennium witch realized. When she had sensed a slight darkening of the world earlier. This ce had already be that man''s realm. Kvooom! As she regenerated, her eyes locked with Zion''s once again. In the gaze of that monster, the witch saw an endless whirl of ck stars. "Stop..." She might die. No, she would die. Fear welled up, and a scream-like cry escaped Liushina''s lips. Kvack! Kvooom! But Zion''s hand didn''t stop. "Stop!" "What do you mean stop? You have a multitude of lives anyway." Zion responded to the desperate plea with a smirk. Sangria Requiem. A unique spell mastered by the millennium witch, a secret technique enabling her to convert a portion of a in opponent''s life into her own. That witch still possessed thousands of lives. "How did you..." Liushina''s eyes widened in shock at Zion. Kvzzzk! Her eyes were shattered once again by Zion. It''s generally understood that vows or contracts etched into the soul cannot be broken. Direct maniption of the soul was a challenge, yet it became possible within the confines of this Obliteration Array. After all, this space was a realm where souls were the only existing entities from the beginning. Subjugation. One of the many purposes of the Obliteration Array, alongside annihtion and sealing. Zion aimed to instill absolute obedience into Liushina here. Alongside perfect fear. "Let''s just take away half for now." The darkness billowing like a me from Zion''s hand began to intensify. --- Raei Trantions --- Slowly, dawn was breaking. Zion opened his eyes and examined his body and surroundings. ''Fortunately, nothing seems to have happened.'' The vanished evil energy allowed sunlight to prate the forest, revealing Rain Dranir, still unconscious, lying on the ground. And beside her. "Heuk, heuk!" Liushina, gasping for breath and rising, came into view. ''It would have been beneficial to have a bit more time.'' With that, a hint of regret flitted through Zion''s eyes. He did manage to instill obedience in Liushina, but it wasn''t perfect. Because the Obliteration Array''s world couldn''t withstand Zion''s ck star and copsed before it. ''But this isn''t bad.'' In reality, this strategy was more of a gamble for Zion. He wasn''t entirely certain if his power would return within the Obliteration Array. Yet, it was a risk worth taking to acquire the allegiance of a millennium witch. Liushina was among the mightiest of the beings in this world. Should she awaken as the ''Witch of the End'', she would be potent enough to confront all the warriors alone. However, that scenario would not y out, thanks to Zion''s intervention. "I lost. I was utterly defeated." In the meantime, Liushina, who had regained her breath, looked at Zion and spoke in a hollow tone. Externally, nothing seemed to have changed, yet she could sense the mark of obedience vividly etched deep into her soul. Even though it was a deeply humiliating experience, Liushina felt more relief about emerging from the Obliteration Array than anything else. That was the extent of the terror Zion inspired within it. "You''re not too bad for your level." A formidable individual to the extent that even she, who once brought the continent to its knees as the enemy of humankind, couldn''t properly evaluate. Where on earth did such a persone from? "But do keep your wits about you. One day, I''ll shatter this mark and reach for your throat." "Whenever you''re ready." Zion retorted, his eyes sparkling as though he relished the challenge. A measure of tension like this could stimte one''s vitality. "And from now on, address me as ''Master''." "¡­Very well, Master. And I have one final question." Zion nced at Liushina as if inviting her to ask. "You see, I... I have a penchant for killing." This wasn''t merely a simple desire. It was her destiny, her purpose for living. The more victims she could im, the more potent they were, the greater the thrill the witch experienced. "How many beings will I have the pleasure of killing if I follow you?" To this question, "More than you can possibly handle." Zion responded with a mischievous grin. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 19: Preparation (1) Chapter 19: Preparation (1) "How long will you stay like this?" The city ruler of Ruin and leader of the Dranir family, Richard Dranir, spoke with a heavy tone to his daughter, Rain Dranir. "......" Rain, who sat there gazing out of the window in silence, didn''t answer her father. Richard''s face grew even darker. Three days. Already three days. Rain was discovered alone, unconscious, in the middle of the ck Forest where all creatures had vanished. The signs of a fierce fight and the disappearance of the team that went with her were evident. But Richard didn''t question it. He couldn''t. His daughter had been like this ever since. "......At least have some food." Richard sighed, ncing at the pile of untouched food beside Rain, then quietly left the room. Once again, the room was filled with silence. After some time, "......It''s my fault." Rain, who had been gazing out of the window, whispered so softly it was barely heard. "I''m too weak." Everyone''s gone. The people who were with her for years, who felt closer than family, all perished that day. It wasn''t because Rain had betrayed them, or because they were outnumbered. She was too weak. Rain was simply too weak. "I need to get stronger." If she had been brave enough to go into the ck Forest by herself, strong enough to strike down the witch. Maybe then, people wouldn''t have died. "No matter what it takes." sh! A spark ignited in Rain''s empty eyes. She knew. The witch was still alive. Rain made a promise to herself that one day she would rip the witch apart with her own hands. And one man came to mind at that thought. ''Zion Harness.'' Thest person she saw before passing out was Zion Harness. A man with an unknown background and mysterious powers. What happened afterward? He was probably gone, but Rain felt that he might still be alive. ''If that''s the case, we might meet again.'' With that thought, Rain slowly started to rise from her seat. --- Raei Trantions --- Moonlight Feast, a hidden branch of ''Moon''s Eye,'' an intelligence guild situated in the capital of the Agnes Empire. Aileen, its branch manager, tapped the report lying before her. "Is this... for real?" "Yes, it is." The man with a mustache standing behind her, Allen, confirmed Aileen''s question with a nod. The report she was reading was about a nameless royal who had recently visited this branch. It outlined the paths the royal took over thest few days and gave an exact ount of his actions. "...... The ck Forest is gone." Among these details, the im that the ck Forest was gone caught Aileen off guard. To be urate, it stated that the creatures that filled the ck Forest had vanished as if washed away. Initially, she and Moon''s Eye didn''t know much about the ck Forest, but they had learned quite a bit during this investigation. Through this, they also had a rough idea about the identity of the ''Evil'' that the Dranir hero had sealed in the past. "So, does that mean the witch inside is also dead?" "We couldn''t check it for sure since our informants couldn''t get into the forest, but it seems likely given that the surrounding monsters have vanished." "Hmm......" Aileen was aware of who the Thousand-Year Witch was. She was one of the formidable foes of mankind who had spilled blood across the world two hundred years ago and one of the remarkably powerful beings. Her demise would certainly be a major event. "So, he stepped in......" By piecing together the collected information so far and the additional requests that Nari received, it was easy to guess that the royal''s targets were the Purification Church and the ck Forest mentioned in the report. "......Could it be that royal?" No, he might not just have stepped in, but could also be the main reason for the Thousand-Year Witch''s demise. Regardless of her weakened state due to the seal, and even if he had the Seven Knights'' help, how much power would one need to extinguish a being as powerful as the Thousand-Year Witch? Normally, she would have dismissed the idea as impossible, but Aileen thought it might be feasible this time. The direct descendants of the Agnes family that governs the world. Each of them was a formidable figure with unknown limits. However, another question popped up in Aileen''s mind. "But why would he do something like this?" She couldn''t even specte about the reason. To understand this, she believed she needed to know this royal''s identity. "Do we have any leads on who he is?" "We checked the royal pceter, and confirmed that all the direct royal family members, except for one, were in the pce." "Who is that one person?" Aileen''s eyes gleamed at Allen''s words. If someone has such an overpowering presence and thick gray hair, they couldn''t be an ordinary person. It was very likely that the remaining person was him. However, Aileen''s expression turned odd as she heard Allen''s next words. "It''s Prince Zion Agnes, the Abandoned Prince." --- Raei Trantions --- "Are you hard of hearing?" At the entrance of the Chimseong Pce, situated on the outskirts of the Agnes royal pce, Knight Fredo was facing off with a middle-aged man possessing arge fist-like nose who had been storming the pce since the break of dawn. Fernando Fringham. One of the leaders of the Icarus 4th team, a member of the royal magician corps, and a key figure involved in conducting the ''session ceremony'' scheduled to take ce. Rumors circted that he had already solidified his position in the third prince''s primary line of session. "After meeting with Prince Zion, get his signature." Fernando, holding out a piece of paper, jabbed at Fredo''s shoulder. "I said he needs to sign this." Atop the document was written ''Session Ceremony Participation Consent Form''. Fredo''s eyes flickered at this. Only he knew that Prince Zion hadn''t returned yet. ''Prince Zion...'' Nearly a week had passed. Fredo was finding it harder and harder to conceal that Zion was not in the royal pce. No, he was more concerned about what could have happened to him beyond the pce walls. "Do you realize that today is thest day to apply for participation in the session ceremony? If Prince Zion doesn''t sign this by today, he won''t be able to take part in the session ceremony." Fernando''s tone grew irritated towards the still silent Fredo. In truth, it didn''t matter if the other direct royal family members didn''t show their faces as long as they expressed their intention to participate in the session ceremony. However, for Prince Zion, the rules were applied with rigor. Due to this, Fernando had been making daily trips to the Chimseong Pce for several days. But behind his vexed eyes was a glimmer of anticipation. ''It''s almost certain.'' Three days had passed. Since he started frequenting this pce. Since then, not a glimpse of Prince Zion''s face had been seen. Despite various excuses like, ''He''s unwell today'', ''He hasn''te out of the underground training room yet'', Fernando was certain. ''Prince Zion is not in the Chimseong Pce right now. No, he''s not in the royal pce.'' Given the whispers of those around him who said they hadn''t seen him for some time and various other circumstantial evidence, it was all too clear. Royals who haven''t yet held the session ceremony are forbidden from leaving the castle without permission. With this, he might even be able to block the session ceremony itself. This was a golden opportunity to please the third prince, who was irked with Prince Zion holding the session ceremony. "Where is Prince Zion now?" "He''s unwell and resting in his bedroom..." "I must see him today, without fail!" Thud! With that deration, Fernando brushed past Fredo and began his brisk ascent of the pce stairs. No guide was required. He already knew the location of Prince Zion''s chambers. "Captain Fernando, please wait... hold on!" The elderly knight trailed behind him with a look of urgency, but was unable to stop Fernando. Thud! As he approached the bedroom, Fernando''s eyes shimmered with anticipation. Conversely, confusion grew in Fredo''s eyes. ''Prince, where on earth have you vanished to!'' The old knight inwardly pleaded for Zion. "Your Highness! Due to urgent matters, I must enter without formalities!" Finally reaching the bedroom door, Fernando swung it open with a buoyant flourish. And in the next moment... "Huh...?" The anticipation in Fernando''s eyes evaporated. What he saw was Prince Zion, seated at a small table beside arge bed, focused in a book. Snap! At Fernando''s abrupt entrance, Zion closed the book he was browsing and regarded him. Fernando felt an involuntary shrinking sensation as Prince Zion''snguid gaze settled on him. "If you were aware of its rudeness, should you not have refrained from doing so?" "I... I apologize, Your Highness!" This was different. Everything was unlike the Zion Agnes he had known till now. The natural air of condescension and the powerful aura emanating from him. Was this truly the isted Prince? He seemed less like a reclusive prince and more like... Then, Zion extended his hand towards the bowing Fernando. "...?" "The consent form. You mentioned I needed to sign it." "Ah, yes!" Finallyprehending, Fernando quickly moved towards Zion and proffered the consent form. "You see, I take exception to others meddling with my belongings." Zion''s voice was a faint whisper as he signed the session ceremony participation consent form. He was alluding to Fernando''s earlier discourteous treatment of Fredo. "Be careful." This was a warning. A warning that there won''t be a second chance. Cold sweat trickled down Fernando''s neck as he bowed his head, unnerved by the ominous undertone of that voice. "Your Highness, where have you been? I, Fredo, was on the brink of panic! I searched for you multiple times daily..." After Fernando, now in possession of the signed consent form, made a hasty exit from the Chimseong Pce, Zion sat before Fredo, half-listening to his grumbling and mentally organizing recent events. ''That was a close shave.'' Zion had returned to the pce just prior to Fernando''s forceful intrusion into Chimseong Pce. Had he been a touchte, participation in the session ceremony would have been impossible. ''Liushina must have reached the capital by now.'' Since emerging from the ck Forest, Zion had not been traveling alongside Liushina. After all, the only ones authorized to escort an outsider, who had not been officially selected, into the pce were the direct royal family members eligible to enter the Baeksung Pce. So, Zion had issued a singr order for Liushina. By the time she executed the order and gained entry to the pce, Zion would have passed the session ceremony and secured his credentials. ''Before that...'' Zion''s gaze shifted to Fredo. "Has that been aplished?" "If you mean... Ah, are you referring to the heart of the Millennium Ogre? Indeed. I followed your instructions." Before leaving the pce, Zion had given Fredo one specific order. It involved the processing of the heart of the Millennium Ogre. In order to wholly absorb the power inherent in the heart of the Millennium Ogre, specific preparations were necessary, and since these preparations were time-consuming, he had refrained from consuming it till now. ''I will harness the power of the heart to mitigate the penalties of this ursed body as much as possible. And...'' Zion slowly clenched and unclenched his hand. ''I will wlessly elevate the ck Star to the second star before the session ceremony.'' In Zion''s eyes, the second star faintly spun and vanished. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 20: Succession Ceremony (1) Chapter 20: Session Ceremony (1) An impressive five-story stone building stands on the outskirts of the Agnes Empire''s capital. A big sign reading "Night of Rest" swings at the entrance. This building is a well-known inn in the city, a must-see for any overnight visitor. However, the inn''s name, "Night of Rest", holds a secret double meaning. Rest, here, not only refers to a good night''s sleep but also to the eternal sleep of death. This inn is actually a front for one of the capital''s most skilled teams of assassins. "He was mad." On the top floor of the "Night of Rest" building, the highest-ranking officials of the assassin''s group meet, their faces serious. "It''s to be expected, considering we''ve messed up twice." Number 1, the top assassin at the "Night of Rest", talks first. Number 2, face hidden behind a mask, replies. Two attacks on Chimseong Pce, home to the ousted prince. Both were the work of the "Night of Rest". The orders came from ''him'', a man of great power in the pce, and so sess was crucial. But both attempts failed. "I still can''t figure out why the second hit didn''t work." While the first attempt might be forgivable, the second one should have been a sure thing. They''d put everything they had into it, considering the strength of Chimseong Pce and all possible oues. Number 4, one of their strongest, was even part of the mission. Plus, ''he'' had stepped in to eliminate all external factors. Why had it gone wrong? "Number 4 said someone incredibly strong was secretly protecting Chimseong Pce. He said he got beat by this person." Number 3 speaks up, recalling the words of Number 4, now locked up in a basement dungeon for his mission failure and escape. "Do you think someone that strong would really protect a prince who''s basically been thrown away?" "Enough. What''s done is done. We need to focus on the job ''he'' has given us now. It''s likely... ourst shot." At Number 1''s words, a heavy silence settles over the others. They know that if they mess this up too, it won''t just be their lives in danger. The entire ''Night of Rest'' operation will be on the line. "So, the session ceremony is happening in the Imperial Pce?" "Yes, as usual, ''he'' will sort out the way into the pce..." And then. "So, who''s ''he''?" From behind Number 1, a new, high-pitched voice spoke up. Instantly. Swoosh! Number 1 whipped out his dagger and swung it towards the voice without a second thought. This room was meant only for the top officials. An unknown voice could only mean one thing¡ªan enemy had slipped in. But. "You''re quick to act." Thud! What hit the floor wasn''t the source of the voice, but Number 1''s arm. "But not so talented." Murmuring, the voice''s owner stepped into the light. A woman with hair dark as night and eyes a chilling red. Her name was Liushina. "Kill her." Without even asking who she was, Number 1, now backing away to control the bleeding from his severed arm, issued themand. Swoosh! Immediately, all the assassins in the room readied themselves and charged at Liushina. Liushina merely watched them, an amused look on her face. "I always appreciate such invitations." She was here on Zion''s orders. Zion hadn''t forgotten about the attack on Chimseong Pce, so he''d tasked Liushina with handling it. He believed Liushina could wipe them out without leaving a trace. Splut! Meanwhile, Number 7, who had reached Liushina first, threw a needle to distract her, then lunged forward, aiming a long spike at her heart. But. Gulp! Before he could, a beast''s head that appeared out of nowhere swallowed Number 7''s head whole. The other assassins trembled at the sight. Still, Number 5 kept his cool, aiming a sword at Liushina''s throat over Number 7''s body. Or rather, he tried to. Crack! Before he could, his upper body was torn apart by a bloody streak from Liushina''s fingertips. Was Number 5 just a distraction? As if on cue, Numbers 1, 2, and 3 leapt out from the shadows on both sides and behind Liushina. Then, a swift strike. Thump! Two swords impaled Liushina in important spots, as if she hadn''t seen iting. And then. "Die, monster." Finally, Number 1''s sword sliced her throat. Slice! With a thud, Liushina''s head rolled to the floor. "Phew...." Relief washed over the faces of the remaining assassins. "I wonder who''s the real monster." This, before a chilling voice echoed from the severed head on the floor. "!!!!!!" Horror filled their eyes. In their gaze, blood poured endlessly from Liushina''s headless neck, staining not just the room but the entire building. And then. Screeeech! In a world drenched in crimson, countless demons surfaced, too many to count. Within the ''Night of Respite'', now transformed into a hellishndscape. "The real monster lurks elsewhere." Liushina, her neck now reattached, relished the anticipation of the uing feast. --- Raei Trantions --- The Session Ceremony. A basic qualification test for a direct descendant of Agnes to ascend to the throne. While it usually only took ce in the year when a royal family member came of age, it wasn''t restricted to direct descendants alone. The guardians of Agnes, scattered throughout the empire, could also participate in the ceremony alongside the direct descendants. Even though passing the ceremony didn''t guarantee them session rights, they still partook, for a simple reason. By principle, the guardians of Agnes were forbidden from entering the Imperial City or even using the Agnes name. However, passing the Session Ceremony allowed them one exceptional privilege: ess to the capital. A singr opportunity for the guardians'' families. So, nearly ten families of Agnes''s guardians had gathered at the grand battlefield on the outskirts of the Imperial City, where Prince Zion Agnes''s session ceremony was being held. "You imed you wouldn''t set foot in the Imperial City... yet here you are?" A woman with a mncholic demeanor and long, light gray hair addressed the sharp-featured man who had approached her. His name was Veil Ilones. A rising star of the Steel Tower, he was a prodigious mage, famed for mastering high-ranking ceremonies at the tender age of twenty. "You''re doing the same, aren''t you?" Veil smirked at the woman, R Ilones, as he responded. Like Veil, she was a participant in this session ceremony, bearing the guardian family name, ''Ilones'', and was a member of one of only five elite exploration teams worldwide. "I couldn''t let such an opportunity pass. I thought there wouldn''t be another session ceremony for some time." R shrugged in response to Veil''sment. Veil nodded as though he shared her sentiment. "That''s true. I must admit, I was surprised too. That worthless Prince is holding a session ceremony." The Worthless Prince, Zion Agnes. Despite not being worthless, the moniker had stuck because he had been sequestered in the Star Pce from a young age, never seen in public. There were very few who had seen him in person and even less who knew any substantial information about him. But those who needed to know, did. The most disastrous pure-blooded royal in history. The embodiment of failure and the shame of the Agnes Imperial Family. It was public knowledge that he wasn''t even treated as a legitimate member of the royal family. "If Prince Zion truly is as rumored... he shouldn''t be participating in the session ceremony." "Isn''t it more that he shouldn''t, rather than doesn''t need to?" R muttered, casting a discreet nce around. She spotted them - the guardians whose skill rivaled hers and Veil''s. Any individual bearing the surname Agnes or Ilones could register for the session ceremony, but only these uniquely gifted individuals applied, for a simple reason. ''Enter with mediocre abilities, and you''re more likely to perish before ever passing the session ceremony.'' What attributes should an emperor have? Charisma to guide the popce. Judgment to distinguish truth from falsehood. Tolerance to ept the world. There were numerous qualities, but the most prized in the Agnes Imperial Family was strength. Overpowering might capable of demolishing everything. Such might had to be demonstrated to ascend to the throne of the Agnes Empire, a tradition since the time of the first Emperor. As such, the ''session ceremony,'' the initial qualification test to be the Emperor, also prioritized strength, failure of which could result in death. ''Of course, such an urrence hasn''t transpired in any session ceremonies So far.'' All direct descendants of Agnes were exceptional, showcasing an insurmountable gap to the guardians in theirte twenties or even mid-thirties, despite being in their early adulthood. But this ceremony might break the tradition. "What in the world was he considering? Well, his decision works in our favor." The supervisors at the forefront of the battlefield seemed to echo R''s sentiment, exchanging disgruntled words. "He should''ve stayed quiet like an insignificant mouse, yet he''s creating a stir." "Exactly. But why hasn''t he shown up yet when the session ceremony is about to start?" The supervisors surveyed the battlefield, echoing this sentiment. But Prince Zion was nowhere in sight. "......Did he get cold feet?" "He might be cowering under his nket right now." "This will be the first session ceremony without a direct royal family member." "Heh, that might even be for the best." Some guardians chuckled upon overhearing their conversation. A prince too fearful to attend his own session ceremony. What a disgraceful reputation to bear. This would undoubtedly cause Prince Zion''s name to plummet even further. In the midst of such ridicule, finally, "Given Prince Zion''s absence, we will proceed with the session ceremony with the present attendees......" Just as Lambard, captain of the 3rd Royal Guard team, appointed as the highest supervisor for this session ceremony, attempted tomence the event. "Prince Zion Agnes approaches!" At the attendant''s promation, all heads swiveled towards the battlefield''s entrance, as if spellbound. There he was. Deep ash-hued hair, an emblem of the Agnes royal lineage, paired with tranquil eyes of the same shade. His face bore a somewhat lethargic expression, and his body, though lean, was sturdy. Zion Agnes. The youngest prince, once shrouded in obscurity, now emerged onto the battlefield. "Could that be... the disgrace of a prince?" R, observing Prince Zion''s rxed advance, voiced her thoughts aloud, seemingly unaware of her own words. Her instincts were sharp. No, they were beyond just "sharp". These instincts had rescued their expedition team from danger on countless asions. Yet now, the moment sheid eyes on Prince Zion, her instincts red their rms. He''s different, and dangerous. Each step he took. Despite his ordinary pace, she couldn''t shake this unsettling feeling. Could this really be the same man who had brought shame upon the royal family? What she experienced felt like... A step. Zion stopped at the silent epicenter of the battlefield, his gaze leisurely sweeping over the spectators. Then, a soft voice emanated from him. "Let''smence the session ceremony." Deep within Zion''s eyes, a vibrant second star was spinning. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 21: Succession Ceremony (2) Chapter 21: Session Ceremony (2) "I nearly missed it." Zion thought as he nced at the supervisors who stared at him in shock. His tardiness to the inheritance ritual tied back to the second star spinning in his eye - ck Star 2. To level up, his body needed to cope with it. So, he had consumed the processed heart of a thousand-year-old ogre beforehand, fully absorbing its power. Just 20 minutes ago, Zion had fully achieved ck Star 2. ''The chronicles don''t mention this ritual. Better be fully prepared.'' The original Zion Agnes from the Frosimar Chronicles was dead, and therefore, no inheritance ceremony took ce. So, Zion had no details about this ritual. "As Prince Zion has now joined us, I''ll exin the inheritance ceremony briefly." The first supervisor toe back to his senses, Lambard, started exining. "The ceremony is in the ''Pce of Qualification'', nine floors up, excluding the first floor that serves as the preparation ground. Each level has doors that test the contestants andbyrinthine corridors to navigate......¡± As Lambard exined, Zion surveyed his surroundings. Everyone''s eyes were fixed on him. Zion sensed a whirl of emotions in their gaze. Bewilderment, astonishment, scorn, mockery. One thing was clear: most of them doubted he''d pass the inheritance ritual. ''No, not most, all of them.'' Regardless of how much Zion had changed, their long-held perceptions of him wouldn''t shift overnight. "...The first three to reach the top floor pass this ritual. All tests on each level are managed by the supervisors here, including me. That''s it." Lambard''s concluding statement reached Zion. As soon as Lambard finished, he locked eyes with Zion. "Now, we''ll begin the inheritance ritual. Good luck." Looking into Zion''s eyes, Lambard spoke sternly, then joined the other supervisors. "Things are going as expected." Zion''s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the retreating supervisors. --- Raei Trantions --- "Prince Zion......" Lambard voiced Zion''s name as he wrapped up the inheritance ritual''s details and headed to the supervisors'' room. He had seen Prince Zion a few months ago, unlike the others. Always with downcast eyes and a hunched posture. A frail body that seemed as if it could shatter upon touch, and pathetic skills in swordsmanship and magic. It wasn''t surprising that he was deemed the family embarrassment. ''But he was different earlier.'' The Prince Zion he''d seen in the first-floor battleground was transformed beyond recognition. He emanated the aura of a leader naturally and his eyes calmly took in everything. Even his physique appeared somewhat improved. ''What happened to him?'' But Lambard dismissed his questions with a shake of his head. Nothing would have changed the oue. ''If he hadn''t shown up, he would still be alive.'' As he thought, Lambard''s eyes glowed deep blue. A trap. This inheritance ceremony was merely a trap set to kill Prince Zion. An inescapable, imprable trap. One or several ''higher-ups'' wanted Prince Zion dead in this ceremony. That''s why they reced all the supervisors with loyal followers. And Lambard was one of them. ''It must be due to Prince Zion''s mother''s family.'' Thinking so, Lambard bowed his head slightly. It wasn''t his problem. ''The ones stuck in this mess, they''re the ones I pity.'' But Lambard''s eyes revealed no sympathy as he thought. --- Raei Trantions --- "Only three can pass? That''s rough." Tadadat! Once the supervisors vanished, the remaining participants rushed to one of the numerous entrances around the battleground. Firste, first served, there was no time to hesitate. It seemed that each entrance only allowed one entrant, shutting firmly after entry. "......" Prince Zion entered R''s sight as she prepared to follow the other participants. Unlike them, Zion stood still, quietly watching the spot where the supervisors had disappeared. His presence was somehow unsettling. "You''re not going in? I''ll go ahead. Catch youter." Beil, gently tapping R''s shoulder, entered an entrance first. After watching Zion with a worried look for a moment, R also began to slowly move. Finally, the battleground emptied. Thump, thump. Then, Zion started moving at his own pace. "Each floor tests a different emperor''s quality." Zion stepped into one of the entrances, remembering Lambard''s words from earlier. Thud! The entrance door automatically shut behind him, but Zion, unfazed, pressed on. Soon, a staircase loomed before him. ''Stairs to the second floor?'' After climbing for some time... As soon as he noticed the ground leveling off... Shhhh- Strange noises reverberated around Zion. It sounded like a swarm of rats gnawing incessantly. The first trial had begun. Zion''s eyes darted around as waves approached him from all sides. ''No, not waves.'' Insects. Tens, no, hundreds of thousands of them. Incalcble numbers of insects surged towards Zion, forming a colossal wave. The ground, where the swarm of insects had passed, was gouged deeply, exposing the raw earth beneath. Each of them was a carnivorous insect, burrowing into the flesh and heart upon contact with a human body. A test demanding the basic qualifications for an emperor. The difficulty was extreme, even for the initial challenge. "Surely there''s another path besides direct confrontation..." But Zion had no ns to seek it. Thump, thump. He moved towards the oing wave of insects. With every step Zion took, a profound darkness began to seep out. Slurp. This darkness flowed like water, spreading across the space along the floor. ck Star Level 2. It wasn''t simply an advancement of the ck Star achievement by one stage. In the ck Star, a star signifies a world. A star is a self-contained universe. Therefore, reaching Level 2 was tantamount to unveiling a new world. The chasm between levels was vast, an iparable leap from Level 1. Dark Sea. The transformation that could be fully mastered upon achieving Level 2. The darkness birthed from such a transformation turned into a sea and swallowed the approaching swarm of carnivorous insects. Chiiiiiik! The insects vanished instantly, incinerated upon contact with Zion''s dark sea. The power of the ck Star, which negates the existence of all things. This power imbued the darkness of the Dark Sea, annihting the encroaching insects. A unique method that only Zion could employ. He strode across the first level of the trial that had been cleansed. Creak! As he reached the level''s end, a stairway to the third floor materialized as though anticipating his arrival. Presumably, the observing supervisors had opened it. Zion grinned, imagining their expressions at this sight. Seeing no reason to dawdle, he headed promptly for the next level. ''Here...'' What awaited Zion as he ascended the stairs was an expansive maze so vast its end was invisible. It was mind-boggling to consider such a structure could exist within a building. ''Is this the starting point?'' Just as Zion''s gaze idly swept over the maze... Thwaaang! A gargantuan greatsword, seemingly about three meters in length, swooped down at him from behind. The maze walls crumbled, incapable of withstanding the assault. Dodging the blow at thest second, Zion sidestepped and scrutinized the wielder of the greatsword. ''That is...'' The figure was entirely encased in ck te armor from head to toe, with red eyes gleaming ominously from within the helmet, emitting a chilling aura of death magic. Such a figurecked any semnce of the warmth typical of living beings. A Death Knight. An undead being, forever chasing the aplishments it couldn''t attain in life as a formidable knight. Zion''s eyes narrowed as he assessed the Death Knight. He hadn''t anticipated encountering the undead in the Emperor''s qualification examination. -Grroaaar! Meanwhile, the Death Knight, letting out an otherworldly scream, charged at Zion once more. Did its body still remember itsbat skills from its previous life? The precision and sharpness of the movements were too urate to assume that reason hadpletely evaporated. Screech! Zion''s eyes morphed into an inky ck as he observed the greatsword shing at him with harrowing speed. Dark Vision. An ability that came with the advancement to Level 2 of the ck Star, it allowed him to perceive the opponent''s vulnerabilities and patterns of movement, as if tracing threads. Thump. One step. A single diagonal stride forward and the Death Knight''s greatsword whooshed past, narrowly missing Zion''s ear. Zion swayed slightly from the wind pressure generated by the passing de. Yet, maintaining his bnce, Zion lunged one step further, closing in on the Death Knight''s chest. Fwoosh! Darkness erupted from Zion''s hand like me. Just as he prepared tond a punch engulfed in this darkness on the Death Knight''s head... Szzzzk! Silver streams of sword light rained down from all sides, shing through Zion''s body over a dozen times in an instant. However, after the torrent of light, Zion''s body, thought to have been sliced into pieces, dissipated into the ether. Swoosh. From a spot slightly removed from the sword light, darkness coalesced once again, and Zion reemerged. This was an application of Dark Flow, one of the teleportation abilities of the ck Star. In Zion''s line of sight, three additional Death Knights, each armed with a greatsword, materialized beside the first. "So, they''re showing themselves so brazenly?" Zion murmured under his breath. He had suspected it. Yet, he hadn''t been entirely certain. At least not until he hadpleted the first-floor test and confronted a lone Death Knight. Now, however, his doubts were dispelled. Those orchestrating this session ceremony evidently intended for none of the participants who had entered the Pce of Qualification to emerge alive. ''To be exact, they probably intend to ensure my demise.'' Even though it was an examination probing one''s fitness to be an emperor, this was a session ceremony gauging minimum qualifications. The difficulty level should not have been so extreme. The deployment of the undead hinted they didn''t n to leave any living witnesses. "Intriguing." he murmured, a smile creeping onto Zion''s lips. If they tantly breached the rules like this, there was no reason for Zion to listen to them either. Creak! The Death Knights turned their heads in unison, their gaze settling on Zion. Grrrroar! In response to a collective roar, each began their assault on Zion, weapons at the ready. Their des, cloaked in the ethereal energy of death, were aimed squarely at Zion. Zion remained rooted in ce, observing the ensuing chaos with a detached calmness as though it was of no concern to him. Szzzzk! In the blink of an eye, the Death Knights, propelled by the battle expertise ingrained in their bodies from their previous lives, closed the gap on Zion, their death-energy infused weapons raised to strike. Just as the Death Knights'' weapons were poised to pierce Zion''s throat and heart... Boom! A surge of darkness erupted from Zion''s foot, barely grazing the ground. Fwoosh! In an instant, this darkness transformed into a maelstrom, swallowing up Zion, the Death Knights, and the entirety of the surrounding space. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 22: Succession Ceremony (3) Chapter 22: Session Ceremony (3) "Ha, huff!" Deep within the vast maze on the third floor of the Pce of Qualification, R was racing through the twisted passages, her breath ragged. Confusion flooded her gaze. R kept ncing back as if she was trying to outrun something. "Something''s not right." She felt it from the moment she set foot on the first test level. Once she entered, swarms of meat-eating bugs charged at her. This level of challenge wasn''t what you''d expect in an inheritance ceremony. Without her ''Camouge'' skill that hid her presence, she wouldn''t have survived, not even leaving a trace behind. Her suspicion solidified as soon as she stepped onto the next level. -Roar! A Death Knightunched itself at her, letting out a terrifying roar. An undead creature in the heart of the Royal Pce was shocking enough, but its formidable power exceeded her wildest fears. Given the aura of death shrouding its body, it must have been an extraordinarily skilled knight in life. R didn''t hesitate; she chose to flee. "Aaaargh!" "Too powerful... Ahhh!" "What on earth is this... Ugh!" From beyond the maze''s walls, the screams of other participants filled the air. ''Were previous inheritance ceremonies this brutal?'' No, they couldn''t have been. It was like someone intended to eliminate all the contestants. This was no ordinary inheritance ceremony. After what seemed like forever, running from the relentless Death Knight, she cursed in disbelief, "Damn it!" A vast open space unfolded before her. Four massive Death Knights stood in the space. Well, to be urate, they weren''t just standing. ''What, they''re in a battle?'' The Death Knights, each more than she could handle alone, were locked inbat with a single individual. And that person was... "Zion... The Prince?" It was Zion. There stood Prince Zion, draped in foreboding shadows, holding his ground against the Death Knights. Prince Zion wasn''t just standing his ground. ''No, he''s not just defending. He''s actually pushing them back. But how...'' Her gaze lingered on Zion, who was engaged in battle with the Death Knight. ng! Ringing metallic sounds filled the air! His movements weren''t shy, but they were precise. And oddly graceful. Every action, every signal, even the slight wiggle of his toes, all served a purpose. The darkness swirling around Zion was like a choreographed performance. Snap, crack! Each time the darkness moved, potent strikes wouldnd unerringly on the Death Knights. His actions were so fluid, they were downright graceful. ''I can''t follow his movements at all.'' It wasn''t that she couldn''t see his actions. Even though she saw them, she couldn''t grasp the logic behind them. Like a creature of the earth failing to understand a star, even while gazing at it. "He''s been hiding his real power this whole time." No other exnation made sense. Such fighting skill and battle-hardened wisdom couldn''t be acquired overnight. He had fooled everyone, even the royal court. The ice-cold resolve of a man who endured severe criticism and humiliation without revealing his strength, all for a specific goal, was spine-chilling. ''What has he been working towards this whole time...'' While R was lost in such confusion and misunderstanding, watching the fight, ''Undead don''t die from regr hits. I need to obliterate them.'' Zion was steadily readying himself to end the battle. Stormy Night, a technique from the ck Star, a wless strike that eliminates an enemy''s enhancements. The whirlwind of darkness that had originated from Zion''s toes was precisely that. The storm had entirely dispersed the death aura that had shrouded the Death Knights. Following this, the tide was turning in his favor. But Zion had no desire to waste any more time here. -You''re... strong. Looking at the Death Knights slowly regaining theirposure and expressing words, Zion tightened his right fist. Thud! With that, the ck Star energy was focused into Zion''s clenched fist. Feeling the powerful energy radiating from him, the Death Knights swung their weapons at Zion from all sides. But Zion, who had been observing these movements from the start, was unfazed and quickly reacted. Whoosh! Zion took arge stride forward, ducking his head, as a halberd from one of the Death Knights swept right over him. But Zion didn''t stop there; he charged directly at the Death Knight who had swung the halberd. Boom! Behind Zion, the attacks from the other Death Knights just missed him, smashing into the ground. One Death Knight, with an air of a seasoned warrior, dropped its halberd and pulled a dagger from its belt, swiping at the charging Zion. Zing! The Death Knight''s dagger gathered the energy of death, forming a secondary de. Even as the dagger sliced through the air, Zion charged forward with even more momentum. Just as the Death Knight''s dagger neared Zion''s neck. Thwoomp! Zion''s punch, rising from below, struck the de of the dagger. The dagger, its path skewed by the collision, barely nicked Zion''s neck as it passed. Meanwhile, Zion''s other fist, brimming with ck Star energy, was clenched tight. Thud! It prated the Death Knight''s armor and chest in a single thrust. The ck Star energy, bursting from Zion''s fist and lodging in the chest, began to consume all the magic inside the Death Knight. Even though it was undead, resurrected from the grave, it was ultimately a creature born of necromantic magic. Therefore, if its source of magic was erased, its demise was certain. Thump! Like amp unplugged, the Death Knight''s eyes dimmed as it copsed to the ground. Just then, -Grant me... a glorious... death! From behind Zion, a Death Knight lunged, brandishing its greatsword with a speed that far surpassed its previous actions. An attack so potent it could easily demolish an ordinary building. "I''ll take it." Could he be overconfident? Until now, he would have evaded or deflected such a strike, but this time, Zion did not. With a slight grin on his face, the master of the ck Star extended his hand towards the oing greatsword. "It''s, it''s dangerous...!" A colossal greatsword wrapped in the tangible energy of death versus a bare hand devoid of visible energy. The scene appeared so precarious for Zion that R, who had been observing from her hiding ce, couldn''t help but cry out in rm. Eventually, Zion''s hand shed with the greatsword. However, the oue was entirely contrary to R''s anticipation. Crack! Zion''s hand effortlessly shattered the greatsword and even obliterated the Death Knight''s head. In Zion''s hand, the ck Star energy, a force that negates everything, had morphed into a spike. Having instantaneously obliterated two Death Knights, Zion immediately charged towards the one wielding a spear. A long trail of darkness chased Zion. His silhouette was eerily simr to that of the Grim Reaper. Thwoomp! Crack! The third Death Knight was no exception. Zion effortlessly deflected the spearhead, altering the trajectory of the attack and finished it off with a single strike. It wasn''t that the Death Knights fell for the same trick because they were feeble. Rather, it was because Zion, who wlessly executed the pattern, was exceedingly exceptional. Boom! "Huff..." After swiftly dismantling thest remaining Death Knight, Zion took a moment to catch his breath and nced towards R, hidden in the distance. "Unfortunate." All the contenders, including that woman, participating in this session ceremony were simply unfortunate. Because all the unthinkable events unfolding within the pce were all designed for Zion''s demise. They were merely coteral damage. However, that didn''t mean he nned to assist them. After all, their participation in the session ceremony was a choice they made. Moreover. ''I need to settle matters here first.'' With that thought, Zion lifted his gaze skyward. ''They'', who would be observing all this from somewhere, desired Zion''s death during this pce test. Therefore, Zion had no intention of ying into their hands. And ultimately. "Crushing the head should suffice." The moment these soft words escaped from Zion''s mouth. Whoosh- Zion''s figure vanished from sight without a trace. --- Raei Trantions --- "What in the world is this...!" In the Pce of Qualification on the 9th floor, a control room existed with the capability to manage the entire test along with it. The exact location of Lambard, the chief supervisor of the current session ceremony, was this very control room. Numerous screens filled the control room''s wall. These screens provided aprehensive view of the entire Pce of Qualification. However, Lambard, who was observing the screens, was confused. The most critical figure was not being urately disyed on the screen. No, the signal was detected. But that signal... 4th floor, 5th floor, 6th floor... It was shooting upwards, breezing through the floors at a horrifying pace. A speed beyond belief. Could there be something wrong with his own sight? Zion Agnes. The focus of this session ceremony, the person who must be eliminated by any means necessary. "Things are bingplicated." Lambard had been sensing this since the moment Prince Zion, the central figure, stepped into the first test floor. In reality, all the supervisors, including Lambard, believed. That Prince Zion would perish without even clearing the first test. After all, Prince Zion was a person whose abilities were inferior to amoner, let alone a lesser knight. Even if by some miracle, truly, a miracle, he survived through sheer luck, he should have met his end on the second floor. The trap they had meticulously prepared was initially designed considering the vulnerability of the current royal family during the session ceremony. But Prince Zion shattered all their expectations. ''I''ve never seen or heard of such power.'' The darkness that incinerates all the waves of parasitic worms. The sight of Prince Zion calmly walking, dispersing such darkness, was overwhelmingly terrifying, even when viewed through the screen. And the climax of such shock from the supervisors was the second test floor. The Death Knights, reanimated from the corpses of knights so formidable that a one-on-one victory could not be possible. Prince Zion confronted all four of these formidable Death Knights at once and achieved a perfect victory. None of this was like the Zion Agnes of the past. No, not just the discarded prince, but Lambard had never witnessed a prince or princess in any session ceremony leaving such an incredible impact. "What in the world transpired? Has the bloodline of Agnes finally stirred? Or was he concealing his power? If so, since when...." Lambard held his head in confusion, his hands clenched. Every premeditated move was spiraling out of control. If they were to fail by any chance, all the supervisors, including him, would lose ''his'' favor. If that were to happen, there was only one inevitable consequence. "We must devise a strategy somehow. If not, we must intervene directly!" Lambard, who quicklyposed his thoughts, questioned the wizard controlling the control room screen. "How far has Prince Zion''s signal travelled?" But there was no response from the wizard. "Kardo, didn''t I ask about his whereabouts! Why isn''t there a response...." That''s when Lambard, growing frustrated, called out the wizard''s name again. "Do you mean him?" A voice that was peculiar yet familiar. A voice that should not be heard here at this moment. Lambard, who fell silent, slowly turned his gaze towards the source of the voice. Shortly thereafter. Thud, roll. His eyes were drawn to the sight of the wizard''s head rolling across the floor, and next to it, stood Zion, grinning at him devilishly. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 23: Succession Ceremony (4) Chapter 23: Session Ceremony (4) Five impressive pces make up the imperial city, designed to encircle the central Bai Cheng Pce. Aside from Bai Cheng Pce, where the emperor lives, these are the grandest residences. At the very top of the most vibrant, red-colored He Xing Pce, a man with untidy grey hair sat, taking a quiet tea break as he looked out the window. How long had it been? "Is the Night of Rest gone?" At some point, the man broke the silence, addressing the magician standing respectfully behind him. "Yes... It vanished in a single night." The magician replied, lowering his head in confirmation. "Apparently, no signs of people were found above the guest floors. It''s weird because there are clear signs of a fight, but no blood." "No blood... Could the Blood Tower be involved?" "We''re looking into it now." "Weren''t they meant to attend this session ceremony?" "Yes, they were." The man tapped on the window frame, as if bothered by something. "I didn''t expect to lose such a valuable piece like this." The Night of Rest. It was a pawn to be used and thrown away, but losing it now wasn''t part of the n. "Things involving Zion haven''t been going welltely." Zion Agnes. The man''s half-brother. Watching him recklessly stir up trouble was frustrating, but the guy always managed to wriggle out. The man didn''t appreciate when others disrupted his carefullyid ns. Especially those who hadn''t earned their spot. Moreover, if Zion were to pass the session ceremony and officially be an emperor candidate, his maternal family could introduce unexpected elements. "Is he just lucky? Or does he really... have something?" The man wondered aloud, casting another nce towards Bai Cheng Pce. "If he survives this session ceremony, I might need to reassess the situation." Still, he doubted that would happen. Because the session ceremony he had organized wasn''t something you could survive with luck alone. --- Raei Trantions --- Rolling. In the suddenly silent supervisory room, the only sound was the rolling of the magician''s severed head. "How did this happen..." Lambard''s eyes quivered. His gaze was fixed on Zion, standing over the magician''s lifeless body. The sight of someone who shouldn''t be there brought a wave of shock and fear to the other supervisors'' eyes. "Take him down!" In the heat of the moment, Lambard, quickly grasping the situation, shouted thismand at Zion. He couldn''t fathom how Zion had gotten this far, but their goal was clear now - they had to end Prince Zion in this session ceremony. The present supervisors were formidable in their own right. If they struck as one, they could probably overpower him. ''Perfect. Better himing to us than us having to hunt him down.'' But Lambard''s train of thought... Craaaaack! Took a sharp turn in the next instant. Suddenly, without any warning, two supervisors standing next to Zion saw their heads burst apart. "Plotting to murder a royal family member and rigging the session ceremony. You should know that both are punishable by death." Zion stated calmly, even as the blood from the dead supervisors sprayed around him. Thud, thud! The remaining supervisors, finally recovering from their shock, rushed at Zion. Zion, deftly sidestepping the sword swipe of the first knight to reach him... Kwa-duk-duk! Removed the man''s heart from his chest in a swift movement. As fresh blood sttered everywhere. With bloodied steps, Zion advanced while behind him... Kwagwagwang! A fireball struck, obliterating the nearby screens. Using the ensuing chaos, Zion, moving at lightning speed, reached the magician who hadunched the fireball. "What...!" Taken aback by Zion''s impossible speed, the magician hastily wrapped himself in a me shield. It was a deadly me, capable of reducing a human to ashes on contact, but Zion didn''t falter and thrust his hand at the fiery barrier. In Zion''s grip, a dense darkness took form. And the moment Zion''s hand collided with the shield... Swoosh- There was no explosion. There was no sound. The shield simply vanished as if it had never existed. "Insane..." Craaack! The magician''s head, who stood there cursing in disbelief, was obliterated. In sync, blood and grey matter scattered in every direction. Zion was well aware. The best way to tackle multiple opponents was to strike paralyzing fear into their hearts, disrupting their coordination. And so, Zion was executing the supervisors in a much more brutal fashion than usual. "This monster!" The supervisors continued their attack, fuelled by trembling rage. But having already lost their rhythm, they were no match for Zion. Kwadeuk, Kwaduduk! Each of his movements imed a life with deadly precision. Not a single action was wasted. The people before him had the privilege to ess the royal pce, but Zion showed them no mercy. From his days as emperor till now, Zion never spared those who sought his life. No matter who they were. "What in the world..." Lambard watched the unfolding scene with stupefied eyes. Each of the supervisors gathered here held sufficient power to lead a small faction. They wouldn''t select individuals of lesser strength to oversee a session ceremony that prized power. And yet, they were being shredded like paper dolls by Prince Zion. ''Didn''t he reveal everything when dealing with the Death Knights?'' Lambard was struggling to understand. The grim reality that they were all being annihted by a single man, one dubbed the disgrace of the Agnes royal family. Monster. That was the word that surfaced when considering a direct descendant born with the potent bloodline of Agnes. Lambard now perceived that monstrous figure in Prince Zion. "Pl-Please spare... Aaaack!" "Prince Zion, show some mercy... Gahk!" The conflict happening in the room... No, it could hardly be called a conflict anymore. It was a one sided ughter. The supervisors were pleading with Prince Zion for their lives, and Zion, without hesitation, was taking those lives. "How can such a thing be in..." Lambard crumpled to his knees in despair, observing Prince Zion, who had imed the lives of every creature in the room, sparing only him. He couldn''t be killed. It was predetermined. As inevitable as a river flowing to the sea. Slowly, ever so slowly. Zion, shrouded in his sinister darkness, gradually approached Lambard, his wordsced with cruel sarcasm. "Surely, someone else gave you your orders to act this way. Probably someone you''ve pledged your everything to, someone you fear the most." "Aah..." Zion and Lambard locked eyes. Lambard felt as though Zion''s gaze was tearing open his deepest emotions. "But you know, the one you should truly fear isn''t him." The unsaid was just as clear as the spoken. He would have grasped it even if it wasn''t articted. Kiiing! With that, the darkness swirled once more around Zion''s right hand. A fear beyond words gripped Lambard at the sight of the ominous darkness, and in desperation, he blurted out. "I''ll talk! I''ll reveal everything about the person who gave these orders! Just spare my life....." He had to survive, no matter what. That was Lambard''s sole thought. From the beginning, he was likely kept alive only for information extraction. But Zion''s following words shattered his expectations. "You don''t need to speak." "......Excuse me?" "I already know." "......!" With those words, Zion, sporting a sinister smile, swiftly executed Lambard. Kwajik! Lambard''s head, brimming with unanswered questions, rolled onto the floor. Zion, briefly considering the severed head, cast his gaze upon one of the lifeless bodies scattered around and spoke. "How long do you n on ying dead?" It was an odd scene ¡ª him addressing someone who appeared lifeless. Under normal circumstances, no response should''ve been expected, but Zion''s eyes held a firm certainty of an impending reply. And then. "So, you found out?" A voice, neither male nor female, rang out. At that. Woo-duduk! A magician''s corpse, its chest gaped open, abruptly rose and began to transform. A distinct horn protruding from its forehead, its humanoid yet disproportioned body. Its skin, a shade like ck, and eyes devoid of any whites. The thick magic emanating from it made it abundantly clear that this was a being from the demon realm. Demon. Among the creatures inhabiting the demon world, it is the closest to humans and simultaneously, the most formidable to handle. ''It appears to be a more superior entity than the one I encounteredst time.'' Initially, when he stepped into the control room, Zion hadn''t noticed, but the faint magic emitted when he crushed the demon''s human heart a moment ago gave it away. Moreover, its clear enunciation and immacte appearance indicated that it was a higher being than the demon he had grappled with in the Sun Pce earlier. ''Well, it would be strange if there weren''t any here when there were some in the Sun Pce. In fact, it''s quite beneficial.'' Seeing it as an opportunity to gauge the power of demons, Zion drew his ck Star with a nonchnt smile. Meanwhile, the demon, now fully transformed into its original form, began speaking while looking at Zion. "I didn''t anticipate things turning this way. Who would''ve guessed that the worthless prince was concealing such formidable power." Deliques, the demon, was genuinely taken aback. Even he, who had been lurking in the Imperial Pce for ages, hadn''t seen this developmenting. The idea that his identity would be exposed in this manner hadn''t crossed his mind. Furthermore. "......Aren''t you surprised to see a demon in the Imperial Pce?" Deliques'' eyes gradually hardened as he observed Zion, who remained unperturbed by his appearance, expressing surprise. It was a natural reaction for any creature not belonging to the magical realm to be startled or bbergasted by the sight of a magical being. Demons were the enemies of the entire world, humanity included. But such calmness could only signify one thing. "You were already aware." How much did he know? That he, Deliques, was a demon? Or could he be aware of the other entities that had infiltrated the Imperial Pce? A dense magic began to radiate from Deliques'' form. "I intended to leave... but I''ve reconsidered. I have questions to address." His magic was of such high purity that it dwarfed any monsters he had encountered before. A regr individual would have turned ashen just by being in proximity. "That''s not your decision to make." However, Zion''s gaze remained unperturbed as he quietly retorted to Deliques. "The decision rests with me." Kkiriririk! Immediately after, tendrils of darkness began to ooze from Zion''s hands, their eerie scraping sound echoing like nails against a ckboard. --- Raei Trantions --- The second examination floor of the qualification pce. "Where on earth did he disappear to?" A member of Hermes, one of the world''s top five exploration teams, and a descendant of Agnes''s branch bloodline, R, was searching for Prince Zion, who had inexplicably vanished from sight. "Staying by Prince Zion''s side is my only chance to survive this bizarre session ceremony." Her doubts about Prince Zion''s unexinable power were already put on the back burner. Surviving this ordeal was her foremost priority and any such suspicions could only be addressed afterwards. Staying close to Prince Zion, who had just dealt with the four Death Knights, might marginally improve her odds of survival. "But the issue is, I have no clue where Prince Zion has gone." Despite her keen tracking skills as an explorer, she could find no traces of Prince Zion, who had evaporated right before her eyes. "Should I abandon the search?" She found herself in a moment of uncertainty. Thud. The sound of footsteps echoed from around the corner of the maze in front of her. Shrring! Upon hearing the sound, R, brandishing her crescent-shaped sword, shed towards the source of the noise. She intended to strike first and retreat if faced with a Death Knight. However. "Shouldn''t you verify whether it''s human or monster beforeshing out?" Creeak! Her de was thwarted by a steel shield, apanied by a familiar voice. Emerging into R''s sight was none other than Veil of the Steel Horse. Veil was in a rough state. He had a profound gash stretching from his shoulder to his side, with blood still seeping from hastily bandaged wounds scattered across his body. "You''re still kicking?" "I was certain you''d meet your end on the first floor." The two exchanged casual banter. "Have youe across Prince Zion?" R then asked, while more diligently attending to Veil''s wounds. "Prince Zion? I haven''t seen him. I assumed he might''ve perished by now." "No, he''s alive. And we must locate him." "Why so?" Veil questioned. "You''re aware that this session ceremony is peculiar, right?" "Indeed." "We need to locate Prince Zion to endure this session ceremony." "What do you mean by that?" "Because he''s the most formidable amongst us." "That''s ridiculous......!" Just as Veil was about to erupt at R''s continued, inexplicable remarks. Kwaahhhh! An enormous explosion resonated from above, causing the Pce of Qualification to quiver. Simultaneously, the magic circles governing the entire pce began to dim, and the tests on each floor stopped one after another. "What''s happening now!" Caught off-guard by this unforeseen event, R blurted out a bewildered exmation. -------! R and Veil could sense it. The sinister magical energy seeping from above the pce, and the profound darkness that was devouring such magic. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 24: Succession Ceremony (5) Chapter 24: Session Ceremony (5) Chimseong Pce, one of the five grand structures encircling Baeksung Pce, was the home of itsdy, Evelyn Agnes. She was pacing restlessly around her room. "Please, Princess, try to rx." A grizzled knight with a facial scar, Dierned, attempted to soothe her, watching her with concern. "I am rxed. I''m not worried at all." Evelyn insisted, her gaze downcast. But Dierned could see the truth. Ever since she heard of Prince Zion heading for the Pce of Eligibility, she had been on edge. Most likely, she was deeply concerned about him. "Did Zion make it safely to the Pce of Eligibility?" Evelyn suddenly asked Dierned. "Yes, you''ve asked me that five times now." "Really." At his response, Evelyn let out a heavy sigh and copsed into a chair, sinking into its cushion as though it would swallow her up. She''d already witnessed one session ceremony, and knew full well the dangers it held. The thought of her brother, the Zion she knew, having to face such an ordeal, was unbearable. ''I understand that he''s not the same as before.'' Thest time she saw Zion, she felt something different about him, an unfamiliar strength. Still, that didn''t alleviate her worry. In her memory, Zion was the vulnerable younger brother who always needed her protection. If it weren''t for the rule that only the rted could observe the trials, she would''ve rushed to the Pce of Eligibility already. "Any news from the spies?" "Yes. Besides the magical surge at the Chimseong Pce, nothing unusual has urred. Prince Zion stayed in the pce as normal until the session ceremony." "Magic? Do you mean the ck mage''s attack?" "Exactly." That event had been gnawing at Evelyn. Evidence and eyewitness ounts all pointed towards the ck mage. Yet she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it. "Zion..." Evelyn, whispering Zion''s name, moved towards the window. She found herself staring at the Pce of Eligibility, just a stone''s throw away from her own pce. Boom! A soft explosion reached her ears. It was faint, barely noticeable unless one was paying close attention. But it was definitely originating from the Pce of Eligibility. A sense of dread washed over her. The subtle energy that came with the explosion. "Magic...?" It was so faint that it was almost imperceptible, and it disappeared in an instant. But it was, without a doubt, magic. "Get the knights ready. Now." "Right away." Dierned didn''t question Evelyn''smand. Instead, he nodded in agreement. "I''m going myself." A sense of urgency reflected in Evelyn''s eyes as she spoke. Swiftly, she put on her cloak. --- Raei Trantions --- Zion Agnes. He was deemed unimportant, not a target for surveince or contact. This was the judgement passed by Deliques and his demon faction. But Deliques now thought differently. He had to reassess. Zion Agnes, present at today''s session ceremony, was drastically different from the descriptions and stories he''d heard. ''And he even knows we exist. How?'' Had Zion already encountered other demons? No reports had mentioned contact with the prince. But despite all originating from the same demon realm, Deliques didn''t know every demon hiding in the royal capital. There was a fair chance of this. ''If he did meet another demon, what happened to that demon...'' His train of thought broke off there. Crack! A ribbon of darkness, coiled around Zion''s hand, whizzed towards him, making an eerie noise. Dark Soul Thread. It was a power of the ck Star, primarily used for tracking, but it could double as an attack if needed. Growl! Reacting swiftly, Deliques clenched his fist, and the ambient magic gravitated towards him, forming a protective armor. Ping! Zion''s Dark Soul Thread was repelled, unable to prate the magical armor. ''I didn''t think he''d be this strong...'' Still, Deliques, dodging the flying Dark Soul Threads, pulled his right hand back dramatically. Snap! His hand morphed into the shape of a long, sharp spike. ''Even so, he''s no match for me.'' Zion may have defeated the Death Knight and ughtered the overseers. So what? Deliques could easily do the same in his true form. If this was all Zion had to offer, he wouldn''tst long. Boom! With a sound like air exploding, Deliques''s spike-hand thrust towards Zion''s heart. An attack so fierce it seemed to set the surrounding air on fire. And just as his attack was about to pierce Zion''s heart... Squeak! The Dark Soul Threads, previously scattered around, aligned into a and struck Deliques from behind. Had this been his n all along? Thud! Unlike before, the ck threads tore through Deliques''s magical armor in one swift move, embedding themselves all over his body. "Kuaak!" Feeling the impact, Deliques stopped his attack and howled in pain. Spotting an opening, Zion clenched his outstretched hand towards Deliques. Crash! With Zion''s hand movement, the Dark Soul Thread''s tightened, digging deeper into Deliques. "Kuuk! You''re nothing more than an insect!" Deliques, a mix of fury and agony coloring his face, spat out a bellow. Roar! Immediately, a surge of magic erupted from his body, shredding the Dark Soul Thread''s. Yet, blood oozed from his body, hinting at the significant damage he had already sustained. ¡®He''s tougher than the low-level demon I encountered earlier¡­ But he''s not on par with a mid-level as described in the chronicles. Is he still in the transition phase?'' Zion, gauging his opponent''s strength after that initial sh, invoked the ck Star. An unnatural darkness descended around him. This was a battle Zion intended to end swiftly. A drawn-out fight would inevitably attract attention. ''I need to finish this before that happens.'' It was not the time to alert the citizens of the demonic presence within the royal capital. "How dare you...." Although demons hiding in the human world are trained to maintain a certain decorum, their hate for humans remains. For Deliques, this situation sparked intense rage. A demon like him, being humiliated by a human was intolerable. Roar! A terrifying surge of magic, stronger than anything before, flowed from Deliques, flooding the entire control room. Crackle! Screens unable to withstand the force began to shatter. In the midst of this magic, Deliques''s figure seemed to vanish. Whoosh! Suddenly, he was right before Zion. His speed was almost like teleportation. Deliques''s fist, fueled by that speed, lunged at Zion''s head. Or at least, that was the n. Swoosh- Zion''s figure, seemingly impaled, dispersed on the spot like a mirage. This was the ck Star''s signature move, Dark Flow. Soon, Zion reappeared behind Deliques and reached out. Screech! His hand, absorbing all surrounding light, moved forward. However, "I knew you''d do that!" As if he''d anticipated this, Deliques quickly spun around, a cruel grin on his face. He set off the magic storm he''d prepared right in front of Zion. ck Magic st. One of Deliques''s most powerful techniques was a concentrated mass of magic capable of leveling a pce upon impact. At this proximity, there was no room to dodge or react. ''I''ll obliterate you, without leaving a trace.'' As the magic storm and Zion''s hand met, a thrill flickered in Deliques''s eyes. "That goes for me too." Zion''s eyes, like crescent moons, gleamed. ck Hand. The most fundamental skill of the ck Star, and the one that best represented its essence. There was no explosion, no light, no sound. As soon as the magic storm made contact with Zion''s hand, now pitch ck, it vanished as if it had never existed. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Too stunned to formte a coherent response, Deliques found Zion''s hand piercing his upper body. Crash! His hand, unbothered by the magical armor encasing the demon, plunged deeper. And shortly after, it seemed as though dark mes would erupt from Zion''s hand. Boom! In a tremendous explosion, half of Deliques''s upper body disintegrated. ¡°Kuaaa¡­¡­.¡± Despite gasping, Deliques, barely standing, started to slowly regenerate his body. However, the speed was markedly slower than the Liushina that Zion had seen. ''Did I use the wrong benchmark?'' Casting aside an irrelevant thought, Zion immediatelyunched a barrage of attacks on Deliques. Zion had no intention of allowing the demon to fully regenerate. ¡°Kuaaa! You damn bastard!!!¡± With this, Deliques, still not fully regenerated, forcefully lunged to counter Zion''s assault. But the tables had already turned. Crackle! As the battle wore on, despair clouded the demon''s eyes. He couldn''t see a path to victory, nor could he find an escape route. Every move he made was preemptively blocked, and every attack from his enemy struck critical points. Was his adversary predicting the future? "No, that''s not it." Why hadn''t he recognized it from the outset? Only now did Deliques understand. There had always been a vast gap between him and that monstrosity named Zion. "He didn''t even unleash his full power against the wardens." No, it appeared he was still not disying it entirely. Even in peak condition, the result would likely have remained the same. Complete domination. Thud. Eventually, sensing his body cease to regenerate, Deliques copsed onto his knees. In his gaze, he saw Zion, shrouded in darkness, advancing to deliver the final blow. He looked like the Grim Reaper. ¡°Cursed Agnes bloodline.¡± A vacant voice escaped Deliques''s lips. Immediately after, Crack! Darkness consumed his head. "Cursed Agnes bloodline¡­" For a moment, Zion, staring at Deliques''s dissipating corpse, his eyes inky ck. He used his clear gaze to locate the transport core within the body. ''It''s here.'' Upon locating the core, Zion promptly destroyed it. Crack! Preventing the leak of information about him to the devil was a critical task. Zion, having resolved the matter neatly, turned his gaze towards the control room''s entrance. ''When did they arrive...'' The control room door stood open. Beyond that, two individuals, looking like sessors, stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide in shock, staring at him. ''It seems the pce''s entire system was paralyzed due to our battle here.'' That''s why they were able toe straight here, bypassing the test. Surveying the utterly devastated interior of the control room, Zion began to move towards them. Thud, thud. His stride echoed just as when he first appeared in the Pce of Qualifications. Yet, R''s eyes, watching his approach, held a far greater degree of fear than before. ''What in the world was that...'' When the test in the Pce of Qualifications was suspended, she''d blindly headed towards the cluster of magic and darkness with Veil. She saw no point in staying idle. The moment she opened the control room door, finally located after ascending the levels of the test, R bore witness. A room filled with overseers'' corpses. And, Crack! Zion, the Emperor, engaged inbat with an entity, shrouded in darkness, and radiating an intimidating aura of magic. No, it was not a battle. It was one-sided brutality. R understood. Only demonic entities could radiate such magic, each one boasting power far surpassing human capabilities. To annihte such a creature, how formidable must one be? ''And how could a demon be here...'' That was a monumental event, entirely distinct from their recent encounter with the undead. Meanwhile, Thud. Zion, having approached R and Veil, looked at them with weary eyes. The two, unable to bear his piercing gaze, involuntarily shrank back, casting their eyes downward. Was the person in front of them really the person who was called the imprisoned prince? They struggled to believe it. Then, ¡°You are the second." Zion pointed at R and dered. ¡°...I beg your pardon?¡± R replied with a puzzled expression, unable to understand his statement. Disregarding her question, Zion turned his attention to Veil standing beside her. ¡°You are the third. Congrattions on passing the session ceremony." Leaving the still bewildered pair behind, Zion strode past them. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Zion, at a leisurely pace, turned back to address R and Veil. "And what you just witnessed is to remain confidential." His voice, though quiet, held an irrefutable authority. At the sight of Zion''s grin, the pair nodded in agreement, despite their confusion. With that, Zion turned away, exiting the nearly demolished control room. Knights could be seen approaching in the distance. *** Thanks for reading! TL: Thank you anon for the recent kofi support! Once we catch up to the previous trantor there will be advance chapters up on my kofi so make sure to follow and maybe give a tip if you want before then :) Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 25: The Dream of Stars (1) Chapter 25: The Dream of Stars (1) News of the rigged session ceremony and the scheme to kill the royal family at the Pce of Qualification spread like wildfire across the imperial city. People were more shocked by the tampering of the session ceremony than the murder plot. After all, assassination attempts among heirs, within the royal family, were almost everyday urrences in the imperial city. But meddling with the session ceremony, a deeply rooted tradition and necessary step to be emperor, was unheard of. It was truly a surprise. Another thing that stunned the people was the survival and victory of Prince Zion Agnes in the manipted session ceremony. He had been the primary target. No one could have foreseen that the prince, isted in Chimseong Pce andbeled as useless, would ovee the challenging manipted session ceremony. This event might just change the way people viewed Prince Zion. Crumple! A man with deep ash-colored hair anxiously crushed the report in front of him. "You can''t expect me to believe this," he spat. The wizard kept his head down, struggling to answer the man''s remark. Even he found the report hard to believe. "Zion Agnes, alone, passed the test floor, went to the hidden control room, and killed all the supervisors?" It sounded impossible. Zion Agnes was seen as an embarrassment to the imperial family. A more usible theory was that some supervisors had turned against each other, fighting till their end. Not to mention, one of the in supervisors was Lambard, a renowned captain of the Imperial Guard. "I''m sorry. But the evidence suggests it was just one person..." "Were there any witnesses?" "Two other candidates who participated in the session ceremony saw Prince Zion in the control room. But they arrived toote, and it was all over." "So, no one actually saw Zion fighting." The man, mumbling and drumming his fingers on the armrest of his chair, opened his mouth again. "There''s a chance a third party was involved. Look into it." "Understood. Also, there''s another unusual detail." "What is it?" "There are reports of a faint magic power detected at the Pce of Qualification while Prince Zion was holding the session ceremony." "Again?" Hearing this, the man''s eyes started glowing with a peculiar light. --- Raei Trantions --- The session ceremony came to a sessful end. At least, that''s how Zion saw it. For Zion, the ceremony went smoothly, and the news of him killing a demon hadn''t gotten out. It seemed that Zion''s unspoken deal worked: they''d keep quiet about the session ceremony, and in return, they''d pass. Re and Veil stayed silent about the demon when they talked to the knights and Evelyn Agnes, who arrived at the Pce of Qualificationster. They only mentioned that the supervisors had schemed to kill Prince Zion during the ceremony, and that Zion had dealt with them himself. ''Most of them didn''t seem to believe it.'' They didn''t doubt that the ceremony was rigged, but they found it hard to believe that Zion was the one who ended the supervisors'' lives. So they kept questioning Re and Veil for more details, but there was nothing more to say. Because that was the truth. ''Well, it doesn''t matter if they don''t believe.'' They''ll find out soon enough. Zion mused, looking at the rapidly passing scenery outside the window. Zion was now inside a magical car, amon mode of transport in the imperial city. This vehicle operated on the same principle as a magical train, but offered a much more private and luxurious ride. The reason Zion was in such a car was straightforward. ''We''ll be there soon.'' Baeksung Pce. A pce located at the very heart of Agnes Imperial City, the center of the empire. The hub of power. The ce where the emperor, the ruler of this world who controls the empire''s destiny, resides. Zion was headed to Baeksung Pce. ''Not bad.'' Zion thought, ncing at his ck robe. This robe, styled with gold threads on a rich ck fabric, was custom-made by Fredo to celebrate Zion''s entrance to Baeksung Pce. ''To see you enter Baeksung Pce, your majesty! I can die without regrets now.'' Seeing the old knight tear up was a bit overwhelming. The antique silver bracelet on Zion''s wrist was a gift from Prisci. She came to Chimseong Pce under the pretense of celebrating his sess in the session ceremony. ''Congrattions on the session ceremony. This is a protective charm bracelet. Although we''re not divorced yet, it''s only right I give you this.'' After that, Prisci subtly tried to extend her stay at Chimseong Pce. Zion quickly sent her away. "There really was no need for her toe." Zion cast his gaze towards his half-sister sitting opposite him, Evelyn Agnes. In order to attend the Baeksung Pce entrance ceremony, Evelyn had brought her magical car to the front of Chimseong Pce to pick up Zion. Then, "...Baeksung Pce is a public hell." Evelyn, locking eyes with Zion, spoke slowly. "It''s teeming with power-hungry specters, ready to climb over each other for a shot at the throne. Brothers scheme to kill one another, power brokers bnce their loyalties, ready to sell everything but their own lives for profit. Assassination attempts are asmon as breathing. Zion... can you withstand such a ce?" Evelyn''s eyes held palpable worry as she addressed Zion. Granted, Zion possessed a power unknown to her and had obtained legal rights through the session ceremony. Yet in her mind, she still saw the innocent image of Zion''s youth. For Evelyn, picturing Zion in the dangerous environment of Baeksung Pce was unimaginable. "And it''s certain that someone is targeting Zion." Even though Zion had survived this session ceremony, there was no guarantee for the future. If Zion had truly handled the supervisors on his own, as rumored, her worries might have been lessened. But she knew the reality was different. It was simply impossible. There had to be another party involved. Then, "I''m not going there to merely survive." Zion, who had been silently observing Evelyn, broke his silence, a hint of a smile on his face. "I''m going to devour it." It mattered not whether the pce was filled with evil spirits or demons. If something blocked his path, he''d crush it; if he desired something, he''d seize it. That''s how Zion had always operated, and he had no ns to change. "...." Zion''s audacious words, delivered with the calmness of a retired prince, were almost too shocking to be believed. But Evelyn could not shake an ominous feeling that resonated with Zion''s words. "I won''t be able to apany you any further due to the inspection. Please, take care of yourself." After dropping Zion off at the entrance of Baeksung Pce, Evelyn voiced these words and slowly drove away. As he watched Evelyn''s magical car recede into the distance, Zion turned his gaze to the pce standing majestically before him. Baeksung Pce. True to its name, it was a vast, white pce. No, given its grand scale, it would be more urate to call it a castle. Living up to its reputation as the heart of the empire, its imposing aura naturally overwhelmed onlookers. ''Strangely, it feels familiar...'' Zion experienced a familiar sensation from Baeksung Pce. No, if its hues were darkened slightly, it greatly resembled the pce he once ruled as an emperor. As Zion''s gaze took on a peculiar shift, "It''s an honor to meet you for the first time, Crown Prince Zion. I am Ronier, assigned to serve you at Baeksung Pce today." A knight, seemingly having waited for Zion''s arrival, stepped forward from the pce gate and offered a respectful bow. The expansive interiors of Baeksung Pce usually necessitated guides for first-time visitors. Aware of this tradition, Zion offered a slight nod of acknowledgment. "I will guide you immediately. Please follow me." Ronier began to lead the way with courteous strides, the destination evidently predetermined. Zion followed the knight in silence. Indeed, Zion''s visit to Baeksung Pce today was not merely for observation. Those of the royal lineage who had sessfully navigated the session ceremony were obliged to undergo two further procedures at Baeksung Pce. A longstanding tradition. Such procedures were the very reason for Zion''s visit to Baeksung Pce. "The more I see, the more familiar it bes." Zion reflected as he traversed the long corridors of Baeksung Pce. Not just the exterior he had viewed earlier, but the pce''syout and various interior details echoed the pce in which Zion himself had resided. Perhaps the royal pce in the Frosimar Chronicle was modeled after this real pce, hence the striking simrity. But Zion sensed something beyond this exnation. "Your Highness, we have arrived. Beyond this point, I cannot apany you." Ronier, leading the way, paused to address Zion. A massive door stood before them. On the door was arge lion symbol, emblematic of the Agnes Royal Family. Two formidable royal knights nked the door. "Crown Prince Zion, wee." nk! As though all necessary words had already been exchanged, the knights on either side promptly swung the doors open. Zion advanced through the yawning doorway. The room within was spacious and dimly lit. Swoosh, swoosh. Shortly thereafter, a faint, fragile breath reached Zion''s ears. Zion directed his gaze towards the source of the sound. An elderly man, lying in a bed adjacent to a shrouded window, came into view. Zion knew the identity of this man. Emperor Urdios Agnes. The sovereign who held this sprawling empire within his grasp, the ruler of this world. And Zion Agnes''s father. Royal family members who had passed the session ceremony were bound by duty to meet with the emperor. Hence, Zion found himself in this somber setting. Swoosh, swoosh. Breathing so faint, it seemed on the verge of extinction. The Emperor''s face was a map of wrinkles and age spots, his body so frail that his skeletal frame was visible. The emperor, once an imposing figure who could make the world shudder with his overwhelming presence and charisma, was but a memory. All that remained was an old man, ill and bedridden, quietly awaiting his final day. A palpable aura of death permeated the room. ''Does he have less than two months left?'' Zion assessed the emperor''s remaining lifespan silently. From the beginning of the Frosimar Chronicle, the emperor had been portrayed in this frail state. This is why he rarely appeared directly, and the majority of administrative duties were delegated to representatives. Curiously, the emperor refrained from naming a sessor until his dying breath. This led to a full-scale power struggle upon his passing. "......" The ailing emperor wordlessly raised his gaze to meet Zion''s, who had approached his bedside. The eyes of Zion and the Emperor locked. The emperor''s eyes had lost their sparkle to such an extent that they seemed devoid of life. His visage could easily be mistaken for a corpse. For an indeterminable duration, they shared this silent, mutual observation. "Everyone, leave." A frail voice emerged from the sickly emperor. His words were not meant for Zion. Swoosh- At the emperor''smand, the presence of the guards, who had been discreetly stationed in the emperor''s chamber, vanishedpletely. In the space that now contained only the two of them, "Who are you?" The Emperor, his gaze fixed on Zion''s, asked. Contrary to his previous state, the Emperor''s eyes suddenly sparkled as though they were filled with countless stars. *** Thanks for reading! Thank you anon for the recent kofi support! Once we catch up to the previous trantor there will be advance chapters up on my kofi so make sure to follow and maybe give a tip if you want before then :) Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 26: The Dream of Stars (2) Chapter 26: The Dream of Stars (2) At the towering gates of the majestic Agnes Empire''s royal pce, a woman stood, her face a puzzle as she gazed at the imposing entrance. She was a sight to behold with her raven-ck hair cascading down her back and eyes burning as red as blood. Her name was Liushina Bloodwalker, a dedicated follower of Zion. "Who would have thought I''d end up here?" Liushina was standing outside the pce, fulfilling Zion''smand to infiltrate it after taking care of the secretive assassins of the ''Night of Rest'' and tracking down the one who pulled the strings. Despite never having set foot in a royal pce or even a lord''s country estate, Liushina found herself oddlyfortable. "Zion kept his word after all." Since arriving in the capital and carrying out Zion''s orders, she''d taken more lives than ever before. It wasn''t entirely satisfying yet, but Liushina felt optimistic about the future. ording to Zion, they were only getting started. "Hmm-hmm~" She hummed to herself as she prepared to pass through the pce gates when suddenly, "Your identity or permit for entering the pce, please." The gate-keeping soldiers demanded in a formal tone. "Do I need one of those?" Liushina answered, taken aback. The soldier looked at her in disbelief before shaking his head, "Without it, you can''t enter." "But I have to. My master ordered me to." "Your master? Do you mean the person you work for? Could you share their name?" "Hmm..." Confusion washed over Liushina''s face. She realized she didn''t even know Zion''s full name. "I don''t know his name, but he''s a thin, scary-looking man with wide, intense eyes..." She mimicked Zion''s gaze but her effort was in vain. "Please leave." Firmly, one of the soldiers dismissed her, gently nudging her shoulder as he did so. And then, BANG! Suddenly, the soldier who had touched her was thrown back at an unseen speed and crashed into the pce wall. A hush fell over the scene. And then, "It wasn''t me, he just stumbled backward... I guess you won''t believe me, huh?" As a beast-like form began to appear where the soldier had touched her, Liushina hurriedly pushed it back, trying to find an excuse, but it was already toote. "Attack! Get in formation!" With a deafening cry, soldiers and knights began to rush towards her. "Seems like I''ll have to force my way in." Watching them charge, Liushina felt a surge of crimson energy start to radiate from her being. "What a wicked energy!" "Prevent her from entering the pce at all costs!" The knights were taken aback by her ominous aura, calling out their orders with urgency. "I''ll try not to kill... but a few might end up dead in the scuffle, right?" A hint of eager anticipation sparked in Liushina''s eyes as she faced the knights. --- Raei Trantions --- ''Besides, even if it''s his time to go, that power won''t fade right away.'' The Celestial Sea. A formidable force essible only to the direct lineage of the Agnes family. Zion locked eyes with Emperor Urdios, whose gaze was filled with the stars of the Celestial Sea. The frail old man before him was once a force to be reckoned with, having mastered the Celestial Sea in his prime, crushed allpetition, and ascended as the world''s ruler. No amount of age or sickness could instantly drain that power. In fact, it would be more peculiar if it did. "...You''re certainly not Zion." The Emperor dered, studying Zion. One could tell by just looking at his eyes. Eyes that carried the born authority of a ruler. Indeed, the eyes of Urdios''s own son did not carry such a trait. However, the gaze of the man standing before him, Zion Agnes, bore the hallmark of a ruler. And one thing was certain. "Zion can''t feel or control mana. He was born under a celestial curse. He can''t learn magic or swordsmanship." Only a select few, including the Emperor, knew this fact. His inability to harness the Celestial Sea was part of the same issue. Yet, two ck stars swirled in the depths of Zion''s eyes the Emperor was studying, a power simr but profoundly different from the Celestial Sea, alien and unsettling. At the sight of those eyes, Urdios could feel himself instinctively recoiling. "Who are you?" With a considerable effort, the Emperor quashed his unease, stared into Zion''s eyes, and asked again. In response, Zion offered a knowing smile and a counter question. "Who do you believe I am?" Zion knew from the start that his body couldn''t sense mana. But that didn''t hinder Zion. After all, the ck Star wielded a power entirely distinct from mana, the fundamental energy of this world. "A demon... Yes, nothing but a demon makes sense. Only a demon could possess such eyes and power. Have youe to im me?" It wasn''t a figure of speech. The Emperor truly thought Zion could be a demon. He wasn''t entirely off the mark. Among the various titles attributed to Zion during his reign, "demon" was one of them. "Why bother when your end is already near?" Zion responded to the Emperor''s question with a frosty smile. The figure before Zion was technically his host body''s father, Emperor Urdios, ruler of the world. Yet Zion disyed no deference or affection for him. From the outset, Zion bore no reverence for the emperor, and Urdios had never disyed paternal care for his son, Zion Agnes. Moreover, it was Urdios who had kept Zion Agnes in the pce, treating him as if he didn''t exist. ''No matter, it''s irrelevant now.'' Zion felt nothing for the elderly man before him. His objective was straightforward - to extract what he needed. "However, I do have a question." Zion leaned in slightly, fixing his gaze on the emperor. "What is it?" "Who reduced you to this state?" It was a valid question. Those who reached a certain level of power could reconstruct their bodies to maintain their youthful prime, and their lifespan would extend ordingly. But it was clear an external influence had reduced the emperor, a being nearly as potent as a ''god,'' to his current state. Zion had his suspicions regarding this external factor, but he believed it would be more reliable to hear it directly from the emperor. "...Hahaha!" The emperor, who had been gazing at Zion with lifeless eyes, suddenly burst intoughter. Zion observed theughing emperor with aposed expression. "So, you''re not with them after all? Interesting. I was mistaken. To imagine such a distinct power was akin... Cough!" Urdios, whose words were previously incoherent, interrupted himself with a fit of coughing before continuing. "For over four hundred years, since the first Emperor Agnes founded the empire, we''ve been the only kingdom in the world. It marked the true dawn of humanity." The consolidated empire embraced all regional cultures and ushered in a golden age for humanity. The progress since then had been unprecedented. But that era was short-lived. "At the furthest southern end of the continent. A ce called ''the world''s end'' due to its barrenness, a demon realm spontaneously emerged." The demon realm. A domain inhabited solely by demonic beings. This ce abruptly appeared from ''the world''s end,'' a lifeless, deste location, as if something had materialized from nothing. "We were clueless as to how or why the demon realm surfaced. The demons were bent on eradicating all life, and we were preupied with defending against them." Countless wars ensued. Battles waged between the demons led by the Demon King and all other life forms, with the empire at the heart of it. "Numerous heroes rose and fell, and countless lives were sacrificed. That''s how we preserved the empire. However, about a century ago, the demon realm abruptly stopped all invasions. We didn''t understand why. Regardless, humanity celebrated and rxed. After all, the prolonged era of warfare had seemingly concluded. But... it was a false reality." With these words, a fleeting trace of bitterness flickered and vanished from the emperor''s eyes. Zion regarded the elderly emperor, his voice steady as he broke the silence. "The demon realm never stopped their invasions." Caught off guard, the emperor''s eyes widened. He stared at Zion for a moment before replying. "...You''re aware? Indeed, the demon realm merely altered their tactics. Rather than confronting us head-on, they gradually infiltrated the empire, humanity''s domain, over roughly a hundred years." So, the demons had spread throughout the empire like aplex spider''s web. So meticulously and covertly that their presence remained unnoticed. Even the imperial city was no exception. "By the time I discovered the truth, it was toote. My body had already been ravaged by the demon poison they had stealthily administered." Urdios gestured towards his frail body as he confessed this. His arm quivered from the simple motion. His physique had sustained irreversible damage. "I was rendered helpless." Reduced to wasting away, day by day. "If I had attempted to root them out clumsily, it would have resulted in the empire''s instant copse, and there was no way to urately detect them. Needless to say, I never determined who administered the demon poison to me." An overwhelming sense of impotence. The enemy had infiltrated the heart of the empire, leaving the emperor powerless. "Is that why you''ve refrained from naming a sessor?" Zion asked the emperor, having listened attentively. Just because an emperor names a sessor doesn''t guarantee their ascension to the throne. But their legitimacy can suppresspetition and intrigue to some extent. The sole reason he hadn''t named a sessor was due to the threat. "Correct, because I couldn''t ascertain who had consorted with them. Or, there might already be someone who has be a puppet of the demons." Such was the extent of the demons'' pration into the imperial city. And the fall of the empire was increasingly imminent. At least, that''s what Emperor Urdios believed. After a moment of mournful sighing, the Emperor redirected his attention to Zion. "Entity assuming the guise of Zion Agnes, what exactly are your intentions in the imperial city?" A question imbued with the authority and dignity of the Great Agnes Empire''s emperor. "I intend to devour it." Zion''s gaze was unwavering as he responded. "...Pardon?" "I n to devour this royal pce, the imperial city, and this empire. Without exceptions." An assertion so absurd it seemed unnecessary to refute. However. "Hahahahaha!" The emperor broke intoughter. For, oddly enough, he believed that the being before him might genuinely execute his stated intentions. "Indeed, it would be preferable for a demon to consume us rather than the demon realm dismantling this empire." Given the demonic infestation throughout the empire, human efforts to repel them were futile. Hence, entrusting it to a demon seemed fitting. The chuckling emperor, his words reduced to a murmur, addressed Zion once more. "The ''Eye'' exists within the imperial city. A secret guard passed down from our forebears for situations such as these, they are strictly obedient to the emperor''smands." This shadow organization resided in the empire''s underbelly, manipting all global information behind the scenes. The emperor was confident that they, of all groups, had remained untarnished by the demons. "Seek out the ''Eye''. They might already be aware of the situation and taking measures. I severed our connection the moment I was poisoned to conceal their existence from the demons, but you should be unhindered." This was information already within Zion''s grasp. The eternal shadow. One of the preeminent intelligence organizations in the Ploshimar Chronicles,ter coupling with ''Moon''s Eye''. It was also the primary target Zion wished to seize upon entering the royal pce. Even with knowledge of the chronicles and foresight of the future, he did not possess omniscience. It was this intelligence that filled in the gaps. "Understood." Zion, who would have pursued this lead even without instruction, offered a quick reply before promptly turning away. There was nothing more to extract from the emperor, and he needed to proceed to ''Dream of Stars'', his primary objective in the royal pce today. "Even when you locate it, handling it might prove challenging. Allow me to offer a small assist." The emperor''s fading voice echoed behind Zion. Zion offered no response, exiting the ailing emperor''s bedchamber. Creak. Silence and darkness reimed the room once more. "I eagerly await the oue." There, the emperor, his eyes shut, murmured softly. *** Thanks for reading! Almost caught up with the previous trantions! Consider supporting me on kofi, advance chapters will be up soon! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 27: The Dream of Stars (3) Chapter 27: The Dream of Stars (3) "What''s happening?" Within the magic-fueled carriage speeding towards the royal pce, a stern-faced wizard turned to the knight piloting the vehicle. "It looks like an intrusion at the main gate. The knights are trying to stop it." "An intrusion? Right through the main gate?" Surprise shed in the wizard''s eyes. This was a first. Who dared to barge in so openly? "Yes." "How many intruders are there?" "...Just one." The knight''s response deepened the wizard''s bewilderment. The pce knights were stronger than ordinary ones. Why hadn''t they stopped one intruder despite their superior numbers? "She''s a red-eyed woman in her twenties, and surprisingly skilled. They''re struggling." "A red-eyed woman... Anything else unusual?" "Oddly, no one''s been killed. And... she uses a unique magic." "What''s unique about it?" "I didn''t see it personally, but it involves blood and beast-like figures..." "...Blood magic!" The wizard''s eyes sparkled at the knight''s words. "Tell me more... no, I''ll see for myself." "Understood. We''ll head for the main gate." Heeding the wizard''s orders, the knight steered the magic-fueled carriage. "Blood magic users are rare in the capital... If we y this right, we might get a lead on the Night of Rest." In the carriage speeding towards the royal pce''s main gate, the wizard mumbled to himself. His name was Lergan Urschler, a trusted ally of the third prince, the master of the Sacred Pce. --- Raei Trantions --- After the session ceremony, a royal family member mustplete two tasks in the People''s Pce before starting official duties. One, which Zion had justpleted, was an audience with the Emperor. The other was visiting the ''Starry Dream.'' Starry Dream. The name alone gives no clue as to what this ce is. It''s a hidden treasury built at the same time as the royal pce. It houses only the most precious treasures collected by the royal family over hundreds of years, from the first emperor to the present. It''s said to be located somewhere underground in the People''s Pce, essible only to those of Agnes'' direct lineage. A direct descendant whopletes the session ceremony earns the right to select one item from the ''Starry Dream.'' Zion was now headed to the ''Starry Dream'' to im his choice. "Beyond this point, you must proceed alone. I hope you choose wisely." Knight Ronier, who had guided Zion to the doorway leading underground, bowed respectfully and stepped away. Zion nodded at him and pushed the door open. ng. Unlike the Emperor''s room, there were no guards at this door to the basement. No, there weren''t any needed. "After all, unless you''re from the Agnes line, you can''t enter the People''s Pce basement." As Zion stepped through the door and into the basement, he found himself shrouded in a dense mist. This wasn''t ordinary mist; it was a magical fog created through high-level magic and spells. The fog had a paralyzing effect on a person''s senses. So even someone with keen senses wouldn''t be able to see what was right in front of them, without the blood of Agnes. ''Is this it?'' A few steps into the fog, Zion spotted faint stars twinkling overhead. A lengthy trail of stars stretched out like a gxy. Presumably, following these stars would lead to the ''Starry Dream.'' ''...I''ll deal with thatter.'' Zion, mulling over a future event in the royal pce, nced in a direction opposite to where the star trail led, then started to move slowly. How long had he walked down the path? Soon, a giant stone door barring the way came into Zion''s view. It was a door adorned with engravings of the sun, the moon, and countless orbiting stars. Drip. Without any hesitation, Zion let a drop of his blood fall onto the stone door. In that moment. Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud! The stone door, having absorbed Zion''s blood, began to radiate light from the sun and the moon. Then, it slowly split open. And beyond,y an array of treasures. This was the Starry Dream. Just as Zion crossed the threshold into the vault, "Wee!" A cheerful voice, oddly out of ce in the situation, echoed in Zion''s ears. At this, Zion turned his gaze towards the voice, where a girl barely reaching his waist stood. "Wee to the Starry Dream!" She had clear sky-blue hair and matching blue eyes. "I''m V, the guardian of this ce! You''re Prince Zion Agnes, right?" "Yes." Zion, aware of the existence of a vault keeper, merely nodded without surprise at the girl. One might wonder how such a young girl could be the guardian of this ce, but she was not human to begin with. A homunculus created through dragon magic. So, in spite of her youthful looks, she was an entity who had lived for hundreds of years, capable of dwelling in this ce essible only to the Agnes family. "Firstly, congrattions on your session ceremony! Is this your first visit to the Starry Dream?" V, brimming with cheerfulness as if she''d encountered someone after a long period, asked with an animated voice, twirling once before Zion. "This ce is the world''s most splendid treasure vault, home to wonders beyond Prince Zion''s wildest dreams! Even the least valuable among them could easily purchase a handful of castles!" With that, V gestured towards the mountains of precious artifacts scattered about the vault floor. And not a hint of exaggerationced her words. "Here, Prince Zion, you are entitled to take only one item, be it a weapon, a piece of jewelry, or something else! All previous sessors who came here chose weapons, will you opt for a weapon too?" "Yes, but this isn''t all there is, right?" Zion, who was surveying the surroundings in response to her words, asked her. The weapons dispersed here were remarkable to the point where, if even one were to make its way into the world, it could cause significant uproar. However, the caliber of weapons that Zion had read about in the annals, said to exist in the Starry Dream, was undeniably beyond this. "Indeed, there''s more! More astounding weapons are separately categorized within! But..." Her voice dwindling, V looked at Zion. "Inside, each item is a weapon worthy of eternal remembrance, from past to present and beyond, each steeped in myths and legends! That''s why the weapon chooses its wielder! So, if the weapon doesn''t ept you, no matter how much you might covet it, you cannot wield it!" No, it wasn''t just about the inability to wield it. If someone attempted to force control of a weapon that didn''t choose them, they could end up injured, or even lose their life. "So, will you still venture within?" V asked Zion again. Zion understood why V was posing this question. ''She thinks the weapons won''t choose me.'' It was a logical assumption. The standards for the inner weapons to select their wielders were extraordinarily strict. ''Even amongst the past emperors, there were those who went unchosen.'' She likely believed Zion wasn''t at that level yet. However, Zion had already decided on a weapon before his arrival at the Starry Dream. The Heavenly Fall Sword, Rigveda. A mythic weapon that exists only thrice in the ''Starry Dream'', a secret imperial vault likened to a star-filled sky. A divine de with an origin story of having brought a sky god down to earth. "Lead the way." His mind was set on obtaining one of the mythic weapons, even if it wasn''t that particr sword, so Zion spoke, looking at V. No trace of apprehension clouded his mind about the possibility of not being chosen by a weapon. Zion was always the one to choose, not be chosen. "Each individual has a weapon that fits them! Even if it''s not a legendary weapon, if thepatibility is right, it can create greater synergy..." "I hate repeating myself." "......Understood. If you''re not chosen, I bear no responsibility!" With that, and a heavy sigh, V waved her finger. Whoosh! Space parted, revealing a new doorway. As if beckoning him to follow, the vault''s keeper stepped through the entrance first. Following her, Zion stepped in, and immediately, an array of staggering weapons wasid out before his eyes. Unlike the haphazardly scattered weapons he saw before, here, weapons and armors were meticulously arranged along both walls. Zion could feel the potent energy emanating from these artifacts, exerting an intense pressure on him. "Impressive, isn''t it? If merely one of these were to surface in the world, it could incite a bloodbath! So perhaps it''s time for you to..." "There it is." Disregarding V''s admonitions, Zion''s eyes sparkled as he surveyed the interior of the vault. Among the many disyed weapons, three mounted at the very top stood apart. The Timeless Bow, Hypnos. The Gravity Spear, Agnus. And... the Heavenly Fall Sword, Rigveda. They were of mythic-grade. Zion moved toward the Rigveda, which was suspended centrally amongst them. Wooong! Could it sense his intention to choose it? The Heavenly Fall Sword''s de, as blue as a pristine sky, began to tremble slightly. "Eh? Why is Rigveda..." V was muttering, her gaze fixed on Rigveda, her sentence left unfinished at the sight she had never witnessed before. Meanwhile, Zion, who had approached the Heavenly Fall Sword, extended his hand towards the hilt. Woong! The vibration intensified, as if weing him. Just then. He stopped. Zion''s hand, about to grasp the hilt of Rigveda, froze in mid-air. "......Huh?" A puzzled utterance slipped from Zion''s lips. His gaze was not fixed on the Heavenly Fall Sword, but on something located behind it. A sword. It was indeed a sword. A de partially cloaked in shadows, so ensnared in profound darkness that one wouldn''t notice it unless up close. From de to hilt. The ebony sword, entirely formed of pitch-ck, was ominously thrust into the ground, seemingly devouring all surrounding light. Zion recognized this sword. No, he couldn''t possibly not recognize it. The Light Extinguishing Sword, Exia. It was the weapon wielded by him, the emperor in his original world, not this one. "How can this be..." Half-hidden, half-revealed, yet it was unquestionably Exia. How did his weapon cross over into the world of this tale? Trudge, trudge. Zion, seemingly spellbound, approached Exia. "No, that sword! Don''t, Your Highness! That sword belonged to the Eternal Emperor, the first emperor of the Empire! It''s not avable for the taking, it isn''t!" In V''s eyes swirled a mix of fear and desperation as she shifted her gaze between Zion and the Light Extinguishing Sword. Why was that sword embedded there? Surely, it was a historic de, wielded by the first emperor, and it wasn''t meant to be imed by another. The very existence of that ck sword was dangerous. Over the centuries, various royals who had ventured here had been drawn to that sword. As soon as theyid their hands on it, they vanished on the spot. If they were fortunate, only a part of their body would remain. If not, their entire being would. The sword that had chosen no owner since the reign of the first emperor. So, she had obscured it to keep it from sight, but she could not fathom how it had revealed itself now. "Why..." Meanwhile, Zion, who had approached Exia, was extending his hand towards the hilt of the sword. "It''s, it''s dangerous!" At that point, V broke the code of neverying hands on a member of the Agnes bloodline, reaching out for Zion in sheer desperation. The next moment. It happened. The ethereal ck light emanating from the Light Extinguishing Sword, Exia. -------------! The spectacle of the light engulfing Prince Zion''s entire form in an instant. *** Thanks for reading! Consider supporting on kofi! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 28: The Dream of Stars (4) Chapter 28: The Dream of Stars (4) In the moment when the world lost its light during the sr eclipse, a meteor fell from the sky. This was no ordinary meteor. It couldn''t be affected by any force present in our world, even light. Its surface was shrouded in a darkness deeper than pure ck. The meteor was used to craft a sword, Exia, the extinction de, which Zion wielded. Zion had a single reason for choosing this sword. Exia, the force-repelling de, was uniquely receptive to the ck Star. More than that, it amplified it. Wooong! The moment Zion touched Exia, it vibrated, radiating ck light, like a joyful dog greeting its owner. This ck light was absorbed into Zion''s body, causing the two swirling ck stars within him to cast an even deeper darkness. Yet, holding the sword, Zion was filled with questions. ''Why is Exia here?'' He was in the world within the Frosimar Chronicles, not the real world where he was the emperor. He couldn''t understand why his weapon from reality existed here. And what had happened to half of the sword spirit? Confusion clouded his thoughts. A sudden idea struck him. ''Could this world be...'' But he quickly dismissed the notion. It was premature, and hecked concrete evidence. "I have one more thing to figure out." With that thought, Zion tucked his questions away. No amount of pondering would solve this puzzle right now. Instead of worrying, he decided to assess what he could gain from this situation. "If I don''t dwell on why it''s here, having Exia isn''t a bad thing." Zion examined the extinction sword in his hand, which was absorbing the surrounding light. Having Exia would likely boost his ck Star aplishments even faster. He might even breach the third star soon. "Let''s go with this one. Is that okay?" Zion presented Exia to V, who was gazing at him with startled eyes. "Yes, let''s do that." The extinction sword, untouchable until now, rested peacefully in Zion''s hand. The de had chosen its master, and V, the vault''s guardian, had no right to intervene. And so, she watched Zion, holding Exia, as he strode from the Dream of the Stars. --- Raei Trantions --- "Hold them off! Use deadly force if you have to!" Howler, the captain of the Blue Lion Knights who guarded the royal pce outskirts, barked orders to his men as he watched the unfolding battle at the castle gate. At hismand, knights in blue armor rushed the uninvited invader. However, despite their mana-infused swords, Kwaaaaang! they were flung in every direction, unable to stop a single invader. "Uaaaaaargh!" "Kuaaack!" Knights were thrown about like birds in the wind, and their frontline was steadily pushed back. "Who is that woman..." A mix of surprise and confusion painted Howler''s face. The Blue Lion Knights, while guarding the outskirts, were still a part of the royal pce''s defenses and boasted considerable skill. The idea that they were being pushed back by a lone woman with red eyes was mind-boggling. "Stop her! Hold her off until reinforcements arrive!" This wasn''t just about protecting the pce anymore, but the Blue Lion Knights'' reputation at stake. Fueled by this thought, Howler unsheathed his own sword and charged at the woman. Hwaaaaaargh! His sword glowed with a thickyer of mana, a testament to his rank as captain. "I did ask you to avoid causing a scene..." The red-eyed woman, Liushina, muttered as she watched Howler charging towards her, an annoyed tone in her voice. She assumed entering the pce would be simple considering her master''s high status. She didn''t anticipateplications right from the get-go. Tututututung! Alongside Howler, dozens of attacks rained down on her. With a casual wave of her hand from left to right, Kwaagwagwagwang! a bloody streak painted the air, shattering all the iing attacks. "Uaaaaargh!" Knights, including Howler, were tossed aside. "Hmmm... This is tiring." Liushina frowned at the increasing number of knights. It wasn''t that they were difficult opponents. The challenge was dealing with them without resorting to lethal force. Her millennia-old spirit stirred within her. Her red eyes deepened, glowing with a richer, bloodier hue. Dududududeuk! An incredible amount of mana gathered at Liushina''s feet, causing a rock giant to rise from the ground. Kwaaaaang! A giant hand, easily 3 meters in size, swung down at Liushina. "Master Lergan!" The sudden sight of the rock giant had Howler scanning his surroundings, and upon spotting the summoner, he cried out in surprise. Lergan Auschler. A prodigy among prodigies, he had already carved out his own magical realm before he had even reached his forties. Among the ranks of the Summoning Tower, he was one of the highest, leading Icarus, renowned for its powerful magicians within the royal pce. "Pull back the knights." Lergan instructed, his gaze still fixated on Liushina, giving no heed to Howler. "No, from now on we should¡­¡­" As Howler prepared to respond, his eyes unwaveringly locked onto Lergan ¨C retreating now would only tarnish the Blue Lion Knights'' honor ¨C Eujik! Eujijijik! Starting at the hand covering Liushina, fractures spread throughout the stone giant''s body like awork of spider webs. Kwaaaaaaaang! The stone giant exploded, raining debris everywhere, while Liushina stood unharmed beneath it. "This is unbearable." Liushina murmured, rposing herself at the arrival of this formidable neer. A blood-red aura seemed to seep from her, transforming into hundreds of crimson lines that sped towards Lergan. Tadadadadadang! Unmoving, Lergan blocked every one of them with steel summonings shaped like shields. "Are you from the Blood Tower?" Lergan questioned, eyeing Liushina while swiftly conjuring four rock knights from the rubble of the exploded giant. "Blood Tower? What''s that?" Kwadeuk! Kwadeudeudeuk! As she answered, Liushina summoned numerous magical beast heads out of thin air, effortlessly obliterating the rock knights rushing towards her. However, it was merely a diversion. Using a summoning of wind-made shoes, he rapidly closed the distance between them, whispering a question audible only to her. "Did you deal with the Night of Rest?" "I don''t know what you''re referring to?" Liushina replied, her eyes curving into a moon-shaped crescent, clearly amused as she watched Lergan. A murderous gleam now filled her eyes. "I suppose I''ll have to incapacitate you first, then ask again." Jjeoeoeok! With his frosty eyes meeting her fiery ones, Lergan opened a space behind him. From that space, an incredibly powerful summoning began to emerge, its might far surpassing anything presented so far. One of the Ten Beasts that had secured Lergan''s position at the top of the Summoning Tower. "I think I''ll take more than just your limbs." Liushina scoffed. Dozens of beastly mouths appeared across her body, exuding a strong evil aura. And then, as if on cue, their battlemenced. Finally. Hwaaaaaaaaaaak! The destructive wave from Lergan''s summoning and the fangs of the malicious aura produced by Liushina''s mouths were on the verge of collision when - "Stop." A gentle voice echoed across the battlefield. The voice was soft, yet it resonated distinctly in the ears of everyone present. Simultaneously. Swish. Liushina''s fangs and Lergan''s wave, poised for a destructive sh, dissipated as though they had never existed. In their stead, a spectral figure materialized. A man, draped in an aura of darkness, exuded a sinister presence all around. He was Zion. "His Highness, Prince Zion!" Howler, themander of the Blue Lion Knights, having encountered him once before, was the first to identify Zion and bowed his head in deference. "Your Highness!" Almost immediately, the other knights and soldiers who had stopped their fight began to show their respect to Zion as well. In contrast, Lergan was observing Zion with a piercing gaze, refraining from bowing. His eyes wavered, betraying his surprise. ''That man... is Prince Zion?'' Different. Not in physical appearance. His demeanor, his gaze, the aura of authority he effortlessly exuded. Despite never having met him in person, Lergan found this image to be starkly different from the portrayal of Zion Agnes he had studied and gathered intelligence on until now. This figure was more like someone destined for rulership, like the third prince he served, rather than a dethroned prince. Moreover, the peculiar power he just witnessed, which nullified both his and the woman''s attack simultaneously. This was a power unlike anything Lergan had ever encountered. "Could he be a different person? Or has Agnes''s bloodline awakened within him?" Various hypotheses swarmed his mind. ''No wonder all assassination attempts so far have proven fruitless.'' Most likely, even his master, the Third Prince, was oblivious to this aspect of Prince Zion. Lergan understood then that he needed to ry this information to the Third Prince. "Master, why the dy? And you''re of royal lineage? Who would have guessed." Liushina, standing behind him, gestured towards Zion and began to speak. "Master?" Lergan''s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected term, but they soon twinkled as if he had deduced something. "The one responsible for the disappearance of the Night of Rest..." Just as Lergan was on the verge of connecting the dots in his suspicions, "I will take her." Zion pointed at Liushina and addressed the captain of the knights. "But, Your Highness Zion, this woman not only trespassed into the Imperial Pce unauthorized, but she also slew numerous knights. We can''t simply let her walk free..." "Who stated she trespassed unauthorized?" Zion interrupted Howler''s objection. His eyes, serene and devoid of emotion, remained fixated on Howler as he continued to speak. "This woman formally requested my permission to enter the Imperial Pce. Furthermore, I notified you all of her anticipated arrival today. Yet, you failed to confirm that, causing this predicament. Is that not on your hands?" Unable to meet Zion''s gaze, Howler averted his eyes and shot a scornful look towards the captain of the guards responsible for the pce gate. Regardless of the hostility of Zion''s words, the guard captain couldn''t respond, instead bowing his head in shame. "Shall we deem this neglecting one''s duty? I trust you understand the penalty for neglecting one''s responsibilities as a pce guard." A trickle of cold sweat slid down Howler''s forehead. To his knowledge, considering the severity of their role, the penalty for pce guards neglecting their duty could escte to capital punishment. "And do tell, who precisely imed lives here?" Zion offered Howler a thin smile and gestured towards the fallen knights and soldiers. While they sustained injuries, every knight and soldier were still alive. In fact, there was not a single casualty among those present. "Right, you wouldn''t believe the effort it took to keep everyone alive." From behind Zion, Liushina peeked over his shoulder and chimed in nonchntly. Her eyes, however, swirled with a tinge of regret as she spoke. "I trust there are no further issues now." No, it wouldn''t have mattered even if there were. Any residual issues would merely be eradicated. At Zion''s words, Howler and the knights, left with no room for further argument, began to cautiously step aside. "And you?" Zion''s gazended on Lergan, who remained obstructing their path. "How could I dare defy Your Highness''s decree?" With that, Lergan chuckled softly and cleared the path. "Exercise caution." As Zion brushed past him, he whispered in a tone only Lergan could discern. It was a warning. A forewarning aimed not just at Lergan, but also his liege. Zion''s prating gaze glinted with an icy intensity, as though it could perceive everything. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 29: Summoning (1) Chapter 29: Summoning (1) "Master, I''ve done as you asked. Both with the Night of Rest and at the main gate earlier." As they journeyed toward the Chimseong Pce in the magic vehicle, Liushina turned to address Zion. "Yes." Zion, observing the world outside the window, confirmed her statement with a nod. He had given her only two extra instructions. First, intentionally leave signs of blood magic during the Night of Rest incident. Second, if any disagreement urred at the pce gate, don''t conceal her use of blood magic. Even though he had advised Liushina to enter quietly, Zion had foreseen some trouble at the main gate. Bringing Liushina along was a strategic move. Sure, his enemies might link him to the incident through her, but he wasn''t concerned. ''That''s exactly why I gave that order.'' Zion had no ns to draw out the situation or let those who sought his life walk free. So, he needed to draw them out. To achieve that, painting himself as a clear target was the most straightforward approach. Eventually, whileying out the bait, the instigator would reveal themselves. At that point, Zion nned to unleash his concealed vengeance on the perpetrator. ''Things unfolded better than anticipated.'' Zion reflected on Lergan Urschler, the leader of Icarus, whom he''d met earlier. Thanks to Lergan''s conversation with Liushina, Zion confirmed his suspicions about who was behind the attack on the Chimseong Pce and the maniption of the session ceremony. And through Lergan, he made the Third Prince aware that the Night of Rest disappearance was linked to Zion. ''I''m curious about the oue.'' A spark of anticipation shone in Zion''s eyes. In his past, when he ascended to the emperor''s throne, there were no rivals. This intrigue offered him a fresh thrill. Squeak! The door of the magic car swung open, having arrived at the entrance of the Chimseong Pce. "Master, isn''t your pce a bit small for a prince?" Zion entered the Chimseong Pce, choosing to ignore Liushina''s words, whether she was genuinely clueless or simply teasing. Greeting him first was Prisci, waving her hand enthusiastically. "It''s been a while, Prince...." Prisci, audacious enough to im it had been a while despite their meeting mere days ago, faltered when she noticed Liushina trailing Zion. "Who is she?" She asked, her face adopting a guarded expression. Before Zion could respond, Liushina, eyes twinkling with amusement, cut in. "I''m here because he''s my master?" "Mas, Master??" As Prisci struggled to make sense of Liushina''s words, Zion turned to Fredo, standing next to her, greeting him with a satisfied grin. "Why is she here?" "She mentioned something about unfinished divorce procedures." Ame excuse, and anyone could see through it. She must be here to inquire about the earlier demon capture incident. Prisci had tried to press Zion for details, but he remained silent. He had no ns to fill her in anytime soon. "Kindly show her out." "Hey, I can hear you!" Prisci protested upon overhearing Zion''s whisper to Fredo. Zion ignored her, taking Fredo and Liushina with him as he walked away. "Wa, Wait...!" Prisci tried to stop Zion but held back, looking down in frustration. Looking back, there was no reason for Prisci to be here. Hadn''t she already dered a divorce? But ever since she announced the divorce, Zion''s importance in her life had only grown. It wasn''t love, but curiosity. Her intrigue intensified each time Zion revealed a new facet of himself. The attack on the Chimseong Pce and the demon hunting episode attributed to a dark magician. Zion''s image, controlling darkness at his will and overpowering his adversary, kept reying in her mind. So when the divorce rumors began, she pushed away all her suitors and found herself drawn to the Chimseong Pce. "Why am I doing this?" Prisci sighed deeply, watching Zion move further away. "I n to reach out to the Shadows." Zion, after a sip of his tea, quietly shared his intentions with Fredo and Liushina. They were in the Chimseong Pce''s library, where Fredo and Liushina had been formally introduced. "The Shadows... what does that mean?" Fredo sought rity from Zion, clearly puzzled by the term. "Shadows are typically code for assassination or intelligence groups. Isn''t that right, Master?" Before Zion could reply, Liushina chimed in. Having been with Zion since the ck Forest, she had developed a habit of addressing him as ''Master''. "That''s correct." Zion confirmed her statement with a nod. "The Eternal Shadows, also known as the ''Empire''s Eyes'', is an intelligence organization under the Emperor''s exclusive control. Consequently, no more than five individuals are aware of its existence. The headquarters of the Eternal Shadows are within the Imperial Pce." An intelligence organization was a criticalponent in Zion''s future ns. He had to secure it, no matter what. If Zion could secure control over the intelligence organization known as the Eternal Shadows, he couldn''t ask for more. "But if it''s such a confidential entity, we need to first find its location..." "I''m already aware of it." Zion responded to Fredo''s concern with a faint smile. The location of the Eternal Shadows within the Imperial Pce was explicitly detailed in the Chronicle of Frosimar. Zion''s deration sparked a sh of understanding in both Fredo''s and Liushina''s eyes. Their master had yet to disappoint them with ack of knowledge. "Are you nning to reach out to them immediately?" "No, I''ll wait." Zion shook his head at Liushina''s question. "I have assistance on the way." Zion recalled his conversation with the Emperor. And that assistance arrived precisely a weekter. The People''s Pce, the epicenter of the Imperial City. In its expansive holographic room, about a dozen individuals had assembled. One of them, Princess Evelyn Agnes of the Lion, surveyed the gathering with heavy eyes. ''This seems like the first time we''ve gathered outside of state council meetings.'' Evelyn saw reflections of men and women sporting the same deep grey hair she had. They were her siblings. ''Or more urately, mypetitors,'' she corrected herself with a bitter smile. The Agnes lineage, enhanced with celestial genes, had vastly surpassed the limits of ordinary humans. These beings, capable of cold-bloodedly killing their own kin for self-interest, stood before her. Among them, Evelyn might have been the only one still retaining a semnce of humanity. The reason for this rare assembly of the royal family was the same. ''Why this sudden convocation...'' They had been summoned by the Emperor, Urdios Agnes. So, barring the Crown Prince who was away from the Imperial Pce, the rest of the royal family had convened in the holographic room, each apanied by one or two attendants. Of course, the motive behind this sudden summoning by the ailing Emperor remained a mystery. "Brother Enoch, it''s been a while. You still carry that gloomy expression and unkempt hair, like a corpse, don''t you?" A woman, her long ash-colored hair cascading in waves, tilted a teacup with regal poise. She broke the silence with a smirk. Princess Diana Agnes. One of the strong contenders for the throne, she had amassed solid support from the Fairy Forest and managed the major establishments of the Imperial City, along with the empire''s most potent elemental army, the ''Egrasia''. Unlike the average human, her ears were pointed, a trait inherited from her fairy mother. "Diana, you still carry that sickening scent unique to half-breeds." The response came from Third Prince Enoch, his deep grey hair in a rxed tousle, an inscrutable expression on his face. His rtionship with Diana was rumored to be the most strained among the royals, who were already far from cordial with one another. "Or is it the revolting stench of your detestable hobbies, Brother?" They gazed at each other, their calm eyes showing no sense of hatred. Yet, lurking deep within, a murderous intent roiled like stormy seas. "Oh, speaking of which, how''s that progressing?" A thought seemed to strike Diana, and she pped her hands as she spoke. "I refer, of course, to one of Brother Enoch''s sordid pastimes: tormenting the youngest. How fares that endeavor these days?" Her eyes traced a sly arc, a knowing smile on her face. She nced at Evelyn, aware of Evelyn''s sympathy for the youngest prince, Zion Agnes. Evelyn, however, merely met her gaze, giving nothing away. "That boy is a stain on the Agnes royal bloodline. His mere existence tarnishes our lineage and brings us harm. I''d prefer if he vanished immediately." Enoch''s response was surprisingly heated. Certain individuals just irk you without cause, their mere sight provoking irritation. For Enoch, Zion Agnes was one such individual. No, he found Zion even more irritating given the boy''s involvement in the recent Night of Rest incident. At that moment, "Hahaha! But I hear Zion passed the session ceremony this time around? Quite surprising, wasn''t it?" A robust man with a stylish beard, who had been eavesdropping, interjected with a heartyugh. Fourth Prince, Utekan Agnes. With full backing from the northern giants and a unique boisterous personality, he enjoyed immense support from the military. At first nce, he seemed like a brute whose mind was muscle-bound, but no one present was deceived by this exterior. They all knew he housed more venom than a thousand serpents. If he were truly as dense as he appeared, he wouldn''t have survived this long. "Oh, I heard about that too. Truly unexpected, right? I didn''t even believe the youngest would partake in the session ceremony. But to think he''d pass, despite the apparent rigging..." Diana, agreeing with Utekan, cast a covert nce at Enoch. "Even so, it''s nothing more than a dying insect''sst twitch. So what if he passed the session ceremony? There''s little else he can achieve. Even if he were to step foot in this People''s Pce, he''s powerless. No, he''d struggle even to ensure his own survival." Enoch responded with a dismissive snort. Passing the session ceremony equates to earning the right to ascend the imperial throne. Given Zion''sck of influence, he was likely ill-equipped to withstand the resulting pressure, iparably greater than anything before. "One ought to understand their station to live long." While Enoch had heard from his confidant, Lergan, of Zion''s transformation, it didn''t immediately alter his longstanding perception of Zion. Diana and Utekan, neither contesting Enoch''s statements, quietly shared a knowing smile. Their views of Zion werergely congruent with Enoch''s from the onset. "Zion has transformed." Evelyn, who had been silently listening, finally spoke. "He has undergone significant changetely. I, too, was taken aback by his recent demeanor. He won''t be as defenseless as you assume." "Really, now? How about we ce a wager then?" Enoch smirked and proposed to Evelyn. "I''m intrigued to see how long this new Zion endures in the People''s Pce." Sarcasm tinged Enoch''s words. "That does pique one''s curiosity." A new voice echoed. All heads turned towards the reality room''s entrance, from where the voice originated. There stood, "I too am curious how long I''ll endure." Zion, a dark smile gracing his lips, strode into the reality room. *** Thanks for reading! We will be caught up to the previous trantions tomorrow! WOO! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 30: Summoning (2) Chapter 30: Summoning (2) Zion looked around at the people in the simted room. Their expressions ranged from interest and shock to outright hatred. ''So, these are Zion Agnes''s siblings.'' They were all strangers, except for Evelyn. But Zion knew exactly who they were. Diana Agnes, the fifth princess, a half-fairy, held the backing of the fairy forest. Simrly, Utekan Agnes, the fourth prince, carried giant''s blood andmanded the support of a giant herd. And then there was Enoch Agnes, the third prince. Enoch didn''t share the same ties with the outer world as the others, but he was a member of the ''Ozrima,'' a prestigious magic family that had produced one of the ''Skies,'' the world''s peak powers. His magic skills were already unmatched, gaining the loyalty of all the wizards and magical towers. Moreover, Enoch was the one standing against Zion. ¡°The royal court standards have dipped. I never thought I''d see you, Zion, here,¡± Enoch said, his face clouding over as he spotted Zion with Liushina trailing behind. ¡°Haha, brother, don''t be so harsh. It''s only natural for Zion to be here since he passed the session ceremony, right?¡± Utekanughed heartily and stepped in before Zion could respond. "That''s true, older brother. Perhaps it''s your view that''s narrow, not the standards?" Diana chimed in with Utekan, challenging Enoch while casting a sly nce at Zion. ''Hmm... He seems different.'' Zion, who previously couldn''t even make eye contact, was now meeting their gaze head-on. The calm in Zion''s eyes was new too. Had repeated threats on his life changed him? ''Well, no matter how much he changes, he won''t make a difference.'' Diana thought, her lips curling into a slow smile. Even if he had grown stronger and his personality had changed, there was no way he could bridge the vast gap between them. Especially not with his weak body that couldn''t handle basic swordsmanship, let alone innate magic. ''That strange energy is a bit worrying, though...'' But even that wasn''t enough to raise an rm. Her attention was already upied by the other powerful Agnes siblings. Compared to them, Zion was as insignificant as a bug crawling on the ground, as Enoch had so aptly put. Zion, paying no mind to their scrutiny, sat down on one side of the simted room. "You''re runningte, Zion." "I had some stuff to deal with." Zion replied to Evelyn, who had walked over to him. His eyes moved to the vacant throne. ''Has the Emperor not shown up yet?'' He must be waiting for all his children to gather. Zion suspected the reason for today''s royal summoning was linked to the assistance he had previously hinted at. Just then. "Master." Liushina, standing behind him, quietly addressed Zion. Turning to face her, Zion saw her usually red eyes flickering with a savage hunger. "Isn''t it true that everyone here is your enemy? Wouldn''t it be smart to kill them all while they''re together like this?" Liushina was born with a bloodlust. She thrived on taking lives, the stronger the life force, the stronger her urge. The people present were rare powerhouses of the world. That''s why her cravings were at their peak. If it hadn''t been for Zion''s restraint, she would have initiated a massacre by now. ''I made a mistake bringing her here.'' Zion thought, quietly chiding himself. ¡°You know, it seems like our father will be a bitte. Isn''t it too dull to just wait here?¡± Utekan, the fourth prince, broke the silence. At his words, all eyes turned towards him. Grinning at their attention, Utekan continued. "How about a friendly spar to pass the time? It can be between us or ourpanions." Anyone else suggesting this would have been considered insane, but for Utekan, it made sense. He was a natural-born warrior who reveled in the thrill ofbat. His lust for fighting didn''t discriminate by location. "Do you mean a spar between our respective followers?" "That''s a good suggestion, but..." In response to Enoch''s words, Utekan shot Zion a knowing look. "How about Zion takes part this time? I''m curious to see how much strength he has to have passed the session ceremony." "I like the sound of that. I''m keen to see how much our little brother has grown." Diana pped her hands in agreement. "Sounds fair? Given it would be too much for Zion to spar with us, let''s pair him with one of our followers." "That''s not a bad idea. I''ll offer up the opponent." Enoch not only agreed with Utekan''s idea but also proposed one of his own apprentices as a sparring partner. Their decisionpletely ignored Zion''s opinion, as if he was a non-entity in this meeting. Such was Zion''s status among them, and his treatment in the royal family. "Ah, you''re fine with this, aren''t you, Zion?" Utekan turned to Zion, his question sounding more like an afterthought, as the decision had already been made. "What..." Evelyn, who had been watching from the sidelines, wore an expression of utter disbelief. This wasn''t right. The proposal for a sparring match was absurd from the get-go. A contest between a royal and a mere follower, instead of among royals themselves. Moreover, the focus was on Zion, who despite recent improvements, was still so feeble that he was considered a disgrace to the royal family. A sparring match against an individual skilled enough to stand by a royal''s side, the oue was predestined. They probably doubted Zion''s ability to pass the session ceremony based on his own strength. This seemed like a veiled attempt to make a mockery of Zion. "What on earth are they thinking¡­" Just as Evelyn was about to voice her outrage, "Indeed." Zion, who had been observing them with a vacant look, responded. "But I won''t be sparring." With this deration, Zion''s gaze drifted over the other royals, forming a faint arc. His eyes were unreadable. "Zion, what do you mean?" Evelyn stared at Zion, her face a mixture of confusion at his unforeseen response. "Hahaha! That''s the spirit! Clear the center area!" Utekan burst intoughter, issuing orders to make room for the uing bout. "Zion, reject their proposal now. You''re not ready to face Enoch''s wizard." "Yeah, Master, allow me. I''ll step in for you." Despite the two women trying to deter him for differing reasons, Zion calmly proceeded towards the wide-open space in the heart of the virtual reality. "Just make sure he survives." Enoch, observing Zion with icy eyes, murmured to his middle-aged wizard. The wizard was Grit Whittaker. Abat wizard with over 20 years of experience and one of those whose skills Enoch had acknowledged, summoning him to the pce. He was infamous for his savagery, directly proportional to his prowess. "But he''s a prince, is this really eptable?" "Well, what can we do, he himself said he won''t spar. So, it must be a real fight." The third prince responded to Grit''s question with a malicious smile. Upon hearing this, Grit''s eyes began to shimmer as he watched Zion. For him, witnessing royal blood was a rare sight. "Let the sparringmence!" As soon as Grit took his position in the center of the virtual arena, Utekan''s voice echoed thunderously. "Zion¡­¡­." Evelyn watched Zion, who stood on the opposing side, with growing anxiety. She was considering whether to intervene and stop the spar right now. "Ah¡­ I wanted to be the one to end him." Unlike Evelyn, Liushina''s eyes gleamed as she murmured. Caught off guard by her remark, Evelyn nced at Liushina with a puzzled look. Crack! The urrence was instantaneous. A chilling sound reverberated from the epicenter of the virtual reality. And then. Thud. The wizard Grit''s head tumbled to the ground. His eyes still flickering with a startled expression, rolled aimlessly, as if unaware of their disconnection from the body. Zion stood, his usualnguid eyes unblinking, in front of Grit''s body that slowly copsed, headless. From Zion''s right hand, the wizard''s blood trickled down. ...... The virtual reality abruptly plunged into silence, as if an icy nket had smothered it. The princes and princesses, Enoch included, were bbergasted, speechless in the face of such an unforeseen event. What on earth had just transpired? ''He didn''t employ magic or martial arts.'' He simply lunged forward, swung his arm, and severed Grit''s head. It was just that his swift sequence of movements left Grit with no chance to respond. Enoch, the third prince, who had been staring nkly at Grit''s decapitated form, began to contort his face in a mix of rage and confusion. "Zion, you¡­!" "I told you." Zion interrupted Enoch''s usation, his lips curled into a smug smirk. "I''m not sparring." His ability to instantly dispatch a seasoned battle wizard was impressive in itself. The shock that Zion, who previously couldn''t harm a single ant, had beheaded a man, amplified their astonishment. "You wretch...!" His anger over being undermined by Zion, whom he viewed as no more significant than an insect, superseded his grief over losing his servant. With that, the stars buried deep within Enoch''s eyes began to glimmer faintly. "His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!" A boisterous promation resonated, and the doors to the virtual reality swung open once more. Entering the virtual reality at a leisurely pace was an elderly man. He was Emperor Urdios Agnes. "Your Majesty." "Your Majesty." Everyone paused their actions and bowed in Urdios''s direction. Gradually, amongst the bowing individuals, the emperor began to saunter. Although his face bore the pallor of death and he required the support of two individuals to walk, The overpowering charisma that radiated from the elderly man naturally suppressed everyone in his vicinity. "......What is this?" The Emperor asked, his gaze coldly inspecting Grit''s lifeless body sprawled on the floor. "That, that is¡­¡­." "Clean it up." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Could it be that the ruler of the world, despite his old age and infirmity, was still unchanged? As Urdios navigated the room towards the throne, not a single person, not even the arrogant royals, dared to lift their heads from the bow. Except for Zion. Now seated on his throne, the emperor silently surveyed his progeny. In his eyes, the stars of the milky way began to shine with luminous intensity. Then, as the spokesperson, Evelyn addressed the emperor. "Have you been keeping well?" "Do I appear in good health?" Urdios chuckled at the question. "Well, you wouldn''t know since it''s been a while since Ist showed my face." "......" Realizing that his words were directed at everyone present and not just Evelyn, the individuals in the room tightly sealed their lips and bowed their heads even lower. "Seeing me for extended periods isn''t a pleasant sight, so let''s cut to the chase." At the emperor''s deration, the expressions of the princes and princesses registered confusion. They were genuinely clueless as to why the emperor had summoned them. "The purpose of this assembly today is to determine the sessor. Actually, I''ve already made my decision." "¡­¡­!" At this pronouncement, all the royals, Evelyn included, abruptly raised their heads in unison. Such an unexpected statement. Moreover, the first prince, Rubrios, wasn''t even in attendance at this meeting. Announce a sessor? A situation that none of them had anticipated. However, the emperor''s following words were so revolutionary that they entirely uprooted the assumptions they had been mulling over in their minds. Urdios, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Zion. A yful twinkle danced in the emperor''s eyes. ''Could it be that the assistance he referred to...'' The moment Zion began piecing together clues from Urdios''s demeanor. "The sessor will be Zion Agnes." A staggering promation dropped from the emperor''s lips. *** Thanks for reading! Almost caught up! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 31: Summoning (3) Chapter 31: Summoning (3) A hush fell over the Hall of Wisdom, so quiet that even the faintest whisper of dust settling was audible. The crowd was still as statues. ''Did he n this all along?'' Zion found himself under the Emperor''s gaze. The situation was getting intriguing. In truth, looking back, this was the only way Urdios could have lent a hand. By naming him heir in this manner, qualifications or power aside, Zion would be legally closer to the throne than anyone else. It would also help him gain control over the ''Eternal Shadows'', the empire''s eyes that only the Emperor couldmand. ''But will the other princes and princesses ept this?'' There would undoubtedly be massive resistance. The Emperor was surely aware of that. Yet, by openly dering Zion as the sessor, he was inviting him to rise against the challenge. Indeed, this was assistance, but also a test. Could he prove himself truly worthy of being the Emperor? Could he protect the empire teetering on the brink due to the demons'' invasion? "Father! What do you mean by this!" Just as Zion had anticipated, Enoch, the third prince, cried out to Urdios, his face a picture of disbelief. In his shock, he referred to Urdios as ''Father'' instead of ''His Majesty the Emperor''. "Do you mean to say, you are naming that... that boy as your sessor?" A formal designation as heir by the Emperor didn''t ensure one would ascend the throne. Even Urdios hadn''t been designated as an heir but had seized the throne after eliminating his siblings. However, it was undeniably beneficial. It could earn him some respect from the legitimate Emperor faction, the diehard loyalists of the Emperor. "That''s right." Urdios''s response was firm, his gaze steady on Enoch as if he were driving home a point. "That''s ridiculous! Are you aware, Your Majesty? Of Zion''s status within the Imperial Pce! His treatment! Weren''t you the one who banished Zion to the Shadow Pce in the first ce!" Before Enoch could protest further, Diana, who had kept her cool until Zion decapitated the magician, cried out at Urdios. She wondered if her father, the man standing before her, had lost his sanity. There was no other usible reason for designating Zion as the sessor. Utekan felt the same. ¡°I have always obeyed my father''s words until now, but this time I can''t understand!" And it was understandable. Everyone would agree, each and every one. If you asked anyone at random, they''d never consider the idea of a disgraced prince being named sessor. Even if it was one of their other brothers or sisters, they could be upset, but they would ultimately ept it. But the notion that Zion could be the one was entirely impossible to swallow. "Why did you choose Zion?" Evelyn, unlike the other three and still retaining herposure, asked the Emperor in a steady voice. "Because I''ve deemed him the most fitting to be the next emperor among you all." "What...!" As Urdios uttered even more preposterous words, the royal family''s expressions grew increasingly twisted. "I can''t ept this. I mean... I will never ept this!" Enoch, the third prince, now openly vented his fury at the Emperor. But Urdios, quietly observing Enoch''s outrage, remained calm. Once a word is said, it''s never taken back. This principle had been Urdios''s rule until now and would continue to be so. And this was something the royal family, who had long observed him, knew best. Moreover, the designation of a sessor was exclusively the Emperor''s privilege. Their eptance or rejection didn''t alter anything. Did they understand this? ''Father''s decision is made. It''s irreversible. So, what I need to do here is...'' Diana, regaining herposure, thought swiftly. "I understand. I will respect His Majesty''s will." "Diana! What are you...!" "But." Interrupting Enoch''s surprised outburst, Diana continued. "I have a suggestion." "Let''s hear it." Upon the Emperor''s response, the fifth princess turned her serpent-like gaze towards Zion. "Everyone here is aware of the names Zion is known by." The dethroned prince, the timid royal, the Agnes disgrace, and so forth. "There isn''t a single ttering one among them. Zion has indeed lived up to thosebels so far. His recent change is unknown to many." True, the scene Zion presented earlier had stunned her, and Diana acknowledged to an extent that he had changed. "But what will happen if you suddenly announce Zion as the sessor in these circumstances? Even if we consent, the rest of the empire - the parliament, nobles, knights - will resist greatly. They will endlessly question his qualifications and hold grudges. No, they might not evenply." She continued, addressing Urdios directly. "So, why not give him a chance?" "A chance?" "A chance to prove his worthiness as a sessor." "How so?" "The seven great cmities." Diana''s gaze was steely and determined. "Let him tackle one of them." The seven major cmities of the Empire. Rebellion, discord, supernatural monsters, and so on. These seven cmities were the Empire''s most challenging crises, requiring massive manpower and strength to resolve. While the cmities included in the list varied over time, the title of the seven major cmities always remained. Furthermore, one of the trials that the sessor, soon to be the Emperor, had to pass was to resolve one of these seven major cmities. "It''s a trial that needs to be passed eventually to be the Emperor. If Zion truly resolves one of these seven major cmities, any resistance from us or others will vanish. More than that, some might even begin to support Zion. This level of proof seems necessary to confirm his worthiness. What do you think?" While she proposed this, Diana didn''t believe that Zion could tackle the seven major cmities. The issues associated with these cmities were not ones an individual could resolve single-handedly. Even though he''d recently gained power and transformed, it was like striking a stone with an egg for Zion, with his negligible strength, to tackle a cmity. Zion surely wouldn''t agree to this impossible proposition. If that happened, Diana nned to seize the initiative using it as leverage. "It seems like a sound n." "Haha, I concur with Diana." The third and fourth princes, who appeared to have grasped her intentions, agreed. They, too, didn''t believe that Zion could resolve a cmity. "Hmm...." A spark of interest lit up in Urdios'' eyes. The Emperor, appearing to consider this proposition, turned his gaze towards Zion. With him, the crowd''s attention also pivoted to Zion. ''I figured it mighte to this....'' Zion chuckled internally, under the scrutiny of those focused gazes. Even without foreknowledge of the future, the actions of the people present here seldom strayed from Zion''s expectations. ''Nevertheless, there''s something amongst the seven major cmities that I need to personally intervene and handle.'' If its existence became public knowledge, various forces, including the royal family here, would scramble to acquire it, setting all other issues aside. ''Taking care of it on this asion wouldn''t be too bad.'' Finishing his thoughts, Zion slowly began to speak. "Alright, this time I will prove myself to you." "...!" The royal family members'' eyes filled with shock once again at the unexpected response. Looking at such a reaction, Zion continued. "But next time, you''ll have to prove your worth to me." To determine if they are truly valuable to me. Zion''s eyes twinkled with amusement, echoing his words. --- Raei Trantions --- His first task after wrapping up his duties at the Baeksung Pce and returning to Chimseong Pce was to descend into the underground training arena. There was still time before he was due to leave the imperial city to tackle one of the seven major cmities. Until then, Zion nned to sharpen his abilities a little more. Swoosh. Zion summoned the Extinction Sword Exia, shrouded in darkness, to his hand. Exia, a weapon of mythical grade, had several additional features appropriate for its status, and this was one of them. ''I wonder where the rest of the sword''s de disappeared to.'' Zion''s brow furrowed slightly as he looked at the end of the shattered Extinction Sword. After procuring Exia from the Dream of Stars, Zion devoted a week to studying Exia whilst also training his physique. The conclusion he arrived at was that utilizing the Extinction Sword in its present state for actualbat was challenging. ''More precisely, it''s tough to recreate the missing half of the sword''s de.'' For Exia to be used in battle, he needed the other half of the vanished sword de. Fortunately, he could temporarily forge that de using his own Dark Star Energy. The issue was that the total amount of Dark Star Energy required was immense, surpassing his capabilities. ''Currently, I can only sustain the de for a few minutes.'' Perhaps it could serve as a surprise maneuver in a critical moment. To enhance this, he either needed to elevate the level of his Dark Star Energy, or locate the other half of the sword de. ''Fortunately, I can still fully utilize the other effects.'' Among them, the effects Zion found most useful were the storage and amplification of Dark Star Energy. With these two effects, he could increase the effectiveness of Dark Star Energy much more rapidly and efficiently. ''At this pace, attaining the third level won''t be too far off.'' What Zioncked was purely the physical aspect and the absolute quantity of Dark Star Energy. Having already glimpsed the end once, there was no mental barrier standing in his way. ''Could I at least use the Lunar Eclipse, if not the Sr Eclipse, with Exia?'' Zion pondered as he examined Exia in his hand. Lunar Eclipse. A technique that intensifies the flow of Dark Star Energy in the body, almost like an explosive surge, enabling the user to harness several times their power. It was a game-changing technique that could instantly flip the odds in the most dire situations. However, given its brief duration and the immense strain it ced on the body after usage, it was a technique he didn''t employ often in his previous life. Yet, for the Zion of now, it was a crucial technique. Initially, it was an advanced technique that could hardly be replicated even upon reaching the third level of Dark Star Energy. However, with the aid of Exia, it might be possible, albeit imperfectly. ''Let''s see...'' Whoosh! Deciding to experiment, Zion channeled Dark Star Energy into the Extinction Sword, generating the remaining half of the de. So, thepleted Exia began to absorb all nearby light, deepening its darkness. Simultaneously, the blood vessels across Zion''s body began to intensify the Dark Star Energy flowing within, pulsating like a mighty heart. Thump, thump, thump! His heart pounded as if on the brink of explosion, and the darkness trembled uncontrobly. Finally, when his heart''s pounding and the darkness''s quaking reached their zenith... Tick. Everything paused for a moment, as if time had frozen. And then. Creak- An odd sound resonated from deep within Zion''s body. It echoed like the creak of a heavily rusted door swinging open. With that. ---------------! The enveloping darkness sank heavily for a moment. Immediately afterward, just as the darkness was on the verge of materializing. "That''s enough." Zion dispelled the de of Exia he had conjured. He sensed that any further effort might genuinely tax his body. ''All I need to know is that I can utilize the Lunar Eclipse.'' Even though he had stopped it immediately after activation, he could already sense a stiffness creeping into various parts of his body. Had he kept it active until the end, he likely wouldn''t have been able to move freely for a while. ''This seems to be ample preparation.'' With that thought, Zion, who had returned Exia to its state of darkness, gradually exited the underground training arena. His eyes shone with a chilling light, as if it was time. Now it was his turn to confront the gaze of the Empire. *** Thanks for reading! All caught up to the previous trantions! Advance chapters will be up on my kofi soon so make sure to give that a look! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 32: Shadow of Eternity (1) Chapter 32: Shadow of Eternity (1) "Zion Agnes..." Princess Diana Agnes, famed as the ''Fairy Princess'', whispered the name of Zion, whom she recently spotted in the royal pce. ''He''s different now.'' Remembering theirst encounter, Diana contrasted Zion''s former image with the one she just witnessed. He used to have slumped shoulders. His eyes were always skittish, filled with unease. He seemed physically weaker than even her, a woman. He disyed no signs of training, and he couldn''t even meet her gaze. He was the picture of defeat, utterly unfitting for an Agnes royal. ''But things were different this time.'' She felt it the moment he showed up. Something about him had shifted. His eyes, now serene, held the gazes of her and the other royals. A unique aura naturally clung to him. Diana was especially taken aback when Zion swiftly ended the wizard''s life - a feat she believed impossible for the Zion she once knew. ''He also made unpredictable, extraordinary moves.'' She pondered over the recent past where he managed to seize control whenever she or someone else tried to. In those moments, Diana had been flustered because things didn''t go as nned. What could have happened? Had the Agnes bloodline truly awakened in himte, as the rumors suggested? "I didn''t know he would agree to tackle one of the seven cmities..." Unexpected turns, one after another. Zion''s response had surprised Diana, but she considered this turn of events better. While she couldn''t figure out why he agreed to the proposal, she was certain he wouldn''t be able to resolve it. However, a sense of unease was slowly creeping up from the depths of Diana''s heart. ''He''s not a threat yet... but it''s time to learn more.'' Deciding this, Diana casually raised her hand, beckoning one of the fairies standing behind her. "We need to gather information about our youngest brother, specifically recent events. Details are key." "I understand, third leaf of time," the fairy man replied, bowing his head respectfully. "Still, we need more information... What about the search for the ''Eye''?" Diana asked. The organization, known as the Eye of the Empire, was something even she, a princess, had only recently discovered. A ndestine group operating within the royal city, possessing unparalleled information. Andtely, Diana had been trying her hardest to locate this elusive entity. If she could gain control of this group, it wouldn''t only fill in the gaps in her information, but also give her a head start in the ongoingpetition for the throne. "We''ve found a lead... but haven''t made any progress beyond that." "A lead..." Hearing the man''s report, Diana stopped her rhythmic tapping on the table. "Then let''s heat things up." When a tail catches fire, it usually leads to one of two oues. Either sever the tail and escape. Or reveal yourself entirely. "I''m eager to see the oue." A small smile graced Diana''s lips as she spoke. Her eyes, however, held an icy glint, starkly contrasting her smile. --- Raei Trantions --- Agnes Royal City was so expansive that it was almost a city within a city. It housed not only important structures like the citizens'' pce and royal residences, but also countless facilities handling diverse functions. The Royal Library, the Pce Culinary Research Center, temples dedicated to various gods, and more. ''I''ve never seen such a deserted ce.'' Zion found himself in the Agnes History Museum. Unlike the Imperial History Museum located outside the royal city, which chronicled the entire empire''s history, the Agnes History Museum primarily focused on the lineage of past emperors and royals. Entering the museum, Zion saw a lineup of portraits, statues, and artifacts rted to past emperors. Step by step. Had everyone already paid their respects? Or was there no one left to honor the past emperors? Zion leisurely wandered through the museum, which felt oddly vacant without a single visitor in sight. ''There aren''t as many past emperors as I expected.'' Four hundred years might be a long time for humans, but perhaps not for emperors who had ascended to the status of superhumans. The museum disyed less than seven emperors'' names. As Zion strolled around the museum, examining the portraits and statues of past emperors, something peculiar caught his eye. ''This is...'' A portrait, by definition, should depict a person''s face. Yet, the portrait in front of Zion bore no human face. Just a dark backdrop. Zion knew whose portrait it was. The Eternal Emperor. In this novel, he was the founding emperor of the Agnes Empire, a legendary figure who had once ruled the world. The statue of the Eternal Emperor next to the portrait alsocked facial features - its face was a ck canvas. Zion nced down to confirm the name of the Eternal Emperor. Aurelion Khan Agnes. A name that felt all too familiar. There was no avoiding it. That name had once belonged to him when he was the emperor in his original world. ''I expected it, but...'' Even after confirming that the founder of this world bore his name, Zion''s eyes remained calm. This detail had not been in the Frosimar Chronicles. But he had suspected it ever since he encountered Exia in the ''Dream of Stars.'' Zion recalled that as he approached Exia, the warehouse keeper, Beira, had noted it was the weapon of the Eternal Emperor. ''The question is, what does this imply?'' Just as the name ''Agnes Empire'' was inserted directly into the chronicles, had the entity who wrote them simply used Zion''s name? If not... A possibility began to take form, yet it remained elusive, shrouded in mist. ''I need more clues.'' Such were Zion''s thoughts as he studied the faceless statue of the Eternal Emperor. "The Eternal Emperor, founder of this empire and unifier of the world, greatly despised leaving records about himself." A voice sounded beside him. Upon hearing the voice, Zion turned to see a young man with strikingly long hair tied back. Gentle eyes that seemed perpetually curved in a smile, lips curled into a soft grin. Overall, the young man had the air of a librarian. "As such, apart from his aplishments, almost nothing of him remains. Hence, there are no portraits featuring the Eternal Emperor''s visage, let alone statues. This faceless portrait is hung for appearances'' sake, but in reality, it holds no meaning." Having cast a brief nce at the Eternal Emperor''s portrait relegated to the backdrop, the young man turned to Zion and bowed. "Pleasure to meet you, Crown Prince Zion. I''m Thierry Illones, the curator of the Agnes History Museum." The young man, Thierry, who addressed Zion by his royal title, appeared to already know Zion''s status. His demeanor was respectful yet unforced. Zion regarded the young man with anguid gaze before responding. "I wasn''t aware that Your Highness would have an interest in the Agnes royal family''s history. The other royals seldom visit here more than once." A second visit? Thierry, his head once again raised, smiled contentedly. "Most probably feel the same. There''s little of interest here." "Ha ha, I concur... Yet I consider this ce more than a mere disy of past emperors'' relics. Through the records they left, we can deduce aspects of their lives and learn from them. Indeed, there''s much to glean." With that, Thierry swept his gaze across the museum''s expanse. "Your Highness Zion, you must have revisited this ce for that very reason, correct?" "I didn''te here to learn, but to acquire something." Zion responded to Thierry''s question with a chuckle. "To acquire knowledge? Ha ha, I like that answer. If you have any questions while touring the museum, don''t hesitate to ask. Questions about the empire''s history are also wee." "Is that so? Then I do have a question." "And what might that be?" Thierry looked at Zion, awaiting his question. "The Shadow." "Pardon?" "I wish to know about the Emperor''s Shadow." "By ''Shadow'', are you referring to ndestine organizations operating unseen? Certainly, an emperor might maintain such entities." Zion watched Thierry, who deftly skirted the topic without betraying a change in his expression, with amusement. Zion knew the true identity of the young man before him. Thierry Illones. The Eye of the Emperor, and the head of the ''Shadow of Eternity'', the empire''s ultimate intelligence organization. There''s a saying: to hide a tree, ce it within a forest. Who could have guessed? That the head of the empire''s most secretive organization was operating openly within the imperial city. Zion might have struggled to locate him had the chronicles not mentioned Thierry. "Shadow of Eternity." "......" "I came to im the Shadow of Eternity." Thierry fell silent at the precise terminology Zion employed. Soon, a frosty light began to glow in his normally soft eyes. Perhaps he deemed further concealment pointless, given the knowing look in Zion''s eyes? "Follow me." With no question into Zion''s knowledge, Thierry simply turned and began to walk after expressing those brief words. Zion trailed behind at a leisurely pace. Thierry did not exit the building. He strolled between walls adorned with portraits of past emperors, before pressing his palm against a bare wall. A low whirr echoed, a magical circle etched with intricate patterns materialized on the wall where his handy, and a passagewayrge enough for two people to pass side by side emerged. "Truth be told, ever since His Majesty appointed you as his sessor, I suspected you might arrive here. There was no other reason for his abrupt designation." As he confidently navigated the pitch-ck passage devoid of any light, Thierry''s soft voice continued. "Crown Prince Zion, we are the empire''s most ndestine and exceptional eyes. We answer solely to the Emperor''smands, and we retain the right to refuse if we determine an order endangers the Empire''s well-being." This unique privilege of the Shadow had been handed down from the Eternal Emperor who founded it to the present day. "We''ve been observing you for longer than you might presume." "......" Zion followed Thierry silently, assessing his environment. Theyout of the passage and the building was hard to decipher, as though subject to a particr magical maniption intended to disorient his senses. "However, the recent shifts and actions you''ve exhibited are puzzling for us." Trudge, trudge. "The dual assaults at the Chimseong Pce, the monster event, the mysterious power youmand with an untraceable source, recently smuggling in a blood mage from outside the castle undetected. And your violent disposition persistently disyed at Baeksung Pce. All of these acts would have been unfathomable for the Zion we''ve known until now." Thierry''s footsteps finally stopped. "Prince Zion, you imed you came to acquire the shadow, correct? Then, demonstrate your worth first." Zion perceived the space around him suddenly expand. "Prove that you, Zion Agnes, are not an entity of evil." As Thierry''s presence vanished from in front of him, dozens of swords rained down upon Zion. *** Thanks for reading! Advance chapters will be out on my ko-fi shortly! I will be releasing chapters 4-5 times a week now as we have caught up to previous to trantions now, cheers! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 33: Shadow of Eternity (2) Chapter 33: Shadow of Eternity (2) "Why did he even mention he''d bring me along if he was going alone?" In the Chimseong Pce, left by Zion, Liushina grumbled, staring at the dark window. She was upset that Zion hadn''t taken her with him to meet the ''Eternal Shadow''. She was anxious about potential problems. "I bet Prince Zion had good reasons, don''t you think, Miss Liushina?" Fredo, who had walked up to Liushina, answered herints. "Shina." "Yes?" "Just call me Shina, not Liushina." Liushina, still gazing out the window, spoke her mind. Even after two hundred years, some might remember her name and link it to her. This could cause trouble, so she was being careful. "Sure, Miss Shina." Maybe it was Fredo¡¯s unquestioning reply that made her curious. Liushina turned towards the knight and asked, "Don''t you wonder about me?" All Fredo knew was her name and that she had magic. But he didn''t seem to question Liushina or Zion, who had brought her. "Prince Zion had a tough time. He was alone in this Chimseong Pce since he was a kid. Nobody stood by him or helped." A hint of sadness came into the knight''s eyes. He had watched Zion from afar for years and knew how hard Zion''s life had been. His life had been worse than a nameless country noble''s. "Miss Shina, you came to this dreadful royal pce to help Prince Zion. And he brought you in himself. That''s enough for me." Fredo¡¯s face had a small smile as he spoke. "You''re very loyal to your master." Liushinaughed at his words and looked back out the window. How many people would trust someone so blindly, just because their master brought them? She thought the knight had been wrong before. Zion always had someone by his side. --- Raei Trantions --- The Eternal Emperor founded the ''Eternal Shadow'' when he established the Agnes Empire. Emperor Aurelion Khan Agnes wanted his secret ''eye''. So, he created the Shadow to watch the world from behind the Empire forever. And someday, if the Empire was in danger, he wanted the Shadow to show its worth. The Eternal Shadow faithfully followed the Emperor''s wishes. Knowledge is power. So, even though it held great power, the Eternal Shadow never showed itself to the world. It worked unseen, showing itself only to each new Emperor. But now, Thierry, the current leader of the Eternal Shadow, thought of breaking these rules. Because the Empire was close to ruin. ''The Demonic Realm.'' They had tricked even the eyes of the Shadows that watched the world. Over decades, they had slowly, too slowly, moved into the human world. When the Eternal Shadow found out, Emperor Urdios had already cut them off. Since then, the Eternal Shadow focused only on finding the demons that hade into the imperial pce, stopping all other work. But it wasn''t going well. There was no way to connect with the Emperor again. ''Because that would show the Demonic Realm even the Shadows exist.'' So Thierry waited. For a chance to beat this problem, and for the demons to show a weakness. The one who sought the Shadow in this time was Zion Agnes. ''He says the Emperor sent him, but there''s too much that''s strange.'' From the creepy power he had, to his sudden changes, and the total flip in his personality. On top of that, Thierry knew that Zion Agnes''s body couldn''t take mana. Was a demon wearing Zion Agnes'' face and taking his ce? Or was he really the key the Emperor sent to beat this crisis? To find out, Thierry watched Prince Zion face the trap he had set from the other side of a magic wall. Several other Shadow leaders were there with him. If they watched together, they could make the right choice. ''If he''s pushed hard enough, he''ll have to use all his hidden power.'' Whether it''s magic or something else. Soon, they would know the real Prince Zion. With this thought, Thierry''s eyes narrowed. "This is fun." Zionughed as he dodged the swords falling on him, just as Thierry''s presence totally faded. He hadn''t missed this. Even if Zion was the Shadow''s leader, he would have acted the same way. Telling an enemy the Shadow''s identity and location without understanding them fully was like suicide. Whizz! Zion pulled a sword from the ground with a mechanical noise and looked at the knights turning to face him. No, they were not knights. They were magic golems that looked like knights. They were the peak of today''s summoning magic, with magic circles covering their whole bodies. ''This is better.'' Zion started to understand the space he was in, as darkness spread all around him and he pulled up the ck Star. He didn''t understand why the Eternal Shadows used magical golems, but it made his work easier. The ck Star cancels all that exists in the world. If he used that power to stop the magic flowing inside the golems rushing at him, they would stop working by themselves. Whizz! In a moment, one of the golems that hade close, quickly swung a sword at Zion. A simple but incredibly quick movement, impossible for a human. The speed was so fast it was hard to see. However, Zion''s body was already moving as if he knew where the golem''s swing would go, just missing it. Swoosh! The sword barely cut Zion''s cheek. From there, Zion stepped forward, into the golem''s space, and reached out his hand. Tock. Zion''s finger lightly touched the golem''s chest. At that moment. Vrrrrrrr! The golem shook as if it was hit with electricity, then stopped and fell. "......!" One of the Shadow''s leaders, watching the scene from the other side of the barrier, stood up, his eyes wide. But the surprise wasn''t over. Zion, easily avoiding the attacksing from all sides, walked among the golems like a ghost. Tock, tock, tock, tock. Zion''s finger lightly touched the golems as he passed them. The ck Star started from Zion''s finger and went straight into the golems'' magic circles, erasing the magic inside them. Unable to hide their surprise, they stared at Zion. Even they, who were proud of knowing all the world''s information, had no idea what power Zion used. ''Celestial wave? No, it''s not the same.'' Plod, plod. Zion started to slowly move towards them. With each step, darkness flowed out, and a feeling of dread spread. ''That figure....'' Thierry''s eyes started to shake as he watched Zione closer. Aurelion Khan Agnes, who started the empire and joined the world with his mythical achievements. All that was remembered about this emperor were his name and what he did. However, the Eternal Shadows also kept a description of the emperor''s look. The emperor was always surrounded by darkness. Dread spread with his steps, and when a ck star spun in his eyes, the world was afraid. Zion Agnes. The figure of Zion Agnes,ing closer, looked a lot like the emperor''s description. Then. "You asked for proof." The quiet voice that came from Zion''s mouth. His voice was very soft, but everyone heard it clearly. "But it''s not me who needs to give proof." Whoosh. Zion''s form vanished from sight within the surrounding darkness. When Zion reappeared, he was in front of a middle-aged woman, one of the Eternal Shadow''s leaders. "It''s you." Before the woman and the other leaders could respond. Thrust! Zion''s hand shot through the woman''s heart without a second thought. "!!!!!!!" As people''s eyes widened in surprise at Zion''s unexpected move. Screeeeeee! A horrible magic started toe out of the woman''s mouth, along with a noise no human could make. *** Thanks for reading! Advance chapters are now up on my ko-fi, consider checking it out to get up to 15 advance chapters! Cheers! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 34: Shadow of Eternity (3) Chapter 34: Shadow of Eternity (3) Shadow of Eternity. It''s the top-notch intelligence organization listed in the chronicles. But it disappears without a trace before the battle against the forces of evil even begins. More urately, every member of the Shadow of Eternity loses their life. Because of demons hiding in their shadows. Zion had a n to change this future. And to take over the shadow as well. Screeeech! Emperor Urdios and the Shadows'' leader, Thierry, believed that not even demons could breach the Shadow of Eternity. They were mistaken from the get-go. Although fewer in number, demons had infiltrated the Shadow of Eternity long ago. Squawk! With his heart in turmoil, Zion held his hand firmly in the chest of a woman who was shrieking in a strange way, while he stared at her calmly. ck stars erupted from Zion''s hand, wreaking havoc inside the woman''s body. Zion knew who the woman before him was, or more urately, the demon disguised as her. Dicarne. She was such a powerful demon that in the not-too-distant future, she''d obliterate the entire Shadow of Eternity by herself. A significant character worthy of being in the chronicles. Even though her power was too immense for Zion to face at this point, he did not flinch. ''If Ibine what I''ve read in the chronicles with the information about the demons I''ve encountered so far, they can''t use their real powers when they''re in human form.'' This was an opportunity. A chance to easily take down one of the future enemies. "What is happening...!" The executives watching could only gasp in shock with wide eyes. Because one of their colleagues, who they''d worked with for years, was radiating a horrifying demonic energy. No matter how much they tried to deny it, that energy was unmistakably demonic. As confusion painted Thierry and the executives'' faces, Thud! The image of Dicarne, her chest pierced by Zion''s hand, slowly began to transform. She was fighting against the ck star from Zion, a stubborn and miraculous life force, tearing up her insides, trying to revert to her original form. However, that was the precise moment Zion had been waiting for. Whoosh! With Zion''s empty left hand, he pulled in the surrounding darkness to form a half-sword. The Sword of Extinction, Exia. The moment Exia absorbed all the surrounding light and formed the other half of the de. Thud! Without a moment''s dy, Zion thrust the Sword of Extinction at Dicarne''s heart, a weakness he''d identified beforehand. The instant a demon reverts from its human guise to its original form. That moment is when demons are most vulnerable, and Zion knew this fact well. Hence, he struck with his mightiest attack, wielding Exia. Thump, thump! Exia''s darkness, which defies all existence and mirrors the characteristics of the ck star, starts to spiral inside Dicarne, swallowing everything in its path. A spine-chilling scream tore from the half-transformed demon''s mouth. The demon''s eyes, now reptilian, red at Zion, bloodshot with rage. -You, you fiend! A cry overflowing with immense fury and confusion. In an instant. If given a tiny moment''s respite, it could have resumed its original form and ripped all life asunder. But the prince standing before it, his smile chilling, gave it no such chance. ''So this is how it ends...'' With that thought, Dicarne slowly reached out towards Zion. But the demon''s hand never reached him. Crack! Before it could, her core had already been thoroughly obliterated by the ck star. The demon''s eyes, void of life. Thump! As Dicarne''s body slowly faded away, Zion found and destroyed the transmission core. ''That was tougher than I thought.'' Zion flexed his hand a few times, reverting Exia to its shadowy form. Keeping the de manifested for less than a minute had drained so much of his strength it felt taxing. His fingertips were trembling slightly. But Zion had no regrets about using the Sword of Extinction. Without Exia in the first ce, killing the demon might have been impossible. ''What''s left is...'' All that remained was convincing the remaining executives and leader, Thierry, to submit and follow him. It was the moment when Zion, his thoughts sorted, turned to face Thierry. Thud! Thierry, who had been watching Zion, suddenly knelt. His eyes shook, as if unable to believe what had transpired. Behind him. Thud, thud, thud! One after another, the other executives also began to kneel, bowing their heads. "......" Zion observed this unexpected spectacle with a questioning gaze. "...We greet the sessor of Eternity." The voice of Thierry, finally lowering his head. --- Raei Trantions --- The Shadow of Eternity. Just as the name suggests, this organization, created by the Eternal Emperor, had more stories rted to the Eternal Emperor than any other organization, and their loyalty was equally impressive. Following the Eternal Emperor''s demise, they served many emperors, yet their undying loyalty was reserved solely for the Eternal Emperor. And so, they waited and hoped for centuries. For the day when the true sessor of the Eternal Emperor would arise and lead them. "...So, I am the sessor of the Eternal Emperor?" "Yes, your highness Zion. Our existence is devoted solely to you." Inside the secretive meeting chamber of ''Shadow of Eternity,'' housed within the Agnes History Museum. Thierry lowered her head with the utmost respect in response to Zion''s question, he himself upying the room''s highest seat. "Please, do not refute it. Wasn''t the sword you wielded just now Exia?" The sword that devours all surrounding light and plunges its surroundings into an abyss of darkness. Only one weapon in this world could aplish such a feat. The Extinguishing Sword, Exia. Wielded by the Eternal Emperor Aurelion Khan Agnes. The sword that denied all others since itsst appearance had resurfaced. And it was in Zion''s grasp. There was no evidence more conclusive than this. "Everyone in the Shadows is aware that Exia has only epted the touch of the Eternal Emperor. Any suspicion that Zion might be a demon had long since evaporated from Thierry''s mind. Initially, he couldn''t question someone who''d dispatched the demon before him. Furthermore, if Zion was the sessor of Eternity, his inexplicable power also made sense. It must be that the true power of Agnes, dormant within him, was awakened somehow. ''Looking at it that way isn''t incorrect...'' Zion mused to himself, studying Thierry. Securing the Shadow of Eternity more effortlessly than expected was fortunate, but their fervent gazes were somewhat daunting for Zion. ''But it did save me the time and effort to infiltrate...'' Havingposed his thoughts, Zion addressed Thierry. "I require a list." "Pardon?" "Surely, you''re not assuming that the demon we witnessed earlier is the only one infiltrating the Shadows." "......" At this, Thierry''s expression grew solemn. The recent events were too shocking for him, who believed the Shadow of Eternity remained untouched by demonic influence. "The list should contain the names of the demons lurking here. Your job is to memorize them and be vignt." Zion continued, rying to Thierry the information stored in the chronicles in his mind. He would need to strike swiftly when the opportunity arose because any misstep could alert the demons to their impending hunt. Their discovery was likely inevitable since he''d already dispatched Dicarne, but for now, it seemed manageable. By the time they realized, it would be toote. "I understand." Thierry''s response to Zion''s words was unhesitating. "What''s the current state of the Shadow?" Zion asked. "To begin with a general overview....." Thierry embarked on summarizing various aspects, including the current situation, scope, and strength of the Shadow of Eternity for Zion. And after what seemed an extensive period... "There is one concern currently proving troublesome...." Thierry began, his brow creasing as if something troubled her deeply. "Let''s hear it." "Her Highness Princess Diana Agnes is in pursuit of us." Diana Agnes had somehow stumbled upon them, and since then, she''d been doggedly delving into the Shadow of Eternity, intent on asserting control. "One of our branches was recently exposed to her. Furthermore, we''ve received intelligence that she''s nning to deploy forces against us." Typically, in such circumstances, it would be sensible to forfeit a branch, like severing a tail, but Thierry found himself incapable of doing so. "The Shadow of Eternity consists of a small, elite force. Consequently, we''re constantly short-staffed. That''s why wecked any avable power during our earlier... test with you, your Highness Zion, and we were forced to resort to golems. If we abandon an entire branch under the current circumstances, it would significantly impact our intelligence gathering capacity." Each member of the Shadows was invaluable in this predicament. "We require a brief period to eliminate traces and evacuate everyone from the branch. The issue is that Princess Diana''s forces seem poised to strike before we can achieve that." If they could only find someone to provide a distraction, buying them the necessary time to evacuate, but the Shadow of Eternity currentlycked such capability. "So, you need a force to buy you some time?" "That''s correct." "I''ll handle that." With those words, Zion offered a slight smile. "I happen to know the perfect candidate for the job." --- Raei Trantions --- Where might the empire''s most formidable military group be found? Several answers could be given to that question. The Agnes Knights, whose service is devoted solely to the Emperor. The Ash Lion Squad of the Lioness Princess, Evelyn Agnes. ''Babel'' of the Ozlima, a prominent demon family, and so forth. But when tasked with naming the empire''s most formidable group of elementalists, there was only one answer. The Elemental Legion, Egrasia. Although smaller in numberpared to other military groups, they were given this title due to their power equivalent to that of a legion. Degs, the fairy overseeing the 6th division of Egrasia, was contemting a modest building in the distance. The ce he currently upied was a slum district on the periphery of the empire''s capital. "This is an unofficial assignment. Hence, we are ghosts today." "...." At Degs''s soft-spoken words, the members of Egrasia''s 6th division, assembled behind him, silently activated their eyes. "The mission is straightforward. Apart from one individual who''ll act as bait, eradicate all life within that building." "Understood." With that, Degs, his face concealed, began his approach towards the building, muffling all sounds with his spirit. His members followed suit discreetly. ''All this is for Princess Diana.'' The nature or morality of this mission didn''t matter. They pledged their allegiance for the Elf Forest and Princess Diana. This deep, ck night would shroud all their actions. In Degs''s mind, there was no room for the possibility of failure. Ssssss- Above the airspace of the advancing Egrasia 6th division, A witch with blood-red eyes and a vibrant red grin was observing them from above. *** Thanks for reading! Check out my ko-fi for more advance chapters! Thank you to Salma for the sub! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 35: Shadow of Eternity (4) Chapter 35: Shadow of Eternity (4) Even in the prosperous city of Hubris, the capital of Agnes, darkness lurked. Slums hugged the city outskirts like a shroud. Usually, Hubris was safe. Yet, in these slums, people vanished daily, unnoticed. At the eastern edge of this area, the Spirit Corps'' 6th Squadron, Egrasia, was closing in on an outpost of the ''Eternal Shadows.'' Roar! Perhaps they thought their enemies were trapped, with no chance to flee. Many spirits manifested around the approaching 6th Squadron, each disying their unique powers. "Wipe them out." The icymand dropped from Degs, the squad''s captain. As his team bristled with murderous intent, ready to storm the outpost... "It''s a shame there aren''t more of you." A voice echoed from above, beautiful yet eerie. "¡­!" Taken aback, the squad members stopped their advance and looked upward. There had been no sign of anyone else around. Creak! Suddenly, a beast emerged from thin air and chomped down on the head of one of the surprised soldiers. Squelch! Squelch! A ghastly sound echoed from within the creature''s mouth. As if in slow motion, the decapitated body toppled towards the ground. Behind it, Degs and his team finally saw her. A woman with glowing red eyes and a blood-red smile: Liushina. "Not enough to sate my hunger." Looking at the stunned squad, Liushina voiced her disappointment. "Who are you?" Degs managed to ask, still grappling with the sudden turn of events. "Hmm, does it matter?" "What¡­?" "You''ll all die here anyway. So, why bother with introductions?" Liushina spoke with unwavering certainty, as if foreseeing an inevitable future. "How dare you¡­." Degs'' eyes zed with anger at her audacity. Who could speak so casually of killing the Spirit Corps? Yet, he quickly quelled his rage. Duty superseded personal feelings. "We attack together, deal with her quickly, then enter the building." Normally, such a instruction might wound the squad''s pride. Now, however, speed mattered more than anything. With a shared understanding of Degs''s intent, the teamunched a united attack on Liushina. Crashhh! Water spikes, lightning spears, and wind storms, each formidable enough to demolish a building, rained down on Liushina, triggering a colossal explosion. ''Was she able to kill the other member because she surprised us?'' Degs pondered this as he observed the unfolding scene. Before the explosion, he''d seen Liushina absorb their attacks without evading or shielding herself. "She''s not as tough as I thought." Even a superhuman would struggle to withstand such a brutal onught. Just as Degs was about to dismiss her... Kaboom! Dust rose from the explosion site. Something shot from the dust cloud, instantly obliterating a squad member standing beside Degs. The object was a monstrous arm, made of entwined beast heads. "¡­!" Degs gaped at the grisly sight. Roaaar! The beast heads that formed the arm scattered, wreaking havoc on the nearby squad members. "Aghhh!" Even as Degs summoned additional spirits for defense, the beast heads ripped through them, crushing the soldiers'' hearts and heads in an instant. "Your banter is quite annoying." Liushina, her grotesque right arm extended, emerged from the settling dust. Despite bearing the brunt of their attacks, she was unscathed, her clothes the only casualty. Liushina''s eyes gleamed with delight at the mayhem she had instigated. Could this be the end? Squeak! Dozens of red eyes sprouted over Liushina''s body,ying im to everything in sight. The Petrifying Demon Eyes. "Ahhh¡­ I, I can''t move... Ahhh!" Caught in their gaze, the soldiers were rendered immobile, helpless against the onught of beast heads and blood-red tentacles. "How, how can this be...." Degs watched in stunned silence. The Spirit Corps, Egrasia, reputedly the empire''s strongest force, was being decimated without any resistance. It was a surreal nightmare ying out before his very eyes. ''We''re headed for total destruction.'' No, they were already on the brink of it. Roaaar! Was it because he couldn''t bear to watch any longer? An unprecedented surge of power radiated from Degs, breaking the paralyzing bond. With this power, a storm erupted around him. It was an advanced level of spirit power he rarely tapped into, as its use would require months of recovery - a realm he wasn''t yet equipped to handle. But there was no room for such considerations now. ''I''ll end this in one go!'' Storm Spear of Sylphid. Whoosh! Degs''s storm spear, driven by ast-ditch desperation, tore through the multiple beast heads in its path. The spear sliced through the air, unresisted, obliterating Liushina''s upper body before disappearing into the distance. ----------! Space distorted in the wake of the spear, creating atmospheric fluctuations. It was a truly monstrous strike, fueled by the power of a high-grade spirit. "Is she... gone?" Degs murmured, staring nkly at the space where Liushina''s upper body had once been. And there was relief in his gaze. No human could survive such a devastating blow. "Haha, hahaha......" Degs copsed, hisughter echoing hollowly in the silence, a grim testament to the decimation of his squad. "Only one survivor." A chilling voice sounded from behind him. "......!" Degs whipped around to find... "It''s such a shame." Creak! Liushina, her upper body regenerated as if time itself had been rewound. "A, ahh......" Despair seeped into Degs''s eyes. Liushina, restored to her original form, advanced slowly. Thud, thud. She reveled in the moment of transition from hope to despair. The thrill of witnessing the despair in her victims'' eyes, the realization that their hope was futile all along, was intoxicating. Perhaps that''s why she couldn''t resist indulging. "Well then, I''ll savor this." Just as Liushina loomed over Degs, a sinister smile on her lips... Crunch! A monstrous head erupted from her body, devouring Degs whole. --- Raei Trantions --- If there was one indulgence Zion enjoyed in the world within the Frosimar Chronicles, it was coffee. A beverage non-existent in his original world. Zion savored the ritual of contemting his thoughts over ck coffee, unsweetened. "..." Had Thierry, the ''Shadow of Eternity''s'' leader sitting across him, discovered Zion''s fondness? She waited patiently for Zion to initiate the conversation. How much time passed, apanied by the subtle aroma of coffee permeating the study? Creak! The study door opened and in walked Liushina. "Added another minion to our ranks?" With a sly smile directed at Thierry, Liushina dropped casually into one of the study''s chairs. ''That''s the woman...'' Thierry, already briefed by Zion about Liushina, studied her with a keen gaze. "How did the assignment fare?" Zion, setting his teacup down, questioned Liushina. "I''ve wiped them out, just as you requested. But, Master...does that really make sense?" Liushina, appearing dissatisfied with the shortage of her victims, licked her lips and responded with a puzzled look. Zion had entrusted her with two tasks. Firstly, to unleash her power fully and eradicate every single member of Diana Agnes'' forces without exception. Secondly, to subtly leave traces of magic at the scene, including the summoning ritual, that would go unnoticed. Honestly, Liushina had her doubts about whether the enemy would be fooled by such traces. It felt like openly confessing to her crimes and then carefully hiding a speck of evidence. "Diana Agnes is a suspicious character." Zion, however, was confident that the Princess would fall into their trap. "She distrusts what she sees and constantly looks for hiddenyers." This trait made her an easy prey. Those who perceive themselves as clever tend to trust only their judgment and disregard others. Zion was confident that Diana would discover the traces he had cunningly concealed. Traces so brilliantly camouged that none but Diana could unearth them. Once she located them, Diana would be fixated on these hints, and from that point onward, she would focus more on the hidden 1% deceit than the 99% truth in in sight. "So, the trail will lead to the Third Prince, correct?" Thierry, who seemed to grasp Zion''s strategy, twinkled her eyes and asked. "Correct." Zion nodded, cradling his teacup. The strained rtionship between the Third Prince, Enoch Agnes, and the Fifth Princess, Diana Agnes, wasmon knowledge. So, if any connection to the Third Prince could be established, Diana''s reasoning might be further clouded. Zion had another objective in mind. ''This wille in handy when I eliminate the Third Prince in the future.'' At present, his direct adversary within the royal household was the Third Prince, Enoch. Enoch, Zion''s own brother, who had relentlessly dispatched assassins against him and even manipted the session ceremony to bring about his demise. As such, Zion had resolved to first eliminate Enoch, intending to employ Diana for this purpose. Today''s events would serve as the foundation when he decided to manipte the Fifth Princess in the future. Having streamlined his thoughts, Zion took another sip of his coffee, then turned to Fredo standing nearby. "Who prepared this coffee?" "Huh? A new servant assigned to the Chimseong Pce, um, did you detect any poison...!" Fredo sprang to his feet, rmed at Zion''s question. "The taste isn''t quite up to par." "..." Fredo paused, then responded. "I''ll prepare another one at once." At Fredo''s statement, Zion responded with a nod. As he had mused before, the simple pleasure of coffee was one of the few he had discovered since his arrival in this world, So, it mattered considerably. ''Could it be another spy amongst the newly assigned servants?'' Zion spected, observing Fredo''s retreating form. If these servants had been ced here at such a crucial time, the likelihood was substantial. Their very existence indicated that the other royals were starting to take note of Zion himself. An acknowledgement that Zion found rather satisfying. "I''ll conduct a thorough investigation into the backgrounds of the servants who''ve recently joined the staff at Chimseong Pce." Thierry voiced out, as though she had tapped into Zion''s thoughts. Zion gave a subtle nod. ''Truly, it matters little who they are.'' Regardless of their identity or their power, it held no significance. Anyone who obstructed his path would simply be crushed, and he would seize what he desired. Mulling over this, Zion set down the coffee cup he had been clutching. *** Thanks for reading! Check out my ko-fi for advance chapters! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 36: Illusionary Army (1) Chapter 36: Illusionary Army (1) Smash! Princess Diana Agnes'' teacup shattered into dust. "...What was that again?" Diana''s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the messenger fairy. The man, his head low, spoke in a grim tone. "All forces sent to the Shadow Branch... have been wiped out." Crash! At his words, the tea table in front of Diana also dissolved into nothing. "Wiped out, you said wiped out? Every single one of Egrasia''s 6th Battalion?" "Yes." This waspletely unexpected. Egrasia was a powerhouse among the empire''s military units, a source of pride for Diana herself, and it stood unrivaled among the fairy divisions. Sure, she considered the possibility of some injuries due to enemy resistance. She considered the potential failure to catch the enemy and letting them escape. But never did she expect the entire 6th Battalion to be wiped out. "...What about the enemy branch?" Diana asked, trying to suppress her growing rage. If her side suffered such losses, the enemy must have taken equally severe damage. Yet, the man''s response exceeded her expectations again. "The evidence at the scene... suggests that the 6th Battalion didn''t even make it inside the building." "What was that?" Diana looked at the man, questioning his exnation. "Signs of a fierce fight were found outside the building, along with the bodies of the 6th Battalion. There were no traces leading into the building. It appears they fell in battle right there." "A trap...." A soft voice escaped from Diana''s twisted expression. "Was the branch a trap from the start?" It was entirely usible. Eliminating an entire Egrasia battalion in one night would require significant nning and preparation from the start. "¡­You''re saying I walked into a trap? Me, Diana Agnes?" She had always been the one toy traps, not walk into them. So her shock and rage were all the more intense. After a brief pause to gather her wits, Diana posed another question to the man. "Do we know who''s behind this?" "There were strong signs of blood magic at the scene." "Blood magic?" Interest sparked in Diana''s eyes at the man''s words. Blood magic was a talent few possessed, making it difficult to learn. That''s why, in the empire, only a handful of people could use it effectively. If the enemies used blood magic, it would significantly narrow down the list of suspects. "Recently, a woman who''s sided with Prince Zion is known to use blood magic." "Are you referring to the woman I saw in the virtual reality?" "Yes, she''s the only blood magician active in the capitaltely." "Hmm..." Diana''s brows creased slightly at this. If things were as they seemed, it would be easy to point fingers at Zion and this woman, but something felt off. Everything seemed too tidy, too well-orchestrated. It was as if someone was purposely directing the situation toward Zion. ''Zion wouldn''t have any reason or capacity to pull off such a thing.'' Even though the red-eyed woman had bested the Azure Lion Knights at the pce''s main gate... Diana doubted this proved she could obliterate an entire Egrasia battalion. "Were there any other clues?" "Well... not quite a clue, but underneath the blood magic and fairy rituals, we found faint traces of a summoning ritual. It might just be residual magic, but..." Suddenly, Diana''s eyes sparkled. "That''s it. The person who cast that spell is our culprit. Who else in the capital right now is a summoner or part of a group strong enough to wipe out the 6th Battalion?" "Third Prince''s Lergan Urschler, or from the Summoning Tower''s side¡­" "...Enoch!" Before the man couldplete his sentence, Diana snapped a name. With it, a tangible wave of celestial energy radiated from her. "So that''s how it goes." Muttering to herself, Diana''s eyes bore a colder light than ever before. --- Raei Trantions --- Behind a seldom-used garbage incinerator on the outskirts of Agnes Pce, a man and woman stood facing each other. But the man''s gaze on the woman seemed odd. While he looked perfectly ordinary, his face was devoid of any emotion. Like a doll. An entirely expressionless face,pletely void of any emotion. "You''ve done well avoiding suspicion with that face." A woman with long auburn hair, looking at the man, remarked. She wore a monk''s robe, an odd match for her alluring figure. "I see no need to show emotions, especially in front of you." "Good point. But why the meeting? Our regr check-in isn''t for some time, is it?" "I''ve lost contact with Dicarne. I think she may be dead." In response to the woman''s question, the man replied in his emotionless tone. "Dicarne? That''s strange. How did that happen?" "I''m working on that. It''s not just Dicarne, signals from several subordinates have also gone quiet recently. It''s like¡­" "Someone''s hunting us?" The woman smiled as if she found the notion amusing. "Yes." "Well, that''s possible. I''m more surprised we weren''t discovered until now." "I''m not certain yet. But something about this troubles me." "What is it?" "Zion Agnes." The man''s gaze turned icy as he uttered the name. "Excluding Dicarne, most whose signals have gone silent were close to Zion Agnes." "That exiled prince?" Interest ignited in the woman''s eyes, a stark contrast to the man''s frosty demeanor. "He''s the subject of quite a few recent rumors... It might be worth our attention." "I''ll leave that to you then." With that, the man turned, wrapping up the matter without hesitation, and began to walk away. "This could be quite intriguing if yed right?" Watching the man''s receding figure, the woman muttered to herself. And then- She vanished from the spot without a trace. --- Raei Trantions --- "Your Highness Zion, please be cautious." At the main gate of Chimseong Pce, Knight Fredo bowed to Zion, who was exiting, a worrisome expression in his eyes. "Your Highness, perhaps reconsidering would be best. This is a heavy burden, even for you..." Beside Fredo, Thierry trailed off, his gaze on Zion pleading him to rethink. Zion''s weary eyes met his. Those eyes held no signs of hesitation or apprehension. No matter what was said, Zion''s decision was firm. "¡­¡­We will manage everything as instructed in your absence. Please travel safely." "Yes." Quickly conceding, Thierry bowed his head, and Zion climbed into a magical car, Liushina at his side, bound for the Imperial City''s main gate. Since he wasn''t sneaking out of the Imperial City this time, he confidently strode through the main gate. "I didn''t anticipate departing the Imperial City so soon after arriving." Seated across from Zion, Liushina shrugged and remarked. Yet, in contrast to her words, her eyes sparkled with anticipation. She could almost taste the tension in the air, hinting at the events about to unfold. "¡­¡­." Zion didn''t respond to Liushina''sment, his gaze directed out the window. Zion was leaving the Imperial City to fulfill his promise to the emperor and other royals in the virtual realm, proving his worth as a sessor. The Seven Disasters. Each of the seven cmities guing the Agnes Empire required the Empire''s powerful intervention for resolution. The royals wished for Zion to address one of the seven disasters as proof of hispetence, and Zion had agreed. ''It''s about time for that creature to surface, isn''t it? If I handle this well, I might secure two wins at once.'' Zion recalled the one disaster he had chosen, and the details he''d read in the chronicles, watching as Liushina curiously inspected the interior of the magical car. She was pivotal in quelling this disaster. From the moment he''d nned to enlist Liushina as an ally, Zion had contemted the resolution of this catastrophe. Naturally, her power had significantly influenced his choice. But the reward he would reap from mitigating this disaster was equally crucial to him. That''s why he had nned to address it at some point, even if Diana hadn''t proposed it in the virtual realm. ''It''s somewhat ahead of schedule, but it''s not a bad turn of events.'' In fact, it could even be advantageous. The disaster selected by Zion was one where the malignant influence was more potent than in any other. Hence, halting the disaster could potentially inflict considerable damage on the adversary. "We have arrived, Your Highness." In the meantime, the driver''s voice rang out. The magical car had stopped, seemingly having reached the main gate. Consequently, the crowd became visible through the window. Having navigated the manipted session ceremony, and designated as the heir by Emperor Urdios. And having epted the task of addressing one of the Seven Disasters as proof of his ability. Owing to these events, Zion had caught the attention of the Imperial City''s inhabitants, and an audience had gathered to witness his departure to tackle the disaster. Suddenly. The moment Zion opened the car door and stepped out, the chatter that had filled the air vanished as if on cue. In its wake, all eyes were riveted on Zion. Zion nonchntly ignored these gazes, striding slowly down the path carved out by the crowd. Thud, thud. The sound of his footsteps resonated in the prevailing silence. Typically, when a direct descendant of Agnes officially leaves the Imperial City, arge number of people turn out to bid them farewell. But Zion was aware. None of them had genuinelye to see him off. The curiosity and mockery reflected in their eyes. "Resolve a disaster single-handedly? They''ve lost their mind." "And they picked an illusion... one of the most vexing among the disasters? Perhaps their perception of reality is skewed from staying in the Imperial City?" "They likely picked a difficult one knowing they can''t resolve it anyway." Along with that, the crowd''s whispers reached Zion''s ears. They may have thought they were speaking low enough to go unnoticed, but their words rang clear in Zion''s ears. They. They believed Zion could never tackle this disaster. No, they were hoping he couldn''t. Zion etched each of their faces into his memory. What would their expressions be when he returned having eradicated the disaster? He was already anticipating it. "Your Highness Zion, are you departing now?" A man with blue hair and a frosty demeanor came into Zion''s sight. Lergan Urschler. A close confidant of the third prince and an exceptional summoner who, despite his youth, had already reached Level 7 and developed his unique form of magic. "Your strength seems somewhat inadequate to deal with the impending catastrophe... but I trust you will find a path to triumph." Lergan, observing Zion departing from the main gate with only Liushina and absent of any military forces, slightly dipped his head as he conveyed his words. "Good luck." Zion, scrutinizing the mage with serene eyes, recollected what Thierry, the head of the shadows, had previously informed him. -The third prince, or more specifically, his advisor Lergan Urschler, questions the origin of your power. Perhaps this disy was his way of seeking confirmation. ''Then, I should provide him with what he desires.'' Concluding his internal deliberation, Zion raised his gaze again, locked eyes with Lergan, and offered a sly grin. "I extend the same sentiment to you." In that moment, so fleeting it could be considered a blink of an eye, Zion''s entire eyes darkened to an obsidian ck, then reverted back to their natural state. Had he perceived that? Lergan''s eyes slightly quivered, his expression growing stern. Leaving the silent Lergan behind, Zion atst crossed the threshold of the main gate with Liushina. Behind Zion, his shadow was elongated by the afternoon sun. The Illusionary Army of Chronos. That was the name of the catastrophe that Zion had chosen. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 37: Illusionary Army (2) Chapter 37: Illusionary Army (2) Hyukseong Pce, one of the five castles circling the central Baeksung Pce. Its master, the third prince, Enoch Agnes, was lost in thought, sitting deeply in his chair, tapping the armrest. Lergan, the chief of Icarus, stood behind Enoch, who remained silent. How much time had slipped by? Just as the sunlight streaming through the window began to shift. "So, Lergan, do you believe that kid Zion has been messing with dark magic?" Enoch finally broke the silence. "Yes." Lergan gave a nod as though he''d anticipated the question. "It''s more than just dabbling in dark magic; it looks like he''s borrowed some serious power from a top-level demon." "And you''re sure of this?" "Over 90% sure." Even though he said so, Lergan waspletely convinced that Prince Zion had struck a deal with a demon. "It''smon knowledge that Prince Zion, who used to be so weak that he couldn''t harm a fly, has suddenly turned so ruthless he doesn''t flinch at taking a life. No one sane could change their nature that dramatically." But there was more. "The power that Prince Zion''s been wieldingtely, the dark shadow that always seems to hover nearby, his eerie aura - all those changes are absolutely impossible without meddling with dark magic, or worse, with demons." And then, the final, damning piece of evidence. Lergan clearly remembered seeing Zion''s eyes turnpletely ck for a split second a few hours ago as they parted ways outside the castle. It was over in a sh, but Lergan''s keen eyes caught the change. Lergan knew that it was a tell-tale sign of someone who has made a pact with a demon. "Do you understand the magnitude of your usation?" Enoch spoke with a heavy voice, eyeing Lergan. Dark magic. A magic harnessed using mana. Since mana originated from demons, dark magic was forbidden in the empire. Merely learning dark magic could be a death sentence, with no regard for social status. Moreover, directly drawing power from a demon - beyond just learning dark magic - was an even graver matter. Demons are the nemesis of the Empire and humankind. epting power from such an adversary was tantamount to challenging all of humanity. And if the one epting this demonic power wasn''t amoner but a direct blood rtive of the ruling Agnes family? The fallout would be unthinkable. ''The shame that would fall on the entire Agnes family, the likely copse of royal power, of course...'' But it also offered a valid excuse to officially eliminate Zion. ''Taking down Zion once and for all wouldn''t be too bad.'' With him gone, it''d be a breeze to win over Zion''s maternal family. Enoch, having weighed his options, nced at Lergan and shed a grin. "You''ve thought of everything, haven''t you?" "Absolutely." Facing the third prince, Lergan returned a frosty smile. --- Raei Trantions --- Zion and Liushina''s first stop after leaving the Imperial City was a well-known eatery in the capital, Hubris. "Are you hungry, Master? Should we eat first?" Liushina asked, her eyes on the restaurant''s sign that read "Moonlit Feast". She had seldom seen Zion take pleasure in food. "I''m not hungry, but there''s something I need." Zion responded and stepped into the restaurant, his face shielded by a cloak. Moonlit Feast. This was a covert outpost of the information guild ''Moon''s Eye'', a ce Zion had visited when he needed details about the ck Forest. Ding! Were they expecting Zion? Unlike his previous visit, a waiter approached Zion as soon as the clear bell on the door rang and murmured, "We''ve been waiting for you. Please follow me." "You''re not going to throw a knife at me again, right?" "...That won''t happen." After receiving that answer, Zion quietly followed the waiter, who''d already started to lead the way. "So, we''re not really here to eat." Liushina, realizing this, clicked her tongue and followed Zion. Had they kept everything the same? As they walked through a dimly lit corridor, arge cavern opened up. And at the heart of the cavern, behind a desk, was a woman with round sses, radiating a schrly aura. It was Aileen, the head of the ''Moon''s Eye'' guild. "Prince Zion, it''s an honor to meet you." As soon as Zion entered the cavern, Aileen stood up quickly and bowed respectfully. "You look just like thest time, but you recognized me this time?" Zion replied with a chuckle, removing the cloak from his head. No need to wear it now that his identity was known. "If we didn''t know who you were this time, we wouldn''t be worth our salt as an information guild." Aileen answered Zion with a dry smile. Aileen, or rather ''Moon''s Eye'', had dug up a lot about Zion after discovering his identity. That''s why they were up to speed with Zion''s past activities, recent actions, and even his movements. For this reason, the guild broke its unspoken rule of staying clear of the Imperial City, expending a considerable amount of resources, but Aileen had no regrets. ''Because it''s worthwhile.'' The disregarded prince, the forsaken pureblood, the disgrace of the Agnes family. Every one of those titles had once been attached to Prince Zion, but Aileen didn''t buy into the world''s judgement of him. The Zion Agnes she had observed was too different from thosebels. ''If those assessments were urate, then Prince Zion must have been fooling the world all along.'' His recent conduct, in fact, aligned more with the Zion Agnes she had seen. Had he decided to drop his facade and reveal his true self? "May I ask why you''vee this time?" Pushing aside those thoughts, Aileen turned her attention back to Zion. "Isn''t there only one reason anyonees here?" "I understand you''re seeking information, but what you''re after is crucial. If it concerns the ''Phantom Legion'', we can''t be of assistance. We have no handle on them." The Phantom Legion of Cronos. This was one of the seven catastrophes Prince Zion, who stood before her now, had pledged to confront. It was more elusive and challenging to deal with than any other catastrophe. While other catastrophes had identifiable locations, this one had no discernible origin. Its cause, pattern, and identity remained mysterious. A legion that materialized without warning in an Empire province, exterminated all life within a city, then vanished as though it was a mere illusion. So, people christened this legion the Ghost Legion, or the Phantom Legion. To be honest, Aileen couldn''t fathom why Zion had chosen to tackle the Phantom Legion. There were many other equally formidable but more solvable catastrophes. "I''m already aware of that." Zion inclined his head towards Aileen in response. Zion already knew where the Phantom Legion would strike next. Moreover, he was aware of the cause and origin of the Phantom Legion''s emergence. A myth-tier relic tied to the ancient god, Cronos. The Phantom Legion was an event triggered by such a relic, and Zion''s target was that very relic. ''The heroes were supposed to resolve itter, and the hero would obtain the relic¡­'' Zion had no intention of handing over that relic to any hero. "Huh? You know? What do you mean...." As Aileen, looking startled, questioned Zion''s unforeseen statement. "I''d like you to investigate something different." Zion switched topics and presented her with a sheet of paper. "Learn everything you can about the people on this list by the time I return to the Imperial City. Even the smallest details." "This is...." Aileen''s eyes flickered as she read the names penned on the list handed over by Zion. The Light Star Council, the body holding the most power in the Empire, second only to the Emperor. The list was densely packed with the names of the members of such a council. "You''re not nning to make a hit list, are you?" "Well..." To Aileen''s question, Zion merely offered a cryptic smile. Though he had already assigned this task to the Shadow of Eternity, Zion believed in the necessity of information cross-verification from various sources. ''More information is always preferable.'' Aileen, studying the list and Zion alternately, seemed to mull over something for a while. Eventually, she appeared toe to a decision, slowly nodding her head. "¡­Very well." As Zion, who seemed to have concluded his affairs, rose from his seat, he seemed to remember something and nced back at Aileen. "By the way, who was the informant you assigned to mest time?" "Do you mean Nari?" "Yes, assign her again this time. I might need to ce additional requests." "Understood. By the way, did your venture into the ck Forest go well?" Aileen, curious, questioned Zion. Despite the entire ck Forest vanishing overnight, it was a mysterious event about which she knew nothing. Aileen was aware that Zion was involved in the incident. Because he was one of two survivors who had entered and exited the forest. She couldn''t help but be curious, guessing at the identity of the entity sealed within the forest. "Yes, thanks to you." Zion nonchntly nodded in response to the question. With that, Zion''s gaze momentarily drifted to Liushina. Aileen, following his gaze to look at Liushina, "¡­¡­!" Her eyes began to widen as if she had realized something, ultimately filling with shock. "Are we leaving now?" The woman who had been idly yawning by Prince Zion''s side. Aileen knew who she was. The woman with red eyes who had been in Zion''spany since his return to the Imperial City not long ago. The power that woman was unmistakably wielding was blood magic. ''Could it be... The Thousand-Year Witch isn''t dead...'' A shiver coursed through Aileen''s body. At that moment, Aileen saw it. Zion, his finger already on his lips, smiling at her. --- Raei Trantions --- "Miss, why did you ept that request?" After Zion and Liushina exited the basement, the mustached employee, Allen, asked Aileen who stood by his side. His eyes were brimming with doubt. The request that Prince Zion had ced a little while ago was essentially asking the Eye of the Moon to work for him. This was ipatible with the Eye of the Moon''s policy of maintaining neutrality amid the contests for the throne and power struggles. It should have been a request to decline. "Prince Zion was testing us just now." Aileen began to speak in a grave tone. "He was assessing whether we would serve him or refuse." What would have transpired if they had declined outright? While envisioning Zion''s eerie gaze, Aileen shook her head to dismiss that thought. "The Emperor''s end is close. With his passing, the true chaos willmence, and we must adapt to survive." So far, they had maintained a stance of neutrality, but the certainty of maintaining this position following the Emperor''s death was uncertain. Given that the ''Eye of the Moon'' was among the Empire''s leading information guilds, numerous factions would invariably strive to rope them in, as had happened today. "We already have connections with the royal family; it might be wise to firmly pledge our allegiance now." "¡­If that is your wish, Miss, I willply. However, why select Prince Zion? There are many other noteworthy members of the royal family." Indeed. Regardless of Prince Zion''s recent prominence, he was essentially a novicepared to other royal family members. His origins were far too different. "It''s a gut feeling." Without an ounce of hesitation, Aileen replied to Allen''s question. "Until now, no one has provoked such a response in me." Moreover, if the woman apanying Prince Zion was indeed who she suspected, Zion''s influence was unfathomable. "But I n to observe how this catastrophe unfolds." The phantom army. This worst-case scenario, universally deemed impossible, was one Aileen herself found improbable to resolve, even with her knowledge of Zion''s true identity. Could Prince Zion defy the world''s judgement yet again? ''It seems unlikely, yet, if he manages to rectify even this...'' A sense of unfounded anticipation gradually surfaced in Aileen''s eyes as she considered the possibility. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 38: Illusionary Army (3) Chapter 38: Illusionary Army (3) They found themselves at the sea. A sea made up of an endless array of lifeless bodies. Stretched out as far as the eye could see. A battlefield filled with the dead, humans and monsters alike undistinguished. Broken spears, dull swords buried in the earth, and deformed helmets littered about. "I have something to ask." From amidst the sea of death, a knight, missing his lower half, strained to speak to a man standing frozen in shock. "Please, live for yourself." Blood was pooling, his eyes growing dimmer. "No more protecting, no more sacrificing. Just live for yourself." The knight managed a weak smile at the man. "Marry, have kids, enjoy the farming you love. That''s my... our final wish." With thosest words, the spark of life extinguished in the knight''s eyes. "..." The man, having watched the knight''s life end, quietly spoke. "Maybe it''s time to stop." His voice was barely audible. --- Raei Trantions --- "Sir, will you teach me to use a sword!" A girl of about fifteen, notable for her vibrant blue eyes and brown hair, shouted. Her name was Ferna. Ferna was pleading with a man in his mid-thirties who was quietly nting carrots in a garden. "I don''t know anything about using a sword." The man responded without even turning to look at the shouting girl. His attention focused only on the carrot seeds he was nting. "Then, please teach me how to use a spear, or any other weapon. I can pay for the lessons¡­¡­¡± "I don''t know about any of that either. So, please leave." Ferna''s eyes filled with disbelief at the man''s response. Even though the man had been in the Kurd vige for a year, Ferna and the vigers knew little about him. He never spoke of his past. They only knew his name was Liam and he enjoyed farming. "Wow, you''re really not budging. If I were you, I''d at least pretend to think about it." Ferna, however, was convinced that Liam knew how to fight. The many scars crisscrossing Liam''s body. They were unmistakably the result ofbat, something even Ferna, who knew little about battles, could tell. "Sir, why are you in this quiet ce? Honestly, you''re not very good, are you? That''s why you quit early and are just farming here, right?" "......" She tried to rile him up, hoping for some reaction, but Liam remained impassive. "Teach me how to fight with a sword!" "I told you I can''t. Even if I could, I wouldn''t teach you. So, stop bothering me and leave. If you''re that desperate to leave, study and be a civil servant or something." "Ah, just a little!" How long did they keep up this argument? Ten minutester, Ferna finally gave up. With slumped shoulders, she left Liam''s garden. "Ah..." As she walked the path from Liam''s house back to the vige, Ferna let out a long sigh. She''d been trying to persuade Liam every day for several months, but each day ended just like today. It was like talking to a brick wall. "I need to get out of here soon..." She didn''t like it here. This quiet vige where strangers only showed up once in a few years. The warm vigers who treated even outsiders without judgment. The peaceful vibe of the vige. Especially the peace. Ferna hated it. Because she knew how delicate that peace was, like ss ready to shatter at any moment. She learned this harsh truth when her parents were killed in a bandit raid a few years back. There was no one to stop the bandits in the vige, and the empire ignored these remote areas. They were helpless. They couldn''t do anything. The vigers, her parents included, bent their heads to those who had killed their family and offered their wealth. "Please, don''t kill any more of us. Just take what you want and leave." "Being weak is a crime." Since then, this belief had rooted itself deep within Ferna''s heart and hadn''t changed. That''s why she longed to be strong and leave the vige, but as a mid-teen girl, she was powerless on her own. Then Liam came to the vige. "Yes, if I keep pestering him, he''ll eventually give in and teach me a few things." Right now, this was her only way to get stronger, so she couldn''t afford to quit. He didn''t seem very skilled, as she''d mentioned before, but it was better than learning nothing at all. Then. "......Huh?" Ferna''s eyes widened. Two strangers were approaching her on the woond path. They weren''t any of the vigers she knew. "Strangers?" They were indeed odd. A man with skin so white it was nearly see-through and dark grey hair, and a woman with jet ck hair and piercing red eyes. The woman was eerie just to look at. But the man leading the woman caught her attention more. Despite the daylight, there was a strange darkness around him, as if it were night. The unsettling, foreign aura he gave off. His indifferent eyes, which seemed to disregard everything, made her drop her gaze involuntarily. "......" The man and woman passed by the dumbfounded girl. "Who are they?" Ferna watched them until they were entirely out of sight. --- Raei Trantions --- "So, Master, you''re suggesting that the Phantom Army will manifest here?" "Yes." Kurd was a vige situated significantly west of the Empire''s capital, Hubris. Zion and Liushina strolled down a woond path leading away from Kurd. "But why here?" Uncertainty flickered in Liushina''s eyes. From Zion''s stories, she understood that the Phantom Army did not spontaneously appear, but was triggered by certain circumstances. However, Kurd was an unremarkable, rural vige. There seemed to be no reason for the Phantom Army to appear here. "They need to eliminate someone." With these words, Zion nced at a log cabin visible at the end of the woond path they trod. "They?" Liushina''s question deepened at Zion''s cryptic words. In that instant, a man, busily nting carrot seeds in a garden beside a house, caught Zion''s attention. ''It seems right.'' Upon their arrival, the man stopped his work, turning his head towards them. An inward smile curled on Zion''s lips. A body covered in scars, muscr and formidable, with closely-cropped hair. A rugged beard, and steadfast, unyielding eyes. Everything matched the description in the annals. ''Liam Rainer.'' The emergence of the Phantom Army in this location was primarily due to this man. Even though magic had stifled all surface invasions for over a century, the war was far from over. Countless skirmishesrge and small urred at the boundaries of the empire and magic. Numerous armies stood vignt at these borders. Liam Rainer, one of themanding officers of these armies and captain of the Demons'' Destruction Squad¡ªan elite forcebating the demons¡ªwas the greatest war hero to mankind and an object of unending terror to the demons. ''But now he''s retired.'' Retired hero. That was the title that best encapsted the current Liam Rainer. The ''coordinates'' causing the Phantom Army to appear were currently held by the demons. Upon discovering Liam''s whereabouts, they used the ''coordinates'' to summon the army. And So, the legendary war hero was to meet his end in this unassuming vige of Kurd. Zion intended to alter this fate. "Master, may I kill him?" "No." Restraining an unusually excited Liushina, Zion approached the man. "Who are you?" Liam, hands still smeared with soil, asked Zion in an emotionless tone. In reply, Zion met his gaze and began to speak. "Zion Agnes. That''s my name." Upon hearing Zion''s reply, a subtle change crossed Liam''s expression. His hair''s hue suggested royal connections, but Liam found it hard to believe that the man before him was the ''disowned pureblood''. Even in retirement, he wasn''t oblivious to the world. So, he had heard rumors about Zion Agnes. Yet the man before him was nothing like those rumors. ''The rumors must be mistaken, or he''s been concealing his true nature.'' Liam concluded, asking Zion, "What brings you here?" Even after learning Zion''s identity, Liam''s demeanor remained unchanged, only his tone shifted. After all, he was retired and had no intentions of re-associating with the empire. Zion replied in his uniquelynguid manner, "Join mymand." A sudden proposalpletely incongruous with his tone. "Assuming I would agree to that..." Before Liam could scoff at the absurd proposition, "This vige will soon be annihted." Zion continued, his voice steady. "......!" It was a startling revtion, yet an inevitable consequence. The Phantom Army would not simply eliminate Liam and disappear. "In exchange, I''ll spare you and this vige once." With these words, Zion''s tranquil gaze settled on Liam. "......" After a moment''s silence, holding Zion''s gaze, Liam spoke slowly, "I decline. I don''t trust your words, Your Highness, and even if... this vige is destined for destruction, simply leaving beforehand is the obvious choice." Even if it resulted in the vigers'' death, it didn''t concern him. He had no responsibility to protect this vige. No, not just this vige. The duty to safeguard anyone else was non-existent for Liam. He was no longer part of the Demons'' Destruction Squad at the magic frontier, and everyone dear to him was already gone. "I see." Zion, his inscrutable gaze never leaving Liam, chuckled and turned away without a second thought. "What''s this? I thought you''d coerce him like you did with me." With a teasing grin, the thousand-year-old witch followed him. Watching their retreating figures, Liam''s gaze fleetingly strayed towards the adjacent forest. "......There''s no need for concern." Murmuring his conclusion, Liam, free from any lingering thoughts, returned his attention to his vegetable garden. "Are you truly giving up so easily?" Walking beside him, Liushina turned towards Zion, her voiceced with curiosity. "He must be quite exceptional if you personally sought him out. I didn''t expect you to back down so quickly. If this was your n, why did you tell me not to kill him?" Zion met Liushina''s questioning gaze. Her eyes, both haunting and mesmerizing. Zion contemted the notion that in times past, when she was known as the thousand-year-old witch, there might have been those so captivated by her gaze that they offered their lives to her. "Do heroes emerge naturally, or are they crafted?" Zion mused aloud, his gaze drifting forward once more. "What are you talking about? Out of nowhere." Liushina regarded Zion as though he was speaking gibberish. To her, a hero was simply a being more challenging to kill than others. She had never pondered such things. "I believe they are born. A hero''s fate is determined at birth." Just as lifespans are preordained at the moment of birth. "That''s why it''s unavoidable." Regardless of how fiercely one may resist, the environment, or indeed, the entire world, would ensure otherwise. "That''s why he, too, will eventually sumb." "So, what you''re saying is¡­ that man we met earlier is a hero?" At Liushina''s question, Zion replied with a faint smile. "Isn''t that what he''s already being called?" "Well, if you say so. What''s next?" As though it mattered little what transpired, Liushina shrugged and questioned Zion again. "First..." In response, Zion abruptly stopped, surveying the surroundings. Simultaneously, his figure seemed to vanish like a mirage. Swish - He materialized before one of the trees nking the woond path. Thud! Zion''s hand prated the tree''s heart without hesitation. "We need to eliminate the vermin first." As he spoke, a streak of crimson burst from within the tree, matching the arc of Zion''s gaze. *** Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 39: Illusionary Army (4) Chapter 39: Illusionary Army (4) What''s next? He questioned himself as he broke up the once strong, now lone, Annihtion Unit. When he left the service, there was nothing he nned to do, no ce he wished to visit. His entire life and memories were linked to the battlefield, where he''d spent countless years. ''Maybe farming isn''t such a bad idea?'' Thinking this, he recalled the tiny vige he used to call home before his military life. A quiet ce tucked away in the empire, nothing too special about it. A memory of a blue-eyed girl from the same vige, who often smiled warmly at him, surfaced. ''I wonder if she''s still there.'' Sadly, no one in the vige remembered him anymore. The girl, the sole memory that stirred his mind, was already gone. Only her daughter, with eyes just like her mother''s, was left. Quietly, he started tending to a small garden on the outskirts of the vige. --- Raei Trantions --- "Cough!" A masked man, revealing only his eyes, flew from a tree, blood gushing from his chest. Thud! His body dropped to the ground. Till the end, his eyes held a look of utter disbelief. Had he given up on hiding? Bam! From the forests nking the path, roughly a dozen attackers jumped out, heading straight for Zion. "I''ve been waiting for this." Liushina watched Zion and the attackers, her face full of excitement, not surprised in the slightest, as if she knew what wasing all along. The attackers split up, half charging towards Zion and the rest towards her. "Take them both down." Just as these cold words slipped from the apparent leader''s mouth. Screech! Dozens of icicles formed around a green-haired woman, seemingly a magician, shooting towards Zion. Even as the icicles flew his way, Zion didn''t budge. Just as the icicles neared his eyes. "Go ahead." Boom! A soft voice and a dark explosion came from Zion, breaking all the icicles, scattering ice dust everywhere. The attackers were blinded by the cloud of ice dust. In that moment. Dark Flow. Zion''s figure vanished like a ghost, only to reappear right in front of the spell-casting woman. Zion''s hand aimed straight for the woman''s heart. But, had they anticipated this? ng! Two attackers, previously positioned at the woman''s sides, swung their swords at Zion simultaneously. The swords targeted Zion''s neck and heart directly. It was clear that if Zion stayed on his path to strike the woman, a sword would skewer him, but he didn''t pull back his hand. Instead, he pushed even further. Dark Scales. Thump! A darkness as hard as steel surrounded Zion. Swords plunged into it. Just before the impact shattered the dark armor. Swish! Zion''s outstretched hand struck the woman. "Ah!" A shriek escaped from the magician. ''These ones are better than thest lot.'' Zion thought, as he calmly watched the magician who had lost her right arm to his attack. If his strike hadnded fully, her heart would have burst without even a scream. But the magician had tilted her body at thest second before Zion''s attack hit. ''No matter.'' If a strong enemy shows up, all you have to do is beat them with more force. That''s how Zion had always done it, and he nned to continue doing so. Swoosh! Meanwhile, the remaining attackers, except for the magician woman who had backed off to stem the bleeding, rushed at Zion again. With seamless teamwork, one attacker swung his sword from the front, and as soon as Zion ducked to avoid it, another sword flew at his neck from the side. An unavoidable attack, perfectly timed, without a single mistake. Dark Vision. Zion''s eyes turned ck as he watched the sword, taking in all the vast information and energy flows around him. With that, the world in his vision seemed to slow down, like he was watching a slow-motion film. In that world, Zion slowly lifted his hand, barely brushing the side of the iing sword with a single finger. Then, in that moment. Thump. The flying sword''s path twisted, cutting through air instead of Zion. "What...!" The bearded man who had thrust the sword looked astonished, unable to believe what seemed like a magic trick. Boom! Seizing the opening, Zion''s hand shot forward, cleanly destroying the man''s heart. The light of life vanished from the man''s eyes. Seeing this, Zion pulled his hand from the man''s chest without a second''s hesitation and slightly tilted his head to the left. sh! Right on cue, a sword from behind cut through the space where Zion''s head had just been. Zion grabbed the end of the sword that had just grazed his cheek and yanked it forward. "¡­!" The red-haired man who had swung the sword lost his footing and staggered. Thump! Zion stomped on the man''s foot, keeping him still, then, spinning half a turn, he thrust forward with his other hand. Dark Thunder. Zap! Darkness, morphing into lightning from Zion''s fingertips, consumed all light and struck. The man''s head, unprepared, was reduced to ashes. "This wretch!" Watching hispanions vanish instantly, the white-haired man who had first swung his sword spat a curse,unching his sword bathed in blue light at Zion once more. Whoosh. Zion was already gone. Crack! The man realized this just as an eerie sound echoed. Swiveling his head towards the noise, the man saw, "Let''s wrap this up." Zion had reappeared right behind the female magician, driving through her chest. "Cough, cough!" The magician, unable to scream properly, choked. Even until her final moment, she couldn''t grasp how Zion had managed to appear behind her. "Ughhhhh!" The white-haired man charged at Zion with renewed force, but the battle had already decidedly turned. Crack! --- Raei Trantions --- ''Something''s not right.'' After witnessing all his men fall and watching Zion slowly approach him, the raid leader, Dmitry, had this thought. He had expected an easy mission. Eliminating a hapless prince practically disowned by the royal family and one of his subordinates. Sure, he''d heard the circting rumors of Zion''s recent transformation, but he dismissed them as overblown. However, Zion Agnes'' actual power surpassed even the rumors. ''Is that... really Zion Agnes?'' Monster. The Zion Agnes he saw had be a monster, like the other members of the Agnes family. Could he have truly grown that powerful in such a short span? If not.... At this, Dmitry recalled his client''s warning to treat Prince Zion with utmost caution. Did his client already know this? ''I must alert them.'' He needed to convey everything he''d witnessed to the main force waiting beyond the vige. ''First, I need to escape.'' With this in mind, Dmitry retrieved a small ss bead from his waist. An artifact containing a short-distance teleportation spell. While it was single-use, its worth was immeasurable, given that few magicians in this era could manipte space magic. Crash! Without hesitation, Dmitry shattered the ss bead. Above all else, survival was paramount. In that moment. Whoooosh! With the burst of light, his body started to fade. ''Zion Agnes, I''ll remember you...'' Just as Dmitry''s form was about to fully disappear. "Going somewhere?" Crack! Zion, who had appeared unnoticed before him, shed a grin and drew Exia, driving it towards the light enveloping Dmitry. In that instant. Creak! Darkness emanated from the half-sword, easily prating the light, and began to dismantle the spatial teleportation spells that surrounded Dmitry''s body. The power of the ck star, which denies all, erased elements essential for the teleportation spell. "!!!!!!!" Dmitry''s fading body solidified again. Simultaneously, his pupils dted to their maximum extent. "How, how...." Dmitry, who was repeating the same phrase while nkly staring at an inexplicable scene. The final image that imprinted itself on his vision was. sh! It was Zion, emotionlessly severing his neck. --- Raei Trantions --- "I didn''t think they''d be so audacious." Zion murmured quietly while observing Dmitry''s decapitated head rolling on the ground. Of course, he had anticipated interference. His own siblings desired more than anyone for this test to fail. Even though they were certain they couldn''t solve the crisis, they were prepared to do anything to eliminate even the faintest chance. ''But only two of them would resort to directly sending a human hunter.'' As Zion contemted, he nced at Liushina, considering the faces of the two in question. She was in the process of separating thest enemy''s head from its body. ''Seems like she toyed with them before finishing them off.'' If she had desired, she could have dealt with them much faster than Zion. "If this is it, it''s rather disappointing...." Meanwhile, Liushina, who had approached Zion, grumbled with a discontented expression. Just then. "The scouts have been dealt with, but the main force is separate." A short-haired woman withrge eyes, emerging from behind a concealed tree before Zion, spoke up. It was Nariye, a special informant from ''Moon''s Eye''. Her eyes slightly furrowed at the sight of the gruesome battlefield. "They''re waiting nearby and are poised to attack this vige soon." Nariye, whose usually minimal eye focus seemed even more blurred, perhaps to avoid taking in the detailed scene. As soon as she concluded her report. Shush! Shush! Something rustled in the adjacent bushes and started heading towards the vige. The expressions of those present, including Zion, who had already deduced the source of the noise, remained unchanged. "What about the location you were assigned to investigate?" Zion shifted his gaze back from the noise to Nariye and asked. In response, Nariye started unfolding a small map. "Here, here, here... these three ces." She pointed to three marked locations on the map. "Elevated enough to oversee the entirety of Kurd vige, but from below, you can''t spot the top. Correct?" "Indeed." "But why did you ask me to investigate these locations?" Nariye asked Zion, who was focused in examining the marked part of the map, but, as expected, there was no straightforward answer. ''Ah, I ought to report...'' Just as Nariye was beginning to inwardly frown, "We''llmence moving as previously discussed." With that, Zion, who had just taken his gaze off the map, began to stride forth. It was evident to anyone that his destination wasn''t Kurd vige. "Master, what of the vige? It''s on the brink of an attack." Liushina posed the question while observing Zion''s receding figure. It was easy to deduce that her question stemmed not from genuine concern for the vige, but rather the potential spoils if she were to assist in its defense. "Priorities first. And..." Zion, not halting his pace, responded. "There''s someone else to hold them off." Zion''s eyes, radiating a reddish light, were trained on the descending sun beyond the mountain range. --- Raei Trantions --- "......Is he truly there?" Atop a hill, where the sun hadpletely set, a man was murmuring to himself while overlooking the lights gradually illuminating Kurd vige. The man''s appearance was rather peculiar. His entire body was stitched together like a ragdoll, with each part exhibiting subtly different hues. A form that couldn''t be attributed to any ordinary human. But that posed no issue to the man. From the very beginning, he wasn''t human. He was a demon, named Cainliss. That was his true identity. "Yes. Unexpected, isn''t it?" In response to Cainliss''s words, a woman with a blue body and green eyes, one of the three demons positioned behind him, replied while studying the vige. "I can''t fathom that the ''Ghost King'' has resided in such a remote location post-retirement......" Liam Rainer, the Ghost King. His alias was bestowed because his presence, decimating all visible monsters with mere fists, resembled a bloodthirsty king of ughter. He was the leader of the Destroyers, the most feared by the monsters on the frontier, and the prime target of the demons. In the past, whenever he revealed himself on the battlefield, monsters would recoil in fear, imagining their defeat. He was among those extraordinary individuals who could single-handedly reverse the tide of a battle. "These foolish imperial individuals, disregarding that power and treating him so." Cainliss recollected. The dread that Liam Rainer''s presence had inflicted on the monsters, himself included, when he was on the frontier. And what that symbolized for humans. He couldn''t understand why the empire would treat such a formidable hero in this manner. "He retired of his own ord and retreated here? Well, that''s good for us." The female demon shrugged her shoulders in response. "Thanks to that, we can assassinate him with greater ease." The demons, including her and Cainliss, had ventured here solely to end Liam Rainer''s life. An order from one among the Five Demonic Spirits, those whomand all monsters within the empire. Consequently, they were duty-bound to seed,e what may. ''Under usual circumstances, even if all the demons here attacked, we couldn''t possibly confront him¡­¡­.'' As Cainliss toyed with an item in his possession, he contemted. ''However, with this, the narrative shifts.'' Among the Empire''s seven cmities was a phantom army known as a mirage, its origin, purpose, and every other detail shrouded in mystery. Cainliss possessed the ''coordinates'' necessary to summon such a phantom army. "No matter how formidable the Ghost King is, he cannotbat an entire army single-handedly." The eyes of the demon, murmuring to himself, began to dance with madness and anticipation. The exhration of dealing with the Ghost King, who once instilled fear in all monsters, by his own hand would undoubtedly be tremendous. Perhaps it was his absorption in this thought that led to their oversight? The demons failed to notice. Swoosh- The darkness beside them, slowly taking form and rippling, as if in amusement. *** Thanks for reading! Consider checking out my ko-fi for up to 15 advance chapters and our new discord! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 40: Illusionary Army (5) Chapter 40: Illusionary Army (5) Mercenaries were known as drifters, moved only by the pull of gold. A unique subset of these were the ''human hunters'', specialized mercenaries who hunted humans. Among these groups, Yukon, the head of Red Hat, stood out. His group was ranked among the top three, and now he was surveying a nearby vige. ''That''s our target this time.'' More precisely, their aim was Prince Zion in the vige, but the distinction mattered little. Today, the vige would be wiped out. ''Were we supposed to make it look like a ghostly theft hit?'' Nothing survived a ghostly theft. To sell the illusion, they had to level the vige. ''This might be easier for Prince Zion.'' Death would find him only after the ghostly theft. "Boss, Dmitry and his crew aren''t back?" A lean man of Mongolian descent voiced his concern to Yukon. "I only sent them to scout. Are they messing around?" "Can we afford that? Boss, let''s move! We can''t wait forever!" The rest of the men backed him up, badgering Yukon. As darknesspletely fell, Yukon finally broke his silence. "Alright, let''s end them." His eyes mirrored the blood-red moon as he gave the order. --- Raei Trantions --- "No¡­ No!" Fear gripped Ferna as she darted through the forest. ''I need to warn them, now!'' Earlier, she''d run into strangers who radiated a weird aura. Covertly tracking them, she stumbled upon a horrifying scene. A strange group had visited Liam''s home under mysterious circumstances and were ambushed by an unknown party. The resulting sh was too intense for amoner like Ferna to understand, let alone observe. All she could make out was a pale man engulfed by shadows, and a red-eyed woman casting bloody lines from her fingers. By the time she''d grasped their moves, the fight was over. The strangers had won. They''d defeated a more significant force, clearly seasoned warriors. It was a sight to behold. However, the words of a short-haired woman who appearedter cleared everything else from Ferna''s mind. ''We have a main force, they''re close and will attack this vige soon.'' Hearing this, Ferna sprinted towards the vige, uncaring if they saw her. But she hadn''t made it yet. The path from Liam''s house to the vige seemed especially long today. "Please, please..." Ferna was haunted by the vige''s nightmarish past, which yed out again in her mind. She dreaded the prospect of living through that horror again. ''Soon... what do they mean by soon?!'' How much time did they have? Could the vigers, without any transport, manage to flee if warned? The vige soon came into sight. ''I have to warn them...!'' Just then. Thud! Ferna''s sprint came to a stop. "No..." Despair washed over her. The vige was already... "Ha! Lop off all their heads!" "Please, save me! Save... Ah!" "I have money, I''ll give you all I have... please, spare Peter..." "Huh? We don''t need your paltry change!" Swish! "Ahhh!" The nightmare was ying out again. "No..." Ferna stood, frozen, staring at the unfolding horror. Her eyes met with an old man''s, held captive by one of the human hunters. ''Grandpa Gibson!'' The man who''d treated her like his own granddaughter after she was orphaned. Run, get away. The old man silently mouthed, too terrified to make a sound, for fear of alerting the hunters. She resented it. The vige was always the victim, defenseless. But its people never stopped smiling. That''s why she''d nned to leave, to grow stronger. But the truth was... -Ferna,e to our house for dinner tonight. She didn''t want to go. -Sis, let''s go pick fruits! My mom will make a yummy pie with them! She just wanted to protect them. -Oh, dear, do you only have those clothes? Wear these. I didn''t buy them for you, they just don''t fit me anymore. These people, naive and unreasonably kind. She wanted to protect them, that''s why she sought strength. -Haha, Ferna. We''ve got too much firewood. Come and take some. No more. She wanted to be strong, so she wouldn''t lose anyone else. "Let go of him! You mongrel!" With an axe she''d picked up, Ferna charged the hunter holding Gibson''s head. But. "Huh? What''s this?" Thud! A teenager like Ferna stood no chance against a seasoned human hunter. The hunter, mouth full of piercings, let go of the old man and seized Ferna by the throat. "Kuh, kuh!" Ferna fought back, grasping the hunter''s hand with all her might. Ferna''s breath was gradually choked off by the hunter''s stranglehold. However, her eyes zed with furious resolve as she red at him. "Huh, look at those eyes. You nning to kill someone? Amusing," the hunter smirked, raising his other hand. "I''ll start by gouging out those pretty eyes." He reached for Ferna''s eyes, his cruelty tant. Ferna''s vision blurred due to oxygen deprivation as she watched his hand draw closer. ''So, in the end...'' It might have been inevitable. They were prey; they were predators. The prey''s struggles merely expedited their demise. Atst, the hunter''s hand neared Ferna''s eyes. Despair clouded her vision. Kwaaang! Was it a lightning bolt, striking beside her? With a noise like a bomb detonation, the hunter''s arm gripping Ferna''s throat vanished. "......What?" Bewildered, the hunter stared at his obliterated arm. Then. "Bow your head." Amanding bass voice reached Ferna, as she copsed to the ground. As she instinctively ducked from the authority in the voice. Twaaaang! A thunderous st like an exploding shell skimmed over Ferna''s head, demolishing the hunter''s body. --- Raei Trantions --- "I hear Prince Zion has chosen the Phantom gue as his test for session." On a hill near Kurd vige. A demon with gill-like ears spoke, standing behind Cainliss, who was surveying the vige. "That reckless prince? Overconfident much? He really thinks he can handle it?" Cainliss scoffed. Familiar with the imperial circles, he had a fair idea about Zion Agnes. "Phantom gue, he might even struggle with the simpler catastrophes." "Maybe he never nned to solve it. I heard he left the Imperial City with only one follower." "That could be. In hindsight, he could im ignorance about the Phantom gue''s location." "Even if we tell him we''re initiating the Phantom gue here, he won''t show, will he?" While the others mocked Zion, the gilled demon, who''d been quietly listening, spoke again. "I think we should be wary of Prince Zion. Are you aware of the current orders regarding Zion Agnes?" "What order?" "The order was to put Zion Agnes on surveince as soon as he returned to the Imperial City." "What?" Curiosity sparked in the eyes of a blue-skinned demoness. Those on the ''watchlist'' were individuals of great influence within the Empire, weren''t they? "Why?" "The higher-ups suspect that the recent demon disappearances within the Imperial City may be tied to Zion Agnes." "You mean... Zion Agnes is hunting demons?" The gilled demon didn''t respond, but silence was answer enough. "If that''s true, then Prince Zion is fully aware of our existence..." It was a staggering revtion. They knew how deeply the demons within the Imperial City concealed their true forms. However, the notion that he could urately identify and hunt these demons was utterly beyond the capabilities of the Zion Agnes they knew. But if by some chance it was true... "Our entire perception of Zion Agnes So far has been false..." That''s when it happened. "I have a question." A voice suddenly interrupted Cainliss''s thoughts. The quiet voice reverberated in their ears, yet it was foreign to them. "¡­¡­!" The demons swiveled towards the source of the voice, their expressions rigid with shock. Bang! "Gah, Gah!" They caught sight of a fellow demon, his heart inexplicably pierced, spouting blue blood. The demon, notprehending why his heart was impaled, choked out screams in a blend of confusion and suffocation. Then, next to that demon. Swoosh- A silhouette of Zion, grinning ominously, materialized from an inky darkness. "I tried my best to show that I was here, yet you failed to catch on?" Zion nonchntly discarded the demon''s body, its heart, core, and teleportation core all shattered in one blow, and asked as though truly intrigued. "Who are you¡­?" "That''s Zion Agnes. That''s definitely Zion Agnes." The gilled demon forcefully interjected, interrupting the blue-skinned woman, who stared at Zion in shock. Alongside him, the other demons began to look unnerved. ''How did he find us? Does he know who we are? Does he even understand our ns? And what is that power¡­'' Cainliss''s mind was flooded with multiple questions. However, he dismissed them for the moment. There was no way to discern the truth at present. ''There''s only one certainty.'' The Zion Agnes before them had effectively concealed his true nature. Despite it being a surprise attack, he had imed the life of a demon on par with Cainliss in a single strike. Such a feat was beyond the capabilities of the ''disgrace of the royal family'' they had been led to believe. And the surrounding darkness. It felt more alien and ominous than anything Cainliss had witnessed So far. "We must kill him." He must be eliminated here and now, regardless of the cost. As Cainliss murmured those words, an ominously potent magical power began to radiate from his entire form. An adversary demanding his utmost effort from the outset. Such was the conclusion Cainliss''s intuition guided him towards. Vroom! As though validating his instincts, the blue-skinned woman and the gilled demon also began to emanate a fearsome magical energy, causing the atmosphere around them to tremble. --- Raei Trantions --- ''He is distinctively different.'' Zion''s gaze chilled as he observed the demons. The quality and volume of their magic power hinted at a prowess different from the demons he had encountered before. Had it not been for his surprise attack, the initial demon he took down would not have fallen so effortlessly. ''At my current level, I can handle at most two.'' So, what was his strategy? Despite the seemingly disadvantageous situation, a smirk lingered on Zion''s lips. Zion. The higher the wall obstructing his path. The deeper the chasm he must traverse. The greater the anticipation swelling within him. He never experienced such a crisis when he was the emperor of his original world. The thrill of surmounting the crisis, advancing beyond! Then. Boom! The trio of demons, who vanished with a swift leap, materialized in front of Zion. A sonic boom trailed them, the atmosphere rending btedly in their wake. "Perish." Following that, the demons, whose attacks could easily shatter a hill, simultaneously targeted Zion''s important areas. "I had hoped to conserve this, if possible." A soft utterance slipped from Zion''s lips. Apanying that. -----------! The darkness radiating from Zion''s right hand, gripping thin air, began to morph into the shape of a sword. *** Thanks for reading! Consider checking out my ko-fi for up to 15 advance chapters and our new discord! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 41: Illusionary Army (6) Chapter 41: Illusionary Army (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here "Help!" "Please, don''t!" A man watched in silence as the vige descended into chaos. Had his instincts led him here only to be proven right again? "..." Observing the brutal scene of vigers falling victim to human hunters, he turned away. It was none of his business. He wasn''t the annihtors'' captain or an empire''s defender anymore. He had no duty to protect others. "Captain, your heart is too soft." He remembered the dying annihtor''s words. The man had said them while gazing at him. "You won''t handle losing those dear to you." His team, no, his entire squad knew. Once he chose to safeguard something, it became invaluable to him. "So, don''t protect anyone." With hisst breath, the squad member begged the man, who''d lost everything and held nothing dear anymore. "Don''t guard others, don''t sacrifice yourself. Live for yourself, Captain." That''s why he couldn''t dismiss the plea. No, he didn''t wish to dismiss it. He no longer wanted to cherish anything. One step, two steps. The man slowly retreated from the vige, now a battlefield. His eyes became more somber. "Let him go! You monster!" A girl ran past him. He recognized the girl who dashed toward the hunter gripping an old man, oblivious to his presence. The girl who once gifted the young man with a sunlit smile. The daughter of the woman with eyes as tranquil as ake. "Mister, can you fight?" He remembered the moment the girl first found him, and he was reminded of the woman reborn, just as she had been years ago. "You''re doing that wrong. I''ll help you if you teach me sword fighting." The girl with the same sapphire eyes, full of trust, was running. Rushing towards an enemy she couldn''t possibly defeat. "Do you realize? Sometimes, it feels like you''re seeing someone else in me." And the moment he recognized her faith mirrored the one he used to harbor, He understood. He''d found something precious once more. Slowly. "I''m sorry, but your request..." He pivoted back towards the battlefield. "I can''t honor it." Whispering softly to his fallenrades, The retired warrior balled his fists again. --- Raei Trantions --- Legendary weapons. These are weapons that embody a whole myth or an equivalent tale, enabling its user to employ a part or the entirety of the power transmitted through the story. A tool of the gods, nothing short of a miracle. Naturally, the power of a mythical-ss weapon''s user skyrockets once they wield it, sometimes even granting god-like abilities. Moreover, the better the bond between the weapon and its user, the more the weapon''s effectiveness multiplies. So, what happens when the Extinction Sword Exia is in hand? Puhwahahahak! Darkness erupted from Zion''s body, coalescing over the half-formed de of Exia, creating aplete sword. ck sh. Zion, in perfect sync, unleashed a flurry of strikes on the demons closing in. Right then. Grrrrrrt! A dark streak cut through the space between Zion and the demons. "What...?" The onrushing demons, sensing something eerie from the line, stopped and dispersed. Simultaneously, everything that had been in the space moments ago, Shukagagak! Began getting sucked into the ck line drawn in mid-air. As the demons watched the scene unfold, their eyes wide with confusion, Tock. Zion lightly tapped the ground with his toe. Before the sound of his tap could reach the demons, he vanished. "Be careful...!" A tad quicker than Cainlis''s warning to the others, "Just one." Zion, appearing before a blue-skinned woman, spoke tersely, plunging the Extinction Sword into her heart. Could she be a mid-ranking demon or higher? "!!!!!!" The blue woman reacted, conjuring a barrier of magical energy in front of her chest. But, Kwadddddd! Zion''s sword tore through the woman''s barrier as if it were paper, embedding itself in her heart. No, it was more urate to say it erased, rather than pierced. Immediately, the darkness unleashed from Exia ravaged the woman''s heart, whirling through her body. ¡°Kyaahhhhh!¡± A scream erupted from the woman''s lips in agonizing pain. ''She won''t be fighting anymore.'' Zion watched the woman with icy eyes, sensing swift movements on both sides and tapped the ground again. His figure merged with the dark night. A momentter, the attacks from Cainlis and the gilled demonnded where Zion had just been. Kwaaaang! The ground shook violently, torn apart by the terrifying magical energy in the attacks. Through the thick cloud of rising dust, Zion, his eyes calm, stared at the two remaining demons. ''I need to wrap this up.'' The ck Star, perpetually cycling and intensifying between the Extinction Sword and his body, magnified Zion''s abilities, including his senses, to a degree that outssed his normal state. However, this effect only persisted while he maintained Exia''s de. ''After intensive training, I can keep the de for roughly 10 minutes.'' But Zion couldn''t afford to spend the full ten minutes here. The real battle was yet tomence. ''I have 2 minutes left.'' That was all the time Zion could allot here. Dark Stream. Once more, Zion tapped the ground, vanished from his spot, and materialized before the gilled demon. A speed seemingly defying space itself. "You won''t fall for the same trick twice." This time, as if expecting it, the gilled demon extended a hand towards the suddenly appearing Zion. Fweeeek! Simultaneously, his magic morphed into a sticky green slime that enveloped Zion instantly. A high-level magic technique that traps the target within a specific space, not just a simple restraint. Kwadddddd! With a constricting noise, Zion''s figure vanished into the green slime. As if on cue, Cainlis materialized behind Zion, swinging his fist, now the size of a full-grown man. Tukwaaaaaang! He had clearly given it his all, no holding back. An enormous magical wave, dwarfing previous ones, erupted with a thunderous noise, ravaging everything around. The trembling air, the vibrating space. Drrrrrrr! The aftershocks caused the hill they stood on to begin crumbling. ''At this level....'' A gleam of triumph red in Cainlis''s eyes as hended his punch. The solid sensation at his fingertips confirmed a sessful hit. But that light was short-lived. Grrrrrrt! Dozens of thin lines etched across the surface of the slime sphere enveloping Zion. And it seemed like they even spread to Cainlis''s enormous fist touching the sphere. Kwajijijik! Everything began to be severed along those lines. Shortly after, Zion, unscathed, emerged from the slime sphere, now sliced into myriad pieces. "How...how...?!" Cainlis, in utter shock, grasped his severed right hand and retreated rapidly. But. "Where do you think you''re going?" As if he had no intention of letting Cainlis escape, Zion pursued him at an even faster speed. Before anyone realized, Zion''s Exia, fully drawn back, scattered an eerie darkness around. "No!" Cainlis, instinctively knowing his life would end the moment that sword swung, reached out his remaining hand in desperation, concentrating all his magic. With it, his hand, several times harder than diamond, shimmered with a terrifying purple magic. ''With this, I can fend it off once....'' But before Cainlis couldplete his thought. Sugagagak! Zion''s sword sliced through the demon''s hand with unsettling ease. Or rather, it erased it. The characteristic of the ck Star, which nullifies everything in the world, was perfectly embodied in the Extinction Sword. And that was enhanced even further. So, it was simpler than a flick of a wrist to cleave through Cainlis''s physical body, nowcking any magic. "Kaaaaah!" A gut-wrenching scream exploded from Cainlis''s mouth as half his upper body and remaining hand were severed. The shock and profound disbelief in his eyes were palpable. Just as Zion was about to deliver the final blow, lifting his sword once more. "Cainlis!" The gilled demon beside them shot dozens of slime tentacles at Zion. Each held power sufficient to obliterate a house-sized rock. Zion stared at the oing tentacles withposed eyes. The Extinction Sword nullifies all magic it contacts. But he couldn''t sever all of those tentacles. ''But it doesn''t matter.'' As long as they didn''t touch him, that was all that counted. Using the enhanced irvoyance of the Extinction Sword, Zion captured all the information, including the movements of the inbound tentacles, and calcted the optimal path. The moment Zion moved forward without hesitation. A variant of the Dark Stream, taken to another level, made its debut in the novel''s world. It was a blink. A blink of existence itself. As if he was phasing out of and reappearing in the world in an instant. Zion''s existence, leaving only a faint afterimage, blinked incessantly, weaving through the swarm of tentacles like a wraith. Unobservable even when directly looked at. An achievement only the wielder of the ck Star in this world could attain. "Ah..." Seemingly numbed, the gilled demon stood with his mouth ajar, nkly observing the spectacle before him. Poof! Zion, who had approached undetected, thrust Exia into his heart without hesitation. "What in the world..." A trembling voice, marked by disbelief, escaped Cainlis''s mouth. He, like the gilled demon, had been dumbfoundedly witnessing the scene. That ominous sword, swallowing all the surrounding light, was indeed a sword, but that power cloaking Zion like darkness. That power was unquestionably not the Celestial Sea wielded by Agnes''s direct royal descendants. If the Celestial Sea reigns supreme over everything in the world, that power distorts, shatters, and nullifies all entities in the world. ''How can such a power exist in the world?'' Even among the devils, notorious for their malice towards all things excluding themselves, there was no entitymanding such an unnerving power. No. There was one. Not a demonic entity, but one who harnessed a power eerily simr. The Eternal Emperor, Aurelion Khan Agnes. Along with him, a secret history, unbeknownst to humanity and known only to a select few demons, started to unfold in Cainlis''s mind. A fragment of the hidden history, overheard identally from Omalyeong. "No way, no way..." The eyes of the demon observing Zion trembled unsteadily. ''I must report this. I must convey this to the higher-ups soon!'' After all, the tide of this battle was unmistakably turning. Right now, the utmost priority was to escape from here before that monstrous Prince Zion could finish off the gilled demon entirely. With this thought, Cainlis pivoted and started to sprint with all his might. Or, more urately, he attempted to sprint. Phwahahahahak! The moment he tried to swivel his body, the darkness that erupted from his wound shredded his body into pieces. Cainlis didn''t know. That ever since Zion had sliced with Exia, he had been strategizing. "Kaaaaaaah!" He had ingeniously embedded the ck Star into the wound and detonated it at the opportune moment. Jeruk, jeruk. Meanwhile, Zion, who had seamlessly silenced the breath of the gilled demon and the blue woman, gradually approached the squirming Cainlis. ''I''m going to die.'' Despair seeped into Cainlis''s eyes. There was no longer an opportunity to flee, nor the strength to resist. He could only recoil, screaming horrifically. ''No.'' There was still one action he could take. Once Cainlis himself was certain of his impending death. Nevertheless, there was a way to inflict a significant blow to Zion Agnes standing before him prior to that. "Zion Agnes." No sooner had he thought that, Cainlis retrieved something from his bosom and infused his magic into it. "Try to stop this as well." At that moment. Vvvvvvvvvvv! The hill where they were standing, the Kurd vige, and all the surrounding areas began to tremble as if caught in an earthquake. The atmosphere swirled and space shrieked. Along with it, a colossal curtain of divine power descended from the cleaved sky. -------------------! The curtain began to engulf the entire Kurd vige as Cainlis had pre-determined. "Hahahahaha!" Cainlis erupted into maniacalughter, observing the scene reminiscent of a myth. Why did Prince Zione to find them? The demons contemted and finally arrived at a conclusion. ''To thwart the summoning of Chronos''s phantom troops in advance and seize the coordinates.'' There was no more efficient way to handle phantom troops. However, Cainlis had just summoned phantom troops using the ''coordinates'', and there was no way to interrupt it now. "...... Hahaha! Now, ursed blood of Agnes, what will you do......" Cainlis''s speech trailed off as he swiveled his head towards Zion, his face brimming with ecstasy. Simultaneously, the demon''s eyes gradually filled with confusion. The visage of Zion, mirrored in his eyes, was grinning at him, a smile so radiant it suggested delight in the unfolding situation. "I''ve been waiting for when you would summon it." As soon as such a mild voice trickled from Zion''s mouth. Cainlis''s vision was abruptly swallowed by darkness. --- Thanks for reading! Consider joining our new discord and checking out my ko-fi! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 42: Illusionary Army (7) Chapter 42: Illusionary Army (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here The Red Hat, one of the top three human hunting groups in the empire, stood out in an ironic fashion. Despite their name, the mercenaries of Red Hat actually wore white hats. But they were known as Red Hats for a simple reason. After every mission, their hats would be dyed red with blood. Standing among them was Yukon, their leader. "How did this happen¡­" he mumbled, rooted to the spot, disbelief in his voice. His gaze fell upon a horrifying spectacle. Boom! One by one, hisrades were exploding into nothingness. Their bodies detonated as though set off by an unseen force. Boom! The deafening roar reminded him of thunder, or more urately, a shell detonating beside his ear. Amidst the chaos, a man appeared before Yukon''s eyes. That man. The thunderous roars, the carnage, it all originated from the fists of this scarred man. "I didn''t know there was someone like this¡­" Who was he? An unforeseen factor, powerful enough to upend the whole situation. Prince Zion, their target, and the woman with red eyes, both had disappeared. More than a third of the mercenaries were already gone. "This rotten scoundrel! Attack at once!" roared one of the hunters. Over ten mercenaries charged toward the man. Each of them skilled enough to craft a de of pure mana on their sword. ¡°......¡± The man pulled back his fist, watching the onught with indifferent eyes. Crack! Space around him seemed to tighten. Finally, as the man''s fistshed forward¡­ Boom. A shockwave, starting from his fist, spread around him. A moment of silence followed. Then¡­ Crack! Space, where the shockwave had traversed, warped, and everything within started to crumble. The charging hunters were no exception. They disintegrated into dust, leaving no bodies behind. The spectacle left the scene wrapped in silence again. How long did the silencest? "Ghost King¡­" A trembling voice of a hunter broke the silence. Recognition took time, given the years that had passed. But the moment he saw the man''s powerful punch, he knew. One of the empire''s heroes, the captain of the Maelmae, whom the hunter had briefly served under on the empire''s border with the demon realm. "Ghost King? Liam Rainer is... him?" Yukon, who had heard the hunter''s mumble, repeated the name as if to confirm what he had heard. Yet Yukon knew confirming the identity of the man was a pointless exercise. Within the empire, the number of people capable of throwing such a punch could be counted on one hand. ''Why is a war hero here...'' Victory was out of reach. The moment he recognized the man as Ghost King Liam Rainer, any chance of winning vanished. ''No, can we even run?'' Yukon retreated, consumed by this thought. In his line of sight, Ghost King advanced steadily towards him. Boom! "Is that... Uncle Liam?" Ferna stared in disbelief at Liam''s back, as heid waste to the hunters before him like ughtering poultry. It was hard for her to reconcile this man with the gentle soul who nted carrot seeds in her backyard garden. ''I thought he was just an unskilled, retired soldier.'' That notion evaporated when he easily dispatched the first hunter to grab her neck. Even with herck ofbat experience, Ferna understood the martial skill Liam exhibited was far beyond the capability of an ordinary retired soldier. Thud! Each thunderous sound signaled the obliteration of at least one, sometimes a dozen, hunters. Ferna couldn''t see the details of thebat. All she saw was Liam''s familiar, broad back. "This rotten..." Perhaps believing escape was impossible, Yukon, the Red Hat leader, charged at Liam in a final, desperate assault. Roar! A deep green magic began to gather and ignite at the tip of his spear. Mana re, or Qi Fire. An event urring when condensed magic power bursts into me, a feat only an extraordinarily skilled warrior could achieve. Indeed, did he not lead a group of mercenaries governed by the survival of the fittest? "Die!" Yukon thrust his spear at Liam, pouring all his remaining strength into the attack. Due to the Mana re at the spear''s tip, the surrounding air started to burn. "......" Watching the iing spear, Liam slowly extended his fist. Contrary to Yukon''s spear, devouring all in its path, Liam''s fist was calm, almost devoid of power. When a human fist of flesh and bone collided with a steel spear, one would naturally expect the spear to pierce the fist. But the oue was different. Crack! A web-like fracture spread from the spear''s tip the moment it touched Liam''s fist. As if these fractures extended through Yukon''s body beyond the spear. Boom! Along the fractured lines, Yukon''s spear, and his body began to disintegrate, as if made of fragile biscuit. "......" Liam gazed at the remnants of Yukon and the now empty battlefield, his eyes indifferent. Shortly after, his gaze fell on Ferna, who was trembling slightly as she looked at him. "It''s alright..." About to console Ferna, Liam held his tongue. His body was surrounded by lifeless forms and drenched in blood. He feared she might recoil from the gruesome sight. But, unexpectedly, "No, sir! How could you not teach me swordsmanship when you are this formidable!" Ferna cried out, marching toward Liam. She had caught on to his apprehension and was trying to lighten the atmosphere. "I told you, I don''t know swordsmanship," Liam replied,ughing at the girl''s consideration. However, his smile faded as doubt clouded his eyes. ''I remember the warning about the vige.'' His mind drifted back to his conversation with Prince Zion. At the time, Prince Zion had dered that their vige was doomed. The human hunters could have been the cause, but Liam felt they were not. He had effortlessly dealt with this level of threat. Furthermore, Prince Zion seemed to anticipate that in the end, it would be Liam himself who would step forward to save the vige. ''So what in the world is...'' His uncertainty deepened just as... Rumble! Suddenly, the ground beneath him started to quake. Not only that, the entire Kurd Vige area began vibrating as if in the throes of an earthquake. "What, what is this?" "Ahhhh!" The vigers screamed, panic stricken, at the sight of their worlding apart. "Ah, sir!" Even Ferna, her eyes filled with anxiety, turned to Liam for answers. Unlike the others, Liam was gazing upwards with a stern expression. "That''s..." What he saw was a colossal energy curtain descending from the sundered sky. ''It''s a barrier, and one of such an advanced level that I can''t even begin to understand.'' Liam, who had faced countless battles at the demon realm boundary, had never encountered such a barrier. No, he had never even seen a wizard capable of deploying such a thing. ''The range is too wide to evade.'' The sight, a first in his life, left Liam shaken. Rumble! In the meanwhile, the energy curtain that had touched the ground began to envelop Kurd Vige and its surroundings. The vige waspletely isted from the outside world. Inside, Liam gazed at the moon, now tinted blue, his fist clenched tightly. ''We''ve been cut off from the rest of the world.'' What in the world was happening? Rather, what was about to happen? Just as the anxiety of Liam and the others had peaked. It appeared. No, they appeared. On the isted world''s horizon. Rumble! A multitude of soldiers began to rise, quickly forming into an army. A low murmur slipped from Liam''s lips as he watched. "......Phantom Army." The Phantom Army of Kronos. Condemned by the ancient god Kronos to eternally re-live the same moment, this armyprised beings who existed in a limbo between life and death. For the first time, a sense of despair crept into the hero''s gaze. ''I can''t stop them.'' Unless one could ascend to ''heaven'', there was no stopping such an army single-handedly, regardless of one''s personal strength. Did Prince Zion foresee this catastrophe from the beginning? Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Meanwhile, the meticulously arrayed phantom army began to steadily advance on Liam and the vige. The world within the barrier seemed to quiver, echoing the monumental force radiating from the advancing horde. "We, we must flee!" "But where..." "Oh God... please, save us." The vigers of Kurd voiced their desperation, faced with the impending cmity. "Sir..." Ferna clutched the hem of Liam''s clothes, her voice trembling as she addressed him. "Stay here." Having held Ferna''s gaze for a moment, Liam gently removed her hand from his clothing. He then turned and began to stride toward the phantom army. ''I must protect them.'' Liam understood. He couldn''t stop the approaching disaster. Likely, he would fall trying. However, Liam feared the loss of those dear to him more than the loss of his own life. Step by step. An intense battle spirit emanated from Liam as he moved forward, seemingly dominating the space around him. Simultaneously, his fists ignited with a radiant, white light. "......" With his preparations for battlepleted, Liam moved beyond the confines of the vige, standing before the advancing phantom army. The oing cmity, its momentum building. The time hade for Liam to engage the disaster''s vanguard. "Wait, you can''t steal someone else''s battle." A voice echoed from behind. Turning to its source, Liam found a woman surveying the army. A woman whose chilling beauty was highlighted by her blood-red eyes, the same woman who had apanied Prince Zion during their meeting. It was Liushina Bloodwalker. "I''ve waited so long for this moment." Liushina''s voice, filled with an inappropriate joy, rang out as she moved past Liam toward the encroaching phantom army. Her eyes gleamed with unprecedented anticipation. "What are you doing? You can''t handle that alone." Liam, who had attempted to face the danger single-handedly, called out to stop Liushina. "I can. And..." The millennia-old enchantress turned her head slightly. "Who said I was alone?" Her smirk was thest thing Liam saw before the world blurred. Rumble! Without warning, her chest split vertically. Swoosh! From within the gash, an enormous quantity of blood erupted. An amount of blood that defied the limitations of the human body. The ceaseless torrent began to saturate the ground beneath Liushina, staining it a vivid red. Then. Creeping! Creeping! Thousands? Tens of thousands? Perhaps even more. From the pool of blood, countless hands began to rise, too numerous to count. Liushina, the thousand-year-old witch, had been branded the bane of humanity, a monstrous killer due to her countless victims. How could she have possibly in so many on her own? The question was fundamentally wed. Because she had never been alone. Screeeeeech! So, all the devils harbored within her wed their way out through her blood, forming an unholy legion. The army of the damned. The source of Liushina Bloodwalker''s power, and the force that bestowed upon her the title of a one-woman army. That power, dormant for centuries, now bared itself to the world once more. "......" The sight was both grotesque and overwhelming, enough to drive anyone to madness. Involuntarily, Liam''s mouth dropped open as he stared, transfixed, at the unfolding scene. "Well, I''ll wipe them all out." Disregarding Liam, Liushina snapped her fingers, her face alight with a grin of delight. With that. Screeeeeech! The demon legion let loose a chilling scream and surged towards the phantom army with feverish speed. In response, the phantom army hastened their advance. As the witch''s horde and the army of the damned were on the verge of their cataclysmic encounter... Crack! The azure moon, hovering in the sky, split in two. From the chasm, a darkness as ck as obsidian began to descend towards the earth. --- Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 43: Illusionary Army (8) Chapter 43: Illusionary Army (8) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here The deity spoke to the king, who had brought down his own temple and in his believers. From this day forward, you''ll be trapped in a cycle of the war you cherish so much. Never to die, never to live, until only one person remains. Trapped in regret, forever dwelling on past mistakes in the heart of the battlefield. As the god decreed, the king and his soldiers were trapped in a never-ending war in a forgotten world under a rising blue moon. In the infinite loop of battles. The god-forsaken king of the army waited. Hoping one day, someone would appear to break this endless curse. --- Raei Trantions --- Darkness shattered the blue moon, the barrier''s core, as it plunged towards the earth. That darkness was Zion. He quickly dived into the barrier, using the ''coordinates'' he gained from Cainliss, whom he had killed. Zion''s decision to make Cainliss call forth the phantom army and directly dive into it was simple. ''This is the only way to get Kronos''s tool.'' Specifically, someone with the ''coordinates'' to summon the army must directly engage in the eternal battle. That was the first requirement to obtain Kronos''s tool. ''Incredible...'' Zion appeared intrigued, watching the swiftly approaching ground and phantom army. Despite the distance, he could sense the phantom army''s immense energy. Its majesty justified being named one of the seven greatest disasters. In the Chronicles of Frosimar, the hero Frosimar and his allies obliterated the phantom army. Zioncked such allies, but he had something else. Kraaaaah! The boundless army of wicked spirits lunged at the phantom army, screaming chillingly. Liushina Bloodwalker, the thousand-year-old witch who summoned this army, was Zion''s secret weapon against the phantom army. "Kahahahaha! Wipe them out, all of them!" Her manicughter echoed through the barrier. Swoosh- With herughter still ringing, Zion touched down in the battlefield''s center. Despite the great fall, hisnding was eerily silent. As the otherworldly darkness fell heavily around Zion. Kwagwagwagwang! Atst, the cursed army from the past shed with the army of evil spirits, consumed by an insatiable bloodlust, and a full-scale warmenced. Kraaaaah! Creak, creak! Evil spirits, their cries filled with a killing urge, and phantom soldiers mechanically brandishing their swords devoid of emotion. The battlefield rapidly transformed into a nightmare, with both sides locked in mutual ughter. ''Where is it?'' Zion didn''t join the fight, instead, he silently surveyed the phantom army''s horizon. A smile spread across Zion''s face. ''I''ve found it.'' In the army''s rear, he spotted a figure. A knight in ck armor, standing atop a skeletal horse, looking down upon the battlefield. His aura was distinctly different from the other soldiers and knights. Even while standing still, his presence was formidable, distorting the surrounding space bit by bit. His presence waspelling, even from a distance. This ck knight was themander of the phantom army, the king cursed by the ancient god, Kronos. And he was Zion''s current target. Suddenly. Kwadududuk! "Kahahaha! This is fantastic! I think I''m going mad with joy! I''m so d I followed you!" Liushina, having torn through dozens of phantom soldiers, appeared beside Zion, her face alight with ecstasy. To the phantom army, trapped in a loop of time, death had yet toe. This battlefield was paradise for her. Perhaps it was a chance to vent her long-repressed desire to kill? Zion nced briefly at Liushina, who was on the brink of madness, and spoke in a quiet voice. "We need to reach the king." "Ah, understood." Without questioning his instruction, the witch summoned a horse-shaped spirit for Zion. Without a moment''s hesitation, Zion climbed onto its back. "I''ll lead the way." Spotting Zion, Liushina shed a cunning smile and extended her hand towards the phantom army. Kudududuk! Blood from the ground around her began to be drawn into her hand, forming a small sphere. The surrounding atmosphere screamed, unable to bear the force. And finally, when the sphere reached its peak condensation. -------------! A red sh shot out from the witch''s hand, drawing a straight line forward. Immediately after. Jejejejejeok! The phantom soldiers standing in the path of the sh disappeared, creating a temporary opening on the battlefield. Tadadat! Zion didn''t waste the opportunity. Zion spurred the spirit horse into a run, charging along the path that had opened up. Kigigik! Phantom soldiers filled the gap instantly, their armor creaking, and began to charge to block Zion. Despite seeing the rushing soldiers, Zion didn''t slow down; instead, he increased his pace. Hesitation when breaching enemy lines was fatal. ''Because that''s when they''ll surround me.'' Sugagagak! Zion, wielding Exia, beheaded a knight blocking his path and pressed forward. Unlike his battle against demons earlier, Zion did not summon the remaining half of the Sword of Extinction using the ck Star. Zion had to conserve as much power as possible for his confrontation with the cursed king. Myung-an. His eyes turned pitch ck, processing every movement in his surroundings, converting it into important information. Suddenly. Shuaaak! A volley of arrows came flying at Zion from one side. ''Only deflect those aimed at important points, take the rest.'' With this realization, Zion enveloped himself in a thick veil of darkness while maintaining his pace. Tadadadang! The arrows ricocheted off Zion''s dark shield, unable to prate. He could''ve avoided or deflected each arrow, but his priority was to press forward, making this the most efficient approach. ''Faster.'' Kiaaak! As if responding to his thoughts, the spirit he was riding elerated. Kiririk! A knight d in full te armor, who seemed like amander, blocked Zion''s path on a horse that was half-skeletal. Huk! The knight, breathing heavily through his helmet,unched a hefty swing of his greatsword at Zion. A swing powerful enough to cleave a hill. Even anticipating the impending strike, Zion didn''t slow down, instead he leisurely pulled back his Sword of Extinction. Dudududuk! ck Star energy condensed at the end of Zion''s blunted de. Just as the knight''s greatsword was poised to strike Zion''s upper body. ck Point. Zion thrusted his sword forward. To be precise, the tip of Exia met the greatsword''s point of force. In that instant. Kwajijijijik! The knight''s mana-imbued, steel greatsword shattered like ss. ¡­¡­? The knight tilted his helmet in disbelief. Shortly thereafter, the knight''s neck too. Seogeuk! It fell cleanly under Zion''s subsequent sword strike. "Stop him!" Witnessing this, the phantom knights understood a single soldier couldn''t stop Zion. Three phantom knights, preupied with other spirits, charged at Zion in unison. Their voices, rusty as though unused for decades, cracked harshly. Simultaneously, nearby phantom mages, recognizing Zion, began to unleash powerful magic. Their spells reached Zion ahead of the charging knights. "Keep moving forward." Watching the iing spells with a calm gaze, Zion softly instructed the spirit, once more wrapping them both in a curtain of darkness. If that had been his only action, the curtain would''ve been torn, but Zion added anotheryer of protection. Dark Scales Turn. In that instant, the curtain of darkness began to spin at a terrifying speed. Kwagwagwagwagwang! Immediately afterwards, dozens of spells collided with it, triggering a massive explosion. Thick dust spread in the wake of the explosion. Just as the knights, who had arrived within striking distance, prepared to swing their weapons. In that moment. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The knights caught sight of him. Unscathed, Zion emerged from the dust. Kiiiiing! His hand clutched a dark sword, now in its perfect form, a beacon absorbing all light. ck sh. Zion''s Exia, wielded to its full extent, swept horizontally, casting a solitary ck line across the battlefield. Immediately after. Kwadedudududuk! Every object in the path of that ck line began to warp and vanish. The charging trio of knights suffered the same fate. The knights, unable to utter a sound, were consumed by the ck line and disappeared. Taking advantage of the vacant space, Zion, who had deactivated his Extinction Sword, hastened forward. Kiaaaaaak! Spirits began a rampant massacre of the phantom army charging at Zion, along the path that he had opened. --- Raei Trantions --- "¡­Is that Prince Zion?" A low murmur spilled from Liam, who had been watching from a distance. From Liushina''s summoning of the spirit army to Prince Zion''s arrival, and his unbelievable breakthrough. All these events had urred so rapidly that Liam hadn''t had the opportunity to fully engage in the fight. "I knew the rumors were inurate when I first witnessed it, but I didn''t anticipate the discrepancy to be this great¡­¡­." Zion''s disy ofbat skill, effortlessly prating the enemy line while astride a spirit, was so remarkable that it took Liam, the battlefield''s celebrated hero, aback. While Liam could traverse enemy lines at a speedparable to or even greater than Zion, it wasn''t such a straightforward matter. ''Thatbat sense and judgment.'' The ability to anticipate the movements of all charging enemies, identify their centers of force, and subsequently destroy them was astounding. Yet, Zion''s decision-making skills in each moment were enough to give Liam goosebumps. Striking urately when necessary, evading when needed, and slicing through when called for. The maximum efficiency naturally resulting from this. Even a veteran who has spent decades on the battlefield couldn''t achieve this. Prince Zion, however, wielded it as naturally as breathing. ''I could replicate the same oues, but...'' Liam admitted he couldn''t do it in Zion''s manner. ''That''s... a direct descendant of Agnes.'' While Liam marveled at Zion. --- Raei Trantions --- ''If this is all...'' Zion, in the process of felling the phantom soldiers in his path, tightened his grip on Exia, gauging the significantly reduced distance between him and the king. ''I''ll break through in one move.'' With that resolve, the Extinction Sword morphed into its perfect de form once more. Kiiiiing! At the point of Exia, every bit of ck Star energy that Zion could muster began to condense into one point, spinning at a petrifying speed. Simultaneously, Zion drew back his sword-wielding arm as though pulling back a powerful bowstring. Soon, Zion''s body echoed that arm, bending as if it were a bow under tension. Paaaang! With the sound of air exploding, Zion vanished from sight. And then. Huuuk! Zion rematerialized, right in front of the king, situated at the rear of the army. In that instant. Chejejejejejeok! Everything in the trajectory from Zion''s initial position to his reappearance began to split. "Kept you waiting, have I?" Zion, not bothering to nce at the spectacle he had unleashed, offered the cursed king a thin smile. In that moment, the king''s eyes, hollow lights from beneath his helmet, swiveled towards Zion. Cheoooong! As if it were a predestined dance, their swords shed in unison. --- Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 44: Illusionary Army (9) Chapter 44: Illusionary Army (9) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Join the discord! Here The Agnes Empire is peppered with many knight orders, as many as the stars at night. When asked about the most powerful knight order, people usually named three or four groups. Always included in that list is the Ashen Lion Order, led by the second Princess Evelyn Agnes. "Wait... Prince Zion traveled all this way?" Caron, captain of the Ashen Lion Order''s fifth unit, looked around with a puzzled frown. He and his unit were far from the heart of the Agnes Empire, the capital city of Hubris. They were out in the true countryside. "We have a bit more to go. He''s in a vige called Kurd," Lieutenant Paulo, standing next to Caron, exined. "Why would hee so far out into the sticks? Especially when we don''t know where the wee army will assemble." Caron muttered his frustration. Caron and his unit were on this lonely country road for one reason: Evelyn Agnes''s order. ''Protect Zion,'' she hadmanded. When she heard that Zion had left the pce with only one servant, she quickly ordered Caron to provide protection. While she didn''t believe Zion could find the wee army, she still sent the fifth unit. She thought other royal family members might target Zion once he left the pce. Such events weremon; almost expected. That''s why she had secretly dispatched the Ashen Lion Order, the best of the best, from the royal pce. "We, the Ashen Lion Order, have to babysit the cast-off prince." While Caron would obey Evelyn''s order, respected and revered as it was, he wasn''t happy about the situation. In the Agnes royal family, where power is the most valued virtue, Zion, a prince with no abilities, was naturally shunned. Caron didn''t understand why Evelyn was protecting and helping a prince like Zion. Especially since Zion was a half-brother. "But it''s nice to leave the capital and enjoy a peaceful night view after a while. Captain, you should enjoy the scenery too." Unlike Caron, who was grumbling, Paulo took a deep breath and spoke casually. "Paulo, you''re tooid-back..." As Caron frowned and started to admonish his lieutenant, he suddenly fell silent. "What?" His eyes, which had been scanning the road ahead, widened. His gaze was fixed on a huge barrier surrounding the distant vige of Kurdan. It was an imposing sight in his field of vision. "That''s..." Paulo''s face hardened as he too took in the sight. A barrier of such scale and precision was unlike anything they, the Ashen Lion Order, had ever seen before. Normally, they''d wonder why such a barrier was here, but right now their thoughts were on something else. The Phantom Army, one of the empire''s seven disasters. Little was known about it, except for one fact. Arge-scale barrier always appeared around the area before the Phantom Army showed up. "Captain, could it be...!" Paulo looked at Caron with wide, fearful eyes. "Let''s get closer to that barrier." Caron responded in a firm tone. --- Raei Trantions --- The second requirement to im Chronos'' Mythical-ss artifact was clear. The holder of the ''coordinates'' must personally defeat the king of the Phantom Army. In the chronicles, the hero defeats the cursed king, but now... That role was falling to Zion. He didn''t understand why such conditions were needed to im Chronos'' artifact; the chronicles didn''t exin. He could only guess it was rted to the punishment Chronos ced on the king, given that the ring that served as the ''coordinates'' was originally named ''Chronos'' Judgment.'' With a whoosh! The cursed king quickly moved to confront Zion, who had been thrown back from their first sh before even hitting the ground, swinging his sword repeatedly. In the king''s hands, the sword burned with a blue Karmic me. ck sh. Zion, still in the air, managed to ready himself, swinging the Exia, charged with sword energy, at the king''s sword which was breaking the fabric of space itself. The moment their swords met. With a loud, echoing sh! A shockwave burst forth, tearing and burning the air around them. The ground, unable to bear the shock, crumbled to dust. Along with it, Zion''s body was thrown back once more. But this time, it seemed different. With a sudden stop! Defying physics, Zion stopped in mid-air, then vanished from sight into the darkness. The king in ck armor watched, then abruptly swung his sword at the empty air above. Right then. With a thundering crash! Something collided, and a wave of energy exploded outwards. A momentter, Zion appeared from the darkness, standing against the king and his sword. But it wasn''t over yet. With a whirl! Zion, spinning his body in mid-air, lunged at the king once again. Zion''s sword arced once more towards the king''s neck. Was there not enough time to parry with a sword? The king, tracking Zion''s de with his gaze, raised his other hand, encased in armor. A surge of blue! The king''s hand ignited with blue Karmic me. Ordinarily, the ck Star''s darkness surrounding Zion''s sword would''ve consumed such a me entirely. But not this time. Zion''s Exia, unable to break through the blue Karmic me, was gripped directly in the king''s hand. Even then, Zion''s ck Star was quenching the Karmic me, but the quantity emanating from the king was simply too great. In this manner, the cursed king who had seized Zion''s de yanked it towards himself to disrupt Zion''s bnce, while the other hand swung his sword. Anticipating this, Zion released the Exia and swiftly retreated. But then. -I won''t let you escape. The king''s de sped up once more. A resounding sh! Zion''s form was flung back, moving too fast to track clearly. Crash! Crash! Crash! He finally stopped after smashing through two massive rocks and cracking a third. A dyed shockwave sted out from Zion''s path, wreaking havoc on the surroundings. Drip- A line of fresh blood trickled from the corner of Zion''s mouth, now embedded in the rock. Just then. -I had hopes. The king of the Phantom Army, now dismounted, approached Zion at a slow pace, his words echoing around them. -Because you were the first to confront me with Judgment. -Perhaps, just perhaps, I held out hope that this endless cycle of punishment might end. Yet, -Yet why. His hopes had been in vain. The strength of the man standing before him didn''t even reach his feet. Profound disappointment glinted in the king''s eyes. -Why are you so weak? Apanying this, the king''s voice simmered with rage. "...." Zion surveyed his physical condition as he watched the king approach. His hand trembled minutely, possibly from the severe shock, while pain pulsed throughout his body. Despite having cloaked his entire body in a veil of darkness and deflecting most of the force when he parried the king''s blow just now, he was still in this state. If he had taken the hit directly, he would have been instantly killed. ''The difference in our base strength is vast.'' Even with the ck Star amplified through Exia, the disparity was too great. His attacks didn''t connect. If he could fully ess the ck Star''s third level, things might be different, but for now, his opponent was overwhelmingly powerful. ''External assistance is out of the question.'' Despite managing a one-on-one confrontation thanks to the malevolent spirits staving off the rest of the Phantom Army, he couldn''t count on additional support. Liushina was entirely upied with controlling the army of malevolent spirits and couldn''t aid him. And Liam, who had just joined the fray, would require ample time to reach him. ''So...'' The clinking of metal echoed faintly. Sensing the altered aura radiating from the king, who was leisurely advancing towards him with his body enshrouded in blue mes, Zion tightened his grip on Exia. ''There remains only one option.'' Zion''s gaze lowered. A surge of darkness! In that instant, the Extinguisher Sword, pulling in all surrounding light, began reforming its de. Thump-thump-thump-thump! Zion''s heart pounded at a wild rate. Consequently, all his blood vessels trembled to their utmost, enhancing the flow of the ck Star within him beyond its limits. In tandem, the enveloping darkness pulsed erratically. -...? A glimmer of curiosity sparked in the king''s eyes as the resonating heartbeat, loud enough for him to perceive, filled the silence. A moment of perfect stillness, as if time itself had paused. The ensuing silence was shattered. Creak! The eerie sound of a rusted door slowly opening echoed. The source? Deep within Zion''s form. Apanied by this sound, the darkness descended serenely around Zion. -What are you plotting! Experiencing an inexplicable chill from Zion''s demeanor, the Phantom Army''s king, elerating to his utmost, charged right in front of Zion. Raising his sword high, the king struck down at Zion. An eruption of blue! The king''s sword erupted with blue Karmic mes, more intense than before, consuming all nearby air. Zion, head lowered, did not spare a nce at the zing sword descending upon him, searing all in its path. Just as the king''s fiery de was about to cleave Zion''s skull. Swish! The sound of something being severed reverberated across the battlefield. Afterward, a momentary hush descended. Then. Shattering the silence, the king''s sword-bearing arm plummeted to the ground. -...! A spark of shock red in the king''s eyes for the first time. Mirrored in the helmet-shielded gaze of the king was the ominous darkness, gradually assuming the form of a moon behind Zion. Lunar Eclipse. A fleeting detonation of all the ck Star contained within him, pushing all capabilities beyond their boundaries. The ultimate amplifier, one of Zion''s most potent reversal techniques. Then. Whoosh! Zion, having activated Lunar Eclipse, vanished from his position, reappearing directly in front of the king. A velocity unprecedented, contrasting starkly with mere moments ago. Simultaneously, Zion swung Exia, already poised high above his head, at the king. -You...! Caught off guard by the astounding speed, the cursed king promptly hoisted the sword he''d transitioned to his remaining arm. As their swords collided. The colossal shockwave that erupted from the sh swept across the already decimated surroundings anew. Screech! Amid the shockwave, Zion and the king''s swords, locked inbat, generated sparks of such brilliance they lit up the vicinity due to friction. ''He managed to block it...'' That thought briefly crossed the king''s mind as he observed Zion''s stopped de. "I have a question." A soft voice wafted from Zion''s lips. "Do you consider me weaker now?" At the exact moment, Zion''s eyes curved into a crescent moon. The alien darkness shrouding Exia detonated, shattering the king''s sword and casting it to the ground. --- Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 45: Illusionary Army (10) Chapter 45: Illusionary Army (10) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here Outside the barrier around Kurd vige. "Whoosh!" ng ng ng! There, a team of knights were tirelessly striking their des against the barrier. They were the fifth unit of the Ashen Lion knights. Bang! Bang! Bang! Each time the knights hit their swords, loud booming sounds echoed. How much time had gone by like this? "This thing''s tougher than we thought, huh?" One of the knights, shaking and holding his near-breaking sword, spoke to the captain, Paulo. Around thirty knights, including him, had been hitting away with all their might for about ten minutes, but there wasn''t even a small mark on the barrier. "We didn''t use this much force when we fought the giant rebels..." These were not just ordinary knights, but the best of the best, the Ashen Lion knights. Nobody could predict the strength of the barrier that withstood all their top attacks. "Usually, these round barriers are weaker outside than inside, as they''re more to trap than stop invasion..." Paulo rubbed his chin, murmuring with a serious face. Even for him, who knew some magic, the barrier in front of him was a totally unknown type. It felt like strange magic made by a being other than a human. He was curious about it, but there was no time to study the barrier now. ''Prince Zion must be inside the barrier.'' And the phantom army of Chronos was almost surely inside the barrier too. The more time they wasted here, the lower the chances of Prince Zion being alive would get. ''He might even already be gone...'' Thinking this, Paulo''s eyes shone darkly. "Everyone, move out of the way!" A shout came from behind. Paulo and the knights, who turned their heads at the shout, saw... nk nk! Captain Caron, who hadn''t helped break the barrier and had been watching from behind, was running towards them. Roar! Caron''s sword was so brightly lit that it seemed to burn like a me. A light gathered again on Caron''s sword, which started to give off even stronger mes. ''This isn''t enough, once more.'' Caron, watching the getting-closer barrier, thought so and slightly twisted his sword-holding wrist. With that, Screeech! The gathered light started to spin insanely fast, then condensed again to form a small point. Mana control that could only be shown by someone who had gone beyond human abilities. ''Put all the power into one point.'' Finally, the moment Caron''s thrown sword hit the barrier. Boom! A shock wave, strong enough to blur a person''s sight for a moment, spread from the spot where the sword met the barrier, hitting the knights around it. With it, a spider web-like crack appeared on the barrier''s surface. "Now''s our chance! Hit the cracked area before the barrier heals!" Paulo, who saw the scene despite the shock wave, yelled to the other knights. ng, ng, ng, ng! At his call, the knights endlessly struck their swords towards the gap made by Caron. Finally, Crrrrack, boom! A part of the once-unbreakable barrier broke, making a space big enough for two grown men to go in. "We''re going in." Without waiting, Caron moved into the gap. Following him, the 5th unit quickly joined him. Shortly after going inside the barrier, from the mouths of Caron and the knights... "...Huh?" A shocked voice came out. Just before going in, they had thought they''d see the phantom army wildly hurting the vigers and Prince Zion''s group. But inside... Aaaargh! A nightmarish scene. If there was a picture of hell in the human world, would it look like this? Soldiers in old armor and evil hands, which only exist in the body, were making a battleground of the abyss by killing each other. Endlessly growing bodies and scattered blood. "What in the world are these monsters..." Was the war between good and evil in mythology like this? They couldn''t even tell which side to help. With the totally unexpected sight, Caron''s eyes, which were only watching the battle without any thoughts of joining, "!!!!!!!" At some point, they started to widen and fill with fear. A giant empty space in the middle of the battlefield and a knight in ck armor standing there. The blue mesing from the knight''s body and his natural leading presence were telling them that the knight was the king controlling the phantom army. However, what filled Caron''s eyes with fear was not the king. The figure reflected in the middle of his eyes. That was precisely. The figure of Zion, totally overpowering the king of the phantom army, who gave off energy so strong it made Caron wonder if he could even stand it, let alone fight it. That was it. Vrrrrrmm! The eyes inside the king''s helmet shook as they saw his own sword broken by Zion''s de. The sword the king used was not just a simple de; it was a showing of part of his power. So the breaking of his sword was like his power being overwhelmed by his enemy. Shocked, the king kept moving backward, trying to dodge Zion''s non-stop sword strikes. This was an experience the king had never faced before. Feeling the incredibly amplified ck Star inside his veins, Zionnded and slightly crouched. Soon after. Boom! The sound of the air bursting apart followed by Zion disappearing from the king''s sight. -Where...! Before the king could fully form his words. Without any warning, Zion appeared right in front of him, swinging his darkness-spewing Exia horizontally. Space was splitting along the path of Zion''s de. ''I must not block it.'' Feeling the chilling sensationing from it, the king once again tried to move back to get out of the sword''s range. However. "That won''t work this time." At that moment, Zion sped up again, quickly closing the gap between him and the king. The king dodged Zion''s sword swing by bending forward. At that moment. -...! A knee, filled with dark energy, wasing up from below, filling the king''s sight. The sound was like a bomb going off, and the king''s body was thrown upwards. ''Faster.'' Deciding not to lose the upper hand he''d grabbed, Zion rushed at the king with unbelievable speed. The Lunar Eclipse. It was the ultimate amplifier of the ck Star, increasing the limit of all avable stats several times over, but it put a great strain on the body. That''s why Zion could feel his body breaking down in real time. On top of that, the Lunar Eclipse was a technique that could only be used on a basic level after reaching the ck Star''s third stage. Even though he hadn''t reached the third stage, he was using a loophole by utilizing Exia to use the Lunar Eclipse, making it inevitably iplete. ''One minute left.'' If it was just about keeping the de of the Exia, he had no problem for about five more minutes. However, since he was calling the Lunar Eclipse while keeping the de, the maintenance time was quickly shortening. ''I will finish it within that time.'' With that thought, Zion, who had reached right in front of the rising king, started to unleash a brutal barrage of attacks. Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash! The cursed king was harshly pushed back by Zion''s continuous attacks. ''How did he suddenly be so...'' A deep sense of surprise filled the king''s eyes. He couldn''t understand it. Until just a moment ago, the power of the being in front of him wasn''t even at his feet. That''s why he was disappointed and at the same time, angry. But now. Even when he shed directly with him, it was the king who was being pushed back. Not only that, but speed, senses, split-second judgment, etc. Everything about the contest far outshined his own. ''On top of that, that power.'' He hadn''t noticed before because the gap in basic abilities was so vast, but now he could see it clearly. The ck sword the man held, and the alien darkness that enveloped his entire form. Handling it proved more challenging than any power the king had faced before. It negated and wiped out everything it touched. ''Maybe really...'' A faint glimmer of hope sparkled deep within the king''s eyes. Along with that. Burst! A surge of power far more substantial than before erupted from the king''s entire body, continuously being pushed back. Zion momentarily retreated to avoid the eruption as the amplified ck Star couldn''t negate it entirely. ''...You are indeed unusual.'' The ursed king voiced, his eyes gleaming with a blue light as he regarded Zion. ''At first, I didn''t think it was you. You were too weak.'' The Judge of Chronos. The bearer of the title ''Judge of Chronos'', the one who judges the king and the armies that have sinned against God. And concurrently... The one to liberate them from this hellish battlefield, in a ceaseless cycle. They had waited for an uncountable length of time. ''But now, I''m unsure.'' The king intended to find out. Whether the man standing before him was genuinely the Judge who would conclude all of this. Whoosh! The blue mes burning from the king''s body shone brighter, scorching the surrounding air. Along with that. Vrrmm! Arge, azure sword was summoned into the king''s only remaining hand. ''If you can withstand this...'' The cursed king slowly lifted the colossal sword. Like a signal, the grand sword grewrger as it absorbed all the mes engulfing the king''s body. Finally, heaving the massive sword that extended even beyond the barrier above his head. "I acknowledge you." The Phantom Army''s King pronounced to Zion. Sea of Azure mes. The final strike, epassing all the remaining power, was unleashed. The divine sword, which had once eradicated an army of ten thousand in a single blow. ---------------! The shadow of an enormous azure me sword,rge enough to cover the whole battlefield, descended targeting only Zion. Humans and devils temporarily stopped their battles, staring at the colossal falling sword from the sky. "¡­Madness." The spectacle was so overpowering that words of astonishment unwittingly slipped from the mouth of Charon, who had just arrived at the battlefield. A spectacle best described as a catastrophe. "¡­" Zion silently stared at the king''s disaster plummeting towards him. He couldn''t avoid it. The range was simply too broad. ''The remaining activation time for the Lunar Eclipse is about 5 seconds.'' Then¡­ ''The only option is to shatter it head-on.'' With that thought, Whoosh! The ck Star sustaining the Sword God of Eclipse vanished entirely without a trace. Moreover, the darkness that had been surging from the Extinction Sword and Zion''s whole body also thoroughly concealed its presence. Zion, in a moment, seemed no different from amon man. Had he forsaken all? He appeared as vulnerable as a single boat adrift on a turbulent sea. "Reveal it to me!" A shout brimming with deep yearning erupted from the cursed king''s mouth. Just as the azure giant sword, which seared the barrier''s sky and plunged downwards, was about to cleave Zion in two, Swoosh- Zion gradually projected his half-sword forward. Neither power nor skill was present. A simple thrust. The moment Zion''s sword and the king''s final assault made contact, everyone inside the barrier witnessed it. A minuscule ck point took shape between the tip of Zion''s sword and the catastrophe of a sword fashioned by the king. With such a ck point, Woosh! The spectacle where the azure ming giant sword, dominating the sky, was entirely drawn in! The ck armors that had been encircling the cursed king shattered and fell. "Just now... what was that ck entity?" A feeble voice, on the verge of breaking off, escaped from the king''s mouth. "Infinite Abyss." Zion sensed that the king bore a sense of relief. "Thank you, Judge." The king, whose helmet was half-broken, courteously bowed his head towards Zion. "Thanks to you¡­ I can finally rest." Upon expressing those words, the decaying body of the cursed king, Swish- turned entirely to dust and dispersed. "¡­" Zion gazed at the spot where the Phantom Army''s king had vanished, leaving not even a corpse behind. Then, Whoosh! A spacerge enough for a person to enter materialized in front of Zion. Zion slowly stepped into that space. --- Thanks for reading! Last chapter for this week! See y''all in 3 days! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 46: Illusionary Army (11) Chapter 46: Illusionary Army (11) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here ''I think I''m in the right ce.'' Zion looked around as he stepped into the divided space, and what he saw was a vast cave. A gentle, dark light filled the cave, with countless twinkling stars overhead that made the ceiling seem like the night sky. It gave the ce a mystical feeling. Engraved on the cave''s walls were the deeds of the ancient god, Chronos. It matched perfectly with the description of this reward space in the chronicles, and so, Zion nodded. Then, he heard a voice. "Has the doomed army finally found its eternal peace?" Zion turned his head, and a tall man entered his line of sight. He was handsome, with long golden hair tumbling over his shoulders. "Hmm? Aren''t you curious about who I am?" The man''s eyes twinkled as he saw Zion''sck of reaction. Usually, everyone who came here would first ask who he was. However, Zion already knew. ''Guardian.'' That was the only reference in Frosimar''s chronicles. Even when the hero in the chronicles asked for his name, The blond man simply introduced himself as the Guardian, offering no other details. Only his vertically-slitted eyes, simr to a reptile''s, hinted that he wasn''t human. "Where''s the ''Five Questions''?" Zion had no interest in the Guardian. His real goal was the artifact of Chronos, which he hade to acquire. "...You know what you''re here for? Just like a hero... Wait." The Guardian, who was about to address Zion with a smile, suddenly stopped. "You... you''re not the hero." Confusion flickered in his eyes. "How is this possible? The hero is destined to destroy the army ande here..." "Destined?" Zion also questioned this. Because he didn''t recall reading such a term in the chronicles. The Guardian spoke as if the hero was the one predestined to eliminate the army and seize the artifact of Chronos. "Where did it go wrong? Hmm, this could be a problem..." "What do you mean?" Zion asked again, watching the Guardian scratch his chin with a frown. Finally, the Guardian turned his attention back to Zion and began to speak. "Yes, since you''vee here, you deserve to know. Do you understand what fate is?" At this, Zion nodded. The record of a being''s past, present, and future is luck. The time a being exists in that world is fate. Combine these two, and you get destiny. "Destiny is set from the start. You can''t just twist it or change it easily. That''s why the idea that one can create their own destiny is nonsense." As he said this, the Guardian pointed to where Zion stood. "By destiny''s design, a hero should''ve defeated the cursed army and been standing in your ce. Now that I think about it, it''s much earlier than usual." The Guardian insisted that since destiny was pre-determined, it couldn''t be changed. Moreover, getting into this cave was so challenging that it was impossible without prior knowledge. This was to prevent any unexpected changes. ''Does he mean the chronicles when he talks about pre-determined fate?'' Zion''s eyes narrowed. What the Guardian spoke of as destiny was simr to the chronicles. The chronicles of Frosimar might be a written record of this world''s destiny. "That means a change has happened in destiny... and for that to happen, a supreme being must have interfered." Zion understood what the supreme being referred to. A God. "I can''t understand what happened. And you..." The Guardian, who had been talking, stopped and stared at Zion. Since discovering Zion wasn''t a hero, he''d been trying to read Zion''s destiny. But, ''Why can''t I see anything?'' It wasn''t just unreadable. His destiny didn''t seem to exist at all. As if he didn''t belong to this world. This was a first for the Guardian, who had lived countless ages. "So, you''re saying you won''t give it to me?" Seeing no more information to be gained, Zion changed the topic, looking at the Guardian. "No, it''s not that. By just stepping in here, you''ve earned the ''Five Questions''. Well, I guess this too is a form of destiny." The Guardian''s job was to hand over Chronos''s artifact to anyone who made it to the cave. Deciding not to ponder further, he nodded, and snapped his fingers. Then, Whooom! The air above the Guardian''s palm rippled, and a bright golden bracelet appeared. ''That must be...'' Zion''s eyes widened in awe. The Five Questions of Chronos. A legendary artifact that held the power of the five questions the ancient god Chronos posed to humans. Five colored gems embedded in the bracelet each symbolized a question. Each held a power beyond natural disasters. A wild card that could overturn - no, utterly shatter - any situation. Save for the fact that it was consumable and each could only be used once, it was an artifact that truly deserved the ''legendary'' ssification more than any other. "The ''Question'' that''s absent here will manifest when you apply the ''Coordinates'' you possess. The phantom army, after all, was born from the power of that ''Question''." The Guardian exined this, pointing to the spot on the bracelet where one gem was conspicuously absent, unlike the other four slots, and then handed the bracelet to Zion. Fwosh! As Zion epted the bracelet from the Guardian, his form began to shimmer and fade in bright light. "I have one question for you." As Zion''s form started to disappear from the cave, the Guardian posed a final question. "Who are you?" He was asking about Zion''s very existence, not just his name or status. "Well..." With a light chuckle in response to the question, Zion''s form finally vanished entirely from the cavern. --- Raei Trantions --- "What on earth just happened..." Staring nkly at the slowly calming battlefield, Caron, the Captain of the 5th Unit of the Ashen Lion Corps, found himself murmuring. The sky-filling blue me sword had vanished abruptly, and with it, the barrier that encased this ce and the residual phantom army began to dissipate. That recalled the recent spectacle in his mind. ''That was definitely Prince Zion.'' The cmitous sword, forged by the king of the phantom army. Such a formidable sword strike left even Caron himself stunned and helpless. And the one who nullified that sword strike in a single stroke was none other than Prince Zion. ''How is that even conceivable?'' Even thinking about it sent shivers down his spine. His prior perception of Prince Zion, before entering the barrier, had long since dissipated. The overwhelming power of Prince Zion he had just witnessed shattered all the prejudices he had absorbed to date. Truth be told, he still couldn''t fully believe it. ''But... where did Prince Zion disappear to?'' Caron found himself contemting this question, eyes drawn to where Zion had stood just a moment ago. "Did youe here to assassinate your lord as well?" Liushina, who had by now exhausted all her greetings, approached Caron and his 5th unit with this question. Despite having just eliminated many members of the phantom army, her eyes still flickered with a craving for bloodshed. So, Liushina hoped that Caron and the freshly arrived knights were enemies of Zion. "No, we are the knights sent by Princess Evelyn to safeguard Lord Zion." Recognizing her as an ally of Zion, Captain Paulo, who was privy to this, responded instead of Caron. Just as Liushina was about to reply, "That''s likely the case. At least the Caron I know wouldn''t undertake an assassination mission." A new voice chimed into their conversation. Upon hearing the voice, Caron swiveled around to identify its owner, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Huh...? General Liam? Why are you here, sir?" Liam Rainer. A man who had served as Caron''s superior during his tenure on the boundary of the demon realm before he joined the Ashen Lion Corps. Even without this connection, there was no way he would fail to recognize the Empire''s celebrated hero. "I was under the impression that you had retired... Surely you didn''t arrive here post-retirement?" "Indeed." In response to Caron''s question, Liam, wearing his typical stern expression, nodded in affirmation. However, contrary to his outward stoicism, his mind was in a state of upheaval. He had witnessed phenomena within a few hours that had been absent from battlefields he''d trodden for decades. While the phantom army''s assault on the vige had been startling, his mind was now overwhelmingly upied by the red-eyed woman and Prince Zion. ''I can hardly believe that the pair of them singlehandedlybated an entire army.'' Of particr note, the sight of the army emerging from the woman''s shed blood was an image Liam knew he would never forget. "It''s a relief to see you unharmed. But General Liam, might you have insight into the events that happened here?" "What unfolded is as in as day. The phantom army descended upon us, and Prince Zion alongside that woman eradicated them." Liam''s confirmation of the events, echoing the silentprehension of the knights, was sufficient to silence the group. "...." It was the tale of one of the Empire''s seven cmities, and perhaps the most formidable of them all - the phantom army, being utterly extinguished. And that by merely two individuals. Even ounting for Liam, making it three, it was an unimaginable feat. But disbelief was not an option, for they had witnessed it with their own eyes. ''But where did those monstrous entities that contended with the phantom army disappear to...'' Caron pondered this new question, having not witnessed the scene of Liushina summoning her army, "Where in the world did the master vanish off to?" Liushina, her brows slightly furrowed, scanned the area and asked. Were her words a trigger of sorts? Swoosh! A rip in the fabric of reality, not far from the gathered crowd, formed, and Zion slowly emerged from it. "Oh, you''ve returned?" "Lord Zion!" Liushina, cheerfully raising her hand in Zion''s direction, and the knights, who shouted Zion''s name and rushed toward him. "I require rest." With that, Zion, meeting the approaching crowd with weary eyes, stated. --- Raei Trantions --- Five days. That was the duration it took for Zion to fully recuperate, his body having been ravaged by the bacsh of the lunar eclipse. During this period, Zion had taken refuge in the Kurd vige, and now stood at the entrance of said vige. Liushina and Nari apanied him, and behind them, the Ash Lion Squad''s 5th division, Caron included, were in formation. "I must depart." Zion voiced his intention, directing his gaze at Liam standing before him, and the vigers, Ferna among them, assembled behind him. "I''ll join you." Prepared for travel with a sizable bag, Liam moved to stand beside Zion. "You intend to journey with me?" Zion asked, his gaze resting on Liam. "A promise remains a promise." Liam recalled the words Zion had uttered when he had visited his residence prior to confronting the phantom army. Themitment to safeguard him and the vige as long as Liam served him. Zion had fulfilled that promise. Although Liam had been nonmittal at the time, upon receiving the aid, it was inconceivable to him to merely disregard it, considering his character. Moreover, it was a matter of life debt. ''Of course, I''d prefer to remain in the vige longer...'' With that thought, Liam cast a nce in Ferna''s direction. Then, "No, remain here for now." Zion interjected with a smirk directed at Liam. Ultimately, his reason for departing the royal city this time was to procure the ''Five Questions of Kronos'' and to verify his inheritance. Liam Reiner was merely a supplementary asset. Currently, his presence was advantageous, but not absolutely necessary. Of course, this stance would shift when the full-scale war against the demonsmenced. "I''ll summon you when you''re needed." Liam, taken aback by Zion''s unexpected statement, responded with a smile after a brief moment of silent surprise. "Your Highness, you consistently defy my expectations. In that case, I shall not object. Please do call upon me when in need." Filled with earnestness, the retired hero offered Zion a respectful bow. In unison, the vigers of Kurd, assembled behind their celebrated hero, also inclined their heads in deference towards Zion. With these people at his back, Zionmenced his gradual departure towards the royal city. ''It appears the time is ripe.'' As he progressed, Zion''s eyes gradually brimmed with anticipation. The seeds he had sown before his departure from the royal city were ready for harvest. Now, it was time to reap one of them. --- Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 47: The Award Ceremony (1) Chapter 47: The Award Ceremony (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here "The phantom army... it''s gone?" In a hidden corner of the ''Eye of the Moon'', a well-known spywork nestled in the Agnes Empire''s capital, Hubeuris, Aileen, the branch manager, questioned the man named Allen, who stood before her. "That''s right. Our lead agent, Nariye, tracked Prince Zion herself. She reported it." Allen gave her a short written report. His own eyes echoed Aileen''s shock. "Ah..." Aileen let out a gasp of surprise as she scanned the report. She had hoped, of course, but didn''t believe that Prince Zion could really deal with the phantom army. Whether Prince Zion was up to the task or not, it seemed like a lost cause from the start. But Prince Zion made the impossible possible. And this was already his second time doing so. "As you can see in the report, right after Prince Zion and his group arrived in Kurd Vige, the phantom army was called forth, along with a barrier that enveloped the vige. Agent Nariye was stuck outside the barrier, so she didn''t witness what happened inside, but when the barrier faded, the phantom army was gone. Inside the barrier were Prince Zion, a woman with red eyes, demon King Liam Reiner, and the Ashen Lion squad who joined midway." "This news... it''s not out yet, is it?" Allen shook his head to Aileen''s question. "Right, it''s not. But it''ll get out soon." "I see." The news would shake up not only the royal city but the whole capital. Weighing the advantages that the ''Eye of the Moon'' could reap from this information, Aileen asked about Prince Zion. "And what about Prince Zion?" "He seems to be going straight to the royal city without stopping." "Hmm... he''s nning to break the news to the assembly himself..." Aileen saw this as another challenge set by Prince Zion. ''I need to act.'' While picking a suitable agent to dispatch to Prince Zion, Allen, who had been quiet, spoke up. "One more thing. We''ve got new info." "What is it?" Aileen turned her questioning gaze to him. "A man, believed to be the hero, has shown up." At this news, her eyes lit up. "Tell me more." --- Raei Trantions --- Five pces encircle the People''s Pce at the center of the Imperial City. "What? Repeat that." Enoch, the third prince and the lord of Hyukseong Pce, one of the five pces, shot a fierce look at Lergan Urschler, the wizard kneeling before him. His eyes widened in surprise. "...Prince Zion and his group have destroyed the Phantom Army." Lergan repeated himself, his voice grave. "Do you believe that?" "¡­" At Enoch''s question, Lergan fell silent. He didn''t believe it either. From the moment Prince Zion had left the royal city with only onepanion, Lergan had foreseen failure. He had concluded that Prince Zioncked the ability to predict where the Phantom Army would appear, and even if he could, he wouldn''t have the power to handle it. As a result, his ns were built around Prince Zion''s expected failure. "So what really happened?" "Prince Zion didn''t handle it alone. The Ashen Lion Corps were there, and so was Liam Rainer, a border guardmander¡­" "That''s not important." Enoch interrupted Lergan''s report. "The point is, that jerk Zion dealt with one of the disasters." This was a big deal. It was like telling the entire empire that he had the power to handle one of the seven major disasters. As a result, the empire''s counselors and nobles would surely turn their attention to Zion, and some might even choose to side with him. In addition, it wasn''t just any disaster he dealt with. It was a test of sessorship, which could shift the power bnce in the Imperial City. "And now we have to watch him officially recognized as a sessor¡­" Enoch, nervously tapping his chair, turned to Lergan. "How are our nsing along?" "We may have to change the location due to this development, but everything else is ready." "We need to speed up." "¡­Understood." At Enoch''smand, a cold glint appeared in Lergan''s eyes. With that, Lergan bowed to the third prince, turned, and left the library. Enoch, watching Lergan leave, thought to himself. ''Maybe it''s time to visit the basement.'' His mood turned grim. --- Raei Trantions --- The news of the Phantom Army''s disappearance, one of the empire''s seven cmities, spread quickly, reaching beyond the Imperial City and into the entire capital. Could it be because the tale was even more astounding than the fact that the forgotten prince of the imperial family had handled the disaster? The repercussions were monumental, like the ascension of a new emperor. Throughout the capital, tales of the Phantom Army''s disappearance filled the air. News outlets and information guilds produced rted content relentlessly. Many found it hard to believe, checking the news repeatedly. Some rejoiced, while others reacted with anger. Naturally, the empire''s attention turned to Zion. But the real Zion... Since his return to the Imperial City, he secluded himself in the underground training grounds of Chimseong Pce. Zion sat cross-legged at the center of the training ground. Darkness, like smoke, seeped out of his body. The darkness seemed to have a life of its own, spreading around him. When the training ground filled with this darkness... Countless stars appeared within the darkness, lighting it up. It resembled the night sky, no, the universe itself. At the peak of this starlight... -----------! A ck star in the midst of the others began to absorb all the surrounding light. When Zion first sat down, there was only one star, but now things were different. Roar! Another ck star materialized next to the first, pulling in light. Beside the second star, a third ck star began to flicker faintly. Just as the third star''s form started to solidify... Whoosh! All the darkness from the ck stars and the training ground rushed back into Zion''s body. Simultaneously... "¡­" Zion slowly opened his eyes. His gaze held a hint of disappointment. "Is the third star still too challenging?" Ever since he returned to the Imperial City, he had strived to ovee the obstacle of the three ck stars. However, each attempt fell short by a hair''s breadth. ''I was sure I could do it this time.'' When he unleashed the lunar eclipse against the king of the Phantom Army, Zion''s ck stars had momentarily breached their limit. A small crack appeared in the wall. He aimed to reach the third star before the crack closed again, but it wasn''t going as smoothly as he''d hoped. And Zion had an inkling as to why. ''It''s this body.'' Despite the slightpensation from the heart of the millennium ogre, the fundamental capabilities of his body were far too low. Even if Zion Agnes hadn''t been assassinated as per the chronicles, he wouldn''t have lived long due to his incredibly fragile constitution. Moreover, this body hindered the use of the Lunar Eclipse. The Lunar Eclipse was originally a strain on even a seasoned warrior''s body. To use it with his frail body was a risk to his life, limiting the duration of its use. ''I need a transformation.'' Not just simple training or enhancing my constitution; I require aplete overhaul of my body. ''And for that...'' As Zion contemted the means to achieve this... Thump, Thump! A knock echoed from the entrance of the training grounds. "Enter." Creak! The iron gate swung open at Zion''smand. Along with it, a woman burst into the yard. She was a breathtaking beauty, her red eyes enough to capture anyone''s attention. "I''vee to see you, Prince Zion." She was Prisci Bammel, Zion''s former fianc¨¦e. Zion''s gaze held a question. He had expected it to be Thierry or Fredo without a doubt. "I''ve heard about your triumph over the Phantom Army." As Prisci, seemingly intrigued by the underground training yard, drew closer, shemented. "The Imperial City is in an uproar over it..." "What brings you here?" Zion interjected, cutting her words short. His gaze was impassive, emotionless. Prisci fell silent for a moment, then spoke, meeting Zion''s eyes. "I want to aid you in your endeavors. No, I insist on helping." Her eyes shone with resolute determination, as if she had contemted this for a while. Prisci remembered. No, she couldn''t forget. The sight of Zion, morphing into a demon, and then Zion vanquishing that demon in an instant. ''That time, Prince Zion unequivocally referred to the demon as an adversary.'' Moreover, he seemed to have anticipated the demon''s presence beforehand. Perhaps Prince Zion, and possibly the empire itself, were confronting this concealed demon threat alone. She could have ignored it if she hadn''t witnessed it, but now that she was aware, she couldn''t stand idly by. ''I must offer assistance in some way.'' This situation also provided an opportunity to get closer to Zion, killing two birds with one stone for Prisci. However. "And how might you?" Zion''s response was a rejection. "...Excuse me?" "How do you n to assist me? With your magic skills that failed to fend off mere assassins, let alone lower-tier demons?" Zion''s voice was frosty. "Or perhaps, are you adept at gathering intelligence? Or can you mobilize your entire family or the Mage Tower you''re affiliated with?" "..." At Zion''s words, Prisci bit her lip, her eyes quivering. Every word was harsh and painful, but she found no grounds to contest them. Because they were all true. "You''re wee to roam my pce. But if you desire more than that..." Zion''s indifferent gaze met Prisci''s. "You must prove yourself worthy." Prisci bowed her head, remaining silent for a moment before murmuring a quiet response. "...Understood." With that, she pivoted and exited the subterranean training grounds. ''That should serve as a wake-up call.'' Zion reflected as he watched her departing figure. Indeed, Prisci''s magical prowess was remarkable among her contemporaries, but it would be woefully inadequate against the adversaries Zion would confront in the future. Moreover, if she aimed to avoid bing the ''Unfortunate Princess'' as in the chronicles, she would have to exert extraordinary effort from this point onward. Then. "Prince Zion." Commander Thierry of the Shadow of Eternity and Nariye, a high-ranking informant of ''The Moon''s Eye,'' entered, crossing paths with the departing Prisci. An unexpected pair. The reason for Nariye''s presence, despite her clear difort, was straightforward. Aileen, the Hubris Branch Manager of ''The Moon''s Eye,'' had selected her to deliver information to Zion. Therefore, Nariye had no choice but to begrudgingly infiltrate the Imperial City. ''Ugh, I really don''t want to be further entangled with Prince Zion... He''s so intimidating.'' Nariye was trembling as she nced at Zion, his thoughts remaining inscrutable, when... "The cross-verification you requested has beenpleted." Thierry addressed Zion with respect. The assignment that Zion had simultaneously given to the Shadow of Eternity and The Moon''s Eye. Thierry was confirming that all aspects of that task were nowplete. "I will need it soon, so hold onto it for now." At that, Zion nodded and gave instructions to Thierry. "Understood. However, there is one more matter I need to report." Thierry opened his mouth again as if he had more to ry. Zion looked at him as if prompting him to continue. "It appears a ceremony to formally acknowledge your status as the heir will be organized soon. But..." "But?" "While preparing for the ceremony, we''ve detected movements from the Third Prince Enoch and Lergan Urschler, the leader of Icarus." At Thierry''s words, "So, they''ve finally decided to act?" A cryptic smile curled the corner of Zion''s mouth. --- Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 48: The Award Ceremony (2) Chapter 48: The Award Ceremony (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here At the entrance of Chimseong Pce. "Can you handle going alone?" There, Thierry, the head of the eternal shadows, asked Zion. Zion was off to a ceremony, an event to officially recognize him as the sessor designated by the emperor. It wasn''t supposed to be a dangerous ce to go solo, but Thierry seemed concerned. He knew something else was bound to happen. "And what about the tasks I assigned?" Zion, tilting his head slightly, asked. Thierry, as a shadow, couldn''t join him for this event. "Everything''s ready... but will everything go as nned?" Thierry responded to Zion''s question, a hint of doubt in his voice. As Zion was the rightful leader of the shadows, Thierry would obey him without question. But he couldn''t help but worry about this specific instruction. If anything were to go wrong, their n would crumble. "Hey! Are you doubting me? Have I ever steered us wrong?" Before Zion could respond, Liushina, standing next to him, suddenly stepped up and voiced her thoughts. "Master, can I go with you?" The millennial witch posed her question to Zion, her eyes filled with anticipation and vitality. But Zion dismissed her request with a shake of his head. "No. Besides, what you''re hoping for isn''t happening this time." "...?" Liushina looked puzzled. Zion''s denial wasn''t what confused her. She had a knack for sensing danger, being a seasoned warrior herself. Despite sensing a strong scent of danger from Zion, he was dismissing it. "Just wait a little." Zion turned away, offering a smile but refusing to address her question. "Take care." Thierry quietly advised, watching Zion walk away. Zion thought Thierry''s warning was misced. The ones who needed to be careful were not him, but his opponents. The setting sun cast a long shadow of Zion across Baeksung Pce. --- Raei Trantions --- The Agnes Imperial City hosted eight pces, each designed for different ceremonies. One of them was Yiseong Pce, ranking fourth in size. Within a spacious hall inside this pce, a crowd had already begun to gather. ''Such a busy ce.'' Lergan, the leader of Icarus, watched the arriving guests with a cool gaze, noting the buzz around the ce. The ceremony recognizing Prince Zion as the sessor seemed to be the talk of the town, attracting arger number of nobles than usual. The eyes of the gathered nobles were filled with keen interest. Their curiosity was undoubtedly directed towards Prince Zion, who was about to make his appearance. ''The more onlookers, the better.'' As Lergan began to smile, "Long time no see, Mr. Lergan. How have you been?" Several nobles recognized Lergan and started to approach him, offering their greetings. With his standing as the highest-ranked magician of the summoning tower and a prodigy who established his unique realm before hitting 40, reaching level 7. Furthermore, as the right-hand man to the Third Prince Enoch and the leader of the mage group Icarus, Lergan had be a key figure in the Imperial City. It was only natural for those hoping to hitch a ride on his rising star to flock to him. "Haha, you look more handsome than thest time I saw you. Are you still single...?" "I''m Brul from the Penrol family. I read your recent paper on summoning magic, and it was truly enlightening..." The ones gathering around him were of lower status, hoping to catch any crumbs of his sess or to enhance theirworks. Meanwhile, Lergan was casually responding to them, his eyes firmly fixed on the prominent seats at the side of the hall. His gazended on the Third Prince Enoch. "......" In contrast to Lergan, Enoch was quietly observing the ceremony, surrounded only by a handful of close high-ranking nobles. Enoch''s eyes met Lergan''s. The Third Prince nodded almost imperceptibly, enough only for Lergan to catch it. The light in Enoch''s eyes seemed to entrust everything to Lergan. Enoch''s presence at Prince Zion''s ceremony seemed out of ce. But Lergan''s steady gaze suggested this was all part of the n. ''Everything is set.'' Lergan thought to himself, returning the Third Prince''s nod. The Third Prince, his leader, was the most important witness to the uing events. Someone whose presence at today''s event was essential. ''It''s a bit concerning that the Fifth Princess is here too...'' With that thought, Lergan turned his gaze to the Fifth Princess Diana, seated on the other side''s high seat. The mere presence of another member of the royal family at a ceremony bestowing the official heirship seemed ironic. While Enoch''s attendance had been arranged beforehand, Diana''s presence was baffling. ''Well, it won''t hurt to have another royal witness to today''s events.'' Lergan''s thoughts concluded as he observed Diana, her eyes full of curiosity and anticipation as she watched the ceremony. "Interestingly, today''s guest of honor is tardy." One of the nobles surrounding Lergan cast his gaze towards the entrance of the hall andmented. "The guest of honor... are you referring to His Highness Zion?" "Indeed, the one who has been making waves in the capital recently by quelling one of the cmities, the Phantom Army." "Hehe, I still find it hard to believe. Who would have imagined that ''that'' Prince Zion could suppress a cmity..." Others around subtly nodded, agreeing with the words of the middle-aged nobleman, distinguished by his carefully groomed brown mustache. Truly, none could have predicted it. That Prince Zion, once viewed as the royal family''s embarrassment, would resolve one of the disasters. While he recentlypleted the session ceremony, this was a basic rite for any direct royal descendant, and hence the assessment of Zion had improved only marginally. However, this situation was a different matter. An unprecedented aplishment that none in the royal family had achieved. Naturally, Zion''s evaluation had to ascend dramatically. "The Emperor must have foreseen this and appointed Prince Zion as the sessor......" The nobleman, stroking his chin and specting, silenced himself upon ncing at Lergan beside him. It wasmon knowledge that Lergan was a confidant of the Third Prince. Just then. "But did you know? There''s spection that the Phantom Army''s subjugation wasn''t solely due to Prince Zion''s efforts." A curly-haired male bureaucrat with bushy eyebrows, who had been observing the conversation, subtly interjected. "Eh? What do you mean?" "From what I''ve heard, not only was Prince Zion present during the Phantom Army''s subjugation, but also Liam Rainer, the retired captain of the demon ying squad, and even the Ash Lion Squad." "Huh, is that so? If that''s the case......" "Yes, it implies that Prince Zion might have had assistance from Prince Evelyn. There''s even a possibility that Prince Evelyn orchestrated everything from the start." Everyone present was aware of Evelyn Agnes''s fondness for Zion. Evelyn had left the imperial city on a demonic boundary expedition. The presence of the Ash Lion Squad, the elite knights under Evelyn Agnes, was enough to spark suspicion. No, it was enough for confirmation rather than suspicion. "......Well, I had been wondering how Prince Zion managed to suppress the cmity, but if the Ash Lion Squad was involved, it bes much more usible." "Huh, then shouldn''t we question the legitimacy of the session?" "That would be the case if it''s proven. What''s your opinion, Mr. Lergan?" The mustached nobleman asked, turning towards Lergan. As Lergan, a subtle smile gracing his face, prepared to respond, "His Highness Prince Zion Agnes has arrived!" A booming announcement emanated from a courtier stationed at the pce''s main entrance. Naturally, all eyes were drawn towards the grand gateway. Then, with a resonant creak, the doors parted, and Zion stepped into the pce. In that moment, as if submerged in a frigidke, the atmosphere within the hall abruptly stiffened. A silence fell. And, slowly, ever so slowly, within this silence, only the rhythmic echo of Zion''s footsteps reverberated. Zion, calmly crossing the center of the hall. The onlookers'' pupils flitted as they tracked Zion''s movements. The dominating aura radiating from Zion, and the chilling energy that surged with each step, effortlessly subdued the crowd. "Is that individual... truly Prince Zion?" A hushed utterance slipped from someone who was witnessing Zion for the first time. The assortment of adjectives that had clung to Prince Zion like persistent shadows. None of these descriptors aligned with the Prince Zion standing before them now. It felt as if they were witnessing an entirely different person. How many individuals in the world can overwhelm others merely with their presence? Only an exclusive handful, those born with the traits of a ''ruler'', possess such ability, and among them, are the direct descendants of the Agnes royal family. Prince Zion was previously deemedcking in such qualities, and hence, was virtually discarded by the royal family. However, the Prince Zion who emerged at the coronation ceremony now exuded a presence befitting an exemry ruler. More so than anyone else present. Slowly, ever so slowly, Zion, continuing his traverse through the silent hall, took his ce beside the Fifth Princess, Diana. Perhaps, this was a sign. "Phew......" Only then did the tension in the hall dissipate, as did the oppressive atmosphere. But the nobles, who dared only to steal nces at Zion, the central figure of this coronation ceremony, could not yet approach him. Even devoid of any overtly aggressive aura, there was something about Zion that made one hesitant to recklessly draw near him. ''He''s more formidable than thest time I encountered him.'' Lergan mused, observing Zion with a slight curling of his lips. Even though most of the individuals within the coronation ceremony hall were of lesser standing. It was urate to conclude that his stature had ascended since theirst meeting, given that his mere presence and walk could create such an atmosphere. ''This is rather promising.'' It would have been cmitous if Prince Zion had merely grown stronger, but the power that Prince Zion had harnessed was that of darkness. The potency of dark magic amplifies with increasing level, its defining traits bing increasingly conspicuous and challenging to conceal. And for Lergan himself, such discoveries woulde more readily. ''All the pieces are in ce. Only one final step remains.'' With this thought, Lergan directed a leisurely smile towards the pce entrance. Yet, he was oblivious. Unknown to him, Zion''s eyes were fixed on him, a spark of interest kindling within them. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Trying out a new ad, sorry if it''s annoying! Also thank you to all my current subs and the newest one, Poppy! Check out my ko-fi for advance chapters :) Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 49: The Award Ceremony (3) Chapter 49: The Award Ceremony (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here Princess Diana Agnes, the fifth in line, had a straightforward reason for attending Zion''s coronation. She didn''t manage to secure the empire''s shadow, but her impressive knack for gathering information tipped her off that this ceremony was more than just a passing of rights to Zion. Something else was brewing underneath. She was eager to unravel the ns of the third prince and Lergan, so she decided to witness the ceremony herself. Plus, she wanted to examine Zion firsthand and verify whether he was the one who wiped out the former spirit legion Egrasia, the members of which the third prince had allegedly killed. ''He seems even more different than thest time I saw him,'' Diana pondered as she nced at Zion sitting beside her. Had he progressed even more in such a short time? When shest met him in the pce''s alchemy room, his aura didn''t seem particrly powerful, although his drastic change did take her by surprise. Now, however, the aura Zion exuded was so intense that even she was taken aback momentarily. ''I wonder what kind of power he''s gained,'' she mused, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Then, she turned towards Zion and broke the silence. "It''s been a while since west met in the alchemy room, hasn''t it, little brother?" Zion responded to her words by giving her azy nce. "Firstly, congrats on conquering the Phantom Army. I''m clueless about how you pulled it off." Unlike their encounter in the alchemy room, Diana was now somewhat acknowledging the formal sessorship that the emperor had bestowed upon Zion. After all, she had suggested dealing with the seventh disaster as a proof of session rights, and Zion had wlessly demonstrated it. The details of how it transpired or who aided him didn''t matter. What mattered was that Zion had quelled the disaster, and if she refused to ept it now, she would contradict her own words. "But if you keep giving off such a vibe, no one here will dare to approach you. Shouldn''t you be trying to win over the nobles here?" Diana, who had been holding Zion''s gaze, asked this as she looked around. "Me?" Zionughed softly at Diana''s question. "Why would I want to attract these folks here? They''re likely of no use." The influential nobles and bureaucrats were generally allied with other members of the royal family, making them rivals of sorts for Zion. There was no reason for him to join the race for the sessorship rights. So, those present here were mostly of lower ranks, not even considered by the royals. "So, you''re here only for the coronation today?" The fifth princess seemed to be sizing Zion up again with her question. "Well, they put all this together for me. I had toe, no matter what." "No matter what?" Diana detected an odd undertone in Zion''s reply. ''Does he already know what Enoch is plotting? Was I barely able to piece that together?'' Questions swirled in her eyes, but Zion offered no further exnation. Just then. "Let''smence the session ceremony for His Highness Zion Agnes!" An elderly man with a flowing beard took the stage at the end of the hall, announcing to the gathered crowd in the Ceremony Pce. His name was Solomon Valdemir, a high-ranking noble responsible for officiating ceremonies within the royal family and the royal pce. "His Highness Zion, please ascend the stage." Solomon''s voice echoed once again in the silent hall. Zion rose slowly from his seat and began walking towards the stage. Very slowly. As he moved, the atmosphere around him seemed to darken. The expressions of those watching Zion approach the stage were a mix of emotions. Who could have foreseen this scene? Only a few months earlier, Zion was known as the discarded prince. Now he had surpassed all other royal members, earning recognition as the official sessor. Finally, amidst the stifling silence, Zion set foot on the stage. "From Aurelion Khan Agnes, the founding emperor of the mighty Agnes Empire that has persisted for four hundred years..." Just as Solomon, who had slightly bowed to Zion, started to recite the prepared sentences, a voice rang out. "Hold on! Everyone, please pay attention." The voice came from the center of the hall. All heads turned towards Lergan, who stood with an unreadable smile. As everyone''s gaze fixed on him, Lergan began to speak. "First, I would like to extend my gratitude to Prince Enoch and Princess Diana for honoring us with their presence at the coronation." Lergan then respectfully inclined his head towards Enoch and Diana. "Their graciousness in attending this event, despite being contenders for the throne themselves, is truly remarkable." At Lergan''s words, Diana snorted while Enoch acknowledged with a slight nod. "And His Highness Zion, the star of this coronation." The moment Lergan mentioned Zion, all eyes in the hall shifted to him. Lergan paused for a moment, allowing everyone''s attention to focus solely on Zion, before speaking again. "His Highness Zion has vanquished the Phantom Army, reputed to be the toughest among the seven great disasters of the empire. This is an irrefutable feat that will go down in the annals of our empire. Allow me to take this opportunity to congratte him once again." Zion, under the watchful gaze of everyone, kept his eyes on Lergan, his expression unreadable, unperturbed by the words of praise. The crowd''s gaze was filled with confusion. They were at a loss as to why Lergan had chosen to interrupt the proceedings with such remarks. "Lergan, we can wait for your congrattory message until after the ceremony..." But, wearing acent smile, Lergan simply pressed on despite Solomon''s statement. "Up until recently, it would have been inconceivable for Prince Zion to tackle one of the disasters. After all, he was the prince who had been discarded, aughingstock." "¡­¡­!" Despite Zion''s presence, Lergan''s candid words stirred a murmur among the attending nobility. Unaffected by the stir he''d caused, Lergan held Zion''s unperturbed gaze and continued. "Yet, within a matter of months, His Highness Zion has experienced a dramatic transformation. He not only passed the session ceremony but also exhibited the strength and charisma befitting the Agnes royalty, even resolving the disaster. But I have one question... How could Prince Zion alter so drastically in such a short time?" Lergan''s gaze sharpened. "Some may attribute this to thete awakening of the Agnes blood within His Highness Zion... But I hold a different view. Frankly, even with the awakening of the Agnes blood, it is unfeasible to acquire such power in so short a span. This is power that would not be obtainable through conventional means." "So, you''re suggesting... Zion has acquired a forbidden power?" Prince Enoch, the third prince, sought rification with a bemused expression. "Indeed. His Highness Zion has dabbled in dark magic, even entering a direct pact with demons." "!!!!!!!" Shock painted the faces of everyone present at Lergan''s revtion. "What... what are you implying, Duke Lergan! His Highness Zion made a pact with the demons!" Amid the uproar from the bearded noble, Lerganmenced his patient exnation. "On two separate asions, magical anomalies associated with His Highness Zion have been detected. The first instance was in the Chimseong Pce, His Highness''s residence. The second was at the Jagak Pce, where the session ceremony was held. Magic that an average person would nevere across in their lifetime has been detected twice in proximity to His Highness. Moreover, symptoms typical of those who derive power from demons are already evident in His Highness." Lergan vividly recalled the ck eyes Zion had sported when he''d left the castle gate tobat the phantom army. "Is that... true! How could..." "No, what on earth are you suggesting!" "Has His Highness Zion truly delved into dark magic!" People gawked, alternating their shocked nces between Zion and Lergan amidst the uproar. Dark magic. It was the ultimate transgression in the empire. A dire and evil sin, warranting immediate punishment upon discovery. The revtion that a member of the empire''s royal family had studied dark magic was not just shocking¡ªit was unthinkable. Such a deed could tarnish the honor of not only the royal family but also the entire empire. "The certainty is not absolute yet. However...." Lergan''s voice trailed off as he nonchntly flicked his fingers. "Should we proceed with the coronation amidst such profound suspicions?" At that moment. Creak! The grand doors of the Yiseong Pce swung open, permitting entry to seven priests donned in pure white vestments, and dozens of battle mages from Icarus. "What in the world...." With the bbergasted nobles looking on, the priests and mages swiftly advanced towards Zion. "The newly arrived priests are high-ranking members of the Light Worshiping Order. They''re here to ascertain whether His Highness Zion truly studied dark magic. The mages trailing behind are merely a precaution against unexpected incidents. Please, don''t be overly rmed." Contrary to his assertion, Lergan was firmly convinced that Zion had struck a pact with demons. The evidence was overwhelming. But these borate preparations were intended merely to publicly expose the fact. It would resonate more profoundly. Everyone present would be a witness. "His Highness Zion, I trust you won''t mind then." Without seeking Zion''s approval, the Inquisition, who appeared to be in league with Lergan, began to encircle Zion with determined strides. "What are you attempting to....!" Did anxiety seize him then? Zion''s eyes quivered as he regarded the advancing priests. He attempted to make a swift move, but... Whooosh! At that instant, a magic circle previously installed by Lergan under the stage burst into light, binding Zion in ce. The apprehension and assault of royalty in a public setting. It was a capital offense, yet Lergan was unfazed. Because if Zion''s study of dark magic was proven, all usations would be nullified. "O God of Light, the all-seeing...." The encircling priests of Light, with Zion immobilized at their center,menced their chants. Simultaneously, a sacred pattern formed on the floor, with the seven priests constituting its apex. Fwoosh! Instantly, the meticulously drawn pattern radiated a holy light that enveloped Zion. Arbat Diol. A high-level spell that required thebined effort of seven high priests. If the subject had indeed studied dark magic or entered a pact with a demon, the spell would unmistakably expose it. Sacred magic. It was infrequently employed due to its inefficiency, but its effectiveness was more reliable than anything else. ''He''s ensnared.'' As Zion vanished into the radiant light, a triumphantugh escaped Lergan''s lips. Every detail, down to Zion''s final expression of panic, was falling seamlessly into ce. All that remained was to anticipate Zion''s dramatic reappearance, enveloped in dense magic as the light dissipated. "What, what''s happening....!" Solomon''s voice quivered as he echoed the sentiments of the baffled onlookers in the hall. But he was powerless to assist Zion, now trapped within the blinding light. "Could it be that Zion really...!" The Third Prince seemed to voice his shock superficially, but his eyes betrayed an undeniable sense of expectation. However, in stark contrast, the Fifth Princess watched the proceedings with unreadable eyes. "Prepare Icarus Groups 1 to 4 in case of magical bacsh." Lergan ryed hismands to the Icarus mages, his voice brimming with anticipation. ''Now, reveal yourself. The disgrace of the disowned Agnes.'' Lergan''s excitement soared to its zenith. Finally. Whoooosh! The light enveloping Zion and the Inquisition expanded, spilling beyond the hall to the exterior of the Yiseong Pce. Whooof! As abruptly as it appeared, the light vanished, leaving no trace of its existence. Slowly, Zion emerged from the void. "Apprehend him immediat... Huh?" Lergan''s instruction to the Icarus mages faltered as Zion came into view, his certainty faltering. The sacred spell, Arbat Diol. ording to the Inquisitor, anyone ensnared in this holy spell who had studied even the slightest bit of dark magic or made a pact with a demon would involuntarily release all the magic they possess. Yet, as Zion reemerged... "Why isn''t the magic..." No magic was emanating from him. "Master Lergan, what''s this...!" The rmed Inquisitors turned their tremulous eyes to Lergan. They had taken the risk of investigating the royal family, persuaded by Lergan who had wagered his life on irrefutable circumstantial evidence. But the used, Prince Zion, was neither a practitioner of dark magic nor in a pact with the devil. "It seems there''s been a miscalction?" Zion''s thin smile appeared as he regarded the bewildered priests and Lergan. His eyes, relishing the unfolding drama. A chilling realization dawned on the mage as he locked eyes with Zion. "Could it be that from the onset, he was targeting me..." All along, this was a meticulous trap orchestrated by Zion himself. From the beginning, it wasn''t Zion ensnared in the trap, but Lergan. "How, how could this happen!" A look of disbelief and denial shed in Lergan''s eyes. Crash! "Seize them all!" The pce knights, arriving btedly at the pce, descended upon Lergan and the Icarus mages. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 50: The Night of the Harvest (1) Chapter 50: The Night of the Harvest (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here ng! The wizards from Lergan and Icarus looked around, shocked. And after the imperial knights, who''d even arrested the seven top priests, left the royal pce. "......" The hall fell silent, as though a storm had just passed through. ''Was it a setup from the start?'' The 5th Princess Diana, who''d reached such a conclusion from piecing together everything she''d seen and heard, looked at Zion in shock. She was wrong to think Zion would know something about what the 3rd Prince and Lergan were nning. It was Zion who''d engineered this whole situation. How cunning must he be to fool Lergan, known as the right hand and brain of Enoch, so perfectly? Now, she found it believable that the Zion she knew months ago and the Zion now were two different people. ''Maybe he guessed that Lergan made a deal with a demon. That makes sense.'' If she had that kind of proof and knew Zion''s original nature, Diana herself might have acted like Lergan. Then. "Shall we go on with the award ceremony?" Zion spoke, looking at Solomon. Despite nearly being cornered as a demon''s ally just minutes ago, Zion''s eyes held their usualzy light. As if nothing had happened. "Ah, understood. Let''s continue the award ceremony then." With that, Solomon resumed the award ceremony, looking flustered. Since the hall was quiet after the recent incident, it wasn''t too hard to proceed. ''Doesn''t the 3rd Prince suspect anything?'' Diana wondered as she watched Solomon and Zion. The scene Lergan caused this time wasn''t something he could have nned alone. Clearly, the 3rd Prince, Enoch, was also involved. But Zion, who was quietly epting his award, didn''t even nce at Enoch. "Hmm, does he believe they can''t be connected? Or maybe¡­¡­." Is he thinking of something else? As she pondered, Diana turned her gaze to Enoch. On the outside, he sat rxed in his chair, but the veins on the back of his hand, gripping the armrest, throbbed. Considering his right arm was gone, he must be quite upset. Seeing that, Diana''s mood lifted. "......With this, in the name of Emperor Urdios, I grant Prince Zion Agnes the right to session." After that, the award ceremony ended without any more hups. Step by step. Zion slowly left the stage, just like he''d ascended at the start. Yet for Zion, the name "Zion Agnes" carried a whole new weight for the nobles there than it did at the start of the ceremony. Even if it was in name only, he was now an official sessor, and his first impression had been striking. Done with his duties, Zion left the pce. As he walked past the nobles, he found himself looking up at a strangely darkened sky. ''Is it time to call him now?'' The session ceremony was crucial to Zion, so he''d held off responding to it until it was over. But Zion wasn''t nning to end everything just like this. A ck star shimmered in Zion''s eyes as he slowly moved forward. It was time to reap what was left. --- Raei Trantions --- The empire''s notorious royal pce dungeon. "...I was totally tricked." Lergan''s hollow voice echoed through the prison. He was leaning against the prison wall, bound by magic. ''How did he hide it? Those were sure signs of someone who''s made a deal with a demon.'' Plus, even the tiniest traces of ck magic would have been revealed by the divine magic Arbat Deol, performed by the seven high priests of light. "But how¡­!" Lergan, who''d been mumbling as if to chew on his words, hung his head and stopped speaking. Whether Prince Zion had mastered ck magic was no longer the point. What mattered was that his carefully crafted n had been shattered by Prince Zion. No, from the beginning, Lergan himself had walked into a trap set by Prince Zion. "How shameful." Leaning heavily against the wall, Lergan muttered bitterly. His eyes held no hope. Insulting the royal family, harming the royal family, plotting to kill the royal family, and maybe even... treason. Each crime that came to mind carried the death penalty. Come tomorrow morning, he''d be led to the execution block, and his fellow Icarus wizards who''d conspired with him would face the same harsh sentence. ''If the Third Prince uses his influence, I might save my life, but...'' Even so, he''d have to live on the empire''s frigid edges, battered by snowstorms. It was pointless. Besides, the Third Prince had no reason to help Lergan. He''d be busy showing he had no part in this incident. In fact, Lergan remembered how Enoch had looked away when the pce knights arrested him. "Hehe! I served him loyally, and this is how I''m discarded." He understood the logic of it, but that didn''t make the abandonment any easier to swallow. A hollowugh then escaped from Lergan''s lips. Creak- The sudden noise of corroded metal caught his attention. "Huh?" Lergan instinctively turned toward the sound, his eyes filled with questions. The prison door that had been firmly shut until just moments ago... It was slightly ajar. ''What?'' Cautiously, Lergan approached the partially opened door and peered outside. The prison hallway was empty; there were no guards in sight. And, lying right in front of the door, was a key. "No way¡­¡­." Click- Tentatively, he inserted the key into the magical cuffs binding his wrists, and they sprang open as if they''d been waiting for this moment. A look of astonishment washed over Lergan''s face. By this point, even a fool would''ve grasped the situation. Someone wanted Lergan to escape from prison. ''Could it really be the Third Prince?'' Not many people within the pce could pull off something like this. Among them, the most likely person to do this for him would be Third Prince Enoch. This act contradicted what Lergan knew of the Third Prince''s character, but a ray of hope was kindling within him. "Right, he wouldn''t dispose of me so casually." Lergan was widely recognized as Prince Enoch''s right-hand man. A level 7 high-ranking magician and a top-tier magician of the Summoning Tower, he had boundless potential for future growth. Perhaps, after weighing the benefits and drawbacks, the Prince had decided it was better to save him. ''I may have to operate in the shadows now, but it beats dying.'' Just as Lerganpleted his thought. Creak, creak! The adjacent prison doors burst open, and the Icarus wizards who''d been arrested alongside him in the pce started to emerge. "Master Lergan!" The wizards who''d spotted Lergan instantly approached him. ''Are they suggesting we should all escape together?'' Lergan, with a glint in his eye, quietly addressed the wizards. "We''re going to quietly slip out of here." "Understood." With his cohorts, who seemed to grasp his intentions, Lergan began to ascend the dungeon stairs. It was almost as if they''d been summoned by someone. By the time Lergan and the wizards reached the prison entrance, not a single guard was in sight. ''It''s confirmed.'' Confidence flooded Lergan''s gaze. "We''re heading to the imperial pce." Finally, Lergan and the wizards, having escaped from the dungeon, began to move, their footsteps silently swallowed by the pce''s darkness. Thud, thud! Having navigated the pce for over a decade, Lergan was well-versed in its more deste corners. He''d already plotted the quickest route to the imperial pce, bypassing any bustling areas. Moreover, all the wizards of Icarus were the cream of the crop, ensuring a swift pace. ''We''re fortunate.'' Even though they only traversed less popted regions, it was possible to encounter a few people. But there wasn''t a single soul that crossed Lergan''s path until they came within sight of the imperial pce. Was even fate favoring him? His eyes radiated hope as they approached their destination. ''Just need to cross that garden¡­¡­!'' Thud, thud! Finally, the moment Lergan and his fellow Icarus wizards stepped into the expansive garden in front of the imperial pce... "Are you arriving now?" A chilling voice resonated through their ears. At that, the wizards reflexively swiveled their heads toward the voice''s origin. Crack! The wizard trailing at the rear of the group was bisected. Blood erupted from the wound. "¡­¡­!" The wizards'' eyes zed over in shock at the abrupt event, A woman, her feet stepping on the blood-soaked earth, gradually revealed herself. Her eyes, a striking red that would be noticeable anywhere, and a mesmerizing beauty. It was Liushina. "I thought I was going to perish from waiting." The millennia-old witch, her crimson eyes brimming with a ruthless will to survive, grinned at Lergan and the Icarus wizards. "You are¡­¡­." Lergan''s eyes quivered as he gazed at her. He couldn''t understand why she was here. ''If this red-eyed woman is present...'' Thump- A soft footfall interrupted Lergan''s thoughts. It was a sound he recognized. A unique,pelling stride. Zion Agnes. The discarded prince, the forsaken pureblood, the shame of the royal family. The owner of all these titles, a man who defied each of them, was slowly emerging from the shadows. And then,prehension dawned on Lergan. "Could it be that all of this......!" The snare set by Prince Zion hadn''t concluded with Lergan''s arrest during the ceremony. The knights'' timely arrival at the imperial pce. Their escape from the dungeon subsequently. Even the peculiarck of individuals along the way. Everything was part of the borate trap devised by Prince Zion. Lergan''s pupils quivered uncontrobly. "You see." Zion''s eyes slowly curved into a crescent moon shape as he looked at Lergan. "I prefer to personally deliver the reckoning." Zion. --- Raei Trantions --- He had never nned to entrust the fate of everyone implicated in this incident to others. Those who had dared to bare their fangs at him would bepletely uprooted, obliterating even the slightest possibility of aeback. Such was the temperament of Zion Agnes, or rather, Emperor Aurelion. The adversaries were already ensnared perfectly, and there was more than enough justification to eliminate them. Zion wouldn''t let this chance slip away. "This despicable......!" Lergan spat out with a look of revulsion. Zion''s thoroughness and relentlessness were indeed bone-chilling. Nheless, there was still a way out of this predicament. ''There are only two enemies.'' There were no other signs of opposition, of that he was certain. He had no clue why only two had appeared, but if they managed to kill those two, escape was a possibility. "Ready yourselves for battle." A hushed voice emerged from Lergan, hisposure regained. Did he grasp Lergan''s thoughts? Whoosh! A potent surge of magic emanated from the Icarus wizards around him. "Yes, that''s what makes this all the more exciting." Zion, observing the scene with a smirk, also began to radiate an aura of darkness deeper than the night itself. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 51: The Night of the Harvest (2) Chapter 51: The Night of the Harvest (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here Princess Diana Agnes, the fifth princess, held a deep love for nature. Perhaps it was the fairy blood running in her veins. She found peace in wandering among trees and flowers, spending hours in the gardens and forests, lost in thought. Her favorite spot in the Imperial Pce was the Lilia Garden, a charming ce named after a past queen of the Agnes Empire. The garden was a beautiful array of flowers and trees arranged in a manner that delighted Diana''s heart. Her only displeasure stemmed from the garden''s proximity to the Hyukseong Pce, where her brother, the third prince Enoch, resided. Today, just like other days, Diana meandered through the enchanting paths of the Lilia Garden, lost in a world of her own. "Zion Agnes¡­" His name slipped from her lips. Her youngest half-brother had been on her mind recently, much to her confusion. ''Why does he concern me so?'' Despite his recent aplishment of tackling one of the disasters and earning formal sessor qualifications, Zion was still seen as weak,cking real power. It puzzled Diana why she was troubled by him. ''Is it because of his performance at the ceremony?'' Certainly, Zion had been remarkably impressive then. His presence, so different from his usual demeanor, had captivated the audience. Diana had recognized a deep intelligence within him. But that alone shouldn''t have left such asting impression on her. There was something else about Zion, something she couldn''t quite put her finger on. ''Should I start keeping an eye on him?'' Lost in thought, Diana wore a troubled expression. Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from a distant corner of the garden. "It seems we have an unwanted visitor today." Despite the slight frown on her face, Diana''s curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to investigate the source of the noise. "¡­What?" Upon reaching the origin of the disturbance and spotting the uninvited guest, her eyes widened in shock. --- Raei Trantions --- Everything started when Zion took a single step forward. Thud! Without warning, the head of the wizard nearest to Zion burst, causing a gruesome scene. "What¡­!" Just as the nearby wizards, taken aback by the sight of their headless colleague, began to voice their confusion, a wave of darkness swept over them. One by one, their heads began to explode. In the ensuing silence, the headless bodies of the wizards hit the ground, the soft thud breaking the quiet. Zion, unfazed by the scene, strode over the bodies. "Kill him!" Roar! Snapping out of their daze, Icarus''s wizards, began to shower Zion with magic spells. One step at a time, Zion moved forward. Zion walked towards Lagan, ignoring the barrage of magic flung his way. He didn''t need to worry; he had others to counter the attacks. Just as dozens of spells, aimed to consume him, came barreling in, an odd sight urred. Swish! A dozen beastly mouths materialized around Zion, gulping down the iing magic. "What the...!" One of Icarus''s wizards who had cast the spell uttered in disbelief, witnessing a scene he''d never imagined. Without warning, a beastly mouth emerged from above, snapping off the wizard''s head. "You''re mine." Another chilling voice echoed in the ears of the remaining wizards. Soon, Liushina appeared, radiating a blood-red aura, advancing towards them. Her terrifying presence sent shivers down their spines, and cold sweat trickled down their necks. Liushina''s aura morphed into hundreds of crimson lines, streaking towards the wizards. "Stop it!" Reacting quickly, the wizards hurled their defensive magic. Crack! A thunderous noise followed as Liushina''s red lines shed with the wizards'' defense. But contrary to the loud sound, the wizards'' protective magic broke apart like fragile ss. The red lines shattered the wizards'' defenses and sliced through their bodies. "Argh!" "Stop! Ahhh!" Screams filled the air as the wizards fell victim to Liushina''s ruthless attack. "The enemy is just one. Attack!" Despite their dire situation, some of thebat wizards, considered among the top ten in the Huang Empire, charged at Liushina, magic zing in their hands. Various elements of attack magic escorted the rushing wizards from the back. ''She''s a blood magician. She should be weak in closebat.'' With this belief, thebat wizards closed in on Liushina, preparing to release the fire and lightning magic collected in their hands. "Hmm, you thought getting close would make a difference?" Liushina''s voice was casual, even pleased, entirely out of ce in the intense situation. She raised her right hand, and above her, space opened to reveal a giant maw. Crunch, crunch! The advancing wizards were chewed up and swallowed whole. The wizards met their deaths before they could even properly scream. Swish! Blood that spurted from their bodies coagted into thousands of small, sharp spikes. The spikes shed with the magic attacking Liushina, resulting in a massive explosion that shattered the surrounding trees. Unscathed, Liushina emerged from the dissipating dust with a faint smile. A wizard squad among the top ten in the Huang Empire? That didn''t matter. She was a blood magician, one of the top three in the empire''s long history. Notorious for her high body count, she was called the adversary of mankind. If she had struggled just a little, she wouldn''t have earned the nickname ''Thousand-Year Witch.'' Crunch, crunch, crunch! "How can this be!" "Who on earth is that woman...." Astonished exmations erupted from the wizards who were positioned further back and had escaped Liushina''s onught so far. They were Icarus, an elite squad of wizards culled from the most talented at the Tower of Magic. How many people in this world could single-handedly ughter them? But the power wasn''t what horrified the wizards. "Kyaahaha!" It was Liushina herself, gleefullyughing and tearing through them, seemingly enjoying the carnage. Zion moved through the chaotic scene, taking step by step towards Lergan. "How can this...!" Lergan''s eyes, darting between Zion and Liushina dismantling his subordinates, held disbelief. His Icarus, which he had always been proud of for their strength, was crumbling with rming ease. And at the hands of just one person. "That''s why I told you to be careful." Zion, now standing before Lergan, spoke with a grin. A dark light emanating from Zion began to permeate the area, eliciting a primal fear in Lergan. He tried to retreat, but stopped, his eyes now filled with a deep murderous intent. He couldn''t understand. No, he couldn''t ept it. That he and his entire Icarus were being decimated by just two people. "I can''t ept it." With a voice filled with defiance, Lergan released a giant whirl of mana from his body that tore through the surrounding atmosphere. Simultaneously, space around Lergan warped, summoning fiery bird-shaped creatures. "I''ll incinerate you until not even ashes remain." At hismand, the summoned creatures charged at Zion. The summoned creatures moved so swiftly that their flight couldn''t be tracked by the naked eye. Lergan wasn''t underestimating Zion''s strength. Despite assistance from Evelyn, he couldn''t have neutralized the phantom army without some innate capabilities. So, he took the battle seriously from the start. ''A level 7 summoner.'' As battle ensued, Zion activated Ming''s Eye, slowing his perception of time. He watched the fiery summons rush towards him and reflected. In his original world, ''level'' wasn''t used to categorize wizard capabilities. But having read the chronicles, Zion understood the magnitude of a grade 7 ranking. Considering only level, even hispleted Exia might not secure victory against his present self. Yet, there was no unease in Zion''s gaze. Magic, the art of producing unnatural phenomena with mana. And its counter, the ck light. Zion extended his right hand and shed downwards as if wielding a sword. The darkness etched its path along Zion''s hand''s trajectory. Soon, the summoned creatures that intersected with the dark carving. Vanished, as if they had never been. "!!!!!" Lergan''s eyes quaked at the inexplicable sight, And Zion exploited the opening created by the disappearing creatures to close the gap, charging at Lergan. Could he truly be a level 7 wizard? Taken aback by the rapid pace, Lergan reflexively summoned two steel knights to attack Zion. The knights'' swords aimed precisely for Zion''s heart and neck. But. With a slight body tilt and a bizarrely angled step, Zion evaded every attack as if he had predicted them. Tap, tap. He touched the knights'' steel bodies with a finger, and the ck light emanating from it infiltrated their frames, nullifying the magical energy within. The knights, reduced to junk metal, fell apart. "What on earth are you doing...!" Lergan, retreating quickly by summoning winged shoes, expressed his astonishment as he watched his summons get obliterated. His form swiftly retreated. However. Swoosh! Zion, gliding through the ominous darkness, was much faster. "¡­¡­!" Seeing Zion closing the distance in an instant, a panic-stricken Lergan began to gesture another summoning spell. Kiaaaaaa! At Lergan''s behest, a colossal two-headed reptile emerged as space before him ripped apart. Twin Head Lizard. It was a physically robust apex creature, dwelling only in the deepest wildernesses. In his instinctive understanding that mana-based creatures wouldn''t suffice, Lergan summoned it. Nevertheless, nothing changed. Before the Twin Head Lizard could fully materialize from the ruptured space, ck lightning exploded from Zion''s clenched fist. The lizard''s two heads were obliterated in unison. The newly-summoned Twin Head Lizard copsed, headless as soon as it appeared. Had such a summoning been merely a distraction? "Try and handle this too!" In the meanwhile, Lergan, having widened the gap once more, offered a first smirk and gestured another summoning. A monumental door materialized behind him. Drumroll! A summoned creature of overwhelming presence, surpassing any before it, began to emerge from within the door. Ten Beasts. Lergan''s unique spell, catapulting him to top-tier summoning status, a feat unmatched worldwide. Even at level 7, he could only summon one of these highest-ranking beasts at a time. Roar! A colossal drake''s head, like a dragon, emerged from the void, bellowing. The atmosphere itself shrieked, resonating with the drake''s roar. Following this, it felt as if all surrounding energy was vacuumed into the drake''s maw. ---------------! Transformed into a destructive wave, it sted towards Zion. An overwhelmingly forceful wave that caused the very space it traversed to warp and quiver. "¡­¡­This!" The ripple effect of the power within the wave extended beyond the garden, catching even distant observers'' attention. Confronting this wave head-on, Zion, undeterred, extended a hand sideways and clutched at the void. A sword materialized from Zion''s grip. The moment Zion, having drawn thepleted de named Exia from the void, shed horizontally before him, The destructive wave, now at Zion''s doorstep, And the corporeal form of the summon thatunched the wave, Crackle! Was split entirely in two. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 52: The Night of the Harvest (3) Chapter 52: The Night of the Harvest (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here "I can''t believe how strong they are..." Princess Diana, the fifth in line, watched the battle unfolding in the middle of Lilia''s garden, her voice filled with surprise. Her shock wasn''t due to the escape of Lergan and the Icarus Mage Brigade from the underground prison. No, it was about two individuals. Zion Agnes and a red-eyed woman, a stranger to Diana. She watched as these two overwhelmed the entirety of Icarus, Lergan included, and her eyes grew wide. ''Who is that woman?'' Diana nced at the red-eyed woman who was cutting down dozens of mages as if they were nothing more than paper. The woman who always stood next to Zion, her eerie smile never fading. Diana knew she wielded blood magic, but she never imagined she''d be so potent. "Please, save me!" "Aaargh!" The Icarus mages, proud and skilled, fell without a chance to truly fight back. The sight was beyond bizarre. How many in the world could cause such havoc? ''Could it be... Did they also wipe out the 6th team of Egrasia...?'' Diana shook her head, dismissing the thought. It made no sense for Zion to do such a thing. Enoch was still the more likely suspect. ''I wish I could ask... But now''s not the time.'' With this thought, Diana turned her gaze to Lergan, now pressed hard by Zion, unable to fight back. Who was Lergan Urschler? A mage whose talent made the word "genius" seem inadequate. At his young age, in his 30s, he had reached level 7 and mastered a unique magic. He led Icarus, one of the most powerful mage groups in the empire. A man whose abilities and potential were recognized by the third prince, Enoch, who kept him close. And yet, Lergan, so talented, couldn''t gain even a single advantage against Zion, the so-called disgrace of the royal family. Each surge of Zion''s otherworldly darkness shattered Lergan''s summoned creatures. ''What is that power?'' Diana concentrated on the darkness. From what she could see, Lergan''s raw power was superior. But the darkness. The darkness, erasing everything it touched, was turning the tables. She couldn''t understand its principles no matter how she tried. Frowning, Diana flicked her finger. ''Given the circumstances... it''s no wonder there''s concern.'' The meticulous n to snare Lergan, and the power supporting it. Diana felt she was beginning to grasp why her father, Emperor Urdios, had chosen Zion as his sessor. And then. "!!!!!!!" Diana''s eyes widened, watching the battle between Zion and Lergan unfold. Lergan summoned a creature more powerful than any before, unleashing a wave of devastation. The wave''s power was astonishing, even to Diana. But what truly shocked her wasn''t the wave. "That''s¡­¡­!" At that moment, Zion, who was charging towards the wave, produced a single ck sword from his hand. She recognized that sword, a weapon that sucked in all the surrounding light. The Sword of Extinction. With a resounding roar, Zion swung the ck sword, and the wave of destruction along with the creature that released it began to split. "!!!!!!" All onlookers, Lergan included, stared wide-eyed at the impossible scene. "You won''t have time to be surprised." Zion, having closed the distance to Lergan, swung the sword Exia vertically with a smile. Swish- Zion''s de cut through Lergan''s right shoulder as if meeting no resistance. Immediately after. Thud. "Aaaaargh!" Lergan''s right arm hit the ground, and a heart-wrenching scream left his lips. As if to swiftly end his life, Zion brought his sword down again towards Lergan''s neck. Crack! Before his scream could fully escape, Lergan hastily summoned a creature to block Zion''s attack, then shot upward. Lergan soared into the night sky of the Imperial City, under the glow of the crescent moon. "Arrgh! What, what on earth is happening!" Lergan cried out, his face contorted. In his mind, there was no power disparity between him and Zion. No, he believed himself superior. But why was he being driven back so relentlessly? His gazended on the ck Star cloaking Zion. ''That''s it! That darkness! It''s the darkness''s doing!'' The eerie darkness radiating from Zion. That darkness waspletely neutralizing Lergan''s magic. But understanding and countering that darkness here and now was impossible. So... ''I must release power so vast, the darkness can''t absorb it!'' With a thunderous sound, a magical force unlike any before erupted from Lergan''s body. The surrounding space and atmosphere distorted, even warped, from the sheer impact. In its wake, the iron door that had appeared when he''d summoned a demon earlier, came into view again behind Lergan. But this time... With a low rumbling sound, there wasn''t just one door. Another door materialized next to the iron door, engraved with strange patterns. Blood trickled from Lergan''s eyes, nose, and mouth after the door''s summoning, but he didn''t stop. Thump! Another colossal iron door ripped the fabric of the night sky. In that moment, Lergan was transcending his boundaries, crossing into a new domain. "Kuhahahaha!" Hisughter echoed through the night. He was confident. Even Zion''s magic-nullifying darkness would struggle to eliminate three summoned demons at once. Creak! Simultaneously, the three doors swung open and the formidable demons began their slow emergence. With an earth-shaking roar! Their appearance ignited a wild joy in Lergan''s eyes. "Curse you, Prince Zion!!! Can you deal with this as well!" His tion hit a fever pitch. Finally, as all the summoned creatures fully materialized from the doors, "You appear to be under a certain misunderstanding." A faint voice echoed in his ears. With a thump! And then. "¡­¡­?" Confusion spread across Lergan''s face. Why? Why did Prince Zion''s voice, who stood far below him, sound as though it came from right next to him? Why was there a ck sword, its ominous glow intensifying, lodged within his chest? "Why should I bother with your summons?" An advanced form of Dark Flow that ces a phantom, formed by the dark soul artist, at the back of a previously touched target, and then switches the positions of the phantom and the artist. Using this technique, Zion, who managed to stab Lergan in the back, found it almost too easy as Lergan''s senses had be dulled from overextending his powers. "Uuugh!" Only then did Lergan let out a choked scream, staring at Zion''s fading phantom. Zion''s ck star that had pierced into Lergan began to systematically dismantle every iota of magical energy. With a soft sound, Consequently, Lergan''s summoning effort was rendered futile. "Cough!" His words turned into a bloody gurgle. ring at Zion, Lergan swung his remaining hand. However, his reach fell short of Zion. Thest vision imprinted in Lergan''s eyes was of Zion, a smile on his face, as if he couldn''t be more pleased. His vision blurred! Within Zion''s eyes swirled an endless ck star. First, the head detached. Crash! Then, Lergan''s torso copsed to the ground, causing a resonating thud. And then, silence ensued. Perhaps the rest of Liushina''s forces had been dealt with, as the survivors now turned their attention to Zion, who was slowly descending from the night sky. Silently. Zion,nding in the eerily quiet garden, briefly cast his gaze upon Dienna and the attendants who trembled under his scrutiny, And then he slowly turned. Reflected in Zion''s eyes were the Third Prince Enoch and his entourage, who had sensed themotion and rushed over from the imperial pce. "......" Had he grasped the situation without any exnation? Enoch''s expression was frozen. Zion, amused by this, gave a slight kick to Lergan''s severed head at his feet. With a gentle nudge, Lergan''s head rolled and came to a stop directly in front of the Third Prince Enoch. "You must be somewhat unsettled." Zion addressed Enoch, who was gazing at the gruesome sight before him with a dispassionate gaze. "He was someone I valued, so it''s untrue to say I''m not disturbed... But he dared to assault and attempt to kill a member of the royal bloodline, and he even fled from prison, so it''s odd that he lived this long. If you hadn''t located him first, I would have caught him myself and slit his throat." His voice was cid, devoid of any fluctuations. But Zion perceived a fury smoldering in the depths of Enoch''s impassive eyes. "Really? This man was making his way to the imperial pce after his escape from prison. Almost as if you had a hand in it." Edging closer and delivering another kick to Lergan''s severed head, Zion questioned Enoch. "What nonsense. Today''s incidents were entirely Lergan''s handiwork. From the ceremony where you were branded a demon contractor, to the breakout from the underground prison. "To the best of my knowledge, I was entirely in the dark." Yet, Enoch barely reacted, just a slight twitch of his eyebrows. ''He''s not biting.'' Zion felt a twinge of disappointment. Despite his provocations, even using Lergan''s head, Enoch remained unppable. It seemed challenging to implicate the Third Prince in this matter. ''Nevertheless, there are plenty of other reasons to eliminate him.'' Zion, considering the secrets lurking in the basement of the imperial pce where Enoch resided, resolved his thoughts and stepped closer to the Third Prince. Then, Zion, a thin smile ying on his lips, whispered to Enoch. "Stay vignt." The same caution he had offered Lergan outside the old imperial pce. Usually, Enoch would have scoffed at Zion''s audacity to offer such advice. "......" But now, Enoch remained silent. With no more affairs to attend to here, Slowly, slowly, Zion turned and began his unhurried departure from the garden. "Let''s proceed, master." Liushina, her expression contented for the first time in what felt like an eternity, trailed behind Zion. "Zion......" The Fifth Princess softly voiced Zion''s name as she watched their retreating figures, her expression stern. Until the silhouettes of Zion and Liushina hadpletely vanished, The garden, littered with the bodies of the mages, remained silent. --- Raei Trantions --- "You appear quite content today." After departing from the garden and strolling under the moonlit pce, Zion addressed Liushina. "Thest time, while dealing with the phantom army, it felt somewhat inadequate, but today made up for it. Of course, if you need more to be in, I''m up for it." The millennial witch replied, a smirk gracing her features. Her eyes shimmered with satisfaction for the first time in a long time. "Is that so? Then I have an immediate task for you." Zion seemed delighted at this and handed a piece of parchment to Liushina. "What''s this?" "A map pinpointing the Blood Tower." Blood magic, though not as despised as dark magic, was stillrgely frowned upon. Therefore, the Blood Tower, a gathering ce for practitioners of blood magic, remained a hidden locale. The map that Zion handed over was procured through the Shadow of Eternity, urately marking the Blood Tower''s location. "I want you to go here." "Me? Why?" Liushina asked, her eyes brimming with curiosity. In response, "You need to engulf this ce." Zion retorted, a wicked grin creeping across his face. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 53: Imperial Magic Tower (1) Chapter 53: Imperial Magic Tower (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri Join the discord! Here One of the five pces surrounding Baeksung Pce was Hyukseong Pce, home to the 3rd Prince Enoch. Its basement was a ce of mystery, even to the pce staff. Only a chosen few could enter, and they faced strict checks and controls when they did. Deep in the basement of Hyukseong Pce was a hidden room. "Uaahhhh!" Here, 3rd Prince Enoch was screaming, brutally hitting something in front of him. Enoch''s eyes zed with rage. "This jerk!" His words didn''t specify a target, but it was easy to guess. 6th Prince Zion Agnes. Zion had struck Enoch a major blow. It felt like he''d lost a limb. Lergan was that important to Enoch. Through him, Enoch controlled a group of wizards and a tower as easily as his own body. Lergan''s brilliant mind helped to craft various ns. Lergan''s worth was beyond measure. "How dare youuuu!" Enoch continued tosh out at the object in front of him. "Hoo, hoo...." Whether his anger had faded or not, Enoch paused to catch his breath. Thud. Something dropped to the floor. A body. A body so brutally beaten that it was barely recognizable. There were already many others like it scattered about. All victims of Enoch''s rage. "You''ve decided to cross the line." Enoch muttered, picturing Zion next to the bodies. Sure, Enoch had always wanted to eliminate Zion, but he hadn''t made it a priority. There were too many other concerns, too many other foes. But now, Enoch nned to put Zion at the top of his list. "Should I ask him for advice?" Enoch murmured, considering the ''entity'' who watched over all that happened in the basement, at the very heart of Hyukseong Pce. This entity had approached him one day with a proposal of cooperation. They had maintained a silent partnership, as they shared somemon interests. ''If this truth gets out, the empire will go into chaos.'' This matter was of a magnitude that would dwarf even the recent events of Zion taking down Lergan and the Icarus Wizarding Division. That was the taboo and danger that this entity represented within the empire. ng! Finishing his thoughts, Enoch opened the heavy iron door. As he stepped into the basement corridor, he saw... "Please... help... Ahhhhhhh!" "Just... end it...." People were trapped in ss cells lining the walls, crying out in pain, their bodies twisted. --- Raei Trantions --- An observatory at the city''s edge, often deserted because of its istion. A man, average-looking and emotionless, and a seductive woman dressed in a habit stood side by side, overlooking the city. "It''s confirmed." The man''s rough voice echoed. "Yes." The woman nodded, as if she understood his statement despite theck of a subject. "Cainliss haspletely vanished. The same goes for the others. The ''coordinates'' are gone too." "Zion Agnes likely did this." They were only suspicious before, but now they were certain. Zion Agnes, the forsaken prince, was armed with information and hunting them. "How did he find out? It was top-secret, even among us, wasn''t it?" "I don''t know." The man shook his head slightly at the woman''s question. It was something even he couldn''t understand. They''d infiltrated the human world over hundreds of years, and even the empire''s best couldn''t fully identify or stop them. Yet, Zion Agnes not only pinpointed their identities and movements, but was hunting them. As if he knew what wasing. It was unfathomable. "Does he have something like our Future Eyes?" "Future Eyes aren''t precise." "So what is it?" "......" The woman, after watching the silent man, changed the topic. "An unexpected twist. Could our intel on Zion Agnes have been wrong?" "It''s likely. More importantly, we need to consider how to handle Zion going forward." "Interesting. On our side and the ''hero''s'' side too." "It''s not interesting, it''s a headache." The man''s tone didn''t change in response to the woman''s words. "By the way, I heard Zion Agnes is visiting the university tower?" "I heard that too. Couldn''t figure out why though." "Isn''t Hiduk with you? Shouldn''t you warn him? Although, given his nature, he''d likely avoid capture..." The woman stopped speaking there. Given Zion Agnes''s past deeds, she couldn''t help but feel apprehensive. "We should warn him." The man''s voice broke the silence. --- Raei Trantions --- The Imperial University Magic Tower, also called the Imperial Tower, was situated in the capital, Hubei. It was the most prestigious among all the empire''s university magic towers. Only the most gifted magicians gained admission, and a graduation certificate guaranteed recognition and entry into the imperial city. In essence, it was the dream destination of every young magician in the empire. "Haah..." Prisci, a sophomore at the Imperial University Magic Tower, heaved a sigh as she walked down the tower corridor. "Miss Prisci, is something wrong?" A young wizard, who seemed to have been waiting for her, asked. Known for her beauty, she was among the top ten in the entire empire. Her illustrious family background inevitably attracted followers in the university, and this young wizard was one of them. But Prisci didn''t hear the wizard''s words. ''How do I be stronger?'' Her mind was preupied with the harsh words Zion had previously spoken. She consistently topped the grades at the magic university. Her skills were exceptional, attracting scouts from nearby regions, even before graduation. However, the qualifications Zion referred to weren''t of this level. ''He said that ordinary skill levels won''t suffice...'' She was clueless about how to enhance her skills dramatically in a short span. "Haah..." As Prisci sighed again and was about to enter her next lecture room, she noticed: "Who''s that person? Why did the professors go to meet them?" "Didn''t they arrive from the Imperial City?" Students huddled by the window, gazing outside. ''What''s going on?'' Sensing the students'' odd behavior, Prisci joined them at the window. Through the ss, she could see the main gate of the magic tower. "¡­!" Suddenly, her eyes widened. At the gate stood a figure. Or rather, one person in particr. Prisci stared in disbelief. "Prince Zion, we''re honored to wee you to our Imperial University Magic Tower. I''m Proud Lindel, the instructor of frost magic here." Zion regarded the professor who hade to greet him at the tower''s main gate, then bowed in acknowledgment. He could see the surprise in Professor Proud''s eyes. Zion understood the reason. He had only notified the Imperial University Magic Tower of his visit an hour ago. While the royal family did asionally visit for morale, this was the first time the tower received such a spontaneous royal visit. Moreover, the royal visitor happened to be the reclusive crown prince, who until recently had not engaged in any public activities, adding to the confusion. "I understand you wish to meet the Tower Master... However, he is currently unavable. While you wait, allow me to guide you to a guest room." "No, I''d prefer to tour the tower in the meantime." With that, Zion made his way into the tower. "Huh? Oh, alright. Then I''ll apany you." Swiftly, Professor Proud followed after Zion. Zion''s visit to the Imperial University Magic Tower, even before the dust had settled from the recent Lergan and Icarus Wizard Division incidents, had a purpose. ''Is it tonight, perhaps?'' Regardless of any subplots, the principal narrative of the Frosimar Chronicle revolved around the Hero and hisrades. One of the key turning points in this main narrative was stated to happen that night at the Imperial University Magic Tower. It wasn''t a cataclysmic event like the vanishing of Rain Dranir''s city or the Illusion Army incident. Yet, in Zion''s perspective, the event here held equal weight. Depending on what transpired here, the timeline of the Hero''s party''s full emergence could significantly shift. "The ssrooms on the fourth floor have all incorporated state-of-the-art magic engineering systems, and concurrently..." As they stepped into the tower, Professor Proudmenced his pre-prepared tour guide speech. Zion listened attentively as they navigated the premises. ''It seems to be over there.'' Zion''s eyes gleamed as he spotted something amongst the myriad ssrooms bordering the corridor. "May I attend a lecture?" "Huh?" Professor Proud''s expression registered surprise at Zion''s question. To be frank, ever since Prince Zion''s visit, numerous aspects had puzzled Professor Proud. Prince Zion, whose poprity had been surging daily since he expertly eliminated one of the cmities, the Illusion Army. Why had he, who hadmenced his royal dutiester than other royal members and should be focused in consolidating his power in the royal city, decided to visit the University Magic Tower at such a critical time? And that too, on such short notice and unapanied. Moreover, Professor Proud was unaware of Prince Zion ever studying magic. It was baffling why he chose to attend an advanced course magic lecture at the University Magic Tower, bypassing even the basic courses. He wouldn''t understand anything. ''Is he here to scout magicians to join his ranks?'' No, that was too presumptuous a leap. Despite being the premier university magic tower in the Empire, the majority of students here were fledgling magicians yet toplete their training. If he intended to recruit seasoned magicians, it would be more effective to visit another magic tower. "I''d rather not repeat myself." Zion''s soft voice disrupted Professor Proud''s musings. "Yes, yes! Of course, it''s allowed, but¡­" Feeling an undeniable pressure emanating from him, Professor Proud quickly agreed. Rattle! Without a moment''s dy, Zion strode towards the door of a ssroom he had noticed earlier and opened it assertively. "¡­?" As he entered, both the professor and the students inside turned their attention towards him. ''I''ve found him.'' Zion''s eyes sparked as he spotted a particr figure among the curious onlookers. The image that seized Zion''s attention wasn''t the middle-aged professor casting a questioning nce from the podium, nor Prisci, who sat in the middle of the ssroom wearing a surprised expression. Right at the back of the ssroom. There sat a young man with blue hair, regarding Zion with an indifferent expression. Dull eyes, as if somewhat detached from reality. In contrast, a sharp nose and slightly parted lips. His face was lean, yet possessed a masculine charm. Seeing the figure so urately mirroring the description in the chronicles, a subtle smile yed on Zion''s lips. Tirian Friharden. The reincarnation of the unparalleled grand magician who shattered the boundaries of the magic system at level nine and first ascended to level ten. A futurerade of the Hero Frosimar. That was one of the primary reasons Zion had ventured to the Imperial University Magic Tower. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Thank you Salmastryon for the generous donation! I appreciate it! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 54: Imperial Magic Tower (2) Chapter 54: Imperial Magic Tower (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The Blood Tower. A ce for wizards who wield blood magic to gather. Unlike other towers, each dedicated to different forms of magic, there was only one Blood Tower in the Empire, hidden from the public eye. Blood magic was frowned upon. The rituals, involving blood, were unsettling, causing unease among people. At the top of the Blood Tower, arge study room was present. "Hmm¡­" A middle-aged man sat there, deeply lost in thought. His sharp features and striking red tattoos under his eyes were quite unique. His name was Kerma Drakols, the master of the Blood Tower. He was worried. The skill level of the blood wizards affiliated with the tower was dropping. "If this continues, the tower itself could be in danger." Blood magic was tough, greatly relying on natural talent. It was harder to define by the level system and its theories wereplicated. So naturally, it was more challenging to improve the skills of blood wizards than those of other magic forms. To add to the issue, Kerma himself didn''t quite match up to the masters of other magic towers. "It''s hopeless." The blood wizards needed to band together, but there were already so few of them, and theycked unity, making the situation worse. "If only we had someone like the ''Thousand-Year Witch''¡­" Kerma thought of the greatest blood wizard from two hundred years ago. The Evil Queen, the One-Man Army, the Thousand-Year Witch. She was the only blood wizard who had reached the ''sky'' and was infamous for taking many lives. Despite the fact that her actions tarnished the image of blood wizards, they still considered her era as blood magic''s golden age. Her power was unmatched, her name held immense weight. But now, most people had almost forgotten her. "No, I wish the ''Thousand-Year Witch'' herself woulde." As Kerma was about to sigh again, something happened. Boom! A loud explosion echoed from below. "What''s that?" It had been ages since Kerma heard such amotion. Curious, he opened theb door. "Lord! We have an intruder! You need to see this." "An intruder? Here?" Guided by the wizard at the door, Kerma began to descend swiftly. The Blood Tower, hidden by magic, wasn''t easy to breach. This intruder, causing such a disturbance, was no ordinary trespasser. As he reached the tower entrance, Kerma gasped. "Aargh!" About ten wizards were flying in the air. "What¡­" He couldn''t believe his eyes. The wizards in the air were some of the strongest in the Blood Tower. Yet, they were flying haphazardly, crashing into the ground. Finally, he saw the intruder. A captivating woman with blood-red eyes and jet-ck hair. "Wh, who¡­" "So, you finally appear?" The woman, Liushina, gave a thin smile as she looked at Kerma, his eyes wide with surprise. --- Raei Trantions --- Three hundred years ago, a wizard named Heinrich Whisperer reached level 10, the transcendent state, and earned the title of Archmage. He was closer to the truth than any other wizard, a legend said to have seen all the world''s secrets and even glimpsed the abyss''s end. Whenever the empire''s strongest wizard was named, he was always mentioned. ''That''s his past life.'' Among the crowd, a young man yawned, appearing uninterested, his gaze focused forward. Watching Tirian Friharden, Zion thought to himself. He didn''t look like the reincarnation of an Archmage at all. At this point, Tirian''s magic level wasn''t very high, though still unmatched by his peers. ''Considering he remembers his past life as an Archmage, his current level is pitiful.'' Zion knew why. Laziness. The characteristic that Tirian developed through reincarnation. He found most things uninteresting from birth and was annoyed by everything. He could have ovee it, but maybe because he had achieved everything in his previous life, he didn''t feel the need to do so. So he continued to be this way. ''If he joins the hero''s party, he''ll naturally improve...'' The issue was, due to the incident at the magic tower tonight, Tirian''s meeting with the hero would be significantly dyed. Eventually, after numerousplications, Tirian joined the hero''s party. However, by then, the war with the demons had alreadymenced. Tirian departed for the battlefield with the party without proper synchronization or fully unlocking his powers. Thisck of preparation was one of the key reasons for the hero''s party''s failure to defeat the Demon King. Zion intended to alter that future. Normally, if events didn''t directly concern him, Zion would turn a blind eye, even if people perished. However, this situation was different. ''If the hero''s party fails, the empire will fall.'' Zion contemted two primary strategies to prevent the destruction of the empire and, more broadly, the world. First, Zion himself would absorb the entire empire, excising all the corruption to prevent further division. The second strategy involved rewriting the narrative of the hero and hispanions. The main storyline of these Frosimar chronicles revolved around the hero and hispanions¡ªa tale destined to end in failure. Zion decided to interfere with this story from the start, rewriting it entirely. Just then, "...So, the academicmunity still hasn''t definitively determined the ''corrtion between spatial distortion due to gravity series magic and time.'' Does any student wish to share their thoughts on this?" Despite the unexpected royal observation, the professor calmly posed the question to his students. Aplex magical form was inscribed on the ckboard next to him. "..." The students remained silent. The professor''s question revolved around aplicated issue that even high-ranking magical societies struggled to understand. It was an extremely tough problem for the students, despite their enrollment in the empire''s top university. "No one? Then, in the next lecture, I will provide a simpler example..." As the professor, who hadn''t anticipated a response, prepared to continue, "Professor." A voice called out. "Hmm? Essian, what''s on your mind?" The professor nced at the pale blond male student who had stood up. Essian Cluebter. As the eldest son of the prestigious Cluebter family and a top-tier student at the Magic Tower, he was one of the students the professor recognized. Essian offered the professor a slight smile, then slowly began to speak. "Is it only students who may respond to your question, Professor?" "Well, no. Essian, what do you mean?" "If others may offer insight, I propose we hear from Prince Zion, who is currently attending our ss." "....?" The professor''s eyes widened in surprise at Essian''s suggestion. It was apletely unexpected proposition. Inviting an observer, a royal family member, to weigh in on a magical form was unprecedented, particrly Prince Zion, who was not renowned for his magical knowledge. The professor appeared taken aback, but Essian, unfazed by his reaction, continued to advocate his idea. "It''smon knowledge that the royalty of Agnes receives extensive education from a young age. Additionally, the divine blood that courses through their veins endows them with exceptional abilities. Therefore, it''s reasonable to assume that Prince Zion would have a basic understanding of magic." Technically, it wasn''t divine blood, but a unique power known as ''Tianxing'' possessed by the Agnes family. However, very few were privy to this detail. "So, His Highness might understand the form on the ckboard. Perhaps his perspective, while not strictly rooted in the field of magic, could offer a fresh take. After all, he is a prince of the Great Agnes Empire. Since the problem remains unsolved, it would be worthwhile to entertain diverse viewpoints." The direct descendants of the Agnes Empire, celebrated for their superiority and unique powers. Essian''s proposal cleverly yed on these expectations people had for the royal family. A subtle smirk hinted at Essian''s true intent. Contrary to his proposition, Essian never believed that Prince Zion could solve the form. In fact, he doubted that Zion would even understand the form. Prince Zion, once the ck sheep of the royal family, was hardly expected to provide any profound insights. Essian''s intentions, however, were to humiliate Zion. ''How dare he show his face here after severing the engagement with Prisci?'' While the rumors of the split were widespread, they were inconsequential to him. What mattered was that Prisci''s attention was riveted on Prince Zion ever since he stepped into the lecture hall. Even Essian''s attempts at striking a conversation were met with cold disregard. He couldn''t fathom why Prisci, who had once distanced herself from the prince, was now captivated by him. His heart burned with jealousy and resentment. ''Either way, he will be unable to provide an answer, and if he declines, he will be perceived as a coward.'' Regardless of Prince Zion''s reaction, Essian was certain to achieve his objective. "It''s highly unusual to involve an observer in our ssroom discussion. Perhaps, the question could be addressedter..." Just as Professor Proud, somewhat taken aback by Essian''s unexpected proposition, was about to diffuse the situation, "Well, if he seeks my opinion, I suppose I shouldply." Zion''s voice was soft but resolute. Rising from his seat, he began his measured stride towards the lectern. "Pr, Prince Zion...." Professor Proud called out to Zion, his voice tinged with anxiety. Simultaneously, Essian couldn''t help but smirk at the unfolding scenario. Each step Zion took towards the lectern seemed to amplify the collective scrutiny of the room. Curiosity, derision, confusion. The stares were far from friendly. In all fairness, the situation was like a novice swordsman attempting to cleave a boulder. Zion had defeated numerous magicians but had never delved into the study of magic itself. However. He recognized the solution to the form sprawled across the ckboard. The corrtion between spatial distortion and time as influenced by gravity series magic. It was a theorem he had encountered once in the chronicle of Frosimar. Zion stopped in front of the ckboard, his presence causing the other professor, whose expression mirrored Professor Proud''s, to step aside. With a casual flick of his hand, he erased the form from the ckboard. "....?" The onlookers watched, their faces etched with confusion. Swoosh, swoosh- Unfazed, Zion began crafting a new form on the ckboard, manipting the magical chalk with a flick of his finger. At that moment. The professors and students observing him, and... "!!!!!!" Tirian, who had been sulking at the back of the room, stared wide-eyed in shock. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Thank you for the recent support! Check out my kofi if you''re interested in advance chapters :) Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 55: Imperial Magic Tower (3) Chapter 55: Imperial Magic Tower (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Silence fills the room, broken only by the soft scratching of chalk on the board. Zion writes with steady hands, exining aplex idea that had puzzled minds for ages. The interaction between space, time, and gravity magic - a riddle yet to be solved. In the realm of magic, these were the concepts hardest to grasp, with little rity on any aspect. There were no full answers within the reach of current magical knowledge. ''But soon...'' Zion recalls the old records. In less than two years, right before a war with the demonic forces, a perfect solution to this puzzle emerges. He knows about this breakthrough thanks to its mention in the chronicles. ''The records rarely detail forms like this.'' This particr form was exceptional, pivotal to the course of the chronicles, like the search pattern used to unearth a hidden demon in the old chamber. Zion nces at Tirian Friharden, whose face reflects shock and curiosity. ''He''s intrigued.'' He had to be. After all, the form Zion is scribbling was his creation - not the Tirian of now, but of the future. Despite hiszy nature, Tirian held a fascination for magic rted to space and time. It was an obsession that carried over even after reincarnation. ''He held onto this interest from his past life, not dropping it even after his reincarnation.'' Tirian enrolled in these sses to gather even the slightest hint on the topic. In the future, meeting a hero sparks a renewed interest in space-time magic research for Tirian, and he achieves significant results. This form, currently being written by Zion, is his starting point. Although the form doesn''t have an immediate effect, it offers a solid answer to the preceding theory and bes the foundation for all rted research thereafter. ''Perhaps seeing this might awaken something in him sooner.'' Zion punctuates the final part of the form, his thoughts on Tirian. The ssroom is in awe, their eyes fixed on the board - on Zion''s form. In the silence, their bewildered eyes tremble. "What... what is this...?" Professor Gardner, responsible for the ''Pure Gravity Anomaly and Magical Understanding of Space'' lecture, mutters in disbelief, his words slicing through the silence. Gardner, who has spent nearly his entire magical career on this topic, understands how earth-shattering the solution Zion has just penned on the board truly is. A form that dismantles established theories and ideas, yet perfectly answers the question Gardner had posed. ''This is a first!'' And indeed, it is. Even the Empire''s esteemed magical society, ''Levrion'', had been unable to solve this riddle. This form signifies a new way of thinking. ''I need to jot this down!'' He doesn''t fully understand the chalked form yet, so recording it is his first priority. "Pen, paper!" Gardner grabs a paper and pen from a student in the front row and starts copying down the board''s form. Seeing Gardner''s urgent reaction, the other professors and students also scramble to note down Zion''s solution. ''Zion Agnes, you truly are...'' Prisci''s gazends on Zion, her eyes filled with awe and admiration. She''s seen Zion sketch a magic circle before, and every disy of his talent leaves her stunned. His abilities seem limitless. And this sparks Prisci''s curiosity. ''But...'' As she admires Zion, she also feels a barrier she could never cross. Her eyes dim at the thought. "What is this..." Unlike her, Essian flickers his eyes between Zion and the board, too bbergasted to write anything down. He can''t make sense of the chalked form, but the professors'' reactions tell him this is no ordinary solution. How can this be? The scene unfolding feels like watching a novice swordsman split not a boulder, but a whole mountain. "He imed he hadn''t learned any magic..." Disbeliefces his murmured words. Step by step. Zion slowly walks towards Essian. All eyes in the room follow his movement. As Zion closes the distance, Essian begins to tremble, a visible shiver running through his body. And it''s not just because his scheme has crumbled. As Zion gets closer, his dark eyes be clearer, and the ominous depth they hold weighs heavily on Essian. ''Did I dare mock such a person?'' The pressure, now palpable, makes Essian''s legs retreat automatically. Why hadn''t he noticed this intimidating presence before? "You see." Zion, who had now closed the gap between him and Essian, met his gaze and softly began. "I dislike being put to the test." "Uh...." Essian, overwhelmed by Zion''s intense pressure, crumpled to the floor the moment the prince finished speaking. Zion simply observed him in silence. To Essian, he seemed like a predator sizing up its trapped prey. How long did the stifling silencest? ''No need to linger, he''ll meet his fate soon enough.'' With this thought, Zion broke his gaze from Essian, slowly making his way towards the ssroom exit. His task wasplete; there was no reason to linger. "Prince Zion! I''ll apany you!" Professor Proud, who had been osciting between the chalked form and the unfolding scene, trailed after Zion. Only when Zion had entirely disappeared did the ssroom break its silence. Among the students frantically noting down the board''s form, "Zion Agnes..." Tirian Friharden quietly focused his gaze and murmured Zion''s name. --- Raei Trantions --- The room Zion had entered was steeped in an antique charm. Sitting at a table in its center, he tilted the coffee cup ced before him. "...Not to my liking." His brows knitted slightly at the taste. In the world of the chronicles, coffee was a rare luxury for Zion, making him particrly discerning. Quietly setting his cup down, Zion surveyed the room. This was the Imperial University Magic Tower''s exclusive reception room, open only to VIPs. There was one reason for Zion''s presence here: the Tower Master of the Imperial University Magic Tower had returned, and Zion was there to meet him. In fact, this encounter was possibly more important to Zion than seeing Tirian Friharden. Just then, Knock, knock- A knock sounded at the door. A venerable man entered the room. "I apologize for the wait, Prince Zion." The man''s hair and beard were long and snow-white. His crinkled face, home to a hooked nose, wore a gentle smile. His pristine white robe served as a symbol of his magic prowess. At the sight of him, Zion''s eyes sparked. The man matched the description from the chronicles, just like Tirian. Ahmad Ozlima. He was the Tower Master of the Agnes Empire''s University Magic Tower, a renowned magician standing on the verge of the 9th level, privy to the world''s arcane secrets. Numerous titles described him - the Magician of Annihtion, the Endless Seeker of Truth, the baster Emperor - but one phrase urately captured his might. ''The Fifth Heaven.'' In this world, the term ''Seven Heavens'' referred to the seven most powerful entities, irrespective of race or field, and excluding magic. The elder before him was recognized as the fifth among these heavens. Indeed, he was one of the strongest in the chronicle of Frosimar in this era. "I apologize for my tardiness, Prince Zion. I was focused in the form you penned earlier. Truly astounding, an enlightenment even for me. When did your mastery of magic reach such an extent?" Ahmad, now seated opposite Zion, spoke with a warmth and casualness that didn''t fit his imposing titles, simr to a kind-hearted elder from one''s neighborhood. "And where were you off to?" Zion, unable to borate on his magic prowess and not intending to, diverted the conversation towards Ahmad''s whereabouts. As far as he knew, Ahmad rarely ventured out of the tower. If he did, it must have been for a important cause. "I had to address a minor family matter. Nothing of concern, I assure you." Zion caught a momentary shadow cross Ahmad''s eyes as he spoke. Ahmad''s family, the prestigious magic lineage of Ozlima. A n hailed as the paragons of magic, holding sway among the empire''s top five. It was also the maternal lineage of the third prince, Enoch. Zion, who harbored a slight opposition towards Enoch, could have felt apprehension, but his gaze held none. ''Ahmad would never exploit his power for familial or political gain.'' The renowned magician before him had no interest in his family or power struggles. More urately, he detested them. Hence, he had disassociated himself from his family twenty years prior, assuming the role of the university tower''s head. Since then, he had devoted himself to nurturing the future generation, severing all extraneous activities. His visit to the Ozlima family today likely aimed at deterring their persistent overtures. "Is that so? Then shall we proceed to the matter at hand?" Zion, responding with a chuckle, was about to broach the reason for his visit. "Wait a moment. I have a question for you." At Zion''s words, Ahmad lowered his gaze. "What might that be?" "Prince Zion, do you believe in the essence of a person?" "..." Zion remained silent, letting the old magician''s voice fill the room. "I believe in it. In fact, after piercing the secrets of the world, I believe I''ve glimpsed a fragment of such an essence." Ahmad''s gaze locked with Zion''s. "I''ve observed you in the past, Prince Zion. I distinctly remember the essence I perceived within you then. It was unforgettable, a distinct hue unlike any other prince or princess." However, the essence he discerned within Zion now was entirely altered. More urately, it felt as if he were gazing into a void. What he beheld was an abyss of ck, like unilluminated emptiness. "A person''s essence, much like fate, is unchangeable. Should that essence transform, then we must concede that the individual is no longer the same." In the eyes of the Grand Magician, a bearer of fragmented truth, a profound aura began to spiral, its depths unfathomable. "Prince Zion, or should I say, who are you?" A gentle question flowed from Ahmad''s lips. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 56: Imperial Magic Tower (4) Chapter 56: Imperial Magic Tower (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The room was filled with a heavy silence. Finally, Zion broke it, his sleepy yet calm gaze meeting Ahmad''s. "What matters isn''t who I am," he began, his eyes lighting up with determination, "but that I am Zion Agnes in front of you and that I''ve survived in the Imperial Pce until now." Ahmad could sense a strong resilience in Zion''s eyes, a strength so powerful that it reminded him of Emperor Urdios in his prime. It was an intensity that made him question, ''Did Zion really change?'' Ahmad knew what Zion had been through in the Imperial Pce. Discarded by his own family before he turned ten, exiled to the Pce of Chimseong, treated as an embarrassment, and surviving countless murder attempts and contempt. ''Has he survived in the Imperial Pce?'' Ahmad thought. Such changes are rare but do happen. Either when someone''s life hangs by a thread or when destiny takes a twist. Perhaps, in Zion''s case, it was the former. ''Did the Agnes bloodline awakente in him?'' Ahmad pondered, a shadow of sadness briefly crossing his eyes. The Imperial Pce must have been a cruel ce for Zion to endure to the point of changing his nature just to survive. "I was wrong to ask who you are, Your Highness. I apologize. Now, could you tell me why you are here?" Ahmad asked again, bowing in apology. "There are three things," Zion responded, holding up three fingers. "I need information on the Strange Doctor, a magic circle that needs improvement, and I need your help once." The Strange Doctor was a famed medic in Frosimar, considered one of the top three in thend. His unorthodox methods earned him his nickname. In terms of enhancing the human body, he was unrivaled, the best in the empire without question. The Strange Doctor was elusive, always moving and impossible to find unless you knew someone who knew him. Ahmad, who was standing in front of Zion, was one of the few who did. Zion nned to boost his weak health with the Strange Doctor''s help. "I could help you get in touch with the Strange Doctor and improve the magic circle if you give me a reason... but I can''t assist you directly," Ahmad responded, shaking his head slightly. "I''m retired and devoted to this University Magic Tower. I don''t answer to my family or the Imperial Pce anymore. If I were to help you, I''d break my promise." This was a statement only those at the top could make. The power to choose their own path, not bound by family or pce, was a privilege held only by those at the pinnacle of power. Zion''s calm gaze didn''t waver at Ahmad''s words. He had expected this response and was ready for it. "What if the task I need help with isn''t rted to the Imperial Pce but to this University Magic Tower?" Ahmad''s eyes grew darker at Zion''s words. "What do you mean?" Zion handed Ahmad a piece of paper. On it was the magic circle for a spell he''d used to control the monsters of the old Chimseong Pce. "This is the magic that needs improving." Ahmad was silent, studying the unfamiliar magic circle in front of him. His eyes started to shift. Finally, he asked, "What is this magic used for?" Zion answered with a small smile. "To find an enemy." --- Raei Trantions --- "Darn it, darn it!!!" After all the sses had ended, Essian walked down the empty hallway of the university tower, lit only by a dim magic light. He was cursing under his breath, his eyes filled with embarrassment and anger. He kept reying the moment when he''d shrunk under Zion''s gaze during the lecture. "I won''t forget this, Zion Agnes." He muttered this promise under his breath, his eyes darting around the empty lecture rooms as he walked down the corridor. ''What''s happening?'' Essian was puzzled. He was in the tower because he had received a summons. As the eldest son of a prominent family, he didn''t typically respond to every call. But this was different. It concerned his grades. Unlike his peers, Essian had a particr reason to maintain top grades at the Empire''s University Tower. He had made arrangements with some professors to ensure his sess. Despite being the esteemed Agnes University Tower, not all the professors were incorruptible. Some were willing to bend the rules to advance their own careers or gain some advantage. Essian was one of the students who exploited this opportunity. ''Isn''t he aware that contacting me at school like this increases our risk of being caught?'' The person who had summoned him was one of the professors he had an agreement with. He mentioned an urgent matter, which is why Essian returned to the tower. He kept this a secret, of course, as it would be disastrous if it were discovered. Thump! Upon reaching the designated lecture room, Essian pushed the door open and entered. "Essian? Why are you here......" "What''s this, Essian, you too......?" Inside the dimly lit room, about six students were already present. They were all heirs of notable families, of simr or slightly lesser status than Essian. Realization dawned upon him. These were students who, like him, had grade deals. "Why the hell......" Essian was about to swear when a voice echoed in the room. "Is everyone here?" A silhouette emerged from the dark corner of the lecture room. The figure belonged to Professor Proud Lindel, a man who exuded a gentle demeanor, quite a contrast to his role as an ice magic instructor. Essian, with a creased brow, asked, "You must understand the risks of summoning us here like this. So what''s so important that it couldn''t wait?" This was a rather presumptuous tone for a student to take with a professor. However, Professor Lindel maintained a smile, unperturbed by Essian''s audacity. "I didn''t call you here for grades. This is something far more important." With these words, the professor started slowly approaching the students. "Important matter?" The professor''s demeanor was different from usual, causing the students to take a step back instinctively. "Today, you all are to fulfill your designated roles." Professor Proud''s gentle voice flowed into the room as he quickened his approach towards the students. "What are you...!" As confusion swept across their faces, a ck, thorn-like object emerged abruptly, piercing through Essian''s chest. "Guh, why...!" Essian, struggling to understand the situation, let out a gasp, his life extinguishing abruptly. His eyes mirrored his confusion and disbelief even at the end. Before Essian''s body even hit the floor, Bang, bang, bang! Several more ck thorns erupted from the bodies of the other students, who looked on in terror. "Help... ahhhhhh!" "Arghhhhhhh!" Their screams filled the room, only to be abruptly cut short. As their lives ended, a gentle smile spread across the face of Professor Proud, or rather, the high-ranking demon, Hiduk. --- Raei Trantions --- "...Should I just return?" The hallway of the magic tower, once tread by Essian, now echoed with the reluctant footsteps of Tirian Friharden. The only reason Tirian, who found even the smallest task irksome, was here was due to a summons from Professor Proud. He found it peculiar that the professor, who usually kept his distance, had called him, but when he heard that it concerned an important aspect of his magical education, he feltpelled toe. "I need to review that magical form Prince Zion wrote down..." As Tirian mused aloud, the image of Prince Zion emerged in his mind. Despite rumors painting the prince as a disgrace to the royal family, meeting him in person had inevitably associated the term ''ruler'' with him. What had particrly imprinted itself on Tirian''s memory was the sight of Prince Zion wlessly writing out aplex magical form without any hesitation. ''It would be impossible to do that without an intimate understanding of the form.'' How did Prince Zion solve the problem that even he, with memories of his past life as a Grand Magus, could not fully understand? ''Did he have some special knowledge in magic?'' Was it typical for the direct descendants of Agnes to possess such skills? No, that didn''t seem usible. ''Yet, thanks to him, I''ve glimpsed a way forward...'' Lost in his thoughts about Prince Zion, Tirian barely realized that he had arrived at the designated ssroom. Slowly, he pushed open the door. Creak- The ssroom door opened effortlessly, seemingly left ajar. As Tirian stepped inside, an unsettling dimness settled over his eyes. "What''s this..." The pungent odor of blood assaulted his senses, followed by the sight of the moonlit room. Scattered haphazardly between the lectern and chairsy a handful of lifeless bodies. "They haven''t been dead long." Instantly identifying the victims as students from the university''s magic tower based on the residual magic, Tirian approached the bodies with an impassive gaze. Punctured all over, the corpses were a gruesome sight, appearing as if impaled by a multitude of spears. Despite the horrific scene, Tirian was perturbed by something else. The magical energy emanating from the bodies'' wounds was of such intensity that even ayman could sense it. It was as if there had been no intention to conceal it in the first ce. ''Dark magic? Or...'' Tirian''s eyes flickered with a blue light as he reached out to touch the magical energy, tracing the vestiges of magic left behind with his fingers. A unique tracking magic exclusive to him. He was fully aware of the severity of the situation: a magical murder had urred within the Imperial University Magic Tower, located in the capital''s heart. Consequently, despite his inherent apathy, Tirian couldn''t dismiss the situation. His mind churned with thoughts as he rapidly pieced together the puzzle. ''Surely, it was Professor Proud who summoned me here. But he''s nowhere to be seen. Then this implies...!'' Just as Tirian, who had quickly arrived at a conclusion, steeled himself to leave the ssroom, "Ti, Tirian! What on earth are you...!" A shocked cry emanated from the direction of the ssroom door. It was Professor Proud, looking at him with horror-filled eyes. Before Tirian could respond, "What''s happening?" About half a dozen professors, apparently alerted by Professor Proud''s cry, approached the room. "W, what is this!" Their faces mirrored their horror upon witnessing the ssroom''s crime scene. At that moment, Whoosh! The magical energy emanating from the corpses converged on Tirian, ring up dramatically and wrapping around his right hand. "That''s... magic!! Could it be that you, Tirian!" One of the professors, immediately recognizing the magic energy, darted his gaze between the bodies and Tirian''s encased hand, voicing his disbelief. Tirian stood amid the strewn corpses, emanating magical energy. The scene painted him undeniably as the prime suspect. Handling such magic energy, after all, was a grave offense that could warrant execution. ''I''m well and truly caught.'' The thought flickered across his mind as he nced at the stubborn magic energy clinging to his right hand. This was a trap, a deliberate snareid just for him. In this life, he was merely a student of the university''s magic tower, without any notable influence or connections. Hiscency had led him to fall into this trap; he had never expected anyone to go to such lengths against him. ''This is bing quite the nuisance.'' Turning his gaze towards Professor Proud, Tirian followed the traces of magic visible solely to him, leading straight to the professor. ''If this continues, I''ll undoubtedly be framed.'' While certain that Proud was the mastermind, there was no way to prove it presently. If arrested under these circumstances, he would likely be sentenced to death before he could properly clear his name. Those who could ruthlessly sacrifice noble children for a trap wouldn''t hesitate to corner him with falsified evidence. ''Therefore, I have no choice but to escape.'' His university status would be revoked, and he would be a fugitive of the Empire, but that seemed a better fate than capture. "Tirian, surrender peacefully, and we won''t resort to violence." The professors'' words contradicted their actions as they readied their magic and gradually closed in on Tirian. Their eyes had already cast him as the criminal. As Tirian covertly prepared his magic and moved toward the window, a solitary voice resonated in the room. "Interesting developments, it seems." The voice, though faint, was clear, as if whispering in their ears. Perhaps it was the veiled threat within the voice thatpelled everyone to turn toward its source, seemingly in unison. Soon, under their collective gaze, Thud, thud. The figure of Zion, shrouded in darkness and sauntering toward them with half-closed, sleepy eyes, began to materialize. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 57: Imperial Magic Tower (5) Chapter 57: Imperial Magic Tower (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here ''Perfect.'' Hiduk, a top-tier demon cleverly masked as Professor Proud, smirked quietly, pleased with the trap he had prepared. He had purposely used magic to selectively y noble offspring, causing the magic totch onto those nearby. From the start, the trap was crafted solely for Tirian Friharden. Now, Tirian Friharden faced two options. Either escape and face life as an Empire outcast, or get caught and face punishment. ''He''ll likely choose the first.'' He could''ve called Tirian alone and killed him sooner, but his superiors didn''t want that. The exact reasoning was unclear. All Hiduk knew was that his superiors viewed Tirian Friharden as crucial to a future hero, careful not to distort destiny''s flow any further. Regardless, things were going ording to n. ''Except for him.'' Hiduk considered this, watching a man approaching him. Zion Agnes. The single unpredictable factor. The purpose of his visit to the Magic Tower remained a mystery, and every action he had taken was beyond Hiduk''s anticipation. How had he managed to reveal himself just in time, at this exact location? Was it chance? ''I was warned.'' He recalled a warning from his superiors. The message was a caution; Zion Agnes seemed to be hunting for the evil lurking in the human world. But to Hiduk, it didn''t matter. After all, Zion Agnes could never figure out he was a demon. Hiduk had concealed his true form and refrained from using magic for decades after blending into the human world. Except this time. He had been meticulous in hiding his identity, extremely careful. ''Actually, it worked out well.'' So, Hiduk willingly epted the unexpected appearance of Prince Zion. If Prince Zion was truly hunting monsters and demons, trapping Tirian Friharden would be easier. From Tirian''s right hand, Hiduk''s magic still zed fiercely. Magic was the most straightforward and conclusive proof differentiating ordinary beings from demonic ones. Even Prince Zion would inevitably view Tirian Friharden as a demon or something simr. ''If things go well, I won''t have to do anything.'' A faint smile barely noticeable to others spread across Hiduk''s lips. He enjoyed ying puppet master, using others to create situations, rather than using his own power. The thrill of seeing others dance to his tunes was a joy he treasured. "Prince Zion, it''s dangerous! Stay back until the viin is taken care of!" Hiduk raised a hand towards Zion, spouting words he didn''t mean. As expected, Zion continued his steady approach. One step at a time. His eyes locked on Tirian, amidst the magically-charged corpses, Zion advanced without faltering. Was he nning to punish the direct murderer? ''Right now¡­!'' Maybe Tirian, interpreting Zion''s approach, felt he couldn''t dy any longer and tried to trigger a pre-prepared spell, That''s when Hiduk''s pleasure, watching all of this, reached its peak. Stop. Zion, about to bypass Hiduk, stopped. "Yes, we need to take care of the viin." Along with that, Zion''s calm voice filled the room. "...?" As Hiduk''s eyes filled with confusion, Crack! Unexpectedly, Zion''s handshed out, knocking his head off. The room fell silent, shocked by the sudden, incredible scene. Thud, roll- To the onlookers, eyes wide with confusion, the severed head of Professor Proud rolled across the floor. In the hush, Zion extended his right hand, gripping thin air. As if anticipated, Exia materialized in Zion''s hand. "Pr-Prince Zion¡­ what is happening¡­" Finally, one of the observing professors broke the silence, his voice trembling. But Zion, without hesitation, materialized Exia''s de and drove it into the chest of the headless Hiduk. In the original timeline, Tirian, ensnared by Hiduk''s trap, chose to flee and was pursued by the Empire. This considerably dyed the meeting with the hero. Zion nned to alter the future by dealing with Hiduk here. ''Sneaky.'' Even with his neck severed and his heart impaled by Exia, Hiduk''s body didn''t budge. Zion watched the scene with icy eyes. Hiduk was a high-ranking demon. A creature far different from the monsters Zion had previously confronted. That''s why he was so resilient, not falling just yet. The only reason he didn''t regenerate right away was to avoid revealing his true form to the crowd, while shifting the me onto Zion for killing an innocent professor. ''In that case...'' He simply had to force him to reveal his true form. Absorbing the surrounding light and spewing out utter darkness, Zion started to etch something onto Hiduk''s body with Exia''s tip. He was inscribing a magic circle. A magic circle that emitted an eerie red light, reminiscent of blood. "Prince Zion! What are you doing?!" The moment a baffled voice burst from the mouths of the professors, spectators to the macabre sight of Zion etching a magic circle onto a lifeless body. "Unmasking the culprit." Zion''s voice was frosty. With that, "Aaaaaaaargh!" The decapitated head of Professor Proud, or rather, Hiduk, that had been discarded on the floor, began to emit an unnerving scream. Coupled with the horrifying sound, Hiduk''s body twisted and contorted, taking on a shape wholly unhuman. The head reattached itself, horns erupted from the forehead, bat-like wings from his back, and ebony spikes covered the entire form. ''He responded well to the drug.'' Watching Hiduk revert to his true form, Zion brandished the ck Star. Surveince Formation. This was the magic circle Zion had etched into Hiduk''s flesh. The original Surveince Formation was only capable of unmasking low-ranking demons, but this time was different. The magic circle, etched directly onto the body in its weakened state, headless and heart-pierced, inbination with the ck Star, made for an exceptional case. Even a high-ranking demon couldn''t withstand a Surveince Formation operating from within. -"Aaaah! You damned Agnes spawn!" Hiduk, fully reverted to his demonic form, red at Zion with eyes aze with fury and roared as if grinding his teeth. With that, an immense wave of magical energy erupted from his body, wreaking havoc on the surroundings. An intensity iparable to any other demon encountered before. Merely revealing its presence caused the air to tremble and space to ripple. An entity capable of obliterating hundreds of elite knights single-handedly. This was a high-ranking demon. "What... what is that...!" Paralyzed professors stuttered out their shock as they beheld Hiduk''s transformation. From the discovery of the murder scene to now, the situation had spiraled too rapidly. Why did Prince Zion abruptly execute Professor Proud, and how did the departed Professor Proud morph into a demon? Moreover, the power radiating from the demon was so vast, they knew they''d stand no chance even if theyunched a collective assault. -Since it''se to this, I''ll eradicate you all! Possibly because his scheme was utterly thwarted and his identity revealed. Crunch! An unhinged Hiduk let out a bellow and started to conjure a storm of magical energy in his outstretched hand. "Flee!" Faced with the tremendous power surging from Hiduk, power that even in his current state seemed challenging to quell, Tirian, who had forgotten to escape while spectating the unfolding events, cried out in urgency. He was on the verge of unleashing all the magic he''d prepared. But a split second faster, Screech! With a sound reminiscent of a rusted door creaking open, Hiduk''s form was hurled back at an untraceable speed, crashing into the ssroom wall. Kwa-aaaaaang! Immediately following, Zion materialized where Hiduk had stood, armed with the fully formed Extinguishing Sword. An unfamiliar, more otherworldly darkness quietly enveloped him. Lunar Eclipse. The most potent amplifier and inverter at Zion''s disposal. Sensing Hiduk''s power in his true form, Zion instantly activated the Lunar Eclipse. Without it, he wouldn''t stand a chance. Then, -You cur! Hiduk, cursing as he extricated himself from the wall, stomped his foot on the ground. In a blink, he vanished, reappearing right in front of Zion. His fist, encrusted in spikes, wasunched towards Zion''s head with enough force to level the ssroom. Zion sidestepped, hoisting his sword diagonally to parry Hiduk''s attack. The magic energy erupting from Hiduk''s deflected fist obliterated several floors of the innocent Magic Tower''s ceiling in an instant. Meanwhile, Zion, seizing the opening, naturally swung the vertically held Exia upwards. Was it an instinctual sense of danger? Hiduk, failing to parry Zion''s sword attack, shifted his weight to evade. At that instant, Everything in the path of Exia began to split, getting sucked into the ck void that manifested. At the peculiar sight, Hiduk narrowed his eyes, immediately twisted his waist, andunched a counterpunch with his other hand. A colossal concentration of magical energy amassed in his fist. Zion, watching Hiduk''s fist fracture the surrounding space, calmly raised the tip of his previously lowered sword and aimed it at the punch. A bundle of ck energy gathered within his de. The most fundamental and crucial technique of the ck Star. Finally, the moment Zion''s sword tip and Hiduk''s fist collided, ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Consider checking out my two new trial novels! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 58: Imperial Magic Tower (6) Chapter 58: Imperial Magic Tower (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Tap, tap, tap, tap. A thin finger rhythmically tapped the tabletop. Sitting deep in her chair, lost in thought, was the finger''s owner, Princess Diana Agnes, the fifth in line. "Zion...." His name slipped from her lips. Zion Agnes. Lately, he was all she could think about. Not long ago, she barely remembered her youngest brother. When did that change? To be honest, she wouldn''t normally be so concerned even though he had solved a disaster, secured his right to the throne, and dealt with Lergan Urschler, a trusted helper of the third Prince Enoch. But. "That dark sword..." During the fight with Lergan, the ck sword in Zion''s hand was unmistakably an extinction sword, one that swallowed all the surrounding light. The first Emperor of the Agnes Empire, the Eternal Emperor, was said to have wielded such a weapon. Diana herself had only seen it once when she visited ''Dream of Stars'', the Royal Pce''s underground treasure house. At the time, aware of the extinction sword''s importance, she had tried to get it through V, the keeper of the ''Dream of Stars'' vault. But V only let her see the hidden extinction sword once, saying that it couldn''t just pick its owner, and wouldn''t let her touch it before hiding it again. And now, Zion held that extinction sword. "How could this be?" Sure, his power must be great, but her concern about the extinction sword was different. It was about what it represented. The first Emperor, Aurelion Khan Agnes, was revered as a god in the Empire for his unmatched achievements, ones that may never be seen again in human history. Though little was known, he was a man whocked nothing and could be said to have ushered in the age of mankind himself. The extinction sword was the beloved weapon of such an Eternal Emperor, carrying enormous symbolism. The fact that Zion now owned the extinction sword couldn''t be ignored. The existence and appearance of the extinction sword weren''t widely known, and this fact had remained quiet for this reason. However, as soon as this fact came out, it was clear that the fallout would be beyond belief. "...Lloyd." Diana let the name of the male fairy standing behind her slip from her lips after a moment of deep thought. "Yes, Your Highness Diana." "Increase surveince on Zion to the same level as other royal family members." It might seem excessive for Zion, who hadn''t even built his own group yet, but Diana didn''t think so. Watching Zion wipe out the Icarus Mage Division with the extinction sword was worth the scrutiny, she thought. "Understood." Lloyd answered respectfully, not questioning her decision. Afterwards, Diana, who had been deep in thought, tapping her table with her fingers, spoke again. "The national affairs meeting is soon, isn''t it?" "Yes, it is." "Zion won''t make it this time... so I guess we''ll have the usual crowd." Diana said this as if certain Zion wouldn''t attend. "Please prepare the needed materials in advance." "Understood. I''ll bring them to you right away." With a slight bow, Lloyd turned and headed towards the door. "Oh, by the way." Diana, remembering something, turned her head to ask him. "Where is Zion now?" "He''s reported to be at the Imperial University''s Tower." "The University''s Tower? Why would he go there suddenly..." Diana''s eyes filled with curiosity, but there was no one around to answer her question. --- Raei Trantions --- ''Touching the sky.'' This phrase is often used to describe someone at the top of their field. Sword skills touching the sky, drawing talent reaching the sky, and so on. It''s a figurative expression, not meant to be taken literally. However, when applied to the Seven Heavens, known as the peak of the world, it bes a literal description. ----------------! The white me that could burn the world, not just mere space. Hiduk struggled within it, weakened, unable even to scream. It was a pitiful sight, especially whenpared to his intimidating demeanor just moments ago. No, just the fact he remained within that me was remarkable. An average person would have been burnt to ashes the moment they touched that me. At least, that''s how powerful the me seemed to Zion. "How dare you cause such chaos in my tower." In the meantime, the Grand Mage, Ahmad Ozlima, who created the me, approached the burning Hiduk. His voice and gaze were steady. But underneath, there was deep anger for the catastrophe in the tower and the demon before him. Ahmad''s surroundings flickered white, as if ame. This image matched well with his title of ''White me Master''. ''So this is one of the Seven Heavens.'' Zion quietly deactivated the lunar eclipse and watched Ahmad. An overwhelming aura,pletely different from the kindly old man he had seen in the reception room earlier. Everyone else, overpowered by his presence, couldn''t utter a word. Then. -Kuaaaaaaaaa! Hiduk, being rapidly consumed by the me, suddenly lunged at Ahmad with a deafening scream. Was he attempting to deliver a final blow to Ahmad before his demise? ''Impossible.'' Given Hiduk''s deceptive nature, that would be out of character. He would surely fight for his life until hisst breath. As Zion''s eyes, which had picked up on this, emitted a deep, dark light. "Do you think you can reach me?" Ahmad murmured coldly, flicking a single finger towards the charging Hiduk. A white me surged, instantly reducing Hiduk''s body to a heap of ashes. And in that moment. ''Is that it?'' Zion''s Insight detected a faint wisp of magic escaping from Hiduk''s disintegrating body, making a beeline for the window. The magic wisp was so faint that even Zion, despite his intense concentration, barely noticed it. Reacting swiftly, Zion advanced using his dark flow, reaching the wisp in an instant. "Where do you think you''re going?" With a smirk, he thrust his Exia into it. -Kuhaaaaaaak! Cursed Agnes bloodline! A spiteful scream erupted from the wisp of magic. The wisp was Hiduk''s spirit, stripped down to its bare essence. Despite sacrificing all his strength to escape this ce, how had he been discovered? Zion''s smirk widened at Hiduk''s wail. He activated the ck hole at the tip of his sword. -Ah, don''t...! Hiduk''s final words were cut short as he waspletely obliterated. His demise was a pathetic one for someone who, as a superior magic demon, had been overseeing all matters at the Imperial University Tower. Zion, after watching the ce where Hiduk vanished, withdrew his Exia. ''With this, my meeting with the hero should proceed without dy.'' Zion turned his faint smile towards Tirian. Had he understood what Zion had just done? Tirian, meeting his gaze, his eyes full of confusion, surprise, and a myriad of other emotions. No one could predict future events, but at least Zion wouldn''t be implicated in this incident. And since he would have deduced that the demons were targeting him, he wouldn''t be able to sit idle any longer. Then. "Is everyone unharmed?" Ahmad, having returned to his usual demeanor after retracting his power, asked with a worried expression towards the professors and Tirian. "Yes, yes! Tower Lord, but what in the world happened..." Finally free from the oppressive tension, the professors began to voice their confusion, their gazes darting between the scene of the incident, Tirian, and Ahmad. What had unfolded in the lecture room had utterly shattered their realm of understanding. The heirs of Great Houses had been murdered, and the culprit was a demon. Furthermore, this demon had been masquerading as Professor Proud, and its true nature had been revealed by none other than the sudden appearance of Prince Zion. Naturally, their confusion was palpable. Ahmad shared their confusion. He too was mostly in the dark about the current situation. "¡­ We must keep what we''ve witnessed here confidential. I will assume responsibility for all matters pertaining to this." Ahmad''s words, filled with unease, echoed around the devastated lecture room. "Ah, understood!" The professors immediately responded, their heads nodding in agreement. Ahmad''s words were an unwavering directive to them. "Tirian, this ordeal must have been exhausting for you. Rest for now. We''ll summon you tomorrow to discuss the details." "...Understood." Tirian, his eyes still a mixture ofplex emotions, nodded obediently. Having witnessed Tirian''s acknowledgement, the Grand Mage''s gaze quickly shifted to Zion. "...Prince Zion, it seems we need to continue our earlier conversation." "That''s what I anticipated." In response to Ahmad''s words, a slight smile yed on Zion''s lips. --- Raei Trantions --- Vroom! Even though it was speeding faster than one could speak, the magical vehicle was remarkably quiet, devoid of any vibrations. Zion gazed out at the rapidly passing scenery, his face tired, sinking into his seat. Could it be the after-effects of utilizing Lunar Eclipse the previous night? His entire body felt rigid and drained, as if suffering from extreme muscle pain. This state was likely to persist for around four or five days. Although it had never been this severe before, Zion Agnes''s constitution was naturally frail, intensifying the sensation. Had he not consumed the heart of a millennia-old ogre, he wouldn''t have been able to employ Lunar Eclipse at all. ''I should visit Gui soon.'' Reflecting on this, Zion remembered the information about Gui he had learned from Ahmad Ozlima, the master of the Imperial University''s Magic Tower, the previous night. At present, this seemed to be the most viable solution to improving his physical condition. Along with this, his conversation from the day before naturally surfaced in his mind. "¡­ Is that true?" Those were Ahmad''s first words, an incredulous expression on his face, after Zion had revealed some details about the situation and the gravity of the demonic infiltration in the empire. Zion had urged him to keep this information under wraps for the time being. The demonic entities had seemingly already deduced that Zion was hunting monsters. However, there was a significant difference between publicly acknowledging this and keeping it hidden. "What should my course of action be?" The Grand Mage posed this question to Zion after gathering his thoughts, to which Zion advised him to continue with what had been previously discussed. This seemed like the optimal strategy, as there was no way to involve Ahmad, who had even magically pledged not to interfere with affairs outside the tower, in the conflicts of the imperial city. The enhancement of the color-identification array, a task entrusted to Ahmad, was also of utmost importance. It would y a pivotal role in the monster hunt in the future. If it could be connected with the Blood Tower as Zion anticipated, the efficiency of the color-identification array could be maximized. ''I wonder how she''s faring.'' Simultaneously, Liushina, whom he had dispatched to the Blood Tower not long ago, naturally crossed his mind. She was an extraordinary figure, even revered in the realm of blood magic, making her the ideal candidate for controlling the Blood Tower. Should she merely prove her identity, conquering the Blood Tower would be as effortless as turning her hand. However, her temper was unpredictable, so unforeseenplications might arise due to her whimsical actions. ''And....'' Brushing aside his thoughts about her, Zion reminisced about Tirian, who had sought him out before he departed from the Magic Tower. "I have something I wish to ask." "Do not ask anything." This was Zion''s statement to Tirian, who wanted to express gratitude. "Only those worthy may ask. In my perspective, you''ve yet to earn that right." Indeed, whether it was Rain Dranir or Tirian Friharden, Zion could have effortlessly brought them under his sway if he had wished to. Yet, he had intentionally left some leeway and refrained from doing so. It wasn''t solely because they, the heroes at the heart of the story, needed to be safeguarded. ''At this point, they wouldn''t be particrly useful anyway....'' Because they were designed to fully realize their potential only in thepany of the hero. Moreover, Zion neither had the time nor the inclination to cultivate them from scratch. Considering their allegiance would be better postponed until they had aplished all their awakenings. ''Well, having one of them on my side wouldn''t be a bad idea.'' Unlike the others, while contemting one of the heroes from the party who wereplete from the start, Zion slowly clenched and unclenched his fist. With that, a faint surge of darkness. Despite being momentarily incapacitated due to the battle, he had secured something significant. Specifically, the ck Star Stage 3. Originally, Zion had been only a hair''s breadth away from reaching the ck Star Stage 3, and this barrier was finally breached when he deployed Lunar Eclipse to obliterate the king of the illusionary army the previous time. However, in this battle, deploying Lunar Eclipse once more appeared to stimte something, and the wall was not merely cracked but teetering on the brink of shattering. ''Once my body recuperates, I can ascend to the third stage.'' This realization was indeed great. Because from the ck Star Stage 3, he could employ some of the techniques he frequently utilized in his original world. As Zion wrapped up his train of thought and dispelled the darkness in his hand, The magic car stopped, apparently reaching its destination. "Your Highness, we have arrived." Following the driver''s announcement and the opening door, Zion, stepping out of the magic car, beheld the grand entrance of the Star Pce, and Fredo and Thierry awaiting him. "Wee, Your Highness Zion. Was your journey fruitful?" In response to Thierry''s greeting, Zion, who gave a slight nod, immediately posed a question. "Is everything prepared?" "Everything is in ce." With that, Thierry answered, an inscrutable smile ying on his lips. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Consider checking out my ko-fi for more advanced chapters! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 59: Agnes National Assembly (1) Chapter 59: Agnes National Assembly (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Thud! "Sigh...." Stepping into his room, Tirian let out a quiet sigh as he shut the door. "I''m not ready yet....¡± His voice held a touch of bitterness. He had narrowly evaded the empire''s chase after falling into a trap the previous night. But that incident wasn''t what currently upied Tirian''s thoughts. It was Zion Agnes. In a single day, Zion had made asting impression on Tirian, something he would carry for the rest of his life. Indeed, the immense power of the great mage Ozlima was memorable. But, there was something about Prince Zion that surpassed the term "impressive." ''He had the solution to the problem I couldn''t solve.'' That was shocking enough, but what really stuck with Tirian was themanding, transformative presence Prince Zion had in the ssroom at the scene of the murder. ''I bet he knew from the start that Professor Proud was the guilty party.'' The image of Prince Zion decapitating Professor Proud without hesitation upon his arrival. Such an action was only possible with the firm belief that Professor Proud was both guilty and a demon from the start. How did Prince Zion, who had no connection with the tower and was a first-time visitor, know this? The subsequent battle between the demons and Prince Zion was a high-stakes affair. Tirian couldn''t even begin to get involved, let alone be of any assistance. Watching the fight, Tirian felt truly powerless for the first time since his rebirth. ''I won''t be this lucky next time.'' With this thought, Tirian managed a wry smile. Only the worthy can ask questions. He recalled these words, heard when he visited Prince Zion earlier in an attempt to answer the question that had been nagging at him. "¡­Maybe that''s true." He needed to get stronger. So that he wouldn''t feel so powerless if another such incident urred. And¡­. So that he could confidently approach Prince Zion and ask for answers next time. ''First, I need to reach level 7.'' A determined light flickered deep within Tirian Friharden''s eyes. The greatest mage who had surpassed level 9, reached the unprecedented level 10, and stepped beyond the abyss of truth, was slowly stirring himself into action. --- Raei Trantions --- A bright, moonlit path near the capital city. "Hmm, hmm~" A plump, middle-aged man with a meticulously groomed mustache hummed contentedly within a fancy magic car that sped along the path. The man was Cleon Havas. He hailed from a distinguished provincial noble family and was one of the hundred members of the Luminous Assembly. This assembly wielded authority second only to the royal family in the empire. The Assembly was a collective of nobles, each representing one of the many regions that made up the empire. As such, their power was considerable. Cleon was humming for a single reason. "So, the Agnes Assembly is about tomence?" He was eagerly anticipating the uing Agnes Assembly. The Agnes Assembly. Taking ce at the Pce of the People, this meeting was the empire''s secondrgest gathering. Direct descendants of the royal family and a variety of influential figures, including assembly members, gathered here to discuss the empire''s future. The assembly''s power and symbolism were significant, and whether one could attend or not often indicated their influence within the empire. "I wonder what proposals wille up this time." A sense of anticipation gleamed in Cleon''s eyes as he voiced his thoughts to himself. The Agnes Empire Assembly was primarily run by the attending members of the royal family. Their speaking rights were determined by the number of assembly members supporting them. So, during this time, many royals would shower the neutral Cleon, who didn''t support any royals, with tempting proposals. Cleon had exploited this situation for several years, reaping significant benefits. ''All I need to do is back them during this assembly and then return to my neutrality.'' Cleon Havas was an assembly member who opportunistically switched allegiances rather than genuinely pursuing political neutrality. But there was a reason he maintained neutrality as a fundamental principle. It was for safety. Cleon was a safety-first kind of man. His survival always took precedence, and he prioritized his safety above all else. If he served a royal family member, he risked immediate removal if that royal failed to be the emperor. He could also face potential harm from other royals seeking to control him. So, Cleon preferred neutrality. ''I guess the 4th Prince or 5th Princess might offer good deals this time...'' With such thoughts, Cleon contemted which royal he would support in this Assembly. However, he hadn''t considered the name Zion Agnes. ''He won''t be able to attend anyway.'' Despite the fact that Zion''s reputation had been soaring recently. For a direct royal family member to participate in the National Assembly, they needed the support of at least ten assembly members. Yet, to Cleon''s knowledge, Prince Zion hadn''t managed to secure the support of even a single assembly member. "Well, that''s the limit for a powerless royal." With that dismissive remark, Cleon sank deeper into his seat, turning his gaze to the capital''s night view outside the window. Although it was midnight, and the moon was high, the empire''s capital, Hubris, was brilliantly illuminated by lights from countless structures. Just like the empire''s future that seemed unending. And the distant view of the pce. "...Huh?" Cleon''s eyes, focused on the pce, widened in surprise. His mansion was in close proximity to the pce. The pce couldn''t look so far away. "What''s happening! Where are we heading!" Cleon, realizing something was wrong, shouted at the magic car''s driver. Yet, the chauffeur continued driving in silence, as if he hadn''t heard Cleon''s outburst. "Stop, stop right now!" The moment Cleon''s panicked demand left his mouth. Screech! The magic car abruptly stopped. They had stopped in a dark, open field, devoid of the luminous presence found in the heart of the capital. Thud! Simultaneously, the unidentified chauffeur swiftly exited the vehicle and vanished. A sense of foreboding gripped Cleon at the chauffeur''s abrupt departure. "...!" The moment Cleon flung open the car door and scrambled out. Crash! An object plummeted from above, pulverizing the magic car Cleon had just vacated beyond recognition. "Ugh... What on earth!" Cleon, his face ashen at the close brush with death, hastily distanced himself from the wrecked vehicle. Then. Thump, thump. The hushed sound of footsteps started to echo from the edge of the field, a ce shrouded in darkness. The ominous tread sent a chill down Cleon''s spine. A faint silhouette emerged from the darkness, catching Cleon''s eye, which had involuntarily turned toward the source of the sound. "That''s...!" The thing approaching had no business being here. Cleon, guided by instinct, retrieved a tiny jewel from his pocket and crushed it without a second thought. At that moment. A blinding light erupted, summoning five bodyguards to surround him. Despite the astronomical cost of this one-time spatial summoning magic, Cleon didn''t hesitate. He had procured it for such an asion, and after all, his life was his utmost priority. "Stop that entity!" Charge! Responding to Cleon''s order, the summoned bodyguards, their faces obscured by masks, surged towards the advancing figure in the darkness. Relief flickered in Cleon''s eyes. The might of the bodyguards he''d carefully selected was beyond that of an elite royal pce knight. Yet, the very next moment. Cleon''s expression morphed into one of shock. In a single movement. With a single swipe of its hand, the dark figure obliterated the head of the leading bodyguard. And even before the decapitated body of the guard touched the ground. Snap! Apanied by another gruesome sound, the head of the next bodyguard vanished on the spot. Was it due to the speed of the events? "...!" Only after the heads of tworades vanished did the remaining bodyguards express their silent horror, swinging their swords simultaneously at the close-quarters figure. The trio targeted only the critical points of the figure with precision. Just as their swords were about to puncture the figure''s vitals. The figure calmly took one step forward. At that moment. A sinister darkness erupted from the figure. The darkness devoured and tore apart the shing swords and their wielders. The bodyguards, leaving not even a trace behind, perished instantaneously. The figure, having dispatched all the bodyguards in an instant, resumed its approach towards Cleon as if nothing had transpired. "Who, who are you! Why, why are you doing this!" Was it because his final hope had been instantly crushed? Cleon, face etched with terror, backed away while pleading with the advancing figure. Then. "What do you think I''m doing this for?" A subdued voice, apanied by moonlight breaking through the clouds, revealed the figure''s face. With that, a vacant look filled Cleon''s eyes. He recognized that face. "Prince... Zion?" His voice trembled as he spoke. Though the atmosphere surrounding him was entirely different from their previous encounter years ago, the face undoubtedly belonged to Prince Zion Agnes. Zion, clothed in pitch-ck attire as if he had merged with the night itself, exuded an unnerving, alien aura. "Why are you doing this to me...." "Do you know?" Zion interrupted Cleon''s words, filled with confusion, and began to speak. "Even in the ancient nations preceding the formation of the empire, there were councils and councillors." Step, step. "Back then, when a councillor was found guilty of corruption, they would first gouge out their eyes and tongue. This was punishment for witnessing corruption yet turning a blind eye, and for fostering corruption with lies." "Then, they would sprinkle salt on their wounds and gradually y their skin from their bodies until death." Finally drawing near, Zion peered down at Cleon withnguid eyes. "All of this was done in front of their families. The horrifying spectacle served as a deterrent against corruption." Cleon, trembling under the weight of Zion''s gaze, was rendered speechless. His eyes shone like ck stars. "The endless instances of bribery and illicit wealth umtion. The possession of dozens of ves to use for perverse hobbies... and even political assassination. You''d be facing capital punishment if even a few of these charges came to light." Zion calmly recited the information unearthed by the moon''s gaze and the shadow of eternal darkness. "How in the world did you..." Cleon''s voice trailed off, disbelief etched on his face as each usation fell from Zion''s lips. "I''ll offer you a chance." In Zion''s eyes, the horizon stretched infinitely. "A chance to spare, at least, your life." The figure standing before him was the image of a devil, proposing a non-negotiable pact to a human destined for sacrifice. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 60: Agnes National Assembly (2) Chapter 60: Agnes National Assembly (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In a dim room, the only light came from a smallmp flickering in the middle. A man was chained to a stiff metal chair in the room''s center, a ck cloth hiding his face. "Huff, huff!" His breath came out harsh and ragged from beneath the cloth. His body trembled slightly, a clear sign of his fear. How long had it been? Just as his breath became more frantic. The cloth was pulled off his face by an unseen hand. A sturdy man with thick eyebrows was revealed. His name was Burkell Izart. He was a member of the Kwangseong Assembly, one of a hundred. As the leader of the Izart family, he ruled over the ns region of the empire. "Huff, huff!" Once he could see again, Burkell drew in a sharp breath and quickly looked around. He was at a loss as to why he was here. Afterpleting his duties at the pce, everything went ck on his way home. When he came to, he was here. The harsh sound of an iron chair being dragged echoed through the room. Someone appeared from the darkness, positioned the chair in front of Burkell, and took a seat. It was a man with a gentle face and long hair tied back. His name was Thierry Illones, a member of Zion''s team and the leader of the Eternal Shadow. Half of Thierry''s face was hidden in the shadows, where themp''s light couldn''t reach, creating an eerie feeling. "What''s going on? Do you know who I am?" Burkell red at Thierry, his voice filled with a mix of rage and worry. "You''re Burkell Izart, right? If not, let me know. I''ll let you go right away and offer you an apology and somepensation." Thierry replied with a calm smile. He could say this because he was entirely sure the man before him was Burkell. "How dare you... You think you''ll get away with this?" "Ha, of course. I wouldn''t show my face if I thought I was in danger." "My family''s knights are probably searching for me right now. They''ll find this ce within an hour. I wonder if you''ll still be smiling then." "I doubt that''ll happen. Even if the knights find this ce, you''ll be the one to send them away." "What¡­?" Confusion filled Burkell''s eyes at Thierry''s words. He couldn''t understand what Thierry was implying. "It might help if you read this before we continue." With that, Thierry casually pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it to Burkell. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Burkell''s eyes widened as he read the document, his expression shifting from confusion to pure shock. This was a detailed ount of all the wrongs Burkell Izart hadmitted, starting from his teenage years. It was a list of corruption, malpractice, and crimes. If these misdeeds were revealed, his carefully built reputation would be destroyed. He''d end up in the pce''s underground jail. Most of these offenses were known only to him. Burkell couldn''t understand how they''dnded on this sheet of paper. "Ever wondered what would happen if this information went public?" Thierry posed the question cheerfully. Burkell valued his honor and reputation more than anything else. Faced with evidence that could shatter them both, his response was predictable. "...What do you want from me." Burkell spoke in a voice drained of energy, his head hung low. At this, Thierry broke into a satisfied smile. --- Raei Trantions --- At one of the five castles surrounding Baeksung Pce, the Red Castle. Step by step. Prince Enoch walked with a nk face down a corridor in the Red Castle''s underground levels. After Lergan Urschler''s death at the hands of Zion, Enoch had been visiting these depths more often. "Arghhh!" "Please, no more...ugh!" The corridor was filled with the tortured screams of those subjected to forbidden experiments, including ck magic. Their bodies were twisted and grotesque. Enoch was unmoved. He had been the one to construct this underground facility. Working with ''that'' entity and enhancing his magic skills required such brutal experiments. "Prince Enoch." A cold-looking woman trailing Enoch called out to him softly. Without stopping, Enoch turned his head slightly towards her. "There will be a state affairs meeting at Baeksung Pce in three days." "I know. So what?" "It appears Prince Zion might be able to attend." "How? He doesn''t have enough council members on his side, does he?" Enoch was confused. To attend the meeting, one needed the backing of at least ten council members. "It seems he''s secretly gaining the support of neutral council members." "Ah¡­!" Enoch let out an annoyed sigh at the woman''s words. "That rat, trying to attend the state affairs meeting¡­" Eleven council members were neutral. Getting the support of ten of them in such a short time seemed impossible, but for some reason, Enoch felt that if anyone could do it, it was Zion. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Zion had so far achieved all the things Enoch thought were impossible. "Then we should interfere." The thought of enduring Zion''s presence at the state affairs meeting was insufferable. "Have all the information on the neutral council members ready by the time I emerge from underground." "Understood." Enoch watched the woman who bowed in acknowledgement before pushing open the iron door at the corridor''s end, an entrance he had reached without noticing. Squeak! The iron door creaked open, unleashing a torrent of magic so potent it was terrifying. Unflinchingly, Enoch stepped into the room from where the magic emanated. --- Raei Trantions --- Atop Chimseong Pce, a petite terrace offered a captivating view. ''The view is truly unparalleled from here.'' Under the subtle glow of the moonlight, Zion appreciated the panorama. He didn''t know the architect of the terrace but he surmised that it was meant more for sky-gazing than pce-viewing. "Prince Zion." Thierry, having approached quietly, respectfully addressed Zion. "All operations have beenpleted." "I see." Zion''s response to Thierry was short. Though managing to secure enough council member support to attend the state affairs meeting within a week was remarkable, there was no thrill in Zion''s gaze. Not only had heid the groundwork for this before suppressing the Rebel Army, but finding and manipting his adversaries'' vulnerabilities was second nature to Zion. If they prized honor, he toyed with their reputation; if they valued survival, he tightened the grip around their existence. He''d ruthlessly crush the defiant ones, and if they were fearful, he''d torment them with unimaginable dread. This was a tactic he''d employed countless times as emperor of the original world, familiar to him than anything else. "And what of our opposition?" "So far, no notable actions. They seem consumed by preparations for the state affairs meeting." "Is that so?" "¡­Pardon?" Confusion flickered in Thierry''s eyes at Zion''s words. Without answering, Zion motioned for him to leave with a wave of his hand. He had a task to attend to. ''Advance the ck Star to three stars.'' Once Thierry had departed, leaving him alone on the terrace, Zion turned his gaze to the star-studded night sky. So far, his practice of the ck Star had been confined to an underground field, walled on all sides. However, tonight, he wished to practice here, under the open sky. The nature of the ck Star was something foreign, out of sync with anything in this world. If a semnce had to be found, it would be closest to darkness. Zion intended to challenge the ascension to three stars here, in a ce steeped in darkness. ''If not today, it must be dyed until after the state affairs meeting.'' That was not an option. If Zion''s scheme progressed as nned, a significant event capable of tipping the scales of power in the pce would happen soon after the state affairs meeting. Should he fail to reach three stars by then, it would pose a significant hindrance to his intentions. Gradually, a darkness even deeper than night began to emanate from Zion, seated in a lotus position at the terrace''s center, enveloping the surroundings. Within this darkness bloomed luminescent stars. The Celestial Sea utilized by the royals in the chronicles and the ck Star River that Zion manipted shared amon principle. With each star activated, the user''s power escted to an unprecedented level, almost as though they''d ascended to a higher ne of existence. It wasn''t just progression to the next level but the exploration of an entirely new realm, so it was naturally fraught with difficulty and adversity. Had Zion not previously ascended, it would have been utterly impossible to aim for the three stars within such apressed timeframe. Roar! ck stars began to emerge within the mini cosmos unfolded by Zion. One, two, and the third. In contrast to the other two stars, which rapidly absorbed surrounding stars to expand, the third star was still faint. The third ck star flickered uncertainly, appearing as though it could vanish any second. Then. ''Now.'' Simultaneously as Zion, seated in the lotus posture, opened his eyes, Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! His heart began to pound wildly. The vessels channeling the ck Star throughout his body pulsed at the same rhythm. Zion now initiated the Eclipse. The two Eclipses he had employed So far had already cracked the barrier to the three stars. He believed that another application here couldpletely shatter it. However, using the Eclipse while projecting the stars externally like this was essentially a gamble with his life. It was like releasing a wild, uncontroble beast within his already weakened body. But there was no hint of hesitancy in Zion''s eyes. ''If I don''t push to this extent, I won''t be able to break through.'' Grrrrrr! A storm of the ck Star started to rage within his body at an incredible pace. Zion made no attempt to rein it in. He merely guided its course. There were two paths through which the ck Star could course within Zion''s body. The blood vessels carrying his lifeblood. And the circuit, exclusively conducting the ck Star. The ascension to three stars of the ck Star involved piercing through all these circuits. Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Guided by Zion, the ck Star began to puncture the obstructed circuits within his body one by one. With each pierced circuit, Zion''s body quivered. The situation was fraught with danger, the circuitry potentially ripping open with the slightest miscalction. Yet, Zion did not retract the Eclipse. On the contrary, he intensified it. It was like crafting an immacte painting with reckless paint strokes on a nk canvas ¨C a divine technique. ''Now, thest one.'' The moment Zion sensed the ck Star fiercely ascending the circuit, a thought shed across his mind. The surging ck Star collided with the final barrier of the circuit, triggering an immense internal explosion. Simultaneously, blood trickled from Zion''s mouth. He made no move to wipe it off, instead exerting his force to pull the ck Star upward again. For the barrier had not yet fully sumbed. Despite several subsequent collisions, the final barrier teetered on the brink of rupture without actually breaking. ''Only one opportunity remains.'' His frail body writhed in torment, unable to endure further. Zion, eyes gleaming with a frosty determination, absorbed all the scattered ck Star around him,bining it with the ck Star within his body. Then ensued an overwhelming rotation. Shortly thereafter, his internal spear, crafted with all Zion''s might, wasunched once more. And as it finally struck the fractured barrier of the circuit, ------------------! Thierry and Fredo, who''d been curiously observing the Chimseong Pce due to the peculiar energy they sensed, along with everyone else residing within the pce, witnessed the sight. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Chimseong Pce, literally tranted as the ce where the stars descend. All present were witness to the spectacle of every star in the night sky being swallowed by the ominous darkness emanating from the pinnacle of the Chimseong Pce. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 61: Agnes National Assembly (3) Chapter 61: Agnes National Assembly (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Zion hadn''t anticipated any power boost from the blood tower, but he felt slightly disappointed nheless. ''So...'' His gaze subtly shifted towards Kerma and the other blood wizards, their faces still brimming with awe. ''It''s time to make them stronger.'' A red light slowly started to glow in his eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- The White Pce, home of the world''s emperor, is the empire''s power hub. The grand council room within the pce was already bustling with activity. Over a hundred individuals were present, chatting or prepping for the meeting. While the number might seem overwhelming, each person yed a critical role in the state affairs meeting. Light Parliament members, influential nobles from the capital, Hubris, and heads of significant institutions in the Imperial City were present. These individuals were indeed the movers and shakers of the Agnes Empire. "Good to see you again, Count Alstein," chimed in Groud Ozlima. Groud was the first Ozlima family heir, famed as a magical powerhouse and was among the top five most influential in the empire. Count Alstein, a middle-aged man known for his stern demeanor, merely nodded in acknowledgment without expressing a word. Unfazed by the silent response, Groud shrugged. Alstein''s quiet nature was no news to the nobility. "It seems the royal family hasn''t arrived yet," Groud noted, scanning the room. "Will the same attendees be present this time as well?" His gazended on the most opulent throne and the secondrgest chair next to it - the seats of Emperor Urdios and Crown Prince Rubrios. The seats, however, had remained vacant for years. Even if the emperor was severely ill, it was odd for the Crown Prince to skip the state affairs meeting. But no one, including Groud, found this unusual. It wasmon knowledge that the Crown Prince was obsessively devoted to the Order of Light and had forsaken everything else. "So, unless there are any changes, this meeting will follow the same pattern as the previous ones." The presence of four royal family members, or more precisely, the three factions excluding neutral Evelyn Agnes. As Prince Zion Agnes, the sixth prince, wouldn''t be able to attend this meeting, the structure wouldn''t change. As Groud''s thoughts concluded, he seemed to remember something. He turned to the middle-aged man and spoke. "Did you hear? This time, Prince Zion himself took care of Lergan Urschler, who escaped from the Imperial Dungeon, and the entire Icarus Mage Division." The words caused a slight flicker in the middle-aged man''s otherwise steady gaze. Not missing this, Groud shed a sly smile. He knew the cause of the man''s reaction. The man belonged to the maternal side of Prince Zion Agnes''s family, the sixth prince. "Isn''t it remarkable? Until recently, wasn''t Prince Zionbeled the royal family''s disgrace? But in just a few months, he aced the session ceremony and even subdued the Phantom Army, one of the seven great cmities. Moreover, this time, he wiped out the Icarus Division." The Icarus Mage Division, eliminated this time, was under Prince Enoch''smand, who has a close tie with the Ozlima family. But Groud spoke nonchntly, as if discussing someone else''s affairs. "You must be pleased, Count Alstein? The transformation of Prince Zion. After all, Prince Zion is your¡­¡­" "Enough." For the first time, a firm voice rang out from the middle-aged man. "It''s none of our concern. Please refrain from further discussing him." The words were serene but carried an unarguable force. Groud stopped speaking and shrugged again. "Her Highness, Princess Diana Agnes, the fifth princess, is entering!" A page''s loud voice echoed through the meeting room. At this, all seated attendees rose. Beyond therge open door, Diana and her maids appeared, with Diana''s usual unreadable smile. As the fifth princess took her seat, she nced around the room with a slight irritation. ''No one else has arrived, right?'' True to her thought, the other seats for her siblings were empty. The royal family, excluding her, had long been engaged in a pointlesspetition over who would arrivest. A bad habit that dyed the meeting and gained nothing. ''Should I propose a rule about this at the meeting?'' Just as Diana seriously considered this, "Her Highness, Princess Evelyn Agnes, the second princess, is entering!" Havingpleted her duties outside the Imperial City a few days earlier, Evelyn entered the room with her knights, her usual emotionless face intact. Was it due to her return from the boundary with the Demon Territory, a ce of frequent battles? For some reason, Evelyn''s face showed signs of exhaustion. One step at a time. Evelyn gracefully acknowledged the respectful bows from the assembled nobles before taking her seat. Soon after her arrival, "Ha ha ha! I trust I''m notte?" "I apologize for my slight dy." The fourth Prince, Utekan, and the third Prince, Enoch, entered in session. Enoch, thest to arrive, offered an apology for histeness, but he couldn''t conceal the faint glimmer of superiority in his eyes. A joyous smile began to form as he surveyed the council room from his seat. ''So he didn''t make it?'' A single vacant seat remained. Enoch knew to whom it belonged and that it would stay unupied throughout today''s meeting. Zion Agnes. ''How dare he even consider attending.'' Upon learning Zion intended to attend by swaying the neutral councilmen, Enoch had a mission. He persuaded two of the eleven neutral councilmen to his side, leaving Zion with support from only nine and no entrance to the meeting. A simple, but effective strategy. The risk of failure was minimal since Enoch had sessfully reimed the councilmen Zion had initially won over. ''I wonder what his expression looks like now.'' Enoch''s smile deepened, imagining Zion''s impassive face contorted in frustration. Believing all preparations for the meeting were finallyplete, Evelyn rose from her seat. "Now, let''smence the council of national affairs¡­" As the deration to start the meeting was about to leave her lips, Bang! The meeting room door swung open again. "...?" Curious nces turned towards the door. Another attendee? But there was no one else expected, so confusion filled their eyes. "His Highness, Prince Zion Agnes, the sixth Prince, is entering!" A page''s loud voice echoed through the council room. "!!!!!!" In an instant, confusion turned to shock. Step by step. Quiet footfalls ominously reverberated, sending a shiver through their hearts. Zion, with hisnguid gaze, entered the council room at a leisurely pace. The silence was palpable. Was it because a person they thought incapable of attending had appeared? Every person in the room, whether royal or noble, was frozen, staring wide-eyed at Zion. How could Prince Zion have gained entry to the council room? This reaction was most severe in Prince Enoch. "Wait!" Breaking the silence with a shout, Enoch red at the page managing the council''s attendees. "How is he here? How did he gain entry to this meeting?" The page recoiled under Enoch''s menacing re, as though any misced word could be his doom. "His Highness, Prince Zion, has obtained the requisite support of over ten congressmen to attend the council of national affairs." "...What? Impossible. Verify it once more!" "I assure you, sir. It''s exactly eleven congressmen." Bewildered at the page''s response, Enoch swiftly turned to the neutral congressmen he had preemptively ensnared. The two congressmen vehemently shook their heads, as if to deny any involvement. ''But then who...'' Enoch''s eyes reflected his confusion. Could there have been more neutral congressmen that he failed to notice? Moreover, he couldn''t understand why the count was not ten but eleven. Then, "I have a question." Zion, who had now neared Enoch, spoke in his usualnguid tone. "Why did you assume I would only ensnare the neutral ones?" "...What?" "You ought to have secured your own supporters first." Upon hearing this, as if a realization dawned, Enoch turned his gaze towards his own supporting congressmen. The two congressmen who could not meet his eye. "You treacherous curs...!" Enoch''s voice resonated with rage, boiling over into a furious outcry. "Now..." Zion, turning away from Enoch as though he had nothing more to witness, announced, "Let''smence the meeting." His smile was aimed at those watching him. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 62: Agnes National Assembly (4) Chapter 62: Agnes National Assembly (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "Hiduk is no more." In the emptynds around the Imperial City, a woman wearing a monk''s robe started the conversation with a man known for his emotionless eyes. They''ve been meeting quite a lottely. All because of one person. "Is it about Zion Agnes again?" "Likely. We lost contact with Hiduk when Zion Agnes visited the Imperial College Magic Tower." "I warned him to be careful... What about the wizard?" "Clearly, it didn''t work. Was Hiduk killed just for that?" The man brushed off the woman''s question as she shrugged. "Too far-fetched. We just learned about the hero-rted info from the Future''s Oracle." "Could Zion Agnes have the Future''s Oracle too? No." The woman, ready to counter the man''s words, also shook her head. Even she thought that was unlikely. Simple coincidences seemed a more believable exnation. "But Zion Agnes being strong enough to kill Hiduk, that''s surprising." "I was shocked too. Maybe he had help." "You mean... help from that monster at the College Magic Tower?" In the Agnes Empire''s College Magic Tower, only one person could be the "monster" the woman was talking about. The Archmage Ahmad Ozlima. One of the Seven Heavens, the world''s peak, and someone even the woman''s group watched carefully. "Correct. Ahmad Ozlima couldn''t miss what happened in the Magic Tower. But since no word got out, he must''ve stepped in." "So, Ahmad might be on Zion Agnes'' side?" "Not really. He vowed to avoid matters outside the tower. He stepped in only because it happened inside. But Zion Agnes must have some influence as he''s keeping our existence secret." The man shared his thoughts in response to the woman''s question. "We think alike on that. Though, I don''t know why." Hearing this, the womanughed, but her face quickly turned stern. "Should we kill him?" Her voice was icy. The man nodded to her words. "We can kill him without getting involved." "How so?" "Did you hear that Zion Agnes wiped out a whole group of mages?" "The Icarus Mages? Yes, what about them?" "That led the Third Prince to want Zion Agnes dead. It''s nearly hatred." "Really? We just need to push them a little more. ''He'' is handling the Third Prince''s side, right?" "Yes." "I don''t really like ''him'', he''s sort of strange." The woman cringed at the memory of one of the demons associated with Prince Enoch, the Third Prince. He had impressive skills and a rather odd hobby. Perhaps that''s why he got on so well with Prince Enoch. "Do you want to talk to ''him''?" "Of course." The man answered the woman''s question without a second thought. He would''ve done it even if she hadn''t asked. "The ''Hero'' will soon show up in the world. We should get rid of any troublemakers before then." The woman said, her eyes cold as she stared at the man. --- Raei Trantions --- Agnes National Conference. A twice-a-year gathering, and the second most important event in the Empire. Only the Empire''s most powerful could attend, and the meeting was always very serious and formal. This conference was no different from the past ones. "Moving on from the previous meeting''s topics..." The majority of the attendees'' gazes were directed at one person. Specifically, at Zion, whose expression was unreadable as he sat in his seat. From the moment he entered the room until now. The people couldn''t take their eyes off Zion. As if they were mesmerized. ''Is that really the Zion Agnes I knew?'' This was amon thought among those who had seen Zion before. They''d heard about his recent changes, as if he''de alive, but this was their first time seeing him. He was even more striking than they''d imagined. ''It''s like he''s a totally different person, besides his looks.'' His previous shyness, the inability to meet others'' gazes, was gone, reced by a rxed demeanor. From hisid-back posture, you could smell the scent of a ruler looking down on everything with boredom. He was also physically more robust, and a strange, intimidating aura came off him. That intimidating aura made even the most seasoned people in the room feel uneasy. ''So that''s why Icarus fell?'' One of them, Groud Ozlima, also watched Zion with wide eyes. He knew it the moment he saw him walk into the room. The term ''abandoned pureblood'' didn''t fit him anymore. How could he change so much in such little time? Now he understood why thete Lergan Urschler had imed that Prince Zion had learned ck magic. ''Did Agnes'' blood finally awaken in him?'' With this thought, Groud nced at Alstein next to him. His face was as expressionless as always, but his eyes revealed the same surprise that Groud felt. ''This might be a problem.'' Groud mused to himself. --- Raei Trantions --- ''So many familiar faces.'' Zion was also absorbing all the stares thrown his way, studying the people present in the conference room. Frosimar Hero Chronicles. Though the story focused primarily on the hero and hispanions, there were many narratives concerning the imperial city. Given its importance, countless events urred in and around the city. To demonstrate that it was not just a chronicle but a historical record, the Frosimar Chronicles included detailed ounts of significant global events, even those unconnected to the hero. So, those with ess to the imperial pce and the ability to attend the national conference were likely to appear in the chronicles. ''Approximately half...'' Zion distinguished between those he needed to protect and those he needed to eliminate. His criterion was straightforward. It was not about good or evil. It was about who would aid him on his chosen path and who wouldn''t. Those who were connected to the demons... Or those who were demons themselves. Half of the attendees fit these categories, each possessing the ability to rock the empire. Yet, Zion showed no sign of worry. If this was enough to deter him, he wouldn''t have begun at all. Rather, a peculiar anticipation was stirring within him. ''Not yet.'' Zion eyed the demons pretending to be human, his fingers twitching. They were the primary agents of the Empire''s destruction, and he was filled with a desire to strike them down now. But it wasn''t time yet. If he continued to whittle each of them down, as nned, he was confident they''d eventually reveal their true monstrous forms. That would mark the day when Zion would formally start to purge the Empire of demon infiltrators. ''But I need to handle these ones first.'' Zion thought, looking at his siblings. The chronicles portrayed the Empire''s unrest not merely due to the emperor''s absence. The princes and princesses, all of equal power, constantly plotted and waged civil wars to im the throne, further destabilizing the Empire. Ultimately, the next emperor didn''t emerge until the full-blown demon war, which was one of the prime catalysts for the world''s downfall. Zion was determined not to let history repeat itself. Whatever it took. ''First and foremost...'' Zion''s gazended on Enoch, who red back at him fiercely. Considering Zion had disrupted all his ns so far, his anger was not surprising. Indeed, among the imperial family, Zion nned to confront Enoch first, even if Enoch hadn''t been actively targeting him. The rationale was twofold: Enoch''s background was the most problematic, but crucially, he was the easiest to handle. The backbone of the third prince, Enoch, was undeniably his maternal family, the Ozlima''s. The Ozlimas were the empire''s premier magical family, a lineage that had even birthed a ''heaven,'' wielding immense power. Zion knew how to neutralize such a formidable n. Just then, "We''ll conclude the matters from the previous conference here and proceed with the review of the new agenda." Evelyn''s voice, wrapping up the summary of thest conference and transitioning to the main agenda, reached Zion''s ears. With that, Zion stopped his thoughts and honed in on the conference. That''s precisely why he had attended the National Policy Conference today. "First, let''s discuss the agenda proposed by Utekan Agnes." Submitting an agenda for the National Policy Conference. In essence, anyone who could attend the conference had the right to propose an agenda. However, since it was a lengthy process and hard to get through, it had informally be a norm for the royal family to gather the views of their subordinates and submit them. Naturally, the greater the support from congressmen and nobles for the royal family, the higher the probability of an agenda passing the review. "On the topic of increasing the military budget..." The main conference proceeded without a hitch. From the fourth prince, Utekan, to the third prince, Enoch, and then to the fifth princess, Diana. Agendas were swiftly passed through necessary negotiations and exchanges. While agendas were smoothly getting approved without any significant contention, some people, including Diana, wore puzzled expressions. ''What''s going on?'' Diana''s gazended on Zion. He was eerily silent. The side of Zion Agnes was disconcertingly quiet. When the submission and review of the primary conference''s agendas concluded, the national policy conference was practically considered over. Yet, with the main conference nearing its end, Zion merely observed the proceedings with tranquil eyes, not expressing a word. He neither endorsed nor objected. ''He must have attended the National Policy Conference with an objective in mind.'' He had managed to attract as many as eleven members to his side in just a week to participate in the conference. However, once there, he had done nothing. This behavior was particrly strange to her, who had been keeping a close eye on Zion''s moves. ''He hasn''t even proposed an agenda in advance.'' Diana scanned the list of previously received agendas, her brows knitting in confusion. "Well, with the review of all submitted agendasplete, we''ll now conclude..." "I wish to propose an agenda." A soft voice interjected, halting Evelyn''s words as she prepared to transition to the next order of business. Naturally, all eyes turned towards the source of the voice. The person they found at the end of their gaze was Zion, who had remained silent throughout the conference. "Have you chosen to speak now?" Evelyn regarded Zion with an asking gaze. The Agnes National Policy Conference was among the empire''s most influential, and each of its agendas could have a significant impact on the entire empire. As a result, agendas were typically prepared and submitted in advance, making on-the-spot proposals a rarity. "Yes." "What might it be?" Nevertheless, impromptu proposals weren''t prohibited, so Evelyn asked about Zion''s agenda. Alongside this, others'' curiosity intensified. What important agenda had he kept to himself until now? However, Zion''s subsequent words defied their expectations. "The parade." "......?" "I suggest we advance the parade." "Do you mean... the Imperial Family''s parade?" "Exactly." Zion''s response filled the eyes of those present, including Evelyn, with a mixture of confusion and surprise. The routine parade of the Agnes Imperial Family. Simply put, it was an event where the imperial family, apanied by their forces like a knight''s order, paraded before the imperial citizens outside the imperial city. While demonstrating the imperial family''s splendor to the citizens, it also announced the wellbeing of the Agnes family and officially recognized a direct royal family member''s right to seed the throne. Although it was a significant event, it wasn''t seen as exceptionally crucial. Why, then, was the regr parade schedule being abruptly proposed? A sudden and unanticipated proposition. As individuals puzzled over whether the parade they knew and the one Zion referred to were two separate events, Evelyn asked Zion once more. "Do you genuinely want to advance the Imperial Parade?" Worry started to glimmer in her eyes. An imperial parade would essentially require a royal family member to have their own forces. However, as far as Evelyn was aware, Zioncked such forces. ''Even if it''s postponed, it may not satisfy expectations...'' Zion, aware or not of her thoughts, nodded affirmatively in response. "Yes, I believe a week from now would suffice." The original date for the imperial parade was roughly a month away. Yet, Zion was suggesting to advance it by an astounding three weeks. "Hahaha! Excellent! I agree!" Upon hearing Zion''s words, the 4th Prince Utekan was the first to erupt into heartyughter and voice his approval. Contrasting with his exuberantughter, Utekan''s keenly glittering gaze seemed to have evaluated all the potential profits and setbacks ensuing from the parade''s advancement. "I vote against it. An abrupt advancement of the imperial parade will disrupt the existing schedules." Meanwhile, Diana opted to oppose it. In essence, her opposition stemmed from her caution towards Zion. The Zion she had scrutinized so far wouldn''t propose such an idea without careful consideration. Hence, it was prudent to remain cautious until she unraveled his objectives. "And what about you, Enoch?" All gazes pivoted towards the 3rd Prince Enoch and the nobles backing him. Naturally, Zion''s faction would concur, and Evelyn would stay neutral. So, the fate of the proposal hinged on Enoch''s decision. "I''m in favor." Enoch immediately cast his vote in favor as if he had been anticipating Evelyn''s question. ''He''s creating his own opportunities.'' Had he known about this beforehand? Enoch himself had nned to suggest advancing the parade after the main conference concluded. However, since Zion beat him to it, Enoch couldn''t be more pleased. Undoubtedly, Zion was hatching his own scheme, but that was of no concern. ''This time, no matter what you plot, I''ll obliterate it all.'' A palpable desire was stirring in the depths of Enoch''s gaze as he looked at Zion. However, the 3rd Prince remained ignorant. The eyes of Zion, who was observing him with a smile. He was oblivious to the fact that the three swirling ck stars in Zion''s eyes were prating not only his tant desire but also the hidden magic behind it. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 63: Night of Annihilation (1) Chapter 63: Night of Annihtion (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "Zion." Once the national meeting had wrapped up, and as Zion made his way out of the conference room, his name floated through the air. Turning to locate the voice, he found Evelyn Agnes making her way toward him. "Can I have a moment of your time?" Her words came out softer than they had during the meeting. At this, Zion nodded. "Let''s talk as we walk." Evelyn matched Zion''s stride. A handful of knights trailed them at a respectful distance. Observing this, the nobles who were inching closer to Zion after the meeting withdrew. Clearly, Evelyn''s aura was too formidable. They proceeded in silence for a bit until they left the royal pce and the throng around them began to dissipate. "I heard about your victory over the phantom army and your official eptance as the heir. Quite an aplishment." Evelyn started. "Honestly, I never saw you resolving one of the disasters. I even doubted your sess in the session ceremony. But it seems I''ve misjudged you." She turned to Zion, her gaze a mix of astonishment, pride, and worry. Evelyn had been there when the phantom army had surfaced and had received firsthand reports about the incident from Ashen Lion Squad 5. This heightened her surprise. The public credited Zion''s sess over the phantom army to the aid of the Ashen Lion Squad. But Evelyn knew better. ''Did Zion trulyck power until recently?'' ''That''s... the first beast I''ve ever seen since I was born.'' These were Captain Caron''s words from Ashen Lion Squad 5, who hade back to the royal city, to Evelyn. Though she wanted to question Zion about the incident, she held back. Now seen as a potential sessor to the throne and, in all but name, an enemy, he wouldn''t reveal his strength to her. "You didn''t summon me just topliment me... What do you want to discuss?" Zion questioned Evelyn. Despite being acknowledged by Evelyn - regarded as one of the era''s strongest figures and a likely next emperor - there was no joy in Zion''s gaze. It retained its usual indifferent gleam. After a brief pause to collect her thoughts, Evelyn shut her eyes and then reopened them to ask, "Why did you suggest moving the royal banquet up by a week during the meeting?" "You''re referring to the banquet being held a week earlier?" "Yes. You should know that to host a royal banquet, you need power." And that power couldn''t be just any ordinary force. It had to be military might, like that of a knight''s order. "Zion, as far as I can tell, apart from a few knights guarding the Sleeping Pce, you don''t have any backing. So why the rush for the banquet?" Evelyn thought back. She pictured Fourth Prince Utekan and Third Prince Enoch who had instantly agreed to Zion''s proposal. Given their extensive following, they must have weed the idea. Maybe if Zion hadn''t brought it up, one of them would have. That''s why Zion''s action puzzled her. "I needed to make it official." "What? What are you..." Evelyn''s eyes clouded with confusion at Zion''s words. But Zion didn''t borate on her question. It wasn''t time to discuss that yet. "You''re always a mystery. If you need knights for the banquet, I could assist." "No, that won''t be necessary." Zion slightly shook his head. Her proposition was generous, but he truly didn''t need it. Because the banquet wouldn''t take ce anyway. Turning to Evelyn, Zion spoke with a steady voice. "Instead, there''s something I need you to know." --- Raei Trantions --- One of the five pces encircling Baekseong Pce was Cheongseong Pce. "What''s his n this time?" The ruler of Cheongseong Pce, 5th Princess Diana, was pacing around her study, mumbling to herself. Five days. Five days had passed since the Agnes national meeting had concluded. Yet there was no sign of activity from Zion''s end during that time. And that absence of movement was what unnerved her the most. "I don''t get why he suggested moving the banquet forward at the national meeting..." If another royal like Utekan or Evelyn had proposed advancing the banquet, she would have easily epted it. But she was baffled by the fact that Zion, whocked any significant backing, had made the suggestion. What''s more, he should be busy rallying forces given the banquet''s moved-up date, but it was even more troubling that he seemed to be idle in the Sleeping Pce. "Is he really nning to go solo at the banquet?" An enigma. Her eyes darkened with suspicion. "Your Highness Diana, you have a visitor." The attendant''s voice echoed from outside the door. "A visitor? Who is it?" "It''s Prince Zion Agnes." "....!" Diana''s eyes widened momentarily. "Let him in." Despite her surprise, Diana calmly addressed the attendant and swiftly took a seat, adopting a rxed posture with her legs crossed. She saw no reason to reveal that she had been fretting and pacing her study over him. Soon after. Thud. The study door creaked open, revealing Zion. He looked the same as when she had seen him at the national meeting a few days ago, his demeanor still nonchnt yet somehow unnerving. Diana was mystified by the radical shift in Zion''s demeanor. "If you''re serving a drink, I''ll take coffee. No sugar." As soon as he seated himself, Zion made his request, causing Diana to regard him with a look of disbelief. Nevertheless, she signaled to an attendant and turned her attention back to Zion. "It''s been quite some time since we''ve met like this, little brother, hasn''t it?" "Has it?" Zion searched his memories. He couldn''t recall any instance of being alone with Diana, so any prior encounters must have been before he inhabited his current form. "We aren''t on familiar enough terms for idle chitchat, so let''s cut to the chase. Why have youe?" Following a fleeting nce into Zion''s eyes, Diana questioned his purpose. "I''m nning to strike at the third prince." His tone was serene, as if discussing a leisurely evening stroll. Caught off guard, Diana asked again. "...Excuse me? You''re nning to strike at the third prince? Do you mean Prince Enoch?" "Yes." Diana was struggling to grasp Zion''s current line of thought. While it was true that Zion had recently inflicted damage on Enoch by taking down Lergan Urschler, Enoch''s right-hand man, that was a solitary blow. It merely chipped away at the multitude of forces that Enochmanded. In contrast, Zion''s faction consisted solely of himself and the woman with red eyes. "You must realize that this sounds preposterous, don''t you?" "Hence, I''m here to lend it some credibility." "...?" Diana''s eyes filled with confusion at Zion''sposed words. Meanwhile, Zion sipped the coffee brought by the attendant and slowly spoke. "I seek your support. Only until I''ve dealt with Enoch." "Huh..." An incredulous sigh escaped Diana''s lips. "Hahaha!" Then, a heartyughter filled the room. After herughter subsided, she turned to look at Zion, who calmly set down his teacup. Diana''s eyes, icy enough to freeze anything they fell upon, sharply contrasted with her face still bearing traces of her recentughter. "If that was a jest, it was a good one, little brother." "......" "But if you''re serious, exin to me why I, risking a full-scale war with a royal family member, should lend my strength to someone whocks any significant power? What would I stand to gain from aiding you? And..." Stars began to twirl in her eyes, radiating a luminous light. "Why did you presume that I would lend you my power to begin with?" One, two, three... the celestial stars multiplied and gleamed ever brighter. "Little brother Zion. To make such a proposition, we should be on equal footing. You surely don''t believe that we''re on the same level, do you?" A dramatic pause ensued. In the face of Diana''s fully unleashed celestial sea, the surrounding air grew dense and the space began to vibrate. Such a disy was fitting for the Agnes lineage, known as otherworldly behemoths. Amidst the pressure that would likely render an average person unconscious, Zion voiced a question. "I have a question." Zion, holding Diana''s gaze, marked a boundary. A solitary ck star gradually surfaced in Zion''s eyes. "Who dictates that level?" With his question, the peculiar darkness that had been expanding throughout the room began to consume the radiant light from the celestial sea enveloping the area. The pressure dissipated as though it had never been there. "What...." In the eyes of the 5th Princess, deep astonishment was apparent. Zion''s power did indeed exceed her expectations, but what truly stunned Diana were the ck stars revolving in Zion''s eyes. It was a power she''d neither seen nor heard of in her lifetime. Neither magic nor martial arts, not even like the celestial sea. Something reminiscent of the celestial sea, yet far deeper, darker. Diana felt a primal fear emanate from the ck stars twirling in Zion''s eyes. ''Am I... experiencing fear?'' In that moment, a story began to resurface in Diana''s mind. A tale associated with the power wielded by the first Emperor of the Agnes Empire, the Eternal Emperor, which she had glimpsed in one of the Imperial Pce''s secret chambers long ago. ''Could it possibly be...'' Apanying this, the memory of the Extinction Sword that Zion utilized to y Lergan Urschler, the former leader of Icarus, shed through her mind. "There''s no need for you to personally intervene. Just lend me your spirit army." Zion spoke nonchntly, as if the matter was a foregone conclusion. Diana, who had been observing Zion with quavering eyes, exhaled a small sigh and withdrew her celestial sea. "...I need to ask you something else. Why did you seek me out?" The question flowed naturally from her lips. "Because your disdain for Enoch runs deepest." "Is that the sole reason?" "And the secrets concealed beneath the Crimson Pce." "...!" "Isn''t that sufficient?" There was no need toy out every single reason. Zion knew. At this point in time, Diana Agnes was already plotting against the third prince. Indeed, in the chronicles, the fifth princessunches an assault on Enoch, who had left the Imperial City, during the royal family''s mourning ceremony ted for the following month. Of course, it wasn''t a full-scale conflict instigated by her, and even that effort fell short. The primary reason behind Diana''s attempted assassination of Enoch wasn''t detailed in the chronicles, but Zion suspected it was tied to the underground secrets of the Crimson Pce, Enoch''s residence. "... " At Zion''s words, Diana fell silent, as if lost in profound contemtion. ''Indeed, Enoch is the most irksome. His actions have be increasingly insolent ofte, and I''ve been mulling over a suitable retribution. Additionally...'' The obliteration of one of Egrasia''s elemental armies, the vague intelligence regarding the depths of the Crimson Pce, and a myriad of other things surged to the forefront of her mind. Her gaze began to crystallize, turning frostier. Observing her focused in contemtion, Zion leisurely tilted his teacup. After all, the oue was predestined. There would be no alterations, as he had already nted a seed for this eventuality in the past. Not long after. "...You''ve already formted a n to execute this, haven''t you?" Finally, a question signaling her eptance flowed from the lips of the 5th Princess. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Check out my ko-fi for advanced chapters! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 64: Night of Annihilation (2) Chapter 64: Night of Annihtion (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "He''s got bigger ns than I imagined..." The Fifth Princess, Diana, voiced her thoughts aloud in the Blue Star Pce library, a ce Zion had abandoned. "I had presumed he was scheming an assassination." Amazement colored her gaze. The royal family''s contest for the throne, an unending dance of power, has endured since the reign of the first emperor, the Eternal Emperor. The skirmishes, however, were mostly covert operations and hidden power ys. Should ite to inflicting direct harm on other royals, they typically used subtle methods: poison, assassins, or even deploying the star brigade when the target surfaced in the city. A full-blown war, a real struggle for survival amongst the royals, was a rare urrence in the span of the 400-year-old history. Zion''s proposition to Diana this time, however, was very much on that scale. ''He''s not even targeting the Ritual of Four.'' When Zion suggested advancing the Ritual of Four during the council meeting, she assumed his aim was to bait the Third Prince Enoch. However, Zion''s true target was something entirely different. His profound strategies and audacity were enough to send chills down Diana''s spine. ''It''s risky and very perilous, but...'' If all goes ording to n, Enoch might entirely vanish from the city. Preparations to handle the subsequent fallout were already in ce. "It''s a possible route." No, viewed from another angle, a better opportunity might note again. Furthermore, if she pulls this off and contemtes the benefits Diana could gain... ''I can''t back out now that I''ve agreed.'' With her decision made, Diana motioned for Lloyd, who was waiting patiently behind her. "Yes, Your Highness Diana." "How many spirit armies are currently at our disposal?" "Every squad is avable, except for the 7th and 8th who are out on duty." "Bring them to the Blue Star Pce immediately. Make it seem like it''s for the Ritual of Four." "Understood." Lloyd, who didn''t question her abrupt order, nodded and exited the library. In the solitude of the library, "We''re in it now, best to go all out." The eyes of the Fifth Princess glinted coldly, then fell silent. --- Raei Trantions --- Arge iron door marked the end of a corridor in the Red Star Pce''s basement, shielding a room from prying eyes. This was a room that not even the third prince''s closest advisors, those who supervised the human experiments in the basement, had seen. Only Prince Enoch could ess this room. Curiosity about whaty beyond the door was not permitted. Creak! Enoch boldly opened the iron door and stepped inside. As he did, an overwhelming magic power engulfed him, pressing against his body. Despite his numerous visits, and even growing to amodate the magic power within himself, Enoch still found the magic energy in this room disconcerting. "Diral, are you there?" Enoch squinted, casting his question into the room''s unseen depths. Then. "Haha, of course, I''m here. Where else would I be in this city?" A figure emerged from the darkness, a voice full of cheer. He appeared to be a man in his mid-twenties, donned in a dark blue suit from head to toe. With his snake-like slit eyes and pointed ears, he looked somewhat human. However, Enoch knew this was not his true form. ''Demon.'' This man, Diral, was an immensely powerful demon. So powerful, Enoch couldn''t fathom his strength. Approximately a decade ago, Diral unexpectedly appeared before Enoch with apelling proposal. ''I''ll lead you to the throne. But in return, you must assist me.'' Enoch epted the proposition and constructed an experimentalb in the basement for Diral. Soon after, human, elf, giant, and beast-people were subjected to inhumane experiments with ck magic. But Enoch didn''t bat an eye. In fact, he was interested. The results of these experiments substantially enhanced Enoch''s own magic skills. Moreover, the naturally cruel Enoch found enjoyment in it all. "We seem to be on the same page. I was just thinking of you." "Spare me your banter, how is the experiment progressing?" "Thanks to the continual supply of test subjects provided by Your Highness, we''ve made significant progress. But perfection requires more time." "How much longer?" "A few more weeks seem necessary." "I see..." Upon hearing this, Enoch''s eyes clouded with regret. If Diral''s experiment were to seed this time, Enoch could anticipate an unparalleled enhancement in his magic abilities. ''It would be ideal if it werepleted before the royal ritual ceremony... well, no matter.'' Enoch mused, contemting the royal ritual ceremony of the imperial family, now only two days away. The ceremony, by tradition, should have been held a monthter. Yet, it had been prematurely scheduled by Zion Agnes, who had recently be nothing short of a constant nuisance for Enoch. Unaware of his younger brother''s rationale for advancing the date of the ceremony, Enoch was intent on leveraging the situation to his advantage. "Oh, how are the preparations for the ritual ceremony progressing?" Diral, as if sensing Enoch''s thoughts, flicked a finger and asked. "wless. Just as you predicted, Diral, Zion''s motive for moving up the ceremony is likely his intent to expel me from the pce as soon as possible." Enoch replied, his face expressionless. That was the only exnation that made sense to him. Despite the stringent security measures surrounding a royal family member leaving the pce, they inevitably be more exposed than when within the pce walls. This vulnerability was likely what Zion sought to exploit. He likely had set a trap outside the pce and was now waiting patiently. "Starting tonight, I intend to covertly relocate all forces within the Red Star Pce to the outside as a precaution." Even with the forces assigned for the ritual ceremony, Zion''s trap could be easily dismantled. However, Enoch, having experienced several past failures and constantly finding his ns surpassed by Zion, was preparing meticulously this time. ''I will obliterate him with absolute power.'' Regardless of whether Zion initiated an attack, it was of no concern. He could simply make Zion his primary target. Enoch was determined, even if it required great effort during the ceremony, to take Zion''s life. "Oh, if you''re so prepared, barring any unforeseen circumstances, you''ll certainly be able to kill Prince Zion!" Watching the resolve in Enoch''s eyes, Diral exaggeratedly gestured, expressing his words with an inscrutable smile. "But exercise caution, Prince Enoch. The recent rumors concerning Prince Zion are far from ordinary." "That is of no concern. Even if he were ten times the threat the rumors suggest, I am more than capable of crushing him." Enoch dered, his voice resounding with certainty. He had meticulously prepared for this ceremony and had great confidence in his n. All that remained was to witness Zion, reduced to a helpless insect under his foot, on the day of the royal ritual. ''I will not grant you a swift death.'' He nned to corner Zion, leaving no escape, and then subject him to a slow, agonizing death full of despair. Just the thought brought a surge of pleasure to Enoch''s eyes. "......" The demon, Diral, silently observed Enoch with narrowed eyes. He refrained from informing Enoch that the rumors he knew of Zion Agnes differed greatly from Enoch''s understanding. --- Raei Trantions --- Why, in the annals of Frosimar, did the moon turn red? The turning of the moon to a crimson hue in the records of Frosimar was a question that gued Zion upon his immersion into the chronicles. No exact cause was documented, though several hypotheses were proposed. Zion was partial to the theory that proposed the moon as a repository for the souls of the departed. The theory suggested that upon the demise of a living being, its soul ascended to the moon. As the moon rued more souls, it deepened into a richer shade of red. ''Something doesn''t feel quite right.'' Such were Zion''s thoughts as he studied the full moon overhead. Should the hypothesis hold true, the moon was destined to be steeped in an even more profound red, courtesy of Zion himself. "Prince Zion." In the quiet solitude behind Zion, who was gazing at the moon from a secluded garden in the Xing Pce, Thierry appeared. "The third prince has made his move." No further words were necessary. Every other element was already wlessly in ce, with one key remaining to set everything into motion. Thierry was implying that the key was now avable. Upon hearing this, Zion slowly turned to regard Thierry. Thierry''s eyes, unlike before, held no trace of doubt. Instead, they bore only awe and unwavering loyalty towards Zion. A look reminiscent of a zealous follower. Yet, it was a look that Zion found oddly familiar. It was the look worn by all who had looked upon him during his reign as emperor. "And Liushina?" "She has just arrived in Hubris." "Then she should arrive in time." Upon hearing this, Zion, grinning, slowly began to move away from the garden. "Do we depart immediately? Perhaps it would be wiser to wait for the Thousand-Year Witch to reach the imperial city..." "No, the time is now." Zion interrupted Thierry, who had been speaking as he followed. From the moment he had annihted one of Diana''s spirit armies to his proposal to expedite the royal ceremony during the national assembly. All these steps were precursors to this day. ''In reality, there''s another reason I proposed moving up the royal ceremony.'' The primary reason for Zion''s initial targeting of Enoch was not solely due to him being the most vulnerable among the royal family. It was also because, given sufficient time, Enoch had the potential to be the most formidable adversary. The human experimentation conducted by the third prince in the pce''s subterranean levels, in coboration with demons, was a case in point. In a short span, Enoch would reap significant gains from these experiments, increasing his power exponentially. The apex of this power surge was due to coincide with the royal ritual, had it proceeded as originally nned a monthter. At that juncture, Enoch would be as challenging to eliminate as one of the world''s strongest beings, Iverlin. ''The failure of Diana''s attack at the royal ceremony in the chronicle is a testament to this.'' The week Zion had alluded to when proposing to advance the royal ceremony at the national assembly. This week represented Zion''sst opportunity, he believed, to bring an end to Enoch. Step by measured step. Having concluded his contemtion and exiting the garden, Zion navigated the imperial city at a leisurely pace, his foreboding shadow trailing in his wake like an ominous specter. Guided by this impending darkness, perhaps? Softly, secretively. Figures began to emerge from hidden corners,mencing their silent pursuit of Zion. Scores, no, hundreds. Their numbers swelled within moments, amassing into a formidable battalion. Sensing the formation of this legion, Zion cast his gaze upon the moon overhead. The full moon was awash with a striking red hue. Tonight, the crimson glow of that moon would intensify further. Gradually, a glimmer of ck starlightmenced its dance in Zion''s eyes. It was finally time to initiate the inaugural royal hunt. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 65: Night of Annihilation (3) Chapter 65: Night of Annihtion (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Icarus, one of the magic groups of the Imperial City. Though Zion and Liushina had almost wiped them out the previous day, there were some who had survived. These were the ones who had been away from the city during the grand ceremony, and so had escaped the disaster. Still, Icarus was nearly broken, and the remaining mages were shadows of their former selves. For instance, "Why must we do this?" Thisint came from Albert, a mage and one of the two gatekeepers at the pce''s main gate. "Even with Icarus in ruins, shouldn''t lesser knights from the city be put on guard duty?" "Stop your grumbling." Mage John, standing to Albert''s right, gave him a warning nce. "Frankly, we should be thankful we''re still breathing." "That may be true, but this is unfair. Why are we punished for the poor choices of our leaders?" "Quiet!" John quickly silenced Albert with a stern finger to his lips. They were standing before the royal pce; anyone inside could have heard Albert''s words. "For now, we should keep a low profile. Even if Icarus is shattered, our skills aren''t gone. Once things calm down, we might be moved to different magic groups." "But when will that happen? We''ve been left out of the royal ritual entirely. Did you notice? They gathered all the pce forces and sent them out of the city. But here we are, still stuck." "......" John didn''t respond to Albert''sint. He too was unhappy with their current situation. It was clear that Third Prince Enoch was heavily focused on the royal ritual scheduled for the next day. In secret, he had deployed all forces, leaving behind only the minimum required for pce security. The fact that they were still stuck at the pce meant they were totally left out. Suddenly, "What''s...?" Albert voiced his confusion, peering into the distance. "What''s happening?" "Look. What''s that?" John''s eyes filled with uncertainty as he followed the direction of Albert''s pointing finger. Thump, thump. The ominous sound of footsteps echoed, creating a chill that touched their hearts, as a figure emerged from the distance. The darkness that shrouded the figure, darker than the night itself, swallowed up the surrounding light. Yet, it wasn''t just the figure that puzzled Albert and John. Hundreds trailed behind the lone figure. Normally, an army would number in the tens of thousands. But, for Albert and John, this small band of hundreds felt as immense as a full-fledged army. A spectacle rarely seen, even within the Imperial City. But the issue was that this small army was moving toward the royal pce. "No, it can''t be, they''re..." Thud! Before Albert could finish his sentence, his head vanished, his body slowly toppling over. "Albert!" Figures began to emerge from the darkness, one by one, filling the now solitary John''s view. "You, you''re...!" And then, like Albert, John''s head vanished in a sh. Zion, the man leading the group, gazed at the fallen mages with dull eyes, then turned toward the shut gates of the royal pce. "Let''s move in immediately." At Zion''s whisper, The pce gates exploded into fragments. Zion slowly began to step into the now open royal pce. As Zion crossed the entryway and reached the middle of therge hall, "Intruders! We have intruders!" Like an rm, a wave of knights and mages poured from within the pce. Their faces held shock and confusion, not expecting an attack inside the Imperial City. "How dare you threaten the pce where Prince Enoch resides!" Led by an older knight with a thick beard, the pce knights charged toward Zion. As they neared Zion, "Erase the first ones to attack." Lloyd, captain of the first team of Egrasia, standing behind Zion, spoke in a cold voice. At that, the spirit legion started moving. Hundreds? No, thousands? In an instant, countless ice spirits materialized, each one forming into a white spear andunching toward the oing knights. "Argh!" "Ugh!" Unable to defend against the ice spears, the knights fell one after the other. After all, the spirit magic cast by Egrasia''s spirit mages had the power to rival mid-level magic. So, the knights tasked with guarding the pce entrance stood no chance. "!!!!!" Horror filled the eyes of the mages who watched the scene unfold from the back. Just one strike was all it took to understand who their assants were. After all, only one force in the world could wield that level of spirit magic, thousands strong. The Spirit Legion, Egrasia. "The, the Spirit Legion!" "Why is Egrasia here!" The mages'' voices echoed with confusion, but it was already toote. Boom! The Spirit Mages of Egrasia, who had already cut down the charging knights, now surged toward the mages. In less than ten seconds, "Why is Egrasia... Argh!" The hall was rapidly cleared of mages by the unstoppable Spirit Mages. Known as the Spirit Legion, Egrasia was the Agnes Empire''s most potent band of Spirit Mages, capable of matching a legion with mere hundreds. Now, Egrasia''s immense power was being unleashed without restraint. Having cleared the hall in mere moments, Egrasia''s Spirit Mages looked to Zion for their nextmand. "Enoch''s offices and bedrooms are all located on the pce''s top floor. We''ll pave a path there immediately." Despite their location within the Royal Pce, Enoch''s base, Lloyd spoke with a confidence born not just from their Spirit Legion''s power, but from knowing that the pce was essentially deserted. Almost all of Enoch''s forces in the Imperial City had been drawn out, likely due to the royal festival starting tomorrow, a fact they had confirmed. Lloyd found himself admiring Zion, who had orchestrated this entire situation. ''From persuading Princess Diana, who wouldn''t move unless she was leading, to manipting Enoch, creating this situation...'' Zion''s intricate strategies were something to behold, even before considering his power. Then, "No, the rest of you go underground." Zion nodded and spoke. "Huh?" "Diana has something she wants to verify down there." "What''s that..." Although Lloyd was filled with questions, Zion''s gaze had already shifted upward, toward the pce. "... Squads 2 and 3 follow Zion. The rest head underground with me." "Understood." Watching Zion''s retreating figure, Lloyd issued the instructions and quickly headed for the underground. In his experience, swift action was important in such a raid. "Who, who are you...!" Crash! "Intruders! Stop... Argh!" Numerous troops tried to block their path, but none could stand against the Spirit Legion for even a moment. Their attempts ended in a futile cycle of death. The sight that awaited them at the basement''s end was a colossal iron door, thrice as thick as any others and fortified with magic. "We''re breaking it down and going in." Boom! Upon demolishing the iron door, Lloyd and Egrasia stepped through, taking in the scene thaty beyond. At that moment, "Insane...!" With a harsh curse, Lloyd''s face, which had remained unchanged no matter what happened, started to contort uncontrobly. --- Raei Trantions --- Screech! Meanwhile, Zion, practically sprinting up the stairs, had sword strokes aimed at his important points from both sides. As if he''d anticipated this, he fluidly sidestepped and angled his body to avoid the swords. As he moved, the surrounding darkness swelled like a roaring me, engulfing the knights who''d attacked. "Argh!" A wet squelch emanated from the inky shadows that had consumed the knights, but Zion passed by without a backward nce. ''I need to get to Enoch as quickly as possible.'' After all, the majority of the enemy forces would likely be located in the underground ck magicboratory. Given the upper levels were nearly vacant, speed was of the essence. While it was improbable Enoch would flee to evade Zion, the slim chance remained. If Enoch escaped now, it could severely disrupt Zion''s future ns. "Block him! He cannot reach the upper floors!" Meanwhile, dozens of magicians loyal to Prince Enoch descended from the pce''s upper levels, indiscriminatelyunching spells at Zion and the Egrasia trailing behind him. Was this really the stronghold of a potential sessor to the Agnes Empire? The intensity of the magicians'' attacks was a stark contrast to the minor skirmish at the entrance, even with their forces spread thin. Spells of every kind painted the entire space red, leaving no room for escape. Theirbined power created a potent synergy, transforming into an even more formidable force. "Spirit Tree deploy!" In response to the iing barrage, Celia, the captain of Egrasia''s second squad, called forth their defense. Numerous spirits, summoned by the spirit users''posite shields, intertwined into a massive tree. The Spirit Tree, a quintessentialrge-scale defensive technique of the Spirit Legion, Egrasia. The Spirit Tree shed with the onught of spells, resulting in a colossal explosion that echoed through the pce. In that instant, a streak of darkness pierced through the st. The darkness streaked forward like a bolt of horizontal lightning, quickly closing in on the unsuspecting magicians loyal to Prince Enoch. However, "How dare you underestimate us! Are you seeking death?" A battle-ready magician, disying impressive reaction speed, noticed Zion transforming into darkness and attempting to bypass the pce''s magicians. He immediately moved to intercept Zion''s path. Upon seeing this, otherbat magicians quickly converged on Zion, augmenting their bodies with auxiliary andbat magic, cornering him from all sides. "Damn it!" Watching the scene unfold through the dissipating explosion, Celia sprinted towards Zion, expressing a curse under her breath. ''What is he thinking, going in alone?'' Confusion shone in her eyes. The recent sh had clearly demonstrated that these magicians were on a different levelpared to the ones they had previously encountered at the entrance. She couldn''t understand why Zion had willingly thrown himself into the midst of these battle-hardened magicians. Even considering his remarkable growth recently, it seemed like a reckless, even suicidal, action. "Bring him down!" In response, thebat magicians swarmed, and Zion''s figure disappeared amongst them. "Dodge!" Unable to reach him in time, Celia grimaced and shouted out a warning. "Frenzy." A soft voice resonated across the battlefield, reaching everybatant, including Celia. "It seems you''re the ones being reckless." They were unaware that Zion had orchestrated this very situation. The protective wall created by thebat magicians around Zion exploded violently. An eerily chilling ck light erupted from within, radiating an unsettling aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who merely witnessed it. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 66: Night of Annihilation (4) Chapter 66: Night of Annihtion (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The study of the Fifth Princess, situated at the top of Cheongseong Pce, was where Diana found herself, staring at the distant Hyukseong Pce through arge window. Bathed in faint moonlight, Hyukseong Pce radiated tranquility. But Diana knew better. She knew that inside those serene walls, a struggle that could drastically shift the bnce of power was unfolding. A soft sigh slipped from her lips, her eyes flickering with worry. "Should I intervene personally?" The strategy was foolproof, but the oue of this sh could affect not only Zion''s status but also her own. Her anxiety was inevitable. Yet, she stayed put at Cheongseong Pce because her personal involvement could dramatically alter the implications of the battle. ''In fact, the moment I dispatched Egrasia, I essentially dered my involvement...'' There was another issue nagging at her. ''How do we deal with Enoch?'' Ideally, with Hyukseong Pce almost vacant, they could unleash the full might of the spirit army on the third prince without any hindrances. However, there was no guarantee that unforeseen variables wouldn''te into y. ''Zion isn''t ready to face Enoch alone yet.'' This was evident. Despite Zion recently acquiring the Sword of Extinction, he was still considerably outmatched by Enoch. Enoch, one of the outliers who defiedmon sense, had already mastered celestial arts and magic. ''It wouldn''t be too bad if Zion were to perish...'' But Enoch needed to fall tonight, at the very least. ''I''m also curious about what lies beneath.'' How long did she stare at Hyukseong Pce, her face etched with worry? With a swish, Diana made up her mind, grabbed her cloak from the chair, and put it on. --- Raei Trantions --- Lloyd Flurner, a trusted associate of the Fifth Princess Diana and the leader of Egrasia''s first squadron, was recognized for his icy, logical demeanor, even among the normally rational fairies. Those who had known him for years seldom saw him frown. Yet, now. "These damned fools!" His face was twisted with anger. His words filled with rage. "How dare they...!" The sight that met his eyes was the underbelly of Hyukseong Pce. The ss walls that nked the hallway revealed a scene straight from the underworld. Each race - humans, fairies, giants, beastmen - were all horribly distorted by magical experiments. A fairy woman, unnaturally adorned with extra limbs, cried bloody tears. A giant, with three heads sewn shut at the eyes and mouth, howled in pain. A fox beastman writhed on the floor, having been horrifically fused with all sorts of creatures. It was an unspeakable taboo. What drove Lloyd to fury were the fairies begging for death rather than salvation. "How can a personmit such atrocities!" The number of fairies in the world was far fewer than the other races. Every single fairy was treasured, and their kinship ran deep. Witnessing these fairies subjected to inhuman experiments through dark magic, Lloyd teetered on the brink of madness. If Diana, who cared for the fairies even more than he did, saw this scene, her fury would know no bounds. AHHHHHHHH! "Hold them back... they''ve gone too far!" Meanwhile, the chimeras and mages who had spotted them started charging towards Lloyd and the spirit mages. Lloyd, his eyes aze, stared down the oing foes and dered: "Today, Egrasia will wipe out everything here, leaving no trace behind." Immediately following his words, a harsh incantation flowed from Lloyd''s mouth. Finally, the real conflict between the two groups ignited. And simultaneously, Squeak- A narrow iron door at the very end of Hyukseong Pce''s basement creaked open. --- Raei Trantions --- What''s the most significant change when Dark Star transitions from 2-star to 3-star? It''s the creation of the Dark Circuit. Thiswork exists within the user''s body, dedicated to channeling Dark Star energy. The 3-star Dark Star is formed by activating all these Dark Circuits. The benefits are straightforward. Faster speed and incredible efficiencypared to the blood vessels which were the initial conduits for Dark Star energy. Therefore, Techniques that were previously unusable due to the immense energy requirements, were now feasible. ck light burst from Zion''s body, transforming into hundreds of sharp des, tearing through the iing spells and the mages who cast them. As if that wasn''t enough, the ck light extended further, mercilessly tearing apart every object nearby, including other mages. An expansive open area was quickly formed around Zion, bringing a stop to the battlefield''s noise. ''This should be sufficient.'' Amid the silence, Zion, grinning at a stunned Celia, turned and made his way towards the stairs leading up. With just one strike, nearly a quarter of Enoch''s mages had been decimated. At this pace, the remaining 2nd and 3rd squads of the Spirit Army would be able to swiftlyplete the mop-up operation. It wasn''t until some time after Zion ascended the pce floors that the sounds of battle echoed from below once again. ''Could those mages have been thest of their defenses?'' While allowing the distant noise to fill his ears, Zion cast his gaze upwards. The Hyukseong Pce spanned a total of seven floors. Zion was currently on the sixth, meaning Enoch''s office was just one floor above. Yet, no one obstructed his path, not even a single servant was in sight. It was as if the entire floor had been deserted. However, ''That can''t be right.'' With this thought, Zion narrowed his eyes and raised a hand next to his face. As his hand became engulfed in the darkness of the Dark Star, A burst of red mes erupted in all directions with immense force. In the midst of this, a massive de appeared, shing against Zion''s hand. "Oh, you managed to block that?" The owner of the de addressed Zion with a smirk. A blue-skinned demoness, her arms reced by des. "You''ve got good instincts, huh?" With those words, the demoness deftly repelled Zion''s hand touching her de, using the recoil to propel herself backwards. Her movements were cat-like, agile. And just then, Something enormous burst through the wall next to Zion, charging at him with rming speed. Zion''s body slid sideways as if on ice, colliding with the opposite wall. "What''s this? Did youe here all by yourself?" Soon after, the thing that had lunged at Zion unfurled its colossal form, releasing a low, guttural growl. A towering, bald demon standing at least 2.5 meters tall, his body encased in solid ck muscle. A dreadful magic energy radiated from the muscr demon, naturally exerting its dominance over the surroundings. "There was no need for both of us to be here." The muscr demon spoke, his eyes on Zion embedded in the wall, disappointment clear in his gaze. Click. ck. "That''s what I''ve been saying. Has he no idea of his own strength or his position?" The de-wielding woman strode over to the muscr demon and retorted. Her eyes held a mockingughter, unlike the muscr demon''s disappointment. Their names were Kizanya and Adum. They were like special forces, not under themand of any of the five great demon generals who oversee the demons in the human world. "Master Diral is going overboard. Sending us just to stop one guy." Their sole purpose for being here was singr. Anticipating the potential for all forces within the Hyukseong Pce to be drawn out, Diral had summoned them as a safeguard for Enoch. Although Diral''s assumptions proved urate, Adum, who had looked forward to a proper human ughter after so long, could not conceal his profound disappointment. "I don''t believe Master Diral expected him to foolishlye alone. But it seems to have worked out. This is the same guy causing all those pesky rumors recently. It''s not bad to eliminate him when we have the chance." Kizanya shrugged her shoulders in response to Adum. She was well aware of the rumors about Prince Zion circting among the demons. The rumor that Prince Zion was systematically hunting down the monsters hidden within the empire. She knew that all demons dispatched concerning this matter had met their end. But there was no trace of concern in her eyes. ''They''re merely beings teetering on the edge of intermediate-level, at best.'' And that was under the assumption that Prince Zion was fighting alongside the red-eyed woman, not by himself. That meant Prince Zion''s personal strength was even more mediocre. In contrast, Kizanya herself was a respectable intermediate-level demon. Furthermore, when paired with Adum, who was practically her best friend, they even surpassed the intermediate level. The disparity seemed vast. To Kizanya, the power wielded by Prince Zion was so insignificant that it wasn''t even worth engaging seriously. "The pce''s basement seems to be in quite a ruckus right now. Let''s finish this quickly and head down there." Adum muttered to Kizanya, shing his enormous fists together and started advancing towards Zion. His eyes gleamed with a thirst for battle. "You handle this one on your own." "I have one question." "....!" Dusting himself off, Zion emerged from the wall and began to speak, looking at the two with half-closed eyes. "How do you feel about insects scurrying along the floor?" "....What?" Zion appeared perfectly unscathed, despite having taken a blow from Adum without exerting his full strength. Kizanya wore a puzzled expression, slightly surprised, at Zion''s peculiar question. Step by step, Ignoring that, Zion slowly walked towards Kizanya and Adum, continuing his speech. "But these insects are in your way." The darkness fluttering around Zion transitioned into dark energy, wrapping itself inyers around his entire form. "And they spew absurdities about not knowing their ce, about intending to kill you." "What on earth are you...." "How do you think that would make you feel?" The darkness eventually enveloped Zion''s body entirely, obscuring him from view. "Isn''t that terribly bothersome?" From within the darkness that fully cloaked Zion, a brilliant white light began to emanate. "That''s exactly how I feel right now." The light in his eyes curved, as if smirking at a private joke. "What? This insolent cur dares to...who...!" It was only when Kizanya''s face contorted with rage that she grasped the true meaning of Zion''s words ¨C the ''insects'' he referred to were them. It happened in a sh. No, even less than a sh. The time it took for Zion, his reactions far exceeding those of the two demons, to m Kizanya''s head into the floor. "Kiiiiii!" From the darkness entirely shrouding Zion''s form, an eerie wailing sound began to reverberate. One of the primary techniques of Aurelion, the Emperor who had once unified the world. This was the moment when his mantle finally revealed its true form to the world. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 67: Night of Annihilation (5) Chapter 67: Night of Annihtion (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "Kiaaaaaak!" The monstrous Chimera wildly swung its four arms. But. The Chimera couldn''t touch its prey and was set ame by intense heat. "Looks like it''s almost over." Ragut, from Egrasia''s First Division who had reduced the Chimera to ashes with his magic, made thisment while surveying the scene. The fight between Egrasia, the basement wizards of the enemy''s castle, and the Chimeras was still on. However, the gap in power was evident, and the enemy forces inside the castle were rapidly shrinking. "I can''t believe the Third Prince teamed up with dark wizards." Ragut said, gazing at the nearly ruined underground facility. Finding a human experimentb underground was shocking enough, but what was more shocking was the potent, sickening magic energy filling the underground. Regardless of royal status, no one could avoid the fallout of such actions. Suddenly. "Hmm?" Had he wandered here naturally during the battle? He spotted something odd deep underground. A massive iron gate at the end of a long, straight hallway that ran underground. An unusuallyrge gate, twice the size of others and etched with weird characters, gave off a strange aura. "What''s behind this?" With that thought, Ragut instinctively walked toward the iron gate. Something important must be behind that door, located in the hidden depths of the castle''s underground. "Kreeeak!" After incinerating all enemies in his path, Ragut reached the gate, forcefully pushed it open without a second thought, and stepped in. Suddenly, he found himself surrounded byplete darkness. "What is...!" At that moment, Ragut noticed something and his eyes widened in surprise. Magic energy. The room was filled with an enormous amount of magic energy, unlike anything he had felt underground so far. It was so overpowering that he could hardly breathe. "This isn''t good." Alongside hisment, an eerily cheerful voice echoed in Ragut''s ears. Then, his shocked eyes turned to the source of the voice. Suddenly, Ragut exploded. Pieces of him and blood flew in all directions. From the room''s darkness, now slowly turning a deep red, a man slowly stepped forward. A man in a dark navy suit, with eyes resembling a snake. It was Diral, a demon. "I didn''t see thising." A grimace spread across his face. Honestly, the present situation surpassed his predictions. Their rival''s castle was deserted just for one night due to a heatwave. He thought they might seize this chance, but he didn''t foresee such a massive assault. ''Who made this call?'' Whoever designed this n must have sharp instincts, deep strategic thinking, and a daring boldness like a wild animal. As he pondered the possible candidates, Diral took a peek outside through the slightly opened iron gate. "What to do...." His eyes mirrored his predicament. The presence of the Elemental Corps, butchering the allied wizards and Chimeras outside linked with the Third Prince, wasn''t an issue at all. Because if Diral himself stepped in, everything could be wrapped up quickly. However, the problem was he couldn''t do that. If he came forward and revealed himself, this undergroundb would be seen as a product of demons, not dark wizards, from that moment. The difference was substantial. If mishandled, it could even mess up the grand scheme. "It''s a shame, but there''s no other choice." Deciding quickly to abandon the experiments in the enemy''s castle, Diral started to vanish and soon glided through the battlefield in the basement. Despite crossing through the hallway in the heart of a brutal battle, none of the wizards from Enoch''s side or the elementalists from Egrasia noticed him. Only the leader of the First Division, Lloyd, briefly wrinkled his brow due to a momentary feeling of unease. In a blink, Diral, having escaped from underground, went past the shattered main gate of the enemy castle and stared at the top floor where Enoch was. ''I''ll reconnect with the Third Prince once things settle down. That is, if he survives.'' With that thought, Diral''s form blended into the night''s shadows and began moving away from the enemy castle. Whether he had a set destination or not, his figure boldly moved ahead. --- Raei Trantions --- Crash! Zion repeatedly mmed Kizanya''s head into the ground. "Kizanya!" Only then did Adum, realizing what was happening,unch his massive fist towards Zion, standing right next to him. The fist, carrying such intense force it warped the surrounding air, shot towards Zion. Normally, Zion would dodge that fist and look for an opening, but he didn''t do that this time. While still gripping Kizanya''s head with one hand, Zion extended his other hand towards Adum''s iing fist. The moment their fists shed. An enormous shockwave burst from the point of impact, rapidly radiating out and starting to devastate everything in its path. Apanying it was a piercing scream. "Aaaaaah!" The source of the outcry was Adum. His fist, once it made contact with Zion''s, was utterly destroyed, unrecognizable. His eyes, wide with disbelief and shock, seemed more affected by the situation than the pain coursing through him. With a stoic gaze, Zion tightened his grip on Kizanya''s face. ck mes erupted simultaneously, engulfing her entire face. "Aaaaah!" As if her skin was seared, Kizanya, trapped in Zion''s hand, iled and shrieked. Annoyed by her screams, Zion slightly furrowed his brows and plunged his other hand into her chest. Disregarding multipleyers of defensive magic that Kizanya desperately cast, Zion''s hand impaled her heart in a blink. "Cough!" Kizanya''s screams stopped abruptly, her body going limp. Nonchntly tossing her aside, Zion redirected his attention to Adum. "You monster!" Was it only then that he recovered from his shock? With a booming shout, Adum, fixing his gaze on Zion, began gathering all his remaining magic energy. Thud! His muscles started to bulge noticeably in response. Adum was in disbelief. Unlike other demons, he had invested everything in his iron-like physique and brute strength. He simply couldn''t reconcile being overpowered in a contest of might. "I''ll obliterate you!" As he transformed into an almost 3-meter-tall figure, Adum barreled towards Zion like a war machine. The ground fractured under his weight. Thump, thump, thump, thump! Watching Adum charging, Zion tightened his fist. The darkness cloaking Zion seemed to respond, burning more menacingly. An armor that immactely shields the wearer from all external forces while amplifying physical capabilities. Because of that, there was no reason for Zion, in his current form, to evade the assault. Zion''s fist, lightly thrust forward. The moment it met Adum''s shoulder, finally within reach. A shockwave so tremendous it reverberated through the entire 6th floor of the Crimson Pce erupted, and Adum''s torso shattered as if made of ss. Instantly thereafter, Adum''s lower half copsed. ''It should be fine since I destroyed the transfer core entirely.'' Once Zion confirmed that the important signs emanating from Adum had entirely vanished, he turned towards Kizanya, copsed in a corner. Despite the severe burns on her head and a pierced heart, she clung to life. "H-How...¡± As Zion approached unhurriedly, she managed to whisper in a voice filled with despair. Kizanya couldn''t understand the situation. Prince Zion''s power, as she understood, was significantly inferior to theirs. But the reality was that they were outmatched. Where had they been misled from the start? "You cling to life as stubbornly as a cockroach." Reaching Kizanya, Zion, with no intention of responding to her question, quietly murmured and, unflinchingly, crushed her head. The bodies of the two demons gradually turned to ash and scattered. Zion watched the scene for a moment, turned, and began his ascent once more. Although time was pressing, Zion wasn''t in a hurry. No, there was no need to rush anymore. A formidable power emanated from the upper floor. Zion was on the 6th floor, and the Crimson Pce only extended to the 7th. The 7th floor was precisely where the Third Prince Enoch resided. Hence, this power could only belong to Enoch. ''He''s making a bold promation.'' Feeling the overwhelming power, as if dering he wouldn''t run or hide, Zion chuckled and began to move slowly towards its source. That source was Enoch''s library, located on the 7th floor. Unhesitatingly, Zion, upon reaching the library, pushed the door open. Shortly after, Enoch, seated on an antique chair in the middle of the library, came into Zion''s view. Contrary to expectations, Enoch''s expression was serene. "So it was you, Zion?" The third prince''s dry voice filled the room. "Who else could it be?" "...Indeed. It would have been advantageous to know that from the start." Enoch, having observed Zion for a moment, allowed a bitter smile to cross his face and began to speak. "Initially, I regarded you as nothing more than a gnat." An irritation that posed no real threat if left alone, but could be bothersome if ignored. That''s why he had dispatched assassins to eliminate Zion, and manipted the session ceremony. "But at some point, my perceptions about you began to falter." When precisely had that happened? "Nevertheless, I didn''t care. I assumed you got lucky at the session ceremony, believed Evelyn had aided with the wee troops, and dismissed my judgement on Lergan as a miscalction. But... now, I see clearly." Enoch only came to this realization when Zion, leading Egrasia, stormed through the main gates of the Crimson Pce, a pce he himself had emptied. "I was dancing in the palm of your hand." Rising from his chair, Enoch''s eyes glowed with a grim light. "I surrender to your prowess, Zion." Simultaneously, four stars within his pupils began to radiate a pristine white light. "And here, I will harness all my power to eliminate you." The overpowering aura of celestial energy erupting from him began to pervade the surrounding space, melding with Enoch''s uniquely dense magical power. Objects around them turned to dust and the Crimson Pce shook merely from Enoch unveiling his true power. In the eye of the storm, Zion regarded Enoch with icy eyes. "Then I shall do the same." At that moment, a soft voice emerged from Zion. Zion gripped the Extinction Sword Exia in his right hand. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 68: Night of Annihilation (6) Chapter 68: Night of Annihtion (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The Celestial Sea, a force mastered only by the royal Agnes family''s direct heirs, ruled the world. Just before hising-of-age ceremony, Enoch realized he was less gifted in wielding the Celestial Sea than his siblings. It was one thing for Rubrious and Evelyn, who had harnessed the Celestial Sea before him, to move forward. But when Utekan and Diana, who had surely harnessed it after him, also progressed, Enoch had to face the truth. He could no longer overlook what he''d tried so hard to ignore. Four stars. That''s all the Celestial Sea granted to Enoch. From then, Enoch threw himself into the study of magic obsessively. Was it because the Ozlima family was his mother''s side? Thankfully, his magical talent surpassed expectations. At the young age of thirty, he peaked at level 7 and aimed for level 8. Once Enoch sessfullybined such magic and the Celestial Sea in his unique way, he was finally acknowledged as a powerhouse in the Agnes family. However. ''It''s still not enough.'' Enoch''s desire for power did not fade. His current strength wouldn''t secure the throne for him. The Celestial Sea denied Enoch further growth, and his magic''s progress was agonizingly slow. So, Enoch sought something different. And then, the demon, Diral, found Enoch. --- Raei Trantions --- Boom! Not only did Enoch''s Celestial Sea shake the surroundings, but it also blew apart the library''s ceiling and outer walls. Now, the night sky and the erging battlefield were fully exposed. Enoch was a mage. Even if his closebat preparations were wless, a mage''s nature always favored distance. So, when the battle began, Enoch imed his space. This act was no less than an announcement that Enoch took Zion seriously and was prepared to exert all his strength. ''I don''t know what these are...'' Enoch, eyeing the darkness wrapping Zion''s body and the ck sword in his hand, gauged the distance. He had already witnessed it when the old Zion fought with Lergan, but he still couldn''t fathom its true nature. A force that stirred up unsettling feelings deep within him just by looking at it. However. ''As long as it''s not the same Celestial Sea, it doesn''t matter.'' The Celestial Sea dominates all powers in the world. So, regardless of the power that darkness held, he could just suppress it. Whoosh! With that, dozens of light orbs sprang up around Enoch, hurled towards Zion. These orbs weren''t simple magic. They nibbled at the surrounding space as they charged at Zion. Zion, watching the iing light orbs, swung his Exia in a horizontal arc. The light orbs caught in the ck line vanished as if they never existed. Seizing the momentary gap, Zion lunged forward, as though he''d been waiting for this. A shockwave echoed where Zion had rushed past. The darkness radiating from Zion''s body, amplified by the lunar eclipse, was ming with tremendous force. Prince Enoch was a tougher opponent than any Zion had faced before. Holding back against him was a surefire path to defeat. "Isn''t your attack too direct?" Just as Zion, charging in a straight line, was about to reach him, Enoch murmured and tightened his outstretched hand. Potent magic exploded from him, morphing into a spell that froze Zion in ce. This was high-level magic, unusable without tampering with space itself. Suddenly, dozens of light spears rained down on Zion, frozen in space. Each spear packed enough power to pulverize a house-sized boulder. Just as the spears were about to engulf Zion... "This is the best way." Zion chuckled and murmured, his mantle resonating with Exia, releasing a massive, hair-raising wave. Enoch''s immobilizing spell and the showering light spears evaporated as if erased, upon contact with the wave. "...!" Enoch''s eyes widened at the bizarre sight, unlike anything he''d ever seen or heard of. Despite seeing it with his own eyes, he couldn''t understand even a fraction of it. Before Enoch could react, Zion, now closer, shed with his Exia. The ck lightning that had eradicated the demon''s darkness earlier now pulsed from Zion''s sword, hugely boosted by the lunar eclipse. Prince Enoch, not underestimating its power, activated his Celestial Sea, casting dozens of defensive spells. The shockwave from the collision of Enoch''s defensive spells and Zion''s extinction sword started tearing the surrounding air. With that, Enoch''s library waspletely ruined. Crash! As the thick dust spread from that, the ck sword light Zion created swooped down. Inside Zion, the dark circuit throbbed with fervor, ceaselessly amplifying the ck Star. Its potency was unlike when the elder Zion used the iplete lunar eclipse. The lunar eclipse, essible from the third stage, was a technique channeled through the dark circuit, not through the blood vessels. Hence, it was inherently more stable and potent. "You held back when you fought Lergan, didn''t you?" As Enoch parried Zion''s sword strike, he murmured in surprise. Such growth in a short span seemed imusible, making it difficult to exin the current situation. Incredible power for Zion, once deemed the royal family''s disgrace. However... "This level won''t suffice." With those words, the four stars spinning in Enoch''s eyes began to radiate a brilliant light. Just as Zion, who''d been unleashing sword strikes, raised an eyebrow... With the burst of starlight, Enoch''s magic began to wholly reverse. --- Raei Trantions --- "... Is this what you meant, Zion?" A short distance from the Red Castle. Evelyn Agnes, alongside her knights, observed the battle unfolding atop the Red Castle and murmured. Roar! A resounding roar and the aftermath reaching even where they stood. The epicenter of such a sh were Zion and Enoch. "Don''t interfere, regardless of what happens in the Imperial City." Zion had instructed Evelyn after a private discussion following the old national assembly. On receiving the battle report, Evelyn had been heading towards the Red Castle, but she stopped when she saw Zion. "I didn''t expect him to cause such amotion." While she anticipated trouble from Zion''s words, she hadn''t foreseen it to be this significant. Moreover, judging by the surge of spiritual energies emanating from the Red Castle''s basement, it seemed Diana was also embroiled in the conflict. All these developments surpassed her expectations. However, what startled Evelyn the most was something else. "I never knew he was this powerful..." It was Zion, locked inbat against Enoch. More urately, it was Zion''s power that was matching blows with Enoch. Though she''d heard about it over time, this was her first time witnessing him fight. Consequently, Evelyn''s astonishment was inevitable. Furthermore, that peculiar darkness that was nullifying Enoch''s magic. It definitely wasn''t the Celestial Sea. Yet, something about it felt simr. Evelyn, despite reaching the heavens, couldn''t pinpoint the source of the darkness she''d once glimpsed in Zion''s eyes. "But..." The sight of Zion skillfully wielding that darkness, cutting through various enigmas... The sight was intimidating enough to involuntarily tighten Evelyn''s grip as she watched. "That''s not enough." But against Enoch, it was still insufficient. As these words escaped Evelyn''s lips... --- Raei Trantions --- Whoosh! With a light intense enough to momentarily bleach the night sky, Zion''s body plummeted towards the base of the Red Castle. Zion''s body, which had descended from the top of the Red Castle instantaneously, plunged into the ground, forming a massive crater. Dust rose, thickening and spreading in every direction. "Hoo..." Rising from within the crater, Zion assessed his condition. A single strike. His armor of darkness, which had encased his body, was entirely shattered by the single blow he''d received. Apanied by that, his body groaned and creaked from various locations. Had he not been d in his armor, he would''ve lost his life the moment the blow struck. ''So, I''m still not enough?'' Despite the ck Star reaching three stars and the use of the Lunar Eclipse that amplified all his abilities several times over, a substantial gap persisted between Zion and Enoch. The direct descendant of the royal family, deemed a ''monster'' for possessing unparalleled power even within the Frosimar Chronicles, right? Starting from basic capabilities, to the implementation of magic, speed, and output. Enoch outssed Zion in all these aspects, but the primary reason for Zion''s disadvantage was something else. "Is that the extent of your abilities?" Dozens of starlights brilliantly adorned the night sky, orbiting Enoch, who gradually descended from the heavens towards Zion. That was the problem. The moment Enoch invoked that power, Zion''s chances of victory vanished. Gxy Lactea of the Star River. A unique magic created by Prince Enoch, the 3rd Prince, fusing the Celestial Sea and magic in his peculiar way, a magic exclusive to him in this world. One of the paramount powers featured in the Frosimar Chronicles, the Celestial Sea. The properties of the Celestial Sea, which reigned supreme among all powers in the world and could even belittle the world''sws, were wholly integrated into those starlights. "How did you think of challenging me with your current strength?" Not in a sarcastic tone, but genuinely as though he couldn''t understand. Enoch, whonded before Zion, furrowed his brows and asked. "Are you too naive to assess my strength? Or... have you gone mad?" Simultaneously, anger simmered in his eyes. He was infuriated. Enoch felt cornered by that insolent individual who failed to urately gauge his opponent''s power. He had recognized that individual as a rival, if only fleetingly. "Well, no matter how hard a simpleton tries, they remain a simpleton." And it culminated in a hatred towards Zion. "I''ll obliterate you here, and dismantle all who dare infiltrate my pce." As though resonating with Enoch''s emotions, the stars of the Star River orbiting him began to radiate even more potent light, starting to dominate the entire space. Had he surrendered? "......" Zion stood motionless, doing nothing, despite the growing pressure from Enoch''s starlight. Even the darkness that had previously undted around Zion had utterly vanished. "This is how it should have been from the beginning." A profound smile curled at Enoch''s lips, and a gleam of satisfaction lit up his eyes. Then, at the moment when Enoch, in such a state, extended his hand to finish Zion off. "But you see..." The soft voice emanating from Zion''s lips precisely interrupted Enoch''s movements. "Why did you assume that was all I had?" "......What?" In response to his odd question, Zion''s eyes, etching a thin line as if relishing the situation, started to be reflected in the pupils of the stationary Enoch. "I never once imed that was everything." From the onset, Zion knew. That no matter what he did with his current strength, he couldn''t triumph over Enoch. There was an immense chasm between him and Enoch that could never be bridged, as apparent as thew of the world where water flows from high to low. However. Zion possessed a move that could shatter all that distance and even thews of the world. One of the mightiest marvels in the Frosimar Chronicles, acquired by conquering the phantom army in the past. "As it happens, this fellow has just finished adapting." With those words, Zion raised one hand, revealing his wrist to Enoch. "What are you trying......!" The moment Enoch, sensing an unidentifiable ominousness from his posture, hastily lifted his hand. Five questions of the artifact, Chronos, adorned Zion''s wrist in the form of a bracelet. Crack- The red gem corresponding to the first question shattered. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 69: Night of Annihilation (7) Chapter 69: Night of Annihtion (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here At the city''s less crowded outskirts... "What...!" Diral, a menacing demon, found himself caught in a fierce fight and filled with shock. Sounds of shing filled the air! He was locked inbat with a red-eyed woman whose strength far exceeded his wildest thoughts. Roar! Countless beast-like mouths appeared in the air around her, all targeting him. Each mouth was so forceful that even Diral, regarded as one of the mightiest demons in the human realm, couldn''t disregard their power. "Ugh!" Groaning, Diral continually found himself retreating. Where did this person suddenlye from? ''Who is she?'' To him, the woman''s strength was as if it came from the heavens. If such a powerful person existed, her name should be known. However, he couldn''t match the woman in front of him with any strong figures in the human world that he knew of. ''Does the Empire, or rather, the city, have someone who can use blood magic to this degree?'' Confusion clouded Diral''s eyes. But Diral shook off his doubts, focusing on escape. If he stayed here too long, the city''s knights could arrive in masses. Whoosh! With this thought in mind, the air around Diral ripped open. Large beast-like ws shot out, heading straight for the woman. Could she not react in time? Her body was torn into hundreds of pieces by the ws. ''So easy...?'' Confusion filled Diral''s eyes. He hadn''t expected her to fall this easily. But a human body, neither monster nor demon, couldn''t survive being cut into hundreds of pieces. So, suppressing his unease, Diral quickly turned to leave. Then, "Where do you think you''re going?" That chilling voice, which he''d heard earlier, echoed once again. "¡­!" Diral turned back in surprise, his eyes met with a sight beyond belief. It was as if time was reversing. Pieces of the woman''s body began to reform from the feet up, suspended in mid-air. Starting from the legs, to the curved body and arms, then the neck, andstly, the head. "We''re not done yet." With that, the woman, fully reassembled as Liushina, gave a sly grin and suddenly tightened her outstretched hand. Under her unique magic, Sangria Requiem, all the scattered blood morphed into thousands of serpents, racing towards Diral. "This...!" Surprised, Diral tried to block the serpents with his ws. But it was a mere illusion. Before he could fully fend off the serpents, Liushina''s consecutive attacks came. Hundreds of blood strands, now surrounding Diral, started to tighten. Whoosh! Facing the iing strands that split anything they touched, Diral didn''t dare fight back and teleported away instead. But then, As if predicting his move, the blood strands curved and rushed towards where Diral had reappeared. "!!!!!" With widened eyes, Diral created a defensive shield from magic power. The wave of blood strands hit it, causing a massive explosion that distorted the surrounding atmosphere and mana. Even as the explosion continued, Liushina relentlessly pushed forward while Diral found himself increasingly cornered. ''If this goes on...'' A sense of urgency, which he hadn''t felt even while escaping from Jeokseong Pce, appeared on Diral''s face. He never thought he''d be in danger here. Worry was clear in his eyes. To break free from this, he had no choice but to give up his human form and revert to his original self. ''Without that, I can''t hold up against this red-eyed woman.'' However, the problem was the magic power that would explode once he reverted to his original form. His magic power, as the high-ranking demon Diral, was on another levelpared to ordinary demons and incredibly vast. So, reverting to his original form was like dering his presence to the entire city. Just then, "You''ll die if you hesitate." The thousand-year-old witch, now close to him as if she knew Diral''s predicament, gave a sly smile and spoke. ¡°What...!¡± The moment Diral, who was unsettled by Liushina''s presence, tried to teleport again. Just a bit quicker, the beast''s fangs tore through all defenses and took one of the demon''s arms. --- Raei Trantions --- Long ago, Chronos, one of the ancient gods, posed five questions to humans. The first question was about the flow of time. How does time move? No answer has been passed down for this question. However, the answer can be found in the divine power that arises from this question. Time Freeze. The first divine power in the ''Five Questions of Chronos''. The God denied the idea that time flows. Time is a conceptposed of countless discrete moments, and ''Time Freeze'' allows the user to dwell indefinitely in one such moment. The power of creating illusionary soldiers also stems from this ''Time Freeze''. As if the ticking hands of a clock, the world''sws around Zion begin to shift. "What are you doing?" Outwardly, nothing seemed altered, yet Enoch sensed the shift in Zion''s atmosphere and furrowed his brows. "Are you trying to make a final stand?" With that, Enoch''s stopped hand ascended wlessly, and the stars around them began to ze with greater intensity. The gap between them was too wide to close, and no matter what trick was employed, overturning the current state was impossible. Yet, for some reason, a sliver of unease crept into his heart. Consequently, Enoch decided to conclude quickly and unleashed a volley of spears, formed from reversing the celestial stars, towards Zion. A spear of starlight,unched at light-speed. Finally, just as the star spears were about to impale Zion. The sound of a rusted gate, ready to crumble any moment, creaking open. Simultaneously, All of Enoch''s star spears vanished. "What...!" The instant a cry of astonishment was about to burst from Enoch''s lips at the unbelievable spectacle, Zion, appearing swiftly before Enoch, seized his head and smashed it into the nearby wall of the Red Fortress. Explosions of ck stars erupted from Zion''s hand, grasping Enoch''s head! "Aaaargh!" Enoch, hisyers of protective magic rapidly shattering under the assault, felt his life threatened, screamed, andmanded the stars around him. From that, torrents of light rained down on Zion, triggering another massive explosion. ''I need to get away...!'' The moment Enoch, who had narrowly slipped from Zion''s grasp, tried to retreat with all his strength, Again, an odd noise echoed. Apanying that, Zion, shrouded in darkness and eyes gleaming with pure white light, burst forth from the spreading cloud of dust. This time, Zion wielded a sword in his right hand, no longer unarmed. His speed was extraordinarily fast, invisible to ordinary eyes, but Enoch reacted in time. Dozens of stars surged in front of Enoch, forming a celestial cascade. Zion''s sword, stopped by the cascading stars, couldn''t advance any further. In that instant, a faint glimmer of relief appeared in Enoch''s eyes. Once more, that sound echoed. Simultaneously, Booom! The darkness radiating from Zion''s sword exploded with increased intensity, utterly dismantling the cascade of stars. Struck by the full force of that blow, Enoch''s body was hurled away at an almost imperceptible speed. He tore through the Red Fortress and several nearby structures before finallying to a stop. A sonic boom exploded between the btedlyunched Enoch and Zion. "Cough!" Enoch, smashed into the Emperor''s statue, narrowly escaped being bisected, but clearly couldn''t evade internal injuries, as a bright line of blood trickled from his mouth. Before Enoch could fully regain his senses, Zion, previously distant, appeared right in front of him as though the space between them had been erased. Zion''s sword immediatelyshed out at Enoch''s neck, allowing him no respite. From previous experiences, knowing full well he shouldn''t engage directly, Enoch hastily ducked to put distance between them. But Zion''s actions were far quicker. The dark sword''s radiance exploded wildly, driving Enoch to the edge. In the calm eyes of Zion, generating such sword light, massive explosions of ck stars, like the sun''s surface, were constantly erupting. While it would have been a suicide attempt with Zion''s original body, it was now achievable using ''Time Freeze'', one of the ''Five Questions of Chronos''. By stabilizing physical time, the burden of the Eclipse was alleviated. Four times. The number of instances Zion ovepped the Eclipse. The peculiar noises Enoch had been hearing were all emitted each time Zion unleashed an Eclipse. The Eclipse only dramatically enhanced his physical prowess and substantially increased the output of the ck Star¡­ ''But that''s enough.'' From the beginning, those were the only attributes Zioncked. "Uaaaah!" With Enoch''s desperate scream that sounded like ast-ditch effort, an arbitrary explosion of starlight erupted around Zion. An explosion detonating without warning should have caught anyone off guard. But Zion, standing before Enoch, was no ordinary adversary. Zion, evading all the explosions as if he had foreknowledge of their urrence. He even utilized the recoil of those explosions to close the gap with Enoch even faster. In an instant, Zion, now directly in front of Enoch, bathed in pure white light amidst the darkness, and swung his sword in a vertical arc. A ck sh erupting from the sword''s tip, was horrendously intensified by the fouryered Eclipse, starting to sever all the magic Enoch had established. ''If this continues, I''m going to die.'' Desperation and fear etched on Enoch''s face as he observed this spectacle. The scorn and exhration that had been in his gaze a moment prior were long vanished. He couldn''t understand what had transpired. He was unquestionably dominant until a moment ago. However, the moment the gem on the bracelet adorning Zion''s wrist shattered, the tide shifted dramatically. Had he been concealing his true strength all along? If not... ''I must turn this situation around!'' Prioritizing survival, Enoch cast aside his questions, unleashing his divine magic in every direction with all his strength. For a brief moment, Zion fell back, creating a minuscule window of opportunity. Enoch, instinctively aware that this was hisst chance, recited the spell and incantation at a frantic pace. ''I need to release all my power at once.'' With that thought, the dozens of stars orbiting Enoch congregated before him, coalescing into one colossal sun. The radiance erupting from this sun was so dazzling it felt capable of blinding any observer. The surroundings illuminated as if daylight had broken. The warping, even melting space, the wailing atmosphere. Finally, "Perish." Apanied by his scathing words, Enoch''spleted sun was hurled at Zion. Gxis Helios. The most potent technique of Enoch''s unique magic, Gxis Lactea, embodying the celestial magic that dominates all other powers in the world. Facing such a sun, any power would inevitably be eclipsed. This power was more like a divine ability than magic. The celestial sun of space, mana, atmosphere. All nearby elements disintegrated as they approached Zion. "...." Zion studied the looming sun with calm eyes. Although it was a magic of unparalleled magnitudepared to anything he''d witnessed So far. Zion''s gaze remained undisturbed. Gradually, As if adopting a stance, Zion drew his Exia to his hip. With the perfectly poised extinction sword, the surrounding night''s darkness began to be drawn in. The de of the Exia vibrated, as if rejoicing in the endlessly umting darkness. Finally, when such darkness had reached its peak and formed another de, In the silence of a moment, Zion''s sword swept through the air. And in that moment, A single ck line was drawn across the world. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 70: Night of Annihilation (8) Chapter 70: Night of Annihtion (8) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here It seemed as if someone had drawn a line of ink on a white sheet of paper. But instead of paper, it was the world itself that served as the backdrop. There was no fight, no struggle. It felt as if this oue had been predestined. Enoch''s sun, woven from heavenly bodies, disappeared the moment it met the ck line. No traces left behind, as if it was never there. But that was not all. Everything trapped in the vast path of the ck line shattered, disappearing into nothingness. "How can this be..." Enoch murmured, shocked and puzzled by the unimaginable scene before him. He was stunned. The attack he had just delivered was a fusion of his most potent magic, nearly level 8, and a celestial body, thergest creation within his power. And it just vanished? Was it because of this shock? He was so astonished he didn''t even notice the blood seeping from his grazed abdomen. Zion advanced, extending his sword toward the bbergasted third prince. Zion''s darkness-imbued mantle danced, its ming shadow deepening the darkness of the night. "Ah..." Did the third prince see his own end in Zion''s advancing figure? Fear and despair filled his eyes as he took a step back. ''Am I going to die here... by the hands of such a disgrace to the royal family?'' It was inconceivable. No, it was uneptable. Enoch, whose sole pursuit had been the throne. He could note to terms with meeting his end here, his journey to the throne not even properly started, especially not to Zion, who he had always considered insignificant. "No... This can''t be..." A shout of frustration, a near rage, burst from Enoch''s lips. Just then. Drip. A ck substance began to well up in Enoch''s star-filled eyes, like a droplet of ink falling into clear water. Simultaneously, the stars of the Milky Way started to lose their light and darken. Soon, a magical energy began to surge from the stars, intense enough to cause dizziness just by observing. "I''ll kill you. I''ll wipe you out from this world, leaving not even a speck of dust behind!" Enoch''s words were directed at Zion, his eyes fully engulfed in darkness. Just as when Lergan Urschler was convinced that Zion had formed a pact with the demon tribe. Magic grafting. This was Enoch''s final resort, having hit a wall in his pursuit of power through conventional means. To survive, he had established a human testing site in the Ster Pce''s underground and joined forces with the demon, Diral. Even though it was unfinished and forbidden, it was better than losing his life here. Enoch''s magical energy exploded, tainting everything in its path. The intensity of the magic far exceeded any power Enoch had ever disyed. His face turned red as if he was struggling to control it, he stretched his hand towards Zion. Enoch''s focused magic was about to turn into hundreds of des aimed at Zion. But then. Zion appeared before him, moving so swiftly that it far outpaced Enoch''s reaction time, and gave a slight smile. "I''ve been waiting a long time for you to use this." Before Enoch''s surprise could fully register. Zion''s Exia, having demolished all the magical des Enoch had created, severed Enoch''s left arm as well. "Arghh...!" Just as Enoch was about to scream from the shock and pain. Zion''s sword swing, tearing apart the space around it, silenced him. Enoch was thrown back, as if his borrowed magic had no effect, perhaps even less than before. Enoch''s eyes were a whirlwind of confusion and surprise, but it was a predictable oue. From the start, Zion had been waiting for Enoch to use his magic. In truth, Zion could have killed Enoch the moment he used Chronos'' first question. But there was one reason he didn''t. ''It''s not enough to justify killing a royal in the heart of the royal city, just based on his human experimentation in the Ster Pce''s underground.'' The thing to fill this justification gap was Enoch''s magic. Not just any dark magic, but magic grafted directly from the demon tribe - a perfect addition. This was precisely why he had told Evelyn to stand back and just observe. ''This should be enough.'' Sensing Evelyn and the knights'' unease from afar, Zion ramped up the power of his Extinction Sword. It was time to end this. "Arghhhh!" A scream erupted from Enoch''s mouth, filled with fear, frustration, and anger. He released magic as if his body was breaking apart, desperately trying to turn the tables. But none of his attacks could reach Zion, while Zion''s strikes allnded urately on his weak spots. "You cursed fiend!!!" In what seemed like a final effort, explosive magic poured out from Enoch''s entire body, swiftly transforming into a giant dragon shape in his right hand. Enoch''s ultimate move, a fusion of innate talent, magic, and spells. Yet, Enoch''s magical dragon remained iplete. Slice! Before it could be, Zion''s sword, rending the very space around it, severed his remaining right arm. The magic dragon lost its creator and dissipated. "!!!!!!" And then. Zion''s Exia finally plunged into the wide-eyed Enoch''s heart. --- Raei Trantions --- Shriek! Gathering the spider-web-like red lines scattered around her, Liushina observed the spot where the snake-eyed demon had just stood. "...He got away." She had sessfully cornered him and even severed one of his arms. However, a vast explosion of magic created a fleeting gap, which the demon didn''t fail to seize. "What a missed opportunity." She murmured with regret etched on her face, as if it were truly a pity. The demon she''d encountered moments ago was among the most potent entities she''de across since her return to the world. In his true form, even she couldn''t confidently im victory. That''s how immense his soul was. Had she managed to absorb that soul in its entirety using Sangria Requiem, she would''ve made significant progress. Liushina couldn''t exactly identify the demon, but she could hazard a guess. "He wasn''t entering the imperial city, he was leaving." Which meant he had been hiding in the imperial city the whole time. There was only one possible conclusion. One of the true adversaries Zion had mentioned. One of the malevolent beings plotting to devour the empire. And an upper echelon at that. "It''s terrifying to think that a mere subordinate possesses such power..." Anticipation began to simmer in the depths of Liushina''s eyes. By Zion''s side, she was sure to meet more formidable enemies like the one today. The thrill of picturing herself iming the lives and souls of such foes welled up within her. "Following my master... was the right choice, no matter how I look at it... Ah!" As she was muttering to herself, a realization seemed to strike her, and she snapped her fingers. "Oh, right, I was supposed to go to the Crimson Pce..." As she turned her gaze, the sight of a potent starlight illuminating the sky above the Crimson Pce, and an alien darkness devouring that starlight, met Liushina''s eyes. "Hmm... There''s no need for me to go. It looks like it''s about to end." Identifying the darkness as Zion''s, she murmured, "As expected of my master," and shifted her gaze aside. Soon, the sight of knights rushing towards her from the distance began to fill the witch''s vision. --- Raei Trantions --- "......" The Third Prince, Enoch, stared nkly at the ck sword impaled in his chest. His divine aura and magic were fading, as if being swept away. "So, ites to this, huh?" Enoch was aware. He knew his time was limited, considering his heart was thoroughly destroyed. Defeat. An absolute defeat, allowing no grounds for contestation. Both in terms of power and spirit. "Who... are you?" Struggling to lift his head, Enoch directed the question to Zion, whose gaze was calm, bordering on lethargic. "You''re not Zion. You can''t be." It wasn''t mere pride preventing him from epting his defeat to Zion, deemed the disgrace of the royal family. Enoch truly believed that the figure before him was not Zion. A white light red in Zion''s eyes. Deep within them, Enoch glimpsed Zion''s essence. An abyss so profound, its depths were unfathomable. He had no clue what resided at the very bottom. Merely gazing into it sent shivers through his body, and a paralyzing dread that left him dizzy. "The Zion Agnes I know, no... No human could possibly possess such eyes." Enoch''s voice was filled with certainty. "Perhaps." Zion slowly shook his head in response to Enoch''s question. He couldn''t definitively answer that question. The question wasn''t simply about whether he was Zion Agnes or Emperor Aurelion Khan Agnes. From the time he was an emperor in the original world, not this chronicle. No, even prior to that, Zion had been ceaselessly contemting his own essence. Why he was so different from ordinary beings. Why only he couldmand the ck star. He might discover the answer once he reached the end of the ck star''s path, but for now, it remained an enigma. "...I see." The Third Prince, wearing an empty smile, bowed his head slowly without posing any further questions, perhaps sensing honesty in Zion''s response. "You''ve won." With these final words, "Zion." His breath stoppedpletely. He was one of the five royal descendants nearest to the impending imperial throne, a direct bloodline of the Agnes family. So, it was a hollow end for the Third Prince, Enoch. He had been on the verge of ultimate power and had the support of every mage in the Empire. "......" After watching Enoch''s body crumble to the ground, Zion deactivated one of Chronos''s Five Riddles, ''Time Freeze''. As such, the lunar eclipse naturally dissipated. Although the power in one of Chronos''s Riddles could be wielded only once, Zion had no regrets. ''From the start, I had nned to deploy Chronos''s Five Riddles against Enoch and his phantom army.'' Missing this opportunity would have made ying Enoch an exponentially more arduous task. This was the best course of action Zion could execute at this moment. ''Given the need to synchronize the divine machine and the wave of existence, I couldn''t wield it from the outset.'' Chronos''s Five Riddles required an adjustment period unlike typical tools, and right on cue for the encounter with Enoch, this adaptation phase concluded, enabling Zion to utilize it proficiently. Just then, "You really did... y Enoch..." When did she appear? The Fifth Princess, Diana, approached Zion with her entourage, whispering as if in disbelief. The destruction of her lingering concerns should have brought relief, yet her eyes reflected more bewilderment than happiness. She couldn''t fathom that Zion could topple Enoch single-handedly. ''Even when he dered his intent to confront him, I assumed it would be alongside Egrasia.'' The truth defied belief, yet she had witnessed it, leaving her with no choice but to ept. While Enoch''s strength was somewhat inferior to the other royals, he was nheless a formidable adversary, like her. What sort of power did Zion, who had defeated such a foe, possess? Just as her mind was grappling with this drastically altered perception of his strength, "Postpone your amazement." The voice emanating from Zion interrupted Diana''s train of thought. "First, let''s finish the cleanup." Zion, not ncing her way but gazing towards the royal city''s main gate in the distance, was observing Enoch''s forces approaching at a fearsome pace. Having decapitated the enemy, it was now time to im the spoils of war. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 71: Unexpected Guest (1) Chapter 71: Unexpected Guest (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The People''s Pce was the peak of global power. Only the emperor was permitted to reside there. Built for the emperor, anyone else could only enter with his silent approval. That''s why within the vast pce, almostparable to a castle, there was just one bedroom for the emperor. Yet, some direct royals and those with the highest authority had offices within the People''s Pce. Among them was the second princess, Evelyn Agnes. Quietly reflecting on recent events, Evelyn gazed out of her minimalist office window at the half-destroyed enemy pce. Her eyes revealed aplex mix of emotions. Three days had passed since the enemy pce ended up in ruins and the third prince, Enoch, was killed. These days had seen a lot happen. The death of a royal in the heart of the city, within a pce that was virtually their stronghold, was a shockinglyrge and unprecedented event. Even more, it wasn''t the death of just any royal, but a prince with the potential to contend for the throne. News of this urrence spread far and wide, surpassing the royal city and engulfing all of Hubris at the break of dawn. The resonance was iparable to when previous disasters were quelled. They tried to keep it a secret, but the empire''s media somehow got wind of it. They kept churning out stories, throwing the nobles into disarray beyond their initial shock. "Zion......" Evelyn uttered the name of the individual at the center of these events. Usually, she called his name with worry and sympathy, but not this time. How could anyone feel that way for someone who single-handedly took the life of the third prince, Enoch Agnes? Zion''s disy of power at the time greatly exceeded her expectations. Though at one point he seemed on the back foot, he ultimately overwhelmed Enoch with a sudden surge in strength. ''It looked like he was using another power as a tool,'' she thought. But that didn''t matter much. Regardless of what he used, Zion triumphed, and Enoch lost. What was even more noteworthy was the aftermath. Despite the death of Enoch, who was a central figure, the third prince''s forces, including the Ozlima family, not only vehemently resisted Zion and Diana, who initiated the incident, but also appeared desperate to distance themselves, withdrawing their support. The reason for their withdrawal was crystal clear. ''The discovery of dark magic and human experiments in the basement of Enoch''s pce. Additionally, Enoch had imbued himself with the power of evil.'' Each revtion corresponded to the highest level of taboo within the empire. Even a minimal association could warrant the obliteration of an entire family. Zion must have masterminded everything from the start. From his exceptional intel-gathering abilities to his proactive measures like advancing the session ceremony, emptying the enemy pce, and executing his daring ns. Zion had evolved far beyond the powerless younger brother Evelyn had been concerned about. ''Furthermore, he is assimting Enoch''s top forces almost as swiftly as Diana.'' How could Zion, without any backing, manage such a feat? It was a mystery. Zion''s words from their magical car ride back to the People''s Pce echoed in her mind - his promise to seize everything. "I might genuinely need to prepare myself topete against Zion now......" A look of worry crept onto Evelyn''s face when... "Your Highness Evelyn, a guest has arrived." A servant''s voice reached her from outside her office. "Who is it?" "His Highness the fourth prince, Utekan." At the servant''s answer, a peculiar light started to swirl in Evelyn''s eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- "Wow......" Meanwhile, in Zion''s library at the Chimseong Pce. Prisci Bammel gaped in astonishment at the luminous main gate of the Chimseong Pce visible through the window. Although she had been disheartened after receiving Zion''s harsh words earlier, her innate resilience had somewhat restored her spirits. Brashly, she had returned to the Chimseong Pce, citing Zion''s previous deration that she could roam the pce freely. "I''ve never seen so many people gathered here before." A multitude before the gate. That was the most fitting description for the sight reflected in Prisci''s eyes. With the recent incident, Zion''s fame had skyrocketed. Consequently, those wishing to forge connections with him had multiplied. Among them were the nobles and bureaucrats crowding the main gate of the Chimseong Pce. However, the problem was, "But why isn''t anyone being let in?" Zion was not meeting with any of them. Most were sent back after their gifts were received at the gate. The remaining few were processed at the Fredo counter on the first floor. In a serious contest with other royal families, it would be standard to amass power as rapidly as possible. But Zion showed no signs of doing so, which left Prisci puzzled. "There''s no need." Zion calmly replied, his attention drifting to his teacup. Those useful allies who had once sided with Enoch were now discreetly ensnared by Thierry, the master of the shadows. The individuals who had made their way here were all mediocre, providing no significant advantage. There was no need to meet each of them personally. Securing the top-tier figures would naturally attract the rest. "......" Prisci watched Zion with an intensity that seemed to swallow him whole, her eyes fixated on his fingers as they gracefully held the handle of the teacup. The red lips that grazed the edge of the cup, the sharp nose, and the dark circles under his eyes that added a captivating hint of fatigue. Was it due to his unique aura? Despite looking much the same as always, Zion''s presence emanated an entirely different vibe now, causing Prisci to blush involuntarily. "......How is it, the taste? Surprising, isn''t it?" Prisci, hastilyposed her flushed face and directed her question to Zion, who was setting down his teacup. Her eyes brimmed with a peculiar anticipation. Her anticipation was quite natural, considering the coffee Zion was sipping was brewed by her. After learning of Zion''s penchant for coffee, Prisci had spent a week learning the art of coffee brewing from one of the empire''s top baristas. Today was her day to demonstrate her newly acquired skills. "It was surprising." Zion replied, appearing genuinely taken aback. Prisci''s face lit up, but Zion''s next words instantly clouded her expression. "Because it tastes so bad." "......" Zion was undeniably candid about his coffee. As noted earlier, coffee was Zion''s unique preference in the world within the chronicle. This made him particrly discerning and stringent about it. Frankly, the only coffee that ever satisfied Zion''s pte was the one brewed by Fredo. "I think it''s fine? Except for the overly strong acidity." At that point, Liushina, who had been seated next to Zion, tasted the coffee and interjected. She had been a part of Zion''s entourage since the assault on Hyukseong Pce and had stayed at the Chimseong Pce ever since. Of course, her return was imminent, as the transformation of the blood tower magicians¡ªmasquerading as training¡ªwas not yetplete. "The master has a picky taste, so it''s difficult to please him." Liushina continued, her gaze falling on a downcast Prisci. For some reason, her eyes bore a predatory glint, like a serpent eyeing its prey. She seemed to have recognized that the blood coursing through Prisci''s veins was demon blood. Typically, demon blood was most potent for monsters, but for Liushina, a practitioner of blood magic, it was a rather rare and potent magicalponent. "I don''t need your evaluation!" Prisci snapped at Liushina, her response like a cat bristling at an eerie presence. "But I have something to ask you. What exactly is your rtionship with Lord Zion? I heard you call him... Masterst time." "Hmm." Liushina''s red eyes narrowed at Prisci''s question. "Exactly as I said." She rose from her seat and sauntered over to Zion''s side. "He owns everything about me, even my soul." "What, what! So, so..." Prisci stuttered, her face a canvas of confusion and shock. She seemed to have misconstrued something, but Liushina merely grinned slyly, showing no intention to rectify the misunderstanding. "......" Zion, who had no desire to partake in their banter, gently pushed away the lingering Liushina and assessed his physical state. ''It seems that the bacsh from using Lunar Eclipsest time hasrgely subsided......'' There was practically no bacsh from the four instances of Lunar Eclipse invoked during ''Time Fix'', but there was certainly a bacsh from the Lunar Eclipse deployed before that. While it hadrgely healed through ample rest, the concern was the gradual umtion of damage within his body, damage that wouldn''t dissipate. ''If this was my original body, there would have been no permanent damage after adequate rest...'' The issue was that Zion was not in his original body at the moment. Though he had attempted a temporary solution by consuming the heart of a thousand-year-old ogre gifted by Evelyne, it wasn''t aprehensive solution. If he persisted with the use of Lunar Eclipse, his body could be irreparably damaged. ''I need to find Gui before that.'' Based on information already received from Ahmad Ozrima, he had tasked the ''Eye of the Moon'' to locate Gui, but the exact whereabouts were yet to be determined. Moreover, reaching out to Gui, who was only mentioned once in the chronicles and never made a direct appearance, proved to be a daunting challenge. ''I also need to locate this sword''s missing piece.'' As he contemted this, Zion found himself unconsciously gripping the hilt of the Extinction Sword Exia. Even though it had proven to be a formidable weapon in its current state, he couldn''t rely on a broken sword indefinitely. The issue was that finding the shattered sword spirit was proving difficult as Exia itself was not even alluded to, let alone appeared in the chronicles. Beyond that, there were a plethora of tasks to tackle, such as bolstering his strength and forming his own military faction. But there was another task he needed to attend to first. ''Is it time to make my move?'' As he reyed the chronicle''s events that should be unfolding at this juncture, Zion''s eyes gleamed. Many aspects had been altered due to Zion''s actions up to this point, yet the major narrative, the overarching plot of the chronicles, was still intact. Therefore, this event was likely to happen as well. ''Sooner orter, I''ll have to overhaul this grand narrative.'' Otherwise, this world was destined to meet its end. Just then. "Lord Zion." Fredo''s voice, who was supposed to be greeting visitors on the first floor, reached Zion''s ears. As he turned his head in the direction of the voice, he saw an elderly knight, looking somewhat flustered, standing by the door. "There''s someone who wishes to see you, my lord." Fredo was the embodiment of loyalty. Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, he would go to great lengths to carry out Zion''s orders. If such a faithful Fredo defies his orders andes up here, it must mean that he''s dealing with someone beyond his capacity to handle. "Who is it?" "...It''s Alstain Ascalon, my lord." At Fredo''s reply, a hint of color began to seep into Zion''s eyes. Alstain Ascalon. The captain of the 2nd division of the Agnes Knights, regarded as the strongest chivalric order in the Empire, and one of the Empire''s top swordsmen, whose numbers could be counted on one hand. Moreover, he was a member of the Ascalon family, Zion''s external lineage, and hailed as the greatest swordsman in the Agnes Empire. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 72: Unexpected Guest (2) Chapter 72: Unexpected Guest (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The Agnes Empire Knights. When you talk about the strongest military group in the Empire, many namese up. But, the first choice would be the Agnes Knights. Each member is so powerful they are beyond human. To join, they need skills equal to the heads of other knightly orders within the Empire. They are the peak of all knight orders in the world. They serve only the emperor. One of the captains of these Agnes Knights was now sitting before Zion. "It''s been a while, Your Highness Zion." Zion looked at Alstain Ascalon with surprise. Alstain was a stern-faced, middle-aged man. He was a character who showed up briefly in the chronicle, so there wasn''t much information about him. The only known fact was that his family, the Ascalon family, was rted to Zion''s family by marriage. The Ascalon family, a n of heavenly swordsmen. If the Ozlima family represented magic, the Ascalon family represented swords. They were arguably the best swordsmen. Like the Ozlimas, they produced one of the seven heavens and held power among the top five in the empire. "What brings you here?" Zion and the Ascalon family had never interacted before, despite their marital connection. So, Zion was surprised that Alstain had sought him out. "You seem to have changed a lot..." Alstain, looked surprised. He was responding to Zion, who was looking directly into his eyes and asking. He remembered a time, a decade ago, when Zion couldn''t even make eye contact. He would keep his head bowed down. Alstain had been disappointed with him then. But now, Zion was so different he seemed like apletely new person. "Did your Agnes blood awakente? Or have you been hiding your power this whole time?" Alstain asked, the question tumbling out. However, Zion didn''t answer him. "I don''t like repeating myself." Zion said, looking directly at Alstain with tired eyes. He didn''t have negative feelings towards the Ascalon family. Zion would have done the same in their position. But, that didn''t mean he liked them. He didn''t have time for pointless talk. "......" Alstain''s pupils shook, an unknown fear creeping in from the look in Zion''s eyes. The silence stretched on. "The family head invites you, Your Highness Zion, to our family." Alstain finally spoke, his voice slow and steady. He closed his eyes and then opened them again before making the announcement. "What''s the reason?" "...Because we have seen the qualifications." The qualifications of an Emperor. Something that couldn''t be detected from the old Zion. But it was quite visible in the current Zion. "That''s why we want to test you. To verify if those qualifications are what we perceive them to be. And if we''re right... whether you could be with us." Such audacious words for a noble to say to a member of the direct royal family. But it was a statement that could onlye from the Ascalon family, recognized as the empire''s top swordsman family. ''Interesting.'' Zion smirked inwardly. The heavenly swordsman family, Ascalon. A ce that Zion had to eventually visit and a power he needed to harness. But their proactive approach was a pleasing turn of events for Zion. He felt indifferent about the predetermined rtionships from the chronicle, considering they were established before he inhabited this body. However, ''I need to take the initiative.'' With that resolution, from Zion''s lips, "I have a question." A cool voice spilled out. "Why do you think I would need your power?" At that, Alstain''s face stiffened. No one had ever said such a thing to him before. Not even a member of the direct royal family. One of the five pirs that support the empire, and a family regarded as the empire''s top swordsman. Everyone craved that power. But Prince Zion seemed to be rejecting it. "Twenty-four times." "...?" "That''s the number of times I''ve nearly died so far. The actual number of assassination attempts is much higher. If I include minor incidents, it''s innumerable." Zion was recounting details he had learned from Fredo, who had been protecting him since birth. "What were you, my kin, doing during all this time? Did you ever prevent an attack? Or did you ever argue against the injustice? Instead, you chose to turn a blind eye." "......" "And now you approach me, talking about qualifications. Did you think I would be grateful?" His words were bitter. But they were all true. "You say you''re going to test my qualifications. That''s amusing. Shouldn''t you first assess your own qualifications?" Zion''s eyes were devoid of any emotion. "If I ever visit Ascalon, you all will have to justify your actions to me first." At that moment, Alstain understood. He identified the essence of what existed in Prince Zion''s eyes. "Why I should need you." It was darkness. No, something even deeper and more alien than darkness. Yes, an abyss. The abyss was suppressing Alstain''s very existence, chillingly provoking the deepest part of his heart. "......" Ultimately, no words were able to escape his mouth. --- Raei Trantions --- "I wish our meetings weren''t so frequent, yet here we are." "So it seems." A woman in a religious habit spoke, and a man with a face as emotionless as a stone statue replied. "The Third Prince has been dealt with." "I''m aware." "I didn''t see thising at all." The woman in the religious habit clicked her tongue as she nced in the direction of the Chimseong Pce, where Zion was residing. "Do you think he knew?" "Knew what?" "That we were using the Third Prince to eliminate him." "No chance." The man promptly dismissed the idea. In truth, the woman too knew it was unlikely. But Prince Zion''s actions were too cunningly timed. As if he could see through all their maneuvers, he had urately struck their vulnerability. ''No, it would be urate to say that Prince Zion created the vulnerability himself.'' She couldn''t have possibly anticipated that he would use the family infighting to create a divide, then ally with the Fifth Princess to bring down the Third Prince. Furthermore, she couldn''t understand how Prince Zion was able to im the life of the Third Prince on his own. This was utterly impossible considering the ineffectiveness of Zion Agnes they had assessed. The name Zion Agnes was bing increasingly burdensome. "Still, it''s fortunate our involvement remains undisclosed." "Indeed, they attributed the human experimentation site to the work of ck magicians, didn''t they? Diral seems to have handled that well¡­ but where on earth did he disappear to?" "I''m uncertain." The man shook his head in response to the woman''s question. He too was oblivious to Diral''s whereabouts. On the night of the attack on the royal pce. Diral vanished without a trace. From humans, and from them. "I realize he''s an odd character, but isn''t this taking it too far?" "Perhaps he''s severely injured and recuperating." "What?" "I heard there was also a battle on the outskirts of the royal city the same night the royal pce was attacked. Diral could have been involved in that fight." "You''re suggesting that the one who overpowered Diral might be one of the Seven Heavens?" "......" The man remained silent, offering no answer. Though the probability was near zero, given the recent events, it wasn''t entirely impossible. "Sigh, things are spiraling out of control." The woman grumbled, her brows knitted together. If this trend continued, it could significantly hamper their future ns. "Should we elerate our ns a bit?" "If you concur, I''ll try to sway things in another direction." "Another direction?" Responding to the woman''s question, the man''s voice gradually began to fill the silence. As he continued to speak, a glimmer of surprise started to dawn in the woman''s eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- Late evening, with a crescent moon hung in the heart of the sky. Zion was venturing outside the imperial city in a magic car. Since it wasn''t an official outing, there were no attendants and the movement of the magic car was discrete. Thud. The back gate of the imperial city swung open as if on cue, just as he approached. The magic car carrying Zion smoothly passed through the back gate, and started to glide through the streets of the capital. "Your Highness, we should reach our destination in about 10 minutes. I''ve ced the items you specified on the seat next to you. Please remember to take them when you disembark." "Understood." At the driver''s words, who was a member of the Eternal Shadow, Zion nodded and looked out the window. The swiftly receding night view of the capital. Zion''s destination was one of the auction houses in the capital. Of course, he was not simply going to purchase something. The chilling night. In the not-too-distant future, a disaster that would obliterate half of the capital, Hubris, was impending. The catalyst for that disaster was scheduled to appear at the auction house Xion was heading to tonight. Zion intended to meddle with that catalyst. If half the capital was obliterated, it was certain that Zion''s own future endeavors would be severely hampered. And there was another advantage to be gained from this venue. In the meantime, the magic car pulled to a stop, indicating their arrival at the destination. Soon, a woman who had been waiting in advance came into Zion''s sight as he stepped out of the magic car. "It''s been a while, Your Highness Zion." The woman, with her reddish-brown hair, who greeted Zion politely, was Aileen, the Hubris branch head of the information guild, ''Eye of the Moon''. Contrary to her usual attire, she was dressed in an elegant gown and was not wearing her sses. She appeared to be quite attractive, almost as if her natural beauty was revealed in full. "Congrattions are in order." There was no specific subject in her subsequent sentence, but the implication was clear enough. She must have been referring to his recent act of assassinating the Third Prince, Enoch, and absorbing his power. "Do we have tickets?" "There''s no need. You can just follow me. But... I wasn''t aware you had an interest in auctions, Your Highness. Particrly this kind of auction." The reason for Aileen''sment was straightforward. The auction house Zion was heading to was not your typical establishment. The Flinton underground auction house. As the name suggests, it is located underground and deals not only in legalmodities, but also all sorts of illicit ones. From stolen goods to various cursed magical items, illegal weapons, and even the ve trade, which has been ouwed, it handles all. The Flinton underground auction house was particrly notorious for its ve auctions. Numerous prominent nobles of the capital were regr patrons, and due to the staggering bribes they offered, the empire was aware of its existence but chose to turn a blind eye. "A VIP at such an auction house should not question this." Zion addressed Aileen with a faint smirk. And that was precisely why Zion had chosen to apany her. Zion intended to infiltrate the auction house without disclosing his identity, and to do that, he needed to apany a VIP of the auction house. While researching this, he discovered that Aileen happened to have VIP status. "I obtained it through a connection when I first arrived in Hubris. Naturally, I haven''t used it until now." With that, Aileen extended a white mask,rge enough to cover half of Zion''s face. "Put this on before entering. All auction participants must keep their identities hidden from each other. Well, except for individuals like Your Highness Xion, the auction house will know everyone''s identity." "I see." "Also, the mask has a magical treatment that lightens the color of your hair, so bear that in mind." In Zion''s case, even if he concealed his face, he ran the risk of being recognized due to his dark gray hair, unique to the royal family. Therefore, she had taken additional precautions. "Understood." As this was what he had intended anyway, Zion dly epted the mask she offered. After their conversation, they continued to walk for a while. Finally, upon reaching a building that seemed to be the auction house, Zion looked around. ''This is unexpected.'' The extravagant surrounding streets and the noble mansions dispersed around the area. Given that it was an illegal auction house, he expected it to be situated in a seedy alley on the outskirts, but he was surprised to find it operating so openly in a district where the capital''s upper ss resided. Furthermore, the building housing the auction house was impably maintained and grand. "Most of the clients of this ce are nobles, after all. Plus, it''s not that they''re oblivious, they''re deliberately turning a blind eye. So, there''s no need to set up shop in the slums on the outskirts." Aileen, who seemed to have guessed Zion''s thoughts, disyed something to the muscr men in suits guarding the auction house''s entrance, and immediately someone emerged from within. "Ah, VIPs. Please follow me." Was VIP status extremely rare? Following the guide while enduring the curious and somewhat envious gazes of the other nobles waiting to enter, the scene inside the auction house gradually unveiled itself to Zion as he stepped in. Just then. In the bustling crowd, his gazended on a familiar figure. It was a man whose presence was so unexpected, yet almost predictable, given the unusual circumstances surrounding this ce. Zion''s eyes narrowed, anticipation gleaming within them as he saw the person he didn''t anticipate encountering this soon. As he watched, the man was engaging in a heated conversation with another participant, oblivious to Zion''s arrival. This encounter wasn''t what Zion nned for, but it was an opportunity he couldn''t pass up. The risks and the stakes just got higher. But as the adage goes, fortune favors the bold. As Zion stepped further into the vibrant energy of the auction house, he adjusted the mask on his face, his mind already nning the next steps. His journey had only just begun. With that thought, he disappeared into the crowd, getting ready to face the unexpected turn of events head-on. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 73: Underground Auction House (1) Chapter 73: Underground Auction House (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "......" Princess Diana, the fifth daughter of the Emperor, was lost in thought in her study at the Green Star Pce. Her fingers were rhythmically tapping on her bracelet. Despite the enormous benefits she received from the downfall of the Third Prince, her face did not reflect joy. "I really don''t understand..." As she murmured, she remembered the scene she had witnessed in the basement on the night when the Cheongseong Pce was attacked. It was mostly destroyed by Egrasia, but the remnants were enough to hint at the inhumane experiments that had taken ce. The sight was shocking enough to astound even Diana, who knew of Enoch''s twisted hobbies. If she had understood the nature of these experiments, especially those inflicted on the fairies, she would have dered war on Enoch long ago. ''Zion must have known about this when he proposed the alliance.'' But how did Zion know what even she couldn''t grasp? Looking back, Zion knew more than Diana when Lergan Urschler set a trap for her. ''Is there really an informationwork that surpasses me?'' It was an absurd notion, but if it were true, she might have to reconsider all of her current targets for containment. ''In addition, his influence is growing rapidly because of this incident.'' It was as if he had grown wings. And that''s precisely why she was so gloomy. The more she learned about Zion, the more dangerously potent she felt he was. Therefore, she was more concerned about Zion''s growing power than her own. He could surpass her one day. On top of that. ''The Ascalon family has made contact with Prince Zion.'' Upon receiving such information, she couldn''t help but worry and contemte more. "Well, it was predictable that the Ascalon family would do so." From the beginning, the Ascalon family severed ties with Zion because there was absolutely no hope. However, now that Zion had amply demonstrated his potential through various incidents, there was no reason for them not to reconnect. To bnce this, Diana also needed the support of one of the other Great Families, and the Ozlima family seemed the most likely candidate. After the death of the Third Prince, they were essentially lost without a center. ''The problem is, they''re not moving at all.'' Were they nning to shut themselves off? Despite her continuous attempts to make contact, the Ozlima family did not respond. Feeling a profound sense of suffocation, Diana sighed deeply. "Ah..." Lowering her head gently, she released a long sigh, then turned to Lloyd, who was standing behind her, and asked. "What is Zion doing right now?" Since Zion was already one of her top priority surveince targets, it was fundamental for her to always keep track of his movements. "We''ve just received word that he discreetly left Huangcheng a little while ago." "He left Huangcheng? Do we know his destination?" "It''s not certain, but based on the direction, he appears to be heading towards the underground auction house in Flingtun." "Flingtun? Where''s that? It sounds familiar somehow...." Upon hearing Lloyd''s continuation, Diana''s expression subtly shifted. "It''s the only ce in the capital that auctions off ves." --- Raei Trantions --- "There are more people than I expected." Zion, sitting in the VIP section of the auction house, made this remark as he surveyed the surroundings. The auction hall, as vast as a giant auditorium, was filled with hundreds of densely packed seats. And every single one of those seats was upied by a person, with no empty spot to be seen. The same held true for the VIP section on the upper floor where Zion was seated. This sight alone was enough to fathom the grandeur of the Flington Auction House. "It seems my item isn''t listed here." Zion mulled over this while leafing through the auction catalog thaty on the table next to him. He was certain that the item he sought would be presented today, so it was safe to assume it had been intentionally omitted from the catalog. There were two reasons for an item not to be listed in the catalog. The first was when the item was not an object but a living ve. The second was when the item to be presented was of extraordinarily high value. Since what Zion intended to acquire today was not a ve, it surely had to be thetter. Just then, Aileen, who was seated next to him and surveying the surroundings, said in a subtly excited tone, "There are more big shots here than I thought." "Can you recognize them even if they are hiding their identities?" "Of course. I am the head of an information guild after all. I cannot afford not to recognize them just because they are wearing masks." "Is that so? Then who is that woman over there?" With a confident tone, Zion pointed to a woman seated diagonally below them in the same VIP section and asked. A woman with a tattoo of a snake biting its own tail on her left shoulder. Zion had noticed her when he first entered the auction house. Of course, due to her mask, he couldn''t see her face. "¡­¡­Who is she? I have no idea." Upon this question, Aileen, who had been looking at the woman for a moment, replied with a tone of surprise. "Even if she is a noble from Su-do and assigned a seat in the VIP section, there is no way I wouldn''t know of her......" Zion nodded lightly at her response as if he had anticipated it. There was no other way. The woman, and the organization she belonged to, were not active until far into the future from the present moment. Aileen''s ignorance was only natural since they hadn''t yet revealed anything. "Do you happen to know who she is......" Aileen was about to inquire further when the auction house darkened, and the auctioneer took the stage. -Good evening! I am Lonnie Harlen, and I will be conducting today''s auction. After the auctioneer''s greeting, a practiced monologue followed, then the first item began to appear behind him. -......I will now introduce the first item tomence today''s auction. And that item was a painting. On the pristine white canvas, lines of various colors crisscrossed geometrically. From Zion''s perspective, he found himself wondering if that could truly be called art, but... -"This piece is an unknown posthumous work by the master of modern art, Pavel Karpnof..." Before the auctioneer could even finish his sentence, people were raising their hands frantically. -"Bid number 88 starts at 10 million! Immediately after, bid 105 jumps to 15 million! Ah, bid 206 swiftly raises it to 20 million!" The skyrocketing price of the artwork left Zion speechless. He doubted whether they truly appreciated the value of the artwork or merely the prestige it would bring. Their fascination, he thought, stemmed more from the recognition and admiration they would receive for owning a piece by such a famous artist. Not that Zion himself had any interest in such things. "If the opening item canmand such a price, the uing items should be worth looking forward to." Aileen muttered quietly beside him, her gaze fixed on the ongoing auction. True to her words, the items that followed were equally extraordinary. Although not particrly practical, they boasted a rarity that provoked the aristocrats'' possessive desires. It was only fitting for the empire''s top underground auction house. These extravagant items were all sold for astronomical sums. ''What did hee here to buy, exactly?'' Despite the ongoing auction, Zion hadn''t made a single bid, and so he found himself receiving curious nces from her. The Plington Auction House presented items not in categories, but in order of value. Whether they were simple art pieces or magical artifacts, the order was determined solely by their evaluated worth. This rule was no different for ves. So far, many ves had been presented for auction, yet Zion hadn''t made a move. ''Did he really note here to buy a ve?'' It was a valid question, as the primary purpose of visiting this auction house was typically ve acquisition. At that moment... -"Now, this next item is the Cursed Ne of Count Scanvia." A slightly different item was brought onto the stage. -"Count Scanvia, once ruler of the vast estate of Calrot in the northwest of the empire, acquired this ne after vanquishing the infamous dark wizard, Gert. Shortly after, Count Scanvia sumbed to an unexinable illness and ever since then..." The ne, infamous for a curse so potent it could steal the wearer''s life, was not particrly popr. ''No matter how rare, such items don''t have much appeal.'' Even if it were one of a kind, it wasn''t something one could proudly disy like an art piece, nor was it considered particrly valuable. Therefore, only a few nobles with peculiar hobbies participated in the bidding. -"Bid number 66 for 3 million, going once, going twice! Any more bids?" The auctioneer too, seemed to have anticipated this tepid response, conducting the auction in a noticeably more subdued tempo. The noble who made thest bid, Number 66, sat rxed, seemingly confident that he had nopetitors. "Now then, Count Scandvia''s ne goes to number 66¡­" That''s when it happened. "Wait! Number 11! Number 11 has bid 3.5 million!" Someone raised their hand. At this, Aileen''s face transformed into one of surprise. It''s no wonder, as number 11 was none other than Zion. ''What on earth¡­'' What could he be thinking? "Back to number 66 with 4 million!" Amid her stunned contemtion of Zion''s nonchnt expression, noble number 66 raised his bid again. "Number 11, 4.5 million!" Before the auctioneer could even finish his sentence, Zion raised his bid again. The price of the ne began to skyrocket due to their rivalry. ''Could he be nning to assassinate someone with that?'' Aileen''s eyes filled with confusion as she watched the price of the ne quickly approach 10 million. No matter how she thought about it, the ne was not worth that much. ''Should I raise it a bit more?'' However, Zion, while raising the price to 12 million, thought differently. Count Scandvia''s cursed ne. Zion knew the true value of the ne. It was an artifact that appeared once in the Chronicles of Frosimar. Its current appearance was due to a curse from a dark wizard, but if the curse were lifted, it would be a lower-ranked, yet still legendary-grade artifact. So, even though it was not the item he initially targeted, he jumped into the bidding war. ''As long as I win the auction, no matter the cost, it''s not a loss.'' After all, most legendary weapons or artifacts are typically priceless. Moreover, his wealth was more than enough. It overflowed, in fact. The Shadow of Eternity, the empire''s top intelligence organization now serving Zion, operated businesses under various aliases throughout the empire and raked in astronomical sums of money. ''If our Lord goes to the auction and is short of funds, that won''t do. Please feel free to spend as you wish. You could even buy the entire auction house if you''d like.'' That was what Thierry had said as he handed Zion a ck card with no name but magic coating on it. From what I''ve heard, the card was only issued to top-grade clients from the bank and had no spending limit. It was the only card that could be used in the Flington auction house, which otherwise only epted cash. ''Specially, they said this card is made so no one can figure out the identity of the user.'' Admiring Thierry''s thoughtfulness, Zion raised the bid for the ne to 30 million. "Damn it!" A furious voice rang out from number 66. "Number 11...30 million! Is there anyone else who wants to bid?" The bidding didn''t go any higher. Perhaps number 66 had reached his limit, or maybe he thought the loss would be too great if he continued. "And so, Count Scandvia''s ne goes to customer number 11!" The echo of the auctioneer''s voice paired with the resonating hammer bang. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± I could feel the scorching gaze of Aileen, seated next to me. Why on earth would you spend 30 million on such an item instead of buying a ve? Her silent pressure questioned. Ignoring her piercing gaze lightly, Zion focused on the auction. How much further did the auction proceed, one could only guess. All the items listed in the catalog appeared and the prepared ves were nearing their end. - Now, the item that will be up next does not exist in our catalogue. It''s so rare that it''s impossible to put a price on it. Many nobles and territorial lords are still actively seeking this item. The auctioneer opened his mouth, his voice tinted with a tone distinct from before. And with that, a small blue ring appeared on the stage. From the ring burst a brilliant blue glow that started to fill the entire auction hall. Moreover, a noticeable drop in temperature. It wasn''t anything the auction house did. Just the mere existence of this ring was causing such a phenomenon. - Long before the empire was established, there existed a queen who ruled over the northern part where only snowstorms reigned. The queen, born with the power tomand snow and ice, sealed her ability within a ring before her death. ¡°That¡¯s impossible, how could that be here!¡± A small cry burst from Aileen''s lips, who had first recognized what the ring was. - Indeed, that is this ring, the Frost Queen''s Breath. And finally, as the auctioneer''s words came to a close and the full form of the ring was revealed. ¡°!!!!!!¡± People inside the auction hall let out gasps of shock, some even standing from their seats. And with them. ''Has it finally appeared?'' A chilly light began to flow in Zion''snguid eyes. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 74: Underground Auction House (2) Chapter 74: Underground Auction House (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The Breath of the Ice Queen. As the auctioneer had just mentioned, it was a famous relic from the ancient north, before the empire was established. It was high-ranking and potent, even among legendary artifacts. No matter the user''s skill, it enabled them to use ice magic up to level 7, and if they were skilled enough, even level 8 magic could be possible. It was an unbelievably powerful ring. ''Isn''t it two months from now?'' Zion remembered the chronicle as he looked at the ring. That ring, set for auction tonight, was meant to appear two monthster. As a disaster that destroyed half the capital, the ''Frozen Night''. ''Of course, that ring alone can''t cause such a disaster.'' The ''Breath of the Ice Queen'' was an amazing relic, but strictly speaking, it was only one part of an unfinished whole. Only when all the other pieces came together, could it be transformed into a new mythical-grade artifact and really show its power. Zion guessed that the ''Frozen Night'' disaster would happen when this mythical-grade artifact wasplete. Of course, if Zion himself got that ring, the disaster would be avoided. ''There''s another reason why I must have the ring.'' The buzz inside the auction house didn''t die down until Zion finished thinking. No, the room was getting colder, but people''s excitement was heating up. "How much extra money do we have? Bring it all. If there''s none, sell something else." "Should we bid together? We''ll share the item based on how much each of us paid." A man in a serious discussion with a bodyguard, a woman in a fox mask suggesting a joint bid to the person next to her. People with greedy looks were trying to get the ''Breath of the Ice Queen''. "Who brought such an item to the auction..." Even Aileen, who usually hides her feelings, couldn''t control her excitement and muttered beside him. ''Is this the reaction to just one legendary item?'' Zion thought, remembering the royal pce''s hidden treasure room he had visited. The wall of that room was covered with dozens of legendary weapons that Zion had seen. Plus, there were three mythical-grade weapons, truly the greatest treasure of the royal city. "Before we start the auction, we''re increasing the number of guards. We appreciate your understanding." Before the auctioneer had even finished speaking, the number of guards in the room tripled. Each guard looked strong and capable. Of course, the bidders brought their own security too, and many powerful noble families were present, so the chance of any trouble was very low. Still, they aimed to lower that small chance even further. The auctioneer continued speaking once everyone had settled down. "We''ll now start today''s final auction. The starting price is 3 billion." It was a price far higher than anything seen before, a record-breaking starting price. However. -40 billion from number 34! 50 billion from number 57! Three billion Del could buy a mansion in the capital''s priciest area in the empire''s currency. And yet, people were raising their bids without a second thought. "150 billion!" "......180 billion!" People were shouting their bids, not waiting for the auctioneer''s turn. The price for the ring skyrocketed but showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, it was getting more intense. -200 billion! Now we''ll go up in 50 billion steps... As I say this, 250 billion! 300 billion! The numbers were rising so fast the auctioneer couldn''t even mention who was bidding. Level 7 Ice Magic. The artifact could be used by anyone, even if they didn''t know magic, just by wearing it. So, it was infinitely useful. Considering the status a level 7 magician has in the Magic Tower, it would be a win to get the bid, no matter how much it cost. "Whoever wins the bid, it''s going to stir things up in the capital for a bit, right? The Ice Queen''s relic hitting the market..." Aileen said, watching the wild auction with a bored face. "......" Zion watched the auction quietly. ''Isn''t he bidding?'' Aileen was confused by Zion''s inaction. ''Even if Prince Zion is rich, he wouldn''t have that much to spend personally.'' She convinced herself quickly. While it was normal for a direct descendant of the world-ruling Agnes family to be immensely rich, Prince Zion was an exception. Zion''s reputation had only started to grow a few months ago, not even half a year. Before that, he had been pretty much inactive, so he wouldn''t have personal wealth, and he hadn''t had time to secure funds afterward. Every resource he had was being funneled into establishing his organization. -850 billion! 900 billion! As she considered this, the auction continued unabated. "......1 trillion!" Finally, a bid in the trillions was announced. Could even the wealthiest nobles of the capital have more than a trillion in cash to spare? With that staggering bid, the number of participants quickly dwindled. What remained were a few individuals, great nobles recognized by name alone. -1.8 trillion from number 44! Is there anyone who can top 1.8 trillion? Thepetition seemed toe to an end as no further hands were raised following the auctioneer''s call. A smile appeared on the lips of number 44, the final bidder. Number 44 was none other than the woman with the peculiar snake tattoo, the one Zion had first asked Aileen about. -Now, I will repeat the final three bids... Just then, a hand was raised. -Number 11, 1.85 trillion!!! Immediately, the room''s attention was drawn to number 11, the bidder. There sat Zion, his eyes as nonchnt as always. As people spected on Zion''s identity. -Number 44, 1.9 trillion! The woman from number 44 raised her hand once again. -Back to number 11, 1.95 trillion! Zion swiftly countered. Aileen, sitting beside him, looked at Zion with widened eyes. She was likely wondering whether he had such enormous funds, but Zion appeared perfectly calm. ''He wouldn''t have entered the auction if he couldn''t afford it.'' What happens when an organization possessing the world''s most extensive information leverages it for business? -¡­¡­Number 44, 2.1 trillion! And what if such business has been ongoing since the foundation of the Agnes Empire centuries ago? The Shadow of Eternity chose to be self-sufficient, refusing the empire''s support to maintain secrecy. Consequently, they umted a vast fortune, its magnitude currently unmeasurable. This exined why Thierry assured Zion that he could purchase the entire auction house. -Number 11, 2.2 trillion!!!! The auctioneer''s voice echoed excitedly as Zion raised his hand again. Then silence fell. The room''s gaze returned to number 44. The woman who no longer raised her hand. -I will repeat the final bid three times. 2.2 trillion! 2.2 trillion! ¡­¡­. Even as the final bid was repeated, the woman''s hand remained down. Apuse erupted. The auction hall was filled with apuse. At this, a faint smile appeared on Zion''s lips. --- Raei Trantions --- The auction concluded shortly after that. ''Not bad.'' Zion inspected the ''Breath of the Frost Queen'' nestled in its magic-treated ring box as he exited the venue with Aileen. The sum he had spent might make Thierry, who had given him the ck card, wince, but the artifact was worth the price. Just then, a voice approached him. "Congrattions." The speaker was a woman with a seductive figure outlined by her figure-hugging dress, a snake tattoo gnawing its own tail adorned her left shoulder. It was number 44, who had vied with Zion for the prize until the final moments of the auction. "You''ve be the owner of the Frost Queen''s most powerful artifact." "Thanks to you." Zion''s eyes glowed with icy detachment as he regarded the woman through his mask. He knew her identity. Sharin May. One of the leaders of ''Ouroboros,'' the most notorious criminal organization mentioned in the chronicles. ''Ouroboros'' operated under the destructive ideology that the world, caught in a perpetual cycle of creation and cessation, needed annihtion to facilitate a fresh start. This belief led them to sh with the Hero repeatedly, obstructing world salvation at every turn. The ''Frozen Night,'' set to happen in the capital two months hence, was the handiwork of the ''Ouroboros,'' the organization Sharin belonged to. ''Originally, she should have been the one to win the Breath of the Frost Queen today.'' However, Zion had already subverted this fate. At that moment, Sharin, standing before him, spoke again. "Are you aware that objects possessing legends or simr tales often choose their own masters? Should an individualcking the proper qualifications seize such an item, they could be harmed, even face death, much like the former owner of that ursed ne you acquired earlier." Her eyes narrowed behind her mask. "Do you genuinely believe you are worthy of wielding the Breath of the Frost Queen?" A chuckle escaped Zion as he stared unflinchingly into Sharin''s eyes. He found it increasingly bemusing that his qualifications were being questioned. "I reckon I''m more suitable than you." "We''ll see about that soon enough." Sharin, responding to Zion''s words with a knowing smile, bid him a flirtatious farewell before leisurely distancing herself. "......" Zion watched her retreat for a moment before moving on. He knew he would have to confront her eventually, but not today. He still had tasks to attend to that evening. "......That''s the same woman who initially asked about your identity, right? An odd one she is. And her aura didn''t feel quite right. I''ll report back once I confirm who she is." Aileen, having walked alongside Zion, voiced her observation before promptly summoning the magic vehicle she had arranged to await them upon exiting the auction house. "Is there only one vehicle?" "Yes. It''s preferable for security and route nning. Does that pose an issue?" "I''ve no objections, but you might regret this decision." "......Excuse me?" Aileen''s eyes registered confusion at Zion''s cryptic remark, but Zion had already slid into the magical car, leaving her question unanswered. With a nonplussed shrug, she too hopped into the vehicle and promptly set it in motion. Vrooom! Could it be the auction had run longer than anticipated? It was deep into the night, nearing midnight, and the capital''s streets through which they drove were eerily quiet and deserted. asionally, they spotted magical cars carrying other nobles, presumably fellow attendees of the auction. In due course, even those few vehicles dwindled from view, leaving Zion and Aileen''s car as the lone traveler on the road. "Has it finally arrived?" Zion, who had remained pensive and silent since entering the car, broke his silence with an icy tone. "Huh? What do you mean......" As Aileen''s eyes filled with puzzlement once again. Kaboom! A tremendous force rocked them from the side, utterly obliterating the magical car carrying Zion. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 75: Snake Hunting (1) Chapter 75: Snake Hunting (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "Quite the talent..." Late into the night, with the moon hiding behind the clouds, Sharen May, a high-ranking member of Ouroboros, had just exited the underground auction house. She found herself mumbling to herself as she wandered the nighttime streets of the capital city, Hubris. The memory of the man she''d chatted with earlier lingered in her mind. A white mask hid most of his face, but even from the small portion that was visible - his mouth and jawline - she could tell he was attractive. "Who could he be?" Given the glimpse of grey hair she had caught sight of, it was likely he hailed from Ilones, stronghold of the Agnes. But, she could not deduce more. ''If he can afford to spend so much, he must be known around here...'' They, who had been covertly operating here for over ten years, and knew all the details of the capital, had no record of him. If he hadn''t shown up on their radar, it implied he either had not been active at all or held enough influence to avoid detection. Naturally, thetter seemed improbable, so she guessed the former. "Quite bold." She was annoyed. From his eyes that seemed to look down on Sharen herself to his cold, emotionless voice. More importantly, his ignorance and the fact he had upset Ouroboros''s ns, were hard for her to stomach. Then. "Should we investigate him?" A sharp voice echoed from the emptiness beside her. "No need." Sharen replied calmly, as if she had expected the question. "Because he won''t be around after today." Before long, a spark of murderous intent shed in her eyes. "Understood. Then, will you head straight to the branch?" "Not yet. I have something to take care of first." Responding to the subsequent voice, Sharen, who had already entered the slums on the outskirts of the capital, looked forward as she lowered her gaze. Soon, about half a dozen rough-looking men began to emerge from the shadows, moving towards her. --- Raei Trantions --- "Did I make too much of a mess? Did the explosion st away the ring?" A man, his face marred by an array of scars, questioned, staring at the wrecked and ming magical car. "That''s why I told you to control your power. You fool, Jeff! We hadn''t evenpletely cleared the outskirts, what if you had fired then?" A woman, her body strong and skin brown, scolded him as she neared. "No, the timing was perfect. If we had waited any longer, there might''ve been witnesses!" In reply, Jeff frowned and defended himself. "Drop it, it''s not like this is his first time messing up." Around a dozen people emerged behind him. They were part of a special unit from Ouroboros. While they were called a special task force, their duties mostly revolved around clean-up. But their skills were some of the best within their branch. It was challenging to take on such special tasks without substantial power. "Enough, let''s find the ring fast and leave. I can''t stand the smell of burnt flesh." This man appeared to be the leader of the task force. At Jeff''s words, two of the team members chuckled and moved toward the ruined magical car. "Huh?" Confusion soon filled the eyes of those sifting through the debris. "Captain, there''s no body?" "What?" "There are no bone fragments either." At the troop member''s words, Jeff''s eyes filled with disbelief. Even if the car was destroyed by the impact, some remains of the passengers should have been left. But if there was nothing... Just then. "There''s nothing to see." Azy voice sounded from behind. As the troop members turned toward the voice, Swoosh! The head of one member at the back simply vanished. "He never got hit in the first ce." Behind the falling soldier, a man slowly materialized. It was Zion. "What, he survived? This guy had a trick, didn''t he?" Jeff looked at Zion with a surprised expression. His tone showed no anger over the loss of a team member. "....." Zion didn''t respond to Jeff''s words and nced at the nearby building. Inside were Aileen and the driver, whom he had protected before the car was destroyed. ''This was to be expected.'' From the moment Zion won the auction for the ''Breath of the Frost Queen'', he knew it woulde to this. ''Ouroboros'', having lost the auction, wouldn''t give up what they desired so easily. Fully aware of this, he had deliberately led them into this situation. "Do you have the ring? If you hand it over now, I''ll spare your life." Jeff grinned at Zion and spoke again. Despite already losing a team member, his voice was full of confidence. A demeanor that signaled he could kill Zion at any moment. "You sure talk a lot for someone who won''t do as he says." Zion chuckled in response. For them, it would be much more straightforward and cleaner to kill Zion himself. There was no reason for them to keep him alive and deal with potential repercussions. "Huh? Did you read my mind? How did you know I won''t?" Jeff shrugged yfully at Zion''s words. Then he lifted a hand and flicked his finger lightly. Bright light burst from the waists of the remaining troops, forming a barrier wide enough to envelop all of them, including Zion. Zion regarded the barrier encasing him with interest. "You''vee prepared." "Oh, you recognize it? It''s a mana-blocking barrier. We''re a little apprehensive of that ring''s power too." Jeff, more careful than he appeared, had set up a barrier to impede Zion from using the Breath of the Frost Queen. He grinned and signaled to his troops. Zion, who had been silently observing the barrier and Jeff, finally responded. "Don''t hold a grudge. It''s just the natural order of things. Consider yourself unfortunate." As if those words were amand. Whoosh! Jeff''s troops lunged at Zion. An astonishing speed, derived not from mana usage but raw physical prowess. "Hahaha! You won''t feel a thing." The first troop member, reaching Zion in a sh, swung down a massive greatsword as tall as himself. Just as the greatsword was about to cleave Zion''s head, Thud- Zion''s finger, having risen slowly, lightly tapped the side of the greatsword. In that instant, The greatsword shattered as if it were made of ss. "......!" The eyes of the troop member who had wielded the greatsword widened in shock. Zion''s other fist, wreathed in darkness, obliterated his head. "What!" A horrified cry burst from a burly man with a thick beard who was charging from behind, stunned by the unbelievable sight. With a single step, Zion, now standing directly in front of the man,unched his already cocked fist without hesitation. The burly man swiftly pulled his double-edged axe to the front in defense. A deafening sound echoed as Zion''s fist collided with the man''s axe. Zion''s fist momentarily stopped. ''He blocked......!'' Relief momentarily filled the burly man''s eyes. With a surge of dark energy, Zion''s fist shattered the man''s axe, shooting straight through and then, Instantly obliterated his head. Before the man''s body hit the ground, Zion, cloaked in darkness, advanced toward his next opponent. A barrier that inhibits the use of mana? So what? From the outset, Zion himself couldn''t use mana, and the dark energy wasn''tposed of mana either. Hence, he wasn''t affected in the slightest. sh! A woman with brown skin surged from behind Zion, swinging her two daggers. However, Zion, who seemed to have anticipated her movements, stepped forward and lightly dipped his head to evade the daggers. Simultaneously, Zion''s elbow, naturally thrusting backward, targeted the woman. His movement was so swift that the woman''s head vanished without a trace, apanied by the sound of the air shattering. "Damn it! Attack him simultaneously!" One of the troops, a flicker of fear dawning as he watched Zion relentlessly eliminating hispanions, cursed loudly as if to cast aside his trepidation and charged at Zion. Heeding his call, four troop members converged on Zion from all directions. "Well, that makes things easier and more entertaining." Zion, observing them with a smirk, gently tightened his fist. Heunched a wide-range skill that had previously eradicated a swarm of carnivorous insects during a session ceremony. In an instant, a wave of darkness erupted from Zion, engulfing the oing enemies. "Arrghh!" The troops, bereft of mana, were swept away by the dark surge, torn to shreds. With that, Zion, having swiftly ended the writhing troop members by crushing their heads, immediately embarked on hunting his next quarry. "This, this is...." Jeff muttered, watching the spectacle with a countenance of disbelief. His previously confident gaze now held no room for leisure. Crash! Crash! Crunch! One hit per person. Each movement marked the extinction of one life. A staggering chasm. The troops, veterans of countless perilous missions, were falling far too easily. From where had this fiendish creature emerged? And something even more perplexing baffled him. "How... how can he wield mana?" The darkness, zing vividly even within a mana-blocking barrier. It was undoubtedly a manifestation that could not be conceived without the mastery of mana. "Consider yourself unfortunate." Zion, having exterminated all the troops and now advancing towards Jeff, echoed the same words that Jeff had earlier spoken. But the sentiment embedded in those words was starkly different. Then, Bang! A gunshot resonated. A sniper, who had been concealed at a distance since before the battle initiated, had squeezed the trigger targeting Zion. Firearms, despite being a recent invention and non-mainstream weaponry, were regarded as the most potent in mana-lessbat. However, The bullet discharged from the sniper''s firearm came to a standstill in front of Zion''s throat. The peculiar darkness enveloping the bullet. "Ah...." The moment a desperate sound escaped from Jeff''s mouth, With a subtle gesture from Zion, a shadow-like darkness surged forth from the sniper, entirely consuming him. Having efficiently disposed of the sniper as well, Zion resumed his approach towards Jeff. Jeff''s gaze, fixed on Zion, began to fill with a blend of despair and terror. ''How on earth can I kill that....'' Victory is impossible. ''So then....'' Having made up his mind, Jeff dissolved the nearly shattered mana-blocking barrier entirely and unleashed a premeditated sword attack at Zion. The most formidable strike he could muster at the moment. Jeff''s sword shed with Zion''s hand, generating a shockwave of unparalleled magnitude. A cloud of dust billowed in the aftermath. But that was all it achieved. Zion, emerging from the dust cloud, was entirely unscathed. However, one detail had changed. Jeff, who had previously been within striking distance, was now a mere speck in the vast expanse. From the outset, he had intended that blow as a means to escape. "Remarkable, you didn''t forget about your n." Zion chuckled as he watched Jeff''s retreating silhouette diminish into the distance. Everything was transpiring as per his grand design. Zion hadn''t nned on concluding his hunt that evening at this rudimentary level. ''Otherwise, I wouldn''t have bothered initiating it.'' That''s why he deliberately lured them here, and that''s why he purposefully allowed one to escape. He disyed their brutal demise to instill fear, effectively impairing their ability to make rational judgments. The one who escaped would undoubtedly lead him to their covert base. "It''ll be satisfying to decimate at least one base." With that, Zion''snguid eyes started to trail the dark path connected to Jeff. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 76: Snake Hunting (2) Chapter 76: Snake Hunting (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Ouroboros, often called the most feared terror group in the Frosimar Chronicles. Their belief was that the end and the beginning of the world were connected. To create a new world, they thought, the current one must be destroyed. They seemed more like a religion than a crime group. Their influence spread all over the empire, with many branches even in the capital, Hubris. One of their secret branches was in the business district of Hubris. "It''s too quiet." In a big room at the top of a building, a man with green hair tied back in a bun spoke. He was looking out over the city. This man''s name was Clint Debowel. He was the boss of this branch. "I don''t like it." Clint didn''t like the peaceful night view of the city. He wished for the city to be in chaos, on fire, and full of screams. "But it won''t be long now." Muttering to himself, Clint looked at a pure white dagger in a ss box next to him. It was as powerful as legendary artifacts, a second piece needed to use the real power of the Frost Queen. The reason this piece was here was simple. Each Ouroboros branch in the capital took care of its own acts of terror, or disasters. The disaster that Clint''s branch dealt with was connected to the Frost Queen. ''Once I get the Frost Queen''s breath tonight...'' He''d be closer to seeing the city as he wanted it. In his eyes, there was no way he wouldn''t get the ring. After all, it was a mission led by Sharin May, one of the top leaders in Ouroboros. On top of that, the special team sent to steal the breath was one of the strongest in the branch. There was no way they could fail. Thinking about theing frozen city and the world on the brink of ruin, Clint felt a thrill of excitement. "Boss!" One of his underlings rushed into the room, looking worried. "What is it?" "We''ve got an intruder." "An intruder? How many?" Clint asked his underling, looking serious. After all, this was a secret branch that no one had found out about before. If they knew about this ce, they must have a lot of information and power. But his expression changed when he heard what his underling said next. "There''s... just one." "...Is he crazy?" For a moment, Clint looked at his underling as if he couldn''t believe it, then spoke in a cold voice. "What are you waiting for? Take him down." He didn''t know how the intruder had discovered their location, but surely one person alone could do nothing. Yet, his perception quickly shifted. --- Raei Trantions --- "Huff, puff!" Jeff, the leader of the special Ouroboros team, gasped for breath as he looked at the massive building in front of him. "I... I made it." A glimmer of hope lit his eyes. Was it because he had run non-stop, heart pounding? Jeff had reached his destination without being caught. "I need to... report this quickly." Even though he felt like he might faint from exhaustion at any moment, he didn''t stop. He had to report the defeat of his team and the incredible power of the one who defeated them as soon as he could. However, his goal was futile from the beginning. "Thank you." With the quiet voice from behind him, Stab! A single pale hand pierced his chest. "Guh, gah!" His eyes filled with shock and pain, Jeff slowly turned around. A man was smiling at him. "Thanks to you, I found it." A being that defied logic - the one who had killed all of his team with ease a while back and who could use magic inside a mana-blocking barrier. It was Zion. "Damn you..." Only then did Jeff understand that everything had been a trap set by Zion from the start, but it was toote. With hisst breath, Jeff''s life left himpletely. Zion, carelessly discarding Jeff''s body, looked at the five-story stone building in front of him. "Is this the ce?" A secret Ouroboros branch. He had to resort to such a tricky method because the location wasn''t mentioned in the chronicles. ''Sharin May isn''t here yet, so I should be enough on my own.'' With that thought, Zion walked up to the building and gave the huge front door, about three meters tall, a light kick. Then, From where Zion''s toe had touched, cracks spread across the whole door like spiderwebs, and it fell to pieces. As Zion stepped through the destroyed gate, Dozens of arrows filled with cold air rained down on him from every side. In a blink, Zion was lost among the storm of arrows. "What? We couldn''t stop him?" One of the archers waiting at the entrance murmured, puzzled. "No need to stop him." A voice came from behind him. "¡­!" As he turned towards the voice, the archer saw Zioning out of his shadow. The archer''s head was swiftly cut off by Zion. "Attack!" Only then did the remaining enemies start to charge at Zion, but it was toote. Ouroboros fighters, among whom were numerous magicians, charged Zion as a cascade of multicolored spells poured from behind them. Just as the magical onught raced past the fighters and approached Zion, Darkness surged around him, cloaking his entire form and creating an abyss of oblivion. Any attack spell that made contact with this oblivion vanished without a trace. "!!!!!!" Witnessing their spells not being blocked or deflected, but literally erased from existence, the fighters stood stunned. Zion, now shrouded in darkness, lightly tapped the ground with his toe. And then. "......?" In an instant, Zion vanished from his spot, reappearing behind the onrushing fighters. Ka-boom! A sonic boom erupted momentster. Apanying it, the bodies of the caught fighters began to tear apart. "What......" Awestruck, the watching magicians were left dumbfounded. They could not understand what had transpired. Before the magicians could regain their senses, Zion, pushing off with his foot and dashing before them, extended his previously withdrawn right hand. From Zion''s fingertips, a de-like darkness jutted out in a straight line, obliterating everything in its path, magicians included. "Kill... Kill him!!" The remaining fighters, recognizing Zion btedly, rushed towards him despite the terrifying scene unfolding before them. But the tide had already turned. This was no longer a fight. It was a one-sided ughter. Superhuman. A term referring to beings who have exceeded human limits by honing their abilities, whether it be swordsmanship, magic, or other skills, to an extreme degree. In the ck Star, the standard to achieve superhuman status began from the 3rd star. Zion was unparalleled among those who hadn''t exceeded these limits. "Mon... Monster..." Thest standing magician, stepping backward with a pale face and mumbling at Zion. Zion, who imed even this magician''s life without a hitch, looked up. ''I should handle this quickly.'' It was fine to thoroughly eliminate everyst pest, but doing so might bring Sharin May here. Sharin May still posed a challenge for the current Zion. ''I wish I had brought Liushina.'' Thinking of her who had returned to the Blood Tower, Zion chuckled and took a step forward. With that, Zion''s figure melded into the darkness. Shortly after. "What... Aaaargh!" "Block... Aaaargh!" Bursts of sound, apanied by continuous screams, reverberated from within the building. --- Raei Trantions --- "Allmunication with the second-floor defense forces has been severed!" "There was an intruder confirmation in Room 1 on the third floor... now their signal is lost!" "Signals from Room 2 to Room 5 on the third floor have vanished simultaneously!" "The fourth floor! We''ve just received a message from the elitebat unit on the fourth floor!" -We are engaged with the intruder... Can''t hold on any longer... Aaaargh! "What on earth..." Director Clint mumbled, taken aback by the terrifyingly rapid disappearance of signals from thebat units. What was happening? Theyout of this secret branch, where he resided, differed from conventional buildings. There were no central corridors or passages, only interconnected rooms, and to ascend to the next floor, one had to traverse through all rooms. And yet. "...Is this speed even possible?" Yes, with a significant stretch of imagination, he could fathom someone breaking through the rooms alone. But he couldn''t understand this speed. Ten seconds. The intervals at which the signals from thebat units safeguarding each room vanished. A speed only achievable if there was an extreme difference in ability, like an adult versus a child. As Clint murmured, signals kept disconnecting. Along with it, the sound of explosions neared. A word surfaced in Clint''s mind as he heard the resounding echoes. Predator. An entity destined to hunt all other beings. Clint acknowledged the existence of such predators. No, he had actually encountered one such individual. Although he hadn''t directly witnessed it yet, he strongly sensed that the intruder causing this havoc was an entity born with the fate of a predator. The instant they crossed paths, Clint was certain he wouldn''t stand a chance and would be torn asunder. ''It''s toote to flee.'' There was no hope that Sharin May would arrive here in time. "Director!" As the booming sounds drew closer, the other organization members gazed at Clint anxiously, seeking instructions. ''In that case...'' With this thought, his eyes sparkled. Crash! He shattered the ss box next to him. And Clint gripped the pristine white dagger within. With that, immense cold energy erupted from the dagger, rapidly plunging the room''s temperature below freezing. The water ss solidified instantaneously, and frost began to form all around. "Director, that''s!" The organization members stared at Clint in surprise, but he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the door. ''There''s no other choice.'' Using the dagger''s power might derail his ns, but it was far preferable to everyone perishing and their relics being pilfered. A chilling, luminescent white light began to coalesce around the dagger Clint clenched. Unable to resist the dagger''s formidable power, the surrounding air began to freeze. ''One shot. The moment they enter, I''ll unleash everything into this one strike.'' Even if the intruder bore the fate of a predator, they wouldn''t be fully on guard until the door swung open. If he timed it perfectly and released a blow equivalent to a high-level Grade 7 frost magic, there was a chance. No, if hended the hit, it was even usible to im their life in return. The booming noise was now directly outside. ''Please...!'' Despite his ragged breathing, Clint''s concentration was at its pinnacle. As he tightly gripped the dagger. Finally, the sturdy wooden door was sted to smithereens. And from behind it, a shadowy figure emerged. At that moment. From Clint''s dagger, a concentrated st of cold energy was unleashed, metamorphosing into a massive ice dragon in an instant, lunging towards the intruder, Zion. Frost Dragon''s Fang. The most potent attack Clint could muster with his dagger ''Frost Fang''. As anticipated, the ice dragon froze everything it grazed, and within seconds, it stood directly before Zion. Ultimately, the ice dragon opened its gargantuan maw to consume Zion. ''Hit...!'' At that moment, a sense of exhration filled Clint''s eyes. At that moment. Everyone in the room, including him, witnessed it. Slowly yet swiftly. The medium-length sword swung by Zion. From that sword, a line carved into reality. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 77: Ice Spirit (1) Chapter 77: Ice Spirit (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "Did that really work?" Zion stood stunned as he watched the Ice Dragon, now halved and vanishing into thin air. Truth be told, he hadn''t expected such an attack when he had unlocked the final door. That''s why he had quickly drawn the Exia without even summoning a sword spirit. "Is it because it''s now three stars?" He had a gut feeling that it wouldn''t have worked when the ck Star was at two stars. Since he hadn''t used a half-sword during his time as Emperor, he couldn''t have known until now. Nevertheless, it was a stroke of luck. As Zion wrapped up his thoughts, he saw the green-haired man and the rest, frozen in ce, staring at him. Their mouths hung open slightly, as though they couldn''t understand what they had just witnessed. "H-how could this be¡­" The man''s trembling voice, finally breaking the silence, echoed around them. The power of a legendary relic. Furthermore, it was one of the abilities of the ''Ice Queen''. It had a strength equivalent to mid-level 7th level magic. It wasn''t a force that could be easily vanquished with a single sh. And the spectacle of it vanishing was even stranger. It didn''t look like it had been sliced by swordsmanship, but more like it had vanished the moment it touched the short sword''s line. "Can this really happen?" Ignoring Clint''s bewilderment, Zion strode toward him. "B-block him!" The other Ouroboros members around him dashed towards Zion. From the get-go, it was futile trying to stop Zion, who had wiped out an entire branch of the group single-handedly. Zion, holding only a half-sword, was ruthlessly taking down the members. After all, everyone associated with Ouroboros were crazies who longed for the world to end. Zion was not so generous as to show these monsters mercy. "I wouldn''t have spared them regardless." To Zion, it didn''t matter if his opponent was evil or good when it came to deciding their fate. What mattered was if they could be of use to him. "Aaaaaah!" Then, Clint, who had gathered another st of cold air with the same intensity as before, lunged at Zion with his dagger. Or at least, he tried to. But before he could. Zion''s sword appeared in front of him like a ghost, severing the right hand holding the dagger. "Ah..." Clint nkly stared at his severed wrist, now flung into the air. Thest thing he saw before his death was... "You can''t pull the same trick twice." Apanied by Zion''s soft voice... A jet-ck sword light filled his view. ''That is...'' Having taken out thest branch head, Clint, Zion noticed a snow-white dagger resting on the ground as he scanned his surroundings. His eyes lit up with curiosity. He strolled over and picked up the dagger. Just by holding it, an icy chill seeped out, threatening to freeze his whole body. It was obvious. It was one of the ''Breath of the Ice Queen'' pieces he had scored at the Flinton auction. "I figured it might be here..." The ''Frozen Night'' disaster was two months away. Assuming that the event would only take ce when all four Ice Queen powers were collected... It was expected for Ouroboros to possess one or two pieces by this time. He just hadn''t thought it would be in this branch. "Today''s my lucky day." Murmuring this, Zion started nning his next steps. In fact, there was another reason he had secured the ''Breath of the Ice Queen'', aside from preventing the ''Frozen Night'' and undermining Ouroboros. He needed it for an event that would happen in the near future. Instead of saying it would ''happen'', it would be more precise to say it would ''open''. The Ice Queen''s powers were needed for Zion to secure what he desired from ''that event''. They were like a key. ''Maybe the future will be a bit easier now.'' As he pondered this, Zion pocketed the dagger when... Footsteps echoed towards him. ''Are theying now?'' Though the number seemed to be in the dozens, Zion''s face remained calm. Because the ones approaching were not his foes. "Your Highness, Zion!" A group charged in,pletely shattering the already damaged door. Leading the group was Aileen, the branch head of the information guild, Moon''s Eye. "You appear... unscathed." Upon seeing Zion standing untouched in the middle of the room, relief washed over her, quickly followed by surprise. The room was filled with bodies. The eyes of these bodies were brimming with fear, as though they hadn''t had a chance to fight back. At the same time, memories of other rooms she had rushed past without looking too closely shed into her mind. These rooms were no different from this one. ''He couldn''t have done all this alone...'' Honestly, when Zion announced he would track the fleeing attacker to the enemy''s base, she thought it was absurd. Even though he had easily handled the ones who attacked the magical carriage, infiltrating the main base alone was an entirely different story. That''s why she had hurriedly rallied her forces and followed his trail. However, she had severely underestimated him. ''I knew he was formidable, but...'' She hadn''t predicted it would be to this degree. No, it was more urate to say that she hadn''t truly grasped his capabilities until now. ''Could he be one of Agnes'' monstrous entities?'' Oblivious to Aileen''s silent contemtion, Zion nonchntly turned towards the exit. "How should we handle the aftermath?" "Just leave it be. Another guy will take care of it." At Aileen''s words, Zion, dropping his gaze, let out a quiet chuckle. In his mind, the image of Sharin May, who would soon visit this ce and fly into a rage, materialized. In a room on the uppermost floor of the secret base where Zion had been just a while ago... "...." Sharin May was gazing nkly at the chaos strewn across the room. Her eyes were devoid of emotion. However, the shadow that had faithfully followed Sharin for over a decade knew how furious she was right now. "What happened?" A soft question that emerged from Sharin''s mouth. "There was an intruder." The shadow promptly answered. "How many?" "....A single individual." "What?" Sharin looked back at the shadow, as if asking for rification. The shadow averted its gaze, not daring to meet her eyes, and began to speak. "I managed to extract fragments of memories from one of the deceased organization members. The intruder was a lone man with ash-colored hair and gray eyes." "....!" At the shadow''s words, an image of a specific individual shed through Sharin''s mind. ''Don''t you think he''s more than a match for you?'' The masked man who had snatched away the ''Breath of the Ice Queen'', which she intended to im, and had the audacity to speak such words to her. "What became of the cleanup team dispatched to retrieve the ring?" Suddenly recalling something, Sharin questioned the shadow again. "... We''ve lost all contact." There was no doubt. The moment she heard the shadow''s response, she knew. The gray-haired man, who had taken the Breath, had obliterated this secret base. He must have learned of this ce''s location through the cleanup team. Mockery. That was the single word that dominated Sharin''s thoughts now. As much as she didn''t want to admit it, from the auction house to now, she had been toyed with by the gray-haired man. "How dare... he toy with me? This damned cur!!!" With a soft roar that slipped from Sharin''s twisted lips, Owing to the immense energy erupting from her, the entire secret base began to shudder. The building started to crumble bit by bit, unable to endure her power. However, Sharin quickly reigned in her rage. Understanding the adversary who had sabotaged their n was more crucial than letting her anger explode. ''There aren''t many with ash-colored hair symbolizing the Hwangga, such power and intellectual prowess, and substantial wealth, including the Ban-gye.'' No, it wasn''t just ''not many'', it was exceptionally rare. Again, her face hardened, she directed her words to the shadow. "How long do you think it will take?" "Excuse me?" "To identify the intruder." "We should have him identified within a week." "You have 4 days. Aplish it within that period." "¡­Understood." As she felt the shadow''s presence fade away with these words, Sharin''s fist tightened. "When we cross paths again...." Murmuring quietly, she stared at the shattered ss box. In her eyes, the restrained fury was simmering anew. [BREAK] "Did you really... acquire the auction house?" That was the first question Thierry posed to Zion upon his return to the Chimseong Pce. As Zion had anticipated, the hand epting the ck card back was shaking. It seemed that even he hadn''t expected Zion to spend so much in a single night. "Not quite, I just procured a few valuable items." "Ha ha, Your Majesty thinks on a grand scale. It''s no surprise, as you are the sessor of the Eternal Emperor." Zion smirked, observing Thierry who was earnestly trying to amodate the situation with augh. "If it can be resolved with money, that''s the simplest solution." And considering what he obtained, it was quite a good deal. After all, he acquired two legendary artifacts, and one of them even had a unique name. Naturally, one of them required its curse to be lifted before it could be used. Upon hearing the brief rundown of events, Thierry also nodded, his face disyingprehension. "Certainly, I should view this as a gain. I''ll try to find a skilled curse-lifter as soon as possible. However..." Thierry''s eyes were drawn to the blue ring and the pristine white daggerid out on the table. "Are these fragments of the Frost Queen''s dominion?" "Yes." "It''s incredible. Four legendary artifacts merge to form a mythic one..." This was a fact unbeknownst even to Thierry, the head of the intelligence organization, and he marveled at it. Then he suddenly wore a confused expression. "But why did you bring these out all of a sudden?" Considering Zion''s temperament, he wouldn''t have unveiled them just to disy to Thierry and the silent Fred standing nearby. "You''ll find out." Zion, responding with a faint smile, gently stimted the ''Breath of the Frost Queen'' and the ''Frost Fang'' ced before him using the ck Star. Wooong! Reacting to this, the energies of the two artifacts began to resonate together, producing a powerful echo. The library was filled with blue light radiating from the resonance, and the temperature dropped swiftly. "What, what is happening...!" Fred and Thierry, who had been observing, eximed in shock at the escting phenomenon. However, unlike them, Zion, who was observing the resonance, was calm. Because this was a natural urrence. Among mythic weapons or uniquely-named legendary artifacts, there were those that possessed a consciousness that could think and make judgments for themselves. The mythic artifact, assembled by collecting the fragments of the Frost Queen''s dominion, also happened to be an artifact possessing a consciousness. Zion had suggested that such a consciousness would make itself known when two fragments of power were assembled. "Ah, a unique spirit!" Observing an entity gradually materializing within the blue light, Thierry gasped in awe. A unique spirit. Unlike typical spirits, it was a known entity that existed only once in the world andmanded immense power and wisdom, far surpassing humans. At Thierry''s astonished outcry, the spirit finally emerged from the light. A bird with blue luminescent feathers the size of a full-grown man''s fist. Despite its spherical form, it somehow exuded an aura of chilliness and arrogance, as if signaling it was a spirit rted to the cold. "......." The eyes of Zion, Thierry, and Fred were all riveted on the spirit, bringing a hush to the library. What would be the first utterances of the unique spirit, known to whisper countless ingenious pieces of wisdom to its contractor with its transcendent knowledge? Finally, in that silence, The spirit''s beak slowly parted. Cheep! ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 78: The Monster (1) Chapter 78: The Monster (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Deep within the headquarters of the Ozlima family, a circle of about ten top-ranking members gathered around arge round table. The Ozlima family, known for producing the best magicians, were part of the five ns supporting the Agnes Empire. "What has brought us here?" An elderly man with a long, gray beard sighed heavily. No one asked what he meant. They all knew. Prince Enoch was dead. As Enoch''s mother''s family, the Ozlimas had backed him fully. Their turmoil, naturally, was more intense than anywhere else. Enoch didn''t just die. His death was wrapped up in taboos, forcing the family to keep their heads down rather than mourn or seek support. Despite avoiding immediate chaos, the family atmosphere was strained. Theycked a unifying figure. "We need to decide soon," said a middle-aged man, garbed in a red robe denoting the me Mage Tower. "We need to decide which royal member we''ll support." Their silence, until now, had been born of caution, but it was time to take a stand. By backing a royal, they had more to gain than to lose. If their chosen royal became emperor, they''d wield power beyond any of the five families. As it stood, Ozlimagged behind the other families. Their decision was crucial. "Offers came from the Second Princess, Fourth Prince, and Fifth Princess. One of them seems a safe choice." "No, we can''t y it safe," countered Groud Ozlima, the top heir of the family. He had remained quiet until now. "We''ve lost the Third Prince. We''re behind the other families. If we choose safely, we''ll keepgging." "So, what do we do?" "We choose what others have not." Groud paused before continuing, his tone filled with implication. "What about the First Prince?" The room fell silent. "He devoted himself to the Church of Light, severing most ties with the royals. He opted out of the throne race, but remember how much sway he held in the pce." Everyone knew this. They didn''t need reminding. Yet, the First Prince was an unlikely choice. Following a certain event, the emperor had lost all favor for him, and the First Prince himself showed no interest in the throne. Supporting him, therefore, seemed to promise no gain. Furthermore, this decision wouldn''t sit well with public opinion. "You may think it''s senseless to back a royal who has no desire for the throne. But what if he does?" Groud suggested, cryptically. "Are you suggesting the First Prince still has his eyes on the throne?" someone asked. Groud responded with only a smile, but it was enough to stir the room. "The First Prince has potential. If he gets the right support. His power has likely faded during his hiatus, making it easier to control." Nobody challenged Groud''s im. They seemed intrigued. "We shouldn''t rush, though. Let''s watch the other royals and keep our options open. We might meet the First Prince soon, so we could decide then." Groud finished his statement casually, but his mind was already nning steps ahead. --- Raei Trantions --- On the outskirts of Hubris, the capital city,y a small estate. Here, Zion wandered alone on a serene mountain trail. ''I had no idea such a ce was nearby.'' The untouched naturalndscape stretching beside the path was impressive. No, it was more than that. It was breathtaking. Zion was surprised such a scenic trail wasn''t renowned. Zion had a simple reason for trekking this mountain path. ''Gui.'' The most skilled individual in human enhancement in the Empire. Last night, Ahmad Ozlima had shared that Gui was near the capital. Gui was staying in this very mountain. ''I didn''t think Ahmad would be the one to tell me.'' Instead of questioning the Eternal Shadows'' intelligence, one should admire Gui''s ability to hide. He stayed hidden from everyone but his friends. It was safe to say he was like a figure never once revealed in the chronicle. Meeting Gui wasplicated too. Only patients could meet him, and they needed a hand-written rmendation from one of Gui''s friends to receive his treatment. Consequently, Zion was navigating the mountain path, Ahmad''s rmendation safely tucked away in his pocket. ''Did he mention that one treatment requires a single rmendation?'' Suddenly, -Chirp! Apanied by a blue light, a petite bird materialized on Zion''s right shoulder. A blue-feathered bird chirping at Zion, almost as if conversing. "......" Zion regarded the bird, slightly bemused. The azure creature was, in fact, the consciousness contained within the Frost Queen''s artifact, a distinct spirit. However, this spirit slightly deviated from the unique spirits Zion was familiar with. ''Firstly, it doesn''t talk.'' While one would expect an exceptional spirit to possess vast wisdom beyond humanprehension, this one just chirped. Moreover, the power emanating from it was weaker than anticipated. -Um... Is it truly a unique spirit? Thierry had questioned upon firstying eyes on the spirit. Naturally, Zion harbored no doubts regarding the bird''s status as a unique spirit. ''It''s simply in an iplete state.'' Perhaps this was a result of only two pieces of the artifact having been collected so far. Moreover, it seemed to have been affected when Zion infused the resonating artifact pieces with the ck Star instead of mana for the first time. ''Yet, it appears to understand my words.'' Zion recalled the spirit''s indignant chirping in response to Fredo''s proposal to name it "Chirp." -Chirp! While its chirping protests were admittedly adorable, they weren''t particrly beneficial to Zion. "I''ll need to figure out how to utilize it effectively." Mumbling to himself, Zion continued his ascent, wondering how much further he had to go. As he neared the peak, a small hut entered his field of vision. ''Could that be it?'' In such an isted location, the hut was likely Gui''s dwelling. However, several individuals were already gathered in front of it. Two men, a woman, and a young girl. Representing a variety of races, there was a giant, a fairy, and a human, among whom the giant man was bellowing at the girl, who appeared to be about fifteen. "Damn it! When is Guiing? I''ve been waiting sincest night because I heard he was here! Yet, I''ve not seen hide nor hair of him!" His frustration was palpable. "I, I also don''t know when my master will arrive... If you could please wait a bit longer......" The girl responded, a distressed look on her face, but her plea did little to assuage the giant''s anger. "Do you know how many times you''ve said that? I''ve been kept waiting long enough! Do you know who I am?" "Hey, your booming voice is giving me a headache, so could you quiet down? You''re not the only one waiting here." At that, the fairy man adjacent to him furrowed his brows, addressing the giant in a frigid tone. An aura like a finely honed de radiated from his form, indicative of his considerable skill. "And who are you to hush me? And you''re perfectly content with this waiting...... What about that fellow?" However, the giant, who was also enveloped in a potent aura, noticed Zion approaching and continued his tirade. "Sigh......" A weary sigh tumbled from the giant''s lips. And his countenance mirrored his exasperation. "When did Gui begin entertaining such inconsequential guests?" The giant''s disdain was understandable, given the negligible aura he could sense from the newly arrived Zion. Though Zion''s physique appeared well-trained by human standards, his eyescked any discernible spark. "Do any riffraff get treated as long as they have a rmendation from a friend? At this rate, I might not even get my turn today." Kaptan, the giant, voiced his annoyance while tantly disregarding Zion. He was the sole heir to the ''Blue w Tribe,'' one of the distinguished giant ns in the north. As such, his pride was colossal, and he was miffed at having to share his appointment with individuals he deemed beneath him. Moreover, he had been traversing the empire for a month, away from his giant kin, solely to meet Gui, leaving his patience threadbare. ''Even a simple change in hair color seems to have a substantial impact.'' Zion mused, watching the irate giant. As this was an unofficial excursion, Zion had altered his hair from the deep grey associated with direct royal lineage. He had been apprehensive about being recognized, but gauging from the giant''s reaction, it seemed he needn''t have worried. Upon reflection, it was logical. Unlike other royals, Zion had rarely ventured out and hardly ever left the royal capital. There were individuals within the capital unaware of Zion''s appearance, so it would be peculiar if they did. ''The Ouroboros guys didn''t recognize me either.'' So, he wasn''t exactly irked. At that moment, Zion noticed a human woman standing adjacent to the fairy man, her eyes wide, fixed on him. ''I didn''t anticipate encountering her here.'' Recognition dawned in Zion''s eyes as they took in the familiar face. ''Prince Zion Agnes...!'' The woman, R Ilones, with her gray hair, stared at Zion in stunned disbelief, her mind echoing her astonishment. Despite his lightened hair color and the absence of the energy she had sensed at the previous session ceremony, she recognized him instantly. That lethargic expression. That face that had beamed at her amidst the control room, littered with supervisors and monster corpses, was etched into her memory. ''Why, why is Prince Zion here!'' Even the recollection sent a chill down her spine, her body quaking with fear. Although decorum demanded that she should greet him first, she instead evaded Zion''s gaze, her head bowed low. She vividly remembered when Prince Zion had smiled at her and Veil, asking them to keep it a secret. Naturally, he was referring to the incident she had witnessed, but she feltpelled to act as though she was entirely unaware. Then. "Do you folks know this?" The giant, Kaptan, who had been eying Zion with distaste, abruptly addressed the others with a wry smile, as though a thought had just urred to him. All attention converged on Kaptan. "Gui''s temperament is just as capricious and unpredictable as the rumors suggest." Regardless of the presence of the girl who seemed to be Gui''s apprentice, his words remained blunt. "Therefore, when too many patients seek treatment, Gui might whimsically dy or outright decline to treat a few among them. I heard that such instances have urred in the past." Having a letter of rmendation from an acquaintance was merely the basic requisite to meet Gui. Possessing such a letter didn''t assure treatment. "So?" The fairy man addressed Kaptan with frosty eyes. Smirking at the fairy, the giant proceeded. "What do you say we gamble our rmendation letters in apetition?" "And how would wepete?" "Through a test of strength, naturally." Most who sought Gui''s aid did so not because of illness but to enhance their physique and improve their strength. Hence, it seemed fitting to decide who would be treated based on apetition of power. As the fairy man prepared to agree, a grin tugging at his lips as though he relished the proposition, Before he could utter his assent. "I decline!" A vehement refusal leapt from R''s pallid, anxious lips. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 79: The Monster (2) Chapter 79: The Monster (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "You''re such a chicken," the giant captain said, his shoulders shrugging as he eyed R, who had declined his offer with a faintly trembling voice. He hadn''t expected this seemingly strong human woman to refuse, but it wasn''t a big deal. After all, there was only one person he was truly after. And if that one agreed, that would be enough. "I''m in," said the male elf, nodding just as expected. "And you?" The giant captain turned to Zion, his true target. It had troubled him, the idea of discussing anything with a low-level human. It felt like it tarnished his self-respect. He might look rough around the edges, but the captain took his status and level very seriously, refusing to mix with those he felt beneath him. So, if Zion, the gray-haired man, rejected his offer, he nned to deny him any form of consultation. "Sure," replied Zion, a smirk spreading across his face at the giant''s question. Truthfully, Zion saw no reason to decline. ''I can see right through him,'' he thought to himself. The captain grinned, caught off guard yet again, but it looked like everything was going his way. "You''re tougher than you look," he chuckled. Or perhaps just too foolish to grasp the gap in our levels. The giant kept that thought to himself, moving to stand directly across from Zion. As soon as it was decided, a silent pressure filled the air, urging them to start right away, without any dy. As this pressure grew, R, the elf man, and the somber-faced disciple of the monster naturally stepped back, creating a wider space. "Are you worried about that human?" the elf man asked R, who was looking at Zion with fear in her eyes. "He must be a friend of yours. But there''s no need for such concern. That giant is more reasonable than you think. He won''t kill or maim." But he might leave a person bedridden for a while. "What are you talking about? Who am I supposed to be worried about?" R looked at him, her face asking what he meant. "Yeah... I''m worried. About the sparks flying my way." "...What did you say?" the elf man asked again, confused at her mumbling, but R didn''t respond. "Don''t use your sword." Suddenly, the captain, noting Zion''s empty hands, plunged his own sword into the ground. Thunk! The enormous sword, more than two meters long, sank halfway into the ground with a simple shove. It was a demonstration of the exceptional physical strength typical of giants. "You''ll regret it," said Zion, who''d been observing the captain with a rxed gaze. "...What?" "You''re going to regret not using your sword." To the giant who seemed baffled by his words, Zion repeated his statement kindly. "Ha ha ha!" The captain burst intoughter. "You''re even dumber than you look," he jeered, his eyes brimming with anger. The captain couldn''t stand being insulted, especially by someone he considered beneath him. "I''ll make you eat your words," he snarled at Zion. He had nned to break just a limb or two, but Zion''s words changed his mind. Now, he decided to beat Zion until he couldn''t stand anymore. Without wasting any more time, the captain lunged. Kwaang! He raced towards Zion, surprisingly quick for his hefty size. ''What a loud fellow,'' Zion mused, calmly watching the oing giant. At first nce, it seemed like a reckless charge fuelled by anger. But even at such speed, his breath remained steady and his steps were stable. It was the precision of a practiced fighter, one who had trained to the point where each move became second nature. Whenbat skills be ingrained like this, the body often reacts faster than the mind, resulting in quicker, more efficient movements. Most warriors trained this way, with amazing results. But Zion hadn''t. In fact, he didn''t have any set fighting style at all. The reason was simple. ''Such form can distort everything else.'' Half a beat. Just half a beat faster than when the giant took hisst step tond right in front of him, Zion moved. "....!" Zion''s precise action, timed perfectly with the giant''s breathing, made the Captain''s eyes widen. Zion stomped on the giant''s supporting ankle. Giants were stronger than humans and with their bodies honed to the extreme, a slight shake wouldn''t knock them off bnce. But that didn''t matter. All he needed was to strike a more crucial part at a sharper moment. The giant lost his footing as his ankle twisted perfectly. "Guh!" The captain''s face contorted in a mix of pain and shock as he started to tilt. Before he could recover, Zion''s fist connected with the giant''s face once again, timed to perfection. The shattering sound echoed as the Captain''s head was mmed into the ground. Had he lost consciousness just like that? The gianty motionless. "....." A hush fell over the scene. "I did warn you about regret," Zion murmured, observing the fallen giant amidst the quiet. "What in the world..." A stunned voice escaped from an elven bystander, who stared at the unexpected scene with wide eyes. An unanticipated situation was ying out before him. He had perceived nothing extraordinary from the grey-haired man. So how did this turn of events happen? Sure, he might have underestimated the man''s abilities, he could admit that. But what astounded him more was this: "How... how was he able to do that?" The maneuvers the grey-haired man had disyed earlier. He had wlessly read the giant''s movements and acted a half-beat quicker, entirely disrupting the giant''s rhythm. Such a feat was conceivable only when handling an opponent of inferior skill. Against a formidable adversary like the giant now prone on the ground, he wouldn''t have even attempted it. "Predictable..." In contrast to the dumbstruck elf, R regarded Zion as if this oue werepletely expected. From the outset, this was the anticipated result. This was Prince Zion, who had single-handedly wiped out the overseers of the session ceremony and various monsters. Furthermore, rumors swirled that he had recently faced off against Third Prince Enoch alone. A mere giant stood no chance against him. With this realization, the memories of the session ceremony washed over her once again, filling her eyes with fear. "Is this it? The end?" A voice sounded from the side. Having never heard the voice before, they all, including R, turned their heads towards the source. "It ended far too quickly. No more battles? It was rather entertaining." Was she now in her early thirties? A stunning woman with striking eyes and white hair stood there, a cigar perched in her mouth. ''I was wondering when she''d make her appearance.'' With a slight nudge of his foot to the giant''s head, Zion nced at the woman, a spark of curiosity in his gaze. Though it was his first time seeing her face, Zion had an idea who she might be. There was only one individual who could make an entrance here now. The entric Healer. "M, Master!" As Zion had predicted, the entric Healer''s disciple, a young girl, was hurrying towards the woman. "Why are you making such a fuss after just seeing mest night? Anyone would think we haven''t seen each other for years." "But, the giant lying over there kept pressing me about when you''d arrive..." The entric Healer, dismissing the whimpering girl with a casual hand wave, took in the individuals standing in front of the hut, Zion included. "Hmm... quite a crowd this time." With thatment, she drew deeply on her cigar and slowly began to walk towards the hut. "You''re all eager to get started, aren''t you? The order... yes, you first." Almost within the hut, the entric Healer gestured directly towards Zion, her head and fingers still outside. "Given that I received the rmendation from that giant, I suppose extending this courtesy is only fair." With that, the entric Healer delivered her statement and entered the hut. ''She certainly lives up to her moniker.'' Zion mused, staring at the hut she''d retreated into. Zion was aware that the entric Healer had arrived before his bout with the giant. He had sensed her presence since then. However, she had chosen not to reveal herself until the fight was over, preferring to observe. And now, hertest words and actions. Truly, the title ''entric Healer'' was befitting. "Tell him to pen a favorable rmendation when he regains consciousness." Chuckling softly, Zion ryed this to the others, assuming the unconscious giant wouldn''t hear, and proceeded towards the hut. ''She seems ratherpetent.'' Zion mused as he observed the entric Healer, who had been contentedly puffing on her cigar for a few moments without expressing a word, seated across from him. At most, she appeared to be in her early thirties. Such a youthful appearance indirectly testified to her remarkable healing prowess. ''If she''s a close acquaintance of Ahmad Ozlima, then the entric Healer must be fairly old herself.'' To Zion''s knowledge, Ahmad was over 90 years old. Hence, as a contemporary, the entric Healer''s age must beparable. But, to appear so youthful meant she was perpetually enhancing her body to maintain its prime. ''Can she mend this body of mine?'' Despite the woman''s evident world-ss abilities, Zion could not bepletely sure about her. What Zion needed to rectify was a congenital condition, a ''Heavenly Restrictment,'' which he''d been afflicted with since birth. If it couldn''t be corrected, his Lunar Eclipse ability and further enhancement of his ck Star state would be significantly hindered. Then. "It''s been some time since I''ve received a rmendation from Ahmad. That old man rarely sends any my way... He must''ve grown rather fond of you." The entric Healer finally broke her silence. "I don''t think he was particrly taken with me." Zion retorted, recalling Ahmad''s expression when he handed over the rmendation. It certainly wasn''t a smile. "Then that makes it even more remarkable? It''s truly rare for someone to make him do something he''s not fond of." With thatment, the entric Healer, having set down her cigar, extended a hand towards Zion. As Zion silently stared at her extended hand, the entric Healer prompted him. "Are you not here for a consultation? I need to check your pulse to assess your body." "Shouldn''t you inquire who I am and what I seek to mend first?" Zion offered his right hand, responding to her prompt with his own question. "I''m not interested in who you are. I''m here to provide healing. Your body will disclose what needs fixing." In reply to Zion''s question, the entric Healer chuckled lightly and began to take his pulse. A rejuvenating energy flowed from her touch, permeating Zion''s entire body. After what seemed like an extensive duration. "You..." The entric Healer, who had atst concluded her examination. "How in the world are you still amongst the living?" She asked, her eyes wide with astonishment as she gazed at Zion. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 80: The Monster (3) Chapter 80: The Monster (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In the bustling heart of the city of Hubris, the secret offshoot of the information guild, the Moon''s Eye, operated under the radar. "Recall our chat about a possible hero?" asked Allen, the guild''s deputy chief. He nced at Aileen, who was busy sorting through a pile of documents. "Sure, what''s up?" She quickly nced up from the paperwork, meeting Allen''s gaze. "He turned out to be a fake." "Really? Again?" Disappointment filled her eyes. This was the fourth time. They''d been tricked, over and over. It seemed more usible now that no hero existed, but Aileen kept faith. A few months back, they''d learned about a prophecy of the hero sent to the Church of Light. Ever since, the church had acted strangely. ''I bet the church is hunting for the hero, too.'' She wished to coborate and locate the hero, but the church was secretive, keeping all their intel under wraps. ''We must find him soon.'' Indeed, she had a good reason for this urgency. Back in the day, when the first hero emerged, the world plunged into warfare. The Empire and the demonic forces shed. A brutal war that only ended with one side''splete eradication. A seconding of the hero would surely reignite this war. Nothinges from the heavens without a purpose. ''The Empire, as it stands now, can''t handle another war.'' Though power had grown over time, it was scattered, not focused. The struggles for power within the Imperial City were growing fiercer. This conflict would likely persist until war was upon them. So, Aileen decided to throw her full support behind the hero, not the Empire. She believed this to be a more promising approach. ''But I''ve started to see things a bit differently.'' Zion Agnes. He was the one Aileen had chosen to follow. The one who had changed her mind. With a natural charisma that effortlessly led others. His sharp mind, so brilliant it made her shiver. And, recently, his awe-inspiring power. Ignoring his brutal tendencies, Zion Agnes was, in Aileen''s eyes, the epitome of perfection. It was hard to believe that he had beenbeled a disgrace to the royal family for two decades. If Zion had been given the same opportunities as the other royals rather than being isted, Aileen was sure he''d be closest to the throne right now. ''Maybe... just maybe.'' Though it was a long shot. But still, maybe. Zion might be the one to unite the Empire''s power before war broke out. Aileen was currently pondering this possibility. Suddenly, "Chief!" An intel agent burst into the room, interrupting her thoughts. "Emergency news from the Imperial City!" "Tell me," she said. As the agent spoke, Aileen''s face hardened with seriousness. --- Raei Trantions --- "What do you mean?" Zion asked, puzzled by Gui''s cryptic words. "Just as I said. How are you even alive?" She replied, still wide-eyed in disbelief. "You have no mana in your body. Your pathways are all blocked. Do you understand what that means?" Before Zion could respond, Gui hurriedly continued. "Mana is a core part of this world. All creatures, including humans, carry some amount of it." It wasn''t about whether one could control mana. Just by existing in this world, like breathing, one should naturally have mana. But the man standing before Gui defied this logic. As if he didn''t belong in this world. "No creature like you should exist in this world." In her nearly ny years, Gui had never seen anything like this. A creature born to die. That was her conclusion upon examining Zion''s body. "You must have barely survived until now. Simple movements would have been a struggle, even breathing must have been difficult at times. If fate is decided by a god, yours wouldn''t havested beyond twenty years. You should have died long before now." Her words were harsh. Yet, Zion''s face remained stoic. "You already knew about your condition," Gui observed, intrigued by his calmness. How could he remain calm knowing he could drop dead at any moment? "Can you fix it?" Zion asked, meeting her gaze. His hopes had actually risen a little after Gui''s diagnosis. In such a short time, she had urately assessed his condition. "You realize you should be dead, right?" Gui asked, then slowly continued, "You must have used something like a healing potion recently. That energy, and a strange power I sense, are keeping you alive. That''s why you can move freely now." Zion guessed she referred to the Millennium Ogre''s heart he had eaten and the ck Star Hail. "But this is only temporary. Soon, it will fade. Before that happens, we need to change your condition at its core..." She trailed off, furrowing her brow in thought, tapping her forehead with her pipe. Faced with a case like this for the first time, Gui struggled to find an immediate solution. "Correcting a congenital condition as yours is very rare. But it''s not unheard of." Gui mused aloud, recalling sessful cases of correcting such inherent physical traits. Some she had treated personally, others she hadn''t, but onemon factor remained. "We need a conduit. A conduit powerful enough to override your gic characteristics." Normally, a high-grade elixir like a ''Sun Apple'' would suffice, but in Zion''s case, Gui felt this wouldn''t be enough. "So you mean to use the energy within this conduit to forcibly alter my innate condition and reshape it?" "Indeed. You learn quickly." "So, hypothetically, what might this conduit be?" "Something that carries the essence of a transcendent species, like Holy Blood or Dragon Blood." Both were considered beyond reach in this world. Holy Blood, the blood of an angel, was said to exist in a few precious drops deep within the Church of Light''s headquarters. However, its true nature was unknown. The dragons, once rulers of the world, had long since hidden themselves away. "Do I just need to find one of these?" In any ordinary circumstance, this would sound like an impossible task, a cause for despair. But Zion, instead, seemed intrigued. A memory of his chronicles came to mind. "Yes... But that won''t guarantee a solution to all your problems." Gui, taken aback by Zion''s reaction, soon found herself intrigued. She was interested in both Zion''s unique physical condition, which she was encountering for the first time, and in Zion himself. "Even if your condition changes, there''s no certainty that you''ll be able to handle mana." "That''s enough for me," replied Zion, a smile spreading across his face. After all, he had mastered the ck Star, a power that made everything else irrelevant. Even if he gained the ability to handle mana, it held no value for him. So Zion was satisfied with just the possibility of improving his physical condition here. "What else should I search for?" "The rest can be managed with the resources I have here. But shouldn''t you first inquire how long I''ll be staying?" That indeed made sense. No matter how many ingredients he managed to find, Gui was the only one who could use them to alter Zion''s condition. And she was known for her nomadic tendencies. "Are you nning to leave?" "Well, I initially intended to depart immediately, but..." Gui trailed off, casting a sidelong nce at Zion, a small smile ying on her lips. "I''ve chosen to stay. Your physical condition has piqued my interest, and I do have two referral letters. Shouldn''t I at least examine you one more time?" To those who knew her, Gui''s statement would be surprising. Even armed with a hundred referral letters, Gui would typically refuse to conduct a medical examination if she didn''t feel inclined to do so. So, her disy of concern was a rare sight. "I''ll prepare a medicine from the ingredients I have and send it to you via Ahmad. Take it weekly. Although temporary, it will prevent your condition from deteriorating. It also aids in epting the conduit." "Understood." As he nodded towards Gui, Zion suddenly seemed to remember something. "But what about Demon Blood?" "That won''t suffice. It''s the elixir of a malevolent entity like a demon. Even though it''s blood, its essence ispletely different." Gui instantly shook her head and replied, prompting a flicker of regret in Zion''s eyes. Had it been possible, he could have used Prisci, who possessed the highest grade of Demon Blood. Quickly dismissing his regret, Zion stood up. His treatment wasplete, and there was no further reason to linger. "Three weeks." Gui, pipe once again in mouth, broke the silence. "That''s how long I''ll stay in the capital. Will I see you again within that time?" Her eyes held a yful spark, her question seeming to ask whether he could secure the conduit within that timeframe. "You''ll see me sooner than you expect," answered Zion, smirking. After bidding Gui farewell, Zion descended the mountain, lost in thought. The residents of Huang City at least believed he had entirely ovee his former frailty from his days as the crown prince. If his physical condition were to be revealed now, there could be those who might seek to exploit it. Of course, he wouldn''t be overly affected, but it would be irksome. This was also why he had chosen to conceal his identity today. ''Gui should be fine.'' He hadn''t revealed his identity from the start, and it seemed Gui had no desire to discover it either. Based on past experiences, she probably understood that identifying him would only invite trouble. ''Someone did recognize me, though¡­.'' But he wasn''t overly concerned about that either. So far, they hadn''t even attempted to meet his gaze, whether they remembered what happened during the session ceremony or not. However, as he exited the cabin once more, the now-awake giant and the fairy man watched him with a strange longing in their eyes. But this seemed more like admiration and reverence than a recognition of his identity. ''...Might we meet again?'' They even posed this question. ''Perhaps, this could widen my sphere of influence.'' These thoughts coursed through Zion''s mind as he neared the foot of the mountain. "Your Highness Zion!" A voice rang out from the base of the mountain, and a figure hurried towards him. It was one of the Shadows of Eternity, who had previously acted as his driver during the auction incident. "What''s happened?" Zion''s questioning gaze met the approaching Shadow. He had given no instructions to the Shadow, or anyone else, to seek him here. But his question dissipated with the Shadow''s next words. "The Emperor appears to be on the brink of death!" ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 81: Fallen Star (1) Chapter 81: Fallen Star (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here The Blood Tower, a haven for blood mages, stood tall. Boom, boom, boom! Directly in front of this looming Blood Tower, on a wide-open battlefield, an intense fight was taking ce. Countless monsters, summoned by the blood mages, filled the sky, casting a bloody tint. Their power was enough to obliterate even a small mountain, but... They couldn''t reach the red-eyed woman they targeted. That''s because the beast heads that appeared around the woman swallowed all the magic without leaving anything behind. With this, the woman''s hand reached out and was held. Just then. A massive st broke out unexpectedly among the blood mages. "Ah!" Caught off guard, the mages were thrown everywhere, hitting the ground hard. The red lines and beast heads around the woman disappeared as if washed away. Even though she clearly won the battle, Liushina''s eyes held dissatisfaction. ''It''s better than before, but... it''s not quite there yet.'' Liushina considered this, looking at the blood mages groaning on the ground. While her magic was powerful, she seemed to need morebat practice. So, Liushina went back to the Blood Tower and made sure to spar with the tower''s mages at least once a day. Fighting without killing was challenging, but she had to do it if she wanted to improve their skills. But she was slowly getting bored of it. ''This isn''t for me.'' Furthermore, she hadn''t been killing as much recently, which didn''t sit well with her. ''Maybe I should stop at this level and go back...'' These thoughts started to cross Liushina''s mind. "Hmm?" As she was thinking, she looked up at the sky and saw something unusual. Her eyes scanned the stars above, piercing the clear sky. In her sight, a star that seemed about to lose its light was twinkling. "Things are about to get interesting." Liushina knew that when that star lost all its light, chaos would descend on the empire. She was excited for this chaos. The more chaotic the world, the more people there would be for her to kill. --- Raei Trantions --- ''The story''s changing.'' Zion, who had quickly returned to the Imperial City, rushed to the imperial pce, lost in thought. If Thierry had dispatched a shadow to inform him, it meant the Emperor''s life was truly hanging by a thread. Moreover, when Zion returned to the Imperial City, all immediate royal family members had already been summoned. ''The chronicles originally suggested the Emperor''s death wouldeter.'' Where did it start to deviate? He had assumed the general flow remained unaltered, but was he mistaken? The Emperor''s passing served as a kind of fork in the road. Before that, power struggles among the royals and their noble followers took ce behind the scenes, but after the Emperor''s death, these conflicts would be ringly obvious. And in a more brazen form. Naturally, this would speed up the Empire''s descent into chaos. ''And the demons aren''t far behind.'' Whether he knew it or not, the Emperor''s presence had been a barrier. With that barrier gone, the demons would start to act more boldly. As these thoughts passed through his mind, Zion arrived at Urdios'' bedroom without noticing, and the knights guarding the door greeted him. "Wee, Prince Zion." The door swung open at once. Zion stepped in without hesitation, joining the other direct royal family members, minus the first prince, and a few of the Emperor''s closest confidants. They didn''t seem to have been there long as the room was still in a state of disarray. Alongside this, a heavy aura of death permeated the room. This aura was much stronger than thest time Zion had been here. "You''re reallyte for such a critical day..." The fourth prince, Utekan, nced towards Zion and spoke, his face unusually stern. "If everyone''s here, stop dawdling ande closer." Emperor Urdios'' voice rang out. It was the same powerful voice as always, heavy enough to weigh down one''s heart. ''Is he still okay?'' A flicker of doubt crossed Zion''s eyes, but as he approached the bed and saw the Emperor''s condition, the doubt vanished. The wrinkles and dark circles on his face had spread much further than before, and his eyes were nearly white, barely discernible. And his body was skeletal, nothing more than skin and bones. Ten minutes. That was how long Zion estimated the Emperor had left. Perhaps the Emperor was experiencing that brief surge of vitality that sometimeses just before death. "You finally show up now that I''m dying. Of course, it''s not because you''re worried about me." With a bitter smile, Emperor Urdios looked at the approaching princes and princesses and spoke. "What are you suggesting, Father! How can we not be concerned when we see you in this state?" Utekan shook his head as if the notion was absurd. The Emperor, who had been studying the fourth prince with an odd look, spoke again. "You articte well, even with eyes like those." Zion could infer what the Emperor meant by ''those eyes.'' Eyes devoid of even the bare minimum of emotion one would expect from a family member. Not just Utekan, but the eyes of all the royal family members present carried the same indifference. All, save for Evelyn. "What you wish to hear is probably this: whether the heir I have chosen will change, and... who I will bequeath the remaining power I possess, such as the Agnes Knights." "......" Silence fell upon the room at those words. They likely considered it pointless to deny what everyone already knew. With a wry smile, Urdios spoke again, his voice steady and firm. "The sessor remains Zion. This will not change. As for my power, you all should vie for it once you ascend the throne." "Your Majesty! That, that''s......!" Diana''s eyes widened in disbelief at the Emperor''s words. To be fair, she could understand why he chose Zion as the heir and why he wouldn''t surrender the Agnes Knights. The sessor named by the Emperor was a mere advantage, not a necessity, and the Agnes Knights couldn''t issuemands unless they were enthroned. However, this marked the first time in Agnes history he declined to pass on any other powers. ''Is he nning to take it all to the grave?'' Such a desire seemed excessively ambitious. "I''ve said what I needed to say." However, Urdios closed his eyes, disying no intention of retracting his words. Zion understood why the Emperor made this decision. ''There''s no one he can trust.'' Because he couldn''t ascertain who was involved with the demons. In reality, all members of the royal family had ties with the demons, knowingly or unknowingly. ''Additionally, Utekan is already......'' Zion thought this, smirking as he nced at the fourth prince. "And everyone else except for Zion, step back." The Emperor, opening his eyes again, spoke to the royal family. "......!" Once more, the eyes of the royal family members flickered. Because Urdios was now indicating that he wished to spend his final moments in a private conversation with Zion. No one present was oblivious to the importance of this. "What the......" However, since disputing wouldn''t change anything, Diana, who had been ring at Zion for a moment, hastily turned around. Following her, Evelyn and Utekan also obediently retreated. When only the two of them remained, Zion encased himself within the ck Star, effectively muffling any sound. The Emperor appeared to have something he wanted to share with him privately. "I''ve been following the news. It''s almost unbelievable." The Emperor wasted no time, affirming Zion''s suspicion. "You expressed interest in absorbing it, so I had to do at least this much." "Is that so?" The Emperor grinned subtly. Zion sensed something different in Urdios'' gaze this time. Then. Wheezing, wheezing. The steady breathing of the Emperor began to grow ragged. An indication that the temporary resurgence was nearing its end. "The reason I wished for a private conversation is that there''s something I want to confirm." Urdios, cognizant of his declining physical condition, promptly broached the main topic. "Proceed." "Do you remember me stating that you were a demon thest time we met?" At this, Zion gave a slight nod. "But that doesn''t seem to be the case. The darkness in your eyes. It''s not a power that a demon could possess." That''s why Urdios kept ruminating. About Zion''s true identity. Eventually, he arrived at a conclusion. "Do you know? The Celestial Sea, the power of the Agnes family, is actually a substitute." A fact only passed down to the Emperor of the Empire. Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise danced in Zion''s eyes. Such information had never been mentioned in the chronicles. "The power wielded by the first Emperor, the Emperor of Eternity, was unique. Subsequent generations were unable to harness that power. Hence, the Celestial Sea was created as a recement." Urdios casually conveyed a fact that could cause a tremendous upheaval in the entire empire, including the imperial city, if revealed. But what he intended to disclose was something else. "Then, what exactly was the power used by the Emperor of Eternity?" The Emperor already knew the answer. Darkness. It was darkness. A form of alien darkness that stood apart from anything else in this world. "The darkness I perceived in your eyes... Cough! I am certain that this darkness was the power harnessed by the Emperor of Eternity." Blood trickled out as a dry cough escaped from Urdios''s mouth. His deteriorating physical state had reached its extreme, but the Emperor didn''t cease speaking. "That power couldn''t be wielded or inherited by any other being. Yet, its transference implies... Cough! It implies only one thing." It was preposterous. Truly, utterly preposterous. Yet the Emperor''s intuition whispered to him that it was true. "You... No, you are the Emperor of Eternity." A highly spective assertion, yet it closely aligned with the truth. "......" Zion didn''t refute Urdios''s im. While Zion couldn''t yet determine whether the Emperor of Eternity mentioned in the chronicles was the same individual as him, he saw no reason to contest the dying Emperor''s statement. "Oh....!" Urdios possibly perceived Zion''s silence as an affirmation. "Emperor of Eternity....!" Awe filled the pallid eyes of the Emperor. Urdios, momentarily at a loss for words, fixed his trembling gaze on Zion. However, the utterance that soon tumbled from his lips didn''t mirror such awe in the least. "I''m sorry." An apology. A heartfelt apology. "I''m sorry for failing to safeguard the Empire that you built." A tempest of emotions, unseen until now, brewed within the Emperor''s eyes. The Empire was on the brink of dissolution. The power was splintering with each passing day, the suppressed bordends were baring their teeth, the ndestine maniptions of the demons were bing increasingly malevolent, and the ensuing chaos continued to elerate. The sense of utter helplessness, as he could do nothing but lie in his sickbed and witness the unraveling, weighed heavily on his spirit. The torment of watching the Empire, passed down through centuries, crumble under his reign was stifling. But he could never exhibit that sentiment. Because he was the Emperor. Because he was the Emperor who, standing at the zenith of the Agnes Empire, had the duty to guide everyone. And that''s why Urdios could finally reveal his true emotions in the presence of Zion. "Huuh, huuh......." Even the act of breathing was bing a struggle for the Emperor, who began to gasp for air. "I know it''s... awfully presumptuous, huuh.... But I have one request." Urdios''s eyes locked onto Zion''s. "Emperor of Eternity." There was an intensity in his eyes that surpassed even desperation. "Huuh, huuh please....." Then, that intensity transformed into a plea and spilled from his lips. "Please save this Empire." With that final utterance, his breath stopped entirely. So marked the end of Emperor Urdios, the ruler of this world and the most towering pir that buttressed the Agnes Empire. "The Empire will not crumble." Whether this constituted salvation, he wasn''t sure. Zion softly murmured these words, staring into the Emperor''s eyes that were slowly growing cold. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 82: Fallen Star (2) Chapter 82: Fallen Star (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here On a night so dark even the moon hides behind the clouds. "We sped up the Emperor''s death just as nned," a man with a nk face said, hidden in a quiet corner of the Imperial City. He spoke to a woman wearing a priest''s robe. "That''s right, it''ll be easier for us to act now. Your idea was a good one," the woman replied, nodding and smiling at him. They imed that the Emperor''s death the previous day was their doing. This was partly true. They didn''t poison the Emperor with demonic poison, but they did make the symptoms show up faster. "The Imperial City will be even more chaotic now." Their original n didn''t involve the Emperor, but the recent death of the third prince, Enoch, messed up their ns. They decided the Emperor''s death would be a good distraction. The Imperial City had been chaotic recently, filled with all kinds of incidents, but it wasn''t the chaos they wanted. All these incidents happened because of others, not them. And even worse, the Imperial City seemed to be finding stability after the chaos. The death of the Emperor would shake up this delicate bnce. "I wonder where we should start?" As the woman pondered out loud with a gleeful voice, the man spoke up. "Why not use the Emperor''s funeral to target Zion Agnes?" "I wouldn''t rmend that. No doubt many ambassadors from all over, including the bordends, wille to the Imperial City for the funeral. We would stand out too much, and there''s a high chance of failure." If a lot of people were to gather, naturally, many of them would be powerful, and the alert level would rise. Trying to act against Zion Agnes in such a situation would undoubtedly be harder than usual. "Instead of getting rid of Zion Agnes, what if we try to recruit him?" "That''s absurd..." The woman started to object but then widened her eyes as if a new idea had struck her. Seeming to know what she was thinking, the man continued, "After all, we don''t need Zion Agnes''s mind." "You mean, like the fourth prince? That might work..." She wondered why she hadn''t thought of it earlier. "But isn''t that Tara''s job?" The woman asked the man, suddenly considering this possibility. They were both part of the Five Demon Spirits, but they did different work andpeted with each other. They hadn''t worked together until now. "I suppose we''ll have to swallow our pride and ask." Lowering their heads to a demon of the same rank was tough and stung their egos, but the man thought it was necessary to get rid of Zion Agnes, even if it meant doing so. To him, Zion Agnes was a big headache. "Since you talked to Diralst time, I''ll take care of it this time," the woman said, shrugging in response to the man''s words. To her too, Zion Agnes was a problem, maybe even a bigger one than the man realized. "This time, for sure..." As the woman murmured these words, her eyes turned as cold as ice. --- Raei Trantions --- Emperor Urdios Agnes''s death. Maybe it was because he used to rule the world, even though he had been sick and bed-bound for several years recently. The news traveled across the empire instantly and shook everyone. Funeral preparations in the imperial city started right after the emperor''s death, and mourners began gathering from everywhere. "So many of them." Standing in the open space in front of Baekseong Pce, where the emperor''s funeral preparations were underway, Zion watched the lines of mourners that filled the area and spilled over into the surrounding spaces. Yet, only about half of them had arrived. "I guess the beastmen won''t show up?" Among the many mourners, the beastmen were almost nowhere to be seen. It was an odd sight, but for Zion, who knew what would happen in the next year, it was expected. His gaze moved from the mourners to the coffin of Urdios, lying on a grand tform. "You wanted me to save the empire." The emperor''s final wish andmand. Zion didn''t n to save the empire as the deceased emperor had requested. But as long as he was in this world''s timeline, he wanted to stop the empire from falling apart. To do that, there were a few key things he had to do. ''First, dealing with the other royals.'' Zion thought about this as he watched the second princess, Evelyn, who was managing the funeral arrangements. As the official heir chosen by the emperor, he could have led the funeral, but he decided not to. Even though it might have helped his future im to the throne, the benefit wasn''t huge, and she was the only one who was truly mourning the emperor''s death. ''Evelyn has been nice to me so far, and there''s a good chance she will y a key role in the uing war with the devil.'' That''s why, for now, he was thinking of letting her live. ''That one is a problem.'' Zion''s gaze moved to the fifth princess, surrounded by her close allies. When their eyes met, Diana, seemingly aware of his gaze, quickly averted her eyes. The fifth princess, Diana, could be useful if handled properly. They had worked together once, but given her unpredictable nature, there was always the risk of her turning against him at any moment. So, making a firm decision was still challenging. ''Utekan must be eliminated, no doubt.'' Zion''s gaze then shifted to the fourth prince, who was engaged in a conversation with a group of giant mourners. Unlike when he had looked at Evelyn and Diana, there was no trace of worry in Zion''s eyes now. Utekan didn''t warrant consideration. He was, after all, a demon. And not just any demon. He was one of the five supreme demons who reigned over all the others that had crossed over from the demonic world to the human world with the intention of toppling the empire. They were called the Omareings, and Utekan was one of them. ''Or, more precisely, the one who overtook Utekan''s body.'' Tarahal. The name of the Omareing who had obliterated Utekan''s spirit and seized his body. He was someone who would need to be dealt with eventually. ''I should startying the groundwork to get rid of him soon.'' As Zion was plotting to trap Tarahal, his eyes glowed subtly, when "Prince Zion, the Ascalon family has requested another private meeting." Thierry approached discreetly and murmured, turning his head to the side. Political machinations continued in the background, even during the emperor''s funeral. No, they were even more pronounced during this time. Powers from not just the capital but from across the empire were converging. Most likely, the same was true for the other royals. "Reschedule it for after the funeral, like the others." "Understood." Even before the funeral had properly started, many individuals had already attempted to approach Zion. Among them were many nobles who had been staunchly loyal to the emperor. It seemed that the fact that Zion was thest royal whom the emperor had personally favored before his death yed a significant role. Furthermore, many of the people present were casting nces at Zion, aware of his presence. This was likely due to the radical, even shocking, actions Zion had taken recently. The incident where he publicly executed the third prince in the heart of the imperial city was so incredible that even those who saw it had difficulty epting it. Therefore, this reaction was, in a way, to be expected. "What about the tasks I assigned?" Zion took the scrutiny of the people in stride and asked Thierry. "The fourth prince took the bait. And the rest seem to be arriving soon." Thierry responded promptly, as if he had been anticipating the question. A stir broke out at the entrance to the square. People''s heads turned towards the source of the disruption. Soon, they saw a group of priests wearing stark white robes, inappropriate attire for a funeral, filing in. The gold-embroidered sun on the priests'' robes signaled their allegiance to the Church of Light. And leading this procession was a man who was a stranger to most but instantly recognizable to Zion. ''First Prince Rubrious Agnes.'' His hair, dyed a radiant gold, served as a testament to his unwavering devotion to the God of Light. His golden eyes, matching his hair, brimmed with divine light rather than celestial stars. Coupled with his handsome features and imposing height, the man before them was the spitting image of the first prince as described in the annals. ''Has the narrative changed again?'' Zion, observing Rubrious, was filled with uncertainty. ording to the original narrative of the annals, the first prince should not have attended this funeral. No, he shouldn''t have made any significant appearances in the future at all. Rubrious was known as the Fanatic Prince. Living up to his title, he, who had devoted his life to the Church of Light, had little interest in political power games, including the throne. He had all but severed ties with the royal family, including the emperor, and had chosen to reside within the confines of the church instead of the imperial city. Hence, his appearance at the funeral was all the more surprising. "What is the meaning of this?" Evelyn asked in a frosty voice as Rubrious approached the emperor''s coffin. "Is that how you greet someone you haven''t seen in a long time?" "I asked what is happening." "It''s my father''s funeral. Naturally, I should be here." The first prince replied, unfazed by the chilly reception. "Hah¡­" Evelyn''s face twisted into an expression of disbelief at his words. From the moment their father, Emperor Urdios, fell ill and took to his bed, right up until his death, Rubrious hadn''t shown his face even once. Then. "And from now on, I will preside over my father''s funeral." These words flowed gently from Rubrious''s mouth. At that, those around him, including Evelyn, gazed at the first prince, momentarily unable to understand his words. "You''ve done amendable job preparing in my stead, as the eldest, Evelyn." Rubrious addressed her with sincere gratitude. Indeed, had things proceeded as initially nned, it would have been right for the eldest prince to take the helm. However, he, who had neglected all matters of the royal family in favor of religion and had not even shown up in the imperial city for several years, had no right to say so. Yet, Rubrious''s eyes, showing no signs of wavering, seemed to truly think that it was only natural. As if he was the sessor to the next throne and the other royal family members were merely roles to aid him. Indeed, Rubrious''s words about leading the funeral revealed his ambition for the throne. "How can you be so shameless and unreasonable...!" Before Evelyn could object with angry eyes to his attitude of supreme self-importance. "Ah, and also." Rubrious, as if recalling something, mumbled briefly and began to walk somewhere, turning his body. And where he stopped was. "It seems the rumors that you''ve changed a lot are true." None other than in front of Zion. The first prince, looking at Zion with a gentle smile. Zion met the eyes of such a Rubrious. Eyes filled with fanaticism, believing only in their own faith. Then, soon. "Come under me, Zion." From the mouth of the first prince. "And devote yourself to the God of Light." A faint voice flowed. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 83: Fallen Star (3) Chapter 83: Fallen Star (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here When Rubrious finished speaking, silence fell over the room. His words were more extreme and unexpected than what he had told Evelyn before. In the midst of this, the First Prince waited for Zion''s response with a gentle smile on his face. Zion stared at him, puzzled. ''What''s his n?'' Instead of feeling angry, he was first curious. His invitation to serve him and the God of Light. There must be a clear reason why he offered this to Zion and not the other royals. But looking into Rubrious''s eyes, filled with faith in his god, Zion couldn''t guess his motives. ''After all, trying to understand a fanatic is useless.'' With that thought, Zion began to speak. He had known his answer from the beginning. "I see." "I knew you would, Zion. Now..." "But." Zion''s quiet voice cut off Rubrious''s words. "If you can surpass me." "...What?" For the first time, the smile faded from the First Prince''s face. If you can''t surpass me, you''re beneath me. That basically meant Rubrious hadn''t yet surpassed Zion. "Hahaha!" Soon after, a bigugh burst from Rubrious''s mouth. The moment he abruptly stoppedughing, Rubrious looked at Zion with an intrigued look and asked. "Surpass you... how should I prove that?" "You figure that out." Zion answered with a smirk. "Is that so? Then it seems I could do it right here, right now." That was the moment. From the depths of the First Prince''s golden eyes, the brilliant starlight of the Celestial Sea began to shine. Vroom! With that, everything around him, including Zion, started to feel pressed all at once. Rubrious didn''t do anything. He had simply unleashed the Celestial Sea stored in his sacred power. That alone was enough to stir the atmosphere around him. Zion saw six stars slowly rising in the eyes of the First Prince. ''Indeed.'' The same number of stars as Evelyn. An incredibly high level, but in a way, that number was expected. Rubrious Agnes. He was one of the greatest warriors mentioned in the history, and until he devoted himself to the God of Light, he was the closest to the throne. So it made sense why he was so confident. However. "That''s what you think." This didn''t mean that such pressure would work on Zion himself. Three ck stars began to rise and spin in Zion''s slowly curving eyes. Their number was less than Rubrious''s, and their total power was different, but that didn''t matter. From the start, the Celestial Sea was a power created as a lower-level version of his own power. So, in this power struggle, not an actual fight, he held a definite edge. This advantage was significant enough to offset the three-star difference. ''What is this?'' For the first time, confusion filled the First Prince''s eyes. His power was disappearing. As if it had never existed. The moment he saw the three ck stars rising from Zion''s eyes, his own force evaporatedpletely. Like it had been sucked into an endless abyss. A strange and unknown feeling, the likes of which he had never experienced. ''What is this power...'' Did he instinctively feel he should stop? Huff! Rubrious, who curtailed the remaining force instantly, gazed at Zion, bafflement written on his face. "I can''t understand. Why do you, who has received divine trust, refuse to serve the God of Light?" Soon after, a questioning voice slipped from his lips. "...What?" The moment Zion''s eyes also filled with confusion at his unexpected words. "Stop." A voice interrupted their exchange. The voice belonged to Evelyn, who had drawn near unnoticed. A sword-like force erupted from her, engulfing the space around her. "If you keep disrupting the funeral, I will remove you." Her voice was as cold as ice, not tolerating any arguments. "And let''s talk." Evelyn, whose eyes were colder than her voice, turned around. At that, the First Prince followed her without any resistance. ''Divine trust...'' Watching his back, Zion imprinted the newly arisen question in his mind. Afterwards, the funeral proceeded without any significant interruptions. What Evelyn and Rubrious talked about remained a mystery. However, the First Prince quietly attended the funeral, his initial audacity absent. The person leading the funeral was still Evelyn. The only change was that a eulogy from the Church of Light was added to the proceedings. "We will now read the Emperor''s will and his achievements. Please move to your designated ces." Solomon Valdemir, the head of the Valdemir family, who was conducting the ceremony, stood next to Urdios''s coffin and spoke, ncing at the crowd filling the funeral hall. The nobles and envoys moved to their designated spots. But their movement was slightly unusual. They neatly cleared the central area starting from the front of the stage where the Emperor''s coffin was ced. The reason for clearing the center became clear soon enough. Thud, thud. Starting with the First Prince Rubrious, one after another, the direct members of the imperial family stepped out into the middle from the right. Immediately thereafter, the nobles, knights, and bureaucrats loyal to their respective factions began to line up behind them, one by one. This was the time-honored procedure for funerals, handed down since the founding of the empire. Yet everyone present understood. Such a formation was to gauge and evaluate the strength of the direct imperial family. The Agnes royal family was always under scrutiny, and not even a funeral could be exempted. ''No, because it''s a funeral, scrutiny should be even more intense.'' Diana mused, noting the key power figures of Hwangseong, including Egrasia lining up behind her, and the forces recently absorbed from the Enoch side. Once the funeral of the previous Emperor concluded, the question of the next imperial throne naturally emerged. Therefore, thepetition and assessment for that needed to begin at the funeral. ''In that sense, the current alignment is more crucial than anything else.'' The direct imperial family members standing in front of the Emperor''s coffin and their subordinates aligned behind them. It was a representation that most objectively disyed their power and influence. ''Firstly, Evelyn and Utekan''s factions...'' Her thoughts caused her gaze to drift sharply to the right. The forces of the two caught her attention. True to their reputation of wielding significant influence in their respective realms, they had divided the knights and military power holders perfectly. Moreover, for reasons unknown, their forces had grown notably since thest time she saw them, almost as much as her own forces had grown since she had incorporated the Enoch forces. Yet what surprised her was something else. ''How could this be?'' The First Prince Rubrious, standing beside Evelyn. In all fairness, only the priests who came from the Church of Light should be standing behind him. After all, for the past few years, the First Prince hadn''t engaged in state affairs and had even renounced his princely title. However, now behind him stood not just priests, but also a sizeable number of other nobles. Could it be because he was once considered the leading candidate for the throne before he joined the Church of Light, and had now reasserted his ambition for the throne at this funeral? Even so, the number was astonishing. ''He must have used some other method....'' How did he manage to draw in these nobles, all of whom seemed to share only their faith in the God of Light? It was an inexplicable matter. ''Compared to that, on this side....'' With that, Diana''s gaze now moved to Zion, standing right next to her. Zion''s force, markedly different from the other royal families. Although he had absorbed the forces of thete Third Prince, it was a predictable oue for Zion, who had practically no base of support to begin with. Furthermore, some of those Enoch forces had defected to other royal families, reducing his numbers even further. Hence, his appearance seemed almost pitiful. ''It appears there''s no other option this time.'' A faint smile crept onto Diana''s lips. As she had contemted earlier, this ce was a stage to showcase one''s power to the influential individuals assembled not just from the capital but across the empire. This was of paramount importance, and such a disy would undoubtedly have a significant impact. It was likely to be a substantial hurdle that could stymie his formidable ascent So far. "Ha ha ha!" Contrary to Diana, who was smirking covertly, Utekan couldn''t help butugh out loud while observing Zion, despite the solemnity of the funeral. He was the one who had seized most of the forces from Enoch. Along with him, quiet smirks began to materialize in the eyes of others. Zion''s calm amid the derision was somewhat unsettling, but Diana forced herself to dismiss the notion, directing her gaze elsewhere. ''It appears the Ascalon family still doesn''t support Zion....'' A bit removed from the center, at the back. There, including the five major houses of Ascalon and Ozlima, were those who didn''t pledge allegiance to any of the royal families. ''Did they also attend?'' Her eyes gleamed upon noticing a particr group among them. Despite the emperor''s funeral, their rough, fierce auras were impossible to hide. Their scar-filled bodies bore witness to the numerous battles they''d endured. The Boundary Legion. They were the elite forces stationed at the border with the demon realm, thwarting the demon invasions at the frontlines. Being one of the empire''s most potent military forces, anyone who could enlist them could potentially upset the bnce amongst the royal families. That''s why many, including her, had courted them, but all efforts had been tly rejected. ''After all, they have no interest in power whatsoever.'' For them, the singr purpose in life was to vanquish demons at the boundary. That''s why even Utekan, who received overwhelming support from the military, had long since given up on recruiting them. ''Why are they here?'' Even for the emperor''s funeral, it was exceedingly rare for the Boundary Legion to dispatch their top leaders like this. Therefore, Diana''s eyes brimmed with suspicion. At that moment, Thud, thud. The muted sound of footsteps reached her ears and those of the others. Despite the funeral''smotion, the sound was so distinct that people instinctively turned their heads. In their line of sight appeared a solitary figure. The man who sauntered in was constructed of iron-hard muscles and coated in a tapestry of scars. With cropped hair, a rough-hewn beard, and unyielding eyes that seemed eternally steadfast. "...The Beast King?" A startled voice emanated from a noble who recognized him. Surprise painted the faces of others as well. The Beast King, Liam Rainer. The formermander of the Boundary Legion, and the former leader of the Anti-Demon Force, the elite unit in the Great Demon War. Furthermore, even in retirement, he was celebrated as one of humanity''s most formidable war heroes. ''Why is the retired Beast King here....'' While the crowd''s baffled gaze was upon him, Liam Rainer kept striding until he came to a stop in front of a man. "I beg your pardon for my tardiness." Liam then offered a respectful bow and greeted the man. "No, your arrival is timely." At that moment, the man, Zion, responded with a faint smile. The Boundary Legion, which until now hadn''t stirred, gradually started to align behind Zion. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 84: Fallen Star (4) Chapter 84: Fallen Star (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Behind Zion. Specifically, the leaders of the Border Guards started to form a line behind Liam, who stood next to Zion. Had they nned this in advance? Their actions appeared entirely coordinated. "How did they get the Border Guards..." A voice mirrored the thoughts of many, from someone observing the unfolding scene. The Border Guards had always remained neutral in the royal family''s power disputes, ever since the first demon war hundreds of years ago. Their support of Zion, who wasn''t yet the emperor, was tantamount to dering their allegiance to him. This was a first in the Empire''s history. However, Zion remained as serene as ever. ''All of this is just for show.'' He had managed to rally the Border Guards to his cause by leveraging Liam''s reputation, the most recognized face at the empire''s edge against the demon realm, and a few agreements. However, their real strength wasn''t at hismand. Their duty was to guard the border with the demon realm, and rightfully so. They would likely return to the border as soon as the funeral concluded. ''This should be enough.'' By bringing the Border Guards, deemed impossible to sway, to his side, he had made a powerful impression on everyone present. Sometimes, appearances and the impact of a single moment can carry more weight than the actual situation. Indeed, the expressions of many, including those in the royal family, changed instantly. Some even had a distinct sparkle in their eyes. ''So far, so good.'' Among the crowd, Zion focused on Utekan''s face. The demon who masqueraded as the 4th prince generally thought and acted like Utekan. Therefore, he must be feeling the sting of the Border Guards, a part of the military, aligning with Zion. Yet, his face only twisted slightly, maintaining an unexpected calm. Zion understood why. ''Because he still has a card to y.'' If Zion''s hunch was right, that event was likely to take ce before the funeral ended. ''I hope it starts sooner.'' A peculiar anticipation twinkled in Zion''s eyes with that thought. --- Raei Trantions --- To pay respects to Emperor Urdios'' passing? The sky above the Imperial City was gradually growing darker. The emperor''s funeral was proceeding smoothly under the gradually darkening sky. "...Always prioritize the empire''s citizens, and the nobles should dedicate themselves to their service..." Solomon''s distinct voice reciting the eulogy before the emperor''s coffin filled the funeral grounds. The attendees were obliged to listen andmit the words to memory. Yet, most of them found their attention drawn towards Zion. ''I''ve been taken aback multiple times today.'' Groud Ozlima, one of the attendees, observed Prince Zion''s silhouette in front of the emperor''s coffin. Zion''s previous show of resolve against First Prince Rubrios was impressive, but the spectacle that Prince Zion presented moments ago surprised him the most. ''He had Liam Rainer appearte intentionally to draw attention, and then had the Border Guards line up behind him as a finale.'' Such a move required extensive nning and perfect timing. Sure, rallying the Border Guards was surprising in itself, but the way he did it amplified its effect. Indeed, a carefully thought-out strategy. ''I had thought him to be crafty based on his actions at thest national conference...'' This time, it appeared to be no different, if not more so. ''If that''s the case, dealing with him might be challenging...'' As Groud''s gaze lowered with these thoughts, "Next, we have the sessor''s eulogy." Solomon''s voice rang out, having finished reading thete emperor''s titles and achievements. The reading of the sessor''s eulogy. The ''sessor'' referred to here wasn''t the royals who had passed the session ceremony, nor was it Evelyn who led the funeral. It was the one royal appointed as sessor by the previous emperor. Only they were eligible for the ''sessor'' title. Hence, the only one eligible to read the eulogy here was Zion. "Then, Prince Zion, please ascend to the stage..." As Solomon turned towards Zion and began to speak, "Wait, there''s something I want to say first." A loud voice cut him off. It was Utekan. The Fourth Prince, now under everyone''s gaze, stepped onto the stage. After a quick nce at his onlookers, he spoke in a rxed tone. "Firstly, I apologize for interrupting the former emperor''s funeral in this way." Indeed, Utekan slightly bowed his head as he said this. "However, I stepped forward because there''s something hard to understand about this situation." The Fourth Prince looked at Zion. "Specifically, that Sixth Prince Zion Agnes is the rightful sessor." His emotionless eyes made it impossible to discern his thoughts. "Isn''t this a resolved matter? As I recall, the former emperor twice nominated Zion." "No." Utekan shook his head in response to Evelyn''s words. "Emperor Urdios, our father, was confined to his bed for many years due to illness. His condition was so debilitating that he struggled to even rise, let alone manage simple tasks. Zion''s nomination as sessor urred merely months before the emperor''s passing." "You mean..." "Yes, the former emperor may have been incapacitated and unable to make a sound decision due to his illness." "What are you suggesting! That''s preposterous!" Evelyn responded with a furious outcry. At the same time, whispers began to circte among the envoys and nobles in attendance at the funeral. Regardless, Utekan continued to speak with an unchanged, calm demeanor. "I understand your ire. But think about this, sister. Reflect on the public perception of Zion when he was chosen as sessor." "..." "A discredited prince, the disgrace of the imperial family. The former emperor had even banished Zion to the Forbidden Pce. While Zionter proved his worth in numerous ways, it''s a fact that the former emperor selected him before these developments." "That''s undeniable, indeed." Diana added her own distinctiveughter to Utekan''smentary. "So you''re implying that the former emperor may have nominated him out of remorse for our youngest sibling?" Naturally, she knew this wasn''t the truth. She was among the individuals who had seen Zion''s capabilities firsthand. However, the way the situation was evolving wasn''t unfavorable to her, and it seemed she was simply fueling the fire because she thought she could use Utekan to undercut Zion''s standing. "I believe the possibility is high. But being the rightful sessor isn''t something granted merely by acknowledgment. Moreover, there were questionable aspects in the elimination of the Seven Great Disasters, which was the proof test." "So what''s your proposal? Are you attempting to strip Zion of his session rights now?" Rubrios, the First Prince, asked, a curious smile on his face. "No, not at all. I merely propose that we make an impartial judgment about him here." Is this his main point now? As if he''d been waiting for this moment, Utekan raised one hand. Simultaneously, A swoosh- An object materialized beside Utekan. It was a sword. A very old and valueless sword, missing half of its hilt. What made it peculiar was that it was embedded in a thick b of stone inscribed with indecipherable letters. "This is a relic of Emperor Yixing. I discovered it in the basement of Baeksung Pce." "......!" At Utekan''s offhand remarks, astonishment filled the eyes of those present. Emperor Yixing, Irmadeon Agnes. Emperor Yixing was the second to ascend the throne following Emperor Yeongeob. If the sword, as Utekan suggested, was indeed a relic of such a monumental figure as Emperor Yixing, it bore substantial historical significance. "Emperor Yixing had an unwavering obsession with the blood of Agnes, that is, the lineage, more so than anyone else. Hence, he crafted artifacts such as this sword. If a person possessing Agnes''s blood grips the hilt of this sword..." With that, Utekan seized the sword''s hilt. In that instant, Whooosh! A white radiance burst from the semi-embedded de, swiftly filling the surroundings. The light was reminiscent of the resplendence of the celestial sea. "...This reaction urs. The purer the Agnes bloodline, the greater the response." The light dissolved, as if washed away, the moment Utekan released the hilt. "This should be sufficient to ascertain the legitimacy of session, if not the throne. Of course, I''ll stake my life on the veracity of this. Regardless, what you''ve witnessed should be proof enough." Unlike conventional blood, Agnes''s lineage from the past was said to possess the attributes of a ruler, manifesting stronger as the lineage bes purer. Many indeed believed this. Because the Agnes lineage was distinctive and regal. "Undeniably an intriguing proposal. I''m in favor. Moreover, all royal family members, not just Zion, should attempt to wield that sword." Rubrios was the first to endorse, sporting an interested expression as Utekan concluded his proposition. A slight smile appeared on Utekan''s lips. The relic sword of Emperor Yixing. This sword, discovered in the basement of Baeksung Pce through an inadvertent channel of information, was actually designed to react to the celestial sea, not to Agnes''s blood. Against historical belief, Emperor Yixing was obsessed with the power of Agnes itself, the celestial sea, not the blood, and this sword was a creation to discern that power. ''So, if the sword is wielded, the First Prince and the Second Princess would emit the brightest light, but...'' That was irrelevant. Utekan, no, the demon Tarahal''s goal was to strip Zion of his heirship rather than securing an advantage here. Tarahal knew. He knew that Zion had not mastered the celestial sea. ''The power that Zion Agnes wields. No matter how I perceive it, it''s not the celestial sea.'' So, it was clear that if Zion, oblivious to this fact, held the sword, there would be no reaction at all. It was a snare. A snare he had set for Zion Agnes. Having concluded his thoughts, Utekan fixed his gaze on Zion, indifferent to the responses from Eveline and Diana. Because the paramount matter now was the reaction of the person in question. Then, "Why should I?" A soft voice emanated from Zion''s lips. The voice was faint, yet it resonated clearly in the ears of everyone assembled in front of Baeksung Pce. Simultaneously, the increasingly tense atmosphere. "I''m already the rightful heir. Even if Iply, there''s nothing to gain... is there a need to proceed?" All eyes turned to Zion. The unusual charisma emanating from Zion''s voice stirred their hearts. An unfamiliar sensation they experienced for the first time. The eyes of the envoys from all over the empire wavered. "What do you want, Zion?" Utekan, struggling to shake off the unsettling feeling, asked of Zion. He must understand that refusing to wield the sword here equates to dering hisck of eligibility for session. Yet, dering so implied that he desired something. "The Jinglo Army." Zion, meeting Utekan''s gaze with his listless eyes, responded. "Hand over one of them to me." The Jinglo Army. The five elite legions under themand of the Fourth Prince Utekan. Zion was currently demanding one of these to be transferred to him. "Hahaha!" At that, a heartyugh erupted from Utekan, echoing around. "Alright, do that." Words of acquiescence flowed from the Fourth Prince, finally curtailing hisughter. "But only if you uphold your eligibility as a sessor." Originally, such a request would have been dismissed without consideration, but it was irrelevant now. After all, it was impossible for Zion to retain his status as heir. "Honor that promise." Zion''s eyes narrowed subtly as he regarded Utekan. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 85: Fallen Star (5) Chapter 85: Fallen Star (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Once Zion gave his consent, the stage was set in no time. The official reason was that the ongoing doubts about the heir''s legitimacy prevented a memorial service, which should follow the funeral. Yet everyone present understood that was not the crux of the matter. ''The fight for the next emperor''s throne is about to begin.'' The covert power struggle that lingered while Emperor Urdios was alive was now out in the open. It was expected to start after the Emperor''s funeral, but Utekan had moved it up. It was clear that the one who made the first move would have an upper hand in the uing contest for the throne. The spectators were more intrigued than before. Naturally, they were more interested in the uing fight for the throne than the Emperor''s funeral. "Phew...." Princess Diana, the fifth princess, sighed softly and then began to approach the stage where thete emperor''s sword, a royal relic, was ced. As Utekan had just held the sword, it was now her turn. Despite standing to gain from this event, her expression was one of worry. ''Something isn''t right.'' Diana stared at the sword embedded in the stone, her mind filled with this thought. It wasn''t because of Zion, who remained silent, his thoughts a mystery. ''The sword should react to Agnes''s blood.'' So, logically, Zion, who had been an outcast in the royal family till now, should be at a disadvantage. Histe blood awakening shouldn''t change that. But, there was a wild card. ''The Extinction Sword.'' The broken ck sword that had glowed with a strange darkness in Zion''s hand, cutting through all magic in the fight against Lergan Urschlur and Prince Enoch. Diana knew that this sword belonged to the empire''s first emperor, the Eternal Emperor. That could mean Zion carried the bloodline of the Eternal Emperor. Could a bloodline potent enough to inherit the Eternal Emperor''s legacy react weakly to Agnes''s blood? ''Could it be possible that all of this...'' A hypothesis crossed Diana''s mind. But it seemed so far-fetched, she shook her head and pushed the idea away. Then, she reached out and grasped the hilt of the ancient sword. Whoosh! Suddenly, a ssh of starlight surged from the sword, bathing the area in a luminous glow. "Oh!" A gasp rose from her supporters. The intensity of this light was by no means less than what Utekan had shown. In fact, from some angles, it looked even brighter. However, Diana didn''t seem pleased. She promptly let go of the sword and stepped away from the stage. "I''m up next." As soon as Diana left, Evelyn advanced towards the stage, a look of discontent on her face. ''I''m not happy.'' Evelyn was displeased with the entire situation. Of course, she knew that herpetition now included Zion, and she also recognized that this was a chance to undercut Zion''s influence. Still, she didn''t want to disrupt thete emperor''s funeral with a fight over the throne. The whole setup was disagreeable to Evelyn, who valued fairness and honorablepetition. She wanted this ordeal to end quickly. With that in mind, she swiftly reached out and grasped the sword''s hilt. Whoosh! A dazzling starlight, brighter than when Utekan and Diana had held it, exploded from the de. The brilliant white light was so intense it temporarily blinded the onlookers. Even the unreadable markings on the stone where the sword was lodged began to shine. Thud! Simultaneously, the sword started to slowly ease out from the stone. Wow! This remarkable sight, so different from before, drew loud cheers from the momentarily stunned knights. It was a sight to behold: one of the era''s mightiest individuals pulling out the sword, still lodged in the stone, because of her impressive celestial magic abilities. This feat not only awed her supporters but even the rival factions. "It won''te out any further." Ignoring the cheers and admiration, Evelyn muttered and released the hilt. Her gaze then shifted below the stage. "Ha ha, that''s just like Evelyn. Now I feel a bit of pressure since I''m up next." The first prince''s soft voice rang out as he bypassed Evelyn, strolling towards the stage. Despite his words, his expression was calm. "Oh, light, lend me your power." Immediately after his brief prayer, when Rubrios grabbed the sword, a brilliant light exploded forth, illuminating the surroundings, just like it did for the other royals. Was it because he too was a master of celestial magic up to the 6th level? His light was as bright as Evelyn''s. The sword of the departed emperor was pulled out a bit further from the stone. "Oh, the divine light!" The priests began chanting prayers to the god of light at the sight, and once again, astonishment and admiration filled the spectators'' eyes. Soon, as the murmurs of prayers and admiration began to fade, "Now, Zion, it''s your turn." Rubrios, having let go of the sword, called out with a grin, seemingly eager for Zion''s turn. All eyes naturally shifted towards Zion. Zion, who had been quietly observing the first prince with calm eyes, started to move. One step at a time. He was merely walking, yet there was an aura of distinction about him. As their eyes trembled at this sight, Zion had already ascended the podium. "......" From there, Zion slowly scanned the crowd. His gaze finally settled on one individual. It was Utekan, who was watching him with an expression full of anticipation. Zion understood the eager look on Utekan''s face. ''My failure.'' It was more than just failure; it was the dreadful prospect of being deemed unworthy of Agnes''s lineage. ''Grasp the sword, Zion!'' Utekan silently urged Zion with his eyes. Slowly, Zion extended his hand towards the sword of the fallen emperor. Under the watchful eyes of Utekan and everyone else, Zion finally gripped the sword''s hilt. ...... But all that followed was silence. Nothing happened. ''Hahaha! As expected!'' In the ensuing silence, the anticipation in Utekan''s eyes turned to joy, "What....." Someone murmured a question at that moment. Then, darkness. Utter darkness. The infinite darkness that exploded from the de instantly enveloped the entire royal pce, reaching beyond the square filled with spectators. The stone b, unable to withstand the power, crumbled to ash. The sword of the fallen emperor trembled as if in sorrow. The crowd stared, bewildered at the scene that defiedprehension, their breaths held. What on earth was happening? Nobody present could understand. "How could..." Utekan''s eyes bulged in shock and awe, staring at the sword of the fallen emperor held by Zion. This was impossible. No, it shouldn''t be possible. This was a sword that only responded to celestial magic. So, how could it react so violently in the hand of Zion Agnes, who hadn''t even mastered celestial magic? ''This should do.'' Zion gave a sly smile, ncing at the fourth prince. Did Utekan know? That from the beginning, all of this was orchestrated by Zion himself. Zion was aware of the many doubts and dissatisfactions about his appointment as Urdios''s sessor, and he knew that this issue would resurface someday. So, he turned the tables in his favor. Through the Shadow of Eternity, Zion had discovered the nature of the fallen emperor''s sword. He leaked this information to the other royal family members at the emperor''s demise. The one who swallowed the bait was none other than Utekan. It was all too predictable that Utekan would stir the pot at the funeral, where arge crowd was gathered. ''Honestly, I didn''t foresee this level of reaction.'' With this in mind, Zion observed the sword of the fallen emperor, still spewing darkness. In truth, he was certain that the sword of the fallen emperor would respond to his ck star magic. He spected that the reason the fallen emperor was fixated on celestial magic was due to his inability to harness the power of the Eternal Emperor. This implied a lingering affinity for the power of the Eternal Emperor, and it was likely that he imbued this longing into the sword. However, this level of reaction was unexpected. ''Could this be aligning even more with my hypotheses?'' Zion briefly reflected on the theories he had formted about this world, then shrugged it off. Because at present, it was more crucial to conclude this matter. Whoosh! Embedding the nearly shattered relic sword of the fallen emperor into the tform, Zion looked down at Utekan. Utekan was still struggling to regain hisposure. "I trust you''ll honor your promise." Zion said, gracing Utekan with a slight smile. The funeral had concluded. To be exact, it hadn''t fully ended yet, but it was fair to say the crux was over. All that remained were some ceremonial formalities. As such, the attendees, who had gathered from all corners of the kingdom to pay their respects, began to prepare for their departure. --- Raei Trantions --- From one of the five pces surrounding the White Star Pce, specifically the Purple Star Pce, a series of loud noises reverberated. The one producing the noise was Utekan, relentlessly striking a massive boulder in the Purple Star Pce''s training yard. Each time Utekan, whose strength remained unfazed, touched it, the boulder noticeably crumbled. This was a testament to his incredible physical prowess. However, Utekan''s face was twisted as he battered the boulder. Truthfully, this was Utekan''s way of venting his frustration. "Huu, huu......" Technically, this was a habit Utekan had before his possession by the Demon Tarahal, but there was no need to draw that distinction. Because Tarahal aimed to embody Utekan himself. That''s why he emted all of Utekan''s original thoughts and behaviors. Even those who knew his true identity, he preferred they addressed him as Utekan, not by his original name. Kwaaang! Kwaaang! Kwaaang! After a brief respite, Utekan resumed pounding the boulder. The source of his ire was one individual. ''Zion Agnes.'' The youngest brother, who mere months ago was known as the cast-off prince. Yet, after a remarkable trajectory of growth, he now stood on equal footing with the other royal family members. "No, perhaps this funeral has already catapulted him to an equivalent position." If one were to question who they chose to support among the royal family members after Emperor Urdios''s funeral, the responses would be diverse. However, when asked to identify the most memorable figure, all pointed to one individual: Zion Agnes. The heroic Liam Rainer and the Border Legion. And the ensuing proof of session. In particr, the image of Zion brandishing the fallen emperor''s artifact sword during the session proof was so riveting that it sent shivers down the spine of anyone who recalled it. Even Utekan himself had been momentarily spellbound. Utekan was livid that he was instrumental in creating that image. Moreover, since then, all doubts regarding Zion''s session had entirely evaporated. Because people were focused on the fact that the artifact of the fallen emperor reacted so vehemently, irrespective of the presence of light or darkness. ''What on earth transpired? The power was not of the Celestial Star...'' He still couldn''t understand why the artifact responded as it did at the time. But now was not the moment to delve into such contemtion. Firstly, he had to address the issue of transferring one of his armies to Zion. ''Do I genuinely have no alternative but to resort to this?'' Mind erosion. He had solicited it from the other two demon lords. However, since there were too few demons capable of high-level mind erosion, he had tried to refrain from this method as much as possible. ''I had intended to employ it after establishing a closer rtionship with the second princess, but I am left with no choice.'' Utekan, who was evaluating the pros and cons in his mind for a moment, beckoned one of the nearby subordinate demons. "Convey to Zion that I wish to see him. And... summon Az." ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 86: Azela (1) Chapter 86: Az (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In a ce once filled with life, now only ruin remained, scarred by the hand of Zion. The secret hideout of the Ouroboros nowy silent and deste. Thump, thump. Into this forsaken building walked a woman. Her eyes, lost in deep thought, scanned the destruction around her. "What happened here?" she wondered, unable to understand the scene in front of her. ording to her recollections, the Ouroboros'' secret base was thriving at this point in time, its existence still concealed from the world. The group had barely begun their operations. So, why was this ce deserted and crumbling? "And the artifact..." Her words hung in the air as she vanished, only to reappear momentster in the oncevish office of the branch manager on the top floor. Predictably, the room was in a shambles. The artifact of the Frost Queen, her original objective, was missing too. For a moment, she stood still, staring at the smashed ss case that had once housed the artifact. Then she uttered a chilling realization, "The future is changing." Several events hadn''t gone as she remembered. The city of Ruin, which was supposed to be destroyed, was still standing. The Illusionary Army had vanished. The emperor, who was not supposed to be dead yet, had his funeral underway. She was unable to pinpoint where things had deviated from her memories. Among the various changes, one person stood out to her, ''Zion Agnes, the discarded prince.'' He was supposed to have died long ago, caught up in a power struggle. Yet, not only was he alive, he had be the center of attention in the Imperial Pce. He had a hand in almost every recent incident, even killing the Third Prince Enoch. She found it impossible to understand the turn of events. "There must be a factor I don''t know about." As she mumbled to herself, another voice echoed in the room. "It seems like this ce has been thoroughly picked over. Anything else here?" "No, let''s leave." She turned to face the source of the voice. In her gaze stood Rain Dranir, casually resting a long spear over her shoulder as she walked towards her. --- Raei Trantions --- "Absolutely, Brother Liam was right. Your Majesty is truly unique." In the library of Chimseong Pce, a man seated next to Liam Rainer aimed his rough voice towards Zion. The man, Gerard Bertner, bore arge scar running from his left eye to his lips. As the currentmander of the Border Army, his rugged appearance was a testament to his past experiences. "I must admit, I''m surprised. I didn''t expect you to be so thoughtful." Gerard''s eyes reflected his surprise, matching his words. The terms proposed by Zion were exactly what the Border Army desperately needed. It was as if Zion had peered into his soul. "We should do everything we can to hold the frontlines against the demons," Zion said, his voice casual. He knew that these men weren''t swayed by usual lures like power, wealth, or fame. Their singr goal was defeating demons. This understanding led Zion to offer terms centered on their objective. ''I couldn''t have convinced them without Liam Rainer''s help,'' Zion thought, ncing at Liam. "But Your Majesty, are you sure about this? Sending the troops you''re about to receive straight to the demon frontlines?" Liam asked, doubt creeping into his voice. As Liam had mentioned, Zion had dered his intent to dispatch some of the Jinglo Army, which he was set to acquire from Utekan, to the demon border. This move had even taken Gerard by surprise. "Yes," Zion nodded. It was clear that the Jinglo Army was an elite force, a considerable source of power. However, it wasn''t a force that could be used immediately. Mobilizing an army of tens of thousands, especially one distinct from the knights or wizard corps, into the capital was aplex task. Furthermore, there was the issue of whether the army would ept newmand. Despite these challenges, Zion insisted on obtaining the Jinglo Army from Utekan. ''The event that happens at the demon border this year.'' To confront this major plot twist in Frosimar''s chronicles, an army-sized force was necessary, a supplement to the existing border troops. Moreover, weakening Utekan''s strength was a double victory for Zion. "When will you return to the vige?" "I''ve taken on a student recently, so I n to leave right after dinner. Of course, if Your Majesty Zion wishes, I will stay." As Liam answered, remembering Ferna waiting for him in the vige, a blue-feathered bird, about the size of a fist, materialized on Zion''s right shoulder. The spirit was unique to the Frost Queen''s artifact. It would spontaneously appear without Zion''s permission, chirp for a bit, then vanish. Each time, it seemed to grow stronger, drawing a bit of energy from its surroundings. So, Zion just let it be. "Is that... a spirit?" At that moment, Liam and Gerard''s expressions tightened upon seeing the spirit. They both looked grave. Gerard, in particr, stared wide-eyed at the spirit, unable to look away. "Indeed." Zion replied, watching them with intrigued eyes. "May I... touch it just once?" Gerard asked Zion, his face grave. He was already leaning halfway towards the spirit. "By all means." "Thank you!" As Zion''s consent echoed, both Liam and Gerard extended their hands towards the spirit. -Chirp! Taken aback by their sudden movement, the spirit spread its wings as a warning, albeit futilely. ''Who would have thought these rugged men would have a soft spot for cute things. It seems so incongruous.'' For a moment, Zion observed the spirit sandwiched between two burly men adorned with scars, then he redirected his gaze towards the window. ''She should be arriving soon.'' As the thought crossed his mind, Zion was interrupted. "Your Majesty Zion." Knight Fredo entered the study and offered a bow to Zion. "The envoy from the Fourth Prince has arrived." "Atst, they''vee." Upon hearing Fredo''s announcement, Zion''s eyes gleamed. He had anticipated Utekan reaching out soon. They had matters to negotiate, including the transfer of the Junglo Army. He also assumed they would meet at the Pce of the People. That location served as a neutral ground where they could safeguard against any potential deceit. Vroom! So, Zion was en route to the Pce of the People in a mana-powered car. Yet, there was one circumstance Zion had not foreseen. "The smoothness of this ride is unmatched by the Guild''s mana-powered vehicles. What a divine gift!" First Prince Rubrious was seated right in front of him, marvelling at the mana-powered car''s seat. The reason for his presence was simple. On his way to the Pce of the People, Zion had chanced upon Rubrious on foot. "I¡¯ll tag along. I was heading to the Pce of the People anyway. Isn''t it more convenient to go together?" With these audacious words, Rubrious invited himself into Zion''s car. Zion didn''t object since he had a question for Rubrious anyway. ''But I didn''t expect our paths to cross in this manner.'' Zion pondered as he looked at Rubrious. "Just because I''ve been away for a few years, they got rid of my personal mana-powered car... Isn''t the Imperial Pce management excessively stringent?" Rubrious hadn''t changed since their first meeting, he still possessed a disregard for others, but surprisingly, the First Prince was quite chatty. He maintained his talkative demeanor even when Zion stayed silent. Alongside his loquacity, there was an odd warmth radiating from Rubrious. In fact, Zion was already aware of this warmth. ''Did it start from our first encounter?'' To be more precise, Rubrious had shown signs of warmth towards Zion since he approached him at the Emperor''s funeral. Back then, Zion had overlooked it due to the shocking substance of their conversation, but in retrospect, the emotions embedded in Rubrious''s words were unmistakably warm. ''Otherwise, why would he have told me to heed the God of Light that he worships?'' The motivation behind this remained elusive. Therefore, Zion nned to seek rification now. "Haha, reflecting upon it, it''s also..." "Why?" Zion''s quiet question interrupted Rubrious''s words. "The reason... what are you seeking a reason for?" "The reason why, out of all the members of the royal family, you approached me at the funeral and imparted those words." "Well, that''s because I wished to save you." The First Prince responded with a benevolent grin. As doubt clouded Zion''s eyes at his enigmatic response, "Zion, are you aware of why I am striving to reim the throne?" The First Prince proceeded. "No." "It''s to disseminate the light throughout this world. Of course, the Church of Light is presently the most prevalent in the world, but that''s insufficient. After all, the only deity of this world is Light." Rubrious''s eyes had reverted to the fervor Zion had witnessed during their first encounter. "Fealty to other idols can never be condoned." His gaze bore the fervor of a fanatic. "Hence, I will assume the role of the emperor, the so-called ruler of the world, and dedicate the entire world to Light." In essence, he expressed his intention to ascend the throne and turn the world into a ce where the sole religion is the Church of Light. It was indeed a fitting ambition for Rubrious, renowned as the Zealous Prince. "But first, to ascend the throne, I must eliminate the other contenders." It was an understood fact that the contenders were the other royals. "Zion, I had no desire to take your life. That''s why I tried to enlist you under my banner and have you heed Light." So, in essence, he implied that to seize the throne, he had to eradicate the rest of the royals or subordinate them, and because he was reluctant to do so, he attempted to recruit Zion. His personality was perfectly encapsted in these words that resonated with extreme fanaticism. In Rubrious''s mind, it was evident that the notion of his own death or failure to ascend to the throne was absent. "And if I continue to defy you?" "Well, I hope it doesn''te to that. But if it does... I''m uncertain yet." Rubrious confessed, his expression slightly troubled. In his mind, there might be a sh between the First Doctrine, which advocates spreading Light worldwide, and the goodwill derived from his trust in God. Fanaticism often harbors many contradictions. Zion could have readily disputed it, but instead, he asked about something that intrigued him more. "So what about the trust you mentioned back then?" The source of the goodwill that Rubrious held for Zion. "Hmm...." The First Prince furrowed his brow in contemtion for a moment, then slowly began to articte. "Strictly speaking, the trust is not something I should discuss... but perhaps it''s eptable to reveal a portion of it. Zion, are you aware of the Hero''s existence?" "I have a vague understanding." "The Hero is a being that emerges to confront the Demon King, the monarch of monsters. It already surfaced once, hundreds of years ago, and on that asion, Light predicted its appearance by bestowing its trust." "So has the trust concerning the Hero been granted again this time?" At Zion''s question, Rubrious nodded, his face expressing surprise. "You appear to be informed already. Yes, it was bestowed about a month ago. However, there was something atypical about the trust." The content of the trust itself was not unusual. Just as before, it confirmed the existence of the Hero and outlined the subsequent necessary actions. What was unusual was the quantity of trusts. "Normally, there is only one trust regarding the Hero. That''s like an unalterable rule. Because, fundamentally, the world can only generate one Hero using its force. However¡­ this time, the trust concerning the Hero was received twice consecutively." Rubrious''s eyes, trained on Zion, began to emit an odd radiance. "The second one refers to you, Zion." ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 87: Azela (2) Chapter 87: Az (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here "But that doesn''t make you the hero, Zion." Rubrious'' voice filled the room before Zion could reply. "Sure, divine favor has been granted in session, but there can''t be two heroes. Besides, there are lots of doubts about your divine favor." "What do you mean?" At Zion''s question, the First Prince paused, deciding whether to exin, then slowly started talking. "Zion Agnes." "¡­¡­?" "That''s all the divine favor revealed. Just your name." It was a divine favor that made no sense. In response, Rubrious shook his head, as if he couldn''t understand it either, and continued. "Obviously, the light has its reasons, but as a human, I can''t understand its meaning. Maybe my faith isn''t strong enough." Even if his faith was stronger, he probably wouldn''t understand any better, but telling Rubrious that wouldn''t change anything. "Did you hear anything about me before, or can you guess anything?" "Nothing. That''s why I''m saying, you should visit the church headquarters. Maybe the light will reveal more to you in person." Woong! As soon as the First Prince finished, the magic carriage stopped. The grand imperial pce was already in sight outside the window. "Thanks for the ride, Zion. Let''s meet again." Rubrious thanked him, left the magic carriage, and started walking towards the imperial pce. Priests and followers from the Church of Light joined him as if they had been waiting. Watching this, Zion realized Rubrious rode with him just to talk. "Just my name...¡± Zion muttered the content of the divine favor, watching Rubrious walk away. Even though the divine favor made no sense, a spark lit up in Zion''s eyes. Perhaps this could give him a clue about why he was brought to this world. It couldn''t be a coincidence that the God of Light only mentioned his name now. ''I might need to visit the Church of Light.'' With that thought, Zion started walking towards the imperial pce where Rubrious had headed. --- Raei Trantions --- In an office at the top of Cheongseong Pce. Diana was there, slouched in her chair, tapping the armrest with her fingers. "Sigh¡­¡­" The deep sigh that escaped her lips. It hinted she was not in a good mood. "Is it about the Sixth Prince again?" Lloyd, Diana''s close aide and the captain of the First Regiment of the Spirit Corps, asked as if it was the usual thing to do. The only reason Diana, who had performed well at the Emperor''s funeral, would sigh was because of that. "Yes." The Fifth Princess answered, a frown etching onto her face. Her concern wasn''t because Zion had left the strongest impression among the royal family at the funeral. And it wasn''t due to him quickly amassing power because of that. "That darkness back then." The demonstration of session unexpectedly initiated by the Fourth Prince, Utekan, during the funeral. That tremendous darkness that burst forth when Zion grabbed the sword during the demonstration, which was essentially a contest for the throne, still haunted her. Sure, it was a sight no one could easily forget, but Diana couldn''t shake off that darkness for a different reason. "It must have something to do with the Eternal Emperor''s power. Otherwise, the sword wouldn''t have reacted so fiercely." Utekan had indeed said that thete Emperor''s sword responded to Agnes'' blood. This implies that the darkness was certainly rted to Agnes. "Could it be something else connected to Agnes, not the Eternity Emperor?" "No." At Lloyd''s question, Diana instantly shook her head. She had definitely seen such darkness, almost ck, before. "The Extinguishing Sword that Zion used against Enoch. The power flowing from that sword and the darkness Zion disyed at the funeral are very simr. They''re likely the same." "If what you''re saying is true... does it mean the Sixth Prince not only possesses the Extinguishing Sword but also the Eternity Emperor''s power?" Diana didn''t respond to that question. Because admitting it felt like she would be making it the truth. ''If that''s really the case, Zion will have an immense edge in this contest for the throne.'' If the Emperor of the Agnes Empire rules as the absolute leader, earning everyone''s respect as the world''s ruler, then the Eternity Emperor is a realm of sanctity that surpasses even that. His achievements were nearly mythical. If Zion truly holds the Eternity Emperor''s power, he would garner an insurmountable level of supportpared to now. Of course, proving to the people that this power is indeed the Eternity Emperor''s is another challenge. "We don''t know for sure yet, so let''s not jump to conclusions. We can only hope that it''s not an inherited power, but just remnants left in the Extinguishing Sword......" But as Diana shared this with Lloyd, her gaze turned distant. --- Raei Trantions --- Several secret rooms exist in the Pce of the People. A slender room, devoid of windows, housing nothing but a small table and two chairs. These secret chambers were designed so that the royal family or privileged nobles could conduct confidential meetings within the Pce of the People. Indeed, the Pce of the People itself, deemed the world''s epicenter, wasn''t an ideal location for covert gatherings, yet some still utilized it sporadically. Like Zion currently. ''Is this the spot?'' Having simply verified the secret room''s location, Zion immediately pushed the door open and stepped in. Taken aback! Upon entering, a faint, sweet scent wafted to Zion''s nostrils. "Wee, Prince Zion." Simultaneously, the image of a woman, who had been anticipating his arrival, came into Zion''s sight. A striking beauty, nearly 180 cm tall, with unique facial characteristics. "Who are you?" "I am Az. I serve under Prince Utekan, albeit inadequately." "Utekan?" "His Highness was suddenly called away on urgent business and couldn''t make it. Nevertheless, he has entrusted all authority to me, so I hope you won''t be too upset." The woman, politely bowing her head in apology. Zion, observing her, collected himself. ''So she''s making her move quite openly, huh?'' It was a name he surely recognized. Az. Utekan''s underling, unknown to the public. A figure who engineered countless deeds behind the scenes, armed with potent magic and an exceptional intellect due to her giant ancestry. However, that wasn''t why Zion was intrigued. She was a demon. The same kind that had ensnared Utekan, Tarahal. ''This is getting intriguing.'' Zion, smirking, settled into a chair and asked Az. "So how do you n to proceed with the transfer?" In the meantime, the scent was bing increasingly potent. "I''ve heard you favor straightforwardness." "Do I need to engage in idle chatter with you?" "Not at all." At that, Az, who had been observing Zion for some time, slowly began speaking. "Prince Zion, actually, I didn''te here today to transfer something." "Then?" "Rather, I''m here to receive a transfer." As she said this, a faint smile curved onto Az''s lips. "What do you mean?" "Prince, can you smell this fragrance?" In response to Zion''s question, she returned a question, lightly touching her nose. "This aroma is emanating from me, it paralyzes the senses and muscles of others. It takes less than thirty seconds for the effect to fully take hold in such an enclosed space." "...." As if her words held truth, Zion''s gaze started to fog. "It also serves to disrupt the mind, allowing me to infiltrate." Az''s eyes began to glow a bright blue within the perfume-filled room. Demon eyes that carried destruction within. An incredibly rare mental corrosion-type ability possessed by only a fraction of demons. Among those who served Utekan, less than five individuals boasted these eyes. It was a top-tier ability that enabled invasion of an individual''s psyche simply through eye contact. Their effectiveness was heightened when coupled with the magical aroma that pervaded from her. ''The preliminary work isplete.'' Az''s smile widened as she took in Zion''s eyes, their light gone, and the haziness taking over. She figured he hadn''t anticipated such a ploy within the Pce of the People. So, she struck. In any case, the mental corrosion would not cause any external disturbances. "You probably can''t hear me, but I promise to make good use of your body." With those words, the moment the blue light in Az''s Demon Eyes reached its zenith, Haaaah! Her consciousness dove into Zion''s mind. Az''s spiritual form tore through superficial memories in one sweep and plunged deeper. Unlike basic mind control, which only possessed the body, advanced mind control¡ª that absorbed the subject''s memory, power, and even soul¡ª was intricate. The caster had to delve personally into the subject''s psyche''s depths and consume everything from the root. Ssssss- While she had to bypass any psychic barriers within the subject, this task wasn''t difficult for her. Among the Demon Eyes, hers rendered her spiritual body nearly indestructible. In a spiritual battle, Az could even best Tarahal, the one who had consumed Utekan''s body. Just then, ''Something feels off?'' Az''s eyes, tunneling deeper into Zion''s psyche, reflected a flicker of confusion. For sentient beings, psychic barriers existed. These barriers manifested in various forms¡ªlions, dragons, unicorns, etc.¡ªand could range from a single one to multiple. ''For an Agnes'' direct descendant, there ought to be several psychic barriers...'' Yet, she hadn''t encountered a single barrier as she navigated through severalyers. It was straightforward, but a nagging sense of oddness persisted. Suddenly, Haaaah! Az''s perception, like traversing a narrow corridor, broadened instantaneously, revealing an entire world. ''Where is this...'' A realm veiled in a thick fog, as if standing by a waterside at dawn. ''Finally showing its form?'' Her eyes, intuitively acknowledging the presence of Zion''s psychic barrier, glowed with a wee light. Finally, it seemed like things were falling into ce. With the intent to shatter the psychic barrier in a single strike and swiftly delve deeper, Az scanned the surroundings, her smile cruel. The ground vibrated beneath her. Could it be an earthquake? Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The ground continued to rumble with persistent, booming sounds. As the fog gradually dissipated, she followed the direction of the sound, "!!!!!!!!" Her eyes widened as if ready to pop out of their sockets. Before her was an army. No, it was a force far surpassing what could simply be dubbed an ''army.'' Millions? No, tens of millions? The army that filled the world was endlessly pounding shields and spears into the ground. As if they were praising something. And in the center of such an army, a throne towered as if to pierce the sky. There was a man sitting on the throne. This resonance was reverence sent by tens of millions of soldiers for that man alone. It was worship for that man alone. "Ah...." Az, unknowingly letting out a voice at the sight of such a mythical spectacle that caused her to shiver. Towards her, the man''s eyes, filled with weariness, turned. At that moment, Tens of millions of soldiers turned to look at Az at the same time. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 88: Azela (3) Chapter 88: Az (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Mind blocks. They take all shapes and vors, but they all share one thing. They exist as a single force. Even though many beings could live inside one person, it doesn''t mean that a single mind block could split into many. It''s not just difficult, it''s impossible. "But why......¡± That''s why she couldn''t understand. Why so many of them stood in front of Az. Just their acknowledgment made her feel as though she might vanish. And the man who sat on a throne in the center of the crowd, looking down on her. It was downright silly. "Aah......¡± Right now, she felt a deeper fear for the lone man than for the crowd of many. He was both greatly respected and utterly powerful. There were no words that fit the man better. His simple presence seemed to control the whole world. Swish- The man, who had been studying Az, pointed a finger at her. In that moment. ----------------! The sea made by the crowd started to move. From one end of the horizon to the other. The ground shook wildly under the feet of the horses that filled the ce. After them were endless soldiers, constantly singing their king''s praises. A shout and a war cry that seemed to rip the whole sky. "How can I......¡± The demon Az stared nkly at the sea of the crowd heading towards her, all of them targeting her. A mind force boosted to the max by the eye of destruction? Power and skills built over hundreds of years? Such things were worthless in front of that crowd. There was no way a single force could face something like that. It was nothing more than a one-sided ughter, a simple mockery. When Az''s eyes filled with despair and emptiness, Atst, Az''s mind force was swept away by the Emperor''s crowd. --- Raei Trantions --- "Cough!" Az, who hade back to her physical form, coughed up arge amount of blood. Her mind force, a part of her consciousness, being wiped out had caused great harm to her body. But, "Huhhh!" What filled Az''s eyes was not pain, but fear. ''I need to escape!'' Even though her body was so damaged that she could barely move, that was not what mattered at the moment. The man sitting in front of her, Zion Agnes, was a monster. A monster that Az herself could never face. So, guided by instinct, she tried to flee, but... "Why, why won''t the connection break!" The mind link with Zion wasn''t cut off. "I have a question." A soft voice whispered in Az''s ear. "!!!!!" The owner of the voice was Zion, his eyes quietly returning to their originalzy state. "You didn''t think I''d just let you walk away, did you?" A chilling smile curved Zion''s lips. In that moment, Az understood. Those eyes. Zion''s eyes, staring at her now, mirrored the man''s eyes she had seen in the mind world. "Aah......" Despair filled her eyes when, "I never let off anyone who threatens me." Zion''s ck Star slid back along the still-connected link, boring into Az''s psyche. "Keeek!" As a result, her already weak spirit began to crumble instantly. This proved deadly for Az, whose essence was her spirit. She quaked, her eyes losing focus. Swish- In Zion''s gaze, ck stars started to rise slowly. From the moment he stepped into the room, Zion knew she was plotting something. But he let her be and observed. After all, it was impossible for a demon like her to invade Zion''s mind. ''It seems tricky to control in reverse...'' Even for Zion, the hardest level of mind control was impossible to perform from scratch without any base knowledge. In reality, it was only possible now because his mind was linked to Az''s through her demon eye. However, if he used that demon eye against her, it seemed he could control her movements for a short while before she expired. "It''d be nice to at least leave a warning." Immediately after, Zion, murmuring So, traced a thin line with his gaze. --- Raei Trantions --- "You couldn''t find out?" Sharin May, a key leader in Ouroboros, asked her fallen shadow. "I''m sorry." A downcast voice came from the Shadow''s mouth. Sharin merely stared at him, making no excuses. The question in her eyes wasn''t anger but curiosity. ''Shadow couldn''t find out?'' Among other things, Shadow''s information-gathering ability was unparalleled. If Shadow hadn''t discovered it yet, it meant the information was highly ssified. ''Is it that hard to find out his identity?'' With this thought, Sharin remembered the grey-haired man she''d seen at the underground auction. The man who had imed the Breath of the Frost Queen at the auction and single-handedly ruined Ouroboros'' secret branch. Since then, she had been trying to identify the man, but had made no headway. "But there was a strange part." Drawing Sharin''s attention, Shadow started to speak. "Speak." "It felt like I was consistently being blocked in my search." "....You were blocked?" "Yes. There were a few times when I almost found a clue, but it was immediately cut off. It happened so naturally that I almost didn''t notice it." Sharin''s eyes grew serious. If Shadow was asserting this, it signaled the intervention was by an exceptionally adept entity. Likely, only a top-tier information guild could manage such a feat as an organization. "But who could it be......" Her question only deepened. ''It can''t be a direct descendant of Agnes....no, he probably just changed his hair color.'' After a moment of contemtion, Sharin addressed Shadow. "I''ll extend the deadline, expand your search range. Don''t get fixated on the hair color." "Understood." "Go on." Shadow vanished from the spot before Sharin had finished speaking. "I must find him, no matter what." Left alone in the room, Sharin muttered to herself. The man''s knowledge of their identities was one issue, but his audacity to make a fool of her had infuriated her beyond measure. Her anger was so intense, it was affecting her sleep. She felt she could only be appeased once she had torn that man limb from limb. Just then, "Miss Sharin, we have an intruder." An organization member burst into the room, announcing with urgency. "What?" Sharin''s eyes hardened. One secret branch had already been wiped out by an intruder, and this location was newly established. Yet another intruder had appeared, stirring her already heightened senses. ''How did they discover this ce?'' The organization member continued speaking to a bewildered Sharin. "But... the intruder asked to meet you, Miss Sharin." "What do you mean?" "Just that. He walked in through the main entrance and requested to see you." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity at that. This was an unprecedented situation. And that made it all the more intriguing. "Bring him in." "...Excuse me?" "Bring him in." If he had the means to find this location and the audacity toe here alone, he was no ordinary individual. A few minutester, the intruder appeared before Sharin. A man dressed in a navy suit, snake-like eyes and pointed ears. "My name is Diral." The man bowed his head, introducing himself. --- Raei Trantions --- "It should be over by now." The Fourth Prince, Utekan, mumbled as he gazed toward Baeksung Pce. Of course, he was referring to Zion''s mental corrosion. "I definitely saw Zion Agnes enter the isted room..." No need to see the rest. Other than Utekan himself, Az was the highest skilled demon in mental corruption. If she wielded Monghunhyang and the Eye of Destruction, the only beings who could resist were the ''Seven Heavens.'' "That arrogant whelp, daring to ask for the Jinglo Army." He had overreached his station, and it was only fitting that he paid the requisite price. Moreover, having utilized one of her paramount techniques, Az, he nned to exploit Zion as his puppet until his physical form disintegratedpletely. ''It''s time to start strategizing.'' With that thought, Utekan, shelving his musings about Zion, turned his attention to the other royal family members. Now, the true contest for the thronemenced. Consequently, forming a temporary alliance with at least one of the royal family members was necessary to secure an advantageous position. "I''ve already failed with Evelyn, leaving only the first prince and Diana..." Aligning with Rubrious seemed near impossible due to his disposition. That left only the fifth princess, a prospect he wasn''t too keen on. She''d feign alliance on the surface but undoubtedly scheme something in secrecy. "Can''t a single one of them be normal? Is it the damned Agnes blood?" Expressing the words treated as a proverb amongst demons, Utekan donned his upper attire. Nheless, he intended to at least approach the fifth princess. At that moment, "Hmm?" A figure emerged onto the training field, drawing Utekan''s attention. The figure was none other than Az. "Why..." His eyes filled with bewilderment. Why was she, who should''ve returned in the body of Zion Agnes, still in her original form? Moreover, her appearance was abnormal. Blood continuously streamed from her eyes and nose. Her gait was unnatural, like a marite on strings. "Ugh..." She resembled a zombie, a horrifically grotesque sight. Then, one of Az''s vacant, roaming eyes met Utekan''s gaze. "Sa, save... me..." She started moving towards Utekan, struggling to utter each word. With every step forward, the blood flowing from her eyes and nose intensified. "What..." Utekan involuntarily recoiled at her condition. The sight of Az made it clear. Her body and mind were on the verge of copse. "Please... sa, save..." Though survival seemed hopeless, Az propelled her deteriorating body towards Utekan. As if doing so was her only chance at survival. "Plea, se...!" Just as Az, who had finally reached Utekan, extended a hand toward him... Splush! A bright crimson torrent of blood erupted from her orifices. Only after the burst of blood had painted Utekanpletely red did her body finally slump to the ground. "..." Utekan stared nkly at her lifeless form. His eyes gradually ignited with seething rage. This was a warning. A grim portent that his fate could mirror this grisly scene. And there was only one person capable of sending such a harrowing message. "Zion Agnes!" A roar like a feral beast''s bellow erupted from Utekan''s mouth. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 89: Spirits Territory (1) Chapter 89: Spirit''s Territory (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here On a night with a blood-red crescent moon in the sky, a man, Kellin, was running for his life on a road barely lit by moonlight. Kellin was panting hard, his heart pounding like it might explode, but he didn''t stop. The terror in his eyes pushed him to run faster as if stopping meant death. He was the only one left alive. They, the ones chasing him, had taken everyone else. Kellin''s mind was filled with one thought - run, get as far away from them as possible. The fear they stirred up was enough to freeze his sanity. Seeing the territory exit getting closer, a glimmer of hope sparked in Kellin''s eyes. He sprinted towards the exit with all his might, but just as he was about to cross, a chillingughter froze him in his tracks. His body felt trapped in invisible threads, and he was forced to face the horrifying figures he''d been running from. In that moment, he realized he''d been part of their twisted game from the start. There was never an escape. Soon after, one of them enveloped Kellin, and everything went dark. --- Raei Trantions --- In Hubris, the empire''s capital, a luxurious magic car sped along a quiet suburban road. Inside, Zion was going through several documents quickly. He''d left the imperial city to retrieve an object that the demon had mentioned. He''d nned to leave right away, but the Emperor''s funeral caused a dy. Time was slipping away. He also needed to think about his ck Star Level. He could force his way to level 3, but reaching level 4 was impossible unless his body was in top condition. Given his current state, unable to fully recover from the lunar eclipse bacsh, he didn''t know what might happen if he tried to force his power to level up. ''If I could strengthen my body through the demon...'' He could have a breakthrough, growing swiftly like a geyser breaking free from the earth. "We''ve summed up the key points about the five great families in these documents," said Aileen, the head of the Moon''s Eye. She was sitting across from Zion, pointing to the papers he was reading and asking about their usefulness through a gesture. Aileen was there to discuss newly found information and reports as well as Zion''s instructions about the medium. "Not bad." Aileen, surprised by the rarepliment from Zion, carefully read his mood before asking a question. "Can I ask you something?" "Sure." "Was the proof of session at the funeral intentional?" From the outside, it seemed that the fourth prince, Utekan, failed to revoke Zion''s session rights. But Aileen, who had been observing Zion, couldn''t shake the feeling that he was behind it all. "What do you think?" Zion replied, a subtle smile on his face. ''So, it was his n...'' Aileen thought, interpreting his smile as confirmation. "Because of that incident, most of the nobles at the funeral are talking about you. Plus, the fourth prince''s power seems to be weakening, and there are signs of internal conflict. Probably because he pledged to distribute the Imperial Road Army''s legions at his discretion." As Aileen reported, Zion remembered his sh with Utekan two days ago. Surprisingly, instead of fighting back, Utekan quietly handed over one of the imperial forces to Zion himself, as if the incident with Az never happened. But Zion saw the fury hidden deep in Utekan''s eyes. Utekan seemed to hide his anger well when he was most upset. ''He might make a move soon.'' Zion thought, weing the idea. The more Utekan acted, the more his weaknesses would show. Zion had included Utekan in the list of threats he had mentioned to Az. "By the way, Zion, do you remember when you went to the underground auction?" Aileen interrupted his thoughts. "Yes." "The group you wiped out is still trying to figure out who you are. But we''ve blocked all their attempts." ''They''re pretty bold,'' Zion thought, chuckling as he remembered Sharin May. Considering her pride and fiery spirit, she must be fuming at this point. "But what about the instructions?" "Here you go." At Zion''s question, Aileen presented several new documents. Much like personal identification cards, each sheet detailed specific individuals. "Are these the mercenaries you requested?" "Yes." Zion confirmed, swiftly scanning the documents. These were the mercenaries Zion intended to bring with him on his current endeavor. Aileen, however, looked at Zion with disbelief. "I followed your instructions and singled out these individuals, but... are you certain this is eptable?" Aileen questioned, her voiceced with confusion. "All three have been mercenaries for quite some time... but they''re merely scraping the bottom of the adventurer rank silver grade. We have a priest, but we don''t know his deity, and his holy magic is basic at best." Being silver grade signified they werepetent to a degree, but if she wanted, Aileen could assemble a gold-grade mercenary group within hours. She couldn''t fathom why Zion was adamant about including these particr individuals. "They''re necessary." Zion responded nonchntly, his gaze still fixed on the documents. Observing Zion''s eyes, Aileen felt a sudden chill. His eyes sometimes seemed inhuman, viewing everything in the world as expendable. What kind of mindset did a person with such eyes possess? Aileen found herself pondering this question. In the meantime, the magic car arrived at its destination, the mercenary district on the outskirts of the capital, and came to a stop. "Oh, and..." As Zion, his hair and eyes now a stark ck, began to step out of the car, he seemed to recall something and turned to Aileen. "Once Liushina is ready, tell her to meet me at the location mentioned here." "Here? Why this ce..." "I want to be prepared, just in case." With these cryptic words as his farewell, Zion exited the magic car, his figure slowly blending into the distance. --- Raei Trantions --- "Hahaha! Your first venture, isn''t it, Zion? Nothingpares to the thrill and nerves of your first time. I remember my first dungeon expedition as a fresh mercenary..." Zion nced at the chatty man beside him who was not pausing for breath. This brown-haired man, named Latra, was the leader of the Latra Mercenary Group that Zion had selected. Excited about the lucrative task he had received after a lengthy hiatus, Latra was brimming with excitement from the get-go. "Latra, rein it in. You''re making a racket. What if our client decides to cancel?" A woman sporting a darkplexion and an impressively muscr build elbowed Latra''s side, casting a quick nce at Zion. "What are you saying, Ember? I''m just sharing some wisdom with Zion. Knowing the ropes before venturing out is important. Especially if Zion remains intrigued by adventuring, this knowledge bes essential." Latra''s monologue was motivated by the identity Aileen had fabricated for Zion. Zion Harness. A young, innocent nobleman from an affluent capital family, harboring romantic notions of adventures. The belief was that Zion, an enthusiast of adventuring, had contracted them, the Latra Mercenary Group, for his inaugural expedition. Undoubtedly, this didn''t reflect Zion''s actual standing. ''But this is more convenient.'' The mission required utmost secrecy. So, within the royal pce, only Tieri was aware of Zion''s departure, and even Aileen, who was just with him, remained in the dark about where and why Zion had embarked. "What do you make of this, Eli?" "Considering everything, more than half of Latra''s tales are self-centered... Besides, this is only our second dungeon exploration, and Latra was too petrified to enter the dungeon via the main entrance..." At Latra''s remarks, a timid-looking woman with golden hair dressed in a priest''s robe quietly chimed in. Despite her soft tone, her words held a biting edge. "Ha ha... Hahaha! What is she on about? Pay her no mind, Zion. Eli seems to harbor some misconceptions." Flustered, Latra quickly defended himself, but Zion was uninterested in his justifications, his attention fixated on the woman named Eli. Zion had specifically chosen this mercenary group due to this woman. ''Elysis Desire.'' Apanion of the hero in the records and the future saint. She was among the individuals possessing the most sacred bloodline in the world. Currently, she was merely a vagabond priest, but in the not-so-distant future, she would awaken as a genuine representative of divinity on Earth, receiving divine revtion. However, Zion''s reason for pursuing her diverged from when he encountered the hero''s otherpanions. This time, his interest was purely self-serving, bearing no rtion to the main plot. Elysis was crucial for acquiring the medium Zion had envisioned. ''I''ll need her services for some time.'' As Zion mused internally, reminiscing about the yet-to-be-encountered hero, "By the way, Zion, given our current speed, we''ll reach the dungeon you''ve marked as our destination byte afternoon. Night time in dungeons is considerably more perilous than during the day. Why don''t we rest nearby and embark the following morning?" Latra''s voice interrupted his thoughts. "There''s a diminutive territory called Angelosh adjacent to the dungeon." "That''s agreeable." Zion nodded in response to Latra''s suggestion. This was precisely what he had anticipated. They were under the impression they were about to delve into an uncharted lower-tier dungeon near the Empire''s expansive western forest. However, Zion harbored an alternative location in mind. The territory Latra referred to, Angelosh. Known for the folklore of an angel''s descent, this was indeed Zion''s actual objective. ***Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 90: Spirits Territory (2) Chapter 90: Spirit''s Territory (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Humanity''s adversaries, the magical beasts,e in a vast array of appearances and temperaments, making categorization an arduous task. Yet, if one were to attempt, they could be broadly divided into three types: Magical creatures, demon ns, and the Jeonin. If I were to identify the most formidable amongst them, I would unhesitatingly choose the Jeonin. Evil spirits, malevolent entities, phantoms, and so forth. These beings, at their core, are deceitful and tend to avoid head-on confrontations. Nevertheless, they are the most savage and their might is eerily overwhelming. They take particr delight in donning human skins, mimicking the very humans they subsume. From Observations on Magical Beasts. Lost domain of the vanished angel, Angelosh. When Gui spoke of the Holy Blood as a medium to enhance the human body, the name that immediately sprang to Zion''s mind was this. Commonly referred to as the blood of sacred beings, several types of Holy Blood existed. However, the most esteemed among them was the blood of the angel, hailed as the messenger of the gods. Angels. Entities so ambiguous, they were only ever spoken of in holy scriptures. Legend had it that an angel descended upon the domain of Angelosh. And that legend was true. ''In Angelosh, the actual blood of that angel exists.'' Of course, not only was the wider world unaware, but even the residents of the domain didn''t know about the existence of the angel''s blood. Soon, in a few months, this angel''s blood would be seized by the evil entities and be known to the world. And inevitably, in that process, the domain of Angelosh would face destruction. Zion nned to obtain the Holy Blood himself before that could happen. ''For that Holy Blood, I need her.'' With that thought, Zion nced at Elysus, who for some reason kept sneaking peeks at him. When their eyes met, she looked away in surprise. Unlike the other two mercenaries, Elysus had never approached Zion even once. Even without any discernible power yet, could she sense something as the future Holy Maiden? "Over there is the domain of Angelosh. It looks smaller than expected, doesn''t it?" Rat''s voice reached Zion''s ears at that moment. As he said, the domain they saw not far off seemed as small as a vige. Thinking about it, it made sense. A remote domain like this, where not even magical trains pass by, couldn''t berge. "We should find a ce to stay first," Zion and the mercenaries began moving towards that domain. As they stepped into the domain, ''What is...'' Zion''s vibrant eyes started to dim rapidly. Much like right before a battle. Then, "It''s been a long time since we had outsiders." A few of the domain''s residents approached after spotting Zion and his party. "My name is Kellin. Are you mercenaries on an adventure?" The middle-aged man at the front introduced himself and offered a handshake. "Haha, indeed. We came to explore a nearby dungeon. We n to rest and leave early tomorrow. Is there a ce within the domain where we can stay?" Rat, shaking the man''s hand, asked with his characteristic warm smile. "Our domain, as you can see, is quite small and rarely interacts with the outside. So, we don''t have facilities for outsiders. Naturally, there''s no inn either." "Hmm, is that so?" A hint of inconvenience appeared in Rat''s eyes. The man, as if having a thought, then said to them. ¡°Ah, if it''s eptable, I can introduce you to our Lord. Our Lord is very fond of adventurers'' tales. Whenever travelers arrive, he often invites them to the castle. Of course, in exchange, one would have to share many stories.¡± ¡°Oh, would you do that for me?¡± Lat''s face lit up. There was absolutely no reason to refuse. Staying at a regr household or sleeping outside would be far less preferable. Moreover, such adventurers'' tales were precisely Lat¡¯s expertise. ¡°What do you think, Prince Zion?¡± Despite everything, Zion was his employer, so Lat looked to him for a decision. ¡°......¡± However, no answer came from Zion. ¡°Prince Zion?¡± Or rather, it seemed Zion couldn¡¯t respond. Was it because of a warped energy? He reacted sensitively to anything twisted. Hence, Zion could see. No, he could feel it. The man introducing himself as Kellin in front of him. The girl peeping and watching from a distance. Even the elderly man with a kind smile. Everything in his sight was twisted. There were no humans left in this territory. ¡®They¡¯ve all been consumed.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a simple masquerade, where monsters or demons wore human appearances. Something had devoured the living humans from the inside out and donned their skins. The subtle difort emanating from them, transformed into a feeling of twistedness, irritating Zion''s senses. ¡®Is it the work of dark magic?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t sense any magic energy, but such energy could easily be concealed. Although it seemed too early, currently, the most usible exnation was dark magic. Was the chronicle''s content changing once again? Or had it always been this way from this point? He wasn¡¯t certain, but at this moment, pondering about it was less crucial than reorganizing his ns. ¡®Perhaps this might turn out for the better.¡¯ Concluding his thoughts, Zion said in a calm voice, ¡°Let¡¯s head to the lord¡¯s castle.¡± Before anyone noticed, his gaze had already shifted to the massive castle standing at the heart of the Angelosh territory. "Something feels off¡­" While taking cues from the butler walking ahead, Elysis whispered to Lat and Ember beside her. Upon hearing the story from Kellin, the Lord weed them warmly, inviting them into the manor and even offering them dinner. So now, after unloading their baggage and taking a brief rest, the three of them were following the butler to the dining hall. "You mean Zion, right? You''ve been avoiding him since earlier... He hasn''t spoken much, but isn''t he alright otherwise? He doesn''t seem too difficult." Thinking of the absent Zion Harness, Ember responded to Elysis. Their employer, perhaps tired from the long journey, had chosen to rest in his room, even forgoing dinner. "No¡­ it''s not him... He''s so handsome that it''s a bit overwhelming. I''m talking about someone else¡­" "Oh, right! You''re allergic to good looks, aren¡¯t you? Then who are you referring to?" This time, Lat asked, tilting his head slightly. "Everyone." "Everyone?" "Yes, every single person in this fief." From the moment they entered the Angelosh territory, Elysis felt a peculiar difort. She couldn''t put it into words, but she sensed this unease from every person she encountered. No, it wasn''t just the people. "And these paintings, they''re odd too." Throughout the corridor they were walking, countless paintings were hung. Among them, the portraits of individuals were exquisitely detailed, as if one was looking at a living person. Elysis felt that same difort from these paintings too. "The paintings? True, it''s unusual for a Lord''s manor, which isn''t a museum, to have so many." "No, that''s not it¡­" "Ah, our Lord loves collecting paintings. He takes pleasure in disying them in these corridors for guests to see." Maybe having overheard Ember''s words, the butler ahead responded with a chuckle. "After dinner, feel free to look around. As long as you heed some precautions, you can safely appreciate the art." "Safely¡­?" Elysis felt that difort again from the butler¡¯s words. "Now, pleasee this way. I hope you enjoy your dinner." Suddenly, they had arrived at the dining room. The butler opened the door and gave a slight bow. Suppressing her unease, Elysis followed herpanions into the dining hall. As she and her partypletely entered the dining room, Whisk! The eyes of all the paintings in the corridor shifted towards the dining hall. "Oh, please take a seat! Adventurers!" A woman, a young man, and a young woman. The typical family of the Angelosh manor greeted Elysis and her party warmly as they entered the dining hall. "We''ve prepared various meats to give you strength for tomorrow''s dungeon exploration. I''m not sure if it''ll suit your taste, though." "Ah, not at all! We''re grateful just to be invited into your manor." Lat responded with a heartyugh to the Lord, whose generous personality seemed to match his ample girth. "Where did the other one go?" "Ah, Prince Zion isn''t feeling well, so he''s resting in his room. He asked to convey his apologies for his absence." "Oh... We''ll have to send some food to himter then." At Rat''s words, the lord wore a concerned expression. The meal that followed was filled with warmth andughter. "I saw five beasts ring with fierce eyes, rushing towards me... Ah! I truly thought I was done for. But then, arrows rained down from behind..." "And then? What happened?" "Ha! Who do you think I am? Rat of the Red Hand. I caught them right away with my hands...!" Rat went on with his tales of adventure, much like an expert in his domain. The lord and his family listened intently, their eyes sparkling with interest. ''Was I mistaken earlier?'' Watching them, Elysis tilted her head. It was hard to believe they were nobility; the lord''s demeanor was genuinely cordial. There was no sign of the difort she felt earlier. ''Maybe I was just too tired and sensed it wrongly...'' Just then, ''Huh?'' A peculiar scene caught her eye. The lord''s wife was cutting meat with a fork and eating with a knife. The unsettling feeling returned. Although Elysis observed her intently, the lord¡¯s wife seamlessly switched back to using the knife for cutting and the fork for eating. ''This is definitely odd!'' But having clearly witnessed that scene, Elysis tightly gripped her fork. "Excuse me for a moment." The lord''s daughter, who had been intently listening to Rat''s tales with sparkling eyes, stood up. "Where are you going?" "I suddenly feel a bit unwell. I apologize for excusing myself when we have guests." "...Alright, I understand." The lord, briefly wearing a curious expression, nodded to his daughter. "I apologize." "Oh, it''s fine! If you''re not feeling well, please take your leave and rest." Rat responded with a wave of his hand, watching the girl who once again bowed in their direction. She left the dining area with a faint smile on her face. "..." Elysis observed the girl''s retreating figure with wavering eyes. With a sharp sound, the door of the restaurant closedpletely. Standing for a moment, a young woman with her back to the door whispered, "Ah, I can''t hold back anymore..." Her expression hinted at hesitation. "Wouldn''t it be okay if I eat just one person first?" Soon, her eyes began to gleam with mischief. "After all, excluding that priestess, everyone else is expendable. So, shouldn''t I be free to choose when I feast?" Murmuring as if convincing herself, the corners of her mouth stretched unnaturally high, almost reaching her ears¡ªa smile impossible for any human. "Yes, it doesn¡¯t matter." However, to Kiral, the fiend wearing the skin of this young woman, this was a natural smile. Following her words, she let out a spine-chillingugh and dashed madly through the hallways of the Moonlight Feast. "He is mine!" she muttered with excitement, recalling the visage of Zion Harness, a man with immacte white skin and a face as refined as a sculpture. To Kiral, he seemed to be the embodiment of her ideal prey. From the first moment she saw him, she had an insatiable urge to consume him, to wear his skin. "Hurry! Hurry!" Overwhelmed with excitement and a touch of madness, Kiral saw the door to his quarters. With a burst of impulse, she swung it open. Inside, the room was dark. There was no light on, and even the moonlight from outside barely filtered in, casting the room in nearplete ckness. "Where is he?" Kiral¡¯s eyes darted around the room, hungry and searching for her prey, but there was nothing in sight. "Did he anticipate me and escape?" Then, something caught the edge of Kiral''s vision. A glimmer of pure white, hovering in the imprable darkness. "What is this..." No matter how hard she tried to focus, she couldn''t see it head-on. Whether she moved her eyes or turned her head, it always lingered at the periphery of her vision, as if it were anchored there. A peculiar and alien sensation emanated from it, stirring her mind. Even for Kiral, who wielded all sorts of eerie powers, this spectacle was utterly iprehensible. As a rising fear began to consume her from the inside, Swiftly, the entity approached her like a mirage. Yet, she was immobilized. Unable to resist. As if ensnared in a spider''s web. Kiral''s entire body, down to his very fingertips, was utterly dominated by it. "I''ve awaited your arrival." A voice, crisp and unwearying. Along with it, its eyes slowly began to focus. As Kiral gazed upon it, her eyes filled with utter terror. Suddenly, a yawning darkness engulfed her whole. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 91: Spirits Territory (3) Chapter 91: Spirit''s Territory (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Inside the dining hall of the Lord''s castle. There, the Lord and his family were seated. "That Kiral. Seems she made her move early, huh? Simply by seeing beauty and good looks, she loses his senses,"mented the Lady of the manor as she looked towards the door, which only moments ago Elysis and the other mercenaries had exited. But no, it wasn''t really the Lady. It was Raksitia, disguised as the Lady and also one of the top operatives involved in this mission to obtain the Sacred Blood. "Ugh, no strength and yet such arge appetite. Next mission, we should proceed without that one," remarked Geron, disguised as the Lord''s son. She has her uses in her own way. Be patient," Kezarus, the lead strategist of the operation, who was also donning the Lord''s disguise, replied in a hushed tone. His eyes, which had been morepassionate when talking to the mercenaries earlier, now gleamed coldly. ''This mission is crucial.'' It was a instruction from his direct superior, the King of Sinners, one of the high demons. The instruction: to obtain the Sacred Blood present here and deliver it to the demonic forces. Kezarus could only guess that it was rted to the ''Fallen Heavens'' operation that the demons were nning. ''Although the mission began earlier than expected...'' Then, "When is Kiraling back? What''s taking her so long?" asked Raksitia. "She must be savoring his meal slowly. Commander, when do we begin? Shouldn¡¯t we start making our move soon?" Geron added. "I had hoped to start when Kiral returns... But it seems we can''t wait," Kezarus pondered for a moment, tapping the dining table with his finger before decisively dering, "Begin the hunt now. Apart from the priestess, everyone else can be killed." Normally, every human intruding this territory was to be killed. However, the priestess was valuable. They had discovered the secret location of the angel''s blood within the castle, but a special ritual was required to obtain it. The ritual was impossible for them to perform; only someone with ties to angels or at the very least possessed immense holy power could do it. "But do you really think a wandering priestess would suffice? We probably need at least a bishop," Raksitia pointed out. "We''ll try regardless. Even if we have to drain every drop of blood from her," Kezarus dered, slowly rising from his seat. At that moment, the entire Lord''s castle began to quiver. --- Raei Trantions --- "Why won''t they believe me..." After leaving the restaurant, Elysis walked disheartenedly towards her assigned guest room, murmuring to herself. She recalled the other members who had gone ahead to explore the garden of Yeongjuseong. -"I didn''t sense anything out of the ordinary. And Elly, it doesn''t seem right to speak that way about the Lord and his family who weed us." -"What? Mixing up fork and knife? It happens. Sometimes I even confuse my left hand with my right, defending with a de when I should be using a shield." Elysis had fervently insisted that something was off right after they left the restaurant, but her concerns fell on deaf ears. To make matters worse, Rat and Ember even seemed to have grown fond of the hospitable Lord. Under normal circumstances, she would have felt the same. But not this time. Her sense of unease was growing by the minute. She had always trusted her instincts. -"Elly, you are more special than anyone in this world." Her mother''s words echoed in her ears. Elysis took pride in her exceptional abilities, especially in one specific area ¨C detecting malevolent entities, such as spirits and anomalies that acted against divine will. She had almost forgotten about this innate talent since she had never needed to use it. But now, that sense was incessantly ringing rm bells in her mind. ''I need to convince them again.'' Feeling it was perilous to stay any longer, Elysis turned towards where herpanions were. But then, she wondered aloud, "Why is there no one around?" Just moments ago, attendants could be seen at intervals in the corridor. Now, there wasn¡¯t a single one in sight. In fact, she couldn''t sense any human presence at all. As questions clouded her mind, a voice pierced the silence. "There are people here." The voice of a woman emanated from the side. Elysis quickly turned her head in the direction of the voice, only to see a portrait of a woman with closed eyes hanging on the wall. "It can''t be..." Elysis whispered, a hint of realization in her voice. Just as she did, "Over here." The woman in the portrait spoke again, simultaneously opening her eyes and mouth. Inside her eyes and mouth were countless human faces, all contorted in silent screams. "Ah!" Elysis shrieked in horror and stepped back. It was then that she noticed the title of the painting: "Abyss." In that moment, all the figures in the corridor''s portraits turned their eerie gazes upon Elysis, giving her wicked smiles. "What...what is this?" She stumbled backward in sheer terror. She had felt a sense of life from the paintings, but she had never imagined they woulde to life. Soon after, With maniacalughter, the figures that had beenughing inside their frames began to emerge from their paintings one by one. "The hunting orders havee in. Secure the priest and kill the rest." A group of death dealers rapidly paced the corridor. Now, tantly releasing magic around them. Since the kill order was issued, there was no more need for secrecy. "Hehe, I heard two of them went to the garden... Do we all need to go? Should I quickly take care of it alone?" A death dealer, with freckles resembling that of a pce maid, grinned wickedly, thirst evident in his eyes. Dahal, wearing the mask of a pce servant and leading the group, chuckled. "Don''t talk nonsense. You think I don''t know you want to take them all for yourself? We distribute equally. Got it?" "Hehehe, don¡¯t get so mad. Admit it, you''d like to have it all to yourself too. It''s almost instinctual." "Instincts or not, if you dare go solo likest time, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re the first one dead." "Fine, fine." The freckled death dealer, cating Dahal, waved his hands dismissively. But Dahal, as he resumed his stride, felt something was off and quickly nced back. "Why does it feel like our numbers have diminished?" "What are you talking about?" "Literally. A few are missing." Initially, seven death dealers followed, but now, including him, there were only six. "Hehe, did those guys sneak off thinking like I did?" "No, I would''ve sensed...¡± Then, suddenly, Crack! A sound of something shattering echoed. "¡­!" Dahal quickly turned his head towards the direction of the noise, but the death dealer who stood there moments ago had vanished. "It''s an enemy! Be on guard and widen your senses!" Still leading his group, Dahal''s instincts were sharp. He quickly assessed the situation, making a swift decision. On hismand, the death dealers closed ranks, eyes darting around cautiously. ¡®What''s happening? Was there an enemy inside the pce?¡¯ No, he had never heard of any new enemies breaching the territory, let alone the pce. Only prey resided here. This made the current situation all the more baffling for the death dealers. ¡®Still, with our defenses up, the enemy wouldn¡¯t dare¡­¡¯ But before Dahal could evenplete his thought, Another eerie noise, and one more death dealer disappeared. Even while being on high alert, there are always minor blind spots. The attack seemed to have begun from such a blind spot, catching them off guard, rendering them unable to react. "What... What''s happening?" "Where''s iting from...!" The remaining death dealers began to panic. Several of their members were already lost. Despite being on high alert, not only could they not see the enemy, they couldn''t even discern how the attacks were being executed. From that moment on, the suspicions that had arisen among them began to turn into a growing fear. It was because they realized that they too could die without knowing anything. "Hehe! Calm down. At best, he''s just a specialist in ambushes. If we catch him just once¡­" As the maidservant, who donned the robe to calm themotion, was about to speak, a sudden event interrupted her. Her head vanished. To be precise, it was as though it had been swallowed by something. A maw formed of shadows. Chomp! Chomp! The sinister ck beast, just by its presence, instilled a sense of dread, and it chewed and swallowed her head. With a thud, the now headless body of the maidservant fell to the ground, marking the beginning of an even greater terror. "W-what on earth is that?!" The growing fear inside the others amplified at an rming rate. By their nature, these beings clung more desperately to lifepared to other creatures. Their instinct was to survive as long as possible, feasting on as many human souls as they could. Thus, when faced with a threat to their lives, they were easily shaken. "Arghh...!" In mere moments, the corridor was filled with chaos as the creatures started moving in disarray. And then, sh, sh, sh! A brutal ughtermenced. From the epassing shadows of the hallway, the ck beasts leaped out indiscriminately, snapping up the scattering creatures one by one. "This can''t be...!" Watching as their numbers rapidly dwindled, one creature, Dahal, spat out a voice mixed with horror and confusion. A hunt. It was truly unbelievable, but they were now the hunted. ''From the start, by not revealing its true form, it incited fear. Mercilessly killing the one who tried to pacify us amplified that fear even further.'' Perhaps revealing the beast¡¯s form was a calcted move from the very beginning. The meticulousness of it all sent shivers down his spine. ''It''s already toote to regain control.'' This situation was utterly unfamiliar. They were always the hunters, never the hunted. This unfamiliarity might have been why they were so ill-prepared for it. "Ah! Save me, please, ahhhh!" The numbers of the creatures continued to dwindle amidst the chaos. And then, for a moment, the screams abruptly stopped. Only Dahal remained. Before him, Swoosh- The same shadow that had consumed the others appeared. From within the shadow emerged a man. "You...!" In that moment, Dahal''s eyes widened in recognition. The man in front of him was one of the four neers to the castle today, someone who should have already fallen prey to Kiral. Dahal couldn''t understand why that man was here. Had he known about them all along and infiltrated their ranks, hiding his power? ''If so, how could he possibly know? And what happened to Lord Kiral...?'' "You seem lost in thought." The man, Zion, interrupted Dahal''s contemtion with a soft, cutting voice. "Death would render you useless anyway." "You damned brat!" Dahal''s fury ignited at those words, as he rapidly lunged towards Zion with malicious intent. From his entire body, a formidable and malevolent aura began to emanate. At a nce, it might have seemed like Zion had rashly provoked Dahal, but his mind was colder and more calcted than ever. ''All of the others were ambushed and killed. That means a direct confrontation might be his weakness.'' Moreover, the fact that he carelessly revealed himself indicated that he believed he was thest one standing and had becent. Dahal nned to exploit that overconfidence thoroughly. ''I''ll pour in all my power from the get-go and aim for a single, decisive blow!'' A dark energy, almost like a shroud, began to form and concentrate in his right hand. Along with this, his aura explosively intensified. Throughout this, Zion remained rooted to his spot, unmoving. "Prepare to be shattered!" Spurred by Zion''sck of reaction, Dahal finally unleashed the strike he had been preparing. Or at least, he tried to. Suddenly, without any warning, a thin line appeared across Dahal''s neck. Following this line, his head separated from his torso and plummeted to the ground. ''How did this...'' As his decapitated body iled, and his vision slowly lowered, thest thing Dahal saw was Zion, looking back at him without any trace of emotion. "Quite useless." Zion murmured, dispersing the darkness still assuming a beast-like form around him. The maneuver he had used to obliterate the enemies earlier was one of his favored hunting techniques. Adding to it, he had adapted one of the techniques from the ck Star, based on the blood magic previously used by Liushina, and the result was quite effective. He felt it would be a technique he''d frequently utilize in the future. ''Now, it''s time to find the location of the Sacred Blood...'' Zion mused, looking down the connected corridor. Although he had spread the ck Star to map out the entire structure of the castle, there was no location that seemed to hide the Sacred Blood. Or more precisely, he hadn''t discovered it yet. ''It''d be inefficient and time-consuming to search manually.'' The only solution, then, was clear. ''I''ll make theme to me and reveal it.'' Recalling the conversation of the creatures he had overheard earlier, Zion didn''t need to seek out Elysis first. The dark spirit trap he had set before entering the castle would suffice. Moreover, he believed he could leverage it. However, ''I should deal with these creatures first.'' With that thought, Zion reached out towards the wall beside him. With a roaring sound, the ck Star energy erupted from his fingertips,pletely engulfing his arm. "Khyahahaha!" With a massive explosion and a loudughter, the entire wall crumbled, revealing a de imbued with a terrifying aura, hurtling straight towards Zion. A strike so intense that it stood unmatched to the adversaries he confronted just moments ago. The very instant such a surge of morale''s de met with Zion''s hand, The entire hallways of the Lordship Castle began to quiver and fracture. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 92: Spirits Territory (4) Chapter 92: Spirit''s Territory (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here Evil Beings. Among the types of monsters, they''re the ones closest to being anomalies. The records stated that they wield a vast array of peculiar powers, making them the most troublesome kind to confront among monsters. Zion somewhat agreed with this. "Kahaha! I never expected someone to hunt us down instead!" Perhaps confronting them might be troublesome, but their appearance was undeniably odd. Emerging from the wall to strike Zion was none other than Raksitia, an elite Evil Being, wearing the robes that once belonged to the Lady of the Spirits. Bones, sharpened and mutated like des, protruded from all over her body. "Who are you, and what do you want?" As Zion asked, the bony de touching his hand began vibrating at a frenzied speed, progressively breaking through the darkness covering his hand. Then, "Why would you need to know?" Zion, with a smirk, did not pull his hand away but grasped Raksitia''s bony de even tighter. From Zion''s hand, ck mes erupted, consuming the bony de with its fierce heat. Yet, the mes didn''t stop there; they spread towards Raksitia''s body. "It makes sense, doesn''t it? You''ll die here anyway." However, even as the mes approached her, Raksitiaughed. She tore off every part of her body where the mes touched. Almost simultaneously, Raksitia charged at Zion, swinging her massive bony de-arm horizontally. Swinging just an inch below his head. As Zion slightly ducked and bent his knees, The sharp aura from the bony de that just missed Zion''s head shed across the entire corridor of the first floor. The huge movement exposed a vulnerability in her stance. Zion did not miss this chance and lunged at her. "Kyaha! I''ve been waiting for you to make a move!" Raksitia cheerfully shouted as she watched Zion. Almost instantly, dozens of bone spears sprouted from her body, covering her vulnerabilities and aiming at Zion. With threats closing in from all directions, there seemed to be no escape. Yet, Zion didn''t retreat. "I feel the same way." Instead, he elerated even faster towards her. Just as the bone spears were about to pierce Zion, Darkness, like mes, surged around Zion, enveloping and burning him. The bone spears that touched Zion''s armor lost their momentum and shattered instantly. "¡­!" Raksitia''s eyes widened in surprise at the sight. The scene where all energy seemed to vanish was something she had never witnessed in her life. Inside the fog of lost souls, Zion, with bright white eyes, was just about to reach out and strike at her head. "Ah, I knew it the moment you recklessly charged in alone." A new voice echoed from behind. With it, dozens of hands sprouted from the ground, binding Zion from all sides. "I told you, we should''ve observed for a bit before engaging." Emerging from the shadows while murmuring those words was Geron, dressed in the garb of the heir to the lordship. The irritation was clear on Geron¡¯s face as he strengthened the binds. The presence of the man with ck hair meant that Kiral had met his end. He had intended to observe a little longer, but due to Lakshita''s premature assault, he had been forced to join the fray. "Exactly, Geron! I knew you¡¯d sync up perfectly!" Lakshita grinned, quickly adjusting her stance, and aimed her de straight at Zion¡¯s head. But just as she did, the binding hands around Zion cracked like a spiderweb, and from within, a shadow burst out explosively. The corridors vibrated with a deafening roar from the impact. "Hahaha! Why is he so strong? It makes me want to kill him even more!" Lakshita, uncharacteristically reveling in the thrill of battle, let out a maniacalugh. She then pierced through the thick dust and charged at Zion once again. It seemed like the same attack as before. But there was one difference this time. "Don''t charge in blindly!" This time, she had Geron''s support. His fighting style, inherently specialized in sorcery, poured out a series of hexes, hindering Zion. Binding, illusions, sight obstruction, lethargy, and more. In a blink, Geron unleashed a barrage of debilitating spells on Zion. The moment these spells took effect on Zion, Lakshita''s strikended perfectly, as if they had timed it. A wless, precise blow. Was this her final, decisive strike? The whole building trembled with a muchrger explosion than before, causing the corridor they were in to start copsing. "It¡¯s over." Geron muttered, watching the gradually subsiding explosion. Considering that Lakshita''s full-powered strike had hit its mark, it would be surprising if Zion survived. Geron''s only worry was that, in their fervor, they might bring down the entire lord''s mansion. But then, "...?!" Geron¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "Aaargh!" A scream pierced the aftermath. The scream belonged to Lakshita. Lying on the ground, writhing in pain, was her right arm. In front of such a sight, Prince Zion held Exia, which now absorbed all surrounding light. "I didn''t want to use this yet." With a voice devoid of emotion, Zion mumbled, swinging his sword once more at Lakshita. "Ugh!" Despite her pain, with all the strength left in her bone de, Lakshita tried to block Zion''s oing strike. But when the two swords shed, the anticipated explosion did not happen. Whoosh- Differently from before, Zion''s Exia effortlessly sliced through Lakshita''s bone de as if it were merely cutting through thin air. Following through, it then drew a line across her neck. Thud! Lakshita''s head cleanly separated from her body and fell to the ground. Until the very end, disbelief shone in her eyes. But even before her head hit the ground, Zion had already used a dark flow technique. As if transcending space, he appeared right in front of a wide-eyed Geron. Having used Exia, Zion had no intention of prolonging this battle. "How did you...?" Geron, though taken aback, swiftly summoned his magic to counter. Bizarre illusions arose, threatening to twist all of Zion''s senses. However, "That won''t work twice." The souls that surrounded Zion, seemingly alive, began to absorb all the illusions that Geron had summoned. "!!!!!!" Geron''s eyes shifted from shock to sheer terror. Without hesitation, Zion drew his Exia towards Geron''s throat. As Zion honed his skills and reached the pinnacle of the ck Star, his proficiency with the sword and its versatile applications also grew exponentially. The ck de now entwined with Exia was one such application, not consuming energy in a single strike but preserving it like a Sword Qi. Its effectiveness was truly remarkable. "You damned..." Geron frantically used even his own human barrier, but just like with Lakshita, the Exia effortlessly cut through, not stopping till it perfectly bisected Geron himself. The strike had destroyed even his core, preventing any form of regeneration. Geron met his end. The battle, which seemed to intensify in mere moments, had ended. Confirming Geron''s demise, Zion turned to Lakshita''s severed head still twitching on the ground. "It''s always fascinating to see someone still ''alive'' after beheading." Her heady motionless, appearing lifeless, but through Zion''s eyes, the faint movement of her life force was clearly visible. "Ah, no! Spare me...!" Laxitia, having abandoned her feigned death, pleaded desperately. Zion decisively crushed her head underfoot, bringing an end to herpletely. He then shifted his gaze towards the garden of the lordship''s castle. From that direction, faint disturbances and noises were felt. There must still be other mercenaries alive. ¡®Could there be hidden warriors?¡¯ He had presumed they would die immediately, yet they seemed to endure longer than anticipated. A trace of surprise passed over Zion''s face when, The tracker connected to Elysis was tugged tightly. "Is it finally moving?" Zion looked at the thread and subtly smiled. In his mind, Elysis''s location was clearly transmitted, being dragged somewhere by the Signs. --- Raei Trantions --- "Heuk!" Elysis gasped and opened her eyes in a hurry. Then what she saw was a pitch-ck ceiling. ''What happened?'' Elysis sat up and recalled what happened earlier. Surely, ghosts poured out from the paintings hanging in the hallway and she lost consciousness while being caught running away from them. And when she opened her eyes again, she was here. "Was there such a ce in the lord''s castle?" A cave. This was a cave. And on the walls of the cave, ancient characters, which could not be recognized, were densely engraved. "It''s like a shrine...." Although she couldn''t find a statue of the worshipped god, the atmosphere was simr. And crucially, there was something like an altar in the middle of the cave. "Huh?" Then something floating above the altar caught Elysis''s eye. "What is this?" Even while looking at it, she could not identify what it was. It was something like a fog, sometimes looking like a liquid, endlessly wavering, forming and dispersing. The sacred energy that could be felt from it was immeasurable. The light that illuminated the entire cave was also emanating from this object. "What on earth is this...." It was when Elysis was captivated and approached it. -Bleed. A quiet voice echoing in the cave from the bottom up. The entire atmosphere of the cave changedpletely at that moment. The atmosphere, which had been soft and warm, became chilly and ominous. Along with this, Elysis''s body hardened against her will. "I can''t move...!" She couldn''t turn her head or move her fingers. Her eyes were filled with confusion and fear. Then, a figure approached her, entering her sight. ''The lord?'' No, that was not the lord. It was impossible for a lord who ruled over a small rural territory to emit such a massive charisma. Monster. It was a monster wearing the skin of the lord. -And you are a sacrifice to obtain that blood. The monster that had slowly approached her during that time spoke slowly. The suffocating, chilling energy felt from it. Just looking at it made goosebumps rise all over her body and made her tremble. "Oh, the eternal God of Light, please...." The words seeking the gods flowed out of Elysis''s mouth for the first time as her fear reached its peak in the face of that dense charisma. -There is no god you serve here. But the monster looked into her eyes, cutting off her words indifferently. The red light shining in the eyes of such a monster. The moment she saw that light, Elysis felt her consciousness fading. -Give your body to me. It was an order. -Read the prayer under the altar with all your soul. An order to her psyche. -When you offer your bloodstly, it will beplete. With that, Elysis''s eyes turned dull. Step by step. With that, she slowly approached the altar and began to recite the prayer in a monotone voice. ''Ah, no!'' But her consciousness was still alive. She just couldn''t move her body at will. She didn''t know what would happen when she recited this prayer. But instinctively, she knew that the object on the altar should not go into the hands of that monster. ''I must stop!'' She desperately tried to somehow close her mouth, but it was in vain. Whaaaaak! The altar began to emit light gradually as the prayer progressed. -It''s working. At this, the eyes of the monster Kesarus were filled with surprise and joy. ''Please someone....'' It was the moment when Elysis, who had finally recited all the prayers, was about to sh her wrist with a dagger. "You should not covet what belongs to others." The quiet voice ringing in both her and Kesarus''s ears. -...! The moment Kesarus hastily turned his head towards where the voice wasing from, as he didn''t sense any signs of it at all, The darkness, bursting up from the ground with a brilliant white light, mmed Kesarus''s entire body down onto the ground. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 93: Spirits Territory (5) Chapter 93: Spirit''s Territory (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In the heart of the imperial city lies the Baeksung Pce, surrounded by five castles. Among them is the Jaseong Pce, where the Fourth Prince, Utekan, resides. "Why have you summoned us here? You used to forbid us from evening near, suspecting us." In an office located on the top floor of the Jaseong Pce, three figures were seated. They were Prince Utekan, a woman in religious attire, and a man with an emotionless face. The Five Demon Commanders. Leaders of all the demons that had infiltrated the human world. And now, three of them were gathered here. It was an unusual sight, unless it was their regr meeting. "There¡¯s no risk of exposure. I''ve cleared out the entire floor," replied Utekan in a cold tone. "So, why did you call us? Is it about Tarahal?" "It''s Utekan, not Tarahal. Address me properly." "¡­Very well." The man nodded at Utekan''s correction. Utekan''s obsession with assimting perfectly into the human body he possessed was well-known. In fact, all demonic entities of the psychic ss had a simr fixation. "We failed." Utekan spoke in a monotonous voice, looking at the man and woman. There was no need to specify what he was referring to; everyone in the room understood. "We lost contact after a while. So, it failed¡­ how?" "I don''t know." Utekan shook his head. "I had deployed the most capable under mymand, aside from myself. She even possessed a top-tier psychic demon eye. She did manage to corner him at one point, but after that, I saw nothing." All he witnessed was Az, with both her mind and body entirely broken, desperately pleading for her life before meeting her end. "If a demon of that caliber failed, it implies that psychic methods are utterly ineffective. Could it have something to do with the power he wields?" The man mused, referring to the darkness used by Zion Agnes. It was a force even unfamiliar to them, so its exact capabilities remained unknown. While it seemed simr to the legendary power of the Abyss Emperor they had heard of, they knew it couldn''t be. That power was never passed down. "It''s possible. But right now, we need to discuss our next steps." Of course, the main agenda was dealing with Zion Agnes. From the Emperor''s funeral, Az''s death, the provocations, to the transfer of the Moonlight Army - every single event had not just irked Utekan but had also incited an unbearable rage. Utekan was determined to end Zion Agnes'' life no matter what. Breaking the unspoken rules to contact the other two Demon Commanders was all due to this reason. ¡°He seems quite incensed.¡± A woman, momentarily locking eyes with Utekan, began with a soft chuckle. ¡°I''ve already received some intriguing information about him.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°There''s word that Zion Agnes recently sought out the anomaly.¡± Upon hearing that... A curious glint appeared in Utekan''s eyes. ¡°Yes, it suggests there might be something wrong with Zion Agnes''s condition.¡± --- Raei Trantions --- Before Elysium lost consciousness and was drawn to the ce with the sacred blood, Zion had already reached her side. But instead of stepping forward immediately, Zion simply watched as Elysium was drawn away. If he intervened, he wouldn''t find out where the sacred blood was hidden. His patience proved worthwhile, as they unknowingly led Zion to this secret ce. Once there, Zion hid and waited for the perfect moment to ambush Kezarus when he was most off-guard. With a sound like scraping metal, Kezarus''s head was forced into the ground by Zion''s strength. The rusty sound of a door creaking emanated from Zion''s body as he activated the Lunar Eclipse. The aura emanating from this sign, seemingly the leader, was on a different level from any he had encountered before. It was definitely superior. "It''s even stronger than the high-ranking demon I met at the university''s magic tower." Hence, invoking the Lunar Eclipse wasn''t a choice; it was necessary. Though the strain made his imperfect body scream in pain, he had no time to care. Then, With a ghostly giggle, spirits surrounded the trapped Kezarus, and with them, A massive wave of energy erupted from his entire body, powerful enough to repel Zion momentarily. "You...!" Rising to his feet, a mix of shock and bewilderment painted Kezarus''s face as he looked at Zion. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he would be ambushed here. Moreover, his attacker was supposed to have been killed by Kiral. ''Was his name Zion Agnes?'' Apletely unfamiliar name. If he was here, it meant not just Kiral, but possibly the other two high-ranking demons had been defeated. The ominous darkness emanating from Zion further solidified this suspicion. "Who are you? How did you find out about this ce?" "Should I tell you just because you asked?" With a sly smile, Zion responded, causing Kezarus''s eyes to narrow further. "I guess I''ll just kill you first and askter." Mumbling, Kezarus''s energy started to surge exponentially. However, "I doubt that will be necessary." With a thunderous boom, the atmosphere around Zion, enveloped by the spirits of the dead, shot towards Kezarus at a terrifying speed. Kezarus, maintaining hisposure, extended his hand, And with his gesture, Hundreds of ghostly heads that had appeared around began to open their mouths, revealing bright red tongues that shot out towards Zion from all directions. As these tongues aimed to pierce Zion''s entire body, With a sharp sound, Exia swung violently. With that strike, dozens of attacking tongues split apart. Seizing the opportunity of the created gap, Zion charged forth. However, the remaining uncut tongues seemed determined not to let him go, changing directions in an instant, closing in on him. Zion''s movement adapted bizarrely in response. Like an elusive phantom, Zion''s figure flickered incessantly, expertly dodging the onught of tongues. His eyes, now honed with rity, illuminated every path of the advancing tongues. ¡°...!¡± Kezarus''s eyebrows twitched at the bewildering movement he couldn''t understand. Almost immediately, he opened his mouth to face Zion, who was now rapidly closing the distance. -Stop. The same eerie resonance, reminiscent of when he controlled Elysis''s body, echoed. -Stop. At that moment, the ghostly heads behind him sang in harmony, amplifying the power of that voice. A spell so potent it could aptly be called ''Word Magic.'' ¡®This can¡¯t be dodged.¡¯ From the outset, Word Magic was a mental spell that activated upon hearing. It wasn''t the kind that could be avoided. As Kezarus''s eyes widened in realization, From the engulfing spirit realm around Zion, a spine-chilling wail erupted. Colliding with the wail, the Word Magic was neutralized and vanished. ¡°What...?!¡± Before Kezarus could fully disy his astonishment, sh! Zion¡¯s sword, imbued with ck aura, descended towards his neck. Could it be because Kezarus is a high-ranking monster? Zion''s sword couldn''t entirely pierce through the defensive spells enveloping Kezarus, and was deflected. But Zion didn''t stop there. Using the recoil, he spun in mid-air. Then, he swung his sword towards the opposite side of Kezarus''s chest. Once again, a massive shockwave erupted, shattering Kezarus''s defense spells. Reacting just in time, Kezarus hurled a colossal awl made of human bones at Zion. Zion, however, merely tilted his head slightly, dodging effortlessly. At the same time, using the recoil once again to speed up his rotation, he swung Exia at Kezarus. With added momentum upon momentum, Zion''s swordy evolved into a relentless barrage. Faster. Crash! Even faster. Crash-crash-crash! Finally, the continuous onught broke through all of Kezarus''s protective spells, starting to inflict damage on him. ¡°You insect!¡± A furious cry erupted from the contorted face of Kezarus. In a desperate bid to turn the tide, he unleashed all sorts of spells trying to create a distance, but it was futile. As if predicting his every move, Zion not only blocked all his assaults but also struck him with precision. A relentless onught, one attack after the other. Caught off guard, Kezarus was being pushed back, unable to fully utilize his original strength. ''I need to end this quickly.'' Watching Kezarus, Zion intensified his assault. Zion was aware. His advantage only persisted while the lunar eclipsested. Though more stable than before, he could only maintain it for nearly three minutes; it was still a short window. Therefore, he had to make the most of this initial advantage. "Just what..." Watching the battle from a distance, a dazed voice emerged from Elysis. She had been freed from physical restraint a while ago, but she couldn''t move. No, more urately, she couldn''t tear her eyes away from the fierce battle unfolding before her. Boom! Boom! Boooom! The unending massive explosions and shockwaves. Enduring the aftermath alone made her entire body tremble like a leaf. It was unbelievable. One of those engaged in such a fierce battle was her employer, the seemingly naive noble, Zion Agnes. The sheer power on disy sent shivers down her spine. ''What''s his real identity?'' Elysis was no fool. Simply observing the fight, the monster exuding a strength that could rival gods was her opponent. There was no way an ordinary noble''s son could stand against such a monster. He must have another identity, another purpose. "No, now''s not the time to think about that." Elysis shook her head. Regardless of the reasons, that man came to save her. It was only right for her to help in any way she could. ''Even if I can''t join the fight, there must be another way to help...'' As Elysis contemted, looking around, -Aaaaaaah! A scream imbued with spirits echoed, and a tremendous demonic wave swept through the entire area. Following that, her gaze shifted to Zion, who was being pushed back, and the heavily injured Kezarus. "You damned brat!" Kezarus, face contorted with rage, let out a furious roar. Alongside him, faces filled with joy, sorrow, pain, ecstasy, and various other emotions began to materialize. Faces emanating an even more overwhelming aura than anything Kezarus had disyed before. "No need to drag this out! I''ll finish you in one blow!" Proiming as if dering his final move, the very moment Kezarus spat out those words, All the faces around him howled and unleashed a colossal breath. A breath containing a power on a different scale. The very air and space in the path of this breath began to warp and twist, unable to withstand its might. "Evade, evade it!!" Elysis, with a pale face, urgently shouted towards Zion. No matter how naive she was, she knew just how dangerous that breath was. No, she felt it instinctively. Impossible. Even for that man, deflecting such a thing was unthinkable. No, it was impossible for any human. "......" But despite her shout, Zion stood still, staring at the approaching breath. Shortly after, his body began to move. As if assuming a stance. Stepping one foot back and slightly bowing his head, Zion positioned his sword to his side. With that, darkness heavily descended around them. It was eerily silent. Despite the chaos caused by the breath shot by Kezarus, shaking the very surroundings. In that moment, Elysis, watching Zion, felt a profound stillness. A sense of dissonance birthed from that contrast. And just as her difort peaked. Swoosh- Slowly, as if pushing back a stream. Zion''s sword swung. In that instant, Elysis could see. From the tip of the swinging sword of Zion, a silver line engraved into space itself. And everything caught by that line, ---------------! She could see the scene of being split in an instant. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 94: Spirits Territory (6) Chapter 94: Spirit''s Territory (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In the garden, a pathway led to the main gate of the lord''s castle. "Where could he have gone? I must find him before the others do." A servant with half his cloak removed mumbled, scanning the surroundings. "Is he here? No? Perhaps here?" Like one searching for someone hiding, he rummaged through nearby bushes. "Not here either? Then... here!" With a swift movement, he finally checked under the tarp of a nearby cart, his face showing a hint of disappointment. After all, he hadn''t found anything. "Where did he disappear to? I must find him first to im my reward." The servant grumbled for a moment before moving elsewhere. After some time had passed, "Has he gone?" "Yes, he''s gone." A faint conversation was heard, and the surface of the tree next to the cart shimmered. Soon, Rat and Ember revealed themselves. "Damn it, what are those creatures, and why are they chasing us?" Rat genuinely seemed bewildered by the situation. While taking a stroll in the garden, they had unexpectedly encountered those creatures. Realizing they couldn''t confront them, they immediately fled. Thankfully, Rat, who always prioritized his own safety, had a few top-tier invisibility magic scrolls, which they had been using to hide. "But now what? Should we just leave like this?" Ember pointed towards the lord''s castle''s exit, hinting at a possible escape. With no immediate threat felt, they could potentially escape the castle. However, hesitation was evident in their eyes. After all, their employer and Elysis were still inside the castle. "We can''t possibly confront those monstrous creatures." "I know. If we encounter them, we''d be torn to shreds." It was clear to anyone that escaping now was the best choice. Yet, after exchanging nces and sharing a quietugh, Rat and Ember turned towards the castle as if they had made a silent pact. From birth, they, along with Elysis, had been inseparable, growing up in the same neighborhood. "If you were going to choose this, why did you even ask?" "If you decided to leave alone, I was nning to give you an earful." As they solidified their resolve and prepared to move, Rat paused. "¡­Huh?" He looked outside the castle, perhaps holding onto a shred of reluctance. A hint of puzzlement clouded his eyes. "Ember, look there." "What now...?!" Following Rat''s gaze, Ember''s face began to register shock. A loud scream echoed. Every inhabitant within the Angelosh territory... Demons, wearing the skins of the territory''s residents, surged towards the lord''s castle. Though the scene was terrifying enough to drain the color from one''s face, that wasn¡¯t the sole cause of their shock. Something was visible beyond the territory''s bounds. "That is..." A curious light flickered in Ember''s eyes as he gazed upon it. It was one of the techniques under the domain of the Dark Star, equivalent to a sword technique in itself. A swordsmanship that could only be unleashed by the Extinction Sword, Exia. As Zion''s mastery of the the Dark Star advanced and he utilized the Lunar Eclipse, he had reached a state where he could wield it to some extent. The breath unleashed by Kezarus was split in two, dissipating into nothingness. No, not just that. Everything drawn by the Extinction Sword was being sliced away. And that included, "Kuaaaaaaaah!" Kezarus''s left arm and leg. Bang! ''Not bad.'' Without giving an inch, Zion lunged at Kezarus, thinking this very thought. While it might not be as powerful as the technique he used against Enoch before, it was enough for the situation. "You damn creature!" Despite his painful scream, Kezarus thrust out his remaining hand, clenching it. If Zion was allowed to approach this time, death would be inevitable. Following Kezarus''s gesture, Space tore apart from all sides, and from within, massive demonic hands lunged at Zion. It seemed Kezarus had decided not to hold back, for the force emanating from those hands was much more potent than before. However, no matter how powerful, it would only matter if Zion decided to take the hit. Zion sessively cut off all approaching fingers of the demon hands. Taking advantage of the gap this created, Zion elerated once more and vanished from the spot, only to reappear, Right in front of Kezarus. A speed iparable to before. ''I must defend!'' In shock, Kezarus hastily raised a defensive spell around himself. Considering his previous experience, Zion wouldn''t be able to shatter his defense in one blow. He had to find a countermeasure in that short span. However, Kezarus''s thought process was abruptly disrupted. Unlike before, Zion instantly shattered his defense, leaving a fatal sword mark across Kezarus''s abdomen. "Kueeeeeeek!" In pain, Kezarus tried to cast a spell to widen the space between him and Zion. But, With Exia, Zion cut off the spell itself, preventing its execution. "Crazy!" Kezarus, unable to believe what he saw, shouted in astonishment. Shu-ga-ga-ga-gak! A barrage of attacks formed by the Dark sh was directed at him. And so began a one-sided assault. ''I''m going to die.'' Truly, death was imminent. All the attacks Kezarusunched were deflected, while every strike from Zionnded without fail. As if he could read his very thoughts. But that wasn''t the only anomaly. ''That darkness.'' The mysterious darkness vanished without a trace the moment it was touched by the spell. Furthermore, his unique talent with spirits, which was of the same psychic genre, wasn''t effective at all. A natural enemy. An opponent decreed by the heavens as undefeatable. To Kezarus, the man before him felt like such an enemy. ''But I can''t die here.'' Kezarus still had a mission to aplish. He had to turn this situation around, no matter what. So then... ¡°Arghhh!¡± With that thought as hisst resolve, Kezarus unleashed every ounce of power he had left. A deafening st emanated in every direction, creating a shockwave. Boom! Due to this, the ceiling and walls of the cavity were obliterated, revealing the vast sky. Kezarus then started to gather energy around him, as if preparing for a final strike. But Zion wasn''t just going to stand and watch. ''I''ll finish it now.'' Swish! Unlike before, Zion maintained his distance, cutting through the shockwave, and thrust the sword he had readied straight forward. In that instant, Zap! The dark energy condensed at the tip of the Destroyer''s sword transformed into lightning and was fired. Another shockwave burst from Kezarus''s body. But that lightning bolt, tearing through the shockwave and all residual defensive magic, Pierced directly through Kezarus¡¯s heart. ¡°Gah!¡± With that, the aura surrounding Kezarus dissipated in an instant. His eyes filled with rage and shock. Zion, with cold eyes, met his gaze and swung his sword once again. Kezarus, unable to resist, had his throat slit. It was a hollow end, but it seemed inevitable. The tide had turned long ago, and that strike was merely the final blow. Zion then proceeded to destroy even the core within the decapitated body of Kezarus. Knowing the tenacity of the life force of these monsters, Zion deemed this step essential. Not deeming that enough, he burned the corpse with a ck me. Only then did Zion turn away. ''Fortunately, the altar seems unharmed...'' At that moment, With that thought, as Zion turned his head toward Elysis at the altar, confusion clouded his eyes. Despite the battle being over, her face was pale as if drained of life. Elysis''s gaze was fixed not on Zion but on something behind him. ¡°Tha-that...!¡± Zion turned once again, and a strange sight met his eyes. Crunch! The remains of Kezarus, which had turned to ash, were regenerating. No, it wasn''t just regeneration. It was as if being reconstructed from scratch. A lordship castle, overlooking from the vast hollow outside. Inside that castle was the essence of every specter. ¡°Ah, no... Kuaaaak!¡± Against their will, the essences drawn out started to converge towards where Kezarus''s ashes were, beginning to form a new body. The forbidden technique, one so vile that it even uses its kin as ingredients. Zion''s gaze darkened as he watched. ¡®Did he have an extra life?¡¯ It seemed that instead of his original body, he had split a single extra life into dozens and imnted them into his subordinates. Blowing away the roof and walls of the hollow earlier must have been for this very reason. Thud! In the meantime, Kezarus, having perfectly reformed his body, smirked looking at Zion. ¡°Didn¡¯t see thising, did you?¡± His face brimming with leisurely amusement. Proving his point, his body and power seemed to have fully recovered. No, it appeared even stronger than before. ¡°So, what will you do now?¡± The leader of the specters slowly approached Zion, opening his mouth. ¡°You are undeniably powerful. So much so that I had to use my anti-life technique. But after ourst battle, you''ve almost exhausted your strength. Moreover¡­¡± With that, Kezarus casually pointed past the lordship. Hehehehehe! From there, specters wearing the hides of territorial residents were approaching the castle,ughing madly. ¡°In a bit, my subordinates will arrive here as well.¡± Kezarus''sughter deepened. ¡°Do you truly think you, exhausted as you are, can handle all of us?¡± It was impossible. Outnumbered. Kezarus was certain. The odds of this mysterious man defeating him no longer existed. In fact, the chance of escaping alive from here was null. ¡°If you give up now and obediently offer your life, I promise a painless death.¡± Such were Kezarus''s words, his eyes filled with a sense of superiority and ecstasy. ¡°L-lord Zion¡­¡± Behind him, Elysis called out to Zion in a trembling voice. ¡°It does seem difficult for me alone.¡± The faint voice trickled from Zion''s lips. As Kezarus pointed out, Zion''s power was indeed waning. Once itpletely faded, the bacsh would makebat nearly impossible. It would''ve been a crisis, under normal circumstances. If things were as they originally were. ¡°So, hurry and¡­¡± ¡°But you know..." With that, Zion''s eyes slowly drew a line of focus. ¡°...What?¡± The moment Kezarus''s face clouded with confusion, Kwaang! There was a massive explosion outside the lordship castle. Without thinking, Kezarus instinctively turned his head towards the explosion''s origin. Suddenly, a situation he had never expected entered his field of vision. "Kill them all! The Witch of a Thousand Years stands with us!" "Ooooo!" Crash and ng! Magicians, seemingly out of nowhere, were shing with the disciples. "What...?!" Kezarus''s eyes widened in shock. Where had this group of magicians suddenly appeared from? Even more astonishingly, all the magicians were utilizing the rare blood magic. At that moment, "You were here?" A voice whispered in his ear. It was crystal clear but carried an eerie chill. Slowly, From the shadows, the owner of the voice emerged. A woman with jet-ck hair and eyes as red as blood. It was none other than Liushina Bloodwalker. "It''s been a while, Master." She waved joyfully in Zion''s direction, greeting him. "But..." Almost immediately, Liushina''s gaze began to slowly turn towards Kezarus. "Is that one left for me?" Her witchy eyes curved menacingly as she said this. In that very instant, "I''m truly thrilled." The entire area began to be suffused with a crimson hue. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 95: Spirits Territory (7) Chapter 95: Spirit''s Territory (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here ''The timing was impable.'' Watching Liushina confronting Kezarus, Zion thought. He had somewhat expected her and the mages of the Blood Tower toe here. After all, he had informed Aileen in advance before setting out for the Angelosh Territory. But he hadn''t expected her to make such a dramatic entrance. ''She couldn''t possibly have hidden on purpose just to appear now, could she?'' As Zion narrows his eyes at the witch who slowly unfurls blood-red threads around her, ¡°What do you want now?¡± Kezarus red at Liushina, his voice filled with fury. At a moment when his victory seemed assured, this uninvited guest had shown up, which was bound to fuel his anger. ¡°You always have such... delectable beings around, don''t you? How curious,¡± remarked Liushina, addressing Zion while nonchntly brushing off Kezarus. ¡°Well, I suppose it works out well for me.¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± Kezarus, realizing he''s been ignored, shouted and thrust out his hand. Whoosh! From his open palm, countless ghostly arms lunged at Liushina. In an instant, the witch vanished among these grasping limbs. ¡°Crush her.¡± With a grim crunching noise, the arms constricted tightly, just as Kezarus clenched his hand. But at that very moment, an amused voice emanated from the tight cluster of arms. ¡°With just this? I doubt that would work.¡± Suddenly, Hundreds of blood-red lines burst from within, shredding the ghostly arms holding Liushina. ¡°Maybe put in a bit more effort.¡± Emerging unscathed, Liushina smirked and flicked her fingers. With a sharp sound, the bloody threads morphed into dozens of fangs and shot towards Kezarus. ''Those are dangerous!'' Reacting instinctively, Kezarus quickly channeled all his power into a defensive spell. However, The fangs pierced effortlessly through his defense and embedded into him. ¡°Arghhh!¡± Kezarus screamed in both pain and shock, not having anticipated that his defenses would be breached so easily. But it was an inevitable oue. From the onset, when Liushina fired those fangs, she had imbued them with a destruction spell. A feat that would be impossible for any ordinary mage in a lifetime. But for Liushina, who had reached the ''heavens'', it was as simple as breathing. ¡°Mmm~¡± Liushina hummed, leisurely advancing towards him with an unsettling glee. ¡°You wretched creature!¡± Kezarus, who had just broken free from his agony, spread his aura in fury upon seeing her approach. In tandem, faces of human apparitions surfaced behind him, all at once aiming their breaths at Liushina. Roaaaar! An even more potent st than the one unleashed upon Zion earlier. The force distorted space itself, directly sting away Liushina¡¯s upper body. ¡°Hahaha! All that posturing, for such an inconsequential being...!¡± Kezarus wasughing, looking at where Liushina¡¯s lower half stood, thinking her dead. ¡°You know¡­¡± That chilling voice reached his ears. ¡°...!¡± His eyes widened in shock, realizing that the voice emanated from the supposed dead lower half of Liushina. ¡°I rather enjoy when my prey struggles.¡± Whoosh! As if turning back time, the missing upper half of the witch began to reconstitute. ¡°So, I wish you¡¯d put up more of a fight.¡± With that, a sly smile curled on the now fully-reconstructed Liushina¡¯s lips. ¡°How... how is this possible?¡± Kezarus couldn¡¯t believe the spectacle before him. He knew of the Resurrection Spell, a forbidden art to bring the dead back to life, but that had several intricate conditions and could be used only once. Even someone of Kezarus''s stature would find it a high-tier incantation to use. But the woman before him was performing something even more advanced with astounding ease. Sssss- Emerging around Liushina were the shadowy heads of malicious spirits, reflecting in the despair-filled eyes of Kezarus. And the ensuing battle was utterly one-sided. ''Where on earth... How did such a being suddenly appear?'' Despair deepened in Kezarus''s eyes. He couldn¡¯t win. If the ck-haired man from before had predicted his moves and blocked his attacks, Liushina was just overwhelmingly dominant. No attack seemed to touch her, and he couldn¡¯t defend against any of hers. Her might was unparalleled, something one would attribute to the legends of the ''Seven Heavens.'' ¡®Am I... really going to die?¡¯ Now, even his Resurrection Spell was not an option. The specter of true death loomed. Then, ¡®That guy!¡¯ Kezarus''s gazended on Zion, who was nonchntly observing the battle. The root cause of all this chaos, the one who jeopardized Kezarus''s entire n. ¡®Even if I die, I must take him down...!¡¯ ¡°Arghhh!¡± Taking Liushina''s attack head-on, Kezarus lunged towards Zion with deranged fury. With a speed so swift that even Liushina couldn¡¯t react, Kezarus, who closed the gap in an instant, stood right before Zion. ¡°I will at least take you with me!!!¡± With a scream that seemed full of despair, he swung his right arm, pouring all his remaining strength. However, Thud. Kezarus''s arm froze in ce mere inches from Zion''s face. Crackle! His arm turned into solid ice. Not only that, frost began rapidly spreading over his upper body. Sitting on Zion¡¯s shoulder, as he watched the scene without even flinching, was a frost spirit. ¡°What is this...¡± Kezarus, now overwhelmed by this newfound power, spat out a mix of anger and confusion. At that moment, ¡°You were curious about who I am, weren¡¯t you?¡± Zion interjected, speaking calmly. As he did, his silver hair and eyes slowly reverted to their original colors. ¡°Is this answer sufficient?¡± Gazing at Zion''s yful smirk, Kezarus''s expression shifted from confusion to sheer terror. ¡°You... You are...!¡± The emblematic deep gray hair of the Agnes bloodline. A memory shed across Kazarus¡¯s mind. He had heard rumors. Of a member of the royal family, hunting monsters in disguise within the empire. Unlike the other royals, he was said to wield the darkness and take the most radical actions. In that instant, ¡°Zion Agnes!¡± Realization dawned on Kezarus, his voice dripping with pure loathing. ¡°This cursed Agnes bloodline!¡± But he couldn¡¯t continue. ¡°Where are you off to? Let''s y a bit.¡± Crunch! Suddenly, from behind, Liushina''s malevolent grasp engulfed him whole. That was thest of Kezarus, themander of the Sa''in troops. Crunch! Crunch! ¡°...¡± Watching Liushina consume Kezaruspletely, Zion turned his gaze towards the castle''s exterior. ¡®Things should wrap up there soon as well.¡¯ The battle between the blood mages and the Sa''ins continued, but it appeared the end was imminent, given the blood mages held a distinct advantage. ¡°How was it, Master? I think we did the work of one even with the two of us.¡± Liushina approached Zion andmented. Her words were a bit odd, but given the level of the blood mages, she seemed to have put in considerable effort. ¡°Not too shabby.¡± ¡°Then, may I return to your side now?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Zion replied with a chuckle to her almost puppy-like question. Then, ¡°Prince Zion Agnes, an audience with you!¡± A loud promation echoed from behind. Turning around, Zion saw Elysis kneeling, head bowed in respect. She likely overheard Kazarus¡¯s final exmation moments ago. ¡°I''m so, so sorry! Your Highness! We were supposed to provide proper protection......¡± Elysis cried out, her eyes wide with shock. She had recognized his formidable power and suspected that he was concealing his true identity. However, she hadn''t even dreamt that he could be from the direct royal lineage, especially not Prince Zion Agnes! ¡°You thought I was...?¡± Zion retorted, wearing a yful smirk. The realization of his identity by Elysis wasn¡¯t all that troubling. After all, he had contemted that, for the future''s sake, it might be okay to confide in her. ¡°We should have at least offered some assistance......¡± Elysis replied, bowing her head even lower to Zion''s yful question. Yet, doubt filled her eyes upon hearing Zion¡¯s subsequent words. ¡°You can start assisting me from now on.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± Elysis quickly raised her head in surprise, but Zion offered no further rification. All the while, his gaze remained fixed on an altar, which continued to emit a soft glow. ¡°By the deration of the Almighty Light¡¯s messenger upon this ce, all humans shall serve¡­¡± A burst of energy! As Elysis began chanting the prayer, the altar''s light grew stronger. The mysterious object on the altar seemed to undte more intensely in response. ¡°So, Master... That''s the blood of an angel, right?¡± From the back, Liushina, who had been quietly watching the scene, asked Zion. ¡°Yes.¡± Zion responded, his gaze fixed intently on the altar. After the battle with the invaders, Zion had instructed Elysis to chant the prayer immediately. There was no need to waste any time here. Of course, all the other mercenaries and the Blood Tap mages were kept waiting outside. ¡°And to obtain that blood, we need that priestess?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± Using other priests endowed with immense holy power would have made obtaining the angel''s blood possible. But with Elysis, it would be much more straightforward. The reason was simple. ¡®Half of the blood flowing in her is that of an angel.¡¯ A hybrid of angel and human. This was the secret held by Elysis Desire, the future holy maiden. One of the purest bloodlines in the world. For such a ritual, where any other priestess would have to sacrifice an immense amount of their blood, potentially risking their life, Drip! She could do it with just a single drop. Whoosh! Once Elysis finished chanting and shed her blood, a radiant light began to emanate from the entire altar. ¡°Hmm... Somehow, I feel it doesn¡¯t sit well with me.¡± Liushina mumbled, looking at the brilliant light with a hint of unease. It was understandable. The malicious power she wielded rted to blood magic was in direct opposition to the holy power. That¡¯s why, despite her obsession with blood, Liushina found holy blood to be an exception. ¡°Master, I''ll watch from the back.¡± With those words and a slightly displeased expression, Liushina retreated. Just then, the light from the altar reached its peak. And something wondrous happened. Whoooosh! The once freely undting light gathered and began to take on the form of a human. No, not a human. Humans don¡¯t have such wings sprouting from their backs. "...An angel?" Just as Liushina said, it was an angel. An angel made of radiant holy light. ¡°Ah!¡± Elysis eximed, staring dumbfoundedly at the luminous angel appearing before her. ... The angel, with a faint smile, looked at Elysis. Soon after, the angel approached her, gently embracing her. Tears... ¡°...What?¡± At that moment, tears unknowingly flowed from Elysis¡¯ eyes. She couldn¡¯t fathom why the embrace of this angel felt so familiar andforting. After embracing Elysis for a while, the angel of light turned its gaze towards Zion. ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ Just as confusion clouded Zion''s gaze, Swoosh- The figure of the angel, who had ever so subtly bowed its head towards Zion, vanished without a trace. And in its ce remained the sacred blood. The seal that had surrounded this sacred blood was nowpletely gone. ¡®I have a feeling there¡¯s another reason to visit the Luminous Assembly.¡¯ As Zion moved closer to the altar, such thoughts upied his mind. Angels are known to be messengers of deities, but in essence, they are messengers of the God of Light. Thus, the angel¡¯s peculiar behavior likely had something to do with a divine mandate. ¡®Regardless, there isn¡¯t anything I can ascertain right now.¡¯ With that thought, Zion proceeded to store the sacred blood in a special vial he had prepared. ¡°The preparations are nowplete.¡± Zion¡¯s eyes began to glow faintly. The time to mend this wretched body was drawing near. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 96: The Double Trap (1) Chapter 96: The Double Trap (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here On an observation deck on the outskirts of the Imperial City: "Where''s the other one?" Utekan stood there, asking as he saw a woman in a monk''s robe approaching alone. The usually emotionless man that apanied her was nowhere to be seen. "The Highness'' children went to extract something like royal blood, but had to step away due to some issues." "Is there a problem?" "I''m not sure. We don¡¯t share every n." Staring at her, Utekan shifted his question, "How is Prince Zion?" She responded with a slight smile, "While I couldn''t obtain direct information, the indirect data and circumstances suggest that Prince Zion Agnes made contact with the mysterious being." Utekan remained silent, deep in thought. Observing him, she added, "That doesn''t mean we can confirm anything abnormal with Prince Zion Agnes. Many who seek the mysterious being simply aim to enhance their bodies and be stronger." "No, I''m sure something is wrong with him." Finally, Utekan nodded slowly, "Having inherited Utekan Agnes'' memoriespletely, I am well aware of how frail Prince Zion Agnes is. He can''t even run properly, let alone perform basic exercises." ¡®If such a Zion met the mysterious being, there can only be one reason.¡¯ "I thought he had ovee it given his recent disy of exceptional martial prowess, but it seems I might have been wrong." "Oh? If you''re so certain... what do you n to do now?" She looked at Utekan, leaving the decision to him. "It''s obvious, isn''t it? We need to find an opportunity to kill him." Utekan''s eyes gleamed coldly, "The moment the mysterious being heals Prince Zion Agnes will be our best chance. Even if not, just the fact that Prince Zion is outside the Imperial City makes him worth ambushing." "Where is Zion now?" "I don''t know. We''re constantly tracking him, but the signal seems to be intermittently jammed." She suspected that this interference was probably the work of Prince Zion''s shadow organization. "In that case, it''s best to wait near the mysterious being." "I thought so too. I''ve already identified the location of the mysterious being. Unlike usual, he seems to be staying around the capital for quite a while. Probably made some sort of deal with Prince Zion." It made locating him easier. Of course, the mysterious being''s acquaintance used to find him was already dead. "We''ll dispatch forces there immediately." Utekan replied with a determined look. It was better to act quickly, even with uncertainties, rather than miss an opportunity preparing. Additionally, he was considering mobilizing even his direct subordinates this time. "Oh, you''re unusually decisive today, aren''t you? In that case, I''ll dispatch my own people as well." The woman remarked with a subtle grin. Yet, lurking within her seemingly light-hearted smile was a profound murderous aura. --- Raei Trantions --- "Ah... it feels like I''ve been paid without actually doing any work. We didn''t even have to explore the dungeon, just left straight away." On the way back to Hubris from the ruined Angelosh estate, the leader of the Rat Mercenary Group, Rat, mentioned Zion who had left earlier. "It''s not like we did nothing! We almost died! Even thinking about that moment gives me chills." Ember, who stood next to him, seemed genuinely frightened, wrapping her arms around herself. The events that had urred inside the Angelosh estate were things she could never imagine happening in her lifetime. It was almost like a cmity too overwhelming to even dodge. Frankly, it was surprising that no one died inside the estate. ''No, there were deaths.'' Every citizen within Angelosh. It was unclear how the entire estate ended up in such a state, and she didn''t want to dwell on it. The employer, who had left earlier, had mentioned contacting the imperial security forces, so it was best not to worry further. However, unlike her, Ratughed and spoke. "Aren''t you curious?" "Curious about what?" Ember responded sarcastically, to which Rat replied, "The true identity of our employer." Honestly, by now, no one thought that Zion Hanes, the employer, was just a young noble fresh on an adventure. It was impossible for a mere noble to survive that chaos andmand numerous wizards. The name "Zion Hanes" was likely a pseudonym. "Elysis, you were alone with him for a moment. Do you have any guesses?" "...I don¡¯t know." Elysis responded after a moment of silence, shaking her head. Of course, she knew his identity. But she had no intention of sharing. ''Prince Zion Agnes...'' The image of Zion that surfaced in Elysis''s mind. In her life, no one had ever left such a profound impression in such a short time as he did. Perhaps no one ever would again. The anomalous darkness around him, his pristineughter, and overwhelming power - every aspect of him was still vivid in her mind. ''I need to repay him...'' Regardless of her other intentions, it was a fact that Prince Zion saved her life. That''s why she wanted to repay him, but his response was, "I don''t need anything from you right now. If you want to repay me, you have to be someone worthy of that." Even after suggesting it, his answer was strange, If I be someone worthy in the future... will you ept my repayment? He just looked at her with his signaturenguid eyes and didn''t reply. Although every conversation she had with Prince Zion was memorable, there was one particr statement that stood out the most in Elysis''s mind. "You are unique. Always keep that distinctiveness in mind." Words Prince Zion had uttered just before his departure. These words stirred memories within Elysis, reminding her of the phrase herte mother would frequently convey to her. "Elysis, you are more unique than anyone else in this world." Truly, it was a sentiment she never imagined woulde from his lips. ''Zion Agnes...'' As she internally whispered his name once again, a mysterious gleam shone in Elysis''s eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- ¡°No, look at this, Master!¡± -Chirp! ¡°Is this bird seriously disliking me?¡± -Chirp Chirp! Zion cast a disdainful look at Liushina, who was quarreling with an ice spirit beside him. Would people know that this being, once called the thousand-year witch and the nemesis of humanity, is acting like this? ¡°It dislikes you because you call it ''chirpy''." With that, Zion increased his pace a little. He had no desire to be caught up in that trivial spat. The ce where Zion and his party were located was a small meadow near Hyubris. The very ce where the mysterious shack stood. ¡°It sits on your shoulder but doesn¡¯t even let me touch it.¡± -Chirp! The ice spirit responded to Liushina¡¯s words with a firm chirp, shaking its head. Its gesture seemed to say, ¡®Definitely not you.¡¯ ¡®I should have left her at the Grand Magic Tower.¡¯ Ignoring Liushina''s words, Zion thought to himself. Ordinarily, she should be confronting Ahmad at the Grand Magic Tower, just like other blood mages. It was essential for improving the Detection Array. Yet, there was a reason why Zion had brought Liushina along. "Prince Zion, there¡¯s been suspicious activity from the magical beaststely." It was something Thierry had mentioned during a brief visit to Huangcheng. Information obtained using the magical beasts from the shadow realm that had not been eliminated earlier. Of course, they didn¡¯t know they were being used. "They''ve been tracing both you and the mysterious healer. We¡¯ve cut off their track on you, but they managed to trace the healer." The moment Zion heard this from Thierry, a conclusion immediately struck him. ¡®They¡¯ve realized I¡¯m seeking treatment from the mysterious healer.¡¯ There was no other reason for them to be tracking both him and the healer simultaneously. How did they find out? ¡®If they''ve figured that out, they¡¯d also suspect something¡¯s wrong with me.¡¯ If Zion was on their radar, they wouldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. They¡¯d surely strike soon. ¡®And they¡¯ll choose the moment I''m most vulnerable.¡¯ Precisely when he¡¯s receiving treatment from the mysterious healer. That¡¯s why he hadn¡¯t deterred the persistent Liushina from apanying him. She might prove useful. ¡®Or has she already?¡¯ With that thought, a subtle smile yed on Zion¡¯s lips. Truth be told, ever since they began their ascent on the meadow, he had subtly spread the darkness of the ck Star all over the mountain. That very darkness whispered to Zion about uninvited guests. "Master, when do we start?" Liushina, having sensed it long ago, whispered softly to Zion. Her eyes sparkled with eagerness and anticipation, a gaze befitting the thousand-year-old witch. ¡°Wait a little longer.¡± Zion replied calmly, his eyes tranquil, in stark contrast to Liushina¡¯s fervor. Zion was determined not to let any of those aiming for his life slip through his fingers. This wasn''t the right moment. ''I have to draw them in deeper.'' Ensuring they had no means of escape. Before he realized, Zion''s eyes began to flicker with an uncanny light. --- Raei Trantions --- "You really managed to get it." Gui stared nkly at the object ced before her, murmuring to herself. Angel''s blood. Apart from the few drops in the deepestyers of the Order of Light, it was believed to be nonexistent in this world. Yet, here it was, half-filling a bottle right in front of her. "This is the first time I''ve seen so much of it," she remarked. To some, this blood was even more precious than dragon''s blood. A priceless treasure. "... How on Earth did you obtain this?" Gui asked, looking at Zion. Disbelief shone in her eyes. To be honest, Gui never imagined that Zion would genuinely seed. She had extended the deadline to three weeks solely out of her curiosity and whim regarding Zion. However, Zion, contrary to her expectations, had brought the angel''s blood even faster than the promised timeframe. "Can it be used for the treatment?" Zion askedzily, not really expecting an answer. "Of course. I never im to do something I can''t," Gui replied with a sly smile. She had assumed Zion wouldn''t be able to deliver, but that didn''t mean she had lied about her capabilities. After all, she was renowned as the pinnacle healer in body modification across the entire empire. "First, I''ll purify this angel''s blood, then mix it with other medicines. The actual improvement treatment will follow after that." "How long will it take?" "At best a day, at most about three days to set a basic structure. Naturally, there will be intense pain involved. Essentially, we''ll be altering your body''s veryposition." The man before her was an unusual case, even for Gui, who had treated countless patients over decades. He was definitely among the most severe cases she had encountered. Thus, it was obvious the procedure would take time. "Alright, let''s get started," she said, reaching out for the angel''s blood. "No." Zion slowly shook his head, interrupting her. "There''s something we need to do first." "What is it?" Gui asked, her eyes full of curiosity. "A greeting." Zion replied with a sly grin. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 97: A Double Trap (2) Chapter 97: A Double Trap (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun Join the discord! Here In the ruins of the once-majestic Angelosh Lordship castle grounds, a lone man stood amid the barely recognizable remnants of a recent battle. "..." With an unremarkably average appearance and an emotionless face, he was none other than the man often seen alongside a woman in a monk''s robe within the Imperial Pce. His name was Hanosral, known as the Death King and one of the Oma-Ryeong whomanded all monsters within the empire. "Did they all fall into the trap?" His voice, devoid of any emotion like his face, murmured as he approached the altar at the center of the grounds. The altar, now half-shattered and devoid of its once radiant glow, was supposed to hold the blood of an angel. "What went wrong?" The n was supposed to be foolproof. Only a handful, including Hanosral and some malevolent beings, knew of the sacred blood''s presence here. He even dispatched his direct subordinate Kezarus, understanding the gravity of the mission. But how did it fail? "Guess I''ll see for myself." With those words and a flick of his fingers, an ethereal projection began. It disyed the events that transpired here days ago. Within this yback, Kezarus could be seen fiercely battling someone. And the moment he saw the face of that adversary, "¡­!" Hanosral''s eyes quivered. Though the adversary had ck hair and eyes, there was an undeniable familiarity in those calm eyes and the alien darkness that surrounded him. There was only one person in the world who possessed such a darkness. "Zion Agnes." The name escaped Hanosral''s lips in a whisper. The projection in front of him began to waver and distort, as if interfered with, and soon cut off. He couldn''t witness the exact moment of Kezarus'' demise, but that didn''t matter. He had identified the culprit. A terrifying aura surged from Hanosral, shaking not only the castle grounds but the entire Lordship. His eyes, cold before, now burned with rage. "He''s crossed the line." After casting a final nce at the altar, Hanosral''s form vanished without a trace. --- Raei Trantions --- An indeterminate time passed. "He''s gone, right? Must have." From the rubble at the far end of the grounds, a fiery red-haired woman emerged, her hair tied back and her eyes fierce. She was Rain Dranir, a sessor to the city of Ruin and a former member of the Northern Exiles. "Whew, I genuinely thought we got caught. We would''ve lost if we shed, right? For now?" She turned her gaze to another woman emerging from the debris, her eyes subdued. However, the second woman offered no response to Rain''s question. "No, I couldn''t respond." Her mind was already clouded with countless questions. ''Why is one of the Omareung here...'' At this time, the Angelrosh territory should have been living in peace, unaware of the existence of the holy blood. That''s why she believed she could obtain the holy blood without any confrontation. However, when she and Rain Dranir arrived, the Angelrosh territory was already a deste ce, devoid of any inhabitants. All that could be seen were the remnants of arge-scale battle. Among those remnants, they discovered King Hanosral, whom they had seen just a moment ago. ''This is the third time.'' She already knew the future was changing, but she didn''t expect it to shift this drastically. Thanks to this, the ns she had been making were falling apart. ''He definitely mentioned Zion Agnes a while ago.'' The woman recalled the name mumbled by Hanosral. Lately, that name had be the one most irksome to her. Because beforeing here, Tirian Prihardan, whom she visited, had also mentioned that name. ''It was surprising that he was still at the grand magic tower, untouched by any schemes.'' But hearing the name Zion Agnes from his mouth was even more unexpected. ''I owe Prince Zion. And there are answers I need. I won''t leave the capital until I settle both matters.'' That''s what Tirian Prihardan had said when she suggested they move together. She had never dreamed he''d refuse, and at the time, she was quite taken aback. Prince Zion Agnes, the Sixth Prince. The most enigmatic figure, standing at the center of all these changes. "I might have to meet him soon." Murmuring to herself, she began to move forward. --- Raei Trantions --- In the woods near the capital, where the mysterious hut stands, Lagil, a demon with a wolf''s head, hides among the trees and shrubs, eyeing the mountain path that Zion has taken. "Has he entered? It seems he has." His eyes shimmered with barely concealed anticipation. "Just a little patience." Beside him, a woman with snake-like writhing hair tried to calm Lagil. Her name was Kerna, a high-ranking demon and one of the direct subordinates of a powerful being called Omareung. "We need to be certain before we strike." The reason both Kerna and Lagil were hiding here was singr: to assassinate Prince Zion Agnes, who had ventured up the mountain a short while ago. Two of the Omareungs had simultaneously issued this assassination instruction. Therefore, Kerna had surrounded the entire mountain with her special demon battalion,prised only of mid-tier and higher demons. Simrly, Lagil brought his entire Beast Demon unit. Both groups specialized in covert and swift operations. "To be honest, with this level of power, I feel we could strike him down right now," Lagil growled impatiently, "I only saw one female escort with him." "Don''t becent. Remember, Zion Agnes has killed up to the Third Prince." There were certainly peculiarities regarding that battle. At the time, Prince Zion Agnes disyed a power far surpassing what they had gauged him to possess. Something else might have been at y. "But that doesn¡¯t mean Prince Zion Agnes isn''t a threat," Kerna added thoughtfully. Regardless of the means, it was a fact that he had exterminated numerous demons, including the Third Prince. "I know, which is why I''m waiting," Lagil replied, shrugging. Considering the situation, this was indeed quite patient of him. He was well aware that failure in this mission was not an option. "We have to strike the moment Zion Agnes starts his treatment," Kerna reminded. "Yes, yes, I know¡­" Lagil began, but then suddenly, a faint magical energy surged and vanished around the hut, so minute that only a fellow demon could detect it. At that moment, Lagil eximed, "Finally!" Following his signal, all the demons began to move at once. As they maintained their encirclement, they converged on the hut. Given that all were mid-tier or higher demons, their speed was astonishing. In a blink, they were close to the hut. And as the hut came into view, Lagil,ughing maniacally, sprinted forward, leading the charge towards the mysterious dwelling. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Kerna didn''t try to stop him. She knew he had already held back for long, and there was no need to restrain him any further. ¡®But where is the woman who came up with him?¡¯ As she looked around while heading towards the cabin, the thought suddenly crossed her mind, ¡°I¡¯ll be the first one in!¡± Finally, with a loud shout, Lagil figure vanished inside the cabin. Then, an unsettling silence followed. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± In the unexpected stillness, confusion clouded the eyes of Kerna and the other demons, Whooooom! Suddenly, a sound as if dozens of cannons had been fired at once resonated. Ragil was thrown out of the cabin, his head and heart nowhere to be seen. ¡°What just¡­.¡± As Kerna muttered in surprise, Soft footsteps began echoing from inside the cabin. While the footsteps were barely audible, they sent chilling shivers down the spine of those who heard them. Then, emerging slowly was the figure of Zion. ¡°I tried to greet you with all due respect¡­¡­ but I¡¯m not sure if it was to your liking.¡± Zion smirked, addressing the stunned demons. Darkness began to emanate from Zion, enveloping the surroundings. ¡®Was he prepared for our arrival? No, there was no sign of preparation. He must''ve just realized. In that case, this is¡­.¡¯ Kerna,ing to a swift conclusion, shouted to the other demons, ¡°It''s just a bluff! Attack him all at once!¡± Although it was best to strike when he was distracted, they still had a chance. Because they knew the current state of Prince Zion was far from normal. ¡°Well, you''re not wrong.¡± Watching the demons rushing towards him, Zion murmured. To be honest, he hadn¡¯t fully recovered from the bacsh of using the Moon Eclipse in his battle against Kezarus. And the little strength he had was exhausted when he ambushed the wolf-headed demon just moments ago. However¡­ ¡°That doesn''t mean you can kill me.¡± As he said this, Zion''s eyes began to glow menacingly. And just as the attacking demons almost reached him, Whoosh! Suddenly, dozens of monstrous mouths appeared out of nowhere, swallowing a dozen of the leading demons whole. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The sudden event left the remaining demons in shock, ¡°My Lord, shall I take care of all of them? No holding back?¡± The figure responsible for the horrifying sight emerged from behind. A woman with red eyes. It was Liushina. Her smile, while reminiscent of Zion''s, was more eerie and menacing. ¡°Do as you wish.¡± Upon Zion¡¯smand, the powerful witch, with a swift wave of her hand, set forth her magic. AAAHHH! With that scream, the newly revealed monsters charged towards the remaining demons. Then, THUD! THUD! THUD! The massacre began. "St-Stop them!" "What are these... AAARGH!" The ranks of the demons diminished at a terrifying speed. The demons desperately retaliated, unleashing their mightiest attacks, but to no avail. CLASH! Their strikes couldn¡¯t prate the crimson barrier surrounding Liushina, not even a single blow. In contrast, each of the witch¡¯s attacks wreaked havoc, devastating like cmities. "What on Earth is this..." Kerna, who hadn¡¯t intended to join the fight, watched the scene from the back, disbelief evident in her voice. To be honest, she hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the red-eyed woman. Even if she had once defeated Prince Zion and Icarus,pared to them, she seemed insignificant. Hence, she thought it wouldn''t matter if she missed spotting her earlier. But she was wrong. ''I... I can¡¯t decimate mid-tier demons with such ease.'' It was an overwhelming disy of power. Kerna couldn''t understand why such a being remained unknown until now. ''I need to inform the others.'' Though she hated to admit it, Prince Zion¡¯s ambush had failed. It would be best to retreat now and report on the woman¡¯s strength. But as Kerna subtly began to shift away... FREEZE! Without warning, her legs turned icy cold, immobilized. Then, "Where do you think you''re going?" Anguid voice whispered in Kerna''s ear. "¡­!" Turning her head, she caught sight of Zion, grinning at her. "No, this can''t be..." Despair clouded her eyes as she stared at her frozen legs. --- Raei Trantions --- "Hmm~" Soon after, Liushina, having dealt with all the demons, approached Kerna, humming a tune. ¡®Weaker than anticipated.¡¯ Zion observed the slowly vanishing bodies of the demons. Among the demons who had ambushed him this time, two were of a higher rank. Yet, neither were as formidable or memorable as Kezarus, whom he had confronted in Angelrosh. Their strength wasparable or perhaps even lesser than Hiduk, a foe he had once battled at the magic tower during his university days. Perhaps that initial surprise attack was effective because of this. ¡®Are there varying levels even among the high-ranked?¡¯ As Zion was lost in this thought, Liushina approached his side. ¡°What''s our next move, Master?¡± She asked with a hopeful smile. Liushina was well-aware. She knew her master wouldn¡¯t settle for just this level of aplishment. After all, his nature was such that if anything threatened him, he''d eradicate not just the threat but its entire surroundings. ¡°Asking even when you already know.¡± Zion responded with a light chuckle. True to Liushina¡¯s assumption, Zion had no intention of letting it end here. His nature wasn''t one to be appeased unless he repaid a transgression manifold. ¡®With this, I might even manage to lure out their leader.¡¯ A strategy rapidly began to take form in Zion''s mind as he looked at the demon corpses. Shortly after, Zion remarked, ¡°We should change our location first.¡± He said this directing his gaze at a creature and its aide inside the shack, both of whom were staring back at him, mouths agape. ---Toggle New Ads Thanks for reading! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 98: Heavenly Punishment (1) Chapter 98: Heavenly Punishment (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The Agnes Empire''s University Magic Tower, renowned as the pinnacle of academic excellence. "I''ve never seen a spell operated in this manner before." "Indeed,bining it with blood magic could certainly maximize its effects." "But before that, how about this? Right here..." In the uppermost floor of the tower, the Archmage''s researchb was a hive of activity, with numerous magicians bustling about. Notably, many among them were practitioners of blood magic, a rarity even in a vast city. The sight of so many blood magicians gathered was unusual, yet no one seemed to find it odd. "Or maybe this way? If we twist the spell like so..." They simply carried on with their assigned tasks as if it were routine. In a small room within that busyb. "How can this be..." Ahmad Ozlima, one of the seven heavens and the master of the University Magic Tower, gazed at the woman sitting before him with trembling eyes. She had ck hair and red eyes. Her beauty was striking, but that wasn''t what made the Archmage''s eyes quiver. "How can the essence of a human be like this?" Ahmad, who had gained the ability to perceive a fraction of the truth, could now see the essence of people. The nature of the woman, Liushina, reflected in his eyes was shocking, not quite like Prince Zion, but still immensely startling. An essence filled solely with bright red murderous intent. He couldn''t fathom how a human with such a nature could exist. "Be careful with your words, old man. It''s not nice to speak like that in front of someone." Liushina, smiling slyly, spoke to Ahmad. "I''m actually holding back," she said. What she was restraining was not her words, but her desire to kill Ahmad. He was one of the seven heavens, one of the strongest beings of the current age. She wondered how many lives she could im by taking his. The mere thought made her body quiver with anticipation, yet she restrained herself. She couldn''t disobey the orders etched in her soul by Zion. "I feel the same way." Ahmad responded with a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with a magician''s curiosity. His aura, matching Liushina''s murderous intent, swelled boundlessly. The room trembled as if it would copse any moment under the sh of auras between the two magicians. Ahmad was the first to withdraw his aura. "Wherever you came from, for now, let''s focus on the task Prince Zion has assigned us." "I agree. My master said he would need it soon, so we should proceed as quickly as possible." "It will be needed soon..." Murmuring to himself, the Archmage ced a paper with a magical circle drawn on it onto the table. It was the tracking magic circle that Zion had once given him. However, the design of the magic circle had significantly changed since then. "That means something big could happen soon." "Of course~ It''s an event orchestrated by the master, it has to be grand." Liushina responded while looking at the tracking magic circle on the table. Her eyes flickered with anticipation, contemting the uing events. In Zion''s bedroom within the Chimseong Pce. There, Zion was indulging in coffee, sunk into a chair for the first time in a while. "How is it, Your Highness? To your liking?" Sir Fredo, standing nearby, asked. Zion nodded quietly in response. Seeing this, Fredo smiled softly. If Prince Zion, notoriously picky about coffee, reacted this way, it must be quite satisfactory. "Please let me know whenever you''d like some more. I''ll brew it right away." The knight bowed his head as he spoke. Honestly, Fredo wasn''t sure if the current Prince Zion was the same person as before. Too much had changed. But one thing he knew for sure: He was one of the few people Prince Zion trusted. And so, Fredo wanted to repay that trust in any way he could. ''Even if it''s just making coffee.'' But this was how he wanted to be helpful and stay by Prince Zion''s side for as long as possible. Then, "Your Highness, Zion." Thierry entered through the window, not the door, and called out to Zion. It was an unusual entrance, but Zion, unfazed, turned his head towards Thierry. After all, it was Zion who had instructed him toe unnoticed. "I''ve carried out your instructions." Thierry bowed his head and spoke to Zion. "I''ve secretly leaked to the capital''s press that you haven''t been going outside." "And the other matters?" "I''ve arranged it so that the information about your illness and the presence of a mysterious figure in Chimseong Pce will only be revealed after the top intelligence groups of various factions exert their utmost efforts." At this, Zion let out a slight smile. The first phase of setting the trap was graduallying to fruition. ''People tend not to doubt what they''ve obtained through painstaking efforts.'' So, they would undoubtedly believe the information they acquired to be true. Especially since some parts of it were indeed factual, making it harder to discern as false. Moreover, Zion had actually not left his bedroom for several days. As a result, aside from Fredo, even the knights and attendants of Chimseong Pce had not seen Zion''s face. Additionally, all meetings with nobles and officials had been declined. All of this was the foundation forying the trap. "The movements of the other royals?" "They are quieter than expected. It seems they''ll act after the Grand Banquet." "The Grand Banquet... I had forgotten about it because of the funeral." Zion nodded as if he just remembered it upon hearing Thierry''s words. The Agnes Grand Banquet. A significant event held within the Imperial Pce at this time of year, far more important than other banquets. Only the nobles and their families close to the core of the empire''s power, like the Agnes National Council, could attend. Thus, the royals always made it a point to attend the Grand Banquet to strengthen their connections and, often, to seek spouses. ''Surely, there was no incident at the Grand Banquet in the chronicles.'' That''s why he hadn''t been paying much attention to it. However, this time, it was uncertain how things might change. As Zion tapped his fingers on the table, pondering this, Thud! The bedroom door opened, and someone entered. "The purification isplete." The woman with snow-white hair, shaking a sk containing something sparkling, was none other than the mysterious figure. Since there was a risk of another attack at her cabin, Zion had secretly brought her into the Imperial Pce. "Now, after drinking this, we''ll begin the ''framework'' in earnest." During the process, she had learned that Zion was a prince, but she still spoke to him informally. A behavior befitting her title. "Prince Zion, I wish you a swift recovery." "Your Highness, please take care." As if on cue, Thierry and Fredo bowed to Zion and left the bedroom. "Oh, a man and a woman alone in a bedroom. Isn''t that a bit risqu¨¦?" The mysterious figure approached Zion with a joke that was rather unbing of her age. Of course, Zion did not react to her words. Looking bored, she puckered her lips slightly and extended the sk containing the purified angel''s blood towards Zion. "Drink it all in one go. It''s my first time dealing with someone like you, so I can''t be certain how the process will unfold or to what extent the changes will be." As she spoke, she moved to the bed and patted it, signaling him to sit. "I also can''t predict the level of pain you''ll experience. But don''t worry about the efficacy. I made the medicine, after all." Her words were filled with pride in her own skills. "Alright then." Zion chuckled and sat down cross-legged where she indicated, then downed the contents of the sk. At that moment, thump! Once, powerfully. Zion''s heart surged. "The effect is faster than expected. Then I''ll start right away." Noticing the change, the mysterious figure sat behind Zion with a serious expression and quickly began moving her hands. Whoosh! The energy flowing from her hands into Zion''s body. But Zion was unaware of the mysterious figure''s movements. Already, his heart was pounding wildly, leaving no room for anything else. With each rapid beat, the medicine Zion had ingested spread instantly throughout his body via his bloodstream. Whoosh! Simultaneously, Zion''s consciousness began to drift away from the external world and naturally sank inward. ''There''s definitely an effect.'' The medicine, spreading throughout his body, was slowly transforming Zion''s blood vessels, muscles, and even bones. It wasn''t just a superficial change but a gic transformation. Crack, crack! His very essence was being endlessly broken and reformed. This process produced a continuous, eerie sound from Zion''s body. Despite the excruciating pain, Zion endured without so much as furrowing his brow. "This is...!" However, unlike Zion, the mysterious figure behind him was filled with dismay. From a certain point, Zion''s body had started to repel and push out her energy. Simultaneously, an alien darkness enveloped Zion''s body. This darkness quickly seeped inside him, engulfing any remnants of the holy blood in his veins. ''Something''s wrong!'' It was an unforeseen situation. "Your Highness, we must stop!" The mysterious figure withdrew her hands, shouting in panic, but Zion did not, or rather, could not stop. For him, this was a natural course of events. A power that negated everything in the world, a force only Zion himself could wield. Under Zion''s will, his power was altering the purified holy blood inside him to his liking. This process led Zion''s physical transformation in a new direction. Soul and bodyplement each other and are inseparable. As the body transformed, Zion''s mind also began to elevate endlessly. Along with this, his realm advanced further. Whoosh! His power, which had been stagnant at the early third stage, suddenly soared to its utmost limit. This caused the energies within Zion''s body to go wild, attempting to break free from control, but Zion suppressed them even more firmly. Zion knew. This was a tremendous opportunity for him. Whirring! Exia, now fully revealed, resonated with Zion''s ck Star. At that moment, crash! A shockwave erupted from Zion''s body, shattering everything in its vicinity. "Ugh!" The mysterious figure quickly retreated and cast a protective spell. Then, she saw cracks, like spiderwebs, forming over Zion''s entire body, still at the epicenter of the shockwave. "Could it be aplete...!" Before the mysterious figure could finish her exmation, a burst of ck light erupted from Zion''s body, engulfing the entire bedroom. ---Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 99: Heavenly Punishment (2) Chapter 99: Heavenly Punishment (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "I failed." The woman, looking at Utekan, had a faint sense of frustration on her face. How many failures had it been by now? "All the ones we sent died, and the area around them was in ruins. Of course, Zion Agnes wasn''t there." There''s a saying that one shouldn''t get used to failure. The woman deeply agreed with that. That''s why she always considered all possible variables when nning something and poured more than enough ability into it. Thanks to this, she rarely failed. But when it came to matters involving Zion Agnes, nothing had been sessful. "What went wrong this time?" Dozens of mid-level demons and two high-level ones. Such a force could wipe out a small city overnight. Even if Prince Zion had been in good health, it wouldn''t have been easy to annihte thempletely. There must have been some other variable. "I don''t know." Utekan shook his head in response to her question. The woman''s eyes filled with curiosity as she observed his calm demeanor. "What''s this? You''re calmer than I thought. I expected you to be furious." Considering it was a golden opportunity, Utekan''s face was too tranquil for someone who had even mobilized one of his direct units. As if he hadn''t failed. Then, a low voice escaped from Utekan. "Isn''t it strange?" "What is?" "It''s been too quiet since then." It had been a week since the attack. The original Zion Agnes would have acted by now. He was not one to sit still after being attacked. "That is indeed a bit strange." The woman nodded in agreement. "ording to the information we''ve gathered, Zion Agnes hasn''t left his bedroom for some time now. He''s not even eating properly and is turning away all visitors." "Could it be..." Then, "That''s right. Zion Agnes might be in a serious condition now." Hanosral, the King of Assassins, suddenly appeared and spoke. His eyes, which used to be devoid of any emotion, were now flickering with cold anger. Having failed to obtain the angel''s blood in the Angeloshi territory and lost his direct subordinate, Kezarus, Hanosral''s anger was even surpassing Utekan''s. "So, you mean... our guys were somehow annihted, but Zion Agnes might also have suffered serious injuries and is now recuperating in Chimseong Pce?" "It''s not just recuperating. There''s information that he''s brought in a mysterious figure. His life might be in critical danger." Hanosral nodded and replied to the woman''s question. "But it might not be the case. We can''t move hastily." Utekan spoke with subdued eyes. Usually, with this level of information and circumstantial evidence, one would be confident, but the subject was Zion Agnes. He was more meticulous and profound in strategy than anyone else, always exceeding their expectations with his actions. Therefore, all of this could be a ruse. They had already been deceived once. "Then how will we be certain?" This might be the biggest opportunity to kill Zion Agnes. An opportunity that might note again. They needed to make a quick decision. "Let''s decide at the Grand Banquet, which is in two days." Utekan answered the woman''s question with a cold expression. "Sigh..." Maid Kali walked down the hallway of Chimseong Pce, letting out a small sigh. The reason for her sigh was simple. She had not seen Prince Zion at all recently. Of course, her duties as a maid weren''t hindered, but the problem was her other identity. A spy nted in Chimseong Pce by the faction of the Fourth Prince. That was Kali''s true identity. ''I have nothing to report.'' For over a week, her reports had been nothing more than ''did not leave the bedroom today.'' Furthermore, ess anywhere near the bedroom was restricted, leaving her with no way to gather information. ''I need to find another way... Huh?'' Just then, Kali caught sight of Sir Fredo, Prince Zion''s loyal knight, talking to someone in a corner of the hallway. She quickly pressed herself against the corner to eavesdrop on their conversation. "...is there no improvement?" "No. It''s getting worse, in fact." The person talking to Fredo was the white-haired woman who had been seen in Chimseong Pce for the past few days. The only woman, aside from Fredo, allowed into Prince Zion''s bedroom. Kali didn''t know her identity, but she guessed that their conversation was rted to Prince Zion. "If this continues, his life might even be in danger." "Oh, no! Prince Zion..." The woman''s words followed by Fredo''s sigh. There was no need to hear more. ''Prince Zion is critically ill!'' This was explosive information that would cause a huge stir if it became known. She had to report it. Kali quietly backed away, minimizing any noise. After she hadpletely disappeared, suddenly, the conversation between Fredo and the woman stopped. The Agnes Grand Banquet. Thergest banquet among the empire''s events, a major event for the royal family. Essentially a gathering of the highest echelons of power guiding the Agnes Empire. Therefore, the royals always attended this banquet. In one corner of the grand banquet hall, "......" Prisci sat at a table in the corner, looking over the banquet hall with aplex gaze. Her presence here had one reason. Her father, Gustav Bammel, had brought her along. "Come and build connections with the children of other families." Prisci couldn''t defy her father''s words. Especially since she was already in disfavor for discussing the annulment of her engagement with Prince Zion Agnes without consulting her family. Of course, she regretted it now, but the annulment process was nearlyplete. ''But... isn''t Prince Zioning?'' While other royals had already taken their ces in the banquet hall, Prince Zion was noticeably absent. This left the nobles supporting Prince Zion appearing somewhat lost in the hall, unlike those aligned with other royals. "......" Most of them, originally neutral or under the Third Prince Enoch, were casting anxious nces towards the entrance of the hall. Then, "Prince Zion is runningte, it seems." Groud Ozlima, the first heir of the Ozlima family, spoke beside the First Prince Rubrious. "Could something have happened to him?" As if waiting for this cue, a flood of conversations about Zion began. "Exactly. He may not usually attend events, but the Grand Banquet is different..." "Maybe he wille? He was thest to arrive at thest national council meeting, too." "But considering it''s already halfway through the banquet..." It seemed like they had all been watching and waiting to discuss Zion. In truth, they couldn''t help it. Since the funeral of the previous emperor, the interest in Prince Zion had soared more than ever. Hence, all the nobles present were, knowingly or unknowingly, conscious of Zion, and this included the royals. Then, "I heard he''s not well? It''s not something I heard directly, though." Princess Diana casually mentioned this, answering the questions of many. "Ah, I also heard recently that Prince Zion hasn''t been leaving Chimseong Pce..." "I''ve heard that too. It''s certainly odd considering now is the time he should be most active." "He''s also refusing all meetings with others. Could it be that Prince Zion is really..." People, regardless of status, enjoy gossip. They all knew the rumors about Prince Zion, but since they were negative, they hadn''t spoken them aloud. However, now that Princess Diana had mentioned it, there was no need to hold back. ''Come to think of it, I''ve been turned away from Chimseong Pce recently. Is Prince Zion really unwell?'' As Prisci listened to the nobles'' conversation, her face lit up with concern. "Really worrying. If it''s this serious, it might not just be a minor illness, but something much more grave..." Diana muttered with a worried expression. But those who knew Princess Diana well understood that she wasn''t actually worried. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have brought up such a topic at the banquet. In fact, Diana''s eyes were covertly scanning the crowd, gauging their reactions to her words. Then, "Don''t say such things, Diana. Zion will be fine. It''s not right to specte like that." First Prince Rubrious interjected, having quietly listened. Diana looked at him with a puzzled expression. If it had been Evelyn who said this, she would have understood, but Rubrious had no apparent reason to defend Zion. So she asked, "Since when are you and Zion on such good terms?" "It''s not about being on good terms or not. Zion is our brother. It''s natural for family to care for each other." ¡°Ha¡­¡­¡± Diana''s face turned even more incredulous at Rubrious''s response. Considering he was her brother too, his actions were quite contradictory to hers. "Ha ha, let''s focus on the banquet now!" Next to them, Fourth Prince Utekanughed happily, trying to change the subject. "There''s no point in talking about someone who''s not here." But Utekan''s attention, too, was heavily focused on Zion. In fact, he was even more concerned than the others, just not outwardly so. ¡®If he hasn¡¯t arrived by now¡­¡¯ Utekan nced towards the entrance of the banquet hall, a subtle smile ying on his lips. ¡®No doubt about it.¡¯ His suspicion was turning into conviction. Zion Agnes must have suffered a severe injury during thest attack and was now in critical condition. He had already received reports to that effect from his spies in Chimseong Pce. ¡®Now, how to use this opportunity.¡¯ The banquet was no longer important to Utekan. His mind was solely on nning Zion Agnes''s demise. ¡®First, I need to coordinate with the other Oma-ryeong¡­¡¯ As he thought this, a sh of red glinted in Utekan''s eyes. Step. A single footstep sounded. Though very faint, it resounded clearly in the ears of everyone in the banquet hall. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Simultaneously, heads turned almost hypnotically towards the familiar, ominous sound of the footsteps. There he was. The man entering the banquet hall with his usualnguid gaze. Zion Agnes. Step, step. Merely walking, yet everyone''s eyes were fixed on him, unable to look away. His gaze, gestures, and stride. Every aspect radiated an alien yet overwhelming aura that seemed to weigh down and captivate the crowd. ¡®Something has changed.¡¯ Diana''s eyes flickered as she watched him. Her appearance hadn''t changed at all, but she definitely felt it. If before she sensed only eeriness in his stride, now there was something surpassing that. Something that seemed impossible for any being of this world to possess. And that very thing was making even Diana''s body tremble. Step. Zion''s steps stopped at the center of the banquet hall. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± With just his presence, Zion had taken control of the room, calmly surveying the people looking at him. Fear, anger, confusion, joy. Various emotions were disyed on the faces of the people, and at that moment, Zion''s eyes fixed on Utekan, who was staring back at him with wide eyes. Then, "Were you waiting for me?" A slow smile formed on Zion''s lips. ---Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Hey it''s Rungir! To exin in short, I am back after a long hiatus due to school. I recently entered a new program which was way more time consuming and the workload was absolutely massive and difficult to deal with. However, with the new changes to the trantion process and just me being able to adjust to the workload now, I can nowe back and trante once again. I apologize for the inconvenience i caused and for theck ofmunication regarding the trantions. While I may not be able to be as active as before, I look forward to being able to consistently drop chapters and hopefully pick up new novels for you guys once again. Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 100: Heavenly Punishment (3) Chapter 100: Heavenly Punishment (3) "Prince Zion!" Nobles who supported Zion gathered around him with visible delight. Until a moment ago, these nobles, who had been at the banquet without any attendants, couldn''t help but feel pressured. However, that feeling dissipated entirely with Zion''s arrival. Additionally, the various unsettling rumors that had been circtingtely were melting away like snow in the sun. ''I thought he was fine, but this confirms it. The rumors were false.'' Diana watched Zion from a distance, clicking her tongue softly. She had deliberately spread negative rumors at the banquet in an attempt to tarnish Zion''s reputation and seize control for herself. But Zion overturned all that merely by showing up, with timing so perfect it seemed premeditated. ''And then there''s...'' Diana nced at the nobles flocking around Zion. There were far more than she had anticipated. ''All of them are key yers.'' When had he managed to attract so many to his side? Among them were not only those drawn in during Enoch''s incident but also nobles who had willingly submitted to Prince Zion Agnes himself. ''If it''s revealed here that Zion is the master of the Extinguishing Sword...'' She didn''t even want to imagine what would happen next. "Greetings, Prince Zion. I am Altrio Rodrick of the Rodrick family. It''s an honor to meet you..." "Cleris Hamad here. I still remember the impression your Highness made at the funeral of the previous emperor..." Moreover, nobles who were not part of Zion''s forces were also gathering near him. The atmosphere emanating from Zion was suffocating, almost deterring others with an underlying sense of ominousness, but that didn''t deter them. On the contrary, they weed it more eagerly. This was the kind of ruler they desired. The Emperor of the Agnes Empire. A being who could decide the fate of humanity with a single word and alter the course of the world with a gesture. The sovereign of the world. He had to be special. He couldn''t be like them. He had to reign as an absolute being from a lofty height, overseeing everything. Yes, almost like a god. Until now, only members of the Agnes family had fulfilled all these conditions. That''s why the imperial surname hadn''t changed for centuries. Then, "Prince Zion, have you considered entering into a betrothal?" One of the nobles who approached Zion asked in a suggestive tone. "Your Highness is of age now, so it might be fitting to choose someone to be your spouse." Although the daughter of the Bammel family was still engaged to Prince Zion, rumors of their impending annulment had already spread throughout the capital. The Bammel family was trying to stop the rumors btedly, but there were also whispers that Prince Zion himself had no interest in continuing the engagement. This made it easier for others to speak up without hesitation. Gustav Bammel, the head of the Bammel family, grimaced at these words, but no one paid him any attention. Along with this, the focus of the crowd naturally shifted to Zion''s lips. "No, Zion will follow me and devote himself to the Church of Light, so something like marriage is..." When Rubrious, who was listening nearby, spouted this nonsense with a serious face, "Well, it''s not impossible." Zion opened his mouth. In his original world, where he was an emperor, Zion had not married, but that didn''t mean he was opposed to the idea. He simply hadn''t found someone he liked. "Oh!" At his words, the eyes of the nobles and their daughters in the banquet hall sparkled. The nobles were excited about Zion''s potential, while the youngdies were captivated solely by his appearance. ''How can someone be so handsome?'' ''I''ve never seen someone with such fair skin before.'' Initially, they hadn''t paid much attention to his looks due to the alien pressure and ominousness he emitted, but as they continued to observe, his features became more apparent. His pale, ivory-like skin, long straight eyebrows, the sharp bridge of his nose under hisnguid eyes, and his slightly closed red lips. His appearance was stirring the hearts of thedies who saw Zion for the first time that day. "Your Highness, then perhaps my daughter..." "Our family''s women have been renowned for their beauty for generations..." The nobles were eagerly making suggestions to Zion. They had no choice but to do so. Unlike other royal family members who already had one or several spouses or betrothed, Zion had none. Then, "But they must be worthy." Zion continued. "Worthy, you say..." "To stand by my side." "¡­?" The nobles'' eyes filled with confusion at his words, but no further exnation came from Zion. ''Worthy...'' However, unlike those people, Prisci, who was listening to the conversation, knew what he meant by ''worthy.'' She had already heard a harsh critique from Zion himself on the matter. ''Of course, it wasn''t about marriage at that time.'' But she thought that the ''worthiness'' Zion spoke of now was simr to what he had mentioned before. ''A remarkable ability that could be of help to Prince Zion.'' Knowing vaguely what Prince Zion was up against, Prisci was aware of how high his standards were. That''s why even she hadn''t attained it yet. ''I need to work harder.'' Even if she couldn''t re-establish a betrothal, Prisci wanted to stand by Zion''s side. Knowing the burden he carried alone, she wanted to help him in any way she could. As her eyes shone with determination, "Ha-ha! But Zion, are you feeling alright?" Utekan approached Zion with a smile, as if d to see him. "I heard you''ve been unwelltely and haven''t been leaving the pce." There was no trace of past grudges in the expression of the fourth prince, only concern for Zion. "That''s absurd." Zion, looking at that despicable face with hisnguid eyes, spoke. "It''s as ridiculous as saying you''re a demon." "¡­!" The atmosphere in the banquet hall froze rapidly at Zion''s words. In the empire, talking about demons was almost a taboo. Yet, Prince Zion was openly calling a member of the imperial family a demon. Such a statement was excessively bold, even as a joke. "Ha-ha-ha-ha! What a funny joke." Utekan, staying true to his hearty image, burst intoughter, brushing off Zion''sment. However, a cold light flickered deep within his eyes. ''Could he know?'' Utekan might have guessed that he had some connection to demons since he had already sent Az, but there was no evidence suggesting that he himself was a demon. Of course, it could have been just a probing statement. But considering the persona Zion Agnes had shown so far, there was also a chance he knew. "A joke, you say..." Zion looked at Utekan with a meaningful smile. "Uh, uh?" One of the nearby nobles pointed upwards with a panicked voice. Looking up, people saw the chandelier in the center of the banquet hall ceiling swaying as if it were about to fall. "That...!" Before others could fully react, crash! The chain of the chandelier broke, and it plummeted downwards. And right beneath it, "Prince Zion!" Was Zion himself. "Your Highness! Move away...!" Despite the shouts, Zion stood still. Just as the chandelier was about to crash onto Zion, boom! Something shot from the side shattered it. The fragments scattered in all directions. And where the chandelier once was, now stood a hand. "Are you alright, Prince Zion?" Soon, the owner of the hand, Alstein Ascalon, asked Zion in a calm voice. "Thanks to you." Even after the near ident, Zion looked at him with undisturbed eyes and responded. "...That''s a relief." With those words, Alstein bowed his head, an odd light in his face. "Zion! Are you alright?" "Your Highness! Are you injured?" "How could they manage the banquet hall like this! His Highness could have been hurt!" Then, the other royals and nobles also started fussing around Zion, albeit btedly. In addition to this, knights and servants were rushing in from afar. In the midst of themotion around Zion, ''It''s certain... absolutely certain!'' Utekan was the only one whose eyes shone brightly with excitement. The thrill rising from the depths of his eyes! Frankly, he initially thought he was wrong when Zion Agnes first appeared at the banquet. Zion''s presence and aura were even more intense than before. ''But it was all a bluff.'' Utekan realized this at the moment the chandelier fell. Only he, being closest, could see it. He noticed that Zion Agnes definitely tried to react to the falling chandelier. ''But he couldn''t.'' He only slightly staggered as if losing bnce. Utekan thought this indicated Zion''s physical condition was not normal. No, it was severely serious. ''Unable to even react to a falling chandelier.'' As the thrill and anticipation seemed to seep out from the depths of his eyes, Utekan quietly bowed his head and then smiled. But he missed seeing something. That the chandelier''s chain had been cut by something sharp and that Zion was looking at him with cold eyes. --- Raei Trantions --- "It''s certain." After the grand banquet, Utekan''s first words to the woman in a cloak and Hanosral were, "I''ve confirmed everything at the banquet. Now, all that''s left is to kill him." "That''s good." The woman smiled wryly and spoke. "Zion Agnes probably won''t leave the Chimseong Pce for a while. To kill someone like him..." "We''ll have to enter the Chimseong Pce directly." Hanosral responded in his unemotional tone to the woman''s words. "Do something within the imperial pce? That sounds risky." Of course, there had been a few instances of attacks on the Chimseong Pce in the past, but the circumstances then and now werepletely different. Unlike the past when Zion was just a secluded prince, now he was a legitimate candidate for the next emperor. Therefore, the attention on him would be enormous. "If we''re not careful, we might not only fail but also risk exposing our identities." "No, we still have to do it. We might never get this opportunity again." Utekan said firmly, shaking his head at the woman''s words. Utekan was well aware of the danger. But a greater emotion overwhelmed him. Anxiety. The anxiety that if they didn''t seize this chance, they might never be able to kill Zion Agnes again. This anxiety was slowly creeping up in his mind. "...Alright, I understand. Then we must seed perfectly at once, without any failure." "Don''t worry about that. I''ll take care of it myself." Hanosral spoke in a simrly indifferent tone. However, "¡­!" The reaction of the other Omareings listening was entirely different. Their eyes widened, as if they hadn''t anticipated this at all. "What are you talking about, Hanosral?" "I had nned this from the start. The Holy Blood that Zion Agnes stole. I must retrieve it at any cost." Hanosral continued calmly, looking at them. The angel''s blood, a key ingredient for the ''Descension'' n. Its value could possibly even surpass that of an Omareing like himself. "Besides, is there any more certain way to ensure the sess of this mission than one of us Omareings stepping in?" "¡­You might be right." Utekan spoke gravely after a moment of looking at Hanosral. Until now, Zion Agnes had always exceeded their expectations. Then, the most certain approach was to deploy overwhelming power that could suppress all those variables. No matter how powerful Zion Agnes was, he couldn''t match the strength of an Omareing. Especially now, when he was critically wounded. The woman, shaking her head in uncertainty, spoke. "¡­The ''Heavens'' within the imperial pce might intervene." One of the reasons they hadn''t acted recklessly until now. "I''ll try to handle that side." Hanosral nodded slowly to Utekan''s words. Then he spoke to the woman, who still looked apprehensive. "Don''t worry. Taking the life of the critically wounded Zion Agnes will be easier than flipping my hand." In fact, Hanosral had another reason for stepping in personally, beyond the two he had just mentioned. It was to kill Zion Agnes with his own hands. The loss of Kezarus and the Soul troops. And the most crucial n of stealing the Holy Blood. Hanosral''s rage over losing all these was beyond imagination. ''After killing him, I will tear his soul to shreds.'' The Soul King''s eyes glittered with killing intent so intense that it could make an ordinary person lose their mind at a nce. In his mind, there was no thought of him failing. Chapter 101: Heavenly Punishment (4) Chapter 101: Heavenly Punishment (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the office of the Chimseong Pce. "Your Highness, may I ask what is troubling you?" The knight Diernend, with a notable scar across his face, asked his sovereign, Princess Evelyn Agnes. "......" The second princess, still not responding, simply looked out the window with a troubled gaze. It had been two days already. Precisely since the grand banquet. Ever since, her gaze had been clouded like that. He had to ask. As the silence lingered, Evelyn finally spoke. "His condition was clearly not good." "Not good? Whom are you referring to?" "Zion. It was not just a simple ailment; he looked seriously unwell." Her words brought back the image of Zion she had seen at the banquet. That day, Zion had looked better than ever, but Evelyn''s eyes couldn''t be deceived. "I knew it for sure when the chandelier fell. Zion definitely tried to avoid it, but he couldn''t." The slight stagger that followed. Such a movement was impossible for the usual Zion. "Clearly, his body isn''t responding as it should." The implication was that his condition was so severe that he couldn''t control his body properly. The cause, however, remained unknown. "Are you worried about Prince Zion''s health?" "No, it''s more concerning that others might have noticed this as well." If they had, they wouldn''t just let it pass like she did. They would undoubtedly use it to their advantage, perhaps even threatening Zion''s life. "¡­Should I help him?" "Your Highness." At Evelyn''s murmur, Diernend called out to her in a low voice. "Prince Zion is no longer someone who needs Your Highness''s help." His voice was as cold as his expression. "Have you forgotten? Who passed the session ceremony and quelled the rebellion? Who defeated the Icarus Squad and killed the Third Prince, Enoch? And... who showed a dominant presence at the funeral of the previous emperor?" "¡­¡­" "All of that was aplished by Prince Zion in just a few months. He is now one of the leading candidates for the next emperor. One of your apparentpetitors." All these were undeniable facts, without any exaggeration. "You need to judge more coldly. Offering help is possible only when the rtionship isn''t equal." Diernend spoke inly, as if unloading all he had been holding back. "Princess Evelyn, this is a matter Prince Zion must solve on his own." "¡­¡­Yes, you''re right." After a moment of silence, a low voice came from Evelyn. She knew it too. She simply wanted to look away. In her mind, Zion was still just the cute younger brother who used to follow her around, calling her ''big sister! big sister!''. But that was now a distant memory. "Thank you, Diernend. You''ve helped me regain my senses." "I apologize for speaking out of turn, Your Highness." Diernend bowed deeply in response to her words. Evelyn watched him, theplex emotions slowly fading from her eyes. "Princess Evelyn." A knight entered the office, calling out to her. She looked at the knight, as if asking what the matter was. The knight spoke to her. "There''s been some unusual movement within the imperial pce." "Unusual movement?" "An unidentified group has been detected heading towards the Chimseong Pce. Their movement is so covert that it would have gone unnoticed if our knights hadn''t been stationed near the pce." "Could it be......" Evelyn''s eyes wavered. Just as she was about to rise from her seat, "Your Highness." Another knight entered the office urgently. "What is it?" "Prince Utekan is here to see you." The knight promptly responded to her question. "At this hour? Suddenly?" The timing was too coincidental. Evelyn''s eyes began to show a strange light. --- Raei Trantions --- On the outskirts of the imperial pce. In the pitch-ck darkness, with even the moonlight obscured by clouds, the Soul King Hanosral gazed at the Chimseong Pce, not too far away. True to its name, which means ''sinking star'', the pce had an ominous aura. ''It suits the soon-to-be future of Zion Agnes.'' Hanosral smirked to himself for a moment before looking at the numerous demons lined up behind him. They were all of at least mid-level, with more than six high-level demons among them. A force so rare in the human world where each high-level demon yed a crucial role and couldn''t be recklessly deployed. But it was necessary. ''After all, three Omareings have mobilized their direct troops for this.'' Their determination to kill Zion Agnes this time was intense. "Tonight, we attack the Chimseong Pce." Hanosral spoke in a low voice to the demonic creatures following him. "Kill every living being in the pce. I don''t care how or how many you kill. Indulge yourselves to your heart''s content. But." A massive dark energy and demonic power began to emanate from the Soul King''s eyes. "Zion Agnes is mine. Do not touch him." "Understood." At hismand, the demons grinned and nodded their heads. Their eyes, too, gleamed with anticipation of the impending ughter. "Any interference from the outside will be handled by Utekan... no, Tarahal. We will focus solely on bringing down the Chimseong Pce." With those words, Hanosral turned and slowly began to approach the Chimseong Pce. The demonic forces quietly followed behind him. Sssss- Soon, a curtain-like dark crimson shadow flowed from the Soul King''s body, enveloping the entire Chimseong Pce. --- Raei Trantions --- Sound, light, vibration, etc. It was a barrier that blocked everything from leaking out. "What, what''s this!" Crack! Hanosral and his demonic troops swiftly dealt with the bewildered guards who witnessed the barrier, then passed through the outer gates. Like the darkness spreading across the world at sunset, the demons swiftly and covertly moved towards the inner gates. Finally, crash! They shattered the sturdy wooden inner gate in one blow and entered the Chimseong Pce. "Immediately scatter and first find Zion Agnes to...?" As Hanosral began giving orders upon entering, his speech suddenly stopped. His eyes filled with confusion. The reason was clear. The interior of the Chimseong Pce unfolded before his eyes, vastly different from his expectations. ''No one... here?'' The expansive hall beyond the entrance of the Chimseong Pce. It waspletely empty. No servants showing surprise. No knights drawing swords and shouting inquiries. Not a single living being in sight. Additionally, there was no light inside the pce, making it appear like an abandoned castle, lit only by moonlight. ''Something is wrong!'' Hanosral''s eyes shook wildly at this eerie scene. "You arrivedter than I thought." A voice reached his ears. It was a voice Hanosral had heard before. Languid yet alien. A voice that resonated clearly in everyone''s ears. Zion Agnes. The archenemy of the demons and the thief of the Holy Blood. The very person Hanosral wanted to kill the most. Step, step. Zion''s figure slowly emerged from the darkness of the pce into the Soul King''s view. And in that moment, "Could it be...!" Hanosral finally realized. From the first attack on the mysterious hut until now. Everything that had happened was a carefullyid trap by Zion Agnes. "When you guys attacked me, I thought about it." Zion, slowly approaching the Soul King, spoke. "How can I use this to lure out one of the heads?" Zion''s eyes began to curve like the crescent moon in the sky. "I figured conventional methods wouldn''t work. Your existence is too deep beneath the surface." Therefore, "I used myself as bait." He knew they wouldn''t bite unless it was something significant. Spreading rumors that he was secluded in the Chimseong Pce. Leaking information that he was critically ill. Attending the grand banquet and standing under the chandelier. And not avoiding the pre-cut chandelier when it fell, but staggering instead. All of this was part of Zion''s n. Of course, the guards at the main gate had also been ced as pawns to avoid suspicion by other royals. "Thanks to you, I''ve walked right into your trap?" Zion spoke as if he already knew who Hanosral was, but Hanosral had no leisure to care about such things. "This damned Agnes bloodline...!" His eyes were already filled with immense confusion and rage. Trapped. He had been perfectly ensnared. The depth and persistence of the trap were chilling, but after all, Zion was just a young man barely in his twenties. The thought of being outwitted by such a youngster, especially for Hanosral and the other Omareings, was intolerable. Thrummm! The space around him started to fluctuate in response to his emotional upheaval. "But it changes nothing. It just makes things a bit more troublesome." Perhaps befitting his status as one of the Omareings, Hanosral quickly calmed his emotions and muttered softly. No matter how well Zion Agnes was, the oue wouldn''t change now that he had stepped in. "Capture him and bring him to me." Following Hanosral''s order, several demons lunged towards Zion at a speed almost invisible to the eye. "But have you ever considered this?" Zion, watching the demons approaching him without moving, drew an even deeper curve with his eyes. "I lured you here because I was ready to hunt you." Just as Zion murmured these words, and the demons were about to strike, there was a sound of something going awry and a cannon-like explosion. Crack! Bang! The attacking demons were obliterated, their bodies disintegrating without a trace. Along with that, "Oh, there are many tasty ones here?" "Prince Zion, are you alright?" Two figures slowly emerged from behind Zion. They were Liushina and Liam Reiner. Forces Zion had prepared for this n. "These people are...!" Hanosral''s eyes bulged at the immense power emanating from the two. But his surprise was not yet over. Zion''s prepared forces were not just these two. "To think these filthy demon spawns would really dare to enter the imperial pce." With a rough voice emerging from the darkness, dozens more figures appeared behind Zion. Their violent aura was even more formidable than the direct forces Hanosral had brought. "Your Highness, just give the order, and we will tear these creatures to shreds immediately." Girard, themander of the border legion, growled like a beast as he stood at the forefront of the group, ring at the demons. The Annihtion Squad, known as the elite of the Border Legion, one of the empire''s strongest legions. They were the newly formed Annihtion Squad, continuing the legacy of the first squad that had been wiped out. Their eyes were filled with endless hatred for demons. "How could this be..." The Soul King, recognizing who they were from their gaze, uttered a voice mixed with confusion and astonishment. "It''s always easier to hunt when the prey reveals itself." As Zion smirked at Hanosral''s reaction, a thunderous roar erupted. Finally, the first hunt of an Omareing had begun. ---Toggle New Ads Hey everyone! After my long hiatus I am finally back to releasing up to 15 advanced chapters again! Please check out my kofi if you are interested in that. Enjoy! Special thanks to Chris, Serenedevil, and egosumqt for their very generous donations. Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 102: King of Signs (1) Chapter 102: King of Signs (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Damn these monsters! Kill them all!" "Hehehe! Sounds like what we want to say!" Roar! Curses filled the air as the elite force led by Meylmae shed with the troops Hanosral had summoned. "Start by smashing their heads, then aim for their hearts! That''s the only way they die!" Boom! Crash! Sizzle! A fierce battle erupted. Were they truly the elite of the elite? Thebat prowess of Meylmae''s troops surpassed all expectations. Their strength was undeniable, but more than that, they had experience from hundreds of battles. Their skills in fighting against monstrous entities already ranked among the best in the entire empire. On top of that, "These damned pests! Tear them apart until there''s nothing left!" A deep hatred in their eyes further boosted theirbat performance. That hatred stemmed from the past ¨C many among them had lost friends or family to these monsters. Boom and crash! In no time, the hall of Chimseong Pce turned into a battlefield from hell. Hanosral murmured in disbelief amidst the chaos. How was it possible for a key force of the boundary to be here? ''Although things seem dire now, as long as King Liam Rainer and Commander Girard are with us, the advantage should tilt to our side.'' First, he needed to intervene. ''To do that...'' With that thought, Hanosral red at Zion, who was still smiling at him from afar. ''I need to finish off Zion Agnes quickly.'' No matter how fit Zion Agnes appeared to be, there was a vast difference in power between him and Hanosral. Even if the red-haired woman beside Zion intervened, the oue wouldn¡¯t change. The sacred blood could be sought after everything settled. "I originally nned to slowly crush you, starting from your toes. But I¡¯ve changed my mind. I''ll end it quickly, so be grateful." As he said this, the Sign King reached out a hand towards Zion. Just as he was about to grasp, Crunch! Without any warning, the space around Zion and Liushina turned red and then crumpled in on itself. Hanosral''s most potent power was barrier magic derived from istion and separation. With it, he could manipte space itself. "Can''t even react?" He gazed at the copsed space briefly. Just as he was about to turn back to the battlefield, "There¡¯s no need to react." An eerie voice of a woman echoed from thin air. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± Hanosral turned his head, and before his very eyes, ashes floating in the distorted space began to converge, taking on a human form. A sight so surreal that even seeing it was hard to believe. Soon after, Liushina, having resumed her original form, shed a bright red grin. ¡°I hope you can endure for long. Unlike you, I wish to take my time killing.¡± The space around Hanosral split open, and from within it, hundreds of sinister snake-like heads targeted him. ¡°What¡­¡­!¡± The unimaginable power emanating from each of those heads surpassed even his wildest assumptions about the witch''s capabilities. Caught off guard, Hanosral quickly erected a protective barrier around himself. With a fierce roar, he invoked a high-tier istion barrier, designed to ward off any iing shock. However, with a sharp tearing sound, the heads summoned by Liushina devoured even the protective barrier of the formidable Hanosral. In the very moment Hanosral''s barrier and Liushina''s attack perfectly offset each other, stealthily and without warning, from the shadowy backdrop, Zion, with his sword Exia surrounded by dark aura, made his strike. Could he be another grand sorcerer? With widened eyes, Hanosral extended his hand in response to Zion''s sudden assault. In mere moments,yers uponyers of magical barriers clustered around his fingertips. Then, a colossal sh. The resulting shockwave from their powers'' collision obliterated everything in its vicinity, rippling throughout the entirety of Chimseong Pce. The pce itself seemed on the brink of copse. But that wasn''t the end of Zion''s onught. With a graceful spin, Zion, while lowering his body, charged at Hanosral, drawing his extinction sword horizontally once more. With a thunderous sound, Zion''s sword, elerating dozens of times in a split second, breached even the speed of sound. Hanosral, perhaps realizing evasion was futile, thought, ''Block first, then counter immediately.'' With the same barrier-infused hand, he tried to grasp the rapidly swinging sword of Zion. But the oue this time was different. With a crisp sound, the moment his barriers made contact with Zion''s dark-imbued de, they shattered as if rendered non-existent. ¡°!!!!!¡± Shock painted Hanosral''s eyes. It was due to the nullifying properties of the dark aura surrounding Zion''s de, but Hanosral had no way of knowing that. After all, every opponent who had ever faced Zion''s power had perished. With a piercing sound, Exia seemed ready to slice through the arm of Hanosral. But Hanosral, once again invokingyers of barriers within his arm, managed to stop the sword¡¯s advance. ¡°Kruk!¡± In a scream mixed with agony and rage, Hanosral lunged with a fist from his opposite hand toward Zion. With a deafening crash, the space distorted as a massive wave of energy trailed behind Hanosral''s fist. --- Raei Trantions --- It felt as if his body had been almost entirely restructured. As a result, all his physical abilities had improved iparably to before, and his Dark Star even reached the edge of the third rank. ''On top of that, the Demon King is caught up in it.'' He had thought his head could move, but he had been skeptical about whether he could move up to the level of the Demon King. ''Probably my stealing of the holy blood yed a significant role.'' In the annals, the angel''s blood was deeply associated with Hanosral. ''If I take this opportunity to eliminate Hanosral, I canpletely erase some of the many incidents that will happen in the future.'' Of course, even if the Dark Star reached the edge of the third rank due to body improvements, facing one of the demon kings with just his innate abilities was still a stretch. But now, Zion was with the witch called the thousand-year-old witch, a top-tier powerhouse of the world. "Kyahahahaha!" She alone might be able to face Hanosral. It was only natural for Hanosral to be pushed back since she was assisting Zion. ''I''ll draw out this guy''s hidden barrier.'' Then, "Uaaaah!" Was he trying to overturn the increasingly leaning odds? Amidst the endless offense and defense, Hanosral let out a massive scream. With that, Countless faces that appeared around him opened their mouths and let out the same scream. Due to the powerful shockwave bursting out from that, everything within a certain radius vanished. Whaaaak! For a moment, the air seemed to disappear, and despite being indoors, a wind started blowing towards Hanosral. Paang! Dodging the shockwave and creating some distance, Zion rode that wind and charged back at the Demon King with mad speed. "You persistent!" Annoyed by that tenacity, Hanosral spread both of his hands wide. From those hands, a burst of energy transformed into dozens of giant snakes in an instant, hissing! Those snakes wereunched towards the charging Zion and Liushina. Both of them recognized the danger and tried to counter simultaneously. But those snakes, Were soon swallowed whole by the creatures Liushina summoned. "......" Even though the technique he disyed was obliterated in an instant, there was no sign of regret on Hanosral''s face. After all, that was just a distraction. Kiiiiing! ''I need to kill one of them immediately to prevent abined attack.'' The Demon King, taking advantage of that brief moment, unveiled a technique contained in his palm and directed it at Zion. The power emanating from it was incredibly potent, unmatched by anything he had shown before. "Master, you need to dodge that!" Liushina, momentarily restrained by the faces Hanosral summoned, cried out to Zion for the first time. However, Zion continued to charge straight towards the Demon King as if he hadn¡¯t heard that shout. "Foolish." To anyone watching, his actions were sheer recklessness, prompting Hanosral to immediately release a fully-formed spell. Demon Blood. One of the top dark arts he had crafted using a portion of the life energy from the humans he''d consumed. A red light capable of melting the very existence of its target pierces through the space, quickly engulfing Zion''s entire body. Without even a chance to react, Zion''s figure disappears into the light. "Now, just that woman left..." In that moment, as if there was no need to verify anything further, Hanosral swiftly turned his gaze towards Liushina. Swoosh! Without any warning, a sharp slicing sound is heard, and his left arm is severed. "What...?" Only after the severed arm hadpletely hit the ground did the Demon King finally realize what happened, his eyes swelling in shock. At that moment, "You should''ve checked properly." A chilling voice that shouldn''t have been heard echoes. Along with it, whoosh! A ck de light starting right beside him filled his vision. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! Chapter 103: King of Signs (2) Chapter 103: King of Signs (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Something seems off." In a secluded garden near Chimseong Pce, a woman d in monastic robes murmured as she gazed at the shadow-enshrouded pce. Though the pce appeared as tranquil as always, she knew the stillness was due to the barrier set by Hanosral. Inside that barrier, a massacre was undoubtedly unfolding. "Why is it taking so long?" Three of the Omareung directly mobilized their troops, and even Hanosral himself had entered. With such a power difference, it would not have been surprising if the task had beenpleted by now. Moreover, Zion Agnes was already in a critical condition. "Could something have gone wrong?" Though it seemed improbable, nothing involving Zion Agnes had gone ording to n so far, so she couldn''t shake off her unease. "Perhaps I should check on it." She hadn''t intended to interfere directly in this n, but she felt it was better to be proactive than to risk any unforeseen setbacks. As she was about to make her move towards Chimseong Pce, a soft voice echoed from behind her. "It''s rare to see a priestess of light in such a ce." She hadn''t noticed anyone approaching and, taken by surprise, she turned to see a man walking towards her. Golden hair and golden eyes, paired with a strikingly handsome appearance, she recognized him immediately. ''Why is that fanatic here?!'' Rubrious Agnes. The ''Fanatic Prince'', known as the First Prince, was approaching her, and he was alone. "It must be a blessing from the gods," he said, a genuinely pleased smile on his face. "I am honored to meet the First Prince!" "Haha, raise your head. After all, don''t we both serve the same god? Such formality is only needed in the presence of the divine." "Understood." "Are you the priestess from the church''s branch within the Imperial City?" "Yes, Your Highness." She replied to Rubrious, her disguise as a priestess of the Light Church was genuine and she saw no reason to deflect. "You must have faced many challenges. It''s difficult to serve the light here. If you ever face any troubles, tell me. I''ll assist where I can." "No need, Your Highness. I''m content just being able to spread the teachings of light within the Imperial City." "Ah, what a devout response." Pleased with her reply, Rubrious blessed the woman with a nod of his head. ......May the divine light guide you in all your future endeavors. With a few parting courtesies, the First Prince took his leave. That went smoother than expected. The woman let out a soft sigh as she gazed at his departing figure. There had been a slight dy, but all was still well. If she were to head to Chimseong Pce now... That thought was interrupted. Hold on, before I leave, there''s something I want to ask. As if recalling something, the First Prince turned back to face the woman. ......? She looked at him, eyes filled with curiosity. Addressing her, he asked, Why is it that, even though you''re a priestess, I don''t sense the divine touch from you? Rubrious posed the question with an undeniably gentle smile on his lips. --- --- "Argh!" Utilizing this technique at the precise moment, Hanosral, whose arm had been severed by Zion, unleashed a mixed scream of pain and confusion. Almost instantly, he spread out dozens of spell sequences. Whirrr! Like interlocking gears, these spell sequences began to amplify each other, rapidly taking control of the surrounding space. However, "Heh!" Crash! The spell sequences, no matter how advanced, shattered immediately under Liushina''s Blood-eye technique. sh! Zion exploited the gaps created by the copsing spell sequences, delivering an exceedingly precise sword strike. Their coordination was as if they''d been fighting together for decades. ''At this rate...!'' Desperation shed in Hanosral''s eyes. Though it seemed like a simplebined strikewith the red-eyed woman backing from behind and Zion Agnes leading the assaultits precision andpletion were beyond imagination. ''On top of that, her magic.'' Zion Agnes''bat prowess was formidable, but the magic disyed by the red-eyed woman exceeded all his predictions. Alone, she had enough power to rival Hanosral. Which means her power was almost ''heavenly.'' ''How has such a being remained unknown?'' Someone this powerful should be renowned throughout the empire, if not the entire demon realm. But as far as Hanosral could recall, no ''heavenly'' tiered power wielder like her existed. Except for one. ''Could she be... the one sealed in the north centuries ago?'' Hanosral shook off the thought. Now wasn''t the time. Swoosh! Wounds began to manifest all over his body. Even as these thoughts ran through his mind, the tides of the battle quickly turned against him. ''I need to find a way before it''s toote.'' His mind raced, searching for a strategy. ''This disadvantage is due to theirbined assault.'' If he could separate the two, he''d stand a chance at turning the tables. The woman''s power felt on par with his own, and while Zion Agnes was strong, he was still a notch below Hanosral. ''If I can''tpletely separate them, but can at least engage one while holding off the other...'' Of course, the other monsters couldn''t help. They were preupied with Liam Rainer and the Destroyer Squad. In this situation, there was only one ace up his sleeve. Ast resort, only to be used when he was certain of victory. Roar! Hanosral''s entire body radiated an intense magical aura, one that hadn''t been felt before. Almost instantly, this immense magic transformed into hundreds of spears, indiscriminately shooting out in all directions. Is this your final struggle? Liushina, with a smirk as if amused, seemed to gather even more power. Simultaneously, she summoned eyes and the heads of beasts, beginning to shatter the approaching spears. BOOM! Due to their collision, the Chimseong Pce began to crumble bit by bit. Argh! That wasn''t the end. From around Hanosral, thousands of demonic hands appeared, each tracing eerie shapes in the air and simultaneously forming thousands of spells. Oncepleted, this forbidden spell had the immense power not only to obliterate Chimseong Pce but also to blow away half of Huangcheng. However, Zion wasn''t going to just stand and watch. SWISH! Therger the spell, the bigger the gap it revealed. Zion destroyed all the defensive barriers around the Demon King and plunged straight into Hanosral''s grasp. The scene looked as if a line of dark light stretched straight forward. Before Hanosral could react, Zion''s Exia, concentrating all its power at the tip of the de... Pierced straight through the Demon Kings chest. Zion''s dark power began to whirl within Hanosral, undoubtedly a blow fatal enough to im a life. However, Youve been caught! Surprisingly, the expression on Hanosral''s face was not of distortion, but ofughter. Along with that, From where the Sword of Destruction had prated, instead of blood, an endless surge of evil energy burst out. Before Zion could react, this energy spread out like a curtain, enveloping their entire forms. Ha Hahaha! Inside the same Chimseong Pce hall. Yet, where there once were numerous presences, now only Hanosral''s boisterousughter echoed. "Foolish. To think you''d fall into my trap so easily." This was the space within a barrier set up by Hanosral. The Shadow Barrier. Just as light casts a shadow, there are hidden facets to the world. The Shadow Barrier was a unique spell of the Demon King, using these hidden facets. A transcendental spell that istes only the caster and the designated target from the original world. Having been activated by the trigger of a heart shattering just moments ago, it was now perfectly set. "Within this space, it will just be the two of us." Uncharacteristically, Hanosrals eyes filled with deep emotion as he spoke to Zion. Those emotions were none other than ecstasy and rage. Contrasting yet oddly harmonious feelings. "Dont even think that someone outside will break this barrier. Theyll be too busy dealing with my other self." The reason the Shadow Barrier was called a transcendental spell, even surpassing the top-ranking spells, was simple. It allowed two versions of Hanosral to exist simultaneously. One in the original world and one in the shadow world. It wasnt a mere clone. Literally, another Hanosral pulled from a parallel world. Truly a spell that twists even the fundamentalws of the world. "Now that we''re here, I''ll take my time killing you." Hanosrals sinister smile deepened. "Starting with your limbs..." Just as he was about to reach out towards Zion, "Been waiting for this moment." Zions faint voice stopped Hanosral in his tracks. Slowly, Zion lifted his head. And on his face was a radiant smile that seemed to say he was genuinely enjoying this predicament. I know all about you. Zion was aware. That Hanosral, known as the Demon King, was notoriously cunning. And that he always had part of his life force hidden, allowing him to resurrect anytime. Thats why the heroes in the chronicles had to kill Hanosral several times. But in this Shadow Barrier state, that ability is nullified. The reason was simple. The ce where the Demon King hid his life force was within this very Shadow Barrier. That''s why, the moment Zion realized he was the bait to the Demon King''s trap, he began to y along. Pretending he had the upper hand, hoping to lure Hanosral into activating the Shadow Barrier. Because that was the only way to truly eliminate Hanosral here and now. "What? Hahaha!" For a moment, Hanosral stared nkly at Zion, then burst into manicughter. Hisughter alone seemed powerful enough to shatter the very space around them. "You expected me to cast the barrier? As he spoke, the immense magical force originating from him rapidly spread, devouring the surroundings. A power so vast, none of the demons he had ever encountered could evenpare! With the area fully under his control, Hanosral began slowly advancing towards Zion. "Could it be... you truly believed you could defeat me all on your own? As the Death King approached, the pressure intensified, bearing down on every fiber of Zion. Thud thud thud thud- Under its weight, Zions legs started sinking into the ground. "You''re certainly overstepping your bounds. A palpable difference in their strengths was evident. Yet, in the midst of it all, Zions smile grew even deeper. Id like to ask the same. Zion, with his ever-serene eyes, gazed straight at Hanosral. Did you genuinely think you could defeat me alone? His icy voice posed the question, and, "...What?" The moment Hanosrals eyes filled with doubt from Zions unexpected words, Crunch! From Zions hand, the gem representing the second question of Chronos broke apart. Chapter 104: King of Signs (3) Chapter 104: King of Signs (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Prince Zion!" During the battle with the horde of beasts, Commander Girard, spotting Prince Zion and Hanosral being engulfed by a crimson barrier, cried out in urgency. He tried to rush to where Zion was, but, "Hehe! Where do you think you''re going?" The surrounding demons hindered his movement. In the midst of this, Zion, trapped within the barrier, slowly disappeared from sight. Immediately after, "Muahahaha!" From the ce where the barrier had been, another Hanosral revealed himself, bursting into loudughter. His eyes sparkled with tion. Along with him, an overwhelming magical energy began to consume the entire hall. Due to this, the battle momentarily stopped. Amidst the silent battlefield, the Demon King looked at Liushina and spoke slowly, "Your lord will soon meet his end." Given that Zion Agnes was taken by the barrier, he was probably confronting another version of Hanosral. Judging calmly, Zion, with his current power, would not only be unable to challenge him but also might not even withstand him. He might have already met his doom. "Now, what will you do, nameless witch?" Hanosral, a smirk ying on his lips, asked Liushina. To be honest, the witch before him was a formidable opponent, but Hanosral perceived himself to have a slight edge over her. If that weren''t the case, he wouldn''t have been able to resist her power until now. As Hanosral leisurely reached out to Liushina, "It''s truly fascinating." Liushina, who had been silent until then, opened her mouth slowly. "How everything transpires exactly as my master predicted." A profound smirk adorned her face. Hanosral''s eyes, filled with doubt at her unexpected reaction, questioned, "...What?" "I wonder if he truly knows the future?" As Liushina responded with another question, suddenly, an unimaginable surge of energy exploded from her, instantly overpowering Hanosrals magic, and began to dominate the entirety of Chimseong Pce. In an instant, thousands of red eyes began to light up in the world that was now painted in red. "This is..." Witnessing the sheer might of the transformed witch, the tion in Hanosral''s eyes began to wane. "I no longer need to restrain my power. I''ll finish you off quickly." Liushina''s voice, filled with delight, hummed. In her eyes, there was no trace of concern for Zion. After all, her master was an even greater monster than she was. The second question of Kronos. Though it was yet another question about time, its nature was slightly different. Does the time of all beings possess equal value? The answer to this has not been passed down. However, the gods inferred the answer from the power stemming from this question. Time Theft. The second power of the ''Five Questions of Kronos.'' It allowed its user to borrow the time of the being they perceived as having the highest value. Tick! With a sound resembling a clocks hand moving, thews of the world began to twist around Zion. Time Theft took all the moments the target had experienced in their life. Zion had designated strength as the foremost value. Thus, Zion could borrow all the powers and abilities of a being that possessed the highest strength. Of course, he could only choose beings he had directly witnessed. But that was enough. Because Zion already knew of an entity who had almost reached the pinnacle of strength in the world. Roar! Princess Evelyn Agnes. Undoubtedly, one of the strongest in the Chronicles of Frosimar and the guardian of the ''Second Heaven.'' The epitome of all knights, a being who had already surpassed humanity. What on Earth are you doing?! Seeing Zion enveloped in a blinding light, Hanostral, overtaken by an eerie sensation, clenched his fist. Boom! Space around Zion ruptured, and dozens of colossal demonic hands lunged at him. In an instant, Zion''s figure was lost amidst these hands. Ill crush him now. Driven by an ominous hunch that he couldn''t dy any longer, Hanostral channeled all his might into the demonic hands enclosing Zion. Crack! The hands, causing even the surrounding space to warp, tightened their grasp. Feeling it wasnt enough, Hanostral embedded dozens more magic seals onto them. Boom! A massive explosion emanated, momentarily shaking the protective barrier he had formed. With this magnitude A force so great, even he couldn''t survive if faced head-on. Just as a glimmer of hope appeared in Hanostral''s eyes while staring at the dust settling, Growl! A sound like a lion''s roar echoed. A chilling predatory cry that weighed down on the very soul. As goosebumps formed on Hanostral upon hearing that roar, suddenly, Whoosh! With the dust clearing as if the sky was parting, Zion appeared right in front of him, seemingly out of nowhere. ...! Caught off guard by Zions otherworldly speed, Hanostral couldnt react in time, and then Snap! By Prince Zion''s lightly swung Exia, half of his upper body disappeared. Yet, the divine figure of Hanosral, unable to withstand that power, vanished from his spot. It appeared beyond Chimseong Pce, followed by several other buildings in the background. A split secondter, a resounding Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa-gwa-gwa! A massive shockwave burst forth, tracing the path from which he had been flung. Due to that shockwave, a secondary explosion ignited the surrounding air entirely. Step by step, Zion walked through the world behind Chimseong Pce, approaching Hanosral. By then, six brilliantly shining stars were swirling in his eyes. "Kwaaaa!" Was it a momentary loss of consciousness? The Death King, who had been immobile for a while, gasped for air and lifted his body. His upper body and left arm regenerated quickly. "How irritating," Zion mused to himself, seeing that astonishing regenerative power. "What is that power...?!" Hanosral eximed, having fully regenerated, looking at Zion in disbelief. Fear clouded his eyes. Although it was a single sh, it was evident. The Prince Zion Agnes from a moment ago and the current one were entirely different beings. "How could he change so drastically in an instant?" "What would you do with that knowledge?" Zion smirked, looking at Hanosral, "You''re going to die soon anyway." "You damned brat!" With a whoosh, an infuriated Hanosral created countless barriers around him. Truth be told, he wasn''t confident he could block another strike like the one he just received. So, he set up preemptive barriers to block any iing attack. ''I must not let him get close.'' After setting up all defenses, Hanosral formed a strange seal with both hands. Whirl-whirl-whirl! Thousands of ghostly mes revealed themselves around him. These mes, imbued with the power of confinement, were shot towards Zion. Perhaps it was because Hanosral had unleashed power beyond his limits. The ghostly mes set the alternate world aze with a bluish hue. Zion calmly watched the approaching wave of ghostly mes, his space seemingly burning. Then, Zion''s Exia, now emitting a pure white light, slowly extended forward and began to split into countless fragments. First two, then four, next eight... Thus, it exponentially multiplied, filling the entire world with the sword spirits of the extinction de. Zzzzrrr-zrrr-zrrr! By that transcendent swordsmanship, the pouring ghostly mes were split and obliterated. Not just that, but all the numerous barriers that surrounded Hanosral were alsopletely eradicated. !!!!! The shock in the eyes of King Hanosral grew even more pronounced, almost tearing apart with sheer disbelief. Was that a Celestial de? The radiant starlight emanating from Zion Agnes''s sword was unmistakably the power of the Celestial de. Moreover, it was a Celestial de of a refinement he had never seen before. How on Earth could Zion Agnes wield such a power? But before Hanosral could contemte further, Whoosh! In a single stride, the distance between them vanished as Zion swiftly shed down with his sword, Exia. Thunk! Recognizing it was toote to evade, Hanosral hastily conjured a protective barrier. He was well aware that an ordinary shield would be insufficient against this attack. Thus, he employed the Barrier of Istion, a supreme shield that severs the very concept of harm from its surroundings his most powerful defensive spell. However, It''s futile, Zion murmured. Swish! Exia easily tore through the barrier and sliced from Hanosrals right shoulder to a important point in a single swipe. The Celestial de: a power that reigns supreme over all other forces. What''s more, this was the Celestial de of Evelyn Agnes. Against Zions sword, which had channeled and intensified this borrowed Celestial power to its limits, Hanosral''s powers were virtually useless. Arghhhhhhh! Despite the excruciating pain, Hanosral, drawing from both his physical and magical energies, retaliated against Zion. An array quickly enveloped him, forming a barrier that nullified any anomalies, but, Swoosh! Zion effortlessly cut through,unching a flurry of consecutive attacks. sh after sh! Without a chance to resist, Hanosral''s form crumbled under the assault. He never stood a chance from the start. After all, the strength of Evelyn Agnes was unparalleled, even among the Agnes lineage, known as monsters. Rubrious wielded both the Celestial de and divine power. Diana employed the Celestial de and elemental arts. Enochbined the Celestial de with magic. While other royals honed supplementary powers to enhance their Celestial des, Evelyn had no need. Her Celestial de was already perfection incarnate, so impable that it required no augmentation. A pinnacle of humanity, so powerful that the term ''monster'' would be an understatement that was Evelyn Agnes. Facing Zion now, imbued with all of Evelyn''s formidable power, how could a rtively weaker mage like Hanosral possibly contend? "Why... How is this possible?! While regenerating his gravely injured body, King Hanosral roared in disbelief and agony. He couldn''t fathom how Zion Agnes could wield the Celestial de. Why on earth was he so outssed by Zion Agnes? Even in this parallel world of his own creation! A slew of questions overwhelmed his mind. And those doubts quickly transformed into seething rage. Having sacrificed half his body, Hanosral narrowly escaped Zion''s assault and soared into the sky. He ascended rapidly, soon bing a mere speck in the distance. "Cursed Agnes lineage!" With eyes zing like fire, Hanosral red at Zion standing on the ground. From the space around him, hundreds of demonic hands emerged. "Yes, I''ll obliterate this ce along with you!" With his cry, the demonic hands started moving frantically, drawing a vast and intricate spell formation. KOOGOOOGOOO! Could this prove that it''s on an entirely different level? Merely the shockwaves from the forming spell were enough to send tremors through the parallel world, making it wail in agony. In the midst of a world that seemed ready to crumble any moment, Hanosral, without hesitation, released thepleted spell, aiming directly at Zion. It was another transcendental spell of Hanosral, made by gathering the negative emotions of humans whomitted those sins over hundreds of years. A sea of pure crimson, representing the sins, began to cover the sky, descending upon the earth. The parallel world couldn''t withstand the sheer power of it and began to shatter. It looked as if it was witnessing the end of times. Is this one of his ultimate spells? Zion looked up at the descending crimson sea. There was nowhere to evade. After all, that sea was a spell Hanosral conjured to strike the entire parallel world. There''s no need to dodge anyway. With that thought, a sly smile formed on Zion''s face, and he stretched out his sword diagonally. Stars from the Celestial Sea began to converge on his sword. As if that wasnt enough, all the light within Zion''s sight was being drawn into his sword, Exia. DRRRRRRRRR! The Exia, overloaded with starlight, started to shake violently. Meanwhile, the transcendental spell conjured by the demon king had reached right above Zion. "Die." That word, filled with sheer desperation, spilled from Hanosral''s lips. Just as the sea of sins was about to engulf Zion, slowly, Zion lifted his sword. In the past, Evelyn Agnes pondered. The prowess of the Celestial Sea that reigns over all power. Could it be condensed into a single line? And if so, could it be further condensed into a single point? It was the only answer Evelyn found after agonizing over the question. From that answer, a radiant starlight... Breached the hidden barrier, rising to the very edges of the heavens. Chapter 105: King of Signs (4) Chapter 105: King of Signs (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the ethereal realm, the entire expanse burst into a radiant white, illuminated by the celestial starlight of Cheonseonghae. The sea of sins, once touched by this ster brilliance, vanished without a trace. But that wasnt allthe starlight Zion unleashed not only shattered the ethereal realm but also pierced through, reaching the skies of the original world beyond. It was a sight like a mythical tableau. ...... King of Demons Hanosral looked up at the night sky beyond the torn barrier, his eyes filled with disbelief. At this point, his body was already ravaged; the lower halfpletely gone, and two-thirds of his upper body obliterated by the starlight. Ive lost. Soon after, a low voice emanated from him, breaking the silence. Hanosral knew. He knew that his body had sustained such massive damage that regeneration was impossible. In a short while, just like the copsing ethereal barrier, he wouldpletely vanish from this world. ...Did you know about me? Withnguid eyes, Hanosral looked down at Zion, who was gazing back at him, and asked. Until moments ago, his mind was clouded with excessive excitement, preventing him from thinking straight. But now, he could see. He could see that the man before him had been waiting for him to use the ethereal barrier. He must have known that Hanosral had an extra life hidden within the barrier and had deliberately targeted it. Such a move would have been impossible unless he had known about Hanosral beforehand. Ive always wondered, Zion Agnes How do you know about our identity? And how do you know about our ns? Starting from the first confrontation at Chimseong Pce, through the Eternal Shadows, the Illusionary Forces, the Empires Grand Magic Tower, the Angelos Territory, and now Hanosral himselfZion Agnes had wlessly annihted every magic shadow involved and seized everything he desired, without a single failure. This level of prowess went beyond deep scheming and meticulousness; it was a realm that couldnt be exined with mere intelligence and strategy. Answer me. This was Hanosral''sst question before death. Who exactly are you? He was curious about the being named Zion Agnesa person who, in less than half a year, rose from being an imprisoned prince to bing one of the most promising candidates for the throne. A person who, despite being under the scrutiny of magic and the other royal families, built his own power base and gained enough strength to kill a King of Demons on his own. Is there really any being in this world capable of achieving such feats? Hanosral doubted he would have believed it himself if he hadn''t seen it with his own eyes. Zion, faced with Hanosrals question, couldnt help but smirk. Why do they always ask the same things? With that thought, he was about to crush the King of Demon''s head underfoot when suddenly, he stoppedhis foot hanging in the air as if he had just thought of something. "Checking his reaction wouldnt be such a bad idea." With that thought, the trace of Evelyn''s ''Heavenly Chain'' that was restraining Zion''s entire body vanished without a trace, and promptly, the energy began to fill its ce. Simultaneously, the surrounding brightness darkened, and an intense, eerie aura grew stronger. "Yes, that power you originally wielded... I''ve been curious about the true nature of that power. How could it be so simr to that existence...!" Hanosral was speaking as he observed Zions energy, but he suddenly stopped. His eyes began to fill with astonishment as he realized something monumental. His gaze was fixated on the three ck stars swirling in Zions eyes. "Could it be..." He had thought they were simr, but he had never believed it could actually be possible. That existence had disappeared hundreds of years ago, and its power was something that couldn''t possibly be passed down through generations. However, doubt was starting to creep into Hanosrals mind. What if it was not an impossible concept? What if there was an infinitesimally small chance that the power had been passed down to the present generation? His doubt quickly grew into a new conviction. "So, it was you... It was you all along...!" It had to be this way. This was the only exnation that made sense of everything that had happened so far. Hanosral, seemingly having resolved all his questions, kept repeating that revtion. His physical body began to disintegrate more rapidly. "Damned descendant of eternity... This time, we will surely..." But before he could finish his sentence, Hanosralpletely vanished from this world. ...Was this rted to the Eternity Emperor as well? Zion, silently observing the spot where Hanosral had disappeared, was deep in thought. The cursed blood of Agnes. He had always wondered what these words meant. Every monster he had encountered had uttered the same phrase. The demon he had faced during the phantom military exercise had definitely recognized the energy and had spoken those words. So he had deliberately revealed his energy to Hanosral, hoping for a clue, and it seemed like he had gotten one. Dark magic appeared a long time after the Eternity Emperor died. But how are they rted? Was it a setting error in Chronicles of the Hero of Frosimar? Or was there something else at y? He had no way of knowing with the information he had at the moment. Maybe Ill naturally find out as I continue hunting. Just as Zion was concluding his thoughts, Crackling! The boundary of the alternate spacepletely shattered. And beyond it, the original world was revealed. There, another Hanosral was meeting his end at the hands of the Witch of Heavenly Punishment. How... Hanosral, watching Zion walk out unscathed, looked at him with eyes filled with astonishment, and thenpletely vanished. Huh? Master, you came out just in time? Soon after, Liushina, having noticed Zion, cheerfully waved her hand as she greeted him with a smile. From the start, a knowing light filled her eyes, as if she had anticipated this very oue. "His Highness Zion has arrived! Quickly, let''s wrap this up!" Boom! Crash! Bang! "Aaaargh!" With Girards shout, the surrounding battlefield was swiftly cleared. Zion and Liushina didnt even need to intervene. Realizing that their leader Hanosral had been killed, the monster troops immediately lost their will to fight. For the Maelstrom Squad, finishing off these monsters was as easy as breathing. "Are you unharmed, Your Highness Zion?" After clearing out all the monsters, Liam approached Zion and asked. Excitement from the rare battle still lingered in his eyes. "Yes." "I can hardly believe the report. To think that monsters, especially high-ranking ones, would roam freely within the Imperial City..." Liam muttered in a daze, looking at the corpses of the monsters. Frankly, he had been skeptical when Zion called him to the Imperial City, saying he needed to hunt monsters. If someone else had said that, he would have dismissed it as nonsense. What happened today at the Chimseong Pce was both shocking and hard to believe. "If they''re bold enough to attack His Highness Zion so openly, they must have infiltrated not just the Imperial City but the entire empire." Girard, themander of the border guard, approached and spoke to Liam. Despite his muscr appearance and seemingly battle-oriented demeanor, his words were insightful. "That''s right. Exactly." Zion responded with a slightugh. "Yet, seeing that you haven''t publicized this fact until now... Do you have something in mind?" "I''m nning to set a deep trap and catch them all at once." Now was not the time for a full-scale confrontation with the monsters that had infiltrated the empire. They were aware of each other''s existence, but there was a world of difference between making it explicit and keeping it under wraps. Just today, because they hadnt exposed themselves, the monsters couldnt mobilize inrge numbers. For now, slowly whittling down the enemy''s forces seemed to be the best strategy. ''I should start preparing, though.'' As Zion thought about the inevitable full-scale confrontation, Thierry, the head of the shadows, appeared. "Your Highness Zion." "I''ve gathered all the information." "Speak." "I''ve traced back the path of the monsters that invaded Chimseong Pce today." This was something Zion had instructed Thierry to do before the battle even began. "All of them entered from outside the Imperial City, and some were connected to the secret businesses run by Fourth Prince Utekan in the capital." "Have we finally caught a tail?" Zions eyes glowed coldly at Thierrys words. There was no mistake. The location in question was indeed one of the hidden branches of monsters that had infiltrated the empire. What shall we do? Youre asking the obvious. A sinister smile formed on Zions lips as he spoke. There was no way Zion was going to let this matter end just like that. His nature was topletely uproot the existence that dared to reveal itself to him. This time, Ill significantly reduce the number of demons in the capital, along with Utekan''s influence. In that case, we should move as quickly as possible. Right, were moving immediately. Deploy Liushina first. If they moved before the monsters realized that their attack had failed, they could inflict more damage. I like it. It means I get to kill more. The Witch of ughter gleamed in excitement at Zion''s words. However, just then, But Prince Zion, there is one problem. Thierry addressed Zion, his expression slightly troubled. There may be only one of the Fourth Prince''s operations exposed right now, but attacking it will reveal numerous other secret forces connected to that ce. If Your Highness wishes to obliterate them all, we will need more power than we have right now, and it must be power that we can mobilize at will. Thierry spoke, knowing Zion''s inclination toplete things perfectly once started. To be honest, it was no exaggeration to say that there were virtually no military forces under Zion at the moment. While Liushina was powerful, she had her limits when acting alone. The Border Legion and the Anti-Demon Corps had to maintain their vignce against demonic magic and thus could not be freely mobilized. The Walro Legion, seized from the Fourth Prince, was in the same situation. Dont worry. Zion responded with a smirk. The absence of a direct military force. Zion was well aware of this fact. And so, he had already thought of a solution. It will be avable soon. His cryptic words left everyone in doubt, but Zions lips, curving into a quiet smile, did not open any further. --- --- In the small garden near Chimseong Pce, a woman d in a monk''s robe stood alone, murmuring to herself in a dazed voice, "What in the world is happening?" shes of a recent crisis filled her mind: "Answer me. Why do I not feel the touch of the divine from you?" First Prince Rubrious had persistently pressed this question upon her. She couldn''t fathom what this divine touch was, and with madness and conviction already dancing in the princes eyes, she found herself unable to respond. Considering her standoff with Rubrious and the subsequent escape, the woman was at a loss. Suddenly, starlight soared from the Chimseong Pce, shooting up to the ends of her vision and illuminating the imperial sky with brilliant celestial radiance. "Hmm, Ill have to ask again next time," Rubrious pondered for a moment between the starlight and the woman before finally deciding to leave, his figure fading into the direction of Chimseong Pce. "What on earth is going on?" The woman, having somehow survived the crisis, couldnt shake off her growing unease as she looked towards Chimseong Pce. After the burst of starlight, no other sound or light emanated from the pce. And due to Rubrious heading there just moments ago, she couldnt go to check it out herself. "Could it be that Zion Agnes got the better of them?" she mumbled, but immediately shook her head vehemently. That was impossible. Or rather, it had to be impossible. They had invested overwhelmingly superior forces to eliminate all variables from the start. "I need to join up with Utekan," she decided, quickly moving into action as if to shake off her thoughts. However, the image of the starlight she had just witnessed lingered in her mind, amplifying her anxiety. "If, by some chance if Hanosral really has been defeated" It would be an enormous event, enough to overturn the entire situation. The bnce of power that had been maintained secretly within the empire for over a hundred years was on the verge of copsing. Perhaps she needed to start preparing for such a scenario. But what the woman didn''t know was that the bnce had already been crumbling, little by little, for quite some time. And that someone was watching her, unaware of it all. Chapter 106: Ascalon (1) Chapter 106: Ascalon (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Silence. The room was filled with a suffocating, heavy silence. It wasn''t devoid of people. There were two: the Fourth Prince Utekan and a woman dressed in a capital uniform. Both were present, yet neither spoke a word. How much time had passed in this stillness? "Soon, dawn will break." A low voice escaped Utekan''s lips. As he said, the horizon visible beyond the window was gradually brightening. Four hours. That was the time psed since Utekan, having contacted her to block the Second Princess''s intervention, decided it was enough and returned to Jasung Pce. It was a minor battle, not a sh of tens of thousands of troops. The fact that the oue of such a battle was still unknown after all this time was inconceivable. "If it''s been this long, the attack must have ended. If they haven''t returned yet, then could they have been defeated?" It wasn''t a matter of thinking they could have been defeated; it was certain they had been. Not one of the direct troops who left with Hanosral, among others, had returned. In fact, not even a single message had been received. "What exactly happened?" Omareung had personally taken action. One of the five leaders whomanded all the monsters infiltrated in the empire, ssified as a top-tier monster even in Mareuk. A being that the current Zion Agnes could never handle. Moreover, the n was wless. Utekan had confirmed several times that Zion Agnes''s physical condition was critical and moved only after being certain. There should have been no variables, and even if there were, they should have been suppressed by the overwhelming force deployed. "But why then?" How did ite to this? Unable to grasp the situation immediately, his doubts only deepened. "Rubrious surely headed towards Chimseong Pce. Does that mean Hanosral fell to him?" "I''m not sure either, but I don''t think so." Responding to Utekan''s question, the woman spoke for the first time. "Before the First Prince headed to Chimseong Pce, the external barrier Hanosral had set up had already disappeared. If it were due to battle, there should have been explosions or sounds, but there were none." It was strangely quiet. And there was only one thing this meant. The battle had ended before that. "Do not move until we have aplete understanding of the situation." "I was nning on that anyway." The woman nodded heavily in response to Utekan''s words. If Hanosral really had fallen, the futurendscape and the grand scheme of Mareuk were unpredictable. Therefore, lying low was the best course of action. "As soon as it''s fully light, we''ll send eyes towards Chimseong Pce. As for reporting to Mareuk... we''ll do it afterwards." Utekan''s expression darkened as he spoke to the woman. Having to report that one of the Omareungs had been defeated was a heavy burden for Utekan. "Zion Agnes..." At that moment, Utekan uttered the name of the person who had caused all this turmoil. ng! "Your Highness Utekan!" Suddenly, the door burst open, and one of Utekan''s subordinates appeared, looking anxious. "What''s the matter?" It must be urgent if they disregarded his order not toe near his office. With this in mind, Utekan quicklyposed himself and asked. "The secret branch in the capital is under attack!" At these words, Utekan''s expression hardened again. --- --- Hubris, the capital of the Agnes Empire, known as the center of the world. True to its reputation, Hubris excelled in politics, economy, culture, and more, far surpassing other cities. Therefore, it had many and varied ces for entertainment and leisure. "..." The ce where Zion was currently located was one such facility. A quiet caf on the outskirts of Hubris. Zion sat there, tilting his teacup as he gazed at the small garden unfolding outside. "Not bad." Setting down his teacup, Zion quietly muttered to himself. This ce was a hidden gem of the capital, discovered by Aileen deploying her informants. Having some rare leisure time, Zion had rented out the entire caf and was somewhat satisfied with his visit. The quality and taste of the coffee were quite impressive. Considering Zion''s strict standards for coffee, the fact that he rated this caf so highly meant it was among the top five in the capital. ''Still, the coffee Fredo makes seems to fit my taste better.'' As Zion thought this to himself and was about to lift his teacup again, "Hehe, I never knew Your Highness enjoyed coffee." An elderly man sitting opposite him set down his teacup and spoke. He had a kind face, with snow-white hair and a long beard. He was none other than Ahmad Ozlima, the head of the Empire''s Grand College Magic Tower and one of the ''Seven Heavens.'' "I prefer tea to coffee, actually." His reason for being here was simple. He was there to report on the progress of instructions previously given by Zion. Zion, without responding to Ahmad, tilted his teacup once more. After a brief chuckle, Ahmad spoke again. "Did you manage to concludest night''s events sessfully?" "You knew about it?" Only then did Zion look at the Archmage and inquire. "Many witnessed the starlight radiating from Chimseong Pce and brightening the sky that night. With such a spectacle, one can guess, even if not precisely." Moreover, there had been rumors circting about Zion''s poor health, making it easier to surmise what had transpired. -----TURN 10----- Ahmad, and likely others too, had guessed as much about the events of that night. They refrained from mentioning it only because Zion had not spoken of it. "More or less. To be precise, it''s still in the process of being concluded." With anguid voice, Zion answered, recalling the events that had unfolded since the annihtion of Hanosral. Immediately after the battle at Chimseong Pce concluded, Liushina had swiftly taken action. Following Thierry''s backtracking of the demons'' paths, she had been striking at their secret branches, an operation that was still ongoing even a dayter. As Thierry had previously mentioned, once the initial secret branch was exposed, others too were being uncovered one after the other. ''Utekan and the others will have to start moving soon.'' Since the annihtion of the Demon King, there had been no response from Utekan or the other monsters. They were likely paralyzed by the unforeseen circumstances and unable to make a move. But with their ranks being so disrupted, it was only a matter of time before they reacted. ''I wish they''d move quickly.'' Thinking this and smiling slyly, Zion looked at Ahmad and asked, "How''s the thing I mentioneding along?" "Here it is." In response, Ahmad extended a piece of paper with a magic circle drawn on it towards Zion. "It''s an intermediatepleted version. It''s not the final product, but I assure you, its efficiency is iparably higher than before." The magic circle was an improved version of the detection array. The coboration with the blood mages had led to significant progress in the research, enabling them to produce an intermediate version in time for Zion''s schedule. "Of course, using demon blood would further amplify its efficiency. But Your Highness Zion, may I inquire where you intend to use this?" "You''ll find out soon." "Soon... it seems a significant event is on the horizon." Nodding, Ahmad asked Zion once more. "In that case, Your Highness, may I use this detection array myself?" The Archmage''s eyes shone coldly. It seemed he had asked the previous question just to lead up to this one. There was no need to ask where he intended to use it. ''He must be nning to root out all the monsters hiding within the Magic Tower.'' Given Ahmad''s nature, once he knew that monsters were lurking within his Magic Tower, he would not stand idly by. "It''s fine. But you must wait until after I''ve used it first." "Thank you, Your Highness." As Ahmad bowed his head with a meaningful smile in response to Zion''s answer, -Tweet-tweet! A frost spirit perched on Zion''s shoulder. Seemingly asserting its presence, the frost spirit would asionally pop out like this, irrespective of Zion''s wishes. Before Ahmad could react, "Gasp!" Aileen, just entering the caf, took a deep breath and quickly approached Zion. Her eyes behind the sses sparkled mysteriously. "Your Highness... may I stroke it just once?" The words that came out of Aileen''s mouth were the same as what Liam and Girard had said before. It was a demeanor rarely seen in her usually rational self. The frost spirit''s inherent aloofness and cuteness seemed to have an effect on people''s hearts. -Tweet-tweet-tweet! As if understanding her words, the frost spirit chirped somewhat fiercely at Aileen. Though it was undoubtedly a sign of refusal, it only made her eyes sparkle even more. ''I should give this little one a name soon.'' Zion thought to himself, watching the spirit bicker with Aileen. This spirit, born from the legendary artifact ''Breath of the Frost Queen,'' was a unique spirit. Yet, it couldn''tmunicate its will and seemed weaker than expected. Initially, Zion thought it was because the Breath was not fully formed and he had used ck Starlight instead of mana for its summoning. Buttely, he wondered if theck of a proper name might be the reason for its underperformance. ''A name defines an existence and anchors it in the world.'' Then, "A unique spirit, I see. It seems not yet able tomunicate... Did you acquire it recently?" Ahmad, observing the spirit with interest, asked Zion. "Yes, I need to name it now." "A name... Indeed, names are crucial for unique spirits." "How about Tweety? Or Cherry!" -Chirp! The spirit chirped almost convulsively at Aileen''s interjection, clearly disliking the names. "Hmm... If naming is difficult, why not ask the spirit directly?" "Isn''t it unable tomunicate?" Aileen asked, puzzled by Ahmad''s suggestion. "Some ten years ago, I learned a technique from a remarkable individual formunicating with spirits. It was designed for regr spirits and only works briefly, but I think it''s worth a try," Ahmad exined. "That''s fortunate. Let''s give it a try," Zion nodded in agreement. Frankly, Zion himself was curious about the meaning behind the spirit''s daily chirping. "Understood." With that, Ahmad extended his hand towards the spirit and began chanting a spell that resembled a ritual. Whoosh! A green light slowly began to swirl around the spirit. The frost spirit, seemingly aware of what was happening, stood still, epting the light. After a while, the green light that had been illuminating the surroundings was absorbedpletely into the spirit. "..." Three pairs of eyes naturally focused on the spirit. And then slowly, -''Inferior humans.'' The spirit''s mouth began to open. -Atst, you understand my words! Now, bow your heads and show me respect. I am the exalted Queen of Frost, the sole ruler of the North. I have been waiting for this moment to scold you for your irreverent behaviors... Whoosh! -Tweet! Abruptly, the light vanished, and the woman''s voice in their heads turned back into chirping. "......" A moment of silence followed. "......There seems no need to hear any more." Soon after, Ahmad, who had canceled the spell, spoke with a wry expression. Aileen, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement with a simr expression. -Tweet-tweet! Tweet-tweet-tweet! The frost spirit began chirping rapidly, as if voicing its displeasure, but Ahmad did not use the magic again. ''Could the actual body have been...'' As Zion contemted this possibility while looking at the frost spirit, "Ah, and Your Highness Zion. There''s a message from the Shadow of the Imperial Pce." Aileen finally brought up the main reason she hade. With that, she nced at Ahmad. "Speak." As Zion nodded, Aileen began to speak. "Count Alstein Ascalon is waiting at Chimseong Pce, hoping to see you once again." A slight smile appeared on Zion''s lips. "Has he finally made a decision?" The celestial sword family, Ascalon. The time to head towards that ce was approaching. Chapter 107: Ascalon (2) Chapter 107: Ascalon (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Your Highness, would you consider visiting Ascalon?" Alstein''s demeanor had changed significantly since theirst meeting. The domineering attitude that had subtly undein their encounter at Chimseong Pce was nowpletely gone. He also refrained from mentioning any qualifications or tests. Upon first seeing Zion, he immediately bowed with utmost politeness, a behavior he maintained throughout. Clearly, he had made some kind of decision in the meantime. Of course, this decision seemed to favor Zion. ''Well, I had been expecting this since the grand banquet.'' Alstein was the first to react when the chandelier fell. Such speed was impossible unless he had been paying attention to Zion all along. "What''s the reason?" "The head of our house wishes to meet you," Alstein promptly replied to Zion''s question. A simr reason to before. In any family, the final decision-maker was, after all, the head of the household. It seemed the head had mostly made up his mind but wanted to meet Zion in person for final assurance. "The head of the house wants to see me, you say..." Muttering to himself, Zion looked at Alstein and then broke into a wry smile, continuing. "But you know, something seems wrong. If you want to see me, shouldn''t you be the one toe? Isn''t Ascalon a noble house? Then why should I, a member of the imperial family, be the one to visit?" Alstein''s expression stiffened at Zion''s question. Technically, Zion was right, considering the fundamental structure of statuses. Apart from Ascalon being one of the special five great families and its head being one of the ''Seven Heavens'', there was no excuse. In fact, it wouldn''t be unusual for a royal to visit the head of such a prestigious family, but such a fundamental question left Alstein speechless. "Currently, our head is in a state where he cannot leave the family grounds." "Why is that?" Zion asked sharply, as if he had been waiting for this question. He already knew why the head of Ascalon couldn''te personally and had to summon Zion instead. Yet he kept asking, for one reason. A test. ''If he tells the truth here, I might trust him.'' It would mean that he had decided to join forces with Zion, revealing secrets like a family''s disgrace. Alstein, unaware of Zion''s thoughts, fell silent for a moment, conflict apparent in his eyes. After a pause, Alstein slowly opened his mouth, "...Currently, our lord''s health is in critical condition." A satisfying answer flowed out for Zion. --- --- In the outskirts of the capital Hubris, there existed a slum area. In that slum, on the outskirts, stood a woman with silver hair shimmering like the faint stars of dawn in front of an old abandoned factory. Silently, with a settled gaze, she stared at the factory. "Is this the ce you mentioned... one of the secret branches of the demons hiding in the empire?" Another woman with fiery red hair tied back tightly asked this, pointing at the factory. It was Rain Dranir. "Yes." The woman nodded slightly in response. Rain Dranir and the woman were here to annihte the demons inside the factory. The woman knew that these demons belonged to Oma-ryeong, particrly under themand of Tarahal, who currently controlled the Fourth Prince''s body. She was also aware that weakening Tarahal''s forces now would save them much troubleter. That''s why they had set aside other matters toe here first. "Then let''s go in right away." At the woman''s answer, Rain grinned and adjusted the spear resting on her shoulder. They were about to take on an unknown number of demons alone, but there was no fear in her eyes. Herbat prowess had improved tremendouslypared to the past. Especially since being with this woman, Rain''s skills had soared insanely, as if all her previous limits had been lifted. ''Besides...'' Another thing was that the woman''sbat abilities far surpassed Rain''s own. Rain was certain she couldn''t evene close to the woman''s level. A being beyond what even the word ''genius'' could convey. ''Well, that''s to be expected, I guess.'' Rain thought this as she looked at the woman. Boom! Suddenly, a massive explosion erupted from the factory, sending plumes of acrid smoke billowing above. "!" With that, both the woman and Rain''s eyes turned icy. As if on cue, they surged toward the factory. Crash! They burst through the door and entered, only to be greeted by an unexpected sight. "This is..." "Again?" Numerous demon corpsesy scattered on the floor, all lifeless, each brutally torn apart in ces, as if mauled by a giant beast. Screech! Apanied by this, a strange noise incessantly echoed from the top of the factory. "Rain." "I know!" Whoosh! The woman and Rain swiftly passed the bodies of the demons, racing towards the upper levels of the factory. ''The entity ughtering these demons right now might be rted to the other matters.'' With this thought, the woman increased her speed even more. After following the path made of demon corpses for some time, the woman and Rain Dranir reached the top floor of the abandoned factory and were met with a chilling sight. "Gurk! Gurgle!" A high-ranking demon was struggling in the air, grasped by the throat, surrounded by many other demon corpses. And there... Holding the demon by the throat was a woman with red eyes. "Oh? New guests?" The woman with red eyes turned towards them and smiled slightly. However, the first woman did not respond. Or rather, she couldn''t. "How can it be..." She already knew the identity of the woman gazing at her with a sinister smile. Liushina Bloodwalker. The archenemy of humanity sealed two hundred years ago, the mother of all evil hands, the strongest blood sorceress in history, and the enemy she must defeat in the future. Why was the Thousand Killing Witch here now, killing these demons? Confused by the scene that made no sense, the woman''s eyes zed over. Crackle! Suddenly, a terrifying spark burst out from beside her, "You damned witch!" Rain Dranir''s figure shed like lightning towards Liushina. --- --- The Heavenly Sword House, Ascalon. One of the five pirs supporting the empire and the world''s greatest sword family. True to its name, the main gate of Ascalon was immensely grand and majestic. "His Highness Prince Zion Agnes!" Zion looked at the people of the Ascalon family bowing to him in front of the grand entrance. His visit seemed to have attracted quite a crowd, being an official one. It was also a visit to announce his association with the Ascalon family, so there was no need for Zion to move unofficially. "Greetings, Your Highness Zion. I am Rohanna Ascalon, responsible for guiding you today." A woman with slightly wavy hair and a strong physique stood at the forefront of the crowd, addressing Zion. Her name sounded familiar. This woman ranked within the top thirty of the Ascalon family, known as the world''s best. Step, step, Zion naturally acknowledged Rohanna''s greeting and walked into the gate with his entourage. Then, the interior of the Ascalon family came into view. Though not as grand as the imperial pce, Ascalon''s size was significant, and its buildings gave off a calm aura. "Let''s go straight to where the head of the family is. Lead the way." Zion spoke in a low voice to Rohanna, who was following behind him. "About that..." Rohanna hesitated, her expression troubled, then nced back and forth between Zion''s entourage and her own family members. Then she continued in a voice just loud enough for Zion to hear. "I''m sorry, but it seems difficult to meet immediately. Would you mind taking a tour of the house first? I will guide you." Rohanna said this, ncing at Zion with slightly fearful eyes. She had only seen Prince Zion for the first time today, but she was well aware of his temperament. ''Cold-blooded, and cruel.'' These words best described the changed nature of Prince Zion, unrecognizable from his former self, known as the secluded prince. Moreover, his tremendous martial strength and chilling depth of spirit had led people to recall the golden era of Emperor Urdios. Therefore, Rohanna couldn''t help but worry about Zion''s reaction. Moreover, her family, the Ascalons, had once abandoned Prince Zion. However, "Alright." Contrary to her worries, Zion simply agreed. After all, the person who most wanted to see him was the head of the house. Dying the meeting like this must mean there was a significant reason. ''Given that it can''t be discussed in front of others, it''s probably about the head''s health.'' The condition of the head of the house was a highly kept secret within the Ascalon family. "Th-thank you! Your Highness, let''s start this way." Surprised, Rohanna skillfully began to guide Zion. "Our Ascalon ancestors established this family after vanquishing an evil dragon. Therefore, there is a dragon vein running beneath ournd, and we have facilities rted to it..." Starting with the family''s origins, her exnations flowed smoothly. It seemed well-prepared for today, and Zion listened, finding interesting settings he hadn''t known when reading the chronicles. After a while, "They spar in an unusual way?" Zion spoke upon noticing something ahead. His eyes caught the sight of people sparring in a massive training ground. It would have been amon sight in a martial house, but one particr aspect drew Zion''s attention. They were not using mana at all. Normally, a swordsman of a certain level would naturally move mana without even thinking. However, the people on the training ground were suppressing even that,peting solely with physical strength. "It''s called ''Ki-Mu'' () sparring," Rohanna exined next to him. "It''s a training method to suppress one''s energy to the maximum and heighten physical senses to the extreme." Then, "His Highness Prince Zion Agnes!" A man who appeared to be the senior among those in the training ground spotted Zion and greeted him. The man had short hair and an image that was both simple and passionate. "I am Lucas Ascalon!" It was a name Zion was familiar with. A name mentioned several times in the chronicles. ''A genius among geniuses, who reached the 11th rank in the family''s martial strength hierarchy at just thirty.'' Hence, the strongest military forces of the empire like the Agnes Knights, the Ashen Lion Corps, were eager to scout him, but he had refused them all, iming he wasn''t ready and continued training with his family. But Zion knew. Lucas Ascalon already belonged to a martial group. And it was the very group Zion was nning to take over this time. "I have heard much of Your Highness''s recent exploits. Especially the heroic tale of defeating Lergan Urschler and Icarus with just two men was truly remarkable! And before that, the subjugation of the phantom army..." Lucas continued, his words not mere ttery but genuine admiration. His eyes sparkled as he spoke, proving his sincerity. "You seem to know quite a lot?" Zion asked, looking at him with anguid gaze as Lucas''s words flowed endlessly. "Haha, personally, I''m a big fan of the achievements of Your Highness." Lucas''s eyes shone brightly as he spoke. "So, Your Highness, if it''s not too much of a bother, may I make a request?" He followed with a question. "Go ahead." Despite the abruptness of the request at their first meeting, Zion nodded, having an idea of what it might be. In the chronicles, Lucas Ascalon was described as someone who greatly enjoyedbat. There was only one request he could possibly make of Zion. "I heard Your Highness also wields a sword. In that case... would you honor me with a Ki-Mu sparring match? I would like to learn from you!" A direct and almost rude request. Yet, it was a pure offer, free of any ulterior motives. His eyes held nothing but the desire to see Zion''s swordsmanship. "!" Expectation lit up in the eyes of Rohanna and everyone around, including Lucas. It was a match between the greatest genius of the Ascalon family and a direct descendant of the Agnes lineage, currently making a name for himself. It was impossible not to be excited. ''Of course, it would end there if Prince Zion refused.'' The eyes of the people naturally focused on Zion. Receiving their gazes, Zion, after a moment of silence, "Let''s do it." Answered with a slight smile. They might end up working together in the future. It wouldn''t hurt to see his skills in advance. Chapter 108: Ascalon (3) Chapter 108: Ascalon (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Lady Rohanna, can you predict who will win? Im not sure. Rohanna shook her head in response to the knight''s question, asked softly enough for only her to hear. In her view, Prince Zion and Lucas Ascalon stood at the center of the training ground. Rohanna actually thought Lucas had the upper hand. However, she didn''t voice this out loud. Although there have been rumors spreading throughout the capital about Prince Zions martial prowesstely In reality, not many had seen Prince Zion inbat. Therefore, the people of the family, including her, honestly harbored doubts about him. In contrast, Lucass strength has been proven for a long time. Of course, this proof was internal to their family''s hierarchy and might be unfamiliar to outsiders. But Rohanna, being a member of the family, knew almost everything about Lucass strength. And the Lucas she knew was far more formidable than what was publicly known. A genius among geniuses, to put it mildly. If Prince Zion truly possesses the rumored martial strength and can fully harness it, he might win. The power of the Agnes bloodline reigned supreme over all forces in the world. However, in a sparring match without any use of powers, it was a different story. Physical strength, senses, and the pure swordsmanship derived from them. Considering these, Rohanna anticipated that Lucas might be slightly superior. Probably, others might share her thoughts. Then, Thank you for epting my impudent request, Your Highness Zion. Lucas, looking towards Zion in the center of the training ground, bowed respectfully. However, unlike his demeanor, his eyes already shone with anticipation and eagerness for the duel. Thanks aren''t needed. Shall we start right away? Zion, with anguid gaze at Lucas, let the iron sword he temporarily held drop to the ground as he responded. Understood. Then I shall make the first move Now! Whoosh! As soon as he finished speaking, Lucas, slightly bending his knees, lunged towards Zion at an incredible speed. An unbelievable speed for sheer physical ability, devoid of any mana use. Lucas had intended to give his best from the start against Prince Zion. He felt Prince Zion was sufficiently qualified for that. Swoosh! Immediately after, Lucass sword, having swiftly reached in front of Zion, shed down vertically. A pure downward strike without a hint of technique. At that moment, as Lucass sword neared, Zion, who had been calmly watching with still eyes, finally moved. His figure shifted subtly, an almost imperceptible adjustment, yet it was enough to change the trajectory of the iing attack. Lucas''s de, swift and sharp, cut through the air, missing Zion by mere inches. The precision in Zion''s movement was not just a testament to his physical agility but also his acute awareness of his surroundings and his opponent''s intentions. The crowd, which had been holding its breath in anticipation, now erupted in a mixture of awe and excitement. The duel, which many had thought would be one-sided in favor of Lucas, now seemed far more uncertain. Zion, with an unreadable expression, readied himself for the next move. His stance was rxed yet poised, like a coiled spring waiting to unleash. Lucas, recognizing the challenge before him, grinned slightly. The real match had just begun. The air around the training ground became charged with intensity as the two opponents circled each other, looking for an opening. Each movement was a calcted dance, a test of skill and strategy. The onlookers watched in silence, captivated by the disy of martial prowess. In that moment, it became clear that this was not just a simple duel between two nobles. It was a sh between two extraordinary warriors, each showcasing the culmination of years of training and dedication. The oue of this match would not only determine the victor but also set a new standard in the art of swordy within the empire. Not a full step, but merely half a step. With precise timing and a peculiar angle, that half-step movement caused Lucas''s sword strike to narrowly miss, grazing only a few strands of Zion''s hair. Was that half-step both an evasion and the starting point of an attack? Sshk! The sword Zion had let droop whipped up diagonally, aiming for Lucas''s throat. Lucas, with a glint in his eye, took a step back and tilted his head, narrowly evading Zion''s strike. Spat! Zion''s sword, slightly brushing past Lucas''s nose, continued its trajectory. Lucas, quickly regaining his stance, thrust his sword into the opening created by Zion''s previous swing. His sword, moving faster than it was being swung, headed straight for Zion''s neck. It was toote to pull back and block, but Zion didn''t retreat. Instead, he leaned further in. This brought Zion''s neck and Lucas''s sword even closer at an rmingly fast pace. Just as Lucas''s sword was about to pierce Zion''s neck, Swoosh! Zion''s body, in a disheveled stance, suddenly dipped down. This caused Lucas''s sword to futilely pierce the air, and Zion momentarily vanished from his sight. ! Startled by this unexpected maneuver, Lucas''s eyes widened in surprise, and then Sshk! Remaining in his tilted position, Zion unleashed a burst of silver sword light. Ordinarily, a poorly postured swing wouldck force. However, Zionpensated with the momentum of his body''s rotation and the recoil of his tilt. Huh! Lucas, in a rush, pulled back his sword to defend. ng! Their swords collided, creating a loud noise. Not stopping there, Zion, using the recoil, immediatelyunched a series of rapid strikes. Lucas, reacting with twists of his upper body, also began to unleash formidable sword strikes. Along with this, the swordsmanship began to fully unfold in his hands. Clink-Clink-Clink! A series of friction sparks and the sound of shing steel filled the training ground, as Lucas''s sword, with each swing, split into multiple trajectories aiming for Zion''s important points. Just by watching, Zion was able to discern the path of these trajectories, his sword tip quivering strangely. Crash! This deflected and blocked all of Lucas''s trajectories. Huff! But Lucas wasn''t done yet. Instead of a shout, he inhaled sharply and smoothly swung his sword. His sword, rippling like waves, spread out in all directions. It wasn''t just a strike aiming for superiority but an attack that sought to dominate the entire space. This was a level of swordsmanship so profound that even the observing knights could hardly grasp it, yet Zion''s eyes remained utterly calm. Swoosh- Neither too fast nor too slow. Zion''s sword advanced towards Lucas''s strikes. All movements in the world begin with breath. Hence, if one could disrupt that breath, Kwajijijik! Any movement could be thrown off. !!!!!!! Zions sword, precisely prating the gaps in Lucass breathing, shattered Lucass strikes and the space he dominated, seizing the initiative in an instant. Sugagagak! Zion, with a colder gaze, increased the intensity of his attacks, refusing to relinquish control. . Outside the training ground, Rohanna and the others from the family watched the scene in a daze. Just how? They couldn''t tear their eyes away. Even Rohanna, within the top 30 of her familys hierarchy, could hardly grasp the high level of the sh. Moreover, this was a pure exchange of sword skills, with no power being used. Cling! Cling! ng! Lucas''s swordsmanship strictly followed the orthodox methods. He had explored and maximized the hidden secrets within the familys sword techniques. That alone was astonishing, but what captivated Rohanna was not Lucas, but Prince Zion. How can he do that? There must be a certain form in swordsmanship. After all, the concept of swordsmanship inherently includes form. But no form could be discerned in Prince Zions swordy. Kwagagagak! He simply produced optimal movements for each situation, guided by his senses. To do that, one must have countless battle experiences. How could Prince Zion exhibit movements that seemed feasible only for a veteran of hundreds of battles? That was still eptable, but the problem was that Lucas was gradually being overwhelmed by Zions swordy. Even without mana, its still the essence of Ascalons sword techniques Especially when wielded by Lucas. Yet, he was being pushed back by Prince Zion''s formless swordy, which was iprehensible. Meanwhile, the tide of battle increasingly turned. Finally, ng! With thest sh, Zion''s sword stopped right before Lucas''s neck. . A silence enveloped the training ground, beyond anyone''s expectation. In the silence, everyone looking at Zion had eyes filled with disbelief at the sight before them. He really defeated Lucas Then, I have lost, Your Highness. It seems my sword is stillckingpared to yours. Thank you for the lesson! Breaking the silence, Lucas spoke. Lifting his arms as if epting defeat, his face showed no frustration or emptiness from the loss. Only the lingering thrill from the recent battle and a keen desire to review and learn from the sparring remained. Zion''s reaction to Lucas''s fervor for battle was exactly as described in the chronicles - he was truly passionate aboutbat. Smiling faintly at this, Zion addressed Lucas. Lets spar like this more often in the future. Pardon? Lucass eyes reflected his confusion at these words. Being usually confined within his family''s domain, he seldom had the chance to meet Prince Zion. Yet, Zion was speaking as if they would meet frequently in the future. What do you mean by that? Lucas quickly asked, his voice filled with curiosity, but by the time he looked for an answer, Zion was already leaving the training ground. This is quite good. Walking along the path leading from the training ground, Zion clenched and unclenched his fist, reflecting on the recent duel. The spar was not only to gauge the skills of Lucas, who would be his subordinate, but also to test his own body. He thought a duel purely based on physical strength would give him a more urate assessment. And he was very satisfied with the oue. There was no hindrance during the duel. The performance of his body, previously tired by even slight movements, was now vastly different. It had be more flexible and resilient. I thought having a normal human body would be more than enough. With this level of ability, he felt almost as if he had undergone aplete transformation, just like the mythical stories. After a bit of walking we arrived at the building. No one knows what lies inside, nor the reason why it''s forbidden to enter. A forbidden area The forbidden area of the family. There was a mention of it in the chronicles. A group of heroes had once entered it for some reason during their visit to the family. Therefore, Zion knew what was inside. Inside there is certainly Then, -Atst, you have arrived, hero. A voice echoed in Zions mind. Chapter 109: Ascalon (4) Chapter 109: Ascalon (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "What is the matter, Your Highness?" Groud Ozlima, looking at the First Prince furrowing his brows in contemtion, asked. Ever since the Ozlima family had sided with Rubrious, Groud often spent time like this with the First Prince. Rubrious, of course, was more than weing, having one of the Five Great Families under hismand. "There''s something that''s been bothering metely," the First Prince said, then fell silent again. Groud knew what this silence meant. Rubrious and the Ozlima family were not fully trusted yet, and the First Prince was pondering whether it was safe to discuss his concerns. After some time had passed, Rubrious spoke. "Do you think someone who cannot feel the touch of a god can serve a god?" "The touch of a god, do you mean divine power?" "No, it''s different. I''m talking about the literal touch of a god." "I... I don''t understand what you mean," Groud replied, shaking his head. Every so often, the First Prince spoke in ways that were beyond Groud''s understanding. This was why he was known as the ''Zealous Prince''. "I saw such a person in the Imperial City recently," Rubrious continued, ignoring Groud''sment. "It was a priest from the Order of Light''s branch within the city. I first saw them heading towards Chimseong Pce. On the night that incident happened." "That incident... do you mean the night when a light rose above Chimseong Pce, illuminating the sky over the Imperial City?" "Yes." Interest flickered in Groud''s eyes for the first time. He thought the priest mentioned by the First Prince might be connected to what happened at Chimseong Pce. The light from Chimseong Pce that night was a mystery to him, and he was very curious to find out more. "I spoke to him that night in the garden. He was alone and seemed quite startled." "Do you believe that this priest is connected to the incident at Chimseong Pce?" "I pretended to head towards Chimseong Pce but secretly followed the priest. And then, I saw something unexpected." "Something unexpected?" "The priest entered Jaseong Pce." Groud''s face hardened at Rubrious''s words. Utekan does not believe in the god of light. In fact, he doesn''t worship any god. A priest of light entering Jaseong Pce, where Utekan resides? Yes, it was possible that Utekan, the Fourth Prince, suddenly decided to believe in the god of light. ''But why would a priest, who was heading to Chimseong Pce alone on the night of the light, suddenly change direction after meeting the First Prince and go to another royal pce?'' Especially to Jaseong Pce, the residence of the Fourth Prince Utekan, who was recently in opposition to Prince Zion? It might have been a coincidence, but so many coincidences happening at once was extremely rare. "I''ll look into this matter regarding the priest and the Fourth Prince." "Thank you," the First Prince replied, nodding with a cold gaze. --- --- Zion stopped in his tracks as a voice suddenly echoed in his head. "Prince Zion...?" Rohanna and others stopped too, looking at Zion with questioning eyes. Without answering their questions, Zion, after pondering for a moment, started walking towards the forbidden area. "Your Highness, you shouldn''t go there!" Rohanna eximed urgently. "The forbidden area is only essible to the head of the Ascalon family!" It wasn''t just that others were prevented from entering by the family; it was truly inessible to anyone but the ''head of the family''. Those who were not the head of the Ascalon family, if they even approached the forbidden area, would be blocked by an unknown force or sometimes even cursed. People spected that it was due to some ''entity'' inside, but only the heads of the family knew the truth about it. "I know." Yet, Zion continued towards the ck tower, ignoring her outcry. Soon, as he reached the edge of the forbidden area, "Your Highness, it''s dangerous...!" Rohanna, hurriedly following, reached out to stop him, but at that moment, Boom! A bright light burst forth from the ground where Zion stood. The light spread rapidly in all directions, enveloping Zion''s entire body. "What, what is this!" Rohanna stopped in her tracks, her voice a mix of confusion and astonishment, as she witnessed this scene for the first time. As the light grew brighter, people from nearby buildings starteding out to see what was happening. Then, suddenly, whoosh! The light engulfing their view disappeared in an instant. "Prince Zion!" Rohanna shouted, looking at the spot where Zion had been. But by then, there was no one there. --- --- ''Is this inside the tower?'' Zion, surrounded by nothing but pitch-ck darkness, thought to himself. From the moment the voice first echoed in his head, he had sensed that the owner of the voice was the entity within the forbidden area. That''s why he had headed straight for it, and as if waiting, the owner of the forbidden area had drawn Zion inside. Then, -...What? You are not a warrior. The same voice echoed once more in Zion''s head. Along with it came a piercing gaze from one side. Turning towards the gaze, Zion saw a pair of eyes burning red in the darkness. The pupils, asrge as those of an adult man, were slit vertically like those of a reptile. And beneath it, a long neck and a massive body filling the entire tower. To someone seeing it for the first time, it would have been an overwhelmingly intimidating sight, but Zion, who already knew its identity, showed no change in expression. The ck Dragon, Kalonix. This ck dragon was the evil dragon mentioned in the Ascalon family''s legends. Contrary to the legend where it was said to be dead, it actually made a certain pact with the first head of Ascalon and resided within the forbidden area. -I thought you were the warrior of this generation because you smelled simr to thest one I saw but it seems I was mistaken. A warriors scent? What is that? Zion immediately asked upon hearing Kalonix''s muttering. After all, he had entered this ce to find out why he was being called a warrior. -Hmm... The ck dragon''s eyes shone curiously. Despite seeing it for the first time, Zion neither panicked nor even asked about its identity. He simply looked into its eyes with an utterly rxed gaze. Intrigued by this demeanor, Kalonix readily answered Zion''s question. -Every being carries their own destiny, and these destinies have unique scents. I can smell such scents. So, youre saying my destiny is simr to that of the previous warrior? -That''s what I thought when I first sensed it. But now that I see you up close, it''s not the case. Even for me, this is a first, and admittedly, a bit perplexing. Kalonix had never mistaken the scent of destiny in its countless years of existence. Was there something wrong with its senses? Simr destinies... Though Kalonix called it a mistake, Zion thought there might be truth in those words. After all, hadnt the god of light also given his oracle alongside the warrior? Although it was only in name. Perhaps this too was a clue to why he existed in this world. Slowly, a clear picture was starting to emerge. Then, what was the reason for calling the warrior? Zion asked, turning his thoughts back to the ck dragon. -The reason I called the warrior... No. Kalonix, about to answer, stopped and looked at Zion with a peculiar gaze. It had not nned to answer the second question, yet found itself almost naturally responding to this humans words. This too was an experience it had never had before. -Before that, how about revealing your identity first? It seems you know mine, but it would be unfair if I didnt know yours. You probably already have a guess. Zion replied with a slight smile, pointing to his hair. A deep gray color. There was only one family in the world with such colored hair. -...A bloodline of Agnes, I see. Thats why your questions seemed so natural. Well, if this too is another destiny, then let it be so. Was the ck dragon satisfied with that? It murmured without asking Zion any further questions. "Tell me now." -The fate of this world is already predetermined, and everything flows ording to it. You know this, right? Zion nodded to this unexpected statement. He had already heard something simr from the Guardian who protected ''Chronoss Five Questions.'' It was probably about the main story of the Chronicles of Frosimar. -Dragons like me can glimpse parts of that destiny. That''s how I knew a warrior woulde here soon. I intended to call upon such a warrior to ask for a favor. That was the destiny I foresaw. But... Kalonix''s zing red eyes looked at Zion. -That destiny has already been twisted. By calling you instead of the warrior. If the warrior''s party visited the Ascalon family again, Kalonix thought to call upon them, but it was uncertain how this slightly altered destiny would now unfold. So, you wanted to ask the warrior for a favor? -Yes. But you need not worry about it. It was my mistake to call you mistakenly. If you wish, I can send you back immediately... But what if, Zion interrupted Kalonix in a soft voice. I were to fulfill that favor? Zion said, looking calmly at the ck dragon. -...? Kalonix looked at Zion, a flicker of surprise in its eyes. Had it heard wrong? Soon, the dragon''s eyes curved as if it was smiling. -Ha! The favor I intended to ask the warrior. Do you not understand its significance? This implied that only someone of the warriors caliber, the savior of humanity, could fulfill such a favor. Of course, it wasn''t that extreme, but the favor was indeed very difficult. Even for the royalty of the empire, Kalonix thought, it would be a challenge. I know. And I also know what that favor is. -...What? To dispel the darkness that shrouds the entire Ascalon family? -!!!!!! Kalonix''s eyes shook greatly at this. It was the correct answer. -How could you possibly know... The darkness that secretly enveloped the Ascalon family. Only Kalonix itself and the current head of the family, now bedridden, knew of its existence. Yet, how could an outsider, not of the family, know this? That darkness. I will erase it all. Zion said with a smirk, addressing the astonished ck dragon. After all, this was one of the things he had intended to do in the Ascalon family. Zion could not tolerate other influences touching the Ascalon family, which would soon be his. ''Might as well take the reward this creature offers while I''m at it.'' In the chronicles, the warrior fulfills Kalonix''s request and receives a reward. And Zion remembered that the reward was quite good. ''After all, a reward from a dragon can''t be anything but.'' Then, -Is what you said true? A doubtful voice emerged from Kalonix. Normally, it would have scoffed and sent Zion away immediately upon hearing such a im. But knowing already about the favor, being of Agnes royalty, and those eyes filled withnguid confidence yet certain conviction shook its resolve. Somehow, looking into those eyes made it feel like his words would indeede true. Additionally, Kalonix was in a pressing situation. ''400 years.'' It was the duration of the contract between Kalonix and the first head of the Ascalon family. If the Ascalon family were to disappear before the contract ended, Kalonix''s existence would also vanish. That was the nature of the pact they had made. But now, in Kalonixs view, the Ascalon family seemed on the brink of copse at any moment. -Can you really fulfill it? I already answered that. With those words, Zion extended a hand towards the ck dragon. -...? Kalonix looked at Zion''s hand, as if wondering what he was doing. Zion then spoke with a slight smile. Before we start, I''d like to receive one of the rewards first. Perhaps this meeting might make his tasks concerning the Ascalon family much easier. Chapter 110: Ascalon (5) Chapter 110: Ascalon (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The light that filled the surroundings began to fade away. With it, Zion''s vision slowly returned. "Prince Zion!!!" Rohanna''s almost tearful face came into view. Had she been suffering greatly in her heart? In the brief moment since he met the ck Dragon Kalonix in the forbidden area, the area under Rohanna''s eyes had turned much darker. "Are you unharmed, Prince Zion?" She practically ran to him, scrutinizing his whole body. Only after a thorough check did Rohanna let out a sigh of relief. It would have been a grave matter if any royal was harmed within the Ascalon family''s domain. Had anything happened to Zion, she, who was in charge of guiding him, couldn''t have escaped severe punishment. "Could it be... did you enter the forbidden area ande back?" "Yes." Zion nodded in response to Rohanna''s question. "I see. Understood." Rohanna''s eyes filled with surprise at his answer, but she didn''t ask anything more. Perhaps she decided not to concern herself with information beyond her current status. Amendable mindset for a subordinate. "Also, Prince Zion." With those words, Rohanna, now closely beside him, opened her mouth just loud enough for Zion to hear. "The head of the Ascalon family has regained consciousness. Let''s go right away." The Cheongeomdang (Heavenly Sword Hall) of the Ascalon family was where the head of the family resided. Its size was enormous, rivaling even the pces within the Imperial City. Although not asrge as the Baeksung Pce, it seemedparable to the size of the five castles surrounding it. When Zion entered the head''s bedroom in Cheongeomdang, he smelled a familiar scent. The scent of death. It was the same scent he had encountered in the bedroom of thete Emperor Urdios. "Greetings to His Highness, Prince Zion Agnes." Inside the bedroom, there were already guests. Three middle-aged men, greeting Zion. They were the current head''s sons. Each held the first, second, and third ces in the session order. "I apologize for not being able to bring you here sooner, Your Highness." Raily Ascalon, second in the line of session, bowed deeply and spoke to Zion. Unlike his other two brothers, who looked like typical warriors, Raily had a gentle demeanor, almost schrly. And just like his appearance, Raily was known to be the head of the Ascalon family. "My father''s condition suddenly worsened, and we had to take urgent measures, which caused the dy." Raily''s exceedingly courteous demeanor reassured Zion once again that the Ascalon family had decided to follow him. "Pleasee this way, Prince Zion. My father has been longing to see you." ''Everyone must be thinking that the head of the family is close to death, and it makes sense.'' With that thought, Zion nced at the three brothers and approached the bed where the head of the familyy. Gradually, the figure of an old man came into Zion''s view. Ludwig Ascalon. The head of the Ascalon family, the empire''s greatest Sword n, and the Heavenly Sword n. He was a unique entity who had achieved an unparalleled realm in the field of swordsmanship, earning the title of Sword King. And as the fourth of the ''Seven Heavens'', he was a monster who far surpassed the limits of the human species. But, ''As expected...'' The Ludwig that Zion saw was in such a pitiful state that it was hard to believe he was the same person. His body was gaunt, and his face was covered in ck spots. Sssk, sssk. The sound of his death-filled breathing escaped his lips. His appearance was all too simr to thete Emperor Urdios that Zion had once seen. ''It couldn''t be helped.'' After all, the cause of Ludwig''s condition was the same as what had killed Urdios. ''Heaven''s Poison.'' A poison effective only on those transcendent beings who had reached the ''Heaven''. The period until full intoxication was decades long, and the conditions for poisoning were exceedingly stringent, but once afflicted, it was absolutely incurable. And, naturally, there was only one ce that used such a poison. Demon Territory. ''It''s obvious that those who even swallowed the Imperial City would extend their hands to the Five Great Families.'' They must be deeply rooted, even more so than the Imperial City itself. The ck Dragon Kalonix, whom Zion had just met, was also referring to the beings of Demon Territory when he spoke of darkness. "It''s been a while, Your Highness. Please understand that I cannot greet you properly due to my condition." Ludwig, who had been staring at Zion, slowly opened his mouth. His voice was hoarse. Even in his voice, the aura of death lingered. "You have changed so much since Ist saw you." Perhaps because he had heard it so many times before, Zion''s eyes showed no particr emotion. "What did you want to see me for?" Not intending to exchange pleasantries, Zion went straight to the point. After a brief silence, the Sword King spoke again. "I wanted to apologize before I die." His voice was heavy with deep regret. "For letting go of your hand in the past. I heard it from Alstein. How difficult it has been for you since then." Twenty-four times. The number of times Prince Zion''s life was in grave danger. Including assassination attempts, the number was much higher. It was something Zion hadn''t known. No, he hadn''t even tried to know. He never dreamed that a fallen prince would face such opposition. "I am truly sorry, Your Highness. I have nothing else to say. But I neither seek forgiveness nor make excuses. Even if I could go back, I would make the same choice." There was no choice more foolish and dangerous than backing a powerless royal. If Prince Zion had been supported during that time, it might have even threatened the survival of the family. Ludwig was the head of the Ascalon family before he was Zion''s maternal grandfather, and thus, he had no choice but to make that decision. "Is that all?" Zion asked, with a slight smile as if seeing through Ludwig''s heart. Such an apology was neither here nor there for him. After all, it was something that happened before he entered this body, and he would have done the same if he were Ludwig. "And, though it may be shameless of me, I have a favor to ask." After a moment of silence, the Sword King spoke of what really mattered. "Would you ept our Ascalon family?" In Ludwig''s eyes, a firm resolution was evident as he spoke. "I know you still view our family unfavorably. After all, we once let go of your hand. That''s why I''m asking you with my head bowed. Even if it means offering my own head as a condition, I am willing to do so." Such a submissive stance was unexpected from the head of the Heavenly Sword n. In fact, Ludwig had already decided to serve Prince Zion after thorough investigation and testing. But he couldn''t shake off hisst doubts. That''s why he nned today''s meeting, and upon seeing Zion, his doubts turned into conviction. ''Those eyes.'' Eyes that looked down upon everything with overwhelming weariness. Who else but someone with such eyes would be fit to rule the world? Eyes that the old Prince Zion never had. ''And one more thing'' During his investigation of Prince Zion, Ludwig had identallye across a piece of information. Its veracity was uncertain, but ording to it, Prince Zion might be the very person the Ascalon family needed most right now. So, this request was also Ludwig''sst struggle for his family. ''This isn''t too bad.'' Seeing the head''s demeanor, Zion smiled inwardly. If there was still an arrogant attitude, he would have shaken the board again to take control, but it seemed unnecessary now. "I don''t need your head." Despite the inward smile, Zion''s voice was devoid of any emotion. "I want your family to pay a different price." "What would that be?" Ludwig''s eyes, filled with curiosity, turned to questions. Looking straight into the eyes of the Sword King, Zion slowly opened his mouth. "The hidden swords of your family." "!" "Hand them over to me." The question in the head''s eyes turned to astonishment at these words. Like the eternal shadows in the royal family, the Ascalon family also had hidden swords. A force that never revealed itself, only moving under the head''smand or when the family''s existence was in danger. How could Prince Zion possibly know about their existence? "What do you mean by that" "There''s no use pretending. I''m talking about the group that Lucas Ascalon is a part of." "." Ludwig fell silent at Zion''s mention of the group''s leader. Supporting Prince Zion was one thing, but handing over the hidden power of the family was an entirely different matter. ''As expected, he won''t ept it right away.'' Zion smiled slightly, observing the hesitant Sword King. He had anticipated this reaction. Therefore, Zion put forth another card he had prepared. "If you hand them over, I''ll also cure your illness." "!!!!!" At Zion''s words, Ludwig''s eyes widened to an extent that was iparable to before. The same was true for the three heirs who had quietly approached. "What do you mean, Prince Zion!" "You can cure my father''s illness?" The Sword King''s condition had never improved, despite everything they tried. That''s why, evening from Zion, they found it hard to believe. Theplex emotions in their eyes and the agitated atmosphere in the room. Zion subtly observed the reaction of one of the heirs. Then, "Is that true?" Ludwig, with trembling eyes, asked in disbelief. He knew the exact state of his body. A condition that could not be cured unless a god performed a miracle. That''s why he had already given up on treatment. "I do not say I can do things that I cannot." Zion repliedzily to the Sword King. It was the same ''Heaven''s Poison'' as Urdios had, but several things had changed since then, making this statement possible. Firstly, the level of his ''ck Star Technique'' had significantly improved, and Ludwig''s condition was much better than thete Emperor''s. It seemed that he hadn''t been fully poisoned for very long. ''With this level, the ck Star Technique can negate the poison inside.'' Of course, it would have to be done several times due to his weakened body. "Really." As certainty filled Zion''s words, Ludwig''s eyes began to fill with hope. If he could really be cured, handing over the hidden swords to Prince Zion would be an easy decision. His life was worth that much, if not more. "Then consider it epted." Seeing Ludwig, Zion slightly lifted the corner of his mouth andzily extended his hand. He could start the treatment right away, but there was something he needed to do first. "And there''s something I want to ask." "Please, go ahead." The Sword King looked at Zion, as if asking what it was. "What are you nning to do first, once you''re healed?" "What? What do you mean" Ludwig''s eyes filled with confusion at the question, but Zion continued. "Beforeing here, I met the ck Dragon." "!" "He said something. That what he wants now and what you, as the head of the family, want are the same." At those words, Ludwig''s eyes, which had momentarily held a dazed expression, slowly began to darken. Soon, a cold voice flowed from his lips. "First, I would need to deal with the vermin that are eating away at the entire family." "And what if one of those vermin is right here, right now?" Zion, looking at the Sword King withzy eyes, asked again. Swoosh- Simultaneously, Exia slipped into the hand that Zion hadzily extended. "Of course, I would need to cut off their breath immediately, wouldn''t I?" Ludwig replied, his eyes coldly gleaming. "Your Highness, why suddenly the sword?" The heirs, who were watching from the side, voiced their confusion at that moment. "I think so too." Smirking at Ludwig''s words, Zion, swish! With Exia, he cut the throat of Ludwig''s second son, Raily Ascalon. Chapter 111: Ascalon (6) Chapter 111: Ascalon (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here It was a simple story. The Sky Poison had reached the heavens, capable of killing even those transcendent beings, but the duration of its effect spanned several decades. Moreover, the method was soplex that one couldn''t even attempt it without being in close proximity to the target. Therefore, it was almost expected that one of the Sword King''s sons would be a demon. Even if that weren''t the case, Zion, having read the chronicles, was already aware of this being. Thud, rolling across the floor It happened all too suddenly. In a situation where everyone was too stunned to move, only able to widen their eyes in shock, the head of Raily Ascalon rolled across the ground. ''I never thought he would reveal his identity so tantly.'' Zion chuckled lightly as he approached Raily''s body, maintaining the de of his Annihtion Sword. Step, step. Geluto. He was a high-ranking demon who had killed Raily Ascalon decades ago and taken his ce, serving directly under the demon king, Oma. In the chronicles, the Sword King dies, and not long after, the demon meets his end at the hands of a hero. However, Zion had no intention of waiting until then or leaving Ludwig to die. Each of these changes would umte, potentially altering the main storyline. "Ra-Raily! Prince Zion, what is this...!" Felix Ascalon, the third son, finally snapped back to reality, expressing his confusion as he tried to approach Zion, but "Stay where you are." The cold voice of the Sword King stopped him. It seemed Ludwig had already known the true identity of his second son for some time. He just couldn''t eliminate him and had left him be. Scribble, scribble! Reaching right in front of Geluto disguised as Raily, Zion began inscribing a magic circle on his body. ''It''s better to reveal his identity to make these foolish sons of the Sword King understand.'' This scene was simr to when he faced the high-ranking demon Hiduk at the university''s magic tower, but there was one difference. The effect of the magic circle was iparably more potent than before. As evidence, before he could evenplete the magic circle, Geluto let out a piercing scream, reverting to his original form. ''It''s definitely improved.'' As Zion watched, stepping back and smiling slightly "You despicable Agnes bloodline!!!!" Geluto, now reverted to his crocodile-like original form, began charging at Zion like a madman. His demonic energy appeared far stronger than other high-ranking demons Zion had faced, though not quite at the level of Kezarus. Yet, even as the demon rushed towards him, Zion''s face remained utterly calm. After all, he had no intention of facing Geluto directly. "What are you doing? Why aren''t you killing him?" Zion spoke to Kalid and Felix, the first and third sons, who stood dazed, watching the scene. "Ah, understood!" Finally snapping out of their daze, the two rushed past Zion towards Geluto. Unable to grasp the turn of events, the Ascalon brothers could not deny the demonic energy emanating from the being they once called a brother. The ensuing sh caused such an explosive aftermath that the entire Cheongeomdang began to shake. ''This will be over soon,'' Zion thought, observing the confrontation. Geluto, a high-ranking demon of sufficient renown to be mentioned in the chronicles, was strong, but he had picked the wrong opponents. "You! What have you done to Raily?" Kalid Ascalon, the first son of the Sword King and the top sessor. "And how dare a mere lowly demon like you!" Felix Ascalon, the third son and the third in line for session. Though a bitcking in intelligence, both were monsters ranked within the top ten in terms ofbat strength within the family. Being two of the most formidable swordsmen in the entire empire, the oue was obvious. After all, Geluto had chosen the position of a strategist because he couldn''t match the physical prowess of his two brothers. Then, "What will you do now, Your Highness?" Ludwig''s voice reached Zion''s ears. Of course, he was asking about Zion''s next move after dealing with the demon. "The answer has already been given by you." The purge of the vermin corroding the family. Zion had no intention of ending it here. If that were the case, he wouldn''t have started in the first ce. Zion intended to use this opportunity to remove every demonic influence shrouding the Ascalon family. "Is there a way?" Ludwig asked, his eyes filling with doubt and surprise once more. The darkness that had seeped into the entire family was something he had long been aware of. But,cking a way to discern it, even Ludwig had been helpless to do anything until now. Zion, responding not with words but with a slight smile, conveyed enough. "Ah, finally" The Sword King''s eyes and voice began to tremble. He couldn''t help but believe. After all, Prince Zion had just wlessly identified a demon right before his eyes. "Let''s start with the first treatment." Zion approached Ludwig, drawing the ck Star Sword in his hand. He needed to get the Sword King mobile at the very least. -Aaaargh! Zion Agnes! Behind Zion, Geluto''s screams of demise echoed, brought about by the Sword King''s two sons. --- --- In the Ascalon family, thergest building was undeniably the Daegomdang. A ce with an indoor training hall spacious enough to amodate everyone in the family, even if all were to train simultaneously. Inside this Daegomdang, numerous people had gathered. From high-ranking members of the family to mere employees doing menial tasks. ''It seems like everyone in the family has been summoned.'' Among those gathered in the Daegomdang, Rohanna Ascalon looked around and clicked her tongue. The reason everyone had been called here was one and the same: the Family Head''s summoning order. This was a instruction that only the Family Head of the Ascalon could issue, and naturally, no one could refuse it. ''What''s happening all of a sudden?'' Questions filled Rohanna''s eyes. This was the first time such a summoning had urred since she was born. Moreover, knowing the current condition of the Family Head, her doubts only deepened. "What is this about?" "Indeed. Do you know why the summoning order was issued?" "Not at all. The Family Head said nothing before this." "Huh, this is really..." She overheard the conversations of the elders, who held almost the highest positions in the family. It seemed that even they were unaware of the reason behind the summoning. ''Surely, the summoning order came after Prince Zion went to the Cheongeomdang.'' That meant the current situation was likely rted to Prince Zion. ''Just who is that man...'' She had heard numerous stories about him, but the real Prince Zion she saw surpassed all expectations. From defeating Lucas in swordsmanship to nonchntly entering the forbidden area only essible to the Family Head. The impression he left, despite their brief encounter, was indelibly strong. As Rohanna was recalling Prince Zion''s face, "Has everyone gathered?" A low but powerful voice reached the ears of everyone in the Daegomdang, including Rohanna. "!" Eyes widened in recognition of the voice''s owner. Heads naturally turned towards the source of the voice. And there, "Family Head!" They saw Ludwig Ascalon approaching. One step, two steps. Though the Sword King''s steps were slow and awkward, as if he had been bedridden for a long time, the dignity emanating from him was no less than before. Surprise filled the eyes of those watching him. It was inevitable, considering the Family Head, who had not shown himself for a whole year and stayed only in the Cheongeomdang, was now appearing before them. Moreover, the few who knew the truth were shifting from surprise to outright shock. ''The Family Head''s condition was such that he couldn''t even lift a finger on his own...!'' Following behind the approaching Ludwig were the Cheonsanggeomdan Durandal, the direct military force under the Family Head, and two heirs, quickly catching up to him. Their faces were colder than ever. ''Why isn''t Raily showing up?'' As people''s faces clouded with confusion over the strange atmosphere and the absence of the Sword King''s second son, "It''s been a long time since I''ve seen you all." Ludwig, who had naturally taken the seat of honor, looked down at the people of the family and began to speak. Could he really be one of the ''Seven Heavens''? Despite being only just able to move, the Sword King''s aura was enough to overwhelm everyone present in the Daegomdang. "Family Head, may I ask why you have issued the summoning order?" An elder managed to muster the courage to ask Ludwig. To this, the Sword King, after a brief nce at the elder, began, "Long ago, darkness began to seep into our Ascalon." His voice was low but clear. "This process was so quiet and secretive that no one noticed, and now, the Ascalon has beenpletely overrun by this darkness." The meaning of his words was unclear, deepening the confusion on the faces of those present. But undeterred, the head of the Ascalon family continued. "But today," His eyes shone with a cold light. "All that darkness engulfing the Ascalon will be purged." "What do you mean by..." Then, step by step. A single set of footsteps echoed in everyone''s ears, distinct despite their softness. Drawn by the peculiarity of these steps, people''s gazes were irresistibly pulled towards the source. Step - Again, the sound of footsteps, as one man emerged. It was Zion. "Pr-Prince Zion!" His unexpected appearance caused a stir among the crowd. Step by step. Zion, feeling the agitation of the people, slowly walked towards the center of the Daegomdang. Everyone''s eyes were fixed on him, unable to look away. As Zion walked, the crowd slowly parted for him. "Your Highness, I entrust this to you," Ludwig whispered, looking at Zion who had swiftly taken control of the Daegomdang and was approaching the center, his eyes filled with longing. Now, it was Zion''s domain, not his. "So many have gathered." At the center of the Daegomdang, Zion scanned the faces of the Ascalon family members. Doubt, confusion, anxiety. Eyes filled with various emotions. Zion looked back at them and smiled slightly. Soon, these emotions would turn into anger and fear, dividing them. Was Zion''s smile a signal? Whoosh! A huge magic circle, centered around Zion''s feet, began to emit a bright red light. It was the improved anti-demon circle he had engraved in the center of the Daegomdang before people gathered. "This, this is...!" The chilling light prompted people around to start voicing their panic. But Zion, undisturbed, dropped a single drop of demonic blood, previously obtained from Prisci, into the magic circle. Whooosh! The red light intensified and brightened. Amidst the growing agitation of the people, Zion extended one hand to the side and grasped at the air. Shrrrrrr! What Zion''s hand sped was not the Annihtion Sword Exia. A peculiar spear, two meters in length, intricately engraved with strange characters. The Dragon Explosion Spear, Agdvar. A legendary weapon forged from the fang of the ck Dragon Kalonix, it was the final key to execute Zion''s altered n. Creak! Immense magical power converged at the tip of the spear. "Prince Zion, what exactly are you doing!" Originally, Zion had no intention of activating the circle in this manner. To activate the circle, a skilled magician was needed, and multiple activations were required to cover the entire area. But now, it was possible. The effect of Agdvar was to amplify and expand mana. "Lock the doors." With Zion''s voice, as cold as ice, nk! All the doors of the Daegomdang werepletely shut and locked, sealing off the inside from the outside. In the center of the isted Daegomdang, Zion finally thrust Agdvar into the heart of the circle. Whoosh! A wave emanated from the spear, spreading throughout the entire Daegomdang. A moment of silence followed. Then, the next instant, screeches! Countless cries of demonic beasts began to fill the Daegomdang. Chapter 112: Ascalon (7) Chapter 112: Ascalon (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Bang! Bang! Bang! Kwaang! In the private outdoor training ground in front of Jaseong Pce, relentless thunderous noises echoed continuously. These sounds were none other than the Fourth Prince Utekan, furiously pounding a giant rock nearby with his fists. "Huff! Huff!" He was exerting himself solely with physical strength, his breath growing heavy, yet Utekan did not stop his movements. In fact, he pounded even harder. Kwaang! Kwaang! He had no other way to vent the boiling rage inside him. "Uaaaaaah!" It seemed insufficient for Utekan as he let out a roar from his mouth. There was one reason, or more precisely, one person, for his fury. "Zion Agnes!!" The person who recently upied most of Utekan''s thoughts and the only one to have ever bested him. "This damned guy...!" Although Utekan wasn''t prone to such extreme disys of anger, the recent turn of events had left him with no other choice. The news about Hanosral and his direct troops, who had been out of contact since their attack on Chimseong Pce nearly a week ago, clearly meant their demise. Though his mind was numbed with shock, he could still suppress his anger to some extent. But then, "How dare he take what''s mine!" Came the counterattack. Following the raid on Chimseong Pce, Zion''s forces had started to attack Utekans secretworks within the capital. Humans, demons, military factions, businesses indiscriminate attacks on all fronts. Consequently, Utekan''s underground influence was rapidly diminishing. Though he btedly severed the connections between his forces, Zion Agnes was tenaciously infiltrating and re-establishing those severed links. What infuriated Utekan even more was that these attacks on his forces were being carried out by just one person. ''The red-eyed woman who was with Zion Agnes.'' This one woman was single-handedly annihting secret bases, each housing dozens of demons, without facing any significant resistance. An unforeseen variable. Even the superior demons sent for reinforcement couldn''t withstand her and were mercilessly massacred, as he had heard. "Hoo..." Where should he even begin to resolve this situation? It was utterly beyond his grasp. Of course, eliminating Zion Agnes would resolve everything, but that was not an option. No viable solution came to mind. "What is Zion Agnes doing now?" Suppressing his frustration, Utekan asked a nearby subordinate demon. "Zion Agnes is currently visiting the Ascalon family." "I know that. What is he doing there?" "We haven''t been able to ascertain his exact activities." Before Utekan could erupt in anger again, the subordinate demon quickly continued. But theres one peculiar piece of news that came in. ...Go on. Just recently, a summons order has been issued within the Ascalon family. What? Utekan''s eyes were filled with doubt. This was indeed strange. Utekan was aware of the current state of Ludwig, the head of the Ascalon family. A Sword King, who can barely maintain consciousness, has issued a summons for the entire family? Something felt terribly off. Yes, it was possible, but the fact that this summons came while Zion Agnes was visiting Ascalon made Utekan uneasy. And with it, a sense of impending doom. From his experience, such forebodings always led to something happening, and it was never good. Find out more. Why was the summons issued, and where are they gathering? Understood! The demon vanished immediately after responding, seemingly conveying Utekan''s urgency. What are you up to this time, Zion? Utekan, staring at the spot where the demon had disappeared, uttered in a voice tinged with anger and suspicion. --- --- Hell. Have you ever wondered what the hell for the sinners looks like? Rohanna had never pondered it, but the scene she was witnessing now, she thought, must resemble hell. Kiaaaaaaak! For years, even decades, people she had lived with, who were like family, were transforming into hideous monsters before her eyes. Billyhich, the swordmaster of Mangeomdang, who had always been close to her. Her cousin, Triane, who always trusted and relied on her. And many others she considered family. The sight of these people emitting demonic energy and transforming all at once was nothing short of hellish. Ah, ah Her mind went nk for a moment, and a dazed voice escaped her lips. She wasn''t the only one; most of the people who hadn''t turned into monsters showed simr reactions. The shock was indescribable when one-fifth of the people gathered in Daegemdang turned into monsters in an instant. Then, Kiaaaaaak! One of the nearby monsters lunged at Rohanna. Its eyes, bloodshot and seemingly devoid of reason. Just as the monster reached her, about to swing its paw, still unable to regain her senses, Grrrgrit! Without warning, a line was drawn from the monster''s head down to its groin. Then, Jeeerk! Following the line, the monster''s body split and fell to either side. Behind it, a figure appeared. Si, Sir Zion...... Zion, who had reced the Agdbar he had thrust into the ground with the Exia, spoke without any emotion in his eyes, If you just stand there, youll die. What, what is this... As Rohanna looked at Zion with trembling eyes, about to respond, The monsters you see are the very darkness that has infested the Ascalon family! Ludwig''s resounding promation reached her ears. These creatures have long reced our family, friends, lovers, and have been consuming our family from within. The Sword King continued, his voice cold and piercing as he sat at the high seat, surveying the chaos. Therefore, I, Ludwig Ascalon, head of the Ascalon family and one of the Seven Heavens, hereby dere from this ce. Finally, his oath-like final words flowed. Today, Ascalon willpletely rid itself of this consuming darkness. With that, Wipe them all out! Ludwig''s two sons, nking him, and the direct sword unit Durandal, behind him, began to spring into action towards the monsters at an incredible speed. Kwaagwagwagwang! A ferocious sh ensued. That damned monster killed Alesha! I''ll kill it! Prompted by Ludwigs shout, one by one, the members of the Ascalon family began to join the fray. Though the situation was not yet fully grasped, the revolting demonic energy emanating from the monsters and Ludwig''s cry made it clear who their enemy was. Moreover, the rage of those who had lost their families and close ones in an instant was immense. Looks like this side will be fine now. Kwaddeudeuk! In the midst of the battlefield, Zion, who had just sliced two charging monsters at once, shifted his gaze to one side. The ones revealed were all mid-level or lower. It seemed that the effect of the Saecheokjin hadnt reached the higher-level ones yet. Well, it doesnt matter. In the original story, all the high-level demons in the Ascalon family were to meet their demise at the hands of the heroes. Therefore, their identities were all recorded in the chronicles. Naturally, having read the chronicles, Zion was aware of who they were. It seems they havent decided what to do yet. Looking at those still in human form, nervously shifting their eyes, Zion smiled slyly. It was time to help them make their choice. In an instant, Zions form, shrouded in darkness, vanished from the spot and then, swiftly, He appeared in front of one of them. A demon, disguised as one of the Ascalon family elders, looked at Zion who had suddenly appeared, shocked. Si, Sir Zion! Before he could finish his sentence, Whos your lord? Zions Exia, already raised, fell vertically. Naturally, the dark de of the Myeolgwang Sword glistened. ...! Feeling the chilling aura, the demon quickly gathered demonic energy for defense. Revealing his demonic energy would expose his true identity, but his instincts told him that he had no other choice if he wanted to block the attack. And his intuition proved somewhat urate. Sgagagagak! Zion''s sword, cutting through the demonic energy defense in an instant, continued its path down to the left shoulder of the demon. Had he not raised his demonic energy, the cut would have bisected the demon''s entire upper body. -Kuaaaaak! The high-ranking demon, Kreon, screamed in agony as his body reverted to its original form, and his demonic energy surged explosively. Even then, Zion''s eyes remained as calm as ever. -This damned Agnes bloodline! Realizing that Zion had known his identity from the start, Kreon let out a ferocious yell and charged. Kiiiiing! With that, the saw-like bones that sprouted all over his body began to spin, emitting sparks in every direction, each powerful enough to grind down a small building. These bones, concentrated in Kreon''s right hand, wereunched towards Zion. Zion did not dodge the attack. No, there was no need to. Jjeojeojeojeojjeok! Zion''s Heukseongha, already knocking on the door of the fourth star, was more than enough to pierce through the attack. His Exia, drawn to its limits and then thrust forward, shattered Kreons de-like bones in an instant. -What...! The demon, astonished, quickly twisted his body and ducked his head as the Exia, still not losing its force, bore down on him. However, Whirrrr! In that instant, Zion''s sword tip, curling like a snake, followed Kreon''s movements. Indeed, how many could change the trajectory of a full-speed attack to precisely match the opponent''s movements? Such a feat was difficult even for the few in the Ascalon family, known as the empire''s greatest swordsmen, but Zion performed it effortlessly. Eventually, Zion''s sword, Kwaddeudeuk! Dug deeply between Kreon''s corbones and stopped. Phwahahahahaak! A secondary explosion of the Heukseongha erupted from the tip of Zions sword embedded in him. -Kkeueuk! Kreon, suppressing a scream from the pain of his insides being shattered, tried to extract himself and regroup, but... Zion''s relentless strikes were much quicker. His movements seemed to anticipate what Kreon would do next. Darkness exploded from Zion''s entire body, but the distinctive sound of rusted gates opening, which usually apanied the activation of Eclipses, was absent. I won''t use Eclipse this time. Until now, facing a high-ranking demon without Eclipse was not an option but a necessity. High-ranking demons were that powerful, and without the Heukseongha being amplified several times over by Eclipse, they were almost impossible to confront. However, Zions body was now near perfectionpared to before, and his mastery over Heukseongha had also greatly advanced. I cant always rely on using Eclipse haphazardly. Eclipse was a technique so powerful it was dubbed a game-changer, but its use came with severe recoil, rendering one unable to fight properly for days. Certainly, enemies would target the vulnerability exposed by this. Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaaaang! Therefore, Zion intended to test himself against the demon in front of him. To see if he could handle a high-level demon without resorting to Eclipse. Kreon, in the chronicles, was strong enough to go one-on-one with the early heroes, so he was a suitable test. Then, -Uaaaaaah! Kreon, losing the initiative to Zion and being relentlessly pushed back, let out a desperate scream, shooting his spike-like bones in all directions like a porcupine. Kwagagagagak! This created a brief opening. Using this gap, the demon concentrated all his remaining strength into one hand and thrust it towards Zion. Kudeudeudeuk! Kreons arm, transforming into a massive saw-de pir, was instinctively felt. He knew that if he didn''t regain the upper hand now, he would die. Thus, his strike was desperate. Kwagagagagak! The saw-de pir, tearing through everything around it, extended towards Zion. . Zion, watching the iing attack with cold eyes, slightly twisted his hand holding the Exia. Kiiiiing! Zion was aware. In terms of sheer power output, he was inferior to the demon without using Eclipse. Then... The only way is to pierce through at one point. In the meantime, Kreons saw-de pir, tearing through the air and emitting a terrifying scream, approached. At the peak of Heukseongha''s rotation, Zion finally thrust his sword. Heukseom Application, Third Stage. Cheonam (Piercing Darkness). Like cutting through deep currents. Zions sword slowly advanced. Compared to Kreons massive and savage strike, it seemed too trivial. However. At the moment Zions sword tip met the demons attack, Kreons saw-de pir waspletely shattered, not even leaving a trace behind. Chapter 113: Ascalon (8) Chapter 113: Ascalon (8) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Zion''s ck Starlight, converging into a single point, shattered Kreon''s ded pir and went further, blowing away half of the demon''s upper body. "Aaargh!" A colossal scream erupted from Kreon, teetering on the brink of death from his grievous injury. His eyes twisted in pain and astonishment. He couldn''t understand how his ded pir, infused with all his demonic energy, had been so easily destroyed. But Kreon''s thoughts were cut short. With a step forward, Zion closed the distance between them. "You''re quite tenacious." Smirking, Zion swung his sword, Exia, right up close to Kreon. "Damn it!" Kreon, cursing, used his newly regenerated hand to block Zion''s sword strike. However, with a slicing sound, Zion''s sword, now doubly oveid with ck Light, severed Kreon''s arm once again. Not stopping there, Zion pressed in closer, relentlessly driving his sword strikes one after another. There was no interruption in Zion''s movements. Each motion flowed into the next like water, striking at every important point on the demon''s body. His swordy, unbound by form yet seizing control and rhythm, was utterly selfish. That''s why, until now, none of Zion''s opponents, including Kreon, had ever been able to turn the tide of battle once it was lost. ''I''m going to die.'' That thought filled the demon''s eyes, overwhelmed with a single emotion: fear of the opponent before him. The idea of fighting Zion had vanished from his mind, reced only by the desperate need to escape this situation. Then, in a moment of respite, ''That''s...'' Kreon, barely holding off the attacks, noticed a movement behind Zion. One of the higher demons of the Ascalon family, hiding in the shadows, was quietly approaching Zion from behind. ''This is my chance!'' Kreon, his eyes shining silently, pretended to be unaware and deliberately exposed a critical weak spot to Zion. Without a moment''s hesitation, Zion lunged at the revealed vulnerability. At that instant, "Fool, you''ve fallen for it!" Kreon let out a scornful shout. Simultaneously, another high-ranking demon, who had stealthily approached right behind Zion, revealed its true form and swung its forelimb. If Zion didn''t retract his ongoing strike, his head would be crushed instantly. But turning to defend would leave him exposed to Kreon, a dilemma of attack and defense. Crackling again! But Zion, without hesitation, drove Exia into Kreon''s important spot. Even as agonizing pain flooded in, the joy in Kreon''s eyes only intensified. If things continued this way, Zion Agnes'' head would undoubtedly be shattered to pieces. Had Kreon chosen to take at least one down with him? But his moment of tion quickly vanished into nothingness. "Who exactly is caught by whom?" A cold voice flowed from Zion''s lips. Along with it, a shattering sound! The head of another demon, charging from behind, disappeared, obliterated by a rushing silver sh. Then, emerging from behind the copsing higher demon, was Lucas Ascalon. "Are you alright, Your Highness Zion?" From the beginning, Lucas had been focusing his senses on Zion, allowing him to react immediately to the movements of the demon approaching from behind. "Ah..." Kreon''s eyes, filled with thest remnants of hope, now drowned in despair. Thest thing reflected in those eyes was an explosive surge of alien darkness, apanied by a twisted smile from Zion. Kreon''s body, caught in the explosion of the ck Starlight, turned to ash without a trace. Afterpletely finishing off Kreon, Lucas approached Zion again and asked once more. "Your Highness, are you alright?" "The other demons?" "Excuse me?" Lucas''s eyes filled with confusion at Zion''s question. He couldn''t understand why Zion was asking about the demon he had just beheaded. But then, suddenly, "Aaaaargh!" With a monstrous scream, the higher demon lying on the ground regenerated its head in an instant and started dashing away madly. As expected, a higher demon with a life force tougher than a cockroach couldn''t possibly die from a mere beheading. Had it realized there was no chance of winning? The demon''s form dashed towards the entrance of the grand hall, seemingly trying to escape. "That won''t do." Watching the scene with calm eyes, Zion extended his right hand. In that moment, a crackling sound! Agdvar, the spear stuck in the center of the battlefield, transcended space to be grasped in Zion''s hand. The ck Starlight began to converge around the spear, amplifying endlessly. Together with this, the spearhead of Agdvar, now dyed even cker, targeted the escaping demon''s heart and was pulled towards it. And finally, as the concentration of ck Starlight peaked, Zion''s right arm holding the spear was pulled back to its limit, and then, whoosh! The spear vanished from Zion''s outstretched hand. Agdvar reappeared, piercing precisely through the demon''s heart. A momentter, -----------------! A line was drawn from Zion''s hand to the spear. Then, following that line, a massive shockwave erupted, tearing apart everything it touched. Unable to withstand its power, the demon''s body exploded. And then, silence followed. The overwhelming spectacle momentarily brought the entire sh happening in the Grand Sword Hall to a stop. In the now eerily silent hall, Zion let out a faint smile. ''It''s about to end soon.'' The number of monsters had significantly decreasedpared to a moment ago. The end of the battle was now in sight. --- --- Chungseong Pce, one of the five pces surrounding Baeksung Pce. In the highest office of Chungseong Pce, Princess Diana frowned, as if something was not to her liking. "Zion..." The cause was, of course, Zion. Her half-brother, the youngest but far from the least of them. "Havent you figured it out yet?" "I''m sorry, Your Highness. The night Prince Zion was in Chimseong Pce, he eliminated all eyes on him..." "I''m not ming you. Given who we''re dealing with, it can''t be helped." Diana had asked Lloyd about the events of the night when the celestial sea of stars lit up the imperial sky, streaming from Chimseong Pce. ''Something definitely changed that night.'' She knew that the events of that night were rted to Utekan. Otherwise, the red-eyed woman under Zion wouldnt have been targeting Utekans secret forces. But beyond that, she could not discern anything else, as if someone was deliberately obstructing her. "Ugh... this is frustrating." The most frustrating part for Diana was not just the inability to uncover the events of that night, but also the fact that Zion and his forces were growing much faster than she had anticipated. Given that Zion was now visiting the Ascalon family, it seemed only a matter of time before he secured their support. "We need to keep him in check somehow." Although she had cooperated with Enoch, it was nothing more than a temporary alliance. As rivals for the throne, they were destined to bring each other down. ''And if...'' If Zion indeed had harnessed the power of the Eternal Emperor, as Diana suspected, he would be her most formidablepetitor. Then, "Princess Diana." Lloyd spoke in a soft voice, calling her attention. She paused and looked at him. "The most important sense for a person, and indeed for an organization, is sight. Without sight, movement bes difficult." "What do you mean by that?" "Yes. How about targeting Prince Zion''s eyes?" ''Eyes,'' meaning the informationwork. "But we havent properly identified Zions eyes." "There are two main parts to Prince Zion''s eyes. We haven''t identified one, but we have some leads on the other." "Where is that?" Princess Diana asked, her eyes gleaming coldly as she turned to Lloyd. "It''s called the Eye of the Moon." Lloyd answered in a cold voice. --- --- In the reception room of Cheongeomdang within the Ascalon family''spound. There sat Zion, Sword King Ludwig, and Lucas. "The cleanup in the Grand Sword Hall has just beenpleted." Ludwig spoke first, looking at Zion lifting a cup of coffee. The battle that ensued after the moment of silence had been one-sided, just as Zion had predicted. After all, one of the leading higher demons had fled and been disgracefully defeated, so the morale of the monsters had plummeted. And the anger-fueled morale of the people was beyond words. However, "I never imagined that so many monsters had infiltrated the family." Ludwig''s face darkened as he spoke. Losing a fifth of the family''s members in one blow was a hard pill to swallow. They were monsters and needed to be cut out, but the bitterness remained. ''Most of the survivors are still in a state of panic...'' It seemed it would take a considerable amount of time for them to return to normal. All he could do was hope that this ordeal would make them stronger in the future. "But how did Your Highness know about all of this?" Ludwig''s eyes, full of curiosity, were fixed on Zion Agnes. From healing his body to meeting the ck Dragon Kalonix and obtaining the Dragon Explosion Spear, to revealing the monsters'' true nature and the immense power he had just disyed, every bit was astonishing. It even made the rumors seem understated. Zion, putting down his cup, slowly began to speak. "Think about it. If even Ascalon has been engulfed by this demonic magic, wouldn''t the imperial city be affected even more?" "The imperial city is already...!" "It''s much worse there." At Zion''s words, the Sword King let out a breath of astonishment. How deeply had the forces of demonic magic infiltrated the empire, and since when had Prince Zion been fighting this incredible battle alone? "..." After a moment of wavering, Ludwig, as if making a decision, slowly bowed his head. "From now on, the Ascalon family will follow Prince Zion Agnes with our lives, no matter what." It was almost a vow. This wasn''t just because of Zion''s potential as the next emperor. It was a belief in the need to lift the empire back from its fall due to demonic magic. That conviction was evident in the Sword King''s eyes. This was coupled with gratitude to Zion for rescuing the Ascalon family from the brink. "Oh, and I will keep my promise." With that, Ludwig gestured towards Lucas at his side. Upon hearing this, Lucas stood up and bowed towards Zion. "I formally greet you, Your Highness Zion! I am Lucas Ascalon, the 22nd head of the Twilight Sword Faction, and I will be serving you from now on!" The Twilight Sword Faction. The most powerful force among the shadows of the Ascalon family. Lucas Ascalon was the leader of this group. "I look forward to working with you!" Perhaps he was deeply impressed by Zion''s prowess in the recent duel and the events in the Grand Sword Hall. There was no hesitation in Lucas''s eyes as he spoke; instead, there was eagerness. "The pleasure is mine." Zion, responding with a slight smile to Lucas''s enthusiastic promation, turned back to Ludwig and asked, "I assume the events that urred here today haven''t leaked outside yet?" "Yes, Your Highness. I''ve made sure our people are tight-lipped and have put severalyers of security in ce to prevent any information from slipping out." Ludwig knew. He knew how dangerous it would be for this information to be released prematurely. The empire would undoubtedly be plunged into massive chaos, and the demons lurking in every corner would stir up more strife from the shadows. However, Zion''s next words caught him off guard. "Let that information leak out, just a little bit." "Excuse me?" Ludwig asked, his voice filled with confusion. "We need to lure out a big rat." Zion responded with a sly smile. In Zion''s rxed eyes, a flicker of darkness shimmered. It was time to sow the seeds to capture the Fourth Prince, Utekan. Chapter 114: Agnes Family Meeting (1) Chapter 114: Agnes Family Meeting (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Master, I met that woman. The one named Rain Dranir, was it?" These were the words of Liushina, who had arrived at the Chimseong Pce before Zion. "Was it near the outskirts of the capital? She appeared suddenly while I was dealing with the men of the Fourth Prince, charging at us?" The witch spoke lightly, but her words greatly intrigued Zion. "Tell me more." ording to the original chronicles, Rain Dranir shouldn''t have been in the capital at this time. She should have just finished her training, fueled by her anger towards Liushina, and was about to join the hero. "She wasn''t alone. There was a woman with silver hair with her. She seemed much stronger than before, hard to deal with without killing. I feigned a fight and then retreated. Is that alright?" Normally, Liushina would never let go of someone who dared to confront her, but she remembered Zion''s previous mention of Rain Dranir. "Something about a hero''spanion, right? You said they might be useful." "Right. Well done." A rarepliment from Zion made Liushina smile in delight. Her smile was charming, but Zion, looking at his teacup, not her smile, thought to himself. ''A woman with silver hair'' The likelihood of her being the hero was quite high. In the chronicles, the hero of Frosimar had silver hair, a rare trait in the empire. Especially if she was with Rain Dranir. ''Has the story changed again?'' He couldn''t help but think so. Just like Rain, the hero should not be in the capital at this time either. Thinking about it, Zion''s own intervention had significantly altered the original story, so it was natural that other developments would be affected too. The problem was whether this change was for better or worse. ''Only time will tell.'' There wasn''t much room for the situation to worsen. The original storyline was almost the worst possible. ''No need to seek out the hero right away.'' It seemed better to just keep an eye on the situation for now. Then, "Your Highness Zion." Thierry entered the study. Zion turned his head towards him, sensing he had something to say. "The movements of the Fifth Princess are strange. It seems she''s targeting us." "Targeting us?" "When you were at the Ascalon house, we received information that the Fifth Princess was tracking the Moon''s Eye. She might be nning some scheme rted to that." Thierry, always calm as if discussing a walk in the backyard, yet delivering information that was usually impossible to obtain, truly lived up to his reputation as the head of ''Eternal Shadow'', the pinnacle of the empire''s informationwork. Zion once again thought that securing the ''Eternal Shadow'' as his first move was the right decision. There was no better way to create an absolute gap than having the upper hand in information. I did anticipate they would make a move around this time. What will you do, Your Highness? At Thierry''s question, Zion smirked slightly. Naturally, we must make our move as well. Should I send forces to the Moon''s Eye in advance? No. Zion shook his head. Even though not as formidable as the Eternal Shadow, the Moon''s Eye was also one of the top intelligence organizations in the capital. Therefore, they would be perfectly prepared for any attack. Such a situation, Zion believed, could be handled without his intervention. Well strike at Dianas side. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Zion relished the practice of this saying. In fact, he enjoyed rooting out those who dared touch what was his. This might be a good chance to pluck out some of Diana''s spies. As if anticipating Zion''s response, We have already located most of the intelligence organizations affiliated with the Fifth Princess in the capital. Thierry replied with a sly smile. Master, shall I go? No, I want to go! Liushina, standing beside them, chirped in eagerly. She seemed to think that participating in this mission would give her more opportunities to kill. First, finish up with Utekans side. But Zion shook his head. There are others who will take care of this. The Twilight Sword Faction, received from the Ascalon family. Zion intended to test their capabilities this time. Hmm, okay, Master. But next time you go somewhere, you must take me. Liushinaplied readily. Thierry watched her with a look of wonder. He knew exactly who Liushina was. Thus, it was always surprising to see how perfectly Zion controlled her. Right. Zion gave a brief reply to Liushina and then pushed thoughts of her aside in his mind. Dealing with Diana seemed sufficient for now, and there were other matters that needed his attention. It''s time to start dealing with the cmities. Once called the Seven Cmities, now reduced to six by Zion, these were the highest level threats within the empire. Each of these cmities was exceedingly difficult and tricky to handle, but so far, they had not significantly impacted the empire. But that wont be the case moving forward. The vacancy of the throne due to Urdios'' death. The ensuing chaos in the empire would deepen, and simultaneously, the cmities would grow more formidable. Eventually, they would be one of the major factors weakening the empire''s forces during the war with the demonics. Therefore, Zion had nned to deal with all the cmities before that happened. ''There''s also something to gain by handling the cmities.'' One of the keys for hunting down Utekan. Of course, handling all six cmities by himself was impossible for Zion. But he had others who could take care of the cmities on his behalf. Theres something you need to do. After finishing his thoughts, Zion spoke to Thierry. A new n was forming in Zions mind. --- --- All of them... allmunications have been cut off? ...Yes. The demon in front of Utekan bowed deeper in response to his trembling voice. Utekan was momentarily silent, disbelief filling his eyes at the current situation. Thats impossible It was unimaginable. Just a day before, allmunications with the demons infiltrating the Ascalon family had been severed simultaneously. It was information Utekan would not have known if he hadn''t sent demons to the Ascalon family after sensing something ominous. What exactly had happened? It was beyond hisprehension. It was definitely after the call for the family head meeting that themunications were cut off. It was highly likely that the incident urred where all the family members gathered in response to the summons. And that incident was surely connected to Zion Agnes'' visit to Ascalon. There was no tangible evidence, but his conviction was strong. There was no one else in the empire capable of doing such a thing to the demonics except Zion Agnes. Did they all fall into a trap...? No, that couldnt be. It was impossible. The number of monsters infiltrating Ascalon known to Utekan alone numbered in the hundreds. And there were also a considerable number of high-ranking demons. Even for him, distinguishing and dealing with all those monsters individually is impossible. Despite trying to convince himself, unease began to creep into Utekans heart. It was simr to when Hanosral and his direct unit were defeated. Then, Lord Utekan, weve just received information leaked from Ascalon. A newly arrived demon urgently spoke to Utekan. What? Tell me. The Sword King Ludwig''s summons was to eradicate all of our forces infiltrated into the family. Utekans expression didnt change; he had already suspected as much. But his face turned grave at the demons next words. And when everyone had gathered, Zion Agnes, who was there, distinguished the disguised monsters and immediately began their extermination! ...! The unease that had been rising in his heart turned into reality at that moment. Of course, the information, being leaked from Ascalon, might not be entirely urate. But that was the only exnation that made everything fall into ce. How how did he distinguish them? Utekan asked with burning eyes. We couldn''t obtain that information, replied the demon, seemingly finding it difficult to meet Utekan''s gaze. Utekan''s face, already stern, began to contort with frustration. This was a grave matter. No, calling it grave was an understatement; it was a crisis of monumental proportions. Theplete downfall of the monsters within the Ascalon family was just the tip of the iceberg. If Zion Agnes truly has a way to distinguish hidden monsters... The entire demonic presence within the empire could be exposed. It seemed the method wasn''t perfected yet, since it hadn''t been publicly disclosed, but it was only a matter of time. We must stop it before its toote. --- --- The mask, engraved with a strange expression and relief patterns, was essentially the symbol of the Twilight Sword Faction. It served to conceal one''s face and instill fear in the opponent. And the next moment, whoosh! Lucas''s form shot towards the art gallery at an incredible speed. Following him, the members of the Twilight Sword Faction, all donning the same masks, began to converge. Despite the numerous personnel moving simultaneously, not a single sound of footsteps was heard a sight that was not just astonishing but also eerie. Swoosh! In an instant, Lucas and the Twilight Sword Faction cut down all the guards outside the gallery and entered the interior. Then, whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! One by one, the lights inside the gallery began to go out. Chapter 115: Agnes Family Meeting (2) Chapter 115: Agnes Family Meeting (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here At the same time. In front of ''Moonlight''s Banquet,'' a restaurant created by the information guild ''Moon''s Eye'' to conceal its identity. Dozens of people, hidden in the darkness, emotionlessly observed the establishment. They belonged to a group called Ennadima, meaning ''Hidden Spirits'' in the fairynguage, a shadow unit responsible for the hidden force of the Fifth Princess, true to their name. "Inside?" "All quiet. They don''t seem to have noticed." Elta, the captain of Ennadima, received this report from a subordinate who had just returned from scouting near the restaurant. "Then we enter immediately." With those words, a cold voice emanated from Elta, signaling no further need for waiting. Simultaneously, the highly trained members of Ennadima began to advance towards the restaurant, blending into the darkness. In their eyes, there was no hesitation or anxiety. They had confirmed several times that this ce was the capital branch of the information guild, Moon''s Eye. Havingpleted their reconnaissance, the only thing left was to infiltrate as quickly as possible to eliminate the guild''s branch without any unforeseenplications. Crack! Making minimal noise, Ennadima breached the restaurant door and entered. Inside, they found nothing but darkness and an empty dining hall. However, Elta, undeterred, entered the kitchen and started tapping on the walls. Soon after, thump! A hollow sound echoed from a corner of the wall to his ears. Crack! Quickly signaling his subordinates with a nce, Elta lightly tore open the wall, revealing a narrow passage which they started to descend. The members of Ennadima swiftly followed him. After descending for some time, Elta, who had reached the underground base of Moon''s Eye, showed a flicker of doubt. "?" The cavern, just like the restaurant above, waspletely empty. ''What''s going on?'' He could understand the restaurant being empty; it wasn''t operating hours, and having guards would only arouse suspicion. But for this central location of Moon''s Eye to be devoid of people was beyondprehension. "Captain, this is..." Just as he was pondering, his subordinates looked at him with eyes full of confusion. Hiss! A sound reached their ears, reminiscent of a firecracker''s fuse burning down. Along with it, a pungent smell wafted by. "This damn..." Realizing the situation, Elta cursed and attempted to exit the cavern. But it was already toote. Boom! An explosion erupted from the center of the cavern, engulfing them all in an instant. The st, not content with just that, started to obliterate every trace of Moonlight''s Banquet and the underground cavern above it. In an instant, nothing but rubble remained of the Moon''s Eye branch. "......" Aileen coldly gazed down at thepletely devastated branch from the rooftop of a nearby tall building. --- --- The Agnes Royal Family Conference. Also known as the Agnes Minor Conference, this was a meeting that only the direct bloodline of the imperial family could attend. Thus, only those royals with session rights could convene the meeting, and other members of the royal family were free to refuse participation. "......" However, in the small conference room of Baeksung Pce where the royal family meeting was being held, all members of the royal family, except Zion, had gathered since early morning. All had responded to the meeting convened by Zion. This showed, indirectly, how much Zion''s status and presence in the royal court had risenpared to the past. While it was not a pleasant situation for them, the expression of Princess Diana, sitting on one side of the round table, was surprisingly bright. ''By now, they must have beenpletely annihted.'' Just a while ago, she had sent Ennadima, one of her shadow units, to Zion''s intelligence organization, Moon''s Eye. She had thoroughly investigated several times before, and Ennadima''s strength was among the best under hermand, so there should be no variables. She hadn''t received any reports yet, as she entered the conference room at dawn, but it was clear that good news would follow as soon as the meeting concluded. ''Of course, it will be bad news for someone.'' Diana thought this and slightly smiled when, "Utekan, it seems you''ve recently embraced the Light. You''ve made the right choice." Prince Rubrious, sitting at the round table, spoke softly to Utekan. "What? What do you mean?" Utekan, with aplicated look, asked Rubrious. His mind was already troubled enough with Zion Agnes, and now this unexpectedment. "I saw a priestess who serves the Light entering your pce the other day. So I thought that, but is it not the case?" Utekan''s eyes flickered for a moment at that question. He seemed to know which priestess was being referred to. ''When and how did he see?'' Of course, theings and goings of a single priestess could be exined away. But the problem was the look in Rubrious''s eyes, which seemed sharp and probing, as if he knew something. ''Complications are arising.'' Utekan was pondering how to respond when, Thud- As if timed perfectly, the door to the small conference room opened, and Zion appeared. All eyes, which had been focused on Rubrious and Utekan, now turned to Zion. "Why are you sote?" Diana, always sensitive about time, frowned slightly and asked Zion. Her reaction was typical of her punctual nature. However, soon after, her eyes curved as if smiling. "I''m curious about the reason. Surely... did something happenst night that required you to clean up?" A subtly joyous tone flowed from her lips. Diana''s expectant gaze was fixed on Zion''s face, which she anticipated would soon contort. However, "I''m actually the one who''s curious." Contrary to her expectations, Zion''s face didn''t contort; instead, he was smiling just like her. "I thought you would be busy dealing with the aftermath by now." "What do you mean...?" What was he talking about? Diana''s eyes trembled, sensing ominousness in his smile. Whenever Zion smiled like that, something beyond her expectations always happened. And soon, her ominous feeling turned into reality. "Your Highness Diana!" A subordinate of Diana''s entered the small conference room in a rush, calling her urgently. It was a time when only the royal family was allowed inside, but the subordinate''s state seemed too urgent to care about such formalities. Or perhaps there was something urgent enough to risk it. "What is it? I told you not toe in until the meeting was over." "I''m sorry, Your Highness. I had to inform you urgently, so Imitted this rudeness." With that, the subordinate, bowing deeply to the other royals, approached Diana and began whispering in her ear. Her face started to contort rapidly. Soon after, Diana''s eyes began to flicker with confusion and rage. "Zion, what on earth...!" She spoke informally, not her usual respectful tone. It made sense, given her shadow unit and intelligence organization had been obliterated overnight. "You should have thought, if you covet someone else''s things, yours might be coveted too." Zion smiled slyly at her and, as if he had no more business, turned and sat down at the round table. "Let''s start the meeting now." As if his words were a signal, the chaotic atmosphere in the small conference room instantly settled down. Along with it, the gazes of the royal family members converged once again on Zion. "Sigh..." For the moment, Diana had to proceed with the meeting, so she forcibly suppressed her anger and sat down. Just a few months ago, such a scene would have been unthinkable. Who would have imagined? The once-secluded prince Zion, now so naturally dominating the control of the meeting. ''You seem deep in thought.'' Zion''s gaze, surveying the royals seated at the round table, paused momentarily on Utekan, who looked troubled. The death of Hanosral and the annihtion of the monsters in the Ascalon family. Added to that, the bait Zion himself had scattered. All these events had almost coincidentally ovepped, so it was understandable for Utekan to be troubled. ''Good posture.'' Zion hoped Utekan would delve deeper into his thoughts and contemtions. That way, the bait he had thrown would gain more substance and grow in Utekan''s imagination. "Now, tell us why you convened this royal family meeting, Zion." At that moment, Evelyn, who had been watching with inscrutable eyes, spoke to Zion. "You must have guessed already." Zion responded with a slight smile. At this time, there could only be one reason to summon only the royal family members. "You all know that the throne cannot remain vacant forever, right?" Of course, they knew. The longer the throne remained vacant, the worse it was for the empire. But knowing that and filling the throne were entirely different matters. "Obviously. And I know that everyone here desires that position." Rubrious spoke in his usual soft tone. "And quite desperately. In my opinion, the throne will not be filled unless everyone but one of us dies." It was a metaphorical expression of the intense longing for the throne held by those gathered here. Or, it could be a literal truth. "Don''t tell me... you''ve gathered us to say you''ll take the throne and we should give up?" Diana, having somewhat regained herposure, asked Zion. Zion just smiled and shook his head. There was no reason to say something that would be utterly disregarded. "I have a proposal for you." "...A proposal?" "A proposal that will allow you also to ascend to the throne." "Ha." Diana snorted at Zion''s words. "That sounds like you''re saying if things continue this way, the throne will go to our youngest brother." "Why? Doesn''t it seem likely?" "......" She couldn''t snort at Zion''snguid voice anymore. Not just Diana, but everyone present fell silent, unable to refute. It seemed all too possible. Of course, Zion was still at a disadvantage in terms of visible indicators like base support. But Zion''snguid eyes, as if he were looking down on everything, and the unbelievable achievements he had shown so far, were inting a deep sense of unease in their hearts. "Competition should be fair, shouldn''t it? That''s why I''m opening the stage for you to prove your worthiness as an emperor." Just like he had proven his session rights by subduing the Renegade Army. Zion''s eyes, as he spoke, were now curving as if he was enjoying the situation. "...Well, it''s about time to start thepetition for the throne." Evelyn nodded and spoke up. "What is this proposal, Zion? If it involves killing or harming our siblings, I won''t participate." "Don''t worry. It''s nothing like that. Besides, it will benefit the empire, not harm it." "Benefit the empire?" At that question, Zion smirked and opened his mouth again. "The Seven Cmities. Well, now they are the Six Cmities. The subjugation of these threats is exactly the proposal I''m making to you." "......!" A glint of interest sparked in the eyes of the royal family members at his words. "The first to most perfectly subdue a cmity will gain an advantage in the uingpetition for the throne. How about it? Isn''t it a fair condition for you?" Indeed, it was not a bad proposal. Subduing the cmities was extremely difficult andplicated, but not impossible. Theirbined powers were more than sufficient. Moreover, this seemed like the fairestpetition possible. The evaluation would not be by each other, but by the entire poption of the empire. "......" The royals fell into silence again, as if pondering, but this silence was imbued with a sense of positive consideration. ''What is this...'' All except for Utekan. For him, the elimination of the empire''s troubles was not necessarily wee. But his opposition alone wouldn''t change anything. And showing opposition openly in this situation would be peculiar. "Now, let''s decide which cmity each of us will take on." Reading their thoughts in the silence, Zion, needing no further responses, smiled and spoke. Within his tranquil eyes, a wave-like surge of ck aura was already undting. Chapter 116: Agnes Family Meeting (3) Chapter 116: Agnes Family Meeting (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here After Zion''s words concluded, the meeting progressed swiftly. The other members of the royal family also felt the need for a genuinepetition for the throne, rather than engaging in secret conflicts. Zion''s proposal was perfectly aligned with this. Despite finding Zion''s manner of speaking irksome, they epted his proposal without much resistance. A definitive advantage in thepetition for the throne. If they could secure that advantage, the royals were confident not only in facing the seven cmities but also in waging war against magic and its evils. "Then I will take responsibility for the ''Fortress of Death''." The first to speak after a brief silence was Rubrious. His words were firm, as if he had predetermined his role. "In this world created by the Light, such impure entities cannot be allowed to exist. They''ve always been a thorn in my side, but this might be a good opportunity to get rid of them." The ''Fortress of Death'' referred to the legion of undead gathered under themand of the so-called immortal ruler, Lich Kerungil. Located near the eastern sea of the empire, its mere existence posed a significant threat to its surroundings. The other royals nodded in agreement to the First Prince''s words, as if they had expected his choice. ''The ''Fortress of Death'' was always more suited for Rubrious anyway.'' The divine power of the God of Light was the antithesis of all impurities in the world. This included not only demonic beings but also the undead. Thus, the First Prince, who couldmand the Holy Knights of the Light''s Doctrine, was expected to handle this task more easily than the others. "The giant rebels were originally under my jurisdiction. So this time too" "Then I will handle the area near the Fairy Forest" Following Rubrious, the other royals began to choose the cmities that were most advantageous to them. By a fortunate coincidence, their desired cmities rarely ovepped. Therefore, the selection of cmities proceeded without much friction. ''As expected, he chose that one.'' Zion inwardly smiled, observing Utekan, who chose the ''Assassination Cult'' and wore a stern expression. The first t of the Assassination Cult was ''True salvationes only through death,'' a mad belief simr to that of Ouroboros. Located at the southern tip of the empire, it was inflicting significant damage, difficult even for the magical arts to ignore. For Utekan, who had reluctantly made his choice, it was the best option avable. At least it would minimize the damage from the magical arts. "Zion, you''ll obviously participate in the subjugation too, right? What will you choose?" Barely regaining hisposure, Utekan asked Zion in a calm voice. However, unlike his tone, a fierce murderous intent lurked deep in his eyes, so intense it wouldn''t be surprising if he sent an assassin right then and there. Feeling pleased by the situation, Zion opened his mouth. "What''s left?" "The Root-Gnawing Serpent and the Monster Legion. These are the only ones remaining." Both were among the most troublesome of the six cmities to deal with. Hence, they were left unchosen by the other royals till the end. Although it was possible to object and change the assigned cmity, Zion chose not to. Everything was going exactly as he had anticipated. ''After all, the Root-Gnawing Serpent requires a hero for its subjugation.'' That left only one option. "I''ll take the Monster Legion." As these words spilled from Zion''s mouth, a flicker of doubt momentarily crossed the faces of the others. They couldn''t understand Zion''s choice. The Monster Legion. A group of monsters rallied around the Monster King Horrible, it was more than just a legion in size. If the Phantom Forces were tricky because their whereabouts were unknown, this one was challenging due to its sheer power, stronger than any other cmity. So much so that even a fortified stronghold housing an elite legion was merely struggling to fend off its invasion. Given the choice, they would have undoubtedly picked the Root-Gnawing Serpent. "Are you really going to take that on?" "I don''t go back on my word," Zion replied without hesitation, despite Evelyn''s repeated questioning. The doubt in the eyes of the royals deepened. Anyone else might have been thought foolish or overly bold, but not Zion. In the recent half-year, they had painfully realized the depth of Zion''s stratagems. ''What is he plotting this time?'' Diana gazed at Zion with suspicion, but his eyes remained asnguid as ever, betraying no emotion. Of course, Zion offered no exnation. "It seems everything is decided, so let''s conclude the meeting now." With that, Zion, after scanning the other royals, rose from his seat. Though the meeting was supposed tost at least an hour by protocol, Zion was not one to adhere to such formalities. "We need to prepare for the cmities as soon as possible." Smiling faintly, Zion was the first to leave the small conference room. Even after Zion hadpletely disappeared from view, the others'' eyes lingered on where he had been. --- --- At the gate outside the capital. "Do we really have to go now? We could stay a bit longer," Rain Dranir said to the silver-haired woman, her voice filled with discontent. Her furrowed brows matched her voice, clearly expressing her annoyance. "We need to leave right now." The woman replied in a t tone, starting to walk towards the outskirts of the capital. She knew why Rain was behaving this way. Not long ago, they had met the Witch of a Thousand Deaths at one of Utekan''s secret branches in Omareng. At that time, Rain failed to defeat the witch and let her escape. She must think she needs to stay in the capital to find the witch again. ''No, more urately, it wasn''t that we let her go, but that the witch let us go...'' The woman was well aware of Liushina Bloodwalker''s power. An entity once called humanity''s greatest adversary, she already possessed powerparable to the seven heavens at this time. When she would awaken in the future as the ''Witch of the Apocalypse,'' she would be a monster formidable enough to require thebined efforts of her and her colleagues. Realistically, the Witch of a Thousand Deaths had no reason not to defeat the current Rain. ''What exactly has happened...?'' It was all so iprehensible. Why was the Witch of a Thousand Deaths in the capital? Why was she hunting monsters? And why did she simply let them go upon seeing them? ''Could this also be rted to Zion Agnes?'' She had thought so, considering that Zion Agnes was always behind every major change in the future so far, but she soon dismissed the thought. As of yet, she couldn''t find any connection between them. "Just one more day... Can''t we stay just one more day?" Rain continued to pester the woman. "We''re already behind schedule. We can''t afford to dy any longer here." The woman once again responded firmly, just as the surroundings grew noisy. "Is it true? A massive cmity subjugation is beingunched from the imperial city?" The woman heard a conversation between two middle-aged men passing by. "Yes, it''s true. Specifically, it''s the royal family, not the imperial city, who are leading the subjugation. Most specte it''s due to thepetition for the throne. The throne is vacant, after all." "Ah, the empire is going to be quite noisy for a while." "I think it''ll be interesting. It''s quite rare for all the royals to leave the imperial city like this." "Don''t say such things carelessly out there. You could get into trouble if you''re not careful..." As the middle-aged men walked away, their conversation faded. And when their voices were no longer audible, "Subjugating... all the cmities?" The woman''s voice, filled with disbelief, stopped abruptly. The Agnes royal family''s cmity subjugation. This news spread rapidly throughout the capital. And for good reason, as there had been instances of royals setting out to subjugate a single cmity, but it was extremely rare for all the royals to embark on subjugating several cmities at once. Therefore, it naturally drew the attention of people of all statuses living in the empire. Not long after the news spread, "His Highness Rubrious is leaving the imperial city!" "Following him, Princess Diana is also departing!" The royals began to set out one by one toward the cmities they were tasked with. Ordinarily, they would march slowly for the sake of the numerous people who waited in front of the imperial city to witness their departure, performing the basic pageantry. "Hurry up!" Utekan and the other royals hastened, swiftly moving past the people and out of the capital. It was because this subjugation had the condition of ''being the first'' attached to it. After all, it was apetition for the throne, and there was no time for leisure. However, "Here, take this, Master." Ironically, Zion, who had instigated all this, was leisurely ascending a steep mountain path in the north, where the Steel Fortress was located, along with Liushina. Unlike the other royals, Zion moved with only onepanion. This allowed them to depart much quicker than the others. Thanks to this, they had already arrived near their destination. "How is it? If you bring me along, you can enjoy coffee even while traveling." Liushina, who had just magically brewed the coffee, handed it to him with confident pride. It seemed she was trying to use this opportunity to impress Zion and increase her chances of apanying him more often. This would have been impossible if Twilight Swordsmen had note under Zion''smand, as they wouldnt have been able to exchange tasks with Utekan''s remaining secret forces. "How''s the taste?" Zion, after taking a sip of the coffee, replied in a calm tone. "No, it''s the worst coffee I''ve ever had." His blunt remark was even more cutting due to his calm delivery. Hoping that cooling it down might improve it somewhat, -Swish! Liushina used an ice spirit to lower the temperature... "It''s still terrible." It just turned into cold, tasteless coffee. Liushinas face, which had been confident, fell momentarily, but it couldn''t be helped. Zion had neverpromised when it came to coffee. Moreover, the taste was indeed worse than what Prisci used to make. "That''s strange. It was fine earlier..." Ignoring her, who was sipping the remaining coffee with a puzzled look, Zion focused ahead. ''Is it still there?'' Zion recalled the information about the Monster Legion he was about to subjugate, and at the same time, thought of ''that thing'' existing in the hearnd where the Monster Legion was stationed. The key to hunting Utekan and the primary reason for choosing the Monster Legion. Obtaining ''that thing'' would grant him a much greater advantage in the battle against Utekan. ''But it will still be difficult if I can''t raise Heukseongha to at least 4 stars.'' After receiving treatment from the strange doctor, Zion''s physical condition had improved, and his mastery of Heukseongha had soared to the brink of 3 stars. However, he had yet to break through the wall to 4 stars. Zion intended to use the uing battle with the Monster Legion to break through this barrier. The most important thing for advancing ones realm was, after all, actualbat. Now that the physical limitations were almost gone, breaking through the wall of 4 stars would make it much easier to advance further. ''Additionally, I''ll explore the new methods of using the Dragon Explosion Spear I''ve obtained.'' Amplification and expansion. The two powers contained in the Dragon Explosion Spear seemed to have various uses in the future. ''For now, the only thing thates to mind isbining it with the ice spirit...'' That was when it happened. "Master." Liushina, who was beside him, quietly called out to Zion. "Is that... our destination?" Her finger pointed towards a massive fortress in the distance. It was the Steel Fortress. However, the state of the fortress was unusual. Boom! Roar! The endless explosions and roars of monsters emanating from within the fortress. Along with this, waves of monsters were relentlessly surging towards the inside of the fortress from the outside. "This is getting interesting, isn''t it?" Cutting off what Zion was about to say, Liushina looked at him with eyes full of anticipation. She seemed to be seeking permission to eagerly dive into that chaotic scene. ''Reducing their numbers in advance might be a good idea.'' At that moment, Zion smiled wryly and nodded, "Kyahaha!" Boom! Her figure shot towards the fortress at an rming speed. Chapter 117: Monster Army (1) Chapter 117: Monster Army (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here This damned monster! A knight, wielding a sword zing with blue mana, charged at a troll that was about to swallow a soldier whole. With a swing of his sword, the troll''s head was severed without even a chance to react, copsing lifelessly. Are you okay? The knight, having pierced the heart of the troll to finish it off, approached the soldier and asked. But the soldier didn''t respond. No, he couldn''t respond. Behind, behind! All he could do was point with a pale, trembling finger behind the knight. As the knight turned around, whoosh! Before he could fully perceive the danger, a giant fist swung from behind, sending the upper half of his body flying. The owner of that fist was a grey ogre with arge sword wound in one eye. Immediately after. -Aaaaargh! With the knight''s lower half still copsing, the ogre raised its bloodied fist to the sky and roared towards the battlefield. It then began searching for its next prey, its sole remaining eye darting around. Suddenly, whoosh! Startled by a sudden burning sound from above, the ogre looked up to see hundreds of red fireballs descending from the sky. -Wha? As the ogre, puzzled, watched the fireballs dye the sky red, they exploded upon impact, obliterating it and all the monsters nearby. We''vepleted our strike on the left side of the fortress. Immediately focus our attack on the cluster of monsters in the center of the fortress. Prepare for the next spellcasting! Thus, the magicians of the Romelio Mage Squad from the Steel Fortress, bombarding the battlefield with magic from above, began chanting anew at themand of their leader. However, their incantations were neverpleted. Screeeeech! Wyverns, which had been flying above the fortress, swooped down simultaneously, attacking them. Aaaaah! The magicians were torn to shreds by the wyverns'' ws, leaving nothing recognizable behind. We''ve been thoroughly outyed. A middle-aged man with a carelessly grown beard and sideburns quietly murmured, looking over the battlefield inside the fortress, now like hell itself. The man''s name was Yornan. He was themander of the 7th Legion of Agnes, in charge of the Steel Fortress and the chiefmander for the defense against the Monster Legion. Kwaaaaah! Sto-stop Aaaah! How did ite to this? Just a few hours ago, the Steel Fortress was seemingly impregnable. Hence, it was believed that, like always, they could repel the periodicrge-scale invasions of monsters. But today was different. Sa-save me Crackle! The number of monsters, several times greater than usual, swarmed the area. Adding to this, powerful monsters, unseen in previous invasions, were now conspicuously present everywhere. Three hours into the siege, mole-like monsters burrowed underground and shattered the fortress gates, allowing a continuous flow of monsters to pour into the fortress. If this continues Although the remaining forces were still formidable and only a part of the Monster Legion had arrived, it seemed possible to repel this attack somehow. But. If our forces are further depleted here, we wont be able to withstand the next attack. Normally, invasions urred every three to four weeks, but there was no way they would miss this opportunity. The next assault was undoubtedly imminent. Ordinary monsters wouldn''t possess the intelligence for such strategy, but all the monsters currently invading the fortress were beingmanded by a single entity. Having been in the fortress for over a year, he had never seen this being in person, but he was certain of its existence. Otherwise, it was impossible to exin how so many monsters moved together like a legion. Especially. Aaaaah! In the middle of the battlefield, a giant Poison Drake spewed toxic mist all around while letting out a tremendous roar, and the Lord Goblin units, cloaked in immense mana, were indiscriminately ughtering every human in sight. The strongest among the present monsters, the Poison Drake and Lord Goblins, could only be exined by their allegiance to the Monster King. The Poison Drake, a creature that never left the vast swamps of the great forests, and the Lord Goblin, a being of immense strength yet always moving alone, transcending its species. If only we could take down those creatures, we might be able to fend off the attack with minimal casualties Of course, there were powerful individuals within the legion capable of handling them, but their numbers were too few, and they were currently tied down protecting key areas. When will the reinforcements arrive? A few days ago, a message from the imperial city stated that one of the royal family members wasing here to subdue the cmity. Yornan knew it would take at least a week for the royal family member to gather a force,plete all preparations, and arrive at the fortress. It was a vain hope, but under these circumstances, even a miracle seemed worth wishing for. Then, Kiik? Yornan locked eyes with one of the Lord Goblins. Was that a signal? Kikikikiki! As if it was, all the Lord Goblins on the battlefield started charging crazily towards Yornan. Theyreing this way! Block them! We must protect themander! The nearby knights and soldiers intercepted the Lord Goblin unit, but with a tearing sound, they were shredded to pieces in an instant. Each of these beings possessed a strengthparable to the elite knights of the imperial city, so in a way, their overwhelming victory was expected. Kekekek! One of the Lord Goblins, after swiftly ughtering the knights that stood in its way, let out a chillingugh and rushed straight towards Yornan, bringing with it the shadow of despair. Yornan, no different from an ordinary knight in terms ofbat skills, stood no chance against the Lord Goblin. Swoosh! The goblin''s scythe, aze with yellow mana, swung towards him. Dear God. As Yornan, sensing his end, uttered a voice of resignation, a grating noise, like fingernails scraping a chalkboard, reached his ears. Simultaneously, dozens of red lines appeared across the attacking Lord Goblin''s body, which then split apart along those lines with a cracking sound. What is this As Yornan gazed dumbfoundedly at the pieces of the goblin, a lively voice, incongruous with the situation, reached his ears. This ce is like a buffet, isnt it? The source of the voice was a woman with strikingly red eyes reminiscent of the moon. She turned away from Yornan, who was staring at her in bewilderment, as if he didn''t matter to her. There''s even a special menu. She looked towards the approaching Lord Goblin unit with a chilling smile. Slowly, she raised her hand forward, fingers spreading wide. In that moment, the same eerie noise filled the air as hundreds of blood-red lines spread out from her hand like a spider web. The red lines enveloped the entire group of charging goblins and then constricted. Kikikik!? Sensing danger, the Lord Goblins drew upon their mana and swung their weapons, but to no avail. The red lines, slicing through even high-level defensive spells, rendered their efforts futile. Dozens of Lord Goblins were shredded into pieces by the blood-red web, just like the first one. How Yornan''s eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed these beings, who were virtually rulers of the battlefield, being torn apart in an instant. But his astonishment didn''t end there. Kyahahahaha! The woman immediately plunged into another battle, beginning to ughter the monsters in earnest. Roaaar! Kiaaah! The monsters were torn apart without a chance to fight back. A symphony of blood-red lines and brutal attacks erupted in all directions. The spectacle was so bizarre and overwhelming that even someonepletely unfamiliar withbat could recognize the woman''s extraordinary prowess. Could it be A trembling voice escaped Yornan''s lips as a glimmer of hope began to dawn in his eyes. Aaaaah! Sensing the tides of battle turning, the Poison Drake in the center of the fortress opened its massive jaws and let out a tremendous roar, gathering a massive breath of toxic air. Br-Breath! The soldiers of the legion shouted with pale faces upon seeing this. Being a subspecies of dragons, Drakes could use breaths corresponding to their attributes, and their power was even stronger than high-level magic above level 7. If hit while clustered like this, at least thousands would dissolve into mere puddles of liquid. Evacuate! Where to, exactly Fear and despair filled the eyes of the knights and soldiers. Just as the Drake was about to unleash its fully-charged breath. -----------------! It was lightning. A bolt of lightning, utterly ck, tainted by an alien darkness. Falling from the sky, the ck lightning obliterated the Drake''s head in its path before striking the ground in a straight line. A momentter, with a loud crash, a shockwave erupted along its path, shattering the surroundings. At the spot where the lightning struck, a strange, ck spear engraved with mysterious characters, Agdvar, was now embedded in the ground. Kooong! As the headless corpse of the Drake copsed, a momentary silence fell over the battlefield. In the midst of this silence, a man appeared tranquilly and pulled out the Agdvar. He was a man with dark grey hair, symbolic of the Agnes Empire''s royal family, and listless eyes. It was Zion. Your High! Yornan, recognizing the color of his hair, was about to speak when, suddenly, Kwaahaaah! All the nearby monsters, as if on cue, started charging towards Zion. Perhaps they instinctively felt that they had to kill Zion to win this battle. Watching the wave of monsters crazily rushing towards him, Zion gripped his Dragon Explosion Spear tightly. Grrung- A dragon''s roar emanated from the Agdvar. Simultaneously, a Frost Spirit emerged from Zion''s right shoulder and immediately merged into the Dragon Explosion Spear. Empowered by the spirit, the Agdvar began emitting a blue light in all directions. Then, a terrifying amplification ensued! Gwoooar! Sensing imminent danger, the monsters instinctively let out desperate cries and increased their speed, but it was already toote. A single white wave burst forth from the fully-amplified Agdvar. This wave, enhanced by another power of the Dragon Explosion Spear expansion quickly spread in all directions, enveloping all the charging monsters. And at that moment, everything froze. Mana, the atmosphere, the monsters. Everything touched by the wave came to a stop, turning the entire area a pale blue. It was a scene reminiscent of the cial region ruled by the ancient Frost Queen of the north. Step by step. Zion slowly walked through the monsters frozen in ice, observing them briefly. Crack! Crunch! The frozen monsters crumbled into dust as Zion passed by. Kiiii... Other monsters, driven solely by instinctive bloodlust and hunger, began to feel fear for the first time. Was it because he was amander leading an entire legion? Now''s the time! Annihte them all, spare no one! Yornan, seizing the monsters'' hesitation, loudly rallied the immobilized soldiers. "Waaaaah!" "Kill them all!" Kwaahaaah! With that, the fierce closebat resumed. However, the atmosphere of the battle had significantly changed. The absence of the Poison Drake and Lord Goblin units, which were the main strength of the monsters. And the addition of an overwhelmingly powerful ally, leading to a drop in the monsters'' morale. The goddess of victory was already smiling decidedly on one side. How long had the battle gone on? Thud! Thest remaining ogre, excluding the ones that fled, finally fell, pierced through the heart. We, we won We held them off... we really did! Only then, realizing what they had achieved, the soldiers began to show relief in their eyes. Just as they were about to copse, drained of strength, "Stand at attention, everyone!" Yornan''s voice resonated powerfully throughout the fortress. The soldiers straightened up, puzzled, as they saw Yornan approach a man. The man who had appeared moments earlier, annihting the Poison Drake and obliterating the wave of charging monsters in one fell swoop, reversing the tide of the battle. "I shall pay my respects!" Yornan approached the man, bowing more respectfully than ever before. Dark grey hair, eyes of the same hue. And an air ofnguid yet alien presence enveloping his entire being. There was only one royal with such features in the world. Commander of the 7th Legion, Yornan Bartville, greets His Highness Prince Zion Agnes. And the next moment, "Greetings to His Highness Prince Zion Agnes!" All the people inside the fortress, now aware of Zion''s identity, began to bow and pay their respects. Zion, quietly observing the scene, finally spoke to Yornan, who was bowing before him, Lets start with a report of the situation. Chapter 118: Monster Army (2) Chapter 118: Monster Army (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Have you ever felt destined to be a ruler? The ''Entity'' had felt this from the moment it became aware of the world around it. Merely breathing, its power continually grew, and everything it desired came into its grasp. Whenever someone obstructed its path, the oues were always one of two: death or subordination. The pinnacle of all species in the world. The Entity believed it was at this apex and had continually proven its superiority. All the monsters surrounding it approached, bowing their heads in submission, and naturally, the Entity reigned as their king. "I am the greatest, and I am the master of this world." Under this belief, like a creed, the Entity named itself. Horrible. A name that signified it would be the fear of all beings. After naming itself, Horrible''s first act was to unify all nearby monsters under itsmand. Horrible believed its purpose of birth in this world was to dominate all other beings. Therefore, it formed a legion and wished to expand beyond the northern snowy mountains into the vast continent. However, this ambition faced an obstacle from the start. ''The Steel Fortress.'' A massive fortress blocking the gorge that connected the snowy mountains and the empire. The humans guarding the fortress resisted with infuriating tenacity, preventing Horrible from advancing into the continent for over a year. But now, the end of that impasse seemed near. "The preparation to advance into the continent isplete." Muttering to himself, Horrible gazed at the Steel Fortress in the distance, a mere speck from his vantage point. The monster troops sent today had failed to conquer the fortress, but there was no sign of disappointment or frustration in his eyes. After all, today''s attack was meant to reduce the number of humans inside. "The final step." Horrible''s eyes, oozing an eerie violet gleam, indicated that the grace period for those inside was over. Tomorrow night. When the moon rises at its reddest, the most ferocious of the monster legion, along with Horrible himself, will move, and under them, all humans will be trampled. The monsters that barely escaped today reported about the new, strong humans they encountered, but Horrible paid little heed. They were just a minority after all. ''Just more sacrifices for our continental expansion.'' With that thought, a chilling smile formed on the lips of the Monster King. Near the border of the Agnes Empire and the Fairy Forest to the west. "We need to go faster." Two riders were speeding along the highway at a rapid pace. The woman with silver hair was Rain Dranir. "Why are we rushing like this all of a sudden?" Rain asked, genuinely puzzled, as she rode alongside the woman. She had never seen her in such a hurry before. The woman, who always preferred walking on foot, iming it was good training, over any other means of transport, was now relentlessly riding a horse, having arrived here from the capital on a magic-powered train. She would have undoubtedly bought a magic car if it were avable outside the capital. "We must be the ones to kill ''The Serpent Gnawing at the Roots''." "What? The Seven Cmities? What are you talking about all of a sudden?" Rain''s eyes deepened with confusion, but no answer came from the woman. To be precise, she was too preupied with organizing herplicated thoughts to respond. ''It''s unbelievable that the royal family is moving together to deal with a cmity at this time.'' The royals of Agnes were known for their selfishness, doing anything to get what they wanted but never moving a finger without a clear benefit. That''s why, before ''returning'', several cmities remained until just before the full-scale war with the demons erupted. ''Someone among the royals must have taken the initiative to create this situation.'' It could not have happened otherwise. ''It''s probably either Evelyn Agnes or Zion Agnes.'' Ordinarily, she would have thought of Princess Evelyn without hesitation, but now her suspicions leaned more towards Prince Zion. Major changes in the future involving the royal pce always seemed to be connected to Prince Zion. ''What exactly is he thinking?'' Of course, she was pleased that the cmities, which would be significant problems in the future, were being dealt with now. However, the issue was that among those cmities, there were specific ones that she needed to personally defeat and acquire. ''The Phantom Legion of Chronos, the Monster Legion, and... The Serpent Gnawing at the Roots.'' Of these, the Phantom Legion had already been defeated by Prince Zion, and the fate of the other two remained uncertain. Therefore, she was heading towards ''The Serpent Gnawing at the Roots'', which had something she absolutely needed to acquire. This would disrupt her original schedule, but it couldn''t be helped. Even though she was not part of this purge, there was no telling when they would be dealt with in this current flow. ''It would be easier after Elysis joined, but...'' Knowing the strategy, she felt that she and Rain could manage the purge by themselves. ''But why... why is this one left?'' This question lingered in the woman''s mind. The Serpent Gnawing at the Roots was tricky to handle, but it wasn''t the most difficult cmity to subdue. Originally, it was expected that the royals would have chosen and dealt with it. ''Could it have been deliberately left?'' The woman chuckled and shook her head as she thought this far. It was too far-fetched an idea. Who would know and leave it purposely? Soon after, the woman and Rain disappeared into the vast forest. In themand room of the Steel Fortress. "The recent attack resulted in the loss of 10% of our regr troops, with 327 casualties among knights and mages, and..." Commander Yornan of the 7th Legion was giving his report. Unlike before, he was not the one receiving but giving the report, as a royal of Agnes was present. "...Currently, the battlefront with the monster legion is formed around the gorge where the fortress is built, and the enemy''s base is located in the Achilles Basin, a short distance from here..." Zion Agnes. It was the first time Yornan had seen him, although he had heard his name before. A royal whose reputation in the capital had surged recently due to his shocking actions. Until half a year ago, he was known as an ipetent prince in confinement. But at some point, hepletely transformed, building his power faster than anyone on the basis of his overwhelming charisma. ''I heard he''s one of the strong candidates for the next emperor...'' Seeing him in person, Yornan understood why. Not because of Zion''s martial prowess he had witnessed earlier, but those utterly bored eyes. Just feeling those eyes on him made Yornan''s heart race and his body shrink. It wasn''t just him; the other officers around him seemed to tremble under Zion''s gaze. An atmosphere impossible to create if one wasn''t born a ruler. "...That''s the end of my report." Even in such a situation, Yornan managed toplete his report and looked at the red-eyed woman yawning beside Zion. A woman whose identity was unknown except that she was a subordinate of Prince Zion. He was curious about her identity, but the words that came out of his mouth were not about her. "But Your Highness, did only the two of youe?" It was hard to even start a conversation, but he had to ask. "Yes." Zion answered briefly. "Then, is there any backuping..." "No. Is there a problem?" There was. A big one. The monster legion was a cmity. One of the Seven Cmities, powerful and forming a collective. Yornan knew about the exceptional abilities of Prince Zion and the woman from the recent battle. Even recalling it now sent shivers down his spine the overwhelming force disyed was undeniable. Yet, that didn''t mean just two people could confront a legion, especially one made of monsters. Even they were barely holding out day by day within the fortress. "...No, there isn''t any." However, his response contradicted his true feelings. Sensing Yornan''s hesitation, Zion, with a slight smile, asked, "How long will it take to reorganize and repair the damage?" "If you mean just the bare minimum repairs, it should be done by midnight today." "Good. Then we''ll attack the monster legion tomorrow morning." His voice was as calm as if he was deciding on tomorrow''s breakfast menu. But the content was far from it. "...Excuse me?" Themander, seemingly having misheard, asked Zion to repeat. Zion, as if to demonstrate, picked up a piece representing the 7th Legion from the map on the table. "After the sun rises tomorrow." He then ced the piece next to the monster legion''s representation on the map. "We''ll head to the Achilles Basin and strike the monster legion." Zion knew. He knew that tomorrow night, the reddest moon of the year would rise. Then, the power of the monsters would be at its peak, and the Monster King Horrible would not miss this chance tounch a full-scale attack on the fortress. It was a far better choice to strike first. "...That''s impossible, Your Highness!" Yornan, initially stunned into silence, spoke up with a heightened tone. Fear flickered in his eyes as he realized he was defying royal orders, but he did not stop speaking. "Of course, I know how powerful Your Highness and your subordinate are from the recent battle. But... they are a legion. A legion of monsters strictly controlled by the Monster King Horrible." To him, the lives of the soldiers he had fought alongside were precious. "To confront a legion, we need an equal force. Although we are a legion too, to be honest, there''s a difference in strength." No matter how royal, he couldn''t send his entire force to their deaths on a absurd order. "That''s why we can barely hold them off while using the fortress. To leave this ce would be... frankly, like suicide. So, I implore you to reconsider your order." With that, Yornan bowed deeply to Zion. He was willing to face punishment for insubordination if it meant saving his troops. Zion watched Yornan in silence, who was tensed up, expecting the prince''s notorious cruelty. Then, in anguid voice, Zion said, "I agree with your concerns." "One legion is indeed insufficient." "Then!" "But I won''t withdraw the order." "Excuse me?" Themander''s eyes filled with questions. And these questions only deepened with Zion''s next statement. "We don''t just have one legion." As he said this, Zion picked up a red piece and ced it behind the monster legion''s piece on the map. Thus, a total of three pieces were now ced on the map. Yornan, briefly staring at the map with a puzzled expression, turned to Zion again. "But didn''t you just say there are no more reinforcements?" "That''s right." "Then why" "Why look elsewhere when what we need is already here?" Zion replied with a smirk, his eyes shifting to Liushina, who was slumped over the table, seemingly bored with the meeting. Chapter 119: Monster Army (3) Chapter 119: Monster Army (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the heart of the capital Hubris stood the Imperial College''s Mage Tower. Within this tower, known for its massive capacity, was the Practical Magic Training Ground, where currently a multitude of people had gathered. These individuals varied in appearance, gender, and age, seemingly having nothing inmon. Well, there was one simrity. They were all professors teaching students at the Mage Tower. What could be the reason for this sudden gathering One of the professors, Gedner, looked around at his equally puzzled colleagues. Does anyone know why we''re assembled? I''m not sure myself. I only know that the Tower Master summoned us Could it be something serious? It''s unprecedented for the Tower Master to call all the professors together like this, aside from annual events. Thats true. Normally, wed at least be informed of the reason, but this time, there''s nothing. Gedners words resonated with the others, and they nodded in agreement. They couldn''t fathom why they''d been summoned, suspending their lectures to gather here, especially in the Practical Magic Training Ground instead of a regr meeting room. Does anyone else feel a strange magical energying from the ceiling? A professor pointed upward with a puzzled expression, drawing everyone''s attention to the ceiling. Indeed... there''s an odd magic energy that I don''t usually sense. Could the reason we''re here be rted to that magic? Let''s take a closer look Their curiosity piqued as they stared at the ceiling. It seems everyone is here now. A grizzled voice broke the silence, and the Tower Master, Ahmad Ozlima, appeared before them. Thud, thud. Ahmad approached the professors with emotionless eyes. However, he wasn''t alone. Behind him followed blood mages and his direct disciples. Tower Master, may we ask why you have summoned us? And those mages behind you The professors asked with curiosity in their eyes, but Ahmad did not answer their questions, instead, he simply opened his mouth. Let''s begin. Bang! The sound of the training ground door closing. And in that moment. Gedner and the other professors realized what the strange magic from the ceiling was. Whoosh! It was a magical circle. A massive one that covered the entire ceiling, emitting a bizarre and ominous red light. What in the world! Gedners voice was filled with confusion and shock, having never seen such a formation. Just as the light from the magic circle reached its peak. In the next moment. Gedner could see. Kiiaaaak! The professors at Gedner''s sides transformed into monsters in real time, and with a thunderous crash, the blood mages fired prepared spells at them. And then, ------------! --- --- Akellis Basin. This terrainy on the outskirts of the Aisis Mountains in the northern part of the Empire. On the basin stood arge temple, its origins unknown. It seemed as if the temple was carved out of a single massive rock. This was also where the monster king Horrible resided. Horrible usually enjoyed sitting on the floor of this temple, lost in thought, feeling a mysterious power emanating from the ground. But now, What are they doing? He wasn''t sitting or lost in thought. He stood upright, gazing at the distant end of the basin. Reflected in Horrible''s eyes were humans. The human legion of the Steel Fortress, which had so far thwarted his continental invasion, was now emerging under the rising sun. "Have they gone mad?" Doubt clouded Horribles eyes. It was an utterly iprehensible sight. These humans had never ventured out, hiding in their fortress like rats. And weren''t they too weak, barely managing to fend off attacks? And now they abandon the advantage of their fortress for a frontal battle? Even when their forces are diminished from yesterdays assault? Was it a surrender? If it was an attempt to catch Horrible off guard, it had seeded. He hadn''t anticipated this at all. But it was meaningless. Changing the time and ce wouldn''t alter the oue. After all, they probably guess that tomorrow night will be the end trying to rebel before then, I suppose. As if convinced, Horrible murmured and looked at the wyverns flying in the sky. He was fundamentally arrogant but also tried to be cautious. That''s why he always spread out scouts around his base. As if sensing his gaze, the wyverns screeched. Their cries indicated that apart from the humans appearing on the other side, there was nothing else in the vicinity. A smile spread across Horribles lips. Prey hade to him willingly how could he not be pleased? The monsters around him, as if resonating with their kings emotions, also began to snort excitedly with fiery eyes. The atmosphere naturally intensified. Thump! Thump! Thump! Some monsters, unable to contain their excitement, began to stomp their feet. Right, since theyvee all this way, its only proper for us to go out and meet them. Muttering so, the monster king casually raised and waved his hand, Krurur! The previously disorganized monsters began to align themselves as if forming a legion. At the instant all were arranged, Trample them all. With Horrible''s low voice, the monster legion finally moved. Kwaaaaaaa! With a deafening roar filling the sky, the monsters surged towards the 7th Agnes Legion, engulfing the basin in a frenzied charge. The ground itself seemed to quake like an earthquake under the monsters'' steps. Had the 7th Agnes Legion anticipated Horrible and his monster legion emerging like this? Prepare! Cher-cher-cher-cher! The 7th Agnes Legion, instead of advancing further, erectedrge shields to form a dense wall. Long spears protruded sharply between the shields. Above them, magical shields created by the mages'' chanting began to cover the formation. A formation specialized in repelling enemy charges. Indeed, the elite legion lived up to its reputation, leaving no gaps in their arrangement. However, Kwaang! This formation was shattered in an instant by the five-horned rhinoceros unit at the forefront of the monster legion. Even with support, the soldiers could not withstand the initial charge of the monsters. Aaahh! Form the second shield line! Hold them off at all costs! The 7th Agnes Legion struggled to reform their lines, but it was futile. The human legion was quickly prated and losing momentum. Species difference. There was an insurmountable gap between humans and monsters from the start. Monsters could crush rocks with sheer strength and snap trees with a single kick. Their power was iparable to that of humans. The reason they were not the dominant force in the world was merely due to theirck of unity and intelligence. Gwaaaaaaa! What if these monsters, like humans, formed a perfect system and were controlled as a legion? The result was now revealing itself to the world. The monsters, relentlessly attacking without ever disrupting their initial formation. Facing them, the human legion, unable to use their fortress''s defensive weapons, was being pushed back relentlessly. Still, they arent copsing at once? Horrible, sitting atop a giant elephant-like monster, looked down at the scene with augh in his voice. Annihtion. It was the inevitable oue they had brought upon themselves. Yet, their desperate resistance was utterly ridiculous. The more they resist, the greater the despair. Muttering so, the monster kings eyes gleamed. Knights of the 3rd and 6th units, deal with the monsters that have breached inside! Other mages, focus your bombardment on the monsters at the rear, ensuring our troops dont get caught in the crossfire! Commander Yornan of the 7th Agnes Legion frantically issued orders. The urgency and confusion distorted his face. How long can thisst As he thought this, the conversation he had with Prince Zionst night came to mind. What was Prince Zion thinking when he issued such an order? Of course, the 7th Agnes Legion was capable of holding their own against the monster legion for a while. The n was to hold the front line while the mages at the back bombarded the enemy. But, Thats only possible as long as the front line holds. Now that it was breached, it was incredibly difficult to hold on, even with high-level knights and mages. The only silver lining was that they were naturally being pushed back without making a conscious effort. At this rate Yornans eyes grew darker. His gaze then shifted to the being sitting atop the giant elephant-like monster. A being with blue skin and violet eyes, appearing almost human. He knew instantly that this was the monster king, Horrible, although he had never seen him before. The presence was so powerful it radiated in all directions, despite being motionless. If that monster were to move, the annihtion of the legion was merely a matter of time. Where are you, Prince Zion, and what are you doing? Themander muttered resentfully, imagining Zion watching over the battlefield with the 7th Agnes Legions elite knights somewhere. Had he been wrong to act on Zions word that another one of our legions had already arrived? Kwaaaaaa! Block them! Aaahh! Even now, the legions strength continued to dwindle. To the point of bing unsustainable. Additionally, Drdrdrdr! The monster king, who had been still until now, was also preparing to move. Despair filled Yornans eyes. In the afterlife, I will bear the full brunt of your sins. As he looked at his soldiers, a final resolution formed in his eyes. And at that moment, the elephant-like monster carrying the monster king lifted its massive front leg. Kyahahaha! A high-pitchedugh echoed loudly across the battlefield. Chills ran down the spines of both humans and monsters, involuntarily turning their gaze to the source of the sound, behind the monster legion. There, a woman with red eyes, scattering terror in all directions, was visible. It was Liushina. She smiled, revealing her teeth, as if enjoying the attention. Kraa! Before the nearby monsters could even react, Liushina clenched her outstretched hand lightly. At that moment, Fwahahahahak! Hundreds of monsters around her instantly turned into blood mist, exploding in all directions. The overwhelming spectacle sent shivers down everyone''s spine, momentarily silencing the battlefield. But then, screech! What the Witch of Thousand Deaths was about to show was just the beginning. With a sound like nails scratching a chalkboard, all the blood mist falling towards the ground abruptly stopped in mid-air. Then, coalescing together, it formed a massive, blood-red gate. The Hellgate. The sight was so eerie and bizarre that it immediately brought the image of a hellish iron gate to everyones minds. Creeeak! The gate slowly opened on both sides, and then, Kiaaaaak! Grrrrr! From within, innumerable evil spirits began to crawl out. From hundreds to thousands. From thousands to tens of thousands. Continuously emerging, these evil spirits formed a legion, just like the monsters. The Army of Evil. One of Liushina''s ultimate powers, specialized in mass warfare and ughter, was being unleashed once again, borrowing the blood of other beings to reveal its presence in the world. Her eyes filled with ecstasy in anticipation of the uing feast. Devour them all. At hermand, resonating across the now-silent battlefield, Kiaaaaaaak! The Army of Evil erupted into ghastly screams as they shed with the monster legion. And then, Now, we break through the center. From atop the basin, Prince Zion, watching the monster legion being split into two by the Army of Evil with his elite knights, spoke with cold, shining eyes. Chapter 120: Monster Army (4) Chapter 120: Monster Army (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "What the hell is that..." A stunned voice tainted with horror leaked from the mouth of the 7th Legion Commander, Yornan. His gaze was fixed behind the Monster Legion. No, to be precise, it was fixed on the blood-red door opened by the woman with red eyes at the back, and the endless swarm of monsters pouring out of it. Has hell itself opened up in our world? Screaming and roaring sounds erupted as the swarm of monsters shed with the Monster Legion, unleashing terrifying cries. A battlefield filled with nothing but instinct and the desire to kill, devoid of reason or restraint. The sight of the battlefield was so overwhelming it could turn the onlooker''s face pale. ''...Is this the legion His Highness Zion mentioned, made up of these monsters?'' Honestly, I was half-doubting there was another legion, but I never imagined it would beposed of monsters. The soldiers around me seemed to share this thought, all staring nkly at the collision. However, "Regroup immediately!!" Yornan quickly regained his senses and shouted loudly. Now was the chance to reorganize the formation while the Monster Legion''s attention was diverted. Furthermore, "Shield bearers, rearrange the formation and let the knights fill in the gaps! All mages, prepare your chants, and artillery, load your weapons!" It was also a chance to turn the tide of the war. Thanks to the monsters'' weakened momentum, Yornan''s legion could easily reorganize. As soon as the formation was ready, themander looked at the Monster Legion and shouted. "Counterattack!" Supporting Liushina''s monster legion while dispersing the power of the Monster Legion was the best strategy. It was also thest order Zion had given to Yornan. "What''s that?" From atop a giant elephant-sized monster, Horrible furrowed his brows as he observed everything. The sudden appearance of a monster legion from the back was an unexpected variable. Despite scouting the area multiple times and being confident there was no hidden force, he could never have dreamed of summoning an entire legion like this. And he certainly didn''t expect it to beposed of monsters. ''Humans and monsters joining forces.'' It was a scene he had never seen before, but he couldn''t just stand by in shock. His Monster Legion was gradually being pushed back. ''First, take care of the monsters at the back.'' Just as he thought this, the monster he was on started to turn. "Hm?" Something else caught Horrible''s eye. Thudding! A group of knights on horseback, charging towards the nk of the legion with insane speed along the side of the basin. The intensity emanating from these knights was so formidable that it could be felt even from a distance. "What now..." A low voice leaked from Horrible as his eyes met with one of the men leading the knights. At that moment, "That is..." A strange emotion flickered in the eyes of the Monster King. In the Chronicles of Monster King Horrible, Horrible is defined not as an artificially created being but as a chimera born naturally. Horrible inherently possessed the ability tomand other monsters and could use the abilities of all monsters, dragons excluded. And in the not-too-distant future, he would shatter the steel fortress and advance into the empire, causing unimaginable destruction and ascending as a great cmity. ''So it''s right to deal with it now.'' Recalling the contents of the chronicles, Zion charged towards the side of the Monster Legion with the elite knights of the 7th Legion, the Balt Knight Order. The period when Horrible bes an unstoppable monster is after its invasion of the empire. Therefore, now, when it was barely born andcked experience, was the best opportunity to deal with it. Of course, it was ''dealing with'' it, not killing it. ''To do that, I''ll have to break through these first.'' Roar! With that thoughtpleted, Zion''s eyes caught the monsters that noticed him and were charging. Viewing the monsters coldly, Zion increased the speed of his horse even more. Thudding! Could it be because they were the elite knights of the 7th Legion? Without saying anything special, the knights followed Zion''s movements. Along with this, Zion and the knights'' formation naturally shaped into a sharp spearhead. Growling! Suddenly, the Dragon Lance Agdvar, grasped in Zion''s right hand, emitted a cry, amplifying the darkness. The expanding darkness began to envelop all the knights behind him. As every knight was covered in darkness, transforming into a perfect ck spear, there was a massive explosion! They finally shed with the monsters. Dozens of explosions sounded at once as a minotaur as big as a house in the front was obliterated without leaving a trace. And then, crunch! The monsters behind it, too, started to be crushed in a row without even managing a proper response. Zion and the knights'' assault moved in a straight line without any hesitation. Ance charge by knights, known for its destructive power in a straight-line breakthrough, was already formidable. With the addition of Zion''s dark energy and the amplification from the Dragon Lance, its power was beyond imagination. Thudding! Only after piercing through about a third of the Monster Legion''s nk did Zion and the knights'' charge begin to slow down. But this "slowdown" was only rtive to their initial speed; from the perspective of the monsters they faced, it was still incredibly fast. Screech! Before a Frost Lamia, recognizing the approaching Zion and knights from afar, could fully prepare itself, Zion, already close, thrust out hisnce, Agdvar. Boom! The sound of an explosion followed by the vanishing head of the Frost Lamia. Before the Lamia''s body could hit the ground, Zion retrieved hisnce, swung it overhead, and released the power of the frost spirit embedded in thence tip. This action started to freeze all the monsters nearby. Crackling! As if on cue, the knights following Zion smashed into the now ice-statue monsters, shattering thempletely. There wasn''t a single superfluous movement in their entire coordination. -"Humans... stop them! Stop them!!" Feeling the crisis, some of the more intelligent monsters screamed, pointing at Zion and the Balt Knight Order. More monsters nearby began to rush towards Zion. Despite this, Zion did not slow down his horse. In fact, he sped up even more. ''I can''t stop, not even for a moment.'' Stopping would mean being surrounded, and that would render the n to break through to the Monster King useless. Boom! Charging forward, Zion put all his momentum into thence tip, shattering the upper body of a Lizard Warrior blocking the way. Although Zion''s primary weapon was originally a sword, that didn''t mean he wasn''t skilled with ance. There were times on the battlefield when he had to wield ance, making hisnce skills second only to his swordsmanship. Whoosh! Feeling at a disadvantage in close quarters, reptilian monsters with cannon-like snouts shot their fangs at Zion like arrows. Each fang had the power to easily shatter a rock. However, none of these attacks reached Zion. Before they could, they were all shattered in mid-air by the oddly curving movements of Agdvar. "!" Admiration shed in the eyes of the knights following behind, but Zion, unbothered, sped up even more. Huff, huff! The ck horse Zion rode snorted with heightened excitement, perhaps in tune with its rider''s strength. Then, aooo! A white wolf, as big as a three-story building, blocked Zion''s path, exhaling a chilling breath. The breath, cold enough to freeze the surrounding air, shot straight towards Zion. Despite noticing the breathing straight for him, Zion didn''t change his direction and continued forward. Keening! A new surge of dark energy began to gather and rotate around Zion''snce, Agdvar, creating another de edge. In the meantime, the wolf''s breath had already reached right in front of him. Just as the breath was about to engulf Zionpletely, ck Tip. Zion''snce was lifted and thrust straight forward. Thwack! In that moment, the white wolf''s breath seemed to be sucked into the tip of Zion''snce and disappeared from the world. It was a baffling sight, but Zion''s attack was not over yet. Crash! The darkness, following the trajectory of the breath, decapitated the wolf, which was looking on with bewildered eyes. Boom! The wolf monster''s body, now headless, fell to the ground. As Zion and the knights leaped over the body and continued their charge, -"Come any closer, and I''ll kill you, human!" Monsters that seemed to be high-ranking officials within the Monster Legion started to move towards Zion. "Your Highness, you must be careful. They are Horrible''s guard!" Vindel, the leader of the Balt Knight Order behind Zion, shouted urgently. They knew well the strength of these creatures, having faced them several times on the battlefield, unlike the Monster King. Therefore, they needed to slow down and prepare before moving. However, "Keep going." Zion, watching the rapidly approaching guard with a calm gaze, said. Along with that, Zion''s right arm holding Agdvar started to pull back as if drawing a bowstring. ''Pierce through them in one go and reach Horrible.'' Dark energy, gathering at the tip of Zion''snce, amplified endlessly. Thudding! The surrounding air began to scream, unable to withstand the density of the dark energy. The space tightened slightly. The knights, feeling a chill down their spines at the sight, had their eyes wavering. -"What is he doing...!" The guard, having increased their speed toote, reached Zion and swung their weapons desperately. A force far different from the monsters faced before. It was already toote. Zion''s arm, drawn to its limit, stretched forward, and Agdvar, amplified to its extreme, disappeared from the spot. And then, -----------------! A streak of ck lightning traced from Zion''s hand to right in front of where Monster King Horrible was. Immediately, the bodies of all monsters caught in the trajectory of the lightning, including the guard, begin to tear apart. Zion, having witnessed that strike, reinterpreted it in his own style and unleashed it upon the world once again. Crackling! A second shockwave erupts from the torn path, shattering the surroundingnd. In an instant, the area ahead is emptied, and silence follows. Within this silence, only Zion speeds toward the Monster King, following the path he created. Whoosh! Zion, reaching the elephantine monster that the Monster King rode in a single bound, leaps up without hesitation. Now in his hand, instead of Agdvar, is Exia. "You are...!" Horrible''s eyes waver as they meet Zion''s, who has charged right up to him. Zion, without hesitation, swings Exia, which he had drawn back in preparation, at the king of monsters. Horrible transforms his entire right hand into a massive w to block it. And finally, Crash! The moment Exia and Horrible''s w collide, unleashing a massive shockwave, Zion''s dark energy enters the fourth stage. Chapter 121: Monster Army (5) Chapter 121: Monster Army (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the southern part of the empirey a vast swamp near the border with the Demon Territory. Utekan Agnes, the Fourth Prince of the Empire and one of the Oma spirits, stood gazing at a structure rising from the center of the swamp the Assassination Guild. It was the cmity that Utekan had been tasked to subdue this time. A small sigh escaped Utekan''s lips. His eyes, filled with aplex light, were not strained by the task of subduing the disaster before him. Indeed, Utekan''s eyes had been like this even before he arrived at this location. ''Zion Agnes.'' The very person who had been stirring his thoughts. The death of Hanosral, one of the Oma spirits, the exposure of his secret forces, and the purification of the Ascalon family all were the doings of his ursed younger brother, Zion Agnes. And he had aplished all of this in less than two weeks. Moreover, there was now the risk of exposing the identity of the demons infiltrated within the empire. ''As if things weren''tplicated enough, now I have to deal directly with this cmity.'' Understandably, Utekan was frustrated. What infuriated him more was the uncertainty of what Zion Agnes might be scheming at this very moment. Utekan detested the fact that he felt such anxiety because of a mere human. ''I must deal with this quickly.'' If this situation continued, their disadvantages would grow like a snowball. Therefore, he needed to break this chain of events, and killing Zion Agnes was essential to that. ''I''ll handle it myself.'' Although Hanosral''s death had left a vacancy among the Oma spirits, asking for support from the Demon Territory would only prove his ipetence. Therefore, Utekan was determined to eliminate Zion with his own hands. ''I''ll have to step in personally.'' It was a luxury to remain idle against an opponent who had already killed an Oma spirit. And the situation was bing increasingly urgent. ''Even if itcks a solid justification and is a stretch.'' Utekan''s eyes, glowing faintly, seemed to have reached a decision. ''First, I''ll subdue this cmity and then gain the upper hand in thepetition for the throne.'' With that thought, the moment Utekan reached out towards the Assassination Guild, the legion behind him began to move. --- A human man with deep gray hair and eyes of the same hue. Horrible had never seen this man before, but he felt an immediate sense of familiarity. He couldn''t take his eyes off the man. From the moment the man appeared at the edge of the swamp and pierced through his legion with terrifying speed, arriving right in front of him, Horrible''s gaze was fixed solely on him. And then, with a thunderous sh, their faces came close enough to hear each other''s breathing. Horrible realized the nature of the familiarity he felt. Kinship. This man, like himself, was born with the destiny of a ruler. "Never thought there''d be another being like me." As the Monster King muttered, his arm muscles instantly swelled to twice their size, then with a thunderous crash, he flung Zion away. "Fascinating," Horrible said, speaking with perfect human diction as he watched Zion, suspended in mid-air. The deep interest in his eyes confirmed his words. "But even if born on the same path, there exists a difference." Thus, Horrible thought, if he were to overpower this man, it would prove his path as a ruler was superior. Of course, the idea of losing never crossed Horrible''s mind. "A fitting final battle before my advance to the continent..." Before he could finish his sentence, "Why so talkative?" Whoosh! Zion, who had been thrown away, vanished from his spot and reappeared right in front of Horrible. In an instant, Zion''s Exia, free of any unnecessary motion, struck towards the Monster King''s head. The sequence was so fast it would be invisible to an ordinary person, but Horrible easily blocked Zion''s sword strike with his arm. Crrrash! Zion''s sword met resistance against Horrible''s arm, now as hard as a diamond, creating shockwaves that vibrated the surrounding air. Screeeech! "You must have realized by now that you can''t prate my skin with that." Behind the sparks of friction, Horrible looked at Zion with twisted eyes. But, "I know that too." Zion''s eyes twisted even more intensely than the Monster King''s. The moment Horrible sensed something, the ck energy swirling around Exia explosively amplified, slicing through Horrible''s forearm and plummeting towards his head. "!" With widened eyes, the Monster King hastily twisted his body away, and then Boom! The spot where he had been was struck by Zion''s sword, creating a massive explosion. The tremendous impact caused the elephant monster Horrible was riding to scream and fall to the side, crushing and killing dozens of other monsters unable to react in time. The ground became unstable, but Zion''s onught towards Horrible did not cease. sh, sh, sh! A barrage of sword strikes, giving no chance for Horrible to regenerate his severed arm. The ck energy around Zion''s sword amplified moment by moment, piercing through Horrible''s defenses. This disy was very simr to using Eclipse, but it was not Eclipse. Or, more urately, it wasn''t aplete Eclipse. ''Partial Eclipse.'' The principle was simple. Not the entire body, but a part of it. Not sustained, but for a moment. By limiting the scope and duration to the extreme, it was a technique that minimized the strain on the body. Zion had always contemted the gap inbat ability following the use of Eclipse, and this was the solution. Although it might not amplify power as much as a full Eclipse, it was much safer. It was a skill that became possible only after the recent advancement of his ck Star Energy to the fourth stage. Crash! Zion was deploying this ''Partial Eclipse'' even more efficiently, activating it precisely at the moment it made contact with Horrible''s body. It was a near-divine technique, a realm unattainable even for a lifetime of training by the most skilled warriors, yet Zion executed it with incredible ease. "Ugh!" Perhaps this was why he was called the King of Monsters? Creak! Even while being pushed back, Horrible, with his innate sense, found an opening and transformed his arms to strike at Zion. The forelegs of a Rock Drake, among the top-tier Drakes known for their immense physical strength, Horrible''s arms could tear apart even level 7 high-tier defensive magic as if it were paper. However, the moment his arms were about to reach Zion, swish- A ck soul thread stealthily extended from Zion''s left hand and burrowed into Horrible''s forearm. In an instant, thunk! As if caught by something, Horrible''s arm lost its power and stopped moving. "What...!" Despite witnessing it, disbelief and shock filled Horrible''s eyes, but there was no one to answer him. Seizing the moment, Zion lunged inward, shing diagonally upwards with his sword. Crackle! The ck mist, amplified by the Partial Eclipse, surged along Zion''s de, tearing through Horrible''s sturdy body with ease. "Argh!" Even amid the tremendous pain and his scream, the Monster King counterattacked Zion once more. This time, Horrible''s legs, sprouting hundreds of de-like protrusions like millennia-old steel, extended towards Zion. But again, thunk! The same result his legs lost power and stopped right beside Zion. Slice! Once again, Zion''s Exia drew a dark line, effortlessly slicing through Horrible''s legs. ''Effective.'' Thinking this, Zion continued his relentless assault on the staggering, off-bnce Horrible. Horrible, though naturally born, was essentially a chimera, meaning his bodyposition was fundamentally wed. This allowed him the advantage of freely transforming his body, but conversely, it also meant there were many vulnerabilities to exploit. Zion''s method was straightforward. Insert the ck soul thread into those vulnerabilities, then use the ck Star Energy to disrupt and neutralize some of Horrible''s body-transforming and moving power. This too was possible only because the ck Star Energy had risen to the fourth stage and because Horrible was a chimera. ''It may well be a strategy.'' It was something only Zion himself could do, rendering it of little significance to others. ''I''ll quickly burst one of his hearts.'' With that thought, Zion''s movements elerated even more. Whirrrr! Various techniques of ck Star Energy like Mingling Shadows, ck Vortex, and Night sh burst forth from Zion''s sword, relentlessly assaulting Horrible, giving him no room to breathe. Monster King Horrible. His personal power, excluding his legion, was stronger than the former King of Illusionary Forces, but the current Zion had grown to an iparable extent. The advancement of ck Star Energy from two stars to four was like opening two new worlds. "What is this...!" Horrible, overwhelmed by Zion''s relentless attacks, spilled out his bewildered cries. All thoughts of kinship or proving himself had vanished from his mind. Each relentless attack from Zion was a lethal blow; there was no room for any other thoughts. Instead, his mind was filled with the dread of death. Crack! "Argh!" The regeneration speed was getting slower with the continuous attacks. In truth, Horrible had never engaged in a proper battle. Or, more precisely, he had never faced an opponent of equal or superior skill. He had been overwhelmingly powerful since birth, and all the monsters around him had only bowed their heads in his presence. A frog in a well. That was the most fitting description for Horrible at the moment. ''At this rate, I might really...'' He had never encountered anyone who could push him to this extent, nor anyone born with the same destiny of a ruler. He had no idea how to respond. ''Is he really born with the same destiny of a ruler?'' What if that wasn''t the case? What if he was not a ruler or a peak existence, but just a bit stronger than others, and the human before him was the one who truly embodied that destiny? It was a thought that negated his very purpose, but the current situation left no other exnation. Rooooar! The cries of the monsters reached Horrible''s ears. Their sounds were no longer filled with the excitement of ughter but were instead tinged with pain and fear. Screeeech! "Keep pushing! Don''t miss this opportunity!!!" The suddenly appearing Evil Hand''s legion and the human legion persistently counterattacking. sh! And the man and knights who had prated from the side to the center. The supposedly invincible Monster Legion was gradually crumbling under attacks from three directions. Moreover, without Horrible, there was no one to control the Monster Legion, elerating their copse. ''It''s dangerous.'' Both the legion and himself. Everything seemed on the brink of copse, like it could shatter at any moment. Along with this realization, a primal instinct for survival began surging from the depths of Horrible''s heart. ''I must find a way to escape from here at any cost.'' Creak! With that thought, Horrible''s entire body began to swell, manifesting the traits of dozens of different monsters. In ast desperate effort, the Monster King interwove these traits into one and prepared to unleash them all at Zion. But a fraction of a moment faster, "You should have moved quicker." Zion''s Exia shattered Horrible''s heart. Chapter 122) - Monster Army (6) Chapter 122) - Monster Army (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Kerrrrgh! A pained scream erupted from Horrible''s mouth as his heart was shattered by Zion''s sword in an instant. Yet, even in desperate agony, the Monster King twisted his body, extracting Zion''s Exia and began to flee in a crazed panic. Aaaaah! Fear-filled screams spilled from him. In some ways, Horrible was no different from a child. Having been born not long ago, he was true to his emotions andcked any experience in restraining them. Thus, facing a being stronger than himself for the first time, he was overwhelmed by fear, desperately wanting to escape the situation. In the Monster King''s mind, there was no longer any trace of arrogance or belief that he was the pinnacle of power. Boom! Using a partial eclipse to amplify the Heukseongha in his legs, Zion quickly caught up to Horrible. Certainly, it was abnormal for the Monster King to still be moving despite his heart being crushed, but there was no doubt or confusion in Zion''s eyes. Horrible originally has two hearts. The Monster King Horrible possessed a real and a fake heart. The heart Zion had just destroyed was the fake one. The real heart was hidden somewhere outside Horrible''s body. But that doesnt mean I can''t kill him here. Destroying over 80% of the body could sever its lifeline, even without finding and destroying the real heart. The Hero in the chronicles had killed Horrible using this method. Knowing this, Horrible must have decided to flee. Uaaaah! The Monster King,shing out in desperation, aimed his attack at Zion, who was quickly following him. His arm, imbued with the traits of dozens of monsters, aimed a more powerful attack than before at Zion. But, crackle! No matter how powerful the attack, Zion, who had not lost hisposure, was not going to be hit. He smashed Horrible''s attack effortlessly and quickly closed in, swinging his previously withdrawn Exia broadly. sh! The regenerated leg was sliced again, and the Monster King tumbled to the ground. Then, Zion''s sword strikes began to rain down indiscriminately on the Monster King. Swoosh! Zion, without expressing a word and without any emotion in his eyes, continued his assault. Horrible, trying to survive, intermittently screamed and resisted, but it was futile. This was no longer a battle. It was simply a ughter. Roar! The surrounding monsters tried toe to their king''s aid, Block them! Do not let them disturb His Highness Zion! But they were held back by the knights of the Balt Knight Order, and, Screech! By demons that had infiltrated the center. I''m going to die, I''ll really die like this! That was the thought filling Horrible''s mind as more than half of his body was destroyed by Zion. As his eyes dimmed of light, they met Zion''s. Horrible saw in Zion''s eyes four distinct ck stars swirling vividly, feeling an infinite terror. To him, Zion seemed like an immense presence that reduced him to a firefly in front of the sun. If not Zion, then who in the world could possibly be the pinnacle? "Please, spare me!" Realizing this, a desperate plea burst from Horrible''s mouth. "Spare my life! I will crawl on the ground if you ask. I will do anything youmand!" A cowardly cry, unbing of a king of monsters. But Zion''s sword strikes did not cease. Crash! They became even faster. "Uaaaah! Please spare me! Pleaaase!" Right before his lifeline was severed, a final, prideless cry escaped Horrible''s lips. nk! Zion''s sword stopped right in front of him. Along with it, the explosively amplified Heukseongha slowly began to recede. "?" The Monster King, staring nkly at the Exia stopped before his eyes, was filled with doubt, never having imagined Zion would actually stop. "You begged for your life." Zion smirked, as if pleased by Horrible''sst desperate plea. He had never intended to kill Horrible from the start. The second reason Zion had specifically chosen the Monster Legion among the disasters was precisely because of Horrible. "Why suddenly stop." "Should I have killed you?" "No, not that!" "Then first, stop the monsters." "Understood!" Confused, the Monster King nevertheless signaled to his surroundings. At hismand, the Seventh Legion and Liushina''s Demon Hands, who were in the midst of chaotic battle, began to stop their movements. "Cut off their ankles to stop their movements Huh?" "Kill all those damn monster bastards?" Was it then that they sensed something was wrong amidst the sudden stillness of the monsters? The soldiers, who had been intoxicated with the heat of battle, swinging their weapons at the monsters, began to look around with puzzled expressions. And then, in their sight, ! In the center of the battlefield, the Monster King Horrible knelt with his head bowed, and Zion stood before him with a calm gaze. "Ah." With that, the soldiers, no, everyone on the battlefield, gaped in stunned silence at the sight. The emotion that slowly filled their eyes. That emotion was none other than, Aaaaah! The ecstasy of victory. Theyid down their weapons. Embracing each other. The soldiers, sitting down, screamed until their throats were hoarse. Within their cheersy the pent-up frustration of over a year, mourning for their fallenrades, and amazement at this unbelievable miracle. "Really... we actually won..." Yornan''s eyes trembled uncontrobly as he looked towards Zion and the Monster King. Until a few days ago. No, even until this morning before they set out, he couldn''t have imagined witnessing such a scene. Just two people. It was only two more than the original legion. Yet, those two had created this oue. A miracle, hard to believe even as he saw it! "Ah... His Highness Zion." Yornan''s head slowly bowed towards the person who had made this miracle possible, filled with awe for Zion. "Ha... it''s a bit frustrating, but it can''t be helped." Unlike Yornan, Liushina, looking dissatisfied, called back her demons. Normally, once she started a massacre, she would not stop until it was finished, but this time was an exception. She remembered the words Zion said before the battle, even before arriving at the fortress. Regretfully, but believing that such opportunities woulde again if she waited by her master''s side, Liushina consoled her disappointment. She slowly walked towards Zion. Along with her, Yornan and other knights also began to approach Zion. "You said you would do anything, right?" Zion, watching the people approaching him, spoke in a low voice, audible only to Horrible. "?" "We''ll talk about thatter." With those words from Zion, crack! Horrible''s vision plunged intoplete darkness. --- The secret branch of the criminal organization Ouroboros in the capital city, Hubris. "This is annoying." In the office, Sharin May, one of the Ouroboros executives, frowned deeply as she looked out the window. "Are you thinking about that person again?" Beside her, the snake-eyed demon Diral asked, sounding familiar with the subject. Diral, who had once abruptly sought out Sharin, had since proven his abilities in various ways and had been staying by her side. Of course, Sharin knew he was a demon, but she didn''t mind. The Ouroboros organization itself aimed for the destruction of humanity, and she was ready to join hands even with a devil if they were capable enough. "Yes, still no trace of him." Sharin was aware that her shadow intelligencework was one of the best in the capital. Yet, it was iprehensible to her that she was so blocked. Now, it felt like a matter of pride to find out and crush that face. "I had nned to set it off during this festival..." But that became impossible when the grey-haired man took away two pieces of the Snow Queen''s authority. From Sharin''s perspective, this was frustrating in many ways. "Speaking of the Snow Queen''s authority pieces, didn''t you acquire another one after that?" Diral asked, looking at her. "I did find another one. But there''s not much we can do with just that. We need at least three to deal any significant damage to Hubris." "Why not use that piece to find him?" "What?" "The pieces. Weren''t they originally part of a single artifact? There should be some resonance or attraction between them. Isn''t there a way to amplify that?" Sharin''s eyes began to shine at Diral''s suggestion. "Not a bad idea. Why didn''t I think of that? If that guy has a piece of the authority, we could find both." "Well, it''s hard to think of such things when you''ve only recently acquired a new piece." Diral shrugged, but his words were already lost on Sharin. "Call all the mages in the branch immediately." Sharin ordered her subordinate standing in the back. Her eyes were already filled with anticipation and murderous intent. --- In the deepest part of the dungeons of the Steel Fortress. nk- There, Horrible was fixed to the wall with dozens of restraints binding his entire body. His eyes were already half-dead. After all, having been defeated in war and captured by humans, his end was all too predictable. "I... defeated..." A voice of despair escaped from Horrible. He still couldn''t quite believe it. That he had been pathetically beaten by humans and begged for his life. But at the same time, the image of the human who had done this to him brought fear to Horrible''s eyes. ''The man with grey hair.'' Despite having been defeated and humiliated in the war because of him, Horrible felt no anger or hatred. Instead, he felt a sense of relief to be out of the situation where he had to confront that man. Where did such a persone from? The human woman who summoned legions alone was impressive, butpared to the intensity of that man, she was nothing. Then, step, step. Low footsteps reached Horrible''s ears. The pressure from those footsteps involuntarily turned his head. And the Monster King saw. "You, you are...!" The man he had just been thinking of was slowlying down the stairs, approaching him. Along with him, fear surged again. Whether he knew of Horrible''s feelings or not, Zion stood impassively right in front of Horrible. "The restraints suit you well." "......" The Monster King, unable to respond and seemingly finding it difficult to meet his eyes, lowered his head. But then he raised it again at Zion''s following words. "You will be executed tomorrow morning." "......!" "You will be burned so that not even your corpse remains. Dozens of mages are scheduled to pour high-level fire magic on you." Why would hee all this way to say this? Did hee to enjoy the sight of him wailing in fear? "Is that why you''re here? To gloat?" "Gloat?" "you mean?" Horrible quickly changed his words, and Zion, watching him, chuckled before continuing. "Don''t you want to live?" Horrible looked at him as if he had asked something obvious. All that was left in him, after discarding his pride and everything else, was his survival instinct. "Of course, I do." "Then I''ll let you live." Zion''s voice, offering to spare the leader of the enemy they had fought mere hours ago, was utterly calm. The Monster King''s eyes widened greatly. "Are, are you really...!" "However." Zion interrupted his question. "You''ll have to do as I say." It was a continuation of the conversation they couldn''t finish on the battlefield. Part of the hunting n Zion had prepared beforeing here. Of course, the prey was Utekan. "What is it?" Horrible had alreadymitted on the battlefield to do anything if spared. Thus, there was no hesitation in Horrible''s question to Zion. "The Giant Clusters." A voice devoid of emotion flowed from Zion''s mouth. "Gather the monsters and head there. Rave around and wait for further instructions." "Rave around you say?" Horrible asked, not understanding, but Zion did not answer. As always, exining the reason was not Zion''s style. "Oh, and." Before turning around, Zion seemed to remember something he had almost forgotten and spoke to the Monster King. "Before you leave, hand over your ''real heart'' to me." "!!!!!!" It was said with a casualness like considering a stroll. But to Horrible, it was far from casual. How did he know about the ''real heart,'' something he had never spoken of to another? The Monster King couldn''t understand what being stood before him. "How did you..." "I can''t blindly trust you. I need coteral, don''t I?" With that, Zion smiled slyly and turned to leave the dungeon. "Leave first thing tomorrow." With those words, Zionpletely disappeared from Horrible''s sight. But Horrible''s eyes lingered for a long time on the spot where Zion had been. The next morning. The Monster King Horrible was officially executed in front of the entire Seventh Legion. But that evening. No one in the Steel Fortress noticed something slip away into the night. Chapter 123: The Giant Destroyer (1) Chapter 123: The Giant Destroyer (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here At noon on the day when the Horrible Monster King was officially executed at the Steel Fortress, Zion and Liushina found themselves once again in the Achilles Basin, where they had recently waged a fierce war. Perhaps it was because not much time had passed, the basin still bore the stark aftermath of the war. Thendscape of the basin was littered with the corpses of monsters and humans alike. Crows and other birds of prey, along with scavenger-type monsters, were everywhere, turning over and feasting on the bodies. This gruesome scene, which vividly illustrated the horrors of war, was so repulsive that it could make an ordinary person vomit at the sight. Yet, as Zion and Liushina passed through the corpses, their expressions remained as usual. Zion, having been an emperor in his original world, had experienced countless battlefields, making him ustomed to even more horrific scenes than this. Liushina, in her past, had even taken pleasure in creating such scenes herself. "Why have wee here again, Master? There''s nothing left alive," asked the indifferent Witch of a Thousand Murders, who derived her greatest joy from killing living beings. She found no interest in a ce filled with nothing but death, a stark contrast to her gleeful demeanor in the midst of yesterday''s battlefield. "There''s something I need to obtain," Zion answered without even turning his head. If the Monster King Horrible was a secondary reason, what he was about to seek was the primary reason he had chosen the Monster Legion. "What is it?" she asked. "Do you know why this ce is called the Achilles Basin?" "No, I don''t." Her response was confident, as expected. Not many in the world knew, considering it was a secret history that urred on the outskirts of the continent. "Achilles was the name of a person, more precisely, a hero." "A hero?" "Yes, a hero who killed the giant king who had turned into a demon." Long before the Agnes Empire was established, the northernnds were inhabited by numerous giants, including one so exceptional he was called the Giant King. He was the one who initially unified and led the early giants before they formedrgermunities. However, for some unknown reason, the Giant King went mad,mitting countless massacres and transforming into a great demon. And it was Achilles, the hero, who killed this Giant King. "Achilles, born between a human and a giant, ended the Giant King''s life after three days and nights of fierce fighting in this basin. And he sealed the weapon he used to kill the Giant King right here." "So, the weapon you''re looking to acquire is that very one?" Liushina asked. "Exactly," Zion nodded in response. The Giant Destroyer, Gigapherses. This was the weapon Zion sought to obtain and also the key to killing Utekan. "Then, is the weapon located over there?" As she spoke, Liushina pointed towards a massive temple ced right in the middle of the basin. The temple, which appeared as if a giant rock had been carved out in its entirety, was the very ce where the Monster King had resided until recently. "Yes." In the chronicles, it was not until just before the war with the demons that the hero Frosimar obtained the Giant Destroyer and killed Utekan. But Zion wasn''t nning to wait that long, nor did he intend to leave the task of killing Utekan to the hero. He preferred to hunt down those who revealed themselves as his enemies. "It''s amazing, Master. Weren''t you confined to the imperial pce until just half a year ago? How do you know all this?" The witch, Liushina, looked at Zion with eyes full of questions. She was no fool. In fact, she was a genius, having reached the pinnacle of blood magic. She knew very well how absurd everything Zion was doing seemed. ''It didn''t make sense from the start when he subdued me at Myeolhondaejin.'' How had her master known the location and method to use Myeolhondaejin? The most baffling part was the strength Zion disyed within Myeolhondaejin. Even recalling it now sent shivers through her body, a mythical power that she couldn''t touch no matter what, marking the first andst time in centuries she had felt such despair. ''But the current Master isn''t at that level yet.'' Though the current Zion was incredibly strong and growing at an astonishing rate, he still didn''t possess the transcendent something she saw in Myeolhondaejin. How could there be such a difference between the power of a soul and a physical body? Unable to understand, she looked at Zion, filled with questions. "Just read a lot of books," was all Zion said with a smirk. Meanwhile, they had reached the front of the temple. Without hesitation, Zion entered, followed by Liushina, shaking her head in disbelief. Was it because the carved rock itself was ck? Despite it being midday, the inside of the temple was dark. ''Was it this way?'' The scene where the hero in the chronicles obtained the Giant Destroyer wasn''t described in detail. Thus, Zion had only a few clues to work with. "Master, isn''t it over there? That wall looks a bit odd." "Master, look here! Look! The color of the floor here is different, isn''t it?" Ignoring Liushina''s continuous but misguided suggestions, Zion wandered the temple. Then, his eyes sparkled as he discovered something. ''Found it.'' There, in the deepest part of the temple, stood a pir. The pir was engraved with small letters in an ancientnguage, not the current Imperialnguage. However, Zion could read it. ''Only those who carry the blood of giants shall gain the power to destroy them.'' The phrase was straightforward. It meant that only giants or those of mixed giant heritage could ess the location of Gigapherses. ''So that''s why Horrible stayed here so long without gaining anything.'' In the chronicles, the hero Frosimar had obtained the Giant Destroyer because he had a giant among hispanions. In contrast, Zion had no connection to giants. But there was no sign of disturbance in Zion''s eyes. ''If I couldn''t have obtained it, I wouldn''t havee here.'' With that thought, Zion reached out and touched the letters. "What are you doing, Master? Shouldn''t you be dripping blood on the inscription? And it seems like it has to be the blood of another race..." Liushina, a pinnacle of blood magic, quickly grasped the principle just by looking at it. It was indeed correct that giant''s blood needed to be dripped on the inscription, but Zion kept his hand there, drawing up his ck energy. The entire area, including the pir, began to shake as if startled by the foreignness of the ck energy seeping through the inscription. But Zion pushed even more forcefully, driving the ck energy deeper into the pir. The most alien force in the world, a power that negates everything. It permeated deep into the pir, devouring and erasing theplex enchantments within, a method made possible by his recent ascension to four stars. The trembling spread, and eventually, the entire temple began to shake, but it was already toote. The ck energy, antagonistic to all supernatural abilities in the world, had already erased the ancient enchantments extending below the pir. With a loud crash, the front of the engraved pir split open and crumbled, revealing a passage leading downwards. It felt more like the inside had beenpletely destroyed, forcibly opening the passage rather than a mechanism smoothly unlocking. "Quite a violent way to break through," Liushinamented, sticking out her tongue. Despite observing for several months, she still couldn''t grasp the nature of the power Zion wielded. "It''s the easiest way," Zion replied shortly, stepping into the passage. The path was even darker than the temple. Step by step. Perhaps because most of the magical traps had been destroyed? It was almost like illegal entry, but nothing really hindered or obstructed Zion and Liushina as they descended. asionally, some of the enchantments that hadn''t beenpletely destroyed would activate, aiming at them, but with a loud crash! The traps were immediately obstructed or shattered. It seemed the creators hadn''t anticipated this method of intrusion. After descending for some time... Suddenly, light burst forth, widening the passage and revealing a vast cavern before them. In the center of the cavern was a dais, and atop it, an object. "That''s it, right? The thing you''re looking for, Master." Even without Liushina''s words, Zion would have recognized it instantly. The object was exactly as described in the chronicles. A dark blue light. A massive iron chain with enough length and thickness to cover the entire cavity when unfurled. And an indescribable oppressive aura that seemed to weigh down the air around it. ''The Giant Destroyer, Gigapherses.'' A legendary weapon like Agdvar, but surpassing even mythical weapons when it came tobating giants. As Zion''s hand touched it, unlike the temple that repelled anyone not of giant descent, the Giant Destroyer immediately coiled around his wrist, as if it had been waiting for him. The Giant Destroyer could be used by any race. It was only sealed here by the hero Achilles because he feared its misuse in the hands of other races. He, being half-giant himself, knew all too well how lethal this weapon could be to the giant race. The Giant Destroyer vibrated slightly on his wrist, as if it were a puppy delighted at the prospect of finally getting outside. "Let''s return to the imperial pce," Zion said with a slight smile, after observing the Giant Destroyer for a moment. The time to confront Utekan was drawing ever closer. --- "Huh..." Sir Winix, guarding the main gate of the imperial pce, witnessed a rare sight since morning. The royals of Agnes, rulers of the empire, bearing the most noble blood, never lose their dignity for any reason. Even their simplest gestures are filled with nobility, and their steps are always dignified. But now... "Open the gate!" The Fourth Prince Utekan and the Fifth Princess Diana, who were approaching at tremendous speed,cked such dignity. They were rushing as if passing through the main gate of the imperial pce was their life''s sole purpose, using every means, including Cheonseongha and spirit magic, to increase their speed. "Hurry, open the gate...!" The guards hurriedly opened the gate in a panic. With a whoosh, Diana, Utekan, and their personal guards passed through the opened gate and quickly disappeared from Winix''s sight. "You''vee sooner than I thought, Brother Utekan?" Diana, riding beside Utekan on the legendary horse Hogeros, spoke with a smile despite their high speed. "Ha ha, Diana, I didn''t expect you to subdue the disaster this quickly," Utekan replied with a heartyugh, elerating his horse even more. The reason for their hurry was simple. It was to fulfill the condition of being ''the first'' in the imperial session battle and the subjugation of the cmity. ''We are the first ones.'' Diana was confident of this. They had rushed back with only their personal guards immediately after subduing the cmity, so they hadn''t heard any reports about the other royals. However, she vividly remembered the reactions of the people when they entered the capital. -Princess Diana has arrived! -Princess Diana is the first to arrive! Such reactions would not have urred if another royal had arrived first. If someone else had been seen before them, there surely would have been mention of it. The advantage in the imperial session was getting closer. ''If only I can outdo the person beside me.'' Diana thought this while looking at Utekan. Ideally, thepetition would have ended the moment they entered the imperial pce, but since they entered simultaneously, it was invalid. Therefore, she was thinking of the small conference room in Baeksung Pce, the secondary destination, where the cmity subjugation had started. Without much discussion, it seemed Utekan was thinking the same, as their paths were identical. "Will you yield?" "Do you think you could?" Utekan replied with a sly smile to Diana''s question. He, too, had his reasons to win thispetition. Soon, they neared Baeksung Pce. Then, with a loud crash! Utekan''s bulky figure soared into the air from his horse. Twisting in midair, he smashed through a window on the floor where the small conference room was located and entered. "Hey...!" Diana followedte, entering Baeksung Pce through the broken window. Soon, she saw Utekan standing in front of the conference room. For some reason, he didn''t enter but stood there with wide-open eyes, staring inside. "Why aren''t you going in...!" Feeling something was wrong yet approaching Utekan, Diana also looked inside the conference room. Her eyes, too, began to widen in shock. There was already a guest inside. A man sat alone on a chair,zily cing a coffee cup on the round table. "You''re a bitte." It was Zion. Chapter 124: The Giant Destroyer (2) Chapter 124: The Giant Destroyer (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The news that Prince Zion Agnes was the first to subjugate a disaster spread rapidly throughout the capital. Initially, it went unnoticed as he had quietly left with only one subordinate and returned just as quietly. However, the news from the Steel Fortress soon spread like wildfire. Thanks to this, Zion Agnes'' name was soaring once again in the capital. Of course, other royal family members were also sessful in subjugating disasters and elevating their reputations, but nonepared to Zion. He had subjugated not one, but two disasters, including the Phantom Army, and he was the first to do so. Another factor further highlighted Zion''s achievement. "Only two of them went on the expedition?" Surprise flickered in Diana''s eyes as she received Lloyd''s report in the office of the Chingseong Pce. She had personally sought out this information, unable to understand how Zion had returned first. "Yes. That''s why there was hardly any time between their departure and return. Moreover, I''ve learned that upon reaching the Steel Fortress, they immediately subdued the monster legion the next morning." "Is that even possible? I know a legion was stationed at the fortress, but wasn''t it impossible for them to subdue the disaster alone?" "That''s true. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the red-eyed woman apanying Prince Zion summoned creatures equivalent to an entire legion on the battlefield." "!!!!!!" Princess Diana''s eyes widened in shock. She had never heard of a single mage summoning an entire legion in her life. "Does that make sense?" "All the soldiers on the battlefield saw it." "Ha, what kind of... No, wait." Doubt turned to realization in Diana''s eyes. She remembered that when Zion had subjugated the Phantom Army, he had also set out with only that woman named Liushina. At that time, she had dismissed it, thinking they had the help of the Ashen Lion Brigade. But recalling it now, it seemed Zion had already utilized that woman to subdue the Phantom Army. "I knew he was strong, but to this extent..." His power seemed to rival that of the ''Seven Heavens.'' Where on earth had Zion found such a force? It was truly iprehensible. "Ha..." She felt increasingly distant from the throne. Shaking off that feeling quickly, Diana began to reassess the currentpetition for the throne in her mind. ''In terms of legitimacy, Zion is most favorable.'' He had been officially designated as the sessor by thete Emperor Urdios. However, this was only a slight boost to the already limited power of the pro-Emperor nobles and didn''t mean much otherwise. And that was the peculiar nature of the Empire. Themand of the Agnes Emperor, virtually the ruler of the world, was supreme, surpassing everything else. But when ites to session, that''s not the case. Precisely, the Emperor''s influence in sessionpetition was not that significant. Power over legitimacy. This had been the unchanging tradition of the Agnes Empire since its foundation by the Eternal Emperor Aurellion and had continued ever since. Hence, all the Emperors throughout history ascended to the throne only after utterly destroying or subduing their siblings through their own power and influence. There were those who were officially designated as sessors by the previous Emperor and those who were not, but the process was the same for all. Only by doing so could they be considered worthy of ruling an empire that governed the entire world and gain the true recognition of the military leaders. That''s why the internal strife within the Imperial Pce is tacitly tolerated. Therefore, legitimacy was not of great significance to the direct descendants of Agnes, and the principle of primogeniture,mon in ancient states, was absent. This was why other royals begrudgingly epted when thete Emperor Urdios designated Zion as his sessor. After all, even my father ascended to the throne by killing all his siblings, despite not being the official sessor... This was the reason why the term ''Crown Prince'' was scarcely used. It was essentially meaningless. In terms of power, the other royals still have the upper hand for now... But there was no telling when they might be overtaken. Moreover, the advantage Zion gained from his recent disaster subjugation in thepetition for the throne would only narrow this gap more rapidly. And that advantage will be the leadership in the uing ''World Conference''. The Agnes World Conference. Thergest conference held in the Empire, attended by representatives from the Outsiders, known as the Giant ns, the Fairy Forest, and the Beastman Sea. The representatives from the Outsiders typically considered the royal who led the World Conference as the next Emperor. Naturally, this put a significant amount of power behind the leading royal, giving them a tremendous advantage in forming alliances. And if it bes known that Zion is a descendant of the Eternal Emperor... She didn''t even want to think about what woulde next. Lost in these thoughts, Diana called Lloyd, the captain of the first division of Igracia. Lloyd. Yes. We will be visiting the Fairy Forest soon. Keep that in mind. Understood. With that, Diana turned her gaze out of the window, where she began to see people busily preparing for the uing Founding Day Festival, now just a day away. The Agnes Founding Day Festival. A celebration of the founding of the Agnes Empire, it was one of the grandest festivals in the Empire. Itsted four days and nights, attracting people from all over the empire to enjoy the festivities. This Founding Day Festival took ce exactly two days after all the royals hadpleted their subjugations and returned to the Imperial Pce. Originally, the event was scheduled to coincide with the founding day and couldn''t be postponed, so the festival took ce even before the aftermath of therge-scale disaster subjugation was fully dealt with. Perhaps because all the royals returned victorious? This year''s Founding Day Festival was even more grandiose than thest. Bam, bam, bam! Parades coursed through the streets of the capital, with countless performances of dance, song, and instrumental music. Moreover, despite it being night, the streets were brightly lit and packed with stalls, adding to the festive atmosphere. "Mom, look over there! Can we go there?" "Sure, but remember to hold my hand so you don''t get lost." The streets were filled with a multitude of people. And among them, "Right there, Your Highness." Prince Zion and his entourage were also present. Zion, with his hair and eye color changed, and his disguised subordinates followed him. Having some free time until his next n after subduing the monster legion, Zion took this opportunity to step out of the Imperial Pce. Of course, Zion, who generally disliked noise and chaos, had a specific reason foring here. "ording to our ''Shadows'', that ce sells the best coffee among all the shops here." It was all about the coffee. Zion had learned about the existence of ''Coffee Street'', a section of stalls specializing in coffee set up for the Founding Day Festival, and hade to see it himself. Zion''s interest in coffee was growing day by day. "No, Your Highness. ording to our analysis in ''Moon''s Eye'', the ce two blocks up across the street has the best acidity and aroma density. Let''s go there." At Thierry''s suggestion, Aileen immediately countered, pointing to another shop. "I''m not sure what your basis is for that. His Highness prefers a subtle aroma over something too strong. And, as far as I know, the shop you''re referring to has an aroma so intense it''s numbing." "Isn''t the quality of the aroma subjective? Besides, the shop you''ve chosen uses lower quality beans than ours. Would you want His Highness to consume such?" "While the quality of the beans is important, what''s more important is..." It was a seemingly profound yet utterly pointless conversation. "..." Zion let their conversation go in one ear and out the other as he walked on. He didn''t understand why they insisted on apanying him and doing this when he hadn''t asked them to. Was it because they were both from the same information organization and had developed a sense ofpetition? "Hey, customer! That''s a carbonated drink, don''t shake it!" "Carbonated? What is that..." Fwoosh! Elsewhere, Liushina, her hair and eyes dyed brown, was causing a fountain show, spraying a carbonated beverage she bought from a stall everywhere. It seemed that carbonation didn''t exist before she was sealed away. "No sugar, and make it cold." This was when Zion, pretending not to be with Liushina and her group, ordered his coffee. "Did you hear that? Thest remaining disaster, ''The Root-Gnawing Serpent'', has been subdued." The conversation from a nearby stall reached Zion''s ears. "What? Is that true?" "Yes. I just heard about it. Of course, it''s not confirmed yet." "Did the empire send an army in that short time?" "No, not an army. It was a small group, two people, I think?" "Haha! What? Just two people? You must have heard some nonsense. Let''s go have a drink." "No, really, that''s what I heard..." Their voices faded as they moved away. Zion couldn''t hear the entire conversation, but a faint smile formed on his lips as he had gathered all the information he needed. ''It seems they seeded.'' Most likely, it was the hero''s party. Now, their names would start to be known because of this incident, and the hero''s active journey would begin. This was all part of Zion''s intentions, so it was not a bad development. ''Naturally, theirpanions will also increase.'' From Zion''s perspective, the growth of the hero''s party was a wee event. Depending on how he used it, it could aid his own ns and make the main story progress more favorably. Moreover, they would be neededter to capture the Demon King. After all, the very existence of a hero was specialized for the killing of the Demon King. ''The Demon King...'' Zion sipped his iced coffee, mulling over thoughts about the Demon King. The Demon King. Even Zion, who had read through the chronicles, didn''t know exactly what kind of being the Demon King was, as it had never made a direct appearance in the chronicles. A transcendental entity, crouched in the deepest part of the Demon Realm, receiving awe and worship from all the demons of the world. ''In the chronicles, the hero''s party never even reached the Demon King.'' The power of the hero''s party at the time was unimaginable, but even so, they were just a small group without any supporting forces. Their limit was clear; they couldn''t even break through the four Archdukes, let alone the Demon King. ''If the Empire and the Church of Light had provided proper support, the oue might have been different.'' But they didn''t. The chaos within the Empire only grew uncontroble after the death of Evelyn Agnes, who thought of helping the hero, and amidst that, the Church of Light also became precarious. ''That''s why it''s hard to gauge how powerful the Demon King really is.'' Being the final boss of the chronicles, the Demon King surely possessed a strength on a different level from other beings. In fact, Zion was somewhat excited about it. How much of a challenge would the Demon King present to him once he fully regained his original power? ''To do that, I need to advance the realm of ck Star faster.'' Having reached four stars in less than half a year, Zion still thought this pace was too slow. Indeed, the slow progress was partly due to his physical body. In his original world, Zion had reached the 8-star realm of ck Star. Simply put, the effort needed to advance further was simr to what he had already achieved, but the increase in power with each advancement was iparably greater. First, reach 5 stars within a month. As Zion concluded his thoughts, "Hey, you there!" An old, grizzled voice called out from the side. Turning his head, Zion saw an old woman looking directly at him and his following entourage. The old woman, with white hair and a face full of wrinkles, was grinning slyly, adorned with numerous nes and earrings. In front of the old woman, who was sitting inside a makeshift tent,y a singr bead emitting a strange light. "Interested in having your fortune told?" The old woman then asked Zion, revealing her yellowed teeth. Chapter 125: Founding the Nation (1) Chapter 125: Founding the Nation (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "I''m sorry, Grandmother, but I''ll have to visit another time..." "Do that." Before Aileen could finish her sentence, Zion''s voice flowed with eptance. Surprise filled the eyes of the other two, excluding Liushina. The Zion they knew had never shown interest in such matters. Ignoring their puzzled looks, Zion entered the makeshift tent with anguid expression. There was a different reason why Zion had epted. ''I didn''t expect to see her here.'' Zion thought this as he looked at the old woman, still smiling smugly. Io and Teuticana. Among the ''Seven Heavens,'' she was the seventh, known as the ''Sage who Reads Fate.'' Possessing both the Eye of the Past and the Eye of the Future, she would appear before those she favored to foretell their fate and offer the most needed advice, truly deserving of the title ''Sage.'' A unique case among the Seven Heavens, having risen to her position not through strength but other abilities. Having appeared over an inhuman span of years, there were rumors she was not human, and she was mentioned only once in the chronicles. "You''ve made a wise decision, youngsters. Now, who would like to go first?" Charruk! The sage asked this, stroking a peculiar ne with the heads of both a dog and a cat on it. In fact, Zion recognized her not just by her appearance but mainly because of that ne. "Alright, it seems you would be good," she said, pointing her finger at Thierry before anyone could respond, as if asking for permission. Zion nodded slightly towards Thierry, who was looking at him as if seeking approval. "I honestly don''t believe in this kind of thing..." "You, you''re a shadow." The words flowed from Io''s mouth before Thierry could finish speaking. Hearing this, Thierry''s eyebrows twitched ever so slightly. "Around the age of five, after your parents died in an ident, you entered the imperial city. Exactly a yearter, you caught the eye of the previous generation''s shadow, were recognized, and immediately went through rigorous training..." "Stop!" Thierry hurriedly stopped Io''s words. Surprise was evident in his eyes. He couldn''t understand how this old woman he was meeting for the first time knew so much about his past. Ordinarily, divination involved drawing cards and making usible statements that anyone could say, all dressed up in fancy words. But this old woman in front of him hadn''t even touched the crystal ball in front of her, let alone cards. "Hmm, one must see the past to see the future... Shall we stop here?" Io asked, looking at the flustered Thierry with indifferent eyes. "Yes, I will stop here." Thierry, feeling as if his insides were being unraveled, shook his head and stood up from his seat. His eyes, as he looked at Io, hadpletely changed from the beginning. "I won''t do it." Aileen, having realized that the old woman in front of her was no ordinary person, also shook her head. It seemed that those involved in intelligence were particrly averse to having their information exposed. "Then I''ll do it." Was it the sight that piqued her interest? Liushina, who had been watching with a bored expression, lit up her eyes and strode confidently to sit in front of Io. "Take a look at mine too." Liushina leaned forward towards the old woman with a smirk on her face. Io, meeting her gaze, also smiled slightly. Along with that, Liushina''s eyes began to fill with a strange aura. "You were born with the fate of ''murder.'' Unable to feel satisfaction without killing something every day. Looking into your eyes, it seems you are well aware of your fate. In the past, you... huh." Io stopped speaking, her smile fading as surprise, for the first time, crept into her eyes. "How many lives have you taken... It''s so blood-red that I can''t bear to look at it. How have you managed to live up to now after causing such things? And... It even seems like you''re quite satisfied now. How do you manage to satisfy that urge to kill..." Io suddenly closed her mouth. Having looked into the past and present, it seemed she had guessed the true nature of Liushina in front of her. The question in the old woman''s eyes was how such a being could exist in the world without unleashing a bloodbath until now. "Why stop talking? You won''t look into the future, not just the past?" Liushina asked, still not erasing her smile towards the sage. That smile appeared a bit more sinister than before. "It seems unnecessary to look further as it will continue to be filled with blood just like until now." "Really? Then that''s fine." Though Io, with a slightly sickened face, refused to continue the divination, Liushina seemed satisfied, nodding her head and standing up. After all, her interest in knowing the future was merely about whether she could continue to take many lives. Having satisfied her curiosity, she had little interest in anything else. "Master, this person doesn''t seem to be a sham, does she?" Liushina then turned to Zion and spoke. "Master?" At that word, the surprise in Io''s eyes deepened even further. As far as she knew, that ''witch'' was not the type of being to serve anyone as a master. "But a master?" What on earth was going on? "Is it my turn now?" In the meantime, Zion had quietly taken a seat in front of Io with a slight smile. The sage looked at Zion with uncertain eyes. In fact, the reason she had offered to do a reading first was because of Zion right before her. Io could read the heavenly energy, and so she knew the moment she saw Zion''s heavenly energy that it was different from others. His energy was so distinct that it stood out even in a crowd. ''No, it''s not exactly distinct. It''s more urate to say it doesn''t show properly.'' That''s why she had called him over for a closer look, but before she could even start, she had already been surprised twice. She had never dreamt of encountering the ''Witch of Massacre,'' humanity''s adversary, here, and even less so that this witch would have a master. And that master was the man right in front of her. Io''s curiosity about the man''s identity grew even more. "Let''s start with the past, then." After a moment, Io, shaking her head as if she didn''t know what to expect, began to fill her eyes with dark energy once more. One of her two eyes, the ''Eye of the Past,'' had activated. However, unlike when viewing others, Zion''s past did not immediately start flowing from Io''s mouth. "Hmm" Like looking through a thick fog, the sage strained her eyes, staring intently at Zion. How much time had passed? !!!!!! Suddenly, Io''s pupils dted to their fullest extent. Drrrr! Her body soon tensed up as if struck by lightning, beginning to tremble violently. "Huff! Huff!" After about ten seconds, the sage finally stopped convulsing, and heavy breathing started to flow from her mouth. Io''s eyes were now filled with an unimaginable fear. "You are!" A trembling voice flowed from her lips as she looked at Zion. "What did you see in me?" Zion asked, staring directly into the sage''s eyes with genuine curiosity. "Armies darkness, stars, throne." To his question, Io started listing words as if her linguistic abilities had regressed, one after the other. And those were all she had seen from Zion''s past. ''How could a mortal possibly!'' She had seen only fragments of the past, mere splinters of those fragments, yet her mind felt like it was sinking into an endless sea, unable to escape the fear. Had she dyed even slightly in withdrawing the ''Eye of the Past,'' Io''s own mind would have undoubtedly suffered permanent damage. "What else? And can you see the future too?" Zion asked the sage in session, his eyes devoid of emotion. Io, still with a face consumed by fear, shook her head at Zion. Her mind waspletely drained. "You, no... Who exactly are you?" A question, all too familiar, flowed from the sage''s lips. Zion did not answer but inwardly clicked his tongue. ''I was hoping for a clue.'' The reason for Zion''s presence in this ce. Having been called the ''Sage who Reads Fate,'' he had hoped for something significant, but it seemed his expectations were in vain. ''Do I have no choice but to visit the Order of Light?'' As Zion stood up with disappointment in his eyes, "Contract." A word suddenly popped out of Io''s mouth as she nkly stared at Zion, as if just recalling it. "...?" "Both in the past and the future, you have formed a contract. Not an ordinary contract, but a contract with immortality." This was something Zion himself did not know. "Tell me more." Zion asked, his eyes shining, but she shook her head again. "I''m sorry, but this was all I could see just before my mind was about to be destroyed..." Was she suggesting that Zion was no mere mortal? Her tone had be noticeably more polite. "Alright, I understand." Zion did not press Io further. He knew the truth of her words. ''A contract...'' Not just any contract, but one that he himself had made with ''immortality.'' It was as good as having obtained a significant clue. Having concluded his thoughts, Zion turned and spoke. "The payment for the divination will be in information." "Excuse me?" "If you''re looking for a hero, head towards the Fairy Forest." It was information that Io needed right then. Information about the hero would also be difficult for her to discern through heavenly energy. "How do you know that..." Though the sage''s eyes filled with questions, Zion''s form was already leaving the tent with hispanions. "Your Highness, what will you do?" Some time after leaving the tent, Thierry was the first to speak. His question was not about whether to enjoy the festival further or return to the imperial city. "We should reveal ourselves, for now." Zion understood the meaning behind Thierry''s words and answered with a calm voice. Surveince. Everyone here knew that they had been followed not long after leaving the imperial city. It was just that Zion, aware of this fact, had chosen to remain silent until now, taking no particr action. But there came a point when the intensity of the murderous intent from the pursuers thickened, leading Zion to decide it was time to shake them off. "There''s an abandoned theater nearby. It''s locked up, so it''s rarely visited by people. Shall we head there?" "Yes." "It seems they don''t know our true identities. Otherwise, they wouldn''t havee with just that level of force. Who could they be?" Zion didn''t answer Aileen''s question, simply moving forward with a quiet smile. He already had a guess. ''There''s only one ce that would send such a force without knowing my identity.'' Ouroboros. It seemed they had caught a thread about Zion himself. But they hadn''t grasped the full picture; otherwise, they wouldn''t have sent just that level of force. ''Had they assumed the force based on when I annihted one of their branches?'' ng! Having reached the abandoned theater, Zion didn''t hesitate to open the door and enter. "Then we''ll call for backup." "No, don''t call." Zion shook his head at Thierry''s suggestion from behind. "You two hide until the fight is over. And you, don''t get involved either." "Me too?" Liushina''s eyes, filled with anticipation, quickly turned to disappointment, but Zion didn''t change his mind. "I n to test what I''ve gained." Zion considered the situation not to be a bad one. The Gigapherses, a weapon obtained from subjugating a monster legion, was a chain-like weapon, something Zion had never handled before and felt the need to be ustomed to. Now, a perfect opportunity for practice had presented itself. "Understood, Your Highness." Thierry and Aileen, fully trusting Zion''s decision, immediately hid without question. As they did, Liushina, with a sullen expression, walked to the corner of the auditorium and sat down with a thud. ng! The door of the abandoned theater closed. Darkness began to settle inside the theater. Within that darkness, ssssss- Figures, now openly emanating murderous intent, began to reveal themselves one by one. Cloaked and masked figures, most of their faces hidden, surrounded Zion. No words were exchanged. No standoff urred. "Kill him." Boom! Immediately, with a singlemand from what appeared to be their leader, all the figures rushed at Zion with terrifying speed. And at that moment, sssshhhh! From Zion''s left arm, stationed on the stage, a dark blue chain unfurled, transforming into the shape of a scythe with an explosive force. --- Chapter 126: Founding the Nation (2) Chapter 126: Founding the Nation (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "We are currently tracking the target. It seems we will soon enter the assault phase." "Finally!" The corners of Ouroboros executive Sharin May''s lips twisted into a smile at the shadow''s words. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. One month. It had been almost more than a month since they had started tracking the target, which had finallye within visible range. "Are you sure you''ve confirmed it thoroughly?" "Yes. After catching the first signal near the Imperial Capital, we''ve confirmed it five times with tracking magic. It''s definitely the owner of a fragment of the Frost Queen''s power." The ''tracking magic'' mentioned by the shadow wasn''t meant for tracking people. Taking a clue from what the demon Diral had said previously, Sharin May had created magic to track the ''Frost Queen''s power fragment'' itself. Since one fragment was already in their possession, the method was simple. All that was needed was to significantly amplify the resonance and synchronization between the fragments. A few hours ago, Sharin May had activated the tracking magic over the entire capital, and instantly, they were able to detect the target. "The owner? That bastard is nothing but a thief who stole from us." Sharin''s eyes shed murderously as she responded to the shadow''s words. "But... It''s strange that the first signal was detected near the Imperial Capital. Could it be someone from the Imperial side?" "What does it matter? When have we ever acted cautiously concerning such matters? As long as it''s not a direct descendant, it''s fine. Besides, did you ry the message again? The one about capturing that bastard alive." "Yes. I''ve ryed it clearly." The shadow answered, bowing his head. "Good. I must tear that bastard apart with my own hands. Only then will I feel satisfied." Only then did a smile spread across Sharin''s lips, as if she was finally content. Although she had already emphasized this before the assault team''s departure, she wasn''t reassured and had insisted on sending the message again. Such was the depth of her obsession with the target. "Is the assault team''s power sufficient, though?" At that moment, Diral, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, asked Sharin. "I heard that the target alone annihted an entire branch. Doesn''t that mean they''re quite strong?" "No problem." Sharin nodded confidently in response. "Even if they had annihted two branches alone, we''ve sent enough power to handle them." The Red Scorpion Squad. A force within the ranks of Ouroboros, specialized in one-against-many battles and assassination, formidable enough to give even her a hard time if she faced them alone. Thus, the likelihood of failure was extremely low. "Hmm" However, despite Sharin''s confident words, Diral''s expression was not bright. ''I have a bad feeling about this'' The state of Third Prince Enoch just before his death and Sharin''s current demeanor were strikingly simr. ''Should I prepare for the worst?'' Diral''s eyes gradually sank with concern. [End] - please keep this end tag at the end of the text Gigaperthes, the Giant yer. This legendary weapon was essentially in the form of chains but could partially alter its shape ording to the wielder''s will. Therefore, as soon as the battlemenced, Zion transformed the tip of Gigaperthes into the shape of a scythe. ''In a battle against many, this form seems most suitable.'' Boom! With the sound ofpressed air bursting, a masked assant rushed towards Zion, stopping right in front of him. The masked individual, without hesitation, thrust a giant awl, coated with poison, towards Zion''s heart. However, the strike never reached Zion''s chest. Crack! Suddenly, parts of the Gigaperthes chains bunched up, blocking the awl from the assant. Sparks flew from the friction. Despite the simplicity with which his attack was blocked, the assant''s eyes did not waver. Was this his aim from the beginning? Crash! In the meantime, other masked assants, having taken positions on both sides and behind Zion, swung their weapons simultaneously. The onught from all directions made it virtually impossible to escape without teleporting. Yet, Zion did not move from his spot. In fact, he made no attempt whatsoever to block the iing attacks. Just as the assants'' attacks were about to strike Zion''s vital spots, he said, "When facing such weapons." A calm voice flowed from Zion,pletely at odds with the situation. Shrrrr! Along with that, a sound resembling a giant armored beast crawling echoed, and then, Boom! The heads of the assants surrounding him vanished all at once. "You should also pay attention to the back." He had previously thrown the chain scythe behind him, pulling it to decapitate the assants'' heads in one swift motion. Before the headless bodies could even fall to the ground, KABOOM! A dozen spells struck the spot where Zion stood, causing a massive explosion. The attacking mages of the assault team, who had been chanting spells since the battle began, fired their magic simultaneously. The stagepletely shattered, sinking downwards, and as the thick dust began to spread, whoosh! Newly approached assants thrust their poisoned awls into the dust. A seamless sequence of attacks. However, as the dust settled, the eyes of the assants were filled with confusion. "?" There was nobody in that spot. Soon after, the sound of chains they had heard just a moment ago started to echo once again, chrrrr! As the assants turned their gaze towards the source of the sound above them, crack! A dark blue chain scythe, twisting like a snake, descended, cutting down all the nearby masked individuals. The attackers were sliced through without being able to block Zion''s onught. "He''s above the lights!" Perhaps this was the mark of an elite force trained to the extreme? Despite being taken aback by the overwhelming power of the chain scythe, far surpassing their expectations, the mages and other long-distance attackers managed to pinpoint Zion''s location and immediately started pouring down their attacks on him. The intensity of this assault was iparably fiercer than before, as if they intended to finish everything with this attack. However, not a single one of those attacks reached Zion. KABOOM! The Giant yer, twisting in mid-air dozens of times, ascended rapidly, shattering all iing attacks. The chain scythe seemed to move as if it were a living creature, autonomous in its actions. "!" The attackers'' eyes widened in shock at this movement, which defied all logic. Then, boom! Zion, having retrieved the chain scythe,unched himself straight towards the mages. ''Not bad.'' Interest sparked in Zion''s eyes towards this new weapon. Although it was a form he was using for the first time and still felt unfamiliar, he was gradually getting used to it. Moreover, by connecting soulstones at various points on the Giant yer, controlling it had be much easier. "He''s moving to the back! Block him, don''t let him get close!" Perhaps due to the battle not going as expected, a desperate shout came from what seemed to be the leader among the masked assants. Following thatmand, the front-line assants charged at full speed towards Zion while the mages quickly retreated, firing another round of spells. ''Break through in the shortest distance.'' With that thought, Zion charged straight towards the barrage of magic aimed at him. BOOM! A massive explosion erupted as the spells hit Zion, causing the theater to shake wildly and spewing dust in all directions once again. ''That hit the mark!'' Just as the attackers saw this and a glint of triumph appeared in their eyes, whoosh! Something burst forth from the dust right in front of them. A figure d in ck armor, resembling a knight. It was Zion, wrapped in the Giant yer all over his body. Despite facing head-on spells powerful enough to demolish a house, the chains wrapped around Zion remained unscathed, radiating a dark blue luster. "Block!" The mages, realizing Zion had surged right up to them, tried to react, but the release of Gigaperthes enveloping Zion was much quicker, chrrrr! Like a coiled snake springing at its prey, the chain scythe spread out with terrifying speed. Crack! The darkened chain scythe, tainted by the ck Star, instantly shattered the mages'' defensive spells and began tearing them apart. "Aaagh!" "Screams of agony" The front-line masked assants, rushing to stop Zion toote, proved futile. Zion''s chain scythe, now fully adapted, disyed even more bizarre movements, slicing through their weapons and bodies in entirety. And so, the massacre began. Such a scene appeared too feeble for a force considered a pir of evil in the chronicles. Yet, it made sense. "Bl-blockargh!" Ouroboros, as a group, was significantly weaker in directbatpared to other heroes'' enemies. Their madness, indiscriminate terrorism regardless of time and ce, and their operation through hidden cells made them difficult to confront. Additionally, Zion''s power had significantly increased since before. "How did this?" The captain of the Red Scorpion Squad, Jansen, voiced his astonishment as he watched the massacre unfold. The scene before him was vastly different from what he had anticipated. ''I heard they had the power to annihte one branch'' It was ludicrous. How could this be considered the power to annihte just one branch? The Red Scorpion Squad, with the power to take on three branches, was being decimated without even putting up a fight. An overwhelming difference in strength. ''No sign of the sword that was mentioned.'' Furthermore, they had received no information about Zion wielding such a chain scythe. It was believable that the information was distorted intentionally to purge them. ''At this rate, we''ll be annihted before capturing anyone.'' The rapidly decreasing number of his troops. Trained to the extreme and having survived countless life-and-death situations, his squad members were swept away like insects by the dark blue chain scythe without blocking it even once. A veritable death in vain. ''But returning like this means death anyway.'' Jansen remembered. Beforeing here, how seriously Ouroboros executive Sharin May had emphasized the importance of this mission. If they returned without any results, they would have to face Sharin May''s wrath in full. ''I have to achieve at least a minor victory Hm?'' That moment, ''That woman is'' His eyes caught a woman sitting in a corner of the audience, looking at the battle with indifferent eyes. The theater was very dark, and she had been so inconspicuous that he hadn''t considered her part of the battle until now. ''She must be one of the target''spanions.'' Since she hadn''t participated in the fight, it was clear she was a nonbatant. ''I''ll take her.'' Given there were no apparent attempts to protect her, they seemed not to be closely rted. Still, capturing her would be better than leaving empty-handed. It might even reduce Sharin''s anger somewhat. Once the decision was made, swift action was best. Boom! With the sound ofpressed air bursting, Jansen''s form shot towards the woman in the corner with incredible speed, leaving a trail behind. Perhaps she hadn''t expected anyone toe at her directly? "?" The woman''s eyes widened slightly as she saw Jansen approaching. But before she could react, snap! It was already toote. Jansen extended his hand and subdued the woman in an instant. Then, looking at the desperate battlefield, he shouted, "Full retreat! We''re pulling out!" With those words, Jansen, carrying the limp woman, was the first to sprint towards the theater''s exit at full speed. Soon after, tatatat! Realizing the situation, the other squad members also stopped fighting Zion and started following Jansen. Thus, the Ouroboros members quickly faded into the distance. "" Zion watched the fleeing enemies without pursuing, a question in his eyes. ''What''s happening?'' This was an unexpected turn of events. He hadn''t anticipated they would kidnap Liushina, and that Liushina would let it happen. Then, swish- Liushina, seemingly limp from being kidnapped, subtly lifted her head to nce at Zion without others noticing. The witch then gave a thumbs up with a gleeful expression. "" With that, the attackers and Liushinapletely disappeared from Zion''s sight. After a moment of silence, "Uh My lord." Thierry and Eileen, who had been hiding and watching everything, approached Zion with an awkward tone. "It seems she allowed herself to be captured on purpose What will you do?" Puzzlement was evident on their faces. They had never expected the ''Witch of a Thousand Deaths'' to be kidnapped. "Actually, this works out well." With that, Zion, who had been watching the attackers disappear through the exit, soon spoke in anguid voice. "Taking this chance to dig down to their roots might not be a bad idea." At Zion''s words, Thierry and Eileen began to glow with anticipation. "Understood." "Then, we''ll start tracking them right away." With that response, they hurried out of the demolished theater, their steps brisk. Following them, Zion also started to move at a leisurely pace. ''Did they say I wasn''t qualified back then?'' Recalling the conversation with Ouroboros executive Sharin May at the auction house, Zion smirked. The time to prove that qualification wasing faster than he thought. --- Chapter 127: Ouroboros (1) Chapter 127: Ouroboros (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Inside the Order of Light''s branch within the Imperial City, a woman who appeared to be a priestess was kneeling in prayer before a massive statue of the deity of light. The sanctity and devotion emanating from her served as a testament to the depth of her faith in the deity of light. "Ha, perhaps consider taking a break from your prayers now and then. Wouldn''t the deity of light be saddened if you were to harm your body from too much devotion?" Suchments were made by fellow priests, showcasing the woman''s exemry conduct that served as a model for others. However, ironically, the true identity of this devout woman was far from being a priestess. In fact, it was theplete opposite. General Serkia of the Half-Demons. One of themanders overseeing all demonic beings that had infiltrated the empire, that was her true identity. Due to her unique ability to wield holy power despite being a demon, Serkia could easily infiltrate the Order of Light within the Imperial City without raising any suspicion. Who could possibly imagine that a leader of the creatures opposed to the light was using holy power and praying to the deity of light? But recently, "Ha..." The word pletely'' seemed to lose its meaning, all because of one person. "This is driving me insane." Serkia quietly cursed as she prayed. "That fanatical bastard." Prince Rubrious Agnes. The only person in the entire empire, let alone the Imperial City, who suspected her true identity. After a quiet period following their encounter near the garden of the Changseong Pce, he had recently been seeking her out continuously. Specifically, he visited the Order of Light''s Imperial branch under the guise of offering prayers, but she could feel Rubrious''s gaze fixed on her each time he came. ''What does he mean by not feeling the touch of light?'' She would have understood if he had simply questioned why she was there at that time. But to doubt her because he couldn''t "feel the touch of light" was infuriating. ''Not even holy power.'' Thus, she saw no way to resolve the situation. ''I need to make contact with Utekan at least once...'' Rubrious, despite his arrogant demeanor, was persistent. Even when he wasn''t visiting the order, he kept a watchful eye on her, preventing Serkia from moving freely and making it impossible to properly contact her demonic subordinates, let alone Utekan. The most troublesome royal family member. While it had initially been Prince Zion Agnes, recently, her concerns were gradually shifting towards the First Prince. "Things are getting more tangled by the minute." When had it all started to go this way? The ultimate goal for Serkia and all the demonic beings that had infiltrated the empire was simple. To covertly take control of the empire and plunge it into as much chaos as possible. Then, during the full-scale invasion of the demonic forces, they would strike from within in a coordinated attack. ''But before the grand n could even begin, we keep being discovered and eliminated.'' Without the support of the demonic realm, they couldn''t afford a direct confrontation. It was a frustrating situation from all angles. Then, -Serkia-nim. The voice of a subordinate demon reached Serkia''s ears, not through sound but transmitted directly into her mind, suggesting they were cautious of Rubrious''s eyes nearby since no form was visible. Knowing she couldn''t respond, the demon continued speaking. -We''ve located Diral. "......!" At that moment, Serkia''s eyes began to emit a strange light. --- At the central branch of Ouroboros where Sharin May stayed. This ce was different in nature from the other branches located in the capital. While other branches were responsible for executing parts of a n, the central branch oversaw all the ns. Thus, its size was second only to the main group, and the caliber of its members was iparably high. In the top-floor office of this central branch, "What? It failed?" Sharin May asked this to Jansen, the captain of the Red Scorpion unit, incredulously. Her eyes were filled with disbelief. "......Yes, I''m sorry." Sharin knew how capable Jansen was, which made the failure even more baffling. How could they have failed? The Red Scorpion unit had been sent with contingencies not just for the target but also for any forces around the target. "Did the target manage to perfectly control pieces of the Frost Queen''s power?" The only conceivable possibility. Yet Jansen shook his head. "No. The target didn''t use the Frost Queen''s power at all." "Then why... why did it fail!" With Sharin''s shout, the air around them trembled as if in sympathy with her anger. "......" Jansen, responding with deeper silence and a further bowed head, had a mountain of things he wanted to say, starting with the target''s unbelievable strength. However, bringing any of this up now would only fan the mes of Sharin''s anger, so he remained silent. "Not going to answer?" "I''m sorry. The target was just too strong... However, we managed to capture one of the people close to the target." Jansen finally diverted the topic by quickly revealing the existence of a woman they had kidnapped, in response to Sharin''s irritated questioning. "A person close to the target?" "Yes, a woman with brown hair." "That woman from before?" Murmuring to herself, Sharin recalled the image of a woman who had been by the side of their masked target during a previous encounter at an auction house. She hadn''t paid much attention at the time, but she remembered the woman had brown hair mixed with red hues. "Resume tracking the target immediately and bring that woman to me. I need to see her for myself." After a moment of contemtion, Sharin instructed Jansen as she stood up from her seat. ''Having brought the target directly would have been ideal... But since things have already gone awry, we must extract the greatest efficiency from the current situation.'' To do so, focusing on the woman Jansen had kidnapped was more prudent than ming him for the failure and venting frustration. ''It doesn''t matter if she''s not the same woman from before.'' As someone close to the target, she would likely have some information about them. Sharin intended to extract that information personally. "Understood, right this way!" Jansen quickly got up and started to lead Sharin. As she watched his back, a sh of killing intent briefly flickered in Sharin''s eyes before disappearing. Although she was willing to overlook the situation for now, given the circumstances, she nned to hold him ountableter. "I''lle too." Diral, who had been watching the scene, also began to follow them. Unlike Sharin''s eyes, filled with annoyance and anger, his bore a diforting light. ''Why does this feel so wrong?'' Even though Sharin''s ns weren''t going well, it shouldn''t have mattered much to Diral. He had joined Ouroboros out of curiosity, rather than returning to the demonic ranks, and the copse of this ce wouldn''t affect him. However, the unease he felt now was simr to when his life had been threatened by the woman with red eyes back in the Imperial City. Driven mostly by interest, Diral still valued his life and couldn''t help but feel more sensitive than usual. ''Is it just a baseless feeling?'' It was likely. The woman from before would be in the Imperial City, and other variables wouldn''t bother to seek him out, quietly curled up here. Meanwhile, "We''re here." Jansen, leading the way, stopped in front of a room secured with a heavy iron door. Clearly, it wasn''t a regr room but one designed for torture or other special purposes. "Open it." Sharinmanded coldly, staring at the door. ng! As Jansen opened the iron door, a surprisingly spacious room was revealed,plete with torture instruments along both walls and a single iron chair in the center. And tied to that chair was a woman, her head covered with a hood. "Interrogation hasn''t started yet. Would you like to check?" "Yes." At Sharin''s words, Jansen immediately started walking towards the woman. ''What?'' Diral, watching from behind, frowned slightly. Although the woman''s face was hidden by the hood, something about her silhouette felt familiar. ''It feels like I''ve seen her somewhere...'' In the meantime, Jansen had approached and swiftly removed the woman''s hood. In that moment, swish- ck hair cascaded down. And with it, slowly revealed were piercing red eyes. "Eh?" Jansen''s face turned puzzled at the sight of the woman''s eyes and hair color, different from just moments before. "Didn''t you say she had brown hair..." Before Sharin could finish her sentence, "You, you are!!!!" A scream almost like a wail erupted from Diral at the back. His face, pointing at the woman with trembling fingers, was filled with an astonishment he had never shown before. It had been a while, but he recognized her immediately. No, it was more urate to say he had never forgotten her. Why was this being here of all ces? The woman with red eyes who had taken his arm and pushed him to the brink of death in the Imperial City. "It''s been a while, hasn''t it?" Looking at Diral, the corners of the woman''s, Liushina''s, lips curled up in a blood-red smile, "What!" And at that moment, with a chill that sent shivers down Sharin''s spine, her eyes widened as the room burst into a ze of crimson. Simultaneously, Boom! A massive explosion began from the entrance of the branch. "Intrusion! It''s an attack!" The entire building shook with the st, and thebatants inside the branch hurried towards the source of the explosion at the entrance. Confusion was evident in their eyes. ''What the hell happened?'' This central branch was one of the most secretly hidden among all of Ouroboros''s branches. Moreover, the branch''s defenses were densely arranged around it. And yet, how could the entrance explode so suddenly without any warning? Soon after, "!" The scene that met their eyes was the entrance of the building,pletely destroyed and copsed. With it, gray dust spread in all directions. As the organization members, with baffled eyes, moved towards the rubble to grasp the situation, Thud- Footsteps sounded from within the spreading dust. The sound was faint, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present. As if enchanted, people''s heads turned towards the source of the footsteps. Then, at that moment, the figure responsible for the footsteps slowly emerged from the dust. Step, step. His expression was impassive, his gray eyes filled with a listless light, and his presence naturally suppressed the surroundings. It was Zion. For how long did they nkly stare at Zion approaching? Soon, the organization members regained their senses, and malice began to fill their eyes. "Kill him!" With a short cry, dozens of organization members started charging towards Zion. They were unaware of the identity of the man who had broken through the entrance, but that didn''t matter. The only thing that mattered was that an intruder had breached their secret branch, only essible by Ouroboros, and it was their duty to eliminate him. Boom! The movements of these skilled members were so fast that shockwaves followed behind them. Zion continued to move slowly, his eyes still as tranquil as ever, watching the approaching members. "This is no ce for you!" In an instant, the members reached Zion andunched their attacks without hesitation. Just as their weapons were about to strike Zion, sh! The throat of the member leading the attack on Zion was slit without any warning. Before the severed head of that member could hit the ground, sh, sh, sh! Dozens of silver shes burst forth, slicing off the heads of all the members who had swung their weapons at Zion. It was a series of strokes so clean and free of any unnecessary movements. But it wasn''t Zion''s doing. Thud! As the bodies of the decapitated members fell to the ground, Shh- Dozens of figures revealed themselves around Zion. Each wore a strange expression hidden behind ck masks. The Twilight Sword Guild. The mightiest shadow swords of Ascalon. "We will clear the path from here." The guild leader of the Twilight Sword Guild, Lucas Ascalon, slightly bowed his head towards Zion and spoke. Then, his cold eyes beneath the mask turned towards the newly appearing Ouroboros members. "Do not halt His Highness''s stride." With those words, almost like a vow, sh, sh, sh! The Twilight Sword Guild members charged forward, cutting through the attacking members, advancing swiftly. The corridor quickly stained red. Step, step. Over this blood-drenched corridor, the emperor who once devoured the world slowly walked on. --- Chapter 128: Ouroboros (2) Chapter 128: Ouroboros (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the northernmost part of the continent, the climate was perpetually cold, with snowfall throughout all seasons. Half of the area wasprised of snowy mountains, yet equally vast ins also existed. These ins were home to a massivemunity of giants. Perhaps due to the harsh environment, where the climate made survival difficult for ordinary humans and crops barely grew, the giants of themunity were predominantly aggressive, enjoying hunting and reveling inbat. Thus, even after bing part of the empire through the Eternal Treaty, skirmishes andrger conflicts between the giantmunities urred annually. "Lately, not having fought feels like an itch I can''t scratch." The two giants from the ''White Mane'' tribe, guarding the boundary between themunities, were part of the preparations for such conflicts. "That''s what I''m saying. I thought we''d be included in the battle against the ''Blue w,'' but they went with the same ones again." The giant with the long ck beard responded, eliciting agreement from his bushy-browedpanion. "Ha, I should protest and demand they take us next time. Guard duty is important, sure, but standing around like this is going to rot my body." "I agree. Feeding this guy some blood from time to time keeps it from getting dull," the bushy-browed giant said, pulling out his axe and swinging it lightly. That moment, "......Huh?" The bearded giant, watching the axe, noticed something odd reflected on its perfectly polished side, like a mirror. The reflection showed a steep snowy mountain on the right side, an area that should have been destely empty except for snowstorms, but now, something numerous was moving. "Look, over there...!" The bearded giant pointed towards the sight with wide eyes, turning the bushy-browed giant''s head in that direction. "What''s got you all...!" His eyes began to fill with horror at the sight. -------------! An army. It was an army made up solely of monsters. A horde of countless monsters filled the snowy mountain vista, descending at a frenzied pace. It was a scene that could truly be described as a tidal wave of monsters, without any exaggeration. "We must alert the tribe!" The bushy-browed giant, having stared dumbfounded for a moment, turned pale and started running in the opposite direction. Though he greatly enjoyedbat, he had no desire for a one-sided ughter. "Come on, follow me!!" The bearded giant quickly followed suit, chasing after the bushy-browed giant. Following that, a monstrous roar echoed! The horde of monsters swiftly approached, shattering the outpost where they were and began to invade thend of the ''White Mane'' tribe in earnest. The central branch of Ouroboros. The term ''central'' was apt for this enormous ce, home to a multitude ofbatants on a regr basis. Each one possessed military prowess on par with knights serving in the imperial pce. Their strength was so formidable that, if known to the world, it could cause a major upheaval, but, "Hold them back! Hold them baaaack!!!!" "We, we can''t... Aaargh!" They were disying a pitifully powerless scene at the moment. sh, sh, sh! Attackers wearing bizarre masks relentlessly advanced, cutting down every Ouroboros member they encountered. Their swordsmanship was so superior that most of their victims didn''t even realize how they had been decapitated before falling dead. "Exactly, how did they find this ce and... huh?" One of the members, looking pale as he watched the scene, suddenly had his eyes clouded with doubt. Step, step. What he saw was a man, walking slowly from behind the swiftly approaching masked swordsmen, drawing closer with terrifying speed. Merely walking, yet one couldn''t tear their eyes away from the man, as if enchanted. At the same time, the member noticed the man''s hair color. It was a distinct silver. "C-could it be...?" There was only one family with such hair color in the world. "Ag, Agnes...!" Before the member could fully voice his realization, his throat was sliced by the nearby masked swordsmen. ''Surely fast, but...'' Passing by his corpse, Zion nced down the straight, long corridor of the building. The corridor stretched out, seemingly endless, with floors continuing upwards. Eliminating all the members in this vast building while moving up would undoubtedly take a significant amount of time. ''That could introduce variables.'' Sharin May, a leader of Ouroboros, was hot-tempered but also quick-witted and intuitive. If she felt disadvantaged, she might abandon the branch altogether. Then... "Lucas." A low voice came from Zion after concluding his thoughts. "Yes, Your Highness." Despite the surrounding noise of battle, Lucas promptly moved to Zion''s side upon hearing his voice. "Start from the bottom and work your way up." "And what will Your Highness do?" "I''m going straight for the head." With that, Zion raised his head to look at the ceiling. As Zion''s eyes darkened, he began to meticulously scan the entire building. After a moment, Zion''s eyes slightly curved as he spotted something. With a booming sound, dark energy burst from beneath his feet, beginning to envelop his entire body. As this dark energypletely covered his face, illuminating his eyes with a pale light, "Go ahead." With an emotionless voice, darkness surged upwards in a straight line. With a clean slicing sound, Liushina''s head fell from her body and rolled across the floor. It was Sharin May who had quickly decapitated her, sensing the ominousness from Liushina''sughter and the blood-soaked surroundings. Such a strike was possible only for her, possessing the finest swordsmanship within Ouroboros. "What''s this?" Thunk! Sharin kicked the rolling head of Liushina, muttering to herself. Though she had never seen this woman before, the sight of her smiling made Sharin''s whole body instinctively bristle, leading her to reflexively swing her sword. It resulted in Liushina''s death without extracting any information, but what was done couldn''t be undone. Now, her attention shifted to the explosion heard from outside. Just as Sharin was about to turn around and speak, "It''s not over yet!" Diral, with wide eyes, eximed urgently from behind. "What?" Feeling the oddness in the demon''s appearance, whichcked its usual leisure, Sharin turned her head back. "You''re quite impatient, aren''t you?" From the rolling head of the witch, a chilling voice emerged. Along with it, crack! As if rewinding time, Liushina''s head traveled back along its trajectory, slowly reattaching to her body. Bones at the severed surface rejoined, covered vessels reconnected, and the skin healed without a trace. Not mere regeneration but a spell akin to a divine ability. This was Liushina''s unique magic, Sangria Requiem. "What...!" Shocked by the scene that defied all reason, Sharin reflexively swung her sword vertically towards Liushina once more. Her sword, burning fiercely with condensed mana, could easily slice through a mansion, but it did not reach the witch. Before it could, with a chilling noise, thousands of bloodlines burst from Liushina''s body, engulfing everything around them. Immediately following, a tremendous explosion! The entire room couldn''t withstand the wave of bloodlines and burst apart in a massive explosion. And as if that wasn''t enough, the remnants of the shattered walls spread the wave of bloodlines throughout the entire floor. Everything touched by this wave began to corrode and vanish without a trace. "What, what the hell... Aaargh!" "Screams of agony and rapidly dwindling lives filled the air, creating a scene of absolute chaos. "What in the world is that..." "We need to join forces to stand against that monster!" Diral, having barely escaped the onught, called out to Sharin, who stood nearby with a pale expression. By then, Jansen had already been obliterated without leaving a trace in the first explosion. "I don''t know what that thing is, but when I faced it before, its power wasparable to the ''Seven Heavens''. Don''t think about taking it on alone." Diral''s form had long since transcended anything human. Facing the witch with any semnce ofcency was folly, prompting him to reveal his true demonic form, ready to unleash his magic. The space around the demon tore apart as thousands of ws burst forth, indicating his readiness to go all out from the start. "Yeah, I got what you''re saying." Sharin also began to muster all her power as she stared down the red witch, emerging from what could no longer be called a room due to the extensive destruction. Sharin was proud, but not foolishly so. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have risen to be a key leader within Ouroboros. Indeed, could this be the power of one of the worst organizations in the world? The space around her cracked and crumbled as she summoned her strength. "This is going to be really fun, isn''t it?" Sensing the strength of both opponents, Liushina, with a blood-red smile, once again drenched the surroundings in a bloody hue. ---------------! And so, the sh began. "Kyahahahaha!" A chillingughter filled the air as thousands of demonic eyes and beastly mouths began to obliterate everything they touched, spreading destruction. Diral''s numerous ck ws, filled with vile magic, tore through the witch''s dominated space, invading it in retaliation. With every microscopic gap they created, Sharin May unleashed dozens of rapid strikes in less than a second, each attack booming like thunder, shattering the already torn space and even shaking the very core of its existence. *****TURN 12***** With a deafening crash, the building shook as if hit by an earthquake, and entire floors began to copse from the colossal sh. "Kyahahaha! Yes! I love it!!!" Unlike the grim-faced duo, the witch of annihtion radiated sheer ecstasy, ramping up her intensity. For Liushina, the situation was exceedingly joyous. ''I came here for a simple massacre, and now I''ve snagged two big fish.'' One of them was even a catch she regretfully missed before. Certainly, if she could absorb their lives, it would greatly advance her Sangria Requiem. But, could it be that these formidable foes were too much even for her? The battle remained fiercely bnced, with no side gaining the upper hand, which was astonishing. After all, this was to be expected. Diral, in his true form, possessed a force to rival the Oma spirits, and Sharin''s power, though not as immense, was not to be underestimated. Then, with a massive tearing sound, Diral''s ws, breaking through the crimson tide, impaled Liushina''s entire body. Following that, the demonic energy bursting from the ws took on the form of evil spirits, beginning to freeze the witch''s body in space itself. The Chains of the Demon God. A unique transcendental spell that only Diral could wield. "Now, now is the time!" The demon, grimacing as if the effort was taxing, shouted towards Sharin. Diral knew. Even if the battle seemed evenly matched for now, eventually, the tide would turn in favor of the red-eyed monster. Thus, he had poured every bit of his demonic energy and power into this spell. With a piercing shriek, Instinctively sensing this was their final chance, Sharin was already hurtling towards the bound Liushina at a terrifying speed before Diral even finished speaking. From her sword began to burn a clear, fiery aura, the intensity of which surpassed all her previous disys of swordsmanship. ''To cut and burn away the very essence, preventing regeneration.'' Sharin''s eyes gleamed with a deadly resolve, brimming with the intent to kill. ''This could be dangerous.'' For the first time, a hint of trouble flickered in the eyes of the witch,pletely frozen in space, as she watched Sharin approach. Thump! A vibration emanated from the ground. It was so subtle that it would be imperceptible unless one was paying close attention. But, thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! The rhythm of the vibrations grew steadily louder and closer, rapidly approaching their location. "......?" A moment of doubt crossed Sharin''s eyes as she charged forward, then a massive explosion! As if dozens of bombs exploded simultaneously beneath her feet, the ground where she stood burst open. From within, a sinister darkness shot straight up to the ceiling, writhing as if alive, stretching from the first floor to the very top of the building. "......!" Overwhelmed by the unimaginable ferocity emanating from it, Sharin''s eyes widened, and before she could even react, "It''s been a while." Anguid voice apanied a pale hand shooting out from the darkness, seizing her head and then, with a crushing force, mmed her straight into the ground. --- Chapter 129: Ouroboros (3) Chapter 129: Ouroboros (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Perhaps it was because the situation was beyond anyone''s expectation. Crack! In the silence where even the noise of battle had vanished, only the sound of Sharin May''s head smashing into the ground echoed in all directions. Simultaneously, a darkness that had burst through the floor began to coalesce, revealing the owner of the pale hand that had grasped Sharin''s head. At that moment, the expressions of Liushina and Diral sharply diverged. "Master, nice timing!" Joy was evident on the witch''s face, "How could..." while shock painted the demon''s. "How are you here!" Diral began to retreat step by step. He knew the identity of the man who had emerged from the fierce darkness. Zion Agnes. One of the royals who had subdued two of the seven cmities, ughtered the Third Prince Enoch, and even acquired the strongest sword family, the Ascalon, bringing him closest to the next throne. All of this aplished in just over half a year was incredible, but Diral was shocked for another reason. ''Wee troops, the Grand Magic Tower, the Red Fort, the Angeloosh territory, etc.'' He had demolished all ns of evil magic in those ces, and even annihted one of the demon lords, the Death King himself. Truly, he was an archenemy of evil. ''How in the world is he here?'' And what rtionship did they have for that monstrous woman to call him master? ''Could all of this be...!'' Just then, as Diral noticed something else, his eyes filled with horror once again. "Aaaaah!" A scream almost like defiance erupted from Sharin, who Zion had mmed head-first into the ground, followed by a massive surge of energy that spread out, destroying everything it touched. The power unleashed was immense, evidently containing the same force Sharin had intended to pour onto Liushina just moments before. This resulted in an elerated copse of the floor and a cloud of thick dust rising. Then, in an instant, Diral, who had been observing, vanished from the spot. He had decided there was no chance of winning in the current situation and chose to flee immediately. Even when facing just Liushina, he and Sharin May had barely managed to gain the upper hand by joining forces. With Zion Agnes, who had also killed the Death King, added to the equation, there was no chance of victory. After all, Diral had no particr attachment to this ce, nor did he have any loyalty to Sharin May, making his decision swift. "Master!" Noticing that Diral had disappeared, Liushina urgently called out to Zion, who had retreated to avoid Sharin''s surge of energy. She could not tolerate letting the same prey escape more than once and was determined to tear the demon apart by any means necessary this time. Her body was inevitably tense with anticipation. "Do as you please." Zion, without taking his eyes off the spreading dust, responded. ''It was definitely Diral just now.'' Had he been hiding here since the death of the Third Prince Enoch? Considering he had persistently survived in the chronicles and tormented the hero''s party, it seemed like a good opportunity to eliminate him. Advice for acting on his own could wait untilter. "Kyaha! Thank you, Master!" With those words cheerfully shouted at Zion, Liushina''s figure was instantly enveloped in a bloody aura and then vanished without a trace. A brief silence followed. "......" In that silence, Zion, still focused on the dust, suddenly raised a hand. Swoosh- As Exia was grasped in his hand, forming a perfect de, a sh cut straight through the center of the dust, colliding with the extinction sword and creating a massive explosion. The secondary aftermath that burst forth caused the already pulverized walls and floor to shatter and copse once more. Along with it, a figure emerged from beyond the settling dust. "...You!!" It was Sharin May, covered in blood. Facing Zion with her sword, her face was contorted in anger like a vengeful spirit. That anger was perhaps justified. After all, she had just experienced the humiliating ordeal of being mmed face-first into the ground. And the very person who had done that was none other than Zion, standing before her, which only intensified her rage. "It seems you''ve been desperately searching for me." Zion said with a slight smile towards Sharin in front of him. "You damned thieving bastard!" With that, Sharin, her anger boiling over, gritted her teeth in response, exerting force on their shing swords. The friction sparked mes. She had realized from the moment she first saw him that the man in front of her was the ''target'' she had been so eagerly seeking. His hair and eye colors were different, and his face was unfamiliar, but the voice and the unique aura were exactly the same as before. ''To think he was actually royalty.'' It had seemed unlikely, but she had never truly considered the possibility. The likelihood had seemed too slim. Knowing now that he was of royal blood, identifying which one he was had been straightforward. ''Zion Agnes.'' The most prominent candidate for the next emperor, constantly achieving unbelievable feats and currently at the peak of his poprity. Only now did she begin to understand why her shadowy pursuits had been so perfectly thwarted. Why would a direct descendant of the Agnes lineage participate in an underground auction and take an interest in their affairs? Though the scale was farrger than anticipated, Sharin had no intention of backing down here and now. ''It''s worth a try.'' Despite her immense anger, she was somewhat coldly assessing the situation. That monstrous woman had chased after the fleeing Diral, leaving Zion Agnes here alone. Zion Agnes''s strength was reputed to be formidable, but Sharin''s own power was by no means inferior. The earlier incident where her head was smashed into the ground by Zion was a result of apletely unexpected ambush. ''I don''t sense the same overwhelming strength as that woman.'' Moreover, it was an opportunity to acquire all the fragments of the Frost Queen''s power she had been desperately seeking. Backing down would have been absurd. The disadvantage of facing royalty was negligible inparison. ''I''ll finish this before that woman returns.'' With that thought, Sharin finally made her decision and slightly twisted her sword. The shift in bnce caused Zion''s sword to slide off hers and drift sideways. Sharin didn''t hesitate to exploit the revealed gap, thrusting her sword forward. "I''ll start by making a hole in your neck." The moment Sharin''s sword tip reached right in front of Zion''s neck, "It seems that will be difficult for you." ng! With the sound of metal shing, Sharin''s sword twisted, narrowly missing Zion''s neck. Zion had twisted the angle of his sliding sword once more, precisely striking the force point of her iing de. At a skill level unattemptable without innate talent, Sharin''s eyebrows twitched, and then, with a burst, Zion''s Exia shot straight towards the gap now exposed on her, forming a ck streak that naturally condensed and split the air around it. Perhaps underestimating the power emanating from it, Sharin retrieved her sword and tilted her body sideways to dodge the iing de''s trajectory. But in that moment, Snap! As if anticipating her movement, the tip of Zion''s sword coiled like a snake, following her neck closely. "......!" Eventually, Sharin, unable to properly regain her posture, hurriedly swung her sword to block Zion''s strike. sh! Their swords collided, sending out a massive shockwave that propelled Sharin backwards. Seizing the moment to gain the upper hand, Zion swiftly advanced towards the retreating Sharin. Watching Zion approach, Sharin corrected her posture mid-air and swung her sword horizontally with great force. In that instant, Whish! Her sword de elongated, bending like a whip and advancing towards Zion. The Soft Sword. This was the true form of Sharin''s sword, not utilized during the fight with Liushina due to its inefficiency then. Crack! As Sharin''s sword moved forward, its tip wobbled erratically, creating countless afterimages. The space was instantly covered with these afterimages, giving the illusion of thousands of swords forming a wall and advancing all at once. ''Break through.'' Zion, with cold eyes, sped up towards the wave of swordsing at him. Whining! The de of Exia, drawn to its maximum, vibrated intensely with a concentrated ck radiance, ready to explode. Although the wave of swords was massive and overwhelming, Zion didn''t need to split them all. He just needed to clear enough space for himself to pass through. Partial Eclipse, Absolute Night. -------------! A momentary, immensely amplified ck streak followed the swing of the extinction sword, cutting through all afterimages it touched. Rather than splitting, it was more fitting to say the scene was erased. Zion pushed his body through the created gap without hesitation. In his sight, he saw Sharin looking back at him with eyes shaken by unexpected force. Tatatat! The Soft Sword was more suited for mid-range rather than closebat. Sharin attempted to create distance to generate countless sword shadows again, but, "Not twice." Zion was much faster. Whoosh! Incorporating the Partial Eclipse into a current, Zion''s figure folded space, appearing right in front of Sharin. With a sonic boom following from behind, Exia swung at a frenzied pace, leading to an unimaginable collision. Crash! In less than a second, sparks flew dozens of times, with the sound of impact following a beatter. This caused countless shockwaves to erupt. Dozens of trajectories wavered, creating numerous afterimages. ck lines drawn in the air as if etched into space itself split all those afterimages. Movements within a single breath split into numerous instances. Even within those movements, a frantic battle for control ensued. It was a duel of such profoundplexity that even the finest knights of the royal family couldn''t grasp the entirety of the principles behind their sword strikes, merely watching in stupefaction. However, ''What the... What is this!'' Sharin, shing with Zion, found her eyes filling with dismay. Sharin May. She was a prodigy. In terms of swordsmanship, she was an overwhelming genius, unparalleled by anyone. Thus, she had always prided herself on being above even the captains of the Agnes Knights in pure swordsmanship, if nothing else. But why? She couldn''t understand why she was being outmatched in swordsmanship right now. Crack! Zion Agnes''s swordsmanship was simple. It was also crude. A sword that moved purely on instinct, without any proper form. Yet, the trajectories of Sharin''s sword were being utterly destroyed by Zion''s de. Her speed sword, which could slice through lightning before it could even manifest, was being blocked before it could strike, and her illusion sword, which could deceive the world, was being pierced through with a single swing. ''How can this be...'' If she had been overpowered by sheer strength or another ability, she could have epted it. But being outmatched in pure swordsmanship was something she could not tolerate. And with that, the tide of battle slowly began to turn. The losing side, naturally, was Sharin, who was bing increasingly unsettled. Soon, the confusion in her eyes transformed into rage. ''Me? Outmatched in a sword fight?'' She couldn''t ept it. No, she refused to ept it. Whoosh! The energy within Sharin''s shing sword transformed into a transparent sword fire, erupting explosively. "With your petty skills!" Her sword then extended in an instant, soaring upwards. Then, the tip of her sword split into thousands, creating countless afterimages that all began pouring down towards Zion. Sky-Filling Sword Rain. This technique, one of Sharin''s ultimate moves, encapsted the essence of her illusion sword to its limits. It was the technique that had in a senior member of Ouroboros and elevated her to her current status as one of her strongest techniques. Was it said that at the peak of falsehood lies truth? At this moment, among the thousands of swords Sharin conjured, there was no illusion. Everything seen was both an illusion and reality. The power contained within each of these realities was immense, capable of splitting the entire headquarters asunder. "......" Zion silently observed the rain of swords pouring down towards him with tranquil eyes. There was nowhere to escape. The method of piercing through a single point, as before, was futile. ''In that case...'' There was only one option left. Among them, Zion''s Exia extended upwards, right through the cascade of white swords descending upon him. "I''ll tear you to shreds so that not even your shape remains!" tion began to swirl in Sharin''s eyes as she watched. Thoughts of the fragments of the Frost Queen''s power had vanished from her mind. Her only intent with this attack was to prove her sword''s superiority over that damned royal. And just as her tion peaked, The rain of swords was about to pierce Zion''s entire body. Slowly. Swoosh- Exia reached upwards. An ordinary thrust, seemingly without any force behind it. Was it resignation in the face of an overwhelming difference in power? Just as the extinction sword, with its de vanished, and the sky-filled swords were about to meet, That moment. Partial Eclipse Abyss. Sharin could see it. A tiny ck dot emerging from the tip of Zion''s half-gone sword. Through that dot, whoosh! She witnessed thousands of sword shadows engulfing the world, all being sucked in. --- Chapter 130: Ouroboros (4) Chapter 130: Ouroboros (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Diral. Among the demonkind, he was quite the anomaly. Born in the demon realm, hecked the inherent hatred and murderous intent towards all other life forms that his peers were expected to possess. It was as if a crucialponent, absolutely essential for his kind, was missing from him. Therefore, he felt no obligation to bring about the end of this world. Curiosity. This was the sole driving force behind his actions. The very reason Diral volunteered to infiltrate the empire was out of sheer curiosity, and his attachment to the Third Prince, Enoch, was purely because he seemed interesting. Even after Enoch''s death, Diral did not join Omareum but headed to Ouroboros for the same reason. "Damn it...!" Yet, there was one more thing Diral held in high regard. His own life. It might seem obvious, but to pursue interesting and amusing endeavors, one had to first stay alive. Thus, Diral was willing to abandon anything to survive, including his essence, which was nearly synonymous with the demon realm itself. "To think that witch would track me down here." As he rapidly distanced himself from the central headquarters of Ouroboros, Diral muttered with a nauseated tone. The woman with red eyes. She was the main reason he had to leave the imperial city. During a previous battle with that monstrous woman, Diral had sustained critical injuries and needed considerable time to recover. Since then, haunted by the anxiety that she might still be pursuing him, he had not returned to the imperial city, instead fleeing to an Ouroboros branch and living as inconspicuously as possible. But, as if by some cruel twist of fate, he encountered her again through an unbelievable coincidence. ''And it seemed she was connected to Zion Agnes, too.'' No, it wasn''t just a connection; it appeared as if the woman with red eyes was following Zion Agnes. This thought quickly assembled into a puzzle in Diral''s mind. ''Yeah, honestly, it would have been impossible for Zion Agnes alone to do those things.'' Although he had almost severed ties with the demon realm and couldn''t know the details, the information Diral had gathered was enough to understand how improbable the achievements of Zion Agnes were. However, if the woman with red eyes was under Zion Agnes, the story changed. Had the attack on him back in the imperial city been ordered by Zion Agnes? ''No.'' Diral shook his head to dismiss the thought. It was a baseless leap of logic, and more importantly, he needed to focus on escaping as quickly as possible. Even though the central headquarters was now just a speck in the distance, Diral did not slow down. His fear of the woman with red eyes indirectly demonstrated just how profound it was. ''I need to go into hiding after getting out of the capital this time.'' Andying low for a few months should be enough to be safe. Ssshhhh- Diral''s form swiftly passed through the crowd filling the streets due to the founding festival, reaching the outskirts in an instant. ''This should be far enough.'' Only after the gate leading out of the capital came into view did the demon start to slow down, apanied by a faint sense of relief in his eyes. ''If I go through the gate, I''ll attract attention and waste time.'' With that thought, Diral was about to leap over the nearby wall when a chilling voice reached his ears. "Slowing down, are we?" Diral''s body stiffened as if struck by lightning. Slowly turning towards the source of the voice, his eyes widened in horror at the sight of a woman approaching with a red smile. "Feeling relieved now?" It was Liushina Bloodwalker. "How did you..." Staring at her in disbelief, the demon voiced his confusion. His speed had been fast, yes, but Diral had also made sure to erase all traces of himself while fleeing. Yet, he couldn''t fathom how she managed to follow him. "How did I follow you? I followed your scent. You give off a distinct, repulsive odor." The witch said,ughing deeper while tapping her nose. In fact, Liushina had been mindful of Diral''s potential to flee from the moment she first saw him. Thus, she had tampered with his body right at the start of their sh, ensuring she could track him down immediately if he ran. Thanks to that, she could have caught up with him much sooner, but Liushina chose not to reveal herself until they reached the outskirts. There was only one reason for this. ''It would be troublesome if a battle broke out in a crowded ce.'' Truthfully, Liushina couldn''t care less if bystanders got caught up in the fight. However, she remembered Zion''s warning not to cause amotion in crowded ces. She already anticipated being scolded for acting on her own after wrapping up this matter, so she didn''t want to add more reasons to be reprimanded. "You wretched creature!" Crackkkkkkkk! With a disgusted expression, Diral immediately conjured hundreds of ws in mid-air andunched them towards Liushina without waiting to see if they hit, then turned and fled at an insane speed. From the start, there was no intention in his mind to fight that monster. ''He''s clearly avoiding ces crowded with humans.'' With quick thinking, Diral immediately headed back towards the heart of the capital, where the founding festival was in full swing. However, "The fact that I''ve revealed myself in front of you means." Thud! His body halted abruptly at the low voiceing from behind. It wasn''t Diral''s choice to stop. Numerous blood vessels, tightly stretched and connected to his entire body, had immobilized him. "Ah!" A scream, almost like a groan, escaped the demon''s lips. "All preparations are alreadyplete." As the witch finished speaking, a momentter, a space perfectly isted formed around Diral, and his vision began to fill with a crimson despair. "..." What in the world had happened? Sharin couldn''tprehend the events unfolding before her eyes. A dot. It was just a dot. A ck dot, smaller than a fingernail. The moment her swords made of rain touched it, they vanished without a trace. It was a scene so unbelievable, even seeing it with her own eyes. If they had been shed or shattered, it would have been understandable. But the term ''erased'' seemed more fitting for what had just happened. As if they had never existed in the first ce. ''Such power exists?'' Her mind began to reel in confusion. As Sharin stood there dazed, "If you just stand there..." Swoosh- Zion appeared out of nowhere, without any warning. "You''re going to die." The ominous darkness of Exia fell towards Sharin''s head without a moment''s dy. Managing to regain her senses, Sharin quickly lifted her sword to block the attack. nggggg! The sh of their swords sent shockwaves sweeping through the surroundings. Normally, Zion would have retracted his sword and followed up with another attack, but not this time. Zion''s eyes curved slightly with a smirk. The moment Sharin felt a chill at that smile, Pffft! The dark energy on the Annihtion Sword explosively amplified, engulfing the mana des surrounding her sword. Simultaneously, Zion''s sword began to slowly prate through the de. "What the...!" Stunned by the scene she couldn''t understand no matter how many times she saw it, Sharin quickly detached her sword and sprang back. Swooshhh! At the same time, her chain sword gently curved, creating hundreds of afterimages as it moved to dominate the space. "It won''t work." But before the sword strikes could bepleted, Zion had already reached her, cutting off her breathing and the flow of her sword, swinging Exia. "Damn it!" Sharin grimaced, forcibly pulling back her extended sword to defend against the attack. Contact with that darkness would inevitably damage the sword de, but it was impossible to take the hit with her body instead. But then, the Eclipse Double Layer. This time, it wasn''t just simple damage. Crackkkk! The blow, amplified by the partial eclipse, ovepped once more, perfectly splitting Sharin''s chain sword and continuing to sh deeply into her side. "Aaaaah!" A terrifying scream erupted from Sharin due to the excruciating pain. Zion, showing no intention of waiting for her scream to end, shed Exia vertically once again. Even as her mind became foggy from the pain, Sharin somehow managed to lift her bisected sword to block. Of course, it was impossible topletely block Zion''s sword strike with that. Boommm! With an explosion sound akin to dozens of shells going off at once, Sharin''s form began to plummet straight down through the floor to the first level. Before her body even hit the bottom, whoosh! Althoughte in action, Exia, already on the first floor, generated countless ck shes of light. Was it because she was one of themanders of Ouroboros? "Urgh!" In mid-air, Sharin desperately twisted her body to avoid fatal blows. Crash! Yet, unable to manage a propernding, her form crashed disgracefully onto the ground. As if intending to finish her off before she could regain her posture, Zionunched a series of relentless attacks. And thus, a one-sided battle ensued. ''How did...'' Despair began to dawn on Sharin''s face along with rapidly increasing injuries. When had the tide turned so drastically against her? Was it when the rain of swords she created was erased without a trace? Or perhaps, the battle was already decided the moment her heart first wavered. Crackkk! With that, fear surged from deep within her. Humans feel fear towards things they cannot understand. Sharin felt such fear from Zion''s darkness, which erased everything. ''I''m really going to die if this goes on.'' Sharin knew. Defeat was certain, and there was no chance of turning the tide anymore. The hatred and murderous intent she initially harbored towards Zion had long vanished the moment the myriad swords were erased. All that filled her now was fear and the instinct to survive. ''I must escape from here somehow!'' Crack! With that thought, she sacrificed an arm to widen the gap between her and Zion, then pulled out an earring emitting a bright blue light from her bosom. This time, she ced all her bets on a fragment of the Frost Queen''s power she had obtained. As if staking everything on it, all the mana within her body began to flow into the earring. Whoosh! In response, the earring began to emit an overwhelming chill along with a brilliant white light. ''First, I''ll detonate this to buy some time and then immediately...'' However, Sharin''s thoughts were abruptly cut off. Ssshhhk! With a sharp slicing sound ringing in her ears, the wrist holding the earring was severed entirely. "Huh?" Sharin May stared dumbfounded at her own hand falling to the ground. Her eyes were filled with confusion, unable toprehend the situation. Surely Zion Agnes was far away... Then, suddenly, pfft! A dark sword pierced through her chest. "Ah" With a dazed voice, Sharin looked at the sword with a vacant expression. In front of her, Zion appeared like a mirage, smiling. All the while, another figure of Zion could be seen far in her line of sight. Dark Stream Divergence. Having reached the fourth rank and amplified by the partial eclipse, the Dark Stream Divergence perfectly replicated his presence, deceiving her eyespletely. "Cough!" Sharin spat out bright red blood. Along with it, the light of life rapidly faded from her eyes. Where did it all start to go wrong? Perhaps the oue had been predetermined since their first encounter at the auction house. Her death was merely dyed because she hadn''t found this man until now. "Is this enough?" Zion asked quietly, looking at Sharin. What was he talking about? "?" Sharin''s face, even in the throes of death, was filled with questions. Zion''s soft voice continued in her ears. "I''m talking about the proof of qualification I mentioned before." The proof of qualification to possess the Breath of the Frost Queen. Zion was asking about the answer to the question she had posed on the day they first met. Sharin''s lips moved as if trying to say something. But no words came out before shepletely stopped breathing. "" Zion looked at Sharin, who had met her end, for a moment before turning away without any lingering attachment. Her answer wasn''t that important, after all. Zion''s qualification wasn''t something that could be decided by others. "Your Highness Zion!" The earring of the Frost Queen that fell to the ground and the approaching figures of the Twilight Swordsmen began to enter Zion''s field of view. The long night of the founding festival wasing to an end. --- Chapter 131: Giant Colony (1) Chapter 131: Giant Colony (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here One of the greatest festivals of the Agnes Empire, the Founding Festival. During the festival, the capital''s lights never went out, even at night. In fact, as the night deepened, the festival''s lights became more brilliant, and the fervor intensified. That''s why the Founding Festival was also known as the Night Festival. Well past midnight, when dawn was just a hint on the horizon. Swoosh- Amid the crowd still eating and drinking tirelessly, a woman swiftly made her way through. Her sun-embroidered white cleric robe marked her as a priestess of the light god, but her true identity was far from holy. Serkia, the Half-Beast General. She was one of the Omaylings,manders of the monsters infiltrated within the empire. "Where the hell is this leading to?" Impatience marred Serkia''s features. Currently, she had sneaked out of the cathedral undetected. Deceiving the other priests was simple, but the real issue was the eyes of the First Prince attached to Serkia herself. Though she had managed to leave undetected for now, any further dy would surely raise suspicions. "I really have to deal with this annoying bastard." She was risking it all because of Diral. A personal disdain, yet after what happened to Hanosral, Diral''s power and abilities were deemed essential for their cause. Hence, as soon as Diral''s location was identified, Serkia took action herself. ''Controlling that bastard would require an Omayling''s presence.'' It was doubtful even an Omayling could make himply, but it was better than doing nothing. ''But why does he keep moving?'' A sudden question popped into Serkia''s mind. She had been heading towards the identified location when she sensed Diral''s unique demonic energy, discernible only to fellow demons, and changed her course. However, the problem was this demonic energy kept moving. As if being chased, in a desperate rush. Diral''s energy led from the city center to the outskirts, extending the pursuit. Eventually, ''Has it finally stopped?'' Noticing that Diral''s energy ceased moving, Serkia elerated, darting towards the city''s outskirts. She reached a small clearing on the outskirts in no time, due to the festival, devoid of any human presence. "It should be right here..." Muttering to herself, Serkia looked around the empty clearing. Diral''s magic energy, which had been leading Serkia, stopped here. This meant he was somewhere nearby. However, Serkia couldn''t see anything. Then, "Hm?" Something caught Serkia''s eye as she scanned the area. In the center of the clearing, The space was oddly rippling. "Could it be...?" Just as Serkia realized what was happening and was about to move towards the center, Crack! The air she was looking at split open without any warning. Through the crack, a world filled with blood was visible. Immediately after, "Arrrrgh!" Someone let out a blood-curdling scream as they burst forth. "!" Shock filled Serkia''s eyes. The person who emerged was none other than Diral, whom she had been searching for. But Diral''s condition was horrifying. Three of his limbs were missing, and more than half of his body had been devoured by something. He was so badly damaged that if not for his distinctive magic, Serkia would never have recognized him. "Sa-save me, please!" Diral, upon spotting Serkia, desperately reached out to her, screaming. The one eye he had left was filled with despair and terror. Serkia involuntarily stepped back at the sight of his gruesome condition. Crunch! From the crack, thousands of blood vessels burst out, wrapping around Diral, "No, no!" And dragged him back into the crack. The space closed as if nothing had happened, resembling a great sin being dragged into hell. What on earth had happened? "." Serkia stood there, stunned, when, Crack! The air split open once again. But this time, it wasn''t Diral who emerged. A woman with ck hair and red eyes, exuding an eerie vibe. "It''s delicious, as much as he was resistant." It was Liushina. Unlike Diral, she looked perfectly fine, her face tinged with satisfaction from a feast she hadn''t had in a long time. ''That woman is!'' Serkia''s eyes wavered as she recognized Liushina as one of Zion''s subordinates. Along with that, a thought crossed her mind. ''I heard there was a way to expose our identity to Zion Agnes, but to think it would uncover even Diral''s'' Then, "Hm?" Liushina, noticing Serkia, began to slowly approach her. Could she have recognized Serkia''s true identity? The tension rose. "Don''t be too shocked by what you''ve just seen." Fortunately, that wasn''t the case. Serkia seemed to be reassured by the witch''s calm voice flowing out. "You look like a priestess of light. Then you must have sensed it, right? That the creature we just saw was a demon." Before Serkia could answer, Liushina continued. "I was merely performing an exorcism. Your order has them, right? What''s it called, exorcists? Anyway, I didn''t do anything bad, so you can rx." With those words, Liushina patted Serkia''s shoulder a couple of times before disappearing without a trace. Left alone in the clearing, Serkia. Whoosh! She quickly started moving towards the imperial pce after watching the spot where the witch had vanished. ''I must inform Utekan immediately.'' Urgency filled Serkia''s eyes. Diral''s death was shocking, but the fact that his identity had been exposed to Zion Agnes was a far greater threat, iparable in scale. ''The whole demonic pact might even crumble.'' That''s why she needed to consult with Utekan as soon as possible ande up with a n. But perhaps because she was too focused on this matter, Serkia failed to notice. The faint trace of blood lingering on her shoulder where Liushina had touched. --- Late afternoon. Zion was in the library of the Shining Castle, gazing thoughtfully at the blue earringid out in front of him. ''The Earring of the Frost Queen.'' One of the powers of the Frost Queen, obtained as a reward for annihting the central branch of Ouroboros two days ago. In fact, Zion had gained a lot from this incident. He had dealt a significant blow to Ouroboros, disrupting their future ns, and had perfectly eliminated Diral. ''Especially getting rid of Diral was a huge gain.'' In the Chronicles of Frosimar, Diral survives till the end, persistently tormenting the hero''s party with unimaginably tricky methods. Perhaps an enemy even more troublesome to deal with than an Omayling. ''I had no way to find him until now.'' It was sheer luck to have stumbled upon him and cut off his lifeline, leaving Zion feeling significantly relieved. Was this what it felt like to receive an unexpected gift? Therefore, Zion had even let go of the fact that Liushina had acted on her own. She was practically the MVP of this incident, after all. ''Maybe it''s not a bad idea to wipe out the Ouroboros organization entirely this time...'' With the Eternal Shadow and the Moon''s Eye, it was entirely possible to prate even the organization''s headquarters. However, Zion soon shook his head. He needed to leave the experience for the hero''s party to grow and had more pressing matters to attend to. "Is this the piece of the Frost Queen''s power you acquired recently?" Thierry''s voice reached Zion''s ears as he concluded his thoughts, standing beside him. "Yeah." Zion slightly nodded in response, -Chirp! An unsummoned frost spirit showed itself. The frost spirit joyfully danced next to the earring ced on the desk. -Chirpity-chirp! Chirpity-chirp! Soon, the spirit also started humming in a chirping sound. It seemed excited, probably knowing its power would soon be more perfect. "Is that the frost spirit?" Lucas, who was in the study with Thierry for a report, lit up as he saw the frolicking frost spirit. "Just as I heard... It''s really cute!" Lucas looked like he was struggling not to pet it, amon reaction among those seeing the frost spirit for the first time. "What''s so cute about a bird that won''t listen?" Liushina muttered with a displeased face, watching from a distance. Her rtionship with the frost spirit hadn''t been good since their quarrel on the mountain path to meet a monster. Of course, it was Liushina''s fault for continually calling the spirit ''chirpy.'' "Have you named it, Master?" "Not yet." Zion shook his head at Liushina''s following question. He couldn''t think of a suitable name, and he felt the spirit would reject any random name. So, it was still undecided. "Let''s just call it Chirpy. It''s easy and convenient to call." -Chirp! At Liushina''s suggestion, the spirit stopped dancing and chirped as if having a fit. As Zion watched them argue again, he took out other pieces of the Frost Queen''s power and ced them on the desk. It was time to enhance the frost spirit''s growth. ''I hope it bes somewhat useful with this.'' So far, the frost spirit hadn''t been very useful to Zion. For a unique spirit, its power was too weak. Even though it was born from the merging of two legendary artifacts, its power and ability were socking that they couldn''t be used in actualbat without amplification by the Dragon Lance. ''Of course, stopping the ''Frozen Night'' was a gain in itself.'' Still, Zion hoped that what he had obtained would prove to be of some utility. -Chirp! Whether the frost spirit knew of Zion''s wishes or not, it stopped arguing with Liushina and settled among the pieces of powerid out on the desk. Then, whoosh! Without Zion doing anything, all the pieces of power began to emit a bright blue light simultaneously. Along with it, the pieces vibrated madly, resonating with each other. Even amid this chaos, a bright blue light spread out, eventually filling the entire study. "Wow!" The admiration of someone filled the room as the resonance of the power pieces reached its climax. Whoosh! In an instant, all the light covering the study vanished. And with it, the vibrations of the pieces came to aplete stop. In the ensuing silence, the frost spirit, having absorbed the power of the third piece, revealed itself with a haughty expression. "Uh What''s changed?" Thierry murmured with a puzzled look at the frost spirit. His confusion was understandable since the spirit''s appearance had hardly changed from before. "Well, its beak and feathers seem a bit longer, but" Lucas, standing next to him, also tilted his head in ambiguity and spoke. -Chirp! Chirpity-chirp! The spirit began chirping as if to argue why they couldn''t see the changes. It seemed its ability tomunicate hadn''t been unlocked yet. However, Zion, watching the frost spirit, had a sense of satisfaction in his eyes. ''Not bad.'' Others might not notice, but Zion, the spirit''s master, could feel it. The resonance had significantly increased the frost spirit''s power and abilities, iparable to before. This could be considered a meaningful growth. It seemed Zion could start using the frost spirit''s abilities more actively from now on. Then, "Your Highness Zion!" The study door opened, and Fredo entered with an urgent expression. Zion looked at him, wondering what was happening. The old knight''s words followed. "Prince Utekan has called a royal family meeting!" --- Chapter 132: Giant Colony (2) Chapter 132: Giant Colony (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Then, I wish you luck, hero." As she spoke, the figure of the old woman,den with earrings and nes, began to fade and then vanished without a trace. "......" The silver-haired woman stared at the spot where the old woman had disappeared. After some time passed, "What are we going to do now?" Rain Dranir, standing beside her, asked. The woman''s face was slightly flushed. The old woman who had disappeared before their eyes was none other than the entities from the Seventh Heaven, Iova and Teutican. Iova had given Rain the advice she desperately needed at that moment, and upon hearing it, Rain immediately awakened to a new realm of power. She had made a tremendous leap forward in an instant, which naturally left her feeling ted. "We need to recruit new members." The woman, still fixating on where Iova had vanished, spoke. ''She definitely told us to hurry.'' With that thought, she recalled Iova''s advice. -You should act quickly on whatever you''re thinking. The future is changing faster than you expect. If you dy, you''ll miss out on everything. Thus, the woman had decided to shift her original n of purifying what they had gained from defeating the ''Serpent that Gnaws on Roots'' to recruiting new members. Nothing was more critical than not losing any of herrades. "Are you talking about that magician? Didn''t he already reject us?" "It wasn''t aplete rejection. He just said he had things to do before joining. And this time, it''s someone else." It wasn''t Elysis Desire. She still needed more time before awakening. That left only one person. "We''re going to the Giant Clusters." The woman turned her head north as she spoke. That''s where the new member they needed to recruit was. --- In the Baekseong Pce''s small council room, All the royals were seated around the round table, just likest time. The only difference from before was that it was Utekan who had convened the meeting, not Zion. "I didn''t realize royal meetings were held so frequently." The first to speak among the royals was Rubrious. With his characteristic gentle smile, he looked at Utekan. Despite his words, Rubrious knew exactly why another royal meeting had been convened. In fact, everyone there knew the reason. ''The conclusion of this session contest.'' After all the royals returned to the imperial city from subjugating the cmity, the Founding Festival began, preventing any proper discussion. It was natural to gather again now that the Founding Festival had ended. "Are we not here to discuss the winner of the cmity subjugation and the privileges that will be granted? Let''s wrap this up quickly. I don''t want to be here longer than necessary." At Rubrious''s words, Diana, who had been wearing a sour expression, spoke up. She was obviously in a bad mood because the winner of the throne contest had already been determined, and it wasn''t her. "Originally, the privilege we all agreed on was taking the lead at the uing ''World Conference.''" Evelyn, who had been listening silently with an unreadable expression, finally spoke. Her gaze then shifted towards someone. Following her gaze, the other royals also focused their attention on one person: Zion. "There seems to be no objection that Zion is the winner of this contest... So, let''s agree to give Zion the leadership role at the World Conference and conclude the meeting." The royals remained silent. They wanted to protest a hundred times over but couldn''t. The difference between Zion and themselves in the subjugation contest was too clear. Two days. That was the time difference between when Zionpleted his subjugation and when Utekan and Diana did. They might have argued if it were the same day, but with the date changed, they couldn''t. They had no choice but to ept the oue. But then, "I''m the one who called this meeting, so why are you trying to end it on your own?" Utekan, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Weren''t we gathered here for this purpose? Now that it''s achieved, there seems to be no need to continue the meeting." "Who said that? Did I say I called the meeting for this?" Utekan''s words colored the other royals with confusion. Answering their puzzled looks, Utekan slowly continued. "A few days ago, I received some information from the Giant Clusters. An entire tribe was wiped out by a sudden monster attack." The tribe that was annihted was one of the giants that had pledged loyalty to him, so it was a significant loss. However, Utekan didn''t seem too troubled. Because he discovered something interesting. "The peculiar thing is that these monsters were moving systematically, as if controlled by someone." Utekan''s words sparked realization in the other royals, their eyes lighting up. "Could it be..." Monsters under control. It reminded them of the cmity, the monster horde that Zion had recently subjugated. What do you think, Zion? Utekan asked, smirking at Zion. Although he posed the question, he was already certain. He knew that the monsters showing up in the Giant Clusters were one of the seven cmities, the Monster Horde. The ability to control monsters, especially at a legion scale, was incredibly rare. As far as he knew, there was only one being in the entire continent capable of such a feat: the Monster King Horrible. And this implied something significant: Zions failure in subduing the cmity. Once again, all eyes turned to Zion. Zion naturally brushed off their gazes and chuckled to himself. So it begins. There was no confusion in Zions eyes. After all, he had intended this situation from the start. A trap. All of this was a trap set to hunt Utekan. Agreeing too quickly might arouse suspicion.Zion felt the need to make Utekan ept the situation more naturally. What are you talking about? Are you saying I failed to subdue the Monster Horde? So, youre denying it? The Monster Horde you imed to have subjugated is right there in the Giant Clusters. At Zions response, Utekanughed even harder. Is there any proof theyre the same monsters? Its not umon for monsters to group up and attack giant tribes in the north. But there has never been an organized legion like this before, moving systematically. Then there must be a new leader for these monsters. I certainly executed Horrible at the Steel Fortress. Sure, you could think that. But tell me, isnt it much more likely that the same rare being survived and is now causing havoc in the Giant Clusters rather than a new one popping up so soon? Utekans words began to sway the other royals, and they started to nod in agreement. Utekans exnation seemed more usible to them. Does this mean the thronepetition is invalidated? Dians voice came out cautiously. In contrast, her eyes were brighter than before. If Utekans words were true, this could invalidate the entire ordeal and even crush Zions momentum. However, contrary to his previous statements, Utekan shook his head. No, we cant say that yet. Horribles existence hasnt been confirmed, so theres still a chance Zions im is correct. Slim, but still a chance. So what should we do? At that, Rubrious, looking intrigued, asked Utekan. Utekan, sensing the leadership of the meeting gradually leaning towards him, continued with a pleased smile on his face. "How about this? Zion re-subdues the Monster Horde that appeared in the Giant Clusters. If they''re indeed the original Monster Horde, it''s Zion''s problem to solve anyway. And if not, it clears any doubts, which is better for Zion, isn''t it?" This was practically assuming Zion''s failure in subduing the cmity as a fact and offering him a chance as if bestowing mercy. "If Zion subdues the monsters attacking the Giant Clusters, we''ll never speak of this issue again." Utekan looked at Zion as if asking what he would do. ''He has no choice but to ept.'' Utekan was confident Zion had failed in subduing the Monster King. The current proposal was akin to covering up that failure, so there was no reason for Zion not to ept it. A brief silence followed, and all other royals'' gazes focused on Zion, who was unrted to the Giant Clusters and the Monster Horde, waiting for his answer as outsiders. Soon after, "Let''s do it." Zion broke the silence with his eptance. ''Done.'' Utekan''s eyes began to gleam with a terrible murderous intent deep within. "Then I''m counting on you." Utekan, hiding that murderous intent with augh, addressed Zion and stood up from his seat. Having achieved his purpose, there was no reason to continue the meeting. But as he turned to leave, Utekan was unaware. "Likewise." Zion''s eyes, swirling with four ck stars, were piercing through the murderous intent Utekan harbored. "I''m going to kill Zion Agnes." This was the first thing Utekan said to Serkia, looking at her in the Jaseong Pce''s office after the royal meeting ended. He too had known from a messenger sent by Serkia a few days ago. That Diral had been killed by a woman with red eyes, under Zion Agnes''smand. Already on high alert about Zion, the moment Utekan heard this news, he was certain of his decision. ''We can''t leave him be any longer.'' The fact that Diral was discovered meant that Utekan, Serkia, and the other Oma spirits could also have their identities exposed at any time. Of course, it would undoubtedlye at a great sacrifice, and he might even die, but the risk posed by leaving Zion Agnes alive was much greater. The n that had been in ce for over a hundred years could crumble. No, it was bound to go awry. "So, you deliberately sent Zion Agnes towards the Giant Clusters?" Serkia asked Utekan in a grave tone. "Yes." Utekan briefly replied, nodding his head. In fact, using the appearance of the Monster Horde in the Giant Clusters, he could have nullified this thronepetition and dealt a significant blow to Zion. But Utekan chose not to. ''After all, I have to cut off his lifeline this time.'' That''s why he gave him a chance and directed him towards the Giant Clusters, practically Utekan''s own stronghold. All that was left was to wait for Zion Agnes to enter the Giant Clusters. "Everything is perfect." It couldn''t get any better than this. It was as if the heavens hadid out a n for him to kill Zion Agnes. ''Now it''s time to put an end to this cursed fate, Zion Agnes.'' Utekan''s eyes had already shifted to the distant Jaseong Pce, visible as a mere dot from the window. --- Chapter 133: Giant Colony (3) Chapter 133: Giant Colony (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here A day had passed since the royal family meeting, filled with groundbreaking discussions, came to an end. "Here are the documents on the giant ns you mentionedst time." Zion was in the library of the Deep Fortress Pce, reading the report Thierry had organized. Although he was somewhat familiar with the episodes about the ns from the chronicles, he needed more urate and detailed information to go there himself. The giant ns were a ce more advantageous for Utekan than for Zion himself. Nevertheless, the reason Zion was determined to bring Utekan to the ns for hunting was clear. ''If it weren''t for this, I wouldn''t be able to lure Utekan out.'' Zion sensed that the demons'' movements had be much more cautious, and their vignce had significantly increasedpared to before. This was a natural oue. From the Eternal Shadows to the Phantom Armies, the Grand Sorcery Towers, Enoch, and the Angeloosh territories. After thwarting all their ns and even annihting one of the Omareigns, King Hanosral, it was inevitable for them to be extremely cautious. ''That''s why I had to create a situation they couldn''t ignore, despite their vignce.'' It all started when Zion made Utekan aware of his presence during the funeral of the previous emperor. Since then, Zion strangled Utekan''s secret forces, spreading information about the Color Tracking Formation to raise maximum awareness about him. To ensure they could never just leave him be. The final stroke was the appearance of the monster legion in the giant ns. This led Zion to head for the ns, and Utekan, already filled with the thought of eliminating him, couldn''t miss this golden opportunity. ''Thanks to that, things went even smoother.'' Before Zion could bring it up at the royal family meeting, Utekan had already mentioned the monster legion, making it more natural for Zion to head towards the ns. Then, "As the report states, the current giant ns are divided into two factions: pro-Utekan and anti-Utekan. To be precise, these two factions and a number of neutral ns that belong to neither side." Thierry slowly began to speak, thinking Zion had read enough of the documents. "There''s ongoing conflict between the pro-Utekan and anti-Utekan factions, with the pro-Utekan side being the majority andrger in size, thus continuously overpowering the anti-Utekan side. The neutral ones are indifferent to whoever wins." "Where is the core of the anti-Utekan faction?" Zion, intrigued, asked this as he listened to Thierry''s report. If this is used well, it might be possible to uproot not only Utekan but also all rted forces by escting the situation. "''Blue w'' tribe. It''s the thirdrgest in the giant ns and a renowned tribe that has continued its lineage since before the empire was founded." "This is getting interesting." A slight smile appeared on Zion''s lips upon hearing this. The ''Blue w'' tribe was also the tribe of Achilles, the hero who killed the former Giant King. "Before we depart for the giant ns, bring me the exact location of ''Blue w'', information on key figures, and the main battlefields." "When do you n to leave?" "In two days. Why, does it seem difficult?" "Not at all. We are the Eternal Shadows." Thierry confidently smiled and responded to Zion''s question. "You''re taking me with you, right, master?" Liushina, who had been listening to their conversation, suddenly chimed in. However, Zion shook his head. "No, you have a different task this time." Due to the recent monster legion incident, Liushina''s strength had already been exposed. Taking her would be helpful, but it would also increase Utekan''s vignce. Moreover, there was a task that needed to be addressed at this time, and Zion nned to entrust it to Liushina. Her face fell, but Zion did not change his decision. "I will only take Lucas and the Twilight Swordsmen to the ns." The rest of the forces were already prepared there. "Understood, Your Highness. I will proceed as instructed." "One more thing. Leak that the Wollo Legion will be following me to the giant ns and actually inform the Wollo Legion remaining in the empire toe to the ns." The Wollo Legion. One of the Regal Armies received from Utekan during the funeral of the previous emperor, it was among the elite legions within the empire. "Wouldn''t that invite interference from the Fourth Prince? The Wollo Legion was under hismand until recently, so they might listen to Utekan." "I know. That''s the point." Zion smirked and replied to Thierry''s concern. The Wollo Legion was merely for show. It served to quell suspicions and further reassure Utekan. If Utekan interferes, it''s highly likely the Wollo Legion won''t act, which would only strengthen Utekan''s conviction that he could kill Zion. Zion hoped for Utekan to be fully immersed in perfect confidence and hope. ''The more he is, the easier it will be to hunt him.'' Moreover, when that confidence is shattered, the despair he falls into will be deep. Zion''s eyes began to slowly curve as he looked towards the Jaseong Pce, where Utekan was staying. And precisely two dayster, in the morning, Zion quietly left the imperial pce with the Twilight Swordsmen. --- "Prince Zion has departed." Utekan''s eyes sparkled upon receiving the report in the office located on the top floor of the Jaseong Pce. "Who apanied him?" "Only the shadow group that recently joined under Prince Zion. The blood sorceress with red eyes, known as Liushina, did not go with him and seems to have been assigned a different task." "Is that so?" A deadly smirk yed on Utekan''s lips. Having decided to kill Zion once and for all, Utekan hadtely been focusing all his attention on this matter, putting aside everything else. He had thoroughly grasped every piece of information about Zion. ''The Ascalon family, practically Zion''s force, is still licking its wounds and can''t move. And that woman with the red eyes who reportedly summoned a legion is not apanying him, so no need to worry about her.'' It was as if Zion had set out to subdue the monster legion without his major forces. This could have raised questions, but no such doubts could be seen in Utekan''s eyes. "To think he would attempt to move the Wollo Legion." This was precisely because of the Wollo Legion''s existence. A few days ago, Utekan had obtained information that Zion intended to use the Wollo Legion for this monster legion subjugation. It was a very good n. Although Zion had been givenmand, the Wollo Legion still had a significant number of Utekan''s forces within. To Zion, they were nothing more than a burden, and he probably intended to use this opportunity to weaken their forces by shing with the monster legion. ''But that won''t happen.'' As soon as he received that information, Utekan immediately acted to dy the Wollo Legion''s departure. ''With this, there''s virtually no chance the Wollo Legion will arrive at the giant ns on time.'' Even if they did arrive, it would be after Utekan himself had already taken Zion Agnes''s life. ''Just a few more steps.'' With just a few more steps, Utekan couldpletely cut off Zion Agnes''s lifeline. ''Serkia advised to decide more carefully and then act...'' Recalling a recent conversation with her, Utekan shook his head. Timing and opportunity. Everything was aligning perfectly, and missing this chance meant not knowing when another woulde. "In two days, we will also depart for the giant ns. Ensure all preparations arepleted by then." A cold voice then flowed from Utekan''s lips. "Let''s just say the reason is to sort out the ongoing conflict in the giant ns and to help my brother, Zion, subdue the monster legion." "Understood. What size force do you n to deploy?" "I''ll only bring my personal guard." Deploying a legion-scalerge force would cause too much dy, and the timing to attack Zion could be missed. ''After all, all the forces are already prepared on the giant ns'' side.'' Utekan''s maternal family, leading the ''Red Horn Tribe'', the most influential in the giant ns, along with other ns loyal to him, had abined forceparable to several of the empire''s elite legions. A power so immense, it could obliterate arge city the size of a small country in an instant. Although there was a possibility Zion might join forces with his opposing giants, it didn''t matter. ''No, it''s even better. I can just erase them all in this opportunity.'' There was virtually no chance of an upset since our side''s forces were overwhelmingly superior. ''Unless some force beyond even an elite legion suddenly pops up.'' Of course, that was impossible. A twisted smile crept across Utekan''s lips. In his eyes, he could see the future of Zion Agnes writhing on the ground, begging for his life. Thud! Thud! "Ha, ha...!" --- A rugged mountain path exists between the giant ns and the northern mountain range. A giant was running madly along this treacherous path. Rather than running, it was more fitting to say he was fleeing. Behind this giant, "Ha-ha-ha! Running away with your tail between your legs!" "Aren''t you ashamed to be the sessor of the Blue w?" "Showing your back to the enemy is a disgrace to any warrior!" Dozens of giants were hot on his trail. The pursuers incessantly hurled derogatory shouts and jeers, their faces filled with mockery. The face of the fleeing giant grew darker and darker in response. "Damn it!" The giant''s name was Captan. He was the sole sessor of the Blue w tribe, central to the anti-Utekan faction. ''How did ite to this...'' Immediately upon his return to the giant ns, Captan was put in charge of one of the frontlines formed due to the conflict with the pro-Utekan giants. Despite being outnumbered, he achieved decent results through superior strategy and mercenary tactics, gradually gaining the upper hand. However, a few hours ago, it all fell apart. The sudden invasion of monsters, coupled with an unexpected concentrated offensive from the pro-Utekan giants during a period of calm, and the emergence of traitors within, resulted in near-total annihtion. In the midst of chaos, Captan was the only one who had barely survived and was now fleeing, but the distance between him and his enemies was closing. ''What''s happening elsewhere? What about my father? And our allied tribes?'' His mind was in turmoil. Swoosh! An arrow grazed Captan''s cheek. Since a short while ago, such arrows and spears had been grazing him all over, causing wounds that bled and gradually slowed him down. This was a hunting methodmonly used by the giants of the north when chasing beasts. The giants pursuing him were rigorously applying this method, driving Captan into a corner. They probably no longer considered Captan, who was showing his back and running away, a warrior anymore. ''If only I had been stronger...'' Deep regret and despair filled Captan''s eyes. If he had been strong enough to confront all the giants chasing him. Or, if he had been strong enough to block even for a moment therge-scale attack that had urred earlier. Maybe he could have saved at least some of his fellow giants, who were like brothers to him. ''That human.'' Suddenly, a figure popped into Captan''s mind. The human man who had knocked him out with a single hit and left leisurely when Captan went to the capital of the empire to meet a monster a while ago. Was it because he was the strongest and most impressive person he had met recently? Even though he didn''t know the man''s identity and it had nothing to do with his current situation, Captan''s mind kept picturing that man''s face. ''If only I had been as strong as that human...'' Maybe he could have changed the current situation? But Captan immediately shook his head, discarding such thoughts. It was apletely meaningless thought for the moment. "Ha, ha!" Even as he gasped for breath and his vision blurred, being captured was just a matter of time. ''Then...'' Finally, having made up his mind, Captan stopped running and turned to face the giants chasing him. "I am Captan of the Blue w tribe! I will no longer run or hide!" With that, a loud shout burst from his mouth. "Come at me! You bastards! To kill me, at least ten of you will have to sacrifice your necks!" Captan knew. He had no chance of defeating those giants. No, it wasn''t just about not being able to win; he was so exhausted that he couldn''t even block a single strike from them. But he preferred to face an honorable end fighting rather than die disgracefully while fleeing. "Ha-ha-ha! So you haven''t lost your pride to the end!" Pleased with Captan''s resolve, the giants, abandoning their bows for swords and axes, began to charge towards him. The distance between them rapidly closed, and... "Aaaargh!" A roar erupted from Captan''s mouth! Then, the first giant to reach him swung his axe with a cruel smile. ''Father.'' It was the moment when despair peaked in Captan''s eyes as he watched the axe aimed at his neck approach. Zzzzzzsh! From behind Captan, a ck line shed diagonally downwards,pletely shattering the body of the giant swinging the axe, cutting through to the ground. "Huh?" Captan and the other giants'' eyes filled with confusion at this sudden, unexpected event. Then, their eyes began to recognize the identity of the ck line stuck in the ground. It was a spear. A dark spear cloaked in ominous shadows. As a chill ran down Captan''s spine from the eerie sensation it emanated, "Get down." A low voice resounded in his ear. A familiar voice he had heard somewhere before. A voice imbued with an authoritative power that could not be defied. The moment Captan unknowingly pressed his head to the ground, ---------------! The alien darkness clinging to the spear exploded outward, engulfing all the giants in the vicinity. Chapter 134: Giant Colony (4) Chapter 134: Giant Colony (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Waves. Darkness burst forth from a ck spear, densely engraved with strange characters, transforming into waves that spread out in all directions instantaneously. Its speed was almost as fast as sound. Swoosh! Giants, unable to even react properly, were swept away. After the wave of darkness had wed through the space around, silence followed. This silence wasn''t due to the giants being shocked into speechlessness by the sudden event. Rather, it was because the upper halves of most giants meant to speak were simply gone, leaving silence in their wake. Thud, thud! Breaking this silence, the lower halves of giants began to fall to the ground one after the other. At this sound, Captan slowly raised his head, which had been bowed in a crouch. "......!" Shock filled his eyes. Eighty percent of the giants had disappeared with that single strike, so his astonishment was somewhat expected. What on earth had happened? But Captan''s astonishment didn''t end there. From the direction of the earlier voice, footsteps began to echo, gradually growing louder. Though faint, these steps resonated clearly in the ears of the surviving giants, sending a chill deep into their hearts. Naturally turning his head towards the source of the footsteps, Captan''s eyes began to focus on a man appearing before him. Step. With eyes of a weary grey and a body lean but incredibly firm, along with an otherworldly aura pressing down on everything around, the man''s appearance had changed. His hair and eye color were different, but Captan recognized him instantly. He had never forgotten him since theirst encounter, even recalling his image just moments ago. "You are...!" The man who had overwhelmingly defeated him in front of that mysterious house. Why was this man appearing here now? ''And a royal, at that?'' The deep silver hair, a trait only the direct bloodline of the Agnes could possess, indicated the man''s status. Unaware or indifferent to Captan''s confusion and shock, the man approached with a detached expression. Then, "Arrgh! This human bastard, I''ll tear him to pieces!" Giants that had survived by being out of range now charged towards the man, Zion, en masse. Having lost most of theirrades in an instant, their eyes were nearly crazed. Seemingly deciding to go all out from the start, mana explosively surged from the giants'' weapons. However, they couldn''t reach Zion. Before they could, Crash! A twilight sword de burst forth from behind Zion, slicing through all of them in one fell swoop. "Aaaargh!" "What the... Argh!" Giants meeting death without even withstanding a single blow. Thus, all giants, except for Captan, had their breaths taken away in an instant. Zion walked slowly across thend strewn with the giants'' bodies, his steps unchanged from the beginning. Finally, Zion stopped in front of Captan, who was staring nkly at him, still in a prone position. ''This guy was the sessor of the Blue w... Is this also a form of fate?'' Recognizing the face and realizing it was the giant he had encountered in front of the mysterious house, Zion smirked and spoke. "You''re Captan, the sessor of the Blue w, right?" "Yes? Yes, that''s correct!" Captan quickly bowed his head and responded, regaining hisposure. Knowing that Zion was a royal, he could no longer speak informally. Moreover, a royal with such characteristics must surely be... Before Captan could finish his thought, "Lead me to your tribe right now." A quiet voice flowed from Zion, who was looking at the back of Captan''s head. In the center of the northern ins. There, among the numerous giant ns, some held considerable power, including the Blue w n, the heart of the Utekan faction. "Even here already..." Captan''s face darkened as he and Zion''s party arrived at the Blue w''s settlement. Smoke was still rising here and there within the n, indicating a battle had taken ce just moments ago. Fortunately, the expressions on the faces of the giants moving around were rtively bright, and cleanup seemed to be progressing quickly, suggesting the attack had been sessfully repelled. But he couldn''t help feeling uneasy. ''To show this kind of scene on my first visit.'' Conscious of Zion quietly following behind, Captan thought to himself. He had be fully aware of Zion''s identity on their way here. ''So that''s why he was so strong.'' Understanding the overwhelming strength Zion had demonstrated made Captan gradually develop a sense of awe towards him, and his behavior towards Zion became even more respectful. After all, Zion was also the savior of his life. Then, "Captan? Hahaha! You''re alive!" A giant with a curly beard tied in two parts spotted Captan and approached him with a very warmugh. "Uncle!" Joy appeared in Captan''s eyes upon seeing the giant, who was his father''s brother and someone he had always been close to, Barte. "Uncle, what happened here?" Captan immediately asked, gesturing to the surroundings, causing Barte''s expression to darken slightly. "As you can see, we were attacked. The ''Red Horn'' led their elite warriors here personally. We managed to hold them off here, but... the other fronts have beenpletely devastated. So much so, there are hardly any survivors. In fact, you, Captan, are the first to return." Hearing this, Captan understood why Barte greeted him with such a bright smile. He must have been overjoyed to see him alive when he thought he was dead. "But who are these humans behind you?" "He is His Highness Zion Agnes, a direct royal of the Empire. He wished to meet my father, so I brought him along." Barte''s eyes widened at Captan''s words. He hadn''t expected such a person. "Pleased to meet you, Your Highness Zion! I am Barte, a warrior of the Blue w." "Where is the chieftain?" Zion, who had nodded slightly in greeting, immediately asked this, keen to meet the chieftain as soon as possible. "I''ll guide you. Please follow me." Barte, managing to collect his flustered emotions, turned and began to walk. There was no doubt in his eyes about Zion''s identity. The deep grey hair was a distinct trait of the Agnes royals, and imitating that color was strictly forbidden. However, ''Why would a royal visit our tribe...'' The question of why a royal was here remained. "It''s been a while since we''ve seen humans." "What brings them all the way here?" "Eh? That hair color is...!" Giants who saw Zion following Barte began to murmur amongst themselves with curiosity and surprise in their eyes. It was extremely rare for humans to visit the world of giants, known for its harsh environment and the naturally rough temperament of its inhabitants, especially a royal. "Here we are. Would you mind waiting a moment?" Barte then stopped in front of a massive but unrefined stone building, bowed to Zion, and entered first. After a brief wait, "You may enter now. And Captan, youe in as well." Barte reappeared and spoke to Zion and Captan. "Me, too?" "Yes, my brother wants to see you." "Understood." Captan, sensing something was wrong from his expression darkening, followed Zion, who had already started walking into the building. A long corridor stretched straight ahead. The murals engraved on either side of this corridor were as grandiose and massive as the building''s exterior, seemingly reflecting the owner''s character. How long had they walked? Finally, the moment Zion and Captan walked through the corridor into the grand hall arrived. "Why did you return alive?" A heavy voice echoed in the air, not directed at Zion but at Captan, who was fidgeting behind him. In the center of the hall, there was a huge chair made of beast skins, and the owner of the voice, seated upon it, had his gaze fixed squarely on Captan. A middle-aged giant with a well-groomed long beard and a body as sturdy and formidable as a weapon was Batar, the chieftain of the Blue w tribe and Captan''s father. "Why did you push your subordinates and peers to death and return alone?" Batar asked again, looking at Captan, who was shaking slightly with his head bowed. The whole hall began to tremble slightly with Batar''s rising emotions. "...I''m sorry, Father." "Can you still call yourself the sessor of the Blue w? You should have been buried there. Your bones should haveid to rest in that ce." Batar, who valued the honor and pride of giants above all and considered the lives of hisrades as precious as his own, could not help but be enraged by the current situation, a rage that even his son Captan could not escape. "...Pathetic." After staring at the silent Captan for a moment, Batar''s gaze shifted to Zion, who was standing indifferently beside him. "I apologize for this disgraceful sight. I am Batar, leader of the Blue w," he said to Zion. "Alright." Zion lightly acknowledged Batar''s greeting and slowly approached him. Despite Batar being a head taller than the other giants, who averaged 2.5 meters in height, the pressure emanating from hisrge frame was immense. However, as the distance between them closed, it was Batar, not Zion, who felt the pressure. ''What eyes...'' The closer Zion got, the clearer and more intense his gaze became. Batar felt a chill run down his spine the moment he saw Zion''s eyes, a sensation like prey standing before a predator. It was a strange sensation Batar was experiencing for the first time in his life, even though Zion wasn''t even trying to exert his power. ''I don''t recall even the former Emperor Urdios being this intimidating...'' With that thought, Batar, unable to withstand the pressure, was the first to speak. "Your Highness Zion, what brings you to seek me?" Then, Zion responded as if he had been waiting for the question. "Join me." It was a startling proposition,pletely at odds with hisnguid tone. The words that Zion spoke werepletely unexpected in the current situation. "All of you from the Blue w and the ns that follow you." Zion''s eyes remained calm and peaceful, like the surface of ake, as he spoke. The statement was so absurd that it was met with a moment of stunned silence. Soon, Batar broke the silence. "...I understand you''vee to our great n for the purpose of subduing the monster legion, but surely this isn''t because of that?" "No." Zion shook his head. "That''s irrelevant. You won''t need to worry about it going forward." "Then why...?" "It''s not about why. What matters is what you can gain by following me." What was he talking about? From the start, Batar could not understand a single thing the man before him was saying. Deep confusion filled Batar''s eyes. Looking straight into those eyes. "The war with the Utekan faction." Zion slowly began. "I''ll ensure you win." "!!!!!!" Upon hearing this, both Batar and Captan, who had been listening to the conversation, were shocked. The war between their Anti-Utekan faction and the Pro-Utekan faction was, from the beginning, expected to lean towards the victory of the Pro-Utekan faction. The difference in strength between the two sides was significant. Yet, the man standing before Batar was saying he could reverse that power imbnce. Another moment of stunned silence followed. Then, "Hahahaha!" A loudugh erupted from Batar. "Your Highness Zion. We are giants. A race that values honor and pride on the battlefield more than anyone in the world. That remains unchanged even though our great n submitted to the Agnes Empire hundreds of years ago." Batar looked at Zion with zing eyes, as if challenging him. "That''s why it''s impossible for us giants to serve under a mere royal, not even the Emperor. In fact, our great n has an unwritten rule: ''Do not interfere with the Empire, nor be interfered with.''" In reality, the war with the Pro-Utekan faction was also because they broke this unwritten rule by following Prince Utekan of the Empire. It was as if they were betraying the honor and pride most cherished by the giants. An act that negated the very identity of a giant. "Honestly, I find it hard to believe that you can make us win this war, but it''s impossible for us to follow someone who is merely a royal." Especially if that someone is not a giant but a human. If they were to follow him, it would make them no different from the Pro-Utekan faction they opposed. "Of course, unless you happen to be a descendant of Akelis." The Great Chieftain Akelis was a legendary hero who became a giant king after ying a demon and founded the great giant ns, leading the Blue w tribe to its golden age. He was the first andst giant to be a chieftain as a half-blood with a human, a figure so ancient that he has almost been forgotten by the world. However, within the Blue w tribe, tales of his deeds are still passed down. Of course, the probability of Zion, standing before him, being a descendant of Akelis was nonexistent. ''No, he wouldn''t even know of such a being.'' The phrase ''descendant of Akelis'' within the Blue w tribe was used to discuss something impossible and was brought up with the same implication now. Then, "And how would one prove they are a descendant of Akelis?" Zion, who had been silently listening, asked in a low voice. "Proof..." A disbelieving smile formed on Batar''s lips. Why ask about something that was clearly impossible? Was it a desperate attempt to grasp at straws? "Perhaps possession of Akelis''s unique weapon, the ''Gigaferses,'' would suffice?" The weapon, said to have been used to annihte the giant king, now existed in uncertainty, its very existence unclear. Even Batar had only heard vague descriptions of its appearance. Then, "This?" Zion, looking at Batar, smirked. At that mysterious smile and question, confusion flooded the chieftain''s eyes. Sshhh! From Zion''s hand, extended forward, dark blue chains began to unravel. Chapter 135: The Giant Destroyer (3) Chapter 135: The Giant Destroyer (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the northern part of the continent, there was a giant mountain range where at its very edge stood a mountain so tall, its peak seemed to vanish into the sky. This mountain, known as "Sky Mountain" because its peak touched the heavens, was a ce unknown even to the giants of the mountain range. Or more urately, it was known, but as a ce where no one ever went. The climate was so cold that your breath would freeze the moment it left your mouth, and the terrain was treacherously rugged. Additionally, the area was home to monsters so powerful they could dominate a region on their own, scattered across thendscape like stars in the sky. That''s why "Sky Mountain" was essentially off-limits to the giants. "So... ourpanion is on that mountain?" Looking up at the cloud-topped, snow-white "Sky Mountain," Rain Dranir spoke with a dismayed expression. "Yes." The silver-haired woman walking beside him nodded. "Can people really live in a ce like that?" "Of course. Humans have a greater will to survive and adapt than you might think. Plus, the person we''re going to meet isn''t human, but a giant." "Huh..." Rain''s face darkened significantly at the woman''s words. Rain was from Ruin, a city in the north, but she despised the cold. Her constitution was particrly sensitive to it. That''s why she was especially displeased with their current situation, heading to the coldest ce in the already cold north. "If it''s too hard, you can wait here. I''ll go alone." "When did I ever say it was hard? I''m not one to make a fuss over this. What do you take me for? Let''s go!" At Rain''s response, the woman chuckled and quickened her pace. They needed to recruit theirpanion quickly and move on to the next n. The future she had seen was changing every moment, leaving no time to waste. "The things we need to acquire are also dwindling fast." Naturally, one person came to mind. "Zion Agnes." The individual at the heart of all these changes, who had taken some of what she needed to acquire. Though he hadn''t touched the core items, so it was fine, he was still a person who upied her thoughts. "I''ll have to meet him soon." Only then could she make a clear decision. Whether he was an ally or not. Just then. "So who is the giant we''re supposed to meet on that mountain?" Rain asked with a surly expression, walking beside the woman. After finishing her thoughts, the woman gazing at "Sky Mountain" let out a name. "Turjan." The strongest warrior among the giants, and the third heaven of the ''Seven Heavens.'' And soon, he would be herpanion. --- "...This, this is impossible!" Batar gawked at the dark blue chains unraveling from Zion''s hands, his voice bursting out in disbelief. His eyes, trembling with emotion too vast for the word ''astonishment'' to cover, were filled with incredulity. "Is this really..." As if to confirm, Batar pointed at the chains with his finger, looking at Zion. "You asked for proof, so you should recognize it. Or... did you really ask for something you wouldn''t recognize yourself as evidence?" Zion''s voice was cold. "That''s not it!" Batar shook his head in response. He wasn''t foolish enough to admit it, but he partly agreed. "Is this really... the Giant Destroyer that Achilles used?" It was hard to believe. Details about Achilles were scarcely passed down, even within the Blue w tribe, and only partially known. Furthermore, his weapon, Gigaperseus, had vanished right after the giant king''s demise, never to be seen again. For the Giant Destroyer to reappear in the hands of a human, not a giant, was unthinkable. Normally, he would have scoffed and dismissed it as fake without a second thought, but this time he couldn''t. "It''s too..." The appearance of the Giant Destroyer was known only to a very few within the Blue w tribe. And the appearance of the chains before him was exactly the same. "And the power emanating from these chains." Just looking at them sent chills down the spine and sapped the strength from the body, proving they were indeed the bane of giants. The overwhelming presence that seemed to crush everything around. There couldn''t possibly be another weapon with such an appearance and aura, except the Giant Destroyer. Batar''s trembling eyes slowly filled with certainty. "Where on earth did you find it?" "That''s not what''s important right now." In Zion''s gaze towards Batar, a menacing darkness began to swirl. Facing that, fear gradually rose in Batar''s heart. After how long he struggled with his fear, alternating his gaze between Zion and the Giant Destroyer, a heavy voice finally came from the chief. "From now on, the Blue w tribe will follow Lord Zion, the rightful descendant of the great hero Achilles." It was a sudden decision, but it was unavoidable. Batar had already dered his allegiance to the descendant of Achilles with his own words and had personally set the terms for proving it. Prince Zion had perfectly fulfilled such proof. To not follow now would be like denying his own words, which would amount to betraying the honor and pride of a giant. "Then, let''s discuss the war with the ''Red Horns''." With a slight smile, Zion, looking at Batar, naturally took the highest seat and began to speak. Though it seemed a bit rushed to dive into the main topic, Zion knew well that inrge-scale wars, making decisions and acting quickly could increase the chances of victory. "Before we proceed, I have one question." Batar''s question flowed out. "The victory you mentioned earlier in this war... are you serious about that?" "I don''t im to do what I can''t." Zion''s reply was filled with a strange conviction that it would indeed happen. After pondering for a moment, the chief spoke in a calmer voice. "Understood. Then, let me briefly exin our current situation and our forces." Batar''s exnation was almost identical to the information Zion had gathered using the Shadow of Eternity beforeing to the giant ns. Except for one detail. "Last night''srge-scale attack resulted in the copse of most fronts, except for the homes of our Blue w and other ns. Therefore, the current situation is serious enough to be considered the biggest crisis since the war began. If we don''t quickly rebuild the front... we are likely to lose in the next engagement." With those words, Batar fell silent, waiting for Zion''s response. In such a situation, the orders Zion could issue were limited. "Dividing the central forces to reinforce the existing front or narrowing down the range by abandoning some of the front to solidify the remaining ones." However, Zion''s next wordspletely deviated from such thoughts. "Call in all the remaining forces on the front and from the other ns here." "?!" Batar and Captan, who was quietly listening beside him, were puzzled by this. "Your Highness, that would mean we''d be surrounded by the enemy." "It doesn''t matter. The war will be over before that anyway." "Excuse me? What do you mean?" "Utekan will be joining us soon." Just as Batar was about to express his confusion again, "Brother!" Bart, Batar''s brother, rushed into the hall with an urgent look on his face. Sitting at the highest seat, Zion, who was briefly regarded with strange eyes by him, soon heard a shout directed at Batar. "Prince Utekan has just joined the Red Horn tribe!" "What?" "It seems he hase here directly to end the war swiftly. We''ve received information that the movements of other ns following Utekan are also unusual." Batar''s eyes widened at this news and turned towards Zion. How had Prince Zion known about this? "A full-scale war is about to break out." Zion said quietly, looking at the astonished giants. It was, perhaps, an expected development. Utekan wouldn''t miss the opportunity to eliminate Zion, his primary target, and the troublesome opposition giants all at once. He would bring all avable forces here within a few days. The faces of Batar and all the other giants hardened rapidly at Zion''s words. The power gap between their own forces and those loyal to Utekan was toorge to cover with strategy or tactics alone. Their only chance had been to thoroughly disperse and engage in guerri warfare. Facing a frontal assault with the enemies rallied around Utekan made the situation seem hopeless. ''It seems he''s quite eager,ing faster than expected.'' Unlike them, Zion''s eyes remained as calm as ever. Everything was going as he had anticipated. "You do realize that doing nothing will lead to our demise?" "What do you n to do, then?" Batar asked in a heavy tone. "We''ll have to strike where they least expect it." "If we''re to strike unexpectedly..." From Zion, who was smiling ominously, came a response no one could have anticipated. "We''ll hit them first." --- "Where is Zion currently?" This was the first question Utekan asked upon arriving at the Red Horn tribe and taking his seat. It indicated how conscious he was of Zion. "He is in the Blue w tribe''s n. It seems he ns to use their strength." "Is that so?" Utekan smirked as if he had anticipated this from the report of a giant standing next to him. It made sense. Given Zion''s intelligence capabilities, he would have realized by now that the Wollo Legion wasn''t moving, and seeking an alternative was the natural next step. ''The problem is that the Blue w tribe and its smaller affiliated ns won''t simply obey Zion''s words.'' They were the same stubborn individuals Utekan himself had decided to abandon and eliminate. For Zion, who is not even a half-giant, bringing those giants under his wing would be nearly impossible. Moreover, if he intended to mobilize them not for war but to subdue a monster legion, that possibility would be even slimmer. Yet, Utekan hoped Zion could pull it off, despite the slim chances. ''Because then I could eliminate them all at once.'' Of course, the thought of losing as a result never crossed Utekan''s mind. His side was overwhelmingly advantageous, after all. ''If I have to eliminate them separately, it would make sense to target Zion before the opposition giants. The best time to do so would be after Zion has returned from subduing the monster legion, but to minimize variables, moving before the subjugation wouldn''t be a bad idea either.'' Utekan, tapping the armrest of his chair with his fingers, was lost in thought. Was it because all matters rted to Zion had not ended well so far? Everything was going perfectly, yet a thread of unease lingered in his heart, prompting Utekan to continuously check for any overlooked variables to dispel it. ''Now, this should be enough...'' Just then, "Lord Utekan, Prince Zion and the opposition giants have started to move!" A giant from the Red Horn tribe approached Utekan, eximing with an urgent face. A faint surprise flickered in Utekan''s eyes. ''If they''re moving together... have they really won over the Blue w tribe? How did he manage that?'' Soon after dispelling such doubts, Utekan asked the giant, "Where are they heading? Straight to the monster legion?" "No!" "Then where?" The giant''s answer to that question was something Utekan hadn''t anticipated at all. "They''reing here, to this ce right now!" "What?" "It seems they intend to engage us in a frontal battle." Utekan''s eyes began to waver. Chapter 136: The Giant Destroyer (4) Chapter 136: The Giant Destroyer (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The Agnes Empire was vast. Due to its size, countless undiscovered dungeons, areas, and artifacts existed, and there were numerous exploration teams searching for them. However, only five of these teams were awarded the title of ''Elite'' across the entire empire. These teams were made up of adventurers with skills far beyond the average, truly the cream of the crop. Their tasks were also significantly more challenging than those of other teams. And now. "Huff, huff!" R Ilones, a member of one of these elite teams, ''The Scouring Eyes,'' was frantically running through a burning vige. "f*ck!" Harsh swear words flew from her mouth. Usually, she almost never swore, but the situation was dire enough for her to curse. "What the hell is going on!" The trouble began a short while ago when R''s team received a request. The request came from ''Hoire,'' a small vige at the eastern edge of the empire, asking them to investigate a strange relic that had suddenly appeared in the vige center. The task seemed too low-level for them, and they would have normally declined, but the team leader, Alos, sensed something odd from the relic''s description in the request and decided to ept it, sending her and two other team members to the vige. ''We should never have epted that request!'' With that thought, R increased her speed and nced back. Screech! Gurgle! She saw many vigers, now too grotesque to be considered human, chasing after her. The vigers had transformed into this state just a few hours ago. A giant relic had suddenly emerged in the center of the vige. Without any warning, a bright red light burst from the relic, and anyone touched by the light transformed into these monstrous forms. Since then, R had been running, not knowing the whereabouts of the other team members. ''What on earth could it be...'' R recalled the relic''s appearance before the chaos ensued. It looked like a snake''s tongue, but thousands of timesrger, a shape she had never seen before despite exploring many dungeons and remote areas. She couldn''t find out anything about it even upon investigation. ''And it''s incredibly contagious!'' At first, there were people who hadn''t been touched by the light and were fine, but as soon as they came into contact with those who had turned into monsters, they transformed just the same. With this level of contagion, it''s only a matter of time before it spreads from this vige to nearby ones. ''No, it might have already spread.'' The situation was extremely serious. A disaster. Her usually reliable instincts were whispering that this situation could evolve into a new disaster, potentially one of unprecedented scale, beyond any of the known seven great cmities. ''I must alert others!'' There was nothing R could do here now. The best course of action was to escape and inform her exploration team and the empire of the situation. Screech! If transforming into a monster also drastically increased physical abilities, was that why, despite using all her mana to run, the monsters were closing in on R? "If this goes on..." With that thought, R''s expression darkened. Then. Screech! Suddenly, a monster appeared in front of her, blocking her path. It was Albert, one of the team members who hade to this ce with R, now transformed into a monster. "Damn it!" R cursed again as she tried to turn back, but she was too close to escape the reach of the monster''s ws. A mix of urgency and despair appeared on R''s face. Just as the monster''s w was about to crush her head. "How fascinating." An unexpectedly cheerful voice interrupted the moment. Crack! The upper body of the monster swinging its w at R vanished. Caught off guard by the unexpected development, R saw a figure standing behind the falling body of the monster. "How does the master know all about these things? Is it because he reads a lot?" A woman with ck hair and contrasting red eyes. It was Liushina. "You are...!" R opened her mouth with a trembling voice. Screech! Numerous monsters rushed at them from behind. Liushina looked at these monsters with interest. "Interesting creatures, aren''t they?" The power that had transformed the vigers into monsters was a unique ability and spell that even Liushina, who had lived for hundreds of years, had never seen before. It smelled simr to blood magic. Had Zion known about this from the beginning and sent her here on purpose? "Kill them all! The Witch of a Thousand Deaths stands with us!" "Uaaaah!" Soon after, Kerma D''cols, the Blood Tower Lord, along with the mages of the Blood Tower, emerged behind Liushina and began unleashing a relentless barrage of magic at the monsters. Boom! Dozens of offensive spells caused a series of explosions,pletely obliterating the monsters without leaving a trace. "This could possibly elevate the Blood Tower to a new level." Liushina muttered quietly as she watched the vige gradually turn into a battlefield. --- The first thing Zion did after emerging from the grand battle with Vatar was to dere to the giants of the Blue w tribe that he would be leading this war. With Vatar, who already hadpletemand over the anti-Utekan faction, recognizing him and the presence of Gigaperseus, convincing the other giants was not difficult. "From now on, we''re going to crush the Red Horn." Following that, Zion immediately led the giants towards the Red Horn tribe, where Utekan was. Unlike other ces, there were almost no hidden monsters in the giant''s territory, and any traitors had been promptly executed by Vatar after an attack the night before, so there were no obstacles. Perhaps it''s because the giants, inherently warlike and fond of battle, were involved. Despite a massive attack not long ago, preparations were swiftlypleted, and the coalition of giants centered around the Blue w tribe was able to quickly move into the territory of the Red Horn tribe. ''Is this really the right thing to do?'' Vatar, the chief of the Blue w tribe, thought this while watching Zion moving ahead with what seemed to be his personal guards. Zion''s calm eyes were unreadable. The situation was rapidly changing, and despite Vatar having gathered the giants and set out following Zion''s decisive instructions, a faint glimmer of distrust still lingered in Vatar''s eyes. Of course, he thought this approach was the best. ''It''s better than sitting around waiting to be annihted.'' Moreover, their front was not wide, allowing them to quickly concentrate their forces, whereas the pro-Utekan faction had not yet fully gathered their strength. It was the perfect time for a full-scale war. The problem was that even so, their forces were spread thin. That''s why, even though Prince Zion had assured victory, Vatar couldn''t easily believe it. ''Did he say reinforcements were on their way?'' With that thought, Vatar recalled the conversation he had with Prince Zion just before setting out. -"But, Your Highness Zion... Are we really going to engage in a total war with just these forces?" -"Why, do you think we will lose?" -"Honestly... yes." -"No need to worry. I have no intention of fighting like this." -"Then..." -"Before the war starts, reinforcements for our side will arrive." Vatar had asked what these reinforcements were, but Prince Zion only smiled, saying he would find out soon, without giving further details. ''Prince Zion said he came to the giant''s territory with just his personal guard. How could reinforcements be arriving? Is there a follow-up force?'' Even if that were the case, to arrive on time, they would have needed to be inside the giant''s territory already, but Vatar had not heard any information about this. It was truly baffling. Then, "Look over there! "Chief Vatar, look that way!" Before the scouts sent ahead could return, warriors who saw something started shouting with trembling voices. Vatar turned his head towards the front, and his eyes began to shake. Something was approaching from beyond the horizon. It was giants. The horizon was filled with the ranks of giants from end to end. These giants were all wearing helmets with red-tinted horns. "The Red Horn tribe..." They were the giants from the Red Horn tribe, allied with the pro-Utekan faction. The earth trembled more and more as the countless tribal gs of dozens of tribes drew nearer, and the sight of this giant force caused the light to fade from the eyes of the opposing giants. The power disparity between them and their opponents was clear. Even the forces that had not yet fully assembled were formidable. They might have loved battle, but not to the extent of enjoying a fight they were destined to lose. ''Can we really... win against that force?'' Vatar''s eyes, as gloomy as the other giants'', turned towards Zion. Whether Zion knew what he was thinking or not, he was still looking at the approaching forces of the Red Horn with azy gaze. As the chieftain''s eyes darkened further, ''So, Zion Agnes, you were targeting me from the start.'' Utekan, on the opposite side, was also looking at Zion. Despite the great distance between them, it was no issue for him. ''The monster legion was just an excuse.'' Otherwise, he couldn''t have moved so swiftly right after arriving in the giant''s territory. ''After all, there''s no better ce to kill an opponent without having to look over your shoulder.'' Given the region''s distance from the imperial city and its constant state of war, even if royalty ughtered each other, they could create reasons to cover it up sufficiently. And in fact, given the intensepetition for the throne, killing each other outside the imperial city or the capital wouldn''t be much of an issue. ''Of course, I''ll receive some criticism.'' Thinking this, Utekan smiled wickedly at Zion, whose eyes met his. He never dreamed Zion would actuallye to attack him first. In a way, it was a situation where he was caughtpletely off guard. But... ''What''s the big deal about that?'' Zion''s action was utterly unexpected, but it wasn''t something that could change the situation. Nothing had changed, and Zion along with the opposing giants were still at a significant disadvantage. In fact, it might have been more urate to say it hastened their demise. ''Why make such a choice? I can''t understand.'' Such a foolish decision. It would have been slightly better for them to scatter and flee to preserve their lives a bit longer. ''He can''t still believe the monster legion ising, can he? Is there some other trick up his sleeve?'' In the end, it didn''t matter. Unless a force that could surpass one of the empire''s top elite legions suddenly appeared, any other variable would be smashed to bits by the overwhelming difference in power between them. Of course, Utekan had thoroughly investigated this beforeing here, and no such force existed within the giant''s territory. Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Was the thought of the uing massacre exciting? Utekan''s giant forces began stamping their feet and mming their weapons on the ground in ce. The giants'' eyes sparkled with a murderous gleam. "Your Highness, we await yourmand." A giant standing next to Utekan looked at him eagerly, urging for an order. ''Zion, today will be your end.'' Just as Utekan was about to issue themand to advance, That roar! It was a roar. Not of humans or giants, but from entirely different beings. The massive roar filled the entire battlefield, causing Utekan and the other giants to turn their heads towards the source of the sound. And they saw it. The monster legion. Countless monsters filled their entire field of vision, rushing towards them at incredible speeds. ''The monster legion? Why are they suddenly here...'' Utekan''s eyes filled with questions at the unexpected appearance. Then, he caught sight of Zion looking at him and smiling brightly. Soon after, Zion''s mouth slowly opened to say something. Though too far to hear, Utekan could make out the words from the shape of Zion''s lips. Full. Force. Charge. And at that moment. Bwoooh! The horn of the Blue w tribe sounded, signaling the charge. Chapter 137: The Giant Destroyer (5) Chapter 137: The Giant Destroyer (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the light''s church branch within Agnes''s royal capital, Serkia knelt before the statue of the god of light, hands joined as if in prayer, just like any other day. However, she wasn''t truly praying to the god of light. After all, there was no benefit in doing so, and she might even incur divine punishment. Still, there was a reason she prayed before the statue: to avoid the watchers'' suspicion and to organize her thoughts. For some reason, Serkia found that her thoughts became clearer when she assumed a praying posture before the god of light. After praying motionlessly for a while, a small sigh escaped her lips. The cause of her concern was Utekan, who had recently left for the giant''s territory. ''Something feels off.'' Thest time she saw Utekan, he was brimming with confidence and certainty. To Serkia, such confidence seemed well-ced, as Utekan''s n appeared wless. The operation was to take ce in the giant''s territory, essentially Utekan''s domain, where their forces were overwhelmingly superior, and thorough prior research had eliminated any potential variables. ''But still...'' The unease remained. They had always been confident in their attempts to kill Zion Agnes, yet every attempt had ended in disaster. It wasn''t that their preparations or attempts to block variables were insufficient. They were perfect. It was just that Zion Agnes had always far surpassed their expectations and preparations. ''I shouldn''t doubt.'' Serkia shook her head to dispel her unease. After all, worrying now wouldn''t change anything. Then, she heard a voice in her mind. -Lady Serkia. It belonged to one of her subordinates, who had recently taken on the role of an informant. -A message has arrived from the future sight. The demon, keeping out of sight possibly due to the presence of others, spoke directly into Serkia''s mind. Of course, the demon was disguised as a human, but since they were unrted to the church''s branch, appearing in their true form could raise suspicions. Serkia nodded slightly as if to say, "Go on." After about a minute, ''Huh?'' Doubt began to cloud Serkia''s eyes after she received the entire message. ''Why is there no mention of Utekan?'' Normally, messages from the future sight describe uing events and instruct each demon on what they should do. However, there was not a single mention of Utekan in this message, as if it was deliberately omitted. ''Could it be...!'' A sinister feeling suddenly overwhelmed her. There had been only one reason in the past for the future sight not to mention someone: could it mean that Utekan, or rather, Tarahal, is going to die? "Who''s going to die?" Suddenly, a voice came from beside her. It wasn''t the voice of her demon subordinate or the priests she lived with. "!" Startled, Serkia turned towards the source of the voice and saw a man with brilliant blond hair and a sculpted appearance. It was Prince Rubrious Agnes. "Tell me again. Who is supposed to die? Did you receive some kind of oracle?" The prince asked with his usual gentle smile. "That is..." Just as Serkia felt an indescribable sense of dread and was about to make an excuse, "Ah, and..." Before she could, Rubrious spoke again and simultaneously, Snap! He grasped the air beside him. "Argh!" A man appeared out of thin air, choked by the prince''s hand. It was Serkia''s demon subordinate who had been hiding. "What rtion do you have with this rat?" Rubrious''s eyes, now shining with the bright light of six stars, were fixed on her. --- ''What?'' Utekan was baffled. Why were the monster legion charging at them now, and why were his forces rushing to meet them? ''The monster legion is a separate force. They''re thinking of turning this into a chaotic three-way battle to stand a chance? They''re really struggling. But how did they know the monster legion would appear here?'' One question led to another. "Prince Utekan!" These questions were interrupted by a giant urgently calling him from the side. The giant''s name was Bayarma, chieftain of the Red Horn tribe and Utekan''s uncle. His eyes sought an answer on how to act in this situation. "Well, it doesn''t matter." After pondering for a moment, Utekan smirked and spoke. "Ten tribes on the left will defend against the monster legion, and the rest will smash the enemiesing from the front." This would spread their forces thin, but the enemies would have to face the monster legion just the same. "Kill them all!" "Ha-ha! Crush their headspletely!" With those shouts, the sh with the opposing giants began first. Then, as the monster legion stormed into the battlefield, "!" Utekans predictions wentpletely wrong once again. His eyes shifted from confusion to dismay. The reason was that the monsters were attacking only his side, specifically targeting Utekan''s allied giants. "Why are the monsters attacking only us Ahhh!" "Block them! Just block Ahhh!" Despite Utekan''s orders for some giant tribes on the left to hold the line, the full force of the monster legion was not something that could be withstood by them alone. The Seven Cmities, among which the monster legion was considered formidable even by the empire''s elite legions, who, even with fortress support, struggled to hold them back due to sheer force. Moreover, as they crossed into therge territory, their numbers grew, concentrating all their power in one ce, making it impossible to defend against. "Why is this happening" As the left nk quickly crumbled under the monster legion, Utekan mumbled nkly, watching the situation unfold. What was happening? The one variable that could turn the tide, which he had deemed impossible and ignored, was unfolding before his eyes. ''A force surpassing the empire''s elite legions.'' And in a way, he hadn''t anticipated at all. "Now is the time! Push through to the end! Dont give the enemy a chance to breathe, even if it breaks our bodies!" Seizing what seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Vatar leading the Blue w tribe and the opposing giants were desperately pushing forward. A strand of anxiety that had lingered in his mind. As that anxiety turned into reality, Utekan''s face began to contort. ''Could all of this have been a trap set by Zion Agnes?'' A single word came to mind: defeat. ''No, that can''t be. It can''t be.'' As he shook his head in denial, Utekan caught sight of Zion advancing towards them at an incredible speed, cutting through the giants with the masked swordsmen. Behind them stretched a long trail of blood. "Zion Agnes!" A roar-like shout erupted from Utekan''s mouth. With that, his eyes began to ze with rage. Zion Agnes. The root of all this chaos, and the biggest barrier in the way of both the demonic forces and Utekan himself. ''Yes, if I just kill that guy!'' With that thought, Utekans form burst forward with a sonic boom, moving at a speed invisible to the eye, shooting straight across the battlefield towards Zion. The shockwave trailing long behind him and the earth shattering beneath its force. The power felt from this was beyond imagination, momentarily stopping the surrounding battles as all eyes focused on it. To an ordinary person, just witnessing it would turn their face pale with the immense pressure, but Zion smiled slightly at the approaching Utekan. "I''m grateful you came out to meet me." With that, Zion, who had sheathed his dragon-ying spear, extended his right hand and grasped the air. Swish! The Eclipse de was caught as if it had been waiting. Then, the de of the Eclipse Sword grew instantly, starting to emit ominous darkness in all directions. The atmosphere around it trembled as if weeping. ''A frontal sh would be proper for our first encounter.'' Zion knew that the power erupting from Utekan, with his giant blood and the power of the celestial seabined, had long surpassed human limits. To take Utekan''s strike head-on might seem foolish, but Zion saw it as an opportunity to test something new. Creak! With the sound of a heavily rusted door opening, the darkness began to amplify endlessly. Using ''Eclipse'' for the first time since reaching the fourth rank boasted an effect iparable to before. The darkness grew denser, engulfing everything around it. The overwhelming pressure made the nearby Twilight Swordsmen unknowingly step back. In the space created, Zion took a stance with one foot back, ready to draw his sword. Keen! As the Eclipse Sword was tilted back, all the energy around it was drawn in, forming another de. The Eclipse de, unable to withstand the power, trembled, and the air screamed as if in agony. "I''ll smash you to pieces, leaving nothing behind!" Utekan, who had closed the distance, extended his fist, filled with the condensed light of the celestial sea, towards Zion. And at that moment, Zion also swung the newlypleted de. Moon Cut. The sword technique Zion used to split the sun of Prince Enoch. The technique, once aided by ''Chronos''s Five Questions,'' was now disyed again with Zion''s own power, fully manifesting in the world. As the recreated Moon Cut, amplified by a partial eclipse, collided with Utekan''s fist. The entire battlefield zed with intensity. It''s said that a sound too loud can end up being unheard. In a silence like a mute world, the view turned stark white. Simultaneously, the sh''s wave that engulfed and burst through the surrounding space began to shatter everything within its range. Was it surprise at Zion''s unexpected power? In a world yet to regain sound, Utekan, with a twisted face, shouted something and immediatelyunched into his next attack. Utekan''s fist, shot like a cannonball towards Zion, failed to reach its target. Thud! As if caught by something, it stopped right in front of Zion and could not advance further. Wrapped around his wrist was a chain, glowing with a dark blue hue. Utekan''s eyes filled with confusion. No matter how much strength he applied, his hand bound by the chain wouldn''t budge. He, who had established himself in a realm unmatched in strength by anyone, couldn''t break a mere chain? Moreover, starting from his bound hand, strength rapidly drained from his entire body. It felt like sinking deep into the sea. "What the hell did you!" "It''s working better than I thought." Zion interrupted Utekan''s astonished outcry with a low voice. As Zion''s eyes curved gracefully, Swirl! The Giant Destroyer, fully released from Zion''s arm, moved as if alive, wrapping around Utekan''s entire body. Chapter 138: The Giant Destroyer (6) Chapter 138: The Giant Destroyer (6) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Roaring! The five-horned rhinos at the front let out a massive roar and charged, smashing through the giants on the left nk. Their strength was such that not even the giants, with their iparable might, could withstand it. "Don''t let them break through! Block them at all costs!" The Utekan tribe chiefs,manding the front lines, watched in dismay and shouted desperately. In response, the giant warriors tried to form a second line of defense against the rhinos, but, kekeke! Frost wolves ridden by Lord Goblins appeared from behind the rhinos, starting to cut through the giants. "Screams!" "What, what! How are these goblins so strong... Aaah!" As if that wasn''t enough, suddenly, flying monsters filled the sky, dropping huge boulders indiscriminately onto the giant''s ranks. The power of their attack wasparable to that of a level 8 mage casting arge-scale area spell. The giants, who were almostpletely unprepared for aerial attacks, were helpless against it. Screaming and chaos! During this, the main force,prised of drakes and other superior monsters, arrived and began to mercilessly ughter the giants. This caused the already shaky front line of the Utekan side to copse in an instant. "...This should be enough." Watching the increasingly tilted battlefield from behind, the Monster King Horrible, who did not participate in the battle, muttered to himself. His expression was not good. From the rampage in the giant horde to attacking the giants with red horned helmets now. None of it was his own will. After the battle at the Steel Fortress, Horrible had his ''real heart'' taken by Zion, and since then, he had no choice but to reluctantly follow Zion''s orders. "Well, it''s not all bad." After nearly dying at the hands of Zion in the Achilles Basin and arriving at this horde, Horrible found himself in a much changed state. Not just in terms of strength, but also in the number of monsters he could control, tactics, strategy, and even his mental maturity. Everything had improved to an iparable degree, and he was still growing. It was unbelievable progress made in less than a month. "If only I wasn''t under his control, things would have been better." Thinking this, Horrible shook his head and looked at the rapidly dwindling Utekan giants, clicking his tongue. "Those poor things. They''ve ended up as his enemies." The battle between the two sides was still fiercely ongoing, but Horrible spoke as if he already knew the oue. It''s hard to imagine him dying since he holds my ''real heart''. Just thinking about that time still makes Horrible tremble. Then, ----------------! A burst of white light from the center of the battlefield enveloped the surroundings, followed by rising darkness that caught Horrible''s eye. "Has it begun?" Recognizing the darkness as Zion''s, his eyes sparkled. --- Prince Utekan Agnes. His power was very special from a young age. His cry at birth made a nearby doctor copse, and before he could even walk, he was breaking trees with his bare hands. Divine Strength. A power that seemed to have been bestowed by the heavens. Utekan actively used this power to refine his skills and applied his innate talent to be unusually strong, almost rivaling the ''Seven Heavens,'' known as the strongest in the empire. Thus, even though Zion had achieved the fourth level of Dark Star, under normal circumstances, he would not be able topete but... Shrrrr! ''Now, it''s possible.'' The Giant yer, Gigapherses. A weapon that shows mythic-level performance specifically against giants was already in Zion''s hands. The effect of Gigapherses was simple. It limited the abilities of the targeted giant to a certain level and used any power beyond that to gradually destroy the giant from within. This ability was fully effective even against the half-breed Utekan. ''No matter how much the spirit is demonic, as long as the body being used is a giant, it can''t be avoided.'' Watching the Giant yer wrap tightly around Utekan''s body on its own, Zion thought. The Gigapherses, having been starved for giant blood, moved aggressively like a snake tightening around its prey. "Argh, this is...!" Utekan tried to remove the chains with both hands, but they only tightened further. Since there was no need to continue watching, Zion approached quickly and swung his sword, Exia, enveloped in a ck sh. The sword, amplified by a partial eclipse, aimed for Utekan''s neck, revealed through the chains. "Gah!" Even in this confusing situation, Utekan, with his chains still wrapped around him, twisted his fist and struck out. Boom! The light of Divine Wrath burst from his fist, creating dozens of wheels spinning in different directions. The sound of tearing! Zion''s sword, having pierced through about half of the light wheels, stopped. Utekan, with the remaining wheels spinning faster, grabbed his other fist tightly and swung it. Utekan''s fist, filled with immense power despite being limited by the Giant yer, shot towards Zion''s head. At that moment, whoosh! Zion deactivated the dark energy on his de, withdrew Exia, and swiftly moved back to escape the attack range. Boom! Utekan''s fist, missing its target, caused an explosion, warping the space around it. "What have you done to me!" Not satisfied, Utekan, with fiery eyes, shouted at Zion and clenched his fist again, pulling it back. This created a suction force that pulled Zion forward. Then, thump! As if waiting for it, Zion quickly leaned forward, using Utekan''s force as propulsion to shoot forward even faster. As Zion''s Exia once again scattered dark mes ominously, At the moment Utekan''s fist, radiant with Divine Wrath, formed a perfect sphere, crash! The simultaneous strikes of both collided, causing a powerful shockwave around them. "Ugh!" The knights of the Twilight Sword Sect and the giants grunted softly, trying to block the shockwave. ''...Why?'' Utekan, puzzled, saw his fist bounce off without inflicting any significant damage on Zion. Utekan was sure his power was stronger. Even now, with his power limited, and during their first sh moments ago. So why couldn''t he gain the upper hand? ''Could it be that darkness...!'' But Utekan couldn''t finish his thought. Zion''s sword had already reached his heart. Whoosh! Instantly, the atmosphere around them turned into darkness, being sucked into the tip of Zion''s sword. Unable to ignore the strike, Utekan shed his fists in front of his chest. Thump! The wave of Divine Wrath created from his fists spread through space, forming a thick barrier between him and Zion. As the barrier and the dark de were about to collide, swoosh- Zion''s figure melted away and disappeared from the spot. "!" Feeling a sense of dread, Utekan immediately turned around. But a moment faster, crack! Exia tore through the space behind him, exploding darkness as it shed across Utekan''s back, revealed through the chains. This wound allowed the dark energy to seep in, starting to cause secondary damage within Utekan''s body. "Argh!" A scream burst from Utekan''s mouth as he felt the pain. It was uncertain how long it had been since hest experienced a wound. Despite being a half-breed, Utekan''s giant heritage was so dominantly expressed that his body was even harder than iron armor. Thump! Utekan immediately tightened his muscles to stop the bleeding and clenched his teeth as he fiercely punched the air. Sky Shards. The power wave that burst forth mixed with the light of Divine Wrath, shining brilliantly before shattering into hundreds of pieces and shooting towards Zion. Utekan, whose entire body was as good as the strongest weapon, had mastered martial arts that utilized this weapon to its fullest potential, incorporating Divine Wrath to develop his own unique fighting style. The power was enough to astonish the heavens and shake the earth. Getting hit even once would undoubtedly leave no trace, but Zion did not evade. Instead, he charged towards the iing shards of light. Whoosh! Amplified by the eclipse, the soul-consuming mes fiercely burned. Simultaneously, Zion''s eyes, stained ck, began to see the shards'' weaknesses as dots and lines. Crack! The ck trails created by the consecutive swings of Exia hit those weaknesses precisely, without a single error. Boom! The fragments of light, unable to reach Zion, caused a massive explosion in the air. Breaking through the explosion in one go, Zion''s form appeared right in front of Utekan. "Zion, you...!" "You won''t have time to be surprised." Facing Utekan''s shaky gaze, Zion smiled slyly and swung Exia, unleashing a storm-like flurry of attacks. Crash! The unimaginable sh began. "..." From a distance, Captan watched the battle with a nk expression. There was no opening for him to intervene. In fact, he could hardly understand how the battle was progressing. Crack, crash! All he could see were the shing lights, waves of light, and explosively rising darkness. Even that was enough for him to realize the battle was at a level far beyond what he could emte, especially captivated by glimpses of Zion''s movements. Zion seemed to be swinging his sword in directionspletely unrted to the battle, yet every swing precisely met the opponent''s attack. It was as if he was foreseeing dozens of moves ahead. To disy such movements against Utekan, already one of the strongest within the imperial walls, how profound must Zion''s skills be? "No, this is beyond the realm of skill." Something that transcends even skill. Even though Utekan''s power was limited by Gigapherses, that only applied to the realm of strength, not skill. The sight was awe-inspiring enough to evoke a sense of reverence. ''Could I ever reach that level?'' Captan, clutching his fist, thought this with a slowly igniting me of desire in his eyes. Then, "Aaaaah!" Perhaps deciding he could no longer afford to waste time as the chains continued to constrict and limit his power, Utekan let out a roar, almost like a scream, and then suddenly, Zion''s body, which had stopped in ce, began to be pressed down as if gravity had increased tenfold. Utekan, with veins bulging from exertion, had suppressed the very space Zion was in. Together with this, boom! Utekan, wrapped in the divine power of the sun-like Divine Wrath, rushed towards Zion with insane speed, leaving a trail of mes behind him. Whoosh! Soon, those mes of Divine Wrath gathered into Utekan''s fist, starting to form a small sun. Heavenly Star Drill. A strike from a giant that once obliterated an entire fortress. That strike was now being recreated here, aimed at Zion. "Prince Zion!" Lucas, witnessing the sudden turn of events, urgently shouted and started running towards Zion. Dangerous. His lord could not move, and the power in Utekan''s fist, bearing down on him, was terrifyingly malignant. ''I must block it...!'' But Utekan was alreadyunching his sun-infused punch directly at Zion. The intense killing intent and exhration in Utekan''s eyes. And just as his sun was about topletely obliterate the bound Zion, Lucas, Captan, and everyone around could see it. Partial eclipse. The second stage of soul-consuming amplification. Armor of the Lost Souls. The darkness wrapping around Zion formed aplete armor, and then, crack! A chilling ck light burst forth, erasing the bindings in an instant, followed by, --------! The scene where even Utekan''s sun waspletely engulfed. Chapter 139: The Giant Destroyer (7) Chapter 139: The Giant Destroyer (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The Armor of Lost Souls. It was armor made entirely of dark energy, an upgraded form of the Soul''s Loss. Normally, this technique could not be used at the level of four stars, but due to the eclipse, and the partial eclipse, the dark energy was amplified momentarily, allowing its iplete use. And for Zion, those few seconds were enough. The effect of the Armor of Lost Souls negates all supernatural abilities that would harm the user within a certain range. With a loud roar, the power of the Soul''s Loss, amplified dozens of times, spread in all directions, erasing the pressure on Zion and the sun fired by Utekan. As a result, Zion drew his sword diagonally towards Utekan in a space where all supernatural powers vanished momentarily. "What is this now...!" Utekan, shocked by this unprecedented situation, quickly used chains wrapped around himself to block Zion''s sword strike. But, "You think that will block it?" A sly smile appeared on Zion''s lips as his sword, Gigaferses, moved on its own, creating an opening. With a loud sh, Zion''s sword, Exia, left a long sh on Utekan''s body as it entered through the gap. Initially, Utekan, wrapped in the giant destroyer, didn''t move as he had nned. "Argh!" Utekan, suppressing the intense pain with a groan, stepped back to regain his stance. However, Zion was much quicker, following him and swinging Exia. With a loud crash, the sh from Zion''s sword split into dozens of paths, bearing down on Utekan. Utekan, concentrating the light of the celestial sea in both fists, barely began to defend against Zion''s sword strikes. "We need to end this quickly." Thinking this, Zion searched for Utekan''s weak points with his keen eyes, increasing the speed of his sword strikes even more. Utekan, whose power was limited by Gigaferses, proved to be a manageable opponent. It was hard to believe he was the same adversary who had caused so much trouble for the hero in the Chronicles of Flosimar. But that was... "Only a story when the eclipse was activated." The moment the eclipse ended, the gap between Zion and Utekan would widen immensely. Ending the battle before that seemed like the best chance for victory. "This damned bastard!" Utekan, turning his humiliation and frustration into rage against Zion, stomped his foot hard. With a loud thud, the power of the celestial sea erupted from his stance, once again pressing down everything around, slowing down Zion''s movements momentarily. Utekan didn''t miss this opportunity. With a crash! His fist shot towards Zion like a cannonball, followed by a sonic boom and mes, starting to burn the surrounding space. ''I can''t take it head-on.'' Utekan''s power was like a divine ability in itself. Even limiting it with the Giant Destroyer didn''t change that fact, and it was better not to be as reckless as at the start. In the briefest moment, before Utekan''s fist could reach him, Zion thrust Exia at an angle. Utekan''s fist, climbing up along Zion''s sword, With a grating sound, the friction caused the surrounding air to ignite. Exia, merely flicked away, returned to its original state and aimed directly at Utekan''s heart. ck Thunder Drill. A higher technique created bybining ck energy and thunder. "!" Feeling an instinctual danger, Utekan, with a speed that didn''t match his size, tilted his upper body to the side. With a sizzling sound, Zion''s sword tore through Utekan''s chest as it passed. Utekan, enduring the intense pain with clenched teeth, suddenly! Grabbed the de of Exia with a hand condensed with the mes of the celestial sea. Then, as Utekan''s mes burned even fiercer, they started to extend towards Zion along the sword. ''I''ll crush you from the inside out.'' Utekan intended to hammer his pure power directly into Zion through Exia. There was no trace of fear in Utekan''s eyes that he would be overwhelmed. The celestial sea reigns above all powers in the world. Therefore, even though Utekan didn''t know what the darkness Zion used was, it couldn''t possibly surpass the celestial sea. However, Utekan''s certainty didn''tst even a moment. With a roar! The darkness swelling from Zion''s side perfectly engulfed his celestial sea. Rather than being engulfed, it was more urate to say it waspletely erased. And Zion''s darkness spread rapidly towards Utekan. Utekan, shocked by the situation he couldn''t understand even while seeing it, quickly let go of Exia and stepped back. "How!" The voice that burst from Utekan''s lips was full of his astonishment. But this was to be expected. The celestial sea was originally created by the second emperor, who couldn''t master the dark energy, as a substitute. Therefore, it couldn''t exert power in front of its origin. Utekan, unaware of this fact, had deep questions in his eyes, but there was no time to solve them. With a loud bang! Suddenly, Zion, cloaked in darkness like a garment, was shot towards Utekan like a cannonball. In response, Utekan bounced back once more, creating distance, and thrust forward his right fist, which he had pulled back to its maximum. With a whoosh! From the tip of his fist, a wave of celestial sea energy, farrger than before, burst forth. It split into thousands of pieces, striking the entire space around Zion. Celestial Fragmentation Sea. This was one of Utekan''s top techniques, an advanced version of Celestial Fragmentation. Zion, watching the approaching shards of light, had a cold determination in his eyes. ''It''s impossible to deflect all of them with Exia like before. In that case'' With a whoosh! The dark energy de of Zion''s Annihtion Sword vanished as if washed away. Was it given up? That was not the case, as the next moment made clear. With a high-pitched keening sound! A new de began to grow from the half of the Annihtion Sword, bearing a clear and pure blue color unlike any before. This was the power of the frost spirit taking form as the de itself. Because the Annihtion Sword was originally awakened with dark energy instead of mana, it epted the power of frost without resistance. Zion, without hesitation, swung Exia vertically downwards, emitting streaks of cold. With a crackling sound! The swinging sword''s trajectory froze the air, creating a giant column of ice. Then, as if splitting into thousands of pieces, with a loud crash! It exploded in all directions, shooting down the approaching shards of light without missing a single one. What level ofbat intuition is needed to track thousands of moving targets and intercept each one? Utekan, unknowingly opening his mouth in awe, saw Zion''s figure rapidly erge in his eyes. Doubleyered Absolute Cold. And the ensuing sword strike was faster than lightning. With a thunderous explosion! As if dozens of bombs detonated simultaneously, Utekan''s form was sted backward with a loud noise. "Lord Utekan!" Bayarma, the chieftain with the red horns, urgently shouted and moved with the top warriors to support Utekan. It was unbelievable, but their lord was being pushed back by Prince Zion. It seemed like Utekan might truly lose his life if things continued this way, and their defeat was imminent. ''The lord dislikes interference in battles, but there''s no choice.'' However, Bayarma couldn''t reach his goal. "You cannot pass any further." "Where do you think you''re going, Bayarma?" Suddenly, Lucas''s Twilight Sword Corps and Batar''s personal guards blocked his way. "Are you saying you want to fight to the end, Batar!" "The oue was decided the moment you betrayed the honor and pride of the giants." Batar responded emotionlessly to Bayarma''s shout. "Break through as fast as we can and get to Lord Utekan!" After ring at Batar for a moment, Bayarma charged forward with the warriors behind him. "First, you should worry about whether your heads will remain attached." A cold voice from Lucas started the sh, and during this, ''What in the world is that darkness...!'' Utekan was being relentlessly pushed back by Zion, gradually losing the upper hand. Chains of dark blue light that constricted and limited his power. Although this was quite troublesome, the most difficult thing to deal with was the power Zion was using itself. Despite constantly shing, its true nature remained elusive. All of Utekan''s power vanished without a trace upon touching this darkness, and the same happened to the celestial sea. As if it had never existed in the first ce. ''The celestial sea is supposed to be the strongest force in the world, aside from the "Demon King''s Power". How can it be defeated...!'' Utekan''s eyes widened as he realized something. There was one. Just one power that reigned above the celestial sea. It was supposed to be impossible for it to persist through generations, so the likelihood of its existence in this era was nil. Therefore, he had never considered "that existence''s" power. ''Could it be...'' Perhaps. Just maybe. What they knew was wrong and "that power" had somehow been passed down through hundreds of years to the present generation in a way no one could have known? It was an incredibly hard to believe, indeed a theory that shattered all previous understanding, but it was the only exnation that made sense of the current situation. Not just now, but it also exined everything that had happened so far. The strange reaction of the Imperial Sword to Zion''s touch at the funeral. The fact that beings like Hanosral and other demonic entities were defeated too easily. And how the celestial sea seemed to falter unbelievably. ''Each one sounds unbelievable, but.'' If Zion Agnes''s darkness was "that being''s" power, then everything was possible. Eternal Emperor Aurellion Khan Agnes. A transcendent being who held the world in his hands and became a legend himself. And... ''The only being who not only repelled the invasion but also pushed the demonic forces to the brink of extinction.'' Of course, thetter waspletely unknown to the world. It was a secret history, passed down only to a very few within the demonic realms. In the secret history, there was a detailed description of the Eternal Emperor, which allowed Utekan to be more certain when he looked at Zion. ''He was always with darkness.'' This sentence, the first in the description of the Eternal Emperor, best represents his identity. Why hadn''t it been recognized until now? Despite such a profound presence. The eerily powerful abilities that negated everything in the world and those ominous eyes that made one shrink back at mere nce. Every description in the secret history pointed directly at Zion Agnes in front of him. "It was you... You are the descendant of eternity." Utekan murmured as he stared nkly at Zion, as if in a daze. Soon, an unparalleled killing intent, along with an endless fear, began to form in Utekan''s eyes, unlike anything before. "Damn Agnes blood." The person before him carried the power of the one who made them curse the Agnes bloodline. He must be killed. He must be killed right here, no matter what. A foe against the monsters infiltrating the empire? The biggest threat that could ruin the demonic realms'' grand ns? It was no longer about those reasons. The descendant of the Eternal Emperor. That alone was enough reason for Utekan, no, for the entire demonic realm to throw everything aside and kill. With a loudugh! A power of apletely different nature burst forth from Utekan, who had created some distance. A repulsive force that induced nausea just by being witnessed, yet also a lethal energy that destroyed everything around. Demonic energy. It was demonic energy. Many eyes were still watching, and that''s why he hadn''t used it until now, but Utekan no longer had the luxury to care about such things. With a roar! The celestial sea that had been burning around Utekan''s body mixed with the erupted demonic energy, starting to emit a dark red glow. The power felt from it was iparable to anything before. The Giant Destroyer that enveloped him trembled as if it would break, and the perfectly invaded atmosphere around also quivered as if it would shatter, screaming. "I will kill you here, our eternal nightmare." With these words, Utekan, no, the demon spirit Tarahal, ignited the mes of the dark red celestial sea throughout his body and dered towards Zion. And at that moment, "It''s nice of you to reveal yourself like this." Zion''s eyes curled up as he faced him, and then, creak! The sound of a rusty door opening echoed once again. Chapter 140: The Giant Destroyer (7) Chapter 140: The Giant Destroyer (7) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Are you saying that a red light poured out from this ruin, and those who touched it turned into monsters?" "Yes, that''s right!" In the center of Hoire Vige, where the bodies of monsters were piled up like mountains. R nodded frantically to the woman with red eyes, who was looking at the giant ruin in front of her and asking questions. After being chased by monsters, she had been saved by the woman and blood magicians and had been with them ever since. Or, more urately, she was being dragged around as if she were a guide. R didn''t have the courage to defy the woman who could annihte dozens of monsters with a single wave of her finger. "Damn it, I need to get out of here fast!" What was happening here was very serious, and R felt a duty to inform others about it. But she was frustrated because she was being dragged around by this mysterious woman. Moreover, this woman seemed interested in the artifact that caused this situation and had no intention of leaving. "If that red light emits from the artifact again..." There could be a way to stop it, but without knowing it, she had no choice but to turn into a monster. Whether she knew of R''s anxiety or not, Liushina, the woman, was touching various parts of the ruin with eyes full of interest. "It seems like a door that leads to another ce..." That was the conclusion she reached after examining the ruin for 30 minutes. The ruin, shaped like a serpent''s tongue, was filled with ancient magic and sorcery forms, and upon deciphering some of them, it turned out to be a sort of passageway. ''The red light bursting from the ruin is likely the power flowing from the other side as the passage opens.'' To advance her mastery of blood magic, she needed that power, and to verify it, she had no choice but to wait for the red light to pour out of the ruin again. ''No, why should I wait? I can just open it myself.'' With that thought, Liushina smiled and started to infuse her own blood energy into the surface of the ruin. She was a blood magician at her peak. There were hardly any spells in this world that she couldn''t interfere with. Not long after Liushina ced her palm on the ruin, the entire ruin began to shake in response to her blood energy. "What are you doing now...!" At that moment, R, feeling an unknown ominousness, shouted at Liushina, forgetting her fear. "It''s done!" With the cheerful cry of the witch, whoosh! The sinister red light that R had seen before burst out from the ruin once again, beginning to envelop the entire vige. --- Mind-Thought Sovereign Tarahal. Among the demonic beings from the magic-infested realms, he was a rare kind, a psychic demon. He had one obsession: to perfectly assimte with the original owner of the body he had taken over. This included everything from speech patterns, minor habits, actions, the power used, to the thought processes and ideologies. He matched everything to the body''s original owner based on the absorbed memories, even desiring to be called by the owner''s name. Bing the very entity of the body he had usurped. Tarahal, who felt he had no life of his own, only felt alive through thisplete assimtion and therefore never broke this rule. However, now, Tarahal was breaking his own rule by revealing his original magical power. For one single reason. Destroying the eternal descendant in front of him was more important than his entire life. The magic of Tarahal merged, spreading a dark-red light in all directions, beginning to engulf the entire space. The earth was shaking wildly, cracking open. The power emanating was iparably stronger and more malevolent than anything before. "Utekan... Your Highness?" "Ma, magic!" The giants around, feeling such magic, stopped their battle and looked towards Utekan, or rather Tarahal. Their eyes were shaking. The Blue w Tribe and the Red Horn Tribe, without exception, all showed confusion and horror. Even those who knew nothing but battle understood how nonsensical the current situation was. A direct descendant of the Agnes Empire. How could magic be flowing from Utekan, one of the closest beings to the next emperor? But, ''I must kill him here.'' As if the giants'' astonishment didn''t matter at all, Tarahal clenched his fist tightly, fixing his gaze on Zion standing still. The youngest prince of Agnes, once called the shame of the royal family, had tapped into the power of the eternal nightmare, but it seemed it wasn''t fully realized yet. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been dragging out the fight against Tarahal, whose power was limited by these dark-blue chains. ''I must kill him before he grows any stronger.'' There was a good chance of winning. Now that he had resorted to using his magic, his power had nearly doubled from just moments ago. ''I can''t afford to becent. I''ll smash him in one go.'' Reacting to that thought, the dark-red mes enveloping Tarahal burst into mes. And the moment one of his feet stepped forward, whoosh! Tarahal''s form vanished from its spot, appearing right in front of Zion. The movement far surpassed the perception of the giants watching from the sidelines. Tarahal''s fist, charged with all his kic energy, easily broke the sound barrier aiming to crush Zion''s head. The surrounding space seemed to bend due to the speed. Was it too fast for any reaction? Even then, Zion hadn''t moved, merely tilting his head slightly. Just as Tarahal''s magic-condensed fist was about to reach Zion''s face, crack! A sound of something splitting echoed. It wasn''t from Zion''s head. The sound came from Tarahal''s fist, or more precisely, from his shoulder. Without any warning, his arm split and fell to the ground. ...What? As Tarahal uttered a dumbfounded voice, unable toprehend the sight before him. Zion slowly lifted his head. In Zion''s eyes, four ck stars shone brightly, with a faint fifth star appearing among them. The moment Tarahal''s eyes met Zion''s, his body froze as if prey had encountered its natural predator, then - thud - Suddenly, Zion''s hand lightly touched Tarahal''s abdomen. In an instant, whoosh! Tarahal''s figure vanished without a trace. Simultaneously, Zion reappeared at the far end of the battlefield, now a mere dot in the distance. -----------------! Following a line drawn between them, crackle! A shockwave burst from the line, spreading outwards and annihting everything it touched. Before Tarahal''s body could even hit the ground, swish- Zion appeared above him in the darkness, grabbing Tarahal''s head and mming it downward. Boom! A massive explosion erupted as the demon''s body crashed into the earth. As if that wasn''t enough, dark energy furiously zed from Zion''s hand gripping the head, delivering additional shocks. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! The demon''s head was driven even deeper into the ground. Arghhh! A scream of desperation escaped from Tarahal, barely clinging to consciousness. Simultaneously, crackle! All the magic Tarahal could muster burst out in hundreds of waves, obliterating everything they touched. Finally, Tarahal managed to free himself from Zion''s grasp, straightening up. But Zion was nowhere in his field of vision. As Tarahal''s eyes filled with confusion, Looking for me? A low voice came from behind. As Tarahal turned around, feeling a shiver run down his spine, he saw Zion smiling as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself, and a dark-gray sword swinging towards him. Demon Star Barrier. In desperation, Tarahal struck the air with his only remaining arm, creating a defensive barrier mixed with magical energy. It was a more advanced form of the wave barrier he had previously deployed. The power infused into it was iparably greater than before, so naturally, he thought it could block at least one sword strike... Crackle! Before Tarahal could even finish his thought, Zion''s Eclipse de effortlessly shattered the barrier, slicing through half of Tarahal''s abdomen as the chains spread apart. "Gahhh!" Tarahal screamed as if his life was being ripped away by this fatal wound. Disbelief filled his eyes. ''Why, why!'' Despite increasing his power output by using magic, why was he being overpowered more than before? While there had been a glimmer of hope for victory just moments ago, now he was being crushed overwhelmingly, like a bug. An utterly inconceivable situation. But, ''Turns out, it''s better than I thought.'' For Zion, this was an expected oue. As soon as he saw Tarahal revealing his magic, Zion also added anotheryer of eclipse. Normally,yering eclipses was akin to a suicide mission. The body could only handle the burden of one eclipse at a time; any more, and the body would copse instantly. It was a method not even considered without using "Time Lock," which he used to kill Enoch previously. However, Zion now had a special item that made it possible. ''Sacrifice Doll.'' The reward from the Ascalon family for dealing with the ck Dragon Calonix wasn''t just Agdvar. After everything was settled, he received several items, and the ''Sacrifice Doll'' was one of them. An artifact that takes on one burden ced on the user''s body for a certain period. Using this, Zion was able to alleviate the burden of the second eclipse activation. ''It can only be used once, but...'' If it was used to eliminate Tarahal, one of the Omayreng and a contender for the throne, it was well worth it. Moreover, it was an excellent deal if it reced the need for Krono''s query. Thud-thud-thud! Tarahal, possibly half-lost to pain, indiscriminately unleashed a storm of magic in all directions. Zion, who had jumped into the air to avoid it, had his eyes shining coldly. ''This ends now.'' There was no time to dy, as the first eclipse was nearing its end. Could it be that his thoughts had somehow been transmitted? "Zion Agnes!" Tarahal, gritting his teeth with such force it seemed they might crack, pulled back his clenched fist with all his might. Along with that, the magical storm and the light of the celestial sea surrounding him began to converge into his fist. The ground beneath Tarahal started to give way under the force, and the space around screamed. Gathering strength beyond his limits into his fist, Tarahal slowly pushed it upwards. Demon Star Wave. The most powerful technique he could use at the moment, created by fusing the celestial sea and magic. A dark-red wave of light burst from Tarahal''s fist, targeting Zion with a force that split the air and shattered space as it passed. Woosh! Watching the wave of light rushing towards him, the stars in Zion''s eyes spun faster, emitting an even darker light. Along with that, Zion''s right arm drew back like a bow. The tip of the Eclipse de held in that right arm began topress all the scattered darkness into a point. The Extinguishing de quivered as if screaming. Soon, the darkness at the tip of the Eclipse de reached its peak. At that moment, as Zion''s body curved like a bow, boom! With the sound of the air exploding, Zion''s figure vanished from the spot, reappearing right in front of Tarahal. ''Why is he here...?'' Tarahal, btedly noticing Zion and looking puzzled, saw his own wave of light perfectly split in two. "No way..." Muttering in disbelief, a fine line was drawn vertically from his head to his groin on his body. Thud! Following that line, Tarahal split in two and copsed to the ground. An incredibly anticlimactic end. Unable to resolve his doubts, the psychic form waspletely annihted by Zion''s dark energy. One of the Omayreng and the leader of the psychic demons. And the true end of Tarahal, who had entered the body of the Fourth Prince Utekan to manipte the empire and the power of the giant swarms. ''This should suffice.'' Only then did Zion take his eyes off Tarahal, or rather, Utekan''s body and looked around. The battle around them had already stopped. The giants looking in his direction wore expressions of disbelief. "Ah..." "To truly have defeated Utekan...!" Soon, in the eyes of these giants, emotions of tion and despair, depending on their allegiance, were visible. Thud, thud! Giants wearing helmets with red horns began to drop their weapons to the ground one by one. The formation had alreadypletely copsed due to thebined attack of the anti-Utekan faction and the monster legion, and with Utekan, their focal point, dead after using magic. There was no reason to continue the war now that their cause was gone and defeat was certain. "We surrender... We will surrender." The deration of surrender finally came from Bayarma, the chief of the Red Horn tribe. And at that moment, whoa! A resounding cheer burst from the mouths of the anti-Utekan faction giants. Victory. It was a victory that no one had anticipated. ''To actually win this war...'' Within those cheers, Batar, the chief of the Blue w tribe, looked at Zion with an incredulous face. "I can handle the cleanup by myself." Zion, with his usualnguid voice, spoke to Batar and began to walk away. It was time to rest as the bacsh from the eclipse was about to hit. The war had finallye to an end, with Horrible''s monster legion starting to retreat upon realizing the war was over. The end. --- Chapter 141: To The Church of Light (1) Chapter 141: To The Church of Light (1) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Late at night, well past midnight, a figure was quickly moving towards the outskirts of the deserted Agnes royal pce. A woman dressed in a white priestess robe, symbolizing the god of light. She was Serkia, one of the Omareings and known as the Half-Devil General. ''I need to get out of here quickly.'' Her eyes looked desperate. And for a good reason. Even at this moment, the eyes of the First Prince were following her. ''How did ite to this?'' The decisive moment that made Serkia decide to leave the royal pce happened a few days ago. While she was receiving a report from her subordinates in front of the statue of the light god, the First Prince, Rubrious, suddenly appeared, and her hidden subordinate was immediately captured by him. Of course, this didn''t immediately put Serkia in danger. Her subordinate was disguised as a human, and there was no evidence linking her to the situation. ''They might have suspicions, but...'' That alone wasn''t enough. So, Serkia answered the fanatic prince''s questions as if she knew nothing, allowing only her demon subordinate to be captured, avoiding immediate danger that day. However, it was only a temporary solution. The obsession of the First Prince only grew stronger afterward. ''It''s only a matter of time before I''m caught.'' She felt as if she was being watched with every breath she took. Even if Serkia was extremely cautious, the moment it was discovered that her captured subordinate was a demon, it was obvious how things would unfold. She would immediately be dragged before the inquisitors. ''And with Hanosral dead... and the protection from Utekan, no, Tarahal gone as well.'' Leaving the royal pce seemed like the best option, no matter how much she thought about it. This would rapidly diminish her influence in the pce, but it was unavoidable. Escaping the crisis was her priority. ''The situation is getting worse.'' Following Hanosral, Tarahal was also lost. In less than half a year, two of the Omareings had lost their lives, marking the first major crisis since demons first infiltrated the empire over a hundred years ago. ''If this continues, the other Omareings and demons won''t be able to act properly.'' In fact, that was already happening. ''Zion Agnes.'' Serkia thought of the man who was essentially the root cause of all these problems. Who would have imagined? The prince, once known as the confined prince, had in less than a yeare so close to the throne and pushed them to this extent. It was time to admit it. They could never ovee him on their own. ''We need to request support.'' It was a blow to their pride, but there was no other choice. This was much better than risking the copse of their grand n. The other Omareings in the external territories were busy with their own ns, so they couldn''t afford to help Serkia. So, she decided... ''I''ll request directly from the demonic forces.'' With this thought, Serkia, her eyes coldly shining, climbed over the outer walls of the royal pce. --- After the war in the great tribal alliance ended, the first thing Zion did was to bring all the giants, including the Red Horn tribe under Utekan''s faction, under the control of the Blue w tribe. Since the Blue w tribe had already sworn loyalty to Zion, their joining under him was essentially the same asing under Zion''smand. And the process was quite smooth. -''Let it be as His Highness wishes.'' The chieftain of the Red Horn, who was essentially the leader of the pro-Utekan faction, had no will to resist. He epted Zion''s words as if he had given up on everything. For Bayarma, the chieftain, there was no other choice. The one they had served, Utekan, had used demonic magic. In the giant tribal alliance, practicing demonic magic was one of the biggest taboos, and the disdain for it was even stronger than in the empire. The giants were the race that had led the charge in the previous war against the demonic forces, and they had suffered immense losses. Therefore, Bayarma, who had served such a Utekan, was in deep shock and was satisfied just to have saved his life. Moreover, -''Our ck Mane tribe hase to form a brotherhood with the Blue w tribe.'' -''The Frost Wolf tribe is also here to align with the Blue w...'' It was natural for the neutral tribes, who had not participated in the war and had been waiting, to start moving. For them, the end of the war was important, not who won. After handling the aftermath of the war and reorganizing the power structure of the great tribal alliance, thest thing Zion did was to eliminate the hidden demonic beasts. Though they were fewpared to the empire and other external territories, there were certainly demonic beasts within the great tribal alliance. Zion nned to take care of them all before leaving. Eliminating the demonic beasts was simple. -''What? There are demonic beasts within the alliance?'' After giving instructions to Batar, who asked back with a questioning look, to gather the high-ranking giants of each tribe in one ce, he activated the tracking formation he had prepared earlier with a roar of his dragon spear. Screech! Since there were almost no high-level demons, the demonic beasts exposed by the light from the tracking formation revealed their identities immediately, and the only oue was death. It took a week for Zion to handle all those matters. If we subtract the time he rested due to the bacsh from the lunar eclipse, it was less than four daysa remarkably short period. This indirectly showcased Zion''s exceptional judgment and execution abilities. The morning after everything was settled, "Are you leaving now?" Batar, the chieftain of the Blue w tribe, along with other chieftains, was seeing Zion off as he left the tribal alliance. In his eyes, a deep sense of regret. Even though it hadn''t been long, Batar was sincerely impressed by Zion''s capabilities during this time. Zion hadmanded the monster legion at will, single-handedly annihted Utekan, led the war to victory, and beyond that, unified the tribes and eliminated the hidden demons, demonstrating chilling judgment and charisma. Who else but such a being deserves to ascend to the throne if not him? ''So that must be why Gigaphereses chose him.'' Zion nodded at Batar and briefly responded. "Yes." "You could stay a bit longer to rest fully before you go." "There are things I must do." "I understand. Travel safely, then." Batar, seemingly with no other choice, bowed his head. Following their chieftain, the giants behind him also began to bow to Zion. Giants do not bow their heads to anyone they do not respect, even at the risk of decapitation. How many in the world could receive such a sincere farewell from these giants? "Let''s meet again at the ''World Council.''" Whether he knew it or not, Zion chuckled and turned around without hesitation. Quietly, Lucas and the Twilight Swordsmen began to follow behind Zion. Until Zion and the Twilight Swordsmenpletely disappeared beyond the horizon. The giants continued their farewell, not moving from their spot. "You''ve made quite a ssh again this time." This was the first thing Thierry said as soon as Zion returned to the Imperial Pce. "The capital is still calm since the news hasn''t spread to the imperial citizens yet, but among the nobles, it''s all about Your Highness and the great tribal alliance." It couldn''t be helped. The actions Zion took in the great tribal alliance were that groundbreaking. He ended the giants'' war without even touching the monster legion he was supposed to subdue, pacified the great tribal alliance, and even ended the life of the Fourth Prince Utekan in the process. It was a move beyond astonishing, almost unbelievable. "Utekan''s death has been officially attributed to getting caught in a giant n conflict but those in the know are already guessing that it was Your Highness who took his life." The magnitude of the aftermath this could cause was unimaginable. Thepetition for the throne was sure to changepletely. However, Zion asked Thierry as if he wasn''t concerned about such matters, in his usualnguid tone, "How''s Liushina doing?" "After receiving your orders, she left with the blood mages and we haven''t heard from her yet. It seems like her task is taking quite some time." "Is that so?" Zion tilted his coffee cup with an expression that said ''as expected.'' The Red Night. That was the name of the disaster Liushina was tasked with handling this time. Zion had specifically assigned the Red Night to her because of its deep connection with blood magic. ''Liushina might gain something from it.'' Indeed, in the chronicles, Liushina bes entwined with the Red Night, and it serves as one of the catalysts for herter awakening as the ''Witch of the Apocalypse.'' ''I hope this makes her a bit stronger.'' Liushina''s power was already satisfying as it was, being the pinnacle of blood mages and possessing a rare strength in this world. However,pared to the enemies that would emerge, especially the top executives of the demonic forces, the Four Dukes, she was somewhatcking. She needed to be stronger to face them in battle. Then, "Ah, but Your Highness, may I ask why you returned so quickly? Didn''t you say you had things to do and that you should stay longer in the great tribal alliance?" Thierry, recalling a message he had received from Zion not long ago, asked puzzledly. "I became unable to do it." Zion answered calmly. That task was to recruit Turjan, apanion of the hero, called the strongest warrior of the giant race and the Third Heaven. Unlike otherpanions of the hero, Turjan was a fully realized character from the start, fitting Zion''s criteria. Therefore, after ending the war, Zion nned to meet him by heading to ''Sky Mountain.'' However, ''I was toote.'' While Zion was engaged in the war with Utekan, the hero''s party had already begun climbing ''Sky Mountain,'' and they had made contact with Turjan first. ''The timing has moved up significantly.'' Originally, Turjan joining the hero''s party should have happened at least several monthster. As someone aware of the chronicles'' contents, even Zion hadn''t anticipated this. ''Well, it doesn''t really matter.'' He wasn''t too bothered by it. If Turjan had joined the hero''s party, then acquiring the entire party was the solution. It was entirely possible once Zion ascended to the throne. Of course, it was regrettable that he couldn''tmand Turjan immediately, but that was all. ''It''s not particrly urgent.'' The reason Zion wanted to recruit Turjan was not because he needed him immediately, but rather, since he was going to the giant tribal alliance, he thought he might as well take care of it then. "Will you be staying in the royal pce for a while now?" "No." To Thierry''s following question, Zion shook his head. "There''s a ce I need to go." With that, Zion recalled the contents of the Flosimar Chronicles in his mind. ''With the Red Night appearing, it won''t be long before ''that'' also emerges.'' The so-called ''Tower of Cause and Effect,'' the greatest dungeon on the surface. It was one of the important turning points in the chronicles, contributing significantly to the growth of the hero''s party. It was also where Zion needed to obtain an important item. However, the ce Zion intended to go now was not that dungeon. ''There''s still time before the dungeon opens.'' Originally, he nned to meet Turjan during that time, but now his ns had changed. "May I ask where you are going?" To Thierry''s question, Zion revealed his next destination. "The Order of Light." More precisely, the headquarters of the Order of Light. ''It wouldn''t be bad to unravel the doubts about the oracle that Rubrious mentioned on this asion.'' If he''s lucky, he might also find clues about why he was brought to this world and his purpose here. Additionally, he felt he could preemptively deal with some matters there. With those thoughts, Zion''s eyes began to gleam with a strange light as he sank into contemtion. Chapter 142: To The Church of Light (2) Chapter 142: To The Church of Light (2) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the office of the first prince, located in the royal pce: Rubrious, the office''s owner, and Groud Ozlima, the de facto head of the Ozlima family, were sitting face to face. "Did we lose them?" Rubrious questioned a subordinate who had juste in to report. "I''m sorry. Despite constant surveince, they vanished right before our eyes, and we couldn''t pursue." "Seems their skills at evading are better than we thought. Alright, you can leave now." As the subordinate bowed and left following this dismissal, "It''s now clear that priest is hiding something. A normal priest would never have evaded our surveince." As if waiting for this moment, Groud spoke up. "That''s something I''ve known for a while." Rubrious nodded in agreement. "The question is, what is that something?" His eyes were coldly settled. The situation was turning out to be more serious than expected. "Did I ever tell you about the rat I caught recently?" "Are you talking about the one who was with that priest?" "Yes, during an interrogation with the inquisitors, it turned out he was a demon." "Is that true?" "I saw it with my own eyes." Groud''s eyes wavered at Rubrious''s response. This was indeed a very serious matter. A demon inside the imperial pce, the heart of the empire. "So, the priest who escaped..." "Likely connected." It was almost certain. An undercurrent unknown to them was flowing through the imperial pce. "A demon, how...?" Groud''s face grew increasingly stern. Given that the third prince, Enoch, once caused a major issue using demonic powers, the Ozlima family was sensitive to such matters. Moreover, rumors were circting that the Ascalon family had been inactive recently due to demons, and information had been obtained that the fourth prince, Utekan, who had died recently in arge gathering, had used demonic powers. At that moment, ''Could all this be connected...!'' A hypothesis shed through Groud''s mind. Although still a stretch, if this hypothesis were correct, the entire empire could be in danger. Seeing this, Rubrious slowly nodded as if he had the same thought. "What do you n to do now?" "We need to meet someone connected to all this." The first prince recalled a figure in his mind. Zion Agnes. His youngest brother, closest to the throne and also the recipient of the oracle from the god of light. ''Enoch, the Ascalon family, and Utekan are all connected to Zion.'' It urred to him that when he first encountered the escaped priest, the priest had been heading towards the Zimseong Pce, where Zion was. Therefore, Rubrious couldnt dismiss the thought that Zion was at the center of everything happening now. "Where is Zion now?" This dry question came from the first prince, which did not match his usually gentle demeanor. --- ''Quite a spectacle.'' Zion observed the magical train standing before him. This train was destined for the city of light, ''Lezero,'' the headquarters of the Order of Light. Was it to honor the god of light? The appearance of the train was peculiar. Unlike other trains, its exterior was entirely painted gold and engraved with symbols of light. Although boarding felt quite daunting, there was no other option but to take this train to Lezero. At that moment, "Here''s the ID you''ll be using this time, Your Highness." Aileen, standing beside him, handed Zion an identification card. It bore the name ''Zion Harness,'' simr to before, but with a slightly altered photo of Zion. This was an unofficial outing, so revealing his true identity would do no good. Despite a high likelihood of being recognized once inside the deeper sections of the Order of Light headquarters, the n was to remain hidden as long as possible. "Likest time, I''ve set it up so you''re a wealthy, lower-ranking noble," she exined. As she nced at the so-called ''Sun Train'' they were about to board, seeming a bit overwhelmed by the prospect, she continued. "The seats are booked in first ss, and although I can''t apany you, we have agents there who can assist you whenever needed." "Understood." "But, Your Highness, may I ask why you are suddenly visiting the Order of Light?" Triggered by her characteristic curiosity as the head of the intelligence guild, Aileen questioned Zion. "There''s someone I need to ask." "Who?" She looked puzzled by his cryptic response, but Zion didn''t reply and started walking towards the train. Exining everything would take too long. Suddenly, Zion stopped in his tracks as he was about to board the train. ''This is...'' His eyes chilled, darkening as he surveyed the train and the other passengers. How long did he stand there? "This just got interesting." With a low murmur and a slight smile, Zion resumed walking and stepped onto the train. "Really, do I have to go? Ah, I really don''t want to..." In the first-ss corridor of the Sun Train heading to Lezero. There, a tinum blonde woman with long hair was arguing with the knights escorting her. "It''s the head of the family''s order, so we have no choice," replied the knights with a look of difort. Their politeness was fitting, as the woman was Olivia Bright, the sole daughter of the powerful Bright family, renowned throughout the empire. "How about this? Let me sneak off, and I''ll tell Dad I escaped on my own... Ah, it''s starting." As Olivia was proposing anotherpromise to her knights, the noise from the magic train signaling departure made her lose all hope. "Hmm, it''s dangerous to stand here, miss. Please, take your seat," said the senior knight with a mustache, and Olivia reluctantly moved, her shoulders drooping. She was reluctant to go to the city of light for one reason. She had to participate in thepetition to select a saintess there. The Order of Light always had one saintess per era, and selecting her was the purpose of the saintesspetition. The Bright family, devoted followers of the god of light for generations, always sent a female member to thepetition, and this time, Olivia was chosen. ''I really don''t want to participate.'' She was very active and loved having fun more than anything. However, participating in thepetition required her to stay at the headquarters for over a year, living a strictly ascetic life. And that was practically a death sentence for Olivia. ''Ah, I''m already craving a drink, what to do?'' With that thought, Olivia''s expression turned somber as she headed to her reserved seat and noticed something odd. "Huh?" Someone was already sitting opposite her reserved seat. A man with ck hair. "Weren''t you supposed to have booked the entire first-sspartment?" "There must have been a mistake. Sorry, miss. I''ll move him right away." "No, it''s okay. I''ll sit here. You guys take a break in the nextpartment." After a quick nce at the man through the window, Olivia responded with a sparkle in her eyes. "Alright. If anythinges up, just call me." Immediately after the knight finished speaking, she entered thepartment. At that moment, ''What''s this?'' Olivia''s eyes filled with curiosity. Normally, when someone enters, people instinctively turn to look. However, the ck-haired man did not even nce her way, let alone greet her. It was as if he had known she woulde. ''What an odd fellow.'' Not wanting to feel like she was losing by greeting him first, she decided to ignore him as well and sat opposite him, stealing nces at the man. ''He looks like a merchant or a lower nobles offspring...'' A seat in the first-ss section of such a magic train was prohibitively expensive for anyone of moderate wealth. That meant he must be a very wealthy merchant or a high-ranking noble, though thetter seemed unlikely. She had never seen him, or anyone resembling him, at any party or social gathering she had attended. ''If I had seen him, I wouldn''t have forgotten.'' The man had a uniquelypelling aura. His eyes werenguid yet captivating. Furthermore, his face was so strikingly handsome that it was unforgettable. In fact, the reason Olivia had insisted on sitting here was because of his face. She was, admittedly, quite taken with handsome faces. But... ''Doesn''t he care at all?'' Still, the man had not looked at her even once. Olivia was confident in her appearance. Not catching his eye even once was a blow to her pride. "Excuse me." Her voice was soft as she spoke. But the man continued to look out the window as if he hadn''t heard. "Excuse me." Only after she called out again did the man finally turn his gaze to Olivia. "Since were both in the samepartment, shall we introduce ourselves? Im Olivia. And you are?" "Zion." With an air of annoyance, Zion simply spat out his name and turned his head away again. In reality, Zion was quite bothered by the woman sitting in front of him. ''Why did she have to sit right in front of me?'' While it seemed he was just sitting there, Zion was actually busy sorting through the gains from his recent battle with Utekan. Could it be because of the battle, teetering on the edge, and the ovep of two lunar eclipses? Zions power had rapidly approached the brink of a major breakthrough. He might reach the fifth tier much sooner than the one month he had initially aimed for, so he was experimenting with his power internally. But the continuous ncing and talking from across the seat were distracting. ''Still, her face isntpletely unknown to me.'' Only then did Zion nce at the woman who muttered under her breath, Fine, I''ll put up with it since hes handsome. The woman in front of him, Olivia Bright, had appeared several times in the chronicles. She possessed humanitys greatest talent for handling divine power. If not for Elysis Desire, herrade and a hero who could have been a saintess if not for the angelic blood in her, Olivia would have been an unsurpassable candidate herself. Indeed, the chronicles mentioned that if Elysis didnt have angelic ancestry, Olivia would have been the saintess. ''Was she supposed to be heading to the Order of Light at this time?'' Olivias whereabouts at this period werent documented in the chronicles, so it was unclear. However, seeing her resolved one of the doubts Zion had been harboring since earlier. ''So thats why on this train...'' Just then, with a jolt! As the door opened, a train attendant entered. "I''ll check your tickets momentarily." The attendant bowed politely as he spoke. "Here." Olivia handed her ticket first. Then Zion handed his over and asked, "Do you normally check tickets in first ss too?" "A recent directive from above changed that." The attendant apologized with a regretful expression. It was natural for him to be cautious since first ss was usually for high-ranking nobles. ''He''s a bit brusque? But maybe that makes him more attractive...'' Was it his handsome face that made everything about him seem appealing? As Olivia thought this while looking at Zion, "I hope you enjoy your journey." After bowing politely, the attendant began to leave, but Zion''s low voice stopped him. "Isn''t that ufortable?" "Ufortable? What do you mean?" The attendant turned back to ask. Zion smiled slyly and continued, "That skin you''re wearing. It looks ufortable to be in." "What do you mean by that...?" As Olivia watched, puzzled by his words, there was a loud snap! Zion''s hand, charged with darkness, crushed the attendant''s head. --- Chapter 143: To The Church of Light (3) Chapter 143: To The Church of Light (3) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here A crew member''s headless body stumbles and falls to the ground. Even as this happens, Olivia, with eyes wide open, fails to fully grasp the scene unfolding before her. It''s not until the crew member''s body hits the floor with a thud that she finally speaks out. "What are you doing? Why did you suddenly kill someone?!" This was not just harsh; it was the level of a psychopath. No matter how noble, no one had the right to kill a citizen of the empire at will. The events unfolding before Olivia''s eyes were beyond hermon sense. However, Zion''s eyes remained as calm as they were from the start. "You know there are various types of monsters, right?" The same calm tone flowed from Zion''s mouth as his gaze. "Monsters? What are you talking about...?" "Among monsters, there are beings called ''Evil People''. They devour humans from the inside out and hunt other humans while wearing their skins." As Zion continued, a horrific scream erupted from the headless crew member''s body, and dark magic began to seep out. At the same time, the twitching hand of the corpse turned into a de and shot towards Olivia, attempting to fulfill its mission even in death. However, this attack from the ''Evil Person'' did not reach Olivia. Before it could, Zion''s darkness burst forth once more,pletely destroying the monster''s body. "Is that... the ''Evil Person'' you mentioned?" Olivia, looking back and forth between the dissipating corpse of the ''Evil Person'' and Zion with a confused face, murmured. "What in the world is going on here...?" It was hard to believe, but she had to ept that the crew member Zion had killed was a monster. The energy she felt and the grotesque transformation of the crew member''s body were unmistakably those of a monster. "So... who are you?" "Now''s not the time for that." Before Olivia could finish, Zion stood up and opened the door leading to the train''s corridor, stepping out. At that moment, "What''s the matter? Is there anything ufortable?" As if noticing themotion inside, three first-ss crew members immediately approached Zion. "It seems you''ll be more ufortable than me." With a slight smile towards the approaching crew members, Zion lowered his right hand. With a natural motion, the Gigapheres wraps around Zion''s hand like a glove. "You''re wearing things that don''t even fit." "What?" At that moment, when the crew members sense something ominous in Zion''sughter and stop in their tracks, there''s a loud st! Suddenly, Zion vanishes, and at the same instant, the head of the crew member in front disappears. Shortly after, Zion reappears in front of them, having just thrown a punch. "What...!" The other crew members, finally reacting, let out voices of shock. Before the body of the headless crew member even hits the ground, there''s another st- Zion has disappeared again. Not really disappeared, but moved at a speed beyond perception. Bang! Bang! With two explosions, the upper bodies of the remaining crew members are obliterated. Thud. The bodies of the crew members, or rather, the ''Evil People'', fall to the ground almost simultaneously with the first. This time, Zion had destroyed their cores in one hit, leaving no chance for them to rise again. ''Using it this way isn''t so bad.'' Looking at the disappearing bodies, Zion tightens his grip on the Gigapheres wrapped around his right hand. Given the confined space of the train and the need to conceal his identity, using the least known weapon, the Giant Destroyer, was the best choice. Then, "Isn''t it wrong to just kill them outright? They could have been people." Olivia, who had followed Zion out of thepartment, asked with a slightly pale voice. In the meantime, she seemed to have somewhat epted what was happening, as her eyes had calmed down a bit from before. However, Zion''s response once again stirred Olivia''s eyes. "It doesn''t matter. Anyway, there''s nobody else on this train but us two." Although no magic was felt, the unpleasant sensation unique to ''Evil People'', simr to what was experienced in the Angeloche territory, was present throughout the train. This made it possible to detect them without using a sensory array. If it had been any other type of monster, even Zion himself might not have known. "What did you say?" Olivia asks in disbelief. How could this man know that? And if what he says is true... That''s when it happened. "Miss! Are you all right?" Had the sounds ofbat been heard? Olivia''s knights, who were in the nextpartment, rushed over to her location, urgently calling out. "Alphon...!" Olivia, about to run towards her lead knight by calling his name, hesitated for a moment and then took a step back. "You do catch on quickly." Zion, looking at her with a smirk, slightly twisted his fist wrapped with the Giant Destroyer. The ck Star once again spun violently with a screeching sound. There were only two people present in this train. This meant that the knights running towards them had already been consumed. ''Whether they were consumed after boarding the train or were already in that state from before, I do not know.'' With that thought, Zion''s form shot down the corridor in a straight line. "Who are you! Who dares to target Miss Olivia...!" With a crash, Zion continued forward, smashing the heart and core of the first ''Evil Person'' still ying the role of a knight without understanding the situation. Bang! Bang! -This guy knows our true identity! After a total of three cores were destroyed, the remaining ''Evil People'' finally realized the situation, transformed their appearances, and charged at Zion all at once. The ''Evil People'', embedding their ws into the walls and ceiling of the narrow trainpartment, attacked from all directions. ''Was it done like this?'' Zion, watching the approaching ''Evil People'' calmly, stomped down forcefully and threw a punch into the air, channeling his power. A wave of darkness emanated from Zion''s fist, spreading out and engulfing the space. The bodies of the ''Evil People'' touched by it were torn apart without leaving a trace. This technique was used by Utekan during the battle against the giant hordes. Zion had closely observed its principle with his keen eyesight, allowing him to replicate it to some extent. After ending the battle in an instant, Olivia was seen staring nkly at the aftermath from behind Zion. Her mouth agape as if she had received a shock. It was a natural reaction, considering she had just witnessed the knights she had been with for over ten years transform into monsters and get destroyed right before her eyes. ''When did it start...?'' When had her knights been reced by ''Evil People''? Why were they targeting her? She couldn''t understand anything. The mix of anger, sorrow, and questions in her mind turned into confusion, but she suppressed it. The situation was not over yet. ''But thanks to that man, my life was saved. If I hadn''t been in the samepartment as him from the start, I would have definitely died.'' That''s what Olivia thought as she turned to look at the man who was turning his head towards her. Other than his name, Zion, she knew nothing about him. Well, there was one more thing she had learned. He was a martial artist with skills beyond imagination. Even she, who prided herself on her deep knowledge of sacred martial arts, couldn''t fully grasp how he moved during the battle. ''Who exactly is he?'' A martial artist of his caliber should have been well-known throughout the empire. Especially with his appearance and unique weapon. Yet, she had never seen nor even heard of him before. ''Surely, "Zion" must also be an alias.'' Olivia really wanted to ask about his identity, but she suppressed that desire as well. After all, as the man himself had said, that wasn''t what was important right now. "First, let me say thank you." Olivia slightly bowed her head towards Zion as she spoke. For a high noble like her, bowing was extremely rare, but it was natural for her to show such gratitude to the person who saved her life. "And I''m sorry. For dragging you into this mess because of me. I''ll make sure topensate and reward you for your troubles once all this is over." After finishing her words, Olivia raised her head and asked Zion. "So, what will you do now? I will follow whatever you say." Although the ''Evil People'' were targeting her, she was ready to leave all decisions to the man before her. He seemed to have a better grasp of the situation and was making more sensible judgments than she could. "I don''t like waiting around." Responding in a low voice to Olivia''s statement, Zion turned his head to look down the corridor of the train that stretched beyond the first-sspartment. At the opposite end of this corridor, near the engine room, he felt the strongest malevolent energy. There must be the entity that nned all this. "So..." "We''ll strike first before theye to us." Running away and jumping off the train was an option, but it didn''t suit Zion''s personality. Even if he was dragged into this, they had clearly targeted his life, and thus, it was only right topletely crush them, leaving no trace behind. Moreover, it would be the icing on the cake to also destroy their malevolent n. ''This should also settle the matters from thest battle.'' With that thought, Zion, whose eyes briefly red with darkness like mes before extinguishing, began to walk slowly. --- In the engine room of the Sr Train. "I wonder if they''ve been killed by now?" A man, who was not human, flicked his long fingers next to the dead engineer with an unnaturally twisted neck, murmuring quietly to himself. Kaindal. He was an ''Evil Person'' of the same caliber as Kezarus, the top aide of the King of ''Evil People'', endowed with the power to carry out special missions directly from the malevolent forces, unlike other monsters. Kaindal''s mission was straightforward this time: to kill Olivia Bright on her way to Lezero for the Saintesspetition. Thus, Kaindal had taken control of the entire Sr Train Olivia was aboard and had his subordinates positioned around in advance. "I wonder if I''ve prepared too thoroughly." Indeed, it felt excessive for the task of killing just one of the saintess candidates, who wasn''t even a saintess yet. But given his meticulous nature and the direct instructions from ''The Vision of the Future'', he was even more attentive. ''Additionally, it serves to divert people''s attention.'' A n was underway in the City of Light, orchestrated by them. To ensure this n''s sess without any hitches, it was necessary to divert the city''s attention elsewhere for a while. "But I don''t understand why there''s such a rush." Originally, this n was scheduled to take ce muchter, right before the onset of full-scale war with the empire, to maximize chaos. However, ''The Vision of the Future'' suddenly advanced the timeline significantly, causing the demons involved in the n to scramble. ''Could it be because of the recent events in the capital?'' More precisely, it was due to the actions of one individual in the imperial pce. Prince Zion Agnes. In less than a year, he had ughtered two of the Omarei and foiled their ns countless times, an unprecedented feat in thest century. His name was frequently mentioned in the malevolent realms. It''s likely that ''The Vision of the Future'' changed the timeline of the n, judging that his actions could derail their grand scheme. "What kind of person could change ''The Vision of the Future''s n... I''d like to see them in person someday." With that murmur, Kaindal finished his thoughts and looked towards the door puzzledly. "But... why haven''t theye to report?" Since he had given the order earlier, the killing should have been finished by now. Yet, the absence of any report was strange. Just as he was about to leave the engine room, ng! The door swung open violently, and one of his subordinates appeared, eximing urgently, "We''ve been attacked!" "What?" "The ones we sent to kill the target have all been taken out!" His subordinate shouted again in response to his questioning. At that unexpected news, Kaindal''s face twisted bizarrely. Boom! A massive explosion was heard from the direction of the first-ss section, and the entire train shook momentarily. Boom! Boom! The explosions continued, one after another, and they were getting closer. "This is..." With a puzzled look, Kaindal hurriedly expanded his senses. As his senses spread instantly and enveloped the entire train, "!!!!!!" The question in Kaindal''s eyes turned into sheer horror. The presence of the ''Evil People'' that filled the train was diminishing at a frenzied pace with each explosion. Chapter 144: To The Church of Light (4) Chapter 144: To The Church of Light (4) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here A chasm where not a single streak of light can be found. "Serkia has requested support." In the darkness of that abyss, a low voice heavy enough to oppress the soul itself flowed. "Oh, I know. Came running like a dog with its tail on fire, didn''t she?" A high voice, simr to that of a woman''s, answered as if in response, echoing through the darkness. "Pathetic, isn''t it? To think she couldn''t handle a single task properly and lost two demons while begging for help." The high voice was filled with an unmistakable annoyance and mockery. It was a natural reaction. For over a hundred years, the demons had painstakingly infiltrated the entire Agnes Empire. Now, just before thest great war, they had achieved such a level of sess that they could im control over the empire from the shadows. This perfect situation was made possible by the system of demons and their minions. With everything already achieved, their tasks were not difficult. They just had to maintain the status quo until the war began and perform minor duties. But now, failing even at that and requesting support was understandably frustrating. "I heard it all went wrong because of one variable." "A variable? Oh, you mean that Zion Agnes or something?" The high voice opened, already knowing what the low voice was referring to. Lately, there had been continuous talk about him within the demonic ranks. "Yes." "But he''s just one guy, right? We''ve already taken the royal pce from the shadows, using that should make killing him easy." "I heard they tried several times but failed every time. Plus, it was him who killed the demons and stopped our ns. So, it''s not something we should take lightly." After a brief silence, the high voice asked the low voice. "So, we''re going to support them?" "I believe we should. It''s more efficient than just killing them off for their failure." "Who will you send? If really two demons were killed, ordinary ones won''t do." "Then we''ll send someone extraordinary." With that, a name flowed from the low voice. "That doesn''t sound too bad." At that, a full-of-interest smile hung on the lips of the high voice existing in the darkness. --- The Sr Train consisted of a total of eight carriages. Specifically, the fourth carriage, located right in the center. Inside this carriage, a dozen or so people were looking towards the door leading to the next carriage with tense eyes. The reason was simple. Boom! Boom! The continuous explosions that had been sounding for a while now. The explosions, starting from the first-ss carriage where the target was located, were getting closer to this direction. And there was only one thing this meant. Their colleagues in the carriage ahead were being overpowered by the target. "Was the target this strong? I thought it was not the saint but a candidate..." "It seems there''s an aplice. Probably that man who boarded the train earlier." The man with ck hair who had an air of lethargy about him. They remembered him because they had mocked him for walking into his death willingly. But who would have thought that man would be this powerful. "The moment they enter, we strike first." The person leading the fourth carriage spoke amidst the tension pulled tight. Perhaps judging that to be their best chance of sess. Following that person''smand, the rest prepared to attack the target as soon as they entered, standing right by the door. Bang! Bang! Meanwhile, the explosions kept getting closer. And with that, the tension among them reached its peak. Suddenly! The explosions that had reached right up to the door suddenly stopped. Followed by silence. ''What?'' In that silence, a few of the people, puzzled, pressed their ears against the door. Screech! The clear noise that reached their ears. And the next moment, Boom! The wall of the train carriage, along with the door, shattered, and the shockwave that burst forth swept away all the people standing by it. Most of them were ripped apart without even having the chance to scream. Step, step. Over the bodies of the people cleared out in an instant, the man who caused all this, Zion, quietly walked through the fourth carriage. Of course, it was Zion. "Huh..." Olivia followed behind Zion with a look of astonishment, clicking her tongue. Although she had witnessed this scene as they broke through four carriages, she was still not ustomed to it. The monsters that were just torn apart along with the wall were certainly not weak. No, each of them was stronger than most of the elite knights belonging to Olivia''s own family. ''If he can easily smash those monsters to pieces like that...'' How strong must he be? Moreover, the unfamiliar aura andbat techniques I''m seeing for the first time made the man''s presence even more impressive. Then, a shriek! Were they still alive? Two of the people who had barely survived the previous shockwave charged madly towards Olivia from behind. But Zion did not move an inch. -I will kill you! As they reached right in front of Olivia, they swung their ws, concentrated with demonic energy. Right at that moment, when their attack was about to hit its mark, a burst of brilliant holy light exploded from Olivia''s entire body, and her fist, like lightning, smashed! It crushed the heart of the one charging at her first. A clean, wless strike. -...! The remaining person, who witnessed this scene from behind, shook with fear, and then, with a swift change of stance, Olivia, with steady breaths, took a unique step and quickly approached him. And once again, her fist extended. This time, Olivia''s fist was condensed with golden holy power, symbolizing light. The person quickly tried to defend with a magic form, but crack! Olivia''s fist, along with the form, pierced through his head in one go. "Huff..." Olivia, calming her breath, looked down at the bodies of the people who had fallen to the ground with a thud. ''Even before awakening, she''s stronger than I thought.'' Zion thought to himself, looking at her. In the chronicles, Olivia Bright showed outstanding talent in two aspects. One was the control of holy power, and the other was the sacred martial arts she just demonstrated. It had not been known to the world because there was no asion to show it, but at this time, she already possessed a strength that was hard to find a match for even within her family. "Let''s move on. It seems the enemies have noticed us, so we should hurry before they prepare." This was why she didn''t object to Zion''s earlier statement about striking first. "Let''s do that." Responding to Olivia, who started walking ahead, Zion also moved towards the next carriage. The following battles were much easier. -What, what is this strength... Agh! The situation was perfectly understood, and Olivia actively participated in thebat. Both using their fists, their cooperation wasn''t too bad. In fact, it was a perfect match. Boom! After Zion uses an area-of-effect technique to sweep through the entire train carriage, Olivia jumps in to fill the gap, taking out any remaining enemies. It was like watching gears mesh together precisely. The dark aura of ck Star spreading heavily in all directions contrasted with the brilliantly spreading light of holy power. The mix of ck and white created by these two was beautiful yet devastatingly destructive. Crack! Everything it touched was smashed to bits, leaving hardly any trace. Boom! Thus, Zion and Olivia swiftly broke through three carriages and entered thest one before the engine room, smashing the door without hesitation. What they saw were enemies, seemingly twice as many as they had encountered so far. -...Toe this far! No longer trying to hide their true nature, the enemies revealed their original forms from the start. ''I want to break through quickly.'' With that thought, Zion''s eyes darkened. His gaze wasn''t on the enemies blocking the way but on the engine room beyond them. The movements inside the engine room were suspicious, as if the leader was trying to derail the train. ''Too many to handle with fists alone, it would take too long...'' But revealing his true abilities by drawing out Eclipse or Agdvar would risk exposing his identity. Then, ''That''s...'' Zion''s eyes sparkled upon seeing something outside the train window. It was a very short tunnel. "Zion?" Olivia called out to Zion, who suddenly stopped and stood still. Without answering, Zion stretched one leg back and leaned forward, cing his hands on one side of his waist. It was a stance reminiscent of preparing for a swordless draw. "What are you suddenly doing...?" At that moment, Olivia''s eyes filled with questions, and then, Screech! All the energy in the surroundings started to be absorbed into the darkness, converging into Zion''s hands. The entire carriage vibrated. -Block him!!! Instinctively sensing danger, the enemies grimaced and rushed towards Zion in desperation. But it was already toote. As the train entered the tunnel, their view was cut off. With a jolt! And barely a secondter, as the train emerged from the tunnel. In the returning light and field of vision, the enemies could see. -What... Zion was now standing behind them. Along with something resembling a sword fading away like smoke from Zion''s hand, ---------------! A single ck line cut across all of them. Soon after, Crack! Everything caught by that line began to split apart. Naturally, this included the enemies as well. Thus, they met their end without even realizing what had happened. Crash! As if that wasn''t enough, the train carriage''s ceiling was shed diagonally and fell away. "You..." Olivia, who had been watching the whole scene from behind, muttered as she looked at Zion. Her eyes widened to their limits, filled with disbelief. That strike. It was different from anything they had encountered before. Even though it happened in a ce where visibility was blocked, Olivia couldn''t even perceive it. It felt like a strike that had leaped several levels in one go. There was only one thing this could mean. ''Has he been... hiding his skills until now?'' If hiding his skills meant this level of power, just how strong was he originally? Moreover, from the remnants left behind, the strike seemed closer to a sword strike than a punch. Was he originally a swordsman? It was impossible to discern his true nature. Whether Zion knew what was on Olivia''s mind or not, with the same calm eyes as before, he was about to approach the engine room, thest carriage. Boom! With a sound loud enough to tear eardrums, the entire train began to wobble as if it were about to derail. And at that moment, "This filthy bastard dares to ruin my ns!!!" The door to the engine room burst open, and Kaindal shot out like lightning towards Zion. His face was contorted with rage. Having never failed a mission before, his anger was piercing the sky, but even in the midst of this, Kaindal was thinking rationally. ''Strike first with a surprise attack and pour all my power into it from the beginning.'' He knew. This man with ck hair was the variable and the main reason his ns were foiled. To have made it here alone meant his strength was beyond imagination. Therefore, there was no time for searching or leisure. Boom! Zion, emitting an overwhelmingly intense aura, watched as his enemy charged towards him. ''It seems to have a simr level of strength to the one I faced in the Angelo territory before.'' If that''s the case, this battle would show how much stronger he has bepared to that time. Back then, even after using all his best techniques, including Eclipse, Zion couldn''tpletely ovee Kezarus without Liushina''s help. ''Let''s start with a light punch without using Eclipse.'' Screech! With that thought, the dark energy of ck Star wildly swirled around Zion''s fist and shot towards the approaching Kaindal. But there was one thing. Zion had overlooked one fact. That single punch was not at all "light" for Kaindal. The moment Zion''s fist collided, Kaindal''s upper body disappeared without a trace. Chapter 145: To The Church of Light (5) Chapter 145: To The Church of Light (5) TL/Editor: Rungir Schedule: none Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here I never thought it would end with a single blow Zion muttered as he looked down at Kaindals body, which had burst open from the torso and fallen to the ground. Even though he had clearly be strongerpared to his visit to the Angeloshi estate, he hadnt expected to be able to kill so easily. The recent strike had blown apart the head, heart, and even the core, eliminating any possibility of regeneration. That guy resurrected before, not just regenerated. Then, it was entirely possible that this one, of the same rank, could also resurrect. Is he dead? Olivia approached from behind and spoke as if casting a resurrection spell. Could her words have somehow contributed? At that moment, crunch! With a grotesque sound, the bodies of other creatures nearby began to dpose, gathering towards Kaindals lower-half-only corpse and starting to form a new body. An old technique used by Kezarus. This time, Kaindal was the one using it. Cough! Was it because he had faced death too suddenly and had to use the resurrection technique in haste? Immediately after regenerating, Kaindal spat out a bowl of blood and rapidly retreated, increasing the distance between him and Zion. Damn, damn! Huge fear was evident in his eyes. He couldnt even fully perceive it. All he remembered a moment ago was his attack connecting with that mans fist, and then his consciousness had vanished. When he regained consciousness, the resurrection technique, which could only be used once, had already been activated. Hes strong. Iprehensibly strong, even to me. He had thought the man formidable, havinge this far alone through the train, but he had never imagined he would be this powerful. To think he could be struck down with a single blow. He might as well have been just below the Seventh Heaven. Hes beyond my ability to handle. Kaindal was quick and clear-headed in his judgments. Therefore, he also knew that he had no chance of winning in this situation. Then Snap! With that thought, Kaindal snapped his fingers. At that instant, tter! A hole burst through the train''s roof, and creatures waiting above poured into the carriage. They were his subordinates, pre-positioned above the train in case the target tried to escape. Screech! Originally, Kaindal had nned to attack with these subordinates, but his n hadpletely changed after the recent exchange. Just escape. Kaindal saw his subordinates rushing towards the target, a tinum-haired woman, then immediately leapt towards the hole in the roof. Presumably, the target alone wouldn''t be able to handle all the creatures, buying him some time. Seizing the moment, he could have jumped off the train... But just then, ssshh! With a sound like a snake slithering, thud! Kaindal, attempting to jump from the train, found himself frozen in ce. Suddenly, dark blue chains were wrapped around his ankles. Soon after, Where do you think youre going? Zion, holding the other end of the chains, spoke in a voice so low it was chilling as he appeared on the train roof. What about that woman! Kaindal''s voice was full of panic. Your target is stronger than you think. Zion smirked and replied, and at that moment, whoosh! -Why so strong Argh! With a burst of immense holy power from the hole, the creatures'' screams echoed. Ugh! Realizing something had gone wrong, Kaindal groaned in despair and cut off his own chained ankle. Then, like a dart, he fired hundreds of magic energies at Zion and desperately threw himself out of the train. He hadnt given up on escaping yet. But Zion was much faster. I havent even gotten an answer yet. Zion appeared like a shadow next to Kaindal and punched him in the ribs. Boom! With a sound like a cannon firing, the creature was flung across and mmed back onto the train roof. I cant escape! Desperation filled Kaindals eyes. He was really facing death now. Aaaahhh! Transforming his instinct to survive into a loud shout, he stretched both hands towards Zion. Crack! From Kaindals hands, a surge of energy drew in all the surrounding energy and swelled madly, transforming into a giant snake shape and shooting towards Zion. It was a desperatest stand, using up even his life force. Roar! Stronger than anyst strike previously shown by Kezarus, the red snake targeted only Zions neck. The surrounding mana screamed and burned unable to withstand that force. Thud! Inparison, Zions punch thrown at the approaching snake seemed pitifully weak. A punch so ordinary, it didnt even seem to harness any power, not even the ck Star. It looked so perilous that if Olivia had seen it, she would have screamed and run to intervene. However, when Zions punch made contact with the snake, crackle crackle! An unexpected scene unfolded. Starting from where Zion''s punch met, cracks spread instantly across the entire snake, shattering it into hundreds of pieces. Not stopping there, crack! Zions strike, stretching through space, obliterated Kaindals lower half. Arghhh! At that scream from the creature, Zion forcefully stomped on its chest, suddenly appearing right in front of it. Ignoring Kaindals further screams, Zion slowly began to speak. I have a question. He could havepletely obliterated him with thatst strike, but he had spared him specifically because a question had arisen in his mind. Why were you targeting Olivia Bright? ording to the chronicles, Olivia wasnt supposed to be attacked at this time. In fact, she had not been attacked by magic until just before the great war broke out. This change implied that the movements of the creatures involved had alsopletely shifted. Kaindal, ring at Zion, chose not to respond. Nheless, Zion continued with another question, unfazed. The Order of Light based in Lezero. Does this incident have anything to do with them? These creatures could have killed Olivia in Hubris but specifically waited until she was en route to Lezero. This implies a high likelihood that the creatures hiding within the Order of Light had nned this attack. Moreover, it seems like this attack wasnt the end goal in itself. If it had been, they would have taken care of Olivia in a much simpler way. Then, Hahaha! Kaindal burst into maniacalughter while being stepped on by Zion. Did you really think I would answer your questions? How utterly foolish. Blood began to flow from his eyes, nose, and mouth. I have only one thing to tell you. Kaindals eyes narrowed slightly. Try floundering in destruction, human. With those ominous words and a loss of light in his eyes, Kaindal destroyed his own core, ending his life. Destruction Zion muttered, watching Kaindals body fade away. Kaindal had not answered during their exchange, but Zion had gained what he wanted to some extent. The subtle reactions Kaindal showed each time Zion spoke. Through these reactions, Zion was able to confirm his suspicions. The entire exchange had been started not to hear Kaindals answers but to observe his reactions. Something smells fishy. What had begun as a light-hearted journey to learn the contents of an oracle seemed likely to escte into something muchrger. Ill need to make contact with the Eye of the Moon as soon as I arrive in Lezero. Zion thought this as he watched Olivia climbing onto the train roof through the broken hole, his eyes deepening in contemtion. --- At the top floor office of the Blue Castle. Sigh A heavy sigh escaped from Princess Diana, who sat there. Her demeanor appeared profoundly troubled. "Utekan is dead" It''s been over a week since Diana heard the news, but she still hasn''t gotten over it. Of course, it wasn''t about mourning her deceased brother. There had never been any affection between them. "Killed by Zion, no less." How Zion, who went to handle the Monster Legion, ended up killing Utekan was aplete mystery. What was even more baffling was how he did it. "How did he kill him?" The Giant Stronghold. This ce was Utekans domain, filled with forces loyal to him. How did Zion, entering the stronghold with only his personal guard, manage to kill Utekan? Moreover, within just a week after that, Zion had managed to bring most of the stronghold''s major tribes under his control. An unbelievable fact. "I heard that right after entering the stronghold, he rallied the giants opposed to the Fourth Prince and even got help from monsters during the war with the Fourth Princes giant allies." Lloyd spoke to Diana. "Could those monsters be part of the Monster Legion?" "We havent confirmed that, but its likely. Of course, Zions side ims that the Monster Legion was destroyed at the Steel Fortress and that the monsters that appeared at the stronghold were different." "That could be disputed!" Dianas response trailed off. Her eyes began to shake as if realizing something. If. Really, if. ''What if all this was orchestrated by Zion?'' If he had chosen the Monster Legion, taken control, and deliberately sent them to the stronghold to lure and kill Utekan? And if he had nned the subsequent takeover of the Giant Stronghold from the start? ''No, that can''t be.'' Diana shook her head, dismissing the thought. It was too far-fetched, and nning and executing all that was virtually impossible. Whether right or wrong, Zion had now gained control of the giants of the stronghold and secured a definitive advantage in futurepetitions. If things continued this way and the ''World Conference'' was held, Zion would clearly win the throne. ''This can''t continue.'' With that thought, Diana frowned as if pondering something and spoke again to Lloyd. "We need to hurry our visit to the Fairy Forest." --- In La Mordre, thergest train station in the City of Light, Lezero, named after one of the historical saints. Knights and priests dispatched from the Order of Light were bustling about. Their faces looked urgent. "They were supposed to receive ady from the Harrison family, what happened?" "No news yet." One of the knights, looking grim, shook his head in response to the words of Findri, a third-ss knight who was directing them. "Damn, where did they go" Findri''s voice came out, filled with confusion. The trouble started yesterday evening when one of the Saintess Contest participants from the Cross family went missing. She hadn''t shown up even after the scheduled time, prompting the Order of Light to start an immediate search, but no trace of her was found despite thoroughly checking her route. Soon, it was revealed that other participants of the Saintess Contest had also begun to disappear one by one. The trains they were reported to have boarded were empty, and those known to have traveled by foot, carriage, or horse also had their traces mysteriously cut off. The simultaneous disappearance of the Saintess Contest participants. This unprecedented situation prompted the Order of Light to dere an emergency, which was why Findri and other knights were here. "What about the participants who just arrived, other than the Harrison family?" "None. The only participants currently in the city are either residents here or those who arrived beforest evening." Findri''s frown deepened at the knight''s response. Even if the contest could not proceed, the disappearance of the participants was a serious matter. Among the participants were daughters of high nobility, and they could potentially bear the full responsibility if something had gone wrong with those missing. "We must find the missing people at all costs. Keep some personnel on standby here, and have the rest retrace their routes in reverse..." Findri was about to issue this instruction with determination when suddenly, "Look there! Over there!" A priest next to him pointed somewhere urgently, his face filled with surprise. People turned to follow where his finger pointed. "!" Soon, something slowly approaching from the end of the tracks came into view of those looking. Clunk! Clunk! A train. It was a train. The Sun Train, traveling from the capital Hubris to here. But the train was in a dire state. One side was missing, the roof waspletely torn off, and many wheels were gone. It was a wonder it was still moving. In fact, the train seemed to be slowing down as if it was reaching the end of its life. And, "There, there it is!" As the train drew closer, the eyes of the people widened further. "Participants It''s the participants. The participants of the Saintess Contest have arrived!" Two figures were sitting side by side on the roof of the wrecked train''s engine. It was Zion and Olivia, who was looking exhausted next to him. 146 - Oracle (1) 146 - Oracle (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the heart of the City of Light, Lezero, there''s a za surrounded by buildings exuding a sacred atmosphere. "Wow! All the buildings are white? How much money did they pour into this ce?" Rat, the leader of the Rat Mercenary Group, muttered in amazement as he looked around at the buildings that created a solemn environment. It was his first visit to the City of Light, and having never seen such a sight before, his astonishment was inevitable. "Don''t look around so loudly. Everyone''s staring. It''s embarrassing; we look like country bumpkins." Ember, another member of the mercenary group, said this as she stepped a bit away from Rat, trying to avoid the stares of people around them."Haha, well, it''s my first time here, so I guess I am a bit of a bumpkin. Let''s go to the Church of Lightter. I heard they allow inside tours." Despite Ember''s words, Rat continued to excitedly look around. Watching him, Ember shook her head and turned to Elysis, who was silently following behind, and asked, "So, Ely, why did you want toe to Lezero? Isn''t it about time you told us?" The reason they were in the City of Light was because of Elysis. A few days ago, she had expressed a desire to visit Lezero, and ultimately, Rat and Ember followed her here. Of course, they didn''t forget to ept amission upon arrival to cover their travel expenses. "Um¡­ I''ll tell you a bitter." Elysis hesitated and then trailed off in response to Ember''s question. Truthfully, she didn''t know the exact reason why they needed to be in the City of Light either. A few days ago, someone whispered the word "Lezero" in her dream, and upon waking, she felt a strong intuition that they needed to head there, but that was all. Therefore, she couldn''t exin it to herpanions. "I think I know why. Aren''t you nning to participate in the Saintesspetition?" Rat, who had finished looking around, approached with a grin and spoke up. "Ah, how could I possibly participate in that¡­" Elysis waved her hands dismissively in response. To participate in the Saintesspetition, one fundamentally needed exceptional talent in handling divine power. For a novice priestess like her, it was an unattainablepetition. "Why not? I think Ely has enough potential. After what happened in the Angelosh territory, your skills have improved tremendously. You''ve put in a lot of effort, too." Ember said this, and Elysis smiled in appreciation, naturally recalling the image of someone in her mind. ''Prince Zion...'' Every time the events in the Angelosh territory were mentioned, his name inevitably came up. The truth was, her efforts to improve her skills were all for Prince Zion. To repay the debt of her life, she needed to reach a level worthy of him. Despite her hard work, she was still far from reaching that goal. ''How much more do I need to strive before I can reach him...'' A hint of bitterness touched Elysis''s lips at the thought. "...Huh?" Her eyes flickered upon noticing something. A man walking through the crowd in the distance. ''Prince... Zion?'' Even though she could only see his side profile, the man''s appearance closely resembled that of Prince Zion she had seen before, even down to his ck-dyed hair. Without realizing, she found herself running towards the man. "Ely? Where are you suddenly going!" Ember''s call came from behind. Elysis was so focused on the man that she couldn''t hear her friend''s voice. However, by the time she reached where the man had been, "Ah..." The man was already gone, vanished without a trace. --- After Zion entered Lezero, the first thing he did was meet with the Moon''s Eye. Originally, he should have testified to the pdins gathered at La Morde station about the attack, but he had left everything to Olivia and slipped away before that. "Your Highness Prince Zion, it''s an honor." "It''s been a while." Zion smiled faintly at Narie, a top-ss informant of the Moon''s Eye, who greeted him with a nervous bow. Despite the months that had passed, fear of him still lingered in her eyes. "Have you been promoted in the meantime?" Zion asked, scanning Narie''s surroundings. It seemed she was the only one present, which likely meant she had taken over as the head in Lezero. "Yes, after being promoted to head of the region, I was stationed here." "I see. How did the task I assigned go?" Zion nodded once at her response and got straight to the point. "You''re referring to the church entry, right? I''ve reserved the highest grade tour under the name ''Zion Harness'', so you should be able to enter smoothly." "And?" "I''ve spoken to a few high-ranking officials within the church in advance. As you tour around, they''ll contact you discreetly. If you follow them, you''ll be able to enter deeper into the church." Of course, even if he managed to get into the deeper parts of the church, reaching the ce where the God of Light bestowed his oracle was another matter entirely. From that point on, it was up to Zion himself to decide how to proceed. ''I might need to reveal my identity.'' In truth, had he disclosed his identity from the start and visited the Church formally, it would have been much easier, but there was a risk of his location being exposed to enemies. Therefore, Zion intended to reveal his identity to only a few people during this journey. "If there are any further instructions, please call me anytime. Then¡­" Narie bowed her head slightly, noticing Zion''s cautious gaze. At that moment, "The additional instructions are for now." Zion interrupted her and spoke again. "What kind of additional instructions¡­" "There''s something you need to find out for me." "Do you mean something rted to the Church of Light?" Narie asked, "No, something else." Zion responded in a cold voice. The Agnes Empire''s imperial pce is known as the center of the empire and the most magnificent building in the world. There is always one ce mentioned in the same breath as this pce for itsparable architecture. That ce is the Church of Light. The Church, embodying the vast sanctity and mercy of the God of Light, was as grand as the imperial pce, and its appearance was so beautiful it could be called a work of art. "Lord Zion, pleasee this way." Guided by Rubeto, a priest personally assigned to him, Zion was touring the interior of the Church. "This ''Corridor of Light'' contains paintings that depict myths, the history of the Church of Light, and the origins of the church." Rubeto began to exin each of the hundreds of paintings lining the corridor walls. As the guide for the highest grade tour, his narration was interesting rather than dull, but Zion let it go in one ear and out the other. He wasn''t particrly interested in the history of the Church of Light; after all, he hadn''te here for a tour. ''When will the people Narie mentionede?'' Although there was time to look around the Church, Zion wanted to hasten this affair as much as possible. The attack on the sr train beforeing to Lezero. And the demons of Lezero rted to that incident. He had a bad feeling. As if something was about to happen at any moment. If the event Zion was anticipating really urred, the city and the church would be thrown into chaos, making it much more difficult to enter the oracle site. ''It''s better to deal with it before that happens.'' Of course, even if he managed to enter the oracle site, whether the God of Light would bestow an oracle was uncertain, but Zion was almost certain it would happen. He recalled the oracle once told by the first prince, Rubrious. It mentioned only his name, which seemed odd at the time, but now he had some guess as to its meaning. ''It was calling for me.'' It wasn''t just a simple mention of his name but a call. Thinking this way made the oracle''s content make sense. The God of Light was waiting for him toe. Then, "It seems you like this painting." Mistaking Zion''s stillness in front of a painting for interest, Rubeto approached and began to speak. "This painting depicts the origin of the City of Light, Lezero." He naturally proceeded with the exnation. "In the distant past, unrecorded by history, an angel who served the light rebelled. In response, the Light sent other angels to punish the rebel and then sealed it on earth. After countless ages, fearing the weakening of the seal, the Light bestowed an oracle to its followers to build a city above the seal. That city is..." "This ce, Lezero?" "Oh, you are well-informed!" He couldn''t help but be. This story was also recorded in the Chronicles of Frosimar. "Of course, it''s very ancient and currently unprovable, so it''s not precisely urate. It''s just one of many theories." Rubeto said, but Zion knew this origin story was true. Indeed, a fallen angely beneath, and the entire City of Light served as a restraint to seal the angel. The chronicles describe how the seal on the angel was almost broken due to demonic magic but was ultimately thwarted by a group of heroes. ''If it had been released, the empire might have perished in a war against demonic magic before the war even began.'' An angel that dared to rebel against the god must have possessed unimaginable power and authority. ''And perhaps this time...'' As that thought crossed his mind, recalling the additional instructions he had given to Narie, "Hey! Zion! That''s you, isn''t it!" A loud voice came from the side. Turning towards the voice, Zion saw a woman rapidly approaching. A beauty with tinum blonde hair and striking features. It was Olivia. "Where on earth did you disappear to all of a sudden? You were here?" Her face, asking Zion this, looked incredibly tired despite her loud voice. That''s because she had just been released from testifying about the sr train attack in the church''s reception room. "Is the testimony over?" "No, there''s still a lot left. I just stepped out for a break." In response to Zion''s question, Olivia sighed deeply with an expression that said she was on the verge of death. The case was so serious that the testimony was bound to be lengthy. It was rted to the major event of the Saintesspetition, and the attackers were demonic magics. Moreover, Olivia was the only survivor of such an attack, making her role crucial. "The whole church is in uproar. Not just the pdins and battle priests, but even the inquisitors are likely to be mobilized on arge scale." The Church of Light was among the groups in the empire that despised demons the most. Given that it was revealed demons were involved, such a response could be seen as natural. "But... While I''m here dying from giving testimony, you were leisurely touring the church?" Olivia''s eyes turned half-lidded as she noticed Rubeto standing beside Zion, recognizing him as the priest responsible for the tour. Of course, it was all in jest; Olivia didn''t truly me Zion. He was the benefactor who had saved her life. When Zion suddenly disappeared a moment ago, she was only worried because she hadn''t yet expressed her gratitude; there was nothing more to it. ''Even if I were mad, just looking at his face would make it all dissipate...'' Once again, it must be said, Olivia was severely partial to good looks. "Did you reallye here for a tour?" "No." Zion shook his head at her question and slowly continued. "There''s something I need to ask." "Something to ask?" At that moment, Olivia looked at him, puzzled. "You''re here!" Once again, a loud voice echoed through the corridor. Along with it, a group of priests appeared. At the forefront of these priests was a middle-aged man who appeared to be a high bishop, looking at them with an intensely emotional expression. ''Have theye to meet me?'' Olivia thought as she saw the approaching priests. Her family wielded enormous influence within the Church of Light. So, it wouldn''t be strange if they hade to greet her upon btedly realizing she was inside the church. ''But it''s the first time I''ve seen someone of bishop ranke to greet me.'' The bishop and other priests approached and bowed their heads. And at that moment, "We havee to escort you, Chosen of the Light." Olivia realized her assumption was mistaken. The priests were not bowing to her. They were, in fact, bowing to Zion standing beside her. ''Exactly, who are you¡­'' With Olivia''s gaze wavering, the attention of those around naturally shifted towards them. ''It doesn''t seem very secretive.'' Ignoring those gazes, Zion remembered what Narie had said earlier and thought to himself. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 147 - Oracle (2) 147 - Oracle (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the office of the head of the Moon''s Eye, Lezero branch. "Ugh... I can''t get used to this no matter how many times I see it." Narie muttered to herself, half-buried in therge chair of the room. Images of Prince Zion, which she had seen earlier, kepting to her mind. Despite it being a while since shest saw him, Prince Zion''s unique charisma was still overwhelming.''But why... why did he ask me to recognize it?'' Narie thought back to the instructions Prince Zion had given her a little earlier. Scouting six locations on the very edge of the City of Light. At first nce, these ces seemed unrted and unimportant. They had no value as tourist spots, so they were rarely visited by people. To an ordinary person, the question ''Why?'' would have naturally arisen. However, she knew what these ces meant. ''ces that y a key role in the sealing of the rebellious angel.'' One of the origins of the City of Light, Lezero, is the legend of the fallen angel''s sealing. Having received all the information about the city from the former head of Lezero, she knew this origin story was true. And that these ces were secretly managed by the Order of Light. ''It''s puzzling that Prince Zion knows this fact without being told...'' But what was more puzzling was why he suddenly asked to investigate these ces. If it were about the recent disappearance of the contestants in the Saintesspetition in Lezero, it would have made some sense. However, ''Prince Zion I have seen so far was never one to give orders or directives for no reason.'' This meant there was a high likelihood of an issue at those ces that Narie was unaware of. Along with this thought came a sense of foreboding. ''I was sure these ces were being thoroughly managed by the Order...'' Then, "Head of the Branch!" The door burst open, and a man entered. He was one of the informants sent to investigate the sealed locations as per Prince Zion''s orders a few hours ago. Before Narie could ask what happened, "This is bad!" The informant began to report rapidly, almost like a machine gun. And with that, "!!!!!" Narie''s face started to harden rapidly. --- In the corridor heading towards the deep parts of the Order of Light. "So, you''re saying that the oracle just mentioned me?" Walking down such a corridor with Bishop Paulo who came to fetch him, Zion asked. Just before in the Corridor of Light, when Paulo and the priests loudly greeted him, bowing their heads, all eyes turned towards them. To avoid this attention, Zion quickly said goodbye to Olivia and followed them. "The Light didn''t just mention you; it specifically designated you, Zion." Bishop Paulo, still caught in the aftermath of hearing the oracle, couldn''t hide the tumult of emotions in his eyes as he responded. It might have seemed odd to speak of being designated, but the oracle that had just been received fit that description perfectly. The oracle specifically mentioned the external features of a person named Zion Harness. That''s why they could find him immediately. ''Such an oracle is unprecedented in history, except for the calling of a hero.'' Thus, the current archbishop and bishops managing the oracle were in turmoil. This was an unprecedented event, and therefore, its meaning and implications were unclear. ''Still, it seems right to take the one designated by the Light to the Chamber of Sacred Words.'' The Chamber of Sacred Words was the ce where the oracle was received. Then, "Have you had any contact with the Eye of the Moon?" While walking in silence, Zion asked him this question. "The Eye of the Moon? Isn''t that an intelligence guild? I haven''t used it recently..." Paulo responded with a puzzled look as to why he was asking. ''It wasn''t as I thought.'' It had seemed odd from the start. It was unlikely for those he had secretly been in contact with to openly shout and search for Zion himself. It was correct to think that these priests had nothing to do with the high-ranking officials she had recruited. Moreover, even if they were high-ranking officials of the Order, it was impossible to forge an oracle. ''This might be for the better.'' Thanks to this, he was headed straight for the ce of the oracle. However, why the god of Light would issue such an oracle to find him was still a mystery. ''I''ll know once I get there.'' With that thought, he ventured further inside. Passing through the strict security of high-ranking pdins, whose power wasparable to the elite knights of the royal pce, Zion finally arrived at the ce called the Chamber of Sacred Words. ''It''s not veryrge.'' Entering the room, Zion thought. Like elsewhere, the room was enclosed with white walls on all sides, and in the center stood only a statue symbolizing the god of Light, Luminous, without any other objects present. The room looked simple, even spartan. Inside this room, high-ranking officials of the Order were gathered in full force, their eyes gleaming. "Have you finally brought him?" Among them, a bald old man with a long beard approached Zion and spoke. It was Verdio, one of only six archbishops in the Order of Light. "Yes, this is him." "Oh! I am meeting you for the first time, the designated one of the Light. My name is Verdio." The old man''s attitude toward Zion was very polite. Although the status of the other person was unknown, the fact that the god of Light had directly designated him meant that, in terms of suitability, he was on par with the pope or a hero. Zion slightly nodded and then spoke. "I''d like to hear the reason you''ve brought me here first." He hade to ask about the content of the oracle, but that was his reason, not theirs. At Zion''s response, a hint of surprise shed in Verdio''s eyes. Despite the priests, including himself, trying to conceal it, the divine power inadvertently emanating from their bodies would have been quite oppressive. Yet, the man before them was unblinkingly letting all that pressure slide off him. ''Is he really the one designated by the Light?'' Verdio internally nodded and continued with a smile. "We do not know that either. It is because the Light has called you. So... how about you hear it directly?" With those words, the archbishop''s gaze turned towards the statue in the center of the Chamber of Sacred Words. "Let''s do that." Acknowledging his words, Zion slowly walked towards the statue. It seemed that he needed to be in front of it to hear the oracle. The priests'' gaze focused on Zion followed him. In their eyes was a strange anticipation. Step. As Zion arrived right in front of it, he stopped and looked at the statue''s face. Contrary to expectation, the statue had no reaction whatsoever. ''Is this not it?'' Just as Zion began to doubt, a moment of questioning shed in his eyes. Whoosh! Without any warning, an immense light burst from the entire statue. The light covered the entire room in an instant, and not stopping there, it extended throughout the deepest parts of the Order! The light, containing an enormous amount of divinity, was so bright and splendid that it could blind anyone who saw it. "¡­Could this be!" Verdio''s eyes, reflecting the light, started to fill with horror. For him, who had dedicated his life to the Order, this was the first time witnessing such a violent reaction from the statue. This was definitely not just any oracle. Far above that. A unique and distant miracle that has happened only once in the history of the Order! "Pow, powerful...!" It was at that moment the archbishop was about to continue his sentence. Thunk! Everything stopped. The baptism of light that was bursting forth. The other priests, including Verdio, who opened their mouths wide in shock. The flow of the atmosphere and mana. And even the movement of space. Time. At this moment, time in this ce had stopped. ''This is...'' Somehow, within the stopped time, the only one who could move, Zion, noticed a woman standing beside the statue. No, it was uncertain if it was correct to call her a woman. She had golden hair shining as if melted directly from the sun down to her waist. It didn''t make sense, but the ''being''s'' vaguely visible face contained the aspects of both men and women, as well as both the old and the young. ''Does it even matter?'' With that thought, Zion smiled slightly. Though it was his first time seeing it, Zion knew who the being before him was. The only being that could cause such chills and shivers to run through Zion''s body was one of the immortals, and among those immortals, the one who would reveal themselves at this moment was unique. The god of Light, Luminous. The god of light and the sun, and mercy, and the most powerful god in this world. ''I didn''t expect him to reveal himself directly.'' He thought he would only hear a few words through an oracle, like a one-sided notification, but to manifest... This was a situation even Zion hadn''t anticipated. Of course, this was better. Then, -It''s the first time I''m seeing you in this era. Emperor of the ck Star. Luminous approached Zion and began to speak. A gender-neutral voice. Thrumming! Just the act of speaking caused the frozen time and space to vibrate as if about to shatter. It was a distinction that was beyond imagination, but what caught Zion''s attention was something else. That single sentence. The one sentence Luminous just uttered held a lot of meaning. "¡­This era?" -You must have already guessed it. That this world is not from a novel but the future. At the words of the god, Zion''s eyes darkened. Of course, he had almost been certain of it all along. But hearing it directly from the mouth of Luminous felt different. ''And it seems he knows exactly my identity and situation.'' Even if it''s a god, they are not omnipotent. Yet, the fact that he knew so much only pointed to one possibility. Then, -If you have questions, don''t ponder them alone. Ask me directly. That''s why I have manifested in this way. Luminous, with a smile twisting his face as ifughing, spoke to Zion. -I will answer everything within the limits of causality and the contract. In a way, we''re in the same boat. "In the same boat? What do you mean by that?" Zion, shelving his thoughts, asked the god. -We both wish for this world not to end in destruction. What else could being in the same boat mean? Zion smirked at the god''s matter-of-fact response and asked another question. "I see. Then let me change my question. Why am I here?" It was the most fundamental question and the one Zion wanted to know the most. He had merely read the Chronicles of Frosimar and then, after closing his eyes and opening them, found himself transported to this world. Therefore, he couldn''t even guess the reason. -That''s simple. It''s to save this world. You are aware that the future of this world ends in destruction. Zion nodded at Luminous''s words. -It was a fate that was set in stone. A destiny that mortals trapped in the cycle of reincarnation could never change. Although a hero appeared who could uniquely change such a fate, even that ended in failure. This was the content of the Chronicles of Frosimar and the recorded destiny of this world. -Therefore, ''we'' had to look for a new being. A being that could change the fate of the world, yet not immortal so as to interfere with the world. A being that far surpassed the hero. ''We'' searched through the present, future, and even the past, and finally found the most suitable being. Endless divinity and mystique swirl in the vaguely visible eyes of Luminous. -That was you. Emperor. The god of light paused, looking at Zion. -Oh, and one more thing. Then from Luminous''s mouth, -Just to rify in case of any misunderstanding, while it''s true ''we'' found you, the proposal to save this world was initially made by you. A startling revtion followed. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 148 - The Shaking Seal (1) 148 - The Shaking Seal (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "A little while ago, humans believed to be from the information guild were scouting around the sealed area and then left. They seem to have caught on to something." "Is that so?" A man, who was spreading a dominating magical energy in all directions as if he wasn''t bothered by the subordinate''s report, chuckled in response. This man appeared to be a demon and his name was Gulrihur. He was a special demonic spirit of the city of Lezero, a city opposing the divine, controlling all the demons within this city of light. Like all religious orders in the world, the Church of Luminous, the god of light, posed a great threat to demons. Therefore, although not included among the highest ranks of demonic spirits, one of equivalent power was dispatched to Lezero, and that was Gulrihur. "What will you do?""Just leave it. It''s toote anyway." Joy was evident on Gulrihur''s face as he responded. 70 years. For a disgusting 70 years filled with holy power in this city of light, he had been preparing his n, and the time to execute it was nearing. "Whatever they do, it will just be a meaningless struggle." In fact, preparations to awaken a fallen angel sealed in this city had beenpleted over a decade ago. The six key sealing sites suppressing the power of the fallen angel. Over decades, every person from the Church of Light managing those six sites was reced with demons, and the seals were almostpletely released. Now, it was just a matter of time before they were freed. Actually, not even a day was left for that time toe. Even if the Church of Light discovered this fact now and tried to respond, the demonic forces currently in the city were strong enough to hold out. "We should have done this much earlier." The original n was to release the seals right before a great war to maximize chaos, but Gulrihur preferred the n being expedited to now. He wanted to destroy this city as soon as possible and was eager to leave, considering now the best time to execute the n. Had they dyed any longer, the Church or someone else might have noticed. "It''s almost time. The moment this damned city of the god disappears from the world." Gulrihur muttered, looking at Lezero with anticipation. In his eyes, the city of light was burning bright red. --- "I was the one who suggested it first?" Zion''s eyes filled with doubt at the words of Luminous. It was inevitable. Zion had no recollection of ever meeting the god before him, let alone making any suggestions. "That''s right. To be precise, it was a suggestion made by a future version of you to ''us'', after you entered into the chronicles." Although the timeline was a bitplicated, Zion quickly understood and nodded before asking his next question. "So why did I make that suggestion to you?" Was it expected that this question would arise? The god of light immediately shook his head in response. "I cannot tell you because of causality." Causality. It was the only mechanism that allowed immortals, namely gods, who had escaped the cycle of reincarnation, to intervene in this world. The god of light mentioned that exining the reason would consume too much causality. This meant that the matter was of great importance and was key to understanding the entire situation. "What I can tell you now is that your suggestion was a contract and a wager you made with us gods and is rted to a special power you possess." "A special power... Are you talking about the ck Star?" As one question led to another, Zion asked again. "That''s right. The power you possess is one that negates all else and should not exist in this world. How such a power came to exist here..." Luminous stopped speaking abruptly at that point. Zion chuckled at this. "Is it because of causality again that you can''t say more? You said you''d answer all my questions, but it seems that''s not entirely true." "Originally, it wasn''t to this extent, but it''s because of you that we are nowcking in causality." After saying this, the god of light paused, as if organizing his thoughts, before speaking again in a neutral voice. "There were two things that the gods, including myself, did to save this world. One was the hero''s return." "The hero''s return?" "The current hero in this world is the same individual as the hero from the chronicles you''ve read, but he has already experienced the world''s destruction once and has returned." It was an endeavor undertaken by other gods, not our side. Therefore, like you, he knows the future. Upon hearing Luminous''s words, a light of understanding appeared in Zion''s eyes. It had been strange all along. Even though Zion himself had changed the future, the hero''s actions were far too different from what was written in the Frosimar Chronicles. But if he knew the future, his actions were entirely understandable. "So, the task you undertook was to put me into this body?" "That''s correct. Due to that task, most of the causality possessed by me and other gods was consumed. Despite that, cing you in that dying body was all we could do." In fact, reincarnation consumed far less causality than a return. However, the soul and fate of Zion Agnes, no, the first Emperor, Aurellion Agnes, were so tremendously overwhelming that they surpassed what even gods could handle, iparable to the hero. Therefore, we could only seed by transmitting future knowledge in the form of chronicles and choosing the already doomed body of Zion Agnes, without any memory of the contract with the emperor whose destiny had ended. "So that''s what happened." With that thought, Zion reorganized the newly acquired information and his future ns in his mind and then posed another question to Luminous. "Then let me ask something else. What was the rtionship between me in the past and the demonic forces?" Certainly, when Zion himself was emperor, there was no existence of demonic forces. Yet, the demons of this era knew him as the Eternal Emperor and even despised him, calling him ''the cursed lineage of Agnes.'' This means something must have happened in the original world after he entered into the chronicles. However, "I cannot tell you because of causality. All I can say is that it''s rted to the previous contract." These were the only words that came from the mouth of the god of light. Zion squinted his eyes and red, but Luminous avoided his gaze and did not open his mouth again, pretending to be distracted. It seemed that the divine beings were severely restricted by causality. "Should I be satisfied with this?" Although the Q&A session provided much information, there were still unanswered questions. But since all of them were about core issues like the contract, asking more would only lead to "I cannot tell you because of causality." It was as if there was nothing more to gain. Furthermore, it seemed Luminous''s time to descend was nearly up, as his form was gradually fading. "Just onest thing." After organizing his thoughts, Zion took out the extinction sword, Exia, and held it towards the god of light. "Where did the other half of this go?" "We do have it as a symbol of the contract. We can return it if needed, but giving it directly here would consume too much causality..." Luminous''s gaze drifted over the guild building to the city of light beyond as he spoke. "Yes, giving it to you as a reward for resolving this issue seems appropriate." "If by ''this issue'' you mean..." "I entrust this city to you, Emperor." The god of light''s form, now not just fading but starting to flicker. "And if you ever get the chance, I hope youe to the end of the world." A faint smile appeared on Luminous''s lips as he said this, "For there, we can share many more stories." The form of the godpletely vanished, and time began to flow once again. --- "Descend!!" The priests, now able to move again, looked back and forth between the statue of the god of light and Zion, their faces filled with shock. Then, "Huh?" Their shock turned to confusion. The statue that had been emitting a blinding light just moments ago suddenly went dark. Not only that, the profound divinity that had filled the room hadpletely disappeared as well. As if everything hade to an end. Had they missed something? No, that couldn''t be. It was the moment to witness the greatest miracle of the church and an opportunity to directly receive the pure light, so they hadn''t even blinked. "What happened..." Archbishop Verdio murmured this, bewildered, when, "The sealing site." Zion, who had been looking at the spot where Luminous disappeared, turned to him and spoke. "Yes?" Verdio looked at Zion as if asking what he meant by that. "Where are those in charge of the fallen angel''s sealing site?" Zion asked with a cold voice, directing it at the archbishop. The passage leading to the inner sanctum of the Church of Light. "We don''t have time for this! We must act quickly!" Narie, who had be the head of the Moon''s Eye in Lezero, was arguing with some priests who appeared to be bishops. There was one reason she was here. It was to inform the church about the report she had just heard and to formte a response. "No, there''s no time to n." The seal of the fallen angel was on the verge of being broken. Even those who were not well-informed about the seal could tell just by approaching the vicinity. Moreover, a massive magical energy was reported to be felt in the area. It was impossible not to have noticed it before now, even if the location was remote and scarcely popted. ''Even if the angel of rebellion appears right now, it wouldn''t be strange at all.'' Normally, Narie would have first informed Prince Zion of this fact, but currently, there was no way to contact him as he had entered the deep parts of the Church of Light. Therefore, Narie, who usually knew and interacted with high-ranking officials of the church, contacted one of them. But, "What are you talking about all of a sudden, what is this?" The bishops could only look confused upon hearing her words. They had no choice but to be. The sealing site of the fallen angel. The church was well aware of its importance. That''s why they always managed it meticulously, to the point of perfection. But now, to say that such a seal was in danger. It was nonsensical. Especially since they had received a regr report on the sealing site just yesterday, Narie''s words seemed all the more absurd. "The seal of the fallen angel is in danger!" "I won''t ask how you know about the seal, but since it''s confidential, please stop discussing it in such a public ce." Despite their words, as Narie continued to shout loudly, the bishops'' expressions started to harden. Continuing like this, despite their denials, was tantamount to negating their words and implying that the church was neglecting the management of the sealing site. ''Why is she acting like this all of a sudden... she''s usually calm and rational.'' Moreover, the church was currently in turmoil due to the disappearance of participants in the saintesspetition, caused by demonic forces. They were already overwhelmed. Hearing such ims amidst this chaos was irritating. "No, really! Now is not the time to investigate the disappearance of the saintess candidates. If you don''t believe me, at least send someone to check the sealing site..." "Enough!" One of the bishops finally exploded, cutting off Narie''s persistent pleas in frustration. "If you continue to speak about this, we will have no choice but to forcibly remove you from the church." Just as he was about to signal the nearby pdins with a raise of his hand, "No need for that." A low voice reached his ear. The sense of ominous pressure from that voice made not just the bishop but everyone around turn their heads as ifpelled. Their eyes widened at the same time. "Ve, Verdio!" Archbishop Verdio, one of the highest-ranking officials of the church, was approaching with dozens of other bishops. However, the reason people''s eyes widened was not because of Archbishop Verdio. It was the man with ck hair who seemed to be followed by the archbishop as if he were serving a superior. Not just Archbishop Verdio but all the newly appeared high-ranking officials were quietly following behind this man. Excluding the Pope, apostles, and the saintess, why was an archbishop, who holds one of the highest positions in the church, following this mysterious man? In the silence filled with surprise and questions, "It''s because what she said is true." The man, Zion, who had by now approached close to the front, looked at the people with a calm gaze and continued speaking. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 149 - The Shaking Seal (2) 149 - The Shaking Seal (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Grrr! "Ah!" R dodged the attack of the charging monster with a scream and immediately swung her weapon. Crack! The monster stopped moving as its important point was burst open by the strike.Even though R easily dealt with the charging monster, her expression was far from good. Screech! Because countless monsters, identical to the one she just dealt with, were charging towards her. "Damn it! There''s no end to this!" R cursed as she looked at the wave of monsters. The reason she was in this situation goes back a bit in time. In the center of the vige, a serpent-tongue-shaped relic suddenly appeared, transforming all the vigers into monsters. By chance, a woman with red eyes caused the relic to burst into red light again, and R had to take the full brunt of this light without any time to prepare. ''But, I didn''t turn into a monster like the people before.'' Instead, everyone there, including her, was transported to a strange space called the ''Blood Realm''. The Blood Realm was like a sub-world of the world R lived in, inhabited by a race called the Blood Nobility. The Blood Nobility were currently at war with monsters known as ''Blood Fiends'', and R was caught up in this war. Of course, there was no need to say that the Blood Fiends she was facing were the same entities that appeared in the vige of Hoire. "Why the hell do I have to be involved in a war in a different world that has nothing to do with me...!" After narrowly dodging the attacks of the newly charging monsters, R burst out in frustration. She wanted to return to her original world right now, but the problem was that she needed to win the war against these Blood Fiends first. Because the relic that could open the ''passage'' existed in the deepest part of the Blood Fiends'' territory. "The only good thing is that we have the advantage." Muttering to herself, R looked at the woman with red eyes who was literally dominating the battlefield a short distance away. "Kyahaha!" With a terrifyingugh, she wiped out hundreds of Blood Fiends in an instant. Her appearance was utterly horrifying to behold. Moreover, the endless ranks of evil hands summoned around such a woman, encroaching on the surroundings, were chilling beyond overwhelming. When I first saw that scene, I was so shocked I couldn''t close my mouth. ''It''s clear she''s a powerful figure on the level of the ''Seven Heavens''... It''s amazing how she hasn''t been known to the world until now.'' A woman named ''Liushina,'' known only for ruling over blood magicians, her identity otherwise a mystery. "Anyway, it''s an ironic situation." I ended up in this situation because of that woman, but conversely, it seemed like she could lead us to victory in this war. ''It looks like the tide of the war is finally turning in our favor...'' Just as R was about to turn her head back to the battlefield, "Look, there!" The blood nobility fighting alongside us, their red skin simr to humans, suddenly pointed towards the center of the Blood Fiend''s camp with wide eyes. Boom! Something began to rise endlessly towards the sky from the exact spot they pointed at. It was a dragon. A giant dragon made entirely of Blood Fiends. As that blood dragon roared over the battlefield, a massive force burst forth, starting to crush the entire camp of the blood nobility. "Ah..." Thud. Just that was enough for the blood nobility to lose their will to fight, either staring nkly at the blood dragon or sitting down on the spot. The presence emanating from the blood dragon was so overwhelming it was beyond imagination. "Crazy!" R''s eyes also filled with despair at the sight. She had not anticipated that such a being would suddenly appear when they were close to seizing victory. "How are we supposed to fight that..." Extraordinary. That was the first word that came to her mind upon seeing the blood dragon. Would the monsters of ancient myths look like this? The thought of opposing it didn''t even happen to her. The only thought was to escape from the blood dragon''s sight as quickly as possible. That''s when R, with urgent eyes, started looking around. "¡­Huh?" She saw Liushina, instead walking towards the blood dragon. Had she gone mad? Even if that witch had the power of the heavens, facing this entity alone seemed impossible. Then why was she approaching that monster? As R''s eyes filled with doubt, "Yeah, it has been too easy so far." Liushina, walking towards the blood dragon, had a bright smile as if genuinely pleased. "I wonder how much valor you possess?" With those expectant murmurs, the witch slowly extended a hand towards the red dragon. As Liushina''s hand perfectly stretched out, Crackle! Tens of thousands of evil hands gathered in front of her, beginning to form something gigantic. --- In the depths of the Hall of Light, there''s a small conference room. About ten people with stern expressions were sitting there. Each one of them held immense authority and influence within the Order of Light. And, "Has everyone arrived?" In the middle of those people was Zion. After having a dispute with the bishops a little while ago, Zion immediately summoned all the top officials in charge of managing the seal to this ce. The process was not difficult. A mere mention that the descended god of light had spoken about it was enough. Moreover, it was easier because Zion was already known as the chosen of light. "Let''s begin, then." Was it as if they were waiting for those words from Zion? "I am Paulo, a First-ss Pdin. Did the light really say that the seal is in danger?" A middle-aged man with a square jaw and a stern look asked Zion with a doubtful expression. He was in a position controlling all the pdins managing the seal. "It''s not just in danger; it''s on the verge of being undone." Zion answered calmly, looking at Paulo with serene eyes. "Then, we should first send someone to check..." "No, there''s no time for that. We need to form squads for each sealed area right now." "But we can''t mobilize that many troops in an uncertain situation. Moreover, due to the missing participants in the Saintesspetition, we even have fewer troops avable." To Zion''s words, an elderly man with a kind face sitting next to Paulo spoke up. It was Rosary, the special bishop in charge of all the priests sent to the sealed areas. "The murder of participants and the unsealing of the fallen angel. Both are the devil''s doing. The difference is that the murder of participants is merely a diversion. So, mobilizing troops there would yield nothing. It''s something you can understand with a bit of thought." With those words, Zion nced at Olivia sitting in a corner. She was also called to this ce for testimony on the assault on Saintesspetition participants and to prepare for any unforeseen variables. ''Huh... What exactly.'' Staring back at Zion with a nk expression, Olivia murmured to herself internally. I was beyond being surprised now. Just a moment ago, I was being escorted away by a bishop, and now, here I was, summoning the highest officials of the order for an emergency meeting. Moreover, why the hell was I sitting in the seat of honor, even above Archbishop Verdio? Truly, his identity and actions were utterly unpredictable. Then, "Is that true?" Paulo, who had been silent for a moment, looked at Zion with a cold voice emerging. "What do you mean?" "To be honest, I cannot trust your words. No, I cannot trust the person called Zion Harness at all." There was a reason he said this. "Just now, I investigated the Harness family and found out that no such family exists in the capital. Meaning, the name Zion Harness is an alias." At Paulo''s words, the atmosphere in the meeting room became slightly chaotic. "No matter if you''re called by the light, we can''t blindly trust someone whose identity is unclear. Moreover..." Paulo hesitated for a moment, then continued. "I find it hard to believe that the light called upon you and showed itself to you." "Paulo, what the hell are you talking about!" Archbishop Verdio exploded in anger before he even finished speaking. What Paulo had just said was tantamount to doubting Verdio himself, who manages all matters rted to divine revtions. "Paulo, that seems a bit too harsh. Correct yourself and apologize." Rosary, sitting next to him with an anxious look, whispered to him, but Paulo continued without correcting himself. "The light descended, I heard. Then, excluding this man, was there anyone present who received the light?" Silence fell upon the room. "None. That means there''s no one to prove it. So, there''s no reason to blindly believe that the light spoke of the seal when its descent isn''t even confirmed." Additionally, Paulo had received regr reports from all the pdins guarding the seals yesterday, stating that everything was normal. If this man named Zion''s words were true, it would mean all his subordinates had given false reports. Logically, that was not just imusible; it was impossible. This allowed Paulo to speak with even more conviction. "Still, it''s true that Zion was chosen by the light, and there''s some logic to his words, so let''s calm down and verify further..." Before Rosary could finish his attempt to mediate the situation, "Indeed. I guess I wouldn''t believe it myself." Zion said with a slight smile, standing up from his seat. "People are doubting me, a stranger whose origins they don''t even know, as I suddenly talk about the seal being in danger and start giving orders." Zion scanned the room, noticing the dubious looks directed at him. It was almost as if time was running out, but Zion''s expression remained calm. He had anticipated this situation from the start. Of course, Zion also knew the simplest way to resolve this situation. ''Future knowledge and tracking magic.'' Using these to prove that there were demons among them connected to the two incidents would suffice. Step by step. Though he had used this method several times before, there was no reason to try something else. It was the most efficient and direct path; there was no need to take a detour. ''This number should be manageable enough.'' With that thought, Zion, now standing in the center of the meeting room, spoke up. "Then, it would be right to provide proof so you can believe." "...Zion?" Verdio''s voice, filled with confusion, trailed off as Zion continued. "The reason you haven''t noticed the seal is on the verge of breaking is simple. From the lowest ranks managing the seal to the very top, you''re all in cahoots." Zion''s gaze turned towards the highest officials managing the seal. "What are you saying now...! Are you suggesting we betrayed the order and intentionally hid that the seal was undone?" As Paulo rose from his seat, bursting with anger towards Zion, "No, it''s not betrayal." Slowly, Zion''s eyes and mouth began to curve. ''Could it be...!'' At that moment, as Olivia remembered what happened on the magic train, her eyes widened in shock. "It''s the right action for you guys." With a chillingly cold voice, crack! Zion''s summonednce, pierced through the head of Rosary, who was standing next to Paulo. Before the people in the meeting room could fully grasp the situation and react, Zion''snce swung again, exploding the heads of the high-ranking officials responsible for the seal, except for Paulo. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 150 - The Shaking Seal (3) 150 - The Shaking Seal (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here What happened? Even seeing it with my own eyes, I couldn''t understand. The heads of the highest officials in the Order of Light vanished in an instant. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Everyone in the meeting room, including Archbishop Verdio, couldn''t react at all to the surreal scene of decapitated bodies falling to the ground, watching with vacant eyes.After a moment of silence, ¡°This mad murderer!¡± Paulo was the first to move. A pdin, with a face twisted like a demon, charged at Zion. Could he really be one of the less than fifty first-ss pdins throughout the entire Order of Light? Whoosh! The divine power bursting from his sword was so immense and brilliant that it filled the entire meeting room. Paulo, with speed almost invisible to the eye, swung his sword down at Zion. But the strike, fierce enough to split a small hill, didn''t reach Zion. Zion, as if he knew it wasing, thrust forward his dragon spear at the perfect timing. Screech! Paulo''s sword, shing with Zion''s Agdravar, sparked and slid off the spear''s shaft. ¡°You''re more impatient than I thought.¡± Zion, without hesitation, punched the pdin in the exposed gap. Crash! At that moment, with a terrifying force, Paulo vanished and then reappeared, smashed against the wall of the meeting room. His body slumped, seemingly unconscious. Zion decided to spare Paulo for now. From the outer seals to the central square of the city where the flesh of another angel slept, there were seven ces to strike simultaneously, so more hands were better. ''Besides, he''s the only human among the highest managers of the seal.'' It was surprising that Paulo, who doubted and pushed Zion the most, was thest human, but it was a fact. Perhaps he was left alone by the demonic forces because hepletelycked the ability to understand situations and people. "Chosen one! What on earth are you doing!" Amidst this, Verdio, barely holding onto his senses, shouted at Zion with a face mixed with confusion and horror. He couldn''t understand why someone who had received the light''s designation and even experienced descent would kill members of the Order. Then, ¡°You''ll see.¡± Zion briefly answered, quickly engraved something on the ground, and immediately stabbed the Agdravar into its center. Whoosh! With that, the light flowing from the engraved seal amplified as it passed through the dragon spear, bursting out in all directions and beginning to fill the entire meeting room. And the next moment. People could see. The bodies, decapitated by Zion, sprawled on the floor. Screech! The scene of those bodies rising up with a chilling scream, grotesquely transforming. ¡°That, that is!!!¡± At that sight, the eyes of everyone including Verdio swelled to an iparable size. Demons. The energy emanating from the transformed beings was clearly demonic energy. How could there be demons in the deepest parts of the Order of Light''s headquarters? While people were once again shocked, Bang! Zion, pulling out the Agdravar from the seal, shot straight towards the demons. Zion''s eyes remained as calm as they were at the beginning. ¡®They all seem to be high-ranking.¡¯ Originally, it was impossible to detect high-ranking demons with the iplete seal. However, the amplification by the dragon spear and the strike just now hadpromised the demons'' bodies and cores, revealing their true nature. -Damn it!!! What are you...! Was this turn of eventspletely unexpected? Rosary, now fully transformed into a demon, panicked and screamed, shooting a green, shimmering venom at Zion approaching her. Sizzle! The venom, spreading out as if alive and dissolving everything it touched in the air, covered Zion''s entire body. Or, more urately, it attempted to. Before it could, Crack! The frost from the ice spirit starting at the tip of Zion''s spear froze all the venom. Crunch! Zion''s spear, continuing through the frozen venom, shattered Rosary''s upper body in an instant. This time, the demon''s lower body fell to the ground, motionless, as if it hadpletely stopped breathing. Meanwhile, -We must kill that one too! The other demons, realizing they couldn''t escape, all charged at Zion. However, they had more than just Zion to worry about. ¡°Huh!¡± Olivia, taking a deep breath, fiercely emitted divine power from her entire body, blocking one of the demons. Having already fought alongside Zion once, she somewhat expected this and could move the quickest. Boom! From the sh between Olivia and the demons, a tremendous roar erupted. "Everyone, assist the Chosen One and exterminate these demons!" Awakened by the roar, Archbishop Verdio quickly grasped the situation and issued urgentmands. Following his lead, other priests and pdins joined the battle, and a fierce fight ensued. ng! ng! "How dare these filthy demons enter this ce!" "In the name of the Light, we will judge you!" The tide of battle quickly turned. Could these truly be the highest officials of the Order? The divine power emanating from each person present was immense, easily overpowering the demons'' dark energy. Among them, Archbishop Verdio''s divine power was especially overwhelming. Whoosh! As he recited prayers, high-level holy spells poured out, melting the demons without a chance for resistance, -These disgusting followers of the Light!! Arrgh! With thest demon extinguished, the battle ended, and Archbishop Verdio, watching the vanishing corpses of the demons, slumped down, overwhelmed. His eyes were filled with confusion and turmoil. But his emotions weren''t because of Zion. The battle with the demons had confirmed that everything Zion said was true. Thus, any doubts about Zion werepletely dispelled. However, "How could Rosary..." The highest officials of the Order. The fact that those he had lived with for decades were demons was hard for Verdio to ept all at once. His face aged a decade in moments. Zion waited for Verdio to collect his emotions, having dispelled the summoning of his dragon spear. After some time, "...The seals." A calmer voice emerged from the Archbishop. "So, all six seals have been overtaken by demons, and the seal of the other angel is about to be broken?" "I''ve already told you." Verdio, after pondering with a heavy heart, instructed one of the nearby bishops. "Immediately recall the forces assigned to the investigation of the disappearance of the saintess candidates and gather all avable forces in the Order. From now on, the Order of Light will focus all its efforts on reiming the seals." If Zion''s words were true, this was a grave crisis. If the seal were broken and the rebel angel were to emerge into the world, the destruction of Lezero was almost certain. So, it was essential to prevent the seals from being broken at all costs. ¡°I will speak to His Holiness the Pope myself.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± As the bishop responded and hurried out of the meeting room, ¡°Allmand over the forces deployed for this recapture will be mine.¡± Zion opened his mouth, looking at Verdio. ¡°...Excuse me? That might be difficult.¡± Verdio replied, indicating the difficulty. Despite being designated by the Light and having experienced descent, it had been less than a day since Zion''s arrival. Moreover, his identity remained unclear. Therefore, entrusting him with themand of such arge-scale order''s forces was practically impossible. ¡°Though the Light has designated you, strictly speaking, Zion sir is still an outsider who has not yet joined our order. Everyone here has devoted themselves entirely to the Light. Hence, following the orders of an outsider, other than those from the Agnes royal family, is out of the question.¡± ¡°Is that so? Good then.¡± Zion responded with a smile. The Archbishop''s face was filled with confusion. He clearly conveyed a refusal, so why did Zion say it was good? Then, suddenly- Zion''s face began to flicker, signaling the start of the release from the transformation magic that had altered his appearance. Facial features shifting subtly and hair turning a deep shade of gray. And finally, when Zion''s face fully reverted to its original appearance, ¡°!!!!!!¡± The mouths of everyone present, including Verdio and Olivia, dropped open once again. --- In a small, abandoned castle on the outskirts of Lezero. ¡°Have you finally noticed?¡± Inside the castle, a demon with two horns on his forehead chuckled to himself. His name was Derkal. He was the demon overseeing the seal of the other angel in this castle. ¡°Truly, there''s no end to the slowness.¡± Derkal was leisurely, despite having just received reports that the Order of Light''s movements were unusually active. ¡°Moving now would be utterly pointless.¡± The time was near. The seal of the other angel was about to bepletely broken, and the city''s destruction was imminent. ¡®Of course, the Order might storm this ce before that...¡¯ It didn''t matter. The force of demons within the castle was significant, and although they might not win, they could hold off until the seal was broken. Moreover, this ce was a seal site. Therefore, the enemies had no choice but to move cautiously to avoid tampering with the seals, which imposed many restrictions on them. A favorable condition in many ways. "This is something we and He have prepared over decades. We absolutely cannot fail." Derkal muttered to himself, recalling his direct superior, Gullihur, who had left him in charge of this ce and gone to the city''s center, and looked towards the main gate of the castle. Since all other entrances were blocked, the only way for the Order''s forces to enter was through that one ce. Therefore, he had stationed all demons, except those controlling the seal core from the castle''s underground, in front of the main gate. "When will theye?" Derkal muttered with anticipation in his eyes. While it would be best if they didn''te until the seal was broken, he hoped the Order''s forces would reach here before that. It wouldn''t be fun if everything went too smoothly. Then, "Hm?" Derkal noticed something and a question mark seemed to hang in the air. Small pebbles on the ground. Click, click! One of them was shaking. The demon frowned slightly at the pebble, which was shaking for no apparent reason, and then the trembling began to spread to the surroundings. Rumble! The shaking extended beyond the nearby pebbles and objects, to the floors and walls, and then to the entire castle. "What, what is this!" The demons noticed the abnormal phenomenon, their eyes filled with unrest. The space inside the castle seemed to be trembling in fear, as if the entire space was shaking violently. In this bizarre situation, a foreboding feeling crept into Derkal''s mind. "Everyone out..." Just as he was about to issue a desperatemand, Crack! A small spark appeared in the air. At that moment, Derkal''s eyes wavered, -------------------! The entire field of vision turned incandescent. If a god were to unleash divine punishment upon the earth, perhaps it would look like this. Everything, including the demons, vanished into the white light, plunging the world into perfect silence. And then, a momentter, An explosion and shockwave beyond imagination burst forth in the incandescent world. How much time had passed? After the white light hadpletely disappeared, the scene that was revealed bore no trace of the castle. Only a few remnants stuck to the ground proved that a castle had stood there moments ago. Into the center of thepletely shattered castle, a man holding a still-trembling ck spear from the aftermath of his strike slowly descended. With listless eyes and an alien darkness emanating from his entire body. It was Zion. "Erase everything." As Zion muttered this, looking at the exposed seal core and the surviving demons beneath the devastated castle, whoosh! The elite forces of the Order that followed burst forth, pouring down a brilliant baptism of light. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 151 - The Fallen Angel (1) 151 - The Fallen Angel (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Zion knew time was running out before the seal broke. Instead of the conventional strategy of breaching the main gate, he opted to obliterate the enemy''s stronghold from the start. He figured the seal''s core, buried deep underground, could withstand a single shock. His strategy seemed to work well. He''d wiped out half the enemy forces along with the castle surrounding the seal site, and even exposed the seal''s core in one go. "Stop them... Stop them!!" The remaining demons, stunned at first, finally snapped out of it and charged at Zion. But they never reached him."Demons, vanish from this world!" "The light is with us." The Order of Light''s forces that apanied Zion intercepted thempletely. BOOM! The seal site transformed into a battlefield in an instant. CRACK! ''They''re certainly elite troops,'' Zion thought as he effortlessly pierced the heart of a demon rushing at him. Despite being strong, the demons guarding this ce were being swept away by the holy knights and battle priests, unable to properly counter their attacks. It was a clear demonstration of the caliber of the Order''s forces deployed for this operation. Among them, Paulo stood out the most. "How dare you deceive me all this time!" After regaining consciousness and learning the truth, he had apologized to Zion and volunteered for this mission. Perhaps he couldn''t showcase his true skills in the conference room because he''d lost hisposure. SLASH! His face contorted with betrayal, Paulo''s demon-ying prowess was far superior to before. ''This might end sooner than I thought,'' Zion mused as he picked up his pace. ''Damn it... Damn it all!'' Derkal, the demon who had survived Zion''s initial attack, was watching the scene unfold while hidden, spewing curses. His face was pale with shock. He never dreamed they''d be attacked like this. To think they''d blow up the entire castle... ''Did they not consider the core might be destroyed?'' Thanks to this, his subordinates gathered at the main gate were wiped out, and the ritual prepared to break the seal was half-ruined. Even worse, ''Why is he here?!'' The one leading the Order''s forces was none other than ''Zion Agnes''. Though Derkal had never seen him in person, he recognized him instantly from his dark gray hair and other distinctive features. It was a situation he couldn''t understand at all. ''This is dangerous.'' Losing this battle didn''t matter, but the seal was the problem. At this rate, they''d be annihted before the seal could be fully broken. ''Before that happens, I''ll destroy the core.'' The seal could still be broken even if the core was destroyed. They hadn''t done so earlier because it would weaken the fallen angel''s powerpared to a proper unsealing. But now, it was far better than letting the seal be reconstructed. Having made up his mind, Derkal began moving towards the seal''s core, melting into the wall. Swish- Derkal, whose specialty was stealth, moved swiftly past the battlefield towards the core. His movements were smooth and undetected. In fact, no one on the battlefield, not even Zion Agnes, noticed him as they were focused elsewhere. ''Made it.'' Finally reaching the core, Derkal extended his hand without hesitation to destroy it. But at that moment, SNAP- His outstretched arm was severed without warning and fell to the floor. "...Huh?" As the demon''s voice trailed off in disbelief, "What were you trying to do?" A voice he shouldn''t have heard came from right beside him. How could this voice be so close? He was sure he''d seen him standing over there just moments ago. As Derkal, his face drained of color, turned towards the voice, WHOOSH- The image of Zion in the distance vanished like an illusion, and CRACK! Derkal''s vision went dark. * * * In the central square of Lezero, the City of Light. "Haah..." Elysis let out a deep sigh. Since seeing Prince Zion herest time, she''d been spending most of her time in this square. She''d even separated from herpanions, but despite her efforts, she hadn''t caught even a glimpse of Prince Zion again. "Where could he have gone..." Elysis muttered, her voice filled with disappointment. Even if they met, she didn''t have anything particr to do or say, but she just wanted to see his face once more. ''But why did hee here in the first ce?'' The Prince Zion she knew wouldn''t move without reason. Moreover, if he was moving unofficially while hiding his identity, there must be apelling reason. Just then, "Hm?" Her eyes caught sight of a group approaching. ''Knights?'' They were holy knights. Judging by the engravings on their armor, they seemed to be of high rank. Their expressions were grim, as if they were about to enter battle. After walking for a while under people''s curious gazes, the knights stopped in front of the statue in the center of the square. "From now on, ess to this area will be restricted!" The knight who appeared to be the highest-ranking among them shouted towards the puzzled onlookers. "We ask that those in the square leave immediately!" People began to stir at these words. This had never happened before. What could have urred for them to be asked to leave without any exnation? "May we know the reason?" "We can''t exin yet. Please hurry, we don''t have much time." One of the knights shook his head in response to someone''s question. "But to ask us to leave so suddenly..." As the confusion deepened and more people began to speak up, ''That man...'' Elysis was looking elsewhere. A man standing alone, a bit away from the square''s center. She couldn''t take her eyes off him, having noticed him when the knights appeared. Apart from being thin, he had no distinctive external features, but the feeling he gave off was incredibly bizarre. ''He doesn''t seem human.'' Unclean and repulsive. Yet chilling. Yes, if the stench of a sewer rotting for decades could be expressed as a feeling, it would be like this. Moreover, ''Why is my heart...'' For reasons she couldn''t understand, Elysis felt her heart beating faster than usual from the moment she saw the man. Not only that, but the holy power flowing through her body was also stirring. As confusion filled Elysis''s eyes, Sneer! An unpleasant smile spread across the man''s face as he looked towards the knights. Feeling an instinctive chill from him, Elysis unconsciously took a step back. SPLAT! Without warning, the heads of people around the man exploded. Blood and brain matter from the corpses sprayed in all directions. "...?" As nearby people, covered in blood, looked on in confusion, BOOM! Along with suffocating demonic energy, dozens of centipede-like legs burst from the man''s body and began to ughter people who hadn''t yet grasped the situation. "KYAAAAH!" "M-Monster... It''s a monster!!!" Was this outburst of screams a signal? Numerous demons hiding around the man revealed themselves and began indiscriminately massacring the remaining people. CRUNCH! The square turned into hell in an instant. "I wonder if killing everyone here will be enough?" The man - no, Gullihur, the special demon of the great holy city - muttered with a satisfied smile as he looked over the square. There was only one reason he was massacring people here in the Square of Light instead of at the seal site. It was to quickly replenish the power of the fallen angel soon to be summoned here. The angel''s power had weakened due to the long seal, and Luminous''s holy power was needed to restore it. The method he''d devised to obtain that holy power was to sacrifice the people of this city. ''Almost all the citizens living in Lezero are devotees who worship the God of Light.'' Thus, every person had at least a trace of holy power in their body, which would serve as excellent nourishment for the fallen angel. Just then, "Stop this massacre and kill all these disgusting demons!" The holy knights at the square''s center began charging towards Gullihur and the other demons. Brilliant light enveloped their bodies, and immense holy power radiated from them. But Gullihur''s eyes were full ofposure as he watched. "That''ll be difficult with just you lot." This central square was rtively less importantpared to other seal sites. Therefore, the caliber of these holy knights dispatched here was likely lower than elsewhere. In contrast, his side consisted of the most elite demons, including himself. The gap between them was inevitable. And just as he thought, CRASH! The holy knights shing with the demons began to be pushed back almost immediately. "ARGH!" "Light preserve us...! AAAGH!" The holy knights, unable to withstand the demons'' attacks, began losing their lives one by one. "How kind of you to volunteer as holy power suppliers!" As Gullihur called out with a bright smile, clearly pleased with the situation, ''I need to run!'' Elysis, watching the battle, turned to leave the square. She desperately wanted to help the holy knights, but there was no way she could. Her own level was far too inadequate to intervene in this battle. She''d surely be more of a hindrance than help. Moreover, Thump! Thump! Her heart was racing faster and faster, and the surging holy power within her body left her in poor condition. ''There''s nothing I can do here.'' The enemy was too strong, and she was too powerless. Deep despair and a sense of defeat filled her eyes. As Elysis turned away from the people being ughtered around her and was about to step out of the square, "Waaah! Mommy! Mommy!" Her eyes caught sight of a child crying over his dead mother''s body. He looked barely three years old. Such a young child. "Human offspring are so noisy." Was the crying irritating? One of the nearby demons stretched out its hand and shot a magical bullet at the child. Whoosh! The bullet sped towards the child''s head. But it never reached him. CLANG! It was deflected by a barrier that someone had spread in front of the child. And that someone was, "Damn it." Elysis, muttering a small curse. She knew full well that facing this demon with her power was suicidal. But the moment she recognized the bullet being fired, her body moved on its own. "Look at this worm trying to protect another worm?" The demon, muttering in amazement as it looked at Elysis, began concentrating magical energy at its fingertips again. The power emanating from it was iparable to before. But even as she watched the magical energy gather, Elysis didn''t move from in front of the child. Of course, she knew all too well that she couldn''t block this attack. She had barely managed to deflect the previous bullet. But, ''I have to protect him.'' She couldn''t turn away anymore. No, she didn''t want to turn away. How could she ever be worthy of repaying Prince Zion if she couldn''t even protect one child? A firm resolve filled Elysis''s eyes. Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! As if responding to that resolve, her heart and holy power pulsed even more strongly. "I''ll pierce both your hearts together." Atst, a far more powerful magical bullet shot from the demon''s hand. Whoosh! The world Elysis saw slowed down. Very slowly. The magical bullet tearing through the air and the shockwave spreading in concentric circles around it. In this rapidly elerated perception and thought, memories of her mother''s words began to surface in Elysis''s mind. ''Elly, you''re more special than anyone. Remember that well.'' Words she had heard countless times, yet never understood their meaning. But as those words of her mother ovepped with, ''You''re special. Try to recall that specialness.'' Prince Zion''s voice that followed, Thump! With her heartbeat reaching its peak from this realization, FWOOSH! The holy power surging within her extended out from her back, forming a pair of brilliant wings. * * * "Was it already unsealed?" At the same time. At the seal site of the old castle where the battle had just concluded. "Things are getting interesting." Zion smiled coldly as he received a report from the informant sent by Narie. "At this rate, I might need to ask for additionalpensation." Zion''s eyes were fixed not on the seal core, but on the distant city center. --- [Hi ya everyone! raei here. So the previous tl was Rungir. For those who aren''t in the discord, Rungir started university, went back and forth to tl-ing until eventually he admitted a few months ago that he really can''t do this without his grades falling off. I''ve been asked a few times to pick up this novel and I''ve said I''ll take a look when I finally have time for it... And that''s now! So thest 4 I posted are what Rung had in his backlog. This chap, chap 151, is by me! Now, something to note... I have not read a single chap of this novel. Rung has few notes to go off of so unfortunately, if there are names and terms that are not in his notes, they could be end up slightly different than what you''ve read in previous chaps. For example, Zion could also be transliterated as Sion and I''ll just pick whatever sounds better. I don''t go on the website ever, but I always check discord so if anyone wants to correct something, let me know in the discord and I can adjust my notes. We have channels for every novel so you are more than wee to give me the heads up there. I do n on finishing this novel, but there is an English publisher at work so hopefully we can stay under the radar till the end. Anyways enjoy the chappy!]Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 152 - The Fallen Angel (2) 152 - The Fallen Angel (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 152, Chapter 41: The Fallen Angel (2) "Ugh! Damn it all!" Gullihur cursed as he battled the Order of Light in Lezero''s central square. His face was twisted, unlike moments before. The reason was simple - the tide of battle was turning against his favor. ''How did ite to this?'' Just moments ago, he''d had the upper hand. No, he''d been outright ughtering the holy knights. But suddenly, the advantage became unclear, and now it was firmly on the Order of Light''s side.There was only one cause. ''That woman!'' Gullihur red at the blonde woman standing behind the holy knights, biting his lip hard. Since she''d joined the Order''s ranks, the situation had rapidly deteriorated. Her ability to obliterate a demon with a burst of holy light that illuminated the entire square was chilling, even to him. In truth, the woman''s raw power wasn''t particrly strong. But, WHOOSH! The myriad of support spells erupting from the holy wings on her back were game-changing. Each one was on par with the highest-tier holy magic, constantly pouring out and reversing the course of battle. "Why did she suddenly be so strong... ARGH!" The demons'' abilities drastically weakened when touched by the light from her wings, while the holy knights'' powers were amplified to their limits. RAT-TAT-TAT! Demonic energy-infused attacks werepletely blocked by walls of holy light, and CRASH! Light-imbued strikes, now sharper than ever, hit every demon''s important points. The holy knights'' wounds healed without a trace in seconds. Holy amplification, target guidance, vitality boost, rapid healing, demonic energy nullification... Over a dozen support spells bombarded every holy knight''s body without a moment''s pause. ''Is this... really possible?'' It was practically impossible for a single person, especially one in a support role, topletely change the flow of battle. Yet here it was happening right before his eyes. If the world''s most ideal supporter existed, they might look like this. Moreover, the feeling emanating from the woman was strange. As if she wasn''t human. Yes, it felt like looking at an angel. "Kill that woman!" The demons kept charging at her, trying to take her down, but... "Protect her! We must protect that priestess!" The holy knights, realizing she was crucial to this battle, were guarding her fiercely. ''I have to stop the demons here somehow.'' Watching the holy knights and demons, Elysis drew even more holy power from within herself. ''That''s the only way to prevent more casualties.'' Her resolve, passing through the golden wings, transformed into the highest-tier holy magic. The process was as natural as breathing. Though she''d only just awakened these wings of light moments ago, WHOOSH! Elysis was wielding them skillfully, as if she''d been using them countless times before. In fact, she felt the wings of light as if they were a part of her body. Moreover, the holy power welling up endlessly inside Elysis, like an inexhaustible spring, was more than enough to sustain all these support spells. As if the heavens themselves were aiding Elysis and the holy knights... "You damn demons! How dare you massacre people in the heart of the city!" Archbishop Verdio appeared in the square with reinforcements, joining the holy knights'' side and pushing back against the demons. Realizing the dire situation in the central square, he''d brought all avable forces that had been investigating the missing Saintesspetition participants. With these reinforcements joining the fray, BOOM! The tide of battlepletely turned in the Order''s favor, and a one-sided fight began. "These damned bastards...!" Gullihur''s voice came out as if he were grinding his teeth. Even though he possessed power on par with other high-ranking demons, he couldn''t withstand this level of force. If this continued for much longer, it was clear that Gullihur and all the demons would be annihted. ''Then...'' There was only one option left. To summon the fallen angel right here and now. In truth, Gullihur had already unsealed one of the seal sites beforeing to the square. The reason he hadn''t summoned the fallen angel until now was simple. If summoned without breaking the other seals, the angel''s power would be limited. But, ''In this situation, there''s no luxury of worrying about that.'' Moreover, given theck of news, it seemed the demons at other seal sites had failed to break their seals, so there was no reason to dy any further. WHOOSH! As soon as he finished this thought, Gullihur''s body shot towards the statue in the center of the square. "We must stop him from getting there!" Sensing something ominous in his movement, Elysis shouted loudly, creating a wall of holy light to block his path. As if her feeling had been transmitted... "Stop that demon!" Archbishop Verdio and the other battle priests also stopped what they were doing and focused all their firepower on Gullihur. BOOM! Massive holy spells mmed into Gullihur''s body with pinpoint uracy. But, "Hahaha! It''s already toote!" Gullihur, though battered, emerged from the explosion and rushed to the statue. He''d abandoned defense and evasion, focusing all his energy solely on reaching his destination. CRASH! Gullihur instantly shattered the upper half of the statue and pulled out a seal core he''d prepared in advance. "NOOO!!!" Verdio, instantly realizing what Gullihur was about to do, cried out urgently and leapt forward, but CRUNCH! Without hesitation, Gullihur jammed the seal core into the broken statue. At that moment, FWOOSH! A massive light burst forth from the core, instantly engulfing not just the square, but the entire city. The light was incredibly bizarre. It wasn''t bright or brilliant. It was gloomy and cold. As if rejecting the very characteristics light should possess. And with it, FREEZE! Every person in the square instantly stopped moving. This wasn''t of their own will. Pressure. An unimaginable pressure, as if space itself had solidified, was crushing them all. ''I can''t move my body...!'' They couldn''t twitch a finger or an eyebrow. They just stood still like dolls. And in the next moment. People could see. A man standing next to the broken Luminous statue, naked and skeletal, staring silently at the sky. As if he hadn''t seen sunlight for an incredibly long time. The man stared nkly at the sun, neither shielding his eyes nor blinking. As he gazed endlessly at the sun, behind his back, WHOOSH- Something began to unfurl, one by one. They were wings. Though these wings resembled those of an angel, no one who saw them thought of them as such. For these wings were too ck, radiating an evil aura. CREAK! With each wing that unfurled, the pressure increased, and people''s consciousness began to fade. ''Ah...'' As people inwardly cried out in despair, finally, seven pairs of wings spread out, blocking the sky. And at that moment, the man''s - no, the fallen angel''s - gaze slowly began to turn towards the earth. * * * "So it''s finally appeared?" Zion''s cold voice rang out as he moved alone, having sent other troops ahead to contact the Eye of the Moon. His eyes were fixed on the city''s sky, now tinted with a gloomy light. That light could only mean one thing. ''The fallen angel.'' It must have revealed itself to the world once again. But Zion''s face showed no sign of agitation. In a way, this situation was almost inevitable. ''It was impossible to seed from the start.'' The n to recapture all six seal sites and reconstruct the seals. In truth, it shouldn''t have been that difficult on its own. They had the advantage in terms of military strength. But they''d realized the seal sites had been upied and executed the n toote. Even Zion, who''d started by blowing up an entire castle, had barely managed to stop it. The other sites must have been even more challenging. ''Not to mention, one seal had already been broken before that.'' He''d just learned this from the Eye of the Moon''s informant. Judging by the timing, it must have happened around when Zion first arrived in the City of Light. Meaning they would have failed no matter how quickly they moved. Still, recapturing the remaining seal sites wasn''t a wasted effort. It would restrict the fallen angel''s power that much more. ''The problem is, even with its power restricted, they can''t handle it...'' From the start, the fallen angel possessed transcendent authority, enough to rebel against God in the past. It wasn''t in the realm of mortals, but in the realm of myths. Thus, the destruction of Lezero was all but certain. However, ''I can''t let that happen.'' If this city disappeared, it would not only severely disrupt Zion''s future ns but also make it impossible to find the other half of Eksia. That left only one option. "I''ll be sure to charge handsomely for thister." Zion smiled wryly, addressing someone who might be watching this scene from the sky. With that, CRACK! The jewel corresponding to the third question of Chronos, the divine artifact on Zion''s wrist, shattered. At that moment, WHOOSH! The air around him shifted, and divine authority began to heavily envelop Zion''s entire body. Perhaps because Chronos was the god of time? His third question was also about time. -Is the value of all time given to me equal? Unlike the previous question directed at others, this one was aimed at himself. The answer to this question was ''no''. The reason was simple. The power of the divine artifact stemming from this question provided such an answer. Time Reproduction. It reproduced the time when the user''s value was at its highest, based on what the user considered most important. Of course, likest time, the most important value Zion set was power. Tick! Tock! Thews of the world began to change along with the sound of clock hands turning. RUMBLE! Unlike before, space and time intertwined, and the world began to scream. Along with this, Chronos''s five questions began to violently shake and crumble bit by bit. It looked as if it were forcibly enduring an unbearable power. RUMBLE! As the world''s vibrations grew stronger and finally reached their peak, STOP! Everything froze. Just like when the God of Light, Luminous, had descended before. Trembling leaves. Flower petals falling from the sky. Even the mana moving through the air currents. In this perfectly stopped time. WHOOSH- The Emperor of the ck Star, who had devoured the world, slowly opened his eyes. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 153 - Overwhelming (1) 153 - Overwhelming (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 153, Chapter 42: Overwhelming (1) There were two ways to reach the City of Light, Lezero. One was by magic train, the other on foot. Most people now entered Lezero using the more efficient and convenient magic train, but there were still some who preferred to walk. On one of the less-traveled paths leading to Lezero, two humans and a giant were making their way towards the City of Light."Is that Lezero?" asked the giant, d in leather clothes with unkempt hair and beard, as he looked towards the city. The giant''s name was Turzan. He was one of the ''Seven Heavens'' and known as the ''Steel Mountain'', one of the strongest beings of the current era. "Yeah. Isn''t it obvious? But why the long face? You look like you don''t want to go," Rain Dranir asked, noticing the giant''s uneasy expression as she walked beside him. "I don''t believe in the God of Light." "You''re saying God exists, but you don''t believe in him?" "Just because something exists doesn''t mean you have to believe in it." "...What''s that supposed to mean?" As Rain''s face twisted in confusion, Turzan turned to the silver-haired woman, the hero, walking ahead of them and asked, "Why are we heading to that city now?" "There''s a newpanion we need to meet there." "Companion?" "Yes, it''s almost time for her awakening." As she answered, the woman recalled Elysis Desire, who had been in charge of support and healing in her party before the regression. How many crises had they ovee thanks to Elysis''s miraculous healing and support abilities in the past? No matter how she thought about it, there was no one who could rece Elysis, making her an essential addition to the party. ''Well, that''s true for all mypanions.'' The woman intended to form her party as close to the one before her regression as possible. She wanted to prove that she, no, they, hadn''t been wrong. If she didn''t do this, it felt like all the sacrifices and deaths she''d witnessed before her regression would have been in vain. ''There are still a few things that aren''t quite right, though...'' As the woman thought about Tirian Prieharden, who she hadn''t been able to recruitst time, something happened. "!!!!!!!!" As if on cue, all three of them turned their heads towards the sky above Lezero in the distance. A gloomy light spread from the center of the city, darkening the sky. Their eyes filled with shock and bewilderment as they gazed at the light. "That''s..." The power of an immense authority, so strong it could be felt even at this distance from the city. As the woman stood frozen for a moment, sensing that power, an even greater doubt filled her eyes. "Why now...!" That power clearly belonged to ''that being''. The fallen angel, Belial. The one who had rebelled against the God of Light, Luminous, and was sealed in the city as punishment. Why had this being, who shouldn''t appear for another year, suddenly emerged now? "Quickly, to the city!" With those urgent words, the woman''s body shot forward at a speed iparable to before. The other two also began to pick up their pace, following her. * * * It was as if time had stopped. Everyone in the square had frozen, crushed by the pressure emanating from the angel. Thud. The angel with seven pairs of ck wings began to walk slowly through the silent square. ''Ah...'' As people''s despair-filled groans circled in their minds, unable to escape their lips, "Heh... Hehehahahaha!" Suddenly, a loudugh echoed through the square. It wasn''t the angelughing. It was a demon leaning against the broken statue, his body in tatters. It was Gullihur. "How does it feel to see the sun after so long, angel? I''m the one who broke your seal." Gullihur called out in an ecstatic voice as the angel turned its head towards him. The n he had been preparing for decades was finally reaching its climax. Everything would be perfect once they destroyed this city and returned to the demon realm. "Now, let''s smash this disgusting City of Light together." The demon couldn''t even conceive of the possibility that the fallen angel might reject his proposal. After all, they both shared an extreme hatred for the God of Light and a desire to destroy this city. But the angel''s, Belial''s, next wordspletely overturned his expectations. -Why should I listen to a filthy demon? The voice was filled with such immense divinity that it could destroy the mind of an ordinary person just by hearing it. "...What?" As Gullihur repeated with a dumbfounded expression, -And don''t speak to me. I feel like your foul stench is sticking to my body. With another voice filled with disgust, CRACK! Without any warning, Gullihur''s entire upper body turned to dust and scattered. Then, CRACKLE! The bodies of the other demons nearby began to disintegrate in the same manner as Gullihur. It was a scene so bizarre that even those watching couldn''t understand what was happening. And this was the pathetic end of Gullihur, who had been lurking in the City of Light for decades. -Erasing this city and everything rted to light is something I alone must do. That is the very reason for my existence in this world. With those words, Belial turned his gaze from the vanished Gullihur back to the people, including Elysis. WHOOSH! A rain of holy power made of light began to fall, covering the entire sky above the square. This holy rain both dealt damage to the fallen angel and neutralized the pressure crushing the people. Along with this, "Stop him! We must prevent that being from harming the city at all costs!" New forces began to enter the square. They were far stronger and more numerous than the reinforcements Archbishop Verdio had brought earlier. These were the elite forces that had attacked the six seal sites and additional forces sent by the Order. Had they finally acknowledged the gravity of the situation? Among them were the other archbishops currently in the Order, and even one of the only two apostles. Though their eyes were filled with shock at the sight of the already freed Belial, they also held a desperate sense of duty to stop the fallen angel somehow. "Oh! Reinforcements have arrived!" Meanwhile, the original forces, nowpletely free from the residual pressure, joined the new reinforcements and began to unleash the highest-tier holy spells at the fallen angel. BOOM! ''At this rate...!'' Elysis, who had once again spread her wings of light to support them, felt a glimmer of hope in her eyes. The power of the fallen angel Belial was formidable. The presence emanating from him was so overwhelming it was hard to breathe. But the Order of Light had also poured all of the city''s forces into this battle. Moreover, from what she could see, the angel seemed somewhat iplete. As if the seal hadn''t been fully broken. That''s why Elysis thought they had some chance of victory. For a brief moment, at least. "Light, grant me strength!" One of the five special-ss holy knights, whose status rivaled that of an archbishop in the Order, shot forward in a straight line towards the staggering fallen angel. Holy light enveloped his entire body like armor, pushing back even Belial''s authority that had engulfed the square. Appearing instantly before the fallen angel as if he had traversed space, the holy knight swung his sword vertically downwards, putting all his strength into the strike from the start. It was a monstrous blow that could easily shatter even a high-ranking demon. But that strike never reached Belial. Before it could, TAP- It was blocked by a single finger of the fallen angel, raised as casually as if swatting a fly. BOOM! A shockwave btedly erupted from where the sword and finger met. "...!" As the special-ss holy knight''s eyes wavered at this unprecedented sight, POP! Just like Gullihur moments ago, his head exploded without warning. And following that, POP POP POP! The heads of dozens of elite holy knights who had charged in after him began to explode. "It''s the authority of rebellion! We must block that authority!" One of the archbishops who noticed what this power was, shouted urgently. In response, all the remaining priests deployed holy defense spells, but it was of little use. Belial lightly pressed his finger against the air, as if dotting a point. A single wave originating from the angel''s fingertip spread out in concentric circles across the entire square. CRASH! All the holy spells shattered like ss the moment they touched this wave. No, not just the spells, but everything the wave touched was being destroyed. Even people. Seeing the Order''s forces rapidly dwindling like this, perhaps realizing this couldn''t go on... "Almighty Light! This unworthy servant borrows your authority!" Apostle Kalemison stepped forward and unleashed the strongest holy spell he could use. Divine Manifestation. It was a spell that only an apostle could cast, directly manifesting a part of Luminous''s divinity through their body, rather than using the indirect power of holy energy. It was so taxing that it could cost one''s life, but now was not the time to worry about such things. WHOOSH! Luminous''s miracle, realized on this earth by Kalemison, instantly enveloped Belial''s entire body. The fallen angel lowered his head and trembled, as if it was having an effect. The apostle and the surrounding priests clenched their fists at this sight. -Ah, it''s been so long since I felt Mother''s power. With those words, Belial slightly raised his head and smiled faintly. At that moment, the light enveloping the fallen angel''s body turned ck in an instant, and SPLAT! Kalemison''s entire body burst into a mass of blood. The apostle, one of the top three most powerful individuals in the Order. As people''s eyes shook at the apostle''s utterly futile death, RUMBLE! Once again, an immense pressure spread out from the fallen angel, who had fully spread his wings, mercilessly crushing everything around him. "ARGH!" Satisfaction filled Belial''s face as he heard the screams erupting from people''s mouths. -Servants of my beloved and revered Mother. An emotionless voice slowly flowed from his lips. -Watch closely as everything you''ve built crumbles to dust. The moment those words ended, WHOOSH! A single resonance flowing out from Belial began to spread throughout the entire city in an instant. It was a call. A call to summon his army. In response to that call, CRACK! Spaces all over the city began to split open, and countless monstrous beings with a single ck wing on their backs poured out. The army of the fallen who had once followed Belial in opposing the God of Light, Luminous. A portion of that army was now revealing itself here once again. "W-What are these monsters... Urk!" "KYAAAH!" "G-God save us... ARGH!" CRASH! In an instant, chaos engulfed the entire city. A man, paralyzed with fear, was torn apart by a monster. A woman, trying to escape with her child, copsed with her heart pierced. A priest, resisting with holy power, had his neck ripped out. "Ah..." Deep helplessness filled Elysis''s eyes as she watched this hellish scene, still pinned down by the pressure the angel was emitting. A disaster. Yes, this was a disaster. A disaster that no mortal being could ever stand against. There was such a vast gulf between them and this angel with seven pairs of ck wings. She couldn''t think of any way to win. No, she couldn''t even think of a way to endure. How could humans possibly face something like this? Even if all the ''Seven Heavens'' came, it wouldn''t change the situation. At that moment, -A child of angels, I see. Belial, who had been absorbing Luminous''s holy power from the scattered corpses, suddenly turned towards Elysis with a strange expression. -Absorbing you would help me recover my strength even faster. The fallen angel then smiled and reached out a hand towards her. Corrupted divinity began to gather at his fingertips. ''So in the end, I couldn''t repay or protect anything...'' As deep despair appeared behind the helplessness in Elysis''s eyes as she watched this, -I''ll make good use of your blood. Just as Belial''s authority was about to shoot towards her heart... ------------------! For a moment. Just for a brief moment, everything stopped. As if all the time in the world had frozen. In this frozen world... The eyes of every being in the city, including Belial, slowly began to turn towards the sky. It wasn''t as if someone had given an order. Nor was it a prearranged signal. They just felt they had to look. And there... ''He'' was there. Age, gender, appearance - all were indiscernible. All that could be seen was a blurry silhouette and the fact that he was holding a sword. But it was impossible to look away. The immeasurable dignity flowing from ''him'' wouldn''t allow it. "Ah..." Before this transcendent presence that defiedprehension, all one could do was gaze up in awe and let out a dazed voice. Then, WHOOSH- ''He'' began to raise his sword above his head. As if moving through deep water. The sword rising very slowly. Along with this, ''That''s...'' rm bells began to ring madly in the fallen angel''s mind as he watched this sight. Dangerous. Truly dangerous. He couldn''t even begin to guess what this suddenly appeared being was. But one thing was certain - the moment that sword swung down, something unimaginably terrifying would happen. Meanwhile, the tip of ''his'' sword continued to rise towards the sky. RUMBLE! In response, the city - no, the world - began to twist and scream. Friction. Friction exists in all things in the world. It''s one of the most important concepts that make up the world, a force that allows a being to maintain its existence by sharing andbining the smallest units of itsponents. What would happen if such friction disappeared? WHOOSH! As if taking aim at a target. Small mes of darkness began to ignite on the bodies of all the fallen army in the city, including Belial. -No... NO!!! Had he finally realized what was about to happen? FWOOSH! With his pupils dted to their limit, Belial let out a desperate cry and rushed madly towards ''him''. The army of the fallen began to surge towards the sky, following the fallen angel. But by then, it was already... -STOP!!! The sword of ''him'' - no, the Emperor - which had been fully raised, was already swinging down. Concept Denial. A unique authority that only the Eternal Emperor Aurellion could use. The ultimate power obtained by the Emperor at the peak of the ck Star, cutting through even thews that form the foundation of the world. Finally. The moment the tip of the Emperor''s sword fully pointed downwards, SWISH. The friction of all the fallen army in the world vanished. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 154 - Overwhelming (2) 154 - Overwhelming (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 154, Chapter 42: Overwhelming (2) There was no brilliant light. No ominous darkness. No sound emerged. Just, WHOOSH-The army of the fallen that had been surging towards ''him'' standing in the sky above the city... Only the hundreds of thousands of ck-winged monsters that made up that army turned to dust and scattered. "......" Everyone in the city lost their senses, staring nkly at the disappearing army, witnessing a scene that transcended even astonishment. Even as they saw it with their own eyes, heard it with their ears, and felt it on their skin, they couldn''t understand what had just happened. It was a sight that mortal beings, bound by the cycle of reincarnation, could never understand. Was this what divine punishment described in myths looked like? ''But... something feels familiar.'' Elysis thought as she looked at the being responsible for this entire scene. Though she could only see a hazy figure due to the immense difference in status, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity from that shape. ''That can''t be possible...'' As doubt filled Elysis''s eyes, knowing she couldn''t possibly know such a being, ''It seems the power hasn''t been fully reproduced.'' Zion, watching the army of the fallen scatter in the sky, thought as he clenched and unclenched his fist. What Zion had just unleashed was Concept Denial, which could only be used when the ck Star reached 8 stars. It was one of the transcendent techniques that could only be performed by twisting and reconstructing the fundamentalws of the world. He had activated Concept Denial to erase friction, wiping out the fallen angel Belial and his entire army, but Zion had a reason for thinking this way. ''It wasn''t activated perfectly.'' He could immediately recognize this fact the moment he swung Eksia downwards. Was it impossible to perfectly reproduce his power even with the divine artifact imbued with Chronos''s power? ''That''s probably why that guy is still alive.'' With that thought, Zion looked towards where the fallen angel had vanished. CRACKLE! The empty space where nothing had existed twisted and split, and corrupted divinity began to flow out from within. Soon after, that divinity gathered and formed a single shape. CRUNCH! It was Belial. "Cough! Huff, huff!" The fallen angel, eyes wide open, gasped for breath as soon as he reformed. Two of the seven pairs of wings on his back had disappeared. Belial then stared nkly at where his army had been moments ago, with disbelieving eyes. -What on earth... Perfect annihtion. Though only a part, the army of the fallen that had once followed him in opposing even God had been erased with a single swing of a sword. ''Is this... even possible?'' A shudder ran through his body, and cold sweat he had never shed in his life flowed down his back. That''s how overwhelming the strike the fallen angel had just witnessed and experienced was. Even Belial himself, who was close to the level of a demigod, had been annihted without being able to block or even dodge it. The only reason he was still alive was because he had activated ''Momentary Regression'', one of the authorities of rebellion, just before the strike hit him. ''Though I had to sacrifice two pairs of wings for it...'' If he hadn''t done this, he would have facedplete death. Belial''s eyes then turned towards Zion, who had created this entire situation. -What are you... How can someone who hasn''t escaped the shackles unleash such a strike? In truth, it might have been possible for immortals who had escaped the shackles of fate, namely gods, but the fallen angel was certain that the being before him wasn''t a deity. Gods, possessing transcendent power and authority, were bound by many restrictions. That''s why they couldn''t intervene in the world so directly. It was the reason why Belial, who hadn''t ascended to godhood, could stand against Luminous in the past. Though Belial''s eyes filled with doubt, the Emperor''s next words didn''t answer his questions. "Is there any reason for me to answer?" The low voice that flowed out made space itself vibrate as if trembling in fear. This happened because Zion''s unfathomable status had been engraved into the world itself due to the earlier Concept Denial. -...What? "You''ll be a corpse again soon." -I''ll tear you apart and kill you, you bastard! Belial, hearing words thatpletely dismissed him in a way he had never experienced in his life, exploded with immense anger and charged at a terrifying speed. He knew. If that being unleashed a sword strike like before once more, he wouldn''t be able to block it. So he intended to close the distance and pour out attacks, not giving him a chance to use it. WHOOSH! The five pairs of wings on the fallen angel''s back spread wide, and the authority of rebellion gathered in both his hands. The power emanating from him was tremendous enough to destroy a small city. "......" Zion, watching Belial approach by folding space with indifferent eyes, lightly extended Eksia forward. It was a thrust that seemed too insignificantpared to the fallen angel approaching with enough force to shake heaven and earth. It looked like it would be swept away by the wave of authority Belial had unleashed, but the result of the collision waspletely different. SWISH- First, the authority of rebellion surrounding the fallen angel''s hands. Then, starting from his fingertips, to his palms, arms, shoulders, and even parts of his wings. All of it was erased as if it had never existed in this world from the beginning. Denial. The most urate concept defining the ck Star''s existence and the only authority of its kind in the world. The ck Star at 8 stars was enough to push this authority of denial to its limit. -Agh... AAAARGH! As not just his body, but a part of his very existence and fate disappeared, a scream more desperate than any Belial had ever uttered before erupted from his mouth. But the fallen angel couldn''t finish that scream. TAP- Zion''s finger lightly touched Belial''s sr plexus, as if tapping the surface of water. At that moment, BANG! A hole opened in a circle centered on where the finger touched, and the fallen angel''s form vanished from that spot. CRASH! Belial''s form reappeared, smashing through dozens of buildings in the City of Light before being embedded in one of the seal sites at the outskirts. Btedly, a line was drawn between Belial and Zion, and an unimaginable shockwave erupted, erasing everything it touched. -Urgh! Groaning as if his breath was about to be cut off, the fallen angel barely managed to raise his embedded body. Then, in his eyes, WHOOSH! He saw Zion, who had reached this ce from the city center with just one step forward. He had denied the very distance between them with the ck Star. Feeling the crisis, Belial frantically pped his wings and scattered his authority around him. CRACKLE! Responding to that authority, tens of thousands of spears of the fallen shot out from the inverted space, aiming only at Zion. As these spears approached right in front of him, the Emperor gently raised and clenched the hand not holding his sword. ----------------! At that moment, the pouring spears, the inverted spaces, and even Belial''s scattered authority were all erased as if it were the most natural thing. -What is this... As Belial''s dazed voice flowed out, unable to understand the sight he was witnessing for the second time, BOOM! Finally, Zion''s form reached right in front of him, and an utterly one-sided battle began. * * * "That''s..." The silver-haired woman, who had just entered the city with herpanions, was looking up at the sky with shaking eyes at a situation unfoldingpletely differently from her expectations. The fallen angel Belial. The one who should have been driving the entire city, including the Order of Light, to destruction, was being overwhelmingly pushed back. And by a single being, no less. It was a sight impossible to believe even as she saw it with her own eyes. "...What on earth is that being? Is it a deity or something?" Turzan, standing beside her, asked with a pale expression. Even he, one of the ''Seven Heavens'' called the world''s strongest, couldn''t properly gauge the power flowing from the sh of the two transcendent beings in the sky above the city. He could only feel that it was a realm absolutely beyond his reach. "I don''t know." The woman shook her head in response, her gaze still fixed on the sky. She truly didn''t know. Even for her, who had already seen the end of this world once and returned, this was a being she had never seen before, she could swear to that. Belial, before his fall, was one of the highest-ranking angels who served the God of Light, Luminous, most closely, and after his fall, he had grown even stronger by gaining the authority of rebellion. His status was already close to that of a demigod, having half-escaped the cycle of reincarnation. ''Yet he''s overwhelming Belial?'' She couldn''t believe such a being existed in this world. ''Who on earth is it?'' She had never seen or heard of him even once before her regression, so she had no idea who he could be. She couldn''t even guess why he had appeared here or why he was facing the fallen angel. "Even if Belial''s seal wasn''tpletely broken, to be able to dominate him to this extent..." The woman swallowed the rest of her words trying to guess his identity. Even to her, it seemed too far-fetched. ''I need to get a bit closer.'' As she finished that thought and began to move with herpanions, -Why, why!! A voice beyond bewilderment, bordering on desperation, flowed from Belial''s mouth. His body was already in tatters, with his chest pierced through and half of his wings torn off. He was in a state where it wouldn''t be strange if he died at any moment. The fallen angel''s eyes were filled with despair and questions. And those questions were rted to the authority of that being who was pushing him to the extreme. -Nothing works against him! If he had simply been overwhelmed by sheer power, Belial could have understood. But that wasn''t the case. Something alien spreading out from that being. His own power and authority that touched that something were disappearing as if they had never existed in this world to begin with. No, it wasn''t just that. The surrounding air and mana, space and time. Even fate and thews of the world. Everything in the world that touched that something was being erased, and there seemed to be no limit to it. ''Does such a type of authority exist in this world?'' Even Belial, who had acquired some divinity, couldn''t guess its principle or origin at all. Fear filled the depths of his heart. -What kind of technique are you using! As if trying to shake off that fear, the fallen angel shouted loudly, and the authority that burst from him began to interfere with the surrounding space. CRUNCH! Due to the ''Authority of Rebellion'' that reversed the properties of everything that existed, the mana flowing through the air transformed into a massive wave and crashed towards Zion from all directions. But, WHOOSH! Once again, the wave waspletely erased before it could reach Zion. As if that wasn''t enough, Zion''s ck Star, which had reached the fallen angel through the mana forming the wave, began to deny even his remaining wings. -Urgh! It was impossible for the current Belial to defeat Zion from the start. Thepatibility between his authority and the Eternal Emperor''s authority was far too poor. No matter how much he tried to reverse properties using his power, it was pointless if the very act itself was denied. ''If only I could use my original power...!'' With that thought, deep regret filled the fallen angel''s eyes. Though he couldn''t understand the nature of the authority that being was using, if he had been in his full power, he could have endured and aimed for victory. But in his current state, with the seal imperfectly broken, it was just a vain hope. Thud, thud. The Emperor approached, emanating the authority of denial from his entire body that erased even the foundations of the world. -...Even if you win now, don''t think this is all I am. Belial red at the Emperor with shaking eyes and spoke through gritted teeth. -If the seal had beenpletely broken, the result would have been different. As the fallen angel finished speaking, "Oh really?" For the first time, a glimmer of interest appeared in the Emperor''s eyes, which had remained bored throughout the battle after regaining his power through the divine artifact. "Then why don''t you show me?" A smile slowly spread across the Emperor''s lips. The emotion contained in that smile was clearly expectation. -...What? "That result you speak of." As the fallen angel''s eyes filled with doubt at these words whose meaning he couldn''t guess, Zion, who had already raised one hand, lightly flicked his finger. At that moment, CRACK! The seals of all the remaining seal sites in the city shattered. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 155 - Overwhelming (3) 155 - Overwhelming (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 155, Chapter 42: Overwhelming (3) "What the hell, why suddenly!" At one of the six seal sites in Lezero. Narie, the head of the Eye of the Moon''s Lezero branch, who was reconstructing the nearly broken seal with the Order''s priests, cried out in shock. CRACK!The seal was almostplete, needing only the final touches. But the seal core at its center suddenly crumbled to dust without warning. Narie''s eyes filled with bewilderment. "Why is the seal...!" The Order''s priests seemed to share her sentiment, clutching their heads in panic. Just then, "...Huh?" As Narie struggled to find a solution to this sudden situation, a strange scene caught her eye. The dust from the shattered seal core began to glow and shoot upwards. Simr phenomena must have urred at other seal sites, as something glittering was rising into the sky from those directions as well. And where these particles were heading was... "Why, why are they going there!" Towards the fallen angel Belial, who was battling the unknown being. There was no time to stop it. The particles were instantly absorbed into the fallen angel''s entire body. As everyone watching this unexpected turn of events reacted with shock, -What... are you doing? Belial, the one at the center of it all, was staring at Zion dumbfoundedly, as if unable to understand the current situation. Victory had been within reach. Not his victory, but that being''s. He had already lost a significant portion of hisbat ability, and his will was fading. It was a situation where only the finishing blow remained, to put it mildly. So why suddenly release all the seals? Of course, it wasn''t a proper release but destruction of the seal cores, yet the difference was minimal, just a slight reduction in power. "You said the result would be different if the seal was broken." The Emperor smiled as he looked at the fallen angel. "I''m giving you that chance. The chance to show me that different result." In truth, this suited Zion better. Topletely annihte the fallen angel without leaving any lingering issues, he needed to make him use his true power by breaking all the seals. At first, he had fought with the seal intact because he didn''t know that power, but now it was different. And most importantly... ''This will be more fun.'' As Zion thought this, a curve appeared on his lips. -You... An ice-cold voice flowed from Belial''s mouth. They say when anger reaches its peak, one bes calm instead. That was Belial''s current state. Perfect dismissal, something he had never experienced in his entire life. The being before him was treating him as nothing more than a ything. A deep sense of humiliation rose from the depths of his heart, making his blood boil. He was Belial. The one who once stood closest to Luminous and was revered by all the fallen. Even if it were a deity, they couldn''t dismiss him to this extent. -I''ll make you truly regret this. CREAK! A chilling sound emanated from Belial''s entire body. Along with it, the authority of rebellion surrounding him evolved to another dimension, beginning to engrave its existence onto the world. The authority of heaven''s opposition. The ultimate power Belial had reached in the past to face the God of Light, a power given only to the first fallen angel. It was an authority he couldn''t fully control yet, but now wasn''t the time to worry about such things. RUMBLE! The entire City of Light began to shake from Belial''s presence as he fully regained his power, causing the onlookers to grow increasingly agitated. -Behold, my true power. Ignoring the people as if they didn''t matter, Belial fixed his gaze solely on Zion, fluttering all his regenerated wings as he stretched one hand forward. Was he not nning to conserve any strength from the start? As the authority of heaven''s opposition was exerted to its maximum, itpletely enveloped the Emperor, who was quietly watching the fallen angel, and the space around him. CLUNK! With a sound as if something had caught, thews of the world surrounding Zion began to reverse. Gravity that pulled towards the ground now pushed towards the sky. Expanding space began to contract. Flowing time started to run backwards. Heaven''s Opposition Divergence. The world, which yed a crucial role in maintaining existence, was reversed by the fallen angel''s authority, now exerting all its power to erase Zion''s very existence. -Foolish one. Not even trying to respond. You''ve overestimated your power too much. Belial sneered as he looked at Zion, who was fixed in ce by the world itself after being caught in his ''Heaven''s Opposition Divergence'', and rushed towards Zion''s heart without dy. This was a chance that would nevere again, and he had no intention of letting it slip by. Just as Belial''s form was about to reach Zion, "If this is all..." A low voice reached his ears. The fallen angel''s eyes shook. It was a voice that absolutely shouldn''t be heard at this moment. Surely his technique had worked perfectly. Then how could this voice be heard when he should be trapped in the divergence of the reversed world, unable to speak, let alone maintain cognitive abilities? The fallen angel''s head turned involuntarily. His eyes met Zion''s, which were curved like a crescent moon. Then, "I''m disappointed." The moment the fallen angel recognized the infinite ck stars swirling in the Emperor''s pupils, CRACKLE! Cracks like spider webs spread through the divergent space, and Belial''s entire authority that had enveloped Zion began to crumble. -!!!!!! Eyes filled with bewilderment and a gaping mouth. Heaven''s Opposition Divergence wasn''t something that could be broken so easily. It wasn''t just using authority to apply pressure, but one of Belial''s finest techniques that interfered with the fundamental elements constituting the world. Before the fallen angel could fully express his shock, SWISH! The Emperor''s sword, swung in an instant, cut through Belial''s upper body along with his very fate. Belial met death once again. After a brief moment of silence that followed, -Urgh... AAAAARGH! The fallen angel, who had revived using ''Momentary Regression'' by sacrificing some of his divinity, let out a scream mixed with anger and fear. As space shook from his cry, WHOOSH! Belial''s form shot up higher into the sky. His form rose endlessly, almost as if it would touch the sun. Having ascended so high that Zion and the city looked like mere dots, Belial raised both hands with eyes half-crazed. -I''ll tear you apart and kill you, you bastard! With a cry filled with nothing but hatred for Zion, a gloomy light began to gather in his raised hands. From just that one sh, Belial had finally realized. There was an insurmountable wall between himself and that being. If so, there was only one option. To pour out everything he had, no, even more than that, in a single moment to break down that wall. Perhaps because he had ground up all his authority of heaven''s opposition and even his fate extending into the future? CRUNCH! The world began to shake and scream as his status manifested at a level iparable to before. -I''ll blow away the entire city, including you! With that desperate cry, the light of authority burst from his hands and spread across the sky of Lezero. And finally, as that light perfectly covered the city''s sky, Heaven''s Fall. The sky copsed. From one end of the horizon to the other. The sky in every visible ce began to crumble and fall towards the ground. Is this what the end of the world would look like? "Ah..." "We, we need to escape!" "But where to..." "Light, please..." Faced with a sight beyond overwhelming, reaching something even greater, Elysis and all the people in the city let out voices tinged with despair, unable to move. A cmity that embodied the very word ''destruction''. However, "Now this is interesting." Unlike the others, Zion''s eyes were filled with joy. This cmity, created by the fallen angel pouring his entire being into it, wasn''t something even Zion could take lightly. It made his current body, which had regained its original power, tingle. That''s why the Emperor was pleased. The tension and vitality he hadn''t felt since devouring the world. He could feel a bit of that here and now. WOONG! As if responding to that emotion, Eksia, hanging downwards, began to cry out. Meanwhile, the sky continued to copse faster and faster,pletely demolishing every part of the world it touched. Finally, as that sky approached right in front of him, SWISH- Zion''s sword began to rise very slowly. In the past, the Emperor had thought. Time, the most important element constituting the world and forming the root of fate. Would it be possible to cut that time? Not the whole, but a part. If he could cut out a part of the endlessly flowing time. Wouldn''t he be able to deny the fate contained within it as well? This was a technique that contained such a wish of the Emperor. Time Destruction sh. Finally, Eksia was fully raised. And the moment its tip pointed towards the copsing sky, -----------------------! The cmity of Heaven''s Fall created by the fallen angel. The very time that cmity existed was erased from the world. * * * A clear, transparent sky without a single cloud. -... The fallen angel Belial silently gazed for a moment at the original sky that appeared after his final technique had vanished without a trace. -Did you just cut time? A calm voice flowed from his mouth as he sensed Zion approaching. As Zion nodded slightly in response, a hollow smile appeared on the angel''s lips. Even if it was just a part, simply interfering with time, let alone erasing it, should have been impossible. -Cutting what cannot be cut... You truly surprise me from beginning to end. With those words, the angel closed his eyes and folded his wings, and SWISH- His body, having finally reached the end of its fate, quietly scattered into golden dust in the sky. "......" Zion silently watched this scene for a moment, then his form disappeared from that ce as well. * * * ROOOOOAR! A blood dragon the size of an entire city let out a massive roar and breathed out. But that breath didn''t destroy anything. Before it could, GROOOOOWL! It was blocked by a red-eyed wolf almost asrge as the blood dragon. No, rather than a wolf, ''monster'' would be a more fitting description. Three pairs of eyes and a tail split into nine parts. And tentacles sprouting from various parts of its body. Its appearance was far too bizarre to be considered an ordinary wolf. And, "Kyahahahaha!" A woman standing atop the monster, bursting into maniacalughter. It was Liushina. CRASH! The monster howled once more and shed with the blood dragon again, following her will. A tremendous shockwave erupted from their collision. "Whew..." R, watching the sh while deflecting the shockwave, let out an exmation of disbelief. Not just her, but every being on the battlefield had stopped fighting and was now watching the collision of the two monsters. After all, the oue of this war would be decided by the victory or defeat of these two. So any further fighting was meaningless. ''Just how far does that woman''s power go?'' Until the blood dragon appeared on the blood fiend''s side, she had thought everything was over. The blood dragon possessed such immense power that they could never hope to match it. But at that moment, the red-eyed woman who had been ughtering the blood fiends gathered all the evil hands into one, creating that wolf-like monster, and immediately shed with the blood dragon. And the power she disyed afterwards was far more impressive than R had imagined. As if she hadn''t been using her full strength until now. ''Not only did she pull out an army from her body, but she''s even facing such a monster...'' She was even gradually gaining the upper hand. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Though the blood dragon seemed slightly superior in raw power, the woman was slowly pushing it back with her unique experience and excellent control, as if this wasn''t her first such battle. ''Who on earth could she be?'' The question rose again in R''s mind. Come to think of it, there were some clues about that woman''s identity. Extremely rare red eyes and blood magic skills that could be called the best in the world. ''Now that I think about it, there was a blood magician among Prince Zion''s close associates...'' Could this woman be that associate? ''If so, does that mean this incident is also rted to Prince Zion?'' Questions piled up one after another. But R couldn''t ponder these questions any further. ROOOOOAR! With a different, more desperate cry than before, CRASH! The blood dragon''s body, most of its neck torn by the wolf monster, fell to the ground. Unable to rise again, the blood dragon gasped for breath. The light in its eyes gradually faded, and then, SWISH- Disappearedpletely. Victory. Atst, Liushina and her evil hands had emerged victorious. ... A moment of silence followed the sudden conclusion. In that silence, "Let''s go back now." The Witch of a Thousand Killings turned towards the blood magicians and R, grinning as she spoke. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 156 - Reward (1) 156 - Reward (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 156, Chapter 43: Reward (1) A day after all the battles had ended. Thud, thud. The silver-haired woman walked slowly through the streets of Lezero. Bang! Bang!"Hey! Bring more stone! We need to fix this part first!" "Wait! The foundation here has copsed. If we don''t repair it quickly, there''ll be secondary damage." People repairing various parts of the city came into the woman''s view. Their faces weren''t particrly bright. ''It can''t be helped.'' The city had been nearly half-destroyed by the numerous battles yesterday, and the loss of life had been horrific. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to call it an unprecedented crisis since Lezero''s founding. ''Plus, many of them must have lost family and close friends.'' It would be strange if their expressions were cheerful. And it wasn''t just the city''s people who looked gloomy. "......" Rain and Turzan, following behind her, had also kept their mouths shut since yesterday, their eyes nk as if in a daze. Of course, the reason was different. ''Probably because of the final battle they witnessed yesterday.'' People have their own spheres, and it''s difficult to ept things that go beyond those boundaries. The mythical sh that urred in the sky above the city yesterday. That sh must have been beyond their realm. Even she, the hero, couldn''t close her mouth once during that battle. ''The shock must have been greater than I thought.'' The woman thought as she looked towards Turzan. The giant was thinking about something with an even more serious expression than Rain beside him. He was called one of the world''s strongest and indeed possessed top-tier power. So, though he didn''t show it outwardly, his pride must have been considerable. That pride must have been thoroughly shattered since yesterday, which was understandable. ''Maybe it''s for the best. It''s better to get hit early.'' They would have had to experience such shock when facing the Four Great Demons or the Demon Kingter anyway. Having experienced it now, they might be able to ept it more calmly next time. Perhaps this incident could even be a catalyst for further growth. Of course, they could also be frustrated and give up, but such worries didn''t exist in the woman''s mind. These werepanions she had chosen herself. They wouldn''t crumble from just this. ''Still, I can''t even begin to guess his identity.'' The woman thought as she recalled the being who had annihted the fallen angel Belial. A being with a blurry appearance, as if covered in noise, holding a sword in one hand. Just recalling that being sent a shiver through her body, as if she''d been doused with cold water. ''He clearly overwhelmed Belial from start to finish.'' Even when all of the fallen angel''s seals were broken for some unknown reason midway through, that dynamic didn''t change. And that power that erased Belial''s final ''Falling Sky'' in an instant! It was a realm so distant that even she, a hero, couldn''t be certain of reaching it even if she devoted her entire life to the pursuit. ''Should I ask about it if I meet Ioa again or receive another oracle?'' A being of such caliber would surely have a massive impact on this world. So it was right to try and learn their identity. As she organized her thoughts, how much further did she walk? "Found her." The woman, who had arrived at the central square of the City of Light, muttered quietly as she spotted someone. At the end of her gaze was a blonde woman using holy power to heal people in the center of the square. It was Elysis Desire, who would be the future Saint. * * * In a private training ground within the Order of Light''s headquarters. In a ce usually essible only to high-ranking holy knights of 2nd ss or above, an outsider with no connection to the Order stood. A man spreading darkness deeper than the abyss around him while calmly keeping his eyes closed. It was Zion. WHOOSH! Was it like a miniature universe? In the darkness that had suddenly filled the entire training ground, countless stars began to appear, too numerous to count. Stars shining brilliantly, forming nebe, star clusters, and gxies. But that light didn''tst long. SWISH- A ck star with an alien feeling appeared in the center of the twinkling stars. That ck star began to absorb all the light around it. Was one not enough? More ink-like stars continued to appear elsewhere, increasing the speed at which they absorbed light. One, two, three, four, five. The moment these ck stars, now totaling five, devoured everything else. WHOOSH! Those ck stars and the pitch-ck darkness of the ck Star that formed their base were all sucked into Zion. Then, taking a long breath, Zion slowly opened his eyes. In his eyes, the five ck stars that had just devoured all light were swirling in a circle. ''Now it''s 5 stars.'' Zion lightly clenched and unclenched his fist, feeling another world newly opening within him. Was it because he had temporarily used his original power through Chronos''s question? Immediately after finishing the battle with the fallen angel, Zion could feel that the wall blocking his ck Star from reaching 5 stars had almost crumbled. So he immediately borrowed a private training ground in the Order of Light''s headquarters and shut himself in, only now achieving that result. ''Thanks to that, I''ve risen much faster than expected.'' A satisfied smile spread across Zion''s lips. Though he was still far from regaining his original power, even at this level, he would find few equals within the empire. It wasparable to the power of Evelyn Agnes, which Zion himself had once reproduced. ''Should I say I''ve met the minimum conditions to conquer the ''Tower of Causality'' with this?'' As Zion recalled his next goal, which was truly about to appear right before him, KNOCK KNOCK! The sound of someone knocking on the training ground''s door was heard. "Come in." As Zion spoke, a priest entered, opening the door. He bowed politely and then spoke. "His Holiness wishes to meet with Your Highness. Will you go right away?" "Let''s do that." Nodding without hesitation as if he had expected this, Zion immediately left the training ground. After all, Zion himself had revealed his identity to the Order''s high-ranking personnel before recapturing the seal sites, so in a way, this meeting was expected. The Order of Light belonged to the empire, so it was natural for them to treat the imperial family, the rulers of the empire, ordingly. Thud, thud. The priest moved towards the deepest part of the Order at a steady pace. Zion followed behind the priest, ncing around slightly. People were moving busily, almost running. Perhaps due to the tremendous sacrifices from yesterday''s events, their faces weren''t very bright. ''I heard that even archbishops and an apostle died?'' It would probably take quite a long time to return to normal. And that would be the same not just for the Order of Light, but for all of Lezero. Just then, "Have you found out anything about the identity of the ''Heaven Destroyer''?" "No way. How could we find out about a being that disappeared right after that battle yesterday?" Zion overheard a conversation between passing holy knights. Heaven Destroyer. It was the term used to refer to the being who had annihted the fallen angel freed from its seal. Some said it was a messenger sent by the God of Light, while others called it a guardian maintaining the world''s bnce, but no one knew its exact identity. One thing was certain: none of them thought the Heaven Destroyer could be Zion himself. ''Well, they couldn''t guess.'' There were a few clues, like the timing of his appearances and the simrity of the power used, but that wasn''t enough to raise suspicion. The difference in power and status was simply too great. The Heaven Destroyer had shown overwhelming superiority against Belial, who had acquired some divinity. Inparison, while Zion''s own strength was widely known, it was still within the realm of humans. They weren''t evenparable in the first ce. Just then, "Please enter here. His Holiness is waiting inside." The priest stopped walking, seemingly having reached their destination, and pointed to a door ahead. Zion immediately opened the door and stepped inside. SWISH- The door opened smoothly without any noise. Beyond it was a small, antique-looking study. Reflecting its owner''s personality, the wooden desk and chair were old but well-maintained, and there were only essential items besides these. And in the middle sat an old man. Zion knew who this old man was. ''Pope Simeon Zacharias.'' The ruler of the Order of Light, which boasted thergest following in the world, and the one called the representative of Luminous. "Wee, Prince Zion." The Pope smiled gently and gestured for Zion to take a seat. Deep wrinkles were etched on the old man''s face, showing the passage of time. Despite being able to maintain his youth with his immense holy power, he chose not to, suggesting a very modest personality. "Why did you want to see me?" Zion, sitting in the offered seat, immediately asked. The Pope''s smile deepened at this. This way of speaking, going straight to the point without any pretense, matched exactly with what he had heard about Prince Zion. "Isn''t it proper for me to personally greet a member of the imperial family visiting the Order of Light''s headquarters?" "I thought usually an archbishop or special-ss holy knight woulde out for that." "That''s true, but Prince Zion is special even among the imperial family." He was probably referring to Zion being designated and receiving an oracle from Luminous. "And I wanted to personally thank you face-to-face regarding this incident." With those words, Simeon bowed his head towards Zion. Although the fallen angel was ultimately released, thanks to Prince Zion, they were able to recognize that the seals were being broken and learn that the demon realm was involved. Moreover, the Pope felt deeply grateful that Prince Zion had helped the Order recapture the seal sites. "Just with words?" Zion smirked and asked the Pope. "Of course not. We''ve prepared a reward sufficient to satisfy Your Highness." Simeon answered confidently. Before Zion could speak, he continued. "But before that, let me tell you about the reward bestowed by the Light." "The God of Light? Has another oraclee down?" "Yes. When Your Highness was in the training ground, He sent down an oracle to me, conveying His will." As he said this, the Pope''s eyes took on a strange light as he looked at Zion. Since the founding of the Church of Light, it was extremely rare for their god to directly mention a reward through an oracle. No, it would be more urate to say this was the first time. ''And that''s not all.'' Prince Zion had already received several oracles before, and had even experienced a descent, which only the first Pope had experienced until now. Is it possible for one person to experience all these things in such a short time, when most people wouldn''t even see one in their entire lifetime? ''Perhaps...'' The Pope, who had been recalling something in his mind for a moment, spoke to Zion again. "The Light said this: ''What was promised has been ced where the first weapon existed.''" "I see." Though it waspletely iprehensible to Simeon, Zion nodded, immediately understanding the words. The ce where his weapon first existed in this world. There was only one such ce. "Then shall we hear about your Order''s reward now?" Zion smiled slightly as he recalled that ce and immediately brought up the next topic. However, Simeon didn''t answer the question right away, instead looking at Zion for a moment as if thinking about something, or rather, hesitating. Then, he spoke in a lowered voice. "Prince Zion, I''m sorry, but before we talk about the reward we''re giving you, may I ask onest question?" The Pope''s eyes began to take on a strange light as he said this. It was a look simr to what Zion had seen from the First Prince Rubrious before. "Go ahead." As Zion answered, meeting Simeon''s eyes directly, "Prince Zion, are you the ''Heaven Destroyer''?" An unexpected question flowed from the Pope''s mouth. ---Toggle New Ads Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 157 - Reward (2) 157 - Reward (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 157, Chapter 43: Reward (2) Silence followed. Simeon''s reasoning was due to the unprecedented attention Luminous had shown, unparalleled in the Order of Light''s history. The Pope thought that for a being to receive such interest from a deity, there must be something special about them, beyond that of mortals. And this couldn''t be achieved merely by having the empire''s finest bloodline or a fate destined to change the world.Even the hero, who had appeared only twice in history, received only one or two oracles at most. So it was certain that Prince Zion possessed something beyond that. Moreover, he had undoubtedly aplished an incredible feat, enough for the god they served to directly express gratitude and offer a reward. Combining these two factors led to the conclusion that Prince Zion might be the Heaven Destroyer. The Heaven Destroyer had an exalted status, overwhelming even Belial, the strongest fallen angel, and had saved the City of Light. ''Of course, it''s a huge leap.'' Though he had voiced the question on the slim chance, Simeon already knew it was impossible. Despite his recent fame, Prince Zion had been considered a disgrace to the royal family until less than a year ago. It was already unbelievable that such a person had surpassed other royals to be a strong candidate for emperor in such a short time, let alone reaching a status like the Heaven Destroyer. Nevertheless, he asked because he was so curious about why their god showed such interest in Prince Zion. Just then, "What do you think?" Zion, withnguid eyes, smiled slightly and asked the Pope in return. Simeon''s eyes wavered for a moment at this ambiguous answer, then he let out a smallugh before speaking. "Of course, that''s impossible. I apologize for the sudden strange question." Having reached this conclusion on his own, the Pope immediately changed the subject. "...The reward our Order will give to Your Highness is just one thing. And it''s the best reward we can offer." "The best reward?" "From now on, our Order of Light will support Prince Zion Agnes." It was a groundbreaking statement. Until now, the Order of Light had never supported an outsider who wasn''t part of the Order. No, it was the first time they had interfered in the session struggle at all, except for First Prince Rubrious. An unprecedented event in history. "Weren''t you already supporting Rubrious?" Though it was certainly shocking, Zion asked Simeon with the same calm eyes as before. "That''s correct. Of course, we n to continue supporting the First Prince as well. But if the timees to choose between the two, we''ll likely lean a bit more towards Your Highness." "And the reason for that?" "Naturally, supporting Prince Rubrious would be more beneficial for the Order. He''s so devoted that he''s willing to give up the throne and dedicate everything to the Light, and he''s also one of the special-ss holy knights. However..." As he spoke, the same strange light from earlier filled Simeon''s eyes. "Isn''t Your Highness the one in who the Light shows the most interest?" The same look as First Prince Rubrious. That look was undoubtedly one of fanaticism. "You''ve already received several oracles, which even the highest-ranking priests struggle to receive once in a lifetime, and beyond that, you''ve experienced descent and designation. If we don''t support someone like you, who else would we support?" For Simeon, who revered the Light above all else, this was the most important factor. Thus, there was no hesitation in his eyes. "And perhaps if the First Prince learns of this, he might give uppeting with Your Highness. Of course, there''s one condition." The Pope didn''t mention what that condition was. It seemed he thought it would be better for Rubrious to hear it directly. ''So this was the reason for his confidence.'' Zion thought as he looked at Simeon. He had intended to gain the Order of Light''s support eventually, but he hadn''t expected to obtain it so easily. It seemed that Luminous''s frequent interventions tomunicate directly with him had yed a major role. ''Even if those words are false and they favor Rubrious more, it''s still a good deal.'' He could use it until his confrontation with the First Prince. Having finished this thought, Zion spoke. "Not bad." "I''m d you''re satisfied." "Then I''ll give you a gift from my side as well." The Pope''s eyes filled with question at these words. "A gift? What do you mean?" "Are you aware that demons hiding within the Order have been exposed?" "Yes, I am. I heard Your Highness personally eliminated them." "Surely you don''t think that was all of them." "...!" The question in Simeon''s eyes turned to surprise. "Then there are still some in the Order..." "I''ll weed them out for you." With those words, Zion''s eyes grew cold. He had no intention of letting demons run amok in the Order that had be his. * * * With the Order of Light''s full cooperation, the demon purge proceeded extremely quickly. Was it because this was one of the ces the demon realm was wary of? Despite most of the demons and their leader Gullihur being swept away in the previous incident, quite a few demons still remained in the headquarters. Zion was able to eliminate most, though not all, of the demons that had infiltrated deep into the Order, and it took only 3 days. Afterwards, Zion promptly left the Order and headed for the imperial pce. His business in the City of Light was finished, and there was no reason to stay any longer. "Farewell, Prince Zion. May the Light''s blessing always be with you." Perhaps because it wasn''t an official visit? Only a few of the highest-ranking officials who knew Zion''s identity, including the Pope and archbishops, saw him off at the end. He had heard that Olivia was looking for him, but since they would meet again when the time came, he didn''t bother to see her. Upon returning directly to the imperial pce, the first ce Zion headed was, "Wee... Huh?" Not Chimseong Pce, but somewhere else. "You''re here again?" It was the ''Dream of Stars'', the world''s greatest treasure vault located beneath Baeksung Pce. Zion nodded to the vault keeper Ve, who greeted him puzzledly, then entered the vault. "I''m d to see you again, but... why are you here?" The homunculus asked as she approached Zion. It was extremely rare for a royal who had already visited once and taken a weapon to return before bing emperor. Though direct descendants could visit anytime, it was impossible to take additional weapons. They could only look around longingly, so what royal woulde back? "There''s something I need to get here." "Huh?" Ve''s confusion deepened at Zion''s words. The royal before her had clearly taken a sword from here before. "You know you can''t take any more weapons from here, right? And don''t even think about exchanging or returning that broken sword you took initially!" "I don''t intend to. I''m just taking back what was originally mine." ''The ce where Eksia first existed,'' as Luminous had said. Zion was certain that ce was here in the Dream of Stars. "What? What do you mean..." Ignoring Ve''s continued questions, Zion looked around the vault. But he couldn''t see what he was looking for. ''Is it further inside?'' With that thought, Zion spoke to Ve. "I want to go deeper inside." "...I''ll open it for you, but could you at least tell me why?" The vault keeper sighed deeply, just likest time, and waved her finger once. At that moment, WHOOSH! Space opened, revealing a new entrance. It was the ce where the highest-grade weapons in the Dream of Stars were stored. "I already told you." Zion replied briefly and pushed his way inside without hesitation. A feast of legendary and mythical-grade weapons unfolded before Zion''s eyes! As if recognizing Zion''s tremendous growth sincest time, WOONG! As soon as he entered, all sorts of weapons began to cry out towards Zion, as if courting him. "Wow..." Ve, who had followed him in, slightly opened her mouth at this unprecedented sight, despite having guarded the vault for hundreds of years. Thud, thud. Zion immediately began walking. He walked, looking only in one direction, without even ncing at the other weapons. The gravity spear Agnus. The season bow Harpnos. And even the heaven-fallen sword Rigveda, which cried out the loudest. Zion''s eyes, which had passed by even mythical weapons, finally, ''Found it.'' Lit up. A half sword de stuck in a corner of the vault, absorbing all the light around it. It was the remaining part of the Light-Extinguishing Sword. Its location was exactly the same as when Zion first discovered Eksia. "What? Why is something like that there..." Ve''s voice, tinged with doubt, flowed out as she discovered the sword de behind Zion. She managed the vault all day, every day, and knew where even a fingernail-sized gem was located. But even for Ve, this sword de was something she had never seen before. ''There was definitely nothing there until just now...!'' It was utterly iprehensible. Meanwhile, Zion, who had already reached the sword de, stretched out his hand and grasped the air. SWISH- Eksia naturally settled into Zion''s hand. As if recognizing that its other half was right in front of it? WOONG! The summoned Light-Extinguishing Sword trembled and let out a great cry. Along with this, spider web-like lines began to flow from the tip of Eksia, connecting to the cut part of the embedded sword de. --------------! The connection continued, and a ck light burst forth. "Wh-What on earth...!" Along with Ve''s cry, the light that spread in all directions finally filled the entire vault. Just as the shock in the vault keeper''s eyes reached its peak, WHOOSH! The ck light vanished without a trace in an instant, and her vision returned. What Ve saw then was Zion walking towards her with indifferent eyes, and A single ink-ck sword in Zion''s hand, now with a perfect de. "Here." Zion, who had walked right up to the motionless vault keeper, showed her thepleted Eksia. "It was originally one like this, so it''s fine for me to take it, right?" Ve nodded nkly at Zion''s question. * * * "Hi, Master~" After obtaining the other half of Eksia and returning to Chimseong Pce, the first person to greet Zion was none other than Liushina. Sitting in the chair of the study that was originally Zion''s seat, she waved her hand cheerfully. "Hi?" "Oh, don''t you know? This is a greeting I learned in the Blood Realm I just visited. How is it? Pretty good, right?" "Seeing that you learned such words, I guess you resolved things well." "Of course, who do you think I am?" Liushina grinned and answered Zion''s words. On this journey, she had not only perfectly carried out Zion''s instructions but also obtained new clues to further develop her blood magic. Perhaps because she realized there was another realm above what she thought was the limit? The witch''s eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation. "Wee back, Your Highness." Tierrie, standing next to her, greeted Zion with a gentle smile. Zion nodded to acknowledge the greeting and immediately asked him, "Any notable events while I was gone?" "Within the imperial pce, nothing except the First Prince looking for you. However, there was one strange urrence outside the pce." "Tell me." At Zion''s words, Tierrie hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking. "Well... a huge tower appeared overnight on the western outskirts of the empire. They say its size is asrge as an entire city, and its height reaches the sky..." Tierrie trailed off, as if he found it hard to believe even as he spoke. ''Is it finally opening?'' Zion''s eyes began to gleam as he heard Tierrie''s report. 158 - Ambush (1) 158 - Ambush (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 158, Chapter 44: Ambush (1) In a quiet caf¨¦ near Lezero''s central square, the silver-haired woman and her heropanions sat on one side, while Elysis and the Rat Mercenary Group upied the other. "...Can''t you reconsider one more time?" The woman''s voice broke the silence, her eyes fixed on Elysis across the table. Her tone was calm, yet tinged with an inexplicable longing.Elysis''s eyes wavered for a moment at this unfamiliar emotion, but she shook her head. "I''m sorry. I can''t join you right now. I''m still toocking, and... more importantly, I have something I need to do first." "Something you need to do..." "Repayment. There''s someone I need to prove myself to and repay." A debt of gratitude for saving her life. Perhaps not just once, but twice. "......" Seeing Elysis''s firm resolve as she fell silent after speaking, the woman stood up without saying anything more. "...I understand. If you ever change your mind,e find me anytime. If you''re truly willing, your god will guide you to me." "Yes, thank you for understanding." As Elysis bowed her head with those words, the woman took onest look at her face before turning and leaving the caf¨¦. "It''s hard findingpanions~ Right?" "I hope we''ll meet again someday." Rain and the giant followed behind her. How much time passed after they all left the caf¨¦? "Phew... I thought I was gonna suffocate." Rat, sitting next to Elysis, spoke dramatically. "The pressure was no joke, even when we were just sitting there naturally. They didn''t seem like ordinary people... Why''d you turn down their offer, Elly?" "Idiot, they said they were the hero and herpanions. Would you believe and follow someone you just met if they introduced themselves like that?" As Rat spoke, Ember chided him, but Elysis shook her head. "I believe what they said." The moment she saw the silver-haired woman, she knew without being told. That she was the hero. There was no specific reason or evidence. It was more like a certainty, simr to hearing a voice in a dream. Elysis knew this wasn''t from herself, but rather the will of ''someone'' connected through the angelic blood flowing in her body. ''And along with that, the instinctive pull I felt.'' If she had been her original self, she would have epted the woman''s invitation to join them immediately. But there was only one reason she didn''t. "It''s just that I really have something I need to do first." It was because of Prince Zion Agnes. Ever since the incident in the Angelosh territory, Elysis had always felt indebted, and repaying that debt took priority over everything else. ''Of course, I still don''t know how to repay it...'' But she felt she had somewhat achieved the qualifications Zion had mentioned, so it seemed like a good time to seek him out. As excitement began to fill Elysis''s eyes at the thought of seeing Prince Zion again, CLUNK! The caf¨¦ door opened, and a group of holy knights entered. "Why are holy knights suddenly here?" Ember''s murmur reached her ears. The holy knights, after briefly looking around the caf¨¦, spotted Elysis and began approaching quickly. "Are you Miss Elysis Desire?" One of the knights who stopped in front of her asked, his eyes shining. "Huh? Yes..." As Elysis answered, the knight''s face brightened even more as he bowed politely. "I''m Alphonse, a 3rd-ss holy knight of the Order of Light. Could you apany us to the Order for a moment, in your capacity as a Saintess candidate?" An elevated voice flowed from the knight''s mouth. * * * A smallke existed on the outskirts of Hubris, the empire''s capital. In a tiny caf¨¦ right next to thekeshore, Zion raised a teacup and looked out the window. SWOOSH! Raindrops fell gently from the cloudy, dark sky, creating soft ripples on theke''s surface. Zion preferred rainy days like this to sunny ones. It seemed easier to organize his thoughts on days like these. Add a cup of fragrant coffee to the mix, and it was perfect. "Ugh, it feels like my throat''s burning every time I drink it, but it''s strangely good. Why didn''t I know about this stuff earlier?" Beside Zion, Liushina kept gulping down a carbonated aide, eximing in admiration. Ever since she first tasted it at the Empire''s Founding Festival, she seemed addicted, always ordering carbonated drinks except for water. Perhaps curious about the taste of carbonation? CHIRP! The frost spirit, perched on Zion''s shoulder watching this scene, grabbed a straw and stuck it into Liushina''s aide cup before taking a sip. After a moment of silence, CHEEP! As if shocked, the frost spirit''s eyes widened, and it began pping its wings up and down rapidly. The spirit coughed and spluttered as if it had eaten something terrible. CHIRP! CHEEP CHEEP CHEEP! CHEEP! After coughing for a while, the spirit pointed at Liushina with its wingtip and began chirping usingly. As if understanding the spirit''s words, "How is that my fault? I didn''t tell you to drink it. You drank it on your own. I''ve always known you had a weird personality." Liushina spoke with a shameless expression, taking another sip of her aide. CHEEP CHEEP! "What? My personality is weirder? What''s that supposed to mean?" CHIRP CHIRP! "Oh yeah? Wanna ask? Master! Who do you think is weirder?" CHIRP! With those words, Liushina and the frost spirit''s heads turned to Zion simultaneously, as if on cue. Of course, from Zion''s perspective, they were both equally strange. "If you two keep making noise, I''ll make you fight it out in the rain." "......" As the two finally quieted down at his words, Zion raised his teacup again. The reason Zion was leisurely visiting this hidden caf¨¦ on the outskirts, despite the ''Tower of Causality'' appearing in the world, was simple. ''There''s no point in going now since I can''t enter anyway.'' Those who created the Tower of Causality, the world''s greatest dungeon, wanted as many beings as possible to enter. So they set a grace period for the tower''s opening. It would naturally open when adventurers and mages flocking to it had gathered some information about the tower and that information had spread widely throughout the world. Until then, it was better to rest a bit here or make other preparations rather than going there only to twiddle his thumbs. ''It shouldn''t take too long.'' Zion remembered that in the chronicles, the Tower of Causality opened exactly one week after it appeared in the world. ''It''d be nice if I could find this guy''sst piece before then.'' Zion thought as he looked at the frost spirit, still engaged in a silent battle of res with Liushina. The fragment of the Frost Queen''s authority would be crucial in the Tower of Causality he was about to enter. It was a key necessary for Zion to obtain what he wanted. ''It''s hard to expect to find anything more from Ouroboros.'' They had already lost three pieces to Zion himself, so they probably wouldn''t try hard to find the remaining one. Though he was trying other methods, like giving instructions to Tierrie and Aileen, it seemed difficult to find it in a short time. Information about the fragment''s location wasn''t even in the chronicles. The one fortunate thing was that the fragments could serve as keys even if they weren''t all gathered. ''Though it''ll be imperfect.'' Having organized his thoughts that far, Zion turned his head to look towards the imperial pce. If he headed to the Tower of Causality this time, he''d be away from the pce again, but Zion''s eyes showed no particr worry. He already held an overwhelming advantage in the session race due to the initiative he gained in the ''World Conference'' from subjugating the cmity, and the various forces and interests he had seized after defeating the Third Prince Enoch and Fourth Prince Utekan. If time passed without any special incidents, Zion himself would ascend to the throne. Rumors about this were already beginning to circte among the nobles. ''Of course, it''d be good to clean things up perfectly to prevent any noise before then.'' With that thought, Zion recalled the Second Princess Evelyn and Fifth Princess Diana. He had long since thought about how to handle these two. ''But Rubrious''s side...'' Just then, DING! The caf¨¦ door opened with a clear bell sound. And behind the open door, a figure in a robe appeared. Though there shouldn''t have been any more customers since they had rented out the entire caf¨¦, Zion''s eyes remained calm as he looked at the figure. ''Speak of the devil.'' After all, it was Zion himself who had called this person here. "I''ll have a cup of hot tea with warm milk." The figure approaching Zion spoke as he took off his robe. What was revealed underneath was sun-like golden hair and an iparably handsome face. It was the First Prince Rubrious. * * * "The tea tastes excellent. I didn''t know there was a ce in the capital that could make milk tea this good." In the caf¨¦, now empty except for the two of them, with even Liushina and the owner sent outside. Rubrious''s gentle voice flowed out as he tilted his teacup, briefly looking out at the rain-streaked window. "Zion, did you know that milk tea originated from our Order of Light? About 300 years ago..." "Tell me why you wanted to see me first. You should already know I don''t like small talk." Zion spoke, cutting off Rubrious''s unceasing words despite not having seen each other for a long time. Their eyes met. At that moment, the First Prince''s eyebrow twitched. He felt overwhelmed the instant he met Zion''s eyes. ''It wasn''t like this when I saw himst time...'' An immense pressure, iparable to before, emanated from Zion''snguid eyes. It felt like standing before thete emperor when he was alive. What on earth had happened in the meantime? Though questions welled up inside him, Rubrious suppressed them and got to the point. "...I heard you visited the headquarters in Lezero. I''ve been told everything that happened there. You really did something great. First, I''d like to thank you again on behalf of the Order." When Rubrious first heard about it from the Order, he couldn''t hide his surprise. From being designated by the Light to weeding out the demons hiding in the Order and recapturing the seal sites. All of it was enough to shake the entire Order. So he wanted to discuss each point in detail for hours, but Rubrious first mentioned what he thought was most important and the reason he had sought out Zion. "I heard you exposed and dealt with all the demons hiding in the headquarters." "That''s right." "Then perhaps... Zion, did you know that demons were hiding not just in the Order of Light, but also in the imperial pce?" Though he asked, Rubrious was certain Zion knew. It was the only way to exin everything that had happened so far. No, perhaps his youngest brother was already waging a war against them beneath the surface. Zion, looking at the First Prince calmly, spoke in aposed tone. "What if I did?" "...!" Rubrious''s face froze at Zion''s answer. "Then tell me. Everything you know." The First Prince was fully aware. Of how serious this situation was. It could potentially overturn the entire empire. Moreover, he couldn''t tolerate the very fact that demonic beings were residing in an empire that should be filled only with the holy will of the Light. Thus, for Rubrious, this matter was more important than anything else. "I will, but on one condition." "What is it?" As Rubrious asked with questioning eyes, "Give up the throne, and serve under me." The words Rubrious had once said to Zion at thete emperor''s funeral. Now those same words flowed from Zion''s mouth in a low voice. 159 - Ambush (2) 159 - Ambush (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 159, Chapter 44: Ambush (2) It was an incredibly sudden and truly groundbreaking statement, but Zion thought it was worth a try. ''The Pope also said there''s a possibility Rubrious might give up thepetition on his own.'' The reason for thinking this was simple. If the First Prince had heard everything about what happened in Lezero and the Order of Light''s headquarters without any omissions, he must have also heard that Zion was designated by Luminous and experienced a descent.If so, it must have had a tremendous impact on him, an even greater fanatic than the Pope. Though it differed from the truth, at least on the surface, there had never been anyone in history who received this much attention from the Light. By Rubrious''s standards, Zion might be the most suitable person to ascend to the throne as God''s representative and spread the will of the Light throughout the world. Though he probably wouldn''t show it outwardly, he must be extremely conflicted inside. In fact, "......" Rubrious remained silent in response to Zion''s words, not immediately refusing. His eyes lookedplex. How long did the silencest? "I can''t answer that right away." A much lower voice flowed from the First Prince''s mouth. As Zion had thought, Rubrious was hesitating. His biggest goal in ascending to the throne was to make the Order of Light the state religion of the empire, ensuring all citizens worshipped Luminous. If what he heard from the headquarters was true, it might be right for Zion to ascend, but he couldn''t be sure if Zion as emperor would spread the Light''s will as he would. Moreover, the deeply rooted thought that only he was suitable for the throne still persisted in his mind. "...I''ll think about it, but I''d like to discuss this againter." With various thoughts swirling and colliding in his mind, this was all he could say. "I believe it won''t take too long." Zion nodded with a slight smile, as if seeing through Rubrious''s mind. He hadn''t expected him to ept such a proposal right away from the start. For now, just knowing the First Prince''s thoughts was a good enough result. "How much do you know?" Zion took a sip from his teacup and asked in a low voice. "About what?" "About the demons hiding around." "...All I know is about the demons revealed in the Order of Light this time and a few hiding in the Order''s branch within the imperial pce. But I do know there are far more that haven''t been exposed." At first, it was just a guess, but after therge-scale discovery of demons in the Order of Light, it turned into certainty. If the Order of Light was like this, then undoubtedly they had taken even deeper root in the imperial pce, which was essentially the heart of the empire. "And I think Enoch and Utekan, whose lives you took, and even the Ascalon family are rted to the demon realm... Am I right?" "You know quite a bit, don''t you?" Zion grinned at Rubrious and snapped his fingers. Then, CRACK! The water vapor in the air froze, creating arge ice sheet. What appeared on this ice sheet was a map showing the entire empire. "The ck marks indicate ces touched by the demon realm." As he spoke, a ck dot made of darkness stained the imperial pce area of the map ck. Using that as a starting point, ck dots began to appear continuously on the map. The Ascalon family, the Ozlima family, the five great families surrounding the imperial pce, and even the Order of Light. ''As expected...'' Up to this point, Rubrious''s eyes showed that he had anticipated this. It would have been stranger if they hadn''t touched the other five great families after getting their hands on the Ascalon family. But soon after, the First Prince''s eyes began to fill with surprise. The speed at which the ck dots appeared didn''t slow down at all. POP POP POP POP! The ck dots spread instantly beyond the capital to the entire empire. "...!" As if that wasn''t enough, the ck dots finally stopped spreading only after covering even the three outer territories like the Giant Colony, Fairy Forest, and Beast Sea. No, it wasn''t appropriate to say they stopped. The entire map was already stained ck. "......" Rubrious stared nkly at the map with a shocked expression. He knew it was serious, but he never imagined it would be to this extent. It was at a level where it wouldn''t be strange if the entire empire fell to the demon realm right now. Of course, it was just marking ces they had touched, notplete domination, but even so, this was beyondprehension. ''What kind of battle have you been fighting all this time...'' With that thought, Rubrious looked at Zion with eyes full of astonishment. Whether aware of his thoughts or not, Zion erased the floating ice map with a still calm face. Though it was the first time he revealed this fact he had thoroughly hidden to another member of the royal family, there was no agitation in Zion''s eyes. Zion had always thought that if there was one person among the royal family to who he could reveal this fact, it would be Rubrious. The reason was simple. ''Rubrious is such a fanatic that it''s rumored throughout the empire.'' Which meant he had dedicated his entire being to the God of Light, Luminous. Therefore, there was no possibility that he had been seduced by the demon realm. Moreover, he was the only royal family member in the chronicles who had no demons among his close associates. He just hadn''t revealed it until now because there was a greater possibility of him bing an enemy. "...Zion, about what you said earlier." After looking at Zion with wavering eyes for a moment, Rubrious slowly opened his mouth as if he had made a decision. "My answer hasn''t changed about not being able to give you an immediate response, but one thing has changed in my mind." "What is it?" "Regarding matters rted to the demons that have infiltrated the empire, I''ll not only cooperate but follow your opinionpletely." It was a statement that didn''t match his usual nature of always taking the lead and reigning over everything, but that''s how seriously he viewed this situation. "Do as you like." As Zion smirked at the First Prince''s words and put down his empty teacup, "By the way, Zion." A cold voice, different from before, flowed from Rubrious''s mouth. "Are those outside your guests?" Words with an iprehensible meaning. Currently, there was no one outside the caf¨¦. Liushina had already been sent back to the imperial pce, and the caf¨¦ owner had been sent home as well. The only sight visible through the window was theke, its surface constantly rippling from the steadily falling rain. "I thought they were guests looking for you, but they''re not?" But Zion asked back naturally, as if understanding those words. "If they''re not guests for either of us, there''s only one possibility left." Enemies. At that moment, WHOOSH! The speed of the rain visible through the window noticeably slowed for an instant. Raindrops falling slowly, as if time itself had slowed down. As Rubrious was about to rise from his seat at this strange phenomenon, BOOM! The raindrops, almost suspended in mid-air, all turned ck and swelled up before causing a tremendous explosion. The caf¨¦ building disappeared without a trace in this monstrous explosion, and theke shook violently, spilling water. Before theke''s vibrations subsided, SWISH- Dozens of monstrous beings with purple skin and human-like forms appeared out of thin air. tant demonic energy flowed from their bodies without restraint. "Finish them offpletely." As a cold voice flowed from the mouth of the one who seemed to be their leader, no, the demon, WHOOSH! Some of them dashed towards the center of the explosion, where dust was still thickly rising. Their movements were extremely swift and systematic. Just as their formspletely disappeared into the dust cloud, A moment of silence. Then, FWOOSH! A pure white light explosion burst forth from inside. BOOM! As the light subsided, the demons who had entered the dust cloud were thrown out, their bodies charred beyond recognition. "Damn demon vermin, how dare you..." A low mutter was heard from within the dust cloud. Along with it, Rubrious walked out slowly with an arrogant gaze, wrapped in holy mes as bright as sunlight. His appearance was overwhelmingly impressive, enough to make one''s entire body tremble at the sight. "All-out attack." Despite seeing this sight, the demons maintained theirposure and rushed towards the First Prince all at once at their leader''smand. But at that moment, "You shouldn''t just look that way." Along with anguid voice from behind, SLASH! Thin lines appeared on the necks of five or six nearby demons. Their heads, separated from their bodies along those lines, fell helplessly to the ground. THUD THUD THUD! As the demons'' heads hit the ground, the owner of the voice slowly revealed himself behind them. A man smiling at the demons, surrounded by ominous darkness. It was Zion. SCREECH! Were they unshocked by the sudden death of theirrades? The two demons closest to him swung their transformed arms at Zion without a moment''s hesitation. An attack that upied all space above and below, leaving no room to dodge. Just as these attacks were about to touch Zion''s body, TAP. Zion''s outstretched foot lightly touched the attacking from below. The demon''s arm, its path altered, shot upwards and, CRASH! Collided with the other demon''s arm, creating a loud noise. While the two demons'' arms were locked, POP POP! The ck Star, not missing this gap, immediately burst their heads. Before the headless demon corpses could fall to the ground, Zion''s form dashed towards the other demons. Hundreds of ck dots appeared around Zion, then, POP POP POP POP! They scattered and shot in all directions. The ck dots embedded themselves in the demons'' bodies without a single miss. BOOM! As if that wasn''t enough, these ck dots exploded, erasing the demons'' bodies without leaving a trace. Arge empty space formed around Zion as a result. "First, restrain him so he can''t move!" Perhaps because nearly a third of their forces had vanished in an instant? For the first time, an urgent cry filled with desperation burst from the mouth of the demon leadermanding the battle. Slow down, be crushed, be blinded. Following these words, the demons, keeping their distance, began to pour out all sorts of curses towards Zion. The numerous status effect spells activated by this seemed to suppress Zion''s body for a moment, but then, Soul Extinction Stage 2. Soul Extinction Armor. The darkness enveloping Zion''s entire body like smoke transformed into armor-like shapes, then began to burn madly, consuming all those spells. Along with this, the Dragon Rage Spear was grasped in Zion''s right hand, absorbing all the light around it. Agdravar began to vibrate furiously, then, Dark Thunder. CRACKLE! As Zion swung it, dozens of streaks of ck lightning poured out from its trajectory. The demons, unable to properly perceive the lightning shooting at the speed of light, were pierced and annihted without even being able to scream. "Why is it like this..." For the first time, fear appeared in the eyes of the remaining demons watching this scene. They were elites. Elites ranking in the top five among the newly dispatched troops from the demon realm. ''He said we would surely be able to handle them...'' But they never dreamed they would be overwhelmed so decisively. CRASH! All the attacks theyunched were either blocked or deflected, while their opponent''s attacks all struck their important points. Moreover, the bigger problem was that there wasn''t just one such opponent. On the other side, BOOM! The golden-haired man, his entire body d in armor of light, was shooting streams of holy power in all directions, carrying out a massacre at almost the same speed. The number of demons rapidly decreased as a result. As bewilderment appeared on the demons'' faces, ''Something''s different.'' Zion thought as he pierced the hearts of three demons rushing at him from the side with a single strike. He had experienced numerous ambushes before, but this one was different in nature from the others. From carrying out an attack without hiding their demonic energy in the capital, even if it was on the outskirts, to the boldness of targeting two royal family members simultaneously. It didn''t match at all with their previous behavior of moving as stealthily as possible unless they were certain. ''But they''re too weak inparison.'' It wasn''t that the attacking demons themselves were weak. On the contrary, they were among the strongest and most well-trained. They just weren''t enough to face Zion himself. There was only one reason why the demon realm, which had a fair estimate of his power, would send such inadequate beings. And that too when the First Prince, who possessed power simr to Evelyn''s even if he wasn''t included among the ''Seven Heavens'', was present. ''They must be disposable pieces from the start.'' While there could be various reasons, the probability was high that the mastermind, or at least a link to the mastermind, was nearby. They wouldn''t waste such pieces meaninglessly. SWISH SWISH SWISH SWISH- The ck Star, secretly extending from Zion''s entire body as he continued to ughter demons, began to spread in all directions, riding the darkness in the rain. Along with this, Zion''s senses rapidly expanded. Then, "Found it." Zion''s eyes emitted a cold light. 160 - Ambush (3) 160 - Ambush (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 160, Chapter 44: Ambush (3) On a hill far from where Zion and Rubrious were fighting, "He''s gotten even stronger in the meantime..." Serkia, one of the Five Great Demon Generals and the Half-Demon General, muttered as she watched the battle with a pale expression. The demon unit currently battling Zion Agnes was called the ''Purple Death''.It was a unitposed solely of numerous high-ranking demons and mid-ranking demons who had nearly reached the high rank, widely renowned even in the demon realm for their elite status. Yet seeing such an elite unit being so helplessly overwhelmed was truly surreal. ''How on earth can someone grow so quickly?'' It was an iprehensible scene. But what Serkia found even more iprehensible was something else. ''Why are they wasting the Purple Death like this?'' Although she hadn''t expected the gap to be thisrge, she had known from the start that they alone couldn''t handle Zion Agnes. Yet sending them without any special preparation was something she just couldn''t understand. However, there was nothing Serkia could do about it. Themand for this operation wasn''t hers, but someone else''s. "Wow~ He''s really strong, isn''t he? At this rate, he might be on par with the ''Seven Heavens'', said to be the strongest among humans?" Next to Serkia, a man with slit eyes and two horns eximed yfully. He was the mastermind behind this situation. Though Serkia desperately wanted to question him about this operation, her mouth wouldn''t open. Or rather, she couldn''t. Because the man''s position was even higher than hers, one of the Five Great Demon Generals. The man''s name was Hiseller. He was one of the ''Six ws'', existing just below the Four Great Demons in the demon realm, and had been newly dispatched to eliminate Zion Agnes. "Is that Zion Agnes?" Hiseller asked Serkia without taking his eyes off the battle. "...Yes, it is." "This is going to be fun. Really, really fun." The demon''s eyes gleamed with expectation and excitement. Hiseller was genuinely delighted by Zion Agnes''s power, which seemed even stronger than he had anticipated. He was the type who felt deeper pleasure the stronger his opponent was, and the more thoroughly he could trample such an opponent. Just then, "But... what''s with that expression? It''s clearly a face dissatisfied with what I''m doing." Hiseller asked, turning his gaze briefly towards Serkia. "It''s nothing." "Nothing? Come on. Honestly, you''re not happy about sacrificing demons who''ve made quite a name for themselves in the demon realm for what''s not even a proper ambush, right?" Perhaps because he had already read her mindpletely? "......" Serkia remained silent, no longer making excuses. "Well, I understand. To be honest, I find it a bit of a waste too. But you know what? You guys said it yourselves. This Zion Agnes isn''t someone to be taken lightly. After all, two of the Five Great Demon Generals were defeated by him." Hiseller continued, smiling like a snake at Serkia. "Throwing in half-baked forces against someone like that would just result in total annihtion without learning anything. Isn''t it better to deploy elites and gather solid information?" There were some political reasons mixed in as well, but Hiseller didn''t bother to mention them. He had no need to exin every detail to Serkia, his subordinate. "......" A chilled light flickered deep in Serkia''s eyes at Hiseller''s words, which seemed to treat not just humans but even fellow demons as expendable. Though she acknowledged his skills, he was someone whose naturepletely shed with hers. ''Why on earth did the demon realm send someone like this...'' Shaking her head inwardly, Serkia shifted her gaze back to where Zion Agnes was, following Hiseller who had already turned his head. The battle was nearing its end. BOOM! shing light, surging demonic energy, and darkness enveloping it all. Amidst this, the number of demons was rapidly decreasing, now down to single digits. Just then, "...Huh?" Suddenly, a question flickered in Serkia''s eyes as she watched the battle. The eyes of Zion Agnes, who was ruthlessly ughtering demons while wrapped in darkness. For a moment, those characteristicallynguid eyes met Serkia''s own. It should have been impossible. First, they were so far away that they appeared as mere dots, and they were hidden behind multipleyers of barriers with their presencepletely concealed. ''Was it my imagination?'' As Serkia tilted her head in confusion, "Did he actually detect us?" Hiseller''s voice, tinged with slight surprise, reached her ears. "Looks like we need to prepare." "Huh? What preparations all of a sudden..." "Preparations to run away. I don''t intend to fight today." "!!!!!!!" Serkia''s eyes, which had been filled with confusion at his iprehensible words, began to shake violently as she saw something. The battlefield where all demons had been annihted and the fight had ended. But that wasn''t why Serkia''s eyes were shaking. SWOOSH! Zion Agnes. His form was shooting directly towards them. Darkness scattered behind him, and the air tore apart from his insane speed. "H-How...!" A voice filled with bewilderment burst from Serkia''s mouth. Even though he was still far away, the terrifying pressure emanating from him began to heavily weigh down on her entire body. As if telling her to stay put and wait. Though she had never faced him directly, was it because they had been defeated countless times before? Serkia stepped back, losing her will to fight, her eyes filled with fear. "What a shame, not being able to taste that power today." But unlike Serkia, Hiseller grinned as if enjoying the pressure and shed his hand downward through the air. CRACK! Following his hand, the split space transformed into a passage leading elsewhere. "Well then, let''s meet again next time." With those final words, looking at Zion, Hiseller stepped into the passage. Serkia hurriedly pushed herself into the passage after him. ''It''s already toote.'' Zion''s eyes grew cold as he watched this scene. Though he was moving almost as if folding space, the distance was too great. It would probably be impossible to reach there in time. If so... ''I should at least give them a grand farewell.'' Having made up his mind, Zion pulled his right arm back like a bow without slowing down. CRUNCH! Darkness from the surroundings gathered in Zion''s hand, beginning to form a shape. Space contracted and the air trembled. Finally, the darkness took theplete form of a spear. The moment the vibrations of space and air reached their peak, ---------------! As Zion''s spear shot forward, a single line was drawn in the world along its trajectory. The spear forced open the alreadypletely closed passage, burrowing into the gap between spaces. CRACKLE! Btedly, a shockwave generated where Zion''s spear had passed tore through the surrounding air and spread out. The ground shook and rainwater burst apart as a result. How long did the aftereffects continue? "Sneaky little rats." Rubrious, who had approached Zion''s side as the vibrations gradually subsided, spoke. "Will it be difficult to track them?" Even as he asked Zion this, he knew it was impossible. The enemies had disappeared through space from a distance so far that their faces couldn''t even be recognized. There was no way they could be tracked. But the words that flowed from Zion''s mouth were slightly different from Rubrious''s expectations. "We''ll see." Words filled with possibility. Zion''s eyes were fixed on the thread of dark chaos connected beyond the closed space, clinging to the spear he had justunched. * * * In an empty lot on the outskirts of Hubris, opposite to where Zion was. CRACK! The air in the empty lot split open, and two demons jumped out. It was Hiseller and Serkia. "Ugh...!" Unlike Serkia, who took a deep breath and tried to calm herself as soon as she emerged, what burst from Hiseller''s mouth was an exmation. His skin stood up in goosebumps, as if chicken skin had formed. This was caused by Zion Agnes. The terrifying presence felt from the approaching Zion Agnes. That presence and ominousness were so immense that even Hiseller, who had seen numerous powerful beings in the demon realm, had rarely experienced anything like it. ''To think there was someone with such an aura among humans.'' That''s why he felt even more regretful. For retreating without properly engaging today. "I should have stayed and fought a bit..." Before Hiseller could finish his words, There was no warning. CRACKLE! A ck spear tore through thepletely closed passage in an instant, simultaneously piercing Serkia''s chest and Hiseller''s right arm. It happened at a speed that the two demons could barely even perceive. Had her heart beenpletely shattered? "Kugh... Kuugh!" Serkia copsed, spewing bloody foam. "......" Hiseller stared nkly at her, hispletely shattered right arm, and the spear that caused it, as if trying to grasp the situation. After a moment of silence, "Kihi... Kyahahahaha!" Suddenly, a great burst ofughter erupted from his mouth. Hisellerughed endlessly, as if he couldn''t contain his joy. "Now this is one hell of a guy!" How long did heugh like that? "Zion Agnes." Finally, Hiseller stoppedughing and Zion''s name flowed from his mouth. As if trying to engrave that name in his mind. The demon''s eyes gleamed with ecstasy and killing intent. * * * The Tower of Causality. Zion''s prediction about it was spot on. A week after the Tower of Causality first appeared, news that the tower''s doors had opened hit the entire empire. As a result, the Tower of Causality was now one of the hottest topics in the empire, and countless people were flocking to it. Of course, nothing was known for certain about the tower''s true nature. But the fact that it was the world''s greatest dungeon was enough to excite people. Dungeons always contained treasures, and their value increased with size and danger level. At midnight on the day the tower opened, "Are you really going alone this time too?" Tierrie asked Zion with a worried face in the outskirts of the imperial pce, bathed in soft moonlight. "Yes." Zion nodded briefly in response. This task also required him to hide his identity, so there was no one he could particrly bring along. While Liushina could change her appearance, the uniqueness of her power was too strong, and there was little point in bringing Lucas and the Twilight Sword Squad. ''They''ll all scatter the moment we enter the tower anyway.'' ording to the chronicles Zion remembered, the test on the first floor of the Tower of Causality was conducted individually. "Wouldn''t it be better to at least take some attendants?" Tierrie again suggested taking people along, unlike his usual self who would acquiesce after a single word. Zion knew why Tierrie was acting this way. ''It must be because of the demon attackst time.'' Although it had ended in failure and Zion hade out unscathed, Tierrie had been putting even more effort into securing the surroundings since then. An attack that happened once could happen again at any time. Moreover, they still hadn''t found the demons who led that attack. ''Although those guys are connected by the thread of dark chaos...'' Was it because it was connected across space? The thread had been strangely deformed in the process, making it difficult to track in the short term. It seemed he would have to finish that after returning from the Tower of Causality. This was more important for now. "No, I''ll go alone. If I really need help, I can use the Eye of the Moon there." "...I understand. Please be careful." Tierrie bowed his head without further suggestion. "Return safely, Prince Zion." Sir Fredo, the old knight standing next to Tierrie, also bowed his head to see Zion off. Liushina and Lucas weren''t there. Zion had left without telling them, knowing they would strongly object if he said he was leaving them behind again. With their farewells behind him, Zion slowly left the imperial pce. SWISH- The darkness around Zion began to ripple quietly in sync with his steps. The Light-Extinguishing Sword Eksia. Following Chronos''s five questions, it was the third divine artifact Zion himself needed to obtain. That divine artifact was in the Tower of Causality. 161 - The Tower of Causality (1) 161 - The Tower of Causality (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 161, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (1) Chimseong Pce, after Zion''s departure. "This is too much!" A high-pitched cry erupted from the study in the pce. Of course, the source of this outcry was Liushina."Did he leave me behind again? And secretly at that?" The witch paced around the study,ining with eyes narrowed in anger. True,st time she hadn''t been too upset since she had her own work to do and there wasn''t much progress anyway. But this time waspletely different. "Don''t you think the master went too far this time?" Liushina thrust her face towards Tierrie, who was calmly handling official duties beside her, seemingly used to such scenes. "He didn''t take anyone with him, not just you, Lady Lina." "He took Chirpy!" "......" Tierrie fell silent at those words, not responding. It wasn''t that he had nothing to say in rebuttal, but he figured any words would be useless if she feltpetitive even with a spirit that wasn''t human. "I''m sure he had his reasons, so let it go. After all, hasn''t everything His Highness has done so far had a proper reason?" Sir Fredo, who had just entered the study, said good-naturedly as he handed tea to her and Tierrie. "He said he''d let me kill more than I could imagine... The master''s feelings have changed..." After sulking for a moment with those words, Liushina suddenly brightened up and raised her head. "In that case, I''ll just have to create opportunities to kill a lot myself." "What? What do you mean all of a sudden?" Tierrie''s face filled with confusion at this iprehensible mumbling. "You know those guys who attacked the masterst time? You said there was a woman in a capital uniform among them, right?" She asked, facing Tierrie. "Yes, that''s correct." Tierrie''s expression hardened slightly as he nodded. Based on the information from Zion and the First Prince, they had figured out that the woman was one of the demons hiding in the imperial pce and held quite a high position, but they were having trouble tracking her location. They had been thoroughly searching the entire capital and nearby cities using almost all their shadows, but it was as if she had vanished without a trace. So the current situation was quite frustrating. Liushina grinned at the shadow leader and said, "I think I might know that woman." "Really? Are you sure?" "Yeah, I think I might even be able to find her location." As the witch answered Tierrie''s question, a blood-red aura was already swirling in her eyes. * * * As dawn slowly broke, "...This is no joke." A voice tinged with awe flowed from Rain Dranir''s mouth, once one of the Northern Seven Ouws and now apanion of the hero. Before her stood a tower so tall it pierced the clouds, its top invisible. The tower exuded such grandeur that calling it merely enormous would fall short. This tower was none other than the ''Tower of Causality'', the world''s greatest dungeon that had appeared not long ago. But it wasn''t the tower that made Rain''s eyes widen. "Are you saying all these people are ourpetitors?" The endless stream of people gathering around the tower. The sheer number of people, reminiscent of an ant colony, evoked such a reaction from her. What was even more surprising was that these weren''t ordinary people, but all skilled individuals of a certain level or above. Among them were numerous powerful figures so famous that their names could be recognized just by their faces. Top-tier dungeon exploration teams, tinum-grade and above mercenaries, adventurers who had explored the entire continent, and more. "Looks like even getting in might be tough?" As Rain muttered while looking around, "L-Look, it''s the Blood Sword!" People around her began to stir. At the end of their gazes was a middle-aged man with a cold expression, carrying a sword as red as blood at his waist. Rain''s eyes also lit up as she spotted the man. ''Blood Sword Lee Un-gang.'' He was one of the ''Twelve Seas'', the group of powerful individuals just below the ''Seven Heavens'', and a swordsman from the Beast Sea. In terms of swordsmanship alone, he was easily among the top five in the entire empire. As if the Blood Sword''s appearance was a signal, "The Storm King is over there too!" "And the Steel Soul on the opposite side!" Other members of the ''Twelve Seas'' began to appear one after another. The area around the tower grew even more chaotic as people eximed in surprise. "Is what''s inside that tower really that amazing?" Rain muttered questioningly as she observed the ''Twelve Seas'' for a moment. "I didn''t expect them to move so soon." These were some of the strongest individuals in the entire empire. Of course, above them were the ''Seven Heavens'', but except for one or two, they all held high positions as leaders of massive organizations or equivalent status, making it difficult for them to move freely. So it wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that these were the strongest individuals currently able to act. "Are you scared?" Turzan grinned as he asked Rain beside him. Though he was one of the ''Seven Heavens'', he was rarely seen outside the ''Sky Mountain'', so no one recognized him. "No way." Rain smiled back at the giant as she answered. Indeed, there was no fear or bewilderment in her eyes. "The tower will open soon." Just then, the silver-haired woman who had been looking at the sky spoke up. Three days ago, the Tower of Causality had revealed its interior, but it wasn''t open all day. The tower only opened for a few minutes at dawn each day. Because the time was so short, they needed to move quickly. That''s why other people had gathered around the tower in advance as well. "Did you memorize all the trial details I told you about?" The woman''s question followed, and "Of course." "I''ve got it down pat, so you can stop asking." As Turzan and Rain answered, RUMBLE! The ground began to shake with a tremendous roar. And slowly, The massive stone door firmly blocking the tower''s entrance began to rise. "It''s open!" "Enter inside!" With that, people''s forms shot towards the tower. Not everyone moved. Since nothing was known for certain about the tower, there were also those who wanted to wait and observe a bit longer. They watched those heading towards the tower with various thoughts in their eyes. RAT-TAT-TAT! Living up to their reputation? The powerful ''Twelve Seas'' members quickly pushed to the front and disappeared into the tower in an instant. Other people also began to rapidly enter the dungeon following them. "Then I''ll see youter." Since there was no need to enter quickly, the silver-haired woman, who was near the end, briefly greeted Turzan and Rain before pushing her way into the entrance. "Don''t bete." Turzan''s form immediately vanished after the woman. Finally, as Rain also took a step into the tower filled with pitch-ck darkness, "...Huh?" Her eyes wavered as she spotted someone. A man who had just entered the tower from the opposite end of the entrance where she was. ''Zion... Harness?'' Jet-ck hair and eyes, and a face with that characteristic indifference. She knew it the moment she saw him. She had never forgotten him, not even once. The man she had so desperately wanted to meet again. As Rain unconsciously reached out towards him, WHOOSH! The tower''s darknesspletely swallowed her. * * * The moment he stepped into the tower, darknesspletely obscured Zion''s vision. How much time had passed since then? Zion looked at the huge walls revealed beyond the gradually clearing darkness. ''Has it begun?'' A slight curve appeared on Zion''s lips at the initial scenery, exactly as described in the chronicles. Fortunately, it seemed the changed future hadn''t affected the Tower of Causality. Just then, -Wee to the Tower of Causality. A stiff female voice reached Zion''s ears. -You are a 4th generation challenger. A voice without inflection. Zion knew the identity of this voice. ''Trial Helper.'' It was a being that helped those who entered the Tower of Causality focus solely on oveing trials and ascending to the next floor. An artificially created spirit, not born naturally. The reason for the existence of these ''Trial Helpers'' was simple. ''The Tower of Causality is different from other dungeons.'' While ordinary dungeons were created to protect treasures, the Tower of Causality was created to give treasures. It was a dungeon with a bizarre nature unlike any other, but understanding its origin made this natural. ''The final means of support created by gods and ancient dragons working together to prepare for the world''s end.'' The gods desired, more than anyone else, for this world not to perish. So they devised the Tower of Causality as a way to help humans while minimizing causality as much as possible. By giving rewards in exchange for trials, they could reduce the consumption of causality that much. ''In other words, the more difficult the trial ovee, the greater the reward.'' As Zion organized his thoughts, the ''Trial Helper''s'' voice continued. -There are trials on each floor of the tower, and you will be awarded points differentially based on your performance and contribution each time you ovee a trial. -Points umte, and the higher your score, the better rewards you can obtain. -The trial on the first floor is the Labyrinth of Anguish. Please clear it as quickly as possible to earn a high score. An extremely simple exnation. "......" Zion stared nkly at the huge maze before him. This trial called the ''Labyrinth of Anguish'' wasn''t too difficult, befitting the very first trial. It simply ended once you cleared the maze while dealing with monsters that appeared here and there. ''The issue is how quickly you can clear it.'' In the chronicles, the hero discovered a sort of shortcut, cleared the maze first, and obtained the highest score. Though he knew that shortcut from reading the chronicles, Zion had no intention of taking that path. ''The hero will take the shortcut too.'' Zion was aware that the hero''s party had entered the Tower of Causality along with him. If the hero had truly regressed as Luminous said, not only she but herpanions would also know about that shortcut. So there was no point in trying to gain a definite advantage that way. "Besides, there''s no need to go that way when there''s an even faster route." With those words, Zion reached out and lightly grasped the air. SWISH- As if it had been waiting, Eksia settled into his hand. Zion briefly observed the Light-Extinguishing Sword that appeared in itsplete form from the start, then slightly twisted the wrist holding the sword. SCREECH! At that moment, the darkness enveloping Eksia began to rotate around the de, absorbing all the surrounding energy and converting it into darkness. Along with this, Eksia, more efficient than Agdravar when it came to the ck Star, endlessly amplified that darkness. RUMBLE! The de trembled from repeatedpression and amplification. This trembling was closer to anticipation for the first strike with aplete body rather than a scream of being unable to withstand the power. Feeling the trembling transmitted even to his hand, Zion pulled Eksia back. Simultaneously, a natural partial eclipse with 2 oveps urred. In truth, there was no path faster than the hero''s shortcut in this maze. But, "If there isn''t one, I''ll just have to make one." Zion''s eyes curved. As if sensing something ominous? -Please refrain from inappropriate actions. -Please refrain from inappropriate actions. The Trial Helper''s voice btedly rang in Zion''s ears repeatedly, but It was already toote. Eksia, having finally formed another perfect de, was slowly extended forward. TAP. The moment the tip of the Light-Extinguishing Sword lightly touched the maze wall, CRACKLE! A streak of ck lightning originating from the sword''s tip split all the walls in a straight line. 162 - The Tower of Causality (2) 162 - The Tower of Causality (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 162, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (2) SCREECH! Golden w Gnolls, considered the top-tier among gnolls, charged towards the silver-haired woman in a systematic formation. RAT-TAT-TAT! The woman rushed towards the gnolls, holding her sword against her left side.As the gnolls, who had instantly reached her, swung their weapons, The woman''s sword shed horizontally with a light touch. But the scene that followed was anything but light. CRACKLE! A silver sh of light, following the trajectory of the woman''s sword, cut through all the charging Golden w Gnolls at once. As if that wasn''t enough, the sh continued on, even splitting the maze walls. The woman''s form, having dealt with all the attacking monsters, instantly reached the end of the maze. -You have passed the trial of the first floor. The Trial Helper''s voice rang in the woman''s ears. ''I cleared it almost in a straight line.'' A satisfied light gleamed in the woman''s eyes. She had passed through the maze faster than expected. There were two ways to clear the ''Labyrinth of Anguish'', the trial of the Tower of Causality''s first floor. The first was to follow the standard route, dealing with normal monsters along the way. The second was to find a hidden shortcut and break through while dealing with the stronger monsters in between. Of course, the woman had chosen the second method. Even the stronger monsters weren''t much of a challenge, given that this was just the first floor''s trial. ''This should definitely put me in first ce.'' The woman lightly shook her sword, waiting for the ranking announcement. There was a reason she was so intent on getting first ce. The highest-grade reward given only to the person who scored the highest among those climbing the Tower of Causality. The woman had entered the tower aiming for that reward from the start. ''Originally, I should aim for the special reward above that, but...'' That was already out of reach. To obtain the special reward, she needed a fragment of the Frost Queen''s authority. That''s why she had previously sought out Ouroboros to get the fragment, but someone had already taken them all. So now she had to settle for the highest-grade reward as an alternative. ''To do that, I need to gain the upper hand from the first floor.'' With that thought, just as the woman was about to take a step, -You have passed in 2nd ce. You will receive 10 basic points and 9 additional points based on your ranking. The Trial Helper''s voice reached her ears. "...What?" The woman''s eyes filled with bewilderment. * * * -You have passed in 1st ce. You will receive 10 basic points and 10 additional points based on your ranking. The artificial spirit''s voice rang in his ears. Zion nced back as he heard this voice. What he saw was the maze walls shattered in a straight line along the path he had taken. ''Well, they didn''t say not to break anything at the start.'' He had ignored the Trial Helper''s bted warnings to stop as he swung his sword, but it seemed they still acknowledged it. After all, breaking walls was also a participant''s ability. ''Not bad.'' Zion thought as he looked at Exia in his right hand. Was it because he hadn''t used it in a while? The abilities of thepleted Light-Extinguishing Sword exceeded even Zion''s expectations. Not only had its stability and fine control noticeably improved, but what was more surprising was its efficiency in amplifying the ck Star. It was almost twice as effectivepared to before. If Exia hadn''t beenplete, it probably would have been difficult to pierce through the maze walls all the way to the end with that single strike, even with the partial eclipse double ovep. ''It''s a shame I won''t be able to use it on the second floor.'' Just as Zion was about to send Exia back, WHOOSH! The darkness he had seen when entering the tower once again obscured his vision. As that darkness lifted, it revealed a not-toorge cavern,pletely different from before. Along with this, -You have entered the trial of the second floor. The Trial Helper''s cold voice continued to ring in Zion''s ears. -Work together with other participants to defeat two boss monsters. -The types of monsters are random. -Points will be awarded differentially based on contribution and ability to handle special situations. -The trial will begin immediately. No sooner had that voice ended than, WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! People who had passed the first floor''s maze began to be summoned around Zion. The additional people who appeared totaled four. ''This is getting interesting.'' Zion smiled slightly as he spotted Rain Dranir among them, staring at him with wide eyes. It seemed like a good opportunity to see how much stronger she had bepared to before. ''But first, I need to sort things out.'' As Zion recalled the Trial Helper''sst words, "It looks like the five of us will have to clear the second floor together." The giant with an impressive bald head covered in tattoos spoke up, having finished his assessment of the situation. "Then shall we start with introductions? My name is Deshawn. You''ve probably heard of me at least once. I passed the first floor in 14th ce." Deshawn Weiss. Despite his warrior-like appearance, he was a sorcerer of outstanding skill, renowned in the southern part of the empire. Perhaps because his skills backed him up? His eyes naturally held a look that seemed to look down on others. "I-I''m... Da. I''m a priestess serving the Earth God. I''m not much, but I can use healing and support spells." Following Deshawn''s words, a woman with earth-colored hair and a fragile impression introduced herself in a small voice. But her voice trailed off after that. "Well, since the rest don''t seem inclined to reveal anything, let''s get straight to the point." Deshawn shrugged and spoke again. "ording to the voice we heard, the trial of the second floor is for us to work together to catch two boss monsters. Those monsters probably exist beyond that door." Deshawn pointed to a massive door on one side of the cavern. "There''s no way to know what kind of monsters are in there anyway, and we''d just be wasting time standing here, so I''d like to go in soon." Just as Deshawn was about to step towards the door with those words, "Do you have no thoughts at all?" A cold-looking fairy, hugging a longsword to her chest, who had been quietly watching, spoke up. "What? What did you just say?" The sorcerer turned towards the fairy, his eyebrow twitching. "I said you have no thoughts. Trying to rush in without any preparation. Do you have multiple lives or something?" "Then do you have a way to figure out what monsters are behind that door?" "No, I don''t. But I do have enough brains to assess the strength of the people here and arrange a formation before going in." The fairy answered cynically, meeting Deshawn''s eyes directly. "Ha, what assessment! You won''t even reveal your name." "That''s because of your attitude that seems to look down on others." "Um, please calm down first..." Da, the Earth God''s priestess, tried to mediate between the two, but to no avail. "Just because of such a reason!" "Of course, I also don''t like you trying to take charge of the situation. Did you think I wouldn''t notice your intention to boost your own contribution?" The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. ''It''s really flowing exactly the same way.'' Rain thought to herself as she watched these people from the side. In fact, the conflict unfolding before her eyes was something the tower itself had intended. These five people were deliberately grouped together from among those who had passed the first floor''s trial, chosen for their distinct personalities and conflicting natures. Moreover, they were all powerful individuals with nothing to lose, so conflict was inevitable. This was the content Rain had already heard from the silver-haired woman before entering the tower. ''She said that uniting these people was part of the trial itself.'' Probably the "special situation handling" the Trial Helper had mentioned earlier referred to resolving this situation. Since the boss monsters appearing here were random, even Rain, who knew the tower''s information, had no way of figuring them out. Therefore, the only way to earn additional points on the second floor was to unite the people. ''To think I''d see him again here...'' Having organized her thoughts, Rain nced at the ck-haired man standing to one side with an indifferent expression. Zion Harness. The man who had suddenly disappeared after the ck Forest incident was right here. ''So I wasn''t mistaken when I saw him in front of the tower.'' Where had he been all this time, and what had he been doing to show up now? Rain wanted to immediately acknowledge him and bombard him with all the questions she had umted, but she suppressed that urge. For now, dealing with the situation in front of her took priority. ''It seems like it''s time for me to step in.'' With that thought, Rain turned her gaze back to the arguing people. The conflict had already reached its peak. "Isn''t it natural for the strongest person to lead the situation?" "I agree with that, but that doesn''t mean it''s you. And I passed the first floor in 13th ce." "Oh really? Then shall we prove who''s stronger right here?" WHOOSH! With those words, the tattoos all over Deshawn''s body began to glow, radiating an immense magical power. "That''s the first thing you''ve said that I like." The fairy smiled coldly as she drew her sword from its sheath. Sharp sword energy flowed from her, cutting through the surrounding air. "W-We shouldn''t fight among ourselves!" Da cried out urgently towards the two as the situation escted to the brink of explosion. As if deaf to the priestess''s words, Deshawn and the fairy were about tounch fatal strikes at each other when, "That''s enough." Along with a calm voice, CRACKLE! A streak of pure white lightning struck between the two just before they shed. The cavern turnedpletely white for a moment due to the tremendous thunder power that burst from that lightning. After a brief moment, as the cavern returned to its original color, "What...!" People could see. Rain''s form, somehow positioned between Deshawn and the fairy, easily blocking both their attacks. "Didn''t you just say the strongest person should lead the situation?" Rain grinned at the sorcerer and swordsman, who were looking at her with shaking eyes. "Then I''ll be inmand here. Neither of you have any objections, right?" "......" Deshawn and the fairy remained silent, unable to refute Rain''s words. The attacks they had justunched at each other, though not full power, had contained a fair amount of sincerity. For someone to casually block such attacks by intervening between them, they couldn''t even begin to imagine how powerful she truly was. Moreover, the thunder power still faintly emanating from Rain''s entire body contained such tremendous strength that it made their skin crawl. ''Where did such a powerful person suddenlye from...'' In truth, they could have guessed Rain''s identity to some extent from her appearance, but Deshawn and the fairy failed to do so. They couldn''t imagine that she might be that ''Rain Dranir'' of the Northern Seven Ouws. The difference in power was simply too great. "Oh, by the way, I passed the first floor''s trial in 4th ce." Having neatly established the hierarchy by revealing her first floor performance, Rain was about to speak again when, "Now then..." "Are you finished sorting things out here?" Zion, who had been silently observing the situation calmly without saying a word, spoke for the first time. His voice, though not particrly loud - in fact, so quiet one had to strain to hear it - clearly reached everyone''s ears. ''Zion...?'' As people''s gazes naturally focused on him, passing over the others, Thud, thud. Zion began to walk. His steps were extremely slow, but people couldn''t take their eyes off him. As if something was forcibly drawing their gaze. Having captured everyone''s attention in an instant and walked to the center, Zion''s low voice flowed out, "Then let''s finish sorting out the other side and begin." "...?" As everyone''s eyes filled with confusion at these iprehensible words, CRACK! Without any warning, Zion''s Gigaperses swung, vertically splitting the body of the priestess Da standing next to him. ---Toggle New Ads Heya! So Rungir (previous tl) has some time to proofread so he has proofread this chap and the next 4. He''s looked over the notes as well and fixed the spelling for some. Hopefully we run into more characters and terms so he can sort them properly in my notes before he''s busy again. 6/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 163 - The Tower of Causality (3) 163 - The Tower of Causality (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 163, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (3) In First Prince Rubrious''s office at Baeksung Pce, Rubrious sat with a cold expression, facing a man in the uniform of an Order of Light inquisitor who bowed his head. "The results?" "...We couldn''t find anything."The inquisitor answered with a troubled face to the First Prince''s question. "Hmm..." Rubrious tapped the armrest with his finger, letting out a dissatisfied sound. It had been over a week since the attack. Immediately afterward, they had mobilized the Order''s inquisitors and shadows to track down the attackers, but they hadn''t made any progress. "No traces at all?" "No. Nothing remained at all." The inquisitor shook his head again as he answered. "Demonic energy is an evil power that doesn''t mix with anything else. So once it''s exposed, it''s easy to track... But we couldn''t detect any demonic energy at all. It seems they''ve thoroughly covered their tracks." The rhythm of the First Prince''s finger tapping increased. ''Should I give up the pursuit?'' The inquisitor before him was the head of an organization ranked in the top three within the entire Order for tracking and exterminating impurities. He was particrly renowned as the best in tracking demons. If someone like him said this, it was right to consider the pursuit impossible. ''Plus, there are many restrictions since we need to keep this quiet and covert.'' It was a frustrating situation in many ways. But in the end, Rubrious didn''t tell him to stop the pursuit. His anger from when they were attacked hadn''t subsided yet. Moreover, he instinctively realized that they needed to seed in this matter to root out the demons hiding within the empire. ''Should I borrow Ozlima''s power? No, not there yet.'' ording to Zion, demons were likely hiding in the Ozlima family too, and if they cooperated, there was a risk of their information leaking. ''Where on earth has Zion disappeared to again in this situation?'' As Rubrious thought about his half-brother who had vanished from the imperial pce without a trace a few days ago, "Your Highness Rubrious!" The voice of a servant outside was heard. "What is it?" "Someone from Prince Zion''s side has arrived." "What?" The First Prince''s eyes filled with questions. How could Zion, who wasn''t in the imperial pce now, send someone? "Let them in for now." CLUNK! As Rubrious gave permission, the office door opened. And a woman entered. ck hair like ebony and red eyes like rubies. "Hello!" It was Liushina Bloodwalker. * * * If you thought about it a little, it wasn''t such a difficult story. The words the Trial Helper had said as soon as they entered the second floor''s trial. -Work together with other participants to defeat two boss monsters. -The types of monsters are random. -Points will be awarded differentially based on contribution and ability to handle special situations. And the most importantst words. -The trial will begin immediately. The crucial clue was already in these words. The trial on the second floor was to kill boss monsters. And saying the trial would begin immediately meant that the situation to kill such monsters would be created right away. Yet the fact that only participants were in this cavern meant only one thing. ''It means there''s a boss monster disguised as a participant.'' Thoughmonly lumped together as beasts or monsters, the types of monsters existing on the continent were too diverse to count, and their abilities varied greatly. So there could certainly be monsters that could disguise themselves as humans, like demons. Once Zion had figured that out, his next task was to identify which one was the disguised monster while the others fought for dominance. ''It seems the creator of this trial wants us to figure it out through the monster''s uniquely different behavior or thought patternspared to humans, but...'' Zion had another method that didn''t consume as much time as that. It was the Trial Helper. Every person who entered the tower was assigned a Trial Helper. But there was no way a helper would be assigned to a monster pretending to be human. In other words, the one without a Trial Helper was the monster. Ordinary people had no way of noticing this, but Zion did. ''The frost spirit.'' Perhaps because they were both artificially created spirits rather than naturally urring ones? The frost spirit had been sensitive to the Trial Helpers from the moment they entered the Tower of Causality, allowing Zion to detect their presence. And what he discovered through this was, SLASH! The Earth God priestess Da, who Zion had just split with Gigaperses. THUD! Da''s corpse, split exactly in two, fell to the ground. A moment of silence passed as people tried to understand the iprehensible sight before them. Then, "What... What the fuck are you doing, you crazy bastard!" Deshawn, who had been standing right next to Da, cursed as he distanced himself from Zion. At the same time, tremendous magical power began to pour out from his entire body, which was now in a highly defensive stance. The others were no different. SHING! The fairy swordswoman pointed her long sword at Zion, while Rain pulled out the spear from her back. Among them, Rain, who had known Zion from before, showed even greater bewilderment than the others. ''Why would he suddenly do this!'' It was apletely unexpected action. Had he really gone mad, as that muscr sorcerer said? Just then, "Tough one. I split it in half intending to kill it in one go." Zion''s voice came out as if clicking his tongue, still looking at Da''s split corpse, seemingly oblivious to the others'' wariness. At those iprehensible words, doubt flickered in the others'' eyes. CRUNCH! With a bizarre sound, the corpse that had been split in two began to merge and bubble up, transforming into a different shape. A new head, arms, and legs sprouted. When all the changes wereplete, a muscr man stood there with a nk expression,pletely different from the priestess Da. "That, that''s!" Deshawn''s voice rang out in shock. "A Doppelganger! Why is a Doppelganger here!" A top-tier monster rarely found in the remote areas of the south where he operated. Doppelgangers normally have no differences from humans, but they emit a unique energy during the very brief moment when they change form. Deshawn, who had once lost his entire party to this monster, could recognize that energy instantly. "A Doppelganger... a monster? Tell me that from the start!" Rain and the fairy swordswoman finally grasped the situation, pointing their weapons towards the Doppelganger. At that moment, WHOOSH! With a sound of air bursting, the Doppelganger vanished from its spot. It reappeared right in front of Deshawn. Doppelgangers perfectly replicate the abilities of creatures they''ve killed. And this time, the ability the Doppelganger had replicated was that of a supreme martial artist who had once dominated an era. BOOM! A terrifying shockwave erupted as the Doppelganger''s fist shot forward. "Kuhek!" Despite reacting in that brief moment and spreading severalyers of protective barriers, Deshawn''s form was sent flying backward. The Doppelganger immediately followed to finish off the sorcerer. But its form didn''t reach Deshawn. Before that, "Where do you think you''re going!" Rain''s spear and the fairy''s sword swung from both sides, precisely aiming for important points. CLANG! Just before their attacks couldnd, the Doppelganger spun its body in midair like a top, deflecting them, and de-like energy burst from its entire body. CRACKLE! ''It''s stronger than I thought!'' Rain''s eyes wavered as she retreated backward, deflecting those energies. She hadn''t expected a monster from just the second floor''s trial to possess this level of power. ''Even if the monster''s level somewhat reflects the participants'' power...'' Still, there was a huge difference from what she had heard from the hero. In truth, she could still kill it, but the problem was that it might take time. ''We need to break through quickly.'' If they took too long here, the score they could receive would naturally be lower. CRACKLE! As Rain grew impatient, even stronger thunder energy burst from her entire body, beginning to engulf the surroundings. CRUNCH! The Doppelganger''s body, which had been charging at her and the fairy swordswoman, bent at an angle impossible for humans, then, WHOOSH! It shot off in apletely different direction. The speed was so incredible that even Rain momentarily lost track of it. The Doppelganger was heading towards Deshawn, who had just begun to recover. "...!" The sorcerer''s eyes widened, unable to react properly, seemingly not yet fully recovered from the shock of the earlier sh. ''It''s toote!'' Rain''s eyes filled with urgency as she gave chase. "Kihihihi!" Just as the Doppelganger''s fist, finally letting out a maniacalugh, was about to shatter Deshawn''s head, "Let''s finish this quickly and move on." Anguid voicepletely out of ce in the situation. "Kihi...?" As the Doppelganger''s eyes filled with confusion at that voice, a vertical line was drawn from the crown of its head to its groin, then, SLASH! It split in two once again. Behind it stood Zion, holding a ck chain in one hand with an indifferent expression. Immediately after, with a rattling sound, Zion''s extended chain pierced into the Doppelganger''s split body. BOOM! Then, causing a terrifying explosion, it began to tear apart the Doppelganger''s flesh, leaving no trace. He hadpletely uprooted it to prevent regeneration like before. "How could it be so easy..." As a dazed voice flowed from the fairy swordswoman''s mouth at that sight, -You have defeated the ''Copycat Lord''. For swift elimination, you are awarded 2 additional points. The Trial Helper''s voice rang in everyone''s ears. -You have perfectly handled the special situation. You are awarded 10 additional points. And another voice that only Zion could hear. It seemed the "special situation" mentioned at the beginning wasn''t the conflict between people, but the Doppelganger that had disguised itself and snuck in as a participant. ''That was really dangerous.'' Rain swallowed hard as she looked at where the Doppelganger''s corpse had been after the situation ended. If they had entered that boss room without realizing a monster was mixed in among the participants, they might have been wiped out by attacks from behind. ''It probably disguised itself as a priestess aiming for that too.'' Usually, a priest''s position during battle was at the very back. Stroking her nape, which felt chilling just thinking about it, Rain looked at Zion Harness, who had resolved this entire situation. "How on earth..." How on earth had he figured it out? Even Rain, who knew something about this Tower of Causality, hadn''t realized the priestess was a Doppelganger, let alone think there might be a monster mixed in among them. "......" The others seemed to share her thoughts, looking at Zion with shaking eyes. An unbelievable level of deduction and judgment. ''And the decisiveness to execute it in an instant.'' If it had been her, even if she had figured out the priestess was a monster, could she have killed it without hesitation like that? She probably wouldn''t have been able to act properly until she was certain. But what surprised Rain most was none other than Zion Harness''s power. ''To deal with a Doppelganger that briefly fought three people simultaneously so easily...'' Even if it was a surprise attack, it was absolutely impossible without a certain level of skill backing it up. A level of power that instinctively aroused wariness. Even when she first saw him, this man''s power and abilities were impressive, but it was iparable to what she saw now. ''Moreover, his aura haspletely changed.'' The Zion Harness from before felt like an observer who didn''t step forward but watched from behind, while the current one had grasped the situation itself and was leading it. What on earth had happened in this short time, not even a year? ''Or perhaps...'' Was this his true form, and back then he had been hiding this appearance? A suffocating pressure that could be felt even though he was just standing there without saying anything. Because of this, in the silent cavern, people''s gazes naturally focused on Zion. They looked as if they were waiting for instructions. How much time had passed like this? "We''re going in right away." Zion, who had been briefly looking at where the Doppelganger had disappeared, turned towards the boss room on one side with those words. People began to follow behind Zion as if entranced. Unlike before, there was no dissatisfaction in their eyes. ---Toggle New Ads 7/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 164 - The Tower of Causality (4) 164 - The Tower of Causality (4) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 164, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (4) Thud, thud. The group approached the door leading to the boss room on one side of the cavern. No one uttered a word as they walked, their eyes fixed on Zion''s back. But that didn''t mean their minds were idle. If anything, their thoughts were racing faster than ever. Most of their thoughts centered on Zion''s true identity and the boss monster waiting behind the door. ''The Copycat Lord we just defeated specialized in deception and confusion, so the monster behind that door is likely focused on brute force,'' Rain pondered, concentrating on thetter issue. There was no point in dwelling on the former for now.''But is it okay to go in without assessing the participants'' strengths?'' If Rain had to pick a side in the recent argument between Deshawn and the fairy swordswoman, she''d lean towards the fairy. Even if speed was key to getting a good score, it made sense to gather some basic information first. Yet Zion was heading straight for the door without asking a single question. Just then, Zion''s form stopped in front of the door. "Once we''re inside, move ording to my instructions," he said in a low voice. Zion nned to coordinate closely with the others in the uing battle. The reason was simple. ''This trial was designed for exactly that purpose.'' If the first floor''s trial tested the minimum qualifications to climb the tower, the second floor tested how well one could cooperate with others. In other words, the better they worked together to fight the monster, the higher their score would be. ''Might as well do it perfectly,'' Zion thought. He had already gauged the others'' capabilities during the brief fight with the Doppelganger. "......" There was no response to his words, but Zion took their silence as agreement and pushed open the door. Rumble! The thick stone door, seemingly unopened for ages, slowly creaked open, sending up clouds of dust. Another cavern revealed itself beyond. "......!" The eyes of those behind Zion widened simultaneously. It wasn''t because the new cavern was muchrger than the previous one. "That''s...!" In the center of the cavern crouched a massive wolf. Its entire body burned with an eerie green me that made one''s skin crawl just looking at it. "A Purgatory me Wolf..." the fairy swordswoman breathed in disbelief. The Purgatory me Wolf, or Yeonokrang for short. Far to the west of the empire, beyond even the Fairy Forest,y a region known as the ''me Prison''. It was and of death where dark redva flowed and the air burned year-round. Only a handful of monsters adapted to this hellish environment existed there, and their strength surpassed even the highest-tier monsters. The Purgatory me Wolf before them was one such creature from the me Prison. Growl! The wolf''s eyes opened, noticing Zion and the others. It slowly began to rise, apanied by a low growl. Whoosh! Green mes erupted from the wolf, spreading rapidly and heating the entire cavern. As the others caught their breath against the scorching heat and prepared for battle, Zion suddenly sprang into action. Swoosh! Darkness exploded around him as he shot towards the Yeonokrang in a straight line. "Why''s he going alone all of a sudden?!" Deshawn eximed in confusion. He couldn''t understand why Zion would charge in without a word after telling them to follow his instructions. But the bewilderment on Deshawn''s face soon vanished. ''Prepare a sealing spell from where you are,'' Zion''s voice echoed directly in his mind. Bang! Had the others received simr instructions? Rain and the fairy nodded coldly, drew their weapons, and darted to either side. Meanwhile, Zion reached the Purgatory Wolf. His eyes shed with Myeong-an as he abruptly changed direction by nearly 90 degrees. Crash! The wolf''s massive paw mmed into the spot where Zion had just been. Unfazed, Zion began climbing up the very leg that had tried to crush him. His movements as he ran up the nearly vertical limb were nothing short of acrobatic. Grrrr! The Yeonokrang swung its other front paw at Zion as if swatting an insect. Despite seeing the terrifying speed of the iing paw, Zion showed no reaction and continued climbing. Just as the paw was about to squash him like a fly¡ªclick! The wolf''s paw stopped abruptly right in front of Zion. Deshawn had used the sealing spell as instructed. "Huh...!" the sorcerer gasped in surprise. He hadn''t expected his spell to work so easily on the Yeonokrang, which should have had immense magic resistance due to the green mes covering its body. He hadn''t done anything special. The only difference was: ''The spot 1m below the second joint of the wolf''s left leg.'' He had cast the spell precisely where Zion had mentally specified. It was one of the weak points Zion''s evolved Myeong-an had identified. Seizing the opening, Zion''s form shot towards the wolf''s head. Crack! The Giant Destroyer in Zion''s hand transformed into a chain sickle, tearing into the muscles around the wolf''s jaw and neck. At the same time, the Dark Soul Threads burrowed deep inside. Yelp! The Yeonokrang let out a pained cry and tried to shake Zion off. Or rather, it attempted to. Before it could, swoosh! The fairy swordswoman appeared by the wolf''s left hind leg, her de slicing through a critical tendon behind its ankle. With its front leg immobilized and the tendon of its hind leg severed, the Yeonokrang''s body began to tilt to the left. As if driving in the final wedge: "Hup!" Rain appeared on the wolf''s right, took a deep breath, and unleashed a spear charged with brilliant white lightning. Crash! An enormous boom erupted as the space around them glowed white-hot! Struck by Rain''s attack, the Purgatory Wolf''s body copsed to the left, unable to withstand any longer. Roar! The Yeonokrang let out an enraged howl and tried to rise again, but Zion moved even faster. Suddenly appearing right in front of the wolf''s head, Zion drew back his right fist, now wrapped in the chain form of Gigaperses. Crunch! The air around them darkened and space itself seemed to contract. Sensing the danger, the fallen Yeonokrang desperately opened its mouth towards Zion. Whoosh! An immense green me zed inside its maw! If things continued, Zion would have to face the full brunt of the Purgatory me Wolf''s ''Breath'', one of its strongest abilities. Yet Zion''s eyes remained utterly calm. He knew that breath would never reach him. Pop! The Dark Soul Threads that had seeped into the muscles around the wolf''s jaw and neck, torn open earlier by the Giant Destroyer, forcibly closed the joint. The Yeonokrang''s mouth snapped shut against its will. Zion knew the wolf''s hide was incredibly tough. It would take too long to deal a fatal blow from the outside, even targeting weak points. So there was only one solution: strike from within. That''s why Zion had deliberately created a situation where the Yeonokrang would have no choice but to use its Breath. It was a meticulously crafted n from the moment he first saw the wolf. !!!!!! The Yeonokrang''s eyes filled with shock as it realized it had fallen perfectly into the trap. Just as Zion''s condensed fist struck the wolf''s upper jaw¡ªkaboom! The pent-up Breath exploded inside the Yeonokrang''s body, tearing it apart from within. * * * Awooooo! A pain-filled howl echoed as green mes filled the entire cavern. The heat was so intense it could melt rock in an instant. "How...?" Rain''s voice trembled with astonishment as she deflected the mes whileunching another attack at the Yeonokrang. How many times had she uttered those words today? And all because of one person. ''How is this even possible?'' She couldn''t believe it. The battle was progressing far more quickly than expected, but what truly shocked her was Zion Harness''s ability¡ªspecifically, his leadership. At first, when he told them to follow his instructions, she hadn''t thought much of it. She expected typicalmands like ''maintain formation'', ''draw its attention'', or ''aim for the neck''. But Zion Harness''s instructions, transmitted directly into their minds like a messaging spell, were nothing like that. ''Remove the tendon 20cm below the ankle of the target''s right hind leg.'' ''In 3 seconds, when the target''s body tilts, strike its left nk with full force.'' He specified not just the timing of attacks, but the exact locations. It was unbelievable. To give such precise instructions, timed to the second, one would need to predict every single movement of the opponent. Combat was supposed to be the most unpredictable thing in the world. This kind of foresight should have been impossible. Yet the impossible was happening right before her eyes. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! When Zion Harness gave an instruction with a specific time, the exact situation he described would unfold at that precise moment. It was uncanny. ''Does he know the future or something?'' Rain couldn''t help but wonder. Moreover, he was facing the Yeonokrang head-on while simultaneously giving such instructions to three other people. Hismand ability was truly awe-inspiring. And somehow, he had gauged their capabilities without them even noticing. ''Could it be from that brief fight with the Doppelganger earlier...?'' Rain''s eyes wavered. Just how far did this man''s abilities extend? Even as these thoughts raced through her mind, bang! bang! bang! bang! Their coordinated attacks continued relentlessly, like perfectly synchronized gears. Roaaaar! Endless agonized howls erupted from the wolf as it endured their assaults. The Yeonokrang''s body erupted with indiscriminate attacks in all directions. But not a single person was hit. They all blocked or dodged thanks to Zion''s timely instructions. "I can''t believe a battle like this exists..." the fairy swordswoman muttered in a daze as she swung her sword. What was the Purgatory me Wolf? It was a monster so feared in her homnd, the Fairy Forest, that stories about it were passed down like fairy tales. Yet here it was, being utterly dominated without even putting up a proper fight. It wasn''t that the wolf was weak. It was because their skills¡ªor more urately, the ck-haired man''s skills and leadership¡ªwere just too perfect. How long did this one-sided hunt continue? Finally, with ast death wail, the massive body of the Purgatory me Wolf copsed to the ground. The Yeonokrangy there, gasping for breath and slowly sumbing to death. In truth, this oue had been inevitable from the moment Zion shattered its insides earlier. As the wolf''s breaths grew fainter and finally stopped, and the green mes covering its bodypletely faded away, ''You have perfectly cleared the trial of the second floor.'' ''Points will be awarded based on contribution.'' ''You have achieved the highest score among the 4th generation participants. 3 additional points awarded.'' The Trial Helper''s voice rang in everyone''s ears. ''Perfect cooperation achieved. 2 additional points awarded.'' For the others, it ended there. But for Zion: ''10 additional points awarded for overwhelming contribution.'' ''Additional points for perfect leadership...'' The artificial spirit''s voice continued to resound in Zion''s ears. And finally: ''You have achieved over 55 points up to the 2nd trial. You have met the first condition for essing the secret trial.'' A slight smile crossed Zion''s face at thesest words from the spirit. ---Toggle New Ads 1/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 165 - The Tower of Causality (5) 165 - The Tower of Causality (5) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 165, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (5) In a bedroom of a massive mansion in the heart of Hubris, the imperial capital, Serkiay in bed. She was one of the Five Great Demon Generals, also known as the Half-Demon General. The reason for her presence here was simple. This mansion was one of the demon realm''s hideouts, prepared for emergencies. After their recent attack on Prince Zion, the imperial eyes and the Order of Light''s inquisitors had been hunting them. This mansion was where they''de to escape that pursuit. Who would have imagined that the very targets they were desperately searching for were hiding in in sight, in a mansion right in the middle of the capital?In fact, the imperial eyes hadn''t even caught a whiff of her trail. While that was certainly a good thing, "Ugh!" Serkia''s condition, as shey in bed, was far from good. She could barely move due to the critical injury she''d sustained when Zion''s spear had pierced her heart during theirst encounter. To make matters worse, the ck Star that had entered her body when the spear struck was constantly burning away her demonic energy, further deteriorating her condition. Just then, click! The bedroom door opened, and a man with snake-like slit eyes and two horns entered. It was Hiseller, one of the ''Six ws'' of the demon realm. "How are you feeling? Any better?" Hiseller asked as he slowly approached the bed. Serkia knew that his question wasn''t born from genuine concern for her wellbeing. To him, she was nothing more than a disposable tool with little value. Frankly, he wouldn''t bat an eye even if she died right now. "...It''s a bit better," she replied. "Oh? That''s good." In reality, Serkia''s condition was visibly poor, so much so that anyone paying attention could tell her answer was a lie. But Hiseller either didn''t notice or didn''t care as he brushed it off lightly. "Have you figured out where Zion Agnes is? You said he wasn''t in the imperial pcest time, right?" "Not yet. We have many constraints as we need to avoid their eyes." "I want to meet him again so badly..." Hiseller muttered, his face showing dissatisfaction with her answer. Ever since their intense first encounter, Hiseller''s mind had been filled with thoughts of Zion. He was the one who had made Hiseller''s heart race again, something that hadn''t happened since he became one of the ''Six ws''. That''s why he was so eager to tear Zion''s limbs apart, rip out his heart, and devour it right before his eyes. "Besides, it''s so boring just sitting around like this... Ah!" As Hiseller muttered with boredom in his eyes, he suddenly snapped his fingers as if he''d thought of something. "That blonde guy who was with Zion Agnes when we attacked." "You mean First Prince Rubrious?" "Yeah, that First Prince guy. Didn''t you say he was looking for us too?" "That''s right." "Hmm..." After tapping his fingers on the nearby windowsill for a moment, the demon asked a question. "How strong is that guy?" * * * Afterpleting the second floor''s trial, the door to the third floor''s trial didn''t open immediately. ''The trial for the third floor is being prepared. Please wait for a moment.'' With this message from the Trial Helper, the Yeonokrang''s corpsepletely vanished. Zion knew why the third floor''s trial wasn''t opening right away. ''All participants need to gather for the third floor''s trial.'' They''d have to wait here until all the participants, collectively known as the ''4th Generation'', either cleared or failed the second floor''s trial. Just then, "It''s been a while." A voice came from beside him. Zion turned his head to see Rain, who had approached him, unlike the other participants who were just staring at him withplex expressions withouting closer. She had wanted to talk to him earlier but hadn''t found the opportunity until now. "You remember me, right?" "I remember your name, at least." In truth, Zion knew most of the information about her, but he didn''t say so. There was no need to arouse unnecessary suspicion. "You seem very different from when Ist saw you." "So do you." Zion replied briefly to Rain''s words. And he meant it. ''So she really is one of the hero''spanions?'' When he first met Rain, her level was just that of someone famous in a local area. But judging from the power she disyed in the recent battle with the Yeonokrang and the aura she was emanating now, it wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that her current level was just below the ''Seven Heavens''. It was an unbelievable growth. Probably because she was the first to awaken and had been by the hero''s side for a long time, sharing in her destiny. Perhaps thinking that the exchange of greetings was over, "Actually, there''s something I want to ask you," Rain said, her voice taking on a more serious tone after a moment of silence. "What is it?" "The witch of the ck Forest." Her face turned cold as she spoke. In truth, she had a mountain of questions for the man before her, from how he had be so strong to what his true identity was. But among all those, the incident in the ck Forest took top priority, no matter what anyone else might say. "Back then, I lost consciousness while fighting the witch. But I remember you stepping in front of me just before I cked out. What happened after that?" "You''re asking because you want to know the witch''s whereabouts, right?" "...That''s right." Rain nodded, her eyes wavering at his words that seemed to see right through her. "I''m curious about something. Why are you trying to find out the witch''s whereabouts?" Zion asked, looking directly into her eyes. "Because I have to kill her." Her answer came without a hint of hesitation. "Why?" "You must know. That bitch killed all my friends." Just recalling it made anger rise through her cold reason. Of course, even if she met the witch now, there was no guarantee that Rain herself would win. In fact, she couldn''t even put up a fight thest time they met. But even so, she couldn''t just sit still. It felt like this maddening anger would only subside if she killed that witch. At that moment, "How pathetic." A cold voice flowed from Zion''s mouth as he looked at Rain for a moment. "...What?" "I said, how pathetic." "What the hell are you...!" Before Rain''s furious cry, her face contorted like a demon''s, could bepleted, "Let me ask you one thing." Zion spoke again. "Did the witch really kill yourrades?" "...!" "You can''t answer, can you? Because it wasn''t the witch who killed yourrades, but your friends who betrayed you after falling into the Purification Cult." It was an obvious fact, and one that Rain had been turning a blind eye to until now. "But Rian was killed by...!" "If she hadn''t been killed by the witch then, you would have executed her with your own hands." "......" "You just needed someone to vent your anger on, boiling over from loss and failure. The witch of the ck Forest just happened to be the most suitable target." His words were scathing and direct. And at the same time, they were words that only Zion, who knew the full context of the situation, could say. "No... If the witch hadn''t existed in the first ce, there wouldn''t have been a Purification Cult, and then none of this would have..." Rain muttered, trying to deny Zion''s words. Zion didn''t respond to that. There was no need to refute it; she herself knew best that what she was saying now was just an excuse. ''Until now, that anger has probably been her biggest driving force, but...'' It was time to set things right. There mighte a time when Rain and Liushina would have to fight together. If she was still like this then, it would be very troublesome. Just then, ''Moving to the third floor''s trial.'' The Trial Helper''s voice rang in their ears. Along with it, swish- The darkness that they had seen when first entering the tower began to envelop the bodies of Zion and the others in the cavern. "I hope you''re not so pathetic the next time I see you." Zion said in an indifferent tone towards Rain, who still wore a dazed expression. As Zion''s voice ended, whoosh! The people''s formspletely vanished from that spot. * * * ''Your current rank is 1st.'' ''As a privilege for being in 1st ce, you can choose your starting position for the third floor''s trial. Would you like to do so?'' This was the Trial Helper''s voice in Zion''s ear just before they moved to the next location. "Yes." Zion nodded and epted immediately, as if he had been waiting for this, even before the exnation of the third floor''s trial began. In fact, he had been waiting. This privilege was a necessary device to quickly satisfy the second condition for reaching the ''secret trial''. "I''ll choose the position based on people, not terrain." As soon as a certain name flowed from Zion''s mouth following those words, swish- The darkness enveloping his surroundings lifted, and his vision returned. What Zion saw then were grass and trees filling his surroundings as if in a mountain, and numerous other participants looking around, trying to grasp the situation. ''They sent me to the right ce.'' Zion smirked slightly as he spotted a certain group among them. ''You have entered the third floor''s trial.'' The Trial Helper''s exnation began. ''Acquire the Life Jade.'' ''Participants who acquire five or more Life Jades gain the minimum qualification to proceed to the next trial.'' ''After a certain time has passed, additional points will be awarded differentially to the top twenty participants who have acquired the most Life Jades.'' ''Life Jades exist in ruins hidden throughout the third floor.'' ''Participants are basically given one Life Jade.'' As soon as the helper''s exnation ended, pop! The number 1 appeared above the heads of Zion and the others. It probably indicated the number of Life Jades they possessed. ''Is it starting right away?'' Zion thought, still fixing his gaze in one direction. The nature of the third floor''s trial waspletely different from the second floor. While the second floor emphasized solidarity and cooperation, the third floor encouragedpetition between participants from the start. The transcendents who created the third floor''s trial, unlike those who created the previous two trials, wanted to concentrate the trial''s rewards on a superior few rather than all participants. Therefore, it was right to consider it inevitable that arge number of participants would be eliminated in this trial. Just then, "It seems that finding ruins to obtain these Life Jades is important for this trial. How about we cooperate with the people here?" A knight carrying a huge sword on his back stepped forward and spoke up among the people who were sizing each other up and trying to grasp the situation. "If we work together with this many people, we should be able to meet the conditions quickly." He thought that this trial, like the second floor, could be easily cleared if they cooperated with each other. Just by looking, it was clear that the third floor was very wide, and there would likely be many hidden ruins. If they didn''t get greedy for additional points, it wouldn''t be impossible for everyone here to advance. But there was one thing. The knight had made a mistake. He assumed that everyone else thought the same way he did. "Is there really a need to go looking for ruins?" An oddly excited voice came from behind, followed by a squelch! A thin de pierced through the knight''s chest and protruded from the front. "When there are Life Jades scattered right in front of us." The one holding the de was a man with a skull tattoo on his neck, its eye sockets burning with blue ghostly fire. "Ugh, urk!" The knight''s breath stopped as he looked alternately at the sword protruding from his chest and the man, with eyes that couldn''t understand what was happening. Pop! With that, the number 1 floating above the man who had killed the knight changed to 2. The eyes of the people watching this sudden situation wavered. As a cruel smile spread across the face of the man who saw the changed number, swish swish swish! "Aaargh!" Dozens of people with the same skull tattoo moved simultaneously, starting to indiscriminately ughter the other participants around them. "The, the Murder Legion!" Cries of shock erupted from the mouths of some people who recognized what that skull tattoo meant. The Murder Legion, Murderless - it was a criminal organization derived from the now-defunct ughter Cult, infamous throughout the empire for its unimaginable cruelty and madness. Their movements were elusive, and their military power was so tremendous that one of the ''Twelve Seas'' was their leader, making them a group that even the empire was struggling to deal with. "Why are they all here together...!" "Ru, run away!" Seeing the criminal organization that had appeared in full force from the start, people began to scatter and flee in all directions, too afraid to even think of resisting. "Where do you think you''re running?" Swish swish swish! "Aaaagh!" The Murder Legion continued their ughter, chasing after the fleeing people. "I don''t understand why we need to look for ruins when there''s such an easy method... Hm?" One of the Murder Legion members spotted a man who, unlike the others, remained standing in ce without fleeing. Had he not grasped the situation yet? Or was he too terrified to move? "Kihihi!" Either way, it didn''t matter, so the member let out a maniacalugh and charged straight towards the man. The man didn''t move even as the member reached right in front of him. "Since you didn''t run away, I''ll kill you painlessly." Finally, the member swung his weapon at the man without hesitation. But that attack never reached the man. "That''s kind of you." Along with a low voice, an alien darkness erupted from the man, crunch! Itpletely swallowed his entire body before the attack couldnd. Crunch, crunch, crunch! "...?" Hearing the eerie sounding from there, the Murder Legion members who had paused their ughter turned their heads towards where the man was. "I agree with what you said." As the man, Zion, smiled ominously at them, "That there''s no need to look for ruins." The darkness that had swallowed the member began to spread in all directions, starting to consume the entire surrounding space. ---Toggle New Ads 2/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 166 - The Tower of Causality (6) 166 - The Tower of Causality (6) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The Trial of the Third Floor ording to the chronicles, the third floor''s trial imed the most lives. Hidden ruins, difficult to find and invisible to the eye. In contrast, participants stood right before them. Which would be the better source of Life Jades?If one abandoned human morality, thetter was far quicker and more convenient. Many fell prey to this temptation. ''Some even moved with the sole intention of targeting other participants from the start.'' Among these groups, the one that ughtered the most people was the ''Murder Legion''. Whether by chance or the tower''s design, while others were scattered, the Murder Legion was summoned to the third floor''s trial as a single unit. This gave them a tremendous advantage and strength from the beginning. The Murder Legion used this power and advantage solely to kill others, ultimately ughtering a quarter of the participants. And just moments ago... That was exactly where Zion had chosen to be summoned, using his privilege to specify his starting position. The reason was simple. ''I need to fulfill the second condition for essing the secret trial.'' While the first condition was to achieve a score of 55 points by the second floor''s trial, the second condition was to be the first participant to gather 100 Life Jades. Even this wasn''t easy, but the second condition came with an additional constraint. If one were to take Life Jades by killing participants, those participants must have previously killed or attacked others. That''s why the position next to the Murder Legion was the best ce to quickly gather Life Jades while meeting this constraint. Of course, it required the ability to handle such overwhelming force. ''These guys wouldn''t have any advantages in staying alive for the uing trials anyway.'' With that thought, Zion faced the Murder Legion members staring at him and gave them a slight smile. Did they take that smile as a provocation? Or were they trying to avenge their fallenrade? "Kill him!" With that rage-filled cry, several members began charging at Zion. As the enemies approached, Zion watched them calmly. An alien darkness began to rise from his entire body, and then, whoosh! He vanished from that spot. "Where did he...!" As the charging members looked around, having lost sight of Zion for a moment, thwack! The head of the member at the front exploded, shattering into pieces. Brain matter sttered in all directions as Zion''s form appeared like a phantom in the midst of it. The number of Life Jades disyed above Zion changed to 2. Were they truly the top-tier criminal organization with unmatchedbat prowess? "You bastard!" In that brief moment, another member reacted, swinging his sword towards Zion. Keeeng! Bright red mana engulfed the entire de. Just as this strike, which fully demonstrated the member''s high level, was about to reach Zion''s neck, thunk! Zion''s hand rose from below, lightly touching the t of the iing de. That light contact twisted the de''s trajectory, causing it to shoot upwards. Without hesitation, Zion dove into the opening created by this and threw the opposite fist he had already pulled back. "...!" The member, trying to avoid Zion''s fist, dropped his sword and rolled on the ground. But at that moment... As if he had predicted this from the start, Zion''s extended fist suddenly changed direction. "What the...!" Crack! It shattered the skull of the member whose eyes were filled with astonishment. "I''ll burst your heart first!" In the meantime, a spearman who had newly appeared from behind thrust his spear towards Zion''s exposed back. Having witnessed his tworades fall so easily, the spearman''s attack was at full power from the start. But the spearman''s weapon never reached Zion. Without even turning around, Zion extended a finger behind him. That single finger blocked the spear. Boom! A shockwave erupted from where the spear tip and fingertip met, slightly dyed. "...How?!" A cry of disbelief burst from the spearman''s mouth. To urately pinpoint and block the tip of a spear swung at a speed surpassing even sound, and without even looking? It was a monstrous sense that went beyond astonishment, enough to make one''s skin crawl. But his shock didn''t end there. Zion began approaching the spearman in that same position. Crack crack crack! Unable to withstand Zion''s finger, the spearman''s weapon began to split vertically from the point of contact. How could one describe the scene of a human finger made of bone and flesh splitting an iron spear covered in energy? The spearman stared nkly at this unbelievable sight. Meanwhile, Zion, having finally split the entire spear, reached the spearman and, crack! Without hesitation, he shattered the spearman''s heart. Before the spearman''s lifeless body could even hit the ground, tap! Zion lightly kicked off the ground with his toe, disappearing from that spot and reappearing in front of another nearby member. Sensing the imminent danger, the bearded member instinctively raised his shield with all his might. ng! Almost simultaneously, Zion''s fist mmed into the shield, creating a tremendous noise. "I blocked it...!" Relief shed in the member''s eyes as he saw Zion''s fist stopped by the shield, despite his whole body shaking from the impact. He also noticed hisrades rushing towards them from both sides. Crack crack crack! With an explosive increase in darkness, Zion''s fist instantly shattered the shield and pierced through the member''s head. Then, thwack! Crunch! Zion swiftly dispatched the other members charging in from both sides with a single strike each. While it looked effortless, that didn''t mean these opponents were weak. On the contrary, they were exceptionally strong. They would easily rank among the top three of all thebat groups Zion had faced since entering this body. It''s just that they were slightly inadequate to handle Zion, who had grown explosivelypared to before. "Everyone, attack together!" With that enraged cry, most of the remaining Murder Legion members began charging at Zion all at once. "D-Dangerous!" Seeing this, the participants who had been watching the battle nearby shouted urgently towards Zion. "This actually makes it easier for me." But Zion just smiled as he watched the approaching Murder Legion. His fist clenched tightly. Boom! The ck Star Force erupted as if igniting, wrapping around Zion''s fist and swirling violently. Slowly... Zion raised that fist towards the sky. "Block it!" The Murder Legion, sensing an indescribable ominousness from this gesture, increased their speed even more, but it was already toote. Finally, Zion''s fist fully extended towards the sky. No, rather than extended, it would be more urate to say it pierced through. Crack! Space itself shattered, pierced by Zion''s fist. And then, ----------------! A ck wave burst forth from within that broken space, beginning to engulf all the approaching Murder Legion members. Night Breaker. The next stage of the Dark Sea, made possible by the ck Star Force reaching 5 stars. This was the moment when the first true area-of-effect technique of the ck Star Force revealed itself to the world. Hiss--- There were no screams. All the Murder Legion members touched by the ck wave dissolved into bloody foam and scattered. It was a scene so overwhelming that even the word ''overwhelming'' seemed inadequate to describe it. What on earth had just happened? "......" The onlookers stood with their mouths agape, silenced by this scene straight out of legend. Standing in the midst of this silence, Zion muttered softly, looking at something, "Is iting out now?" At that moment... Two streaks of silver light began from far away, drawn towards where Zion stood at a speed far surpassing sound. Boom! Then came an explosion and shockwave far more terrifying than anything seen before. The surrounding trees werepletely shattered, while the ground''s soil and gravel were scattered all at once. As the dust settled, there stood... Screech! A man, his fists wrapped in Gigaperses, locked inbat with two swords. A skull tattoo just below his eyes and long, thin limbs. Zion knew who this man was. Dran Sidorea, the Yin-Yang de Demon. One of the ''Twelve Seas'' and the leader of the Murder Legion. He had finally made his move. "Who the hell are you?" Dran asked, gritting his teeth as he pushed more force into his swords, staring at Zion with burning eyes. "The one who''s going to kill you," Zion replied, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. Just then, crack! Spiderweb-like cracks began to form on one of Dran''s swords where it met the Giant Destroyer. On the outskirts of the third floor of the Eternal Tower. Two figures were swiftly making their way through a densely forested area filled with trees and grass. A woman with silver hair and a giant with shaggy hair and beard. It was the hero''s party, minus Rain Dranir. "Don''t we need to find Rain?" Turzan asked, moving closer to the woman''s side. "We do need to find her, but right now there''s something more urgent," the woman replied, increasing her speed. The woman was heading towards the ce where the Murder Legion had been summoned. There was only one reason for this. It was to stop them before they began their full-scale ughter. She knew. To pass the final trial, they needed to keep as many people alive as possible on this third floor. The transcendents who created the Eternal Tower wanted the participants to split up and kill each other in this trial, but at the same time, they hoped for someone special to defy their intentions and unite the participants. In her previous life, the woman hadn''t grasped this intention, and as a result, she had nearly died several times during the final trial. ''To avoid repeating that, I need to stop the Murder Legion first.'' Although she hadn''t received the privilege for noting in first ce, she knew where the Murder Legion had been summoned. Thanks to immediately making contact with Turzan, she had sufficient strength, so the woman was heading towards where the Murder Legion was without hesitation. ''We can postpone the search for Life Jades untilter.'' After all, she knew perfectly well where the ruins were located, and even most of the hidden conditions for this trial. Therefore, she was confident she could rank high in this trial even if she startedte. ''Even so, I won''t be able to open the path to the secret trial without meeting the other conditions...'' The woman shook her head, shaking off these thoughts as she briefly considered this. There was no point in dwelling on something she couldn''t obtain; it would only leave her with regrets. But still, she couldn''tpletely shake off her curiosity about who had taken first ce on the first and second floors, surpassing her. Just then, "Is that the ce?" Turzan asked, pointing to a spot far ahead. It was exactly where the woman had intended to go. The reason Turzan could point to that location without the woman telling him was simple. Boom! An enormous explosion was erupting from that very spot. ''Has the ughter already begun?'' But as the woman drew closer, she realized. That the explosion wasn''t from a ughter, but from a battle. "Someone... is fighting the Murder Legion?" The woman''s eyes filled with questions. As far as she knew, there were no individuals or groups among the participants summoned near the Murder Legion who had the strength to face them. ''Who could it be? One person? Or a group?'' With these thoughts, the woman approached even faster. How much closer had they gotten? Suddenly, the woman''s form stopped in its tracks. "This is...!" She muttered in surprise, her eyes trembling as she looked at the battlefield. "Why did you stop so suddenly?" Turzan, who had stopped beside her, asked, but the woman''s gaze remained fixed ahead, as if she hadn''t heard him. Boom! Along with the explosion, an alien darkness flowed from the battlefield. The moment she saw that darkness, she knew. Although it was iparably weaker and more vague than before, so much so that even she, with her unparalleled sense for energy, could barely feel it. The power emanating from that darkness. "Why is it here..." It was undoubtedly the power of the ''Heaven Destroyer'' she had seen in the City of Light, Lezero. ---Toggle New Ads 3/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 167 - The Tower of Causality (7) 167 - The Tower of Causality (7) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 167, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (7) Crack! Crackle! Dran''s eyebrow twitched as he watched his sword slowly crumble along the lines etched into it. He couldn''tprehend how a de wrapped in multipleyers of mana could be damaged so easily in a single sh. Despite his confusion, Dran swiftly pulled back his sword and created distance between himself and Zion. But with a whoosh, Zion closed the gap even faster than Dran could retreat, clearly not intending to give him room to swing his de.Without further exchange, Zion''s fist, wrapped in a dark blue chain, shot straight towards Dran''s heart. The Giant Destroyer spun fiercely, adding to the force of the strike. At such close range, there was no space for Dran to deflect the blow with his sword. Instead, he twisted his body 90 degrees to the left, narrowly avoiding Zion''s attack. Using the momentum, Dran widened the distance and swung the blue sword in his left hand horizontally. Crackle! The air froze along the sword''s path. This was the power of "Freeze," one of Dran''s two legendary-grade weapons. Zion observed the approaching de but didn''t retreat. Instead, he dove even closer. In a sword-versus-fist battle, creating distance would only put him at a disadvantage. Swish! Zion ducked low, as if sinking into the ground. Dran''s sword passed overhead, slicing off a few strands of Zion''s hair. Boom! Having narrowly slipped inside Dran''s guard, Zion nted his left foot firmly and threw a punch with all his might. Perhaps realizing it was toote to dodge, Dran quickly pulled his right-hand sword, "Igni," in front of his chest in a reverse grip. Their attacks collided. Crash! An ear-shattering explosion erupted, the shockwave tearing through the air. The ground beneath them shattered from the impact. "What the..." A puzzled mutter escaped Dran''s lips. The surface of Igni, which had met Zion''s fist, now bore even more prominent cracks than before. ''How can a legendary weapon be damaged like this after just two shes?'' He couldn''t fathom what trick was at y. Was there something special about the dark chain wrapped around that fist? But Dran had no time to ponder further. Zion''s other fist, now cloaked in an alien darkness that sent chills down the spine, was already hurtling towards his head. With speed that seemed to defy space itself, Zion''s fist closed in. Dran''s eyes wavered as he jerked his head back so hard it almost cracked. Swish! Zion''s fist barely grazed Dran''s cheek before striking the air behind him, tearing through space itself. Feeling a chill run down his spine at the terrifying power, Dran forcibly regained his posture and leaped backward to create distance. Simultaneously, swish swish! Without a moment''s dy, Dran swung both his swords. A barrage of ice and fire erupted from the twin des, engulfing the surroundings and targeting Zion''s important points. Unlike before, Zion neither closed the distance nor dodged Dran''s attack. Instead, he slightly twisted his right fist. nk! The Giant Destroyer, which had been wrapped around his hand, uncoiled and transformed into a chain sickle. It shed simultaneously with Dran''s iing twin swords. Boom! A thunderous noise erupted as the chain sickle and twin swords rebounded in opposite directions. Before Dran could shake off the numbing sensation in his hands from the collision, nk! The Giant Destroyer, which had been flung away, changed direction in mid-air as if alive and lunged at Dran''s entire body. "What the...!" Perhaps it was a testament to his experience as the leader of the Murder Legion, having survived countless deadly situations. Despite expressing a startled exmation at the sudden change in weapon and pattern, Dran managed to deflect all the iing attacks with his recovered twin swords. ng ng ng! Countless sparks erupted in the air from the rapid exchanges. "Whoa..." The onlookers, both the Murder Legion members and others, watched the battle with their mouths agape. None dared to intervene. All they could perceive were faint afterimages and the endless sounds of impacts erupting in the air. Time. Time is not equal for all, and this difference bes most apparent in matters ofbat. In the blink of an eye, which a third-rate knight might not even register, a first-ss knight can see an attack, process it mentally, and react. The density of lived time itself differs. And now... ''What in the world...!'' Dran, too, was beginning to feel this difference in time as he faced Zion. His opponent''s movements kept elerating as if there was no limit, while Dran''s own hands and feet grew increasingly uncoordinated. Moreover, his attacks were being intercepted before they could even beunched, while his opponent''s strikes grew sharper by the moment. ''Where did someone like this suddenly appear from?'' He couldn''t begin to guess Zion''s true identity. How many people in the world could so easily match the leader of the Murder Legion, one of the top-ranked among the Twelve Seas? Dran knew all such individuals, and none of them possessed characteristics simr to the man before him. In fact, he had never even heard of someone withparable strength. ''It''s as if he suddenly fell from the sky...'' A variable. And a massive one at that, capable of single-handedly flipping the entire game board. Grind! "Who are you?" Dran growled, ring at Zion as their weapons shed. "I told you earlier. The one who''s going to kill you." As Zion grinned back at Dran, boom! The Giant Destroyer vibrated furiously, simultaneously burrowing into Dran''s twin swords. The reason Zion could so easily damage Dran''s swords was simple. The des of Yin-Yang Swords wereposed not of metal, but of fire and ice spirits. This made them particrly vulnerable to the ck Star Force, which negated mysteries. Finally, crack! "Freeze," one of Dran''s twin swords, shatteredpletely, and Zion''s Giant Destroyer took its ce. "Damn it!" Dran cursed as he leaped backward to avoid Zion''s attack, urgency evident in his eyes. ''If this continues, I''ll lose.'' As much as he hated to admit it, the ck-haired man before him held the upper hand in this battle. If the tide turned any further, it would be irreversible. He needed to make a decisive move before that happened. ''In that case...'' His eyes shed as if he had made a decision. Dran spread his arms wide and began to concentrate. Throb! Veins bulged on his forehead and his eyes became bloodshot. The surrounding air began to churn violently. Finally, when the vibrations reached their peak, boom! Apletely different kind of heat and cold erupted from his twin swords, filling the surrounding space. No, it wasn''t just filling the space. It was corrupting space itself, altering the world within it. ''The Path of Fire and Ice.'' This was Dran''s strongest technique, one he had yet to perfect. What was the difference between the ''Seven Heavens'' and the ''Twelve Seas''? It wasn''t just a matter of raw power. Domain. It was the ability topletely corrupt the surrounding space and make it one''s own domain. ''The Path of Fire and Ice'' was a technique that allowed one to deploy this ''spatial corruption'', albeit imperfectly. It was Dran''s unique skill, created by pouring his entire being into it, ever since he began to glimpse the path towards ''Heaven'' not long ago. "I''ll crush you in one go." A world changing ording to his will. Grinning at the sense of omnipotence this brought, Dran''s form shot straight towards Zion. The time he could maintain ''The Path of Fire and Ice'' was extremely short, so there was no time to waste. Fwoosh! As Dran moved, the space filled with heat and cold shifted to the form most advantageous to him. Empowered by this, Dran reached right in front of Zion in less than an instant. Just as he was about to bring down Igni, infused with the power of his domain, vertically... "Perfect timing." Zion, who had been standing still until now, grinned at Dran. "I have something simr too." As the five ck stars swirling in Zion''s eyes emitted a pitch-ck light, ck Star Force, 5 stars. Dark Domain. Thud! Dran''s movement stopped as if he had hit an invisible wall, and the brightness of the surroundings rapidly decreased. It was as if ck paint had been poured over the entire world. "Ah..." Dran''s eyes zed over. Not because his body wouldn''t move an inch no matter how much strength he applied. But because of the darkness that was spreading, devouring the space he had corrupted. This darkness was creating a perfect domain, iparable to his own iplete one. "You have already..." And there was only one thing this could mean. "...reached Heaven." A voice like a sigh escaped Dran''s lips. And at that moment, crunch! Zion''s hand, slowly extended and imbued with the power of the Dark Domain, crushed Dran''s heart. * * * "That man is..." A dazed voice flowed from the silver-haired woman''s lips as she watched Zion ughter the remaining members of the Murder Legion after taking Dran Sidorea''s life. The woman, who had arrived here chasing the aura of the Murder Legion and the Heaven Destroyer, had witnessed thetter half of the battle between Zion and Dran. Her eyes trembled. Dran Sidorea''s feat of deploying spatial corruption despite not having reached ''Heaven'' was astounding, but the darkness of this man, who had in turn corrupted Dran''s domain, was beyond astonishment. ''Perhaps on par with the Seven Heavens...'' If this man truly was the ''Heaven Destroyer'' who had appeared above Lezero, this level of power would be natural. But the woman had thought he was just someone else with a connection to that being. After all, an existence that had already somewhat broken free from the cycle of reincarnation and formed a realm shouldn''t participate in a trial like this. ''Who on earth is he?'' Her eyes filled with questions. Someone with that level of power should undoubtedly be known to the world. But no matter how much she racked her memories, no such person had existed before her regression. ''Could he be the one who took first ce in the lower trials, surpassing me...?'' Just then, "Should we stop him?" Turzan, standing beside her, asked, his gaze fixed on Zion. Was he tense? His fists were clenched tighter than usual. "No, there''s no need. It''s better for the Murder Legion to be eliminated anyway," the woman replied, shaking her head. "Let''s wait for now. I have something to ask him." Meanwhile, ''So this is my first time seeing her in person.'' Zion nced briefly at the woman as he continued taking the lives of the the Murder Legion members. Hero Frosimar. The protagonist of the Chronicles of Frosimar and the hero destined for failure. He had been aware of her presence since his battle with Dran, but Zion deliberately didn''t approach her. It wasn''t time for contact yet, and he had more pressing matters at hand. Crunch, crunch, crunch! The number of the Murder Legion members rapidly dwindled. Perhaps because their leader Dran had already fallen? The members were being eliminated helplessly, unable to even put up proper resistance. And finally, "G-Get away! You monster... Urk!" As the life of thest remaining member vanished, pop! The number of Life Jades disyed above Zion hit exactly 100. ''Right on the mark.'' Zion smiled slightly as he saw that number. "You have fulfilled the second condition for essing the secret trial." "You have fulfilled the final condition for essing the secret trial." The Trial Helper''s voice began to ring in his ears in session. It seemed the conditions were being cleared all at once, probably because he already possessed the ''Fragment of the Frost Queen''s Authority'', which was the final condition. And then, "Would you like to move to the secret trial ''History of Destruction''?" A final question rang out. Since this was what he had aimed for from the start when entering the Eternal Tower, there was no reason to refuse. "Yes." As soon as Zion nodded, whoosh! A bright light,pletely different from the darkness until now, began to envelop Zion''s entire body. "That''s...!" The hero''s eyes widened as she watched this scene. That light. It was undoubtedly the phenomenon that appeared just before moving to the ''secret trial''. ''Could the person who took the Fragment of the Frost Queen''s Authority be...!'' With that thought, just as the woman was about to urgently approach Zion, sh! Zion''s formpletely vanished from that spot along with the light that had reached its peak. ---Toggle New Ads 4/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 168 - The Tower of Causality (8) 168 - The Tower of Causality (8) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 168, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (8) In the heart of Hubris, the imperial capital, stood a massive mansion. "So... you''re saying those bastards are inside?" A man in a deep hood spoke, his voiceced with disbelief as he stared at the mansion. "Yep! I''m certain!"The red-eyed woman beside him replied, her tone brimming with confidence and cheer. It was Liushina. "Hmm..." The man''s skeptical hum was apanied by a glimpse of golden hair peeking from beneath his hood. Rubrious Agnes. That was the man''s name. An unlikely pair. The reason he was out here with Liushina, away from the imperial pce, was simple. It was because of the demons who had attacked him and Zion earlier. ''I know where they are.'' Those were the first words Liushina had blurted out when she barged into Rubrious''s office a few days ago. These were the same demons that had eluded even his extensivework of informants and inquisitors. Normally, he would have dismissed her im outright and punished her for insulting the royal family. But her status as Zion''s closest confidant lent a shred of credibility to her words. Given the dire situation, Rubrious had decided to follow her here on the off chance she was right. ''The demons we couldn''t find no matter what are right in the middle of the capital?'' Honestly, he still didn''t fully trust her, but it was worth checking out. "Alright, I''ll send someone to verify and we''ll returnter," Rubrious said, turning away. "Huh? We''re not going in now?" Liushina asked. "I''m not doing anything that foolish." There was no need to rush into the mansion recklessly. He had snuck out with just Liushina and a few attendants to avoid drawing attention. It wasn''t that hecked confidence in facing the demons. Rather, barging in now risked letting them escape. It would be better to confirm their presence, surround the area thoroughly, and then move in. "By the way, why are you speaking to me so casually?" Rubrious asked. "What? Is that not allowed?" Liushina replied. "I am royalty, you know." "My master''s royalty too, and I speak casually to him." Liushina tilted her head slightly as she spoke. "......" Rubrious was eyeing her warily when suddenly, nk! The mansion''s tightly closed front gate swung wide open. Beyond it, an unmistakable aura began to seep out. It was undoubtedly demonic energy. "Looks like... they know we''re here," the witch said with a grin, looking at the open entrance. This was more than just awareness. It was a provocation. The demons inside were daring them to enter if they had the guts. "Oho." A smile simr to Liushina''s slowly spread across Rubrious''s face as he let out an impressed sound. "With such a warm wee, how can we refuse to enter?" With those low words, the First Prince began moving towards the open gate. * * * The secret trial ''History of Destruction''. This trial was unlike any other, incredibly special. Or rather, it would be more urate to call it peculiar. For starters, only one person could take the trial, and the conditions were exceptionally strict. The reason was simple. ''The deity who created this trial is an odd one.'' Unlike the other gods and ancient dragons, the god who made the secret trial was skeptical of the Eternal Tower itself, which was designed to reward many. This god wanted all rewards to be concentrated on a single, supreme individual. So, without involving themselves in any other trials, they used all their causality to create this single ''secret trial''. That''s why the conditions were soplex. ''Well, thest condition has a slightly different reason...'' The final condition for essing the secret trial was the ''Fragment of the Frost Queen''s Authority''. The god who created the trial had set this condition because of a deep connection with the Frost Queen in the past. It had nothing to do with the trial itself, but given the god''s entric nature, it made sense. Just then, "You have entered the secret trial." As the Trial Helper''s voice rang out, whoosh! Something began to unfold before Zion''s eyes, which had seen nothing until now. They were scenes. Scenes from countless historical moments recorded in the world itself. While these scenes varied in time and ce, they shared onemon thread. They all depicted moments rushing towards destruction. "Be a historical figure and prevent the destruction." "The level of reward will be determined by the difficulty of the destruction you prevent." "Please select one of the histories before you." As the Trial Helper exined, the secret trial involved choosing and averting one of the world''s histories of destruction. It was truly a brutal trial. After all, these histories of destruction wereptions of humanity''s most extreme crises. ''Where is it?'' Zion''s eyes darted quickly over the histories, searching for something specific. "I''ll go with this one." His eyes lit up as he pointed to one history and addressed the Trial Helper. "The history you''ve chosen, ''The Gorge of the End'', is the highest difficulty destruction and virtually impossible to resolve. Are you sure about this decision?" The Helper asked Zion. Its tone was thoroughly mechanical, but somehow it seemed to hope Zion would choose something else. "Yes." But Zion nodded without a hint of hesitation. The reward for the secret trial was determined by the difficulty of the chosen history. To obtain the highest grade reward, a divine artifact, he needed to select the most challenging history of destruction. "...Selectionplete. The trial will now begin." As the Trial Helper''s slightly dimmed voice faded, whoosh! Zion felt as if someone had grabbed his head and yanked it upward, his consciousness beginning to shift elsewhere. Space twisted and his vision flickered endlessly. How long did this statest? At some point, Zion''s vision suddenly cleared. Simultaneously, boom! As if he had just emerged from underwater, all the surrounding sounds flooded into Zion''s ears at once. "Hold them back somehow! Hold them back!" Aaargh! "These fucking monster bastards! Urgh!" Crunch! Screams of desperation, inhuman howls, and countless explosions filled the air. The scene that unfolded before him could only be described as hell. Screech! In the distance, a wave of monsters filled the entire horizon, endlessly surging forward. Knights and soldiers engaged in a desperate battle against these monsters, blocking a narrow gorge. Heads were bitten off, limbs torn away, and spilled entrails stained the ground red. Yet despite this, the soldiers didn''t retreat an inch, desperately holding back the advancing wave. At that moment, "You have entered ''The Gorge of the End''." The Trial Helper''s voice began to speak in Zion''s ear as he watched this scene. "You have inhabited the body of ''Nadir Chrosicle'', apanion of the first hero." "During this trial, you can use Nadir Chrosicle''s abilities and skills." "Currently, the ''Dragon of the End'', a top executive of the Demon King''s forces, is moving to break through the gorge with its subordinates." "Hold back the wave of destruction until reinforcements arrive." The Battle of the Gorge of the End. This was a history Zion knew as well. It urred during the First Human-Demon War hundreds of years ago. The Dragon of the End, one of the Four Great Demons at the time, had led all its forces in a secret attack on this gorge, a strategic stronghold. Humanity, caught off guard by this attack, couldn''t muster a proper response. Nadir Chrosicle, who happened to be guarding this ce, had to face the Dragon of the End with only a few thousand troops. Naturally, Nadir couldn''t stop the Dragon of the End, and he, along with all his forces, were annihted. It was the worst defeat of the First Human-Demon War. ''This definitely qualifies as the highest difficulty.'' It was certainly dire enough for the Trial Helper to ask him to reconsider. The situation seemed so hopeless that there appeared to be no way to prevent it. Just then, "Lord Nadir! Please give us instructions on what to do!" A blood-covered knight, seemingly an adjutant, rushed towards Zion and shouted urgently. His face was extremely dark, as if he sensed this battle would end in their defeat. Yet the knight''s eyes held a desperate will to defend this ce somehow, showing the strength of his spirit. But, "...?" The knight''s eyes soon filled with confusion. Suddenly, his superior Nadir had started jumping lightly in ce, shaking out his limbs. As if trying to adapt to an unfamiliar body. "Lord... Nadir?" As the adjutant called out once more, Zion stopped jumping and drew the sword at his waist. "No, we''re not going to defend this ce anymore." His voice was calm. "...What? What do you mean?!" The adjutant''s face contorted in shock at these unexpected words. "Surely you''re not suggesting we abandon this ce?" That was impossible. Numerous citiesy beyond this gorge. Abandoning it would mean the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people living in those cities. Zion didn''t respond to the adjutant''s words. Instead, he slowly pulled back the drawn sword. At that moment, whoosh! All the surrounding air began to burn white-hot, as if incandescent, and was sucked towards Zion''s sword. Rumble! Space contracted and the earth trembled. The sword, having absorbed the pure white air, began to vibrate violently as if wailing. The overwhelming power emanating from it momentarily stopped the surrounding battle. Zion knew. His ck Star Force was a power engraved on his soul. So while its magnitude might change with different bodies, using it wouldn''t be a problem. Then what if... What would happen if he used the ck Star Force in the body of a being who had reached humanity''s peak, rather than the frail body of Zion Agnes? Here was the answer. Nadir Chrosicle. Apanion of the world''s first hero and a knight once called the strongest in the world. As if a drop of ck ink had fallen... Pitch-ck darkness began to spread across the entire de that had been glowing white-hot. Grind! The sword vibrated even more violently, as if screaming, and the surrounding space began to crumble, unable to withstand its power. Gripping the sword tighter, Zion looked at a being far away at the end of the wave of destruction. A ck dragon overlooking the battlefield, exuding an unimaginable aura and overwhelming presence in all directions. The Dragon of the End, Apocalypsia. "Now I''m going to strike the Dragon of the End." Zion''s cold eyes fixed on the dragon as these low words left his mouth. Swish- The moment Zion''s sword, now cloaked in perfect darkness, swung downward. The wave of monsters covering the world, and everything including that wave. -----------------! Began to split in two. ---Toggle New Ads 5/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 169 - The Tower of Causality (9) 169 - The Tower of Causality (9) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 169, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (9) A heavy silence fell over the battlefield. This stillness gripped both the human and monster factions alike. All eyes were fixed on the path that had formed in the middle of the monster army, stretching from the gorge to the horizon. Like a legendary hero parting the sea, this path had been created with a single downward stroke.Along this path, step by step. Nadir Chrosicle, or rather, Zion, who had created this path, began to walk slowly. "How in the..." As someone uttered these words in a daze, Zion''s pace quickened. His form blurred and then transformed into a gust of wind. Screech! The surrounding monsters, finally snapping out of their stupor, let out ear-piercing screams and charged at Zion as he raced along the path. Each of these monsters had strength equivalent to that of an elite knight. Just as they were about to engulf Zion, whoosh! A step unlike any before erupted from Zion''s right foot. Crack! A massive wave of light burst forth from that single step, spreading in all directions and tearing the monsters'' bodies to shreds without leaving a trace. A huge space opened up. As Zion immediately thrust himself into this space, "Stop that damn hero''spanion!" With cries full of hatred and bloodlust, a new wave of monsters filled the remaining space and lunged at Zion. But that wave couldn''t reach him. The knight''s sword cut through all enemies. Swish! Thousands of des erupted from Zion''s casually swung sword, slicing through the entire wave. The sky turned red with the blood that burst forth. At that moment. The sky darkened once more. It wasn''t because of the demonic energy emitted by the monsters. Steel Knight. A golem with a body made entirely of ck steel,rger than a mountain, blocked Zion''s path. Grooooar! With a roar so massive it could cause an earthquake, the Steel Knight raised its mace and brought it down towards Zion. The air around the falling mace, like a meteor strike, burst into mes. It was a blow powerful enough to obliterate a small city without leaving a trace. Just as the knight''s mace was about to crush Zion''s entire body, swish! A small cutting sound rang out. It was a sound so faint it might as well not have existedpared to the club that was descending, bending even space itself. But the sight created by that sound was anything but faint. The tip of Zion''s sword, now pointing from the sky to the ground, sh! Split the falling Steel Knight''s mace vertically. As if that wasn''t enough, a thin line started from the knight''s hand holding the mace and traveled up to its shoulder, then crack! The knight''s entire right arm split along that line. Huh? As the knight let out a dumb sound, not understanding what had happened, looking at its fallen arm, swish! Once again, the cutting sound rang out, and the Steel Knight''s body split vertically from crown to crotch. Boom! With a sound like hundreds of bombs exploding at once, the knight''s body, split in two, crashed to the ground. Zion advanced through the debris of the Steel Knight without a moment''s hesitation. "Attack... Attack from afar!!" Following themand of a high-ranking demon who had been stunned by this abnormal sight, boom! This time, thousands of demonic curses began to pour down, targeting only Zion. The power of these curses was beyond imagination, enough to instantly corrode the mind and tear apart the flesh of even a dragon, but once again, they had no effect on Zion. He didn''t dodge or deflect them with his sword. The pure mind of a knight cannot be broken by anything. And the iron-like body of a knight will never shatter. Nadir Chrosicle''s authorities, activated by Zion''s will, instantly covered his entire body. Rattle rattle rattle! The curses that rained down on these authorities bounced off with a sound like popcorn popping. This was Nadir''s absolute defense ability, known as the ''Moving Fortress''. Next, whoosh! Zion''s form dashed right up to the demon sorcerers who had fired the curses. Screech! The ck Star Force and Nadir''s authorities simultaneously condensed at the tip of Zion''s sword, which was already drawn back, emitting a chilling light and sound. "B-Block it...!" Seeing this, the demon sorcerers quickly deployed dozens ofyers of barriers, but. It was already toote. Boom! Zion''s sword, extended in a straight line as if a knight was charging, instantly tore through all the barriers and pierced through the bodies of the demon sorcerers behind them. The shockwave that erupted from thispletely shattered all the other monsters in the vicinity. The sound explosion that followed, considerably dyed due to the speed, filled the battlefield. Zion advanced without even ncing at the demon sorcerer unit he had annihted in an instant, and the demonic army couldn''t stop his steps for even a moment. Perhaps it was because of this overwhelming sight. Grrrr! For the first time, fear appeared in the eyes of the monsters who had known nothing but blood and ughter until now. Unconsciously, they began to take small steps backward. As a result, the path that had been narrowing began to widen once again. "Ah..." Behind them, the knights and soldiers, including the adjutant, watched this scene in a daze. What on earth was happening? An unbelievable, irrational sight was unfolding before their eyes. To think that the terrifying demonic army would be pushed back by a single person. Then, step, step. Their feet began to move slowly along the path Zion had created, filled with an unspoken determination. Zion hadn''t given any orders. No one else had said anything. That back. That broad back that advanced relentlessly, shattering the wave of demons blocking the way without a word, was whispering to them. To follow behind him. A different kind of strength. A different kind of action. A different kind of charm. While everything about the current ''Nadir Chrosicle'' was different from usual except for his appearance, it didn''t matter. This figure he was showing now was exactly the strongest knight they had always envisioned. "Push forward with Lord Nadir!" Finally, with a loud cry bursting from the adjutant knight''s mouth, the human army, their eyes filled with passion and trembling, began to follow properly behind Zion. ''This isn''t a bad start.'' Feeling the presence of the knights and soldiers approaching from behind, Zion smirked. From the beginning, this trial was a battle that could never be won by just holding out in the gorge. Just as there''s a path of life within a path of death, Zion believed that to lead this ''Battle of the Gorge of the End'' to victory, they needed to strike into the enemy formation like this. After all, Nadir Chrosicle and the forces under hismand were specialized in breaking through rather than defense. Of course, this required the presence of an unwavering central figure, but the current Zion, able to fully utilize Nadir Chrosicle''s power and body, could sufficiently fulfill that role. ''Even so, with just this force, we can only hold out a bit longer...'' But that was enough. That ''holding out a bit longer'' was the key to this battle. ording to history, not long after Nadir Chrosicle and his unit werepletely annihted here, reinforcements including the first hero would arrive at the gorge. If Nadir could hold out until then, the worst defeat of the First Human-Demon War would have turned into the greatest victory. That''s exactly what Zion was aiming for. Although this was a trial, it would surely flow exactly like the original history, and if so, the reinforcements would arrive at a simr time. ''Once the hero and reinforcements arrive, we''ll start hunting the Dragon of the End in earnest.'' Although the goal of this trial was to hold the gorge, Zion had no intention of ending it with just that from the start. All the trials in the Eternal Tower were designed to give better rewards the more exceptional the participant''s performance. Probably this secret trial, the ''History of Destruction'', had a simr structure. If he could achieve something beyond just holding out, there might be additional rewards. Of course, to hunt Apocalypsia, who had half-escaped the cycle of reincarnation and gained a degree of immortality, would requiremensurate power... Boom! That, too, was already sufficient. ''This body.'' Was it because it was the body of the person called the world''s strongest knight? Along with Nadir Chrosicle''s abilities, the level of ck Star Force that the current Zion could use was slightly higher than in the body of ''Zion Agnes''. ''If I had to quantify it, about 6 stars.'' Moreover, since this was a body he would use only once, there was no problem in overworking it to the extreme. If the hero joined in as well, there was no need to even mention it. ''But first, I need to reach the vicinity of the Dragon of the End.'' sh! As Zion''s gaze, havingpletely cut down the high-ranking demons charging at him from both sides along with their attacks, turned towards the ck dragon overlooking the battlefield at the end of the demonic wave. Their eyes met immediately, as if the dragon had also been looking at him. As if threatening, Zion grinned at the Dragon of the End, and an even deeper darkness burst forth from his entire body, beginning to engulf the surroundings. ''That is...'' Apocalypsia''s eyes were filled with questions. It wasn''t because Nadir Chrosicle''s power, tearing through his army of demon realm elites like paper as he advanced, was much stronger than anticipated. ''That power.'' The darkness that Nadir Chrosicle was now mixing with his techniques seemed somehow familiar. It was clearly a power he had never seen in him before. Yet he couldn''t understand why it felt familiar. Alien yet ominous, and at the same time, stimting some deep-seated fear in his heart... -!!!!!!! The Dragon of the End''s eyes widened as far as they could go. Along with this, the questions in the dragon''s eyes began to turnpletely into shock. Why hadn''t he realized it immediately? -Why... That power was certainly what Apocalypsia himself had seen in the past. No, it was a power he had experienced to the bone. The lost history, now passed down only orally to an extremely small number, the shameful history of the demon realm''s first continental invasion. It was exactly this power used by the human who had shattered that invasion. ''Eternal Emperor Aurelion Khan Agnes.'' At that time, all the Four Great Demons except himself were annihted by him, the Demon King was fatally wounded to the point of being unable to move, and all beings belonging to demons were pushed to the ends of the world. The being who had given the demon realm an inescapable frustration and fear. That''s why they had only started the invasion again after confirming hisplete disappearance several times... -Why is that power here now...! He couldn''t understand at all why it had appeared before his eyes again now. ''I must stop it!'' Had his reason flown away? Apocalypsia, his eyes filled with nothing but fear, suddenly opened his mouth wide. The fundamental elements that make up this world were sucked into that mouth in the form of light, forming a massive grey sphere. Rumble! The earth and space vibrated, unable to withstand the distant aura flowing from it. As the authority of the end was added to this, the world itself began to scream. If he fired this ''Breath'' now, the demonic army would also suffer massive damage, but it didn''t matter. At this moment, Apocalypsia truly thought that even if he lost his entire army, it would be worth it if he could kill this damned Nadir using that power. -Be erased from this world. Finally, along with words that sounded like a deration, the Breath of Destruction. Apocalypsia''s strongest authority technique, which had blown away a quarter of the Fairy Forest in the past, was fired towards Zion. ---Toggle New Ads Posted the wrong chap earlier. Sorry! 6/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 170 - The Tower of Causality (10) 170 - The Tower of Causality (10) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 170, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (10) In front of a massive temple at the center of the Eternal Tower''s third floor: "The left nk is copsing! We need to send reinforcements there!" "We''re already on it!" Boom!"Why are these bastards so strong?!" "Just focus on breaking their front line and push forward!" Hundreds of participants had gathered there, battling against guardian knights pouring out of the temple. Crash! Though the participants trying to enter the temple were incredibly powerful, the guardians defending it were equally formidable. The battle was intense. The reason participants were so desperate to enter the temple was simple. This temple was thergest ruin in the third floor''s trial. Suddenly, "Lance Charge! A Lance Charge ising!" Arge warrior wielding an axe at the front line shouted urgently, looking towards the temple. About a hundred guardians mounted on stone horses glowing with bright light were simultaneously lowering their long spears. Then, boom! The guardians charged as one, their speed increasing until they blurred. A thin membrane formed around the charging guardians, causing the surrounding air to ignite. "We can''t block that!!" The participants at the front line cried out in panic, their formation wavering. Just as the guardians'' charge was about to shatter the unstable formation, Thud! Someone dropped between the warriors and the charging guardians. ''...A back?'' A giant with a body at least twice the size of a human warrior, covered in steel-like muscles. As the warrior noticed the giant''s back muscles twitching, boom! The giant collided head-on with the guardians'' Lance Charge, creating a terrifying explosion and thunderous noise. What would happen if a single stationary person shed with a full-power Lance Charge by a hundred knights? Even if that person was a giant, anyone could guess the oue. But, rumble! The scene that appeared after the explosion clearedpletely overturned those expectations. The giant, who had received the guardians'' charge with a shieldrge enough to cover his entire upper body, hadn''t been pushed back even an inch. Instead, "Hup!" With a light intake of breath, the giant''s arm muscles holding the shield twitched, and boom! The guardians were sent flying in all directions, their formation shattering. "Whoa..." The participants exhaled in shock, unable to believe what they''d just witnessed. However, if they knew the giant''s identity, this scene would have been perfectly understandable. Turzan. He was the third among the ''Seven Heavens'', known as the ''Steel Mountain'' and the strongest giant. Just then, "Why are you all just standing there?" A rough voice reached the ears of those staring at Turzan, followed by crackle! This time, dozens of lightning bolts rained down from the sky, striking the scattered guardians and turning the surroundings pure white. Slightlyter, a woman appeared in the center of the lightning, her spear plunging into the ground. It was Rain. "Are you going to waste this opening we''ve created??" After vaporizing a dozen guardians with a single strike, she turned to the participants behind her and spoke. "Ch-Charge!" Finally snapping out of it, the participants began to pour through the gap Turzan and Rain had created. The tide of battle started to turn. ''We''ll break through soon.'' The silver-haired woman watching from behind nodded quietly. The temple they were trying to conquer with the participants was called the ''Temple of the Jungle God'', the central ruin that held the most Life Jades in the third floor''s trial. Its extreme difficulty had made it impossible to attempt in her previous life, but now it was possible. Far more people had survived this time. The reason was obvious. ''It must be because the Murder Legion was wiped out.'' Thanks to the annihtion of the Murder Legion, the main source of chaos, she had been able to rally people easily and gather enough forces to attack the central ruin. ''This way, we can bring more people up to the next trial.'' Things were going better than expected, but the woman''s expression wasn''t particrly bright. It was because of the man who had annihted the Murder Legion. Another massive variable that had newly appeared. ''Zion Harness, was it?'' It was the name of the man she had learned by chance while talking to Rain earlier. She was certain because the appearance of ''Zion Harness'' that Rain had described matched perfectly with that man''s. ''Then that connection has existed since the ck Forest subjugation...'' Was it just a coincidence? She couldn''t be sure. And then there was his use of the Heaven Destroyer''s power and his preparation of the Frost Queen''s authority fragment, knowing about the secret trial in advance. He was truly a man shrouded in mystery. ''As if I didn''t have enough to worry about with the other variables, now another one appears.'' The woman sighed softly and shook her head to clear those thoughts. Though she was intensely curious about his identity, there was nothing she could do about it now. Perhaps they would meet again as they climbed the Eternal Tower. ''For now, I''ll focus on clearing this trial.'' With that thought, the woman''s sword began to emit a transparent light as she looked ahead. * * * If the end were to take form, it might look like this. The ''Breath of Destruction'' that started from Apocalypsia''s mouth tore through the world, shooting straight towards Zion. It was a strike containing such an immense aura that mortals bound by the cycle of reincarnation couldn''t even properly perceive it. ''I can''t block that.'' That was the thought that shed through Zion''s mind the moment he saw it. Though he had entered Nadir Chrosicle''s body and reached a slightly higher level of ck Star Force, the power emanating from that breath was terrifying enough to make him feel inadequate. He couldn''t dodge it either. From the moment the ''cause'' of that breath beingpleted and fired existed, the ''result'' of it hitting Zion himself was created. It was truly a strike that interfered even with thews of the world. But, ''I can slightly twist that result, though.'' Tap tap! With that thought, Zion''s eyes shed coldly as he began to run diagonally upward, stepping on thin air. At the same time, he pulled back the sword he was now holding with both hands to its maximum behind his right shoulder. Whoosh! As if the surrounding world itself was being sucked in, space contracted around Zion''s drawn sword, and all energy began to condense. The de vibrated as if it would shatter at any moment. An alien darkness quietly settled around the vibrating de. Finally, when the condensation and vibration reached their peak, swish- The knight''s sword shed diagonally towards the Breath of Destruction that had approached right in front of him. A knight''s sword can cut even the sky. There was no need to cut through the entire iing breath. The result of it hitting Zion himself. It was enough to cut just a tiny portion of theponents making up that result. Crack! For a moment, a massive friction sparkrge enough to cover the sky appeared, and the space containing the Dragon of the End''s breath warped and bent. And where that bent space headed was, crunch? Right into the middle of the monster army. Along with a questioning sound from one of the monsters came the collision. At that moment, --------------------! The entire field of vision turned ashen gray. The sound was so massive it couldn''t be heard, as the world turned incandescent white and was engulfed in silence. How much time passed like this? As vision gradually returned, "!!!!!!" The knights and soldiers following Zion gaped with nk expressions at the scene that followed. From the enormous crater whose end couldn''t be seen, to the demonic army that had lost about a third of its forces. If a god''s hammer were to strike the earth, it might look like this. -You bastard!!!!! Seeing this sight and Zion who had suddenly appeared right in front of him, Apocalypsia let out a furious roar. He had poured all his strength into unleashing his authority technique, yet not only had he failed to kill his target, but he had also sacrificed his own army for nothing. "You''re pretty dumb for a dragon, aren''t you?" Zion grinned at the Dragon of the End as his sword began to turnpletely ck, just like Exia. Feeling the familiar yet chilling energy emanating from it, Apocalypsia involuntarily shuddered. He summoned thousands of sparks infused with the authority of the end around him and fired them at Zion. A knight''s sword cuts through countless nights. But with Nadir''s swordsmanship perfectly fused with the ck Star Force''s ''Night Cutter'', sh! Zion cut down all the iing sparks. As the Dragon of the End''s eyes twitched at this sight, swish! Zion''s form appeared right in front of him, having cut through even the space between them. Almost simultaneously, Zion''s sword, condensed with ck Star Force to the extreme, shot towards the dragon''s head. In response, Apocalypsia created a sphere of demonic energy right in front of his eyes. With the ensuing sh, crack! The space around them shattered. The entire earth split and shook from the aftermath of this collision, on apletely different level from before. As if oblivious to this, -May your heart burst. The Dragon of the End immediately poured his End (½KÑÉ) imbued with his authority towards Zion. Though the dragon''s End was beyond imagination, enough to affect even beings who had reached ''Heaven'', it couldn''t reach Zion. Dark Domain. Whoosh! The ck Star Force''s exclusive spatial domination technique, which Zion had used against Dran, the leader of the Murder Legion, unfolded in an even more advanced form,pletely devouring the iing End. Zion dove through the gap this created and thrust his sword towards one of the Dragon of the End''s eyes. Simultaneously, the darkened space around them vibrated, beginning to change so that Zion''s sword could reach the eye by the fastest route possible. This was the effect of the Dark Domain. -......! Boom! Apocalypsia barely blocked Zion''s strike by creating hundreds ofyers of protective barriers right in front of his eye. He immediately began to scatter his authority around, trying to reverse-dominate the space Zion had corrupted. The dragon knew all too well how crucial it was to make the surrounding space one''s own in a battle between beings who had reached a certain level. At the same time, countless authority shackles formed from the melting air around them, all targeting only Zion. Bang! Bang! Boom! Zion knocked away all the shackles, which would disable the use of authority itself upon contact, and dove in once again. With this, a terrifying exchange of attacks began. How long did they trade blows like this? ''This guy...'' A strange light flickered in Apocalypsia''s eyes as he fended off Zion''s sword. The darkness the knight before him was using. That darkness was indeed the power used by Eternal Emperor Aurelion, who had driven them into a corner. But, ''It''s still weak.'' To be more precise, it would be correct to say it wasn''tplete yet. The endless despair and suffocating pressure he had felt when facing the Eternal Emperor in the past. Was it because the user was different? There was none of that, and moreover, the level of power the knight was using was iparably weaker than back then. Additionally, ''As I thought...'' The knight''s movements looked somewhat awkward. It seemed he had suffered some internal injury when deflecting Apocalypsia''s ''Breath'' earlier. ''Right, there''s no way he could be unscathed after receiving my breath.'' A gleam of joy began to appear in the Dragon of the End''s eyes. In contrast, wounds began to appear one by one on Zion''s body. -Why don''t you just give up? Soon, as Apocalypsia continued the exchange of attacks while looking at Zion, a low voice flowed from his mouth. -You probably already know, but the difference in power between you and me is clear. Moreover, your body''s condition isn''t good either. The dragon''s eyes curved as if smiling. -Your defeat is already decided. If you give up right now, I''ll kill you without pain. At that moment, crash! "I know that too." Zion''s eyes also began to curve like crescent moons as he met the Dragon of the End''s gaze while their swords shed. Zion was fully aware. That he couldn''t defeat Apocalypsia alone, and that his body wasn''t in a normal state. In fact, he had been swallowing the blood rising in his throat for a while now. But that didn''t change anything. Already, "Even so, I think I''m going to win this battle." He had arrived here. -...What? Feeling something ominous in Zion''s smile, the Dragon of the End asked back with a questioning voice. "Because you''re not just facing me alone." As Zion replied with an even deeper smile and a cold voice, it happened. There was no light, no sound. And no warning. Boom! Apocalypsia''s massive body, struck by something that came down diagonally from the sky, was sent flying and crashed into the ground. The dragon''s body continued to burrow deep into the earth. Then, with a dyed secondary shockwave, whoosh! mes hotter than the sun began to ze across the fallen Dragon of the End''s entire body. -Argh! And, step. Amidst those mes and the dragon''s scream, a figure slowly revealed itself. A man exuding an overwhelming presence in all directions, d in armor zing with ultra-high temperature mes, as if all the fires of hell had been gathered and contained within. Though the man''s face was hidden by the mes, Zion knew who he was. "You came earlier than I expected." Magnus re. The first hero, and the man called the strongest throughout all recorded history. This was the moment he finally arrived at the ''Gorge of the End'' with reinforcements. ---Toggle New Ads 7/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 171 - The Tower of Causality (11) 171 - The Tower of Causality (11) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 171, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (11) The eyes of Magnus, the first hero, met Zion''s. Despite the ming armor covering his entire body, the hero''s eyes were calm andposed. "Fortunately, I wasn''t toote." Magnus''s low voice broke the silence as he observed Zion, who had inhabited Nadir Chrosicle''s body."Annihte this wicked demonic armypletely!" Waaaaaah! With a thunderous roar that shook heaven and earth, countless human forces appeared at the end of the gorge and began charging towards the monsters. These were the reinforcements led by the hero. Boom! A massive collision ensued. Simultaneously, -I''ll tear you bastards to shreds! Apocalypsia, who had been screaming in pain from Magnus''s strike and mes, rose with a roar of hatred and anger. "Let''s finish this one off before we catch up." With those words, Magnus turned back towards the Dragon of the End and gripped his spear tightly. The mes covering his armor moved to his spear, melting the surrounding air even more intensely. -I''ll crush you in one go. Perhaps judging that the situation hadpletely turned against him? As if intending to pour all his strength from the start, an authority of the end far different from before began to flow from Apocalypsia''s entire body, then boom! It transformed into tens of thousands of bullets and began firing. Each bullet had enough power to erase one''s very existence if it touched them. Just as these bullets were about to hit Zion and Magnus, a knight''s soul remains unwavering even in the abyss. Red Star. Whoosh! A darkness deeper than night erupted from Zion''s body. mes hotter than a fire opal burst forth from the hero''s body,pletely devouring the bullets of the end. Then, swoosh! As if they had nned it, both of their forms disappeared simultaneously and reappeared on either side of the Dragon of the End. The sword strike and spear thrust followed immediately. Apocalypsia reacted by deploying hundreds of barriers like before, but this time it didn''t work. Not only was his power split between two sides, but the force of the attacks was alsopletely different from earlier. Crack! The sword and spear shattered all the barriers in an instant, leaving massive wounds on the dragon''s body. -Argh! The Dragon of the End let out a painful scream as secondary explosions of darkness and me erupted from those wounds. ''I''ll take out the one in bad shape first!'' Even in this situation, Apocalypsia made a cold judgment and created thousands of spears of the End (½KÑÉ) around Zion. Just as all those spears were about to fire at Zion, "You dare turn your back on me." Boom! Magnus''s spear strike, falling like a meteor, hit the Dragon of the End''s back. Despite instinctively defending, Apocalypsia''s massive body,rger than a mountain, tilted forward from the impact of a different dimension. In the momentary gap this created, Zion''s form vanished, and a split secondter, the spears of the End crashed into the space where he had been. Then, Zion''s form reappeared right in front of the Dragon of the End, Moon Piercing Drill. He plunged a strike that had gone through four amplifications from eclipse and partial eclipse oveps directly into the dragon''s body. Crack! With a terrifying shockwave, Apocalypsia''s massive body, which had been tilting forward, was sent flying backward. Before the Dragon of the End could recover from that impact and regain his posture, boom! The hero''s spear, thrust with perfect timing once again, pierced through all of the dragon''s defenses and struck his temple. Theirbination attacks continued with such precision it was as if they had been practicing together for decades. -Ugh... Uaaaah! Endless screams erupted from Apocalypsia''s mouth as critical wounds began to appear one after another on the dragon''s body. The tide of battle turned to one side in an instant. The insanebination between the two heroes was impressive, but the main reason for the turning tide was the overwhelming power of the first hero. An absolute strength that seemed to transcend not only the limits of the human species but of all mortals. ''It can''t be helped.'' After all, Magnus re had already reached the pinnacle of the world in terms of power even before being chosen as a hero. It was only natural for such a person to be this strong after being granted the destiny of a hero. Finally, crunch! Magnus''s spear and Zion''s sword, having shattered even the Dragon of the End''sst desperate authority technique, plunged directly into the dragon''s heart. -How... Apocalypsia''s life ended before he could finish those words. It was an unexpectedly anticlimactic endpared to his grand entrance. Thud! After briefly watching the Dragon of the End''s massive body fall and disappear, Magnus turned his head towards Zion. Was he about to offer words of encouragement for holding out until he arrived? But the words that flowed from his mouth were far from encouragement. "Who are you?" These were strange words to say to arade he had known for years. The hero''s eyes, revealed beyond the fading mes, burned brightly as if piercing through to the essence of Zion inhabiting Nadir''s body. Of course, Zion had no reason to answer that question. ''There''s no need to, anyway.'' Already, -You have cleared the trial ''History of Destruction'' beyond perfection. -Additional points will be awarded ordingly. As the Trial Helper''s voice reached his ears, the entire world began to blur. "I''ll make good use of your armor." Azy voice flowed from Zion''s mouth as he smiled at the hero. "...What?" Just as Magnus expressed his confusion, -The trial is ending. With those words, Zion''s entire field of vision was enveloped in darkness. Soon after, Zion reappeared in the empty space where he had chosen the history. ''Is it time to receive the reward now?'' With that thought, Zion waited for the Trial Helper''s next words. "What''s this? I came to see whopleted the trial I made to be impossible to break through, and..." A young, clear voice,pletely different from what he expected, reached Zion''s ears. "Emperor, it was you?" As Zion turned his head, he saw a boy who looked to be in his early teens. A beautiful boy with striking fiery red hair and eyes. Zion knew at a nce that this boy was not a mortal being. For one thing, no ordinary human could enter this ce, and moreover, the boy exuded a transcendent aura simr to what Zion had felt when facing the God of Light before. Additionally, there was only one deity who could appear at such a precise timing and speak to Zion like this. ''Loki.'' The God of Fire and Mischief, and the very creator of this secret trial. "Then I can understand. As expected, someone from ...... is different in every way." In the god''s subsequent words, one word in the middle was inaudible, as if there was noise. Instinctively sensing something from those words, Zion skipped all other questions and spoke. "What do you mean by that? I''d like to hear more details." Loki''s eyes flickered for a moment at Zion''s direct gaze and question, despite suddenly being confronted by a deity without even asking about their identity. A mischievous smile spread across his face. "Of course, you''re curious about ......, right? I get it. It''s rted to the origin of your power. But as you can see, I can''t tell you. There''s a causality lock on the very word ....... So even if I keep saying ......, ......, you won''t be able to hear it." The God of Fire shrugged slightly after saying the noise-filled word several more times, as if there was nothing he could do. "Maybe you''ll naturallye to know when youplete the contract and win the bet." In the end, it meant he couldn''t say because of causality, just like with the God of Light before. "Gods seem to be pretty useless." "Hehe, you just figured that out? Don''t bother asking any other questions. I don''t have the causality to answer anyway. This time, I really just came to see what kind of freak perfectly cleared the trial I created." Loki answered with a grin at Zion''s words. Normally, no deity would descend to the world for such a trivial reason, but it was possible for the God of Fire. The god before him had a more unique personality and more vtile whims than any other deity. "What about the trial''s reward?" Judging that there was nothing more to gain from further conversation, Zion shook his head inwardly and immediately changed the subject. The reason Zion asked Loki about this was simple. As mentioned earlier, Loki had created this trial itself, and he was also the owner of the divine artifact given as a reward. "Hmm... It''s quite a shame, but I promised, so I can''t help it." With a regretful expression, Loki lightly snapped his fingers. -You have acquired ''Muspelheim'' as a reward for the trial. As the Trial Helper''s voice reached his ears, a small red ring appeared floating in front of Zion. A mythical-grade artifact called the pinnacle of all weapons and armor in the world. The Heat Heaven Armor Muspelheim, the ring before his eyes, was at the very top even among such mythical-grade artifacts. The strongest armor said to have been created by the Fire God Loki by burning an entire heaven. It was his only divine artifact, and also the one used by Magnus re, the first hero he had just seen. The goal Zion absolutely had to obtain in the Tower of Causality. ''With this, only one thing remains.'' With that thought, Zion was about to put the ring on his finger when, "Oh, right." Loki spoke up, snapping his fingers as if he had just remembered something. "There''s going to be one change from now on. It''ll probably be good for you... Anyway, I''m counting on you." With another mischievous smile, the Fire God''s form vanished from that spot without a trace. A departure as sudden as his appearance. As Zion looked at the space where Loki had disappeared, a faint light of question appeared in his eyes. -ording to the contract with Muspelheim''s owner, the content of the final 5th floor trial will be changed. -Additional rewards will be granted. An iprehensible voice from the Trial Helper reached his ears. -Synchronization with the me Heaven begins. With that, whoosh! Brilliant and majestic mes erupted from the Muspelheim on his hand and began to engulf Zion''s entire body. * * * In front of the entrance leading to the final trial on the 5th floor of the Tower of Causality. All surviving participants, including Hero Flosimar''s group, had gathered there with tense expressions. ''Now only thest trial remains.'' The silver-haired woman thought as she looked at the massive iron door densely engraved with strange hieroglyphs. Perhaps because she had saved most of the participants in the third floor''s trial? The woman, who hadpleted the fourth floor''s trial without much difficulty, had eyes filled with tension like the other participants as she looked at the iron door before her. The memory of nearly dying several times while breaking through this trial in her previous life remained vividly in her mind. But the woman quickly shook off that tension. She was much stronger now than she had been at this point in her previous life, and the surrounding situation was iparably better. She would probably be able toplete the final trial smoothly as well. "What are we going to do? Are we going in now? We''ve already finished our preparations." Rain, standing beside her, asked the woman. Along with her words, the participants'' gazes focused on the woman, as if asking for a decision. On the way here, the woman had shown incredible achievements surpassing even the ''Twelve Seas'', and as a result, the participants were implicitly following her lead. ''Has the secret trial not ended yet?'' The woman briefly closed her eyes deeply after scanning the participants, seemingly looking for someone who wasn''t there, then opened them and spoke. "We''re going in right now." With those words, tension tightened among the participants as they solidified their formation. Feeling their movement, the woman lightly pushed the iron door in front of her. nk! As if it had been waiting, the massive iron door began to split open on both sides. -Entering the 5th floor, final trial. Just as the scene inside the iron door began to form on the participants'' retinas, -The trial content has been changed. -The trial difficulty has been adjusted to extreme. -The ''Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil'' appears. Thepletely unexpected voice of the Trial Helper, -Hold out until the King of Fire arrives. began to ring in the ears of the woman and everyone else in session. ---Toggle New Ads 1/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 172 - The Tower of Causality (12) 172 - The Tower of Causality (12) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 172, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (12) Divine artifact. This term referred to the highest-tier mythical weapons and armor imbued with the stories of gods, directly representing a single deity. For a mortal to be the owner of such a divine artifact, they needed to possess qualifications worthy of it. Of course, obtaining those qualifications was incredibly difficult.As proof, throughout human history, only a handful of individuals had ever been acknowledged by divine artifacts. And now, ''This is...'' Zion found himself in the mental world created by the Heat Heaven Armor Muspelheim to recognize such qualifications. After all, Muspelheim was the divine artifact representing Loki, the God of Fire and Mischief. The "synchronization with the me Heaven" mentioned earlier by the Trial Helper was probably the process and test for gaining recognition. ''And that must be the test.'' Thinking this, Zion looked up. What he saw was, -----------------! A bright red me falling towards him, burning the entire sky of this mental world, its end invisible. From this fiery sky, a heat that seemed capable of scorching even souls radiated down. Even someone with iron-like willpower would instantly perish if engulfed by this ''me Heaven''. In contrast, Zion''s figure standing alone on the empty ground below looked precarious, as if he might burn up at any moment. ''This certainly looks challenging.'' It was on apletely different level from the tests of other artifacts. However, Zion''s eyes remained utterly calm as he thought this. After all, there was no way he couldn''t pass a test that even Magnus re, the first hero, had passed. And this ce... Swish swish- Was not reality, but a mental world. Darkness flowed from Zion''s entire body, spreading across the ground in all directions at an insane speed. Finally, as this darkness covered the entire ground, rumble! An infinite army burst forth from the darkness, soaring towards the sky of mes. The army spread even wider than the mes, taking a form that enveloped the sky. As the speed of the falling me Heaven slowed, seemingly shrinking from this overwhelming momentum, the Emperor''s army finally swallowed the sky. * * * The Trial Helper''s voice rang in their ears. Along with it, the scene inside the iron door that appeared before the woman''s eyes waspletely different from her previous life. ''Everything''s... frozen?'' A cavern covered in pure white frost, as if they were at the extreme north. The cavern floor was entirelyposed of ake, which was alsopletely frozen solid. Then, boom! With a loud noise, the iron door closed behind them, and something in the center of theke slowly began to rise. A woman whose entire body, from head to toe, was made of ice. Inside the woman''s transparent chest, an unpleasant ck mass churned. ''The Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil...'' The eyes of the woman - Flosimar - watching this scene shook violently. She couldn''t understand what was happening at all. Why had the trial''s difficulty been changed to extreme, and why had a being she hadn''t seen in her previous life appeared? ''And the Trial Helper''sst words...'' She didn''t know who the "King of Fire" referred to, but the instruction to "hold out" that followed bothered her even more. While she didn''t know how strong this "Remnant of the Frost Queen" was, those words implied that the Trial Helper had judged they couldn''t handle this being on their own. At that moment, screech! The Remnant of the Frost Queen, having fully risen, let out a massive cry. It was a howl closer to that of a monster than a human. Crackle! Along with the terrifying cold energy bursting forth from it, -20 minutes remain until the King of Fire arrives. The Trial Helper''s voice reached the ears of all participants in the trial. And this also signaled the start of the battle. "Ugh! Maintain formation! Priests and mages, start with cold defense spells!" "We''ve been casting them since we entered! But it''s too strong, the spells aren''t working well!" The participants struggled to defend against the cold, their expressions bewildered by the rapidly dropping temperature in the cavern. Then, whoosh! As if that wasn''t enough, the Remnant began to suck in all the cold energy in the cavern, seemingly preparing something. "We have to stop it!" Did they instinctively sense that if this was unleashed, it would be dangerous? With a loud cry, Rain''s form was the first to charge towards the Remnant. Other participants followed behind Rain, their expressions grim. Crackle! Rain, who had instantly reached the front of the Remnant riding lightning, plunged her incandescent white spear towards the Remnant''s heart area. However, ng! The Remnant casually deflected Rain''s spear as if swatting away an insect. As Rain''s body was sent flying from the tremendous recoil, staggering, sh! Lee Un-gang, the Blood Sword, who had appeared behind Rain, dove into the Remnant''s embrace in one breath and swung his blood-stained sword towards its neck. It was a fantastic strike, entering at the perfect timing without a single error. Lee Un-gang''s eyes lit up as he saw the Remnant fail to properly defend, but crack! That light soon turned to bewilderment. "What the..." His sword, into which he had poured almost all his strength, had left only a tiny scratch on the Remnant''s neck and couldn''t prate any further. Thud! The Remnant''s hand pierced Lee Un-gang''s abdomen. Then, as the Remnant lightly flicked its hand, boom! Lee Un-gang''s body flew at a terrifying speed and crashed into the frozenke''s surface. Lee Un-gang''s motionless form, embedded in the ice, looked as if he might be dead, but there was no time to check on him. Even as this happened, the surrounding cold energy continued to be sucked towards the Remnant. At that moment, "Hup!" Turzan, who had appeared right beside the Remnant, rammed into it with his shoulder, channeling all his momentum. It was a strike powerful enough to shatter a mountain. The Remnant of the Frost Queen couldn''t ignore this, using a shield it created by transforming some of the cold energy it had been absorbing to block the giant''s attack. Boom! With a sound like dozens of bombs exploding at once, theke''s surface cracked and shot upwards. Before the aftermath of that could fade, Rain, who had regained her posture, and Gregory the Steel Soul, a new addition from the ''Twelve Seas'', simultaneouslyunched their maximum attacks from the front and back of the Remnant. Crack! A massive shockwave,bined with the previous impact, spread throughout the entire cavern. This time, it seemed to have some effect as the Remnant of the Frost Queen staggered back, but, "Damn it!" Despite this, the cold energy continued to condense unabated. "Shit, stop it!" As Rain and the other participants desperately charged in, cursing, the Remnant gazed at them with emotionless eyes. Just as it was about to unleash the cold energy condensed to its maximum, A sword that pierces five heavens. Crack! Without any warning, the silver-haired woman''s sword appeared above the Frost Queen, piercing the exact center of the condensed cold energy. The cold energy scattered as its core was shattered. As if that wasn''t enough, the woman''s sword moved in an elegant curve upwards before shing down vertically. Boom! The Remnant''s body, having blocked the woman''s sword strike with both hands, burrowed through the ice into the ground below. At that moment, as if on cue, all the participants engaged in closebat simultaneously retreated. "Pour everything into it!" Following the cry of Rihardt the Storm King, another member of the ''Twelve Seas'', ranged participants including mages began to unleash all their prepared attacks towards the Remnant fixed to the ground. Boom! Weapons, magic, spirits, and more. Attacks of all kinds and attributes were fired solely at the evil-tainted Remnant, creating a tremendous explosion. And, a sword that cleaves seven seas. White Dragon Strike. Mountain Breaker. ----------------! The hero''s party''s strikes decorated the finale of this concentrated offensive. For a moment, the cavern''s temperature, which had plummeted well below zero, soared above freezing, and the entire field of vision was filled with a bright light. "We did it! With this level of power...!" An expectant voice flowed from the mouth of one of the participants. Three of the ''Twelve Seas'', and those with power equal to or surpassing them, hadbined to unleash their strongest attacks. No matter how monstrous the final trial''s creature was, it surely couldn''t survive this. But those people''s expectations, -8 minutes remain until the King of Fire arrives. Vanished immediately with the Trial Helper''s voice ringing in their ears. Screech! The Remnant of the Frost Queen revealed itself, howling loudly as the explosion gradually subsided. While parts of the Remnant''s body were broken, it looked far too intact for having received all those attacks. Before the people who saw this could even react, whoosh! A wave originating from the howling Remnant began to spread throughout the entire cavern. "Don''t let that wave touch you!!" Following someone''s cry, the participants quickly tried to defend against the approaching wave, but it was already toote. Crack! The world froze. Those who tried to block it with their weapons froze along with their weapons. Those who tried to block it with defensive techniques froze along with their techniques. They stopped,pletely frozen like frostbite victims. Then, crack, crackle! The frozen participants shattered, meeting their demise. "Ah..." The participants who barely managed to withstand it looked at this scene with nk faces, letting out sounds tinged with despair. One-third. That was the proportion of participants who lost their lives from just that single wave. But, as if there was no reason to wait for the participants to regain their senses, whoosh! Once again, the Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil began to gather cold energy in front of its ckened chest. "You fucking ice bastard!" "We can''t let it use area attacks!" The remaining mobile participants, including the hero''s party, poured out all their attacks to stop the Remnant, but whoosh! Those attacks were all swept away by the second wave that burst forth several times faster than before. Were they unable to block it this time? Along with this, the bodies of the participants touched by the wave immediately began to freeze and shatter. An even greater number than before. "How can we possibly..." Despair settled in the eyes of the remaining people as the tide of battle, which had seemed in their favor at first, turned in an instant. And this was true for the silver-haired woman as well. ''I can''t think of a way to win.'' Strong. Too strong. How to sessfullynd an attack. How to defend against that cold energy. She couldn''t figure it out at all. Even though she and Turzan, whose power could easily be considered upper-tier among the ''Seven Heavens'', were doing their best, they could barely hold on. No matter how tainted by evil it was, she couldn''t understand why a mere part of the Frost Queen, not even the main body, was this powerful. At this rate, they would bepletely annihted in no time. The near-death experiences she had faced in her previous life began to ovep in the woman''s mind. -2 minutes remain until the King of Fire arrives. The Trial Helper''s voice informed them that not much time remained until the ''King of Fire'' arrived. But the despair in the woman''s eyes didn''t disappear. She doubted whether the addition of just one more person could truly defeat this being. Meanwhile, boom! Rain, who had finally allowed an attack from the Remnant, was sent flying at an invisible speed and crashed into the cavern wall with a loud noise. "Ugh!" Rain coughed up blood, making a dying sound while embedded in the wall. Starting with this, crack! Gregory the Steel Soul fell with a hole in his heart, and even Turzan began to freeze as pure white frost settled on various parts of his body. Finally, as if to conclude this battle, screech! The Remnant of the Frost Queen howled, beginning to generate another wave of cold energy in front of its chest. Death. That was the word that appeared in the woman''s eyes as she watched this scene. And it was also the word that all other surviving participants were thinking of. A sword that destroys six heavens. Crack! The woman''s sword strike,unched as if in ast desperate attempt, was blocked by the Remnant with hundreds ofyers of ice walls. The Remnant grinned and stretched its hand forward. As despair deepened in the woman''s eyes, the cold energy wave, finally reaching its peak, began to spread, about to drive all participants to their deaths. -The King of Fire arrives here. The Trial Helper''s voice rang out in the ears of every being present. * * * Was time frozen? In the center of the cavern, where cognition had elerated to the point that everything flowed extremely slowly. That being stood. As if it had been there from the beginning. The being stood calmly, looking down on everyone else. While its appearance seemed utterly ordinary, exuding no sense of power, everyone in the cavern had no doubt that this being was the ''King of Fire''. The soft mes burning and enveloping the being''s entire body. They couldn''t take their eyes off those mes. Like mayflies flying towards a me even knowing they would die. Those mes forcibly captured the gaze of every living being present. Swish- The wave of cold energy disappeared, melting away as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Along with this, amidst the continued sea of silence, the ''King of Fire''s'' gaze slowly began to move. And finally, as the King''s gaze turned fully towards the Remnant, whoosh! The Queen''s frozen cavern began to burn bright red. ---Toggle New Ads 2/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 173 - The Tower of Causality (13) 173 - The Tower of Causality (13) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 173, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (13) The Frost Queen. In a past so distant it defiedprehension, she was an absolute ruler of the entire northern continent, a transcendent being closer to a spirit than a human, more immortal than mortal. When the Frost Queen broke free from the ''shackles'' and fate to ascend above demigods, she left behind a shell. A shell filled with all the negativity within her, including evil.And that shell was, ''This thing, huh.'' The final trial''s boss, the ''Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil'', now standing before Zion''s eyes. Though called a remnant, it contained most of the authority the Frost Queen wielded just before ascending to demigod status, so its strength was naturally beyond imagination. No matter how much gods and ancient dragons had created it, this was a being that should never have appeared as a dungeon boss. ''Still, it''s good they''re alive.'' Zion thought this as he nced at the hero and herpanions who had held out against the remnant until now. Screech! The Frost Remnant, having observed the suddenly vanished cold wave and the mes engulfing the entire cavern, let out an eerie howl. Along with this, a cold wave condensed in front of the remnant''s chest, far faster than before, transforming into a needle shape and shooting towards Zion. Though much smaller than the previous omnidirectional wave, its power remained the same. No, it was even stronger due to being condensed. This was the Frost Queen''s strike, sensing a great threat from the newly appeared Zion. "Watch out...!" Just as the silver-haired woman was about to shout a warning to Zion, who stood motionless despite the needle approaching at a speed far surpassing sound, Whoosh! The mes burning around Zion were sucked into his lightly extended hand, condensing, then colliding with the cold needle. Boom! An enormous shockwave spread from the collision, filling the entire cavern with an incredible amount of steam. As the onlookers'' eyes wavered uneasily at this sight, whoosh! Bright red mes exploded from the collision point, burning through the surrounding steam and drawing a straight line to where the Frost Queen''s remnant stood. Zion extended his fist, which had gathered all these mes, towards the remnant. In response, the remnant created dozens ofyers of ice walls in front of itself, just as it had done to block the silver-haired woman''s strike earlier. The Wall of Lament that no one had been able to prate until now. But, crack! It was no match for Zion. Zion''s fist, shattering all the ice walls as if tearing through paper, struck the remnant''s body. At the same time, the remnant''s form vanished from that spot. As the remnant''s figure reappeared, embedded in the cavern wall, boom! A bted thunderous noise erupted, and a red line was drawn from where Zion stood to where the remnant was. Crack! The remnant''s body began to crack and crumble from the terrifying impact that spread throughout the entire cavern. Before the remnant could even recover, whoosh! Zion glided along the red line, appearing right in front of it, his fist already drawn back to its maximum. mes from the surroundings were sucked into Zion''s fist as he threw it. Crack! Once again, the remnant hurriedly deployed defensive barriers, but Zion''s fist shattered through these authority barriers, instantly pulverizing the remnant''s left shoulder. Screech! Though screaming in pain from its shattered shoulder, the Frost Queen''s remnant counterattacked by creating hundreds of ice spears around it. Just as these spears, each powerful enough to erase a small castle, were about to pierce Zion''s entire body, Whoosh! The soft mes of Muspelheim enveloping Zion''s body turned pitch ck, then spread through space, beginning to annihte all the approaching spears. This was Muspelheim''s unique authority, me Heaven, imbued with Zion''s ck Star Force that negated everything. Originally, this shouldn''t have been possible, but Zion, having not only gained the qualifications to use Muspelheim but also dominated the divine artifact itself, made it possible. Screech? Perhaps some emotions remained even in the remnant? It let out a questioning sound at this scene that defiedmon sense. Zion dove into the remnant''s embrace, lowering his body, then used the momentum of rising to extend his fist upward. Whoosh! The remnant''s two arms blocking the front were sent flying to either side from this strike, exposing its chest. me King Drill. Simultaneously, Zion''s other fist shot towards the exposed heart. Boom! It was as if dozens of me spells had struck a single point. With an explosion even greater than before, the remnant''s form was sent flying once again, crashing mercilessly into the cavern wall. But Zion inwardly clicked his tongue as he watched the remnant. ''I tried to shatter its heart this time, but...'' As expected of the shell of a transcendent being who had reached demigod status, the remnant had frozen a fraction of time to avoid the fatal blow. ''I need to end this quickly.'' Zion thought, intensifying Muspelheim''s mes even more. In truth, it was unreasonable for the current Zion, whose power wasparable to the upper ranks of the ''Seven Heavens'', to face this ''Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil'' alone. Yet he was able to gain the upper hand andnd effective blows for one simple reason. It was because of Muspelheim''s existence. This divine artifact of Loki, also called the Heat Heaven Armor, had absolute superiority over all types of cold energy. A kind of unique authority. Thanks to this, Zion waspletely unaffected by the cold and could fight like this despite the massive power difference. Moreover, ''These mes.'' The mes flowing from Muspelheim and covering the cavern weren''t ordinary mes. They were another authority of Muspelheim called ''me World'', which, like the ck Star Force''s ''Dark Domain'', had the effect of making the space where the mes burned the user''s own. In other words, it could activate spatial domination, which normally required reaching ''Heaven'' to use perfectly, just by wearing Muspelheim. It was truly an ability befitting a divine artifact. Nevertheless, there was a reason why Zion thought he needed to end the battle quickly. ''Muspelheim''s me World can''t be activated continuously.'' The power consumed was as unimaginable as this incredible effect. Moreover, while the Frost Queen''s remnant was currently flustered by this unfamiliar power and unable to exert its full strength, if given time to adapt, the situation could easily be reversed. That''s how great the difference in power was between Zion and the remnant. ''In that case...'' Whoosh! As Zion finished his thought and shot towards the remnant again, dark red mes gathered behind him, forming a shape like wings. Screech! The remnant, bewildered by Zion''s rapidly expanding form, let out a confused howl and waved its hands, creating a massive cold mistrge enough to cover the entire cavern. The ''King of Fire'' dove into this mist without hesitation, and a breathtaking closebat began. "What in the world is that..." Rain, who had retreated to a corner of the cavern to recover, muttered in a daze as she watched this battle. It was hard to believe what she was seeing with her own eyes. Was this what a mythical battle, only found in records, looked like? And the silver-haired woman watching the scene beside her felt the same way. "......" The Remnant of the Frost Queen had been impossible to handle even for the woman herself, Turzan of the ''Seven Heavens'', and hundreds of others, each with considerable strength. ''Yet he''s facing that remnant alone?'' And if that wasn''t enough, boom! He was even pushing it back, maintaining the upper hand. It was a scene that sent chills down one''s spine, almost impossible to believe they were of the same species. But despite this, the woman believed that this newly appeared ''King of Fire'' was human. There was one person she could guess at. ''Zion Harness.'' The mysterious figure who had annihted the Murder Legion in the third floor''s trial and fulfilled the conditions for the ''secret trial'' in her ce. Only those participating in the trials could enter the Eternal Tower, except for the transcendent beings who created it. Therefore, this ''King of Fire'' was likely a participant, which meant there was a high possibility it was ''Zion Harness'', the only person who hadn''t shown himself until the final trial. And most certainly... ''That armor.'' The armor worn by this ''King of Fire'' looked very simr to the first hero''s armor that the woman herself had tried to obtain. ''I have no idea what''s going on...'' She couldn''t guess at his identity or intentions at all. As the woman looked back at the battle with confused eyes, "Huh?" Suddenly, someone''s voice echoed in her mind. * * * Crack! Countless ice shards burst from the frozenke''s surface, all imbued with the authority of freezing, shooting upwards. In contrast, a sky of mes fell from the top of the cavern. -------------! Amidst the explosions created by these twopletely different powers colliding, Zion and the Remnant of the Frost Queen continued their fierce exchange. Boom! Boom! Boom! The contrast between Zion, who bore no particr wounds, and the remnant, cracked and broken in various ces, showed which way the battle was leaning. However, despite this, a smile that hadn''t been there at the start now yed on the remnant''s lips. Though it was still at a disadvantage, it could feel the gap narrowing. Crack! The leeway growing in its exchanges and the reviving cold energy. In contrast, the mes emitted by its enemy were noticeably weakening. Screech! Having fully realized this fact, the remnant let out a chilling cry and changed its movements. Unlike before, when it had been mostly defensive, the remnant now actively went on the offense. As if these movements were working, crackle! Zion''s form, blocking the pouring attacks, gradually began to be pushed back, and the tide of battle quickly turned in the remnant''s favor. The cold energy swelled instantly, devouring Muspelheim''s mes, and Zion''s momentum rapidly shrank. Along with this, wounds began to appear one by one on Zion''s body. Seeing this, a longing gleamed in the remnant''s eyes. Just a little more. If it could push just a little more, it might be able to end this opponent''s life. With this thought, the remnant''s senses became extremely focused solely on Zion. And at that moment, whoosh! Zion''s form, which had been continuously pushed back but had barely avoided allowing critical or fatal wounds, wavered for an instant, swept up in the surging cold energy. The remnant didn''t miss this opening. Screech! With a cry mixed with joy, a freezing authority of apletely different caliber from before gathered in the remnant''s right hand. A transparent sword made from this authority shot without dy towards the gap revealed in Zion. Even then, Zion stared nkly at the approaching sword, unable to properly defend. The longing in the remnant''s eyes watching this scene turned to ecstasy. Finally, as the Queen''s authority sword was about to pierce Zion''s heart, Crack! A chilling sound reached their ears. It wasn''t the sound of Zion''s heart being shattered by the ice sword. It was the sound made by two weapons that had suddenly pierced through both sides of the remnant. Screech? A dumb cry escaped the remnant''s mouth at this iprehensible situation. It had surely been aware of all its opponent''s movements right in front of it, so how could this happen? But those weapons weren''t Zion''s either. The owners of the weapons came into the remnant''s view as it turned its head. "You should''ve paid attention to your surroundings too." It was the silver-haired woman and Turzan. They had secretly approached while the remnant''s attention was entirely focused on Zion, following his instructions from earlier. "There''s no need for me to face you alone, is there?" With those words, Zion grinned at the remnant and pulled back his fist. As the dark red mes burning ominously in Zion''s fist explosively grew, forming the shape of something massive, ......! The remnant finally realized. That everything Zion had shown until now was aimed at this moment. And, crack! Atst, the King''s fist pierced through the Queen''s heart. ---Toggle New Ads 3/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 174 - The Tower of Causality (14) 174 - The Tower of Causality (14) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 174, Chapter 45: The Tower of Causality (14) The moment the Remnant of the Frost Queen realized it was being pushed back, it shrank and poured all its strength into defense. This wasn''t a great situation for Zion, who needed to end the battle quickly. To break through this, Zion did something simple. He pretended to be losing strength even though he wasn''t, baiting the Frost Queen into switching from defense to offense. At the same time, he secretly gave instructions to the other participants.Although the final trial''s boss had changed because of Zion, there was no rule stating he had to face it alone. The remnant quickly fell for it, and so, crack! The current situation unfolded. Zion''s fist, wrapped in dark red mes, instantly pierced through the heart of the remnant, which had been pinned down by the silver-haired woman and Turzan. Even for a semi-spirit, having its heart shattered was a critical blow. Crack! Dozens of cracks spread from the shattered heart throughout the remnant''s body, which began to crumble along those lines. Screech! The remnant let out a monstrous cry and thrashed about, releasing a tremendous shockwave. The silver-haired woman and Turzan were thrown back, unable to withstand the recoil. But, whoosh! In that brief moment, Zion nullified the shockwave by igniting Muspelheim''s mes, maintaining close distance as he extended his other fist. ck mes exploded around Zion''s fist, as if howling. Knowing that shing directly with that fist would be suicidal, the remnant immediately tried to leap backwards. Or rather, it tried to. Before it could, sh! The silver-haired woman and Turzan, who had quickly closed the distance again,unched attacks to block the remnant''s retreat. Unable to move properly, the remnant''s sr plexus was left exposed, and boom! Zion''s fist struck precisely. The remnant''s abdomen was pierced through, unable to withstand the force, and the impactpletely shattered the frozenke''s surface. Urgh! With a groan that sounded like itsst breath, the remnant barely pulled itself off Zion and waved one hand. Crackle! Perhaps deciding to deal with the annoyances first, thousands of ice spears formed around the silver-haired woman. Just as all those spears were about to rain down on her, "I can''t let that happen." Boom! Turzan, holding a massive shield in one hand, rammed into the remnant from the side like a bull. Despite defending with an ice wall, the remnant''s form staggered. In the momentary gap this created, the woman''s form vanished, and the ice spears btedly struck where she had been. At that moment, rattle! As if not giving even a moment to breathe, Rain, who had suddenly joined the battle, stepped on the tips of the ice spears stuck in the ground and rushed towards the remnant. Lightning imbued Rain''s spear as she instantly closed the distance, and, "This time, I''ll pierce through." With those quiet words, she struck the remnant''s freezing barrier head-on. Crackle! The spear prated inward with a crisp sound as cracks spread through the barrier. Not stopping there, Rain spun once in the air to gain momentum and stomped on the end of her embedded spear once more with her instep. Boom! The barrier shatteredpletely. This was partly due to the remnant being weaker than before, but also because Rain had precisely struck the barrier''s weak point. As Rainnded after breaking the barrier, the silver-haired woman, who had disappeared earlier, appeared behind her with her incandescently white sword drawn back to its maximum. A sword that destroys six heavens. Crack! With an indescribably loud noise, the woman''s sword shot forward, shattering one of the remnant''s exposed arms. Before the Remnant of the Frost Queen could let out a pain-filled howl, whoosh! Zion appeared from above with dark red mes, as if intending to finish it off, and struck the remnant''s head with a blow imbued with Muspelheim''s authority. The remnant''s form burrowed through theke''s surface from the impact, followed by the hero''s party''s continuousbination attacks. Boom! Unable to properly resist, the remnant''s entire body began to crumble even faster as it was hit. This could no longer even be called a battle. It was merely an execution. Perhaps thinking that only a meaningless death awaited at the end of this, Screech! The remnant let out an eerie scream,pletely different from before, and its form scattered into ice shards. When the remnant reappeared, it was at the farthest end of the cavern from the battlefield. From there, the remnant stretched out its only remaining arm towards Zion and all the other participants in its sight. At that moment, whoosh! All the cold energy that had been covering the entire cavern and struggling against Zion''s mes began to be sucked into the remnant''s hand. "That''s...!" Sensing something ominous from this sight, the hero''s party simultaneously charged towards the remnant, but the speed at which the cold energy was being absorbed was far faster. Finally, the condensation of cold energy reached its peak. Additionally, the remnant poured in all its authority, including the minimum power needed to maintain itself. Whoosh! A single wave arose from the condensed cold energy and spread throughout the entire cavern, followed by a brief silence. Then, rumble! A massive wave of cold energy derived from that wave began to cover the entire field of vision, approaching the participants. This was the remnant''sst struggle. It was a final strike created by the instinct to kill all those participating in the trial. Perhaps because the remnant had devoted its entire being to it? The caliber and power emanating from it were beyond imagination, iparable to anything before. So much so that even the silver-haired woman at the front didn''t dare try to block it. But they couldn''t dodge either. ''Where could we even...'' The wave of cold energy was approaching while covering the entire cavern. As the woman looked at the approaching wave of cold energy that was freezing even space and time, her expression nk with despair, Step. With a calm footstep, someone passed by the woman''s side. A man walking directly towards the approaching wave, igniting mes across his entire body. It was Zion. "Surely you''re not going to face that alone...!" Just as an urgent voice flowed from the woman''s mouth as she watched Zion''s back, whoosh! Just as the Remnant of the Frost Queen had done earlier, all the mes filling the entire cavern began to be sucked towards Zion''s right fist. He had gathered the me World, Muspelheim''s unique authority, into one ce. Along with this, a partial eclipse naturally activated from the ck Star Force, beginning to dye those mes ck and amplify them. The surrounding space flickered like mes and vanished. ''Though we have the advantage inpatibility, the basic power difference is too great. It''ll be disadvantageous if we sh head-on.'' If that was the case, there was only one option. ''Shatter it at a single point.'' With this thought, the ck mes in Zion''s tightly clenched fist continued to condense. Meanwhile, the Queen''s wave that had approached right in front of him opened its maw wide to swallow Zion. "No...!" The eyes of the participants watching this scene from behind, including the woman, shook violently. Finally, the mythical mespressed to the extreme, beyond visibility. Step. Taking onerge step forward, Annihtion Strike me. Zion''s fist, gripping those mes, swung out, --------------------! And shattered the wave of authority. * * * There was no more fighting after that. As the wave that collided with Zion''s fist waspletely destroyed, the ice covering the cavern simultaneously began to disappear. And, swish- The Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil, standing nkly in the center, was also slowly turning to dust and scattering. Its heart, which had functioned as its core, had been destroyed, and having used up all its power, it could no longer maintain its existence. As the remnant''s bodypletely scattered, -Congrattions. You have passed the final trial. The Trial Helper''s voice reached all the participants present. -Additional points will be awarded based on contribution. -Your total score will be calcted and ranked. -Rewards will be distributed ording to rank. "...We passed." "Ha..." Thud! With this, several participants whose legs gave out from relief began to sit down. And, -With a total score of 223 points, your rank is 2nd. The artificial spirit''s voice additionally rang in the ears of the silver-haired woman, who had been nkly watching the overwhelming scene Zion had created. It was a result she had somewhat expected. So instead of feeling frustrated, the woman turned her head towards the person she presumed to be in first ce. The King of Fire. No, Zion Harness. "You..." As the woman approached Zion, whose appearance was hidden by Muspelheim''s mes, and was about to say something, -The settlement begins. With the Trial Helper''s final voice, the darkness she had seen when first entering the tower enveloped her. * * * Around the Tower of Causality. "Why aren''t theying out?" Countless people were still gathered there, looking at the tower. But the nature of these people was vastly different from before. They had gathered not to enter the tower, but to wait for those who had gone inside. Anxiety colored the eyes of these people. The reason was that among the many who had entered the tower so far, not a single person hade out. "It''s already been two weeks since the first expedition entered..." It was truly bing a tower of death. Because of this, fewer and fewer people were entering, and rumors were spreading that the empire would soon restrict entry to the tower. "What if this tower isn''t a dungeon but a trap?" "Hey, don''t say things like that! It won''t do any good." "But isn''t it too strange? How can not even one person..." Among the people expressing their anxiety, "Sigh..." Aileen, one of the highest-ranking officials of the Eye of the Moon and the branch head of Hubris, let out a small sigh. There were several reasons why she was here now, but the biggest one was because of Prince Zion. There was information that needed to be conveyed as quickly as possible, and that''s why she, one of the few people who knew Prince Zion had entered the tower, hade here directly. "Why isn''t heing out?" A quiet voice flowed from Aileen''s lips. In truth, being well aware of Prince Zion''s power and cunning, she wasn''t particrly worried. She just found it puzzling that it was taking so long even though he had entered. ''It seems I can''t waste any more time here.'' Just as Aileen slightly furrowed her brow with this thought, "Th-There!" One of the gathered people pointed towards the entrance of the Tower of Causality with a loud cry. There, whoosh! A bright light,pletely different from when they entered, was bursting forth. And people slowly began to reveal themselves from within that light. "The fourth... It''s the people who entered on the fourth day!" Though their numbers were greatly reducedpared to when they entered, there was no doubt. Some familiar faces from when they had entered were among thoseing out of the light. "People areing out of the tower!" People simultaneously shouted and began to rush towards the participants. ''Where''s Zion Harness? Didn''t hee out with them?'' The silver-haired woman, one of the participants who hade out, scanned her surroundings as she noticed the approaching people. But Zion was nowhere to be seen. She needed to continue the conversation that had been interrupted by the sudden settlement earlier, but she had no idea where he had gone. As the woman''s eyes filled with regret and disappointment, ''Did Prince Zion note out?'' Aileen''s eyes mirrored the woman''s. ''He definitely entered on the fourth day...'' Had something gone wrong, or was there something else? Tap tap. Just then, someone lightly tapped her shoulder from behind. "...!" Aileen''s eyes widened as she turned her head to see who it was. There stood Zion with his usualnguid eyes, as if nothing had happened. "...How long have you been here?" Aileen, quickly regaining herposure, asked Zion. Normally, she would have greeted him, but since Zion was currently hiding his identity, she deliberately omitted it. "Just now. More importantly, why did youe all the way here looking for me?" Zion briefly answered and immediately asked back, looking into Aileen''s eyes. Hering here directly meant there was something she needed to convey to him urgently. To Zion''s question, "...Something happened in the capital." A heavy voice flowed from Aileen''s mouth as her expression hardened. ---Toggle New Ads 4/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 175 - The Six Claws (1) 175 - The Six ws (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 175, Chapter 46: The Six ws (1) After the 4th Generation participants escaped, the Tower of Causality stopped letting people in. Leaving the tower behind, the silver-haired woman and herpanions were walking away. "We didn''t get to meet him after all." The woman, leading the group, suddenly muttered darkly.Though she didn''t specify who, Turzan and Rain knew she meant the man called ''Zion Harness''. "Don''t be too disappointed. If your hunch is right and he really knows the future, you''ll definitely meet him again someday." "Yeah, let''s focus on other things for now." A faint smile appeared on the woman''s lips as herpanionsforted her. At times like these, memories of herrades from before her regression would surface in her mind. "You''re right." It was time to set aside her regrets and focus on what she could do now. Moreover, since she''d received a reward one tier lower than she''d originally aimed for in the Tower of Causality, it was only fitting to hurry her next schedule that much more. "So where are we going now?" Rain asked, catching up to the woman''s side. Despite not getting the desired reward from the Tower of Causality, Rain''s face didn''t look particrly gloomy. The reason was simple. She had made an incredible achievement from the battle with the Remnant of the Frost Queen in the final trial. To Rain, that was far more valuable than any material reward. "We''re going back to the capital," the woman answered, her voice noticeably improved. "There are things I need to do there... and someone I need to meet." With those words, an image of one person shed through her mind. That person was Prince Zion Agnes, who the woman considered the first and biggest variable. * * * Whoosh! Inside a new model of magic car designed to run on unpaved roads, Zion was looking out the window at the approaching capital, Hubris, organizing his thoughts. ''I gained a lot from this Tower of Causality conquest.'' First, Muspelheim, the divine artifact of Loki, the God of Fire. Obtaining this armor alone made this journey sessful. In fact, Zion already had a defensive technique called ''Soul Extinction'', but that was just a technique and couldn''t be a perfect defense system. Muspelheim was something that could fill all those gaps. Moreover, its inherent value was beyond imagination. If he had to pick the most outstanding in performance and caliber among the mythical-grade artifacts he had obtained so far, it would undoubtedly be ''Chronos''s Five Questions''. A divine artifact representing Chronos, the God of Time. The Heat Heaven Armor had a caliber equal to those Five Questions. ''Though I''m not sure about its performance yet.'' That was something he''d have to figure out over time. Additionally, Muspelheim would be useful in a certain event that would happenter. ''And this.'' With that thought, Zion shifted his gaze from the window to the blue orb in his hand. This orb was the first-ce reward he received after passing the final trial and settlement. And the identity of the orb was something even Zion found quite surprising. ''I didn''t expect to get this here.'' It was thest fragment of the Frost Queen''s authority, named ''The Sorrow of the Frost Queen''. This was an item Zion had half given up on finding, as the criminal organization Ouroboros had stopped searching for it, and its location wasn''t mentioned in the chronicles. If Muspelheim was an expected reward, this authority fragment was apletely unexpected one. ''This definitely wasn''t the original first-ce reward.'' Was it a coincidence? Or was it intentional? Zion was betting on thetter. Otherwise, Loki wouldn''t have said those words at the end. ''In any case, it seems they''ve decided to push me...'' Whether this was Loki''s idea alone or the collective decision, and whether there were other intentions behind it, he couldn''t know for now, but it was best to take it as a positive sign. ''I''ll deal with understanding that andbining the authority fragmentster.'' For now, there were other matters that needed his attention. "So... a battle broke out in the middle of the capital?" Zion asked, looking at Aileen sitting across from him. Aileen nodded and replied in a businesslike tone. "Yes. And it wasn''t just any battle, but one where tremendous demonic energy was exposed and an entire mansion along with the surrounding area was destroyed." "And the ones who fought were Liushina and Rubrious, these two?" "That''s right." "Tell me more details." Though he had heard a rough summary before departing, it had been briefly condensed, so even Zion didn''t know the exact situation yet. "Do you remember the demons who attacked you before you left for the tower, Your Highness?" "Yes." "It all started when the Witch of a Thousand Killings discovered their location." Aileen''s exnation that followed was somewhat predictable. After discovering their location, Liushina took the First Prince and raided the mansion where the demons were staying, immediately sparking a massive battle that threw the entire capital into chaos. But the result was beyond Zion''s expectations. Contrary to his assumption that they would win, both Liushina and the First Prince were severely injured in that battle. "While they didn''t exactly lose since they both inflicted critical wounds, Prince Rubrious and the Witch of a Thousand Killings are currently receiving treatment secretly within the imperial pce." "How did it end up like that?" "I couldn''t ask about the details given the situation..." Zion''s eyes sank deeply at her answer. Liushina and Rubrious. While it was clearly wrong for them to move without telling him, Zion understood why they might have done so. ''They must have been that confident.'' In fact, that confidence was justified. Though they hadn''t made it into the ''Seven Heavens'', Zion estimated that both possessed power worthy of that rank. Their strength was so immense that they wouldn''t lose to anyone in the world except for the first and second of the ''Seven Heavens'' - Iverlin and Evelyn Agnes, known as the Heaven beyond Heaven. ''For those two to suffer critical injuries, does it mean that guy I sawst time was that strong?'' The mastermind behind the cafe attack from before. Though he had only caught a glimpse from afar and couldn''t assess properly, judging by the aura and energy he felt, there was a high possibility it was one of the ''Six ws'', the highest-ranking executives of the demon realm. ''Serkia of the Five Great Demon Generals is weaker than Utekan, so she wouldn''t have been a match from the start. That means that guy alone faced the two of them...'' It didn''t make sense at all. Even the top fighter among the Six ws would struggle to gain the upper hand while facing those two simultaneously. There must be another reason. ''I''ll find out soon enough.'' As that thought concluded, silence fell inside the magic car. How much time had passed like this? "I greet Prince Zion." Finally, after getting out of the magic car and entering the imperial pce, Thierry approached Zion, bowing his head as if he had been waiting. "Where are Liushina and the First Prince?" Zion nodded to him and immediately asked about their location. "I''ll guide you. This way, please." Realizing that Zion already knew everything, Thierry started walking ahead without further words. "How are their conditions?" "Well... they seem to have suffered severe injuries, but... you''ll have to see for yourself and judge, Your Highness." Tierrie answered with a strange expression to Zion''s question as they walked. Zion''s eyes filled with questions at Thierry''s response. But the moment they arrived in front of the hospital room where Rubrious and Liushina were together, Zion understood what his answer meant. "Kyahaha!" Liushina''s distinctive high-pitchedughter came from inside. Thatughter sounded far too healthy for a critically injured patient. "Right. Of course, my master is perfect in every way, but sometimes he can be a bit too serious." "Haha, so you agree. Sometimes I think his voice might sink into the ground when he gets like that..." As this conversation continued, Zion entered the room and saw Rubrious, his body wrapped in bandages here and there. The First Prince of the Empire immediately closed his mouth upon making eye contact with Zion. Perhaps he hadn''t noticed Zion''s entrance since he was sitting with his back to the door. "And you know my master''s trademark phrase, ''But you know what?'' To be honest, that''s also... Huh? Why are you suddenly shaking your head?" Liushina, who had been excitedly talking, turned her head back following Rubrious''s bewildered gaze. "M-Master!" Her face changed simrly to the First Prince''s when she spotted Zion. "Hehe... you''re back?" Liushina then awkwardly smiled and waved at Zion. "I didn''t know you two got along so well." "Ahem, ahem... Wee back, Zion." Rubrious also cleared his throat and greeted Zion as thetter spoke with narrowed eyes. Then both of them averted their gazes, sweating nervously, as Zion silently red at them. At that moment, cheep! The frost spirit, which hadn''t shown itself since entering the Tower of Causality, poked its head out from Zion''s hair and looked at Liushina. Perhaps it had grown fond of her despite fighting like enemies every time they met. After briefly checking on Liushina to make sure she was okay, the spirit chirped! It tweeted at her as if teasing before disappearing again. "That little sparrow!" Just as Liushina jumped up angrily, seemingly understanding the spirit''s chirping, "How are your conditions?" Zion asked, getting to the point. Though he needed to hold them ountable for moving without his permission, Zion had decided to postpone that for now. "I can''t say it''s good, even as a lie." The First Prince''s outward appearance looked fine for someone with severe injuries, but inside, there wasn''t a single healthy spot. Even with his immense holy power, it would take quite some time to heal. Liushina''s situation was simr. She had sustained semi-permanent injuries that even Shangri-La Requiem couldn''t regenerate at once, and she was currently recovering by diverting most of her power there. "What happened? Did the guy I saw during the attack do this?" "It wasn''t a guy," Liushina shook her head as Zion asked with sunken eyes. "It was guys." "Guys?" "There were two of them. The enemies we faced." When Liushina and Rubrious reached the top floor of the mansion, shattering everything in their way, they found a demon named Hiseller waiting for them. He was incredibly strong, to the point where it was hard to gauge his limits, and equally cunning. After a brief exchange, he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage and immediately opened a space to summon another demon. And the demon summoned was equally as strong as Hiseller. ''There was one more of the Six ws?'' A light of understanding finally appeared in Zion''s eyes as he heard Liushina''s exnation. If there were indeed two ws instead of one, it made sense that even these two would struggle. The strength of the ws was beyond imagination, matching their status. ''Two of the ws have already appeared...'' This was happening much faster than in the chronicles he had read. It was probably the result of the umted changes to the future caused by Zion himself and the regressed hero. "Still, we didn''t lose. Or to be more precise, we should consider it our victory. They retreated first." Rubrious''s voice reached Zion''s ears as he was thinking. "That''s right, even though our injuries were too severe to pursue them, this is as good as winning." Liushina nodded and chimed in agreement. Shaking his head once at the strangely well-matched pair, Zion stood up. Having confirmed their condition and understood the whole story, there was no need to stay here any longer. "Where are you going, Master? If you''re going to look for those guys, I..." "No." Zion''s cold voice cut off Liushina''s words. "You focus on recovery for now. After that, I''ll hold you ountable for moving on your own." His voice was low, but it carried an undeniable force. "......" Leaving behind the witch and the First Prince, who could no longer say anything and closed their mouths, Zion stepped out of the hospital room. "What do you n to do, Your Highness?" Thierry asked, following behind Zion. In truth, even as he asked, Thierry already knew the answer. His superior was not the type to sit idly by after being attacked. Repaying those who wronged him a hundred, a thousand times over. This was Zion''s nature that Thierry had observed so far, and one of the reasons why he sincerely followed Zion. "You know," Zion''s mouth slowly opened as he walked, living up to Thierry''s expectations. "I really hate it when someone touches what''s mine." As Zion muttered these words, a deep darkness was already flickering like mes in his eyes. ---Toggle New Ads Uh sorry got addicted to deadlock over the weekend... 5/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 176 - The Six Claws (2) 176 - The Six ws (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 176, Chapter 46: The Six ws (2) In a rarely used meeting room within Chimseong Pce, five or six people had gathered - an unusual sight for a ce where Zion typically held meetings in his study. The assembled individuals were truly remarkable. Ludwig, head of the Ascalon family known for their celestial swordsmanship; Groud, first heir and acting head of the Ozlima family, masters of magic; each person present could influence the entire empire. Despite their vastly different personalities, they shared onemon trait: all hade at Zion''s summons. This gathering clearly demonstrated how much Zion''s status had changed. Who could have imagined that the heads of the empire''s five most powerful families would respond to an unofficial call from a mere prince - one who, until a year ago, had been considered the royal family''s disgrace?"It''s been a while," Groud Ozlima said, addressing Ludwig beside him. "How are you feeling? I heard you weren''t well recently." "Thanks to your concern, I''ve improved enough to move around like this. How about your family? I heard you had quite a bit of trouble with the Third Prince. Have you sorted that out?" Ludwig replied to Groud''s pointed question with an equally sharp one. For these two leaders of rival great families, such exchanges were mere pleasantries. "Haha, it was hardly any trouble. If anything, I''m d it came to light so quickly." Groudughed lightly, brushing off Ludwig''s remark. He then changed the subject. "By the way, do you know why Prince Zion called us here so secretively? I wasn''t given a reason." As he spoke, Groud''s gaze shifted to a man sitting silently in a corner of the room. It was Liam Rainer, former head of the Border Corps and Demon Extermination Unit. Though Groud knew Liam had connections to Prince Zion, his presence here seemed out of ce. "I don''t know either. He''s not the type to exin his reasons in detail. However, this time-" As Ludwig was about to answer Groud''s question, a small but clear voice interrupted. "Is everyone here?" The gathered individuals turned towards the source of that distinctivelynguid voice. They watched as Zion entered the room, his footsteps echoing. ''This is...'' Groud''s eyes wavered. The ominous aura and pressure emanating from Zion''s entire body had grown far stronger since Groud hadst seen him. It was intense enough to make cold sweat run down his back and disrupt his breathing just by looking at him. The feeling was like facing the First Emperor in his prime. As the thought ''Thepetition for the throne might already be meaningless'' crossed Groud''s mind, Zion took his seat at the head of the table. "I greet His Highness, Prince Zion Agnes," the group said in unison. Zion surveyed the room silently, his expression unreadable. As tension began to build in the silence, he finally spoke. "You must be wondering why I called you here." The others nodded in agreement. "Are you aware of the battle that took ce in the heart of the capital recently?" "Yes, Your Highness." It was impossible not to know. The unexined conflict had thrown the entire capital into an uproar. "As some of you may have guessed, that battle was connected to the demon realm. To be precise, it was a sh between our side and the demons." The faces of those present registered shock as Zion briefly summarized the situation. "Then the reason you called us here today is..." Ludwig began. "To pay them back in kind," Zion replied with a slight smile. The target, of course, didn''t need to be stated. "But Your Highness," Groud interjected, "Didn''t the demons vanish immediately after the battle? Given their injuries, they''re likely in hiding. It seems it would be difficult to find them in a short time..." "That''s not a problem. I''ll make sure they have no choice but toe out." Zion had a method in mind. There were key facilities the demon realm had secretly established in the capital for their grand n. Zion intended to strike all of them. If destroyed, it would disrupt their entire n, forcing them to reveal themselves to prevent it. ''I''ve known their locations all along, but I held back due to the potential forrge-scale national chaos.'' But now that battle had already begun, it made sense to use this opportunity to deal a significant blow. "In that case, I''ll join you," Ludwig said, as if he had been waiting for this moment. Ever since the incident with the Ascalon family, Ludwig had harbored intense hatred towards the demon realm. He had been biding his time, waiting for a chance at revenge while rebuilding his damaged family and recovering his own strength. Now that such an opportunity had presented itself, he had no reason to refuse. And this sentiment was shared by the others. "How should we proceed?" Liam asked. Only one person remained silent. "Prince Zion," Groud said slowly, breaking his silence. "Why do you think I would follow your orders?" Groud''s words carried resistance, even in the face of Zion''s overwhelming presence. In truth, Groud had no reason to obey Zion. Not only did they serve different royal factions, but following Zion offered him no benefits. Moreover, it was Zion who had killed the Third Prince they had served and backed their family into a corner. While he wouldn''t interfere, he saw no need to follow Zion''s directives either. Zion met Groud''s gaze for a moment before asking an unexpected question. "The head of the Ozlima family. Has he still not regained consciousness?" Groud''s eyes flickered in shock. That was precisely why he, as first heir, was acting as family head despite not having officially seeded to the position yet. The current head of the Ozlima family was in aa. It was also the reason why Groud had pointedly asked Ludwig about his health earlier. They had kept this fact secret after officially announcing the head''s retirement. How did Prince Zion know about it? Before Groud could respond, Zion continued. "Who do you think put your family head in that state?" "You don''t mean..." Groud''s eyes widened as he grasped Zion''s implication. As befitting the head of a family of mages, Groud was quick-witted. Aside from knowing their family secret, the timing of Zion''s question could only mean one thing. "Are you saying it was the work of the demon realm?" "It''s not just a saying, it''s a fact." Groud''s face contorted with shock and anger at Zion''s calm response. "I think that''s reason enough for you to join us," Zion continued, his emotionless eyes fixed on Groud. "Moreover, if you follow my orders, I''ll nullify all charges against your family rted to the Third Prince that you''ve been under investigation for." Zion knew the Ozlima family would soon fall under his control anyway. Offering this benefit wasn''t a loss for him. Groud remained silent for a moment, likely weighing the truth of Zion''s words and the potential gains and losses. Finally, he spoke. "I understand. I will follow your orders, Your Highness." Zion smiled slightly, as if he had expected this response, and addressed the group. "Now, let me assign each of you your tasks." The meeting began in earnest. After some time had passed: "But Your Highness," Ludwig said with a worried expression, "The locations you mentioned appearpletely normal from the outside. If we mobilize forces within the capital to attack these ces without justification, there will be significant bacsh and consequences." "That''s not a problem," Zion replied with his usualnguid expression. "We''ll create a justification if we need one." Despite his casual tone, Zion''s eyes gleamed with anticipation for what was toe. --- In a small shack on the outskirts of Hubris, the capital: "Things have gone sideways..." muttered Hiseller, a demon with slit eyes and two horns, as he assessed his injuries. His body was covered in wounds of various sizes. Though his incredible regenerative abilities were quickly healing them, it would take some time to fully recover. "I didn''t expect those bastards to be so strong." Hiseller recalled the battle from a few days ago. What was meant to be a diversion from boredom until he met Zion Agnes turned out to be far more challenging than anticipated. ''Especially that red-eyed woman.'' The fight had left him with severe injuries, forcing him to retreat. Just then, a voice came from the shadows behind Hiseller. "Didn''t I tell you to wait until I arrived?" A figure emerged from the darkness. It wasn''t Serkia. The neer was a gaunt man with three eyes, his entire body wrapped in bandages except for his face. This was Keria, another of the Six ws like Hiseller. The Four Great Demons hadn''t sent Hiseller to the empire alone. They had dispatched another w as backup to keep Hiseller''s unpredictable nature in check. "No, I was waiting, but those guys found me," Hiseller replied, his expression unabashed despite nearly dying had Keria not arrived in time. "Anyway, it seems Zion Agnes has returned to the imperial pce... Shouldn''t we make a move right away?" "It''s best not to act immediately. Neither you nor I are in top condition right now. Our opponent is strong enough that the Great Demons sent both of us. We should exercise caution. Unless..." "Unless?" "We could create a situation advantageous enough to offset our current condition, then lure him out." "Oh... That does sound intriguing." Hiseller''s face lit up with interest at Keria''s suggestion. Ever since witnessing Zion Agnes''s strength, Hiseller had been itching for a fight. The only way to cool his excitement was to battle Zion Agnes as soon as possible. "By the way, how are the ''nts'' doing?" Keria asked, changing the subject. "The Great Demons asked me to check on them while I''m here." "Serkia would know about that... Ah, she''s not here, is she?" Hiseller looked around as if just remembering. In the chaos of escaping the mansion, there hadn''t been time to bring her along. As a result, they were currently separated. Of course, he had no idea of her whereabouts. "I guess I''ll have to go check myself," Keria said. "Don''t worry. You know as well as I do that the chances of anything happening there are practically zero." The nts were secret demonic grounds that the demon realm had painstakingly created in the heart of the empire over a century. They were crucial to their grand n. As such, security was extremely tight. Even within the demon realm, fewer than twenty individuals knew of their existence. Unless someone could see the future, it was impossible for an outsider to locate or even know about them. "I''ll be the judge of that. First, tell me the locations of the nts-" As Keria was about to continue, a tremendous explosion shook the ground beneath them. Hiseller and Keria''s heads snapped towards the source of the st visible through the window. Then, "What the-!" Hiseller''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. At the center of the explosion, a massive building was copsing, billowing ck smoke. It was the location of one of the nts. ---Toggle New Ads 6/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 177 - The Six Claws (3) 177 - The Six ws (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 177, Chapter 46: The Six ws (3) "What''s wrong?" Keria asked, turning to Hiseller. He was more concerned about Hiseller''s reaction than the copsing building in the heart of the empire''s capital. "...That''s the ce," Hiseller replied. "What?" "That''s where the nt was.""...!" Keria''s eyes widened in surprise at Hiseller''s words. "You mean..." Before Keria could finish, a series of explosions rocked the capital. Boom! Bang! Bang! Boom! As if triggered by the initial st, thick smoke began to rise from various parts of the city. Hiseller''s face hardened even more. "Don''t tell me all these explosions are..." "Yeah, they''re all where the nts are located." An attack. All the nts in the capital were under assault by someone. And with that realization, one person came to Hiseller''s mind as the likely culprit. Zion Agnes. The demon realm''s biggest headache and Hiseller''s current target. No one was supposed to be able to attack the nts, but if anyone could, it would be him. ''How did he find out all their locations?'' Hiseller shook his head, pushing the thought aside. Right now, he needed to stop these attacks before the nts werepletely destroyed. If all the nts and their ''cores'' were demolished, it would derail their grand n to devour the empire from within when the great war broke out. "We need to go now. Which nt is the most crucial?" Keria asked, already moving towards the door. "The western and eastern outskirts. Two locations," Hiseller replied. "Then let''s split up. Since the locations have been discovered, it''s best to abandon the facilities and just retrieve the ''cores''." As Keria stepped outside, he paused and turned back to Hiseller. "Try to avoidbat this time. This attack is likely a provocation from them." "I know," Hiseller replied. After Keria vanished, a grin spread across Hiseller''s face. "But that doesn''t mean I n to avoid fighting." There was a strange anticipation in his voice, stemming from the prospect of meeting Zion Agnes soon. --- nts. As the demon realm''s key facilities in the capital, it had one purpose: to continuously inject massive amounts of demonic energy into a specific area, transforming it into an environment identical to the demon realm where only demonic creatures could survive. Kyaaak! Crackle! The western outskirts nt, the most important of all, was currently under indiscriminate attack by an unidentified group. Masked swordsmen advanced through the nt''s interior, which undted as if alive, mechanically cutting down the demonic creatures that rushed at them. "Who are you?! How did you find this ce...?!" The demons watching this scene were filled with shock. They never imagined this ce could be discovered. ''We must hold out until reinforcements arrive!'' With this thought, the demons looked around and saw a man slowly entering the nt behind the masked swordsmen, his stepsnguid. ''That''s him!'' Instantly realizing this man was leading the attack, the demons charged towards him. If they could take out the leader, they might be able to buy some time. But they overlooked two crucial points. Rattle! First, the other swordsmen made no attempt to stop them as they approached the man. And second... "You''re...!" They recognized the man with ash-gray hair far toote. These oversights led them straight to their doom. With one step forward, the man unleashed a monstrous darkness that engulfed the demons entirely, crushing them with a sickening crunch. It was an unexpectedly inglorious end for demons whose individual strength nearly reached the superior level. ''This should wrap up quickly.'' After effortlessly erasing the attacking demons, Zion watched emotionlessly as the Twilight Sword Corps rapidly destroyed the nt''s ''roots''. After concluding the meeting at Chimseong Pce, Zion and all those involved in this operation immediately sprang into action. The Ascalon family of celestial swordsmen and the Ozlima family of great mages. Zion had formed assault teams centered around these two families to simultaneously strike most of the nts in the capital. He had also dispatched a special unitposed of top-tier fighters to several key nts. ''They should be arriving soon...'' As this thought crossed his mind, Zion spread a subtle darkness around him. He was waiting for the ''Six ws'' who had injured Liushina and Rubrious. This was one of the two most crucial facilities, so one of the ws would surely show up. Zion intended to hunt that w. As time passed and the screams of the demonic creatures inside the nt began to subside, ''Has he arrived?'' Zion''s eyes gleamed coldly. His senses, spread throughout the nt''s interior, had caught someone. This someone was stealthily and swiftly approaching the ''core'' that Zion had deliberately left untouched. In that moment, whoosh! Zion''s form vanished and reappeared directly in front of the intruder. "...!" The intruder''s eyes widened in surprise at Zion''s sudden appearance. It was Keria, the demon wrapped in bandages from head to toe. Was he truly one of the Six ws? Whoosh! Despite the unexpected situation, Keria''s bandages, imbued with terrifying demonic energy, shot towards Zion. It was a strike powerful enough to obliterate a small castle. In response, Zion swung Exia. As the sword shed with Keria''s bandages, screech! The surrounding space distortedpletely, and the resulting shockwave vaporized all moisture in the area. Through the hazy view created by this sh, something shot at an insane speed towards the nt''s core. It was Keria, using the recoil from the collision to propel himself. He had given up on fighting and was now solely focused on retrieving the core. However, "In a hurry, are we?" Zion said. He wasn''t about to let Keria go so easily. Dark Current Transformation. Using the ck Star Force threads he had attached during their sh, Zion instantly closed the distance to Keria, reducing it to zero. He swung Exia, now pitch-ck as if dipped in darkness, vertically towards Keria''s crown. Sensing the chilling danger from this attack, the demon was forced to turn and block. At that moment, clunk! Zion''s descending sword stopped just in front of Keria''s bandages. "...?" As confusion filled Keria''s eyes at this sight, Partial Eclipse Double Ovep. Boom! The darkness residing in Exia explosively increased, iparable to before, and tore through the demon''s bandages as it fell. Keria dodged Zion''s falling sword with superhuman reaction speed, but swish! He couldn''t avoid itpletely. A single line was drawn across his body. Keria stared nkly at the blood flowing from this sword wound for a moment before turning his gaze to Zion and speaking for the first time. "...So you''re Zion Agnes. I''ve heard a lot about you." "Oh? That''s funny, I''ve never heard of you," Zion replied. Keria''s eyes turned cold at this response, which seemed to belittle him, one of the Six ws. "It might be better for both of us if you let me go this time," Keria said. "Why do you think that?" Zion asked, his expression intrigued. "Are you pretending not to know? Or do you really not know? Surely you''re aware that two of the ws are in Hubris right now." "And?" "Can you handle it? Even if you deal with me, the other side will be difficult for you." Keria''s reasoning was sound. The red-eyed woman and the First Prince who had nearly matched them before were injured, and Evelyn Agnes, known as the strongest knight, was currently absent from the capital. ''Moreover, the Sword King of Ascalon hasn''t recovered, and the old wizard of the Grand Magic Tower can''t move either.'' All of the ''Seven Heavens'' in the capital were tied up. Therefore, there was no one who could handle Hiseller, who had headed to the eastern outskirts. Even wounded, he could easily annihte the forces there and retrieve the core. But, "It doesn''t matter," Zion said, his eyes perfectly calm. "I''ll kill you here and then go take care of that side." It was an arrogant statement, yet it somehow felt like it woulde true. Keria snorted, quickly shaking off the ominous feeling he got from those words. "Ha, do you think they''ll hold out until then?" "Of course," Zion replied with a grin. As ck stars began to swirl in Zion''s eyes, he added, "I sent some capable people there." Boom! With those words, a deep darkness spread throughout the entire nt, devouring the space around them, and the real battle began. --- At the other crucial nt in the eastern outskirts: "What the hell! Why isn''t he here?!" Hiseller shouted in frustration as he ughtered the swordsmen and mages around him. Disappointment filled his eyes. The reason was simple. Zion Agnes wasn''t here. All he found was a special unitposed of Ascalon and Ozlima''s elite forces. Of course, "The enemy is just one person! Concentrate your fire- Urk!" Crackle! They were no match for Hiseller. To face one of the Six ws, who represented the demon realm''s power, you needed a warrior of ''Seven Heavens'' caliber at minimum. The number of special unit members was rapidly dwindling. Despite this, Hiseller''s actions grew increasingly cruel, as if his frustration at not meeting Zion remained unvented. "Aaargh!" "Aaaah!" Endless screams filled the nt as it descended into chaos. "Right, I should just quickly seize the core and head west," Hiseller muttered, his face twisted in a frown. Just as he was about to unleash an attack powerful enough to annihte all the remaining special unit members, Boom! A tremendous strike, fired from far away, blocked Hiseller''s attack for the first time. Amidst the terrifying shockwave that erupted from this sh, a figure slowly emerged. A middle-aged man with steel-like muscles covering his entire body, his eyes filled with firm resolve as he red at Hiseller. It was Liam Rainer. "I''ll be your opponent here," Liam said in a gruff voice. After briefly looking at Liam with a strange expression, Hiseller let out an exasperated sigh. "Ha..." "You think you can face me?" Hiseller said incredulously. He could tell at a nce. The man before him possessed rare strength for a human and had managed to block his attack, but he still hadn''t reached ''Heaven''. That meant he couldn''t possibly handle Hiseller. Yet he spoke with such confidence. It was absurd. "And alone at that? Hey, have you lost your mind? You should know better than anyone that it''s impossible." "No, it''s possible," Liam replied confidently, clenching his right hand, covered in calluses. At that moment, whoosh! Bright red mes erupted from the red ring on Liam''s hand, explosively enveloping his entire body. The dazzling holy power flowing from these mes covered the surrounding spacepletely. Heat Heaven Armor Muspelheim. It was the divine artifact Zion had specially ''lent'' to Liam for this operation. "That''s..." As Hiseller uttered these words in shock, sensing Liam''s power increasing exponentially along with this unexpected sight, "And I''m not alone," Liam continued, his voice carrying through the mes spreading throughout the nt. At that moment, swish- The space next to Liam opened, and a man appeared. A man with vacant yet somehow profound eyes, as if he was missing a screw. It was Tirian Prieharden, apanion of the hero in the chronicles and the reincarnation of the only level 10 archmage in history. ---Toggle New Ads 7/7 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 178 - The Six Claws (4) 178 - The Six ws (4) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 178, Chapter 46: The Six ws (4) Tirian''s presence here was no coincidence. Ever since the incident at the Grand Magic Tower, the reincarnated archmage had been eager to meet Zion and prove his worth. So, beforeunching the nt assault operation, Zion summoned Tirian to the imperial pce and made a proposal. If he participated in this operation and sessfullypleted his mission, Zion would acknowledge his qualifications.Tirian readily epted Zion''s offer, which was why he now faced Hiseller. ''I need to hold out against this guy until Prince Zion arrives.'' The moment Tirian saw his demonic opponent, he understood why Zion had instructed him to hold out rather than defeat him, and why he''d paired him with the war hero Liam Rainer. The demonic energy emanating from this being was overwhelmingly superior to the high-ranking demon he''d encountered at the magic tower. Even with his magical skills recently improved from level 6 to just below level 9, Tirian knew he was no match for this opponent. As Tirian''s mind raced to find a way to counter, Hiseller spoke. "Well, it seems you''ve at least made some basic preparations to face me." Hiseller''s face, initially surprised, began to show signs of anticipation. Unlike most who would be intimidated or displeased by a strong opponent, Hiseller was different. He was the type who only felt alive in life-or-death battles. Hiss! With that, the demonic energy flowing from Hiseller''s body began to writhe like a living thing, starting to dye the nt''s interior ck again, oveing Muspelheim''s mes. "Here hees," Liam said in a low voice, watching the scene with hardened eyes. In that instant, whoosh! Without any warning, Hiseller''s form vanished. Simultaneously, Liam threw a punch at the seemingly empty space right in front of him. But the result was unexpected. Screech! With a collision sound powerful enough to shake the entire atmosphere inside the nt, the resulting shockwave tore through the air. Btedly, Hiseller appeared in the center of the aftermath, his fist matched against Liam''s. "Well, at least your fist is decent. Or is it that armor that''s impressive?" Hiseller said with a grin. As he spoke, snake-like demonic energy flowed from the demon''s hand, about to climb up Liam''s arm where their fists met. At that moment, Ignis''s Wrath Breath. Crack! The space beside Hiseller split open, and a massive red dragon''s head emerged, unleashing a fiery breath. It was a me so intensely hot it could melt even the eternal snow at the northern extremity. But, "Ouch, hot!" Hiseller eximed yfully. As he casually waved his other hand, boom! The breath attack and the dragon''s head that unleashed it shatteredpletely. The magic had no effect. However, Tirian''s spell wasn''t entirely meaningless. Whoosh! It bought time for Liam, who was right in front of him, to prepare his next attack. Liam''s tightly clenched fist absorbed the surrounding mes as it shot towards Hiseller''s head. Simultaneously, Liam twisted his fist, adding rotational force. Perhaps deciding it would be disadvantageous to block Liam''s punch, Hiseller acted. "Kuh!" Tilting his head at an angle impossible for humans, Hiseller dodged the punch and used the momentum to drive his left leg into Liam''s side. In response, Muspelheim''s mes concentrated on the impact point, meeting the demon''s leg. Boom! With an explosion like dozens of spells detonating at once, Liam''s form was sent flying. The impact must have been significant, as Liam staggered greatly. Before he could regain his bnce, crack! Hiseller, determined not to give any breathing room, tore through space and appeared right in front of Liam, swinging down his five fingernails that had grown like snake fangs. But, Ahina''s Seven Walls. Seven defensive barriers appeared right in front of Liam, following Tirian''s spellpleted just in time. Crackle! The barriers shattered instantly, but they bought enough time for Liam to dodge. "How annoying. Like a fly," Hiseller muttered irritably. His form disappeared again, and whoosh! He reappeared right in front of Tirian, who was quite far away. Using his authority over space, Hiseller had reduced the distance between them to zero. But it seemed Tirian had anticipated this move. Gravity Lightning. Zap zap zap! A pre-prepared spell transformed into transparent lightning, striking down at Hiseller. Though it didn''tnd an effective hit, the demon''s form paused momentarily due to the suddenly increased gravity. And, boom! In that gap, Liam, who had reached right behind him, unleashed a strike like a siege weapon, initiating a relentless close-quarters battle. Boom! Though Hiseller held a slight advantage, the battle was so fierce that victory wasn''t easily determined. This was partly due to Liam and Tirian''s excellent teamwork, but the main reason was the Heat Heaven Armor that Zion had lent to Liam. Muspelheim allowed Liam to block attacks that would normally be unstoppable and break through defenses that should be imprable. It was a divine artifact of perfect offense and defense. As a result, the battle continued to drag on, but Hiseller''s eyes were gleaming. Not from the thrill of battle itself. He had already identified his opponents'' weakness. Then, "You," Hiseller said. Boom! As he blocked Liam''s me-wrapped fist with condensed demonic energy and space, "You''re not very good at handling that, are you?" he said, grinning chillingly at Liam. --- "What''s going on here?" Rain Dranir eximed as she arrived in the capital, Hubris. Her surprise was understandable. "We''re under attack! The capital is under attack!" "The buildings are copsing!" As soon as they entered the city, they saw buildings crumbling and emitting acrid smoke in various ces, with people in a state of confusion. Knights and soldiers were rushing towards these buildings urgently. "It doesn''t really seem like we''re under attack though..." There were several strange aspects to the situation. "I wonder what''s happening... Hey, what''s wrong?" Rain asked, turning to the silver-haired woman beside her, her eyes filled with confusion. The woman''s expression had turned grave. "Those ces are..." the woman muttered in a daze. She knew immediately. All the copsing buildings were the demon realm''s ''nts''. ''What''s going on here?'' It was unlikely that the demon realm would destroy their own nts, so it had to be someone in the capital behind this. How did they know the locations of all the nts? Had they regressed like her? But there was something even more concerning. ''If the nts are destroyed, the demon realm will hasten their war preparations.'' This meant the war might break out earlier than expected. It wasn''t good news, as neither she and herpanions nor the empire had gathered enough strength yet. But the situation had already unfolded. ''I should at least find out who''s behind this.'' With that thought, the woman''s pace quickened. "Are we going?" Turzan asked. "Yes," the woman replied briefly, her eyes fixed on the nt in the western outskirts of the capital. --- Dark Current Concealment. In the nt''s interior,pletely consumed by the ''Dark Realm'', Zion''s form, shrouded in even deeper darkness, glided towards Keria like a ghost. Despite being surprised by Zion''s presence, which he couldn''t sense even at close range, the demon stretched out one hand to counter. Whoosh! As expected of the demon known as the ''Lord of Poison and Decay''. The bandages released from his hand shot out, dissolving all the air they touched. Just as Keria''s bandages, moving as if alive, were about to envelop Zion''s entire body, grind! Dozens of fine lines appeared on the surface of the bandages, which then split apart. ck Sword Stage 3 Light sh. Zion, emerging from the scattered bandages, immediatelyunched a sh. ''How can he so easily...'' Keria, with a bewildered expression, used all his strength to propel himself backward. He had realized from their previous sh that it would be disadvantageous to receive that sh head-on. The tip of Zion''s sword barely grazed the demon''s nose as it passed by. As Keria created distance, an unprecedented amount of bandages unfurled from his body, then crack! They split into thousands of strands, all shooting towards Zion. Each strand had enough power to obliterate a small hill in a single strike. However, Dark Current Remnant Form. Zion''s form split into countless images, simultaneously advancing while evading all the iing bandages. Despite this, Zion''s speed didn''t decrease at all. As he finally reached right in front of Keria, the darkness enveloping Zion''s sword instantly formed twoyers and fell. At the same time, the ck Star Force and Partial Eclipse caused an insane amplification! Sensing the chilling energy from this, Keria decided not to counter and moved at an almost invisible speed to avoid Zion''s sword strike. But, crunch! Exia, its trajectory sharply altered, had already reached Keria''s destination. "...!" Though expressing shock at this sword strike that defiedmon sense, Keria hastily corrupted the surrounding space to restrain Zion''s sword. However, that wasn''t enough, and ultimately, sh! Zion''s sword left a long gash across Keria''s abdomen. The ck Star Force began to seep through this wound, causing secondary damage to the demon''s body. "Kugh!" Keria groaned. Without giving him time to breathe, Zion''s attacks continued relentlessly. Dark Thunder. Just as the ck lightning bolts erupting from the darkness surrounding them were about to strike the demon, swish! Demonic poison of apletely different level flowed from Keria''s entire body, melting away the lightning. ''So this is one of the Six ws, huh?'' Zion''s eyes gleamed as he watched this. It seemed Keria''s poison could dissolve not just physical objects but ''power'' itself. Realizing this, Zion activated Dark Thunder once more. Zap! But unlike before, this Dark Thunder didn''t shoot directly at Keria, instead gathering around Zion''s sword. "It''s useless. My authority-infused poison dissolves all ''supernatural powers''," Keria said coldly, observing this and spreading a curtain of demonic poison. Just as the tip of Zion''s sword was about to touch this curtain, "I know," Zion said in a low voice. At that moment, swish- The curtain of demonic poison Keria had created vanished as if it had never existed. The ck Star Force''s authority, maximally amplified by Eclipse and Partial Eclipse, had negated the curtain itself. ''If it dissolves all supernatural powers, I just need to erase it before that happens.'' "!!!!" As Keria''s eyes filled with shock, Zion''s sword rapidly expanded in his vision. Boom! With an explosion that seemed to tear eardrums, the demon''s form was sent flying back, crashing into the nt''s wall. "Kuh..." Before the scream erupting from Keria''s mouth could finish, whoosh! Zion reached right in front of him, unleashing a series of attacks that began an exchange beyond imagination. Zap zap zap! How long did this fierce exchange continue? ''This won''t do.'' Zion''s eyes sank as he continued to thrust his sword attacks at Keria. The situation wasn''t unfavorable. No, in fact, the battle was gradually tipping in his favor. The problem was the slow pace. Of course, if things continued like this, victory was assured, but it would take far too long. If he wasn''t careful, he might not make it to the nt in the eastern outskirts in time. Knowing this, Keria was also fighting more defensively, trying to drag out the time. ''I need to end this battle quickly somehow.'' As Zion pondered this, one method suddenly came to mind. ''I was nning to hold off on this until everything was over, but I have no choice.'' With that thought, Zion immediately pulled out a blue orb emitting intense cold from his pocket. It was the fourth fragment of the Frost Queen''s authority he had recently obtained. "What are you...!" Though he didn''t know the orb''s true nature, Keria rushed to stop Zion, sensing an inexplicably chilling and ominous feeling. But Zion''s movement was faster. "Eat," Zion said in a calm, almostnguid voice. At that moment, chomp! The frost spirit, which had revealed itself, swallowed thest authority fragment without hesitation. ---Toggle New Ads ok we are moving to 5/week from this point on! 1/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 179 - The Six Claws (5) 179 - The Six ws (5) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 179, Chapter 46: The Six ws (5) It happened in an instant. The blue light emanating from the spirit after swallowing thest authority fragment filled the entire interior of the nt. Zap! The blue light, pushing away Keria''s poison and Zion''s ck Star Force, began to freeze every space it touched, turning it pure white."What the-" As Keria''s eyes widened at the sight of even the air flow freezing as if time had stopped, Swish- Someone slowly walked out from the center of the blue light. A small girl with hair as clear as ice cascading down to her ankles. The girl''s eyes were incredibly clear, yet devoid of any emotion, giving them an eerie quality. The girl''s gaze, after looking around as if she''d been outside for a long time, turned to Zion. -We can finally talk. A clear voice resonated in Zion''s mind. It was the will of the nowplete Frost Spirit. -I have a mountain of things I want to discuss with you, but dealing with that guy should be the priority right now. That''s why you called me, after all. "That''s right," Zion replied with a slight smile as the girl pointed at Keria. Bang! With a sound like air exploding, Keria''s form vanished from that spot. When the demon reappeared, it wasn''t in front of Zion. He was at the nt''s exit, on the opposite side. ''I need to get out of here right now.'' Keria''s eyes were filled with urgency. The moment he saw the blue girl walking out of the blue light, he realized. The unimaginable power flowing from that girl, no, that spirit! The moment that power joined with Zion Agnes, his defeat was all but certain. The nt''s ''core'' was no longer his concern. His only goal now was to escape this ce alive. But as if to deny Keria''s goal, Zap! The cold energy shot from the Frost Spiritpletely froze the entire exit. Keria tried to pierce the ice with a needle made from his condensed poison and decay authority. However, much faster than that, "Turning your back on me twice?" Zion''s form vanished and reappeared right behind Keria. Abandoning his attempt to break through the ice, Keria turned and shot the needle he had prepared towards Zion. At that moment, Clunk! The needle stopped right in front of Zion, as if frozen in ce. This wasn''t Keria''s doing. The Frost Queen''s authority, activated in an instant, hadpletely frozen the needle and the space around it. As Keria''s eyes wavered at this inconceivable sight, Screech! Zion swung Exia diagonally, the sword now absorbing all surrounding energy and converting it into darkness. Boom! Though Keria managed to avoid being split in half byyering dozens of bandages, he couldn''tpletely negate the impact. He was sent flying at an invisible speed, crashing into the nt''s wall. Zion didn''t pursue Keria, instead casually lowering Exia to his side. -I should warn you, handling my authority won''t be easy. As if reading Zion''s thoughts, the Frost Queen''s spirit, who had approached his side, muttered these words while cing her hand on Exia''s de. Swish! The girl''s body scattered into transparent powder, seeping into Exia. Simultaneously, the pitch-ck darkness emanating from the Light-Extinguishing Sword began to change to a clear blue. The two, awakened by the ck Star Force, were resonating with each other. "Kugh!!" Meanwhile, Keria, groaning in pain as he extracted himself, opened his palm wide. A green sphere formed from it, splitting into thousands of fragments that shot towards Zion, each following a different trajectory. It was an attack designed to guarantee a hit unless Zion could defend his entire body, as it came from all directions. However, Zion''s response was simply to swing his sword vertically. At that moment, Crack! Some of the approaching fragments froze mid-air, along with the surrounding space. Zion unhesitatingly thrust his body through the gap between the frozen fragments. Boom! The remaining fragments btedly collided behind Zion, causing a massive explosion. As if knowing his first attack wouldn''t work, Keria immediately shot des of poison capable of dissolving even supernatural powers towards Zion. But, Boom! Zion''s sword split through even those, reaching Keria and inflicting another critical wound on the demon''s body. Thepleted Frost Queen''s authority was powerful enough to have caused the cmity ''Frozen Night'', which froze half the capital in an instant. In that light, this level of power seemed only natural. Zap! Zion''s relentless attacks and Keria''s ever-increasing wounds. ''At this rate...!'' Dismay filled Keria''s eyes. That cold energy. The unfathomable cold emanating from Zion Agnes''s sword, now dyed blue, was freezing all of Keria''s poison and decay, rendering them useless. Moreover, Zion Agnes''s original power, that ominous darkness, was going beyond that, negating and erasing the authority itself. It was a sight iprehensible to Keria, despite having lived for over a hundred years. If this continued for just a bit longer, his life would be erased from this world. He had to do something before that happened. ''In that case...'' As if he had made up his mind, Keria''s entire body lit up. Whoosh! In an instant, all his bandages unraveled, spreading in all directions. The condensed wave of decay that burst forth created a momentary distance between him and Zion. "I''ll blow this whole ce up along with you," Keria said through gritted teeth, looking at Zion in the gap that had naturally formed. Crackle! All the power of his authority began to gather in front of Keria''s chest. As if that wasn''t enough, he even poured in more than half of his life-sustaining power. ''If I can melt this entire area, including the nt, I might find a way to escape.'' Just as he thought this, Keria noticed something strange in his view of Zion. Zion was standing still, just staring at him. He wasn''t rushing to stop Keria or even attempting to attack from where he stood. Had he given up? Or did he have some other n? But it didn''t matter. "Whatever you do, it''s toote," Keria said. At that moment, his technique was alreadyplete. Joy filled the demon''s eyes. Finally, Whoom! Just as Keria''sst-ditch effort, condensed to the size of a small bead, was about to explode to obliterate part of the nt and the capital, Freeze! Keria''s movement stopped. No, not just his movement, but the condensed mass of his authority and his body. Everything, including the blood flow within that body, came to a stop. Along with this, Crack, crackle! Pure white frost spread from his wounds, covering his entire surface. As this iprehensible situation unfolded, Keria''s eyes, the only part of him that could still move, began to waver in shock. ''What... how...!'' Even pouring all his strength into it, he couldn''t move a single eyebrow. ''Don''t tell me that when he was just standing still...'' As if answering Keria''s thoughts, "It seems I''m not the one who''ste, but you," Zion said coldly as he slowly approached him. During their battle, Zion had inflicted numerous wounds on Keria''s body. But he hadn''t just caused wounds. With each strike, he had injected a bit of the Frost Queen''s cold energy. Finally, the umted cold had frozen Keria''s entire body and authority from the inside out. ''No... This can''t be!'' The shock in Keria''s eyes turned to despair. "If you stay still, I''ll end this cleanly," Zion said, his eyes curving like crescent moons as he reached Keria. "Well, not that you can move anyway." Crunch! Finally, Keria''s vision wentpletely dark. Hiss- Did all demons crossing from the demon realm to the empire receive the same treatment, regardless of their power or status? Zion briefly watched Keria''s corpse turn to dust and disappear, just like the other demonic creatures he had faced so far. Then, "One more to go." Zion''s form vanished without a trace. --- Boom! With a tremendous noise, Liam''s form was sent flying, crashing through the nt''s main facilities before mming into the ground. "Kugh!" Blood burst from Liam''s mouth. Before he could even get up, "Kihi!" Hiseller appeared right above him,ughing maniacally as he stomped on Liam''s head. Crunch! The impact drove Liam''s body even deeper into the ground. Seeing this, Tirian, after stemming the blood from the wound on his chest caused by their sh, hastily cast a spell. Rattle! However, his magic bounced off the thin demonic energy barrier surrounding Hiseller''s entire body. Meanwhile, Liam, triggering Muspelheim''s mes, managed to escape from under Hiseller''s foot and regain his posture. His eyes were incredibly dark. The reason was simple. At some point, the battle hadpletely tipped in Hiseller''s favor. Once Hiseller realized Liam''s low synchronization rate with Muspelheim, he relentlessly exploited the resulting dy, leading to this oue. ''Even just holding out is tough now.'' Liam thought as he assessed his condition. If not for the Heat Heaven Armor, he wouldn''t even be able to stand. At that moment, -Please buy me some time. Tirian''s voice echoed in his mind. Liam nced over to see the mage with his eyes closed, chanting a spell as if preparing something. He lookedpletely defenseless, but it also showed how much he trusted Liam. ''I can''t betray that trust.'' Whoosh! With that thought, Liam''s eyes gleamed as brighter mes than ever before began to engulf his entire body. "What''s this? Trying for onest struggle?" Hiseller said, looking amusedly at Liam and Tirian as he stepped forward, raising one hand. The space around the demon''s hand naturally condensed, forming the shape of something massive. ''I''ll face him head-on.'' Liamunched a punch towards Hiseller before the demon could aim at Tirian. As Liam''s fist shot forward, all the burning air from the me World was sucked into it. Boom! It collided with Hiseller''s hand, releasing a terrifying shockwave. For a moment, the dust kicked up obscured the entire view. When it cleared, the scene was devastating. Liam''s arm that had shed with Hiseller waspletely broken. The impact was so tremendous that even Muspelheim couldn''t absorb it all. A normal person would have retreated at this point, but Liam didn''t. Growl! Instead, he stepped forward even more, throwing his other fist. As if resonating with Liam''s will, the blood-red mes on his fist burned even more violently and fiercely than before. "Why bother when it won''t work anyway?" Hiseller said with a grin, also throwing his other hand. Screech! Another sh followed. Crunch! The result remained unchanged. Though his remaining arm was also broken, causing tremendous pain, "I know," Liam said, the light in his eyes undimmed. From the start, his aim wasn''t to damage Hiseller, but simply to restrain him. Whoosh! The divine artifact''s mes that had transferred to Hiseller through two direct shes began topletely bind the demon''s body. And towards the restrained Hiseller, ----------------! Tirian''spleted spell finally struck. As''s Gravity Roar. It was a new spell Tirian had created based on Zion''s theory. Tirian''s magic, momentarily surpassing the limits of his current 8th level to break through the 9th level barrier, caused the gravity inside the entire nt to surge, distorting space-time. The nt began to copse, obscuring the view with dust. ''It worked.'' Tirian''s tired face lit up as he watched this scene. Thanks to Liam''s all-out effort to restrain Hiseller, his spell had hit the demon without the slightest error. Even someone who had overwhelmed them both until now shouldn''t be able to withstand this. "Now we can breathe eas-" Just as Tirian turned towards Liam, about to utter words of relief, Crack! Without any warning, a hand pierced through Tirian''s abdomen and out his back. Slightlyter, Hiseller, the owner of that hand, appeared in front of Tirian. His appearance was no different from before. "Kugh!" "I told you it wouldn''t work," Hiseller said, looking at Tirian, who was coughing up blood from both his abdomen and mouth, with crazed eyes. He then violently shook his embedded hand. Boom! Tirian''s form was sent flying, crashing into the nt''s wall. Hiseller briefly looked at Tirian, who remained motionless against the wall, either unconscious or dead, before turning to walk towards Liam. "Let''s finish this. It''s not fun anymore." Powerful demonic energy undted across Hiseller''s entire body like a living thing. This energy was of a much higher caliber than before, as if indicating that the previous battle had been mere child''s y. ''So this is how it ends...'' Despair filled Liam''s eyes as he watched Hiseller approach. He no longer had the strength to move a finger, nor any hope of holding out. Muspelheim''s mes flickered out, as if reflecting Liam''s despair. "Prince Zion... I''m sorry," the hero said in a dejected voice, unable to carry out his orders any longer. "Don''t worry, your lord will follow you soon," Hiseller said with a grin as he reached Liam, about to deliver the final blow. Crack! A tiny frost formed on the demon''s shoulder. It settled like a small dot, as if taking aim. "Hm?" As Hiseller''s voice filled with confusion at this inexplicable phenomenon, Boom! Something massive crashed through the nt''s entire ceiling, pinning down Hiseller''s whole body. Unable to react, Hiseller''s body was crushed and endlessly driven into the ground below. Liam''s eyes also filled with confusion as he recognized what had struck Hiseller. ''A... spear?'' It was indeed a spear. A massive ice spear emanating an overwhelming pressure, as if it belonged in the myths of ancient gods. At that moment, "You held out well," a low voice reached Liam''s ears. Whoosh! The mes of Muspelheim enveloping Liam began to be sucked towards the source of the voice. ---Toggle New Ads 2/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 180 - The Six Claws (6) 180 - The Six ws (6) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 180, Chapter 46: The Six ws (6) In the mansion of the Wellington family, minor nobility of the capital: "Don''t let a single one live! Destroy everything!" Screech! sh!A fierce battle was raging inside. Swordsmen from the Ascalon family cut down the charging demonic creatures as they advanced. Behind them, mages from the Ozlima family provided support and long-range attacks. The reason for this battle within the mansion was simple. The Wellington family, the mansion''s owners, were actually a demon realm cover identity to operate the ''nt''. "Huh, how could something like this exist in the heart of the capital..." Groud, the acting head of the Ozlima family, muttered in disbelief as he stood slightly apart from the battle. His eyes were fixed on the nt''s interior walls. Countless blood vessels, as if the structure itself was a living being, stretched from the walls to the ceiling. These vessels, disgusting to look at, pulsated endlessly, spewing out an overwhelming amount of demonic energy. Additionally, human-shaped imprints were scattered across the walls. Groud strongly felt that these weren''t mere imprints, but the result of actual human sacrifices. "You look like you had no idea," Ludwig, the head of the Ascalon family, said as he approached Groud. Though still not in peak condition, Ludwig had joined this operation to lend his strength. "I knew the demon realm had agents operating within the empire, but... I never imagined it was to this extent," Groud replied, his gaze still fixed on the nt. However, "You know what? This is just the tip of the iceberg," Ludwig continued. "......" Groud couldn''t respond to the Sword King''s words. In the past, he might have scoffed, saying it was nonsense. But now, he genuinely believed it could be true. After all, even his father, the head of the Ozlima family,y unconscious due to the demon realm''s actions. At this point, it seemed possible that not just the capital, but the entire empire could be on the verge of copse. "Then... has Prince Zion been fighting against these things all this time?" Groud asked. "I think you already know the answer to that without me telling you." "......" Groud fell silent again at those words. His eyes now held aplex light. --- In the western outskirts of the capital: "We''re toote," the silver-haired woman muttered, looking at the half-destroyed nt that now exposed its innards. Inside thepletely shattered nt, countless demonic creature corpses were turning to dust and disappearing, evidence of the fierce battle that had taken ce. "They''ve all left. But judging by the corpses not havingpletely disappeared yet, it wasn''t too long ago. However..." As he spoke, Turzan walked past the woman towards the nt, his expression surprised. "What kind of beings fought here? The traces left behind are far from ordinary..." "You''re right. It''s as if two ''Heavens'' shed," Rain chimed in, shaking her head in disbelief beside him. She then turned to the woman and asked, "What are we going to do?" "We should go see whoever created these traces," the woman replied, turning her head. Her gaze fell on the nt in the eastern outskirts, directly opposite to where they were. --- Liam hadn''t done anything in particr. As if it was always meant to be this way, Muspelheim''s mes naturally flowed from him towards the source of the voice. Step. A man slowly revealed himself, his entire body wrapped in those mes. "Prince... Zion?" Liam said. It was indeed Zion. "Looks like I''m not toote," Zion said, checking on Liam and Tirian, who was still barely breathing. He then turned his gaze to the massive ice spear embedded in the center of the nt. Earlier, seeing the situation turning dire, he had hastily used the Frost Queen''s authority to freeze the air above the nt and drop it. Fortunately, it seemed to have worked well. Just then, "What''s this? I was about to go looking for you, but you came here on your own?" a cheerful voice reached their ears. As cracks spread like a spider web across the entire ice spear, crack! It shattered, and Hiseller walked out from inside. "Did my feelings somehow reach you? I''m touched," the demon said. Hiseller''s condition looked surprisingly fine. It seemed he had used some trick to defend himself just before the ice spear struck. "You moved like a rat when I wasn''t around," Zion said, looking at Hiseller withnguid eyes. "Oh, that battle before? I''m telling you, I didn''t move, they came to me. I suffered because of it too. But..." Hiseller''s eyes sank slightly as he shrugged and answered. "You being here now means Keria, who went to the other side, has been dealt with, right?" "Was that bandage demon''s name Keria? Then yes, that''s right." "Kihi, kihihihihi!" Suddenly, the demon burst intoughter. Despite being told hisrade had died, Hiseller''sughing face looked insane. But he was genuinely happy. Keria''s death meant one thing. It meant that Zion Agnes, standing before him, was that much stronger. For Hiseller, fighting an opponent strong enough to make his heart race was far more important than protecting arade''s life or the nt. "Hearing that makes me..." Hiseller''s form, having stoppedughing, "Unable to hold back anymore!" Boom! He instantly folded space and shot towards Zion. Despite hearing that another Six w like himself had died, there was no fear or hesitation in Hiseller''s eyes. While he enjoyed the tension of battle itself, Hiseller''s strength was also in the upper ranks among the ws, unlike Keria who had been at the bottom. So even though Zion wore an armor of mes that looked like a mythical-grade artifact, Hiseller thought he stood a chance. But Hiseller''s thoughts, "You should have held back," Zion said. The moment Hiseller reached Zion, they were immediately overturned. Screech! What just happened? With a thunderous noise, the world turned upside down. No, it wasn''t the world that had flipped. Hiseller''s entire body had been flipped over. The moment the demon realized this, whoosh! mes, simr yetpletely different from what Liam had used earlier, formed into a massive axe and struck Hiseller''s body. Boom! Along with the shockwave that erupted from the impact, Hiseller''s form was sent flying at an imperceptible speed. ''What the hell...'' Dismay filled Hiseller''s eyes at the impact that left him dazed, despite having negated most of it using ''Distance Istion'', one of his space-manipting authorities. He couldn''t properlyprehend the two attacks that had just urred. Before Hiseller''s body could even touch the ground, boom! Using Muspelheim''s mes erupting from below as propulsion, Zion''s form shot forward, instantly reaching right in front of the demon. ''More mes!'' Seeing the bright red mes gathering and amplifying in Zion''s fist, Hiseller quickly changed the surrounding space to have heat-resistant properties. But Zion''s next attack wasn''t mes. Crack! It was cold energy. And it was a cold so intense it could freeze even space itself. Zion''s Exia, imbued with this cold energy, instantly split through Hiseller''s spatial defense barrier, leaving a deep gash on his body. As if that wasn''t enough, the Frost Queen''s cold energy prated through the wound, starting to freeze the demon''s insides. "Kugh!" Though groaning from the intense pain, Hiseller managed to drive five ws created from his condensed authority into Zion''s body. But, whoosh! Zion blocked these ws simply by concentrating mes at the impact points. He then grabbed Hiseller''s head and, crunch! mmed it into the ground. Hiseller''s head was driven into the floor without even a proper chance to resist. Then, as Zion gripped the demon''s head, all the surrounding mes were sucked into his hand, causing a massive explosion. Boom! Unable to withstand this, a huge crater formed at that spot. -You can handle two divine artifacts simultaneously without your mind copsing. As Zion stared nkly at the crater where Hiseller had been driven, the spirit''s voice, tinged with surprise, echoed in his mind. -Are you really a mortal? Even Magnus re, the first-generation hero once called the strongest, had struggled to handle two divine artifacts at once. Yet Zion was wielding these artifacts sofortably. Thus, the spirit, unaware of Zion''s true identity, couldn''t help but be amazed. At that moment, "Aaaaargh!" With a scream erupting from the bottom of the crater, boom! Hiseller shot out at incredible speed. His face was contorted with shame at having been driven head-first into the ground, and bewilderment at not being able to properly perceive that attack. "Just what are you...!" Before Hiseller could finish his sentence, "What about you?" Zion said, suddenly appearing in front of him with a mocking grin. "...!" As Hiseller''s eyes widened in shock, unable to see how Zion had moved, screech! Zion''s fist, wrapped in Loki''s mes, plunged into the demon''s stomach. Hiseller''s form vanished from that spot, and boom! A massive explosion erupted from a building beyond the nt. Btedly, a single line was drawn from where Hiseller had been to the explosion site. Along this line, the air burned and space distorted. "Kugh!" Hiseller, genuinely groaning from the pain as if his sr plexus had been pierced, struggled to his feet and stretched his hand towards Zion. As his authority spread out, the surrounding space seemed to scream, and boom boom boom! Tens of thousands of bullets began to rain down like a storm. It was an all-directional attack aimed at sealing off Zion''s movements. "I''ll riddle your entire body with holes!" The power of each of these bullets wasparable to a full-force strike from a high-ranking demon. Moreover, the wide range covering almost the entire nt made it seem impossible to even think about dodging. Seeing this, the onlookers couldn''t help but cry out, "Prince Zion! It''s dangerous!" But faced with this cmity-like attack, Zion''s eyes remained as calm as the surface of ake. As if it had nothing to do with him at all. "Can you handle it?" Zion asked softly. -Of course. What do you take me for? The Queen answered immediately. Meanwhile, the wave of bullets had finally reached Zion, about to engulf him. Whoom! Exia, now dyed blue, extended forward and made a single point in the air. A ripple spread out from that point. Though this ripple seemed insignificantpared to the wave of bullets, Its effect was anything but insignificant. The Frozen Queen''s Authority. Crack crack crack! Tens of thousands of bullets that touched the spreading ripple froze in ce, along with the space around them. This was an authority on apletely different level from the freezing he had used against Keria earlier. "!!!!!!!" Hiseller''s eyes widened as far as they could go at this sight that defied hismon sense. Through those eyes, he saw Zion approaching, passing through the frozen bullets. "How...!" Snapping back to his senses, Hiseller hastily opened a spatial rift and threw himself inside, trying to create distance. Though he usually preferred closebat, he decided this was necessary, believing he had no chance at victory otherwise. ''I''ll respond only from long range until I figure out how to break that power.'' But Hiseller''s n was shattered before it couldst even a moment. "I told you," a chilling voice came from behind Hiseller the instant he emerged from the spatial rift. "You should have held back." "You son of a-" Before Hiseller could fully turn his head, his face a mix of shock and confusion, crunch! Zion''s descending sh struck the demon''s body. ---Toggle New Ads 3/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 181 - The Six Claws (7) 181 - The Six ws (7) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 181, Chapter 46: The Six ws (7) ''...Am I still alive?'' This was Tirian''s first thought as consciousness and vision returned to him. Thest thing he remembered before losing consciousness was the demon piercing his abdomen. The reason Tirian was still alive was simple.Space Distortion. A mage is always prepared. Before the battle, he had cast a spell on himself as ast resort, which had saved him from death. Just then, "You''vee to? It''s best if you stay still. You''re being treated right now," Liam said gruffly from beside Tirian. As Tirian''s vision cleared, he saw a priest pouring holy magic into his wounds. "Luckily, there was a priest among the survivors," Liam added. "Ugh... What happened? That demon..." Tirian asked. Liam silently jerked his chin in a direction. As the mage turned his head to look, "...!" His eyes widened in shock. Zap zap zap! The snake-eyed demon, who Tirian and the legendary hero Liam couldn''t even scratch, was now, "Aaargh!" Screaming in pain and being overwhelmed. The demon was constantly being sent flying or driven into the ground, unable to even counterattack. Anyone could see the look of utter defeat in the demon''s eyes. "Then the person facing the demon is..." "Who do you think?" Liam replied, as if Tirian had asked something obvious. In truth, Tirian already knew. Though the face was hidden by the burning me armor, there was only one person who could appear in this situation and face the demon. ''Prince Zion Agnes.'' Even after realizing this, the surprise didn''t fade from Tirian''s eyes. He had known Prince Zion''s power was extraordinary since seeing him face a high-ranking demon at the Grand Magic Tower, but he never imagined it would be to this extent. ''At least on par with the Seven Heavens, if not beyond...'' The reason for Tirian''s thought was simple. The snake-eyed demon Zion was facing wasparable to the ''Seven Heavens'' in power. No, since Tirian hadn''t seen all of the ''Seven Heavens'' yet, he couldn''t be certain, but he believed this demon would rank among the upper echelons of ''Heaven''. Even with the power of divine artifacts, for Prince Zion to overwhelm such a demon alone was simply unbelievable. This sight defied all logic. If this scene were to be public, it would surely overturn the hierarchy of the empire''s strongest beings. ''Perhaps I still haven''t met Prince Zion''s qualifications...'' As this bitter thought crossed Tirian''s mind, "Looks like we have new guests," Liam muttered, looking towards the nt''s entrance. Tirian naturally turned his head in the same direction. His eyes then, ''Those people are definitely from before...'' Began to show a strange light. --- Boom! Boom! Boom! "Aaargh!" Relentless attacks rained down, apanied by Hiseller''s screams. ''I need to end this quickly.'' Despite the situation havingpletely turned in his favor afternding thatst sh, this was what Zion was thinking. The Heat Heaven Armor Muspelheim and the Frost Queen''s Authority. The reason Zion, whose original power was simr to Hiseller''s, could now overwhelmingly dominate was because he was simultaneously activating these two divine artifacts. Even possessing just one of these artifacts was said to elevate the user''s power to ''Heaven''. Activating two such artifacts at once naturally resulted in power beyond imagination. However, ''The power consumption is too severe.'' It felt like activating multiple eclipses at once. No, subjectively, it felt like these two artifacts were consuming even more power than that. As a result, Zion could barely use his original ck Star Force. At this rate, his power would be exhausted in less than a minute. He had to end this before then, no matter what. Boom! "Why... Why?!" Hiseller screamed in desperation as Zion''s relentless attacks continued tond effective blows. The demon''s face was contorted with aplex mix of anger, bewilderment, and fear. ''How can I be pushed back this much by a mere human?'' He simply couldn''tprehend the current situation. Sure, he could ept being at a disadvantage. But he never imagined being so thoroughly beaten that he couldn''t even put up a proper fight. All his attacks were blocked, while every single one of his opponent''s strikesnded as a critical hit. This feeling of powerlessness was something Hiseller had never experienced in nearly a century, not since bing one of the Six ws. Moreover, even his space-rted powers, considered among the highest of authorities, werepletely ineffective. ''This can''t go on! I''ll really die!'' The thrill and anticipation of battle hadpletely vanished from Hiseller''s eyes. All that remained was the desire to survive. At that moment, crunch! The space around the demon began to change. Compressed space adhered to his body like armor, following Hiseller''s will. Space Compression. One of his ultimate authority techniques, which he had been saving, finally revealed itself. Rumble! With his demonic energy amplifying crazily, Hiseller''s form began to move at a speed iparable to before. It almost looked like he was continuously leaping through space. Space and time are interconnected. Therefore, Hiseller''s time was now flowing three times faster than others'' due to his ''Space Compression''. It was truly a technique worthy of being called a reversal skill. Of course, the bacsh was terrifying, shortening his lifespan, but he had no luxury to worry about that now. "......" Was Zion unable to adapt to the suddenly increased speed? He stood still, seemingly unable to keep up with Hiseller''s movements. ''This should do it...!'' Hiseller''s form, his eyes gleaming, moved right next to Zion. He immediatelyunched a strike, concentrating his demonic energy to the extreme. ''I''ll crush your head.'' Just as Hiseller grinned, thinking Zion still hadn''t perceived his movement as he stood facing forward, Suddenly, something filled the demon''s vision. ''...A fist?'' A fist burning with bright red holy mes. And in the next moment, boom! With a thunderous noise like dozens of lightning bolts striking simultaneously, Hiseller''s form was sent flying at a speed twice as fast as his approach. Before Hiseller''s body could reach the nt''s wall, whoosh! Zion, who had vanished in a streak of me, appeared right in front of him. Simultaneously, the world around Zion''s ice-blue sword began to warp. ''I can''t let that hit me!'' Hiseller, his consciousness briefly lost and then regained, desperately unleashed a technique as he saw this sight. Space Barrier. A technique that endlessly expands the distance within a certain range of space. It was arguably the best defensive technique, not just blocking attacks but preventing them from reaching the user at all. The moment Hiseller''s defensive technique met Zion''s sword, crack! With an incredibly simple impact sound, the Space Barrier Hiseller had deployed, along with his entire left arm, flew off. Exia now upied the space where Hiseller''s left arm had been. "Kugh!" With a terrible groan erupting from deep within his lungs, Hiseller instantly stopped the bleeding and swung a de ofpressed space in his remaining hand, but thud- At that moment, Zion''s fist had already connected with the demon''s stomach. A moment of silence. Then, boom! Hiseller''s form vanished from that spot, crashing through the nt and the buildings behind it in the outskirts before finally embedding in the city wall. The dyed shockwave erupted, along with the me World''s mes burning along the path. Nearby buildings began to copse as a result. Step, step. Zion approached the embedded Hiseller, emanating cold energy and mes. At that moment, "Aaargh! You cursed Agnes bloodline!" Hiseller screamed, his voice filled with extreme hatred and anger as he pulled himself from the wall and gathered his remaining hand in front of his pierced abdomen. Crunch! All the energy from not just the surroundings, but the entire nearby area, began to be sucked into the demon''s hand. Hiseller already knew. No matter what he did, he couldn''t defeat this man. It was a hopeless situation. But, "That''s right!" He, a top executive of the demon realm, couldn''t ept dying without doing anything. No, he refused to ept it. "If you can withstand even this!" The gathered energy, condensed to its limit, waspletely converted into demonic energy. Rumble! The surrounding space screamed from the ominous power emanating from it. And, "Then I''ll acknowledge you." With these words that sounded like a vow, Hiseller finally unleashed his ultimate technique. Space Annihtion. Hiseller''s strongest technique, a power beyond the heavens that could erase space itself, one of the world''s fundamentalponents. Rumble! A sea. It was a sea. A massive sea of demonic energy, so vast its end couldn''t be seen, advanced forward, annihting all space it touched. Perhaps because they were now outside the nt, "Th-that...!" "Ah..." The imperial citizens nearby who witnessed this sea of demonic energy cried out in despair and shock. Destruction. It looked like the very embodiment of the city''s annihtion. And, "......" Zion stood alone before this sea of demonic energy, like a small sailboat before a tidal wave. ''I''ll cut it down in one go.'' After briefly observing the approaching destruction with his evernguid eyes, Zion raised Exia above his head with both hands. At that moment, whoosh! A bright red wing of me sprouted from Zion''s left back. As if that wasn''t enough, a wing of ice-blue followed on the opposite side. Then, swish! The mes and cold energy flowing from these wings gathered on Zion''s raised sword, beginning to emit a transparent light. It was a light so intense it could blind just by looking at it! Was it difficult for the sword to receive the root power of two divine artifacts at once? Grind! Exia shook as if screaming, and the surrounding world vibrated in response. Soon, this light and vibration reached their peak. Finally, just as the sea of destruction was about to engulf Zion, Slowly. As Zion''s sword fell, ------------------! The world turned incandescent white. --- There was no sound. All that could be seen was the pure white light covering the entire field of vision. How long did thisst? As the light finally began to fade and vision returned, people could see. The sea of demonic energy hadpletely vanished. And, "Zion Agnes, you are..." Zion stood still in his sh posture, calmly watching Hiseller as the demon began to dissolve. "Just what..." A voice filled with shock involuntarily escaped the silver-haired woman''s lips as she watched this scene from behind with the others. Her eyes were wide open. The woman, who had arrived at the nt with herpanions just moments ago, had witnessed the battle between Zion and Hiseller. It had been an incredible fight, beyond even her ability to fully follow. Moreover, for Zion to single-handedly defeat Hiseller, known as the ughterer of Space, who wouldter cause unimaginable damage to the empire in the great war, was astounding. But this wasn''t the reason for the woman''s shock. ''Those mes.'' The bright red mes still faintly burning all over Prince Zion''s body. Those mes were undoubtedly from Muspelheim. How on earth did Prince Zion Agnese to wear the Heat Heaven Armor? In truth, the woman knew the answer. There was only one possibility. That Zion Harness and Prince Zion Agnes were the same person. ''...Zion Agnes! It was Zion Agnes all along!'' From the beginning, there had been only one variable. The woman''s eyes shook uncontrobly as she stared at Zion, feeling as if she had been struck by dozens of hammers on her head. And at that moment, swish- Zion, having sheathed his sword, turned his gaze towards the woman. ---Toggle New Ads 4/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 182 - The Hero (1) 182 - The Hero (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Episode 182, Chapter 47: The Hero (1) The informationworks ''Eternal Shadow'' and ''Eye of the Moon'', along with the power of two great families, were truly impressive. They had perfectly concealed the truth about Zion''s operation two days ago, which had destroyed all the nts in the capital. Despite explosions in the city center and many people sensing demonic energy, the facts known to the public were entirely different. The official statement was simple: "All the explosion sites were ces plotting rebellion against the Agnes royal family or associated with such plots. The empire, which had been gathering information, carried out a mass purge two days ago."The only truth in that statement was that it had been conducted under Prince Zion Agnes''s leadership. Most imperial citizens in the capital epted this announcement at face value. Those with better informationworks or sharper minds believed it was part of a royal session struggle rather than a rebellion. At the same time, they grew more fearful of Prince Zion Agnes. They knew he had a ruthless personality, but they never imagined he''dbel his political opponents as rebels and wipe them outpletely. If he was capable of this as a mere sessor, what would he be like as emperor? While Zion was the focus of the empire''s attention, receiving all concerns and expectations, he was currently, click! Sipping tea in his study at Chimseong Pce, a rare moment of peace. ''As expected, Fredo''s coffee has the best aroma.'' Zion thought this as he slowly set his cup down on the desk. In front of him, "So... you''re saying you''re the main body of that Frost Queen?" -That''s right. Strictly speaking, I''m part of her consciousness, but since there are no other consciousness fragments left in this era, I can be considered the main body. As usual, Liushina and the frost spirit were bickering. The only difference was that the frost spirit''s appearance had changed to that of a human girl, and she could now speak. -From now on, you should treat me as your queen and serve me. Then I shall bestow upon you the grace of the north wind! Though it was amusing to see a girl who looked barely ten puffing out her chest proudly, if the frost spirit''s identity was truly as she imed, she had every right to do so. The Frost Queen. As the ruler of all snow and ice in the world, she was an absolute being worshipped like a god in the north. Of course, Zion had no intention of giving her such treatment. "Master, can''t we just turn her back to her original form? She was noisy as a bird, but she''s even noisier as a human. And now she''s spouting nonsense too." -How dare a lowly ''killer'' like you! You''ve been calling me by that disrespectful name, and now you''re even looking down on me! "Disrespectful name... You mean ''Chirpy''?" -You again! "......" Was this a demonstration that not all beings have mental ages matching their actual age? Zion watched the argument between these two beings, who had lived for hundreds or even thousands of years, with a look of disdain before speaking. "So what''s your name? Now that you can talk, you should be able to tell me directly." It was something he''d been curious about for a while. The frost spirit stopped arguing and turned to Zion to answer. -You, as the owner of the divine artifact, should give me my name. I do have a name from before, but that was from before you became my master, so it wouldn''t be right to use it. Of course, ''Chirpy'' is out of the question. Absolutely. "Hmm..." Zion''s eyes reflected deep contemtion. A few names did pop into his head right away, but they were all along the lines of ''Bluey'' or ''Frosty''. Judging by the spirit''s almost ring look, voicing these would only provoke her. ''I guess I''ll have to think about it some more.'' As Zion was thinking this, "Master," Liushina called out to Zion in a tonepletely different from her yful one earlier. Zion turned his head to see her face had grown serious. "Speak," he said. "You said you''d punish me for acting on my own once I fully recovered." "And?" "I''ll ept any punishment, no matter what it is. But in exchange, please grant me one request." Liushina''s behavior seemed quite brazen, trying to make a new demand in exchange for a responsibility she should naturally bear. But Zion just smiled slightly as he looked at her. He had a good idea of what she was going to ask, and it wasn''t a bad thing for him either. "What is it?" "Tell me. What do I need to do to find a ''path'' to go higher?" Though she didn''t show it outwardly, Liushina had been quite shaken by recent events. It was the first time she''d been pushed back in battle since returning to the world after hundreds of years, and she hadn''t been much help to her master, Zion. So Liushina thought. To prevent something like this from happening again... And to continue staying by Zion''s side, she needed to be even stronger. Moreover, she knew. The only person in the world who could show her the path to bing stronger was Zion. "When you told me to investigate the ruins of Kurd before, you clearly knew what I would gain there, didn''t you? If there are more things like that, tell me." "......" Zion stared directly into the witch''s eyes. In truth, telling her wasn''t particrly difficult. He could simply tell her the ''awakening'' route for Liushina written in the chronicles. The problem was, ''Whether I can control her even after she awakens...'' In the chronicles, Liushina, who had awakened as the ''Witch of the End'', had her reason diminished and her innate killing intent maximized, moving only for the destruction of the world. Therefore, it might be impossible to control her. This was why Zion had been cautious about telling her how to be stronger, even though he knew. After a long silence, "Then keep one promise," Zion said in a low voice. "No matter what happens from now on, obey me." Liushina looked at Zion for a moment before grinning and replying. "Have you forgotten, Master? My soul is already in your possession." "...That''s right." Zion closed his eyes briefly before opening them and saying, "I''ll grant your request. But I''ll tell youter. For now, there''s something else we need to deal with first." He looked towards the study door as he spoke. As if on cue, "Prince Zion, the people you mentioned have arrived," a knight''s voice came from outside the door. "Let them in." As soon as Zion said this, the study door opened and three figures entered. Though he had encountered them a few times before, he had never had a proper conversation with them. It was the hero''s party, the main characters of the Chronicles of Frosimar. When they had met at the nt earlier, they had strongly expressed their desire to speak with Zion. Zion also felt the need to have a conversation with them at some point, which was why he had invited them to his pce today, now that the aftermath of recent events had been somewhat settled. "We greet His Highness, Prince Zion Agnes." Zion closely observed the silver-haired woman standing at the front of the group bowing to him. ire Frosimar. The protagonist of the chronicles, who had risen to be the strongest using the power of fate, but ultimately failed to prevent the destruction and met her death. And the one who had made a contract with the gods to regress and correct her mistakes. ''She seems to have worked quite hard.'' As Zion thought this, noticing that ire looked stronger than she had been described at this point in the chronicles, "You...!" Perhaps not expecting to see her here, Rain, who was behind ire, widened her eyes as she spotted Liushina standing next to Zion. "Oh? We meet again?" The witch waved yfully at Rain. In the past, Rain might have immediately rushed at Liushina without a second thought, but now she didn''t. She just red at Liushina, her face contorted with anger as she clenched her fists. ''Looks like what I said before had some effect.'' Zion smirked at this sight. He had deliberately kept Liushina by his side when calling them to gauge Rain''s reaction, and it wasn''t bad. At this rate, it might even be possible to have them fight togetherter. "So you''re the one who took in the witch of the ck Forest," ire said to Zion, her tone slightly surprised. She had expected this to some extent, but seeing it in person was different. The Witch of the End, who had cornered ire and herpanions in an instant before her regression, despite not being fully developed - to think she would be under someone else''smand. "Why did you want to meet me?" Zion asked, turning to her and getting straight to the point. "...It seems you already know who I am, Your Highness." Normally, when meeting someone new, the first questions would be about their identity or status. But Prince Zion hadn''t asked any of that, which could only mean one thing. Zion simply looked at ire silently, as if affirming this. Feeling herself involuntarily shrinking under Zion''s gaze, ire quickly shook it off and continued. "I know Your Highness has done a great deal over time. As Zion Agnes. And... as Zion Harness." From the moment ire realized Zion was a major variable, she had been constantly investigating his actions. The more she learned about him, the more she became captivated by a single suspicion. "Starting with preventing the destruction of Rain''s city, then the Grand Magic Tower and the Angel''s Blood, defeating the Fourth Prince Utekan and all the Five Great Demon Generals in the imperial pce, entering the Tower of Causality, and obtaining the divine artifacts ''Frost Queen''s Authority'' and ''Heat Heaven Armor''." These were incredibly extraordinary and impressive achievements, but at the same time, they were feats that could never be aplished without meeting one condition. "One or two instances might be dismissed as coincidence, but it''s absolutely impossible to aplish all of this in less than a year." Not without knowing the future that was toe. "That''s why I want to ask you something." The biggest question ire had for Zion. "Could it be that Your Highness..." "You want to ask if I''ve regressed like you, right?" "...!" ire''s eyes widened as much as they could at Zion''s words interrupting her. Yes, he might have known she was the hero. But how did Prince Zion even know about her regression? As if seeing through her thoughts, Zion looked at ire withnguid eyes and continued. "I didn''t regress." His voice was calm. It was an unexpected answer, yet in a way, it made sense. The time when Zion Agnes died before the regression was even before the events ire had just mentioned. There was no way he could know about events he hadn''t experienced. "Then how..." "I don''t see any reason to tell you that much." Zion said this as he casually lifted his teacup. Perhaps judging there was nothing more to gain on this topic, ire''s eyes wavered for a moment before she changed her question. "...Then I''ll ask something else. What exactly is Your Highness''s intention? Honestly, Your Highness''s actions as ''Zion Harness'' seemed very far from session struggles or other political motives. Rather, it was as if..." Salvation. Although he had moved thoroughly in ways that benefited him, when looking at the big picture, it was simr to the world-saving path that she, as the hero, was aiming for. "Let me ask you one thing," Zion said. Instead of answering ire''s question, he posed one of his own. "If someone were to invade your home, your domain, or try to destroy it, what would you do?" "I''d drive them out or remove the cause, of course." "Exactly. It''s the same for me." In other words, he was saying he intended to annihte those who had invaded his domain. "Then, this domain you speak of..." "The earth you stand on, the air you breathe, the light that shines down. And everything else that exists within the empire." Such words would be understandableing from the Eternal Emperor who had unified the world and founded the empire in the past. But for anyone else, even the emperor, to utter such words would be far too grand and arrogant. However. Despite Zion, who hadn''t even ascended to the throne, saying these words, everyone present felt it was only natural. Swish- ck stars slowly rose in Zion''s eyes, which were like an endless abyss. These stars were pressing down on their spirits, forcing them to ept his words. ---Toggle New Ads 5/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 183 - The Hero (2) 183 - The Hero (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The silence in the study grew heavy under Zion''s ck Star Force. After a long pause, Zion spoke in a low voice, allowing everyone to breathe easier. "Why don''t we move past the exploration and get to the main point? You didn''te to see me just to ask questions." He was right. From the start, ire''s purpose in meeting Zion wasn''t to ask questions, but to draw him to her side. "Very well... I''ll be direct then," the hero said with a deep sigh, looking straight into Zion''s eyes. "Please help us with what we''re trying to do, Your Highness." "And what would that be?""I am the hero. And there is only one thing a hero must do." World salvation. From the beginning, this was the destiny heroes were created for, and ire was no exception. ire believed Prince Zion would ept. After all, there was no reason for him to refuse. Though their intentions might differ, Prince Zion''s goals aligned almost perfectly with her own. ''Though he seems to have many secrets, drawing him to our side would be an enormous help.'' He might even prove more valuable than Evelyn Agnes, who had supported ire before her regression. But... "Why should I help you?" "...!" Zion''s words were a t rejection. "Especially with nothing in return." "Of course there would be-!" "Besides," Zion cut off ire''s heated response. "I think you''ve got the roles backwards here." "The roles...?" "Think about it. Between you and me, who has the better chance of achieving this ''goal'' you speak of?" "..." ire fell silent at his words. Before her regression, she would have answered without hesitation that it was her. After all, she alone had been chosen as the hero destined to defeat the Demon King. But now, having failed once, doubts about that destiny had begun to creep in. "From what I can see, I''m at least your equal, if not more." That was true. In terms of military might and influence. In status and divine artifacts. And in achievements against the demon realm so far. ire couldn''t surpass Prince Zion in any of these areas. Though she had gained the absolute advantage of "future knowledge" through regression, even that Prince Zion seemed to possess equally. "Proposals shoulde from those in the superior position to those below them." As he said this, Zion''s eyes curved into crescents. "So let me make a counter-proposal instead." Though he was clearly smiling, everyone present felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding from his expression. "Join me." An incredibly bold statement. "Then I''ll achieve the ''world salvation'' you desire." Smiling as he spoke these words, Zion looked like a devil offering an irresistible deal to someone desperate. "That''s ridiculous!" "Why is it ridiculous? There''s now saying a hero can''t serve someone." Of course, there wasn''t such aw. But no hero had ever done so before. A hero was someone who led from the front, following the destiny given by the world to prevent destruction. In a way, it was unthinkable for a hero - the true ''savior of the world'' - to serve under another. "Even so..." "You already failed at salvation once before your regression." "!" ire''s eyes trembled at these shocking words from Zion. "If you don''t want to fail again, you might want to discard that worthless pride." "Your Highness, I believe you''re being too harsh," Turzan spoke up, rising from behind ire. His presence naturally began to fill the room. But that presence didn''t reach Zion. Before it could... "How dare you direct your presence at my master while looking down on him? If you wish to die here, you could just say so." Liushina''s killing intentpletely overwhelmed Turzan''s presence. "What? You damn witch..." As Rain joined in, the atmosphere in the study grew increasingly tense. "Both of you, stop and sit down." ire''s calm voice cut through the tension. The uncertainty in her eyes had vanished. ''His words may be harsh... but they''re not wrong.'' Indeed, joining under Prince Zion might offer a better chance of preventing destruction than having him help them. After all, Prince Zion had already cornered the demon realm''s forces in the capital, and they considered him a far more troublesome opponent than ire, the hero. ''However...'' She couldn''t serve Prince Zion right now. Since meeting him, deep questions had been brewing in ire''s mind about why she had been chosen as the hero and why she had been allowed to regress. If she were to serve under Prince Zion on top of that, it felt like her very reason for existing would vanish. "...I will consider Your Highness''s proposal. Please give me some time." In the end, these were the only words ire could manage. "I hope that consideration doesn''t take too long." Zion smiled slightly at ire, as if he had expected this response. "Now then, since we''re here, shall we coordinate?" "Coordinate?" "Yes, you''re aware our paths have ovepped quite a bit so far, right?" "Yes." ire nodded in response. "If we know each other''s movements in advance, we can avoid that and move much more efficiently." That would prevent them from running into each other or wasting time. "That does seem necessary." ire agreed immediately, having wasted effort several times due to such oveps. "Then let''s start with the most urgent matter." "By urgent matter... do you mean the ''floating city'' that will soon arrive in the capital?" "No." Zion shook his head. "You know I''ve destroyed all the nts in the capital, right?" "Yes, and I know that will elerate the demon realm''s war preparations." "We''re going to dy those preparations." Neither Zion himself nor the hero''s party was ready for the great war yet. Therefore, dying the demon realm''s preparations was currently the most urgent task. "How do you n to dy them?" "Zeloth." "You mean one of the Four Great Demons?" "Yes. We can exploit that angle." Though tinypared to the empire, there were some in the demon realm who held thoughts different from world destruction. And one of them was Zeloth, the Archdemon of Jealousy. Unlike the other Great Demons, he harbored dissatisfaction with the current demon realm system and the Demon King. ''Though it failed in the chronicles, he did attempt rebellion during the great war.'' Zion nned to use Zeloth to create chaos in the demon realm. "That could work. But to provoke the Archdemon of Jealousy, we''d first need to enter the demon realm... Surely not." The hero''s voice trailed off as she seemed to realize something, looking at Zion. "That''s right, you''ll be entering the demon realm." "...!" Rain and Turzan''s eyes widened at these words. The demon realm was once a dead zone where no life could exist, and now it was and of death crawling with demonic creatures. "You''ll have to go there eventually anyway, so it''s not bad to have a trial run now." Zion continued in a casual tone, despite seeing their reactions. "Besides, this is an opportunity for you." "An opportunity?" "You must know there aren''t many elements left in the empire that could make you stronger." ire nodded. It was true - there were hardly any opportunities left in the empire for her party to grow dramatically. The man before them had monopolized most of them, and some had vanished due to the changed future. "In contrast, the demon realm still has countless such elements." Zion''s words were true. Though far more dangerous than the empire and requiring secrecy, contrary tomon belief, humans of sufficient strength could survive in the demon realm. Moreover, there were mythical-grade artifacts and hidden powers that could only be obtained there. ''In fact, the hero''s party in the chronicles grew dramatically after entering the demon realm.'' Zion sincerely hoped the hero and herpanions would grow stronger in the demon realm. That would make them more useful to himter. "Indeed... that might be better," said ire, her eyes lighting up as if understanding the future Zion spoke of. She had been feeling frustrated about herck of growth recently, making Zion''s words particrly appealing. Though the demon realm was incredibly dangerous, it offered the possibility of rapid growth. "Then what about the events about to unfold in the empire..." "I''ll handle those." At Zion''s immediate response, ire looked at Rain and Turzan with concern. They nodded slightly, indicating they would follow her decision. Turning back to Zion, ire said, "Understood. We''ll go to the demon realm." "But I have one condition." "Go ahead." As Zion looked at the hero, a smile yed on his lips as if he had foreseen all of this. * * * In a deep abyss devoid of even a single ray of light... "Hiseller is dead." An overwhelmingly low voice echoed through the abyss, its mere sound enough to shake one''s soul. "I know, and not just Hiseller - Keria, who was sent with him, was taken out too." A contrasting high-pitched voice responded. "And all the nts were destroyed too. Isn''t this serious?" "Very serious indeed." Two of the Six ws, who represented the demon realm''s external military might, had been killed simultaneously. Moreover, all the nts, which were central to their "grand n," had been destroyed. And the biggest problem was that all this had been aplished by a single person. "Zion Agnes. This variable seems to be much bigger than we thought." "Indeed. We never imagined it would be to this extent." Unlike the emotionless low voice, the high voice contained deep interest - something that hadn''t been present when this topic was discussed before. "We should eliminate him before he grows stronger. Do we have anyone else to send?" "We''ll need to think about it. Even Hiseller was defeated, so sending mediocre forces would be pointless... And before you suggest it, don''t think about going yourself." The low voice cautioned, sensing the interest in the high voice. "Why not?" "Have you already forgotten what the ''Future Sight'' said about how our direct intervention would severely distort fate?" This world''s fate was destined for destruction. Therefore, the demon realm needed to follow that destiny naturally, with minimal interference. They should avoid actions that would distort fate. "Not everything they say is right. Besides, they seem to be wrong more oftentely." The high voice responded cynically. Indeed, Future Sight''s prophecies had been increasingly inuratetely, while bing less frequent. They hadn''t spoken a single word in the past month. "They said prophecies have be difficult due to too many variables from new interventions. Still, we have no choice. All our current ns are based on Future Sight''s prophecies." "I don''t like that either. The demon realm''s fate shouldn''t depend on one being''s words." "That was the King''s decision, so voice no moreints. Right now, we should focus on elerating the war preparations..." Just as the low voice was trying to pacify the high voice... "We have a new prophecy from Future Sight." Apletely different voice echoed through the abyss. An unstable-sounding voice. "A prophecy after so long? Must be important if you came all the way here. What did they say?" After hesitating briefly at the high voice''s question, the new voice slowly spoke. "They said: ''The clock of destruction has been distorted, and the time of eternity approaches''..." "...!" Every being in the abyss froze at these words. The distortion of the clock of destruction - fate - was shocking, but something else in those words truly horrified them. Eternity. Throughout past, present, and future, only one being had ever been associated with this word. "How could this..." Eternal Emperor Aurellion Khan Agnes. The First Emperor of the Agnes Empire, who even hundreds of yearster still reigned as an absolute terror to all beings in the demon realm. That was the name this word referred to.Toggle New Ads 1/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 184 - The Floating City (1) 184 - The Floating City (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here On the rooftop terrace of Chimseong Pce, Zion gazed up at the pitch-ck night sky and the stars twinkling faintly within it. Slowly, his hand reached toward the stars. Following its movement, a darkness deeper than the night began spreading across the sky. When this spreading darkness reached its peak, crunch! Zion''s outstretched hand clenched into a tight fist. In that moment, the darkness radiating from his hand instantly condensed. From below, it looked as if Zion''s darkness hadpletely devoured one of the stars in the sky. Along with this, ck stars began rising in the surrounding night sky. These ck stars stopped increasing after going from five to six. "Still can''t reach six stars, huh," Zion muttered with slight disappointment in his eyes.The ck Star Force grew faster the more battles he fought and the stronger his opponents were. That''s why Zion thought he would surely reach the next level after fighting the Remnant of the Frost Queen Tainted by Evil, who was stronger than him, and the Six ws, who possessed simr power. However, Zion''s level remained at the edge of five ck stars. While this alone would be beyond belief to others, it fell short of his expectations. ''Probably because I relied more on divine artifacts than the ck Star Force in both battles.'' He would need to refrain from overusing divine artifacts'' power. ''Though it''s not like I could overuse them anyway.'' The power consumption was truly beyond imagination. Finishing his thoughts about the ck Star Force and divine artifacts, Zion''s mind turned to the hero''s party who had departed days ago. ''They should have reached the demon realm''s border by now.'' They would have been inside already if not for the condition ire Frosimar, the hero, had set before heading to the demon realm. That condition was simple: help her gather all herpanions from before her regression to enter the demon realm together. This wasn''t particrly difficult for Zion, so he immediately contacted Tirian and Elysis to join the hero''s party. While it might seem like he was sending away two people he had just recruited, Zion didn''t see it that way. ''They''ll all end up under me anyway after returning from the demon realm.'' In fact, they were already halfway there. Moreover, at this point in time, being by the hero''s side would be far more beneficial for their growth than staying with Zion. The hero''s destiny of salvation would help elevate them to even greater heights. ''This should be enough to dy the great war, so now what needs to be dealt with is...'' As his thoughts reached this point while gazing at the night sky, a strange light suddenly entered Zion''s eyes. "Right on time." What appeared in his vision was a massive city. A city floating in the sky rather than on the ground, gradually approaching the capital while partially obscuring the moon. The floating city of Adegrifa. The world''s only aerial city and Zion''s next destination. --- Where in the world was magic most advanced? When asked this question, people named two ces. First was the Magic Society of Lebrion, located in Hubris, the empire''s capital. This ce contained the essence of all knowledge from every magic tower in the empire and was considered a holynd among magicians. The second was the floating city of Adegrifa. Created about two hundred years ago by several dragons, this city was different in nature from Lebrion. While Lebrion was a holynd exclusively for human magicians, Adegrifa was where the highest-ranking magicians of all races gathered. In some ways, it could be considered superior to Lebrion. Moreover, though called a city, with 99% of its residents being magicians, it might as well have been called a magic tower. And currently, at the gate of this floating city... "They should be arriving soon..." A magician with dragon-like features stood waiting with numerous attendants. His name was Ackendelt. He was the vice-mayor of the floating city and ranked ninth in magical hierarchy among the city''s highest-ranking magicians. The reason Ackendelt was standing at the gate connecting to the outside world with his magicians was due to the triennial exchange with the empire''s Magic Society. Even with only the finest magicians gathered, stagnant water eventually goes bad. That''s why the floating city ced great importance on and encouraged such exchanges. This was why Adegrifa, which normally drifted across the world''s skies without staying in one ce, came to the empire''s capital and remained for several days. "Is it true that Ahmad Ozlima is included in this imperial delegation?" "Indeed. That''s why even I came out to greet the delegation." Ackendelt nodded in response to the dog-headed attendant magician''s question. While he didn''t know what had prompted someone who had stayed locked away in the Grand Magic Tower to suddenly emerge, it was good news from their perspective. "I''m looking forward to it. I hope both sides gain much from this... But is he reallying up too? That..." "You mean Prince Zion Agnes?" "Yes." "He epted the invitation, so he should be." Both the vice-mayor and his attendant wore strange expressions as they discussed this. There was a reason for their reactions. For decades, not a single member of the imperial family had ever visited Adegrifa. Since one of the dragons who created the city two hundred years ago made a contract with the emperor of that time and received recognition of autonomy, there had been invisible tension between the Agnes family and the floating city. Therefore, although invitations were sent to the imperial pce whenever exchanges urred, they were never epted. "This is unusual. It''s almost unprecedented, isn''t it? An Agnes Empire royal visiting here." "Indeed. They''re the type who barely show their faces unless we visit the imperial pce." "What kind of person is Prince Zion Agnes? I''ve heard he''s the closest to the throne with tremendous power and deep schemes." "Hmm..." Ackendelt furrowed his brow as if recalling something before continuing. "Honestly, I find those ims hard to believe." He couldn''t believe any of the recent rumors about Prince Zion, as the prince he had seen five years ago didn''t match any of them. "The Prince Zion I saw was infinitely weak and gentle. He had no interest in the throne and wasn''t suited for it. And such qualities aren''t something that can simply change." That''s why Ackendelt had honestly thought Prince Zion would be the first to die if session struggles broke out. Yet now this same Prince Zion had not only killed other royals but was even being called the next emperor. It would be easier to believe the world was ending tomorrow. "Oh, is that so? It''s truly strange if you say that, Vice-Mayor. Could it be..." Before the attendant could finish his puzzled response, Whoosh! Brilliant light suddenly burst forth from the previously quiet gate. "The delegation is finally arriving!" Just as another attendant magician eximed excitedly, Magicians wearing robes embroidered with the Agnes Empire''s symbol began emerging one by one from the light. From the highest-ranking magicians representing each magic tower to rising stars considered the next generation''s leaders. "It seems this exchange conference will be quite high-level." As Ackendelt was assessing the imperial magicians'' abilities with satisfaction, "Ho ho, it''s been a while since I''ve been here." An elderly man with long white hair and beard, and notable kind wrinkles around his eyes, walked out of the light. A subtle smile yed on the old man''s lips. ''Ahmad Ozlima.'' Though he had never seen him before, Ackendelt instantly knew this was the ''Magician of Contempt'' just by looking at him. Unlike other magicians, the old man''s level waspletely beyond the grasp of his ''Half-Dragon Eye''. Moreover, the magical power flowing from him naturally dominated the surrounding space. ''So this is what makes one of the ''Seven Heavens'' different?'' Just as the vice-mayor''s face grew more expectant and he moved to greet Ahmad, Step. A single footstep reached his ears. A footstep so quiet it was barely audible unless one listened carefully, yet ominously stirring something deep within the listener''s heart. As if on cue, everyone present, including Ackendelt, turned their attention toward the gate where the footstep hade from. And there... Step. He stood. A man in the imperial uniform symbolizing the Agnes family, with pale skin andnguid eyes. Zion Agnes. Step, step. As Zion slowly walked out of the gate, those watching him as if entranced had forgotten the presence of Ahmad and everyone else. The alien presence flowing from Zion had already filled their mindspletely. ''Were those rumors... true?'' No, based on what they felt now, the rumors seemed understated. The pressure was truly beyond imagination. ''How can a person change this much?'' Ackendelt''s eyes trembled uncontrobly. Was the man before him really the same Prince Zion he had seen before? Though his appearance was the same, he could have passed for apletely different person. "..." Zion, who had approached Ackendelt without him noticing, stared at him intently. "G-Greetings to His Highness Prince Zion Agnes!" The vice-mayor, finallying to his senses, hastily bowed to Zion. As if his cry was a signal, "Greetings to His Highness Prince Zion Agnes!" Ackendelt''s attendant magicians also bowed their heads to Zion. Zion slowly surveyed the crowd as if looking for someone. Then, in a voice songuid it bordered on lethargic, "Let''s start with a tour of the city." --- "This is the district where maniption-type magicians'' researchboratories are gathered, and its name is..." While Vice-Mayor Ackendelt of the floating city had somehow ended up volunteering as guide and apanying the delegation, "Isn''t it amazing, Your Highness? How a city can function so well despite having only magicians." Zion let Ahmad''s words from beside him go in one ear and out the other as he recalled what he needed to do here. Two events would ur in this floating city. First was the city''s fall. Second was the assassination of a certain individual. ''Though the second event is more important for the future...'' The more urgent matter was clearly the first event - the floating city''s fall. The city would plummet onto the capital Hubris exactly three days from now. It would be a catastropheparable to the ''Frozen Night''. Of course, Zion had already figured out how to prevent it. ''I should at least scout the location first.'' As he carefully observed one of the ces they had been shown while thinking this, "Today''s schedule ends with the city tour, and the official exchange conference begins tomorrow." Ackendelt, who had been asionally ncing at Zion with disbelieving eyes, spoke up. "Additionally, we''ll hold the ''Magic Proxy Battle'', considered the highlight of the exchange. I''m sure Your Highness would find it quite interesting. Would you like to observe?" "I''m afraid I can''t observe." Zion smiled slightly as he replied. "Do you have other ns?" "I need to participate rather than observe." The first step in preventing Adegrifa''s fall. "What? What do you mean..." "Um... Vice-Mayor." As Ackendelt expressed confusion at Zion''s words, one of his attendants approached with a strange expression, holding out a specially magic-coated paper. "What''s this?" "It''s the list of magicians from the empire and floating city participating in tomorrow''s ''Magic Proxy Battle''." "Why suddenly...!" The vice-mayor''s eyes began to widen as he scanned the list he had received with questioning eyes. Zion Agnes. The name was written at the very end of the empire''s list of magicians. "Your Highness is participating in the proxy battle?" "Is there somew against it?" "No, but..." Despite his words, Ackendelt''s eyes were filled with disbelief and questions. Regardless of his power level, Prince Zion wasn''t even a magician to begin with. ''What is he thinking? He''ll just lose without even putting up a proper fight. And why did the empire''s side even approve this?'' His questions grew endlessly, multiplying one after another.Toggle New Ads 2/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 185 - The Floating City (2) 185 - The Floating City (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Was it because of the dense trees? Or something else? "Damn it, damn it all!" Someone was sprinting through the pitch-ck forest, cursing as they ran. It was R, a member of "Prying Eyes" - one of only five special-grade exploration teams in the empire. She had pale gray hair tied back and a sturdy build. "Why does this stuff always happen to me?!" Even as she shouted with a mix of irritation and fear, R didn''t slow down. If anything, she pushed herself to run even faster. The moment she slowed, those "things" chasing her would surely take her life.''I was an idiot to ept this request!'' She was in the Sunless Forest at the northwestern edge of the empire. The reason she hade all the way from the capital to be chased here was, likest time, due to a request that came to the exploration team. It was a request from ck Fairy Vige, the only settlement in the forest. They reported strange, unidentified beings appearing in the forest''s center recently and asked for an investigation. Finding it simr to the previous Hoire Vige request, exploration team leader Alros wanted to send R again since she had resolved that one. After several refusals, she finally epted when offered jaw-dropping terms. When R arrived at ck Fairy Vige, the first thing she saw were the ck fairies -pletely annihted without even leaving proper corpses - and "something" devouring what remained of their bodies. ''What the hell are those things?'' With that thought, she nced back at the "things" pursuing her. They looked like werewolves but were made entirely of a blood-red liquid. It was questionable whether they could even be called living beings, since theycked any internal organs that living creatures should have. R had never seen or heard of anything like them before. ''I''m at my limit!'' Her breathing was ragged and her legs felt like they had lead weights attached. Yet those strange beings showed no signs of tiring, maintaining their initial speed as they pursued her. Finally- "Fuck!" R cursed loudly as she stopped running and turned to face them. She decided it was better to fight while she still had some strength left than die helplessly whenpletely exhausted. "If I''m going down, I''m taking at least one of you bastards with me!" She drew her sword with a desperate cry and charged at the creatures. Just as they opened their mouths impossibly wide - far beyond what any biological jaw structure should allow - and were about to pounce on her... BOOM! The leading creature''s body exploded, leaving nothing behind. "...Huh?" A dazed sound escaped R''s lips as she watched something she hadn''t done. Then, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The other creatures'' bodies also began exploding one after another without warning. Then- "Looks like I found the right ce." A chilling yet familiar voice reached her ears. When R turned towards it, she saw a red-eyed woman smiling at her. "Y-You!" "We meet again?" The woman casually waved at R, who was staring with wide eyes. It was Liushina. "Now then..." Liushina slowly walked up to R, who was still staring at her with huge eyes, and said with a grin: "Let''s go find out where these things came from." * * * The Magic Proxy Battle. It was an event where magicians representing the empire and floating citypeted with their magic, considered the highlight of the exchange conference. While the original purpose was to improve magical abilities through friendlypetition, since battles inevitably produced winners and losers, it had evolved into a matter of pride over time. The losing side would spend the next three years training intensely to win the next battle. ''To think they''d send Prince Zion to such a battle...'' Ackendelt, vice-mayor of Adegrifa, watched the arena where rising magicians werepeting with troubled eyes. BOOM! Though the young prospects showed incredible skill for their age, Ackendelt couldn''t focus on them. ''And not even in the neers'' battle but the open battle...'' The exchange conference had two types of battles: the neers'' battle for promising talents and the open battle for high-ranking magicians. Prince Zion had entered the open battle. ''Could he be treating this as a joke?'' Ackendelt shook his head, dismissing the thought. The other empire magicians participating were too impressive for that. ''He''s sure to be humiliated...'' He was even considering whether they should deliberately lose to save face for the royal family. While others around him whispered simr concerns over the roster, Ackendelt''s gaze shifted to Ahmad, who kept making interested exmations while watching the matches. "Excuse me, Ahmad sir, may I ask something?" "Go ahead." "Does Prince Zion know how to use magic?" He already knew the answer was no, but asked just in case. The response was as expected. "As far as I know, Prince Zion cannot use magic." "Then why is he participating? It seems he''ll have trouble even fighting." "Ho ho, who knows? Perhaps His Highness has some other method in mind." That was possible. The proxy battle''s restrictions specified what couldn''t be done rather than what must be used, leaving many loopholes. This was intentional due to magic''s ambiguous nature. While strictly speaking only systematic spells by "level" were magic, broadly speaking things like sorcery, spirit arts, and holy magic could also be included. ''But without basic magical ability, victory is impossible.'' The restrictions were overwhelming - no weapons, no physical contact, no martial abilities like sword ki, and so on. ''It''s truly baffling.'' As Ackendelt pondered this, the battles continued. Finally, the open battle began. The empire''s first participant was- "Heh, right from the start..." It was Zion. When his name was called, he walked to the center arena with unreadable eyes. Across from him stood a dwarf magician. Grimel the Elemental Orchestrator. True to his title, he was a magician specializing in elemental magic, ranked 17th in the magical hierarchy. However, Grimel''s face was visibly twisted with displeasure. ''How annoying.'' He was extremely unhappy with the situation. After preparing for three years since hisst defeat, his opponent was Prince Zion who couldn''t even use magic. ''They must be mocking this battle...'' His irritation was bordering on rage. He had no intention of following Ackendelt''s earlier request to go easy. In fact, he nned to be even harsher. ''I''ll unleash attacks right from the start that will make him never want to participate again.'' Even for royalty, injuries from the proxy battle couldn''t be held against anyone. The possibility of losing never entered Grimel''s mind. Though he''d heard Prince Zion was strong, without magic, defeat was certain. Then- WHOOSH! With a sharp sound signaling the start, BOOM! Over ten me spears formed around Grimel and shot towards Zion. As expected of a top-20 ranked magician - though it was a basic spell, each spear carried enough power to demolish a house. "Such dangerous magic right from the start!" Ackendelt''s eyes filled with shock. Just as the me spears were about to pierce Zion''s entire body- Swish- They all vanished, as if they had never existed. "...Huh?" Confusion filled Grimel''s voice. He couldn''tprehend what had just happened. "What did you do!" Like the veteran fighter he was, Grimel quickly regained hisposure andunched his next spell. This time it was hundreds of ice arrowsbined with giant hands erupting from the ground - his specialty cross-attribute magic. But again- WHOOSH! Grimel''s magic vanished right before reaching Zion. At that moment- "!!!!" The watching magicians rose from their seats as Grimel''s eyes filled with bewilderment. "That- that''s!" They stood not because they understood what Zion had done, but because they couldn''t understand it at all. The observing magicians were among the best in both the empire and floating city. For them to not even grasp a fragment of the principle behind it was astounding. "Dispel?" One magician suggested, but everyone knew that wasn''t it. Dispel - magic nullification - required calcting the reverse of the target spell. But there had been no such process in what they just saw. Step, step. Slowly. Zion walked towards Grimel, who stared at him with trembling eyes. "What... what are you!" BOOM! Grimel began firing magic indiscriminately at Zion. A faint darkness flickered around Zion, barely visible. Any magic that touched this darkness vanished without a trace, like stones sinking beneath water. "That power..." It didn''t vite the restrictions, yet it wasn''t quite magic either. It was an alien power they had never seen before. As the watching magicians'' shock deepened- "Aaaaaaah!" Grimel, half-crazed, began using magic that was forbidden in duels. The high-ranking magician known for maintainingposure in any situation had lost his reason, and there was a reason why. Step, step. The overwhelming pressure emanating from Zion as he approached, devouring all magic. That pressure grew with each step, heavily weighing on Grimel''s spirit. Finally, when Zion reached right in front of Grimel, tap! He lightly touched the final spell justpleted in Grimel''s hand. At that moment- BOOM! Grimel''s spell contracted like a ck hole devouring everything, releasing a massive shockwave that shattered everything around them. When the dust settled- Thud- Grimely unconscious, embedded in the wall outside the arena, while Zion stood in the exact same spot as before the explosion. "..." Silence followed. Both the sight and result werepletely unexpected. Everyone could only stare mutely at Zion. Then. With the samenguid eyes as before, Zion surveyed the crowd and said: "The sky''s whiter than yesterday." This seemingly meaningless statement drew confused looks, but Zion just smiled inwardly without exining. ''This should be enough.'' The bait had beenid. Now it was time to wait for the fish to bite. * * * The remaining proxy battles proceeded smoothly. Though each battle showed an incredibly high level of skill, the magicians couldn''t properly focus on them. They were still preupied with Zion''s opening battle. It had been that intense and shocking. After various events andpleting all scheduled activities following the battles, it was deep into the night when Zion returned to his assigned quarters. ''Should have just summoned the frost spirit instead.'' Zion''s expression turned slightly nauseated as he recalled all the magicians who had clung to him like leeches after the battle. He immediatelyy down on the bed and closed his eyes. Though he had reached a level where sleep wasn''t necessary, getting an hour or two of rest still helped with the next day''s activities. However, Zion''s eyes opened again less than a minuteter. "Here already?" He smiled slightly as he looked somewhere, speaking those words. It seemed the fish had taken the bait earlier than expected.Toggle New Ads 3/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 186 - The Floating City (3) 186 - The Floating City (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the city hall, the highest decision-making body of the floating city Adegrifa, the vice-mayor''s office remained brightly lit even after midnight. Inside, Ackendelt stared out the window with troubled eyes. "I truly cannot understand," he muttered, his voice heavy with confusion. The source of his confusion was Prince Zion Agnes, who upied the massive mansion visible through the window. "What exactly was that power?"As he muttered this, Ackendelt recalled the proxy battle from earlier. The sight of Grimel''s magic vanishing without a trace upon contact with Prince Zion''s power still sent chills down his spine. ''It was definitely a power I''d never seen before.'' Could it be a hidden power of the Agnes royal family? Or perhaps, despite feeling no mana flow at the time, it might be a new type of magic no one had discovered yet. A truly mysterious ability. However, the reason Ackendelt stared at Zion''s mansion with such troubled eyes was different. "That final gesture and words... they were clearly signals meant for ''us.''" The ''us'' he referred to wasn''t the city hall or any official magical organization. It was the Light Watchers - a secret organization established alongside the floating city''s creation, secretly protecting it. Ackendelt was a member of this organization, which was why he could recognize Zion''s signal. "The question is how Prince Zion knew that signal." It was a signal only members of his organization should know. He couldn''t understand how Prince Zion, who had no connection to them, could know it. ''Unless... could he be with the Shadow?'' Ackendelt shook his head at the thought. That was too much of a stretch. Just then- ''Still, I should discuss this with the higher-ups... hm?'' Something strange caught his eye. A group stealthily infiltrating the mansion where Prince Zion stayed. Their movements were so swift and discreet that even Ackendelt would have missed them if he hadn''t been watching that direction. "Those bastards...!" Ackendelt''s eyes began to shake. Then- "Prince Zion is in danger! Prepare troops immediately!" His urgent cry echoed as he burst out of the vice-mayor''s office. A group moved swiftly through the darkness. Despite numbering nearly twenty, they made no sound at all. The reason was simple - they were wrapped in various concealment spells blocking presence, sound, and sight. The level of these concealment spells was so high that even other mages wouldn''t notice them. Silently, the group eliminated the guards in front of the mansion before infiltrating deeper inside. "Search every floor. Kill everyone in the mansion, including Prince Zion." Their leader''s cold voice issued themand. Following his orders, the assassins spread out, eliminating every guard mage they encountered as they moved upward. Yet still no sound escaped - a testament to their extraordinary skill. In less than five minutes, several assassins reached the top floor and unhesitatingly opened the final door. Their eyes found arge bed with nkets piled on top. Swish! Without bothering to check, since they had to eliminate everyone anyway, the assassins immediatelyunched slicing spells at the bed. The bed split into dozens of pieces. But no severed body parts or blood spurted out. There had been no one in the bed to begin with. ''If not here, then where...'' As the assassins'' eyes filled with question, knowing this was the only room left- "I was wondering which side woulde first." A low voice spoke behind them. Thud! One assassin''s head vanished. "So it was this side?" As the headless corpse copsed, darkness rippled. From that darkness emerged a man. It was Zion. His eyes curved as if he already knew the assassins'' identity. ''The Shadow Veil.'' Two secret organizations existed in this floating city. The Light Watchers who protected the city from the shadows. And the Shadow Nest who sought to overthrow them and the entire city. The reason Zion had participated in the magic proxy battle was to draw the attention of these two secret organizations. Nothing else could attract people''s attention as much as his unprecedented participation. So after the battle, when attention was at its peak, Zion had shown a signal only they would recognize - and the Shadow Nest had responded first. ''I knew they were extreme, but I didn''t expect them to try killing me right away.'' Did they not care about the consequences of assassinating royalty? ''No, they know but simply don''t care.'' As Zion thought this and turned toward the other assassins- "The target can nullify magic. Respond as nned." At their superior''s words, the assassins drew weapons they had prepared. Magic guns imbued with dozens of spells - silencing, strengthening, eleration, targeting, and more. "You thought I couldn''t nullify objects imbued with magic?" Zion looked at the guns aimed at him with interest. "Well, you''re right about that, but..." Swish swish swish! The guns fired with minimal sound thanks to silencing spells. The magic bullets broke the sound barrier, reaching right in front of Zion. "That doesn''t mean your attacks can actually touch me." One step. As Zion casually stepped forward- BOOM! A shockwave exploded from beneath his feet,pletely destroying all the iing magic bullets. The continuing shockwave created spider web cracks across every wall. As uncertainty finally appeared in the assassins'' eyes- Whoosh! Zion''s form vanished and reappeared before the nearest assassin. Testament to their extreme training, the assassin responded by casting eleration magic to create distance while pulling their gun''s trigger. But no bullet fired from that gun. Far faster- Crunch! Zion''s extended hand grabbed the gun''s barrel and crushed it. After tossing aside the now-useless hunk of metal, Zion dove deeper and threw his other fist. "...!" The assassin quickly raised multipleyers of defensive magic, but- Crack! Zion''s fist shattered through them easily and pulverized the assassin''s head. Before the headless corpse could even hit the ground, Zion''s form shot toward another assassin. "Cast weakening spells!" As their situation reversed from hunters to hunted, the lead assassin shouted urgently as various debuff spells targeted Zion. Weight increase, slow, blind, paralyze, and more. Zion''s speed seemed to decrease as if the spells were working. Just as the mages raised their guns with brightened eyes- SCREECH! With a sound like wailing ghosts, darkness suddenly enveloped Zion''s entire body and erased all the debuff spells. It was Soul Extinction Armor. Ratta-tat-tat! Zion dodged all the iing bullets just by tracking the gun barrels, his form vanishing as he reached the next target assassin. Crunch! The assassin died without even properly reacting to Zion''s much faster movements. Zion immediately eliminated two more nearby assassins before turning to the lead assassin - thest one in the room. "How..." The battle wasn''t even close to beingpetitive. "Stay still and I''ll end this cleanly," Zion said, stepping toward the assassin who was backing away with vacant eyes, all fighting spirit lost. Crack! After unhesitatingly destroying the assassin''s head, Zion immediately opened the door and stepped outside. There he found numerous other assassins approaching. "This brings back memories," Zion smiled. The situation resembled his first ambush at Chimseong Pce. Of course, these enemies were much stronger than back then, but that didn''t matter. Zion himself had grown iparably stronger as well. ''I should probably keep one alive.'' As he thought this, darkness began rippling across his entire body. "Hurry!" Ackendelt''s urgent voice rang out as he led the Third Guardian Battalion - all the forces he could currently mobilize - at full speed. Usually meticulous about maintaining dignity to the point of rarely running or rushing, he had no time for such concerns now. ''We must stop this. No matter what, we cannot let Prince Zion die!'' What would happen if a royal family member, especially one closest to seeding the throne, was assassinated while participating in the exchange conference as a delegate? The empire would surely demand ountability, and it could even lead to war. ''I was foolish. I should have paid more attention to his security!'' Why hadn''t he considered it? In hindsight, it seemed obvious the Shadow Nest, always desperate to destroy the floating city, would target Prince Zion. "Please hold out until we arrive, Your Highness." With these words like a prayer, Ackendelt increased his speed further. Of course, he knew well of Prince Zion''s impressivebat ability. He had even witnessed part of that power during the proxy battle. But still he couldn''t feel at ease. The assassination abilities of the Shadow Nest''s specially trained "assassin mages" were beyond imagination. Previously, though not in directbat, they had even managed to kill a fifth-ranked magician. Thus his anxiety could only grow. "Please..." If there was any fortune in this misfortune, it was that Prince Zion''s mansion wasn''t far from the city hall, allowing Ackendelt to reach the front gate quickly. Though they should normally use detection magic to scout the interior first, there was no time for that- "Prince Zion!!!" BANG! Ackendelt broke down the closed front gate and rushed inside. And at that moment- "...Huh?" His eyes grew vacant. In therge hall just inside the entrancey numerous corpses. Not the mansion''s guards. The Shadow Nest assassins who had infiltrated earlier. Theyy scattered across the hall, their heads or hearts destroyed. As silence fell over Ackendelt and the Guardian Battalion following him at thispletely unexpected sight- Thump! Thump! Breaking that silence, someone emerged from the darkness at the back of the hall. An assassin dragging an unmoving leg, approaching them. One of the assassin''s eyes was already gone, while the other was filled with enormous terror. As if they had witnessed an inescapable nightmare. "...S-save me." Having apparently lost all reason to assess the situation, the assassin approached Ackendelt - their enemy - pleading. As Ackendelt stared nkly at this iprehensible situation- "Please save-!" Just as the assassin finally reached him and stretched out their hand- Crunch! Something shot out from the darkness behind, grabbed the assassin''s head, and dragged them back into the shadows. Then- Crack, crack, CRUNCH! Horrifically grotesque sounds of flesh being torn apart echoed from within. After those sounds finally ceased- Step, step. A figure slowly emerged from the darkness. "You''re a bitte." A man showing a pristine white smile to Ackendelt and the Guardian Battalion, who still stood dumbfounded. It was Zion.Toggle New Ads 4/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 187 - The Floating City (4) 187 - The Floating City (4) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the desert region of the demon realm''s northwest... "Why the hell are humans here...!" "That''s riching from demons who''ve invaded the empire," Rain replied with a slight smile as she thrust her spear through the demon''s core. Unlike in the empire, demon corpses didn''t vanish when they died. "We need to dispose of them all. We can''t let anyone know we''re here," Turzan said gruffly as he crushed two demons'' heads with a single punch beside Rain.Just then, "Look! Look over there! One''s getting away!" Elysis called out urgently, pointing at a demon fleeing with its back turned. The demon had already shrunk to a mere dot in the distance. "It''s fine. I''ve already taken care of it," Tirian replied calmly, watching the same spot as Elysis. In that moment, BOOM! Something transparent fell from above,pletely obliterating the fleeing demon without leaving a trace. "Not bad, magician. You''d be perfect if you fixed that showboating andziness," Rain whistled appreciatively. "It''s Tirian, not magician. And thisziness is my greatest charm," Tirian replied shamelessly. ire smiled faintly as she watched herpanions. Though some awkwardness remained, they were getting along faster than she''d expected. ''I honestly didn''t think we''de together this quickly.'' Even when asking Prince Zion for help, ire had been skeptical. After all, both Tirian Prieharden and Elysis Desire had rejected her before. But Prince Zion had effortlessly brought them both into her party with just a single message, making all her previous struggles seem pointless. ''Truly unfathomable...'' His goals, his power, his true identity - all mysteries. "Hey ire, are you sure it''s okay to leave the floating city situation just to Prince Zion? From what you said, it could be difficult..." Rain approached with concern in her voice. Though she''d witnessed Prince Zion''s overwhelming power at both the Tower of Causality and the nt, she still had reason to worry. ''The enemies there are that powerful.'' The Seven Heavens. This term referred to the seven strongest beings in the world. However, the Seven Heavens originally consisted only of humans and simr races like elves and giants who had proven themselves worthy. This meant there were Heaven-ss beings not counted among the Seven Heavens, and the floating city was the most likely ce to find such individuals. ''Especially the first and second ranked in the floating city...'' Beings they''d have to confront directly to prevent the city''s fall. They were existences who had transcended even heaven itself, seeking opportunities to break free from the cycle of reincarnation. The decisive reason why the floating city had maintained its autonomy from the empire. So even with Prince Zion, it was hard to feel at ease. ''Unless the Heaven Destroyer I saw in Lezero helps...'' ire quickly shook that thought away. It was a pointless assumption. "We''ll just have to trust him," the hero replied to Rain as she began walking slowly. At the edge of her vision, their destination - the Tomb of Lament - was graduallying into view. The world seemed to have ended. A field of vision filled with darkness as if the sun had vanished, mountains of corpses piled high as far as the eye could see. The poisonous decay flowing from these mountains of corpses distorted the air and space itself, causing the world to crumble. Then... -I should have been your despair. A ''being'' spoke these words from the center of the umted mountains. -No, I should have been this world''s despair. True to these words, the demonic energy flowing from the ''being'' was transcendent enough to bring despair to the world, each word shaking the very structure of reality, yet the ''being''s'' condition didn''t look good. -So why. Its body was already too battered to fight, its very foundation of existence wavering. -So why did you be my despair? As it spoke these words, a single man stood silently before the ''being''. Wearing a ck uniform that seemed to absorb all light, contrasting with snow-white skin. The man, who seemed to not belong to this world, looked down at the ''being'' withnguid eyes, emanating an ominous and alien presence. Though no energy flowed from him, the ''being''s'' eyes trembled endlessly as it gazed at him. It knew that the darkness covering not just its vision but the entire world belonged to this man. This world''s fate had been decided as destruction, and the ''being'' was meant to be that fate''s executor. Yet this man''s existence went beyond disturbing that fate - he was destroying it entirely. Iprehensible. The ''being'' was certain this word existed purely to describe this man. -How regrettable. Had I been given just a bit more time, the fate of destruction would have fully ripened... As it uttered these words filled with deep despair and regret while watching the man slowly approach... "Hey." The man, now right before the ''being'', "That fate of destruction you mention... when exactly was it supposed to ripen?" Asked with an incredibly ominous smile. "...Was that a dream?" These were Zion''s first words as he woke to the morning sunlight. A rare dream - no, perhaps his first real one. But Zion knew what he''d just dreamed wasn''t merely a dream. ''It seems this was something that happened after I inhabited this body...'' The reason for thinking this was simple. One of the two beings in the dream had been himself, before possessing Zion Agnes''s body. Moreover, having no memory of that scene made it easy to determine it had happened in the past, after his possession. Perhaps he could glimpse these memories now that his ck Star Force had reached higher levels? He couldn''t know the exact reason. However, something else troubled Zion more. ''I''m certain I meant to let that one live.'' It was Zion''s nature topletely uproot any who bared their fangs at him. So why had he said those words? Had he also been in a desperate situation, though it hadn''t appeared so outwardly? Or had there been another reason? ''I can''t tell.'' As Zion was about to set aside these thoughts, having no way to learn more currently... "Prince Zion, are you awake?" Ackendelt''s voice came from outside the bedroom. "Enter." Zion replied as he rose from the bed. As the half-dragon entered, Zion immediately asked: "What brings you here?" Even withst night''s attack, there was no reason for the floating city''s vice-mayor to visit this early after everything had been cleanly resolved. Except for one thing. "...Your Highness, might you know about the light and shadow that exist in the floating city?" After briefly regarding Zion withplex eyes, Ackendelt got straight to the point. "If I didn''t know, I wouldn''t have sent that signal yesterday." ''As expected...'' After closing his mouth once more to gather his thoughts at Zion''s answer, the vice-mayor continued. "As you''ve likely guessed, I belong to one of the two organizations - the Light Watchers. And those who attacked you yesterday were the Shadow Nest." "And?" "We''d like to invite Your Highness to join the Light Watchers. Will you ept?" Zion smiled inwardly at Ackendelt''s words. Finally, the ce he wanted had reached out to make contact. "Lead the way." There was no reason to refuse. "Then we''ll depart immediately. Please don''t resist the power." After Zion finished preparing, Ackendelt approached his side. Instead of leading him outside the mansion, he positioned himself beside Zion, an action that seemed iprehensible until its purpose became clear. -??????? Ackendelt chanted a spell impossible to pronounce with human vocal cords. In that moment... WHOOSH! Arge magic circle densely packed with incrediblyplex characters appeared beneath their feet, and FWOOSH! Their forms vanished from that spot. Along with this, light flickered before Zion''s eyes. After some time had passed... When Zion''s vision returned with the fading light, the scene before him waspletely different. An interior resembling a temple. Numerous beings bustled about, attending to their duties. Though these beings varied in race and appearance - beast-men, fairies, goblins, and more - they shared onemonality: They all wore white robes embroidered with golden cloud patterns. As their gazes began focusing on the newly appeared Zion... "The Light Watchers have no separate entrance for secrecy. Thus, entry is only possible through spatial transfer using special incantations. This way." Ackendelt began leading Zion somewhere. "Normally we''d conduct a simple verification before taking you to the reception room, but someone wishes to meet Your Highness, so I''ll guide you there first." Though brief, these words contained much information. That someone wanted to meet Zion, and that person held high enough position to ignore the Light Watchers'' procedures. And Zion knew there could only be one such being. "Is the one who wants to meet me the leader of this ce?" "...Yes." Ackendelt nodded with surprise. He hadn''t expected Zion to deduce this immediately. "In fact, it was they who requested Your Highness be invited here." Originally, even with Zion''s signal, such quick contact hadn''t been nned. But when the Light Watchers'' leader personally decided to meet him, the other watchers had no choice but toply. ''What could they be thinking...'' Honestly, Ackendelt wasn''t pleased about bringing Prince Zion into the Light Watchers. Partly because Prince Zion was imperial royalty, but more because of what he''d witnessed duringst night''s attack. The ominous and cruel disy Prince Zion had shown while dealing with the Shadow Nest''s assassins. That image remained vivid in his mind, refusing to fade. Though the attack remained secret from the public, Ackendelt was certain people would fear Prince Zion even more if they knew. Just as he did now. ''It''s been a while.'' Following behind Ackendelt, this was Zion''s thought. In truth, Zion had a connection to the Light Watchers'' leader. A connection from his original body, not his current one. ''Before, I thought the chronicle''s author had just used an existing being as inspiration...'' Now knowing some truth, Zion recognized they were the same being. Meanwhile... "From here, Your Highness must enter alone." Ackendelt stopped before an enormous door, easily ten timesrger than normal, and addressed Zion. A door that seemed designed for something other than human use. Without hesitation, Zion pushed the door. Creeak- Despite its size, the door opened incredibly easily, seemingly enchanted. What met Zion''s eyes beyond the opened door was a massive cavern. A cavern so vast it made the entrance look rtively small. Its appearance was more unique and mysterious than any cavern Zion had ever seen. Though clearly enclosed, the cavern''s ceiling somehow showed the entire transparent sky. Moreover, despite the sun shining in that sky, countless stars twinkled brilliantly. Clearly, various transcendent magics were at work here to read the heavenly energy. Then... -This world rushes toward destruction. The cavern''s master slowly addressed Zion. -Because of this, the world''s fate grows increasingly unstable and the human empire slowly crumbles. Now that destruction''s impact reaches even here, the floating city. The master, whose enormous body made even the massive cavern seem small, faced Zion with vertically slit pupils while coiled up. Those eyes held authority and mystical energy whose depths even the current Zion couldn''t fathom. The surrounding world endlessly distorted and reformed under their influence. -Thus, I cannot leave this ce. The moment I look away, I would lose sight of heaven''s flow. Please understand why I had to summon you here. Light Dragon Obergia. Leader of the Light Watchers and one of the two dragons who created the floating city. An ancient dragon among the top five longest-living of dragons, considered the world''s strongest and wisest beings, and ranked first in the city''s magical hierarchy. Meeting the great dragon''s gaze directly, Zion smiled slightly and spoke: "Oh? If you''ve been watching constantly, you must know this city will fall in two days." -...! Obergia''s massive pupils trembled. He hadn''t expected Prince Zion to know this fact that he himself had only recently discovered bybining various information including celestial readings. How had Prince Zion, who had no connection to the city, figured this out? -...You truly are an unfathomable one. The ancient dragon spoke these first words before continuing. -Though I''m deeply curious how you learned this fact and knew the Watchers'' signal... I invited you here to learn something else. So I should ask about that first. After briefly gathering his thoughts in silence, Obergia''s next question was incredibly shocking. -You who carry Agnes blood. How can you use the power of eternity? Having watched Zion''s proxy battle from start to finish, the light dragon was certain. The darkness that had flickered faintly around Zion''s body, negating every spell the opposing mage cast. That darkness was definitely the Eternal Emperor''s power. There was no possibility he had seen wrong or was mistaken. Such an ominous and alien darkness existed nowhere else in the world except in the Eternal Emperor''s power. However, one problem remained. ''The Eternal Emperor''s power absolutely cannot be inherited.'' This applied even to the Agnes bloodline. That''s why they had created the Heaven Opposing Power as a substitute. So naturally, questions and bewilderment arose when a royal suddenly appeared using the Eternal Emperor''s power after hundreds of years. Then... "I thought someone like you might be able to recognize it." A low voice flowed from Zion''s lips. -...What do you mean? The dragon''s eyes filled with question at these words that neither answered his question nor made any clear sense. "Think carefully." As Zion faced Obergia, "About who I am." ck stars began rising one by one in his curved eyes.Toggle New Ads 5/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 188 - The Floating City (5) 188 - The Floating City (5) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The connection with Light Dragon Obergia wasn''t particrly significant. Long ago, when Zion unified the world as the ck Star Emperor and established the great Agnes Empire, several ancient dragons known for possessing even greater authority among dragonkind sought him out. These ancient dragons, iming to be protectors of the world''s fate and order, insisted that Zion''s establishment of the Agnes Empire vited world order and demanded he dismantle it. Zion refused, and the resulting sh was inevitable. Of course, the sh ended in Zion''s victory, and the ancient dragons swore never to interfere with the empire again, each making an individual contract.Contracts that were incredibly favorable to the emperor and humiliatingly disadvantageous to themselves. One of those ancient dragons was Light Dragon Obergia, now standing before Zion. ''I knew he''d retired as a guardian, but I never expected him to establish the floating city.'' Even bad connections were still connections. Still, Zion felt pleased to see a familiar face after so long. Though he couldn''t say how the other party felt. Meanwhile... -Could it be... Obergia''s eyes had grown wider than ever as he stared at Zion. It was his first time being so shocked in an immeasurable span of time he couldn''t even remember. -ck Star Emperor? The dragon''s voice trembled. Obergia knew how nonsensical his current thoughts were. ck Star Emperor Aurellion Khan Agnes. The being whose mere name still sent shivers through his entire body had long since passed from this world. ''But those eyes!'' No, the moment he saw the ck stars rising and swirling in thosenguid eyes, the dragon involuntarily thought of Aurellion. Simr to but fundamentally different from the Agnes family''s Heaven Opposing Power. Eyes and power that only the Eternal Emperor could possess in this world. -Impossible. How... Even as he shook his head, Obergia knew the ck stars rising in Zion''s eyes were real. It was a power no one could imitate, one he had personally witnessed and experienced hundreds of years ago. After staring at Zion with trembling eyes for some time, the dragon''s voice carried those same emotions: -Are you truly the ck Star Emperor? Obergia deliberately avoided using the term "Eternal Emperor." That title had only been given after Aurellion''s death. "You should know. In this world, only I can use the ck Star." -Ooh...! An impassioned exmation burst from the dragon''s mouth at Zion''s affirming response. -Yes, there were many strange things indeed. One as powerful as you couldn''t have suddenly met death like that. What exactly happened? That question contained countless implications. What had he been doing for hundreds of years after faking his death, and why had he never shown himself openly? Why did he now inhabit the body of his descendant Zion Agnes rather than his original body, and why reveal his identity at this time? However... "I don''t see any reason to tell you that much." Zion didn''t answer those questions. There was no need to, and he didn''t fully understand everything himself. -True, you were always one who asked rather than answered. Nodding as if he''d expected this response, the dragon set aside his other questions and asked again with even greater gravity: -But answer me this one thing, Emperor. What is your purpose ining here? This had been his greatest concern since realizing Zion Agnes was the Eternal Emperor. The Eternal Emperor that Obergia remembered from the past was a tyrant who couldn''t be satisfied until everything in sight was in his grasp. "Given how readily I epted your invitation, you must have some idea? And I already mentioned it earlier." Upon entering the cavern, Zion''s first words had been about the city''s fall. -Fortunately, it seems our interests align. Obergia felt inwardly relieved at these words. Though terrifying as an enemy, the man before him was incredibly reliable as an ally. After briefly falling silent as if considering where to begin, the dragon slowly addressed Zion: -The reason Stigma and I created this floating city was singr - to break free from the ''cycle of reincarnation'' that trapped us in mortality. Light Dragon Obergia and Shadow Dragon Stigma had known. That their seemingly endless lifespans were nearly at their end. To transcend this fate, they chose to break free from the cycle of reincarnation. But even their seemingly infinite abilities proved insufficient, which led them to create their final solution: the floating city Adegrifa. -Have you heard of collective intelligence? It literally means multiple beings sharing intelligence to far surpass a single being''s intellectual capacity. That''s why we brought numerous magicians to the floating city and passed on all our magical knowledge and wisdom. We thought the collective intelligence of world-ss magicians would elevate our magic to even greater heights. But perhaps receiving the knowledge of dragons, called the originators of magic, had been too overwhelming? In the end, their n went awry. -Of course, there was meaningful progress that continues even now, but it fell far short of freeing us from our bonds. This led both dragons to despair, with Stigma''s despair proving particrly extreme. Extreme enough topletely overturn his existing values. -With his values twisted by despair, Stigma had a thought. All the magicians existing in the floating city they had created. If he consumed all their fates, couldn''t he possibly free at least his own fate from its bonds? -The Shadow Nest was created to realize this demonic idea, gathering his followers. That''s why Stigma now aims to crash this city onto the empire''s capital. "And the Light Watchers you created exist to prevent this." -Precisely. "I think I understand how things work now... So what''s the current situation? I''d like to hear what you''ve figured out about this incident." Zion interrupted the dragon''s exnation to ask. -...Nothing. In fact, we only discovered the Shadow Nest''s n to crash the city three days ago. Obergia replied with a darkened expression. This might make the Light Watchers seem ipetent, but if that were true, they wouldn''t have stopped the Shadow Nest''s previous ns. Therefore, this case showed just how thorough the Shadow Nest''s movements had been. ''The city falls in two days. It''s toote to investigate or start anything new now.'' That left only one option. "We''ll have to infiltrate the Shadow Nest''s headquarters and wipe them out before then." With no one left to execute it, the n would naturally fail. -That''s not as simple as you think. Obergia replied with troubled eyes, understanding Zion''s words. -Like the Light Watchers, the Shadow Nest''s headquarters is thoroughly hidden. No, it might not be an exaggeration to say it''s twice as difficult to find as this ce. It''s concealed by a ''veil'' - even my ''Celestial Dragon Vision'' hasn''t found a trace of it until now. Finding such a headquarters within two days was nearly impossible. -And even if we found the headquarters, the Shadow Dragon himself would block our path. Even for you, it seems difficult to face him now when you haven''t regained your original power. Normally I would face him, but... He couldn''t. Obergia''s lifespan had nearly reached its end, leaving him barely able to move. Another reason he had specifically called Zion here. But despite the dragon''s despairing words... "It doesn''t matter." Zion''s calm expression remained unchanged. Everything fell within his expectations. "If one assumption proves correct, facing the Shadow Dragon is entirely possible." -One... assumption? At Obergia''s question, Zion smiled slightly and continued: "Yes. And finding the Shadow''s location is simple too. We''ll make them guide us there directly." -Make them guide us? What do you mean? The dragon''s eyes filled with question at these continued cryptic words. "Who has the Light Watchers identified as being with the Shadow?" Zion asked coldly while meeting the dragon''s eyes. In the deepest special prison within the floating city hall''s underground... Two guards with clearly exceptional skills stood vigntly watching all directions in front of a prison specially warded to prevent magic use. There was a reason for such strict security at this special prison. The prisoner inside was the only survivor among the Shadow Nest assassins who had attacked Prince Zionst night. More urately, the one Prince Zion had deliberately left alive. The captured assassin was not just the mastermind behind this assassination attempt but potentially the only link to the Shadow Nest, naturally requiring thorough security. Not even casual conversation passed between the two guards because of this. After some time had passed... "Hm?" One guard''s eyes showed confusion. He saw a middle-aged man with a long beard approaching them. The guard knew this man''s identity. "Lord Gaspel?" Gaspel. A magician ranked 11th in the city''s magical hierarchy and one of the most powerful figures within city hall. "What brings you here?" But since there was no reason for him to visit this special prison now, the question naturally left the guard''s lips. "Just have some business to attend to." Gaspel replied casually while continuing to walk toward the prison. "Please stop and exin your business first." Just as the guard raised his hand to stop him, sensing something oddly out of ce... "That would be inconvenient. The situation is rather urgent." With these words, Gaspel lightly waved his hand. In that moment... CRACK! Something ck extended from the guards'' shadows, instantly wrapped around their necks, and snapped them. The guards died without even screaming. "So they imprisoned him here instead of their headquarters to prevent revealing the Light Watchers'' location? Thanks to that, this will be easier than expected." Gaspel muttered calmly as he passed between the guards'' corpses. He had only one reason for doing this. His hidden identity as a member of the Shadow Nest. ''I hadn''t nned to move this quickly, but...'' Gaspel recalled the secret conversation between Ackendelt and someone else that he had identally overheard in the vice-mayor''s office earlier. ''They clearly mentioned using some special magic that could extract memories from our captured assassin.'' Actually, Gaspel didn''t know if such magic really existed. He''d never seen it before. But if the Light Watchers had somehow developed such magic and used it on the captured assassin, there was a risk their headquarters could be exposed. Therefore, he''d decided the assassin needed to be eliminated first. ''This will reveal my identity, but that hardly matters.'' This city would be destroyed in two days anyway. Until then, minimizing variables was most important. CRASH! With that thought, Gaspel instantly broke through the thick iron door and saw the assassin fixed to a steel chair in the center of the prison, restrained at the arms, legs, and mouth. "Mmph! Mmph!" The assassin reacted upon seeing Gaspel, perhaps recognizing a fellow organization member. "You seem pleased to see a fellow shadow. Unfortunately, I''m not here to rescue you." Evil mana rose from Gaspel''s hands as he approached the assassin, apparently unaffected by the magic barrier. "Our nest isn''t merciful enough to take back someone who failed their mission." "Mmph! MMPH!!" Despite these words, the assassin continued trying to convey something to Gaspel, making muffled cries through their sealed mouth. The assassin''s eyes were fixed on the faintly rippling darkness behind Gaspel, but he failed to notice this. He thought it was just the final struggle of someone facing death. "Farewell then." CRUNCH! Just as Gaspel easily ended the assassin''s life with magic, WEEEEEE! A loud rm began ringing from above. Simultaneously, he sensed the busy movement of city hall''s magicians. "Better hurry." They had clearly discovered the scene he''d left on his way here, so Gaspel muttered this and immediately began chanting. Though he would certainly be caught if he took the single path from the underground prison to the surface, his expression remainedpletely at ease. From the start, Gaspel had no intention of escaping through normal means. WHOOSH! As his spellpleted, his shadow rippled and formed a passage. A passage leading directly to the Shadow Nest. Like the Light Watchers, the Shadow Nest''s headquarters could only be entered through spatial transfer. Of course, there was no worry about being tracked. This spatial magic leading to the Shadow Nest was a spell personally designed by Shadow Dragon Stigma, the nest''s leader and co-creator of the floating city. "Don''t resent me too much. Soon all the city''s magicians will join you." After muttering these final words to the assassin''s corpse, Gaspel unhesitatingly pushed himself into the opened passage. His vision began to distort and invert. ''Not a bad sess.'' Just as Gaspel smiled slightly while looking at the Shadow Nest''s interior appearing through his returning vision... "Lord Gaspel, did your business go we-!!" A ck fairy who had been weing him nearby suddenly cut off their words and widened their eyes as if seeing something impossible. "The passage! Behind you!" Along with this came their urgent cry. "What are you suddenly-!" As Gaspel turned his head with a sense of unease, a strange sight met his eyes. The shadow passage he had just used. The passage that should have vanished the moment he arrived at the nest remained open. CREAK! As if forcibly fixed open, the passage remained stuck at about the size of an adult''s fist, refusing to close further. But what truly froze the breath of both the ck fairy and Gaspel was something else. A single eye gazing at them from the other side of the passage. That deep gray eye rippled ominously, like a predator eyeing its prey. Just as Gaspel''s body involuntarily froze, overwhelmed by the eeriness emanating from it... "Found you." The eye''s owner began reaching through to force the passage wider.Toggle New Ads 1/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 189 - The Floating City (6) 189 - The Floating City (6) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here The dragon who ruled shadows decided to break free from the cycle of reincarnation after witnessing one human''s death. Eternal Emperor Aurellion Khan Agnes. A being who possessed power almost impossible to believe came from a mere human. Every being in the world bowed their heads and submitted before him, and even dragons had to suffer humiliating defeats. The dragon felt deep emptiness watching the Eternal Emperor''s death.It felt as if he''d lost any chance of achieving his goal of surpassing him. But the dragon, already obsessed with this goal, continued seeking methods until reaching one conclusion. Death - the one thing even the Eternal Emperor couldn''t ovee. Oveing death was the only path to surpass the Eternal Emperor. Moreover, the dragon thought: If he could surpass the Eternal Emperor this way, he might also escape the deep shadow cast over him. -Therefore, the floating city must be destroyed. Shadow Dragon Stigma muttered these words in a cavern simr to but fundamentally different from Light Dragon Obergia''s. His words transformed into magic, spreading throughout the city. This magic was elerating the city''s destined fall. As Stigma gazed intently through the cavern''s ceiling at the approaching fate, something suddenly caught his eye. Then... -Someone unauthorized has entered. These puzzled words flowed from the Shadow Dragon''s mouth. Zion''s first step in finding the Shadow Nest was identifying a high-ranking magician among the ''shadows'' hidden in city hall through the Light Watchers. Someone ranked high enough to ess restricted areas like the vice-mayor''s office or special prison. Then he hid near the captured assassin after leaking false information to this ''shadow''. Waiting for them to take the bait. They must have been desperate, as they bit quickly. Soon after, the ''shadow'' - Gaspel - killed the captured assassin and opened a passage to the nest right in front of Zion while trying to escape the prison. Zion wasn''t about to miss this opportunity. And now... "Intruder... An intruder! Stop them!" After forcibly widening the passage using his ck Star Force authority and entering the Shadow Nest, Zion was dealing with an endless stream of shadow magicians while moving forward. SLASH! ''Where is it?'' While sweeping Exia to cut down three approaching magicians along with their defensive magic, Zion''s eyes scanned the nest''s interior searching for something. ''The core maintaining the nest''s ''veil'' must be somewhere...'' Meanwhile, his other hand continued inscribing strange characters on the nest''s floors and walls. Then... "Gaspel''s down! We must handle this carefully!" Perhaps they''d seen Gaspel''s corpse, which Zion had dealt with immediately upon crossing over? The nest''s magicians appeared at both ends of the passage but didn''t approach, instead unleashing dozens of spells from where they stood. As expected of the floating city''s magical holynd, each spell''s power easily reached the peak of level 7. Moreover, the spellsplemented each other, amplifying their power further. "Now." Just as Zion muttered this while watching the approaching spells... -Next time, I''d like you to give me a name and call me by it. Along with this cool yet clear voice... CRACK! The iing spells froze in mid-air as if fixed in ce. "The magic... froze?" As dumbfounded voices left the magicians'' mouths at this unbelievable sight, Zion''s sword began striking down all the frozen spells. BOOM! The spells flew back toward their casters, causing massive explosions. "Aaaagh!" While the magicians remained disoriented from the bizarre experience of being hit by their own attacks, Zion''s form shot toward one side. Simultaneously... ck me Burst. A sword strike fusing the ck Star Force''s dark mes with Muspelheim''s fire. BOOM! The blocking magicians were torn apart without even properly screaming from this strike focused purely on explosion. ''Their level is higher than expected.'' Zion thought this while observing the few magicians who survived without beingpletely annihted. Was this befitting one of the two secret organizations boasting the highest magical levels in the floating city? He understood now why Ackendelt had opposed Zion entering the Shadow Nest alone when he''d proposed this n. ''Though I had toe anyway since I was the only suitable person.'' With this thought, Zion dealt with the remaining magicians and headed deeper into the Shadow Nest. But... CLUNK! His form suddenly stopped as if caught by something. Countless hair-thin mana threads had wrapped around his entire body, too fine to see. "Kihihi! Got you!" Two wolf-headed beast-men revealed themselves, dropping their concealment and rushing toward Zion simultaneously. The Alkanpo brothers. Criminals specializing in trap and ambush magic, but also top-tier magicians ranked within the city''s top 20. "Once caught in this magic, you can''t move for at least a minute. During that time, we''ll carefully work our way from your head to your toes..." Just as the older brother reached Zion and swung a specially enchanted dagger... THUD. Without any warning, the beast-man''s hand holding the dagger dropped to the floor. "...Huh?" The older brother stared nkly at his severed wrist rolling on the ground,pletely unprepared for this situation. Then his eyes saw... "Your magic is shoddy." Zion was smiling at him, having already burned away all the binding mana threads with Muspelheim''s mes. And that was... SLASH! Thest thing the older brother ever saw. "How did you break the binding so easily...!" Just as the younger brother cried out in shock from behind while beginning to chant a new spell... Even faster... CRUNCH! Zion rushed right up to him and forcibly grabbed his muzzle, mping it shut. "The best way to deal with magicians is sealing their mouths." "Mmph!" Though the panicked beast-man quickly formed hand seals... BOOM! Zion''s hand mping his mouth released ck Star Force that pulverized his head even faster. Zion''s speed hadn''t decreased at all during this. "The intruder is alone! Attack together!" Perhaps they''d been waiting in standby? Dozens of high-ranking magicians appeared from all directions as Zion entered arge cavern, all beginning to cast spells simultaneously. Each individual''s level surpassed even Regan Urschler, the formermander of Icarus. Perhaps for the first time, he couldn''t underestimate their power. ''I''ll erase them before beingpletely surrounded.'' SWOOSH- For the first time, Zion stopped moving and slowly raised Exia upward, as if preparing for a vertical sh. The cavern''s brightness naturally dimmed as the Dark Domain activated with this motion. "St-stop whatever he''s trying to do!" Though the magicians'' movements grew desperate as warning bells rang madly in their minds from the moment they saw this sight of instantly consumed space, it was already toote. Night Breaker sh. The second area-of-effect technique avable only at the peak of ck Star Force''s five stars. CRACK! Space split along Exia''s trajectory as it slowly descended. Hundreds, no, thousands. Countless ck des burst forth from the split space and... --- --- --- --- --- ! Cut through everything in the cavern, beyond the magic being unleashed at Zion. An instantaneous void formed in the cavern. Of course, no magicians survived within that void. BOOM! Surrounding mana rushed in to fill this void, creating secondary shockwaves. "Ah..." A shadow magician who arrived slightlyte to the battle and thus avoided that strike let out a dazed voice. The magician stared with unfocused eyes at the catastrophic devastation Zion had created. What exactly was happening here? The enemy was one person. Just one. Moreover, this was their headquarters, the Shadow Nest. Yet not only could they not deal with this one person, they were being ughtered. ''This is impossible.'' Even knowing this was THAT Prince Zion Agnes, it made no sense. They''d heard many stories about his strength, but what they were seeing now couldn''t be exined by mere words. Even strength should have its degrees and limits. But these two concepts simply didn''t exist for Prince Zion. BOOM! "Aaaagh!" Though they could probably handle him if most people currently in the nest rushed him together, Prince Zion kept moving without staying in one ce, thoroughly avoiding direct confrontations. Even if they managed to barely surround him, he''d instantly annihte an inadequate number of people like before and escape. It felt like chasing an uncatchable mirage. ''At this rate...'' As the magician''s eyes darkened with this thought... ''Time to start searching.'' Zion was increasing his speed while expanding his senses further. Though he''d been freely moving through the Shadow Nest like his own home, that too was bing difficult. The shadows'' encirclement was gradually changing, bing more intricate as they adapted to Zion''s movements. Moreover, other shadows from outside were returning to the nest one after another, apparently recognizing the emergency. Among them were beings strong enough topete with heaven itself. Finally... CRACK! For the first time, Zion''s form was pushed back after deflecting hundreds of iing spells. The shadow magicians immediately surrounded Zion, not missing the tiny opening this created. This encirclement was iparably more precise and solid than the one in the cavern earlier. "I''ve enjoyed watching your performance so far, Prince Zion." Perhaps believing they''d perfectly cornered him? A man with a dragon''s head like Ackendelt slowly walked out from among the hundreds forming the encirclement. His name was Kadif. He was the Shadow Nest''s second-inmand and an extremely powerful being ranked fourth in magical hierarchy. "Seeing you in person, I realize the rumors about Your Highness were understated. Honestly, we never expected a single person to trouble us this much." Kadif''s eyes swept over the nest''s shattered interior and numerous shadow corpses littering the floor as he spoke. Despite his neutral tone, undisguisable rage burned deep in his eyes. The damage this man had inflicted on them was severe. Moreover, the fact that their entire Shadow Nest, the world''s greatest magical organization, had been pushed around by a single enemy further fueled his anger. Therefore, though he should have asked why and how an imperial royal had entered alone, Kadif skipped straight to thoughts of killing Prince Zion. "Well, it''s all over now anyway." Expressing these thoughts, Kadif slightly raised one hand. Simultaneously... WHOOSH! Countless spells, too numerous to count, began rising above the magicians forming the encirclement. However... "No." Despite the clear crisis, a smile yed on Zion''s lips as he watched this sight. While his ck Star Force''s darkness had continued extending endlessly, it had finally found the ''veil''s'' core. "This is just the beginning." "What...?" Just as Kadif''s eyes filled with question at these iprehensible words... THUD! Zion thrust Exia, held in reverse grip, into the floor. ck sh burst from the Light-Extinguishing Sword''s tip, drilling into the ground at light speed. CRACK! The moment Zion''s sword energy shot out and instantly shattered the ''veil''s'' core hidden deep underground... FLASH! The strange characters Zion had been inscribing throughout the nest suddenly lit up simultaneously, and... CRACK! Hundreds of passages formed from the Light Dragon''s authority began opening behind Zion.Toggle New Ads 2/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 190 - The Floating City (7) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here GROWL! "Ha, I must be crazy!" R cried out in despair as she barely dodged an iing attack by dropping to the ground. She was currently in the center of the Sunless Forest in the empire''s northwest. Until recently, she''d been trying to escape the forest, but now found herself heading toward its center for one reason:"Kyahaha! This is actually quite fun!" Because of Liushina, who was currently ughtering blood-formed monstrosities beside her. Liushina had half-forced R, who''d been trying to leave the forest, toe with her instead. With her rtively weak power, R had no choice but to follow with tears in her eyes. The reason R considered it only "half-forced" was that she too had been incredibly curious about whaty at the forest''s center. That unavoidable explorer''s instinct! ''What good is that curiosity now!'' Though Liushina, who walked ahead, was sweeping away most of the monstrosities, R''s life still hung by a thread whenever a stray creature''s blind attack slipped through. ''She seems stronger than before... or am I imagining it?'' Even in this life-threatening situation, R couldn''t help but marvel at Liushina''s performance. Though she''d seen plenty during their Blood Realm journey, there was something about this witch''s power that sent chills down observers'' spines. A power whose source made her intensely curious. ''Maybe I should ask... though she probably won''t tell me.'' Whether aware of R''s thoughts or not, Liushina focused on advancing while thoroughly ughtering any monstrosities blocking their path. ''Master said we''d see the ''path'' to advance higher once we reach the forest''s center.'' Of course, she didn''t know what existed at the forest''s center either. She simply trusted Zion''s words and moved forward. Separately, a question was growing in Liushina''s mind: ''These things feel familiar somehow...'' The red monstrosities endlessly emerging from deeper in the forest. Their physical structure was remarkably simr to the Evil Hands she created with blood magic. It felt almost like looking at an imitation. Of course, she''d never taught her blood magic to anyone. It wasn''t even something that could be taught. ''Should I capture one to study?'' Just as Liushina considered this due to her growing suspicion... "Stop!!" A loud voice echoed from within the forest. Thismand wasn''t directed at Liushina. CLUNK! The monstrosities stopped in ce, as if their extreme aggression until now had been a lie. Behind these monstrosities, a group of ck-skinned fairies and humans rushed out urgently. ''Hm? That''s...'' Liushina''s eyes caught something interesting. Her gaze fixed on the six-headed beast tattoomonly marked on all the group members'' bodies. ''I''m sure I''ve seen this before...'' Meanwhile... "We apologize for not recognizing you immediately, Beast Mother!" The group approached right in front of her and prostrated themselves with emotional expressions. They lowered themselves despite knowing Liushina could instantly sever their exposed necks, as if that didn''t matter at all. At that moment... "...Purification Cult?" This single word left R''s lips as she watched the scene. Several hours earlier... ''How do we get our forces into the Shadow Nest?'' To Zion''s question, Obergia had answered: ''First, we must remove Stigma''s ''veil'' that blocks my Celestial Dragon Vision.'' This was why the Shadow Nest had remained undetected even to the Light Dragon''s eyes that could pierce celestial energy. ''Additionally, we must inscribe coordinates within the nest for the passages to connect to. For that, someone must first enter the nest.'' ''I''ll handle the entry. What else needs to be done?'' ''Nothing. I''ll take care of everything else.'' Perhaps he''d been waiting for Zion to remove the ''veil''? CRACK! As soon as the veil''s core shattered, Obergia''s authority activated, creating endless passages of light behind Zion. And through those passages... "Well done, Prince Zion." The Light Watchers led by Ackendelt, and... "We shall join you from here." The empire''s magicians led by White me Emperor Ahmad Ozlima watched with cold, gleaming eyes. The magicians began quickly crossing through the passages after giving Zion a warrior''s salute. "What..." Kadif''s smiling face twisted with shock and bewilderment. Something he''d never imagined possible - something that should never happen - was unfolding before his eyes. The Shadow Nest had never allowed infiltration since its creation. Yet now their archenemies, the Light Watchers, were endlessly pouring into their nest. "...How are the Watchers here?!" "Shouldn''t we bnce things out a bit?" Zion smiled at Kadif, who shouted with bulging eyes. Then, as Zion slightly raised one hand to point at the dazed nest magicians... "Today, the Shadow Nest disappears from the floating city." With this cold utterance, the united forces led by Ackendelt and Ahmad began unleashing their prepared spells. The Shadow Nest''s magic responded, beginning the sh. BOOM! Unlike knights'' shes or conventional wars, battles between magicians followed slightly different paths. Closebat rarely urred, and rather than directly striking enemies, they focused on breaking each other''s techniques and controlling space itself. A battle fought in intense calctions where not even the slightest error could exist. Among them all, Ahmad Ozlima stood out most prominently. As expected of one of the ''Seven Heavens''. Even on this battlefield of only high-ranking magicians, Ahmad''s magic showed a presence of an entirely different dimension. "There''s no mercy for those who sacrifice others'' lives for their own benefit." WHOOSH! With each wave of his hand, his signature white mes spread infinitely through the air, devouring all enemy magic they touched. This was an authority-like magic that only White me Emperor Ahmad could use, embedding nullification techniques in each individual me. As if that wasn''t enough, while maintaining these white mes, Ahmad lightly flicked his other hand. In that moment... FLASH! A pure white spark appeared without warning in the middle of the shadow magicians. "...?" Just as questions filled the enemies'' eyes looking at this spark... BOOM! The spark expanded hundredfold, incinerating all nearby magicians without leaving a trace. Truly overwhelming firepower that words couldn''t do justice. Encouraged by Ahmad''s performance, the other Light Watchers also beganunching more aggressive attacks. However... ''They''re holding well.'' Despite this, the battle''s bnce remained precariously maintained. Was the Shadow Nest''s level higher than expected? Or was it the advantage of being in their headquarters? Either way, just holding out this well against the Light Watchers and the empire''s highest-level magicians was impressive. ''Need to break this bnce.'' Zion thought while surveying the battlefield. Though the tide was gradually turning in their favor and they''d naturally gain the upper hand if left alone, there was concern that Stigma might appear before the battlefield was cleared if they took too long. Therefore, they needed to secure victory before then. ''He seems to be their center.'' Zion''s eyes gleamed coldly as they fixed on one of the Shadow Nest''s magicians. The Shadow Nest''s second head, Kadif. "Don''t panic, maintain formation! Focus on defense rather than attack until the ''veil'' recovers!" The man who''d been smiling leisurely at Zion earlier was now frantically issuingmands and magic with apletely twisted expression. ''In that case...'' With this thought, Zion reached sideways and grasped the air. WOONG! Agdravar howled as if pleased to be naturally caught in Zion''s hand. As Zion pulled back the Dragon Rage Spear like a throwing spear, all surrounding darkness began being sucked toward him as if by agreement. RUMBLE! Spacepressed around Agdravar''s tip. Unable to fully withstand the ck Star Force''s concentration, now much stronger than before, the Dragon Rage Spear trembled madly. The air and earth screamed and vibrated at this unimaginable concentration of power. The battle momentarily stopped as magicians'' trembling gazes gathered on Zion. Then... "What...!" Just as Kadif realized the spear''s tip was aimed at him and activated a spell... WHOOSH! Agdravar vanished from Zion''s extended hand, and... ---------------! A single line was carved into the world. Space tore apart with a roar too massive for human ears to hear. Secondary explosions urred as the air ignited from the dyed shockwave. However... ''I... I survived!'' Kadif''s body remained intact. The ''absolute defense'' personally granted by the Shadow Dragon long ago had blocked Zion''s spear strike - a defense that could stop any single attack in any situation. Just as Kadif inwardly sighed in relief and began chanting a spatial transfer spell to escape... CRACK! A massive explosion erupted from the collision between Zion''s spear strike and the ''absolute defense''. From within this explosion, a dark de shot out, piercing through dozens of defensive spells on Kadif''s body and straight through his heart. Then... "Kugh!" Zion emerged from the explosion, gripping Exia that had just impaled Kadif''s body. Earlier, when throwing the Dragon Rage Spear, Zion had attached a strand of Soul Extinction, and immediately after the first strike failed, he''d used Dark Current Transformation to move directly in front of Kadif. But having no way to know this... "How..." Kadif''s eyes showed iprehension until his final breath. THUD. Silence followed as Kadif''s corpse copsed to the floor. Two strikes. Just two strikes. Both the Shadow Nest and Light Watchers knew. How extraordinary Kadif''s power was, ranked fourth in the city''s magical hierarchy. He was someone who couldpete equally with Ahmad, the only magician to reach the ''Seven Heavens''. Yet he''d been dealt with so simply? Even considering the surprise attack, this sight defiedprehension. ''This should do.'' Zion''s eyes gleamed coldly as he observed the now-quiet battlefield and Kadif''s corpse. With the enemy''s center removed, the bnce would naturally crumble. Just as Zion moved to hasten this copse by turning toward the remaining Shadow Nest magicians... STOP! His movement suddenly halted. ''This is...'' Zion''s gaze turned downward. Shadow. It was a shadow. SWOOSH- A single shadow infinitely expanding its influence while absorbing all other nearby shadows. An ancient pressure flowed from this spreading shadow, weighing down on people''s existence and demanding submission. Finally... CRACK! Two eyes appeared in the center of the shadow that had devoured the entire cavern floor. Enormous beyond what any normal being could possess, with vertically slit pupils like a reptile''s. These eyes fixed directly on Zion and uttered one word: -Disappear, descendant of eternity. Supreme dragon speech that could overturn the world''s structure with mere utterance. In that moment... WHOOSH! Zion''s form vanished without a trace. Imaginary Space. This iprehensible ce, which even gods couldn''t fully understand, existed as a concept opposite to ''existence''. A space typically used to banish beings that shouldn''t exist in the world or those who''dmitted equivalently great sins. Of course, beings banished to Imaginary Space could never return to the original world. It had no spatial coordinates to begin with, and even one''s very existence was denied here. And now... ''I didn''t expect him to use absolute dragon speech right away.'' Zion was in this Imaginary Space. He''d been instantly banished here by Shadow Dragon Stigma''s ''absolute dragon speech''. Zion hadn''t prepared for this possibility, not expecting the Shadow Dragon to immediately use ''absolute dragon speech'' that consumed his limited remaining lifespan with each use. Though it was questionable whether he could have blocked it even if prepared. ''But... why does this feel so familiar?'' Zion thought this while observing the strangely rippling Imaginary Space surrounding him. This was definitely his first time here. Yet he couldn''t understand why he felt this way. Afort like lying in an incredibly soft bed. Moreover... SWOOSH- The ck Star Force activated on its own, raising ck stars one by one around Zion while relentlessly pounding at the blocked wall of six stars. ''Perhaps... breaking through might be possible here.'' Though he couldn''t understand why this phenomenon was urring, it was an opportunity, and therefore what he needed to do now was clear. ''First, raise the ck Star Force to six stars.'' Escaping this ce woulde after. Soon, as darkness gradually spread, the sixth star that had been faintly circling in Zion''s eyes began revealing its existence more clearly.Toggle New Ads 3/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 191 - The Floating City (8) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Ahmad stared at the spot where Zion had vanished without a trace, trying toprehend what had just happened. "Prince Zion!" The event was so sudden that even he couldn''t properly react. Though his eyes trembled as he instinctively realized this was far beyond mere spatial transfer, Ahmad couldn''t dwell on it any longer. The shadow that covered the entire battlefield was rising upward, taking form. Itmanded the attention of every mage present, including himself. The mere sight of it pressed down on their spirits with an overwhelming presence. Finally, two dark pupils within the shadow, now perfectly shaped like a dragon, looked down upon the Light Watchers.Shadow Dragon Stigma. Founder of the floating city and leader of the Shadow Nest. Moreover, he was ranked second in the city''s magical hierarchy, ruling as an undisputed sovereign. "You should be proud of yourselves. You''ve seeded in drawing me out," he said with arrogant contemtion as shadows began extending from his entire body toward the Light Watchers and imperial mages. "Deploy light magic to counter the shadow''s erosion! Focus all attacks on that evil dragon!" Ackendelt shouted desperately. Though Prince Zion''s sudden disappearance was a massive variable that could derail their entire n, they couldn''t just stand still. That would mean instant annihtion by this absolute being. The Light Watchers'' light formation activated, pushing back the approaching shadows. The battlefield grew even brighter. Through the center of this illuminated battlefield, a path of mes so white they appeared transparent cut through. King-yer''s Wrath. One of Ahmad Ozlima''s strongest spells since reaching the peak of level 9. This transcendent technique that embodied the very concept of "burning" shot straight toward Stigma. Ahmad knew well. Though he was revered as the pinnacle of human mages, he fell short in both ss and levelpared to dragons, the originators of magic - especially this ancient dragon who had lived countless years. Therefore, he needed no probing attacks. From the start, he unleashed his strongest magic. When Ahmad''s mes finally engulfed Shadow Dragon Stigma- The entire field of vision turned white-hot. In a world turned silent as even the air that carried sound burned away, the impact spread infinitely. Everything touched by this aftermath instantly ignited, leaving only white me ash. Perhaps this was what the world of Loki, the mythical God of Fire, looked like. Even as vision slowly returned, the mages'' eyes remained fixed on the overwhelming sight. "So this is the Magician of Contempt..." Ackendelt whispered in unconscious admiration. Hope began flickering in his eyes - but only for a moment. "Not bad magic. For a human," a chilling voice emerged from the remaining white-hot remnants. "...!" As Ackendelt''s face hardened, tens of thousands of spears erupted from the shadow covering the battlefield, piercing through the Light Watchers'' mages. Ahmad and other high-ranking mages quickly deployed defensive magic to block the spears. But not all were so capable. "Gu-guh!" Those who couldn''t react in time or whose defenses proved too weak found countless shadow spears impaling their bodies. The death toll from this single attack reached a quarter of their total forces. "Ah..." Perhaps only now did they truly grasp the difference in power. Despair began creeping into the other Watchers'' eyes as they witnessed the scene. "Now you show the expression I wanted to see." Satisfied with their looks, Stigma''s pitch-ck shadows, formed from the fusion of authority and dragon speech, began consuming all visible space. An overwhelming power that deepened despair and erased hope. Then the one-sided battle began. "Aaagh!" "Kuaaagh!" Endless screams rang out as the Light Watchers'' numbers rapidly dwindled. Their attacks werepletely blocked by the shadow wall that isted space itself, while the dragon''s magic proved lethal without exception. "How are we supposed to fight something like that..." In truth, their current forces never stood a chance against this shadow dragon. From the start, only Light Dragon Obergia could face Stigma in this floating city. They had only attempted this operation because Prince Zion said it was possible - but now Prince Zion was gone. "Your Highness... where did you go?" Ahmad''s hand trembled as he struggled to hold on. "You wait for one who cannot return," Stigma said with a twisted smile at Ahmad''s whispered words. The dragon had good reason to say this. He had banished Zion Agnes to imaginary space - a realm of unknown and denial from which none but immortal divine beings could escape. Though it had cost him great power and some of his limited remaining lifespan to send Zion Agnes there, Stigma didn''t regret his decision. Or rather, he''d had no time to consider it. ''That darkness emanating from Zion Agnes.'' The moment he recognized that alien yet somehow familiar darkness, the dragon had instinctively uttered the words of banishment. It was an almost instinctive reaction. Even now he couldn''t understand why he had reacted that way, regardless of Zion being the Eternal Emperor''s descendant. ''No matter. I''ll never see him again anyway.'' With that thought, Stigma gathered all shadows in the cavern before him. He decided to finish this quickly, as preparations were still needed to make the floating city fall. "Ah..." The mages'' eyes, including Ackendelt''s, began dying as they felt the overwhelming authority of the gathering shadows. Death they could neither avoid nor block approached. "Yes, those eyes." Feeling ecstasy at the mages'' expressions due to his twisted values, Stigma smiled deeply andunched thepleted wave of authority toward them. A transcendent technique predetermined to hit from the moment of its creation. "Is this the end?" Ahmad''s voice carried despair as he watched the wave. Just as the shadow wave reached them, about to devour all the mages- A small space distortion appeared between them and the wave. Space opened in a circle around this distortion. In that moment, the shadow wave began being suckedpletely into this circle, as if the technique had never been cast. Stigma''s attack vanished instantly. "That...!!!!" The dragon''s eyes filled with deep shock at this iprehensible phenomenon. Beyond the opened space was clearly the imaginary space where he had just banished Zion Agnes. "Could it be..." As his eyes trembled at the possibility forming in his mind- "Should I start with saying thanks first?" An impossible voice rang out. As Stigma quickly turned his head toward the voice, feeling an ominous drop in the world''s brightness- Even faster, a strike fell from above, instantly shattering the shadow barrier and hitting the dragon. The tremendous impact drove Stigma''s head into the floor. Before he could pull his head out- "They say it''s better to give thanks multiple times, right?" Zion appeared right above the dragon''s embedded head and raised one leg, then brought it crashing down. The impact wave defied imagination as Stigma''s head was driven further underground. As Zion raised his leg again, still unsatisfied- Thousands of shadows rose and transformed into des, flying at him. Zion lowered his leg and lightly swung Exia, which he had drawn at some point. But the result was far from light. Every shadow de touched by the Light-Extinguishing Sword''s trajectory vanished without a trace. Not merely cut -pletely annihted. "How did you escape from there?!" Stigma pulled his head out during the opening and red at Zion, grinding out the words. He simply couldn''t understand. "It just let me out on its own." "...What?" Though Stigma''s eyes filled with question at Zion''s response, the dragon couldn''t think about it further. Zion had already reached right in front of him and was bringing down his raised sword vertically. The dragon''s massive form vanished from that spot, instinctively sensing he couldn''t take that sword head-on. Zion''s sword cut through the empty air where Stigma had been a paper''s width away. A ck line formed along the sword''s trajectory, erasing everything it touched - including air and space itself. ''That''s not Heaven''s Opposition.'' Though chilled by this unbelievable sight, Stigma analyzed it coldly and immediately unleashed dragon speech. "Sink into despair." His dragon speech instantly eroded and reversed the world''s structure. The distortion from this reversal transformed into waves of shadow that crashed toward Zion from all directions. Simr to before, but several times stronger. Yet Zion''s eyes showed neither fear nor confusion as he watched the approaching waves - only joy. This was a chance to test the new level of ck Star Force he had just reached. ck Star Force Six Stars. There were only two differences between six stars and the previous level: The range and intensity of the denial authority that was the source of ck Star Force. The purpose of six stars was to maximize both. Annihtion Step. With an incredibly heavy step forward- A single wave spread out. The moment it met the shadow waves crashing in from all directions- They vanished silently. No sound. No explosion. The shadow waves simply ceased to exist, as if they had never been part of the world. !!!!!! All watching were dumbfounded by this sight that went beyond unbelievable to nearly iprehensible. "That power! What is that power?!" Stigma nearly screamed at Zion, feeling the alien nature of the power and an increasingly ominous familiarity. Meanwhile- "Yet Obergia recognized me instantly. You''re duller than I expected." Zion instantly reached the dragon, negating the distance between them, and smiled as he spoke these words. "...What?" A scene from the past began slowly ovepping in Stigma''s mind. ''You''re duller than I expected.'' In that scene too, the one before him had smiled and said exactly the same words. And that person was... "ETERNAL EMPEROR!" The dragon''s cry burst forth, filled with immense rage.Toggle New Ads 4/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 192 - The Floating City (9) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Damn you humans! How dare youe here!" With ear-piercing screams, dozens of demons charged forward in a spear formation. Each one was at least a high-ranked being with exceptional abilities. The power radiating from them was truly overwhelming, but... "I''ll handle this." Turzan, the giant who stood before them with his shield covering his upper body, didn''t back down. Instead, he took another step forward. WHOOSH!As he stepped forward, the heavy energy emanating from his shield formed a wall. CRASH! A tremendous shockwave erupted when the charging demons collided with this barrier. The impact pulverized nearby objects and sent dirt flying everywhere. And the ones who were sent flying were... "Guh! What kind of power is this?!" Not Turzan, but the dozens of high-ranked demons. Their eyes filled with shock at thispletely unexpected oue. But their shock didn''tst long. "As reliable as ever!" "I''ll take the left side!" BOOM! Spear strikes and magic from behind Turzan swept through their ranks. "ARGH!" With their formation broken by Turzan, the demons couldn''t properly defend against these attacks and died in droves. "We won''t let any of you pass here!" Though they were called high-ranked demons for a reason - several unleashed desperate counterattacks by expending all their demonic energy. But as if waiting for exactly this... "Light." As this short invocation left Elysis''s lips, golden wings sprouted from her back and FLASH! Pure white light poured forth,pletely nullifying all their attacks. Her holy power and mastery far surpassed when she first awakened her wings of light in Lezero. She had grown tremendously in the short time since entering the demon realm and joining the hero''s party. "How is a Light Saintess here?!" As the demons eximed in shock, SWOOSH! A silver sh cut through the blinding light. Every demon caught in its path was split in two before they could even scream. Before their corpses hit the ground... "Don''t stop." ire Frosimar, owner of that silver sh, spoke coldly as she passed between them. "I know." The rest of the party followed right behind her. They had already prated deep into the "Tomb of Lament" which was crawling with demons. Any dy would certainly result in them being surrounded. ''We must be nearly there.'' ire thought this as she increased her pace further. She had led her party here for one reason only: to destroy the being who ruled this tomb. This was directly connected to her purpose for entering the demon realm. ''The ruler of the Tomb of Lament is Zeloth''s hidden child - his only weakness.'' Only the Demon King and the other Four Great Demons knew this fact. If his child died in this situation, Zeloth''s rage would certainly be directed at them. This would naturally lead to civil war or rebellion. ''Even if it''s revealed that we killed the tomb''s ruler, it won''t matter much.'' At this point, the Archdemon of Jealousy was already looking for a reason to rebel, and wouldn''t let such a perfect excuse slip away. Though he might hesitate, Zeloth''s de would ultimately point toward the Demon King. ''To think he coulde up with such a n...'' ire inwardly clicked her tongue as she thought of Prince Zion who had sent her here. It was a scheme that even she, who had regressed, hadn''t considered. Had he calcted this far ahead even when attacking the nts in the capital? His scheming was truly chilling. It felt as if everything was moving within Prince Zion''s palm. ''Zion Agnes...'' As ire shuddered slightly while recalling that ominous and alien presence... "Frosimar." Turzan suddenly stopped running and called out to her in a hardened voice. The hero''s eyes also began to sink as she looked where the giant was staring. RUMBLE! What met their eyes was an enormous cavern, and in its center, a figure slowly rising from a throne made of skulls. The entire cavern began shaking from the unimaginable demonic energy radiating from this being, distorting their vision. -Wee, sacrifices who shall decorate my throne. Caletus, King of Lament. Atst, the tomb''s ruler revealed himself before them. * * * His connection with Shadow Dragon Stigma. Though memorable, it wasn''t particrly special. In the past, Stigma had been tainted by dragon supremacy, treating all other races like insects beneath his notice. This inevitably led to friction with Aurellion - the current Zion - who had consumed the entire world at that time, resulting in Stigma being put in his ce. The only difference from Obergia was that Stigma had challenged him alone rather than with others, and Zion had simply ground him down a bit more thoroughly than the Light Dragon. ''Was that really worth such rage?'' Zion thought this while watching Stigma thrash about before him like a madman. But from the dragon''s perspective, such rage was natural. While it may have been just another unremarkable incident to Zion, for Stigma it had been his first and only defeat ever. And an utterly humiliating one at that. -How dare you show your face before me again! Truthfully, Stigma couldn''t tell whether the royal before him had merely inherited the Eternal Emperor''s power or if the Eternal Emperor himself had truly returned in a new body. But it didn''t matter. What mattered was that this human he wanted to tear apart used the same darkness and spoke the same words with the same smile as back then, touching memories that were like open wounds to him. RUMBLE! The entire nest began shaking in response to his rage. Simultaneously, countless spears formed from every shadow where light couldn''t reach, infused with destructive energy as they shot toward Zion. An attack so powerful that even Zion''s earlier Annihtion Step couldn''t erase them all. ''In that case...'' WHOOSH! As Zion watched the approaching spears, he instantly made his decision and took a step forward with his right foot, striking the ground. A wave burst forth from this. Up to here was the same as the earlier Annihtion Step, but this wasn''t the end. BOOM! With another vibration, Zion''s foot dug deeper into the ground, releasing another wave. This wave ovepped with the first, creating terrifying amplification. Partial Eclipse. Annihtion Step Double Ovep. Though normally impossible with newly achieved six stars, Zion could perform this technique, albeit imperfectly, having reached even greater heights before. CRASH! The shadow spears touching this amplified wave crumbled to dust as if denied existence itself. This power, belonging to neither martial arts, magic, nor authority, was iprehensible even upon second viewing, but FLASH! As if familiar with this sight, Stigma was already preparing his next attack. He had seen and experienced this countless times in the past after all. -I never expected this to work from the start. With these words, a ck breath shot forth in a straight line from the dragon''s mouth. Stigma knew. Though that power Eternal Emperor used could deny everything in the world, it struggled against attacks of high density or volume. And the breath Stigma had just released was one of his most densely concentrated attacks. But the dragon had overlooked one thing. He had simply assumed Zion would try to counter his breath head-on. Of course, Zion had no such intention. While in the past as Aurellion he had no need to dodge and simply shattered everything head-on, there was no reason to do so now before reaching that level. First, SLASH! Night Cutter deployed alongside Partial Eclipse erased all traces of the breath''s "guaranteed hit" property, and Dark Current Transformation. Then Zion''s form vanished from that spot, appearing right in front of the ancient dragon along the Soul Extinction thread he had prepared. And, -...! Moon Piercing Upper Strike. Moon Extinction. The sh came before Stigma could react. Zion''s strike cut through dozens ofyers of dragon speech defense surrounding Stigma''s body and SWOOSH! Finally left a deep wound on the dragon''s body. -ARGH! A great cry burst from Stigma''s mouth as the authority of denial seeping through that wound ran wild inside his body. As if not wanting to miss this opportunity, Exia, already drawn to maximum, shot straight toward the dragon''s neck. Perhaps his instincts warned him this strike would be fatal if it connected? -Kuh! Despite being wracked with pain, the dragon transformed his entire body into shadow to avoid the strike while releasing an overwhelming shockwave to throw Zion back. After creating this distance, Stigma immediately shot another breath at Zion. -Hit! Simultaneously, supreme dragon speech burst from the dragon''s mouth like before,yering "guaranteed hit" properties to prevent dodging. An authority so powerful that even Zion couldn''t unravel it in the brief time before the breath would reach him. Yet despite being forced to take this breath head-on, no trouble showed in Zion''s eyes. After all, while it was difficult to handle, that didn''t mean it was impossible. Slowly. Exia, thrust into the center air, was drawn downward very slowly. CRACKLE! Space split along the sword''s trajectory, revealing endless darkness within. Abyss Upper. Hellfire Sword. As if it had been predetermined from the start. WHOOSH! The dragon''s breath was instantly sucked into the darkness beyond that split space and vanished. -...! Perhaps unable to help being shocked despite having experienced this power before? The dragon''s pupils expanded. Then, filling those pupils, SLASH SLASH SLASH! Countless trajectories formed by Zion''s Exia, which had closed the distance right before him. "...I never imagined it would be to this extent." White me Emperor Ahmad''s voice carried both admiration and shock as he watched Zion and Stigma''s battle from nearby. It hadn''t even been a year since facing demons at the Grand Magic Tower. He simply couldn''t believe someone could be this powerful in such a short time. No, even without the "short time" qualifier, it was iprehensible. ''How can he face an ancient dragon like this...'' Stigma had made even Ahmad himself, one of the ''Seven Heavens'', feel despair. Yet Prince Zion wasn''t just facing such a dragon - he was gaining the upper hand. ''At this level, he must be equal to or greater than those two considered irregr even among the Seven Heavens...'' The First and Second Heaven. Though Ahmad himself had never properly seen those two''s power, he was still certain. That''s how far beyond imagination Prince Zion''s current power was. ''Joining that battle would be reckless. In that case...'' With this thought, Ahmad turned his head to see the nest''s magicians who, like them, were watching Zion and Stigma''s battle. ''We should do what we can.'' Just as the archmage''s eyes began to gleam with this thought, BOOM! With an explosion too massive for human ears to properly register, terrifying shadows of authority burst from Stigma''s entire body. Zion created some distance, unable topletely erase them. ROAR! A massive roar erupted from Stigma''s mouth as the exploding shadows covered the dragon''s entire body, forming a sphere. The dragon''s form gradually shrank within this sphere. Simultaneously, all the dragon speech Stigma had scattered throughout the floating city to make it fall gathered together, horrifically amplifying the dragon''s power and ss. ''This cannot continue.'' Stigma could feel it. If the battle continued like this, it would end in his defeat. Perhaps this truly was the power of the Eternal Emperor who had devoured the entire world. Even after studying countless ways to break this power since his previous defeat, it remained just as difficult to handle. Wounds kept appearing all over his body as his power rapidly diminished. His authority waspletely crushed before that alien darkness, and even his high-ranked dragon speech was losing its light. Therefore, he needed to reverse the situation somehow before losing all advantage. -From this moment, I shall devote all my power solely to destroying you. Words like an oath. Though this would greatly dy his ns to make the city fall, it didn''t matter. After all, that too required him to stay alive. Finally, the shadow sphere, now only about the size of a giant, disappeared to reveal Stigma walking out in humanoid dragon form with pitch-ck skin. Full Power form. This was the form in which the Shadow Dragon could unleash all his power. RUMBLE! Shadows far denser than before began flowing from Stigma, annihting all mana and air they touched. Space itself screamed, unable to bear his presence. "Ah..." Dazed voices escaped the mouths of several watching magicians at this unimaginably overwhelming difference in ss. Shadow King. Stigma''s true title. -Everything changes from here. These words from Stigma''s mouth weren''t mere arrogance. They came from confidence born of powerpletely different from before. ''Indeed strong.'' Zion''s eyes sank as he watched Stigma from across the battlefield. Perhaps this was truly befitting one of the ancient dragons said to possess absolute power even among dragonkind. The being before him was stronger than any opponent Zion had faced so far, excluding the Fallen Angel in Lezero. As proof, even Zion''s Dark Domain at six stars was gradually being eaten away by the dragon''s shadows. If they shed again now, the advantage would certainly shift to the other side. However, ''That''s only if things stay as they are.'' As Zion thought this, his lips curved into what looked like a smile. His eyes began to close. Earlier, when Obergia had asked how he would handle Stigma, Zion had mentioned one assumption. That assumption was about "inheritance of contracts." Could the authority contracts made by ck Star Emperor Aurellion Khan Agnes be inherited by the current Zion Agnes? Zion intended to test this assumption here and now. WHOOSH! A strange resonance flowed from Zion as hepletely closed his eyes. -This is... As Stigma''s eyes filled with question upon feeling the world''sws being overturned by this resonance, "Time to fulfill the contract, Light Dragon." Dragon pupils glowing golden began to appear beyond Zion''s slowly opening eyelids.Toggle New Ads 5/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 193 - The Floating City (10) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the magical marketce at the center of the floating city, a young girl walked down the bustling street humming to herself, even at thiste hour when magicians still crowded the area. She appeared barely into her early teens. Her attire stood out starkly against her surroundings - an borate dress with flowingce in an intricate mix of ck and red. Her skin was extraordinarily pale, and her lips were stained a deep purple, giving her an almost doll-like appearance. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she looked around, as if taking in the sights for the first time. "Hey little girl, are you here by yourself?" Two magicians responsible for the marketce''s security approached her. "There are dangerous magical items here. It''s not safe for you to wander alone. Where are your parents?"The girl stopped walking and turned to face them with a bright smile. "Oh, I''m fine. Don''t worry about me." "It''ste - your parents must be worried. Where do you live? We''ll take you home." "I don''t have parents, so it''s fine. Really, don''t worry about me." The girl turned to continue walking. "What? What do you mean you don''t have parents...?" One puzzled magician reached out to ce his hand on her shoulder. "I said don''t worry about it." The girl''s voice carried a subtly different tone than before. Then - CRUNCH! The magician''s upper body simply vanished. His remaining lower half bore savage teeth marks, as if bitten off by some massive invisible beast. SPLASH! Blood erupted from the wound! "You...!" Just as the other magician''s eyes widened in iprehension at the impossible scene - CRUNCH! His entire body disappeared with the sound of being chewed and swallowed. The girl continued walking down the marketce street as if nothing had happened. Strangely, despite the murders urring in the middle of the crowded street, no one else seemed to notice. "Hmm hmm~ Now where could it be?" The girl hummed and muttered to herself. Then suddenly - she stopped. Not because someone had stopped her this time. "Found it." She had finally spotted her target. "I''ll just watch without causing trouble," she murmured, gazing at something beyond the marketce before vanishing without a trace. * * * The contract Zion had made with Light Dragon Obergia when he was emperor long ago stated that whenever and wherever Zion needed it, Obergia would lend his power just once, even at the cost of his life. Though the current Obergia could barely move, making normal contracted assistance impossible, this was no ordinary contract. It was a world-ss contract that Obergia had formed by consuming both his lifespan and authority. A world-ss contract, once made, had to be fulfilled somehow unless the world itself was destroyed. Thus - WHOOSH! The contract was being fulfilled by temporarily transferring all of Obergia''s authority to Zion. "...Obergia?" Stigma''s eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment as he instantly recognized the light radiating from Zion as the Light Dragon''s authority. How could Obergia''s power, which had been lying dormant deep within the city awaiting death, now flow from Zion Agnes? Unease began creeping into the dragon''s mind. ''I feel uncertain about fighting this form... without even engaging?'' That couldn''t be right. No, it was impossible. Though he hadn''t broken free from the cycle of reincarnation, he had undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of mortal power. As if shaking off this unease, Stigma raised a finger toward Zion''s heart. RUMBLE! Shadows of absolute authority gathered at the Shadow King''s fingertip. "Now for your heart..." Just as the concentrated shadow was about to be unleashed along with dragon speech that could interfere with the world''sws itself- FLASH! With a small flicker of light- THUD! The dragon''s raised arm simply vanished. The shadow dispersed, losing its focal point, as Stigma''s eyes went nk. A beatter, Zion appeared before the Shadow Dragon, his golden pupils curving into a smile. CRASH! A tremendous impact distorted Stigma''s vision. The dragon''s form was sent flying at iprehensible speed, flipping upside down. Before Stigma''s body could even reach the cavern wall- WHOOSH! Zion appeared in the opposite direction, the Light-Extinguishing Sword pressed against his side. FLASH! The sword, despite its name, zed brilliantly as it absorbed all surrounding light. The perfectly timed strike- SLASH! An enormous explosion of light erupted as Stigma''s form shot out diagonally, crashing into the cavern floor. "WHAT?!" Perhaps befitting his status as a great dragon worthy of the title "king," Stigma managed to prevent his body from being split in half, quickly regaining his posture and regenerating his right arm. Simultaneously, dozens of dragon speeches poured from his mouth. These words, created solely for his opponent''s death, carried enough power to obliterate an entire city as they shot toward Zion. But Stigma''s "words" never reached him. SWISH! Moving faster than the eye could follow, Zion''s sword began inscribing strange golden characters into space itself. These were dragon words. Unable to vocalize dragon speech as a non-dragon, this was the method Zion had created as a substitute. This mystical disy - which should perhaps be called dragon script (ýˆÎÄ) rather than dragon speech -pletely shattered Stigma''s iing dragon speech. "!!!!!" The Shadow King''s eyes filled with shock at the sight. The dragon speech he had just unleashed was fundamentally more powerful than before, on an entirely different level. Yet even with Obergia''s power, how could it be blocked so easily? But Stigma couldn''t dwell on his shock for long. FLASH! Through the scattered fragments of shattered dragon speech, Zion descended upon him, wrapped in brilliant light. SCREECH! The sword, already having absorbed maximum light, vibrated madly. As Zion finally reached the Shadow Dragon and brought down Exia- The light, condensed by the Light Dragon''s authority, turned the entire Shadow Nest incandescent white. Vision turnedpletely white. "!!!!!" At its center, Stigma, half his upper body gone, contorted his face in a silent scream. Not satisfied even with this, Zion crouched slightly as hended. The light that had turned the nest incandescent all gathered toward him, then - BOOM! Shot in a straight line toward the Shadow King. Stigma was sent flying pathetically, unable to properly react. Zion pursued,unching into a series of continuous attacks. SLASH! ''Not bad.'' With each swing of Exia, the light of authority burst forth, erasing the very essence of Stigma''s shadows. Watching this light, Zion smiled slightly. Since executing the contract earlier, Zion had been exclusively using the Light Dragon''s authority. The ck Star Force and Obergia''s power didn''t naturallyplement each other well. There was a reason Zion had specifically chosen to use Obergia''s authority between these two powers. Just as stronger light makes shadows fade, the Light Dragon''s power held a natural advantage over Stigma''s shadows. This was why Obergia had been ranked first in the floating city despite the two dragons being simr in power. Furthermore- FLASH! As if part of the contract''s fulfillment, knowledge and methods of using light authority had been pouring into Zion''s mind. This allowed him to adapt even faster as he pressed his advantage against the Shadow King. "Hmph..." A bemused sigh escaped Obergia as he watched the battle through his Celestial Dragon Vision from the Light Watchers'' headquarters. Not because Prince Zion had stolen all his power. What amazed the Light Dragon was how Prince Zion was using the light authority. "Though it''s clearly my authority..." It waspletely different. Like most dragons, Obergia had primarily incorporated his authority into magic. Yet Prince Zion was concentrating all that power into a single sword. Though the foundation was the same, it was practically a different power altogether. "To adapt it so thoroughly to himself to this degree..." Even for the Eternal Emperor. Even knowing how to use the power. To be able to do this immediately after receiving it was beyond amazing - it was miraculous. "Perhaps... this man''s ability to devour the entire world wasn''t due to the ck Star Force after all..." As these quiet words left Obergia''s mouth- "ARRRRGH!" A desperate scream erupted from Stigma. The dragon''s body was already mangled beyond recovery by Zion. His eyes were a mess ofplex emotions - bewilderment, fear, and rage. ''Why...!'' Yes, honestly, he could somewhat ept being pushed back earlier. After all, his opponent wielded the ck Star''s power, however diminished it might be. But now, having unleashed his full original power- CRASH! To be crushed even more overwhelmingly than before - this situation waspletely iprehensible. One word surfaced in the Shadow King''s mind: Defeat. ''I''m... losing? Again?'' The scene of his first humiliating defeat slowly reflected in Stigma''s wavering pupils. "NO!!!!" A desperate cry burst from the dragon''s mouth, as if trying to shake off those memories. He couldn''t ept it. No, he refused to ept it. epting it would mean the hundreds of years he''d spent trying to surpass the Eternal Emperor had been meaningless. "I cannot lose. No, I must not lose." RUMBLE! With these words like an oath, the surrounding world began to distort and change strangely. The light illuminating the cavern dimmed as horrifically ominous shadows gathered around the dragon. This concentration extended beyond the cavern and nest to epass the entire city. "Therefore, the one who dies here..." The concentrated shadows shot upward, filling the entire sky. "Must be you." Finally, the sky itself became shadow and began falling with the dragon''s final words. Shadow Sky. A miraculous authority technique created by the Shadow King who had endlessly knocked on divinity''s door, sacrificing everything he had left. Having sacrificed even his lifespan to create this strike, its power easily transcended the limits that had held the dragon back until now. The sky Stigma created began falling, distorting even the existing world''sws. Space itself tore apart like paper, unable to withstand this cmitous existence. "Ah..." "How could such a thing..." Deep despair filled the watching magicians'' eyes. Had the time of destruction arrived? The pitch-ck sky was copsing. Light and hope faded before it. They could neither escape nor block it. All they could do was watch silently, waiting for that sky to devour them. RUMBLE! The cavern floor shook. In the middle of that floor, Zion quietly watched the falling shadow sky. What little light remained had vanished, making Zion appear precarious, as if about to be swallowed by shadow. As the great dragon''s eyes filled with endless superiority watching this sight - slowly, very slowly. Exia, having lost its light, began extending toward the falling sky. What was needed to pierce the sky? Overwhelmingly transcendent power? A level beyond mortality? No, that wasn''t the answer. A single point of advantage. All Zion needed to pierce the sky was just one point of advantage. This was Zion and the Light Dragon''s first and final agreement (ºÏÒâ) to secure that single point of advantage. Path of Single Light. Finally, as the dragon''s created destruction descended upon the earth. As Exia extended perfectly toward that destruction, the Shadow King and all present could see. A single ray of light that shot up from Zion''s sword tip. The sight of that light shattering the shadow sky in an instant and dyeing the entire world golden.Toggle New Ads 1/5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 194 - The Floating City (11) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here As the brilliant light that had enveloped the world faded away, the shadow sky that had threatened to devour everything was gone. All that remained was the pitch-ck night sky visible through the gaping ceiling, and beneath the streaming moonlight, the Shadow King slowly dissipating. "I..." Stigma slowly spoke, looking at Zion whose eyes had returned to their usual gray after expending all authority through that final strike. "Have I lost again?" His voice carried nothing but emptiness. The spark of life in his eyes hadpletely extinguished. Having consumed most of his lifespan with his previous attack, the remnants of Zion''s light had shattered what little remained. "Though I devoted everything to surpassing you for hundreds of years... in the end, I couldn''t achieve it."As Stigma''s eyes slowly closed with these words- "You know what?" Zion smiled as he watched Stigma. "Even if you devoted not hundreds, but thousands or tens of thousands of years, you could never surpass me." This wasn''t arrogance or spection. It was certainty - the absolute conviction of an emperor who had devoured the world and precisely understood a dragon''s level and limitations. Stigma''s eyes wavered with emotion at Zion''s words, but he dissipated without responding. Then silence fell over the cavern. Everyone - the Light Watchers, imperial forces, and even the Shadow Nest mages - stared at Zion wordlessly. "He really defeated Stigma..." Ackendelt''s trembling voice expressed what everyone felt. Though they had believed Zion when he said he had a way to handle Stigma and followed his n, none had imagined that method would involve direct confrontation. Let alone that he would actually seed in destroying the dragon. While both the darkness and Obergia''s power Zion had used were questionable, Stigma''s death was so shocking that nothing else registered. ''Even for a direct descendant of Agnes known as monsters, this level is...'' Just as Ackendelt tried to steady his trembling body- "You can handle the cleanup yourselves," Zion turned and addressed him. With the Shadow Dragon''s death, the nest''s mages had lost both their strength and will to fight, making Zion''s further involvement unnecessary. In truth, he couldn''t fight right now anyway due to the recoil from using both the Light Dragon''s power and Eclipse. "Eliminate the remaining forces!" At Zion''s words, Ackendelt finally snapped out of his daze and shouted. The final battle began. "Don''t stop! Today we must erase every shadow from this world!" BOOM! "AAAAAGH!" As Zion had predicted, the battle becamepletely one-sided in favor of the Light Watchers. Meanwhile, Ahmad, who was helping eliminate the nest''s mages, couldn''t fully focus on the battle. His distraction stemmed from Prince Zion - specifically, from a single word Stigma had shouted during their battle. ''The Shadow Dragon definitely called Prince Zion the Eternal Emperor.'' He hadn''t been able to dwell on it during the urgent situation, but now it seemed incredibly strange. Even though Prince Zion was the Eternal Emperor''s descendant, that cry had beenpletely out of ce. ''I can''t understand what that cry meant.'' The only possible connection he could think of was Prince Zion''s unique darkness, but even that was mere spection without evidence. ''Prince Zion... what exactly are you hiding?'' Ahmad''s eyes sank deep in thought as he watched Zion''s retreating back leave the cavern. * * * After the battle ended, in the ruins of the Shadow Nest where no one remained- "What an interesting fellow." A girl appeared, muttering to herself. She wore an borate dress with crimsonce trim, her lips stained purple. Her eyes slowly traced the remnants of Zion and Stigma''s battle. Though she had rushed here immediately upon detecting her target, everything had already ended. Now she could only gauge the level ofbat from these traces. "How can one person use such opposing powers? And both at such mastery." Deep curiosity and interest filled her eyes as she examined the aftermath. Her target, of course, was the victorious Zion. "Zion Agnes, was it?" She recalled his figure leaving the cavern just as she had arrived. "I''d like to observe him more closely..." The girl furrowed her brows in thought. After contemting for a while- "Ah, that''ll work!" Her voice rang out cheerfully as she finally hit upon an idea. * * * Though the floating city was a magical holynd, it wasn''t devoid of leisure spots. In fact, it had unique facilities that took advantage of being suspended in the sky, offering experiences unavable elsewhere. The "Sky Caf¨¦" where Zion now sat was one such ce. All its walls were magically treated to be transparent, offering vast views of clouds that truly made one feel they were above the sky. "How is it? The ''Cloud Coffee'' you''re drinking is our finest specialty product, avable only here." Obergia, who had transformed into a middle-aged man with blonde hair, smiled gently as he asked Zion, who quietly set down his cup. Having learned of Zion''s great fondness for coffee, Obergia had brought him here immediately after the Shadow Nest situation was resolved. Though he could barely move, making this effort showed his gratitude to Zion for preventing the city''s fall. "It''s quite good." Zion nodded in response. Such praise from Zion, who had incredibly strict standards for coffee, was extremely rare - almost unprecedented. "Haha, I thought you''d like it. I was certain you would." Obergia let out a heartyugh before continuing with a more serious expression. "Now then, shall we hear what you want?" The man before him never acted without reason. His proactive involvement in handling this incident surely meant he wanted something. Even if Zion didn''t want anything, Obergia nned to force a reward into his hands. Thanks to him, they had not only prevented the city''s fall but alsopletely uprooted Stigma and the Shadow Nest that had threatened the floating city for hundreds of years. Though it had greatly reduced his lifespan and authority, Obergia felt no regret - it was like finally pulling a long-aching tooth. "I want this entire city to be mine." Zion replied without hesitation to the dragon''s question. It was an outrageous statement that only Zion could make. From the start, Zion had nned to acquire the floating city through this journey. With its concentration of top-tier mages, it would surely prove helpful in theing great war. It would also significantly influence his path to the throne. "As I expected." Obergia nodded as if he''d known this would be the request. After briefly closing his eyes to gather his thoughts, the Light Dragon spoke: "If it''s you, Aurellion, I don''t mind being under your authority." In truth, he had been worried about what would happen to the floating city after his death. The bnce of power would surely be disrupted, making it difficult to maintain autonomy as they had. Perhaps it would be better to seek Zion''s protection from now. Though he was overwhelming despair as an enemy, being within his shelter would provide the strongest possible protection. "I can''t give you a definitive answer since it''s not my decision alone, but I''ll propose it to the mayor and city council." Zion knew these words were essentially eptance. Obergia''s influence in the floating city was nearly absolute. "Additionally, we''ll participate in the ''World Conference'' from now on. Will that suffice?" "It''s enough." Obergia''s expression lightened at Zion''s response, and he changed the subject. "I''m d it''s sufficient. By the way, are you sure it''s alright not to attend the rest of the exchange conference? The mages who were present seem quite eager to see you again after the Shadow Nest incident. They also wanted to ask about your ''spatial distortion through gravity magic'' technique." Zion slightly shook his head at this. Ahmad was handling things well enough without him, and more importantly, he no longer had any reason to attend the conference. "Rather, there''s something I want to ask." "Ask anything. I''ll answer whatever I know." "You must know that when I was Aurellion, I already fought one war with the demon realm?" The Light Dragon quietly nodded at Zion''s words. "Of course. Though it wasn''t called the demon realm back then... I was one of those who helped erase that fact from the empire''s history." "...You erased history?" "Yes. Don''t you remember? It was at your direct request." Of course he wouldn''t remember. That event must have happened after Zion had entered this body. "Why?" Obergia shrugged at the question. "Shouldn''t you know better? You weren''t the type to exin your reasons when giving orders." "..." Zion had no response since this was true. After a moment of silence, he asked what he had originally intended to ask the Light Dragon. "Then let me ask something else. Do you remember anything notable about what I said or did back then?" He was looking for clues about why he had acted as he had in the scene from his recent dream. "Hmm... not actions, but you seemed to be troubled by something back then." "Troubled?" "Yes, troubled. Though it wasn''t visible on the surface - this is purely my intuition. Perhaps you should take it with a grain of salt." But Zion didn''t dismiss these words. The intuition of an ancient dragon who had lived nearly ten thousand years wasn''t something to be taken lightly. ''What could I have been troubled about?'' He couldn''t guess. Before entering this body, Zion hadn''t had any particr concerns. There had only been emptiness from having nothing left to achieve, and the boredom that came with it. ''Then it must have developed after I entered this body...'' Zion instinctively felt these troubles had influenced his contract with the gods and the scene from his dream. ''Even so, there''s no way to know for certain now...'' "You seem troubled even now." Obergia slowly spoke as he watched Zion lift his cup, lost in thought. "Somehow I feel these troubles rte to yourself... perhaps this might help." Zion looked at him questioningly. The Light Dragon met his gaze with knowing eyes and continued: "Not long after your reported death, I happened to have a conversation with a certain deity. Naturally, talk turned to you, and the deity used a particr word to describe you." Though it had been said in passing and seemed unremarkable in meaning, the word had strangely stuck in the dragon''s mind for hundreds of years. His intuition whispered that it would help the current Zion. "What was it?" Zion prompted him to continue. "Outside." The single word finally left Obergia''s lips.Toggle New Ads /5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 195 - The Floating City (12) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Outside?" "Yes, outside. The deity used that word when speaking of you. Whether it specifically referred to you or something about you, I''m not certain." Obergia nodded at Zion''s question. "Whether by chance or intent, that word appeared only once in our conversation. Yet strangely, it stuck in my memory." "Outside..."What aspect of himself could have prompted such a description? ''Could it be the ck Star Force?'' That seemed possible. The ck Star Force was an alien power that didn''t belong anywhere. In that sense, "outside" fit perfectly. ''But even so, why specifically use the word "outside"?'' Was there some hidden meaning? There was no way to know. "Don''t ask which deity I spoke with. That must remain secret." Actually, the very fact of having such a conversation should have remained secret, but the Light Dragon had chosen to reveal this much as a gesture of gratitude to Zion, epting the potential consequences. Zion nodded in understanding and briefly tried to deduce more before letting it go. There were simply too few clues at present. ''Better to wait for more information before thinking about it further.'' Just as Zion lifted his cup again- -It''s been a while, Light Dragon. The frost spirit, who had been quiet until now, revealed itself and acknowledged Obergia. -Has it been nearly 2,000 years? The spirit looked down at the Light Dragon with overwhelming arrogance. Though being smaller than Zion''s seated height and thus actually looking up rather than down, the spirit maintained its haughty demeanor. Obergia studied the suddenly appeared frost spirit intently before turning to Zion. "Emperor, what is this spirit? It appears to be a primal spirit..." -Hmph, you don''t recognize me? Understandable. I myself didn''t recognize you as that dragon from before at first. The girl nodded with what she clearly thought was a dignified expression, while Zion watched briefly before addressing the Light Dragon. "The Frost Queen. Or more precisely, part of her spiritual body." "Huh... this spirit is the Frost Queen? I knew she vanished for some reason a thousand years ago, but to think she existed in this form..." Obergia stared at the frost spirit with amazed eyes at Zion''s words. He''d thought nothing could surprise him after living over nine thousand years, but since meeting the man before him, that notion kept being proven wrong. -Since you recognize me now, show proper respect. Though as a ruler of this city, you need not bow your head - I''ll allow that much. The frost spirit, having created an ice chair to sit beside Zion, continued struggling to look down at the Light Dragon. To any uninvolved observer, it would have appeared quite adorable. "I need to give this one a name - any good suggestions?" Ignoring those words, Zion turned to Obergia as if suddenly reminded. He had been thinking about the spirit''s name for a while but was struggling to find anything suitable. The best he''de up with were things like "Frosty" or "Icy." Of course, those only seemed good to Zion - from the frost spirit''s perspective, such names would be grounds for immediate contract termination. The dragon before him had lived countless years and gained much wisdom - perhaps he could offer a worthwhile suggestion. "Hmm... a name." The Light Dragon stroked his chin at Zion''s question. "A name is the clearest element defining one''s existence. That''s why it''s so important. Especially for a primal spirit - their very essence can change based on their name, so we must be particrly careful." -At least you understand its significance. Yet this contractor tried to name me "Chirpy." The frost spirit red at Zion with half-lidded eyes. Zion suddenly wondered how the spirit would react if it knew the names he''d been considering. "Haha, that sounds more like a pet''s name. Let me offer some advice - since this spirit was previously the Frost Queen, choosing something rted to that would be good. It might even awaken some of that power." The Frost Queen had nearly broken free from the cycle of reincarnation, nearly reaching divinity. Even a fraction of such power would be beyond imagination. "Additionally, it would be better if the name itself carried power." "You mean like dragon speech or divine words." "Exactly. You catch on quickly. If needed, I could share some dragon words rted to ice. Using those to create a name might yield good results." "That definitely seems like a better approach." -Contractor, can I truly have expectations this time? The frost spirit sped its hands together and asked with sparkling eyes at Zion''s positive response. Such behavior was rare from the spirit. Zion could feel how desperately it wanted a name from that reaction. ''I should name it soon.'' Come to think of it, living without a name must not be easy. "Will you return to the imperial pce now?" After their discussion about the spirit''s name ended, Obergia asked Zion. He assumed Zion would leave since he''d achieved his goal and showed no interest in the exchange conference. But Zion shook his head. "No, I still have something to do." As he spoke, an individual came to mind. The second reason he''de to the floating city personally, and someone who would y a crucial role in theing war with the demon realm. The time to make contact with that person was approaching. * * * -You are an existence the world truly needs. Those were thest words Celphia''s father had left before dying when she was young. Her father, a renowned magician even in the floating city, had spoken with absolute conviction in his eyes. But Celphia thought those words were wrong. Her existence wasn''t needed anywhere. "Look, that rock is here for ss again?" "Yeah. Why does she evene when it''s pointless anyway?" Conversations from nearby students reached her ears. Celphia knew they were talking about her. Rock. It was a nickname mocking her hopeless magical talent - she could barely even sense mana. Celphia thought the nickname suited her situation well. A rock - something useless lying by the roadside, kicked around before quietly disappearing without anyone noticing. ''No, maybe I''m even worse than a rock...'' At least rocks weren''t cursed at just for being there. "Honestly, isn''t it annoying having ss with her? Makes me feel like my level is dropping too." "I''m annoyed she''s even in this city. Shouldn''t she just leave on her own? She''ll be forced out when shees of age anyway for being substandard." That was true. The floating city gave those born there a grace period until adulthood, but mercilessly expelled anyone who didn''t reach a certain magical level by then. Of course, Celphia, who woulde of age next year, had no way to avoid expulsion. She couldn''t even properly use basic level 1 magic - that''s how poor her aptitude was. "Hey, rock. Why pretend you can''t hear when we know you''re listening? Don''t tell me you can''t speak either, not just cast magic?" With those words, several mischievous students used maniption magic to lift Celphia''s spell book and notes into the air, moving them around. "You won''t be able to use these spells anyway, so why bother looking at them?" Celphia stood up and waved her hands trying to catch the floating spell book, but it kept dancing just out of reach of her fingertips. The professor writing magical forms on the ckboard turned around at themotion. "What''s going on during ss?" The professor spoke with cold eyes. But those eyes were directed at- "Celphia, take your book and sit down immediately. If you continue disrupting ss, I''ll have to send you out." Celphia. Despite clearly understanding the situation, the professor only scolded her. The reason was simple. The professor didn''t consider Celphia a student. No, more than that - they considered her a disgrace to Seifran Magic School, which children born in the floating city attended. "Wow, is she leaving already? Not even listening to the professor." Between the snickering students and the professor''s increasing urgency, Celphia kept iling her hands trying to catch the spell book. Pathetic. This situation, her circumstances - everything was just pathetic. ''Why was I even...'' Why was she born? An existence needed nowhere in the world. That was Celphia. How much longer would this utterly pathetic time continue? Finally- "Celphia, get out of my ssroom-" Just as the professor was about to issue the finalmand with irritated eyes- CLANG! The ssroom door suddenly opened. Over a dozen people began entering. When those entering came into view- "V-Vice Mayor!" Everyone present, including the professor, was struck with shock and bewilderment. Ackendelt, Vice Mayor of the floating city. Ahmad Ozlima, the White me Emperor - one of the Seven Heavens and leader of the empire''s exchange conference delegation. Additionally, the highest-ranked magicians who effectively controlled and governed the floating city. These top officials, whose faces were rarely even seen, were now entering the ssroom. ''Why would they...'' Though everyone present wondered this, no one could answer. Even the principal of Seifran Magic School who had led them here wore an expression ofplete confusion. Then- "Show proper respect to the person entering now." Ackendelt spoke these words and began bowing his head first. ''...What?'' People''s eyes filled with question. Was there really someone in this city who would make even Vice Mayor Ackendelt show such respect? But their questions were erased by- Step. The sound of footsteps that came next. Though very soft, those footsteps rang clearly in everyone''s ears. Their heads turned automatically toward the source, as if enchanted by the strange sensation emanating from those steps. There he stood. The deep gray hair unique to direct imperial bloodlines and eyes filled with suchnguor they seemed to pull you in. Though this was their first time seeing him in person, everyone instantly knew who this man was. The alien yet overwhelming presence emanating from every nce and gesture. In all the world, only one person among the imperial family could possess such an aura. ''Sixth Prince Zion Agnes.'' One year. In just one year, this iprehensible figure had risen from an imprisoned prince with no foundation to be the most likely sessor to the throne. The monster of Agnes who had shocked the entire world with his unprecedented actions and impossible achievements. Unable to move their heads as if fixed in ce, everyone stared at Prince Zion. Step, step. Having instantly captured all attention and control of the situation upon his entrance, Zion began slowly crossing the silent ssroom. Where could he be heading? Finally- Step. His footsteps stopped in front of Celphia. Her eyes began to tremble. At that moment- "Celphia Woodhart." As Zion spoke her full name- "I need you." Words no one present could have anticipated followed.Toggle New Ads /5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 196 - The Floating City (13) 196 - The Floating City (13) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In a cavern at the deepest level of the Tomb of Lament... -So it was I who would adorn the throne, not you... At the center of this cavern, a being wearing armor made of bone and leather was slowly fading away. This was Caletus, King of Lament and ruler of the tomb. Though his name wasn''t widely known since he''d never properly used his power, he was among the highest-ranking demons, worthy of the title "King.""Wow... I really thought we were going to die." Rainy spread-eagled on the ground in front of the dissipating Caletus, tossing aside her broken spear. She wasn''t in great shape. Though she hadn''t lost any limbs, her entire body was covered in wounds - including one that could have been fatal if it had been just a bit deeper. "That''s what happens when your training iscking. You need to work harder." Turzan approached Rain''s prone form and spoke gruffly. Though his injuries were no better than Rain''s, no one contradicted his words. After all, he had taken most of the King of Lament''s frontal attacks. The fact that he was only as injured as Rain, who had only blocked asional techniques, proved just how well-trained Turzan''s body was. "What should we do now?" Tirian watched Elysis healing the two before turning to ire. Surprise filled his eyes. Unlike Rain and Turzan, ire''s body bore almost no wounds. Though she had fought in closebat like them, her injuries were even lighter than Tirian''s, who had provided ranged support. This indirectly showed just how high herbat ability was. ''So this is what it means to be a hero?'' Then. "Just heal the critical injuries and get out of here immediately." ire spoke calmly while staring off into the distance, not at herpanions. What she was looking at wasn''t the cavern or tomb, but the massive rage erupting from far beyond. Though the source was so distant it couldn''t even be perceived, the power emanating from that rage made ire''s body tremble. "One of the Great Demons ising here." Zeloth, Archdemon of Jealousy. It seemed he had immediately sensed his child''s death. ''We can''t face Zeloth now.'' Not only did they need him to sh with the other Great Demons, but he was also simply too powerful an opponent at present. The Four Great Demons. Excluding the Demon King, they were the four strongest beings whose power was iparably, unimaginably greater than other demons. Moreover, these Great Demons each carried a "fate of world destruction," making them even more formidable than previous Great Demons. Each had practically reached semi-divinity. Zeloth, the Archdemon of Jealousy, was one of these four. Naturally, they couldn''t face him - not alone, and not even all together. ''Butter, definitely...'' ire made this silent promise while feeling that terrifying power rapidly approaching, then turned away. For now, they needed to retreat. * * * Celphia Woodhart. Her role in the chronicle wasn''t particrly significant. Like Zion Agnes, she died immediately after appearing. By assassination from the demon realm, no less. The reason for Celphia Woodhart''s assassination was her innate magical characteristic - one that specialized solely in anti-demonbat. ''Herck of magical aptitude is probably because all her ability is concentrated in that characteristic.'' Zion thought this while watching the pink-haired woman who was still staring at him nkly. She seemed unable to properly grasp the current situation. And she wasn''t alone - everyone in the ssroom shared her confusion. "What do you mean, Prince Zion? The student before you is..." "Celphia Woodhart. A failing student at Seifran Magic School who can''t even use basic magic, a disgrace to the floating city. Isn''t that right?" Zion cut off the principal''s bewildered words. "Yes, that''s correct. But why would you say such things? If you need talented individuals, I can rmend students who maintain top rankings in the school." The principal had reason to speak this way. While it was quite pleasing that Prince Zion, a leading candidate for the throne, hade to his school to personally recruit a student, the problemy afterward. If that student''s poor ability became known, Seifran School would be aughingstock not just in the city but throughout the world. Besides, he couldn''t understand why Prince Zion would specifically want a failing student. ''I''m... needed?'' Celphia shared this confusion. As just stated, she was a failing student and the city''s disgrace. There was no reason Prince Zion should need her. But. "No, I don''t need those mediocre ones. I only want this one." Zion replied without taking his eyes off Celphia, dismissing their words and thoughts. "B-but...!" "I don''t like repeating myself." Zion''s quiet but undeniable words immediately silenced the principal, then he addressed Celphia. "You''reing with me to the imperial pce. You''ll have to leave the city next year anyway - just think of this as moving up the schedule a bit." His words left no room for refusal. It was an incredibly arrogant way of speaking thatpletely disregarded the other party''s opinion. But at the same time, it suited Zion perfectly. "We''ll leave the city tomorrow, so prepare ordingly." "Y-yes!" Celphia nodded unconsciously, overwhelmed by the intense aura of authority in his voice. ''Taking her to Hubris will naturally protect her from additional assassination attempts.'' Though this concluded the second task he needed to handle in the floating city, concern still lingered in Zion''s eyes. ''Should I clean up while I''m here?'' He was thinking of the demons hiding in this school to assassinate Celphia. They were extremely capable, and even if they failed their assassination, they posed a significant future threat to the floating city. Since Zion himself wouldn''t return to this city after this visit, it might be difficult to eliminate them if not now. "How''s the form refinementing along?" Zion asked Ahmad. Though he hadn''t specified which form, the archmage''s eyes lit up, understanding Zion''s meaning. "About ny percentplete. It''s about time we tested it." Having made his decision, Zion smiled slightly and turned toward the people who still couldn''t fully grasp the situation. "Since I''vee all this way, I can''t just leave." Their eyes filled with question at these cryptic words. "Where''s thergest lecture hall in the school?" Zion''s quiet question met the principal''s eyes. * * * Seifran Magic School was one of the few advanced educational institutions in the floating city. Today, countless people gathered in the school''s main lecture hall. All students, professors, and staff were present. "Is it really true?" Their faces showed strange excitement. This was because Prince Zion would soon give a lecture here. "He''s going to lecture about that theory here?" There was a reason people''s eyes held such expectation despite Prince Zion having no expertise in magic. Earlier this year, when Prince Zion visited the empire''s Grand Magic Tower, he had written a form on "The Corrtion between Space-Time and Spatial Distortion through Gravity Magic." This form represented apletely new paradigm, different from all previous magical theory. Even in Adegrifa, where they had only received the form secondhand, it had caused an enormous reaction. Some magicians were so shocked theypletely scrapped all their previous research. Naturally, they were excited to hear a lecture from the original creator of such a form. It even overshadowed the news about Prince Zion recruiting Celphia Woodhart, the school''s failing student. "Well, he didn''t specifically say it was that theory, but what else could it be? Prince Zion doesn''t have anything else to lecture about. It''s not like he''s learned magic." "Wow, this is huge. Think we can record it?" "No, they''re collecting all recording devices at the entrance." As people chatted excitedly- ''What is this...'' Histon, a demon disguised as a Seifran student, quietly furrowed his brow. As a nearly top-tier demonmanding other demons hiding in the school, he had been directing their mission. ''We were so close topleting the mission...'' Their mission was to assassinate a certain individual in the school. It made no sense tomit so many resources to assassinating a mere student - a failing one at that - rather than a professor. But orders hade from above, so he''d proceeded with the n without question, and tonight was finally supposed to be its fruition. Then Zion Agnes suddenly appeared and twisted everything. ''If the target leaves with Zion Agnes, the mission fails. We must kill her before then.'' But he couldn''t move right now. As if knowing their ns, Prince Zion had gathered all students and professors in one ce. Moreover, an inexplicable pressure emanating from Prince Zion as he mounted the tform prevented Histon from moving carelessly. ''How annoying. I can understand why the higher-ups are so wary of him.'' Frustration filled Histon''s eyes. ''But... why is he suddenly giving a lecture?'' The demon realm had assessed that Zion Agnes never moved without purpose. Therefore, this action must also have a hidden intent. The problem was that they couldn''t figure out what that intent might be. As questions filled the demon''s eyes- "Let''s begin right away." Emotionless words flowed from Zion''s lips as he reached the tform''s center. Though very soft, his voice reached everyone''s ears clearly. The lecture hall naturally fell silent as all attention focused on Zion. Using magical chalk, he began writing something on therge ckboard behind him. The magicians'' expectations rose further. But soon their expectations turned to confusion. "...A magic circle?" What Zion was drawing wasn''t a form but a massive magic circle. Though one might think he had transformed the gravity form into a magic circle, any skilled magician could tell at a nce that wasn''t the case. The fundamental basis was too different from the start. It seemed specialized for finding something... Then. "There are too many rats in this world." Zion''s voice continued reaching their ears. "They hide everywhere trying to nibble at what''s mine, and it''s quite troublesome that they''re so hard to spot." Was it instinct? Or intuition? Demon Histon felt an ominous flutter in his heart at Prince Zion''s words. Along with this, one memory struck his mind like lightning. ''They said Prince Zion had the ability to identify us.'' But the demon realm had judged that this ability had various limitations and could only reveal a small number of nearby demons. Otherwise, he would have already eliminated all demons hiding in the imperial pce. But what if... ''What if that judgment was wrong?'' And what if he had further refined and developed that ability? As warning bells rang in his mind, his heart began beating faster. This wasn''t from anxiety. It was because of the bright red light emanating from Prince Zion''s nearlypleted magic circle. "Today''s lecture is about how to find such rats." Zion murmured softly, as if seeing straight through Histon and the other demons'' condition. "No! We have to get out of here...!" Just as Histon, finally unable to endure, tried to dash outside- "It''s already toote." Zion smiled coldly, looking directly at him, and- SCREECH! Atst, the main lecture hall began filling with grotesque screams and vile demonic energy.Toggle New Ads /5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 197 - The Mad Archdemon (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Deep within the Sunless Forest at the empire''s northwest edge... "So you''re saying you weren''t the ones who attacked the vige?" Liushina sat on arge rock, looking at the people still bowing deeply before her. These were followers of the Purification Cult, marked with six-headed beast tattoos. They weren''t ordinary followers.They were special-grade followers stationed at the main headquarters. "Yes, Mother! The monsters that attacked ck Fairy Vige were created by the radical faction of our headquarters when their creatures went berserk." The elderly man at the front of the followers, bowing even deeper, answered. His name was Collins. He was one of the executives at the Purification Cult''s headquarters. "And you moderates are trying to clean up these monsters by gathering them back?" "Oh yes! Your insight is truly remarkable!" "...You just exined that to me." Their exnation boiled down to this: The Purification Cult''s headquarters was divided between radicals who wanted to purify the world before the Witch of a Thousand Killings returned, and moderates who wanted to wait until after her return. The radicals had caused this incident. The headquarters had continued developing Liushina''s blood magic, which they had somehow obtained in the past, in their own way. The radical faction had semi-deliberately caused the resulting creatures to go berserk. ''Hmm, it''s certainly different. They developed it in a direction I never considered.'' Liushina thought this while watching the creatures standing quietly beside Collins. It seemed these creatures - or more precisely, her magic as modified by the Purification Cult''s headquarters - were the clue her master had mentioned. ''In that case, there''s only one way forward...'' As Liushina organized her thoughts- "So... what are you going to do... Mother?" R nervously spoke up beside her, watching carefully. Her eyes showed great confusion. Why were these suddenly appearing Purification Cult members prostrating themselves and calling Liushina "Mother"? And why was Liushina epting it so naturally? ''Could Lina be...'' Though R''s natural intuition had helped her guess Liushina''s identity, she kept quiet. For now, she just tried her best not to draw attention. "Why are you calling me that too?" "Everyone else was doing it so I thought I should..." "Youck conviction." Though it was survival instinct rather thanck of conviction, Liushina couldn''t know that. She clicked her tongue once before turning to Collins and continuing. "We''re going to headquarters. Lead the way." "Oh, of course! Everything shall be as Mother wishes!" Collins answered excitedly, bowing even deeper. If the Witch of a Thousand Killings - practically the Purification Cult''s reason for existing - sided with their moderate faction, they could easily deal with the radicals'' violence. "Um, should Ie too? I don''t think you need me anymore..." R carefully suggested parting ways at this decision, but- "What are you talking about? Did you forget our promise to explore the forest''s center together? Of course you''reing." Her suggestion was immediately rejected. As R''s face fell, Liushina rose from the rock with anticipation growing in her eyes. The clue to ascending beyond a thousand killings was gradually drawing closer. * * * With grotesque screams, the hidden demons revealed their true forms, filling the main lecture hall with nauseating demonic energy. The others present reacted in two ways: "Th-that''s..." Some froze in shock, unable to ept what was happening. "Finally showing yourselves, rats." Others quietly prepared spells for battle. All the magicians who hade with Zion belonged to thetter group. ''The effect is good.'' Zion smiled quietly as he watched the numerous demons forcibly revealed by the red light. The detection circle, refined through coboration between the Grand Magic Tower''s professors including Ahmad and the Blood Tower, showed incredibly improved effectivenesspared to before. Previously at the Celestial Sword Manor, even using Prisci''s blood, it could only reveal mid-rank demons. But now it affected not just high-ranking demons but even those beyond that level. ''At this rate...'' It seemed the time to clean out all demons in the imperial pce wasn''t far off. As Zion finished this thought- "Let''s erase them from this world." WHOOSH! The battle finally began as Ahmad''s white mes selectively incinerated only the demons. BOOM! The magicians unleashed their prepared high-level spells without hesitation while- "You fucking humans!" The demons counterattacked even in their confusion. Though their attacks were threatening, they couldn''t reverse the situation. This entire scenario was already a perfectlyid trap by Zion. Moreover- "Show no mercy! Today we hunt everyst rat here." The magicians Zion had brought were extremely capable. Not just Ahmad of the Seven Heavens, but others like Ackendelt were also among the city''s highest-ranked magicians. Strong enough that Zion didn''t even need to step in. "Damn it! Damn it all!" Histon cursed as he watched his subordinate demons being hunted down one by one. Where had it all gone wrong? At this rate, theirplete annihtion was just a matter of time. They couldn''t flee either, since "that person" was watching. "ARRGH! ZION AGNES!" Histon screamed in rage as he red at Zion, the architect of this situation. Then suddenly- "That''s..." His eyes lit up with strange intent. A woman sitting in the lecture hall''s left corner, staring nkly at the battle - Celphia Woodhart, their target. ''They''re leaving the target exposed like this?'' Neither Prince Zion nor the other magicians were anywhere near her. Though this might seem questionable, there was no time to think about it now. "Target her! We must kill her here no matter what!" As Histon instinctively realized this was theirst chance, two nearby demons rushed toward Celphia at terrifying speed. "Stop those demons!" Ackendelt shouted urgently in response, but- "No, stay back." Zion stopped him. Even as high-ranking demons rushed toward Celphia, Zion watched without the slightest concern in his eyes. ''Here''s where the seed sprouts.'' This too was part of his n. Meanwhile, the demons had nearly reached Celphia. "Ah, aah..." The surrounding students could only groan helplessly, crushed by the overwhelming demonic energy radiating from the demons. Like them, Celphia stood frozen, staring nkly at the approaching demons. But there was one difference: Her nk eyes held an emotion entirely different from fear or despair. THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! Celphia''s heart beat wildly. This pounding had started the moment the demons revealed their true forms. What was happening? Celphia couldn''t understand the changes urring within her. Why was the world seeming to move more slowly? Why were the surrounding noises fading? But one thing was absolutely clear: The trembling in her body that apanied her heartbeat came from excitement and anticipation surging from deep within her soul. Swish- Celphia''s hand extended forward slowly and lightly, blocking the first demon''s attack as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Before bewilderment could even fill the demon''s eyes- CRUNCH! All its demonic energy was sucked through the point of contact into Celphia. Her wildly beating heart transformed the absorbed demonic energy into apletely different form of power. CRACK! As that power burst outward again, it blew away the upper body of the second charging demon. Demonic Energy Consumption. The unique anti-demon characteristic that only Celphia Woodhart possessed. This was the moment that characteristic finally revealed itself to the world. "!!!!!" While everyone in the lecture hall was struck with amazement at this unbelievable sight, only Zion''s eyes shone with satisfaction. ''Not bad.'' Though she copsed afterward, being able to crush two high-ranking demons immediately upon awakening made her future growth potential immeasurable. Moreover, this characteristic''s true valuey elsewhere. ''Multiple bestowal.'' The ability she would naturally gain as her characteristic developed. Thinking about this, it waspletely understandable why the demon realm was so desperate to kill Celphia. Meanwhile- ''I need to escape.'' After watching his subordinates fall to Celphia, this thought filled Histon''s mind. He couldn''t understand how a mere failing student had instantly dispatched two high-ranking demons, but now wasn''t the time to wonder about that. The mission''s final attempt hadpletely failed, and staying would only mean death. ''At this level, "that person" will understand why I fled.'' Just as Histon was about to move toward the lecture hall''s window- CLUNK! His body suddenly froze in ce. "B-but...!" Trembling as if talking to someone, Histon muttered- "Now target Zion Agnes." With shaking eyes, he quietly spoke these words before suddenly charging toward Zion. BOOM! As if on cue, all remaining demons followed behind him. Perhaps because they thought it was theirst chance? The explosive demonic energy bursting from the desperately charging demons momentarily pushed back all iing spells. This briefly opened a single path through the slightly dyed magicians'' response. Histon and the demons didn''t miss this opportunity. "P-Prince Zion!" Several floating city magicians shouted urgently as the demons instantly reached Zion through the opened path. Though they knew Prince Zion was strong, the demonic energy radiating from the charging demons was equally terrifying. And Zion could feel this clearly. ''Their power feels simr to or greater than Hanosral from before.'' Zion''s eyes curved slightly as he assessed Histon charging at the front. His past self had certainly struggled against Hanosral, even needing to use Chronos''s Questions. But- ''Now is different.'' An iparable gap existed between his current and past self. With this thought, Exia silently appeared in Zion''s outstretched hand. The Light-Extinguishing Sword naturally absorbed all surrounding light, converting it to darkness. This darkness gathered along Exia''s de, creating additional des. Oneyer. Twoyers. Threeyers... Just as five deyers and Partial Eclipse ovepped- "Die, spawn of Agnes!" Zion''s sword finally swung toward Histon, who was unleashing all his demonic energy with an almost desperate expression. Following Exia''s trajectory, a single ck line shot past Histon and the demons behind him, instantly reaching the edge of vision. Then- SCREECH! Everything touched by that ck line began splitting in two. Was this what the strikes of mythical heroes looked like? ... The lecture hall fell silent at this sword strike that went beyond shock to awe. Even Ahmad and Ackendelt, who had witnessed Zion''s battle with Stigma, weren''t immune. Having seen it once before didn''t diminish the shiver it induced. Swish- In this silence, the bodies of Histon and his demons, who had met their end without even screaming, slowly disappeared. Even after dealing with all demons in the lecture hall, Zion didn''t lower Exia. One rat still remained hidden. "Why don''t youe out?" Zion murmured softly, fixing his gaze on one section of the half-destroyed lecture hall wall. At that moment- "Wow, you''re pretty good, aren''t you?" A cheerful voicepletely at odds with the situation rang through everyone''s ears. With this, a girl emerged from the rippling wall. She looked barely into her early teens. A girl in a crimson dress adorned withce, her lips stained purple. ''That one...'' Zion''s eyes grew cold as ice as he looked at her. That girl - no, that monster - was a being that should not be here. WHOOSH! Muspelheim automatically reacted, enveloping Zion''s body. -Contractor, danger. The frost spirit appeared unbidden at his side, raising its authority while warily eyeing the girl. Yet the girl just smiled brightly while looking at Zion. Though no power could be felt from her, Zion could clearly see: The world itself was screaming and crumbling just from her standing there. Archdemon of Madness, Acrimosia. One of the Four Great Demons, and the being who ruled all blood and madness in the world. This was the girl''s true identity.Toggle New Ads /5 Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 198 - The Mad Archdemon (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Acrimosia, Archdemon of Madness. One of the two Great Demons who appeared directly in the chronicle and fought the hero''s party. That''s why Zion recognized her immediately. ''Why is the Archdemon of Madness here?'' Originally, beings of Great Demon level weren''t supposed to appear at this time.No, more urately, they couldn''t appear. Though their power approached semi-divinity due to carrying different "fates of destruction," they also had tremendous restrictions. Of course, these restrictions naturally loosened as the world''s end drew closer. But currently, they shouldn''t be able to use their original power outside the demon realm due to how severe the restrictions were. He couldn''t understand why she would reveal herself here despite that limitation. "How fascinating. How could a human like you exist? You''re not even a hero. And you gained this much power in just about a year? Is that even possible?" Acrimosia leaned forward with her hands behind her back as she studied Zion. Her eyes were full of interest. "I''m the one who''s fascinated. I didn''t expect such arge rat to crawl out so soon." Zion''s cold voice flowed as he met the Great Demon''s gaze. "Oh? Seems you know who I am?" The Archdemon of Madness smiled brightly and said, "I was curious, you see. The underlings keep going on about Zion Agnes this, Zion Agnes that - I just had to see for myself." "But isn''t it strange to call me a rat? That''s what stronger beings say to weaker ones. Strong enough to kill them whenever they want." As she spoke, the interest in Acrimosia''s eyes began turning to madness. Then- "Who are you!" One of the nearby watching magicians approached Acrimosia. "How dare you show such disrespect to Prince Zion-!" Before the magician could finish- "Don''t interfere." An ice-cold voicepletely different from before flowed from the Great Demon''s lips. At that moment- CRUNCH! Without warning, everything except the magician''s head was torn away by something invisible. THUD, roll roll. The magician''s head fell and rolled across the floor. Their face remained frozen in the same expression of shouting at the girl, as if they hadn''t realized they were dead. As everyone''s eyes trembled at this gruesome sight- RUMBLE! The presence Acrimosia had been hiding suddenly exploded outward, pressing down on the entire lecture hall. No, her presence began spreading beyond the lecture hall to epass the entire city. The magicians'' movements stopped, consumed by this presence that casually transcended mortal limits. Like prey caught in a spider''s web. Their bodies froze, unable to move even an eyebrow or finger. ''Can''t... breathe...!'' The less aplished magicians and students copsed, blood flowing from their eyes and noses as they couldn''t withstand the pressure. "This should prevent any more interference, right?" Just as the Archdemon of Madness looked at them with satisfaction- "Well, I suppose you''re not just a rat after all." A quiet voice reached her ears. Turning back toward Zion at those words, surprise appeared in Acrimosia''s eyes for the first time. Zion Agnes was watching her with eyes so calm they appearednguid. Though nothing about him had changed from before- ''He can move normally?'' That''s what surprised her. Though restricted, this was still presence that she had deliberately revealed. The overwhelming pressure from the resulting gap in status wasn''t something that could be withstood so casually. ''He should at least show some difort...'' But there was none of that either. "You... you really are interesting, aren''t you?" As she muttered this, the surprise in her eyes transformed into an even greater interest than before. ''What should I do...'' Meanwhile, deep consideration flickered in Zion''s eyes as he watched the Archdemon of Madness. Though the ck Star Force had reached six stars and he possessed two divine artifacts, Zion knew he still couldn''t match the being before him. As proof, it took raising the ck Star Force to maximum and using Eclipse just to free himself from Acrimosia''s presence. ''I could probably handle Great Demons from the First War, but...'' The Great Demons appearing in the chronicle were beings who directly led to the world''s end, so their level was much higher. Even above the Dragon of the End he had seen during the Tower of Causality trial. Of course, using "Chronos''s Questions" would definitively eliminate the monster before him, but he couldn''t do that. The remaining two questions were needed elsewhere. He had actually nned to keep one question in reserve for situations like this, but that reserve had been used dealing with the Fallen Angel in Lezero. So Zion''s concern deepened. Then- "This is definitely enough to look forward to." In the midst of this tense situation that could explode at any moment, Acrimosia suddenly turned around while watching Zion intently. Simultaneously, the space before her rippled and arge iron door appeared, engraved with twisted demon faces. "I believe you''ll make things even more interesting next time we meet." The girl walked toward the iron door as it slowly opened with a heavily rusted sound. "You''re just leaving?" "Of course. I told you earlier - I came to ''see.'' Now that I''ve seen, I should go." Though her behavior made no sense, it was perfectly possible for the inherently mad Archdemon of Madness. Zion didn''t try to stop her. ''That works out well.'' He hadn''t wanted to sh with a Great Demon here either. Then- "Hmm, but leaving without giving a gift would be boring, wouldn''t it?" Acrimosia stopped walking toward the iron door and turned back to Zion while muttering this. A small sphere shot from her extended fingertip. A crimson sphere containing part of her "Madness" authority. This sphere rapidly grewrger while absorbing all surrounding power, then began extending toward Zion. It looked almost like a small sun rising. RUMBLE! Space shattered and time distorted. ''Ah...!'' Ahmad and several other top-ranked magicians'' faces turned deathly pale watching this. They instinctively knew. The moment that sun containing immeasurable powerpleted, the floating city of Adegrifa would vanish without a trace. ''We''re going to die.'' Just as this thought crossed their minds- WHOOSH! Zion, who had been watching the sun with ice-cold eyes, began to move. He took arge step forward while pressing Exia to his side, like preparing to draw a sword. Simultaneously- SCREECH! The Dark Domain that had been spreading to consume the surrounding space was sucked back in reverse, forming a single line toward his sword. Eclipse Double Layer. Partial Eclipse Triple Layer. Then explosive amplification! ''Cut through the core with one strike before itpletes.'' CRACK! Zion gripped Exia tighter to steady it as it screamed under the unimaginably concentrated power, his eyes now ck as he watched the approaching sun. Those eyes fixed on the tiny, almost invisible core within the sun. Zion lowered his body further as if taking aim at that core. Just as the nearlyplete sun of madness was about to release all its absorbed power- Light Extinction. A moment of absolute stillness, as if time had stopped. Within this, Exia moved alone, drawing an incredibly elegant curve through the heavily distorted space. Very slowly. A curve advancing while cutting through light. Finally, when that curve perfectly split the core deep within the crimson sun- FLASH! The resulting explosion of dark light began dyeing the entire floating city crimson ck. "You really are...!" The Archdemon of Madness smiled more brightly than ever at Zion beforepletely disappearing into that light-dyed world. * * * In a quiet forest far from the floating city. CLANG! A demon''s iron doorpletely out of ce appeared in the middle of the forest where only small animals lived. From beyond this door emerged a girl. It was Acrimosia, the Archdemon of Madness. "Zion Agnes..." Acrimosia''s face was flushed as she muttered that name. How long had it been since she''d felt such excitement? It was the first time her heart had raced like this since killing one of the previous Four Great Demons and taking their ce. "I''m d I went to see him in person." Fresh excitement flowed through Acrimosia''s entire body, enough to instantly blow away the boredom she had felt for so long. Especially that final sword strike that split her created sun - it had even given her a thrill. ''To think I''d feel this way about a being who doesn''t even carry the fate of salvation...'' Though he still couldn''t match her yet, given more time he would surely gain power sufficient to satisfy her. ''But that power feels familiar somehow. I definitely haven''t seen it before, but...'' As she tilted her head in thought- "...Hm?" Her eyes lit up as she discovered something. "What''s this? Seems I wasn''t the only one giving gifts." The Archdemon of Madness grinned as she spoke. Her eyes fell on a cleanly cut section of her dress and the rather deep wound revealed beneath. * * * After the incident at Seifran Magic School, Adegrifa was literally turned upside down. While exposing the demons hiding in the city was shocking enough, Archdemon Acrimosia''s appearance left everyone astounded. Perhaps because their belief that the city had never been and would never be attacked by the demon realm had been shattered? The floating city''s leadership raised security to near wartime levels and began searching the entire city, with the city''s magicians in full agreement. The recent incident had been that threatening. They had literally almost lost the entire city. Naturally, when the empire received this news, they also fell into chaos and strengthened their defensive posture. Some even suggested that this incident showed the great war with the demon realm had drawn within visible range. Amid this chaos and busy atmosphere, at the city''s edge- "Are you leaving right away?" The city''s leadership hade to see off Zion, who stood before the warp gate. "Why not stay a bit longer? The exchange conference isn''t even over." Ackendelt spoke with a regretful expression. The conference was just an excuse - his true purpose was repayment. Repayment for saving the city twice, from both Stigma and the Archdemon of Madness. Ackendelt recalled that second terrifying yet thrilling moment. Without this man, the city would have been destroyed. That''s why he felt even more grateful to Prince Zion. "No, I need to go now." Though Zion understood Ackendelt''s feelings, he shook his head. There was something he needed to do immediately. Something even more urgent than the Archdemon of Madness at present. "Besides, I think we''ll meet again soon anyway." "What? What do you mean?" Ackendelt''s eyes turned questioning at Zion''s words. It seemed he hadn''t yet received word from Obergia. Zion didn''t answer, instead turning toward the warp gate. FLASH! The warp gate shone brightly as if prepared in advance to wee Zion. Behind him, Ackendelt and the gathered floating city magicians began bowing deeply. "Then we await seeing you again, Your Highness Prince Zion Agnes." Their farewell was filled with sincerity. Zion smiled slightly before stepping into the gate without hesitation. The World Conference. The world''srgest conference and one of the most important gateways determining the next emperor had finally drawn near.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 199 - World Conference (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Deep in the demon realm, in a space of pure darkness. "So you disobeyed me and caused trouble." A voice so powerful and deep that merely hearing it could shatter one''s spirit echoed through the space. "I may have caused trouble, but I didn''t disobey you." Acrimosia, the Archdemon of Madness, replied while carefully watching the other''s reaction."I just went to look. I didn''t actively try to kill him." "I know you tried to blow up the floating city at the end." "That... I did that knowing Zion Agnes would stop it. Which he did." The deep voice red at Acrimosia as she grew brazenly defensive again. The situation was giving them a headache, especially with Future Sight''s prophecy about the "Coming of Eternity" already weighing on their mind. "This incident may put the entire empire on high alert." "From what I saw, they would''ve gone on high alert soon anyway." "What do you mean?" The deep voice asked Acrimosia with questioning eyes. "I mean Zion Agnes. He''s already perfected a method to identify us." "...Is this true?" "Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. He''ll start hunting our people hiding in the empire using it. Probably after he takes the throne." The Archdemon of Madness suspected that time wasn''t far off. The Zion Agnes she had seen was someone who could take the throne at any moment without seeming strange. "..." The owner of the deep voice''s face hardened at these words. This was truly a serious matter. "That''s why we need to move up the war timeline. Before the empire starts moving in earnest." Though Acrimosia personally preferred waiting until Zion Agnes fully ripened, she had no intention of ruining their grand n. "...That''s not something we can decide on our own. To start the great war, we must first get permission from the King." "Hmm, that is a problem." Acrimosia replied with folded arms to the deep voice''s words. The problem she referred to wasn''t that their King would refuse war. It was something more fundamental - meeting with the King at all. After the First Great War ended, their King had retreated to the deepest part of the demon realm and never shown themselves again. -I must prepare. Those were the King''s final words before disappearing. Of course, none of the Four Great Demons who heard those words knew what kind of preparation the King meant. "Still, given how serious this is, we should try to seek an audience with the King this time." Just as the deep voice spoke after brief consideration- "We have an emergency!" Apletely different voice rang out from the abyss. Though it was the same voice as before, the gravity and urgency it carried was iparably greater. "What happened?" Acrimosia looked at the voice''s owner, prompting them to speak. "Zeloth, the Archdemon of Jealousy, has started a rebellion!" These shocking words burst from the new voice''s mouth. * * * The World Conference. It was the empire''srgest conference, where not just imperial family members but also kings of the Three External Worlds and all other rulers gathered topare their hegemonies and determine the empire''s future direction - truly the most important event. This World Conference was drawing even more attention than previous ones. The imperial throne remained vacant, and each imperial family member challenging for it was formidable. Everyone expected fiercepetition for the next emperor to unfold at this World Conference. As the conference drew closer amid such expectations and concerns, numerous rulers and heirs gathered in the capital. On the eve of the World Conference''s official start- "It''s an honor to meet the one who will lead the next generation of the Fairy Forest." "I''m equally delighted to meet Count Langrit, heir to such a great family." Arge banquet was being held at the Star of Music Pce, which handled the empire''s major social events. But this banquet had one special feature. All attendees were heirs to major powers. Though this scene would normally be impossible, it made sense given the banquet''s purpose. Before the World Conference, the heirs who would lead the next generation of the empire gathered to interact and build rtionships. This was the banquet''s purpose, hence its name - "Night of the Heirs." Among the many heirs present, two in particr drew crowds around them. These were Kaptan, next sessor of the Giant Colony, and Ilifa, heir to the Fairy Forest. This was natural in a way. They held the highest positions and greatest power among those gathered. ''Except for one person.'' Groud Ozlima, who effectively led the Ozlima family though nominally still heir, thought this while looking at that "one person." A man sitting in the corner of the banquet hall,nguidly lifting a teacup with utterly bored eyes. Prince Zion Agnes. ''Something''s different.'' Groud had thought this from the moment Zion entered the hall. Unlike usual, when he seized control by overwhelming everything with his ominous charisma from the moment he appeared, today''s Prince Zion was incredibly quiet. Like looking at a perfectly stillke surface. Yet due to his unique presence, most people in the hall naturally remained conscious of Prince Zion. ''Why did he even attend the banquet?'' Though Groud kept watching while staying at a distance, still confused after their previous conversation, he wondered about this. Of course, Prince Zion could attend since he was the previous emperor''s designated heir. But he had no real reason to attend. ''The only possible reason would be interacting with other heirs...'' But that didn''t seem to be the case. As these questions grew in Groud''s mind- "Is this... supposed to be coffee?" Zion furrowed his brows deeply as he set down his cup. The reason Zion attended the "Night of the Heirs" was singr - the green coffee in the cup before him. Premium coffee made from nts grown in extremely limited quantities only in the Fairy Forest. Nicknamed "mint coffee," Zion had received information that this coffee would be served through the Fairy Forest heir and attended to taste it. And the result was disappointing beyond measure, as his reaction showed. No, beyond disappointing - it was shocking. ''The coffee Liushina made before was better than this.'' It was hard to believe people actually liked this. After pushing the cup far out of reach with this thought, Zion''s eyes finally began scanning the other heirs in the hall. ''The Beast Sea didn''t attend this time either?'' Not a single beast-kin among the many heirs present. The Beast Sea would likely miss the World Conference starting tomorrow too. There was a reason for this. The Beast Sea was currently embroiled in a long civil war between the current Beast King''s forces and opposition forces. Zion knew one of the Five Great Demon Generals was at the center of this civil war. ''I''ll need to resolve that situation soon too.'' There were several reasons Zion hadn''t handled the Beast Sea situation yet. Not only were there mountains of more urgent matters, but the Great Demon Generals secretly operating in the Beast Sea and Fairy Forest were on apletely different level from other demon generals. ''At least Six ws level.'' In fact, one of them actually belonged to the Six ws. That''s why he had nned to face them after raising the ck Star Force to a certain level, and those preparations were finallyplete. ''Though there''s actually an even bigger problem.'' Zion recalled the Archdemon of Madness he had seen recently. The Acrimosia he met in person was far more insane and unrestrained than in the chronicle. She had tried to instantly destroy the city without considering the restrictions or aftermath. Now that she had taken an interest in him, she would likely visit anytime regardless of restrictions. ''I need to reach seven stars somehow to face her.'' Anything less wouldn''t be enough to win. As Zion organized these thoughts and reached for a different cup beside the mint coffee- "Well, now that the mood has settled, shall we move on to the main event?" Ilifa, heir to the Fairy Forest and called the Fifth Leaf, drew everyone''s attention as she pulled out a long branch that emanated a refreshing energy just from looking at it. The "main event" she referred to was the "Qualification Measurement." A traditional ceremony of the "Night of the Heirs" that had continued alongside the World Conference for countless years. "Who would like to go first? We''ll only measure those who volunteer." The "qualification" in "Qualification Measurement" referred to the qualifications of a ruler. Everyone here would be rulers of powersrge and small, making such qualifications crucially important. The "Branch of Emperors," part of the World Tree that Ilifa had produced, could urately assess one''s ruler qualifications and imperial fate. They had long used this "Emperor''s Branch" for measurements. It was both entertainment andpetition between heirs. Those who scored highly in the qualification measurement gained recognition and admiration, rising to a higher level, while those who scored poorly faced subtle disdain. "May I be measured first?" "I''d like to go next." The heirs eagerly requested measurement despite this double-edged nature. This was natural since they were all sessors to great families or equivalent major powers, and thus firmly believed they were born with imperial fate. As people underwent measurement- FLASH! Green light flowing from the "Emperor''s Branch" began forming specific numbers above their heads. These numbersbined ruler qualifications and imperial fate. 48, 64, 72... Various scores appeared. Naturally, Kaptan and Ilifa recorded the highest scores. As future rulers of entire races, they naturally carried greater "imperial fate" than others. Their scores were an impressive 87 and 89. Considering the maximum score was 100, these were incredible numbers. "As expected of the Three External Worlds'' heirs..." Just as words of admiration flowed from others seeing these scores- "Prince Zion Agnes." Ilifa called out to Zion, who had been watching the measurements with an indifferent expression. "Would you like to try being measured as well?" As Zion looked at her questioningly, she continued with a slight smile. "Though it may not look like much, it''s quite urate. Aren''t you curious about your own qualifications? Though of course, you''ll score iparably higher than us." As Ilifa spoke to Zion, various calctions ran through her mind. ''I heard he has monstrous power and charisma, but seeing him in person, those rumors seem exaggerated. Besides, even if they''re true, power alone doesn''t determine qualifications or fate.'' Imperial fate in particr was determined at birth, so even those with high qualifications could score low. In truth, Ilifa wasn''t aiming for this moment but for the World Conference starting tomorrow. More specifically, the initiative of Fifth Princess Diana, whom the Fairy Forest supported. ''If Prince Zion''s score is lower than Princess Diana''s previous measurement, his position will surely weaken during the conference.'' And correspondingly shift in Princess Diana''s favor. ''Princess Diana''s score was 96. Almost the highest among both the Fairy Forest and historical Agnes royalty. This is worth trying.'' No, beyond worth trying - she was convinced Prince Zion would score lower. ''The question is whether Prince Zion will ept this proposal...'' Then- "Sure." Zion answered lightly as he stood and approached Ilifa, extending one hand. ''Perfect!'' While internally rejoicing- "Just hold this branch lightly, Your Highness." She respectfully handed the branch to Zion. The moment Zion grasped the "Emperor''s Branch" as instructed- The usual green light didn''t appear. RUMBLE! The branch just began vibrating wildly. "Huh...?" Just as Ilifa''s eyes began trembling at this strange reaction- CRACK! The "Emperor''s Branch" that had never even cracked despite measuring countless heirs'' qualifications over hundreds of years. This branch simply broke. As silence fell over the banquet hall- "Defective product." Zion''s quiet voice rang out.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 200 - World Conference (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In the Desert of Pride in the demon realm''s southwest... Currently in that desert- SCREECH! BOOM! A war was raging.A massive war where blood and flesh flew and hundreds of lives vanished in an instant. But something was strange about this war. "You traitorous bastards who deserve to be torn apart! How dare you defy destiny!" "Kihihihi! Traitors? We''re simply following our lord''smands!" Both attackers and defenders were demons. This was a war that had never urred since the demon realm''s creation and should never have urred. Far from this fierce battlefield, on a distant hill- "I can''t believe this is actually possible..." ire Frosimar and her party watched the scene. "To think this was all Prince Zion''s n." "No, since we executed it directly, we deserve some credit too." Turzan replied gruffly beside Rain, who muttered with a disgusted expression. "A war of this scale will certainly keep their attention away from the empire for a while." "But the battlefield seems to be expanding... won''t it spread here too?" "Not just here - soon the entire demon realm will be consumed by war." ire answered Elysis''s words as she turned away. "We need to move quickly. There are still things to handle here before then." As herpanions silently followed, she let out a small internal sigh. Though they had sessfullypleted theirrgest mission, deep concern filled ire''s eyes. The time to decide was approaching along with their return to the empire. ''I don''t know what to do.'' That decision was whether to enter Prince Zion''s service. Since it couldpletely change not just her fate but that of her entire party, her deliberation inevitably lengthened. ''First, let''s get the mythical-grade artifacts hidden in the demon realm.'' With this thought, ire pushed her concerns to one corner of her mind as her pace gradually quickened. * * * The World Conference. The world''srgest conference where leaders of every power except the demon realm gathered. Befitting its magnificent scale, the World Conference ran far longer than other conferences and was divided into several types of meetings. The first day''s meeting was the "Rulers'' Conference." This highest-ranking gathering could only be attended by direct Agnes bloodline members, leaders of the Three External Worlds, and heads of the Five Great Families. Currently, a strange tension filled the small conference room in Baeksung Pce where this Rulers'' Conference was being held. The royal family members sat dividing the room into exact thirds, with their supporting factions positioned around them. But Fifth Princess Diana knew well that these people weren''t the source of this tension. ''To think he has this effect even when absent.'' She thought this while looking at the still-empty seat at the head of the conference room. Zion Agnes. The owner of that seat and source of the tension filling the conference room. ''I wonder how much further he''s risen...'' Diana slightly furrowed her brows as she recalled herst sight of Zion. Though not much time had passed, given Zion''s monstrous growth rate so far, she couldn''t even guess his current level. Moreover, his unbelievable achievements since defeating Utekan - destroying the demon realm''s facilities in the capital and saving the floating city - further fueled her anxiety. ''They say he even broke the Emperor''s Branch yesterday.'' A natural result, when you thought about it. A mere heir had tried to test something even Diana herself wouldn''t dare attempt. Ilifa had simply been foolish yesterday. Then- "Calm your unease, Princess Diana. This state doesn''t suit you." A calm voice flowed from the fairy sitting beside her. A quite handsome middle-aged man who exuded an atmosphere simr to Diana''s. This was Halegrion, king of the fairies and First Leaf of the World Tree. "Though Prince Zion''s reputation certainly pierces the heavens, you haven''t been idle either, Your Highness. You''ve raised both your Heaven Opposition Power and spirit arts to new heights, and achieved remarkable results in expanding your influence. I don''t think such anxiety is necessary." Question filled Halegrion''s eyes as he spoke. He had never seen Princess Diana show such visible anxiety before. It waspletely unlike her usual self, who thoroughly concealed her emotions behind a smiling face. "He makes one feel that way." "What? What do you mean..." "You''ll understand when you see him." Just as Halegrion''s confusion deepened at Diana''s words- "His Highness Prince Zion Agnes enters!" The door guard''s voice rang out as the conference room door opened. Step. A deep footstep echoed in everyone''s ears. The moment its owner appeared- "...!" Halegrion finally understood Diana''s words. He couldn''t even register Bathar, chief of the Giant Colony, and the Sword King, head of the Ascalon family, entering behind Zion. His eyes captured only Prince Zion, who walked slowly whilepletely dominating everything with his overwhelming presence. ''How...'' As the First Branch of the fairies, Halegrion possessed special senses and vision iparable to others. That''s why he could feel it. ''How can such a being exist?'' That ominousness. That alienness. As Halegrion''s eyes shook violently at the feeling of seeing something that shouldn''t exist in this world- ''He''s grown even stronger than before.'' Diana watched Zion take the head seat while dismissing Halegrion''s familiar reaction. She could tell instantly. The current Zion was iparably beyond when she hadst seen him. "..." Zion''s indifferent eyes met Diana''s. She disliked that gaze. Those eyes said they no longer considered her apetitor. A gaze looking down from an unreachable height, as if considering how to deal with her. ''Let''s see how long you can keep that look.'' Grinding her teeth internally while forcefully suppressing her shrinking heart, Diana began coldly analyzing the strength of herpetitors gathered here. ''First, Evelyn''s side...'' Though the Second Princess had full support from the Levathein Iron Blood Family, one of the Five Great Families, and the knights, her overall influence wasn''t particrlyrge. While herbat ability was arguably the strongest, her political ability wasn''t particrly good. Moreover, her subordinate forces were far from that level. Still, the reason Evelyn had been called a likely imperial candidate until now was primarily due to the empire''s tradition of valuing martial power above all. ''Though troublesome, she''s not an opponent I can''t ovee.'' After finishing her assessment of Evelyn, Diana''s eyes turned to Rubrious beside her. ''He can be excluded from thepetition.'' Though his innate ability was excellent, his long absence had left his power base too weak. Even with the Order of Light, the world''srgest religious organization, backing him, they were still ultimately a religion with limits on political intervention. Moreover, she knew his rtionship with the Ozlima family had grown distanttely. ''This is the real problem.'' With this thought, Diana''s eyes returned to Zion. Even excludingbat ability and looking only at his power base, it was iparably greater than the other two. ''First, those two sitting beside him.'' Bathar representing the Giant Colony and Ludwig Ascalon, head of the Ascalon family. Those two alone matched Evelyn''s entire power base. And Diana knew these two weren''t the extent of Zion''s forces. ''Part of the military including the Border Corps. And that top-tier intelligence organization of unknown identity.'' The scale was truly unbelievable. Even more amazing was that he had built all this within a year. While Zion''s influence was certainly jaw-dropping- ''It''s not enough to make me give up and submitpletely.'' As Halegrion had said earlier, Diana hadn''t been idle either. Her Heaven Opposition Power had already reached the early stages of six stars, and her influence had grown iparably from before. She hadpletely secured the Fairy Forest and the empire''s main administrative organs, plus drawn in two of the Five Great Families - the Silent House Hainis and the Radiant House Arcline. So while disadvantaged, the bnce hadn''tpletely copsed. ''Though there is one concerning point...'' How closely both Rubrious and the Order of Light treated Zion. While the First Prince had always been that way, the Order of Light''s behavior was an unexpected variable. ''Still, they don''t seem to havepletely joined forces, so there''s still hope.'' Diana muttered this internally, as if brainwashing herself. ''The question is how to reverse this precarious bnce...'' Then- ''Hm?'' She noticed Zion watching her. His eyes curved as if smiling. Diana felt those eyes piercing deep into her heart. "Why are you smiling?" "I can hear the sound of your mind working from here." "What nonsense..." As Diana answered while hiding her anxiety, her eyes suddenly filled with question. She had noticed something strange about the current situation. ''Come to think of it, why haven''t we started the conference?'' All attendees were present after Zion''s entrance. Given Zion''s personality of preferring to get straight to the point, it was strange he hadn''t started yet. "Why haven''t we started the conference?" Finally, this question left Diana''s lips. "Because not everyone has arrived yet." "...What?" At Zion''s answer, everyone''s eyes filled with question. Surely only those present were qualified to attend this "Rulers'' Conference." Yet he said not everyone had arrived. Then- "There''s one condition for attending the Rulers'' Conference." Zion''s quiet voice reached their ears. "Even without being part of the Agnes family, Three External Worlds, or Five Great Families - if one leads a forceparable to or greater than them in power and scale, they can attend the Rulers'' Conference." Everyone knew this condition. But it was simultaneously a meaningless one. In the hundreds of years since the empire''s founding, not a single force had ever met this condition. "Where could such a force..." Just as Halegrion was about to object- CLANG! The conference room door opened again. Everyone''s heads naturally turned. Their eyes fell upon a dragon-kin wearing a robe embroidered with golden clouds. "Ackendelt, Acting Mayor of the floating city Adegrifa, attending the Rulers'' Conference." The dragon-kin, eyes filled with wisdom and mystery, walked past the stunned onlookers toward Zion while speaking calmly. "I apologize for beingte, Prince Zion." As the dragon-kin deeply bowed his head toward Zion- CRACK! Diana heard the sound of the power bncepletely shattering.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 201 - World Conference (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Deep within the Sunless Forest stood the main branch of the Purification Cult. "Damn those moderates!" A man with a shaved head bearing a six-headed beast tattoo strode quickly down the corridor, his voice dripping with irritation. His name was Hsho, an archbishop of the Purification Cult and one of the leaders of the radical faction. The reason for his agitation was simple."They interfere with everything." The moderate faction members had just returned to headquarters after cleaning up the blood wolves that his faction had deliberately let run wild. Actually, their mere return wouldn''t have angered him this much. What truly infuriated him was that the moderates, led by fellow archbishop Collins, were now staging a protest right in front of headquarters. They were trying to stop everything his faction was doing. "Want to settle this once and for all? Fine by me. This works out perfectly." Hsho smiled coldly, sensing his radical faction members falling in behind him. Despite the moderates'' open rebellion, he remained confident. After all, the radicals were the Purification Cult''s main force. The moderates and neutrals were just a minority inparison. In a direct confrontation, his side held the clear advantage. ''Foolish idiots. They don''t understand that we must dye the world crimson first to make things easier for Mother when she arrives...'' Perhaps Mother hadn''t revealed herself yet because she was waiting for them to create such a world. His quick pace brought him to the entrance sooner than expected. Through the open gates, he saw Collins and the moderate faction members gathered outside. "Had fun with your pointless meddling, Archbishop Collins?" "Archbishop Hsho, the only one engaged in pointless acts is you." Collins responded firmly to Hsho''s mocking tone. "How is it pointless? Purifying the world is our destiny. We simply follow that destiny. If anything, you''re the ones defying destiny." "What you radicals do isn''t following destiny - it''s just self-satisfaction and arrogant misinterpretation of Mother''s will. Stop this immediately." "Ha, we''re misinterpreting Mother''s will? Are you iming you know her true intentions?" "Indeed I do." "What nonsense." Hsho''s eyes glinted coldly as he sneered. "And who exactly can prove that?" "No proof is needed. Mother is already here with us." "...What?" The archbishop''s eyes went nk at thesepletely unexpected words. Step. His gaze fell upon a woman slowly emerging from behind Collins. A woman with obsidian-ck hair and blood-red eyes. As if enchanted, everyone present found their attention drawn to her. "Hello~" As the woman - Liushina - faced the cult members staring at her, a smile both beautiful and chilling spread across her face. "!!!!!" Hsho''s eyes widened to their limit. * * * Silence fell over the conference room. The cause was Ackendelt, who had naturally taken his seat beside Zion. Recently appointed as Acting Mayor of the floating city and second-inmand of the secret Light Watchers organization. This unexpected arrival filled people''s eyes with confusion or shock. None more so than Fifth Princess Diana. "Why is the floating city''s representative here? Aren''t you supposed to be an autonomous region?" Though called the World Conference, this meeting was fundamentally only for leaders of forces belonging to the empire. The floating city, wanting no part of imperial rule, had never once attended the World Conference. Their presence now practically announced their intention to submit to the empire. "From today forward, our floating city Adegrifa pledges allegiance to the empire - no, to Prince Zion Agnes." "!!!!!!!" An absolutely shocking statement. The dragon-kin''s eyes remained perfectly calm as he spoke, as if everything had been arranged beforehand. "W-what are you saying?!" Diana unconsciously rose from her seat, crying out in disbelief. Yes, she knew Zion had visited the floating city under the pretext of the exchange conference. But he had only stayed for a week. ''In just one week... he brought the entire floating city to heel?'' Adegrifa had maintained its autonomy against two hundred years of imperial pressure. For such a city to submit in such a short time defied belief. Yet the scene unfolding before her eyes forced her to ept this reality. ''Ah, aah...'' The princess''s eyes flickered with dying hope. The precarious bnce of power hadpletely crumbled. ''What can I possibly do now...'' The throne she had yearned for her entire life was slipping beyond reach. Who could have imagined? That the youngest sibling, considered a disgrace to the royal family just a year ago, would now stand just one step from the throne after crushing all his siblings. As Diana internally despaired, ''Time to make a decision, I suppose.'' Zion thought this while watching her. He knew well that no one here couldpete with him anymore. If he wished, he could probably im the throne within the month. But doing so would prevent him frompletely subjugating the other royals and absorbing their forces. ''That would be a massive loss for theing great war.'' Though he had ns for that too, Diana''s fate remained an issue. If left alive, she would likely seek opportunities to rebel even while outwardly submitting. But killing her would provoke bacsh from the entire Fairy Forest. ''If she were aplete enemy or connected to the demon realm, I''d kill her without hesitation...'' Since she wasn''t, the situation remained ambiguous. Deciding to make that decision when he visited the Fairy Forestter, Zion turned his attention to the empire''s highest leaders, who remained silent with uncertain eyes. It was time to proceed with the conference. "If there are no further objections to the floating city''s participation in the Rulers'' Conference, let''s move on to the agenda." With his characteristicallynguid voice, Zion naturally took control of the meeting. The Rulers'' Conference was traditionally led by the empire''s emperor. But with the throne vacant, Zion''s leadership, though merely heir apparent, feltpletely natural to those present. If anything, his presencemanded even more pressure than the previous emperor. "The agenda I''m about to discuss is more important than anything else - now or in the future." Question filled the leaders'' eyes at these words. Unlike previous conferences where the agenda was shared beforehand, Zion had revealed absolutely nothing this time. ''The most important matter... must be about the vacant throne?'' This thought crossed most minds present. The throne remaining empty for months was unprecedented since the empire''s founding. Moreover, with world affairs growing increasingly chaotic, holding the coronation as soon as possible seemed proper. But Zion''s next wordspletely defied their expectations. "Preparation for theing war." "...!" Eyes trembled at these words, far heavier than any discussion of coronation. "War? Against whom..." "You already know." The word ''war'' had nearly vanished since the world''s unification under the Agnes name. Yet one ce still warranted its use. "The demon realm." "Correct." Zion smiled while lightly tapping his armrest. "But hasn''t the demon realm been quiet for the past hundred years?" "Are you deliberately blinding yourself because you don''t want to believe it? Or are you truly that stupid?" Halegrion''s face reddened at Zion''s cutting words. But he couldn''t argue back. He too had felt how unusual recent events were. The nts in the capital and the floating city incident. And though kept quiet, word of the Ascalon family incident had already spread among the empire''s highest circles. "Of course, we know about the recent exposure of demons hiding in the empire and one of the Four Great Demons appearing in the floating city. But preparing for all-out war based just on that seems like an overreaction." Orenon Levathein, head of the Iron Blood Family, carefully spoke up. Despite his family''s reputation for never avoiding battle, even he found the term ''great war'' overwhelmingly heavy. "True, that alone would be an overreaction. However." Zion''s eyes grew cold. "You don''t actually think that''s all there is, do you?" "Are you saying there''s even more than what''s been revealed? Enough to make you consider preparing for all-out war?" Evelyn, who had been silent until now, asked with a grave expression. "Yes, what you know is just the tip of a very small iceberg. Far more remains hidden." "Just how much are we talking about?" "Everything." This single word left Zion''s lips in response to Diana''s question. "What do you mean by everything..." "Exactly what I said. The capital Hubris, the Three External Worlds, every ce in the empire." Shock filled everyone''s eyes except the First Prince, who already knew the gravity of the situation. How many times had they been surprised today? "Then, that means..." "Yes, the empire could fall at any moment." As people reacted with severe agitation to these words, Zion continued calmly. "Furthermore, a hero has already appeared. I trust you understand what this implies." Though revealing everything and beginning war preparations at this stage felt somewhat premature- ''I originally nned to handle this after taking the throne, but...'' The situation was developing too rapidly. The Archdemon of Madness had already witnessed his detection circle, and the demon realm kept moving up their war timeline after sessive n failures. The Archdemon of Jealousy would buy them some time, but that was just temporary. ''The demons within the empire will likely respond soon as well.'' They needed to move first. Hunt before being hunted. Taking the initiative was crucial in any battle. Though the process wouldn''t be easy, anticipation gleamed in Zion''s eyes. The more difficult the situation, the higher the challenge, the greater his enjoyment would be. "But Zion, how do you know all this in such detail?" "Because he''s been fighting them directly all this time." Rubrious answered Evelyn''s question instead of Zion. "While we were blind with personal greed and obsessed with the throne, only Zion fought the demon realm. Countless fierce battles beyond imagination for those who haven''t experienced them." This was why the First Prince hadn''t strongly opposed when Zion asked him to give up the throne and serve under him. He had sensed a nobility in Zion simr to the faith in light that he himself pursued. Evelyn''s eyes trembled more violently than ever at these words. What battles had her brother been fighting alone all this time? ''Zion, you...'' Then, "Can you prove it?" These bitter words left the Fifth Princess''s lips. "Can you prove that the demon realm''s influence has reached the entire empire?" It was a reasonable doubt. The empire''s fate hung in the bnce. Even for a royal, epting one person''s word alone seemed rash. "Proof? I can provide that easily enough." Zion turned to Diana, his tone unchanged. "How will you prove it? And what if you can''t?" The Fifth Princess spewed words like a final struggle. From her position, picking at details was the only way left to shake the situation. "I''ll prove it at the World Competition three days from now. If I fail, I''ll give up my im to the throne." "!!!!!" Everyone''s faces hardened even more than before at Zion''s words. Making such a statement when his ascension seemed assured defiedmon sense. "However, if I do prove it..." Zion continued slowly toward Diana, seemingly unconcerned with the bewildered looks around him. "You''ll have to pay an equal price." His eyes had curved like a faded crescent moon, ominously gleaming.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 202 - World Conference (4) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In an office at the top floor of the Star Pce... "Your Highness Diana..." Halegrion, First Leaf of the World Tree, and Lloyd, captain of the first division of the Igrasia Spirit Corps, watched the Fifth Princess with worried eyes as she stared nkly out the window. Though Diana often gazed out windows lost in thought, this time felt different. Their lord had remained in this state ever since returning from the Rulers'' Conference.Moreover, her eyes had lost their light, appearing almost lifeless. "Have I truly lost all chance of reaching it..." These words slipped from Diana''s lips. Her mind kept reying Zion''s appearance at the Rulers'' Conference. ''It was like seeing Father.'' Not the dying emperor, but one in his prime. No, that wasn''t quite right - Zion''s presence had been even more overwhelming. ''Is the fate of an emperor truly determined from birth?'' Until now, Diana had believed that fate belonged to her. Buttely, she kept thinking that had been an illusion. Along with this realization, her hopes had shrunk to near invisibility. ''All that''s left is to pray he fails the proof...'' The princess sighed at this thought. She hated her current passive position. "I wonder what he''s nning for thepetition?" Zion had dered he would prove the demon realm''splete infiltration of the empire at the uing World Competition. Diana couldn''t begin to guess how her youngest brother nned to aplish this. "And he told everyone to keep it absolutely secret..." These were Zion''s final words to all present before the conference ended. He seemed extremely wary of this information leaking. Then, "Your Highness, may I offer a suggestion?" Halegrion, who had been listening to Diana''s muttering, spoke up. "Go ahead." "I believe Prince Zion made that request because the proof would be extremely difficult if word spread. In that case, what if..." "You don''t mean..." "Yes, as Your Highness has likely already considered - we deliberately leak the information." Halegrion''s voice grew more secretive. "Such shocking news would spread instantly with even the slightest hint. And if that causes Prince Zion to fail his proof..." He would have to forfeit his im to the throne, as promised. "..." Diana continued staring out the window in silence at the fairy''s words. She had indeed considered this approach. ''However...'' This involved the demon realm. The empire''s greatest taboo, especially for the royal family. Leaking this information would not only break that taboo but potentially endanger the entire empire. Deep contemtion filled Diana''s eyes. Then, "I..." Her lips slowly began to move. * * * In the Sinking Star Pce''s reception room. "The World Competition in three days." Zion, visiting after a long while, addressed White me Emperor Ahmad and Blood Tower Master Kerma before him. "Can youplete the detection circle''s refinement by then?" The refined detection circle would y the most crucial role in Zion''s proof at thepetition. He had already witnessed its effectiveness in the floating city. Zion believed that once fully refined, it would perfectly serve his current n. "Ho ho, quite the tight schedule." Ahmad stroked his beard as he replied. Despite his words, his expression remained rxed. "You''ve alreadypleted it, I see." "Indeed. We fortunately found the final piece we needed during its use in Adegrifa. Now we just need to put that piece in ce." Ahmad''s voice carried clear confidence in the refined detection circle. Then, "However, Your Highness, though the refinement isplete, its range remains limited. We''ll likely need a medium to amplify the magic circle''s power to cover your intended area." ?????????? Kerma spoke up beside Ahmad, looking slightly concerned. "Don''t worry about that. I''ve already thought of something." "Pardon?" "Ah, here shees." Zion smiled slightly at Kerma''s questioning look and turned toward the reception room door. "Lady Bamell has arrived." The attendant''s voice came from outside. "I''ll send additional instructions through shadows starting tomorrow." At Zion''s dismissal, Ahmad and Kerma left the reception room, immediately followed by a woman entering. "It''s been a while, Prince Zion." It was Prisci. The noblewoman bowed respectfully to Zion. Though only months had passed, Prisci truly felt like she hadn''t seen Zion in ages. So much had happened since theirst meeting, changing both her and Prince Zion significantly. Moreover, she felt Prince Zion had be almost unreachably distant. Of course, some things remained unchanged. ''Those eyes.'' His gaze still revealed no emotion when looking at her. "Yes, about half a year has passed?" "No, it''s been longer than that." Unlike Zion''s tone, Prisci''s eyes heldplex emotions as she answered. Admiration and fear, reverence and... sympathy. The sympathy particrly confused her, having existed since before. It made no sense to feel such emotion toward Prince Zion, who surpassed her in every conceivable way. But since vaguely learning what Prince Zion fought alone, that feeling had remained carved in her heart. That''s why she wanted to lighten his burden, why she wanted to stand beside him. Though she had epted that was no longer possible. "You''ve worked hard, it seems." Zion smiled slightly as he looked at Prisci and spoke quietly. "...Pardon?" "You''ve grown well." His voice was utterly calm, his praise almost too in. But, Drip. At those words, a tear unconsciously rolled down Prisci''s cheek. This was his first praise since telling her she needed to earn her qualifications. She had truly given everything since then. Training in magic without rest, trying absolutely everything to be useful, all to earn those qualifications. "Hic... hic!" Finally receiving recognition for efforts that had gone unacknowledged until now, she couldn''t stop her tears. "..." Zion quietly waited for Prisci topose herself. After some time passed, "Then... have I earned the right to stand beside you?" Prisci asked, looking at Zion with makeup-smeared face while sniffling. "No, not yet." Zion immediately shook his head. Though he acknowledged her efforts, she still had far to go before standing beside him. As Prisci''s face fell at this, "But being unable to stand beside me doesn''t mean you can''t help me." Zion''s quiet voice continued. "What do you mean..." "The uing World Competition." As he spoke, his lips curved into, "I need you then." What appeared to be an anticipatory smile. * * * The day before the World Competition began. Thest person Zion met was a knight who appeared to be in his early thirties, with emerald hair. His carelessly maintained sword and slightly undone shirt gave him quite a rxed impression. "I never expected Prince Zion to request a meeting with me." The knight''s voice after greeting matched his appearance perfectly. "Pardon my directness, but may I ask your business right away? It wouldn''t be good if word spread about my private meeting with a specific royal." Though quite direct, the words made sense given the knight''s identity. ''Mileion Jeffrey.'' Commander of the Agnes Knights, the world''s strongest knight order, and a sword that moved only for the Emperor. A legendary figure who reached his current position through swordsmanship alone, rated second only to Evelyn Agnes among knights. Though not included among the ''Seven Heavens'' since he had never properly demonstrated his abilities, he was considered strong enough to join them at will. ''Though he showed little activity in the chronicle except near the end since the throne remained vacant...'' Zion had no intention of letting suchbat power go to waste. "I''d like your help this time." Zion answered the direct question just as directly. "Well... as you surely know, we Agnes Knights move only for the empire and emperor. Naturally, even direct imperial bloodline members can''tmand us unless they be emperor." Mileion replied with a troubled expression. "Personally, I''d love to help Your Highness... but rules are rules. Though I know you''re closest to bing the next emperor, you haven''t taken the throne yet." Though longer and more careful than his image suggested, it was still a refusal. But Zion''s expression remained unchanged at his refusal. He had expected this from the start. "Then how about moving for the empire rather than for me?" At Zion''s soft words, "...Pardon?" Confusion filled Mileion''s eyes. * * * The World Competition. One of the events held during the World Conference, it was exactly what its name suggested - apetition where the strongest martial groups from the pce, Five Great Families, Three External Worlds, and other powers gathered to test their abilities. Naturally, its poprity soared sky-high, drawing huge crowds and boasting arger scale than any other event. On this day of the World Competition... "Wow, this is no joke!" From early morning, countless people gathered in the pce''s great training ground, specially opened even to lower nobles during thepetition. "Seems like an even bigger crowd thanst time?" A thick-eyebrowed man nodded in response to the man with a long mustache beside him. "Of course it is. Uniquely this time, even the Agnes Knights who never participate are joining in." "Huh, is that true?" "Absolutely, and their opponents are no less impressive - the Gray Lion Corps, Spirit Corps, Blue ws, and more. Most think this will be the greatestpetition in history." "Haha, hearing that makes me even more excited!" The mustached man couldn''t hide his enthusiasm at the thick-eyebrowed man''s words. "But you know what? I''m actually most looking forward to something else." The thick-eyebrowed man continued in a more secretive tone. "What''s that?" "Prince Zion Agnes." "Ah!" "He was practically imprisoned before with no information avable, and even after bing active this past year, he''s barely appeared in public." The thick-eyebrowed man''s eyes turned to an empty seat among the royals and External World leaders. "Many don''t even know what he looks like. Yet every achievement we hear about is unbelievably impressive. Of course we''re curious." What kind of person was he? Was he the ruthless tyrant rumors suggested? Or somethingpletely different? With word spreading that he was most likely to take the throne next, curiosity only grew stronger. "Now that you mention it, I''m getting curious too. I heard he''s quite handsome..." Before the mustached man could finish- In an instant. It happened in just one instant. The training ground, bustling like a marketce with tens of thousands gathered, fell silent in a single moment. As if someone had thrown cold water over everyone. Step, step. A single set of footsteps echoed through the silence-nketed training ground. As if enchanted, people turned toward the sound and finally saw: Leading the expressionless-masked Twilight Sword members. A man walking into the training ground withnguid eyes. People''s gazes couldn''t break away from him, struck by an alien sensation and pressure they had never experienced before. "That person is..." Just as the thick-eyebrowed man''s trembling voice began- "DIE! AVENGE THIRD PRINCE!" Everyone''s eyes there, including the man who had witnessed something, widened as much as physically possible.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 203 - World Conference (5) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here It happened in an instant. The crowd parted as Zion appeared. In that moment, several men with swords lunged at him from the divided crowd. "For Prince Enoch!" The skills of these screaming men were extraordinary.WHOOSH! The mana burning and condensing around their swords was terrifying enough to surprise onlookers, and their speed left only blurry afterimages. The first man reached striking distance and swung his already-drawn sword without hesitation. Until then, Zion hadn''t moved a muscle, watching the man with his usualnguid eyes. Just as the man''s sword reached right before Zion''s neck- SLASH! A cutting sound rang out. But it wasn''t from Zion''s neck. "...!" It came from the man''s arm beingpletely severed. Where the man''s fallen arm had been, a sword trailing silver light appeared. "How dare you." The sword''s owner was Lucas, leader of the Twilight Sword who had been following behind Zion. With Lucas''s cold whisper, SWISH! The other Twilight Sword members moved at speeds invisible to the eye, dealing with the remaining attackers. "ARGH!" The situation was resolved instantly. Then, THUD. The first man, the only survivor, was forced to his knees before Zion with his neck caught between crossed swords. "What a shame. Just a bit faster and you might have taken my head." Zion smiled slightly as he spoke, meeting the man''s eyes. But everyone watching knew. That Zion''s words weren''t true. "Zion Agnes! You murdered Prince Enoch through cowardly tricks and now shamelessly try to take the throne! Though we failed today, divine punishment will strike you down someday!" "Divine punishment... that would be nice." If the gods could intervene in the world that directly, Zion would have less work to do. After briefly meeting the man''s murderous re, Zion asked in a low voice: "Where are you from?" "We served Third Prince-!" "No, you didn''t." Zion cut off the man''s words with denial. It was Zion''s nature topletely uproot any who bared their fangs at him. This meant thoroughly eliminating everything connected. Therefore, no remnants should remain to attempt something like this. ''Yet these people exist, which suggests a third force.'' Moreover, attempting such an obviously doomed public attack suggested other motives. Perhaps to damage his image, or use this as a trigger to unite those dissatisfied with him. ''Not many would plot something like this now. The most likely among them...'' After briefly considering, one word left Zion''s lips. "Ouroboros." The man''s eyes flickered ever so slightly. The reaction was so subtle even Lucas standing right beside him missed it, but it couldn''t escape Zion''s notice. "I left you alone for the hero''s growth, yet you pull stunts like this." Perhaps sensing something wrong from Zion''s chilling voice? "Heheh, I don''t know what you''re talking about. Ourrades will avenge today." The man forced augh to hide his reaction while activating the explosion magic pre-set near his heart. His eyes gleamed with ecstasy, as if he had approached Zion''s vicinity precisely for this moment. WHOOSH! "Prince Zion, danger!" As the mana light rapidly brightened, Lucas urgently tried to block between Zion and the man. SWISH! The lightpletely vanished as if it had never existed. In its ce, an alien darkness suddenly appeared. "This, this is...!" The man''s eyes trembled in disbelief as he felt his magic instantly disappear. This hadn''t been in any of their ns. What had just happened? "nning to self-destruct? That won''t do. I still need information from you." A sinister smile had appeared on Zion''s face as he quietly addressed the man. "From now on, everything about you will be decided by my will. Including your death." With these final words, Zion walked past the dazed man toward the empty seat of honor. "..." People watched Zion with tight lips and stiff faces. Various emotions flickered in their eyes. ''How could he be so...'' Some showed fear and concern at the emergence of a ruthless tyrant. ''As expected, Prince Zion truly...'' Others admired and rejoiced. Thetter group was farrger. While a benevolent ruler might be ideal in peaceful times, the current world was anything but peaceful. The demon realm, quiet for a hundred years, was stirring again, and the empire was crumbling from constant discord and civil war caused by those pursuing only their own interests. In such times, a benevolent ruler would be poison. Perhaps a ruler with Zion''s ruthless charisma was exactly what the empire needed now. Under these gazes, Zion reached the seat of honor but paused briefly beside Diana. "You didn''t leak the conference details." Zion spoke quietly. "Honestly, I''m surprised. Some conscience left? Or just good instincts?" This had actually been a test Zion set for Diana. A test to decide her fate. Did Diana know? That this choice had slightly increased her chances of survival? "..." Diana only red at Zion''s words without responding. Zion smiled at her once before taking his seat, and- "Let thepetition begin!" With the noble announcer''s cry, the long-awaited World Competition finally started. Despite the earlier incident, it wasn''t serious enough to cancel thepetition, and since Zion had brushed it off- And of course, given his nod of approval to proceed. "WOOOOO!" The World Competition was divided into team and individual matches, with individual matches being more popr. It was a rare chance to fully witness the abilities of top-tier fighters usually hidden from view. Moreover, even the ''Seven Heavens'' asionally appeared in individual matches, naturally driving people wild with excitement. That''s why they always started with team matches. During these team matches, "This is insane! Absolutely insane!" "I know, who knew the level would be this high!" People were already showing reactionsparable tostpetition''s individual matches. At the center of this response were the Agnes Knights, participating for the first time. "They''re breaking through! We can''t-!" CRASH! "ARGH!" They truly lived up to their reputation as the world''s strongest knight order. Even in this gathering of each power''s strongest martial forces, the Agnes Knights'' performance was overwhelming. Their opponents couldn''t even properly counterattack before being mercilessly pushed back and swiftly defeated. This thoroughly demonstrated how the Agnes Knights'' power level differed from other groups. ''And this is without Commander Mileion participating.'' Zion''s eyes gleamed as he watched their performance from the seat of honor. In the chronicle, the Agnes Knights were always just called the strongest without ever properly demonstrating their abilities. Seeing even this portion of their power naturally made him covetous. He almost wanted to change his prepared ns to acquire them faster. ''Though I''ll need to handle that first...'' With this thought, Zion looked at the people unable to tear their eyes from thepetition. No, more precisely, at the demons hiding among them. Had they not yet heard about the floating city incident from above? The demons wearing human disguises had all attended thepetition without exception. ''No, they probably heard but didn''t expect me to move this quickly.'' Who could have predicted? That he would do this immediately upon returning from the floating city to the pce. As Zion''s eyes coldly gleamed while watching the preparations gradually taking shape around the training ground, ''What scheme is he plotting?'' Diana wondered this while watching Zion instead of thepetition. ''Didn''t he say he would prove it during thispetition?'' Yet the only difference from previouspetitions was the Agnes Knights'' participation. How did he n to prove anything? ''Well, I''ll be happy if he can''t...'' But knowing Zion as she did, that seemed impossible. ''Ugh, I hate everything about this.'' The situation, Zion, and herself for not leaking the conference details despite it disadvantaging her. As irritation filled her eyes, "And with this, the team matches areplete!" The announcer''s cry signaled the end of team matches. People''s eyes began sparkling with even greater anticipation. This meant the individual matches would begin. "Now we''ll begin the individual matches... but first, we have an event match!" The announcer''s dramatic pause slightly dampened people''s expectations. But the next moment, those expectations exploded into near-manic excitement. "The event match features none other than the world''s strongest knight and Second of the ''Seven Heavens''! Lion Princess Evelyn Agnes!" A moment of silence. Then, WOOOOOOOOO! An enormous roar iparable to anything before filled the entire training ground. The volume threatened to burst eardrums. It demonstrated the true worth of Evelyn Agnes''s name. "W-what''s going on?" The figures seated in the seats of honor turned toward Evelyn with bewildered voices. Their questioning looks showed they too knew nothing of this. While event matches asionally urred in the World Competition, royal family members rarely participated directly. There was no need, and it offered no benefits. If anything, it was disadvantageous. Moreover, the participant was Evelyn Agnes - both royalty and arguably the empire''s strongest. While the publicity would be enormous, there was no practical benefit. "..." Without responding to anyone, Evelyn rose and slowly walked toward the training ground. Her eyes remained asposed as ever. This was natural. She had requested this match herself. "WOOOOO! LION PRINCESS! LION PRINCESS!" People kept shouting Evelyn''s title. The knights'' reactions were particrly explosive. The strongest knight. A title that made hearts race just hearing it, and its owner stood before their eyes. Evelyn silently epted their reactions as she reached the training ground''s center. Then, as if on cue, the announcer continued: "This unprecedented event match has special rules. The first participant will directly choose their opponent. Therefore, Princess Evelyn will now select her opponent." With these words, taut tension began filling the entire training ground. Who would the ''strongest knight'' - no, this ''Heaven'' who even sought the title of ''empire''s strongest'' - choose as opponent? Sword King Ludwig Ascalon? White me Emperor Ahmad Ozlima? But the Lion Princess''s slowly drawn sword pointed at neither of them. It aimed at the seat of honor. At one man watching her withnguid eyes from the center. "Come forth, Zion." Evelyn''s eyes, containing six - no, now seven brilliant star-lights, zed like mes as she looked up at the emperor who had once devoured the world. Simultaneously, six ck stars began slowly rising in the emperor''s eyes as he smiled back at her.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 204 - The World Conference (6) 204 - The World Conference (6) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here In therge clearing before the Purification Cult''s main branch... An unusual sight unfolded - no, one that should have been impossible. The radical faction members who had practically ruled the Purification Cult were all kneeling respectfully. Before them stood the moderate faction members with triumphant expressions. Though it appeared the radicals had submitted to the moderates, the reality was slightly different.The radicals had submitted not to the moderates but to the woman smiling before them. "What, not going to attack anymore?" This scene hadn''t yed out peacefully from the start. Perhaps because it was their first sight of her in hundreds of years? Hsho and the other radicals had refused to ept that the woman before them, Liushina, was the Witch of a Thousand Killings they worshipped like a god, leading to battle. As soon as fighting began, Liushinaughed madly while mercilessly ughtering cultists with her signature blood magic. Seeing this disy of the "Beast Mother" known only through oral tradition and records, Hsho immediately dropped to his knees begging forgiveness. "No, we apologize for our irreverence in not recognizing Mother immediately! We''vemitted a mortal sin!" R nervously waited for Liushina to say "Then die," but fortunately those words didn''te. "Hmm, at least your instincts are good. I was nning to kill everyone if you kept attacking." Though her follow-up was still chilling. With that, Liushina clicked her tongue as if bored and walked past the kneeling Hsho and radicals toward the main building. Collins quickly fell in beside her. "You created those blood wolves or whatever? Take me to where you keep the data on them." "Of course. Haha, now that Mother has returned, the Purification Cult can finally be unified." Expectation filled Collins''s eyes as he spoke. In truth, both radical and moderate factions pursued the same ultimate goal. They only differed on timing - before or after the witch''s return. Thus, with Liushina''s return, that distinction had essentially lost meaning. "My heart leaps thinking about purifying the world together with Mother." But Liushina''s next wordspletely shattered his expectations. "I''ve no ns for that." "...Pardon? What do you mean? Wasn''t Mother''s goal to purify the world by killing all life on earth?" "Well, I did want to kill everyone, though not quite so grandly. But that''s changed now." "But why..." Bewilderment filled Collins''s eyes. Liushina''s words essentially denied the Purification Cult''s entire reason for existing. But unconcerned, Liushina continued in a calm tone. "My master doesn''t like it." "What? Master? You''re saying there''s someone Mother serves?" Collins''s expression grew even more shocked. "Just who could this per- no, this being be..." "There is. One monster of a person." A monster she couldn''t even imagine defeating. As she recalled a certain man, a refreshingly different smile from before spread across Liushina''s lips. The emperor''s throne was heavy. At least, that''s how Evelyn had seen her father. Understood by no one. Unable to show any weakness. Emotions thoroughly hidden. Always crushing everything else to maintain supremacy. A position more lonely and treacherous than any other. That''s why Evelyn had resolved. To be emperor and shoulder all those burdens herself. To never let anyone else bear that weight. Without letting a single person die. Yet now Zion, who had seemed least connected to it all, was trying to shoulder that burden. "Zion, you won''t be able to bear that seat." That''s why Evelyn needed to know. Whether her youngest sibling, practically her only blood rtion, truly qualified to bear that weight. No, truthfully, she wanted to make him give up even now. She didn''t want to see Zion meet the same miserable end as their father. SWOOSH- The tip of Evelyn''s symbolic Lion Sword Lioner slowly pointed toward Zion. "That''s not for you to judge." Zion coldly answered as he grasped at empty air beside him. "It''s for me to judge." Darkness gathered in his hand, forming into a sword. ''I didn''t expect this situation.'' Zion watched the Second Princess before him while drawing Exia close. Evelyn Agnes. One of the two figures called "Heaven beyond Heaven" among the Seven Heavens, known as the Agnes Empire''s strongest knight. The strength attributed to Evelyn in the chronicle defied imagination. All races, including humans, had limits. In physical ability, mana control, senses, intelligence - everything had uncrossable boundaries. But Evelyn knew no such racial limits. She truly deserved the title of monster. That''s why Evelyn''s battle scenes were among the few parts of the chronicle Zion had found interesting. ''And seven stars at that...'' Not just now but until her death, Evelyn had never broken through the final wall of six stars in Heaven Opposition Power. Yet now seven stars clearly gleamed in her eyes. She had achievedplete seven stars. Whether this resulted from the changed future or some other reason remained unclear. ''Well, this works out.'' Though both Evelyn''s achievement and this match were unexpected, Zion actually considered it fortunate. It would perfectly focus attention here. ''And I''ve wanted to fight her at least once.'' Zion smiled inwardly while watching movements slowly beginning at the training ground''s edges, then pointed Exia''s tip at Evelyn. "Zion, if you defeat me here..." The Lion Princess''s words carried firm resolve, "I''ll give up my im to the throne." Finally, their sh began. With a single step, Evelyn reduced their distance to zero andunched her first strike - a simple vertical sh. A technique even beginners could use. But when wielded by the one called strongest knight, it was different. WHOOSH! Was a meteor falling? Her sword cut down, shattering everything in its path - air, space, all obstacles. ''Direct sh would be disadvantageous.'' Making this instant judgment, Zion''s form ghosted sideways. As Evelyn''s sword barely missed him and struck the ground - BOOM! An enormous shockwave covered the entire training ground, momentarily blinding and deafening everyone. Ignoring the ground cracking from the impact, Zion dove straight into Evelyn''s range. Exia shot toward her neck. Though she couldn''t pull back her sword to block in time, Evelyn didn''t retreat. Instead, she stepped forward. CLANG! Brilliant Heaven Opposition light concentrated at her neck, deflecting Zion''s sword. The power was so dense and mighty that even Zion''s six-star ck Star Force couldn''t instantly negate it. Seizing the initiative again, Evelyn immediately pulled her downward sword into a diagonal upward sh. Unlike before, they were so close her smallest muscle movements were visible - an undodgeable distance. Unable to properly react, Zion''s body was split apart. WHOOSH! The Lion Princess''s sword cleaved through not just Zion but the space behind him, leaving a long line in the air. As observers drew sharp breaths at this sight, SWISH- Zion''s split form scattered and reappeared perfectly intact above Evelyn. Dark Current Transformation. He had nted Soul Extinction earlier during their first sh and used it to move. SCREECH! Exia, now saturated with darkness to its limit, swung down and unleashed hundreds of ck Star Force des toward Evelyn. Night Cutter Application - Scatter. de Rain. A sword techniquepletely different from the condensed form Zion usually used. The Lion Princess calmly watched these des extending toward her and slowly raised her white-light-radiating Lion Sword. Then came the division. First two, then four, then eight... Her sword multiplied exponentially until it covered the entire space, then - CRASH! Completely shattered the rain of des. Evelyn slightly bent her knees while watching the countless shockwaves erupting from this. Her form vanished from that spot and- BOOM! With exploding air, reappeared right before Zion. As the princess''s sword shed with Zion''s Exia, now filled with ck stars along its de- --- --! The entire view began alternating between ck and white. "Whoa..." This sound unconsciously escaped the dazed observers'' lips. The battle unfolding in the training ground''s center. No, could this simply be called a battle? The scene before them was that awe-inspiring. Hearts unconsciously racing and shivers continuously rising! People''s eyes fixed not on Evelyn but on Zion. They knew well. How strong Evelyn Agnes, called the strongest knight, was. So while amazed by her transcendent swordsmanship, they could dismiss it thinking "Well, she is the Lion Princess after all." But Zion was different. ''He''s matching the Lion Princess... evenly?'' Though rumors had spread widely, few present had directly witnessed Zion''s power. So except for those like Ahmad and Ackendelt who had recently fought alongside him, most wore disbelieving expressions. Was this man truly Zion Agnes, who just a year ago had been called the abandoned pureblood and confined to the Sinking Star Pce? Even if true, was such growth possible? It defied belief. It felt like everything they had thought natural about the world was shattering. ''Moreover, that appearance is like...'' As some observers began recalling someone while watching Zion fight, ''Strong.'' Zion thought this while continuing to sh with Evelyn. As expected of one who approached the title of strongest even in the chronicle. The Lion Princess''s strength exceeded his expectations. ''Is it because she reached seven stars?'' More faithful to fundamentals than anyone while simultaneously more skilled than anyone. Though contradictory, these words perfectly suited Evelyn. Perfect and wless. Every ordinary strike carried killing power, and her defense was like an imprable fortress wall. Like watching a fortress of unified offense and defense. "Taking the throne." Evelyn''s subdued voice flowed as she split Zion''s ck Star darkness with Heaven Opposition light, as if ignoring type advantages. "Means bearing the heaviest burden alone." Her offensive grew fiercer. The barely maintained power bnce began cracking as advantage shifted toward her. "And no one will understand you." CRASH! Wounds began appearing one by one on Zion''s body as the situation grew urgent. Zion knew. That continuing like this could lead to defeat. But it was too early to give up. ''This is manageable.'' One thing. There was one thing where Zion held absolute advantage over the Lion Princess before him. "You know what?" SCREECH! Zion smiled coldly at Evelyn who red at him from sword-locked close range where their breaths mingled. "I was never understood to begin with." "...!" As Evelyn''s eyes wavered, sensing something in that smile - CLASH! Zion''s sword began to change.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 205 - The Proof (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here ''If this world were a novel, Second Princess would have been the protagonist.'' These words came from Mileion Jeffrey, Evelyn''s sword instructor and Agnes Knightsmander, when someone once asked about her. ''While her high Heaven Opposition achievement is one of her strengths, her greatest advantage would be her sword sense. Princess Evelyn''s sword sense exists in a realm so distant even I can''t reach it. It''s as if... yes, as if the world bestowed upon her the fate of being the "peak of swordsmanship."'' When asked if anyone could potentially defeat Princess Evelyn with a sword in the future, the empire''s sword replied: ''No. At least not in this world.''* * * Seven stars in Heaven Opposition Power. An incredible realm reached by only one previous Agnes emperor, its power was truly unimaginable. But seven stars held additional special meaning. Transcendence of mortal limits. Though not reaching semi-divinity, seven stars in Heaven Opposition Power allowed one to recognize and slightly influence the cycles of reincarnation and fate. Thus, the difference between six and seven stars was like that between heaven and earth - practically a world apart. However, Evelyn''s current advantage wasn''t solely due to this difference. Even with higher achievement, Heaven Opposition Power was essentially an inferior version of the ck Star Force. What closed this gap was her monstrous sword sense. Though disadvantaged inpatibility, her output naturally exceeded the achievement difference, and her sword utilization allowed this output advantage to shine. ''Until now, that is.'' With this thought, Zion smiled slightly and coldly watched the Lion Princess''s approaching sword. If his opponent wagered on pure swordsmanship rather than star power, he would match that approach. With this thought, Zion''s sword tip extended in apletely different way than before, lightly touching the approaching de''s surface. At that moment, BOOM! A massive shockwavepletely incongruous with that light contact erupted, sending the Second Princess''s sword flying in an odd direction. "...!" Evelyn''s eyes wavered. ''What was that?'' He had perceived and precisely countered with his sword tip the minute point of reversal in her light-speed sh. ''A coincidence?'' But in the immediately following sh, Evelyn realized it wasn''t coincidence. WHOOSH! Zion''s sword moved in a strange curve, perfectly twisting her sword''s path once again. ''How is this possible?'' CLANG! Evelyn barely blocked Zion''s sword as it shot toward the opening, her eyes filling with even greater surprise. Something iprehensible even to her, who had absolute confidence in swordsmanship, was happening before her eyes. And her shock continued. CRASH! From those two shes onward, all her sword strikes began to be blocked. Like swimming through deep water. Zion''s sword moved slowly, splitting the air. His sword preempted all her attack paths,pletely preventing her absolute sword sense from shining. An unbelievable sight even as they watched. The advantage that had been tilting toward Evelyn gradually began reversing. ''It''s as if he knows every technique I''m going to use...'' Her thought was somewhat urate. ''Here, she''ll most likely sh diagonally right.'' CLANG! Zion''s now-darkened eyes saw how Evelyn would move next. His absolute advantage over her was knowledge of his opponent. In the past, Zion had used "Chronos''s Five Questions" to borrow Evelyn''s time. Though that time was brief and he could no longer use that power, all her sword techniques, patterns, andbat vision he had perceived then remained perfectly preserved in his mind. ? SWISH! His frantically elerated thoughts used this to calcte the optimal paths to block her sword, making it seem to Evelyn like he could see the future. Moreover, unlike Zion, Evelyn knew nothing about her opponent. "Insane..." Some knights watching the battle''s evolving nature muttered in disbelief. They shared one trait - all were skilled enough to properly grasp the royals''bat. Thus they could see. "Princess Evelyn is... being pushed back?" Lion Princess Evelyn Agnes. The person who best embodied the words "peak" and "perfection" in the world. While politics and strategy might be different, in martial matters, the Second Princess losing to anyone was unimaginable. Yet before their eyes, she was losing the advantage. "How is this possible..." To Zion - not even another ''Seven Heaven'', but someone who had only had rumors of strength without ever properly demonstrating martial power. Beyond unbelievable, it defiedmon sense. Simultaneously, they had to acknowledge. Prince Zion had clearly be one of the empire''s representative strongest. Unlike these knights, ''To think he''d grow this much.'' Evelyn feltplex emotions watching Zion gradually push her back. While amazed and d her youngest sibling, who once couldn''t protect his own life, had grown so strong, she felt sorrow that she might not be able to stop him from taking the throne. ''I really wanted to stop him from bearing that burden...'' Her mind recalled their father Urdios''s final moments, dying miserably while gasping for breath, and her siblings'' cold eyes showing no sorrow or affection as they watched their emperor. "Zion... must you truly take the throne?" Perhaps knowing she would lose at this rate? CLASH! Her sword strikes grew sharper with these words. But, "I think I made my intention clear enough at the session ceremony." Since this didn''t address the fundamental issue, the battle showed no major change. Her movements grew increasingly erratic and her Heaven Opposition Power''s flow became irregr. Finally, CRASH! Even her fortress-like defense shattered. As the word "defeat" arose in Evelyn''s mind- "Let''s stop here." SWISH- Zion stopped right before her and spoke while sheathing Exia. A sudden action no one expected. "Why suddenly..." Zion smiled slightly at Evelyn, who looked at him with bewildered eyes at this iprehensible action, and continued: "The preparations for proof areplete." The fundamental reason Zion had epted this duel. At these words, Evelyn and others felt something strange and looked around, their eyes trembling. "Why are they..." When had they appeared? Babel, Ozlima''s representative force and strongest magic corps. The floating city''s Light Watchers and Blue ws tribe. The Twilight Sword and... even the Agnes Knights. The empire''s highest martial forces surrounded the training ground like a siege. Question filled people''s faces at this situation withpletely unfathomable intent. "Begin." WHOOSH! Ignoring this, at Archmage Ahmad''smand, a translucent barrier created jointly by Babel and the Light Watchers began perfectly covering the entire training ground. What was happening? Amid the confusion at this strange sight, several magicians noticed something odd about the barrier, filling their eyes with bewilderment. ''Why...'' Unlike normal formations, impact defense spells densely carved on the barrier''s inside. It seemed designed not to defend against outside attacks but to prevent escape from within. Then, "For the past hundred years." A low voice echoed through the training ground. Though very soft, it reached the ears of everyone attending thepetition clearly. People''s heads naturally turned toward this ominous yet mesmerizing voice. There stood Zion. "The empire has enjoyed peace." Zion continued slowly while naturally epting their gazes. "The demon realm was quiet, and nothing else could break Agnes and the empire''s fortress." Perfect peace maintained through absolute power logic. At least on the surface. "However, that peace was a lie from the start." Even the armistice with the demon realm, the foundation of peace, was false. "The demon realm never stopped their invasion of the empire for even a moment. They merely changed methods. So secretively that no one could notice..." Zion''s gaze scanning the people in the training ground stopped precisely on the demons hidden among them. "And meticulously." His eyes curved simultaneously. "Prince Zion! What are you saying..." "The empire." One of the demons wearing human disguise cried out urgently, seemingly sensing danger, but Zion''s chilling voice cleanly cut off their words. "Failed to notice this new invasion method. Thus demons infiltrated everywhere, and because of this, it crumbled. Slowly, during the hundred years you thought were peaceful." A truth they didn''t want to face yet had to face. "So I will cut out these rotting wounds." Every single one, without exception. To prevent the empire he established from rotting and copsing further. Was this the signal? WHOOSH! Together with arge-scale joint spell cast by the newly appearing Blood Tower mages, an enormous magic circle glowing blood-red began inscribing itself across the entire training ground sky. As people''s eyes wavered at this soul-shaking light - Step, step. As if this wasn''t the end, one more person appeared. A woman walking to the training ground''s center and chanting spells with firm resolve gleaming in her crimson eyes. It was Prisci. WHOOSH! As her spellpleted, something crimson burst from her entire body, instantly shot upward, and merged into the entire magic circle. The magic circle began glowing even brighter. "From today, the empire." Zion spoke while keeping his gaze fixed not on thepleting magic circle but on the still-hidden demons, reaching toward empty air on his right. SWISH- What appeared in his hand wasn''t Exia. A long spear with pitch-ck body covered in strange engraved characters. The Dragon Rage Spear Agdravar. RUMBLE! The dark spear emitted a low resonance as if pleased to be called after so long. Zion slowly drew back Agdravar. "Will eliminate all demons present here." The spear tip aimed at the enormous magic circle inscribed in the sky. "And begin preparing for war with the demon realm." Previous Emperor Urdios''s final words brushed past Zion''s ears and- CRACK! As theunched Agdravar struck the magic circle''s exact center - BOOM! Finally, hell opened in the world and hidden truths began to emerge.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! 206 - The Proof (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Screams and explosions filled the air. At the southwestern outskirts of the demon realm... "Now." Several figures using stealth magic and presence-concealing formations swiftly passed by the demons locked in fiercebat between two camps. It was ire Frosimar and her hero party."How much further do we need to go?" Elysis the Saintess nervously asked ire, concerned about heading deeper into demon territory while the war between Archdemons intensified rather than escaping. "Weren''t we looking for some temple? Seems like we''re almost there." Before ire could answer, Rain pointed her chin toward whaty ahead. True to her words, a gray building that appeared to be a temple was graduallying into view on the horizon. "That''s right, we need to get inside." ire nodded and increased her pace. "What are we seeking there?" "A divine artifact." ire immediately answered Turzan''s question with those two words. Though brief, they carried immense weight. One of the divine artifacts - items that held the highest rank even among mythical-grade weapons -y within. Moreover, this divine artifact was the most important key ire needed to obtain from the demon realm. ''Before regression, I only knew its location but never managed to get it.'' Things might have been different if she had obtained it then. In truth, even ire didn''t know the artifact''s exact nature. Only that it was a sword once wielded by one of the five kings who served the Eternal Emperor Aurelion, known as the Divine de. ''Though I don''t understand why such an item exists this deep in demon territory.'' As far as ire knew, the demon realm appeared after the Eternal Emperor''s death. Perhaps there was some untold history? ire pushed the question from her mind. Spection was pointless, and right now she needed to focus solely on obtaining the divine artifact. "Moving in immediately. Prepare forbat." ire spoke calmly while gazing at the massive temple now directly before them. Following her words, herpanions'' forms vanished into the temple as if being pulled inside, their eyes hardened with determination. --- The crack from Agdravar striking the magic circle''s center instantly spread to its edges. Then- SCREECH! A massive eye emerged from within the split magic circle. As its blood-red pupil moved to illuminate everyone gathered in the training ground- CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! The world turned red as demons who had hidden their true forms for years or decades finally began shedding their human disguises. SHRIEK! Grotesque screams filled the training ground along with nauseating demonic energy. Then- "Eliminate them all." At this coldmand, the forces surrounding the training ground began moving as one. BOOM! The arena transformed into chaos as sword strikes and magic spells rained down. Though some demons revealed themselves among the surrounding martial groups, nearby members swiftly eliminated them before continuing their advance. "These devils killed our families andrades and stole their lives. Show no mercy!" SLASH! Meanwhile- "W-what''s happening..." Those who hadn''t known about this beforehand remained frozen, staring nkly at the battlefield. This included most of those seated in the seats of honor. "P-Princess Diana..." Diana didn''t respond to Halegrion''s trembling voice. No, she couldn''t respond. The shocking scene before her hadpletely seized her consciousness. "What is this..." Hell. This was hell. People who had beenrades moments ago transformed into demons, only to be cut down by otherrades. Blood and flesh flew as human and demon screams mixed together. Was this how the First Great War began? The Fifth Princess thought it must have started simrly. "I never imagined it would be this extensive..." True, Diana hadn''t believed Zion''s words were entirely false. He had always been meticulous and thorough. But she had expected perhaps dozens of hidden demons at most... The scene before her far exceeded such expectations. ''Could it really be...!'' CRUNCH! As she clenched her fist tightly, recalling Zion''s words from the Rulers'' Conference- "RAAAAH!" Several people seated in the seats of honor began transforming into demons with bestial roars. Given their vast influence over the empire, only powerful demons could have disguised themselves as such important figures, which was why they had resisted revealing themselves until now. Of course, that made no difference to their fate. "Light, grant me the power to strike down this evil." "Like rats, hiding everywhere truly." CRACKLE! The First Prince and Ackendelt moved immediately, beginning to eliminate them all. Meanwhile- ''Was it originally like this?'' Zion stood in the training ground''s center, looking up at the massive eye spreading red light from the sky. He remembered the detection circle being described differently in the chronicle. It seemed the refinements had altered its form. ''Seems like the Blood Tower''s style.'' Given how effective it was, he supposed their aesthetic preferences deserved some respect. With that thought, Zion turned his attention to the rapidly diminishing number of demons. Though this incident had revealed far more demons than ever before, and of higher caliber, they were being ughtered without managing any real resistance. The reason was simple. "You worthless human scum... ARGH!" CRUNCH! Zion''s preparations had been equally overwhelming. Six of the highest-ranking martial forces and three Heaven-ss experts. It was no exaggeration to say the empire''s core military strength had gathered here. ''This should eliminate about half the demons in the imperial pce and capital.'' Zion thought this while ncing at Celphia steadily gaining experience fighting demons in one corner of the training ground. Having decided to properly prepare for war, he intended to cut out all demons in the capital as quickly as possible. He had already nned exactly how to hunt down the remaining half. Then- "ZION AGNES! CURSED AGNES BLOODLINE!!" With this enraged cry, several nearby demons charged at him. Each was around or just below Hanosral''s level - extraordinarily powerful. But they never reached Zion. SLASH! Countless lines appeared across the charging demons'' bodies. As brilliant starlight exploded from those lines- SCREECH! The demons'' bodies, split into dozens of pieces, fell to the ground. "Zion." Then- "Is this truly... the empire''s hidden truth that we never knew?" Evelyn, who had created that scene, asked Zion in a dazed voice. Her eyes still trembled widely, deeply shocked. "No, more precisely..." Meeting the Second Princess''s gaze with steady eyes, Zion reached to his side. CRACK! A breaking sound came from what appeared to be empty air. "Gu-guh!" Btedly, a demon appeared there, caught by the throat in Zion''s grip. It had tried approaching stealthily from a blind spot while attention was diverted, only to be caught. CRACKLE! "It''s the truth you''ve been averting your eyes from." Zion crushed the demon''s head without hesitation, then smiled at Evelyn as he continued. "I truly never..." As the Second Princess hung her head with a self-loathing expression- WHOOSH! One of the rapidly diminishing demons broke away and charged toward the seats of honor. "Damn it, damn it all!" Rom the demon cursed while pouring all his power into speed. What was happening in the training ground had beenpletely unexpected. Or more precisely, he hadn''t expected it to happen so soon. ''It''s only been three days since we received word from above that Zion Agnes had found a way to identify us!'' When had he prepared all this? They had tried fighting at first but werepletely outmatched. The surprise attack was devastating enough, but the difference in power was simply overwhelming. White me Emperor Ahmad Ozlima and Sword King Ludwig Ascalon. Agnes Knights Commander Mileion Jeffrey and now Evelyn Agnes joining the fray. ''The World Conference itself was a trap!'' Moreover, their side had lost all coordination with the elimination of the Five Great Demon Generals who had served as their leadership in the capital. Though Rom and some others had tried taking their ce, it wasn''t enough. Facing this crisis in such circumstances, proper resistance was impossible. They had desperately tried taking nearby humans hostage to buy time, but it was useless. Reflecting Zion Agnes''s nature, the imperial forces simply swept through without concern. ''I need to escape quickly.'' With this thought, Rom looked toward the area behind the seats of honor. Whether by mistake or an unavoidable weak point, the barrier surrounding the training ground had two weak spots, one of them behind the seats of honor. ''There are monsters in human form in the seats too... but if I''m prepared for grave injury, I should be able to break through.'' In truth, Rom thought this was his best option even if it meant nearly fatal wounds. Reaching the other weak point would require passing by Zion Agnes. The architect of all this - a monster among monsters who inspired terror at mere thought. His instincts whispered that going that way meant certain death. After nervously ncing toward Zion, Rom turned back to the now-close seats of honor. ''First, quickly get past the Fifth Princess.'' SCREECH! Overwhelming demonic energy gathered in the demon''s right hand. "Ah...!" Diana''s eyes filled with panic as she noticed Rom. Normally she could handle a demon of this level alone, but she was still stunned by the shock of what Zion had revealed. She couldn''t react in time, despite btedly activating Heaven Opposition Power and spirit arts. The demon''s hand, dripping with dark red demonic energy, was already reaching for her. ''Toote...!'' As despair and urgency filled Diana''s face- SLASH! A sword burst through the demon''s mouth from behind. "Gu-guh!" A de ck as if it could devour all light in existence. SPLAT! Blood from the demon sttered across Diana''s face. Behind the falling demon stood a man holding that pitch-ck sword. Wearing a ck uniform matching his sword, with snow-white skin, he smiled coldly at her stunned expression. Then from his lips came- "Is this proof enough?" That ice-cold voice that seemed almost likeughter.Toggle New Ads Enjoy the chappy! Please give the book a rating and a review on NovelUpdates. It helps the website and helps people find this novel! If you''d like to make a one-time donation to support our trantions or subscribe to read up to 15 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi. Click here! 207 - Internal Cleanup (1) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here After Diana failed to counter Zion''s question and lowered her head weakly, the chaotic battle in the training ground quickly concluded. "How could demons exist so brazenly in the heart of the imperial pce!" Along with Zion''s existing forces, others who had regained their senses joined the battle, ughtering demons as if making up for their previous inaction. In truth, the demon realm never stood a chance even without their help. Zion had been meticulous, considering every variable and deploying overwhelming force."We must spread word of this! If we break through the barrier''s weak point and esca- GURK!" CRUNCH! Creating weak points in the barrier had been part of Zion''s n to herd the demons together for mass elimination. Though the battle ended decisively, the Agnes Empire waspletely upended afterward. Thanks to the tens of thousands who attended the World Competition, news of what happened in the training ground instantly spread beyond the capital to the entire empire, shocking its citizens. "Is that really true?" "How could this happen!" The peace maintained under the Agnes name for a hundred years was crumbling. No, it would be no exaggeration to say it had already copsed. The number of demons revealed at the World Competition far exceeded people''s imagination. The chaos only intensified since many high-ranking nobles who participated in the Agnes Conference were among them. "Could there be some even around us..." Suspicion spread like wildfire. Realizing demons could be anywhere, people began doubting their colleagues and even family members, spreading intense tension throughout the empire. Naturally, the World Conference proceedings following thepetition fell apart. "From now on, investigate anyone in the family with even slightly unclear backgrounds or sudden personality changes." As soon as the World Conference ended, the gathered leaders hurriedly returned to their domains to begin reorganizing, while the Three External Worlds'' leaders rushed back as well. ? If this many demons existed in the imperial capital''s heart, they must surely be in their own territories too. While the entire empire descended into suspicion and chaos- "They say he''s dered war. Well, preparation for war to be precise." Zion''s deration of war preparations against the demon realm at the World Competition remained the hot topic. Though it was just a deration from a royal without the throne, making it technically ineffective, things were different when that royal was Zion Agnes. After all, he was closest to bing the next emperor. Moreover, his support had naturally skyrocketed after he not only predicted this situation but reversed it to annihte the demons. Though he could have enjoyed that attention and taken a break after sessfully concluding such a major incident, Zion instead moved even more swiftly afterward to root out the remaining demons in the capital. ''I''ll eliminate them all before they can recognize and respond to this.'' Had he identified them all in advance? Using knowledge from the chronicle and two top-tier intelligence organizations, Zion''s movements exceeded imagination as he systematically destroyed the hidden demons. This internal cleanup was essential preparation for war, making it one of the most crucial elements requiring attention. The Fifth Princess visited the busy Zion not long after. "You''re still staying here? You could move to arger pce now." Diana''s eyes were deeply sunken as she spoke after taking a sip of coffee Fredo had brought to the reception room. She had likely lost sleep from the countless thoughts and concerns filling her mind. ''To think I''d end up visiting this ce.'' A bitter smile crossed her lips at this thought. Just earlier this year, she had received Zion in her own office. The reversed situation now unavoidably soured her mood as it reflected her current position. "I like it here." Zion briefly answered while studying Diana. A silent question about her purpose. After watching him with wavering eyes for a moment, the Fifth Princess slowly spoke. "First, I want to know if there was truly no exaggeration or lies in what you said at the Rulers'' Conference and World Competition." "Are you being foolish? Or deliberately blinding yourself in denial?" Zion''s voice dripped with scorn. "What? How dare you..." "I find it strange you''d ask such questions after seeing everything at thepetition." "..." Diana fell silent. She couldn''t counter his words. In truth, she already knew the answer to her question. She had only asked to try steadying her wavering heart with certainty. "Sigh... Perhaps you''re right." After closing and opening her eyes once as if organizing her thoughts, Diana spoke to Zion again. "What do you want aspensation for the proof?" This was why she had visited Zion today. They had wagered on Zion''s proof at the previous Rulers'' Conference, and having lost, it was time to pay up. "Do you want me to give up my im to the throne?" "No, I want something else. That has little value to me." Diana bit her lip at his words. Though deeply insulting, they were also true. Her youngest brother before her could probably ascend to the throne by himself if he wished, without anyone''s help. Saying she wasn''t evenpetition. "Then what exactly..." Zion''s next words werepletely unexpected. "When I visit the Fairy Forest, arrange for me to enter the ''Forbidden Area.''" "What? You mean the ''Cradle of the World Tree''?" The Cradle of the World Tree. The Fairy Forest''s deepest forbidden area that only the "Leaves" chosen by the World Tree could enter - a ce even emperors couldn''t ess without being chosen. "Why would you want to..." The Fifth Princess''s eyes filled with confusion at this strange request. Though the Cradle was extremely important to fairies, it had nothing to do with Zion. There was nothing for a human like him to gain there either. She couldn''tprehend his intention at all. But Zion had his reasons that she didn''t know. ''It should still be there.'' Inside the Cradley something Zion himself had left behind when he was the Eternal Emperor. ''I''ll obtain that, reach seven stars, and take the Fairy Forest as well.'' Zion''s eyes began to gleam as he considered this. --- "I knew that crazy bastard would cause trouble someday... but this big? And at this timing no less!" In the abyss of the demon realm''s depths, Acrimosia, Archdemon of Madness, vented her frustration to the deep voice seated before her. Of course, the "crazy bastard" she referred to was Zeloth, Archdemon of Jealousy. "Calm down. Getting worked up won''t change anything." The deep voice spoke while watching the strange sight of Acrimosia, called Madness, calling someone else crazy. "We need to minimize damage while ending this war. Sigh... To think we''d have to deal with this when the great war is about to begin." "Can''t we bring Jealousy back to our side?" "Why ask when you know it''s impossible? You knew too. That bastard was always looking for an opportunity. He''d probably try to overthrow even the King if given the chance." The Archdemon of Madness sneered at the deep voice''s words. It was Zeloth''s nature to never be satisfied and feel jealous of everything. Such a being would never willingly return to their side. "It''s best not to hesitate cutting off problematic sprouts. Since things havee to this, we should both move at once and crush him as quickly as possible." "...Is that really our only option." As the deep voice muttered with regret at Acrimosia''s words- "We have an emergency!" "What is it now!" Acrimosia snapped at the subordinate demon who had been visiting increasingly oftentely. "Has Zeloth made a move himself?" "N-no, it''s not that. It''s about the empire." "The empire? What happened?" "Most of the demons under the Five Great Demon Generals in the capital have been eliminated." Both Archdemons'' eyes began trembling violently. --- In the Sinking Star Pce''s training ground. SLASH! CLANG! CLANG! A man and woman crossed swords there, facing each other. It seemed to be the Ascalon family''s style of qi-less sparring, as no mystical qualities could be felt from their exchange. After the match continued for some time- CLANG! With a clear sound, one of the two swords flew upward. Seizing that opening, Zion''s de pointed at his opponent''s throat. "...I''ve lost, Zion." After briefly looking at the sword at her throat, Evelyn shook her head and sheathed her weapon. The reason for their current sparring was simple. A few hours ago, Evelyn had visited the Sinking Star Pce to finish their interrupted duel from thepetition, and Zion had epted. But unlike before, this matchcked intensity. Not only was it qi-less sparring, but Evelyn herself, who had requested it, couldn''t focus. "You''ve truly grown so much. Iparably more than before." The Second Princess''s eyes held even moreplex emotions than Diana''s during her earlier visit. "Thanks to the millennial ogre heart from before." Evelyn smiled faintly at Zion''s words before continuing. "Word of the coronation ceremony is spreading." Of course, this referred to the imperial throne. "It had been mentioned asionally before... but after what happened at thepetition, it''s fully surfaced. Given these chaotic times, they probably think the throne can''t remain empty any longer." Evelyn also knew which royal was being discussed for the ceremony. The very person before her - Zion. She paused, looking at him. Her eyes held both affection and concern. After silence stretched for some time- "Take the throne." These shocking words finally left her lips. This wasn''t said impulsively. It came after thousands, no, tens of thousands of moments of consideration. The events at this World Conference had made Evelyn realize. That she truly knew nothing. That she had only seen the empire''s superficial peace, never even trying to uncover the shocking truths beneath. Therefore, Evelyn believed she wasn''t qualified for the throne. Moreover, she believed Zion needed to be emperor to truly protect the empire. Only her brother. Only Zion Agnes. Because he alone had grasped all these truths and confronted them. ''Though I thought he couldn''t bear the throne''s heavy burden...'' Zion was already shouldering an even greater burden alone. When had her eternally weak little brother, who always followed her calling her "sister," grown so much? ''Perhaps now I can truly rely on him...'' With this thought and a gentle smile, Evelyn repeated her words to Zion with firm resolve: "Zion, please take the throne." 208 - Internal Cleanup (2) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "So you''re giving up your im to the throne?" After watching Evelyn briefly, this question left Zion''s lips. The Second Princess nodded. "Yes, I never once thought the throne suited me. I was willing to shoulder that burden since there was no one else qualified, but now that''s no longer necessary." Because she had finally found someone worthy of bearing that burden.From Evelyn''s description of the throne as a burden, Zion could tell she truly had no lingering attachment. ''Even in the chronicle, Evelyn cared more about her family''s safety and the empire''s stability than the throne.'' Pursuing the throne had merely been a means to that end. "From what I can tell, Rubrious already seems to be on your side... In that case, I rmend holding the coronation ceremony and ascending to the throne as soon as possible. Given the current situation." Evelyn continued calmly while looking at Zion. "Of course, Diana and the Fairy Forest will oppose it, but you''re now strong enough to ignore that level of resistance." "I''ll think about it." Though he answered this way, Zion nned to dy his coronation until after visiting the Beast Sea and Fairy Forest. That timing felt optimal to him. "Very well, then I''ll wish you luck from afar." With these words, Evelyn turned and began leaving the training ground as if her business was done. Though she had given up a goal pursued nearly her entire life, her expression showed relief rather than bitterness. "Afar? You''re leaving the imperial pce?" "I need to go to the demon realm border. There''s unfinished business from myst regr patrol. I n to conclude it this time." At that moment, Zion''s eyebrows twitched slightly as he watched Evelyn''s retreating back. ''Is it already that time?'' His eyes grew cold with this thought. There was a reason for Zion''s reaction. ''ording to the chronicle, the Second Princess never returns from this border patrol.'' Because she meets her death there. The world contained something called coercive force. A type ofpulsion making events flow as originally destined. Therefore, history didn''t change easily even when recognizing and trying to twist the future. This exined why events simr to the chronicle kept urring despite Zion causing numerous incidents that could each shake the entire empire. Thus this incident would likely follow the chronicle too. Unless Zion intervened himself. ''I''ll need to change my schedule.'' It seemed he would have to visit the demon realm border before the Fairy Forest and Beast Sea. ''Though I need to handle this first.'' With that thought, Zion turned his attention from the now-vanished Evelyn to Thierry, who had approached silently. "We''ve obtained information about Ouroboros''s headquarters." The Shadow''s leader bowed his head and spoke quietly. "Tell me." Some things could be left alone without much inconvenience, yet would still somehow be irritating. Ouroboros was such an existence to Zion, which was why he nned to uproot thempletely this time. He had intended to deal with them before the great war anyway. "By interrogating the member Your Highness captured earlier andbining our gathered intelligence, we''ve narrowed it down to three locations. However, we''ll need more time to identify the exact one. They''re hidden more secretly than expected..." ? Zion''s eyes sank deep in thought at these words. ''With Evelyn''s death approaching, I don''t have much time to spare on Ouroboros.'' Yet he couldn''t utilize knowledge from the chronicle either. Even in the chronicle, Ouroboros''s headquarters location remained unknown. That left only one option. "We''ll have to spread bait and make them reveal themselves first." As Thierry received instructions from Zion, slight confusion filled his eyes. "But Your Highness... mightn''t Ouroboros ignore this bait?" "They''ll have to take it. They''re the desperate ones, not us." Zion had reason for such certainty. The sessive losses of "Frost Queen''s Authority fragments" and resulting n failures. Moreover, their central branch and various capital branches had been destroyed, and Sharin May, one of their executives, had died. Yet despite such sacrifices, they had achieved almost nothing. ''The attack during thepetition was probably a hastily arranged n to divert attention, thinking I would move to eliminate them soon.'' Of course, thatplete failure had only worsened their situation, making proper judgment impossible. ''They must be desperate for meaningful results.'' With such impaired judgment, it would be nearly impossible to spot the 1% falsehood Zion had hidden within 99% truth. ''Though since they''ll need to move secretly before taking the bait, I can''t use well-known martial groups or figures...'' He needed people. Specifically, people both little-known and overwhelmingly powerful. As Zion mentally sorted through potential operatives, his eyes suddenly gleamed. "Speak of the ogre and it appears." As Zion smiled saying this, his eyes fell upon- "Master High!!!" A woman happily waving while approaching from the training ground''s edge. --- "Ah, this is really fucking annoying." As these low words left Archdemon of Madness Acrimosia''s lips- RUMBLE! The surrounding space began crumbling in response. Unlike usual, the deep voice seated before her didn''t try stopping her. "Things are gettingplicated." Even they found this situation extremely irritating. "Maybe I should''ve just killed him when we met before." Acrimosia was referring to Zion Agnes. The cause of their anger and currently their second biggest concern after the Archdemon of Jealousy. "That one person has derailed far too many things." From the fallen angel n to the imperial pce, Lezero, and nts. And now even their great war preparations were in crisis. "I hear he''s even dered preparation for war against us." "Though it was inevitable, I never expected things to progress this quickly." "The situation is developing more urgently than anticipated. It seems the empire can no longer remain passive. They''ll need to take action soon." "Hmm..." As Acrimosia pondered with folded arms at the deep voice''s words, her eyes suddenly lit up as if recalling something. "How about this? Before the war starts, let''spletely clear out the border area first. Isn''t that force the most troublesome right now? We don''t need to be cautious anymore." "That''s a good idea, but given the timing, they''re probably more alert than usual. Mediocre forces won''t be enough." "Then we just need forces that aren''t mediocre." "You can''t mean... sending one of the Great Demon level?" "Exactly!" The Archdemon of Madness snapped her fingers. "That level would certainly handle any variables. But don''t you and I need to deal with Jealousy?" "We still have one spare hand." With a grin at the deep voice''s words, a single word left Acrimosia''s lips: "Pride." --- On a deserted outer road of the capital Hubris. In the surrounding bushes, over ten people dressed entirely in ck were secretly hidden. "Check your stealth and presence-concealing formations, then standby." Richt, their leader and an executive of Ouroboros, quietly instructed his subordinates while fixing his gaze on the road''s end. He was here because of recently obtained intelligence. Top-secret information that their information department, rivaling the empire''s highest-ranking information guild, had obtained at great sacrifice. ''ording to the intel, a top-grade magical engineering core with output matching the floating city''s suspension core is being transported to the imperial pce along this route.'' For preparations for the uing great war. Ouroboros had moved to steal the core as soon as they obtained this intelligence, which was why Richt was here now. ''If we detonate this core in the capital''s center, we could achieve the same effect as the "Frozen Night" n we couldn''t execute before.'' Truly devastating power. ''We must seed.'' Richt''s eyes grew cold with this thought. This theft could instantly make up for the organization''s recent failures and numerous member sacrifices. That''s why he hade personally. ''Plus we can strike a blow against him.'' He recalled one particr person. Zion Agnes. The one who had cornered his organization and their number one target for elimination. If this n seeded, they could not only destroy half the capital but also severely damage Zion Agnes''s war preparations. ''We''vepleted every possible preparation. Now we just wait for their arrival.'' The possibility of this being a trap never crossed Richt''s mind. They had already verified the intelligence dozens of times before moving and confirmed no ambushes within a certain radius, all to prepare for potential traps. Moreover, they had even confirmed that the core had disappeared from its secure storage in the floating city''s first-ss magic workshop. Then- "They''reing." A subordinate whispered to him. Looking in the direction indicated, Richt saw several magical cars rapidly approaching. "Therge car in the center carries the core. Target that one." Richt crouched lower, feeling the magical core detector in his pocket vibrating softly. VROOM! As the approaching magical cars finally passed through the road between their hidden bushes- "Now." At Richt''s coldmand- BOOM! Pre-nted magic circles activated, causing a massive explosion. The magical cars flipped from the st. Then- SWOOSH! The hidden Ouroboros members began charging at terrifying speed toward the central car. "Attack! We''re under attack!" "Stop them from approaching!" Slightly dyed, mages emerging from the cars began unleashing indiscriminate spells at Richt and his members. CRASH! Perhaps due to needing to move secretly? Though few in number, these mages were exceptionally skilled. Even Richt''s hand-picked elite subordinates struggled to handle them. "ARGH!" "Gu-guh!" Several members suffered potentially fatal wounds from the mages'' spells. However- ''We''ve broken through!'' Despite this, Richt''s expression behind his mask was bright. His goal had never been eliminating the mages but stealing the core, and he was one step from achieving it. CRACK! Using his subordinates'' lives as shields to reach the core-carrying car, Richt unhesitatingly drove a crystal awl from his pocket into the car door. FLASH! Blue light burst from the densely carved runes on the awl''s surface, rapidly enveloping the car. "N-no! They''re trying to spatial transfer the entire car! Stop them, stop them!" The head mage''s urgent shout came toote. The blue light had alreadypletely covered the car. FLASH! With an immense surge of light, Richt and the car vanished without a trace. --- After what felt like an eternity of wavering, distorted vision- WHOOSH! The blue lightpletely disappeared, fully restoring Richt''s sight. Then- "Haha... HAHAHA!" Loudughter burst from the kneeling Richt''s mouth. Beyond his restored visiony a familiar scene. It was Ouroboros''s headquarters that he had grown ustomed to seeing. "Sir Richt! Did you seed?!" Other members began approaching him. "Not sure yet." Though he answered this way to his subordinates'' question, the word "sess" had already appeared in his mind. The core detector in his pocket was still vibrating. ''Now, let''s check.'' CRUNCH! Without hiding the joy filling his eyes, Richt grabbed and tore off the car door. As the car''s interior gradually became visible, his joy peaked. "...Huh?" The joy in Richt''s eyes suddenly turned to confusion. What he saw was a top-grade magical engineering core filling the car''s interior - and beside it, a woman. As he sensed the bloody aura emanating from her, his expression twisted. "Hello?" The woman - Liushina - smiled eerily at him. 209 - Internal Cleanup (3) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here -How dare these lowly humans! RUMBLE! In the final chamber of a nameless temple deep within the demon realm. A chamber more like a hall, where a demon dragon unleashed unimaginable demonic energy in tremendous rage. The temple, built from ck stone said to withstand even divine power, was crumbling.However- "It''s going to use its breath. Everyone to me." No fear could be found in the eyes of the hero party facing this dragon. FLASH! They had grown iparably stronger than before, having ovee countless greater trials. The dragon''s breath shot straight toward the party but was deflected in an unexpected direction by Tirian''s "Gravity Distortion." Then- CRACK! Rain transformed into a lightning bolt and shot forward, CRUNCH! Severing most of the muscles supporting one of the dragon''s legs. This was possible because the dragon had used most of its power and grown tired from their battle. -...! As the dragon stumbled off bnce, Turzan appeared before it as if on cue, drawing back his shield arm to maximum. SCREECH! Massive holy power from Elysis was inscribed on Turzan''s shield. Without hesitation, he drove the shield now glowing with brilliant golden light into the dragon''s body. BOOM! The dragon finally copsed to the ground. -RAAAH! You damned insects...! As it quickly rose again with a roar of pain and rage, its movement suddenly stopped. The dragon''s eyes caught sight of a massive silver sword falling toward it from above. CRASH! The silver sword pierced through dozens of defensive formations in an instant, reaching the dragon''s body and causing a massive explosion. Rising dust clouded visibility. When it cleared, the scene revealed was a decapitated dragon and a silver-haired woman staring at its corpse. "Nice one, ire! That guardian was thest one, right? Can we see that divine artifact now?" Rain approached ire with an excited voice. "If we obtain the divine artifact, would you allow me to examine it? I''d like to understand how divine power functions." The divine artifact''s reputation must have been quite high, as even Tirian, who rarely showed emotion besides annoyance, couldn''t hide his excitement. "Though I don''t typically rely on weapon power... a divine artifact certainly piques my curiosity." "The materials must bepletely different from ordinary weapons?" "Perhaps it''s not even a physical object butposed entirely of formations or divine words." Seeing herpanions excitedly discussing the divine artifact reminded ire of times before her regression, bringing an unconscious smile to her lips. "Wait! A message from the Order!" Elysis, who had been silent with an odd expression, suddenly raised her hand. "A message? So suddenly?" Herpanions'' eyes filled with questions. Though it was natural for Elysis as a Saintess tomunicate with the Order regardless of location. But until now, the Order of Light had never sent messages. This was quite unexpected. "Yes, specifically a message from Prince Zion through the Order." "What''s the content?" ire''s expression slightly hardened at mention of Prince Zion as she urged Elysis to continue. Every word from the Zion Agnes she had seen carried deep meaning. A message from him must surely contain important information. "He says to depart immediately for his designated location..." Then- ''Could it be already...!'' ire''s eyes began trembling as she heard the location from the Saintess''s lips. --- "Y-you are...!" A trembling voice left Richt''s lips as he watched the red-eyed woman slowly emerge from the magical car. Though this was his first time seeing her in person, he knew who this woman greeting him was. One of those who had devastated Ouroboros''s central branch alongside Zion Agnes. Some surviving members from then still feared her more than Prince Zion. And- ''This woman being here now means... No way!'' As Richt''s face drained of color upon reaching a sudden conclusion- "One of the core-transporting mages came with us! Eliminate them quickly!" The surrounding members who hadn''t recognized Liushina began charging at her all at once. Perhaps befitting members of Ouroboros''s highest-ranking headquarters? The members moved at speeds nearly invisible to the eye, their power strong enough to make the surrounding air ripple. However- "No!" Strength was always rtive. Just as Richt''s desperately urgent cry burst out- SPLAT! The upper body of a member who had already reached her and was swinging their weapon simply vanished. In its ce appeared a blood-red beast''s mouth. The following members faltered at this grotesque sight. Swick- As Liushina''s smile deepened- CRACKLE! Countless beast heads appeared above the members and began devouring them without leaving a trace. The ground instantly turned red with spurting blood. "This... this is..." As Richt stepped back with terrified eyes- "Intruder! Eliminate the intruder!" Hundreds of new members who had noticed themotion appeared and charged at Liushina simultaneously. "I''m touched by such a warm wee." The red-eyed witch murmured with ecstatic eyes at the appearance of new prey. "Ah, I''d love to devour them all myself... but orders are orders." Her expression turned regretful as she clicked her tongue and lightly snapped her fingers. WHOOSH! A bloody wave burst from her, instantly spreading through the air and consuming the entire space. CRUNCH! Tens of thousands of eyes bloomed in the blood-red space. These eyes rolled and moved, fixing their gaze on the front line of charging members. SPLAT! The bodies of all members caught in the eyes'' gaze simply exploded without warning. A scene so bizarre it defiedprehension even while watching. But the bizarre scenes didn''t end there. The spurting blood and blood staining the ground gathered in one ce, forming a massive door. A red door that inspired such terror that proper thought became impossible just looking at it. A red tendril extended from the door and connected to the nearby massive magical engineering core. SCREECH! The door, having absorbed all the core''s immense magical power, began opening with a heavily rusted sound. But what emerged wasn''t an army of evil. Step, step. Footsteps both familiar yet alien enough to seempletely unknown. So quiet they could barely be heard, yet resonating deep in the soul. As the footsteps'' owner appeared, terror and despair filled the eyes of Richt and the other members. "...Zion Agnes!" The one who had seized the position of heir in just one year through absolute power, charisma, and unfathomable depths. Simultaneously their greatest enemy who had cornered all of Ouroboros. That being stood before them now. "No... no...!" As Richt lost all will to fight upon seeing Zion and stepped backward- "Eliminate all enemies who interfere with Prince Zion!" Subordinates who had followed Zion through the red door began charging forward. The Twilight Sword, Blood Tower''s blood mages, and Purification Cult members who had newly joined under Liushina. "Kyahahahaha! I''m first!" And the Witch of a Thousand Killings, indiscriminately ughtering enemies ahead of them all. ''To think this was Ouroboros''s headquarters.'' After briefly watching his forces sh with Ouroboros members through Liushina''s newly masteredrge-scale spatial transfer technique, Zion looked upward with this thought. The Pntier family. Owners of this mansion - a family with sufficient martial power but almost no other influence, keeping them from joining the Five Great Families. A family known as the Azure Cloud House for their extremely pure and clean traditions. ''I ignored them since they had no connection to the demon realm...'' Even Zion hadn''t expected the entire family to belong to Ouroboros. ''No, more precisely, the Pntier family is Ouroboros''s true identity.'' Then the leader of Ouroboros, unrevealed even in the chronicle, was likely the Pntier family head. ''The current family head is certainly...'' Zion recalled one person. Ilias Pntier. The first of the ''Twelve Seas'' and called the Full Sea Spear. A top-tier spearman considered capable of matching even ''Heaven'' ss in purebat ability. ''He probably has hidden power as Ouroboros''s leader too, so treating him as a full "Heaven" ss is appropriate.'' With this thought, darkness spread from Zion and began thoroughly searching every corner of the mansion. From what Zion knew, Ouroboros''s leader was extremely cautious and never took direct action. He would likely try fleeing headquarters rather than preparing for battle once he realized they were discovered. Zion had no intention of leaving future troubles and nned to deal with Ilias before he could escape. Then- "Found you." Zion''s eyes curved strangely as he sensed what he wanted. At that moment- CRASH! Zion''s form, transformed into a streak of darkness, shot straight up through the mansion''s ceiling. His favorite method for pursuing enemies indoors. Zion always sought maximum efficiency in everything, and this method perfectly suited his nature. After instantly reaching the mansion''s top floor through the floors, CRACKLE! He shattered the study''s door and stepped inside. He had sensed Ilias''s energy from the Agnes Conference here. However- "This is..." Zion''s expression turned strange as he entered the room. Ilias wasn''t there. All Zion could see was arge sphere ticking away on the desk. "Got me." Zion smirked as he recognized it as a magical bomb. As the bomb''s countdown reached zero- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---! His entire vision turned white-hot. --- BOOM! "Did we get him?" A middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard murmured quietly while watching the massive explosion that spread its sound throughout the capital. His name was Ilias Pntier. The leader of Ouroboros. Ilias was extremely cautious. Therefore, he always prepared contingency ns for every situation, and this explosion was one such n. But despite the n''s sess, his expression wasn''t particrly bright. "Sigh, the losses are no small matter." The explosion had destroyed his headquarters. Headquarters that had been secretly hidden for decades without anyone discovering their identity. Naturally he felt bitter about losing such a base in an instant. "I''ll need to halt all ns and hide for a while." The headquarters'' discovery meant their enemies were moving in earnest to eliminate them. Being cautious was appropriate at such times. "The one fortunate thing is that Prince Zion won''t be able to move for a while after this..." It was a top-grade magical bomb. Taking such a bomb''s explosion head-on with no protection - even if he survived, he must have suffered at least severe injuries. "Though it''s a shame I couldn''t see it in person... Hm?" Ilias''s face, which had shown a slight smile while imagining a critically injured Zion Agnes, suddenly filled with confusion. His eyes caught something in his shadow below. Unlike usual, something felt wrong about that shadow. As Ilias''s eyes began trembling upon realizing the reason for that wrongness- ''Is it smiling?'' "That was more intense than expected." Anguid voice flowed from the shadow. "...!" As Ilias, face filled with shock at this iprehensible phenomenon, unconsciously stepped backward- Just slightly faster than that- "Almost lost you." CRACK! A snow-white hand shot out from the shadow and grabbed his throat. 210 - Internal Cleanup (4) 210 - Internal Cleanup (4) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here Ouroboros. As a criminal organization that appeared until the very end of the chronicle, its power and scale were truly impressive. Among this, the power of Ouroboros''s headquarters far exceeded imaginationpared to the other branches encountered so far. Therefore, the three martial forces of the Twilight Sword, Blood Tower, and Purification Cult might seem insufficient. Yet the reason Zion deployed only these forces was simple."Just what has Master been up to?" It was because of Liushina''s presence. The witch muttered while looking at the mansion''s upper floors,pletely destroyed except for the first floor she had protected with defensive formations. "The core almost got blown away. And my prey too." The witch''s blood magic, which had progressed even further than during her battle with the Six ws thanks to her journey to the Purification Cult, licked her lips while watching the organization members she had deliberately kept from the explosion. Therefore, her power... SCREECH! Could be said to approach "End." In the spacepletely consumed by blood energy, Liushina''s extended finger drew from left to right. A single red line inscribed in the world following her fingertip. SLASH! The organization members caught in that line split apart without resistance and copsed. Simultaneously, blood bursting from the corpses touched other following members. SPLAT! There was no warning. The members exploded as if bombs had been nted in their bodies beforehand. Blood sshing everywhere touched nearby enemies, causing them to explode in the same way, creating an endless chain reaction. Then- SCREECH! SHRIEK! Evil Hands, practically Liushina''s symbol, emerged from the blood staining the entire first floor red, creating a perfect hell unprecedented in the human world. "Kyahaha! Devour them, devour them all!" Liushina''s blood magic, now far more extensive and grotesque than before, had reached a level where it couldn''t even distinguish between good and evil. Even the allied Twilight Sword members watched with disgusted expressions. But in contrast, the Blood Tower and Purification Cult- "Ohhh, Witch of a Thousand Killings! Have you finally realized the truth of blood magic!" "Ahhh, Mother! Our Mother!" Watched Liushina with moved expressions, hands sped as if in prayer. To them, the Witch of a Thousand Killings was practically a god showing incredible feats right before them, naturally filling them with religious fervor and emotion. Some even shed tears at the sight. "S-spare me! Gurk!" "Ah, how could this..." Unlike them, Ouroboros headquarters members began fleeing, having lost all will to fight. Though executive Richt saw these members, he couldn''t stop them. He himself already felt fear toward that red-eyed monster. ''But there''s still a chance.'' With this thought, Richt looked toward Liushina who had created this hell. Currently, only the red-eyed woman had moved forward actively while others held back. Therefore, if he targeted that weakness, he''d have ample opportunity to eliminate her. ''Being fundamentally a mage, she must be rtively weak in closebat.'' This was evident from how she hadn''t let enemies within a certain range so far. With this thought, Richt''s form, bent to maximum at the knees and tilted diagonally, BANG! Vanished with a sound like tearing air. Simultaneously reappearing right before Liushina. Just as a massive shockwave burst from a line btedly drawn behind him- BOOM! Richt''s fist, carrying that full speed, struck Liushina''s body. ''Got her!'' Richt''s eyes gleamed as he watched the witch being torn apart without even leaving a corpse, thanks to the power within his weapon "Crushing Gauntlet." Though there was a fundamental difference in power, targeting her weakness and putting everything into breaking through defense formations without thought for aftermath seemed to have worked. ''Now I can reverse the situation...!'' Just as Richt turned toward other members with joy-filled face- "That was faster than expected. I couldn''t even react properly." A voice rang in his ears. His eyes began trembling uncontrobly as he unconsciously turned toward the voice. It came from the flesh pieces scattered in hundreds of fragments. Like ying a video in reverse- CRUNCH! These corpse pieces gathered before him, reforming into the red-eyed witch. A scene iprehensible even while watching. "I definitely perfectly..." "You did kill me." The witch slowly spoke, now approaching End, interrupting Richt''s shocked words. "One of my nine thousand nine hundred ny-nine lives." Her eyes curved elegantly like her master''s. "Nine thousand nine hundred ny-eight left?" Richt''s eyes filled with despair. --- Beginning. This was Ouroboros''s ultimate goal and everything. The snake biting its tail always desired beginning. Specifically, a perfect beginning where everything started from pure white zero, free of any discrimination or inequality. For this, the world first needed to end. Only with an end could a new beginning exist. And Ilias Pntier, leader of such an Ouroboros, was currently- BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Being violently flung through several buildings. His form finally stopped after partially destroying a sixth building, a five-story hotel. "Ugh!" Ilias staggered to his feet among the debris. "What''s this! An a-attack!" "Kyaaah!" "L-Lord Ilias?" Perhaps because thismotion urred in the capital''s center? People instantly gathered around, some recognizing his face, but Ilias had no time to care about them. SWOOSH! Because Zion had appeared before him with a streak of darkness. ''How did he escape that explosion without a scratch?'' And how could he track my location so quickly? No matter how much he thought, he couldn''t understand the method. As Ilias''s eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment while rubbing his throat that had been in Zion''s grip- "I''ll give you credit for hiding your identity like a rat." With these quiet words, Zion slowly began walking toward him. Simultaneously, people around who recognized Zion unconsciously gasped. Why was Prince Zion fighting the Pntier family head in the capital''s center? "Honestly, I didn''t know. That you were this close." A slight gleam appeared in Zion''s eyes as he spoke. Ouroboros''s headquarters had been unfindable even with thebined intelligence of the "Eternal Shadow" and "Eye of the Moon," which naturally impressed him. But that too ended today. Zion wasn''t merciful enough to leave a spotted rat alone. ''How did ite to this.'' Ilias''s face filled with dismay as he watched Zion. He, Ouroboros, just wanted to create an equal world where no one suffered. He had lived his entire life for only this goal and nned to sacrifice everything for it going forward. Zion Agnes had interfered with their goals, leading them to try eliminating him, which resulted in this situation. ''First hold out in battle while looking for an opening to escape.'' Ilias nced around with this thought. He had no intention of staying here long. The longer he stayed, the more disadvantaged he would be. ''Though I''ve achieved many feats and matched Evelyn Agnes at the World Competition... that was just sparring, realbat is different.'' Even considering this, Zion was almost certainly Heaven-ss after destroying the central branch, but Ilias himself could demonstrate Heaven-ss ability if he used his unrevealed power. Therefore, though winning might be impossible, holding out should be feasible. Moreover, Prince Zion, having been active for just over a year, must have limited realbat experience, where Ilias believed he could maintain advantage. Even without using Ouroboros''s vision authority. "Prince Zion." With this call, Ilias pointed his raised spear at Zion. "I believe Your Highness knows well how unfair this world is. Indeed, untilst year, you suffered perhaps the worst discrimination, called the imprisoned prince." The Pntier head continued, his eyes filled with strange longing. "Ouroboros exists for all who suffer such discrimination. Our value is giving everyone fair conditions and opportunities. For this, everything must meet a new beginning, and for that to happen, there must first be an end." Therefore, Ouroboros always aimed for the end. "Your Highness, reaching an end is essential for humanity to advance. To eliminate all discrimination and inequality in the world! To eliminate the countless suffering they cause! What do you say, would Your Highness join us..." Before Ilias could finish- "Your tongue is long." Step- With a bored voice cutting off the sophistry, Zion''s form appeared right before him with one step. "And I really don''t like your way of thinking." Simultaneously- SWOOSH! Zion''s fist, wrapped in the summoned Gigaperses, extended straight toward Ilias''s head. "Especially trying to break my things without permission." Though surprised by the speed that barely left afterimages, Ilias''s spear immediately moved to block Zion''s fist. HISS! His spear moved with a strange sound like a snake''s breath. This form was far from the Pntier family''s tradition of pursuing the righteous path. CRASH! A terrifying shockwave burst from their sh. Nearby objects and people couldn''t withstand it and were pushed or flung away. Thick dust rose from the building debris. Then- "Ugh!" Ilias emerged from the dust with a severely twisted expression. "What...!" His eyes were filled with dismay and shock. One sh. From just this single sh, Ilias knew. That his earlier assessment of Prince Zion had been wrong. The deeply dented spear shaft and his trembling arms. ''Don''t tell me that time he showed all his power...!'' Before Ilias could finish this thought- "Something wrong?" Zion grinned, bringing his face close enough to hear each other''s breathing, and threw another punch with his maximally drawn back fist. ''Can''t take it head-on!'' Instinctively sensing this, Ilias''s spear drew a strange curve, wrapping around Zion''s striking arm and reversing to target his throat. His was an evil spear. Spear techniques so unpredictable that without extensive realbat experience, one couldn''t even properly grasp which direction the spear would strike. Surely facing such spear techniques for the first time, he would have to withdraw his attack and retreat. But in that brief moment. Zion instead stepped forward. SCREECH! A tiny dot smaller than a bean formed beside Zion''s neck where darkness had concentrated to its extreme. As if by agreement. CRACK! Creating terrible friction sparks as that ck dot and the thrusting spear tip met precisely. "!!!!!!" Ilias''s eyes widened as far as possible at this sight. What Prince Zion had just done was a divine technique impossible to even imitate without perfectly grasping his breathing, thoughts, spear path, impact point, and timing. One mistake in any of these would have meant instant death. ''How is this possible in such a brief moment?'' BOOM- Ilias''s form, having barely blocked Zion''s strike by tilting the opposite end of his spear, was flung backward mercilessly. Before his form could stop- WHOOSH! Zion appeared before him andunched another strike. Apletely straightforward punch identical to before. ''Must block first...!'' Just as Ilias corrected his posture to defend against this attack- "Not much realbat experience, huh?" As Zion spoke coldly and opened his clenched fist- "...What?" SQUELCH! Something burst from behind Ilias and perfectly pierced his chest. 211 - Internal Cleanup (5) TL/Editor: raei Status: ongoing Illustrations: none Join the discord! Here "Are you truly... alright with this?" Diernead, captain of the Gray Lion Corps'' first division and Evelyn''s close aide, rode his ck horse beside the Second Princess as she slowly traveled the main road on her white steed. His face showed extreme caution as he addressed the princess. "You''ve strived for the throne for so long - nearly your entire life." "I''m fine. No, more than fine - I feel relieved."Evelyn turned her head toward the knight as she spoke. "As you know, I sought the throne because there was no suitable person to bear that burden. But now someone worthy has appeared, so it''s right to pass it on." "That person being Prince Zion." Evelyn didn''t answer, but Diernead could read the affirmation in her eyes. "I apologize to all of you who''ve trusted and followed me. For deciding such an important matter alone without saying anything." "Indeed, Your Highness. Honestly, I felt a bit hurt this time. You could have at least said something." Diernead answered the Second Princess with a yful expression before continuing with a smile. "But that doesn''t mean I''m dissatisfied with your decision. In truth, whether Your Highness ascends to the throne or not isn''t particrly important in our following you." Yes, it had been that way from the start. Diernead himself and all the knights here hade to follow Evelyn after being captivated by her righteous charisma, fairness, and character. "We would have followed Your Highness even if you weren''t royal, even if you weren''t called the strongest knight. So please don''t worry about that." A bond existed between them that transcended status or position. "We''re always on your side." Evelyn smiled gently as she looked at the other knights showing the same expression. These people were always her strength. "Come to think of it, for someone saying that, you gave me quite a lot of advice and criticism about the throne, Diernead." "Haha, that''s because Your Highness wanted the throne then. I only wish for what Your Highness desires." Evelyn smirked at Diernead''s uncharacteristically slick response before turning her gaze forward again. ''After finishing this border duty, I should properly help Zion normalize the empire.'' The gray sky visible in the Second Princess''s eyes signaled their approach to the demon realm border. That sky looked slightly darker than usual. --- In the center of the capital Hubris. "What... is going on here?" Diana muttered this while watching the battle between Zion and Ilias Pntier, head of the Pntier family, right before her. Her eyes filled with questions at this unexpected fight between these figures. The reason for her presence here was simple. A few hours ago, Diana had been participating in an event for fairies settled in the capital alongside Halegrion, who had revisited the imperial pce for some reason. ?? During this, they heard explosions from nearby, halted the event and came outside, where this scene unfolded before her eyes. "I''ll find out immediately!" Though a subordinate behind her said this and rushed off somewhere, Diana remained too focused on the battle before her to even look their way. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Or more precisely, she was trying to grasp the meaning hidden behind this battle. The Zion Agnes she knew would never cause such an incident without reason. "What will you do, Your Highness?" Halegrion quietly asked Diana. "For now, let''s just watch without interfering." It would be better not to move rashly until they understood the situation clearly. "Understood, though I never expected the Pntier head''s power to be at this level. Just judging by what''s visible, he seems beyond ''Heaven'' ss..." Though Ilias''s disy of power far beyond what was publicly known was indeed shocking, Diana''s eyes weren''t on him. Moreover, she had no attention to spare for him. ''He''s grown far stronger than before.'' The ominous darkness bursting from Zion as he overwhelmingly suppressed such an Ilias. That darknesspletely captured her consciousness. "Halegrion." Diana spoke without taking her eyes from the battle. "Yes, Your Highness?" "How long have you lived, Halegrion?" "A little over two hundred years." "Then you''ve never actually seen the Eternal Emperor who founded the Agnes Empire either." "That''s correct. I''ve only heard stories about him and one or two techniques hemonly used from my predecessors. Even those aren''t very urate..." "I see." Disappointment flickered in the Fifth Princess''s eyes. "Why do you suddenly ask this?" "...That darkness Zion is using. Doesn''t it seem simr to the power the Eternal Emperor was said to use?" "Hmm, they''re simr in manipting darkness... but surely Your Highness, what are you thinking...!" Diana didn''t answer Halegrion''s words. She wasn''t certain yet. Since first bing suspicious, she had researched every record of the Eternal Emperor and could now pride herself on knowing more about him than anyone. But the more she learned, the deeper her questions grew. ''Is Zion truly the Eternal Emperor''s descendant?'' Something seemed strange about this. From what Diana had discovered, the Eternal Emperor''s power absolutely could not be passed to others orter generations. ''That''s why Heaven Opposition Power was created as a substitute...'' Yet it also seemed strange to deny it. To her eyes, that darkness was clearly the Eternal Emperor''s. Plus the Light-Extinguishing Sword she had seen before. That sword was practically the Eternal Emperor''s symbol. ''Just how can Zion use that power?'' An iprehensible contradiction. This contradiction deeply confused Diana. ''Something that should only be usable by himself...'' Then- "ARRRGH!" A desperate scream burst from one of the two fighting intensely ahead. The one who screamed was Ilias. His condition was truly miserable. "Ugh..." One eye already gone and not a single uninjured spot on his entire body. The hole in his chest pouring blood was so fatal it seemed miraculous he was still alive. No, with his heart half-destroyed, he should actually be dead. Yet the reason he still lived was because Ouroboros''s vision authority had automatically activated right after Zion''s irregr attack using Shadow Current had pierced his heart. Though this merely let him barely hold on. "How..." Urgency and despair filled Ilias''s eyes simultaneously. He now keenly felt how arrogant his initial assessment of Prince Zion had been. Prince Zion was far stronger than he had thought, and the gap was so overwhelming that his original abilities could never bridge it. Therefore, he couldn''t execute his n to watch for an opening to escape during battle. Looking for openings itself required a certain level of ability to be possible. ''How can this be?'' Yes, if it were just an absolute difference in power, he could somewhat ept it. But from Ilias''s perspective, the gap between himself and Prince Zion wasn''t thatrge. Rather, the differencesy in everything besides power. BOOM! Breathing, senses, mystery control, weapon techniques, and more. An enormous gap existed in all these areas. As if reading the future. CRACK! CRACK! All of Ilias''s attacks were blocked before they could properly activate. BANG! BANG! BANG! BOOM! Conversely, Prince Zion''s casual strikes allnded as critical hits on his body. This was impossible without innatebat vision and vast battle experience. ''How can Prince Zion, with barely a year of realbat experience... feel like a veteran of thousands of battlefields!'' An iprehensible situation. No, thinking about it, the fact that he, who had reached Heaven, was being so thoroughly dominated was already iprehensible. But Ilias couldn''t think about this anymore. "Still have room to think about other things during battle?" CRUNCH! Prince Zion was driving another critical hit into his body with an eerie smile. ''I''ll definitely die at this rate, so...'' Suppressing the scream trying to burst out, Ilias gripped his spear tightly. At that moment- HISS! With a sound like countless snakes crying out simultaneously, evil energy iparably denser than before began bursting from his entire body. Ouroboros''s vision authority "Snake Sea" had fully activated. Though using it once incurred tremendous penalties, he had no luxury to consider that now. He needed to stay alive to have any future. His pupils now like a snake''s, Ilias thrust his spear straight at Zion. Apletely straightforward strike without any technique. But the power bursting from it was entirely different. Like hundreds of snakes coiled together. Bundles of evil energy intertwined and shot forth targeting only Zion. SCREECH! Zion''s form was pushed back despite immediately defending with Gigaperses and Muspelheim. Ilias didn''t pursue him. He remained in ce, immediately preparing his next attack. ''I''ll end the battle with this strike.'' Before Prince Zion could adapt to this authority. Before he could properly gauge their power difference amplified by Snake Sea. Ilias thought his best chance was to pour everything into ending it instantly. HISS! "Snakes of the Sea" began coiling around his spear, carrying his wishes. Tens, hundreds, no, thousands. Evil energy amplifying endlessly. RUMBLE! The ground shook and shattered, unable to withstand this power. Nearby buildings copsed from the unstable space. "KYAAH!" Though the watching people screamed upon feeling the overwhelming power from this evil energy, they couldn''t move away, their trembling legs refusing to work. Meanwhile, as Ilias''s continuously growing evil energy finally- "Take this, Prince Zion." Shot toward Zion, forming a massive red snake around the spear. A strike containing power so unimaginable it made even nearby Diana shudder for a moment. ''So this is the leader of Ouroboros?'' Zion thought this while watching the massive snake approaching him. Indeed, this strike from Ilias contained power that even Zion would find difficult to take head-on. However- ''That doesn''t mean I can''t handle it.'' He told me to take it, so I''ll take it. With this thought and a slight smile, Zion grasped the air. SWOOSH- Exia immediately appeared in his grip. Taking arge step forward and lowering his body, Zion pressed the Light-Extinguishing Sword to his side like drawing a sword. FLASH! A pure white spherepletely unlike the ck Star Force appeared before Zion''s eyes. A sphere radiating intense light in all directions like a small sun. Then- SCREECH! As Eclipse and Partial Eclipse activated simultaneously, darkness endlesslyyered onto Zion''s drawn Exia. Everything around began slowing down. The entire space including Zion grew so quiet that even falling dust could be heard. As if time itself were stopping. All flow within the space halted. SWOOSH- Slowly. Exia drew alone in this frozen space. Finally, the Light-Extinguishing Sword split the tiny sun before Zion''s eyes. Sun Severance. --- --- --- --- --- --- ---! From one edge of vision to the other. As everything existing along a single line drawn across the world split apart- "Th-that is!!!!!" Halegrion''s eyes widened as far as possible watching this scene. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!