《Reincarnated With Three Unique Skills》 Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Reincarnation In the Midnight Winter, A Deserted Hospital Room Well, it wasn''t entirely deserted. Enclosed by white walls, Ethan Smithy on his hospital bed. He nced at the clock. It was already 2 AM, but he remained awake, his mind racing, desperate to make the most of the time he had left on hand. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was almost hypnotic in the stillness of the night. It might sound nonsensical, but his life was that miserable. To survive in this cold and ruthless world, even the dying cling to moments that slip through their fingers like sand. The city outside was abyrinth of indifference, and his small, sterile room was his final fortress against it. Ethan''s life had always been filled with mystery and sadness. At the age of six, his parents suddenly disappeared without a trace, leaving him utterly alone in a world that seemed to care little for the fate of one lost boy. Though they left him a modest inheritance, managed by a child carew firm, it did little to fill the void their absence created. The money provided for his basic needs, but it couldn''t shield him from the cruelty of the world. In school, he became an easy to bully target. The other students, perhaps sensing his vulnerability, bullied him relentlessly. They mocked him for his silence, for his loneliness, for the parents he no longer had. He endured their taunts in silence, retreating further into himself with each passing day. His only tranquillity came from the pages of the novels. These stories offered him an escape, a way to forget about the torment and istion he faced daily in reality. The heroes in these tales became hispanions, their courage and strength was the opposite reflection of his own fragile existence. He devoured books whenever he could, losing himself in worlds where anything was possible, where magic was real, and where he wasn''t alone. But just as he turned sixteen, life dealt him its final, cruel blow. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer. What started as a persistent fatigue and asional dizziness soon spiraled into something much worse. His body grew weaker by the day. The cancer spread like wildfire, sapping his strength and leaving him a shadow of his former self. The once-energetic boy was now bedridden, his frail form ravaged by the disease. His physical condition deteriorated rapidly. The cancer left him gaunt and pale, his skin stretched tightly over his bones. His once-bright eyes grew dull, dark circles forming beneath them as sleep became increasingly elusive. Every breath was a struggle, his lungs burning with each inhale, and his chest felt as though it was being crushed under an invisible weight. The pain was a constantpanion, gnawing at him day and night. Despite the agony and the hopelessness of his situation, Ethan found some measure of peace in his decision to donate all the inheritance money his parents had left him. He had no need for money anymore, and he made sure that it would be put to good use¡ªperhaps to help other orphans like him, or to support those fighting battles as he had. Now, as hey in the hospital bed, his head felt impossibly heavy, the room spinning around him. He considered calling the nurse for help, but the inevitability of his situation kept him silent. The pressure on his frail shoulders was immense, a constant reminder of the burden he could no longer bear. He nced at the novel beside him¡ªa book he had been trying to finish before his time ran out. It was his final story, the one he would neverplete. "Just a few more pages left," he thought, regretful that he would not see how the novel had ended. But the strength to continue began to leave him. His vision blurred as his eyelids grew heavy, the weight of the world pressing down on him. The pain that had haunted him for so long now seemed distant, reced by a cold numbness that seeped into his bones. "Looks like I really need a peaceful sleep now." Realizing the seriousness of his condition, he tried to shift his position, seekingfort on this cold wintery night. The bed was an inviting oasis, and he settled back, hoping for some warmth. But it was already toote. He was already on his deathbed this time. With onest shuddering breath, Ethan Smith, a lonely boy who lived in books, left the world in a quiet, solitary way. The darkness enveloped him, a final, cold embrace, and the book beside him slipped from his grasp, its story left unfinished, much like his own. --- [ Ding! ] [ Congrattions! You can choose three Unique skills for crossing the dimensional boundary. You are allowed to pick only one skill from each category below ] "Huh! What''s this? Where am I?" As if waking from a bad dream, Ethan rubbed his eyes hard to clear the confusion. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked around frantically. "I was just in the hospital room. How did I get here?" He looked around in confusion. He was inside some kind of dark space, with no means of perception ormunication. His voice wouldn''t leave his throat. He couldn''t hear his voice or anyone else''s. The silence was absolute, oppressive. There was only a bright translucent panel in front of him. It looked like some kind of system panel. It was surreal, like something straight out of one of those fantasy novels. Basic Skills: - Ultra Smell - Ultra Hearing - Ultra Vision - Speed Boost - Higher Health Regeneration - Higher Mana Regeneration - Appraisal Basic - Extra Health - Extra Mana ...99+ More... Mythic Skills: - Dragon''s Haki - Dragon Wings (Fire) - Rapid Cast - Thought eleration - Blood-Berserker - Skill Absorption - Mystic Lord - Body Duplication - Telekinesis - Giant Transformation ...99+ more... Ultimate Skills: - ck Thunder King - Rune of Eternity (Undying) - Phoenix Rebirth - Space Maniption - Universal Synthesis - Sacred Body - Destroyer Body - Dragon Transformation - Phoenix Transformation - Divine Prison - Astral Summoning - Demon Transformation ...99+ More --- After looking at the system panel, Ethan felt ridiculous. This was like something out of a fantasy novel. He was very familiar with this kind of setting, given his background as a fantasy novel enthusiast. "Does this mean I have died already? Or is it all just a dream? But it was too realistic to be a dream." Finding no other options, he focused on the system panel, where he was instructed to choose three skills. "So, I just have to choose three skills out of these millions of options. Sh*t! It''s too hard. There are so many good skills, but why only three? I want all of them!" Nevertheless, he had to choose quickly, as time was running out. There was a timer in the corner of the system panel, counting down ominously. Knowing the importance, he calmed his mind and read the descriptions of each skill to decide his path ahead. If he wanted a good life, a good skillbination was essential. He started reading the skill descriptions one after another, which took a lot of time. But considering the importance, it was nothing. "I chose this one, this one, andstly this one." Finally, he picked his favoritebination. "Confirmation received. You will receive your chosen skills after you are reincarnated into a random dimensional world." "Hey, wait! I have some questions to ask. Hello? Ah!" Before he could get any response, his vision turned ck, and he remembered nothing after that. [ Initiating the reincarnation process. 0.1%...11%...59%....100%.. Complete ] Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Dungeon City Light. Blinding light pierced through Ethan''s closed eyelids, dragging him back to consciousness. He groaned and shielded his eyes with his arm, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Where was he? As his vision cleared, he found himself lying on a grassy field under a bright blue sky. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of flowers and the distant sound of a flowing river. It was a stark contrast to the cold, suffocating room he had left behind. He sat up, looking around in bewilderment. "What is this ce?" he muttered to himself, still trying toprehend the reality of his situation. Thest thing he remembered was copsing onto his hospital bed, feeling his life slip away. And then there was that strange system panel offering him skills for crossing a dimensional boundary. Had he really died and been reincarnated into another world? He shook his head, trying to focus. This was real. This was happening. He had chosen three skills from that extensive list, but what were they again? "Status," he said instinctively, hoping the system panel would appear again. To his surprise, it did. --- [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 0 ] [ upation: None ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 9 ] [ Agility: 7 ] [ Defense: 8 ] [ Mana: 100 ] [ Skills ] [ Appraisal: Provides the ability to analyze and understand the properties and value of objects and beings. ] [ Skill Absorption: Allows the user to absorb skills from others, up to a certain limit, enhancing their own abilities. ] [ Universal Synthesis: Enables the user tobine different materials or energies to create new items or effects. ] --- Ethan stared at the panel, the implications of his chosen skills sinking in. These were powerful abilities, ones that could make him a formidable force in this new world. But why had he been given this second chance? Setting that aside, he began to explore the system again. "Aengus Degaro?" He noticed that his name had changed somehow. Did this mean he had a family in this world? But wait, why couldn''t he recall anything about them? "Ah, forget it," he muttered. It didn''t seem likely he''d be able to find them soon anyway. He was in a dense forest, after all. He had the body of an 18-year-old but with apletely unfamiliar face. Suddenly finding himself in a perfectly healthy body felt a little strange yet extremelyforting. Although he wasn''t able to see his face clearly, he could tell from his assumptions that he had a fairly handsome face with a well-toned body. "Agh, it feels really weird, like suddenly wearing someone else''s skin. Fortunately, I was born as a human male. That''s a relief at least," Ethan muttered, examining his body. His skin was fair, smooth, and unblemished, almost unnaturally perfect, with a sheen that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. His eyes, an imprable void of starless midnight, held a depth that felt both chilling and captivating, as if gazing into them would reveal an endless, shadowed expanse. His silky ck hair cascaded in dark, lustrous waves, adding a touch of elegance to his otherwise enigmatic appearance. The unfamiliar attire he wore¡ªa brown leather-coated, intricately designed hunter''s outfit¡ªseemed both advanced and archaic, its texture and cut suggesting an otherworldly origin. The whole ensemble created a disconcerting sense of perfection, as though he were a hyper-realistic creation from a high-tech simtion. If he were on Earth, he would have been called an idol. Before he could ponder further, a rustling noise caught his attention. He turned to see a figure emerging from the treeline. It was a young woman, dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern. She had long, flowing silvery hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the light with a hint of red. Her eyes were a striking shade of emerald green, sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief. Her gaze turned sharp upon seeing an unfamiliar person, and she instinctively reached for a dagger at her waist. "Hey, who are you?" she asked, breaking the silence as she cautiously approached. Thenguage was different from that on Earth, but he understood it as if it were natural. Ethan sensed the caution in the young woman''s stance and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Calm down,dy! I mean no harm. As you can see, I''m harmless here." Her brow furrowed with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "Oh¡­ What are you doing in the wilderness, and where are you from?" Ethan quickly made up a story, exining that he could only recall his name and that his memories were fuzzy. He also mentioned how he had gotten lost here. "I see¡­" she said, rxing slightly, though a hint of suspicion remained. Ethan cheered inwardly, realizing that she believed his made-up story. "Can you tell me where I am?" he asked, rxing his muscles. He stared at the young woman, amazed. Seeing a real-life fantasy world woman left him a little dazed. She was truly beautiful¡ªa perfect piece of art. She allowed herself a small smile. "You''re in the Wild Forest, just outside Arcadia City. My name is Aria. I found you lying here for a while, which exins my caution." "Arcadia City? A name straight out of a fantasy novel," Ethan thought, marveling at the irony. But he felt excitement, realizing he could finally walk and talk normally. "I''m Ethan," he replied, standing up and brushing the grass off his clothes. "Thank you for helping me, Aria." She nodded. "So, where do you want to go from here? Any n in mind?" He hesitated. He had no idea what to do next. This world waspletely foreign to him, and he had no connections or purpose. But then he remembered the skills he had chosen and the potential he now possessed. Maybe this was his chance to start anew, to forge a new path for himself. "No," he said finally. "I don''t have anywhere to go. But I want to learn more about this ce. Can you help me, please?" She examined him from head to toe, noticing he had no weapons. Adding to the fact that he was at level 0, she asked, "Do you not have the blessing of the god?" "You mean this system thing?" Ethan asked, just to be sure. "Yes, that. So, you do have one. But why are you at level 0?" Ethan sweated. "I don''t know either. As I said earlier, nothing ising to mind." "Can you not help me?" Aria smiled warmly. "Oh, of course! Come with me to the Dungeon City. Everyone is wee there. There''s much to see, and I''m sure you''ll find your ce soon." "Dungeon City?" Ethan asked. "So, there are dungeons in this world as well? GREAT!" he thought inwardly, feeling genuine excitement. This ce seemed like the best starting point for his journey. His chosen skills should be very useful here. "Thanks, Aria. You''re really kind and beautiful. I am grateful for your help." "O-oh¡­ Follow me then," Aria, blushing slightly at thepliment, started leading Ethan to the Dungeon City. As they journeyed, their conversation flowed smoothly. Aria''s smile was captivating him for a moment. The journey to Dungeon City was filled with wonders. Thendscape was a patchwork of rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling rivers. They encountered a few beasts along the way, but Aria dealt with them easily. Ethan was impressed by her fighting prowess and magical dagger skills. She was swift and precise, piquing his curiosity. He activated his [Appraisal] skill. His eyes turned a bluish hue, and the following information appeared in his mind: --- Name: Aria Silvermoon Age: 19 Level: 40 Affiliation: Arcadia Hunters Guild, Silvermoon Assassin n --- "So, she''s an assassin? And level 40, on top of that?" Ethan thought, slightly frightened, but as he observed her demeanor, he rxed slightly. They passed small viges where people went about their daily lives, tending to fields or selling wares in bustling marketces. The people were friendly, greeting them with warm smiles and curious nces. It felt like a medieval period on Earth, but with magical wonders. Everyone seemed to wield some form of magic. Ethan learned from Aria that everyone in this world was born with a system, which they awakened at the age of 10. He had thought he was unique for having a system, but now it seemed like his journey might be tougher than he expected. Aria also told him about the Kingdom of Araknis¡ªand rich in history and magic, ruled by a benevolent king who valued peace and prosperity. It was an affiliated kingdom of the Kairos Empire¡ªone of the Five massive Empires. Arcadia, the Dungeon City, was a hub of adventurers, hunters, and merchants. The city attracted people from all walks of life, seeking fame, fortune, or simply a new start. It sounded like a ce where Ethan could truly belong after enduring torment for years. Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Finding An Inn "Ethan, why did you fall silent all of a sudden?" Aria asked, noticing his stiff movements. "No-nothing," he stammered, trying to sound casual. "I was just thinking about what to do next. " "Don''t worry, Ethan. I''ll help you out. Didn''t you mention wanting to be a hunter? I''ll help you register with the Hunter Guild using my rmendation," she added with a cheerful smile. He could only smile back in gratitude. He always thought assassins were emotionless creatures, but Aria was clearly built different. "Plus," she added, her eyes twinkling, "if you register with the Hunter Guild, they''ll give you one F-ss skill book for free." "Oh, they give free skill books as well?" he asked, surprised. Skill books were so rare; why would they give them for free? "Yes, Ethan, they do. You don''t even remember that much?" Aria ask, raising an eyebrow. "No!" "Ohh, that serious!" she said in surprise. "You''re just a level 0, right? You must have been a sheltered kid from a very young age. Were you some kind of royalty or something?" Aria asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. She found Ethan very handsome and charming, despite themoner outfit he wore. "A royalty? I actually don''t know myself. So I can''t deny the low possibility," he replied, his words were true in a sense. So, it wasn''t a lie. "I am trying to find my identity actually." Aria looked a little Concerned as she warned, "But embarking on an adventure at level 0 is dangerous. Araknis isn''t as safe as it used to be; I''ve heard rumors of demons on the rise. You should be cautious." He nodded silently, feeling a chill run down his spine at the mention of demons. As they approached the city gates, he marveled at the grandeur of Arcadia¡ªthe Dungeon City. The walls were 50 feet tall and imposing, crafted from white stone that gleamed in the sunlight. Guards stood at the entrance, d in shining armor and bearing the kingdom''s crest. "Halt! Everyone, line up and present your Identification Emblem. It''s 10 copper coins each," a tall, imposing guard boomed, addressing the crowd outside the gate. "Hey, Aria, will they let me through?" he asked nervously. Aria shed him a reassuring smile. "Of course they will. I''m with you, remember?" Her confidence eased his apprehension. After a while, it was finally their turn. As they passed through the heavy gate, the guards nodded respectfully, allowing them entry without hesitation. He couldn''t help but feel amazed by the efficiency. "Hehehe.." Aria couldn''t contain her amusement, letting out a mischievousugh as she noticed his stunned expression. Embarrassed by his reaction, he quicklyposed himself. It was obviously because of Aria''s silent influence. --- Inside the city, the streets were bustling with activity. Merchants called out to potential customers, hawking their goods from colorful stalls. Children ran through the streets,ughing and ying. The buildings were a mix of old and new, with ancient stone structures standing alongside modern, intricately designed houses. It was a vibrant, lively ce, and he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. "Hey, Aria, is your questplete? Wanna go for a dungeon dive today?" a muscr man interrupted as they passed by. "Yes, it''s all wrapped up, Jerald. As for the dungeon dive, maybe another time. Take care!" Aria replied cheerfully. "Aria, is he your new boyfriend?" another old woman teased with a wink. Embarrassed, Aria replied. "No, Grandma, he''s just a friend. See youter!" She waved off the teasing remark with augh. "Hey, good day, Aria." "Good day." "Good evening, Aria." "Good evening to you too, Mat. Better hurry home, or your mom wille after you with her trusty pan again," Aria teased with a yful grin. Many passersby greeted Aria with warm smiles, and she responded in kind, her own smile genuine and infectious. He couldn''t help but be astonished. Was this how people interacted here, creating such a warm and weing atmosphere? It stood in stark contrast to the loneliness he had endured before. Perhaps the suffocating atmosphere of his previous life, where everyone was engrossed in their own affairs, contributed to that sense of istion. "However, now I am certain I will find my happiness sooner orter," he murmured to himself, feeling a glimmer of hope. Aria led him to a cozy inn nestled near the city center. The innkeeper, a kindly old woman named Greta, greeted them with a warm smile. "Hey, Aria, how have you been? It''s been a while since I''ve seen you. Have you forgotten about this olddy already?" Greta teased affectionately. "Haha, you jest, Aunt Greta. How could I forget you? Look, I''m right here," Aria replied cheerfully, her smile revealing pearly white teeth that shone in the warmth of the inn. "I can see that, dear. Who''s he? Your boyfriend or husband?" Aunt Greta asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Aria''s ears and neck flushed a deep crimson at the question. "Aunt Greta, you jest. You can stop you teasing, can you?" Aria replied trying to act natural, as she fixed her loose silvery hair with slight arc. Ethan was left speechless at the scene. Why did everyone assume they were a couple? Innkeeper Greta chuckled softly. "Alright, I won''t tease you anymore. What can I do for you both today?" Composing herself, Aria answered, "Aunt Greta, let me introduce you. This is Ethan, he could be considered as my new friend. He needs a ce to stay. Can you see if there''s a room avable for him? Price is not an issue." "Hello, Aunt Greta!" Ethan awkwardly introduced himself, raising his hand for a handshake. But Aunt Greta stood there with no reaction whatsoever; instead, a frown etched her face. "Did I make some kind of mistake?" Ethan wondered. Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Experimentation Aria nudged Ethan''s shoulder yfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ethan, what are you doing? You can''t just touch ady like that. It''s very impolite," she teased, her voice light with amusement. Ethan blinked, caught off guard by her reaction. "Oh! I, uh..." His mouth fell open in bewilderment, struggling to process her unexpected response. Aria chuckled softly, seeing his flustered state. "Rx, I''m just teasing you," she said, her smile warm and reassuring. Ethan quickly withdrew his hand, feeling a rush of embarrassment. "Ah, sorry! I didn''t mean to..." he stammered, cheeks flushed. He wasn''t sure if the women here were so conservative or if it was just a matter of formality. Aunt Greta, the innkeeper, who had been watching their exchange with a bemused expression, interrupted before he could dig himself deeper. "Well, well, looks like we have a lively one here," she remarked with a chuckle, her voice filled with affectionate amusement. "Aria dear, we do have a room avable, but it''s quite small. Can your friend manage in there, or should I suggest another inn?" Ethan breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of a room. "I''ll manage, Aunt Greta. Please, I''m really tired," he replied eagerly, eager to rest after their long journey. Aria nodded in agreement. "He''s had a long day. I''m sure he''ll be fine," she reassured Aunt Greta, casting Ethan a sympathetic nce. As Aunt Greta retrieved the room key from a nearby drawer, she offered him a yful warning. "Alright then, young man. Just remember, don''tinter that I didn''t warn you about the cramped quarters." "I won''t, Aunt Greta. Thank you," Ethan said gratefully, epting the key with a tired smile. "Alright, Ethan, I''lle by tomorrow to pick you up. Goodbye!" "Oh, thanks, Aria, for your help. I am really grateful." Aria just shrugged before leaving. After bidding Aunt Greta goodbye and ascending the creaky staircase to his room, Ethan couldn''t help but reflect on the day''s events. The city of Arcadia was bustling with life and mystery, and Aria had been aforting guide throughout. Despite his initial awkwardness, he was grateful for herpanionship and insight into this new world. Copsing onto the small, neatly made bed in his room, Ethan closed his eyes and let out a long sigh of relief. The day had been filled with surprises and challenges, but he was determined to make the most of his second chance in Araknis. Tomorrow, he would register as a hunter with Aria''s help and begin his journey through this wonderful world filled with mystical possibilities. He was truly grateful for Aria''s help. If she hadn''t been around, he would have been lost in that forest, prey to the ferocious beasts there. "Status," hemanded in his mind to see if anything had changed in his stats. Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) upation: None Race: Human Level: 0 ss: None Age: 18 Strength: 9 Agility: 7 Defense: 8 Mana:100 Unique Skills: - Basic: Appraisal - Mythic: Skill Absorption - Ultimate: Universal Synthesis Just as he guessed, nothing had changed. He hadn''t done anything, after all. He checked the detailed information of his skills. Appraisal: A basic skill that provides basic information on the target. It''s still a very useful ability, especially for navigating unfamiliar ces. Skill Absorption: Allows the user to absorb others'' skills after weakening them. Note: Skills cannot be absorbed from beings that are 5 levels or more higher than yourself. However, this limit can be extended as proficiency increases, and various unknown factors may influence this restriction. It was a good skill for gaining more skills quickly, but was limited by level restrictions. But, it had the potential to grow up at least. Universal Synthesis: This unique ultimate skill allows the user to merge two or more types of matter, energies, or any form of data, including their quintessential forms, to create an evolved version with unique characteristics and effects. The result is often a new entity or force that exhibits enhanced capabilities, unparalleled power, and diverse applications, making the wielder of this skill a master of transformation and creation. Note: It costs a lot of Mana. The higher the task, the more Mana it requires to cast the skill. It was a hidden gem among the skills he had seen. Although it fell into the category of unique skills, it was much more powerful than that. The phrase "Unique Ultimate" really fit it well. That means only he possessed this powerful skill. "Ah, I really want to try it on something. To see if it works as it says." But, the room waspletely empty, aside from the bed and a dining table. Oh, there were a few spoons on the table. He could use this ability on them. Appraisal: Silver Spoon x2 Metal Grade: E Durability: 12 He casually picked up two silver spoons and checked their status to note the changes after the synthesis. "Synthesis," hemanded calmly, raising his palm over the spoons to activate the skill. In an instant, his palm began to glow with a white light and enveloped the spoons. "Ding! Your Synthesis was sessful." "That''s it? The process was alreadyplete before he could even blink for a second." However, the synthesized spoon looked a little bigger and sturdier. He quickly checked the stats using Appraisal. Appraisal: Silver Spoon (Sentient) Metal Grade: D Durability: 30 "Whoa!" he eximed in wonder. Its metal grade had risen to D, and its durability had increased significantly. However, most importantly, it had be a sentient object. This meant it was now aware of its existence in the world, though not capable ofmunication, just like trees. "Knock! Knock!" Just as he was about to fall asleep, a sudden knock jolted him back from his reverie. "Who is it?" he asked, alerted. "Mr. Ethan, I have brought your dinner." "Oh, okay,ing." A little girl, around seven or eight years old, stood outside carrying a tray of food. The little girl entered the room with the tray in hand, just like a young adult. "What''s your name, little girl?" The little girl blinked. "Oh, my name is Emily, Mr. Ethan. Why do you ask?" He shrugged. "I was just asking casually. You can call me Ethan, by the way." Emily simply nodded and quickly left the room. "Did she get scared or something?" he chuckled, amused. Afterward, he finished his dinner and fell into a deep slumber like a sloth. Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Fire Toads Den The morning sun filtered through the small window, waking Ethan from a deep sleep. He stretched, feeling the soreness from yesterday''s journey. The room was cramped, but it had served its purpose. He washed up quickly and headed downstairs. Aunt Greta greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ethan. Did you sleep well?" "Yes, thank you, Aunt Greta," he replied. "Where can I find breakfast?" "Right here," she said, pointing to a tableden with bread, cheese, and fruit. "Help yourself." Ethan filled a te and sat down to eat, savoring the simple yet delicious meal. As he ate, he thought about his ns for the day. He needed to register as a hunter and start learning more about this world. Just as he finished his meal, Aria walked in. "Good morning, Ethan," she said cheerfully. "Ready for our adventure?" "Good morning, Aria. Yes, I''m ready," he said, standing up and grabbing a simple cloth bag from the Inn. Aunt Greta handed him with a smile. They left the inn and walked through the bustling streets of Arcadia. The city was alive with activity, vendors shouting about their goods and people hurrying to their destinations. It was a vibrant, colorful ce, unlike anything Ethan had ever seen. Aria led him to arge building with a sign that read "Hunter''s Guild." They entered, and Ethan was immediately struck by the sheer number of people inside. Hunters of all shapes and sizes were gathered, talking,ughing, and preparing for their missions. Thenguage was entirely different from earth but he could understand it clearly as it was engraved in his mind. Aria guided Ethan to the registration desk, where a stern-looking woman sat behind a counter. "Hey, Melinda, this is Ethan," she said. "He''s here to register as a hunter." The woman named Melinda''s eyes softened when she saw who was speaking. "Is he a newbie, Aria?" Melinda asked, scrutinizing Ethan. "Yes, he is my new friend. Can you help?" "Is that so?" Ethan stepped forward, revealing a small smile. "Hello, nice to meet you, Miss Melinda. I am Ethan Smith." She also smiled back. "Oh, nice to meet you too. What a polite kid! Just like you, Aria." "So, if you''re a newbie, then you have to fill out this form," she said calmly. "Name, age, skills, level, etcetera, etcetera." Ethan took the form, filled it with his details, and handed it back to her. "Alright, your Hunter ID will be ready in a few minutes, then you can choose a F-ss skill for free," Melinda replied curtly. As they waited, Aria exined more about the guild. "Hunters take on various missions, from gathering resources to ying monsters. It''s a dangerous job, but it''s also rewarding. You''ll earn money, gain experience, and can even find rare items. Moreover, they are granted ess to the dungeon for a fee as well." It was really convenient. A few minutester, Melinda handed Ethan a small badge. "This is your Hunter badge," she said. "Take good care of it." "And you can choose one skill from these skills as per your liking." She disyed a few glowing books on the table. "Fireball." "Wolf Instinct." "Tiger''s w." "Speed Boost." "Body Fortification Basic." "Swift Sword Strike." Ethan was amazed at the sight. Those glowing skill books were really tempting. But he could only choose one of them. Why is it always like this? He read the description and picked Swift Sword Strike from those. From the description, it seemed best for newbies. Fireball was a good skill, but it had no defense properties. While with Swift Sword Strike, he could attack and defend at the same time. Wolf Instinct was useless as it had no attack property. "Good choice, Ethan. It is the best choice for you," Aria encouraged him from behind. So, it was final. [Ding! ] [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new skill: Swift Sword Strike.] Instantly, some basic info about sword flowed through his brain as if he had been trained in it beforehand. After the registration process, they went to a cksmith''s shop to buy a sword for Ethan. He had no money, so he had to ask Aria for help again. Aria lent it to him with no objection. To her, 10 silver coins were just like chump change. [Appraisal ] [ Iron Sword ] [ Metal Grade: F ] [ Attack Power: 3 ] [ Durability: 10 ] Ethan bought a regr iron sword worth 10 silver coins, which was a lot. So, he reminded himself that he had to return the money to Aria someday. "So, what do you n to do next, Ethan?" Aria asked as they left the cksmith shop. Ethan looked around the market as he replied, "I want to go to the dungeon." He wasn''tpletely sure though. He was a little scared, thinking about what might happen to him. He didn''t want to die again, so he was hoping for Aria''s help. "Huh?" Aria looked surprised. "Dungeon, right off the bat? Won''t it be dangerous?" She looked worried. "Alright, Ethan, I will go with you, but only for today. What about that?" Aria decided to help him atst. Ethan couldn''t be happier. If she came with him, he would be at ease. "Okay, thank you, Aria. Let''s go," he urged, looking at the sun, which was about to set in a few hours. From there, guided by Aria, they headed to an F-ss dungeon called ''Fire Toad''s Den.'' The perfect ce for newbies. The journey to the dungeon was filled with the sights and sounds of the city gradually giving way to more rugged, natural surroundings. The bustling streets turned into quieter paths lined with trees, and the air grew fresher. Ethan felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. When they arrived at the entrance of the Fire Toad''s Den, he could feel a strange, ominous energy emanating from within. The entrance was a dark, gaping hole in the ground, surrounded by rocks and vegetation. "This is it," Aria said, her tone serious. "Remember, stay close to me and follow my lead. The Fire Toads are dangerous but manageable for beginners. Just be cautious." Ethan nodded, gripping the hilt of his new sword tightly. "Got it. Let''s do this." They entered the dungeon, and the temperature immediately rose. The walls were damp and covered in moss, and the air was thick with humidity. The only light came from the glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting an eerie, flickering glow. As they ventured deeper, the sound of dripping water echoed around them, and Ethan could hear the distant croaking of the Fire Toads. Aria led the way, her movements confident and sure. "Keep an eye out for any signs of danger," she whispered. "The Fire Toads can be sneaky sometimes." Ethan nodded, scanning the surroundings nervously. Suddenly, a loud croak echoed through the tunnel, and arge, fiery-red Toad leaped out from the shadows, its eyes glowing menacingly. "Get ready, Ethan!" Aria shouted, drawing her weapon. Ethan took a deep breath and raised his sword, trying to steady his trembling hands. The Fire Toad lunged at them, its mouth open wide, revealing sharp teeth and a glowing, fiery tongue. It was about three feet tall, definitely bigger than average toads. Aria moved swiftly, dodging the Toad''s attack and striking back with her weapon. "Aim for its eyes, Ethan! They''re its weak spot! Quick! Don''t let it spit fire on you," she warned. Ethan nodded and lunged forward, swinging his sword with all his might. "Swift Sword Strike." The de connected with the Toad''s eye, and it let out a screech of pain, thrashing wildly. "Huff!" Ethan let out a sigh of relief at the sight. "I can do this." He cheered himself before continuing his strikes. "Good job, Ethan! Keep it up!" Aria encouraged, remaining standby. She was here just to protect him, so she wouldn''t interfere unless he was in some kind of danger. With a few more well-ced strikes, the Fire Toad copsed, its body dissolving into a pile of ash and embers. "Nice work, Ethan," Aria said with a smile. "You''re doing great." Ethan smiled, feeling a rush of exhration. "Haha, Thanks, Aria. That was tough, but I managed." They continued deeper into the dungeon, encountering more Fire Toads along the way. Each battle was a challenge, but with Aria''s guidance, Ethan grew more confident and skilled. Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Dungeon Raid [ Ding!] [ Congrattions! You have leveled up.] [ You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely ] "Status:" Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith)] Race: Human Level: 1 ss: None Age: 18 Strength: 10 Agility: 8 Defense: 9 Mana: 100 Attribute points: 5 Skills: Swift Sword Strike (F) Unique Skills: - Basic: Appraisal - Mythic: Skill Absorption - Ultimate: Universal Synthesis --- Ethan quickly distributed the attribute points on strength and agility, and felt a rush of power rising through his being. He clenched his fist, feeling the increased strength that almost felt unnatural. It was a exhrating experience. Ethan and Aria were currently on the third floor of the underground dungeon. Each floor became progressively hotter as they descended. "Thud!" As another big fire frog fell to the floor, defeated, Ethan saw a bright light where the frog had died. He approached and found a skill book there, the frog''s body having disappeared. [ Skill: Fire Toad''s Leap.] [ ss: F ] [ Description: Acquiring it will grant you Fire Toad''s jumping ability ] "Wow! Ethan, congrattions! You''ve triggered your first monster drop. And, on top of that, you got a skill book out of it. You''re quite lucky," Aria smiled. "You can equip it, or even sell it at the market for 20 silver coins at least. Both win win situation." "Let''s go ahead more." While Aria was momentarily preupied, her attention drawn to the floor, Ethan quietly held the skill book against his chest to equip it. If Aria had noticed, she would have been stunned. Because, most people could only equip one active skill, and two passive skills at the beginning. It was the limit of a ordinary hunter''s capabilities. But Ethan, unaware of this restriction, managed to do so without a sweat. [ Ding! Congrattions! You have acquired a active new skill: Fire Toad''s Leap(F) ] "Great!" He eximed inwardly seeing two active skills on his panel. --- He continued to grind until sunset. Ethan managed to level up Once, which was great considering he had just started his adventure. Aria just observed his struggles, feeling impressed at his tenacity. Ethan was now at level 2 with 5 additional attribute points to distribute freely. He allocated them as per his need on defense and strength this time. Defense was equally important as others, as it makes his body more sturdier and stronger. After leveling up, progress became harder, so they decided to quit for the day. The Fire Toad''s Den had twenty floors in total, and Ethan managed to clear the first four floors all by himself. Although he was close to dying many times, Aria saved him just in time. From this, he understood that he needed to prepare himself more for the next raid. "Hey, Aria, I almost forgot. How should I increase my Mana? I can''t use my attribute points on it." When they were about to part ways, Ethan finally asked the most important question that was on his mind. "Oh, that. You need to use Mana orbs to increase your Mana. You can buy them from the shop, or if you''re lucky, you can find them in monster drops." She added, "Mana Orbs are very rare, so their price is also high. Ordinary people can''t afford them at all. You will understand how rare they are soon enough." "I see." Ethan nodded in understanding. "By the way, how much Mana do you have?" Aria asked, curious. "It''s 100," he answered honestly. "Well, 100 is good, especially if you''re just a newbie. ---- After parting ways with Aria, Ethan entered a shop to sell the extra skill book he got from another monster drop. It was the same skill he already had: Fire Toad''s Leap. It was not useful to him anymore, so he sold it for 20 silver coins. Afterwards, with that money, he bought another two iron swords. "Synthesize!" hemanded after reaching his room. "Congrattions! Your Synthesis was sessful." [ Appraisal ] [ Iron Sword ¡ú Silver Sword (Sentient) ] [ Metal grade: F ¡ú E ] [ Attack power: 3 ¡ú 15 ] [ Durability: 10 ¡ú 30 ] "Awesome!" he cheered as soon as he saw the result. Its attack power had increased to 15, meaning it could double his strength now. "You will be my buddy from now on." He kissed the silver sword with affection. The silver sword softly glowed as if responding to his words. The soft glow emanated a sense of warmth andpanionship, almost as if the sword had a soul of its own. --- The next morning, Ethan woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Today was the day he would head back to the dungeon alone. After a quick breakfast, he made his way to the dungeon entrance. The city was bustling with activity, but his mind was focused on the challenges ahead. As he descended into the dungeon, he felt the familiar heat intensify with each step. The first few floors were rtively easy, thanks to his new skills and his sentient sword. The Fire Toads were no match for him now. His confidence grew with each battle, but he knew he couldn''t let his guard down. On the fifth floor, the environment changed dramatically. The walls were covered in glowing red moss, and the air was thick with the scent of sulfur. The heat was almost unbearable, and he could feel the sweat pouring down his face. He took a deep breath and pressed on. Ethan encountered a group of Fire Toads and used his Swift Sword Strike to take them down quickly. As he fought, he noticed a strange-looking Toad watching him from a distance. It wasrger than the others and had a menacing aura. "Darn..." The creature leaped towards him with incredible speed. He barely managed to dodge its attack and retaliated with Swift Sword Strike. The blow connected, but the Toad didn''t seem fazed. "Croak Croak!" It let out a terrifying screech and lunged at him again while spitting fire from its mouth. This time, Ethan used Fire Toad''s Leap to jump out of the way andnded behind the creature. . "Die!" He struck with all his might, and the sword glowed brightly as it cut through the Toad''s tough skin, thanks to his new upgraded sword. "THUD!" The creature let out onest screech before copsing to the ground. [ Ding! Congrattions! You have leveled up ] [ You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely ] Ethan let out a sigh of relief and checked his status. He had received more attribute points, and his strength and agility had increased. He distributed the points evenly, focusing on improving his strength and agility. Then, he quickly used Skill Absorption on the fallen Toad. If he hadn''t done that quick, the body would have disappearedpletely. [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new passive skill ] [ Skill: Fire Toad''s Resilience (passive)] [ ss: F ] [ Description: Acquiring it will increase the user''s resistance to fire-based attacks ] This was exactly what he needed. Yesterday he wasn''t able to use Skill Absorption because Aria was with him, but now he could use it as many times as he wanted. Ethan equipped the skill and felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. The heat in the dungeon no longer felt as intense. With renewed confidence, he continued deeper into the dungeon, determined to see how far he could go. Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Dungeon Raid(2) [ Status ] [ Name: Aengus Degaro(Ethan Smith) ] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 3 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 15 ] [ Agility: 12 ] [ Defense: 15 ] [ Mana: 100 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: [ Active: Swift Sword Strike -2(F), Fire Toad''s Leap -2(F)] [ Passive: Fire Toad''s Resilience (F) ] Unique Skills: - Basic: Appraisal - Mythic: Skill Absorption - Ultimate: Universal Synthesis --- After allocating his attribute points, Ethan felt a surge of power coursing through him. All his base stats had increased significantly, and he now possessed another passive skill. However, he still hadn''t found any Mana orbs, which was a little disappointing. His Mana was the real deal. With 100 points of Mana, he could run for 4-5 floors only. So if he wanted to clear this dungeon, he would need more Mana or have to consider joining a party. But joining a party would mean risking his secret. Truly a dilemma. The sixth floor of the dungeon was even more challenging. The heat was oppressive, and the monsters were stronger and more aggressive. Fire Toads were now apanied by me Serpents, which slithered through the molten cracks in the ground, their scales shimmering with intense heat. Ethan navigated through the narrow corridors, keeping his senses sharp and his sword at the ready. The sentient silver sword seemed to hum with anticipation, as if it could sense the danger around them. The red moss on the walls pulsed with a rhythmic glow, casting eerie shadows that danced with every flicker of light. As he ventured further, he encountered a group of me Serpents. Their fiery eyes red at him as they hissed and coiled, ready to strike. He knew he had to be quick and precise. Using Fire Toad''s Leap, he vaulted over the serpents,nding behind them. In one swift motion, he unleashed a series of powerful strikes with his sword, each blow finding its mark. The serpents writhed and hissed before falling lifeless to the ground. "Skill Absorption!" "Skill Absorption!" "Skill Absorption!" [ Ding! Congrattions! You gained a new skill me Serpent''s Breath (F) ] [ Congrattions! You have gained a new skill, me Serpent''s Digestion (passive) ] [ Congrattions! You have gained a new skill me Serpent''s Resistance (passive) ] "Ooh, damn good!" As soon as he received the notifications, Ethan smiled. His [Skill Absorption] ability was really getting more useful the further he went deeper. In previous floors, Skill Absorption had been unsessful many times. Now, this brought him some relief. With so many skills, he could face more monsters now. He had a little more than 30 Mana left, so he could go on a little more. Moving forward, he encountered another group of Fire Toads and me Serpents. This time, they were in a group of ten. They lunged at him while spitting fire from their mouths. Their velocity was so instant that he had no choice but to face their attack head-on. Their fire breaths enveloped himpletely, casting an eerie atmosphere. However, even after getting hit by theirbined fire breath attack, Ethan waspletely fine. His two passive fire resistance skills, [Fire Toad''s Resilience] and [me Serpent''s Resistance], were doing their job. Instead of pain, he only felt as if he was in some kind of hot spring. Fire Serpent''s resistance covered his body with a protectiveyer that protected his clothes with efficiency. Now he don''t have to be naked to continue. On the other hand, Witnessing their attack fail, they lunged to bite him with their sharp ws and fangs. In counter, he used [me Serpent''s Breath] to deflect them. Although it wouldn''t do much damage, it would keep them busy for a while. Meanwhile, he readied himself to unleash his sword skill [Swift Sword Strike] upon them. It was the best option he had. As they got separated because of his breath attack, he quickly lunged his sword skill on them. "Swift Sword Strike." "Swift Sword Strike." "me Serpent''s Breath!" "Swift Sword Strike." He unleashed abination of powerful strikes with his sword and breath skill, each blow finding its mark. "Croak, Croak! Hiss, Hiss!" The serpents and toads writhed and hissed before falling lifeless to the ground. [ Ding! Congrattions! You have leveled up ] [ You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely ] Ethan moved forward to use Skill Absorption on them quickly. However, to his surprise, their bodies were nowhere to be seen. Instead, there were a few glowing skill books on the ground. - Fire Toad''s Leap (F) 2x - Fire Toad''s Resilience (F) 3x - me Serpent''s Breath (F) 2x - Fire Toad''s Breath (F) 1x Fire Toad''s Breath was simr to me Serpent''s Breath, but with slight differences. In Fire Toad''s Breath, they spat fireballs instead of breathing fire. Honestly, he thought it should be called [Fire Toad''s Spittle] or something like that. Still, he equipped [Fire Toad''s Breath] and kept the rest in his cloth bag to sell themter. Moving forward, Ethan stumbled upon a hidden chamber. The air inside was cooler, and the walls were lined with ancient, glowing runes. At the center of the room, a pedestal held a gleaming orb. His heart raced with excitement. [ Appraisal ] [ Mana Orb 1x ] [ Quality: F ] [ Mana Capacity Increase: 20 ] Finally! He found a Mana Orb. He couldn''t believe that he found it so quickly. As he approached the pedestal, a shimmering barrier appeared, blocking his path. It was a protective ward, and he knew he had to disable it to im the orb. He examined the runes closely and realized they formed aplex puzzle. His knowledge from Appraisal came in handy as he deciphered the symbols and figured out the sequence needed to deactivate the barrier. With a final touch, the barrier dissipated, and he carefully picked up the Mana Orb. It pulsed with a soft blue light, and he could feel its energy radiating through him. Without hesitation, he absorbed the orb, feeling a surge of power as his Mana increased. [ Ding! Your Mana capacity has increased by 20 points. Current Mana capacity: 120 ] "Good!" Ethan now had 120 Mana points in total, a significant boost that would aid him greatly in his journey. He felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead as it refilled his Mana to the brim. Leaving the hidden chamber, he continued his descent into the dungeon. The seventh floor greeted him with a fiery inferno. Lava flowed through the cracks in the ground, and the air was thick with smoke. The heat was intense, but thanks to [Fire Toad''s Resilience] and [me Serpent''s Resistance], he was able to withstand it. As he navigated the treacherous terrain, he encountered more powerful creatures. More Fire Serpents and Toads, towering and imposing, blocked his path. They were nearly double in sizepared to the previous ones, and their fiery eyes glowed with malevolence. Ethan knew these foes would be a true test of his skills. Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Lenora Emberion Ethan panted heavily, his breathsing in ragged gasps as he struggled to regain hisposure. Sweat streamed down his face, blurring his vision. The giant Toads and Serpents on the seventh floor had proved relentless, their monstrous forms overwhelming him. He was acutely aware of his own inadequacy in the face of their strength. He activated his Appraisal skill: [ Fire Toad ] [ Power Level: 6 ] --- [ me Serpent ] [ Power Level: 5 ] The dungeon''s seventh floor was teeming with at least 10-20 of these beasts, their scales glinting ominously in the dim light. With his own level at just 4, Ethan realized that defeating them was beyond his current capabilities. Retreat was his only viable option. He needed a better strategy to ovee their defenses. As he exited the dungeon, Ethan made his way through the bustling streets to the Hunter Guild, clutching a sack of valuable loot. The guild was alive with activity, filled with hunters trading stories of their recent exploits. Melinda, the guild receptionist, greeted him with a hint of warmth in her otherwise stern demeanor. "Oh, hey, it''s you again. Ethan, right?" Ethan nodded. "Yeah, it''s me, the rookie. I''m here to sell my loot. Can you check how much I can get for these?" Heid out his extra skill books on the counter: - Fire Toad''s Leap - 3x - Fire Toad''s Resilience - 2x - me Serpent''s Resistance - 4x Melinda examined the books, her stern expression shifting to one of surprise. "You managed to gather a lot for a rookie, Ethan. Great job! I never thought you had it in you." Ethan epted the praise with a modest smile, feeling a sense of aplishment. Despite the challenges, it was a step forward. "Thanks, Melinda. I just need to get stronger. Those monsters on the 7th floor are tough." Her expression turned serious again. "Take care, rookie. It''s dangerous out there. Don''t push yourself too hard." With a nod, Ethan pocketed the near 400 silver coins that she handed him and left the guild. He decided to treat himself to a brief rest, savoring his small victory. "Ring.... Riing" Heading to the nearest tavern, Crescent Moon Tavern, Ethan entered to the chime of the wee bell. He found a table near the window and sat down. A waiter soon approached, and Ethan ordered some wine and roasted beef while browsing the menu. The tavern was lively, filled with hunters engaged in animated conversations. One hunter''s voice cut through the din. "Hey, did you hear? A new S-rank hunter just joined the Hunter''s Supreme Council." "Yeah, I heard. Must be nice to be an S-rank hunter, right? Money, fame, beautiful women¡ªthey get everything they want," another hunter replied, his voice tinged with envy. "Yeah! Will we ever be able to be S-rank hunters one day?" the first hunter mused, a dreamy look in his eyes. Ethan listened, feeling a surge of determination. While he was far from reaching S-rank himself, their conversation reminded him of his own ambitions. He turned his attention back to his meal, contemting his next move. Just then, a tall girl with fiery red-hair approached him. "Hey cky, can I sit here?" "Cough! Cough!" Ethan nearly choked on his wine. "What did you say? Who is cky here?" he asked, locking eyes with her. Her fiery red eyes were captivating, burning with intensity and drawing him in. They were mesmerizing, unlike anything he had seen before. The girl, with a mischievous grin, replied, "Who else, you of course. You have ck hair, right? So, you''re cky." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "This girl is something else. Directly insulting my favorite ck hair? She''s got some guts." He decided to use Appraisal to gauge her strength, then deal with her ordingly. [ Name: Lenora Emberion ] [ Age: 15 ] [ Level: 14 ] [ Affiliation: Arcadia Hunters Guild, Fire Crow n ] Impressed by her background, Ethan realized he should handle the situation with peace. "Haha, Sure, why not," he replied with a harmless smile. He need to cope with it. Who knows her protectors maybe hiding nearby? Lenora cheerfully took a seat beside him, drawing curious nces from the other patrons. She ordered several dishes and wine, observing Ethan with interest. He avoided meeting her gaze directly, ufortable with the tingling sensation her eyes invoked and keen to avoid any misunderstanding. She had this snake like charming eyes¡ªlike a medusa. The silence between them grew awkward, prompting Lenora to break it. "What a bore! Hey, cky, why are you silent? Or are you upset because I called you by this name?" Ethan looked up in confusion. "Who wouldn''t be upset when you call him by a stupid name? cky? Am I some kind of dog or something?" He took a deep breath to steady himself. "It''s not that. I just wasn''t expecting such a... direct nickname, by an unfamiliar person on top of that." Lenora grinned and leaned forward. "Well, you better get used to it. I have a feeling we''ll be seeing a lot of each other." Her confidence was both intimidating and intriguing. "So, Lenora, why did you want to sit here? There seems to be a lot empty tables nearby.." Ethan asked casting a suspicious nce at her. "Huh..." Lenora''s eyebrows rose in surprise. "How did you know my name?" Ethan began to sweat, realizing his slip of the tongue. "Uh, I just heard people''s whispers about you. That''s how I got to know your name." His excuse seemed usible. Lenora shrugged, taking a sip of her wine in an elegant manor. "I''m just looking for some fun and a good meal. You seemed interesting, so I thought I''d join you." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? How so?" Lenora''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let''s just say I have a knack for spotting potential. And you... you have potential." Ethan felt a mix of ttery and suspicion. "Thanks, I guess. But potential for what exactly?" Her snake like eyes twinkled with yful glint and intrigue. "You''ll find out soon enough. Just be ready." Their conversation continued with light banter and yful teasing. He felt interesting to talk to her and they got to know each other better as the night wore on. Eventually, Ethan made his way back to his inn, reflecting on the unexpected encounter and the evening''s events. Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Invitation The next morning, after finishing his breakfast, Ethan was having a casual chat with Aunt Greta in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread and herbs filled the air, making it the perfect setting for a rxed morning. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with lighthearted stories andughter. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and an unexpected visitor entered. "Hi cky!" It was Lenora, the red-haired girl from the previous day. She was apanied by a fewpanions this time¡ªtwo boys and two girls, all around her age. Ethan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Why are you here? And don''t call me by that name again, please." "Sure, cky!" Lenora replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a soft smile ying on her lips. Ethan shook his head helplessly. Her persistence was both annoying and oddly endearing. "cky, we are going on a dungeon raid. Do you want to join our party?" Lenora revealed her purpose with an enthusiastic attitude, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Surprised, Ethan asked, "So, you''re here to invite me to your party?" "Yep," she nodded eagerly. "But why me?" Ethan couldn''t help but feel a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Because I know you''re special, a perfect fit for our party," she said mysteriously, her tone implying she knew more than she was letting on. Ethan''s heart skipped a beat. "Does she know about my special abilities? But how is this even possible?" He shook his head, dismissing the notion. Calming his racing heart, he asked, "Where are you nning to raid, Lenora?" "It''s an E-Rank Dungeon, Rock Giant''s Cave," she revealed with a reassuring smile. "But don''t worry about the difficulty. We will be clearing it with our party after all." Her confidence was infectious, and Ethan found himself considering the offer more seriously. It wouldn''t hurt to go with them, especially since he was stuck in a minor bottleneck. "Alright, introduce me to your friends," Ethan said, deciding to give her proposal a chance. Lenora''s smile widened as she turned to herpanions. "This is Cedric," she pointed to a tall boy with a lean build, his brown hair falling into his sharp green eyes. He nodded at Ethan with a reserved smile. "He''s our strategic leader and has a knack for traps." "Nice to meet you," Cedric said, his voice calm and measured."Lenora had been talking about you a lot." "And this is Iris," Lenora continued, gesturing to a girl with short, curly ck hair and piercing blue eyes. "She''s our healer and enhancer." Iris gave Ethan a warm smile. "I look forward to working with you," she said, her tone kind and weing. "Next, we have Marcus," Lenora pointed to a muscr boy with a confident grin, his dark skin gleaming in the morning light. "He''s our front-line warrior, always ready to charge into battle." Marcus simply nodded, not looking very enthusiastic. "And finally, this is Yona," Lenora indicated a slender girl with long, velvet hair and striking violet eyes. "She''s our scout and archer, with an eye for detail and a steady aim." Yona nodded at Ethan, her expression serious but respectful. "Nice to meet you," she said simply. "Alright," Ethan said, feeling a sense of camaraderie building. "When do we start?" He decided to give it a chance. "Tomorrow at dawn," Lenora replied. "We''ll meet at the town gate. Make sure to bring all your gear and be ready for an adventure!" As they left, Ethan couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This could be the start of something significant, a chance to prove himself and uncover more about his abilities. And perhaps, he would find out just what Lenora knew about him. Perhaps his bottleneck would be resolved by them. Turning back to Aunt Greta, who had been silently observing the whole exchange, he found her giving him a surprised smile. "Ethan, isn''t she the Princess of the Fire Crow n? How did you two meet?" she asked curiously. "I just met her at the tavern yesterday and got to know each other by chance," Ethan replied casually. "Oh, by chance, you say?" Although she remained suspicious of his im, she wished him good luck regardless. "Then, looks like you''re about to embark on quite the journey, Ethan. Just remember to stay safe and trust in yourself. Don''t trust others so easily." Ethan nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I will, Aunt Greta. I will." Afterwards, he went to the cksmith''s shop to buy more iron swords to upgrade his equipment further. "Young man, you again? How many swords do you want this time?" the old dwarven cksmith asked, observing him with curious nces. "I need 10," Ethan replied firmly. "T-Ten? That''s a lot, young man. Are you buying them for your party or something?" "You could say that," Ethan shrugged. "Alright then, wait here for a moment." The short cksmith went to a back room and soon returned with ten sharp iron swords. After paying 100 silver coins, Ethan went into an alleyway to synthesize the swords. "Synthesize!" "Synthesize!" "Synthesize!" ..... [ Ding! Congrattions! Your synthesis was sessful ] [ Congrattions! Your synthesis was sessful ] [ Congrattions your....] [ Congrattions...] [ Appraisal: ] [ Titanium Runic Sword (Sentient) ] [ Metal Grade: D ] [ Attack Power: 45 ] [ Durability: 135 ] [ Special Effects: Stun ] The sword had received an impressive upgrade. Its de vibrated with each motion, as if it could cut through anything effortlessly. It had be a D-Grade Titanium Sword, a highly valuable weapon worth nearly 5,000 silver coins. Such an amount of money was significant in this world; a normal family could livefortably on that sum for an extended period. Because of this, not everyone could afford high-quality equipment like this, and not everyone had Ethan''s special ability. Additionally, the sword had gained a special effect: Stun. It could now stun enemies at critical moments, although its activation was random. Ethan then checked his status: [ Status ] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) ] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 4 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 17 ] [ Agility: 15 ] [ Defense: 18 ] [ Mana: 120 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] [ Active: Swift Sword Strike - 3 (F), Fire Toad''s Leap - 2 (F), Fire Toad''s Breath (F), me Serpent''s Breath (F) ] [ Passive: Fire Toad''s Resilience (F), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (F), Fire Serpent''s Resistance ] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipments: Titanium Runic Sword (D) ] Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Skill Synthesis As soon as Ethan stepped onto the first floor, a Fire Toad lunged at him ferociously as usual. "Slice!" Ethan casually waved his sword, slicing the Toad in half. With indifference, he continued deeper into the dungeon. These low-level Toads were no match for him now. He couldn''t even extract skills from them; it would be a waste of limited Mana to cast [Skill Absorption] on such weak creatures with low chances. After another round of grinding, Ethan reached the seventh floor¡ªthe floor that had been his bottleneck yesterday. But today was different. He had his Titanium Runic Sword with him. With its nearly 45 attack power,bined with his 17 points of strength, he wielded nearly 62 points of raw power. Ethan''s confidence soared. The Titanium Runic Sword was a game-changer. Its de was inscribed with intricate runes that glowed faintly, promising enhanced damage and precision. The weight of the sword felt perfectly bnced in his hands, a seamless extension of his own strength. The seventh floor, abyrinth of molten rock and flickering shadows, stretched out before him. The oppressive heat and the distant roars of unseen creatures would have intimidated any lesser warrior. But Ethan was prepared. With each step, he felt the power of his weapon thrumming through him. He was ready to face whatever came his way, determined to break through the barriers that had held him back yesterday. Today, he would conquer the seventh floor. His passive skills were in effect, shielding him from the intense heat. While other hunters relied on fire affinity potions to endure these conditions, Ethan relied on his skills alone. Although some hunters used a simr method, they needed to be wealthy to do that. The oppressive heat that radiated from the molten rock and the flickering shadows of the seventh floor had little impact on Ethan. Thanks to his passive skills, he remained cool andposed, his body adapting effortlessly to the harsh environment. The runes on his Titanium Runic Sword glowed brighter, resonating with the ambient energy of the dungeon. "Croak!" "Hiss!" Ethan found himself confronted by tworge creatures, a fire toad and a me serpent. They moved in perfect sync,unching their breath attacks simultaneously. He used [Fire Toad''s Leap] to evade their onught, though the edges of the fiery sts still singed him. Their power was unmistakable, far greater than the lesser creatures he had faced before. His passive skills shielded him from the worst of the heat, but he could still feel the sting of theirbined assault. Gritting his teeth, Ethan sprang into action. He exhaled [Fire Serpent''s Breath], creating a fiery barrier that momentarily separated the two creatures. Seizing the opportunity, hended beside the Fire Toad, his Titanium Runic Sword ready. "Slice!" With a swift, decisive motion, he severed the Fire Toad''s head. Dark green blood gushed from the wound, pooling around the lifeless body in a sickening mess. "Hiss!" The me serpent, enraged by the death of itspanion, charged at Ethan with bared fangs. Ethan sidestepped its lunge, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. Using the momentum of his dodge, he brought his sword down in a powerful arc. The serpent reared back, its scales shimmering in the fiery light. Ethan pressed his advantage, delivering a series of precise strikes that chipped away at its defenses. The serpent hissed in fury, its movements bing more erratic as it tried to retaliate. Finally, with onest powerful swing, Ethan cleaved through its neck, ending the battle. The serpent''s body thrashed violently before copsing in a heap. Panting, Ethan surveyed the scene, cautious of any other creatures that might be lurking in the shadows. The seventh floor was not a ce to let his guard down. He approached the two dead bodies, eager to use [Skill Absorption] on them. Silently, he prayed, "Please give me good skills this time." [ Ding ] [ Congrattions! Your Skill Absorption was sessful ] [ You have acquired another existing skill: Fire Toad''s Leap (F) ] [ Ding ] [ Congrattions! Your Skill Absorption was sessful ] [ You have acquired another existing skill: me Serpent''s Breath (F) ] "Hm, I got another existing skill. Looks like it''s finally time to try Skill Synthesis. The skills I gathered should be enough!" Ethan muttered, excited to start the process. He quickly checked the description of the [ Universal Synthesis ] skill to make sure. [ Universal Synthesis: This unique ultimate skill allows the user to merge two or more types of matter, energies, or any form of data, including their quintessential forms, to create an evolved version with unique characteristics and effects. The result is often a new entity or force that exhibits enhanced capabilities, unparalleled power, and diverse applications, making the wielder of this skill a master of transformation and creation ] Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Skill Synthesis (2) Ethanmanded in his mind to synthesize the extra skills, and his whole body shook as if it was rewriting his very soul. He had heard that once a person equips a skill, it embeds directly into their soul. "Is this why am I feeling this slight difort?" But, he found it manageable. He awaited eagerly for the good news while taking shelter in a small cave on the seventh floor of the dungeon. [ Ding ] [ Congrattions! Your Skill Synthesis was sessful ] [ Your new skills: - Advanced Fire Toad''s Leap (E) - A more powerful version of Fire Toad''s Leap, allowing for greater distance and speed with enhanced fire resistance. - Advanced Fire Serpent''s Breath (E) - An upgraded form of me Serpent''s Breath, with increased range and intensity of the me attack ] "Oh, ho. Two E-rank skills!" This was just the beginning of what he could achieve with [Universal Synthesis]. He had yet to learn its full application. Now it was time to find out what would happen when he synthesized two different kinds of skills, would it mutate, or evolvepletely? He had a little more than 80 Mana left, and it should be enough for synthesis, though he was not entirely sure. First, he decided to check his status to determine which skills to merge. [ Status ] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) ] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 5] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 17 ] [ Agility: 15 ] [ Defense: 18 ] [ Mana: 87/120 ] [ Attribute points: 5 ] [ Skills: [ Active: Fire Toad''s Leap (E), Fire Serpent''s Breath (E), Swift Sword Strike - 3 (F), Fire Toad''s Breath (F) ] [ Passive: Fire Toad''s Resilience (F), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (F), Fire Serpent''s resistance ] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal(Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate)] [ Equipments: Titanium Runic Sword (D)" "Hmm, I have leveled up to level 5." Among 5 attribute points, he distributed 3 on strength and 2 on agility. He felt his power increased, but he ignored it as he had a more important task at hand. Ethan decided to increase his resistance to fire attacks next. "Synthesis Skills: ( Fire Toad''s Resilience + Fire Serpent''s Resistance) [ Ding! Congrattions! Your Skill Synthesis was sessful ] [ Your skills evolved into: ze Guard (E) - Passive ] [ Description: An evolved defensive skill thatbines Fire Toad''s Resilience and Fire Serpent''s Resistance ] [ Effects: Superior Fire Resistance: Significantly reduces or nullifies damage from fire-based attacks with a defensive aura ] "That''s an E-Rank skill alright. But, I hope it still protect my clothes as well." Casting aside the joke, he noticed it took him 10 Mana points to synthesize F-Rank skills of different types. Satisfied with the results, Ethan knew he had to push further. His current skills were good, but he needed to maximize his potential before facing the more formidable creatures on the deeper floors. He took a deep breath, feeling the energy coursing through him from the recent skill synthesis. "Time to try anotherbination," he murmured to himself, excitement bubbling up inside him. Synthesis Skills: Fire Toad''s Leap (E) + Fire Serpent''s Breath (E)] Ethan braced himself for the now-familiar sensation of rewriting his very soul once again. The difort was sharper this time, but he gritted his teeth and powered through, knowing the potential reward was worth the pain. [ Ding ] [ Congrattions! Your Skill Synthesis was sessful ] [ Your skills evolved into: Inferno Leap (D) ] [ Inferno Leap (D): A potent active skill thatbines the agility and fire resistance of Fire Toad''s Leap with the destructive power of me Serpent''s Breath. Allows for long-distance jumps apanied by a burst of mes that damages enemies onnding ] "Hmm.. A D-rank skill!" This was something out of his expectations. Thebination of mobility and offensive power would be invaluable inbat. The thought of leaping into a group of enemies and leaving them scorched was exhrating to say none the least. [ Mana: 37/120 ] s! It took nearly 30 points of Mana to merge two E-Rank skills. However, it was worth it, considering he got a D-Rank skill in return. With his remaining Mana, he was able to Synthesis once more: [ Synthesis Skills ] [Swift Sword Strike (F) + Fire Toad''s Breath (F) ] Ethan felt the familiar sensation again, but it was getting easier to manage. His anticipation grew as he waited for the notification. [ Congrattions! Your Skill Synthesis was sessful ] [ Your skills evolved into: Az Sword Strike (E) ] [ Az Sword Strike: An enhanced melee attack that infuses your weapon with fiery energy, causing your strikes to ignite enemies on contact ] He couldn''t help but grin. This skill would be a game-changer in closebat, adding anotheryer of lethality to his attacks. With these new skills, he felt more prepared than ever to tackle the dungeon''s challenges. He checked his status again to see the updates. [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) ] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 5 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 20 ] [ Agility: 17 ] [ Defense: 18 ] [ Mana: 27/120 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills ] [ Active: Inferno Leap (D), Az Sword Strike ] [ Passive: ze Guard (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (F) ] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipments: Titanium Runic Sword (D) ] His Mana had taken a hit from the recent synthesis, but the new skills were worth it. He decided to rest for a bit, allowing his Mana to recover before proceeding. After a brief period of recovery, just as he prepared to put his new skills to the test, several imposing Fire Toads and me Serpents approached him with a malevolent aura. Observing their approach, Ethan couldn''t help but reveal a confident grin. "Alright, buddies, I''ll start with you first." Standing up with casual assurance, he unleashed [Inferno Leap],unching himself into the heart of their group with a resounding boom. The ground beneath them quaked and copsed, transforming into a small crater upon impact. The creatures, numbering five to six, were thrown back violently by the explosion. They convulsed in pain, blood oozing from their mouths and bodies, before copsing lifelessly on the scorched cavern floor. Ethan stood amidst the chaos, the air thick with the smell of burnt scales and seared flesh. The aftermath of his devastating attack left him exhrated, realizing the full extent of his D-Rank skill [Inferno Leap]. It waspletely overpowered. Chapter 12: Chapter 12: A Cliche Storyline "Boom!" "Boom!" "Sizzle!" The seventh floor was a scene of chaos, with the smell of burning flesh filling the air. Small fiery craters and broken rocks were scattered everywhere, turning the floor into a fiery mess. [ Ding ] [ Congrattions! You have leveled up. ] [ You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely.] Ethan stood among the debris, a rxed smile on his face. The twenty or so monsters he had just defeated gave him a lot of experience, raising his power to level 6. He quickly distributed the attribute points, adding more to his strength and defense. "The seventh floor is clear. Now, to the next one," he muttered as he headed to the staircase leading to the eighth floor. As he descended, he thought about his new D-Rank skill and the [Az Sword Strike], eager to use them. When he reached the eighth floor, another group of monsters was waiting for him. He drew his sword, its edge glowing with a blue light. Using the [Az Sword Strike], he felt a rush of power. The de cut through the air, leaving blue mes behind. The first wave of monsters fell quickly, their bodies turning to ash. Encouraged by his new power, he charged at the remaining monsters. Each strike sent out bursts of blue fire, burning them. The monsters were fierce but no match for his attacks. Soon, the eighth floor was covered with the charred remains of his enemies. Ethan stood there, breathing heavily but feeling stronger. His eyes were already on the next challenge. 9th Floor ¨C Cleared. 10th Floor ¨C Cleared. 11th Floor ¨C Failed. "Damn! My mana ran out," he muttered in frustration, surveying the scene of his defeat. "I thought I could clear the boss of this dungeon today, but no, my mana just had to be insufficient." He clenched his fists, feeling the sting of failure. He reyed the battle in his mind. His powerful skills had decimated the monsters on the 9th and 10th floors effortlessly. Each strike and spell had been precise, each enemy falling without much resistance. But the 11th floor was different. The monsters were tougher, the battles longer, and his mana reserves dwindled faster than he had anticipated. "If this keeps happening, I won''t be able to fight to my heart''s content, even with powerful skills," he thought, frustration growing. The realization hit him hard: his skills, no matter how powerful, were useless without the mana to fuel them. He needed to find a way to increase his mana reserves. The next time he faced the dungeon boss, he wanted to be ready. He wanted to have enough mana to unleash his full potential and fight without holding back. With this new determination, Ethan knew his next goal was clear: he had to find a way to grow more powerful by increasing his mana. Without mana, all his powerful skills would soon be useless, and his journey would be cut short. When he emerged from the dungeon, it was already the crack of dawn. Unknowingly, he had spent the whole night inside. He was a little addicted to getting stronger quickly; that''s how it happened. "Boss, look..." A group of delinquent hunters suddenly noticed Ethan''s expensive sword, their eyes gleaming with greed. They approached him slowly, and the leader deliberately mmed into Ethan while he was distracted. "Hey, watch where you''re going, brat?" The tall burly leader spat venomously. Ethan furrowed his brows. "Now, what''s this drama? There is so much space here, did he think I am a fool or something?" Then he looked at his Titanium Sword and instantly understood everything clearly. "It''s really a clich¨¦ storyline... So predictable..." he sighed. "Sorry! Can you step away from my way now?" Regardless, he said sorry, not to escte the situation further. He knew with his current strength, he was no match for a single one of them, much less a group of experienced hunters. But it didn''t look like they were going to step aside just with a sorry. Their desire was targeted at something else entirely. "Motherfucker, you think a single sorry from you would do the work? Leave your sword aspensation, or you''re dead," the leader spat, eyeing the sword with greed. "Yeah, it''s useless to you anyway. Even with that sword, you''re just a trash-ss hunter," one of the underlings chimed in. Ethan understood that they were determined, and he had no options. He had nearly an empty Mana Reserve. Ethan sighed and handed him the sword. It''s not like he couldn''t make another one by himself again. It was just a matter of time. ng! "Here, take it..." Ethan threw the sword on the ground. The group of thugs was dumbfounded; they had never seen such an understanding person before. Each time, they had to beat people before they got what they wanted by force. But now, someone handed over their belongings so easily. They found it hard to believe. The leader hurriedly picked up the sword, feeling thatdy luck had shined on him. "Very good, brat! I like your attitude." He grinned. "If you''re so cooperative, then give me the locket from your chest as well." "Huh?" Ethan''s frown deepened. "These greedy people never learn to be satisfied with what they get." "No, you can''t get it. It''s not valuable anyway." Ethan couldn''tpromise with this one, as this was the only clue to his identity of this body, which seemed extremely ordinary. The leader felt more eager to acquire the treasure, seeing his hesitance to give it away. He thought although it looked ordinary, it must be some kind of hidden treasure. Seeing the growing desire in his eyes, Ethan felt the situation was not so good. "Move your ass, pretty boy. Give it quick!" One underling stepped forward to snatch it. However, just as his hand was about to reach Ethan''s chest, Ethan gripped his hand tightly. "Didn''t I say you can''t take it?" Ethan''s face was serious and unwavering. "Paah!" "Motherfu*ker! You''re quite stubborn, huh?" The leader pped Ethan like lightning. Ethan couldn''t even see its shadow; dodging was a distant future. Ethan fell on the ground on his head, blood seeping out from his forehead. "Blood?" Ethan felt the salty taste of blood in his gums. It was not his first time getting pped, but it did remind him of his childhood struggles. At that time, these types of ps were reallymon. As the underling approached with a carefree expression, Ethan stared at him like a predator from the corner of his eyes, acting unconscious. Closer... Closer... Swoosh! As soon as the thug arrived over Ethan to snatch the locket, Ethan took out the thug''s sword from his waist and pierced the thug''s stomach while activating Az Sword Strike, using thest bit of his mana... "Argh..." The thug, momentarily stunned, then saw his own sword, aze with fiery mes, piercing through his body from front to back. In the next moment, his entire body ignited like a torch, consumed by a fierce ze. "Ahhh!" His piercing scream echoed throughout the vicinity. For a moment, the others watched in stunned silence, struggling to process the scene before them. The sudden shift from a meek and innocent boy to sheer brutality was truly mind-boggling. Coming to their senses, they looked for the culprit and found that the boy had already run away. They could see his silhouette in the distance. "Catch him!" the leader shouted, surging forward with astonishing agility. "Ah, shit," Ethan muttered, ncing back only to see the leader rapidly closing the distance between them. "What is this guy''s rank actually?" Ethan''s mind raced, but there was no time to cast Appraisal. He could only rely on his instincts. From what he understood, not even an E-Rank hunter should be able to move like that, with such speed and precision. The realization sent a chill down his spine, but there was no time to dwell on it. Survival was all that mattered now. Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Hunted Ethan darted through the some dense and tall bushes, his heart pounding from both exertion and adrenaline. The leader''s angry shouts echoed behind him, spurring him to push harder. The dense forest seemed to blur around him as he focused on finding a ce to hide. He finally spotted arge tree with thick foliage and quickly made his way toward it. Breathlessly, he squeezed himself behind the tree trunk, hoping the thick canopy would obscure him from view. As he tried to steady his breathing, he could hear the rustling of the long leaves and the asional shout of the leader growing closer. The seconds dragged on, feeling like hours. Ethan''s body ached from the earlier fight, and his mana reserves were critically low. He could barely focus on his surroundings as he waited in the shadows, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. The leader''s voice rang out, full of frustration. "He couldn''t have gone that far! Go, Spread out and find him!" he said to his underlings. "Okay, boss!" They all spread out in different directions. Ethan held his breath as the sounds of footsteps and voices circled the area. He already guessed the thug leader must be a D-Rank hunter, a formidable opponent with far more experience than he had. Despite his best efforts to stay hidden, Ethan could feel the leader''s presence growing nearer. The man was real persistent, his footsteps methodical and deliberate as he searched for Ethan. After what felt like an eternity, the leader''s voice cut through the air again. "Haha, I know You''re here, brat. If youe out on your own, and I will give you a quick death. His expression was arrogant, as if victory was already in his grasp. Ethan''s heart sank as he realized that the leader might have picked up on his scent or something. Well, anything could be possible. "Does this mean he was nowhere safe now?" He clenched his teeth, trying to remain calm as much as possible. The bushes rustled violently as the leader and his underlings pushed through, searching every nook and cranny. Ethan could hear their frustrated murmurs and the asional snapping of twigs underfoot. Suddenly, the leader''s voice grew louder, more determined. "He''s behind this tree! I can feel it. Go, and check it out." he said to his underlings, stered with a manic grin, as he pointed towards Ethan''s location. Ethan''s pulse quickened. He understood he couldn''t stay hidden forever. The leader and his underlings'' footsteps drew closer, and Ethan prepared himself for a fight, despite his weakened state. He gripped the ''borrowed'' sword tightly, ready to make ast ditch effort. The leader emerged from the leaves, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Ethan. A cruel smile twisted his lips. "Hehe, Found you, brat." Ethan tired calm his nerves, but he was clearly failing to do so, because of the radiating strong malicious aura from the leader. The leader chuckled darkly. "You''re dead, brat." Before Ethan could react, the leader''s underlings surged forward, their eyes filled with malicious glee. They grabbed Ethan roughly, their hands closing around his arms and legs. Despite his struggles, the thugs were too strong, and Ethan was quickly subdued. "Let me go, and I will give another sword like this!" Ethan shouted, but his cries were met withughter. The leader stepped forward, his expression a mix of satisfaction and contempt. "Brat, I don''t care about your swords anymore. You thought you could just walk away after killing one of my underlings? You''re going to pay for what you did." he said menacingly. With brutal efficiency, the thugs dragged Ethan back through the forest, arriving at the same ce where the thug was killed by Ethan. By the time they arrived, Ethan was already exhausted, feeling the pain in his body. The leader tossed Ethan onto the ground, his eyes shing with a dangerous light. "This is where your little journey ends. We''re going to make pay the same way, you did to my underling. By burning you alive beside him." The underlings were nearly moved to tears, totally impressed by how much their boss had cared for them. Ethan''s head throbbed with pain, and he struggled to get up, but the thugs were merciless. They held him down, their grip unyielding. The leader loomed over him, his expression menacing. "You should have just given us the locket when we asked," the leader sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Now you''ll pay the price." Ethan could only re at him, the weight of helplessness pressing down on him like a vice. If only he had the power to turn the situation around. But what could he do? He had just reincarnated into this world a few days ago, and now he was facing this brutal reality. The unfairness of it all gnawed at him, frustration boiling beneath the surface. The leader''s smile twisted into a scowl. "Hey, What are you ring at?" He struck Ethan hard across the face, the force of the p echoing through the air. "Brat, are you still thinking about fighting back? If that''s the case, we''ll make sure you''re in no condition to even try. After that, you''ll burn alive." Without hesitation, the leader''s underlings descended upon Ethan, beating him mercilessly. Each blownded with a sickening thud, sending shockwaves of pain through his body. Ethan struggled to stay conscious, the agony threatening to overwhelm him. "Is this how it ends?" he wondered, the thought flickering in his mind like a dying me. Yet, even as they pummeled him, Ethan refused to whimper. He endured the beating in silence, his resolve unbroken. Perhaps he was awaiting the release of death, or maybe, deep down, he still clung to a faint hope. Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Timely Rescue Ethany on the ground, his body aching from the relentless beating. The leader of the hunters grinned down at him, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. Ethan''s mind raced, trying to find a way out of this dire situation. "Enjoying yourst moments, kid?" the leader sneered, twirling the sword in his hand. His men gathered around, forming a circle of malevolent intent. "Boss, let''s finish him off quick. We don''t want any trouble," one of the underlings urged, ncing nervously around the ce. The leader chuckled. "Oh, we''ll finish him, but not before I have a little fun. This brat needs to learn his ce." Pain coursed through Ethan''s body, but he couldn''t afford to give up. Summoning every ounce of strength, he struggled to his feet, his vision blurry but determined. He needed a n, and he needed it fast. "Hey, look at that. The kid''s still got some fight left in him," another underling jeered, clearly enjoying his struggle. The leader stepped closer, his face inches from Ethan''s. "You still think you can take us all on, boy? You''re out of your league." Desperation fueled Ethan''s resolve. He had to distract them, create an opening. His mind raced, and then it hit him¡ªhisst resort. "Boss, why waste time on him? We got what we came for," a third hunter said urgently. The underling felt their boss was just wasting his time here. He nced around nervously, to see if any guards nearby. Ignoring his men, the leader focused on Ethan, his grin widening. "What''s the matter, brat? No strength left?" Ethan met his gaze, his voice steady despite the pain. "You''re right. I''m out of my league. But you know what? You''re making a big mistake." The leader of the thugsughed, a harsh, grating sound. "And what''s that?" "You underestimate me..." "What''s going on here?" Just as Ethan was about to use hisst resort, a familiar voice amidst the chaos halted his desperate actpletely. Aria hurriedly stepped forward, her long silvery hair waving amidst the morning dew. But her pretty face filled with rare anxiousness. The voice brought Ethan hope, as if it was saying all hope wasn''t lost yet. "Why are you hitting him?" Her expression darkened upon seeing his bloody, battered, and bruised figure. She hurriedly pulled Ethan from the ground, ensuring his safety first by feeding him a few healing potions as soon as possible. Ethan gulped it down with gratitude within her soft embrace. "Boss!" The hunters began to eye each other with nervousness. They recognized Aria, the popr C-Rank hunter. Although known for her kindness and friendly behavior, she was a true killing machine inside. If they identally angered her too much, they wouldn''t know how they would die themselves. They were at most level 20 or so, while Aria was level 40 or above. On top of that, she had assassination ss skills with her. Truly a deadlybination. Aria took out her shiny dagger, a highly ranked weapon, probably C-Rank or above, and stared at the delinquent hunters with hostility. "Exin everything truthfully, otherwise no mercy will be shown upon you," she threatened, her voice cold and unwavering. The hunters froze, their bravado evaporating in the face of her deadly seriousness. One of them, stammering, began to speak. "W-We were just... teaching him a lesson. He... he attacked us first!" Aria''s eyes narrowed, the dagger glinting menacingly in her hand. "And what provoked that attack? Tell me the truth, otherwise no one will be spared." The leader of the group, swallowing hard, took a step forward. "He... he got mad because we..we asked for his locket ''politely''. It was just a for fun, but he killed one of ourrades, see. He is really vicious." He said nervously and pointed to the dead body lying around, giving an appropriate made up excuse. Without caring who it was, Aria''s grip tightened on the dagger. "Nonsense! Do you think I am blind?" She shouted, her pretty face flushed red in anger. The hunters exchanged nervous nces, realizing they were in deeper trouble than they had thought. "Please, we didn''t mean any harm," another hunter pleaded. "We were just trying to rob him. But, he killed ourrade first. He could be put to the jail for this. Please let us go, and we won''t speak a word outside." Their leader also nodded like chicken pecking at rice, while inwardly thanking his underlings for such a quick thinking." Aria finally understood the whole situation, but her anger still didn''t subsided. No one leaves unscathed after harming her friends. "Alright, you can only leave here alive after separating one arm each from your body. Not that cruel of a punishment, you know," she replied coldly. "Andstly, never tell about this murder to anyone else." The delinquent hunters trembled, their bravado shattered after hearing the cruel punishment. "No, please don''t!" they pleaded, desperation etching their faces. "Swish! Swish!" Silvery shadows blurred past, and their left arms fell to the ground alongside their leader''s one after another. Blood pooled, staining the earth crimson. Their screams echoed throughout the vicinity. "Ah! My hand!" The delinquents screamed, clutching their bloody shoulders. Aria''s voice sliced through their misery. "Silence! Get out of here before I kill you all." Her annoyance was palpable, her eyes shing with impatience. Hesitant but sensing the sincerity in her threat, the hunters stumbled away, cradling their maimed hands. They dared not look back. The leader seethed with rage. At the end of the day, he had lost his arm instead of gaining the coveted sword. His unwillingness burned in his eyes as he red at them before disappearing into the dense fog, holding onto his severed shoulder. Aria sheathed her dagger, her expression softening. "Are you alright, Ethan?" Her transformation from merciless killer to concerned friend was astonishing. Ethan nodded, gradually opening his eyes. The effect of the healing potions became apparent. "T-Thank you, Aria. I don''t know what would have happened if you hadn''t shown up." he said, his voiced strained because of lingering pain. She smiled gently, helping him to his feet. "Let''s get you somewhere safe. You need to rest and recover." Ethan nodded and tried to reach out to the dead hunter''s body to test something important. But he was in too much pain to move, so he asked Aria to lead him there. Aria remained silent, misunderstanding his actions as remorse for killing a human for the first time. Though he did feel a twinge of guilt, he knew the hunter deserved it. Ethan had killed so many monsters that this felt no different. Aria helped him to the dead hunter''s body, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Don''t feel so bad, Ethan. It happens sometimes," she said gently. "I know," he replied, focusing on the task at hand. Ethan ced his hand on the dead hunter''s body and activated [Skill Absorption], hoping to see if he could gain anything useful. He had a minuscule amount of Mana, which was enough to cast skill absorption. He could never miss the opportunity to be powerful after this traumatic experience in his life. [ Ding ] [ Your Skill Absorption was sessful.] [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new active skill: Muscles Enhancement(E) ] [ Muscles Enhancement (E): Increases user''s overall physical toughness and power by 2 times upon activation.] Ethan felt a rush of information flooding his mind, the new skill integrating itself seamlessly into his soul. It was a useful ability, enhancing his physical capability and giving him an edge inbat. Aria watched with a mix of awe and confusion. "What are you doing, Ethan?" "Nothing! Could you please help me reach my ce?" Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Misunderstanding "Ethan, drink this. It''s a C-tier healing potion. It''ll help your wounds heal faster," Aria said, her voice gentle yet urgent. She handed him a small vial, its liquid shimmering with a faint blue glow. The cost of such potions was exorbitant, and Ethan couldn''t help but feel grateful for Aria''s generosity. They were gathered in Ethan''s cramped quarters¡ªthe ce he called home within the bustling inn. Aunt Greta stood nearby, her expression a mix of concern and indignation. Her daughter, Emily, hovered at her side, wide-eyed and curious. "How cruel!" Innkeeper Greta eximed, her voice filled with sympathy. "I can''t believe they beat you up like this. It''s abominable!" Her gaze shifted from Ethan to Aria, as if seeking answers or perhaps reassurance. Emily looked at Ethan''s bloody wounds, hiding at the corner of her mother''s clothes. "Big brother, get well soon," she said softly. Ethan smiled at her, despite the agony. Thanks to Aria, his wounds were healing fast. It was possible that these wounds might be healed by the end of the day. "Aria, will Ethan be alright?" Aunt Greta''s worry spilled over. "Yes, he will be alright. There''s no need to worry," Aria assured with a smile. "I am worried about something else," Aria said, her expression shifting to deep contemtion. "Ethan has killed a hunter inside the city, and this could lead to serious consequences." "Although I threatened them not to reveal about the killing outside, who knows what happens mext. What if they don''t keep their promise? Then what? We might need to go for another long trail. " "Aunt, you know how strict the rules are about killing a human inside the city. On top of that, in our case, it was a hunter. The city lord doesn''t take these kinds of cases kindly. He is very strict in this regard," Aria added seriously. As Ethan frowned, contemting the worst-case scenario, Aunt Greta and Emily''s expressions shifted to concern. Within this time, they had grown close, considering themselves not just friends but almost like family. Their worried faces weighed on him, and guilt settled in. "I''m truly sorry, Aria, Aunt Greta, and Emily," he confessed, his voiceced with newfound emotion. "I hate that you''re all concerned about a nobody like me." Aria''s smile was reassuring. "Ethan, no need to apologize. We haven''t been able to help you yet." "Yes, Ethan. Don''t think you''re just a stranger to us. We are with you," Aunt Greta added kindly, revealing her motherly nature. "Yes, just like Aunt said, don''t dwell on it too much. I will find a way to get help from my n," Aria replied with a smile. Ethan''s emotions swirled as he shook his head, rejecting Aria''s offer. "No, Aria, you don''t need to involve your family any further. You''ve already done so much." The weight of her favors and kindness already felt heavy on his shoulders. He couldn''t ept more of this, otherwise, he would be too reliant on Aria. That''s why he said that. However, Aria mistook it for something else entirely. Aria''s expression shifted to anger. "Why, Ethan? Don''t you consider me a friend?" The sudden transformation of her expression caught Ethan off guard. "No, it''s not like that. It''s just..." he tried to exin, but her words cut him off. "Fine," she huffed, her frustration evident. "You don''t need my help? I won''t talk to you again. Goodbye!" With that, she stormed out of the room. Exasperated, Ethan called out, "Wait, Aria! I didn''t mean it like that." But his words fell on deaf ears as she left, leaving him with regret. He slumped on the bed helplessly. Aunt Greta and Emily observed the quarrel with amusement. "Girls are like this, Ethan," Aunt Greta said, her tone amused. "Sometimes you have to give in to them a little." Emily remained silent, recognizing that the topic belonged to the adult world. Still, her curiosity lingered. --- Aria walked through the night streets, her figure blending with the darkness. She couldn''t help but pout angrily. "Humph! ''Don''t get your family involved in this!'' What high and mighty words!" "If I hadn''t been there in the forest to help him, where would he have been now?" Anger surged within her, questioning whether their friendship was merely a facade. Unfamiliar emotions churned inside her, leaving her frustrated. "Was I too harsh?" Aria regretted her words a little after a while. "Sigh! Whatever! I''ll go ask my father for help. I can''t leave him alone in danger, can I? Although I don''t know if he sees me as a friend or a benefactor, I consider him a friend regardless. And a true friend always helps each other," she murmured, recalling her mother''s words. Her kind personality was the reflection of her mother''s teachings, while her merciless personality result of her n''s teachings. As she hurried home, Aria couldn''t shake the thought: If she had killed those delinquent hunters earlier, this mess wouldn''t have happened. She could have buried them underground, and nobody would have noticed. Problem solved! Yet, something held her back from revealing her cruel side to Ethan. Aria found herself overwhelmed by emotions she didn''t quite understand. "What are these feelings?" she whispered, confusion clouding her thoughts. It was strange¡ªever since she firstid eyes on Ethan, there was an undeniable pull, as if she had known him for far longer than she actually had. Each time she saw him, a surge of emotion bubbled to the surface, a mixture of warmth and familiarity. She wondered what could possibly link them. Why did she feel this way about someone she had barely met? The intensity of her emotions towards him seemed almost natural, as if it had always been there, waiting to awaken. Perhaps, in time, the true nature of their connection would reveal itself. Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Imprisonment In the afternoon, just as Ethan had recovered from his wounds, a group of knights burst into his room with a thunderous sound, copsing the door. The wood splintered, and dust filled the air, making it hard to breathe. Their armor nked as they advanced, their boots leaving muddy prints on the floor. The leading knight, a stern-faced man with a scar across his cheek, pointed his sword at Ethan. "Murderer," he barked, "get down. You''re charged with killing innocent civilians. Don''t resist!" All the knights had drawn their swords, the tips of the des shining with cruel light. Their expressions were grim, as if he were some kind of heinous criminal. Ethan nced around, bewildered. When had he murdered civilians? That was utter nonsense! There must be some conspiracy involved. Nheless, for now, heplied, lowering himself to the ground. The cold stone floor pressed against his knees, and he felt the weight of their judgment. These weren''t ordinary knights¡ªthey were high-level hunters, skilled inbat and relentless in their pursuit of justice. Aunt Greta was also behind them. The scene unfolded like a twisted plot. Aunt Greta''s desperate pleas fell on deaf ears as the knights remained resolute. Their cold eyes bore into Ethan, and he wondered how he''d be the target of such wrath. The strange belt they used for handcuffs puzzled him. Why not regr metal cuffs? But then it hit him¡ªthe belt suppressed his ability to wield Mana. He waspletely trapped, powerless. They dragged him out of his room, the rough stone floor scraping against his knees. The cage they threw him into felt like a coffin, its iron bars closing in around him. As they moved through the streets, curious onlookers watched¡ªtheir expressions a mix of fascination and disdain. Rotten tomatoes and rocks flew his way, each impact a reminder of his supposed crimes. Ethan kept his head low, avoiding eye contact, while his mind raced. How had he ended up here? His foolishness, perhaps¡ªhe should have epted Aria''s help earlier. Now, as the prison loomed ahead, he regretted that decision. The imposing prison loomed before him, its massive walls stretching in all directions. The sheer size of the ce¡ªover 5,000 square meters¡ªleft him awestruck. It was a fortress designed to contain the most dangerous of criminals. As Ethan stepped through the prison gate, his belongings were swiftly confiscated. Well, when he said "belongings," he really meant his Titanium Sword¡ªthe one thing they deemed too dangerous to allow. At least they let him keep his clothes; he half-expected them to force him into some scratchy prison uniform. But there was no time for wardrobeints. The guards hustled him into a dim cer, theirughter echoing off the cold stone walls. "Now, rot in here, you vile murderer," one of them sneered, the sound dripping with malice. They reveled in his misfortune. The cer waspletely dark, with no means of perception. "Is this how a real prison looks like?" he wondered. "Hello, anybody here?" he shouted to see if anyone was inside the cer other than him. The dim cer seemed to close in around him as he shouted into the darkness, hoping for a response. And respond it did¡ªa venomous, angry voice that cut through the air like a de. "Hey, motherf*cker! Why are you being a shouting ass? We''re all here, stupid. Now shut the hell up, or I''ll send you straight to hell." The words reverberated off the stone walls, and Ethan shrank back, realizing he was far from alone. These weren''t just ordinary prisoners; they sounded vile and vicious. Ethan surveyed his surroundings, seeking a corner away from the menacing voices. As he settled down, relief washed over him¡ªthey hadn''t tried anything funny with him yet. But then, a new voice, closer this time, startled him. "Hey, boy, why are you here? What crime offense did youmit?" The question hung in the air, leaving him startled. "Who is there?" "Hehe, rx, boy. I am your neighbor." A chuckle was followed by a creepy smile. The chuckle from his neighbor echoed in the dim cer, and Ethan squinted to make out his features. A skinny old man, shirtless, with a face etched by time and hardship. "So tell me," he probed, "What''s your case?" Ethan hesitated, then decided to share. "I killed a robber for protecting what''s belongs to mine. What''s it to you, old man?" His eyes glinted, and he leaned in. "Oh, nothing. But your work was justifiable, not like some disgusting rapists here." He gestured toward the other prisoners, their shadows dancing on the walls. "Be careful of them¡ªthey''re the real criminals with twisted morality. They hadn''t even spared the kids from their rotten grasps. Disgusting!" "I understand. But why are you here, old man?" Ethan asked, curious to know the answer. The old man came close and said creepily, "Because I ate people!" He revealed his bloody teeth. The old man''s revtion hit Ethan like a punch to the gut. "Because I ate people!" His bloody teeth gleamed in the dim light, and Ethan''s mind recoiled at the thought. "Eating humans?" he stammered, his stomach churning. The mere possibility of such an act made him want to retch, but he forced the nausea down. Just moments ago, Ethan thought the old man must be somekind Saint from his righteous speech, but now his true nature was revealed as he unleashed a menacing aura, making Ethan question everything he had assumed about him. "Hehe!" The old man''sughter grated on Ethan''s nerves, as if he found his difort amusing. But then, a deeper voice cut through the tension. "Hey, you old coot, why are youughing again? Don''t you want us to have some peace in here?" Annoyance dripped from his words. His underlings chimed in, their voices hushed. "Boss, don''t provoke that old man. He was doing some strange stuff ever since he was transferred here. He''s really creepy." The boss''s anger red. "Creepy? Creepy my ass! Are we going to be scared of an old man now? We haven''t fallen that low yet. Old coot," he hissed, "if I ever hear you making noise, I''ll silence you forever." The old man''s smile didn''t wane; instead, it grew more sinister. His aura sent shivers down Ethan''s spine. The night dragged on, and no help arrived. Regret gnawed at him¡ªhe should''ve epted Aria''s offer. But now, alone in this cell, he wondered if she''d evere to his aid. Sighing, he realized pride had led him astray. Perhaps it was time to swallow that pride and seek help, even from unlikely sources. Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Demonic Movement Early the next morning, the prisoners were given their breakfast: dried rice balls and a dubious water that smelled faintly of feces. As soon as Ethan saw the state of the food, he felt a wave of nausea. "Damn, who the hell would eat these things?" The sight alone was enough to make him vomit, expelling the contents of his stomach onto the ground. Despite his reaction, the others around him seemed unfazed. They ate with a fervor that suggested they hadn''t had a decent meal in days. Some even reached over to snatch Ethan''s portion, stuffing their mouths with his share of the unappetizing food. "Hey, you bastards, why are you snatching this young man''s food?" the skinny old man barked at the group, his voice a sharp edge of indignation. He looked gaunt and worn, but his spirit was evidently undiminished as he stood up for Ethan. Ethan was touched by his gesture, though he didn''t need the food himself. The old man''s defense of his dignity was something he truly appreciated. He gave him a small nod in gratitude but chose to remain silent. The food was hardly worth fighting over, and the old man''s act of goodwill was a rare and valuable gesture in their current circumstances. The old man was surely an odd individual. Despite his menacing nature, he had a lot of kindness for a person he had just known. Ethan couldn''t believe he was the same person who had eaten people after seeing this. "What is the story of this old man? Why did he eat people?" The leader of the group sneered, clearly unfazed. "What''s this got to do with you, old man? Do you want to get fu*ked up in the ass?" "Heh, boss, who will fu*k his old skinny ass? Where''s the fun in that?" The group of rapists erupted in cruelughter, their jeers filling the air like venomous whispers. "You!" The old man''s face turned a deep crimson with anger. His eyes, once an ordinary shade, began to glow an eerie red, reminiscent of a vampire''s. The transformation was startling. Ethan watched with growing interest, his curiosity piqued by the sudden change in the old man''s demeanor. Who was this old man, and what kind of power did he possess? Unfortunately, Ethan''s ability to use [Appraisal] was restricted due to his sealed Mana, leaving him with only spection. As abruptly as it had started, the red glow in the old man''s eyes faded. He stood there, visibly shaking with a mix of fury and exertion, his breathing heavy. After a moment of regaining hisposure, he moved to Ethan''s side, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. He was clearly agitated, but his presence offered a strangefort. Despite the bleakness of their situation, Ethan found the old man very admirable. He didn''t understand what circumstances could have led him to eat human flesh and get trapped in this cell. Everything fell into an eerie silence after the old man''s outburst, with the only sounds being the asional heavy breathing from the criminals, who had slumped into a deep, unnatural sleep. The stillness of the room felt oppressive, amplifying the tension that hung in the air. The old man''s expression shifted from rage to a sinister grin. He approached Ethan cautiously, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he were afraid of disturbing the slumbering criminals. Leaning in close, he whispered, "Hey, boy, do you want to flee from here with me?" Ethan blinked in astonishment. The thought of escaping had never urred to him. Where would they go after escaping? The fear of being hunted, of living as wanted fugitives, made the idea seem far-fetched and unsettling. "Flee? How? What about these Mana-sealing belts?" Ethan asked, his curiosity outweighing his apprehension. From where Ethan stood, it seemed impossible to break free. Their physical strength was insufficient to make even a dent in the heavy metal door that sealed them in. The old man''s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with a dark, confident light. "You don''t have to worry about that. Just be prepared to flee after I break the door. I''ve been preparing to break free from this prison for a while now. Every preparation isplete. You''re lucky to have me here, boy." His words left Ethan conflicted. On one hand, the prospect of escaping was tempting. On the other hand, the risk of capture and the unknowns thaty beyond these walls filled him with dread. If they were caught, would they face execution or worse? The anxiety gnawed at Ethan, but the old man''s confidence was oddly reassuring. The old man seemed to sense Ethan''s trepidation. His smile softened, and he said, "Just wait for my signal." Without waiting for Ethan''s response, the old man pulled out a small vial of red liquid from a hidden pocket in his tattered robes. The vial itself was unremarkable in appearance, but the liquid inside shimmered with an ominous red glow, casting eerie reflections on the old man''s face. He drank the entire contents of the vial in one swift motion, his eyes narrowing as the liquid disappeared down his throat. Almost immediately, he began to mutter incantations in anguage that sounded ancient and alien. If there were any experts present, they would have recognized it as thenguage of demons¡ªan unsettling realization that Ethan was entirely unaware of at that moment. As the old man chanted, a transformation took ce. His frail, wiry frame began to swell with muscle, his once-weak appearance now giving way to a formidable figure. The change was both awe-inspiring and horrifying. He seemed to draw power from the vial, his aura radiating a sinister, dark energy. Moving with newfound strength, the old man approached the rapists who were still lying in their drugged stupor. With a wave of his hand, a crimson light enveloped them. The air crackled with malevolent energy, and the light seemed to pulse with an unnatural rhythm. "Ah! What''s happening? My body..." One of the rapists cried out, his voice trembling with fear as he felt his body start to deteriorate. "Oh, no! Demon!" another screamed, his face contorted in terror as he realized the source of the horror. The scene that unfolded before Ethan was nightmarish. The rapists and their leader began to wither and shrivel at an rming rate. Their bodies, once full of life, now appeared as grotesque, desated husks. The transformation was swift and gruesome; within moments, what had been healthy humans were reduced to lifeless, skeletal forms. Ethan stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. "Hey, what are you doing?" he managed to stammer, his voice trembling as he watched the horror unfold. The sight before him was beyond anything he had ever imagined. "What kind of demonic magic is this?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing to grasp the reality of what he was witnessing. Was this old man a demon himself, or was he wielding powers beyondprehension? The sheer scale of the magic and its effects left Ethan in stunned disbelief. His face turned pale at the thought. "Will he eat me as well?" After consuming their essence, the old man transformed into a grotesque figure from his earlier muscr build. The grotesque monster then approached Ethan slowly, one step at a time. Ethan pressed himself against the wall, trying to stay away from the monster. However, when it came close, it revealed its big bloody teeth. Instead of hurting Ethan, it broke his Mana-sealing belt with one of its tentacles, freeing him from its effects. Without wasting any more time, the monster started to slip away from the cer. Most likely, it knew that the guards might arrive at any moment. As if on cue, two guards arrived before the monster could get away. However, the monster remained unbothered. "Bang!" "Puchi!" With a casual swing of its tentacles, the guards became meat paste on the wall. In the midst of the carnage, Ethan managed to activate [Appraisal] on the monstrous figure before it disappeared. The screen in his mind provided the following details: [ Appraisal: ] [ Name: Kylian Dilo (Demonised) ] [ Age: 59 ] [ Level: -- ] [ Affiliation: Demon Faction ] Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Demonic Movement (2) The name and affiliation only deepened the sense of dread that enveloped Ethan. Kylian Dilo was no longer merely an old man but a demon of some sort, with an association to the Demon Faction that suggested far darker origins and motivations. As the demonized creature''s form became a retreating silhouette, Ethan was left in the aftermath of the violence it had wrought. The guards were dead, the prison walls smeared with their remains, and the escape route nowy open. The gravity of the situation sank in¡ªthe monster had acted with brutal efficiency, clearing the way for its escape, and now it was up to Ethan to decide what to do next. The Mana-sealing belt was shattered, giving Ethan a glimpse of the power he could ess now that his restraints were gone. However, the sense of urgency was clear. The guards would soon being to investigate themotion, and Ethan had little time to figure out his next move. Should he follow the monster, try to find another way out, or wait and see what would happen next? Each option was fraught with its own dangers and uncertainties. But one thing was clear: the old man''s actions had irrevocably changed the nature of Ethan''s predicament, and he needed to act swiftly to navigate this new and perilous situation. "Boom! Boom!" "Bang!" "Ah! Demon!" "Emergency!" "Hu¡­!" As the demonized old man wreaked havoc in the prison, Ethan seized the distraction to escape his cell and run far away from the chaos. He didn''t want to be seen as a perpetrator with the demons, so he had to get away from there as soon as possible. In the distance, he could hear the miserable screams of guards and the sounds of magical energy shes clearly. The fight could be described as a one-sided massacre. It was as if the demonized old man was bing exceptionally powerful as he devoured the blood of the guards one after another. It was a terrifying curse power! The prison''s warning bell rang constantly, reminding Ethan that he was not out of danger yet. Although most of the guards were distracted by the demonized creature, a few were still at their posts. Ethan cautiously surveyed his surroundings. Finding a narrow gap, he crossed the main gate somehow, mostly because he was using [Muscle Enhancement] to raise his physical capability to the limit. Along the way, he picked up his sword from the storage room. He had previously noted where it was kept, so it was rather easy to find. After a while, he finally crossed the main gate, heaving a sigh of relief. "Phew!" "Hey, wait!" However, just when Ethan was about to rx, someone called him from behind. His heart skipped a beat, assuming he had finally been caught. "Huh, Ethan?" But when he turned, he noticed a familiar face along with two others he didn''t recognize. It was Aria, with her bright smile lighting up her beautiful face. Ethan''s mind unconsciously eased seeing Aria in front of him. A few minutes ago, he was still doubtful if she would ever talk to him again. But here she was once again,ing to his help. "What are you doing here, Ethan? Did they release you from the prison or something?" Aria asked, stepping forward. The anger from the previous day''s misunderstanding was already gone. "I-I¡­" Ethan was about to exin, but an unexpected voice interrupted him. "Boy, did you just break out of the prison?" an imposing man asked, his eyes sharp. He was wearing a military uniform embedded with the Araknis Kingdom''s crest. He must be some kind of official. "Do you know it''s a serious crime to escape from here? Wait, did you also somehow cause the uproar behind?" The officer''s tone turned usatory. "No, I didn''t," Ethan replied calmly. "It was the work of a demonized human, and I have nothing to do with it." "Uncle! Help.." Then, Ethan noticed Aria signaling the other man beside her. "Demonized human? That''s a different matter. But why did you get out of there? You should have just stayed there obediently, not causing problems for us. Now let''s go, I will take you back to the prison," the official said sternly, leaving no room for argument, as if his words werew. "Ah, Chief Lionhart, cut him some ck. You know, he is the boy I was talking about earlier," Aria''s uncle said, smiling. Chief Lionhart furrowed his brows. "So, he is the one who was wrongly used of murdering civilians? Rather, he killed a rogue hunter out of self-defense. I understand!" "So, tell me, boy, what exactly happened at the prison? Who is the reason behind all this abominable act?" he asked, his expression turning gentle. Chief Lionhart became very cordial as soon as he heard Ethan had some kind of close connection with the renowned Silvermoon Assassin House. He had no choice but to do so. The pressure was immense. Who didn''t know the history of the Silvermoon Assassin House? They were creatures of the night, specializing in assassination. They evenpleted personal missions from the king himself. The king valued them greatly because of their unparalleled skill in assassinations. They had finished off many opposing noble parties for him, after all. So, Chief Lionhart had no choice but topromise a little. "Ethan, exin clearly to Chief Lionhart about the incident. Then he will let you go from here unhindered," Aria told gently in hushed voices. Ethan nodded and began narrating the whole incident, leaving out the fact about the real person who had be demonized. The old man helped him, even if it was unwanted; he couldn''t be an ungrateful ingrate, could he? "So, someone used demonic art in the cer, and you don''t know him? The situation is really critical, it seems. The demons are bing more proactive nowadays. I need to inform the city lord as soon as possible," Chief Lionhart muttered, looking worried. "Okay, you can now take him with you, Lord Astrid and Lady Aria. I have more urgent matters at hand. Please excuse me a little!" "It''s no matter, Chief. Thanks for your gracious help. We can''t be grateful enough," Aria''s uncle replied curtly. Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Newfound Resolve Upon leaving the prison, they made their way to the inn where Aria and her uncle would drop Ethan off. His heart swelled with gratitude toward both of them. They traveled in an opulent horse carriage, its luxurious interior offsetting the asional bumps in the road. Aria''s lively chatter kept him engaged, her long silvery hair flowing behind her in the breeze. Aria and her uncle bore a striking resemnce to each other¡ªtheir build, eyebrows, and even their smiles were almost identical. Their shared silver hair further emphasized their kinship. However, her uncle''s demeanor toward Ethan was far less warm than Aria''s. He observed their interaction with a cold, disapproving gaze, clearly ufortable with their closeness. Nevertheless, Ethan''s gratitude remained steadfast despite the uncle''s stern demeanor. After a little more than an hour, they reached their destination, where they would part ways. "Aria, I''m very sorry for refusing your help earlier. Thank you so much. I will never forget your kindness," Ethan said sincerely, looking directly into her eyes. Aria frowned slightly. "Ethan... that again... Am I no friend to you?" She seemed down as she said that. "Uh, yes, yes, of course we are friends!" Ethan replied, flustered, not wanting to upset her once again. Aria revealed a soft smile after hearing his reply. "Hey, boy,e here," her uncle called out from a distance, impatience evident in his voice. Ethan hurriedly left Aria to hear what he had to say. From his expression, he could guess it wouldn''t be anything good. Aria stayed where she was, pouting. Her uncle had interrupted their conversation, but she couldn''tin. She had to beg him to help Ethan since her parents had refused outright, insisting she shouldn''t associate withmoners, let alone use their precious resources to help one. Fortunately, her uncle had agreed after much persuasion. "Thank you so much for your help, sir. I am really grateful," Ethan said to her uncle, trying to convey his earnestness through his tone and posture. "Yeah, yeah," he dismissed Ethan with a wave of his hand, annoyance clear in his voice. "Listen, boy, you should thank my niece. You have no idea how much she had to plead with her parents for your sake. They were furious¡ªall because of you." As Ethan listened, guilt gnawed at him for the trouble Aria had endured. Her genuine efforts had stirred unfamiliar emotions within him. Was this how close friends felt for each other? He wasn''t sure, but he knew he owed her more than just gratitude. But then her uncle''s expression darkened, and his next words made Ethan''s mood turned sour. "Listen, boy, don''t try to get closer to Aria. Otherwise, you wouldn''t know how you even died. No one would ever ept a romantic rtionship between you two because you''re just amoner." His cold, piercing gaze bore into Ethan as he continued. "Don''t ignore my advice, Ethan. Don''t make trouble for Aria. It won''t be good for anybody. With your meager power, you wouldn''t be able to protect yourself, let alone Aria." Frustration grew within Ethan as he listened to her uncle''s condescending words. Aremoners not human? Although he didn''t know if he had fallen for Aria, he disliked their belittling attitude. Perhaps, social sse exists in every worlds. Earth was divided by money and this one was by only sheer power. Aria and he hadn''t even touched hands, let alone any rtionship. The thought of a rtionship hadn''t crossed his mind yet. But he had started to feel closer to her, that was all. Her uncle continued, "Aria''s marriage has already been arranged, though she doesn''t know it yet. So, don''t get your hopes up. The other party is much more powerful than you can imagine." "Okay, I''ve said my piece. Now, you need to decide for yourself, boy." Saying that, he gripped Ethan''s shoulder with overwhelming force, causing his joints to crack. From this, Ethan knew he was a true monster. He couldn''t even gauge his strength using his [Appraisal] skill. Afterward, her uncle released his shoulder and gave Ethan onest warning look. His sharp eyes left Ethan breathless. Ethan clenched his fists, frustration boiling within him. He hadn''t even been in this world for a week, yet it had already shown him there is no peace without power. If he had enough power today, they wouldn''t have dared to look down on him. Power¡­ he wanted more power than ever. He desired overwhelming strength to pave his path forward without hindrances. He would gather enough power to turn this world upside down. As Ethan stood alone in the silent evening, his determination soared. The setting sun cast long shadows, mirroring the resolve growing within him. This world would learn to respect him, not for who he was, but for the power he would wield. No longer would he be the one looked down upon¡ªhe would rise above them all. --- Aria and her uncle set off on their journey, crossing the noble district with its towering buildings and extravagant luxuries. The area was a showcase of opulence, with houses and vis designed in a grand European royal style¡ªornate facades, intricate ironwork, and manicured gardens all spoke of an elite society that was worlds apart from themon folk. Inside their plush carriage, Aria turned to her uncle with curiosity. "So, Uncle, what did you talk with Ethan about?" Her uncle dismissed the question with a casual shrug. "Uh, nothing much. Just some routine advice. I reminded him how to stay safe, that''s all." "Is that so?" Aria''s tone was light, though her eyes betrayed a hint of concern. She epted his answer without further question, not knowing that her uncle''s seemingly benign words had only ignited a fierce determination within Ethan. As the carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestone streets, the rhythmic tter of hooves provided a steady backdrop to their conversation. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the district in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the luxurious surroundings. Aria looked out the window, her mind wandering back to Ethan and the troubled expression she had seen in his eyes. Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Cheat Like Ability "Mama, look! Big brother Ethan is back," Emily said cheerfully, her voice ringing through the inn. Innkeeper Greta looked up from her work, surprise lighting up her face as she saw Ethan approaching from the streets. "Ethan, you''re back!" she eximed. She hadn''t expected Ethan to return from prison so soon. "Yes, Aunt. I''m back!" Ethan replied with a warm smile. Seeing their familiar faces brought him a wave offort, a reassuring reminder that he was cared for. "Did that girl help you finally? I knew she wouldn''t leave you alone," Aunt Greta said with a teasing smile. "Now,e inside and have dinner, Ethan. You look so skinny. Emily, sweetie, go and get something good for your brother." Emily beamed and dashed off, eager to fulfill her mother''s request. As Ethan stepped into the cozy inn, the familiar scents of home-cooked meals and the warmth of the hearth enveloped him. Aunt Greta fussed over him, brushing imaginary dust from his shoulders and leading him to a seat by the fire. "You must have been through so much," she said, her voice softening with concern. "But you''re safe now at least." Ethan nodded, grateful for her kindness. "Thank you, Aunt Greta. It''s good to be back." Emily soon returned with a te piled high with steaming food. She set it down in front of Ethan with a proud smile. "I got the best for you, big brother!" Ethan ruffled her hair affectionately. "Thank you, Emily. This looks delicious. You''re the best." As he ate, the worries and tensions of the past days began to fade. After having dinner and chatting with the mother and daughter duo, Ethan left the inn for the market specialized in hunters'' needs. He couldn''t afford to waste any more time. He was far behind his peers and needed to work harder than anyone else. Ethan entered a hunter''s resource shop to find out about mana orbs. Mana was essential for increasing his strength, the only barrier to him getting stronger. The shop was beautifully decorated with various hunter equipment¡ªswords, spears, shields, skill books, monster body parts, and more. The weapons section looked luxurious, with many high-tier weapons disyed neatly. The ce was bustling with hunters buying and inspecting different items. "Hello, Sir Hunter. What can I do for you?" A beautiful woman greeted him warmly. Ethan cleared his throat and asked, "Hello, do you have mana orbs here?" The shop assistant looked interested and replied, "Yes, sir, we do have a few mana orbs. How many do you need?" "Can you show me the price list for mana orbs first?" Ethan asked, feeling a bit embarrassed. He didn''t have a penny with him; he was just there to gather information. "Sure, Sir Hunter," she replied professionally and handed him the information. - "Grade-F Mana Orb ¨C 30 Gold Coins. Mana capacity increase: 20." - "Grade-E Mana Orb ¨C 50 Gold Coins. Mana capacity increase: 50." (AN: 100 bronze coins = 1 silver coin, 100 silver coins = 1 Gold coin, ) - "Grade-D Mana Orb ¨C 100 Gold Coins. Mana capacity increase: 120." - "Grade-C Mana Orb ¨C 220 Gold Coins. Mana capacity increase: 260." - "Grade-B Mana Orb ¨C 500 Gold Coins. Mana capacity increase: 550." After carefully looking at the list, Ethan was shocked. "So expensive!" They had the highest B-Grade Mana orbs in the shop. Grade-A and above must be even more expensive. One Grade-B Mana Orb cost 500 Gold/ 50,000 Silver Coins. Ethan had only a little more than a few hundred silver coins, which was nothingpared to this. Now the question was, "How should I earn so much money?" He could do some guild missions, but it would take months to buy one B-Grade Mana orb. Dungeon loot depended on luck, so that was out of the question as well. The shop assistantdy looked awkwardly at me, seeing him spacing out. She must have already taken him for a penniless bumpkin already. But he ignored herpletely because he had a more pressing matter at hand. "What to do? What to do?" Just as he was racking his brain, a brilliant idea came to his mind. "Why didn''t I think of this earlier? I am so stupid!" He scolded himself. He turned back to the shop assistant and said, "I want six silver swords. Can you get them for me, please?" The shop assistant was dumbfounded by the sudden change. The boy who had wanted to buy mana orbs now suddenly wanted silver swords. But her professionalism wasmendable as sheposed herself and nodded. "Sure, sir, I will get them for you." ... He bought six silver swords for 600 silver coins, afterwards, he left the shop. Then he entered an old alleyway to do something miraculous. "Synthesis! Synthesis! Synthesis!" He synthesized all the silver swords, transforming them into 3 titanium swords. All of them were D-grade and sentient, equipped with special skills. They would definitely fetch a good price in the market, as sentient swords were rare. "Now time to sell you guys. Do forgive me." He went to a different weapon shop to sell them and got nearly 18,000 silver coins. The shop owner was enthusiastic about buying them from him, so the deal was done quickly. With the money, he bought a few more silver swords and synthesized them again. After a few trips at night, selling and buying swords in different shops while wearing a ck cloak to avoid recognition, he made a profit of an astonishing amount: a total of nearly 500,000 silver coins. "Oh my goodness!" He looked at the coins piled up in front of him in shock. It was like a small mountain of silver and gold coins¡ªa breathtaking sight. Not even a noble family might be able to take out this amount of money from their treasury at once. It was truly a cheat-like ability. But because his mana ran low, he had to quit for the night. Still, it was more than enough for today. If this continued for a few days, he would be the richest man in city quickly. Not that he had any ns for that. Without strength, staying in the limelight was not a good choice. He had read simr phrases in the novels many times, so he understood this fact well at least. Now that he had enough money, it was finally time to buy the mana orbs he really wanted. Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Increasing Mana Reserve Ethan scoured the entire hunter''s Market, buying every Mana orb he could find. Because Mana orbs were rare, he couldn''t find them all in a single shop. He had to scour all the shops for that. Typically, hunters who found Mana orbs in dungeons used them for themselves first. However, some people who reached their limit early sold them to earn a good amount of money, because of their potential reached early. Potential determined how much a person could increase their mana capacity. It wasn''t like anyone could increase their mana infinitely; different people had different potentials. Some could raise their mana to 1,000, while others could increase theirs to 100,000 or so. Even if someone had the potential to gain high mana, they usually couldn''t afford to do it due to therge cost and rarity. However, if you were associated with a noble n or house, it became a lot easier to achieve it. After a lot of effort, Ethan managed to gather a significant number of Mana orbs atst. He tried to buy the highest quality ones, but there were some low-quality ones as well. - B-Grade - 5x - C-Grade - 6x - D-Grade - 9x - E-Grade - 10x - F-Grade - 20x It cost him ovet 480,000 silver coins, leaving him with only 20,000 or so. He couldn''t help but feel a little remorse knowing all his piled-up coins ran out in a single night. However, the gains were worth it. He looked at the glowing multicolored Mana orbs with fascination. Each of them was palm-sized and warm to the touch. Now, the real question was how much mana he could absorb and what his potential was. It shouldn''t be too bad as a reincarnator, right? "Time to find out!" Ethan remembered his initial n to synthesize the Mana orbs. With this he could gain more mana. "Synthesize!" A new E-Grade Mana orb appeared in his palm instead of two F-Grade Mana orbs. He began to synthesize them one after another. Mana was not a problem because he could replenish it using Mana orbs, after all. But he realized he couldn''t make them to the highest level yet. "Ding!" "Error! Your Synthesization failed." "Error! Your Synthesization failed." Before he could enjoy his glee any longer, the notifications of failure kept ringing non-stop. He was able to synthesize them to C-Grade at the highest. Maybe he wasn''t strong enough to synthesize them to more higher levels yet. Still, it was not all bad. He managed to get them all to C-Grade. - B-Grade ¨C 5x - C-Grade ¨C 20x Finally, the calction was all clear. Ethan took a deep breath and began absorbing the Mana orbs one by one. The notifications kept ringing in his head non-stop. "Ding! "Congrattions! You have absorbed a B-Grade Mana orb. Mana capacity increased by 550." "Congrattions! You have absorbed a B-Grade Mana orb. Mana capacity increased by 550." ... "Congrattions! You have absorbed a C-Grade Mana orb. Mana capacity increased by 260." ... "Yes!" He couldn''t help but feel excited. He managed to absorb all the Mana orbs one by one. And he still didn''t feel anywhere near his full potential. He could feel the vast amount of mana flowing through his veins and whole body. [Status ] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) [ [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 6 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 23 ] [ Agility: 19 ] [ Defense: 20 ] [ Mana: 8070/8070 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [Skills ] [ Active: Inferno Leap (D), Az Sword Strike (E), Muscle Enhancement (E) ] [ Passive: ze Guard (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (F) ] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipments: Titanium Runic Sword (D) ] Seeing his improvement, Ethan couldn''t help but smile. His Mana Reserve had increased to 8,070 points, which was nearly 70 times more than the original amount. It was staggering number. He couldn''t help but glee realizing how much he could do with this amount of mana. "Ah, sh*t! I forgot to upgrade my sword. Oh well, no worries. I can manage for now." He looked toward the direction of the Fire Toad''s dungeon and muttered, "Now, it''s finally time to clear the F-ss dungeon." He couldn''t just umte money and do nothing right? He needed to increase his level and acquire powerful skills. With a swift motion, he activated [Muscle Enhancement] and started running at a high speed towards the dungeon. Chapter 22: Chapter 22: F-Class Boss Monster Fire Toad''s Dungeon, 19th floor. "Bang! Crash!" As thest creature went down on the 19th floor, Ethan received another notification about his level up. His current level was 8. He managed to increase two levels after clearing all the floors behind. With his vast mana reserves, it was nothing difficult at all. The 19th floor was burned and scorched everywhere, a clear proof of how intense the battle must have been. He managed to collect a lot of old and new skill books using Skill Absorption and monster drops. But, he had no time to go into details now, because it was finally time to clear the final 20th floor, the boss floor. With anticipation and excitement, Ethan opened the door to the boss floor. At first nce, he was greeted with a giant fire toad nearly 8-10 meters in height. He had to raise his head to see its full form. He was tinypared to it. [ Appraisal ] [ Fire Toad (elite) ] [ Power Level: 15 ] It was seven levels higher than him, and on top of that, it was an elite monster as well. It must be the boss of this dungeon for sure. Its giant fiery form was living proof of that. As soon as Ethan touched the floor, the fire toad sensed him immediately somehow. There goes his sneak attack n. Now, he had no choice but to fight it head-on. Looking at its tough skin, he began to doubt his sword''s capability. "A D-Rank sword should be able to pierce it, right? Still, I should have upgraded it for a situation like this. Now, no crying over spilled milk." The giant toad lunged at him, causing loud rumbles with each long jump. Its jumping left the spot in a scorching mess of rubble. Ethan took out his sword and activated [Muscle Enhancement] to raise his physical capability by twofold. Just as the giant toad was on top of him, he used [Inferno Leap] to dodge to the side, causing a loud rumble of smoke at the spot. Bncing himself, Ethan was about tounch a decisive strike at the giant toad. However, its giant limb came down upon him swiftly. He didn''t have time to react. Its agility and power were on a different level. "Bang!" He was thrown to the side like a ragdoll, using its giant mass of his paws. "Cough! Cough!" Spewing out fresh blood non-stop, Ethan found it hard to stand up for a moment. Fortunately, his new skill [Muscle Enhancement] saved him from immediate organ ruptures. He didn''t expected it to be so powerful even at the solo level. His [ze Guard] was helping him withstand the intense heat the giant toad was emitting. So, he had a moment to think of a proper n. Only then he noticed arge triangr-shaped stone on the ceiling. Its sharp tip was pointing directly at the ground. If he could somehow use it to his advantage, he might stand a chance to defeat the boss. Ethan immediately sprang into action, using [Az Sword Strike] to tick it off a little. As if right on cue, The giant followed him with a menacing look on its face. It was clearly angry at his provocation. Realizing the first stage of his n was a sess, Ethan started moving towards the direction where the sharp stone was ced on top. Using [Inferno Leap], he jumped from the ground, and the giant toad followed him from behind. Observing this, he grinned. Now, only thest stage was left. He gripped his titanium sword tightly and used [Az Sword Strike] along with [Muscle Enhancement] to break the rock hanging from the ceiling. "Boom!" "Rumble!" The sharp-tipped rock crashed, falling directly on the ground straight at the top of the giant toad. As for Ethan, he had already sidestepped ording to his n earlier. A perfect n. He grinned slightly, awaiting the giant toad''s demise. "Croak!" Followed by a miserable scream, the massive sharp rock fell on top of the giant toad. It pierced its body from the front. A wave of fiery ashes spread everywhere, turning the visibility on low. It should have died by now... However, after waiting for a while as the dust settled, Ethan still didn''t receive any notification regarding the confirmation of his kill. Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Special Skill: Monster Breeding After the vision cleared, Ethan cautiously approached the creature to see if it was still alive. If it was, he would have to deliver the finishing blow to end its suffering. Of course, these creatures never stay dead for long. They have a way of respawning almost daily, driven by some mystical dungeon powers. As he drew nearer, he could hear the faint,bored croaks of the fire toad. "CROAK!" Suddenly, sensing his presence, the bloodied and battered fire toad emerged from the rubble with a chilling roar. Its eyes glowed with a mix of pain and defiance, and its body trembled as it struggled to rise. Despite its severe injuries, a violent red aura enveloped it, flickering like mes around its wounded form. The air around it seemed to shimmer with heat, distorting the space and casting eerie shadows on the ground. The creature''s once vibrant scales were now dull and cracked, leaking a dark, thick fluid that sizzled as it hit the scorched earth. It was clear the fire toad was on the brink of death, but the aura suggested it was channeling its remaining life force into onest act of defiance. Each breath it took was ragged and shallow, apanied by weak embers escaping from its mouth. He understood that it was clinging to life with every ounce of strength it had left, preparing for a final, desperate stand. The giant toad began releasing an abundant amount of fiery breath from its mouth, turning the whole area into a zing inferno. mes surged and crackled, engulfing everything in their path. However, Ethan remained unharmed, shielded by his E-Rank skill: "ze Guard." The mes licked harmlessly around him, leaving him unscathed in the midst of the firestorm. Frustrated by its failed attempt, the toad revealed its fiery tongue, aiming to crush him into a bloody mess. He swiftly dodged using [Inferno Leap], the heat of the toad''s attack barely grazing him as he moved. Undeterred, the giant toad lunged at him with its massive paws, intent on turning him into a meat paste. Each strike was powerful enough to shatter bones, but he evaded them by repeatedly casting [Inferno Leap], his agility keeping him just out of reach. He could see the fury in its eyes as it became more desperate. Gradually, the giant toad''s movements grew sluggish, and its attacks became erratic. It was exhausting itself, and he knew it was time to strike. Seizing the perfect opportunity, he activated [Muscle Enhancement], feeling a surge of strength course through his body. Then, he prepared his titanium runic sword and activated [Az Sword Strike]. With a final burst of speed, he used [Inferno Leap] to close the distance and finish the kill, plunging his sword into the toad with a powerful, precise strike. "Slice!" "Bang!" Finally, the giant toad fell to the ground with its head cleanly severed. Green blood gushed out, spreading everywhere and filling the air with a pungent, metallic smell. The sight was both gory and triumphant. Ding!" [ Congrattions! You have leveled up. ] [ Congrattions! You have leveled up. ] Whoa! Two levels in a row! Ethan had finally reached level 10 as a hunter. The journey had been fraught with challenges, but the oue was worth it. He felt a surge of pride and relief wash over him. He approached the toad''s corpse, and after a moment, it triggered a monster drop. Shimmering lights and items materialized around the body. He eagerly examined his loot. [ Skills: [ Predator''s Instinct (E) - Passive. Allows the user to sense danger up to a certain limit ] [ Enraged Boost (E) - Active. Temporarily increases magical power output by 50%.] [ Items:] [ Fire Toad''s (Elite) Tooth: Rare material for crafting weapons and artifacts.] [ Fiery Boots: Made from Elite Fire Toad''s skin and bones. They grant the user agility +8 and high jumping ability. ] "Nice!" he smiled, satisfied with his rewards. A smile spread across his face as he imagined the new possibilities these rewards would bring. Two good skills and two rare items¡ªboth are going to help him a lot. Still, he regretted not being able to cast skill absorption on the boss monster. Then, he looked around the floor, hoping to find something useful. ording to his knowledge, there should be a dungeon core around here. With renewed fervor, he started searching for it. However, after scouring every corner, he couldn''t find it anywhere. "Where is that thing?" he muttered in frustration. "Click!" Just as he was about to lose all hope, a hidden chamber opened in one corner of the wall with a soft mechanical sound. Peering inside the chamber, he found the dungeon core he had been searching for. It was arge, rounded ball, encased in a shimmering magical barrier. The core pulsated with a faint, otherworldly light, its surface etched with intricate, glowing runic patterns. The barrier looked formidable, but he knew it wouldn''t be a problem. With his Appraisal skill, he could decipher its weaknesses, even if only slightly. Concentrating, he used his skill to analyze the barrier. Gradually, he unraveled its enchantments, and the protective field dissipated. The dungeon core was now exposed, radiating its powerful energy in its glorious, shiny form. It was the heart of this dungeon, and holding it in his hands felt like a significant victory. "Can I really take it for myself?" he asked himself, sounding unsure. He touched the dungeon core and tried to move it, but it didn''t budge an inch. It was maically glued to the stone altar somehow. Gradually, he increased his strength using all his boost skills, but he still remained unsessful. "Huff!" He sweated, finding the task incredibly challenging. Not even a level 20 individual might find this task possible. What should he do? He didn''t want to leave it just like that. It would leave a bad taste in his mouth. He was expecting a good reward from it, after all. He pondered hard on the matter. Time was running out before he was cast out of the dungeon. Just as he was deep in thought, an idea suddenly crossed his mind. Rather than removing it, why not use [Skill Absorption] on it? Although he didn''t know if it would work, it was worth a try. "Skill Absorption!" "Ding!" [ Congrattions! You have acquired a special skill: Monster Breeding.] [ Monster Breeding: You are now capable of breeding monsters in a dimensional space. You can summon them whenever you wish. Current Level: 1 ] [ Current summonable monsters: Fire Toads and me Serpents. Unit: 5x.] [ Note: Summoning units will consume your mana directly.] He stared at the system panel in shock. He had gained an overpowered skill just like that. It would be extremely helpful for solo dungeon clearing next time. "Rumble!" Just as he was celebrating, the whole dungeon started shaking crazily as if it was about to copse. He noticed a crack forming on the dungeon core''s surface as if it was about to shattered. Had he caused this somehow? There was no time to ponder. He hurriedly sprinted toward the exit, using all the speed he could muster. Fortunately, he had put on the Fiery Boots. They helped him leap side to side, narrowly avoiding falling rocks and copsing walls. Unfortunately, In his haste, he dropped the Fire Toad''s teeth on the way without even realising it. It was already about to spill out because of it big size. So it was somewhat expectable. Well, no matter. His life was more important than a teeth, I guess. After a tense escape, he was lucky enough to make it out of the dungeon alive. Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Dungeon Disappearance "Sh*t!" Ethan looked at the destroyed dungeon in shock. The entire structure hadpletely copsed, now buried underground. "Hey, what just happened? How did the dungeon copse all of a sudden?" "Oh heavens! How did this happen?" "I don''t know, I just got here." Themotion drew the attention of a lot of people. Hunters, townsfolk, and curious onlookers gathered, their voices rising in a chorus of confusion and concern. Ethan quickly blended into the crowd to avoid suspicion, his heart still erratic from the frantic escape of dungeon copse. He kept his head down and moved with the flow of people, listening to their bewildered conversations while trying to steady his breathing. "This kind of thing has never happened before. It''s really a mystery." Taking a deep breath, Ethan quietly slipped away from the ce. His presence was inconspicuous as it could be. He walked like nothing happened. "Neigh, Neigh!" "Hee...hah!" As he neared the inn, he noticed a lot of horses and carriages heading towards the copsed dungeon site. They must be officials from the city government, likely having just received the news. Fortunate timing, he thought, exhaling a sigh of relief. He was lucky to have escaped before their arrival. Blending into the evening shadows, he made his way to his living quarters. Once inside, he locked the door behind him and leaned against it, finally allowing himself a moment of respite. ... In the City Lord''s mansion: "My Lord, we have just received a report of an unusual disappearance of an F-ss dungeon within the city," the butler announced, his voice steady yet urgent. The city lord, a middle-aged man exuding an air of authority, looked up from his work, his attention immediately captured by the unexpected news. "A dungeon disappeared? What kind of joke is this? Did you verify it yourself, Butler Jeffrey?" The city lord chuckled lightly, finding the report hard to believe. "No, my lord. But the news is 100% true. We got it directly from the Night Patrol Division. Moreover, other citizens also discovered it with their very own eyes," Butler Jeffrey replied calmly. City Lord Longus frowned at the confirmation, finding the situation very critical. He asked with raised brows, "Which one disappeared, Jeffrey?" "It''s the F-ss dungeon, Fire Toad''s Den at the riverside to the west. We haven''t identified any specific suspect yet." The city lord''s expression grew serious, his mind racing through the potential ramifications. "Okay, immediately investigate the matter using all the resources we have. Handle this with special care. This matter is really serious." "Yes, my lord. As you wish," the butler replied, bowing deeply. As the butler left, Longus Emberion fell into deep thought. "What could be the reason for this sudden disturbance? Is there some kind of deep conspiracy against humans? If this happens more frequently, won''t it spell the end for the human race?" he pondered, gazing at the serenekeside view from the mansion. "Dad, I saw Butler Jeffrey leaving in a hurry. Did something serious happen?" came the crisp voice of a young girl with red hair. "Ah, Lenora, my dear, why are you here?" City Lord Longus asked, returning from his reverie as he noticed his daughter standing in the room. "Forget about me, Dad. Tell me what''s going on with you. You looked so worried. And don''t try to lie to me; I noticed you spacing out earlier." Lenora asked with some worry. With a heavy sigh, City Lord Longus patted his daughter''s head and answered slowly, "Lenora, an F-ss dungeon disappeared just a while ago. I suspect the demons are behind it. They''ve been making a lot of movestely. If these disappearances be more frequent, it could be catastrophic for us. While we don''t know if they can do it on arge scale, it''s still very concerning. Humanity relies on these dungeons for improvement after all." Lenora''s beautiful face frowned with worry, her green eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "A dungeon disappeared! Which one, Dad?" "It''s called Fire Toad''s Den," City Lord Longus replied, his voice tinged with unease. "It was a crucial training ground for our young adventurers and a source of rare resources. The loss is a significant blow to our city''s future." "Fire Toad''s Den? Isn''t that the ce where Ethan was grinding?" Lenora Emberion''s thoughts moved to a certain person with ck hair. "Is he okay?" Seeing his daughter in an absentminded state, he called out to her, "What are you thinking so deeply, my dear?" Lenora bit her lip before answering, "Dad, didn''t I tell you about a ck-haired boy with high potential? He was also grinding there. I haven''t seen him since yesterday, where we were supposed to meet. I''m a little worried." "Ohh..You should go and look for the boy. Make sure he''s safe." "Alright, Dad. I will do as you say." "Wait, don''t go now. Look for him tomorrow," her father reminded. "By the way, what was that boy''s potential again? I forgot; my attention must have been elsewhere." "Dad, how can you forget such an important detail? It''s S+ grade. I saw it with my inherent skill, Ember''s Eyes." "Wh-What? S+ grade? That boy has transcendental potential? Is it true?" Longus asked, astonished. City Lord Longus was an S-Rank powerhouse, so he knew what S+ potential means. That''s why he was excited a little. He was trying hard all the while to reach to Transcendental level himself. But he failed many time due to exhausting all of his potential. Lenora nodded confidently. "Yes." "If that''s true, why didn''t you invite him to join our n?" City Lord Longus asked impatiently. Lenora rolled her eyes. "Dad, we just met. You want me to invite him right away? You''re hopeless." Embarrassed, the city lord apologized, "Sorry, sorry, dear. But be sure to invite him next time, alright? "Okay, Dad. I will invite him to join our after we get to know each other. Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Obtaining E-Rank Hunter License [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) [ [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 10 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 27 ] [ Agility: 23 ] [ Defense: 22 ] [ Mana: 8,070/8,070 ] Attribute points: 0 Skills: ¨C Active: Inferno Leap -3 (D), Az Sword Strike-2 (E), Muscles Enhancement-2 (E), Enraged (E), Paralyzing Breath (E) ¨C Passive: ze Guard -2 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (E), Predator''s Instinct (E) Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) - Unique Skills : Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) Equipment: Titanium Runic Sword (D) --- Ethan felt a wave of satisfaction as he looked at the progress he''d made so far. It had definitely left a significant mark on his growth. Early in the morning, he gazed at the bustling streets with a smile on his face. He had be a Rank-E hunter, though it wasn''t official yet. Still, it had taken him less than a week to reach this level, and he had done it solo. "Big brother, breakfast downstairs!" Emily''s sweet call, as pleasant as a bird''s chirping, reached his ears. Ethan headed downstairs to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. "Bro, did you hear? An F-ss dungeon has mysteriously disappeared out of nowhere. And no one knows how it happened. I mean, how could a dungeon disappear? Aren''t they formed by nature itself?" one guest said mysteriously. Yes, I heard about it too. The municipal guards and the knights are taking the investigation very seriously," another guest replied. "Hey, forget about the dungeon. I heard some mysterious guy bought nearly all the mana orbs avable in the market. It caused quite amotion today," a third guest added. "And that''s not all. The same guy sold a lot of D-Grade Sentient Swords as well." "Wow! A sentient sword? How enviable!" "Yeah, it''s incredible! How amazing must that person be to afford so many sentient swords? In the past, we rarely found a few, but now they''re avable in the market for just 7,000 silver coins each. Perhaps he''s a legendary weaponsmith or something? If so, then why hide while selling them? Really mind boggling!" "I heard they''re going to auction them today," said another. "Yeah, bro, if only I had the money, I would have joined the auction to get one for myself. Why are we so poor?" another guest grumbled, pping his forehead. While waiting in the dining room for breakfast, Ethan overheard the guests talking about his exploits from the previous night. His actions yesterday had been a little crazy, so he reminded himself to handle things more carefully from now on. After breakfast, he strolled through the bustling market, seeking useful information about a new dungeon to conquer. Strangely enough, he felt a tense atmosphere throughout the market. Guards, knights, and suspicious people were lurking everywhere, as if they were searching for something. With a casual expression, he passed through them without fear. That seemed the best course of action to him for now. Then, he headed to the hunter''s guild to get his E-Rank hunter license. Without a license, he couldn''t even enter the higher-rank dungeons in the city. Although, there was another option to join a party to kill the ferocious beasts in the wilderness, but that idea seemed pretty far fetch to him. He was not ready to venture into the wilderness yet. "Hey, Melinda, good morning!" Ethan greeted the receptionist introduced by Aria, as soon as he entered the hunter''s guild. Today, Melinda was wearing a long Sapphire blue dress, looking more feminine than usual. Her sses also added extra charm to her appearance. "Oh, Ethan, you''re here. Good morning!" she replied with a soft smile. "I didn''t think you would still be alive." Melinda replied with an inexplicable smile. "Yeah, I made it somehow. But, you look more beautiful than ever, Melinda," Ethanplimented sincerely. Her long Sapphire blue dress with red streaks, along with her sses, made her look stunning. "Oh, thank you, Ethan. I usually don''t wear these kinds of clothes. But today, I''m going on a date with my fianc¨¦ at noon. So, yeah..." Ethan smiled. "Congrats, Melinda! I wish you the best." Considering Melinda''s real age, it wasn''t surprising she had a fianc¨¦ already. She should have gotten married by now. She shrugged. "Forget about me. Why are you here? Are you here to sell your spoils once again?" Ethan shook his head. "No, Melinda. I''m here to take my advancement test for the E-Rank hunter license this time." The requirements for reaching E-Rank was to reach Level 10 + 2 active skills. Other power ranks were the same. Level 25¡ú D-Rank Level 40 ¡úC-Rank Level 60 ¡ú B-Rank Level 80 ¡úA-Rank Level 100¡ú S-Rank With each 10 level up, one gets 1 added active skill slot + 1 passive skill slot. That means, at level 100, one could equip a total of 11 active skills and 12 passive skills. On the other hand, he had already equipped half of the maximum number of skills, which was extremely abnormal. Was it simply because he had been reincarnated into this body, giving him a powerful soul, or were there entirely different reasons behind it? Fortunately, he hadn''t revealed his skills out of cautiousness, otherwise it would have been really problematic. He had no choice to reveal his short progress, because he won''t be able to enter higher tier dungeon without the licence. "Ohh...Okay, then. Come with me." Melinda nodded, a little shocked by his progress. Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Auction House They entered a room filled with various measuring device and training facilities. There, she measured his level and tested his skills for the documentation. Ethan revealed what was is only necessary while hiding other abilities after learning the requirement list. That way he could be safe more. The previous incidents reminded him to be cautious, never to do anything reckless again. After an hour''s of gruelling process, Finally Ethan got his E-Rank hunter license, and headed out from the Guild. "Ethan, you''re here. Thank goodness!" A crisp female voice called out to him. Ethan turned to see Lenora Emberion, the girl in fiery red from the tavern. Her sudden appearance surprised him, especially since she finally used his real name for the first time ever. "Why are you here, Lenora?" He asked, knowing full well the answer. He realized he missed her invitation to the dungeon raid due to being at the prison at that time. Lenora''s face turned into a slight pout. "What do you mean by ''Why am I here''? You missed our appointment for the dungeon raid! Why didn''t you show up?" Her tone was like that of an annoyed kitten. "Uh..." Feeling a twinge of guilt, he said, "I''m sorry, Lenora. I was caught up in an unfortunate ident, so I wasn''t able to join you guys." Lenora''s expression softened a bit. "O-Okay, if you say so. I ept your apology. Now, let''s go somewhere to talk in detail," she said, pointing towards a luxury looking tavern. Ethan, sensing Lenora''s difort, agreed. "Sure. Let''s go." They went to a beautifully decorated tavern with a serene atmosphere. The ce was luxurious, with ornate decorations and a royal aristocratic vibe. The sweet smell of incense filled the air, creating a perfect setting for their conversation. Although Ethan was unsure about spending time here with someone three years younger than him to be exact, Lenora seemed to enjoy the ce, so he went along. The dishes were expensive, costing as much as an average family''s monthly expenditure. However, recalling his ability to earn money easily, he decided to splurge a bit. As they ordered a variety of expensive dishes, they resumed their conversation. "Ethan, the rest of my party members are really mad at you now. They started cleaning out the dungeon on their own. What are you going to do?" Ethan chuckled softly, imagining their reaction amusing and troubling. He could imagine how they would react when he met them again. While he wasn''t sure if he needed a party, considering he could handle things solo, he didn''t want to be alone and lonely like his previous life. He wanted to change and find joy. Despite the cruel people in this world, there were good ones too, like Aria, Aunt Greta, and perhaps this girl in front of him. Her character still needed to be evaluated further. "I''ll apologize to them when we meet, Lenora. That day was really hectic for me," Ethan replied softly, not going into details. Lenora smiled lightly, satisfied with Ethan''s response. Their lunch continued with asional talk,ughter, and chuckles. They nned to set another raid together with her party two dayster. She told him that she would try to convince them again. Afterwards, Ethan went to the hunter''s market to buy materials for upgrading his sword. Although his D-Rank sentient sword was powerful, he wanted to upgrade it further for added assurance. Thereafter, he learned that a nearby Auction House would feature valuable materials. However, he needed more money than he had¡ªabout 500-700 gold coins, ording to the market. So, once again he discreetly gathered more funds by selling a few sentient weapons once again. After a while, he amassed a total of 500 gold coins¡ªin bank notes this time. Otherwise, who would carry this much money. He put the bank notes in his pocket and left for Auction House with quick steps. Unbeknownst to him, a small boy of 10 began to follow him in secret, his actions finally catching someone''s attention. At the Heavenly Florence auction house, Ethan registered as a participant. The staff were taken aback by the amount of wealth as he disyed the banknotes before them. It''s not like they haven''t seen that much money on others, but considering his background and age, it was a bit surprising. "Alright, Sir, your procedure isplete. You can proceed to the venue," the staff said with a smile. They didn''t forget to take the entrance fee at all. Ethan nodded and made his way to his seat in therge auction hall. The auction hall was a circr building with a small stage in the center. Ordinary people sat on designated seats surrounding the stage, while VIPs upied the rooms above. Ethan surveyed the grand venue filled with guests, wondering if they were all there to bid or simply to watch the spectacle. The thrill of witnessing others spend money with reckless abandon seemed to be part of the excitement for many. It was as if the act of spending, more than the actual purchase, held a certain allure in this gathering. As the grand venue continued to fill up, a young man beside Ethan leaned in and whispered, "Hey, dude, are you here for bid as well? Or, are you also here for watching others throw their money around, like me?" Ethan turned to see a skinny young man with loose brown hair, his clothes a bit rumpled, suggesting he was likely amoner as well. The young man''s curious eyes hinted at a mix of eagerness and uncertainty. "I''m here to buy something," Ethan replied calmly, his tone measured. "What''s it to you?" "Nothing, dude. Just asking casually," the young man responded, trying to sound nonchnt. "So, what are you nning to bid on?" Ethan found the young man''s curiosity meddlesome. Rather than indulging him, he simply turned his gaze back to the stage, choosing to ignore the question entirely. The less attention he drew to himself, the better. In a ce like this, keeping one''s intentions under wraps was a matter of survival. Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Wyvern Bone "Ladies and gentlemen, wee to our monthly auction ceremony! Hold your horses, folks, because we have a selection of treasures that you''ll definitely want to im for yourself," announced the middle-aged auctioneer, stepping confidently into the spotlight. His voice echoed through the grand hall,manding the attention of the diverse crowd gathered below. The hall was abuzz with excitement. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of eager faces, while the rich, red velvet drapes added an air of opulence to the venue. Wealthy patrons, collectors, and curious neers filled the plush seats, their eyes fixed on the auctioneer and the treasures yet to be revealed. With that, the ceremonymenced to a chorus of enthusiastic apuse and cheers. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and the thrill of potential discoveries. Ethan waited with bated breath, his heart racing in anticipation of the materials he was interested in. He sat towards the back, his eyes scanning the stage as assistants wheeled out the first items for bidding. The flicker of gold, the shimmer of rare gems, and the gleam of ancient artifacts captured the attention of the audience, their murmurs filling the room. While his primary goal remained paramount, Ethan couldn''t help but feel a spark of curiosity about the other intriguing items the auction might unveil. He noted thepetition around him¡ªseasoned bidders with steely gazes, their wealth and determination evident. Not to forget, the VIP nobles as well. Yet, he was undeterred, his resolve strengthened by the 650 gold coins he possessed. It was not a low number. It should be enough to buy some materials, right? The auctioneer, holding a small vial, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our first item is an A-grade health restoration potion. Crafted by a renowned alchemist, this potion can restore a dying man to full health in seconds." Gasps and astonished murmurs filled the room as participants reacted to the high value of the potion. The sheer rarity of such an item sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd, and even the most seasoned collectors couldn''t hide their amazement. Ethan was also surprised. "An A-grade potion! Amazing!" he thought, his eyes widening as he leaned forward in his seat. The potion''s shimmering liquid seemed almost magical, a testament to its alchemical perfection. "The starting price for this precious item is 5,000 gold coins, with bidding increments of 100 gold coins," the auctioneer dered, his voice brimming with confidence and authority. As soon as the emcee finished speaking, VIP guests jumped into the fray, bidding with fervor. An A-grade health potion was indeed a rare find, and for many, it was a lifeline. The atmosphere in the hall grew intense as guests from the VIP rooms raised their paddles, their voices ovepping in a cacophony of determination and desire. "Five thousand gold coins!" shouted one VIP bidder, swiftly followed by another. Regrmoner could stared at the scene with envy. 5,000 gold coins were a lot to them. They counted the numbers in silver coins and bronze coins, reminding how high it was out of their league. "5100!" "5200!" "5500!" Ethan watched the escting bids, his heart pounding. He marveled at the intensity of thepetition, recognizing the potion''s potential to tip the scales in any critical situation. His fingers drummed on his armrest as he calcted his own resources, and found out that he don''t even qualify to bid for an A-Rank item. Well, It''s not like he won''t get his chance to get one. They started with A-Rank item first, likely to make the venue exciting from the start. As the bids soared higher, the auctioneer''s hammer hovered, ready to strike. As Ethan remained silent, the person beside Ethan seemed excited a little. "Wow! A rare item right off the bat! Looks like this auction is going to be something special. What do you think, dude?" Ethan shrugged. "Who knows?" "6,700," came a dignified voice from Room No 21. "6,700 gold coins from Room No 21. Is there any higher bid?" the auctioneer called out, scanning the room for any remaining contenders. No further bids came in. The price had already exceeded most people''s budgets, and the air was thick with the realization that the first item had set a high bar for the evening. The auctioneer began the final call, his voice measured and deliberate. "6,700, once. 6,700, twice. 6,700, sold!" With a decisive strike of the gavel, the A-grade health potion was imed. As the first item was sessfully sold, a murmur of excitement and anticipation rippled through the crowd. The auction had begun with a bang, and expectations were now sky-high. Ethan grew concerned about whether the auction would feature the materials he needed. He tapped his foot anxiously, recalling the detailed information he had gathered. ording to his sources, the rare and essentialponents he sought should be avable here. But with such fiercepetition and sky-high prices, he worried about his chances. He adjusted his position, trying to maintain a calm demeanor despite the uncertainty gnawing at him. The thrill of the auction was undeniable, but for Ethan, it was more than just a spectacle¡ªit was a crucial opportunity to acquire what he needed for his sword. His mind raced with strategies, ready to seize the moment when the items he sought would finally appear on the auction stage. The auction continued, with rare items being presented one after another. Ethan''s mood grew heavier as he failed to find any materials suitable for his needs. His eyes were glued to the stage, hoping for the right opportunity. "Ladies and gentlemen, the item number 21 on our list is a set of five D-Rank Sentient swords, each with special effects attached. You know how rare it is to find this kind of weapons, right? So let''s get started." The auctioneer paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "The starting price is set at 350 Gold coins for all five swords, with increments of 10 coins each." "Finally, something affordable for people like us!" murmured themon hunters, excitement flickering in their eyes. "Yes, leader, we should definitely get these swords," one of them urged, nodding eagerly. Themon hunters began discussing among themselves, their interest evident. Meanwhile, the nobles in the VIP rooms dismissed the swords with a wave of indifference, considering them less valuablepared to the more exotic items they usually pursued. Ethan was surprised to see his swords being auctioned there. Then It also meant that he might be able to find his desired materials soon. He leaned forward, intrigued by the shift in dynamics. The auction had primarily catered to the elite, but this item opened the floor to a different group of bidders, bringing a new energy to the room. He was also interested in seeing how his swords would fare in this auction. The D-Rank Sentient swords, though not the most powerful, were rare and useful. Their sentience meant they could potentially grow stronger and develop unique abilities over time, making them valuable assets for any hunter. As the biddingmenced, Ethan watched closely. Themon hunters'' excitement was evident as they raised their paddles, their voicespeting in a fervent but friendly rivalry. "350 Gold coins!" a party leader bid. "360," another bidder added with a fierce grin. Despite the aggressive bidding, others were not deterred. The auction continued with increasing bids. "370." "400." "450!" "500!" Atst, the swords were sold to a party of six hunters for 600 gold coins. Ethan was astonished. He had sold each sword for 50 gold coins each, and here they had been auctioned for double that amount. He wondered if he should have auctioned them instead, but given that he was a bulk seller, such a result was somewhat expected. "Now, for the next item, we have a single chest bone from an adolescent Wyvern. It''s a C-Grade material and highly valuable for crafting," the auctioneer announced with a smile. The crowd gasped. Although Wyvern bones were not extremely rare, they were still considered valuable for weapon crafting. The murmurs of excitement and appreciation filled the hall as attendees discussed the potential uses for such a material. Ethan''s interest was instantly piqued. He had been looking for this type of material for his sword. If he could get it, his sword would receive a significant upgrade. His eyes focused intently on the bone disyed on stage, its smooth, ivory surface gleaming under the lights. Chapter 28: Chapter 28: The Key to the Ancient Land The auctioneer''s voice echoed through the grand hall, "The starting price is 500 gold coins, with increments of 50 gold coins. Let the biddingmence." Ethan''s eyes widened at the announcement. He hadn''t anticipated the item to be valued so high. He quickly calcted in his head¡ªhe only had 650 gold coins. Would it be enough? Sensing Ethan''s interest and uncertainty, the young man beside him leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "So, you''re eyeing that piece, but short on funds, huh?" Ethan, caught off guard, nodded and replied firmly, "Yes." With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, the young man produced a few banknotes from his pocket and handed them to Ethan. Ethan''s surprise deepened as he realized he was holding notes worth exactly 600 gold coins. He stared at the young man in disbelief. Why does he have so much money? At first he thought he was just amoner, but now...Ethan began to doubt the young man''s identity. "Haha..." The young man''s smile grew wider, sensing Ethan''s curiosity. The young man chuckled. "You can ask me questionster. Use this for now," he said,ughing. Coming to his senses, Ethan epted his help and quickly ced his bid. "500 gold coins." The auctioneer''s eyes turned to Ethan. "We have a bid of 500 gold coins. Is there any higher bid?" "600," a burly man from the back raised his hand, ring fiercely at Ethan. "650," Ethan raised his paddle and said calmly. "700," said a girl from the back. Ethan looked at the girl, and shouted, "750!" "770!" The girl raised once again, struggling a little. "850!" Ethan said, not caring about the beautiful girl at all. Hearing his bid, the girl backed down with a disheartened face. "900 Gold... Coins..!" The burly man gritted his teeth, his gaze never leaving Ethan. He was also close to his limit. 900 is already a lot for amoner hunter like him. His hesitation spoke the truth. Ethan remained calm andposed. "1100 GOLD coins," he dered, his voice steady. "What! Is this guy mad? Directly raising it to 1100? What a moron!" Some guest whispered, taking Ethan for a fool. On the other hand, Ethan had raised his bid to 1100 gold coins, intending to intimidate the burly man and discourage any furtherpetition. The room fell silent for a moment, the tension palpable as everyone waited for the burly man''s response. The burly man hesitated, clearly weighing his options, before finally shaking his head and lowering his hand in defeat. "Congrattions to participant no. 987 for obtaining the adolescent Wyvern bone," the auctioneer announced loudly, looking at Ethan. At longst, Ethan had secured the bone of a Wyvern for 1,100 gold coins. The burly man gave Ethan a fierce re, but Ethan didn''t care. It was worth the trouble. He picked up the Wyvern bone from backstage and returned quickly. The bone was remarkably sturdy and etched with intricate runic symbols. It was about three feet long, so he had to ce it in arge box. Taking the box, Ethan sat down and looked at the young man beside him with grateful eyes. "Thanks for that. My name is Ethan Smith. What''s yours?" Ethan asked softly, extending a hand for a handshake. The young man chuckled lightly before replying, "You''re wee, Ethan. My name is Leon. Forget about my family name for now. Nice to meet you." He shed a bright smile. "Yeah, same to you. But can you tell me why you helped me?" Ethan asked, curiosity evident in his voice. No one helped for no reason, right? Leon leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Because you needed it. Aren''t I right? Moreover, I can tell you won''t cheat me. I observed you closely earlier. You don''t look like someone who cares about money." Seeing Ethan''s confusion, Leon borated, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Look at these people," he said, gesturing subtly to the crowd around them. "Whenever they hear arge amount of money, their faces glow with greed and desire. They whisper, plot, and scheme. But you? You''re different. Your focus is on something far more significant than gold." Ethan''s gaze followed Leon''s gesture, taking in the eager faces, the eyes that shone with avarice at every bid. He saw the truth in Leon''s words but still couldn''t shake off his doubts. "What if I ran off with your money? What then?" Leon''sugh was hearty, drawing a few curious nces from nearby bidders. "If that happened, my character judgment would be a joke," he said, his smile widening. Then, his expression turned steely, eyes sharp as daggers. "But trust me, no one can cheat me out of my money. I have ways of ensuring that doesn''t happen." Ethan felt a chill run down his spine at Leon''s sudden change in demeanor. It was clear that this young man hadyers he couldn''t yet fathom. "I see," he said slowly, nodding in acknowledgment. "Well, I''m grateful for your help. I will return the money for sure." Ethan became curious about this stranger''s background. Leon looked so confident, as if he were some kind of lord or something. At first, Ethan thought him a minor character with a meddlesome personality. But now, Leon seemed entirely different. "Is he one of those low-key protagonists, or some kind of mysterious side character?" Ethan wondered. Deciding to find out more, Ethan cast Appraisal to uncover Leon''s identity. To his shock, it didn''t work. That could only mean one thing: Leon was at least above level 50. How frightening! What was he doing here? Ethan''s mind raced with possibilities. "Why would someone so powerful be at themoners sitting area? It isn''t normal at all," he thought, ncing at Leon with newfound respect and caution. The young man beside him wasn''t just a generous stranger; he was a formidable presence, cloaked in mystery. Leon seemed to notice Ethan''s scrutiny and raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile ying on his lips. "Trying to figure me out, huh?" he asked lightly, his tone teasing yet gentle. Ethan coughed and turned his attention to the stage, looking at different items with intrigue, as if there was no overpowered character beside him. After more than an hour, the auctioneer left the stage, leaving everyone confused. Soon, a grey-haired old man appeared on stage, bringing a hexagonal-shaped box with him. As the ordinary participants quieted, excited sounds from the VIP rooms became more evident. What was so important inside the box that made these nobles so excited? "Ethan, you might meet an unexpected event today," Ethan heard Leon mutter excitedly, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes. The old man on stage cleared his throat,manding the room''s attention. "Honorable guests, I am Gresham Bel''or, the owner of this glorious auction hall. I am here to present thest precious item of today and witness the joy it will bring. This is a salvation for mankind, a historical relic, and a piece of our glorious past. We are honored to present it to you after so many years of darkness." Ethan''s curiosity piqued even further. What could be so significant? He nced at Leon, whose eyes were fixed on the stage, a fierce intensity burning within them. Gresham Bel''or continued, his voice reverberating through the hall. "Alright, let the finale of this auction begin." With enthusiastic apuse, the old man opened the hexagonal box, revealing an ancient-looking key that glimmered faintly under the stage lights. "This," Gresham Bel''or announced, his voice filled with reverence, "is the key to the ancientnd of treasure, where our legendary hero Libros once obtained the famous Demon yer Sword." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in as the crowd murmured in awe. "You must be wondering," he continued with a sly chuckle, "why I didn''t keep this treasure for myself?" His tone carried a hint of irony. "The answer is simple¡ªit would require an astronomical amount of energy to activate. So, keep that in mind, honorable guests, as you consider its true value." The room buzzed with astonished whispers. The legend of Hero Libros and the Demon yer Sword was well-known, but the key to that ancientnd had been thought lost forever. "Wait! Is the key real, Gresham? Tell me honestly." Suddenly, a deep and imposing voice boomed from one of the VIP rooms. The old man stiffened slightly before replying, his tone respectful and reassuring. "Yes, my lord. I vouch for it with my honor." "Okay then. Proceed!" the overbearing person said arrogantly, his authority palpable. Ethan''s eyes widened as he realized the gravity of the moment. The key to the ancientnd of treasure was not just a relic; it was a gateway to untold power and wealth. He nced at Leon, whose eyes were alight with a mix of anticipation and a fierce grin spread across his face as if he was waiting for some kind of prey to appear. "It should be in any moment," Leon whispered, his voice extremely calm all of a sudden." Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The Hidden Undercurrents Ethan kept quiet, choosing to stay out of the matters of such powerful characters. He knew meddling in their affairs could be perilous, perhaps even fatal. "Alright, let''s start the bidding," Gresham Bel''or announced. "You can ce your bid as you wish for this item." "5,000 gold coins." The bid came from a well-dressed VIP who looked both eager and determined. As soon as he finished speaking, several other VIPs joined in, their bids escting with an urgency that suggested their lives might depend on it. "Fools!" Leon muttered quietly, his disdain barely concealed. Ethan caught the words clearly and nced at Leon with bafflement. "7,000 gold coins." "8,500 gold coins." "9,000." "10,500." "15,000." The same imposing VIP bid, his voice dripping with arrogance as he nced around the room, daring anyone to challenge him. His demeanor suggested he was a very high-level character, someone of considerable influence and power. "He is the Devil Ape n''s leader," Leon said, noticing Ethan''s interest in the man. His voice was calm and controlled. "Oh!" Ethan eximed, his curiosity piqued. "The Devil Ape n? Are there no other powerful ns that could rival him?" Leon chuckled softly. "Haha, the real show hasn''t started yet, dude. This is just the beginning. Watch closely." As the bidding war intensified, Ethan could feel the tension in the air. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and unspoken rivalries. He watched as the VIPs engaged in a fierce contest, knowing that the true significance of this auction was yet to unfold. Just as the auction seemed to be winding down, amotion erupted near the entrance, causing a stir among the attendees. Dressed in luxurious robes, several new groups entered the auction hall, attracting immediate attention. "Winged Tiger n arrives!" Following them, other prominent groups made their entrance. "Thunder Leopard n arrives!" "Fire Crow n arrives!" "Silvermoon n arrives!" "Phantom Wolf n arrives!" Each n was represented by 30-40 people, moving in organized groups of 5-6 important individuals each. The hall buzzed with excitement and curiosity as the new arrivals made their way to their VIP rooms, their presence adding an extrayer of tension to the already charged atmosphere. Others watched in awe as these powerful ns entered, each one exuding an aura of authority and strength. They had heard tales of their influence, but seeing them in person was an entirely different experience. They were the five great ns of Arcadia City. Their mere presencemanded respect. Ethan''s interest was piqued when he heard the names of the Fire Crow and Silvermoon ns. He scanned the crowd and spotted Aria and her uncle among the Silvermoon n members. Aria''s father, a stern-looking man with sharp eyebrows, was in the center. Among the Fire Crow n, Ethan didn''t recognize anyone immediately, but his thoughts were preupied with Lenora. She also wasn''t present there. Neither was the leader of the Fire Crow n. Instead, a few powerful elders were present. The presence of these powerful ns brought an air of tension to the auction hall. "Haha, how can you start the fun without us, Gideon?"ughed Mirrel Nortel, the leader of the Winged Tiger n¡ªa person in his fifties, while ncing disdainfully at the Devil Ape n''s room through the transparent ss. The leader of the Thunder Leopard n, Zephyr Stormw, chimed in, "It seems Gideon doesn''t respect the five great ns anymore, now that he''s achieved S-Rank. So arrogant!" He snorted. "Hmph.." In response, Gideon, the leader of the Devil Ape n, snorted in irritation. "Whatever! But you should all know this: the key will belong to our n in the end. No one can change that." The other n leaders responded with disdain. "We''ll see about that." They all huffed and proceeded to their respective VIP rooms. "See, brother, that Gideon never respects us. He''s so arrogant," Astrid, Aria''s uncle,ined to Aria''s father. Aria''s father sighed. "I know. He''s always been like that. But he''ll get his karma today. Isn''t this is why we''re here?" He paused before continuing after brief moment, "For now, focus on looking for any suspicious activity. Today''s mission should not fail; this is our primary goal." Aria, her uncle, and the rest of the Silvermoon n members nodded in agreement. As the Silvermoon n members settled into their seats, Aria''s gaze unexpectedly fell on Ethan. "What is he doing here?" she wondered and became worried recalling their mission ofing here. This could be dangerous for Ethan, she realized, and her face turned pale. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a brief nod. Her father noticed the interaction and inquired, "Who is that boy, Aria? Do you know him?" Aria''s uncle, recognizing Ethan as the boy he had saved from imprisonment, kept silent, curious about Aria''s response. "Ah, um¡­" Aria hesitated. "Yes, Father, he''s a friend." Her father shook his head disapprovingly. "Aria, how many times must I tell you? You can''t just befriend anyone. It doesn''t fit your image as a noble." Aria lowered her gaze, feeling a pang of frustration and sadness. She wondered if her father would ever ept her feelings for Ethan if their rtionship ever deepened. Once everyone was seated, the auctioneer resumed. "We have received a few more honorable guests at our auction hall, so let''s continue where we left off." "Lord Gideon has offered 15,000 gold coins. Are there any higher bids?" "We, from the Winged Tiger n, offer 17,000 gold coins." "25,000 gold coins from the Fire Crow n." "26,000 from the Thunder Leopard n." "28,000." "29,000." The bidding escted rapidly as each n vied for the prize. The other participants could only watch in awe, realizing the stakes involved in this auction. "Brother, the time is here. Shouldn''t we ce our bid now?" Astrid asked, anxious. Aria''s father remained calm. "Not yet. Wait for a little more." Aria, meanwhile, continued to focus intently on Ethan. Her uncle shook his head, realizing Aria''s distraction. Gideon, fuming with frustration, raised his bid to 33,000 gold coins, nearing his limit. "35,000," the Fire Crow n countered. "36,000," Gideon snapped, ring at everyone with bloodshot eyes.. "Ba*tards!" It seemed the other ns were deliberately pushing Gideon to his limits. "Brother, the price already gone so high," Astrid said, concern evident in his voice. "We should bid now, right? Everything had gone ording to our n, after all." Aria''s father nodded. "Yes. Raise the stakes now. Push Gideon to the limit. Only then will he reveal his true face to us." "Okay, brother," Aria''s uncle nodded and raised his paddle for an increased bid. "Aria, focus! Where are you looking?" her father snapped. "Hmph!" Aria pouted but returned to her seat in frustration. Her heart was full of worry regarding Ethan''s safety. "We have a bid of 36,000 from the Devil Ape n. Are there any higher bids?" "40,000," Aria''s uncle announced loudly. The crowd gasped. "40,000? The Silvermoon n is really wealthy." "Yes, as expected from an elite assassin n." "Bang!" Gideon, furious, smashed his chair. "Damn these cockroaches! It looks like I have no choice." He turned to his subordinates. "Go and bring them here. It''s time to make our move. We can''t let them get the key for the humans." His subordinates, d in dark, imposing armor, nodded and quickly left the room, their movements precise and intimidating. The tension in the auction hall escted as people whispered among themselves, specting about Gideon''s next move. However, even after awaiting for a while, there''s no further offer from the Devil Ape n Leader, so the key went to the Silvermoon n. "Congrattions to the Silvermoon n for winning the auction at 40,000 gold coins," the auctioneer Gresham announced, prompting apuse. "p, p!" While the other attendees pped, the major yers in the room knew that something significant was about to unfold. Ethan, sensing the rising tension, knew he had to stay vignt. Despite his decision to avoid meddling, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was already too involved. Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Play? "Ethan, Stay sharp!" Leon''s urgent warning snapped Ethan back to the present. The seriousness in Leon''s eyes was stark against the chaos erupting around them. "Get to safety!" Leon''smand was underscored by a cruel smile, hinting at something more sinister at y. "What could be the reason for his sudden seriousness?" Ethan''s confusion turned to rm as he scanned the auction hall. The luxurious ambiance had been abruptly overshadowed by an encroaching darkness. Strange humanoid creatures, their forms grotesquely twisted, emerged from every corner. With their horns jutting from their foreheads, tails flicking behind them, and eyes glowing an unnerving red, these creatures were unmistakably demons. "Ah! Demons!" "Help!" The demons'' presence sent ripples of terror through the crowd. Their sudden appearance was a brutal reminder of the dark history of this world, where two realms existed in constant strife. Ethan suddenly recalled the history of this world. The vast world of Mythraldor was devided into two realms. The humannd of Solis, blessed by the gods, and the demonnd of Abyss, cursed and forsaken, were eternally at odds. The vast majority ofnd of Solis were upied by the humans, and alongside them lived Demi-humans and Elite magical creatures such as Dragons, Phoenix and more dominant ones. On the other hand, Abyss was full of Demons, deemed the cruelest creatures for mankind. Demons, the embodiment of cruelty and suffering, were bound to their bleaknd until they found their Demon God. This Demon God deity granted them the power to breach the boundaries between the realms, leading to catastrophic invasions. The demons, after breaking into Solis, had wreaked havoc on humanity. Then, came the Heroes who were picked by the system to grant Salvation for the humans. The arrival of the Heroes, wielding the holy power of elements, was the only way kill these demons forever as demons were nearly immortals due to their species ability. Therefore the Heroes gained the status of deities from mankind, making them subjects of worship and reverence. Their battles with the demons were fierce and costly, culminating in the defeat of the Demon God and a temporary retreat due to his serious injuries. The Demon God umted grudge with the heroes because of this. However the heroes were not unscathed either. In that battle two out of seven heroes died, leaving humans in remorse for their loss. Like this, the cyclical invasions, urs every few centuries between two parties. As a aftermath billionsmon humans dies evey time it urs, even then no significant result achieved untill the appearance of Hero Libros, titled The Demon yer. He got the Demon yer sword, and let the humans made the replicas of the sword. These replicas allowed other regr hunters also joined in the frey and vanquish demons of their immortal ability. As a result, the humans gained a upper hand and sent back demons to the Abyss with catastrophic damage for the demons. It happened nearly 500 years ago, and presently the demons began to extend their demonic clutches towards the Human Land once again. Back to the present. As the demons began their brutal assault, panic surged throughout the hall. Shouts of terror filled the air, and people scrambled, their fear palpable. Ethan saw one unfortunate soul being drained of blood by a demon, his body rapidly desating into a skeletal husk. The sight was horrifying, underscoring the demons'' deadly hunger. Ethan trued calm his goosebumps, and find a safe ce to hide. Amid the chaos, Mirrel Nortel, leader of the Winged Tiger n, stepped into the fray. His disy of raw strength was impressive as he crushed a demon with his bare hands. Yet, even this did not end the threat, as the demon began regenerating almost immediately. The regenerative ability of the demons was a terrifying prospect. This was the same ability that made them unkible 500 hundred years ago. However, humanity had devised a countermeasure: Holy elemental swords capable of destroying even these creatures. Mirrel brandished his Holy elemental sword, its de shining with a purifying light. With a decisive swing, he struck the demon again, this time reducing it to ashes. The mes of purification consumed the demon, ensuring it could not regenerate. "Silence!" Mirrel''smanding voice cut through the chaos, restoring a semnce of order. His authoritative presence reassured the crowd. "Everyone, calm down! These fiends cannot harm you as long as we five great ns are here." Every n members took out their Holy Elemental Sword as if they were prepared for this beforehand. The other n leaders, floating above the ground, exuded an aura of immense power, further reassuring the frightened crowd. Theirbined presence was a formidable deterrent against the demonic threat. Aria''s father, Alger Silvermoon, addressed the crowd with a grave tone. "We have everything under control citizens. From the beginning this trap was nned to deal with both the demons and the traitors among us." His deration about the trap, using the ancient key as bait, sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd. Ethan, though somewhat understanding the strategy, was troubled by the recklessness of risking so many lives. "Yes, the lords are right guys. We have the best of the best powerhouses amongst us. We don''t need to worry." "Yeah, how can we forget the five great n members are amongst us? They will save us for sure." Some people began to murmur, feeling reassured. "Hoho..." As the crowd began to calm down somewhat, Gideon, the Devil Ape n leader, made a dramatic entrance. With him were several high-ranking demons, their formidable presence adding to the tension. "Ohh, are you that sure, cockroaches?" Gideon''s taunting words revealed his betrayal. "Look closely! I''ve brought these elder demons to ensure that no one leaves here alive." His maniacalughter filled the hall, heightening the dread. Aria''s father''s voice thundered with righteous anger. "So, our suspicions were correct. You are the real traitor, Gideon!" The other n leaders joined in the condemnation, their voices echoing their outrage. "What a shameless traitor!" "He should be burned to death." "Kill him!" Gideon remained defiant, his confidence unshaken. "You think you can handle this? These elder demons will bury you all here alive!" His taunts were met with resolve from the assembled leaders. Mirrel Nortel''s gaze was steely, his sword gleaming with anticipation. "Just Five elder demons? We have more than enough power to deal with them." His preparation for battle was evident, and the other n members prepared themselves for the impending conflict. The auction hall had transformed into a battleground, with the fate of everyone present hanging in the bnce. Ethan, caught in the midst of this epic confrontation, had no choice but to brace himself for the inevitable sh between the forces of light and darkness. Chapter 31: Chapter 31: New Upgrade "Haha, is that why you''re all so confident about?" The Devil Ape n leader''sughter echoed through the air, dark and mocking. "Then let me show you something." At his signal, the shadows around him seemed to writhe and stretch as more Elder demons emerged. The ground trembled under the weight of at least twenty more elder demons that appeared, their massive forms looming like nightmarish towers. The five great n members stared in disbelief. They had expected a tough fight, but this¡ªtwenty-five Elder demons¡ªwas beyond their wildest fears. The unexpected appearance of so many powerful foes sent waves of panic rippling through them. "What do we do, n Leader? I don''t want to die here," one of the panicking warriors cried out, his voice trembling. "n Leader, there are twenty-five of them! Should we retreat before it''s toote?" another asked, eyes wide with terror. "Enough!" Mirrel Nortel''s voice cut through the chaos with a sharp edge. "Shut your mouths, cowards! We are not going to surrender. If anyone''s going down today, it will be him!" Mirrel Nortel pointed toward Gideon. Aria''s uncle, standing close by, looked around with increasing anxiety. "Brother, we''re in serious trouble. They have a thousand ordinary demons and twenty-five Elder demons. We barely have over a hundred fighters. Shouldn''t we have brought more men? And that arrogant Gideon is an S-Rank powerhouse. We''re no match for him at all." His gaze locked onto Gideon with a mixture of fear and awe. Aria''s father, maintaining a grim butposed demeanor, addressed the situation with a steely resolve. "Don''t panic. Help will arrive soon. Focus on dealing with the other demons for now." Aria, positioned near her father, was intensely focused on Ethan, her worry for his safety growing with every passing second. Amidst the roiling chaos of battle, her gaze was fixed on him, her concern palpable. "Kill everyone!" The Devil Ape n leader''smand rang out like a death knell, directing his demons tomence their onught. "Defend and charge!" Mirrel Nortel''s order was immediate and forceful. His voice was a rallying cry for all the hunters behind him, members of the five great ns. The n leaders were ahead ready to face the elder demons. Armed with holy elemental swords, the hunters advanced towards the demon ranks. Their des glowed with sacred energy as they fought valiantly to protect the terrifiedmoners. Despite their skill and determination, the sheer number of demons made their task nearly impossible. They fought with fierce determination, bringing down a few demons, but the battlefield quickly turned into a cacophony of demonic roars and anguished screams. Blood and fire mingled in a gruesome dance. "Brother Alger,e with me," Mirrel Nortel shouted over the din. "The rest of you, Please focus on taking down the Elder demons!" He said to the Zephyr Stormw and other two leaders. In response, they nodded and ordered their men to kill the lesser demons, while they would be facing the elder demons, even though the task seemed impossible. "Yes, leader!" came the unified response. The hunters moved swiftly, their resolve set on the daunting task before them. Their fate was uncertain, hanging in the bnce between life and death. This could even be theirst fight of their lives. Ethan stood alone, his heart pounding as he saw a demon approaching him, its grin predatory and menacing. "Oh, sh*t," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing. "What level is this guy? Can I handle him?" He activated [Appraisal] to gather information about the demon. "Name: #&%#& Species: Blood Demon Rank: Lesser Demon." "That''s it? What''s Lesser Demon rank? Is it their own hierarchical rank? No specific level?" Ethan cursed softly, frustration mounting. "Looks like I''ll have to find it out in the hard way." Drawing his sword, he prepared to face the demon. "Roar!" The demon charged with a guttural roar, its ws and teeth gleaming with lethal intent. "Az Sword Strike!" Ethan took a deep breath, channeling his energy into his attack. The blue mes of his sword surged forward with incredible speed. But¡ª "ng!" The sword collided with the demon''s tough hide, producing a metallic ng. The de failed to pierce through the demon''s flesh. "Uh!" Ethan''s eyes widened in shock. "Why is their body so tough? It''s like I am hitting somekind of hard metal. Are demons always this tough?" "##@#&##&." The demon spoke in an unfamiliar, mocking tongue, taunting Ethan for his tant weakness. Undeterred, the demon intensified its assault. Ethan, sensing the urgency, activated [Muscle Enhancement] and [Enraged], feeling his strength surge to new heights. With boosted agility, he dodged the demon''s ferocious ws, narrowly avoiding deadly strikes. "##&#%#&#." The demon''s rage seemed to escte. Ethan''s annoyance grew. "You talk too much. Time to end this." He activated [Inferno Leap], propelling himself into the air with a zing force. "Boom!" The impact of Ethan''s leap created a massive crater uponnding. The enhanced [Inferno Leap] showcased his newfound power, and a few onlookers, including some of thebatants, noticed the disy with astonished expressions. However, they were too upied with their own battles to offerments. Aria, watching Ethan intently, was stunned by his dramatic increase in power. However, she understood that despite his newfound strength, it wasn''t enough to defeat a demon without holy swords. Determined to help Ethan, she focused on her own fight against an Elder Rank demon. She intensified her attacks, using her dagger with renewed ferocity. As the dust began to clear, Ethan observed that the demon''s wounds, though significant, were healing at an rming rate. "If this continues, how am I going to kill him?" Ethan thought, frustration growing. "If only my sword was more powerful," he mused. His gaze fell upon the Wyvern Bone lying nearby. Acting quickly, he crouched down, cing his sword beside the bone. He carefully concealed his actions from view. "Synthesis!" He activated Universal Synthesis and silently prayed for the sess. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! Synthesis sessful.] [ Appraisal: Titanium Runic Sword (D) ¡ú Draconic Skeletal Sword (C) ] The sword had transformed into a formidable, sharp bone weapon. Crafted from Wyvern Bone¡ªa lesser species of dragon known for its might, the sword now looked both majestic and formidable, reflecting the power of its draconic origins. Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Holy Elemental Sword [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Draconic Skeletal Sword (Sentient) ] [ Grade: C ] [ Attack Power: 91 ] Durability: 300 Special Ability: Dragon''s Wrath; It triggers at critical times, dealing massive damage upto 200 points." Without wasting a moment, Ethan gripped the newly acquired sword firmly and swung it down with all his might at the demon, who was poised tounch another attack. "Slice!" This time, the de cut through the demon''s flesh with an ease that was previously unattainable. The demon let out a gut-wrenching scream of agony, his fury palpable as he was astonished by the injury inflicted by the seemingly insignificant human. The wound on the demon''s chest began to close rapidly, the healing process visibly elerating. "Damn! Are demons some kind of undead ro something?" Ethan eximed in frustration, "How am I supposed to kill these things?" The demon, now enraged, charged at Ethan with its gaping, bloody mouth to bite him and drink his blood. Ethan began to defend himself while retreating, his mind racing to find a way to finish the demon off. Just as the standoff reached a critical point, a striking figure with silver hair appeared beside him. It was Aria. Without hesitation, she tossed a gleaming sword toward him. "Ethan, use this!" she urged, her voice filled with urgency. Ethan caught the sword effortlessly and, in a seamless motion, cast [Az Sword Strike]. The demon, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, was sliced cleanly from his waist by the ming sword. As the sword struck, the demon''s body erupted into mes, reducing him to a charred, burning corpse. Ethan stood momentarily stunned by the sheer power of the weapon; its potency was beyond what he had expected. "Appraisal: Holy Elemental Sword (Fire) Grade: B Attack Power: 148 Durability: 340 Special ability: Holy purge; it has effect to purify demons. The sword was a B-grade weapon, imbued with holy fire that radiated a sacred aura. It was designed specifically tobat demons, and its holy mes were a testament to its divine nature. "Thanks, Aria. If you hadn''t shown up, I''d have been in serious trouble. You''re a lifesaver," Ethan said gratefully. Aria responded with a warm, charming smile. "Yes, I can see that." Ethan was momentarily entranced by her radiant smile, her lips a striking red. But he quickly refocused on the pressing battle at hand. Approaching the demon''s lifeless body, Ethan seized the opportunity to activate [Skill Absorption]. He knew he couldn''t afford to miss this chance. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! Your Skill Absorption was sessful ] [ You have acquired a new demonic ability¡ªBlood Regeneration. ] [ Blood Regeneration: A species skill originating from the demon race. This unique skill, typically exclusive to demons, allows you to regenerate health by absorbing the blood of fallen enemies. You are the first human to possess this skill. You can''t use the skill due to yourck of Nether Energy Core.] Ethan read the description carefully, understanding the gravity of the skill he had obtained. The ability to absorb blood for regeneration was a technique usually reserved for demons, a practice that was considered taboo for humans. He can''t even use this ability dueck of something called Nether Energy. "What''s a Nether core? Is it some kind of energy source from the demons?" Aria, noticing Ethan''s intense focus, gently inquired, "Ethan, is this how you always say goodbye to your enemies?" Ethan chuckled, "Oh, what a pleasant misunderstanding! You can think of it that way." "I see. You''re really kind," she said, her gaze affectionate as she smiled at him. Ethan felt a rush of embarrassment at herpliment. However, their moment of respite was interrupted by a deafening roar that drew their attention to the center of the auction hall. There, high-level hunters were locked in fiercebat against ssic and elder demons. The once pristine auction hall had be a scene of utter devastation. The ground was shattered, walls had copsed, and the bodies of both demons and humansy strewn across the debris. It was a hellish tableau of destruction. "Hahaha! Do you think you two can challenge me?" The Devil Ape n leader''s voice echoed with contempt. "Howughable! You haven''t even reached S-Rank, yet you dare confront an S-Rank like me? Allow me to show you the true power of an S-Rank!" As he spoke, Gideon, the Devil Ape n leader, transformed into a colossal fifty-meter-tall Devil Ape. His form was engulfed in dark energy, radiating an aura so deadly that it seemed capable of extinguishing life with a mere touch. Mirrel Nortel and Alger Silvermoon, facing this formidable opponent, exchanged concerned nces. Gideon was an S-Rank powerhouse, a rare and elite figure even in the city of Arcadia where S-Rank hunters were the pinnacle of strength. Only two people had achieved this rank within the city till now. With a deafening roar, Gideonunched himself forward with incredible speed. Mirrel and Alger, recognizing the peril, quickly took defensive positions. Mirrel transformed into a twenty-meter-tall Winged Tiger, his form both majestic and fierce. Alger Silvermoon melded with the shadows, preparing to strike decisively. The Winged Tiger and the Devil Ape collided in mid-air with a thunderous impact. "Boom!" The collision generated a massive shockwave that obliterated everything in its vicinity. The force of the impact sent debris and dust soaring, turning everything caught in the st radius to ruin. Fortunately, Ethan and Aria were outside the immediate danger zone, though they watched in horror as the battle unfolded. The raw power of A-Rank and S-Rank powerhouses were astounding. Even the residual shockwave from their sh was powerful enough to cause harm from a distance. The aftermath of the collision was stark¡ªthe Winged Tiger was hurled back violently, blood pouring from his mouth. The gap in power between S-Rank and A-Rank was painfully evident. Yet, the Devil Ape was far from finished. With unrelenting determination, he charged forward, intent on securing victory and finishing the fight. Chapter 33: Chapter 33: General Leon; The Legendary Ice Guardian As Gideon charged towards Mirrel, his enormous form propelling him forward with a terrifying velocity, suddenly a shadowy figure darted past him with uncanny swiftness. The figure was almost too fast for the eye to follow, and with a precise and practiced motion, the de connected. "sh!" Gideon''s head snapped to the side just in time and a deep gash appeared along his neck. The pain was immediate and searing, causing him to stagger slightly. With a guttural roar of agony and rage, he tried to shake off the impact, but the injury, though serious, didn''t seem to faze himpletely. His monstrous form was still very much alive and furious. The attack was from Aria''s father using one of his assassination skills. "I will kill you all!" Gideon roared, his voice echoing through the auction hall like a death knell. His massive body began to shimmer with a dark, menacing energy. He stomped his foot onto the ground with such force that the entire hall trembled. "Ape''s Gravity Domain (S)," he rumbled, casting his S-Rank skill. In an instant, the auction hall was enveloped in a crushing gravity field. The sheer force of the gravitational pressure bore down upon everyone present. The very air seemed to thicken, making it almost impossible to move. Aria''s father, previously maintaining his shadow form, was forced into visibility by the oppressive force. "Bang!" His figure was mmed to the ground, his shadowy form dissipating under the immense pressure. "Father!" Aria cried out in desperation as she watched her father''s injured body. Her voice was swallowed by the overpowering gravity that immobilized her as well. She wasn''t even allowed to reach his side. Ethan struggled against the crushing weight, his breathing inbored gasps as hey sprawled on the floor. The power of an S-Rank hunter was overwhelming, making him feel insignificantly small. "Is this the true power of an S-Rank hunter?" he thought in horror. The difference in power was stark and terrifying, with Gideon''s single stomp effectively rendering everyone powerless. "Hahaha! You miserable rats, know your ce!" Gideon''sughter was filled with malevolent glee. "You should just grovel beneath my feet and beg for a quick death." His mocking tone wasced with cruelty as he relished in their helplessness. He nced down at the ancient key lying on the floor, a cruel smirk spreading across his face as he discovered it was a fake. With a contemptuous sneer, he crushed it under his enormous grip, the key splintering into pieces. "You dared to deceive me? I''ll make sure you suffer for this!" "Now, my minions, go forth and exterminate the humans!" Gideonmanded, his voice booming with authority. The demons, seemingly unaffected by the gravity domain, surged forward with lethal intent. Their eyes glinted with a predatory hunger as they descended upon the immobilized humans. "Oh no! Are we going to die like this?" The cries of despair spread among the humans as they faced their imminent demise. "If only the city lord were here, we might stand a chance!" Their thoughts turned to the city lord of the Fire Crow n, a powerful figure whose absence was conspicuous. "Haha! Die!" Gideon roared with sadistic pleasure, savoring the sight of their fear. His enjoyment of their terror was palpable, and he continued to gloat over their suffering. Suddenly, a calm, almost nonchnt voice cut through the chaos. "Ohh! What''s the hurry?" The voice, smooth and casual, seemed to mock the gravity of the situation. The speaker¡ªa young man, moved with a serene grace, unaffected by the oppressive gravity. Gideon''s instincts red with an intense sense of danger, but his body was frozen, paralyzed by a deep-seated fear. Emerging from the chaos, the figure of the young man became clear. His approach was deliberate, each step resonating with an almost otherworldly calm. Seeing the figure of the young man, Gideon''s instincts were screaming to tell him to run, however his body was not moving somehow. "Who is this young man?" He trembled at the thought of any higher power involved in this game. Even the city lord won''t be able to scare him this much. Ethan and everyone else''s attention was also drawn to the young man. As soon as the young man arrived, the demons halted their actions as if an invisible shackled binded them with strong force. Ethan found the young man familiar. His eyes widened realising who it was. It was Leon, the dude guy who just sat beside him. So his suspicions came true atst. As Leon stepped forward, his each step reverberated in everyone''s ear in the deathly still atmosphere. His demeanor changedpletely as he drew closer, his youthful appearance underwent a striking transformation. He became a distinguished adult, d in a regal military uniform adorned with the Arkanis kingdom''s royal insignia on his chest. The man exuded an aura of supreme dominance, his long icy blue hair cascading in elegant waves that framed a face of wless perfection. His lean, muscr build suggested both formidable strength and agility, while his ocean-blue eyes, serene as an ancientke, held an intensity that couldmand legions. His skin, smooth as polished jade, entuated his otherworldly beauty. d in a strikingly handsome military uniform that highlighted every sculpted muscle, he appeared less as a mortal and more as a god among men. Hismanding presence was irresistible, captivating every woman who gazed upon him. Despite the perilous situation, his sheer allure was a zing force that captured the delicate hearts of women''s, making them swoon and fill their eyes with stars. The dangerous circumstances only heightened his charm, enveloping them in a fervent embrace they couldn''t escape. With a gentle touch of his flickering fingers, a wave of cooling sensation spread throughout the auction hall, making everyone''s mind rxed, and instantly freeing everyone from the ape''s gravity domain. Gideon''s eyes went saucers as he finally recognized who the man was. Gideon''s eyes widened in disbelief as recognition dawned on him. "G-General Leon!" he stammered, his voice tinged with terror even in his formidable Devil Ape form. The mere presence of General Leon was enough to shake him to his core. "A Transcendental Powerhouse!" The other n leaders, equally rmed, struggled to fathom the presence of such a high-ranking figure in their midst. To them, he was more than just a leader; he was almost like a god, a being of immense power and authority. In his presence, they felt like mere mortals, his devoted followers in awe of his every move.. The realization that General Leon, a Transcendental, was present, added a new dimension to the unfolding events. "Brother, did you really summon General Leon? I didn''t know you have such influence." Aria''s uncle marveled, his face reflecting awe and disbelief. "So that''s why you were so enigmatic about the help we would receive. I didn''t realize you had such an powerful ally." Aria''s father shook his head, his expression a blend of relief and astonishment. "No, you fool. How could I ever have the audacity? I only sent a letter to the capital requesting assistance. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect him toe in person. It''s truly a mystery." Aria''s uncle, realizing the misunderstanding, felt a surge of embarrassment. "Regardless, it''s fortunate that General Leon is here." "Yes," Aria''s father agreed, a note of relief evident in his voice. "Father, are you okay?" Aria approached her father, her concern palpable. "I''m fine," her father reassured her with a pained smile. His gaze then shifted to Ethan beside her, and a flicker of disapproval crossed his face. But in the presence of General Leon, he held his tongue, not daring to make the slightest mistake. Before they could continue their conversation, their attention was drawn back to the most anticipated confrontation unfolding before them. General Leon''s presence had undeniably altered the course of the battle, and the tension in the auction hall reached a fever pitch as the final showdown was near. However, everyone could guess the result already. Chapter 34: Chapter 34: General Leons Might "Looks like I have no other choice." As Gideon faced the overwhelming power of General Leon, he realized the gravity of his dire situation. Desperation drove him to a grim and ancient solution: absorbing the blood of the fallen using forbidden demon incantations. This act of dark magic from demons was hisst-ditch effort to gain the strength he needed to confront Leon. Despite his initial reluctance, Gideon had long ago abandoned his moralpass in the pursuit of power. His ambition to rise above his peers had led him to make a pact with demons, a choice he had never truly wanted but felt forced into by his own limitations. He had been at a bottleneck in his quest for greater strength, having exhausted all potential to increase his level. The demons had offered him a shortcut to transcendence, but it came at the cost of betraying his own kind. Gideon, driven by his insatiable hunger for power, had agreed without hesitation. Now, facing the imminent threat from General Leon, he sought to demonize himself to bridge the gap between his current state and the power he desperately needed. General Leon, observing Gideon''s futile attempt, shook his head in disappointment. "You will never learn, Mongrel. A traitor will always be a traitor," he remarked with a tone of finality. Gideon''s lips curled into a sneer, his resolve unwavering. "General Leon, power is all that matters to me. Nothing else. No one can stop me," he dered, his voice filled with defiance. As he spoke, his body began to expand, his form bing more monstrous and intimidating. But before he couldplete his transformation, General Leon interrupted with one single skill. [ Absolute Freeze (SS) ] General Leon activated his skill silently with icy determination. "No..!" Gideon''s defiant roar was abruptly silenced as his massive form was encased in a block of ice. The transformation was instantaneous and brutal. Gideon''s cries of anger and betrayal echoed as he was frozen, his once fearsome presence now reduced to a mere ice statue. The massive Devil Ape, who had once been a symbol of terror, was now a silent testament to Leon''s overwhelming power. With Gideon neutralized, General Leon turned his attention to the demons that had been wreaking havoc. His eyes, cold and unyielding, surveyed the chaos around him. He raised his hand to the sky, his next move precise and devastating. "Icicle Arrows (S)!" Leonmanded raising his hand, and immediately hundreds of razor-sharp icicle shards materialized in the air. They descended with deadly uracy, each one aimed at the demons. The icicles pierced through their forms, turning them into frozen statues at a molecr level. The destructive skill was executed with such efficiency that within moments, the demons were reduced to nothing more than shards of ice, their bodies shattered into dust. Not even their blood regenerative ability was able save them. The auction hall fell into stunned silence. The magnitude of Leon''s power was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He had decimated an entire army of demons while remaining in the same spot. The n leaders, previously caught up in their own troubles, now approached General Leon with deep respect and gratitude. "G-General Leon, thank you for your help," they said in unison, their voices full of awe and reverence. "Without you, we would have been doomed." General Leon acknowledged their gratitude with a nod. "Why didn''t your city lorde to assist? Had he been here, I might not have had to intervene personally." he said with doubtful expression. The n leaders shared uneasy looks, their uncertainty evident. "City Lord Longus mentioned he had urgent matters to attend to elsewhere," one of them responded cautiously. "At least, that''s what he told us," another chimed in, though their hesitation suggested lingering doubts. "I see," Leon replied, his expression unreadable. "General Leon," Aria''s father spoke up, his voice filled with an ingratiating tone. "If you are free, would you please like toe to our humble home for some rest?" "Aiya, this sly fox!" The other n leaders looked on with a mix of envy and frustration. They whispered among themselves, grumbling about the overt ttery and regretting their own missed opportunity to extend an invitation first. General Leon considered the offer with a thoughtful expression before agreeing. "Sure, I would be pleased to visit your establishment." "Yes!" The members of the Silvermoon n were visibly relieved and excited, knowing that such a visit could significantly elevate their status. The prospect of receiving valuable treasures from one of Arkanis''s three great Generals was also a tantalizing thought. Alger Silvermoon, eager to facilitate the visit, smiled and motioned towards the exit. "After you, General." As Leon prepared to leave, his gaze fell upon Ethan, who was standing somewhat apart beside Aria. The general''s eyes narrowed with interest. "Wait! Can you take that boy along?" Leonmanded, his voice firm as he pointed directly at Ethan. Alger Silvermoon''s eyes followed Leon''s gaze, his expression shifting from surprise to confusion. He saw Ethan, the samemoner boy from earlier, standing next to Aria. Alger''s initial reaction was one of indignation; he wanted to separate them immediately. However, Leon''s clear interest in Ethan caused him to pause. "What could be so special about that boy?" Alger Silvermoon wondered, his mind racing with questions. "Why is General Leon interested in him?" Suppressing his irritation, Alger called out, "Aria,e here. And bring that boy with you. We''re going home." His tone was firm, leaving little room for argument. Aria, slightly perplexed, gently took Ethan''s arm and guided him forward. "Hey, Ethan, it looks like my father wants you toe along. Let''s go," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she led him towards her father. She was unaware that her father''s displeasure was all too evident by their close contacts. Ethan felt the warmth from Aria''s strong yet smooth skin. This was the first time they held hand, although unconsciously. Ethan approached cautiously, his nerves on edge as he faced the powerful figures surrounding him. All of them radiated an aura that was hard to miss. As he looked at General Leon up close, he was surprised by the sheer handsomeness of the man before him. Even the term ''male god'' seemed inadequate to describe his striking presence. Any ordinary woman would start drooling, if they look at him from up close. By instinct he looked at Aria, who seemed to charmed as well, but not too much. The difference between Leon''s imposing presence and the young man (dude guy) he had spoken with earlier was really striking. Before he could greet anyone, Aria''s father spoke with an impatient tone, "Let''s go." He did not even looked Ethan in the eye, his demeanor cold and unweing. Aria, sensing Ethan''s difort, said, "Please ignore my father''s rudeness. He has some prejudices againstmoners. But he doesn''t mean any harm." Ethan nodded understandingly. "I know." With that, the group departed, leaving the frozen statue of Gideon behind. The tale of the battle and General Leon''s intervention quickly spread through the city, causing a wave of excitement and curiosity. The people buzzed with anticipation, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Ice Guardian and learn more about the dramatic events that had unfolded. Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Invitation To a Gathering With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Ethan followed Aria''s father, Aria, and the other n members through the streets of Arcadia City. They were riding in a luxurious carriage drawn by two majestic lions, their powerful strides making the journey remarkably smooth. Inside the carriage, Ethan was seated beside Aria at the back, while her uncle and another unfamiliar member of the Silvermoon n upied the front. Aria''s uncle, a man with a stern face and a hint of arrogance, nced at Ethan with a smirk of irony. He had previously warned Ethan to keep his distance from Aria, but now found himself in the ufortable position of sharing a carriage with the very person he had cautioned against. "Uncle, why do you look so displeased?" Aria asked, her gaze shifting from her uncle to Ethan and back again. "It''s nothing," her uncle replied with a dismissive shrug. He was clearly frustrated but couldn''t voice his true feelings, especially with General Leon''s presence loomingrge over the asion. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden realization of how ironic it was that Ethan was now so close, despite his earlier admonitions. As the carriage continued its journey, the passingndscape captured Ethan''s attention. The view outside was a picturesque blend of rolling hills, majestic mountains, and sprawling fields. Arcadia City was unlike any modern city he had known. The ancient structures and natural beauty created an otherworldly charm, making it feel like a timeless realm. For a fleeting moment, Ethan was reminded of his ownck of a permanent home in this world, but he quickly brushed aside the thought. His focus was on the unfolding beautiful scenarios. When the carriage arrived at the Silvermoon mansion, Ethan was awestruck by its grandeur. The mansion, designed in an elegant European style, stood majestically beside a tranquilke, surrounded by meticulously tended gardens and smaller structures likely housing servants and guards. The mansion''s size was imposing; Ethan had to tilt his head to take in the entire view, with arge bell prominently disyed high above. A servant, a middle-aged maid with a curious glint in her eyes, led Ethan to a spacious guest room. The room was adorned with rich fabrics and luxurious furnishings, but Ethan''s mind was preupied with the purpose of his visit. He wasn''t entirely sure why General Leon had requested his presence, but given the general''s stature and recent events, he felt obliged toply. "Dear guest, this is your resting room," the maid said with a bow, opening the door to reveal the opulent amodations. "Please make yourselffortable. If you need anything, just call for me." "Thank you," Ethan replied, nodding as he stepped into the room. The room wasvishly decorated, with arge,fortable bed that seemed to invite him to rest. Ethan wasted no time in settling down, quickly drifting off to sleep after a long and exhausting day. --- A few hourster, Ethan was stirred from his slumber by the maid''s persistent calling. "Dear guest, please wake up! Master is calling for you. Dear guest!" Ethan yawned and rubbed his eyes, graduallying back to consciousness. "Coming," he mumbled, pushing himself out of bed. His head felt heavy from sleep, and he felt the urgent need to freshen up. After dressing in his usual hunter attire¡ªleather and furs suited for movement but somewhat in for the asion¡ªEthan stepped out of the room and inquired about the location of the bathing facilities. "There is a bathroom nearby. Please follow me," the maid responded promptly, leading him down a series of corridors. Ethan followed her to a beautifully appointed bathing room. After a quick but refreshing bath, he emerged feeling revitalized, his ck hair now slightly disheveled but giving him a rugged charm. Despite the improvement in his appearance, his attire still felt out of ce in the opulent environment. His hunter''s clothing, though practical, contrasted sharply with the noble setting. The maid, noticing Ethan''s attire, hesitated before suggesting, "Perhaps you would like to change into something more suitable for the asion. We have some fine clothing avable." Ethan, feeling somewhat indifferent, shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I''ll pass. I''m not too concerned with appearances right now." The maid, slightly exasperated but understanding, led Ethan to the grand hall where the n members and General Leon were gathered. As the door creaked open, Ethan and the maid entered, drawing immediate attention from the assembled crowd. The hall was filled with nearly a hundred young n members standing in neat rows before a series of thrones. General Leon upied the central throne, exuding an air of authority and grace. The elders and Aria''s father were seated beside him, their thrones slightly set back to show respect for the guest of honor. The moment Ethan entered, the noise in the room died down, and all eyes were drawn to him. The sudden silence heightened the scrutiny from the assembled nobles. Ethan felt a wave of self-consciousness as the gaze of the powerful figures, including the legendary General Leon, settled on him. Aria''s father, who was seated near General Leon, looked slightly impatient. "Hey boy,e here quick. At least don''t bete at such asion," he called out, his tone full of annoyance. Aria, sensing Ethan''s difort, quickly added, "Please don''t mind my father''s demeanor. He can be a bit direct, but he means well." Ethan nodded, trying to mask his nervousness. As he approached, he felt the weight of the room''s gaze even more acutely. General Leon''s presence was imposing, a dimensional difference to the young man he had spoken to earlier. The irony of his situation was not lost on Ethan; here he was, a meremoner, standing before some of the most powerful figures in Arcadia. As Ethan reached the front, General Leon''s piercing ocean blue eyes met his. The general gave him a slight nod, acknowledging Ethan''s presence with a hint of recognition. "Ethan, I appreciate youing here," General Leon said in a calm, measured tone. "Please, join us." Ethan bowed slightly, trying to maintain hisposure. "Thank you, General Leon. I''m honored to be here." It felt really strange to be polite to the young man he knew so soon. It was really Ironic. The elders and other n members watched in silence as Ethan took his ce among the gathered nobles. The atmosphere was a mix of formality and curiosity. The n members whispered among themselves, their eyes asionally darting towards Ethan and then back to General Leon. As the gathering resumed its conversation, Ethan couldn''t shake the feeling of being an outsider in this grand assembly. Yet, he knew he had to remainposed and respectful, especially in the presence of such distinguished individuals. With a final nce around the room, Ethan settled into the background, his thoughts racing about what mighte next. The sense of awe and the weight of expectations were palpable, and he could only hope that his presence would not be a source of difort or trouble for anyone. Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Bestowing Emblems The atmosphere in the grand hall was a mix of curiosity, disdain, and surprise as the younger generation of the Silvermoon n took in the sight of Ethan, the unexpected guest among them. The room buzzed with hushed whispers and exchanged nces, as their reactions ranged from curiosity to outright disdain. "Hey, who is thismoner guy? What is he doing here?" a young man asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I don''t know. He just appeared out of nowhere," another replied, their tone equally intrigued. "Wow! He''s quite handsome though," a few girls murmured, their eyes wide with fascination. "Handsome? So what?" a scornful hunter interjected. "He''s just a lowlymoner." His words wereced with jealousy and contempt. As the conversations continued, the young n members watched with growing interest as Ethan approached Aria. "See, that idiot is directly going to hit on the n leader''s daughter. He''s dead for sure," one of them muttered, expecting the worst. To their astonishment, Aria smiled warmly at Ethan, a stark contrast to their expectations. The sight of her smiling happily while interacting closely with Ethan left the onlookers speechless. "Drake, your sister is talking to that guy so closely. Do you know what their rtionship is?" a tall boy asked, addressing Drake, who was visibly agitated by the scene. Drake, who was Aria''s direct cousin and the only son of Astrid Silvermoon, red at the tall boy. "How would I know? And don''t talk about rtionships between them. It will never happen. I won''t let it, nor will our uncles or grandparents. A punymoner like him is just courting death," Drake said disdainfully. At nearly sixteen, Drake''s deep-seated disdain formoners was a result of societal influence and his own pampering by his parents. His arrogance was palpable, reflecting the high expectations ced on him as the heir apparent of the Silvermoon n. "Silence!" an elder with a goatee stepped forward,manding attention. His voice carried authority as he addressed the gathered youths. "Children, you are here today because General Leon, the Ice Guardian, will be assessing your talents and potential. This is a rare opportunity to earn something extraordinary. You should feel honored and grateful to General Leon for this chance." The elder''s words were met with a wave of excitement and disbelief among the younger generation. The prospect of receiving a reward from the legendary general himself was thrilling. The air was charged with anticipation as they imagined the possibilities. "Wow, Drake, we''re going to have the chance to receive a personal reward from General Leon. But, sigh! I don''t think I have the talent to receive it," one of the boys said, looking at Drake with a mix of hope and doubt. "At least you have the chance, Drake. You''re the most talented among us after all. If you can''t get it, nobody can," the tall boy said confidently, trying to bolster Drake''s spirits. "Of course!" Drake''s pride swelled at the thought of impressing his idol, General Leon. The idea of receiving a personal gift from such a revered figure excited him, and he focused intently on the uing event, eager not to miss a single detail. Ethan, meanwhile, found himself intrigued by the unfolding scene. He was witnessing a legendary talent-gauging event¡ªa plot devicemon in fantasy novels. His curiosity about how this would unfold kept him engaged. The goatee elder turned his attention to the younger generation. "Now, all of you, line up. We will call you one by one, and General Leon will judge your true potential." Noticing that Ethan had not joined the line, the elder frowned in irritation. "Hey, boy, get in line quickly," he ordered, his patience wearing thin. The elder had been informed that Ethan would also participate in the event, so he had no choice but to insist. However, Ethan remained unmoved, standing in ce with a look of indifference. His refusal to join the line was met with growing annoyance from the elder, who was about to reprimand him further. Before he could continue, a soft voice interrupted themotion. "Let him be," General Leon said with a calm smile. "You may proceed with the others." The general''s unexpected intervention left the room in stunned silence. The elders exchanged puzzled nces, their minds racing with questions. "Why is General Leon giving such preferential treatment to thatmoner?" they wondered. "Is he perhaps one of the general''s illegitimate children?" Drake''s irritation grew. "Why does thatmoner get to enjoy special treatment? Why not me?" he thought, feeling a mix of indignation and confusion. Ethan, surprised by General Leon''s unexpected interest, nced at the general with curiosity. "Uh, spotlight again. What could this low-key character want from me exactly?" he pondered, baffled by the situation. As the younger generation resumed their anticipation for the talent assessment, Ethan''s presence remained a topic of intrigue and spection. The general''s motives and Ethan''s role in the unfolding events were yet to be fully understood. The goatee elder then began calling the younger generation one by one to stand before General Leon. "Can, step forward!" the elder shouted, his eyes fixed on a boy standing nervously at the front of the line. Can, a slender boy with a mop of dark hair, hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and stepping forward. He nced around nervously, his eyes darting from the elder to General Leon, who sat in a grand chair with an air of authority. General Leon''s sharp eyes Can from head to tow and then shook his head in disappointment. The elder understanding his meaning, shouted, "Step down!" The boy left the ce in disappointment Next, the elder called out another name. "Lyria, step forward!" A girl with fiery red hair and a determined expression stepped up. Unlike Can, Lyria exuded confidence. General Leon shook his head once more, still not finding what he was looking for. The minutes ticked by in a series of disappointing rejections, creating a tense atmosphere in the grand hall. The situation was bing increasingly unfavorable. "Is there no one talented enough to seize this precious opportunity?" the elders sighed in disappointment, their hopes dwindling. "Drake!" the elder called out, his voice echoing through the hall as he summoned one of the few remaining individuals in line. Drake stepped forward confidently, an arrogant smirk on his face. His assured demeanor rekindled a glimmer of hope within the elders and his father. General Leon''s ocean-blue eyes scanned Drake''s body with a hint of intrigue. He seemed somewhat satisfied, revealing a soft smile. "Come here, boy," General Leon instructed, motioning for Drake to step closer. Seeing this, several elders'' faces lit up with blossoming smiles. Drake gazed at his idol with fascination. He aspired to be a powerful figure like General Leon, though their paths and thought processes were fundamentally different. "You have the potential to reach the top, but you need to work hard," General Leon said, handing him a strange, circr emblem etched with the kingdom''s crest. "Here, take this." "Thank you, General!" Drake eximed, receiving the emblem with gratitude. Although he didn''t fully understand its significance, he knew it must be valuable. The elders'' eyes glistened with excitement at the sight of the emblem being bestowed upon one of their own. "Next!" General Leon called out. After a while, it was Aria''s turn. She also received an emblem alongside high praises. At 19, reaching Level 40 was a rare feat, and she was undoubtedly talented and full of potential. Aria beamed with happiness as she epted the gift, feeling honored to receive something personally from one of the three great protectors of their Kingdom. She thanked him genuinely and left the ce with a radiant smile. Finally, it was Ethan''s turn. But to everyone''s shock, General Leon personally called for him. "Ethan, step forward," General Leon said, his voice carrying a tone of interest. The hall fell into a stunned silence. All eyes were on Ethan as he approached General Leon, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and curiosity. Chapter 37: Chapter 37: The Ancient Land Of Treasures Ethan felt uneasy. "Why was he suddenly being put in the limelight?" As he approached, he pondered General Leon''s real motive. "Take this!" Without any further words, General Leon tossed an emblem to him. Ethan caught it hurriedly, feeling the weight of the strange emblem in his hand. The others'' eyes went wide with surprise. How could amoner boy receive an emblem so easily? Spection ran wild. Was he really General Leon''s illegitimate child? Or was he simply too talented? Aria''s father, however, had a thoughtful look. He knew General Leon had only one spouse no children yet, so the idea of illegitimate children was nonsense. "Does this mean the boy has something special within him? Is that why General Leon was impressed and gave him the chance that others would beg for?" Their next conversation confirmed his suspicions as his ears perked up to listen. "Ethan, do you want to join our royal army?" General Leon asked him personally. "You will be directly under my care," he added, tempting him a little bit more. The proposal shocked everyone. "A personal invitation from General Leon? How fortunate!" If they were in Ethan''s shoes, they would have agreed immediately. Joining the Royal Army meant honor, recognition, and fame. But for Ethan, the idea was impractical. He had barely made it to E-Rank after all his efforts. He couldn''t just risk his life for nothing. Moreover, he valued his freedom above all else. So, he politely turned down the tempting offer. "Uh, I am sorry, General. I think I am not capable enough for that post yet. So I think I will have to refuse. But, don''t worry, as a ideal subject of this kingdom, I will do my duty with all my heart," he said solemnly, not wanting to disappoint General Leon. "Oh!" General Leon nodded in understanding. He had expected this kind of response as well. However, seeing such incredible talent, he couldn''t resist the urge to recruit Ethan for the kingdom''s benefit, especially with the uing Great Demon War at hand. "Alright, then," General Leon sighed, feeling a tinge of disappointment. Seeing his disappointment, Ethan was about to return the emblem to General Leon with a gracious step. However, General Leon rejected this sternly. "Ethan, you don''t need to return it. You can keep it for yourself. It has nothing to do with my offer to join the royal army." "You will learn its usage a littleter. Now, go back." Ethan nodded and stepped back, feeling the indistinct pressure from General Leon. As he returned, he noticed everyone''s faces filled with shock and awe. They found it unfathomable how someone could reject such an offer from General Leon himself. Ethan shrugged and went to Aria''s side, as she was the only familiar person there. "Great job, Ethan!" Aria said with a smile. Aria seemed genuinely happy seeing Ethan getting recognition from the General himself, indicating a bright future awaiting him. Drake looked at them with a frown etched on his face, growing jealous and indignant knowing themoner boy had received a personal invitation from the General, instead of him. "Humph, I will show you who is more talented," he muttered with hostility while ring at Ethan. "Now, everyone disperse!" The goatee elder said to all the youngsters who hadn''t received the emblems. They all left in disappointment leaving behind Drake, Aria, and Ethan amongst the elders and other respectable figures. Thereafter, General Leon stepped forward, his expression serious. "NOW, I will tell you the usage of these emblems you received." He addressed the trio who received the emblems. Standing beside amoner, Drake looked very pissed at this. However the elders orders werew here. No disrespect was allowed. Later, realising the seriousness of the matter he focused on General Leon''s speech. General Leon continued, "You should feel lucky to receive this emblem, because it is the ticket to Ancient Land Of Treasures. We recently discovered the key to that ce after nearly 500 yearster of its disappearance. That''s why we are a little secretive about the matter." Ethan''s thoughts moved to the auction hall incident, was he talking about the same ancientnd of treasure?" "You''re not the only one who received these emblems. We have chose thousands more youngsters from across the whole Kingdom." "Exactly one monthter from now on, the ancientnd will open, and all of you will be granted entry inside it. So, be ready. You might have to face some challenges in there. But, the rewards will be worth the risk," he added with a smile. He looked at Ethan and said, "Only the young generation can enter the ce as there are some restrictions that forbid us from entering. Only people whose age is lower than 20 years can enter that ce ording to records we know. So, you might want to power up as much as possible." The trio''s expression became serious hearing all these. They realised how rare the opportunity was. General Leon wasn''t finished. He added more, "You must remember Hero Libros, right? He yed a major role in thest Demon War 500 years ago. He was from our kingdom originally,ter settled in Hero Empire. He also went to the that Ancient Land and received the Demon yer Sword by luck, which helped him a lot in the fights with demons 500 years. Five centuries ago, it was hard kill demons because of their blood regeneration ability, which made them nearly immortal. The only way to kill them was to by burning their body to ashes. Although, the Heroes could kill them due to their blessing easily. That''s a different matter. "Hero Libros wasn''t a true hero actually, but just because of his demon yer sword he was renowned as a hero. His Demon yer sword had the same ability as otheres heroes had. It can end demons lifepletely." "So, do you now realise how important this opportunity is? Especially, when we are on the verge of another Demon War. So get prepared quickly." General Leon said gently. Ethan and others nodded in understanding the full story. At the same he realised this opportunity could be a game changer for him to grow up powerful. He felt grateful towards General Leon for the opportunity. The man had done a lot for him, even without asking. The elders and respectable figures couldn''t be more agreed with General Leon''s suggestion. "Who knows, the next outstanding hero might be born in their n after this." They couldn''t help but feel excited at this thought. If that happens, they will not only be known in Kingdom but also the whole Kairos Empire. Their prestige would rise through the roof. Chapter 38: Chapter 38: A Duel Aria led Ethan through the mansion''s grand halls, the opulence of the ce was fascinating. "This is our training facility," she said, gesturing to an expansive open field with a hard floor. "Each n member hones their assassination skills here." The training area was immacte, with a variety of equipment designed for both stealth andbat training. Ethan observed the intricate setups, each designed to test and refine the skills of the n''s members. The ce radiated a sense of discipline and dedication, a presentation of the n''s rigorous standards. The tour continued, showcasing the mansion''s beauty and sophistication. The architecture was a blend of grandeur and elegance, with ornate decorations and lush gardens. It was clear that the mansion was not just a residence but a symbol of the n''s status and influence. Despite the impressive surroundings, Ethan felt the sting of Drake Silvermoon''s disdainfulment. The young noble''s contempt was annoying as he sneered at Ethan. "Tsk¡­ Country bumpkin!" Drake''s voice was filled with condescension. Ethan, ustomed to worse past life, chose to ignore the insult. Engaging with a spoiled young master seemed pointless, especially when he had more pressing matters to focus on. Aria''s face flushed with anger. She turned sharply toward Drake. "Drake, what is your problem? Why are you insulting Ethan again?" Drake''s expression remained stubborn. "Why shouldn''t I, sister Aria? He''s just amoner. You should be careful with whom you associate. What will other nobles think of you?" Ethan could only chuckle inwardly at the absurdity. The concept of nobility seemed so alien to him¡ªafter all, weren''t nobles oncemoners themselves? It was a strange notion that status was inherent rather than earned. Drake''s voice grew more scornful. "And don''t think you''re special just because General Leon praised you. It''s probably a mistake on his part. You can''t possiblypare to us." Aria''s eyes zed with fury. She stepped in front of Ethan, her posture radiating authority. "Drake¡­ shut up! It''s not your ce to decide who I befriend or not. If you insult Ethan again, you''ll face punishment from me." The tension filled the air as Aria''s anger boiled over. Drake''s usual arrogance seemed to falter for a moment under her fierce gaze. The silence that followed was heavy, and Ethan could sense the shift in the atmosphere. He hurriedly stepped in. "Let it go Aria. Don''t argue with a kid." Hearing this, Drake fumed more. "Hey, who are you calling a kid, peasant? Do you know who I am? You''re just a low level hunter, while I am a D-Rank Assassin. Who is the kid here, stupid?" He asked, fuming. Ethan began to feel a little embarrassed as the kid was right. He should have said his piece carefully. After all he was one year old than Drake, still at level while Drake was a whole league above him. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Drake Silvermoon ] [ Age: 17 ] [ Level: 26 ] [ Affiliation: Silvermoon Assassin n ] The data was a little shocking, also as expected of Drake. He was whole 16 level higher than Ethan. Moreover he might have hidden assassin skills with him. "If you have the guts, duel me one on one. I will show what your true worth is. Come!" Drake said arrogantly, stepping in the middle of the training field. His hand revealed mocking gestures. There were other members present as well. They noticed themotion and gathered around. Ethan looked a little hesitant, should he duel with him or not? "Don''t fall for his provocation Ethan, he is really powerful. While you just started your journey. You cannotpete with him right now. You have still have time, don''t worry," Aria said consoling him. But, how could he let Drake taunt him like this? "Haha! Scared? Don''t worry I won''t kill you." Drake mocked, looking smug. Atst, Ethan decided to teach him a lesson. Like this, he could also learn to fight a human. And their assassination skills intrigue him a little. Can he ovee their skills while using the evolved skills from his Synthesis? He was not scared, rather he felt a little excited about the uing battle. "Fine! I ept your challenge." Ethan said stepping forward with his sword in his hand. "Ethan, No, You shouldn''t.." Aria was about to stop him, but Ethan cut him off while shaking head. It was now matter of a pride. Ethan''s confidence eased Aria a little. She revealed a soft smile tinged with worry. She prepared herself for any unfortunate ident to fall on Ethan. Ethan confidently went to middle stage facing Drake opposite to him. The crowd gathered more, sensing an inevitable fighting. They noticed Ethan was unfamiliar here and his eye-catching Skeletal Sword caught their attention. "Young man, if you''re here for a friendly duel, no weapons allowed here." An Instructor stepped forward in the middle. He recognised Drake and gave respective bow and faced Ethan with authority. "It is for your own good youngster!" "Sure!" Ethan just smiled and returned the Sword to Aria. Aria took the sword and looked at with interest. "Where did he get this sword from? It''s probably a D-Grade sword or above." She didn''t ask considering he was about to face a difficult opponent. "Okay, get into your position." The Instructor started to act as a middleman. Drake looked overflowed with confidence while Ethan was focusedpletely. He was facing an assassin after all. Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Another D-Rank Skill Ethan faced Drake with a determined expression. The air was charged with tension as the crowd of n members watched closely, eager to see the oue of this unexpected duel. "Ready?" The instructor''s voice cut through the silence. Ethan nodded, his focus unwavering. Drake smirked, clearly confident in his abilities. "Begin!" Drake moved first. To Ethan surprise, Drakepletely vanished from his view. Ethan seemed confused as looked around to find his trace. But, it was futile. "Uh!" Exactly at that time, his passive skill [Predator''s Instinct(E)] kicked in, and dodged in the nick of time where a fistnded with metal gloves worn on. "Phew!" Ethan felt a cold sweat forming on his forehead. It was really a close call. If he had been a littlete, his face would have been directly hit by Drake''s fist. The metal gloves in his hand looked very sharp. It will definitely leave scars if he gets hit by it. "Hm..You dodged it?" Drake looked surprised, not expecting him to dodge his signature move. He had used his Inherent Assassination Skill [Shadow Void Step(E)], expecting to defeat Ethan with one swift move, but the other party dodged it somehow. It should have been impossible to do it, unless Ethan had a more counter effective skill in his arsenal. Ethan looked at the Instructor and said, "Instructor, you said no weapons are allowed. Then, what about his metal gloves?" The Instructor stared at him and answered coldly, "It is allowed." He said nothing else. No exnation. It was obvious, he was ying favourites. "At least, exin the rules at first, man." Ethan grumbled. He moved back his attention to the duel, where Drake looked a little more serious than before. "I never thought you could dodge that. But no matter, I am just getting started," Drake said gathering his confidence. "Okay,e at me." Ethan replied interested to witness his skills more. ..... While they were prepared to start their real battle, a beautiful woman in long violet dress appeared in the training field from the corridor. She leaned on the wall to watch the duel with interest. A few secondster, Astrid Silvermoon, Aria''s uncle also appeared by the woman''s side. "Dear, what are you watching?" he asked the woman in violet dress. "Our Son." she smiled, her eyes charming. "See, he is dueling thatmoner boy from earlier," she replied with a beautiful smile. "Oh." Aria''s uncle''s interest piqued and began watch the duel alongside his wife. "Who do you think will win?" The woman asked curiously. "My Son, of course." Aria''s uncle replied confidently. He was confident about Drake''s victory. "It''s our son, dear. Not only yours." She revealed proud smile. Aria''s uncle gazed lovingly at his beautiful wife and said, "Yes." .... Ethan knew that he couldn''t confront Drake face to face as his base stats were higherpared to him. So, he decided to strike fast before Drake could get the chance to attack once again. He activated [Muscle Enhancement(E)], [Enraged(E)] buffing his stats as much as possible, then he cast [Inferno Leap(D)] targeting where Drake stood. With a thunderous fire energy hended on the ground, however Drake disappeared in the air once again before his attack could even touch him. The hard stone ground remained intack, as if some kind of magical enchantment engraved on it. However fiery ashes spread nearby turning the spectators back away from the tform a little. "Mmhm..That''s a good destructive skill alright. Don''t you think dear?" Aria''s Aunt asked, impressed by strange skill Ethan disyed. "Yeah, That skill is a little strange indeed. I have never seen this kind of skill in our city. Where did this boy get it from? It''s really a mystery." They were not worried about their son at all, because they knew he will be alright. They had confidence in their son''s ability. "Haha..." Drake emerged from the void, looking unharmed, a yful smirk on his face... He appeared right behind where Ethan was, to counterattack Ethan by surprise. As Drake was about to attack using his [Shadow Strike] skill targeting Ethan''s weak points. If it hits surely Ethan have to be bed ridden for a while. However, once again his [Predator''s Instinct] kicked in, saving him by a hair''s breath once again. It was acting as nemesis for Drake''s [ Shadow Void Skill ]. Moreover, Drakes Shadow Void Step skill was at low level, so it was rather easy for Ethan to detect them. Otherwise, Ethan would''ve been great danger. It was a very formidable skill of the Silvermoon n after all. "Again..!" Drake seemed to be angered by Ethan''s defensive skill. "Fine.. I will show you what true Power is." He said fiercely while looking at Ethan with hate. Ethan prepared himself after hearing his threat. From his tone, Drake was going to fight Ethan head on now. So, he had to be extra careful. Ethan activated his buff once again, ready face what''sing ahead. "Rock Giant''s Fortification(D)!" "Assassin Fury (E)!" Drake activated a skill, and his body became tough as a hard rock. His body glistened with soft glow of power. Then, the second skill made him look more deadly, increasing his power significantly. At level 26, Drake should have 3 active skills, however his inherent skill, Shadow Void Step added another, making it 4. From this, it could be said he was undeniably talented. His transformation was a little startling to Ethan, he found it hard to deal with. He wasn''t sure if he could evade this time. He had only two skill to counterattack. One: Inferno Leap (D), another: Paralyzing Breath (E). He was unsure of Paralyzing Breath''s effect on this enraged monster in front of him. "Looks like it was finally time to create another D-Rank skill," he thought, finding it the only option. Hemanded to synthesis (Enraged(E) + Muscle Enhancement(E) in his mind. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! Your skill synthesis was sesful ] [ Your skill evolved to: Berserker''s Might (D) ] [ Berserker''s Might: Unleashes the user''stent power, drastically improving their strength and defense by 500% while in a frenzied state. Use 50 Mana /Second ] [ Drawback: After usage, User will fell in a state of weakness for 15 minutes ] "Nice!" Ethan found the skill very useful, leaving aside the small drawback. However, it could be critical in other times on the dungeon, but not this time. It was perfect skill what he need right now¡ªto fight head on with a D-Rank powerhouse. Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Collision Of Rage Skills Seeing Drake charging at him like a unstoppable bull, Ethan hurriedly activated his newly evolved skill [Berserker''s Might]. His eyes turned red, feeling a primal rage from deep within, increasing his power by a notch. He felt almost invincible, even though it was just a illusion. His strength increased tremendously. Each of his steps caused the hard stone ground to crack a bit. Even the magical enchantment was beginning to lose its effect. Drake''s eyes widened slightly as he sensed the surge of power emanating from Ethan. The other n members watching from the sidelines murmured in astonishment, taken aback by the sudden disy of raw strength. Ethan didn''t wait for Drake to close the distance. He lunged forward with explosive speed, his fists glowing with power. With [Berserker''s Might] enhancing his physical capabilities, he felt an almost supernatural force behind his movements. Drake, despite his rock-hard transformation, barely managed to block Ethan''s first punch. The impact sent a shockwave through the training ground, causing a few spectators to stumble back. Ethan didn''t let up. He followed with a rapid series of strikes, each one fueled by the primal rage coursing through him. Drake attempted to counter with a powerful swing of his own, but Ethan''s heightened senses and reflexes allowed him to dodge and weave effortlessly. It was clear that the tables had turned, and the once-confident noble was now on the defensive. "Impressive," Drake''s mother whispered to her husband, her eyes fixed on the intense battle. "Thatmoner boy is more powerful than I thought." Aria''s uncle nodded, equally surprised. "Indeed. He''s no ordinary opponent. Otherwise, why would General Leon choose him?" Ethan pressed his advantage, using the full extent of [Berserker''s Might]. He could feel the strain on his body, but the rush of power was intoxicating. He knew he had to end this quickly before the skill''s effects wore off. Drake, recognizing the shift in power, stomped hard on the ground spreading shockwaves nearby. The ground shook, and a wave of force radiated out from him, causing Ethan to stumble. Drake seized the opportunity,unching a counterattack with renewed vigor. He threw a punch with his rock-hardened spiky fist,nding a solid hit on Ethan''s side. The impact was like being hit by a boulder, and Ethan felt the air rush out of his lungs. Ethan gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. He had onest move to y. Summoning thest reserves of his strength, he prepared to use hisst card of collision. "Inferno Leap!" With a roar, Ethan leaped into the air, mes trailing behind him. He targeted Drake, who stood his ground, bracing for impact. The two collided with explosive force, the mes of Ethan''s attack engulfing them both. The sh was booming, shaking the entire training ground. Spectators shielded their eyes from the blinding light and scorching heat. When the dust settled, both Ethan and Drakey on the ground, battered and burned but not severely injured. Ethan struggled to move, his body aching all over because of weakness state. He had given everything he had in that final attack. He looked over at Drake, who was equally injured but still conscious, his rock-hard transformation cracking and crumbling away. Drake''s father, Astrid Silvermoon, rushed forward, his face a mask of concern. He knelt beside his son, carefully lifting him. "Drake, are you alright?" he asked, his voice trembling with nervousness. Drake coughed, wincing in pain. "I''ll be fine, father," he managed to say. "Just a little... Burned." Astrid looked up at Ethan, his expression hard to decipher. "You''re a formidable opponent, Ethan. My son has learned a valuable lesson today." he said nothing else. Ethan nodded weakly, barely able to keep his eyes open. The pain was overwhelming, and he felt his consciousness slipping. Aria ran to Ethan''s side, her face pale with worry. "Ethan! Stay with me!" she cried, gently lifting his head. "You''re going to be okay. Just hang on." With the help of other n members, Aria carefully lifted Ethan, supporting his weight as they moved him to a more secure location. She could see the extent of his injuries and knew he needed immediate medical attention. As they left the training ground, Drake''s mother approached her husband. "That boy is so strong, are you sure Aria and the boy should not be together?," she asked softly. "Perhaps, he would be the next Transcendental of our kingdom? I am not belittling my son, or anything. It''s just, you see that boy''s level, barely 10. And he had such power and mysterious skills." Astrid nodded. "Yes, he has potential. But It''s not for me to decide alone. Aria''s father needs to decide for himself, then the elders." Aria led Ethan to the mansion''s infirmary, where the n''s healers quickly began tending to his wounds. She stayed by his side, her heart aching at the sight of him in such pain. "You did it, Ethan," she whispered, holding his hand. "You proved yourself today." Ethan managed a weak smile, his eyes fluttering open. "Thanks, Aria," he said softly. "I managed somehow." Although, he realized he had overdone it a little. The skills drawback was taking a toll on his body, as if each cell had gone out of energy. The side effect of Berserker''s Might kicked in, making him feebly weak. Aria squeezed his hand gently. "Rest now. You need to recover before you could anything else." As Ethan drifted into a much-needed sleep, Aria sat beside him, her thoughts racing. Meanwhile, back in the training ground, Drake was being carried away by his father. The pain of his injuries was a stark reminder of his defeat, but it also fueled his resolve. He would train harder, be stronger. He would not be bested again. At the same time he felt a little admiration growing for themoner boy who defeated him. "Ethan, was it? We will meet again soon." Drake murmured looking back at the training ground. Although the winner was not clear, it was a defeat to him as he was in advantage from the Start. As the n members dispersed, the echoes of the fierce battle lingered in the air. It was a day that none of them would soon forget. The result of the battle spread throughout the n mansion leaving everyone awestruck. They couldn''t believe that one of their genius had been defeated by amoner brat. On top of that, he was just at level 10. Chapter 41: Chapter 41: A letter Ethan spent the night in the Silvermoon n''s mansion under Aria''s care. His injury was minor, so it healedpletely after the night''s rest. --- Later that night, in a small room filled with the fragrant scent of burning incense, Aria''s father sat thoughtfully in an armchair. His brother, Aria''s uncle, was also present, looking equally contemtive. "Brother, how should we deal with that boy from now on?" Aria''s uncle asked, "Should we still continue with our n to separate them by force?" Aria''s father shook his head lightly. "No, I don''t think so. That boy seems to have a lot of potential, and his background is also mysterious. It''s as if he appeared in the city out of nowhere." "Still, we could have separated them as nned if only the General hadn''t intervened. Now, we can''t even touch him." "Moreover, I think General Leon must have purposefully revealed his talent to us, indirectly hinting that we should help him reach the capital. That''s his way of telling us to take care of him." "I see," Aria''s uncle said, understanding the deeper meaning of General Leon''s actions. "Then, what about the marriage proposal by the Aristocratic n in the capital?" "That marriage is not fixed yet. We have some time to think it over. Moreover, we have a ticket to the ancient treasurend now. It won''t be long before we be another aristocratic n in the capital, hahaha. So, there''s no need to worry about it now." --- The next morning, the Silvermoon mansion was abuzz with activity. General Leon, the figure of imposing stature andmanding presence, prepared to depart. His azure blue Wyvern, a magnificent creature with gleaming scales and powerful wings, awaited him in the courtyard. Ethan, along with other n members, gathered to see the General off. The sight of the Wyvern was awe-inspiring, its presence a symbol of the General''s might and prestige. As General Leon mounted the majestic beast, he nced down at Ethan, Aria, and Drake, giving them a nod of approval. "Remember, you three," General Leon''s voice boomed, "the path ahead is fraught with challenges, but I have faith in your abilities. Make your way to the capital and fulfill your potential. "And Ethan, make sure to send my money back via parcel," the General said with a soft smile at the end. Ethan smiled wryly. "Alright, General. We will do as you say." Aria and Drake nodded respectfully. "We won''t let you down," they said in unison. With a powerful p of its wings, the Wyvern took to the sky, soaring high above the mansion. The General''s departure left a sense of determination in Ethan''s heart, reinforcing his resolve to grow stronger and pursue his goals. He wanted to be as powerful as General Leon and go on long, unfettered adventures. Until then, he had to work hard. Later that day, after saying his goodbyes to Aria and the other n members, Ethan prepared to leave the Silvermoon mansion. Although most of the n members were not that enthusiastic, Aria walked him to the entrance, her expression a mix of concern and encouragement. "Take care, Ethan," she said softly. "Remember, you''re always wee here." Ethan smiled. "Thank you, Aria. I''ll be back, stronger than ever." he waved and went inside a carriage. "I know, you would." Aria muttered as she saw Ethan''s departing figure in a horse carriage. Her eyes were charming, feeling strong emotions inside. Ethan made his way back to the inn where he had first stayed upon arriving in the city. Fortunately, he was given a ride by a horse carriage provided by the n. The streets were bustling with activity, and the market specialized in hunters'' needs was as busy as ever. His mind was already racing with ns on how to earn enough money to buy the mana orbs and skills he needed to increase his strength. He needed a proper channel to sell all the synthesized items so that he wouldn''t get recognized. Only then could he do things more boldly. With over 8,000 mana points, he could do a lot of things to earn more coins. While thinking, he returned to the inn where Emily, the little girl, was sitting at the reception desk, acting like a proper adult. Poverty makes children mature faster, and she was living proof of that. Arriving at the desk, Ethan revealed a soft smile. "Hey, Emily, how have you been?" Emily''s attention was elsewhere, but she raised her small head and smiled brightly upon seeing Ethan in front of her. "Big brother, you''re finally here! We were really worried about you. Are you alright?" Her petite figure was tinged with concern. "I''m fine. Where''s your mother?" "Mama is here. She''ll be here in any moment. You wait here; I''m going to get her." Before Ethan could object, she ran off hurriedly, her ponytail swaying left and right. "This girl..." Ethan shook his head. After a while, Innkeeper Greta arrived, her aged face rxing upon seeing Ethan safe. As the only adult in her family, she had a lot of work to do. Despite that, she took care of Ethan personally. Her husband had been a hunter and died on a deadly mission, unfortunately. Since then, she had taken care of the family. Raising Emily and managing the inn was her only focus, as a result her face had be wrinkled, despite being only 32. "Ethan, thank God you''re fine! I was really worried," Innkeeper Greta said worriedly. "Were you somehow present during the incident at the auction hall? I looked everywhere but couldn''t find you at all." Ethan nodded. "Yes, Aunt. I was also present there, unfortunately. But I''m fine now." Innkeeper Greta looked relieved. "That''s good, that''s good. I heard a lot of unfortunate souls died there at the hands of demons. Fortunately, you survived." Ethan sighed and replied, "Yes, thanks to General Leon." Emily''s ears perked up. "Big brother, did you see General Leon with your own eyes? Did you watch him fight? Was he as handsome as the rumors say?" Emily asked questions nonstop. Ethan chuckled at her enthusiasm and answered, "Yes, I saw him in person. I even talked to him in person. He is indeed very handsome." Emily''s eyes gleamed with envy. "Ah, I want to see him too. I have grown up listening to his legendary feats. Mom used to read me the book ''The Ice Guardian'' every night. But now the story has be very old." Innkeeper Greta smiled warmly, recalling old memories. "Is that so. Don''t worry, Emily. One day I will take you to meet him for sure. That''s my promise!" Ethan said, patting her head. Emily smiled happily. "Really? Oh, thank you, big brother. You''re the best," she said excitedly. Ethan smiled and took some coins from his pouch. "Here, Aunt, take this. It''s the money for staying here and other amodations." But Aunt Greta shook her head and said, "Ethan, there''s no need for that. You''re like my own son. How can I charge you for staying at your house? You can stay here as much as you like; you don''t need to pay anything. You should use it to buy some good skills for yourself." Ethan insisted. "No, Aunt, that''s a different matter. Business is business. Here, take it. Otherwise, I will have to throw it away outside." he remained firm. "No, Ethan. Don''t!" Atst, she had no choice but to ept it. She looked and found nearly a hundred silver coins inside. She was astonished and tried to return them to him once again, but Ethan forced her to ept them. "Aunt, I''m an E-Rank hunter now. This amount of money is nothing to me." "An E-Rank hunter?" "Big brother, are you already an E-Rank hunter now? Congrattions!" Emily said, smiling brightly. "And I still have 2 years to awaken myself." "Thanks, Emily. I know you will also be a good hunter one day. I will help you be number one in the city." "Really? Thanks, big brother!" She beamed, hoping for a better future. She also yearned to go outside the city walls and venture out. Innkeeper Greta''s expression was a little difficult as she thought about her daughter''s future. On one hand, she was worried if her daughter would meet an unexpected ident like her father one day. On the other hand, she didn''t want to crush her daughter''s dream either. It was a hard choice to make. She sighed and, as if remembering something important, scoured the reception desk and took out an envelope from there. She handed it to Ethan and said, "Ethan, yesterday someone dropped this at our doorstep in the morning. I don''t know who delivered it here, but it has your name written on it, so I kept it safe for you." *** Arriving in his room, Ethan stared at the envelope with intrigue. "Who could have sent this to me?" He didn''t recall anyone fitting this description in this world. The envelope was still intact, meaning no one else had seen it. Most likely, it was a letter. He opened the envelope and found a letter inside. Sittingfortably on the bed, he began to read it carefully. There were only a few sentences, not difficult to read. Thenguage was strange, but he could understand it clearly, most likely due to his perks as a reincarnator. Chapter 42: Chapter 42: The Elven Princess: Ilyana Vaeloria The content of the letter was as follows: "Dear Mr. Ethan, I am d to inform you that I have discovered your secret of selling all those sentient swords and buying mana orbs inrge quantities. It was very astonishing to me that you''re the owner of those D-Grade sentient swords because I learned that you''re just an E-Rank hunter. So, if you don''t want your secret to be leaked, meet me at the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce. But, You don''t need to fear Mr. Ethan. Instead, I have a deal that you would very much like to hear. I hope you will meet me soon enough. From¡ª your well wisher." ----- Ethan was tense at first, but at theter part he couldn''t help but find it amusing. It was a really polite threat. Feeling intrigued, he decided to visit the ce to see what awaited him. Setting this aside, Ethan took out his Skeletal Dragon Sword from the scabbard at his waist, and another sword called Holy Elemental Sword, which was given to him by Aria. However, he didn''t take it for free, because this sword''s price was astronomical. A single sword cost 3,000 gold coins. It was just a D-Grade sword, but infused with the holy fire element. That''s what make it special. He had requested this sword from Aria just to kill demons if needed in the future, especially with the Great Demon War on the horizon, he needed to be ready. "Coins, coins, its all about coins," Ethan muttered to himself. Setting that aside, he began synthesize both swords to see if his sword could gain the ability to kill demons. If it failed, it would be a huge loss. [ Ding! ] [ Congrattions! Your Materials Synthesis was sessful ] [ Your sword has upgraded to: Holy Dragonian de (C) ] The previous skeletal bone sword had transformed into a sharp de that radiated purification energy of holy fire. It seemed as if it was made to purify all evils. The sword''s toughness had increased significantly, alongside its sharpness. He cast [Appraisal] to see its properties. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Holy Dragonian de ] [ Grade: C ] [ Attack Power: 105 ] [ Durability: 320 ] [Special Abilities: ] [ 1. Dragon''s Wrath: Unleashes a powerful fire attack that engulfs enemies in an inferno, causing massive burn damage over time.] [ 2. Holy Purge: Emits a burst of holy energy that purifies and damages undead and demonic entities, while healing the wielder slightly ] [ 3. Holy me Aura: Surrounds the de with the holy essence of fire elements, causing fear in nearby low-level undead and demonic creatures.] Ethan was astonished to see such arge upgrade on his sword, especially on its special abilities. It had finally gained the ability to kill demons for good, relieving him a little. The other special abilities might also be usefulter on. ***** The next morning, Ethan headed to the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce by taking a ride on a small carriage. However, the problem was that it was situated in the noble district, so he needed to pay arge sum of money and show his credentials as a hunter to enter first. Mostmoners were not allowed there. As he approached the grand entrance of Noble District, he was stopped by a guard. "Halt. State your business," the guard demanded, eyeing him suspiciously. "I''m here to meet someone at the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce," Ethan replied, handing over his hunter credentials. The guard inspected the credentials carefully and took the entrance fee. "An E-Rank hunter in the noble district? You must have some important business. You may pass, but any trouble and you''ll be escorted out immediately." Ethan nodded and proceeded through the ornate gates, feeling the weight of the nobility''s gaze on him. He navigated the bustling streets, lined withvish shops and grand buildings, until he reached the imposing structure of the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce. Inside, he was greeted by a well-dressed receptionist. "Wee to the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce. How can I assist you today?" she asked politely. "I''m here to see someone. I have received a letter," Ethan exined, showing the letter to the receptionist. She nced at the letter, her expression unreadable. "Ah, I see. Please follow me." Ethan followed her through a series of hallways until they reached a private meeting room. She opened the door and gestured for him to enter. Inside, a beautiful elf woman with an air of authority sat behind arge desk. She had long, pointy ears, emerald green eyes, a beautiful face as smooth as jade, and shoulder-length grey hair. Wearing a sapphire blue dress, she looked like the epitome of beauty. Although he knew that there were demi-humans in this world as well, he didn''t expect to meet one of them so soon. Ethan was a little dazed, but he quickly recovered with a cough. The elf woman looked up as Ethan entered, a sly smile on her beautiful face. "Mr. Ethan, I presume. Please, have a seat," the woman said, gesturing to a chair opposite her. Ethan sat down, his curiosity piqued. "So, you''re the one who sent the letter?" "Indeed," the Elf woman replied, leaning back in her chair. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ilyana Vaeloria, a representative of the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce of Arcadia Branch." "Oh! What is it that you want from me?" Ethan asked, getting straight to the point. "Straightforward, I like that," Ilyana said, her smile charming. "I have a proposition for you, Mr. Ethan. Your secret is safe with me, but in exchange, I need your help with a certain... endeavor." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?" Ilyana leaned forward, revealing a peak of her snowy white bosom. Although, she might have done it unconsciously. Ethan was charmed by the sight but pretended as if nothing had happened. He was definitely enjoying it a little. "I want you to sell all your special weapons here," she said,ing a little closer. Her flowery scent drifted under his nostrils. Ethan''s raised his eyebrows . "Sell my weapons to you. That''s your only condition? I have no problem doing that, but can you tell me how you found me?" Ethan was really curious about who had caught him; he acted so secretly, yet someone had seen it. It intrigued him a little. Ilyana smiled brightly upon hearing his answer. Then, considering Ethan''s curiosity, she pondered a little before calling out to an inconspicuous corner of the room, "Kai,e out." From the shadows emerged a small boy, no older than twelve, with nimble fingers and sharp eyes. He had an air of confidence despite his young age and wore clothes that allowed him to blend seamlessly into the background. "This is Kai," Ilyana introduced. "He has a thief ss with exceptional skills. He noticed you during one of your transactions and brought it to my attention." "Thief ss?" Ethan pondered. He head about sses, but unfortunately he had none. He had no idea how to achieve it either. He should have asked Aria earlier. She and her family must have assassin ss with them. Kai bowed slightly. "It wasn''t easy following you, Mr. Ethan. You''re very careful. But I have a knack for these things." Ethan looked at the boy, impressed. "You followed me without me noticing? That''s quite impressing." Kai grinned. "I aim to please my mistress." He bowed lightly Ilyana respectfully at Ilyana. Ilyana continued, "Kai''s skills are invaluable to us, and he will be working closely with you to ensure smooth operations. Together, we can create a profitable partnership. What do you say?" Ethan considered the proposal. It was risky, but the potential rewards were significant. And having someone as skilled as Kai could be an asset too. "Onest question. Why do you need my help? Your shop already look so well equipped, so what''s the need of my help?" Ethan asked intrigued as it had been floating in his mind for a while now. Ethan, you don''t understand the ramifications of your actions, do you?" Ilyana said with a twinge of mystery. As Ethan raised his eyebrows, not fully understanding its meaning, Ilyana exined, "Do you know how extraordinary it is to make sentient weapons? It is literally like breathing life into objects. Only a Legendary ss Weaponsmith can do what you did. "The real value is in you, not the swords. Although at low-grade weapons, it was not so apparent how a sentient weapon functions, but once you upgrade them to B-Grade or above, you will see the real miracle. The weapons be living objects in reality. They can talk to the user like a partner as well as be equipped with special abilities, making them extremely formidable and rare to find. "I don''t know how you are able to achieve so much sess in creating sentient objects, and I don''t want to know either. Maybe you have a good master teaching you with your Legendary ss, or whatever. But I need your help toplete my goal and achieve my freedom," Ilyana said honestly. Ethan nodded, understanding the gist of it. This Universal Synthesis skill had more potential than he thought. He had yet to discover more of its proper usage. Ilyana mistook him as someone with a Legendary Weapon crafter ss, guided by a reclusive master, saving him the trouble of revealing his secrets. Honestly, he thought they could go on with the partnership actually. He became curious about her identity, to be assured farther. So, he used [Appraisal] on her, and it was sessful. That basically meant she was less than level 50. Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Signing A Deal [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Ilyana Vaeloria ] [ Age: 21 ] [ Level: 41 ] [ Affiliation: Eldritch Chamber of Commerce, Princess of the Vaeloria Kingdom.] "Whoa! An actual princess from an Elf Kingdom? Amazing!" Ethan eximed inwardly. Probably, she was from another empire altogether. Most likely, the Demi-human Empire, as there were no Elf Kingdoms in the Kairos Empire. He got more interested in knowing her goal, so he asked, "And what is your goal actually, if you don''t mind me asking?" Ilyana smiled as she said, "Yeah, sure..I find no problem sharing my goals with you. You''re going to be my partner, after all." She continued, her voice calm. "Actually, I am not from this empire, which you might have guessed from my appearance already. My goal is to earn 10 million gold coins of profit in just 3 years. "I know you might find it unbelievable to earn this much profit in such a short time, but I have already earned 5 million gold coins in just 2 year. There are only 1 year left before my deadlinee. I need to earn another 5 million gold coins within this time, that''s why I am seeking more business partnerships." "I am the real owner of this Eldritch Chamber of Commerce. This is just one of many branches of my Chamber of Commerce in this empire." She got up from her seat and exined, "We deal on various products, such as, Weapons, Armours, Skill Books, Potions, Monster Carcasses and Monster materials." She made various hand motions as she exined all this to Ethan. Ethan looked amazed at her professionalism, her charm was off the roof. She looked at Ethan and continued, "I came here for a routine inspection and heard about your exploits, so I invited you here. I can''t reveal my personal circumstances, but I think we can have good cooperation in doing business. I can even supply your weapons throughout all other kingdoms in this empire, so you don''t have to worry about revealing your identity if you want to stay anonymous as you''re trying to be. With our cooperation, it could be really possible. "I have 1 years left to earn 5 million gold coins, but with your help, I am hoping to progress much faster. So, what do you think?" she asked, looking directly into his eyes. "I see!" Ethan nodded and said, "Sure, I have no problem with that. But can you tell me my profit ratio?" he asked to make everything clear from the Start. Ilyana smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth after seeing Etham agree to her proposal. "About that, we would be providing you with all the materials for your crafting needs, so your profit would be 70% and ours 30%. We will handle all the shipping and delivery, so you can understand." "Mm..hm.." Ethan found the stake of 70% not that bad. Previously, those greedy shop owners took nearly 100% in profit while making a fool out of Ethan. Inparison, Ilyana''s 30% seemed perfect to him. Moreover, she would be providing all the materials for his needs, which would be very convenient for him. But the Elf woman surely knows how to do her business. If she bought the materials at a lower cost, she would be earning a significant sum from there as well. Ethan could do nothing about it. Ethan added urgently, "One more thing, can you pay my money in exchange of mana orbs? I want every piece that you would be able to provide." Mana orbs were really less in Arcadia city, most likely the nobles get them right off the bat after they are revealed. So, he asked her if she could provide them, considering she had connections to other big cities and Kingdoms. Ilyana pondered and answered, "Deal. Although mana orbs are rare, we can provide you some as a payment. But, I would need to gather them from other locations, so it might take some time. Don''t worry, I will personally send letters to gather them. It should be no problem." Ethan smiled and said, "Alright then, we have a deal." Afterwards, they signed a formal contract with the Kairos Empire''s official insignia on it. If any party breaks the contract, they will be dealt with Imperial judiciary. Ilyana smiled and looked at the contract. "May we have a pleasant cooperation, Mr. Ethan." Ilyana extended her jade-like hand for a handshake. "Happy cooperation." Ethan shook her hand, feeling it warm to the touch. He quickly let go out of politeness. But Ilyana looked as if she lost her soul for a moment as soon as he touched her hand. It was as if a bolt of electricity jolted throughout her body, leaving her numb. "Miss Ilyana, are you alright?" Ethan asked, noticing her statue-like posture. Suddenly, Kai stepped out from the shadows and said, "Mistress is fine, Mr. Ethan, you don''t need to worry. She needs some medication and then she will be alright. You should be on your way, Mr. Ethan. It''s getting dark, as you can see." "Oh, okay..." Ethan nodded and left the building, feeling a little puzzled. Once Ethan had left, Kai rushed to Ilyana''s side, concern etched on his face. "Princess, what happened? You looked like you saw a ghost. Did your premonition ability activated once again? " Ilyana, still recovering from the shock, took a deep breath. "Yes, It is. Kai, what I saw was far more terrifying than any ghost." Kai''s eyes widened. "What did you see?" Ilyana closed her eyes, recalling the vision that had overwhelmed her the moment she touched Ethan''s hand. "I saw Ethan... in the future. His power had grown exponentially. He was wielding a weapon of immense strength, and the ground around him was littered with the bodies of demons. There were billions of them, all in by his hand. His rage was terrifying, consuming everything in its path." Kai''s jaw dropped. "He slew billions of demons? That''s... that''s impossible." Ilyana shook her head. "It seemed impossible, but it was real. My premonition can never be wrong. His power, his fury... they were beyond anything I''ve ever seen. If he ever loses control, the world could be in grave danger." Kai clenched his fists. "We need to be careful, then. Make sure he never turns that power against us. Should we tell this to his majesty?" Ilyana shook her head. "No need. But, we must keep a close eye on him, to ensure that his anger is never directed at us Elfs. He is not an enemy of the human''s nor the Demi-humans. His anger was directed solely to the demons? Moreover, whatever we do, the future is not going to change." Kai looked at her, determination in his eyes. "Then, does that means he is going to be one of those Heroes of Humanity? Or, something different else?" "I don''t know. But I do know he had be much more to us than just a partner. So, we can''t slip a word about this in the presence of others. Do you understand?" Kai nodded solemnly realizing Ethan was no ordinary man.. Kai resolved to be extra cautious around Ethan from now on. He would have to ensure his Princess Ilyana''s safety at all cost. That''s his sole mission. Whether Ethan was a friend or foe, Only time will tell. *** Ethan arrived at the bustling city gate in the early afternoon, where the summer sun cast long shadows over the cobblestones. Today was the day he nned to join Lenora and her friends for a dungeon raid. He missed the previous one, but this time it won''t happen. He spotted Lenora and her party, waiting near arge carriage. Lenora, with her fiery red hair and confident demeanor, was hard to miss. "Ethan! Over here!" Lenora waved, her voice carrying over the crowd. Ethan made his way through the throng of people and greeted the party. Lenora was apanied by four others: Cedric, the leader of the party with a spear in his hand, Iris, the healer with a magical staff, Yona, the archer with a sturdy bow, andstly Marcus, a warrior with a greatsword slung over his back. All of them looked at Ethan with an expression of displeasure. They were reminded of the day where Ethan had missed on their previous dungeon raid. Marcus, the dark skinned boy, was even more so. From the beginning he wasn''t in favor of the idea of adding a stranger to their party. But Lenora''s persistence pushed them along. And, just as he expected, the new member was a total disappointment¡ªa guy without motivation and responsibility. He couldn''t help but feel doubtful about Lenora''s ims. "What did Lenora see in this guy? Genius? Tsk..Genius my ass!" he scoffed. The other members also seemed displeased, recalling the frustration of waiting for hours due to a single person. In the end, they had to enter the dungeon one member short. The maximum number of members allowed in a dungeon party was six. Being down a member made it difficult for them to grind effectively, adding to their frustration. Their previous party member had left to join another group, which was why they were now searching for a new member to fill the gap. Then, Lenora suggested Ethan, who was oddly persistent on adding Ethan to the party, so they have no but to add him with weing smile. That''s the story so far. Ethan, sensing the tension in the room, decided to address it head-on. "Hello, everyone," he began, his voice steady but tinged with sincerity. "I know I messed upst time, and I''m really sorry for missing the raid. It was unprofessional, and Ipletely understand if you''re upset. I promise it won''t happen again." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "You all know I was going through some tough times that day, but I''m here now to make it up to you," Ethan added, bowing slightly in a gesture of apology. He chose not to delve into the grim details of having killed someone and his subsequent imprisonment, but the weight of his words hinted at the gravity of his situation. Cedric looked at the others, gauging their reactions. Iris and Yona exchanged nces, their expressions softening a bit. Lenora gave a small nod, encouraging the others to follow suit. Marcus, however, remained grumpy, his arms crossed and his face set in a scowl. He was a little hot headed. "Alright, Ethan," Cedric said with a sigh. "Apology epted. Let''s just focus on the task ahead. We need to be at our best for this raid." Iris and Yona followed along not finding any other choice. They would have to watch each others back at the dungeon after all. Moreover, earlier Lenora had personally pleaded on his behalf to forgive him. They couldn''t dwell on it forever, could they? Cedric and the others were allmoners, with Lenora being the sole noble in their group. Though she never shared her background, they were no fools. They easily deduced it from her refined appearance, behavior, andmanding presence. Moreover, she had extremely formidable fire rted skills¡ªbloodline skills to be exact. From all this, they guessed she must be from a noble background or something. But, they didn''t mind as their apprehension faded over time growing as close friends. Lenora neither mentioned anything about her n, nor about her father''s identity. If she did so, she knew her friends would be distancing away from herself. She knew it very well as it happened with herself many times in the past. Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Rock Giants Cave (1) Lenora loves to make new friends, not just nobles, but also with everyone. The thrill of adventure and hunting while mingling with her friends was very enjoyable to her. Ethan let out a relieved breath. "Thank you. I hope not let you guys down." "Alright, Everyone. Let''s board on the carriage, we are gettingte already," Cedric said ying his role as the leader. As they boarded the carriage, the mood was still somewhat tense. The six of them sat opposite of each other, 3 girls 3 boys. The carriage jolted as it set off, the metalic wheels creaking under the weight of its passengers. The carriage was rented to just drop them off. The driver operated the vehicle from the front. The journey to the Rock Giant''s Cave would take a few hours, giving them time to discuss their roles and strategies. Cedric, always the leader, took charge of the conversation. "Alright, everyone, let''s go over our roles again. Iris, you''re on healing duty as usual. Yona, cover us from a distance with your arrows. Marcus will be a tank and Lenora and I will assist him taking position left and right not to get surprise attack from the Rock Giants. He then turned to Ethan. "Ethan, what role do you want to take in this raid? You have sword in you possession, does that mean you''re going to be aggressive?" Ethan didn''t hesitate. "Yes. I want to be on the front line, fighting alongside you and Marcus." Marcus''s scowl deepened, his eyes narrowing at Ethan. "So, you think you can just barge in and take my position, huh?" he said, his voice dripping with hostility. Ethan shook his head at the misunderstanding, trying to diffuse the tension. "No, that''s not it. I just think I can be most effective up front. I have some abilities that mighte in handy against the Rock Giants." Marcus grunted, clearly unconvinced. "We''ll see about that." Cedric intervened before things could escte. "Marcus, calm down. Ethan''s here to help, not to rece anyone. We''ll need all the strength we can get in there." Marcus reluctantly nodded, though his expression didn''t soften a bit. Ethan became curious about their party''s strength, so used [Appraisal] to find out their Info. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Cedric ] [ Age: 15 ] [ Level: 16 ] [ Affiliation: Arcadia Hunter''s Guild ] ... [ Name: Iris ] [ Age: 15 ] [ Level: 15 ] [ Affiliation: Arcadia Hunter''s Guild ] ..... [ Name: Yona ] [ Age: 16 ] [ Level: 16 ] [ Affiliation: Arcadia Hunter''s Guild ] ... [ Name: Marcus ] [ Age: 16 ] [ Level: 18 ] [ Affiliation: Arcadia Hunter''s Guild.] They were in the same age group with simr power levels. Lenora was also 15 years old with level 14 power. But that doesn''t mean that they were kids. Their growth were equal to age 18 of Earth''s people. Wait, does that mean Ethan was the oldest one among the group. "Well whatever!" He shrugged in his mind. Then his attention fixed on their levels. "Levels 14-18 weren''t actually a little low? Is it that hard to level up? But, Aria had reached level 40 at the age of 19. What about that?" "Is it simply because of talent and potential?" Ethan asked himself in doubt. Only then he realised how serious the fact was. The carriage rolled on, the scenery outside changing from the bustling cityscape to the more serene countryside. Rolling hills and lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, the air growing fresher with each passing mile. Ethan tried to appreciate the natural beauty, but he couldn''t shake the feeling of tension within the carriage. Lenora, sitting next to him, leaned in and whispered, "Don''t mind Marcus. He''s just protective of his role and a little hotheaded. Once he sees you in action, he''ll surelye appreciate you more. Maybe you two could be good friends, who knows?" She chuckled. Ethan nodded, found her exnation reasonable. "Thanks, Lenora. I can only do my best." As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over thendscape, they finally approached their destination. The terrain became rocky and uneven, signaling they were close to the Rock Giant''s Cave. The carriage came to a halt, and everyone disembarked, stretching their legs and preparing their gears. The group took a moment to take in the surroundings. The cave entrance loomed ahead, a dark maw set into the rocky hillside. Around them, jagged rocks and boulders created a natural, imposing barrier. It was easy to see how the dungeon earned its name. There were a few party also present, readying their gear and stuff for dungeon dive. But it was not a problem as dungeon mechanism allows 10 separate channels to allow a lot people to join separately. It is controlled by itself. No one else can interfere. Cedric gathered the group. "Alright, everyone, stay focused. We need to move fast as we arete already. The Rock Giants are tough, but if we work together, we can take them down. Let''s move out." Ethan could feel the weight of Marcus''s gaze on his back, a constant reminder of the warrior''s distrust. He pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task ahead. This was an totally new dungeon with unfamiliar monsters all around. Fortunately Cedric said some of the abilities the Rock Giant''s may posses. As they approached the cave, they were asked to show their credentials by two guards station at the entrance. They showed their hunter ID and paid the entrance fee for the raid¡ª600 silver coins. 100 silver coins for each. They went inside, the air grew cooler, and the sound of their footsteps echoed off the stone walls. The party moved in formation, with Cedric and Marcus at the front, followed by Ethan, Lenora, Iris, and Yona bringing up the rear. The deeper they went, the darker it became, until they were forced to rely on the light from Iris''s staff to see. Cedric motioned for them to halt. "Alright, remember our strategy. We need to take these giants down quickly and efficiently. Aim for their weak spots¡ªtheir joints and eyes. Don''t let them get too close." The group nodded in agreement. Ethan tightened his grip on his sword, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. This was his first real battle with the party, and he was ready show his worth. As they ventured further into the cave, the ground beneath them began to shake. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the cavern, growing louder with each passing second. The first Rock Giant appeared, its massive form emerging from the shadows. Its stone skin glistened in the dim light, and its eyes glowed with a menacing red hue. Cedric raised his spear. "They are here! Everyone, stick to the n!" Ethan cast Appraisal to get some information about the rock giants. [ Appraisal ] [Stone Golem (ssic) ] [ Power Level: 10 ] On the first floor, the Stone golems'' levels were expected to be low. However, their formidable strengthy in their hardened bodies of stone, making them formidable opponents. Marcus charged forward first with a roar, his greatsword swinging in a wide arc. He struck the giant''s leg, causing it to stagger. Cedric followed up with a precise thrust to its knee joint, weakening it further. With a final swing from Marcus''s greatsword, the Stone Golem crumbled into rubble. Ethan and the others didn''t need to intervene since it was a low-level monster. However, this was just the beginning. More Stone Golems began to appear one after another. One Stone Golem let out a bellow of rage, swinging its massive fists at the attackers. Yona''s arrows flew from the back, striking its eyes and distracting it. Iris was ready with her staff to heal anyone who got injured. "Ethan, go get him. Let''s see what you''ve got that Lenora approves of you so much," Cedric said, looking expectant. Lenora smiled confidently at Ethan, her eyes never failing her. There was definitely something within Ethan that made his potential so high. "Sure!" Ethan smiled as he unsheathed his sword and charged forward with radiating confidence. The others remained impassive, eager to watch Ethan''s fight. Marcus was the same. He also wanted to see what made Ethan so special to Lenora. Cedric, noticing Ethan''s sword, asked Lenora beside him, "Lenora, what grade is Ethan''s sword? Do you know? It looks very expensive and powerful." Iris and the others also got curious after hearing Cedric''s inquiry. They noticed the sword radiating some kind of magical, holy aura. It was really intriguing. Lenora shook her head, "I don''t know. I think you need to ask him yourself." Marcus was envious of the sight of the sword gleaming in the dim light. He also wanted a powerful greatsword for himself but couldn''t afford one due to his financial conditions. "Must be some kind of scion of a wealthy family!" Marcusmented as jealousy grew within him. Lenora denied hisment vehemently, "No. He is not any scion of that sort. He probably has no family. He lives alone!" The party members, except Marcus, began to feel sympathy for Ethan and became curious about his story. "Whoa! Doesn''t that mean he became this powerful all by himself! That''s amazing!" Cedric said, feeling impressed. "Tsk," Marcus snorted, not believing Lenora''s revtion. He was sure Ethan must have an impressive background. Otherwise, how could he get so much money to buy such high gear? Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Frontline Warrior While they were gossiping, Ethan hurried toward the Stone Golem, its eyes locked on him. The massive creature''s eyes glowed with an ominous light as it prepared to attack. It charged at Ethan, causing the ground to shake with each thunderous step. Despite its size, its speed was impressive, making it a formidable opponent. Ethan remained calm, raising his C-Grade sword with a steady hand. With a swift, horizontal swing, he unleashed powerful raw force against the golem. The de sliced through the air with a whistle, demonstrating its exceptional craftsmanship and Ethan''s precise control. "ng!" The sound of metal colliding with rock echoed through the cavern as Ethan''s sword struck the Stone Golem. The impact was tremendous, sending vibrations through the ground. The mighty creature, unable to withstand the force, crumbled into pieces, transforming into a pile of rubble. Unlike other creatures, the Rock Giant had no blood or organs, making its destruction appear almost clean. "Wow!" Iris and the others eximed, their eyes wide with amazement. They stepped forward, genuine excitement lighting up their faces, except for one. "Ethan, that was impressive! You managed to defeat it with a single strike. I''m impressed," Cedric said, his voice filled with admiration. He was d to have such a powerful ally. With Ethan on their side, they might finally clear this dungeon and increase their levels. "Yes, Ethan, good job!" Lenora and the other two girls chimed in, their faces bright with admiration. Marcus, on the other hand, grew more jealous and resentful. Previously, the girls would flock to him whenever he finished a battle, but now they were leaning toward Ethan. He felt his spotlight being stolen, leaving him sulking in the shadows. "No, this can''t happen much longer. He''s just showing off his wealth and stealing all my limelight. I can''t let that happen. I will prove to them that I am better than him," Marcus thought, his resolve growing stronger. He assumed Ethan had no other formidable abilities, only wealth. They cleared the first floor with ease, but despite their efforts, they didn''t trigger any monster drops. With no choice, they headed to the second floor empty-handed. "Why is it getting so hard to get monster drops nowadays?" Iris grumbled, puffing her cheeks in frustration as they descended deeper into the dungeon. "It might be because we''ve been grinding this dungeon too many times. If we''re lucky, we might find better drops on the higher floors," Cedric replied, his eyes darting around, alert for any signs of danger. "Gulu...gulu...!" At that moment, a horde of golems charged at them, their massive bodies causing the ground to tremble even more violently than before. Their eyes glowed menacingly as they approached in a tight formation. "Get ready! A big horde ising," Cedricmanded, quickly assessing the situation. There were seven or eight stone golems in a tight formation, their menacing eyes fixed on the group. Without hesitation, Marcus surged forward, eager to prove himself. "Marcus, what are you doing? Stick to the n!" Cedric shouted, but Marcus ignored him, his mind focused solely on showing his worth. Holding his greatsword with both hands, Marcus charged at a nearby stone golem. "Thunder Stream Strike!" he bellowed, activating one of his greatsword skills. His de crackled with electricity, bing a weapon of pure destruction. The arcs of electricity illuminated the cavern, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Marcus''s greatsword crackled with energy as he swung it down with all his might, aiming for the nearest golem''s head. The de connected with a deafening crash, sending shards of stone flying in all directions. However, to Marcus''s surprise, the golem staggered but did not fall. "Huh!" Marcus eximed, taken aback. Even his powerful destruction skill wasn''t enough to destroy a stone golem. It seemed these golems were tougher than thest he had confronted. "What''s going on? Why are they so tough all of a sudden?" he felt frustrated, asking himself in doubt. "Bang!" Distracted, Marcus was assaulted by another stone golem from the side, sending him crashing back to his teammates with minor injuries. "Marcus, why did you charge forward alone? Can''t you see they are in a horde?" Cedric seemed a little pissed, while Iris used a healing skill on Marcus. "I-I thought I could defeat them alone, just like the previous raids. But, why are they so tough this time?" Marcus stuttered, confusion evident in his voice. Cedric rubbed his forehead in frustration at Marcus''s rash action. "Marcus, don''t forget we have Ethan with high gear, so it would obviously be a little tougher in terms of fairness." Cedric nced at Ethan''s C-Grade sword as he spoke. Ethan contemted the situation and quickly understood. The presence of his high-level gear made the dungeon monsters tougher. Ethan looked at his sword and said apologetically, "Sorry, guys. I didn''t know you would be troubled because of me. Should I leave it outside?" He looked them in the eyes, genuinely concerned. Cedric and the others shook their heads. "No, Ethan. Although it bes a little tougher, the advantages will be more apparent. We are hoping to get good results from it. Marcus might have forgotten about it," Cedric exined. "Ohh..." Ethan nodded in understanding. This meant Ethan had to be more proactive with his sword, while the others would assist him. Everyone nodded in agreement, as if they had known beforehand. They had no problem with Ethan taking the frontline lead, except for Marcus, of course. Marcus seemed indignant, convinced that Ethan was the reason for his failure. He snorted and stood up,pletely healed of the scratches. Ethan took the lead, with Cedric and Marcus beside him. Iris and Lenora positioned themselves in the middle, while Yona covered the rear for any possible ambushes. Ethan activated [Inferno Leap (D)] and charged forward, pointing his Draconian-de downwards. With fiery destruction, Ethannded, causing the horde''s formation to break. The impact sent mes and debris flying, disorienting the golems. Though surprised by Ethan''s skill, Cedric quickly turned his attention to another stone golem and engaged it with his spear skills in closebat. Marcus, regaining hisposure, refused to be bested by Ethan again. He increased the ferocity of his attacks, targeting another stone golem with renewed determination. Lenora used her inherent fire skill from her Fire Crow bloodline, her fiery attacks illuminating the cavern and adding to the chaos. Yona joined in, using her top-notch archery skills from the back, targeting the stone golems'' weak points with precision. "Dragon''s Wrath!" Ethan used one of his special abilities from the sword. In an instant, two iing golems were engulfed in an inferno, melting under the excessive heat. He looked around for another target and noticed arge golem ambushing Marcus while everyone was distracted. Even Marcus was unaware of the impending danger. "Watch out!" Ethan shouted and activated [Az Sword Strike], lunging forward. "Swish!" The golem was cut in two, crumbling to the ground. Only then did Marcus realize Ethan had saved him from the ambush. He finished his target and nced at Ethan with a mix of grudging respect and lingering resentment. "T-Thanks!" Marcus didn''t forget to show his gratitude. It''s not like he had a lifetime grudge against Ethan. He just wanted prove himself better. "Maybe his approach was wrong from the start?" This thought just crossed his mind. Ethan smiled and said, "No problem. We''re a team." He never took Marcus''s offensive words to heart. With a renewed sense of camaraderie, the group focused on their battles, clearing the second floor with improved coordination. Even Marcus, despite his earlier resentment, fell in sync with the team, contributing effectively to their efforts. Unfortunately, they still didn''t find any loot, but their experience points for leveling up increased slightly. This small victory kept their spirits high as they moved to the third floor. Upon entering the third floor, they encountered Stone Golems once again. This time, there were about 10-15 of them spread across the floor, blending in with the rocky terrain. The air felt heavier, and the cavern''s ambient temperature seemed to drop, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Ethan took a moment to survey the scene, his eyes scanning the golems. "Cedric, are there only Stone Golems in this dungeon?" Ethan asked curiously as he prepared for another fight. "No," Cedric replied, adjusting his grip on his spear. "There are several types of rock giants in this dungeon, each with unique abilities. These Stone Golems are just the basic ones with no special abilities. It''s going to get harder the farther we progress. After the fifth floor, we''ll encounter Earth Golems. They have the ability to manipte earth in their designated domains, which we need to be careful of." As they conversed, the team fought with improved coordination, taking down the Stone Golems one by one. Each member knew their role, and they moved like a well-oiled machine, their attacks and defenses perfectly synchronized. "Watch out on the left!" Yona shouted, loosing an arrow that struck a golem''s weak point, causing it to stumble. "Got it!" Marcus replied, swinging his greatsword with renewed determination, shattering the weakened golem. "Fire Crow''s Fury!" Lenora called out, her mes bursting forth and engulfing two golems, their rocky forms cracking under the intense heat. Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Level: 12 Ethan activated [Inferno Leap (D)] again,nding amidst a cluster of golems and disrupting their formation with a fiery explosion. His movements were precise and powerful, each swing of his sword leaving a trail of destruction. As they fought, the golems fell one by one until none were left standing. The ground was littered with rubble and the remnants of their foes, a testament to their hard-fought victory. To their relief, they finally triggered monster drops this time. Ethan''s keen eyes spotted three active skill books on the ground, glowing faintly with a mystical light. "Look!" Cedric called out, picking up the glowing books. "We got some skill books!" The group gathered around, their faces lighting up with excitement. Cedric took one of the books and examined it closely. "Whoa! These are all active skills, and there are three of them," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "Active skill books will definitely fetch a good price. Let''s see what we''ve got." They carefully opened the books, revealing the skills contained within. The first book held a skill called [Rock Shield (E)], which allowed the user to summon a protective barrier of stone. The second book contained [Earthquake Stomp (E)], a powerful ground attack that could knock enemies off bnce. The third book revealed [Stone Grip (E)], a skill that could immobilize opponents by encasing their feet in rock. "Does anyone want to equip one of these, or should we store them in our bag to sell themter on?" Cedric asked. They all looked at each other, but no one was eager to waste their precious skill slot by equipping these. Ethan was also not interested. The only useful skill he found among them was Earthquake Stomp; however, he already had a simr type of skill: Inferno Leap. If he was alone, he could have synthesized them and made them more useful. But he was not alone, and everyone had a share in it. Moreover, he was not interested in getting skill books anymore. He could just buy them from the market anytime. After the deal with Ilyana, it should be very easy for him to get a good amount of money for his needs. Finding no one eager, Cedric put them in the cloth bag and headed deeper into the fourth floor. After some effort, they cleared the 4th floor and the 5th floor as well. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! You have leveled up ] [ Congrattions! You have leveled up ] As thest stone golem fell, Ethan received his level-up notification once again. After clearing the first five floors and destroying nearly 100 golems, his rank increased by two levels. On the other hand, his party members also leveled up once. Ethan leveled up twice most likely because of his contribution, or simply because of his talent, both of them could be the reason. He distributed his stat points and took a nce at the system panel: [Status:] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith)] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 12 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 30 ] [ Agility: 27 ] [ Defense: 25 ] [ Mana: 5,950/8,070) ] [ Attribute points: 0] [ Skills:] [ Active: Inferno Leap-3 (D), Berserker''s Might (D) Az Sword Strike-2(E), Paralyzing Breath (E)] [ Passive: ze Guard-2 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion (E), Predator''s Instinct (E)l [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1), Blood Regeneration(level-1)] [ Unique Skills : Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate)] [Equipment: Holy Dragonian-de (C)] ***** "Let''s take a break, everyone. We need to eat and rest, and recover our mana before we continue deeper," Cedric said, seeing the exhaustion on their faces. "Finally!" Iris and Lenora exhaled a breath of relief, while Yona, though silent as always, looked relieved to have a chance to rest. Murcus was also tired and strained. He looked at Ethan and found himpletely fine as if he can go for a few rounds more. He found it astonishing. He saw with his very eyes that Ethan used active skills one after another, so why did he look so fine? "How much Mana Reserve does Ethan have?" he wondered. What he didn''t know that Ethan had barely consumed near 2,000 Mana points out his vast Mana Reserve of 8,070. If he knew, he might had to be bedridden for a while because of the shock. They found a rtively safe corner in the cavern and set up a temporary camp. Cedric started a small fire, and they prepared a simple meal. The warmth of the fire and the aroma of cooking food brought a sense offort and normalcy in the otherwise harsh environment. Ethan sat down, his back against the rocky wall, and closed his eyes for a moment. "Here, Ethan" Iris said, handing him a bowl of steaming stew. "You need to eat this and regain your strength." "Oh, thanks, Iris." Ethan opened his eyes and ept the bowl of stew. As they ate, the conversation naturally drifted toward personal matters¡ªfamily, rtionships, and more. Cedric, Iris, and Marcus, all between the ages of 15-17, casually mentioned their romantic rtionships. In this world, it wasn''t unusual for young people to start forming bonds early, as their growth and maturity rates differed from those on Earth. On the other hand, Yona, Lenora, and Ethan remained single, a fact that didn''t escape the group''s notice. "Ethan, don''t you have any girlfriend?" Iris asked suddenly, her question drawing the attention of the others. "Yeah, tell us about your girlfriend," Cedric added, his curiosity piqued. Ethan smiled slightly, shaking his head. "Nah, I don''t have any girlfriend yet." "What? No girlfriend yet?" Cedric echoed, finding it hard to believe. "You''re so talented and handsome, yet no girlfriend? It doesn''t add up." Ethan gave a wry smile. As the words left Cedric''s mouth, a thought briefly crossed his mind¡ªAria''s face. Her gentle nature and caring personality had left an impression on him, but he quickly pushed the thought aside, not wanting to dwell on it. "Forget about that," Marcus interjected, his curiosity shifting. "Do you have any ss? I noticed you using three Active Skills. Does your third skille from your special ss? How are you so powerful?" By this point, Marcus''s previous grudge against Ethan hadpletely evaporated. The heat of battle had forged a bond between them, turning what was once animosity into mutual respect and camaraderie. Now, instead of viewing Ethan as a rival, Marcus was genuinely interested in his abilities. Ethan considered his response carefully. He couldn''t reveal too much about his unique skills or the secrets behind his power, but he also didn''t want to lie outright. "No, I don''t have any ss," he finally said. "I''ve got four natural active skill slots and a decent Mana Reserve." "What?!" Everyone''s eyes widened in shock. Marcus couldn''t believe what he was hearing. He himself only had two active skill slots, while Ethan had double that amount. The realization hit him hard, and only then did he understand how foolish it was topare himself with Ethan. Ethan was incredibly talented¡ªa freak of nature. Marcus looked at him with a newfound awe and respect, though he felt conflicted about not being able to be Ethan''s worthy rival. Well, At least, they were friends now. "Whoa, that''s incredible, Ethan. You''re going to be a powerhouse in no time." Cedricmented, giving Ethan a firm pat on the shoulder. "Just don''t forget about us when you''re reach the top." Iris and Yona exchanged astonished nces, while Lenora seemed relieved, her earlier confidence in Ethan now fully justified. Ethan shook his head wryly. "A powerhouse? I''ve got a long way to go. Who knows what could happen between now and then?" "So, do you guys have special sses? Do you know how to get one?" Ethan asked, his curiosity piqued. It was something that had been on his mind for a while. Hearing his question, they all shook their heads, indicating that none of them had a ss. "We don''t have sses, Ethan," Cedric replied. "But Lenora might have some Bloodline Skills." He nced at Lenora for confirmation. Ethan looked at Lenora waiting for her to confirm. Lenora nodded, a hint of pride in her expression. "There are two types of sses, Ethan," Lenora exined. "First, there''s the Inherent ss: the nobilities and aristocrats are born with these. Then there''s the Attained ss: these are granted by the system when you achieve something extraordinary, though they oftene with specific conditions. Sometimes, it''s a matter of luck, and other times, it''s about courage." "I see," Ethan nodded, absorbing the information. The meal and their lively conversation lifted their spirits. They felt rejuvenated and set off deeper into the cave, remaining vignt as they ventured toward the fifth floor. As they descended, the air grew colder, and the darkness around them thickened. Eventually, they reached the fifth floor, where the dim light revealed moss-covered walls, and yellowish vines. Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Earth Golems "Guys, stay alert for Earth Golems. They could emerge from the ground at any moment," Cedric cautioned, prompting everyone to scan the floor for any signs of an ambush. Ethan''s senses were on high alert, his [Predator''s Instinct] sharpening his awareness to a razor''s edge. Suddenly, he felt a surge of danger¡ªa tingling at the base of his skull that signaled an imminent threat. "Watch out!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the stillness like a knife. "ng!" A massive Earth Golem burst from the ground, its attack colliding with the Holy Dragonian de in a deafening sh. "Hu, gulu...!" The Earth Golem began to crumble under the overwhelming force, its guttural cries echoing as it fell apart. "Phew! That was a close one. Good job, Ethan," Cedric said, relief evident in his voice. "More iing!" Yona shouted, her bow already drawn and aimed at the advancing enemies. Ethan quickly used Appraisal: [ Appraisal:] [ Earth Golem (Earth Elementalist)] [ Power Level: 13 ] Ethan and Marcus took the lead, running side by side, their breaths synchronized as they prepared to face the massive Earth Golems head-on. The ground beneath them trembled with each thunderous step of the golems, and the oppressive atmosphere within the cavern seemed to weigh heavily on their shoulders. Despite the tension, both of them felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through their veins, sharpening their focus. As they closed in on the hulking forms of the Earth Golems, Ethan and Marcus activated their damage-dealing skills in unison. Ethan''s de crackled withfiery energy, blue mes licking along its edge as he activated his [Az Sword Strike] skill onto his weapon. Beside him, Marcus''s sword began to glow with a fierce, crackling electricity as he activated his own skill, [Thunderstream Greatsword Strike]. Together, they were a formidable force, each attack amplified by the power coursing through their bodies. The Earth Golems, towering nearly five meters tall, moved with a deliberate, menacing grace. Their massive arms, as thick as tree trunks, rose high into the air. With a low, rumbling sound, they summoned enormous boulders out of thin air, the rocky masses materializing with a sh of Earthen magic. The boulders hovered for a moment, suspended in the air, before being hurled toward Ethan and Marcus with terrifying speed. The boulders flew toward them in quick session, each one a potential death sentence. The first boulder whistled through the air, aimed directly at Ethan''s chest. He sidestepped at thest possible second, the boulder grazing past him so closely that he felt the rush of wind against his face. The ground where he had been standing exploded in a shower of debris as the boulder impacted with devastating force. Marcus wasn''t far behind in his reaction. The second boulder hurtled toward him, and he spun out of its path, the rocky missile missing him by mere inches. The boulder crashed into the cavern wall, sending chunks of stone flying in all directions. Marcus''s eyes were wide with adrenaline, but his movements remained fluid, driven by instinct and training. The Earth Golems, undeterred by their misses, continued their relentless assault. Ethan and Marcus dodged each of them by hairs breath. "Let''s spread out!" Ethan suggested, and Marcus nodded in agreement. The two charged forward, splitting up to cover more ground while Yona and Lenora provided ranged support to distract the golems. "Fire Crow''s Fury!" Lenoa cried out, unleashing a volley of fire attacks, forming shapes of ferocious Fire Crows that erupted into cawing crows as they struck, searing the golems'' stony hides. "Arcane Seeker Arrow!" Yona followed up, her arrow shimmering with magical energy as it homed in on the golem''s weak point, striking with pinpoint precision. Ethan leaped into air using [Inferno Leap] to disrupt their formation as usual. With the impact, the Earth golems scattered but grew even more enraged. They charged furiously toward the nearest targets. One of them barreled toward Iris''s position, but Cedric and Yona quickly intervened, diverting its attention to Cedric. With a determined re, Cedric raised his spear and unleashed one of his powerful spear techniques: meburst Explosion. The spear''s tip struck the golem, igniting with a destructive fiery essence that erupted upon impact, leaving the Earth golem with a massive, smoldering hole in its chest. As they cleared the horde of Eath Golems, another horde appeared from once again from underground. Once again, they began to destroy the Earth Golems who were using various Earth elemental abilities such as, Earth wall, Earth Spike, Earth Swamp etc. However, with perfect teamwork, they cleared the 5th floor in fluid motion. They triggered a few monster drops and kept them inside their bags. Clearing this single floor took hours, a clear indication of how fierce the battle had been. After a short break, they prepared to venture deeper. With Ethan''s abilities, they weremitted to conquering the entire dungeon. His versatilitybining offense, defense, and the ability to sense danger¡ªmade him indispensable to the team. The others didn''t mind; in fact, they were thrilled. The chance to level up and enhance their skills alongside him was a powerful motivator, pushing them to grow stronger together. Ethan secretly activated [Skill Absorption] multiple times during their encounters, targeting the Earth Golems and silently extracting their abilities. He was careful, ensuring that his actions went unnoticed by the rest of the party. The Earth Golem''s skills intrigued him, and he knew they could give him a significant edge in future battles. The results were more fruitful than he anticipated. Each absorbed skill proved to be a powerful addition to his arsenal. Active Skills: 1.Earth Spike (E): Ethan could now summon sharp spikes of earth from the ground, impaling enemies and creating a formidable barrier against oing attacks. 2. Earth Wall (E): With a simple motion, he could raise a solid wall of earth, offering protection or trapping enemies within a confined space. 3.Rock Boulder (E): Ethan gained the ability to conjure and hurl massive boulders, smashing through obstacles or enemies with devastating force. 4. Earthen Thorny Domain (E): This skill allowed him to transform the surrounding ground into a treacherous domain filled with jagged earthen thorns, making it nearly impossible for enemies to advance without suffering severe damage. Passive Skills: 1. Earth Perception (E): This passive skill heightened Ethan''s awareness of the earth around him, allowing him to detect vibrations and movements with remarkable uracy. Ethan equipped all of these abilities, bringing his total to 8 active and 4 passive skills. Yet, despite his growing arsenal, he sensed that he was still far from reaching his true potential. Each skill he absorbed seamlessly engraved itself into his soul, without causing any strain or disruption, a testament to his unique talent. After taking a short rest to regain their strength, the group proceeded to the 6th floor. The atmosphere grew tense as they entered a vast chamber teeming with Earth Golems. The room was filled with the rumble of shifting stones and the ominous tter of heavy footsteps. The Earth Golems, towering and seemingly imprable, gathered in swarms, ready to crush any intruders who dared to challenge them. Ethan could feel the earth beneath him vibrating with their presence, and he knew that another intense battle was about to begin. They continued their relentless grinding, always watching each other''s backs and coordinating their attacks with precision. As time passed, they began to clear each floor one after another, with Ethan leading the charge thanks to his vast Mana Reserve. - 6th Floor Cleared: 4 hours - 7th Floor Cleared: 6 hours - 8th Floor Cleared: 7 hours - 9th Floor Cleared: 9 hours A day and a half had gone by since they first entered the dungeon. Now, they found themselves on the 10th floor, battling the final Earth Golem of this level. "Thunder Stream Strike!" Marcus roared, his greatsword crackling with electric energy as he swung it with all his might. The de cleaved through the golem''s stony exterior, thebined force of his strike and the party''s efforts bringing the massive creature crashing to the ground, where it shattered into a pile of rubble. Breathing heavily, Marcus and the others stood amidst the aftermath, sweat dripping from their faces. The rocky terrain around them was littered with the broken body parts of countless Earth Golems, while deep scars and craters marred the ground, a clear indication to the ferocity of their battle. They were all utterly exhausted, their bodies and minds drained from the intense battles. Even Ethan, who usually held up well, was feeling the strain. His Mana reserves had dwindled significantly, and the physical and mental fatigue was beginning to take its toll. However, the rewards had been well worth the effort. Ethan had gained numerous Earth elemental skills, greatly diversifying his already impressive arsenal. Ethan quickly summoned the system panel, eager to make some adjustments and distribute his newly earned attribute points. The recent battles had pushed him to the next level, and he was now at level 13. Chapter 48: Chapter 48: The Heart Of The Earth "Status: Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) upation: Hunter Race: Human Level: 13 ss: None Age: 18 -Attributes: Strength: 30 Agility: 27 Defense: 25 Mana: 3760/8,070 Attribute points: 5 Skills: -Active: - Inferno Leap -19 (D) - Berserker''s Might -5 (D) - Az Sword Strike -22 (E) - Paralyzing Breath -5 (E) - Earth Spike (E) - Earth Wall (E) - Earthquake Stomp (E) - Rock Boulder (E) - Earthen Thorny Domains (E) - Mud Swamp (E) - Earth Dive (E) - Stone Bullets (E) - Earthquake (E) Passive: - ze Guard-5 (E) - Fire Serpent''s Digestion-2 (E) - Predator''s Instinct-6 (E) - Earth Perception-3 (E) Special Skills: - Monster Breeding (Level-1) - Blood Regeneration (Level-1) -Unique Skills: - Appraisal (Basic) - Skill Absorption (Mythic) - Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) Equipment: Holy Dragonian-de (C) --- Ethan quickly allocated his remaining attribute points, feeling a slight surge of power course through him. With a nce at his now extensive list of skills, a thought struck him. He couldbine all his Earth elemental abilities to create something even more formidable. Without hesitation, he activated [Universal Synthesis]. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! Your skills have evolved into Earth Maniption (D) ] Earth Maniption: The user now possesses the ability to control and shape earth elements within certain limits. "Nice!" Ethan eximed, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He had just gained another D-Rank skill, and not just any skill¡ªan Elemental Maniption ability. This new power would surely make him an even greater force to be reckoned with, and he couldn''t wait to test it out. "Guys, there is something on the ground!" Lenora shouted, her voice tinged with both excitement and curiosity. She pointed to the spot where thest Earth Golem had fallen. Lying there amidst the rubble was a strange, heart-shaped object. Its surface was intricately patterned, with glowing runes engraved along its edges. The heart-shaped objecty on the ground, pulsing faintly with a mysterious energy that seemed to call out to them. The room, previously filled with the echoes of their battle, fell into an eerie silence as the party gathered around the peculiar artifact. Cedric stepped forward casually picked it up for everyone to look. Instantly the information about the object flowed through his mind as Ethan used Appraisal. [ Appraisal ] [ Object: The Heart of the Earth ] [ Description: Equipping it, the user will be granted Geomancer ss.] [ Geomancer, a rare ss for the individual who yerns to master the earth''s essence, allowing them to manipte terrain, summon earth-based creatures, and wield powerful earth skills. This artifact is said to be a fragment of the original heart of the Earth Elemental King, bestowing incredible control over earth elements to its wielder.] [ Effects:] [ ss Unlock: Grants the user the Geomancer ss upon equipping.] [ Mana Boost: Increases the user''s maximum mana by 25%.] [ Earth Empowerment: Enhances all earth-based skills by 20% ] [ Resilience: Increases defense by 15% when in contact with the ground ] [ +1 Active skill Slot: Summon Earth Elemental: Allows the user to summon a powerful Earth Elemental to aid in battle once per day.] [ Warning: This artifact is bound to the first person who equips it and cannot be removed without severe consequences.] ""Oh my god!" "We got a rare ss!" They recognised the treasure and their voices echoed in unison as they broke into a joyful dance, their excitement palpable. The sheer rarity of the ss made this moment even more incredible¡ªonly one in a million hunters ever encountered such a treasure. They were nearly moved to tears, overwhelmed by their extraordinary luck. The thrill of the moment was clear on their faces, each of them basking in the realization of just how fortunate they were. However, Ethan remainedposed. While hispanions reveled in their discovery, he knew that his newly acquired skill, Earth Maniption, offered simr capabilities. Though itcked the ability to summon Earth Elementals as the Geomancer ss promised, it was far more versatile in its application. "I already have something close to this," Ethan thought, his mind assessing the simrities and differences. Despite the ss''s undeniable power, he was confident in the unique strength and flexibility his Earth Maniption skill provided. As their initial excitement began to settle, the group faced an important decision¡ªwho among them would be the one to wield the Heart of the Earth? The artifact held unimaginable power, and they knew that whoever equipped it would gain an incredible advantage. It wasn''t just about gaining a new ss; it was about ensuring the sess of their future endeavors. Cedric broke the silence first. "I think we should give this to Ethan. What do you guys think?" His voice was calm, but firm, reflecting the respect and trust he had for Ethan. Cedric knew that without Ethan''s powerful abilities, they wouldn''t have made it this far. Reaching the tenth floor of the dungeon had been a team effort, but Ethan had been their anchor. The others nodded in agreement, understanding the logic behind Cedric''s suggestion. They all had witnessed Ethan''s contributions and skill firsthand. His contributions were undeniable, and many of them silently acknowledged that they owed their lives to his quick reaction and powerful abilities. However, Marcus hesitated, his heart heavy with a mixture of admiration and envy. The prospect of obtaining a ss as rare as the Geomancer was tempting beyond measure. A ss like this could propel him ahead of others, securing his ce among the elite. The desire for power and recognition gnawed at him, making it hard to simply agree with the decision. He took a deep breath, wrestling with his emotions. Yes, he wanted the ss¡ªwho wouldn''t? But deep down, Marcus knew that Ethan was the most deserving. Ethan had been selfless, putting the needs of the group above his own, time and time again. In those critical moments, it had been Ethan''s overwhelming force that had led them to victory. Swallowing his personal desires, Marcus finally nodded, though a trace of reluctance lingered in his expression. "Yeah... Ethan should have it. He''s done so much for all of us. We wouldn''t even be here without him."The others followed suit, voicing their agreement one after another. It was clear that, despite any personal longing for the artifact, they valued their unity more. They knew that breaking apart over a single treasure would weaken them as a team¡ªa risk they couldn''t afford in their tough battles ahead. Ethan could see the eagerness in Marcus''s eyes, despite thetter''s attempt to hide it. The Geomancer ss was a rare and powerful ss, something that could significantly boost the strength of anyone who wielded it. Yet, Ethan knew that his own path was alreadyid out before him, and this ss, while tempting, wasn''t meant for him. "Thank you, guys, but I think Marcus should have it," Ethan said, his voice steady as he addressed the group. His words caught them off guard, their expressions shifting from surprise to confusion. "What? Ethan, you''ve done more for us than anyone else," Cedric argued, his brow furrowing. "You deserve it." Ethan shook his head with a smile. "I appreciate that, but I am not suited for this ss. I will wait for another powerful ss in the future. Besides, Marcus has been putting in the work just as much as the rest of us. This ss could really help him." Marcus''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Ethan, are you sure? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Ethan nodded. "I''m sure. You''ll make better use of it than I would. Besides, we''re a team. Your strength is our strength." The others looked between Marcus and Ethan, then slowly began to nod in agreement. Marcus hesitated for a moment, clearly conflicted, but the desire in his heart won out. He reached out and took the heart-shaped object from Cedric''s hand, his fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you, Ethan," Marcus said, his voice thick with emotion as turn to others. "I won''t let you guys down." Lenora and the others smiled, acknowledging Ethan''s decision with a sense of mutual respect and understanding. They knew that no matter who equipped the heart, the entire party would benefit from the increased strength. Marcus, now holding the heart-shaped object with both hands, pressed it against his chest. In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through him, and detailed information about his new ss began to flood his mind. The connection between him and the earth deepened, making him feel more grounded and powerful than ever before. Without hesitation, Marcus activated his newly acquired skill, [Earth Elemental]. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the rocks and earth around them began to coalesce into a massive figure. A towering giant, nearly 5 meters tall, emerged from the earth, its bodyposed of solid rock. It had a massive head with two glowing eyes that radiated a faint, mystical light. Its arms were the size of tree trunks, and its legs were thick and sturdy, ready to follow anymand Marcus gave. "Damn!" Cedric eximed, his eyes wide with awe. "Amazing!" Lenora added, her voice filled with excitement. Their astonished voices echoed throughout the cave, a testament to the incredible power Marcus now wielded. The sight of the Earth Elemental standing before them, a testament to their unity and strength, filled them all with a renewed sense of purpose. With this new power at their disposal, they felt more confident than ever in facing the challenges ahead. Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Lava Giants The group descended cautiously to the eleventh floor of the dungeon, their nerves on edge as the temperature spiked with every step. The oppressive heat was almost unbearable, and the air was thick with the acrid stench of sulfur. The walls of the cavern glowed with a sinister red light, illuminated by moltenva that oozed through cracks in the stone. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, a patchwork of ck rock and treacherous magma pools that threatened to consume anyone who lost their footing. "This is hell," Lenora muttered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of theva. Sweat dripped down her face, her usuallyposed demeanor strained by the intense heat. "I''ve been in worse ces," Cedric replied with a forced grin, though the beads of sweat on his brow betrayed his difort. "But I''ll admit, this is pretty damn close." Ethan led the group, his senses heightened as he adjusted to the sweltering environment. His Earth Maniption skill hummed with energy, tuning into the vtilendscape around him. Despite the heat, he remained calm, his mind focused on the task ahead. He could feel the tension in the air, the subtle shifts in the earth beneath them that hinted at the dangers lurking nearby. Marcus, now fully attuned to his Geomancer abilities, walked behind Ethan with a deep connection to the earth that was both empowering and unnerving. The Heart of the Earth, his new artifact, pulsed with energy, but theva-tainted ground made him uneasy. The earth here was alive, but twisted¡ªmalleable and yet resistant, as if it had its own will. "This ce feels wrong," Marcus said quietly, his eyes scanning the walls. "The earth here is¡­angry." He could sense the Earth elements in the walls with his Earth Heart. "It''s theva," Cedric replied, not taking his eyes off the path ahead. "It''s infused with fire, making everything unstable. We need to be careful." Cedric, carrying the group''s supply of potions, pulled out a vial and handed it to each member. "Fire Immunity Potions. We''ll need these to survive down here." Ethan shook his head, declining the potion. "I have a passive fire resistance skill . I should be fine without it." Lenora followed suit, her Fire Crow Bloodline granting her natural resistance to heat. "I''m good too." "Ohh, okay!" The others quickly gulped downed their potions, the liquid providing a temporary shield against the searing heat. As they moved forward into the floor, the oppressive atmosphere only grew more intense, the light from theva casting eerie shadows that danced across the cavern walls. Suddenly, the ground trembled, and the air filled with a deep, rumbling growl. From a nearby pool ofva, two massive figures began to rise, their bodiesposed entirely of molten rock. The creatures towered over the group, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. "Lava Giants," Cedric, his voice steady and rming. "These things are no joke. "Appraisal!" Ethanmanded in his mind. The familiar holographic disy appeared before his eyes. [ Appraisal ] [Lava Giant] [Power Level: 17 ] [ Type: Elemental ] [ Health: 5,000 ] [ Abilities: ] [ Molten Punch: Delivers a devastating blow with superheated fists.] [Lava Burst: Erupts streams of moltenva from its body, creating deadly pools of magma.] [Magma Armor: A protectiveyer of hardenedva that deflects physical attacks.] [ Heat Aura: Radiates intense heat, burning anything thates too close.] [ Weakness: Water-based attacks, Extreme cold.] "Hmm.. My Unique Skill Appraisal is showing more info about its target now, did it level up somehow? Yep,That might be the it." He had been using this skill frequently for a while now. But there was no indicators about its level up." Ethan quickly ryed the information to the group. "They''re only weak to water and cold. We need to keep our distance and hit them with everything we got." Marcus''s mind raced as he considered their options. His summoned Earth Elemental was by his side, reassuring him a little. "We need to create some space," Cedric said, taking charge. "Marcus, can you use your Earth Golem to distract one of the Lava giants? We can focus on taking them down one at a time." Marcus nodded, understanding the urgency in Cedric''s voice. He quicklymanded his Earth Elemental to engage the Lava Giant on the left, its massive form of rock and stone moving with surprising speed toward the towering creature of molten rock. The two titans collided with a deafening crash, the Earth Elemental''s fists mming into the Lava Giant''s molten body. However, the heat radiating from the Lava Giant began to melt the elemental''s rocky exterior, making it difficult for Marcus to maintain its form. "I won''t be able to hold it for long," Marcus warned, his voice strained from the effort of controlling the Earth Elemental in such a hostile environment. "We need to act fast." "Got it," Cedric replied, already strategizing their next move. "Ethan, Yona, and I will focus on the other giant. Lenora, use your fire skills to keep it at bay with Marcus. And Iris, its time to use your buff skill. Iris was not only a healer but also a Enhancer, who can buff others capability alongside herself. "Okay." Iris nodded and used her second skill: Greater Strength. Greater Strength: A potent buff skill designed to significantly enhance the target''s physical power. This skill is often used to boost a person''s raw strength by 15%.. She casted the buff skill on everyone, one after another, consuming a significant amount of Mana points from her Reserve. The effect of Greater Strength was immediate. The group felt a surge of power course through their bodies, their muscles tightening with newfound energy. Even in the oppressive heat, the boost in physical strength was undeniable, giving them the edge they needed in this deadly environment. Marcus flexed his fingers, feeling the enhanced power in his grip. "Alright, let''s take these Lava giants down," he said, his voice filled with renewed determination. With Iris''s buff, he knew their chances of surviving this fight had just increased significantly. The battle began in earnest. Ethan led the charge against the second Lava Giant, his Earth Maniption skill in overdrive as he attempted to stabilize the ground beneath them and use the rocky terrain to his advantage. As the battle raged on, Ethan''s enhanced strength allowed him to wield the Holy Dragonian de with incredible precision and power. The [Az Sword Strike] cleaved through the air, its fiery trail slicing into the Lava Giant''s magma armor. Each strike was more effective, chipping away at the giant''s defenses and creating cracks in the hardenedva. Cedric moved swiftly, his spear darting in and out with calcted strikes. The added strength from Iris''s buff made each thrust and sweep more forceful, piercing through the Lava Giant''s armor with greater efficiency. His attacks were aimed at exploiting the cracks Ethan had created, breaking through the magma armor andnding blows that forced the giant to stagger. Yona''s arrows flew true, her increased strength allowing her to draw her bow with greater force. Each arrow struck with pinpoint uracy, targeting the exposed weak points in the Lava Giant''s armor. The arrows imbued with her magic exploded upon impact, creating small but powerful bursts that further weakened the giant. As the group concentrated their attacks on the second Lava Giant, the first Lava Giant, still engaged with Marcus''s Earth Elemental, began to falter. The Earth Elemental''s massive fists, though melted by the intense heat, managed tond a series of solid blows, causing the Lava Giant to lose its bnce and stagger. "I won''t be able to keep this up much longer!" Marcus shouted, his face flushed with exertion. The elemental was slowly disintegrating under the relentless heat, but it had aplished its task of distracting the Lava Giant long enough for the others to focus on their target. "Hang in there!" Cedric called out, his spear shing as he struck the Lava Giant''s exposed joints. "We''re almost done!" Thebined assault of Ethan''s powerful strikes, Cedric''s precise spearwork, and Yona''s explosive arrows began to take their toll on the second Lava Giant. With a final, decisive strike, Cedric''s spear pierced through the giant''s core, causing it to copse into a pool of molten rock. Seeing the second Lava Giant defeated, Marcus breath a sigh of relief, and he quickly turned his attention to the first Lava Giant. The giant was now a little weakened, its magma armor cracked and unstable. Ethan, Cedric, and Yona regrouped, their breathsing in heavy gasps as they focused on the remaining threat. With a coordinated effort, they unleashed their most powerful attacks on the weakened Lava Giant. Ethan''s de sliced through the magma armor, Cedric''s spear pierced the cracks, and Yona''s arrows exploded on impact, dealing critical damage. Finally, with a final, devastating blow from Ethan''s de, the first Lava Giant copsed, its molten form dissipating into a smoldering pool of molten rock. "That was intense," Cedric said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Great job, everyone." "Yeah," Lenora agreed, giving Iris a nod of appreciation. "Your buff skill was a big help, Iris." Chapter 50: Chapter 50: The Final Challenge "Ding!" "Congrattions! You have leveled up." "You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely." Current Level: 14 Ethan''s heart raced as the familiar notification chimed in his mind. Another level gained, another step closer to clearing the dungeon. It had taken them another grueling day to clear floor 11th to 15th, but they had finally finished off thest of the Lava Giants. The heat of battle had been intense, but the spoils were worth the effort. As the group gathered around the scattered loot, Ethan''s attention was elsewhere. His eyes glinted with focus as he mentally reviewed the new skills he had acquired from the Lava Giants: "Molten Punch (E), Lava Explosion (E), Heat Aura (E), and Magma Armor (E)." He could feel the potential within these skills, the raw power just waiting to be unleashed. Without hesitation, he initiated the process to synchronize them, aiming to enhance their power. "Ding!" [ Congrattions! Your skill synthesis was sessful.] [ Your skills have evolved into: Lava Juggernaut (D).] A rush of power surged through Ethan as the new skill took form within him. --- [ Lava Juggernaut (D-Rank) ] [ Type: Offensive/Defensive] [ Description: Lava Juggernaut transforms the user into an unstoppable force of molten rock and fire, granting immense power and resistance. This skill is perfect for charging through enemies and overwhelming them with sheer force.] [ Abilities:] [Juggernaut''s Charge: The user''s Molten Punch evolves into a full-body charge. Covered in moltenva, the user can break through enemy lines, scattering opponents with sheer impact.] [ Explosive Rampage: With each step, the user triggers a Lava Explosion beneath their feet, leaving a trail of molten destruction.] [ Molten Juggernaut Armor: A denseyer of Magma Armor and Heat Aura surrounds the user, making their defense much tougher. The armor deflects physical attacks and burns anything thates into contact with it.] [ Volcanic Impact: The user can release all stored energy in a massive, ground-shaking stomp, creating a wave of moltenva that knocks back enemies and deals severe damage.] [ Weakness: Lava Juggernaut excels in overwhelming force butcks finesse and precision. The skill rapidly drains Mana and makes the user arge target for ranged attacks. It is also vulnerable to being cooled or solidified by water or ice-based skills, which can trap the user mid-charge.] --- "Whoa! A transformation skill? Nice!" Ethan thought, grinning inwardly. The new skill was a game-changer, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities, but it came at a cost. The Mana consumption was significant, and he would need to work on increasing his Mana reserves after they exited the dungeon. However, Ethan knew he couldn''t reveal the full extent of his new abilities to his party members. Having four D-Rank skills would make anyone suspicious, perhaps even afraid of him. For now, he decided to keep his new power a secret, continuing to use only three skills openly: Inferno Leap (D), Az Sword Strike (E), and Paralyzing Breath (E), though thetter was used sparingly due to its limited utility. There was also his Berserker''s Might skill, a powerful but risky ability that left him vulnerable after use. He hadn''t yet found a situation dire enough to justify using it. After distributing his attribute points, Ethan and the others packed their loot-filled backpacks and headed for the exit to the 16th floor. Their spirits were lifted by the substantial rewards they had collected. From the 16th to the 19th floor, the group faced a relentless onught of Stone Golems, Earth Golems, and more Lava Giants. The sheer number of enemies, each with their own unique abilities, made the battles arduous. They took frequent breaks, rationing their supplies carefully as they fought their way through. By the time they cleared the 19th floor, their potions were depleted, and exhaustion was setting in, but they had managed to avoid any catastrophic situations. In the midst of these battles, Ethan leveled up again, reaching level 15 and was already halfway to level 16. As he checked his status, a sense of aplishment washed over him. -- [ Status ] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith)] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 15 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 34 ] [ Agility: 33 ] [ Defense: 30 ] [ Mana: 2980/8,070 ] [ Attribute Points: 0 ] [ Skills:] [ Active: Inferno Leap - 34 (D), Berserker''s Might- 5 (D) Earth Maniption -2 (D), Lava Juggernaut (D), Az Sword Strike - 30 (E), Paralyzing Breath -7 (E)] [ Passive: ze Guard-5 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion-2 (E), Predator''s Instinct-6 (E)] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1), Blood Regeneration (Level-1)] [Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate)] [Equipment: Holy Dragonian-de (C)] --- Finally, they reached the 20th floor, where the ominous exit loomed before them. The air was thick with tension as they approached the final challenge, the sense of foreboding growing with each step. "Cedric, do you know what''s waiting for us on the other side?" Ethan asked, his voice low as they moved cautiously toward the entrance to the 20th floor. Cedric scratched his head, his brow furrowed in thought. "Honestly, I don''t know. There''s no information about it on the market. My guess is, no one has cleared this floor before. If we manage to do it, we''ll be making history." His voice held a hint of excitement, though it was tinged with uncertainty. Lenora, ever the voice of caution, quickly intervened. "Cedric, don''t get ahead of yourself. We don''t know what kind of monstrosity is waiting for us. We can''t rely solely on Ethan''s strength alone. We all need to do our part." Marcus and the others nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination as they prepared for the unknown. Ethan and his party descended into the 20th floor of the dungeon. The temperature climbed steadily, and a deep rumbling reverberated through the ground beneath their feet. Each step felt like walking into the heart of a volcano, the heat almost unbearable, but the party pressed on, knowing that this final challenge would be their greatest test yet. The tunnel eventually opened up into an enormous cavern, its ceiling lost in the darkness above. The walls glowed with a dull red hue, magma flowing like rivers along the rocky surfaces. The sheer size of the chamber was daunting, and a sense of foreboding settled heavily on them as they stepped forward, their eyes scanning for any sign of the threat that awaited. Then they saw it. At the far end of the cavern, partially embedded in the stone, stood a colossal figure, its massive form towering over them like a mountain. The creature was nearly twenty meters tall, its body a terrifying fusion of earth and molten rock. Huge bs of stone formed its core, while rivers ofva pulsed through the cracks, giving it a living, breathing appearance. Its eyes glowed like twin suns, burning with an ancient fury that sent shivers down their spines. "Oh my god. It''s... huge," Lenora whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the molten rivers around them. Cedric swallowed hard, his earlier excitement drained away, reced by the cold grip of fear. "That thing is a Rock Titan... and it''s infused withva. This is way beyond anything we''ve faced before." Ethan''s gaze remained fixed on the titan. His heart pounded, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had faced powerful foes before, but nothing like this. Still, there was no turning back now. [ Appraisal ] [ Rock Titan (Elite) ] [ Power Level: 25 ] [ Health: 20,000 ] [ Abilities ] [ 1. Molten Core: The Rock Titan''s body is fused withva, granting it immense heat-based attacks and high resistance to fire and physical damage. The core generates heat that can melt most metals and scorch the ground beneath it.] [ 2. Lava Wave: The Rock Titan can release a devastating wave of moltenva from its core, flooding the battlefield with intense heat and molten rock. This attack is both long-range and covers a wide area, making it difficult to avoid.] [ 3. Earthquake Stomp: With its massive size, the Rock Titan can cause localized earthquakes by stomping the ground.] [ 4. Magma Burst: The Titan can create geysers of molten rock erupting from the ground at will, targeting enemies from below.] [ 5. Lava Shield: The Titan can encase itself in a protective barrier of moltenva, greatly increasing its defense and burning anything thates into contact with it.] [ 6. Rage of the Titan: When the Rock Titan''s health drops below a certain threshold, it enters a berserk state, increasing its power and speed significantly while also bing more reckless.] --- The realization of what they were up against settled in. This was no ordinary boss; it was a true force of nature. They would have to use every ounce of their strength, strategy, and teamwork to survive this battle. Ethan tightened his grip on his sword, feeling the threat it posed. Chapter 51: Chapter 51: The Final Challenge (2) Iris swiftly began casting her buff skills on the party, enveloping each member in a protective aura that bolstered their strength, agility, and resilience. Though they felt the surge in power, it wasn''t enough to fully calm their nerves. "Any strategy, Cedric?" Ethan asked urgently, his gaze locked on the colossal figure before them. The ground quaked as the Rock Titan began to move, its every step sending tremors through the cavern walls. Cedric nced at the looming behemoth, his usuallyposed demeanor betraying a flicker of panic. "Strategy?" he echoed, his voice strained. "No strategy is going to work against this thing. We have to throw everything we''ve got at it, or we''re done for." His eyes frantically scanned the chamber for any advantage. But the sheer size and intensity of the Rock Titan made approaching it nearly impossible. The heat radiating from its molten core was far more intense than anything they had encountered with the Lava Giants, making their previous battles seem almost trivial inparison. The Rock Titan towered above them, easily four times the size of the Lava Giants they had fought before. Its body was a fortress of hardened rock and magma, each movement grinding stone against stone with a thunderous roar that echoed through the cavern. The air around it shimmered with unbearable heat, distorting the space as if the creature itself were warping reality. Cedric''s words sent a wave of unease through the group. Fear gripped them as the gravity of their situation sank in. "What do we do now?" someone murmured, their voice quivering with panic. Ethan could feel the tension rising, threatening to break the team''s resolve. He knew hesitation could be fatal. With a heavy sigh, he stepped forward, determination hardening in his eyes. If they were going to survive this encounter, someone needed to take charge, and it was clear the others were too paralyzed by fear to do so. "I''ll take the lead," Ethan dered, his voice cutting through the rising panic. He knew that defeating the Rock Titan would require more than just the skills he had openly shown. It would demand the revtion of some of his hidden abilities, ones he had kept secret to avoid rming the others. But there was no other choice. If they were to emerge victorious, he would need to reveal a part of himself that he had kept in the shadows. Ethan closed his eyes for a brief moment, mentally steeling himself for the battle ahead. "Stay back and support me from a distance," Ethan instructed, opening his eyes as fiery determination zed within them. "I''ll draw its attention and weaken it. When the time is right, you all will strike together." Marcus and the others found Ethan''s couragemendable. "Alright, Ethan. Just... be careful," Cedric sighed. They knew they had no choice but to rely on him, recognizing he was their most capable member. "Ethan, please retreat if it bes too much for you," Lenora called out from behind, her snake-like eyes filled with concern. She watched Ethan''s unyielding back,mitting this moment to memory forever. Ethan felt a surge of energy as he prepared to unleash the Lava Juggernaut skill. The heat around him intensified, but it was nothingpared to the force he was about to release. He knew that once he activated the transformation, there would be no turning back. This was the moment that would determine their survival. But before activating Lava Juggernaut, he decided to first use Berserker''s Might to amplify his power further. Instantly, the transformation began... "Berserker''s Might," Ethan murmured, as his eyes turned red, feeling a surge of raw power flood his body. His muscles bulged, his senses sharpened, and a primal energy filled him with the urge to charge headlong into battle. The world seemed to slow around him as his mind focused solely on the Titan before him. Without hesitation, heyered the second skill on top of the first. "Lava Juggernaut (D)," he ovepped, and immediately, his body began to glow with intense heat. His skin hardened into ayer of molten rock, glowing with fiery veins that pulsed with power. His entire form seemed to expand, bing a juggernaut ofva and stone, ready to meet the Rock Titan head-on. His size surged to an imposing 7 meters, and a sense of near invincibility coursed through him. With his fiery vision locked onto the Rock Titan, Ethan prepared to strike. "Oh Lord! What kind of skill is Ethan using?" Iris gasped, witnessing the incredible transformation unfold before her eyes. Marcus was equally stunned, though a spark of excitement lit up his expression. "Amazing! A transformation skill! But why does it resemble those Lava Giants?" Cedric and the others watched in awe, a collective realization dawning on them¡ªEthan was far more unfathomable than they had ever imagined, cloaked inyers of mystery they hadn''t begun to unravel. Lenora''s eyes were glued to the scene, her Ember''s Eyes revealing the full extent of Ethan''s abilities. She could see the fine details others couldn''t, understanding that Ethan had seamlessly used two powerful skills in rapid session. This revtion meant that Ethan didn''t just have four active skills as they had previously believed; he had far more hidden beneath the surface. The Rock Titan, sensing the shift in power, turned its massive head toward Ethan, its molten eyes narrowing in recognition of the threat. With a roar that shook the cavern, it began to move, each step like rumble that sent shockwaves through the ground. Ethan, now fully transformed into the Lava Juggernaut, felt no fear. He was ready. The Rock Titan sent a Lava wave toward him, while moving its massive body forward. Ethan''s magma-armored body stood unhindered and charged forward with Juggernaut Charge. His body became a zing projectile as he rammed into the Titan''s side with full force. "Boom!" The impact sent a shockwave through the cavern, and for the first time, the Titan staggered, molten rock flying off its body from the sheer force. But the Titan was far from defeated. It recovered quickly, its eyes glowing with rage as it unleashed a concentrated fire attack from its core. A torrent of zing fire hurtled toward Ethan from close range. "Earth Wall!" Ethan used Earth Maniption to block the fire attack. The two collided, destroying the earth in mere seconds, but it weakened the attackpletely, which was then deflected by Ethan''s body armor alone. Then the creature raised its legs and used Earthquake Stomp with its sheer weight alone. The ground rumbled as it sent a shockwave causing Ethan to be off bnce. The Rock Titan moved its massive fists for crushing Ethan into dust. Ethan, ever alert, made some distance between them and then activated [Inferno Leap] while ovepping it with Juggernaut Charge. Like a small meteor, Ethan''s body collided with its body with incredible force, sending it backward against the wall. It struggled to move while its defensive abilities were all broken upon impact. Ethan still didn''t stop attacking, knowing full well that his health was remaining by arge amount. It could recover and charge at him again. So, he continued his relentless assaults as he got on top of the Rock Titan. With a roar of his own, Ethan activated Explosive Rampage, triggering a series of Lava Explosions beneath his feet as he charged again. The ground beneath him erupted in mes and molten rock, creating a path of destruction that further weakened the Titan''s defenses. Ethan''s movements were swift and precise, each blow calcted to inflict maximum damage. The Titan, despite its size and strength, was being overwhelmed by the sheer ferocity of Ethan''s assault. But the battle was far from over. The Rock Titan, fueled by its ancient rage, mustered its remaining strength and triggered Rage of the Titan ability, instantly sending Ethan''srge body into the air with a shockwave. Then it sent Lava bursts from its molten core, targeting Ethan in mid-air. Realizing the danger, Ethan quickly used Molten Juggernaut Armor, a denseyer of magma and heat aura enveloping his body. The armor deflected the molten pirs, but the force of the attack still pushed him back, his movements slowing under the relentless assault. The Titan, sensing a moment of weakness, raised its massive arm for a final, crushing blow. Ethan, however, was not finished. He still had one more card to y. As the Titan''s arm descended, Ethan channeled all the remaining energy within him into a single, devastating attack. He activated Volcanic Impact, releasing the stored energy in a massive, ground-shaking stomp. The resulting shockwave sent a tidal wave of moltenva surging forward, crashing into the Titan with the force of an erupting volcano. "Guulu... Growl..." A guttural growl rumbled through the floor as the Titan''s agonized cries echoed in the cavern. Its massive 20-meter-long body was now riddled with cracks, a shattered mess of stone and rubble. "Finish it off, guys," Ethan said weakly, deactivating his skills and sumbing to a period of weakness. He wanted to give them a chance to earn some experience points as well. The Rock Titan was no longer a threat. Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Level: 17 His shocked party members quickly regained theirposure, exchanging nces filled with admiration and respect for Ethan. They nodded in agreement and moved to finish off the Rock Titan, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. Although they knew they hadn''t truly earned this victory, they were took the opportunity in order to stand beside him as equals in the future. If only possible that is. However, before joining the others, Lenora rushed to Ethan''s side to check on him. "Ethan, are you alright?" she asked, her pretty face etched with worry. Ethan smiled reassuringly. "Yeah, I''m fine. No need to worry. Go and join them." "But¡­" Lenora hesitated, her concern evident. Ethan''s expression grew stern. "No buts. Go." Reluctantly, Lenora nodded and went to join the others, though she kept ncing back at him with concern as she walked away. Ethan watched her actions and shook his head. "This little girl!" After a while, as the dust settled and the echoes of the Rock Titan''s final cries faded into silence, the cavern returned to an eerie stillness. The only sound was thebored breathing of Ethan and hispanions, each of them trying toprehend the magnitude of what they had just aplished. "Ding!" "Congrattions! You have leveled up." "Congrattions! You have leveled up." "You have received 10 attribute points to distribute freely." "Nice!" Ethan eximed as he reached level 17. The level up notification was really soothing to his eyes, because these attribute points makes his body stronger little by little. They strengthen the vessel where all those Mana were kept, and skill engraved on the soul. Otherwise, if they used such powerful skills without strengthening the vessel, they would had been crushed long ago because of their own skill''s drawback. Ethan''s party members stood in awe as they processed the aftermath of the battle. The notifications of their level-ups chimed in their minds, signaling not just an increase in strength but also a validation of their efforts. Each member felt the rush of power that came with their hard-earned experience, but they knew deep down that it was Ethan''s overwhelming might that had secured their victory. Ethan quickly allocated his 10 attribute points, feeling the familiar sensation of his body bing stronger, more resilient. The level-up notification was more than just a reward¡ªit was a reminder of how far he hade and how much further he could push himself. The extra strength would fortify his body, allowing him to wield even more power without fear of the physical toll. [ Level: 17 ] [ Strength: 37 ] [ Agility: 36 ] [ Defense: 34 ] As he finished, he nced at hispanions, who were still marveling at their own advancements. He checked and found out that they had powered up by 4-5 levels since they started grinding in this dungeon. It was really a significant progress to them, when they were stuck at a bottleneck. Lenora, who had been reluctant to leave his side earlier, was now engaged in animated conversation with Iris and Marcus, discussing the significance of their achievement of conquering the dungeon. Ethan couldn''t help but smile as he found joy seeing them so excited. Only then he felt truly alive. "Ethan," Lenora called out, her voice breaking through his thoughts. She approached him with a smile. "We''ve all leveled up, but I think it''s time we started thinking about whates next. We''ve got some spoils from the Titan''s drop, but we need to figure out how to distribute them." Cedric and others also approached holding the spoils in their hand. Ethan looked at the glowing treasure with intrigue. Skill Books: 1. Lava Shield (D) 2. Earthquake Stomp (D) 3. Lava Wave (D) 4. Rage of the Titan (D) Items: 1. Rock Titan''s Armour (D) (Physical) 2. Titan''s Ring (D). Among the spoils, there were also three Mana orbs of varying grades. After some discussion, they distributed the spoils and skills. Since they had all reached level 20 and gained a new empty skill slot, the new gained D-Rank skills would be especially useful for them. They were eager to fill their slots with these newly acquired skill books. Marcus chose the Earthquake Stomp skill, while Lenora took the Lava Shield. Iris, not finding a suitable skill, imed the Titan''s Ring to further boost her magical abilities. Cedric opted for the Rock Titan''s Armor, fitting his closebat style. Ethan acquired the best skill: Rage of the Titan. Lastly, Yona, finding no other choice, temporarily took the Lava Wave skill. These skills weren''t permanent like bloodline skills¡ªthey could be reced at any time. Ethan quickly equipped the skill, and looked at skill''s description feeling more confident than ever. "Passive- Rage of the Titan (D): When the user''s health falls below 30%, it activates automatically, increasing user''s overall power by 200%. It was lifesaver skill, which can be proven very useful at critical times of life and death. It was simr to Berserker''s Might skill, but notpletely. Ethan also got a Mana Orb as a share. It was D-Grade and he quickly absorbed it, increasing his Mana Reserve by 120 points. His party members also did the same and nced at him as if they were watching something iprehensible. Despite not reaching level 20 like them, he casually equipped another D-Rank skill so casually. Theybeled him as ''Monster'' in their mind. Ethan shrugged, understanding It''s was inevitable. After a while, Ethan and his party were expelled from the dungeon in a sh, instantly reappearing outside. The warm sunlight contrasted sharply with the dark, cavernous depths they''d just left behind. They expected to be greeted by the familiar sights of the forest and the distant chirping of birds, but what met their eyes was far more horrifying, making their blood freeze. Scattered across the rocky terrain were countless bodies, some half-devoured, others dismembered beyond recognition. The ground was slick with blood, and the air was thick with the stench of death and decay. The once serene forest had been transformed into a grotesque tableau of carnage. A silence fell over the group, their triumphant smiles fading into expressions of shock and horror. Iris let out a small gasp, her hand instinctively flying to her mouth to stifle a scream. Cedric''s eyes widened in disbelief, while Marcus gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Leonora stood frozen, her previous excitement drained from her face, reced with a look of dread. Their reaction was understandable considering they have never seen such a massacre of human before. Ethan, however, remained calmed. His eyes scanned the scene, quickly assessing the situation. His years of experience from his previous life had hardened him, although the site human dead bodies were a little grotesque, he felt nothing else. He himself had killed one human before. "What happened here? Is this another attack from the demons?" Iris asked, her voice tinged with panic. "No, this isn''t the work of demons," Ethan replied, examining the bodies. "Judging by their injuries, it looks like they were attacked by some kind of ferocious beasts." "Ferocious beasts?" Marcus questioned, doubtful. "But the wilderness is far from the city, how did they enter in the city? And what about the city walls?" As they pondered his questions, a sense of foreboding settled over them. Something was definitely wrong in the city. Ominous premonitions gripped their hearts as they began to worry about their families and friends. The earlier jovial mood was reced by deep-seated fear. They hurriedly searched for any means of transportation to reach their district, but found none. Every vehicle was broken, their drivers lying dead nearby. "Screech!" Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air as a Griffin swooped down from the sky. Their attention snapped upwards as they watched the Griffinnd swiftly before them. A middle-aged man, dressed in the official attire of the city government, dismounted and hurriedly approached, specifically kneeling before Lenora. "Mydy, thank the gods you''re safe. My Lord is extremely worried about you. I need to take you to his side immediately!" the man said urgently, his tone serious. "Wilbert?" While the others were surprised, Lenora recognized the middle-aged man immediately. He was one her father''s trusted men. She asked anxiously, "What''s happened, Wilbert? Is my father alright?" Wilbert stood up and replied, "He''s fine, but the city isn''t. The city is under siege from a beast rampage, escted by the demons. Let''s go, mydy, we don''t have time." "But¡­ my friends¡­" Lenora hesitated, ncing at herpanions. "Don''t worry about us, Lenora. We''ll be fine," her friends reassured her, understanding the urgency of the situation. The revtion of her noble background was clear to them now, but this wasn''t the time to dwell on it. Ethan also urged her to go, and after a moment of hesitation, Lenora climbed onto the Griffin gracefully, holding tightly onto its feathers. Before departing, Wilbert nced down at the group and said, "Little fes, you should head to the relief camps if you don''t find your families at home safe." With that final piece of advice, he ordered the Griffin to take off, soaring swiftly into the sky. However, Wilbert''sst piece of advice couldn''t make the situation any worse, their anxiety grew more while thinking about their loved one''s safety. Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Earth Manipulation Observing their worried nces, Ethan felt a sudden inspiration spark within him. Despite the tension lingering in the air, he couldn''t help but think of a way to lighten the mood and surprise his teammates. An idea formed in his mind, one that was both creative and entirely unexpected given their circumstances. With a smirk, Ethan activated his Earth Maniption skill, his hands moving with practiced ease as he began to shape the earth beneath him. The ground rumbled softly as the raw material gathered, molding and twisting under his control. Slowly, a lustrous and polished structure began to take form, emerging from the rough stone and dirt. Before long, the shape became clear. A carriage, crafted entirely from strong and sturdy earth elements. The surface was smooth, glistening under the bright sunlight that filtered into the cavern. Its design was sleek and shiny, with polished curves and sharp lines that made it stand out amidst the rugged environment. The carriage, despite being made of earth, looked almost lifelike, as if it had just rolled off an assembly line. "Nice!" Ethan eximed, stepping back to admire his handiwork. The creation looked surprisingly realistic, a perfect blend of practicality and imagination. The others stared in astonishment, their eyes wide with disbelief and curiosity. The sudden appearance of such a carriage, left them momentarily speechless. "Whoa, Ethan, It''s really awesome. You even have that kind of skill? Is that why you didn''t want that ss." Marcus asked, his voice filled with both awe and confusion as he approached the carriage, running his hand along its smooth surface. Iris, Cedric, and Yona gathered around as well, their earlier tension reced by a sense of wonder. "Yeah, It''s nothing extraordinary. We can use Mana to push it to leave this ce as soon as possible." Their faces lit up with fascination as they tried to imagine such a thing. "You mean this... Carriage could move on its own?" Iris asked, her voice tinged with excitement. Ethan nodded, a smile ying on his lips. "Correct, but notpletely. We need use mana to push it. But don''t worry, I have plenty of Mana Reserves." . . Ethan and others hurriedly sat on the Makeshift carriage and Ethan used Earth Maniption to speed it up. Ethan sped up more, understanding everyone''s urgency, while crossing numerous rocky terrains and long trees with precise control. They were impressed by the speed of the Carriage, while marveling Ethan''s side profile, full of focus. The road was a little bumpy, but They enjoyed the outside view, putting their mind at a little ease. --- After several minutes of travel, they began to approach the outskirts of the city. The sight that greeted them was far from what they had expected. The towering walls of the city, which had once stood as a symbol of protection and safety, were now cracked and crumbling. Large sections of the wall had beenpletely destroyed, leaving gaping holes through which the wild forest could be seen. Ethan''s expression grew serious as they neared the city''s perimeter. "It''s worse than I thought," he muttered as he thought of Emily and Innkeeper Greta''s safety. The others fell silent as they took in the devastation. The city, once bustling with life, now seemed eerily quiet. The streets were deserted, and the only movement came from the asional flutter of torn banners in the wind. The air was thick with the stench of smoke and ash, a grim reminder of the recent battle that had taken ce. "So, guys, do you want to part here and look for your own family and friends by yourself? Or should we move together to search them one by one?" Ethan asked breaking the silence. Cedric and others pondered and answered, "I think the first option would be great. In that way, we could search for them more efficiently." "Yeah, I also think so," Marcus added. Everyone agreed with the n and got of the carriage while taking their backpacks. However, Iris didn''t move, and neither do Ethan. Ethan looked at her perplexed, and Iris answered in return, "Ethan, please help me find my family. I am actually a little scared." She said while shivering. Ethan noticed the vulnerability in Iris''s voice and saw the anxiety written on her face. He gave her a reassuring smile, his earlier seriousness softening. "Of course, Iris," he said gently. "We''ll find your family together. You''re not alone." Iris didn''t have any indvidual fighting capabilities, which could be very dangerous amidst this crisis of uncertainties. So he decided to help her while feeling pity. The rest of the group, already gathering their belongings and preparing to head off in different directions, paused for a moment, catching the quiet exchange. Marcus, Cedric, and Yona exchanged brief, understanding nces before turning back to Ethan. "Yes, Ethan, please help Iris find her family," cedric said looking at Iris. "No problem. Stay safe, everyone," Ethan replied to the group as they began to disperse. "If anything critical happens, head to the relief camps. We will regroup there." His tone carried the weight of responsibility, but also a confidence that seemed to bolster the spirits of his teammates. "Same to you, Ethan," Marcus replied, his voice filled with resolve. "We''ll find them and meet you at the camp." With that, they each set off into the city, moving with a mix of urgency and caution. Ethan turned his attention back to Iris, who was clutching her bag tightly, her eyes scanning the broken walls and deste streets. "Let''s get going," he said softly, leading the way as they moved deeper into the city. The makeshift carriage behind them dissolved into earth particles as it was made for temporary use. He had to use a lot Mana to maintain its form thus far. As they walked, the devastation around them became more apparent. Buildings that once stood tall were now reduced to rubble, and the silence of the streets was almost oppressive. Ethan kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, his senses heightened as they navigated through the debris. "Iris," Ethan began after a few moments of silence, his voice low but steady. "Do you have any idea where your family might be? A ce they might go to for safety?" Iris blinked her big eyes as she pondered and hesitated, her eyes distant as she thought. "They might have gone to the old house on the outskirts near the Verdant River," she said finally. "It''s a bit secluded, and we always considered it a safe ce." Ethan nodded. "We''ll start from there, then. Stay close to me. Iris nodded and stepped closer, feeling secured by his presence. She looked at him gratefully and continued on their journey. Ethan and Iris set off towards the outskirts of the city, heading in the direction of the Verdant River. As they navigated the broken streets, Ethan kept his senses alert, guiding Iris through the deste terrain. After a while, they encountered a ferocious beast called Shadowfang Wolf. The Shadowfang Wolf emerged from the shadows of a crumbling building, its eyes glowing with a predatory hunger. Standing slightly taller than Ethan and Iris, its dark, ck fur bristled with menace, and its razor-sharp fangs gleamed as it snarled, revealing a mouth full of deadly teeth. The beast''s powerful muscles rippled beneath its fur, and its movements were both graceful and intimidating, like a dark wraith prowling through the ruins. Ethan instinctively moved in front of Iris, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. [ Appraisal ] [Shadowfang Wolf ] [ Power Level: 17 ] [ Health: 1,000 ] [ Abilities: ] [ Shadow Step: Allows the wolf to move swiftly through shadows, bing nearly invisible and reappearing at will.] [ Razor ws: Enhanced ws that can slice through most materials with ease.] [ Regeneration: The wolf can heal minor wounds rapidly, making it difficult to wear down in prolongedbat.] Despite its impressive abilities Ethan was unmoved, clearly confident in his abilities. As the wolf lunged at him, he casually swung his sword, severing the wolf''s head cleanly with swift motion. While Iris sighed in relief, Ethan approached the dead body and used Skill Absorption, finding its abilities interesting. [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new active skill: Shadow Step (E).] [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new active skill: Razor ws (E).] [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new passive skill: Health Regeneration (E).] --- "Let''s continue, Iris." After a little bit of walking and sprinting, the duo neared the Verdant River bank, their breaths steady and their senses alert. The sound of the flowing water grew louder with each step, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. As they moved forward, following Iris''s direction, a small wooden house gradually came into view. The structure was modest, nestled between the trees and partially hidden by the overgrown vegetation that had begun to reim the area. It looked worn by time, with patches of moss clinging to the wooden nks, but it was still standing¡ªa beacon of hope amidst the devastation. Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Finding Iriss Family Iris''s eyes lit up with excitement as she spotted the old house, recognizing it instantly. Her heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and relief, seeing that it waspletely intact despite the chaos that had befallen the surrounding area. The duo picked up their pace, their footsteps quickening as they approached the house. The closer they got, the more Iris''s emotions swirled inside her. She had been so worried about what they might find¡ªor not find¡ªbut now, standing just a few steps from the door, she allowed herself a glimmer of hope. They arrived at the front door, which was shut tight from the inside. Iris hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the wood as a flood of memories and fears rushed through her. What if they weren''t inside? What if something had happened to them? Her heart felt like it was stuck in her throat, pounding with anticipation and fear. But she forced herself to move, to act, to find out the truth that waited just beyond the door. "Knock! Knock!" Iris rapped on the door, trying to calm her racing nerves. The sound echoed in the stillness of the moment, each knock a plea for an answer, for reassurance. For a moment, there was silence. Then, slowly, the door creaked open just a crack, enough to reveal the small head of a child peeking out cautiously. The little girl''s eyes, wide with apprehension, scanned the surroundings before theynded on Iris. "Iris sister!" the girl eximed, flinging the door wide open and rushing forward to embrace her. Iris knelt down, tears of relief welling up in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around the child. "Luna, you''re safe!" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Ethan stood back, giving them a moment as Iris held her sister tightly. He could feel the tension in the air dissolve, reced by the warmth of a long-awaited reunion. "Luna, where are the others? Are Mom and Dad inside?" Iris asked gently, pulling back just enough to look at her sister''s face. Luna nodded quickly, wiping away her own tears with the back of her hand. "Yes, they''re all here. We were so scared when everything started happening, but we stayed together like you said we should. Mom and Dad didn''t want to leave the house because it felt safe here." Iris let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. "Thank the stars," she murmured, standing up and taking Luna''s hand. "Let''s go inside. I want to see them." Luna led the way, pulling Iris into the house. As they entered, Ethan followed behind, his eyes scanning the small but sturdy wooden structure. The interior was simple, with a few pieces of well-worn furniture and a fire crackling in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. Iris''s parents were seated by the fire, their old wrinkly faces lined with worry and exhaustion. But as soon as they saw Iris, their expressions shifted to disbelief, then overwhelming relief. "Iris!" her mother cried oit, rushing forward to embrace her daughter. Her father followed closely behind, wrapping them both in his arms. It was a scene of love and reunion that tugged at Ethan''s heartstrings, reminding him of hisck of own family to return to. Then, Emily and Innkeeper Geeta''s face came to his mind, reminding him that he should find them soon. For a few moments, the room was filled with the sound of happy tears and whispered reassurances. Ethan stood quietly near the door, watching the scene unfold with a gentle smile. After a while, Iris pulled back slightly, looking around at her family. "I was so worried about you all," she said, her voice still thick with emotion. "But I knew you''d be safe here." Her father, a 45 years hunchbacked old man, nodded, his hand resting on her shoulder. Despite being at their forties, their hair turned grey and face wrinkled due to poverty and tension for their daughter''s safety all day long. "Daughter, we didn''t know what to do at first, but staying here seemed like the best option. We''ve been waiting and hoping that you''de back to us." Iris nced back at Ethan, who gave her an encouraging nod. She turned back to her family and said, "Mom, Dad, This is Ethan. He''s been helping me search for you. I wouldn''t have made it here without him." Her parents looked over at Ethan, gratitude shining in their eyes. "Thank you, Child," her mother said softly. "Thank you for bringing our daughter back to us." Ethan shook his head modestly. "I''m just d I could help. Iris is strong, and she was determined to find you. I just tagged along." he said this to reassure them further. Luna, who had been clinging to Iris''s side, looked up at Ethan with wide eyes. "Are you a hero, Mister?" she asked innocently. Ethan chuckled, kneeling down to meet Luna''s gaze. "I don''t know about that," he said with a grin. "But I''m here to help, just like your sister." Luna smiled brightly, her earlier fearpletely gone. "But, You''re a hero to me," she dered, earning a softugh from everyone in the room. "Haha.." As the warmth of the reunion settled over them, Ethan stood up and addressed Iris''s parents. "Uncle and aunt, I think you shouldn''t stay here any longer. This ce is also not safe anymore. We have encountered a ferocious beast on the way here. Moreover, the city walls have also copsed. We need take you to the main district to Safety." Iris''s father nodded solemnly. "You''re right, son. We''ve heard the sounds of battles in the distance. We knew It''s not safe here for long. But, we wanted to wait a little more for Iris to arrive." (AN: Here ''son'' indicates an affectionate address) Ethan''s eyes met Iris''s, and she gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything." Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "Let''s take a moment to rest, then we''ll make our move." The atmosphere inside the small house was one of relief and gratitude, the kind that onlyes after surviving a harrowing ordeal. As Iris''s family settled back into the warmth of their home, the tension that had been weighing on them for days began to lift. The fire''s gentle crackling filled the room, providing a soothing backdrop to the reunion. Iris''s mother began preparing a simple meal, her hands moving with practiced ease as she worked. The aroma of warm broth and freshly baked bread soon wafted through the air, adding to the feeling offort that now permeated the house. Ethan watched the scene unfold with a soft smile. He was d to see Iris with her family again, safe and sound. But his thoughts couldn''t help but drift back to his own closed Ones. The faces of Emily and Innkeeper Greta shed in his mind, reminding him of the connections he had formed in this new world. "Should he head there alone? But, what about Iris''s family?" He sighed and decided to wait a little before departing with her family as soon as possible. As they sat down to eat, Iris''s father, now moreposed, turned to Ethan with a serious expression. "Son, you''ve done more for us than we can ever repay. But I have to ask¡ªwhat''s happening out there? The sounds we''ve heard, the tremors¡­ It felt like the world wasing apart." Ethan took a deep breath, considering how much to reveal. He didn''t want to rm them more than necessary, but they deserved the truth. "Uncle, The city has been under attack by a beast rampage," he began, choosing his words carefully. "Ferocious Beasts, the likes of which most people have never seen, have breached the walls. The situation is dire, but there are still ces of safety. The main district is one of them, and that''s where we need to go." Iris''s mother looked worried, her hands pausing over the food she was serving. "And, will we be safe there?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Ethan met her gaze with calm reassurance. "Aunty, It''s safer than staying here. The main district should be fortified, and many people are gathering there for protection. We need to move soon, while we still have a clear path. On the other hand, Iris hurriedly began to pack their belongings with the help of her little sister Luna. Iris''s father nodded in agreement, his face full of urgency. "Alright, son, We''ll go as soon as we''re prepared. We can''t afford to wait any longer. You might also have a family to take care of." Her father already heard about their exploit in the dungeon and his daughter''s progress, and how Ethan directly came here to help them first, without caring about anything else. Her father was just a ordinary farmer, not having talent to awaken his system, unfortunately. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have to rely on others save them. But, what could they do? Fate had made a cruel joke out of them. Even their firstborn son had died in an unfortunate ident at the tender age of 16, leaving them solely rely on their daughter for the living." Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Settling Them In As they stepped outside, thete afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, mingled with the faint hint of smoke¡ªa reminder that the peaceful moment they had just shared inside was only a brief reprieve from the chaos outside. Ethan, sensing the urgency of their situation, quickly conjured a carriage using his Earth Maniption Skill. With a few practiced gestures, he crafted a vehicle sturdy enough tofortably seat five people. Iris''s parents and Luna stared in awe at the sudden appearance of the carriage before them, their eyes wide with wonder. "This will take us to safety," she said, helping them climb on top. "Ethan had created it so we can move quickly and avoid any danger." The family of four quickly settled into the back seats, though Luna couldn''t help but grumble as she squirmed on the hard, rocky texture. "It''s so ufortable," sheined, trying to find a softer spot while moving her small butt. Ethan, hearing her, nced back with a light-hearted smile. "Sorry about that, Luna. I can''t exactly create soft mattresses out here, can I? But I promise it''s better than walking on foot." Luna pouted for a moment but eventually settled in, understanding the necessity of their situation. Her parents exchanged a grateful look with Ethan, silently thanking him for his quick thinking and resourcefulness. Once everyone was secure, Ethan focused on the path ahead. With a deep breath, he channeled his Earth elemetal energy to push it once again. As the carriage sped, thendscape around them shifted, the shadows deepening as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Along the way, they encountered various fierce beasts, creatures that prowled the forest in search of prey. But each time, Ethan skillfully avoided them, elerating the carriage with a surge of Mana, the vehicle responding instantly to his will. The carriage sped through the rough terrain, the tires, formed frompressed earth, started rolling over rocks and roots with ease. Ethan''s focus remained sharp, his senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger. He knew that he couldn''t underestimate the fierce beasts, because among them there could be high level beast as well. If that happens, he would struggle to face it head-on while trying to protect them. Themotion could even attract more beasts to their location. So, it''s best to avoid them whenever possible. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they began to see signs of civilization¡ªthe emergency walls of the main district where they could find shelter from the dangers. Atop the walls, a few guard posts were strategically ced for security. Even the slightest hint of danger would prompt them to alert the entire city immediately. As an unfamiliar Weird carriage approached the entrance, one of the guards cast a curious nce. Feeling a bit uneasy, he nudged hispanion. "Hey, George, look at that!" "What is it?" George turned to see what had caught his fellow guard''s attention. They both watched as severalmoners stepped out of the Carriage, which promptly dissolved into the ground. Ethan and the others gathered their belongings and made their way toward the gate. "Halt!" George''s voice rang out from the top of the wall, firm andmanding. Instantly, everyone froze in their tracks just before the imposing metal gate. Sensing their wariness, Ethan quickly spoke up. "Peace! We''re just seeking shelter, nothing more." The two guards seemed rxed and asked, "If you seek refuge, then show some credentials of your identity." They said to cast away their suspicions. They heard rumours that some high ranking demons could even disguise themselves as humans nowadays, which made them extra alert. Ethan and Iris quickly showed their hunter badges as credentials and the guards examined them by using a device that could detect if it true or false. They found the badges real, both of them are original E-Rank hunters. "Alright, you may enter. Your strength maybe be needed in the near future." They opened the gate letting them enter inside. As soon as they crossed the gate, they saw various shelter camps in the distance. They continued forward, realising that was their destination next. As they arrived at the campsite, they were greeted with a bustling scene. The camp sprawled out before them, a patchwork of tents and makeshift shelters that housed thousands of refugees. The atmosphere was crowded with the murmur of voices, a low hum of despair and hope mingled together as people sought refuge from the chaos that had upended their lives. The camp was enormous, with rows upon rows of tents neatly arranged in columns. Some wererge enough to amodate entire families, while others were small, barely providing enough space for a single person. The tents varied in color and material, some made of sturdy canvas while others appeared to be hastily constructed from tarps and nkets. Ethan led Iris, her parents, and Luna through the camp, their steps slow as they took in the sight before them. They passed by clusters of people huddled together, some tending to the injured while others prepared simple meals over open fires. The scent of burning wood and cooking food filled the air, mingling with the faint tang of sweat and fear. Children ran about, their faces streaked with dirt, theirughter a rare sound in the midst of the somber atmosphere. Some yed games with rugged toys, while others clung to their parents, their eyes wide with confusion and worry. The refugees were a diverse group: farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and even a few nobles who had fled the safety of their manors. All had been brought low by the same catastrophe, and now they shared this temporary home, united by their struggle to survive. A group of officials in uniforms moved through the camp, apanied by knights d in armor. They walked in pairs or small groups, their eyes watchful as they ensured order was maintained. asionally, they stopped to speak with a refugee or to offer assistance, their presence a smallfort in an otherwise uncertain times. Ethan noticed the weariness etched into the faces of the officials and knights. They had been working tirelessly to maintain order, to provide for the thousands of people who had suddenly found themselves homeless and vulnerable. It was a monumental task, and despite their best efforts, the strain was beginning to show. Iris''s parents and Luna stayed close to Ethan and Iris, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension. They had never seen so many people gathered in one ce, nor had they ever witnessed such arge-scale relief effort. The reality of their situation was sinking in, and it was clear that they were struggling toe to terms with it. As they walked, a knight approached them, his armor clinking softly with each step. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and a serious expression, his helmet tucked under one arm. His gaze swept over the group, lingering briefly on Ethan and Iris. "Wee to the camp," he said, his voice calm and authoritative. "I''m Sir Gerald, one of the knights in charge of security here. If you''re seeking shelter, I can direct you to an avable tent." Ethan nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Sir Gerald. We could use a ce to rest. We have elderly and a children with us." The knight gestured for them to follow him. "This way, please. I''ll take you to a quieter area where you can settle in." As they followed Sir Gerald through the camp, Ethan couldn''t help but notice how organized everything seemed, despite the sheer number of people. The knights and officials had clearly put a lot of effort into ensuring that everyone had what they needed, though it was evident that resources were stretched thin. "Sir Gerald, may I ask about the casualties?" Ethan asked cautiously. Sir Gerald answered without hesitation, "Till now we have lost nearly 10,000 human from themoner district and 500 from the noble district. We were caught off guard by their sudden assault, otherwise we could have reduce the casualties a lot. "Nevertheless, we managed drive them away from the city, however our territory have been shortened greatly. They are still tens of thousands of Fierce beasts gathered outside the walls, their intention clear. They''re going attack again after the night fall. It''s all because of those abominable demons. Many unfortunate souls have died in mere moments. May the creation god bless them." "Ethan grew worried as he noted that the city''s poption was only about 200,000, and already 10,500 had died. "Are Aunt Greta and Emily alright?" he wondered, worryingly. Although their inn was situated nearby, he felt the need to go and find out for himself. Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Parasites of Humanity They passed by an emergency infirmary where healers and medics worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded and sick. The tent wasrge, with rows of cots upied by people in various states of distress. Some groaned in pain, while othersy motionless, their eyes closed as they fought off fever or exhaustion. Iris nced at the infirmary, her expression filled with concern. "There are so many people in need of treatment," she murmured. "It''s heartbreaking to see them like this." "You can help themter on, Iris. Right now, you need to get your family settled in, and then we can focus on everything else," Ethan said calming her nerves. He understood her mentality a little. Sir Gerald led them to a quieter section of the camp, with fewer tents and a bit more space. The area was near the edge of the camp, where the forest began to encroach on the makeshift settlement. It was still within the camp''s perimeter, but the trees offered a sense of seclusion and calm. "This should suit your needs, young man," Sir Gerald said, pointing to an empty tent. "It''s not much, but it''s safe, and you''ll have some privacy here." Ethan nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Gerald. This is perfect." The knight inclined his head. "If you need anything, don''t hesitate to ask. The officials are making rounds to distribute food and supplies, so someone will be by shortly." With that, Sir Gerald turned and left. After settling them inside, Ethan turned to leave, but Iris called out from behind. Ethan looked at her curiously, wondering what he might have missed. "Ethan, I told you about my boyfriend, right? I didn''t see him anywhere. Can you find him if possible?" Iris asked hesitantly. Ethan sighed. "Alright. What''s his name again?" "His name is Allen. He''s a bit tanned and also amoner like me. I''m worried about him. You''re going to the central area, right? If you recognize anyone by that name there, please tell him toe here. I''ll try my best to find him here." Although it was uncertain if her boyfriend was alive or not, she forced herself to remain positive. Ethan nodded in understanding. He cast a sympathetic nce at Iris, assuming she was holding onto a fragile hope. --- Ethan sprinted through the devastated streets, his heart pounding with fear and urgency as he headed toward Innkeeper Greta''s inn. He prayed inwardly, hoping against hope that they were safe. As he passed through the remnants of the hunter''s resource market, he could barely recognize the once-bustling area. Buildingsy in ruins, reduced to charred stone and splintered wood. The aftermath of the beast rampage was catastrophic¡ªa clear reminder of the destruction brought by the rampaging beasts. The atmosphere was filled with despair. The familiar faces of shop owners and vendors, once lively and weing, were now twisted with grief. They stood amid the wreckage, crying over their shattered livelihoods, their faces etched with the hopelessness of the dark days ahead. Their eyes held a vacant, hollow look, as if their very souls had been crushed beneath the weight of the catastrophe. When Ethan finally reached the site of the inn, his worst fears were realized. The small, cozy inn that had once been a sanctuary for weary travelers was now nothing more than a pile of splintered wood and scattered debris. "Was hete already?" The warm glow of the hearth, theforting smell of freshly baked bread, the friendly chatter¡ªall of it was gone. The inn had been utterly obliterated, reduced to a heap of rubble that seemed to mock the hope he had clung to. Frantically, Ethan scanned the surroundings, his eyes darting from one pile of debris to the next. His heart raced as he searched for any sign of Emily and her mother. Each second felt like an eternity, the fear gnawing at him with relentless intensity. He tried to push away the terrifying thought that they might have been buried beneath the ruins, but it loomed over him like a dark shadow. And then, finally, he saw them. At a distance, from the devastation, Emily and her mother were huddled together. But something was terribly wrong. Even from afar, Ethan could sense the danger they were in. His heart sank as he took in the scene. A group of menacing figures surrounding them, their intentions clear from the lecherous grins stered on their faces. A Few Minutes Earlier¡­ "Please, Let go of my mother!" Emily''s voice was hoarse from screaming, but she continued to struggle, trying desperately to free her mother from the clutches of a man with a stone-like grip on her arm. Emily, though young and fragile, fought with every ounce of strength she had. But against therge, muscr thugs, her efforts were futile. Her small hands pped at the man''s arm, but it was like striking a stone wall. Tears streamed down her face, her voice breaking with despair as she pleaded for her mother''s release. Surrounding them were a group of hooligans, their faces twisted with sadistic glee as they watched the girl''s futile struggle. They were scums, reveling in the fear and helplessness of the innocent people, even in these tough times. "Haha, let go of such a juicy meat? We''re definitely going to enjoy her tonight," the leader of the group jeered, his voice dripping with lewdness. His eyes roamed over Innkeeper Greta''s unconscious body, lingering on her voluptuous figure. Shey motionless, blood pooling beneath her where her right arm had been severed at the shoulder, the wound still fresh and seeping. The man''s underlings chuckled darkly, their eyes glinting with perverse anticipation as they envisioned the night''s horrific ns in bed. The stench of alcohol and sweat clung to them, mixing with the iron scent of blood in the air. "Yes, boss. Let''s move quickly. If other city officials see us, we''ll be in big trouble. Even bribes might not save us then," one of the underlings warned cautiously, ncing around nervously. "Hmph, let theme. I''m not afraid of them," the leader spat, arrogance seeping from every cell. "First, get this stupid child out of my sight. Kill her or whatever, just get it done." "Okay, Boss!" The thugs grinned wickedly, one of them stepping forward and grabbing Emily by her hair. He yanked her up roughly, lifting her small body off the ground as she screamed in agony. "Ahh¡­!" Emily''s cry was a piercing wail of pain, the sensation of her hair being torn from her scalp was unbearable. "Let go¡­" Her voice was strained, her throat raw from screaming. But her words were cut off as another thug wrapped his hand around her throat, squeezing tightly. Her breath hitched, her vision blurring as the pressure increased. She wed at his hand, her small fingers struggling to pry it away, but her strength was fading fast. As the world around her began to dim, Emily''s thoughts drifted to the one person she had always believed would protect her¡ªEthan. "Big brother, where are you? Ethan''s timing could not have been more critical. The moment he arrived at the scene, his heart turned to ice. He saw Emily dangling helplessly, her life hanging by a thread as the thug''s grip tightened around her throat. His blood boiled with rage as he witnessed the depths of cruelty these so-called humans could sink to. They were worse than demons, the parasites of humanity. Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Clearing The Parasites Ethan''s eyes shed with a dangerous light as he activated [Shadow Step], his form blurring as he appeared beside the thug in an instant. Startled by the sudden interference, the hooligans fumbled for their weapons, but Ethan was already moving with lethal precision. His only focus was on saving the little girl. The thug holding Emily barely had time to react before Ethan''s hand transformed into deadly ws, a result of his Razor ws skill. His fingers elongated into sharp, gleaming des, resembling the talons of a ferocious wolf. "sh!" With a swift, decisive motion, Ethan severed the thug''s hand at the wrist. Blood spurted from the wound as the severed hand fell to the ground, freeing Emily from its deadly grip. As Emily began to fall, Ethan caught her gently with his left hand, cradling her against his chest. "Ahh¡­ my hand, my hand!" The thug screamed in horror, clutching the bloody stump where his hand used to be. "Too noisy!" Ethan''s voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. With another few casual strikes of his ws, he sliced through the thug''s body with ease, the de-like ws tearing through flesh and bone as if they were paper. The thug''s body crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap, his guttural roars silenced forever. The remaining thugs recoiled in fear, their faces draining of color as they stared at Ethan in horror. To them, he wasn''t human¡ªhe was a monster, a force of nature that had descended upon them with the fury of a thousand storms. The leader, who had been so confident moments ago, felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. His hands trembled as he instinctively released Innkeeper Greta, taking a cautious step back. Emily slowly opened her eyes, blinking as she found herself in Ethan''s protective embrace. "Big brother, you''re finally here¡­ I knew you would keep your promise. Please, save my mother," she whispered, her voice weak but filled with trust and hope. Ethan looked down at her, a gentle smile breaking through the cold mask he had worn. "Don''t worry, Emily. Everything will be alright. I''m sorry I took so long." The thought of what could have happened if he had been even a secondter sent a chill down his spine. He gently set Emily down beside her mother, cing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay here for a moment, Emily. I''ll take care of these scums first." Emily nodded, her gaze fixed on her mother''s pale, unconscious face, worry etched in her young features. Ethan turned his attention back to the remaining hooligans, his expression hardening as he drew his sword from its scabbard. Each step he took toward them echoed like a death knell in the silent evening, filling the air with a sense of impending doom. The leader''s heart pounded wildly in his chest, the sound of his own fear drowning out all else as Ethan closed the distance. The leader studied the young man before him, noting the intensity in his eyes and the deadly calm in his demeanor. Despite Ethan''s youth, the leader felt an overwhelming sense of danger radiating from him, a threat that was impossible to ignore. As the leader scrutinized Ethan''s features, something clicked in his mind¡ªa sh of recognition. His eyes widened in shock as he realized who he was facing. "Y-you? Why are you here? Shouldn''t you be in jail?" The leader''s voice quivered with disbelief as he finally remembered the boy he had encountered before the Fire Toad''s dungeon nearly a week ago. Ethan''s gaze narrowed as he looked at the leader''s face and then at his prosthetic right arm. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning¡ªthis was the same man who had led the group of thugs, the one who had tried to steal his sword and his locket. The memory of that encounter sent a chill through Ethan, and his resolve hardened. This time, he would not show any mercy. The underlings exchanged uneasy nces, sensing the tension in their leader''s voice and the palpable hostility radiating from Ethan. Unlike their leader, they had no personal history with this young man, but they could see the fear in their leader''s eyes, and it made them nervous. They weren''t the same underlings who had been with the leader during the previous encounter; those men had abandoned him, unwilling to risk their lives for a man who seemed to attract danger like a ma. But the leader, driven by pride and a thirst for revenge, had not learned his lesson. He had even bribed some officials to send Ethan to prison forever. However he didn''t know all of his efforts had turned into vain long ago. As Ethan continued his slow approach, the leader took an involuntary step back, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Ethan''s silent fury. The realization that he was facing the same boy he had underestimated before, now stronger and more determined than ever, filled him with dread. He knew in that moment that there would be no escape. He turned to his subordinates and barked, "What are you waiting for?Go Kill him, or we''ll all be dead!" But his men were no fools. They exchanged nervous nces before turning to flee for their lives. However, Ethan couldn''t let them escape. He knew if they were spared, they would do this heinous acts once again. In an instant, he activated [Shadow Step] repeatedly, swiftly decapitating them one by one. The leader of the group was paralyzed with fear. The thug leader''s mind raced as he watched Ethan effortlessly cut down his men. "How... How is he so strong? Just a week ago, he was nothing more than an F-Rank hunter, and now... he''s ughtered my men like they were nothing, and they were nearly D-Rank!" Despite being a D-Rank himself, the leader found it impossible to track Ethan''s eerie, swift movements. "D-Don''te any closer! You demon... You must be using some kind of dark arts. I-I warn you, if you step any closer, I''ll call the Knights!" But Ethan remained unfazed by the desperate threats. In a blink, he was beside the leader, his presence like a looming shadow. Goosebumps crawled over the thug leader''s skin, his instincts screaming at him to act. Fueled by adrenaline and sheer terror, he gripped his sword and swung it down at Ethan with a manic grin. "Die, demon... Die... Hahaha!" His crazedughter echoed in the silent evening, until it was abruptly cut off. In the span of a heartbeat, Ethan''s de shed, and the leader''s body was severed cleanly at the waist. As his vision dimmed, the manic grin faded, reced by the haunting realization of his sins. He saw the faces of the innocents he had tormented¡ªchildren, the elderly, young girls¡ªall shing before him as he fell into the abyss, the gates of hell weing him to an eternity of torment and repentance. Ethan looked at the dead body without a trace of remorse. Instead, his mind weighed the decision of whether to use Skill Absorption. He decided to use it atst and what he got left him disappointed, but it was as expected of such a trashy person. He got some basic sword skill and physical enhancement Skill which he assimted using synthesis to make progress with the skill levels. His expression twisted with disgust as he turned away, walking toward Emily and her mother. When Ethan reached them, his gaze softened as it fell on Innkeeper Greta. Her severed army lifeless, the same arm that had once provided warmth andfort to those she loved. Deep, angry p marks marred her aged face, telling a silent story of brutality. Emily, standing beside him, stared at the scene, her tears falling silently as she processed the horror before her. With a heavy heart, Ethan turned to Emily and asked, "Did those thugs do this too?" He was talking about the severed arm. From Its look, it didn''t seem so. Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Call For Emergency Emily shook her tiny head, her voice trembling as she spoke. "No, big brother. My mother''s arm was cut off by a big monster. She... she tried to protect me, and she became like this... It''s all my fault." Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the terrifying moment. She sobbed quietly, continuing, "Fortunately, there was a powerful guest at our inn who saved us from that monster. But after he left, we encountered these bad people." Her voice quivered with fear and anger. "They stole all our hard-earned coins, and then they tried to do bad things to my mother." Ethan nodded, his expression filled with sympathy as he looked at the mother-daughter duo. They had endured so much pain and suffering. As he listened to Emily''s words, a pang of guilt stirred within him, a gnawing regret for not being able to protect them in time. "If only he was present at their time of need." He knew that he couldn''t change what had happened, but he could make sure they were safe from now on. "I''m sorry I wasn''t here sooner," Ethan said softly, his voice filled with resolve. "But I promise you, no one will hurt you again." Emily felt the sincerity in Ethan''s words, and her trembling began to subside. With a hesitant nod, she left his embrace and hurried over to her mother, checking her condition with anxious hands. Ethan stood in the midst of the carnage, his cold gaze sweeping over the lifeless bodies of the thugs. After a moment, he knelt down and quickly collected the coins they had stolen from Emily and her mother. Without wasting any time, he lifted Innkeeper Greta''s injured form and, with a sense of urgency, carried them both back to the campsite, determined to get Greta the help she needed as soon as possible. As soon as they entered the tent, Iris looked up, her eyes widening with concern. "Ethan, who are they?" Ethan gentlyid Innkeeper Greta down on an emergency bed and let out a weary sigh. "They''re the closest people I have in this world," he replied, his voice heavy with concern. He then quickly recounted the incident, exining who they were and how Innkeeper Greta had gotten injured. Meanwhile, Emily and Luna, noticing that they were around the same age, began to bond. Luna offered Emily some food and tried to cheer her up, easing the tension in the air. Ethan turned to Iris, his expression serious. "Can you use your healing skill on her wound? I''ve already given her some healing potions, but they don''t seem to be working." Iris nodded and quickly began to examine the injury, focusing on the torn flesh on Greta''s shoulder. As she inspected the wound, she noticed dark remnants of an ominous aura clinging to the injury. Despite her uncertainty, Iris cast [Rapid Heal] repeatedly, but the wound refused to close, the dark aura resisting her efforts. With a sigh, Iris looked up at Ethan, concern etched in her features. "Ethan, it looks like her wound has been inflicted by a demonic aura. Healing potions and regr healing magic won''t work. We''ll need to find some holy water to cleanse the wound." Ethan''s brow furrowed. "Holy water?" Iris nodded, exining, "Yes, holy water has purifying properties that can cleanse demonic energy. Without it, the wound will continue to fester, no matter how much healing skill we use." "You can find holy water in churches, though it''s usually quite pricey," Iris exined, her tone serious. "I see..." Ethan nodded, deep in thought, "Now where is this church?" "Purifying demonic energy... Purify... Holy!" Suddenly, a realization struck him like lightning. He remembered that his Holy Dragonian Sword had a simr ability. He quickly unsheathed the sword, recalling its unique power: Holy Purge¡ªan ability that emitted a burst of holy energy capable of purifying and damaging undead and demonic entities, while also healing the wielder slightly. Ethan''s eyes lit up with hope as he read the description carefully. "Yes, there it is," he muttered, a hint of excitement in his voice. Without hesitation, he activated Holy Purge, directing the purifying energy toward the dark remnants clinging to Greta''s wound. Seeing Ethan draw his sword and carefully ce its tip near Greta''s injured shoulder, Iris''s eyes widened in rm. "Ethan, what are you doing?!" she eximed, her voice tinged with panic. But her words caught in her throat as she witnessed what happened next. A soft, radiant light began to emanate from the sword, enveloping the wound in a warm, golden glow. The dark, ominous aura that had been resisting their efforts started to dissipate, burning away like shadows in the face of the morning sun. Iris watched in astonishment as the wound on Greta''s shoulder began to heal before her eyes. The torn flesh knitted itself back together, the purifying energy not only banishing the demonic taint but also elerating the healing process. The once stubborn wound now closed, leaving behind only a faint scar where the dark energy had been. Ethan let out a relieved breath as he sheathed his sword. "It worked," he murmured, a small smile of satisfaction crossing his face. Iris stood there, speechless, as the realization of what had just happened sank in. She had known Ethan was strong, but this... this was something else entirely. "What kind of sword is this?" Emily and the others watched the scene unfold, their curiosity evident, while Emily let out a breath of relief. "Big brother, can my mother''s arm never grow back again?" she asked, her young face etched with worry. Ethan smiled reassuringly and said, "Of course! Your mother just needs a health restoration potion, and she''ll be as good as new in seconds." Emily blinked in surprise. "A health restoration potion? I''ve heard they''re really expensive. We could never afford one in our lifetime. Where will we find all that money?" She quickly fumbled through their backpacks, taking out the small pouch of coins Ethan had recovered from the thugs. "Here, big brother. This might not be much, but it will help a little, at least." She offered the coins without a moment''s hesitation, fully aware that it was all they had left. Ethan felt a warm sense of gratitude, knowing he didn''t help anyone ungrateful or selfish people. He gently ced a hand on her shoulder and said, "You don''t need to do that, sweetie. I''ll take care of it. You don''t need to worry about the money. Now, why don''t you get some rest? You have dark circles under your eyes. Please rx; your mother is going to be just fine." Emily hesitated for a moment but then nodded, her trust in Ethan clear. She returned to her mother''s side,forted by his words, and finally allowed herself to close her eyes, the weight of the day''s events lifting slightly as she drifted into sleep. "Emergency! Emergency! Calling all hunters for help at the frontline. This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill! A beast rampage has broken through the outer defenses. All avable hunters are to report to the frontlines immediately. Civilians are advised to seek shelter immediately. This is a high-level threat!" As Ethan reassured Emily, the campsite was suddenly filled with the distant but unmistakable sound of an emergency call. The horns red through the air, echoing across the city, signaling another beast rampage. The city''s hunters were being called to assist, and the urgency in the air was undeniable. The message repeated itself, the desperation in the announcer''s voice clear. Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Battle Of Survival Ethan''s eyes narrowed as he listened intently. He knew that such a call meant the situation was dire, and time was of the essence.. He decided to go and check the situation for himself. What if the beasts breaks in and threaten their Safety once again? "Iris, I should go and check the situation," Ethan said, his voice calm and measured. He nced at Iris and the others. "You should stay here and watch over them. Iris started to protest, concern etched on her face. "No Ethan, you shouldn''t go alone. Let me..." But Ethan shook his head firmly. "No, it''s better if I go alone. I can move faster on my own, and there''s no time to waste. If this is as bad as it sounds, we''ll need to move out of form here quickly as possible." Ethan''s determination to protect those he cared for pushed him to act quickly. As he made his way toward the source of the emergency, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him. The possibility of the beasts breaking through and threatening the safety of hispanions and the people in the city spurred him on. Iris, left behind, was conflicted. Watching Ethan disappear into the distance, her thoughts drifted to her own aspirations. She had always dreamed of bing a Saintess, inspired by the legendary Radiant Saintess Lumenaria¡ªa goddess of beauty and grace. But now, doubt crept into her heart. Was she truly on the right path? Could she be of more help if she focused on something else? As the evening sky dimmed, Iris pondered her future, wondering if she could ever reach the heights of her idol or if her current path would lead her to the same greatness. Ethan hurried toward the source of the announcement, weaving through a crowd of hunters who were also heading in the same direction. The group was diverse,posed of people from all walks of life. Some were young like him, eager and determined. Others were middle-aged men and women, seasoned by years of experience. Finally, there were the elderly veteran hunters, their faces lined with the scars of countless battles. Despite their differences, they all shared the same purpose¡ªto protect the city with everything they had. In moments of extreme danger, personal differences faded away, reced by a unified mindset and spirit. Each hunter was ready to sacrifice their life to ensure the safety of their loved ones. As Ethan pushed forward, a familiar voice cut through the noise. "Hey, Ethan, slow down a bit." He stopped and turned, scanning the bustling environment. He soon spotted Cedric, Yona, and Marcus approaching from behind, their steps hurried, their faces a mix of worry, anxiety, and determination. Ethan furrowed his brows as they caught up. "You guys?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice. "Don''t tell me you''re nning to join as well? What are you doing here? Don''t you have family at home? It''s going to be incredibly dangerous out there." He eyed their gear, noting how prepared they seemed. The ferocious beasts they were about to face were unlike anything from the dungeons, which were designed to train humans for the real threats outside. These beasts were in a league of their own¡ªunpredictable, powerful, and armed with abilities no one fully understood. ording to thetest information, there were tens of thousands of them. Not even Ethan was certain if he could handle theing battle, so seeing his friends ready to join took him by surprise. Cedric, who usually wore a carefree expression, looked at Ethan with a seriousness that was rare. "We know the risks, Ethan," he said firmly. "But we''re not just going sit alone, while you fight alone. We knew you would surely join in this, that''s why we came." "Don''t worry, Our families are at the camp, and that''s exactly why we''re here. We have to do everything we can to protect them." Yona nodded, her usual calm demeanor reced by a steely resolve. "Ethan, besides that we are also here to take revenge for Marcus." She said while eyeing Marcus, who seemed really angry and frustrated for some reason. Ethan brows furrowed. "Revenge for Marcus? What happened? Did something happened to his family?" Cedric replied shaking his head, "No, It''s actually.. How should I say it.. His girlfriend had died at hand of the beasts. It was really brutal." He whispered slowly to Ethan in low voices. "His girlfriend died? How unfortunate!" Feeling sympathetic, Ethan sighed and patted on Marcus''s shoulder. "Marcus, I know your rage is justifiable, but you need to stay calm. Don''t get your hate consume you," Ethan advised. It sounded so hypocriticaling from someone''s mouth who couldn''t control his own emotions in rage. Marcus looked at Ethan despairingly. "H-How Ethan? How can stay calm? They took my everything from me. She was the light of my life. Herughter still echoes through my ears." Marcus''s eyes turnes red while remembering the the past. "How can I forget her warmth? Thest time I saw her, she was so happy and cheerful, but now..." Marcus''s tears began to fall like a dam being broken. "I am going to kill all of them!" He said fiercely, as he wiped his teardrops that was about fall on the ground. "Ethan, are you not going to help me?" "Sigh..!" Exasperated, Ethan replied, "Of course, why not? All of us wants to do the same. But, you need to calm down." Ethan recalled the kind Innkeeper Greta''s severed arm, and resolved himself to kill those fierce beasts ¡ª especially the demons who were behind this attacks. Afterward, they quickly resumed their pace and reached the frontline within minutes. As they approached, they were met with a formidable sight: rows upon rows of knights, archers, and hunters, each organized by their rank and ready for battle. The air was thick with anticipation, and everybatant''s weapon was at the ready, their eyes locked on the horizon where the enemy would soon appear. The army was arranged into three distinct defense lines, each reflecting thebatants'' skill level and experience. At the forefront stood the S and A-Rank powerhouses, forming the first line of defense. These were the most powerful beings, known for their exceptional strength and battle prowess. At the front stood the sole S-Rank powerhouse of Arcadia City, Longus Emberion, the city lord. His imposing figuremanded immediate respect and attention. Beside him were the representatives of the five great noble ns¡ªn leaders and esteemed elders¡ªeach adorned in their n''s regalia, signifying their high status and authority. Among them were also several notable A-Rank powerhouses, distinguished individuals who, although not affiliated with any noble n, had earned their ce through extraordinary achievements and formidable prowess. This elite assembly formed the foremost line of defense, embodying the pinnacle of strength and leadership in the city. Their position at the front was no ident; they were there to take on the most formidable foes and absorb the heaviest blows. Their weapons were finely crafted, their armor reinforced, reflecting their status as the elite. This front line was designed to be an imprable wall, capable of withstanding even the fiercest onught of the high level beasts. Behind them, the second line consisted of B and C-Rank hunters. These hunters, though not as powerful as those in the front, were still formidable in their own right. Their role was to provide crucial support to the vanguard, reinforcing the line where needed and ensuring that any breaches were quickly sealed. Aria and some her fellowpanions were present in this section, and Ethan noticed her immediately because of her striking features. She was like a crane amongst a flock of chickens, standing out with her beautiful whitebat dress. Although she didn''t noticed Ethan yet, her eyes were darting around as if in search of certain someone. They were arranged in a staggered formation, allowing them to easily move forward or back as the situation demanded. This line of defense was also responsible for maintaining the momentum of the battle, pushing forward when the opportunity arose or holding the line if the enemy attempted to break through. Finally, the third rank was made up of D and E-Rank hunters. These hunters, though less experienced, were far from insignificant. Positioned at the rear, their role was to protect the nks and ensure that the army''s formation remained intact. They were also responsible for providing support to the ranks ahead of them, ready to step in if casualties urred or if additional strength was needed. This rank served as a reserve force, their primary task being to maintain the integrity of the army''s structure and to provide a final line of defense should the enemy break through the higher ranks. Ethan and his friends were organised in thisst section, due to their low ranks. The formation was a testament to careful nning and strategy. By positioning the strongest warriors at the front, the army ensured that the most dangerous threats were met with the greatest force. The B and C-Rank fighters provided essential reinforcement, while the D and E-Rank warriors ensured that no gap went unguarded. Thisyered approach allowed the army to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle, with each rank ready to step up and take enemies head on. This strategic arrangement maximized the strengths of each rank, ensuring that the army could withstand the enemy''s assault while minimizing the risk of casualties because of their own power gap. Chapter 60: Chapter 61: The Battle Of Survival (2) As the sun dipped below the horizon, the once warm glow of the evening gave way to the cold embrace of the approaching night. Nearly 10,000-15,000batants stood in formation outside the temporary walls of Arcadia City, their expressions a mix of emotions. For many, this was a moment of truth¡ªa battle that would determine not just the fate of the city but also the destiny of countless lives. The tension in the air was discernible. Some soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, knuckles white, nerves fraying at the edges. Others stood tall, their faces set with grim determination, eager to unleash their skills in battle any moment. Among them, Marcus''s eyes were a storm of rage and sorrow, his teeth clenched as he struggled to contain the tempest of emotions roiling within him. Ethan noticed his friend''s barely contained fury and couldn''t help but worry. What if Marcus''s grief drove him to reckless action? Thest thing they needed was for one of their own to fall because of unchecked rage. Cedric and Yona, standing close by, exchanged uneasy nces. This was their first time participating in such arge-scale war, and the sheer magnitude of the moment weighed heavily on them. The promise of 200 gold coins for their participation was a tantalizing reward, but it did little to soothe their nerves. They knew that no spoils could be imed, as the city government had made it clear that all loot belonged to them¡ªa necessary measure to ensure the city''s financial stability after the war. The cost ofpensating thebatants was already staggering; the thought of tens of millions of gold coins exchanging hands was mind-boggling. "Rumble..!" Suddenly. The sky, which had been clear just moments before, suddenly darkened as thick clouds rolled in, blotting out thest vestiges of sunlight. A low rumble of thunder echoed across the battlefield, sending a shiver down the spine of every soldier present. The evening, already dim, was now plunged into near-total darkness. Cedric''s voice broke the tense silence, filled with unease. "They''re here, but how are we supposed to fight in the dark? I can''t see anything¡ªcan you guys?" He looked around, but all he saw were the shadowy outlines of his allies, their faces barely visible in the gloom. Nearby soldiers echoed his concern, their voices tinged with fear. As if in response to their anxiety, a powerful voice rang out from the front, booming like a p of thunder. It was City Lord Longus, hismanding presence unmistakable even in the dark. "Sunfire Crow (S)!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the ranks of soldiers. In an instant, the sky was aze with light. A massive, fiery crow appeared above them, its wings outstretched as it soared through the air. The creature radiated an intense heat, turning the battlefield into a scene bathed in the warm, golden glow of a second sun. The darkness was banished, reced by a light so bright it cast sharp shadows across the ground. Every detail of thendscape was now visible, and the soldiers felt the warmth on their skin, a stark contrast to the chill that had gripped them moments before. Ethan gazed up at the fiery crow, its presence both awe-inspiring and frightening. "So powerful," he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. There was something about the sight that stirred a mix of emotions within him¡ªadmiration, fear, and a deep yearning to be a S-Rank hunter. The ground beneath them began to tremble, a rhythmic, ominous rumble that grew louder with each passing second. It was the unmistakable sound of the enemy approaching, their numbers vast and their intentions deadly. "Archers, into your positions!" The Knight Commander''s voice boomed once more, cutting through the noise and chaos. His authority was absolute, and the archers responded immediately, moving with practiced precision. Yona and the other archers quickly took their ces, forming a tightly-knit formation. Their bows were drawn, arrows notched and ready, each one tipped with a different skill. Some glowed with elemental energy, while others shimmered with magical enhancements. The archers'' eyes were locked on the horizon, where dark shapes began to emerge. Massive beasts,rger and more terrifying than anything they had faced before, appeared at the edge of the battlefield. Their forms were hulking and exoskeleton type, covered in thick, armored hides that glinted in the light of the Sunfire Crow. These were not ordinary creatures. They were Obsidian Terrors, a type of nightmare creature, born from the demonnd, Abyss. They were nearly hundreds of meters tall with exoskeleton, monsters born from nightmares, with ws like scythes and eyes that glowed with malevolent intelligence. Following in the wake of the mighty Obsidian Terrors were hordes of different kind of beasts, each from different races and regions, yet unified in their purpose. These beasts, though varied in size, shape, and form, moved with a coordinated precision, as if driven by a single, malevolent will. Among them were massive, Tusked War Boars with hides as tough as iron, their red eyes burning with an unnatural fury. They snorted and pawed at the ground, their breathing out in huffs of steam as they readied themselves for the carnage ahead. nking them were packs of swift, Sinewy Wolves, their fur bristling and dark as night, with elongated fangs that gleamed under the Sunfire Crow''s light. These predators moved silently, their eyes locked on the battlefield, awaiting the moment to pounce and tear through the ranks of the enemy. Lumbering behind were towering, ape-like brutes, their muscles rippling beneath thick, leathery skin. These beasts carried crude, stone weapons in their massive fists, ready to crush anything that stood in their way. Their roars echoed like thunder, a terrifying chorus that added to the cacophony of the approaching horde. In the sky, dark-winged creatures circled, their shadows flitting across the ground like ominous harbingers of doom. These airborne predators, with talons sharp as razors and beaks that could pierce armor, screeched and swooped down to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. Amidst this chaotic gathering were serpentine creatures with scales that shimmered like oil on water, their eyes cold and calcting as they slithered forward. Their forked tongues flicked out, tasting the air for the scent of blood. Even the more ordinary beasts, such as Great Horned Elk, Hulking Bears, and Swift-Footed Stags seemed to have lost their natural instincts, their eyes zed over with a shared, terrifying focus. Despite their differences, these creatures were united, driven by a dark,manding force that bent them to its will. They moved in perfect unison, their individual instincts overridden by a collective, relentless drive to follow the Obsidian Terrors into battle. It was as if they were drawn to the towering behemoths,pelled to march alongside them as extensions of the Terrors'' wrath. This unnatural alliance of beasts, each more fearsome than thest, created a tidal wave of destruction that threatened to overwhelm anything in its path. As the beasts drew closer, their numbers became more apparent¡ªthousands, no perhaps 30 thousands or so, of them, all converging on the city with a single purpose: destruction. The ground shook with the force of their approach, and a primal fear gripped the hearts of even the bravest soldiers. Yet, despite the terror that these creatures invoked, the archers held their ground, fingers steady on their bowstrings. Ethan felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This was the battle that would decide everything. There was no turning back now. He nced at Cedric, Yona, and Marcus, who stood by his side, their faces set with determination. "Fire!" The Knight Commander bellowed from the front. "Swish...Swoosh.." Instantly thousands of arrows flew through the air, a deadly rain aimed straight at the advancing horde. The skills embedded in the arrows activated mid-flight, creating a dazzling disy of light and energy. Arrows of lightning struck down beasts, electricity coursing through their bodies and causing them to copse in convulsions. Others were pierced by arrows imbued with explosive force, detonating on impact and sending fragments of the creatures scattering across the battlefield. mes roared as fire-tipped arrows ignited the air, turning the front lines into a zing inferno. One by one the smaller beasts began to fall, their bodies lifeless. Then, driven by instinct, or maybe some unknownmand, the Obsidian Terrors stepped forward and repelled the attacks with their sheer bodies defense alone. Their defenses were really tough. The arrows couldn''t even connect to their bodies, as if repelled by some kind of invisible aura. Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Turning The Tide? "Ethan, focus!" Cedric''s voice cut through the chaos, snapping Ethan back to the present. Their battlefield was swarmed with a variety of formidable beasts¡ªhulking bears, brute apes, serpentine creatures, Shadowfang Wolves, and several giant flying birds. Their roars and shrieks filled the air, mingling with the sounds of shing steel and explosive magic. Swish... Swish... The sharp, rhythmic sounds of arcane arrows whizzed through the air as Yona unleashed a barrage of explosive projectiles. Each arrow erupted in a burst of energy upon impact, scattering the enemy forces and leaving scorched ground in its wake. Cedric, spear in hand, surged forward with a powerful thrust. His spear skills triggered a series of precise, deadly strikes, each one aimed to pierce through the ranks of the approaching beasts. The spear danced in his hands, a blur of motion as he carved through the enemy lines. On the other hand, Marcus, with his greatsword raised, charged against a horde of giant apes alone. Seeing Marcus''s madness, Ethan shook his head and followed behind him to ensure his safety if needed. With a swift, fluid motion, Ethan swung his Dragonian de, effortlessly decapitating a few of the brute apes that charged at him. Their massive bodies crumpled to the ground as their severed heads rolled away, leaving a trail of blood in the dirt. "Screech!" Suddenly, a giant raven, its feathers as dark as night, lunged at him from the sky. Its eyes glinted with a terrifying, predatory gleam, promising death. Reacting quickly, Ethan extended his hand, channeling his power into the ground. "Earth Maniption!" hemanded, and thick, multyered walls of solid earth erupted from the ground, forming a protective barrier between him and the raven. The enormous bird collided with the wall at full speed, the impact reducing the barrier to rubble. The force of the crash left the Raven dazed, its head wobbling as it tried to regain its focus. Shaking off its dizziness, the Raven opened its beak, and a dark, ominous energy began to gather within its mouth. Ethan''s eyes widened¡ªwhatever it was preparing to unleash would be devastating. "Shadow Step!" he muttered, and in an instant, he melted into the shadows cast by the crumbling walls, reappearing five meters away from the raven. He knew he couldn''t match the beast in raw physical strength, but he didn''t need to. He had other ways to outmaneuver it. "Inferno Leap!" With a burst of fiery energy, Ethanunched himself into the air, leaving a trail of mes in his wake. His target was clear: the raven''s vulnerable head, while its still preparing to unleash its breath ability. "Slice!" His de cut through the air with deadly precision, and in one clean strike, the raven''s head was severed from its body. The massive, blood-soaked head thudded to the ground, its once menacing eyes now lifeless. But as Ethan descended back to the ground, he noticed something disturbing. A demonic aura, dark and malevolent, began to seep from the Raven''s decapitated body, attempting to flee into the shadows. "Where do you think you''re going?" Ethan grinned wickedly, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Holy Purge!" he shouted, channeling holy energy from his sword. A brilliant burst of light erupted from the de, washing over the demonic aura. The dark energy writhed and twisted in agony before it waspletely purged, disintegrated by the holy power. "Bang!" Suddenly, before he could have a moment to rest, Ethan was directly hit by a Serpentine creature''s tail, sending him flying away, before falling onto the ground. "Damn it all.." Frustrated, Ethan stood up, blood covering his lips. His body was also feeling the pain, but he focused to finish the creature off. "Come!" He grinned, before charging forward while activating Az Sword Strike. The giant serpent, sensing the growing threat from Ethan, widened its jaws and exhaled a thick, eerie white mist. The mist quickly enveloped the area around Ethan, its chilling touch creeping along his skin. His instincts red, recognizing the dangerous nature of the mist-it was trying to petrify him, to turn his body into cold, lifeless stone. Ethan''s eyes narrowed, and he let out a low, disdainful scoff. "Hmph, trying to petrify me? You''re too slow for that." Before the mist could take full effect, Ethan moved with blinding speed, disappearing from within the fog like a shadow slipping through the cracks of light. In an instant, he reappeared beside the serpentine creature, his sword poised for a strike. "sh!" With a swift and powerful motion, Ethan''s de cut through the serpent''s thick scales and flesh as if it were nothing more than butter. The massive serpent''s head was severed cleanly from its body, crashing heavily onto the ground with a dull thud, its lifeless eyes still open in shock. Ethan wiped the de clean, taking a quick survey of the battlefield. "Guys, are you handling things alright?" he called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the ongoing battle. But there was no response. The sh of weapons, roars of beasts, and the shouts of hisrades filled the air, drowning out his words. It was clear they were too preupied with their own battles to reply. Scanning the area, Ethan''s gaze fell on Marcus, who was locked in a fierce struggle with two giant apes. Marcus''s movements were frantic, his greatsword swinging wildly as he tried to fend off the powerful blows of the towering beasts. Sweat dripped from his brow, and there was a desperate, almost reckless determination in his eyes-one that concerned Ethan deeply. "This guy..." Ethan muttered as he stepped forward, concerned about what Marcus might do in his heartbroken state during these difficult times. *** Meanwhile, at the first line of defense, City Lord Longus and his allies had in nearly 300 Obsidian Terrors, working in perfect coordination. Only a few of the nightmarish creatures remained on the battlefield, and victory seemed within their grasp. Smiles spread across their faces as they surveyed the piles of monster remains in blood soaked ground¡ªeach creature''s body a treasure trove of valuable materials. "Brother, allow me, you should rest for a moment." Aria''s uncle said to his brother. "Alright... " Aria''s father nodded and let Astrid take charge of his position. The battlefield, now littered with the remains of in beasts, felt as if it were on the verge of calm. The overwhelming presence of the Obsidian Terrors had been significantly diminished, thanks inrge part to the relentless efforts of City Lord Longus and the other A-Rank powerhouses. A few minutes passed, and the beasts'' numbers dwindled rapidly, far outpacing the human casualties. [ Congrattions! You have leveled up.] [ You have received 5 attribute points to distribute freely. ] [ Current level: 18 ] As Ethan received the familiar notification, he allowed himself a moment to rest. He had in so many beasts that their corpses now formed a small mountain around him. Despite that, It was frustrating that he couldn''t use Skill Absorption because of all the prying eyes nearby. p, p! "Haha, well done, young man. You young people are the real hope of humanity," a group of elderly veteran hunters cheered, clearly impressed by Ethan''s party''s performance. Cedric scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "Don''t exaggerate, seniors. It''s you who did most of the work." "Hahaha, is that so? It''s good to see you''re modest. The world is unpredictable, so always stay true to your nature," an old man said, patting Cedric''s shoulder warmly. "Young man, are you married? What do you think about my granddaughters?" An elderly woman proposed, eyeing towards two beautiful girls. The girls blushed and took nces at Cedric from the corner of their eyes. Cedric blushed at proposal, and replied, "Sorry madam, I have a girlfriend already." Ethan looked dumbfounded at the site. "Man, I did all the work. Where''s my praise?" Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Dreadnaught Colossus "We''re almost finished," City Lord Longus murmured, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the battlefield with relief. The once-formidable Obsidian Terrors, towering beasts of shadow and steel, were now reduced to a scattered, disoriented few. The relentless onught led by his forces, coupled with the loss of their keens had broken their ranks, leaving them vulnerable and aimless. "Congrattions, Lord Longus!" Mirrel Nortel''s voice cut through the atmosphere of the battlefield, his tone a blend of sincere admiration and calcted ttery. He stepped forward from the sidelines, his regal armor gleaming despite the grime of battle. "It''s thanks to your leadership and unmatched strength that we were able to bring down these nightmare creatures so swiftly. Your power knows no bounds." "Over-ttery..." City Lord Longus chuckled, though his eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded Mirrel. The corner of his lips curled into an amused smile, yet there was a hint of wariness in his expression. He knew the leader of the Winged Tiger n well¡ªan upright and righteous man, not prone to such overt praise without reason. "That''s rareing from you, Mirrel. Tell me, what do you need?" "Haha..." Mirrel Nortel chuckled awkwardly, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Well, it seems I can never hide anything from you, can I?" He took a deep breath, clearly weighing his words carefully. "You see, my Lord, it''s about my son..." he began, pausing to let the weight of the words settle in the air between them. "Continue," City Lord Longus urged, his interest piqued. With the battle nearly won, there was time to engage in this unexpected conversation while keeping a watchful eye on the remnants of the battlefield. He had heard rumors about Mirrel''s son¡ªa young man notorious for his arrogance and conceit, who seemed to revel in bullying the weak and tormentingmoners. Theints had reached Longus''s ears more than once, each more troubling than thest. Longus often wondered how such a person could be Mirrel''s son. The difference between father and son was like heaven and earth. Mirrel was known for his integrity, his sense of justice, and his unwavering dedication to the greater good. It baffled Longus how the offspring of such a righteous man could stray so far from the path of virtue. Seeing that the City Lord wasn''t annoyed, Mirrel continued, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and reluctance. "Actually, my Lord, my son is a bit upset about not receiving a rmendation for the ancientnd. I fully understand that he''s not as talented as those who were chosen, but I can assure you he''s incredibly hardworking. That''s why I wanted to request, if possible, that you consider giving him one of your personal rmendations. I promise you, he won''t let you down." Mirrel paused briefly, his eyes flickering with concern before he continued. "Our n, as you may know, wasn''t fortunate enough to receive a single rmendation this time, while others have secured at least one. This puts our n''s future in jeopardy, weakening our position in theing years. A personal rmendation from you would be an invaluable boost to our standing." He hesitated, then added in a quieter tone, "Moreover, my son heard about amoner boy receiving a rmendation from the city. That news has made him even more upset. It''s difficult for me to see him like this, feeling overshadowed and overlooked." As he spoke, the fatherly concern in Mirrel''s voice was unmistakable. For the sake of his son, he was willing to break his own moral code, even if it meant snatching away an opportunity meant for someone else. The weight of guilt hung heavily on him, but he was prepared to bear it alone if it meant securing a better future for his son and the Winged Tiger n. "Ohh..." City Lord Longus nodded in understanding. He had indeed heard about amoner boy receiving a rmendation for exceptional talent, though he had yet to meet the young man himself. "Alright, Mirrel. No need to say more. I understand." "You just need a rmendation, right? Don''t worry about it," City Lord Longus said with a reassuring smile. "Considering all the contributions you''ve made to this city over the years, it''s a small favor. Besides, maintaining the power bnce in Arcadia is crucial, and granting you one of those rmendation spots will help in that regard." He could see the lengths to which Mirrel had gone for his son, and while the boy might be less capable, the gesture of fatherly love was something Longus couldn''t ignore. It impressed him, seeing Mirrel lower his pride for the sake of his family. City Lord Longus had been entrusted with three rmendations: one for his own n, and two for the most talented individuals in Arcadia City. Though this information was supposed to be kept top secret, he suspected the noble ns had already caught wind of it. "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you," Mirrel Nortel said, tears of gratitude welling up in his eyes. "No need to thank me," City Lord Longus replied with a sigh, waving off the gratitude. "Those spots were going to be given out eventually." With that, he turned his attention back to the battlefield, his mind already shifting back to the final stages of the battle. He nodded to his men, signaling them to prepare for the final push. Victory was within their grasp, the prospect of returning home¡ªalbeit with new scars¡ªtantalizingly close. Rumble... But just as those thoughts began to solidify, a deep rumble echoed across the battlefield, causing the ground beneath them to tremble ominously. The smiles that had begun to form on the hunters'' faces faltered, their eyes darting anxiously across the horizon in search of the disturbance. "What''s that?" one of the A-Rank hunters whispered, his voice barely concealing the unease that rippled through the ranks. "Boom!" Before anyone could respond, the earth erupted near the center of the battlefield. From the gaping chasm that formed, a massive, hulking figure of darkness began to emerge. It was another demonic creature known as Dreadnought Colossus in demonnd. It was even more terrifying than the Obsidian Terrors. The Dreadnaught Colossus is a towering 250-meter embodiment of pure darkness, a demon forged from shadow and void. Its skull-like head, crowned with jagged obsidian horns, bears hollow eye sockets filled with swirling voids that devour light. The Colossus''s chest houses an abyssal core of darkness, surrounded by veins of pure shadow that pulse with malevolent energy, drawing in and consuming all life. Its colossal arms end in ws of ckened obsidian, capable of tearing through the fabrics of space itself. Its back was lined with jagged, shadowy spines flickering with dark energy. As the demonic creature''s ominous aura spread far and wide, it drew every beast and bird from the nearby wilderness, as if summoning them to its call. The remaining beasts on the battlefield turned their eyes a deep crimson, their bodies thrumming with a newfound, berserk energy. Their strength increased exponentially, and they attacked the hunters with an unprecedented ferocity, cutting down hunters and knights alike with terrifying ease. City Lord Longus''s heart sank as he realized he didn''t recognize the newly arrived demonic creature at all. There was only one exnation¡ªit must be from the deepest part of the Demon Land, the Abyss. Despite his extensive knowledge of demonic species, this creature was entirely unfamiliar to him, with abilities yet to be discovered. "Fall back!" Longus bellowed, his voice slicing through the shock that had gripped his men. "Regroup and prepare for the final battle, everyone!" The experienced hunters and leaders obeyed without hesitation, their earlier confidence now reced with grim determination. They knew all too well that the odds had just shifted drastically, and this battle was far from over. "My lord, it looks like they''re ying their final card," Zephyr Stormw, the leader of Tunder Leopard n, approached Longus with a grim expression, his voiceced with concern. Other n leaders quickly gathered around, their faces etched with worry. "I know.." City Lord Longus remained resolute, his gaze fixed on the colossal beast. He tightened his grip on his weapon, readying himself to face it head-on. "Brother, will the City Lord be able to handle this one alone? That demonic creature is so massive and powerful," Aria''s uncle asked, his voice trembling with fear. Aria''s father stood beside him, his expression solemn as he watched the monstrous abomination before them. The air was charcoaled with tension, the stakes became higher than ever. Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Netherhorn Minotaurs "Oh, lord.. What a monstrosity!" Ethan and the others nearby stared in shock at the colossal demonic entity on the frontline. The creature, nearly 250 meters long, loomed over them like a mountain, its massive form dwarfing everything around it. Even with the Sunfire Crow''s illumination, they struggled to see its full shape; the creature''s pitch-ck color blended seamlessly with the darkness. The Dreadnaught Colossus was the embodiment of pure darkness, a demon forged from darkness and skeletons. Its skull-like head, crowned with jagged obsidian horns, bears hollow sockets filled with swirling voids that could devour light. With each step, its legs (pirs of darkness) crush the earth beneath them, leaving voids where the ground has been consumed by shadow. Its entire being exudes an aura of dread, bending light and space around it, as the air grows cold and hope fades in its presence. Some hunters had already lost control, wetting themselves in terror after locking eyes with the monstrous entity. As soon as Ethan was about activate Appraisal, he felt an overwhelming amount of dread. It''s as if his instincts was screaming not to do it at all cost. He felt like he could be turned to ashes instantly upon doing it. Ethan felt cold head to toe, shivering all over. "What the hell! Who in their right mind would face this thing?" Roar! Howl! Screech! But, their horror was short-lived as they watched yet another horde of beasts began to emerge from the wilderness, charging directly into the fray. "Damn it," Marcus cursed in frustration as he saw thousands of more beasts were on the way. His eyes turned red, but he felt overwhelming despair inside. "Oh no! Are we going to die like this?" Panic spread among the ordinary hunters as the newly arrived beasts swarmed them. By this time, they had nearly depleted all their Mana Reserves and supplies. Exhaustion weighed heavily on them after the prolonged battle. Struggling to keep up with the berserk beasts'' relentless assault, several hunters were crushed in the chaos. "Run! Run!" Some scrambled away in fear, dragging their exhausted bodies. "O Source of All Being, in Your hands, the stars are born, and the earth finds form. Guide us, Your humble servants, as we walk the paths You have shaped. May we be ever mindful of Your eternal light, which breathes life into all creation," some prayed earnestly, preparing for what seemed like their inevitable deaths. "Ahh!" A girl screamed as she saw a giant serpent propelling itself toward her, its gaping mouth and sharp teeth ready to seal her fate. Ethan moved swiftly, his sword slicing through the air as he killed the serpent instantly, saving the girl from certain death. "T-Thank you..!" The girl, snapping back to her senses, expressed her gratitude with a trembling voice. Without wasting a moment, Ethan dashed off to aid another person in need. With plenty of Mana still at his disposal, he was determined to keep fighting. To him, these berserk beasts weren''t just threats¡ªthey were experience points. As the essences of the fallen enemies flowed into him, he felt himself inching closer to leveling up. "Phew...." Cedric, being exhausted, watched Ethan in disbelief and shook his head in defeat. "How can anyone keep up with this guy?" Still he felt pride knowing such a person was his friend. Meanwhile, Yona was fully engaged in battle with a giant bird in the sky, her mind focused and sharp, while Marcus fought recklessly as ever. Roar! Without warning, a giant humanoid beast with long, fiery horns charged at Ethan. He was wielding a heavy stone axe, that resonated through the air. The sound of the Minotaur''s hooves pounding against the ground was like distant thunder, each step resonating with primal force. Ethan''s Predator Instincts red, his senses sharpening as he turned to face the beast. The Minotaur swung its axe with immense power, the sheer force of the blow sending a gust of air that made Ethan''s hair nestled around. "Damn it..." Ethan felt the crushing weight of the attack and knew he needed to act quickly. He activated Shadow Step, vanishing in a blur of shadow hoping to evade the strike. Yet, to his dismay, the axe seemed to have the ability to track his every movement, its arc following him through the air. "Shit!" Realizing that fleeing wasn''t an option, Ethan stopped mid-movement, a cold sweat forming on his forehead. He swiftly activated Earth Maniption, channeling a substantial amount of Mana into the ground. With a focused effort, he conjured a massive Stone Boulder, hurling it into the path of the descending axe. "Boom!" The collision was deafening. The stone boulder and the axe met with a thunderous impact, sending a shockwave rippling through the surrounding area. "Bang!" The force of the st knocked Ethan off his feet, sending him stumbling backward, his body crashing into the ground. But, the Minotaur stood like mountain, his face turned into a scowl. [ Appraisal ] [ Netherhorn Minotaur ] [ Power Level: 31 ] [ Health: 7,000 ] [ Abilities:] [ ¡ï Devastating Swing: Unleashes a powerful axe swing with the potential to cause massive damage and create shockwaves.] [¡ï Nether Horn burst: Channelsher fiery energy through its horns to create a massive, explosive shockwave that radiates outward. The burst inflicts substantial fire and dark damage, ignites and disorients enemies, and can cause structural copse within the impact zone.] [ ¡ï Horned Rampage: Uses its fiery horns to gore and smash through enemies, delivering both fire and physical damage.] [¡ï Minotaur''s Outburst: Enters a berserk state when their health falls below 10%, increasing its strength, speed, and attack power, allowing it to perform rapid, ferocious strikes.] "Level 31? Tough nut, aren''t you?" Ethan muttered, his eyes narrowing at the imposing Minotaur. He quickly realized that the beast must have slipped through the frontline due to the sudden chaos. Normally, such a powerful creature wouldn''t breach the third defense line. Surveying the battlefield, Ethan saw that the sight of the Minotaur had left everyone around him trembling with fear. It meant everyone was in utmost danger. "Roar¡­ Roar¡­" The ground shook with each thunderous roar, and the echo of more Minotaurs arriving became apparent. The rhythmic pounding of their hooves was like a relentless storm, making everyone''s hearts pound with dread. Ethan cast aplicated nce over his surroundings. His mind raced to find a solution. There were nearly ten of these monstrous creatures, their power ranging from level 30 to level 35. Marcus, his face a mask of despair, stared at the approaching Minotaurs. Despite his fierce determination, he knew that facing even one of them alone was an almost certain death sentence. Still, he resolved himself and went to Ethan, to fight beside him, inpany. That seemed to be the best option. Cedric and Yona also followed along, finding no other options. "Alright, time to get serious." Ethan nced at them, then activated Lava Juggernaut''s (D), his most destructive skill. In an instant, he transformed into a towering seven-meter giant, a fearsome amalgamation of molten rock and searing magma. "Inferno Leap (D)!" hemanded, charging upward amidst the Minotaurs. The onlookers, frozen in terror and awe, gasped in amazement. "Wow!" they collectively eximed. "Good heavens! What is this power? Who is this young man?" the elderly veteran hunters marveled, their eyes wide with shock. In their entire lives, they had never witnessed such a disy of power. Though they were familiar with transformation skills¡ªtypically possessed by individuals with powerful bloodlines, like those from the five great ns¡ªEthan''s form was entirely unprecedented. Some veterans noted a resemnce to the Lava Giants from the newly discovered Rock Giants Cave. "Guys, maybe he got that skill from the newly formed dungeon¡ªRock Giant''s Cave. I''ve seen simr monsters down there¡­" a young man suggested to hispanions, capturing everyone''s attention. "Ohh, Really?" "What luck!" they whispered among themselves, their eyes gleaming with a mix of envy and excitement. They began to n a visit to the dungeon, hoping to survive and potentially acquire such incredible skills for themselves. However, no one knew that it was just their wishful thinking. Chapter 65: Chapter 65: The Finale As the Dreadnaught Colossus began its catastrophic charge toward the city wall, City Lord Longus knew he had to act now. The ground shook beneath the beast''s colossal weight, and the very air seemed to tremble with its impending destruction. City Lord Longus, his heart heavy as he stepped forward, fully aware of the dire consequences if he failed to defeat it. If this monstrosity breached the walls, the human casualties would be catastrophic¡ªfar worse than they had already endured. One-third of the city''s defenders had already fallen at the hands of these beasts, and the numbers weighed heavily on his shoulders. If it increases more, the lives inside the city would be massacred in minutes. Of course, he full well knew that there was also his wife and daughter inside the fortress. With hardened determination etched into his handsome face, Longus nced at the other A-Rank powerhouses who were locked in fiercebat, holding back the tide of smaller beasts. Their efforts were praiseworthy, but this was his burden to bear. If he couldn''t kill the Dreadnaught Colossus, the city would be lost. With a resolve forged in countless battles, City Lord Longusunched himself into the sky, his body a blur of motion. "Heavenly Crow Transformation (S)!" he roared, his voice echoing through the battlefield. In a blinding sh, his form began to shift, enveloped in mes that burned with the intensity of a dying star. His body expanded, feathers of dark fire sprouting from his back as he transformed into a massive, crow-like creature of nearly 100 meters long. His eyes zed like molten gold, and his wings, now immense and awe-inspiring, cracklingo with fiery energy. "KAAAWRR!" As the transformationpleted, City Lord Longus was no longer merely a man¡ªhe was an Heavenly Fire Crow, a living embodiment of celestial fire and wrath. With a powerful p of his wings, he ascended higher, the heat radiating from his body scorching the very air around him. The sky above darkened, as if night had fallen early, and the battlefield was illuminated by the eerie, fiery glow of his presence. He fixed his burning gaze on the Dreadnaught Colossus below, its massive form still hurtling toward the city. "KAAAWRR!" With a cry that shook the heavens, Longus unleashed a torrent of searing mes from his wings, cascading down like a hellish rainstorm. The mes were not just ordinary fire¡ªthey were the Heavenly Crow''s mes, capable of reducing even the mightiest of beasts to ashes. The mes struck the Colossus with explosive force, engulfing it in a swirling inferno. The beast roared in pain and fury, its thick hide beginning to crack under the relentless heat. But the Dreadnaught Colossus was no ordinary foe; it continued its charge, undeterred, though its movements slowed as the mes ate away at its colossal form. City Lord Longus circled above, his fiery wings leaving trails of light in the darkened sky. He knew that one attack would not be enough. Gathering more of the celestial fire within him, he prepared for another strike, determined to bring it down. Then, the Colossus had enveloped itself in a shroud of pure darkness, bing nearly invisible and intangible as it merges with the shadows. This shroud began to absorb all forms of light and energy, rendering most of the attacks useless. "Uh..." City Lord Longus muttered, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually stoic face. He hadn''t expected the Dreadnaught Colossus to devour his celestial fire so effortlessly. "Let''s see how many times you can do this," he growled under his breath, his determination unwavering as he unleashed another torrent of celestial fire upon the beast. But as the mes engulfed the Dreadnaught Colossus, something unexpected happened. Instead of being consumed by the searing heat, the creature absorbed the fire, its massive form pulsing with newfound strength. Each time it fed on the celestial mes, its power grew, the dark energy swirling around it bing more intense. City Lord Longus watched in disbelief as the beast not only withstood his attacks but seemed to grow stronger by devouring on them. His mes, whic was meant to reduce the beast to ashes, were only making it stronger. Realizing the futility of his current strategy, Longus ceased his assault, hovering in the sky as he stared down at the Dreadnaught Colossus with bewilderment. "What... what is this creature?" he murmured, the words barely escaping his lips. In all his years of battle, he had never encountered such a strange and overwhelmingly powerful ability. The creature was not merely resisting his attacks; it was feeding on them, growing stronger with each strike. "Isn''t this too unfair?" he thought, the irony not lost on him that a creature named Dreadnaught Colossus would indeed fill him with dread. He narrowed his eyes, the realization dawning on him. "This must be the work of that damned demon god," he concluded, his voice tinged with both anger and concern. Something muchrger was at y here, a dark force must be manipting events from the shadows. Longus''s sharp, piercing gaze scanned the battlefield, searching for any sign of a lurking presence, someone pulling the strings behind this monstrous power. But despite his efforts, he found nothing¡ªno trace of the demons, no sign of any sinister figure orchestrating this chaos. Left with no other choice, Longus refocused his attention on the Dreadnaught Colossus. The time for hesitation had passed. If he was going to defeat this monstrosity, he would need to go all out. Unbeknownst to him, several figures were indeed watching him intently, hidden from sight. These shadowy beings blended seamlessly into the void, their presence so perfectly masked that even the most vignt eye would pass over them without notice. Had Aria''s father been present, his unique affinity for the void might have revealed their lurking forms. But in the absence of his keen senses, the figures remained undetected, silently observing every move as the battle raged on. Seeing his magical attack not working on the creature, Longus opened his mouth and let out a terrifying scream as if it shook the heavens. "KAAAWRR." City Lord Longus watched intently as the Dreadnaught Colossus convulsed from the sound attack. The piercing scream had shaken the heavens, and it was clear that the creature was vulnerable to this auditory onught. This was a crucial discovery, one that he could exploit. Seeing the effect, he grinned. He finally found its weakness¡ªphysical damage. In his Heavenly Fire Crow form, he knew he had to press the advantage before the Colossus could recover. With a swift motion, Longus spread his massive, Phoenix-like wings, each feather bristling with energy. These weren''t ordinary feathers-they were forged from the toughestponents of the celestial mes and imbued with holy power, each one capable of delivering devastating damage. He focused his energy, channeling all his power into his wings. The feathers began to glow with a fierce, golden light, their edges sharp as des. He could feel the destructive potential within them, each one ready to unleash holy retribution upon the dark creature below. With a powerful p of his wings, he sent thousands of these deadly feathers hurtling toward the Dreadnaught Colossus. The sky above the battlefield darkened as the barrage of fiery daggers rained down, each one trailing a streak of light as it descended. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" The feathers struck with explosive force, each impact resonating across the battlefield like thunder. The holy power infused in the feathers tore through the dark shroud that surrounded the Colossus, each strike causing the creature to roar in agony. The holy energy seared its flesh, leaving behind gaping wounds that sizzled and smoked. The damage from the attack was significant. The creature''s once-imprable darkness veil was now riddled with injuries, its dark energy wavering as the holy power disrupted its form. The Dreadnaught Colossus staggered, its massive body trembling under the relentless assault.. Chapter 66: Chapter 66: The Finale (2) "Buzz...!" The creature unleashed a terrifying pulse of darkness that spread like an inky wave, melting everything in its path as if it were glue. Even the relentless barrage of destructive feathers attacking it was consumed, disintegrating into nothingness upon contact with the malevolent energy. "No..." City Lord Longus''s heart beat quickened, but he maintained hisposure, quickly assessing the situation. The Darkness pulse wasn''t just an ordinary attack¡ªit was an annihtion force. He watched as the thick walls, once sturdy and imprable, began to copse under the immense corrosion of the darkness. Beyond the crumbling walls, stationed guards who had been caught off guard by the sudden assault were engulfed by the darkness pulse. Their bodies were instantly liquefied into a gooey, ck substance, horrifyingly merging with the ground they once defended. As the creature opened its gaping maw, a sickening sound reverberated through the air as it began to devour everything in its path¡ªconcrete, dirt, soil, and anything else unfortunate enough to be within reach. The devastation was nothing but brutal, leaving nothing behind but a barren, corruptedndscape. Taking advantage of the chaos, hordes of beasts began pouring into the city through the newly created breach in the walls. The city''s defenses were faltering, but the City Lord was calm. Instead, he focused on taking down the demonic creature. Or else it was going to devour the whole city eventually. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! THUD! THUD! THUD! Then, from within the city, a battalion of knights surged forward like a bolt of lightning, their armor gleaming in the dim light as they raced toward the breach. The air was thick with tension, but their resolve was unshakable. "Knights! To arms! The city calls upon you, to protect Arcadia with your very lives!" the battalionmander shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos, a rallying cry meant to bolster their spirits. "For Honor...! For Glory!" "Long live Arcadia City! We raise our swords to protect!" the knights roared in unison, their voices echoing through the city streets. Swords drawn and shields raised, they charged toward the invading beasts, a wall of steel and courage ready to defend their home. In the sky above, City Lord Longus activated his ultimate skill with amanding presence. "Body of Ruination (S)!" Instantly, his massive fire crow form was enveloped in an ethereal glow of pure destruction. The once majestic and fiery feathers now crackled with dark, destructive energy, transforming each feather into a potent weapon of chaos. The very air around him seemed to tremble as the aura of annihtion radiated outward, creating ripples of devastation in every direction. With the power of Ruination coursing through him, City Lord Longus became a living embodiment of destruction. "Now, time to end you, you abominable demon," City Lord Longus dered, his eyes piercing like des. "Meteoric Dive (S)." As he activated the skill, the power of Ruination seamlessly ovepped with this S-Rank skill. Ovepping skills was possible in Rank B or above. Although, Ethan''s case was totally different. In the next moment, the massive fire crow ascended to an astonishing height of nearly 1 kilometer. The sound of massive Crow''s wings pping was a constant, thunderous whup-whup-whup, reverberating through the sky with each powerful beat. "Swoosh..." From this towering height, it began its descent with the unstoppable force of a meteor. As it plummeted, City lord Longus''s form was enveloped in a fiery aura, transforming him into a zing, celestial projectile. The ethereal cocoon of ruination energy encased him, amplifying the destructive impact of his attack. The fire crow, now a formidableet of annihtion, hurtled towards the ground with unimaginable velocity, preparing to deliver a cataclysmic blow to the abominable demon below. The Dreadnaught Colossus, sensing the imminent danger, ceased its annihtive actions. It turned its gaze skyward and released a fearsome roar, unleashing a devouring ability that resembled a small ck hole, aiming to engulf the fire crowpletely. Despite the overwhelming force pulling him in, City Lord Longus remained steadfast, undeterred in his ruination charge. The colossal wings of the fire crow continued their whup-whup-whup rhythm, each beat a testament to his unwavering resolve. In the next moment, the fire crow was swallowed by the creature''s gaping maw. To those watching from the city below, it appeared as though City Lord Longus had been defeated and utterly annihted. Tension gripped the n leaders and influential figures as they witnessed the dire scene. Their nerves were stretched taut, their thoughts racing with fear for the worst. Before they could fully process the unfolding disaster, an earthshaking vibration surged through the Dreadnaught Colossus. The ground trembled violently, and a deafening roar followed. "BOOM...!" The BOOM... that followed was not merely a sound but a tremendous explosion of energy. The Dreadnaught Colossus''s body cracked open, fissures spreading like lightning across its dark, menacing surface. Its once-ominous aura of devouring darkness was abruptly disrupted, and the very essence of the creature began to unravel. A blinding sh of light erupted from within the colossus, searing through the darkness and casting an intense, purifying glow over the battlefield. The colossi demon''s roar turned into a gurgling, agonized wail as it struggled against the force tearing it apart from the inside... Chunks of the Dreadnaught Colossi''s body were flung into the air like shattered debris, raining down upon thendscape. The ground trembled and split apart, with shockwaves rippling outward from the epicenter of the explosion. Dust and debris blotted out the sky, and the very fabric of the surrounding terrain was reshaped by the colossal st. The force of the explosion generated a massive shockwave that swept across the battlefield, toppling structures and sending debris flying in all directions. The once-imposing colossus was reduced to fragments, its remains scattered across the battlefield in a chaotic disy of destruction. In the moment of the cataclysmic explosion, the battlefield fell into a stunned silence, except for the distant echoes of the fire crow''s wings, still beating rhythmically in the sky. The once-feared Dreadnaught Colossus was no more, obliterated by the overwhelming power of City Lord Longus''s final, devastating attack. In the aftermath of the cataclysmic explosion, the battlefield fell into stunned silence. The once-feared Dreadnaught Colossusy shattered, obliterated by City Lord Longus''s final, devastating attack. However, in that moment of victory, as the battlefieldy in silence, no one noticed the small, yet ominous object that silently slipped away. The Abyssal Core of the Dreadnaught Colossus, norger than an apple, drifted through the air, cloaked by a veil of invisibility. It moved with an eerie, deliberate purpose, heading toward the city. But there was some presence that did notice¡ªthe lurking entities hidden deep within the void, far from the sight of those on the battlefield. They whispered in hushed, demonguage as they observed the core''s silent journey. #@#&#%@." Their voices, once barely audible, began to rise in urgency and concern as the core floated inside the city. Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Their First Kiss As the dust settled, City Lord Longus descended from the sky, transforming back into his humanoid form. His steps were unsteady as he clutched his stomach tightly, his usuallyposed demeanor strained by an overwhelming fatigue. "Impressive as always, my lord," one of the n leaders said as they approached him, having finished their own battles. They wore exhausted smiles, their faces lined with weariness after the long and grueling fight. Yet, despite their fatigue, they couldn''t help but tter the city lord, their voices carrying a tone of reverence. "How could those abominable demons ever stand a chance against you? Only if they''re tired of life would they dare to invade our city." Another old man chimed in, his tone filled with reverence. "Truly, my lord, you are the shield and sword of Arcadia. With you leading us, no force in this world or the next could ever hope to breach our defenses." But the City Lord barely registered their words. His vision blurred, and he felt a wave of nausea washing over him. His body, once brimming with immense power, now felt weak and drained. " "Argh!" "Cough! Cough!" Without warning, he coughed over violently, spitting out arge amount of blood that stained the soil beneath him a deep red. The n leaders, who had been so absorbed in their praises, froze in shock as they watched the city lord copse to one knee, his hand still pressed tightly to his stomach. The sight of the blood left them speechless, their expressions shifting from admiration to horror. They had never seen the city lord, the unshakable pir of Arcadia, in such a weakened state. "My lord, what''s happening to you?" Mirrel Nortel asked, his voice trembling with rare anxiousness. Alger Silvermoon rushed forward, concern etched deeply into his face. "Someone, fetch a high grade healing potion, quick!" Mirrel Nortel hurriedly rummaged through his space bracelet, his hands shaking slightly as he searched for something that could help. "Here, Brother Alger," he called out, his voice tinged with urgency. "I have an A-grade Health Restoration potion with me!" In a sh, Mirrel pulled out a small vial filled with a shimmering red liquid, the glow of which seemed to pulse with potent life-giving energy. That was no ordinary health potion¡ªthis was an A-grade Health Restoration potion. It could restore one''s health to a normal condition in mere seconds. Alger Silvermoon, who had been anxiously watching over the city lord, exhaled a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Ohh, an A-grade Health Restoration potion? That''s even better," he said, relief washing over his face. Without wasting a moment, Aria''s father carefully poured the potion into City Lord Longus''s mouth. The city lord, still barely conscious, instinctively gulped down the liquid. The effect was almost immediate¡ªhis face began glow of a healthy colour. Then he recalled the horrifying experience of entering that ck hole of the Dreadnaught Colossal demon. As soon as he entered that void, he had felt that his strength and life force was slipping away fast. It was really a panicky situation. Fortunately, he was eventually able to break the void confinement¡ªdue to the ruination force that had corroded the space shattering the ce in explosive force. He regretted his rash action, clenching his fist. He should have handled it more carefully. But now, there was no use crying over spilled milk. He had to pay the price¡ªand it was no small one. He stared at his system panel with a mncholic expression. He had lost 10 levels, dropping back to level 90. It was horrifying, to say the least. Who knew how long it would take him to recover his full power now? ***** "Yes, Victory!" "We won!" The triumphant shouts echoed across the battlefield as the colossal demon''s demise became apparent. Knights and hunters alike cheered with unrestrained joy, their voices rising in a chorus of relief and exhration. The sight of the monstrous Dreadnaught Colossus being obliterated had turned the tide of the battle, filling the air with renewed hope and the sweet taste of victory. But, The battlefield was now covered with corpses of humans, beasts, and demonic creatures ¡ªa gruesome site. Some mourned for their loved one''s death, recalling their despairing tale. Fortunately, at thest moment, the reserve forces from the multiple city outposts, joined in the frey, and turned situation around. More importantly, as soon as Dreadnought Colossus died, the demonic enchantment from the beasts wore off, and became vulnerable. Then the beasts suddenly fled from the battlefield, seemingly confused about how they had ended up there. "Huff, huff, huff..." Ethan panted heavily, as he transformed back to his human form. He gasped for breath feeling fatigue all over his body. After using ovepped skills again again, his body had been tormented beyond recognition. The pain was not only physical but also from the Soul. Heid on the ground, closed his eyes for a moment to recover, surrounded by mountains of mountains of corpses. Although his body was aching from all the pain, a faint smile could be seen at the corner of his lips. And why not? His gains were not Small. [ Status:] [ Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith) ] [ upation: Hunter ] [ Race: Human ] [ Level: 21 ] [ ss: None [ [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 40 ] [ Agility: 37 ] [ Defense: 35 ] [ Mana: 560/8190 ] [ Attribute points:15 ] [ Skills:] -Active: Inferno Leap-59 (D), Berserker''s Might- 30 (D) Earth Maniption-12(D), Lava Juggernaut -12 (D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10(E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 4 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) - Passive: Rage of the Titan (D), ze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion -5 (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1), Blood Regeneration (level-1) ] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Holy Dragonian-de (C) ] His level had increased 3 levels, beside gaining a few new skills from the Minotaurs. He took the risk to gain them, finding them intriguing. --- As Ethan finished distributing his 15 attribute points, a sweet, floral fragrance drifted under his nose, so dense it felt as though it was right beside him. Curiosity piqued, he slowly opened his eyes and began to rise. But before he could fully sit up, something unexpected happened. "Smooch!" By ident, Ethan''s lips were met with another pair of soft and warm lips. The unexpected fluffy sensation sent a tingling shock through his entire being. As his eyes focused, he realized the source of the sweet lips: Aria. She was impossibly close, her calm, emerald green eyes gazing into his. Ethan''s breath caught in his throat as he took in her face, the delicate curve of her pink lips still lingering on his. Aria seemed to be in confusion but didn''t overreact. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them, as if a drift in a sea of unspoken emotions. The air between them grew warmer, charged with a growing effect hormones. Slowly, almost instinctively, they leaned closer, closing the small distance between them inch by inch. When their lips met again, the sensation was electric¡ªa connection that was both exhrating and divine. On the dirt ground, their bodies were pressed together creating an sensual atmosphere. Their kiss was awkward at first, due to inexperience and the uncertainty of new feelings. Yet, as their lips pressed together and their breaths exchanged, they began to find a rhythm. What started awkwardly soon became natural, as if they were learning together in that very moment. The world outside their embrace ceased to matter, the intensity of the kiss pulling them deeper into each other. The closeness, the warmth, the softness of the moment¡ªit was something neither had expected, yet something they both surrendered to fully. Although Ethan had kissed before, their was no spiritual connection between them. However, With Aria, he felt an overwhelming peace. As their kiss deepened, Ethan''s mind began to wander, painting vivid pictures of a future he had never allowed himself to hope for. He imagined a life with Aria¡ªgetting married, sharing the joys of a wedding day, having children, and growing old together. He could see themselves being as grandparents, yfully taunting each other over their gray hair, surrounded by the warmth of a family they had built together. How peaceful that might be? He could finally fulfil his wish of getting familial love, fulfilling his long emptiness inside. "It shouldn''t be that impossible, right? Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Yonas Vow of Loyalty "Ahem, ahem!" Cedric and the others cleared their throats awkwardly, exchanging nces as they witnessed the passionate scene unfolding before them. Their curiosity was piqued by the identity of the girl Ethan was kissing so fervently. From their point of view, they could only see Aria''s graceful yet elegant back, her whitebat dress adorned with ck streaks entuating her curves. The sight drew the attention of everyone around, from the elderly to hunters of various age groups, who stared with a mix of surprise and amusement.. "Haha..What a pair of lovebirds?" "This brought me my old memories." "Young people surely knows how to enjoy themselves!" The battlefield, once filled with tension and bloodshed, now held a moment of unexpected tenderness, making it all the more striking against the backdrop of the recent carnage. "So romantic!" a girl muttered, her eyes shining. The difference between the fierce hunter they had seen moments ago and the tender moment now ying out left them intrigued and a little envious. For a brief moment, the weight of the battles they had fought seemed to lift, reced by the simple wonder of young love. After what felt like an eternity, Ethan and Aria finally withdrew from their kiss, their lips glistening with a shared warmth. Aria''s gaze met Ethan''s, and the redness that had spread across her neck became more pronounced. Yet, there was no trace of regret in her eyes; instead, the moment was etched into her memory as something she would cherish forever. Ethan, on the other hand, scratched his head, a bit embarrassed as he realized the intimacy of what had just happened. His initial worry was whether Aria might be upset, but when he looked at her, he saw only happiness. Her blushing face and those captivating emerald eyes told the truth¡ªshe was in love. Ethan''s heartbeat quickened, overwhelmed by the raw emotion of tenderness he felt toward her. He found himself captivated by her side profile, but when she noticed his gaze, Aria quickly looked away, herposure breaking in a rare moment of panic. Although both of them hadn''t told each others their feelings, it just a matter of time. For now, a mutual understanding passed between them. Marcus, all alone, looked at the scene sorrowfully, remembering his past with a heavy heart. "Wow! So beautiful!" Yona, typically the calm andposed one, couldn''t help but exim in admiration. She marveled at Aria''s beauty and maturity, noticing the difference between herself, still a girl in many ways, and Aria, who was clearly more of a woman in every aspect. "Hm.. But, why does she look so familiar?" Gradually, she began to find Aria increasingly familiar, noting a striking resemnce to someone from her past. This resemnce stirred a flood of long-forgotten memories, rekindling emotions she had nearly buried. Cedric, who had been standing nearby, hurried over and sped Ethan''s shoulder with a grin. "Ethan, you''re such a yer. You told us you didn''t have a girlfriend, and now here you are, openly disying your affection!" he teased, his voice filled with yful disbelief. Ethan could only chuckle at Cedric''s yfulment. "Let me see who''s going to be my sister-inw," Cedric said with a grin as he stepped to the side, trying to catch a glimpse of the woman Ethan had just kissed. But as soon as his eyesnded on Aria''s face, all the color drained from his own. "Si-Sister Aria...?" Cedric stammered, his eyes wide with shock. Aria''s eyes narrowed slightly as she recognized the voice. "Oh, little Ced... I didn''t expect to see you here. You''re also fighting alongside everyone? What a surprise!" she responded, her tone warm yet teasing, as if she had known him for a long time. Cedric, who was indeed shorter than both Aria and Ethan, mostly due to his younger age, stood there, momentarily speechless. He knew Aria from his past, but seeing her now, in this context, caught himpletely off guard. She was a frequent visitor of his house from his childhood. She mostly came to visit their house, because of the reason¡ªshe was his big brother''s childhood friend, and dungeon partner. She used to called him as ''little Ced'' from the beginning. He also knew about her noble background and unparalleled talent. So, the intimate connection between her and Ethan, amoner was mind blowing to him. Exasperated, Cedric finally found his voice, "Sister Aria, what are you doing here? And... how do you know Ethan?" The questions flowed out, his mind racing to make sense of what he''d just witnessed. Aria looked at Ethan and answered calmly, "Yep, Just a few days ago." The details were not provided, but he understood their intimacy was real. "How can a noblewoman from a renowned family get so close to amoner like Ethan?" Cedric wondered, his amazement evident. Not that he had any prejudice againstmoners¡ªhis whole family was ofmon origins, after all. But the situation between Ethan and Aria was far from the norm. Ethan watched their interaction with intrigue. He understood that there was a big seniority problems here. Meanwhile, Yona, who had been quietly observing, finally recognised who she was¡ªher savior. "E-Excuse me? Are you really Lady Aria from the Silvermoon n? No, you must be," Yona stammered, her voice filled with both awe and uncertainty. She paused before continuing, "Actually, I''ve heard your name a lot. I am honored to meet yourdyship." Yona''s respectful tone hinted at something more, a personal connection or circumstance yet to be revealed. Her demeanor was noticeably different, more respectful than the others had seen before. "Aria, let me introduce you. This is Yona, and over there is Marcus. They are both members of our party and our friends," Ethan said, ncing at Marcus, who appeared disinterested. Aria''s expression softened as she smiled at Yona. "There''s no need for such formality, Yona. You''re Ethan''s friend, so my friend as well." Yona nodded, but the respect in her eyes remained, as if she knew something about Aria that the others did not. Yona''s mind drifted back to a stormy night at their poor vige, 3 or 4 years ago. It was a night that was unforgettable. At that time, during a fierce beast rampage, her family had been in grave danger, their lives hanging by a thread. It was Aria, like a valiant heroine, who hade to their rescue, fighting off the beasts with unmatched skill and bravery at the age of 16. She was most likely was on an adventure near Yona''s vige.. Of course she was protected by a few n elders, which was set up by her father. The sight of Aria''s heroism and the relief she brought was something Yona and her family could never hope to repay. From that moment on, Yona made a solemn promise to herself: she would be strong and serve Lady Aria''s family for three generations, dedicating her life to honoring the debt of gratitude she felt. Yona, ovee with emotion and gratitude, knelt before Aria with a loud THUD. "Lady Aria, I humbly request to please let me serve you as my master. I will do anything you ask," she dered with unwavering resolve. Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Yonas Vow of Loyalty (2) Aria''s eyes, along with everyone else''s, widened in astonishment. "Hey, girl, what are you doing?" Aria asked, clearly confused. "Why do you want to be my servant all of a sudden?" Her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of Yona''s unexpected plea. Still kneeling, Yona looked up at Aria with determined eyes. "Three years ago, during the beast rampage, you saved my family from certain death. Your bravery and kindness are something we can never repay, but I vowed myself to honor your kindness by dedicating my life to your service." Her voice was firm, filled with the fierce resolve of someone who had made a life-altering decision. The intensity of Yona''s words hung in the air, leaving the group momentarily speechless. Aria, taken aback by the depth of Yona''s dedication, could see the sincerity in her eyes. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure if she should ept such a serious vow. Aria nced at Ethan for approval, and Ethan nodded in silent agreement. She knew this decision wasn''t just about her now; it would shape their future together. So she started to think about his opinion already. If this was any normal time, she would''ve refused already. There were thousands of people like Yona waiting at their doorsteps, who seek to be her personal attendee everyday. However, she didn''t want ept any of them finding it exhausting to deal with. She didn''t want to rely on others strength for a single moment. On the other hand, Ethan agreed, recognizing that Yona could be a valuable support to Aria in these uncertain times. Moreover, Yona was his friend, and he felt a strong obligation to help. It wasn''t such a bad thing for Yona to be an attendant for someone like Aria, with her noble background. With ess to their resources and influence, Yona could quickly be more powerful. Aria felt her heart soften. Ethan''s approval reassured her that Yona''s loyalty would not only be a gesture of gratitude but could also serve as a valuable alliance in the future. "Yona," Aria began softly, "I never expected this, but I can see how much this means to you. If this is truly your wish, then I ept your offer. But know this, you are not just a servant to me. You are a friend, and I will treat you as such." Her eyes reflected the purity of her im. Yona''s eyes shimmered with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Aria. I will serve you with all my strength and loyalty." Cedric rubbed his eyes, disbelief etched across his face. "How did one of our party members suddenly be someone else''s attendant? Who''s going to help clear dungeons with us now?" he muttered, trying to wrap his head around the situation. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by amanding voice that echoed across the battlefield. "Aria,e here!" Aria''s uncle called out, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. Aria''s gaze immediately shifted towards her uncle, sensing the urgency in his voice. She quickly responded, but not before turning to Yona. "Come, Yona, let me introduce you to my uncle," she said with a smile, ncing bashfully at Ethan, signaling him to follow along. As the trio moved towards Aria''s uncle, Cedric and Marcus exchanged awkward nces. The sudden shift in dynamics left them both feeling a bit disoriented. Cedric, trying to lighten the mood, patted Marcus on the back. "Don''t worry, Marcus. You''ll find another beautiful life partner soon enough." Marcus, his eyes still red from the painful memories, shook his head. "I don''t need anyone else. Emma was, and will always be, the only one for me." His voice was filled with sorrow and unwavering resolve, making it clear that no one could rece the woman he had lost. .... "Hello, Uncle!" Ethan greeted with a smile, his voice steady despite the slight awkwardness he felt. Though initially uncertain about addressing Aria''s uncle so informally, he resolved to do so, considering the future they might share. Aria''s uncle raised an eyebrow at Ethan''s choice of words, a hint of surprise shing across his features. "Hm... Directly ''Uncle''? Where''s the ''Sir'' part?" he mused inwardly, his gaze shifting between Aria and Ethan. The familiarity in their interaction was unmistakable, and it became clear to him just how close they had grown in such a short period. He merely nodded in response, choosing not toment further. Despite the unusual circumstances, he recognized that their futures weren''t as uncertain as he had initially feared. Ethan''s growth over the past few days had been nothing short of remarkable, and it was clear that he had be significantly more powerful. "The boy was nothing but a miracle!" As Aria''s uncle observed Ethan''s recent fights with the lower-level beasts, he couldn''t help but be impressed by the young man''s prowess. Each battle had shown Ethan''s rapid improvement, his skills and strength evolving at a pace that was almost unbelievable. However, this realization brought with it a new concern. His thoughts turned to his own son, Drake. Just a few days ago, Drake and Ethan had been evenly matched in strength and skill. But now, it was evident that if they were to face each other again, Ethan would likely dominate the fight. A sense of protectiveness surged within him. "No," he thought firmly. "I must not allow them to duel again... Never ever..." The idea of his son''s confidence being shattered by such a defeat was something he couldn''t bear to imagine... Shifting his gaze to the girl beside Aria, Aria''s uncle asked, "Who is this, Aria?" Aria smiled warmly, ncing at Yona before answering, "She''s my attendant, Uncle. We''ve alreadypleted the ceremony." Her uncle, Astrid, couldn''t hide his surprise. Aria had been strongly encouraged before to get a personal attendant to enhance her image as a noble, but she had refused every time. This sudden change in her mentality was unexpected. "What''s your opinion on it, Uncle?" Aria asked, her tone gentle yet curious. Astrid studied Yona for a moment, noticing the seriousness in her demeanor and the resolve in her eyes. He was impressed by her poise but couldn''t shake the surprise that his niece had suddenly embraced this role reversal. His mind raced with questions. He recalled how stubborn Aria had been in the past, insisting on her independence despite the pressures of her noble status. "What could have caused this shift?" he wondered. His gaze shifted subtly to Ethan, standing confidently beside Aria. "Is it him?" Astrid mused internally. The thought lingered in his mind as he considered the possibility. Could Ethan be the exact reason for Aria''s sudden change in attitude? After a moment, Astrid nodded approvingly, amd replied with smile, "That''s great! If it helps you, Aria, then I have no objections. Just remember that being a noblees with responsibilities, and having an attendant isn''t just about enhancing your image¡ªit''s about trust and loyalty." Aria smiled at her uncle''s words, feeling reassured. "Thank you, Uncle. I know, and I trust Yonapletely. She''s already proven her loyalty." When she said this, she nced Ethan''s handsome profile, knowing full well that Yona was Ethan''s friend and thus the unwavering trust. This action confirmed Astrid''s suspicions entirely. He heaved a helpless sigh, realizing that the connection between Aria and Ethan was indeed influencing her decisions in ways he hadn''t anticipated. "Alright, Aria," he finally said, his tone carrying a hint of resignation. "Now, let''s go. We''re going home. Your father is waiting for you. The battle is over." Chapter 70: Chapter 70: MANAS (1) Ethan and Cedric watched Aria and Yona walk away before exchanging nces. A mischievous smirk spread across Cedric''s face. "Haha... Ethan, you''ve really caught a big fish this time. A noble''s daughter, and an assassin at that. Should I start calling you brother-inw from now on?" Ethan shrugged with a yful glint in his eye. "Sure, if you''re looking to get smashed," he smirked. "Oops!" Cedric instantly stoppedughing, realizing he might have pushed too far. "But seriously, Ethan," Cedric continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note, "you just had to get involved with Sister Aria? You know my brother has a crush on her too. It''s going to be really awkward for me if you two ever meet." Ethan raised an eyebrow, considering Cedric''s words. "Ohh, I''ll keep that in mind," he replied, sensing the underlying tension in the situation. *** As the battlefield slowly cleared, the hunters began their return to the city. Some limped toward the medical tents, seeking urgent treatment, while others walked with heads held high, their hearts swelling with pride from hard-won victories. A few, however, were weighed down by grief, their eyes hollow from the loss ofrades in the brutal fight. They carried theirrades bodies like a lifeless statue. Not long after, a specialized unit of harvesters arrived on the scene to begin their grim work. The air was heavy with the stench of decay, mingling with the sharp, metallic scent of blood from countless fallen beasts. With practiced efficiency, the harvesters moved among the carcasses, their hands steady as they extracted demonic cores from the Obsidian Terrors and salvaged every valuable resource they could find¡ªfangs, hides, rare organs, and even enchanted bones from the ferocious beasts. Their precision was unmatched, ensuring that nothing of worth was left behind, even in the aftermath of such devastation. The ground was stained with the remnants of battle, but the harvesters worked methodically, knowing that these spoils would fuel the city''s economy and perhaps even the next great conflict. In their hands, the remnants of the fallen beasts would be repurposed into tools, weapons, and potions, turning the tragedy of the battlefield into a resource for survival. ..... It was nighttime, and the full moon shone brightly in the clear sky, casting a serene glow over the cobblestone path towards the camp. After parting ways with Cedric and Marcus, Ethan walked by the cobblestone path to reach his tent, his footsteps light and casual. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to the earlier moments with Aria, and a faint smile curved his lips. For the first time in a long while, he felt a genuine sense of happiness. The thought of a bright future filled him with hope, a future he was determined to build, no matter the challenges. But Ethan knew that hope alone wouldn''t be enough. To make that future a reality, he would need to work hard¡ªharder than ever before. His cheat abilities would give him an edge, but without hard work, even the most powerful skills would be wasted. For now, though, all those thoughts could wait. What he needed most at this moment was rest¡ªa long-awaited, well-deserved sleep. "Huh? What''s this?" Ethan''s eyes were drawn to an eerie, apple-sized orb lying on the ground a few paces away. It pulsed with an ominous energy, dark and foreboding, casting long shadows in the moonlit night. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he instinctively took a step back, sensing something was terribly wrong. His became alert, and immediately activated his Appraisal skill, hoping to discern the nature of the strange object. But the moment his abilitytched onto the orb, a sharp, searing pain exploded in his eyes, as if they were being stabbed by red-hot needles. The pain quickly spread, enveloping his entire head in a blinding agony. "Argh!" Ethan cried out, his hands flying to his face in a desperate attempt to rub away the pain. His vision blurred, and for a few terrifying moments, he could barely see. When his sight began to clear, he saw something that made his blood run cold. The ck orb, no longer inert, was now levitating a few feet off the ground, pulsating with dark energy that seemed to corrupt the very air around it. Tendrils of shadowy mist swirled around the orb, expanding outward like the creeping fingers of death itself. "Damn... Why is iting towards me?" Ethan muttered, fearcing his words as he clutched his burning eyes with his hand. The orb, as if responding to his voice, began to move-slowly at first, then faster-closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. Ethan''s instincts screamed at him to run, and he bolted, pushing his exhausted body to its limits. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a frantic drum urging him to go faster. But it was no use. The orb was unstoppable, darting through the air with unnatural speed. In a heartbeat, it closed the gap, and before Ethan could even react, it struck him from behind. A sharp, sickening sound echoed in the night as the orb pierced through his body, leaving a gaping, corroded hole in its way. "Ahh!" The pain was immediate and overwhelming. It was as though a molten de had been driven through his spine, and every nerve in his body screamed in agony. Ethan staggered forward, his legs giving out beneath him as he gasped for breath. The pain wasn''t just physical, it was as if the orb was tearing apart his very soul. Yes, He could feel it. Deep inside him now, it was burrowing into his core. The dark energy spread through his veins like poison, burning him from the inside out. "Argh..." His vision dimmed, and the world around him began to blur, the edges of his consciousness fraying as he fought to stay awake. But the pain was too much. It consumed him, drowning him in a sea of darkness as the orb nestled itself within him. It was like it was trying consumed his very soul and im his body of its own. Ethan''s mind was clouded with agony and confusion, leaving him unable to think clearly or activate his unique skills. The ominous entity had overwhelmed himpletely, leaving him helpless. As the darkness closed in around him, Ethan''s thoughts drifted back to the beautiful moments he had shared with Aria. A fleeting smile crossed his pain-stricken face as he remembered her warmth and kindness. "Is this finally the end?" he wondered, his thoughts fractured and fading. "Can I not even hope for a better future, where I might have a family of my own?" He felt unconscious, and his body was slowly turning dark like the demons. "Ding!" [ Warning! Your unique Soul making an interference with the system ] [ System rewriting....] [ System rewritingplete ] [ Congrattions, you have acquired a new active skill: MANAS (Divine)] [ Description: MANAS (Mnia Ava Norah Arabe Seraphine) is unique intelligent entity from higher dimensions, capable of doing task with unmatched intelligence ] [ Ding! Due to lower dimensional restrictions, MANAS level had been reduced to SS level (Transcendental) ] [ Ding! System rewriting again....] [ Ding! Your System''s default User Interaction programme is being reced by MANAS ] [ Goodbye, User....] It all happened in the blink of an eye, and no one had noticed. Not even Ethan, as he was unconscious. Otherwise, he would have been shocked to death. "What type of power could interfere with system administration?" Chapter 71: Chapter 71: MANAS ( 2) Under the full moon''s silvery light, Ethan''s figure was bathed in its ethereal glow. Yet, instead of being illuminated, it seemed as though the light was being consumed by the darkness that surrounded him, swallowed into a void that defied the natural order. His body, now enshrouded in a sinister darkness, was scarred by streaks of crimson that pulsed like malevolent veins through the inky ckness. The transformation was unmistakably demonic, a grotesque fusion of shadow and corruption that marked him as something otherworldly. But even in the horror of the moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Ethan''s eyes, once burning red with pain and despair, began to shift. The crimson hue drained away, reced by a vivid, glowing blue that radiated with an intense, otherworldly light. The blue light grew brighter and more intense, casting a brilliant glow that pierced through the surrounding darkness, illuminating his face with a fierce and determined energy. "Universal Synthesis, synthesize skills: Lava Juggernaut (D) + Rage of The Titan (D) + Berserker''s Might (D). Create a body fortification skill," Ethan''s internal AI, MANAS,manded with unwavering precision. As soon as themand was given, his three powerful skills began to merge, intertwining and melding into a single, cohesive force. The synthesis process wlessly engraved this new power into his very soul. [ Synthesis sessful! Your skills have evolved into a new active skill: Doombringer Fortification (C) ] [ Doombringer Fortification: Upon activation, it increases the user''s overall physical capabilities by 1200% ] [ Activate Doombringer Fortification ] MANASmanded in the span of a millisecond, her thought processing speed far beyond humanprehension. In an instant, Ethan¡ªor rather, MANAS¡ªfelt the surge of power flood through his body, fortifying and empowering him beyond anything he had ever experienced. His dark, transformed body was now coated with a thinyer of energy, enhancing his physique and making him stronger than ever before. But the nextmand she gave was far more ominous. [ Universal Synthesis, synthesize the host''s body with the demonic core ] MANASmanded, her thought processes calcting and exchanging data with other skills as if this was the norm for her. She meticulously calcted all the variables, determining that the synthesis was now possible with minimal damage. Yet, what would happen to Ethan after this synthesis? Only time would tell. [ Initiating synthesis...] The process began. [ 1%... 2%... 10%...] Instantly, the chaotic movement of the dark entity within him began to slow, its influence diminishing as Ethan''s body became encased in a cocoon of bright, ethereal light¡ªthe effect of Universal Synthesis. 45%... 47%... 67% Suddenly, the process halted. [ Error! Insufficient Mana! ] [ Error! Insufficient Mana! ] "...???..." Inside the cocoon, MANAS hesitated, confusion rippling through her normally wless logic. "Hmm... How could I forget to calcte this? Oh, it''s because my rank is deteriorating. I''m even losing my memories..." she murmured, a rare hint of emotion in her heavenly voice. "Master Zero, it seems this humble servant still couldn''t deliver the warning in time," she whispered with deep mncholy. Despite her vast capabilities, including the ability to imnt memories into another''s mind, MANAS was now limited. With Ethan''s body and soul in such a disarray, she couldn''t perform this simple yet critical task. And without it, Ethan''s far future was bleak. "Use some of my micro energy constructs as a source of Mana," MANASmanded, her resolve as unyielding as a mountain. The moment she gave the order, her micro energy constructs, small but potent reserves of power within her system, responded to her will. The synthesis continued without further interruption. "Synthesis Complete!" With the process finished, the silent cobblestoned path bore witness to Ethan''s newly transformed body. Hey on the ground, still unconscious, but undeniably changed. Ethan''s skin remained the same pale white, but something new and sinister had emerged. Two ck, twisted horns emerged from his head, giving him a menacing, demonic characteristics. He had be something entirely different¡ªneither fully human norpletely demon, but a fusion of both. A half-demon, half-human entity with a body that reflected the darkness and power now residing within him. This transformation marked the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in his life, where the line between humanity and monstrosity was blurred. ..... "#&%@&%##!" Although the area lookedpletely empty, there were some demonic entities lurking in the void¡ªthe same one''s from the battlefield. They watched Ethan''s transformation with their prying eyes through the void, with increased curiosity. .... Meanwhile, within the depths of his mind, MANAS felt her own power diminish. Her level dropped to A-Rank, a significant decrease from her previous stature. The cost of aiding Ethan had been steep. Memories of her past, once vivid and clear, had bepletely erased, and her abilities were now limited. But She still had a level of intelligence far surpassing most beings in this world. Though her capabilities were reduced, she never forgot her responsibility.. Like an obedient, advanced intelligent assistant, she was prepared to achieve astonishing feats to protect Ethan and ensure his survival, no matter the cost. .... In the void nearby, a group of entities conversed in anguage both ancient and archaic, their voices resonating with a dark, guttural cadence. "Mistress, did you see that? It''s a miracle!" an elder demon eximed, addressing the demoness who stood at the forefront. The demoness was unlike any other. With white wless skin and long lustrous ck hair, she boasted an array of striking features: Captivating purple eyes; long, wavy horns curling elegantly from her head,rge dark-angelic wings extending from her back. She was a subus of exceptional allure, standing about 1.8 meters tall. Her curvaceous figure¡ªbig breasts, ample bust, slender waist, and well-defined hips¡ªwas entuated by the minimal, thin dress she wore. She embodied a seductive blend of beauty and danger, a paragon of sensuality and power. "I can see that!" The subus demoness replied observing the young man''s sudden transformation. It left her in awe. It was the first time a human turned into a demon. Although there are demonised humans, most of them are grotesque with no bloodline purity. But, the young man was clearly radiating powerful bloodline aura. A powerful one at that. Her captivating purple eyes glinted with unnatural light as she revealed a seductive smile, licking her luscious crimson lips. She was clearly someway attracted to Ethan. "Let''s go. We need to save the boy. He is one of us now," the subusmanded, her voice carrying a mix of authority and urgency. Her alluring, curvaceous figure moved with a fluid grace as she stepped out of the void, her ck wings unfurling behind her like a shadowy shroud. Behind her, her servants and attendants followed, their eyes glowing with a dark, ethereal light, obediently trailing their mistress. The subus could feel it¡ªa dark, ominous force was on the horizon, creeping closer with every passing moment. It was a presence that sent shivers down even her spine, a foreboding sense of doom that threatened to engulf everything. She knew they had little time. Chapter 72: Chapter 72: A Narrow Escape "Master Zero, wake up. Wake up." The soft, melodious chimes of the heavenly voice from MANAS, reverberated through his mind, pulling Ethan from the depths of unconsciousness. His eyelids twitched, and slowly, they began to flutter open, revealing his hazy, unfocused gaze as he gradually returned to consciousness. He blinked several times, trying to clear the fog from his vision, and the disorienting sensation of waking in an unfamiliar ce washed over him. The cold ground beneath him felt unyielding, and a faint chill lingered in the air, seeping into his bones. Slowly, with some effort, he rubbed his eyes and pushed himself up from the ground, his body heavy with exhaustion and confusion. "What''s this?" he murmured, his voice rough and hoarse from the recent incidents. "Am I still alive?" His thoughts were muddled, and he struggled to piece together the fragments of his memory. Thest thing he remembered was piercing pain from the back, followed by the sensation of his body being torn apart from within. Just as panic began to set in, MANAS''s heavenly voice responded to his query, her tone as soothing as a gentle spring breeze, cutting through the haze of his mind. "Yes, Master Zero. You are indeed alive," she reassured him, her words a balm to his rising anxiety. "Your health is at 67%, Mana Depletion: 95.98%." The information sent a shiver down his spine, the reality of his situation sinking in. His health was dangerously low, his mana reserves nearly exhausted. Yet, despite the dire statistics, he was still breathing¡ªstill alive. MANAS''s voice, which had carried the depth and wisdom of a mature woman just moments ago, now shifted, bing light and youthful, almost yful, as if a different persona had taken over. *** "Huh? Wait a sec..." Ethan was scared out of his wits upon realising the sudden ethereal voice echoing in his head. He didn''t realise it at first. He thought it must some kind of system notification. However, her melodies voice told the truth. "W-who are you?" he asked cautiously, "What are you doing in my head?" A momentter, a live projection appeared before him¡ªa small pixie, no more than a few centimeters tall, floating gracefully in the air. Her translucent wings shimmered with an ethereal light as she hovered in ce. "Master Zero, I am MANAS, your Advanced UI assistant. My mission is to serve you whole heartily. I will assist you in achieving anything you want," she said solemnly, her tiny figure exuding a surprising sense of authority. "MANAS? That''s a strange name you''ve got there. Wait... Did you just call me Master Zero?" Ethan''s brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to make sense of the situation. "Did I get reincarnated again?" Panic surged through him as he hurriedly touched his face and then ran his hands over his body, searching for any signs that he might have been reborn in a new form. He needed to confirm if he was still himself or if something drastic had changed. But, to his relief, he realized that his body was mostly the same¡ªhis familiar features intact. However, something felt different, something foreign. He reached up and touched the top of his head, where he found something strong and long protruding from his skull. "What the...?" he whispered, his heart pounding. His fingers traced the strange appendages until he realized what they were¡ªhorns. Wavy-shaped, with pointed sharp tips. "Ah, what''s this? A pair of horns? This is uneptable," he muttered in frustration, his voiceced with anger and disbelief. He could ept the existence of a strange AI entity like MANAS, but having horns like a demon was too much. He had always hated demons, and the thought of suddenly being one of them made his stomach churn with nausea. As Ethan struggled to calm himself, MANAS hovered nearby, her delicate features showing a hint of concern. She was about to speak, but suddenly, the sky above them began to change in a way that neither of them could ignore. RUMBLE RUMBLE The world roared as the sky darkened, thick shadows of storm clouds gathering ominously above. Thunderbolts crackled and shed, illuminating the ominous scene with bursts of blinding light. It was as if an apocalypse had suddenly descended upon them, the atmosphere charged with a terrifying energy that made the air itself feel heavy. Ethan looked up, his new horns forgotten for the moment, as a sense of dread washed over him. "What now?" He asked MANAS , "Do you have any answers, MANAS? You said you''re an advanced intelligent entity, right?" Hemunicated through mentalmunication. MANAS, her ethereal form shimmering slightly, responded with a hint of embarrassment, "I''m sorry, Master Zero. I don''t have the proper data yet. I could have provided more urate information if only my levels were higher." Ethan sighed in frustration, "Oh, right. You aren''t some omnipotent being, are you? I forgot." Before they could discuss further, an ear-splitting roar shattered the air, drawing their attention skyward. The voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the city with a bone-chilling intensity. "WH-WHO? WHO DARES TO KILL MY SON? MY SON!" "YOU PUNY HUMANS, YOU DARE TO LAY YOUR FILTHY HANDS ON MY SON!" "ROAR! I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" A nightmarish vision filled the sky as a colossal demonic creature manifested above them. Its immense figure was grotesque, swollen beyond natural proportions, and its skin seemed to ripple with an unnatural energy. The creature''s eyes glowed with a fierce, malevolent light, and its mouth, gaping wide like a yawning chasm, was filled with rows of jagged, razor-sharp teeth. The beast''s swollen form resembled a grotesque sun, its entire body pulsating with dark, chaotic energy as if it had consumed the very essence of the sky. The sight was both mesmerizing and horrifying, the sheer scale of its presence overwhelming. "Oh my god!" Ethan eximed as he became horrified. "Hu... Hu..." From the gluttonous mouth of the creature, a dark, swirling vortex emerged, its edges crackling with raw, destructive power. The mouth of the beast was so enormous that it could easily engulf an entire mountain ranges. As the vortex expanded, it began to suck in everything within its reach, pulling the city into its deadly embrace. Buildings, streets, andndmarks were torn apart and swallowed by the monstrous force. The ck hole-like maw of the creature spewed forth a relentless torrent of destruction, consuming the city from the outer banks inward. The once-proud city walls crumbled under the immense pressure, themoner districts and noble quarters alike were reduced to rubble. Even the City Lord''s Mansion, once a symbol of authority and stability, was engulfed in the catastrophic onught. The sky above the city darkened further, with ominous clouds swirling around the demonic entity, casting an eerie, foreboding light over the devastation below. The air was thick with the acrid stench of destruction, and the ground trembled violently as the city sumbed to the creature''s wrath. --- "N-No..." Ethan stared in horror at the apocalyptic scene unfolding before him. "How did ite to this? Just why?" For a moment, he was paralyzed, his mind struggling toprehend the scale of the destruction. Then, driven by a desperate need to save those he cared about, he charged toward the campsite, where Emily, Aunt Greta, Iris, her family, and his friends¡ªCedric and Marcus''s family¡ªwere. "Master, you shouldn''t go... There is a 99.99% chance of failure," MANAS warned urgently, her voice filled with concern. Ignoring the warning, Ethan pushed forward, his heart pounding with anxiety. Every step felt like a struggle as he raced toward the campsite, hoping against hope that he could reach them in time. But, is it even possible? "Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!" The sound of devouring became intense, as it targeted the campsite next. "No... damn it!" Ethan shouted in despair, tears mingling with blood as he watched the campsite being sucked into the abyss in the blink of an eye. His heart seemed to stop, his pulse racing uncontrobly. He shook uncontrobly, the faces of his loved ones shing before his eyes¡ªnow all gone. "What about Aria?" Ethan''s voice wavered as he turned to look at the Noble''s district, but saw nothing but devastation. The entire area of Arcadia City, stretching 8 to 10 kilometers, had been consumed, leaving only a hollow expanse of dark, ominous radiation. The once-bustling city was now a deste wastnd, the remnants of its former glory swallowed by the monstrous force. In that moment, Ethan''s heart sank into a void of darkness. The future he envisioned was now shrouded in sorrow and loneliness, a bleakndscape devoid of hope. He had nothing left anymore. "Master, run!" MANAS urged, her voice trembling with urgency. Ethan, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction and the loss, could only stumble backward, his mind reeling as the full weight of his grief and despair pressed down on him. The world around him had turned into a nightmare, and all he could do was try to escape the all-epassing darkness that had imed everything he once held dear. MANAS was unable to take control of Ethan''s body without his permission, and her attempts to move him to safety failed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she quickly employed her Prediction ability to find a viable countermeasure. To her dismay, the best course of action was to¡ªdo nothing. It sounded bizarre, but it offered the highest chance of survival she predicted. Just as the situation seemed dire, a seductive subus emerged from the void, followed by a group of royal-blood demons. Her ck wings unfurled as she moved with urgency towards Ethan. In her hands, she held a strange disk like ancient artifact adorned with intricate runes. Without hesitation, she tossed the artifact into the air. It spun and glowed with an otherworldly light, opening a shimmering portal to a dark, unknown realm. "Swoosh!" Pulling Ethan forcefully, she and others hurriedly moved toward the portal, just as the devouring force of the demonic creature reached the edge of their location. The devouring demonic creature, its rage evident, watched their departure with a wrathful re. Its eyes burned with fury as it roared in anger, "YOU TRAITORS! YOU''RE DEAD!" The creature''s voice echoed through the void as it disappeared quickly, its rage fading into the darkness that enveloped the city. Chapter 73: Chapter 73: A New Beginning A lonesome dark mountain stood tall against the raging hot winds. Jagged and proud, it dwarfed other peaks of the mountain chain, cutting the night sky with its sharp edges. A bloody moon bathed its slopes in the ghostly light. Under that light, a young man with pale skin and ck hair sat quietly, gazing upon the horizon. .... Thendscape around Ethan was deste, the same as him. The barrennd stretched out as far as the eye could see, devoid of life or hope. The dark, hollow ground seemed to echo the grim reality of this forsaken ce. It was as if the very soil had been drained of its essence, just as Ethan felt his soul had been. The pair of ck horn protruding from his head¡ªa constant reminder of the transformation he had undergone¡ªmarked him as something no longer entirely human. He sat still, a figure of despair amidst the raging winds of emptiness. It had been Five days since he had arrived in the Abyss, the Demon Land, he now loathed with every fiber of his being. The demons had destroyed everything he had¡ªthey''re cruel. Beside him, MANAS floated in a pixie form, a small but radiant figure adorned in delicate fairy-like clothes. Her tiny wings fluttered as she hovered near him, her eyes filled with concern. Her royalty toward him was unwavering. She watched him closely, her worry growing with each passing moment. Her master, who had once been full of determination and fire now seemed on the brink of copse, crushed by the weight of his grief and the enormity of his loss. Ethan''s mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more painful than thest. Faces of his friends and loved ones shed before his eyes, their expressions filled with sorrow as they bade him farewell in his memories. The image of Aria, the woman he had shared a fleeting moment of happiness with, lingered the longest. He wondered what she had felt in those final moments¡ªhad she thought of him? Had she remembered him as the darkness closed in? The reality was too painful to ept. The chance of her survival was slim, almost nonexistent, and the thought of her suffering, of her dying alone in fear and despair, tore at his heart. The agony of that possibility was a burden he didn''t know how to bear. --- His thoughts drifted through theplexities of this world. Why was he reincarnated this world? Was it just to suffer? What''s with all this talk about Righteous and Demonic factions, Heroes and Demon Lords, Solis and Abyss? Why does such a stark division exist in the first ce? Moreover, why wasn''t he reborn into a world of peace and prosperity, where he could have lived without the constant shadow of death looming over him? MANAS, ever-attuned to his emotions, felt a sharp pang in her heart, seeing her master so vulnerable and lost. "Master, I told you before," she said softly, her tiny voice filled with concern, "there''s a 0.9% chance of reviving them if we could somehow kill that Demon Lord and take over his body." Subus Be had revealed the true culprit¡ªthe Demon Lord Beelzebub, a terrifying entity with the demonic power to devour everything in his path. He had led the attack to their city with a motive to grow his children¡ªDreadnaught Colossus stronger. There are a total of 99 Demon Lords in the Demon Land, each ruling over their own region with unmatched authority. These Demon Lords possess the terrifying ability to summon wind and storm with just a flick of their fingers, showcasing their immense control over the demonic powers. Among them, seven Demon Lords stand out as the most powerful, each representing one of the seven deadly abilities tied to the seven deadly sins. These seven are feared and revered above all others for the sheer destruction they can unleash. Beelzebub is one of these seven, embodying the deadly ability of Gluttony. His power is not just in his ability to consume, but to devour everything in his path¡ªwhether it be physical matter, energy, or even souls. His insatiable hunger knows no bounds, making him a force of nature that even other Demon Lords fear to confront. The sheer magnitude of his power is enough to bring entire cities to ruin in an instant. With Devour as his weapon, Beelzebub''s strength is unparalleled, and the devastation he can cause is beyond imagination. .... "Defeat the Demon Lord?" Ethan found the idea both absurd and oddly amusing. "Hahaha... Defeat Demon Lord Beelzebub? What a joke!" Hisughter rang out, tinged with bitterness as he recalled that horrific moment¡ªthe moment when that demon devoured an entire city of 200,000 souls as if they were nothing. How could anyone hope to defeat such a monstrous entity? Even the city lord, with his S-Rank power, had been utterly powerless. So, how could he possibly do it? And how much time would it take to even reach that level of power? This demonnd was devoid of Mana, reced instead by a corrupting demonic or abyssal energy. He couldn''t even go back to humannd at his condition. His own kind would butcher him if they would have seen him. He couldn''t even use his Unique skills. His Mana reserves were dangerously low, teetering on the brink of depletion. Who knows how long MANAS wouldst by his side? After all, she relied on his Mana to exist. Although he had acquired some demonic abilities that allowed him to tap into this abyssal energy, it wasn''t nearly enough to challenge a being like Beelzebub, a Demon Lord with the terrifying power of Gluttony/Devour. In the past five days, Ethan had done nothing but wallow in despair, wasting away his time in this forsakennd. Subus B, who had been surprisingly tolerant of his behavior, merely watched hiszy actions with silent disapproval. As his maniacalughter echoed through the barrenndscape, MANAS, usually calm andposed, found herself growing irritated¡ªa rare urrence. "MASTER!" she shouted, her tiny voiceced with urgency, her brows knitting together in frustration. But Ethan didn''t respond, lost in his hopeless thoughts, a foolish grin stered on his face. MANAS''s irritation deepened, her brows furrowing further. "MASTER!" she yelled again, her voice resonating louder, amplified by the sheer force of her will. Ethan halted hisughter, his curiosity piqued as he turned his gaze to her, wondering what could provoke such a reaction from his usually serenepanion. MANAS met his eyes, her expression fierce despite her small stature. "How can you be such a coward? My master can never be a coward. Don''t you care about your friends at all? If you truly cared about them, you would already be searching for a way to grow stronger, to save them as soon as possible." She paused, catching her breath, her stern gaze never leaving his face, which now bore an expression of shock. "So what if the chance is only 0.9%? So what if he''s a Demon Lord? No one shall stand a chance against your might as long as you keep pushing forward." Her eyes glowed a fiery red as if trying to sear these words into his very soul. She was desperate to wake him from his stupor, to reignite the hope that once burned so brightly within him, to remind him that his journey had only just begun. A deep sense of shame washed over Ethan. Here he was, wallowing in self-pity, while MANAS, a tiny pixie, was the one reminding him of his responsibilities. She was right. "Did he really not care about his friends?" he asked himself, the question gnawing at his conscience. "Was it simply because he hadn''t known them for long? It had only been two weeks, after all." "No..." He shook his head vigorously, casting away the nonsensical thoughts. Of course, he cared about them. And he would prove it to himself. He would save his friends. He would resurrect Aria and others, no matter what. A powerful surge of determination welled up within him, his spine straightening as his resolve hardened like steel. He stood up tall, like an unyielding mountain, and spoke with newfound conviction, "Yes, you''re right, MANAS. I''m sorry for putting you through so much." His voice was heavy with guilt as he stared out at the deste mountain ranges, thendscape a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. He turned to MANAS, meeting her gaze with unwavering resolve. "Now, tell me how to conquer the whole world, not just these filthy demons." Ethan''s voice echoed through the destend, filled with newfound determination. He stood tall, shedding the weight of his past and embracing the resolve that surged within him. "I shall rise above everyone else!" he dered, his eyes burning with intense fire. The person he had been was gone, reced by someone stronger, forged through pain and suffering. "I shall have a new identity!" His voice grew stronger, each word a vow etched into his soul. The name he now chose was not just a name, but a symbol of his rebirth and destiny. "From now on, MY NAME IS AENGUS DEGARO!" he said coldly, embracing his new identity with unshakable conviction. The name seemed to be calling out to him to embrace this identity. Chapter 74: Chapter 74: A Demon Servant [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ upation: Demon Servant ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ] [ Level: 20 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 43 ] [ Agility: 40 ] [ Defense: 39 ] [ Mana: 0039/8190 ] [ Nether Energy: 34/34 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Maniption-12(D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 4 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ] [ Passive: ze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion -5 (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1)] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic) ] [ Unique Skills : Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] Equipment: None ..... As Ethan--no, Aengus--descended from the dark mountain, MANAS projected his system panel before him. From now on, he didn''t need to givemands; MANAS would execute them with just his thoughts. Aengus took a brief nce at the screen but said nothing. His focus was singr, his mission clear: to grow powerful, no matter the cost. "Master Zero, I will now enter standby mode to conserve Mana. You just need to gather the materials I asked for. Once you have them, I''ll help youplete the process. Only then can we solve our Mana shortage. Until then, use your demonic skills to grow stronger." Aengus still didn''t know why she insisted on calling him ''Zero.'' When he asked, she simply replied that ''Zero'' was the name registered in her system, though even she didn''t know how or why. The name itself was a mystery. Aengus just nodded without a word and continued along the hollow, elongated path. His duty as a Demon ve of the Incubus Demon Duke''s mansion awaited. Subus Be had granted him shelter in exchange for his service, and for now, he was bound to hermand, like a Servant. The change in upation was more than just a title; Aengus had indeed be Be''s servant, though her treatment of him was unexpectedly kind. There was a strange, unspoken understanding between them, despite the nature of their rtionship. What gnawed at Aengus, however, was the bitter irony of his situation. Through a twist of fate and the powerful synthesis with the demonic core of the Dreadnaught Colossus, Aengus now carried the bloodline of his greatest enemy--Beelzebub. His level, which had previously been 21, had dropped to 20 due to the damage inflicted by the Dreadnaught Colossus, and the fusion. After the synthesis, Aengus''s body had gained the unique ability to hold two opposing energies--Mana and Nether energy--each contained within a newly added created space, where his demonic Core and Mana Reserve pool floated --opposite to each other . These energy storages existed in a precarious state of harmony, as ifpelled to coexist. However, if they ever fully embraced each other, it could be catastrophic, potentially destroying his already weakened body entirely. The idea of synthesizing these energies storages into something greater had crossed MANAS''s mind, but she knew his current body couldn''t withstand the process. So, she devised another n to create an energy converter within him, allowing Nether energy to be transformed into Mana and vice versa. This innovation will solve their immediate Mana problem, providing a temporary yet vital solution to keep Aengus alive and growing stronger.. Comimg to his newly obtained demonic abilities, he had recived 4 from the Dreadnaught Colossus, and the heart of darkness had been formed inside within him because of the despair and hatred he felt due to the recent incidents. 1. Gluttony of Darkness (Basic):A dark, consuming force that allows Aengus to absorb energy, life force, or even objects to increase his own physical stats and recover power in time of need. It''s both offensive / defensive ability--the most powerful one. 2. Darkness Pulse (Basic): A pulse of dark energy that emanates from Aengus, disorienting and weakening those around him. 3. Darkness Veil (Basic): A shroud of darkness that cloaks Aengus, making him nearly invisible and allowing him to move unnoticed. 4. Darkness Haki (Basic): An intimidation aura that exudes from Aengus, allowing him tomand lower-ranked demons and beasts, even against their will. This ability bends weaker minds to his will, making them submit to his authority. 5. Heart of Darkness (Peak):The most profound change within Aengus. This ability represents the embodiment of his despair, hatred, and resolve. - The Heart of Darkness grants him heightened control over dark energy, a near-immunity to lower-tier darkness attacks. - An increased capacity for regeneration and endurance. It is the core of his darkness power, constantly feeding on the emotions that brought it into existence. This power has a passive ability to keep his mind calm, no matter the situation. However, as a side effect, he can no longer feel any emotions within him. --- Andstly he had lost his precious sword, thest equipment, that had the memory of his old self--Bright and cheerful self. ..... Soon, Aengus arrived at the imposing mansion of the Demon Duke, an Incubus Lord who wielded considerable control over the region. This grand estate, reflection of his power, was the residence of the Incubus Duke--a figure renowned for embodying lust and charm. As it happened, he was also Be''s father. The Incubus Duke''s influence extended over millions of demons within his vast dukedom. His domain included several marquis states, each governed under his strict authority. His political power was far-reaching, while his military prowess was equally formidable, with an army numbering nearly 1,000,000 demon soldiers. His force contains different kind of demonic species and creatures, their ranks ranging from Lesser Demons to Elder Demons, each bringing their unique strengths to his need. The Incubus Duke''s individual might was unmatched, marking him as a Demon General Rank powerhouse. His abilities were legendary, with a reputation for both his strategic acumen and sheerbat prowess, making him a central figure in the demon world''s power structure.. There are far more powerful demons out there. The demon Lords and Primordial Seven Deadly Demons, each representing their their sin. A Demon General could just be said ced at the third stage in the hierarchy. Chapter 75: Chapter 75: Bella Bellfrost Hey, did you know the madness we stirred upst night?" a hellhound demon asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "No, I was upied at the brothel at that time," the other demon replied, shrugging. "What did you do anyway?" "Haha, we had quite the feast. We cooked a human alive and devoured him. The look of terror and desperation on his face was something to savor. It was absolutely delicious." "Wait, why would you do that? Didn''t Master explicitly forbid us from harming humans? What if he finds out?" "Pfft, who cares?" The first demon sneered. "Everyone''s doing it these days, and nothing everes of it. Why should I deprive myself of a good time?" The second hellhound demon sighed, frustration evident on his face. He didn''t want to be dragged down by hispanion''s reckless behavior, especially with the risk of drawing Master''s wrath. He turned away, his attention shifting to a figure entering the Duke''s mansion. "Look, that half-breed is here again," he said, pointing with a wed finger. "What''s he doing this time?" "Tsk, I heard he''s just a servant of Lady Be," the hellhound demon sneered, his eyes narrowing with contempt. "Why should we bother with these ugly half-breeds? Humans are already repulsive, and these half-breeds are even worse. They should just vanish already." "Hey, be careful with your words!" hispanion said, panic creeping into his voice. "Don''t forget, Lady Be is also a half-breed. If she hears you, it could mean big trouble for us." The second demon quickly distanced himself, as if trying to escape from the danger of his friend''s recklessments. Aengus overheard their conversation but chose to disregard it. Now His demonic bloodline had granted him the ability to understand theirnguage. He didn''t know if he should feel lucky or not As Aengus walked further down the grand hallway, he encountered a group of stunning spaciouswn. The space was adorned with multiple intricately designed stone statues, and furnitures of luxury ambiance. There, a group of beautiful subuses were gathered around an ornate table covered with an array of delicacies and fine wines. They were engaged in animated conversation, theirughter ringing out melodiously as they yfully teased one another. Their seductive charm spread far and wide, making the atmosphere sensual. The subuses, in clear different from Lady Be, exhibited an otherworldly allure. Their skin, a mesmerizing shade of deep, regal purple, seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, highlighting their royal lineage. Their elegantly curved horns and blood-red wings, symbols of their exalted status, set them apart as the elite among their kind. Despite their stunning appearance, Aengus knew better than to be deceived by their beauty. Beneath their alluring exteriors, these subuses were among the most dangerous of their kind. Renowned for their predatory nature, they wielded their seduction skills with ruthless efficiency. Through sexual and emotional contact, they drained the life force of their victims, leaving them like empty husks. This predation was particrly effective on males, who were most vulnerable to their charms. Aengus passed them, his Darkness Shroud demonic ability ensuring he went unnoticed. The mansion''s guards, highly alert and perceptive, allowed him to pass without incident, recognizing him as new personal servant of Lady Be. Before that, he deactivated the Darkness Shroud near the guards to avoid drawing any suspicion. A slip of suspicion could lead to his immediate execution, even Be''s influence wouldn''t be enough to save him then. Soon, Aengus found himself standing before a massive, heavy metal door, its surface etched with dark, intricate runes that pulsed with a faint, ominous light. Guarding the door were two towering Skeleton Knights--undead, their armor rusted yet formidable, with skeletal hands gripping ancient, corroded swords. Their hollow eye sockets glowed with an eerie, unnatural light, radiating an aura of death and decay that would make most men tremble. The stench of death and decay of the grave clung to them, an oppressive presence that suffocated the air around them. But Aengus remained unperturbed, his expression calm andposed as he addressed them. "I wish to seek an audience with Mistress Be," he dered, his voice steady, betraying not a hint of fear. The powerful aura of the undead knights did not faze him; in fact, he seemed almost indifferent to their presence. Though he had epted his current role as Be''s servant, his mind was already working, plotting the steps he would take to break free from this dark allegiance. As if in response to his words, the oppressive silence was broken by a sudden, seductive melody that drifted through the air, weaving its way through the heavy door. It was a hauntingly beautiful tune, one that seemed to reach into the depths of the soul, stirring emotions of both desire and dread. The melody lingered for a moment before being reced by the sultry, inviting voice of Be herself. "Come in," she said loudly, her tone as alluring as it wasmanding. The skeletal guards heaved open the heavy metal door, its hinges groaning under the weight. Aengus stepped through the threshold, the chill of the room seeping into his bones as the door nged shut behind him. Aengus, calm andposed, stepped inside, ready to face the seductress who awaited him. Inside, the atmosphere was dimly lit with demonic pressure, the air almost heavy with the energy radiating from the woman seated on a high-raised throne at the far end of the chamber. Be Bellfrost, now Aengus'' master, sat on her throne with an air of regal dominance. Her posture was both rxed andmanding, one leg draped elegantly over the other as she rested her chin on her hand, her elbow propped against the armrest. Be''s appearance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her dark-angelic wings, with feathers as ck as the void, spread partially behind her, casting ominous shadows across the room. Twin ck horns curved gracefully from her head, adding to her otherworldly allure. The ck dress she wore clung to her voluptuous figure, entuating every curve, from her ample breasts to her long, toned legs. The fabric shimmered in the dim light, enhancing the seductive aura she effortlessly exuded. Her crimson lips curved into a wicked smile as she regarded Aengus with a mixture of amusement and desire. "So, are you finally ready, sweetheart?" she spoke, her voice a silky caress that sent shivers down the spine. Her words wereced with a potent mix of seduction andmand, the kind that made it clear she was used to getting what she wanted. As she spoke, Be''s overwhelming charm flooded the room like a storm, an intoxicating presence that threatened to consume anyone who dared to resist. The air was thick with her allure, making it difficult to think clearly, let alone defy her will. Her attendants, who stood neatly in front of her, were the picture of obedience, their heads bowed in reverence and submission, further emphasizing Be''s absolute control over her domain. They lost their will, and a singlemand from her would put them to death by their own hands. As Be''s charm took on a tangible form, it manifested as a dense pink mist, rolling off her like waves of heat and flowing towards Aengus with an intent as clear as it was sinister. The mist coiled around him, tendrils of enchantment seeking to ensnare him, to draw him into an intoxicating embrace designed to captivate and subdue, reducing him to a mere puppet--her love ve. Yet, as the mist thickened and pressed against him, Aengus remained steadfast, as unmoved as a mountain rooted deep in the earth. His gaze, cold and unwavering, locked onto Be''s eyes, refusing to yield even a fraction to the overwhelming allure that had brought countless others to their knees. The Heart of Darkness ability within him pulsed with an ancient power, a dark shield that repelled her enchantments, turning her seductive mist into nothing more than a fleeting illusion. The room, heavy with anticipation, seemed to still as Be''s gaze narrowed. Her smile, once confident and predatory, faltered slightly, a crack in the facade of her otherwise unshakeableposure. For a brief moment, frustration flickered across her elegant features as she realized her charms, which had ensnared so many before him, were powerless against Aengus. "Hehehe... Quite impressive," Be giggled, her voice a melody of amusement and delight. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and cunning as she observed Aengus, clearly intrigued by his resistance. "I knew you were nothing like these filthy men," she continued, her toneced with a yful yet dangerous edge. With an effortless grace, she rose from her throne, her dark wings unfurling slightly as she took a few slow, seductive steps toward him. Each movement was deliberate, calcted to draw his attention to the way her dress hugged her curves, the sway of her hips, and the sultry rhythm of her approach. She closed the distance between them until she was right in front of him, her presence overwhelming and intoxicating. Be leaned in, her face just inches from his, lips curling into a seductive smile. "Now, tell me, what do you want, sweetheart?" she whispered, her voice soft and alluring. Her striking red lips hovered close as she exhaled a warm breath across his face. Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Plan of Dominance Aengus stared at the seductress with cold, indifferent eyes, even as she stood mere centimeters away, her presence overwhelming in its seductive power. Her crimson red lips, perfectly shaped, enticingly plump and juicy, were undeniably tempting. They looked soft and smooth, the kind of lips that could draw any man in like a moth to a me. A normal man, faced with such proximity to her beauty, would likely have been unable to resist, driven by primal instincts to close the distance and im those lips as his own. But Aengus was no ordinary man, not after the catastrophe at least. Though he could acknowledge her beauty, his face remained impassive, his expression betraying no hint of desire or emotion. It wasn''t that hecked the ability to feel--he had not be impotent or numb in any physical sense. It was simply that her allure had no hold over him, his heart hardened like stone by the Heart of Darkness within him. This powerful ability made him immune to the kind of small, superficial temptations that might have ensnared someone else, leaving him unmoved by her efforts. He understood that Be was trying to seduce him for a reason, attempting to bend him to her will with her charms. Yet, even as he saw through her intentions, Aengus felt no anger toward her. In fact, there was a sense of understanding--almost gratitude--beneath his icy exterior. She had been his savior, after all. Without her intervention, there would be no Aengus Degaro, nor would Ethan Smith exist to carry the hope of reviving his lost loved ones. After what felt like an eternity of silence, Aengus finally spoke, his voice calm but edged with a grave seriousness. "I would need some materials for myself, Lady Be," he began, his tone measured and deliberate. "There are residual dark energies corrupting my body. If I can''t gather the necessary resources, I might not survive," he added, feigning a frailness as if he could copse at any moment. Be''s seductive smile vanished, reced by a furrowed brow as concern flickered across her alluring features. The thought of losing Aengus was not one she could take lightly. She had invested too much in him, not merely out of a whim, but with a clear purpose. If he died now, all her efforts to save him would have been for nothing. Be''s mind stirred, recalling the events that had brought them to this point. She had seen with her own eyes the moment when Aengus had been imbued with the bloodline of Beelzebub, one of the most powerful Demon Lords among the seven deadly demon lords. The memory was vivid--an astonishing, almost miraculous moment. Receiving Beelzebub''s bloodline meant that some of the demon lord''s abilities might awaken within Aengus'' body. Even if they were inferior to Beelzebub''s true powers, their potential could not be underestimated. --- "Really? Tell me quickly, what do you need? I''ll gather everything as soon as possible," Be demanded, her voiceced with urgency as she gracefully backed away. With a subtle motion, she extinguished the radiant charm that had enraptured the room. The servants, who had been spellbound, blinked and exchanged puzzled nces. It wasn''t the first time they had been caught under her charm, and they silently acknowledged it with a nod, understanding that their Mistress had once again used her overflowing charm against them. Aengus, sensing the shift, allowed a sly smile to curl his lips as he dropped his act. "Thank you, Mistress," he said smoothly, his tone casual yet deliberate. "I need a Void Stone, Etherium Dust, and a drop of dragon blood." "What! Preposterous!" a voice erupted from the shadows, filled with outrage. It belonged to a powerful female vampire, one of Be''s most feared servants. Her presence wasmanding, and her crimson eyes glinted with anger as she stepped into view. "Mistress, this servant is beyond audacious and insatiably greedy. How dare he make such demands of his master!" Her voice dripped with venomous disdain. She bared her elongated, blood-stained fangs, their gleam entuating her fury. "Such insolence cannot be tolerated. He should be executed immediately," she continued, her voice cold and merciless. Hearing the vampire''s outburst, Be Bellfrost turned her icy gaze toward Vespera. The temperature seemed to drop as her cold, unyielding stare fixed on the offending servant. "Silence, Vespera! We are discussing matters here. Do not interrupt," Be''s voice was icy and authoritative, carrying a palpable chill that made the air feel even colder. Vespera flinched visibly, her confidence shattering under Be''s prating gaze. "Ah, I''m sorry, Mistress. You''re right!" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. Trembling with fear, she swiftly retreated into the shadows, vanishing from sight as though swallowed by the darkness. Then, Be turned her focus on Aengus, who seemed calm, even at the sudden deathly threat. She was impressed by his calmness, once again reminding herself that he was no ordinary boy. "That''s... quite a lot! Sweetheart" she finally managed to say, her voice softer now, almost a whisper. She locked eyes with him, searching for any hint of uncertainty. "Those are not just ordinary items. They''re real treasures, each worth a fortune in Cores. To gather them all would be no small feat. I think I''ll have to discuss this with my father," she said, her expression thoughtful, weighing the cost. Then, her gaze sharpened as she asked, "But what will you offer in return?" she stared directly into his soul, as if to see through him. Aengus didn''t miss a second. His lips curved into hidden sly smirk as he leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What do you desire, Mistress? My whole being is yours," he replied with exaggerated sincerity, his voice dripping with charm. Not a trace of shame colored his expression; instead, there was only confidence and a hint of something more daring. Be''s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him, her curiosity piqued. With a slow, deliberate motion, she licked her lips, the gesture both seductive and thoughtful. Her gaze never left his, the intensity of her stare growing. "Sweetheart, are you being serious?" she asked, her voice low and tinged with a mix of suspicion and intrigue. She looked deep into his eyes, as if trying to decipher the truth hidden behind his words. "Yes, Mistress," Aengus responded without hesitation, his tone unwavering. "I''ll do whatever youmand." His shameless confidence radiated from him, leaving no doubt about hismitment. He just wanted to achieve his goal, for that whatever needs to be done, he would do it within a heartbeat. "Hehehe..." Be''s lips curved into a smile, her earlier shock melting away into amusement. She let out a melodious giggle, the sound light and airy, like a breeze through wind chimes. The hall seemed to brighten with herughter, filling the space with a sound that was almost otherworldly, as if the very walls resonated with the joy she exuded. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a provocative whisper. "What if I told you that you must sleep with me? How would you respond?" Her eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and challenge, testing the limits of his sincerity. Aengus hesitated for a moment. For a fleeting instant, Aria''s face shed before his eyes, a brief, poignant memory that quickly dissolved. Recing it was a steely resolve, hardened by the relentless effects of the Heart of Darkness. After a pause, his expression remained unwavering. "If that is your desire, Mistress, I willply. I will sleep with you as you wish," he replied with a calm determination, his voice betraying no hint of hesitation. This was the moment to fake his loyalty to gain her trust and get what he wanted. Whether she would sleep with him or not, it didn''t matter either way. Even if she did, she wouldn''t be able to use her charm to make him her puppet. As for any other malicious intentions if she had, she would have revealed then already. He was powerless in front of her. He was truly puny and insignificantpared to her vast power. Not only did she possess charm and life-draining abilities, but she was also much, much more powerful. He could feel it. Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Bella Bellfrosts Goal "Hahaha..." Be suddenly burst intoughter, her voice echoing through the room. "Rx, sweetheart. I was just teasing you," she said, her tone softening as she realized she had secured another loyal ally. To Be, Aengus was more than just a servant; he was a potential partner in her grand ns for the future. "Now, let''s go. I''ll take you to my lord father. He will decide whether to grant your request or not. But don''t worry--I''ll personally rmend you," she added with a reassuring smile. With a graceful motion, Be Bellfrost signaled for Aengus to follow her. As she led the way, her hips swayed with a seductive allure, her dark, angelic wings unfurling to their full span, adding an ethereal beauty to her already captivating presence. Aengus followed her out, leaving the servants behind, still shaken from the intense exchange that had just unfolded. "Ho ho, look who it is? A half-breed master and her half-breed servant. Truly, a disgustingly fittingbination," a mocking voice suddenly echoed through the corridor. As Be and Aengus approached the duke''s court, they were confronted by a subus whose words dripped with disdain. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a de. The subus had an air of arrogance, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of Be and Aengus. The subus turned with a sneer, addressing the group of subi behind her. "Didn''t I say that right, sisters?" she asked, her toneced with venom. The subi behind her were a stark contrast to Be; their skin was a deep, rich purple, a stark difference from Be''s pale, almost human-likeplexion. Each of them exuded a dark, seductive energy, their eyes glowing with malicious amusement. "Hahaha.." In response, the group of subuses burst intoughter, their voices filled with cruel delight as they echoed the insult. The sound of their mockingughter filled the corridor, a twisted harmony that resonated with their shared contempt. Be''s eyes shed with a brief, icy fury, but she remainedposed, her expression unreadable. "Ruby, you''re as immature as ever. Have you already forgotten yourst lesson? Or do I need to remind you again?" Be''s eyes glinted dangerously as she spoke, her voiceced with a chilling threat. A powerful aura emanated from her, suffocating the very air with an unrelenting intensity. Ruby''s eyes shed red, anger and fear mixing in her gaze as she recalled the humiliating defeat she had suffered thest time they fought. The memory of that bitter encounter clearly still haunted her, as it did the others who were watching closely. Ruby and the other subi were all Be''s half-sisters, sharing the same father, but different mothers. Their mothers were of royal demon blood, boasting lineage that was pure and powerful. Be, however, was different. Her mother was human, a rarity in the demon world. No one could exin how a human woman could give birth to a demon''s child--a mystery that had baffled the entire realm at the time. Shortly after Be''s birth, her mother vanished from the Duke''s mansion, possibly leaving the demonnds altogether. Rumors swirled that she had another lover, and that she had fled to avoid making a cuckold of the Incubus Duke. Yet, the Duke seemed unfazed by the rumors. Instead, he decreed that no human was to be harmed within his territory, aw that was strictly enforced. Despite the whispers and the scandal, the Duke''s affection for Be was undeniable--he cherished her more than any of his other children. Be had many half-brothers, half-sisters, and stepmothers, but she was the only half-breed among them. This distinction often made her a target of scorn and envy, yet none of her siblings could rival her power. Despite their royal blood, they were no match for Be. There was something else within her, a different, ancient bloodline that granted her strength far beyond what any of them possessed. It made her a formidable opponent--one that few dared to challenge, and even fewer could hope to defeat. It''s wasn''t like all of them were bad. She have some people who seemed to be in supportive of her. Among them her father''s support was most prominent. "Let''s go, sweetheart! And goodbye, my dear sisters!" Be called out with a mischievous grin before sweeping Aengus into her arms andunching into the sky with a powerful p of her ck wings. Ruby nced at them angrily, throwing fit like a child. Well, she was Be''s younger half-sister after all. The Duke''s court was located a bit away from the mansion, nestled in a more secluded area.As she flew, she cradled Aengus in her arms like a prince carrying his princess. The wind rushed past them as they ascended, and Aengus found himself gazing down at the dark, destendscapes below, avoiding Be''s yful attempts to catch his eye. "So, Aengus, I forgot to ask--do you still have that system thing with you?" Be asked, her curiosity piqued as she nced at him. Aengus, ever cautious, responded, "No." He knew that revealing the truth could put him in grave danger. His body harbored a secret--one capable of miracles. Within him, two powerful energies coexisted, a rare and unique phenomenon. If Be were to discover this, it could lead to unpredictable consequences. "Oh, I see," she replied, nodding as a hint of mncholy crept into her voice. Her gaze drifted to the sky, lost in thought. "Humans are so blessed," Be began, her voice tinged with bitterness. "They have fertilends, delicious foods, and the system--granting them power just by killing monsters and beasts. Meanwhile, we have to train relentlessly to master our bloodline abilities. And those of us without any special bloodline? We''re just cannon fodder, expendable. Isn''t that unfair?" She paused, her eyes darkening as she continued, "Why do we have to suffer so much? What have we ever done to humans? Just because our abilities differ from theirs, they brand us as demons--their mortal enemies." Aengus listened quietly, feeling the tension in Be''s words. Her tone was a mix of bitterness and longing, a deep-seated resentment for the world she was born into. He could sense the weight of her thoughts, the frustration of being judged and hunted simply for existing. Be continued, her voice carrying over the wind as they flew, "We didn''t choose to be born like this, Aengus. Yet, we''re the ones branded as demons, forced to fight for our survival every day. It''s not just the humans''nd and their so-called blessings that make me envious--it''s their freedom. The freedom to live without being hunted, without constantly having to prove their worth or their right to exist." Aengus remained silent, understanding the pain in her words but knowing better than to reveal too much of his own thoughts. He could feel the tension in her grip as she held him, the weight of her frustration and despair pressing down on her. Despite her seductive exterior, Be was a creature burdened by her existence, struggling against a world that sought to destroy her simply for what she was. As they neared the Duke''s court, Be''s wings pping began to slow down, the massive structure looming ahead. She nced down at Aengus, her eyes still holding that mncholy gleam. "I don''t want to lose what little I have, Aengus. I have big dreams for the future, for our people. I want them to live peacefully alongside humans. But it''s hard when the world is against you." "So, I need every bit of help I can get to convince everyone in this demon realm that humans and demons can coexist peacefully, if only they choose to." Chapter 78: Chapter 78: The Council Meeting Capital City, Araknis Kingdom In the heart of the Capital City of the Araknis Kingdom, stood the majestic King''s Castle, an imposing structure that dominated the skyline. Encircled by an artificial river that shimmered under the sunlight, the castle was a masterpiece of architecture and design, reflecting the wealth and power of the kingdom. The castle itself rose like a colossal mountain, its towering height nearly 500 meters, with a sprawling radius of 50,000 square meters. The castle''s front walls were adorned with statues of legendary heroes, kings and the three guardians of Araknis kingdom, their lifelike features carved with such skill that they seemed ready to spring to life at any moment. Their power unmatched. The thick stone walls, nearly imprable, wrapped around the castle like a fortress, their rough-shape surfaces bearing the marks of countless battles fought and won. The air around the castle was charged with an aura of invincibility, a silent deration that this was a stronghold not to be trifled with. The King''s Castle was not just a seat of monarchy; it was a symbol of the Araknis Kingdom''s unyielding might and the unwavering rule of its king. The castle''s very presence inspired both awe and fear, a proof of the legacy of kings who had ruled from its halls for generations. ..... Passing through the expansive garden, where vibrant flowers bloomed in every color imaginable, we find a scene of royal leisure. The air was filled with the joyfulughter of princes and princesses, some chasing each other in yful games, while others engaged in friendly duels, their wooden swords shing in spirited disys of skill. Among them, a few valiant young princes, d in gleaming armor, sparred with the precision of seasoned knights, their movements graceful and disciplined. The serene beauty of the garden, with its meticulously trimmed hedges and sparkling fountains, was a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere awaiting within the castle. We arrive at the King''s Council Hall, a grand chamber where the weight of the kingdom''s fate rested. The hall was immense, its high ceiling supported by towering marble columns, and its walls adorned with banners representing the different houses and regions of the realm. The room was filled with the most powerful figures in the kingdom--officials, nobles, ministers--all gathered to discuss matters of great importance. At the far end of the hall, behind the King''s grand throne, sat the three guardian Generals, their presence alone a reminder of the kingdom''s might. The air in the Council Hall was heavy with tension. The faces of those gathered were solemn, reflecting the gravity of the situation at hand. The atmosphere was almost suffocating, as if the room itself could barely contain the immense power of those present. Each figure seated at the long table emanated an aura of overwhelming authority, their mere presence bending the air around them. These were individuals whose strength could defy the veryws of nature, capable of reshaping the world with their will alone. At the far end of the long table, seated on a majestic throne, was the King of Araknis. He was a man of 70 or 80 years, his once-vibrant hair now thinned and worn by the passage of time. Yet, despite the marks of age, the light in his eyes had not dimmed. Those eyes, sharp and discerning, spoke of the wisdom and experience thates from over four decades of rule. They were the eyes of a king who had weathered countless storms, whose knowledge ran deep, far beyond what any of his subjects could im. As the room fell silent, the King finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority and the sorrow of recent events. "This king has heard of the disaster that has befallen Arcadia City," he began, his tone solemn. "The once prosperous and lively city is now a hollow, darknd, devoid of any life. There were at least 200,000 souls within its walls...and the noble ns... But, s..." The King paused, a deep sigh escaping his lips as the gravity of the loss settled over the room. "May the Creation God offer them peace in heaven." He then shifted his gaze, his eyes sharp and piercing as they fixed on the Chancellor seated at the right side of the table. "Now, we would like to hear the full report about the incident. Chancellor, what do you have to say on this matter? This king would like to hear it." The King''s voice, though calm, carried an edge that demanded the truth. The room held its breath, awaiting the Chancellor''s words. The Chancellor, the kingdom''s Prime Minister, drew the attention of every powerful figure in the room as he prepared to speak. Despite the immense pressure weighing on him, he remained steadfast, though a slight tremor betrayed his inner anxiety. He stood up from his seat, his eyes quickly scanned the room, noting the presence of the Marshal, the three great Guardian Generals, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a few patriarchs of prominent aristocratic families, and even a representative from the Kairos Empire. The responsibility on his shoulders was immense. With a respectful bow to all present, the Chancellor began, "Your Majesty, from what we''ve gathered so far, the events leading up to the catastrophe in Arcadia City are deeply troubling. Before the disaster struck, the city was embroiled in a fierce battle against a beast rampage, which we now believe was orchestrated by demonic forces. The defenders fought valiantly, united against the threat, and during the struggle, they encountered a Darkness-type colossus nearly 200 meters long. That creature was entirely unknown to them. Lord Longus Emberion, the city''s lord, led the charge and ultimately defeated the colossus, but it came at a tremendous cost." The Chancellor paused, his expression grim as he continued. "Then, just an hour or soter, something far more dreadful urred. ording to the few survivors who managed to escape the city''s territory, a colossal shadow--a demonic creature of unimaginable size--appeared, seemingly enraged. The creature was so vast that its mouth alone could engulf an entire mountain range. In mere seconds, it devoured the entire city. The citizens, caughtpletely off guard, had no time to react, let aloneprehend what was happening. In the blink of an eye, Arcadia was reduced to a hollow, dark pit--a void where life once thrived." The Chancellor finished his report with a bow, then straightened up as he added, "That is all the information we have been able to gather so far, Your Majesty. Given the circumstances, your esteemed self may already have an idea of whose work this might be." With a final nod from the King, the Chancellor took his seat, the tension in the room thickening as everyone awaited the King''s response. Chapter 79: Chapter 79: The Council Meeting (II) King Araknis the 8th, Milphomor Araknis, turned his gaze to the three Guardian Generals seated beside him, his expression firm as he sought their counsel. "What do you think, Leon?" the King inquired, his voice steady yet etched with the weight of his thoughts. "Is it the same person I suspect it to be?" General Leon, whose face was etched with a serious and contemtive expression, met the King''s gaze and nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Your Majesty," General Leon replied, his ocean-blue eyes narrowing with a cold, steely resolve. "Your guess is correct. This devastation is undoubtedly the work of the Demon Lord of Gluttony, Beelzebub--one of the seven deadly Demon Lords." As he spoke, a fierce anger shed across General Leon''s face. His grip on the armrests of his chair tightened until his knuckles turned white, the tension in his body reflecting the deep hatred he harbored for the creature responsible for the horrific destruction of Arcadia City. The room grew even more silent as those present absorbed the gravity of the revtion, understanding the peril that now loomed over the kingdom. "Bang!" A resounding crack echoed through the Council Hall as General Leon''s grip shattered the armrests of his chair. The air around him grew icy, a chill that seeped into the bones of those nearby. The armrests, crafted from the strongest materials known in the kingdom, crumbled under his immense strength, now reduced to splintered fragments on the floor. The King and the others present immediately noticed the intensity of his reaction, their eyes narrowing in concern. It was unlike General Leon to lose hisposure, especially in such a grave tone. The visible fury in his usually controlled demeanor hinted at something far deeper--an anger fueled by some type of personal grudge. King Araknis leaned forward, his gaze locking onto Leon with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Leon, what happened--why do you look so mad?" he asked, his voice calm but tinged with a note of inquiry. King Araknis knew General Leon well. He was not someone with with such strong emotions--usually the calm andposed one. Leon remained silent for a moment, his eyes still burning with cold fury as he stared at the shattered remains of the chair. His chest heaved slightly, the only sign of the inner turmoil that raged within him. Finally, he looked up, meeting the King''s gaze, and the depth of his hatred became evident. "Your Majesty," Leon began, his voice low andced with a venomous edge, "this isn''t just about Arcadia or the destruction it has suffered. The reason of my hatred is personal." He paused, his eyes narrowing further as memories seemed to flood back, darkening his expression even more. "Years ago, before I took on the mantle of Guardian General, Beelzebub ravaged my homnd. My family... my entire vige was consumed by that monster. I watched as everything I loved was devoured by his insatiable hunger. I was powerless to stop it." "And now, yearster, it has happened once again," General Leon murmured, his voice thick with regret. He lifted his gaze to meet the King''s eyes, the pain in them unmistakable. "Your Majesty, a few days ago, I was there, in Arcadia, on a routine check. There had been reports of disturbances with demons, but I thought it was nothing serious--just another skirmish, something the local forces could handle." "But..." Leon''s expression darkened, the weight of his words bearing down on everyone in the room. "Because of my ignorance, because I underestimated the threat, the city has beenpletely destroyed. If only I had stayed... if only I had investigate it further... I might have been able to save them. I could have saved them all." His voice faltered as the memory of the city''s devastation washed over him. "There were some talented children who caught my eye during my visit--young prodigies with the potential to be the future powerhouses of our kingdom. Among them was one who stood out, a boy of exceptional promise. But now... he too is gone, taken by the same darkness that consumed Arcadia." Leon''s fists clenched at his sides, the pain of his failure evident in every line of his face. "It is a grave loss for our kingdom, Your Majesty. Not just the city, but the future that those children represented. The blood of the innocent is on my hands, and it is a burden I will carry for the rest of my days." The room fell into a heavy silence, the enormity of the tragedy sinking in. The King''s expression softened, a mixture of understanding and sorrow in his eyes. He knew that Leon''s regret ran deep, but there was no time to dwell on the past--only the future, and the battle thaty ahead. "Leon," the King said softly, "you cannot me yourself for what has happened. It happens sometime. You don''t have ability to predict future, do you? It''s all those abominable demonic forces fault." Leon nodded in understanding, however the guilt still remained in his heart. "Your Majesty, should we lead the troops to war against the demons? Although, it''s unlikely that we would win on our own," Marshal Tyron suddenly spoke, his voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and determination. His eyes darted around the room, seeking some form of reassurance or approval from the other council members. The grand hall fell silent as all eyes turned to King Araknis, who sat upon his throne with an air of calm authority. The King''s dark, contemtive eyes met the Marshal''s, and after a moment of silence, he shook his head slowly. The gesture was mirrored by the other formidable figures seated around the grand table, their expressions grave. "No, Marshal Tyron," King Araknis finally spoke, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "It would be reckless, like the impulsive actions of a child. A war at this moment, without proper preparation and alliance, would lead to our downfall. We must not act out of desperation." The Marshal lowered his head, understanding the weight of the King''s words. King Araknis continued, "We need to wait for the Emperor''smand. Only when Emperor Kairos himself calls for battle will we move against the demons. To do otherwise would be to court disaster." As the King''s words settled over the room, he shifted his gaze to the far end of the table. There, sitting with a posture that bordered on insolence, was Envoy Feodor. The man appeared almost bored, his fingers casually tapping on the armrest of his chair, as if this royal council was of little consequence to him. "Envoy Feodor," King Araknis addressed him, his voice cold, "What is your opinion on this matter? When will Emperor Kairos make his move against the other imperial alliances?" Feodor barely lifted his eyes to meet the King''s gaze, his expression one of indifference. The envoy''s attire, adorned with the intricate symbols of the Kairos Empire, added to his air of arrogance. He had the backing of the most powerful empire, and he knew it. He took these kings and generals were mere pawns in a game dictated by his Emperor. "Your Majesty," Feodor began, his tonenguid, almost dismissive, "The Emperor is indeed preparing for war. But as to when that will happen..." He shrugged nonchntly. "It''s not for me to say. The timing is uncertain, and it will depend on factors known only to the Emperor himself." The casualness of his response sent ripples of anger through the room. General Leon, a towering figure known for his icy demeanor and unwavering loyalty to King Araknis, clenched his fists. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as his eyes locked onto Feodor, as if he were considering freezing the envoy in ce for his tant disrespect. Noticing the growing hostility, Feodor quickly straightened in his chair, thezy arrogance slipping from his face. A flicker of fear crossed his eyes as he realized that he might have pushed too far. "Of course, Your Majesty," Feodor added hastily, trying to regain control of the situation. "I assure you, the Emperor is fully aware of the situation and will act when the time is right. We must remain patient and vignt. The Empire does not move hastily, but when it does, it will strike with overwhelming force." King Araknis narrowed his eyes, studying the envoy for a long moment. The other council members waited in tense silence, their eyes darting between the King and the now-uneasy envoy. "Very well, Envoy Feodor," the King said, his tone measured but carrying an edge of warning. "We shall await the Emperor''smand. But remember this," his voice dropped lower, more threatening, "We will not be pawns in your Emperor''s game. If Emperor Kairos intends to use us as such, he may find that we are not aspliant as he expects." There are a total of 13 affiliated kingdoms under Emperor Kairos'' rule, and the Kingdom of Araknis is one of them. These kingdoms have gathered together for survival against the demons and infiltrating empires like the Dragon Empire, which eyes theirnds like a juicy piece of meat.. Feodor swallowed hard, realizing that beneath the King''s calm exteriory a will as unyielding as steel. He nodded, offering a more respectful bow than before. "Understood, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice subdued. "I will convey your words to Emperor Kairos." "Just you wait, you old fart..I will tell his majesty Emperor how you didn''t showed respect to him. Then, we will see." Envoy Feodor sneered inwardly. On the other hand, General Leon found the whole charade disappointing. He clenched fist as icy cold power emanated from his palm. He stood up and left the room in a huff. The others just looked at each other, while the King understood Leon''s feeling. He didn''t mind the offence. Instead, he grew increasingly concerned that he might act recklessly. Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Marquess Bella Back in the Abyss... "So, Be, my dear, you''ve taken this half-breed as your personal servant?" Be''s father, the Incubus Duke, asked, his voice dripping with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He was seated on a throne forged from the bones of countless creatures, their skeletal remains fused together in a disy of ancient, terrifying power. Not to forget, two subi demonesses were seated on Aengus''sp in a sensual, arousing manner. However, the others were ustomed to this sort of disy, even Be knew her father too well. The Incubus Duke, Belial Bellfrost, was a figure of dark and overwhelming allure. Standing at 1.9 meters tall, his purple skin shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and his lean yet powerful muscles hinted at the strength he possessed. His twin horns, also purple, curved menacingly from his head, while his crimson-red wings spread out behind him, adding to his imposing presence. Belial''s entire being radiated a charm that could ensnare the heart of any female he desired. Thankfully, his focus was not currently on anyone in particr, otherwise, even his daughter Be might have found herself bewitched by his overwhelming allure. He was the very embodiment of lust and lewdness, traits that came naturally to his kind. Belial''s harem was vast,prising hundreds of wives from various demon species, including a number of subi. It was well-known, however, that despite his infamous appetite, he had never engaged in incestuous rtionships--a rare restraint in the demon world, where such taboos were often ignored. His power was undeniable. He controlled a vast territory--Lust Dukedom-- spanning tens of tens of thousands of square kilometers, home to millions of inhabitants demonic species. Suddenly a wave of invisible pressure descended upon Aengus from the duke seated on the throne with a casual expression of intrigue. Aengus felt the invisible pressure, as if it was trying to crush him. Yet, he remainedposed, determined to withstand the duke''s formidable presence. He understood this was a test, one he had to pass to reach his goal. Be and the other court officials observed with keen interest. "Let''s see how long you can endure, half-breed," the Incubus Duke smiled devilishly, gradually intensifying the pressure. If he unleashed his full aura all at once, Aengus would be reduced to nothing more than a pile of flesh and bones in an instant. He was demon general rank powerhouse after all. And of course, there were demons far more powerful than him. In the demon race, the social hierarchy was ruthlessly determined by strength alone. However, it wasn''t just about individual power. A formidable army could elevate one''s status to the pinnacle of the demon world. But thereiny the challenge--resources in the demon realm were scarcepared to the bountifulnds of humans. The few resource-rich territories were tightly controlled by the most dominant powers, leaving the rest to scramble for scraps. Returning to the present, Aengus felt the pressure intensifying with each passing second, his chest tightening as if a massive mountain was bearing down on him, crushing the air from his lungs. Gritting his teeth, he quickly channeled his dark power, drawing from theher energy within him to activate the Heart of Darkness, followed by a Darkness Pulse. "Buzz! Buzz!" Dark energy pulsed from his body, spreading throughout the court in waves, pushing back against the overwhelming pressure, if only by a little. Then he released Darkness Haki, to make it more stronger. Still, it felt like nothing more than a faint tickle to the Incubus Duke and the other high-ranking demons. But, the mere fact that Aengus could summon such power was surprising. For an ordinary demon, such a feat would be akin to reaching the heavens. Be, seated among the court officials, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, a faint, almost imperceptible curve forming on her lips. "Hehe, the game has begun, sweetheart," Be Bellfrost mused silently. "You will be my new pawn to conquer this demon world, and then the humannds. The secret within your body is far more valuable than anything else. If you can absorb the bloodlines of others, you''ll be unstoppable. And I just have to make you mine," she thought, her confidence unwavering. She didn''tpletely tell the truth about his transformation to her father. She only said that she tried to make him demonised, but he became half-breed with noble blood Instead--like a miracle. The duke obviously took it for granted because of his trust on her. Still, It was unknown if her ambition woulde to fruition, or the opposite would happen. After a while, even his full darkness power was unable to resist the relentless pressure. Aengus was forced to his knees, gasping for breath, sweat beading on his handsome face. Despite his exhaustion, he remained resolute, his gaze lifting to the duke with an expression of indifference. Seated on the Skeletal Throne, the Incubus Duke watched with a mixture of amusement and admiration. His two harem members--beautiful subi draped across hisp in a sensual disy--nced at Aengus with impressed expressions. "Power of the Darkness element! Impressive!" the duke praised, his voice resonating with approval. He then turned his attention to Be. "Alright, Be, my dear. I approve of your servant. However, we must ce a ve seal on him, to ensure he doesn''t betray you in the future." Aengus''s eyes narrowed with coldness at the proposal, but he quickly masked his expression, ensuring no hint of his thoughts betrayed him. He nced toward Be, trying to discern her intentions. Be met his gaze, her expression contemtive as she weighed the suggestion. The idea of the ve seal wasn''t entirely unappealing; it would ensure his loyaltypletely. However, she knew that such a measure would only hinder his growth. More importantly, she desired to win his allegiance on her own terms. For her, the real thrilly in making him hers through sheer charm and seduction--anything less would rob her of the satisfaction she craved. She knew that Aengus wasn''t entirely hers yet. But that would change--she would bind him to her, little by little, until he became her devoted love ve. "There''s no need for concern, Lord Father. I can manage him on my own. All I ask is that you grant his request. His condition is severe." The Incubus Duke nodded, unconcerned. He hadplete faith in her abilities--her prowess was unrivaled among her peers. The half-breed still had much to learn, and by the time he grew into his potential, the Duke would have gauged Aengus'' loyalty. He trusted his daughter to handle the situation, knowing she would bring the half-breed to heel in due time. "Alright, Be, my dear. We shall grant his wish as you requested. We''ll gather the necessary materials and send them to you soon. For now, take him to your territory and train him well. He must fully shed his old identity as a human. "Train him to be stronger, to serve your cause. We don''t nurture the weak or the idle. Remember that well, Be." Be nodded, a fleeting smile ying across her lips. "As you wish, Lord Father. I will make him the strongest." With that, she rose gracefully and began to walk out the court, signaling Aengus to follow her. Chapter 81: Chapter 81: The Game of Conquest As Aengus finished his preparations for the journey to Be''s Marquis Territory, which a portion of her father''s vast Dukedom, he reflected on how little he actually needed to prepare. He packed only a few clothes, all made in the Demon Lands, and now he wore a ck coat-like garment adorned with spiky bones jutting from the shoulders. The leather was likely from some demon or beast skin, and its rarity made it quite expensive. However, given his royal bloodline, they had made at least some investment in him. The coat also had defensive properties, which might prove usefulter on. With everything ready, Aengus followed behind Be, along with her servants--Vespera and several other noble-blooded demons. He mounted a dark, Pegasus-like flying creature and seated himself directly behind Be, their proximity close enough to feel her presence. Aengus gripped the creature''s ck fur tightly, trying to keep his eyes off Be''s alluring, curvaceous hips just inches away. Though he couldn''t truly feel emotions, his body had a way of betraying him, reacting to the temptation before him. Vespera, riding another dark Pegasus, shot daggers at him with her gaze. She despised his presence near her mistress, suspecting him of being deceitful and maniptive. To her, this new servant seemed too calcting, too willing to exploit Be''s trust. The treasures he had demanded before pledging his loyalty only deepened her mistrust, making her question his true motives. From time to time, Aengus pretended to be in pain, feigning weakness to lower the others'' guard. He knew how important it was to keep them from bing too vignt. The journey to Be''s Marquisette would be a long one. Despite having wings of their own, so both Be and Vespera and others chose to ride these dark Pegasus horses, whose shiny ck wings radiated a powerful aura of majesty unlike any other. Whoosh! With a mighty p of its wings, the dark Pegasus ascended higher into the sky, which was bathed in the eerie, dim light of the blood-red moon above. Thendscape below grew smaller, swallowed by shadows, as they climbed toward the heavens. The moon''s crimson glow painted the clouds in sinister hues, casting a haunting light on the riders. As they flew, Aengus nced over his shoulder, noticing strange, dark fissures forming in their wake. The air itself seemed to tear open, leaving behind rippling voids of darkness that shimmered ominously. It didn''t take long for Aengus to realize the purpose of these fissures--they served as a warning, a deterrent for any demonic flying creatures that might be tempted to follow them. The Pegasus, a creature of immense power, was making it clear that it was not to be trifled with. Their journey through the sky remained unhindered for a time, the only sounds being the steady beat of the Pegasus''s wings and the asional rustle of wind. The vast expanse of the demon realm stretched out beneath them, a deste, twistedndscape that seemed endless. Despite the ominous surroundings, their flight was calm, almost serene--until they encountered the swarm. Screech! Screech! A dark mass appeared on the horizon, growingrger as it rapidly approached. Within moments, they were surrounded by a swarm of enormous, bat-like creatures, their leathery wings pping noisily as they closed in. These weren''t ordinary bats--they were vampiric creatures, with fangs as long as daggers and eyes that glowed with a malevolent red hunger. Their shrieks pierced the air, echoing in the vast sky as they moved to encircle the group. But before anyone could act, Vespera took charge. With an air of authority that left no room for challenge, she extended her hand and spoke amand in the ancient tongue of her kind. Her voice, cold andmanding, carried a power that resonated through the air. The effect was immediate. The vampiric bats hesitated, their movements faltering as if struck by an unseen force. Their red eyes flickered with recognition, and slowly, they began to retreat, their shrieks fading into the distance. Vespera''s authority as a noble vampire was absolute; these creatures, bound by the hierarchy of the demon realm, dared not defy her. Within moments, the swarm had dispersed, leaving the sky clear once more. Their journey continued for two days, traversing thousands of kilometers of deste, barren desert under the oppressive sun. Thendscape was a vast expanse of shifting sands and parched earth, devoid of any significantndmarks or signs of life. The only relief came from the asional gust of wind that stirred the dry, dust-mixed air. As they pressed on, a fortress-like structure eventually came into view on the horizon. The fortress was covered far and wide with approximately 10-20 square kilometres area. The sight was both imposing and eerie--a sprawlingplex of buildings, each with its own strange architecture. Some were tall and foreboding, while others were squat and angr, casting long shadows that seemed to writhe in the dim light. The entireplex was shrouded in a perpetual gloom, just like outside. As they approached, the dark Pegasus flew toward the fortress, ascending to the top of a massive, broad wall that stretched 200 meters high. The walls were constructed from ancient, weathered stone, giving them a foreboding presence. Atop the walls, several guard posts were manned by vignt sentinels. These demons, with their sharp skeletal weapons, stood poised and alert, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble. The moment Be and her entourage arrived, the guards sprang into action. """Lady Be!""" """Lady Be is here!""" They roared in unison, their voices echoing off the stone walls in a chorus of relief and respect. However, for some reason their faces were etched with fatigue, bore expressions that suggested they had endured many long and sleepless nights. The weariness in their eyes spoke of countless hours spent on vignt watch, their dedication unwavering despite the toll it had taken on them. Upon their arrival, the sound of gongs reverberated throughout the fortress, marking Be''s entrance with a traditional and ceremonious wee. The gongs'' deep, resonant tones echoed through the fortress, signaling both the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter within these ancient walls. Aengus, seated behind Be on the dark Pegasus, surveyed the imposing fortress with a blend of detached calction and keen interest. The sight before him was a proof of the power and influence Be wielded. Her subordinates and servants, exuding an aura of formidable strength, were clearly not to be underestimated. If Aengus was to achieve his grand ambitions, this fortress would be a crucial starting point. To seed in his n of conquest, Aengus knew he had to begin here. Gaining control over Be Bellfrost could provide him with a solid foundation for his future operations. To do so, he needed to meticulously gather information, assessing both the strengths and weaknesses of those around him. Establishing his own dominance within this base was essential for his strategy. MANAS had been advising him, had outlined a perfect n for building his own army. ording to MANAS, conquering the world alone would be difficult; a formidable army was indispensable. Aengus understood that to rise to power, he would need to amass a loyal and powerful force. His ultimate goal was not just to conquer but to seek vengeance against Beelzebub who had billions of demons under hismand. Chapter 82: Chapter 82: The Game of Conquest (II) "Lady Be, thank god you''re here!" one of her demon subordinates sighed in relief, rushing forward with a face full of exhaustion and relief.Several other demons also echoed, their tense expressions betraying their unease. Suppressing her charm, Be gracefully descended onto the hard stone wall, followed closely by Aengus, Vespera, and the rest of her servants. Her movements, naturally seductive andmanding, drew the attention of everyone present. As she approached the group, her purple eyes shimmered with a subtle glow, a silent warning that she expected answers. She raised an eyebrow, her tone both curious and authoritative as she asked, "Why? What''s wrong?" The demons exchanged nervous nces before the leader of the group spoke up, his voice strained with the weight of the situation. "My Lady, there''s been unrest within our territory. Strange urrences have been guing the vicinity of Dark forest. Several Lesser Demons have gone missing, and those who return are¡­ different. Twisted, as if corrupted by something dark and malevolent. We''ve tried to contain it, but whatever it is, it''s spreading." Be''s eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp as she processed the information. "And you waited until now to inform me?" Her voice was cold,ced with a hint of displeasure. The demon bowed his head, trembling slightly under her gaze. "Forgive us, Lady Be. We believed we could handle it ourselves, but the Barron of that ce is not co-operative at all. He hindered us from investigating through force. He looked like he had gone out of control as well. We could''t confront a Greater Demon like with our Lesser Demon power. And other Barrons are really far away to offer support. That''s why were anxious." "Oh.." Be remained silent for a moment, her mind racing through possible scenarios. She knew that whatever was happening could pose a significant threat to her territory, and possibly to her future. Aengus, standing a few steps behind her, watched the exchange intently, already formting his own n on how this turn of events could y into his hands. He was not afraid of any greater demons. The power of ranks of demons were divided by 7 ranks: ¨C Imps (Rank, not species) ¨C Lesser Demons ¨C Greater Demons ¨C Elder demons ¨C Archdemons ¨C Demon Generals ¨C Demon Lords --- Aengus had battled lesser demons before and he won, proving his strength. He knew that with his current abilities, defeating a greater demon was within reach¡ªif he gave it everything he had. But to do so, he needed to have more Nether energy to use his full power, and defeat it. And he can increaseher energy by eating demonic cores. It might seem like a vile act to outsiders, akin to cannibalism, but in the demon world, it was simply a harsh reality of survival. Demon cores was like a currency here, with different qualities. Aengus would need a lot of demon core for his grand for raising a army using his [ Monster Breeding ] Skill, that was acquired from a dungeon. MANAS had proposed a bold strategy to Aengus: if he could gather arge number of monsters, demons, or other creatures within his domain, he could level up his Monster Breeding skill significantly. However, this required subjugating these creatures first, which meant defeating and weakening them to bring them under his control. Once subdued, Aengus could use his Synthesis ability to fuse these monsters and demons, making them more powerful and, more importantly, utterly loyal. They would never betray him. This was the cornerstone of his grand n for conquest. It was just a matter of time. But there was a problem: resources were scarce in this deste territory. Gathering the necessary demon cores would take time. The scarcity of resources forced demons to resort to desperate measures, often consuming the flesh of their own kind to stave off hunger. Compared to that, consuming a demon core was a minor transgression. Be''s voice snapped Aengus from his thoughts. "Sweetheart, let''s go and see what''s happening there. It won''t take long," she said with a charming smile, her eyshes fluttering slightly. Aengus met her gaze, his expression neutral as he nodded. "As you say, Mistress." Her subordinates exchanged surprised nces. They had never seen Be act so intimately with anyone before. Many noble demon princes had tried to win her favor, only to be kept at a distance. Be was like a thorny rose¡ªbeautiful and tempting but dangerous to touch. Her beauty and grace were admired and envied, but they were never to be imed. Be then turned to Vespera. "Vespera, you too wille with me. The rest of you, return to your assigned posts," shemanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. The servants quickly dispersed, leaving Be, Aengus, and Vespera to investigate the disturbance. They soared through the sky, wings unfurled, racing towards their destination like aet streaking across the night. Be''s speed far outstripped Vespera''s, leaving her trailing behind as Be and Aengus cut through the dimly lit sky together. Aengus found himself once again in Be''s arms, her enchanting purple eyes fixed on his face with a bemused expression. Her gaze was alluring, the kind that could make lesser men falter. But Aengus remained unbothered, his eyes cold and detached. He knew this woman had been trying to seduce him from the start, though her true intentions were unclear. Was she aiming to make him a puppet, ensnaring him in a web of desire to bend him to her will? "Hehe..." Be''s lips curved into an imperceptible smile as she studied his expressionless face, her amusement growing. She enjoyed the challenge he presented, the resistance he offered. Aengus, on the other hand, was fully aware of the game she was ying. But if she thought he would be an easy conquest, she was sorely mistaken. They flew in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, yet fully aware of the undercurrent of tension between them. Be''s smile widened slightly as she wondered just how long this boy could keep his guard up. But Aengus was already three steps ahead, determined not to fall prey to whatever scheme she had in mind. Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Lord Aengus (1) As the sky turned a dark bloody red, signaling the imminent descent of night over the demonnds, Be, Vespera, and Aengusnded before a moderately sized mansion. The eerie glow of the setting Red sun cast long shadows across the ground, making the mansion appear even more ominous. Be moved with the grace and allure of the seductress subus she was, her every step drawing attention as she approached the moderate sized mansion''s gate. Vespera and Aengus followed closely behind¡ªVespera ever vignt, while Aengus remained casual, confident that as long as he was with Be Bellfrost, his safety was assured. If not no one would able to save them. "Hey, stop!" A gruff voice interrupted their approach. A demon guard with a crocodile-like head stepped forward, blocking their path. His eyes were wary, but he clearly didn''t recognize the danger he was facing. "Audacious! How dare you try to stop Lady Be?" Vespera snapped, stepping forward with an air of authority. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous red light, and her vamperic red and ck wings unfurled slightly, casting a menacing shadow over the demon guard. "Do you have a death wish?" Vespera asked coldly, her voice dripping with malice as she red at the crocodile-headed demon. The sharp edges of her wings hovered ominously above him, like a set of swords ready to strike. Despite Vespera''s looming threat, the crocodile demon remained defiant, his expression stubborn and unyielding. "No, you can''t pass! And who is this b*tch Be you''re talking about?" The crocodile demon sneered contemptuously, his voice dripping with disrespect. "You...?" Vespera''s face darkened, her rage boiling over like a seething cauldron. The air around her seemed to ripple with the intensity of her anger, her eyes zing with the promise of violence. But before she could act, Be let out augh, a sound that was both chilling and amused. "Hahaha..." Sheughed as if she found the situation incredibly entertaining, though a murderous intent simmered just beneath the surface. The idea that this insolent demon would dare speak to her in such a manner was bothughable and infuriating. Vespera, on the verge of cutting the insolent guard into pieces, was suddenly halted by the arrival of another demon, also with a crocodile-like appearance. "Paah!" Without hesitation, the second guard delivered a powerful p across the face of the first, the force of the blow sending him crashing to the ground with a Bang! The first guard''s face twisted in pain, turning a deep shade of red, almost resembling a pig''s liver. "You fool! What are you doing? Do you not even recognize Lady Be? Are you blind?" The second guard berated the fallen demon sternly, his voice filled with authority and frustration. Turning quickly to Be and her entourage, the second guard''s demeanor shifted to one of deep apology. "I am sorry, Lady Be, for this disrespect. I failed to ensure proper discipline among the guards. Please forgive us." Be regarded the second guard with a cold, calcting gaze, the amusement gone from her expression. "And what has happened to him?" she asked, her tone icy as she gestured towards the fallen guard who was still writhing on the ground. The second guard hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Lady Be, it is not entirely his fault. Ever since the incident at Dark Forest, he''s been... different. His memory is failing him. He''s losing it bit by bit, forgetting even the most basic things. It''s as if something is eating away at his mind." Be''s eyes narrowed at this information. The Dark Forest¡ªthis was the same ce where strange urrences had been reported. It seemed whatever dark influence was spreading through her territory was affecting even her own guards. She turned to Vespera, who was still bristling with anger. "Vespera, stand down. It seems there''s more going on here than we initially thought." Be''s voice was calm but carried an undertone ofmand. Vespera reluctantly obeyed, though her eyes remained locked on the fallen guard with barely restrained fury. "As you wish, Lady Be," she said through clenched teeth, retracting her wings and stepping back. Be then addressed the second guard. "Take this one away and keep him under close observation. I want a full report on his condition, as well as anyone else showing simr symptoms. Understand?" The second guard nodded quickly. "Yes, Lady Be. I will see to it immediately." He then bent down, dragging the still-dazed first guard away with surprising ease. "Hey, wait!" Vespera called out, halting the crocodile demon as he began to lead them inside. "Tell us about your Baron first. Where is he? We need to speak with him immediately." The crocodile demon paused, ncing back at Vespera with a wary expression. "He is inside, mydy. But be careful... the Baron''s mental condition is also not good," he warned, his voice tinged with unease. With that final caution, the crocodile demon hurried away, leaving Be, Vespera, and Aengus to continue on their own. The trio proceeded through the grand entrance and into the main hall of the mansion. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with an oppressive atmosphere that matched the grim state of affairs in the territory. As they entered, their eyes fell upon a humanoid demon sitting in arge, ornate chair. His skin was covered in iridescent fish scales that caught the faint light, reflecting it in a way that made him appear almost otherworldly. However, despite his striking appearance, there was something deeply unsettling about the Baron. He sat slumped in the chair, his posture listless, and his eyes stared vacantly ahead as if his mind was far away, lost in some dark, unreachable ce. Be''s gaze hardened as she took in the sight before her. This was the Barron who was supposed to be managing the area, yet he looked more like a broken doll than a powerful Greater demon. Whatever had taken hold of him had clearly done significant damage. Vespera approached cautiously, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Baron Voldemort," she called out, her voice sharp andmanding. "Can you hear me? We need to speak with you." The Baron didn''t respond immediately. For a long, tense moment, it seemed as though he might not acknowledge them at all. Then, slowly, his head turned towards them, his eyes dull and unfocused. There was a flicker of recognition, but it was faint, like a dying ember struggling to stay lit. "L-Lady Be...Miss Vespera..." he muttered, his voice raspy and strained. "Why are you here...? It''s... toote... for this ce..." Be stepped forward, her expression unreadable as she stared down at the Baron. "We are here because of the disturbances in Dark Forest and about the disappearance of demons," she said, her voice cold and firm. "What has happened here, Baron? What has caused this madness?" The Baron blinked slowly, his gaze drifting away from them as if he were struggling to hold on to his thoughts. "Darkness... it came from the forest... corrupted everything... even me... there''s no escape... only... despair..." His words were disjointed, fragmented as if his mind was barely holding together. Be''s eyes narrowed, and she turned to Vespera and Aengus. "This is worse than I thought. The corruption has taken root in the Baron himself. We need to find the source of this darkness and eradicate it before it spreads any further." Aengus, finding the situation mysterious, activated Appraisal to know what exactly happened here. He had to use his precious Mana for this. Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Lord Aengus (2) [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Voldemort ] [ Corrupted ] [ Race: Demon ] [ Species: Half Hydrothrax ] [ Rank: Greater Demon ] [ Affiliation: Dark Valley Fortress, Lust Dukedom ] [ Abilities: [ 1. Water Breathing: Hydrothrax can Submerged in water for a long time ] [ 2. Aqua Cloak: Hydrothrax can shroud itself in a thickyer of water, making it difficult to see and giving it resistance to physical attacks. The cloak also provides it with increased speed and agility in aquatic environments ] [ 3. Tidal Surge: The demon can summon powerful waves to crash against its enemies, knocking them back and potentially drowning those caught in the surge. The strength and size of the wave can vary depending on Hydrothrax''s will ] [ 4. Dread Maelstrom: It creates a massive vortex of corrupted water that draws in enemies and shreds them with shadow-infused currents. The maelstrom also distorts reality within its range, causing illusions and disorientation among those trapped inside ] [ 5. Scalebane Torrent: Hydrothrax unleashes a barrage of razor-sharp scales, each infused with dark energy, that can slice through armor and flesh.] Aengus quickly focused on the corrupted Barron, bringing up the information on the nature of the corruption: [Corruption: Dark Wraiths, a type of darkness creature, have corrupted the target''s mind. The Wraiths are sinister creatures that gradually take control of the soul, leading to death. Corruption progress: 98.89%.] Aengus''s eyes narrowed as he read the details. The Barron''s corruption was almostplete, leaving him on the brink of losing himself entirely. The situation was more dangerous than he had anticipated. With the corruption at 99%, the Barron could be fully possessed at any moment. And just as Aengus expected, the Baron''s eyes turned pitch ck, an ominous void recing the dim light that had once been there. The transformation was swift¡ªwhatever fragment of the Barron remained was gone, reced by the malevolent force of the Dark Wraiths. Without warning, the Barron lunged toward Vespera with terrifying speed, his movements no longer his own. Aengus, alert to the change due to his affinity with darkness, saw the attacking. He remained calm, knowing Vespera''s capabilities, but recognized the opportunity to earn Be''s favor. He called out in a voice that was steady yet loud enough to be heard clearly, "Watch out!" Vespera, caught off guard by the sudden shift, instinctively hesitated, unsure of the true nature of the threat. Before she could fully process Aengus''s warning, Be, alwaysposed and in control, stepped forward. With a casual yet powerful motion, she extended her wless hand, intercepting the Barron''s charge effortlessly. The impact was thunderous, as Be''s hand met the corrupted Baron with a force that sent a shockwave through the hall. Bang! The Baron was mmed into the ground with a deafening boom, the stone floor cracking beneath him from the sheer power of Be''s blow. Pinned under Be''s unyielding grip, the Barron struggled in vain, the dark entity controlling him writhing in frustration. Be''s purple shimmering eyes bore into the Barron''s, her expression one of cold authority. "My, my, what do we have here? What''s with the sudden violence, Baron?" Be''s voice dripped with mockery as they surveyed the chaotic scene. #@&#%##@% The Baron responded with a series of eerie, unsettling cackles that sounded like a grotesque mix ofughter and growls. Be and Vespera exchanged puzzled nces, unable to make sense of the distorted sounds. "What is it saying?" Vespera asked, her voice tinged with frustration as she struggled to decipher the Barron''s response. "MANAS, can you understand it?" he inquired telepathically. A flickering white light manifested beside him, and MANAS''s voice echoed in his mind with rity. "Yes, Master. I can interpret itsnguage. It says: ''Bitch, We will soon take over this fortress and then destroy it by consuming everyone''s souls. They n tounch the attack within a few hours. Just you wait.''" The speaker''s eyes narrowed. "Oh, I see!" He was bewildered by the wraith''s audacity in revealing its n. Was it simply a product of overconfidence, or did the wraith know that Be and the others could understand theirnguage at all? "Mistress!" Aengus called out, his voice calm but his eyes betraying a deep seriousness. Be and Vespera turned to him, maintaining their focus on keeping the Baron at bay. "What is it, sweetheart? Do you somehow understand itsnguage?" Be asked, her gaze fixed on Aengus. "Yes," Aengus replied evenly. "The Baron¡ªthe creature inside, says they n to attack the fortress tonight and destroy it. They have arge army assembled." He deliberately left out the part about the Baron''s ''Bitch'' curse. Otherwise who knows what would Be do out of anger. Be''s eyes widened slightly. "Oh, that sounds serious. But how do you understand theirnguage? Even the residents here can''t make sense of it. How is that possible?" she asked, feeling curious. Her tone was also had tinge of suspicion as she studied Aengus closely. "That¡ªThat''s because of my darkness affinity. This creature had simr darkness powers as I do. I can understand it somehow," Aengus said confidently, his tone steady despite the underlying tension. Be''s eyes glinted with approval. "Fu fu fu¡­ Very good, sweetheart. See, I knew you would be useful," she smiled, her voice dripping with seductive charm as she approached him, the air around her charged with an intoxicating allure. Vespera, who had just been saved from imminent danger, regarded Aengus with a mixture of gratitude and suspicion. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she tried to gauge his true intentions. "Do you know where their location is?" Vespera asked, her voice filled with concern. The urgency in her tone reflected the gravity of the situation. Aengus shook his head slowly. "No. The creature did not reveal their exact location." Be''s smile widened, revealing a hint of satisfaction. "No matter, sweetheart. You have done more than enough. For this contribution, you will be granted a Barony over this territory." "This one," she said, nodding dismissively at the bound Baron, "is of no further use. What do you think?" Her offer was both generous and strategic, a move to secure Aengus''s loyalty. Vespera''s eyes widened in surprise. "A Barony from the start? While she had to work hard for how long?" she thought, feeling a pang of unfairness. She had been through trials and tribtions to earn her position. But as Be''smand was absolute, she stifled her discontent, knowing better than to challenge her Mistress''s decisions. Aengus didn''t miss the opportunity. His eyes gleamed with a cold determination. "Yes, Mistress. I shall do as you say. I will keep it safe no matter what," he replied with a resolute tone, his voice firm and unwavering. Inwardly, Aengus was already formting his next moves. The first phase of his n had seeded, and with the Barony in his grasp, he had the means to set his long-term strategy into motion. Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Greater Demon "Alright," Be said, her voiceced with satisfaction as she nodded approvingly. "I will send an official notice appointing you as the new Baron of Dark Valley," she continued, her tone firm and decisive, as if the matter was already settled. The weight of her words hung in the air, solidifying Aengus''s new position. She then turned her attention to Vespera, her expression shifting from indulgent tomanding. "Let''s go, Vespera. We need to prepare our forces to march into their hideout. Let''s see who dares to invade our territory," Be dered, her voice cold and resolute. Her eyes glinted dangerously, a reminder her words were not be taken lightly. "Okay, Mistress," Vespera responded resolutely, her tone steady as she acknowledged Be''smand. Be turned back to Aengus, her gaze softening slightly as she addressed him. "Sweetheart, you don''t need to join us for now. You can''t handle at your condition," she said with a slight smile. "For now, you need to focus on increasing your strength." Her voice was gentle, but there was an underlying firmness that made it clear this was not a suggestion but an order. She paused, reaching for the space bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet was a delicate piece, shimmering with a subtle iridescence that hinted at its otherworldly origin. Aengus couldn''t help but feel intrigued. A space bracelet was a rare and valuable artifact, capable of storing vast amounts of items in a small, easily essible space. Its convenience was undeniable, but he knew its price must be equally Astronomical. "There are a total of 500 low grade Cores inside," Be continued, withdrawing a few small pouches from the bracelet and handing them to Aengus. Her jade-like hand extended gracefully, the gesture both generous andmanding. "These cores will increase your Nether energy and strengthen your physique slightly," she exined, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that underscored the importance of what she was giving him. "Don''t let me down. Use your talent wisely, so that we can continue on this path unhindered." "Thank you, Mistress!" Aengus replied, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. He epted the pouches with a slight bow. He opened one of the pouches and peeked inside, revealing the glowing cores within. They were of various colors¡ªck, red, yellowish, brown¡ªeach representing the essence of a different type of demons. These demonic cores, extracted from the bodies of powerful demons, were potent sources of energy that could be absorbed to enhance one''s strength. Aengus''s eyes gleamed with determination as he looked at the cores. As Be and Vespera left the room of the Baron''s mansion, Aengus found himself alone in the dimly lit chamber. The silence was heavy, pressing in on him from all sides, but his thoughts were anything but quiet. He looked at the demonic cores in his hands with a mixture of fascination and anticipation. Each core pulsed with a dark, almost hypnotic glow, theher energy within churning like a storm trapped inside a small, hardened shell. These cores held the essence of demons, which can only be consumed by the demons. If a human attempted to consume these, they risked bing something monstrous¡ªmutated, wild, devoid of reason. Yet, Aengus felt no fear. Instead, he saw only the potential for growth, the opportunity to harness the power of these demonic essences and bend them to his will. With resolve, he began consuming the cores one by one. The first one was bitter on his tongue, its taste sharp and acrid, but as he swallowed, the core seemed to dissolve instantly in his stomach, its energy flooding his veins. He felt a rush of power surge through him, followed by a series of notifications echoing in his mind: [Strength +1] [ Agility +2] [Strength +1] [ Defense +1] [Agility +1] Each core brought with it a new wave of energy, the dark, swirling essence melding with his own. His muscles tightened, his reflexes sharpened, and he could feel his body growing stronger, more resilient with each core he consumed. MANAS advised that the most effective way to use them for now is by eating them. While his Gluttony of Darkness ability could do the same, it wouldn''t give Nether energy. That''s why he chose to consume them directly. The essences didn''t only focus at his physical attributes. He felt his Nether energy reserves also expanding, the dark, shadowy power within him growing more potent, more responsive: [Nether Energy +1] [Nether Energy +2] [ Nether Energy +1 ] .... The process was invigorating, yet there was an undercurrent of something primal, something dangerous, in the way his body absorbed the demonic energy. The cores melted into pure energy, dissolving into particles that spread throughout his body, strengthening him from within. By this point, he had consumed nearly half of the demonic cores. Some provided a 0.5-point boost to his stats, while others offered as much as 2 points. The most significant increase, however, was in his Nether Energy core. The remaining half of the cores stayed in his pouch, as he felt fatigued and strained. It was as though a wild energy surged within him, needing to be released for his body to adjust to the growing power. With a thought, he examined his new improvement in stats. [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ upation: Demon Servant ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ] [ Level: 20 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 70 ] [ Agility: 66 ] [ Defense: 80 ] [ Mana: 26/8190 ] [ Nether Energy: 180/180 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Maniption-12(D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 4 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ] - [ Passive: ze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion -5 (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ] --- He looked at the screen, feeling satisfied. His base stats had increased by 30 to 40 points, though his level remained unchanged. This meant that the concept of levels no longer applied to him. A new, insurmountable gap was forming between him and both humans and demons. He now possessed the physical strength of a demonbined with the power of humanity''s system. However, that didn''t mean he could confront a high-level human powerhouse with physical strength alone. Demons generally had far greater physical power than humans, yet they often couldn''t win against them because of the humans'' powerful skills. Not everyone had bloodline powers like Be and others. Most demons relied on their physical strength and theirmon species ability: Blood Regeneration, which wasn''t bad in itself. Aengus stood still for a moment, feeling the changes within him. His strength had increased, his agility had improved, and his defenses had solidified. More importantly, his Nether Energy core had expanded significantly. Aengus felt as though he could crush an adult Minotaur with ease. He was nowparable to a Greater Demon in power. Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Swearing Loyalty After what felt like an eternity, the door to the dimly lit room creaked open, and two towering crocodile demons lumbered in. Their scales gleamed with a dark, oily sheen under the faint light, and their eyes glowed with a sinister red hue. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier with their presence, charged with the raw, primal energy they exuded. The demons paused as they entered, their gaze locking onto Aengus, the half-breed demon who stood before them. They had been of his sudden rise to power, but now, seeing him in person, their curiosity burned even brighter. They were joined by four more of their kind, making a total of six crocodile demons, all neatly lined up in front of Aengus. Their powerful tails dragged across the floor, leaving faint scratches on the stone, but their posture was one of obedience. "My Lord, congrattions on bing the new Baron of the Dark Valley," they said in unison, their deep, gravelly voices resonating through the room. There was a subtle undercurrent of respect in their tone, a recognition of the power and authority Aengus now held. "We have been notified officially," one of them continued, bowing his massive head slightly. "Now, we hereby swear loyalty in the name of the Demon God." Aengus, who had been sitting quietly, deep in thought, furrowed his brows and rose to his feet. His muscles tightened as he stood, the recent influx of energy from the demonic cores making him feel stronger, more confident. He straightened his posture, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the crocodile demons before him with keen interest. These were no ordinary demons; their loyalty was not given lightly. The fact that they hade to swear fealty meant that his new title as Baron of the Dark Valley had already started to ripple through the ranks. The power structure here was harsh and unyielding, but respect was earned through strength and cunning. Although, their loyalty was not 100%, it was going to rise eventually. He would make them hundred percent loyal. He stepped forward, his gaze never leaving the demons in front of him. "Rise," hemanded, his voice firm, yet tinged with a newfound authority. "Your loyalty is noted, and it will be rewarded. Together, we will strengthen the Dark Valley, and any who dare challenge us will be crushed." "Yes, My Lord... " The crocodile demons straightened their backs, their eyes filled with a mix of respect and uncertainty. Their new half-breed Lord was surprisingly ambitious it seemed. Aengus''s words resonated with them, and they could sense the power radiating from him, a power that was still growing, still evolving. Aengus studied them carefully, noting the raw physical strength they possessed, as well as the dark energy that seemed to ripple beneath their scales. "So, now tell me," he began, his voice carrying an edge of impatience, "how many people are in our ranks currently?" The crocodile demons lowered their heads in shame, their massive bodies hunching slightly as they spoke. "My Lord, we only have 20 lesser demons in our ranks, including the butler and the maid who serve your needs," one of them admitted, his voice mixed with frustration. "The number was seriously lowpared to the other baronies under the Fortress of Lady Be''s rule. It''s due to our previous Baron''s reckless spending and carelessness." Aengus crossed his arms, his expression darkening as he absorbed the disappointing news. The room, which had been filled with a sense of triumph just moments before, now felt heavy with Aengus'' discontentment. They felt the indistinct pressure from their new Baron, and shivered, not daring say anything out of proportion. "Anyway, did the former Baron live alone or something? No family?" he asked,noticing their fear as he wanted ease the situation a little. "Yes, my Lord," the guards replied in unison, their heads slightly bowed. "He lived alone." Aengus seemed to ponder this for a moment, his mind already working on a n to address the situation. The former Baron''s mismanagement and reckless spending had left the Dark Valley in a vulnerable state, but Aengus saw this as an opportunity. Such a small number of demons in his service could be a disadvantage, but it also meant there were fewer individuals to interfere with his business. . "Alright," he finally said, his tone decisive. "Gather everyone. I need to talk to them." The crocodile demons nodded and quickly left the room to carry out his orders. Aengus watched them go, his mind racing with thoughts of what needed to be done. Loyalty would be the first thing he would need to secure. These demons had served under a weak leader, and their allegiance might still be shaky. He needed to ensure that they saw him as their only lord and master, that they understood their survival and prosperity depended on their unwavering loyalty to him. But loyalty alone wouldn''t be enough. Aengus would also need to assess their potential. The Dark Valley had been neglected for too long, and he needed to identify those with the strength and talent to rise above the rest. He would make them stronger using Universal Synthesis, but only if they proved their worth. Those who showed promising would be rewarded; those who didn''t have both, they will be casted out immediately. He knew this process would take time. Rebuilding the ranks of his barony and transforming a disloyal and weakened force into a formidable one couldn''t be done overnight. But Aengus was confident. He would fill their mind with temptations of power, which no one could ever hope to possibly achieve. Aengus observed the group gathered before him, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The demons stood in neat rows, their heads slightly bowed as they felt the weight of his Darkness Haki pressing down on them. The aura he exuded was palpable, filling the room with a sense of dread that made even the bravest among them tremble. Despite their attempts to stand tall, Aengus could see the fear in their eyes, the uncertainty in their stiff postures. As he surveyed his new subjects, a wave of disappointment washed over him. These demons were ofmon blood,cking the powerful abilities or noble lineage that could have made them valuable assets. Most of them relied on their physical strength, and while they had some species-specific traits¡ªlike the crocodile demons'' scale armor or the fish scale demons'' ability to breathe underwater¡ªthere was little else tomend them. They were strong, but strength alone wasn''t enough. Among the twenty demons present, 13 werebatants of Imps and Lesser demons power rank , their sole purpose being to fight and defend the territory. (AN: Imps= lowest level demons, not the exact species) The other five were administrative demons, tasked with handling the official matters of the barony. And then there were thest two¡ªa butler and a maid¡ªwhose duties revolved around attending to the Baron''s personal needs. None of them stood out as particrly exceptional, and that was a problem. Aengus needed more than just foot soldiers; he needed individuals who could help him execute his ns, expand his power, and ensure his dominion over the Dark Valley and beyond. He let the silence stretch, allowing the pressure of his Haki to sink in deeper, making them feel small and insignificant. Then, in a voice that was calm yet edged with authority, he spoke. "Look at you," he began, his toneced with disappointment. "A ragtag group of demons, barely capable of holding onto what little power this barony has left. Do you think this is enough? Do you think you can serve me, protect thisnd, and rise above your current state with just this?" The demons looked at each other ufortably, but no one dared to speak. They knew better than to challenge their new lord, especially when he was making it clear just how unimpressed he was with them. "You are weak," Aengus continued, his words cutting like a de. "But weakness can be ovee. I will not tolerate mediocrity in my ranks. If you wish to remain here, if you wish to serve me and not be cast aside as failures, then you must prove your worth. I will give you the opportunity to grow stronger, to rise above your current status. But know this¡ªfailure will not be forgiven." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The demons were listening intently now, fear mixed with a glimmer of hope. Aengus had them where he wanted them¡ªdesperate, eager to prove themselves, and willing to do whatever it took to gain his favor. "You all will have unimaginable power, and I will make sure it by myself," Aengus dered, his voice growing darker. "Power that you could never hope to achieve on your own. But this poweres with a price. You will serve me without question, without hesitation. You will dedicate your lives to my cause, and in return, I will make you stronger than you ever imagined. Together, we will rebuild this barony, and we will make those who look down on us tremble in fear." The room was silent, the weight of his words heavy in the air. The demons looked at each other, uncertainty giving way to determination. They knew they had little choice but to follow Aengus. He was their new lord, and he held their fates in his hands. Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Black Swamp "Now," Aengus said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, yet still filled with authority, "Swear your loyalty to me, and vow that you will never betray me. Those who prove themselves will be rewarded. Those who betrays me, they will be executed immediately." His words sent a chill down their spines, and they trembled with fear. His intimidation Haki began to influence their mind to follow hismand ¡ªlike as if it was thew. """My Lord, we swear, You''re the only lord and the god to us. We will never betray you.""" One by one, the demons knelt before him, pledging their loyalty. Aengus watched them, a dark smile ying on his lips. He knew it would take time to mold them into the force he needed, but he was confident in his ability to do so. This was just the beginning, and with each step he took, his power would grow. ..... As everyone else left the room to attend to their respective duties, only Aengus and his butler¡ªYu Elvedaro, a fish-scale humanoid demon¡ªremained. "So, your name is Butler Yu, correct?" Aengus inquired, his gaze steady as he addressed the butler. Butler Yu bowed slightly, cing his right hand on his chest in a gesture of respect. "Yes, my lord," Yu Elvedaro replied, his voice carrying a mixture of awe and caution. He met his new lord''s calm and indifferent gaze with a sense of reverence. Despite Aengus''s youthful appearance, Yu had witnessed a powerful presence that suggested there might be new hope on the horizon if he served this half-breed with unwavering loyalty. "Do you need anything, my lord?" Yu asked, his tone more respectful and enthusiastic now, eager to attend to any needs Aengus might have. Aengus studied Butler Yu with a scrutinizing gaze. The fish scale demon was a striking figure, his scales shimmering subtly in the light. Though his appearance was less imposingpared to some of the other demons, his demeanor suggested both dedication and a sharp mind. The respect Yu showed was evident, but Aengus could sense a flicker of hope in his eyes¡ªa potential ally or a useful asset if handled correctly. "Yes, Butler Yu," Aengus said, his tone calm but carrying an edge of authority. "I need a detailed report on the current state of the barony. I want to know about our resources, the condition of the fortifications, and any other relevant information you think I should be aware of." Butler Yu nodded, his expression shifting to one of earnest attentiveness. "Of course, my Lord. I will provide you with aprehensive overview of the barony. It will take a little time to gather all the necessary information, but I assure you it will be thorough." Aengus raised an eyebrow, noting the butler''s eagerness. "Good. I expect nothing less. In addition to that, I need you to prepare a list of potential allies and informants in the surrounding territories. We need to establish awork of intelligence and support if we''re to secure our position and expand our influence." "Understood, my Lord," Yu responded, his voice steady and respectful. "I will begin immediately. Is there anything else you require at this moment?" Aengus paused, considering the question. "Yes, actually. I want you to begin assessing the capabilities and loyalty of our current staff andbatants. I need to know who can be trusted and who might need... adjustment." Yu''s eyes flickered slightly, but he maintained hisposure. "I will handle it with the utmost care, my Lord. I will ensure that all assessments are conducted discreetly." "Excellent," Aengus said with a nod. "I trust you will carry out these tasks efficiently. Your dedication will be rewarded in due time." As Butler Yu bowed and began to leave, Aengus watched him go, his mind already racing with ns and strategies. He knew that to achieve his goals, he would need to control every aspect of his new territory, from its resources to its people. ---- After a while, Butler Yu returned with a stack of documents and a map of the Lust Dukedom, along withprehensive data on the hostile parties near Dark Valley. "My lord, this is all we have in our archives," Yu said, presenting the materials with a hint of apology. "I regret that I couldn''t bring the entire map of Demon Land. The Demon Land is so vast and ever-changing that it''s nearly impossible to map it urately. Even the Demon Lords'' single move can cause the very ground to shift, altering thendscape." he said as he ced the documents on the table. "Oh," Aengus responded with a nod, taking a closer look at the documents. The documents revealed that there were nearly 5,000 demon households in this region, now under his rule. His territory spanned approximately 20 to 30 square kilometers and was encircled by hostile tribes from the ck swamp and dark forest, who eyed them with a predatory interest. Beyond the great wall of the Fortress to the westy the Dark Forest, where Be had ventured to fight alongside her personal army. "Alright, I''ve reviewed everything. For now, let things remain as they are," Aengus said, rising from his seat from the table. He rose from the seat, and continued, "I''m going to visit the ck Swamp to assess who controls that area. You handle matters here, Butler Yu." Butler Yu hesitated, concern evident in his voice. "But, my lord, wouldn''t it be dangerous for you to go alone?" Aengus remained steadfast. "No, I won''t venture too deep. I just want to gauge their strength. You focus on your duties here. Leave the rest to me. Soon, we will conquer all the nearby tribes and strengthen our army." Butler Yu sighed, realizing further persuasion would be futile. Despite Aengus''s seemingly boastful words, Yu couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of hope for a better future. Nowadays resources had be increasingly scarce, and they often went hungry. The process of hunting demonic creatures was grueling and rarely yielded enough to fill their bellies. He watched his new Lord''s figure with hope and a rare emotion called worry. Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Surging Strength As Aengus waded into the dark swamp, the eeriendscape stretched out before him like a twisted nightmare. The ck, corrupted waterpped against his legs, its coldness seeping through his clothes, but it was more an unsettling sensation than a real difort. The water seemed to recognize him, parting slightly as he moved deeper, almost as if acknowledging his presence. The trees that dotted the swamp were ancient and grotesque, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal hands. Their bark was cracked and lifeless, devoid of any color or vitality, as if the very essence of life had been drained from them long ago. A thick mist clung to the air, swirling around Aengus as he moved forward, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the asional ripple in the water or the creaking of the decaying trees. Despite the foreboding atmosphere, Aengus felt a strange sense of belonging. The swamp was inhospitable, a ce where ordinary beings would be ovee with fear or despair. Yet for him, it felt almost weing, as if the darkness of the swamp resonated with the darkness within him. He continued to move forward, the water sloshing quietly around him. Every step he took felt deliberate, as if the swamp itself was guiding him toward something hidden within its depths. The map he had studied indicated that this ce held secrets¡ªancient, powerful secrets that could further his ns and solidify his control over the Dark Valley. As he pushed deeper into the swamp, the mist began to thicken, and the light from the gloomy sky above grew dimmer. The trees became more twisted and warped, their branches intertwined in unnatural patterns. Aengus felt the air grow colder, and a sense of anticipation began to build within him. Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet shifted slightly, and Aengus paused, looking down. The water rippled unnaturally, and a faint glow began to emanate from beneath the surface. He could feel the energy pulsing through the swamp, a dark and ancient power that resonated with his very being. It was as if the swamp was alive, aware of his presence, and responding to his approach. Without hesitation, Aengus knelt down, submerging his hands into the cold, dark water. The energy surged through him, a rush of power that made his Heart of Darkness race. The water began to swirl around him, forming a vortex that pulled at his clothes and threatened to drag him under. But Aengus remained calm, allowing the power of the swamp to envelop him. In an instant he used his Gluttony Of Darkness ability. In an instant, a ck vortex of darkness formed from his body in front. As Aengus activated his Gluttony of Darkness ability, the atmosphere around him shifted dramatically. The dark power within him surged, manifesting as a swirling ck vortex that spiraled out from his body. The vortex was an abyss of pure darkness, pulling in everything in its path with an insatiable hunger. The ck, corrupted water of the swamp was no exception. It began to swirl violently, drawn into the vortex with a sound like a distant roar. The water gurgled and churned as it was consumed, the dark energy within it being siphoned off and absorbed by Aengus. The vortex grewrger with each passing moment, expanding like a growing ck hole that threatened to consume the entire swamp. The power coursing through Aengus was intoxicating. He could feel his muscles tightening and growing stronger, his senses sharpening as his body adapted to the influx of dark energy. Every gulp of the swamp''s tainted waters seemed to fortify his being, enhancing his physical attributes in a way that felt both exhrating and overwhelming. [ Strength +1 ] [ Strength +2 ] [ Strength +1 ] [ Agility + 1 ] [ Defense + 2 ] [ Agility +2 ] ... Yet, despite the immense power he was drawing in, Aengus was acutely aware of the limitations of his ability. Unlike the legendary Devour ability of Beelzebub, which could convert all consumed matter into raw, undiluted Nether Energy added with more unique capabilities, Gluttony of Darkness was more specialized on a specific category. It focused primarily on enhancing his physical form, his strength, agility, and endurance, but the amount of Nether Energy it provided was meager inparison. Still, the power he was absorbing was substantial. The vortex continued to expand, consuming more and more of the swamp. The trees that stood near the water''s edge began to tremble, their roots pulled free from the muck as the ground itself started to be drawn toward the vortex. The once vast swamp was rapidly shrinking, its dark waters being devoured by Aengus''s insatiable hunger. As Aengus stood in the corrupted swamp, siphoning the dark energy from the murky waters with his *Gluttony of Darkness* ability, the atmosphere was thick with an ominous stillness. The water around him churned, its malevolent essence being drawn into the vortex that swirled with increasing intensity. Just as Aengus began to feel the intoxicating power surging through him, a sudden disturbance broke the eerie calm. Whoosh! Without warning, a pack of lizard-like demons erupted from the depths of the swamp, their scaled bodies slicing through the water with predatory precision. They moved with astonishing speed, their wet, armored scales reflecting the faint, sickly light that filtered through the canopy above. These creatures were monstrous in size, standing between 5 to 10 meters tall, with powerful limbs that ended in razor-sharp ws. Their elongated snouts were lined with jagged teeth, and their eyes burned with a primal hunger. Their dagger-like tails whipped through the air, slicing through anything in their path as they closed in on their target¡ªAengus. His Predator Instinct red to life, alerting him to the imminent danger. Without hesitation, Aengus pivoted on his heel, his reflexes heightened to near-superhuman levels. The dark vortex that had been absorbing the swamp''s energy shifted, directed by his will. It surged forward, expanding rapidly to meet the oing threat. The vortex''s pull was terrifyingly strong, a force of nature that devoured everything in its path. The first few lizard demons, caught off guard by Aengus''s swift reaction, were sucked into the vortex before they could even react. Their bodies were twisted and distorted as they were consumed by the swirling darkness, their agonized roars cut short as they disappeared into the abyss. The sheer force of the vortex disintegrated their forms, leaving nothing but dark mist in the air where they had once stood. However, the remaining lizard demons were not so easily defeated. These creatures, though savage, were experienced predators, and their survival instincts kicked in. With a collective hiss, they recoiled, darting out of the vortex''s reach with fluid, practiced movements. Their leader, a particrlyrge and cunning lizard demon with scarred scales and a fierce re, barked orders at the others, his voice a guttural growl. "Men, this guy is bad news," the leader hissed, his reptilian eyes narrowing as they fixed on Aengus. He recognized the threat that Aengus posed, his gaze calcting as he quickly assessed the situation. "Number 3, go and inform the Chief that a Greater Demon with Darkness power is here. We need his immediate help." "Okay, boss," Number Three, a slightly smaller but equally fearsome lizard demon, replied with urgency. He didn''t waste a moment, his body diving into the dark waters with a ssh, disappearing into the murky depths with a powerful flick of his tail. The water rippled and then settled, leaving only the faint sound of his departure echoing through the swamp. Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Declaration [ Appraisal ] [ Scaled Horned Lizard ] [ Power Rank: Lesser Demon ] [ Abilities: ] - [ Blood Regeneration ] - [ Quick Reflexes ] - [ Sharp Tail ] In the midst of the ck Swamp, Aengus found himself surrounded by the ferocious lizard demons, their predatory eyes glinting with hunger as they circled him. Recognizing the situation, Aengus deactivated his Gluttony of Darkness ability. He knew it wouldn''t be of much help here¡ªit drained his Nether Energy rapidly, and when he swallowed the two lizard demons earlier, he felt a slight tremor around his soul, indicating that continuing to absorb living beings at its basic level would be too taxing. He remained vignt, sharpening his focus as he kept watch on all sides. Whoosh! Without any warning, a lizard demon lunged at Aengus from behind, its razor-sharp ws slicing through the air with enough force to cut through steel like tofu. Thanks to Aengus''s newly enhanced physical stats, he reflexively spun around just in time to counterattack, delivering a powerful blow. However, the other four lizard demons were already on the move, their spiked, dagger-like tails glowing with an eerie light as they swung toward him, intent on sabotaging him from behind. Despite his improved physical stats, Aengus knew they weren''t invincible, and these coordinated attacks could easily overwhelm him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as his Predator''s Instinct kicked in, sensing the imminent danger in the span of a heartbeat. Without a moment''s hesitation, he activated Darkness Shroud, instantly rendering himself invisible and silently slipping away from the lizards'' deadly strikes. Aengus knew he had to finish this quickly; his Mana reserves wouldn''tst long if his Predator''s Instinct kept triggering repeatedly. Reappearing in front of arge, horned lizard demon, Aengus channeled nearly 90 points of strength¡ªabout 12 times stronger than that of a normal human¡ªinto his fist. Still cloaked in invisibility, he drove his punch directly into the lizard''s belly. "Crunch¡­Boom!" The lizard''s tough scales shattered like ss under the impact, and the massive creature was sent flying 10 to 15 meters into the air. "He''s here! Kill him!" one of the lizard demons roared, furious at seeing theirrade fall. In a coordinated attack, they swiftly swung their glowing long tails toward the spot where Aengus had just struck, determined to cut him down. "THUD." As the previously crushed horned lizard fell to the ground¡ªa mangled corpse¡ªAengus quickly activated his Darkness Pulse. Waves of corrosive darkness radiated from him, melting the lizard demons'' tails like glue mere inches before they could reach his face. Aengus watched them coldly as the horned lizards roared in agony, rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to escape the searing pain. Their terror only deepened as they realized the extent of their injuries, and the futility of their struggle. "D-Don''t kill us! We were just protecting our home! The Tribe Chief will be here very soon! Please, don''t kill us!" they pleaded, their voices trembling with fear. But Aengus showed no mercy. His gaze remained indifferent, devoid of anypassion. He continued to advance, his intent clear¡ªto kill them and absorb their essence, strengthening himself in the process. Strength was all that mattered to him now. As the half-breed demon approached, their hearts raced with terror. They could feel the impending doom, knowing that their pleas for mercy had fallen on deaf ears. Just as Aengus was about to crush the lizards into a bloody pulp, readying himself for their final desperate struggle, a powerful,manding voice echoed through the swamp, halting him in his tracks. "Stop!" The voice was deep and resonant, filled with authority. Aengus turned to find the source and saw a massive horned lizard, easily 20-30 meters wide and 10 meters tall, its presence imposing and undeniable. "Why are you trespassing and killing my men, young lord? May I have an exnation?" The tribe chief''s tone was cautious yet firm, recognizing the powerful aura and royal bloodline in Aengus. Despite the situation, the chief sought to understand and possibly negotiate, knowing that provoking such an opponent could lead to disastrous consequences. Aengus remained calm andposed, even as he assessed the situation. The tribe chief was clearly on the same power level as him, and while Aengus knew he could defeat the chief if he gave it his all, it would be a hard-fought battle. He also had the option to unleash the Gluttony of Darkness, though it would strain his soul. But the real issue was the 20-30 lesser demon-rank horned lizards lurking behind the chief, ready to attack at a moment''s notice. Understanding that this massive creature was likely the leader of the tribe, Aengus decided to negotiate first, realizing that diplomacy might serve him better than brute force, at least for the moment. Standing before the towering ten-meter-tall giant, Aengus finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a de. Every creature in the vicinity seemed to hold its breath, their eyes locked on the young lord. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the lizard demons were poised to strike at any moment. "I am the new Baron of Dark Valley," Aengus dered, his tonemanding and unyielding. "Surrender to me, or you will perish." His words were simple, but they carried an undeniable weight, radiating a sense of power and mortal threat. The ultimatum was clear, and his next words added ayer of temptation. "You will have the honor to serve me and be powerful beside me." The lizards hissed in outrage, their whispers filled with venomous disdain. "How arrogant! Does he think that just because he has some royal blood, he can do whatever he wants?" "Tribe Chief, don''t ept his offer. We won''t bow to this arrogant upstart!" "Yes, Tribe Chief! Kill him already!" Despite the uproar, the Tribe Chief remained calm andposed. His years of experience told him that engaging this new Baron in battle might yield nothing but unnecessary loss. There was something in Aengus''s presence, a dangerous undercurrent that suggested he wasn''t to be underestimated. However, the Chief was still reluctant to simply submit. "But, young lord," the Tribe Chief began, his deep voice measured and steady, "with you alone, I don''t see why I should bow down to your power. Don''t you think?" He paused, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Aengus more closely. There was a calcting gleam in his gaze as he continued, "Besides, your army force in Dark Valley is nothingpared to us, the Horned Lizard tribe. So, I find your offer¡­ uneptable. If you still wish to fight, then this old one will have toply." His eyes glinted dangerously, a clear warning that he was not one to be taken lightly. The challenge was set, and the tension thickened as the two leaders stood off, each weighing their next move. Aengus raised an eyebrow, his twin horns casting a shadow over his dark, piercing eyes. "Ohh...," he mused, his tone dripping with casual curiosity as he straightened up and surveyed the horned lizards before him, noting every detail with a keen eye. "So that''s what you''re so proud of?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. The Tribe Chief was taken aback. Why wasn''t the young Baron taking this seriously? Was he arrogant, or was there something more to him¡ªsomething elusive and dangerous? The Chief couldn''t help but feel a mix of confusion and unease. Aengus took onest nce at the lizard demons, a small, knowing smile ying on his lips. Then, without another word, he turned and began to walk back the way he came, his movements slow yet brimming with confidence. His retreat was deliberate, almost as if he were making a point rather than showing any sign of defeat. "We will see you soon, Tribe Chief," Aengus called out over his shoulder, his voice calm and steady. "Be ready to swear your loyalty to me." The lizards watched him go, their expressions a mix of anger and uncertainty. The Tribe Chief remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he processed the encounter. There was something about Aengus that left him unsettled, something that hinted at a power yet unseen. But for now, they held their ground, watching as the young Baron of Dark Valley disappeared into the distance, their minds already nning for future defense. Chapter 90: Chapter 90: A Lesson To The Seductress [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ upation: Demon Servant ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ] [ Level: 21 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 (30) ] [ Strength: 102 ] [ Agility: 104 ] [ Defense: 101 ] [ Mana: 12/8190 ] [ Nether Energy: 340/340 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Maniption-12(D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 4 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ] - [ Passive: ze Purge (D), (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ..... Two days had passed since the deration of war on the Horned Lizard tribe. Aengus was still waiting for the materials he had requested from the duke''s court, knowing that only then could he set his n into motion. During these two days, Aengus took the opportunity to familiarize himself with the barony and its territory. The citizens, though initially wary, weed him as per the duke''s orders. They weremon demons, with no rights to object to his presence, especially since Aengus had assured them that they would not have to pay any additional taxes. As he was deep in thought, strategizing his next move, Donna, his maid and caretaker, approached him. Donna was a blue-skinned demoness from the Ice Frigga species. Despite her humble position, she bore noble blood, albeit partially, which granted her some ck ice abilities of a Lesser Demon rank. "Lord, please have something to eat. I have made it myself," Donna said, her voice gentle yet filled with a quiet strength. Aengus looked up at her, momentarily breaking away from his thoughts. He nodded appreciatively, acknowledging the effort she had put into preparing the meal. The meal contained, some demonic creatures meat, which was indigestible for humans but not for Aengus. In the Demon Land, where delicacies were rare and costly, Aengus finished his meal after studying the maps of nearby territories. His supply of demon cores had been entirely depleted, and he urgently needed them to grow stronger. The best way to obtain more was by hunting wild demonic creatures or defeating opposing forces. As he pondered this problem, Subus Be, ever seductive and dangerously beautiful, glided into the room, holding a box with an expensive appearance. "Sweetheart, your parcel is here!" Be called out with a sultry tone, her eyes locking onto Aengus as he sat at the dining table. "Ohh..." Aengus murmured, standing up to take the box, his curiosity piqued by her alluring presence. "Master, the Hex poison in your body has been neutralized by your new skill: zing Purge (D) passive," MANAS, his internal AI, reported. zing Purge, a passive defensive skill,bined ze Guard and Fire Serpent''s Digestion to neutralize the Hex poison within him. It also provided increased fire resistance. "Understood," Aengus responded internally. From the start, he knew Be wouldn''t trust himpletely. She had been trying to feed him Hex poison, a tool to control him if he ever considered rebelling by Donna''s (his maid) hand. But she didn''t know he had a super-intelligent AI and system powers at his disposal. So all of her ns failed badly. Despite her enchanting exterior, Be''s schemes ran deep. She had even manipted Donna into helping her, or perhaps Donna had willingly participated, driven by greed. Aengus bowed slightly, extending his hand to take the box, but Be smirked and yfully pulled it away, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Ah, not so fast, sweetheart. Give me a kiss first," she teased yfully, her voice dripping with temptation as she licked her bright crimson lips, full and inviting. Aengus, deciding it was time to teach her a lesson, closed the distance between them in an instant. As Be opened her mouth tough, he caught her off guard, pulling her close and pressing his lips firmly against hers. The room seemed to grow warmer as Aengus deepened the kiss, his hand tangling in Be''s hair while the other cupped her face, holding her steady. Be''s initial surprise quickly melted into a sensual surrender, her charming purple eyes fluttering shut as she responded, her body molding against his. His tongue slid past her lips, exploring the sweet and salty taste of her mouth, sending shivers through her body. Be''s breath hitched, and she couldn''t help but lose herself in the intoxicating mix of power and desire that Aengus exuded. Her own tongue met his in a heated dance, her hands clinging to him as she gave in to the rising wave of lust that clouded her thoughts. For a moment, Be considered using her ability to drain his life force, the power flickering at her fingertips. But the thought quickly dissipated as she realized it would be a waste. Besides, she enjoyed this far too much to ruin it. Aengus, too, was confident she wouldn''t dare risk her ambitions just for a fleeting moment of dominance. Maid Donna, who had been watching from the doorway, felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. It was the first time she''d seen Lady Be kiss anyone, and with such unbridled passion. Quickly sensing the growing heat in the room and catching a glimpse of Be''s sharp gaze, Donna hastily left, not wanting to be caught in her mistress''s bad graces. The air in the room grew thick with the scent of their mingled desire, the tension palpable as their lips moved together with increasing intensity. The sensation of Be''s supple body pressing against his only fueled Aengus further, yet he knew when to stop, releasing her with a final, lingering kiss. When Be finally pulled away, her lips were swollen and red, her breathing in short gasps. Her face flushed a deep shade of crimson, and the heat of their encounter lingered in the air, making it almost suffocating. Aengus smirked, pleased with the effect he had on her. He had wanted to teach her a lesson, and by the look of her now, he had seeded. "Wow, sweetheart. That was... bold," Be finally managed to say, her voice a bit shaky butced with amusement. "You''ve be so strong in such a short time. Keep it up, and you''ll earn more kisses like that from me." Her words carried a promise, but also a hint of something more¡ªsomething dangerous. With that, Be turned on her heel, swaying her hips slightly more than usual as she made her way to the door, her body still radiating heat from their encounter. She paused for a moment, ncing back at him, her eyes smoldering with an unreadable expression. Aengus watched her go, his expression indifferent, though his blood was still racing from the intense exchange. As she left the room, he muttered to himself, "I will," a subtle promise that echoed in the silence she left behind. Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Energy Converter "MANAS, it''s time!" Aengusmanded in his mind, his anticipation building after waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. "I''m on it, Master," MANAS replied, her voice calm and reassuring. In her pixie form, she materialized before him, her tiny figure shimmering as she gathered the necessary materials: the Void Stone, some etherium dust, and a single, extremely potent drop of dragon blood. As she began the otherworldly process of crafting the Energy Converter inside Aengus'' body, he watched with rapt attention, absorbing every detail in an attempt to learn as much as possible. The process was intricate, the materials blending together in ways that defied normal understanding. Afterpleting some initial modifications, MANAS paused, awaiting his permission. Once Aengus granted it, she took full control of his body, her demeanor bing more focused and precise. "Universal Synthesis," shemanded, her tone authoritative, "synthesize these materials ording to the specific data model and create an Internal Energy Converter." Aengus observed in awe as MANASmunicated with his skills, issuing precisemands to create the converter ording to the blueprint stored in her mind. The process was both fascinating andplex, involving the integration of the Void Stone''s energy absorbing properties, the etherium dust''s energy-conducting abilities, and the unparalleled potency of the dragon''s blood. Slowly but surely, the materials began to merge, forming a cohesive structure within Anegus''s body. The Energy Converter started to take shape, its design optimized to channel and convert raw energy into a form Ethan could use. MANAS worked tirelessly, her every action guided by the blueprint she had crafted, ensuring that the final product would meet Ethan''s exact specifications and needs. As the process nearedpletion, Aengus felt a surge of Mana within him, a sign that the energy converter was beginning to function. MANAS, still in control, made final adjustments, fine-tuning the converter to ensure it operated at peak efficiency. With a finalmand, the synthesis process wasplete, and the Internal Energy Converter was sessfully integrated into Ethan''s energy storage, between Mana pool and Nether Energy core. It was interconnectedly attached with extraordinary craftsmanship. He could now Nether Energy into Mana and vice versa "Master, the Energy Converter is now operational," MANAS reported, her voice filled with satisfaction. "You should be able to ess and manipte energy more efficiently than ever before." Aengus took a deep breath, feeling the steady pulse of power within him as he regained control of his body. "Thank you, MANAS. Now we can finally start with our n." "Yes, Master," MANAS replied, her voice clear in his mind. "Now I canmunicate with you always. But first, you need to gather those Demon cores." "True..." Aengus agreed, pulling out thest 100 low-grade demon cores he had. He added a few more from the baron''s treasury that he had kept for himself. With a focused mind, he began synthesizing the cores, merging two low-grade cores into one middle-grade core. The mid-grade cores were far more potent, each containing the demonic essence of five low-grade cores. When the process wasplete, Aengus had 50 mid-grade cores in hand, their dark energy resonating in his palm. Satisfied, Aengus called out for his butler, a man who had once been a mere shadow to him but had sincee under his influence through the use of Darkness Haki. Aengus was confident now that Butler Yu won''t betray him. Butler Yu entered the room silently, bowing with practiced respect. "Lord, you need something?" he asked, his voice calm, though his eyes gleamed with newfound reverence. Aengus, seated at his desk, gestured to the high-grade coresid out before him. "Quickly, exchange these mif-grade cores for low-grade ones, but do so discreetly. Ensure that no one notices or bes suspicious." "Yes, my lord," Butler Yu responded with a deep bow. He carefully gathered the high-mid cores and left the room without another word.. Though curiosity gnawed at him, he knew better than to question his master''s orders. His sole focus was to fulfill Aengus''smand without drawing unwanted attention. As Butler Yu made his way to the market nearby, Aengus leaned back in his chair, and waited back for butler Yu''s return. --- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] [ Level: 21 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 112 ] [ Agility: 116 ] [ Defense: 121 ] [ Mana: 352/8190 ] [ Nether Energy: 0/340 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Maniption-12(D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 4 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ] - [ Passive: ze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion -5 (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ] --- Aengus checked his stats, noting with satisfaction that all of his Nether Energy had already been converted to Mana. However, he realized he still needed more demon cores topletely fill his reserves¡ªor perhaps even upgrade them further. After a while, Butler Yu returned, carrying 250 low-grade demon cores, as instructed. Without hesitation, Aengus began the synthesis process again, transforming the cores into 65 high-grade ones, which were equivalent to 650 low-grade cores. Once again, Aengus handed the high-grade cores to Butler Yu for exchange. This time, Butler Yu''s heart pounded with fear as he realized the incredible ability his new master possessed. But he knew he must not let anyone discover this secret. Thanks to Butler Yu''s hard work and caution, Aengus managed to gather more than 15,000 low-grade cores within 12 hours. The sheer quantity was astounding, and Aengus knew he was getting closer to achieving his goals. "Here... take this for your hard work, Butler Yu," Aengus said, offering him 100 low-grade cores as a reward. Butler Yu hurriedly declined, bowing deeply. "No, my lord, it was my duty as your humble servant. How can I ept such a gift from you?" His voice was sincere, reflecting the loyalty he felt deep within. "It''s fine... Take it. It''s an order. If you wish to stay by my side and be one of my most trusted subordinates, you should do as I say," Aengus said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Then, I will not refuse, my lord. This humble servant will be your shadow and sword," Butler Yu replied, bowing again as he epted the low-grade cores. With a final nod, he left the room to carry out his duties. Aengus turned his attention back to the task at hand. He synthesized the cores once more, but this time, he consumed them, feeling the power surge through him. The synthesis resulted in nearly 4,000 high-grade cores, equivalent to 40,000 low-grade cores. However, Aengus knew he couldn''t continue at this pace without drawing attention. He would need to build a specialized army for such tasks in the future. As he consumed the cores, Aengus felt his physical stats rise: [Strength +2] [Defense: +3] [Agility +2.5] Most importantly, he could feel the essence of the cores converting into pure Nether Energy more: [Nether Energy +10] [Nether Energy +12] [Nether Energy +9] ... The surge of power was intoxicating, and Aengus knew he was bing stronger with each passing moment. Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Hunt Begins [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] [ Level: 21 ] [ ss: None ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Strength: 200 ] [ Agility: 221 ] [ Defense: 225 ] [ Mana: 25,352 /30,352 ] [ Nether Energy: 5,000 /30,352 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] [ Skills: ] - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Maniption-12(D), Az Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor ws - 6 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ] - [ Passive: ze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent''s Digestion -5 (E), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur''s Outburst (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ] --- Buzz... Buzz... The ground began to tremble as Aengus moved, adjusting to the overwhelming surge of newfound strength coursing through his body. His muscles were brimming with explosive power, and both Mana and Nether energy pulsed through his veins with intensity. The sensation of power was so immense that his body felt as if it were straining to contain it, like a dam on the verge of bursting after countless demon core consumptions. For anyone else, this would have been overwhelming, leading to mental fatigue or physical breakdown. But Aengus was no ordinary person. His body was already near perfection, and after merging with the Royal Demon Core of the Dreadnaught Colossus, he had reached a new pinnacle. Yet, he was acutely aware that he had now approached the limits of his body''s bnce. To continue growing, to harness even greater physical power and store more energy, he needed to push further. The solution was clear: he had to improve his physique by merging with different types of creatures, each with unique abilities, to enhance his potential. This realization crystallized in his mind, and he added it to his list of priorities. "MANAS, synthesize all the D and E rank skills into the highest rank possible," Aengusmanded, his voice filled with authority and determination. "As you wish, Master." MANAS responded, her tone respectful yet tinged with anticipation. "I was just about to suggest it. I''m on it." As MANAS took control of a portion of his consciousness, Aengus could feel the energy within him being meticulously analyzed andbined, a process that would elevate his abilities to unprecedented levels. Turning his attention to other matters, Aengus called out for Butler Yu. The loyal servant, who had served the Barony with unwavering devotion, approached and bowed deeply. As Butler Yu came closer, he could feel the subtle yet terrifying aura emanating from his new lord. It was an overwhelming presence, one that made him acutely aware of his insignificance inparison. Aengus could crush him with a mere thought, yet this power only deepened Butler Yu''s reverence. "You called for me, my lord?" Butler Yu asked, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes filled with both fear and respect. "Yes, Butler Yu." Aengus''s gaze was cold andmanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. "Gather all the soldiers of the Barony. It''s time to rise." The weight of his words hung in the air, and Butler Yu felt a shiver run down his spine. He quickly bowed again, understanding the gravity of themand. "Y-Yes, my lord," he stammered, before hurrying off to fulfill the order. Meanwhile, within Aengus''s mind, MANAS was working tirelessly, her processes focused on perfecting the synthesis of his skills. She couldn''t help but notice the subtle shift in Aengus''s personality¡ªan aura of darkness and authority that seemed to stem from deep within him. It was more than just the influence of the Darkness Heart; it was something intrinsic to his very being. If only her memory were fully intact, she might have understood the true nature of this transformation already. But for now, she continued her work, knowing that with each passing moment, Aengus was bing something far more powerful, far more dangerous, than she could have anticipated. And it was actually beneficial for her. Her level would would rise and she could serve him in various ways more. She wasn''t just made to be just an assistant. She could do far more.. "Follow me." As soon as the guards and officials came in front upon receiving his call, Aengus ordered as he went out of the Baron''s residence... As Aengus led his followers through the ominous dark forest, the atmosphere grew heavier with each step. The forest was a vast, foreboding ce, filled with wild demonic creatures lurking in the shadows¡ªan ideal battleground for Aengus to test his newfound power and build his army. The lesser demons following him, their crocodile heads bowed low, whispered among themselves in hushed tones, their voices tinged with fear and curiosity. "Butler Yu, where is Lord Aengus taking us?" one of the demons dared to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. Butler Yu, walking with a sense of pride and arrogance, shot them a stern look. "Lord Aengus is taking us to make us all powerful," he replied, his tone dripping with superiority. "Make us powerful? But how?" The demons exchanged puzzled nces, their confusion growing. Butler Yu''s eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Hmph, are you doubting Lord Aengus'' capabilities now?" he growled in a low voice, his gaze piercing through the group. The demons immediately shook their heads in denial, their fear evident. "Uh, N-No, we don''t dare," they stammered, desperate to rid themselves of the usation. At the front, Aengus remained silent, his mind focused as he led them deeper into the forest. His presence exuded an intimidating aura, one that kept even the boldest of demons at bay. This was not the same man they once knew¡ªsomething had changed within him, something dark and powerful. Within Aengus''s mind, MANAS spoke, her voice gentle yet concerned. "Master Zero, you do realize that your personality is turning colder day by day, right?" "Yes. What of it?" Aengus responded, his tone casual, almost indifferent. "Nothing, Master. Do you not want to change this Heart of Darkness?" MANAS inquired carefully, aware of the delicate nature of the subject. "No. I am fine. I can''t afford to be distracted right now," Aengus replied sharply, his voice taking on a strict and harsh edge at the mention of changing the heart. "As you wish, Master," MANAS conceded, though she harbored her own concerns. In the depths of her consciousness, she noted the growing influence of the Heart of Darkness on Aengus. It was clear that it was taking root, leading him down a darker path. "I will have to rece it sooner with a more suitable skill," she thought to herself, her resolve firm. [ Synthesisplete ] "Master, you can now review your evolved skills. They should aid you further in your journey ahead," MANAS announced, her voice returning to its usual calm and collected tone. Aengus nodded and took a look, but he could feel their power from his soul already. Inferno Leap -59 (D) + Netherhorn Burst (E) ¡ú Hellfire Dive (C); A destructive skill that could used for jump or sh withbined ferocity of Netherhorns. Paralyzing Breath -12 (E) + Razor ws - 6 (E) ¡ú Venomous Ripper (D) ; With each strike of ws it has effect to paralyze the opponent. Duration depends on target''s resilience and body condition. Az Sword Strike- 35 (E) + Shadow Step -9 (E) ¡ú Azure Ghost de (D) ¨C A spectral sword attack infused with blue mes, unleashed after a stealthy, ghost-like approach. Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Evolving Subordinates Skills: - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Hellfire Dive (C), Earth Maniption-12(D), Azure Ghost de (D), Venomous Ripper (D)] - [ Passive: zing Purge (D), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ] [ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] "Master, these were the best fittingbinations so far. You need to gather more skills to upgrade the rest," MANAS reported, noting the slight displeasure in Aengus''s demeanor. Aengus shrugged, his expression indifferent. "It''s fine... I can manage for now." He won''t be able gain anymore skills in Demon Land anyway. All he Could absorb were the Demonic Abilities. Then, he moved deeper into the dark forest, the dense canopy above casting eerie shadows on the ground. The forest seemed to respond to his presence, the air growing colder and the silence more oppressive. His muscles rippled with suppressed power, ready to be unleashed on whatever demonic creatures crossed his path. Butler Yu and the lesser demons trailed closely behind, their eyes filled with a mix of caution and eagerness. Even though Aengus had intentionally slowed his pace to amodate them, their effort to keep up was evident. Ahead, Aengus spotted arge group of demonic creatures. A grin spread across his face as he realized that the hunt was about to begin. [ Appraisal: ] [ Hellfire Wolf ] [ Rank: Lesser Demon ] [ Abilities: Hellfire Control ] --- "Perfect!" Aengus grinned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Before him, nearly a few dozen Hellfire wolves prowled in packs, their eerie ck mes flickering ominously, casting shadows across the darkened terrain. These creatures were ferocious, their very presence capable of turning lesser beings to ashes within seconds. The mes that wreathed their bodies were most intense around their heads, as if their very thoughts burned with a malevolent fire. His subordinates, standing a short distance away, watched the scene with growing apprehension. The Hellfire wolves were legendary for their deadly power, and the thought of facing them filled the men with dread. Yet, as they nervously nced at their lord, Aengus, they couldn''t help but feel a surge of admiration. He stood fearless, exuding a calm confidence that made them want to stand tall by his side. But they knew all too well that their power was insufficient to fight alongside him in this battle. "All of you stay here," Aengusmanded, his voice firm but reassuring as he looked down at his subordinates. "Very soon, you all will be powerful. Then you can help me in my cause." With that, he charged forward, storming directly into the heart of the pack. The Hellfire wolves growled menacingly, their mes crackling louder as they closed in on him. But Aengus was undeterred. The ck mes surrounding the wolves were inextinguishable to most, but to him, they were nothing more than a minor obstacle. Crunch... Punch! With raw, unmatched physical strength, Aengus began crushing the skulls of the wolves, his fists smashing through their heads like they were mere watermelons. The dark mes that would have incinerated anyone else licked harmlessly at his skin, repelled by the invisible force of his zing Purge. His defenses were imprable, his body a fortress that the wolves'' fiery wrath could not breach. Butler Yu and the other subordinates watched in awe, their fear giving way to admiration as they witnessed the sheer power of their lord. However, they soon noticed that the remaining packs of Hellfire wolves had turned their attention fully to Aengus, their eyes zing with fury. Aengus weed the challenge, his grin widening. He moved with lethal precision, his legs delivering bone-shattering kicks that sent wolves flying. With his [ Venomous Ripper ] skill he sliced through the beasts as if they were mere vegetables, their ck blood sttering across the already darkened ground, staining it further. 6, 13, 21, 36, 56... By the time he had thrashed and in nearly 60 of the Hellfire Wolves, Aengus paused to survey his surroundings. His body was covered in the blood and gore of his enemies, but with a simple thought, his [ zing Purge ] Skill activated once more. An invisible forcefield surrounded him, incinerating the blood and flesh clinging to his body, purging it in an instant. As the remnants burned away, his form was revealed once more¡ªclean, unscathed, and as handsome as ever. The ck coat he wore, now free of stains, only added to his mysterious, almost otherworldly aura. The battlefield was silent save for the crackling of dying mes. Aengus stood tall, his presence a stark reminder of the power he wielded, and his subordinates couldn''t help but feel that they were following someone destined for greatness... As thest of the Hellfire wolves fell, Aengus nonchntly activated his Skill Absorption ability. Dark energy pulsed from his hand, intertwining with the fading essence of the wolves. One by one, he absorbed their powers, feeling a surge of intense heat as the Hellfire Control ability took root within him. The mes that had once been his enemies'' weapons were now under hismand. Satisfied, he straightened up and called out to his subordinates, his voice ringing with authority, "Come here!" The group hesitated only for a moment before hurrying toward him, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension. Butler Yu, ever the loyal attendant, stepped forward and spoke, "My lord, what do you want us to do?" Aengus''s gaze swept over them, his eyes sharp and calcting. "I''m going to merge you with these beasts to make you stronger. Are you willing?" His tone left no room for hesitation, and the implied threat hung heavy in the air. Any sign of disloyalty would be met with swift, lethal retribution. Butler Yu and the others felt a shiver run down their spines. The intensity in Aengus''s voice and the cold glint in his eyes made it clear that failure toply was not an option. They nodded eagerly, though a sense of fear lingered beneath their anticipation. None of them knew exactly how their lord intended to achieve this transformation, but the prospect of gaining strength¡ªof standing tall beside the man they revered¡ªwas too tempting to resist. "Butler Yu, you''re first in line," Aengus dered, his gaze locking onto the older man. Butler Yu, ever dutiful, bowed deeply. "Thank you for the opportunity, my lord," he said, his voice steady despite the trepidation gnawing at him. He stepped forward, positioning himself beside the fresh corpse of a Hellfire wolf, its body still smoldering with residual mes. Aengus approached, calm and steady. "Brace yourself, for this might be painful," Aengusmanded, his hands beginning to glow with an ethereal blue light... "Synthesis!" Aengusmanded, his voice echoing with authority. Instantly, the merging began. Butler Yu and the Hellfire Wolf fused together, and a spine-chilling scream of agony pierced the air. The pain was intense but brief, quickly reced by a seamless transformation. Butler Yu, once a fish-scaled humanoid demon, was now an intriguing amalgamation of his former self and the Hellfire Wolf. The other demons watched in rapt fascination, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe. They had never witnessed such a transformation before. As the process concluded, Aengus activated his Appraisal skill to inspect the results. [ Appraisal ] Name: Yu Elvedaro Species: Hellfire Gillian Rank: Lesser Demon Abilities: - Hellfire Control - Water Breathing Aengus surveyed the new form of Butler Yu with satisfaction. The demon now bore the head of a Hellfire Wolf, while his body was a blend of scales and fur, creating a fearsome and unique appearance¡ªa true hybrid of two formidable species. The surrounding imps and lesser demons gaped in amazement, their respect for Aengus deepening with each passing moment. The newly transformed Yu Elvedaro, now a tall and muscr demon, stepped forward and bowed deeply before Aengus. "Thank you for this precious gift, my lord. I vow to serve you wholeheartedly." "Rise!" Aengusmanded, his tone indifferent butmanding. "I expect nothing less of you," he added, reinforcing his expectations. "Now, send the others one by one, and make it quick. We are not done yet." "Yes, my lord," Butler Yu responded, his voice filled with reverence. With a nod, the Crocodile demons stepped forward. Aengus performed the synthesis once more, transforming them into Double Hydras with Hellfire control and the explosive strength of Lesser Demons. The fish-scaled demons also underwent transformation, bing Lesser Demons simr to Butler Yu. In total, Aengus nowmanded ten Double-Headed Hydras and six Hellfire Gillians. The newly transformed demons bowed in respect and gratitude, their worship of Aengus evident. "Rise," Aengus said, a grin spreading across his face. "This is just the beginning!" His eyes gleamed with ambition as he prepared to push his power and influence even further. He examined thest of the half-dead wolves corpses and moved forward to put them to good use. Activating the long-forgotten skill [ Monster Breeding ], he transported the half-dead bodies into the dimensional space for reproduction. Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Growing Forces [ Monster Breeding ] Level: 2 Dimensional Space: 100m (diameter) Summonable Units: - Fire Toads & me Serpents: 5x (Power Level: 7) - Hellfire Wolves: 40x (Lesser Demons) --- Aengus observed the newly summoned Hellfire Wolves with satisfaction. They appeared fully healed, as if some mysterious magic had restored them. However, the Fire Toads and me Serpents were low-level creatures, so he decided to synthesize all five of them. The result: [Pyrotoad Serpent] Description: A hybrid speciesbining the amphibious traits of a toad with the elongated, flexible body of a serpent Power Level: 20 The creature stood 10 meters long and 7 meters tall, with the body of a snake and the grotesque head of a toad. It looked strange, but what mattered was its power¡ªnow at level 20,parable to that of a lesser demon. "Awooooo..." The Hellfire Wolves howled in unison, ready to obey whatevermand they were given, like obedient yet incredibly dangerous pets. His subordinates watch in awe as the magical and iprehensible thing yed before them. It was known to all, how hard it was tame these Hellfire Wolves, but their lord had done it so effortlessly. Lord Aengus is so powerful They all felt pride and their confident soared. As long they stay by Lord Aengus'' side, what''s there to fear? Aengus could feel the strain on his Mana reserves after reviving and maintaining the summoned units outside of their dimensional space. Realizing that his resources were finite, he knew he needed to maximize the use of his forces before his energy ran too low. "Let''s go. We need to move deeper," Aengus ordered, his voice carrying an undeniable authority. His newly evolved subordinates¡ªHellfire Gillians and Double-Headed Hydras¡ªbowed respectfully, their monstrous forms looming behind him as they followed in disciplined silence. The Hellfire Wolves, now under his control, prowled alongside them, their eerie mes flickering in the dim light. It was a fearsome sight. The group moved like a dark tide through the forest, an unstoppable force. Smaller creatures, sensing the danger, scurried away or hid in terror, their instincts warning them of the approaching doom. After some time, they encountered another swarm of Hellfire Wolves, around 30-35 in numbers. The Hellfire Wolves, known for their pack mentality, were unprepared for what they faced today. As Aengus gave themand, his legions and subordinatesunched a coordinated attack. The opposing wolves were bewildered, caught off guard by the betrayal of their own kind. They fought back with ferocity, their mes burning dark, but they were outmatched. Aengus''s forces overwhelmed them with sheer numbers and superior strength. When thest of the wild Hellfire Wolves fell, Aengus stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with purpose. He synthesized the defeated wolves with his legion and subordinates, pushing them further towards greater power. The grueling process was painful, but the rewards were undeniable. The amalgamated creatures emerged stronger, their ranks creeping closer to that of a Greater Demon ranm, though still needing further upgrades to fully achieve it. "Thank you, my lord, for your blessing!" His subordinates roared in unison, their voices echoing through the forest. The thrill of power surged through them, dulling the memory of the pain. "Rise up. We need to continue," Aengusmanded, his voice calm yet unyielding. He had depleted nearly half of his Mana, but there was still time. He was determined to strengthen his forces enough to conquer the nearby unconquered tribes and territories before he had to return. As they pressed onward, they soon found themselves facing a new challenge¡ªa group of demonic Nagas. These creatures were formidable, nearly 20 meters tall with giant, muscr snake bodies that coiled and twisted withtent power. Their eyes gleamed with malevolence as they watched Aengus and his legion approach. Aengus paused to survey the scene. There were six Nagas in total, each one radiating an aura of Nether Energy. They each had five similiar heads with sizzling forked tongues in motion. [ Appraisal ] [ Species: Viperscale Naga ] [ Description: They are vengeful type of creature that stays in groups. Be careful of their numbers, as you might be deceived ] [ Rank: Greater Demon ] [ Abilities: 1. Poisonous Miasma Control. 2. Body Duplication. 3. Armoured ck Scales 4. Naganian Transformation. Aengus now fully grasped the previous reminder as he reviewed the details. These creatures could duplicate their bodies, creating perfect copies¡ªnot illusions but real, tangible forms. This meant they could multiply into two, transforming into twelve Greater Demons in mere moments. Yet, he remained undeterred, especially after his recent power-ups. The prospect of gaining Greater Demons under hismand was too tempting to resist. "My Lord, there are too many of them. Should we join you?" Butler Yu asked, fully aware that their current strength was no match for the Nagas. "No need. I can handle them," Aengus replied calmly, his mind already crafting a strategy to defeat the foes before him. "B-But¡­" One of his subordinates began to protest, but Aengus cut him off with a sharp look. His subordinates could do nothing but watch with anxiety. They were just beginning to grow stronger, and if something were to happen to their lord, it would be unbearable. With a wave of his hand, Aengus retracted his legion into the Dimensional Space to conserve energy. Then, with steady, confident steps, he moved forward. "MANAS, how many abilities can I activate at once with my current strength?" he asked. MANAS responded with a sh, "Master, you can activate four abilities or skills simultaneously with your current strength. The number can increase if you use them more frequently, even exceeding the current limit." "Understood," Aengus nodded, preparing to activate his abilities after a long time. He knew physical strength alone wouldn''t be enough to defeat them all. "Doombringer Fortification!" "Darkness Veil!" With the first activation, his physical strength surged twelvefold, his muscles now covered with a sheen that radiated pure power. With the second activation, he melded into the surroundings, bing as stealthy as an assassin. However, the Nagas were not so easily fooled. They immediately sensed something hostile but couldn''t pinpoint its exact location. This heightened their vignce, causing them to watch each other''s backs warily. Aengus then activated [Hellfire Control], summoning eerie, ck, inextinguishable mes in his hand. Boom! He closed in on a Naga and delivered a powerful punch, sending it flying backward. Its tough scales shattered, and its body was engulfed in ck mes. "Hiss, hiss..." The other five Nagas reacted instantly, spewing poisonous miasma from their mouths, aiming it directly at Aengus. The poisonous miasma spread rapidly, leaving Aengus with no apparent escape. Yet, Aengus remained calm andposed. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed abination of Darkness Haki and Hellfire, instantly evaporating the toxic miasma. Aengus grinned as he noticed the Nagas had doubled their numbers. It was clear they had just used their body duplication ability. Now, Aengus found himself facing ten Greater Demons. As the demonic Nagas lunged at Aengus with terrifying speed, their enormous maws revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs, the air around them grew dense with a suffocating pressure. They closed in from all sides, intent on overwhelming him. But Aengus was prepared. With a swift motion, he conjured a massive ck fireball, its dark mes swirling with malevolent energy. "Die...!" he shouted, his voice reverberating with the force of his power. He mmed the fireball onto the ground with precise timing, right where the Nagas were converging. At thest second, Aengus activated his [Aure Ghost de] movement skill. Though he wielded no sword, the skill allowed him to vanish instantly, reappearing a safe distance away, much like the elusive [Shadow Step]. BOOM! The fireball detonated with a deafening explosion. The ground trembled as the powerful st sent shockwaves through the air, hurling the Nagas backward with brutal force. Their colossal bodies, once protected by hardened scales, were thrown into disarray, the impact shattering their seemingly imprable armor. The ck mes engulfed the Nagas, burning with an intensity that threatened to snuff out their lives in mere moments. Their writhing forms struggled against the searing heat, their agonized hisses filling the air. However, Aengus, ever mindful of his resources, quickly extinguished the mes before they could reduce the Nagas to ashes. He needed their bodies intact, knowing the power within them could still be harnessed. Allowing them to bepletely consumed would render all his efforts meaningless. As thest of the mes died down, Aengus surveyed the smoldering battlefield. The Nagasy defeated, their once-mighty forms now charred and broken. But the energy that remained within them was still potent, ready to be imed and used to further bolster his growing legion. With a satisfied smirk, Aengus began to n his next move, however an unexpected shout halted his actions. "Wait... Please don''t kill my father. Sniff, please don''t!" Aengus turned toward the voice, and what he saw left him momentarily speechless. A little ahead of him appeared a smaller, dark, snake-like creature resembling the Nagas, but unlike them, it began to shift and transform. In a matter of moments, the creature took on the form of a young girl, appearing around 16 to 18 years old. Chapter 95: Chapter 95: Sienna Alsker The snake girl possessed a striking, serpentine beauty. Her skin was a mesmerizing shade of blue, adorned with intricate streaks of ck that rippled like the scales of a snake. Her eyes, deep and prating, were a shade of gold with diagonal slits, glowing with an otherworldly intensity. She wore a stunning purple dress made from beast skin, which clung to her curves, entuating her unique beauty. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Sienna Alsker ] [ Species: Viperscale Medusa ] [ Rank: Lesser Demon ] [ Affiliation: Naga Tribe of Dark Forest ] [Abilities: 1. Poisonous Miasma Control 2. Petrifying Gaze. 3. Naganian Transformation. Aengus watched her details with interest. "So, there''s a whole hidden tribe of Snake demons in the Dark forest." he grinned. "And why should I do that, Sienna Alsker?" Aengus asked, his profound gaze fixed on the desperate for a particr badly burned Naga. Sienna looked up at the half-breed demon, fear gripping her heart. Silent apprehension filled her as she realized her Petrifying Gaze had no effect on his overwhelming physical and demonic power. She also noticed the strange demons following him with respect and reverence. Her eyes widened when he casually revealed her name, intensifying her fear. This man was deep and mysterious. She realised that her only chance to save her father was to plead. She had to bring him back home, no matter what. Her mother was waiting for them. However, she couldn''t help but ask herself, *"Just why is this half-breed so strong?"* The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Under Aengus''s chilling gaze, she felt her courage crumble, unable to muster the strength to speak back. Just then, her father, standing beside her, reverted to his Naganian form. His body, badly burned and smoldering, bore the marks of their recent battle. The tough, blue-skinned demon, now scalded and pained, looked at his daughter with sorrowful eyes. "Ss-Sienna... why are you here?" he stammered, his voice strained with both physical pain and emotional turmoil. "And... please, don''t plead for my sake with this outsider. I-I would feel even more like an ipetent father if you did." Sienna''s father''s face contorted with anguish as he heard his daughter''s words. He then turned to Aengus, desperation in his voice. "Please, Lord, let my daughter go. You can kill me whenever you like, and I won''t evenin. Just... please...let her go." "No, Father, you can''t do this!" Sienna cried out, her voice filled with panic. "Lord, I will be your ve, but please don''t kill my father. I''ll do anything for you. I can even be your concubine," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. Aengus''s expression remained cold and indifferent. "Shut up! I don''t need a ve, and I''m not interested in your body either," he said, his tone emotionless. "If you have something valuable to offer, I might spare him¡ª*might*¡ªbut only if I like your offer. You have five minutes to consider." Sienna was at a loss for words. Even her body wasn''t tempting to him. "Then what is he interested in?" She began to observe Aengus and his subordinates more closely, hoping to uncover their motives. "From there, I might find some clues." "Think, Sienna, think." Her mind raced as she tried to understand what Aengus wanted. "If I were in his shoes, what would my motive be for venturing deep into the Dark Forest?" Demonic cores, perhaps? Or loyal subordinates? Gaining more power? Her eyes darted to Aengus''s subordinates, who stood at a respectful distance, their demeanor subdued and obedient. "Would he spare my father if we surrendered to himpletely?" She wondered, her gaze meeting Aengus''s once more. His eyes were cold, but she could see the hunger for power and authority lurking within them. There must be something... something he wants... Sienna thought, desperate to find a way to save her father. As Sienna watched in horror, Aengus calmly finished off the remaining Nagas who were barely clinging to life. Panic gripped her heart as she realized the urgency of the situation. "My Lord, we are willing to serve you wholeheartedly, just please spare us!" she blurted out, taking a desperate gamble. Aengus paused, a pleased expression crossing his face. This was what he had been waiting for¡ªa chance to gain loyal allies who could extend his power and influence. Turning them into his Legion would make them mindless puppets, but having them willingly serve him offered much greater potential. "Oh? And what if you betray me?" he asked, his tone cold and calcting. "Why should I believe you?" Seeing a glimmer of interest in Aengus''s eyes, Sienna exhaled a breath of relief. She knew this might be their only chance. "Lord, we can offer our Naga Pearls to you. With them, you can control our lives and deaths, as they are spiritually connected to us," she quickly offered, hoping it would be enough to sway him. Without hesitation, Sienna magically produced a glowing green pearl from her body and handed it to Aengus. Aengus examined the pearl with interest. [Appraisal:] [Medusa''s Pearl] [Description: A spiritual object connected to the Naga/Medusa species, primarily used formunication over long distances. It can also increase a human''s soul strength.] Aengus''s eyes widened in shock as he read the description. His gaze sharpened, suspicion growing. "Wait, did you use this pearl to call for help?" he asked, his voice hardening as he eyed Sienna and her father with growing mistrust. Sienna''s face paled as she quickly replied, "No... I didn''t. Our tribe is too far from here. It only works within a certain distance. But I can''t promise anything about the others; their pearls are stronger and have a wider range ofmunication." She nced nervously at the dead bodies around them, hoping to assuage his concerns. Aengus wasn''t satisfied. "Ask your father if he used his pearl," he demanded, gripping Sienna''s pearl as if ready to crush it at any moment. Sienna turned to her father, who winced in pain. "Argh... No, I didn''t. But I did try. It was likely only received by my daughter since she was the closest," her father admitted, his voice strained as Sienna hurriedly tended to his wounds with some strange herbs. "Yes, it''s true," Sienna confirmed, her voice steady as she added, "We should leave this ce, my lord." She hoped this would earn her some trust from Aengus. Aengus hummed in thought before nodding. "Okay. Give me your spiritual pearl first," hemanded, his gaze shifting to Sienna''s father, Sanka. Seeing no other choice, and urged by Sienna''s pleading eyes, Sanka reluctantly handed over his pearl. He sighed heavily, realizing that their fate now rested entirely in the hands of this powerful stranger. Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Merging With Naga Species Aengus''s tone softened slightly as he reassured the two Nagas. "Don''t worry, I won''t mistreat you. And one day, if I am pleased by your loyalty, I will grant you the freedom to choose whether to serve me or not. You can decide then." With that, he turned away, heading toward one of the dead bodies, leaving Sienna and her father, Sanka, to exchange a heavy nce. Sanka sighed deeply, his voice filled with remorse. "Daughter, it''s all my fault for dragging you into this mess. I am such a failure." Sienna tried tofort him, forcing a cheerful tone. "I''m fine, Father. This was all written in our fate. And who knows? Our fortune might turn for the better by following him." "But what about your mother and brother?" Sanka asked, his worry clear. "Will he let us meet them? If I don''t return in time, won''t they be left alone and at the mercy of those cruel people?" "We''ll have to ask him about that," Sienna replied, her gaze shifting to Aengus, who was now deeply focused on the dead body. "I''m sure he won''t be that unreasonable, especially after what he promised us." Just then, a voice interrupted their thoughts. "Hello, new ones!" Sienna and Sanka turned to see one of Aengus''s subordinates approaching with a friendly smile. Sienna quickly responded, "Y-Yes, hello!" while her father simply nodded, still in pain. The man introduced himself with a grin. "My name is Yu Elvedaro. I''m Lord Aengus''s local butler, in charge of his personal needs." "So, his name is Aengus?" Sienna mused, finding the name both strange and powerful. "Yes, you may call him Lord Aengus from now on," Butler Yu replied, his tone turning serious. Sienna and Sanka nodded, though Sienna couldn''t help but mentally nickname him ''Cold-faced Demon,'' a name she found quite fitting given the situation. A mischievous smile yed on her lips, but it quickly faded when Aengus''s stern voice called out to them. "Hey, stop talking. Come here." Butler Yu nudged Sanka forward, offering him a helping hand as Sienna followed, her curiosity piqued. When they reached him, Aengus looked at them intently. "I am going to merge with this one. Guard me, all of you. And don''t even think of betraying me¡ªI can kill you with just a thought." His threat was clear, but Sienna and Sanka were more confused by his statement than intimidated. "Merge?" Sienna thought, her skepticism growing. "How is he going to merge with a Naga? Is that even possible?" She sneered inwardly, finding the idea iprehensible. But as she nced at the other subordinates, all of whom wore expressions of nonchnce as if this were routine, she began to doubt her own understanding. "Is he telling the truth? If so, how? Could he really be something more than just a royal blood¡ªa devil, perhaps?" Sienna''s mind raced with questions as she tried to grasp the extent of Aengus''s power. "MANAS, do it," Aengusmanded with a resolute tone, initiating the process of merging with the Naga. He knew their noble blood could enhance his body''s potential and grant him the abilities of the Naga species, a powerful addition to his arsenal. As MANAS took control, Aengus''s body was enveloped in a dome of blue light, radiating an otherworldly aura that left everyone around him in stunned silence. From Sienna''s perspective, the transformation was beyond anything she had ever witnessed. "What''s happening there?" she muttered, her voice barely audible as she watched the scene unfold with bated breath. The air around Aengus seemed to shimmer with an alien energy, and she dared not make a sound. When the synthesis finally concluded, Sienna could hardly believe her eyes. Where Aengus had stood, there nowy the once-dead Naga, very much alive. But this was no ordinary resurrection¡ªthe creature before her was a towering Naga with five heads, each one exuding a deathly chill that sent shivers down her spine. Aengus himself was nowhere to be seen. "What the hell?" Sienna cursed inwardly, her mind reeling. "Did he somehow transform into a Naga? But that should be impossible!" She struggled to make sense of it. "What kind of monster is my new master? He''spletely beyond anything I could have imagined." The realization hit her hard: if Aengus could do this with a Naga, what else was he capable of? Could he transform into other powerful creatures, like the Darkness Demonic Dragon¡ªa being of cmitous power? The possibilities were terrifying. But then, a thought crossed her mind. "Wait, does this mean we''ve unknowingly hit a fortune? This could exin the respect and reverence his subordinates have for him." Her fear began to give way to a strange hope. Could following Aengus be the key to escaping the tyranny of the Naga King? Could this be their chance to finally leave the dark forest that had been their prison for so long? In his new Naga form, Aengus felt the immense power coursing through his veins. His senses were heightened, and the world around him seemed to shrink as he gazed down at his subordinates, who now appeared tiny inparison. He quickly essed his stats to see the full extent of the changes and new abilities this transformation had granted him. [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Level: 25 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Viperscale Naga (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 240 ] [ Agility: 259 ] [ Defense: 245 ] [ Mana: 18,352 /35,352 ] [ Nether Energy: 5,000 /35,352 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] Skills: - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification -3 (C) Hellfire Dive (C), Earth Maniption-12(D), Azure Ghost de (D), Venomous Ripper -2 (D)] - [ Passive: zing Purge -2 (D), Predator''s Instinct -25 (E), Health Regeneration -10 (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-2) ] [ Demonic Abilities: - Basic: Darkness Pulse, Darkness Veil, Darkness Haki, Blood Regeneration, Hellfire Control, Poisonous Miasma Control, Body Duplication, Armoured ck Scales, Naganian Transformation - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness - Peak: Heart of Darkness. [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ] As he reviewed the data, Aengus felt a surge of satisfaction. This power was exactly what he needed to push forward in his quest for dominance. Chapter 97: Chapter 97: March To Naga Tribe Aengus quickly morphed back into his humanoid form, the power of his recent transformation still coursing through his veins. He looked at his subordinates, who stared back at him with awe, their eyes reflecting a mix of fear and reverence, like fanatical devotees witnessing a divine miracle. "Congrattions, my lord!" Sienna and her father spoke in unison, their heads slightly bowed. Though their hearts were in turmoil, they masked their fear with forced smiles, knowing that showing any doubt could mean their end. Butler Yu and the other subordinates quickly followed suit, their voices rising in a chorus of ttery. "Yes, my lord. Congrattions on bing even more powerful!" Aengus watched them with indifference, his expression unreadable. Their praise meant little to him; it was power he sought, and power he now possessed. "Butler Yu," hemanded, his voice cold and authoritative, "choose three others to join you. I''m going to merge the four of you with the rest of the bodies." "As you wish, my lord," Butler Yu responded, a glint of excitement in his eyes. He quickly began selecting three others, choosing those who were the most intelligent and hardworking among the group. Sienna''s heart raced as she observed the scene, her mind reeling from the implications of Aengus''s power. "Oh, demon god, what kind of monster is he? Can he do this to others as well? Such a terrifying possibility!" She shivered, barely able to contain her fear. Butler Yu soon returned with his choices. "My lord, these are the most suitable for your divine blessing," he said, including himself among the chosen. The selected ones¡ªGabi, Maru, Beru, and Butler Yu¡ªbowed their heads in submission. Two of them were Hellfire Gillians, while the other two were Double-headed Hydras.. Aengus eyed them, considering their potential. "Alright, you will do," he finally said, his tone t butmanding. "Thank you for the generous reward, my lord. We will be your sword and shield," they roared in unison, their voices filled with fervor. As the process began, Sienna couldn''t tear her eyes away from the spectacle. The thought of what Aengus could achieve with such power both terrified and intrigued her. This man¡ªno, this being¡ªwas unlike anything she had ever encountered. If he could turn others into beings as powerful as himself, what else was he capable of? Sienna nced at her father, who shared her unease. Aengus activated his [Body Duplication] skill, watching as his form split into two identical bodies. He immediately noticed a significant drop in his stats, with his power reduced by 30%. Yet, despite this drawback, the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously andbine strength for more formidable attacks presented clear advantages. His duplicated body and the original stood face-to-face, mirroring each other perfectly while sharing the same mind. Aengus could easily identify his true form by therger reservoir of Consciousness power it possessed. "Synthesis!" Aengusmanded, his voice echoing with authority as he initiated the merging process. The transformations that followed were astonishing. Gabi and Maru, who were originally Double-headed Hydras, underwent a dramatic change. Each of them grew an additional head, resulting in a terrifying Triple-headed Hydra. The new heads were not just reptilian but included a Naga head, a wolf head, and a crocodile head, each representing a unique and deadly aspect of the creatures they once were. Their size doubled, reaching an imposing 25 meters in height. The newly formed Hydras lowered their colossal heads in submission before Aengus, acknowledging his supreme power. On the other side, the humanoid Hellfire Gillians¡ªBeru and Butler Yu¡ªexperienced a different transformation. Though they retained their humanoid forms, their bodies became more muscr and robust, infused with Naganian characteristics. Their skin took on a subtle scale-like texture, and their eyes gleamed with a predatory light. Like Aengus, they now possessed the ability to transform into Nagas, further expanding theirbat versatility. Aengus observed his newly transformed subordinates with satisfaction. Gabi and Maru''s monstrous new forms radiated raw power, while Beru and Butler Yu, and embodied a perfect blend of humanoid intelligence and Naga ferocity. Aengus climbed atop Gabi''s broad, scaly shoulder, towering over his subordinates like a living god. His gaze shifted toward Sienna, who instinctively began to fidget under his intense scrutiny, her nerves clearly rattled. "Sienna and Sanka," Aengusmanded, his voice cold and unwavering, "lead the way to your Naga tribe. We will conquer that ce next." Sienna managed to muster a smile, though it was tinged with anxiety. "Yes, my lord," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions churning inside her. She stepped forward, with her father following closely behind, leading the group toward their next target. As they moved, Sienna''s initial happiness at the prospect of reuniting with her mother began to be overshadowed by worry. The Naga King, a powerful Elder demon, ruled her tribe with an iron fist, and his strength was legendary. Could Aengus, despite his terrifying abilities, truly defeat someone like the Naga King? And what about the nearly one hundred Greater Demons that served him? Each one was a formidable force in its own right, making the Naga King''s domain a nearly impregnable fortress. But despite her fears, Sienna felt no loyalty to the tribe she was leading Aengus to conquer. The Naga King''s rule had been nothing but tyrannical, forcing the tribe members to toil endlessly under harsh conditions. Most of them were as cruel as their ruler, with no sense of camaraderie or kindness to be found. Sienna''s only concern was for her mother and little brother, the one person who had shown her any genuine care. The thought of seeing her again brought a glimmer of hope, but it was tempered by the dread of whaty ahead. As they marched, Sienna couldn''t help but nce back at Aengus, who sat atop Gabi with an air of absolute confidence. --- The destinationy nearly 100 kilometers ahead. Along the way, they encountered numerous Hellfire wolves and other low-level creatures, which Aengus absorbed into his dimensional space to breed. With each encounter, his forces within the dimensional space grew at an astonishing rate. 60, 80, 120, 170, 200, 350, 500. From the initial 40 lesser demons, he nowmanded over 500. These included not only wolves but also undead horses, skeletal warriors, spectral spiders, and Soulreaver tigers. By absorbing their abilities, he enhanced his own demonic powers, making them more versatile with each acquisition. Alongside this he also collected some demonic cores from some of dead creatures to recover his energy and make use of thoseter on. Sienna was too shocked to speak. In just a few hours, he had also gained control of 10 new greater demons, bringing his total to 15. She could only regard him as an unfathomable being. The world was bound to change if he continued on this path. Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Subjugation [ Monster Breeding ] Level: 3 Dimensional Space: 500m (diameter) Summonable Units: - Pyrotoad Serpent: 1x (Level 20) - Hellfire Wolves: 230x (Lesser Demons) - Undead Horses: 50x (Lesser Demons) - Skeletal Warriors: 69 (Lesser Demons) - Spectral Spiders: 80x (Lesser Demons) - Soulreaver Tigers: 75x (Lesser Demons) As Aengus and his ever-growing army approached the outskirts of the Naga Tribe''s territory, he surveyed thendscape from his vantage point atop Gabi, the three-headed Hydra. The sight before him was both eerie and foreboding¡ªa mid-sized vige situated deep within swamps and marsnds, its wooden and bone-made houses huddled together behind a crude but imposing wall. The air was full with humidity, and the stench of decay wafted up from the stagnant waters surrounding the settlement. Aengus''s forces, now bolstered to over 500 Lesser Demons and 15 Greater Demons, moved silently through the marshes, their presence blending into the murky surroundings like shadows. Each creature within his ranks was a embodiment of his power. He also got some abilities from them: Spectral Spider Web for ensnaring enemies, Soul Drain to weaken foes and enhance his vitality, Pain Resistance to endure the harshest of battles, and Deathly Grasp to crush the life out of his enemies. From his high perch, Aengus could see the flicker of torchlight within the vige, the faint outlines of the Naga warriors patrolling the perimeter. The Naga King''s forces were numerous and formidable, with dozens of Greater Demons under hismand, but Aengus''s confidence did not waver. He hade this far, amassing a small army in mere hours, and he knew that this vige, and the power it held, would soon be his. He turned his gaze toward Sienna, who was standing at the front of his forces with her father, Sanka. Both were visibly nervous, the gravity of what was about to unfold pressing down on them like the thick, oppressive air of the swamps. Sienna, despite her anxiety, met Aengus''s eyes and gave a slight nod, signaling that they had arrived at the threshold of their destination. "Is that your tribe?" Aengus asked, his voice calm. "Yes, my lord," Sienna replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "That is the Naga Tribe''s vige. The Naga King resides within, surrounded by his strongest warriors. As I told before he had nearly 400 lesser demons and 50 Greater Demons that works under him. He is tyrannical and he won''t wield so easily. " Aengus looked back at the vige, "We will see about that. It''s time to show them the true meaning of power." Sienna could only chuckled at that. "Only time will tell that." With a gesture, hemanded his forces to halt just beyond the vige''s sight. The time for conquest was near, and he wanted to savor every moment of it. The Naga Tribe would soon learn that no wall could protect them from the might of Aengus and his ever-growing army. "Prepare yourselves," Aengus ordered, his voice carrying across the ranks. "Tonight, we take this tribe, and with it, the power of the Naga King. Let no one stand in our way." "Your wish is ourmand!" The demons roared in unison, and his Legion howled that echoed through the marshes, signaling the beginning of the end for the Naga Tribe. ---- "Achoo!" One Naganian guard sneezed. "Did you hear something?" The guard standing before the gate of the Naga tribe asked. There were three or four of them, all in their humanoid Naganian form. "What? I didn''t hear anything. You''re imagining things," another guard replied with augh. "Awooo..." "Huh, now you hear that? I told you I wasn''t just hearing things," the first guard sneered. "Yeah, I hear it too," the other guard admitted. Paah! "Bastard! If you can hear it, why haven''t you sounded the alert signal?" A stern-looking blue-skinned Naganian delivered a sharp p, his face filled with anger at their stupidity. "Uh, yes, right away, Captain!" The guard, holding his swollen cheek, replied hastily. The captain cursed under his breath, "Useless morons." "Captain!" another guard called out, looking into the distance. "Captain, we''re under attack!" he shouted. The captain turned to see and his heart skipped a beat. Hundreds of Hellfire wolves and other wild demonic creatures were charging toward them. "Quick, inform everyone! Prepare for battle!" he shouted in panic. "Yes, Captain!" The sound of gongs echoed throughout the tribalmunity, alerting everyone. Within minutes, nearly 300 lesser demons and 40 greater Nagas had gathered on the barrennd before their tribe, ready for the imminent battle. The tribesmen and women, along with the elders, watched anxiously from the gate and high-rise buildings. In the distance, the Naganians spotted Aengus standing with an air of grace atop a three-headed Hydra. Surrounding him were his subordinates¡ªsixteen mighty beasts, including three-headed Hydras and Hellfire Gillians, each radiating a formidable aura that sent shivers through the ranks of the Naga tribe. "Who is that? He looks like the leader of this force. He seems powerful," one of the guards muttered, his voice tinged with both awe and unease. "Commander, should we inform the king?" a young Naga named Sentaro asked the robust and fierce-looking Naganianmander, his eyes wide with concern. The Commander of the Nagas sneered, contempt dripping from his tone. "No need. He''s just another arrogant royal blood. I can sense it. Coming to defeat us with just sixteen greater demons? Ridiculous." Another guard, eager to curry favor, chimed in, "Yes, Commander! What a joke! We have forty greater demons here. We can crush him easily." "B-but... what if..." Sentaro stammered, his voice faltering as a sense of dread gnawed at him. Before he could voice his concerns, themander cut him off sharply. "Enough, Sentaro! Get back to your post. And why didn''t your father, Sanka, join us? Do you want this month''s resources or not?" themander snapped, his eyes narrowing with irritation. Sentaro hesitated, then replied, "Commander, my father went hunting but hasn''t returned since." Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and walked away, ignoring themander''s grumbling. A bitter sense of unfairness gnawed at him. His father risked his life on dangerous hunts, yet these cowards lounged around, hoarding the spoils and denying his family even a scrap of meat. "Bastard! I''ll deal with your insolenceter!" themander cursed under his breath, but Sentaro didn''t care. Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Spectral Death Strings Aengus slowly dismounted from the three-headed Hydra, his every movement exuding a quiet, lethal grace. He walked to the frontline of his legion, where his subordinates stood ready, their eyes fixed on the enemy forces ahead. His expression remained calm, unreadable, betraying no hint of emotion as he surveyed the battlefield. "Master, I have sessfullybined Spectral Spider Web, Soul Drain, and Deathly Grasp to create a new technique: Spectral Death Strings ability. It''s highly effective againstrge numbers of targets, but the energy consumption is a little high," Manas, his ever-present guide and strategist, spoke within his mind. Aengus processed the information, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, you couldn''t synthesize it with Gluttony of Darkness?" he asked, his thoughts calcted and measured. "Apologies, Master, but you currentlyck the sufficient energy required for that synthesis," Manas responded with a hint of regret. "Hmm... How much mana does it require?" Aengus inquired, his tone curious yetposed. "Approximately 50,000 mana," Manas informed him. "Why is the energy requirement so high?" Aengus asked, his gaze still fixed on the enemy forces, though his mind was deeply engaged in the analysis. "Master, it''s because the abilities you are attempting tobine are of royal bloodline origin. Such abilities inherently require a significant amount of energy to integrate with lower-level bloodline skills," Manas exined, its tone matter-of-fact. "I see," Aengus acknowledged, his understanding deepening as he considered his options. "Then tell me, what are the chances of winning this fight?" Manas took a fraction of a second, calcting the odds with precision before replying, "95.78%, Master." Aengus nodded slightly, the odds more than satisfactory. He exuded an air of quiet confidence as he prepared to unleash his full might against the Naganian forces. Aengus gave themand telepathically to his legion, and within moments, his forces surged forward with terrifying speed and precision. "Awoooo!" The Hellfire wolves howled, their cries echoing across the battlefield. "Neigh! Neigh!" Undead horses reared, their hollow eyes glowing with a malevolent light as they charged ahead, skeletal warriors mounted on their backs. The spectral spiders scuttled forward with lightning speed, their movements fluid and deadly. Meanwhile, the Soulreaver Tigers, their ck figures nearly invisible in the darkness, leaped forward like bolts of shadowy lightning, closing in on the enemy ranks. Butler Yu, along with fifteen other greater demons, moved in unison with the rest, their powerful auras radiating a chilling presence as they advanced on Aengus''s orders. Sienna nced at her father, who had somehow recovered and now joined the fray at her side. Without hesitation, she leaped into action, to impress her new lord with actions. "Sienna," her father called out as they charged forward, his voice filled with concern, "your brother might be among the tribal forces. They must have already coerced him into joining them. I''m going to find and save him. Please, take care of yourself while I''m away." Sienna looked at him, offering a reassuring smile. "I''ll be fine, Father. That cold-faced demon didn''t send us here to die needlessly, right?" Her father chuckled softly, his gaze filled with paternal affection before he transformed into his true Naga form, his body elongating and scales shimmering as he prepared to carry out his mission. "Take care, Father!" Sienna called after him, her voice a mix of determination and worry. With a steely resolve, Sienna transformed into her Medusa form, her stunning serpentine body gleaming with energy. Her eyes shed dangerously as she unleashed her Petrifying Gaze on an enemy from the Naga tribe. She felt no remorse for betraying her own kind; the years of extortion and suffering they had inflicted on her family had fueled a deep-seated hatred within her. In truth, she was enjoying the chance for revenge a little. A wicked grin spread across her Snake face as she turned several of her former kin into stone statues, their expressions frozen in terror. "Sienna! You treacherous bitch! How dare you harm your own kin? Have you really sided with an outsider?" A voice, dripping with venom, cut through the chaos. Another Medusa from the Naga tribe slithered toward Sienna, her aura crackling with sinister intent. Sienna sneered in response, her gaze cold and unyielding. "So what if I have? I''d rather be a whore for an outsider than continue to serve under a tyrant like you." "Y-You... Traitor! I''ll kill you!" the other Medusa hissed, her fury palpable. Without another word, the two Medusas lunged at each other, their bodies coiling and twisting as they fought to crush one another. Their petrifying gazes were useless against each other, as both were immune to the very curse they wielded. But Sienna had the upper hand. She was stronger now, having undergone a physical upgrade after synthesizing with the Hellfire Wolves. She had personally requested Aengus not to disfigure her Medusa form through the mutation caused by the synthesis, and he had obliged, thanks to Manas''s assistance. Now, with her enhanced strength and the new ability to harness Hellfire, Sienna''s power was on a whole new level. Her scales gleamed with a fiery intensity, and the heat radiating from her body made the air around her shimmer. As they struggled, Sienna let out a wickedugh. "You have no idea what you''re up against. I''ve be more than just a Medusa now" "Huh? What do mean by that?" The other Medusa felt a bad premonition as she began feel hot all around her body. Without a word Sienna unleashed a burst of Hellfire, mes erupting from her body and engulfing her opponent. "Argh! Hellfire? But how is that possible?" The other Medusa screamed in agony, her flesh searing under the intense heat. Sienna tightened her grip, her strength bolstered by the mes, and began to crush her enemy with relentless force. The battle was over quickly. The other Medusa''s body went limp, her once proud form now a smoldering, charred husk. Sienna released her lifeless foe, letting the body fall to the ground with a dull thud. She looked down at her fallen kin with cold satisfaction. "This is what happens when you underestimate me. You should have known it bitch." With a flick of her tail, Sienna turned away from the corpse, only to be confronted by a towering demon¡ªa Naga far more powerful than she had anticipated. "Uh, what bad luck!," she muttered under her breath. The Naga loomed over her, releasing a breath of poisonous miasma, intent on corroding her to death. "Die, you traitorous whore! How dare you kill my partner! You''re dead," the Naga bellowed, his voice dripping with menace. Sienna''s heart plummeted as she braced herself against his overwhelming strength, pouring every ounce of power she had into her defense. But in the next moment, she witnessed a chilling sight¡ªthe Naga''s body convulsed, then crumpled to the ground with an ear-piercing shriek. The horrifying scene sent a shiver down her spine. Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Fight With The Naga King A Few Moments Ago. As Aengus observed the battle unfolding, he frowned, realizing that the greater demons were interfering far earlier than anticipated. "It''s time..." "Body Duplication!" In an instant, Aengus split into two. "Manas, calcte the distance and aim for Drath Strings on therger targets," hemanded. "Calcting... Calctionplete, Master. I can take control of your doppelganger to execute the strikes, if you prefer," Manas suggested. "Do it," Aengus agreed, knowing it would be difficult to precisely target multiple enemies with just his own mind. But Manas was different¡ªprecise and calcting as an intelligent being. "Great!" Manas'' cheerful voice echoed as she temporarily took over the doppelganger, and Aengus''s duplicate''s eyes shifted from ck to a glowing blue. "Wait! Don''t kill thempletely¡ªwe need them for our Legion!" the real Aengus reminded. The doppelganger smiled yfully, nodding. "Yes, Master. I know." She seemed to relish the chance to stretch her muscles in the borrowed body. ""Spectral Death Strings!"" Both Aengus and his doppelganger (Manas) activated the ability simultaneously, releasing invisible threads from their fingertips, delicate and deadly like spider webs. With a swift wave of their hands, the Death Strings shot toward the enemy Nagas, all of whom were Greater Demon rank. One of the strings even reached Sienna, saving her from certain doom. Sienna nced instinctively toward her new lord and gave him a grateful nod, understanding it was his doing. In an instant, more than 15 Greater Demons were incapacitated, bound by the spectral strings but not entirely in. Aengus took note of the cost¡ªeach use of the ability drained 5,000 Nether energy. Without hesitation, he converted a portion of his remaining Mana into Nether energy. One more use of the ability, and victory would be his. The enemy ranks were thrown into chaos, fear spreading like wildfire at the sight of their fallenrades. "Commander! Commander! Call the Naga King! That man is dangerous¡ªwe need his majesty''s help, or we''ll all be dead!" Naga soldiers shouted in terror. Themander furrowed his brows. "Silence! His majesty will be here any moment. That man will be dealt with swiftly. Do not panic. Understood?" But before they could respond, a towering figure loomed behind themander¡ªthe Naga King himself had arrived. The soldiers immediately bowed in respect. "Commander Z, what happened here? Why wasn''t I informed sooner?" the King demanded sternly, his imposing presence dwarfing even themander. The Naga King towered at nearly 40 meters tall, with seven heads crowned by a gleaming, jeweled crown atop hisrgest head. His scales were a deep blue, streaked with red, and contrasted against the ck of his formidable body. "Your Majesty, a half-breed royal has dered war on us! Please, kill him immediately!" themander bowed low, his snake-like head trembling with urgency. "Hmph! Who dares to challenge me?" the Naga King scoffed, his many eyes scanning the battlefield. He soon spotted Aengus''s two forms, their synchronized gestures performing something beyond belief. "Your Majesty, help!" came the panicked cries of his soldiers, as another ten Greater Demons fell, one by one, incapacitated by the unseen strings. The Naga King''s expression darkened, fury surging through him. His many heads twisted in rage. "Audacious! How dare he challenge me!" he roared. "Die!" With a bellow of rage, the Naga King unleashed a dense cloud of poisonous miasma from his body, gliding with terrifying speed toward Aengus. Along the way, he crushed and slew any wolves that dared block his path, their bodies copsing as he advanced. However, his massacre of the wolves was futile. Aengus could revive them with some effortster on. Aengus sensed the Naga King''s presence and quickly activated Appraisal to see its information to coounter them. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Nagashar Drazzorth (Bestowed by Ancient Red Serpent) [ Age: 199 years ] [ Blessing: Blessing Of Ancient Red Serpent ] [ Abilities: - [ Venomous Domain ] - [ Serpent Crown of Illusion ] - [ Poisonous Miasma Control ] - [ Petrifying Gaze ] - [Body Duplication ] - [ Naganian Transformation ] "...." Aengus stared at the approaching Naga King, momentarily speechless as he took in the information and power of the creature. "Manas, are you sure you calcted the odds correctly?" Aengus asked, raising an eyebrow in concern. Manas, standing opposite him, grinned confidently. "Yes, Master. Don''t worry. I''ll be joining you as well. I can disperse his illusions, and you can use your darkness abilities to resist his Petrifying Gaze." Manas shed a bright smile, seemingly unfazed by the towering threat. With a shrug, Aengus shifted his focus back to the battlefield, fully aware that theing sh would be one of the toughest he''d ever faced. The Naga King, with his seven heads and a body the size of a small mountain, suddenly leapt into the air, unleashing his Venomous Domain. Instantly, a 500-meter radius was consumed by a hellish atmosphere, toxic fumes choking the life from the very air. "Doombringer Fortification!" "Darkness Haki!" "Armored ck Scales!" Aengus and Manas activated their defensive and boost abilities, trying to hold off the overwhelming force of the venomous domain. Even with theseyers of protection, Aengus felt a tingling sensation crawl across his skin. ncing at his hand, he noticed faint blue smudges appearing¡ªpoison, though barely visible. Thanks to his Pain Resistance, Aengus felt little difort, but the creeping poison was undeniable. He clenched his fist, feeling the raw power of his 2,400 stat points coursing through his body. As the Naga King''s massive form came crashing down from above, Aengus and Manas moved with enhanced agility, swiftly dodging to either side. The Naga King, now enraged, roared, "Who are you? Why are you attacking our peaceful tribe?!" Aengus met the creature''s furious gaze with augh. "Conquer, of course. Surrender and serve me, and you''ll be spared," Aengus said, his voice domineering and merciful. "Hahaha¡­ Puny half-breed, you really think with your meager power you can defeat me? I''ll kill you first, then crush those ants!" the Naga King sneered, his seven heads twisting with malice. Aengus, standing fearlessly with his arms crossed, smirked. "As you wish. You won''t get a second chance." While the exchange continued, Manas quickly took the opportunity andunched a ck fireball at the Naga King. Sensing the iing threat, the Naga King turned with a menacing grin. "You''re too young to try that trick on me, insolent one!" With a terrifying hiss, he opened all seven of his mouths, gathering a massive amount of miasma into a single concentrated point. In an instant, he unleashed the deadly cloud, targeting both the fireball and Manas with devastating force. Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Red Serpent Deity BOOM! The two concentrated energy balls collided with explosive force. The winner seemed obvious¡ªthe Naga King''s miasma overpowered the ck fireball, continuing its deadly path toward Manas. Just as the Naga King was about to grin victoriously, a wave of dread washed over him. BOOM! Crash! From the sky, Aengus had already gathered another fireball¡ªthis one a hellish, ck mass of mes, like a miniature sun. It hurtled down and smashed into the Naga King, sending his massive body spiraling into the ground from the sheer force of the impact. But the Naga King wasn''t finished. "Hissssssss!" With a furious roar, the Naga King''s body rippled, and in an instant, he split into two, each form equally menacing. His rage had intensified more "Hiss, I will kill you both!" The Naga King roared, charging madly toward Aengus and Manas. Manas leapt into the air with lightning speed, her advanced thought processing and elerated mind allowing her to move with precision. Every ounce of energy was used efficiently, as she shed with the Naga King, using abination of raw physical strength and hellfire to chip away at his defenses bit by bit. Aengus, fully aware that their energy reserves were running low, knew they had to act quickly. He turned his focus to the Naga King''s other body, preparing to immobilize it. "Earth Cage!" "Greater Earth Cage!" mming his hand against the ground, Aengus conjured two massive, sturdy earth cages, trapping the Naga King inside one of them. The Naga King paused, momentarily confused by the elemental Earth prison that surrounded him. "What''s this? The elemental abilities shouldn''t be possible in demonnd, not unless...." he thought a terrifying possibility, but before he ponder further he was hit by a ck meteor figure. Hellfire Dive! Seizing the moment, Aengus, engulfed in zing hellfire,unched himself into the sky. With a fierce lunge, he dove down, releasing the earth cages just in time to strike the Naga King''s body with the full force of his hellfire, aiming to end the battle in a fiery conclusion. "Hisssss!" "Argh! No, this shouldn''t be possible! How do you know elemental skills like those abominable humans? This is not possible!" the Naga King roared, his voice filled with disbelief as his body began to char under the scorching hellfire. "Hahaha... so that''s how it is. You must be one of the spies sent by the humans," heughed maniacally as his form began to change. In an instant, the Naga King shed his serpentine features, transforming into a towering human-like figure with explosive muscles. His body was covered in tattoos of a red snake, slithering and curling over his charred skin. Though wounded and burned, his power seemed to surge beyond anything Aengus had faced before. Aengus furrowed his brows, sensing the shift in the Naga King''s strength. His aura had intensified, suffocating the air around them and pressing down with an overwhelming weight. "Manas, what''s happening to him? Do you have any idea?" Aengus asked telepathically, his mind racing. "Master, it seems he''s finally using his blessing," Manas responded, her tone urgent. "We need to defeat himpletely before he ascends to a higher rank. If he does, no one will be able to save us from his Petrifying Gaze and Illusion abilities." Aengus''s eyes narrowed. "Blessing? Who is this ''Ancient Red Serpent'' that granted him such power?" Manas hesitated for a moment before replying. "ording to my archive, The Ancient Red Serpent is an ancient deity, one feared for its power over illusions and petrification. His blessing can elevate a chosen few to unimaginable strength. But, Master... if he fully ascends higher rank, we may not survive." Aengus clenched his fists, though his expression calm. "So you''re telling me I have use that ability? Is there no other choice?" "No, Master," Manas replied firmly. "It''s the best way to defeat him quickly." With a deep sigh, Aengus steeled himself for what was toe. Sienna and his subordinates, having finished their own battles, watched in awe from a distance. Their gazes were fixed on Aengus, marveling at the spectacle unfolding before them. Without hesitation, Aengus invoked his power: [Naga Transformation] [Doombringer Fortification] In an instant, Aengus transformed into a towering 25-meter serpent, every muscle fiber charged with fortification magic. His new form radiated with dark, menacing energy, dwarfing the Naga King. The Naga King, momentarily struck with disbelief, barely had time to process what was happening when Aengus activated his next ability: [Gluttony of Darkness] A ck hole formed in front of his maws of Aengus'' serpentine form, its gravitational pull growing stronger with each passing second. The air itself seemed to warp as the intense suction force began pulling everything, including the Naga King, toward it. "H-How? No... Don''t...!" The Naga King''s eyes widened in terror as he struggled against the immense force. Desperation gripped him as his mind scrambled toprehend what was happening. "How can a person possess both Mana and Nether Energy?" Aengus'' Heart of Darkness pulsed faster, amplifying the gravitational pull even further. The Naga King, despite all his strength and rage, found himself being dragged inexorably toward Aengus'' ck hole, his resistance growing weaker by the second. The Naga King''s roars echoed across the battlefield, sending chill down everyone''s spine across the battlefield. The battlefield fell silent as everyone froze, dumbfounded by the spectacle before them. The once invincible and proud Naga King, the leader who had reigned for over 150 years, was now swallowed by Aengus. It was an event that would be remembered throughout history. The Naga King''s final words rang in the air, venomous and filled with spite: "Argh! You will pay for this! Haha... I have informed the Almighty Red Serpent Deity to bring your demise. Just you wait, you will meet your end soon enough!" And with that, the Naga King, the ruler of the Naga Tribe, was no more¡ªdevoured by Aengus'' Gluttony of Darkness. --- Suddenly, Aengus heard a series of notifications ringing in his mind: "You have absorbed The Naga King!" "You have absorbed part of the Ancient Red Serpent''s blessing!" "You have gained +140 Strength, +145 Defense, and +155 Agility!" "Your Nether Energy / Mana increased by 15,000!" "You have received the title: Naga King yer!" "You have been marked by the Ancient Red Serpent!" "You have received the option to choose a new ss for your achievement: Ancient Serpent yer!" Do you want equip? Yes / No? Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Subjugation Complete Aengus, back in his humanoid form, winced as he clutched his chest, feeling the sharp pain coursing through his soul. The process of absorbing a living being, especially one as powerful and defiant as the Naga King, had taken a toll on his soul. It was as though countless needles were piercing through his soul, a consequence of the Naga King''s resistance during the absorption. "Master, are you alright?" Manas'' concerned voice echoed softly in his mind, her feminine tone filled with worry. Aengus grunted, trying to steady his breathing as Butler Yu, Sienna, and several subordinates approached, their faces filled with concern. They knelt beside him, unsure of how to help but determined to protect their lord. --- Meanwhile, across the battlefield, a different tension was unfolding. Sentaro, bewildered and struggling toprehend the events, confronted his father, Sanka. "Father, why were you with the enemy, helping them to kill us?" Sentaro''s voice was tinged with confusion and anger as he stared into the eyes of the man who had raised him. Sanka let out a deep sigh, a weariness settling into his features. "It''s a long story, son. But understand this ¡ª from now on, he is your new lord. Stay close to him, and you''ll have a bright future." Sentaro''s frown deepened. "What do you mean, Father? Is he truly that powerful? And what happened to the others who left with you?" Sanka''s expression hardened, the sternness in his gaze warning against further probing. "Stop asking so many questions, Sen. Just do as I say." Sensing the dangerous edge in his father''s voice, Sentaro hesitated. Before he could press further, his father abruptly changed the subject. "And where is your mother? Is she safe?" His father hurriedly changed the topic realising if he told him about their envement, he might do something rash. "Mother is fine, but what about you look injured.. Burned to be exact?" "Oh, this..just got some injuries from the recent fights. Okay enough talking, follow me now. I will introduce you to our new lord. You must behave with respect, understand?" Sen nodded and followed back his father to see who this new lord was. --- Arriving before Aengus, both Sanka and Sen bowed deeply. Sen, observing the man before him, couldn''t help but feel a mixture of awe and envy. Aengus, only slightly older than him, had risen to a position of incredible power, with hundreds of loyal followers at hismand. Sentaro also wanted that kind of power to ensure his family''s safety. Aengus, still masking the residual pain from the Naga King''s absorption, nced at the neers. Sienna, standing beside him, took the opportunity to introduce them. "My lord, this is my younger brother. He''s hardworking and eager to serve, just like the rest of us," Sienna said respectfully. Aengus raised an eyebrow and locked eyes with Sentaro. "Oh, your brother, is he? What was your name again?" His gaze was intense, piercing through Sen as if he could see every thought behind the young man''s words. Sen flinched under Aengus'' scrutinizing stare, feeling exposed. He swallowed hard before responding, "My name is Sentaro Alsker, my lord. I wish to serve you and assist in your goals." Aengus shook his head slightly, seeing through Sentaro''s ambitions and unspoken desires. "You''re not being honest enough. You want power, but your heartcks sincerity and loyalty. You can work under your sister for now," Aengus dismissed with cold tone. Sanka and Sienna exchanged a nce, both knowing it was impossible to deceive their lord. Sen, caught off guard by Aengus'' straightforward assessment, quickly nodded, a touch of panic in his voice. "Y-Yes, my lord! I will do my best." Though rejected, Sen vowed silently to himself. I will gain his trust and rise to power, just like Sienna did. Aengus''s gaze swept over the battlefield as he approached the defeated tribespeople. The Naganians, still reeling from their king''s death, fidgeted nervously. Among them were the elderly, children, and former warriors of the Naga King''s court. Sensing the tension, Aengus stopped before them, his voice cold andmanding. "I am the Baron of Dark Valley, beyond this forest," he began, his tone carrying an air of finality. "Your king is dead, and those who resisted have met their end." He let the words sink in, watching as some of the Naganians shifted uneasily. The reality of their situation was settling in. Aengus continued, his voice even more authoritative, "Now, for those who wish to serve me, I offer you citizenship under my rule and a ce in my army. You may bring your families with you, but know this¡ªyour performance will determine their fate and prosperity. If you harbor hatred against me, you are free to step away now." With those words, he unleashed Darkness Haki, a wave of dark energy that intimidated the crowd, causing many to tremble. Some clutched their children closer, others looked away in fear. Among the tribespeople of hundreds, themon Naganians quickly averted their gazes, too afraid to oppose Aengus. However, the former guards, children, and wives of the Naga King looked defiant, their expressions twisted with fury and disbelief. They refused to kneel, and their resentment was palpable. One of the Naga King''s children, his eyes burning with hatred, spat, "Traitors! How dare you serve the man who killed our king! You are nothing but abominable cowards!" A few of the tribe members who weren''t as emotionally tied to the Naga King sneered at their words. "Hmph! Foolish pride will only lead to more death," one muttered, stepping forward to pledge his loyalty to Aengus. Without hesitation, Aengus extended his hand. "Spectral Death Strings!" hemanded, dark threads of ethereal energy shooting forth. They wrapped around the dissenting members of the king''s family, binding them and suck away their life force. They gasped, their eyes filled with terror mixed with anguished screams. One by one, nearly 40 of the former Naga King''s closest confidants were reduced to half-dead beings. Their corpses, though lifeless, still had their uses. Aengus''s cold gaze shifted to the hundreds of tribespeople before him, and fear gripped their hearts as they felt the weight of his stare. "M-My lord, please don''t kill us. We will serve you wholeheartedly. You''re one of us, after all. We have no objections," one elder stammered, stepping forward cautiously. "Besides, it is a blessing that you freed us from that tyrant king. We can''t be grateful enough actually." "Y-Yes, the elder is right. We will follow you to your dominion," others echoed, eager not to be left behind. A satisfied smile tugged at Aengus''s lips. Meanwhile, Sienna, her father, and her brother approached a beautiful Naganian woman dressed in red. "Mother!" "Dear!" The woman looked up and exhaled deeply, relief washing over her face. "Husband, Sienna, Sentaro¡ªthanks the demon god that you''re all alive! I was so worried about you." They embraced, exchanging stories of their adventures and near-misses. "Let''s go, dear. We''re leaving this cursed forest today," Sanka said to his wife. "Alright," she nodded with a smile. Wherever her loved ones were, that was her home. --- Afterward, Aengus ordered everyone to collect all the spoils and demon cores from the treasury. Meanwhile, he gathered the corpses, ready to add them to his Legion and strengthen his most trusted subordinates. Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Vesperas Worst fear After transforming the half-dead Nagas into his Legion, Aengus finally had a moment to check his stats: --- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] (Marked by Ancient Red Serpent Deity) [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Naga King yer ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Level: 31 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ] [ ss: None ] (Options: Ancient Serpent yer) [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Viperscale Naga (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 380 ] [ Agility: 404 ] [ Defense: 400 ] [ Mana: 18,352 /50,552 ] [ Nether Energy: 10,000 /50,552 ] [ Attribute points: 30 ] Skills: - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification -3 (C) Hellfire Dive (C), Earth Maniption-12(D), Azure Ghost de (D), Venomous Ripper (D)] - [ Passive: zing Purge (D), Predator''s Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-2) ] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness - Basic: Darkness Pulse, Darkness Veil, Darkness Haki, Blood Regeneration, Hellfire Control, Poisonous Miasma Control, Body Duplication, Armoured ck Scales, Naganian Transformation, Spectral Death Strings, Pain Resistance. [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: None ] --- Aengus allocated the 30 attribute points he earned from his six-level power-up but paused, furrowing his brows at the ominous mark beside his name. "Manas, what does this mark mean? Can I remove it?" he asked, a hint of unease in his voice. "Master, it''s a mark left by an Ancient Deity from long ago," Manas replied. "Although they are dead, they can still exert some influence on the world by using devotion energy. While they can''t harm you directly, they may send someone in their ce to confront you. Until you''re powerful enough to remove itpletely, you should remain cautious, Master." "I see... Now, what about this Ancient Serpent yer ss? Should I equip it?" Aengus inquired as he oversaw his followers collecting demon cores and dead bodies. Manas responded, "It is a strong ss, Master, but it''s not ideal for you. It grants special skills rted to ying Ancient Serpents and their bloodlines, but it''s too niche for your goals. I advise waiting for a more suitable ss. Remember, you can only equip one in your lifetime, and it can''t be synthesized with others for that same reason." Aengus nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the knowledge. "But Master, I can sense you''re clearly in pain," Manas spoke, his voiceced with concern. "You should seek treasures to heal your soul. If you let the pain umte, it will eventually weaken you. Who will care for you then?" Aengus looked up at the starry sky, his expression tinged with mncholy. "Yes... alone. I have no one close now, perhaps I never did. Aria, Aunt Greta, Emily... the only ones who ever showed me kindness, and they''re all gone now." His thoughts lingered on Aria''s radiant smile, her captivating emerald green eyes, and the graceful way she moved in her white dress. Her memory shed vividly in his mind, stirring emotions long buried. "It''s all those damn demons'' fault," he growled, his voice trembling with rage. "I will kill everyst one of them." He roared to the heavens, his body emanating a dark aura as the fury within him surged. The force of his anger sent a chill through the air, and everyone nearby felt a shiver run down their spine. --- After some time, Aengus and his subordinates led over 900 tribespeople toward Dark Valley, their new home. Along the journey, they cleared out numerous demonic creatures, ensuring the safety of the weaker members of the group. Six to eight hourster, when Aengus finally arrived near his Barony, his forces had grown significantly. He nowmanded over 220 Lesser Demons and 30 Greater Demons¡ªa remarkable increasepared to just a few days ago when he first entered Dark Valley. His Legion had also expanded, boasting 700 Lesser Demons and 25 Greater Demons. In total, Aengus''s army now consisted of more than 900 Lesser Demons and 55 Greater Demons, not counting the ordinary tribespeople. It was an overwhelming force, especiallypared to the other baronies under Be''s rule. "Hey, look! It''s our new lord!" "Oh, shi*t! Who are those Naga people behind him? So many of them!" As Aengus and his subordinates entered his territory, the citizens whispered in hushed voices, their faces filled with awe and disbelief. "It seems our new lord is quite capable!" "Of course! Why else would Marquess Be appoint him as Baron out of nowhere?" The townspeople weed their lord with apuse and cheers, impressed by the strength of his growing forces. Once inside, Aengus and his newly added subordinates began settling in. Butler Yu and the administrative department assigned each individual to new posts and ranks based on their strengths and weaknesses. However, Aengus had little time for these administrative tasks. Instead, he retreated into a secluded chamber, focusing on synthesizing the demon cores to increase their value and power, allowing him to grow even stronger. Since low-level demons no longer provided him with stats, Aengus began ascending them to higher ranks. The process of "farming" continued as before, ensuring his army and personal strength would keep escting. --- At the Fortress Marquis Estate, within Be''s mansion, Be Bellfrost sat seductively on an armchair, her chin resting on her shoulder with a casual expression. "My Lady, we have received news about the newly appointed Baron of Dark Valley," a vampire with long, dark wings reported respectfully. Behind Be, Vespera, her loyal confidante, narrowed her ruby-red eyes at the mention of the Baron, while Be''s interest was clearly piqued. "Oh? What''s the news?" Be asked, her enchanting purple eyes fluttering slightly. She was intrigued, especially since this involved the man she shared her first kiss with¡ªthe man she shared her aspirations with. Confident that the Hex poison had fully taken effect on him, she had no concerns about hus betrayal. "Lord Aengus has subjugated a significant number of formidable Naganians and brought them to his town." "How many?" Be inquired, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Nearly 700 or so, mydy," the vampire servant replied swiftly. "Mm.." Be seemed impressed. "Alright, you may go," she dismissed him with a wave of her hand. As the servant left, Vespera stepped forward, her toneced with concern. "Mydy, his power is growing exponentially. I believe you should enve him quickly. I''ve had a bad feeling about him ever since he arrived." Be chuckled softly, a sly smile curling her lips. "Oh, Vespera, you worry too much. Don''t fret. I have my own ns. We''ll pay him a visit in a few days¡ªafter I finish these menial and boring paperwork tasks," she said, ncing with mild irritation at the towering stack of documents on her desk. Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Hell-flareborne Wings [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] (Marked By Ancient Red Serpent) [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Naga King yer ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Level: 31 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Viperscale Naga (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 490 ] [ Agility: 480 ] [ Defense: 490 ] [ Mana: 20,500 /60,500 ] [ Nether Energy: 40,000 /60,500 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] Skills: - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification -3 (C) Hellfire Dive -3 (C), Phantom Venom sh (C), Earth Maniption- 89 (D) ] - [ Passive: zing Purge -5 (D), Predator''s Instinct -34 (E), Health Regeneration -79 (E) ] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-3) ] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness - Basic: Darkness Pulse, Darkness Veil, Darkness Haki, Blood Regeneration, Hellfire Control, Poisonous Miasma Control, Body Duplication, Armoured ck Scales, Naganian Transformation, Spectral Death Strings, Pain Resistance. [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Storage Bracelet ] --- Two days had passed since the Naga people arrived in Dark Valley. During this time, they settled their families and began to familiarize themselves with the town and its people. The townsfolk of Dark Valley weed the neers with open arms¡ªafter all, they had little choice. Resistance meant certain death, and they no longer had the right to question their new circumstances. Aengus took some personal time to check on their progress. He couldn''t simply ignore them, could he? At the same time, he absorbed a significant number of demon cores, further increasing his energy reserves and stats. He also got a space bracelet from the treasury of the Naga King, which he found very useful. Aengus could be considered an Elder Demon rank, or a C+ Rank powerhouse. Seated in his office, Aengus mulled over his next move, contemting when to subdue the nearby tribes. He still hadn''t forgotten the deration of the Horned Lizard Tribe. Bang! The door swung open with a loud bang as Sienna hurried into the office. "My lord, we are under attack!" Sienna eximed, her face filled with anxiety. Aengus raised an eyebrow. "Sienna, how many times have I told you? No banging on the door." Sienna clicked her tongue, shing a sheepish smile. By now, Sienna and her brother had been quite enthusiastic and worked hard to assist Aengus with his duties. Because of this, they were a little closer to him than the others. "So, tell me, who''s attacking us this time?" Aengus asked, standing up as he looked out the window. "It''s the Hellfire Wolf King and Queen. They''re here for revenge after we captured their kin." Aengus nced at her and nodded in understanding. "Alright, let''s go and make them our new pets," he said confidently. Sienna followed Aengus, feeling speechless at his overconfidence. When they arrived at the confrontation spot between Dark Valley''s troops and the Hellfire Wolves horde, Aengus was momentarily startled by the scene. Nearly 500 wolves, along with their King and Queen, stood at the forefront, their ferocious roars filling the air. Hellfire zed around them, turning some of Aengus'' subordinates to ashes. Despite the chaos, Aengus remained calm, his cold demeanor reinforced by the passive effect of his **Heart of Darkness** ability. Without hesitation, Aengus summoned his Legion, their overwhelming presence clouding the battlefield. "Thank the Lord! Lord Aengus is here!" Some of his subordinates visibly sighed in relief, their hope restored. The Wolf King and Queen locked eyes with Aengus, sensing the threat he posed. "It was you who captured and killed our children?" they growled in fury. Aengus didn''t flinch. "Yes, it was me. What are you going to do about it?" he replied coldly. As the Legion shed with the enemy wolves, hellfire igniting all around them, the tension between Aengus and the wolf rulers reached its peak. "You¡­ ursed creature! You will die!" Both the Wolf King and Queen lunged at him, using one of their abilities to fly toward him with murderous intent. But Aengus was prepared. He no longer feared Elder demons¡ªhe himself was one. "Doombringer Fortification!" "Body Duplication!" As the Hellfire Wolves descended upon him, spewing mes from their mouths, Aengus leapt into the air, confronting them head-on with his raw physical power. He knew he had to defeat them quickly before they could use their flying abilities to escape¡ªit would be a significant loss if they managed to flee. The battle was intense. Aengus fought both the Wolf King and Queen, two Elder Demons, with the aid of Manas, who functioned as an efficient battle machine. Their fierce sh sent shockwaves across the battlefield, reducing some of the lesser demon wolves to ashes in an instant. Aengus'' subordinates watched in awe, their respect for him growing with each moment. "Lord Aengus will be victorious for sure!" Some murmured, finally feeling a sense of relief. As time passed, the Hellfire King and Queen were gradually worn down, their bodies battered and bruised beyond recognition. Their once fearsome presence had faded, and victory was within Aengus'' grasp. "Arghhh, please, my lord, have mercy! Spare us! We yieldpletely to your overwhelming strength. We will do anything¡ªjust let us live!" the Hellfire Wolf King pleaded desperately. Aengus''s cold gaze remained unwavering. "ept allegiance, or die," he said with an icy finality. "Y-Yes, my lord! We and our children will serve you wholeheartedly!" they replied, their voices trembling with fear. "Good," Aengus nodded in acknowledgment before stepping toward the female wolf. "But before that," he continued with a twisted grin, "give me what I want the most." The Hellfire King and Queen exchanged confused nces, unsure of his intentions. Without another word, Aengus ced his hand on the female wolf''s body. "Skill Absorption!" The Queen shrieked in agony as Aengus pulled one of her abilities from her like a tendon being ripped from flesh. His grin widened as the long-awaited notification shed before his eyes. "You have acquired a new demonic ability: Hell-reborne Wings (Physical)." Aengus savored the moment as the ability surged through him, leaving the defeated Wolf Queen gasping for breath. But they didn''t darein, realizing Aengus could snuff out their lives at any moment. Any sign of disobedience meant certain death. Aengus unfurled the newly acquired wings from his back¡ªnearly 1.5 meters long, dark-colored with hard, razor-sharp feathers. The power they held was palpable, and he could feel the potential to take flight coursing through him. Just as he was about to soar into the sky, eager to savor his first moment of flight, an unexpected interruption froze him in ce. "p, p, p!" The sound echoed across the battlefield. Be Bellfrost appeared, a sly smile on her lips, her entourage trailing behind her like shadows. Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Face To Face "Let''s go talk somewhere else!" Be said in one quick sentence before pping her wings and lifting Aengus into the sky. Be''s heart was far from calm. If she hadn''t been there at the right time, she wouldn''t have believed that Aengus had reached Elder Demon rank in such a short period of time. It was unbelievable. If she hadn''t seen it with her own eyes she would have never believed it. It had taken her years of hard work to achieve what he had done so quickly. She had a growing sense of foreboding that Aengus was slipping out of her control, and she wanted to test him. Her subordinates didn''t follow after receiving her instructions to leave them alone. Aengus could feel Be''s inner turmoil as she held him tightly against her chest, but he remained silent. He realized this might be the moment to rify everything between them once and for all. When theynded, Be''s gaze locked onto his, and a flicker of anxiety crossed her face. She noticed the absence of the respect and ttery he used to show her, a stark contrast to their previous interactions. "I never imagined you could be this powerful in just a week, Aengus," she said, her voice steady, calling him by his name. The familiarity signaled that she was being serious this time. Her piercing purple eyes bore into his as she continued, "Why don''t you call me Mistress anymore? Why can''t I see the obedience you once had? Or was it all just a facade¡ªsome fake persona you used to wear?" She searched his gaze, as though hoping to uncover the secrets he had been hiding. The tension between them thickened, the weight of unspoken truths hanging in the air. Aengus''s silence confirmed her suspicions, and her heart panicked for a moment. She quickly calmed herself and used one of her abilities to activate the Hex poison she had secretly ced in his body. The poison, made from her own blood, was meant to enve him under her control. "Why isn''t it working?" Her beautiful brows furrowed in frustration. "No. I can''t ept this, Aengus. After so many years, I finally found hope, and I''m not going to let you go just like that," she said, almost in desperation, her eyes slightly teary. Aengus was confused by the sudden emotional outburst of the Subus woman. In hurried motion, Be took out a leather cor made of unknownponents. "Here¡­ wear it!" Be extended her jade-like hand, offering the cor to Aengus. Aengus nced at the cor and immediately recognized it as a ve Cor, causing his brows to furrow. He knew he was no match for her in his current state, but envement was something he could not ept. Without hesitation, Aengus took the cor and burned it to ashes with Hellfire. "Y-You¡­!" Be''s anger surged through her chest. "Paah!" She moved with incredible speed and pped Aengus hard, sending his body crashing into the ground with a loud bang. Even though he had activated all of his demonic abilities beforehand, he still couldn''t react in time to defend himself. Aengus, lying on the ground after being struck with such force, felt the sting of Be''s power. He had known she was strong, but the speed and ferocity she disyed left him momentarily stunned. His demonic abilities, though formidable, paled inparison to hers. Yet, the fire inside him, the dark power he''d cultivated, refused to allow him to feel submission. Be, standing over him with fury in her eyes, couldn''t believe the defiance he''d shown. The cor¡ªherst hope of binding him¡ªhad been reduced to ashes in an instant. Her hands trembled, not out of fear, but frustration. She had never felt so powerless to control someone in her long life. "You... dared..." she whispered through gritted teeth, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and something more vulnerable beneath the surface. Tears welled in her eyes, though she tried to suppress them, unwilling to let her emotions break through her hard exterior. Aengus slowly stood up, his expression calm but his eyes filled with a dark resolve. "Be, I am not the man you once knew," he said, his voice cold. "Whatever bond we had, it shattered the moment you tried to enve me. I am no one''s servant¡ªnot yours, not anyone''s." Be''s heart clenched as she listened to him. She had hoped to control him, to keep him close, but now she realized that something fundamental had changed between them. "I saved you from death, gave you everything... and this is how you repay me?" she asked, her voice now filled with sorrow more than anger. Aengus shook his head. "No, I''m grateful for you saving me. But you gave me control disguised as power. You tried to control me in every way you could. But I have my own goals. I''m going to take over the world¡ªnot just you. I''ll kill that Demon Lord who took everything from me. And no one can stop me. Not even you, Be. Unless you kill me." Be trembled at his bold deration. "K-Kill you? What would I gain by killing you? Would I get the power you have?" she asked, her voice shaking. "And what about the love we shared?" Her eyes searched his, wondering if the kiss they shared had been a lie too. "Love?" Aengus paused for a moment, then spoke coldly. "That wasn''t love. You were just trying to enchant me." "Paah!" Be pped him hard again, sending him stumbling sideways. "B-Bastard! You''re not just ungrateful¡ªyou''re an emotionless creature as well! Do you think I would kiss someone just to enchant them? Do I seem like a whore to you? I''m not like my other sisters, Aengus!" Be shouted in frustration, her chest rising and falling with her breath. Aengus, holding his cheek, asked, "Why would you fall in love just after meeting me? And if you did, why would you try to enve me? It doesn''t make sense." He seemed genuinely confused, momentarily forgetting that he had just been pped twice.. Be''s face flushed with both anger and frustration. Her emotions, which she usually kept tightly controlled, were unraveling in front of Aengus, the one person she thought she could easily manipte. "You think everything is so simple, Aengus?" Be shot back, her purple eyes shing dangerously. "You don''t understand anything about me or why I did what I did. Yes, I tried to control you. Yes, I used my power to bind you, but it wasn''t just for my own gain!" She paused, her voice breaking slightly, as if the weight of her feelings was too much to bear. "I was... afraid. Afraid of losing you to the world, just like my mother.." He wasn''t expecting such raw emotion from someone like Be, who had always appeared calcting and powerful. "Afraid? You''re one of the most powerful beings I''ve ever met. What could you possibly be afraid of?" Be''s fists clenched as she turned her back to him, trying to regain herposure. "Just like how I lost my mother, I was afraid of losing you too." "She left me alone here when I was just a child, going to the humannds, and I never heard from her again." "I can''t really me her. If I were in her shoes, I might have done the same. She was forced by her illustrious family¡ªand, more importantly, by the demon lords who opposed my parents'' rtionship for their own selfish reasons. My father and mother had no choice but to end their rtionship to protect a half-breed child like me." She spoke as though she were letting out years of pent-up frustration. "From that moment on, I vowed to overthrow their rules. But no matter what I did, it always fell short because of their power and influence." "I''m still helpless against them. But when I saw you, Aengus, I saw hope. You''re also a half-breed like me, and our goals are the same." She turned to face him, looking into his dark eyes. "Now, tell me, what did I do wrong?" she asked, her voice firm, still standing by her principles to the very end. Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Settling Their Feud Aengus understood the motivations behind her actions; it was clear that her attraction stemmed from his potential rather than genuine devotion. It wasn''tplete love. It was mixed with calction. She had sought to use him, and while she had her reasons, the maniption left a bitter taste. Her confession fell on deaf ears, for his heart no longer held space for love, only the echoes of memories long past. She clung to him, her embrace tight and desperate, as though she hoped that by doing so, her allure could conquer his indifference. But it was in vain; her helpless attraction, despite her beauty, could not stir him. Aengus gently pushed her away, his voice calm and resolute. "It''s pointless, Be Bellfrost. My heart belongs to someone else already, and now, it''s as cold as ice. I can no longer feel the love or affection you wish to offer." Be''s crimson lips pressed into a thin line as she felt a sharp pang in her chest. Yet, she forced a seductive smile, like the beguiling subus she was. "It''s fine," she purred, her voiceced with temptation. "I''ll find my ce in your heart eventually. And if I''m not mistaken, your former human partner is long dead, isn''t she?" Her words made his gaze harden with every second. Realizing her misstep, Be quickly backtracked, her tone softening. "Ah, forgive me, sweetheart. I shouldn''t have brought her up." Aengus remained silent, restraining the surge of anger within him. Confronting an Archdemon was no small feat, and to strike her would be sheer folly. It was fortunate enough that she hadn''t retaliated against him for his defiance. Still, if she had, Aengus would have been forced to take drastic measures¡ªmeasures that could have destroyed them both. Suddenly, Be''s gaze fell on the locket around his neck. She leaned in, her fingers brushing it with possessiveness, as though it hers already. "And who gave you this locket, sweetheart?" she asked, her voiceced with jealousy. She suspected it had belonged to his human lover, and the thought stirred something dark within her. Aengus grasped her hand firmly, halting her attempt to delve deeper. "It''s from my parents. You don''t need to concern yourself with it," he replied, his tone sharp and cold. Unfazed by his icy demeanor, Be pressed her cheek against his chest, letting out a contented sigh. "Where are your parents, sweetheart? Why don''t we visit them?" she asked, her voiceced with feigned innocence. "They''re not in this world," Aengus said shortly. Her eyes widened slightly. "You mean they''re dead? Oh, I''m so sorry, sweetheart." She smiled seductively, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "But you''re not alone¡ªI''ll stay by your side from now on." Her breath, warm against his skin, sent an involuntary shiver through his body, stirring reactions he fought to suppress. Steeling himself, Aengus broke free from her embrace, striding toward his residence. Be trailed after him, her presence is more clingy than ever. Her eyes, brimming with naughty thoughts. The Hellfire Wolf King and Queen were still kneeling by the time Aengus and Be arrived at the recent battleground. Their immense forms, once so fearsome, now cowered under the weight of defeat. Be let out a soft snort, and with that small sound, an invisible force descended upon the wolf couple. The crushing pressure was a subtle yet unmistakable warning. She would tolerate no harming to Aengus¡ªher decision to align with him was final, their goals now intertwined. Without a word, Aengus summoned back his Legion, the ethereal creatures vanishing into the void at hismand. He turned toward the mansion, motioning for his subordinates to withdraw and return to their posts. Even though this was the second time Be had witnessed it, the sight of Aengus conjuring powerful monsters out of thin air still left her astonished. It was nothing short of extraordinary. As they entered the mansion, Butler Yu and the maid Donna greeted them with respectful smiles. Aengus, however, cast a cold, knowing nce at Donna. The maid froze, a shiver running down her spine as the realization struck her¡ªhe was aware. Aengus had discovered her audacious act, and the silent warning in his gaze made it clear. Why else would he want to unsettle her like this? Sensing the tension between Aengus and the maid, Be stepped in with a yful smile. "Sweetheart, don''t me her. I was the one who instructed her to do that foolish thing." She squeezed his hand gently, her words soft but deliberate. The maid let out a breath of relief, while Butler Yu exchanged astonished nces with her, noting the sudden intimacy between the two. His only concern now was not to be an unwee third wheel in whatever was transpiring. So, with hurried steps, both he and the maid discreetly left the room, giving them their privacy. Aengus, pulling his hand free from Be''s warm grasp, turned to her with a hint of irritation. "Why are you still following me, Be? Don''t you have your own territory to manage?" She pouted slightly but stayed close, trailing behind him. "Didn''t I say I''m staying with you now?" she teased. "I''m giving you my army¡ªand myself¡ªto manage. I''m tired of responsibilities. From now on, I''ll just eat, sleep, and take care of you." Her wings fluttered slightly, betraying her excitement. Aengus stopped in his tracks, his voice low and irritated. "What do you mean, ''sleep with me''?" The mere thought was unsettling. If she insisted, even his sleep would be disturbed by the ufortable tension she always seemed to bring. Be smirked, her lips curling with mischief. "Sleep means sleep, of course. What else?" She raised an eyebrow suggestively, her curvaceous figure all too prominent as she leaned closer. "But if you''re thinking of something naughty... well, I wouldn''t say no." Aengus shot her a sideways nce, his body betraying him with that all-too-familiar tingling sensation. He could already tell that tonight, his greatest enemy would not be Be¡ªbut his own self-control. Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Expedition It waste at night, and Aengus and Be found themselves alone in his bedroom. Be, having retracted her wings, now wore a revealing nightdress as shey seductively on his bed. A yful smile danced on her lips as she watched Aengus''s reaction. "Sweetheart, why don''t youe over?" she smiled, her body''s soft curves and the alluring contours of her chest drawing his gaze. Aengus narrowed his eyes, his expression hardening. "If you''re sleeping there, I''m staying here," he said, his tone icy as he settled into a chair in the far corner of the room. The Baron''s mansion was small, and with new guests upying the remaining rooms, Aengus had no other ce to sleep. He resigned himself to spending the night on the chair, silently resisting Be''s persistent advances. He could have given in to her wishes, but something deep within him refused. A man and woman''s bond, he believed, should be sacred¡ªan unshakable belief he had carried from his past life. Sigh! Be rubbed her temples in frustration. She rose from the bed and moved toward him with amanding presence. "Sweetheart, being alone isn''t always best. Trust me, I know." She grabbed his hand firmly, her grip surprisingly strong. "Come on, let''s share some warmth in this cold reality." With a swift pull, she tugged him onto the bed, wrapping herself around him like an octopus. Aengus tried to free his hand from her grasp, but her strength was not to be underestimated. It was a mystery how a woman like her could possess such physical power. Evenpared to his own, she still had an advantage by a mile. Seeing no other option, Aengus rolled onto the bed, turning his back to her. The bed was small, leaving barely any space between them. Be smiled mischievously as she leaned closer, wrapping her arms around his body, closing the gap entirely. "Uh..." Aengus felt an unsettling sensation crawling inside him, but he ruthlessly suppressed it, refusing to give in to the temptation gnawing at him. He let go of the tension that had gued his mind, craving the rest his body desperately needed. Though his enhanced physique allowed him to stay awake longer than most, his body still yearned for sleep. Despite how irritating her actions could be at times, there was a strangefort in her presence¡ªsomething warm he hadn''t felt in ages. Closing his eyes, he allowed the exhaustion to take over. Be, sensing his weariness, remained silent, not wanting to disturb him. As she quietly watched him, a figure seemingly consumed by loneliness, her feelings for him deepened. "Aengus, one day, I''ll make you mine," she whispered, determination filling her voice. "I''ll clear the stone in your heart and im my ce there." With those words, she too tried to drift into sleep, her senses sharp, ever alert for any danger. ---- The next morning, when Aengus and Be stepped out of their room, Butler Yu and maid Donna exchanged strange nces. They had their suspicions about what might have transpired between the two, and their thoughts quickly spiraled into extreme conclusions. Unbothered by the silent judgment, Aengus issued his orders with authority. "Gather the army. Today, we begin our campaign to conquer the unimed tribes and territories that have remained independent for far too long." These tribes had long been overlooked, even by Be, who had more pressing concerns. Her enemies circled her like vultures, each waiting for a moment of weakness to strike. The backing of other Dukes and Demon Lords meant they had no fear of Belial''s influence. Still, Be followed Aengus, curious to see his leadership firsthand. She needed to know whether he had the strength to lead them toward their shared vision of domination. Though Aengus hadn''t spoken openly of it, he had already decided to ept her offer. Aligning with Be would make his path smoother, at least for now. But the real question lingered in the air: What would the Duke of Lust think of this alliance? Only time would reveal the consequences. He might have to sh with him as well. As they stepped outside, Vespera shot him an unpleasant look. She knew what had transpired between her mistress and him, and for some reason, she didn''t like him. "What? Do you have any problem with me, Vespera?" Aengus asked, his eyes piercing her soul. "N-No¡­" Vespera stammered, realizing he was on a whole other level than before as she sensed his suppressed aura. She shrunk back and moved behind Be. Be giggled, watching their interaction with amusement. Afterwards, followed by Aengus and Be, all of them started their march towards the Dark swamp. Their mission: Unconditional Subjugation. ----- The Horned Lizard Tribe Inside the grand hall of the Horned Lizard Tribe, a tense discussion unfolded. The hall, constructed entirely of massive bones and the hides of fallen beasts, was dimly lit by flickering torches. At its center, the tribe chief sat upon his throne, his wed hand resting on the armrest made of a colossal serpent''s skull. "Chief, we need to rethink our defenses," one of the tribe''s warriors, a tall, muscr humanoid lizard with rough, scaled skin, spoke with conviction. "The extra guards at the border are a waste. We''ve been spending resources we can''t afford to lose, guarding against a threat that never came. That half-breed... whoever he was... he''s noting back. His threats were nothing but empty boasts. He wanted to scare us, make us retreat. He''s a liar, Chief. You must reconsider." The chief''s eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light, remained narrowed in contemtion. His tail flicked behind him as he listened, his massive body shifting slightly on the throne. Around him, the older lizards of the tribe nodded thoughtfully, their aged scales dull but their minds sharp. "I hear your concerns, Goruk," the chief finally said, his voice deep and loud. "But fear is a powerful tool. This half-breed, as you call him, may have seemed like a mere braggart, but he carried with him an air of danger I have not felt in a long time. We cannot let down our guard. The world is shifting, and it is better to be over-prepared than to fall intocency." One of the elders, his scales faded with age, raised his voice. "Chief, Goruk has a point. Our people are struggling. The swamps no longer yield what they once did. If we continue to stretch our defenses, we may not have enough left to feed the tribe through the next season. "The chief''s gaze hardened. "I am aware of our struggles, but pulling back now would invite danger. I know there is a storm brewing, and we cannot afford to be caught off guard." Just as the room fell into silence, a scout burst through the boneden entrance, panting heavily. His scales were covered in mud and swamp water, a clear sign he had been running without rest. "Chief!" the scout gasped, his breath uneven. "That half-breed... he''sing! Arge army was behind him... and they''re heading straight for us!" Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Aengus Vs Gourmond "What?" The hall instantly erupted into chaos. The murmurs of doubt and cautious optimism were reced by shouts of rm and fear. The elders looked at one another, their earlier confidence faltering. Goruk clenched his fists, his previous words now hanging heavy in the air. The chief rose from his throne, towering over the others. His voice boomed across the hall, silencing the panic in an instant. "Everyone, don''t panic. Go and prepare the defenses! Call back the guards from the borders and station them at the heart of the tribe. We will not be caught unprepared. If this half-breed seeks war, then war he shall have!" Outside, the drumbeats of war began to echo throughout the swamp, signaling the beginning of a battle that would shape the fate of the Horned Lizard Tribe¡ªor perhaps the entire region. --- Aengus observed the tribe''s futile efforts with a smirk ying on his lips. Behind him stood an imposing force¡ªover 500 lesser demons, dozens of Greater demons, and his Legion, all waiting in disciplined silence. He was confident they all wouldn''t even be necessary for such a minor skirmish. From the side, Be''s spoke. "Sweetheart, should I help?" she asked, casually gathering energy in her hand. The raw power radiating from her caused a noticeable chill to run through the nearby subordinates, sending waves of unease down the ranks. Aengus sighed inwardly, recognizing the inevitable headache her involvement could bring. While her strength was undeniable, Be had a tendency to go overboard, sometimes leaving a trail of destruction that didn''t always differentiate between friend and foe. Still, her presence was reassuring in its own chaotic way. He nced at her, offering a slight nod, silently hoping she wouldn''t obliterate his own forces as coteral damage. From a distance, Sienna watched Be, her expression betraying a hint of jealousy. Be''s power and closeness to Aengus always stoked something bitter in her, but there was nothing she could do but swallow her feelings. Sen gave her a knowing sidewise nce. Meanwhile, the Horned Lizard Tribe Chief, who had previously stood with a semnce of confidence, now nced at the overwhelming enemy force, his earlier bravado quickly crumbling. He looked uneasily between his own meager troops and the mass of demons at Aengus''smand. Panic was setting in, not just for him, but for the other tribe elders as well. "Is this it? The end of our tribe?" one of the elders whispered in despair. But then the Chief''s gaze locked onto subus Be, her striking beauty and aura unmistakable. He seemed to be recognising her, so with a sudden shift in demeanor, he stepped forward, raising both of hisrge, scaled hand in a gesture of peace. "What is Tribe Chief doing?" his people murmured form behind. They already took him as he was going to surrender to the enemy. Some brainless fools began to feel dissatisfied at their Chief''s cowardice. Aengus watched him curiously. The Tribe Chief''s earlier arrogance from a few days ago had melted away into something more akin to desperation, and now, he was approaching, his hand lifted in surrender. "Wait," Aengus muttered, holding Be back for the moment. There was no harm in hearing the chief out. Be pouted slightly, clearly disappointed at being stopped, but she relented, folding her arms as she observed the situation with sharp eyes. Whatever the chief''s next move was,Be remained alert¡ªready to crush them all at a moment''s notice. The Tribe Chief Gourmond halted his steps, his voice trembling with a mixture of desperation and frustration. "Lady Be, why is someone of your esteemed status aiding this man? Have you forgotten the pact we have with Lord Duke Belial for non-aggression? If I may be so bold, let me exin¡ª" Be interrupted him with a smile, but her words wereced with chilling indifference. "Yes, I remember the pact, Tribe Chief. But you misunderstand. This is no aggression from my father. This is a matter of survival in an age of chaos. I suggest you surrender to my sweetheart obediently. Youck the power to oppose him." Be''s cold, unyielding tone stung worse than any weapon. Chief Gourmond clenched his fists in rage, veins throbbing on his scaly skin. "Why are you doing this?" he growled. "Have you forgotten what the ck Dragon Emperor did for your father? Now that he is missing, is that why you behave so ruthlessly?" Be''s smile vanished, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Oh tribe chief, I haven''t forgotten. Nor has my father," she replied, her voice icy. "Your ancestor, the ck Dragon Emperor, indeed aided my father in reaching his current rank. But that debt was repaid long ago. As for the non-aggression pact¡ª" she tilted her head slightly, her gaze piercing into Gourmond''s soul, "If I am not mistaken, it will expire in just a few days, will it not?" Gourmond''sposure shattered as reality set in. The pact, once a source of protection, was now little more than an illusion of safety, soon to be obsolete. His tribe was isted and weakened. They had no hope of standing against Aengus and Be, much less her father''s forces if they chose to intervene. He could feel the eyes of his tribe elders and warriors on him, waiting, watching. He had promised them protection, assured them of their safety. But now those promises were crumbling before him. "Think carefully, Tribe Chief," Be said, her voice low but filled with menace. "Your time is running out. If you surrender now, we may still grant your tribe a ce in the new world we are about to built. But if you continue to resist..." She let her words trail off, the threat hanging in the air like a guillotine de. Gourmond''s gaze shifted to Aengus, who stood silently, observing the exchange with an air of quiet dominance. There was no sympathy in his eyes, only expectation. It was clear that if Gourmond didn''t act soon, his tribe would be erased from existence. But he wasn''t ready to give in so easily. "Lady Be, I challenge this man to a duel. If he wins, my tribe will surrenderpletely. But if I win, you must leave us alone forever." Be turned to Aengus with a confident smile. "What do you think, sweetheart? Why not show him your power?" Aengus, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, stepped forward without a word. His aura grew stronger with each passing second. The towering tribe chief''s heart raced as he sensed Aengus'' power, now clearly miles beyond what it had been in the past. Even so, he steeled himself, determined to give his all. News of the duel spread quickly, and the Horned Lizard Tribe gathered around to witness how their fate would be decided. Some felt indignant, but what could they do? "Doombringer Fortification!" With a single stomp, the ground beneath Aengus shattered, and he lunged at Gourmond with a devastating punch. Fssssrr... CRACK! The sound barrier shattered as Aengus'' fist connected with lightning speed. Gourmond barely had time to react before he was struck with massive force. Bang! "Mmff..." With a muffled groan, Gourmond''s massive lizard form was flung through the air like a ragdoll, a sharp pain radiating from his stomach. Cough! Cough! He spat blood uncontrobly, his entire body went limp and powerless. Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Surprise Aengus arrived before him, his expression calm as he looked at the Tribe Chief With a heavy heart, Gourmond loosened his clenched fists and lowered his gaze. "What... would surrender entail my lord?" Gourmond gave in, feeling utterly defeated. "Surrender yournds, your resources, and your loyalty. In return, your tribe will live under our protection. You will be given power to join our cause. " Gourmond hesitated, his pride and duty at war with the harsh reality of his situation. But as he looked around at his people¡ªat their fear, at the hopelessness in their eyes¡ªhe knew the answer. Swallowing his pride, he spoke the words that sealed his tribe''s fate. "We surrender!" ---- The news of his defeat and surrender quickly spread among the hundred or sobatants of the Horned Lizard Tribe. It was ironic how their fate had been sealed so swiftly. But what choice did they have? Though they carried the diluted bloodline of the ck dragon, it wasn''t enough to secure their ce in and ruled by raw power. A few, driven by pride and foolishness, attempted to resist, but their efforts were in vain. They were swiftly executed, a brutal reminder that disloyalty would not be tolerated. With the situation settled, Aengus and Be moved on to their next conquest, now with another hundred Horned Lizard warriors added to their growing army. The ordinary tribespeople were ordered to remain behind, guarded by a few demons, with instructions to head to the Dark Valley at ater time. --- "Darling, why are you always in such a hurry?" Be asked with concern as they soared through the sky, their wings cutting through the wind. "You should''ve taken a moment to rest. I can see you''re struggling to breathe. What''s going on with you, Aengus?" Aengus, still adjusting to his wings, remained silent, flying ahead without a word. Be sighed in frustration. Sometimes, she felt like smacking some sense into him. "Master, your soul injuries are getting worse. You really need to ease up on using your skills until you find a way to heal your soul," Manas warned anxiously. "I know.." Behind them, Vespera and a few vampires followed at a distance, while on the ground below, his loyal subordinates tried to keep up, racing to match their pace. "So, sister, where are we headed next?" Sen asked Sienna, a hint of frustration in his voice. "We didn''t even get to fightst time," he grumbled. Sienna chuckled. "We''re going to the Orc vige next. But don''t get overconfident, Sen. The orcs are known for their bloodthirsty and ferocious nature," she warned. "I know, Sister. I''m not a kid anymore. Plus, I''ve received some power boosts from him. I''m close to reaching Greater Demon rank, just like you," he said with a proud smile. Sienna''s expression darkened as she furrowed her brows. "Show some respect, Sen," she said sternly. "He may not be much older than us, but you shouldn''t speak so casually about him." Sen let out a sheepish grin. "Oops, I forgot. But, Sister, aren''t you being a bit too protective of our new lord? Is it just respect¡­ or something more?" He smirked mischievously, clearly thinking along other lines. Sienna''s heart skipped a beat, her face flushing slightly. "What nonsense are you talking about? I was just warning you," she retorted, flustered. "You''ve be quite bold to tease your older sister like this!" As the siblings continued to bicker, the hundreds of demons, led by their superior, marched steadily toward the Orc vige. --- After nearly two hours, they arrived near the outskirts of the Orc vige and set up camp to rest and regroup beforeunching their attack. Aengus and Be flew ahead to scout the area from the sky, gathering intel on the enemy. However, the scene that unfolded below left them both stunned. "What¡­ is this?" Be muttered in astonishment. "How did humans get this far into demon territory?" Aengus was also equally intrigued. Below them, just outside the Orc vige, a fierce battle raged between hundreds of humans and orcs. The humans vastly outnumbered the orcs and appeared to have the upper hand in the fight. Aengus couldn''t fully grasp what Be was saying. "Be, if we can cross into the human realm, why can''t they enter back?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Be shook her head. "You''re missing the point, Darling. We used a special treasure to cross realms, and it only allows a small number of people through. Our mission was to retrieve the Darkness Core from the Dreadnaught Colossus, under themand of Demon Lord Beelzebub. But, as fate would have it, that core ended up inside you." "Anyway..." She sighed before continuing. "It''s simply not possible for humans to cross the realm boundary with so many people. Not unless..." her voice trailed off, a terrifying thought crossing her mind. "Not unless what?" Aengus asked, noticing the sudden shift in her expression. Be''s face turned serious. "Not unless the realm boundary has been severely weakened. And if that''s the case, it can only mean one thing: the great war ising... and it would start very soon." "Oh..." Aengus mulled over the news thoughtfully. This could be an opportunity to catch Beelzebub off guard and weaken his forces. On the other hand, in the worst-case scenario, he could be thrown onto the battlefield as cannon fodder. The Demon Lords wouldn''t hesitate to summon every demon under theirmand¡ªliving or dead. "Let''s go, Darling," Be said, her purple eyes shimmering dangerously. "Let''s see what these humans want and why they''re after our prey." Aengus nodded in agreement, and together they descended, their wings beating in unison as they prepared to confront the unknown threat below. As they descended, dark clouds began to gather overhead, casting an eerie shadow over thendscape. The blood red sun struggled to pierce through the thickening gloom, its rays dimming as if acknowledging the ominous presence of Aengus and Be. The atmosphere around them grew heavy, filled with a sense of impending conflict. Chapter 110: Chapter 110: Another Unique Skill Holder "Hey, who are you? Where are you going?" A hostile young man d in battle-worn armor, brandished his sword and moved to block their descent. "Please be quiet!" Be''s voice was icy as she flicked her finger dismissively. "Ahhh..." The man disintegrated into ashes almost instantly, his body vanishing without a trace. Aengus watched with a detached demeanor, his Heart of Darkness numbing him to any semnce of pity for human. He just felt it was a waste of resources. The dead young man''s final, anguished scream drew the attention of a few nearby humans. Another young leader¡ªsimiliar age to Aengus, stepped forward, his face twisted into a bloodthirsty grin and rage. His eyes, wild with a mix of aggression and unsettling eagerness, locked onto Be''s smoking figure. His grin widened, and he licked his lips, his gaze bing overtly lecherous. Be felt his lecherous gaze. But maintaining herposure, she suppressed her aura to avoid a panic-stricken retreat of the young man. Otherwise, the young man would have already been pissed out of fear. The young leader''s lecherous grin widened as he leered at Be. "A subus, huh? What''s a beauty like you doing here? nning to seduce me?" His eyes roamed her body with obvious desire. Be nced at Aengus, expecting some reaction to the disrespect. To her slight disappointment, he remained impassive, his expression unchanging. The leader''s eyes narrowed as he continued, "So, you two are a couple?" He looked between them, his grin turning malicious. "Don''t worry. We''ll take him along too. He can watch us have some fun in the bed as well." Aengus remained unmoved, his demeanor as cold and unreadable as ever. Be''s disappointment turned into a silent frustration. She had hoped for a show of some kind of reaction, but it seemed Aengus''s focus was solely on their objective. "Enough of this nonsense, human kid," Be said, her voice cutting through the leader''s taunts with icy de. "We''re not here for games. Tell us how many of you had infiltrated the dmeonnd, so that we can put you to death first." "A kid?" He was dumbfounded for a moment, then snarled angrily, "Bitch, how dare you call me a kid? I''m already a father at my age! And, do you think I''m stupid enough to answer all your questions?" "Hahahaha..." Hispanions, d in armor and wielding swords, burst into boisterousughter. Aengus, watching silently, could only pity them, knowing their fate was sealed. "Yes, you''re a kid, human. Want to see a real man?" Be asked with a mocking smile. As the young man stood there, confused, she pointed to Aengus. "He''s a real man. My Darling." "Fuck... this bitch!" The group charged at Be, swords raised, with the young man leading them in a fury. Be looked at Aengus with pity as if asking to help her. Aengus found her request ridiculous. Regardless, he moved to stop their charge and pped them hard. Paah, Paah, Paah! They all crashed onto the ground hard, hitting their head, and blood flowed thereafter. "Ouch!" "Ahhhh..." They shriked in pain, and horror struck them like nightmare. The half breed Demon and Demoness was not so simple as they initially thought. They instantly panicked, their heart beating fast. Be smiled. "Now, tell me¡ªhow many humans entered with you all?" She leaned forward, her eyes glowing pink as she activated her seduction ability. Instantly, the eyes of all the humans around her turned pink, a clear sign they had fallen under her spell, their tongues hanging out. All except for one. The young leader remained unaffected, his gaze sharp and defiant. "Huh?" Be furrowed her brows in surprise. She hadn''t expected a mere human to resist her charm. "What''s going on?" The young man suddenly burst into maniacalughter. "Hahaha¡­ Bitch, your demonic charm doesn''t work on me. I''m immune to it all. I''m special." His grin widened as he continued. "Now, let me go, or else you''ll regret it. While you were busy charming these fools, I already alerted the others. I''ll forget this ever happened if you walk away now." He offered, as if he held the upper hand. Be just scoffed at her foolishness, while Aengus felt intrigue. It shouldn''t be that easy to resist Be''s charm for a human at least. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Ashter Vestovile ] [ Affiliation: Dragon God''s Shrine, Dragon Empire. Otherworlder ] [ Level: 42 ] [ Skills ] - [ de Tempest (C), Dragon Wings (C), Dragon Enhancement (C), Dragon ws (D), Quick Step (D), Power Strike (D), Quick Draw (D) ] [ Unique Skills: Nullified Mental Attacks ] --- "What?" Aengus was momentarily shaken, a rare crack in his usuallyposed demeanor. Be, noticing, raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What''s wrong, sweetheart? You look... startled." "I-It''s nothing," Aengus quickly regained hisposure, trying to brush off his reaction. "Ehehehe... And where do you think you''re going?" Be muttered, her gaze shifting to the sky, where the young man was attempting to escape, his dragon wings unfurled. In an instant, Be flew beside him, her speed unmatched. With a casual flick of her wrist, she delivered a light smack. "Bang!" "Ahhh!" The young man was mmed into the ground, crashing hard despite activating his physical enhancement skills. His body was wounded, and pain surged through him. It was a stroke of misfortune to encounter Be and Aengus¡ªthe two monsters. Under different circumstances, he might have been stronger than most, but not against them. By now, everyone had noticed the confrontation. Both humans and giant orcs halted their battle, sensing a powerful third party had entered the fray. They took cautious steps backward, avoiding the gaze of the neers. It was clear these two were far beyond anything they could handle. On the other hand, Aengus'' mind was in turmoil. He had encountered someone with the mysterious Unique Skills¡ªthe very same kind he possessed. It was hard to believe. All this time, he thought he was the only one chosen for such abilities, but now... things seemed entirely different. And then there was the mystery surrounding himself. Was this reincarnation body also an Otherworlder like them? Could he havee from the same world as them? Or perhaps from some other world entirely? If that were the case, did it mean there were others¡ªmore individuals with Unique Skills like his? Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Secrets Unknown For the first time ever, Aengus seriously questioned his own identity. Was this body also from another world, like the young leader''s? "But how could he know his identity?" There were no clues apart from this young man before him. "Be, I need to ask him something. Don''t kill him yet," Aengus said with a serious tone. Be turned and smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. Ask away¡ªhe can''t escape anyway." The young leader was in a dire state, his bones and body twisted in a disturbing manner. Aengus leaned in closer, while Be stepped back slightly, giving him some space. She understood that invading personal space too much could lead to distrust. Until they could share their secrets equally, she was willing to tolerate it. Ignoring Ashter''s agonized cries, Aengus leaned in closer and whispered, "Hey, which world are you from? I''m one of you. If you tell me the truth, I might let you live." The young leader''s eyes went wide with shock. "H-How did you know?" His voice was a shaky whisper, disbelief etched on his pale face as he scanned Aengus from head to toe, searching for any clues. Then, something clicked in his mind. His expression shifted, recognition and fear mingling in his eyes. "So, you''re a trial participant like me? What... what is your family name in the higher realm?" he asked, his voice trembling, as though speaking too loudly would summon something terrible. Aengus inwardly smirked but kept his faceposed, his exterior calm as if this was nothing new to him. In reality, his mind raced. This was his first real lead to uncovering the truth about his identity and the origins of these Unique Skills. He had to y along carefully. The answers he sought were within reach, and this Ashter might hold the key. "My name is Aengus... Degaro," he replied, his voice steady. The reaction was immediate. Ashter''s eyes went wide with horror, his face draining of color. He stumbled back a step, trembling. "D-Degaro?" His voice cracked. "Y-You''re from that ruthless Devil Family? B-But... how? H-How could you be here?" He stuttered incoherently, as if even speaking the name was enough to curse him. "N-No, leave me alone... I can''t... I can''t stay here any longer! You''re a devil... I have to inform everyone!" Panic overtook him as he struggled to rise, frantically trying to summon the strength to flee. His dragon wings red, and his body tensed, ready to escape at any cost. Aengus watched the pathetic disy, his mind racing. Ashter knew something crucial, something about his family, the so-called "Devil Family," and what it meant. If this information leaked, it could lead to catastrophic consequences-perhaps even drawing unwanted attention to him. He couldn''t let Ashter escape. Ashter was a loose thread that had to be dealt with, and Aengus knew deep down, the moment he uttered the name Degaro, there was no turning back. Bam! Crash! Aengus moved with blinding speed, his Boost Skill enhancing his strength and speed as he struck Ashter mid-flight. His fist collided with Ashter''s side, sending him hurtling toward the ground like a broken doll. The impact shook the earth, dust and debris flying up as Ashter''s body crumpled into the dirt, his dragon wings folding awkwardly beneath him. His ribs caved inward, and blood trickled from his mouth as he gasped for breath, his once-defiant face twisted in agony. "Aarrgh..." Ashter groaned, his voice barely a rasp, trying to muster what little strength he had left. His eyes, once full of defiance, now flickered with fear and desperation. "You''ll pay for this... you devil-" THWACK! Aengus delivered another brutal punch, this time directly to Ashter''s face. The impact twisted his head at an unnatural angle, a sickening crack echoing through the air as his neck snapped. Blood sttered across the ground as Ashter''s body went limp, his eyes zing over in death. Silence descended upon the battlefield. The humans and orcs who had once been engaged in fiercebat stood frozen, their eyes wide with terror as they watched from a distance. None dared approach. They had seen enough to know that these two neers- Aengus and Be-were not to be trifled with. Be, standing nearby, simply smiled as she watched the scene unfold. She knew Aengus was searching for unknown answers, and for now, she let him have his space. Her gaze lingered on Ashter''s lifeless body before she turned her attention back to Aengus. "Done already, sweetheart?" Aengus straightened, wiping the blood from his hands. His heart stirred, not from the fight, but from the implications of what Ashter had said. The name "Degaro" seemed to strike fear into those who heard it, but why? What did it mean for him? For the first time in a long while, Aengus wasn''t sure where the path ahead would lead. But one thing was certain: Aengus was not forgetting his goals because od this. Aengus then turned to Be, meeting her gaze. "Yes, I got my answers." "Good," Be replied, her voice sharp. "But did you find out how many of them there are? And their positions?" She pressed, wanting to be sure. Aengus hesitated, a frown crossing his face. "Uh..." His words trailed off as if caught off guard. "No, I didn''t. I was asking him about... something else," he added slowly, his uncertainty clear. Be''s lips curled into an amused smile. "Don''t worry, sweetheart." She waved it off, her toneced with a mix of affection and danger. "They''ll tell us what we need to know." Her eyes flicked to the trembling humans, kneeling before them, their bodies shaking uncontrobly despite being under the charm''s influence. She stepped forward, her voice dripping with venom. "Now, tell me, you filthy humans. How many more of you are out there, besides this ce?" One of the charmed humans responded mechanically, his words hollow and devoid of any emotion. "We have entered in several battalions, numbering five thousand." Be''s eyes narrowed slightly, her surprise barely visible. "Why are you here? Who sent you?" she demanded. "We were ordered by the Dragon God''s Shrine to collect demon cores... for unknown reasons." Be''s jaw clenched. "Where are the others? Tell me their exact locations." "They are scattered throughout this region, attacking viges and tribes, ughtering them to gather demon cores," the man answered in a monotonous voice, oblivious to the rage building in Be. Her fists tightened, a wave of fury rising through her chest. "Filthy humans!" she hissed, her voice trembling with contempt. "You dare to ughter the innocent? I''m ashamed to share even a drop of your blood." Her eyes glowed with murderous intent. "Die." In an instant, all the kneeling humans and the humans on the battlefield fell lifeless, as if Death God itself had passed judgment upon them. Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Army Of Liberation Ignoring everything else, Aengus ced his hand on Ashter''s lifeless body, preparing to cast Skill Absorption. His curiosity gnawed at him¡ªwould he be able to obtain Ashter''s unique skill alongside the others? The familiar system notifications shed before him. [ You have acquired a new skill: de Tempest (C) ] [ You have acquired Dragon ws (D) ] [ You have acquired Dragon Wings (C) ] ..... After multiple attempts, Aengus finally achieved what he had been hoping for. [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new Unique Skill: : Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare) ] [ Skills: ] - [ Active: Doombringer Fortification -5 (C) Hellfire Dive - 10 (C), de Tempest (C), Dragon Wings (C), Dragon Enhancement (C), Dragon ws (D), Quick Step (D), Power strike (D), Quick Draw (D), Earth Maniption- 21(D), Azure Ghost de -2 (D), Venomous Ripper - 5 (D)] - [ Passive: Quick Reflexes (C), Melee Combat (C), zing Purge -10 (D), Predator''s Instinct -30 (E), Health Regeneration -20 (E)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] "There''s another category for unique Skills called ''Rare'' as well?" Aengus felt intrigued. Ashter''s skill set, though impressive, paled inparison to Aengus'' monstrous abilities. His newly acquired Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare) was particrly useful, granting him immunity to mental assaults such as charms, enchantments, and hexes. "Not bad," Aengus muttered, satisfied. While Ashter had been formidable, this victory proved just how much further Aengus had progressed on his path of strength. Some of the orcs cautiously approached Be and Aengus, their expressions a mix of gratitude and awe. "Your esteemed selves, thank you for saving the people of our vige. We are truly grateful. Your kindness knows no bounds," said a tall, muscr orc, his toneced with admiration. "Yes, my lord anddy, thank you for your protection," echoed a few more orcs from the sidelines, their faces showing clear signs of exhaustion and relief. Aengus stepped forward as Be gave a mischievous grin. "We''re no saints like the humans, you know," she began, her voice carrying a confident edge. "Surrender and join our Army of Liberation, and you''ll be offered protection under our care. Our goal is to bring peace to the world." Aengus nodded in agreement. The Army of Liberation was Be''s idea¡ªa grand vision to liberate the world and bringsting peace. To achieve that goal, they would use any means necessary, though certain moral boundaries would be upheld. "Just the two of you, my lord anddy?" one of the orcs asked, doubt creeping into his voice. It seemed far-fetched for only two individuals to im such lofty ambitions. "Hu... Hu..." Before the orcs could voice their skepticism further, the sound of marching feet echoed through the air. Their attention shifted as a massive army of hundreds emerged from the distance, standing in perfect formation behind Aengus and Be. The orcs'' eyes widened in shock, their uncertainty vanishing. This was no mere boast. The Army of Liberation was very real, and its strength was far greater than they had imagined. "What else do you have to say?" Aengus asked coldly, his eyes scanning the orc Warriors and vigers at the distance. "N-No nothing, my lord. We submit, " all of them submitted instantly, kneeling down in respect. Their fate was already tied to the Army Of Liberation. After the recent battle, only about a hundred orc warriors remained, leaving them vulnerable. Faced with the overwhelming power of Aengus and Be, they had no choice but to submit. It was better to serve under their might than be prey for the humans. The orc warriors were treated and given time to recover, preparing to join the ranks of the Army of Liberation. Be nced over the fallen human bodies, then turned to Aengus with a sly smile. "Do you want to make use of them, sweetheart? I''d love to see your incredible ability firsthand. Of course, only if you''refortable using humans for this." She shed him a flirtatious smile, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. She was referring to Aengus'' Synthesis Skill, which she mistakenly believed to be some form of demonic power from the Darkness Core. Aengus''s lips curved, "Yes, I do have some use for these bodies." He had no qualms about demonstrating his abilities in front of her. After all, Be already knew about both his System skills and his so-called "demonic" abilities. She had taken it in stride, seeing it as some kind of rare mutation from the Darkness core. Aengus was slightly impressed that despite knowing the truth about his powers, Be hadn''t tried to manipte or harm him. Instead, she stayed by his side, loyal and seemingly genuine in her affection. "Could it be... she really does love me?" Aengus pondered seriously. Yet, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn''t bring himself to feel anything in return. Still, her actions had earned his trust, and from this point forward, he found himself willing to rely on her more. --- Aengus looked thoughtfully at the nearly 300 human bodies. He decided to use them to strengthen his subordinates since the dead bodies were of no use to him. Their skills were mediocre, and they couldn''t be bred as monsters in the dimensional space either. One by one, he called his chosen subordinates and merged them with the human bodies, giving them more human-like features and elevating their rank to Greater Demon. Sen was also given the opportunity. He, like his sister, became a Greater Demon, though his skin took on a slightly human appearance while his features remainedrgely the same. "Good for you, Sen," Sienna called out, congratting him. "Thanks, Sister," Sen replied, adjusting to his newfound strength. Although the merge didn''t grant them human skills, their physical strength improved significantly. Now, they just needed to practice their abilities more to fully use this power. "That was incredible, Darling," Be muttered in astonishment, her eyes locking onto his. "With this, you could even turn the dead wastes into useful materials. I''m impressed." She smiled mischievously and added, "I''m really curious¡ªwhat will our child be like? Will they have your powers or mine?" She thought smiling happily. At the mention of a child with her, any normal human would have been excited, but Aengus looked into her eyes indifferently. Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Doomscale Dragonification At that moment, two humans in heavy armor emerged from the narrowndscape. "Did the distress signale from here?" one of them asked, uncertainty in his voice. "I''m not sure. This ce feels way too quiet," the other replied, his eyes scanning the eerie surroundings. "Wait... What the hell?!" One of them cursed loudly as his gaze locked onto the massive army of demons, with two imposing, humanoid figures standing at the forefront. The weight of the situation hit them immediately. "Bill, we need to go, now!" Gill shouted, already bolting in the opposite direction. Gill quickly nced where Bill had been looking, his heart hammering in his chest. Panic surged through him as his face went pale, and without a second thought, he sprinted after Bill. "Oh, what''s the rush, humans?" Sen grinned, effortlessly catching up to them. In an instant, Sienna appeared beside the other one. Bill and Gill''s faces fell, terror sinking in as they desperately fought back with everything they had. "Pathetic," Sen chuckled, easily subduing them both. They dragged the two struggling humans in front of Aengus and his subordinates, who appeared to be waiting for their arrival. Aengus nced at the battered duo, their armor dented and their faces bruised. He stepped forward, his eyes cold. "Where are you from? If you value your lives, lead us there," hemanded, his voiceced with menace as he activated his Darkness Haki, enveloping them in an oppressive aura. Bill and Gill exchanged horrified nces as they felt the darkness seep into their very souls, suffocating them. "W-Wait... Don''t kill us!" Bill stammered, trembling. "We''ll take you there. We have families¡ªwives and kids! We were forced toe here. Please, your excellency, let us live!" Their resistance crumbled instantly, and they begged for their lives, recognizing Aengus as the one in charge. Behind him, Be watched the scene unfold with interest. "Just shut up and lead us there," Aengus ordered with indifference, though a deeper part of him recoiled at the senseless violence. If they surrendered, they would be spared. He knew these men had families waiting for them, just like anyone else. "Y-Yes..." Bill and Gill sighed in relief, hastily leading the way. "Let''s go, darling." Be smiled, leaning in closer. She took his hand and gently pulled him toward the sky, her carefree spirit contrasting with the weight of the situation. "Tsk... what a show-off," Sienna muttered, a tinge of jealousy in her voice. Sen chuckled at his sister''s reaction and picked up his pace, matching the speed of the others. Behind them, Butler Yu, the Hellfire Wolf King and Queen, Gourmond, the Orcs, and the rest of Aengus''s subordinates followed in an orderly formation. Nearly a thousand in total, with 300 or so Greater Demons and the rest Lesser Ones, they marched through thend, unchallenged. After some time, they arrived at another vige. "This is an Ogre vige," Be said, hovering in the air. "This ce falls under Marquis Reynard''s domain." Aengus narrowed his eyes, surveying the devastation below. The vigey in ruins, its ogre inhabitants being ughtered one by one, their demon cores harvested like mere trophies. "Abominable... these humans have grown bolder," Be muttered in disgust. "But where is that damned Marquis Reynard? Hasn''t he heard the news yet?" Her frustration was palpable as she scanned the skies, expecting resistance but finding none. Aengus, hovering with his Hell-reborne wings, began his descent, the powerful pping of his wings sending gusts of wind across the ruined vige below. "Master, I have synthesized all the new skills obtained as per your instructions. You can review them now," Manas informed him telepathically. Aengus nodded in acknowledgment, already feeling the presence of the new skills etched into his soul. He took a brief nce at his status screen, his eyes quickly scanning through the list of freshly acquired abilities. [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Naga King yer ] [ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ] [ Level: 32 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Viperscale Naga (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 510 ] [ Agility: 500 ] [ Defense: 521 ] [ Mana: 30,000 /60,500 ] [ Nether Energy: 30,500 /60,500 ] [ Attribute points: 5 ] Skills: - Active: ? Doomscale Dragonification (B) ¡û Dragon Wings + Dragon ws + Dragon Enhancement + Doombringer Fortification) ? Spectral de Storm (B) ¡û ( de Tempest + Azure Ghost de) ? Venomous sh Strike (B) ¡û (Quick Step + Power strike + Quick Draw + Venomous Ripper) ? Hellfire Dive - 11 (C) ? Earth Maniption -22 (D) - [ Passive: Quick Reflexes (C), Melee Combat (C), zing Purge -10 (D), Predator''s Instinct -37 (E), Health Regeneration -2 (D)] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 3) ] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness - Basic: Darkness Pulse, Darkness Veil, Darkness Haki, Blood Regeneration, Hellfire Control, Poisonous Miasma Control, Body Duplication, Armoured ck Scales, Naganian Transformation, Spectral Death Strings, Pain Resistance, Hell-reborne Wings. [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Space Bracelet (D), Holy Mythril de (C) ] Aengus felt pleased as he reviewed his new synthesized skills, each one bringing him closer to his ultimate goal. However, a lingering pain throbbed in his soul, a reminder of the injury he''d sustained. He knew he needed to find a way to heal, or perhaps even strengthen his soul. But the real question was where to find the necessary treasures or medicine. He considered asking Be, but for now, there were more pressing matters to handle. Down below, the human soldiers wore cruel smiles, their expressions dripping with sadistic anticipation as they continued their ughter. But that quickly changed when one of them caught sight of Aengus, Be, and the approaching demon army. The soldier, his armor emzoned with the symbol of a dragon, quickly rushed to arge tent where several high-ranking officials were gathered. "Commander, we have unwanted guests outside. Hundreds of demons are marching toward us," he reported with a solemn expression. Themander, a hardened man in his forties with a face marked by scars and a thick beard, furrowed his brows. The other high-ranking officers exchanged uneasy nces. One of them scoffed. "Only a few hundred demons? What''s there to worry about? We have 2,000 soldiers at our disposal. We can crush them easily." "But, Your Excellency," the soldier stammered, lowering his head, "those demons looked powerful, especially the two leading them. I''m afraid we don''t have the strength to confront them head-on." Themander, sensing the gravity of the situation, stood up and silenced the room with a stern look. "Enough with the pointless chatter. Let''s go see who these neers are." With that, the officers picked their weapons and prepared to face the threat, marching toward the battlefield with grim determination. --- "Whoa! Two half-breeds leading a thousand demons? That''s rare," one of the human leadersmented, his expression arrogant as he flexed his muscles. "Tsk, so what? Just a subus¡ªand what is this male one, again? Some Hybrid maybe?" another said with disdain. "He looks pretty humanlike, except for the horns," he added, somewhat intrigued. "Silence! Be serious!" themander snapped, berating them. He could feel the threat emanating from the pair, especially the subus in front. "Everyone, at mymand!" themander roared, standing at the front. Behind him were nearly two thousand human soldiers d in armor bearing the dragon insignia. They were from the Dragon Empire, and their disciplined formation exuded an intimidating presence. Aengus and Be grew serious; this was no battle to be taken lightly. "Darling, I''ll handle themander. Can you take care of the rest?" Be asked, her confidence unwavering as she looked to Aengus. "Yes," Aengus nodded before turning to his army, the Army of Liberation. "Soldiers, tonight you are the darkness that snuffs out lives. The humans before you are our target, but they will not be thest. Emerge victorious, and I shall grant you new power!" Aengus''s voice boomed across the battlefield. The demon soldiers'' morale surged as they chanted in unison: "Long live Lord Aengus!" "Long live the Lord of Liberation!" The human soldiers and the Liberation forces stood across from each other, the humans with focused eyes, weapons ready, and their skills prepared, while the demons radiated a sinister, dark energy. Some of the human soldiers, who were well versed in demonnguage, understood what they were saying. "Lord of Liberation, my ass!" one sneered. "They''re so full of themselves, aren''t they?" another battalion leader scoffed. "We''ve got three thousand soldiers, ten C-Ranks, and five hundred D-Ranks. Not to mention, Commander Tyrel is a B-Rank powerhouse. They don''t stand a chance." Suddenly, a shout of rm came from one of the soldiers, "Hey, guys, look at this!" "What is it now?" The C-Rank battalion leaders turned, only to be left speechless. Out of nowhere, hundreds of additional demons materialized on Aengus'' side. "What the hell? Where did this Demon summonere from? I thought only humans had summoners!" one soldier muttered in disbelief.. "Commander, looks we have found another anamoly like those Otherworlders," one of them said with grave expression. Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Dragonification Might At the front, Commander Tyrel''s expression turned grim as he watched the growing demon force. Despite the unease spreading through the ranks, he steeled himself, his eyes narrowing in determination. "Men, charge! Leave no demon alive!" Commander Tyrel bellowed, his voice full of authority. The human soldiers roared back, their collective cry echoing as they surged forward. The ten battalions, each with over two hundred soldiers, led by their respective leaders, charged toward the demon horde with a coordinated and disciplined assault. Nearby, a group of surviving ogres¡ªseverely injured but still watching the battle¡ªred at the humans. Were it not for their injuries, they would have eagerly joined the fight to get their vengeance. Aengus and Be took the lead, followed closely by their elite warriors¡ªButler Yu, Gabi, Maru, Sienna, Sen, the Wolf King and Queen, and Gourmond¡ªeach leading their own groups of demons. Behind them, Aengus'' Legion surged forward, driven by his telepathicmand, charging mindlessly toward the enemy. Be, with a smile that seemed almost serene, soared through the air toward Commander Tyrel, who had taken flight as well. As she approached, her soft, creamy skin began to harden, radiating an intense, dangerous energy. Despite the growing pressure surrounding her, the smile never left her face. She looked like a deadly subus, but far more powerful than any ordinary demoness. "Boom!" Be''s fist collided directly with Commander Tyrel''s Greatsword, her bare hand meeting the weapon with a resounding impact. To Tyrel''s shock, her skin remained unscathed, not even a scratch marring its surface. His eyes widened in disbelief, realizing that Be was far tougher¡ªand far more dangerous¡ªthan he had anticipated. Above the battlefield, their sh was explosive, sending shockwaves throughout the area. Even those fighting below could feel the pressure from their battle in the sky. Commander Tyrel''s colorful magical energy shed violently with Be''s dark, malevolent power, creating a dazzling and dangerous disy that caught the eyes of all who fought on the ground. Their battle raged on, each exchange of blows causing the air to tremble. "Aengus targeted the 10 C-Rank humans below. They could pose the greatest threat to his people, as C-Rank would be too much for them to handle. However, he wasn''t going to help them more than that. He wasn''t raising flowers in vases. They needed to grow stronger and more confident to be a true powerhouse. Only then could they help him achieve his goal. Aengus took the Mythril de he had taken from Ashter''s dead body. Rising into the sky with his Hell-reborne Wings, he looked down at the ten battalion leaders below. "Spectral de Storm!" He cast the skill, raising his de as invisible spectral copies lunged toward the C-Rankers in rapid session.. [ Spectral de Storm (B): Rain of invisible phasing des that can phase through physical objects and deal damage to the enemy. Over time the damage increases in a wide range while the enemy inside it] Caught off guard, a few were stabbed in the hands, legs, and stomachs, turning the battlefield into a bloody scene. Those with sharper instincts quickly nced up at Aengus, their brows furrowed in anger. Aengus hovered in the sky, watching the aftermath of his Spectral de Storm with cold eyes. The bloodied bodies of several C-Rank battalion leaders littered the ground, their arrogance shattered by the invisible, deadly force of his de. Some still writhed in pain, desperately clutching their wounds. Others, those with sharper instincts, had managed to deflect or evade the worst of the attack. A few of them red up at him, their faces twisted with fury. "Tsk, how arrogant!" one growled, wiping the blood from his mouth. "He dares to challenge us all together?!" another spat, his hand already reaching for a health potion. "Let''s show him what we''re made of brothers!" "Yes, if we can take him down, the half war will already be won!" One smiled. Without hesitation, they gulped down their potions, healing their wounds as best as they could. Then, with a battle cry, they charged at Aengus, their bodies pulsing with enhanced strength and speed. Aengus watched them approach, his expression unreadable. His Hell-reborne wings beat steadily, keeping him aloft as he prepared for the inevitable sh. He could see the rage in their eyes, the desperate need for revenge. But he felt no fear¡ªonly calm, deadly resolve. "They think they can match me with brute force," he muttered under his breath. "Fools." Aengus picked up his pace, shing head-on with the battalion leaders with his de in hand. (AN: The "de" refers to a short sword-like weapon, simr to daggers but not exactly the same.) ng! ng! ng! The sound of metal shing and grinding echoed as the ten leaders surrounded him, determined to finish him off. Their expressions were serious and alert after experiencing the strange, invisible de attack. They attacked in proper sync, each strike coordinated to overwhelm him. Aengus, with his quick reflexes, melee skills, and high stats, defended and countered with increased ferocity. But the enemies weren''t to be taken lightly. They all possessed simr dragon-like enhancements¡ªwings and ws¡ªlike Ashter had. It seemed to be tied to some Dragon-type ss or ability. ng! ng! Boom! Despite the intensity of the battle, Aengus was enjoying himself. It had been a long time since he got to flex his muscles. To him, they were nothing more than practice dummies. And the battalion leaders began to realize this. As much as it stung to admit, they knew he was toying with them. The half-breed was far stronger than they had anticipated¡ªstronger than all of thembined. "F*ck!" Frustrated, they shifted tactics,unching long-range attacks¡ªelemental sts and non-elemental skills¡ªbarraging Aengus relentlessly. But Aengus moved with incredible agility, his wings propelling him from one spot to another, dodging their attacks with ease. This only fueled the humans'' frustration. "We need to do it now, brothers!" one of the leaders shouted. They exchanged nces, silently agreeing on something important. Bloodstains covered their mouths, but they were done being yed with. "Fusion Dragon!" Aengus watched with narrowed eyes as the battalion leaders transformed into the colossal red dragon, towering 40 meters high. Its scales gleamed with an almost imprable toughness, and its massive wings beat the air with a force that sent shockwaves across the battlefield. The sight of the dragon drew astonished gasps from the nearby demons and humans alike, many pausing mid-fight to witness the formidable creature''s sudden appearance. "A fusion skill?" Aengus muttered under his breath, intrigued yet unfazed. ROAR! The red dragon roared, the sound shaking the ground, its fiery breath glowing ominously from its mouth. Without wasting any time, Aengus raised his Mythril de, summoning Spectral de Storm once more. Hundreds of shimmering, invisible des materialized, spiraling down like a storm upon the dragon. ng! ng! The spectral des struck the dragon''s scales, but they barely left a mark, merely bouncing off the creature''s tough exterior with metallic clinks. Aengus frowned, realizing that this dragon was no ordinary foe. Its scales were enchanted, and his usual tactics wouldn''t be enough to bring it down. With a deafening roar, the red dragon pped its wings and surged toward Aengus, the force of its propulsion sending gusts of wind across the battlefield. At the same time, it opened its mouth wide, releasing a torrent of searing mes that streaked toward Aengus like a zing inferno. Aengus'' eyes gleamed with interest. "Finally, something interesting," he muttered as he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the column of fire that scorched the sky where he had been. The heat was intense but it did a little damage due to his zing Purge Skill. Aengus moved with precision, his wings carrying him swiftly out of range. As the dragon charged again, he assessed the situation. But before Aengus could make a move, he noticed the red dragon''s speed had increased manyfold, its body steaming with rage. Bang! The dragon shot forward like lightning, its ws striking out. Aengus barely had time to block with his sword. Crash! He was sent crashing into the ground, creating a small crater upon impact. Quickly, he stood up, wiping the blood from his lips. ncing upward, he saw the red dragon stilling at him from above, moving at a terrifying speed that broke the sound barrier, tearing through the sky like a small meteor covered in mes. Be, while engaged in fight with themander, looked at Aengus worriedly for second, but when she what Aengus had became next moment she smiled, her worry vanished away instantly. She then focused, on themamder who seemed to have weakened down a lot. It won''t take before long he''s defeated. Below, just before the red dragon could Aengus, he activated the first B-Rank skill he attained after the synthesis. [ Doomscale Dragonification ] [ Rank: B ] [ Type: Transformation ] [ Description: The user transforms into a terrifying Dragonoid form, covered in imprable ck scales, dragon wings, and ws. The transformation drastically increases the user''s strength, defense, and agility by 20 times while itsted. Consumes 500 Mana / second ] Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Dragonification Might (2) Aengus, now fully transformed into his fearsome Dragonoid form, was a sight to behold. His body was covered in ck, destructive scales that gleamed ominously under the light, each one like a piece of indestructible armor. With a powerful beat of his long, wide wings, he shot into the sky, defying gravity as if it held no sway over him. His movement was swift-faster than the eye could track-as he became a streak of ck lightning tearing through the air. The roar of his eleration shattered the sound barrier, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. In an instant, Aengus closed the distance between himself and the red dragon, his razor-sharp ws outstretched, gleaming with lethal intent. BOOM! The collision was nothing short of cataclysmic. A deafening explosion rocked the air as Aengus'' ws mmed into the red dragon with terrifying force. Fire and darkness erupted in a chaotic mix, swirling violently as the raw power of their sh created a massive shockwave. The explosion zed like a miniature sun, casting a blinding light across the battlefield. The sheer force of their impact sent out waves of destruction. The ground trembled beneath the feet of the soldiers below, whilerge cracks snaked across the earth, as though the itself could not withstand the sh of titans above. The explosion''s shockwave was so intense that many of the onlookers were blown off their feet. Some screamed as their eardrums ruptured, blood trickling from their ears as they fell to the ground, writhing in agony. Even the fiercest of warriors, those who had witnessed countless battles, were left speechless. Their eyes widened in disbelief at the overwhelming disy of power, their faces pale as the realization of the scale of the battle before them sank in. This was not just a fight-it was an unearthly, devastating war between two godlike forces. --- As the dust settled, Aengus stood tall and unscathed. Before himy the ten human leaders, their bodies crushed, ribcages shattered, and blood streaming from their seven orifices. Lifeless and defeated. For a brief moment, the battlefield was consumed by stunned silence. Then, with newfound fury, the demons charged, their bloodlust ignited by the sight of their fallen enemies. The human forces began to crumble, falling one after another. Just as the chaos reached its peak, a thunderous explosion ripped through the sky. The soldiers of the Dragon Empire looked around in disbelief. Theirmander had vanished¡ªseemingly obliterated by the explosive force, leaving nothing but ash in his wake. At the center of the devastation stood Be, a chilling smile curling on her lips. Her hands crackled with raw, destructive energy, radiating a deadly power that had just imed another life.. Sienna and Sen watched from a distance, a chill running down Sienna''s spine. "So powerful!" she muttered, both in awe and envy of Be''s and Aengus''s strength. A longing stirred within her¡ªshe yearned for that kind of power. Be, smiling, approached Aengus and wrapped her arms around him without hesitation. Aengus felt her soft figure press against his chest, sending his body''s reaction through the roof. "That was incredible, darling! I knew you''d do it¡ªyou''re my husband, after all," she said with a sweet smile, leaning in to brush her lips near his cheek. Sienna scowled and muttered under her breath, "What a vixen..." Almost as if she had heard, Be turned sharply, raising an eyebrow. "Did you say something?" Sienna flinched. "N-No,dy Bellfrost. I didn''t say anything." Taking advantage of the moment, Aengus quickly pulled away from Be''s embrace. "Sienna, go see if the humans have surrendered," Aengusmanded, giving her an excuse to escape the awkward situation. "Y-Yes, my lord," Sienna stammered before hurrying off, grateful for the chance. Be gave them a suspicious nce, but remained silent as she followed him. --- "See that, dear? The lord is powerful and dangerous. Don''t even think of seeking revenge for me," the Wolf Queen advised, her voice firm as she watched the Wolf King finish off a Dragon Empire soldier. He gave her a reassuring nod. "I know, my love. I realized long ago that I could never stand against him. Besides, he has given us¡ªand our children¡ªgreat power. We should be grateful, not resentful." The Wolf Queen sighed in relief, her tension easing. Bill and Gill watched the horrific battle unfold from a distance, their expressions grim. Without hesitation, they hurried to join the group of nearly 1,200 surrendered humans. The defeated soldiers knelt on the ground, pleading for mercy. Their morale had been shattered the moment they witnessed the brutal deaths of their ten battalion leaders. Aengus began to Skill absorption from the fallen 10 Battalion leaders. [ Congrattions! You have acquired new passive skill: Extraordinary eyes (C) ] [Congrattions! You have acquired new actuve skill: Mind Perception (C) ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Dragon Aura (C) ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Dragon Gaze (C) ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Dragon Fusion (B) ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Dragon ws (C). It had been assimted ] [ You have acquired a new Unique skill: Rapid Cast (Rare) ] [ You have acquired a new passive skill: Critical Strike (C) ] [ You have acquired a new passive skill: Poison Resistance (C) ] ..... Another Unique Skill? [ Rapid Cast (Rare): It is a passive Unique skill that allows you to cast skills continuously and faster without burdening your soul. ] The Rapid Cast seemed satisfied enough..But he felt dissatisfied not being able to get more info on the otherworlder stuff. Aengus, having just finished absorbing the skills of the fallen 10 Battalion leaders, now turned his cold gaze toward the kneeling humans, their pleas echoing in the silence. "What are you going to do with them, Sweetheart?" Be asked, her voice soft with concern. "Are you going to kill every one of them?" Despite her demonic heritage, she still felt a tinge of sympathy for the humans, knowing she shared part of their bloodline. Aengus shook his head, rejecting the idea. "No, mass killing isn''t necessary, even for me." He paused, then added, "I''m going to recruit them into our ranks. You said our army should be called the Army of Liberation, right? Then it should include humans, not just demons." Be''s eyes fluttered, an amused smile forming on her lips. "But, darling, if you do that, you''ll attract unwanted attention more¡ªon yourself and on us." Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Adding Humans to the Ranks Aengus was calm, but his tone grew dangerous. "We''ll say they''re our ves. It will solve out the current problem. And if anyone meddles too much, they''ll be dealt with." Be''s smile widened. "Alright darling, I support you. We''re in this together." She took his hand, gripping it firmly with determination. Aengus looked at her intertwined and met her gaze, her eyes filled with affection and purity. For a moment, his heart stirred, touched by the love she showed him¡ªbut deep inside, he felt nothing. From inside, Manas watched with growing worry, already plotting the right moment to rece his heart with something new. She couldn''t bear to see her master like this. A being utterly devoid of real emotions. "Who is your representative? Step forward," Aengus''s voice echoed across the battlefield,manding the attention of the Dragon Empire soldiers. The injured soldiers, d in battered armor, exchanged wary nces. With their leadership decimated, they hesitated before selecting two representatives to step forward in their ce. One was a tall male warrior, his armor dented from battle, while the other was a female fighter, her head wrapped in a blood-stained bandage but still moving with a determined stride. The duo marched toward Aengus and Be, their expressions resolute despite their injuries. As they approached, the representatives first cast a nce at Be, her subus features subtle but unmistakable. Then, their eyes shifted to Aengus, the demon leader. From close, Both Aengus and Be shared human-like appearances, their features far more familiar than the monstrous visages of the other demons surrounding them. The representatives realized they were standing before two half-breeds¡ªa rare sight, something only spoken of in tales and rumors. The female warrior spoke first, her voice steady despite her injuries. "We represent the Dragon Empire soldiers. What is it you want with us?" Aengus locked eyes with them, his gaze unreadable. "Your leaders are gone. You have only one choice: Join us or face your demise. There is no third option." The male warrior, Lupert, furrowed his brows in deep thought. "By joining you, do you mean we''ll serve you as your subordinates?" "Yes," Aengus responded firmly, his voice unwavering. "But who will ensure the safety of the humans?" Avelina Gregor, the female warrior, cut in, her tone unyielding. "Demons are carnivorous and feed on humans. Who will guarantee that these people won''t be killed to satisfy their hunger?" She spoke without fear, fully aware that the fate of hundreds of humans rested on her shoulders. Aengus''s eyes sharpened as he turned his full attention to her. "What''s your name again?" "Avelina Gregor," she replied confidently, standing tall. "Ie from the Gregor family of the Dragon Empire." Her tone was resolute, an attempt to show strength and possibly intimidate him, but Aengus remained unbothered. "So, Avelina," Aengus began, his voice carrying authority, "Listen well. From this moment onward, I, Aengus Degaro, the Supreme Leader of the Army of Liberation, give you my word: no subordinate of mine will ever harm the humans under my protection. And that... is final!" He spoke loudly, making sure every demon on the battlefield heard his deration. The words sent a ripple through his army, the demons flinching ever so slightly, knowing full well the weight of his promise. Anyone who dared to break it would face severe consequences. Avelina and Lupert exchanged nces, the tension easing from their shoulders. They had been given a personal guarantee by the man they would now serve, a man whomanded both fear and respect. Though the idea of serving under demons was unsettling, they understood they had little choice. At least now, they had a promise of protection. "We are willing to submit, my lord," Avelina and Lupert replied in unison, their words carrying the weight of the decision for the rest of the humans. Aengus nodded approvingly. "Good. Now go inform the others." "Yes, my lord!" They quickly made their way back to ry the message of submission. As they left, Sienna, who had been observing the entire exchange, spoke up. "My lord, I don''t believe they will bepletely loyal to you. Humans are not like demons. They are cunning and disloyal." The others¡ªSen, Butler Yu, Gourmond, the Wolf King, and Queen¡ªall nodded in agreement, their faces serious as they considered the potential risks. Aengus remained calm, his expression unchanging. "I know," he replied simply. Be, standing beside him, smiled knowingly. "Well, that''s the reality we face. We can''t exactly afford thousands of ve cors, can we?" She nced at the others before continuing, "But if they try anything treacherous, a single thought from me could wipe them all out." Her words caused a ripple of confidence among those loyal to her, especially Vespera and Be''s personal subordinates, who now served under the banner of the Army of Liberation. They were well aware of Be''s immense power, and her reputation as an Archdemon was not earned lightly. Even among all Archdemons, she was extraordinary. Aengus nced down at the fallen human bodies, drawing everyone''s attention in the same direction. Almost instantly, their eyes lit up with anticipation. The allure of gaining more power was hard to resist. "So, who''s next?" Aengus asked, his gaze sweeping over his subordinates. Many of them were eager to volunteer but held back, not wanting to appear overly eager or give the wrong impression. Seeing no one step forward, Aengus was about to choose someone himself. He hoped that at least one of them, driven by both ambition and loyalty, would rise to the challenge. "Darling, why don''t you make me stronger?" Be teased with a yful smirk, causing him to roll his eyes. "No, Be Bellfrost. I doubt they''d be much use to you," he replied bluntly. "Tch..." Be clicked her tongue, knowing he was right. "And here I am, working hard for everything," she added, feigning sadness. It sometimes felt unfair to her¡ªwhile Aengus possessed immense power with ease, she had to struggle, spending countless hours honing her abilities and consuming countless demon cores to grow stronger. As their yful banter died down, someone finally stepped forward. "I want more power, my lord!" the figure dered, the person''s voice filled with determination. Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Transformation of Race Aengus turned to find Sen standing with a determined expression. A smile of satisfaction crept across Aengus''s face. He appreciated initiative, especially when it came to growing stronger. "Alright... lie down." Without hesitation, Senplied, lowering himself onto the ground. Aengus swiftly ordered for several bodies to be ced nearby, intending to reward Sen''s eagerness by elevating him to the rank of an Elder Demon. This, Aengus reasoned, would not only strengthen his subordinates but also serve as a powerful incentive for others to strive for the same reward. "Synthesis!" Aengus raised his hand, and instantly, Sen and seven other corpses were enveloped in an eerie, otherworldly blue dome. The synthesis had begun. "Ahh..." Sen''s agonized cries echoed, sending chills down the spines of Sienna and the others. Though each of them had undergone synthesis before, the sheer intensity of today''s fusion was unprecedented. This time, it was a seven-body fusion, far beyond the usual one or two bodies they had experienced. Sienna watched with growing concern, her brow furrowed with worry, while Be stood captivated by the process. No matter how many times she witnessed it, the spectacle never ceased to fascinate her, and with each sessful fusion, her confidence in Aengus deepened. As the process concluded, the blue dome dissipated. Aengus stepped forward, his eyes glowing as he used his Appraisal skill to check Sen''s newly enhanced stats. The data flooded his mind, and Aengus couldn''t help but be astonished. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Sentaro Alsker ] [ Race: Half-Demon Half human ] [ Bloodline: Viperscale Naga, Human ] [ Rank: Elder Demon (C) ] [ Demonic Abilities: 1. Poisonous Cloud 2. Armoured Scales 3. ck Lightning Storm 4. Blessing Of Ancient Naga Emperor. 5. Chains Of Petrification 6. Human-Naga Transformation [ Skills ] - Mind Control (C) - Puppet Master (D) - Arcane Shield (D) - Tactical Combat (D) Aengus stared in astonishment at Sen''s transformation. Not only had Sen''s race changed, but he had gained Skills typically reserved for humans. Moreover, a strange power had interfered within the synthesis, bestowing upon Sen a blessing from the Ancient Naga Emperor. "Wh-what...?" Sienna muttered, struggling toprehend the magnitude of what had just transpired. As the blue glow faded and Sen''s form was revealed, the others stood in shock, speechless. "Sen, why do you look... more like a human?" Sienna murmured, barely able to believe her eyes. Sen clenched his fist, feeling the newfound power of both Mana and Nether Energy surging through him. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Hahaha..." Sen''sughter echoed through the chamber. "Thank you, my lord. I will never let you down," he said, kneeling before Aengus, his expression now filled with genuine gratitude. Aengus nodded curtly. "Get up. I expect nothing less." As Sen rose, Manas''s voice rang cheerfully in Aengus''s mind. "Master, it seems the mutation that urred in you has also happened to your subordinate. Congrattions! Your force will be far more powerful with this development." Aengus''s eyes gleamed as he envisioned the potential of an army with powers like Sen''s. His mind began to weave a grand n to turn the world upside down with his unique, formidable army. Meanwhile, Sen approached his sister, Sienna, to exin the transformation to the others. Be, intrigued by the change, stepped closer, her fascination growing. "So, basically, you got the system that humans have, right?" Be asked, wanting to confirm her understanding. "Yes, Lady Be," Sen replied with a firm nod. "Interesting..." Be muttered, clearly amused. She turned toward Aengus with a mischievous smile and said bluntly, "Darling, do it." "Do what?" Aengus raised an eyebrow, curious. Be''s smile widened as she exined, "Give me the system and a human appearance as well. I want to go to the humannds unhindered, just once. That''s my only wish." She held his hands, her eyes pleading as she almost begged. Aengus studied her for a moment before realizing her true intent. "You want to see your mother, don''t you?" he asked, guessing her reason. Be smirked. "Smart. Come, let me give you a kiss..." She leaned in, nting a kiss on his cheek. Aengus sighed, wiping away the lipstick mark. He couldn''t deny that he had considered returning to his human form himself. His demon form had long prevented him from freely roaming humannds as well. "Okay," he relented, resigning himself to the task. As Sienna and the others watched from the sidelines, eager for their own chance to receive the unearthly system that had been denied to them for so long, they silently waited for Aengus to grant them the same power. One by one, they lined up, ready to receive the gift from Aengus. The process of synthesizing Be began with intense focus from Aengus. As the ritual progressed, the atmosphere crackled with power, and the numbers of bodies used and Mana consumed steadily increased. "1... 4... 5... 6... 7... 10... 15... 20... 23..." The count reached 25 human bodies and consumed 25,000 Mana before the transformation wasplete. The air shimmered with energy as Be''s new form emerged from the blue dome of light. Before them stood a vision of unparalleled beauty¡ªa woman with long, flowing purple hair and striking violet eyes. Her new human form exuded a sensual allure, entuated by a form-fitting ck dress that highlighted her graceful features. She looked like a living embodiment of grace and elegance, a stark contrast to her previous subus form with wing and horns "Wow! Thanks, darling!" Be eximed, her voice filled with genuine delight. She hugged Aengus, her new form pressing against him with a blend of appreciation and sensuality. Aengus, though visibly annoyed by her habitual disys of affection, couldn''t entirely hide his body''s enjoyment. He gently pushed her away, his tone curt. "I got it..." "Tch..." Be, sensing his body''s reaction, smirked with newfound confidence. She felt her charm and appeals were notpletely useless against him, which made her feel relived. With a fluid motion, she reverted to her Subus form as she needed time to adjust with her new human form without wings. With Be''s transformationplete, Aengus turned his attention to his own impending change. The others watched eagerly, their anticipation palpable. Each of them hoped for their own turn at gaining the system and the advantages it promised. At the corner of the battlefield, Avelina and Lupert observed the spectacle with a mix of awe and apprehension. They thought they were witnessing a ritual of immense power andplexity, something beyond their understanding. The sight of demons turning humans filled them with dread. They couldn''t differentiate if they were humans or demons at all. "Doesn''t that mean they would be able to enter Solis unhindered now?" But They remained passive, acutely aware of the demons'' watchful eyes, and refrained from making any moves that might provoke them. As Aengus prepared himself for his own transformation, the tension in the room heightened. Each subordinate waited with bated breath, eager for their chance to undergo the same metamorphosis.. Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Granting Systems [ You have received a new active skill: Telekinesis (D) ¨C A skill to manipte objects with the mind. ] [ You have received a new active skill: Water Maniption (D) ¨C Grants the user the ability to manipte water at will. ] [ You have received a new active skill: Basic Gravity Maniption (D) ¨C Grants the user basic control over the Law of Gravity. ] [ You have received a new passive skill: Enhanced Stamina (C) ¨C Increases the user''s stamina by 5 times. ] [ You have received a new passive skill: Charm (D) ¨C Increases the user''s appeal to females by 5 times. ] [ You have received a new active skill: Elite Human Transformation (B) ¨C Grants the ability to transform into the High Human species. ] --- As the synthesis continued, Aengus received nonstop notifications. He felt excruciating pain throughout his body, but he endured, gritting his teeth until it waspleted. The prospect of sess kept him going. Eventually, he fused with 10 humans before he couldn''t take it anymore. He stopped, gasping for breath, feeling the rising storm within him from the newfound skills and strength. [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Naga King yer ] [ Race: 2/3 Human 1/3 Demon ] [ Level: 35 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Viperscale Naga (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 612 ] [ Agility: 620 ] [ Defense: 612 ] [ Mana: 40,000 /70,124 ] [ Nether Energy: 30,124 /70,124 ] [ Attribute points: 15 ] Skills: - Active: ? Doomscale Dragonification -2(B) ? Elite Human Transformation (B) ? Dragon Fusion (B) ? Spectral de Storm -5 (B) ? Venomous sh Strike -2(B) ? Hellfire Dive - 12 (C) ? Extraordinary eyes (C) ? Mind Perception (C) ? Draconian Aura (C) ? Dragon''s Gaze (C) ? Telekinesis (D) ? Basic Gravity Maniption (D) ? Earth Maniption -23 (D) ? Water Maniption (D) - [ Passive: Enhanced Stamina (C), Strike (C), Poison Resistance (C), Quick Reflexes (C), Melee Combat (C), zing Purge -10 (D), Predator''s Instinct -37 (E), Health Regeneration -2 (D)] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 3)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness - Basic: Darkness Pulse, Darkness Veil, Darkness Haki, Blood Regeneration, Hellfire Control, Poisonous Miasma Control, Body Duplication, Armoured ck Scales, Naganian Transformation, Spectral Death Strings, Pain Resistance, Hell-reborne Wings. [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Space Bracelet (D), Holy Mythril de (C) ] It was a long list of skills and abilities, and he decided to synthesize themter. For now, he was satisfied with the results. He had gained the Human Transformation ability, though it specified Elite/High Human Transformation. Elite Human Transformation: Transforms the user into the High Human species¡ªan evolved version of humanity. They possess an optimal body for absorbing mana from the atmosphere, enhanced skill-learning capabilities, a perfectly healthy physique, and elevated wisdom and appeal. High Humans are naturally superior to ordinary humans. They can also release their aura tomand the submission of weaker humans. "Wow!" As everyone looked at Aengus''s High Human form, gasps of amazement echoed through the air. The humans felt an overwhelming urge to worship the man before them. They sensed their own inferiority in his presence, unknowingly bowing down in submission. Avelina did the same, gazing at the iprehensible man with awe and respect. To her, he was nothing short of a divine being, someone who could bring salvation to everyone in this chaotic world. Be eyed his new body, licking her lips as his natural charm began to affect her. Aengus now possessed a perfectly fit human body, his muscles tight and filled with extraordinary strength. Though his face was mostly unchanged from when he was human, there were subtle shifts in his natural appeal, and his muscles had grown slightlyrger. The ck clothes he wore entuated his muscr physique. Aengus felt as though he had ascended beyond mortality. A High Human''s lifespan, after all, was much longer. Be approached and gently caressed his face, feeling a warm sensation from his smooth skin. "So handsome! Darling, we''re almost the same height and build in this form," Be remarked as she stood close beside him,paring their height and frames. Aengus nced at their shoulders and realized she was right. "I''m falling more and more in love with you," she added with a charming smile. Sienna, watching from a distance, admired him with shining eyes. She longed to get closer but knew it would only provoke his disdain. Resigned, she kept her distance, silently admiring him. Feeling increasingly ufortable under the humans'' awestruck stares, Aengus deactivated his High Human form. As soon as he did, the humans snapped back to their senses, exchanging curious nces. Turning to Sienna and the others, Aengus said firmly, "Alright, it''s your turn now!" With his mana fully replenished, he was ready to continue. "Me... Me..." Sienna quickly hurried to his side, not wanting to be left behind this time. "Lie down." She obeyed, and the synthesizing process began, granting them their Systems. He made a mental note to remind them to keep this transformation secret, at least for now. One by one, Sienna, Butler Yu, Gabi, Maru, Peru, the Wolf King and Queen, Gourmond, and finally Vespera and the other vampires were granted their Systems. This first group would wield unique powers and authority, marking the beginning of a new hierarchy. After the synthesis process wasplete, Aengus took a moment to rest. He arranged some makeshift seating to sitfortably and have something to eat. As usual, Be asserted her authority and sat beside Aengus at the table with a pleased smile. "Everyone, sit down!" he instructed. Sienna, Sen, and the others, particrly the new system users who had risen in rank within the army, nervously took their seats. They maintained a respectful distance from Aengus as they gathered around the long stone table in their human forms. Out of caution, Be discreetly activated one of her abilities, casting an illusion to conceal what was happening from the outside world. She was careful not to let the humans realize that they now possessed system powers and skills as they experimented with them. It was a matter of great importance. It wasn''t unheard of for a demon to take the form of a human, but the discovery of the system could turn the world upside down. The bnce of power would be broken, and chaos would erupt¡ªthough that chaos was already on the horizon. The consequences could be disastrous if anyone managed to inform the humans about this, though it seemed highly unlikely. Afterwards, they began to eat slowly, while talking about some small stuffs. Be enthusiastically began to feed Aengus while chatting andughing, despite his unwillingness. Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Crimson Demon City After a brief rest, they were ready to resume their journey. Aengus called out to Avelina. "So, are there any other Dragon Empire soldiers nearby?" Aengus asked, his voice calm yet carrying an underlying threat. "And don''t even think about lying," he added, his gaze sharpening. "We have ways to ensure the truth." Avelina flinched under the weight of his words, feeling the piercing stares of the powerful demons surrounding her. Their presence seemed even more oppressive than before, though nothing had visibly changed. It was as if the very air thickened with their power, their eyes locking onto her as if a single lie would seal her fate. She swallowed hard and answered truthfully, "No, my lord. None remain. There were three thousand more, but they have already left. They decimated a few nearby viges andpleted their objectives." Her voice trembled, betraying her fear of drawing their wrath. Aengus, his Extraordinary Eyes glowing faintly, scrutinized her words. These eyes allowed him to read emotions and glimpse surface thoughts, while his Dragon Gaze granted him a potent eye attack capable of destruction. Satisfied that she was telling the truth, Aengus'' gaze softened slightly, though the weight of his presence remained. On the other hand, Be and the others harbored a simmering anger toward the outrageous actions of the Dragon Empire¡ªan instinctive reaction, given that they were of the same kind. Yet, the matter was settled for now, and what else could they do now? Still, that didn''t quell the resentment they felt toward the Dragon Empire. "Darling, we should return. We''ve been away from our territory for far too long," Be reminded him softly. "Besides, I will have to appoint you as the new Marquis of Fortress City," she added with a smile, her eyes locking onto his. Aengus merely nodded. "Okay..." His gaze met hers, but his expression remained cold and indifferent. Be Bellfrost sighed in frustration. "Ugh, you''re such a boring man, darling!" She pouted, exasperated by her repeated failures to stir any emotion in him. Was there truly no way to reach his heart? Her mind wandered, troubled by the mystery. "What in the world did that Darkness Core do to him?" she wondered silently. The surrendered Ogres, seeking protection for their people, had also joined the Army of Liberation. Their resentment toward Marquis Reynard, who failed to save them in time, pushed them to submit to the Supreme Leader of the Liberation Army. Nearly 1,000 Ogres, including their elderly and families, had be part of the growing force. As a result, a vast army of 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers and civilians could now be seen marching toward the same destination in the distance. It was a rare sight¡ªhumans and demons following the same leader in unity and obedience. From afar, a lone demon stood silently, watching their retreating figures with smoldering eyes. After a moment of tense observation, the figure turned away, leaving in a huff, seething with anger. --- The journey back to the Dark Swamp took only a few hours, their enhanced power and abilities hastening their pace. Along the way, they encountered a few minor obstacles, but nothing that could truly hinder them. Eventually, they reached the Horned Lizard Tribe, where they gathered the civilians for safety. With the Great War looming on the horizon, they needed to consolidate their strength and prepare for the worst. From the Dark Swamp, the trek to Dark Valley was short. Numbering between 4,000 and 5,000 strong, thebined force marched into the shadowed expanse of the Mountain-top Dark Valley. The demons residing there watched the humans with growing curiosity, their eyes gleaming in the twilight. "What are humans doing here?" a four-legged demon muttered to a nearbypanion. Hispanion chuckled darkly. "Maybe they''re foolish enough to trespass on the Lord''s territory. We might just get a human meat feast¡ªwho knows?" He wiped the saliva from his mouth, hunger shing in his eyes. While Sienna, Sen, and the others helped settle the neers, Maid Donna greeted Aengus and Be with a warm smile, though she still bore the weight of her previous disappointment. "Wee back, Lord and Lady! I trust the hunt went well?" she said, maintaining her pleasant demeanor. "Yes, indeed," Be replied with a reassuring smile as she stepped into the hallway. She knew that because of her, Donna had missed an opportunity to gain power. Turning to Aengus, Be asked, "Darling, when do you n to head to Fortress City? You could catch far bigger prey there, though the limelight will be hard to avoid." Aengus, moving as though blending into the shadows, responded, "We''ll leave tomorrow. I need time to rest, Be." Both Maid Donna and Be''s expressions shifted, concern flickering in their eyes. "Is it the same pain as before?" Be asked softly, stopping him with a gentle hand. She ced her warm palm against his chest, her worry palpable. Maid Donna, standing by, didn''t dare interfere. She averted her gaze, but her ears remained keenly attuned to their conversation. Aengus delicately brushed her hand away from his chest and said, "Yes, it is the soul injury I got a few days ago. Do you know of any remedies that could heal or fortify the soul effectively?" Be, unfazed by his gesture as usual, responded, "Ah, Darling, the subject of the soul is truly natural and sensitive. So, they are difficult toe by. However, you already possess a solution." A slight smile graced her lips as she spoke. "I have a solution?" Aengus was perplexed by her words. Be continued, "You could utilize Naga pearls from Naganians to enhance your soul, though doing so would result in theirplete demise, and the benefits would be minimal. Given your unique mutated soul, I doubt it would prove very effective." "No, that''s not an option," Aengus replied, shaking his head to reject the notion. Although he appeared indifferent, he could never bring himself tomit such an hical act. Be anticipated his reaction. "Then it seems we have only one alternative: we must journey to the Crimson Demon City." Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Preparation; Power Up! "Crimson Demon City?" Aengus inquired, his curiosity piqued. "Where is that?" he asked, ncing at Be. Be turned her gaze toward the horizon through the window, her expression turning serious. "Crimson Demon City is a hub for ancient treasures, trade, and human very merchants. It is ruled by Demon Lord Crimson¡ªa being infamous for his mastery of the Crimson me of Destruction. He is an extremely dangerous individual. My father, Duke Belial, along with twenty-six other dukes, serves him as if he were a king." "Demon Lord Crimson?" Aengus furrowed his brows, sensing the gravity of the situation. He found the prospect a bit troubling. Although his power had increased, it still paled inparison to Be''s raw strength, let alone that of Duke Belial and the other Demon Lords. He realized that he had a long way to go before he could truly contend with such formidable forces. "Do you want to go there?" Be asked, her voice curious yet cautious. Aengus paused, his gaze distant before he finally responded. "Yes, but not right now. Leave me alone for some time," he said, his tone t as he entered his room, shutting the door behind him. Be stood there, slightly taken aback by his sudden coldness. "Ah, sure¡­ darling," she muttered, her voice trailing off as she watched him disappear into his chamber. What''s wrong with him all of a sudden? she thought, concern shing across her face. Her eyes fell on Maid Donna, who stood fidgeting nervously in the distance. "Guard the door, Donna. I''m going to send a message to the Fortress City," Be ordered sternly, hermanding tone leaving no room for argument. "Yes, Lady Bellfrost," Maid Donna replied, straightening up as she moved to stand obediently outside Aengus''s door, --- Aengus sat cross-legged on the cold, dimly lit floor, feeling the weight of the challenges ahead. He had sensed Donna''s presence just outside the door but dismissed it. It didn''t matter right now. What mattered was preparing himself for the battles that awaited him. The pressure was mounting. He knew it. The ancient Red Serpent Deity''s influence loomed like a shadow in the back of his mind. There was also the inevitable sh with noble-bloods and Be''s father''s forces once he sought the Marquis title. Visiting Crimson Demon City would be perilous, not to mention his final goal¡ªentering the humannds. For that, he needed more power. He pulled out several space bracelets, the spoils of war from the demonic tribes, fallen humans, and conquered viges. Twenty¡­ thirty of them. A small smirk crept across his lips. Each bracelet was filled with resources, and now, they were his. Using his Appraisal ability, Aengus scanned through the contents of each bracelet. Nearly 2-3 million demonic cores. The majority were low-grade, but there was a decent number of mid-grade cores, and even some high-grade ones. 70% low-grade, 25% mid-grade, 5% high-grade... That''ll do for now. He also found a few basic items, Mana orbs, Holy Elemental swords. Nothing extraordinary, but useful nheless. Weapons weren''t easy toe by in the demonnds. Most demons usually fought barehanded or relied on their monstrous forms, so his current C-grade de wasn''t going to cut it in the long run. Aengus began the synthesis process, using his Universal Synthesis skill to fuse the demonic cores into high-grade ones, absorbing the potent essence they carried. High-grade cores contained ten times the essence of low-grade ones. Inside his stomach, as he absorbed their energy into his body, a surge of strength rushed through him, his veins pulsing with raw demonic power. His mind focused on one goal¡ªbing strong enough to face whatever came next. Aengus'' body was aze with power as he absorbed demonic core after demonic core. Familiar notifications flooded his mind, a rhythmic hum of aplishment: +1 Core Absorbed¡­ +5¡­ +10¡­ +30¡­ +80¡­ +150¡­ +300¡­ +500¡­ He pushed himself until he hit 999 high-grade cores, the maximum his body could handle. The energy coursing through his veins was intoxicating, but there was a clear limit to how much his body could absorb without tearing itself apart. Even with his increased potential of body and endurance, he could feel the strain. His muscles ached, and his skin felt like it was burning from the inside out. He was stronger now, no doubt¡ªsignificant stat points and an immense amount of Nether Energy had been added to his reservoir¡ªbut his body screamed for rest. He knew better than to push further. The power he had gained needed to be adjusted into. "Enough," Aengus muttered, his voice hoarse from the strain. He could feel the vast energy swirling within him, waiting to be used, but he needed time. He checked his basic Stats: [ Strength: 1204 ] [ Agility: 1230 ] [ Defense: 1300 ] [ Mana: 65,000/130,000 ] [ Nether Energy: 65,000/ 130,000 ] --- "Rumble!" Without realizing it, Aengus ced his hand on the floor, and the sheer force of his touch sent cracks spiraling outward, copsing the ground beneath him into a deep pit. A throbbing headache crept in. He still wasn''t used to his newfound strength. Managing such raw power would take time. Until then, even the slightest touch could shatter anything around him into dust. "Lord, what happened?" Maid Donna rushed in upon hearing the thunderous crash. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw the gaping pit beside Aengus. At first, she thought it was a disy of anger, but his calm, emotionless expression left her bewildered. Still seated, Aengus nced at her, his voice as cold as ice. "Nothing happened. Leave." "Ah, y-yes, my lord..." Donna stammered, backing out of the room and shutting the door. Her heart raced; for a moment, she felt a crushing pressure radiating from Aengus¡ªthe same overwhelming force she once felt from Be. "Lord Aengus has grown even stronger... Will he ever forgive me?" she whispered to herself. Then, with steely resolve, she muttered, "No. I will earn his forgiveness, no matter what." --- "It''s time for synthesizing the Skills and Abilities!" Inside, Aengus started another round of synthesizing for using his energy for more destructive and useful mediums. Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Upgrade Skills; Lords Blade Of Judgment Synthesis skills ¡ú Extraordinary eyes (C) + Mind Perception (C) + Dragon''s Gaze (C). [ Synthesis Sessful ] [ Your Skills evolved into: All-Seeing Sovereign (B) ] [All-Seeing Sovereign (B): The user bes a master of vision and mental perception, capable of seeing through illusions, detecting hidden intentions, and projecting a fearsome eye attack of destruction that can easily destroy weaker targets by a nce. Mana Cost varies over the scaling of usage ] Aengus tried to add it with Appraisal, but it failed miserably. It was like they''re made of something different. Synthesis Skills ¡ú Water Maniption (D) + Earth Maniption -23 (D) +Basic Gravity Maniption (D). [Your Skills evolved into: Elemental Graviton Surge (B) - Description: The increased control over the elements of earth and water,bined with gravity, creating destructive waves and crushing forces that can shift entirendscapes. Mana cost increases on the basis of the scale of the attack/Maniption ] Synthesis Skills: Hellfire Dive (C) + Draconian Aura (C) + Telekinesis (D) [ Your Skills urred a mutation and evolved into: Inferno Overlord''s Descent (B) ] Description: A powerful attack thatbines Hellfire, psychic force, and the aura of a dragon overlord. The user bes a telekic dragon engulfed in hellfire, controlling the battlefield from above before delivering a final, crushing blow. Then, he began to synthesizing the demonic Abilities of Bloodlines and Non-Bloodline. He left the passive skills as it is for now. Synthesis Abilities: Darkness Pulse + Darkness Veil + Darkness Haki. [Your Bloodline Abilities urred a mutation and evolved into: Darkness King''s Authority (Intermediate) Description: Thebined darkness ability, allowing the user to project an aura of absolute terror while controlling the battlefield through waves of darkness. Thebination of Darkness Pulse, Veil, and Haki transforms the user into a walking nightmare form. The user can manipte the darkness to bind, suffocate, or overwhelm enemies while protecting themselves from iing attacks by merging with the shadows. Anegus blinked and felt satisfied by the result. Then, hs continued to synthesizing the rest of his Basic Abilities and created something terrifying. Blood Regeneration + Poisonous Miasma Control + Hellfire Control + Body Duplication + Armoured ck Scales + Naganian Transformation + Spectral Death Strings + Pain Resistance + Hell-reborne Wings. He had synthesized them in several stages and atst the result was frightening. Hellfire Leviathan Of Death (Peak) Description: The user bes a gigantic Leviathan, a mythic, dragon-like beast with wings of hellfire and the ability to unleash miasma, death, and fire on a city-wide scale. Size: Over 200 meters tall and 500 meters in length, a truly apocalyptic creature that dominates the sky and earth.] [Nether Energy Consumption: 1,000 / Second] Hs read thd description and his whole being shook for a Second, he wanted try it immediately, but the Heart of Darkness calmed him down. This Transformation form had all basic Abilities he had. He could ess them anytime. With his current energy, he could use the form for 130 seconds. But, it should be enough for now. He checked his disy panel for final confirmation: [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Naga King yer ] [ Race: 2/3 Human 1/3 Demon ] [ Level: 35 ] [ upation: Baron of Dark Valley ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Death Leviathan (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] Physical Stats: [ Strength: 1204 ] [ Agility: 1230 ] [ Defense: 1300 ] [ Mana: 65,000/130,000 ] [ Nether Energy: 65,000/ 130,000 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] Skills: - Active: Doomscale Dragonification -2(B), All-Seeing Sovereign (B), Elemental Graviton Surge (B), Elite Human Transformation (B), Dragon Fusion (B), Spectral de Storm -5 (B), Venomous sh Strike -2(B), Inferno Overlord''s Descent (B). - [ Passive: Enhanced Stamina (C), Critical Strike (C), Poison Resistance (C), Quick Reflexes (C), Melee Combat (C), zing Purge -10 (D), Predator''s Instinct -37 (E), Health Regeneration -2 (D)] [ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 4)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness, Hellfire Leviathan Of Death. - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness, Darkness King''s Authority - Basic: None [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Space Bracelet (D), Holy Mythril de (C) ] Gazing at his newfound powers, Aengus grinned. With this strength, could he finally face an Archdemon? He wasn''t certain. He had never battled an Archdemon before, and even Appraisal failed when he tried using it on Be due to the immense power gap between them. But now... things had changed. Perhaps it was time for a little sparring session with Be, to test her abilities and uncover the secrets she kept hidden. Before that, though, he needed to upgrade his weapons¡ªhis swords and space bracelets needed synthesizing to match his new power. He emptied the contents of his space bracelets, and the already expansive room was soon overflowing with millions of demonic cores, fewer items and weapons. Using telekinesis, he sorted them effortlessly. Though Telekinesis was now aponent of his Inferno Overlord''s Descent, he could still use it without fully invoking the skill. The items floated and moved under themand of his mind, moving them at one site. He would have to synthesis the demonic cores to increase their value, only then he would distribute them among the army as per contribution. So much work is yet to be undone, for now he decided to take it slow. It had already been a few hours since he entered the room. As he synthesized the 30 space bracelets and 200 or so Holy Swords the results were presented before him: [ Appraisal ] [ Space Bracelet ] [ Rank: B ] [ Durability: 1345 ] [ Storage Space: 100 m (diameter) ] --- [ Lord''s de of Judgement ] (Awakened) [ Description: The de had been created by the seeker of Justice, who judges both human and demon alike. It purify all beings of their evil ] [ Grade: B ] [ Attack Power: 1500 ] [ Durability: 1650 ] Special Abilities: 1. Divine Retribution: Calls forth heavenly light to strike down enemies who havemitted grievous sins. The power scales based on the target''s level of corruption, causing greater damage to darker or evil foes (All Race). 2. Holy Purge: Unleashes a wave of radiant energy that purifies all evil entities within arge radius. It damages demons, undead, and other malevolent beings while healing the righteous and allies. 3. Judgment Strike: The sword channels divine power into a single strike, delivering a blow that not only deals massive holy damage but also paralyzes the foe, rendering them immobile as they are judged for their misdeeds. . Chapter 122: Chapter 122:Human-Demon-Phoenix "Master... Name..." "Huh?" Aengus responded, his gaze fixed on the sharp pointy de with a hint of astonishment. As he held the de, it seemed toe alive, initiating a telepathic dialogue within his mind. He felt an immediate connection, as if the sword recognized him as its one true master. He gripped the weapon tightly, sensing the holy aura it emanated. It appeared incredibly menacing to all evils, as though a mere touch could reduce their flesh to ashes. The powerful holy aura signified that it would show no mercy to either humans or demons alike. Those who hadmitted evil deeds would be struck down by its formidable might. Suddenly, the words of Ilyana, the elven merchant Princess, echoed in his mind. She had mentioned something akin to this¡ªwhen sentient weapons are upgraded to B-grade, they gain the ability tomunicate with their user. "So you want a name, huh?" Aengus muttered softly, seemingly to no one. The de hummed in response, as if affirming its desire. "Very well then. From this moment on, you will be called ''Aegis of Judgment.''" "Thank... you... Master," the sentient de, now named Aegis, replied, pleased with its new identity. This moment marked the beginning of Aegis''s tale. Aengus looked around for a suitable scabbard for Aegis. The de''s holy radiance was overwhelming, and he was certain it would draw too much attention if left exposed. Afterward, he turned his attention to synthesizing the demon cores, concluding his power-up session. By the time Aengus stepped out of the chamber, it was already the start of a new day. He had spent nearly 12 to 16 hours inside, immersed in his tasks. "Master, you''re finally done with your work? Do you want something to eat?" Maid Donna stood outside his door, having waited there the entire time. Aengus had sensed her presence all along. "No need," he replied. He had long passed the need for food to sustain himself, though he could still indulge in it on asion. That was all it meant to him now. His tone softened slightly, but it was clear he hadn''t yet forgiven her. THUD. "Lord! Please forgive me!" Suddenly, Donna knelt down, clutching at his legs, her eyes watery with desperation. "Master, I had no choice. Please forgive me! I won''t do it again. Just give me one more chance. Don''t give me that cold shoulder. I''m always afraid of incurring your wrath. I know I''ve done wrong, and I''m willing to do anything you ask." Aengus paused, but showed no reaction to her plea. The only thing that mattered to him now was practicality. "So, you want forgiveness, huh?" Aengus asked, his tone indifferent as he looked down at her. Shiiin¡­ He drew the Judgment de from its sheath and said, "If you can lift this sword without injury, I will forgive you." ng. The de fell to the ground, even though it did not want to. Yet, it obeyed its master''smand. "Really, my lord?" Donna''s face lit up with hope, and she reached for the de. "Ahhh!" But as soon as she tried to lift it, her hand burned, and she dropped it with a loud ng. Aengus''s lips curled into a slight smile. "See? You''re not loyal enough. When your devotion is pure and without selfish desire, only then will it acknowledge you." With a simple gesture, the de flew back into Aengus''s hand, pristine and untouched by dust. He walked away, leaving his maid gazing after him, her mind filled with awe and fear. She had thought it would be an easy task, but how could she have expected anything simple from her master? She sighed, already beginning to think of ways to be truly loyal, free of selfish desires. But it definitely won''t be easy. --- THUD, BANG¡ª BOOM, CLANG! In the open field, Aengus observed Be, Sen, and Sienna engaged in intense sparring. It seemed Be was teaching them, a rare sight. They fought in their human forms, wielding weapons as mortals would, sharpening their skills for battle. Nearby, high-ranking demons stood watching from the sidelines. Among them were Vespera, Gourmond, Sienna''s father, and the Wolf King and Queen, all in their human forms. Aengus stepped forward slowly, but each step reverberated with a suppressed, overwhelming power. "Ba-dum, ba-dum!" The demons nearby felt their hearts involuntarily skip a beat. His very presence sent a shiver down their spines, as if a primal instinct within them screamed of the danger he carried. With trembling hearts, all eyes turned toward Aengus, and for a fleeting moment, they swore they saw a devil incarnate¡ªan immense, shadowed power simmering just beneath the surface, ready to unleash itself. Be paused mid-strike, followed by Sen and Sienna, their hands trembling slightly from exertion. Be, however, smiled¡ªshe could sense it. Aengus had grown even stronger than before. The other demons immediately bowed as Aengus approached, but Be remained upright, her heart skipping a beat as he drew closer. "So Darling, you''re finally willing to step out?" she teased, though her smile was genuine. "I thought you''d be holed up in there forever. And it seems you''ve made a lot of progress." She sighed, her tone carrying a hint of yful frustration. It felt unfair sometimes, watching him grow so rapidly, but the asional help from him soothed her nerves. Aengus met her gaze, his voice steady and confident. "Let''s spar." He used Appraisal to check her information and abilities.... [ Appraisal: ] [ Name: Be Bellfrost ] [ Rank: Archdemon ] [ Race: Demon-Human-Phoenix ] [ Bloodline: Subus (Royal), Eternal Phoenix (Royal) ] [ Abilities: 1. Art of Seduction / Charm 2. Vitality Drain 3. Mind Control Puppetry 4. Illusion Crafter 5. Dream Hunter 6. Royal Demon Physique 7. Eternal Youth 8. Phoenix Rebirth 9. Eternal Fire Maniption. 10. Phoenix Tears. 11. Eternal Phoenix Transformation. [ Skills: ..... ] As Aengus examined her more closely, curiosity sparked within him. Her background intrigued him. She had the bloodline of the Phoenix. But what caught his attention even more was that she appeared to be a hybrid of three races. "Where did the Phoenix Bloodlinee from? From what he knew her mother was human and father was a demon. Was there''s something more than it meets the eye?" Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Spar "Hehehe¡­ You want to spar with me? At full force?" Be asked with a teasing smile. "Yes, but just physical power," Aengus replied calmly. "Oh, feeling confident, are we? That''s my man," Be said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She clenched her fists and gathered her raw power. "Then I won''t hold back. It''s time for you to witness your wife''s true strength." "Less talk. Let''s begin," Aengus said, his posture steady and focused. Whoosh. As soon as he finished speaking, Be lunged at him with a blend of grace and deadly precision. Boom! Aengus managed to block her initial strike, but the force was so intense that his hand went numb. The shockwave from the impact copsed the ground beneath his feet. Despite the pain, Aengus stood his ground, moving swiftly through the dust and debris as he blocked her relentless barrage. His passive skills¡ªQuick Reflexes, Melee Combat, and Predator''s Instinct¡ªwere working overtime to keep him in the fight. Without them, facing Be, who was far more experienced, would have been daunting. The battle continued fiercely. Sen, Sienna, Vespera, and the others watched from a safe distance, having retreated earlier, sensing the immense danger. Be''s wless face remained serene as she appeared before Aengus, her speed almost teleporting her from one spot to another. But Aengus wasn''t easily caught off guard; he grabbed her foot mid-attack, effectively blocking her critical strike. Be quickly retracted her leg, standing tall and poised. "Impressive, darling," she said with a smile. "But now¡­ let''s see if you can block this." Suddenly, Be leapt into the air, spinning like a violent whirlwind. Her dark attire blurred into an ethereal form as a powerful vortex of wind swirled behind her. The air around them became chaotic from the intensity of her move. Aengus, unfazed,unched himself into the air with a powerful stomp, aiming to meet her head-on. BOOM! The collision unleashed an explosive shockwave. Aengus was flung backward, while Be hovered in the air, a triumphant smile on her face. "Oops," she clicked her tongue yfully before diving down to catch him midair, preventing him from crashing to the ground. Aengus would have been fine on his own, but Be''s gesture was both kind and teasing. Aengus''s blood surged with adrenaline, his entire body buzzing from the impact. Despite the excitement of the battle, he recognized his limits. He was outmatched in raw strength. Acknowledging his loss, he exhaled deeply. Despite his progress, he still fell short of being aplete match for her. Be smiled as she embraced Aengus, their bodies pressed together, sharing warmth. Her neck flushed a soft red, and Aengus couldn''t ignore the soft sensation against his chest. Theynded gracefully, their eyes locking in a brief, intimate moment. "Hehe..." Be chuckled softly, her voice teasing. "Darling, do you want to go to the bed?" she asked yfully, her eyes filled with charm and unmistakable temptation. Aengus cleared his throat, quickly recovering from the allure. "No," he replied firmly, stepping back and distancing himself from Be''s seductive presence. Beughed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She nced at the de hanging from Aengus'' waist. "So, darling, why don''t you show me your new weapon? It feels incredibly powerful!" she teased, her curiosity piqued. Aengus narrowed his eyes slightly, noticing her interest. Before he could respond, Be swiftly grabbed the de from his side, causing a flicker of annoyance to cross his face. Yet, his expression shifted to surprise as he watched her handle Aegis effortlessly. The weapon''s weight and aura seemed to have no effect on her. "Did Aegis acknowledge her presence?" Aengus wondered. The weapon could sense loyalty and hidden motives. For a moment, Aengus found himself captivated by Be''s presence¡ªher mischievous smile, flutteringshes, and delicate red lips. Her creamy skin and long ck hair seemed more vibrant than ever. He shook the thought away, focusing instead on the weapon in her hands. Be, seemingly oblivious to Aengus'' momentary distraction, unsheathed the de with casual curiosity. A radiant sh of holy light surged from the sword, causing everyone present to flinch. "Ouch!" Sen, Sienna, and Vespera shielded their eyes. Be, though briefly startled, marveled at the gleaming de now resting in her hand. When the light dimmed, the de''s intricate runic engravings were visible, and its holy aura still hummed with immense power. "Hot!" Be eximed, feeling the intense heat of the de, though it didn''t burn her. She turned to Aengus, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "It''s handsome, just like you, darling," she said with a teasing grin. Aengus recovered, though his heart stirred at her words. Sienna, watching from the side, couldn''t hide her growing jealousy. Sen noticed and sympathetically patted her on the shoulder, understanding her feelings but saying nothing. "I get it," Aengus said indifferently. "Now, give it back." "Tsk¡­ Here, take it back. I don''t need a fake one. I only need you," Be said, tossing the de into the air. Sienna felt a pang of inferiority at Be''s bold statements. "Can she ever hope to achieve that?" she wondered. Aengus caught the de and stored it in his spatial bracelet this time. Aegis roared in frustration, reluctant to be stored away in the lifeless void. Yet, it was powerless to resist. "Huh? It can talk as well?" Be seemed genuinely surprised, tilting her head as if she had just realized Aegis had a voice of its own. "Darling," she began with a yful pout, "why don''t you make one for me before we head to the Fortress City? I want a talking weapon too! You can be so boring at times, and at least it would keep mepany when you''re not around." Aengus blinked, surprised that she could hear the mentalmunication between him and Aegis. He recalled her mind control ability and realized she might have picked up on the conversation subconsciously or that Aegis had allowed her to hear it. He nced at them, contemting the request. Sen, Sienna, and the others watched with curiosity. Although they were intrigued by the idea of having their own sentient weapons, none of them dared to ask Aengus for one. The idea seemed too bold. "Alright," Aengus finally agreed, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "I was going to make one for you all anyway. But you''ll have to provide the materials and a weapon of your choice." Be''s face lit up with excitement. "You''re the best, darling!" she replied charmingly, her joy almost infectious. The others, observing from the sidelines, were taken aback by Aengus''s willingness. Not wanting to miss out on the opportunity, they quickly brought out their own weapons and materials, eager to have them synthesized into sentient weapons as well. Thus began the miraculous process of creating powerful, sentient weapons for each of them. Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Floating Mountain After the distribution of the newly forged sentient weapons, Aengus, Be, and his formidable subordinates began their journey toward Be''s territory: the imposing Fortress City. Aengus was aware that Dark Valley, while a good starting point, was far too small for his growing ambitions. To truly gain power and influence, he needed to expand his reach, and Fortress City presented the perfect opportunity. The new Baron of Dark Valley had been appointed temporarily, as Aengus wanted to make sure that his first stronghold was well-maintained. Though he had spent little time there, Dark Valley held significance¡ªit was where he had first established his rule. The decision for a permanent recement woulde in time, and it would be a critical one. The journey to Fortress City, however, posed a small challenge. At their current pace, it would take one day to travel, and that was only if they matched the speed of the slowest member of the group. This was hardly a viable option for Aengus, who preferred efficiency and speed. It was not like the previous time thay they would just fly alone. He pondered ways to quicken the journey, knowing that every moment spent traveling was a moment wasted. Be, walking beside him, noticed his contemtive expression. "Darling, you''re thinking too hard again," she teased, lightly nudging him with her elbow. "Why don''t we fly ahead? We can make it there in half the time while the others catch up." Aengus looked at her, considering her suggestion. Flying would certainly be faster, but his mind formed a better idea. Nearby, he looked toward a small mountain, approximately 100 meters in height. Be, along with a few others, followed his gaze, curious about what was on his mind. With swift speed, he arrived at the base of the mountain and took Aegis out of his spatial ring. Be, Sen, Sienna, Vespera, and Butler Yu followed, while ordering the army to stay on standby. "Mistress, what''s he trying to do?" Vespera asked, leaning closer as they watched him preparing for something in front of the mountain. Be smiled, "Who knows? Maybe we''ll get to see something spectacr once again." Vespera pped her forehead. Who was she even asking? Her graceful, regal queen-like mistress had now be a lovestruck fool. Aengus held the sword and began feeding it power. With nearly 1,200 points of raw strength, and in his Doomscale Dragonification form increasing it twentyfold, his raw strength soared to 24,000. Combined with the sword''s stats, it became 25,000. (AN: It consumes 100 Mana per second) Rumble, Rumble! With such strength, even the ground began to tremble, causing Vespera and the others to be scared out of their wits. "Fu*k! So powerful!" Sienna cursed, expressing everyone''s thoughts. Be looked amazed, watching his Dragonoid form, and licked her lips. She had expected his abilities to be powerful, but this was on a whole new level. However, she remained confident in her own abilities and the bloodline powers of the Eternal Phoenix, which she had yet to reveal. Combined with her Subus and Phoenix powers, she was a force to be reckoned with. Aengus held the de in a stretched arc, preparing to strike. "Venomous sh Strike." sh... Shiiin To everyone''s astonishment, the mountain before them was sliced cleanly in half with precision, as if it were cut by a fine thread. As the spectators remained stunned, Aengus activated Elemental Graviton Surge, reducing the gravity of the severed mountain. "RUMBLE...!" With a casual wave of his hand, the mountain began to float in the air, then flipped over, revealing the perfectly cut ground beneath. Wow! Demons and humans alike watched in awe, their eyes fixed on the dramatic disy. The massive floating mountain cast a wide shadow over the army of 4,000, leaving them in utter amazement. "GET UP!" On the ground, Aengusmanded, effortlessly maintaining the floating mountain, though it was costing him a considerable amount of energy. Vespera and the others stood with their mouths agape¡ªthey had never witnessed such power in their lives. Hearing hismand, they snapped out of their daze and leaped onto the floating tform, their admiration for Aengus growing with each passing second. Be smirked and followed, gracefully unfurling her wings as she soared up to join Aengus. At the very front, Aengus stood beside Be. Aengus adjusted the gravity, increasing the speed of the mountain''s movement. "Darling, let me help you," Be said, before using her bright, shimmering Phoenix fire maniption to propel the mountain forward, like a powerful engine of me. Aengus nced at her with approval, appreciating the assistance. "Thanks!" he said, breaking his silence. Be took the opportunity to grasp his hand. "I told you, I''ll always be by your side. No need for thanks between us." Aengus looked straight ahead, avoiding her gaze, which only served to annoy Be. Their journey continued unhindered,rgely due to the sheer intimidation caused by the massive floating mountain. Although there were a few encounters with demonic birds, the soldiers dealt with them swiftly and efficiently. Aengus sat down leisurely, gazing at the horizon, lost in thought. Suddenly, his mind drifted to Aria''s face. Was she really dead? It had only been two weeks since everything had happened. How could he forget those memories so easily? Growl His peaceful view was suddenly obstructed by a Malefic Gargoyle, looming before him and breaking his tranquil reverie. Aengus''s annoyance red. "All-Seeing Sovereign." His eyes glowed with a golden hue, and in an instant, the Gargoyle burst like a fragile bubble. As his eyes returned to normal, Aengus turned his attention back to the horizon, once again intoxicated by the view. The shing, ckened barrennds held a strange, maic pull that calmed his restless heart. Be witnessed everything he had done, but said nothing else. She sometimes wished she could see what''s going with his mind and heart to understand him better. Perhaps, that way she could understand what had made him so emotionless. "Was that was done by the darkness core? Then how should I fix it?" Be''s thoughts churnned seated gracefully a little away from him. "Lord and Mistress, we have arrived!" Suddenly Vespera arrived and announced, bringing the duo back from their dazed state. Chapter 125: Chapter 125: Brother-in-law? As a Marquisate, the Fortress City was enormous, spanning nearly 1,000 square kilometers and home to almost over a million demons. It was one of thergest territories under Duke Belial''s rule and had been granted to Be in recognition of her worthiness. This often sparked jealousy among her siblings. Yet, despite their envy and relentless scheming, their inferior strength made their efforts futile against Be''s might. In the marketce of Fortress City... Demons of various species gathered for their own purposes, filling the bustling streets. However, there was an unusual tension in the air, as if something was about to happen. "Oh Lord!" "Look at the sky brothers!" A tall, double-headed demon shouted, pointing upwards. "What is it?" Hispanions, curious, followed his gaze. "Oh my..." They rubbed their eyes in disbelief, their mouths falling open as they struggled toprehend what they were seeing. A nearby merchant and other onlookers, intrigued by themotion, also turned their heads to see what had captured their attention. "Is... is that a mountain?" someone muttered as a massive mountain floated upside down above them. "Yes, it is..." another replied, astonished. "But who could be behind such a terrifying feat?" "Are we under attack? Is this the work of those abominable humans?" Some demons began to panic, while others seethed with rage. With the looming threat of war with the humans, their fears, though premature, weren''t entirely unfounded. "Hey, look! There are people up there!" "Yeah! But there''s only a few!" Though the figures were visible, it was impossible to tell whether they were human or demon. At that moment, a subus with light red skin walked down the street, apanied by several subservient attendants. She appeared slightly younger than Be, her baby-faced features contrasting with the fierce expression on her face as she nced up at the floating mountain. "Follow me! Let''s see who dares to trespass so boldly in my sister''s territory." Unfurling her crimson wings, sheunched into the sky using air propulsion, cutting through the air with swift precision. Her attendants followed like a swarm of bats, using their own wings and flying abilities. Those without wings were swiftly carried by others, rising together towards the floating mountain. "Huh!" "Sister?" As Bianca arrived before the floating mountain, she recognized her sister''s familiar face. "And who''s that beside her?" she muttered in confusion. It was the first time she''d seen Be so close to a man. Bianca had been away when Aengus had first arrived in the demonnds, so this scene caught her by surprise. Be was holding the man''s arm, as if stopping him from doing something. Still puzzled, Bianca Bellfrostnded gracefully on the edge of the floatingndmass and hurried to her sister''s side. "Sister Be, it''s you! I thought someone was waging war on your territory!" she eximed, hugging Be tightly, snuggling like a kitten. Be returned the embrace with a warm smile. Be and Bianca were close, unlike their other siblings. Having no mother had drawn them together over time, and they shared a bond that only grew stronger. "Haha... You''re still a worrywart, Bibi. Who would dare to barge into my territory?" Be teased with a grin. "True, Sister," Bianca smiled, turning her gaze toward the vast army below. Her eyes then shifted to the man standing beside Be. "So, is this the brother-inw you mentioned in your letter?" Bianca asked, scrutinizing Aengus from head to toe. Aengus barked, "Who''s your brother-inw?" Be chuckled. "Yes, he''s the one I''ve chosen as my partner. Don''t mind his denial¡ªhe''s just a bit shy. Soon, he''ll be the new lord of this territory. You can call him brother-inw from now on," she added mischievously. "Darling, this is my half-sister Bianca," Be introduced. In reply he just nodded. "Hmp...Shy? He doesn''t look shy at all," Bianca thought to herself. "There''s more to this than meets the eye," she mused, chuckling inside. Aengus, clearly uninterested in arguing, turned away, choosing to ignore their banter. Bianca, smiling, stepped closer to him and yfully held his arm. "Brother-inw, are you really that powerful? How did you manage to subdue my big sister? Come on, tell me!" she asked, full of enthusiasm. Aengus scowled, pulling his arm away. "I told you, I''m not your brother-inw. So stop calling me that," he said, his irritation evident. "Brother-inw, Brother-inw..." Bianca teased with a sing-song voice. "So what if I call you Brother-inw? You''re my brother-inw after all," she added, clearly enjoying the way Aengus bristled at the title. It was fun for her to poke at him. "Alright, enough of that," Be intervened with a smile, sensing things could escte. "So, Bibi, how did it go managing the territory while I was away? Did you handle everything well? And what about the proposal to Father regarding making my Aengus the new lord?" Be''s tone turned more serious as she inquired. At the mention of work, Bianca''s mood shifted, and she became more focused. Aengus, visibly relieved, also began paying closer attention to the conversation. With a sigh, Bianca responded, "It was tougher than I thought, Sister. Those old councilmen were such a pain, but I managed to get through it somehow." She ended with a small smile of satisfaction. "And Father? What did he say?" Be pressed. Bianca shrugged. "Father said he wants to talk to both of you first. Maybe he''s nning on giving his blessing... or who knows?" She added a yful smirk to her words. Be raised an eyebrow, but before she could respond, Bianca''s expression turned serious. "Sister, I just received some troubling news," Bianca began, her voice lowering. Be, sensing something important, narrowed her eyes. "Go on." "Marquis Reynard lodged aint in the court against you, using you and¡ª" she shot a nce at Aengus, "¡ªbrother-inw, of raiding his territory and capturing one of his viges. Is it true?" Both Be and Aengus furrowed their brows. "Of course not!" Be scoffed, her voice filled with disdain. "Either the Marquis misunderstood or he''s deliberately looking for trouble. Perhaps he has a death wish." Bianca let out a small sigh of relief. "Good to hear it''s a misunderstanding. It shouldn''t cause too many issues then." Be nodded before turning to Aengus. "Aengus, let''snd. Over there, that t ground by the market should be fine," she said, pointing toward an empty space. "Okay," Aengus agreed, gesturing downward to bring the floating mountain to a stop. "Wait, brother-inw is the one lifting this mountain?" Bianca said, astonished. Be grinned, clearly proud. "Yes, he''s strong. Very strong." Bianca''s eyes widened with genuine admiration. "And here I thought you just had another crazy ability, but this..." She looked at Aengus with newfound respect. "I''m impressed." Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Marquis Aengus and Be settled the thousands of demons temporarily in the Fortress City''s military barracks. They hade a long way, leaving their family behind for now, with the hope of building a new foundation here¡ªif they could make enough contributions to the city. The atmosphere at the barracks was tense, a strange air of unspoken rivalry lingering. The joined soldiers kept their behavior in check after a stern reminder from both Be and Aengus, but there was an undeniable sense ofpetition. They engaged in small talk, mostly to gauge each other''s strength. Be''s side boasted nearly a dozen elder demons and around ten thousand lesser and greater-ranked demons, twice the number Aengus had brought with him. Together, they formed a formidable force, one that could significantly bolster the Marquisate''s strength. Now, inside the grand residence of the Marquis¡ªarge mansion guarded by demon sentinels¡ªthe ruler of this powerful Marquisate was currently being decided. The meeting hall was filled with elders, nobles, and a few Barons, all gathered for Aengus''s coronation ceremony. Be stood confidently at the center, unfazed by her father''s earlier summoning. She knew he woulde around eventually¡ªafter all, Belial had been searching for a worthy partner for her all this while, and Aengus, with his strength and presence, was perfect for the role. She was certain her father would see the wisdom in her choice, even if it took time. The hall buzzed with anticipation as the ceremony was about to begin. "Mydy, isn''t it a bit hasty to dere a new Marquis like this?" an elder demon interrupted, his deep voice cutting through the formal atmosphere of the hall. Several heads turned toward him as he continued, his expression defiant. "We don''t even know if he''s worthy of the post. We cannot ept this until Lord Duke Belial gives us the official decree." Murmurs of agreement quickly followed from a few noblemen seatedfortably around the hall. "Yes, the Elder is right," one chimed in. "We won''t ept it without the Duke''s approval." Be''s gaze narrowed as the murmurings grew louder. A cold glint passed her eyes, and everyone shivered. Aengus remained calm, watching the unfolding tension with an air of indifference. To him, this was all unnecessary¡ªmere formalities. He knew no one here could challenge him, and their hesitation was likely due to his status as a half-breed. They didn''t want to bow to someone they saw as lesser. Bianca, standing beside her sister, couldn''t help but notice Aengus''s unbothered demeanor. It intrigued her. "Why doesn''t he look worried at all?" she thought, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Is he really that confident in his strength? This might turn out more interesting than I thought." Be, meanwhile, was growing visibly irritated by the resistance. Her voice trembled with barely restrained fury as she addressed the gathered nobles. "Have you all forgotten that strength is everything in the Abyss?" she snapped. "Do I need to remind you of that?" Her eyes zed as she gestured toward Aengus. "I have chosen this man as my partner, and he will rule in my ce. Is that so difficult for you toprehend?" The elder demon stood his ground, unshaken by her outburst. "Lady Be, that''s exactly what we''re questioning. Strength is what matters most. If he''s weak, he cannot take your ce." Be''s face twisted with anger. "What nonsense!" she spat. "Didn''t I just say he is as strong as I am¡ªperhaps even stronger? Are you calling my judgment into question now? You''ve be bold indeed." She exhaled sharply, her patience clearly thinning. "Fine. If any of you wish to challenge him, step forward. But be prepared to die. This is no game." The room fell deathly silent. The words Death Challenge hung heavily in the air. A few demons visibly trembled at the idea, knowing what a challenge like that meant in their world. Bianca chimed in from the side, her tone dripping with mockery. "That''s the best proposal, sister. These old fogies won''t learn any other way." She sneered, casting a disdainful look at the room. The gathered demons hesitated, exchanging nces, but none dared to move forward. "Mydy, I would-" The four-armed giant was about to speak, challenging Aengus. But before he could finish¡ª SPLASH! The giant was instantly obliterated into a gory mess, his body reduced to nothing more than a gruesome disy of blood and flesh. The room froze. The sheer brutality of it sent shockwaves through the assembly, paralyzing them with terror. "Ahh..." Several demons shrieked in horror, their faces drained of color as they gazed at Aengus, whose glowing golden eyes faded back to normal as if nothing had happened. It had all urred in the blink of an eye¡ªtoo fast for anyone to react. THUD! The old demon and the others, who had moments ago dared to question Aengus, copsed to their knees, their bodies shaking with fear. Heads bowed low, they didn''t dare meet his gaze as they frantically begged for mercy. "We¡ªwe ept you as our new lord, your excellency! Please, forgive our insolence!" Their voices quivered, full of desperation, as they pressed their foreheads to the floor. They now understood the truth. The half-breed they had so arrogantly dismissed was no ordinary demon. He was death incarnate, a force beyondprehension. "He was an Elder demon..." one of them muttered, barely able to speak through his terror. "He couldmand millions, and yet... The new Marquis... He wiped him out like nothing..." The room was gripped by an oppressive silence. Every noble blooded demon present realized they were no longer in the presence of just another noble vying for power. Aengus was something far greater¡ªa being whose strength was so overwhelming that it defied belief. They had been given a harsh lesson. Aengus was not to be challenged. Not now, not ever. Bianca''s mouth formed an ''O'' shape as she witnessed her ''Brother-inw'' powers first hand. She had noticed the ethereal golden glow in his eyes, which made her felt that she was naked in front of him. "Listen well. Those who submit, lives! For others, only death. " Anegus remarked, his voice carrying authority and power. These nobles and barons have their own invidual armies, so their submission were important. Be crossed her legs like a queen, and smiled lightly witnessing their futile resistance crumbling into pieces in seconds. Now, the only one was headache on her mind was her father and Marquis Reynard''s audacious im. Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Preparation For Leaving The announcement of the new Marquis swept through the city like wildfire, leaving its denizens stunned. Rumors buzzed through the streets, carried by whispers of fear and resignation. For the most people, nothing really changed. To the powerful, they were merely disposable, and the rise of a new Marquis was a reminder of that harsh reality. Yet, despite their shock, they epted the news in silence, as resistance felt futile. All they could hope for now was that the new ruler would not make their already miserable lives worse. Be was undeniably capable, but even for her, managing resources for millions of people was a daunting task. The sheer scale made any promises difficult to keep. However, for Aengus, it was a trivial challenge. While transforming barrennds was beyond his abilities, acquiring resources was a different story. By utilizing his skill of synthesizing demon cores, he produced them in the millions. This ability allowed him to resolve the resource crisis efficiently. Over the next 3-4 days, Aengus expanded his secretworks throughout the neighboring Marquisate cities and even infiltrated the Duchy capital. Through these covert operations, he amassed near hundred million demon cores, securing the needed resources for the city. With resources now abundant, the citizens were offered more work in exchange for additional supplies, leading to an improvement in their living conditions. Soldiers, especially those formerly under the demon regime, now rebranded as the Army of Liberation, received a substantial share of demon cores, allowing them to enhance their strength significantly. Themanders and soldiers were overjoyed, their loyalty solidified by the influx of power. Aengus, understanding the importance of morale and allegiance, made personal visits to the army. During these visits, he would perform "miracles" by showcasing the incredible transformations of a few demons further strengthening them. Each demonstration further brainwashed the soldiers, making them more devoted to him and driven to rise in power through the ranks. The city, once deste and fearful, now buzzed with newfound energy, as Aengus''s influence spread like wildfire. "Brother-inw, you''re really awesome!" Bianca eximed, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "I didn''t think you could pull off these kinds of miracles in just a few days and take full control of the military," she added, clearly impressed. A faint sigh escaped her as she continued, "It was such a headache for me when I was in charge of managing the territory. The soldiers were always so unruly, and resources were so limited¡­" "Really,parisons are odious," she muttered with a slight grin, knowing full well how much Aengus had outshone her efforts by arge margin. Aengus stayed silent, walking down the bustling market streets, his presence drawing curious nces and respectful bows from the onlookers. It was clear to all that their new lord had already made a significant impact, improving their lives just shortly after taking over the territory. "Urgh¡­" Bianca grumbled, clearly frustrated as she walked beside him, her red wings fluttering in irritation. She nced over at Aengus, who remained aloof,pletely ignoring her. "Sister, you should really try to cheer him up sometimes. He''s so gloomy all the time. And why do you two sleep in separate beds anyway?" Be, who had been smiling earlier, froze at Bianca''s blunt statement. Her cheerful expression faltered as she sighed deeply. "What should I do now, Bibi? Your brother-inw is always like that," Be admitted, her voice filled with resignation. "A few days ago, when I was stronger than him, I could force him to sleep next to me, but now¡­ it''s much harder." Bianca almost tripped over her own feet, her eyes wide with surprise. "F-Forcing him to sleep together?" she stammered. "But you''re so beautiful, Sister! You really need to force him to¡­ ''do that''?" Be''s face flushed at Bianca''s implication, her embarrassment quickly turning into irritation. "What nonsense are you talking about?" she snapped, twisting Bianca''s ear as punishment. "I was just trying to break the ice! You naughty subus!" "Ouch! Stop it Sister! I am Sowwy.." Bianca whined, squirming under Be''s grip. "Brother-inw, save me!" Aengus, watching their antics out of the corner of his eye, simply sighed. "I don''t have time to bicker with you two," he muttered, continuing to walk ahead, ignoring their yful exchange. "Ugh, brother-inw is so bad!" Bianca pouted, rubbing her ear, though she couldn''t help but smile at the lighthearted moment. Beposed herself and turned to Aengus, her voice softening. "Yes, you''re right, Darling. We have to prepare for the journey to the duchy capital, to my father''s estate." She stepped closer, matching his pace, her presence a gentle reminder of their shared responsibilities. "Hey, wait for me, you two!" Bianca grumbled from behind, trying to catch up. "Sister, I want toe with you and Brother-inw to visit Father. I haven''t seen him in quite a while." Be, without missing a beat, shook her head. "No, you can''te this time, Bibi," she said tly. "Not at least on this trip. Darling and I will be going alone. Do you really want to ruin our romantic moment together?" Bianca faltered, unable to find a solid argument. Be''s words struck at her yful persistence. Be''s expression softened as she ced a reassuring hand on Bianca''s shoulder. "Besides, someone needs to be in charge of the city while we''re away. You''re the only one we trust with that responsibility. We can''t leave it to those old fogies. Isn''t that right?" With a reluctant sigh, Bianca nodded. "Yes, you''re right, Sister. I''ll manage the city." Be smiled at her, giving her aforting squeeze. "Don''t worry. I''ll ask your brother-inw to craft you a fine weapon of your choice when we''re back." Bianca''s eyes lit up at the promise, a small smile forming on her lips. "Really? Fine, but you better keep that promise!" "Of Course!" Be smiled... --- As they reached the mansion, Butler Yu stepped forward. "Lord, the distribution of demon cores to the army had been done sessfully." he informed Aengus respectfully. "Aengus, nced at him and asked, " How much demon cores left?" His tone was curt. "Nearly 20 millions, my lord. That''s all we have left in the treasury. It''s enough tost for a month after all the settlement." "Hm.. That''s good. I will be leaving for the Duchy Capital, while I am away listen to Bianca''s every order. Inform the others as well." "Yes, my lord. As you wish." Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Married? After settling everything, Aengus and Be unfurled their wings and soared through the sky, pping them with great speed. Be''s wings were typical of a subus, while Aengus'' wings resembled those of a western dragon¡ªwide and powerful. In seconds, they ascended into the sky like birds, reaching nearly 5,000 meters above the ground. Under the cursed, bloody red sun, their figures became elusive, fading from view from below. "Darling, are you enjoying this?" Be asked, ncing at Aengus beside her. "I am... fine, I guess," Aengus replied, his gaze fixed on the ground shrinking in the distance. He saw various passing viges, mountains, and a desert littered with skeletal remains. Demonic creatures roamed thend, hungry for prey. Be sighed. "You know, it would have been more beautiful if the Abyss was like the humannds¡ªfull of vibrant greenery and life. Will it ever be possible? Even the Demon God couldn''t make it happen," shemented. "So, Be, do you know why this world is the way it is?" Aengus asked, though he knew the basic history. He wanted to hear the demons'' perspective. Be answered seriously, "From what I''ve learned, it''s said the Demon God was banished from what they call ''Heaven.'' They imprisoned him here like a jail, but the reason remains unknown. "He has lived for ages, and all demons are his children. "I don''t know if he''s truly evil, but I want justice for the demons¡ªto give them their right to live. Many are dying, like a gue, because of theck of resources," she said emotionally. "Do you want to kill all the humans?" Aengus asked. She shook her head. "No, that would be foolish. Not all humans are bad. They deserve a fair chance to live." Her tone shifted, a twinge of jealousy creeping in. "So, darling, is your goal still the same? Seeking revenge for that human lover of yours?" "Yes," Aengus replied firmly, without hesitation. Be''s chest tightened at his words, her heart clenching in silent pain. She gazed at him, her voice soft but tinged with sadness. Are my efforts not getting through to you, Aengus? Be forced a smile. "You''re very loyal, darling. So, when should we consummate our marriage? I''ve given my dowry, after all." Her tone was yful, as if she wasn''t expecting a serious answer. Aengus nced at her, feeling a sudden pang of guilt. Though her initial intentions were less than pure, she hadter given him everything she had. She had aligned her aspirations with his, forsaken her rule, and risked enmity with her father¡ªall for him. But what had he given her? He realized he had been too stubborn. Beneath her constant smile, there was hidden pain, a sorrow she tried to bury¡ªmuch like the way he buried his own. They were more alike than he had realized. It didn''t take long for him to understand that. "Be, listen to me seriously," he said, making a firm decision on the spot. She met his eyes, losing herself in them for a moment. "What is it, darling? Are you finally agreeing to my proposal?" Her tone was still light, as if her wish was just a fleeting dream. But Aengus was serious. What he said next left herpletely stunned. "Yes, I can agree to be your partner, not your husband, for everything you''ve done for me. You''ve gone against your father, your subordinates, and lost your position as ruler. You''re strong, and I can''t offer you power or love. "The only way I can repay you is by trying to be your partner. But understand, there will be no spiritual connection between us. I cannot return your love. If you can ept that, then¡­ I have no problem." He wasn''t epting her out of nowhere. She had proven loyal and trustworthy. Besides, having her by his side would provide another powerful ally in his quest. Or perhaps it was his deeper desire for a family, a longing he hadn''t been willing to admit. He never wanted to be lonely. It was time to let go of the past, the memories of Aria, like a passing dream. But it didn''t mean he was giving up on his revenge. He couldn''t let that go¡ªnot until Beelzebub was dead by his hand. Be froze mid-air, her mind struggling toprehend his sudden eptance. The eptance of her casual proposal left her stunned. She felt an overwhelming joy rising within her, one she struggled to suppress. Aengus paused, watching her reaction. He wondered if she felt dejected or conflicted. Deep down, he had hoped she would refuse, thinking he had given her enough reasons not to ept him as her life partner. But he couldn''t have been more wrong. Be smiled like a blooming flower, her expression filled with pure joy. "Hahaha... Darling! Darling!" she eximed as she lunged at his chest, hugging him tightly, her wings wrapping around his in a delicate embrace. "Of Course. I ept you as my husband, Aengus. I agree with whatever you say. You know, it makes me very happy that you finally agreed. As for the matter of your heart, I''ll conquer it eventually. I''m not in a rush," she whispered confidently into his ear as they began to fall from the sky. "You have everything a woman could need, Darling. You''ve captured my heart. What more could I want besides you?" Aengus was speechless as he gazed into her shimmering purple eyes, now glistening with raw emotion. He couldn''t deny the sincerity in her words, nor could he break the promise he had made. But in the back of his mind, Aria''s face lingered, her memory an unresolved ache. "What would I do if I ever manage to bring her back?" he wondered, his thoughts briefly shattered as Be''s soft crimson lips pressed against his. Without thinking, Aengus epted the kiss¡ªnot out of love, but out of a sense of duty to his promise and his body''s desires. Their tongues intertwined, and for a few intense seconds, they shared a passionate kiss mid-air. As they approached the ground, their wings unfurled just in time, allowing them tond gracefully. A thin bridge of saliva stretched between them, breaking apart like spider silk as they pulled away, gazing into each other''s eyes in a heated moment. Be''s breath came in hurried gasps, her face flushed with excitement. Aengus''s body reacted instinctively, but his heart remained conflicted. With a radiant smile, Be said, "With this, we''re husband and wife from now on Aengus. Let the obsidiannd and the bloody sky bear witness to our marriage." Shepletely forgot the term "partner" that Aengus had suggested. As he looked at her radiant smile, for a brief moment, Aengus''s heart stirred, but it quickly returned to its impassive state. He wiped the mark of her lips from his and nodded, silently acknowledging their union. His simple gesture filled Be with immense happiness. Yet uncertainty gnawed at him. Had he done the right thing? Had he epted her just to repay her, or was it merely to fulfill his body''s needs? Could he truly form a happy family with her? He looked at Be withplex emotions and hope. His previous hope with Aria shattered, reminding him the despairing moment. Then he touched his chest, where his hearty, a heart that refused to feel the true love she had for him. He hoped that one day, he could return her love as well, just like he did with Aria. Chapter 129: Chapter 129: Arrival Of The Iron Trio Capital City Gate, Kingdom of Araknis A trio in hunter attire walked through the grand gates of the capital, their faces marked with exhaustion from the long journey. The group consisted of two young women and a young man, each carrying the weight of their mission on their shoulders. "Haah, finally, we''ve arrived," the young man muttered, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and satisfaction. "Mydy, it''s fortunate we made it before the opening of the Ancient Land," the woman with a bow slung across her back said, addressing the silver-haired woman beside her. "We have a couple of days to get familiar with this ce." "Yona, don''t forget," the silver-haired woman replied firmly, her gaze resolute. "We need to meet with the king and request support for my parents. They''re suffering, and we need an S-Rank health restoration potion as soon as possible." Her hand rested on the dagger fastened at her waist, a reminder of the battles they had fought. "Yes, Lady Aria. That is our top priority," Yona nodded in agreement. The trio¡ªAria, Drake, and Yona¡ªseemed to have somehow survived the event that had annihted the whole Arcadia City. Aria, once filled with youthful hope, now appeared more mature and cold, her earlier warmth hardened by the trials they had endured. They had grown more stronger and enlightened of the true world. Drake, who had once been arrogant, now carried a serious, quiet demeanor. His cockiness had been tempered by the harsh realities they''d faced. Yona, however, remained a steadfast and loyal attendant to Aria, her determination unwavering. As they stepped further into the bustling capital, the weight of their task hung over them. "Sister Aria, why don''t we seek General Leon for help? He''s a good man. He might have what we need," Drake suggested, breaking the silence as they continued through the crowded streets. Aria paused, her mind drifting to a familiar figure who should have been with them, joining them by their side. Ethan. The mere thought of him tugged at her heart, sending a sharp pang of sadness through her chest. Could he really be dead? The idea seemed impossible, but the longer they went without any news of him, the more the terrifying possibility weighed on her. "Sister?" Drake called again, gently shaking her shoulder, snapping her back to reality. "Ah... Yes, that''s been on my mind too," Aria replied, her voice breaking slightly as she tried to push away the lingering memories. "Let''s go and seek an audience with General Leon." Drake noticed her hesitation and, knowing her all too well, asked softly, "Are you thinking about Ethan again?" Aria''s expression faltered. It was no secret among them that her heart always seemed to waver when Ethan''s name was mentioned. Yona, who had been walking silently, remembered those days they had all spent together. Ethan had been a good friend and a strong ally, someone their party members all relied on. But when the demon attacked, she thought he couldn''t have survived. Much less Iris, Cedric and Marcus. She felt sad. "Sister Aria," Drake began again, his voice gentle but firm, "he''s probably not alive anymore. We barely survived thanks to the Void Escape treasure, and we lost nearly everyone from the n. I don''t think it''s possible he made it out alone. You need to let him go. It''s probably for the best." Aria''s grip tightened around the dagger at her waist. She knew Drake was right, but epting it was something else entirely. The thought of Ethan being gone forever was like a knife in her chest. Her emotions churned, the ache in her heart hardening into something stronger: anger. "I know," Aria finally said, her voice low but full of determination. "But I will never forgive that demon for killing him. I will get stronger, and I will avenge him." Her pretty face, usually calm andposed, was etched with an iron resolve. Drake and Yona exchanged nces, seeing the fire in her eyes. Yona and Drake sighed. They also wanted revenge but found it difficult to achieve. After all, they were talking about a Demon Lord. Now, there seemed to be only one way to rise quickly: the Ancient Land. --- In another corner of the world, Aengus and Be walked side by side, keeping pace with each other. Be was in a good mood as their rtionship had progressed further, though it might have been a stroke of luck. The problem, however, was that Aengus never took the initiative to do anything. Their marriage appeared to exist in name only. Be let out an exhausted sigh; she had to cope with it for now. They were walking through a ruined city where no signs of life could be seen. Only copsed buildings remained. "This was once a city full of life, but a single stomp from the Giant Demon Lord reduced it to ashes," Be said, noticing Aengus''s curiosity. Aengus raised an eyebrow. "Your father didn''t say anything?" "He did. He called on Demon Lord Crimson, as the situation was beyond his control. As a result, there was a war between Demon Lord Crimson and the Giant Demon Lord. "Hubby, do you want to guess who won?" Aengus guessed, "From your tone, it must be the former one¡­" Be smiled. "Smart!" "Yes, Demon Lord Crimson was the victor. He took half of the other party''s territory and resources. But don''t think he''s some benevolent being. He did everything just to protect his dignity and dominance. Otherwise, he would have been aughingstock at the Demon Lord Council." "Demon Lord Council? Where is that?" Aengus asked, casually killing an aggressive demonic creature and storing it in his dimensional space for breeding. Along the way, they had killed thousands of such unintelligent creatures. His Monster Breeding skill was now at Level 4, marking 5,000 or so units inside. Be didn''t have much of a reaction. To her, her husband could do anything now. She wouldn''t even be surprised if he could ughter an entire army on his own. She continued, "Demon Lord Council is a gathering of all the Demon Lords across the Abyss," Be exined, her tone calm despite the grim subject. "They oversee the bnce of power and enforce certain rules... though ''rules'' in the demon world are twisted at best." Aengus nodded in understanding, and they continued their journey the Duchy Capital while talking, keeping each otherpany. Their rtionship just took a major turn and they would need time to adjust. Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Mana Harvest Aengus and Be stood atop a towering mountain, before a giant cave. At the entrance of the dark cave was an ominous red statue of a coiled serpent. "Hubby, you said the Ancient Red Serpent Deity had marked you, right? So, we need to destroy this temple to weaken his influence. Although the effect won''t be immediate, if we continue destroying his temples, your problem might be solved more easily," Be said, gathering energy in her palm to destroy the statue. "That''s not a bad idea. We should order the army to destroy all of the nearby temples as well," Aengus agreed, letting her proceed as she wished, while he send a message to Sienna using her Naga pearl. Her Naga pearl was now much stronger and more useful for long distancemunication. Both of them remained cautious, in case any unexpected problems arose, though the likelihood seemed low. To start, Be conjured a small ball of Phoenix mes to test the temple''s defenses. "Kaboom!" The fireballnded on a transparent protective barrier. "So, it seems there are indeed someone inside," Be mused, ncing at Aengus. Aengus gave her a small nod and looked at the spot where the fire was slowly burning through the barrier itself. The effects of the Phoenix mes were immediate. tter, tter, tter. With earthshaking vibrations, several demonic serpents emerged from therge cave. Their figures towering 20 metres, menacing. "Our guests have arrived!" Be said, smiling dangerously. Aengus inspected them using Appraisal and all of them were ordinary, their power at Greater Demon at best. So, this was just a trivial fight. But, Activating his All-Seeing Eyes, Aengus could make out several human figures inside the cave, their silhouettes appearing miserable and frail. "Be, there are humans inside. Don''t destroy the cave," Aengus cautioned, his curiosity piqued about their origins and how they were captured. "Oh, okay," Be replied without hesitation, trusting his abilitiespletely. He had proven them many times by now. Hiss... "Who are you? Hiss... Why are you attacking this sacred temple?" one of the serpents hissed, trying to initiate a conversation. Their gaze shifted from Be to Aengus, attempting to gauge the motives of the two half-breeds. "It''s you?" they hissed, seemingly recognizing Aengus. Aengus and Be raised their eyebrows in unison. Hiss... "How dare you barge into the Serpent Deity''s temple? Our deity will not spare you. Everyone will hunt you down." "Everyone! Capture him! We will offer him as a gift to our deity, and he will surely reward us with his precious bloodline!" the leadermanded, his serpentine features twisted with fanatical zeal. "Hiss!" They all charged at Aengus, using their inferior bloodline abilities. Someshed out with their tails, aiming to crush him into a pulp. But they didn''t know what they were dealing with. Aengus remained calm andposed as Be intervened. "You dare attack my hubby in my presence? That is certainly bold," Be said coldly. She radiated a dark, sinister aura as she swiftly unleashed her mental attack, turning the serpents into mindless puppets. The dark aura overwhelmed their minds, enving their consciousness. "Tell me," Be demanded, her voice sharp, "Does everyone in your cult know about Aengus? If so, what are their ns?" Aengus listened intently as well, awaiting the serpents'' response. Hiss.. "Yes. We received the Deity''s message to capture him. He said the half-breed was needed alive. But we don''t know what others have nned," the serpents replied, their answers identical. Be''s expression darkened. "If you don''t know, then you are no longer needed. Kill yourselves!" Upon receiving themand, the serpents immediately turned biting on themselves, taking their own lives within moments. Be stood like a Subus queen with royal grace, while Aengus nced at their lifeless bodies with indifference. "Let''s go inside," Aengus said, stepping forward into the cave. The cave was vast and broad, and the stench of rotting flesh and human blood filled the air, sickeningly pungent. The cave was dimly lit, illuminated only by faint light seeping through a few open holes above. Snakes didn''t need much light for vision anyway. Then they finally saw the humans, but they were lifeless, their bodies shrunken to skeletal forms. Among them were young women, men, children, and elderly people, numbering about twenty. "What were those worms doing with these humans? They''ve suffered so much!" Be eximed, her voice filled with sympathy. The Duo''s gaze shifted to the menacing Red Serpent statue, its eyes glowing with a bloody hue. "They must have been offering them to this ''Deity'' they call it," Aengus said, his special golden eyes seeing through the process. "Oh... So these fools were trying to perform a resurrection ritual. But it''s impossible to bring back the dead," Be added, her tone indifferent. She nced at Aengus, her voice softening. "Hubby, I''m not saying this to target your former human lover or anything." She was talking about Aria''s resurrection as they didn''t she was already alive. "I know," Aengus nodded, though doubt lingered in his mind. "That''s good..." Be sighed in relief, subtly watching him from the corner of her eye. "We need to end their suffering. They can''t live like this," Be said, preparing herself to disintegrate the lifeless bodies to ashes. As Aengus habitually activated Appraisal, he found something intriguing. Among the lifeless bodies, one held a Unique Skill¡ªand it was astonishing. "Wait! Be!" he shouted, stopping her mes mid-air. Be nced at him, perplexed. "Why did you stop me? Can you bring them back from the brink of death?" Aengus gently shook his head. "No, it''s not that. I have some business with one of them," he said, leaning closer to inspect the body. He ced his hand over the Unique Skill holder''s chest and activated Skill Absorption. [ Congrattions! You have acquired a new Unique Skill: Mana Harvest (Rare) ] [ Mana Harvest: 1. Faster Recovery of Your Mana reserves from the environment surrounding you. 2. Absorb your enemy''s Mana to increase your own Mana reserves. ] Aengus was satisfied by the notification. He ignored the other skills, which were ordinary and of no value to him. The person was a young boy, barely at level 19, but Aengus didn''t care. What mattered most was the Unique skill Aengus needed to recover his energy faster. The boy drew hisst breath as Aengus drained his Unique Skill from his fragile soul. Be watched his satisfied grin with curiosity. Aengus turned to her. "You can send them off now, Be." Be nodded and began to finish the task suppressing the curiosity as she realised he wasn''t willing to tell her some of his Secrets yet. It made her a little disappointed, but she believed it would be solved eventually. Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Call Of The Duke After obliterating the temple with fiery ashes, Agus and Be unfurled their wings once more, diving from the towering mountain into the vast sky. They had only - hours journey left before they reached their destination. Increasing their speed, they broke through the sound barrier, the air cracking loudly as they sped toward their goal. As they approached the Duchy Capital, a sturdy barrier stopped them, ev though they were still several kilometers from the g. Agus, eyeing the protective shield with curiosity, decided it would be wise to implemt simr defses for their own city in case of any surprise attacks. "Be,e to the court immediately. We need to have a serious talk," a sudd mtal transmission echoed in their minds. "It''s from my father," Be replied, a hint of urgcy in her voice. "Let''s head down!" As she began to descd, a wave of concern washed over her thoughts. Agus nodded in understanding, casting a nce at her back as they made their way down the grand staircase. Walking side by side through the Duke''s estate, they traversed the opult hallways adorned withvish decorations. As they proceeded, they countered several of Be''s half-siblings. Upon noticing the duo''s approach, the siblings erupted into mockingughter, some assuming a cowardly demeanor, like Ruby¡ªthe grehouse princess. The memory of her previous counter with Be still weighed heavily on her mind, haunting her with the humiliation she had dured. Turning to her older brother, Ruby soughtfort. She gazed up at the tall Incubus with broad shoulders and a muscr build, who bore a striking resemnce to their father, Duke Belial. "Big brother Belzard, you have to take revge for me. She humiliated me in front of everyone," Ruby pleaded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Belzard''s heart ached for his sister, and anger surged within him as he regarded Be and Agus. "Don''t worry, Ruby! I will take care of Be," he dered, a fierce determination in his voice. "I''ll teach her a lesson she''ll never forget. I am an Archdemon as well, and I will show her that being cocky has its consequces." With that, he stepped forward, ready to confront Be with an air of confidce that belied the brewing storm of emotions. "Heh, heh. Look who appears. Our Iron Princess Be with her boy-toy in full disy," Belzard muttered, looking disdainfully at Agus beside her. Agus was suppressing his aura, so he took him for someone ordinary. "Haha..." Instead of anger, Beughed, wondering what his reaction would be wh her ''boy-toy'' crushed him. "Why are youughing, Be?" Belzard raised his brows in displeasure. "Oh, nothing... I was justughing at your stupidity Belzard. Wh will you grow up? You couldn''t ev get Father''s recognition to manage a territory yet, and youe to challge me and my darling? Hehe... It''s trulyughable." Belzard remained defiant, ev after her reminder. "You underestimate me too much, Be. I will be a Marquis in no time after I defeat you. Th there will be no stupid discussion about making him the new Marquis in the first ce," he said with a fierce grin, intding to challge Be. The weaker ones stepped away, ssing the hostile atmosphere. "Whoosh..." Suddly, Belzard charged at Be with his muscr arm. The force behind the attack was intse, causing the air to rustle wildly along the hallway. He ignored Aguspletely, considering him some kind of a weakling. Grip! But before the blow could reach Be, Agus stepped in front, extding his hand and stopping Belzard''s charge with a firm grip. His hand felt the impact, but he remained steady. He looked at Belzard coldly. "She''s my partner. I can''t let you harm her." Belzard and the others stared in shock. "He... he blocked Brother Belzard''s punch! But how is that possible? Didn''t they say he was just a lesser demon weeks ago?" They looked as if they found the situation iprehsible. "Hehehe..." Be broke into melodiousughter, which snapped Belzard out of his dumbfounded state. Be was happy to finally gain some sort of idtity from Agus after so long. Ev though he said ''partner'' and not ''wife,'' she was still pleased with the title. "Bas**rd, how dare you meddle in our siblings'' affairs? You''re still an outsider and an inferior half-breed!" Belzard scowled, trying to remove his hand from Agus''s stone-like grip, but he failed miserably. His frustration only fueled his rage. However, someone was ev more raged than he was. "Belzard! You need to learn your lesson! You dare to call him an outsider in front of me, and use the word ''half-breed,'' which I despise." As she said this, Be''s right hand conjured Phoix mes, scaring Belzard out of his wits. Belzard knew she was serious this time. He readied himself to defd, but still, he was struck across the face. "Paah!" A burning, hard pnded on his face, sding him stumbling sideways, crashing into one of the pirs. "Brother!" Ruby shouted and rushed to him, worry etched on her face. Belzard sat in a posture of pain, his head spinning. She looked at his face, and a clear, burned p imprint was etched into his skin, one that didn''t seem like it would heal anytime soon. Ruby turned to Be, her anger evidt. "Sister Be, why are you so vicious? Taking an outsider''s side and ignoring your blood brother," she said, her expression full of hurt. Agus felt amused. Just a momt ago, they had started the scuffle, and now they were using Be of being vicious. Be looked at Ruby and scoffed. "Brother? It was you who didn''t show any respect to your big sister. You never considered me your sister because of my human origin. So, stop with the nonsse, Ruby." "Let''s go, hubby. We don''t need to waste our time on these kids." With that, she walked forward gracefully, pulling Agus by the arm with elegant steps. "I''m going toin to Mother!" Ruby shouted viciously. "If only this b**ch was dead!" Belzard watched them leave, his pride crushed. Despite his rect promotion to Archdemon rank, he realised he didn''t stand a chance against either of them. Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Soul Domination The Duke of Lust, Belial, watched as his daughter and Agus tered the grand court filled with various old demons and officials. He was seated on the Grand Throne, and beside him sat the Duchess along with a few other concubines. They all exuded effortless allure and striking, mature femininity. However, as they looked at Be, some of their pretty faces twisted into contemptuous sneers. Duchess Ruliana looked particrly angry, having just received news of her childr being bullied outside. But one of the concubine had a guine smile as she saw Be. She was Vina, Bianca''s mother. "Call Marquis Reynard. Let''s settle this matter first," Incubus Belial ordered loudly, breaking the silce. Agus and Be stood calmly in the cter, drawing everyone''s atttion. "So, this is the man Lady Be has chos for herself? A half-breed like her?" "How can she be so foolish? Doesn''t she know the union of two half-breeds dilutes the bloodline power in their offspring?" "Honestly, I wasn''t expecting this at all." "Didn''t she receive proposals from various demon princes for her prowess and abilities?" The mocking whispers echoed throughout the court, causing Belial to frown. "Silce!" he shouted, instantly quieting the crowd. Be looked at her father with slight curiosity and concern. "Why is Father so serious today?" Be asked herself, confused. Usually, Belial was caring and would have already called her "Daughter" or "Dear." Be nced at Agus, who seemed to be in a silt staring contest with Belial. "Does Father not like him? Or is there something else going on?" Be shifted uneasily. If her father decided to make things difficult for them, what should she do? Would she go against him tirely for the sake of her newly bonded rtionship? Her thoughts were interrupted as Marquis Reynard tered the hall. "Looks like he''s prepared for something. What''s his problem now?" Agus turned and saw a humanoid demon¡ªa full-body-armored undead warrior of sorts. His eyes were hollow and he radiated an aura of death and decay, and his rusty old bonesword nked against his armor as he moved. As an Archdemon, Marquis Reynard was undoubtedly powerful. But whether he was more powerful than Be and Agus, only time would tell. Marquis Reynard, Agus, and Be stood to the side, looking at Belial for the case to begin. "So, Be, Marquis Reynard has charged you with attacking his territory and capturing its residts as ves. Is that true?" Belial asked calmly, gazing at them to judge their reactions. Neither Be nor Agus flinched, allowing the conversation to continue. "Hmph!" Be scoffed. "Father, it seems Marquis Reynard has misunderstood something, or perhaps he has differt motives. There was an attack from humans, and we were merely trying to save the ogres from their clutches." Agus nodded in agreemt. "Yes, Lord Duke, my partner is correct. That''s exactly what happed. I suspect Marquis Reynard might be in cahoots with human soldiers of the Dragon Empire. He was nowhere near his territory to help, ev after 5,000 or so humans in several battalions were causing massacres for demon cores for their purposes," Agus said, looking coldly at Marquis Reynard. "Oh?" Belial felt intrigued. He hadn''t expected his so-called ''son-inw'' to step in and defd Be so boldly. Agus was clearly more confidt and assertive than thest time he had be there. "Reynard, what do you have to say for yourself now?" he asked the other party. Marquis Reynard spoke in a deathly voice, low and chilling. "My lord, they are speaking nonsse. Clearly, they have colluded with the humans, attacked one of mine in my absce, and brok the Internal Treaty. They have ved my people. Ask them, my lord, if they can dy that the ogres are now in her territory. They should be punished by death for viting the Treaty." At the mtion of the Internal Non-Aggression Treaty, everyone fell silt. The weight of his words hung in the air. Some wise demons noticed the unusual situation. "Why is Marquis Reynard telling Lord Belial to kill his own daughter?" "Is he not afraid of incurring the Duke''s wrath? Everyone knows how much he loves Princess Be. Something doesn''t add up." "Who knows? Maybe he''s achieved immortality, that''s why he isn''t afraid," a few chuckled, joying the show. They had no inttion of interfering. Agus listed to the whispers, he activated his All-Seeing and Appraisal to see if he could find any abnormality. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Reynard ] (Soul Dominated) [ Race: Demon ] [ Species: Undead Skeleton (Intelligt) ] [ Rank: Archdemon ] [ Abilities: . Necrotic Touch . Undead Minions Summoning. 3. Death de Mastery. 4. Bone reconstruction 5. Undyingly Will 6. Deathly Aura 7. Domain Of Skeleton King. Soul Domination: A Skill that can dominate a certain Soul upon linking from far away. They can control the target''s body as if his own, like a puppet. Agus now understood what''s wrong with the Undead. "So a human has a skill that can let him control an Archdemon from far away? That means he is obviously more powerful than an Archdemon. Certainly interesting!" Agus chuckled inwardly, while letting the sce unfold. And if he need to reveal the information to them, he wouldn''t hesitate to do so. He was waiting to see if could gain anything from this. Back to the prest. Lord Belial remained silt as Marquis Reynard''s usations hung in the air, his cold, calcting eyes sweeping across the room. The mtion of the Internal Non-Aggression Treaty had clearly shifted the atmosphere, and everyone waited with bated breath to see how the Duke would respond. Marquis Reynard, standing tall and defiant, continued, "My lord, I merely seek justice. They have brok the sacredws, ved my people, and vited our long-standing peace. If you do not act, the tire demonic realm will see this as weakness." The murmurs among the gathered demons grew louder. Some whispered their suspicions, while others reveled in the unfolding drama. Reynard''s boldness, especially in demanding punishmt for Be, was nothing short of daring¡ªperhaps suicidal. Be, however, was far from intimidated. She met her father''s gaze, her voice calm but unwavering. "Father, Marquis Reynard is lying. He uses us of breaking the treaty, but he convitly forgets to mtion that those ogres willingly defected. They came seeking protection after Marquis Reynard had abandoned them. His cruelty drove them into our arms." She turned her sharp gaze toward Reynard, her eyes shing dangerously. "And as for ving his people, it was he who ved them first, treating them as disposable tools. They sought refuge in our territory, and we granted it. I have upheld the treaty fairly, Father. It is Reynard who has brok it, hmph." The crowd shifted uneasily, watching Lord Belial for a reaction. The Duke''s expression remained inscrutable, but his presce was overwhelming. "You make serious usations, Marquis," Belial finally said, his deep voice cutting through the tsion like a knife. "But tell me, why should I believe your words over those of my daughter?" Reynard''s body movemts indicated anger. "Because she has always be that defiant! She thinks herself above thews of our realm! Just because she had your backing." His bold words made the air freeze, and everyone exchanged uncertain nces at his statemt. Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Clash With Marquis Reynard Belial noticed the odd behavior of Marquis Reynard but chose to remain silt due to theck of evidce. Speaking up without proof would make him seem biased toward his childr, as Marquis Reynard had used. "What do you all think?" he asked, turning to his advisers and wives. An imposing military man from below stood up. "My lord, it would be best to let the two Marquises duel. Whoever is defeated will have their soul searched to uncover the truth." His suggestion received nods of agreemt from many in the room. "Yes, that would be for the best, my lord husband," Duchess Ruliana chimed in from his side, concealing her malicious intt, fully expecting Be''s demise. Vina, however, looked worriedly at the duo as the matter was being settled. Belial spoke, "Do either of you have an issue with this proposal? Marquis Reynard? Be?" "No, I have no problem, my lord!" Marquis Reynard replied, hiding a malicious sneer. Agus epted, and Be confidtly responded, "We have no problem either, father." "Very well," Belial said in hismanding voice before snapping his fingers. In an instant, the courtroom seemed to expand by at least a kilometer on all sides. Yet, from the outside, nothing had changed; the spatial expansion was confined tirely within Belial''s ability. At the cter of the newly expanded tform stood Agus, Be, and the Undead Marquis. Agus couldn''t help but be impressed by Belial''s disy of power¡ªspatial maniption was no easy feat. Only someone of Belial''s stature, a Demon Geral, could manage such a thing. "One of you, step outside!" Belial''s voice boomed, reaching them from afar. Agus turned to Be. "Be, you should step out. I need to handle him. This guy is interesting¡ªhis metal attacks are nothing like yours." "Are you sure?" Be asked, hesitating. "Yes," Agus replied firmly. Be sighed, knowing his decision was final. Wh Agus made up his mind, no one could sway him. Resigned, she began to walk back from the cter, her departure eliciting a rare smile from Belial. He had already ssed that his "son-inw" was far more powerful than he appeared, and now he was eager to see what surprises the young man might bring. Meanwhile, Duchess Ruliana frowned, and the audice exchanged bewildered nces, unsure of what to expect. "What is Princess Be is doing?" one asked. "Who is going to fight Marquis Reynard?" "Don''t tell me it''s that half-breed?" "Yeah, It sounds ridiculous right?" "I know he had royal blood in him, and probably talted. But, isn''t it just suicide to face off an Archdemon like this?" As the whispers in the courtroom grew, Duchess Ruliana''s expression darked further. "Why is this half-breed meddling so much with our n?" she muttered inwardly, gripping the armrest of her seat tightly, her knuckles turning with anger. "Are you alright?" Belial asked, noticing her tse demeanor. Ruliana forced a smile. "Yes, I''m fine, my lord husband. I''m just worried about Be, dear. She''s like a daughter to me, after all..." Belial raised an eyebrow, suspicion shing across his face. He remembered how eagerly Ruliana had pushed for Be to be st into the duel just momts ago. Her sudd concern seemed odd, but he pushed the thought aside, focusing his atttion on the match before him with growing curiosity. "What other surprises could this half-breed bring?" Belial wondered siltly. He was well aware of Agus''s rect feats. Despite being cautious, he wasn''t foolish ough to ce blind trust in someone. The reports he had received had shocked him¡ªAgus had ascded to the rank of Elder Demon within mere weeks, an impossible achievemt, especially in the Demon Lands. Belial had be tempted to interve, to discover the secret behind Agus''s rapid rise. But the revtion that his daughter had fall in love with the young man had giv him pause. It wasn''t just that¡ªBelial had found no trace of Agus''s family, ev in the humannds of Solis. The absce of any record only deeped his suspicion that there was more to this boy than met the eye. For now, Belial chose to wait. He needed to see for himself if Agus was truly worthy of his beloved daughter. --- "You''re certainly a meddlesome fellow, half-breed," the Undead Marquis said, his voice carrying a chilling, macing undertone. "Yes, I am. What can I do? I''m her partner¡ªthough she likes to call me husband," Agus replied, his voice calm and indiffert,pletely unfazed by the Marquis''s hostility. "Th, your d will be because of your foolishness," the Undead Marquisughed darkly, his eyes gleaming with malice as he drew his greatsword, a grotesque weapon made tirely of bones. Agus stood his g, seemingly unbothered, not ev drawing a weapon. But from the outside, he looked like he was wasting his time. "See! That half-breed''s a fool. He doesn''t ev know to arm himself for defse," scoffed a hideous four-headed demon nearby, his eyes trailing lustfully over Be''s figure. "Lady Be certainly made a mistake. I would''ve be a much better option than him." Be shot the demon a disgusted look. "Trash!" she spat, her disdain evidt. The demon''s face turned purple out of embarrassmt. Without paying him any further mind, Be refocused on the impding battle, her stance ready for anything. Her eyes stayed on Agus, prepared to act if anything wt wrong. She wouldn''t let anyone harm her hubby, no matter what. Agus didn''t draw his weapon, not out of arrogance, but because his holy sword could only be wielded by humans. If anyone discovered that he, a half-demon, could use such a weapon, he would be branded a heretic. With his skills restricted and his weapon unusable, his only option was to rely on his demonic abilities, the ones he could reveal without raising suspicion. He couldn''t fully transform into his Hellfire Leviathan form¡ªhis ultimate trump card¡ªbut he could still tap into its basic traits through partial transformation. "Begone!" Undead Marquis Roared. As the Undead Marquis charged at him with the speed of a lightning strike, Agus activated his abilities, bracing himself for the sh. His body surged with demonic power, ready to face his oppont barehanded. Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Victory? Darkness King''s Authority! Physique of Leviathan! (AN: Partial transformation) Agus activated his abilities, and in an instant, his aura shifted dramatically. Darkness poured out from him, spreading across the battlefield, and focused heavily on Marquis Reynard. The oppressive weight of the dark ergy slowed Reynard''s movemts, pressing down on him as if invisible chains were binding his body. His weapon, still gripped tightly, hung useless at his side as he struggled against the force. Rise!! Ssing the growing danger, Reynard summoned hundreds of skeletons, their hollow eyes glowing as they sured him. Armed with bone swords, the undead legion marched toward Agus, their synchronized thudding footsteps echoing like a cavalry charge, filling the atmosphere with an eerie tsion. Boom! Agus jumped and dove down into their midst, the impact shaking the g beath them. His partial Leviathan transformation had drastically boosted his physical strgth, and with his ws, he tore through the undead like they were nothing. Rott flesh and brittle bones crumbled under the force of his strikes, scattering debris across the hard field. The spectators watching from the grand hall were left speechless, their mouths hanging op in disbelief. They couldn''tprehd the ease with which Agus was decimating the undead horde. To him, it seemed like a trivial task. Standing among the remains of hundreds of torn and destroyed bodies, Agus remained calm, like an ancit well. "Growl!" Just as the silce settled over the tform, the growls of the undead broke through once again. Marquis Reynard smirked as the shattered skeletons began to reform. The scattered bones and flesh pulled together, restoring the once-defeated undead army. Agus, however, showed no concern. He stretched his muscles casually, his body now gulfed in Hellfire. The mes flickered macingly, and Marquis Reynard''s smirk faltered- Hellfire was the bane of the undead after all. "Control of Hellfire? Interesting..." Belial''s voice echoed with growing intrigue as his gaze sharped, kely observing the battle unfold. His interest in Agus had now be thoroughly piqued. Belial watched closely, unaware that Agus still held ev greater power in reserve. Boom! Boom! Boom! Agus moved like a bolt of lightning, his Hellfire-infused strikes hitting the undead with such intsity that each one erupted into mes, burning them into nothing but ash. His movemts were a blur, too fast for most to follow. "Die!" At that exact momt, Marquis Reynard broke free from the binds of Agus''s Darkness chains. With a roar, he lunged forward, his heavy skeletal greatsword aimed directly at Agus, intding to impale him. Reynard''s speed was tremdous, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. ng! Agus met the strike head-on, his bare hand colliding with the massive bone sword. The force of the impact vibrated through his tire body, a powerful shockwave rippling outward from the point of contact. The g beath them cracked, and the air itself seemed to tremble as their thunderous sh echoed through the expanded ara. Agus''s eyes narrowed as he steadied himself, feeling the immse power behind Reynard''s blow. But instead of backing down, he smirked. The darkness a him pulsed as Hellfire red ev brighter along his arms, making the sh betwe them ev more intse. The Hellfire swarmed a Reynard, making painful for him to hold onto. But he managed to resist with his armour and Nether ergy. Both fighters locked in a deadlock, neither willing to back off as the audice watched in stunned silce. The ara was filled with the sounds of cracking stone and the burning hiss of Hellfire, while Belial leaned forward, his interest deeping. "Show me what you''ve got, half-breed demon," Reynard sneered, his skeletal face twisted with fury. Agus''s voice remained calm, but there was a fire behind his eyes. "You hav''t se anything yet." Agus produced a pair of wings of Hellfire and Darkness. Buzz! His wings unfurled fully, buzzing as they propelled him into the air with astonishing speed. The tire ara was bathed in the eerie glow of hisbined power, the audice nowpletely captivated by the spectacle. Marquis Reynard, caught off-guard by Agus''s aerial maneuver, remained silt for a momt before a scowl crossed his face. He activated his Deathly Aura, a field that drained life from anything within its range. But as the aura sured Agus, it had no effect on him. Agus smirked, unaffected. His own affinity with Death made Reynard''s power seem pitiful inparison, his aura far superior in strgth. Frustration built up in Reynard. But, His undead will refused to give up. With immse force, he gripped his Skeletal Greatsword with both hands and hurled it like a spear, its tip aimed at Agus with deadly intsion. Whoosh! The air whistled as the weapon''s destructive tip hurtled toward him, but Agus remained unfazed. With a calm, focused gaze, he extded his hand and activated one of his more devastating abilities. "Gluttony of Darkness!" In an instant, a swirling ck hole formed in Agus''s palm, sucking the greatsword into it like a voracious void,pletely nullifying Reynard''s attack. The crowd gasped in astonishmt as the weapon vanished without a trace, their disbelief echoing throughout the hall. Suddly, a series of notifications shed across Agus''s vision: [Strgth +50] [Agility +50] [Defse +55] Agus nced at the notifications but quickly dismissed them. His mind was now tirely focused on finishing the fight. In seconds, He reached at top the ceiling of hall. Swish! Th, with a swift motion, he folded his wings behind him and dove down toward Reynard, leaving a ck fiery trail on his path. Hellfire burned brighter a his Deathly w as he prepared to unleash a devastating sh. The air trembled behind him as the intse dark power surged through his body. Reynard''s hollow eyes flickered brightly, barely having time to react before Agus descded upon him like a falling star. BOOOM! Agus''s deathly ws connected with Reynard''s armor, piercing through it upon impact. The explosive force shattered Marquis Reynard''s skeletal body into pieces. Agus, propelled by the extra force, collided with the hard g, causing an earth-shattering impact. The floor beath him copsed within a 50-meter radius. A fiery storm and debris scattered everywhere, reaching near the spectators who stood at a safe distance. They felt the deathly heat, and shivered, realizing that if they had be any closer, they most likely might not have survived . As the dust began to settle, everyone looked toward the cter with curious faces... "Is Marquis Reynard dead already?" they all wondered. Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Duchess Ruliana As the dust slowly cleared, all eyes fixated on the cter of the shattered battlefield. The once formidable Marquis Reynardy in ruin, his skeletal remains scattered, armor fragmted and brok, with pieces of his body strewn across the g. A deafing silce gripped the ara, the crowd too stunned to utter a word. Slightly disorited, Agus stood crouching down at the epicter of the destruction, his Hellfire and Darkness wings flickering ominously behind him, casting an eerie glow on the debris. His ws still smoked from the impact, and the g beath him continued to smolder. He slowly rose to his full height, shaking off the dust, his expression unreadable. "Is Marquis Reynard dead?" the murmurs from the spectators grew louder, their voices tinged with disbelief. "...." Suddly, a low, raspy sound echoed across the hall. It was not a cheer, nor a gasp-it was the unmistakable crackling of bones. From the rubble, the remains of Marquis Reynard began to stir. His hollow eye sockets red with an unnatural light as his bones reassembled, piece by piece. The fragmts of his shattered body slowly drew together as if some dark force was pulling them back into form. Agus narrowed his eyes but remained calm. He had expected this. After he had se what kind of abilities he had. Reynard''s skeletal body reformed, albeit shakier than before. His Death Aura flickered weakly a him. "You... think... this will stop me, demon?" he rasped, his voice a hollow echo. "I... am eternal... death cannot im me." The audice gasped, watching in horror as the Undead Marquis, though severely weaked, stood once more. Agus, however, did not look impressed. With a wave of his hand, the Hellfire suring him roared back to life, brighter and more intse than before. "Not eternal ough, ve," Agus muttered coldly, his eyes glowing with dark power as he prepared to d the battle for good. "Why is he calling Marquis Reynard a ve?" Belial mused, noticing something peculiar in Agus''s words. "Or is it just arrogance?" With a thunderous roar, Marquis Reynard unleashed his Skeleton King''s Domain. Instantly, a 50-meter radius a him transformed into a hellish dome of skeletons. Agus was immediately sured by hundreds of giant skeletons, while the g and air became riddled with sharp bones from various creatures. Those bones radiated a deathly aura, capable of sucking the soul from anyone who dared get pierced by them. Agus, unfazed, used Body Duplication, instantly splitting himself into two. Both Agus and his doppelganger flew in opposite directions, outmaneuvering the skeletons with impressive speed and keeping them distracted. Although a few of the deathly bones grazed him, his scaly, armored body offered ample protection, bolstered by his affinity with death, rdering the scratches insignificant. Boom! Crash! Within momts, Agus had dismantled Marquis Reynard''s skeletal body once again. tter, tter echoed through the hall as the bones reassembled themselves, reconstructing into a grotesque form like a true undead. "Not this time, human ve!" Agus sneered coldly, his fingers conjuring death strings that danced eerily in the shadows, numbering in the hundreds. The undead Marquis let out a painful howl as the death strings wrapped a his defseless body, began sucking away what remained of his life force. The crowd murmured, having heard the term "human ve" more clearly this time. Their eyes wided as understanding dawned on them. "There''s something definitely off with Marquis Reynard, isn''t there?" one spectator whispered. "Yeah," another agreed. "If Princess Be''s partner is right, th it seems like Marquis Reynard is under the control of a human." They stopped calling him as a "half-breed" as they realised this "Half-breed" they call it, was more powerful than themselves. They could hardly contd against Marquis, much less Agus. Belial appeared intrigued, but Duchess Ruliana looked visibly tse, exchanging nervous nces with others. As the death strings drained his ergy, Reynard''s skeletal body became visibly weaker, his posture sagging as if the very essce of his existce was being sucked away. "Kekekeke..." Strangely, despite his weaked state, Marquis Reynard cackled, as if finding the situation amusing. "You''re one hell of a demon, Agus. Ev my soul attacks don''t work on you." Unknown to the crowd, Reynard had be attempting to invade Agus''s mind with soul attacks, trying to take control. But thanks to Nullified Mtal Attacks, Agus''s impetrable soul shield thwarted every effort, making such attacks useless. "I will remember you," Reynard rasped before turning his hollow gaze to Belial. "And Belial, start counting your days. I will kill you with my own hands." Heughed coldly. Belial shot up from his seat, attempting to catch Reynard''s soul before it could escape. Bang! But before Belial could reach him, Marquis Reynard detonated himself, both soul and body obliterated in a violt explosion. In the aftermath, Duchess Ruliana exhaled a sigh of relief, but her reaction didn''t go unnoticed. Suspicious nces were cast in her direction, most notably from Vina, whose eyes narrowed in growing suspicion. Belial, towering over Agus with his muscr frame and bat-like, feathery wings, stared down at him, but Agus remainedpletely unfazed by the intimidating presce. "Wh did you discover that Reynard was under a human''s control? Ev I couldn''t sse it. And why didn''t inform it earlier?," Belial asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. Be, along with several others, approached, ssing the tsion in the air. She took her ce beside Agus, an action that momtarily left Belial speechless. "Is my darling daughter really abandoning me for the sake of the man she''s known for only three weeks? Love truly makes people blind, just like I did in the past," Belial thought inwardly, observing Be''s overprotective stance towards Agus. Agus responded calmly, "I possess an ability that makes me ssitive to the souls of others wh they''re weaked. I can ev attack their soul, which can severely damage them. That''s how I discovered the fragmted human soul controlling Reynard." Thest part was a lie to make it more believable. Belial raised a brow, impressed yet wary. "Oh, you''re more igmatic than I thought," he said with a faint smile, the hidd meaning in his words not lost on Agus. "So, can you check if anyone else here is under their control?" Belial asked, subtly changing the topic wh he noticed Be''s gaze harding. Agus shook his head, intding to dy the request. But as he did, his Appraisal ability unknowingly caught sight of Duchess Ruliana, and his lips curled into a smirk. There was something there, something intriguing. Belial noticed the shift in Agus''s demeanor and followed his gaze, briefly catching Ruliana''s nervous expression. Suspicion flickered in his eyes, but for the momt, he said nothing, awaiting the next move in this unfolding drama. Chapter 136: Chapter 136: Culprit "Yes, I can, Lord Duke," Agus stated calmly. "But for that, I need you to suppress everyone''s powers here. Only th will I be able to truly check for any lingering traces of Soul Domination." What? Soul search on us? This is outrageous! Murmurs rippled through the crowd, discontt growing among the nobles. The very idea of having their powers suppressed seemed unthinkable to some, especially Duchess Ruliana, whose expression turned rigid with panic. "This is nonsse!" Duchess Ruliana protested. "Why should weply with this baseless usation? You think you''ve be important ough to question all of us? Remember, you''re just a lowly half-breed." Be''s face darked. "Why not? Are you scared of something, dear ''Mother''?" Be asked sarcastically. Ruliana frowned but feigned sadness. "Be¡­ You suspect me? I love you just like your mother did. How could you say that to me?" She looked as if she might cry any second. "Oh, please," Be scoffed, knowing full well her stepmother''s nature. "Nobody can rece my mother." Others voiced their agreemt with Ruliana, nodding and grumbling among themselves. "Alright, ough!" The room fell silt wh Belial raised a hand, his expression unyielding. His eyes glowed with deadly intt as he spoke in a low,manding tone. "Ruliana, I see no problem giving it a go. Or do you not trust me?" "Husband, that''s not true. I trust you wholeheartedly. But what if he tries to harm you by turning everyone else against you?" she said, her voice filled with seemingly guine concern. Be interved. "Impossible! My hubby would never do such a thing," she retorted loudly. Belial turned to Agus, his eyes narrowing into slits at hearing Be call Agus "husband." He ignored the matter for now and continued. "Don''t worry, Ruliana. I will make sure that never happs." His eyes flickered with power as muscles cracked, aiming to intimidate Agus. Ruliana found no words to retort. Belial turned to his subordinates. "If there are traitors among us, they will be found. Anyone who refuses will be se as guilty. I will personally deal with them." The room wt dead silt at his words. Despite herposed exterior, Duchess Ruliana exchanged frantic nces with some of the other nobles. She knew that resisting would only draw more suspicion toward her. Reluctantly, the demons in the roomplied, allowing Belial to suppress their powers. A faint shimmer passed through the hall as a powerful wave of demonic ergy swept over them, weaking their auras and stripping them of their supernatural defses. In pretse, Agus''s eyes glowed with dark ergy as he activated his ability to scan their souls. His gaze swept across the room, and it wasn''t long before it locked onto Duchess Ruliana. A slow, knowing smirk crept across his face. Agus pointed, "Duchess Ruliana... you were under soul control until a few momts ago." his voice filled with certainty. Gasps erupted from the crowd, and all eyes turned to Ruliana, whose face drained of color. Herposure shattered as she took a step back, her chest tighting under Belial''s gaze, which bore into her with a killing intt that could crush worlds. "No... this can''t be... He''s lying, Lord Husband," Ruliana stammered, but her voice was weak, betraying her guilt. Be smiled and looked at her father. "Father, you should do a soul search on her yourself if you don''t believe Agus," she suggested. Belial, finding the matter serious, moved closer to Ruliana, despite her reluctance. He touched her forehead to begin the search. Unlike Agus, who could detect the foreign soul from afar, Belial needed to do it directly. He read her soul memories and was astonished by what he found. "Paah!" He pped her hard across her pretty face, without mercy. "Speak, Ruliana," Belialmanded, his voice dangerously low. Although he knew everything, he wanted the others to hear the truth as well. The air grew heavy, suffocating Ruliana under the weight of his power, and her knees buckled. She could no longer resist. "I..." She began speaking, her voice trembling, as her secrets spilled out under the pressure of Belial''s presce. She was powerless in front of him, as if she could be crushed at any momt. "Please forgive me, Lord Husband. I was approached by a human in my mind. He was really powerful. He wanted demon cores¡ªastronomical amounts of them. In exchange, he vowed to kill Be." Her confession st shockwaves through the room. Be''s eyes wided in disbelief, her hands instinctively clching into fists. Ruliana, seeing the fury in Be''s gaze, spoke more desperately. "I had no choice! I hated Be because she''s the previous Duchess Celeste''s daughter... Celeste, a mere human, who once held my position! I feared that if Celeste returned, she would reim her title and remove me from power... I would lose everything! So I took the human''s offer..." She broke down betwe sobs. "I can''t believe Duchess Ruliana would betray the Lord Duke for an unknown human''s promise." "Yeah, true. Who knows how many demon cores she had embezzled outside?" The crowd stood stunned, processing the depth of her betrayal. Be''s lips trembled, her eyes locking onto Ruliana with a mixture of shock and disgust. "You would do all this... to kill me, out of jealousy and fear? My mother treated you all like sisters, and that''s how you repay her? You''re truly disgusting!" Be said, her voice filled with contempt and a twinge of pain for her mother. Vina stepped forward tofort her, taking Be into her embrace. Ruliana''s head hung low in shame, but she made no further excuses. Belial''s expression grew darker with every word. He stepped forward, his aura crackling with mace. "Ruliana, I never expected this from you. I trusted you and gave you the Duchess Title, and that''s how you repay me?" "For conspiring with the emy and dangering our people," he said in a cold, unforgiving tone, "You will face the consequces." Ruliana trembled at the thought of punishmt. "Mercy, lord husband! I did it all because of your love," she begged, kneeling and holding onto his leg. Belial had no forgivess for her betrayal. "My decision is final, Ruliana. You will be imprisoned for t years in the cold prison," he said ruthlessly, breaking herst hope. "Father, Mother, what''s going on?" Ruby, Belzard, and Belial''s few more childr tered the hall, ssing the tsion inside. After learning everything, Ruby and Belzard begged for their mother to be spared. Their teary eyes softed Belial''s gaze slightly. They were his childr, after all. He reduced the punishmt to five years, allowing her to meet with her childr once a month. Thus, the matter concluded, and everyone began to leave the hall, leaving Be and Agus alone with Belial. Ruby, her red eyes swoll, took onest nce at them before leaving with her brother to apany their mother, who seemed lifeless as if she had lost something precious. A few guards with stern faces dragged her for imprisonmt. Belial watch them go without emotions. To him, there was no concept of love towards his wives anymore after the separation with Celeste. She was the only one who was able to move his heart for true. Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Sacred Phoenix "Vina, why didn''t you leave?" Belial asked upon noticing her presce. Vina smiled as she moved closer. "Because I want to join in your family discussion as well. I''ve tak care of Be like my own child, so I willplete the duty in her mother''s absce," she said, gtly holding Be''s hand in support. "And, my lord husband, you can''t refuse," she added with a resolute look, her wings straighting in defiance. Be nced gratefully at Vina. "Be, why don''t you introduce me to our son-inw?" Vina asked with a teasing smile. Be smiled, but Belial furrowed his brows. "Hey, who is our son-inw? I hav''t approved anything yet!" Ignoring her father''s protest, Be intertwined her hand with Agus''s. "Of course, Mother. His name is Agus, and we''ve alreadypleted our marriage vows," she said with a smile, watching her father to gauge his reaction. Belial''s expression darked, clearly displeased by the news, but he also knew she was an adult. The problem was something else. "Be, wh you brought him to the demon world and made him your servant, I never thought you''d decide to make him your other half. Don''t you realize your child''s bloodline would be diluted?" Belial asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. Be smiled, recognizing her father wasn''t truly angry. "I don''t care about that, Father. We want each other, and that''s what matters most to me." "Lord husband worries too much," Vina interjected gtly. "There''s no guarantee their childr will have a weaker bloodline. Hav''t we se how powerful and promising Agus is? Who knows, their offspring might bring a miracle?" she added with a soft smile. Belial heard her but was clearly displeased by Agus''s silce. "I understand, Vina, but why hasn''t he said anything? Does he not value this rtionship ough to speak?" Belial asked, his gaze locking onto Agus. Be squeezed Agus''s hand, leaning in to whisper, "Hubby, just call him father-inw, so we can get through this quickly." "Father-inw?" Agus blinked, finding the sudd rtionship awkward, but heposed himself, meeting Belial''s stormy gaze. "Father-inw, Be is all I need. I will never let her down as my... wife, in my life. Please, give us your blessing," he said calmly, his sincerity evidt despite the awkwardness. Be''s gaze was filled with love, her heart filled with happiness at his words. Belial''s expression softed slightly as he asked, "What is your family name? You need to reveal your backg before you ask for my blessing." Agus hesitated before replying, "My full name is Agus Degaro." "Degaro? Never heard of it. I know most of the promint families in the humannds, but yours doesn''t sound familiar," Belial remarked, his brows furrowing in curiosity. "I actually don''t know either," Agus admitted. "You don''t know?" Belial''s voice carried a hint of suspicion. "That is certainly odd." "Yes," Agus replied. "My memories are... a bit fuzzy. It''s like they''re there, but I can''t recall anything about them." Agus wasn''t lying. For days now, he''d be seeing blurry images, but of them had solidified into clear memories of his past self or idtity. He suspected it had something to do with a connection to a higher realm or something, though he had no concrete proof yet. Be, knowing this about him already, remained calm, her warm hand offering him siltfort. She didn''t doubt him and trusted his journey of self-discovery. Belial, however, found the situation mysterious. Who could his parts be? he wondered. A person with such unnatural talt definitely couldn''te from an ordinary family. If Agus was truly a nobody, it would be one of the greatest anomalies in Mythraldor, where lineage and bloodline were dominant. After a momt of contemtion, Belial let out a sigh. "Forget it," he said, waving his hand dismissively. It was a headache for now, but he made a mtal note to investigate furtherter. "Still," Belial added, his tone softing as he looked at Be, "Be, if he makes you happy, that''s what matters. But don''t think I won''t be keeping an eye on you, Agus." Agus nodded respectfully. "I wouldn''t expect anything less from you, Father-inw." Be''s happiness at her father''s easy approval quickly turned to concern as she heard his next words. Vina''s smile faded too, ssing the gravity of what was about to be said. "Remember, Agus," Belial began, his voice more serious, "One day, you may have to face Be''s mother''s family. She wasn''t an ordinary human. Has Be told you yet?" Agus nced at Be, confused. She shook her head. "No, father, I was waiting for your permission before revealing it to him," Be replied. Belial''s expression softed slightly. "Ah, good. At least you kept your word on that." Be grinned mischievously, "Yes, I did." Belial th turned his atttion back to Agus, his tone grave. "Agus, Be''s mother possessed the Sacred Phoix bloodline from the Phoix Empire. That bloodline is regarded as sacred, and they are fiercely protective of it. They may not look kindly on your rtionship with Be. You see, they interved in my rtionship with her mother, Celeste, and forced us apart, despite how much we loved each other." Agus could feel the weight of Belial''s words sinking in, but he remained silt, absorbing the new information. Belial continued, "We made a pact that in exchange for separating us, Be would be kept away from their rules and influce. So far, they''ve honored that promise. But who knows how long that willst? If you ever set foot in the Phoix Empire, you must be careful." Be squeezed Agus''s hand, her expression somber. But, together they could confront anything, they believed. Belial paused, th added, "And I hear you two are nning to ter humannds? You''ll have to be ev more cautious there, especially with your ability to give demons a human disguise." "Huh! How did you know?" Agus and Be asked unison, furrowing their brows. "Well, That''s something to be thankful for, giv how weak your defse is." He chuckled at their surprised reactions. Agus just nodded and decided to make their Army''s defses far more stronger wh they returned. Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Bellas Possessiveness Atst, Be pulled Agus toward her father, urging him into a firm embrace. Belial seemed awkward, but Agus was ev more so. "Thank you, Father, for agreeing to our rtionship. Soon, we''ll give you a grandson to y with," Be teased, her eyes glinting mischievously as she nced at Agus. "Ahem..." Belial cleared his throat, looking somewhat ufortable. "I hope so." Turning to Agus, he added, "And boy, remember, if you ever think of adding another life partner, make sure my daughter is always your first priority. Power and influce can make ev the most loyal man fickle. This will be inevi¡ª" He was cut off by Be''s sharp gaze. "Father, what are you implying? My darling isn''t like you, who needs multiple wom. Hubby will have only me in his heart, right, Agus?" Her eyes, gleaming with jealousy, locked onto Agus, leaving him little room to disagree. "Oh, yes, yes. Be is right," Agus answered hastily, trying not to make her ufortable. Truthfully, he''d never considered having multiple partners. Be smiled faintly, leaning closer as she held his hand. Belial scoffed, as though doubting the stimt but decided not to argue further. Vina, watching her lord husband and their interactions, smiled warmly at the sce. "So, Be and Son-inw, wh are you two nning to hold a formal wedding?" Vina asked, her tone light but serious. Although the demon world didn''t ce much importance on formalities like marriage, the nobility held them as a way to strgth their bonds, just like in human society. "Vina is right," Belial added, nodding in agreemt. "You two should have a formal wedding at least. A verbal ceremony won''t suffice." Be and Agus exchanged a nce, as if they''d already made a decision beforehand. "Father, we''ve nned to do it after our visit to Crimson City," Be replied. Belial raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to the human world for sightseeing. Why Crimson City now?" His voice carried a hint of concern. Vina visibly tsed at the mtion of Crimson City. Be''s gaze shifted to Agus, her voice filled with worry. "Father, Mother, Agus has a soul injury. We''re hoping to find something there that can heal him." Agus looked gratefully at Be, their hands still intertwined, offering each other silt support. Belial''s expression darked as he realized the gravity of the situation. "Oh¡­ that''s a serious issue, boy. Unfortunately, we don''t have anything here to treat soul wounds. I don''t have the ability either." He paused, thinking carefully before continuing. "If you''re determined to go, I''ll write a letter for you to prest to Lord Crimson. It should help, but don''t rely on it too much. He''s an unpredictable and iprehsible person. Be cautious and don''t draw unnecessary atttion. You''ve already drawn plty here, but in Crimson City, I won''t be able to protect you." His tone was firm, full of warning. Be''s nervousness crept in at his words, but Agus squeezed her hand gtly, reassuring her. Agus gave a curt nod, his voice resolute. "Yes, I will. I''ll make sure both of us return safely." "Wait, Be and Son-inw, why don''t you stay here for the day before heading out?" Vina suggested kindly. "You must have traveled a long way." "Yes, mother. We have nned to do so." Be and Agus nodded in agreemt and followed Vina out of the court. Belial remained behind, his gaze lingering on Agus. "Degaro, huh? Still, it rings no bell," he muttered to himself, feeling an unsettling sse of mystery suring the young man. Despite his abilities, Agus remained an igma that Belial couldn''t quite decipher. He could sse something was being hidd, but he had no means to pry further. Outside in the hallway, Vina excused herself, leaving the two alone, intding to cook a special meal for them. As she left, Agus noticed several mature demonic wom with incredible beauty watching them curiously from a distance. He quickly surmised that they were Belial''s wives and concubines. Growing curious, Agus turned to Be. "I forgot to ask, how many wives and childr does your father have?" Be looked at him with a small smile. "My bad, I should have told you sooner. He has 49 wives, and my half-siblings? Well, they number close to 0." Agus raised his eyebrows in surprise, which didn''t escape Be''s sharp gaze. "What?" Be asked, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Are you tempted as well?" Her shimmering purple eyes were piercing. "Of course not. I was just asking out of curiosity," Agus replied smoothly. "Hmph." Be dismissed it but th moved closer, interlocking her arm with his, her body pressing intimately against him. It was a clear sign of possession, as if dering him hers to anyone watching. Agus remained silt, though his body betrayed a subtle reaction to her closess. He could already tell the night ahead would be intse, judging by the passionate look in her eyes. Yet despite the warmth and closess, Agus couldn''t shake the feeling that something was still missing, a lingering sse that gnawed at him from deep within. Agus and Be passed by a training g where young princes and princesses were being instructed, sured by high-ranking guards for tight security. An elder instructor was teaching them how to properly harness their bloodline powers and effectively use their strong demonic bodies to their advantage. The guards noticed Princess Be and Agus approaching and gave respectful bows. Word of the rect incidt had already spread like wildfire, and no one dared to underestimate Agus anymore. "Haha, Be! Have you finallye to visit this old man?" an elderly, -haired Oni stepped forward with a wide smile. The Oni, a higher-evolved species of demonic ogres, looked more humanlike, with distinct horns and intricate red markings on his face. Be returned the smile. "Yes, Teacher Ondo. I thought I''d take this opportunity to introduce you to my husband." As she spoke, she nced fondly at Agus. "Ah, I''ve already heard the news. It seems my old ears still catch the important bits," Ondo chuckled, his voice warm but teasing. Master Ondo th turned his gaze to Agus, scrutinizing him from head to toe, his sharp eyes analyzing every detail. The young princes and princesses, who had be training nearby, watched Be with shining eyes, admiring her strgth and reputation. Many of them knew the stories of how she had grown powerful under Master Ondo''s guidance. Although they were half-siblings, they rarely had the chance to interact with her as oft as they would have liked. The sce was filled with curiosity, respect, and a sse of legacy, as the next geration of demonic royalty looked to Be and Agus with awe. Chapter 139: Chapter 139: Extreme Onigiri Combat Body Master Ondo''s sharp eyes never missed a detail. As he scrutinized Agus, the elder Oni could sse something off. Thanks to his years of experice, he could tell he was just an immature brat with vast power. He smiled warmly, but his mind was already analyzing the young man before him. "Agus, right?" Ondo began, his voice calm yetmanding. "I''ve heard a lot about your rect feats of defeating Reynard. Don''t you want to join me for a small spar of closebat? It would be a shame being Be''s husband if you can''t defeat this old man." He chuckled, provoking Agus. "Sure." Agus chuckled amusedly. He wanted to see what this old man was trying to do. "Teacher, is this necessary?" Be looked slightly worried as she knew how high Master Ondo''s battle experice was. He was an old Archdemon, after all. "Of course, Be, it is. This old man needs to see if this young man has what it takes to protect you for the rest of your life." The old man was insistt about it. Be watched helplessly as they tered the stage in the middle. Either way she also hoped Agus could learn something from her teacher as well. The young princes and princesses gathered in a circle to watch their fight. It was not every day they got to see two Archdemons fight, after all. Agus prepared himself for confrontation, hoping he could learn from the old man. He decided to rely on his raw physical strgth to discover his own weaknesses. Of course, his passive skills in closebat were already graved in his muscle memory. The elder Oni stretched hispressed muscr arms, his towering presce alonemanding respect. Despite his age, there was no dying the raw power and experice he possessed as an Archdemon. "Let''s begin th,d," Ondo said with a grin. Agus nodded and readied himself, his stance rxed but focused. The elder Oni moved first, his speed unexpected for someone of his size and age. He closed the distance in an instant, aiming a powerful strike at Agus''s midsection. Agus barely managed to sidestep, his reflexes kicking in just in time. However, Ondo was reltless, his attacks a blur of swift punches and kicks. Thud, thud, thud. Agus could feel the force behind each blow, and while he dodged some, the sheer speed at which Ondo moved was overwhelming. Each of Ondo''s organs and body parts moved with extreme fluidity. Agus was impressed by his oppont''s coordination and efficit power distribution. The old man surely wasn''t holding back, was he? His speed and flexibility were far superior to what Agus had anticipated. Agus attempted to counter with a quick strike of his own, but Ondo blocked it effortlessly, smirking. "You rely too much on your power,d. It''s amon w among the young who wield vast strgth immaturely." Bang! Before Agus could react, Ondo swept his leg out from under him, sding him crashing to the g. "Whoa! Master Ondo is awesome as always!" The crowd murmured in surprise, while Be clched her fists, concerned. Agus quickly rolled back onto his feet, a few footprints and strike marks on his body. "Master, I can help you increase yourprehsion speed temporarily," Manas''s voice suddly rang in his mind. "Do it. I need to learn," Agus replied, finding it hard to keep up with the old demon. "Yes, Master!" [Your Comprehsion speed increased by MANAS by 00% temporarily] Instantly, Agus''s brain wt into overdrive. He began to notice and learn how Ondo''s muscles moved, the coordinated movemts, and the efficit execution of power. Gradually, Agus managed to counterattack a few times during their exchanges. Ondo''s eyes wided slightly in surprise at the sudd shift, but he didn''t falter. He matched Agus blow for blow, his movemts fluid and calcted. But as time passed, his shock turned to horror as he realized Agus''sbat abilities were slowly matching his own, something Ondo had gained over decades of practice. Ondo was awestruck at his talt. Still, he didn''t give up. He increased the ferocity of his strikes. After several exchanges, Ondo suddly disappeared from Agus''s view, reappearing behind him with a swift kick to his back. Agus staggered forward, but before he could recover, Ondonded another blow to his chest, sding him crashing into the g once more. This time, Agus didn''t get up immediately. Hey there, panting, his body bruised from the elder Oni''s strikes. But he felt only slight pain due to his Pain Resistance skill. As he slowly pushed himself to his feet, Ondo stood over him, arms crossed. "Teacher! Are you trying to kill him?" Be stepped betwe them, shooting daggers at Ondo. "Hahaha... Am I trying to kill him? Surely, that must be a joke. You do know he''s a freak, right? He learns so fast that I felt like my eyes were deceiving me." Be helped Agus stand up, feeling proud. "I know, teacher." Be''s gaze softed. "I thank you for that." "Lad, you''re the most talted individual I''ve se in my years. To top it off, you''re a half-breed as well. It is nothing short of surprising. You have a great future." Ondo smiled, looking at the duo. "Thank you for your teaching!" Agus could only say this in gratitude. Ondo chuckled. "Don''t thank me yet,d. You still have a lot to learn about my Onigiri Fighting Style." "Be, you should join as well. Let''s see if you''ve gott rusty after all these years." "You asked for it, teacher," Be said with a grin and joined them. The spectators watched the trio''s sparring with excited faces. A protective barrier had be cast by Master Ondo for their safety. They gradually got carried away in their sparring, while learning from each other. [ You have developed a new Passive Skill: Extreme Onigiri Combat Body (C) ] [ Extreme Onigiri Combat Body: This skill grants increased control of the body, hancing muscle coordination, efficit power usage, and agile movemts ] With the skill, Agus could now ev bd his body at a 90¡ã angle backward without breaking a sweat. He felt lighter and more in control of his body, which was normally governed automatically by his brain and cells. "Phew... That was some intse training, teacher. Thank you," Be said, catching her breath as she sat on the g beside them. "It was nothing, Be, my dear. But your husband has already caught up to me. He''s a freak as if it''s like almost natural for him. You should never let him go. Keep him in check," Ondo whispered with a smile. Agus heard themt clearly but chose to say nothing. He nced at Be''s sweat-covered face and found himself mesmerized for a few seconds. Her soft, glowing skin, red lips, and striking posture like a Que was something to behold. As if ssing his gaze, Be turned and gave him a knowing nce, feeling pleased that she could tempt the "Iceberg King." Agus awkwardly averted his gaze, and his face twitched. "Alright, Teacher. We should be going now. It''s getting dark," Be said to Ondo, pulling Agus up from the g in an elegant yet subtly seductive manner. Ondo chuckled, amused, watching them leave with a smile. Chapter 140: Chapter 140: To Crimson City "So, Be, when will Bianca return?" Vienna asked at therge dining table. Only Aengus, Be, and Vienna were present. Be looked apologetic. "Sorry, Mother. I''ll send her back when we return." "No, no, it''s fine. I''m just d she''s learning something from you. Just take good care of her. She''s a grown girl now," Vienna said, her voice tinged with concern. "Of course," Be smiled, her purple eyes shimmering as she watched Aengus eat. ____ Night. After finishing a delicious meal of monster meat made by Vienna, Aengus found himself in Be''s personal room¡ªthe same room she had lived in since childhood. Be, full of energy, began sharing memories from her childhood, especially of the time spent with her mother before they were separated. Though she had been only 3 to 5 years old at the time, the memories remained vivid in her mind. "Look at this, darling," Be said with a warm smile, pointing to a small y statue of a woman and her child. "This statue was made by my mother and me when I was a kid. Her warm smiles while making it still shes in my mind. This statue is the best memory she left for me." It was rare for Be to open up emotionally like this, but perhaps she had found a shoulder to lean on, someone to share her heart with. Aengus gazed at the statue, then gently touched it, feeling the connection Be held to this cherished memory. Then, with his right hand, Aengus began to create a simr statue, only this time, he portrayed Be in her adult form standing beside her mother, Celeste. Be looked at it in disbelief, her eyes unknowingly filling with emotion. As Aengus finished the artwork using his skill, he turned to her. "Here, this is my first gift to you." Though his expression remained calm and emotionless, Be was overwhelmed by the simple yet meaningful gesture that touched her heart deeply. "Hubby!" she eximed, holding the statue tightly in her hands before embracing him tightly. "Thank you, Aengus. It means so much to me." In her embrace, Aengus softly replied, "I''m d you like it, Be." After a while, she calmed down and gazed at Aengus with affection. "Hubby, let''s sleep," she whispered in a low voice before pulling him on top of her and rolling onto the wide, fragrant bed that smelled of rare flowers. Vienna, ever thoughtful, must have arranged the flowers, taking over the role Be''s mother.. They exchanged passionate kisses, and it seemed like they were about to take things to the next level. Be, dressed in a nightgown that revealed her creamy white skin and the alluring contours of her alluring figure, was undeniably tempting. "Wait¡­ Be," Aengus said, stopping her when she started to remove his sleeping clothes, feeling slightly ufortable. "I think¡­ we''re not ready for this yet. We should take our time," he exined, looking at her slightly disappointed face. "Hmph¡­" Be pouted but eventually understood. She was a little unhappy, but she realized he was probably right. She just wanted to feel his mark of ownership, to strengthen their bond further. "Fine... but we can do other things, right?" "Other things?" Aengus was puzzled, his mind imagining wild possibilities. "Hehe... Hubby, I''ll teach you everything slowly. Trust me, I''ve learned a few things from the maids. I bet your human girlfr¡ª" She stopped mid-sentence, realizing the mistake she was about to make. "You bet what?" Aengus asked, confused by her sudden pause. "Nothing!" Be replied quickly, covering her slip. She felt relieved knowing that she and Aengus would be creating their own first memories together. She had learned from Aengus that he and Aria had only kissed once, just as their rtionship was beginning, before all the incidents had urred. "Now... let''s continue, hubby. I''ll show you true heaven is," Be said, smiling naughtily. Aengus gulped involuntarily, preparing himself for whatever adventure awaited him. ----- After their night activities, Aengus and Be woke up feeling refreshed. The experience had been new and exciting for Aengus, but he was pleased by the closeness it brought them. They slowly rose, freshened up, and refocused on the tasks at hand. Now, they stood in front of Belial, in a room with intricate designs carved into its walls, glowing faintly with arcane symbols. "This spatial gate will take you both to Crimson Demon City," Belial exined, his voice firm andmanding. "It''s a one-way gate, so when you want to return, you''ll need to use one of the spatial gate services avable there. Be careful, ande back safely," he reminded them sternly. The Spatial Gate itself shimmered in front of them, resembling a portal with a transparent red passageway, pulsating faintly as if alive. Belial handed them a sealed letter, which Be promptly stored in her Spatial Bracelet. "We will, Father. No need to worry," Be replied confidently. "We aren''t nning to cause trouble, knowing what''s waiting for us." She then yfully pinched Aengus, prompting him to speak. "Ah, goodbye, Father-inw. I''ll bring her back safely," Aengus said awkwardly, trying to sound more assured, which made Be chuckle softly. "You better be," Belial said with a smirk, though his tone was mixed with a subtle threat. "If anything happens to her... you''re dead, boy." The tension hung in the air for a moment before Aengus and Be stepped into the red, transparent passageway, vanishing from sight as the portal engulfed them, leaving Belial standing behind with a stern gaze. ---- With a sh of brilliant red light, Aengus and Be crossed through the chaotic space passage. The sensation was disorienting, but manageable. However, Aengus couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. It wasn''t a hostile gaze, but rather one filled with curiosity and concern. The sensation left him puzzled, though he quickly dismissed it, thinking it useless to dwell on. Suddenly, Be''s voice broke the silence. "You must be kidding me, right? Father!" she eximed, her tone filled with exasperation. Aengus, confused by her reaction, opened his eyes to see what had caused such disbelief. The scene before him was entirely unexpected. Wait... Is this ce.. As they looked around, Aengus and Be were confronted by the unsettling sight of numerous humans caged inrge quantities. The cages were crudely constructed, packed tightly with people of various ages, their faces marked with fear and despair. Be''s face darkened. "This is the human ve market," she answered, confirming Aengus''s worst suspicion. "Unbelievable! That''s why I don''t trust those Spatial Gates." She fumed. Chapter 141: Chapter 141: Slave District "Kekeke¡­ What do we have here?" A sudden cackle echoed through the air. Aengus and Be turned to see a demon with four hands, gazing at them with greed and ecstasy. "So, the demon god hasn''t abandoned me yet. He sent me these two half-breeds as gifts. Kekeke..." Be furrowed her brows. "Hey, let us out of here, mongrel, or we''ll destroy it ourselves." The demonughed heartily. "Kekeke! You must be joking, beautiful. We''re going to sell you two, and then you can go wherever you wish. Although, I doubt they''ll ever let you go. They would definitely like the taste of a Subus for sure. So ept demon God''s will obediently." He took out two ve cors in his hands. "Now, please, put the cors on yourselves and save me the trouble of using force," he offered magnanimously. Aengus narrowed his eyes, feeling the intensity of the demon''s greed and arrogance. The four-armed demon, cackling like he had already won, approached with the two ve cors in hand. Be''s face twisted in disgust as she stepped in front of Aengus, her eyes zing with fury. "You filthy mongrel, I don''t think you understand the situation. If you don''t release us this very moment, you''ll regret it." The demon tilted his head back,ughing heartily once more. "Kekeke! The arrogance of you two half-breeds is amusing. But no one has ever escaped my clutches. You''ll fetch a fine price. Now, put on the cors, and let''s avoid any unnecessary trouble." Aengus, calm but serious, took a step forward, his voice steady. "You should rethink your options. For your sake." His hand subtly glowed, energy gathering as he prepared to destroy the cage if needed. They were trying to not to gather that much attention on themselves. In this City the half-breeds are seen as inferior, like ything after all. The demon, unaware of the rising threat, continued grinning and waved the cors. "Oh, you think you''re scary? Let''s see how¡ª" Before the demon could finish, Be flicked her wrist, and a pulse of destructive energy surged outward, shattering the ground beneath them and sending a shockwave through the air. The demon stumbled back, eyes wide with shock as the cors got destroyed to ashes. "Oops," Be said with a mock smile. "I guess we won''t be needing those cors anymore." The demon''s expression twisted into rage, and his hands glowed with Nether energy as he prepared to fight. "You insolent half-breeds! You''ll regret this!" But Aengus, already prepared, stomped his foot lightly, unleashing a burst of Hellfire. Bang! tter! The sturdy iron cage melted away from the front. Be grinned. "Hubby, if you''re doing this, let''s finish it quickly." Aengus nodded as the demon trembled in fear, realizing they were no ordinary half-breeds. He dropped to his knees. "Please, spare me, my lord! This will never happen again!" Themotion started drawing curious nces from the onlookers in the ve market. "What happened, Boss? Why are you kneeling?" a few of hisckeys asked, approaching the disturbance. In a hurry, Be conjured bright Phoenix mes, ready to burn them all to ashes. The boss demon nearly wet himself in fear, while hisckeys, not understanding the danger, charged forward, intent on attacking Be. "Fools!" the boss demon cursed, his worst fears realized. Swish! Sizzle, sizzle¡­ The unending mes engulfed them all, their miserable howls echoing through the streets as they were being burned to a crisp. "Oh, Lord!" The human ves and spectating demons shivered, quickly diverting their gazes, not wanting to attract trouble. "Let''s go, hubby!" Be said, looking at the charred corpses with disgust. Aengus walked beside her, ignoring the humans still trapped in their cages. They both knew that even if they freed them, the ves would likely be hunted down or captured again. This city was a dangerous ce for them, no matter what. "Was it too excessive?" Be asked, ncing at the devastation they left behind. Aengus shook his head. "No. They deserved it after what they said about you. I would have killed him myself if you hadn''t done it." "Hehehe..." Be smiled, feeling satisfied. Just as they were about to leave the scene, a sharp, piercing human voice called out from behind them. "Hey, wait... Please release us!" Aengus and Be turned toward the voice, spotting a girl dressed in ordinary hunter''s clothing. She had likely been a hunter in the human world before her capture. "Do you realize you''ll be caught again if we release you?" Aengus asked calmly, his tone neutral. The girl''s expression was desperate. "We know, but at least we''d have a chance to survive. Please, release us all from the cages." She gestured to the other humans, who stared at them with newfound hope. "Please save us! You must be sent by the gods!" The pleas echoed through the crowd of men, women, young, and old alike, all begging for their freedom. Aengus and Be exchanged a nce, silently reaching an agreement before nodding. Without hesitation, Aengus melted the iron cages with his Hellfire, while Be used her powers to break the ve cors binding the humans. "Now, go and try to survive!" Be instructed the group. "Thank you, thank you!" they all shouted in gratitude, exchanging hopeful nces before scattering into small groups and quickly leaving the area. The girl gave them onest lingering look, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and understanding as she slipped into the shadows of a nearby alley, her future uncertain. Be felt a pang of guilt for not being able to do more, but they both knew that staying any longer would only increase their risk. Aengus, after briefly scanning the bodies of the ve merchants and finding no useful abilities to absorb, he sent them to his Dimensional Space for breeding. "We need to move, Be. We can''t worry about their safety, not in our current condition," he said, his voice cold and pragmatic. Be sighed but nodded. "I know. Let''s leave the ve district first. After that, we can search for what we came for," she replied, her tone more resolute as she took the lead, guiding Aengus through the chaotic streets. Aengus followed closely behind her, trusting her instincts in this unfamiliar city. Their movements were swift, their sprinting speed turning them into little more than blurs, too fast for the ordinary demons around them to track. The city''sws prohibited flying, forcing them to remain on foot as they navigated through the narrow alleyways and bustling streets. They weaved through the crowds, careful not to draw any unnecessary attention to themselves. "We''re almost out," Be whispered, her eyes scanning ahead for any obstacles as they neared the edge of the ve district. Chapter 142: Chapter 142: The Witch "Ehehehe... Where are you two going in such a hurry?" a mocking voice was heard from behind. Aengus and Be''s steps faltered. They stopped in a deserted alleyway and turned around to face the source of the voice. A demonic woman stood before them, her hideous face marred by deep scars. A grotesque third eye, dark and unblinking, sat ominously on her forehead. "So, two half-breeds, eh? Not bad. You two will do just fine aspensation for the damage you caused," she cackled, her voice dripping with malice. Be remained calm despite the sight of the Archdemon blocking their path. "She''s a witch," Be remarked, her tone casual. "They''re known for their curse powers and dark arts." Aengus, already aware thanks to his Appraisal ability, nodded, his eyes narrowing. He conjured Death ws, dark tendrils of energy forming into sharp, menacing shapes around his hands, and unleashed his Darkness King''s Authority. "Don''t block our way, witch. Your men got in the way first," Be spoke coldly, her tone authoritive. The witch''sughter was abruptly cut off as she coughed, gasping for breath. "Cough! W-what''s this? Power of Darkness?" she wheezed, struggling to speak. Invisible chains of darkness wrapped around her body, binding her tightly like shackles, imprisoning her with an overwhelming force. Aengus stood before her, his aura crushing her spirit, leaving her paralyzed in terror. She couldn''t even breathe, let alone use her curse powers. Be stepped closer, her lips curling into a dangerous smile. "What were you saying just now? Can you repeat it?" she asked mockingly. The witch''s eyes widened in fear, her arrogancepletely shattered as she realized the true strength of the half-breeds before her. She could have never believed that those inferior half-breeds could be this powerful. "Now, tell us, have you captured those humans again that we just release or not?" Be demanded, her voice sharp andmanding. Aengus loosened the binding around the witch''s mouth, allowing her to speak. "N-No... I haven''t," the witch gasped, barely able to breathe. "Lies!" Aengus''s voice turned cold, his All-Seeing Eyes piercing through the truth hidden within her. Be''s eyes darkened as she prepared to unleash her mes. "Looks like you don''t want to live. Goodbye!" she dered, her fire igniting to incinerate the witch. "Ahhh!" The witch''s agonized howls echoed through the alleyway as the mes licked at her skin, reducing her to nothing but misery. No one would have thought it possible for an Archdemon to meet such an end, but that was exactly what was about to happen. "Wait, Be," Aengus called out, stopping her just before the witch was reduced to ashes. Be turned to him, her expression questioning. "What are you up to Hubby?" she asked, wondering why he would spare such a vile creature. Aengus''s lips curled, "Don''t forget, I can help you gain her bloodline curse abilities¡ªif that''s something you''d want," he offered. Be''s eyes widened, realizing his intention. "You''re right," she said with a sly smile. "That could be very useful. I don''t mind, just make sure my face remains the same." She extinguished the mes, leaving the witch''s burned lifeless body. Aengus raised his hand, beginning the fusion of Be with the witch''s cursed bloodline. Be groaned in pain, her body resisting the changes, and Aengus''s hand trembled slightly. He wasn''t sure why¡ªperhaps it was because of his growing affection for her? But he was sure, he couldn''t bear seeing her in pain anymore. He focused, trying to make the process as gentle as possible. After what felt like an eternity, the fusion wasplete. Be stood before him, a new third eye on her forehead, dark yet strangely captivating. She looked stronger, more powerful, and her aura radiated with newfound energy. Be, feeling the surge of strength coursing through her, hugged Aengus tightly, her joy evident. And, For the first time, Aengus wrapped his arms around her in return, cing a hand on her shoulder and back. Be was surprised at first, but her surprise quickly gave way to happiness. Once their emotions had settled, they rifled through the witch''s belongings, finding a spatial bracelet filled with horrific remnants¡ªdisgusting human flesh and simrly grotesque things. They removed the valuable cores, totaling several hundred thousand, and burned the rest without hesitation. As they prepared to leave, Be noticed Aengus''s unrest. "Do you want to go and save them?" she asked gently. "I don''t know. I''m confused," Aengus admitted, his mind conflicted. Be smiled knowingly and tugged him in the direction they hade from. "I know you, Aengus. You may act like you don''t care, but it''s the opposite. Let''s go check on them. After all, we owe them for bringing us closer." Her words brought a sense of rity, and Aengus nodded, allowing her to lead the way. ---- After some investigation, Aengus and Be found their way to the witch''s den. It resembled more of a prison than a residence, a dark and oppressive underground hideout where human suffering thrived. Along the way, they encountered numerous demons working for the witch. Each one tried to stop them, but their attempts were futile. Aengus absorbed them into his Dimensional Space for breeding them as his Legion as they provided neither good abilities nor stat points¡ªhardly worth his consumption using Gluttony. As they descended further, they reached a grim chamber where hundreds of humans were enved, their conditions dire. Many were dead, while others bore signs of severe torture. "Hey, who let you in here?" a demon guard barked, noticing the two unfamiliar figures approaching. With a flick of his finger, Aengus attached death strings to the demon, draining its life force. Once the demon was on the brink of death, Aengus waved his hand, storing the nearly lifeless body in his Dimensional Space. After neutralizing the remaining guards, Aengus and Be began freeing the imprisoned humans. Some of them were the same ones they''d encountered earlier, though not all were present. It seemed the others might have hidden themselves well in the chaos. "Let''s go, Aengus. Everything here is done," Be said, her eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway onest time. "Huh! Where are you going?" Be muttered suddenly, seeing him going near a wall of hard concrete. Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Acquittance From The Past Be watched as Aengus touched a specific section of the stone wall and pushed it, causing the entire underground prison to tremble. With a grinding sound of stone against stone, a hidden door slowly revealed itself as he pushed it further. "Ohh, a hidden passageway?" Be muttered, intrigued. "So secretive! What did that witch hide in here?" Aengus, already aware of whaty within, couldn''t hide his disbelief. There, in the middle of the dark room, stood a special prison made of sturdy metal bars and surrounded by an isting barrier of some sort. At the center of the cagey a grotesque giant demon, its form a mass of writhing tentacles and a jelly-like body. The demonic creatures were tied by chains, that appears as if sucking away his life slowly. [ Appraisal: ] [ Name: Kylian Dilo [ State: Demonised, bloodline not assimted ] [ Age: 59 ] [ Level: -- ] [ Rank: Greater Demon ] [ Abilities: 1. Blood Devouring 2. Gorvath Tentacles Demon Body (iplete) His name stirred old memories. He was the same old man who had helped him escape from the prison in Arcadia City, back in the humannds. Aengus couldn''tprehend how this old man had ended up here. "Have you met this creature before?" Be asked, noticing the way he stared at it with a mix of recognition and confusion. Aengus snapped out of his thoughts at her question. "Yes," he replied, a hint of reminiscence in his voice. "I met him once in Arcadia City, before the catastrophe. He helped me escape from prison. But now... he''s a demonized human." Be blinked in surprise. "A human bing demonized? That''s certainly interesting. I''ve heard about them. They use demon blood and cores to make medicines for that transformation. But those foolish humans don''t realize it never guarantees control over the body." She tilted her head, studying the grotesque figure with renewed curiosity. "And now, he''s nothing more than a mindless creature..." Rustle, rustle. Suddenly, the creature stirred, its tentacles rustling against the chains that bound it. The sudden intrusion of light into the dark room made its movements jerky and unnatural, as if it was struggling to adjust. Aengus stepped closer, only a few centimeters away from the cage, with Be following behind. He leaned in, trying to see if the creature would recognize him, though he knew his appearance had changed¡ªhis horns were different from thest time they met. He hoped there was still something familiar about him. The creature''s movements grew more frantic, its tentacles twitching as it stared at Aengus with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Then, all of a sudden, it fell silent. Its gaze, however, remained locked on Aengus, as though something in it had finally clicked¡ªrecognition. "Well, there you go, Aengus. It seems it recognizes you. Now, what are you going to do? Help it somehow?" Be asked, her toneced with sarcasm, trying to predict his next move. Aengus didn''t hesitate. "I don''t know, actually. But let''s free him first." With a determined grip, Aengus tore at the bars with his bare hands, the sound of metal creaking under his strength echoing through the chamber. With a flick of his fingers, hellfire surged from his palm, and the chains melted under the intense heat, ttering to the ground with a final nk. Freed, the tentacled creature seemed toe alive, its body expanding and contracting as it let out a low, demonic growl. It looked at Aengus and Be as if it was trying tomunicate, but no words formed, only primal sounds escaping its grotesque form. Be chuckled. "Looks like it still has some rationality left. What are you going to do now? Why don''t you show off that incredible power of yours again?" she teased, her eyes glinting with amusement. But Aengus considered her suggestion seriously. "Well, I can give it a try," he said before extending his hand toward the creature. "Universal Synthesis!" Instantly, a bright ethereal blue light covered the grotesque creature. Be watched the magical process, never bored of it. After expending nearly 1,000 mana, the synthesis process wasplete, and a humanoid figure stood where the creature had been. "Ooh, that was real easy," Bemented. "You can do anything, can''t you, Aengus?" "Not really. There are still many things I can''t do," Aengus said nonchntly. Be remained silent, not wanting to delve into a subject that could lead to something she didn''t want to hear. Cough! Cough! Their attention turned to the spot where an old man with a pair of horns was coughing, gasping for breath, and looking disoriented as if waking from a terrible dream. "Oh, it''s an old man. I thought it was something else," Be remarked. Kylian steadied himself and studied the duo, his gaze locking onto Aengus, filled with astonishment. "Hahaha... Boy, is that you? Ethan, right?" The old man suddenlyughed, remembering everything as if it had all happened yesterday. Because, all this while he had been moving purely on instinct. Be''s face darkened at the mention of "Ethan." She knew it was Aengus''s previous name from his time in the humannds¡ªa name tied to someone she didn''t like. Aengus nodded, "Yes, it''s me." "Did you turn me back to normal?" Old man Kylian asked, his memories still blurry. "Yes," Aengus confirmed. Kylian was astonished. The young man he once knew had be unfathomable. "Boy, what happened to you? Who is this demoness beside you? How did you turn into a ''demon''? Where are we? Isn''t this the human world?" Kylian bombarded him with questions, his curiosity getting the better of him. Be was visibly annoyed, while Aengus began exining the fate of Arcadia City, the fall of its people, his journey to the demonnds, his connection with Be, and their shared goals. He carefully omitted any mention of his more sensitive abilities. As they talked, the group began making their way out of the underground prison. Aengus''s exnations were vague, and Kylian could sense there were reasons behind it. He didn''t press for more details, understanding that some things were best left unsaid. He was simply grateful for regaining his rationality and receiving a new identity, something he desperately needed. With each step, the old man felt a sense of hope he hadn''t experienced in years. Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Parting "So, old man, how did you be demonized? I''m curious as to why you did it right when I went into the prison?" Aengus asked as they walked at a moderate pace, almost out of the ve District. Old man Kylian, feeling the suppressed pressure from the two beings walking beside him, shivered unknowingly. He knew full well that he was in the presence of two individuals with tremendous power. He sighed in reminiscence and answered honestly, "Sigh, that is a long story..." "Then make it short, old man," Be cut in from the sidelines rudely. Old man Kylian didn''t mind Be''s interruption; he had seen worse. He continued, "My wife died a few years ago, leaving me alone with my son, his wife, and my lovely granddaughter in our vige. They were ordinary farmers, while I was a hunter, risking the rest of my life to make their future a little brighter. But it all came crumbling down when I heard the news of their kidnapping during a demon raid on our small vige. I was out on a mission at the time, so I couldn''t save them¡­ I failed as a father." His eyes reddened, but he pressed on. "They were the reason I lived until now. I decided I would save them myself, with no help from anyone. But my power was insufficient, so I turned to demonic practices, eating human flesh to increase my strength. As a consequence, I was stripped of my blessing from the gods. But I didn''t care because demonic power was giving me more strength. And then¡­ I became greedy for more. One day, I found a vial of demon blood that could make me even more powerful through demonization. I didn''t understand the consequences at the time. The next day, I was caught by the Knights of Arcadia City and imprisoned for practicing dark arts. The rest of the story, you already know. I used the vial, hoping to make the best use of it for us. Foolishly, I thought I could retain my human form again. But it was all a hopeless assumption. Until now, I''ve been living in some kind of nightmare." His voice cracked slightly at the end, the weight of his words heavy in the air. The tragic story of the old man ended, and they found themselves outside the ve district. "I see..." Aengus nodded, piecing together everything. "So, you still don''t know if your family is alive or not, isn''t that right?" Be asked, her tone pragmatic. Old man Kylian hung his head low. "No, I don''t. But as long as I have life in me, I will search for them. I''m grateful to you both for bringing me back and giving me a new identity and power. You''ve made my path easier." "Do you have any clue?" Aengus inquired. "You must''ve investigated a little, right?" Aengus wanted to repay the debt he owed, even if it was small. "Yes, I found a clue, but it leads to the Demon Lord of Envy, the 4th ranking demon lord¡ªLeviathan''s domain," Kylian replied, his tone casual, but the seriousness of the matter showed in their faces. "If that''s the case, old man, you have a long way to go. Our paths don''t match yours, at least not for now," Be said bluntly. "I know already, Lady. Your goal is to destroy Beelzebub, the 5th ranking demon lord," Kylian responded. "Old man, if you want to find them, you should join us. We''ll eventually reach there," Aengus offered, extending a helping hand. Kylian shook his head. "No. I know you have incredible powers, but I need to find them as soon as possible. They''ve been suffering for too long, and I can''t wait. I need to save them." His resolve was clear. Aengus remained silent. If Kylian was so determined, there was nothing more he could do. Be chuckled, "Old man, you don''t know what you''re missing. Anyway, just make sure you reach there alive," she mocked sarcastically. Kylian, unshaken, responded, "I will... I need to." Aengus paused, then took out the Spatial Ring from the old witch and handed it to Kylian. "Old man, there are 100,000 mid-grade demon cores inside. It''s all I can give to help on your journey. Use them to increase your strength and for whatever else you need. May we meet again." Kylian epted the ring, understanding its immense value. The time hade to part ways. "Thank you, boy. I hope we meet again too. Goodbye." The old man disappeared into the crowd of demons in the street, a solitary figure on a journey of his own¡ªa story waiting to unfold. Be, still holding Aengus''s hand, said, "You''ve done enough, Aengus. Now it''s up to him. You can''t interfere or help everyone." "I know. But life seems so unfair for some," Aengus said, his eyes lingering in the direction Kylian had gone. "The world was never fair from the beginning," Be replied, her gaze steady. "If you want to change it, you''ll need power, Aengus." She looked him straight in the eye. "And I know you can do it." Her words lit a fire within him, sharpening his focus on his ultimate goal. "But before that," Be said, pulling him from his thoughts, "let''s look around the market for what we came here for." They entered the bustling marketce, filled with various items and curiosities, each more unusual than the next. Their mission was clear: to find something rted to souls. They stepped into an old shop filled with treasures and mystical artifacts. Magicalmps hung from the ceiling, giving the ce a more weing atmospherepared to the dark, cluttered shops around it. The air hummed with faint magic. "Hello, do you have anything rted to souls, like Naga pearls or something simr?" Be asked, her voice firm but casual. Behind the counter stood a humanoid hound, its dog-like head tilting slightly in surprise at the sight of two half-breeds. It wasn''t illegal for them to shop here, but it was rare to see them in the streets, let alone shopping so freely. The hound demon''s shrewd eyes quickly assessed them. Their confidence and aura suggested they were more than just ordinary demons¡ªthey were likely high-ranking demons, or at least held considerable power. "Yes, we do, my lords," the hound replied, his tone respectful, eager to assist such distinguished customers. Chapter 145: Chapter 145: More Chaotic Situation "Yes lords, We have Naga pearls of Greater Demon ranks. How many do you need?" the hound demon asked, his voice low and gravelly. Aengus and Be exchanged nces. "Don''t you have anything else?" Aengus furrowed his brows, unsatisfied. Greater Demon rank Naga pearls would hardly suffice for his needs. He required higher-rank materials or, at the very least, arge quantity. The hound demon hesitated, hisrge eyes shifting nervously. "Ah, we''re very sorry, lords! We don''t have anything better at the moment. And to be honest, you won''t find many items rted to souls more potent than these pearls here. Only humans and half-breeds can use them, so demand is low in these parts." Be sighed softly, realizing they had little choice. "How many do you have?" The demon leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "We have 20 of them. They cost 500 low-grade demon cores each." Aengus''s expression remained calm, but his mind quickly calcted the total. Without a word, he gestured, and in an instant, 10,000 low-grade demon cores materialized in front of the demon, neatly stacked in a small mountain by an invisible force. The hound demon froze, his wide eyes glued to the cores, barely able to contain his excitement. His heart raced as he stared at the shimmering pile, his voice momentarily lost. "Hey, what are you doing? Take them all out," Be ordered, her tone sharp but calm, breaking the demon''s trance. "Y-Yes, yes. Give me a second," the hound demon stammered, rushing inside and quickly returning with a small chest containing the 20 Naga pearls. Aengus calmly ced the pearls into his storage bracelet and left the shop, Be following closely behind. As they walked away, the hound demon counted the demon cores, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Heh, heh! What fools! They don''t even know how to bargain," he muttered to himself, feeling a rush of greed. "Sigh, if only I had hundreds of them, I wouldn''t have to worry for months toe." Unbeknownst to him, Aengus and Be hardly cared about the small number of cores. To them, it was merely pocket change. They continued their search, moving through several shops and collecting nearly 200 Naga pearls of various qualities. "Hubby, I think we need to head to the inner district if we want something more useful," Be suggested, her tone slightly anxious. "But that would put us right under Demon Lord Crimson''s nose. If he senses mana inside us, it could spell trouble." Aengus nodded thoughtfully. "You''re right, but first I need to use these pearls. They might just do the help," he said, gesturing toward a dark alleyway nearby. Be followed without hesitation, her eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously. Aengus stopped in the shadows and began taking out all 200 Naga pearls. One by one, they hovered in the air, suspended by an unseen force as their gravity seemed to shift, the shimmering glow of their energy filling the dim alley with an eerie light. ""Synthesis, Synthesis"" Aengus muttered under his breath repeatedly as he worked quickly, fusing the 200 Naga pearls into 35 Archdemon-ranked pearls¡ªthe highest rank he could achieve with synthesis. [Appraisal] [Naga Pearl] §ß$§à?$¦Ó!??-%§à@§á- [Rank: Archdemon] [Effects: Slightly Increases Consumer''s Soul Strength] Aengus inspected the result, his face tense. The pearls would likely boost his soul''s strength, but they wouldn''t repair the damage or chaotic imbnce within it. With a heavy sigh, he resolved to go through with it anyway, hoping it could heal it somehow. He began swallowing the pearls one by one. Each pearl dissolved as soon as it reached his stomach, flooding his body with the stored soul energy. A surge of power coursed through him, but something felt wrong. Be observed closely, her eyes widening as Aengus''s aura fluctuated wildly. His presence grew more elusive and powerful on an astral level, but the underlying chaos in his soul became more apparent, more vtile. His body trembled as he struggled to maintain control. Clenching his teeth, Aengus fought to suppress the chaotic state of his soul. Over time, the constant use of skill synthesis and the extreme strain caused by his Gluttony ability had fractured his soul, leaving it damaged and erratic. The flood of new soul energy from the pearls was only making things worse. Be''s concern deepened. "It didn''t work? Are you okay?" she asked with worry as she saw the pain on his face. Aengus grunted, his body shaking. "Be, I think It made things worse," Aengus rasped, his voice strained and weak. Be''s face filled with concern as she knelt beside him, touching his shoulders and checking for any sign of physical deterioration. "Can you hold on longer, Darling?" she asked, her worry deepening. "I''ll try..." he muttered, his breathingbored. He sat down slowly, crossing his legs and closing his eyes, attempting to suppress the turmoil in his soul. His hands trembled as he focused inward, trying to reach the depths of his being where the chaos was surging. Be stood beside him, scanning the area with cautious eyes, her nerves on edge. They were in a dangerous district, and she knew time was slipping away. But her focus kept returning to Aengus, watching him struggle to maintain control over the storm within. Aengus sank deeper into his consciousness, reaching toward the core of his soul. Every creature had a soul, a core of energy and identity¡ªwhether demon, undead, dragon, or phoenix. But the quality and strength of each soul differed vastly. His was both tangible and intangible, a flickering presence that seemed to shift between being whole and shattering apart. He had always known the soul was a fragile thing, something elusive and beyond control for most. Even in Mythraldor, it was doubtable if anyone had sessfully unlocked the true secrets of the soul or reached its pure form. "Master, I can help strengthen your consciousness for a while," Manas'' ethereal voice suddenly echoed through his mind. Aengus nodded, and immediately he felt his willpower increase several-fold, which shouldn''t have been possible by any means... He wondered what kind of changes Manas had undergone into ever since she arrived. He decided to look into it in the future. But for now, he focused on the task at hand. Chapter 146: Chapter 146: ZERO, Zytherion Omniversal Ruination Extremity With heightened consciousness and strengthened willpower, Aengus finally navigated through the chaotic storm within his soul. What he saw made his eyes widen in terror, and his heart raced violently, as if he were witnessing the greatest miracle of his life. There, in the depths of his being,y an illusive, incorporeal figure in a dormant state, or at least it seemed so. He wasn''t sure, as he could barely make out the full figure¡ªhis soul was so vast and beyondprehension that it defied any understanding he had. "Is this really me? Who am I?" It felt as though his soul was an entire universe unto itself, boundless and immeasurable. The sheer scope of it overwhelmed him. But as he continued observing from his third-person perspective, he noticed something deeply unsettling. His soul was riddled with countless cracks, as if it could shatter at any moment. Aengus could feel a subtle connection to the form, realizing that it was indeed his own soul. Yet, despite this connection, doubt gnawed at him¡ªhe questioned his very existence. Everything around him seemed iprehensible and cloaked in an unfathomable mystery. Outside, Be, seated beside Aengus, watched in growing rm as his body trembled and his heartbeat pounded like a drum. "Darling? Aengus?" she called, her voice filled with concern. "Come back!" She shook him lightly, her face tense with worry. Suddenly, Aengus gasped for air, breaking free from the deep state of consciousness. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, feeling as though he had just run a marathon. "Are you okay?" Be asked, sighing in relief as she saw him return to normal. Calming down, Aengus nodded. "I''m fine, for now. I managed to suppress the chaos inside, but I don''t think I can hold on much longer. And these small soul items won''t be enough to heal the damage." From what he observed, Aengus realized that his soul was vast and iprehensible. So it could not be injured by the minor scratches he initially thought. Instead, it seemed to have been wounded long ago by an unknown force. The recent events had only worsened the delicate bnce it was maintaining till now . "Ohh! Let''s go the inner district quickly, if we still don''t find what we need there, I will tell father to look for them using hiswork," Be said and they started their walk. Aengus on the other hand checked his status feeling something should have changed. [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Cursed Witch yer ] [ Race: 2/3 Human 1/3 Demon ] [ Level: 36 ] [ upation: Supreme Leader of Liberation Army ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Death Leviathan (Half-Noble) ] [ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ] [ Soul: ZERO, Zytherion Omniversal Ruination Extremity ( Damage: Unreadable)] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 1256 ] [ Agility: 1282 ] [ Defense: 1355 ] [ Mana: 65,000/130,000 ] [ Nether Energy: 65,000/ 130,000 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] - [ Active: Doomscale Dragonification -2(B), All-Seeing Sovereign -5 (B), Elemental Graviton Surge -5 (B), Elite Human Transformation (B), Dragon Fusion (B), Spectral de Storm -5 (B), Venomous sh Strike -5(B), Inferno Overlord''s Descent (B) ] - [ Passive: Enhanced Stamina (C), Critical Strike (C), Poison Resistance (C), Quick Reflexes (C), Melee Combat -10 (C), zing Purge -12 (D), Predator''s Instinct -37 (E), Health Regeneration -45 (D)] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 5)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Heart of Darkness, Hellfire Leviathan Of Death - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness, Darkness King''s Authority - Basic: None [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Mana Harvest (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] [ Equipment: Space Bracelet (B), Lord''s de of Judgement (B) ] "Omniversal Extremity? Zero?" Aengus thought inwardly, perplexed. He had heard the name Zero from MANAS many times, yet its identity still remained a mystery. Just what was he? Was he Ethan, Aengus, or Zero? He was puzzled. He understood there was something more than what met the eye: his mysterious death, his missing parents on Earth, the unknown force behind his reincarnation, the identity of Aengus from the Higher Realm, the arrival of MANAS, andstly, the identity of ZERO¡ªall were shrouded in multipleyers of mystery. Nevertheless, he casted all the worries away, not wanting to waste time on them without any clues. That didn''t matter for now, because his soul felt fragile, as though it was on the verge of shattering, and he doubted if anything in this world could fully heal it. The severity of the damage, and the sheer scope of his soul, felt otherworldly. But he couldn''t just sit idly by. He needed to find a solution. Suddenly, a thought shed in his mind¡ªGeneral Leon had once mentioned a ce: The Ancient Land of Treasures. "If we can''t find anything here, I need to go there," Aengus decided firmly. In the inner district, Aengus and Be cautiously searched the big shops for anything that could help his soul. Most shopkeepers, unimpressed, gave them disdainful nces, but Be used her mind control abilities to ensure they cooperated. Still, it was all for naught. None of the shops had anything useful. As they wandered, an old Archdemon passed by. Catching sight of Aengus and Be, he paused. "So, you''re looking for something rted to the soul?" Aengus and Be exchanged nces before Be responded urgently, "Yes, do you know where we can find it, old man?" The Archdemon looked them over but made noment about their mixed heritage. "Ah, child, such treasures are snatched by nobles the moment they appear. How do you expect to find one? Yesterday, I heard that General Zod obtained a valuable soul treasure from the Auction House. I''m afraid there''s none left," he said before turning and leaving them alone. Be clenched her fists in frustration. "Argh! There''s no way we can confront a Demon General. We''re not strong enough to take them on." Aengus ced a hand on her shoulder. "Forget it, Be. Let''s go back. I''ve found another ce to search for." Be turned to him, surprised. "Where? Is it nearby?" "No, it''s in the Human Lands¡ªAraknis Kingdom, Kairos Empire. There''s a secretnd that''s about to open there. I might be able to find what I need in that ce." Be furrowed her brows. "Hubby, You''re going there alone? I want to go with you too." Aengus shook his head. "Be, I know you want to visit the Phoenix Empire, but now isn''t the right time. I have to go alone and infiltrate the Araknis Kingdom in disguise. The Transcendentals there might recognize you, but my high human form can cover up my demonic bloodline. I''ll blend in more easily." Be nodded, though unease tugged at her. "I understand, but... what about me? Won''t I be left alone without you?" Aengus gave a faint smile. "Who said I''m leaving you alone? I''ll leave my doppelganger behind to apany you. You can begin the next phase of our n¡ªconquering nearby territories and growing our forces." Be''s face lit up with a smile. "Oh, why didn''t I think of that sooner? That could work. But, can you maintain the connection with your doppelganger from so far away?" She asked, a hint of doubt in her voice. "Yes, I believe I can," Aengus replied confidently. "Alright then, let''s find a Spatial Gate quickly!" Be said in hurry as she pulled Aengus towards the bustling district. Time was of the essence, and they needed to move fast. Chapter 147: Chapter 147: Spatial Teleportation Disk After looking around for a while, they found the whereabouts of the Spatial Gate service. It wasn''t difficult, as it was well known for extorting cores from travelers. "Huh, you half-breeds, where do you two want to go?" one of the staff asked rudely in front of the massive Spatial Gate. There was a long line of demons and other creatures, each holding a ticket to pass through the hulking guards. Only after showing their tickets would they be allowed to cross the gate to their desired location. Be clenched her fists, angered by the rude remark, but Aengus calmly ced a hand on her shoulder, silently asking her to stay calm. "We need to go to the Lust Dukedom''s capital. How much is the fee?" Aengus asked, his voice steady. The demon raised an eyebrow. "That''s really far away. What are you going there for? What''s your business in the Lust Dukedom?" "I don''t think we need to answer that, do we?" Aengus replied coldly. He released his dark aura, and everyone in the area was immediately overwhelmed, copsing to their knees under the pressure. Only one old demon seemed unaffected, his eyes widening with curiosity. "Oh, ho, what do we have here? Two fellow Archdemons, and half-breeds at that?" The old demon chuckled, stepping closer. "You two are certainly interesting. May I ask, what your identities are?" Be''s voice was icy and indifferent as she replied, "I am Belial''s daughter, and he is my partner. Do you still wish to question us?" Her words carried a clear, invisible threat. The old demon''s face stiffened immediately. The name "Belial" carried weight in the demon world, a name not to be trifled with. "Ah, no, no. I wouldn''t dare," the old demon quickly shrank, his voice suddenly respectful. "I didn''t realize you were General Belial''s daughter. I''ve heard stories of you, but never had the honor of seeing you in person. Now that these old eyes have, it''s a true pleasure to meet you, Miss Bellfrost, and your partner as well." Be gave a curt nod, her expression unchanged. "If you recognize us, then send us to our destination without dy. If payment is needed, we won''t mind covering the cost." The old demon chuckled nervously. "Heh, heh... There''s no need, no need." Despite his refusal, Be had no interest in owing anyone favors. "Hubby, pay him and let''s be done with this." Aengus, with a nonchnt air, reached into his Spatial Bracelet and poured out nearly 100,000 low-grade demon cores onto the ground. The surrounding demons were struck silent, their jaws ck with disbelief at the sheer amount of cores. Envy filled the air. The old demon''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he swiftly scooped up the cores in one smooth motion, ignoring the envious gazes of those around him. "Here you go,dy Be. The destination is set for the Lust Dukedom. You may enter now," he said, gesturing towards the activated Spatial Gateway. Be and Aengus exchanged a nce before stepping through the shimmering red portal, leaving the stunned crowd behind. _____ Aengus and Be appeared on the rooftop of a building, making Be''s brow furrow with exasperation. "Not again!" she grumbled, shaking her head. "At least we reached the right ce this time. If not, I think I''d have to p that old demon to death." Bended gracefully on the ground beside him. Aengus nced at her. "Your father seems to be quite popr, Be." Be turned to look at him, her expression softening slightly. "Yes, he is." "But I''m sure you''ll be even more popr than him." she added with a smile. "You have too much faith in me, Be. What if I fail?" he asked. Be grinned confidently. "Hehehe, of course, you can fail. But I know, even if you stumble, you''ll rise again." Aengus fell silent, his thoughts clouded by memories of the mysterious state of his soul. He was dealing with forces far greater than anything he had ever encountered¡ªhigher beings whose power seemed to stretch beyond his understanding. Sensing his quiet reflection, Be changed the subject with a sly smile. "Aengus, what about our wedding if you leave? I won''t marry your doppelganger." Aengus, feeling a pang of guilt, sighed. "I''m sorry, Be. We''ll have to wait until I return, if you insist." Her yful demeanor shifted slightly as she gave him a stern warning. "And remember, don''t go falling for any human women while you''re gone, or I''ll be very disappointed." Aengus blinked, then smirked. "Don''t worry, but in return, no funny business with my doppelganger either. You''ll have to wait for the real me toe back." "Hahaha.." Be burst intoughter, her longshes fluttering yfully. "Hubby, you''re getting really shameless." "I''m just being practical," Aengus replied with nonchntly. "Besides, you''re a bit excessive about certain things." "Of course. I am a subus, remember," she grinned. "Fine, fine, I''ll behave," she said with a mischievous wink. "I don''t like duplicates anyway. But you better return soon¡ªI won''t wait forever you know." He gave a small nod. "I will." "So, now can you tell me how to cross into humannds, like you did when you brought me here?" "Mm... for that, you''ll have to give me a kiss first." Be stopped, bringing her cheek closer. Aengus sighed and leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek, but Be kissed him on the lips instead. After their kiss, Be licked her crimson lips seductively. "Let''s go. I''ll give you the treasure that will help you reach the humannds through space teleportation." They entered the Duke''s mansion, and Be took out a special disk from a secret chamber. "It belongs to my father, so take care of it, darling." Aengus nced at the disk, intrigued by its delicate craftsmanship and the intricate runes that adorned its surface. His mind immediately activated the appraisal ability. [Appraisal: ] [ Spatial Teleportation Disk (S-Rank)] [ Description: A unique artifact created by Demon Lord Belial himself. The disk allows the user to open a stable spatial rift, traveling vast distances across boundaries, including restricted human territories.] [ Cooldown: 72 hours ] [ Usage Limit: 2/10 uses ] [ Condition: Bound to Belial''s bloodline; can only be used by those linked to his lineage or with his permission.] [ Additional Effect: Minor spatial defense during teleportation.] Aengus raised an eyebrow, impressed. He didn''t know Belial could create something like this as well. "This is... quite powerful and expensive. Are you sure it''s okay for me to take this, Be?" Be smiled and waved off his concern. "Of course. You''re my husband, after all. Besides, I trust you to bring it back safely." Aengus nodded, "I''ll take good care of it, Be." Be grinned and yfully nudged him. "You better, or he''ll being after you himself. Aengus shrugged and asked, "How do I activate this thing, and where is the location set to?" He furrowed his brows, frustrated that his Appraisal skill didn''t provide the information either. "Just imagine where you want to go, and it will lead you there. There''s a magical spatial map engraved on it," Be exined. Aengus felt intrigued. "Can I directly reach the capital city of the Araknis Kingdom with this?" "Yes, but only the ce within the map." Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Hank "Yes, just as I said earlier. But it has limited uses¡ªprobably 2 or 3 times at most. Make sure to bring it back. My father can recharge it." Aengus nodded in understanding and began his preparations to leave. His Doppelganger was ready. He had transferred most of the demonic cores to it and to Be, keeping only the high-grade ones for himself. He then changed into his High Human form and turned to the duo, feeling strange seeing his Doppelganger and Be standing side by side. Fortunately, he could sense Be''s presence, reassuring him that the Doppelganger would take care of things while he was gone. Though the Doppelganger only had about 70% of his strength, it was still formidable. "Take care, Be," Aengus said before activating the Spatial Disk. A map appeared in his mind, allowing him to choose the location. He selected the capital city of the Araknis Kingdom. He turned to take onest look at Be before stepping into the spatial rift behind him and vanishing from sight. "Be safe... Husband," Be muttered, her voicing bing low. "And, Don''t get swayed by those bi**ches." "I am here, Be. I can hear you, you know," Aengus''s doppelganger said, leaning closer to her ear. Be stiffened for a second, clicking her tongue at her mistake. But realizing who it was, she cooled down. "Hmph. So, what? Now let''s go. We have some hunting to do." "Do you have a specific n in mind, Be?" he asked. Be, confident and domineering, replied, "Yes. We''re going to destroy the temples first, then secretly im other territories until we have enough power to ignore the demon lords." They faded from view, their destination set on Fortress City, with goals ambitious and far-reaching. --- Capital City Market, Araknis Kingdom "Sir hunters, would you like to try our potions?" "No, no, customers, check out our armors and swords!" "Customers, take a look at our fine leather, perfect forfortable hunting clothes." "We have the best skill books and monster body parts, please have a look." The market was bustling as news of the secret realm''s real opening spread like wildfire, thanks to an unknown source. People from other kingdoms and empires swarmed the city in groups and forces. No one wanted to miss the opportunity to enter the secret realm, which King Milphomor had tried so hard to hide. Now that the secret had leaked, the capital city was on the brink of crisis, overflowing with people. A breakout war with the kingdom''s forces seemed inevitable. Tension was evident, but store owners seized the moment to profit. A chubby hunter with a mace in hand waddled through the crowd, hisrge belly swaying with each step. He stopped by a small cksmith shop, where the piercing sound of hammering hot metal echoed loudly. cing the heavy mace on the counter, he asked, "Brother, how much to re-enchant this further?" The muscr, tanned cksmith nced at the mace and replied nonchntly, "It''s a C-Grade weapon, so that''ll be 1,000 gold coins." "So much!" The chubby hunter''s eyes widened in shock. "That''s nearly 10 million copper coins! Are you trying to rob a poor man like me?" He quickly countered, "How about 200?" The cksmith scoffed, his face darkening at the audacity. "Humph... 1,000, and that''s final. Take it or leave it." "Brother, why don''t¡ª" the chubby man wanted to continue, but suddenly his heart skipped a beat. He looked at the cksmith and noticed a simr reaction. It was a mixture of fear and respect. The chubby man followed the source of the strange feeling and spotted a young man in ck clothing hovering in mid-air. The young man had an extremely handsome face, a chiseled jawline, battle-hardened muscles that looked like iron, and an air of cold indifference. People nearby instinctively lowered their heads, feeling an inexplicable sense of suppression in their bloodlines. The young man gracefullynded on the street, and suddenly, everyone felt normal again. "Hey, what just happened?" "Who is that young man? I felt like my father was standing there." "Yeah, you felt that too?" "He just teleported, didn''t he? I swear I saw it!" "Me too, me too!" "Well, his clothes are definitely strange!" The street was abuzz with curiosity and apprehension as people observed the young man. Aengus, having just suppressed the aura of his high human bloodline, turned towards a nearby open clothing shop. He intended to buy some normal hunter clothes to shake off any lingering ties to the demon world. "Give me the best, mostfortable, and agile clothes you have," Aengus said, his voice calm butmanding as he addressed the leather clothing shop owner, who seemed momentarily distracted by his striking features. Aengus furrowed his brows, and the store owner quickly snapped out of his daze, nodding frantically like a chicken pecking at rice. "Y-Yes, Sir Hunter! Please wait a moment." The owner hurried to the back of the shop, intent on fetching the finest garments avable, fearing that offering anything less would be a grave mistake. read-more-on-MVLeMpYr As Aengus waited, a chubby hunter approached him with a smile, his mace still in hand. "Hello, brother. My name''s Hank. What''s yours?" Hank reached out, intending to pat Aengus on the shoulder, but he froze mid-motion, a sudden chill running down his spine. A terrible premonition seized him, and he quickly retracted his hand, his heart pounding. Aengus turned slowly, his gaze cold and unweing. "What do you want? What''s your intention in approaching me?" His voice was indifferent, almost icy, and Hank''s face twitched, recognizing the unapproachable aura surrounding the enigmatic man. "Nothing, brother. I was just asking casually. Can''t we be a little friendlier?" Hank sighed in exasperation, though his heart still raced. Aengus studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Judging Hank''s intentions as genuine, his tone softened slightly. The man could be useful for gathering information, after all. "Zero. You can call me Zero." He decided to use the name to not make a connection to the demon world with his same name. Sooner orter the name Aengus would be popr, which might attract attention of higher ranks. Hank''s eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, a wide smile forming on his face. He had heard stories about high humans and their incredible abilities, and now, standing before one, he was thrilled to witness it firsthand. "Nice to meet you, brother Zero!" Hank replied, still marveling at the man who had appeared out of nowhere like a king descending from the heavens. Chapter 149: Chapter 149: New Party "Here is the fine clothing for you, Sir Hunter. It''s made of the finest leather and wool, with a smooth texture and flexibility, along with some minor defensive properties. I hope you like it," the shop owner said, smiling proudly as he presented the garments. Aengus inspected the clothes carefully and gave a firm nod of approval. "How much is it?" he asked. "Nothing much, just 499 silver, Sir hunter. I''m sure it''s worth the price," the owner added with a sly grin. Hank, standing nearby, couldn''t help but interject. "What nonsense!" he barked. "You''re obviously overpricing this brother. I''m sure it''s worth no more than 200 silver. Don''t take us for fools, old man!" read-first-on-MVLeMpYr "No¡ªI haven''t!" the store owner stammered, momentarily speechless. "I made this clothing myself, Sir Hunters, and I know it''s worth the price," he retorted, trying to sound convincing. "Alright, stop, you two," Aengus interrupted, his tone casual yet firm, cutting off the brewing argument before it could escte to something annoying. Aengus tapped into his space bracelet, which immediately caught the attention of both Hank and the store owner. Their eyes widened in shock¡ªspace bracelets were rare, reserved only for powerful individuals. "Whoa! Brother, you have a space bracelet! Well, considering who you are, it must be nothing short of astonishing," Hank muttered, as the realization dawned on him. Without paying him any mind, Aengus calmly took out a D-Grade Holy Sword, a sh of divine energy radiating from its de. He didn''t have gold coins on hand, so he decided to exchange the sword instead. He had plenty of weapons and armor stored in his spatial bracelet. "Here, take this. I don''t have money at hand, so let''s exchange it. You can give me the remaining bnce," Aengus said, extending the sword toward the shop owner. "A Holy Sword for payment?" Both Hank and the store owner were dumbfounded. "Are Holy Swords just lying around like cabbages these days?" Hank eximed, eyes wide in disbelief. "Th-this¡­" The old man stuttered,pletely stunned. Hank quickly seized the opportunity, stepping forward. "Brother, forget him. Exchange it with me! I''ll give you 500 gold coins," Hank said with a wide smile, eagerly taking the sword from Aengus''s hand. Without a word, Aengus let go of the sword. He didn''t care, as long as his bottom line wasn''t crossed. The store owner''s face flushed with frustration. "Hey, that was mine! You''re bullying this old man!" "Hehehe¡­ What are you going to do, old man? I''ll use it to kill demons, but it would''ve been better if it were a mace," Hank teased, relishing his small victory. "Sigh¡­ Anyway, here''s your money, brother Zero," Hank said, handing over a pouch filled with gold coins, counting them out one by one. Aengus epted the money, handing ten gold coins to the sulking store owner as a gesture of goodwill keeping the rest, before heading inside to change into his new clothes. As Aengus disappeared, Hank was left standing, locked in a fierce stare-down with the fuming old shopkeeper.. Aengus emerged from the shop, now dressed in a casual leather T-shirt and pants. Despite theid-back attire, his muscr build made it clear that he was not to be underestimated. His sheer physical strength alone could easily crush C and even B-Rank hunters. "Nice look, brother. Now you really look like a true hunter," Hank praised, though he silently gulped in fear, his eyes drawn to Aengus''s steely muscles. Hankpared his own chubby physique to Aengus'' imposing build and smirked to himself. "Nah, My body is still the best," he boasted inwardly. He was a C-Rank hunter proficient with a mace, and Aengus had already looked at Hank''s Skills. Aengus gestured for Hank to follow, and without hesitation, Hank smiled and tagged along, clearly hoping to gain some benefits from the association. Aengus noticed the faint greed flickering in Hank''s eyes but chose to remain silent. Greed could be useful when controlled, but in excessive amount would lead to ruin. "So, Hank, do you have any news about the secret realm?" Aengus asked, his tone calm but focused. Hank eagerly nodded. "Ah, so brother Zero is also here for the secret realm? Now everything makes sense. My party and I are also trying to get in, but we don''t have any of their emblems either." Aengus''s brows furrowed. He had lost his own emblem as well. "So, they won''t let us through?" Hank smirked knowingly. "Well, they tried to keep it exclusive. But someone leaked the news, and now hunters from all over the world are gathering here¡ªmostly younger ones. I guess they''ll have no choice but to let everyone through now," he said confidently. Aengus absorbed the information. "And when will it open?" Hank scratched his head thoughtfully. "Most likely in two days¡ªthat''s what we''ve heard. But anything could change before then. Nothing is set in stone yet." Aengus nodded, thankful that he had arrived just in time. Two days would give him enough time to prepare. Aengus needed to find a party to blend into and, if possible, secure an emblem in case things got dire. "Hank, you mentioned you have a party, right?" Aengus asked, ncing beside him. "Mind if I join you guys temporarily?" Hank raised an eyebrow. "You came here alone, brother Zero?" Aengus nodded. "I see..." Hank seemed to be contemting. After a moment, he asked, "Forgive me for asking, but I can tell you''re of the high-human species. Why would you want to join us, brother Zero?" "You know High Humans?" Aengus asked, a little surprised. "Yes, I do. I have graduated from a Hunter Academy from Silverwood City," Hank replied with a grin. Ohh. Anyway, I just want to spend the next few days having fun. I''d be bored to death if I stayed alone. Besides, I''m sure you guys already know the capital city better." "Haha, that''s why! You''re wee to join our party anytime, brother. I''m sure the others will like you too. With you, we''d be a formidable force topete with the others." Hank extended his chubby hand for a handshake. Aengus forced a smile and shook his hand. "Thanks for the warm wee, Hank." Hank tried to probe Aengus''s strength by gripping his hand tightly, but Aengus''s hand felt like an immovable mountain. Hank''s face turned red with exertion, but Aengus''s hand didn''t budge. Hank quickly withdrew his hand, breaking into a cold sweat as he noticed the faint smile on Aengus''s face. "Let''s go, brother Zero. I''ll introduce you to the team," Hank said awkwardly, his face flushed with embarrassment. Chapter 150: Chapter 150: New Party (2) Entering a small residence, Aengus now stood before Hank''s gathered party members. There were five people, excluding Hank: three young women and two young men. They scrutinized Aengus from head to toe. Aengus looked handsome, strong, and sharp, but there was a flicker of coldness they all noticed. "So, Hank, you went to fix your mace and came back with a new member? That was some trash work there. Do we even need another team member at this point?" the bronze-skinned, busty girl asked doubtfully. The others nodded, seemingly in agreement. "Now, now, Alisha. Don''t be so quick to judge Brother Zero. You have no idea how strong he is," Hank cautioned. Alisha''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Oh, strong, huh? Can he satisfy me in bed?" she teased with a mischievous smirk. read-on-MVLeMpYr "Alisha, all you think about is a man''s ''thing.'' Don''t you have anything else on your mind, you dirty girl?" Mara, a tall girl with fair skin, knocked Alisha on the head in mock reprimand. Hank sighed helplessly, seeing that no one was taking the situation seriously. "Guys, Brother Zero is a High Human, and even I''m no match for him in terms of strength," Hank revealed. "What!" Alisha and the other four looked stunned. They studied Aengus more closely and began to recognize some traits that matched what they''d heard about High Humans. "You weren''t kidding, Hank. Now that I really focus, he does seem like one," Mara, the tall girl with a slender figure, remarked. She turned to Aengus with newfound respect. "Zero, right? My name''s Mara. Nice to meet you!" Aengus epted her handshake, trying to stay friendly. "d to meet you too, Mara. I came here from the Hero Empire alone. I''m hoping to join a party to enter the Secret Realm. When I met Hank, I decided to tag along with you guys." "Oh, the Hero Empire? That far?" Lark, A lean-built young man with dual swords strapped to his back interjected, his voiceced with suspicion. "Zero, how did you manage to travel such a long distance?" Aengus remained calm. "I had something to help me along," he replied, clearly not wanting to go into details. Sensing it was a personal matter, they chose to change the subject. "Did you meet any of the Heroes from the Empire, Zero?" the icy blue-haired boy asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Are they really as powerful as people say? I''d love to challenge one!" "Hey, shut up, Ice Cube. You think way too highly of yourself. Maybe grow some balls first," Alisha mocked, earning a re from the boy. "You¡ªyou horny subus!" Nate seethed, clearly angered by her remark. "Stop it, you two," thest member, a slender girl with snowy white hair, stepped in between them, her calm demeanor restoring silence. Sofia turned to Aengus, her expression serious. "Zero, I''m Sofia, the party leader. I know you''re a High Human, but before you join us, we need a small demonstration of your strength," she offered, and the rest of the group nodded in agreement. "A test of strength?" Aengus chuckled, amused. "Sure, I''m always ready." His eyes scanned the group: Sofia, Alisha, Mara, Hank, Lark, and Nate. All of them were C-Rank hunters, some with impressive backgrounds and skills. They were a bit older than Aengus, but that didn''t concern him. He knew he was far stronger than all of them. Alisha grinned, stepping forward confidently. "Alright, hotshot, I''ll handle the assessment!" she said, flexing her muscles and showing off her ample assets. Aengus remained unfazed, while the others shook their heads at her flirtatious disy. Despite her obvious beauty and boldness, he showed no reaction. They were all impressed by hisposure. Alisha was a stunning, voluptuous woman, and most men would at least flinch under her gaze, but Aengus remained indifferent. Of course, they didn''t know he had a greater subus demoness waiting for him back home¡ªsomeone far more alluring than Alisha. Alisha grinned seductively, eyeing his muscr frame, and extended her hand. Her right hand was tough and calloused from years of training. "Zero, if you can resist her tug for one minute, you''re in the party," Sofia said from the sidelines. "Alright," Aengus replied calmly, extending his hand, which was notably free of any calluses. "Let''s start, hotty," Alisha teased as she sped his hand and suddenly pulled with all her strength. But to her surprise, Aengus didn''t budge an inch. She gritted her teeth and gradually increased her force to the maximum, but it was no use. He remained still, like an immovable mountain. Hank burst outughing. "Haha, I told you guys! Brother Zero is a monster!" His chubby cheeks jiggled with hisughter. The rest of the group hadn''t expected the gap between them and Aengus to be so big. "Are High Humans always this strong and talented? Isn''t that a little unfair?" Mara muttered, watching the disy in disbelief. Lark chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "Life''s that unfair, baby. But at least we''re better off than most of ordinary people out there." As the couple shared a tender moment, leaving the single members of the group feeling envious, Nate cast a longing gaze at Sofia, clearly infatuated. Sofia noticed and shot him a sharp re. "What?" she snapped. Nate gulped nervously. "N-nothing, Captain!" Meanwhile, Aengus gave a gentle tug, pulling Alisha toward him with ease. Before their bodies could collide, he swiftly sidestepped, letting her momentum carry her forward, but caught her by the back just before she could hit the ground. Alisha, her breathbored from the exertion, stared at Aengus in astonishment. Her physical strength was well above average, yet she couldn''t even make him flinch. Despite her embarrassment, there was also a gleam of excitement in her eyes¡ªshe had finally found someone who matched her strength. Of course, her insatiable flirtatiousness never goes off. "Zero, wanna go for a night?" She offered boldly. Aengus looked at her and his reply was sharp. "No." "Tsk..." Alisha clicked her tongue at the rejection, but she didn''t mind. "Alisha, I am here for you. I can apany you, " Hank stepped between them with a smile. "Go away, fatso. Lose your weight first," She scoffed in disdain. Hank''s smile stiffened. Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Ancient Dwarvania "Alright, wee to the party, Zero. I''m Sofia, the party leader," Sofia said, giving him a firm handshake. Aengus smiled. "d to join you guys. Please take care of me in the future." One by one, he was introduced to the rest of the party, who epted him into the team. They knew the situation in the Capital City was bing chaotic, and they would need all the help they could get. Zero was strong and friendly, not like the arrogant higher breeds. "Hank, show Zero to his room for now. We''ll head outside to gather intel and news about the Secret Land," Sofia instructed. "Got it. Come on, brother Zero. I''ll show you your room, though the conditions are crudepared to your background," Hank smiled as he led the way. "I don''t care about all that. Just having a ce to stay is fine for me," Aengus said. "That''s good, that''s good," Hank replied, visibly relieved. As they left, Sofia and the others contemted the new addition to their group. "He''s as strong as a monster; I can feel it," Larkmented, his expression serious. "Sofia, isn''t it risky to ept him into our team so casually?" Mara asked with uncertainty. "What if he turns against us?" Sofia sighed, "I know. But we have to take a gamble. He could be a great asset if everything works out. Besides, we need to be ready for the worst. The people from the Dragon Empire will definitely show up, and we know how arrogant they are. We need to prepare for anything." "Oh, the Dragon assholes? Ipletely forgot about them," Alisha cut in. "But will any of the Heroese here?" she asked, curious. "Hmph, just because they''re called Heroes doesn''t mean they''re saints. Sometimes, they''re the most arrogant ones out there," Nate added with an icy demeanor. "Well, not all of them are bad," Sofia replied with a nod. "And yes, they mighte as well. The temptation of the Secret Land is too great to ignore." Alisha grinned, "We''re all here with the same goal in mind. I just hope they let us through peacefully." "I''m sure they won''t have much of a choice when faced with the Empires and the Holy Cathedral. Even Emperor Kairos would have to think twice." "Whoa! That means the situation inside the Secret Treasure Land will be dangerous," Alisha remarked, her voice full of unease. "Hope we make it out alive." --- Once Aengus settled into his room, he focused on sensing the connection with his Doppelganger. Yes, it was still there, and he sighed in relief, overhearing the conversation with Be even from here. Next, he took out the Spatial Disk from his Space Bracelet. His goal: attempting to absorb its ability. After all, trying couldn''t hurt, right? He could never fully trust a device to work when he needed to escape the most. As for Belial''s threat, he didn''t care. He was confident Belial wouldn''t go too far. Aengus touched the Spatial Disk and activated Skill Absorption. The void-like energy from his hand attempted totch onto the runic mechanisms within the device, but notifications of failure rang repeatedly in his mind. [Error! Skill Absorption Failed.] [Error!...] your-MVLeMpYr-source Aengus furrowed his brows. "So, man-made abilities can''t be absorbed?" "Master, you could use Universal Synthesis to fuse it with your body, like you did with the Energy Converter. I''m sure it would work," came Manas'' ethereal voice, echoing in his mind. "I know, I was already thinking the same," Aengus replied. "Do you need help, Master?" Manas offered. Aengus shook his head. "No, I can use Universal Synthesis better than before." With that, Aengus activated Darkness Shroud to conceal any prying eyes. Then, he ced the Spatial Disk against his chest and initiated Universal Synthesis. An ethereal blue dome formed around him, and the process began. This time, the process was quick. [You have acquired a new Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter.] [Greater Spatial Teleporter: This trait allows you and your allies to travel through Quick Spatial Rifts to chosen locations avable on the map ] [Limitation: Can be used unlimitedly, but the energy cost varies depending on the distance of teleportation. ] Aengus could feel something new inside his body, connected to his Energy Converter through a magical integration. He read the description and felt satisfied. "With this, I can be more assured of my safety," he thought. With that settled, Aengus addressed Manas. "Manas, show me your stats. Let me see how much you''ve changed," Aengus ordered. Manas Complied obediently, "Yes, Master." [ Name: MANAS (Mnia Ava Norah Arabe Seraphine) ] [ Race: Seraphim ] [ Rank: S ] [ Type: Loyal Assistant ] [ Description: MANAS is unique intelligent entity from higher dimensions, capable of doing task with unmatched intelligence ] Abilities: - Prediction - Higher Information Processing - Ultra Comprehension (Assist) - Basic Information Archives (Mythraldor) - Telepathic Communication "So, Manas, you still don''t remember your origin? Or the connection with me... or should I say, ''Zero''?" Aengus asked thoughtfully. Manas replied, her voice soft but resolute, "No, Master. I still cannot remember anything rted to your name or my identity, but I do remember that I have a mission¡ªto assist you in any way possible." "I see..." Aengus pondered for a moment. He suspected that Manas might be tied to the same higher realm from which many Unique Skill holders, like himself, originated. There were too many mysteries surrounding his reincarnation and the powers at y. "So, do you have any information on this ''Secret Land'' everyone''s talking about?" he asked, remembering that Manas had the ability to gather knowledge about the world. "Yes, Master. I have gathered some primary history and information avable in this world," Manas answered confidently. "First, the ce is called Dwarvania. It''s where the Ancient Dwarfs once lived. They were renowned for their artifact crafting and incredible treasures. However, by some mysterious intervention, the realm fell into ruin, and now it''s scattered with hidden treasures, making it a hotspot for treasure hunters." Aengus stood by the window, absorbing the knowledge. "Can I find any soul-rted treasures or items there?" he asked, his tone soft. "You''ve seen the condition of my soul, right. Tell me the truth." "Yes, Master," Manas replied seriously. "There are records of soul-rted treasures within Dwarvania. You may indeed find something that could help your condition. But, be cautious Master. The wild beasts there are formidable, and the unpredictable nature of the realm has led to many casualties in past expeditions." Aengus nodded. "It seems like we''ll be entering Dwarvania soon, then." Chapter 152: Chapter 152: To The Royal Colosseum The Capital City was really big, housing nearly 100 million people. And After the secret of secretnd was leaked, even more people, either in groups or traveling solo, entered the city in droves. Knights and guards patrolled the streets, trying to maintain order, but with the increasing crowds, it seemed almost futile. Various magical flying creatures roamed the skies, ridden by individuals in regal clothing, whonded gracefully and confidently on the ground. The vendor streets bustled with life, teeming with activity. Aengus and his party strolled through the stony asphalt streets, enjoying the afternoon. While some, like Sofia and Nate, remained cautious. Aengus made small talk with others, trying to be friendly. Alisha leaned in closer with a grin, "So, Zero, when are we having that duel?" Aengus replied with a calm expression, "Anytime, Alisha. But don''t cry when you lose." "Come on, you seem like a battle maniac too, Zero," Nate, the blue-haired boy, sighed. "Do we really need to deal with two of you now?" "Nah, I just like challenges. It''s been a while since someone defeated me," Aengus said casually. "Oh, that confident!" Nate eximed. "Do you want to fight me too, Zero? I haven''t used my dual swords in a long time," Lark grinned, gesturing to the des strapped to his back. "Brother Zero, why don''t you show us your weapon?" Hank chimed in, his round figure jiggling with every step as he hefted his mace. "Brother Zero must have a holy weapon at least," Hank added. MVLEmPyR-your-story-source "We all have holy weapons, Hank. You''re the only one who doesn''t, and you said Zero sold you one, so it''s nothing special to get excited about," Mara remarked, rolling her eyes. "Alright, guys, calm down a little," Sofia cut in, noticing the growing bickering. "If you''re so eager to fight, let''s head to the Royal Colosseum. You can fight there and maybe we could gather thetest intel on the Secret Land there. We need to stay a step ahead." Alisha grinned, her bronze skin glistening under the sunlight. "Alright, let''s go, Zero. Let''s kick some asses." The group exchanged nces and moved to follow the n. "Buzz... Buzz!" Just as they were about to quicken their pace, a crushing, overwhelming aura descended upon them from the sky. "Agh!" Their knees buckled under the immense pressure, and despite their efforts to resist, they were forced to the ground, gasping for breath, their hearts pounding with fear. But, Aengus stood unaffected for a brief moment, but realizing the need to blend in, he crouched down, pretending to struggle like the rest of his party. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a massive, fiery dragon hovering over the city, it sheer size blocking sunlight in arge scale. On the dragon''s back stood a man and a younger figure with fiery red hair, both radiating a domineering presence. It wasn''t just their party¡ªeveryone nearby was brought to their knees by the oppressive aura. The powerful man''s hawk like eyes nced at Aengus for a brief second before looking away, seemingly dismissing him as insignificant. The man knew Aengus was a high human but didn''t care. The young man beside him raised an eyebrow, but a sneer of disdain formed on his face noticing Aengus. After a brief pause, the massive fire dragon flew toward the direction of the King''s Castle, seemingly in a hurry. As the oppressive pressure lifted, everyone slowly got up, wiping cold sweat from their brows. Aengus and his party wore expressions of shock, disbelief, and anger. Aengus, though displeased, knew the other party was far stronger than him. Even in his Leviathan form, he doubted he could take on the fire dragon, much less the man riding it. "That arrogant asshole!" Alisha cursed, ring at the distant dragon. "Hey, Alisha, keep it down. Don''t you realize he''s probably an S-Rank powerhouse? He could hear you," Nate whispered, his voice full of caution. Sofia added seriously, "I know that man. He''s the Helios¡ª Fire Dragon King from the Dragon Empire. He governs an entire estate under the Dragon Emperor." "F-Fire Dragon King?" Alisha and the others gulped, fear creeping in as they processed the name. Aengus, however, was more intrigued by the younger man. He had seen the hostility and arrogance in his eyes. He wanted to use his Appraisal ability but didn''t get the chance before they had flown out of sight. "Who was the guy beside him?" Aengus asked, still curious. Sofia''s face grew solemn. "That was one of the Dragon Princes of their kingdom. He''s the best among the best, and his arrogance runs deep. We must be especially cautious around him." Hank and others exchange nces. "Man, Dragon Princes, Heroes, Demi-human Royalties, Phoenix Royalties¡­ who knows what else we''ll have to face these days," Nate sighed, clearly exasperated. "Yeah, whatever," Sofia responded, rallying the group with determination. "But we can''t give up." Alisha grinned mischievously. "If you''re scared, Ice-Cube, send them to me. I''ll take care of them." She brandished her heavy greatsword with confidence. "Oh, Don''t cry when I do, Horny Subus," Nate shot back, his icy demeanor cracking just a bit. "Hey, you two, don''t start again," Lark interjected with a sigh. "Let''s continue where we were heading." The group continued their way toward the Royal Colosseum, their steps steady on the rocky asphalt streets. After just a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the grand, circr structure, gleaming under the sun''s rays. Its imposing architecture filled them with awe. It was Royal Colosseum, where arranged duel happens and peoplee to watch fights inrge numbers. Once inside, they made their way to a nearby counter to register and buy passes. "Hey, beautifuldy, give us seven passes, please," Hank said with a wide grin. Thedy behind the counter smiled warmly. "The show''s free today, everyone. It''s Princess Delh''s birthday. Go and enjoy yourselves." "Princess Delh''s birthday?" Hank''s eyes lit up with delight. "Do we get a chance to see her, by any chance?" The woman scoffed, waving him off yfully. "You wish, fatso. Now shoo, shoo." Sofia shot Hank a re, her patience wearing thin. "Miss, please don''t mind him. We''d like to arrange a few duels instead." Thedy''s interest piqued. "Ah, duels! You should''ve said that earlier." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she handed over several forms. "Fill these out, and I''ll arrange your matches immediately." Sofia passed the forms to the group one by one, but when it was Aengus'' turn, he shook his head. Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Intimidation Power "Sorry, everyone," he said with an apologetic smile. "I don''t fight to entertain others. But I''ll be cheering you all on from the sidelines." "Ah, why Zero? It would''ve been enjoyable." Alisha felt disappointed. The group exchanged looks, a mix of understanding and disappointment, before a few turning back to their forms. "It''s fine Zero, me and Nate won''t be joining either. We would be gathering information from the Crowds if possible," Sofia said nonchntly. "Yes, only Hank, Alisha, Mara and Lark would fight and earn us some coins heh heh. We would just enjoy the show." Nate smiled, patting Aengus''s shoulder. ---- Nate, Sofia, and Aengus made their way to the spectator''s area, while the rest of their group headed to the waiting area for their turn to fight. The atmosphere in the colosseum was lively, buzzing with excitement. Though the fights were not death matches, idents could still happen, making the tension all time high with their nerves on edge. The trio settled in the furthest seats on the back, because the massive arena was already packed to the brim with people of all kinds. Their shouts and cheers echoed across the vast space, blending into a chaotic symphony. Aengus scanned the crowd and noticed the diverse crowd. There were evem demi-humans of all shapes and sizes mingled with the other spectators. Cat people, rabbit folk, wolves, elves, dwarves, and even a few fox people filled the seats, each cheering for their favoritebatants. "So many people! It feels like we''re at a festival," Nate remarked, smiling brightly, his icy blue hair catching the sunlight. Nate''s good looks, along with Aengus'' physique and Sofia''s striking snowy white hair, quickly drew the attention of nearby onlookers. Even in a crowd this diverse, they stood out, radiating an aura of uniqueness and quiet power. "Wow! So handsome and hot!" a few girls eximed, their eyes gleaming as they gazed at Aengus and Nate. "Yeah, right. I like the blue-haired one," a beautiful girl remarked, armed with a weapon. "I like the ck-haired one. He looks so manly and cold!" another added with fascination. Sofia chuckled at the naive girls'' expressions. "Someone seems popr," she remarked, ncing at the duo beside her. Nate smiled lightly. "Don''t be so sour, Captain. Look, those guys are ogling you too." Sofia seemed disinterested, but one timid guy appeared in front of her. "Hey, miss, you look really beautiful, especially your hair. Can I talk to you?" he asked nervously. Sofia furrowed her brows. "No, I''m not interested. Please go back to your seat," she replied politely. But another red-haired guy rudely interrupted, "What''s with the arrogance, b**ch? My brother asked politely, didn''t he?" he spoke with force. Aengus and Nate immediately turned serious, sensing the situation escting. Sofia remained unshaken. "And I turned him down politely. But what''s this got to do with you?" Her expression hardened. The polite young man tugged at the red-haired man, "It''s fine, bro. Let''s go." "No need to go anywhere, little brother. You''ve finally liked a girl after so long, and I can''t let you be insulted like this." Nate interrupted, "Oh, was he impotent all this while?" he mocked, clearly unafraid. His hand gathered icy particles. "You want to fight? Come on!" "Who''s afraid of who, boy?" The red-haired man wasn''t afraid at first because hispanions quickly came to back him up. Aengus stood up calmly and released his crushing aura little by little. The red-haired man and the others sensed the aura, and their hearts skipped a beat. With cold and ruthless eyes, Aengus came closer and looked at them, his aura increasing with every passing moment... Gulp! The other men swallowed hard and began backing down, one step at a time, leaving the red-haired man standing alone. "Leave!" Aengus said with a single,manding word. "B-Bro, let''s go. I don''t like her anymore," the timid guy pulled his brother, and the red-haired man allowed himself to be dragged away, trembling slightly under the killing intent of the other party. Nate and Sofia looked at Aengus speechlessly. They had thought Aengus was strong, but this was something else. Even though they weren''t the targets, they could still feel the shivers from his aura. Nate gave a thumbs-up and returned to his seat with a smile. "Thanks, Zero," Sofia said as she took her seat. Aengus replied, "It''s nothing, captain. We''re a team now. Besides, I just felt like meddling. I knew you could have handled them on your own." Sofia shook her head, "No, you may be right, but it would have been more of a hassle if you hadn''t subdued them so easily." content-hosted-on-MVLeMpYr "Hey, if you''re done talking, look at the stage. It''s our Hank''s turn now," Nate said, looking at the center of the arena. Aengus and Sofia turned their attention to the fight. Hank, with his big mace ready in hand, was fighting an opponent wielding a longsword. Everyone watched with excited faces, shouting their names and cheering. There were also VIP guests present in a separate section. After a while, the match ended with Hank''s victory. Hank wasn''t weak. it seemed he had some tough skills rivaling same generation. "Alright, with that done, Nate, go and use your shrewd brain to gather some information for us. Offer them money if needed," Sofia said, taking her eyes off the stage. Nate grinned and stood up, "Okay, Captain. Let me try. But I can''t guarantee anything." Sofia and Aengus were left alone, creating a bit of awkwardness between them. For a while, neither knew how to initiate a conversation. The people nearby remained cautious around them after witnessing Aengus'' earlier intimidation. "So Zero, can I ask why you''re going inside? And do you fall under 20 like us? I heard they won''t allow us to enter if you''re older than that," Sofia asked casually. High humans had longer lifespans, so their age sometimes couldn''t be judged by their appearance. Aengus replied in a neutral tone, "Yes, I''m 18 this year. And I''m going inside to find something important. Sorry, Captain, but I can''t say more than that." Sofia didn''t mind, "It''s fine, Zero. Everyone has their secrets. I just hope you won''t go back on your word." Aengus reassured her with a faint smile, "I won''t." Chapter 154: Chapter 154: A Glimpse They watched as Alisha, Lark, and Mara fought their matches in between breaks as they conversed. Except for Mara, both Alisha and Lark won their matches, leaving the spectators in awe of their skills. Aengus observed with interest, allowing himself to rx slightly. "Hey, miss me, you two?" Nate returned, a faint smile on his face. "Nate, did you get any good news?" Sofia asked. Nate leaned in closer and whispered, "Yes, I heard they''re going to open it tomorrow, right at the west outskirts of the city. Though the news isn''t confirmed, it''s got the highest chance of being true." "Oh, that''s good. Any news on what we''re going to face besides the other contenders?" she inquired. "No, I haven''t heard anything about that yet," Nate replied. "But I did hear that we''ll be spending 15 days inside. It''s going to be a long time, and the chance of survival is extremely low for ordinary hunters." "Huh, that''s a long time. I hope we can get through this by staying together," Sofia said softly, concern flickering in her eyes as she considered their uncertain future. After watching the matches for another hour, Alisha, Hank, Lark, and Mara joined them one by one. They had won the majority of their fights, though there were a few losses. Overall, their performance couldn''t be considered bad. "Let''s go, guys. We''re done here. Tomorrow is the day we''ve been waiting for," Sofia announced solemnly, walking beside Nate as she led the way. "Tomorrow?" The word echoed in their minds, heavy with the weight of the unknown. The next day would determine their fate and destiny. Tension filled the air, but they knew they couldn''t falter now. Each of them had their own aspirations, dreams, and fears. Aengus was no different¡ªhe too had a purpose, though it may differ. After taking their money from the counter, they headed outside and saw it was alreadyte afternoon. As they walked, Aengus nced at the six of them, suddenly reminded of the first party he had ever joined. That had ended in tragedy, a catastrophe that haunted him still. Their faces came to his mind, and for a split second, he thought he saw Aria and Yona crossing the street far away in the opposite direction, like a fleeting illusion. He shook his head and joined the group as they left for their residence. --- Meanwhile, in the opposite direction, a different scene was unfolding. Aria and Yona were actually there, walking along the same street. "Hey, wait, you two!" Drake suddenly appeared from the sidelines, followed by a stern-looking knight and a graceful youngdy with a happy smile on her lips. Aria suddenly stopped, feeling someone''s gaze on her from behind. It felt strangely familiar. But when she turned around, the crowd of people made it impossible to catch sight of the disappearing figure. "What happened, Aria? What caught your eye?" The graceful youngdy stopped beside her and asked with a faint smile. Aria blinked and returned to her senses, her emerald-green eyes appearing lost for a second. Her silvery hair fluttered in the afternoon breeze, making her a picturesque sight. She turned to Yona and the youngdy. "Nothing, Princess Delh. I just thought I saw someone familiar from the past," she said, her expression distant. "Don''t tell me you''ve seen Ethan again? Ohhh.. Come on, sister Aria. He''s long been... well, you know what I mean, right?" Drake said softly, careful not to incur her wrath. "Who are you two talking about?" Princess Delh asked. Yona answered, "Your Highness, he was ourpanion once, but he became a victim during the Arcadia City incident. Lady Aria had a special connection with him. She had just fallen in love at that time, which might be why." Princess Delh looked sympathetic. "Ah, I didn''t know you had such a tragic experience, Aria. May the gods bless him." Aria squinted at Yona but remained silent, helpless at her friend for revealing personal matters. "I''m fine, Princess Delh. Just some old memories... that''s all I have now. But sometimes, I feel like he''s still alive out there," Aria said, her voice carrying a mixture of emotions. Princess Delh smiled warmly. "Well, if he is alive, I''d surely like to meet him someday to understand what caught your eye, Aria." Aria''s spirits lifted slightly, and a faint smile yed on her lips as she remembered the old days. Though her time with Ethan had been brief, she had fallen for him, without fully understanding why. There was something deep and inexplicable that drew her to him, as if they shared a bond beyond space and time. That thought rekindled a me of determination in her. She had to uncover the truth about Ethan¡ªwhether he was truly dead or still out there alive somewhere. And to do that, she needed to be stronger, stronger than she had ever been. The knight apanying them cut in. "Your Highness, forgive me for interrupting, but we need to move soon. We have to return before evening falls," he reminded, keeping their task in mind. "Yes, I know," Princess Delh replied. "Let''s go, Aria. We need to get prepared before we enter Dwarvania." "Yes, let''s go," Drake added in enthusiastically. "We need to make our weapons¡ªstronger and more powerful." Aria and the others hade to the market to enhance their weapons with the help of a special cksmith. Princess Delh had followed them out of longing for outside world. It was Princess Delh''s birthday, and since the king couldn''t host a grand banquet due to all the recent chaos, he had allowed her toe along. With protection of course. When Aria, Drake, and Yona first sought help from General Leon, they unexpectedly met Princess Delh for the first time. Delh, being around the same age as Aria, immediately connected with her, and the two got along well. General Leon, known for his strength and fairness, weed them into his home and provided shelter at his own residence near the castle. He recognized their potential and the dangers they faced, so he personally ensured their safety by assigning his most trusted personnel to guard them. As a further measure, he gave them amunicator, a direct line to him and his forces, should any trouble arise. The knight who followed them was S-rank, and a few special shadow guards blended into the environment, ensuring their safety. Though the two groups had headed in different directions, it wouldn''t be long before their paths would cross again, each fighting for survival and fate. Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Heroes After the night of preparation, Aengus and his party found themselves heading toward the west outskirts, to enter the sacrednd. "Whoa! There are a lot of people. We''re going to have a lot ofpetition, guys," Alishamented as soon as they arrived at the location. The ce was bustling, crowded with hunters, nobilities, andmon folk, who were watching the spectacle from a cautious distance to avoid getting entangled with the ''elites,'' as they called them. "Get ready, Nate. We might see your idol, General Leon, here. You two have simr Ice skills and bloodlines, after all," Lark said, patting Nate''s shoulder. Nate looked happy like a child. "Haha... I''m also hoping to get some guidance from him on how to achieve higher ranks. Of course, I''m talking about S-Rank. The Transcendental Rank seems like an impossible dream to me," Nate added with a defeated expression. "Man up, Ice-Cube. With that mentality, you''ll never hope to cross the threshold. Didn''t the teacher at the academy tell you that?" Alisha mocked. "Of course, I remember, but reality teaches you to be more realistic," Nate sighed,cking the energy to bicker with her. "Hey, if you''re done, let''s settle down near that tree and wait," Sofia suggested, spotting a rtively remote tree near the crowd. The others nodded in agreement. Aengus matched their pace, ncing around at the crowd, who were eagerly waiting for the gate to appear. They began readying their weapons, checking their gear, and ensuring their potions were stocked in their spatial rings and bracelets. Aengus took out his de, Aegis, from his spatial bracelet and held it in his hand, preparing for the confrontation ahead. Aegis hummed in response, expressing a childlike joy at being wielded once more. Even though the de remained sheathed in its scabbard, it still caught his teammates'' attention, as they could feel the faint purifying holy energy emanating from it. "Zero, nice de you got there. What grade is it?" Lark asked, assessing the weapon with a curious gaze. Aengus held the de and answered, his eyes on the weapon, "It''s a C-Grade, a holy weapon. I named it Aegis." His teammates exchanged nces, clearly unconvinced. The power radiating from the de suggested it was much more extraordinary than he let on. However, they chose to remain silent, respecting his need for secrecy. After all, they had only known each other for a day, so it was understandable if he wanted to keep certain things private. In fact, they were more impressed by his restraint¡ªunlike others nearby, who were showing off their weapons and abilities with little hesitation. "Hey, look, guys, a flying ship!" Hank suddenly eximed, his voice filled with astonishment. -read-first "What are you talking about?" Sofia asked. They followed his gaze and saw a massive airship in the distant sky, slowly descending. The sheer size of it wasparable to a small mountain, that left them awestruck. Its roar of arrival was grandiose and mighty. "So...big," Alisha muttered, her eyes wide as the ship''s silhouette reflected in them. Aengus squinted, activating his All-Seeing Eyes, zooming in on the descending ship. His gaze locked onto the bold g fluttering in the wind, emzoned with the name Hero Academy. Rumble. The earth shook slightly as the ship descended, its massive size casting an overwhelming shadow on the ground. People all around gaped in awe and disbelief. "Hey, it''s a ship from Hero Academy!" "Ooh, the real one?" "Are there real Heroes inside?" "Nah, probably the younger generation of Hero sses. We''ve got one more set of contenders to deal with now." "Still, there''s bound to be a few actual Heroes inside, right? They surely wouldn''t leave their students unprotected!" Aengus and his group approached the massive ship, noticing a crowd of individuals d in intricate white robes adorned with elemental symbols¡ªeach representing different elements. The aqua blue for water, red for fire, brown for earth, light grey for air, and many others stood out vividly. "Tsk, look at them¡ªthe ''chosen ones'' are here," Alisha muttered under her breath, her voice filled with both annoyance and jealousy. "They''re so arrogant! They don''t fall behind the Dragon Princes when ites to pride. Just because they received the Hero ss, they think they''re superior to everyone else." Aengus quietly observed the neers, engraving their appearances and behavior in his mind. His attention also lingered on the conversations around him, confirming what he had suspected¡ªthere was indeed an entire academy dedicated to nurturing Hero sses of different elements. Leading the group of young Heroes was a middle-aged man with an imposing presence and striking purple hair. His aura radiated holy authority, and he seemed tomand respect effortlessly. He was clearly one of the Hero Academy''s elite, perhaps a protector or mentor to the group of hopefuls who represented humanity''s future. Despite being far from the middle-aged man leading the Hero Academy group, Aengus could feel the threat he posed. As for the young Heroes, Aengus didn''t sense any immediate danger from them¡ªexcept for one. A young man with striking purple hair, emanating an unmistakable Holy Lightning element, caught Aengus'' attention. His Appraisal skill activated, and Aengus quickly assessed the youth''s abilities, locking the information away in his memory. The young Holy Lightning user exuded a quiet confidence, ncing around with pride as he followed closely behind the group leader. Meanwhile, their group drew curious nces from the surrounding crowd. Some bold individuals attempted to approach the young Heroes, hoping to introduce themselves, but they were met with cold rejection. It seemed as though the Hero Academy group was waiting for something¡ªor someone. "When will the gate open? I can''t wait any longer!" Alishained, her impatience bubbling to the surface. Despite her grumbling, it was clear the situation wasn''t going to change anytime soon. "Alisha, don''t you see? The Dragon Princes, the Phoenix people, and the others haven''t arrived yet. They''ve probably made an agreement to open the gate at a specific time, once everyone''s gathered," Sofia exined calmly. Just as she finished speaking, arge group of people appeared in the distance, soaring through the sky on the backs of massive Dragons. The Dragon Princes had arrived, their regal presence unmistakable. The Fire Dragon and the young Dragon Prince were also present in there. Following closely behind them were the Phoenix people, their fiery ashes coloring the sky in a deep, glowing orange as they made their entrance. Lastly, a contingent of demi-human nobility arrived, riding colossalnd monsters. The ground trembled with each heavy step as they approached in a precise and formidable formation. The air was thick with tension, anticipation growing as more elite groups gathered. Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Assembled Noon. The west outskirts of the Capital City were now packed with hundreds of thousands people, mostly young, between 18-20 years old, as it was already known that those over 20 could not enter the Ancient Treasure Land. Still, a few older individuals attempted to try their luck, hoping to find a way in. The ce was in constant chaos, with asional brawls breaking out among rowdy groups. At one farthest corner, stood Aria, Drake, Yona, Princess Delh (wearing a mask), and two unfamiliar young men, forming a small group. Though Aria''s group was distant from Aengus, if he had wanted to, Aengus could have spotted her using his All-Seeing Eyes. However, he was preupied, focused on the arrival of various powerhouses and had no interest in anything else. Meanwhile, Aria and her group chatted. The young man standing beside Aria, who shared simr features to Princess Delh¡ªgolden hair and tall stature¡ªwas attempting to flirt with her. He carried a regal air, his handsome face radiating royal confidence. Despite the young man''s persistent efforts, Aria remained unmoved. Her pretty face was filled with annoyance. "Prince, I beg your pardon, but please leave me alone. Why don''t we rethink our strategy instead?" she replied hiding the annoyance, attempting to be as polite as possible. Prince Mikail felt a bit embarrassed but maintained hisposure. "Oh, of course, Aria, we should," he said, backing away slightly. His tone was affectionate, as if they were close friends, theck of honorifics of his address spoke the rudeness of it. Basically, he was like a fly that started bugging around her a lot. Princess Delh, witnessing this exchange, shook her head helplessly. "Brother Mikail, Aria is right. We should focus on how to regroup after the separation when crossing the gate. That should be our first priority. If we can use that to our advantage, we can hope to stay ahead and stronger than others." "Ah, okay," Prince Mikail responded, though his eyes never left Aria''s profile. Delh wanted to say more, but their attention quickly turned skyward suddenly hearing pping sounds and air pressure. Two figures appeared floating in from the direction of the King''s Castle. "Oh, it''s General Leon and General Felix," Drake muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear, his face brimming with admiration. Aria watched as the duo approached, riding magical wyverns, their powerful aura overwhelming the crowd. On the other side, Aengus observed General Leon''s arrival but remained silent. He wasn''t in a position to introduce himself to the general just yet. He could sense the invisible pressure they exerted, a clear sign to remain quiet. The crowd immediately hushed as they recognized the famous Ice Guardian and Fire Guardian. Their reputations were legendary, spreading far and wide, and the nearly million-strong crowd now waited in tense anticipation for the gate to open. General Leon and Felixnded gracefully at the front of the crowd, their presencemanding respect from all. "Leon, you finally showed up with that pathetic face of yours," the purple-haired man sneered as he arrived, his tone dripping with disdain. It was Zillion, the Hero of Lightning, and his words drew the attention of many powerful figures, including the Fire Dragon King and other influential leaders from the five empires. They gathered, anticipating a brewing confrontation. General Leon''s expression turned ice cold, and the very air around him froze into tiny shards, glimmering like ice particles in the sunlight. His voice, however, remained steady. "Zillion, as the Hero of Lightning, I expected more than such trash talk from someone of your rank. It doesn''t suit you," Leon responded with a calm, authoritative tone, almost as if educating a junior. Zillion remained unfazed, his smirk never leaving his face. "Is that so? But I heard a little bird say that our esteemed Ice Guardian couldn''t even protect a city of a hundred thousand lives, right under his nose. That''s quite the reputation you''ve earned, wouldn''t you agree?" he said, locking eyes with Leon, his words like venom. Despite the insult, General Leon maintained hisposure. But General Felix, standing beside him, was less patient. "Oh, and where were our esteemed Lightning Heroes and the other so-called protectors of humanity when Beelzebub attacked the city? Leon fought valiantly while a few attempts were made to destroy our Kingdom while you heroes stayed silent. Where were you all?" story-source-NovelFire "Hypocrites, all of you. Don''t tell me you didn''t sense Beelzebub''s presence. So, where was your precious aid when the city needed it? Is there something happening in the Hero Empire that you''re keeping from us?" General Felix''s voice rang out, cutting through the tense atmosphere, his eyes glowing with a fiery intensity. Zillion''s smirk faltered for a moment, but he said nothing. The crowd watched in silence, feeling the tension rise as Felix''s power red, casting a visible pressure around the area. His gaze narrowed, daring anyone to challenge him. "You don''t need to teach us how to conduct our matters, Felix," Zillion snorted, choosing to say nothing further. He was fully aware that now was not the time to escte the confrontation. General Felix clenched his fist in anger and retorted, "But you people certainly don''t have any shame, do you? Why are you demanding the key then? Just because Emperor Kairos is a coward, doesn''t mean we are. If you want a fight, I''ll fight till myst breath. If you continue to insult us and rub salt in our wounds, no one will leave here unscathed." His voice was cold and loud, ensuring that everyone could hear him. At that moment, a queen from the Phoenix Empire stepped in gracefully. "Now, now, there''s no need to go that far, General Felix. Although we don''t agree with Zillion, we aren''t here to make unreasonable demands," she said. Her beauty and grace captivated everyone as she continued in her smooth, calm voice. "We simply seek entry to Dwarvania and want our younger generation to fight fairly. We''ve already provided amplepensation to Emperor Kairos, and this is for the good of humanity as a whole." "I agree with Sky Phoenix Queen. The Great Holy War is upon us, and we must seize everyst chance we get," one of the S-Ranks said, with others echoing the sentiment. As for the SS-Ranks like Zillion and Sky Phoenix Queen, who were fewer in number, they seemed to care little for the Araknis Kingdom. Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Demons Arrivals The Ice Guardian and Fire Guardian didn''t say anything else. They knew it would be all futile. Instead, General Leon turned to the crowd and spoke loudly, his voice carrying over the entire assembly. "I know many of you have traveled from far away to participate in this hunt, hoping to change your fate. Whether you are from this kingdom, neighboringnds, other empires,moners, or royals, remember this-you are risking your lives by entering there. As per the agreement between the five empires, we will not be held responsible for any deaths or scuffles between the younger generation," he said, pausing to let his words sink in before continuing. "So, be careful and think twice before you decide to enter. Especially those who are older-if you attempt to enter, you will be erased from existence, as is written in the records," he added sternly, his eyes sharp and piercing. His words were met with small nods from the higher powerhouses and Transcendentals, confirming their truth. General Leon''s warning sent a wave of panic and unease through the crowd. The older participants, who had been hoping for a chance, exchanged nces -some began to back away, while others remained, still intending to try. Sofia and her team listened, but their resolve didn''t waver; they had been aware of these risks beforehand. "General Leon is right, losers! If you want to quit, you should do it while you still have the chance," a young man shouted, his face full of killing intent. "Hmph! We''re no cowards. Let''s see who survives, you silver spoon sucker!" some battle-hardened participants sneered in response. "Heh, we''ll see when we meet in the treasurend. Anyone who dares to hinder our way will be killed without mercy!" The atmosphere turned instantly hostile, and the tension rose. The higher powerhouses and Transcendentals furrowed their brows. If things continued this way, who would lead humanity in theing Holy War if all the young talents ended up killing each other? The powerful figures exchanged nces, seeminglying to a decision about what to announce next. "Silence!" Sky Phoenix Queen''s voice rang out, regal andmanding, piercing through the crowd. The hundreds of thousands of young participants instantly fell quiet, waiting for her to speak. "We have made a new rule on the spot¡ªanyone proven guilty of killing fellow humans, especially in mass killings, will be treated as a traitor to humanity. This proves that you value nothing but your hunger for power and greed. He or she will be executed ordingly. But remember, you are free to defeat others, just refrain from killing or crippling them. Keep that in mind." Her gaze swept across the crowd, making sure her words had impact. "And for those who are unaware, I suggest you form groups. There is safety in numbers. Once you enter the treasurend, you will be spawned at random locations, so the first thing you should do is find your teammates. Communication with the outside world, or even between groups, will be impossible using artifacts," she revealed, a secret that had been kept until now. Most of the participants felt a sense of relief hearing her first rule, but the advice and revtion about random spawns left many groups, including Sofia''s, awestruck. "Hey, we didn''t know we''d be spawned randomly! How are we supposed to get back together in an unknown ce?" Nate asked, looking to Sofia and the others. Sofia responded, "Well, That is unexpected. We should have gathered more information. Without maps, we''ll have to rely on Mara''s mentalmunication skill, but her range is only 5 kilometers. All we can do now is hope to survive until we meet again." "Zero, you''re the strongest among us. Please try to find us if possible," Alisha requested. Aengus, also known as Zero, replied, "I''ll do my best, but be prepared for the worst-case scenario." His tone was serious. Everyone turned to Mara, who was feeling the pressure of the situation. Lark, her boyfriend, gently reassured her, "Don''t worry, babe. I''ll find you soon," he said confidently. His words soothed her nerves a bit, and she smiled. "Don''t worry, everyone. I''ll send mental messages to find you all once we''re inside." "That''s good. Stay strong, everyone," Sofia added, trying to maintain their resolve. Visibly relieved, they turned their attention back to the sea of people and the powerful figures standing at the front. General Leon took out a small, circr object adorned with the image of a shining star. Though worn and mysterious, itmanded attention. The higher-ranking officials'' eyes were immediately drawn to it¡ªthe Key they had heard about. Without hesitation, General Leon tossed it into the air, and as it ascended, he began channeling his mana into it. General Felix quickly joined him, lending his power to the effort of opening the gate. In an unspoken agreement, Zillion, the Sky Phoenix Queen, the Fire Dragon King, and a few other S-Ranks also channeled their energy into the key. The process was slow, tense, andborious. As thebined energy surged into the object, it finally reacted. "Rumble!" Suddenly, the sky turned dark, an ominous presence thickened the air, and the world seemed to tremble. "They''re here!" General Leon''s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, as if he had foreseen this all along. "Hurry! Open the gate quickly!" General Felix urged, sensing the danger building around them. Everyone channeled even more energy into the key, straining to finish before it was toote. Aengus watched the scene calmly. "How can everything go so easily?" he mused, knowing this trouble was expected. Just as his doubts settled in, several space portals and rifts began to appear, ripping open the sky. Demons poured through the tears in Space, their monstrous forms imposing. Some tore through the atmosphere with sheer power alone, forcing their way into the world. "Oh, fu*k! Demons!" Alisha cursed, panic creeping into her voice as she and the others realized the gravity of the situation. "How could we forget about them?!" Nate shouted. Their group panicked a little. Cries of fear and rm spread quickly through the crowd. "Oh, god! The demons are here!" "I bet there are high-ranking demons present too!" "We''re dead!" "Hey, shut up, peasants! We have Transcendentals here¡ªwhat''s there to fear? You cowardly rats!" A brash voice retorted from the crowd. "Y-You...Bastard!" Despite the growing dread, the younger generation readied their holy weapons for the sh. The air became thick with tension as they prepared to face their worst nightmares. "Buzz! Buzz!" Then, a loud crackling sound echoed through the area. The void barrier between worlds began to tear apart. "The gate is opening!" someone yelled. "Haha! Forget about the demons. Once we''re inside, we''ll be safe!" another shouted. "Yes, let''s go! Hurry!" "Guys, let''s move to the gate, quick! These demons are bad news, and if we fall behind, we''ll be cannon fodder," Sofia urged, sprinting toward the gate that had just opened. NovelFire-hosted It a massive, transparent, dark square-shaped portal. Aengus and the others followed closely, moving with speed, their gazes fixed on the swarm of people already rushing toward the gate. The gate wasrge enough to allow thousands to pass through at once, but the sheer number of people made the scene chaotic. Chapter 158: Chapter 158: Familiar Gaze ncing back, Aengus saw Towering demonic creatures continued to emerge from the rifts. Among them were six humanoid demons who stood out like emperors, each radiating a powerful, sinister aura. Their eyes gleamed with cruelty, their presence dwarfing that of the other demons. One of the Demon Lords raised a hand, summoning an enormous ball ofher energy. The st, dark and menacing, shot toward the retreating humans. "Wall of Nifelheim!" General Leon''s conjured a massive wall of ice out of thin air to block the iingher energy st. The impact shook the continent, but the wall held firm. Leon, walking confidently in the air, showed no sign of fear. The S and SS Ranks quickly joined him, their powers ring as they prepared to engage the Demon Lords. "Hmph! Six Demon Lords... Seems your kind ces great importance on this secret realm," the Lightning Hero scoffed, preparing his Holy Lightning Powers. While the high-rankingbatants engaged the Demon Lords, Aengus noticed an elder demon heading straight for their party. Sofia and Others heart skipped a beat. "Run faster, everyone!" Sofia shouted, pushing herself to move even faster, her speed unmatched by the rest. Amid the chaos, Aengus remained focused. In an instant, he activated his All-Seeing Eyes, pinpointing the elder demon''s weak points and sting it to pieces. The sound of the demon''s destruction echoed behind them, but none of them stopped to look back. They nced behind briefly, seeing no trace of the elder demon. Confusion filled their faces. Who could have killed it so effortlessly? Their gazes shifted toward Aengus, or rather, Zero. But he seemed utterly nonchnt. "What?" Aengus asked, feigning ignorance despite the obvious hint. "Nothing," they replied, though the unease lingered. They couldn''t shake the feeling that there was a greater monster beside them, pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger. Aengus merely shrugged. Soon, they would be separated in the secret realm, and the truth would no longer matter. Aengus watched as people flooded into the gate like a swarm of ants, disappearing one after the other into the vast unknown. The eerie hum of the massive portal sent a shiver down his spine, but there was no time for hesitation. Lark and Mara were the first among his group to step forward. "See you soon, everyone!" Lark shouted as they were swept into the gate by the sea of bodies, vanishing from sight. The rest of his group exchanged nces¡ªuncertainty, fear, and hope mingling in their eyes. One by one, they too began to enter. Aengus lingered behind for a moment, his mind racing. Even though he had reassured them, telling them to find him once inside, but in truth, his path would be different. He had a different goal toplete. Something more important than staying with the group. Just as Aengus took his first step toward the gate, something caught his eye. A figure moves at the edge of his vision. Silvery hair, flowing like moonlight, an oval face, and piercing emerald-green eyes. His usually calm and cold heart stir with emotions, suppressing the darkness around. He blinked, his vision blurring for a moment. It couldn''t be! Was this true? Aria? But his eyes were telling the truth. His heart raced as his special eyes confirmed what he was seeing. She was alive. After all this time, she was alive and well. The memories came flooding back¡ªherughter, her determination, their kiss, and the day they were went Apart. And now, there she was, moving with lightning speed, her grace seemingly pulling at the strings of his heart. ______ NovelFire-your-story-source At the front of Aria''s group, she dashed forward, her every step fluid and swift. All of a sudden, her sharp senses picked up on something¡ªa gaze burning onto her. She turned her gaze sideways to the source. Her movements didn''t falter though. But as she locked her eyes with him, The world seemed toe to a standstill. Those familiar ck eyes, like a void, pierced through her, freezing her in ce for a fraction of a second. Could it be? Her heart pounded, her thoughts in a mess. Ethan... Was alive? All this while? That meant her gut feeling wasn''t wrong. She felt genuine happiness welling up inside her. He was alive and just within her reach. She hurriedly changed direction to meet him, but then she saw Ethan get suddenly pushed by a red-haired boy, causing him to lose his bnce and disappear into the gate. Her movements stopped, and herpanions halted beside her with puzzled expressions. "Sister Aria, why did you stop?" Drake asked anxiously. "Yeah, is something wrong, Aria?" Prince Mikail wanted to step forward and touch her, but Delh stopped him, annoyed by her brother''s foolishness. Aria snapped out of her daze and said, "Yona, Drake, I just saw Ethan! He''s alive. Didn''t I tell you both?" she said excitedly. Drake sighed with exasperation, thinking she was being delusional again. "Oh,e on, Sister! You must have been mistaken once again." Yona and Delh exchanged knowing looks, not believing her story at all. Mikail furrowed his brows, clearly displeased at the mention of another man from Aria''s lips. "Who is this Ethan you''re talking about?" he asked. Princess Delh and the others ignored him, knowing he wouldn''t like Ethan''s connection with Aria, and there was no time for exnations. "Let''s go, we don''t have time for this. The gate is about to close, and remember to keep in contact using the special skill that Father equipped us with earlier." Aria hurried along with them, but her goal had changed. She was determined to find Ethan and discover why he seemed so different. The younger generation moved on while the older generation continued fighting off the demons with earthshaking force. However, a swarm of demons also slipped through the gate, as if it had all been nned beforehand. Even though their goals remained unknown, it would be nothing gooding across them in there. Chapter 159: Chapter 159: To The Mountain Peak "Move away, you mongrel!" Aengus barely registered the voice before he felt the force. The young man beside the Fire Dragon King had attacked him¡ªnot just pushed, but with enough intent to end his life. Thanks to his quick reflexes, Aengus managed to evade the powerful blow, but the force still shoved him through the gate. His chance to speak with Aria had been shattered by that Dragon Prince. --- In the blink of an eye, Aengus found himself standing in a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees and rocky boulders. The environment was thick with the scent of nature, and the vegetation seemed untouched by human hands. He surveyed the area but found no-one near in his vision range. That meant he was all alone. But, that didn''t deter him at the slightest. His gaze fell on the boulder-shaped rocks humming with a faint magical glow on their surfaces. They seemed to pulse with hidden energy, suggesting something valuable inside. Any greedy man would have tried break it as soon as possible. With a knowing nce, Aengus activated his Appraisal skill. His eyes glowed momentarily, and their information entered his mind. Then, Aengus approached one of the rocky boulders, acting as naturally as possible. But, his de behind him was ready to strike. Swish! Instantly, the rock knoll came to life, opening its gaping mouth as if trying to swallow Aengus whole. "Slice!" Aengus swung his de, slicing cleanly through the monster''s midsection, as though cutting through butter. [ Appraisal ] [ Rock Knoll ] [ Rank: D ] [ Abilities: 1. Camouge 2. Stone Skin 3. Boulder Roll ] Gu lu u gu... Growl Aengus watched as the nearby Rock Knolls began to move, rolling toward him with ground-shaking force. Unmoved, Aengus dealt a few casual strikes, taking them down one by one. Despite their intimidating presence, they were no more than C-Rank creatures at best. He dispatched them with ease, his expression indifferent to the threat. Aengus quickly left the area, feeling the urgency of his situation. His soul was dangerously unstable, teetering on the edge of destruction. He didn''t know what would happen if it broke apart, but it felt like his very existence was akin to a world-ending bomb. He attempted to take to the skies using his wings, but to his frustration, he found himself unable to fly. There seemed to be some sort of restriction in this realm, binding him to the ground. But why? Who is behind all of this? The history he had learned from Manas about Dwarvania suddenly came to mind. The more he thought about it, the more he realized there wereyers of mystery hidden beneath what he had learned. Aengus stared at a distant mountain, its towering peak piercing the sky and casting a massive shadow that blocked the harsh sunlight. The sight gave him a strange sense of direction. Shua, shua. He began running toward the mountain, mentally mapping out the terrain as he moved. He needed a basic understanding of thend to determine his next destination, or perhaps he hoped to find something on the way. His speed soon surpassed the sound barrier, creating a sonic boom in his path, leaving a clear line of destruction behind. The low-level monsters nearby quickly hid inside their shells, sensing his overwhelming speed and aura. He reached arge river, its flow charged with electricity, and water monsters roamed on the surface, their eyes filled with menace. Ssh Aengus stopped at the riverbank, then with a powerful leap, dove into the water amidst the raging current. [ Doomscale Dragonification ] To counter the strong current and the water monsters ahead, he activated his Dragonification skill, enhancing his stats futher. With increased strength and a dragon-like tail and ws, his swimming speed multiplied several times over. Suddenly, He spotted a Water Serpent approaching, ready to attack. But he didn''t stop. With sharpened ws, he met the serpent''s massive, gaping mouth head-on. Boom! Ssh! The serpent''s head was shattered into pieces, causing the water to momentarily part, allowing air to rush in. The gap quickly closed again, leaving Aengus with the creature''s body. Without wasting any time, He used Skill Absorption on the Water Serpent. [ You have gained the passive skill: Water Breathing (C) ] He needed the skill to remained submerged freely in the water. He didn''t absorb anything else, considering the fragile state of his soul. Latest updates from m _vlempyr. A passive skill wouldn''t affect him too much, as it''s usually linked more to the body than the soul. As Aengus resumed his swim, he spotted another Water Serpent approaching. This time, instead of engaging it directly, he used Darkness King''s Authority to influence the creature, taking control over its mind. Under hismand, the serpent turned and swam away, creating a distraction to lure the attention of the other water monsters. Momentster, Aengus could hear muffled roars, growls, and hissing sounds beneath the water, indicating the chaos he had orchestrated. After diving for another 20 minutes, Aengus finally broke the water''s surface and spottednd ahead. In mere seconds, he was standing on the shore, ncing back at the long distance he had crossed, the dangerous water monsters and menacing fish still lurking beneath the surface. Aengus moved through the dense jungle of towering trees, and dense grassynd. "Hey, leave us alone! We got it first!" A piercing scream stopped Aengus in his tracks. Up ahead, he saw a noble-looking girl and her teammate standing against a young man with a vicious scar on his face. The tension between them was palpable. "Fu*k, are you going to give it up or not? Don''t think I won''t kill you both. You''re barely D-Rank, and you two b**ches have the guts to challenge me?" he sneered arrogantly. The first girl, holding a glowing white orb, red at him. "Hmph, we are two, but you''re alone. Don''t think you''ll get away without consequences. Once we''re outside, my father will make sure to have his revenge. So, back off lowlife!" The young man''s grin widened, revealing his twisted intentions. "Fuk your background! I don''t give a damn about your father. I''ll fu*k you both and then kill you, and no one will ever find out." With a swift motion, he pulled out a small vial of pink liquid and smashed it into his hand. "Haha... Where will you go now?" heughed with a perverted smile and malice. "I''ll fu*k you two to death." Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Finding A Clue The girls instinctively covered their noses, but it was toote. The potion''s effects were swift and potent. "What did you do?" one of the girls panicked, her voice shaky as she suddenly felt an overwhelming heat course through her body. A strange, itchy sensation started to spread in her private ces. The young manughed darkly. "You na?ve girls never heard of an aphrodisiac potion before? That''s good. We''re going to have some fun, don''t worry, virgin b**ches!" He then sneered, his eyes gleaming with greed. "But first, hand over that soul treasure. With it, I can unlock an extra active skill sloy with this." As he reached to snatch the glowing orb from the girl''s trembling hand, who was distracted by the effects of the potion, another hand appeared out of nowhere and swiftly took the orb from her grasp, before the young man could get his hands on it. Aengus stood there, holding the orb, his expression calm and calctive. The young man looked at Aengus'' handsome face, which irritated him further. His anger red. "Who are you? Give it back!" he barked. The girls, however, were visibly relieved. "Th-thank you for helping us, Hero." Their eyes were full of gratitude, and they hid behind Aengus, seeking safety. Aengus showed no expression in response to their superficial gratitude. "No need. I''m not here to meddle in your affairs. I''ll be taking this. You three can continue." With that, Aengus began to walk away. The girls and the young man stared in disbelief. How can someone not help after seeing such beauty and being in such a tempting situation? "Hey, where are you going? Where''s your humanity? Please help us!" the wealthy, beautiful girl begged. However, Aengus'' footsteps didn''t falter. "How can you have no kindness at all?" the girl finally shed real tears, imagining their future. They had hoped to gather in arge group and acquire incredible items and treasures, but fate was ying a cruel joke on them. "Shiiiingg!" Just as Aengus was leaving, the sound of a de being unsheathed pierced the tense air. The young man, now fuming with rage and humiliation, stood with his sword drawn, his eyes locked on Aengus. "You''re not going anywhere, pretty boy!" he growled, his tone dripping with malice. "You think you can just walk away with that soul treasure and leave me here? I''ll kill you and those b**ches too!" Aengus paused, turning slightly, but his expression remained indifferent, as if the young man''s threats were nothing more than idle chatter. He gave the girls a quick nce, noticing the fear in their eyes, but he wanted to be true to his earlier words-he had no interest in their affairs. But the young man''s intervention changed everything. He had to be dealt with quick. The wealthy girl, now desperate, called out again, her voice trembling. "Please, don''t leave us! We''ll do anything, just save us from him!" The young man smirked, gripping his sword tighter, clearly enjoying the power he held over the terrified girls. "Hear that, pretty boy? They''re begging for your help. What kind of ''hero'' turns his back on women in distress?" Aengus finally stopped walking, letting out a long sigh. Without turning fully to face them, he spoke calmly. "Hero? You misunderstand. I''m not a hero, not here to save anyone. But if you''re looking for death you will get one. It''s yourst chance to flee from here." The young man, emboldened by what he perceived as Aengus'' looking down on him, charged forward, sword raised. "Die, you arrogant bastard!" Swoosh In a sh, Aengus vanished from his spot, reappearing behind the young man with his de in his hand. A small, almost imperceptible movement of Aengus'' de sent a gust of air slicing through the space between them. The young man froze mid-step, his eyes wide with disbelief. He looked down and saw his stomach had been cut cleanly by the waists, as his upper body fell down like sleepery mass. "Wh-what... how?" he seemed disbelief, his upper body and lowered bodyid there. He was a C-Rank hunter for god''s sake. So how could this happen? "Ahh!" his horror filled scream echoed throughout, sending a chill down at two girl''s spine, their eyes full of dread. Aengus didn''t even nce back as he resumed walking. "Like I said, I''m not here to meddle with your affairs. You should have thought twice before attacking me." The girls watched in stunned silence, their initial fear of Aengus now reced with deep terror. Though they were safe, but the cold indifference after killing Aengus disyed left them shaken to their core. The smell of urination spread like wildflower, marking the level of their terror. Without another word, Aengus disappeared into the dense jungle, leaving behind a dead man and two women caught between relief and dread. However. As the girls were about to rx, they saw Aengus returning again. Their breath caught in their throats. mvle,mp|y|r hosted "Why was he returning again?" "Ahh! Don''t kill us! We didn''t do anything to you! We don''t want the treasure either!" they cried out in panic, their voices trembling. Aengus looked at them, bewildered by their reaction. "Rx, I''m not here to kill you two. But, if you tell anyone about this, your end will be bad." He shed a dangerous smile. The girls hurriedly replied, relief mixed with fear on their faces. "Yes, of course, of course. We won''t speak a word." Aengus considered killing them for a moment, but he knew that if he did, the Heart of Darkness within him would slowly influence his beingpletely. Rejecting the idea, he instead asked, "Where did you two find this? I only came here to ask that." Aengus nced at the white orb in his hand. [Appraisal] [Soul Core 1x] [ Rank: C ] [Description: The Soul Cores are found in the bodies of Nyx Creatures. Nyx Creatures are capable of traveling through spatial fabrics using their special Soul Body alone. Soul Cores can slightly increase the user''s soul power.] The orb''s background intrigued him. Even though it won''t heal his soul, he wondered if it could lead to the solution to his current problem. "That way... we found it inside a cave in that direction, on one of the hilltops," one of the girls said, pointing toward where Aengus had initially been headed. Using his All-Seeing Eyes, Aengus judged their bodynguage and confirmed they were telling the truth. He turned and left, and this time, he didn''te back. Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Climbing The Mountain Aengus reached the top of the hill and began searching for the cave the girls had mentioned. Before long, he found a small entrance nestled between the rocks. Entering the dark cave, his advanced vision pierced through the gloom, revealing a few scattered skeletons. However, there were no signs of those Creatures or Soul Cores, much to his disappointment. Leaving the cave empty-handed, Aengus scoured the surrounding area, hoping to find any further clues. After some time, his attention was drawn to a massive Rhinoceros, 15-20 meters long,zily lying on the ground. His eyes narrowed as he noticed a familiar white orb embedded in its stomach. It was unmistakably another Soul Core. Aengus scanned the area for traps but found none, so he casually approached the massive Rhinoceros, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. The beast''srge eye opened, sensing his presence, and it slowly rose to its feet. The Soul Core floated in the air, suspended by some magical force. "A human, eh? Is it that time already?" the Rhinoceros spoke in a deep, rumbling voice, surprising Aengus slightly. "Why are you here, human?" it continued. "Is it for this thing?" It gestured to the hovering Soul Core. Aengus, calm andposed, replied, "Yes. Hand it over, or I''ll have to kill you for it." His eyes shed with killing intent as he released his aura to intimidate the creature. The Rhinoceros, sensing his overwhelming power, wavered. It doubted it could defeat the human, even with all its magical strength. "You''re truly intriguing," it rumbled. "So strong at such a young age. I bet that person will be expecting you soon." Aengus'' curiosity piqued. "What person are you talking about, Ralph?" The Rhinoceros froze, its eyes widening in disbelief. "H-How do you know my name?" Aengus smirked. "Give me the Soul Core, and I''ll tell you." Ralph shook his head in disbelief, but when he saw Aengus drawing his Judgment de, panic set in. "Wait, human! What''s the hurry?" Ralph stammered, sweating inwardly. In a rush, he sent the Soul Core toward Aengus, relieved once it left his possession. Aengus casually stored the Soul Core in his spatial bracelet. Curious, Ralph asked, "What''s your name, human? You seem like an anomaly to me. I''ve never encountered anyone like you before." Aengus ignored the question and instead asked, "Do you know where I can find more of these orbs?" Seeing the distrust in Aengus'' eyes, Ralph hesitated but finally answered, "If you''re looking for more of these, you won''t find many here. You''ll need to go to the Trial Ground, I heard. Don''t ask about directions because I also don''t know where it is either. But I warn you, if you''re from the outside world, it''s not a ce you should tread lightly," he said acting as secretive as possible. "And why is that? What exactly is this Trial Ground?" Aengus pressed on. Ralph sighed. "Human, I can''t say much, and it seems I''ve already failed to stop you. Go if you must, but be very careful. Trust no one." Aengus nodded, satisfied. He turned and walked away, heading back to his original path. As Ralph watched him leave, he muttered to himself, "Will there be another annihtion... or is something about to change?" --- In just an hour or so, Aengus reached the base of the mountain, feeling the cold atmosphere around him. He used his special eyes to look toward the top of the mountain, which seemed endless, much like Mount Everest. It would''ve been extremely easy if he could just fly, but the restrictions in this ce slowed his progress. He didn''t like it at all. He considered using his Death Leviathan form, which might have allowed him to make the climb. However, the energy cost was too high, so he dismissed the idea. He picked up his pace, climbing through the harsh cold that seemed to seep into his bones. Only his high stats and defense allowed him to endure the harsh conditions. Except him, No one else would be foolish enough to attempt such a climb. With his agile body and the effects of his passive skills, Aengus maneuvered through slippery slopes, rugged terrain, and avoided wild beasts with ease. As he climbed higher, the air grew colder, but he pressed on, covered in ice and snow. asionally, he used Hellfire to warm himself, turning the snow around him into steaming fog. He encountered various snow monsters, but he ignored them for the most part. However, when they foolishly sought their own deaths by attempting to hunt him, he gave them a quick end and sent their bodies to his Dimensional Space. [ Monster Breeding ] [ Level: 5 ] [ Dimensional Space: 2.5 km (diameter) ] [ Summonable Units: 9,198 ] D-Rank: 664 C-Rank: 20 Lesser Demons: 7,200 Stay tuned with m _v _lemp _yr. Greater Demons: 1,314 His Dimensional Space now resembled an independent world, full of greenery and wildndscapes where his legion resided, slowly growing stronger. He had the ability to synthesize his creatures, but for now, it wasn''t necessary. Once everything settled, he nned to further empower his legion by adding more members inrge quantities, provided he could gather enough mana to perform the task. If only he had infinite energy, he wouldn''t have to worry about it so much. Thanks to his superhuman strength and enhanced endurance, Aengus swiftly scaled the treacherous mountain, each step propelling him higher into the freezing, hostile environment. The biting winds howled around him, and the frost clung to his skin and armor, but he pressed forward undeterred. His breath crystallized in the air as he reached a vantage point high enough to observe the vast expanse below. He hadn''t even reached the summit, yet the sheer height gave him an unparalleled view of the world spread out beneath him. Aengus paused momentarily, his sharp gaze sweeping over the distant terrain. The valleys below appeared as tiny creases, rivers like silver threads weaving through the snowy wilderness. Off in the distance, almost hidden among the ruggedndscape, he spotted what he had been searching for; a massive construct nestled between two jagged peaks. It was a colossal mausoleum like structure, ancient and formidable, its stone surface cracked and weathered by time. Yet, it pulsed with a strange, radiant energy that rippled outward, almost tangible in its intensity, as if the structure itself was alive and calling everyone to enter inside. The mausoleum glowed faintly, its energy signatures so vivid that they cut through the sky like a beacon. Pirs of ancient stone stood around it, towering like sentinels, while faint arcs of energy spiraled from the ground, meeting at a central point above the construct. It gave off a sense of foreboding and power, as if whatevery within was both dangerous and deeply valuable. Aengus took his time to carefully survey thendscape, noting every detail. The steep cliffs, the narrow mountain paths, and the scattered ruins leading up to the eye-catching mausoleum¡ªlikely the Trial Ground he recently heard about. He mentally marked every possible route and obstacle, creating a detailed map in his mind. The aura around the mausoleum suggested a powerful presence or treasure within, or something iprehensible hidden. Satisfied with his observations, Aengus took onest nce at the imposing structure before preparing to descend and make his way towards his new destination. Chapter 162: Chapter 162: Sudden Hunger The speed of his descent was fast and efficient as he used gravity to his advantage. After about an hour, he was back at the base, his face calm as the remaining snow drifted away from his back. Aengus suddenly felt hungry, which was strange considering he had eaten justst night with Sofia and the others. He should easily have been able to go a few days without eating, given his capabilities and body control. Feeling puzzled, Aengus looked for prey to satisfy his hunger. Amidst the dense canopy and foggy environment that crystallized into water droplets, he spotted arge leopard-like monster, eagerly waiting for its prey to appear. Swoosh! sh! With extreme agility and silent steps, he shed forward and shed the leopard''s neck cleanly. Aengus wasted no time after killing the leopard-like monster, dragging its limp body to a nearby clear area. The dense canopy above let only slivers of light filter through, casting shadows that danced around him as he walked. Thud! cing the body down, Aengus quickly began preparing the creature, his hands moving with practiced agility. With his de, he crudely skinned the monster, cutting away the tender meat. Blood spilled onto the snow, steam rising as the warmth of the kill contrasted against the frigid ground. Aengus'' face remained impassive, though a flicker of curiosity crossed his mind. "What could be the reason for this sudden hunger?" "Was this ce somehow affecting my body?" "What kind of power is behind all these?" The questions remained unanswered, but his cautiousness heightened. He was suddenly reminded of Aria, hoping she was safe. Considering Aria''s C-Rank power, it shouldn''t be too difficult for her unless she faced something beyond his understanding. With a flick of his wrist, Aengus summoned a small me using Hellfire, its intense heat instantly igniting the wood he had gathered. The fire crackled to life, radiating warmth into the cold environment. He skewered the meat on long branches and set it over the fire. The aroma soon filled the air as the meat sizzled and cooked. The sound of the searing meat made his hunger even more apparent, his stomach growling despite the oddity of the situation. As the meat cooked, Aengus nced around, his sharp senses on high alert. The fog clung low to the ground, and the dense trees provided plenty of cover. Still, he didn''t like being out in the open for too long. His hand rested on the hilt of his Judgement de, ready for anything. When the meat was thoroughly cooked, he ate quickly and efficiently, each bite restoring his lost stamina and sharpening his focus. "Huh? The smell of meat?" Suddenly, Aengus heard a surprised voice from a distance. He saw a girl approaching with a sharp sword in her hand. She had slight tan skin and a valiant aura, much like Alisha. But while Alisha exuded mischief and boldness, this girl was calm and collected. m|v|l|e m|p|y|r original content Aengus continued eating without concern. It had been a while since he had seen any other participants, reassuring him that others might be nearby. The girl approached and saw Aengus eating, paying her no mind. It made her doubt whether he had any vignce at all. "Hey, what''s your name? Can you give me some meat to eat? I''m extremely hungry," she asked. Aengus, already full, replied, "My name isn''t important. You want food, right? Give me something equivalent in exchange. Some treasures you might have. Nothinges free, right?" "Treasures?" The girl immediately became wary, her grip tightening on the sword, suspecting his intentions. But seeing him remain nonchnt and noticing the meat nearby, she swallowed her saliva as her stomach growled, her face reddening with embarrassment. Reluctantly, she took out a glowing red orb. "Here, take this. It can help you level up faster. I''ve tried it myself," she said confidently. [ Appraisal ] [ Essence Core ] [ Grade: D ] [ Description: Slightly increases user''s experience for leveling up. Works best for users of the same rank (D = D). ] Seeing the appraisal, Aengus realized it wouldn''t be much use to him due to its low grade. However, noticing the girl''s hungry look, he decided not to be too demanding. "Give me three, and you can eat," he said, raising the number, not appearing soft or easy to negotiate with. "What! Three?" The girl widened her eyes as if he''d demanded something outrageous. "Do you know how hard I worked to gather these? It took me forever just to collect a few!" "I can give you two at most. If not, I''d rather die than give you the third. I need them to raise my rank to C-Rank." The girl stood her ground, defiant. "Fine." Aengus shrugged and epted the two Essence Cores from her, appearing before her like a ghost, causing her to jump back in surprise. "You¡ªYou''re a C-Rank?" she asked, eyes scanning him more thoroughly now, trying to gauge his strength. "You can think so," Aengus replied, remaining seated, his curiosity piqued about the Essence Cores. "Where did you find these?" The girl, now stuffing her mouth with food, answered in a muffled voice, "I found them in a monsterir. At first, I distracted the monsters, then when I saw the chance, I took them. Smart, right?" "So, there''s none left there?" he asked. "No. I haven''t seen any more," she replied, shaking her head. "Okay, then that''s that," Aengus said as he suddenly stood up, surprising the girl. "Wait, where are you going? Let''s team up. I know I''m weaker than you, but two is better than one, right?" she quickly said, shoving more food into her mouth and choking on it in her hurry. She fumbled for a water bag from her spatial ring and drank from it. She looked over to where Aengus had been standing, but he was gone, vanished like a ghost. Only a faint, lingering sentence echoed in the air. "You''d only be a burden." The girl clenched her fists in anger. "What a heartless fellow!" Chapter 163: Chapter 163: Valen, Hero Class (Light) A few hours had passed since the gate had opened. Aengus asionally used his All-Seeing Eyes, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Aria, all the while oving steadily toward the Trial Ground. Along the way, he encountered various monsters and groups of humans, but he paid them no attention. His time was precious, and distractions would only slow him down. Thendscape stretched on endlessly, with nothing but rocky terrain and clusters of trees breaking the monotony. Each step felt like a crawl against the vastness of the distance, making it seem as if the Trial Ground was constantly shifting farther away. He hadn''t seen any trace of Sofia or her group either. He could only hope they were surviving well enough on their own. If he encountered them, he would help as much as possible, but not to the extent of risking his life. Crash! Boom! Aengus saw only a sudden white sh before someone ambushed him from above. By reflex, he tried to dodge, but the other party''s speed was faster, taking him by surprise. He barely had time to raise his de, shing with the force head-on. Their sh emitted bright, sparking light, turning the gloomy surroundings bright, as if a white sun showered them with intense radiance. Aengus and the figure both crashed into the ground, which sank into a small crater. "Bam!" Aengus kicked the person with explosive force, sending him flying out of the pit, giving Aengus a moment to catch his breath. The figure, however,nded nimbly on the ground, moving like a feather. Aengus jumped up and looked at the figure¡ªa young man in white clothing, holding a gleaming Holy Sword. The sword radiated holy light, as if it were made to vanquish the darkness. The young man was handsome, with a valiant aura surrounding him, but the frown on his forehead and the killing intent in his eyes made Aengus realize he was dealing with no ordinary foe. He quickly used his Appraisal skill, and what he found left him a little surprised. [ Name: Valen Aurelius ] [ Age: 20 ] [ ss: Hero (Light) ] [ Level: 47 ] [ Affiliation: Holy Cathedral of Gods ] Skills: - Radiant Strike (C) - Blessing of Light (C) - Divine Fury (C) - Heart Of Light (B) - Light Speed Dash (C) - Domain Of Purification (C) Read first on mp-yr. - Light Of Judgment (C) "A Hero ss?" Aengus hadn''t expected to sh with one of them so soon, especially given the difference in their party factions. The young hero, Valen, looked at Aengus with surprise, disbelief in his eyes. His expression shifted when he realized that Aengus was standingpletely unharmed after what should have been a sure-kill strike. Aengus couldn''t quite understand why Valen had attacked him so suddenly, especially considering how well he was suppressing his demonic power. "Could it be his Heart of Light sensing my darkness?" he mused internally, his eyes narrowing. "What''s the matter? Why attack me without warning?" Aengus asked, his tone probing but calm, masking the rising tension. Valen sneered, his eyes aze with righteous fury. "Shut up, you demon! You might fool others, but not me. My heart can sense the hidden darkness within you. You need to be erased from existence before you can wreak havoc." His voice was filled with conviction, as though he were acting for the greater good of humanity. But Aengus could see through the facade. The so-called "Heart of Light" was likely unable to bear the presence of his Heart of Darkness, driving Valen''s hostility beyond reason. This wasn''t about justice¡ªit was about an inherent sh of opposite elements. Aengus'' grip on his de tightened, his calm demeanor betraying nothing of the conflict boiling beneath the surface. "Swoosh!" Valen''s eyes shed with fervor as he lunged at Aengus, his Holy Sword shining brightly. The radiance of the weapon seemed to cut through the air like a white-hot de, leaving a trail of light in its path. Aengus, using his higher stats to his advantage block each strike with Judgement de, but Valen didn''t stoo¡ªhe activated Light Speed Dash (C), his body blurring as he made distance and closed the distance instantly, thrusting his sword toward Aengus with deadly precision. "Your heart tells you to kill, so does mine. Let the victor be decided by strength alone," Aengus said, his gaze piercing into Valen''s. For a moment, Valen''s face faltered. Aengus had no desire to waste any time. He activated both Dragonification and his Darkness Power simultaneously. Instantly, his skin grew tough scales, his hands transformed into ws, a tail sprouted from his back, and horns emerged from his head. Valen''s eyes widened in shock, but his courage held strong, bolstered by the influence of his Heart of Light. Without hesitation, Valen raised his sword high, summoning the power of his next skill. "Radiant Strike (C)!" The sword exploded with blinding light as Valen swung it down, unleashing a beam of radiant energy aimed to obliterate Aengus. "Too slow," Aengus muttered. His form vanished, leaving only a faint shadow behind. He reappeared a few meters away, out of Valen''s reach. The hero''s Radiant Strike hit nothing but empty air. Boom! The ground cracked beneath the sheer force of the attack, leveling several towering trees on impact. Valen''s skills were formidable, his resolve unwavering. But it was unfortunate that he had crossed paths with Aengus. Sensing the danger, Valen quickly activated Blessing of Light (C). A radiant shield enveloped him, boosting his stats further. Aengus raised his de, sending thousands of spectral swords hurtling toward Valen. Simultaneously, dark chains snaked toward him, trying to immobilize him. Valen''s speed was a problem, as he seemed to slip through space itself. But with his enhanced vision, Aengus quickly located him and bound him within a few seconds. "Divine Fury!" Valen roared, bathing himself in holy light that amplified his strength. The light began evaporating the dark chains, freeing him from Aengus''s grasp. His face was full of killing intent. Bathed in darkness, Aengus shed fiercely with Valen, who radiated pure light. They exchanged blow after blow, their powers shaking the earth. But in the end, a victor was finally decided. Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Heart Of Light Aengus stood ictorious, his breath slightlybored from the intense sh. His body bore a few minor wounds, but he knew they would heal in time. In oposite, Valen knelt on the ground, defeated. His once-pristine appearance was marred by numerous cuts from des infused with Hellfire, his flesh sizzling and leaving ckened, searing marks across his skin. The pain was etched deeply into his strained, contorted face. Aengus felt no sympathy. Valen had been the one to attack first, intent on killing him. And in a battle between men, there was no right or wrong¡ªonly the victor was justified. "You know," Aengus began, shaking his head as he approached the broken hero, "I really didn''t want to kill you, Valen. But you''ve left me no choice." His voice was calm, though cold, as he neared Valen, who nowy extremely vulnerable. Valen''s eyes flickered, a mixture of fury and helplessness. Even though his heart still throbbed with the light, his body had reached its limit. "Kill me, demon! I won''t beg for my life like a coward. The day I swore to be a hero and protect humanity, I lost my fear of death!" Valen roared, his voice echoing throughout the forest. Aengus regarded him calmly, though deep down, he was conflicted. Killing Valen might feel justifiable¡ªafter all, the hero had been the one to strike first¡ªbut Aengus couldn''t ignore the fact that Valen could still serve humanity in a meaningful way. His offense was grave, but was it worth ending his life? And a force from humanity? As he pondered this, Manas'' voice echoed in his mind, urgent and unwavering. "Master, you will need his Heart of Light if you want to return to your normal self once again," she reminded him, sensing his hesitation. "Do I really need it?" Aengus asked in doubt. His Heart of Darkness instinctively recoiled at the idea, but his rational mind urged him to consider it seriously. Manas remained firm. "Of course, Master. Have you forgotten your first goal when you arrived in this world?" "My first goal?" Aengus repeated, his thoughts drifting. Then it hit him. "Building a family of my own?" "Yes, Master. Now that two women are asking for your love, you must offer it in return if you wish to be epted properly." Aengus chuckled softly, his expression softening as he thought of Aria and Be. "You sound like an expert in these matters, Manas." shes of Aria''s face, her gentle smile, and Be''s eager waiting in the demonnds filled his mind. And a new dilemma arose in him. How would Be react if she knew he was involved with Aria again? The thought troubled him. Sensing his hesitation, Manas reassured him, "Master, you don''t need to choose between them. You have the power to love both at the same time. I am certain they wille to understand eventually." Her voice was calm, confident. "Besides, emperors in this world have thousands of wives. Compared to them, your case is hardly matter." Aengus, still focused on Valen, nodded internally. "But can they truly provide love to all of them?" he asked. "I doubt it''s all driven by lust alone." Manas hesitated, unable to answer that question. But seeing the shift in Aengus'' expression, she was relieved that he seemed to understand her reasoning. With a decision in mind, Aengus leaned over Valen''s body, cing his hand on the hero''s chest. Manas was pleased seeing this¡ªfinally, a long-standing issue was about to be resolved. "For your intent to kill me and in acknowledgment of your contributions, I shall give you a light punishment, Valen. I hope this doesn''t cripple you," Aengus said, looking into Valen''s eyes, which were filled with confusion and pain. "What are you¡ª" His question was cut short as excruciating pain tore through his very being. "Ahhh!" he screamed, his voice echoing far and wide, as if he were being skinned alive. "Rx, this won''t kill you. You should be grateful, because I am freeing you from this shackle of responsibility. You are now free," Aengus said nonchntly as he continued the process. Soon, he received the notification, feeling satisfied. [ You have acquired a Passive Skill: Heart of Light (B) ] [ Description: The Heart of Light grants the user an inner reservoir of radiant power, which can be channeled in various ways to heal, protect, or attack. When activated, the user''s body is enveloped in a soft, glowing aura, and their heart shines with a brilliant light visible even through their chest, symbolizing their connection to the divine. It has a passive effect of calming the mind and makes the userpassionate, honest, valiant, and a savior of the weak. ] "The same brainwashing?" Aengus muttered, furrowing his brows as he felt a slight strain on his soul intensifying. "Shua!" Aengus''s thoughts were abruptly disrupted as he saw Valen vanish in an instant, leaving behind a malicious threat that echoed through the air. "Evil creature, I will show you what true retribution means¡ªjuste out!" the voice boomed. Aengus furrowed his brows, feeling the weight of the threat. "Who was that?" He had only seen a brief sh of light, cutting through space and taking Valen along. "Was that fool''s rtive? A bigger hero, perhaps?" Aengus became more vignt, sensing the strength of this new presence. The restrictions of this ce were so strong that even his own teleportation abilities were blocked, which made him wonder what kind of power could prate such barriers. However, he reassured himself for the moment, knowing that the entity couldn''t reach him here¡ªat least not yet. story source m vl e mp yr "Master, how are you feeling now? Is it working?" Manas asked, shifting the conversation back to Aengus''s heart. Aengus paused, trying to feel something¡ªmaybe anger? Hate? Or... love? "Yes, I can feel something, but it also burdens me with this responsibility of being a savior of humanity and all that. How do I solve this, Manas?" "Should I merge the Heart of Darkness and Heart of Light together?" Chapter 165: Chapter 165: Heart Of Lights Influence "No, Master. You can''t merge them yet. You need to merge Mana and Nether first before attempting to merge these two forces. They''re opposites, and you must be cautious," Manas warned. "Mm... I understand. But I''ll have to deal with it after I fix the problem with my soul," Aengus replied, gazing into the distance. He could feel the Heart of Light pulsing within him, keeping its distance from the Heart of Darkness. Now, he had two hearts, two opposite forces. The Heart of Light granted him basic control over light elements¡ªhealing, speed amplification, attack boosts, and purification¡ªexactly the opposite of the Heart of Darkness, which was more destructive. It made him feel an inner conflict. The Heart of Light urged him toward benevolence and protection, while the Heart of Darkness tempted him toward darker, more self-serving actions. Suddenly, a notification appeared before him. [ You have received a chance to equip a new ss: Hero ] [Do you want to equip it?] [Yes / No] A Hero ss? It seemed interesting and fitting, especially with the Heart of Light. But his Heart of Darkness resisted the idea, rejecting the heroic path with disdain. Aengus felt his annoyance grow. "Just wait, you two. You''ll both be gone once I fix myself," he muttered to his hearts. He dismissed the notification for now, knowing he could choose the ss whenever he wanted. Besides, sses had begun to feel meaningless to him¡ªhe already had what most sses offered: stats boosts, special skills, and powers far beyond what a typical ss could provide. That didn''t mean he didn''t want a ss, but the current one wasn''t appealing to him. Aengus nced onest time at the spot where Valen had been, then turned away and continued his journey. The closer he got to the Trial Ground, the more his hunger grew, gnawing at him with each step. He stopped at a few ces along the way, refilling his supplies and energy when necessary. The beasts and monsters he encountered grew stronger, more formidable than those he had faced earlier, but he dispatched them efficiently, storing their remains in his Dimensional Space. With his enhanced speed and vast energy reserves, Aengus pressed on for several hours until the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a golden glow over thend. As the sky darkened, he decided it was time to rest. He found a secluded spot on a tree branch, settled down, and allowed himself a moment of quiet. He needed to recover his mana and calm his chaotic soul. He began a meditation session, focusing on the turbulence within, trying to regain control over the conflicting forces that raged inside him. Aengus closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he immersed himself in the flow of mana andher around him. The quiet hum of nature soothed his mind, yet the discord between the Heart of Light and Heart of Darkness was ever-present, each pulling him in opposite directions. Suppressing them, he reached deeper into his enigmatic soul, which was an anomaly beyondprehension for his tiny mind. He wanted to understand the mystery behind its destruction and uncover his true identity. As he delved deeper, he had a vision where he saw endless void-like dimensions spreading in all directions, and a sh between two powerful beings, opposing forces beyond his understanding. One was purely destructive, while the other was the epitome of holiness. Their sh shook all dimensions apart, scattering them from their invisible bindings. The two beings were gone, leaving nothing but an empty void. "Shua!" After who knows how long, his meditation session was interrupted by the sudden presence of a powerful force nearby. When Aengus opened his eyes, it was already morning. The sounds of birds chirping and the growls of monsters reached his ears. Looking below, he spotted a dinosaur-like monster moving toward him, its gigantic head about to sh with the tree he sat in. Aengus noticed the creature''s eyes were red and unfocused, as if someone was controlling it from afar. Using his Appraisal eyes, Aengus confirmed that the monster was under mind control. Quickly gathering purification light, Aengus formed arge, glowing ball and enveloped the monster in a cocoon, attempting to free it from the mind control. At that time, he didn''t even know why was he doing this. As expected, the creature''s eyes soon returned to normal. It let out a roar and, sensing Aengus''s intimidating aura, turned away and fled in a different direction. Find your story on NovelFire,mp _y,r. Aengus watched the monster retreat from the treetop, a puzzled expression on his face. "Why did I help it? Was it because of the Heart of Light?" he muttered. But, oddly, he didn''t feel bad about it. He had started to feel emotions again, emotions that rxed the heaviness within him. However, an excess of benevolence still remained¡ªthe urge to sacrifice for humanity, to serve the gods, to kill demons, and obliterate the Demon Land. Such thoughts lingered. "I need to find bnce between these two forces, and quickly," Aengus thought, before leaping gracefully from the tree to another, as agile as a monkey. The rugged terrain below shifted as Aengus leaped from tree to tree, cold winds slicing against his skin like sharp des. Ahead, he noticed several towering monsters moving in the same direction he was heading. Their eyes were zed over, simr to the dinosaur-like creature from earlier¡ªcontrolled by some distant force. Suddenly, a cry pierced the air. "Ah, help!" Aengus nced over and saw a boy being swallowed whole by a massive beast, its jaws closing with a sickening gulp. For a moment, his gaze lingered, and the restlessness inside him red. But he turned his head away, suppressing the urge to act. As he continued further, he spotted more humans¡ªhunters¡ªfighting desperately against the monsters, forming small, struggling groups to defend themselves. Aengusnded on the ground with a graceful leap, a sh of light following his descent. The path ahead seemed clearer, with only some scattered hills and rocks. The sight of him immediately caught the attention of a few hunters, their expressions a mix of desperation and hope. They eyed him warily at first, but as they saw the soft glow of sacred light around him, their fear turned into something else¡ªreverence. "Hero, please help us!" one of them cried out, his voice filled with pleading urgency. The group had mistaken Aengus for a Hero, dazzled by the light power radiating from him. Aengus paused, feeling the weight of their expectation. For a moment, he considered walking away, but something in him¡ªperhaps the Heart of Light¡ªurged him to stay. Chapter 166: Chapter 166: The Mysterious Alter Aengus felt the tug-of-war between his two hearts; the Heart of Darkness pushed him to think rationally, suppressing emotions and acting with cold precision, while the Heart of Light whispered ofpassion. These constant shifts in his mindset annoyed him to no end. He wanted to erase both influences from his life but knew, in his current state, it wasn''t possible. He looked at the group of 10-12 hunters surrounded by nearly a hundred monsters. Many were injured, barely holding on as the adrenaline kept them alive. With his All-Seeing Eyes, Aengus quickly judged their characters. Some were ingrates, the type who wouldn''t hesitate to betray him, while others seemed honest. Without a word, he lifted his Judgement de, deciding to act on his own terms. With a swift motion, he unleashed his Spectral de Storm. Swish, swish, swish! Invisible des shed through the air, cutting through the raging monsters. Their roars of demise filled the battlefield, and their possessed state ended as they crumbled to the ground. Aengus remained calm, his confidence unwavering. The group''s awe quickly turned into admiration, their eyes lighting up with a near fanatical reverence. "Thank you, Hero! Thank you!" one of them shouted, their voice trembling with gratitude. "What''s your name, Hero?" another asked eagerly, their tone filled with hope. Aengus noticed some of them had felt a brief surge of malice, but his raw power and hostility quickly snuffed out those thoughts. Fear reced any ill will they might have had. "I am not a Hero. Goodbye," Aengus said tly, his voice carrying no warmth. Before they could respond, he vanished in a sh of light. "Did you see that? He was a real hero, he didn''t even epted anyone''s gratitude in return," one girl said, her eyes wide with admiration. "Aiya, I know. He was so manly!" another girl chimed in, gazing in the direction where Aengus disappeared with affection. "Tch... He is nothing but an arrogant bastard!" A couple of boys sneered in jealousy, unable to hide their irritation. --- Aengus, now far from the group, felt a small relief from their burdensome expectations, but the chaos within still gnawed at him. He decided to follow the monsters, curious to see where they were heading. His destination coincidentallyy in the same direction, so it didn''t feel like a waste of time. Plus, there was a chance he could uncover more about Dwarvania, thend he sought answers in. Keeping a safe distance, he noticed the number of monsters steadily growing into the hundreds of thousands. It surprised him slightly; Such arge gathering wasn''t normal. After several minutes of running, he reached the top of a narrow cliff, where he witnessed something strange. The monsters were jumping off the edge, seemingly in a frenzy, falling into a dense fog below. To any ordinary person, it would appear that the creatures were plunging to their deaths, but Aengus, using his special All-Seeing Eyes, saw something else. Beneath the fog was an invisible barrier, one that allowed the monsters to pass through to another dimension. Aengus stood still for a moment, contemting what he had just seen. Then, without hesitation, he took a deep breath and leaped off the cliff. The air rushed past him as gravity pulled him down with a spiraling force. His expression remained calm, unaffected by the height or the pull of the earth below. As he descended, Aengus had a hunch that something was waiting for him below; something familiar. The connection felt almost instinctive, pulling him toward the unknown. "Plop!" Aengus crossed the invisible barrier andnded smoothly on the barren ground, unharmed. He stood in awe, his eyes scanning the vast desert stretching endlessly before him. In the middle of the deste expanse, an altar stood out, its divine glow cutting through space and time, almost overwhelming in its brilliance. His gaze locked onto the altar, feeling an inexplicable connection to it, a pull that resonated deep within him. thanks for reading on m|v|l|e|m|p|y|r "What is this thing?" Aengus muttered, his voice barely a whisper as he slowly approached the altar. Monsters of all shapes and sizes, ranging from small to colossal, were drawn to the altar as well, their numbers now in the hundreds of thousands. They poured in from every direction, their ranks surpassing C-level and higher. Aengus couldn''t help but feel both intrigued and unnerved by the sight of the mysterious gathering. The monsters moved as though they were summoned, called to serve something unknown, something powerful. He drew closer, his senses heightened, wondering what force couldmand such a vast and terrifying assembly. Was it the altar itself? Or something even greater lurking beyond? As Aengus drew closer, he witnessed an astonishing sight. Atop the altar was a massive pool of swirling, annihtive ck energy. The monsters were falling into it one by one, dissolving into energy particles and making the pool even more potent. The sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying, as the pool seemed endless, deep, and destructive. Aengus instinctively knew that falling into it would mean certain death, even for someone as powerful as him. In the center of this dark energy pool stood a statue, radiating with glowing energy patterns. The statue appeared to be gathering the pool''s energy into its outstretched hand, controlling the immense power. As Aengus examined it more closely, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him. The statue''s features resembled his own, but more mature, with a profound aura that seemed like an endless void, full of untold mysteries. It stirred something deep within his soul, a connection to the primal force of destruction, a force far beyond ordinaryprehension. The energy emanating from the statue was so intense, yet Aengus felt his soul rxed. But, It was soul-stirring and dangerous to others. He knew that even approaching too close could disintegrate others into nothing but ash. It was the raw essence of destruction, primal and absolute. Something told Aengus that this force was connected to the truth of his identity, and possibly, to the very core of his soul''s mystery. Thud, thud, thud Suddenly loud sounds of footsteps echoed, turning his gaze to the new arrivals. Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Mystery Of Origin The new arrivals resembled dwarves but were three times their usual height, towering over thendscape with sturdy, muscr builds. Their beards were thick and messy, and theirrge eyes gleamed with a sharp, intelligent glint. They wore heavy leather clothing adorned with glowing gemstones that seemed to pulsate withtent power. Theirplexions ranged from pale to tanned, suggesting a variety of backgrounds within their group. There were about 12-15 of them, males and females, some older and others younger, all forming an imposing group of giants. Curious, Aengus used his Appraisal ability and confirmed what he had suspected; they were Ancient Dwarves, a race long believed to have been erased from existence. Yet here they were, in this secret realm, defying history. He couldn''t help but feel impressed by their craftsmanship. The gemstones embedded in their clothing and gear radiated with intricate energy signatures, clearly indicating advanced and ancient technology, beyond what wasmon in the outside world. "The Ancient Dwarves," Aengus muttered under his breath, astonished. These were the same legendary craftsmen who had once been responsible for creating artifacts of immense power, their skills unmatched. Now, after being thought extinct, they stood before him, shrouded in mystery. As Aengus appraised their equipment, he realized the precision and artistry that went into their creations. Each item they carried seemed alive with magic, brimming with energy from long-lost methods. This was far beyond what the outside world could replicate, and it made him even more curious about the secrets this realm held. Enjoy reading at m-vle-mp,yr. "#@&&#%@&#!" Suddenly, one of the female dwarves noticed Aengus''s presence, who had seemed invisible until now. At her scream, all of them were pulled back from their concentrated work near the pool with ancient technologies. Aengus needed to find out the truth, which is why he revealed himself. He didn''t feel any threat, considering their ranks and specialised crafting skills. That didn''t mean they were weak¡ªthey were more powerful than most people outside. They quickly towered over him, his frame tinypared to them. "#&@&#&%#@&!" "#@&%##&@%!" Aengus furrowed his brows, not understanding theirnguage. It waspletely different from humannguage. "Manas, you know theirnguage, right? Trante for me," he transmitted. "Yes, Master. You canmunicate with them now," Manas responded. "Thud!" Suddenly, the ancient dwarves knelt down on the hard tform, their voices full of respect and submission. "Oh God, you''ve finally arrived. We have received your decree and have been waiting for you." They spoke in unison, confusing Aengus for a moment. "So, they think I''m their god or something?" he pondered. "Stand up!" hemanded. "Yes, your eminence," theyplied, but even as they rose, they kept their postures as low as possible, still trembling in awe. Their fanatical expressions, with eyes glowing red, unnerved him. He could see in their eyes a hope that had been rekindled, a belief that whatever they had been waiting for was now standing before them in person. They looked at Aengus with fanatical belief, their eyes glowing red, as if their long-awaited hope had finally arrived and their wishes were about to be fulfilled. Aengus decided to be blunt. "Answer me, what''s happening here? And why are you calling me a god? I am not a god," he reminded them sternly. In Return, the dwarves shook their heads vehemently. "No, no, your eminence, you are the true god!" one of them dered fervently. "Those others, the ones they call gods. Compared to your vast powers, they are but dolls. Aengus frowned, trying to understand. He had never considered himself divine, not in the way they seemed to believe. But he couldn''t ignore the primal connection he felt with the statue and the strange energy surrounding this ce. "What decree did you receive? Why were you waiting for me?" he asked, hoping to gather more insight into their belief. The leader of the ancient dwarves, Sirgrid, spoke, his eyes glowing brighter with conviction. "Your eminence, this is a long story," he sighed but continued, "In the ancient past, when demons first revealed themselves, we dwarves of Dwarvania lived in harmony, marveling at our craftsmanship. Our poption was in the millions, and we were connected to the outside world through trade, providing them with exceptional artifacts. Everything was going well until the unthinkable happened." His voice wavered with grief. "On an unfortunate day, a being appeared, shattering the sky, and he sealed Dwarvania, cutting us off from the outside world. He looked beaten and severely injured, yet he aplished the impossible with ease." Aengus nodded, raising his estimation of the threat as Sirgrid continued. "We didn''t have the strength to fight back. He had some incredible space-rted ability, capable of wiping out our people effortlessly¡ªor so we heard. The threat didn''t end there. Over time, he slowly ughtered our kind, absorbing their energy for an unknown purpose. By then, only hundreds of us remained. We tried to escape this cage by building a device that could free us, but luck wasn''t on our side. That being caught up to us and ughtered until only dozens of us survived. Exactly at that time, we were saved by a shard of otherworldly origin, sealing us on this cliff from that monster. That shard, I mean you gave us a decree to guard it and feed it energy. And one day you would be back to get it by showing off your mighty presence to us." Sirgrid looked at Aengus with reverence as the others listened intently. "We did as we were told. Over time, we fed the shard with the treasures left from our heritage to repair it. Because, In return, you told us you would one day return to grant us revenge and continue our lineage by killing that monster." Aengus absorbed the information, his mind racing with questions. He didn''t remember anything about arriving here, let alone saving them from the being outside. Could this truly be linked to him? "Did I have another reincarnation before this?" "Was this from my past life? Or could it be from my future self?" "Could it mean someone else was involved? Or worse, would my body be taken over by this being in the future?" Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Soul Devour Aengus shook his head, realizing there was no point in dwelling on the questions for now. He shifted his attention to the dwarves and the outstretched hand of the statue where raw energy was being gathered. "By the Shard, are you talking about this?" he asked, pointing at the statue''s hand. The ancient dwarves nodded, a hint of fear flickering in their eyes. "Yes, my lord, it is," Sirgrid replied cautiously. "It belongs to you. We created the runic formation to gather the energy. But It''s your might that the monsters are attracted here for sacrifice and ensure our safety from that person by making us invisible and untraceable." "It belongs to me?" Aengus muttered, his suspicions rising. Something about the situation didn''t feel right. "Or perhaps it belongs to ZERO... his enigmatic soul?" he realised. Curious and wary, Aengus cast Appraisal. The moment he did, everything became clear. [Appraisal] [Soul Shard] [A fragment of the great being''s soul who was once known as the Ruination Extremity] [Grade: Unknown] [Effects: Unknown] "Ruination Extremity?" Aengus muttered in realisation. "It does seem connected to my soul, somehow." From the description, he understood that he could either be from the future or the past, possibly both timelines. "So, will there be any problem if I remove it? The barrier, I mean." Aengus was concerned that if he removed the shard, the barrier would disappear, leaving them exposed to the dangers outside. Sirgrid hesitated, "I don''t know, your eminence. Forgive me, but I cannot answer that." "It''s fine... Just let me touch it, and you can pray that nothing too bad happens," Aengus joked. Sirgrid chuckled nervously. "Please, give it a try, your eminence. I''m sure it holds a meaningful purpose for you. Why else would it be ced here?" Noticing their tension, Aengus spoke to calm them down. "Rx. If anything happens to the barrier, I''ll do everything in my power to protect you," he said resolutely. The dwarves gave a curt nod, trusting him, and they quickly turned off the mechanism that was converting energy from the monsters. The remaining monsters immediately regained their senses and fled in all directions. Aengus stepped in front of the statue with a determined leap, feeling a connection with the soul fragment. The shard seemed alive, filled with a potent essence that shimmered with energy. Whoosh! As soon as he touched it, the soul shard swiftly disappeared, burrowing into his body without causing him any harm. He sat down, focusing on observing what the shard was doing to his soul. The dwarves, watching him silently, let out a collective sigh of relief as the barrier remained intact. Aengus quickly delved into his consciousness and saw the small soul shard being absorbed into his chaotic, near-destroyed soul. Even though the shard was tiny inparison, as soon as it was absorbed, the spider-like cracks in his soul began to heal significantly. The shard healed up only one of million of his soul''s original size, but that was still an immense number considering his soul was once the size of an stretching universe. Aengus opened his eyes, feeling a newfound lightness throughout his entire body, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. "To think this tiny shard could fix so much damage," he mused. Though satisfied, the thought of how powerful his soul had once been filled him with both awe and unease. What exactly was the Ruination Extremity? [Your soul has recovered by a significant margin.] Your journey begins at m|v|lempyr. [You have gained a special skill: Soul Devour.] [Soul Devour: A special ability originated from a being, once who spread horrors everywhere. With this skill, you can absorb others'' soul powers, increasing your own. It can heal the user''s soul until fully recovered. Until then, the user''s soul power won''t increase.] Aengus''s lips curved into a pleased smile at the sudden notifications. "So, this shard was ced here to repair my soul?" he wondered aloud, though the realization unsettled him. It felt as though his fate had been orchestrated long before by a powerful being, which didn''t sit well with him. But being powerless was never his intention. He was going to change everything. He would reshape his destiny with his own hands. Sirgrid and the other dwarves cautiously approached. "Your eminence, is everything alright?" Sirgrid asked, his big eyes full of concern. "Yes, I''m alright, Sirgrid. This has helped me greatly. And I''ll make sure you all get what you deserve," Aengus responded, his gaze softening as he regarded them. He appreciated the dwarves'' efforts for keeping the shard safe and feeding it energy for ages. It had been an exhausting and dangerous task. They could have abandoned the agreement and tried to escape, but they hadn''t. Instead, they remained, fulfilling their end of the deal diligently. Now, it was his turn to hold up his end of the bargain, even if he couldn''t remember the original pact. It was now his responsibility. He would have to confront and destroy whoever was behind all this, the one orchestrating the deception for ages. The dwarves smiled joyfully at his words. "Your eminence is the supreme, and we are certain that under your might, that person will be vanquished, and our sacred homnd will be restored to the former glory," they said in unison as they bowed, their faith unwavering. After their excitement subsided, Aengus asked, "Do you want to go outside now. I can make this barrier disappear with mymand." The dwarves exchanged uneasy nces, recalling the horrors of ages past caused by the person outside. "Yes, Your Eminence, we would love to leave, but¡ª" Sirgrid began hesitantly, "but you shouldn''t leave with us. That person can track us from miles away through his mysterious means. We would stay here for now, until you are ready to face him. With no disrespect, you''re not strong enough to defeat him yet." They paused, casting doubtful looks at Aengus, as if questioning whether he was hiding some hidden power. His confident demeanor made them wonder. Aengus smirked. "How can I say? I haven''t met him yet. But I''ll figure things out. First, I''m going to observe their n. He lured so many humans from the outside; it''s clear there''s a malicious trap waiting for them." He shrugged, remaining calm despite the ominous situation. Sirgrid looked at Aengus with a mix of worry and admiration. "Your Eminence, we trust your judgment, but... please be careful. That being''s has schemes and power beyond anything we''ve seen. He had set up this kind of trap for the humans using their greedy nature many times before." "I will." Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Trial Ground Aengus emerged from the barrier of Ruination, having learned how to control it after merging with the shard. Though he hadn''t gained the power to create one, he could now make the barrier disappear at will. Standing at the base of the cliff, Aengus took a deep breath, feeling a sense of freedom. His immediate thoughts turned to Aria. Now that his problem had been solved, his priority was to find her and make sure she was safe. With his soul partially healed, A warm smile spread across his face, a genuine one, perhaps the first in a long while. The emotions of longing and happiness surged within him, bringing a rare moment of peace. But then, memories of his friends'' deaths shed in his mind. The faces of those he''d lost, the pain of their absence, weighed heavily on his heart. The longing for peace was tempered by the sorrow of the past. But, He wouldn''t forget his goal of growing stronger, seeking revenge, and ensuring the safety of his loved ones. With renewed resolve, he was about to set off when several unfamiliar memories began to piece themselves together in his mind. After some reflection, he realized these were fragments of his current reincarnation''s memories. He saw glimpses of a scene¡ªAengus being brutally beaten, suspended in the air by ropes. He saw a woman, her snowy white hair flowing, pleading and crying for Aengus. Though her face remained blurred, it was clear she was a beautiful woman, filled with love and sorrow that pierced his heart. It meant Ethan and Aengus was the same person. Aengus could remember only this much beforeing back to reality, weighed down by the heavy emotions. "So, I have a mother¡­ and perhaps a family, but I''ve forgotten them since arriving in this world," he muttered, solving part of the mystery of this reincarnated body. Yet many questions remained¡ªhow had he arrived here, and who were the people who had beaten him? The answers woulde in time, he knew that. But for now, he had to be patient and uncover the mystery of his otherworldly origin one step at a time. Aengus made his way toward the trial grounds, hoping to find her there. Given her abilities and the fact that most of them had headed in that direction, it seemed like the best chance of finding her. Still, he kept his eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings for any sign of her nearby. As he nced up at the sun, reminding himself that there were still a few hours before nightfall. The road ahead was long, but with his speed, he''d be able to make it there well before dark. As he got closer, the number of people on the road increased noticeably. Armed individuals gave him odd looks, perhaps wondering why he was traveling alone. read only on m-vl _e|mp,yr Aengus slowed his pace as he spotted someone familiar in the distance. His eyes locked onto a broad, chubby figure. It was Hank. He was walking alone as well. Aengus hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Hank, over here!" Hank''s footsteps halted as he turned to see Aengus¡ªwhom he still referred to as Zero¡ªwith a weary smile. His clothes were stained with blood, and his body bore numerous scars like remnants of using low-tier healing potions. His mace looked battered and crusted, clearly damaged beyond repair. As Aengus approached, Hank embraced him lightly, a mix of relief and exhaustion on his face. "Brother Zero! Thank God, you''re here," he said, his voice filled with genuine relief. Seeing Aengus with powerful presence getting together with Hank, a few who were having ill intentions toward Hank, cat it away from their mind immediately. Aengus smelled the acrid scent of sweat and blooding from Hank but said nothing about it. Instead, he gently pulled away from the embrace and asked, "You haven''t met the others either? I was caught up with a problem and couldn''t find anyone." Hank shook his head, still looking worn down. "No, I''ve been fighting nonstop out there. I didn''t receive Mara''s transmission either. Then I saw the light and hoped to find them here... just like you, brother." As they continued their walk toward the trial grounds, Hank''s face showed disappointment, his hope seeming fragile. "Don''t worry," Aengus reassured him, scanning the groups of people cautiously as they walked. "I''m sure they are fine and will being here as well." His eyes continuously swept the area, on the lookout for Aria and the rest of their party. The groups of hunters kept a cautious distance from one another, their eyes filled with suspicion and wariness. It was clear they had experienced betrayal or robbery before, and the tension hung heavy in the air as everyone feared therger groups. Hank gave a wry smile. "I hope everything goes as you said, Brother Zero." Aengus nced at him, deciding it was best to issue a warning. "Hank, I think this ce is a trap. You should leave if you value your life. I heard from someone that we could be killed here." Hank''s eyes widened in surprise and fear. "What are you saying, Brother Zero? How could it be a trap? Didn''t they tell us that Hero Libros obtained the Divine Demon yer sword from here? And what about all the others who gained incredible treasures?" His voice lowered to a hush, not wanting to rm those around them. Aengus didn''t have all the answers, especially when it came to the mystery surrounding Hero Libros and others who had survived. But considering the strength of the one controlling everything, it wouldn''t be impossible for them to allow a few to leave¡ªjust enough to lure in more victims. If that were the case, it was a clever and malicious n. "Still, we should be careful, Hank. We don''t know what''s waiting for us inside, right?" Hank let out a nervous chuckle. "Heh, you''re right about that, brother. We should be careful." Aengus could have shared more, but doing so would risk exposing his own secrets. As much as he wanted to protect Hank, there were some things he couldn''t yet reveal. As the duo, along with the crowd of people, approached the mausoleum-like structure ahead, they were struck by awe at the sight of it. Towering and ancient, its eerie presence seemed to hold a promise of both great power and great danger. Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Aria VS Sigard The formidable structure loomed before them like a mountain, radiating an aura of treasures and temptation that stirred excitement in the crowd. The massive iron gate stood sealed, untouched by time, as though no one had dared to open it for ages. "Let''s break the door, guys!" someone shouted. Dong! Dong! Several overenthusiastic individuals rushed forward, disying their might as they attempted to force the gate open. Despite their efforts, the door remained unmoved, not even a scratch marring its surface. Aengus and Hank exchanged a nce, shaking their heads at the futile disy. Without another word, they turned their attention elsewhere, intent on finding theirpanions. "Brother Zero, something''s happening over there!" Hank suddenly eximed, pointing off to the distance from the gate. Aengus turned and was greeted by a strange sight: towering, broad trees¡ªactual living trees¡ªwere locked in battle with a fire dragon, mes roaring against the dense foliage. The scene was surreal, as if nature itself had risen to fight the dragon''s fury. But what truly caught Aengus''s attention was the familiar feeling that stirred within him. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, trying to ce the sensation. "Hm... That fire dragon is giving me a familiar vibe, like I''ve met it before," he muttered, drawing Hank''s curious gaze. "You''ve met that dragon before? You''re awesome, Brother!" Hank said with awe, looking at Aengus with newfound respect. Aengus shook his head, still puzzled. "No, I haven''t. I mean, I haven''t met him personally... Oh, wait. That''s it! He must be that Fire Dragon Prince. I now recognize that aura. The one with the fiery red hair and arrogant attitude," Aengus recalled, his memory finallying to ce. Hank stiffened slightly at the mention of the Dragon Prince. "You mean, he''s Helios'' son? That would exin how a dragon appeared out of nowhere," he said, connecting the dots. "Yes, but who is he fighting?" Aengus asked, his All-Seeing eyes strangely failing to pierce the chaotic scene. It was a rare urrence, and his brows furrowed with confusion. "Maybe he''s fighting some Demi-Human Royalties. They have those strange nature-rted skills," Hank guessed, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. "Let''s check it out," Aengus suggested, noticing the growing crowd heading toward the battle. Hank nodded and followed him, both of them weaving through the crowd of spectators. As they approached the scene, Aengus finally saw clearly who was fighting the Dragon Prince¡ªand he froze. "Aria?" he whispered, astonished. Aria was at the center of the battle, controlling trees and nts as if they were extensions of herself, her power radiating in waves. Hank spotted more familiar faces. "Brother Zero, Sofia and Nate are also there!" he eximed, pointing toward Aria''s group. Indeed, alongside Aria were Drake, Yona, Sofia, Nate, and a few others Aengus didn''t recognize. Opposing them stood the Dragon Prince and a small group of hispanions. Aengus let out an involuntary breath of relief, a genuine smile forming on his lips as he saw that Aria, Yona and Drake were also safe and sound. It was surprise to see Yona and Drake alive too. But more than that¡ªAria looked very powerful, far more so than when they hadst met. Hermand over nature was astonishing, and she was locked in a fierce stalemate with the Dragon Prince''s fiery onught, his firestorms and tornadoes reducing the surroundingndscape to ash. Amidst the destruction, Aria shone brightly, floating effortlessly with the support of tree vines, her face set with overwhelming determination and killing intent. She was a force to be reckoned with. Aengus''s heart swelled with pride and relief. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Aria''s hair had turned pure white, and her entire figure radiated a gentle yet formidable energy. It was soothing for her allies but deadly for her enemies. It waspletely different version of Aria that he knew off. Regardless, he couldn''t help but feel happiness seeing her so strong. Perhaps she had found an unshakable resolve of her own, one that made her grow into this powerful force. Aengus overheard the excited chatter from a group of young onlookers. "Hey, who is that white-haired beauty? She looks just like a goddess!" one of them eximed, clearly mesmerized by Aria''s appearance. "I don''t know who she is," another chimed in, "But her fighting skills are incredible. Controlling nature like that? And she''s holding her own against the Fire Dragon Prince? Unbelievable!" "Man, I wish she was my girlfriend. I''d give my life for that," a third boy said, his eyes distant with a dreamy expression. His friendughed and pped him on the back. "Hahaha, good luck with that, mate! You wouldn''t even know how you died if you tried, given your rank andck of background. I''m sure she''s got some kind of royal lineage." They allughed heartily, but Aengus''s eyes remained fixed on Aria, a mixture of pride and protectiveness swelling in his chest. "Heh, look at Sigard, Melina. He can''t even defeat a girl. I''m better than him. You should consider me as your mating partner instead of him." Suddenly, Aengus and the others heard a disdainful snort from one of the spectators. The crowd quickly dispersed from that area, sensing the neers'' powerful auras. A group of five was revealed¡ªthree girls and two boys. They were all stunningly beautiful and handsome, dressed in royal attire, their bodies adorned with expensive and powerful treasures. "Oh, that''s the Water Dragon Prince Kaelith!" "The Ice Dragon Princess Frost Aurora is here too!" "Dragon Princess Frost Melina as well. Looks like things are about to get interesting." Frost Aurora stood beside Frost Melina, both of them wearing expressions of clear annoyance. They appeared to be twins, with their frosty white hair giving it away. They were tall, with striking features that attracted more than a few impure nces from the crowd. Dragon Prince Kaelith was one of them. Aengus nced at them warily, ready to act if they interfered with the fight. Even though Aria was holding her own, he wouldn''t let her suffer any longer than necessary. Frost Aurora spoke on behalf of her sister, "Kael, who my sister chooses as a life partner is none of your business. She''s already rejected you, so shoo, shoo. Otherwise¡ª" Aurora''s face turned icy with a hint of killing intent. Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Reunite Kaelith''s smug grin faltered slightly at Frost Aurora''s cold retort, but he quickly regained hisposure, brushing off her words with a haughty wave. "Rejected or not, I can still prove I''m better than Sigard," Kaelith sneered, eyeing the ongoing battle between the Fire Dragon Prince and Aria. "I mean, look at him, struggling against a girl. It''s embarrassing." "Then, why don''t you try for yourself?" Aurora''s icy blue eyes narrowed, and her frosty aura intensified. "Kael, you''re a weakling yourself. So, don''t push your luck. My sister''s decisions are final, and you have no say in the matter." Her tone was sharp, cold enough to make the air around them chill. The crowd murmured in awe at the confrontation. Frost Melina, irritated, replied, "Forget it, Aurora. There''s no point wasting words on a fool." Her eyes were equally cold as she fixed her gaze on Kael. "Your boasting about your power is nothing but mindless rambling, Kael. I bet your father is ashamed to call you his son. Why don''t you fix that attitude of yours?" "Melina... you too," Kael''s voice trembled, but he forced a grin. "But I love you so much!" His clenched fists were turning white from the pressure. Melina scoffed and turned to Aurora. "Let''s go. We need to help Sigard win. I''ll kill anyone who stands in his way," she said with unwavering determination, her eyes filled with fierce loyalty. "Oh, okay, Sister," Aurora replied, returning to her usual self. Both sisters moved to intervene, their frosty footsteps leaving trails in their path. Their elegant strides caught the admiration of the crowd. Kaelith shamelessly followed close behind, apanied by two of hispanions. "Brother Zero, we should¡ª" Hank began, but stopped when he saw Aengus already dashing off like a sh. His mouth fell open in surprise, but he quickly recovered and began running towards Sofia and Nate, intending to help them. Hank knew he couldn''t contend with the Dragonborn, so he chose easier targets. Aurora and Melina were already poised to strike Aria, their eyes fixed on their target. "Swoosh!" [ Venomous sh Strike ] Aurora and Melina barely had time to react, conjuring their ice weapons just in time to meet the attack. Their ice swords collided with Aengus'' Judgement de, and the sisters'' eyes locked onto the neer¡ªa high-human with handsome features and a cold, determined look. His strength surprised them, considering that their physical abilities were far superior to most humans. "Crack, crack!" Their ice swords crumbled under the force of the strike, leaving Aurora and Melina momentarily stunned. "Who are you?" Melina spat, her voiceced with both frustration and curiosity. She had never expected someone to match theirbined strength so easily. Aurora''s eyes fixated on Aengus, her dragon bloodline stirring with desire as she found him irresistibly attractive. Aengus, still holding his Judgement de firmly, stood tall, his cold, unwavering gaze locked onto the two Dragon Princesses. His voice was calm but carried the weight of his conviction. "I''m the one who won''t let you harm Aria." Aurora''s lips curled slightly, her voice dripping with cold jealousy. "Oh? Is she your mating partner or something?" "Yes," Aengus replied without hesitation. "And if you want to interfere, be prepared for death. I don''t care if you''re Dragon Princesses or anyone else." His words were sharp, and the lethal intent behind them was unmistakable, causing Aurora''s jealousy to re even hotter. Melina, undeterred by the dangerous aura surrounding Aengus, stared him down fiercely. "I know you''re a high-human, but can you really take on both of us?" "You can try," Aengus responded casually, as though the challenge meant little to him. --- The crowd of onlookers murmured in surprise at the sudden confrontation. "Who is this guy? He''s holding his own against the two Dragon Princesses. That''s insane!" "Nah, he is just getting ahead of himself," another man chuckled darkly. "The Ice Dragon Princesses haven''t even used their Dragon Forms yet. That guy''s just courting death by getting in their way." --- The confrontation between Aengus and the Dragon Princesses quickly drew everyone''s attention, including Aria and the bruised Dragon Prince Sigard, who was in his Dragon form. Despite Sigard''s immense power, Aria had held her own, though blood stained her lips. "Ethan?" But, when she spotted Ethan below, a momentary distraction crossed her face. Sigard, seizing the opportunity, lunged at her with his massive dragon ws, which crackled with explosive fire energy. Aengus, catching the attack from the corner of his eye, felt rage surge through him, his face flushing red. [ Elemental Graviton ] With a swift turn, Aengus raised his hand, summoning a massive rock same size as Sigard''s dragon body¡ªnear 50m long. The earth trembled as he hurled the boulder upward, intensifying the gravity around it by tenfold¡ªthe most he could muster¡ªtransforming the rock into a devastating force akin to a meteorite. The air pressure created by the rock''s velocity was overwhelming, leaving Aurora and Melina aghast. "Sigard!" Melina screamed, quickly conjuring a multiyered ice shield in a desperate attempt to protect Sigard. "Boom!" "Roar!" The impact shook the battlefield, Sigard''s roar of pain echoing across the area. The ice shield cracked under the pressure, and the rock mmed into Sigard with tremendous force, sending him crashing to the ground. Despite his powerful dragon body, the strike left Sigard injured and dazed, though his life was spared. The sheer ferocity of the attack left the onlookers stunned, wide-eyed at the sight of a prince brought low by a single blow. The battlefield became silent all of sudden, the weight of Aengus'' power was undeniable. Melina rushed to Sigard''s side, her face etched with concern as she inspected his injuries, while Aurora remained rooted in ce, her eyes gleaming with a mix of awe and curiosity at the power Aengus had just unleashed. Little did she know, Aengus had still held back, otherwise who knew how her reaction would be. "Hey, what''s your name?" Aurora called out, her voice carrying an odd mixture of interest and irritation as she nced over at Aengus. Aengus, however, remained silent, his focus shifting entirely to Aria as she approached him slowly. When their eyes met, their gazes were full ofplexity and affection. Aurora''s expression tightened, her face growing colder, her irritation evident as she watched the two reunite. The frost in her heart deepened, jealousy flickering across her features as Aengus and Aria stood together, seemingly untouchable in that moment. Chapter 172: Chapter 172: In His Embrace. Aria''s hair slowly returned to its silvery color as her nature powers calm down, leaving the towering trees and vines motionless once again. Aria''s heart raced the moment she saw Ethan standing before her, alive and unscathed. It had been over a month since they''dst met, but the weight of that time felt immeasurable, as if they had been separated for an eternity. Though Ethan looked slightly mature, Aria recognized him instantly. His presence filled her with strange sense of warmth and relief, emotions she had tried to bury but now surged to the surface. Her gaze softened as she looked at him, love shining in her eyes. Aengus, on the other hand, found himself uncharacteristically nervous, a sensation foreign to him since his transformation into a demon. Her presence stirred something deep within him, something even his darkness heart couldn''t suppress. "Ethan, you''re alive...I knew.. " Her voice trembled, thick with emotion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She took a step forward, her breath catching in her throat, as though afraid this was all just a fleeting dream. Aengus hesitated, his voice faltering. "Y-Yes, Aria, I am. I also thought¡ª" Before he could finish, Aria closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, throwing herself into his arms with a desperation that expressed month''s of separation. She clung to him like a kitten seeking warmth, her arms wrapping tightly around his broad chest. Her emotions spilled over, chaotic and overwhelming, and Aengus responded instinctively, embracing her slender form. His arms wrapped around her soft, trembling body, pulling her close. He breathed deeply, taking in the intoxicating scent of her silvery hair, the sweetness mingled with the essence of nature. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The battlefield, the distant cries, the lingering tension¡ªthey all faded into the background, leaving only the two of them, reunited after what had felt like an endless wait. Drake and Yona stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief as they watched Ethan being alive and well. He even easily defeat the Fire Dragon Prince. "That''s Ethan, right? Or are my eyes deceiving me?" Drake asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Yona, her expression still one of shock, nodded slowly. "Yes, it''s him. I can''t believe it either. He survived... but not the others." Her voice grew somber as she recalled her old party members: Marcus, Cedric, and Iris. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Drake clenched his fists, excitement oveing his initial shock. "Wow! That''s amazing. Ethan has also gotten so powerful, just like Sister Aria. Let''s see how that arrogant Dragon dares to bully us now." Nate, standing beside them, was visibly confused. "Hey, Drake, what are you talking about? Isn''t he Zero? Or is there some kind of misunderstanding?" Sofia stood equally puzzled, but Drake and Yona exchanged a knowing nce, their confidence unwavering. "Absolutely not. He is Ethan, our long-lost friend. How could we ever forget him?" Yona said firmly. "But¡ª" Nate started to object, but Sofia quickly interrupted, her voice low as she leaned closer to him. "Calm down, Nate. It looks like he lied about his identity. There''s no need to make a scene." Nate frowned, feeling a sting of betrayal. "But Sofia, I thought we could trust him. How could he do something like this?" He nced at Ethan, or "Zero" as they''d known him, feeling conflicted. Sofia ced a hand on Nate''s arm. "We don''t know the whole story yet. Let''s not jump to conclusions too quickly. For now, let''s just watch and wait." Despite her calm words, uncertainty weighing heavily on their minds. Princess Delh listened to their words, raised her eyebrows. "Ohh, so this is Aria''s boyfriend? I never expected him to be so handsome and powerful? And, they certainly look like a perfect couple," shemented with a slight smile. Prince Mikail, on the other hand, was far from amused. His entire body was bruised from earlier battles, and his face was twisted with anger. His fists clenched tightly as he watched Aria getting close to another man, his heart burning with jealousy. "I can''t stand this," he muttered, intending yo make a move to confront them, but Princess Delh stopped him by grabbing his sleeve. "Brother, can''t you stop making a fool of yourself for a second? Can''t you see how powerful he is?" she said with a note of irritation, her eyes narrowing. Prince Mikail knew she was probably right. Ethan, Aria''s supposed boyfriend had just taken down a Fire Dragon Prince with ease, and it was clear he wasn''t someone easy to be trifled with. But even so, Mikail''s pride and feelings for Aria clouded his judgment. "But I love Aria," he whispered fiercely, his eyes still locked on the pair. "I want to marry her. Should I just give up on my wish? Answer me, Delh." Princess Delh sighed, unsure how to respond to her brother''s stubbornness. "If that''s how you feel, then you''ll have to win her heart¡ªnot through force, but by earning her love. Good luck, my foolish brother," she whispered with indifference. Mikail barely listened to her advice, his thoughts already spiraling into something sinister. As his sister''s words drifted away, his face twisted into a cruel smile. He wasn''t about to give up on Aria, not by a long shot. If he couldn''t win her heart with love, he had other means in mind, far more sinister. Aria and Aengus slowly pulled away from their embrace, both of their faces glowing with warmth and slight smiles. Aengus could feel the depth of Aria''s love for him, far more intense than what she let on, and it stirred something deep within him. As they stepped apart, theirpanions began to gather around them, sensing the tension in the air. On the opposite side, the Dragon Royalties and their servants stood united, their postures rigid and expressions determined. The air between the two groups was thick with unspoken intentions, the atmosphere electric with the anticipation of what was toe. Yona and Drake exchanged nervous nces, realizing the gravity of the confrontation ahead. The Dragon Princes and Princesses weren''t just formidable; they were renowned for their power and pride. Sofia, Hank and Nate, though still confused about Ethan''s true identity, also felt the rising pressure of the situation. Aurora, Melina, and Sigard, bruised but standing strong, watched Aengus with a newfound wariness. They knew this was no ordinary human. Sigard''s eyes widened as he suddenly recalled who Aengus was. He was the same high-human he had sensed a threat from earlier, just before entering the battlefield. He hadunched a preemptive attack back then, aiming to eliminate Aengus swiftly, but to his frustration, the attempt had failed. Sigard in his human form, still nursing his injuries, let out a low growl of frustration, while Aurora''s icy gaze lingered on Aengus, like a smitten cat, but seeing Aria and Aengus together made her jealous. The battlefield was silent, except for the soft rustle of the wind. The thousands of crowds could sense that a sh was inevitable, the final showdown between these powerful figures was on the brink of erupting. Among the spectators, still remained a lot of young powerhouse, their eyes full of interest as they waited for the show, or if they could get some benefit in return. Chapter 173: Chapter 173: The Trial Ground Opened Aria gripped her dagger, feeling more confident and secure beside Aengus. Both parties were ready, weapons drawn, and skills ready to be activated. Aengus gazed at Sigard with murderous intent, knowing the time to settle scores had finallye. Yet, he was curious about what had transpired to escte things to this deadly confrontation. "Ethan, they tried to steal our treasures and endangered our people''s lives at a critical time when we were distracted fighting monsters," Aria exined, sensing his faint curiosity. "Yes, Zero," Nate and Sofia chimed in. "Because of him, we lost Mara and Lark, who died trying to save her. They''re gone now." Their eyes were red, filled with sorrow as they recalled the painful memories. Hank was stunned by the news. "What! Mara and Lark are dead? That''s impossible!" He was struggling to ept the reality, recent happy memories of their time together shing in his mind. "What about Alisha? Is she also¡ª" Hank''s voice trembled with sadness as he asked. Sofia and Nate shook their heads. "No, she''s not dead. But we haven''t found her yet," they replied, offering Hank a small breath of relief, though the uncertainty of her survival still loomed. Aengus''s eyes flickered with intensity as he heard the news. The couple had seemed so happy before arriving here, and now they were gone. It was all because of Sigard. His killing intent sharpened, locking onto the Dragon Prince. Sigard grinned at their pitiful disy, dismissing Aengus'' re. In his mind, he hadn''t truly been defeated. He believed he had merely been caught off guard by the high-human''s earlier attack¡ªsomething he was certain he could have dodged under normal circumstances. Still, he remained cautious, aware of the other party''s mysterious abilities. "Don''t worry, Everyone," Aengus said coldly. "He''ll get what he deserves. I''ll make sure of it. He''ll pay for trying to hurt you and killing ourrades." He was already analyzing everyone around him, reading their intentions, their skills, and their stats. He was waiting for the mastermind behind the scenes to reveal themselves. Otherwise, he would have already unleashed his full strength and ended Sigard swiftly. Aengus had no intention of giving away his true power until the time was right. Aria was slightly confused by the name Zero, but she knew it was not the right time. "Hahaha... Don''t be cocky, you inferior humans," Sigard sneered, hisughter dark and condescending. "You think you can defeat us, the Dragon Blood, with your pitiful power? That''s nothing but a fool''s dream. Those who died in your group were weak, and the weak have no right to live in this world." His arrogance was palpable as he red down at them, clearly unbothered by the lives lost. Sigard stood tall, his Dragon aura rippling through the air, while Melina, Aurora, and dozens of other Dragonborne gathered beside him. Kaelith, who had been hovering nearby, also joined them, seemingly drawn to the group because of his infatuation with Melina. The sight of them standing together wasn''t entirely unexpected, after all they all served the same emperor. But the sheer unity of their alliance at this moment was surprising. Theirbined strength made it clear they weren''t to be taken lightly. Aurora had a conflicted expression, her gaze filled with hostility as it lingered on Aria. There was no mistaking the bitterness in her eyes, as if Aria had taken something precious from her. Dong. Dong. Dong! Suddenly, a loud, resounding noise echoed through the battlefield, interrupting the rising tension. All eyes turned toward the massive metal gate, which slowly creaked open, shaking the very ground beneath them. Aengus smirked, knowing that the real game was just beginning. The opening of the gate signaled the start of something far bigger. But who woulde out victorious? That was a question hanging in the air, as uncertain as the chaotic forces swirling around them. His mind raced. He needed to find a way to defeat that being, and break the seal¡ªsomehow. A bright shimmer reflected from within the gate, revealing the glint of treasures thaty hidden beyond. The sight was enough to make the crowd surge forward like ants drawn to a me. Greed and hunger for power overtook them, and hundreds of thousands of people swarmed toward the entrance in a chaotic rush. The Dragonborne were no exception. "Let''s move, Melina," Sigard growled, casting a nce at the shiny treasures ahead. "We don''t have time to waste on these pesky humans. We need to get those treasures before anyone else." Melina nodded quickly. "Oh, okay." Without another word, Sigard, the Ice Dragon Princess, and the rest of their group started running toward the entrance, their eyes locked on the prize within. "Hey, Zero, why did you let them leave? Are you just going to forget how they drove Mara and Lark to their deaths?" Nate''s voice trembled with frustration, barely masking his anger. Aengus gave him a calm, measured nce before replying, "Let them go to their deaths." Sofia, sensing the weight in his words, furrowed her brow. "What do you mean? Is there something we''re not aware of?" Aria''s emerald green eyes mirrored Sofia''s concern as they shifted toward Aengus. "Ethan, do you know something?" Aengus nodded gravely. "Yes, Aria. This entire ce is a trap¡ªset by a single person who wiped out the Ancient Dwarves ages ago. He''s the one who sealed this area from the outside world for an unknown purpose." "What?" A wave of disbelief washed over the group. Some looked incredulous, while others grew more rmed as the seriousness of his warning began to sink in. Prince Mikail, however, wasn''t convinced. His sharp voice cut through the murmurs, "And how do you know all this? Or are you just trying to stop us from gaining power?" His tone quickly shifted into an usation. Aengus''s brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing. "Are you suggesting that I''m trying to harm everyone here? Who are you anyway?" Sensing the tension escting, Aria quickly stepped in, her voice soft yetmanding. "Ethan, this is Prince Mikail Araknis, the third prince Araknis. And she," she gestured toward the young woman beside him, "is the second Princess, Delh." Delh and Mikail was of similiar age, having two different mothers. She didn''t like his attitude, but he tagged along forcibly because of Aria. Princess Delh, with a gentle smile far warmer than her brother''s harsh demeanor, inclined her head slightly. "Hello, Ethan. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you. Aria has spoken of you a lot." Aengus gave a curt nod in acknowledgment but pointedly avoided any further nce at Mikail. Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Liar! "Lets go, men. We can''t trust a stranger''s word!" Prince Mikail snorted dismissively and stormed off with the followers he had gathered under the lure of wealth and power. "Brother Mikail, don''t go! Didn''t you hear the warning?" Princess Delh called out, her voiceced with worry. But her efforts were in vain. Mikail had already made up his mind. "No, you can''t stop me, Delh. If you trust this stranger instead of me, you can stay here!" he said coldly, not even turning back. Defeated, she returned to Aria''s side, her expression clouded with concern. Though they weren''t blood siblings, Mikail was still her brother, and she couldn''t help but feel a growing unease about his decision. If it weren''t for the young man''s warning, she might have followed him without hesitation. Meanwhile, Aengus began exining how he had encountered the ancient dwarves, though he carefully left out any details that were too sensitive to share. "So, you''re saying the ancient dwarves are still alive, hiding down the cliffs? That''s incredible," Hank eximed, clearly astonished. "I''d do anything to have a weapon made by them. They''re the best at forging great weapons," Hank added with a sigh, realizing the unlikelihood of meeting the dwarves in their current situation. Drake and Yona were also equally astonished. "What about the story of Hero Libros obtaining the Divine Demon yer sword? Was that also false?" "Ethan, did you find a way to get out of here?" Aria asked, looking concerned. Aengus''s chest tightened as he heard Aria call him by his old name again. The name "Ethan" brought back memories of a past he was still learning toe to terms with¡ªone filled with pain, loss, and the innocence of who he used to be. He hadn''t yet found the right time to reveal his demonic identity to her, unsure if she would ept him for who he had be. Her n, her friends; they had all died due to demons, after all. Would she still stand by his side when she knew the truth? But the warmth of her hand intertwined with his dissolved his doubts for the moment. She was here, with him, now. "Ethan?" Aria''s voice pulled him from his thoughts. He blinked, realizing he had been silent too long. "Oh, yes. Sorry, I was just thinking," he replied. "I haven''t found a way out yet. There''s still too much we don''t know. I n to go in there¡ªalone¡ªto gather more information." The moment he said it, a ripple of shock passed through the group. Aria''s grip on his hand tightened, her emerald green eyes filled with concern. "Alone?" she repeated, doubtful. "You''re not going anywhere alone, Ethan. No, I''ming with you, whether you like it or not. I won''t be a burden. I am far more powerful than before," she added stubbornly, her determination clear. Aengus looked into her eyes, feeling a mix of emotions: gratitude, worry, and affection. "Aria..." He looked at her, unsure of how to respond. He didn''t want to put her in danger, but he also knew it would be impossible to change her mind. She looked as determined as ever. "No, no, you can''t stop me. I will always be by your side. I can''t lose you again. I know I haven''t had the time to confess to you yet, but let me tell you, Ethan, that I fell in love with you the day I saw you for the first time in that forest. At that moment, I felt you were someone close to me, someone I could trust and give my love to, like it was written in our destiny, Ethan. "I love you, Ethan. I love you, and no one can change my mind, not even you," she said with raw emotion, her pretty eyes filled with conviction. Aengus''s Heart of Light stirred, filling him with happiness, while the Heart of Darkness went silent in defeat. "Aria, I also love¡ª" Just as he was about to finish his sentence, Be''s face shed in his mind. His face became conflicted. Aria, who had been overjoyed, tensed at his sudden pause. Her happiness quickly gave way to unease. Her green eyes, once filled with joy, now brimmed with concern. "Why did you stop, Ethan?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Say it. Please." The rest of the group looked awkward at the sudden love confession, turning their faces away to give the two some privacy. But Princess Delh peeked from time to time mischievously. Looking into Aria''s pure eyes, Aengus knew he couldn''t deny her anymore. He knelt down, gently taking her hand. "Yes, I love you too, Aria. I want to make you my wife," he confessed, speaking sincerely from the depths of his heart. He knew there might be consequences for choosing Be and Aria both, but what harm coulde from this moment? He would seek their forgiveness when necessary, but for now, he wanted to embrace the tender love she had for him. Overjoyed by his confession, Aria epted his hand and threw her arms around him, and they shared a tender kiss, sealing their new rtionship. Princess Delh, watching from afar, blushed deeply, embarrassed by the sudden disy of affection. "Ahem! Ahem!" Hank, Drake, Yona, and the others coughed loudly, trying to remind Aria and Aengus that they were still there and the situation was critical. When Aria and Aengus finally pulled away from their passionate exchange, Sofia spoke up, her voice steady but tinged with disappointment. "Zero, me, Hank, and Nate also want toe along. We need to find Alisha, to know if she''s in there. We won''t get in your way." Sofia looked upset, a clear result of Aengus''s deception to get into the party. Aria turned to Princess Delh and the others with concern. "But what about Princess Delh, Drake, and Yona? Will you guys be fine?" Drake and Yona reassured her. "Don''t worry, Sister Aria. We will be fine here. You should apany Ethan there." "Yes, Lady Aria, we will take care of each other. Please take care of yourself in there. If only I were stronger, I would have apanied you too." Yona said, her head low, but her bow ready to be drawn at any moment. "It''s fine, Yona. You can take care of Drake and Delh here," Aria said in aforting tone, slightly relieved. "And, Sofia, do you really need to go in there? You might find your friend Alisha outside too, you know. Or... are you starting to doubt Ethan too?" Her brows furrowed as she posed the question. "No, Aria. It''s not that," Sofia responded, shaking her head. "We''re grateful for all the help. But after losing Mara and Lark, we can''t trust anyone fully right now. We can''t afford to lose another friend. We''ve had enough..." Hank and Nate exchanged conflicted nces before Hank spoke up. "Captain, I''m sure Brother Zero has his reasons for keeping things from us. He shouldn''t be med for Mara and Lark''s deaths." His voice was firm, trying to mediate the tension. Sofia red at Hank, her anger boiling over. "Shut up, Hank. You weren''t there when they died right in front of us. I know I shouldn''t me him, but why did he give us hope then? We trusted him, and now it''s all broken. What trust can be restored after that?" Aengus replied calmly, "You''re right, Sofia, but I never said I would take responsibility for their deaths. You don''t know why I did what I did. I had my reasons, but you can''t hold me ountable for their deaths. All of you decided toe here of your own volition to seek power, did you not?" He paused, taking a breath before continuing. "But I will ask for your forgiveness: I am sorry!" He bowed slightly, then straightened, his tone turning cold, chilling the air around them. "But, once again, I am not responsible for their deaths." Sofia snorted in response, crossing her arms stubbornly. "Humph! Your excuses don''t mean anything, Zero. "You... are... a liar!" "Let''s go, Nate, Hank. Follow me! We don''t need to rely on others to save our friend," she dered, storming off in frustration. Nate followed her without hesitation, casting Aengus a sidelong nce, simrly upset as Sofia. "Brother Zero, don''t mind them. They''re just too emotional after witnessing those deaths. Please pray for our safety," Hank said, giving a respectful bow before joining hispanions. Drake, Yona, and Princess Delh looked at each other, seemingly understanding the situation. Chapter 175: Chapter 175: Trial Begins "Ethan, what''s the story between you and them? Why are they ming you? What exactly happened to you? Why do you look so different? I mean, it''s not that I don''t like your appearance, but I''m curious about the change. How did you survive?" Aria asked, bombarding Aengus with questions. Drake, Yona, and Princess Delh''s ears perked up at the mention of survival and change, their curiosity evident as well. Aengus sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. He didn''t want to lie to Aria, but with a stranger¡ªPrincess Delh¡ªstanding there, he couldn''t be entirely forting either. "Aria," Aengus said gently but firmly, "I promise, I''ll tell you everything once we get out of here, alright? But right now, we don''t have time for this." He nced toward the looming threat beyond the gate, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. "Oh, okay..." Aria''s eyes softened, understanding that now wasn''t the right time but still craving answers. She nodded reluctantly, trusting him to reveal the truth when the time was right. Delh and the others kept their thoughts to themselves, but the intrigue in her gaze remained. "Aria, you two should leave us here quickly. We will stay at a safe distance. We are not that weak, you know," Princess Delh smiled, trying to sound reassuring. "Yes, Sister Aria, go quickly!" Drake said. "Be careful, Lady Aria!" Yona added worriedly. "And you too, Ethan. Pleasee back safe. We need to have a get-together after so long..." She looked at Aengus with a faint smile. Drake added with a grin, "Yona is right, we should get together, Ethan. Then you can tell us your story." Before Aria and Aengus could respond, Delh suddenly shouted, "Look, the gate is closing!" They both turned to see the massive gate slowly closing. "Let''s go, Aria!" Aengus called out, not wasting a moment. In a sh, he swept Aria into his arms, moving like a gust of wind. Though Aengus knew Aria had grown independent and didn''t need constant protection, he couldn''t help but want to keep her safe by his side. As he carried her, something caught his attention¡ªhis Eyes of Appraisal failed to detect Aria''s stats. It was rare, a sign that either a mysterious power was involved or the person was simply too strong for his ability to gauge. He became curious about what had changed her so much but kept the realization to himself. Aria, nestled in his arms, gazed up at his serious, focused face. A faint blush crept along her neck as she became aware of the closeness between them, her heartbeat quickening at their body contact. As they took onest nce at Princess Delh and the others, the gate shimmered with a bright, blinding light, obscuring whaty beyond. But Aengus, with his heightened senses, saw what others couldn''t: an energy portal leading to an unknown space. Instinctively, he pulled Aria closer, gripping her tightly, remembering how they had been separated when they first entered Dwarvania. He couldn''t risk losing her again. "Aria, we might get separated. Be careful!" he warned, his tone serious. Aria smiled softly, trying to ease his worry. "You don''t need to worry about me, Ethan. I''ll find you quickly if we do," she promised, her voice calm and reassuring. "Swoosh!" "Swap!" As they crossed through the portal, a strange sensation of energy surged through them, the familiar pull of discement gripping their bodies. The moment Aengusnded on the other side, his worst fear was confirmed. He stood alone, Aria nowhere in sight. His heart sank as he scanned the eerie, unfamiliar surroundings. The portal had indeed separated them. His Heart of Darkness calmed him down, but his face turned cold with silent fury. He was in an open field, with the horizon seeming endless. Observing everything, he was impressed by the level of Space Maniption at y. From his initial guess, the person had effortlessly separated hundreds of thousands of people, which shouldn''t be that easy. "Ho ho, what do we have here? Another powerful warrior!" All of a sudden, Aengus heard an unfamiliar voice and found an old man with a kind face standing there out of nowhere. "Who are you?" Aengus asked calmly, trying to gauge if this was the being the dwarves had spoken about. The old man let out a warm smile. "I am in charge of the trial, young warrior. There are exactly 100 levels to this trial. If you can clear all the levels, you will be granted any wish you desire. And of course, with each level cleared, you''ll receive an exciting reward. Are you ready, young hero?" Aengus raised an eyebrow. "Heh, you''re going to give everything away for free? Or is there another catch?" Aengus asked sharply. The old man''s eyes shed with a strange glint for a moment, which Aengus didn''t miss. "You''re sharp, young warrior. There is a catch. If you fail, you''ll die¡ªnothing more, nothing less," the old man said, his smile now taking on a chilling edge. Aengus remained unfazed by the threat. "Is it the same for everyone you brought here? And can I refuse?" he pressed on, keeping his calm. The old man''s smile tightened, irritation flickering beneath his calm facade. "Yes, it''s the same for everyone, young warrior. I trust that answers your question. May you survive!" Without waiting for a response, the old man vanished in a hurry, clearly uninterested in answering anything further. Aengus carefully scanned his surroundings, his senses heightened as he searched for any signs of being watched. Given the level of space maniption the other party had demonstrated, it wasn''t impossible. Nevertheless, it would be no small feat to monitor hundreds of thousands of people at once¡ªeven for a powerful being. What puzzled him more was the reason behind the trial. If the being in charge could wipe out the dwarves so easily in the past, why go through the trouble of creating something as borate as this trial? There had to be something restraining them, preventing him from doing as they wish. Or maybe, there''s something more to this test, Aengus guessed. Suddenly, with a soft swoosh, the air rippled around him. Two creatures appeared, seemingly tearing through the fabric of space itself. They were towering, twice his height, with skeletal forms, razor-sharp ws, and ghostly bodies that flickered in and out of existence. Their presence felt almost ethereal, like shadows, and their glowing eyes locked onto Aengus with malevolent intent. A quick use of his appraisal ability revealed their information. They were Nyx Creatures, beings capable of traveling through space, existing in a soul form. Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Supreme Hunter (A) The old man, who had just disappeared, reappeared in a dimly lit chamber, merging seamlessly with a tall figure already present in thete. The man, strikingly handsome with an air of nobility, carried a presence unlike anyone native to this world. His aura was regal,manding, as though he were born to rule, but it was tinged with something far darker. Before him were several mirrors, each disying scenes from the ongoing trials. He watched the participants struggle¡ªsome meeting their demise, others barely scraping through the first levels, only to be plunged into greater danger. There was no pity in his gaze, only a cruel glint as he observed their fates. His lips curled into a faint sneer, and his eyes lingered on two specific mirrors. One showed Aengus, the other Aria. They stood out from the rest, their vibrant energy drawing his attention. "Heh, heh... two bright souls, unlike anything I''ve ever sensed," he mused, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "These two should provide enough energy to create the Soul pill for my recovery. Then, I can finally escape this wretched cage." He spat thest word, his face contorting with disgust as he nced around the dim room. "I don''t understand how these people can live in such a trashy world." His voice dripped with contempt. The man sneered, his gaze narrowing as he clenched his fist, causing the very space around him to tremble from his power. "If only this damned will of this world (System) wasn''t interfering," he muttered darkly. "I wouldn''t have to sit and wait for this charade to y out. But heh, I can still bend the rules of this lower world to my will. How could these lesser beings ever hope to match my power or intellect?" He chuckled, the sound cold and devoid of any warmth, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Once you''re all dead, the fun begins. I''ll return to the Primal Realm, and those who betrayed me will know the true wrath of this emperor. They thought they could kill me, but I will rise again." His voice suddenly softened as he spoke thest part, as though addressing someone far away. "My love, just wait for me. This emperor will not be brought down by some measly betrayal." With a surge of power, he clenched his fist harder, the room shaking under the weight of his rage. The very fabric of space around him distorted, as if it, too, feared his strength. His ambitions were clear: revenge, power, and the return to his rightful ce at the top, no matter how many lives it would cost. "Huh, what is this kid doing?" His gaze suddenly fixed on Aengus, who had just defeated the two Nyx and approached their dead bodies, cing his hand on the soul-like form. He didn''t know what the kid had done, but the smile on Aengus'' face felt ominous to him. Still, he couldn''t interfere unless he wanted to risk punishment for using his powers against the system. Curious, he turned his attention fully to Aengus. "Be happy while you can, kid. Let''s see how far you can go against my minions," heughed coldly. --- [You have acquired a new Active Skill:Space sh(D); With this skill, your sword can cut through space, causing a spatial tear that pulls enemies into the chaotic Spatial Storm. It is lethal to the user as well.] [You have acquired a new Active Skill:Space ws(D); Your w attack can now instantly reach enemies from a 10-meter distance.] [You have acquired a new Active Skill:Space Warp(D); Allows short-distance space teleportation (5 meters).] --- Aengus absorbed the skills while using Darkness Shroud to conceal them as much as possible. It had been a little difficult to deal with the Nyx because of their Space Warp ability, but after observing their patterns and relying on his heightened awareness, Aengus handled them effortlessly. Regardless, it could have been much more difficult if they had been higher-level Nyx. He decided to synthesize his passive skills for extra assurance and to prepare for confronting the real enemy. His soul was now fixed, so he easilymanded the system in his mind to synthesize the appropriate skills. [ Melee Combat (C) + Quick Reflexes (C) + Critical Strike (C) + Predator''s Instinct (E) +Extreme Onigiri Combat Body (C) + Enhanced Stamina (C) ] Step by step he merged all the the passive skills, and the final result was satisfying. [Supreme Hunter (A) ] [ Description: The Supreme Hunter is an higher level predator,bining agility, strength, and instinct to dominate the battlefield. With enhanced meleebat skills, six enhanced senses, and lightning-fast reflexes, they strike with deadly precision (¡ü300%). Their Extreme Onigiri Combat Body allows for brutal close-quarters fighting, while heightened stamina enables relentless pursuit of prey. ] [ Poison Resistance (C) + zing Purge (D) + Health Regeneration (D)= Phoenix Resurgence (B) ] [Phoenix Resurgence (B)] Description: Phoenix Resurgence channels the mythical power of rebirth, allowing the user to recover health instantly while igniting their surroundings in purifying mes. When the user is critically injured, this skill activates automatically, granting a substantial health boost while simultaneously creating a fiery barrier that burns enemies and neutralizes poison passively. ] With the synthesis done in his mind he now had only three passive skill:Supreme Hunter (A), Phoenix Resurgence (B), Water Breathing (C) Aengus felt his senses heighten to an unnatural degree, and his body became more controlled, almost as if he were attuned to every movement and sound around him. He could hear faint echoes of people''s screams, even through the very fabric of space nearby. His All-Seeing Eyes, however, couldn''t pierce through to the other side, but his new passive skill had sharpened his five senses to an extraordinary level, enriching hisbat experience. With his sixth sense, he could now sense danger and detect killing intent from miles away. With Phoenix Resurgence, he was able recover health quickly, like how a Phoenix and Vampires heal themselves. Turning his gaze to where the dead bodies oncey, he saw two D-grade soul cores¡ªthe "reward" for clearing the first level. It felt almost like progressing through dungeon floors, reminding him old memories. Without hesitation, Aengus used soul devour to absorb the cores, feeling his soul heal slightly, though only a minuscule portion. Momentster, with his enhanced hearing, he detected the sound of space tearing again. More Nyx creatures emerged, their presence immediately felt by Aengus. But This time, there were five of them. Chapter 177: Chapter 177: Dimitri, Emperor Of Kievan They were all D-Rank, so Aengus finished them quickly without revealing too much of his abilities. Now, he could easily feel someone was watching him using his sixth sense. The Supreme Hunter skill proved very useful in times like this. Swish, swish... He dispatched the creatures with ease. He needed to end this quickly to force that person out of their shell. Aengus understood that the person was clearly trying to gather some sort of energy from the humans, so he needed to steal whatever energy he could from the creatures to draw him out of his cocoon. He also remained cautious not to alert his observer too quickly. Using Darkness Shroud, Aengus concealed his actions as he absorbed the soul bodies withSoul Devour, before they could be recycled by the one watching him. In this way, he quietly stole their energies, and it was working well. He could feel it as he cleared the 34th wave without stopping. His space rted skills from Nyx were also upgraded to B rank using synthesis. --- "Huh. What''s going on? Why is this kid still not dead? How is he not running out of energy at such a young age? And why is the soul energy depleting? Is that brat behind this?" the observer seethed in anger. "And her too¡ªwhy are these two so troublesome?" His gaze shifted to Aria, who was also dominating the Nyx creatures. He clenched his fist in frustration. "What should I do now?" "Should I interfere? Is it worth the punishment?" He weighed his options, ring at Aria and Aengus with murderous intent. --- Aengus now faced hundreds of C-Rank Nyx creatures, relying on his sharp instincts to predict their movements and his refined de skills to dispatch them swiftly. As soon as one wave was cleared, another began, each increasing in both number and power. Yet, Aengus dealt with them efficiently, using his versatile skills to stay ahead of the threat. He had no worry about mana anymore, as he could now freely use Mana Harvest to swiftly recover from the environment. Although the Nyx didn''t possess mana in their soul bodies, he used Soul Devour to drain them of any other energy they held. A grin of satisfaction crossed his face¡ªa strange smile that seemed to anticipate the observer''s next move. As he expected, the monotonous grind continued up to the 67th level, until the person finally revealed himself before him. Aengus panted slightly, looking at the person without fear. [ Appraisal ] [ Name: Dimitri Kievan ] [ Race: Seeker ] [ Age: 1587 ] [ Affiliation: Emperor Of Kievan, Primal Realm (Otherworlder) ] [ Current Rank: A (Severly Weakened ) ] [ State: Severely Injured Soul andw Cores ] [ Laws: Space, Water ; Mastery: Unknown ] "An old monster!" His initial guess was correct¡ªthe person before him was an otherworlder, far more powerful than anyone Aengus had encountered before. However, Aengus found himself puzzled. Unlike other otherworlders who had skills or unique abilities, this person seemed to wield something entirely different. There were no visible skills, just a strange mastery over some mysteriousws that Aengus couldn''t fullyprehend. It seemed like a more advanced and powerful way of using energy. It was fortunate, though, that this figure appeared severely weakened. Despite that, hismanding presence, like that of an emperor, made it clear just how powerful he must have been in his prime. "You''re ying with fire, kid. Now it''s time to die!" Emperor Dimitri spoke coldly, his voice filled with disdain. "What do you mean? And Who are you?" Aengus remained calm, his des gripped firmly in his hands as he prepared to strike. "No need to know, Kid. Just die!" "Wait, before we fight, can you tell me why you''re doing this? Where are you from?" Dimitri, momentarily stunned by the boy''sposure, raised an eyebrow. "So, you knew all along. Then I''m curious¡ªwhy didn''t you run?" "Why else? I''m here to finish you off," Aengus replied, his voice steady. "Hahaha..." Dimitriughed, as if he had just heard the most amusing joke. "Kid, when you weren''t even born, I had ughtered millions, building up my great legacy. And now you think you can defeat me after handling a few of my minions?" His expression darkened as his voice lowered. "You lower beings would never understand the true meaning of power. Your world is nothing more than a yground for people like me." But then Dimitri stopped, his gaze narrowing. "Wait... why do you smell just like those rats from my world?" Aengus''s ears perked up at that statement, piecing together the final clues. It meant only one thing: Aengus was also from the Primal World, just like Emperor Dimitri. "You mean the Primal Realm? Yes, I''m also from there. But, I don''t know you. Who are you, really?" Aengus asked, his tone calm but probing. "Shut up, rat," Dimitri snarled, his voice filled with contempt. "You rats are just defective products of our great race. Don''tpare yourself to this Emperor. I am the great Emperor of Kievan. I have conquered hundreds ofs and rulled over trillions." His eyes gleamed with arrogance as he continued, "Now, bow down to me and ept your death. You should feel honored to sacrifice yourself for this Emperor. I will reward your family for seven generations. Tell me your family name," he offered generously. Aengus scoffed internally, suppressing the urge tough at the absurdity of the emperor''s offer. However, he decided to y along for now, hoping to extract some useful information. Especially regarding the Degaro family. "My family, you ask? Tell me, do you know anything about the Degaro family?" he asked, his eyes sharp, though he kept his expression neutral. "Huh? You''re from that Devil family?" Emperor Dimitri looked momentarily stunned. "What is your name? From my knowledge, there was no defect in the entire Degaro lineage. Who is your grandfather?" he asked, a spark of curiosity shing in his eyes. Aengus, still processing this newfound information about his family''s significance, appeared deep in thought. He was getting just enough to piece together some history but not enough to fully understand. "I don''t know," Aengus finally answered, keeping his tone neutral. "You don''t know? Or are you just trying to bluff your way out of my clutches?" Dimitri snorted, his gaze hardening. Aengus remained nonchnt. "Why don''t you tell me how you ended up here if you''re not a defect?" Aengus pressed on. "Me? Of course, it''s all because of my friend''s betrayal. They colluded with my second concubine to dethrone me and steal my position. I was defeated badly and ended up here, forced to escape in a desperate manner," Augustus sneered, the bitterness in his voice unmistakable. Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Leviathan Of Death "Enough talk, kid. Since you can''t prove your identity, let me send you away. Judging by your expression, it doesn''t seem like you''re going to give up that easily," Dimitri said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. Doomscale Dragonification! As soon as he finished, Aengus transformed into his Dragonoid form, unleashing a formidable pressure that rippled through the air. But to Dimitri, it was nothing more than a child''s y. Heughed coldly, his tone mocking. "Is that all you''ve got? Turning into a lizard¡ªwhat a joke." Without hesitation, Aengusunched his attack. Venomous sh Strike! He unseethed his de shing down with enough force to make the air tremble, distorting the very space around them. "Weak!" Before Aengus could even process what happened, he heard Dimitri''s disdainful snort. In the next moment, he was violently thrown into a nearby rock with a deafening crash. "Boom!" Dimitri had altered the space, causing Aengus''s attack to miss entirely. The smug grin on Dimitri''s face deepened, watching with mockery as Aengus shook off the rubble and debris. Aengus met Dimitri''s gaze, unshaken. His eyes zed with determination, knowing he couldn''t afford to back down, no matter how overwhelming the odds seemed. Space Warp! Spectral de Storm! Aengus repeatedly using Space Warp, trying to close the distance or strike Dimitri, but the emperor seemed untouchable, blending seamlessly with space itself. "Is it because of his spacews?" Aengus wondered in frustration. Dimitri chuckled, his voice filled with disdain. "Hahaha, trying those pitiful space skills on me? You truly are a child who doesn''t understand the difference between heaven and earth." "Huff...." Aengus was starting to feel fatigued from the repeated use of Space Warp, a skill he wasn''t fully ustomed to yet. But he refused to back down. With renewed determination, he unleashed a barrage of skills: "Judgment Strike!" "Rapid Cast!" "Mana Harvest!" "Divine Retribution!" "Boom, boom, rumble!" The sheer ferocity of his attacks almost cornered Dimitri, forcing him back. Thendscape around them crumbled into ruins, massive craters forming as the aftershock of their shing powers. Aengus fought like a battle-hardened machine, relentless in his assault. "Enough!" Dimitri suddenly shouted, his tone darkening. He hadn''t wanted to use his full strength, knowing the terrifying punishment that came with unleashing hisws, but now he had no choice. "Be silent, mortal!" he raged, his voice echoing with authority. Suddenly, Aengus found himself frozen in ce, unable to move. It felt as though he had been trapped within space itself. "What''s this?" Aengus struggled, but his body wouldn''t respond. "Die!" Dimitri snarled, waving his hand. "Shua, shua... swoish!" A massive oceanic wave, towering 50 meters high, came crashing toward him like a tsunami. The force of the water hit Aengus hard, the water pressure like sharp des cutting through him. "Argh..." Aengus groaned, his body taking damage despite his dragon scales. His clothes were shredded, and his skin bore deep scratches from the water''s sheer force. He knew if this continued, he''d be dead in seconds. "Inferno Overlord''s Descent!" In a desperate move, Aengus activated the skill, engulfing himself in a fiery eruption. mes erupted from within him, creating a volcano of heat that battled against the tidal force. Fire met water in a violent sh, creating hot steams. Aengus, now free from the space freeze, erupted from the ground in a fiery surge. His Inferno Overlord''s Descent propelled him skyward like a zing meteor, and he came crashing down hard on Dimitri. "BOOM!" Caught slightly off guard, Dimitri was thrown into the air by the impact, blood spurting from his mouth. Hovering mid-air, Dimitri quickly stabilized himself, forming a tform of water beneath him. His eyes locked on Aengus with murderous fury. "Damned kid! If I wasn''t injured, you would''ve been dead long ago! Even gods and demon gods were nothing before me, and now I''m forced to bleed at the hands of a mere brat. This is shameful!" He seethed, his pride deeply wounded. His aura red dangerously as he vowed, "To erase this disgrace, I will grant you utter annihtion!" "Spatial Copse!" Dimitrimanded silently, twisting his face in rage. Aengus felt the space around him distort, crackling as if the very air was about to implode on itself. The ground beneath him warped, and reality seemed to twist as Dimitri unleashed his devastating attack, aiming to obliterate himpletely. Aengus tried to flee using both Space Warp and his high agility, but it was toote; the copse had already caught up to him. "Crack, Crackle!" Aengus was engulfed by the space copse, drowning in the chaotic flow of a space storm behind the once-beautiful world''s spatial barriers. "Argh!" The pain from being torn apart by the chaotic spatial energy was overwhelming, that even his pain resistance failed to suppress it. His body suffered deep cuts and burns as the intense radiation sank into his flesh. If any normal ranker was in his ce, they would have died by now. It''s only thanks to his high stats and Dragonification skill he had survived till now. "Ugh!" Aengus cursed himself and activated his most powerful ability to escape the situation and turn the tide. "Helllfire Leviathan Of Death!" This was his trump card, and he hadn''t wanted to use it so early, but the circumstances forced him to reveal everything he had. "ROOARRR...." With a rumbling roar of devastation, Aengus transformed into a mythic dragon-like creature, emanating an aura of death and searing ck mes. "Rumble! Rumble!" With a thunderous noise, Aengus broke through the space barrier with sheer force, returning from the chaotic storm before he could be swept away. The spatial barrier near him was weak, so it was not that tough. His massive form¡ªa 200-meter-tall, 500-meter-long leviathan¡ªwas revealed to the world. The aura of death and corrosion radiating from his body shattered the nearby spatial constructs created by Emperor Dimitri with hard work. The trial participants who had survived looked around in confusion, finding themselves in open field all of sudden. But when their gaze fell upon Aengus''s ck Death Leviathan form, they were struck speechless, and some even wet themselves in sheer terror. Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Aengus VS Dimitri Seeing Aengus''s Leviathan form, the crowd shouted in astonishment. "Oh my God... What is that creature?" "Oh Lord, it looks just like the Leviathan from the legends!" "It''s look like a demonic Creature!" "Is the worlding to an end?" Sigard, Melina, and Aurora, who had survived the ordeal, also stared at the creature with wide eyes. They were bloodstained and exhausted after fighting for their lives, grateful to have been pulled back from that hellish ce. They gazed up at the Leviathan in awe, impressed by its immense size and power. Even in their Dragon Forms, they knew they''d look like mere children beside it. Only their elders might stand against the Leviathan. But despite their awe, a lingering concern gnawed at them¡ªthe creature''s true intentions were still unclear, even though they had been freed them from the forced trial, they didn''t who did it. Aurora''s eyes gleamed as her sixth sense tingled. There was something familiar about the creature''s aura. Far away, Aria''s face showed worry as she desperately searched for Ethan. Her heart raced, desperation flooding her as she frantically scanned the area for any sign of him. --- Aengus carefully controlled the Death Aura radiating from his massive form, ensuring it didn''t harm the humans below. "It''s time to finish this, old man!" he growled coldly. He knew he had at most two minutes in this form, and even Mana Harvest might fail to recover enough mana to sustain him. Every second was precious; he had to end Dimitri within those moments. Emperor Dimitri stood speechless, stunned by Aengus''s sudden transformation and the overwhelming power he nowmanded. But then, a grin spread across his face. He weed the challenge of survival. "You''re on, boy. Let''s finish this." Dimitri roared, his grin ferocious as he unleashed the full extent of his Water and Spacews, ignoring the potential consequences. If he didn''t fight with everything he had, he would die anyway. In an instant, he appeared in the sky, just a short distance from Aengus''s massive Leviathan form. Though he looked small inparison, years of battle experience kept him calm. He had faced countless powerful creatures before, but never had he felt this vulnerable. The crushing pressure of Aengus''sbined aura of death and searing ck mes weighed heavily on him, the sheer physical strength and hellfire almost unbearable at such close proximity. --- "Hey, who is that person? Is he trying to save us?" "Yes, it must be! Help has arrived! We can finally be free from that demonic creature!" "Kill it, hero! Finish off the abomination!" "He dared to trap us in this death trap. He must be destroyed!" Some of the survivors below roared, mistakenly cursing Aengus''s demonic form, unaware that he had just saved them. But there were others, more cautious, who didn''t understand what was happening. Confusion swirled as they questioned which side to take, unsure if the one battling Dimitri was their savior or the real threat. Nate, Sofia, and Hank quickly gathered together, their eyes scanning the sky with caution as they searched for Alisha. The air was tense, filled with uncertainty as the battle raged above them. --- "You hear that, boy?" Dimitri sneered, his voiceced with contempt. "They''re cursing you. Ingrates, ignorant mortals! Why risk your life for them? Join me, and I will grant you eternal rewards and power beyond this world. The kind of power your father and grandfather once possessed. I''ll show you the way. Come!" He offered, his words dripping with pride and temptation. "I don''t care about their opinions, Emperor Dimitri. You have harmed the ancient Dwarves, endangered my loved ones and now you will pay for it." Anegus replied coldly, in a deep resonating voice, likeing a demonic creature. Aengus''s response was swift and opposite. With a powerful swipe of his massive ws, he tore through the air, distorting the very fabric of space as his attack hurtled toward Dimitri''s tiny frame. Dimitri barely dodged in time, his expression darkening. "Boy, you''re stubborn and foolish," he growled, his voice filled with frustration. "Fine, I''ll give it my all. You asked for it." With that, Dimitri pulled out a vial containing a shimmering pill, radiating an intense soul energy. It was an iplete elixir he had refined using countless poor human souls to heal his damaged soul, but it would allow him to fight on equal ground with Aengus, at least for a while. He swallowed the iplete pill without hesitation, feeling a surge of power course through him, slightly healing his severely damaged Soul Core and Law Core. "Now, let''s see how long youst!" Dimitri roared, his aura ring as he prepared to unleash his full might against Aengus. Aengus didn''t hesitate. In a single, swift motion, he unleashed his Hellfire, a ze of crimson mes scorching the air, while Death Strings shot out like tendrils, seeking to bind Dimitri in ce and burn him alive. The sheer intensity of the attack warped the surrounding space, distorting reality as it raced toward its target. But Dimitri, with his soul slightly healed and strength returning, was no easy prey. His mastery over Space and Water Laws provided him with a perfect bnce of offense and evasion. He bent the space around him, slipping out of Aengus''s grasp as if vanishing from reality, then reappeared at a safe distance, his water techniques weaving barriers of liquid force to deflect the Hellfire. Yet Aengus, with his monstrous wings aze, moved with a speed that defiedprehension. He shattered the sound barrier with every wing beat, blurring across the sky with near-teleportation precision. His colossal form tore through the heavens, chasing down Dimitri with ruthless efficiency, Hellfire trailing behind him like the breath of a demonic dragon. Dimitri barely managed to keep his distance, his heart shaking as he realized that no matter how far he fled, Aengus was always one step ahead, his power far more terrifying than anticipated. Even his recent power up didn''t help much. "This boy¡­" Dimitri thought, his grin faltering as he felt the deadly pressure closing in. "Who''s child is he?" He summoned another Oceanic Tidal wave in sky, but this time it was much more bigger and ferocious, covering the sky like blue dome descending from heaven. The crowd was awestruck by disy of power, leaving them a reminder of how the A and S ranked typically fought. Chapter 180: Chapter 180: Settling Old Scores After 1 minute 40 Seconds. Aengus and Dimitri had already shed hundreds times with their extreme speed. Crack! Crack! Up above the sky, there were spatial fissures everywhere, turning the sky into a chaotic mess. The sky was gloomy and artificial raindrops fell on the ground like cursed poison. Under the fierce onught of Aengus, Dimitri quickly found himself bruised and severely injured. "Is this how it feels when karma hits you?" Dimitri thought bitterly, remembering the sins hemitted by murdering millions after arriving in this ce. He had never faced such a situation where he was forced into a corner by a brat. It felt like heaven was ying a joke on him. Boom! "Cough, Cough!" Crashing to the ground with a loud shockwave, he spat out blood after being hit by Leviathan''s tail, as if he were nothing more than a fly. His flesh was torn and scratched, with death energy seeping into his fragile body bit by bit. His health became severely low, but heughed maniacally. "Hahahaha..." "I, Dimitri Kievan, who ruled over 119 worlds for years, am now getting defeated by a brat... How ironic... It''s as if fate was never on my side from the beginning. First, the betrayal, then locked up in this cage, only to wait for years to be in by a kid. This is just nonsense!" he shouted, his voice spreading far and wide. His sorrowful words stirred everyone''s hearts¡ªfilled with despair and helplessness. The spectators from heard his resoundingst words and felt sympathy for the man who was trying to kill them. Their misunderstanding was justified as Aengus truly looked like a menace. He looked up at the sky. "My love, it seems like my time has finallye. Forgive me for not being able to meet you onest time. And our child¡ª" He turned to Aengus''s monstrous form and said, "Kid, you win. Kill me and set me free. Just don''t do anything to my soul. If I can pass through the gate of Samsara, I want to meet my love once again. Please!" Dimitri begged, kneeling on the ground. "For this favor, I will grant you this, boy of House Degaro." He produced a shiny white crest seemingly out of thin air. It was inscribed with unknown text, but looked far more extraordinary on the surface. Aengus felt no sympathy for the man. It''s only because, Dimitri hady his hand on his interest and the unknown pact to be fulfilled. His massive form hovered over Dimitri, listening to what he had to say. He still had a few seconds before his Leviathan form would wear off. Though he didn''t show any weakness, Dimitri''s proposal was tempting. He wanted to hear what he had to offer. "This is true key to my legacy. With it, you can be the true inheritor of the position of Emperor. This position is definitely far more beneficial for you than being one with a defected status in your family." "You would be the rightful Emperor of the Kievan Empire." Seeing the interest in Aengus''s eyes, Dimitri continued, his body barely holding on like fragile ss. "But I have another condition: you must protect Empress Fiona, my first wife, and the child she should have probably given birth to by now." He looked mncholic at the mention of the child, his eyes reddening. He looked at Aengus and asked for confirmation. "Just say yes, boy. You will be the rightful heir. Money, fame, and resources will all be avable to you. You will be far stronger than you are now." Aengus quickly contemted the options and decided to agree. He knew he would have to confront his past, which was slowly resurfacing in his mind. Considering the terrible conditions he had suffered at House Degaro, this was a far better option. Although there were risks involved, he believed he could get through them one step at a time. This identity could be useful if he needed it in the future. Overall, he wasn''t losing on anything by agreeing. Sooner orter, he would have to go to the Primal Realm, and he felt that time was approaching. "Alright, I agree to both of your conditions. But if you lie, the consequences will be severe. I will ughter your whole family and everyone involved if anything proves to be wrong!" he said ruthlessly. "Cough! Cough! Boy, who do you think I am? Why would I lie at my death''s door? Here, take it. Please take care of my child. Tell them I loved them very much, and watch out for my friends. They... they... are¡ª" His words were cut off, his eyes turning lifeless all of a sudden. As the shiny white crest merged onto Aengus''s right hand, the man died in loneliness, far away from his loved ones. Aengus looked at the white crest in his hand, and somehow he could understand its significance now. It bore the words "Bow," "Kievan," and "Emperor." "Bow Before the Emperor of Kievan." Such was the domineering meaning of those words. They were specially inscribed runes crafted by Dimitri himself, and no one could replicate them. Aengus turned to Dimitri''s soulless body and picked it up with his massive ws -it was still useful to him. If Dimitri had known what Aengus intended to do with his corpse, he would have died a second time, coughing blood from the sheer ruthlessness. Who could be so merciless toward a fallen enemy? Just as Aengus was about to retreat into the woods to revert from his Leviathan form, his gaze shifted to Sigard and the Dragonborne. A lingering score demanded settling. Sigard had harmed Aria and tried to kill him and his allies- now, it was time to pay the price. Far in the distance, kilometers from the battlefield, Sigard and thousands of spectators murmured among themselves, fear creeping into their hearts as they watched the aftermath of the hero''s defeat. "Hey, that demonic creature is looking at us... Will it kill us now?" "Oh no! The hero is dead! Who will save us?" Sigard, deep in conversation with Melina and Aurora, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. His gaze met the cold, indifferent eyes of the Leviathan. "Ah... Why is it looking at me, Melina?" he asked, fear seeping into his voice. Having witnessed the battle, Sigard knew he was no match for this monstrous creature. Even his father might not be able to save him now. Before Melina could respond, Sigard was violently yanked through the air at breakneck speed, pulled by invisible forces. "Ahh! Save me, Melina! Father!" he screamed, his voice drenched in desperation. Wrapped in Aengus''s Death Strings, Sigard felt his life force slowly being drained, the cold grip of death closing in. "Sigard, I''ming!" Melina shouted, her voice frantic. Without hesitation, Melina transformed into her regal Ice Dragon form, determined to rescue her lover. Aurora, worried for her sister, followed closely behind. But their efforts were in vain. In a blink, both Aengus and Sigard vanished from sight, disappearing as if they had never been there. Melina''s heart sank. She had seen it clearly-Sigard had been swarmed by the suffocating Death Energy. That could only mean one thing: Sigard was already dead. Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Heart Of Chaos Buzz... Buzzz... RUMBLE. The moment Dimitri drew hisst breath, the entirend of Dwarvania trembled violently, as if an ancient force had been unleashed. The space seal that had isted Dwarvania from the rest of the world for so long was lifted, causing a monumental shift. With a thunderous rumble, the earth quaked, and the vastnds of Dwarvania began merging with the world of Mythraldor. Tens of thousands of kilometers ofnd expanded and reconnected with the surrounding terrain, like pieces of a colossal puzzleing together. Outside the capital city, the waiting spectators¡ªrtives of the participants¡ªstood in stunned silence, watching in awe as the massivendmass emerged before their very eyes. "Oh heavens!" an elderly man gasped, his eyes wide with shock. Groups of middle-aged and older people gathered together, murmuring in disbelief. "Are my eyes deceiving me?" another eximed, his voice trembling. "Is that... Dwarvania? The same Dwarvania we learned about in legends?" an elderly woman asked, squinting to get a clearer view. "I think so," a man replied, his voice shaky. "Look! Our children are also there! Something big must''ve happened!" Panic and concern spread among the crowd as the realization dawned on them. "Call General Leon, General Felix! Hurry!" one of them screamed, his voice filled with urgency. --- When the outside world was in chaos, Aengus was in dense jungle shrouded in darkness. In the dense, shadowy jungle, Aengus stood silently, the eerie atmosphere amplified by the darkness that surrounded him. He was back in his Half-Demon form. He looked down at the lifeless bodies of Sigard and Dimitri, calcting his next move. The enemies outside were powerful, and while he had won this battle, he knew there were greater threats looming on the horizon. He needed more power. Aengus resolved to take the extreme step¡ªhe would synthesize with both Sigard and Dimitri, absorbing their strength and abilities into his own. It was a painful and dangerous process, but he had no other choice if he wanted to ensure not only his own survival but also the safety of Aria and Be, whom he had already considered as his. Gritting his teeth, Aengus initiated the synthesis. The moment he began, his body screamed in agony as cells from both bodies started to merge with his own. Every fiber of his being burned with searing pain, but he forced himself to endure it. His veins pulsed violently, and his skin rippled with the strange energies coursing through him. His mind was flooded with memories that weren''t his¡ªthe fierce arrogance, pride of Sigard and the cold ruthlessness, longing of Emperor Dimitri. Their essence tried to overwhelm him, but Aengus fought back, maintaining control. Sweat poured down his face, and his muscles tensed as he felt his own strength rising. Finally, what felt like an eternity passed, and the process wasplete. [ You have merged with a Seeker''s body ] [ You have gained twow cores: Space, Water (Mastery: Primary 0.01%) Not usable: Requires Origin Energy to activate ] [ You have gained the Fire Dragon Bloodline ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Fire Dragon Transformation (C) ] [ Your stats have increased significantly. Strength +350, Agility +350, Defense +350, Mana +12,000 ] Aengus looked satisfied with the overall result. With this, defeating an A+ rank shouldn''t be impossible if he gave it his all. However, against an S-rank, it would be a struggle. He considered synthesizing the skills to A-rank too, but the matter of Laws and Origin Energy troubled him. "Manas, do you know what Origin Energy is?" he asked, confused. Manas replied, "I''m sorry, Master. I don''t have information on it either. However, I believe it might be the source energy from the Primal Realm where the ''old'' man came from. Perhaps you should consider merging Mana Reserves with Nether Energy to see if it works. But this could be risky," she warned. "I see... Let''s do it," Aengus decided without hesitation. The prospect of gaining incredible control over fundamentalws like Space and Water, simr to Emperor Dimitri, tempted him enough to take the risk. Aengus quickly focused, mobilizing the Synthesis energy to merge his Mana Reserve, Nether Energy Core, and Energy Converter together. The delicate process ofbining these opposing energy sources began, his body shaking with intensity as if every core and fiber of his being were undergoing transformation. This process affected the flow of energy that facilitated his skills and demonic abilities. Oncepleted, this fusion would allow him to merge both skills and demonic abilities, potentially making them more unique and powerful. After the delicate and tedious process, the opposing energies and their storage systems merged, creating a vibrant, special energy in the shape of a tree sprout. Its roots engraved themselves into his body, maintaining the energy distribution. [Congrattions! You have discovered Origin Mana; the source energy of the universe.] [Origin Mana Conversion Complete.] [Origin Mana: 14,200 (10:1)] Aengus observed the vibrant small tree sprout and smiled in satisfaction. The energy was ten times more potent than world Mana and Nether energy. "One day, you will be endless, just like the universe itself," Aengus thought, making a promise to himself. "Now for the next step, I need to merge this two hearts and finally the skills and demonic abilities. I can''t take any cance of defeat, I will fulfil my goal and kill anyone who stands in our way." Sitting quietly he started Synthesizing the oposite hearts that bugged him for far too long. He wanted to think for himself, not being forced by some skills. He would pave his own path and act as he wishes. No one can force him, not even his past or future self. He was stubborn, he wanted power, he wanted revenge, he wanted love that denied him for too long. He wishes to have a safe ce and family to return to. And he would build it by himself, not relying on luck or fate. With firm convictions he ignored the hearts'' protests and continued. [ Heart of Light + Heart of Darkness had evolved to Heart Of Chaos (S) ] Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Blazing Overlord Dragon Heart of Chaos (S): A legendary skill that merges the opposing forces of light and darkness, granting the user thebined element of Chaos. With this power, the user can amplify skill effects by 200% permanently, and harness chaotic energy to alternate between healing and destruction. Passive Effect: The Heart of Chaos bestows the user with an immovable will that dominates emotions and desires. Feelings such as fear, anger, love, hate, lust, greed, happiness, sorrow, empathy, and kindness etc. are now fully under the user''s control. The user can choose when and how to feel these emotions, if at all. With both hearts¡ªLight and Darkness¡ªgone, Aengus felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. The suffocation and annoyance that had once gued him vanished, leaving him as a truly liberated being. He could no longer be controlled by emotions; instead, he held the reins of his own destiny. No longer bound by the whims of his feelings, he was free to do as he pleased, guided only by his own will. He could still use both Light and Darkness elements, but he would need to separate them from the harmonious bnced state of Chaos elements first. It was definitely a hassle, but could be useful at times. Next, he quickly nced at his active skills, intending to synthesize them quickly so he could reunite with Aria. He could already see the space barrier disappearing due to his Laws of Space, even with his lowest level of mastery. [Active Skills: Doomscale Dragonification -10 (B), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (B), Elemental Graviton Surge -10 (B), Elite Human Transformation -20 (B), Dragon Fusion (B), Spectral de Storm -13 (B), Venomous sh Strike -11 (B), Inferno Overlord''s Descent -2 (B), Space sh -12 (C), Space ws -14 (C), Space Warp -22 (C), Fire Dragon Transformation (C) ] He began the synthesis process quickly, hoping to raise them to A-Rank, or even S-Rank if possible. [ Doomscale Dragonification (B) + Fire Dragon Transformation (C) + Dragon Fusion (B)+ Inferno Overlord''s Descent (B) ] [ Your skills evolved to: zing Overlord Dragon (A+) ] zing Overlord Dragon (A+) Description: zing Overlord Dragon (A+) is an elite draconic transformation that bestows upon the user the form and powers of a legendary dragon wreathed in unquenchable mes. As the zing Overlord Dragon, the user bes a beacon of destruction, harnessing both the raw power of dragonkind and the elemental fury of fire. This form radiates dominance, granting control over the battlefield through fiery might and overwhelming strength. Effects: 30x of raw stats in full form. Size: 300m in height, 410m in width. [ Spectral de Storm (B) + Venomous sh Strike (B) + Space sh (C) ] Void Venom de Tempest (A) Description: Void Venom de Tempest is an advancedbat skill thatbines spectral energy with venom-infused strikes and spatial distortion. The user summons a storm of spectral des that not only cut through space but are alsoced with venom, striking enemies with deadly precision and speed. This skill allows the user to dominate both close and mid-rangebat by unleashing a chaotic flurry of des that disorient, poison, and warp space around the target. Area of Effect: 500m radius. One A+ rank skill and one A rank skill¡ªthough the result wasn''t bad, Aengus had hoped to push them both to S-Rank. Unfortunately, without enough skills to merge, he''d need at least five A-Rank skills to achieve that. Merging with his demonic abilities might help, but it still wouldn''t be enough to break into S-Rank territory. For now, though, it was enough. At least, he thought so. The only real threat he could foresee was the mysterious owner of the voice he''d heard while fighting Valen¡ªthe Hero ss of Light. That figure was likely S-Rank, if not more. "Time to head out." Shaking his head, Aengus took off sprinting out of the dense jungle, his mind now focused on finding Aria and the others. She must be worried about him. Before leaving, Aengus picked up the spatial bracelet from Sigard. Inside, he found tens of thousands of gold coins and several soul cores from Nyx creatures. He began emptying Sigard''s Ring transferring only the gold coins into his own to not let anyone link with him about the disappearance. Unfortunately, Dimitri didn''t have any storage device on him. Aengus decided to take a good look around the trial ground to see if he could find one, though he doubted Dimitri even had one in the first ce. And if he did, it might have already been picked up by someone else. ------ [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Dragon yer ] [ Race: Human-Demon-Dragon-Seeker ] [ Level: 42 ] [ upation: Supreme Leader of Liberation Army ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline: Human (Common), Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Death Leviathan (Half-Noble), Fire Dragon (Noble)] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 1616 ] [ Agility: 1642 ] [ Defense: 1715 ] [ Origin Mana: 14,200 ] [ Attribute points: 0 ] - [ Active: zing Overlord Dragon (A+), Void Venom de Tempest (A), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (B), Elemental Graviton Surge -10 (B), Elite Human Transformation -20 (B), (C), Space ws -14(C), Space Warp -22 (C)] - [ Passive: Supreme Hunter (A), Phoenix Resurgence (B), Water Breathing (C) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 5), Soul Devour (Level- 1)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Hellfire Leviathan Of Death - Intermediate: Gluttony of Darkness, Darkness King''s Authority [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Mana Harvest (Rare), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] --- With a fluid motion, Aengus shifted back into his high human form just as the bright sunlight broke through the trees. As he neared the trial ground, he sensed a tense atmosphere in the distance. Slowing his pace, he cautiously approached Aria''s group, which he spotted ahead. There was a group of stern-looking individuals inspecting all the participants with force. Helios'' son was dead, and it was no trivial matter. Helios was personally leading the investigation, trying to find any clues that could lead him to the Leviathan responsible for his son''s death. "Hmph! No one leaves until I find my son. If anyone dares to resist¡ªkill them," Helios barked coldly, his aura ring, ready to be unleashed at any moment. Themoner hunters trembled in fear, while the royals and nobles stood unconcerned, secure in their backing. Suddenly, Aria spotted Aengus. "Ethan!" she cried, rushing toward him. She pressed her face against his chest, her eyes red from worry. "Where were you? I was so worried!" Chapter 183: Chapter 183: Elyon, True Hero Of Light After their reunion, Drake, Yona, and Princess Delh quickly regrouped. Behind them, Prince Mikail stood, seething with anger. Though he had survived, he was still injured. "Ethan, where were you? We''ve been looking everywhere for you," Drake asked casually. Aengus gave the same response he had given to Aria. "I was thrown far from here because of the aftermath of their fight. I was lucky to survive, at least," he said with a light chuckle. "That''s terrible, Ethan. We''re just d you''re safe. You don''t know how worried Lady Aria was," Yona said, visibly relieved. Aengus nced at Aria''s exhausted yet beautiful face and softly replied, "Yes, I can guess." Just as he finished speaking, a loud,manding voice rang out from behind them, instantly drawing thousands of eyes toward Aengus and his group. "Hey, boy,e here!" It was the voice of the Fire Dragon King, Helios. His sharp, intense gaze locked onto Aengus. Aengus remained unfazed as he approached Helios, gently breaking away from Aria''s grip. "What''s the matter? Why is the mighty Helios seeking my presence?" Aengus asked boldly, aware that the other party was an S-Rank powerhouse. Helios''s expression darkened at Aengus''sck of reverence. "Kneel!" hemanded with a domineering tone, unleashing his Dragon Aura with the intent to crush the boy''s pride and force him to submit. However, Aengus stood firm, like an immovable mountain, shocking everyone around. The oppressive aura seemed to have no effect on him. "And why should I?" Aengus replied coldly, refusing to release his own aura. He knew that exposing too much would attract unwanted attention from other lurking powerhouses. Yet, the mere thought of acting weak and subservient made him nauseous. Perhaps it was an unknown pride from his past¡ªonce an embodiment of arrogance and power¡ªsurfacing unknowingly. He was aware of it, and he chose to ept it on his own volition. "You...Insolent.. Die!" Helios growled, preparing to attack, eager to test Aengus''s strength. But just as he was about to strike, Aengus remained rxed, sensing a formidable and familiar aura nearby. "Enough! Helios, what are you trying to do?" an icy voice interrupted, freezing the air as he spoke. Helios flinched slightly as he turned to face Leon Isotherm, the transcendental Ice Guardian of the Araknis Kingdom. His tone shifted, bing more humble, though a simmering tension remained. "General Leon, my son is dead, and I''m investigating if anyone is involved with that demonic creature. There could be an imposter among us, and I heard this boy and his group had a conflict with Sigard. He could be a demon in human skin. I only seek the truth. Surely, your respectable self wouldn''t want to stop me, would you?" Though his words were respectful, the underlying threat was clear. General Leon nced at Aengus with a slight smile,pletely ignoring Helios as if he were insignificant. "Ethan, it''s good to see you again. You''ve certainly be quite strong." Aengus returned the smile. "Yes, General. It''s been far too long. I hope I''m not disturbing you." Leon chuckled lightly. "It''s nothing. He''s just an annoying fly¡ªstupid, really." Helios''s face turned red with anger at the open insult. "General Leon, what''s the meaning of this? Do you not intend to show me the basic respect I deserve?" "Respect? Helios, instead of hunting down the demonic creature, you''re bullying these juniors. If that''s not stupidity, what is? Can''t you see this boy is of the High Human race? Why are you still doubting him? Or are you just venting your anger because of your own ipetence?" Helios''s temper red. "Nonsense! My people have already begun searching the entire area. I won''t let anyone escape after hurting my son!" he barked, refusing to back down. "sh!" But just as Leon was about to make a move, he sensed a sudden attack aimed at Aengus. But it was not from Helios, from someone else. "Divine Arctic Fortress!" Leon instantly conjuring an immovable ice fortress around Aengus, protecting him from the deadly blow. "ng! Creak!" With the violent collision, nearby hunters were flung aside like ragdolls, their bodies crashing against the ground in a chaotic mess. Only Aria remained untouched because of her mysterious nature energy, as if the force was nothing more than a gentle breeze. She rushed forward, concern etched on her face, sensing the growing hostility in the air. Her teammates were protected by her gentle nature energy, held safely within her aura. Leon''s eyes burned with fury as he red at the assant. "Elyon, you dare!" he spat, his voice cold with outrage. Inside the shattered remnants of the Luminescent Ice Fortress, Aengus stood unphased, his eyes flickering with a deadly calm as he fixed his gaze on Elyon. The sudden attacker, bathed in divine radiance, wielded a brilliant Sword of Light that hummed with dangerous energy. "Tch, evil creature!" Elyon sneered, clearly frustrated at his failure to strike Aengus down in a single blow. Aengus nced at Elyon, an adult man in his 50s with white hair, but Divine presence. As the ice fortress crumbled around him, Elyon gave a disdainful snort, his attempt to eliminate Aengus thwarted. But before he could make another move, Aria appeared beside him, her eyes zing with anger. "Do you want to die?" she hissed, her voice trembling with barely restrained fury as she red at Elyon, the famed Hero of Light. Despite the other party''s Transcendental power, she remained unshaken ready to defend Ethan at all cost. Her protective energy surged, ready to defend Aengus against further threats. Elyon, momentarily caught off guard by Aria''s fierce presence, tightened his grip on the Sword of Light, his divine radiance shing against the nature power emanating from her. "Stand aside, girl. This is no concern of yours. He''s a evil creature and he needs to be punished for harming my heir." But Aria''s unwavering gaze told him she would not back down. She would protect Aengus at any cost. General Leon stepped in front of Aengus and Aria, his expression stern. "You too, Elyon? I never expected this from the famed Hero of Light. What happened to your reputation for protecting the weak and serving humanity? This was originally apetition between the younger generation¡ªwhy interfere?" General Leon had heard rumors of Valen''s light powers vanishing, but he still didn''t know the connection between that and Elyon''s sudden hostility. Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Conflict The sun was slowly setting on the horizon, casting long shadows across the trees. General Leon faced Helios and Elyon together, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. Confronting both of them wouldn''t be easy, especially not Elyon¡ªthe true Hero of Light and the Head of the Cathedral of Gods in the Hero Empire. Aengus stood vignt. Despite his tough body and formidable skills, he doubted he could stand against these transcendentals just yet. Their earlier disy of power had made it clear. The speed of Elyon''s attack¡ªlike a sh of light¡ªhad genuinely made him feel his life was at risk. But this didn''t break his confidence. Instead, it intensified his resolve to grow even stronger. "Leon," Elyon began speaking steadily, "the Cathedral of Gods has always stood by its word. We were, are, and will always be on humanity''s side. I know Beelzebub''s attack right under our nose must have disappointed you, but at the time, there was nothing we could do. I was too far away to help." Elyon''s tone shifted, bing colder. "I don''t wish to fight you Leon, but Valen sensed darkness in this boy''s body. Somehow, this ''evil'' boy has stripped away Valen''s Holy Light Element. We need to examine him thoroughly to see if he''s a demonic child." Leon remained silent, pondering the situation. Elyon continued, voiceced with threat, "Think carefully, Leon. You don''t want your country to be an enemy of humanity, right. Refusing us could make usbel you and your allies heretics." "Heretics of humanity?" Drake and Yona swallowed hard, sensing the gravity of the situation. Princess Delh''s face paled with concern for her kingdom. This could escte into something catastrophic. She nced anxiously between Aria and Aengus, wondering what decision he would make. Prince Mikail sneered, "I knew something was off about him. There''s no way he could be that strong unless he was a demon all along." He turned to General Leon. "General, We shouldn''t risk our kingdom for him. Just leave him be." Aria''s eyes zed with fury as she red at Mikail, her gaze sharp enough to kill. Mikail, already burning with jealousy, grew even more enraged. General Leon, however, did not immediately respond to the third prince''s words. He stood in silence, weighing his options. He knew the risk to the kingdom was real, and his loyalty to his homnd ran deep. But Ethan''s potential, the possibility that he could be a Transcendental, made him hesitate. He couldn''t ignore the chance that Aengus might be the key to something greater. Aengus noticed the conflict in Leon''s eyes and felt a twinge of disappointment. He had expected more, but it was hardly surprising. They had only known each other for a few days, not nearly enough time to forge unshakable trust. "Princess Delh, you shouldn''t be here. You know that," a voice suddenly interrupted, pulling everyone from their thoughts. General Felix appeared before Delh, speaking gently but firmly. "If you would be so kind, please return to the castle. You too, Prince Mikail. It''s His Majesty''s order." "Y-Yes, General Felix," Mikail stuttered, feeling the weight of Felix''smanding presence. "We''re leaving, General Felix," Princess Delh responded with a small smile, though concern lingered in her eyes as she looked at Aria. "But please, take care of Aria and the others. I''m sure they''re all innocent." As the duo headed out, they nced back asionally, still keeping an eye on the situation from afar. Their departure, however, eased the tense atmosphere, especially with the presence of another Transcendental like Felix. But just as things began to calm, a new figure approached from the opposite side; Zillion, the True Hero of Lightning, another Transcendental. "Felix, I still don''t understand why you''re stuck in this small kingdom," Zillion remarked, his voice sharp. "You could have a much brighter future in the broader world." Felix chuckled softly. "Maybe... But thest memories of my family are here. That''s reason enough. I don''t wish for anything else." Zillion raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Elyon, sensing the shift in the air, spoke with a casual tone, though his words carried weight. "Are you going to stop us too, Felix?" Before General Felix could respond, Aengus cut in, having had enough of the usations swirling around him. Though, they were all true, he could not admit it. "General Leon, it was Valen who attacked me first," Aengus said coldly, his voice chilling the air. "I merely taught him a lesson with my secret skill. He should consider himself fortunate to still be alive." Elyon''s brows furrowed in anger. "Boy, you should be grateful to Leon. If not for him, you would be dead by now. I''ve yet to deliver your punishment." Aengus scoffed, turning back to Leon. "General Leon, I want you to be the one to inspect me for any traces of demonic energy. I don''t trust anyone else here." General Leon''s expression was conflicted. He could sense Aengus''s frustration with how things had turned out, but he also knew the situation wasplicated. "Forgive me, Ethan, for not being able to stand by you as I should," Leon said solemnly. Aengus shook his head. "You''ve done more than enough, General. I appreciate it. Now, let''s get this over with." He stood confidently, prepared for the inspection. Aengus was fearless, knowing full well that he now had no connection to demons. There was no way they could detect something that didn''t exist, unless they could somehow inspect his abilities and skills, which should not be possible. General Leon sighed and turned to Helios, Elyon, and Zillion. "Well then, what do you have to say about his proposal? Do you have any objections?" he asked coldly. Helios roared, "Absolutely! We need one of us to inspect him as well. You two seem pretty close. You alone won''t suffice, General." "You dare doubt my integrity, Helios? Do you have any respect for your Superiors, or should I teach you a lesson?" Leon harrumphed, quickly conjuring a massive, breathtaking Ice Sword behind him to intimidate them into not overstepping. "Now, now, if things are getting this heated, let me be an impartial judge for the boy," a sudden melodic voice echoed, catching everyone''s attention as they turned toward the figure. Chapter 185: Chapter 185: The Result It was the Sky Phoenix Queen, radiating an elegant yet fierce aura. "Yes, Sky Phoenix Queen, we have no problem with you inspecting the boy on our behalf," Helios spoke, clearly captivated by her beauty, while the other two simply nodded in agreement. "Go ahead, Freya. We trust you''ll do a fine job," Elyon added. The Sky Phoenix Queen, Freya, smiled and turned toward Leon and Aengus. Leon nced at Aengus for confirmation. Understanding his intent, Aengus activated his Appraisal and All-Seeing Eyes to detect any ill intentions from her. As he did, Freya felt a strange sensation, as if she was being seeing through.. But she didn''t have any proof. She looked at the young man with intrigue. "I have no problem with it. Sky Phoenix Queen can proceed while remaining impartial what she said," Aengus said reluctantly, not wanting toplicate matters further. "Hehe, young man, you''re certainly interesting. Don''t worry, I have no intention of bullying a junior," Freya smiled beautifully. Aengus raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, shifting his attention to General Leon to proceed. With a sigh of resignation, General Leon stepped forward and ced his hand on Aengus. The moment he did, Aengus felt a slight difort as if someone else''s prying eyes were invading his body. Only transcendentals or those with special abilities could manage such an intrusion. As Leon quickly assessed Aengus''s energy flow, he was struck speechless by the sheer potency of the energy coursing through him. Even Leon''s own Mana potency might not be able to match it. He tried to dig deeper, but something blocked him from fully essing the depths of Aengus''s power. Leon retracted his hand quickly, staring at Aengus in stunned silence. His ocean-blue eyes were filled with confusion. While he could ept that Aengus was from the High Human race, what he sensed was far beyond even the most elite of their kind. Aengus''s muscles were dense, almost monstrous in nature, as if he were a beast hiding in human skin. "What could have happened to make him this strong?" Leon thought. Freya chuckled, watching his reaction. "Haha, what made you so speechless, Leon? Is he truly a demon?" Elyon and Helios waited for confirmation, their eyes on the general. Leon shook himself from his reverie. "No, he''s not a demon," he replied. "But his mana potency is... impressive. You should check for yourself." "Oh, now you''ve really piqued my interest," Freya said, her eyes twinkling. "If it impressed you, it must be something worth looking into." She leaned closer to Aengus and extended her wless hand towards him, her gaze filled with anticipation. At first, Freya simply intended to assess Aengus''s energy, but as her hand felt the firmness of his muscles, she unknowingly squeezed his wrist. Her grip was strong, yet Aengus remained nonchnt, even though he could sense the force behind it. However, he began to feel increasingly awkward. Her touch lingered in a way he wasn''t ustomed to, especially whenpared to Aria and Be''s more familiar contact, though those thoughts didn''t dwell long in his mind. "You have a very strong body, young man. What''s your name?" Freya asked with a smile, continuing her examination, her grip lingering longer than necessary. Aengus, feeling ufortable with her close contact and the soft sensation of her caress growing by the second, didn''t answer. Instead, he looked at her awkwardly, unsure how to react to the situation. "What are you doing, Sky Phoenix Queen?" Helios interjected, his voice tinged with impatience. "Check him already and tell us if he''s a demon or not." He clearly didn''t appreciate the closeness between Freya and Aengus, his tone betraying his frustration. It wasn''t lost on anyone that the Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines held a romantic connection in many ancient traditions, which might have yed a part in Helios''s growing irritation. The tension seemed to swell, as this scene involved three powerful beings: Aengus, Freya, and Helios. But Aengus had no intention of engaging in any romantic entanglements of tgat sorts, much less with an older woman like Freya. He pushed down any impulses or distractions that might arise, resolutely suppressing them with sheer willpower. After the inspection was done, Freya wore the same astonished expression as General Leon. "General Leon is right, everyone. He has no connection to the demons," Freya announced confidently. "His energy is strong and unique. He''s just special. He even has a powerful Dragon bloodline hidden within him. I can sense it, Helios." "Maybe he is one of your own kind. So, stop suspecting him and search for the real culprit. That would be for the best." "A Dragon bloodline?" Helios scoffed, his pride getting the better of him. The other Transcendentals raised their brows in curiosity, but with General Leon and Felix present, they dared not do anything excessive. Leon and the others knew Aengus''s situation was far from ordinary, which had raised their suspicions of him being associated with demons. However, they mentally marked him as a potential threat. "A High Human with a Dragon bloodline." After realizing how much potential Aengus possessed, it was only natural. Aengus noticed the undisguised hostility from Helios and the caution from Elyon and Zillion, but he only scoffed internally. He knew it was only a matter of time before he surpassed all of them. Until then, he would just have to be a little cautious. "So, I guess this answers your doubts, Elyon, Helios, and Zillion. Or are you going to act unreasonably now?" Aengus said, his tone was without an ounce of respect. The S and SS Rank Transcendentals raised their eyebrows at the tant disrespect, while the nearby hunters were petrified by the boldness of the High Human. "I get that he''s a High Human, but isn''t this going too far, addressing the Transcendentals like that? Where does he get this confidence?" one hunter whispered. "Nah, he''s just bluffing because he''s got the backing of the two Generals. Otherwise, he''d be long dead by now," another sneered. Aurora and Melina stood among the onlookers. Melina looked saddened, while Aurora''s gaze remained fixed on Aengus and Aria. The Sky Phoenix Queen smiled, finding the boy''s couragemendable, while Helios and the other two were visibly displeased. Swoosh! Suddenly Someone made a move.. Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Arias Possessiveness "Zz Zapp, Crackle!" Aengus, sensing the iing lightning attack, swiftly activated his Dragon ws and deflected it with ease. "What''s the matter? Do you want to die?" Aengus asked coldly, his piercing gaze locking onto the attacker. The attacker was a young man with purple hair, bearing a striking resemnce to Zillion. He was none other than Zeno Reynold, the Hero-ss warrior of Holy Lightning. Zeno was fair-skinned with ring eyes, standing at 20 years old, and surrounded by a formidable field of crackling lightning energy. Aengus had felt a slight threat from him earlier when he first saw him, but now that feeling hadpletely vanished, reced by indifference. Helios, on the other hand, felt a sudden shiver when the Dragon ws were revealed. He unmistakably felt bloodline suppression, but he denied the reality entirely. When had he, the mighty Dragon King Helios, ever felt the need to lower his head in front of a brat? Impossible! "Scum, how dare you address my teacher by his name? I''ll deliver the punishment on his behalf," Zeno dered resolutely, his voice brimming with arrogance. His hand crackling with holy lightning as if could sinder anything into ash. The higher ranks watched with amusement, not feeling the need to intervene in a scuffle between the younger generation. Leon, after evaluating Aengus''s strength, chose not to step in either. He had immense confidence in Ethan. "So, you want a fight? I have no problem with that!" Aengus responded with a dangerous smile. "But be ready to end up crippled, just like thest one." "Hmph!" Zeno snorted, clearly confident in his abilities. "Don''t lump me in with that loser Valen. It''s going to be you who gets crippled, scum." "Enough, Zeno. Come back!" Zillionmanded, stopping the esction. He could feel a subtle threat from Aengus and didn''t want Zeno to meet the same fate as Valen. "We don''t need to interfere in their matter anymore. He''s not a demon, so it doesn''t matter to us now." Zeno hesitated. "But teacher, he disrespected you." "Respect is earned, Zeno, not asked. And I am sure he''ll find the right path in time. For now, let''s be d we have another powerful warrior to join humanity for the Holy War." Zillion smiled, his demeanor shifting 180¡ã, realizing that fostering unwanted hostility with such a talent would be unwise. Zeno returned reluctantly, while shooting daggers at Aengus. "Let''s go..." Zillion and Zeno quickly disappeared from everyone''s view like a sh of lightning. Leon, with his sharp eyes, nced at Helios and Elyon as he spoke, "Perhaps it''s time for you two to leave as well. We don''t mind a tough battle if you stay." "Hmph!" Helios snorted dismissively in rage and left. "Young man, be careful with your words next time! And don''t think Valen will stop with just this minor setback. He will surely rise again and get his revenge. Be prepared for that." Elyon also left, leaving a stern warning. The Sky Phoenix Queen, Freya, looked at their backs and decided to leave, intending to return to her group as well. The treasure hunt had ended dramatically, wrapped in mysteries yet to be solved. "May we meet again, Ethan. Next time, I would like to meet you in private," she said mysteriously, letting out a beautiful smile before leaving with her elegant footsteps. Her mature figure, filled with fiery temptation, mesmerized the onlookers. With all that settled, Leon turned to Aengus and Aria. "Aria, take Ethan to my ce. I am sure you all have a lot to talk about. This ce is not safe anymore. Who knows what those people might do next? Felix and I are going to the military camp for a routine check," General Leon said softly. "And Ethan, if you''d like, we can have a long talk when I''m done. Perhaps you can share your goals and ideals with us," he smiled warmly. Aengus didn''t say anything but appreciated his consideration by nodding. "Thanks." "We''ll do as you say, General Leon. Thank you for what you''ve done for us," Aria replied with firm gratitude. "Haha, it''s nothing... I feel like I didn''t do enough!" Leon said bitterly. "Anyway, see you all soon... Let''s go, Felix. We need to prepare for war. Those demons are getting too daring, barging into humannds whenever they wish." General Felix nced at Aengus onest time before following Leon, quickly disappearing from the site. The tense atmosphere quickly rxed, and people began to hunt for treasures like crazy. They now had enough time to explore all of Dwarvania. Drake and Yona gathered with Aengus and Aria. "That was impressive, Ethan. You even have the guts to talk against the Transcendentals. I''m impressed," Drake said with a slight smile. "s, it looks like I''m not worthy of being your rival anymore." Drake sighed in disappointment. "Don''t lose confidence, Drake. Think about how many people are far behind you in terms of talent. You should appreciate where you are, just like I do," Aengus consoled him, noticing Drake''s shaken focus. Drake cheered up a bit. "You''re right, Ethan. Maybe I should stopparing myself to a monster like you," he grinned. "Besides, we have you to protect us now, brother-inw," he joked lightly, letting out a rxed breath. Yona smiled slightly as she teased, "Drake is right, Ethan. Mm... Oh, I should call you Master from now on. What do you think, Lady Aria?" "Stop it, you two..." Aria red at them, though her hand had already intertwined with Ethan''s, confirming their ims despite her protests. "Let''s go, Ethan. It''s time to introduce you to General Leon''s wife. She''s a really nice person. She takes care of us a lot," Aria said with a smile. "Oh, okay. But, Aria, I have something to tell you in private. Perhaps we should find a quiet ce to talk," Aengus added seriously. He put the matter of the ancient Dwarves aside for now, as it was simply not the right time. They were safe under the cliff, or else people would wage war to get one ancient Dwarf on their side. He decided to take them out of there the next day safely. Aria smiled warmly. "I''ve been waiting for you to say that, Ethan. I''m d you did. We can talk tonight. I have a lot to share with you, too." "Just talk, Lady Aria?" Yona teased, her tone implying something more. "Yona, you''ve be quite daring to tease your Lady, haven''t you? Are you asking to be disciplined?" Aria replied, ncing back as they made their way toward the King''s castle. Yona let out a low chuckle, knowing well that herdy was joking. They got along well like true friends, even though their rtionship was one of mistress and attendant. Aria had brought Yona back from her aloof and silent nature, strengthening theirpanionship. Swish! "Hey, wait, Ethan! What''s the hurry?" Two figures suddenly appeared, stepping gracefully into their path. They seemed to have been waiting for this moment. "We haven''t had a proper introduction, Ethan," the taller of the two spoke with a confident smile. "I''m Aurora Frost, and this is my sister, Melina Frost. We''re sorry for suspecting you of Sigard''s murder." Aria raised her brows slightly at the sudden interruption. Both sisters were undeniably beautiful, but Aurora, with her radiant smile and piercing icy gaze, seemed overly friendly toward Aengus. She didn''t like it in the slightest. "Oh..." Aengus muttered, his curiosity piqued as he nced between the two sisters. They were the same two Dragon princesses who had tried to harm Aria. He was curious about their approach, especially after their hostile confrontation earlier. But before he could speak, Aria had already stepped forward. Her re was sharp as she stared at Aurora, clearly displeased by the woman''s overly friendly attitude. Without missing a beat, Aria slid her right arm around Aengus''s left, pulling him closer to her side. The gesture was subtle yet unmistakable¡ªshe was marking her territory. Aria''s eyes narrowed as they locked with Aurora''s. The unspoken message was clear in the intensity of her gaze: He''s mine. Get lost. Chapter 187: Chapter 187: Rivalry Aurora''s smile didn''t falter, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. She seemed unfazed by Aria''s possessive gesture. Instead, she maintained her friendly facade, as ifpletely oblivious to the tension in the air. "Well, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you properly, Ethan," Aurora continued, ignoring Aria''s silent warning. "You are really strong, Ethan. It''s not every day someone talks so bravely among the Transcendentals the way you did." Melina, with her eyes swollen didn''t say anything. She remained standing quietly beside her sister. Her presence wasplete silence, almost annoyed, as if she wasn''t entirely on board with her sister''s approach to the person who was just charged of killing Sigard. Aengus, feeling the growing tension between the two women, sighed inwardly. This was thest thing he needed right now. He nced at Aria, noticing the fierce determination in her expression, and decided it was best to keep things calm. At the same time, he began to worry about what would happen when he told her that he was already involved with another woman¡ªon top of that, the woman was a demoness. He had a headache every time he thought about it. "So, Miss Aurora, if you''re done introducing yourself, can you step aside now?" Aria asked, narrowing her emerald green eyes. "Haha, Aria, right. Sorry, I''m not done yet," Aurora replied. Aengus became impatient at this point. "Say it quickly, Miss Frost. We don''t have all day." Aengus was, and always would be, on Aria''s side, no matter who the other person was. He didn''t care how beautiful they were. Aria smiled sweetly, while Aurora''s eyebrows twitched in annoyance. "I was just going to ask about our connection through Dragon blood. Are you from the Dragon Empire? If so, when are you going there? We could have a chat. Actually, I''m interested in making you my mating partner. I like strong men like you," Aurora said boldly, leaving everyone, including Aria, speechless. Aengus was slightly surprised by the proposal. He nced at Aurora''s beautiful figure once¡ªsnow-white skin and long, flowing, shiny icy-blue hair. She was indeed beautiful, but not as much as Aria. "Ahem, Miss Frost, I have no intention of epting such an offer, much less from someone who tried to harm Aria. I have Aria as my partner, and that is all I need," Aengus replied calmly. Aurora''s expression didn''t falter, as if she had expected his response. "I don''t mind sharing my man with other women, Ethan. It''smon practice among those with power, whether they''re Dragonmen or Dragonwomen," Aurora replied smoothly. Aria''s eyes zed with fury. "Enough! Didn''t you hear what my fianc¨¦ said? Now back off." Her grip tightened ever so slightly as she pulled Aengus forward, determined to get him away from the Frost sisters as quickly as possible. Drake and Yona exchanged nces, clearly amused by the disy. "Wow, Sister Aria will and Ethan would have to deal with these kind Situations a lot, Won''t they?" Drake whispered softly. Yona nodded with a smile, "True." Aengus shifted ufortably. The situation was spiraling in a way he hadn''t anticipated, and his headache worsened at the thought of what would happen when Aria learned about Be he was already involved with. That secret weighed heavily on him, but now was definitely not the time to bring it up. "Very well," Aurora said finally, her voice calm but with a hint of coldness. "I won''t force the issue for now. But don''t be so quick to dismiss the possibilities, Ethan. The Dragon Empire would wee someone of your talents with open arms. And the offer stands, if you ever change your mind. Our children would be far stronger whenbined," she smiled in the end with wide grin before leaving with Melina. Aria, still holding onto Aengus, gave Aurora onest icy nce before leading him forward. As they walked away, Aengus exhaled, trying to shake off the tension. Aria, however, wasn''t about to let it go so easily. "What? Are you Interested in making you her mating partner?" Aria muttered under her breath, her tone a mixture of suspicion and irritation. "The nerve of that woman. She is so shameless!" "Who do she think she is ?" Aengus chuckled softly looking at Aria''s flushed face. "Are you Jealous?" Aria red up at him, though her cheeks flushed slightly. "No, I am not. Just being cautious. I don''t trust people like her. You shouldn''t be either." "Don''t worry, Aria. She''s not my type." "Ah, hah, She''d better not be," Aria replied, though her grip on his arm softened. "You''re mine, Ethan, and no Dragon blood, no matter how pure, is going to change that." Aengus smiled, grateful for her unwavering loyalty. But deep down, he knew that the storm brewing between his current rtionship, his secret involvement with a Be, and now this strange proposal from Aurora would onlyplicate things further. Still, he resolved himself to speak about the truth when they would get some lone time. On a far corner, Sofia, Nate, Hank and finally Alisha stood together while ncing at Aengus'' back. Alisha was found safe thankfully. "Sofia, why do I feel like the creature who killed that Dragon Prince was Zero, or should I say Ethan." "Maybe..." Sofia had no definite answers, while Alisha and Hank nced at Zero''s back with some lingering sadness. Perhaps they would never see each other again. --- As Aria''s group left, General Leon watched from afar, silently ensuring their safety. General Felix stood beside him, ncing at Leon with a puzzled expression. "Leon, why do you care so much about that boy?" Felix asked curiously. "I know he''s talented, but how much? Can he really help us, especially with war approaching? He''s still weak, maybe a B-Rank at best." Leon shook his head. "It''s not about his current strength, Felix. It''s his growth that astonishes me. If I had the power he has now when my vige was destroyed, I wouldn''t have lost my parents." His expression turned mncholic. Chapter 188: Chapter 188: Claire Solaris "Do you know how long it took him to reach this level? And your assumption of him being a B-Rank might be wrong. He''s likely far more powerful." "How long?" General Felix asked, his curiosity deepening. Leon smiled faintly. "Two months at most." "What? Two months?" Felix muttered, clearly astonished. Even as a Transcendental, this revtion shocked him greatly. "Just what is that boy''s identity?" "I don''t know," Leon replied. "He''s an enigma, even to me." Seeing Leon''s smile, Felix grinned. "Well, it seems we may have a new Transcendental among us soon enough. Or perhaps he could set us free from these shackles." ---- The sun was almost set, and Aengus and group slowly strolled through the streets to reach General Leon''s house, which was near the vicinity of King''s Castle. Aengus and Aria held hand, their figure vanishing from the sight. --- A few minutester, they stepped inside a beautiful mansion made of beautiful stone curving, surrounded by strong guards. Aengus and Aria were now inside a luxurious estate. They stood before General Leon''s wife, ire Sris, a stunning mature woman with golden hair cascading down to her waist. Her eyes sparkled with kindness, tinged with mischief. Aria quickly introduced Ethan, while telling the tale of their encounters in Dwarvania. She listened intently, sitting beside a bonfire in chair, just like how a mother listens to their child after their daily adventures. She was also a S-Rank, making Aengus surprised upon seeing her stats. "So, Ethan, you''re the one who broke Elyon''s heir.... I''m impressed. It''s not every day we see such talent in our kingdom. You and Aria make a perfect match," she said with a smile, casting a nce at Aria. "Aria, you''ve certainly found a good man. Just make sure he doesn''t slip from your grasp," ire added yfully, causing Aria''s face to flush red. "Aunty, I''m sure our story doesn''t evene close to yours and General Leon''s," Aria replied, breaking her gaze away from Ethan. ire sighed, "That''s not true. Leon can be so clueless sometimes that I had to propose to him out of sheer desperation. And look, we still don''t have a child. It''s very frustrating!" She clenched her hand, making the air around her tremble slightly. "And I''m sure you two will have your own stories to share when you''re our age. Just don''t tie him down too much. Men don''t like that. It''s important for a long, healthy rtionship," ire whispered into Aria''s ear. Aria listened intently and nodded in agreement. Aengus overheard their conversation but respectfully gave them their space, feeling slightly embarrassed by the direction of their talks. He gazed up at the shiny chandeliers, deep in thought about his next steps. He knew he needed to grow stronger and increase his legions to the millions, perhaps even billions, if possible. "Now, now, Ethan, think of this as your own home," ire said with a yful wink. "Aria, why don''t you take him to your room? You did say he''s your fianc¨¦, right? Go ahead and have some private time. I''m sure you two have plenty to catch up on after so long. I''ll prepare a good meal for you lovebirds." Aria''s cheeks turned crimson, but before she could respond, Drake chimed in with a grin, "Aunty, what about us? Don''t forget us! I love your cooking so much." ire chuckled, looking at Drake and Yona. "Oh my, I almost forgot you two," she teased. "Don''t worry, you''ll get your share as well. Just don''t go disturbing Aria and Ethan, alright?" She smiled, giving Aria a knowing nce. Drake scratched his head, realizing what she meant, but yed along. "Sure, Aunty. We''ll wait." "I want to help you cook, Aunty!" Yona added suddenly, earning a soft nod of appreciation from ire. "Very well, Yona. You can help in the kitchen, while Drake... you can take a shower," she advised, sending Aria another wink as a sign for their departure. With her face still flushed, Aria gently tugged Aengus toward her room. Her heart raced with the realization that they would be alone together, but she understood that this was a natural step in nurturing their new rtionship, so she didn''t mind sharing her space with him. Aengus followed Aria in silence, his heart conflicted with the weight of his lies. He knew he couldn''t keep hiding it forever. It was better to be honest now than to build their rtionship on lies. He stopped walking, gently pulling her to a halt. Aria turned to him, her face reflecting confusion. "Aria," he spoke, his voice low, "we can check your roomter. Can you find a quiet ce where we can talk? There''s something important I need to share. I want to tell you about my goals, my aspirations... and I''ve made mistakes that I feel guilty about. I need to let go of these burdens." Aria''s eyes softened, and though the matter seemed serious, her expression was still breathtaking. Her long silver hair danced in the night breeze, framing her delicate face in a mesmerizing way. She gently touched his face, her gaze unwavering. "Sure, Ethan," she said softly. "But you don''t need to feel burdened. Whatever it is, I will never leave your side." Her voice was filled with warmth. "I''m happy you''re opening up to me. Back then You''ve always been distant, hiding behind a wall of mystery that I could never break through. But I want to know all of you." She smiled, a tender and reassuring smile. "Come with me, Ethan. I know a beautiful ce where you can speak your heart." With a graceful step, she began to lead the way. The sun had long set, and the moon bathed the world in its silvery glow. Aria''s figure, with her flowing white dress and the moonlight shining on her, made her look like a goddess descended from the heavens. Aengus couldn''t help but admire her beauty as he followed, but his mind remained alert, the burden of his uing confession still weighing heavily on him. Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Secrets Revealed Aengus and Aria arrived in a beautiful garden, the air thick with the sweet fragrance of flowers. Their petals shimmered under the moonlight, casting a serene glow across the scene. The atmosphere was peaceful, and it seemed like the perfect ce to reveal the truths they had been holding inside. They sat together on a bench, facing the full moon that hung high in the sky. Its soft light washed over them, helping to calm their minds as they prepared to share their secrets. Aengus turned his gaze from the moon to Aria. He took her hand, feeling its softness mixed with the strength of a female warrior. Her emerald green eyes, sparkling with the moon''s reflection, met his, full of patience and understanding, waiting for him to speak. A deep breath escaped him as he gathered the courage to finally let the truth unfold. "Aria, I am engaged to another woman!" he revealed apologetically. "Hah, what?" "E-Engaged to another woman? You must be joking, right?" Aria''s grip on his hand tightened, not expecting this at all. But seeing him serious, her pretty eyes unknowingly filled with tears, blurring her vision. She had a traditional mindset, just like her family, believing in monogamy. Her father and uncle had all been with a single partner. She believed two people were enough for a healthy rtionship, providing each other with support and spending time together. But her beliefs and expectations were crashing down with just one sentence from him. Despite this, she forced herself to stay calm and listen to what he had to say, but her tears wouldn''t stop, as though her heart was being squeezed. Aengus winced as he saw Aria''s reaction. Her bright, lively eyes, always filled with warmth and strength, were now clouded with tears. Her grip on his hand tightened to the point of sweaty, but he didn''t pull away. He knew this moment woulde, but it hurt more than he had anticipated. "Who is it? How did you two meet?" Aria asked, trembling. "Ethan, do you intend to leave me because of it?" Aengus, suppressing the restlessness in his heart, shook his head. "No, Aria, I will never leave you." Aria''s expression eased a bit as she continued to listen to his exnation. "You must remember the day Arcadia City was destroyed, right?" Aria nodded slowly, vividly recalling the horrific day filled with screams, the agony of her n members, and the desperate struggle of her father and uncle to save them. "I think I might be the reason for that." Aria blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" "After that battle against the beasts, I encountered Beelzebub''s Bloodline Core. It tried to take over my body, turning me into a demon. I survived its attempt at possession thanks to a very special skill of mine, but I became a demon as a result. Aria''s heart trembled at the thought of what he had endured. It must have been incredibly painful. She became curious how he became a high human with Dragon Bloodline? And what role did that woman y in his life? Aengus took a deep breath and continued, "When Beelzebub attacked, I was saved by a Subus Demoness. Her name is Be Bellfrost... She¡­" He slowly recounted how Be and he became entangled in a rtionship after a series of twists and turns. From the beginning to end. He told, although there was no initial emotional attachment between them, they were bonded together by their shared goal of growing his influence and power. He exined how Be''s love and constant sacrifices for their unified ideals had gradually reached him, despite him rejecting her time and again. "At first, I rejected her advances, focusing only on ourmon goal. But her unwavering dedication eventually reached my heart. In the end, We vowed to be married, not for love, but because of the path we chose to walk together," he said solemnly. He also revealed to Aria the nature of his special skill, one that made him extraordinarily powerful, allowing him to grow his own army¡ªthe Army of Liberation¡ªand rise to the position of Supreme Leader. Their purpose: restore order in Mythraldor where everyone could live in harmony. He hadn''t told the name of the skill, but the exnation about it made her awed to no end. Be knew it, so it was equally important to let Aria know as well. "I wanted to build a force capable of freeing the oppressed and creating a new world. That''s why Be and I are bound together... but it''s not something I did out of love. It''s part of therger vision for the revenge against Beelzebub for the friends and families he had killed." Aria listened in stunned silence, the weight of his words pressing on her heart as she processed everything he had revealed. "So, you''re saying there''s no emotional attachment from your side, right? Doesn''t that mean she seduced you?" Aria''s voice quivered with frustration. Aengus chuckled, unsure how to respond to such an usation. Aria''s brows furrowed in anger. "Well, what can you expect from a subus? Enchantress, seductress, bloodsucker!" she spat, clenching her fists in frustration. She couldn''t fully me him, knowing he had gone through a lot, and besides, they hadn''t solidified their rtionship back then. But her anger shifted toward Be, thinking of her as a maniptive vixen. "Well, it''s notpletely true, Aria," Aengus sighed. "She''s truly a good person. And while there''s no deep love involved, I can''t break the promise I made to her. Until myst breath, I''ll keep my word. I love both of you equally. Please, forgive me for being selfish. I can''t choose between the two of you." He gently squeezed her hand. "You both are my responsibilities, my life. I promise to take care of you both, and I believe once you meet her, you''ll understand. I am sure you will like her too." Aria remained silent, her heart torn between anger and the love she felt for him. Now, what should she choose? Chapter 190: Chapter 190: Mystery Of Mythraldor Aengus held her close, feeling her tremble in his embrace as she silently wept. Her warmth pressed against him, and he tightened his arms around her, his heart heavy with guilt. "I''m so sorry, Aria," he whispered, his voice sincere. "This is all my fault. But I don''t want you to leave from my life. I want you and Be with me on this journey, and I promise we''ll never be apart." Aria wiped her tears with the back of her hand and slowly lifted her head, their faces close. Her emerald eyes, still glistening with tears, locked with his. "No, It''s not all your fault, Ethan," she said softly. "My mother always told me that it''s fate that decides our lives. Perhaps she was right. Maybe this was unavoidable. If only I could have saved you instead of her... none of this would''ve happened. But no, I wasn''t capable. So, maybe it''s fate." She paused, taking a deep breath. "I''m d she saved you. I forgive you, Ethan, but I can''t promise that I''ll be able to get along with her. A demoness... the same kind who killed my n members. It''s hard, but I''ll try¡ª only for your sake." Aengus''s chest tightened at her words, and he was about to respond when Aria spoke again. "I have only two demands, Ethan," she said, her voice firmer now. Aengus, visibly relieved, caressed her silky silver hair as the wind rustled around them. He gently asked, "What are those two things, Aria? I will fulfill them no matter what," his hand reaching her soft cheek, wiping away the tear stains tenderly. "First, I want to call you Ethan, not Aengus, because it holds significant memories for the two of us. And second, you have to make me your first wife," she said resolutely. Aengus looked troubled, knowing that, technically, he and Be were already married by vow, though it wasn''t official. Sensing his thoughts, Aria rified, "I''m not talking about your marriage vow with her, Ethan. I''m talking about a proper marriage ceremony, with our parents'' consent. You have to make me your first official wife. Can''t you do that?" she asked with a pleading look. Aengus''s resolve returned, and he nodded. "Yes, I agree, my beautiful Aria," he said firmly, sealing his promise as he leaned in, closing the distance between their lips. Her pink lips met his, and in that moment of exchange, all their doubts and pain seemed to melt away. Aria wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer as they shared the tender embrace. Under the silver glow of the moonlight, they were seeking each other''s warmth, making a quiet promise of love andmitment between them. After a while, they were separated. Regaining herposure, Aria asked, "By the way, Ethan, you haven''t told me about your family yet. Where are they? Have you gotten your memories back yet?" Instead of answering right away, Aengus gazed at the starry sky, wondering if the stars above were nothing more than illusions. "Aria, have the people of this world ever explored outer space? In those stars... The Transcendentals are so powerful, they might know something, right? Have they shared anything with the rest of the world?" Aria looked puzzled, unsure how this connected to her original question. She wondered, Is he from one of those stars? "No, Ethan," she responded. "We haven''t learned anything like that yet. Maybe even the Transcendentals don''t have enough power to explore the mysteries of the stars. At least, that''s what I think. What''s on your mind? Why are you asking?" Aengus turned serious. "Aria, I''ve found some information. And my memories are slowlying back. I can now remember my mother¡­ and my father, though I''d rather not speak about him. What I want to say is that this world is just like an illusion. You''re all trapped here. The stars, they''re fake¡­ the moon might be as well." Aria was stunned by the revtion. "What about you, Ethan?" "Yes, your guess is right," he confirmed. "I am not originally from this world. Ie from a primal dimension where people harness the power ofws and nature, calling themselves Seekers. They are spread across endless stars ands, conquering whatever they find, waging war against each other for resources." "Oh..." Aria''s voice trailed off in astonishment, her thoughts racing as she tried to grasp the reality Aengus had just revealed. She had always been curious about the stars, but no one had ever given her any real exnation. Now, the idea that they were stuck in this world¡ªtrapped beneath a false sky¡ªleft her both intrigued and unsettled. Instead of feeling fear, her mind began to imagine the possibilities: adventuring from one world to another, meeting new people, growing more powerful beside Ethan. The thought of such endless exploration was tantalizing. But alongside the excitement came an unsettling realization. "If everything he said is true, are we really stuck here?" she wondered. A new sense of doubt began to creep in her. "Am I truly human? Or are we just figments in some grand illusion, a dream crafted by a powerful being? Her thoughts drifted to the idea of a true God, perhaps orchestrating this confinement for reasons beyond their understanding? She nced back at Aengus, her mind swirling with questions. "Ethan, do you think... we are just pawns in someone else''s game? Am I even real? Just like a illusion that you said?" "No, it''s not that, Aria. They use this world as a trial ground for people who can''t wield the power ofws, like me. I came here for the same reason¡ªto gain power. Besides, if you feel alive, that means you are alive, Aria. I believe there are mysteries behind this, and I''ll make sure to unravel them. But for now, reviving people that havd been dead is my main focus. We need to deal with Beelzebub and others and work on stabilizing this world to bring peace." "Okay, forget about me for now. Tell me about your newfound power. How did you be this strong?" Aengus asked, finding the mystery surrounding Aria deepening. He tried to probe her stats repeatedly, but each attempt failed miserably. Chapter 191: Chapter 191: A Special Gift Aria''s transformation was incredible. With her remaining baby fat gone, she now appeared more mature, her skin glowing with an otherworldly radiance. She looked just like a goddess, someone not to be sphemed. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, giving off a faint luminescent glow under the moonlight. Her body''s proportions had also increased. While not as voluptuous as Be, they were still sight to behold. Aria spoke, recounting the past. "During the time of destruction, it was my father and uncle who fought desperately against the odds to ensure our safety. They used a Void Escape treasure my father kept for emergencies, but only a few of us made it out. The rest of our n perished, and both my father and uncle were severely injured in the process." She looked sad as she continued, "Afterward, we decided to search for high-tier healing potions in Dwarvania to help them recover¡ªpossibly S-Rank or higher. On the way to the capital, we faced countless obstacles. During that time ome night, I had a strange dream, and when I woke up, I had mysteriously awakened this nature power. It allows me tomand both sentient and non-sentient beings. I can even control trees and manipte the weather to some extent, though I feel there''s much more to discover about it. It''s not a skill¡ªit''s something beyond that. And because of it, I started leveling up rapidly." Aengus looked intrigued. Commanding both sentient and non-sentient beings? That was incredibly powerful. He recalled how those massive trees had fought for her, standing toe-to-toe against a dragon. "What was the dream about, Aria? And what''s your level now?" Aengus asked curiously, wanting to ensure she wasn''t facing the same kind of danger he had encountered. "I can''t remember clearly, Ethan," she replied, her brow furrowed in thought. "Just a vague silhouette of a goddess-like figure, but it was terrifyingly massive¡ªmuchrger than this world, at least. That''s all I managed to see..." Aengus noted the fascination and incredulity on her face. It was clear the dream had left an impact on her. "My level is now 62. I''m officially a B-Rank hunter," she added with a proud smile. "A goddess?" Aengus echoed in his mind. "Yes, It feels simr to what I have experienced, but I can''t deny there could be other possibilities." Aengus let out a deep breath, inhaling the clean air and shaking off his worry for the moment. There was no point in dwelling on it now. As long as he could intervene, he would. They were entangled in the threads of fate and destiny¡ªeither marking them for absolute greatness or destruction. Yet, he hoped to gain enough power to control those threads, rather than merely being a participant in someone else''s chessboard. "Ethan, why do you look worried? Is it that bad?" Aria asked, noticing his silence. "Ah, no, it''s nothing to worry about! I was just thinking about what to do next. Though Be is managing things with my doppelganger for now, who knows what might happen next?" "Oh, what are you looking for exactly? Any ns in mind? Maybe I could help," Aria offered sincerely. "The only n in my mind is to grow stronger, Aria. Do you know a ce where I could find powerful beasts or monsters inrge quantities? Preferably A or S ranks?" Aria thought hard for a moment, and then a ce came to mind. "Yes, I know just the ce, Ethan," she said with a smile. Aengus raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Where is it? How many monsters are there? I''m talking about millions." Aria confidently replied, "Of course. That forest is massive. Drake, Yona, and I barely made it out alive when we passed through that ce. The experience was really scary." "Oh, that sounds dangerous. I''m d you made it out alive. What''s the name of this forest?" he asked. "It''s called Darkwood Forest. It''s known as the most dangerous ce in our Kingdom. It might even surpass other kingdoms in the Kairos Empire in terms of size." "I see... That''s perfect." Aengus grinned, realizing that a massive grinding session was ahead of him. After this, perhaps he could even surpass S-Rank, or maybe even reach the level of Transcendentals. "So, when are we leaving? General Leon mentioned an uing war. Don''t you want to help?" Aria asked, noticing the faint smile on his face. "No. I am sure they would do fine without me. I have to focus on my goal, only then I could truly contribute in establishing new order." "But, what''s with you? You still want to go to that dangerous ce again? Are you not scared anymore?" Aengus asked, watching the excitement on Aria''s face, which already answered his question. "No. Who do you think I am? I''m not some wallflower. I was a hunter, an assassin, and I always will be," she said with a fierce expression, which only amplified her beauty. Aengus smiled at her. She hadn''t changed in the slightest. Her thirst for adventure and the thrill of the hunt still remained. He decided to take her along, thinking that this would be a chance to make her even stronger so she could protect herself better. "Oh, you mentioned your parents on the way here. Perhaps after our expedition, we should pay them a visit. I''d be happy to meet your father and deliver the medicine you''re seeking," Aengus said thoughtfully. Aria was pleased by his gesture, but a troubled expression crossed her beautiful face. "That''s a good n, Ethan, but I haven''t found a potion strong enough to heal their injuries yet," she said with a hint of disappointment. "No need to worry about this small matter, Aria. I can help with that using my special skill," Aengus reassured her, intertwining his fingers with hers. Aria felt a tingling sensation but became curious. What kind of skill did he possess that made him so powerful and confident in performing such miracles? "If you say so¡­ then I have no worry. But I''m eager to see this special skill of yours. Can you demonstrate one for me?" Aria asked yfully, fluttering her eyebrows, which melted Aengus''s heart. "Sure... but we have to be secretive about it," he whispered before standing up from the bench. Aria watched with curiosity as Aengus walked over to pick two beautiful white chrysanthemums. He turned and carefully scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was prying into their conversation. He''d already checked earlier, but this time he was being extra cautious. Finding no one nearby, Aengus activated Synthesis, enveloping the flowers in a ethereal blue glow. Aria''s was struck speechless in awe as she witnessed the miracle. Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Internal Strife Of Kairos Empire Aria''s heart beat faster as she watched in awe, speechless as the final product emerged¡ªa dazzling, vibrant pink flower that seemed to pulse with life and energy, far more beautiful than before. It was slightly bigger and pink in color, making it the perfect present for her, symbolizing their love. Aria''s hand covered her mouth in surprise as Aengus gently leaned in and ced the flower in her silver hair. "A special gift for you, my beautiful girl," Aengus gently smiled. "It will remind you of me whenever you feel lonely." "You can alsomunicate with it mentally." "Really! Thank you, Ethan. I will cherish it in my whole life," she said, hugging him tightly. "Ahem! Ahem!" A sudden cough echoed through the garden, grabbing their attention immediately. They turned to see ire, standing with an amused smile on her face. Aengus had sensed her approach from afar, so he wasn''t surprised. "Are you two lovebirds done? Leon is here. It''s time for dinner," ire said, her smile still lingering. Aria, flustered, quickly stepped away from Aengus. "Yes, Aunt. We''re done. Let''s go." Aengus followed them, his mind already drifting toward his ns for tomorrow. He needed to reach Darkwood Forest and hunt everything in sight. It was a ruthless n, but he reassured himself it was for the greater good. As they walked through the corridor, ire suddenly stopped. "You two, shower and get to the dining room quickly. And no mix-ups in the showers¡ªthere are separate bathrooms." She winked yfully. "Aria dear, please show him the way!" ire added before heading off to the dining room. Still flustered, Aria guided Aengus to the shower room, making sure everything was preparedfortably for him, like a caring wife. Aengus felt warmth in his heart, appreciating her care. "Ethan, find me when you''re done bathing. I''ll be nearby." Aengus watched her leave, tying up her hair, her graceful beauty at its peak. Shaking his head to clear the distractions, he stepped into the bathroom and allowed the hot water to stream over him. It cascaded down his hair, over his chin, abs, and feet. Lost in thought, he wondered when he''dst had such a peaceful bath, cared for by people who genuinely seemed to care for him. Had he finally found a family? --- Leon, still in his sharp military suit, entered the dining room, looking as handsome andposed as ever. His gaze swept across Drake, Yona, and ire, a hint of concern in his furrowed brows. Taking his seat, ire stood beside him like a devoted wife, serving the food with graceful ease. "Ethan and Aria aren''t here yet?" he asked casually, ncing at the empty seats. ire smiled yfully. "I''m sure they''ll be here any moment. But what''s with you, acting like a father all of a sudden? If you like, I could give you one," she whispered teasingly into his ear as she continued to serve him. "Cough!" Leon cleared his throat loudly, reminding her that there were still young ones present. Drake and Yona, both awkward and slightly embarrassed by the exchange, quickly focused on their tes, chomping down their food in an attempt to avoid the awkwardness. "Humph!" ire snorted in irritation, drawing a raised eyebrow from Leon. "ire, you need to understand that the world isn''t safe. I won''t risk my child''s life in these dangerous times. It''s just not possible. Not yet, at least," he said sternly, his voice firm. ire''s expression softened, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. She knew he was right, but it didn''t ease the sting of his words. Step, Step Just then, the sound of footsteps filled the room, and their attention shifted as Aria and Aengus entered. Both looked refreshed, dressed in casual clothes provided by the estate. "Aria, Ethan, take your seats," ire said, ncing at them with a smile. "Thank you fo the hospitality!" Aengus and Aria took their seats opposite General Leon at the table, the tension easing a bit with their arrival. After serving the food, ire finally sat down next to Leon at his insistence. The four of them began to eat in what seemed to be a harmonious atmosphere. Drake and Yona also felt rxed after their arrival as they continued. Eating was also necessary for the higher Ranks as well. Though the Transcendentals are strong, they still couldn''t survive for long without sustenance¡ªabout four weeks at most. It was absolute. That meant death was inevitable in this world, even for those who could live long lives. As they ate, their conversations flowed during breaks. "So, Ethan, what are your ns next? Do you have any specific ce to go? Or would you consider joining our army? We''d give you a worthymand. What do you say?" General Leon''s interest in recruiting Ethan still hadn''t faded. "Ah, I''m sorry, General. Aria and I have an urgent mission to attend to tomorrow. It''s very important," Ethan replied politely. Once again, General Leon faced the same rejection. He sighed. "Ethan, I know you''re from a different ce, but think about this kingdom sometimes. We are in dire need of help!" "I''m sorry to disappoint you, General, but what''s making you so worried? I heard you''re preparing for war. What''s happening?" Aengus asked, curiosity piqued. The others listened intently while continuing to eat, their spoons moving steadily. "Yes, there are problems, but not with the demons," Leon began, his tone grim. "We, along with 26 other kingdoms, are dealing with internal strife due to the oppressive demands of Emperor Kairos. He''s been demanding excessive troops and resources, which is dangerous since we''re more of an alliance than an empire under full imperial rule like others." Leon''s face tightened in frustration. "Emperor Kairos has proven himself worthless and overbearing time and time again. As a result, some subsidiary kingdoms have begun pulling out of the alliance, forming their own individual armies. That''s the situation for now. We''re worried that Emperor Kairos could do something foolish out of anger, sparking an all-out war between us. It''s really embarrassing¡ªnobody wants to give in. Their stubbornness is dragging us all down!" Leon clenched his fist, causing the room to tremble slightly. Aengus and the others nodded thoughtfully, sensing the future of Kairos Empire is uncertain. Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Heading To Darkwood Forest After dinner, as they headed toward their rooms, Drake and Yona finally asked the questions they had been holding back. "Sister, you haven''t told us where you two are going alone?" Drake asked. "Yes, Lady, where are you going?" Yona echoed. Aria and Aengus''s footsteps didn''t falter. "We''re going deeper into the Darkwood Forest," Aria replied calmly. "Darkwood Forest? Just the two of you?" Drake and Yona shuddered at the thought of spending another night in that dangerous ce. Their previous experience there had been terrifying. But it had also made them stronger. "Why go back to that dangerous ce? And what about us?" Drake pressed, earning a nod of agreement from Yona. This time, Aengus spoke up. "Drake, Yona, it''s my n. We''re heading there for a hunt, but only for a short time. We''ll be back soon." He decided to postpone the matter about the ancient dwarves'' release after thinking about powerful Ranks hiding nearby. While they were still confused, Aria borated. "Yes, this n could change the fate of the kingdom¡ªor perhaps the entire world," she said with confidence. As promised, Aria kept Aengus''s power a secret, something she knew she would have to conceal for the rest of her life. "Don''t ask anything else for now," Aria continued. "You can stay here or join the military drill to prepare. The war will never end, and eventually, we''ll all have to fight." Drake and Yona exchanged nces but nodded, sensing the weight of her secrecy. Despite the uncertainty, their trust in Aria and Aengus gave them hope that all was not lost. After Drake and Yona went to their respective rooms, Aengus found himself in Aria''s room. Aria''s room was tidy, filled with the natural fragrance of flowers mixed with her own personal touches. She was shy, not as bold as Be, but this small step was an indication of their growing rtionship. "Aria, if you''re ufortable, I can find another room to spend the night. We can take things slow," Aengus suggested, noticing her tension. "No, I want to spend the night with you. Who knows what awaits tomorrow," Aria replied softly. "It''s just... I''m not good with these things. My mom passed away before she could teach me these." Aengus sighed gently and sat down on the bed, pulling her into hisp. Aria''s heart raced as she fell into his embrace, her hair brushing across his face. Aengus fixed it gently, his scent mingling with hers. Her heart pounded as she felt his breath against her neck. "Look, Aria, how beautiful you are," Aengus said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist. Aria smiled, starting to rx. "More beautiful than her?" she asked, ncing back at him with her shining eyes. "Well, yes, in your own way. You both have your own charm," Aengus answered, careful not to cause any discord between them before they could meet. Aria let out a satisfied smile. Knowing she might have to share him in the future, she decided to cherish her own little time with him. His soft embrace made her feel like the happiest woman in the world. Like that, they spent the night sleeping peacefully in each other''s embrace. They refrained from anything excessive, considering it was Aria''s first time and the important task ahead. --- The next morning, Aengus and Aria were ready to depart toward their goal. General Leon personally arranged a wyvern for their journey. Although Aengus didn''t need it, he epted the gesture as a sign of goodwill. General Leon, ire, Drake, and Yona came to see them off at the gates. "Ethan, be a man and don''t let anything happen to Aria," Leon reminded him sternly. "I will, General. We''ll be back soon," Aengus reassured as he mounted the wyvern. "Take care, Sister!" "Be safe, Lady Aria!" Drake and Yona called out from behind as Aria followed Aengus. He held her hand gently, guiding her to the front of the wyvern to sit on the saddle. Sitting behind her, Aengus nced down at General Leon and the others before gripping the straps tomand the wyvern to take flight. It was a new experience for him, and it took some time to adjust, earning soft giggles from ire and the rest. Aria looked back at him with a smile... Though Aengus could have easily influenced the wyvern with his Darkness abilities, he refrained from doing so, feeling awkward under General Leon''s watchful gaze. After several attempts, the blue wyvern finally leapt into the air with a powerful thrust of its wings. Aria and Aengus stabilized themselves, her back resting against his chest. Her hair was tied up, and she was dressed in herbat outfit, ready for the journey ahead. Aengus, back in his usual hunter gear, looked rxed, yet focused. As they sped up, from down below ire whispered, "Leon, go see them off to a safe distance!" General Leon gave a small nod before vanishing from spot. "Yona, Drake, let''s go and train your skills. You can''t fall behind too much right?" ire advised like a battle hardened hunter she is. Drake and Yona smiled, "Sure, Aunty!" --- Aengus sensed General Leon''s presence nearby, most likely following them discreetly to ensure their safety. Rather than feeling uneasy, Aengus found himself respecting the man''s dedication, allowing him to continue without objection. As they crossed the Capital City, a few seasoned hunters¡ªreferred to as "old wolves"¡ªtook notice of the unusual sight. However, upon sensing the powerful aura of General Leon, they remained in their ces, wary of intervening. After they had flown over a hundred kilometers, Aengus realized Leon''s presence had faded, indicating that the general had returned to the city. Grateful for the protection and guidance, Aengus silently promised himself to repay the favor when the time came. Now, with the skies clear and their path ahead open, Aengus and Aria focused on their mission, flying toward the dangerous depths of the Darkwood Forest. Aria pointed the way, while enjoying the moment. There''s still thousands of kilometres before they reach their destination. Aengus could have used Greater Space Teleporter to reach if only had the location installed on the map. But, he had other options: he decided to used Space Law for the first time to increase the speed further. Chapter 194: Chapter 194: Overkill At first, Aengus was apprehensive about usingws in here, remembering Dimitri''s hesitancy in using them. But as he gradually used the Spacew, he didn''t feel any restrictions or punishments, which struck him as odd. On the other hand, Aria was fascinated by his power. The space before them seemed to folded together by an invisible force, making the distance decrease by two times. It was a miraculous sight. "How did you do that, Ethan?" Aria asked, her gaze never leaving the path ahead. "It''s the power ofws from my World. But, It''s nothing greatpared to them," Aengus shrugged. With his meager 0.01%prehension, Aengus could only do this much. There were levels of seekers, but he was only at the basic level. "Ah, that''s really incredible!" she said with fascination. But one thing caused her to doubt. "Didn''t you say you were a defect or incapable of using their power? So how can you suddenly be able to wield it?" Aengus smiled, "The same reason I was able to grow up to this point." Aria looked enlightened but quickly became confused again. "So that''s the case... but how? If no one have these powers in our world, how did you get your hands on them?" Aria asked as their journey continued through the clouds. The fog''s humidity gave them a strange sense offort. "Do you remember the fight with the demonic creature and that human?" Aengus hinted. Aria, piecing the puzzles together, suddenly looked frightened. "So, you''re saying that you are that demon, Leviathan? And that old man was from your world and somehow ended up here?" Aria asked, her voice shaking slightly. "Smart!" Aengusplimented, squeezing her hand gently to ease her unease. "Oh heavens!" Aria nced back at him, trying to reconcile the terrifying image of the demon Leviathan with Aengus'' friendly, smiling face. She forced herself to remain calm, knowing how unusual his existence truly was. "Ethan, what''s the real story with that man¡ªor should I say, Seeker?" Aengus answered truthfully, "He was... Dimitri." He exined how Dimitri had ended up in this world, how he had killed the dwarves and isted Dwarvania, why Aengus had killed him, and how he had be Dimitri''s heir through a binding deal. Aria listened intently, her curiosity about the outer worlds deepening as she absorbed the incredible story. "Ethan, can Ie along with you? I want to meet your mother and father too," Aria pleaded, trying to hide her curiosity. Aengus didn''t expose her obvious intention, but he looked worried. He still didn''t know how to bring them to the Primal Realm, or how he hade here in the first ce¡ªit was something he couldn''t remember yet. However, he reassured her with determination, "Yes, of course. You cane too. But don''t expect my family to be good. Only my mother is excellent; the rest are arrogant, conceited bastards," he said, recalling the few memories he had of them. Aria''s smile faded, reced with concern for him. "I''m sure they''ll see your worth someday, Ethan," she said, trying tofort him. Suppressing his anger, Aengus looked ahead. With his special eyes, he could see the foresting into view below. Dark and unforgiving, ity a few hundred kilometers away, signaling that they were approaching their destination. "Hey Ethan, what are those down below?" Aria asked, her gaze fixed on therge swarm moving through the Darkwood Forest. Aengus squinted, sensing the unmistakable presence of Nether energy drawing near. "They''re demons," he said calmly, his eyes narrowing as he spotted tens of thousands of them, apanied by ominous flying ships. "Be careful, Aria. That must be a demon army," Aengus announced. "Demon army?" Aria repeated, her attention focused on the sight below. "There are so many... There must be a high-ranking demon leading them. But why are they going that way? Their route isn''t toward Araknis Kingdom." "Which kingdom lies in that direction?" Aengus asked, piecing together the demons'' intentions. "That way? Probably Skyfall Kingdom. It means they''re nning an attack there. What should we do? They must be trying to exploit the internal strife between the 27 kingdoms," Aria spected, her concern growing. "Rx, Aria. Let mend the wyvern slowly, and we''ll assess their strength. If necessary, we''ll hunt them. They''re just the resources I need to grow my power," Aengus said with a predatory grin, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Oh, but be careful," Aria warned, "there could be a demon general leading them at worst." As the wyvern began its descent, her tone remained cautious, though her trust in Aengus'' strength was unwavering. Afternding silently, Aengus and Aria dismounted and signaled the wyvern to leave. It hesitated briefly before taking off with a powerful p of its wings. Aengus observed the demon army from a distance, evaluating their strength and weaknesses. "Aria, there''s a Demon General and twelve Archdemons we need to be cautious of. Be prepared," Aengus said calmly. "Huh? How can you tell from here?" Aria asked, puzzled. "Let''s just say I have another special eye skill that lets me see others'' strengths and weaknesses," Aengus replied with a smile, enjoying the look of astonishment on her face as she blinked in confusion. "Oh," Aria muttered, unsure of what to say. Her fianc¨¦ seemed to have gained many incredible skills during his journey. She turned her attention back to the enemies, preparing herself for the battle ahead. As she looked at Aengus'' confident posture, she could feel his aura growing stronger by the moment. It shocked her, making her realize just how far she was from reaching his level of power. But she was not one to give up easily. She resolved to grow stronger and stand beside him as an equal. "Aria, I''m going to try and finish this with a single strike. Whoever remains, you''ll have to take care of quickly, so they can''t send any distress signals," Aengus instructed. "Oh, Okay, one shot it is!" Aria nodded, though she wondered how he nned to pull it off. But what she witnessed next left herpletely speechless. Chapter 195: Chapter 195: Blazing Overlord Dragons Prowess Ever imagined a 300-meter dragon with crimson mes like a miniature Sun?" Aria watched in awe as Aengus transformed into the zing Overlord Dragon, his aura shaking the air with an overwhelming, intense vibration. Towering at 300 meters, his colossal form was covered in scales that glowed with the heat of crimson fire. His massive, glowing eyes locked onto Aria, and he gave her a yful wink. His wings, each 150 meters long, spread wide, casting a shadow over thend and giving him a regal, awe-inspiring presence. Even the trees and the ground was scorched ck just by his presence. Aria''s mouth fell open in shock, her eyes wide as she took in the sheer size of him. The ground beneath her feet trembled as Aengus, now in his dragon form, leapt into the sky with a powerful thrust of his massive wings, causing the earth to shake under the force of his ascent. The sky itself seemed to bow under the weight of his presence. Coming to her senses, Aria smiled proudly at her man. She quickly prepared to intercept the enemies from afar. The Overlord Dragon swiftly hovered over the tens of thousands of demons in their flying warships. There were over two hundred ships forming a long fleet. Aengus had only one goal: to use them as resources. So, he couldn''t annihte thempletely. He had to either absorb them using Gluttony or leave them half-dead. By this point, a few demons at the front noticed a shadow looming over the clouds, but they couldn''t make out what it was. They were about to report it to their higher-ups, but the unthinkable had already begun. Aengus gathered fire energy in his massive maw and unleashed it like a terrifying firestorm, amplified by the thrust of his wings. His intention was to weaken the demon army severely. The firestorm vaporized the clouds into tiny water particles, scattering them and revealing Aengus'' colossal Dragon form to the demons. Terror struck the demons as they witnessed the firestorm engulf them in an instant. "Ahhh!" "Help!" "General!" Sizzle, sizzle. The sound of flesh burning echoed, drowned by their desperate screams. The flying warships caught fire, losing bnce as their structures crumbled. Boom! Boom! One by one, the ships fell to the ground with earthshaking impacts. "What''s happening?" From thergest, sturdiest ship emerged a towering demon with six eyes and eight hands. His built was like one of spider humanoid. The once confident demon general now wore a mask of panic as he realized the firestorm had copsed the protective barrier around his ship. The flying mechanisms were failing, and it wouldn''t be long before the ship was consumed by the sea of fire. He red furiously at the source of his downfall, but upon seeing the towering form of the zing Overlord Dragon, dread wed at him. It had been ages since he hadst felt this kind of fear. "Great General, save us!" "The ship is going down!" Around him, hisrades, engulfed in mes, screamed desperately for their lives. The ship, now fully under the pull of gravity, was hurtling toward the ground, and he knew there was nothing he could do. He couldn''t fly, and those who could were still suffering from the searing heat and mes, barely escaping with their lives. But that was not all.. BOOM As the Demon Generalnded, slightly injured but still alive, he looked up at the massive zing Overlord Dragon looming above him. The fear in his heart intensified as the dragon opened its maw, like a ck hole, pulling everything in with an immense suction force. The sheer power reminded him of a simr ability he''d once encountered, leaving him bewildered. Could a dragon wield both Mana and Nether energy at the same time? He thought in disbelief. No... this is something even greater. He tried to use his deadly poisonous web to intercept Aengus on the sky, but it was provenpletely useless. As soon as it reached near the Dragon, it got devoured instantly. The General turned helpless as despair crept in. Aengus, now fully absorbed in his Gluttony ability, began to devour the demons and their surroundings. He felt the energy surging through him, boosting his stats significantly. [ Strength +1 ] [ Agility +0.7 ] [ Defense +2 ] ..... With each demon consumed, his body grew stronger, and the suction force intensified further, pulling in thousands of demons in mere seconds. Their bodies vanished into the dark void, empowering Aengus. [ Strength: 3,200 ] [ Agility: 3,300 ] [ Defense: 3,450 ] Once satisfied, Aengus halted his Gluttony Of Darkness. His gigantic paw mmed into the ground, causing it to copse beneath the sheer weight and force of his now enhanced form. The remaining archdemons, only ten of them, gazed in horror at the dragon. Their faces paled as the reality sank in¡ªthere was no hope. No way to fight or escape this monstrosity. They turned their desperate eyes to the only Demon General, but he too had lost all hope. The demon general could feel the overwhelming increase in the dragon''s strength after it had devoured his army. "What kind of unfairness is this?" he thought, bitterness flooding his mind. His thoughts drifted to Demon Lord Beelzebub, who wielded a simr ability. Of course, Beelzebub''s power was far greater than Aengus''s, but the general couldn''t help but wonder how they were rted. Swish! Slice, slice! Aria, snapping out of her reverie, seized the opportunity. Blending into the void, she swiftly attacked the injured archdemons with her dagger. They barely registered what had happened before their lives slipped away. Thud! The mighty demon general, who had once ruled over millions, instantly dropped to his knees, begging for his life. He didn''t want to die¡ªnot now, not like this. Aengus watched Aria''s swift actions with a pleased expression before turning his attention to the kneeling demon general. The demon general spoke, "My lord, why are you attacking us? Is your mighty self not aware of the alliance between the Dragon Emperor and us?" "Huh?" Aengus and Aria were stunned by his words. "So, the Dragon Emperor seems to be colluding with the demons, but why?" Aengus yed along, "Who do you work under? And tell me about the deal between the Dragon Emperor and them?" he asked in a deep, resonating voice. Chapter 196: Chapter 196: The Hunt Starts "Uh?" The demon general immediately became alert and looked at the human girl and then the dragon with suspicion. "Who are you really?" "There''s no deal to speak of, my lord. I was just talking nonsense." Aengus snorted, displeased by the demon''s lie and shamelessness. The snort was so powerful that it caused the demon general''s skin to burn. "Argh..." He screamed, realizing the dragon had no intention of sparing him which filled him despair. "Heh, heh..." He let out maniacal out of despair before charging at Aria, transforming into a giant spider in the size of arge house. Its legs were long like small trees, and its exoskeleton glistened under dim light. "Either you let me live or she dies!" He cackled almost finding Aria at his grasp. Before he could celebrate his victory he found that the distance between Aria and him increased significantly. No matter how fast he crawl he simply couldn''t reach her¡ªthest line of saving his life. Just as the demon spider was about to use its poisonous webs to capture her, Aengus''s massive paws crashed down on its exoskeletal body, causing dark blood to ooze from every wound. The creature was crushed into a gruesome paste. Aengus shook his paws, trying to get rid of the disgusting, gooey remains. He nced at Aria, who wore a calm expression, then instantly transformed back into his High Human form. Aria watched as the overbearing dragon became Ethan once again. "What''s wrong?" Aengus asked, noticing her dazed expression. "N-nothing," Aria stammered, hiding her shock and awe as she turned her attention to the Archdemons'' and Demon General''s bodies. "We should have interrogated them to find out where they came from. What are we going to do with these bodies now?" Aria asked. "Don''t worry. I got some clues regarding who he works under." "Forget about that for now. I can use these bodies to make you stronger, but in return, you''ll be a half-demon as well. Do you want it?" Aengus offered. "Huh... So that''s how it works." Aria nodded realisation. But, immediately after she shook her head in disgust... "No, Ethan, I don''t want any demon''s blood in my vein. I am sorry to let you down. But It''s just hard for me.." Aengus gave her a understanding look. It was clear the deaths of her n members and friends must have caused her hatred for demons ran deep. "It''s okay, Aria. I have other ways to make you strong. We can use monsters bodies or the beasts. They should help you as well." Aengusforted. Aria was grateful his understanding. She watched Aengus went nearing the demons'' bodies cing his hand on their bodies one after another. Aria was puzzled, "What is he doing again?" Aengus was using Skilll Absorption for taking their abilities for himself. [ You have gained a new ability: Corrupting Aura (Intermediate) ] [ You have gained new a ability: Web Of Despair (Intermediate) ] [ You have gained new ability: Nightmare Web (Intermediate) ] [ You have gained new abilities: Puppet Strings, Shadow Walk, Eye Of Curse, Undead Regeneration, Summon Hell-Spirits (Basic) ] After absorbing their skills ge proceed to abosrb Nether Energy from their bodies using Mana Harvest. They naturally converted to Origin Mana. [ Orgin Mana + 2,000 ] [ Origina Mana + 1,500 ] [ Origin Mana +4,00 ] .... [ Origin Mana: 26,300 ] Atst, he absorbed their bodies using Gluttony, making use of every part of them as resources. Aria shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it any further. It was clear Aengus still had a few secrets to himself. She didn''t mind, as long as they were together. She knew that, eventually, everything would be revealed to her if their love was true. "Let''s go, Aria. We have to make the best use of our time," Aengus suggested, his gaze fixed on the Darkwood Forest. "Oh, okay," Aria responded, confidently following beside him. As they approached, the low growls of beasts and monsters reached their ears, signaling the forest was filled with danger and challenges. They stepped in, feeling the cool, eerie aura surrounding them. Though it was afternoon, the sunlight struggled to pierce through the dense canopy and towering trees, casting a dim light over the surroundings. Aengus, with his enhanced vision, guided Aria along the narrow path. "Aria, are you okay?" Aengus suddenly asked, breaking the silence. "What do you mean? I''m fine," Aria replied, puzzled. "No, I mean... you haven''t asked what I did with those demons'' bodies," he said casually. Aria denied, "Ethan, I trust you wholeheartedly. I know you wouldn''t do anything evil with them. I won''t stop you from getting stronger. In fact, I hope you be the strongest of us all. The darkness that once corroded you... I believe one day it will shine like a beacon of light," she smiled brightly. Aengus appreciated her understanding, feeling a sense of warmth and life in her presence, even in the gloom of the forest. "Whoosh!" Suddenly, arge shadowy wolf lunged at them. Aengus didn''t interfere, sensing its low level, while Aria swiftly shed down the wolf, cutting its neck as swiftly as a ghost. The dead body of the wolf fell with a thud, and Aengus approached it casually. "Aria, I think this will be perfect for increasing your strength," Aengusmented. Aria hesitated for a moment. "Will I be okay? My face will still look the same, right?" Aengus smiled reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Aria. I have done this countless times. There will be no mutation, I promise. But you will experience some pain. It''s unavoidable, not unless you have any pain resistance skills." "Oh, okay then. Let''s do it. I can endure pain if that''s what it takes to gain power." Seeing his confident smile, she finally agreed. Aengus signaled her to move near the shadow wolf, and then he instantly started the process. Aria, surrounded by an ethereal blue dome, suddenly felt as if her whole body was being divided and merged with a mystical force. She felt pain and tried to suppress it, but muffled groans of pain still escaped her lips. Aengus watched, forcing himself to stay calm, knowing it was unavoidable. He tried to make it gentle, just like he did with Be. After a while, the process was done. Aria looked the same, but notpletely. Chapter 197: Chapter 197: Birth Of Something Extraordinary "Is everything okay, Aria? Did you get the extra stats and skill slots?" Aengus asked, just to be sure. Aria smiled beautifully. "Wow! It worked better than I thought. Now I understand your ability, Ethan. It''s really abnormal¡ªcapable of breaking order and rules." Aengus was visibly relieved. "How many skills did you get? Do you feel any burden on yourself?" Aengus asked carefully, wanting to ensure she didn''t face the same consequences he did, though his situation was different. "No, I''mpletely fine. I''ve gained 2 new skills: Shadow Vision and Shadow sh. They''re really useful. Thanks." "No need for thanks between us, Aria. We''re a family. Now, let''s go. This is just the beginning," he grinned. Aria smiled as she followed him, feelingfortable and confident with his presence. The deeper they went, the roars of high-level monsters echoed around them. This was exactly what they needed right now. "Ethan, we should be cautious of humans too. Somee to hunt here. Those who venture deeper are either extremely strong or extremely foolish," Aria reminded him. "I know. I can sense a few nearby already. I won''t do anything unless they attack me. But if they do, we''ll have to finish them," Aengus replied, his tone growing ruthless. "I won''t stop you, Ethan. Just don''t hurt the innocent. They deserve a chance to live for their friends and family, at least." Aengus nodded in acknowledgment. Aengus quickly traced a group of giant beasts ahead. "Aria, there''s a horde of Three-Headed Infernal Lions up ahead. They''re C-Ranks," Aengus informed softly. "Got it..." Aria responded, gripping her dagger tightly. Swoosh, swoosh! Using her new skillsbined with her old ones, she swiftly took down all six Infernal Lions with ease. Aengus immediately used Soul Devour to absorb their souls before they disappeared. Though the soul essence was small, it was better than nothing. [ You have acquired a new active skill: Fire Breath (C) ] [ You have acquired new skills: Infernal Roar (C), zing Fury (C), Infernal Lion''s Paws (C), Infernal Lion Transformation (C) ] He then used Skill Absorption but found the repetitive process tiresome. He began to think about synthesizing all his absorption skills and abilities together to create a more efficient way of doing it. "Aria, it''s time for another power-up," Aengus called out. "Once again?" sheined, though a happy smile spread across her face. She never intended to fall behind him, her wish was to stay by his side forever. Besides, her desire for revenge against the demons still lingered in her mind. "Yes, of course, if you want to be powerful," Aengus replied before starting the process as she stepped near. This time, he started synthesized three Infernal Lions with her at once, taking her consent into ount of course. After the process was done, Aengus could feel her growth in power. As she came beside him, sweat forming on her body, she emnated a fierce fiery aura. Aengus allowed her to rest for a bit. "Aria, rest for a bit. I''ll need your help soon. I''m going to do some work on my body, so I''ll need you to guard me once you''re ready," Aengus said as he sat under a massive tree. "Oh, okay. But will you be alright? Don''t push yourself too hard," Aria said worriedly, wiping her sweat with a towel as she cooled down. "Don''t worry, nothing will happen. I''ve done this before, though this time it''s a bit different," he reassured her. "Alright then. Give me a little time," Aria replied, ncing at him before resting. While she recuperated, they engaged in small talk, mostly about her daily experiences, keeping the mood light and familiar. --- Once she was ready, Aria stood confidently beside Aengus, prepared to use her newfound powers to ensure his safety. "Don''t be so tensed, Aria. This won''t take long," Aengus said while settling into a meditative posture. But Aria was still serious. He shook his to focus. He neededplete focus to synthesize his demonic bloodline abilities, Special skill, Unique Skills. It was a new and intricate task, so he called upon Manas for assist. "Master, leave it to me. I''ll make sure nothing bad happens," Manas responded confidently. With Manas guiding him, the synthesization process began. Aengus wasn''t entirely sure what the final result would be, but Manas'' assurance filled him with optimism. He was this serious because this time he intended to synthesize not just his usual skills, but also his Unique Skills: Skill Absorption and Mana Harvest, alongside the demon abilities he''d acquired. As the process began, Aengus immediately felt an intense, searing pain explode within him, like molten fire coursing through his veins. His body was drenched in sweat within seconds, his veins bulging grotesquely under his skin. "Ba-dum, ba-dum..." His heartbeat pounded in his chest like a drum, thumping louder and faster with each passing moment, as if his heart was struggling to contain the chaotic Mana surging through him. His aura, usually calm and collected, spun wildly, pulsating outward in chaotic waves. The energy he emitted grew heavier, pressing against the air around him. Nearby trees trembled, their leaves shaking violently as if in fear of the raw power radiating from him. Some small creatures in the forest¡ªbirds, squirrels, even bees stopped in their tracks, instinctively fleeing from the overwhelming pressure. It was as though the entire forest had been thrown into a state of anxious silence, holding its breath. It also attracted some predatory attention. Despite the torturous agony wracking his body and soul, Aengus maintained full control with his Iron will. His jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth threatened to crack. Muffled groans escaped his lips, but he refused to scream. His determination was as hard as rock, his will forged in the fires of countless battles, and he wasn''t going to give up, not ever. Aria, standing close by, watched in growing distress. Her heart pounded almost as fast as his, her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood. She could feel the immense pressure Aengus was emitting, and every fiber of her being screamed at her to help, but she knew better. Intervening carelessly could lead to more disastrous consequences. Her dagger trembled in her grip, creaking under the pressure she unknowingly applied. Her eyes, usually sharp and confident, now showed a flicker of concern. The forest seemed to watch them, an eerie stillness settling over everything as Aengus continued to fight against the overwhelming forces surging within him. Aria nced at the darkening sky, the sun barely piercing the thick canopy above. "You can do it, darling!" She whispered softly beside his ears. Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Omni-Devour (Ultimate) "Howl! Growl!" Aria''s heart raced as the terrifying roars of multiple predatory beasts echoed near them. Her nerves tightened, sensing the danger rapidly approaching. "Whoosh!" She spun around just in time to see a massive Thunder Wolf charging toward Aengus, its eyes glowing with hunger, drawn to the salivating energy Aengus was radiating in his vulnerable state. Aria''s face turned cold with killing intent. Swish, sh! Without hesitation, Aria sprang into action, her body moving in a blur of shadowy motion. Her new skills from the Shadow Wolf allowed her to dance through the battlefield like a ghost, confusing the Thunder Wolf. It barely had a moment toprehend what was happening before its head was already severed from its body. The heavy thud of the head hitting the ground was followed by the copse of the rest of the wolf''s lifeless form. "Buzz, Buzz.." Before Aria could catch her breath, the ground trembled beneath her feet. She instinctively spun around, her keen senses picking up the distinct movements of several more beasts closing in. She looked and her eyes squinted as she saw more Thunder Wolves, followed by a horde of ferocious beasts: Three-Headed Infernal Lions, Fire Eagles, Wind Griffons, Ironhide Boars, Bloodthirsty Chimeras, and massive Skull-Crusher Apes; all advancing toward them in a terrifying swarm. They came in waves, drawn like moths to a me, their eyes gleaming with the desire to consume the powerful energy that radiated from Aengus. These beasts were no ordinary creatures. They ranged from C to B rank, and Aria could even sense a few A-rank monsters prowling within the horde, though their numbers were fewer. Still, their auras were overwhelming, a clear reminder of the real danger they were facing. Aria''s face grew solemn as she realized the gravity of the situation. The beasts were here for one reason: to devour Aengus whole, to gain more power for themselves. And they were not going to stop until they had torn him apart. She was vastly outnumbered, and while her skills and stats had improved, taking on so many high-level monsters alone was a difficult task. Yet, she knew she couldn''t let them reach Aengus. He was too deep in his synthesis to defend himself. "Come on, Aria, You can do this.." She muttered herself in determination. Summoning all her courage, Aria prepared to face the monstrous horde. She activated her Shadow Vision, allowing her to see even the subtlest movements of the approaching beasts, and readied her Shadow sh, prepared to unleash its full power. Combing with Infernal Lions'' might within a few swifts movements she took down two more beasts that was about to reach Ethan. "I will never let you harm Ethan. Not on my watch!" Aria shouted as she channeled her nature powers tomand the nearby trees for assistance. Rumble, rumble! Under the influence of her mysterious force, ten or sorge trees came alive and sprang into action. They used their branches and vines to both attack and defend. They managed to take down a few beasts, but the creatures were relentless in numbers, making it increasingly difficult to hold them off. Aria was now up against two A-Rank beasts, creating an unfavorable situation for her. Still, she desperately fought to buy enough time for their survival. --- Huff..huff.. Just when the situation reached its peak, Aengus finally opened his eyes, gasping for air. [ Gluttony Of Darkness + Soul Devour + Skill Absorption + Mana Harvest ] [Your synthesis was sessful.] [You have acquired a new Unique Skill: Omni-Devour (Ultimate).] --- Skill: Omni-Devour Type: Assist / Attack/ Defense Description: This ultimate skill allows the user to devour almost all forms of energy and matter¡ªphysical, magical, spiritual, and even divine essence¡ªincreasing their own power. Effects: Soul Absorption, Mana Absorption, Skill Absorption, Traits, Bloodline, stats, and more. Limitation: Limitless, but overuse or exceeding the soul''s capacity could be self-destructive. Ignoring the notifications, Aengus''s gaze fell on Aria, who was desperately fighting to protect him. Guilt and anger welled up inside him. He hadn''t anticipated that his actions would attract so many beasts, let alone the sight of blood dripping from Aria''s mouth. This was something he hadn''t calctedpletely unexpected. His rage turned into a terrifying calmness. There was only one thing on his mind now: to devour and punish these creatures for eternity. "Omni-Devour," he whispered coldly, extending his right hand and activating his newfound Ultimate Skill, his face devoid of any emotion. Buzz... Buzz... A massive, terrifying ck hole, much more powerful andrger than before, formed beneath his palm. Whoosh! In an instant, a Thunder Wolf was swallowed by the void. Aengus absorbed its mana, skills, soul, and even fragments of the beast''s memories. [You have acquired new active skills: Thunder Step (C), Thunder Storm (C), Thunder Summon (B) ] [ Strength +3, Agility +2 ] [ Orgin Mana + 300 ] As he absorbed more of the beast''s essence, a cold determination filled him, and his aura intensified, signaling the beginning of a devastating rampage. "Howl!" The beasts let out painful howls as they were being devoured like ants. When the beasts'' screams reached Aria, her attention shifted back to Aengus, bringing a rxed smile to her face despite her injuries. She continued fighting alongside him, effortlessly taking down B-Rank beasts. The pressure she had felt earlier gradually lessened with his participation. With Aengus retracting his aura of Origin Mana, the attraction that had drawn the beasts ceasedpletely. The remaining creatures, about 300 in number and already were near death. As their battle was nearing its end, a few strangers'' voices echoed through the trees. "Ryann, stop being such a scaredy-cat. There''s got to be something amazing here that attracted so many beasts. Let''s check it out!" A confident female voice broke through the stillness. "No, I don''t feel good about this! Let me and Tina go back. You can all die here. They''re literally B-Rank beasts! Can''t you see that, goddammit!" A frustrated male voice, timid yet firm, responded. "Hahaha¡­ What a coward Ryann is. Little Tina, why are you even with this guy? He doesn''t have the balls," came the mocking giggles from a few more females in the group. "Fuck!" "What the hell?" Theirughter was cut off abruptly as the group emerged from the dense jungle, their eyes widening at the scene unfolding before them. The sight of the aftermath of the battle, with beasts strewn across the ground and two powerful figures standing amidst the carnage, left them speechless. Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Karma Aria and Aengus''s battle had ended, leaving dozens of lifeless corpses scattered across the ground, most of which were felled by Aria''s hand. Aria panted slightly, while Aengus remained calm. He nced at the approaching group with indifference. Aria also noticed their presence, but after assessing their strength, she didn''t sense any threat. Still, she remained cautious, knowing that greed could drive people to do the unthinkable. Finding their presence bothersome, Aengus began storing the remaining corpses in his space bracelet, nning to use themter to further enhance Aria''s strength¡ªonly if she could handle it. There were nine people in the group¡ªfive males and four females, all between 20 and 30 years old. As Aengus began storing the valuable corpses, a few of the group''s eyes gleamed with greed. They exchanged knowing nces, hatching a sinister n. Meanwhile, the rest of the group shifted uneasily, aware of theirpanions'' intentions. A couple, Ryann and Tina, eyed the situation cautiously, looking for a chance to escape, but were stopped by a man with a wicked grin. "Where are you going, Ryann and Tina? We need your Mindless ve Skill to take them down," the man, Byron, whispered darkly. "It''s not hard, is it? We''ve done this before." Ryann''s face paled as he refused, "No, Byron. Forget this one. That guy is bad news¡ªI can feel it. Get a grip on reality." Byron''s expression twisted with frustration and greed. "Are you blind? That couple definitely has incredible treasures in their storage devices. They must be loaded!" His tone turned menacing as he pulled out his sword, holding it dangerously close to Tina''s neck. "Now, do it, or watch Tina die." "B-but..." Ryann stammered, his face filled with dread. "No buts... Do it, Ryann. Now!" Byron barked, pressing the Sword against Tina''s skin. Suddenly, a calm voice broke the tension. "What''s the matter?" Aria appeared before them, swift andmanding, her presence making everyone freeze. "Whatever you''re nning, get it out of your head right now and leave," Aria warned, her voice cold and firm. "Otherwise... you''ll all be dead." "Shut up!" Byron''s face contorted with anger, refusing to listen her advice. "Do it now, Ryann!" he shouted, pressing his sword harder against Tina''s neck. He was too blinded by greed to see the danger. "Y-Yes..." Ryann stammered, driven by desperation. He activated his ve Skill, directing it at Aria. But the moment Ryann''s skill was about to reach her, it was met with Aengus''s cold, void-like eyes. A powerful invisible force shattered the skill like ss, making it utterly ineffective. "Cough!" Ryann spat out blood, copsing to his knees as the skill violently backfired on him. Byron and the others watched in horror as their n fell apart. The smug grins on their faces vanished, reced by sheer terror. Realizing the gravity of their mistake, they resorted to a desperatest-ditch effort. "Shiiing!" The sound of weapons being drawn and charged with skills echoed through the clearing. Their eyes burned with a mad determination as they charged at Aengus with everything they had, knowing that if he lived, they were as good as dead. It had be a desperate gamble¡ªdo or die. "Snap!" Aengus extended his right hand and snapped his fingers, unleashing a wave of destructive Chaos energy. "Ssh!" In an instant, five of the attackers-male and female alike-were torn apart, reduced to unrecognizable mincemeat in a gruesome disy. "Ahhh!" "Blurgh!" The remaining four screamed in terror, some vomiting at the horrifying sight of theirrades'' demise. Panic and dread consumed them as they stood frozen, powerless to fight or flee. Aengus nced over at Aria to see her reaction. She stood unflinching, her face hardened by the battles and losses they''d endured together. Though she hadn''t be heartless, she knew well the harsh reality-better to be ruthless than to show mercy to those who would kill them without hesitation. The lessons of survival had shaped her, and now, she didn''t flinch in the face of necessary cruelty. Aengus was relieved to see Aria like this, but deep inside, he knew it was his responsibility to restore the liveliness she once had. His gaze shifted to Tina, Ryann, and the two other females. Fear paralyzed them as they stood rooted to the spot. Their eyes met Aengus''s, his expression cold and unreadable, as if judging the level of their sins. Tina and Ryann could feel the weight of his scrutiny, sensing that he was deciding their fates¡ªwhether to grant them mercy or deal out the punishment they perhaps deserved. "P-Please, don''t kill us! We were threatened," Tina screamed desperately, hiding behind Ryann. "You have a ve skill, right?" Aengus asked Ryann, who was on the ground. "Yes," Ryann replied honestly. "So Tell me, how many times were you actually threatened to use it?" Aengus asked, his tone mixed with sarcasm. Aria stood beside him calmly, not intending to interfere, trusting his judgment. "No, I haven''t used it for bad purposes. It was only recently that they discovered my skills without us knowing and forced us into their team. We are truly innocent," Ryann said, ncing between Aria and Aengus. "You still haven''t answered my question. How many people have you assisted in killing or robbing?" Aengus asked, shifting his gaze toward the other two females. "And what about them? Have they killed the innocent as well?" Aengus didn''t want to kill needlessly. He remembered something about Negative Karma participants being punished before entering Mythraldor. He didn''t know the specific. But, it was better to be prepared. Besides, he knew that negative Karma could bring bad consequences in the future. Tina and Ryann hesitated before finally speaking the truth. "We''ve only helped twice, and as for them, these two women have killed and robbed as well." "No, no, it''spletely false... We haven''t! They''re lying!" the two women protested, their voices desperate. Aengus carefully observed their bodynguage using his All-Seeing Eyes and confirmed that Ryann was telling the truth. With a swift motion, he killed the two women, leaving Tina and Ryann speechless, unsure today if they would survive or not. Chapter 200: Chapter 200: Tree House Aengus pondered hard before deciding to let them go. "Okay, you can go. You''re free," Aengus said indifferently. He turned his gaze to Aria, then to the human corpses and quickly stored them in his Spatial Bracelet. "Let''s go, Aria. It''s getting dark. You need some rest and treatment," he said gently, touching her face, which was little scarred with scratches. His heart ached, and he promised himself not to let Aria bear such burdens alone in the future. Aria, though tired, smiled happily at his care. Aengus effortlessly lifted her in his arms like a princess, making her blush. She held onto his neck for support. Ryann and Tina exchanged relieved nces. As they watched Aria and Aengus walk away, they suddenly panicked. "Hey, kind sir, please wait!" Tina and Ryann shouted abruptly. Aengus nced back. "What is it now?" he asked impatiently. Tina and Ryann quickly came closer. "Please, don''t leave us alone, sir. We would die if we stayed in these woods at night. We can''t even go back right now. Please take us along. We promise we''ll leave by tomorrow morning." They sounded desperate, their helplessness clear. Tina''s eyes were full of hope as she nced at Aengus. She didn''t care how cold-blooded Aengus seemed, knowing it was amon trait in this world. Asking the same man who nearly killed them might seem unwise, but it was the best option they had in their current situation. Aengus sighed, his impatience growing, but he could see the desperation in their eyes. "What makes you think I owe you anything to hep you?" he asked coldly. Tina and Ryann exchanged nervous nces, their hope flickering but notpletely extinguished. There was still hope. "We don''t expect anything from you, sir," Ryann said, trying to remain calm. "We know we were wrong, but we''re just asking for a chance to survive. The woods are too dangerous, specially at night, especially for us duo. We are not strong like you two sir and Madam. " Tina nodded fervently, "Please... we won''t cause any trouble. We just need protection just for one night." Aengus nced at Aria, who shrugged slightly. She seemed indifferent, but there was flickering sympathy in her eyes. Seeing this, Aengus sighed once more. "Fine, but don''t try anything stupid. If you cross the line, I won''t hesitate to finish you off." Though scared, Tina and Ryann both nodded vigorously. "Thank you, thank you, Mister," Tina whispered, her voice full of gratitude. "Let''s go," Aengus said, turning back toward the path. With Aria still in his arms, he started walking. Tina and Ryann cautiously followed behind him. ---- They quickly found a rtively peaceful area, far away from any nearby beasts. Aengus gently ced Aria under arge tree, its aerial roots forming an umbre-shaped shield capable of withstanding thunder strikes and heavy rain. Ryann and Tina settled down on one side, reflecting on the day''s ups and downs. Aengus pulled out some synthesized potions for Aria to heal quickly. The potion was deep red in color, indicating its incredible potency. Before arriving here, they had gathered some potions, and Aengus had synthesized them for her father and rtives. Fortunately, they came in handy now. Aria''s wounds were quickly regenerating, and Aengus sat beside her, rxing his mind. He began to think about their ns for tomorrow¡ªhow to speed up the process. At this rate, it would take months to finish their goal. He thought of using himself as bait once again, but too much risk could lead to disaster. He needed to control the flow of events somehow for sessful "fishing." It wasn''t an impossible task; it just required some extra effort. "Ethan, are we going to spend the night on the ground?" Aria asked suddenly, drawing everyone''s attention. Aengus looked at her with a slight smile. "Do you want to show me something?" he guessed. Tina and Ryann, confused by the conversation, also turned to look at them. Aria smiled brightly. "Yes, let me make some houses for us," she said, eager to show off her power at just the right time. "Sure," Aengus agreed, letting her do as she wished. Though he could create shelters himself, he allowed her to take the lead. Tina and Ryann watched in awe as Aria''s hands glowed with a mystical green light that spread across the surrounding trees. With nightfall already upon them, the sight became even more magical. Supported by the light of the small bonfire, Tina and Ryann heard the rustling of trees, which startled them. Then, something astonishing happened. Under some mysticalmand, the branches of the trees twisted and moved, forming two houses out of branches, vines, and leaves. One house was ced at the very top of the trees, while the other on the slightly lower side. Aengus found the sight beautiful. The tree houses were well-crafted, illuminated softly by fireflies. The entire scene was magical, almost the pinnacle of nature''s beauty. Tina and Ryann were mesmerized, finding it nearly unbelievable. Aria spoke to them, "You two can take the lower one. It''s mostly safe, but scream if you encounter any danger." Her voice cut through the silent atmosphere, snapping them out of their fascination. "Oh, okay. Thanks, madam," Tina responded politely. Aria shrugged and then turned to Aengus. "Ethan, do you want toe with me now?" she asked impatiently, eager for some romance despite the situation they were in. Aengus smirked. "Don''t you want to eat first?" he asked with a sly smile. Aria, slightly embarrassed, nodded meekly. Aengus smiled, acquiescing to her request. He calmly picked her up in his arms and spread his zing Dragon Wings. The pair of wings looked destructive, but they didn''t hurt Aria in the slightest. "Let''s go, Miss Silvermoon," Aengus said as he gave a powerful thrust of his wings and leapt into the air, piercing through the dense canopy of Darkwood within seconds. Aria, who had expected him to enter the house, sulked slightly. However, as she gazed at the beautiful moon and the forest below them, she felt blessed in his arms. "They''re so powerful! A perfect match," Tinamented in fascination with a twinge of jealousy. "Let''s go, Tina. We need to enter the house; we can''t roam freely like them," Ryann said, leading the way to the stairway above the ground. Chapter 201: Chapter 201: Waiting Surprise? After their moonlit flight, Aengus and Aria entered the treehouse. The ce was softly illuminated by fireflies and filled with the natural aroma of fresh flowers, creating a tranquil atmosphere. There was a single bed made from leaves and sturdy branches forfort. Aengus sat down casually, keeping his Supreme Hunter danger sense on high alert, despite the peace surrounding them. "Aria, what are you doing over there?" Aengus asked, noticing her fidgeting near the window. Aria nced back and replied, "I need to change, Ethan. There are bloodstains, and this awful scent. I feel ufortable." Her face flushed a little with embarrassment. "Oh... sure. I can give you some privacy. I won''t look, I promise. See, I''m closing my eyes now," Aengus said, covering his eyes, though it didn''t mean much considering his extraordinary senses. Aria, still shy about such things, not as bold as Be, gathered her courage and offered, "No, Ethan, you don''t need to close your eyes. You can look if you want." Her face was as red as a tomato. Aengus didn''t agree. "No, it''s fine, Aria. We can take our time slowly. We will reach that step in the future, after our marriage, I mean. No need to worry, I can wait. Now, quickly get changed ande here," Aengus muttered softly. Aria appreciated his understanding, though she knew she would eventually have to ovee her shyness. She began to undress, revealing skin that hinted at her natural beauty, her curves subtle but undeniably tempting. Aengus kept his promise. He resisted the urge to look, though the rustling of her clothes falling to the ground tested his hardest resolve. The sound was full of tantalising imagination, yet he remainedposed. Though he and Be had shared intimate moments before, he had never fully seen Be''splete beauty, let alone Aria''s. But Aengus was determined to give them the respect they deserved, never wanting to rush or force anything. He knew it was just a matter of time and was confident in his ability to wait until the right moment. After changing into a light blue outfit simr to the one she wore for hunting, Aria approached Aengus. He opened his eyes as she drew near. "You can sleep for a while, Aria. I''ll stand on guard," Aengus said, standing up and gesturing toward the bed. But Aria gently grabbed his hand, stopping him. "Not yet... Give me what I''ve been waiting for," Aria said, her voice filled with rare boldness. Aengus raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "And what exactly is that?" he teased, knowing full well what she meant. He enjoyed seeing her break out of her shyness, even if it was only a little. It was the first step, and he wanted to let her grow morefortable at her own pace. "Oh, of course... it''s a kiss. Give me my kiss," Aria stammered, her voice betraying her nervousness. Aengus smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, their bodies pressed close together. "Is it like this?" he murmured, his deep voice soft yet teasing. Aria, smaller in sizepared to him, could feel the heat radiating from his body, her heartbeat quickening as their closeness left only a thinyer of clothing between them. With a mixture of anticipation and excitement, she wrapped her arms around his back, closing her eyes and tilting her head slightly, inviting him closer. The moment felt intense, filled with emotion and desire. Aengus looked at her face, closing the distance between their lips. Aria responded eagerly, feeling the intensity of his love and desire. As they continued their intimate exchange, something entirely different was happening in the Demon World: A massive ruined battlefield was strewn with the corpses of tens of thousands of demons. The blood spilled on the ground of the fallen demons was still fresh, suggesting that an intense battle had just ended. Be and Aengus stood at the front of the Army of Liberation, which had now grown to more than 40,000. They had just finished epting another group of demons into their ranks, marking them with ve Marks, am ability recently acquired by Bebined with her curse abilities. She had recently surpassed the Archdemon Rank, reaching the rank of Demon General, though she was still not as powerful as her father. Aengus''s body double had also grown significantly stronger. He would experience a real boost in strength once they merged again. "Phew, finally. This marks the end of the Red Serpent Deity''s temples in this region. Now, only the head temple remains in the capital of Demon Lord Nagaroth''s domain," Be remarked, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. Aengus nced at her beside him. "Be, we need to leave quickly before they receive the news," Aengus replied cautiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any threats. "Sienna, Sen, go quickly order everyone to store the bodies and make them ready to leave," Aengus turned to the Naganian Siblings inmand. "Yes, My lord." They gave respectful nodds and headed ahead rying themand. The doppelganger of Aengus had started showing real emotionstely, something that made Be happy. But she couldn''t quite figure out what had caused this sudden change. "What''s wrong?" Aengus asked her puzzled by her strange gaze. "No, I was just wandering when are youing back, Hubby? I want to know what changed in you?" She asked suspiciously. "Didn''t I say I had my heart fixed," He said with smile, hiding the truth for now. Be was still suspicious. "So, when are youing back? I have already prepared my wedding dress already. We need to make babies together, " She said with a lewd expression. Aengus answered patiently, "It''s barely been a few days, Be. Just wait for a few more days. You will get a big surprise once I am back," He said mysteriously. He was going to introduce Aria and Be to each other. Be might be angry for while, but he was sure she will ept Aria eventually. She was influenced by Polygamy from birth, but she was a little possessive, perhaps it was all woman''s inherent trait. Be was amused, "Ohh, let''s see what you have for me.." Chapter 202: Chapter 202: Preparing For Big Hunt The next day, early in the morning, a dense fog surrounded them like a wintry morning, though it was not. Aria opened her eyes and saw Aengus by the window, gazing outside. He had stood guard the whole night, making Aria feel bad, but it had been his insistence, and she couldn''t refuse. During the night, they had encountered a few snakes and bird monsters, but Aengus dealt with them easily, not even letting Aria know they were being attacked. She got up, rubbing her eyes to clear her mind. Smiling, she tiptoed towards him sneakily... She hugged him from behind, burying her face against his back. "Ah, Aria, you''re awake," Aengus said, acting surprised. He had already noticed her sneaky tricks, but he let her do as she wished. "You have already noticed, haven''t you?" Aria sulked slightly, fluttering her pretty eyebrows as she moved away from his back. "No." Aengus replied, shrugging. "Humph! One day, I''ll catch you off guard once I''m strong enough," she resolved. "Okay, I''ll be waiting. Now, go wash your face. There''s some water in the jar, or you can visit theke nearby, though I doubt it''s clean," Aengus suggested. "We need to make a n for today, so let''s be quick." "Okay, let me just wash my face," Aria said, trying to tie up her hair. Aengus gently tidied her hair into a single ponytail and patted her back. "Come down when you''re ready. Until then, I''ll check if those two have left." "Alright," Aria nodded in acknowledgment. "Whoosh..." Aengus appeared just outside Tina and Ryann''s balcony. He heard the couple talking inside and knocked on the door. Ryann quickly opened the door. "Good morning, Sir." Ryann saw Aengus standing outside but wasn''t sure what to say. Aengus spoke before he could, "We are leaving. You two should leave as well." Ryann wasn''t sure if Aengus was speaking out of kindness or impatience, but either way, they had to leave eventually. "Yes, Sir. We''re going. Thank you for the hospitality. We won''t bother you anymore." Ryann nced back at Tina, who was also ready to leave. Aengus gave a slight nod and disappeared from their view, reappearing on the ground almost instantly. The couple exchanged wry smiles. "If only I had that kind of power, I could protect you and our child, Tina, but s..." Ryann smiled bitterly. "You''re all I need, Ryann. Let''s go. The beasts may still be sleeping. We can take the chance to get out..." Aria descended gracefully, using aerial vines to reach the ground swiftly. She joined Aengus and watched Tina and Ryann leave calmly from behind. They looked helpless, as if waiting to be devoured if they left. Aengus silently summoned a three-headed Thunder Wolf, which he had synthesized and bred the previous night. Aria''s brows raised in surprise. "Aengus, where did thise from? Do you have a summoning skill or ss?" "Yes, something simr," Aengus replied as hemanded the B-Rank Thunder Wolf to follow the couple and protect them silently. "I can only do this much for their child." he muttered in low voice. It was a small gesture of goodwill from him, and it wasn''t difficult. He already knew she was pregnant, which is why he decided to help them yesterday. Aria''s ears perked up at his words. "Wait, she''s pregnant?" Aengus gave a firm nod, confirming her query. "I see, but how did you know? Don''t tell me you have a skill like Enhanced Vision or something?" Aria asked, her expression exaggerated. Aengus nodded again, but then immediately realized his mistake. "Ahh, doesn''t that mean you can peek at any woman you see, even under their clothes? That''s so perverted!" Aengus clicked his tongue but remained unfazed. "Rx, Aria. I would never do such a thing," he said resolutely. "Besides, it only lets me see vague images, not clear details," he added, downying the ability to avoid making it a big issue. "Still... it''s a big issue, Ethan. You shouldn''t use it on any other woman. Never," Aria said, ring at him. "Fine... Now, can we discuss the n for the hunt today?" Aengus asked, noticing the fog slowly disappearing. Aria, slightly embarrassed,posed herself. "Oh, of course. Tell me what n do you have on your mind?" Seeing her serious demeanor, Aengus began exining the n he devised the previous night. "We need to lure them using my aura, like we did yesterday. Then, we''ll trap them. For that, we need to build a sturdy dome to separate them from the outside. After that, we''ll take them out one group at a time," he said seriously. Aria grew worried as she listened to his n of using himself as bait. The previous experience had been anything but pleasant. Recalling his prowess, she decided to agree but with caution. "Do you also have an Elemental Maniption skill? I don''t think I can make such arge dome you''re talking about," Aria asked, unsure. "Yes, I have something simr to Earth Maniption, but much stronger." "That''s good, but what if we can''t handle it if too manye?" Aengus reassured her confidently, "Don''t worry, I can summon more monsters for help like before." "Can your Mana reservesst that long?" "Haha, that''s thest thing you should worry about, Aria. Just take down the ones you can handle. Leave the rest to me," he said, his confident demeanor easing her mind. Though it was a risky n, the potential gains were worth it. "Before that..." Aengus paused before taking out seven human corpses from his bracelet, their bodies radiating a decaying odor. "Let''s power you up once again. After this, you should be at least A-Rank." He grinned, not caring about the corpses in the slightest. There were five C-Ranks and two B-Ranks. Their essence should be enough for the upgrade. Aria resisted the urge to vomit and prepared herself once again. She knew it was unavoidable to grow stronger. Her thoughts turned to Aengus, wondering how much he had to endure to gain so much power. Compared to him, her efforts paled inparison. But she was determined to help him however she could. Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Trapped "Let''s begin," Aengus said to Aria, who is now an A-Rank powerhouse. Aria nodded, and the two of them began crafting the circr shaped dome made of tree roots, vines, and hard rock. Aengus first started by creating the dome''s foundation using rock for the initialyer. The secondyer waspleted with Aria''s help, making a perfect camouge that blended seamlessly with the surroundings. After theirbined efforts of an hour, the structure was ready. It stood nearly 100 meters tall and 400 meters in radius. Inside was illuminated by fireflies and other luminescent bugs under Aria''smand. Aria''s face show exhaustion while Aengus looked calm and collective. She watched with fascination. It had been a difficult task, but with Aengus'' help, it seemed effortless. "Alright, this should do for now," Aengusmented, satisfied with the result. There was a curved entrance designed to control the flow of beasts and monsters, able to be sealed or opened at will. Aria''s mind shifted to another concern. "What about humans, Ethan? What if theye?" Aengus'' response was cold and ruthless. "They will die. What else? Besides, I don''t see any humans nearby. But if anye seeking death, there''s nothing I can do." "Oh... okay," Aria replied, slightly taken aback but quickly refocused. "When should we start?" She asked, her excitement growing. She was eager to test out her new skills and increased Nature Control after the synthesis. "We don''t have time to waste. I can start anytime. Are you ready?" Aengus asked as he began to enter the dome. "Yes, I am," Aria replied, following him through therge entrance. Once inside, Aengus moved to the furthest point, opposite the entrance, positioning himself for the ambush. Aria scanned the ceiling, preparing to unleash sharp branches that would stretch across from the top like deadly spears. Her n was deadly: once anything stepped into her domain, nothing would leave alive. She positioned herself to the right of Aengus, ensuring she wouldn''t interfere with his destructive attacks. Both stood ready, their eyes gleaming with the anticipation of theing hunt. Aengus swiftly unleashed the aura of the Origin Tree within him, which stored and facilitated Origin Mana. Other Seekers had simr trees inside them, but Aengus''s tree lookedpletely different. It was vibrant, with branches like stars for leaves. It had grown to the size of a small tree due to the recent harvest and was hungry for more. The tantalizing aura of such pure and potent energy slowly spread from within, like an invisible invitation to greater power. Howl! Awooo... The nearby beasts and monsters'' eyes turned red as they began galloping inrge numbers, some even fighting among themselves outside. This created a small problem¡ªif they fought each other, who woulde inside? Noticing this, Aengus increased the intensity of his aura, and their infighting ceased abruptly. They quickly began to fall into the trap, one by one. "Roar!" "Rumble!" Aria watched as the beasts and monsters swarmed in like ants through the entrance. Some were big, some small, and some asrge as 50 meters, almost touching the ceiling. Their footsteps shook the earth, their eyes predatory as they focused on Aengus. Aria and Aengus waited for the cage to be filled. Only then would the real massacre begin. "Roar!" By this point, some of the beasts attempted to reach Aengus, but Aria acted instantly, piercing their bodies, creating a gory mess. "Ethan, I think it''s enough!" Aria shouted as she decapitated more beasts with her dagger. By now, nearly three thousand beasts filled the cage to the brim. Aengus gave her a nod and ceased spreading his Origin Aura. He then closed the gate to finish off the creatures first. Stepping forward, Aengus activated his Omni-Devour skill and began to consume the beasts. "Buzz...Buzz..." The beasts, still at low C and B-Ranks, were easy prey for him to devour. Realizing they were trapped, the beasts let out agonizing screams. They hadn''t expected to be hunted this way¡ªalways the hunters, now turned into helpless prey. "Crackle, Crackle!" Boom! Desperate, the beasts attacked Aengus with everything they had¡ªthunder, fire, and their massive bodies, hoping to crush him into meat paste. But Aengus stood unfazed, absorbing their energies, his power growing with each devoured beast. [ Strength +1, Agility +1.5, Defense +1 ] [ Origin Mana +200 ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Skull-Crusher Ape Transformation (C) ] [ You have.... ] Notifications shed continuously before his eyes, but he decided to ignore them for now. The number of skills in his arsenal had increased over 20, making him even more versatile. Some skills were assimted to enhance sub-levels of same skill, while others waited to be synthesizedter. His Origin Mana had surpassed 50,000 points and was still rising. Aengus'' lips curved into an involuntary smile. He was pleased with the results; it wouldn''t be long before he reached S-Rank. He kept an eye on Aria from time to time, ensuring she remained safe. Aria''s performance was incredible. She dominated her battles like a battle queen, with only shes of her dagger visible as she constantly moved among the foes. Sharp spears of wood rained down from the ceiling under hermand, further thinning out their numbers. She could have summoned lightning for aid as well, if not for the limitations of being inside the dome. Aengus was impressed. Her every movement was a sight to behold. Shifting his gaze to the A-Rank massive wild wyverns, Aengus became serious. These creatures could resist the suction of his Devour ability to some extent, making things tougher with their aerial maneuvers. They were elemental wyverns, lesser bloodlines of dragons. He hadn''t expected to find wyverns in the forest as well. Undeterred, he retrieved Aegis from his Spatial Bracelet and unsheathed it. As the wyverns attacked with their elemental abilities, opening their maws wide, Aengus appeared atop their backs and shed down with full force, severing their necks one by one. "Screech!" The others tried to escape, but their doom was evident. Void Venom de Tempest Sharp copies of Aegis de materialized from the void and pierced the wyverns'' bodies, silencing their screeches and signaling the end of the battle. Chapter 204: Chapter 204: Skill Synthesis; Upgrade After the first wave was over, Aengus began to devour the five Elemental Wyverns, leaving remaining two for Aria. [ Strength +3, Agility +2, Defense + 3 ] [ Origin Mana +700 ] ..... [ You have acquired Wyvern''s Bloodline ] [ You have acquired Fire Maniption (A) ] [ You have acquired Wind Maniption (A) ] [ You have acquired Water Maniption (A) ] ---- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 18 ] [ Title: Dragon yer ] [ Race: Human-Demon-Dragon-Seeker ] [ Level: 45 ] [ upation: Supreme Leader of Liberation Army ] [ ss: None ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Seeker (Royal), Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), Death Leviathan (Half-Noble), Fire Dragon (Noble), Wyvern (Elite)] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 5100 ] [ Agility: 5200 ] [ Defense: 5230 ] [ Origin Mana: 67,000 / 78000 ] [ Attribute points: 15 ] - [ Active: zing Overlord Dragon -5 (A+), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A), Wind Maniption (A), Wyvern Transformation (A), Water Maniption (A), Fire Maniption (A), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (B), Elemental Graviton Surge -10 (B), Elite Human Transformation -26 (B), Thunder Summoning (B), Space ws -14(C), Space Warp -26 (C), Fire Breath (C), Infernal Roar (C), zing Fury (C), Infernal Lion''s ws (C), Infernal Lion Transformation (C), Thunder Step (C), Thunder Storm (C), Blight Aura (C), Frostbound ws (C), Sonic Roar (C), Ravenous Maw (C), Corrosive Spit (C), Skull-Crusher Ape Transformation (C), Stone Carapace (D)..... ] - [ Passive: Heart Of Chaos (S), Supreme Hunter (A), Phoenix Resurgence (B), Water Breathing (C) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 7)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Hellfire Leviathan Of Death - Intermediate: Darkness King''s Authority, Corrupting Aura, Web Of Despair, Nightmare Web - Basic: Puppet Strings, Shadow Walk, Eye Of Curse, Undead Regeneration, Summon Hell-Spirits [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] _____ The list of skills had be quite long, but his soul and body hadn''t experienced any difort yet. Still, he needed to synthesize them quickly before proceeding to the next wave. Before that, he called Aria to synthesize her with the remaining two Wyverns'' bodies. He carefully checked her condition to see if she could handle it. To his surprise, her body was in much better shape than he expected. His vision couldn''t pierce through to reveal the reason, but he suspected her body held unknown secrets. After the synthesization wasplete, Aria radiated with power, her presence intensifying even further. "Hehe¡­ I''m much stronger now, Ethan. I can take down A-Ranks with ease. And it''s all thanks to you," she smiled, looking at him with earnestly. She refrained from saying thanks because of his earlier warning that they were now family. But she couldn''t hide her gratitude from his gaze. "No, Aria. You have earned this. You fought incredibly well. You''re a true hunter. I am just someone with these extraordinary abilities. I''m nothingpared to your diligence and practice really," he responded, humbly acknowledging her strength. Aria looked both happy and concerned at the same time. "Don''t underestimate yourself, Ethan. I''m sure you''ve been through a lot to gain this power. Without hard work, courage, and will, this wouldn''t have been possible." Aengus appreciated her words and the affection in her voice. "Thanks, Aria. That means a lot to me." Aria was displeased. "What thanks? Did you forget your own words, Ethan? We''re a family, and family always supports each other," she reminded him sternly. Aengus stared at her beautiful face in a daze. Her heartfelt words touched him deeply. "Yes, we are... Miss Silvermoon," he mumbled, before turning to the rest of the corpses. They''re the ones that Aria had Killed¡ªnumbering in a few hundreds. "Do you want to merge with them, Aria?" Aengus asked, fixing his gaze ahead. "No, I''m fine for now. I need some time to adjust. You can use them as you wish," Aria replied, looking a little tired. "Alright then." Aengus, with swift movements, quickly sent the near-death ones to the Monster Breeding Space to turn them into his legion¡ªclose to a hundred. The rest he devoured using Omni-Devour. Although they didn''t increase his stats much as they were just C and B ranks, the total was enough to feel the effect as his power rose. Once the battlefield cleared, Aengus went and sat beside Aria under a tree. "Aria, take a moment for yourself. I''m going to power up my skills to confront more foes," he muttered softly as he looked at his skills to merge. "Will you be fine this time? Don''t do something crazy like thest time. I was worried to death," Aria asked, her concern clear. "No, I will be fine... This time it will be a simple." "Oh, that''s good then. I''m here for you. Do as you wish. Nothing can harm you as long as I''m here," she said confidently. Aengus closed his eyes, focusing on the skills suitable for synthesis. [ Elemental Wyvern Transformation (A) + Infernal Lion Transformation (C) + Skull-Crusher Ape Transformation (C) + Ironhide Boar Transformation (B) ] [Your skills evolved to: Primordial Beast King (A+)] [Description: The Primordial Beast King skill allows the user to gain the ability to transform into any kind of beast as long as they obtain the creature''s blood or DNA sample. These forms will be assimted into the skill and can be used anytime. It also allows the user tobine all beast forms into a formidable hybrid form. This hybrid form grants the user immense physical strength, resilience, enhanced senses, and the ability to utilize devastatingbat techniques derived from each creature''s innate abilities.] [ Space ws (C) + Infernal Lion''s ws (C) + Frostbound ws (C) ] Your skills evolved to: Void Frostbite ws (B) Description: The Void Frostbite ws skill grants the user ws imbued with both the chilling power of frost and the instant attack through thr void. These ws can freeze enemies on contact while allowing the user to bypass defenses with spatial distortion, making them effective in both offense and evasion. [ Wind Maniption (A) + Water Maniption (A) + Fire Maniption (A) + Elemental Graviton Surge ] [ Your Skills evolved to: Chaos Maniption (S)] [ Chaos Maniption (7 Elements) ] Description: Combined with Heart Of Chaos, Chaos Maniption is a legendary skill that grants the user the ability to manipte and control the chaotic forces of 7 elements¡ªfire, water, earth, air, light, darkness, and even Gravity¡ªsimultaneously. This skill allows the user to harness the unpredictable and vtile nature of elemental chaos, bending it to their will for offensive, defensive, and strategic purposes. Chapter 205: Chapter 205: S-Rank Skills [ Thunder Summoning (B) + Thunder Storm (C) + Thunder Step (C) + Sonic Roar (C) ] Your skills evolved to: Thunderstorm Summoner (A) Description: The Thunderstorm Summoner skill allows the user to call forth a massive, violent thunderstorm, enveloping the battlefield in chaos and destruction. The storm serves as both an offensive and defensive tool, empowering the user''s lightning-based abilities and disrupting enemies with torrential rain, thunder, and frequent lightning strikes while increasing the user''s speed close to lightning. [ Fire Breath (C) + Infernal Roar (C) + zing Fury (C) + Blight Aura (C) ] Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B) Description: The Inferno Warlord''s Rage skill fuses fiery breath, fearsome roars, and an aura of decay and destruction, transforming the user into a devastating force of zing Fire on the battlefield. This skill enhances the user''s rawbat prowess by 500 %. [ Ravenous Maw (C) + Corrosive Spit (C) + Stone Carapace (D) ] Ravenous Stonebeast (B) Description: The Ravenous Stonebeast skill fuses destructive abilities with resilient defense, transforming the user into a relentless predator thatbines hunger with durable stone-like armor. This ability grants the user powerful offensive and defensive traits, allowing them to wear down enemies while withstanding considerable damage. ..... Aengus was happy with the result, but he wanted more S-Rank skills. That''s why he began synthesizing: Hellfire Leviathan of Death (Peak) + zing Overlord Dragon (A+). He waited for the expected pain to arrive as he started synthesizing the two. [Your skill and demonic ability evolved into a new skill: Abyssal zing Dragon (S)] (AN: We areCategorizing them as skills for easy understanding) Description: The Abyssal zing Dragon skill represents the pinnacle of draconic power, merging the devastating might of the Hellfire Leviathan of Death with the fierce ferocity of the zing Overlord Dragon. It grants control over death and the crimson fire of destruction. In this form, the user''s raw stats increase by 70 times. Size: Height 700m, Width 1,500m Origin Mana Consumption: 200 per second. Next were all the demonic abilities, both Intermediate and Basic. [Darkness King''s Authority + Corrupting Aura + Web of Despair + Nightmare Web + Puppet Strings + Shadow Walk + Eye of Curse + Undead Regeneration + Summon Hell-Spirits] Your abilities evolved into: Shadow Monarch''s Dominion (Peak) Description: A terrifying and all-epassing mastery of darkness, fear, and corruption, allowing the user tomand shadows, manipte minds, and dominate hellish spirits. This ability also grants instant health regeneration even after receiving severe injuries. --- Skills: [Active: Seven Elements Chaos Maniption (S), Abyssal zing Dragon (S), Primordial Beast King (A+), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (B), Elite Human Transformation -26 (B), Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B), Ravenous Stonebeast (B), Space Warp -26 (C)] [Passive: Heart of Chaos (S), Supreme Hunter (A), Phoenix Resurgence (B), Water Breathing (C)] [Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level-7)] [Demonic Abilities: Peak: Shadow Monarch''s Dominion [Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate)] --- After gaining another S-Rank skill and a peak ability, Aengus opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Aria''s figure in front of him, full of tension and concern. Sensing his movements, Aria came closer. "How did it go? What new skills did you get?" she asked, curiosity in her voice. His faint, pulsing aura made it clear they must be incredibly powerful. "Why don''t you take a look at your shadow, Aria?" Aengus smirked and nced at her shadow under the luminescent light, using Shadow Monarch''s Dominion to make it disappear. Aria seemed confused for a moment, then looked down at her feet. "Huh? Where did my shadow go?" She looked at Aengus, already guessing the culprit. "Is this your doing? That''s incredible! What else can you do with it?" Her green eyes glinted with fascination. Aengus quicklymanded the shadow to return to its rightful ce. "I can use any enemy''s shadow to strike them from a certain range. That''s not all¡ªI''ve gained S-Rank skills. I''m now officially an S-Rank, but far more powerful than the usual ones," he said with confidence. Aria seemed genuinely happy. "Oh, does that mean we don''t need to fear S-Ranks anymore?" "Yes, we don''t need to fear S-Rank powerhouses anymore." "If that''s the case, I''m really eager to see how powerful you are," Aria smiled and leaned closer, offering a light kiss on his cheek. Aengus returned the gesture, kissing her wless face, which had healedpletely from earlier scratches. "Now, are you ready for the next wave?" Aria moved back and replied, "Yes, I am ready," her dagger poised for another bout of carnage. Suddenly, Aengus'' attention turned to her holy dagger, which had be rusty, its sharpnesspromised due to the recent battles. "Aria, wait, give me your dagger for a second," he asked, and she turned back. "What''s wrong?" Aengus slowly held her dagger, feeling it warm to the touch as he examined it carefully. It was a B-Rank dagger. "I will help you fix and upgrade it. Do you want it?" Aria looked slightly reluctant. "Ethan, I have no problem with the upgrade, just make sure it remains the same. It was a gift from my father." Just looking into her eyes, it was clear how much attachment she had to it. "No problem, Aria. I understand. Everything will stay the same, I promise" Aengus took out his sword as well. It was time to upgrade Aegis too. He also retrieved some rare metals for the enhancement, including Adamantium, Mythril, Orichalcum, Bloodsteel ingots, and a few lower-rank holy swords. Aria also took a few rare metals from her space rings. With all those gathered, another fascinating synthesis began. Aria watched as his de and her dagger were upgraded. Aengus stopped only when they had upgraded to S-Rank weapons becauseck of good materials to upgrade them further. He checked their stats and felt satisfied with the results. They shared a blood connection and were sentient. Aegis was happy to have gained a new friend. "Thank you, Master," Aegis and the dagger expressed their gratitude, surprising Aria as she realized she could now hear their mentalmunications clearly. Seeing her puzzled expression, Aengus exined, "Now you canmunicate with your dagger now, Aria. It has be a sentient weapon. Perhaps you should give it a new name as well," he advised. Aria quickly understood and replied, "That''s incredible! But I forgot to tell you, it already has a name. Its name is Nia; it''s thest name of my mother." "Oh, I''m sorry about your loss," Aengus consoled her, hugging her lightly. Aria, hiding her pain, squeezed the new S-Rank dagger, feeling its newfound power. "Let''s start...Nia," she whispered calmly, prepared to unleash her rage. Chapter 206: Chapter 206: Arias New Power As they cleared the second wave, they realized that only low-level beasts were now being drawn to them. These beasts had abilities simr to those of the previous wave, which cancelled Aengus''s n to stack new skills. While he managed to acquire a few new skills, the rest were simply assimted into his existing skills. In terms of stats, his gains were minimal. With his stats exceeding 5,500 points, the low-level beasts barely offered any substantial stats, only adding in decimal amounts. It also became evident that these beasts possessed a certain level of intelligence. Recognizing the danger ahead, they stopped falling into his trap as he had initially hoped. It was almost as if they had been warned beforehand. After synthesizing Aria with some additional beasts, Aengus sent 300 more near-death creatures to the Monster Breeding Space. With a glint of determination, Aengus began nning his next steps. He had gained some additional knowledge from Manas about this forest; there were still mythical creatures hidden somewhere deep within. The thought of hunting them brought him exhration. "Aria, it looks like we need to head deeper. They''ve be alert and cunning¡ªor perhaps they received orders from their superiors." Aria, noticing his grin, felt a sense of unease but asked, "What''s the new n? Are you nning to go after their leaders now?" "Yes. I think they''re more intelligent and definitely of higher ranks." He reassured her with a confident grin. "No need to worry, Aria. I can handle them. If I could, I''d devour this whole forest slowly¡ªif only there weren''t humans around." "Ah, I nearly forgot! If you''re worried about the humans, I can now send them a message to withdraw from the forest. My control over nature has increased significantly after all your help. Mymand of consciousness can now connect to every tree and nt nearby. If I try harder, I might be able to connect with all the nts and unintelligent creatures as well," she informed him, excited to offer him some real help. Aengus was intrigued by the news. "That''s great news, Aria! Quickly send them a warning to leave the forest immediately. If they don''t leave even after hearing it, they''ll have to bear the consequences themselves." "Alright, let me focus," Aria said before touching a nearby tree, intending to connect with every nt in the ecosystem. Aengus''s eyes were deeply fixed on Aria as she transformed into her Nature Goddess mode. Her hair turned glowing white, and her entire body radiated a pure aura. Her hands glowed with green as she finally connected with the nts. Aria guided her consciousness through the nts far and wide, starting from outside the dome, then at the edges in all directions, then heading slowly toward the middle. She also connected with some unintelligent creatures. But It was getting increasingly difficult, but she forced herself, pushing beyond her limits. Aengus''s brows furrowed as he saw Aria''s forehead covered with sweat. It was clear she was pushing herself too hard, just for his sake. But he didn''t want her hard work to be wasted or for her to get discouraged, so he held his breath, trusting herpletely. He didn''t have any way to help her either; he was simply helpless in this regard. It had been a long time since he had felt such helplessness. "I know you can do it, Aria. I trust you," he whispered beside her ear, just when she needed it, just as she had done to cheer him up before. Hearing his words, Aria suddenly felt a surge of confidence and more nature power coursing through her, as if a dam had just been broken loose. With increased ferocity, her consciousness spread almost everywhere like a web. She spotted humans as well as some terrifying, mythical evolved beasts, making her mind shake for a moment. The mythical beasts felt a foreign sensation of being observed, but they couldn''t discern what it was or where it came from. Ignoring the mythical beasts, she targeted the humans, though she did make a mental map marking their locations to inform Aengus if needed. Her warning spread to the humans, clear and loud. "Serious Warning to the humans! Very soon this forest will not be safe for no one. Those who want to stay alive, leave the forest at this instant. Otherwise, you won''t have enough time to escapeter. Don''t take this lightly. You don''t want to disappear from the face of the earth. Think about your family and friends. And you won''t hear the same warning twice. Next time, you will only see chaos. Goodbye!" Her words, carried by the nts, trees, and unintelligent small creatures, reverberated throughout the forest, reaching the ears of the humans and some shrewd beasts. Her voice was heavenly and resonant, making some humans realize the seriousness of the sudden warning. "Darling, did you hear that? We should leave immediately." "Yes, let''s go, baby. I''m getting goosebumps already." --- "Guys, hurry! Something bad is about to happen. Even Mother Nature is warning us to stay safe!" "Haha, Oliver, you''re such a fool! There''s no ''Mother Nature.'' Someone probably caught wind of some incredible treasures here, so they''re telling everyone to leave so they can grab everything for themselves." "Stop reminding me of their nonsense, and let''s find those treasures quickly." --- More than half took the warning seriously, leaving the forest, while others, clouded by greed, decided to stay, unknowingly sealing their fate. The wheels of destiny began to turn. --- (AN: For those wondering why humans are hunting in the forest instead of dungeons, it''s because the dungeons are only for beginners, ranging from Rank F to D.) --- At the heart of Darkwood Forest, a massive, mythical fox-like creature with seven tails stood alert, its fur shimmering with a dark, ethereal glow. It seemed to speak to the mountain range towering before it, spanning over two kilometers in length and rising four kilometers high. Despite its own imposing presence, the fox showed a clear sense of fear and reverence toward the mountain. "My Lord, it appears the humans are up to something cunning once again," the fox said cautiously. "They''re evacuating the weaker ones for some reason." To any observer, it would be baffling¡ªwhat force could demand such respect from a beast of this caliber? And just what kind of presencey hidden within that mountain? Chapter 207: Chapter 207: Devouring Dark Dragon Hum, hum, hum! Suddenly, the mountain range trembled, and the earth shook violently. Then, one of the smaller mountains came to life, shaking off soil, nts, and smaller beasts as it began to rise. The seven-tailed fox watched in awe and reverence as the figure''s head was revealed to the world after so long. It was shaped like a snake''s head, towering nearly 1.7 kilometers above the fox. "GO, TELL EVERYONE TO BE PREPARED¡ªTO DIE OR TO KILL. THE FATED PROPHECY IS NEAR. BUT WE WILL NOT GIVE UP, NOT WHILE I AM STILL ALIVE." The unfathomable creature spoke in a deep, soul-prating voice. "Yes, my lord. Thank you for your guidance!" The fox spoke respectfully, but there are some tears forming under It''s eyes. Knowing what the prophecy was about, it was only natural. Just as Aria''s consciousness reached their location, she froze, her heart racing at the sight of the colossal creature piercing through the forest, dwarfing the sky. She tried to listen to their conversation further, but a blinding, pale white light shed, followed by a thunderous snort from the towering beast. Aria realized toote that she''d been discovered. Sensing imminent danger, she tried to retreat swiftly, but the pale light spread outward almost instantly. In an instant, the surrounding 1-kilometer radius turned to stone petrified, leaving unmoving, lifeless statues in its wake. The light reached Aria''s consciousness, following her retreating presence with relentless speed. "HUMAN GIRL, TELL HIM WE''RE READY!" The warning reached Aria''s senses, but she was deeply tensed to heed its deration. "Ba-dum, ba-dum!" Aria struggled to breathe, her chest rising and falling heavily. Aengus, seeing this, grew worried. "Aria, what''s wrong? Stay with me," he urged. Aria couldn''t respond; her eyes remained closed, her focus slipping away. Examining her, Aengus''s heart sank as he noticed her feet slowly turning to stone. Manas''s warning rang out, "Master, it''s a petrification curse, and a deadly one at that. Quickly, use your Chaos energy to suppress it!" Taking the advice seriously, Aengus immediately enveloped Aria''s body in his Elemental Chaos energy, creating a state of equilibrium. The chaos particles of light began to purify the curse, while other elements strengthened her physique. Aengus''s nerves were tight, but he remained controlled as he formed a protective shield around her. "Manas,Tell me the way to cure itpletely." "Master, it can only cured by the original caster. You need to find him quick!" Mana reminded the urgency of the situation. Aengus clenched his fist, his nails digging into his palm. After a while, Aria opened her eyes, feeling a strange heaviness in her body. She found herself in hisp and managed a small smile. "I don''t want to die yet, Ethan. I still want to see you shine... and be your bride," she whispered weakly, feeling as if the door to death was near. Aengus, hiding his inner turmoil, forced a gentle smile. "Of course, you won''t, Aria. You do want to be my first bride, right? So stay with me and give me a little more time." Aria smiled weakly, "I know you can do it, Ethan. I''ll wait. Just be careful.. A giant creature is in the middle.." Aengus nodded, picked her in his arms and stood up, his aura turning wild and chaotic, spreading through the forest, making even the low ranks tremble in fear. They understood the signal: doom wasing, and it would be remembered by the whole world in times toe. Though his heart was full of rage, he remained rational, prioritizing Aria''s safety. With the uncertainty of the forest''s future and an inevitable, devastating battle ahead, he knew he needed to act swiftly. He marked their location and used his special trait, Greater Space Teleporter, to open a portal, transporting Aria to General Leon''s house. Gently cing her on a bed, he smiled. "Don''t fall asleep, Aria¡­ I''ll be right back." His expression turned cold as he returned through the portal, leaving Aria gazing at his back. Soon, her eyelids grew heavy, but she forced herself to stay awake, trusting him wholeheartedly. General Leon''s house waspletely empty, so no one noticed the faint spatial fluctuations of their movements. --- Aengus reappeared at the same ce they had left. Abyssal zing Dragon! "Buzz... Buzz..." In an instant, Aengus transformed into his Dark Dragon form, reaching 700 meters in height and 1,500 meters in width. His hellish crimson wings spanned nearly the same size as his height. With his mere presence, the surrounding environment burned and decayed. "Whoosh!" "Rumble!" With a single thrust of his wings, he soared into the sky, leaving ashes and a terrifying, scorching windstorm below. "R O A R!" High above the forest, under the darkening sky, Aengus unleashed a powerful dragon roar that resonated through the forest. The sheer impact of the Chaos-infused energy shattered the sound barrier, leaving destruction in its path. It was a deration of challenge, promising utter annihtion. On one side stood Aengus; on the other, the entire forest. Aengus hovered in ce, then opened his massive maw wide, intending to devour the forest to increase his strength in preparation for the deadly battle ahead. He knew his enemy was powerful, likely SS rank, so he would need every ounce of strength he could gather. In his dragon form, Omni-Devour became even more powerful and potent. "Whoosh!" Buzz... Buzz! An intense ck hole formed within his mouth, swallowing everything caught in its inescapable suction force. "Rumble!" Beasts, birds, air, light, trees, soil, insects, and even humans¡ªall were pulled in, unable to escape his grasp. Everything was consumed in horror and desperation, turning into energy particles inside him, which greatly boosted his power. [ Strength +7, Agility +6, Defense +8 ] [ Strength +5, Agility +4, Defense +6 ] ... [ Origin Mana +400 ] [ Origin Mana +600 ] ... His mana was being used and replenished continuously, creating an endless cycle, though any side effects hadn''t yet appeared¡ªnot so soon, at least. As for skills, he chose only the higher-ranking, powerful ones and extremely useful lower-rank skills.. Chapter 208: Chapter 208: One Vs Nine "For God''s sake, Lucas, I told you we should leave... But now, we''re all doomed." "This is actual Hell!" The humans who stayed trembled in fear as they gazed upon the massive dragon in the sky. The sight was nothing short of catastrophic. They began to run alongside some smaller beasts, but they, too, were swallowed. With Devouring still active, Aengus flew from ce to ce, shifting locations after each round of Devouring until nothing was left. His stats crossed the 6,500 mark, and low ranks were bing almost useless at this point. Sticking to his initial n, he pulled the lower ranks, ranging from F to C Rank, into his Dimensional Space using hundreds of invisible strings each second. On the other hand, his legion had quickly surpassed the 20,000 mark in numbers, making a formidable power to be unleashed. While his Devouring continued, targeting higher-rank beasts and asionally humans caught in the crossfire, he selectively absorbed skills best suited for himself from thousands of duplicate abilities gathered from the beasts. --- [ You have acquired a new skill: Phantom Mirage (B) ] [ You have acquired a new skill: Hurricane Gale (B) ] [ You have acquired a new skill: Ghostly Steps (C) ] [ You have acquired a new skill: Aqua Serpent''s Vortex (B) ] [ You have acquired a new skill: Ice Breath (A) ] [ You have acquired a new skill: Arctic Bear''s cial Shield (B) ] --- Within just a few minutes, nearly one percent of the Darkwood Forest had been wiped from existence. Considering it''s size of millions of square kms, it was a significant proportion. If left unchecked for even an hour, there would be no one capable of stopping him. But, as is often the case, everything don''t go that easily as you wish. Aengus could feel a multitude of powerful presences closing in. The rumbling of the earth and the shift in the wind from their overwhelming power told him all he needed to know. Still, Aengus didn''t halt his actions. He was like a relentless leech, swallowing everything in his path. In no time, another percentage of the forest was gone, and his stats had crossed an average of 7,500. Every fiber of his being pulsed with raw power, which only continued to surge. --- "Rumble! Rumble!" "Screech!" --- Before Aengus could inflict further devastation, he suddenly found himself surrounded by nine massive mythical creatures. They were nearlyparable to his size and appeared even stronger than S-Rank beasts. Using his Appraisal ability, Aengus confirmed his suspicions; they were the legendary nine mythical creatures he had heard about. The first to arrive was the massive seven-tailed fox, renowned for its incredible speed. Following closely was the Thunder Griffin, its hawk-like eyes scanning the surroundings with sharp precision. Next came the kirin, a magnificent creature thatbined features of a deer, dragon, and horse, radiating an otherworldly aura. Then, there was Fenrir, the monstrous wolf, whose presence alone sent chills through the air. The Frost Bear from the north lumbered forward, its thick fur shimmering with icy power, while the ming Tiger flickered with mes, a living embodiment of fire and ferocity. The nine-headed hydra Serpent slithered ominously, each head hissing and snapping with a hunger for battle. The Ancient mammoth stomped onto the scene, its sheer size a testament to its long history. Lastly, arriving slowly and with an unyielding presence was the Earth Turtle, famed for its imprable defense. Together, they formed an imposing alliance, their collective gaze locked onto Aengus''s Dragon form, ready to tear him apart. Aengus paused his Omni-Devour skill and fixed his gaze on them. "Swoosh!" In the next moment, the seven-tailed fox attacked, using its tails as sharp as deadly spears. Thud! Thud! Thud! Aengus remained unfazed as he allowed the strikes to hit his tough dragon body, having assessed their strengths and weaknesses. It felt barely an itch. His gleaming ashen-ck scales seemed indestructible, with all 7,500 of his defense boosted by his dragon form, resulting in raw physical prowess that reached into the hundreds of thousands. He was overpowered among them all in terms of raw power. However, theirbined might and tactics could prove troublesome. All the mythical creatures, including the fox, were astonished, but they expected as much. "Awoooo!" "Haha¡­ just as the Beast Lord said, you''re truly a menace¡­ Human!" Fenrir spoke first,ughing at the absurdity of the situation. "Screech! I can''t believe he is human. Truly terrifying," the Thunder Griffin added fearfully. "Roar! it''s a mystery what his true identity is. Human? Dragon? Or perhaps¡­ a demon?" Understanding theirnguage thanks to Manas'' implementing the beastnguage on him, Aengus opened his mouth and spoke: "Stop trying to buy time, all of you. Your intentions are easy to read." His voice was thick and imposing, resonating like that of a true dragon. "Tell me, who ced the curse on her? Was it you? Or your Beast Lord? Who¡­ Is¡­ It?" He fired off his questions relentlessly, his gaze piercing. The nine mythical creatures narrowed their eyes, caught off guard by his perceptiveness. They hadn''t expected him to be so clever. They were truly buying time for their Beast Lord to arrive, but he was preupied with something important, causing a dy. Now, with his awareness, every passing second will be increasingly difficult to manage. "Hiss, hiss! We don''t know what you''re talking about. Who is this ''her'' you speak of?" the Nine-Headed Hydra hissed, feigning ignorance. They knew better than to further enrage an already furious dragon. "Hmph!" Aengus snorted, his nostrils ring. "Fine. I will lift that curse by killing every creature in this forest. You''ll all pay for trying to harm my beloved," he dered with fierce resolve. "Howl! How arrogant! We''re not here just for show, human. We''ll kill you first, even if it costs us our lives," the ancient Mammoth, towering like a mountain, bellowed, its voice filled with hatred and unyielding determination to defend their home. The Fox and the other eight mythical creatures exchanged nces, reaching a silent agreement. "Whoosh!" "Roar!" "Screech, screech!" "Hiss¡­" Each creature activated its unique abilities and lunged at Aengus'' Abyssal zing Dragon form. Their intention clear: Kill or buy time. Can Aengus defeat them all? Or is something even more dangerous waiting on the horizon, threatening to be his downfall Chapter 209: Chapter 209: True Monstrosity As soon as they charged at the Abyssal zing Dragon, the earth trembled, and thunder rumbled, signaling the start of a terrifying battle. The Seven-Tailed Fox unleashed its deadly fox mes, while the Ancient Mammoth struck with a powerful stomp, shaking the ground. The Thunder Griffin attacked with a destructive thunder strike, its ws slicing at lightning speed. The Nine-Headed Hydra released a noxious venomous breath, while Fenrir lunged forward, ws and fangs gleaming with deadly intent. Kirin attempted to boost the allies'' power and weaken Aengus, but its efforts were futile. Freeze¡­ Crack, crackle! The Frost Bear tried to freeze Aengus solid with its absolute ice ability, but the ice shattered, repelled by the intense heat of his Crimson Hellfire. The ming Tiger prepared to pounce, but Aengus was already moving, his Dragon eyes filled with killing intent. Aengus pped his massive wings, dodging attacks with astonishing speed. Although he was nearly invulnerable, he took no chances. In an instant, he used a space warp to appear directly above the Ancient Mammoth, whose colossal leg was poised to stomp him. The Ancient Mammoth''s instincts screamed danger. Looking up, his weary, gray eyes widened as he saw the fierce Dark Dragon already descending above him. Aengus''s deadly ws, infused with chaotic energy, were streaking toward him, radiating raw power. For the Ancient Mammoth, time seemed to slow. He could feel each beat of his heart pounding as he stared up at his inevitable fate, the glint of Aengus''s ws reflecting in his eyes. "Dong!" An unexpected interference came just in time. The Earth Turtle, who had been silent until now, made his move. His massive shell collided with Aengus'' ws, creating a devastating impact. "BOOM!" The turtle was smashed into the ground, face-first, taking damage to its sturdy shell. It was a marvel it could withstand such force¡ªone capable of obliterating the toughest material. But Aengus was only getting started. "You think you can stop me with this?" he dered coldly. "Say yourst words. None of you can stop me." His massive body hovered above, suddenly glowing with a seven-colored light, like a rainbow. Knowing time was of the essence, he aimed to finish them quickly. He gathered intense, chaotic energy from seven elements within his maw, prepared to obliterate anything in his path. "Roar!" Aengus bellowed, shaking the sky as he unleashed nine Chaos Breath attacks simultaneously. Before the Fox and the others could react, they saw multicolored beams of destructive energy racing toward them, each one targeting a creature with relentless speed. Attempts to dodge were futile; the beams seemed to have a will of their own, following each target. With the threat closing in, their hearts raced. In desperation, they relied on the Earth Turtle and Ancient Mammoth''s defensive abilities, while the Kirin boosted their magical power, hoping to have even the slightest chance of survival. The Earth Turtle and Ancient Mammoth looked fierce, their expressions twisted into grim, almost suicidal grins. The Mammoth raised its two curved tusks toward the sky, channeling magical energy to form barriers, while the Earth Turtle''s shell glowed with a mystical light, bracing for the devastating impact. An instantter, the nine Chaos beams collided with them, followed by a blinding sh of white light at the point of destruction. "BOOOOM!" "Rumble!" "Buzz... Buzz!" One after another, nine deadly shockwaves spread out for kilometers, ttening and obliterating everything in their path. Humans and beasts alike nearby were reduced to ashes, leaving nothing but scorched earth. As the dust settled, Aengus hovered in the air, unharmed, while the nine mythical creatures looked grim. The Earth Turtle and Ancient Mammoth bore the worst injuries, chaotic energy churning within them, bringing them close to death. The others were in dire condition as well¡ªburns, gaseous wounds, and severed limbs marked their once-proud forms. It was the most miserable state they had ever been in. The Kirin, using its mystical abilities, attempted to restore itspanions'' health, but Aengus did not allow it. He mmed down, crushing the Kirin''s head, shattering its antlers. The other creatures'' eyes widened, their faces pale with horror as they watched the Kirin get devoured by Aengus, further boosting his strength. [You have obtained a new active skill: Sacred Kirin''s Healing (S)] [Sacred Kirin''s Healing: This skill can be used to restore individuals on the brink of death to full health.] [You have obtained a new skill: Sacred Kirin''s Blessing (S)] [Sacred Kirin''s Blessing: This skill can boost allies'' strength fivefold across arge area for 30 minutes.] [You have obtained a new active skill: Symbol of Good Fortune (S); This skill allows the user to increase their luck tenfold for 15 minutes once per day, applicable to both allies and the user.] [Strength +130, Agility +134, Defense +133] [Origin Mana +5000] As Aengus reaped his rewards, the other creatures were in despair. They knew this could happen and had prepared to die, but it was still agonizing to ept. "Beast Lord, we need your presence!" one of them roared in desperation. Just when Aengus was about to swallow the Earth Turtle and Ancient Mammoth, a massive earthquake shook the continent as if something being awakened after ages. Aengus narrowed his eyes, sensing a formidable presence making itself known¡ªa new challenger. But Aengus remained focused on the urgent task at hand. "Whoosh!" He swiftly devoured the Earth Turtle and Ancient Mammoth whole, feeling his strength surge and gaining powerful S-Rank defensive skills in the process. The remaining six creatures watched helplessly, their bodies already weakened and infused with low amount of Chaos particles, leaving them vulnerable and filled with dread. "HOW DARE YOU!" A thunderous roar echoed through the skies, triggering even more violent earthquakes. The mythical creatures'' eyes filled with renewed hope as they turned toward the centre of the forest and the towering mountain range there. Aengus followed their gaze and saw something astonishing: the mountain range, already several kilometers high, began to rise further, nearly doubling in size. The entire range shifted and pulsed with a life of its own, as if awakening from an ancient slumber. The true battle was just beginning. Chapter 210: Chapter 210: God-beast Basilisk [ Appraisal ] [ God-beast Basilisk ] [ Level: 151 ] [ Rank: SS ] [ Abilities: 1. Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes 2. World Corrosive Venom. 3. Reflective Scales 4. Dimension Slip 5. Blessing Of Beast God 6. Apocalypse Awakening. ____ Aengus examined the colossal creature thoroughly, determined to secure the victory he desperately needed. He didn''t care about its SS Rank; his only focus was to kill and save Aria. The creature, taking the form of a mountain range, was none other than the legendary God-beast Basilisk. Towering over three times his Dragon form and piercing through the clouds, it possessed a massive, snake-like head with ancient, abominable eyes and a crown-like crest atop its head. Its lizard-like body was covered in shimmering scales, rising and falling like slopes across its mountainous form. Aengus avoided looking directly into the Basilisk''s eyes, recalling the legend: anyone who meets its gaze is instantly turned to stone. He decided to rely on his other extraordinary senses for the battle. "WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING?" "What?" Bam! Aengus was suddenly caught off guard as the Basilisk appeared nearby, crossing hundreds of kilometers in an instant. He was mmed into the ground like a ragdoll, and even in his dragon form, he couldn''t resist the blow. Boom! Where Aengusnded, a deep volcanic crater formed from the impact. Hey among the debris, feeling a wave of dizziness. When he nced down at the gaseous wounds on his tough dragon body, his eyes widened in surprise. The raw strength of the Basilisk was terrifying. He couldn''t match it head-on, not even for a single blow. Its venom was also beginning to corrupt his body from within. Aengus instantly activated all his healing skills¡ªPhoenix Resurgence, Healing Power of Light, Kirin''s Healing¡ªrecovering from the serious injuries within seconds. The God-beast Basilisk narrowed its serpentine eyes at his swift recovery and shed down once more with its massive ws. Aengus reacted quickly, using Earth Turtle Shell''s defensive skill just in time. Crack, crack! To Aengus''s shock, the shell shattered instantly, and the Basilisk''s ws raked across his dragon body, leaving a deep five-w wound. Though he couldn''t see the Basilisk''s face clearly, he could feel its sense of superiority, relentlessly beating him down. Aengus quickly formed a n to defeat it. He realized this must be the Beast Lord they had mentioned¡ªthe source of Aria''s suffering. This creature had to be eliminated to save her. He knew he wasn''t a match for it now, but that didn''t mean he''d remain so forever. "You''ll regret this¡­" Aengus muttered in terrifying calm voice as he recovered his health once again. Aengus had already obtained one of the Basilisk''s scales, analyzing it to prepare for Basilisk transformation using Primordial Beast King. But he knew that while this would grant him the Basilisk''s abilities, it wouldn''t grant him the creature''s raw power. His original n didn''t involve transforming into a Basilisk; instead, he stuck to his original intent: Devour. Devour it all. The Basilisk was puzzled by his audacity. Even on the brink of death, Aengus had the nerve to talk big. "Human, I have never regretted anything," it said coldly. "As for the prophecy given to me by the Beast God, I will prove it wrong. There will be no you, and no destruction of our home." With that, its aura grew even more venomous. In the next moment, the Basilisk opened its massive maw, ready to release its World Corrosive Venom to finish Aengus offpletely. But Aengus, anticipating the attack, used Space Warp to escape its range just in time. A momentter, the Basilisk released the venom, only to find that the dragon had already vanished, stoking its fury. The corrosive venom began melting everything in its path¡ªsoil, rocks, even microorganisms in the air disintegrated, leaving nothing but grazed, lifeless ground in its wake. The remaining mythical creatures quickly dragged themselves away from the corrosive venom spreading like wildfire. The Basilisk, now enraged, used its Dimension Slip ability to chase Aengus in a cat-and-mouse game. Aengus forced himself to stay calm and wisely used Space Laws to blend into the spatial fabric, bing invisible and confusing the Basilisk. Although it possessed Dimension Slip, itcked the keen perception of space and dimensions that Aengus had, making it impossible for the Basilisk to track his position. Taking advantage of this moment, Aengus caught his breath and silently guided himself through the spatialyers, moving away from the Beast Lord to buy himself some time. He traveled hundreds of kilometers in the direction from which the Basilisk hade. Revealing himself once more in his dragon form, he began devouring everything he could find. Only a few secondster, the Basilisk sensed his presence. Enraged, it used Dimension Slip to rush toward him, intending to stop him before he could consume the entire forest. "I will skin you alive, human!" The Basilisk''s roar echoed as it appeared in front of Aengus. Aengus responded byunching an attack filled with Chaos Energy to counter the Basilisk''s instant Petrifying Curse and World Corrosive Venom. Seeing his opponent grow stronger with every resource consumed, the Basilisk seethed with fury. It realized that if it allowed Aengus to devour any more resources, defeating him would be increasingly difficult, and it might even be the prey instead. It was a terrifying possibility that couldn''t be ignored. The God-beast Basilisk paused momentarily, activating yet another powerful ability. The sky darkened as red clouds gathered, echoing with the thunderous roar of impending strikes. "Dong!" From the heavens, a pir of red light descended, bathing the Basilisk in its intense glow. Its strength surged, and its aura grew so oppressive that it seemed as if it could shatter the very boundaries of space. Realizing the danger, Aengus tried to escape, but the Basilisk''s firm grip closed around one of his wings before he could flee. With brutal force, the Basilisk tore his Dragon wings as if it were paper. Yet, Aengus showed no reaction, refusing to look directly into the Basilisk''s petrifying eyes. Struggling, he managed to break free from its grasp. Aengus crashed to the ground, losing his bnce with one wing torn away. Chapter 211: Chapter 211: Obtaining A God Weapon Aengus quickly activated Symbol of Good Fortune, increasing his luck tenfold. He hoped this boost would grant him a better chance at survival. With his wing now fully recovered, he vanished into space using Space Law. The Basilisk, its eyes zing with berserk fury, missed him by just a moment. It scanned the vast forest, trying to detect his presence through scent, but failed this time. Aengus, cautious and intent on remaining hidden, cloaked himself with Invisible Cloak (Darkness trait) using Chaos Energy. He reappeared at the furthest possible distance from the Basilisk, hundreds of kilometers away, moving silently. There, hovering invisibly in the sky, Aengus spotted hordes of A and B-Rank beasts gathered in their thousands¡ªlikely evacuated to this area for safety. He grinned and focused deeply, first attempting to replicate the Barrier of Ruination to swallow them silently. However, theplexity of that barrier proved to be more challenging than anything he''d faced before. Instead, he sessfully created a simpler istion barrier, covering a 5-kilometer radius. --- [ New Skill Acquired: Chaos Istion Barrier (A) ] Chaos Istion Barrier: Using Chaos Energy as a source, this barrier istes a 5-kilometer radius, making it appear like an illusion to the outside. Once activated, itsts for 10 minutes and can be used repeatedly. Mana Consumption: 500. Aengus revealed a predatory smile as his massive dragon form suddenly became visible within the istion barrier, showing no signs of worry. "Howl!" The beasts below were terrified, frozen in fear as they gazed up at the fearsome, predatory dragon towering over them. Panic erupted as they tried desperately to flee, only to find themselves trapped in what felt like an endless illusion with no escape. Aengus wasted no time, knowing that each second was critical. "Buzz..." He activated Omni-Devour once more, consuming the beasts at an astonishing rate, swallowing dozens per second. His stats began to skyrocket, and he selectively absorbed powerful skills from the creatures he devoured. [ You have acquired a new skill: Lightning Roc''s Skybreaker Dive (A) ¨C Drops from above with a lightning-charged impact, creating a shockwave. [You have acquired a new skill: Tempest Tiger''s Lightning Veil (B) ¨C Cloaks the user in electricity, shocking enemies upon contact. [ You have acquired a new skill: Golden Wyvern''s Scales (A) ¨C Temporarily coats the user in gold armor, reflecting a portion of iing damage. [ Strength +8, Agility +7, Defense +9 ] [ Origin Mana +300 ] [ Strength... ] ... Just as the first barrier was about to disappear, Aengus finished devouring all the beasts within the 5 km radius. His stats had risen to terrifying levels: [ Strength: 9,300 ] [ Agility: 9,400 ] [ Defense: 9,540 ] [ Origin Mana: 140,000/150,000 ] He felt the immense power coursing through his veins and muscles, ready to be unleashed. Although his strength had nearly doubled, he knew it still wasn''t enough to defeat the Basilisk. Without dy, he silently slipped through space and targeted another massive horde of thousands. Using Shadow Monarch''s Dominion, hemanded the beasts to remain silent as he cast the barrier once again. Once more, the devouring continued. He could hear the faint, frustrated roars of the Basilisk, but he ignored thempletely, focusing solely on gaining more strength. Once his stats crossed the 12,000 threshold, he felt almost invincible. Every cell in his body pulsed with vibrant power, his muscles condensed and fortified. Confidence surged as he realized he was nearing the Basilisk''s power level. Just as he was about to begin another devouring session, something unexpected happened. "Shua, shua, shua..." He heard the rustling of winds and the sound of something slicing through the air at incredible speed. "Crack, shatter!" In an instant, the Istion Barrier shattered, leaving himpletely exposed. Not only that, but an ancient, metal rod-like weapon was continuing its path toward Aengus, aimed to smash him. It was nearly 1,000 meters long and incredibly thick. Aengus realized the impact of the iing weapon would be devastating, so he quickly moved away at high speed to dodge it, only to find that it was following him relentlessly, as if glued to his trail. "Roar!" In the distance, he spotted the Basilisk advancing as well. Deciding to deal with the weapon first, Aengus used Appraisal and discovered it was a God-Weapon¡ªimmensely powerful and nearly indestructible. [ Appraisal ] [ Beast God''s Scepter ] [ Description: A God Weapon crafted by the Beast God ] [ Rank: SSS (God) ] [ Abilities: 1. Shape shifter 2. Absolute Command Throw 3. Arcane Annihtion Throw 4. Divine Boost. The idea of a head-on sh was dismissed immediately. [ Primordial Beast King ] "Rumble!" He transformed into a form identical to the Basilisk, hoping this would stop the weapon''s relentless pursuit. Now, at a simr size to the Beast Lord, he towered into the clouds, darkening the sky. The beasts below appeared like ants, insignificant beneath his immense presence. To his surprise, the God-Weapon really ceased its relentless pursuit after his transformation. "What in the heavens...?" The God-beast Basilisk, along with the other Mythical Creatures, stared in shock at Aengus, whose transformation now mirrored the Beast Lord perfectly. "Human, what did you do?" The Beast Lord Basilisk demanded, approaching him. Aengus smirked. "What else? I copied you and your abilities." Though he had only replicated the Basilisk''s innate abilities and not the full power of the Beast God''s Blessing, his transformation seemed enough to create confusion. "Copy a God-beast? Is that even possible?" The Basilisk''s incredulous voice resonated through the battlefield. "Come back!" The Beast Lord shouted, summoning the God-Weapon with urgency, sensing a deepening threat. As the weapon hesitated to return to his grip, he moved to retrieve it, but he was toote. "Come here!" Aengusmanded, snatching the weapon in his Basilisk form. The moment he held the weapon, an immense surge of energy flooded through him, amplifying his power several times over. He gripped the weapon with both massive hands and struck it against the ground with full force. "BOOOOM!" "RUMBLE!!" A massive volcanic eruption erupted from the impact, sending shockwaves that tore through the ground, followed by a powerful earthquake that resonated across Solis. The explosion spanned kilometers, hurling the Beast Lord Basilisk far into the distance and scorching the Mythical Creatures beyond recognition as they were flung away by the st. Chapter 212: Chapter 212: God-Slayer Aegis The Beast Lord had made only one grave mistake: throwing his gifted God-Weapon in an attempt to find Aengus. That decision had failed spectacrly, and now he would pay a painful price. In his Basilisk form, wielding the God-Grade weapon, Aengus felt almost invincible as divine essence flowed through him, boosting his stats many times over and providing an endless reservoir of mana. The Beast Lord''s towering bodyy on the ground, his eyes hollow with disbelief at the absurdity of the situation. The God-Weapon, which was supposed to obey only him, was now, ironically, in the hands of his fated enemy. He quickly stood up, only to see his own towering carbon copy grinning sinisterly above him. "Bang!" Before he could blink, Aengus smashed the Beast God''s Scepter down on his head, drawing blood. Stars clouded his vision as blood flowed from his nose and mouth. "Bang, bang, bang, bang!" He had no time to breathe as more ruthless blowsnded on his body, shattering each bone slowly. "I told you, you''d regret this!" Aengus mocked, his relentless assault continuing with full force. "Roar!" "Abominable human!" The Beast Lord released an enraged roar and activated the Beast God''s Blessing as ast resort. "Dong!" Once again, a red pir of light descended from the sky, granting him a boost in power and health. But Aengus was one step ahead. "You think I''d let you do that again?" Aengus sneered, dragging the Beast Lord and interrupting his power boost. As the Beast Lordy on the ground, his heart sank as he looked at the reddish sky with faint stars above, while Aengus looked down at him, fearlessly continuing his assault. The Beast Lord''s anger grew over time, and hisst-ditch, life-saving ability was slowly activating. Aengus knew he still couldn''t underestimate the Beast Lord, who possessed his ultimate life-saving ability: Apocalypse Awakening, which would activate when he was near death. "Roar!" With a thunderous roar, the Beast Lord rose, his health mystically recovering. Heunched an attack on Aengus with ferocity, his eyes blood-red. But, to the Beast Lord''s bafflement, Aengus had already retreated far away, taking the weapon with him. The Beast Lord looked into the distance, seeing Aengus moving swiftly and devouring everything in his path, adding to his frustration. With little time before his power boost wore off, the Beast Lord chased Aengus like a desperate creature. Aengus looked back and smirked, knowing victory was already in his grasp. He increased his speed, devouring the forest as he went, further boosting his strength. Thus, theirical chase began, leaving the Darkwood Forest in ruins. Humans who were far away looked on with incredulity. "Oh my God, where did these twoe from? Either of them could tten our kingdom with ease!" Their voices were full of awe and caution as they retreated further from the forest, intending to continue their escape before the devouring creature swallowed the forest whole. The Darkwood Forest, once a sanctuary for beasts and monsters and a prime hunting ground for humans, was now slowly disappearing from the face of the earth. 5%, 7%, 12%, 20%, 30%... Over a third of the forest was gone, and Aengus''s aura spread outward, overwhelming the forest and extending into the nearby two kingdoms. Some Transcendentals grew alert, feeling the overpowering aura suppressing their own, much like an elephant might suppress an ant. The Beast Lord''s power boost faded, and he looked up at the darkened sky, as though all hope was lost. "To think, I still couldn''t prevent the destruction of my homnd. His Eminence, the Beast God, was right... I should have listened to his words and left this forest when I had the chance," the Beast Lord sighed in defeat. Aengus wasted no more time. He killed the Beast Lord with a single p, his power now far greater than the Beast Lord''s. He was capable of defeating SS Ranks with his raw physical strength alone. Opening his mouth, Aengus then quickly devoured the massive body of the God-Beast Basilisk. [ Strength +1000, Agility +1000, Defense +1100 ] [ Origin Mana +10,000 ] [ You have acquired new skills: Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS), Dimension Slip (S), Reflective Scales (SS), World Corrosive Venom (SS), Apocalypse Awakening (SS) ] By this point, his stats had crossed 19,000, and he had gained four SS-Ranked skills, marking him as an official SS-Ranked powerhouse. For most, reaching this level would be an unattainable dream, but for Aengus, it was simply a matter of resources and effort. As he was about to leave to check on Aria, his gaze fell on the God-Weapon with a thoughtful expression. He wasn''t sure if it would remain with him once he returned to his human form. Unable to let go of such a powerful weapon, he considered synthesizing it with his Judgment de, Aegis. Taking out the tiny de in his massive paw, Aengus began the synthesis process, erasing the Beast God''s ownership mark from the scepter using Universal Synthesis. "Hehehe.. Thank you, master. I will serve you with all my might," Aegis dered. Aegis sounded like a child thrilled at the chance to gain more power to help his master. "I expect nothing less from you," Aengus responded, focusing on merging the God-Weapon into Aegis and granting it full control of the final product. After a while the Synthesization waspleted sesful. ---- [ Appraisal ] [ God-yer Aegis ] [ Grade: SSS ] [ Base Attack Power: 10,000 ] [ Durability: 12,000 ] Special Abilities:> 1. Divine Retribution 2. Holy Purge 3. Judgment Strike: 4. Shape shifter; Able to change any size or form, including its weight and power. 5. Absolute Command Throw; Can hunt down anyone, wherever they hidden might be. 6. Arcane Annihtion Throw; Single Anhtion Energy attack. 7. Divine Boost; Increases user''s Base stats upto 5 times, even in their transformed form. ---- With that done, Aengus quickly returned to his High Human form. He looked at the God-yer de and stored it in his personal spatial inventory, created using Space Law, allowing him ess to it anytime from anywhere. His current space bracelet wasn''t capable of holding a God-Weapon inside, as even its suppressed aura would have been enough to shatter the spatial storage function. Aengus took onest nce, finding the surviving mythical creatures nowhere in sight. They have long fled, taking the chance, or perhaps they were turned to ashes. He shook his head and stepped through the portal. Chapter 213: Chapter 213: Family History Aengus appeared in Aria''s room, and saw herpletely fine. He sighed in relief as he approached Aria from behind as she gazed at the moon through the window. Sensing his presence, Aria turned around, a huge smile spreading across her face. Hugging her lightly, Aengus asked, "Were you worried?" Aria answered meekly, "Yes, a little. Did you win? And at what cost?" "Yes, of course. But it cost one-third of the forest," Aengus answered slowly. Aria''s eyes were kind. "Are you feeling guilty, Aengus?" Aengus pulled back and shook his head. "No, because I know these sacrifices were necessary for the greater good and for the peace of this world." "Yes, Ethan. You''ve done only what was necessary. There''s no need to think of right or wrong," Aria said, her warm hand reassuring him. Aengus nodded, but his expression grew serious. "Aria, I''ve recovered all my memories¡­" he paused. Aria smiled at the news. "That''s good, Ethan. But¡­ why do you look worried?" Aengus looked straight into her eyes. "Aria, I might disappear from this world at any moment, and I still don''t know how to bring you with me. You might need to wait here until I cane back for you." Aria''s face drained of color. "Is there no other way? And¡­ do you know how long I might have to wait?" "No, I don''t know yet," Aengus replied, leaning against the window wall. "But don''t worry about the time. I''ll return as soon as possible. Nevertheless, I won''t leave until Iplete my goal and try my hardest to find way out for you all." Aria wasn''tpletely reassured, but she forced a smile for his sake, knowing he had just endured a difficult battle. He rarely took any time to rest, so she refrained from asking for anything more. "I know you can do it, Ethan. Why don''t you take a break? You must be exhausted from all that fighting. I can only imagine how tough it must have been. Why not tell me the story of your battle while you rx?" she suggested with a gentle smile. Aengus nodded. "Ah, yes, but don''t you want to visit your father''s house?" "No, not today. It''s already dark. Let''s go tomorrow," Aria replied, settling on one side of the bed and leaving the other side open for him. "Okay," Aengus agreed, quickly changing intofortable sleepwear to rest and recover from his mental fatigue. He was careful not to release his suppressed aura carelessly; otherwise, it could have already harmed Aria. Hey down, resting his head on the pillow, and recounted the events in a calm tone, as if everything had been easy. He knew that if Aria understood the extent of his suffering, she would feel guilty. But Aengus brushed off the pain¡ªbecause the gains were worth it. He was now a Transcendental, and only a few could now stand against him. Aria sensed he was downying the risks involved in attaining Transcendental Rank, but she didn''t press him further. Instead, she silently clenched her fist in frustration, yet she was also happy about his promotion to the Transcendental Rank. --- The next day, they had nned to visit Aria''s father and rtives, but that changed with unexpected news. The guards at the General''s residence informed them that the Araknis Kingdom was now engaged in a civil war against Emperor Kairos. This developmentpletely altered their ns. "What should we do?" Aria asked Aengus as they walked out of the General''s residence. Aengus thought for a moment before responding, "Let''s head to the battlefield. It''s time to repay what General Leon has done for us." "And what exactly are you nning to do?" Aria asked, wanting to know his intentions. "To make you an Empress," Aengus replied slyly. "What! Me? An Empress?" Aria was stunned, finding it both exciting and unrealistic. "You n to overthrow Emperor Kairos with just yourself? I heard he has multiple Transcendentals on his side, including himself," she added seriously. "Not alone, of course. We''ll need General Leon''s help, as well as others. I just need to prove that I''m strong enough to rally the necessary allies¡ªand those who don''t agree will be removed from this world," he said, his tone almost indifferent. Aria observed his confident demeanor, which eased her nerves. She was determined to contribute to this endeavor¡ªa new order was essential to restore peace and prosperity. Aengus quickly summoned a wyvern from his legions, ordering it to fly them both to the battlefield. As they traveled, Aria''s curiosity grew about his origins in the Primal Realm. "Ethan, if you remember all your memories, could you tell me your father''s and mother''s names? It''s just curiosity, but I''d love to know more about your family," she asked. Aengus''s face twitched, recalling old, painful memories. But he answered calmly, "Our family name is Degaro. Everyone born into it carries the Law of Darkness¡ªeveryone except me. They have countless descendants due to their long lifespans, and I was one of the main family descendants without the Darkness Law. That''s why I was despised and chastised by everyone, including my grandfather and father." "My father is Augustus Degaro, a very proud and self-centered man. He deemed me useless after discovering I had no talent, despite being his first child out of three. He gave all of his love to my younger brother and sister. I can''tpletely me him, knowing the truth of the world, but that doesn''t mean I''m not upset. Only my mother, Eleanora, was always on my side. She''s a kind and warmdy who shielded me from storms, treating all her children equally." Aria listened intently, feeling a pang of sympathy in her heart. She couldn''t imagine the weight of such istion and rejection. "Well, at least you have a younger brother and sister. They do treat you kindly, right?" Aengus nodded, the bitterness in his eyes softening slightly. "My rtionship with them is pretty normal. Even if they sometimes act offensively, I forgive them, because they''re still young and easily influenced by others." Chapter 214: Chapter 214: Plan Changed Just as they finished chatting, they reached the camp of the Araknis Kingdom''s troops, where millions of soldiers were stationed. "Whoosh..." Aengusmanded the Wyvern tond, but suddenly, a volley of deadly arrows was fired at them from the troops below. The arrows didn''te close to reaching the Wyvern, stopped mid-air by an invisible force controlled by Aengus. Theynded without issue, drawing the attention of the surrounding troops. "Hey, who are you? What business do you have here?" a burly-looking man asked, smoke curling from the cigar in his hand. As soon as Aengus and Aria dismounted, several weapons were aimed at them. Aengus wasn''t offended by the guards'' caution, understanding it was their duty. He replied calmly, "We''re here to join the war, soldiers. Be at ease, we know General Leon. Can you show me the way to him, Captain Bill?" He addressed the Burly man, acting natural. The burly man looked slightly stunned. "You know me?" he asked, pausing his smoking. "Well, yes. But that''s not important, Captain. Do you know where General Leon is? Can you take us to him?" Aengus pressed on. He had already scanned the area with his All-Seeing Eyes but still couldn''t locate certain individuals protected by high-level security measures. And he didn''t want to take the risk of prying either. "Oh, you want to join our army? Haha... wee, wee!" Captain Bill smiled broadly, weing the duo with open arms. "Let me guide you there, but I can''t guarantee they''ll meet with you,rades. Don''t be disappointed if they don''t," he said, thinking they wanted to meet General Leon like many other admirers. Aengus and Aria didn''t argue. They silently followed Captain Bill''s bulky frame, observing the vast military camps spread out around them. "Captain Bill, what are your chances of winning against the Imperial forces?" Aengus asked, maintaining hisposure. Captain Billughed confidently. "Of course we''ll win. We have our three Guardians with us,rades. There''s no need to worry¡ªvictory will be ours." Though Captain Bill said this for assurance, Aengus could detect a mix of helplessness and uncertainty beneath his bravado. "Ehh! Aria, Ethan, you''re here to join the war as well?" Their pace was suddenly interrupted by a female warrior in shining white armor, looking valiant and full of energy. "Hehe, Princess Delh, you seem quite energetic yourself," Ariamented with a smile. "Your Highness!" Captain Bill, slightly stunned, bowed respectfully. It was indeed Princess Delh, apanied by a few of her guards. She acknowledged Capital Bill with a nod, and smiled at Aria. "Haha, don''t tease me now, Aria. My father didn''t want me joining the war, but I was insistent. So, he gave me his best armor. It''s an S+ Rank¡ªreally expensive," Delh added with a grin. "By the way, when did you two get back? I went looking for you, but the General told me you were on a special mission. Did youplete it sessfully? Ethan, why are you so quiet?" she asked, turning to Aengus. Aengus furrowed his brows at the sudden closeness with the Royal Princess. Either way, he didn''t enjoy engaging in long conversations and preferred to keep things short and precise. "Yes, wepleted it. Now we would like to meet with General Leon. Is he nearby?" he inquired. Princess Delh didn''t mind his bluntness, but her guards clearly looked displeased. They were about to speak up when she raised her hand, signaling them to hold back. Aria stepped in, "Don''t mind him, Delh. He just doesn''t like talking much." "Hahaha, I figured that out the first time we met. I''m fine... just a princess of a sinking kingdom, after all," Princess Delh replied with a bitter smile. "Oh, is the situation that dire? Don''t worry, Delh. Aengus and I will help you achieve victory and teach that foolish Emperor a lesson," Aria said with growing determination. Princess Delhughed again, though with a hint of doubt. "Thank you, Aria." She didn''t fully believe it at all. How could two B-Ranks make a difference among giants? She was unaware that they had now reached A and SS Ranks, respectively. "Follow me, Aria, Ethan. I''ll take you to find General Leon. Captain Bill, you may go now." "Thank you, Princess!" Captain Bill gave onest nce at Aria and Aengus, surprised by their familiarity with Princess Delh. He hadn''t expected the pair to converse with Princess Delh with so much familiarity. Princess Delh led the way with Aria by her side, while Aengus trailed behind, keeping a vignt eye on their surroundings. "Delh, have you seen Drake and Yona around here?" Aria asked with a hint of worry. "Oh, yes! I saw your brother and attendant with the troops earlier. They seemed just fine," Delh reassured her. Aria sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. I wouldn''t know how to face my uncle if anything happened to him. But I also don''t want to hold him back from growing." Delh gave her a sympathetic look. "That''s something we all have to face, Aria. My brother..." As the two shared a moment of understanding, Aengus tuned out their conversation, focusing instead on assessing the camp. His sharp eyes scanned the area, calcting the sheer scale of the forces around them. The camp was massive, with over ten millions troops, spanning ranks from D to S¡ªa truly terrifying scale. His own Legion was still capped at around 25,000, far smaller inparison. Quietly, he decided that after the war, he''d retrieve the Ancient Dwarves, return to Darkwood Forest and increase his forces by turning the remaining beasts into part of his Legion¡ªif only they still stay there. As they reached a big special Tent, they saw General Leon, General Felix, and General Martining out of it. They were following someone important at the front. It was the King and Two Royal Princes, including the Crown Prince. Prince Mikail wasn''t one of them. Upon spotting them Princess Delh quicklyposed her like a valiant warrior. "Look Aria, Ethan, The Generalsing out and my Royal father and brothers as well." Delh informed. Aria and Aengus gazed at them calmly. General Leon quickly raised his eyebrows in surprise as he noticed Their presence. Chapter 215: Chapter 215: Joining the Army General Leon''s eyes squinted, unable to gauge Ethan''s level anymore, as did General Felix. This could mean only one thing: either Ethan had reached their level or had acquired a mystical skill to conceal it. "A blessed morning to you, Royal father, and to the Royal brothers," Delh greeted with a graceful curtsey, while Aria and Aengus gave a slight bow, acknowledging their presence. General Leon and Aengus exchanged nces, engaging in a silent conversation. The king, Milphomor Araknis¡ªa shrewd old man, dressed in Royal attire, a crown over his head and a magical staff on his hand¡ªquickly noticed their interaction and grew curious about their rtionship. "What are you doing, Delh?" Crown Prince Malcolm spoke to his sister. "Who allowed you toe here? This is a real battlefield where you could die at any moment," he reminded her in a stern but gentle tone. "No one told me toe, Royal Brother. I came of my own volition to contribute to defending our kingdom. I don''t need anyone''s permission for that," Delh retorted. "Let her be, Malcolm. She has my permission," the King interjected, stopping his son from pressing the matter further. "But why, Father? She could be killed," Crown Prince Malcolm asked, struggling to understand his father''s reasoning. The King''s expression remained steady. "Why not? Let her be herself¡­ Forget it. This king is more interested in these two young fellows." The King''s wise gaze shifted to Aria and Aengus, especially to Aengus, whose presence was almost mystical, as if he was there yet not fully present. It felt as if he was suppressing mountains of strength within him. "Leon, who might these two young people be?" the King inquired. General Leon responded calmly, "Your Majesty, do you remember I mentioned meeting a talented young man in Arcadia City? This is him¡ªhis name is Ethan. And this is Aria, from the Silvermoon assassin family, for whom I had requested special medicine." The King nodded in understanding. "Ah, yes¡­ now that you mention it, I do recall your request. But I must have forgotten with everything else going on. Did they receive the medicine?" "We are fine now, Your Highness. Thank you for your help," Aria replied politely, masking her slight displeasure with a gracefulposure. Aengus wasn''t as polite as Aria, feeling this conversation was a waste of time. "General Leon, we''d like to repay the favor you showed us by joining this war," he stated bluntly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Though he had ns to eventually seize the Emperor''s throne, he knew he needed time to disy his strength and capabilities¡ªand he would achieve that in the uing battles. General Leon wasn''t the least bit offended. Instead, he weed Aengus''s confidence. "Haha, you look much more confident now, Ethan. Your mission must have been sessful, I assume. Tell me your current rank so we can ce you in an appropriatemand." Leaning over, he whispered to the King, advising him not to mind Aengus''s attitude and exining that Aengus came from a different ce and was not obligated to contribute, but was helping out of a sense of responsibility. The King nodded and awaited Aengus''s response. Aengus nced at Aria, deciding to state a rank lower, as revealing too much didn''t seem wise. "I am now an S-Rank, and Aria is A-Rank, General. We''d prefer not to be separated, thank you," Aengus replied swiftly, not concerned about their secretive whispers. "Ah?" General Leon and General Felix raised their eyebrows in surprise, clearly impressed by Aengus and Aria''s ranks despite their youth. The others also seemed impressed, admiring their evident talent. Leon and Felix exchanged nces, filled with incredulity. The King noticed their astonishment, making him curious as to what could make his two mighty generals lose theirposure. Was it their first time seeing such talent? Clearly not. So, what was it? "What''s with the surprise, Leon, Felix? Haha, why don''t you share with your King as well?" the King asked with a lighthearted tone. Princess Delh, already aware of what such a sudden rise in rank meant, stared wide-eyed. Their rapid growth in strength was nothing short of astonishing. Faithful to the throne, General Leon leaned closer and shared Aengus''s impressive growth and potential. Listening to Leon''s words, King Araknis felt as though he were hearing a fairy tale. In all his long years of rule, he had never seen or heard anyone rise in rank so quickly. Earlier, the King had thought Aengus was simply talented, like a few other exceptional individuals. But this¡­ this was monstrous, a level of talent that shatteredmon sense. General Martin, a man with amanding presence and darkplexion, observed the exchange with suspicion. "Felix, what are you all whispering about?" he inquired. General Felix chuckled lightly and shared the revtion with him, leaving the Crown Prince and two others still in the dark. As the "secret" made circted, everyone now looked at Aengus and Aria with expressions of disbelief and awe. Remaining calm, Aengus held Aria''s hand firmly in a gesture of reassurance. He had already evaluated everyone, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of those present, including even the three formidable Transcendentals. The King seemed pleased for some reason. "So, we have another rising Transcendental joining our army. I personally thank you, young man. And you as well, youngdy," he said, expressing his gratitude to Aria too. "Please look after my daughter, Delh, both of you. We''ll reward you handsomely," he added, making it clear that, despite giving her the freedom to fight, he was still worried for Delh as she was only a C-Rank. Aengus showed little interest in the reward, but Aria gave a respectful nod and smiled at Delh. Delh, feeling a hint of jealousy, didn''t say anything but looked at Aria with a mixture of admiration and envy. How had she grown so strong so quickly? And as for Aengus, he seemed almost mystical, as though he was bing more powerful with each moment. "Leon, assign this young man a capable squad to lead, while we meet with themanders and the Marshal," the King suggested. "As youmand, Your Majesty!" General Leon bowed slightly. With that, the King departed, followed by the princes and generals, who each gave Aengus and Aria a warm wee before leaving. Now, only Aria, Aengus, General Leon, and Delh were left standing. Chapter 216: Chapter 216: Military Ranks "Follow me, you three. I''ll have all of you settled with the rest of your friends," General Leon said, leading the way. Aengus and the two girls followed closely behind. Aria and Aengus moved with agility and speed, while Delh''s armor made a light nking sound as she moved. --- "Get him, Sable!" "You can do it, Drake!" "Drake doesn''t stand a chance! Sable has lightning skills; he''ll win for sure!" "So what? Our boy Drake has the Assassin''s Movement skill. They''re evenly matched!" Near one of the camps, a duel was underway between two young soldiers, with Drake as one of the participants. However, he was struggling in openbat against his opponent, who had the advantage with lightning skills that made him faster. Drake was more skilled in surprise attacks and speed, but in this case, his opponent had the upper hand. It was a friendly duel between two captains'' teams, offering a bit of entertainment during these challenging times. Despite the friendly nature of thepetition, Yona looked a little worried from the sidelines, cheering him on from time to time. The two captains locked eyes fiercely, almost as if engaged in a silent duel of wills. Dressed in two-star military uniforms, they stood tall and dutiful, each refusing to back down. Gradually, the victor emerged: the young man with lightning skills. His victory was hard-fought and narrow, but undeniable. Drake, slightly out of breath, epted his defeat calmly. The twopetitors bowed respectfully and rejoined their respective teams. "Haha... Now, Captain Dior, hand over those 200 silver coins!" The winning captain, a light-skinned man,ughed in triumph. Captain Dior grumbled, "Fine, here you go. But don''t think I''ll forget this bet." The victorious captain grinned broadly as he pocketed the coins. "Good on you, Captain Dior. We need more people like you around so I can keep winning these easy coins, haha!" "I''m sorry to let you down, Captain," Drake said, approaching with an apologetic expression. Captain Dior, a humble, middle-aged man, gave him a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry about it, Drake. Everyone loses sometimes; it''s all part of the game." Before they could continue their conversation, a suddenmotion erupted among the troops and knights nearby. Both men looked toward the source and were instantly taken aback¡ªGeneral Leon had arrived. "Hey, the Ice Guardian himself is here! Let''s go greet him!" "Wow, General Leon is as handsome as ever!" a few of the female soldiers whispered, eyes shining. "Look, Princess Delh is with him!" "Yeah, but who are those two with them?" someone asked. "Must be General Leon''s personal recruits. Let''s get closer." Hundreds of soldiers from both teams moved forward, gathering with excitement and murmurs. Yona''s eyes lit up when she spotted Aria and Aengus, who carried themselves with a powerful, confident aura. "Drake! Your sister and brother-inw are here," Yona eximed, nudging him. "Let''s go meet them. I''m sure they came to see us." Drake looked over, his spirits lifting at the sight of his sister and Ethan approaching. "G-General, good day. What brings you here so suddenly? If you had just called, we would have visited you personally," Captain Dior stammered, bowing respectfully alongside the other captain. "Call yourmander in charge, Captains. I have something important to discuss," General Leon replied, his tone calm but urgent. "Of course, General. Please wait here." The two captains hurried off, and murmurs started to ripple through the gathering soldiers. Meanwhile, Yona and Drake joined Aria and Aengus, their faces lighting up at the reunion. "Ethan, did you finish your mission?" Yona asked in a low, curious voice. Aengus gave a small nod, while Aria replied with a smile, though there was a hint of bitterness in her tone. "Yes, Yona, we finished it, and it''s all thanks to me." "Oh, did you get stronger, Sister Aria?" Drake asked, his eyes wide with excitement. Aria chuckled, touched by her cousin''s enthusiasm. "Yes, Drake. I''m now A-Rank, and you wouldn''t believe what Ethan has achieved." Yona and Drake''s curiosity piqued. "How powerful is he now?" Drake asked, and Yona leaned in eagerly. Aria smiled, careful not to reveal too much. "He''s now an S-Rank, much stronger than me. We''re here to join the war and help as much as we can." Her words left Yona and Drake speechless. They could barelyprehend the rapid rise in rank. "That''s amazing, Sister! But how did you two manage to grow so powerful so quickly?" Drake couldn''t resist asking, inspired to be stronger himself. Aria''s expression softened, and she chose her words carefully. "It involved an extremely risky, exhausting hunt, Drake. I''m afraid it''s not something you and Yona could try safely." "Ohh, is that so?" Yona and Drake exchanged nces, impressed and a bit of disappointed. "Don''t feel discouraged, Drake and Yona," Aria said gently. "I''m sure you two will grow strong one day, just like us. Just be patient." She felt a pang of sadness seeing their disappointed faces, but she couldn''t risk revealing Ethan''s secret. Aria decided she''d ask Aengus to help them grow stronger when they had some time alone. For now, encouragement was all she could offer. Their conversation halted as the two captains returned, apanied by another figure. General Leon and Aengus turned their attention to the neer¡ªa bearded, middle-aged man in a uniform bearing three stars. From his recent discussions with General Leom about military ranks, Aengus now understood the significance of the stars: 1 Star - Foot Soldiers/Marksmen 2 Stars - Squad Captains 3 Stars - Squadron Leaders/Commanders 4 Stars - The Marshal 5 Stars - Generals In this hierarchy, all knights and regr soldiers were bound to obey their superiors without question. Themander, a man of high stature withmand over hundreds of squad leaders, near fifty thousand soldiers¡ªarrived before them swiftly. He ced a hand over his chest and bowed at a respectful ny-degree angle before General Leon. General Leon acknowledged the gesture and signaled him to stand upright. "It''s good to see you here, General. How may I be of assistance?" themander asked, his tone respectful and attentive. Chapter 217: Chapter 217: Securing Future Ally "Commander Zain, I would like to introduce you to someone. This is Zero, an S-Ranker," General Leon introduced Aengus by his chosen alias. Though surprised, General Leon epted the request calmly¡ªafter all, the name didn''t change the person, and that was all that mattered. "Hello, Commamder! It''s nice to meet you!" Aengus said respectfully. "An S-Rank?" Commander Zain looked Aengus up and down, assessing his physique and confirming the General''s words as truth. "Such a fine, healthy young man¡ªand an S-Rank at such a young age. I''m impressed. What would you like me to do for him, General?" Commander Zain asked, clearly impressed. Being an S-Rank himself, he found it shocking that someone so young had achieved the rank so quickly. He had no doubt in General Leon''s im, nor in his own expert eyes. "What? That guy is already an S-Rank?" "That''s impossible! He''s so young!" "Yeah, it''s hard to believe. But if General Leon says it, it must be true." The soldiers, both young and old, murmured in shock at the news. "Silence!" The captains ordered firmly, restoring order. As the crowd quieted, General Leon spoke up, "Assign him as a Squad Leader, Commander Zain. There''s no need for formalities." Commander Zain hesitated, unsure. "Are you certain, General? With his power, he could easily take my position." He felt it almost disrespectful to ce someone of such strength in charge of a mere squad. Aengus spoke up with calm assurance, "It''s fine, Commander. You''ve earned your position through years of service. I wouldn''t feel right taking it from you so suddenly." General Leon nodded in agreement. "Yes, he''s young and needs time to grow intorger responsibilities. Let him begin at a more manageable level." Though Aengus was more experienced than they assumed, he chose not to correct their perception. He knew time would reveal his true capabilities. "Understood, General," Commander Zain replied seriously. "I''ll assign him to a capable squad." Pleased, General Leon turned to Aengus and Aria. "Very well, I''ll take my leave. Serve the kingdom with pride and treat it as your homnd. Ethan, Aria and the others are now under your care." He then addressed Princess Delh, "You have the choice to join them or serve under your brother''smand. There''s no shame in stepping back." Princess Delh met his gaze with determination. "Thank you, General. But, I''mmitted to this." General Leon nodded approvingly. "Good. You truly honor your royal status, Princess. My best wishes are with you." Aengus gave a small nod and went ahead to see General Leon off alongside Commander Zain. As they moved, General Leon nced Aengus beside him, still couldn''t figure out his true motives or aspirations. "So, what are your goals if we win this war, Ethan?" General Leon asked gently. Aengus, testing the waters, replied, "Say General, If I told you I want to restore peace and absolute order to this world, would you support me?" Both Commander Zain and General Leon raised their eyebrows. Surprised by the audacity of the boy''s courage. "That''s a mighty big dream, boy," Commander Zain said, sounding doubtful. But Aengus focused on General Leon''s reaction. At first, Leon seemed taken aback, but soon a smile crossed his face. He extended his hand, gripping Aengus''s firmly. "If you can defeat me, you''ll have my support," General Leon challenged, inviting him to a contest of raw physical strength. It was unclear if he wanted to test Aengus''s resolve or perhaps secretly hoped to witness a miracle. Aengus smiled back. "Don''t go back on your word, General." With that, Aengus epted the challenge, his muscles swelling as he readied himself. Though he was unsure just how powerful a Transcendental truly was, he maintained tight control over his strength to avoid unintentionally hurting Leon. Commander Zain watched, almost certain of General Leon''s victory. The gap in strength between S-Rank and SS-Rank was vast, after all. But he couldn''t help but admire the young man''s courage to take on such a powerful figure. As the contest began, both men appeared calm, their grips firm but not overly strained. However, as time passed, it became clear that the struggle was taking a toll on General Leon, while Aengus remainedpletelyposed. Commander Zain''s initial surprise turned to outright disbelief. His eyes widened as he watched the subtle signs of strain on General Leon''s face: his hand reddening, veins bulging under the strain, and a barely noticeable twitch in his expression. Aengus, noticing Leon''s difort, slowly tightened his grip, his expression remaining serene. General Leon''s ears flushed with embarrassment as he fought against the seemingly immovable force of Aengus''s grip. Realizing the young S-Rank possessed strength far beyond anything he had anticipated, General Leon''s confidence faltered. He hadn''t expected an S-Rank to possess such monstrous strength ¡ª strength that could easily rival, if not surpass, that of a Transcendental. Finally, unable to maintain his pride any longer, General Leon exhaled, pulling back his hand in a subtle retreat. He quickly concealed his red hand and looked at Aengus with an expression that was a mix of admiration and iprehension. "Amazing," Commander Zain muttered to himself, his voice mixed with awe and respect. "I can''t believe you''ve be so strong, Ethan!" General Leon eximed, his face lighting up with smile. "And, I''ll keep my promise. When you''re ready, I''ll support your goal. But the Araknis Kingdom must remain intact, even if you establish a new rule. That''s my only condition. I, too, wish for changes in this world. It has be a ce of bloodshed, sorrow, and where peace is now a luxury. I hope you can aplish what I failed to achieve." General Leon said with a smile as he patted Aengus''s shoulder. Aengus returned the smile, pleased by his support. "You won''t have to wait long, General. And I promise, your Kingdom will remain as it is." "Then, I''ll be waiting eagerly to see you shine in tomorrow''s battle." With that, General Leon took his leave, leaving Commander Zain speechless at their exchange. Chapter 218: Chapter 218: New Captain "Dior, Ren, Zero will be your superior captain from now on. He is in charge of the two teams you previously lead. Show him respect and assist him as co-captains. And remember, no disobedience will be tolerated." Inside a tent, Commander Zain spoke with Captains Dior, Ren, and Aengus on short notice. Captains Dior and Ren, who appeared to be in their early 30s and had a friendly demeanor, looked at each other speechlessly, processing the news of a new dynamic in their ranks. Captain Dior, having heard of Aengus''s S-Rank status, epted it readily, but Captain Ren seemed a bit reluctant. "Wee, Captain Zero. Former squad leader of Team 23 reporting," Captain Dior said, saluting, even though Aengus was younger than him. Aengus nodded, appearing rather disinterested, which was simply his natural demeanor. "It''s a pleasure to have you, Captain Dior," he replied, returning the greeting. Commander Zain furrowed his brows, noticing that Captain Ren still hadn''t acknowledged his new superior yet. "What''s the matter, Captain Ren? Are you not pleased with your new captain? Would you prefer a transfer elsewhere?" Commander Zain asked sternly, clearly displeased with Ren''s attitude. Captain Ren looked flustered, hearing themander''s words. "N-No, I am fine, Commander." Turning to Aengus, he added, "Wee, Captain!" and bowed as he greeted him. "Okay," Aengus replied, unfazed. Whether Captain Ren was willing or not, it didn''t matter to him. This was only a temporary team, and as long as Captain Ren didn''t be a nuisance, Aengus was fine with it. If Ren caused trouble, Aengus wouldn''t hesitate to remove him from the squad. Fairness didn''t concern him. Afterwards, they went to meet the soldiers of the two squads to introduce their new captain. Over 500 soldiers had gathered, awaiting the announcement. "Hey, any idea why both squads have been called together like this?" one curious soldier in the lineup asked. "Who knows? But it''d be nice if there was a pay raise, haha..." another replied jokingly. "You must be joking... They already give us what we need; we shouldn''t ask for more." "But hey, look at those four¡ªPrincess Delh, the silvery goddess, and two others. Maybe it''s an announcement that Her Royal Highness is joining our team," another chimed in, gazing admiringly at Aria and Delh. "What''s the name of that white-haired goddess, anyway? She''s even more beautiful than the Princess. Think we have a shot with her?" "Dream on! There was a guy with her, didn''t you see? And he''s an S-Rank powerhouse. If you go after his girlfriend, who knows what he might do to you." The other soldier immediately became nervous. "Haha... I was only joking, man. I don''t have a death wish." "Sister Aria, so Ethan is going to be our new captain? That''s incredible! I can finally get a chance to spar with him!" Drake said, sounding excited. "Well, he is your superior now. Don''t you think you should show a bit of restraint?" Yona replied with a mocking smile. "Heh, who cares about ranks? He''s one of us," Drake retorted. "Ohh, how could I forget? He''s your brother-inw now, isn''t he? Maybe you should start calling him that, Drake?" Yona said calmly, her toneced with a taunting, mischievous edge. "Look who''s here, everyone! So handsome!" Princess Delh said, sounding surprised and impressed. Aria and the others turned to see Aengus in a sharp, two-star light green military suit, looking dashing as he approached, nked by the two captains. "Ah hah, he''s quite the charmer, Lady Aria. Watch out for all the admirers buzzing around him," Yona teased mischievously. Aria''s cheeks flushed slightly, clearly taken by his appearance. And as expected, murmurs spread throughout the crowd, especially among the women, irritating her mood. "Wow! So handsome!" "I want to marry him!" "What''s his name? Isn''t he the one who came with General Leon earlier?" "Yes, he''s an S-Rank, I heard," another female soldier replied, her eyes gleaming with admiration as she looked at Aengus. "Hey, Check out his uniform, everyone! He has two stars. Do you know what that means? He''s a new captain." "So, is this why we gathered to wee him as our new captain?" a male soldier guessed, hitting the mark. "Mm-hmm... that seems to be the case, judging by Captain Dior and Captain Ren''s expressions," another replied. "Soldiers, we have a new captain among us who will lead us in tomorrow''s battle. This is Captain Zero, an esteemed S-Rank powerhouse. We should feel fortunate to have him with us. Please give him a warm wee!" Assistant Captain Dior announced loudly, prompting an eruption of apuse and murmurs. "p, p, p!" Aengus stepped forward calmly, his gaze steady and focused. "Hello, this is your new captain. First of all, I don''t like to talk too much. You may doubt my strength, but I''ll make only one promise: No one shall die tomorrow in my presence. In return, I require your absolute obedience. Those who can''tply will face strict consequences," Aengus dered, his expression cold. "Now, If anyone has questions, feel free to ask." "Tsk.." Some soldiers viewed him as arrogant, while others found him both dependable and, undeniably, strikingly handsome. A female soldier quickly raised her hand. "Yes, go ahead," Aengus permitted her to speak. "Do you have a girlfriend, Captain?" the female soldier asked boldly. Aengus furrowed his brows, just as Aria clenched her fists, ring at the woman. "Yes, I do. She''s right there," Aengus replied honestly, pointing to Aria, whose goddess-like figure caught everyone''s attention. Aria felt a surge of happiness at his answer. Yona and Delh, noticing her reaction, exchanged smiles, amused by her earlier jealousy. "Aww..." The beautiful female soldiers looked disappointed, casting jealous nces at Aria. But after observing her beauty, they realized they had little hope of winning Aengus''s heart through beauty trap alone. As the women finished their questions, a male soldier raised his hand. Aengus swiftly gestured for him to speak. The man asked, "Captain, you said you''d ensure our safety at all costs. I have some doubts. How can you guarantee our absolute safety if we lose the war? Were you just boasting, or is there some truth to it?" His question were sharp and direct. Chapter 219: Chapter 219: Spar; Interruption In an attempt to intimidate the soldiers, Aengus released some of the aura suppressed inside him. A low "Buzz..." filled the air. Instantly, everyone felt an immense weight pressing down on their shoulders, struggling to breathe¡ªeveryone except Aria''s group. Hundreds of soldiers dropped to their knees, horror-stricken as they glimpsed visions of death. They had never witnessed such overwhelming power, and that included the two Captains. They realized their new captain was definitely no ordinary S-Rank¡ªperhaps his true rank was even higher, something he kept concealed. How terrifying! The two captains began to feel somewhat scared now. "Whether we win or lose the war, I will keep my word¡ªand so should you, remember," Aengus''s voice echoed, loud and clear. At that moment, the soldiers understood that their new captain was not someone to be takem lightly , and the previously unruly ones fell into line, fully obedient. "How domineering!" Princess Delh''s eyes shone with a strange admiration. Though she had seen her brothers disy simr strength many times, Aengus''s presence felt oddly captivating. Aria cast a wary nce at Delh; she was determined not to let anyone else join their already chaotic rtionship. Managing a three-way rtionship was challenging enough, and she wasn''t prepared to handle more. But she had to admit, Aengus was looking more charming as time passed. If this continued, even goddesses might descend from the heavens to fall in love with him. Aengus quickly retracted his aura and asked, "Any more questions?" The man who had questioned him straightened up immediately, adjusting his attire with his heart pounding in his chest. "No, Captain. You''re mighty!" the man replied respectfully. "Okay, everyone, disperse!" Aengusmanded as he stepped down from the stage. The soldiers quickly dispersed to their respective posts, gossiping about their new captain and preparing for tomorrow''s battle with high spirits. As Aengus started walking, Captains Dior and Ren followed him, now filled with newfound fear and respect. "Good speech, Captain Zero. We have full confidence in you," Captain Diormented from beside him. "I only spoke the truth, and I''m determined to win this war. Why don''t you two get me a map so we can discuss tomorrow''s battle n?" Aengus asked. Captain Dior and Ren looked hesitant. "Captain, we can provide the map, but we''ve always followed Commander Zain''s lead in previous battles. Would it be alright to go against hismand?" Aengus shrugged. "No need to worry about that. I''ll handle it. I made a promise, and I''ll do whatever it takes to fulfill it. Besides, I won''t alter the formation unless absolutely necessary." Dior and Ren nodded, sighing in relief. "Alright, Captain. We''ll bring you the map shortly." With that, they left to retrieve the map while Aengus made his way toward Aria''s group. "Captain, good afternoon! How are you feeling today?" Yona asked in a joking tone. Aengus raised his brows but shrugged it off. "Did you all find your tent?" he asked, looking especially at Aria. Aria replied, "Yes, we did, Ethan. Your tent should be ready. It''s that big one over there." She pointed to a fairlyrge tent. "Let''s all go inside. We need to discuss our strategy for tomorrow," Aengus said, leading them into the spacious captain''s tent, which wasrge enough to fit several people. Drake, Delh, and the others followed him inside. A little whileter, Captains Dior and Ren entered with the map in hand. Aengus and the group held a meeting for a fair amount of time, discussing troop deployment, defense, and attack strategies, and assigning each member a specific role for the uing battle. When they came out of the tent, it was alreadyte afternoon. Aengus and the others quickly gathered around arge bonfire to spend time together. The higher-ups had already arranged for intelligence gathering, so they would be informed when the war was about to start. With Aengus''s special vision, he could detect enemies from kilometers away. Honestly, he found this war to be a waste of resources and time. How could someone be so blinded by power that they ignore the main war against the demons who were wreaking havoc? If he hadn''t stopped the demon army near Darkwood Forest, there would have been news of a massacre in the neighbouring Skyfall Kingdom by now. As they enjoyed the cozy warmth of the fire in uncertain times, several nearby soldiers nced curiously at them from time to time. The sun was setting in the west, casting a serene glow as Aria and Aengus sat together. Aria smiled warmly, enjoying his presence as they chatted. Their peaceful moment was interrupted by an unexpected request from Drake. "Ethan, can you spar with me? I feel like I''m getting rusty!" Drake asked eagerly. "Sure! You can give it your all!" Aengus agreed, standing up casually, though Aria sulked slightly at the interruption. Aengus moved to the edge of the campsite, standing calm andposed. "Go all out," he encouraged, ready to help Drake push his limits. Drake took his stance opposite, holding his dagger ready, breathing deeply as he concentrated. "Whoosh!" His de glowed with mana, and he vanished in a burst of speed. With his understanding of space and his Supreme Hunter skill, Aengus tracked each of Drake''s movements effortlessly. He didn''t need to defend, knowing that Drake, despite his effort, couldn''t truly harm him. However, out of respect for Drake''s effort, he blocked the attack with a casual flick of his wrist, surprising Drake. Drake, unfazed, quickly regained his bnce and intensified his assault. Any ordinary C-Rank would have been overwhelmed by Drake''s relentless attacks, but Aengus dodged each strike with minimal movement, disying effortless control. Their sparring drew the attention of several nearby soldiers, who watched with interest from a distance. "Hey, who the heck are these two monkeys¡­ and whoa, three hot beauties!" a rude voice suddenly echoed, interrupting the spar. Aengus''s expression darkened as he noticed a group of neers approaching, their eyes lingering on Aria with bold, lustful gazes. Chapter 220: Chapter 220: Young Masters The group of neers appeared unruly, dressed in fine gear that highlighted their noble status. They were a gang of younger aristocrats, drunk and arrogant, disying little respect or awareness. "Hey, beauties," one of them slurred, smirking. "Are you free tonight? Let''s have some fun while we still can, before this Kingdom vanishes. What do you say?" His eyes were zed, unfocused, hispanionsughing as they swayed unsteadily. Princess Delh''s eyes narrowed, her voice cutting through their drunken chatter. "Watch your tone. Do you even realize who you''re speaking to?" A few of them blinked, finally focusing, and recognition slowly dawned on their faces. The color returned to their cheeks as they realized her identity. "Max, Tim¡­ that''s Princess Delh! Let''s get out of here!" one of them whispered urgently, stepping back in panic. But others scoffed, too drunk to care or think clearly. "Shut up! Why would Princess Delh be at the frontline? She''s a princess, not a soldier," one of the young men muttered, swaying in disbelief. Aengus''s gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin as he took a step forward. The atmosphere shifted, the surrounding soldiers sensed his irritation as the nobles continued to push their luck, oblivious to the dangerous line they were crossing. "Wow! These young masters are done for today, aren''t they?" one soldier whispered, grinning. "Right? Hitting on the captain''s girlfriend? Must be tired of living!" another added,ughing. Many soldiers watched in amusement, some eagerly anticipating the scene unfolding before them. Before Aengus could react, Aria stood up, her eyes shing with anger. Knowing Aengus might not hold back if he stepped in, she took charge. With swift, sharp ps, she sent each of the young nobles flying backward, the sound of her strikes echoing like "paah, paah!" The six young men hit the ground, stunned, the sudden impact clearing the alcohol from their minds. Blood trickled from their lips and gums, adding to theirical appearance. "Hahahaha!" "What morons!" The surrounding soldiers burst intoughter, reveling in the young masters'' humbling. The nobles scrambled to their feet, thoroughly humiliated. "Hey, why did you hit us, bi*ch?" one of their raged seethed holding onto his bloody nose and sword. "We could have you stripped of your rank in the army, do you know that?" another sneered, stepping forward to attack. "Whoosh!" Aengus appeared beside them, carried by a gust of wind. The young nobles barely had a moment to react. "What the¡ª?" "Ahhh!" Suddenly, their fearful screams echoed, sending chills down the spines of onlookers. Without a word, Aengus, his patience exhausted, lifted them effortlessly and hurled them into the air. They soared up in a vulnerable position, eyes wide with terror as they realized their helplessness. Under the red glow of the setting sun, their desperate cries rang out across the campsite, fading as they fell far into the distance, theirnding marked by a series of painful thuds. The soldiers who witnessed it watched in awe, some chuckling under their breath, while others stood silent, reminded of their captain''s power and restraint. "Wow! That escted quickly!" Drakemented as he approached Aria. Aria pped her forehead, feeling helpless. "We''ll be seeing more of this drama, won''t we? I''m sure their ''noble'' families will be here demanding justice," Yona said with a chuckle. "Don''t worry, guys. I''m here. I''ll talk to their parents. I''m sure they won''t be unreasonable once I exin," Princess Delh said, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Oh yes, we have you, Delh. Thanks to you, we don''t need to waste our energy on them." Aria, however, seemed more concerned about Aengus losing control. She felt like she was with a ticking time bomb that could go off any second. Oddly enough, though, she didn''t dislike it; there was something endearing about feeling his protectiveness in the process. "Are you okay, Aria?" Aengus asked. "Oh, yes, I''m fine..." Aria replied quickly. "Huh? What else could have happened to Lady Aria, Ethan? Don''t you think you overdid it a little?" Yona asked as they all sat around the bonfire. "No, he did not. They deserved it," Princess Delh replied, defending his actions. Yona and the others gave Delh a strange look, except for Aengus, who seemed oblivious. Noticing their stares, Delh, still seated in her flexible white armor, raised an eyebrow. "What''s wrong?" she asked, looking puzzled. "Nothing.." They quickly averted their gaze. After nearly an hour, the expected guests arrived, their loud voices rumbling through the camp. "Who is it? Who dares to hurt my son?" one nobleman shouted, his face a mask of rage. Aengus furrowed his brows as he saw six or seven noble-looking men, their intimidating presence filling the space. They stormed over to his group, their expressions darkening with scowls. "Noblemen, where are you all going? Please think twice," Captain Dior and Captain Ren interjected, stepping in front of them. They had already caught wind of the incident and informed themander, hoping to avoid a scene during wartime. "Two bastards, get out of the way!" one of the noblemen snapped, trying to push past them. But the two former captains, being A-Ranks, were no easy obstacle. The noblemen, also A-Ranks and likely in their forties, appeared more focused on vengeance than on showing sound judgment. "Get the hell out of our way!" another nobleman shouted, drawing his sword and activating his skill, his aura ring. The tension grew thick, and the two captains momentarily faltered as the noblemen released their oppressive auras. "Princess Delh is present there! Don''t court death!" Dior and Ren called out sternly from behind, hoping the warning would deter the nobles. But they simply scoffed, dismissing the captains'' words as a bluff, and stormed forward, letting their auras re even further in an attempt to dominate and intimidate the group responsible for crippling their children. "Buzzz..." As soon they took their first step, A heavy, buzzing sound filled the air as the noblemen advanced. Suddenly, an overwhelming force descended on them, crushing their auras and rooting them in ce. A dark, lethal intent filled the space, paralyzing them with fear as their hearts pounded erratically. "Thump, thump, thump..." Each heartbeat echoed painfully loud in their ears, their eyes widening with horror. "W-What''s going on?" one of them stammered, his voice barely a whisper. Aengus, seating calmly nearby, was the source of the oppressive aura. His gaze was cold, his presence radiating a power that left the noblemen trembling where they stood,pletely overpowered by the unseen force he wielded so effortlessly. Chapter 221: Chapter 221: Enemy Is Near As the noblemen knelt, Princess Delh''s gaze was unyielding. "What is the meaning of this barbarism, Lord Artois, and all of you?" she demanded, her tone sharp. "Th-Third Princess?" The noblemen''s surprise was evident as they recognized her. "Your Highness, what are you doing here?" Delh did not soften. "As noblemen of Araknis, you bring shame to His Royal Highness. Are you not ashamed of your actions?" A few of the noblemen bowed their heads, visibly chastened, but resentment lingered in the eyes of some. Lord Artois, a man of fifty, carefully chose his words as he replied, "But, Your Highness, this bast.¡­no this man crippled our sons. Where is the justice for that?" He nced nervously at Aengus, unable to fully mask his fear after experiencing Aengus''s terrifying aura. None of them dared provoke him again. Princess Delh''s gaze remained steely, her toneced with anger. "Those spoiled, reckless brats deserved what they got," she dered coldly. "They were drunk, unruly, and dared to speak disgracefully to their Princess. Not to mention, they insulted our new captain, who holds authority equal to themander. Are any of you prepared to take responsibility for such war crime offense during wartime?" "War crimes?" The noblemen looked at her in shock, stunned at the severity of her words. They exchanged bewildered nces, unable to process the implications. "But, Your Highness¡­ how can this be a war crime? And since when was he given the rank ofmander?" Lord Artois stammered in confusion. Delh''s expression hardened further. "He is our new Captain, an S-Rank war hero. If you dare create obstacles for him, how could it be anything less than a war crime?" Her words struck like a hammer, dashing any defiance remaining in their hearts. The noblemen shrank under her domineering gaze, realizing the power and authority of the man they had unwittingly provoked. "How could their useless sons provoke an S-Rank war hero?" theymented, cursing their sons'' stupidity. "Now, don''t waste any more time here. Otherwise, I''ll have to call my royal father to strip you of your noble status," Delh warned seriously. "Ah, no need for that, Your Highness. There''s no need to involve the king, is there?" they replied with sheepish smiles, trying to appease her. "We''ll punish our children for disturbing your peace. Please forgive those foolish boys. Your magnanimity is boundless." "No need to ask for my forgiveness. Apologize to our captain," Delh reminded them sternly, ncing at Aengus and Aria. "Oh, yes¡­ our war hero¡­" They quickly approached and knelt down before Aengus, who sat calmly, watching them with an unreadable expression. The noblemen felt humiliated by his indifference, but they dared not show any anger with their noble status on the line. The mistakes had been made, and they knew they would have to fix them. "Our apologies, Captain. If you or your teammates were hurt in any way, we sincerely ask for forgiveness on behalf of our children." Aengus looked at them with disgust, recalling certain individuals from his family with double faces¡ªthose who spoke respectfully but hid venomous intentions beneath a polished facade. Such people were, to him, the most despicable kind, and he loathed them deeply. "Leave," Aengusmanded coldly, his gaze piercing through their ckened hearts. "Ah?" The noblemen''s hear skipped a beat faces flushed with embarrassment, and they quickly turned to leave, their pride wounded. They would have never expected such humiliations from a person, who is their children''s age. As they disappeared from sight, Aria nced worriedly at Aengus, noticing the change in his mood all of a sudden. "Are you okay, Ethan?" she asked, cing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Aengus took a steadying breath, his expression rxing slightly. "Yeah, I''m fine. They just reminded me of some two-faced bastards from my family. Ugly and despicable." Aria nodded, understanding his frustration. "That must have been tough. Maybe next time you go back, you can teach them a lesson or two about underestimating others," she said, offering aforting smile. Yona and the others perked up, intrigued by the mention of Aengus''s family. They still didn''t know much about his background, and the mystery piqued their curiosity. "Captain, why don''t you tell us something about your family?" Yona asked, half-teasing. Aengus looked up at the evening sky, his gaze distant. After a pause, he replied, "They''re¡­ special. To some, they''re gods; to others, devils. Their pride and arrogance know no bounds. It''s better if you don''t know about them yet¡ªyou might start doubting your own existence if you do." He shook his head, clearly not willing to delve further. The answer only deepened their curiosity, his words were both vague and intriguing. With no clearer answers from Aengus, they turned to Aria. She shook her head with a knowing smile, indicating that she wouldn''t be sharing any secrets, either. "Oh my god, why are you two so mysterious?" Yona and Drakeined in exasperation, while Princess Delh kept a reserved, knowing smile. Aengus only smiled, savoring the rare moments of peace with hispanions. Night fell quickly, shrouding the camp in darkness. The moon hung in the sky, half-lit¡ªa fitting symbol for the uncertain future they faced. Around them, the camps buzzed with tension, as news had arrived that the Imperial forces were nearing, prepared to put an end to Araknis Kingdom''s rule. Aengus received the report and turned his gaze toward the horizon. Even from a distance of tens of kilometers, he could see the vast Imperial army swarming like ants, their numbers reaching tens of millions. With his Supreme Hunter''s vision, he took in the scene in stark detail, far beyond what his teammates could discern in the darkness. He saw warships hovering above, the rumbling sounds of heavy cavalry, and an endless swarm of magical energy signatures flickering ominously in the night air. The enemy was close¡ªcloser than ever. "Ethan, did you see anything?" Aria asked, slightly nervous. The others'' expressions turned grave as they waited for his response. Chapter 222: Chapter 222: Secret Meeting Aengus looked over hispanions and subordinate soldiers, noting the anxiety on their faces. Calmly, he announced, "I can see the enemy approaching. But there''s no need to panic." His voice was steady, aiming to ease their nerves. "How many are there, Captain?" a few soldiers asked anxiously, believing he had a special vision skill. "Yes, tell us honestly, Captain. We''re not afraid," others urged. Assistant Captains Dior and Ren also waited curiously. Aengus sighed and replied, "At least twice our number. But, as I said, there''s no need to panic. We can do this." He tried to encourage them, aware that this was his first time handling a situation like this. In all his previous battles, Aengus had proven himself through actions, and it seemed even the demons he had faced weren''t as fearful as the human soldiers were now. "Over twenty million?" Drake gulped, trying to fathom the number. Some soldiers panicked, while others stayed calm, having anticipated the scale of the Imperial forces. "Idiots! Why are you so surprised?" Commander Dior scolded sharply, unimpressed by theirck ofposure. "Did you think the Imperial army was a joke? Frankly, I''m astonished they didn''t bring more. We should count ourselves lucky!" "And remember, we have our Captain''s promise! Don''t ever doubt his word!" Dior added, bolstering their spirits. The soldiers calmed down, looking to Aengus with renewed hope and expectations. "Captain Dior is right,rades. We''re all in this together!" one of the soldiers shouted, earning nods of encouragement from others. "Long live the Araknis Kingdom!" "Long live the King!" "Long live the Guardians!" "Long live the Captain!" Their unified shouts echoed through the camp, fortifying their resolve. Aengus turned away, looking at the enemies where they were now seen setting their camping at the distance. Aria and the others stood beside him, following his gaze, their expressions unreadable. A few minutester, Aengus received a private message from Commander Zain about a secret meeting of distinguished individuals. "Captain Zero, follow me!" Zain called out. Aengus silently left the camp, joining Commander Zain along the way. "Where are we going, Commander?" Aengus asked quietly, following him without a clear idea of their destination. "Haha... Don''t be so tense, Zero. Rx. We''re headed to an emergency meeting with other Commanders and Generals to discuss the attack n. We''ve be a bit cautious about spies since we''ve caught some infiltrators recently. There might still be some lingering around, so it''s better to stay vignt, right?" Aengus nodded. "Yes, you''re right, Commander." They quickly crossed an isted area where a transparent sound-istion barrier surrounded arge tent. Aengus noticed many S-Rank military personnel gathering in substantial numbers. Some of them cast curious nces his way, surprised to see an unfamiliar young man among them. But, seeing him apanied by Commander Zain, they held back their questions for the moment. Inside, the tent was spacious, suitable for housing hundreds. Several long tables with over a hundred seats were already filled, with soldiers in stern military attire sitting attentively. Aengus and Commander Zain took their seats near the center, drawing the attention of those present and sensing the urgency in the atmosphere. Curious, suspicious nces fell on Aengus, but the silence remained unbroken as everyone noticed the stern demeanor of the three Guardians. Generals Leon, Felix, and Martin each gave Aengus a slight nod of approval, quickly dispelling any doubts. However, their curiosity lingered¡ªit was rare to see someone so young included in such a serious, secretive meeting among high-ranking officials. As the room filled with everyone present, General Felix was the first to break the silence. "Before we begin discussing the attack strategy, does anyone have any questions?" he asked, directing his gaze to all themanders, including Marshal Tyron, who stood silently in the corner, his presence radiating authority and power. Aengus looked around curiously, his gaze eventuallynding on Marshal Tyron, feeling the weight of his intimidating stare. Suddenly, an interruption broke his thoughts. "General, I have a question," amander spoke up, standing with a fierce expression. He was an older, shrewd-looking man with a displeased look on his face. "General, I would like to know what a kid is doing here with us. Don''t you think an exnation is needed before we begin?" Themander asked sharply, clearly displeased by Aengus''s seemingly arrogant posture, as if he were an equal. Aengus raised an eyebrow, not expecting to be targeted so abruptly. However, he remained calm andposed, as though he wasn''t the one themander was speaking about. This only seemed to irritate Commander Kyle even more. "See that, General¡­ how arrogant this young man is, paying no heed to his superior''s words, as if he thinks he''s above everyone here," themander continued, trying to spread venom in the minds of others. Some high-ranking officials also began to feel irritated by what they perceived as Aengus''s presumptuous attitude. Aengus, however, was simply in control of himself; he didn''t feel the need to show respect to those he considered "sneaky rats" around him. He wasn''t disrespectful¡ªjust detached. General Felix was clearly on Aengus''s side, but Marshal Tyron also appeared suspicious, as he hadn''t yet learned Aengus''s identity. "You there, youngrade, who brought you here?" Marshal Tyron asked, his bulky frame radiating a hidden sense of authority that could instill fear. Before Aengus could respond, General Felix spoke up. "He is Zero, our new S-Rank Special Captain, Marshal. There''s no need for vignce against him. General Leon has vouched for him personally. I trust this clears up any questions you may have regarding our youngrade, Commander Kyle," General Felix said, his fiery gaze turning toward Commander Kyle, who had initially raised the doubts. "Huh? An S-Rank?" Commander Kyle mumbled, quieting down and feeling slightly ashamed. The other high-ranking officials, however, seemed to grow more interested in this young Captain "Zero." Commander Zain gestured for Aengus to say a few words for formality. Aengus stood up confidently, unfazed by the scrutinizing and curious gazes directed at him. Chapter 223: Chapter 223: Traitors Aengus took a steady breath and addressed the room. "Hello, you can call me as Zero. I may be new here," he began calmly, meeting the eyes of those around him, "But I am fullymitted to the sess of this war and the safety of our forces. I hope to contribute to our victory with the same dedication and respect you''ve shown to this cause." The room fell silent as he spoke, his calm yetmanding presence leaving an impression on the officials. Marshal Tyron nodded approvingly, finding the young man pleasing to the eye. But his gaze narrowed as he noticed Aengus''s eyes suddenly sharpening like those of a hunter, his aura turningmanding and intense. This shift in demeanor piqued everyone''s curiosity. Their questions were soon answered, and it was mind boggling. "Bang!" "What''s happening?" The room erupted in confusion as they witnessed four esteemedmanders, including Commander Kyle, suddenly being dragged down by an invisible forcemanded by their new Special Captain, Zero. The fourmanders stared in shock as they found themselves lifted into the air, bound as helplessly as if tied by invisible threads. "Thud!" Before they could react, theynded on the ground with a heavy thud, bing the center of attention in the room, including that of the three generals. "Atrocious!" Commander Kyle roared in indignation, humiliated and bewildered. They couldn''t believe that a neer S-Rank had incapacitated them so easily. "What is going on? Why are we suddenly put in the spotlight by this neer?" Helpless to break free from Captain Zero''s binding, they directed theirints to the generals. "Generals, this boy must be punished!" they shouted in unison, though fear flickered in their eyes as they considered the unsettling implications of Zero''s power. "Please, expel this boy from the group, Generals. How dare he disrespect his superiors? Is there no order here?" they demanded, attempting to mask their fear with outrage. "Just because I questioned his identity, he dares to do this to me! He has no respect for authority!" Commander Kyle growled, concealing his unease behind a show of bravado. The three Generals and the Marshal exchanged confused nces. "What''s the matter, Ethan?" General Leon asked gently, breaking the silence he maintained till now. All eyes turned to Aengus, who remained seated, exuding a calm yet intense presence. "They''re spies, Generals. I believe they should be thoroughly interrogated," he replied, his tone steady. "What?" "Spies among us?" His words caused an instant uproar in the room. The usedmanders felt their hearts race, though they struggled to maintain calm exteriors. Commander Kyle was the first to protest. "Nonsense! This is a baseless usation. I''ve served the kingdom faithfully for years, and you think you can nder me without any proof? This is outrageous!" he spat, ring at Aengus, attempting to intimidate him into silence. "Yes, yes, Commander Kyle is right, Generals! We cannot stand by and allow such usations. This is an insult, and he should be punished for this crime," the other three quickly agreed, desperate to cover for each other. Aengus sneered, mocking their desperate attempts to save themselves. "Do you have any proof, youngrade?" Marshal Tyron asked, stepping forward with a scrutinizing gaze. Without a word, Aengus activated his Shadow Monarch''s Dominion. The room darkened as a field of darkness enveloped the fourmanders, binding them within his power. Aengus invaded their minds,pelling them to reveal the truth from their own mouths. The generals observed in awe and surprise, sensing a unique blend of shadow and darkness unlike anything they''d seen before. It felt simr to demonic energy, yet distinct¡ªits force far surpassing both Mana and Nether energy. As the four culprits began to speak, the room fell into shocked silence. "Speak. Who do you truly serve?" Aengusmanded coldly, standing up from his seat. The fourmanders'' eyes remained clear, but they answered mechanically, spilling their secrets without hesitation. "Yes, we are spies who infiltrated the Araknis Kingdom by the Emperor''smand, long before joining the armymand. We''ve ryed critical state secrets and weaknesses of the kingdom''s defenses through Envoy Feodor over time." "Huh!" "I can''t believe it!" "What''s there not to believe?" "They were suspicious to me for a long time!" "They should be hanged to death for this treason!" As the truth settled, disbelief and anger surged through the ranks, voices rising in outrage. "Bang!" General Leon''s face turned icy, chilling the air with shards of frost, while General Felix stood thoughtful, observing the scene intently. As themanders'' eyes regained rity, terror washed over their faces as they realized what they''d just confessed. "No, no, Generals, those were all lies! He used dark magic to make us say those things!" they stammered, desperately trying to retract their statements. Yet, the look of fear in their eyes was enough to confirm their guilt for most. But General Martin wanted further verification. "Come here!" hemanded with authority. Instantly, four hands made of solid earth materialized, reaching out and forcefully dragging themanders forward. He quickly searched each of their memories more thoroughly. It took some time, but he eventually found a mental barrier that separated a hidden part of their memories with an invisible seal. It was only thanks to his special skill that he managed to uncover the truth¡ªthey were indeed spies, hidden deep within their ranks. He looked over at Generals Leon and Felix, who were waiting for confirmation. General Martin nodded slightly, confirming that the statements were true. "They have indeedmited treason Leon, Felix!" he announced calmly. "So it was all true!" The Marshal mumbled from the sidelines. It was astonishing to see those sealed memories, deeply hidden and undetectable during routine examinations over the years. Morever, with over a hundredmanders, it was unreasonable to suspect each one and inspect their minds without cause. Typically, only those who raised suspicion were examined. Commander Kyle and the others had been inspected a few times in the past, each timeing up clean. So how was it that this young Captain had so easily exposed their betrayal all of a sudden? Just what kind of magic had Captain Zero used? And how did he detect their treachery just by looking at them? The generals andmanders looked at Aengus intently, finding him truly unfathomable. Chapter 224: Chapter 224: Northern Dukes arrival "Take these traitors away and interrogate them thoroughly," General Leon ordered coldly, narrowing his ocean-blue eyes. From his tone, it was clear that the interrogation would be far from gentle. The traitors would likely endure nothing short of hellish torture. "No, no! Please, forgive us, General!" Commander Kyle and the other three begged in despair. Seeing no reaction from the generals, they turned to their longtimepanions. "Rollin, help us!" "Aurelian, save me!" Their so-called friends scoffed, looking at them with utter disdain, as if they were no better than dogs. "Go suffer in the cold prison for eternity, you vile traitors," they sneered, spitting in their faces. The traitors were quickly drenched in spit, their humiliation evident as the Marshal looked at them with disgust. "Go, seal their powers quickly!" the Marshal ordered some of his men. They swiftly secured the traitors with Mana-Sealing belts and shackles to restrain them. "Bastards, let us go! You''re all dead! Our Emperor will execute everyst one of you soon enough! You''re all going to lose, you motherf*ckers!" One of the traitors cursed violently, struggling against the restraints Aengus had cast over them. His vulgar words hung in the air as he spat insults at everyone present. General Leon narrowed his eyes, lifting a finger. Instantly, he froze the man solid. The traitor transformed into an ice statue, which slowly crumbled to particles and drifted away in the wind. Commander Kyle and the other two felt a chill run down their spines, witnessing such a deadly execution before their eyes. Their hearts leapt into their throats, and they fell silent as they were violently dragged away. General Leon turned to Aengus, who stood calmly amidst the chaos. "Ethan, I''m sorry you had to witness such an unsightly disy. Are there any other traitors here?" Leon asked, his gaze scanning the remaining officials. Aengus surveyed the group slowly, his eyes glowing blue as he scrutinized their information flowing through his mind. He had already checked everyone but wanted to confirm he hadn''t missed anyone. The officials flinched slightly under his gaze but held theirposure. Aengus finally stopped and shook his head lightly. "No, there''s no one left, General. You may continue," he said, taking his seat calmly beside Commander Zain. Commander Zain smiled at him, while others gave him looks of respect and admiration. "Excellent job,rade. We''ll be counting on you!" "You''re a rising war hero, young man! Good luck!" "Make your parents proud!" Aengus appreciated their praises, but at the mention of his parents, his expression darkened. Memories surfaced of his father''s and grandfather''s harsh punishments and his mother''s tearful love, stirring a lingering bitterness within him. "Is there a problem, Captain Zero?" Commander Zain asked, noticing Aengus''s change in mood. Aengus forced a smile. "It''s nothing." Understanding his intent, Commander Zain shifted his attention back to General Leon as the meeting resumed in earnest. "So, everyone is aware that the enemy forces are more than double our size and strength, correct?" General Leon began, drawing everyone''s attention. "Does anyone have any ideas on how we can ovee this?" he asked, inviting opinions. The officials murmured among themselves, deep in thought. Onemander quickly raised his hand. "General, what about seeking assistance from our neighboring kingdoms?" General Leon dismissed the suggestion. "No. We''ve received intel that both the Skyfall Kingdom and Dauris Kingdom are also under attack by imperial forces. As for the other two kingdoms bordering us, they''re already struggling with famine and depleted resources. So assistance from them is out of the question as well. The enemy has vast manpower and is aware of our numerical disadvantage. They nned to iste us long before we even caught wind of it." "Ah, that''s unfortunate," themander murmured, falling silent. Another raised her hand, this time a woman with strong, masculine features yet strikingly beautiful skin. Her eyes were fixed on General Leon with an unmistakable admiration. "General, I think we should go for a preemptive strike, before they have a chance tounch their own attack. Such an assault could take out a significant number of their forces in one move," she suggested earnestly. The generals found the idea feasible but saw a few challenges. "What''s your name again?" General Leon asked the femalemander. She replied with an enthusiastic smile. "General, my name is Raya. I''m in charge of the 34th Battalion," she announced proudly. "Alright, Raya," General Leon continued, "do you have a n for breaching their defenses? They have strict surveince barriers with guards on constant alert. Any idea on how to ovee them? The Transcendentals among us could enter, of course, but their Transcendentals will be on high alert as well." Raya scratched her head, clearly troubled by the challenge. As the others furrowed their brows in thought, Aengus raised his hand slightly. "General, I''d like to take on the task of infiltrating the enemy''s ranks." Everyone looked at him, surprised. "You?" General Leon asked with interest. "What exactly do you n to aplish alone, Ethan? Or do you have something more to share?" Aengus was about to respond, but an unexpected voice interrupted the conversation. "Haha... what nonsense is this? Why are you all entertaining the words of a mere child? Have the men here all traded their courage for bangles?" The mocking tone echoed through the hall. Aengus turned, along with the others, to see the neers who had intruded so boldly. Leading them was a man wearing arge white hat adorned with six stars on his military uniform¡ªa rank just one step below the King''s, which made Aengus curious about the identity of this arrogant man. Beside him were Prince Mikail, the Crown Prince, and two other royal princes, who all seemed somewhat amused by the unfolding scene. "Oh my God, it''s the Northern Duke Milroy!" "The Northern Duke is here? That''s great! We finally have another Transcendental among us!" Some officials cheered, their excitement rising as if their savior had arrived. The Northern Duke, dressed in thick animal skins that concealed his powerful muscles, exuded an aura as strong as the generals¡ªperhaps even surpassing them. His presencemanded attention and respect from everyone in the room. ""Wee, Duke Milroy!"" ""Long Live The Crown Prince!"" "So, tell me, boy, how would you infiltrate the Imperial forces? With your measly S-Rank power?" he sneered, leaning in close to gaze intently into Aengus''s eyes, as if searching for any hidden secrets within him. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 225: Chapter 225: Taking Over The Challenge "Please, take your seats, you highnesses!!" Crown Prince, and other two princes silently sat down in order, except for Prince Mikail. General Leon furrowed his brows, clearly displeased by the Northern Duke''s presence. It wasn''t that he held any personal enmity toward Duke Milroy¡ªit was simply the Duke''s overbearing attitude that grated on him, as if he saw himself above everyone else, even the King. As the King''s youngest brother, Northern Duke Milroymanded the northern, wintry borders, fending off barbarian invasions. Outwardly, he seemed loyal, but Leon knew that ambition might ran deep in the Duke''s veins. That was only a suspicion. With his SS-Rank (Transcendental) power, Milroy could match Leon''s strength, making him both a valuable ally and a potential threat. Leon cast a cautious nce toward Crown Prince Malcolm. With the King growing old, the kingdom''s futurey in uncertain hands. Leon hoped that when the time came, the King would securely pass the throne to the Crown Prince¡ªa leader whom Leon believed was perfect for the role and capable of guiding the kingdom into a prosperous future. General Leon was about to intervene to save Aengus from Duke Milroy''s intimidating gaze, but something unexpected happened. Duke Milroy, intending only to frighten the young Captain, suddenly felt a deep sense of danger. Confused, he tried to locate the source, only to meet Aengus''s eerie, whitish glowing eyes¡ªeyes possessing an ancient, petrifying curse that could strike fear into even the mightiest. In horror, Milroy looked down and felt a numbness spreading through his legs. To his disbelief, his lower body was slowly turning to stone. Leon instantly recognized the eyes and the ability, and his calmposure shattered. "Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes?" he shouted in astonishment. Leon, Felix, and Martin immediately stood up, closing their eyes and shouting a warning. "Don''t look into his eyes!" some cried out desperately, heeding the Generals'' warning and feeling a wave of fear. Everyone quickly shut their eyes¡ªeveryone except Prince Mikail, who continued to re maliciously at Aengus, unaware of the danger. "What?" "Save me!" His screams also echoed quickly after. "Zero, stop it!" General Felix shouted, mming his fist on the table. "Enough, Ethan!" General Leonmanded, seeing the matter turning worse. With that, Aengus paused and looked at the Northern Duke, who was now half-turned to stone, with a sneer on his face. "What were you saying again? I didn''t hear clearly, Duke," Aengus asked with a half-sinister smile as he released the curse, allowing the Duke to return to normal again. His original intent had only been to scare them a little so they wouldn''t underestimate him again. Aengus had previously taken measures to hide his strength, only to gather enough information about everyone. After his observation, he realized that with his power, he needn''t to bow or tolerate insults from anyone. As Northern Duke gradually returned to normal, he red at Aengus angrily but couldn''t ignore the lingering fear of death he''d felt mere moments before. "Whoosh!" Duke Milroyunched himself forward, his body swelling with power as he transformed into a towering 10-meter giant in Barbarian form. He assumed the boy''s abilities were limited to his eerie eyes and couldn''t possibly match the strength of his Giant Barbarian ss, which had granted him triple stat points so far. With his Rage Barbarian Transformation (SS) skill, the Duke was far stronger than any ordinary transcendental, renowned for dominating the harsh Northern Winternds with his sheer physical might alone. To date, only dragons had matched his raw strength. "Thud!" To his shock, the "arrogant kid" effortlessly blocked his massive punch, standing firm. Milroy''s fist felt as though it had struck solid metal,pletely unyielding. "Are you trying to test my patience, Duke Milroy?" Aengus asked calmly, twisting Milroy''s arm effortlessly, as if it were nothing but cotton candy. With his near 18,000 strength stats it was a piece of cake. An average Transcendental had barely around 3,000 average raw stats, that includes all the extra stats from sses, bloodlines and any other special traits. The veins on Milroy''s face bulged as he felt the pain, and he let out muffled groans. He was still trying to process how he had been defeated so easily. And why on earth did this boy have the strength of an SS-Rank? Just what was happening in this world? "Bam!" "Enough! Can we please focus on our task? Are you all going to stop only after we''re attacked and decimated by the Imperial army?!" General Martin shouted, feeling exasperated. Aengus, feeling slightly embarrassed, released the Duke, whose face was now flushed red. Aengus judged that the Duke wasn''t inherently bad, but his personality was arrogant and despotic. A strange silence fell over the tent among all the officials. General Leon and the others seemed surprised by the revtion of Aengus''s true strength, capable of defeating a Transcendental so easily. "Ethan¡ªno, Zero¡ªdid you somehow defeat the Basilisk in Darkwood Forest?" General Leon asked, recognizing the ability. He remembered encountering the God-beast Basilisk in that forest on a past visit. At that time, he had been too weak to take it on. Not only him, but others had been unable to defeat the creature due to its deadly venom, attack reflection, and godly strength. It was like an unstoppable force. "Huh? That Ancient God-Beast? He defeated it?" With General Leon''s casual announcement, everyone was stunned. Prince Mikail, Crown Prince Malcolm, and others, including the Northern Duke, looked shocked as well. "Now that I think about it, this ability is quite simr to the Beast Lord Basilisk''s!" "Yeah, I also remember hearing news about a terrifying fight that decimated a third of Darkwood Forest. Was Comrade Zero the one who did it?" "How terrifying!" As they whispered among themselves, their respect for Aengus grew. Everyone knew how fearsome the beast was, especially as a God-blessed creature. It was said that the Beast God personally bestowed it with a God-Weapon. "Oh, right! There should have been a God-Weapon with the beast, right? If the beast is dead, doesn''t that mean the God-Weapon is with our Comrade Zero?" With that thought in mind, some of their eyes shed with greed, but recalling Aengus''s prowess, they quickly concealed it. Aengus noticed this but said nothing. If anyone came for his weapon, they would have to go through him first. "Yes, General. I did it, but it''s nothingpared to your service and loyalty to the kingdom. Shall we get back to the task at hand? Who wants to join me in causing a little chaos for our enemies?" he asked with a dangerous smirk. Chapter 226: Chapter 226: Shadow Monarchs Infiltration As soon as Aengus admitted that he was the one who had in the Beast Lord, some of the officials began to fear him. What kind of strength must it have taken to kill such a creature and im the God-Weapon? Some began to cast aside any malicious intent they had toward him. "Captain Zero, I would like to join you," the femalemander, Raya, said hurriedly, showing eagerness at his confident aura. Aengus looked over at Commander Raya and gave a nod of approval. She was a tough woman with some stealth skills, making her a good choice to take along. "I would like to join as well, Captain Zero," Commander Zain said, standing up with enthusiasm for the mission. "Me too, Captain!" "Don''t forget me." Quickly, a team of seven was formed with the permission of the generals and Crown Prince Malcolm. Duke Milroy had no choice but to agree to the n. "Hey, I''d like to join as well..." Duke Milroy added with a hint of embarrassment. Aengus and the others looked at him strangely. "What? I''m just going to check on things. You''re taking all the S-Ranks, so I thought I should join while Leon and the others handle the attack afterward... Don''t think I''m joining out of care for you all. I just want the mission to seed," Duke Milroy muttered, avoiding their gaze and trying not to appear too eager. Aengus studied him and, judging by his expression, sensed no malicious intent, nor any trace of greed in his eyes. Crown Prince Malcolm asked, "Captain Zero, what do you think?" Aengus replied indifferently, "I have no problem as long as he doesn''t be the problem child." Crown Prince didn''t mind theck of honorific after considering Aengus''s strength, just like the Generals. "Haha..." Rather, Crown Prince Malcolm and General Leonughed amusedly. "Who else could talk to the mighty Northern Duke like this, except him? " General Leon agreed with the idea, believing it would help ensure Ethan''s safety. Whatever Milroy''s goal might be, it couldn''t exceed the imminent threat of the kingdom''s doom. If there''s no Araknis Kingdom, there will be no throne. Moreover, his suspicion that the Northern Duke had eyes on the throne was perhaps due to his own overprotective tendencies. The Crown Prince seemed friendly with the Duke, always calling him "uncle." "Uncle, be safe! And bring us victory!" Crown Prince Malcolm cheered his uncle with an elegant bow. "Sure, my boy! We will be victorious. Tell my royal brother that we''re at war, and we won''t stop until we achieve victory!" Duke Milroyughed with a domineering tone. Of course, he didn''t look Aengus in the eye, feeling a hint of embarrassment. "Long live the Kingdom of Araknis!" "Long live the King!" The officials andmanders roared in unison, raising their spirits high. "So, Captain Zero, the n is set, right? You''ll all give a surprise attack using your special skills like you told us, and then we''ll attack after getting the signal. Can we count on you?" General Felix asked, wanting to confirm. "No problem, General. I''m ready to deliver the good news," Aengus answered calmly, standing straight. "Good!" General Felix smiled, pleased by his response. "Ethan, meet your teammates before you go. And take care of yourself ; we''ll be there when you need us. And onest thing, don''t kill all of them. We need them in the Holy War against the demons," General Leon said gently, thinking far in future. "I will try, General." Aengus had that in mind as well. He knew if he killed them all, there wouldn''t be enough soldiers left to lead the Liberation Army''s war for peace. Aengus, Commander Zain, and the others quickly left to inform their trusted subordinates to lead the soldiers to war ording to the General''s autonomousmand until they returned. General Leon watched Aengus''s back, thinking about the promise he made to Ethan. The n was to establish peace and order between both worlds. Perhaps, there was still hope of realizing the dream he once had. With this, he could create a safe haven for his future children and ire. --- Aengus quickly informed Aria on his behalf, secretly. "You''re going on a secret mission? Can Ie along?" Aria asked. They were alone together inside his tent. Aengus gave her a light kiss on the lips. "No, you can''t. You need to lead the soldiers on my behalf, alongside Captain Dior and Ren. I''ve informed them briefly. Just be patient, Aria. This will be over soon, I promise. And you know my strength¡ªno one can hurt me," Aengus said, removing his lips from hers. Aria touched her lips and tugged at his sleeve as he was about to leave. "Be careful, Ethan. I''ll be waiting!" she said with watery eyes. "Yes, I will¡ªfor us!" With that, Aengus disappeared into the darkness of the night. Aengus, Raya, Zain, and Duke Milroy quickly gathered behind a sloping mountain. As the leader of the mission, Aengus exined his n. It involved using his skill, Shadow Monarch''s Dominion, to make them all nearly invisible in the darkness of night. The others nodded, finding the n usible, though Duke Milroy raised a question. "Hey, can you really do that?" he asked in doubt. Aengus answered with action. He instantly touched the Duke''s forehead, releasing a pulse of glowing dark energy. In the blink of an eye, Duke Milroy transformed into a shadow, leaving the physical world behind. Under the dim moonlight, Milroy''s shadow was barely visible, almost untraceable. "Now, does anyone have any doubts?" Aengus asked coolly. The others, witnessing the transformation, shook their heads vigorously. "Very good! Now, let''s start!" One by one, Aengus turned them all into shadows¡ªCommander Raya, Zain, and the other four members. Experiencing the shadow world was new to them, but they quickly adapted, finding it as natural as walking in the physical world. They followed Aengus likeckeys, who, now fully embodying the power of the Shadow Monarch, blended seamlessly into the darkness. Chapter 227: Chapter 227: Chaos Explosives After traveling several dozen kilometers over rugged, mountainous terrain, Aengus and his team arrived at a formidable barrier. They immediately grew cautious; this was the crucial moment that would determine the initial sess of their mission. Without dy, Aengus activated Sacred Kirin''s Blessing (S), enhancing their overallbat prowess fivefold. The surge of power coursed through each of them, even in their shadow forms. They marveled at the skill''s effectiveness¡ªit was undoubtedly divine. To be able to amplifybat strength so significantly was no ordinary feat. In his long Shadow Monarch form, Aengus observed their reactions silently. Without a word, he invoked Space Laws, instantly transporting the entire team across the barrier, seamlessly tearing through the spatial fabric without triggering the barrier''s defenses. "Huh? We made it." They whispered with shock and awe. Though they were reveling in their sess, they didn''t forget the n. ording to the n, they activated their individual enhancement and stealth skills, making themselves even more untraceable. For added security, Aengus activated Barrier of Chaos (A) , rendering them invisible on a small scale individually. This was the same skill that had even tricked the Beast Lord with its incredible illusions, so its effectiveness was undeniable. "Okay, Let''s move!" Aengusmanded as he advanced, his gaze fixed on the enemy. Suppressing their curiosity, the team followed him, struggling to match Aengus''s speed, which was no easy feat. The Imperial forces had already set up temporary camps across a vast field whererge warships could be seen. Millions of soldiers were gathered around thousands of campfires, their expressions vignt. Aengus and his team stopped behind an enemy tent, moving like the night''s chilly breeze, their presencepletely untraceable. Aengus quickly produced several destructive bombs made from World Corrosive Venom and Chaos Elemental Particles. He handed each of them at least ten of these destructive Chaos Venom Orbs. Each one had cost him 500 Origin Mana, making the power within immense. They held the orbs, feeling a shiver of fear as they sensed the raw, destructive energy contained within. The orbs were dense, vibrating with chaotic energy as though they could explode at any moment. Even the Northern Duke felt a tinge of fear as he held onto these orbs, their multicolored destructive energy swirling ominously. He could detect Chaotic Elements and Deadly Venom inside. If this hit him somehow, he would get serious injury for sure. He nced at Aengus with newfound apprehension, realizing that making enemy of this young man would be a grave mistake for anyone who valued their life. After distributing the orbs, Aengus spoke calmly, "Now, go and ce them in their critical military bases, resource areas, and anywhere the enemy is heavily gathered. He spoke as though it were a simple task. But it wasn''t. This mission meant killing hundreds of thousands of humans. Why was he so calm? Was he not afraid of the wrath of the gods? Aengus noticed their hesitation and looked at them, feigning obliviousness. "What? Let''s get moving. You all have 10 minutes before the Shadown Form, Enhancement and Illusion Barrier disappear from your body." he warned seriously. "Ah, okay, Captain!" they replied, humbling themselves before hismand. They knew this was their only path to victory, and the burden of these sins would be shared among themselves. Swoosh! Swoosh! They spread out in all directions in their shadow forms, using the darkness to their advantage. Aengus turned his attention to a group of soldiers sitting around a campfire, making them his first target. "Ahh, when is this wait going to end? I want to kill somebody!" one soldier grumbled, his bloodthirsty voice echoing near the campfire. Their shadows danced with the wind as they spoke. "Just a few more minutes, guys. I heard we''reunching our attack at midnight!" another soldier announced with a wild grin. "What if they attack first, Captain?" a soldier asked, fear creeping into his voice. "Haha¡­ they wouldn''t dare. Besides, we have Lord Halton''s protection. He''s cast surveince and defensive barriers all over this area. If any of them try to infiltrate, they''ll be caught immediately," the captain replied with confidence. "Yes, Lord Halton is mighty. We should be grateful to him," the others sighed in relief. Aengus slipped into one of the enemy tents, cing a Chaos Orb in a hidden location. Swoosh! He took a final nce at the unsuspecting soldiers, silently offering a prayer for their journey after death, before vanishing from that camp. "Who''s there?" one soldier muttered, his instincts kicking in as a chill ran down his spine. He nced around fearfully, his skin prickling with a sense of impending doom. His fellow soldiers shot him displeased looks, irritated by his sudden outburst. "Did you guys not hear something?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. They frowned, dismissing his anxiety as nothing more than fart. "No, we didn''t hear anything. Stop being a killjoy and let us enjoy the moment." Hispanions shrugged it off, making a disgusting face. The unsettled soldier looked around, confusion and dread filling his gaze as the tingling sensation persisted, warning him of something terrible. But, as fate would have it, his foreboding feelings were of no use; some destinies are inevitable. --- Aengus moved stealthily in his shadow form, his target set on the enemy warships. These were no ordinary vessels; over a hundred massive warships loomed above, each equipped with powerful magical cannons. Their sheer size and firepower could easily determine the oue of the war if left intact. Standing at the base of one warship, Aengus tilted his gaze upward, marveling at its scale. The vessel towered at least 500 meters from the ground, its colossal weight likely tens of thousands of tons. It was a marvel of engineering and magic alike¡ªan enormous weapon designed to dominate the skies. "Whoosh!" Aengus jumped up, reaching hundreds of meters in height with a single leap. He felt the chilly wind brushing past him gently, choosing a dark spot tond. He looked down to find himself on top of one of the cannon''s heads, smelling the destructiveness of gunpowder and magic. Chapter 228: Chapter 228: Getting Caught? With another jump, hended smoothly on top of the warship''s deck. There was some artificial light above, but no guards in sight. He sneaked over to the cabin, identifying a vulnerable spot where the warship''s mechanisms operated. "Hahaha¡­Envor Feodor, your wish finally came true. This kingdom is finally meeting its doom!" "Pah, that''s true¡­ They dared insult me. They deserve it. I just said a few bad words about them, and the Emperor was enraged, hahaha¡­" From inside, Aengus heard a few men conversing, mixed with faint moans from women. "Ahn¡­ Please be gentle, Sir Feodor! Ahn!" "Not inside, Please! I will get pregnant." Smack, smack! "Ooh, shut up bi*ch, just take it all inside¡­" the man only grunted with pleasure. "Haha¡­ Feodor, slow down a bit. You''re getting old¡­ No more juice in you... haha.." another man''s vulgar voice echoed, reaching Aengus''s ears. Aengus turned away with disgust, but he didn''t forget to ce the Elemental Chaos Orb in a corner for their demise. He was though curious if the man inside named Feodor was the same envoy he heard in the meeting. Either way, it was not important as long his work got done. With another jump, he leaped onto another nearby warship. This ship was well-guarded, likely housing some influential officials inside. "Sneeze! Achoo!" One guard suddenly sneezed, making Aengus freeze in the shadows. The guards turned vignt, their sharp eyes scanning the deck with Clearcut precision. Finding no one, they looked at the first guard with a displeased expression. "What? Can''t I even sneeze?" the guard shrugged. They shook their heads helplessly and shifted their attention ahead. Aengus continued to move, swapping shadows as he progressed. "Commander, we are ready to attack tonight!" he overheard from the cabin, thanks to his sharp hearing. "Good! Proceed with the Imperial Decree!" came the domineeringmand. Without wasting any time, Aengus ced another orb here as well. In this manner, he methodically nted eighteen orbs across various warships, covering half of them. At the neenth one, however, something unexpected happened. As he moved within the shadows on the deck, a sudden, intense light flooded over him. His shadow form dissipated, leaving him fully exposed. He realized the deck was unique, adorned with luxurious decor and a concealed barrier that he thought he''d bypassed undetected. But from the looks of it, Clearly, he hadn''t. Caught red-handed, Aengus saw a man in a red military suit smirking as he approached him. "You think you''re so brave, daring to enter my domain, Soldier of the Araknis Kingdom!" the man sneered, pleased with himself for catching what he thought was a mere intruder, unaware that he was facing true trouble in the form of Aengus. "Haha, what a foolish youngster! Trying to trick Lord Halton¡ªThe master of barriers? It''s a joke. He is unmatched in this field," another mocking voice chimed in from the shadows, revealing an old man with a beard. Aengus looked at the man calmly, even after getting caught. But, It was astonishing to see someone able to see through his Barrier of Chaos. An imitation is an imitation, The saying is true after all. It can never be the same as the Barrier of Ruination, without any ws. The man was obviously a Transcendental, and a very special one at that. He specialized in Barrier Skills, both offensive and defensive. Aengus learned about Halton''s skills after using Appraisal. "What''s with the response? Why aren''t you shocked? Or afraid? Shouldn''t you beg for forgiveness at least?" Lord Halton asked, feeling disappointed at not getting the expected reaction. Aengus grinned, finding it amusing. "It''s because... I am stronger¡ª" Whoosh! Kacha, Kacha... Crack! Aengus suddenly threw a casual punch to test the defensive barriers that Halton had cast all around himself and his allies. Though they were SS-Rank barriers, someyers shattered instantly, leaving the majoryers still intact. "Haha... Only this much? Too weak...," Halton sneered at Aengus''s power, though he felt a slight impact. But, honestly, inside he was shocked by the seemingly young man''s speed and strength. A young man capable of challenging a Transcendental was no simple matter. Since when had the Araknis Kingdom produced such prodigies? Why hadn''t he heard any news of such a young talent? "You call yourself stronger, then let''s see how you handle this, brat," Halton cackled, regaining hisposure. Aengus, wanting to test Halton''s barrier, quickly found himself inside an illusion barrier where he surprisingly saw memories of his past with his mother. He saw himself eating and ying as a child with his mother, Eleanora¡ªcarefree and unburdened before he was deemed unworthy of wielding the Darknessw and the Family Head seat. These bittersweet memories reyed, turning his heart heavy. Of course, the barrier showed these memories only to him, trapping him in the illusion. Even if Halton tried his hardest, he wouldn''t have ess to them. "Enough!" Aengus, having had enough of the disy, quickly just snapped his fingers, causing the barrier to disappear with the help of Chaos energy. Halton was gleeful, but that soon faded as he saw Aengus easily escaping the Illusion Barrier. It was an SS-rank skill, for God''s sake. It could easily drive a person to madness by using their deepest, sorrowful emotions. But he didn''t know that Aengus was immune to mental attacks due to his unique skill: Nullified Mental Attacks . The old man beside him stiffened, feeling a little afraid of the boy now. "Why couldn''t Lord Halton defeat a simple ''Rat''?" "Are you done?" Aengus asked coldly. "If so, let''s start this for real." As soon as he finished speaking, Aengus disappeared from his spot, appearing right before Halton like he had teleported. Despite his considerable speed and reaction time, Halton couldn''t track Aengus''s movements. Bang, bang! Shatter, shatter! One after another, Halton''s defensive barriers broke, and he felt the impact on his body, coughing up blood from his mouth and nostrils. The old man was scared out of his wits, seeing this. He tried to escape, but Aengus bound him in ce. Chapter 229: Chapter 229: Ruination Thud! With thest barrier shattered like ss, Halton was hit directly by Aengus''s fist. He spun in the air like a whirlwind and smashed into the metal fence of the warship. "Ahhh.." His chest was caved in with a fist-shaped indentation, blood flowing out, creating a grisly scene. As Haltony in a deformed state, Aengus moved in to finish him off. "Whoosh, Whoosh, Swoosh!" Before he could, Aengus looked up to see several powerful figures. Their auras radiated, buzzing through the air, gathering above him in mere seconds. Most likely, they had been alerted beforehand or simply heard themotion. Aengus remained calm even in the presence of so many Transcendentals. There were at least ten of them. Ten SS-Ranks, and who knew how many more still hidden among them. It was an impressive numberpared to the Araknis Kingdom''s forces. In a way, this was to be expected from the Imperial forces. He''d heard rumors that they had even more back in their domain. This was merely the tip of the iceberg. From the start, the Araknis Kingdom never had a chance of winning against the Imperial forces alone. The only way to defeat them was by teaming up with other kingdoms. However, the Imperial forces had anticipated this, taking proactive steps to foil any alliances. The Transcendentals first looked at Halton''s miserable figure lying in the corner, whose eyes regained hope upon seeing them. Then, their attention shifted to the surprising young man who had caused all this. They were enraged and displeased by the fact that someone from a small kingdom dared to infiltrate the Imperial forces so boldly. If others found out, they would be theughingstock of the whole world. Thus, they had to capture the one responsible for this and hang him to death after torturing him, to let the world know the consequences of going against the Imperial Army of the Kairos Empire. "Apprehend him!" "Boom, boom, boom!" Instantly, an endless barrage of dangerous skills was targeted at Aengus. He was already zigzagging between enemies on top of the deck, using his speed to his advantage. Some attackers used instant-speed techniques to catch him, while others unleashed destructive skills in wless coordination. "CREAK!" The warship creaked heavily under theirbined assault as multicolored energy signatures spread outward, visible to the soldiers below. Warningmands echoed between the enemy armies of millions, instantly putting them on high alert. They scrambled out of their tents, readied their weapons, and looked up at the warship, witnessing the cataclysmic confrontation. Even the massivemand ship was beginning to buckle under the sheer might of the attacks. Some soldiers tried to get closer to see what was happening, but they were incinerated by the intense energy radiating from the battle above. Chaotic elemental energy only added to the destruction. "Oh my god! Just who are they fighting? How many are there?" one soldier shouted in awe and curiosity. "I can''t even see through this intense energy. Let''s get to safety, guys!" another muttered cautiously. The soldiers, like a swarm of ants, rushed to a safe distance. Some stumbled and fell, getting trampled in the chaos, but no one paused to help. Humanity be damned! Aengus found himself at a disadvantage due to the enemy''s coordinated assault. Ten SS-Rank powerhouses were no joke. It was like nheless astonishing see him unharmed, ignoring the faint marks of assaults. "BOOM!" The ship beneath them was instantly obliterated, leaving remnants of ash and smoke scattered through the air. Sharp metal fragments rained down like deadly drops, piercing the guards below and iming lives in their path. Aengus spread his mighty Dragon Wings, ring down at the ten Transcendentals. "Haha..." Hovering in the air with a dominating presence, they grinned, feeling victorious as they forced him into a corner. A stronger Transcendental floated forward, equipped with his own pair of wings, though they appeared pale inparison to Aengus''s Dragon Wings. Aengus''s wings looked alive, seamlessly part of him, while the other''s appeared ordinary, like those of amon flying beast. Despite feeling envious, the Transcendental feigned arrogance. "Boy, tell me your name. Why go to such lengths for an insignificant kingdom? You''re incredibly talented; why waste your future on them? You could easily have a bright future if you join the Imperial Army. What do you say?" he offered, recognizing Aengus''s "potential". He knew it was no small feat to achieve Transcendental strength at such a young age. They would need to conduct thorough experiments on him, seeking the secret to his strength. Perhaps he could even be the key to Godhood. They grinned sinisterly inside, their intentions malicious and treacherous. Aengus smirked, seeing through their facade. "Why would I need you when I have this strength? I''ll create my own empire, trampling whoever opposes me and rejecting peace." The Transcendentals'' faces turned ashen at his arrogant attitude. "Boy, you''re foolish. This will only lead to your demise," one of them sneered. Aengus looked unbothered, continuing to smile and ignoring their unpleasant expressions. "Captain Zero, we''re done," a voice echoed in his ear. In an instant, Aengus''s expression turned cold, catching the mental transmission. "So, the time hase..." Aengus muttered, resigned to the inevitable. The Transcendentals felt a bad premonition. Some among them had caught the mental transmission in the air and ryed it to the others. It made them slightly tense. The boy was an anamoly, and who knows what he do next "What are you nning now? Tell us!" the first inmand demanded, masking his panic. Aengus looked back at the enemy soldiers, mourning the losses about to unfold. Facing downward, he answered, "Nothing. I just thought of a way to even the battle. You have over 20 million soldiers. It''s time to reduce those numbers." His voice was barely audible. "What do you mean by that?" one of them asked, the foreboding feeling growing stronger. "First Commander, we need to stop him quick!" one of them roared. The first inmand, angered by the situation spiraling out of control, lunged forward, determined to kill the source of his distress. Aengus uttered only one word: " Ruination ." Chapter 230: Chapter 230: Fusion Sword Skill The World shook with hismand, like triggering a apocalypse. Rumble, rumble! A cataclysmic disy of explosions erupted in several ces across the Imperial Army camps. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The explosions were so massive and intense that, for a moment, they created an air vacuum across a wide area, spanning kilometers. Alongside this, several spatial fissures were born because intense reaction of the explosions. These fissure devoured Imperial soldiers in masses. "Save..." Screams of terror and despair echoed as far as the eye could see. It was pure chaos! The Imperial Transcendentals stared wide-eyed, witnessing the cataclysm on such arge scale. Almost half of their mighty army was caught in the explosions, turned to dust particles in an instant. "Pure Ruination!" One of the enemy Transcendentals muttered in disbelief, shocked by the destruction on the ground. They shifted their eyes to source of Ruination, a Soldier, appearing so ordinary. But he was not. Strangely enough , Aengus was seen collecting¡ªno, devouring¡ªall the precious energy particles of the dead, forming a ck hole in his palm as he hovered in the air. "Demonic ability?" Another muttered, looking a little frightened, sensing Aengus growing stronger by the second. Aengus''s aura was the living proof of that. "He''s a devil! Kill him!" They roared, charging at Aengus in desperation. The first inmand took the lead, feeling a momentary satisfaction atnding a hit on Aengus. But, to his shock, Aengus barely reacted, as if he had been struck by nothing more than cotton candy. Aengus was absorbing stats and soul power, which made him ecstatic for a moment, allowing them to strike him as they wished. "Haha..." Heughed, watching their futile efforts, feeling absolute confidence in his strength to withstand their attacks. He wanted to make them feel true despair and force them to submission to him for future conquests. Otherwise, they would merely be his resources¡ªthat was their fate. In the distance, Aengus saw the Kingdom''s forces advancing, seizing the weakened Imperial army''s vulnerable state. They got the signal and it was time to Kill. The three generals led their army of millions, charging forward like lightning-borne warhorses. They swept in like a flood, cutting down enemies with precision and fury. "Lowly bastards! Cowards!" the Imperialmander roared, realizing the disadvantageous situation they were trapped in due to the enemy''s trickery. The Transcendentals turned their venomous gazes on Aengus, identifying him as the mastermind behind this sinister n. "Soldiers, form the Kairos formation!" One oldmander bellowed domineeringly. A sudden, overwhelming presence emerged on the battlefield from the Imperial side. An older man with a devastating, tsunami-like aura stepped forward, reviving the Imperial soldiers'' spirits instantly. "The Imperial Teacher is here!" someone shouted in relief. "We''re saved!" another cheered. "Kill the cowards!" voices echoed as the Kairos soldiers quickly took their prearranged formation, striking at the Kingdom''s forces like a hawk descending on prey. General Leon, Felix, and Martin were also quickly engaged in a fierce, sky-shaking battle. They fought in the sky to avoid harming the lower ranks, where coteral damage could lead to massive destruction. The Imperial Transcendentals regained some confidence upon seeing the Imperial Teacher joining the battle personally, leading the soldiers in a tight formation. Now, all they had to do was defeat the enemy before them, then the three generals and the Northern Duke on the other front, and their victory would be assured. The battle was between 10 millions+ Vs 15 millions+ There was a significant lost of over 5 millions soldiers because of those explosion and corrosive Venom. Aengus paused, absorbing the energy in the air. He looked at his stats, which had crossed the 20,000 mark in each section. He was nowparable to 2,000 ordinary healthy men in a true sense. He felt his rejuvenated cells growing stronger and more powerful, making him feel almost invincible. His soul also recovered significantly, making him feelfortable all over. He grinned at the frustrated Transcendentals, and they turned mad. "You''re a scourge, you know that!" the first-inmand said, taking out a shiny SS-Grade sword from his Spatial Ring. They all took out their own weapons, turning serious, perhaps nning something different. All of their weapons were different-colored swords mostly, which struck Aengus as odd. And he didn''t have to wait long. "Kairos Divine Sword Fusion!" The ten of them gathered, connecting their swords as if performing a ritual. They looked determined, and soon seamlessly merged as one¡ªa massive-sized divine sword radiating pure holy aura. Aengus was surprised. The fused sword was not an illusion; it was real. The sword was at least 3,000 meters long and 500 meters wide. It shone like a beacon of light, attracting the fighting soldiers'' attention and pausing them, struck dumb by the power disyed before them. The scale of the sword was mind-boggling, turning the night into day by its sheer presence alone. General Leon and the others looked worried at Aengus, who hovered facing the fused divine sword alone. Aria and her team were among the soldiers as well. She looked at him worriedly, clenching her fists. She wanted to help, but she felt useless in the face of the battle unfolding before her. She knew she would only be a burden if she went ahead carelessly. She might even be used to threaten Aengus to give up if they get to know about their rtionship. She focused deeply, executing the A and S-Rank skills effortlessly. Her movements were like blinks, making her execution deadly. On the sidelines, her nature power was also at work, clearing enemies on arge scale, protecting her like their goddess. Her graceful footwork and precise kills were noticed by Aengus, who was impressed by her dedication. From the beginning, he had been keeping an eye on her from time to time. He turned his attention to the holy "mountain" before him. Calling it a huge mountain wouldn''t be inappropriate. As everyone''s eyes were on Aengus, waiting to see his next move, but he heaved a sigh in response. The sigh buzzed like thunder in everyone''s ears, gradually transforming into the roar of a primordial beast. Abyssal zing Dragon (SS)! Under everyone''s astonished gaze, Aengus, in a wless motion, transformed into his Regal Dark Fire Dragon form, which was now an SS rank skill after all the transformation skills assimted, leveling it even further. Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Future Emperor? "Whoaaa, what!" "God!" The soldiers from both sides were struck dumb, pausing the war to aplete stop. Their eyes were on the unfolding spectacle before them. Aengus was now the epitome of an apocalypse. His dragon form left everyone stunned by its sheer size. He was now a 6,000-meter-long and 2,500-meter-wide ck dragon. Terrifying!! It was as if he had ascended to the heavens; his dragon head and crimson eyes pierced through the clouds, almost reaching the edge of the troposphere. Each of his wings shone like the sun, radiating with a mixture of crimson fire and hellfire. It made the very air burned, and ground scorched. The zing heat produced from his body above melted people nearby, as if the sun itself had descended right above their heads, so close. General Leon, though shocked, smiled as he watched Aengus shine so brightly, just as he had once told Aengus he should. "So, it''s true, Leon... we wee a new Emperor?" General Felix and Martin muttered beside him, both awed and terrified. "Yes. He is the one who could bring true order and peace," General Leon murmured, his gaze fixed on the massive Fire Dragon. From their conversation, it seemed that Leon had once spoken to them about Zero''s goal and promise. At that time, they dismissed it as a joke, but now they were beginning to take it seriously, sensing a bright future ahead. "Mm..Hmm... it looks like he was born for this task," General Martin agreed, looking contemtive. "Now that I think about it, with this monstrous dragon form, it would have been pretty easy to defeat the Beast Lord in Darkwood Forest, right? That basilisk was far smaller than him now, if I remember correctly." General Felix smiled brightly, feeling a weight lift off his chest. It was because he had made a decision for a better future. General Leon had no definite answers, but he noticed the eptance on Felix''s face. This made him feel hopeful for the future. --- As the apocalyptic fight raged high in the sky, Aria and the squad watched in awe at their captain''s sudden transformation and the earth-shaking battle unfolding before their eyes. Just as promised, none of the squad members died in the encounter with the enemies. When they were close to death, they were miraculously saved by the mysterious, instant death of their enemies. "We underestimated Captain Zero once again, everyone. He is a god among men!" one soldier said with a fanatical expression. The battle had paused due to the apocalyptic fight above, and they marveled at the world-shaking spectacle before them. "CREAACK!" "RUMBLE!" With each collision, the world trembled, the air thinned, and the clouds vaporized. The starry night sky was clearer than ever. Aria was happy to see him shine. She hoped this would clear all the inferiorityplex and suffering he had endured in the other world. Once he returned, he would be able to stand proud, making his mother happy. As for her... the future was uncertain about their journey together, but what was wrong with being a little optimistic? She might have to wait a little, but she had confidence in him to ovee any obstacles. Aria ensured their squad''s safety to fulfill the promise on his behalf. Delh, Drake, and Yona were shaken to the core, imagining such a powerful presence beside them just a while ago. They were simply too stunned to speak. The two captains looked on with reverence, as if witnessing godly might. As for the Northern Duke and the royal princes, their expressions were bright and incredulous. They were certain they were going to win after Aengus''s might was revealed. "I can''t believe a person surpassing the Transcendentals was seen in our kingdom," Crown Prince Malcolm muttered, feeling the heat grazing his face even from miles away from the main battlefield. "Haha... I even doubted his strength at first, thinking he was just an arrogant brat," Duke Milroy said with a regretful sigh. "Now that I think about it, he was just being humble in front of everyone, hiding such power inside him. How embarrassing is that?" heughed, mocking himself. "Milroy, what''s happening? We heard we''re winning." Suddenly, an old, husky voice reached their ears. They turned to see the King himself, present on the battlefield, apanied by a few guards and closely guarded by knights. The nearby soldiers gave respectful bows, acknowledging his wise presence. Duke Milroy smiled. "Yes, royal brother. Look... your wish ising true, though it was the hand of an unfamiliar person." The old King gazed at the night sky, illuminated by a burning sun and the holy aura of a sword. "It''s the Kairos Empire''s Legacy Skill of Sword Fusion! And who is that Dragon, Milroy?" the King asked. Crown Prince Malcolm answered, "Father, it''s the same boy that General Leon, Ethan¡ªor Zero, you could say. Delh teamed with him at that time." "Oh..." King Milphomor recalled the boy with ck hair from the High Human race. "I see... But I thought he was a High Human. Since when did this young man be capable of defeating so many Transcendentals together?" the King asked, doubtful but trusting that Milroy and his son wouldn''t lie. "Well, he can''t be judged bymon sense. Perhaps he is the key to breaking out of this world, just as foretold in the old divination," Duke Milroy replied. "Anyway, big brother, you should really consider how to get him to join us. It would ensure the kingdom''s long, prosperous future," Duke Milroy suggested, his arms crossed. The King seriously considered the proposal. The young man''s future was limitless, full of potential. His old, shrewd eyes turned to his youngest daughter, Delh, among Aria''s group, seeminglying to a decision. --- Aengus''s paw mmed down once more, easily deflecting the sword''s charge and feeling slightly ticklish from its sharpness. The impact created a devastating air pressure downward, forming a massive crater beneath his paws, as if a mountain range of five peaks had emerged. The fusion sword vibrated intensely from the impact, bing dull and cracked as it was forced into the ground, creating a sword-shaped crater, same as the five-wed mountain range. Chapter 232: Chapter 232: Foolishness? Aengus gripped the God-yer Aegis, now shaped as a scepter, in his powerful Dragon''s ws and brought it down with immense force onto the Fusion Sword lying before him. The moment the scepter made contact, the air around them vibrated violently, the sheer force of the strike causing the massive sword to fracture and shatter with a deafening ng , followed by a thunderous boom . --- "Heavens..." The Imperial teacher, who had once appeared like a savior to boost the soldiers'' morale, stood in shock, his mouth agape at the sight of ten Transcendentals being crushed by a single person. In that moment, he knew they were defeated. Forgetting the remaining soldiers, he slipped away silently, escaping the imminent doom. He had arrived as a lion and left as a cat. On the main battlefield, the ten Transcendentals returned to their human forms, breaking away from the sword fusion skill quickly. Their conditions were dire. They bore burn marks everywhere, where searing heat had grazed and chaos energy had torn their flesh away in chunks. "ROAR!" Aengus let out a sky shaking Dragon roar, shattering the spatial fabric with sheer pressure alone. The roar was targeted at the Imperial soldiers, who had gathered together like ants, while some tried to flee. With the dragon''s roar, they felt their eardrums burst and stopped in their tracks, clutching their ears in pain. But they understood what Aengus demanded: absolute submission . The ten million Imperial soldiers quickly prostrated, feeling defeated and weak as ants before the dragon''s mighty presence, which seemed made to dominate the world like a true emperor. Aengus quickly returned to his human form, his face one of indifference. He went near hovering just above the surrendered Imperial army, still prostrated, not daring to rise. In amanding manner, Aengus summoned Aria beside him with an invisible power from his squad. Aria floated gracefully and arrived smoothly at his side. Aria was slightly taken aback by the sudden call, but she was happy to gain recognition from him, just as he had promised. Aengus then addressed the entire Imperial army. "What is the young man trying to do?" the King asked, looking at General Leon beside him. Strangely enough, General Leon smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, whatever he does, please don''t interfere with his path. We are powerless against him, and we can''t control him. But I know he is not a bad person. It will all be for the greater good." Though Leon''s words sounded mysterious, the King, Crown Prince Malcolm, and the Northern Duke could guess something of Aengus''s intentions. This made their expressions unpleasant, but there was little they could do. They didn''t have the power to take control of the Imperial army from him. Though it was tempting to gain another over 10 million soldiers, it was equally dangerous. It was tough as snatching lion''s mouth, despite being a cat. Aengus looked at the severely injured ten SS-ranks and announced loudly, "Your higher-ups are all defeated, so henceforth you are ordered to swear loyalty to the new Order." He paused, letting the words sink in. "Those who refuse will face death. In the name of ZERO, you may now submit to your new Emperor and Empress. From henceforth, there will be just one order in the world: the Liberation Empire. Those who stand in the path of liberation and peace will see their legacy reduced to ruins. They will be my enemy." His deration spread far and wide, making everyone''s eyes widen. This was no simple deration; it was a challenge to the entire world, to both Solis and Abyss. "What is this young man doing?" The King looked frustrated for some reason. "Why is he announcing that so loudly? Doesn''t he know this will reach everyone''s ears soon? I thought he had potential and even considered him as a suitor for my daughter, but now he seems foolish to me¡­" The King''s old face showed disappointment. General Leon shook his head in disagreement. "No, Your Majesty. That was his intention from the start. He wants everyone to know ande to wage war against him. It seems clever to me¡­" The King and the royal princes looked at Leon with a mix of fear and apprehension. "You mean, he''s confident he can win against all of them? This was just a n to capture their forces quick?" Duke Milroy asked, finding it unbelievable and extremely daring. "Well, that seems to be the case. He is in a hurry for some reason," General Felix added. "Didn''t you all see how he grew more powerful during battle? They were just mere resources for him to grow strong," he exined calmly. The King''s expression turned grave at this revtion. "I see¡­ Isn''t that a little¡­ demonic, Leon? It''s quite simr to Beelzebub, who haf devoured all of Arcadia City. What do you make of this?" he asked Leon, voicing his doubt. General Leon remained unafraid. "Yes, it is somewhat simr, Your Majesty. But I can tell his energy signature is not Nether¡ªit''s unique, out of this world. Besides, he knows how to control it well. I don''t think we need to worry about this. Didn''t His Majesty hear his deration? He wants the world unified and liberated under one rule. And, forgive me for being presumptuous, but I promised him my support in achieving this goal, in exchange for ensuring that the Araknis Kingdom remains under your rule. So, there''s no need to fear him taking the throne." King Milphomor was pleased with Leon''s consideration. "We weren''t concerned about the throne, Leon. I was worried about the boy. I''ve had enough of this bloodshed of innocents and the poor. Nheless, the Kingdom is grateful for your consideration," the King spoke, gazing at Aengus and Delh. After considering everything, the King once again decided to consider their rtionship. However, the young man had already dered Aria as Empress so resolutely that the chance of Delh bing the main wife was slim. Still, he would be content if Delh could at least be a concubine of the rising Emperor. It was a difficult choice as a father, but it was for Delh and the Kingdom''s good. --- The soldiers hesitated slightly at the thought of following such a young rising Emperor against the whole world. His big ambitions were a daunting wall that made them pause. Though he had proven to be powerful, that alone wasn''t enough to assure them he was worthy of being Emperor. That''s what they thought anyway. Meanwhile, the Ten Higher-Ups were stoking the mes of doubt. "Don''t listen to his lies, everyone! He''s someone who doesn''t know the difference between heaven and earth. Think of how he ughtered yourrades, friends, and family," one Imperial Transcendental muttered, clenching his teeth in pain. "Kid, don''t be so arrogant. You still haven''t seen the real world. The Imperial forces are out there, and Emperor Kairos won''t spare you¡ªjust you wait," the first-inmand said viciously. Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Age: 19 "Oh... Perhaps you''re all forgetting who I am." His voice grew colder by the moments, "I didn''t request your submission; this was an.. ORDER!" Aengus''s voice thundered, making the air vibrate with intensity. He pped the bound Transcendentals'' faces so hard that their heads twisted, snapping their necks instantly. They were dead in a single blow. He didn''t forget to crush Lord Halton, who had tried to flee but was simrly bound by Aengus''s power. Halton''s face filled with despair, the color draining from his features as he watched Aengus effortlessly kill the ten Transcendentals. No one could stop him now¡ªunless the gods themselves interfered personally. But that was not possible currently, so the oue is Death. Aengus knew it would be difficult to gain their loyalty, and they couldn''t be enved with Shadow Monarch''s power either, so he remained calm about the decision. Under the soldiers'' horror stricken eyes, Aengus instantly gulped down 6 Transcendentals using Omni-Devour, leaving other five for Aria and others. [ Strength +700, Agility +700, Defense +730 ] [ Strength + 670....] .... [ Orgin Mana +4,000 ] [ Origin Mana +4,500 ] .... [ Your Soul recovered slightly ] [ You have been granted a new ss: Chaos Creater (SSS+) ] [Do you want to equip it? Yes / No ] --- [ You have acquired a new active skill: Crimson Tempest (SS) ¨C Summons a whirlwind of blood-red energy that shes through enemies with relentless fury. ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Meteor Breaker ( SS) ¨C Calls down a massive meteor, dealing area-of-effect damage and causing tremors that knock back foes. ] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Valkyrie''s Descent (SS) ¨C Calls upon ethereal wings and a spear of light, allowing powerful airborne attacks and defensive strikes.] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Arcane Pulse (SS ) ¨C Releases a powerful surge of magical energy that disrupts enemy abilities and weakens defenses.] [ You have acquired a new active skill: Celestial Shield (SS)¨C Creates a barrier of light that deflects attacks and gradually regenerates the user''s health.] You have acquired a new active skill: Frostbound Dominion (SS ) ¨C Unleashes waves of freezing energy, immobilizing enemies and covering the ground with ice. [ You have acquired new active Skills: Barrier Of Despair (SS), Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS), Prismatic Shield (S), Celestial Bastion (SS), Divine Halo (SS), ck Thunder Barrier (S), Irond Ice Fortress (SS), Guardian''s Embrace (S+), Sr re Dome (S+), Divine Sword Fusion (SS) ] --- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 19 ] [ Title: Dragon yer ] [ Race: Human-Beast-Demon-Dragon-Seeker ] [ Level: 64 ] [ upation: Emperor ] [ ss: Chaos Creater (ept/Decline) ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Seeker (Royal), Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), God-beast Basilisk, Death Leviathan (Half-Noble), Fire Dragon (Noble), Wyvern (Elite)] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 26,300 ] [ Agility: 26,400 ] [ Defense: 27,540 ] [ Origin Mana: 240,000 / 240,000 ] - [ Active: Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS), Reflective Scales (SS), World Corrosive Venom (SS), Apocalypse Awakening (SS), Abyssal zing Dragon (SS), Crimson Tempest (SS), Meteor Breaker (SS), Valkyrie''s Descent (SS). Celestial Shield (SS), Frostbound Dominion (SS), Barrier Of Despair (SS), Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS), Celestial Bastion (SS), Divine Halo (SS), Irond Ice Fortress (SS), Divine Sword Fusion (SS), Guardian''s Embrace (S+), Sr re Dome (S+), Prismatic Shield (S), ck Thunder Barrier (S), Dimension Slip -3 (S), Seven Elements Chaos Maniption -12 (S), Sacred Kirin''s Healing -2 (S), Sacred Kirin''s Blessing -2 (S), Symbol Of Good Fortune -3 (S), Earth Turtle Shell -2 (S), Ancient Shield (S), Primordial Beast King -2 (A+), Chaos Istion Barrier -4 (A), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A), Ice breath (A), Lightning Roc''s Skybreaker Dive (A), Golden Wyvern''s Scales (A), Tempest Tiger''s Lightning Veil (B), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (B), Elite Human Transformation -29 (B), Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B), Ravenous Stonebeast (B), Arctic Bear''s cial Shield (B), Aqua Serpent''s Vortex (B), Phantom Mirage (B), Hurricane Gale (B), Space Warp -34 (C)] - [ Passive: Heart Of Chaos (S), Supreme Hunter (A), Phoenix Resurgence (B), Water Breathing (C) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 7)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Shadow Monarch''s Dominion [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] ---- After devouring them, his aura grew stronger, suppressing everyone present with sheer terror. Aengus realized he had turned 19 today. Meaning It his birthday. This marked the day the Ruination Emperor was born, beginning his eternal legacy. The surrendered soldiers understood he was not one to be taken as softhearted. He was on the path of ruination for his enemies. He was the Emperor of Ruination. "We swear loyalty to our new liege!" the millions of soldiers shouted loudly in unison, their voices echoing over the battlefield. One soldier stood up passionately and shouted, "Long live the Emperor of Ruination!" "Long live Emperor Zero!" Starting with him, everyone began echoing Aengus''s ceremonial ascension to the Emperor''s throne. "Long live our Emperor and Empress!" "Ruination Emperor!" "Ruination Emperor!" "Ruination Emperor!" Some excited soldiers screamed at the top of their lungs. Aengus''s powerful aura, which seemed to suppress the world, was enough to make them feel confident in the uing war. They removed their uniforms, blending in with the crowd under their new identities. This sight left the King and royal princes awestruck, not to mention the Araknis Kingdom''s soldiers. Even they began to feelpelled to bow before his presence. "Just how strong was he now?" "How did he manage to convince millions of Imperial soldiers so easily?" They closed their mouths, founding him unfathomable. There were still so many mysteries around him, feeling they couldn''t uncover in their lifetime. Aengus stored the corpses in the pocket of space, while cheers bounced in his ears. It was the incredible brainwashing effect of Shadow Monarch''s domain . He looked at Aria, who was feeling happier for him than for herself after being acknowledged as his Empress. The joy of seeing him shine with power meant more to her than anything else. She felt a warm sensation on her left hand; it was her Emperor''s hand. He entwined his fingers with hers and whispered, "It''s my birthday, My Empress. Why don''t you do something special for me?" Aria was stunned, then filled with joy upon hearing the news. "Really? That''s wonderful news, My Emperor ''," she replied, chuckling with equal delight as she held his waist gracefully. He now stood slightly taller than she did. "So, what''s my gift?" he asked, a seductive smile ying on his lips. Chapter 234: Chapter 234: A Historical Signature "Ah, sure, I have something for you!" Aria whispered beside his ear. "Alright, let me see what you''ve got," Aengus replied eagerly, ncing at Aria as she began to activate her mysterious nature power. Her hair turned snowy white, and her eyes shone with an intense emerald green. Drake, Yona, and Delh moved closer, sensing the situation had calmed down. Yet, they maintained a respectful distance from Aengus. He was now an emperor with over ten million soldiers, a forceparable to a powerful army on his own. "Congrattions, your imperial highness!" The King of the Araknis Kingdom approached with his generals following closely behind. "We acknowledge you as the sole Emperor of this world. Please ept our allegiance," the king said respectfully, acknowledging the establishment of the Liberation Empire. "Thank you," Aengus responded, looking at him perfunctorily, then turned his attention back to Aria, who was preparing something with deep focus. The king raised his brows but said nothing. Compared to Emperor Kairos, the young Emperor wasn''t too disrespectful, at the least. All attention shifted to the new Empress, who seemed eager to prove herself for the Emperor. Aria gestured her hand toward the sky, flowing green energy spreading above from her palm. To everyone''s astonishment, the night sky quickly disappeared, revealing a bright red sun rising from the east. "Oh My God!" Most of them were gobsmacked at the miracle. It was barely past midnight¡ªhow had day suddenly broken with a mere hand gesture? They stared at her in shock, but something even more incredible happened next. In the middle of the Five-wed Mountain Range and Sword Mountain, water began to pour in magically, filling a massive basin hundreds of meters deep, forming a small ocean. Tree roots sprouted from the scorched ground at an incredible speed, slowly shaping themselves into a statue. The scale of the statue was enormous, nearly 1,500 meters long and 400 meters wide. Aria was clearly struggling, but gritting her teeth, she held on. Aengus looked on in astonishment, guessing what she was attempting. Her determination made him smile, and he allowed her to continue without intervening. Very quickly, an exact replica of Aengus appeared¡ªa statue in military uniform made of lush greenery, vines, and flowers. The massive figure depicted Aengus holding his weapon, Aegis, shaped like a scepter, striking down against the Fusion Divine Sword. He looked regal and dominant, with a serious expression on his face. The colorful flowers of various types painted the statue in intricate detail, like a vivid, lifelike version of him. As everyone watched, marveling at the beauty, Aria panted and sweated, clearly exhausted from her efforts. Aengus gently held her shoulder, looking at her with affection. Instead of scolding her for overexerting herself, he offered apliment as she gazed up at him. "That was incredible, my beautiful empress. You''re a true goddess of nature," he said sincerely, acknowledging her attempt to impress him¡ªor perhaps to create asting memory for the world to remember. As he observed, he was stunned to see that her powers even seemed to affect the Sun and Moon. Though it was unclear if those celestial bodies were real or illusions, he knew he wasn''t capable of something like that himself. Aengus grew increasingly curious about her strange abilities, wondering how her powers couldmand even the stars. If her strength continued to develop, she would be an incredible ally in the Primal Realm. However, he was still uncertain if it would be possible to bring her along. He decided to attempt merging her with one of the otherworlders who possessed a Unique Skill, hoping it would allow her to enter the Primal Realm. His goal was to journey with her to new worlds, and naturally, he intended for Be to join them as well. Aria, pleased by his words, felt the pain was worth it. "Do you really like it?" she asked gently, seeking further confirmation. Aengus pondered as he looked at the statue and answered, "Yes, I do. But I think it''scking something." "Oh? And what might that be, ''Ruination Emperor''?" Aria asked, chuckling lightly. Aengus touched her cheeks and answered, "You, of course. I noticed how you dominated your enemies. Itcks apanion¡ªsomeone who is hardworking, diligent, and a loving Empress." His face softened with a gentle smile as he flirted. Aria''s blush spread over her face and neck, like a vivid ripe apple. After a few seconds, he let go of her to focus on something. He took a step forward, and simr to Aria, he began creating a statue of her with white hair, holding her dagger, positioned right beside Aengus''s statue. He used multicolored Chaos energy to create a perfect statue of Aria, with exact details, just like she had done. Aria and the others watched, fascinated by the massive disy of art and creation. Their new Emperor and Empress faced the Tyrannical Kairos Empire''s Fusion Sword together. It was token of Love and signature of the historical moment that would be read throughout the future generations toe. "Now it''s perfect!" Aengusmented with a slight smirk, turning to Aria. "It''s beautiful!" Aria said, admiring her own statue. Her shimmering eyes never wanted to leave the scene. Aengus then turned to General Leon. "General, why don''t you help me with this?" Aengus asked General Leon, indicating the soldiers to establish new ranks among them. "It''s time to fulfill your end of the deal." General Leon smiled slightly under the radiant sun, pleased with Aria and Ethan''s partnership. If he had a daughter, he would have liked her to marry someone like Aengus. He seemed pleased with Aengus''s character¡ªnever hesitating to be a devil when necessary, yet a beacon of hope in dire times. Some might consider him a mass murderer or a dictator, but in this world, that''s what was needed right now. "Of course, I never forget my promise, young Emperor!" he answered, stepping forward to help. General Felix joined in as well. "Don''t forget me... I would like to join the cause, Emperor Zero, but my loyalty will always belong to the Araknis Kingdom." General Martin hesitated, unsure if he should join, looking at the King. "You can join them as well, Martin. We are now in the same boat!" The wise King Milphomor gave Martin permission to join and help. He was hoping this would bring the Young Emperor closer to the Kingdom. "As you say, Your Highness, but my loyalty will always belong to my homnd," General Martin said resolutely while joining Felix. Aengus gave them a respectful nod, weing their participation with open arms. Duke Milroy whispered to the King, "Royal brother, are you doing the right thing? What if they join their empire for real?" The King looked at their backs and replied, "I trust them, Milroy. I know they wouldn''t betray their homnd. And do you think our kingdom is safe now? No. We are now tied to the Young Emperor in the same boat. Whether we lose or win, only time will tell." "I hope so..." Duke Milroy muttered in a barely audible voice. Crown Prince Malcolm epted the situation calmly, while Mikail clenched his fist, feeling utterly defeated. Chapter 235: Chapter 235: Cutting Down Enemies With the help of the three Generals, a proper structure of order andmand was quickly established, utilizing several of the kingdom''s captains andmanders as superiors. Commander Zain, Raya, Captain Dior, and Ren eagerly volunteered for the role. Drake and Yona were granted titles of nobility due to their connection to the Empress, while Delh opted to remain simply as their friend. This structure was only temporary, with nothing set in stone yet. Aengus had also marked some of the higher officials, mostly S-Ranks, with the Shadow Monarch''s power, allowing him to control their lives at will. For the time being, the Liberation Empire settled just outside the capital city of the Araknis Kingdom. The ordinary folks of the capital city watched curiously at the new army under a different banner. The Liberation Empire''s banner was pure green in color, featuring a mighty dragon shape in the middle. "So, that''s the Liberation Empire they spoke of?" one curious pedestrianmented, behind a broken wall. "Yeah, I heard our new emperor is a young man with transcendental power. Isn''t it too hard to believe?" another answered, his tone one of disbelief. "Why don''t we see for ourselves?" another boy asked, curiosity intensifying in his mind. "Hmph, but there are guards... We won''t even get to see our hero who saved us and promised to bring peace to the world," amon girl said angrily, sneaking a nce behind the copsed wall. Her eyes shone with admiration and yearning. But what happened next fulfilled her and their curiositypletely. sh! A sudden, blinding sh of light appeared in the western sky. Then from the Liberation army settlement, Aengus emerged, appearing as his usual self, yet radiating a powerful, royal presence that set him apart from the masses. "Our new heroic Emperor is here!" one of the girls remarked admiringly from her hidden position. "Ah ha, but who''s the old man with him?" someone asked, scratching their head. "Ignorant fool, don''t you recognize the true Hero of Light? That''s Elyon, a top brass of the Humanitarian Alliance," another replied. "Oh, but why is he here? Is he against the Kingdom''s coup in the Kairos Empire?" "We''ll have to wait and see, won''t we? Hey, stop pushing... You rascal!" --- Aengus had just been exploring the Chaos Creator ss, which he''d recently gained ess to, but then he suddenly sensed Elyon''s aura. It stopped him in the task and made him vignt. "Why are you here again, old man?" Aengus asked, looking at Elyon with narrowed eyes. Elyon, standing atop a magical bird of light, looked at the Banner of the Liberation Empire. "I cannot believe this!" He seemed too surprised to answer immediately. "Just how is this possible?" Elyon shifted his attention to the young man he had spared a few days ago. Back then, Aengus had been so weak, but now he looked like the embodiment of true power, a powerhouse surpassing the transcendental. "What''s your goal, boy¡ªno, young emperor? I hope what I heard isn''t true," he asked, his tone turning slightly cordial. Aengus thoroughly observed Elyon and answered calmly, "You haven''t heard anything wrong, Hero of Light. I just want peace in the world. I am not against humanity, nor the demons. They all will be unified one day." "Is there a problem from you?" He asked with narrowed eyes in threatening manner. Elyon shook his head in disappointment. "You don''t know what you''re getting into, young Emperor. There''s still so much you don''t understand. They will not end the war between humans and demons. Don''t waste your potential on impossible aspirations. Just join humanity, and let''s eradicate the demonspletely... That would be the best option. What do you say?" Elyon looked hopefully at Aengus, waiting for him to agree with his proposal. Aengus seemed uninterested but was curious about something. "Who are they? Are you talking about those ''Gods''?" he asked in a mocking tone. "There is no true god in this world, just fake cowards who treat this world as their yground, am I right?" Elyon narrowed his eyes, finding the audacity of the young Emperor. He seemed too arrogant for his own good. But he didn''t realize that this wasn''t arrogance; it was confidence to clear any obstacles that came his way. "You''re right and wrong at the same time. Anyway, it would be a sin to mention their exalted names in this world, especially in front of a sinner like you, who has murdered millions," Elyon said, his expression holy and devoted. Aengus was about to answer, but General Leon''s voice drifted into their ears. "And who is the judge of sins and virtues?" General Leon appeared, forming an icy tform on his path to the sky. "Tell me... Are you the ones? the mighty heroes of the gods, who trade the lives ofmoners, the weak, like they mean nothing? Don''t remind us of the so-called righteous deeds you once did, Elyon," he said coldly, ring at Elyon with unwavering disdain. Elyon''s holy presence seemed to dim under the weight of Leon''s rage and displeasure in the air. Elyon scoffed and replied, "Leon, we told you already, we are from the Cathedral of Gods. We don''t interfere with mundane affairs too much. But he will incur the wrath of the Gods, eventually making us your enemies. I am trying to avoid that as much as possible, but if needed, this will be brutal!" He threatened, gazing at Aengus with a bone-chilling coldness. Aengus narrowed his eyes, not liking Elyon''s threat right before his face. "Rip!" Using Space Laws, Aengus tore through space and extended his hand, catching Elyon off guard. As Elyon saw his hand being grabbed by the young Emperor, his heart skipped a beat, and without hesitation, he cut off his own right arm with his sword. With this, he quickly made his escape from Aengus''s clutches with a light-speed dash. Elyon red at the young man, but there was no sign of pain on his old, battle-hardened face. His arm quickly regenerated, using Holy Light elements to heal rapidly. Aengus remained unfazed, shing down at Elyon with his God Weapon once again. "What!" Elyon was speechless as he was cut down in two, unable to react or dodge in time; it happened that fast. "It''s a projectile clone, Ethan," General Leon informed. "I know..." Aengus replied as he watched Elyon''s body disappear into light particles. Chapter 236: Chapter 236: Saintess Lumenaria Holy Cathedral of the Gods, Hero Empire In the heart of the Holy City stood a massive temple that seemed to touch the sky, its gleaming surface radiating a holy aura throughout the city, purifying everything in its presence. Inside the cathedral, Elyon sat in deep meditation in a grand room where statues of various gods stood in a circr formation around him and Valen. The towering statues encircled them in a stiff, solemn silence. "Haaahhh..." Elyon suddenly opened his bloodshot eyes, breathing heavily. The old man clutched his chest as if in severe pain. "Cough, cough!" Valen, who had been watching his master intently, grew worried. "Master, what happened to you? Are you feeling fine?" Valen asked with concern, touching Elyon''s chest. After a shower of radiant holy light on himself, Elyon had recovered, but the fear in his eyes was obvious. "Cmity ising, Valen. We need to be prepared!" Elyon said, looking at the statues, as if lost in deep thought. "What cmity, Master?" Valen seemed confused by his old master''s sudden rambling. Elyon shifted his attention to the door and answered, "That boy will being, and you need to defend him at all costs..." "By that boy, you mean the one by whose hand I was defeated once?" "Yes," Elyon replied seriously. Valen looked incredulous. "Master, you''re scared of him now? That''s unbelievable! Even I can defeat him now that I have regained my ss and the blessing from the Divine Goddess of Light. I can deal with him easily. I don''t think there''s any need to worry about him¡­ I will take revenge for the shame he brought to your teachings. I won''t let down our Goddess again." Valen said with determination, vowing before the striking female goddess''s statue. Elyon looked at Valen with pity. "Master, why are you looking at me as if I''m a fool?" Valen asked, noticing the frown on Elyon''s old face. "Che... Because you''re one... foolish heir of mine," Elyon berated him sternly. Valen felt shame and continued to listen as his master sighed and went on. "He is a Transcendental now, a rising Emperor nheless. And what are you? An A-Rank?" Elyon scoffed with disdain. "He challenged the world to submit to him, and my clone was instantly destroyed by him with a single swing of his sword. Do you know what this means? He has long surpassed you and us. He probably doesn''t even remember you, I assume..." Valen''s mouth fell open in surprise. "But ¡ª how? How is this possible?" He found it unbelievable that his enemy''s strength could grow this quickly. "I''m not sure how¡­ but it did happen, however unbelievable it might sound." "Master, do you think some god is helping him with an endless amount of Divine essence?" Valen guessed wildly. Elyon denied this, scolding him again. "Rascal, do you think Divine essence is like cabbages, that some god will hand it out so freely? Besides, it''s not so easy to be a Transcendental by just using Divine essence." Elyon exined, then suddenly turned his gaze toward the hallway, feeling a familiar presence approaching. "Why don''t you tell us about this young man as well, old man Elyon?" Followed by a melodic voice, an angelic, beautiful woman in a radiant white dress entered, her graceful footsteps giving her the appearance of a holy maiden. "Saintess Lumenaria... Wee," Elyon said with a natural smile, bowing slightly before her. "Greetings, Saintess... Please ept my bow," Valen said, bowing slightly out of respect for her holy presence. She was also someone who had taught him at times, so his respect came from deep within. "Little Valen, I see you have fully recovered after consuming the Divine Essence. That''s wonderful," she said kindly. Herpassion for humanity was well-known, spreading her reputation as a representative of the Goddess of Light. Valen blushed slightly at the beauty of the Saintess, struggling to suppress the feelings that had begun to emerge ever since Aengus stole the Heart of Light. He wasn''t sure if he should feel grateful or resentful for these feelings, but he was enjoying this sense of freedom. Saintess Lumenaria, sensing the young man''s admiration, dismissed it as a child''s innocent awe of her beauty. "So, tell me about the young man you mentioned... everything in detail," Saintess Lumenaria said, after bowing before the statue of the Goddess of Light and chanting a unknown prayer. "Certainly... Please, have a seat, Saintess." The Saintess sat down on the clean ground with the grace of a queen. Elyon remained unaffected, as always. Like Valen in his previous state, he held no desires, no yearning for freedom. His only goals were to serve the gods and remain on humanity''s side. Elyon then began recounting the story of Aengus, from their first meeting in Dwarvania to his sudden rise as an emperor, detailing the young emperor''s ambitious goals. After listening to everything, the Saintess'' eyes gleamed, suspecting something about the young man''s origin. "I think he is one of those Otherworlders seen in the Dragon Empire, Elyon. Perhaps I should meet him¡­ we could have a nice chat," Saintess Lumenaria smiled mysteriously. "That''s good, Saintess, but forgive me for not apanying you. That little guy sees me as an enemy now, and I don''t waste my energy on him unnecessarily unless the godsmand me¡­" "It''s okay, I can manage. The Goddess of Light is with me," Lumenaria said graciously as she stood up, under their puzzled gazes. "Saintess, about the Divine Essence¡­" Elyon stood up, hesitating toplete the sentence. Lumenaria turned around and looked at Valen, then at Elyon. "Sure, you can have as much as you need. If it works for young Valen, I have no problem. It is time for the final war." Elyon looked pleased after hearing her approval. Valen looked gratefully at Saintess Lumenaria as she left the ce. He vowed to absorb all the Divine Essence and be a Transcendental, whatever it took. "Let''s go, Valen. It''s time to do or die.. " Chapter 237: Chapter 237: Real Birthday Present [ss: Chaos Creator (Stage 1)] [Rank: SSS+] [Description: As a master of Chaos and Controller of the Battlefield, this ss allows you to harness the Rage and Emotions of everyone, bending them to your own Will or that of your allies to make them stronger, even more determined for victory. Note: Even one with the Strongest Will can Transcend Eternity!] [Effects: 1. +30 stat points per level-up (can be increased after ss Level Up). 2. +3 extra skill slots after each Rank up. 3. Extra ss Skill: Chaotic Maelstrom (SS) A swirling storm of chaotic energy that damages and disorients anyone caught within its range. Enemies are bombarded with random effects such as disintegration, explosive bursts, and temporal slowdowns, making escape difficult and risky. 4. Passive Effect: Your power level will now be urately measured from now on. Current Bnced Level: 267 ] Aengus finally chose a ss he found useful after so long. Alongside rage and other emotions, it allows him to gather the power of destruction and Chaos from the battlefield to make him more formidable when needed. Seated next to Aria on the bed, Aengus distributed his stat points and felt his power increase. He suppressed the aura from leaking out, careful not to wake Aria, who was sleeping, exhausted. His level was now 267, far beyond the Transcendentals he had encountered so far, who ranged from level 120 to level 170. Much of the contribution to reaching this level of power came from Omni-Devour. From now on, whenever he uses Omni-Devour to get stronger, this ss would increase his level for urate measurements. However, if he uses Omni-Devour to level up, it will not grant him extra attributes from leveling up. Level 267 was incredibly powerful, considering what he had encountered so far. Elyon, at level 170, was the highest powerhouse he had seen so far, followed by the Generals, whose levels ranged between 120 and 150. This made him realize the true power gappared to other Transcendentals. However, he knew that sometimes one''s level is not everything. Skills, weapons, Mana quantity, and more matter as well. Aengus attempted to synthesize two SS-rank skills, but even whenbining three, the rank didn''t increase¡ªonly their effects grew stronger. Reaching SSS rank seemed extremely difficult, or perhaps he was missing something. He decided to ask the Generals about itter. Turning off the status panel, he touched Aria''s face gently, thinking about his ns for the future. He had dered war against the entire world and needed to be ready. First, he decided to free the ancient Dwarves, hoping they could help create powerful warships for the Liberation Empire. "Mm Hm¡­!" Then he noticed Aria''s eyes flutter open, her gaze meeting his face close to hers. "You''re awake, Aria... Quickly freshen up. We''ll be going to meet the ancient Dwarves to free them from under the cliff. Then¡ª" "Haah..." She didn''t let him finish. Aria''s face suddenly moved close as she kissed him deeply, her breathing heavy, her eyes filled with temptation. Aengus epted her invitation, and they became entangled on the bed, casting an istion barrier around them. "Make me yours, Ethan," Aria whispered sweetly beside his ear. "Are you sure?" Aengus asked for confirmation, remembering her reserved nature. Aria nodded gently. "Yes, I''m sure. This was my original gift for your birthday. I want to make this day memorable." Her voice was low and passionate. Aengus nced at her body, which seemed to rise with warm invitation. "All right... I''ll be gentle," Aengus said softly as he began to undress, making Aria gulp silently in nervous anticipation. But the excitement inside her outshone her fear as she prepared herself for the new experience. --- Outside, Drake, Yona, and Delh were sitting under the warm sun, enjoying the moment. They nced now and then at Aria and Aengus''s quarters, their imaginations running wild. Drake was clearly trying to ignore the two girls'' teasing questions, which had only intensified. "Wow! They''re still not out. Looks like our Empress Aria is taking some personal time to celebrate her Emperor''s birthday, isn''t she?" Yonamented mischievously, ncing at Delh and Drake. Delh''s curiosity grew after hearing Yona''s remark. "Yona, what could they be doing inside for so long?" "Hehe..." Yona chuckled, looking knowingly at Drake. "Of course, what a man and a woman do alone when they''re in a rtionship." "Oh, you mean... that¡­" Delh''s face turned red as she recalled her maid''s teachings about the rtionship between men and women. "Stop it, you two... She''s my cousin. Can we change the topic now, please?" Drake said, exasperated, feeling awkward around the two women. "Oh, are you feeling shy, Drake? Don''t be a kid; be a man," Yona taunted. "You¡­" Drake looked irritated and yfully tackled Yona, intending to teach her a lesson. They both tumbled onto the ground, neither willing to back down from the friendly fight. "Hey... That''s rude to ady," Yona protested, finding herself pinned under Drake''s grip, her hands held down as his face hovered close to hers. Her cheeks flushed at the unexpected closeness. Drake had already passed puberty, so it felt only natural to feel something for the opposite gender. He had some thoughts about Yona, who was around his age. Her changed personality intrigued him; her courage on the battlefield and her spirited nature had be qualities he admired. He nced at her from the corner of his eye, but he had no intention of confessing his feelings yet. A lingering sense of inferiority held him back, something he knew he needed to ovee first. Whether Yona would ept him or not was still uncertain. But he was willing to give it his all. Delh covered her face with one hand, feeling a bit embarrassed. Her thoughts drifted to her father''s recent suggestion about bing Aengus''s concubine. She felt torn between two choices: to ept or reject. She hadn''t given a definite answer. She did like Ethan; he was reliable and strong. But they weren''t that close, so there was a chance he might reject her. Moreover, Aria was her friend, and she didn''t want to betray her. She knew Aria held a monogamous mindset, making the idea of a three-way rtionship more challenging, even if she agreed to be a concubine. "Ahem! What are you two doing, Yona, Drake?" Suddenly, Aria''s voice made them freeze. They looked up to see Aria and Aengus, appearingpletely normal, as if nothing had happened between them. But upon closer inspection, they noticed a subtle difference in how Aria was walking. Yona stood up and began circling Aria, inspecting her, which made Aria blush with a mix of embarrassment and faint irritation. "What are you doing, Yona? We haven''t done a thing!" Aria replied hastily, but then she paused, realizing her slip. Yona stopped and gave a knowing smile. "And, Lady Aria, how did you assume I was talking about ''that thing''? Haha¡­" Chapter 238: Chapter 238: Empowerment "Yona!" Aria took out her dagger and red at Yona like a fierce lioness. "Ahem!" Aengus cleared his throat, reminding Aria to avoid any strenuous movements. He felt a little guilty for being so rough in excitement. He could heal her using light element but she had refused his offer, insisting on leaving it as it was, which surprised him. He understood her reasoning, which only made his affection for her grow more. Aria touched belly time to time, but her movements only caught by Aengus. Yona, startled by Aengus''s voice, quickly straightened up. "Oh, sorry! I forgot our Emperor is present here," she said in a teasing tone, though the respect and hint of distance in her eyes were clear. Aengus wasn''t just a friend now; he was an Emperor with an ambition to liberate the world from the oppressors. Aengus ignored Yona''s teasing and continued, "Yona, Drake, and you as well, Princess Delh. I have a gift for each of you, though you haven''t given me one yet." Yona and Drake looked intrigued. "Hey, we are nning something for you.." Yona retorted. "Forget about her, Brother-inw...What is the gift?" Drake asked excitedly, finally acknowledging Aengus as his brother-inw. Aengus found it a little awkward, but his face remained casual. Aria smiled at the term of address, pleased with Drake''s thoughtfulness. Delh''s expression faltered suddenly. "Etha¡ªno, Your Imperial Highness, please just call me by my name. Don''t call me a princess. Aren''t we friends?" she asked, her face falling slightly as a pang of hurt surfaced. "Of course, you''re not¡­ We barely know each other ," Aengus nearly replied, but catching sight of her expression¡ªand Aria''s¡ªhe changed his words. "Of course, a friend of Aria is my friend too. We''re grateful you cared for Aria when she needed it. It just feels a bit improper to address a royal maiden by her name so casually." He genuinely meant thest part, though most of the credit went to General Leon. It didn''t hurt to offer courtesy. "Great¡­ I don''t mind," Delh answered, her expression brightening as a soft happiness surfaced in her eyes. Aengus could sense what might be on the princess''s mind, but he had no intention of engaging with another woman right now. It would only create tension in his healthy rtionship with Aria. It was already a generous gesture on her part to ept Be''s rtionship with him. Aengus created a small, square-shaped room with Chaos Energy with just a single stomp, casting an istion barrier around them. While they were still startled, Aengus swiftly took out the remaining three SS-Rank corpses from his pocket space. The corpses looked fresh, and the trio watched with apprehension, wondering what he was going to do with them. Aria, however, knew and so she smiled. She herself had been synthesized with two SS-Rank corpses before they were intimately engaged. She was now an S+ Rank powerhouse with SS-Rank skills, and her control over nature''s power had also increased significantly. "What are you going to do with them, Ethan?" Yona asked, looking confused. Drake and Delh also wore expressions of curiosity. Aengus answered calmly, "I''m going to make you three S-Rank powerhouses, but you''ll need to endure pain a bit." The trio looked stunned. "Is that even possible? Wouldn''t that shatter themon understanding of the world?" "Yes, it''s possible¡ªbut only through me. And I trust that you won''t share this information with anyone without my permission. Remember, no secret can remain hidden from us. Be mindful of that," he said seriously, making the consequences of betrayal clear. They nodded mechanically, feeling a twinge of fear as they looked into Aengus''s calm yet dangerous dark eyes. "Excellent. Let''s start with you, Drake." Aengus gestured for Drake to lie down beside a corpse with skills suited for him. Drake excitedly followed his instructions andy beside the corpse bravely, though the faint scent of decay drifted into his nostrils. "Argh!" Yona and Delh''s faces turned pale as they witnessed Drake''s painful reaction, screaming as the otherworldly process began under Aengus''smand. Aria stood beside Aengus, watching with slight worry as the reflection of a sky-blue light shone in her eyes. But she had confidence in Aengus and trusted he wouldn''t let any harme to Drake. When the process was over, she sighed in relief. Drake was unharmed and far more powerful than before. He took a single step forward, and the grassy ground sank under his sheer strength. "Uh... sorry." Embarrassed, Drake quickly controlled his strength and approached them cautiously. "Now, you two," Aengus said to thedies after confirming everything was fine with Drake. As Drake shared the details of his new S-ranked skills with Aria, Aengus began the process with the twodies. As for why Drake gained S-Rank skills but not SS-Rank ones, it was because his soul was significantly weaker than Aria''s. The other twodies also quickly became S-Rank powerhouses and thanked Aengus from the bottom of their hearts. With that done, Aengus removed the barrier and walls. "Aria,e with me. We need to set the ancient Dwarves free to join our Empire." Aria gave a small nod. "Alright. Drake, Yona, Delh, you should manage the soldiers with the generals. We''ll be back soon." They agreed without any fuss, though they were curious about meeting the ancient Dwarves. Aengus held Aria''s hand, and with a whoosh, he pped his wings with incredible speed, holding Aria gently in his arms, princess-style. Flying under the bright red sun, they found themselves in their own little world. "Are you still feeling pain there, Aria? I told you to let me heal you so this wouldn''t have happened," Aengus said with a frown as he noticed her pained expression. "Tsk, you don''t have to. I wanted it this way. Besides,The pain has already lessened a lot¡­ But someone was too excited," Aria replied, ring at him, huffing angrily. Aengus felt guilty and looked away, avoiding her piercing gaze. Chapter 239: Chapter 239: Arriving In Silk City Aengus and Aria reached the cliff where the ancient Dwarves were supposed to be. But Aengus''s expression darkened when he attempted to connect to the barrier and couldn''t establish a connection at all. As the cliff came into view from above, he shook his head in silent fury, his face barely containing his frustration. Theynded steadily at the peak, and he saw no sign of the barrier. "Where is it, Ethan? All I see is a shadowy jungle below," Aria said, looking at him with doubt. "Or is it only visible to you? Yes, that must be it." "No," Aengus replied, suppressing his anger. "The barrier is gone, and so are the Dwarves, for some reason." "Huh? Gone? But you said only you could release them from the barrier, so how could it have disappeared so suddenly?" Aria asked, looking slightly tense. "I don''t know. Give me some time to investigate. But I know one thing: they wouldn''t disappoint me for no reason." Aria nodded. "Alright. Let mee down too." Both of them descended the 500-meter cliff as smoothly as feathers. Aengus, with all his senses, including his sixth sense and the skills he had gained, began searching the area thoroughly. Surely, there had to be some traces left somewhere. And they didn''t have to wait long. Aengus detected traces of intense Nether energy shing with Mana. It was now confirmed that demons were somehow involved in this kidnapping. But he couldn''t understand¡ªhow could someone from this world have managed to break past the Barrier of Ruination? Even the Demon Lords shouldn''t be able to do that. So, what was the reason? "Those hateful demons! It''s all their fault... I want to ughter them," Aria said with hatred, her tragic past experiences making her emotions spiral out of control. Aengus ced a calming hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Aria. The day wille, and you won''t have to wait much longer. Now, let''s bring your family members back to us quickly," he said gently. Though he hadn''t yet found any clues about the Dwarves'' disappearance or who was behind it, he was determined to teach those responsible a memorable lesson. And the day was just on the corner. Aria''s mood settled after hearing her family members being mentioned. "Alright, let''s go..." Aengus quickly opened a Space Portal to the Darkwood Forest, marking theirst known location using the Greater Spatial Teleporter. They found themselves in a ckened desert-likend, with no beasts in sight. It was to be expected after what had happened to them recently. The creatures must have fled in terror, not wanting to be devoured like one-third of the forest. "Did you do all this?" Aria asked, awestruck, standing at the edge of a hollowed-out dark area shaped like a massiveke, with soil devoured at least 300 meters deep. "That''s brutal..." Aria felt a pang of sadness for the beasts and humans who lost their lives in his hands, but she had no intention of ming him. "Yes, this was the price of the power I gained. Do you me me now?" Aengus asked calmly, though with a hint of anticipation for her support. And she answered just as he''d hoped. "No, I don''t me you, Ethan. Sometimes I feel very sad about the destruction, ever since I awakened this mysterious nature power. I was prepared for it, but it still hurts..." Aria looked truly sorrowful. Aengus, worried for her,forted her, "You''ll be fine, Aria. I''m always with you. Perhaps it''s the lingering emotions of nature affecting you... You need to work on increasing your control over it." "Hmm... I think so too," Aria replied, gazing in the direction of Silk City, where her family was currently staying. "Ethan, let''s go... Silk City isn''t far from here," Aria said, taking the lead. Aengus followed her, spreading his wings in a wless transformation. He picked her up in his arms once again, making Aria blush. "You do like holding me close, don''t you? But I like it too..." Aria murmured, burying her head in his chest. Aengus smirked lightly. "Of course..." With that, their journey to Silk City continued, piercing through the sky like a sh of light. He flew in a smooth wavey path, making the experience more enjoyable. "Mom! I just saw a shooting star!" A small boy shouted excitedly from a muddy road below, looking up on the sky in awe. "A shooting star? Where?" His mother, a simple woman, looked up as well, but her excitement quickly turned to fear. "That''s not a shooting star, son. It must be a powerful Hunter," she murmured, staying alert. "Wow! I want to be like them someday¡­ to protect you, Mom!" the boy said, his voice filled with a dreamy longing. His mother smiled gently. "I''m sure you will, Kian. Now, let''s head back." She lifted him onto her shoulders, but the boy''s gaze never left the figures soaring through the sky, heading toward Silk City. Their destinationy elsewhere. "Ethan, we here," Aria said, pointing below. Aengus slowed their speed, noticing the vibrant city below. They floated above the bustling mid-sized city, alive with activity. Their imposing presence quickly drew the attention of the citizens on the streets and in their homes. Some closed their windows, not wanting to get involved. Others looked up with displeasure, feeling that the duo showed no respect for the city''sws as they hovered boldly above their heads, hurting their pride. The lower ranks didn''t want to interfere, sensing the man and woman''s calm and confident expressions, as if nothing could deter them. Just when Aengus and Arianded on the road, they were immediately surrounded by a few C-Rank guards. Aengus and Aria remained calm, but the guards could feel a powerful, suppressed force radiating from them, especially from the young man. Upon closer inspection, they noticed that the unknown young man wore a sophisticated military uniform with seven stars on each shoulder. His upper garment was midnight ck, with intricate gold streaks woven into the embroidery. It was the temporary uniform given to him by the Generals, marking him as the Supreme of Liberation Empire. The guards then judged he must be a high-ranking official from another kingdom or somewhere unfamiliar, as they didn''t recognize the uniform. Chapter 240: Chapter 240: Silvermoon Family Condition "Lord, why are you two here? This is trespassing and against the city''s rules," one of the guards cautiously reminded. "Just call your City Lord. He should know me by now,"" Aengus replied calmly, continuing his walk toward a small, rundown house alongside Aria. "The City Lord?" The guards were startled. As simple guards, they rarely saw the City Lord, yet this young man spoke of him casually. Their initial aggression faded almost instantly. However, a few disgruntled nobles murmured nearby. "Who does this young man think he is? Why is he acting so arrogantly?" "Guards, you should capture him. He might just be bluffing," barked a wealthy young noble in an expensive outfit. A fewckeys behind him eagerly chimed in, ttering him. "Young master is right... Look where he''s going¡ªto a doghouse, no less. There''s no way someone like him knows the City Lord. That arrogant basta*d is beneath our mighty City Lord," oneckey sneered condescendingly. "Yes, you should do what young master Quin says," another added, fueling the situation further. The guards hesitated. There was some truth to the words, but the young man seemed dangerous, and they didn''t dare take him lightly. "Forgive us, young master Quin, but we believe we need to inform the higher-ups," one of the guards replied before they began marching toward the City Hall. They didn''t want to risk facing Quin''s wrath by staying there either. "Cowards!" Quin spat, waving his folding fan dismissively at their cowardice. "Hey, you two, go gather our men. We''ll teach him a lesson. How dare he disrespect the whole city!" Quin barked at hisckeys. The two nodded and disappeared. "Fu*k, without power, I have to rely on these fools. Without power, even a stranger dares to disrespect me..." Quin kicked a big tree by the roadside in anger. Ouch! "What''s the use of being a noble n heir without those fu*king God''s Gift..." --- Once inside, Aengus looked around the rundown wooden house, dust and decay everywhere. He couldn''t believe his eyes that the Silvermoon family members were living here. Soon, a woman came into view just outside the kitchen. "Ahh... Aria, you''re back!" Aengus looked at Drake''s mother, dressed in a violet dress, remembering thest time they met at the Silvermoon n estate. He found irony in their sudden change in condition¡ªfrom a noble n to poormoners. It almost felt instant. She looked tired and worn out as wrinkles began to emerge on her once beautiful, wless skin. "Hello, Aunt!" Aria greeted respectfully, and Aengus followed suit. "Hello," Aengus said simply, but it buzzed as fiercely as a beast in Aria''s aunt, Noelle''s, ears. Noelle looked stunned at the sight of Aria with an unfamiliar young man. She couldn''t recognize him as the same young man who had defeated her son in a duel. She found the young man extremely handsome, as the overbearing charm from Aengus''s presence began to affect her as well. It was embarrassing, but Aengus could do nothing more, as he had been suppressing his charm with his power as much as possible from the beginning. Seeing this, Aria felt proud. But she knew she couldn''t let her uncle''s wife be so flustered. "Ahem! Aunt, this is Ethan, my husband..." Aria reminded, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks after she mentioned him as her husband. Noelle looked awkward, realizing she had been staring at an unknown young man for too long. Then she registered the word "husband" in her mind, processing it immediately. She studied the young man and felt she had seen him somewhere before. She looked Aria in the eye. "Your husband? Since when did you marry, Aria? And why does he look so familiar... What did you say his name was?" Noelle asked, not having registered Aria''s words clearly. Aria reminded her with a smile, "He''s Ethan. He came to our n months back..." Noelle looked enlightened, her eyes widening in surprise as she matched the previous face of Ethan with his current one. It matchedpletely, but he looked more handsome and mature. There was a temperament of a true powerhouse in his posture, which she didn''t miss. She felt insignificant before his presence. Even Astrid, her husband, had never given her the same pressure as Aengus did. "I can''t believe you''re the same young man, Ethan. Wee, wee! Please, take a seat!" Noelle seemed flustered, pointing towards the wooden chair in the waiting room just beside the kitchen. "Forgive us that you had to see us in such an unsightly condition..." Noelle said with a hint of shame as she began dusting off the chairs. Aengus didn''t move and stayed rooted on the spot. "It''s okay, Aunt. I''ve seen worse. You don''t need to feel ashamed of past experiences. We''re family now... just like Aria said." Aengus held Aria''s hand, showing their closeness. Aria was grateful for the consideration and echoed, "He''s right, Aunt. You don''t need to go to such lengths to make usfortable. We''re a family.. " "Oh, you''re right... We are." Noelle paused and smiled at the duo. "Ethan has grown into a remarkable man..." she mumbled, trying to recover herposure. "Yes, he has," Aria agreed, then nced toward the other rooms and asked, "Are my father and uncle alright? And where are the other children?" Aria''s tone grew anxious toward the end. Aengus had already sensed their condition, noting their weak forms lying on the bed, but he chose not to interrupt. "Oh, right, the kids are outisde. And brother-inw and Astrid are fine for now... But I don''t think they willst much longer... Astrid... he... sob!" Noelle broke into tears. "Did you bring the medicine, Aria? And where is Drake?" she asked through her sobs. Noelle looked desperately behind their backs towards the entrance but found no one. Aria, seeing her aunt''s miserable state, felt a pang of sadness. Gently holding Noelle''s hand, she answered, "They''re currently in the capital, aunt. They''re safe. You don''t have to worry. And we brought the medicine to cure Father and Uncle as well. I''m not lying... Everything will be fine, just like in the past," Aria promised. "Really? That''s great, that''s... great..." Noelle wiped her tears and stood up, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes. "Follow me quickly... Save them!" She led the way, her steps filled with renewed hope. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 241: Chapter 241: On The Brink Of Death Aengus entered an old room illuminated by a magicalmp. He observed the two unconscious figures lying on wooden beds, each attached to a wall on the left and right sides of the room. A window in the center allowed light to filter in. Aria was already crying beside her father''s bed, seeing that their condition had worsened since shest left. Aengus remained silent, using his Appraisal and All-Seeing Eyes to assess their state. Their bodies were withered, almost mummy-like, with arms emaciated and remnants of Nether energy swirling inside them. They looked almost dead, but the faint heartbeat in their chest told, they weren''t. It was already impressive they had held on this long; the lingering scent of potions and herbs suggested they had already used precious resources to sustain them. "Ethan..." Aria suddenly turned to Aengus, her eyes filled with tears. Understanding her silent plea, Aengus answered reassuringly, "Aria, don''t worry. They both have soul injuries as well, but with me here, you have nothing to fear." At first, Aria and her aunt looked apprehensive, but his words filled them with confidence. Noelle looked at Aengus as if seeing a new version of his former self. He was now calm, confident, loving, and, of course, overwhelmingly powerful. Though she didn''t know exactly how strong he had be, it was astonishing to imagine the once-weak boy he had been. She was already grateful that he held no grudges over their past poor hospitality or how he had once been treated as beneath them. "Is this how karma hits you back?" she wondered silently, with a sense of irony. She was even more surprised by what happened next. Aengus casually took out eight S-Grade healing potions in vials, each filled with a deep, blood-red liquid. Finding it slightly inadequate to fully restore their health, he began synthesizing the potions into SS-Grade right before their astonished eyes. Under their stunned gazes, two extraordinary vials now held golden potions inside. Aengus inspected the new potions and felt satisfied. These potions could revive a single living cell to full health, restoring the entire body to its original state. Beyond that, they would grant the consumer a Higher Health Regeneration skill. "Aria, let them drink it," Aengus instructed, handing the shimmering golden vials to her. Aria then handed one of them to her aunt. Aria and Noelle took the vials with trembling hands, realizing they held a divine medicine. Noelle had no idea how he did it, but it didn''t stop her from being grateful. The awe of his mysterious power still remained in her heart. With hopeful expression, They quickly fed the potions to Aria''s father and uncle, carefully supporting their unmoving heads as they poured the elixir into their mouths. As soon as the potion entered their mouths, their bodies began to shake like a dead being revived. A golden luminescence radiated from them, and their dried-up flesh and muscles gradually regained vitality, transforming wlessly. Soon, the change spread through every part of their bodies, purifying theher energy and fully restoring their health. However, there were still a few issues. "Ethan, why aren''t they waking up yet?" Aria asked anxiously, looking at her father''s now healthy, glowing face. She felt relief seeing them look well, but the fact that they weren''t waking up, even after waiting a while, left Aria and Noelle worried. Aengus answered slowly, "As I mentioned earlier, their souls are injured, and these potions don''t have any properties to heal the soul... That''s why." "Then, what should we do, son-inw?" Noelle asked worriedly, ncing at her husband''s face. Aengus didn''t mind her term of address, as it meant she approved of their rtionship, though it hardly mattered to him. Aria was his now, for life. "Nothing... Just wait a bit. I''ll use my healing skill on them, and they''ll be alright. But for that, their bodies need some time to adjust," Aengus exined as he sat down, leaning against the wooden bed frame beside Aria. He nned to use Sacred Kirin''s Healing, which had some effect on the soul as well, making it invaluable in times of need. Aria and Noelle understood and waited a while, engaging in small talk until then. It was mostly Aria and Noelle talking, while Aengus tried to give them some privacy by looking away as if he wasn''t listening. Aria and Noelle didn''t mind if he overheard. Noelle, curious about their growing rtionship, asked casually, "So, when did you two marry, Aria? Is it official, or just marriage vows?" Aria nced at Aengus, who was watching with amusement, and replied, "Yes, you could say it''s official. He dered me as his Empress before his millions soldiers of the Liberation Empire," she announced proudly. "But unfortunately, we haven''t had a marriage ceremony yet," she added feigning sadness. While saying that, she checked at Aengus''s reaction from the corner of her eye. "Huh?" Noelle seemed confused by the mention of "Empress" and "Liberation Empire." "What do you mean by that, Aria? And since when was there a Liberation Empire in our world? Weren''t there only five empires?" She looked at Aria with a hint of doubt. "Well, he created the sixth empire himself. He''s a newly risen Emperor, far surpassing even Transcendental powerhouses." Aria looked smug as she revealed his current identity. Noelle was extremely shocked, her mouth agape. She nced at Aengus, and only then noticed the seven stars on his outfit. She found it hard to believe. She had thought the young man was strong, but this was entirely different. He had long surpassed her proud son, Drake, who had been nearly his equal thest time they dueled. Forget about her son, her brother-inw and husband Won''t be able to him. In just over two months, he had acquired Transcendental power, which was literally one step closer to godhood... She couldn''t believe her eyes. "Really? Tell me everything, Aria. Tell me how it all happened..." Noelle shook Aria''s shoulder, eager to know more. If this was all true, they would be rted to an Emperor, however unbelievable it sounded. They could regain the former influence and glory the Silvermoon Assassin n once held. Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Healing Their Souls As Aria and her aunt conversed, Aengus noticed some people attempting to barge into the house rudely. "Shua.." He quickly cast a defensive barrier, not wanting to waste time on them. They were weak and nothing to take seriously. He was amused to see their hard efforts to break down the door, though. --- Bang! "Tsk... Weaklings! One more time!" "Break the door!" Outside, Young Master Quin shouted in frustration, watching his six C-Rank servants struggle to break down the simple-looking wooden door despite all their effort. The six burly men scratched their heads, casting displeased nces at their useless young master after hearing his insults. Reluctantly, they lifted the heavy wooden log again to strike the door with all their strength. This time, a fierce collision ensued. Boom! "Argh!" The six servants were knocked back,nding hard on the ground from the impact. The wooden log fell onto the lower bodies of two of them, causing them to scream in pain, their tongues sticking out from the sheer force on their Pen*s. On the opposite side, the door remainedpletely intact, without even a slight shake or vibration visible on the rundown hut. "What the hell... What is this house made of?... Hey, do you know who lives here?" Young Master Quin demanded, grabbing a passerby by the cor. The passerby, frightened, quickly answered with what little he knew. "I only know there are two sick men inside, a woman, and a few kids... Oh, right... They have another woman who takes the children outside sometimes... Please, let me go, Young Master Quin. I don''t know anything else..." "Scram!" Quin shouted. "Thank you, thank you... Young Master is benevolent," the passerby stammered, sprinting away and not forgetting to tter out of fear. One of Quin''sckeys whispered to him, noticing something unusual about the house and its residents. "Young Master, we should leave. This house isn''t normal. Perhaps it''s better to forget about them..." Paah! As soon as theckey spoke, he received a hard p from Quin, who then spat on his face. "You think I''m useless too, don''t you?" "Uh, of course not... Young Master... We don''t." Theckey answered, appearing loyal on the surfave, but inside he was cursing Quin''s eighteen generation. "Forget it... I know you all think of me as a useless, arrogant bum with nothing to offer... But I''m going to prove I''m also a proud member of our n, just like my big brother..." Quin clenched his fists, feeling humiliated and frustrated by his own powerlessness. "Quin, what are you doing here?" A sudden, overbearing voice reached Quin''s ears. Quin turned to see City Lord Zane approaching with a few guards behind him, the previous guards also present. "Uncle, you''re here... There''s someone inside who insulted not only me but the whole nobility," Quinined viciously, pointing toward the house. Zane looked stern, radiating the natural authority of an S-Rank. As the lord of Silk and ruler over hundreds of thousands, his powerful aura was unmistakable. "Quin, you haven''t changed in the slightest... Always creating trouble for the AxelCrest n," City Lord Zane shook his head in disappointment. "Instead of feeling inferior or wasting time like this, why don''t you contribute to the n''s trade business? You can achieve something beyond just following in the footsteps of your brothers and forefathers... You don''t have to be a hunter to make a difference." Quin looked reluctant. "But, Uncle, that won''t give me the power to survive in this world. So, I''m sorry, but I refuse. I know that without my status as a young master of AxelCrest, I''d end up as a ve... or even food for the demons. That''s why power is essential." "And you think by causing all this ruckus, you''ll get a gift from the gods?" Zane scoffed, irritated. "No, I was merely defending the honor of our city and nobility," Quin replied, flinching slightly but maintaining a righteous tone. "Hmph... Whatever. I won''t care about you anymore." He turned to the City guards. "Guards, knock on the door. Let''s see who was so bold as to enter the city and ignore our rules in my presence. Let''s find out which ''superior'' has graced us with their presence..." Zanemanded, a note of sarcasm in his voice as he gestured to his ten guards. "Yes, my lord." The guard nodded and began to knock on the door but received no response, even after waiting for a while. "See, Uncle Zane... They''re so arrogant. They don''t even care about your personal visit. You should punish them personally," Quin added, trying to fuel the situation. But the City Lord wasn''t one to make hasty decisions based on a disgruntled kid''s words. He decided to wait patiently outside for now. --- Aengus was currently focused on healing their souls to bring them back to consciousness. Aria and her aunt watched with nervous anticipation. Aengus ced his hand on her father''s chest and activated the Sacred Kirin''s Healing skill. Ethereal green healing energy flowed from his palm into her father''s body, spreading into every nook and cranny. Aengus didn''t stop there; he further boosted the skill''s effect by using the God-yer Aegis five times. Aegis provided him with a divine power that transferred from his body to Aria''s father. Gradually, the effects of the rapidly cast skill became clear as Aria''s father, Ashter, began to flutter his eyes, slowly regaining consciousness. This brought a smile to Aria''s face as she gently held her father''s hand. This was the same man who had risked everything to save her in a time of extreme crisis, her fatherly hero. Having finished healing Aria''s father, Aengus began to heal her uncle, Astrid. Noelle was already smiling, though tears blurred her vision. It had been so long since they had talked. She missed his voice and presence so deeply that she would cry every night. Now, she would finally be able to speak to her husband again. And it was all thanks to this young man¡ªor perhaps she should say, her new son-inw. Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Son-in-law Aria''s father, Ashter, woke up first, followed closely by Astrid. Both men felt as though they had been asleep for ages. Their gazes fell on Aria and Noelle as they rubbed their eyes, trying to clear their vision and shake off the heavy feeling lingering in their bodies. "Father!" "Husband!" Of course, Ashter and Astrid were given no time to rest as the two women rushed to them, burying their heads against their chests. "Husband, you''re awake... I was so worried! I thought you''d leave me forever!" Noelle cried, clinging tightly to Astrid, her voice filled with raw emotion. Ashter gently stroked Noelle''s hair tofort her as he looked around, trying to process everything. He recalled fragments of the past and then noticed his brother beside him, healthy once more, which filled him with relief. Finally, his gaze settled on Aengus, who stood quietly observing their reunion, a trace of longing in his eyes, as though he, too, was missing someone. Ashter and Astrid, like Noelle, could hardly recognize Aengus¡ªthe transformation was that profound. Besides, there wasn''t enough light in the room to see his face clearly, and their heads were still muddled. Aria''s father and uncle slowly stood, feeling their strength return as their bodies regained their former vitality. However, they had unfortunately lost some levels, having fought on the frontlines against Beelzebub''s Devouring Force. They were overpowered, but the thought of their children had driven them forward. Of course, the sacrifices of their n members and the contribution of the Void Treasure had been undeniable. Aria and Noelle fed them water, and they gulped it down to quench their thirst. "Aria, who is this? Is he the one who saved us?" After drinking, Aria''s father felt refreshed and asked the question on his mind. Astrid had the same curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Brother-inw, his name is Ethan¡ªthe same boy you didn''t approve of being close to Aria two months ago." Aria was about to answer, but her aunt beat her to it. Noelle seemed excited to announce this personally. "What!" "What did you say?" Aria''s father could ept that they had been in aa for that long, but the identity of the striking young man surprised him. Noelle added, "Not only that, he is now our son-inw." Aria fidgeted slightly in nervousness, but all she could see in her father''s eyes was an incredulous expression. "Father-inw, wee back! And I apologize for ''snatching'' your daughter without your permission," Aengus said, after stepping forward with a hint of a taunt. Aria nudged his waist to stop him, not to make her father too ufortable at the moment. She couldn''t bear to see him disrespected further. Aria then held her father''s hand in a pleading motion. "Father, please forgive me as well. Ethan and I are now officially married," Aria said, looking her father in the eye, feeling a tinge of guilt. "But we decided to hold a marriage ceremony with you present." Aria''s father was still processing everything. His daughter was already married¡ªto amoner boy, no less, even though Ethan seemed strong now. He thought a person without a powerful background was still nothing in this world. But he waited to hear the full exnation and story. Who knows? Perhaps the young man did have a powerful background. But he didn''t know that Aengus didn''t need a background to survive; he created his own legacy. Astrid suddenly spoke up while remaining seated on the bed. "Ethan, what is your rank now? Why can''t I see through you?" he asked, puzzled. In the past, he could gauge Ethan''s aura and level easily, but now it was almost impossible. It felt as though he was trying to gauge a vast mountain, unfathomable and shrouded in chaotic fog. Aengus hesitated to speak. If he told them his level was 267, who knew if they might even have a heart attack? He was trying to avoid that. Besides, he never liked to show off or boast about these things. Fortunately, Noelle and Aria came to the rescue. "Husband, he is now a Transcendental, a newly risen Emperor with millions of soldiers under his rule. Even the King of Araknis has acknowledged his reign¡­" Noelle announced enthusiastically, unable to hide the awe in her eyes. "What?!" The two men stood up in shock. "Is it true?" Aria''s father asked Aengus directly, looking straight into his eyes. In reply, Aengus released some of his aura, confirming their statements. "Yes. I hope this eases any reluctance you have about our rtionship," Aengus replied calmly. Aria''s father and uncle''s hearts skipped a beat as they stared at each other, wide-eyed and incredulous. The overpowering, chaotic aura radiating from Aengus made it clear¡ªthey were mere ants to him now. "Phew..." They sat back down, feeling utterly defeated. It dealt a considerable blow to their pride as leaders of a noble n, a position they once held with arrogance. In the past they had looked down on Ethan as a weakling and amoner, which now made them feel ashamed. Now, in Aengus'' royal presence, they themselves seemed likemoners. "Your Imperial Highness, please take your seat¡­" Aria''s father said, offering a respectful bow to their new emperor, as a true noble would. Aengus was now their protector, ruler, and the supreme leader. However ironic it may sound, it was true, and they epted it. Aengus shook his head, rejecting their bows. "There''s no need to do this. It only makes things more awkward between us. Besides, I''m not an emperor with a proper territory or etiquette like yours¡­" "Father, what are you doing? He''s your son-inw," Aria reminded, feeling bad for her father and uncle. Aria''s father and uncle straightened their posture slightly after hearing her words, though their respect for Aengus didn''t wane despite the close rtionship. Ashter looked at Aria and said seriously, "Aria, my daughter, whatever our rtionship might be, an emperor should always receive the respect and honor they deserve as our protector. Being an emperor is not just about etiquette and territory; it''s about having the power to dominate the masses. I''m sure His Imperial Highness has done just that¡­ Now, tell me everything I''ve missed." Aria could only stare at her father with helplessness. "Aria, you exin everything¡­ I''ll take care of a few things outside," Aengus said before heading out of the house. Aria gave a small nod, then began telling their story in brief. Chapter 244: Chapter 244: In The Presence Of The Emperor City Lord Zane, finally losing patience, personally activated one of his fire-rted S-Rank skills to st open the door. Whoosh! Just as Zane''s attackunched forward in a destructive wave toward the door, Aengus calmly opened it¡­ And "gulp" instantly devoured the fiery attack as it reached his face. Aengus then began to approach City Lord Zane, step by step. To Zane''s horror, each step struck his heart with a dreadful weight, as if silently telling him that he had made a grave mistake. His heart trembled, pain coursed through him, and his veins bulged visibly beneath his skin. Quin finally looked frightened after witnessing the mighty S-Rank City Lord''s condition. The aura of the unfamiliar young man began to intensify with each passing moment. "Argh¡­" Quin was quickly forced to kneel, his knees buckling and cracking under the stranger''s sheer pressure. A few momentster, his strengthpletely gave out, and he copsed face-first, feeling as though he were choking as his blood cirction nearly stopped. He realized he had directed his frustration at the wrong person. This stranger, who appeared simr in age, wielded an unfathomable power. Inparison, he was nothing more than a speck before this formidable presence. Laying t on the ground, Quin looked up at Aengus with helplessness. "I knew this day woulde, and I still did it. Why are the gods doing this to me? They were never fair to me... I hate the gods, I hate everything," Quin roared in his mind. Meanwhile, Zane, still suppressed, pleaded through gritted teeth. "Your Imperial Highness, please forgive us... I didn''t recognize our Emperor hade in person." Aengus paused and retracted his aura, having sensed their true thoughts. That was why he stopped. One was a frustrated fool, and the other was at least somewhat decent. Quin was injured but alive. Both he and Zane slowly rose to their feet, while most of theirckeys and guardsy unconscious on the ground. Thud! The City Lord stepped forward, then knelt before Aengus, gazing up at him with deep reverence. He knew now that their coup had seeded¡ªand it was all thanks to this one young man, their new Emperor, the force behind the newly risen banner of the Liberation Empire. Aengus ignored the City Lord for now and approached Quin. Quin was stunned as he realized the stranger''s identity. This was Emperor Zero, whose recent ascension had only just reached him at his n estate. He couldn''t believe he had been venting his frustrations on their new Emperor. As the Emperor drew closer, Quin fidgeted nervously, dreading the punishment he might face for the disturbance. Aengus stopped just before him, standing a little taller and more muscr than Quin. In every way, they couldn''t even bepared, and this stark difference intensified Quin''s sense of inferiority, causing him to lower his head instinctively. "Quin AxelCrest, why look so afraid now? Weren''t you busy unting your n''s influence just a moment ago?" Aengus asked with an indifferent expression. Quin''s heart skipped a beat. The Emperor knew his name. This man was even more mysterious and powerful than he''d imagined. Still staring at the ground, he stammered, "No, no¡­ Your Imperial Highness, I was just¡­ just¡­" He fumbled for the right words. "Just being a useless nuisance to others. Isn''t that it?" Aengus finished for him. "Ah¡­ yes¡­ Your Imperial Highness is right¡­" Quin agreed, not daring to object. "Lift your head," Aengusmanded. "Ah, okay¡­" Quin lifted his head but didn''t dare meet Aengus''s gaze. "So, tell me¡­ Do you hate the gods?" Aengus''s tone was as chilling as a devil''s whisper. "Answer honestly. I know you do¡­ just speak your mind. I won''t be offended by your thoughts on them." Quin hesitated, then spoke, his voice rising with pent-up bitterness. "Yes, I do¡­ They''ve been unfair to me¡­ they''re unfair to this world. They treat us like ants¡­ and these fools worship them like blind sheep!" His words echoed, drawing the attention of nearby citizens who stopped to watch the scene unfold. Some peopl in the crowd already started muttering angrily at Quin''s sphemy. "How dare this useless young master speak ill of our gods? He deserves execution!" a noble-looking man scoffed with righteous indignation. "Yeah, he should just die already. A good-for-nothing loser, ming the mighty gods for his own failures¡­ what a waste," another mocked. "And who is this young man that dares to spread hate against the gods? He should be punished too!" "Enough!" an older voice snapped. "Did you not see the City Lord himself kneeling before that young man? Don''t speak so carelessly¡ªyour heads might not remain on your shoulders if you do." "Yes," another old man whispered, shivering. "I heard he is our new Emperor. Even the King bowed to him. Don''t drag us all to our deaths, you fools." A tense silence fell over the crowd as the weight of the old man''s words sank in. The onlookers now watched Aengus with wary respect, each wondering at the power and mystery behind this new Emperor who couldmand such reverence. "We greet Your Imperial Highness! Please give us your blessing and protection for eternity!" Some in the crowd had already knelt, showing respect to their Emperor. He was now their Emperor, whether they liked it or not. Only heads would roll for those who disagreed¡ªthat much, they had learned. Aengus acknowledged their presence with a nod, feeling a new sensation¡ªa sense of responsibility, perhaps, or satisfaction in his newfound dominance. He turned to Quin, pleased with his response. "Very well. I like your reply, Quin. Now, tell me, do you have the determination to kill them if given the power?" "Thud!" Quin knelt instantly, without a second thought. "I will do anything for power, Your Imperial Highness! That includes killing the Gods," he dered, bowing resolutely. "Very good..." Aengus replied with a pleased expression as he smoothly took out a few human corpses from his pocket space. The corpses fell to the ground, their decaying aura spreading everywhere. City Lord Zane squinted, realizing all the corpses were at least B-Rank or above. "Just what is the new Emperor trying to do?" he wondered to himself. The onlookers were already shaken by the death aura radiating from the high-ranking corpses. They chose not to interrupt their new Emperor''s task. Chapter 245: Chapter 245: Ancient Titans Bloodline Without a word, Aengus began synthesizing Quin with the human corpses. He was not gentle at all, though he felt confident Quin would survive. Aengus had seen potential in Quin that far surpassed any excellent hunter he had encountered so far. Quin''s soul was remarkably strong¡ªnearly a hundred times stronger than the average hunter. "Ahhh!" Harrowing screams tore from Quin''s mouth, sending chills down the spines of the onlookers. The crowd''s jaws dropped as they watched the incredible merging of corpses into Quin''s body. The bodies melted into a gooey mass that slowly fused with Quin''s form, even dissolving parts of him in the process. The sight was chilling and excruciatingly painful to behold. Many nervously gulped, questioning whether such a gruesome process was necessary to punish a young man. They assumed the Emperor was punishing Quin for his misbehavior. Their whispers reached Aengus'' ears, but he remained focused, his hand raised as synthesis energy flowed from him with intense concentration. Even Aengus couldn''t fully exin why he was doing this. Perhaps he was creating a new pawn, or maybe destiny had led him to this moment. City Lord Zane watched with a mixture of doubt and awe, uncertain whether their new Emperor could truly bestow power in such a way. Inwardly, he felt pleased with Aengus'' kindness. The frustrated young master, once a source of unrest, was now given a second chance at life. Though initially concerned by Aengus'' disregard for the gods, Zane now believed that their Emperor had the best interests of his subjects at heart. Suddenly, a middle-aged man with a noble air appeared hastily. "What''s going on, Lord Zane? Where is my son?" "I heard someone is hurting my poor son. Who is it? I will kill him!" the neer nobleman roared, gripping his sword tightly. "Uh.." City Lord Zane began to sweat buckets after hearing what the head of the AxelCrest n said so loudly. It surely reached the Emperor''s ears. He looked cautiously at the Emperor, finding him undeterred. Perhaps His Imperial Highness just took it as a dog''s bark. "Shh..." Zane then signaled the AxelCrest n leader to keep quiet. With years of experience, the AxelCrest n leader sensed something was off as he noticed a young man in a seven-star uniform. He immediately went quiet, realizing he was merely an A-Rank powerhouse. Even the City Lord looked scared¡ªso what was he? He approached the City Lord silently with his men. "Please exin to me, City Lord. Where is my son? Who is that young man?" he asked in hushed tones. Quin''s body had now turned into a gooey mass in the shape of arge ball of blood and flesh, so he couldn''t spot his son anywhere. Zane briefly exined Aengus''s origin, causing the Axel n leader''s eyes to widen with disbelief. Then he recounted the conflict and the unexpected opportunity Quin had encountered. The Axel n leader was speechless upon hearing of his son''s foolishness but was relieved after hearing thetter part. Aengus retracted his hands once the process wasplete. He remained calm despite expending that much Origin Mana, equivalent to 10,000 points. Quin''s figure was revealed to the observers, appearing more robust and strong as hey on the ground. The onlookers were stunned when Quin stood up like a giant before their very eyes. Quin was tall, robust, and stronger than anyone present there¡ªat least in terms of size. The transformation was nothing short of startling. How had the Emperor transformed this weak young master into a force to be reckoned with in just a few minutes? Quin clenched his fist, feeling the raw power of his giant form coursing through him. He was now an A-Rank powerhouse with a System he had previously assumed was a gift from the gods. The gods were not in charge of the System; they could only influence it to some extent. He realized that the true god was standing before him, in the flesh. Quin stepped forward and knelt before Aengus, lowering his giant head which was now equal to Aengus''s human form. Each of his footsteps struck fear anyone present. They looked at the Emperor with worshiping eyes, who had done this impossible task. After granting Quin the System, Aengus learned that Quin possessed the Ancient Titan Bloodline. He recognized that Quin could be a formidable force. But of course, Quin was still nothingpared to Aengus in terms of potential. "Rise," Aengusmanded calmly. Quin obeyed, standing up straight, though his head remained slightly lowered. "I haven''t done this to gain favor or to make you follow me, Quin. You''re free to do as you wish, but don''t forget you said to me," Aengus said, gazing at Quin''s Titan form, now 100 meters tall. "No, your Imperial Highness, I wish to follow you into battle and serve you. Your orders will be absolute to me from now on. Please, allow me to be your pawn, at least," Quin pleaded, eager to witness his Emperor''s might on the battlefield and grow stronger by his side. "Do as you wish. I have no problem with that. You will be my firstmandment then, starting today." Aengus had no issue taking such talent under his wing, though he was puzzled as to why Quin hadn''t been given a System despite having qualities that should have earned him one on his own. Just who decides this world''s rules? Or was this one of those gods'' tricks? Quin became exhrated after hearing his Emperor''s approval. He was now the firstmandment, a position that signified his true value. But he didn''t be arrogant, as it made him feel properly valued in this nasty world. His previous, ugly character qualities began to reshape with just one person''s influence. "Thank you for the title, my Emperor! I will serve with all my heart!" he said gratefully. Aengus gave a small nod, having judged Quin''s loyalty to be genuine through his bodynguage. Aengus then turned to Zane and the AxelCrest n leader and said, "I hope this answers your queries, Silk City''s Lord. Now¡­ clear the crowd, as your Empress is inside." Aengus said sternly, observing the whole city''s poption gathering around them like moths drawn to a me. The gathering crowd wanted to satisfy their curiosity about their new Emperor, as most had never seen one in their lifetimes. Chapter 246: Chapter 246: Emperor Is Kind? Zane quickly ordered his men to clear the crowd, and he himself started shouting loudly as well. "Everyone leave!" The crowd dispersed unwillingly. "Was that necessary? What will they think of you now?" Ariamented beside Aengus'' ear as she stepped outside, having heard themotion. "Yes, it was... I don''t care what others think of me. I only care about seeing results without wasting time unnecessarily." Aria''s father, aunt, and uncle followed her out of the house as well. "Son-inw is right," Noelle said happily, holding Astrid''s hand. "That''s how an Emperor should behave. He doesn''t care about receiving gratitude or being scolded by the masses." Noelle paused, ncing at Aria and Aengus. Ashter and Astrid had already epted Aengus''s identity, but seeing the City Lord humble himself before him confirmed it further. Their son-inw, whom they had once neglected, assuming he was amoner, was now a force to be reckoned with. They still didn''t know much about his background, but it didn''t matter to them anymore. He himself was now a powerful background, providing safety to those under his protection, just like the Titan before them. Their own rank had been lowered to B-Rank, and they felt vulnerable before the 100-meter-tall Titan standing before them, not to mention Aengus. Despite Aria''s insistence that they maintain a respectable distance. Aengus could do nothing, though he didn''t care about it too much either. "Swoosh!" Quin instantly returned to his 1.7-meter human form swiftly. City lord Zane then spoke, "Empress Consort, if I had known your family was here, I would have personally taken care of them as if they were my own," City Lord Zane came forward and bowed before Aria. Quin also tried to tter her without directly meeting her gaze. "His Imperial Majesty has a keen eye. The Empress Consort is like a fairy..." "Ah?" Aria looked ttered but quicklyposed herself to appear like a true Empress. "Thank you both for thepliment. d you joined us. What''s your name again?" Aria asked Quin. Quin replied instantly, "All thanks to His Imperial Majesty''s grace. My name is Quin AxelCrest." "Quin..." Just as Quin answered Aria, a deep, worried voice echoed¡ªit was Quin''s father, the Axel n leader. "Father, look! I''ve gained the power I''ve yearned for my whole life. Now, Roxane surely won''t hate me. I''ll be better than my brothers... His Imperial Majesty said so," Quin announced happily. For the first time in years, his father saw pure joy on his youngest son''s face. The Axel n leader gave a deep bow to the Emperor, even though the Emperor wasn''t watching their reunion. Father and son continued exchanging happy words they hadn''t shared in years. --- "My Emperor, would you like to rest at my humble abode?" City Lord Zane asked eagerly. Aengus shook his head. "No, that''s not possible right now. We came only to take your Empress''s family from here... But I will remember this city." Zane was disappointed but then pleased with the Emperor''s courtesy. "Thank you, Your Imperial Highness. May the Liberation Empire''s banner rise throughout the world." "Yes, it will..." Aengus murmured, perhaps making a promise to himself. "Aria, it''s time to depart. You can chat more when we get back. I''ve received an urgent message from the Three Generals," Aengus said, making the urgency clear. "Ah, okay... But wait a few minutes. The children should be here any moment," Aria replied, ncing anxiously toward the city market. "No problem. Let theme. I can wait..," Aengus said gently, his tone softening. No matter how urgent the matter was, his wife''sfort and happiness came first. When talk of departure arose, Quin gathered respectfully near them as well. He bid his farewell, "Father, tell Roxane I will return strong and proud. I''ll make her my bride, right in front of her prideful n," Quin dered resolutely, making his father smile. "Go ahead, son. Make our AxelCrest n proud." Don''t miss chapters on m v l e m p y r The father, who had always been disappointed in his son, now looked proud and hopeful. Very soon, the children came back from ying. There were eight of them, all between 8-10 years old¡ªthest remaining generation of the Silvermoon n. They should have returned happily from the yground, but instead, they looked slightly injured, with w marks and scrapes from being dragged across the ground visible on their young, tender faces. This made Aria and Noelle worried about the condition they were in. "What happened to you all, children?" Noelle knelt down and asked in a gentle, motherly tone. The children hesitated but finally answered. "Please forgive us, Lady Noelle... We actually wanted to help improve our condition, so we went to the nearby forest to hunt... Sorry!" one cute yet brave boy exined, feeling apologetic for breaking the promise of not going outside the city. "Yes, we Silvermoon n are not cowards!" another added. "Children, you..." Noelle was almost moved to tears at their thoughtful consideration. Though their choice had been reckless, it filled Noelle and the others with happiness to see their bravery. "That was very dangerous, children. But indeed, you were brave. You don''t need to do this anymore. Look, your sister Aria is back with her husband to take you away from this ce. We won''t have to stay here any longer," Noelle said, relieved to see they were unharmed. Most of the credit went to their n''s rigorous training from a young age. The kids had seen their parents deaths with their very own eyes, which had made them more mature. "Really?" They looked at Aria and Aengus in surprise. "Is it true, big sister Aria?" one small girl asked, clutching an iron dagger in her hand. Aria ruffled the little girl''s hair gently and replied, "Yes, it''s true, little Tina. We''ll now have a proper home with a sturdy roof to live in. You''ll get to train safely, just like before..." "Hehehe..." The little girl smiled happily, imagining the future. "That''s great, big sister! But, is that kind big brother really your husband?" she asked cutely, ncing at Aengus, who was healing the other children. Chapter 247: Chapter 247: Meeting With Saintess Lumenaria Aria was amused by Tina''s question. "Yes, he is. Why? Do you think I''m not a match for him?" Aria asked yfully. Tina shook her tiny head. "Nah, you''re perfect too. You''ve be so beautiful. I just feel like you two are opposites somehow... I don''t know how to say it." Tina looked confused by her own words, which made Aria smile. "You''re just imagining things, Tina. I know he has ws, and so do I. But epting each other''s ws shows the love between us," Aria answered and stood up. "But I wasn''t talking about that..." Tina mumbled, her tone turning lower. --- By now, Aengus had finished healing the rest of the children. His small gesture of kindness made others see him in a new light. They initially thought he was cold and heartless. Aengus, however, was reminded of his past with Emily and her mother as he watched the kids. That was why he showed this rare act of care for someone else. He hadn''t forgotten the deaths of Emily and the others at Beelzebub''s hands in the slightest. The time would soone when Beelzebub would be begging for death. "Ethan, everything is ready now. Let''s leave," Aria said, understanding that Aengus must have put something aside just for her sake. "Mmm... Okay. Tell the others to gather in one ce," Aengus replied. Quickly, the Silvermoon n and Quin gathered beside Aengus, looking on in confusion. They wondered how they would be leaving. Was their Emperor about to disy another of his incredible skills? As the sun began to set, they waited with bated breath, along with City Lord Zane and the Axel n leader. Aengus extended his hand, creating a spatial portal that led directly to their camp. They were astonished¡ªit was simr to the treasure that had saved them from certain doom at the hands of Beelzebub. "Let''s go, children. This will take us to our new home... and don''t worry, nothing will happen to you," Aria said gently, noticing that some of the children were nervous. The portal was dark, but with full confidence, Aria stepped forward, leading the way to reassure them. Aria disappearedpletely, and the children began entering one by one, hesitating slightly. Quin, with unwavering confidence, also entered, bidding farewell to his father. The adults followed, casting a final nce at the house they were leaving behind. Finally, Aengus also entered with a whoosh, and the portal vanished instantly. Zane and the Axel n leader exchanged nces. "Haha... n leader, it seems your youngest son has the brightest future among all your children. How unexpected is that?" Zaneughed heartily. The Axel n leader smiled as well. "Yes, I never imagined my foolish youngest son would be blessed with such luck and potential... It''s all thanks to Heavenly Grace." "Mmm... Now we''ll have to see how much he can grow beside the Emperor," Zane added, patting the n leader''s shoulder. --- Aengus appeared at the camp through the portal, instantly surrounded by the Three Generals, who looked rmed and worried. "Your Imperial Highness, she is here. You should go and hear what she has to say," General Felix said cautiously. Aengus gave them a curt nod. "Sure." Turning to Aria, he spoke gently, "Aria, please settle your family here temporarily. It won''t be long before we secure our rightful territory and throne." "Okay, but who is she? Who are you all talking about?" Aria asked, puzzled. Her thoughts turned to the Subus woman, Be. Perhaps she was here. If so, Aria was curious to meet her as well, to find out whether Be had truly "charmed" Aengus or if it had been genuine affection. She wanted answers. Reading her expression, Aengus replied, "She is Saintess Lumenaria. Perhaps you''ve heard of her?" Aria looked a bit relieved. "Ah, yes, I know her. But be careful," she reminded him before moving forward to settle her family. Saintess Lumenaria was know for maiden for eternity. So, Aria was not worried. Her father and uncle were already conversing respectfully with General Leon, astonished to see the Three Great Generals personally working for their son-inw. They were even more amazed at the sight of millions of soldiers under the Liberation Empire''s banner. "I''m d to see you both safe and healthy, Silvermoon n leaders. I assume it''s thanks to Ethan''s efforts," Leon said with a slight smile. "Oh, yes, General, " They replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. Leon was amused to see this. Leon could still remember their disdain for Aengus in the past, but now the situation hadpletely reversed. It reminded him that nothing in this world was set in stone; rise and fall are two sides of the same coin. Yet, as he nced at Aengus''s departing figure, he found himself questioning that statement. "Does it apply to him as well?" Leon wondered inwardly. He chuckled to himself. "Haha... What am I even thinking? Of course not." General Leon shook his head, leaving Aria''s father confused. ---- Aengus entered a well-built cottage made of iron and stone. It his current temporary residence. Only he and Aria could enter without permission. He sat down on a ck iron throne and waited patiently for the unexpected guest to arrive. His mood was calm, showing neither fear nor eagerness, as he leaned his head slightly to the side, resting on the arm supported by his right hand on the armrest. "Step, step, step!" Soon, footsteps echoed on the smooth, rocky floor. Aengus watched as a stunningly fair maiden, dressed in white holy robes bathed in a soft, divine radiance, approached. Saintess Lumenaria appeared to be a mature woman, as if she had lived through years filled with life''s ups and downs. Her presence held both wisdom and grace, a testament to her years of experiences. "Won''t you wee us, o young Emperor?" Saintess Lumenaria asked with a displeased expression as she halted a short distance from Aengus. Aengus gestured to the seat on his right. "You can sit there and speak your mind. I don''t see why I need to wee someone who trades innocent human lives for so-called divinemands, do I?" he replied in a mocking tone, not swayed by her beauty in thr slightest. The air between them grew tense, as Aengus''s disdain shed with the saintess''s calm but unyielding presence. Chapter 248: Chapter 248: A Deal From The Saintess Saintess Lumenaria remained unfazed as she sat down gracefully. "I can''t speak for others, Young Emperor. But I follow themands of the Goddess of Light, and I have never personally taken innocent lives," the saintess said naturally, ignoring Aengus''s displeasure. "By the way, why is the Young Emperor so concerned about harming innocents? That''s not exactly a desirable trait for an emperor. Can the Young Emperor swear that you''ve never taken an innocent life to attain such power? Surely, at least one innocent has fallen¡ªbe it a magical beast, a human, or some other species," she added with a sly, almost victorious smile. Aengus replied calmly, "That''s irrelevant, Saintess. My purpose is the betterment of the world, and I feel no guilt for actions taken toward that goal. I may have sinned unknowingly, but I don''t toy with lives as the gods do." "Hehehe..." The saintess giggled amusedly. "Oh, you will, once you reach that stage, Young Emperor. When mortals seem like ants to you. Anyway, you can''t even begin toprehend the true power of the gods¡ªthey have already transcended mortality." "Oh..." Aengus appeared not to take her words seriously, but inwardly, he was fully aware of reality. He was probably still an ant to the gods¡ªperhaps a slightly bigger one. But an ant is still an ant. Even so, he firmly believed it wouldn''t be long before he reached their level. His conviction was unshakable. "Hmph! Where are the gods anyway? Do they even have the power to change this world? Or was my previous assumption correct?" Aengus asked, his gaze piercing directly into hers. Saintess Lumenaria was visibly displeased by his nonchnt attitude and clear disrespect. However, she didn''t allow herself to be enraged, as she was well aware that she was currently no match for him. "I don''t know anything about that," she replied curtly. "But I am certain of one thing¡ªif the gods were to descend, it would be no trouble for them to destroy you, even if you became the strongest Transcendental. That''s how overwhelming their power is." There spark of worship in her eyes as she sang their praises. Aengus didn''t get proper answer. But he had already suspected there could be something that was restricting the gods. If they truly had the ability, they would have descended long ago to eliminate him¡ªespecially considering his rapid growth, potential, and defiant nature. Or perhaps they had already broken free from the confines of this world and no longer cared about its affairs. This realization sparked a new thought in his mind¡ªa potential clue to find a way to free Aria and Be from this mess. He mentally noted it down as he shifted his attention back to the Saintess. "Anyway, I heard your goal is to unify the world. But, Why are you doing this? You don''t belong in this world anyway. You got what you came here for, so why?" she asked, furrowing her brows. She was expecting panic in his eyes after revealing his origin, but she got only an indifferent face. "So, you know..." Aengus mumbled, his tone uncaring. The Saintess smiled victoriously and replied, "Yes, it was not that hard to guess. Our world''s people don''t have that much potential to rise through ranks so quickly." Aengus nodded and answered honestly, "I have to take revenge on Beelzebub, who killed the people I cared for. I will fix this world as well in the process while I''m here. It''s nothing more than that." "Oh, the Young Emperor is kind and vengeful, it seems. You must have a strong lineage to dere so confidently, isn''t that right?" She casually inquired. Aengus understood she was trying to fish for information, but he didn''t care that much now. He also wanted to see what her real purpose foring here was. "Mm-hmm, you could say so. But what do you really want? You came here even after knowing I am stronger than you. Are you that confident in your goddess''s protection?" he asked,ing straight to the point. "H-How?" Saintess Lumenaria looked stunned. How did he know the source of her confidence? However, it was true that she relied on the protection. She forced herself to stay calm, unwilling to be outdone by a young man. Focusing on the task at hand, she spoke, "So, does the young Emperor know the way to get out of this world? I want to send someone outside this world. You will receive an appropriate price for this favor," she said, looking straight into his piercing gaze, remaining unflinching. Aengus was intrigued. "Oh, what are you going to offer, and whom do you want to send?" he asked, prying further to uncover her weakness. He needed to find her vulnerability because he doubted whether he would be able to harm her with the personal protection of the Goddess of Light. Saintess Lumenaria''s eyes squinted instantly, bing alert. She answered, "It''s someone close to me. I would prefer not to reveal their identity." "I see. What is the Saintess offering for the deal?" Aengus, though disappointed, continued to ask. In reply, the Saintess took out a transparent small jar filled with a shimmering, dense white substance that looked divine. "This is a jar of Divine Essence, a gift from Her Excellency, the Divine Goddess of Light. This one jar can help you level up ten times at your current level." Aengus extended his hand, attracting the jar like a ma, while the Saintess let it go without worry. Surely, the Young Emperor wouldn''t do something as shameful as snatching things. Aengus used Appraisal and discovered that the small jar of Divine Essence could only increase his level once. This was likely due to the Saintess'' misconception. At his current level, a significantlyrger amount of energy would be required to advance further. While the Divine Essence was undeniably useful, it also raised a question in his mind: How much of this resource does the Holy Cathedral possess? However, despite its value, the deal couldn''t proceed, because Aengus was still searching for a way to leave this world. Chapter 249: Chapter 249: To The Skyfall Kingdom Casually, Aengus tossed the small jar back to the Saintess. "Sorry, Saintess, but I''m not interested in this deal." The Saintess looked stunned. Why is the Young Emperor refusing? Wasn''t the offer tempting enough? "Young Emperor, you don''t have to be in such a hurry to refuse. If one jar isn''t enough, we can offer you ten. Though I''m not sure if you can handle that much¡ªit would mean gaining nearly 50 levels in such a short time. The chances of failure are high." Aengus shook his head lightly, still appearing uninterested. "I still have to refuse, Saintess. Perhaps you should leave now if you''re done with your ''important'' peace talk," Aengus said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He could have revealed that he wasn''t yet capable of fulfilling her request, but it wouldn''t have been appropriate. She could be a potential threat to his ultimate goal. Keeping this information hidden might serve as valuable leverage for a future deal, potentially making things easier for himter. The Saintess'' brows twitched in anger, but she forced herself to remainposed. "That''s rude, Young Emperor. You''re hopeless and far too arrogant... Perhaps I should return another time." The Saintess rose from her seat, clearly displeased. "You''re wee here anytime, Saintess," Aengus replied with a sly smile. He knew that next time, he might be able to subdue her with his power alone. Though her calm facade barely wavered, Aengus saw through her frustration. He cared little for her anger, displeasure, or disappointment. Aengus, however, wanted to test something else. He activated his Dragon ws and gripped the God yer Aegis tightly, boosting his stats fivefold. "Swoosh!" In the blink of an eye, he attacked the Saintess, catching her off guard. "Huh?" The Saintess instinctively turned back, but the God yer Sword was already inches from her face. She instantly closed her eyes, which snapped open momentster, glowing with a holy radiance. "Dong! Dong! Dong!" At that exact moment, seven glowing white rings surrounded the Saintess, shielding her from harm. "Rumble!" The sh created a massive earthquake, with the two of them at its epicenter. "Boom!" The Emperor''s Cottage was instantly reduced to dust and debris, and a destructive shockwave began to ripple outward. Aengus'' right arm trembled from the impact, the Sword vibrating intensely in his grip. Aware that the shockwave could damage their camp, Aengus quickly conjured a defensive barrier to suppress it. The Saintess'' heart skipped a beat at the overwhelming power Aengus disyed. Despite being level 170, she was utterly overpowered by the Young Emperor. If not for the divine protection, she would have struggled to defend herself against the blow. It was a stark realization¡ªAengus was far more powerful than he appeared on the surface. Still, she forced herself to remainposed. "What exactly was the Young Emperor trying to do?" she asked, frowning. Now standing in the open ground under the crimson light of dawn, the two were illuminated by the eerie glow. A growing crowd gathered nearby, drawn by the sound of the earlier collision, curious about the disturbance. Aengus responded with practiced calm, "Oh, nothing much. I was merely testing the protection granted by your Goddess. I must say, I''m quite impressed that the Goddess of Light cares so deeply for you. Truly admirable." He shed her a sly, mocking smile. "Hmph!" The Saintess huffed, her beautiful face turning a deep shade of red as she suppressed her rage. "The Young Emperor doesn''t even know how to treat ady with kindness. Very disappointing!" she spat, shaking her head in disapproval. Aengus chuckled, his voice light with amusement. "Haha... I believe all beings are equal. Everyone should receive the same treatment from me, be it a woman, a man or the Gods." Aria quickly approached and stood beside Aengus, her expression filled with concern. "Rx, Aria," Aengus said casually, his tone reassuring. "She''s a Saintess. We were just probing each other. Isn''t that right, Saintess?" The Saintess observed the scene with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. Aria''s beauty was undeniable¡ªeasily on par with her own, which was a rare urrence. But what truly astonished her was the faint aura emanating from Aria. It was unlike anything she had encountered before, as though Aria herself embodied True Divinity, the essence of a Primordial Goddess. The aura seemed so pure and vast that it might even rival the power of the Goddess of Light¡ªor perhaps, it surpassed it altogether. The Saintess couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. Aengus stood as a figure of destruction¡ªcalcting, ruthless, and fearsome. Yet, beside him, Aria exuded an aura of kindness, holiness, as if nurturing the true essence of Mother Nature. The contrast between them was striking. They look opposites in every way, yet somehow, they stood together,plementing one another perfectly. It was impossible to miss the intimacy in their rtionship, and it didn''t escape the Saintess'' sharp gaze. "Hmph... May we see each other again, Young Emperor... Farewell." Saintess Lumenaria cast a lingering gaze at Aria before disappearing like a sh of light. Aengus, however, could still see her tracks clearly but chose not to interfere for now. Who knew what her "Goddess" might do next? It was slightly meddlesome, but he needed to cope with it for now. "Ethan, we should have stopped her. I didn''t like the look on her face," Aria spoke with concern. Aengus touched her face gently. "No worries, she won''t do anything stupid. She''s just a religious freak. We''re not involving ourselves with the Gods for now. But if they interfere, I will not be kind," Aengus said, his gaze turning cold. "Your Emperor, look what you''ve done to my hard work?" General Martin spoke, exasperated. "Don''tin, Martin. Just make another one," General Felix chimed in from the sidelines with a smirk. Martin sighed and began creating a new, bigger, and sturdier house for the Emperor and Empress. The previous one had crumbled like a paper toy, something that should have been impossible even for a Transcendental to destroy. It made Martin asionally wonder¡ªjust what level had the Emperor reached? Felix turned his attention to Aengus, their new Emperor. "Your Imperial Highness, do you still n to move to the Skyfall Kingdom tomorrow?" General Felix asked, seeking confirmation. Chapter 250 Royal Marriage Proposal Night fell swiftly, enveloping the army camp in darkness. Bonfires crackled to life across the soldiers'' tents and gathering spots, casting flickering shadows and warming the cool night air. Following Aengus'' confirmation, the generals busied themselves with preparations for the uing battle, aiming to reim the territory stolen from the Skyfall Kingdom. Meanwhile, Aengus sat deep in thought within the newly rebuilt house constructed by General Martin. ns and strategies for theing days upied his mind. Aria had stepped out to spend time with her father and family, leaving Aengus alone for the moment. The quiet of the night was broken by the sound of measured footsteps approaching his cottage. Aengus nced through the walls using his heightened senses and recognized King Araknis, apanied by an unfamiliar old man, cautiously making their way to his door. "Come in," Aengus said calmly, his voice carrying through the walls before they could knock. The two old men froze, startled by the Emperor''s awareness. After a brief pause, they collected themselves and entered the cottage in silence. "That is some impressive observation skill, Your Imperial Highness!" King Milphomor said in an impressed tone, a hint of tterycing his words. "Wee. Take your seats," Aengus replied curtly, giving them a slight nod. The two men seated themselves respectfully, one on the left and the other on the right. "So, this is the former King of the Skyfall Kingdom? What business do you have with me?" Aengus asked calmly, his gaze sharp and unwavering. Gravis Skyfall, the former king, was momentarily stunned by the young Emperor''s knowledge and keen perception. That Aengus not only knew his name but also recognized his identity so effortlessly left him slightly taken aback. King Milphomor signaled King Gravis to speak. "Firstly, we would like to congratte you on your ascension, Your Imperial Highness. I am sorry to bother you at this hour, but I have an important proposal to make," Gravis spoke respectfully. "You may continue," Aengus responded, though he could already guess what was on King Gravis'' mind. "Your Highness, I want to betroth my two daughters alongside Princess Delh, with her father''s approval, and offer you 1 million B-Rank or above soldiers for the battle tomorrow. In return, we hope Your Highness would be kind enough to grant us the kingdom''s rule under your imperial rule. We are ready to ept any other conditions you may have," King Gravis added with a sly smile. Aengus remained calm even after hearing such a tempting offer. Three royal princesses as wives could sway any normal man''s heart¡ªbut not his. Aengus looked at King Milphomor for confirmation, though he had already expected as much from him. However, the addition of two other royal princesses was a little unexpected. "Yes, it''s true, Your Imperial Highness." King Milphomor was slightly ashamed as he confirmed the statement. Aengus was momentarily speechless, reminded once again that in this world, interest and power outweighed everything else. "You do realize, if your Empress Consort knew what you proposed to me, she might just have your heads removed from your shoulders?" Aengus asked calmly. "Uhh... Why, Your Imperial Majesty?" The two old kings began to feel cold from head to toe. "Does the Empress Consort not approve of your harem? I hope it''s not too rude to ask," King Milphomor asked cautiously, lowering his voice as if afraid the Empress might barge into the room at any moment. Aengus was amused internally but replied sternly, "Not exactly. It''s both of our wishes." "Oh... Then, can you please give us a chance to reim the throne?" King Gravis asked hesitantly, realizing their odds were growing slimmer. "Sure," Aengus said, his tone indifferent, "but you must provide as many resources and soldiers as you can muster. If you do that, I will have no problem granting you back your throne. However, there''s another condition..." Aengus paused, making the two kings grow visibly tense. "What is it? Please speak your mind, Your Imperial Highness," King Gravis asked eagerly. He was happy to hear they would regain their rule, even if it meant serving under the new Emperor, just as before. King Araknis, however, wasn''t as focused on the throne. He was more disappointed by the rejection of the marriage proposal. It had been their chance to strengthen ties with the new Emperor. Aengus stated his condition slyly, "Your kingdom will not have military power. Protection will be provided directly by the Liberation Empire. Of course, you may keep personal guards for your own safety. If you agree, we can proceed with handing over the throne we''ll reim tomorrow." This essentially meant they would be puppet kings with no true power to speak of, though they would still manage the kingdom''s internal affairs. Aengus nned to implement the same strategy for the other kingdoms he intended to conquer in the near future. The only exception would be Araknis Kingdom, due to his promise to General Leon. King Gravis'' old face fell, a reaction that didn''t escape Aengus'' sharp eyes. "What? You can''t agree? If so, perhaps you should forget about the throne," Aengus said coldly. "There will only be one army unified under ourmand." Kings Araknis and Gravis flinched at the domineering pressure radiating from Aengus. "Ah, no, Your Imperial Majesty. I agree with the proposal. I am sorry my old brain couldn''tprehend your great goal sooner. We will be one and unified. I am happy to receive the Liberation Empire''s protection, actually," King Gravis replied, flustered. King Gravis realized he had no choice but to agree. Besides, it wasn''t entirely bad to relinquish military power to the Emperor while securing the Kingdom''s protection. Though he was convinced, he worried the nobles might disagree with the arrangement. Surrendering their forces to the Empire would strip them of power. As for the nobles who had betrayed King Gravis, they wouldn''t even get the chance to bargain¡ªthey would be granted swift death. That much confidence King Gravis had, especially after hearing King Milphomor''s praise of the Young Emperor. "Alright then, it''s a deal. Have your soldiers join the Liberation Army as per the agreement. We will send an official document soon; be sure to sign it with your Kingdom''s Crest," Aengus said, waving his hand dismissively. "And onest thing: King Araknis, please tell your daughter that if she harbors any special feelings for me, it would be best for her to forget them," Aengus added, ignoring King Milphomor''s depressed mood. King Araknis could only acquiesce, giving Aengus a small nod. Chapter 251 Assassination Attempt As soon as they stepped out of the cottage, the two old Kings found themselves face-to-face with Aria. They almost stumbled, but they forced themselves to stayposed. The earlier warning from Aengus echoed in their minds. "Have a blessed night, Empress!" they muttered hastily before hurrying away. Aria raised an eyebrow, watching their backs as they scurried off like frightened children. Feeling puzzled, she entered the bedroom of the cottage, where Aengus was waiting patiently. "Ethan, why were they here at this hour? They were acting as if I''m some kind of monster," Aria asked, settling beside him. Aengus chuckled, clearly amused at the thought of their panic. "They came to discuss an important deal about the throne. Nothing too significant. Perhaps I should grant your family a Kingdom to rule as well¡ªit might help maintain control more effectively," Aengus said as he gently pulled Aria onto hisp. She smelled fresh and natural, her skin glowing softly as if she''d just bathed beforeing in. Aria shrugged. "Do as you wish. But tell me, when are you going back? I''d like to "meet" her," she said through gritted teeth. Aengus was amused and replied, "I''ll go back once I win the Kairos Emperor''s Seat. I''ve already informed Be about it. Just be at ease, Aria. She''s not that bad¡ªthough, of course, she''s a bit naughty. She''s working hard alongside my clone as well." As he answered, Aengus pinned her down. Aria felt a wave of heat but still asked seductively, "Am I not as hardworking as her?" "Yes, you are, my Empress!" he replied seductively near her ears. --- At midnight, Aria and Aengus seemed to be sound asleep entangled with each other, undisturbed and without a care. "Whoosh!" Suddenly, Aengus'' eyes shot open, sensing unusual movements nearby. He stood up slowly, instantly alert. It was astonishing enough that someone coulde this close without triggering his Supreme Hunter''s Senses. Activating All-Seeing Sovereign, he spotted seven shadowy figures approaching the cottage, even bypassing the generals'' alertness. Using Appraisal, Aengus identified them as top-tier assassins with Transcendental power. Their deadliness was beyond doubt. Aengus was about to intervene, but an unexpected individual entered the fray, exuding unshakable conviction. Aengus smirked, pleased by the turn of events. He decided to wait patiently for the right moment to act. --- The seven shadowy figures moved skillfully through the darkness, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. Yet, curiously, no killing intent leaked from them. Their art of concealing tracks and executing silent maneuvers was wless, far surpassing even the elite Silvermoon n. These were true creatures of the night, embarking on a mission deemed impossible. Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound, and a giant shadow was seen on the sky. They paused and looked at the sky and saw a huge giant human''s foot descending on them with incredible speed. "Boom!" The assassins moved away from getting crushed under the giant but panicked nheless. "Sh*t, we are caught. Let''s escape!" They took out a few teleportation scrolls to leave instantly. Visit m,v le,mpyr today But then something unexpected happened. "What''s happening?" Their panicked voices rose. The scrolls burned, but they were not teleported. They looked at each other, masking each other''s nervousness. "Oh, we have guests. What a Surprise. But why are they in such a hurry to leave?" Aengus arrived before them from the shadows, his figure radiating bone-chilling coldness. Quin, in his titan form, was beside him as well, but his posture was humble before Aengus. Quin remained silent, letting Aengus speak, and he was sure these assassins couldn''t escape either in his Emperor''s presence. He could have been defeated against the Assassins, but he stood out bravely to warn others. Surprisingly, Quin was the one who noticed their infiltration because of his incredible inherent skill from the Ancient Titan Bloodline. "The space here is locked, leader!" one of the assassins whispered in the leader''s ears. The assassin leader was surprised, looked at their target with extreme vignce. The information of the New Emperor''s incredible skills was true after all. Not only that, Aengus looked overpowered in every aspect. Aengus''s calm eyes, yful smirk, and confident aura told it all. The leader signaled others to leave as he found no confidence in defeating the Rebellious Emperor. Instantly, they transformed into their shadow forms, making a grave mistake in that moment. Quin was about to act, while Aengus activated Shadow Monarch''s dominion and hismand reached into the World of Shadows. "Come back!" Aengusmanded. Instance after, the seven assassins were forcefully dragged away in their shadow form right before Aengus''. Quin paused mid-air and looked at Aengus with a dumbfounded gaze. Quin found his Emperor''s skills to be unfathomable and uncountable. The assassins found themselves restricted in their shadow form even after trying to escape with all their might. "So, the Dragon Emperor sent you personally? That was a little unexpected!" Aengus said, looking intrigued. The assassins were stunned silent by the casual revtion of their employer, who had hired them specifically to execute the new, rising, rebellious Emperor. They were a notorious group of assassins, famed for their 100% loyalty and unbreakable code of never revealing their employer''s identity. So how did the new Emperor uncover it so easily? "The Dragon Emperor?" General Leon''s voice, filled with apprehension, echoed in the night. The three generals finally became aware of the source of the disturbance. They turned their wary gazes toward the seven shadowy figures, feeling a pang of shame that the assassins had managed to slip past their surveince. "Yes, the Dragon Emperor! However unexpected it might be, it''s true," Aengus confirmed, his tone calm but resolute. He had no more to say after learning their identities and their goal. General Felix''s incredulous voice broke the tension. "And here I was expecting this from Emperor Kairos. Truly a surprise!" Aengus focused on the task at hand. Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Aengus touched the foreheads of the assassins, instantly taking control of their minds using the Shadow Monarch''s Influence on the weaker-soul. The assassins immediately knelt before him, now viewing Aengus as their lord and god. They had be nothing more than loyal ves. "Go, survey the area, and inform me if anyone else dares to infiltrate," Aengusmanded the Shadow Assassins. This action increased their Transcendental powerhouses to 12, a significant boost to their army. Chapter 252 Kairos Empire VS Liberation Empire When morning came, the Liberation Empire started its march toward the Skyfall Kingdom with full momentum. The army consisted of nearly 18 million soldiers: 10 million from Aengus'' personal army, 3 million from the Skyfall Kingdom, now branded under the Liberation Empire, and 5 million from the Araknis Kingdom. The remaining troops from the Araknis Kingdom stayed behind to guard their homnd alongside the Northern Duke. The three generals joined Aengus as part of the expedition. The massive army was divided into two main sections: air troops and ground troops, which included allied forces from the two kingdoms. The air troops soared through the skies aboard five massive flying warships, wyverns, and other flying beasts. The ground troopsprised foot soldiers, cavalry, and war carriages, advancing in perfect coordination. They marched in unison, like swarms of bats in the sky and ants on the ground. Aengus, Aria, Drake, Yona, and the three generals led the army from the very front, riding aboard a slightlyrger warship in the sky. Surprisingly, Princess Delh was also on the same ship, positioned just behind them. She appeared casual despite knowing about her rejection by the Emperor. But only she knew what was going on in her mind. Perhaps she was trying to prove something, or maybe it was a pursuit of honor and glory that drove her to join the war. The army moved swiftly, and within nearly an hour, they had reached the border of the Skyfall Kingdom. Aengus could already see a defensive line set up 10 kilometers away from their position. Aengus turned back. "Be ready, everyone. Their numbers may lookrge, but our courage will lead us to victory," Aengus said, addressing the others. They had initially been worried about the enemy''s numbers, but after Aengus'' words, they began deploying their n of attack. Sometimes, numbers don''t represent everything¡ªjust like the unstoppable force of their Emperor. The generals tookmand of the war while Aengus activated all his senses to an extreme level, staying alert for any potential ambush. Aria stood beside him, concentrating deeply to enhance her nature powers. She wanted to help Aengus even more. Aengus noticed her efforts but said nothing, but he appreciated each of her hard efforts. Who knows perhaps she might even surpass him one day. Aengus focused intently on the battle ahead. "Prepare the magic cannons!" General Leonmanded through hismunication device, his voice sharp and clear. As the warships reached firing range, the five massive vessels prepared their formidable magical cannons. Crews of several people loaded the ck cannonballs into the chambers, straining under their immense weight and destructive potential. Late the previous night, Aengus had personally infused the cannonballs with Chaos Energy, increasing their destructive power exponentially. "Set the targets!" "Wait for mymand to fire!" General Leon ordered, keeping the crews on edge. Momentster, assessing the urgency, he finally shouted, "And... fire!" Leon''smand echoed across the sky. The ships'' mechanisms roared to life as the massive cannons discharged their payload with thunderous booms. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" The five multicolored cannonballs, each at least 25 meters in radius, hurtled toward the ground with tremendous velocity, enhanced by both their initial force and gravity. On the enemy''s side, massive magical shields sprang to life, shimmering with power, as their caster stood behind them with pride and arrogance. The defenders were confident in their ability to block the Cannons Balls, dismissing the warships as mere middle-ss threats. But they had no idea that this time, they were facing an entirely different level of destruction. With a sh of multicolored light, the cannonballs detonated just before making contact with the transparent shields. "What?!" "Rumble! Rumble!" The shield casters'' eyes widened in horror as catastrophe unfolded above them. The explosions released waves of destructive Chaos Energy, instantly reducing the defenders beneath the shields to mincemeat¡ªashes to ashes, dust to dust. When the dust settled, all that remained was charred ground, a grim reminder of the destruction that had imed hundreds of thousands of lives. The first round of the attack had been a resounding sess, and the Liberation Empire stood victorious. Despite their superior numbers, the Kairos Imperial Army suffered a significant and demoralizing loss. "Damn it!" A frustratedmander growled, exhaling a cloud of smoke from his cigar as he stood amidst the rain triggered by the explosions. "How can their cannons be so strong, despite their warships being middle-ss?" he muttered, confusion evident in his voice. "Commander, should we call in our high-ss fleet now?" a high-ranking official suggested, grinning wickedly behind him. "They''ll crush those mid-ss warships in no time." "Yes, give them the signal!" themander snapped. His face twisted with disdain as he spat on the ground. "Not one of those rebel bastar*s should be left alive! Not even their so called ''Emperor'' bloody Savior my foot!" His voice grew louder as he added with fervor, "Only our Emperor is mighty!" "Kill!" --- "Etha... no... Zero, the enemy warships are approaching!" General Leon reminded, his ocean-blue eyes reflecting the distant fleet. "Yes, I can see that, General. And from the looks of it, our ships aren''t enough to match them, are they?" Aengus asked, his piercing gaze locked onto the enemy warships advancing steadily. The enemy''s fleet was already double the size of their own and in terms of quantity as well. If the Dwarves had been present, their army would have had ess to higher-ss flying battleships capable of evening the odds. But, unfortunately, that wasn''t possible at the moment. Aengus had already tasked his clone with locating the culprit responsible for the disappearance of the Ancient Dwarves. General Leon clenched his fists, frustration etched on his face as he replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Not only are their warships superior in number, but their ground cavalry and magi-mech technology also surpass ours in strength." Suddenly, Aria''s eyes snapped open, and she said confidently, "I can take care of the ground vehicles, Ethan. You should go and handle the warships..." She had a confident aura, as if she had received new enlightenment. Chapter 253 Destroy To Win "Alright, I have confidence in you, Aria," Aengus said gently. Then he turned to General Leon. "General, let''s proceed with the n the Empress suggested," he said, expecting a nod of approval. General Leon looked between the enemy''s Disaster-ss Warships and Aengus. In his mind''s eye, Zero''s figure was reced by the image of a massive ck dragon, one evenrger and more fearsome than the looming disaster ahead. "It''s perfect, but be careful. I will lead the army for now," Leon replied firmly, his confidence in Aengus unwavering. He believed that Aengus could destroy the Disaster-ss Warships. Aengus, pleased with Leon''s support, moved to depart. His gaze then fell on Quin, who was standing nearby, awaiting his personal order. "Quin, go and protect your Empress! Once the war is over, you will get your meal," Aengusmanded, his voice firm yet calm, as he wlessly revealed his regal dragon wings in human form. Quin, amazed at the sight of the magnificent wings, didn''t forget to bow in respect. "Your wish is mymand, Your Imperial Highness!" Quin dered. Though he deeply wished to join Aengus in battle, Quin knew he was not yet strong enough to face the Transcendentals, even in his Ancient Titan form. "Swoosh!" Aengus soared through the sky, extending his hand into the space nearby. With a ripple of energy, he summoned his Godyer Weapon from the pocket dimension, gripping it tightly as it gleamed ominously under the morning light. Aria watched his confident silhouette slicing through the heavens, her resolve hardening. "Sister, take us to the ground. We should fight alongside the ground troops," Drake reminded, his voice steady with purpose. Delh and Yona stepped forward, ready to apany her. Aria''s gaze shifted to Quin, who was nervously fidgeting, clearly uneasy about the altitude. Quin, stranded 1,000 meters above the ground, was helpless. He would be reduced to a mangled mess if he attempted to jump from the Flying ship without any flying-rted skills. He sighed inwardly,menting that he hadn''t yet acquired such abilities from the others since his arrival. Aria couldn''t help but smile at his plight. With a wave of her hand, her mysterious Nature powers surged, summoning threerge, majestic birds. "Get on," she instructed to Quin as well. Quin looked ttered by the Empress'' thoughtfulness. Quin and the others climbed atop the summoned birds. Quin, grateful yet awkward, found himself seated behind the armored Princess Delh, who looked battle-ready, radiating the aura of a fearless knight. "Be a man, Quin," he muttered under his breath repeatedly, sitting as rigidly as possible, careful not to touch her. After all, what if she was a future wife candidate for his Emperor? Besides, Quin already had someone dear in his heart. Princess Delh remained silent, her gaze distant as if lost in thought. With Aria''s firmmand, the summoned birds dove gracefully toward the battlefield, their descent observed by the sharp eyes of the Generals above. --- On the enemy''s side "Captain, someone is approaching from the enemy''s side," a cautious soldier reported, his voice tinged with urgency. The stern-looking captain stood on the deck of the warship, exuding confidence and pride. His sharp gaze scanned the skies, scrutinizing the lone figure heading toward them. At first, he dismissed the approaching figure as some desperate fool, recklessly attempting a futile attack. But as the distance closed, rity broke through the stormy wind and rain, aided by his Transcendental senses. The captain''s expression shifted abruptly to one of rm. "That''s the Rebel Emperor, you fools!" he bellowed, his voice booming across the deck. "Shoot him down! Pierce him apart!" --- "Let''s see... Manas, what are the chances of a surprise ambush by the Kairos Imperial Army?" Aengus asked. Manas calcted wlessly and replied, "I would say it''s 90%, Master. The Kairos Emperor has likely anticipated your next move. He may have already deployed additional troops to ambush you." Aengus looked thoughtful. "Yes, I expected as much. But the question is, how many troops could they possibly send?" "Sorry, Master. I can''t provide an exact number, but it''s possible their forces could triple the size of their current army if Emperor Kairos is taking you seriously," Manas responded. Aengus frowned briefly at the numbers, but soon a confident grin crossed his face. "More numbers mean more resources... and me growing even stronger." "Let me obliterate these people first, and then we''ll think about dealing them." Aengus brandished his sword, transforming it into a colossal axe nearly 500 meters long. Under the astonished eyes of the enemy, the towering axe hovered above his fingertips as if defying all logic. Gripping the enormous weapon with hisparatively small hand, Aengus activated Divine Power Boost, multiplying his stats by five. This,bined with the raw power of the weapon itself, elevated his total stats to nearly 200,000. His overwhelming aura surged like a tidal wave, sending shivers of fear through the enemy ranks while filling his own army with awe and admiration. "Oh my God!" "What kind of weapon is that?" The crew aboard the first enemy ship froze in terror, paralyzed by the raw energy radiating from the union of Aegis and Aengus. "Fu*k! Evacuate!" "Evacuate immediately, you fools!" The captain''s desperate roar echoed across the deck as he watched the massive axe begin its descent with unstoppable force. He knew without a doubt that their Disaster-ss ship''s defenses would crumble under such an attack. Time was running out, and panic gripped the soldiers.. Some jumped in panic, leaping overboard to escape the inevitable doom, while others were not fast enough to avoid their fate. The colossal axe descended, creating a cataclysmic explosion across the disaster-ss ships as it cleaved through the first vessel with devastating force, splitting it in half. Aengus wasn''t finished. He swung the weapon once more, each motion as precise as it was devastating, targeting the remaining ships that posed a threat to his army. "Boom, Boom, Boom!" One by one, the warships were obliterated, their numbers reduced to two. Amid the chaos, two ordinary Transcendentals dared to confront the massive axe directly. However, their efforts were in vain, as they were crushed and reduced to a gruesome mush of blood and flesh under its overwhelming power. Chapter 254 Rebel Emperor [Strength +1, Agility +0.5, Defense +1] [Strength +2, Agility +1.5, Defense +3] [Strength +1... ] .... Aengus stood amidst the destruction, absorbing the essence of annihtion to bolster his strength through Omni-Devour. The colossal axe shrank back into its sword form and returned to its sheath after obliterating all the warships. As the absorptionpleted, Aengus turned his gaze toward the frustrated and enraged Transcendentals on the opposing side. There were at least twenty of them¡ªa formidable number in any sense¡ªbut they seemed hesitant to approach after witnessing such an overwhelming disy of power. Aengus surmised they were likely waiting for reinforcements, probably more allied Imperial forces. "If you''re done waiting for help, shall we begin our battle?" Aengus taunted, mocking their reluctance. His words struck a nerve, and some of the Transcendentals visibly bristled with rage. "No, no. Not now... Wait a few seconds, please!" one of them suddenly pleaded, his tone shamelessly desperate. Several of hispanions touched their foreheads in embarrassment, ashamed of his groveling. Aengus was amused by the scene but knew he couldn''t afford to waste any more time. Aengus whooshed , instantly appearing beside one of the Transcendentals. His hand shot out, clutching the enemy''s throat and rendering them immobile. The sheer terror of death reflected in the man''s wide eyes as he faced Aengus'' emotionless gaze up close. "Spare¡ª" Before he could finish pleading, a ck hole formed above his head, and he was instantly devoured. [Strength +200, Agility +201, Defense +230] [Origin Mana +3,000] [You have gained a new skill: Starfall Cataclysm (SS)] [You have gained a new skill: Eternal Ice Barrier (SS)] [You have gained a new skill: Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword sh (SS)] [The rest of the lower-rank skills have been assimted with Universal Synthesis to level up. ] Aengus, having finished devouring the first Transcendental, turned toward the others who were already gathering around, preparing to use the Kairos Divine Fusion Sword. Seeing this, his eyes glinted with cold determination to kill. Without hesitation, Aengus rushed forward, his sword glowing as he cut through them one by one, his movements space tearing and precise. Each strike was deadly, each foe falling with no chance to retaliate. As he killed, he devoured their essence, feeling his physical stats surge. [Strength +250, Agility +220, Defense +270] With each Transcendental in, Aengus absorbed more power. He felt the raw energy of his enemies flow into him, empowering his body and Soul. The skills he gained from his fallen foes fused together, increasing his abilities further. Aengus focused on assimting the lesser skills while holding on to the SS Rank ones for versatility. He knew that the more powerful skills would be essential in theing battles, but for now, his strength was growing exponentially. His bloodlust was harrowing, and the battlefield became a yground to his unrelenting desire to crush anyone who dared to oppose him. The enemies who once stood tall were now reduced to nothing, their strength and pride swallowed by the god-like force he had be. On the ground below, Aria like a merciless Goddess, already immobilized the enemy horse-carriages and disrupted the imposing cavalry using hermand over nature. Trees and nts emerged instantly at her will, weaving through the battlefield and performing her bidding. Her Nature Influence had grown to an astonishing degree, transforming the terrain within a 2,000-meter radius into a lush, green domain under her control. Hundreds of thousands of enemies were injured or killed as the living vegetation ensnared, crushed, and impaled them with merciless precision. Amidst this field of green and life, Aria stood, her shining white hair flowing gracefully, and her radiant emerald-green eyes gleaming with an ethereal charm. She appeared heavenly, a vision of divine beauty, yet her actions toward her enemies were no less ruthless than Aengus''. Meanwhile, the three generals engaged in fierce battles with S-Rank and higher-ranked opponents. Though formidable, they avoided shing with the strongest enemies, as Aengus was already annihting them single-handedly. "For Liberation!" "For Peace!" "For Emperor Zero!" The Liberation Empire was riding a wave of high spirits, their morale soaring as they pressed their advantage. In stark contrast, the Kairos Imperial Army faltered with every moment, their numbers dwindling and despair spreading through their ranks like wildfire. "So that''s the power of the Rebel Emperor? He is indeed a gluttonous one. But who is that girl?" From afar, at the edge of the battlefield, an old elf muttered in astonishment and puzzlement. Beside him stood another elf¡ªa middle-aged man with a regal demeanor. He observed the sh between the two empires with equal interest. Strangely, their forms flickered between tangible and intangible, as if they weren''t truly present in the vicinity of the battlefield, yet their gaze pierced through every corner of the chaos. Even Aengus, with his heightened senses and extraordinary abilities, failed to detect their prying eyes on the battlefield. The middle-aged elf, dressed in royal attire, answered the old man''s musings with a sly tone. "Perhaps she is his life partner. Shall we take her away to ensure the Rebel Emperor''s obedience to the Demi-Human Empire, Your Imperial Majesty?" The old elf, revealed as the Emperor of the Demi-Human Empire, stroked his long silver beard thoughtfully, his piercing golden eyes glinting with calction. "An interesting suggestion," he murmured, stroking his beard. "But let us wait. Observe her power closely. Her aura feels extraordinarily pure¡ªperhaps even purer than that of our Mother Tree." The middle-aged elf, Rindel, nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. Thisdy seems to possess a lineage of remarkable purity. If she could establish a connection with our Mother Tree in Amariel''s absence, it would be a boon beyond measure." The Old Emperor''s eyes narrowed with intrigue, but he soon shifted his focus. "By the way, Rindel, how did Emperor Kairos respond to our proposal for an alliance? Did he seek our help to deal with this Rebel Emperor?" Rindel shook his head. "No, Your Imperial Majesty. He is far too arrogant. He insisted that he doesn''t need our help and imed he would deal with the Rebel Emperor personally." The Old Emperor''s expression darkened, his displeasure evident. "Foolishness! These young rulers do not understand the burden of proper governance. Arrogance blinds them to reason." He paused, a glimmer of disdain in his eyes. "Very well. Let us watch and see how Emperor Kairos handles this foe. It will be an instructive lesson in the folly of pride." "Haha..." Rindel smirked faintly. "Perhaps when the dust settles, he will regret underestimating us, Your Imperial Majesty." The Old Emperor gave a curt nod, his attention returning to the battlefield. Chapter 255 Enemy Reinforcements "We''re losing the war, Commander!" one soldier cried, his voice shaking with fear. "Where are the additional troops that Emperor Kairos promised?" another demanded, his toneced with desperation. "Commander, why don''t we call back our soldiers until they arrive? We can''t stop the Rebel Emperor unless our Emperor intervenes personally!" Inside one of the enemy watchtowers, panic and despair gripped the Imperial officials as they watched their forces crumble under the might of the Rebel Emperor. The watchtowermander furrowed his brows, his patience wearing thin. "Shut up, all of you!" he barked. "Don''t act like cowards. I''ve received word that Emperor Kairos will personally lead the reinforcements this time. So quit your whining!" The officials exchanged relieved nces, their panic subsiding. "Really? Thank the heavens!" one eximed. "Haha! With our Emperor''s power, that bastard will finally get what he deserves. He''ll pay for killing our seniors!" another growled, clenching his fists in anger. Suddenly, a distinct buzzing noise echoed across the battlefield. "Buzz, buzz, buzz!" The soldiers nced ahead, confusion recing their relief. "Huh? Look over there!" one shouted, pointing toward the horizon. Through the haze of smoke and rain, a massive army emerged, their banners unmistakable. "The additional Imperial troops are here!" A wave ofughter and cheers swept through the watchtower. "Haha! Our Emperor has brought reinforcements¡ªso many of them! We''re definitely going to win this one. I was worried for nothing!" "Now let''s see how that Rebel Emperor handles this!" another jeered, his confidence returning. Themander, however, remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he observed the approaching troops. Something about the timing felt too perfect, too convenient. But he pushed the thought aside. For now, the reinforcements were their salvation¡ªor so they thought. --- Just after finishing off thest of the Transcendentals, Aengus squinted against the battlefield''s distant horizon. His sharp eyes caught sight of the massive Imperial reinforcements that had surrounded their Liberation Army. The sheer size of the enemy forces now dwarfed their own. Warships loomed in the sky like predatory shadows, and countless ground troops swarmed, the sh of their armor echoing ominously. The scene was grim¡ªan overwhelming tide of soldiers now exceeding the Liberation Army by threefold. "Ethan, what should we do?" Aria''s worried voice carried through the chaos, reaching him amidst the turmoil. Aengus turned his head slightly, his gaze falling to Aria, who was valiantly fighting against the surging Imperial ground forces. She was surrounded, her domain of nature working tirelessly to hold back the enemy, but the sudden increase in their numbers was putting immense strain on her abilities. "Do as nned, Aria," Aengus responded, his voice calm yet firm, his unyielding confidence cutting through her rising fear. "Take care of yourself out there." The gentleness in his tone reached her ears even as the chaos of battle raged around them. Aria clenched her fists, her emerald eyes shimmering with determination. "Understood!" she shouted back, summoning a wave of thorny vines to impale the advancing soldiers. Aengus turned his attention back to the Imperial forces. His expression darkened as his fingers hovered over the hilt of his sword. "So, the Kairos Empire thinks numbers alone can win this war?" he muttered to himself, a small, dangerous smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "Let''s see how long that arrogancests." "Sacred Kirin''s Blessing!" Aengus raised his hand, instantly enveloping all his soldiers in a radiant white glow. "Wow! I feel so strong all of a sudden!" "Amazing! This must be the work of our Emperor!" The soldiers of the Liberation Empire gazed at Aengus in awe, feeling their strength increase tenfold in every aspect¡ªmagical power, mental fortitude, and physical capabilities. Aengus turned his attention to the approaching fleet of flying warships, their numbers totaling 30 Disaster-ss vessels. It was an overwhelming forcepared to their own. Yet, Aengus stood alone firm in air, his expression unshaken. Confidence radiated from him, born from the unwavering belief in his own strength to emerge victorious. Raising his de, now humming with unbridled Chaos energy, Aengus prepared to unleash devastation once more. He would face them alone, and no one could stop him from winning. His floating figure, exuding unshakable conviction as he prepared to face so many enemies at once, earned him admiration from everyone present. The three generals were engrossed in their own battles, yet they couldn''t help but nce skyward at Aengus from time to time. His unwavering resolve reminded them of the indomitable spirit their Emperor carried at this moment. Even their own confidence would have wavered in the position he now held. Aengus'' small frame, dwarfed by the massive warships looming before him, was a sight that made onlookers marvel at the sheer will it took to face such overwhelming odds. It was a will so unyielding, so unkible, that it stood firm even in the face of certain death. "Chaotic Maelstrom (SS)!" Aengus swung his sword in a powerful arc, creating a buzzing sphere of swirling Chaos Energy. "Whooosh!" With a single motion, the Chaotic Maelstrom hurled forward, racing toward the approaching ships. "BOOOM!" "Buzz, buzz, buzz!" The energy sphere struck the first ship, unimpeded, and erupted into a massive tornado of chaos. Before everyone''s astonished eyes, the tornado grew rapidly, expanding to a colossal height of 6,000 meters, reaching from the ground to the clouds. Its destructive power was unmatched, ripping apart everything in its path. "Oh God!" "What is this power?!" Enemy soldiers on the ground froze in terror, staring in awe at the towering maelstrom of chaos that now dominated the battlefield. It was then that they realized the Rebel Emperor was finally showing his true might. The deafening sound of creaking ships filled the air, mixed with the terrified screams of those onboard. The Chaotic Maelstrom showed no mercy, disintegrating the massive warships and swallowing their crews into oblivion. Aengus smirked, pleased with the power of his new ss Skill. But his expression darkened when he saw the Chaotic Maelstrom suddenly lose its effect and cease to exist. "What happened?" Chapter 256 Moments Like Eternity "Look here, you ant!" Suddenly, a sneer came from right behind Aengus, just a breath away. Bang! Before Aengus could respond, he was instantly smashed by the opponent''s broadsword. It was only thanks to Aengus'' quick reaction that the sword didn''t pierce him. However, the force behind the hit was immense. He felt his bones shake as he plummeted downward like a meteor. BOOM! Under everyone''s worried eyes, Aengus crashed to the ground like a zing fireball, creating a deafening impact. The earth shook, and so did the hearts of everyone present. Just a moment ago, the new Emperor had been dominating the battlefield like an unstoppable menace. Who was this new force that appeared out of nowhere and struck Aengus so fiercely? Aria''s knuckles turned white as she witnessed Aengus being hurt. She rushed forward desperately to save him, a white shadow streaking across the battlefield. The three Generals and Shadow Assassins were engaged in a fierce battle against higher-level Transcendentals. They were injured and outnumbered due to the enemy reinforcements. It was only thanks to Aengus'' blessing that they could hold their ground and match the power of the high-level Transcendentals. However, they immediately recognized the new, dominating presence. "Ah, that''s His Excellency, Emperor Kairos himself!" one of Kairos'' soldiers shouted excitedly, despite his battered and bloodied state. "Hell yeah! Finally, that devilish menace is going to get what he deserves. How dare he devour our brothers!" another soldier yelled, his eyes burning with fury. The cheers of the Kairos Empire''s soldiers echoed across the battlefield, their morale surging as they shouted: "We''re saved!" In stark contrast, the soldiers of the Liberation Empire felt their spirits waver, a shadow of doubt creeping into their resolve. --- Aengus slowly stood, wincing as he felt the sharp pain of a few broken ribs. Brushing off the dust and ashes clinging to him, he activated his Phoenix Resurgence skill, instantly healing his injuries and returning his body to peak condition. Raising his gaze, Aengus spotted a man in a royal golden robe floating in the sky, exuding disdain and annoyance. It was Emperor Kairos. The young-looking emperor, appearing to be in his early 30s, was handsome and muscr, wielding a massive sword in one hand. However, the arrogant smirk stered across his face marred his beauty, turning admiration into contempt. Aengus narrowed his eyes, analyzing Kairos'' status. He discovered that the emperor was at Level 340, with overwhelmingly high stat points that exceeded his own. Kairos'' skills were all sword-focused, including devastating Sword Fusion techniques. It was clear this would be a hard fight, but Aengus felt confident in his ability to prevail if he gave his all. Just as Aengus prepared to transform into his Abyssal zing Dragon form , his gaze was drawn to Emperor Kairos'' dangerous smirk. The emperor had locked his eyes on Aria, who was rushing across the battlefield. "Buzz!" With a deafening roar, Kairos dove from the sky, tearing through the sound barrier with his massive broadsword, aiming to strike Aria. The vicious grin on his face sent a chill through the air. Aengus'' face darkened, gripping Aegis tightly in his hand. "Divine Halo (SS)!" "Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword (SS)" A radiant aura exploded around Aengus, illuminating the battlefield as he leaped into action to intercept the emperor''s attack. Divine Halo surged through Aengus, amplifying his raw strength fivefold. Simultaneously, his sword zed with Annihtion Energy, imbuing it with devastating power capable of ignoring the strength disparity of any foe below the God Level. Each step across the spatial fabric was a desperate race against time to save Aria. "I will show you true despair, you ant!" Emperor Kairos sneered, increasing his speed. His confidence in reaching Aria first grew with every passing second. Aengus'' heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to stay calm. He knew he needed more than just speed to match the emperor''s pace. Drawing upon his mana reserves, he focused entirely onprehending the Laws of Space, a gamble that seemed like the only viable option. His mastery over the Spatial Laws was at a meager 0.15%, despite his prior attempts to use them more frequently. But now, desperation and unshakable willpower spurred his mind to operate at an unprecedented pace. MANAS had also increased hisprehension speed by many times. The world seemed to slow around him, every fraction of a second stretching into an eternity. His thoughts became a flurry of calctions and insights, driven solely by his resolve to protect Aria. Space Law Comprehension +0.03, +0.05, +0.02¡­ In that fleeting moment, hisprehension began to soar at an extraordinary rate. When it reached 1%, Aengus felt a monumental shift within himself. His connection to the spatial fabric deepened, granting him newfound mastery over its intricacies and the ability to manipte quantum entanglements with far greater precision. With this heightenedprehension, his steps now spanned ten times the distance they had before. In a sh, Aengus appeared at Aria''s side, just as Emperor Kairos'' massive sword was about to strike her back. "sh!" With a blinding burst of energy, Aengus raised Aegis, intercepting the deadly blow in the nick of time. Aria stood frozen, stunned by Aengus'' sudden appearance in front of her. She had no idea of the intense exchange of speed and power that had just transpired. Unaware that someone had been moments away from ending her life, she blinked in confusion, trying to piece together what had happened. While she remained puzzled, Aengus stood firm, shielding her from the destructive energy unleashed by the collision. The force rippled outward like waves across a stormy sea, tearing through the air and ground with an intensity that left deep scars in the battlefield. "A-Aria," Aengus said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "Don''te close until I am done. But know one thing¡ªtoday''s victory will be ours!" "Uh, okay..." Aria nodded reluctantly, but the next moment, she disappeared from the spotpletely through a spatial portal far away. Aengus turned his attention to Emperor Kairos, who seemed displeased. Chapter 257 Fight For Supremacy The Liberation Empire''s condition was dire, with almost 10% of the soldiers having fallen to the enemy''s hand, despite the boost from Aengus. The enemy''s numbers were overwhelming, and their strength far greater, so the situation was only natural. The generals were in terrible condition, bloodied and battered. General Martin had even lost his left hand while defending. General Leon, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Aengus'' figure, clung to a shred of hope. "Come on, you''re the only one who can do this, Zero!" he roared silently in his mind. He wasn''t afraid of death but feared losing. Aengus had given him the vision of a world free from war, a dream of prosperity. It was a vision he now held close to his heart. Aria was positioned at a far corner of the battlefield, channeling her nature-based powers to aid their army by saving lives in critical moments. The desperation in her eyes was evident as she gave everything she had, delving deep into the essence of the world in search of something elusive. Yet, it was proving to be one of the hardest challenges she had ever faced. --- "Oh, the rebel Emperor is already losing? I thought he would be a real challenge. Truly disappointing," Rindel remarked, shaking his head in disapproval. The Old Elf Emperor disagreed, his voice carrying a weight of wisdom. "No, Rindel. That young man hasn''t given up yet. Look closely at his face." Rindel, puzzled, turned his attention to Aengus. He observed carefully as the Old Emperor''s profound words reached his ears. "His face may seem indifferent, but look deeper. There''s a confident smirk, a devilish glint concealed beneath his calm facade. People like him are the most dangerous. You never know when they''ll reveal their true strength." The Old Emperor''s words sent a chill down Rindel''s spine, as it perfectly described the enigmatic presence of Aengus. Both of them felt a deep sense of foreboding, as if something horrifying and unexpected was about to unfold at any moment. ---- Aengus'' patience was wearing thin as he observed the dire condition of his army while listening to Kairos'' incessant, disdainful rambling. "Are you done?" Aengus asked, his tone sharp with impatience. "Mongrel, you''re still so arrogant even after witnessing your army''s defeat. Why don''t you just submit to me obediently? You''ll be given enough bones to chew, as my obedient dog..." Emperor Kairos spat, gripping the SS-Rank broadsword resting on his shoulder. Aengus had had enough. His eyes burned with determination as he replied, "Who is the dog? Only time will tell, Kairos. Let the game begin now." Emperor Kairos'' expression darkened with fury at the audaciousness of the young man before him. How dare this insolent rebel speak to him this way? Hadn''t he beaten him to a pulp mere moments ago? But there was something unnerving about Aengus, something Kairos couldn''t ignore. Despite his overwhelming advantage in strength, skills, and resources, he felt uneasy. Why? Why did this "ant" radiate such confidence, as though he were the predator and not the prey? What Emperor Kairos failed to realize was that Aengus'' skills were anything but ordinary. They were forged through countless battles and honed by merging with numerous abilities he had encountered along his journey. Aengus'' SS-Rank skill wasn''t just powerful; it was unparalleled, transcending the strength of any ordinary SS-Rank skill. "Roooaaaar!" A bone-chilling roar echoed across the battlefield, sending shockwaves through the air. Under everyone''s stunned gaze, Aengus began to transform, his body twisting and expanding into his Abyssal Dragon form¡ªdark, demonic, and colossal. "Rumble!" The sky darkened under a thunderous storm, as if the heavens themselves couldn''t bear the overwhelming presence of the Abyssal Dragon. Bolts of lightning illuminated the ominous clouds, casting fleeting shadows over the battlefield, while the wind howled like a mournful dirge. The storm seemed almost alive, reflecting the chaos and power radiating from Aengus'' colossal dragon form. The dragon''s head stretched to an unimaginable height, towering 10,000 meters above the ground. Its massive wings unfurled, radiating an eerie, zing hellfire that consumed the battlefield in darkness, blotting out the sun. Soldiers from both sides froze in silence, their faces pale with shock. Some stood with jaws agape, unable toprehend the overwhelming power before them. Even at a great distance, the heat from Aengus'' form scorched their skin, sending shivers of fear through their spines as they wondered what would happen if they ventured closer. From where Aengus stood, the ground began to melt, turning into molten rock under the intense heat radiating from his transformed body. Emperor Kairos'' eyes narrowed, his heartbeat quickening as adrenaline surged through his veins. Compared to the towering dragon, he looked like a mere speck of dust, insignificant in size and presence. But instead of despair, a fierce grin spread across Kairos'' face. He was not giving up. Even in such an unfavorable position, where a single breath from Aengus could reduce him to ashes, his defiance burned brighter than ever. Aengus'' massive dragon paw began to descend upon Emperor Kairos like a meteor, each movement creating immense pressure below, as if it were the hand of a god about to strike. "Come here, all of you! Sacrifice yourselves for this Emperor!" Kairosmanded. In response, Emperor Kairos summoned his personal guard¡ª26 Transcendentals¡ªready to die for him at a moment''s notice. The Transcendentals'' eyes were hollow, as if they were being controlled or brainwashed into unwavering loyalty. Without hesitation, they quickly gathered around Emperor Kairos in a circr formation, creating a protective barrier. Kairos raised his broadsword high, its de turning a radiant gold as he activated a secret skill. "God Kairos'' Doom Fusion!" The Transcendentals instantly disintegrated into a bloody mush, their essence merging seamlessly with Emperor Kairos'' broadsword. The de radiated an intense golden glow, pulsating with divine energy, as though it were a weapon forged by the gods themselves. "Hahaha..." Emperor Kairos let out a maniacalugh, his voice echoing through the battlefield. The surge of divine power coursing through him filled him with overwhelming confidence, granting him the strength to challenge the colossal dragon before him. With a mighty leap, Kairos soared into the sky, aiming to meet Aengus head-on in a titanic collision. Chapter 258 Defeat RUMBLE!!! The two forces collided, creating a massive shockwave that ttened everything in its path. "Run!" Panic spread through the battlefield as people, with broken and injured bodies, scrambled to save themselves from the devastating aftermath of the SS Rank sh. Emperor Kairos was forced to retreat, crashing to the ground under the overwhelming force of Aengus'' attack. Now lying in a deep crater, Kairos rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He looked up, only to find Aengus standing tall and unharmed, the immense power of the Abyssal Dragon radiating around him. The golden sword in Kairos'' hand vibrated intensely, its energy struggling to match the raw power emanating from the dragon. Kairos'' heart sank as realization dawned on him¡ªAengus'' strength far surpassed his own. Even his SS Rank Fusion Skill, once deemed unbeatable, was now rendered useless against the might of the Abyssal Dragon. "Roar!" Aengus pped his colossal, zing wings, creating a powerful gust of heat and wind as he dived toward Emperor Kairos, determined to end the battle. Kairos, gritting his teeth, raised his golden sword high once more, letting its divine energy surge through him. The golden glow intensified, boosting his strength threefold. "CLANG!" The massive tip of Aengus'' w collided with the golden sword, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. For a moment, to Kairos'' immense relief, they were locked in a stalemate. "Roar!" "Die!" But Aengus wasn''t finished. Multicolored chaos energy began to swirl around him, engulfing his massive ws. The energy crackled with destructive force as his ws pressed harder against the golden sword, slowly breaking through its divine protection. Kairos'' eyes shed with fear. He knew if he relented even for a second, those ws would tear through him like paper. Desperate, he activated every boost and berserk-rted skill he had, pushing his body and power to the absolute limit. But even as his strength surged, it was not enough to match the overwhelming force of the Abyssal Dragon. Aengus'' massive, cold, and unfeeling eyes stared straight into Kairos'' soul, sending a chill through his body despite the scorching heat around him. "Crack! Crack! Crack!" The sound of the golden sword splintering grew louder. Despite all his efforts, Kairos couldn''t stop the inevitable. The golden sword, hisst bastion of hope and strength, now filled with cracks, teetering on the brink of shattering into pieces. Kabooom! Finally, the golden sword shattered into countless fragments, leaving Emperor Kairos'' chestpletely exposed. With unstoppable momentum, Aengus'' razor-sharp ws tore through Kairos'' chest as effortlessly as a knife slicing through butter. "Argh!" A guttural scream erupted from Emperor Kairos as unbearable pain coursed through his body. The chaos energy left behind by Aengus'' strike churned inside him, corroding his flesh inch by inch. His once-proud and domineering figure now looked horrifying¡ªhis chest a mess of burned and torn flesh, his expression contorted in agony. Soldiers on both sides swallowed hard, unable to imagine the excruciating pain their once-unshakable leader was enduring. But one fact was undeniable: Emperor Kairos, who had entered the battlefield as an overwhelming force, had now been reduced to a pitiful shadow of his former self. The three generals were still alive but battered and bloodied. They felt a wave of relief as they witnessed Kairos'' fall. The tides of the battle had shifted. And in the eerie silence that followed, all eyes turned to the scene where the true victor of this war was being decided. --- "Your Imperial Majesty, should we intervene?" Rindel asked hesitantly. "No, even I am not certain I could match this beast now," the old elf replied, his tone resolute. Both of them wore grave expressions as they continued to watch Aengus'' transformation unfold. The sheer presence of the dragon left no room for doubt¡ªit was a force beyond theirprehension. Because of this, they immediately abandoned the idea of abducting Aria. The beast likely possessed heightened senses now, and provoking it would only invite catastrophe upon their empire. They understood this all too well, having witnessed Aengus'' fierce protectiveness toward her with their very own eyes. "Then how should we address his growing ambitions, Your Majesty? I am certain that one day he wille after us as well," Rindel pressed cautiously. The Demi-Human Emperor fell into deep thought, his expression heavy. "We''ll need to consult the Council to devise a possible solution, Rindel. Let''s not linger here any longer. We may also need to reach out to the other Emperors if necessary. The demons were already a grave issue, and now this abomination¡­ the future of our empire looks increasingly uncertain," the Emperor dered grimly. "Your Majesty is wise! We indeed must act swiftly to find a solution," Rindel replied respectfully, bowing his head. Inwardly, they both sought to reassure themselves. Their departure was not out of fear for their lives, but rather a strategic withdrawal. They convinced themselves that they would return stronger and better prepared. For now, however, they vanished from the edge of the battlefield like smoke dissipating into the air. --- Aengus gazed down at Emperor Kairos, his piercing eyes filled with cold fury. "For daring to kill my beloved, you will face a death more painful than you can imagine," Aengus dered, his deep, resonating voice sending shockwaves through the air as he loomed over the fallen Emperor. Without hesitation, he unleashed a stream of world-corrosive venom, a substance so potent that its mere touch brought agony beyondprehension. "Ahhh... Save me, Your Excellency!" Kairos screamed, his voice filled with desperation as the venom seared through his body, inflicting torment he had never known. The Emperor roared to the heavens, pleading for salvation from the gods he had devoted his life to. But no god came to his rescue. Kairos'' heart sank, his faith shattered. Was his devotion worth nothing to them? he thought, bitterness consuming him as his strength began to wane. With his life slipping away, Emperor Kairos managed to lift his gaze to the colossal dragon that had brought him to this state. The sight of Aengus, radiating unrelenting power, was thest image burned into his mind as despair overtook him. "Hehe... heh..." Emperor Kairos let out a derangedugh as he was swiftly devoured, unable to escape his fate before vanishing from existence. Chapter 259 True Emperor [ Strength +1000, Agility +1100, Defense +1000 ] [ Origin Mana +6,000 ] [ You have leveled up multiple times. ] [ You have earned a new title: Emperor yer ; Grants you the Halo of an Emperor forged through the ages. Itpels others to show you respect and view you as the salvation of their struggles. ] [ You have gained a new skill: Gift (SS) ; The user can transfer skills to other individuals with suitable constitutions. ] [ You have gained a new skill: God Kairos Doom Fusion (SS); A sacrificial Sword skill that summons the divine power of God Kairos temporarily. The power boost depends on the level of sacrifice. ] [ You have gained a new skill: Voidbreaker sh ( SS); A single, devastating strike that tears through space, creating a rift that damages enemies in a straight line and disrupts skill ] [ You have gained a new skill: Oblivion Horizon sh (SS); The user swings their sword, generating a dome of pure energy that annihtes all hostile entities within its radius and nullifies skills. ] [ The rest of the skills are being assimted to level up. ] ---- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 19 ] [ Title: Emperor yer ] [ Race: Human-Beast-Demon-Dragon-Seeker ] [ Level: 320 ] [ upation: Emperor ] [ ss: Chaos Creator ] [ Bloodline Lineage: Seeker (Royal), Beelzebub (Partial-Royal), God-beast Basilisk, Death Leviathan (Half-Noble), Fire Dragon (Noble), Wyvern (Elite)] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 37,300 ] [ Agility: 37,400 ] [ Defense: 38,540 ] [ Origin Mana: 290,000 / 400,000 ] - [ Active: Gift (SS), Voidbreaker sh (SS), Oblivion Horizon sh (SS), God Kairos Doom fusion (SS), Chaotic Maelstrom (SS), Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS), Reflective Scales (SS), World Corrosive Venom (SS), Apocalypse Awakening (SS), Abyssal zing Dragon (SS), Crimson Tempest (SS), Meteor Breaker (SS), Valkyrie''s Descent (SS). Celestial Shield (SS), Frostbound Dominion (SS), Barrier Of Despair (SS), Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS), Celestial Bastion (SS), Divine Halo (SS), Irond Ice Fortress (SS), Divine Sword Fusion (SS), Starfall Cataclysm (SS), Eternal Ice Barrier (SS), Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword (SS), Guardian''s Embrace (SS), Sr re Dome (SD), Prismatic Shield (SS), ck Thunder Barrier (SS), Dimension Slip (SS), Seven Elements Chaos Maniption (SS), Primordial Beast King -3 (S+), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (S), Sacred Kirin''s Healing -2 (S), Sacred Kirin''s Blessing -2 (S), Symbol Of Good Fortune -3 (S), Earth Turtle Shell -2 (S), Ancient Shield (S), Chaos Istion Barrier -4 (A), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A), Ice breath (A), Lightning Roc''s Skybreaker Dive (A), Golden Wyvern''s Scales (A), Tempest Tiger''s Lightning Veil (A), Space Warp -4 (A), Elite Human Transformation -29 (B), Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B), Ravenous Stonebeast (B), Arctic Bear''s cial Shield (B), Aqua Serpent''s Vortex (B), Phantom Mirage (B), Hurricane Gale (B)] - [ Passive: Heart Of Chaos (SS), Supreme Hunter (S), Phoenix Resurgence (S), Water Breathing (A) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 7)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Shadow Monarch''s Dominion [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] There were so many SS-rank skills, yet none showed signs of upgrading to the next level. Aengus had tried asking the Generals about it, but they had no clue either. They couldn''t even break levels like he did, so for them, such a possibility wasn''t even under consideration. The concept of the next skill level seemed to be shrouded in secrecy. From what he had learned from Manas, the advancement likely involved the realm of the Gods, much like his divine weapon, Aegis. At least he had gained a useful SS-rank skill: Gift. It would allow him to transfer his skills to others, provided the recipient was capable of handling the immense power. It must be one of the reason why Emperor Kairos had so many SS-Ranks under hismand. Aengus swiftly returned to his human form and teleported near Aria, who looked visibly stressed. He had noticed her relentless efforts to keep their soldiers safe, even though it wasn''t enough topletely prevent casualties. Fifteen percent of the Liberation Army had perished, but the enemy''s destruction stood at twenty-five percent. The enemies who had fallen far exceeded their own losses¡ªa significant advantage, yet it didn''t diminish the weight of the lives lost. "Are you fine, Aria?" Aria looked relieved to see him, but the weight of failure in her extreme efforts to achieve something significant still lingered on her face. Aengus noticed her emotions of loss and gentlyforted her. "You did an excellent job saving our army, Aria. There''s no need to be hard on yourself for trying to help me. I told you we would win, and we did," he said warmly. "But... I want to help you more, Ethan. I can''t stand seeing you get hurt..." she replied softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Aengus offered her his hand and helped her to stand. "Haha... Who could hurt me? See, I''m absolutely fine, aren''t I?" he said, shing a bright smile, his tone lighthearted. Aria gazed at his smile, feeling a sense of enchantment. His aura seemed even stronger than before, radiating confidence and warmth, which reassured her deeply. Aria and Aengus appeared before the three Generals, who were overseeing the enemy''s surrender. The enemy soldiers, having witnessed their Emperor''s gruesome demise, had lost all will to continue fighting. The sight of the mighty dragon devouring their leader had crushed their spirits entirely. If the dragon had chosen to target them individually, they knew they would have been reduced to ashes in mere moments. Left with no other option, they surrendered unconditionally. Among the enemy forces, near 25 million soldiers remained. Their addition to the Liberation Empire''s ranks would significantly strengthen and expand its power, further solidifying its position in the new rule. "Your hand is severed, General Martin... Are you alright?" Aengus asked as he released Aria. "Haha... It was worth it, Your Imperial Majesty!" General Martin replied, forcing augh despite the loss of his left arm. Though pain flickered across his face, a victorious smile spread as he stood tall. "Oh, let me fix that, General!" Aengus quickly held General Martin''s shoulder, channeling his energy. The severed arm regrew to its full form¡ªunharmed, strong, and as good as new. The Three Generals, already ustomed to Aengus'' miraculous skills, nodded in silent admiration. However, the new, dominating aura he exuded made them see Aengus in a different light. For the first time, he truly seemed like a true Emperor.i Chapter 260 Arias Resolve The surrendered soldiers were now officially branded under the Liberation Empire''s banner. Over 40 million soldiers, both new and old, rested and healed in their temporary camps. The atmosphere was lively as soldiers celebrated the hard-won victory¡ªdancing, joking, and savoring the delicious feasts being prepared for them. Very soon, they would march towards the Imperial City, aiming to reim all the territories once under the former Kairos Empire''s rule. In the central war council tent, Aengus, Aria, the Generals, kings, and several key advisors gathered to discuss the challenges ahead, particrly the possible resistance from smaller kingdoms as they moved to establish full dominance. "Your Imperial Majesty, among the 26 kingdoms, 10 were already conquered by the fallen Emperor. Excluding us two, we still need to deal with 14 kingdoms. Sending letters of submission to them first would be the wisest course of action," King Milphomor advised diplomatically. King Gravis, seated beside him, nodded in agreement, still basking in the joy of regaining his throne under the Liberation Empire''s protection. At the long table, Aengus and Aria sat close together, both deep in thought about the best approach to reim the vast territories efficiently. "Ethan," Aria said softly, addressing Aengus by his former name, "I think King Milphomor is right. Sending letters of submission might save us time and effort. What if they willingly hand over their power? It would prevent unnecessary bloodshed." General Leon leaned forward to add his voice to the discussion. "Her Majesty is correct, Your Imperial Majesty. There is no need to act in haste. First, we must secure the Imperial City and reestablish it as our base of power. Then we can wait for their responses." Aengus considered their words carefully, his piercing eyes scanning each of them. Finally, he spoke with a decisive tone. "We will proceed as King Milphomor suggested," Aengus said. "However, remind them clearly¡ªthere will be no second chances. If they fail toply or dare to oppose us, we will intervene without mercy and reduce their kingdoms to ashes." His voice carried an unyielding resolve, and his face radiated a chilling killing intent that froze the room. The advisors and generals nodded solemnly, bowing their heads in deference. The cold aura emanating from Aengus sent shivers down their spines, leaving no doubt about the severity of his deration. Following the discussion, the council moved on to matters of restoration. They deliberated on granting King Gravis his Skyfall Kingdom back and distributing ranks and titles to those who had made significant contributions to the war effort. After over an hour of nning and strategizing, the meeting adjourned, and preparations began for their departure to the Imperial Capital City, located 50,000 kilometers away from their current position. After the advisors left, Aengus issued a crucialmand to his 7 elite shadow assassins. "Go and check the situation in the Imperial City. Report back to me immediately with any significant information," Aengus instructed with authority. "Yes, my lord!" the seven assassins responded in unison. Bowing deeply, they vanished into thin air, blending seamlessly with the shadows. Aria remained beside Aengus, now wearing a gold-strapped white dress that highlighted her elegance. Her refreshed and radiant appearance was hard to miss, lending her a charm that seemed almost ethereal. Turning towards the entrance of the tent, Aengus gestured for others to join them. "Come inside, Quin, Drake, Yona!" he called, his voice firm yet weing. The three individuals entered promptly, their face full of nervousness and awe. They had all witnessed Aengus''s immense power during the war, a force so overwhelming that they knew they could never rival it in their lifetimes. Quin, having seen his Emperor''s might for the first time, wore a fanatical expression. To him, Aengus''s strength was godlike¡ªa figure worthy of absolute worship. Aria, on the other hand, appeared puzzled as to why they had been summoned so suddenly. The three stood in respectful silence, patiently waiting for Aengus to speak. "I have called you here to reward your contributions once again," Aengus began, his tone resolute. "But this time, it will be different. I will give you power¡ªpower so immense that you will reach the limit of what your bodies can handle." Drake and Yona''s faces lit up with exhration at the prospect, fully aware of the immense honor being bestowed upon them. Quin, however, remained quiet, new to such experiences and unsure of what to expect. Internally, he mulled over Aengus''s words. "Is this the ''food'' His Majesty mentioned earlier?" Quin wondered, recalling previous cryptic statements Aengus had made. Still, he refrained from interrupting, determined to observe the unfolding events in reverence and awe. Aengus turned to Aria and said, "Aria, you first." "I am ready," Aria nodded obediently, eager to receive the power he intended to grant her. Sometimes, she felt like a burden, but his unwavering care always lightened her mood. Aengus retrieved the corpses of countless A-Rank and higher enemies, their bodies falling from thin air like rain, all intended to enhance her physical stats. As for skills, he would bestow those personally. Quin''s eyes were glued to the scene where Aengus was appearing like a God, bestowing his Divine power to his followers. He doubted if those ''Gods'' could ever do such miracles. His gaze remained fixed on the scene, eager to witness the miracle once again¡ªThe way he awakened himself. "Aria, give me a signal when you can''t endure anymore," Aengus instructed, his voice filled with concern. "I know you''re a strong woman, but there''s no need to take unnecessary risks, alright?" Seeing her struggle sometimes made him feel guilty. "I know," Aria replied, her emerald-green eyes shing with determination. Inside, she resolved to make the most of this opportunity. She didn''t want to remain on the weaker side forever. She craved strength¡ªmore power to help him, to share his burdens, and to stand beside him as an equal. Aengus raised his hand and quickly started the process, hoping this time she would be able to reach level 100 at least. Chapter 261 Arias True Potential As the synthesis continued, Aria showed no signs of pain on her face. Her extreme endurance was a testament to her unwavering will and resolve. Aengus elerated the process, noting that her body was holding up well. Her new endurance level surprised him¡ª it was remarkable. In the past, she would begin groaning in pain after just a few seconds, but now, even after a dozen minutes, she was still enduring without faltering. Quin could sense that the Empress Consort was growing significantly stronger as she merged with the essence of the fallen corpses. "Is this how My Emperor awakened me as his doveted follower? And this could be used to level up others as well?" Quin wondered. It was nothing short of heaven-defying, something unheard of in the world. The thought of what might happen if others discovered this skill sent a chill down his spine. However, Quin reasoned that his emperor must trust him deeply to allow him to witness such a closely guarded secret. At this thought, Quin felt a surge of excitement and resolved to grow even stronger to better serve his emperor. In truth, Quin''s belief that Aengus trusted him was a misconception. Aengus permitted him to witness this secret not out of trust, but because of his absolute confidence that he could eliminate Quin swiftly should he ever consider betrayal. Aria, on the other hand, was leveling up at an astonishing pace. "Level 83, 85, 89, 91, 94, 97, 100, 101..." Aengus watched in amazement, realizing the reason for her rapid progression. Her body now possessed a special physique that allowed its potential to increase to unimaginable heights. It was as though she had be a ck hole, drawing in every ounce of energy and integrating it into her very cells to enhance them further. Her level continued to soar at an incredible rate. Starting from level 83, she had now surpassed level 150, and she showed no signs of stopping. What was even more remarkable was herpleteck of pain throughout the process. The radiant, sacred aura emanating from her made it clear that her power rising was real¡ªit was not just an illusion. "Looks like we''re in for a surprise today." Drake and Yona gulped, feeling as if a Goddess was about to descend today. Aengus had enough corpses to feed, as he had stored over a million corpses instead of letting them go to waste in his pocket space. His mastery of spacew made it incredibly convenient to ess them anytime he needed, from any ce. Aengus couldn''t see the exact source of her mysterious power, but he could conclude one thing: her potential might even surpass his own or be equal to it. After 45 minutes, Aria began to show signs of stopping as she merged with over one hundred thousand corpses. Aengus could detect that she had reached her endurance limit, even though she was not giving up yet. At this stage, her cells would begin to feel itchy due to holding so much strength at once. They could even burst if the process was not stopped in time. Aengus understood that he needed to stop the process immediately. She had reached level 200 already, with approximately 12,000 stat points in each section. It was a considerable amount due to her Assassin ss. Though it was notparable to his, it far exceeded the three Generals'' stats. "Wait, Ethan, don''t stop it yet," Aria said firmly. Just as Aengus was about to end the process, Aria sensed it and insisted on continuing. Aengus frowned. "But can you handle it? I think it''s enough, Aria," he said gently, concern evident in his voice. "Yes, I can handle a little more," Aria replied resolutely. Aengus paused, then reluctantly continued the process for a little longer. He became extremely cautious, closely observing her body down to the cellr level. Despite his exceptional eyesight and perception, he still couldn''t unravel the mystery of her nature-defying power. Every attempt to analyze it was met with an imprable barrier, blocking his vision. After another 15 minutes, Aengus finally stopped the synthesis and looked at Aria in stunned silence. She now looked almost divine¡ªher radiant white hair shimmered, her vibrant green eyes sparkled with life, and her long eyshes entuated her newfound elegance. Her body had matured into full grace, exuding an aura of beauty, strength, and maternal warmth. Everything about her made Aengus''s heart skip a beat. For a moment, he was awestruck by the sheer transformation from a girl into a fully realized woman. Aria, though visibly exhausted, was pleased with the results. She smiled radiantly, her joy amplified by the way Aengus seemed charmed by her beauty for the first time in a long while. Her heart swelled with happiness as she gracefully moved into his warm embrace. His masculine scent made her feel safe and secure, a feeling she cherished deeply. The sight of them hugging was ethereal, like a divine goddess embracing a mortal. Even Aengus''s own striking handsomeness seemed to fade inparison to her radiant presence. Aengus, holding her close, felt a profound sense of peace as if all the turmoil and chaos in the world had ceased the moment she nestled into his chest. "I have reached level 220, Ethan. Am I close to you now?" Aria asked weakly, her voice tinged with hope. "Hm... Yes, you did it. You have exceeded my expectations¡ªalmostw-breaking," Aengus replied with a proud yet amused expression. He then shifted his attention to the other three, who were still awestruck by Aria''s transformation and newfound presence. As Aria moved aside, Aengus''s focus turned to the next task. "Drake, you''re next," he said firmly. "Alright, brother-inw!" Drake responded with excitement, stepping confidently to the center. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, his resolve was evident. Aengus began synthesizing for Drake, pushing him to S-Rank, maximizing his potential within safe limits. The process was intense but rewarding, leaving Drake stronger and visibly more capable than ever before. "Yona, you''re up next," Aengus said, nodding to the archer, who stepped forward with determination. Yona endured the process with the same fortitude, her skills and strength rising to S-Rank, making her a formidable force in the group. Finally, it was Quin''s turn. He had been waiting patiently, watching the transformations of the others, and now it was his moment. "Quin, I know your potential. So just try to endure as much as you can. I''m confident you''ll reach SS-Rank this time." "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!" Quin responded, bowing respectfully before stepping into the center, the focus of everyone''s attention. Aengus nodded approvingly and prepared to push Quin to his limits, knowing this was a crucial moment in strengthening his allies. Chapter 262 Gifting Skills "Good luck, Quin!" Drake and Yona shouted excitedly, their voices filled with encouragement. During the war, Quin had stepped in to protect them on more than one asion. As a result, the three had developed a bond of mutual respect. Quin, ever grateful for their camaraderie, gave them a resolute nod before focusing on Aengus. "Buzz, buzz!" The process began with an intense hum of energy as Aengus showed no hesitation or mercy. He merged Quin with the corpses at an extreme speed, knowing that Quin''s Ancient Titan bloodline made him uniquely resilient. The hidden archives Aengus had studied spoke of the Ancient Titans¡ªa race so powerful that they once defied the Gods'' dominion over the mortal world. They were a symbol of rebellion and strength, standing tall against the divine yground. Yet, their defiance came at a cost. The Gods erased the Ancient Titans from existence, ensuring they became little more than myths in forgotten history. But now, one of their bloodline had reappeared¡ªQuin. His very existence was a defiance of the Gods'' will. Perhaps that exined why he had been sealed, denied ess to the system, and prevented from realizing his potential. Whether his resurgence was a blessing or a curse, no one could say. But Aengus was curious to uncover the truth, and Quin was equally resolute to prove his worth. As Quin''s level surged, so did his Titanic aura, an overwhelming presence that seemed to defy the heavens themselves. His colossal form pierced through the tent, rising steadily into the sky as though it sought to challenge the very Sun above. Quin gritted his teeth, suppressing the searing pain coursing through his body as he continued to merge with the pure energy Aengus provided. The ground beneath him trembled with each surge of power, his transformation a sight that both inspired awe and fear. Before long, Quin''s level surpassed the S-Rank power of Drake and Yona, showing no sign of stopping. His Titanic essence roared against the limitations of mortal existence, pushing him ever higher. After another 25 minutes, the process wasplete. Quin stood towering over everyone in the temporary camp, his body now an awe-inspiring 3,000 meters tall. Though it was notparable to the Abyssal zing Dragon, it was shocking nheless. Millions of onlookers across the camp stared in stunned silence, their amazement quickly turning to cheers. His massive form cast a long shadow over the campsite, a visual testament to the growing power of the Ruination Emperor''s forces. Quin''s transformation wasn''t just a disy of might; it was a beacon of morale. For those who had recently submitted to Aengus, the sight brought a mix of forced smiles and cheers as they grappled with their new reality: they now served an emperor with allies who defied reason. Whether Aengus would prove to be a heartless and arrogant leader like Emperor Kairos or someone greater remained to be seen. Only time would reveal the true legacy of the Ruination Emperor and his monumental reign. Quin felt an overwhelming surge of power coursing through his colossal Titan form. His massive arms, spanning hundreds of meters, moved with a sense of liberation and strength he had never known. The exhration was intoxicating, and for the first time, the inferiority that had weighed on him for so long vanishedpletely. But his moment of awe was interrupted by a firm,manding voice: "Come down." Without hesitation, Quin obeyed. Swiftly and with precise control, he began to shrink, his enormous Titan form retracting until he returned to his original human size. His demeanor shifted as he stood before Aengus, his awe and newfound confidence tempered by deep respect. Though the power he now possessed was unparalleled, Quin understood a fundamental truth: no matter how strong he became, he would never surpass his Emperor. That fact was etched into his very being, and he epted it with humility and gratitude. "Ethan, now that we''re done, shouldn''t we leave for the Imperial Capital?" Aria asked urgently. Aengus, satisfied with Quin''s growth, nodded. "Yes, but before that, let me give you all some skills to suit your needs," Aengus replied as he swiftly touched Aria''s forehead. Initially, Aria and the others were puzzled by the offer of gifting skills, but their doubts were soon resolved as Aria gasped in amazement. "Amazing, Ethan! How did you do that? I got two incredible SS-Rank skills. Unbelievable!" Aria eximed in astonishment. Aengus smirked. "It''s something I obtained recently. No need to think too deeply about it. These are extra skills from my arsenal¡ª I don''t use much. But they could be quite useful to you all." "I see..." Aria nodded in understanding, though curiosity flickered in her eyes. She wondered just how many SS-rank skills Aengus possessed. Aengus had gifted her Valkyrie''s Descent (SS) and Celestial Shield (SS)¡ªone for offense and the other for defense¡ªensuring she could protect herself well. "How many skills do you have, Ethan?" she asked casually, though her tone betrayed her genuine interest. Aengus smiled knowingly. "Perhaps I should tell you when we''re alone," he replied, his gaze lingering on her curvaceous figure with unmistakable enchantment. Aria blushed deeply, her emerald eyes flickering with shyness, while the others coughed awkwardly to dispel the tension. "Ahem!" Snapping back to focus, Aengus cleared his throat and shifted his attention to the others, proceeding to gift them suitable skills. Drake received Earth Turtle Shell (S) and Ancient Shield (S) for robust defense. Yona gained agility-based skills toplement her archery: Space Warp (A) for teleportation and Tempest Tiger''s Lightning Veil (A) for enhanced speed and precision. Lastly, Quin was granted Starfall Cataclysm (SS), a buff skill that allowed him to summon the power of stars, significantly boosting his stats during his Titan transformations. Each of them marveled at the newfound power coursing through them, their confidence and admiration for Aengus only deepening. "Now, we are ready..." Aengus said as he went outside to givemand to start the march of Liberation Army to conquer its territories. Aria and others followed behind him, feeling newfound confidence in confronting any enemiese their way. Chapter 263 To The Demon World The Liberation Army quickly boarded the 10 Disaster-ss Warships that had survived the previous battles. Each of these massive vessels could amodate up to 500,000 soldiers when fully optimized. The remainder of the army, numbering in the tens of millions, took to horse-drawn carriages and other means of transportation, forming an immense and fearsome procession toward the Imperial City. The march of over 40 million soldiers spread dread among any passersby who witnessed the spectacle. The air buzzed with tension, and the ground trembled beneath the relentless galloping of horses and other beasts of burden. Aengus and Aria had already boarded the Emperor''s gship, a vessel that exuded a regal elegance yet radiated an aura of unparalleled devastation. As usual, Aengus stood near the deck, his gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in thought as he contemted his future ns. He had recently received reports about the immense wealth stored in the Imperial Treasury, along with the defiant stance of the former Imperial family. Without dy, he hadmanded his elite Shadow Assassins to gather intelligence on their hideouts and pinpoint the locations of the treasures plundered from the treasury. Every move was calcted, every step closer to cementing his hold on the empire. Everything that had once belonged to the Kairos Empire now belonged to him. And Aengus had no intention of letting anyone escape unpunished for stealing what was rightfully his. The journey to the Imperial Capital spanned a staggering 50,000 kilometers, a distance that would take at least five days to cover at their current speed¡ª10,000 kilometers a day. Achieving such a pace was an incredible feat, highlighting the sheer efficiency of his army and their advanced transportation methods. Aengus could have easily reached the capital in a fraction of the time if he traveled alone, much like his elite Shadow Assassins. However, he found the idea boring and unnecessary. Emperor Kairos was already dead, and no significant force remained to challenge his rule in the Imperial Capital. Instead, Aengus decided to use this time strategically. He nned to take Aria to meet Be in the Demon World, and allowing him to grow stronger while he merged with his body double. He was curious to see just how powerful he could be with this merge. This dy wasn''t a mere waste of time; it was preparation to ensure his domination would be absolute when they finally arrived at the capital. After traveling for hours, night fell, shrouding the world in darkness as no moon graced the sky to provide its gentle light. However, something remarkable happened. A brilliant full moon suddenly emerged, casting its radiant glow over the temporary camp where the Liberation Army had stopped to rest. The sudden illumination bathed the camp in a serene silver light, dispelling the oppressive darkness and lifting the spirits of the weary soldiers. From below, countless eyes turned to Aria, whose divine aura seemed to resonate with the celestial event. Her goddess-like figure stood tall and graceful,manding awe and admiration from the gathered troops. They whispered among themselves, their voices filled with reverence. " It must be the Empress'' doing. She has brought light to guide us, even in the darkest night." "Why did you do that? What if there are repercussions?" Aengus asked Aria as they stood together on the deck, his gaze steady yet filled with concern. Aria smiled softly, her expression calm and assured. "No harm in lighting up the moon and lifting everyone''s mood, Ethan. I know there won''t be any repercussions." She paused briefly, then added with a yful glint in her eyes, "Besides, I have you to save me if something goes wrong." Aengus exhaled, his shoulders rxing as he leaned against the wooden safety railing at the ship''s edge. "Alright, if you say so," he murmured, his tone lighter. He stared out into the endless horizon, the silver glow of the moon reflecting off the dark waters below. After a moment, he turned back to Aria, his expression more serious. "Aria, it''s time," he said firmly. Her brows furrowed, confusion flickering across her face. "What time is it now?" she asked, meeting his eyes, a mix of curiosity and unease in her voice. "To let you meet Be in the Demon World," Aengus spoke in a grave tone, as if bracing himself for the inevitable sh between his two wives. Aria let out a sigh of relief. "And here I thought you were going to say something more serious. Rx, I''m not going to eat her..." she replied with a yful smirk. Aengus found her words hard to believe¡ªor perhaps it was the effect of her newly matured mindset? Only time would tell. "That''s good. You''re truly an understanding woman, Aria. You have be more mature and beautiful," Aengusmented, his tone genuinely appreciative. "Oh? I hope you can praise me the same way in front of her as well," Aria replied in a teasing tone. Aengus, unshaken by the challenge, smiled. "Ah, of course. You two are my precious jewels. How could I not praise you both?" "Sly.." Aria watched him with an unreadable expression as Aengus activated the Greater Space Teleporter positioned at the center of the ship. "Let''s go, Aria. I''ve already informed the Generals of our absence." Aengus gently pulled her hand and stepped through the portal, disappearing into the swirling, otherworldly energy. --- The Demon World, Abyss . Though it was daytime, a blood-red, ominous shadow cloaked the sky. Even the Sun dared not prate this demonic realm. A vast, barrennd hosted a gathering of millions of demonic soldiers. The air was thick with the sounds of revelry and terror: the roars of sated hunger and the guttural screams of conquest. Sen, Sienna, and a few others maintained order among the chaotic horde, their powerful presencemanding respect. Aengus''s body double and Be sat, rxed, after a long, arduous battle. "Sister, brother-inw, Father has summoned you both for your marriage," Bianca''s sudden voice cut through the noise, startling them from their repose. Chapter 264 Two Wives Met Be, resting on an armchair while watching the army, was surprised by Bianca''s remark. "Huh? That''s new. Since when did father be so eager about marriage?" Be chuckled, casting a sidelong nce at Aengus'' body double. Bianca sat beside her and replied, "Who knows? Perhaps the news of Brother-inw''s rise has already reached Father''s ears." "Yes, that could be a possibility," Be said proudly, looking at their vast army of over 10 million demons, stretching out as far as the eye could see. During this time, they had conquered the surrounding regions one after another, excluding Belial''s dukedom, of course. They initially had to operate in secrecy because they were weak, but now they are a capable force, ready to defend against any threat. Even the Dukes are afraid of their Liberation Army. Their name was already famous among several Dukedoms. However, The Demon Lords'' stance on this new rising force remained unknown. "So, when are you two getting married, Sister? You didn''t answer that yet," Bianca pressed, holding onto Be''s arm. "I don''t know. Ask your brother-inw. Only he can answer that," Be replied, ring at the body double with a displeased expression. "Oh, brother-inw. Did you two have a fight?" Bianca asked sweetly. Aengus looked at them and shook his head. "Be, be ready," Aengus'' body double suddenly spoke in a serious tone, making Be rmed. Be stood up, her curvaceous figure radiating a fierce aura. She was already prepared for battle after hearing Aengus'' warning. "Who is it? Where is the enemy?" Be asked, looking around with vignce. Bianca was tense as well, but she couldn''t find the enemy anywhere, which puzzled them. "Does the enemy have an invisible ability?" she wondered. "Just where is the enemy?" they asked, looking at the body double for answers. "Haha..." Aengus smiled, amused by their reactions. Be grew angry because of hisugh. Was he just teasing them? "I wasn''t talking about enemies, Be. I was talking about this..." Aengus nced at an empty spot ahead of them. Be''s anger intensified, her beautiful face turning red. "You''re still trying to fool me¡ª" she shouted, but suddenly paused as she noticed a space portal opening before them. Bianca stood up in surprise and moved behind Be for safety. From the portal, first emerged Aengus'' domineering and handsome face. He was tall and emanated a overwhelming male charm that was hard to ignore. "Darling!" Be smiled, instantly feeling a rush of desire upon seeing Aengus looking so hot and strong in his new appearance. She jumped for joy and rushed forward to embrace him with unstoppable momentum. But then, her expression froze as she saw an extremely beautiful human female following just behind Aengus. "Did you miss me, Be..." Under both Be and Aria''s stunned gazes, Aengus lightly epted Be''s hug. Aria''s beautiful brows furrowed as she watched them so intimately. She clenched her fist, trying to suppress the displeasure inside with all her might. While in Aengus'' embrace, Be was stunned by Aria''s sheer beauty. Aria''s snowy white hair, wlessplexion, and confident demeanor stirred a pang of jealousy within her. Aengus coughed lightly and stepped away from Be, sensing Aria''s steamy mood. He thought she had matured, capable of handling her anger. But it seemed he was overthinking things. How could a woman like her not feel jealous and irritated seeing her man in another woman''s embrace? "Who is she, Aengus?" Be asked, suppressing the scary guess in her heart. Aengus nced at both of his wives and introduced them without hesitation. "Be, this is Aria. And Aria, this is Be, whom I told you about. We are all a family now. I hope you two can get along well." Aengus maintained a straight face as he spoke, his Heart of Chaos helping him stay calm even in such a tense situation where a battle might erupt any second. "So, this is she..." Ariamented casually. But she couldn''t help but notice Be''s seductive figure and bodynguage. She understood how could a man not be captivated by the charm of the Subus. Be''s hourss hips, red lips, and seductive posture were mesmerizing to behold. Even as a woman, Aria felt a twinge of envy. On the other hand, Be recalled only one person upon hearing the name Aria. It was Aengus'' former human partner, who was supposed to be dead. Be quickly ran a mental simtion on what must have transpired in the human world with Aengus. He must have reunited with the human girl there somehow. The thought made Be feel a mix of fear and relief. She was relieved that Aengus didn''t leave his past behindpletely and still kept her in his heart. That must be why he brought Aria to introduce her to Be, to form a family of three. Be felt helpless. What kind of attitude should she show towards Aria? Yes, she was jealous, but that didn''t mean she was immature. She was already influenced by her father''s numerous wives, so it wasn''t that hard to ept. However, she felt a bit lost that she still couldn''t keep Aengus all to herself as she initially desired. "Aengus, you said we''d be married after you came back. But now you return with another woman. Do your words hold any value now?" Be asked directly, not wanting to let Aengus off that easily. She feared that he might bring back a new woman every time he went on a journey, just like her father. She wanted to avoid that. Aengus looked apologetic, feeling a tinge of guilt. "I am sorry, Be. But I didn''t know Aria was still alive at that time. This will never happen again, I promise," he said in a decisive tone. Be nced at Aria to see her reaction. Aria''s irritation was evident, her cheeks flushed red. Be found amusement in the human woman''s reaction. Be guessed that Aria might already know about their rtionship, which was why she was trying hard to cooperate with the awkward situation. Ignoring Aengus, Be approached Aria, her eyes roaming over Aria''s figure. "Aria, right? Tell me, did you two do it yet?" Be asked boldly, not shying away from the private question. Chapter 265 : 265: Synthesize: New Race Aria was flustered by Be''s bold approach, but she forced herself to maintain an equallyposed demeanor. She didn''t want to be outdone by Be. "Yes, we did it. What''s that to you, Subus?" Aria replied, trying to stay calm. "Huh? You two did it already?" Upon hearing Aria''s answer, Be red at Aengus as if she wanted to shoot daggers with her eyes. "Aengus, why are you silent? You''ve already sex with her, while you leave me alone with your doll," sheined fiercely. "Hey, I am not a doll," the body double Aengus protested vehemently. "Shut up!" Be shouted, making the atmosphere tense. Bianca was already stunned by the unfolding drama. "I can''t believe brother-inw is bing like father. Brother-inw, you''re a pervert!" Bianca said, her eyes twinkling with mischievousness. She was thoroughly enjoying the show. "Hey, what''s wrong with that? But tell me, Subus. Just how did you charm my husband?" Aria demanded, locking eyes with Be. Aria knew that if she showed any weakness here, she might lose the chance of bing the first wife and the big sister of the two. Even though, logically, Be was older than her. The two women were in fiercepetition, bringing the situation to a boiling point. Aengus found himself in a tough spot. He realized there was only one option to solve the current problem: to show his wives what he was truly capable of. Aengus slipped away from their grasps and moved toward his body double, intending to merge with him. Aengus'' clone looked nervous for some reason. With an iron grip, Aengus seized the other party''s hand and pulled his clone inside him in a domineering manner. "Rumble!" As soon as they merged, an earthquake erupted, with their standing point as the epicenter. An overwhelming aura descended, making the air heavy and suffocating with Nether Energy. Bianca and the demon army felt their hearts beat uncontrobly, sensing a primal fear within as they felt some godly force awakening. It was so sudden that it caught them off guard. Sen, Sienna, Butler Yu, the Wolf King and Queen, Gabi, Maru, and a few others instantly recognized the presence in such a state. Their True Lord of the Liberation Army had finally descended. Be quickly began to shield Bianca and the others using her own energy. To her surprise, anotheryer of gentle protection enveloped them on top of hers. Be looked at the source in bafflement: it was Aria. She didn''t expect Aria to be so thoughtful. This newfound consideration made Be see Aria in a new light. She could also sense that Aria''s power was not less than her own and might even surpass it. "So, she wasn''t just a decorative flower vase after all, " Be thought inwardly. "Thanks... This idiot never thinks of others while doing this kind of thing," Be awkwardly expressed her gratitude, ring at Aengus'' back. "No, he is not. Ethan might have encountered an ident," Aria defended Aengus like an overprotective wife. "Ah... I was just saying casually..." Be replied, speechless at Aria''s overprotectiveness. They both then turned their attention to Aengus, who was undergoing a metamorphosis. Aengus'' clone possessed the strength of a Demon Lord, and now those energies were strengthening Aengus'' physique even more. [ You have merged with your body double ] [ Origin Mana +50,000 ] [ Your level increased by 70 levels. Current level: 390 ] [ You have gained new bloodlines: Fiend (Noble), Nightmare Vampire (Noble), Blood-Incubus (Noble), Hell''s Wraith (Rare)...] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Fiendish Dream Weaver (Peak); an ability to pull your enemies into a nightmare at any time. ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Nightmare Vampire Transformation (Peak) ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Unlimited Bloodlust (Peak ); an extreme berserk ability that grants limitless energy while devouring the blood of enemies, alive or dead ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Incubus Drive (Peak); An ability rted to Sen. It grants the ability to pleasure almost any females, be it goddesses or Demoness ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Hell''s Gate (Peak ); sends your enemy to the ce of Eternal Torture ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Avarice''s Grasp (Peak); steals and hoards the abilities or treasures of enemies, enhancing the user''s power. ] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Hellfire Nova ( Peak) - An explosion of demonic fire that incinerates all within a certain radius.] [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Death Spiral (Peak) - Create a swirling vortex of dark energy that drags in and shreds enemies.] [You have gained a new demonic ability: Eternal Damnation (Peak) - A devastating attack that sends the soul of the target to the underworld ] [You have gained a new demonic ability: ck me Judgement (Peak )- Summon a massive ck me that engulfs arge area, dealing intense damage over time. [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Scorching Wrath (Peak) - Unleash a massive burst of hellfire in all directions. [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Cage of Torment (Peak)- Trap an enemy''s soul within a sphere of demonic energy, causing agony and slowly sapping their power. [ You have gained a new demonic ability: Moloch''s Stampede (Peak ) - Summon spectral, demonic beasts that charge across the battlefield, trampling foes underfoot. [ You have gained new intermediate demonic abilities: Void Cloak, Abyssal Armor, Fiendish Resilience, Wings of Perdition, Fiend Regeneration, Hellstorm, Shadow Bind, Call of the Abyss, Demonic Dominion, Blood Lord ] [ The rest of the low-level abilities are being assimted to level up existing skills ] [ Your Monster Breeding Skill has leveled up to: Level 12. Current Summonable Units: 5,122,990 (A to S ranks) ] Aengus received the notifications one after another as his strength began to soar to level 410, with over 40,000 stats in each attribute section. Aengus also gained over 20 new bloodlines after the merge. He decided to merge all the bloodlines, seizing the opportunity. Synthesizing the bloodlines meant his race was going to change, and he was ready for that to be even stronger. His greatest challenge would be to retain his human form. " MANAS, let''s test your new Strength. Merge all the bloodlines using your advanced processing speed," Aengus ordered in his mind. MANAS had leveled up, although not significantly. Her processing speed and abilities had be more effective and powerful. Once she reached the next level, SSS, perhaps she would unlock even more incredible abilities. "Alright, Master. I am on it, " MANAS replied with a grin. Aengus'' consciousness delved deeper within his own body, down to the cellr level, to synthesize the cells at a molecr level and create a new race that would defy naturalws. The blood cells of different species flowing through his body and DNA structure all needed to be synthesized and changed. The process began at extreme speed thanks to Manas, slowing down time outside. While only five minutes passed in the outside world, inside it felt like months toplete the process. Aria and Be watched with iprehensible expressions as Aengus''s body was enveloped in a cocoon of glowing, multicolored Chaos energy swirling around him. His two wives were worried, but they knew Aengus was doing something important based on their previous experiences. So they didn''t interrupt; instead, they stood guard with vignce. In this regard, they both had simr mindsets, creating a mutual understanding between them. Chapter 266 : 266: Who Is The First Wife? [ Congrattions! You have achieved an incredible feat ] [ All of your bloodlines have been synthesized ] [ Your race has been upgraded to: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Chaotic Fiend-Celestial: This race has been created using the characteristics of Primordial Beast King, Appraisal, and other Transformation Skills. You are now a being from outside, from Chaos. Your nature is destruction, and your potential is infinite. ] Innate Race Abilities: 1. Omni-Metamorphosis : Able to transform into any species, any race, any face just after analyzing their body. 2. Infinite Mana Regeneration : Your Origin Source Tree has mutated, allowing you to regenerate limitless Mana. - Note : This does not increase your Mana capacity for usage. 3. Fiend-Celestial True Avatar : You have gained the ability to transform into your Fiend-Celestial form. But be warned, do not use it in lower worlds. 4. Extreme Growth : You can level up faster, granting you 50+ stats after each level up. 5. Infinite Clones, Infinite Possibilities : Currently able to create 5 clones with 60% strength. Aengus''s body quickly reformed back to his human form. Aria and Be looked on, feeling relief to see he was fine. But something was different about him, they could feel it. There was a reddish glint in his usual dark eyes and a strangely shaped mark on his forehead. Notpletely evil, but devilishly handsome, they should say. Aengus smiled deviously as new information rted to his new race flooded his mind. His aura was far stronger and far more terrifying. Aria and Be gulped in anticipation, seeing their husband looking so devilishly handsome and strong. Only his presence could grant them absolute safety, a thought that engraved itself in their minds. "Hubby!" "Darling!" His two wives beamed with happiness and leapt into Aengus''s arms together. "Uh..." Aengus caught them both and felt the urge to melt into their soft and tender embrace. Bianca closed her eyes, feeling shy. Sienna came forward, watching with unreadable sadness. She knew her chance of being with her Lord was now almost null. He was now like a god, his wives like fairies, and she was just a servant. How could shepare to those two? Sen ced a gentle hand on Sienna''s shoulder, understanding full well what must be going through his big sister''s mind. Aengus gave his subordinates a curt nod from a distance. Then, Aengus and his two wives went to their living quarters to share their experiences. Other matters could wait. Be and Aria needed time to adjust, get to know each other, and he was trying to offer them that. Inside the room, as his two wives shared their experiences, Aengus busied himself with testing his new innate abilities. Infinite Mana Regeneration was easy to understand. He heeded the advice seriously not to use his Fiend-Celestial form in lower worlds. Who knew what could happen after transforming into it? He didn''t feel the need to take that unnecessary risk now. He began to explore his Omni-Metamorphosis ability, which was said to be capable of transforming his body into any shape, any race, even any material. This fascinated him. He started to analyze Be''s figure from behind to transform into her. [ Analysis: 1%... 3%... 34%... 67%... 99% ] [ Analysis Complete ] "Should I do it now, or not?" Aengus hesitated, but soon he smiled, looking at Be and Aria''s backs, intending to give them a surprise. In a swift motion, Aengus transformed into Be''s exact form. From her hair to her feet, everything was a perfect copy, like Be''s imaginary twin. Aengus, of course, had those big chests and tried hard not to focus on them. He sneaked up behind his wives and spoke. "Darling!" He (She) called out in exactly the same voice as Be, which startled them and made them turn around in curiosity and surprise. "Ahhh!" Be and Aria both screamed in surprise at the same time. "Be, is she your twin sister?" Aria asked, already somewhat familiar with Be. "Of course not. I don''t have any twin sister. Hey, who are you?" Be asked her copy, ncing back to see Aengus nowhere in sight. Be instantly understood it was another one of Aengus'' tricks. "Hubby, that''s disgusting! Please change this form. It''s so weird!" Be said hurriedly, appearing as if she might vomit any second. "Hahaha..." Be''s copy was smiling, then instantly transformed back into Aengus'' form. "Ah... Ethan... It''s you..." Aria looked speechless, impressed by her husband''s new ability. "Since when did you get such an ability, Ethan? And can you copy me as well?" Aria asked. "Just recently. But it''s an innate ability, so it can''t be gifted," Aengus replied with a chuckle. Aengusposed himself, feeling weird about turning into a female, and swore to never do it again unless absolutely necessary. He still hadn''t fully adjusted, but turning into a woman felt extremely perverted and sick-minded. However, it was an overpowering ability nheless. With this, he could infiltrate any ce without the need for hiding himself anymore. No one would be able to trace him back, even if all the people of Mythraldor came to hunt him down. "Wait, what do you mean by gifting, hubby?" Be asked, unaware that he could now gift skills to others. "It''s nothing... I just recently got a skill that allows me to transfer my skills to others. Why? Do you want one?" Be shook her head, her shimmering purple eyes already seeming satisfied. "No, currently I''m packed. I don''t think I can hold any more skills," Be replied. Aengus sat down to rx, relieved that the two women had finallye to an understanding. But Be''s next question left him speechless. Be decided change the topic to a more serious matter. "Okay, now answer me honestly, Aengus. Who will be your first wife?" Be asked, her tone turning serious. "Yes, tell her, it''s me, Ethan," Aria said, standing up swiftly. Aengus appeared to be pondering the question, but in reality, he was searching for a way to escape. Technically, Be should be his first, but the promise he made to Aria made him hesitate. "Well, why do you two need to think about that right now? You can decide once you know each other better. That''s a fair solution, right?" He tried to leave the matter to his wives. "No! Absolutely not!" they both shouted in unison, resolute in the seriousness of the issue. Unfortunately, his wives weren''t about to let him off that easily. "Uh..." Just as Aengus found himself in a difficult situation, a familiar presence gave him the perfect chance to escape their interrogation.. Chapter 267 Father-In-Law VS Son-In-Law With a stormy expression, Be''s father, Belial, entered the room without knocking, Bianca following closely behind. Their location was not far from Belial''s dukedom, and his personally crafted space teleporter allowed him to cross distances with maximum efficiency. Be and Aria paused as they sensed Belial''s domineering presence nearby. Belial still looked tall and devilishly handsome, with a masculine charm that was off the charts. But his incubus characteristics seemed to fade inparison when Belial took in Aengus''s current form. The two men locked eyes, neither willing to back down in this contest of masculine aura. Aemgus had started to grow beard, while Belial was looking cleanly shaved. Aengus was chuckling inwardly, while Belial was surprised by the strong presence of his supposed son-inw. "So, boy, you finally did it... I mean, you fell for another woman so quickly. Because of this, I''m starting to doubt your resolve to protect my daughter. Alright then... let''s have a spar between men," Belial offered, his tone patient but firm. Aengus nced at the culprit¡ªBianca¡ªwho had a wide grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle. He made a mental note to teach her a lessonter. "Is he your father, Be?" Aria asked curiously, intrigued by seeing an incubus for the first time¡ªa creature she had only read about in books. Be pped her forehead and replied, "Yes. He is my father, Belial Bellfrost, the Duke of the Lust Dukedom." "Oh..." Aria murmured, already understanding Be''s father''s nature after witnessing his reaction to finding his daughter''s husband with another woman. She thought to herself, He''s an extreme pervert with numerous wives¡ªthat much is clear to her. "Ah, sure, father-inw!" Aengus epted with a confident grin. Belial''s Demon General level of power was nothing more than a light breeze to him. "Absolutely not!" Be stepped between them, blocking the confrontation to save her father''s pride. Aengus''s clone had already been that strong, and after their recent merge, she was certain of one thing¡ªno Demon Lord would be able to harm Aengus now. So, what could her father possibly do with his meager Demon General level of power? Belial knew Aengus had grown strong, but he didn''t realize just how powerful his son-inw had be. "What''s wrong, daughter? Why are you stopping me?" Belial asked, confused. "If you''re worried about your husband getting hurt, you should remember how he conquered so many strongholds from Demon Lord Crimson and Demon Lord Goliath," Belial reminded her. "Oh, right... I haven''t asked for an exnation for that yet. What''s your real goal in waging war against them?" Be shrugged. "We''ll exin that to youter, Father. But right now, you can''t fight your son-inw. You''re not his match anymore..." "Huh? Not his match anymore?" Belial looked puzzled, then burst outughing as if her words were absurd. "Hahaha... Wait, you''re serious?" he asked, noticing Be''s dissatisfied pout. She clearly thought he was being foolish. "Yes," Be said firmly. She knew how overwhelming their victories had been, from conquering the temples of the ancient red serpent deity to taking several Demon Lords'' strongholds, increasing their forces to millions within just over a week. Aria was both amused and a little proud, watching the reaction of the perverted incubus. Belial eyed Aengus with growing doubt. Aengus, with a sly smile, teased, "Why are you scaring your father like that, Be? I''m not going to harm him..." "Scared?" Belial''s pride stung at his son-inw''s condescending tone, as if Aengus were doing him a favor by agreeing to spar. How could a dominant man like him stay rational after hearing that? "Who''s scared, boy?" Belial growled, his ego ring. "I''m ready for any kind of challenge. Let''s see if what my daughter said is true. If it''s false, heh heh... you''ll regret those two sentences." With a low snarl, his purplish muscles swelled with barely contained power. His aura, crackling with energy, sent a wave of suppressed force through the room, causing the very walls to tremble. "Very well, father-inw. It seems you really need a reality check," Aengus replied, stepping outside. Be followed, her expression serious as she noticed that with each of Aengus''s steps, the ground beneath them seemed to tremble like an earthquake of sheer power that struck Belial with astonishment. Belial had been bracing himself for a surprise, but it was clear he had underestimated just how much Aengus had grown. His son-inw now moved like a true force of nature. This brought him a mixture of faint hope and relief; he''d been concerned about their growing ambitions, but seeing Aengus''s power firsthand was unexpectedly reassuring. "Is this really necessary?" Be muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. Aria walked beside Be, quietly amused. She was starting to think Be''s family wasn''t so bad, even if they were of demonic origin. She also understood why Be looked more human than demonic¡ªit was because her mother had been a human. --- "Huh? What''s Duke Belial doing here?" "Tsk, you don''t even know our lord, and they''re rted. He must be here to check on his daughter." "Yes, but their expressions suggest something else..." As Belial and Aengus made their way to an open field for a friendly spar, a curious crowd gathered, whispering and specting. "Fools, where are you going? Are you looking to die?" Sen and Sienna''s stern warning echoed through the air at that exact moment. The siblings, along with a few sharp individuals, recognized the fierce glint of battle-hunger in both their Lord''s and Duke Belial''s eyes. "Ah, heh heh... That''s right, Captain!" Chastened by the warning, they dared not venture closer, keeping a respectful distance from the impending sh. Aengus paused finding a suitable ce, Amid barrennd, approximately over a kilometre away from the spectating crowd. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin Even from this distance the demon minions might not be safe. He casted an invisible barrier for shield them. Belial could sense Aengus did something, but couldn''t even dectect the protective barrier. "Father-inw, make it quick. Give your everything in one shot. We both have our own business to attend to..." Aengus said, wanting to get with this quickly. Chapter 268 Sister-Wife Be closed her eyes, unwilling to watch her father face inevitable disappointment, while Aria observed with a slight smile. At first, Aria had felt ufortable, suddenly finding herself surrounded by demons¡ªthe same kind who had hurt her friends and n members. But seeing them now, so lively and smiling together, made her reconsider her opinion of their nature. Perhaps not all demons are bad, she thought. If they were truly as vicious and hateful toward humans as the stories said, Be would never have epted Aria as Aengus''s second partner so easily. It''s just a first impression, she reminded herself. They still need to be judged fairly. --- Belial''s spear, crafted with painstaking care and forged to the highest S-grade quality he could manage, vibrated with power under his firm grip. His aura swelled like crashing waves, saturating the field with a pressure that felt almost suffocating. But Aengus remained as unmoving as a mountain, standing casually with an air of effortless superiority. Belial''s stats, capped well below the 15,000 mark, posed no threat to Aengus''s immense power. "Who do you think will win?" Sienna asked her brother, Sen, who had grown noticeably stronger since thest battle. Sen chuckled, finding the question almost amusing. "Haha, Isn''t it obvious? Haven''t you seen our Lord''s power in battle?" he replied,ughing. "Yes, of course. But I''ve never seen Duke Belial fight, so I was curious," Sienna said, driving her sword into the ground as she sat to watch. Sen settled beside her, his eyes shining with admiration. "Rx sister, this isn''t just one of our Lord''s clones. He''s here in person, in the flesh. His strength must have grown to levels we can''t even imagine." "You''re right, Sen. I''m just being dumb..." Sienna muttered, her gaze flickering with a hint of unreadable sadness as she turned to the unfolding battle. Aengus stood like an unyielding peak, radiating an aura of supreme confidence. "Don''t die, boy!" Belial bellowed, grinning fiercely as heunched himself forward. His speed was blinding to everyone present, the ground trembling beneath the force of his eleration, because of his full strength unleashed. Yet Aengus did not move, waiting with the patience of an unshakeable giant, his eyes tracked onto Belial''s extreme charge. Belial''s mental attacks were no threat to Aengus, but as a powerful Incubus with an exceptionally strong physique, he remained a formidable force. Demons typically had stats three times that of humans, and Belial''s activated special physique further tripled those numbers, making him an unstoppable force for anyone within the same rank. This was the core of his strength, and he wasn''t just any Incubus¡ªhis semi-royal bloodline gave him an even greater edge. "BOOOOM!" With a fierce glint in his eyes, Belial drove his spear forward, aiming directly at Aengus''s chest. He didn''t hold back, certain that Aengus''s overwhelming confidence and the sheen of his aura meant he could take it. In fact, Belial felt his attack might not even be enough to truly challenge his son-inw. It was all the power he could summon, and he poured everything into the strike. Enjoy exclusive chapters from m-v l''e|-NovelBin The collision was cataclysmic, a deafening explosion erupting from the point of impact. The shockwave tore through the air, gouging the earth as it spread outwards from the center of the sh. "Fu*k!" The spectators were horrified as the terrifying shockwaves surged towards them, gouging the earth with their force. Be and Aria braced instinctively, preparing to defend others like they had done just an hour before¡ªbut surprisingly their intervention wasn''t needed. An invisible barrier suddenly appeared, cast in a protective circr dome, which absorbed the shockwaves before they could reach the crowd. The demon soldiers exhaled in relief as the dome held firm, dispersing the devastating energy and sparing them from the fallout of the immense power unleashed. Belial was thrown back by the sheer force of the collision, his own power rebounding against him. He coughed awkwardly as he got to his feet, attempting to regain hisposure. Yet, he couldn''t fully mask the shock he felt¡ªhis son-inw had surpassed him by an unbelievable margin in such a short amount of time. Not only that, but Belial was certain Aengus had already reached the level of a Demon Lord, and a particrly powerful one at that. "Duke, are you alright?" Aengus asked, wearing an expression of mild guilt. He wanted to ease Belial''s embarrassment, knowing full well that Be would make him pay if he humiliated her father. "I''m fine... but you gave me quite a surprise," Belial admitted, before grinning. "And call me Father-inw from now on. You''re not going to start showing disrespect just because you''re stronger than me, are you?" "Ah, of course not," Aengus said with a chuckle. "Unless I have a wish to get the cold shoulder from your daughter." "Haha, that''s the spirit, my Son-inw!" Belialughed heartily, then his expression turned more serious. "But remember, Aengus¡ªdon''t be too soft on women, especially if you have multiple wives. Trust me, I''m speaking from my own experiences. If you pamper them too much, they''ll expect it all the time. But you can''t neglect them either," he advised with a knowing look. Aengus was amused by the advice but nodded solemnly. "Yes, Father-inw. I''ll keep that in mind." "What are you two whispering about?" Be''s voice cut through the air, startling her father. "Nothing, daughter," Belial replied hastily, quickly regaining hisposure. He then gave a bemused smile. "Now, why don''t you introduce the new member of the family?" Be turned to Aria, noting the purity of her aura, which even surpassed Belial''s in certain ways. "Father, this is Aria Silvermoon," Be said, a bit unsure. "She... well, I guess I should call her my Sister-Wife." Be''s words carried a hint of awkwardness as she made the introduction. Aria stepped forward, offering a polite nod to Belial, her presence gentle yet dignified despite the situation. "Hello, Uncle," Aria greeted politely, trying her best to suppress the awkwardness of meeting the Incubus Duke for the first time. Belial''s expression softened at the respectful address, clearly pleased by the gesture and the initial harmony among them. "Very talented," he said with genuine approval. "You are truly worthy to stand as my daughter''s equal. That makes you part of our family now." His eyes gleamed with admiration. "You''re so beautiful¡ªlike a fairy." There was a sincerity in his praise that surprised Be and Aengus, and though Belial would never admit it outright, he couldn''t help but feel that Aria''s ethereal beauty, coupled with her strength, might even outshine his own daughter''s. For a moment, it was a hard realization for him to swallow, but his smile remained warm and weing. Belial epted Aria wholeheartedly, fully aware that strong men like himself often couldn''t resist the allure of a beautiful and powerful woman. The fact that his son-inw, someone of such immense strength, had only a two women by his side rather than a dozen spoke volumes about Aengus''s character and restraint. For Belial, this was a great reassurance. It meant his daughter, Be, was being valued and treated as an equal, not overshadowed by others. His concerns about his daughter''s future had been eased, knowing she had a ce of honor and respect in Aengus''s life. Chapter 269 Grand Goal, Getting Belials Support "Ahem!" Aengus coughed lightly, drawing Belial''s attention, a subtle reminder not to get toofortable around Aria. Belial chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "What''s wrong, Aengus? Are you afraid I''m going to steal her from you?" he joked¡ªa rare urrence. "Father..." Be interjected, her re sharp enough to make her point clear. She wasn''t going to let him cross any lines. "Look at you... I was just appreciating her." Belial sighed dramatically, taking a step back from Aria. Ariexhaled in relief, the distance easing her difort. Aria nced at Be with a grateful expression, silently appreciating her support. Belial''s yful demeanor faded abruptly, reced by a serious intensity. His piercing gaze locked onto Aengus. "So, now answer me, boy," he said, his tone grave. "What''s your real goal for gathering so many demon minions?" Aengus gave Be a knowing nce, silently encouraging her to exin everything. He intertwined his fingers with both Be''s and Aria''s hands, a gesture of unity and strength. Be took a deep breath, her resolve clear in her voice as she addressed her father. "Father, we have only one goal: to unify the world. We''re not just fighting battles for conquest¡ªwe''re striving for a greater purpose. And we''re resolved to see it through." Belial''s eyes narrowed as he listened, gauging the determination in his daughter''s voice. He could see the conviction in her, one that mirrored Aengus''s calm confidence. Aria, standing beside Aengus, already knew the purpose of his growing demonic army. It was one of the reasons she chose to align herself with Be. Their shared goal of unifying the world wasn''t just Aengus''s ambition¡ªit had be theirs as well. United under their husband''s vision, the two women were resolved to walk the same path, ensuring the sess of his dream. Belial was too stunned to speak. The sheer audacity of the trio''s goal¡ªto challenge the entire world¡ªseemed utterly insane. "Are you three mad?" he finally barked, his voice tinged with both disbelief and concern. "You''d need more than strength. You''d need godly power and an army beyond imagination! Aengus, tell me you haven''t lost your senses too!" Aengus, calm andposed, could see that his father-inw hadn''t yet grasped the reality of the situation. It was time to give him a proper demonstration of his true strength. "Yes, we know what it takes," Aengus replied in a voice that exuded dominance. "But tell me, is this strength enough?" As he finished his words, Aengus began to unleash his aura¡ªa blend of chaotic, fiendish energy intertwined with celestial purity. The aura rolled out in targeted waves, directed solely at Belial. The sheer magnitude of Aengus''s presence hit Belial like a tidal wave. His breath caught in his throat as he felt utterly insignificant, a mere speck of dust before a rising storm. Aengus''s aura surged like an endless ocean, towering and unyielding, refusing to stop. Belial could hardly believe it. His son-inw had been holding back earlier, sparing him the despair of seeing just how wide the gulf between their powers truly was. Now, under the crushing weight of Aengus''s aura, Belial felt the suffocating truth¡ªAengus was already on the cusp of Half-Godhood. The realization struck hard. Belial had dreamed of one day reaching that exalted level himself, but the obstacles were insurmountable. Resources were scarce, and for demons, the divine path had long been severed. Yet here stood Aengus, already walking the path of the gods. If this continued, it was no exaggeration to think that he might one day rival the Demon God himself. Belial reevaluated his son-inw with newfound awe. Aengus was no ordinary demon¡ªhe was heaven-defying and utterly unfathomable. For the first time, Belial dared to hope that Aengus might be the key to breaking through to the elusive Realm of Gods. Be and Aria remained unfazed, as Aengus''s disy of power had been carefully controlled to avoid rming them. It was clear that he had shown his strength to Belial in his own way, making a point without putting others at risk. Satisfied that he had made his point, Aengus suppressed his Chaotic Fiendish aura. He knew that if he had pushed any further, even unintentionally, the lower-ranked demons in the vicinity might not have survived. With the demonstration over, Aengus, Be, Aria, and Belial moved into the living quarters to discuss matters in detail. There, Aengus outlined his grand vision¡ªhow he had risen to power in the Human Realm, bing an Emperor, and the steady formation of his empire. Belial listened attentively as Aengus exined his strategy: to merge his forces from both the Human and Demon worlds once grew bigger. With thisbined army, an unstoppable force of power and unity, they could conquer both worlds. But Aengus''s n went beyond mere conquest¡ªit was about ending the endless cycles of hatred and prejudice, and bringing about asting peace between humans and demons. Going against the Gods and the Demon God. With Aengus''s god-like power and the Grand Army of Liberation, they would force those who stood in their way to submit or face inevitable defeat. Yet, submission wasn''t the final goal¡ªit was a means to purify the ingrained animosity, to create a world where demons and humans coexisted, sharing resources and living in mutual understanding. Aengus spoke of a future where both worlds could thrive together, with prosperity and peace unthinkable in the current age of division. Belial, once skeptical, now found himself captivated by the vision. Aengus wasn''t merely conquering¡ªhe was seeking to build a new world order, one where the bitterness between races would finally end, and abundance resources would be shared. It was an ambition both grand and noble, and Belial began to see that it might just be possible¡ªwith a leader like Aengus at the helm. "Now, Father, would you consider putting your army under my husband''smand?" Be demanded suddenly. "Oh? Are you asking for your dowry, my dear?" Belial asked, amused. Be smiled as she held Aengus'' arm. "You can think of it that way. But I hope this doesn''t make my other siblings jealous." "Haha...Fine, I will give my full support. Perhaps your husband can help bring your mother back to me... I only want her in return," Belial offered, making a condition. Aengus responded confidently, "Deal. We will bring Be''s mother back to you, Father-inw." Chapter 270 Preparation Aengus sent his body double to Solis, where the Liberation Army continued its march toward the Imperial Capital. The only one missing was Aria, who had decided to stay in the Abyss for a while. Aengus ordered the demon faction of the Liberation Empire to head to the Capital City of the Lust Dukedom, intending to merge with Duke Belial''s forces as per the deal they had made. Belial had no problem with the merge and epted Aengus as the leader because he knew it wouldn''t be long before Aengus''s Demon Lord title became recognized in the demon world. As they neared the capital on a massive vampiric bat, Duke Belial spoke suddenly: "Aengus, if you''re receiving the dowry, perhaps the three of you should have a ceremonial wedding on this asion. What do you say, daughter?" Belial asked. Be, Aria, and Aengus looked at each other for their opinions. "I have no problem as long as you two are fine with it," Aengus expressed first. "Ooh, Sister Be''s wedding! I''m ready to celebrate!" Bianca said excitedly, holding her father''s arm. Be''s expression showed she was ready anytime, but Aengus suddenly noticed Aria''s difort. "Aria, what''s wrong? Are you not okay with the idea of getting married together?" he asked. Belial, Bianca, and Be all turned their attention to Aria, awaiting her response. "No, it''s not that, Ethan," Aria exined. "I''m feeling ufortable because of the dense Nether energy and theck of Mana here. It''s getting hard to breathe." "Huh? Aengus, how could you forget to give her one of those potions humans use to enter here?" Be said in a ming tone, touching Aria''s hand worriedly. "Are you feeling okay, Aria?" Aria, flustered by their sudden concern and contact, replied quickly, "Yes, I''m fine. Just a little ufortable. No need to me him." Aengus looked regretful. "Sorry, I forgot, Aria. See if you feel better now." He cast a protective shield of Pure Origin Mana around Aria, shielding her from the dense Nether energy. Immediately, Aria felt as if she were in a refreshing, fresh morning environment. The dense, pure Mana surprised her¡ªit was beyond ordinary. Perhaps this was one of the reasons her husband was so powerful. Be was relieved and gently asked, "Now tell us, Aria. Do you want to get married here or not?" Her tone was soft, wanting to respect Aria''s feelings. Be knew that for a happy polygamous family, mutual understanding and respect between the wives were crucial. She didn''t want their family to end up like her father''s, where those qualities were oftencking among her step mothers. Aengus felt a surge of satisfaction, sensing that their future was looking brighter. Aria shook her head. "No, I''d like to get married with my family present, if possible. And They still can''te here because their hatred for demons runs deep due to what Beelzebub did to our n. I would prefer the ceremony to be held in the human world if possible. But I have no problem if the two of you want to get married here." Aria''s response was sincere; and she didn''t want to disrupt Be''s happy mood either. She recognized Be''s genuine effort to make their three way rtionship work and knew that for their family to thrive, she too had to show patience and understanding. Be made up her mind on the spot. "You''re right, Aria. I''ve changed my mind too. I want to wait until my mother can be there with us. What do you think, Father?" Belial shrugged and nodded. "Fine, if that''s what you want, daughter. It''s not a bad idea either. It would be a perfect gift for Celeste to see you getting married. She loved you so much, she sacrificed her own happiness to keep you safe..." His voice trailed off with a hint of sadness. "Alright, it''s settled," Aengus dered. "Once the Kairos Empire''s territory is under our control, I will personally take Be to reunite with her mother at the Eternal Phoenix n." "Hubby!" Be''s eyes shone with happiness, and she rushed into his arms. Aengus, not wanting Aria to feel left out, gently pulled her to his other side. He held them both close, his strong embrace providing a sense of safety and love. The two women leaned into him, finding a true sense of peace in his firm hold. "Ahem! We''ve arrived, so enough with this lovey-dovey disy," Belial coughed, reminding them that he and Bianca were still present. Bianca chuckled while Be and Aria pulled back slightly, smiling with a mixture of embarrassment and contentment. Aengus released his wives and turned his gaze downward, taking in the sprawling view of Lust City below. Be and Ariaposed themselves, the recent closeness still leaving a trace of awkwardness, but a hint of warmth lingered as well. Their descent was smooth as theynded on the grand estate of Duke Belial. Behind them followed Aengus'' entourage¡ªhigh-ranking demons like Sen, Sienna, Butler Yu, the Wolf King, the Wolf Queen, and several others, each a notable figure in their own right. Meanwhile, the millions-strong Liberation Army, remained stationed outside Lust City, awaiting further orders. "Lord Husband, wee! We hope you had a pleasant journey," Belial''s wives greeted in unison, bowing gracefully. Belial returned their greeting with a nod, his eyes scanning the group. "My loves, where is your Duchess, Vienna?" he inquired. One of the subus wives replied respectfully, "We''re not sure, Lord Husband. Sister Vienna might be busy with something important." Belial''s brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Very well. Someone go find her and inform her that we need to hold an emergency meeting in the Court. Everyone must be present, including all family members. I have a crucial announcement to make." Readtest chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin At hismand, one of the servants quickly departed to ry the message. Meanwhile, Aengus, Be, and Aria followed Belial inside, their presence drawing curious nces from the onlookers. Aengus'' aura of authority and power was undeniable, and the unfamiliar sight of Aria¡ªa human in the demon realm¡ªcreated a buzz of spection among the gathered demons. Soon, the Court was alive with anticipation as everyone of importance in the Lust Dukedom assembled. High-ranking officials, military leaders, and members of Belial''s extended family filled the hall, whispering to each other in hushed tones. Many stole nces at Aria, intrigued by the presence of a new woman standing beside Duke Belial''s son-inw. Be stood with a calm confidence, her gaze steady as she observed her father''s gathered subjects and her half-siblings . The murmur of conversations quieted as the doors at the far end of the room opened, revealing newly ascended Duchess Vienna, who entered with a regal grace. She moved with purpose, her expression curious as she took her ce beside Belial. All eyes turned expectantly to the Duke, awaiting his announcement. Chapter 271 Growing Demon Forces Vienna, Bianca''s mother, was worried after noticing another woman sitting beside Be''s husband. She mistakenly thought that Belial had called everyone together to punish Aengus for cheating on his daughter or something simr. Noticing her mother''s worry, Bianca leaned forward and whispered the real reason for the gathering. Vienna''s eyes widened as she absorbed what Bianca told her. If what Bianca said was true, her new son-inw was more terrifying, stronger, and more ambitious than her own husband. Bianca exaggerated a bit, iming that her brother-inw was nearing the power of a Demon God, which made Vienna skeptical a bit. Their Progenitor, the Demon God''s power, was said to be unrivaled and world-surpassing, so theparison seemed exaggerated¡ªat least for now. However, Vienna was certain of one thing: after noticing Aengus'' missing horns and the strange ancient red mark on his forehead, he looked more devilishly powerful¡ªfar more than her husband¡ªwith the confidence he exuded while sitting in the middle of his wives, Aria and Be, right in front of them. Everyone shifted their attention towards the Duke, sensing he was finally about to speak. "Today, I have gathered all my wives, children, and important officials to announce that from this day forward, I will be handing down my rule to my Son-In-Law, the Leader of the Rising Liberation Army. This decision will be official from now on, and those who disagree with his rule will be swiftly executed by me personally." "What!" Duke Belial''s words were powerful and unmistakably clear, but they sent ripples of shock and confusion throughout the room. Who, in their right mind, would hand over their rule to a Son-In-Law, despite having so many heirs in line among the Duke''s children? "This is unfair! Please, Lord Husband, please reconsider!" A few concubines wore displeased expressions at the announcement. Duchess Vienna, having no son, had assumed that the rank of Duke would naturally pass to the children of her rivals, and Belial''s sudden decision felt like a bolt from the blue. The idea that their human-looking Son-In-Law would take over the Dukedom permanently was unthinkable to them. Aengus and his wives remained silent, allowing Belial to finish his speech without interruption. Duke Belial''s gaze hardened as he looked at his wives, recognizing the limits of their understanding. He couldn''t entirely me them, as they didn''t yet grasp Aengus'' true potential. Aengus wasn''t someone who would stop at ruling the Lust Dukedom like a mere Son-In-Law content with scraps of power. His eyes were set on the world itself¡ªwhat was one Dukedompared to his ambitions? "Does everyone think I am being foolish by handing the rule to my Son-In-Law?" Belial''s sharp voice echoed across the hall, his piercing gaze sweeping over everyone present, including his children. "Lord Duke is wise. We trust you have a grand vision," a few officials quickly responded, eager to align with his decision. Their loyalty was evident, though a few others remained visibly hesitant, unsure of the reasoning behind such an unusual choice. "Lord Father, we will do as youmand. I am certain you have thought carefully about our future!" Some of Belial''s children, both young and old, voiced their agreement obediently, though hints of curiosity lingered in their expressions. "Good," Belial dered, his tone softening slightly, but the satisfaction in his voice was clear. He was pleased that his authority remained unquestioned by the majority, even in such a controversial decision. "Aengus,e here," Belial called, his voice firm andmanding. Aengus rose to his feet, his two wives, Be and Aria, offering him encouraging smiles. Their support was unwavering as he walked forward to receive his new title. Belial stood tall and regal, holding out the Duke''s Seal. "This Lord''s Seal is now yours, and the 20 million minions of Lust Dukedom are now under yourmand. You are now the new Lord of Lust Dukedom, the Supreme Leader of the Liberation Army. From this moment, everyone here is at your beck and call. Good Luck on leading us to a better future that you have shown us." The deep resonance of Belial''s voice carried through the room, his words carrying weight and finality. The audience fell silent, their gazes fixed on Aengus. The announcement was not just a simple transfer of power; it was a deration that would forever change the bnce of the demon world. Aengus epted the Duke''s Seal, the powerful artifact that would allow him tomand an army of 20 million demons. With a single gesture, the lives and fates of countless beings now rested in his hands. Aengus marveled at the small creation: a metal rod with intricate runes, spread like spider webs, connecting to the souls of the demon minions. He would like to create a Seal like this for himself, but it was a big gamble¡ªif the enemy forces got their hands on such an artifact, it could pose a significant risk. However, for future needs, it could serve as a valuable reference when he couldn''t single-handedly control his billions-strong army. It could be an evil mean of keeping possible betrayal in check. Holding the Seal, Aengus finally broke his silence, looking at the audience. "You are now under the Liberation Army. Our goal is now united: To conquer the world. To betray us from henceforth, means death and eternal imprisonment." The evil fiendish aura emanating from Aengus sent a chill down everyone''s spine, making them feel like ants before him. His deration was bold and unthinkable, but they were now under hismand. Even if some felt unwilling and considered their new lord foolish, strength is what matters in the demon world. Disobeying meant death. Now, whether they would follow their doom or glory, only time would tell. "Glory To Lord Of Liberation!" "Long Live Lord Of Liberation!" ..... With shouts of cheers and apuse, the power transfer ceremony came to an end. Aengus, Aria, and Be headed outside to n their next action: to conquer a Demon Lord''s territory. "Did you do the right thing, Lord Husband? It means going against Demon Lord Crimson, isn''t it?" As they left, Duchess Vienna asked Belial worriedly inside the now-empty hall. Belial nced their way and replied with a chuckle, "Our vision is narrow, Vienna, but not his. He is an anomaly that even those gods would be shocked by. What''s a demon lordpared to it?" Chapter 272 Seductive Succubus Aengus, Aria, and Be discussed their ns thoroughly and decided to attack Demon Lord Crimson the following day. Since it was already nighttime, they postponed their assault, keeping the n a secret from everyone except Aengus'' most trusted subordinates. The dy was mainly because of Be''s insistence of spending the night there. Targeting Demon Lord Crimson was not a decision made on a whim. Crimson had been the one leading frequent incursions into the human world recently. During the surprise attack on Skyfall City, it was Crimson''s army that had been obliterated by Aengus. Through his meticulous appraisal ability, Aengus traced the origins of those forces back to Crimson. Their mission was clear: Demon Lord Crimson would be their next target. However, Aengus aimed to conquer Crimson''s army with minimal bloodshed, intending to grow the Liberation Army''s numbers while avoiding unnecessary losses. "Ethan, you should apany Be tonight. You''ve been apart for so long," Aria said as they walked down the hallway toward their respective rooms. Her tone was gentle, masking her own yearning to keep him close. Her generosity and understanding shone through her words. Be paused, stunned by Aria''s thoughtfulness. She had been hesitating to express her desire to spend time with him but now felt immense gratitude toward Aria. A soft smile spread across her lips as she looked at Aria, realizing how genuinely kind-hearted and selfless her sister-wife was. Aengus, however, wasn''t so easily fooled. He looked into Aria''s eyes and instantly recognized the yearning she was trying to hide. Without hesitation, Aengus materialized another clone of himself right before their eyes, his cells forming a perfect duplicate. Both women stared in surprise. "There''s no need for you to feel lonely, Aria," he said gently. "I''ll stay with both of you. And truly, I''m lucky to have such an understanding, self-sacrificing woman like you." Aria''s cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave a small smile, her heart warm from his thoughtfulness. Be chuckled, feeling equally touched, and teased, "Hubby, You always know how to make things fair, don''t you?" Aengus simply grinned and replied, "With two amazing wives, fairness is the least I can offer. But if you two like we can stay together¡ª" "Never!" Aria and Be shouted in unison before Aengus could finish, rejecting his teasing suggestion with an unwavering resolve. "Okay, fine... I was just joking," Aengus said, raising his hands in mock surrender, though he was slightly disappointed by their firm stance. With the matter settled, the group parted ways to their respective rooms. --- Aengus'' clones were now fully functional, exact replicas of his original body in form and thought. The only difference was that each clone had about 60% of the original''s strength, which was still formidable. His original body stayed with Be, while a clone apanied Aria. Aria didn''t mind, as Aengus had thoroughly exined the capabilities of his clones. They were now entirely capable of fulfilling any role, including "nightly duties." It meant Aengus could now perform what Be jokingly called dual service . However, Aengus wasn''t one to waste potential. He utilized his remaining two clones effectively: One clone was sent to roam the wilderness, leveling up by hunting demons and absorbing their cores. The other clone blended among the army outside the city, taking on the role of a sentry and ensuring their protection through the night. This innate ability, granted by his Chaotic Fiend-Celestial bloodline, was proving to be a game-changer. It enabled him to be in multiple ces at once, fulfilling duties and gaining strength simultaneously. He could only imagine the potential when he mastered the full extent of this power. The prospect of creating millions of clones to achieve his goals was tantalizing, though he knew it would take time. Strengthening his mental resilience and further integrating his new bloodline were critical steps toward that ultimate power. For now, he was content with the progress he had made and the possibilities it opened for his grand ambitions. --- Bang! The door shut firmly behind Aengus as Be leaned against it with a mischievous smile, her purple eyes glowing with desire. "You''re not getting scott free today, Hubby," she dered, her voiceced with yful seduction. "I didn''t get the marriage ceremony, but I want my first time tonight¡ªright here, right now..." Be''s words were bold, and her actions matched them. She adjusted her nightgown to reveal just enough of her cleavage to tease him further. Her full, red lips curved into a wicked grin, her eyes brimming with desire. Her curvaceous figure, framed by the thin fabric of her attire, was a sight that would make any human¡ªor demon¡ªlose theirposure. Aengus felt the heat of temptation rise, but he decided to observe her next move, curious to see how far she would go to assert her demand. Be closed the distance between them, her steps slow and deliberate. Her charm radiated like an irresistible aura, her every movement graceful and brimming with temptation. She swayed her hips hypnotically, her sultry gaze never leaving his. If it had been any other man, they would have already sumbed, rushing to im her and melting into her inviting embrace. But Aengus, everposed and teasing in his own right, remained still, his piercing gaze locked onto hers. Be smirked at his restraint. She leaned closer, her breath brushing against his ear as she whispered, "Let''s see if you can resist me any longer, my dear husband..." The game of seduction had only begun, and Be was determined to win. But to her delight, she was well aware that she wouldn''t have to wait long. Be smirked triumphantly as she watched Aengus''posure begin to falter, the beast within him surfacing. Her hands moved deliberately, tugging at the ties of her nightgown, letting it slide off her shoulders in an agonizingly slow reveal. Her soft, smooth skin and the twinkle in her purple eyes were a seductive mix that left Aengus entranced. As the delicate fabric fell to the floor, leaving her bare under the dim light of the room, Aengus let his control snapped. The weight of her allure and the desire that she had ignited within him overcame any restraint he had left. With a deep growl, Aengus closed the distance between them in an instant, pinning Be firmly onto the plush bed. Her breath hitched as his overwhelming presence engulfed her, but she weed it with a coy smile that turned into a gasp as their passion ignited. Be''s initial cry, a mix of pain and pleasure, echoed softly in the room as they finally united, their souls and bodies entwining in a moment they had both longed for. The night became theirs, filled with unspoken emotions and desires unleashed, marking the beginning of a bond that could never be undone. Chapter 273 Attack On Crimson City The next day, Aengus issued a decisive order to his army: they were to march toward Crimson City. The demon minions, now bolstered by captured humans from the Dragon Empire, obeyed without hesitation. A shared sense of purpose seemed to unite them, even if some still harbored quiet reservations about their new leader. However, the announcement came as a shock to Belial and a few other higher-ranking demons. It didn''t take long for Belial to understand Aengus'' intent. A cunning smirk spread across his face as he realized the boldness of the n. "Crimson, your time hase," Belial muttered to himself, the memory of his separation from Be''s mother shing through his mind. Crimson had yed a significant role in that painful chapter of his life. Watching Aengus bring him to ruin would be a satisfying reckoning. Belial also felt a surprising swell of pride. Apanying his son-inw on this conquest wasn''t just about vengeance¡ªit was a chance to witness firsthand the rise of someone who could one day reshape the very fabric of their world. And so, as the army began its march, Belial''s smirk turned into a grin. This was going to be entertaining. Aengus, apanied by Aria, Be, Sen, Sienna, Gourmond (leader of the Lizard Tribe), Butler Yu, Vespera, and Duke Belial, rode together atop a massive flying demon. The demon, Gabi, had undergone an incredible evolution, now resembling a Nine-Headed Hydra with enormous wings. Its powerful presence alone inspired awe and fear, a fitting mount for such a formidable group. Be winced slightly as they soared through the skies, drawing Aria''s concerned gaze. Aria quickly realized what must have transpired the previous night, and her cheeks flushed at the thought. So that''s why she''s sore¡­ Aria thought to herself, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and quiet eptance. She foundfort in remembering that she had experienced Aengus'' first kiss and union, a memory she cherished deeply. What Aria didn''t know, however, was just how many "firsts" Be had imed during the wild, passionate night. Be, with her subus heritage, was well-versed in the art of seduction. She had introduced Aengus to a variety of intimate techniques, indulging in her desires to the fullest and leaving both of them thoroughly satisfied. The difference between the two women couldn''t be more striking: Aria was tender and obedient, while Be was fiery and unrestrained. Despite their differences, both shared an undeniable love and respect for Aengus, creating a dynamic that was as unique as it was harmonious. Aengus remained calm and intensely focused on the mission ahead, a trait that Be and Aria deeply admired. Despite the intimacy they shared with him, his ability to prioritize the mission and his responsibilities only strengthened their feelings for him. Behind them, a terrifying procession of over 30 million demon minions marched like an unstoppable wave of destruction. Their ranks ranged from Lesser Demons to Archdemons, a force that could instill fear in even the mightiest of Dukedoms. However, whenpared to Demon Lord Crimson''s near hundred-million-strong army, the odds seemed daunting, if not impossible. Among the ranks of nobles trailing at the back of the Liberation Army, murmurs of discontent began to stir. "Tsk, I knew this Son-In-Law was going to lead us to our doom. How can we possibly stand a chance against Crimson''s army with only thirty million troops? This leader is nothing but an ignorant fool, drunk on ambition," one disgruntled noble demon grumbled, his face contorted with displeasure. "Hey, are you trying to get us all killed, you idiot?" hissed another, a massive demon hound that trembled as he spoke. "If the Lord hears your insolence, you''ll be executed on the spot!" "Hmph, let him hear... Who''s afraid of who? We''re all going to die anyway," the noble replied in resignation. Simr discussions were happening secretly in various parts of the ground units. Aengus picked up on these conversations with his heightened senses but had no intention of intervening as long as the nobles didn''t disrupt the order. He hoped that, with time, their opinions of him would change. Otherwise, very was the other option that awaited them if they dared to rebel. After a few hours of journey, Aengus finally saw the towering, menacing, fiery walls of Crimson Demon City. The walls were terrifyingly massive, resembling an indestructible fortress built to protect its citizens and solidify Crimson''s rule. Aengus could also sense an army being mobilized just outside the walls. It wasn''t a surprise; they had likely received word of the attack and were preparing for the battle ahead. "Sen, Sienna, tell everyone to prepare for battle without fear!" Aengusmanded firmly, his voice carrying over the roaring winds. "Yes, My Lord!" They nodded obediently. "Are they prepared, Hubby?" Be asked, her eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and concern. "And how many are there?" "At most three times our number," Aengus replied, calm andposed. "But don''t worry about the numbers. We only need to take down their higher ranks swiftly while Aria provides support to our army." Aria, who had been quietly observing, suddenly interrupted, her voice tinged with worry. "Ethan, I''m sorry! But I can''t use my nature powers here. There''s no trace of nature here... It''s barren, and the earth feels... saddened." "Huh... Oh, right," Aengus said, his brows furrowing in realization. "I didn''t consider that." He nearly forgot that the Demon World was devoid of greenery or natural elements, a stark contrast to the human world Aria was ustomed to. "It''s all those Gods'' fault!" Be added, her voiceced with bitterness. Her hatred for the Divine was clear, her demonic heritage fueling her resentment. "Okay, then. You''ll join us too, Aria," Aengus said decisively, ncing ahead at the towering walls of Crimson City. His expression was calm, yet his mind was calcting. "I''ll figure out a way to safeguard the army from any surprise attacks. For now, we''ll focus on the higher ranks." As if responding to his words, the deep, thunderous beats of wardrums and the sharp ring of battle horns echoed through the air. Both sides were preparing for war, their sounds shing like the prelude to an inevitable storm. The Liberation Army rallied with a synchronized rhythm, their war cries growing louder as the sound of their drums intensified. On the opposite side, Crimson City''s forces were equally charged, their horns and chants creating a sinister harmony of defiance. Chapter 274 Aengus VS Crimson Aengus and his wives floated ahead of the Liberation Army, theirposuremanding the respect and awe of the millions behind them. The humans and demons alike, who hade to fear and revere their Lord, watched with bated breath as Aengus moved with calm yet ominous confidence. The opposing forces, though bolstered by numbers nearly threefold, suddenly found themselves questioning their advantage. Before the battle could begin, Aengus raised a hand, and the world seemed to pause. With a flick of his wrist, a portal to his Monster Breeding Space opened behind him. From it, an unrelenting torrent of monstrous forms poured forth like a waterfall, crashing onto the battlefield. The ground shook under the weight of their arrival¡ªferal growls, deafening roars, and unsettling screeches of demonic beasts filled the air. From small, agile predators to towering titanic creatures, the legion of 5 million surged forward, their crimson eyes glowing with primal fury. It was an awe-inspiring and terrifying sight. The enemy''s ranks faltered, their confidence eroded by the sheer scale of the summoning. Their breath hitched as the sky above seemed to darken under the shadow of flying beasts, while the ground trembled with the steps of hulking monstrosities. The opposing demon Generals, positioned atop their battlements, could hardlyprehend what they were witnessing. "How is this possible?" one of them whispered in disbelief. "He''s not even a full demon¡ªwhat kind of ability is this?" another muttered, their voice quivering. Their terror grew as their gaze shifted back to Aengus, the figure who had summoned this hellish army. His aura, though distinctly human in appearance, was darker and more menacing than any demon lord they had ever encountered. For the first time, they realized the grim truth. The man at the forefront wasn''t just leading the charge¡ªhe was the harbinger of annihtion. "Silence!" The booming voice echoed across the battlefield, silencing the fear-stricken army of Demon Lord Crimson. Emerging from the ranks, the imposing figure of Demon Lord Crimson strode forward, his towering skeletal form radiating menace. Aengus turned his attention to the fiery demon lord. Stay connected with m-v l|e''-NovelBin Demon Lord Crimson form was a terrifying sight¡ªa humanoid giant skeleton, his body engulfed in swirling crimson mes that danced menacingly across his charred bones. His rusty armor nked with each step, giving him a haunting presence. Two massive horns curved outward from his skull, making his fiery gaze all the more chilling. Despite his grim and somewhat unconventional appearance, Aengus could sense the raw power emanating from him. "So, you''re the one foolish enough to challenge me," Demon Lord Crimson growled, his fiery eyes narrowing as he studied Aengus. Aengus smirked, unfazed. He had expected a different kind of demon¡ªa hulking, muscr figure brimming with physical dominance. But instead, he faced a burning skeleton d in tattered armor. However, appearances could be deceiving. A quick nce at Crimson''s stats confirmed his strength: over 40,000 in every attribute. Crimson wasn''t just a show of fire and bones¡ªhe was a genuine threat. As the 87th-ranked member of the Demon Lord''s Council, he was a figure of notable power and reputation. But Aengus remained unfazed, his confidence unshaken as he recalled his recent growth. His stats had already surpassed 48,000 due to his clone''s hunt the previous night. "Well, well," Aengus said, his voice calm andced with confidence. "I expected more from the 87th seat. I''ll admit, though, your fire abilities are mildly amusing." Crimson roared in fury, the mes engulfing his skeletal form ring brighter. "You dare mock me, whelp? You''ll burn to ash before the might of my power!" As his rage fueled his fiery aura, Crimson''s burning gaze shifted past Aengus andnded on the figure of Duke Belial standing just behind him. "Haha... So it''s you, Belial," Crimson sneered. "How dare you betray me! I''ll burn your seven generations to ashes for this treachery!" Belial stepped forward with a calm smile, exuding confidence. "Lord Crimson, it''s good to see you again," Belial said mockingly. "But I''m afraid your end is near¡ªat the hands of my Son-In-Law." His tone carried no fear, only certainty. Crimson''s fiery eyes narrowed as he processed the statement. "Your Son-In-Law? A human?" Heughed scornfully, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "Have you forgotten, Belial? Your wife was banished from this world. This so-called ''Son-In-Law'' will suffer the same fate¡ªreduced to nothing but ash!" "Oh, see, Aria, how ugly this bag of bones is. We shouldn''t even need toy eyes on him," Be said, stepping forward with Aria, her voice dripping with disdain. Aria, ever the quieter of the two, nodded in agreement but red at Crimson with equal hatred. Be, emboldened by her faith in Aengus'' strength, dared to mock the Demon Lord face-to-face. "Rumble!" The continent itself trembled as Demon Lord Crimson unleashed a wave of primal rage. "You... You''re all dead!" Crimson''s voice roared like thunder as his fiery aura intensified, setting the battlefield aze. Each of Crimson''s massive steps sent shockwaves through the ground, erupting into volcanic explosions. The fiery ash pouring forth was so potent it even began scorching the very fabric of space itself. However, only Aengus could see how the spatial fabric was rapidly regenerating before it could fully tear. Aengus shielded his side army from his killing aura, while enemy side died hundred thousand like a gue of death that burned their very souls. "Be, Aria, handle the others. I''ll finish him off swiftly," Aengusmanded, stepping forward and drawing his God yer Sword, its de gleaming with a dark, ominous energy. "Take him down, Darling!" Be cheered, blowing him a yful kiss while secretly praying in her heart for his victory. Aria simply sped her hands together in silent support, her determined gaze fixed on her husband as he approached the towering Demon Lord Crimson. "Let''s take it to the sky, Crimson!" Aengus dered withmanding authority, his voice echoing across the battlefield. Without waiting for a response, he tore through the space with sheer force, creating a rift that shimmered like shattered ss. In a sh, he grabbed Demon Lord Crimson by the shoulder, his grip unyielding and merciless. Before Crimson could retaliate, Aengus yanked him upward with the ease of lifting a ragdoll, the massive skeletal form of the Demon Lord dragged into the sky like a powerless weight. The air itself seemed to quiver as the two ascended, their battle promising devastation far from the armies below. Chapter 275 Victory While suspended in the fiery skies, Aengus cast his Blessing Skill, a wave of radiant energy descending upon his army below. The effect was immediate¡ªhis subjects felt their strength surge, theirbat abilities magnified manyfold. "This should make fair in the ying field," Aengus muttered to himself, his focus on Crimson in his grip. He knew this decisive battle would soon be over. However, his hand burned painfully as he continued to clutch Crimson''s fiery skeletal form. The intense heat scorched his flesh, yet he held on, his will unwavering. "Roar!" Crimson roared in fury, his voice shaking the heavens. In an instant, his entire body was engulfed in an inferno of Crimson Fire, the mes erupting with such intensity that they illuminated the battlefield like a miniature sun. Aengus released his grip and backed away slightly, his eyes narrowing as Crimson entered a berserk state. The inferno expanded outward in waves, painting the sky in hues of blood-red mes, creating a horrifying tsunami of destruction. "Such theatrics," Aengus muttered, unfazed but cautious. With a flick of his hand, he casted the Reflective Scales (SS) from the Basilisk, his body shimmering with a mirrored armor that deflected any iing attack. He knew that despite his higher stats, even he wasn''t invincible against the raw elemental fury of Crimson''s fire. From within the inferno, Crimson''s voice thundered. "You will burn in my mes, human!" "Die!" But Aengus merely smirked, gripping his God yer Sword tighter. With a deep breath, he activated Divine Boost, a golden aura enveloping him as his power surged even further. Hisbat prowess now eclipsed Crimson''s entirely, making his dominance undeniable. "You had your turn, Crimson. Now, it''s my turn." Aengus lunged forward, his de slicing through the fiery waves with precision, aiming directly for Crimson''s core. "BOOM!" "Crack! Crack!" "Argh! Damn.. Human!" --- Below, the battlefield was bathed in an eerie reddish glow, a result of the earth-shaking duel raging in the sky between Aengus and Crimson. The air was thick with tension and the sh of steel, as the forces of the Liberation Army engaged the legions of Demon Lord Crimson. Amidst the chaos, Aria, Be, Belial, Sen, and Sienna tore through the ranks of enemy Demon Generals and Archdemons with deadly precision, cutting down their foes like they were mere paper. Be was a whirlwind of destruction, her deadly charms and curses weaving chaos among her enemies. Her raw physical strength, now surpassing that of ordinary Demon Generals, made her a force to be reckoned with. She tore off heads and limbs, crushed chests with terrifying ease, and dispatched her opponents with the ruthlessness of a merciless queen. Aria, by contrast, was a graceful assassin, her movements swift and calcted. She was a white blur, gliding across the battlefield, her dagger slicing through the necks of higher-ranked demons as if they were soft tofu. Her strikes were clean, efficient, and left no room for retaliation. From the two''s killing spree, Belial was certain of one thing: Aria was the stronger of the two. It was clear that she had not yet unleashed her full power. Be also acknowledged this fact, which only made her morepetitive. Seeing this, Belial shook his head with a smile as he finished off a Demon General using his superior raw power. "sh!" "BOOOOOM!" Suddenly, a blinding sh of red was followed by a world-trembling explosion. It was the unmistakable sign of a Demon Lord''s fall, sending shockwaves through the battlefield and rming everyone. That extended to other Demon Lords in their own domains. They got signal: A New Demon Lord on the rise. Explore more stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin Belial almost lost his footing, his gaze snapping upward. His mouth fell open in shock as he witnessed a supernova-like explosion high in the sky, hundreds of kilometers above the stratosphere. Even from that immense distance, Belial felt a chilling sensation ripple across his skin, imagining the devastation that would have urred if the explosion had taken ce on the ground. If it had, not only would every living being on the battlefield have perished, but the Dominion of Demon Lord Crimson itself would have been obliterated entirely. The demon minions from both sides were struck with horror, pressing t against the ground from the residual force of the explosion. "What happened?" "Who was the winner?" "Shut it, morons! Of course, our Lord Crimson will win!" "Yes, our Lord is known for his explosive fire abilities. That must be the enemy leader''s demise!" "Lord Crimson is mighty!" "Lord Crimson is invincible!" Cheers andughter erupted across Crimson City''s ranks as they stood, excitement igniting their morale. The demons on Crimson''s side clung to hope, convinced of their victory. Their army still outnumbered the attackers by far, and who else but their formidable Demon Lord could create such a cataclysmic fire explosion? "No, this cannot be. Lord Aengus can''t be dead!" "Keke, he is so powerful. How could he be defeated so easily?" "He is our god!" The confident words of a few unwavering followers echoed among the ranks of the Liberation Army. Yet, despair began to seep into others. Many demon minions and captured humans felt their hearts sink to the bottom, shaken by the possibility of their leader''s demise. But among them, a core group remained steadfast, their faith unshaken. They clung to the hope that their Lord Aengus, who had demonstrated unmatched strength and strategy till now, would emerge victorious from the fiery chaos. "Haha... Look, it''s Lord Aengus!" "Where?" "Keke... See, you fools. Our Lord Aengus is victorious!" The Liberation Army erupted into cheers of triumph and relief as their leader emerged, piercing through the clouds of dark ashes that nketed the battlefield. Hovering confidently, Aengus was surrounded by several massive bones, spinning in a circr motion around him. These were unmistakably the remains of Demon Lord Crimson, now rendered lifeless, eternally silenced by Aengus'' might. The sight revitalized the army, their doubts vanishing like the ashes in the wind. The overwhelming aura of victory filled the air, as the once-unshakable fear gave way to an unrelenting sense of hope and glory. Chapter 276 The Era Of Ruination Aengus floated above the Crimson City''s forces, exuding an aura of divine dominance. His cold,manding voice rang out over the battlefield: "Behold! Your almighty Demon Lord is dead. This will happen to anyone who refuses to surrender!" A wave of defiance erupted from the Crimson City''s forces. "We won''t surrender to a human!" "Never!" Their growls and shouts echoed across the battlefield. To them, surrendering to a human was the ultimate humiliation, an insult to their demon pride. Aengus, understanding their inherited hatred for humanity, remained calm. As Aria, Be, and the others joined him, Aengus'' form shifted. His body expanded and contorted, transforming into a terrifying nine-headed hydra, each head exuding a menacing aura. Gasps filled the battlefield. "What kind of ability is this?" someone muttered in shock. "I hope you don''t confuse by my forms ever again," Aengus growled, his voiceyered with the snarls of beasts. "I am Heaven and Hell¡ªever-changing, eternal." The chilling tone of his words struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. They were forced to remember how their invincible Demon Lord had been effortlessly obliterated. Before long, arge fraction of the enemy forces, overwhelmed by terror, began to kneel in submission. Relief washed over Sen, Sienna, and others in Aengus'' army. They knew the grim fate awaiting those who refused to surrender. Unfortunately that was going to happen right now. Aengus'' sharp gaze focused on the remaining defiant demons, standing proud amidst their fallenrades. "Do you wish to die?" Aengus asked, his voice resonating with an otherworldly menace. Before anyone could stop him, he reached out with an unseen force. Hundreds of reluctant demons were dragged screaming into the void-like maw of one of his hydra heads. The ck hole-like vortex devoured them, their existence erased in an instant, as if consumed by a primordial beast. The battlefield fell silent, except for the rustling of the wind. Aengus reached Level 430, and his aura soared even higher. Avelina, who had formerly served the Dragon Empire, stood speechless among the Liberation Army, alongside the other humans. "Just how far will you go? At this rate, the whole world will be under your feet. I have to beg him for my family''s safety when the timees, " Avelina muttered inwardly. Following that, Aengus epted the surrender of 80 million demons under the Liberation Army. He was hailed as the new Demon Lord of the former Crimson Domain, now renamed the Domain of Ruination. Aengus''s new title became Demon Lord Ruination, a name that reflected his mysterious origin and growing legend. Sen, Sienna, and the othermanders received orders to collect the corpses of the fallen, which would serve to strengthen Aengus and his subordinates further. Aengus didn''t forget to gather the bones of Demon Lord Crimson, intending to synthesize them with Be to enhance her fire abilities and make them even more destructive. Aengus, apanied by Aria, Be, and Belial, was escorted by towering demons through the massive gates of Crimson City. Every guard, child, elderly citizen, and even beggars lowered their heads in submission as Aengus and his group passed through the streets, making their way toward the Demon Lord''s Throne in the towering castle at the city''s center. Belial walked with a satisfied expression, his head held high, feeling a deep sense of pride as he apanied his victorious son-inw. "Whoosh!" Suddenly, a pair of children fell from the top of a building just as Aengus was making his debut known. It was considered a grave disrespect and an act punishable by immediate execution under the oldws of Crimson''s rule. The parents of the children froze in horror, their faces pale and filled with despair as their hearts sank. They knew the harsh traditions, and the thought of their children being executed filled them with dread. The fall was clearly an ident; the children had been curiously watching the procession of the new Demon Lord when they lost their bnce. Gasps rippled through the crowd as everyone turned their attention to the falling children, expecting swift punishment. Aengus, however, moved in a sh. His aura red as he extended his hand toward the children mid-fall. In an instant, a gust of controlled wind cradled the children, gently stopping their descent. He carefully lowered them to the ground before they could even graze it. The crowd was stunned, and whispers filled the air. "H-He saved them..." "The new Demon Lord is merciful?" "Such power... andpassion?" Aengus walked toward the trembling demon children, who stared at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "Children should not bear the burden of fear in my domain," he said calmly, his voice resonating with authority and unexpected warmth. Turning to the parents, who were already on their knees sobbing in gratitude, he continued, "Your children are safe. But teach them caution in the future." The parents bowed deeply, their voices shaking. "Thank you, Lord! We will never forget your mercy!" Aengus raised his head, addressing the entire city. "Thews of the past are no longer absolute. This domain will no longer thrive on fear and cruelty. Absolute strength and unity will guide us forward!" Aengus dered firmly. Though his words were crafted to leave asting impression on the people, he meant every one of them. "Thanks to Lord Ruination for freeing us from the tyrant!" "May our lord have endless glory!" The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices filled with newfound hope. The fear and uncertainty that had gripped them moments ago melted into admiration and awe for their new ruler. Aria and Be exchanged warm smiles, their eyes reflecting a mix of pride and tenderness. Aengus'' act ofpassion stirred their hearts, especially now that they were both about to carry the hope of their own children within them. As they stood beside Aengus, they couldn''t help but picture a bright future where their children thrived in a world their father was Creater¡ªa world built on strength but bnced with fairness and care. Belial smirked, observing his son-inw. His calcted disy of power and mercy had not only subdued the popce but also earned their unwavering loyalty. "Not bad, Son-In-Law," Belial thought to himself. "You''ve mastered the art of ruling¡ªstrength tempered withpassion. This domain will soon flourish under your reign." With the crowd cheering louder, Aengus raised his hand, signaling to quiet down. "Now, let us move forward together," he dered. "This is the dawn of a new era¡ªthe Era of Ruination !" Chapter 277 Bella, Queen Of Destruction Demon Lord Crimson had no legitimate offspring or consorts, which made the takeover of the Crimson Fortress seamless. The massive Crimson City, now under the banner of the Domain of Ruination, became home to the hundred-million-strong demon army. The Crimson Castle itself was a marvel of demonic architecture, a towering fortress standing 500 meters high and sprawling across 2,000 meters. Its ckened spires and fiery aura symbolized the dominance it once held over thend. As a gesture of honor, Aengus allocated luxurious residences within the castle to his high-ranking subordinates. Those who had demonstrated loyalty and exceptional contributions during the campaign were rewarded generously, cementing their allegiance to their new lord. The day was spent rooting out any lingering discontent among the remnants of Demon Lord Crimson''s forces. Aengus ensured no rebellious elements would disturb the fragile peace within the city. By evening, the heavy work of consolidation wasplete, and Aengus finally had a moment of respite. In one of the castle''s two master bedrooms, newly redecorated to reflect their tastes, Aengus'' original body rxed with Aria. The room was an elegant mix of dark crimson and emerald hues, with intricate carvings of nature and destruction intertwining in symbolic harmony. Aria, seated gracefully by the window, gazed out at the glowing city. "This fortress... it feels more like home now," she murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips. Aengus leaned back against the intricately designed headboard, his dark eyes watching her. "This is temporary, my wife ¡ªI will create a haven for those who follow us and a nightmare for our enemies." Aria turned to him, her emerald green eyes shimmering. "And what about us, Husband? Will there truly be a world where we can raise a family? Where peace can coexist with power?" Aengus reached for her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I will make it so, Aria. For you, for Be, for everyone who believes in this vision of peace through Liberation." As the evening deepened, the quiet of their chamber offered a brief escape from the chaos and responsibilities of their growing dominion. --- In another master bedroom, Aengus and Be were intertwined on the luxurious bed. "You''re really amazing out there, hubby," Be purred, her voice dripping with admiration and mischief. She straddled Aengus with a teasing, seductive posture, a yful smile gracing her lips. "Let me have a taste of you once again." Aengus smirked at her, a glint of challenge in his golden eyes. "Looks like you''ve forgotten what happened thest time, mydy." With a swift move, he reversed their positions, pinning her down firmly by her waist. Be''sughter echoed, filled with excitement. "Hehehe... I''m already craving for it, actually. Let your inner beaste out, my dear husband," she whispered coyly from beneath him, her eyes half-lidded with anticipation. But then Aengus suddenly froze, his gaze snapping to the door. "What''s wrong?" Be asked, confused. Her yful demeanor faded into curiosity as she followed his line of sight. Without hesitation, Be activated her Eyes of Curse on her forehead, revealing what¡ªor who¡ªhad caught Aengus'' attention. "BIBI!" Be''s voice thundered through the room like a storm. "Aiya!" Bianca, Be''s younger sister, stood frozen just outside the wooden door, her face pale with shock. She had been eavesdropping on their conversation, curiosity clearly getting the better of her. "Sorry, sorry, Sister!" Bianca stammered, her tone frantic as she backed away. "I just got lost in this enormous house. I''m leaving now, I promise!" Her words tumbled out in a rush as she turned to flee, fully aware that if Be caught her, she would face a scolding¡ªor worse, one of Be''s notorious "lessons." Be groaned in frustration, her head falling back against the pillows. "That little brat..." Aengus chuckled softly, climbing down from the bed to stand barefoot on the cool floor. "She''s still just a kid," hemented with a shrug, his tone more amused than annoyed. "Kid or not, she''s asking for it," Be muttered, crossing her arms with a pout. "And where are you going?" she asked, narrowing her eyes as Aengus stood and turned away momentarily. Without a word, Aengus reached into his pocket space, retrieving the Essence Bones of Crimson, their fiery aura still emanating faintly. The massive relics floated before him, pulsing with raw power. Be''s pout vanished as she saw the bones. Her eyes widened in recognition of what he was nning. "Come here, Be," Aengus said, gesturing to her with a calm yetmanding tone. "I didn''t get the chance to give you this earlier with all the chaos we''ve been through." Be stepped forward cautiously, her dissatisfaction from earlier fading into curiosity. "I have no problem taking them," Be said softly, cing a hand on one of the glowing bones. "But are you sure you don''t need them to grow stronger? I don''t want to slow down your progress, darling." Aengus smiled, pleased with her thoughtfulness. "It''s fine," he reassured her. "I''ll use the corpses and demon cores we collectedter tonight. I have plenty to work with. These bones, though¡ªthey''ll be far more useful for you. Crimson''s fire abilitiesbined with your Phoenix Fire will make you unmatched in destructive power." Be''s cheeks flushed slightly at his words, a mix of gratitude and determination swelling in her chest. She nodded firmly. "Thank you, darling. I won''t waste this gift." She stepped closer to the massive bones, her fingers brushing against them lightly. She felt the searing energy within, a power that could reshape her abilities entirely. Aengus watched her, his dark eyes warm. "This will help close the gap between you and Aria. Perhaps not entirely, but enough to show your strength as one of my queens." Be''s lips curved into a small smile. "I''ll make you proud," she said, cing her palms t against the fiery bones and closing her eyes as she prepared to merge with them. With Aengus''mand over Universal Synthesis , the room lit up with a crimson and golden glow as Be began absorbing the essence, her body radiating an intense heat that rivaled the power of the sun. Aengus stepped back, his arms crossed as he observed, confident that Be would evolve stronger than ever. Chapter 278 Birth Of New Demon Lords Very soon, Be emerged from the cocoon of energy as if reborn. Her appearance had undergone subtle yet striking changes. The edges of her purple hair now glimmered with fiery hues, like embers smoldering on silk. Her eyes shimmered with a faint sheen of scarlet, glowing with newfound intensity. Though her figure remained as beautiful as before, the aura around her was entirely different¡ªher passion and newfound strength unmistakably radiated through her burning gaze and striking red lips. Be''s power level had soared to Level 180, and she now wielded the Crimson Annihtor Bloodline, a unique fire-based inheritance born from her merger with Demon Lord Crimson''s essence. Her raw stats had surpassed even Aria''s, because of her demonic heritage, which Aria rejected. Aengus gave an approving nod, his golden eyes appraising her transformation. "You''ve surpassed my expectations, Be. Your new strength suits you perfectly." "Hehe..." Be smiled, her confidence brimming. "Thank you, hubby. I feel like I could burn the heavens themselves if you asked me to." Aengus chuckled softly. "Save that fire fortter, my love. With this power, you''ll lead others with the force as one my queens." Turning his thoughts toward the future, Aengus considered his next steps. He had a few millions of demon corpses stored in his space, each brimming with potential for growth. Tomorrow, he would select a few of his most trusted subordinates and grant them the chance to ascend to Demon General or even Demon Lord levels, strengthening his rule and solidifying his dominion over the Domain of Ruination. The room radiated a soft, fiery glow as Be flexed her newfound powers, creating a brief but intense heatwave. It was as if she had transformed into a miniature sun, her auramanding attention. But just as quickly, Be reined in her abilities, her scarlet eyes locking onto Aengus with a mischievous gleam. She leaned forward, her smile sultry and teasing. "Come, hubby. Let''s continue where we left off. I want your baby in my stomach as soon as possible," she said, her tone dripping with seduction, her demeanor reminiscent of a subus. Belial and Vienna had strongly suggested to Be the importance of having a child as soon as possible¡ª to secure her position. In the demon world, pure bloodlines mattered immensely¡ªa child born of a powerful bloodline could inherit extraordinary talents and abilities, inheriting not only Aengus'' legacy but also Be''s father''s family position in the hierarchy of power. Be, too, was deeply tempted by the idea. She knew Aengus had long desired to have a family of his own. Despite his focus on war and conquest, she could see the longing in his eyes whenever they spoke of the future. She already started the contest to have his child first. And who knows, Aria might be having the same gift nned in mind for Aengus. Aengus shook his head with a chuckle, leaning closer. "You''re insatiable, Be. But... I can''t say no to you. You''re that exquisite after all," he replied with a sly grin, sumbing to her fiery passion. --- Late at night... The master bedroom was serene, illuminated by the faint red light streaming through the window. Aengusy beside Be, his arm draped gently around her waist as she slept peacefully, her face glowing with contentment. But not all of him was resting. On the floor, another Aengus (his clone) devoured demonic cores and bodies one after another with voracious intensity. His reflective basilisk scales shimmered faintly under the moonlight as he worked tirelessly, consuming everything with the hunger of a primordial beast. Determination burned in his eyes, cruel and unrelenting. He was driven by a singr purpose: to surpass everyone before the clock ran out on him. Aengus understood all too well that his time in this world might be limited, and he was prepared to sacrifice everything to secure a future for his wives and unborn children. Elsewhere, his two clones prowled the wilderness under the cover of darkness, hunting demonic beasts to fuel their master''s ever-growing power. The 5th clone, cloaked in secrecy, patrolled the streets of the Crimson City, ensuring peace and rooting out any remnants of disloyalty among the popce. Aengus'' mind was always at work. Whether awake or asleep, his body had split into many parts that relentlessly pursued his goals. ---- "L-Lord, why are you here?" Sen stammered, startled by Aengus'' unexpected arrival at the military quarters. Sienna looked equally surprised, her usuallyposed demeanor faltering for a moment. Aengus gave them a warm, reassuring smile, his presencemanding yet calm. "Nothing too serious. I simply came to reward the two of you for your contributions," he said, lowering himself to sit casually by the campfire where they were diligently managing security details. Sen and Sienna exchanged nces, a mix of confusion and anticipation in their expressions. "R-Reward, my lord? You honor us too much," Sienna replied, bowing her head slightly. "We only did our duty." Aengus waved off the formality with a chuckle. "Duty or not, you both went above and beyond in ensuring the sess of this battle. You have worked hard and that deserves recognition." Sienna straightened, her chest puffed slightly with pride, feeling contentment at getting his recognition at least. The idea of attaining his love had long been buried in her heart. "It is our greatest honor to serve you, Lord Aengus." "Still," Aengus continued, his gaze softening, "I don''t want my people to feel unappreciated. The two of you have consistently proven your loyalty and strength. It''s time I ensure that strength grows even further." Aengus quickly initiated the synthesization process, ensuring no one could see or sense anything. It was as if the area was cloaked in invisibility, shielding the transformative event from prying eyes. When the process wasplete, the results were astonishing¡ªboth Sen and Sienna had ascended to the Lowest Demon Lord level, surpassing level 100. Their newfound power radiated from them like a zing inferno, filling the air with an oppressive yet awe-inspiring energy. This feat was nothing short of revolutionary. Throughout the entire history of the demonnds, there had never been more than 99 Demon Lords at any given time. The limitations of resources, bloodline purity, and natural restrictions had kept this number constant for centuries. Yet, Aengus had shattered this unspoken rule, creating two new Demon Lords from his subordinates¡ªbeings blessed with both human potential and demonic power. The realization struck Sen and Sienna with overwhelming emotion. They fell to their knees before Aengus, their heads bowed low. "Lord Aengus," Sienna began, her voice trembling with gratitude, "Yourpassion and generosity are unparalleled. For elevating us to such heights¡­ We owe you everything." Sen, equally moved, added, "We swear on our lives to serve you, eternally and without question. Your will is ourmand." Aengus smiled faintly, brushing off their gratitude with a nonchnt shrug. "Rise. Your strength is not just for me; it''s for the betterment of our army. Lead them well, and continue to grow stronger." With that, Aengus left them, his mind already focused on the next task. He moved to strengthen other worthy subordinates, ensuring his forces were filled with unprecedented powerhouses. Each new ally elevated meant another pir of support in the empire he was building¡ªone that would stand unshaken in the face of any threat. Chapter 279 A Unexpected Guest By the dawn of the next day, Aengus had achieved a monumental feat: the creation of five Demon Lords within his ranks. These included Gormound, the formidable leader of the Lizard Tribe; Gabi, the Nine-Headed Hydra; and The Wolf King, a ferocious and cunning ruler of his kin. Each of them now stood as newly minted Demon Lords, their power levels and auras unmatched in their respective realms. In addition to the Demon Lords, 14 other subordinates had ascended to Demon General level, further solidifying the strength of Aengus'' forces. It was an unprecedented aplishment, achieved in a single night through the consumption of nearly 10 million demon corpses. Aengus himself gained 10 levels, bringing his current level to 444. This,bined with his own efforts hunting high-level beasts in the wilderness, added 4 additional levels, a testament to his relentless drive for power. Now seated upon the Demon Lord''s Throne within the Crimson City (now known as the Domain of Ruination), Aengus surveyed his court. Below before him stood his most powerful subordinates, their loyalty evident in their resolute stances and unwavering gazes. The massive throne room, once shrouded in fear under Demon Lord Crimson''s reign, now hummed with an entirely different energy¡ªone of anticipation and ambition. Aengus leaned back on the throne, his eyes glinting with a mix of satisfaction and determination. His subordinates were stronger than ever, his domain was expanding, and his ns for a unified, fearsome empire were taking shape. "Report," hemanded in a calm, authoritative tone. Gourmond, now in human form, stepped forward first, bowing slightly. "My Lord, the integration of the remaining forces is progressing well. Most have pledged loyalty, though a few pockets of resistance remain in the outer territories. They will be dealt with shortly." Aria and Be sat beside the throne, radiating strength and elegance, silently observing the proceedings. Sen, Sienna, and the new Demon Lords stood at the ready, awaiting their assignments. Aengus nodded. "That''s good. Begin fortifying the borders of our domain. I want no surprises like Crimson. As for those resisting... they''ll serve as good nourishment for our continued growth." "As you wish, my lord!" Sen, Sienna and other subordinates responded in unison, their voices echoing through the grand hall. Belial stood to the side, his expression calm but his heart filled with satisfaction. Watching his daughter Be sit proudly beside Aengus as a queen brought him a sense of aplishment. Though he had once feared for her future, it was now clear that she had chosen a husband destined for greatness¡ªone who would not only protect her but elevate her to unimaginable heights. Aria and Be, seated near the throne on opposite sides, exchanged nces. Despite their contrasting personalities and asionalpetition, they both shared a deep love and admiration for Aengus. Their eyes met briefly, and a soft, knowing smile spread across their lips¡ªa moment of unspoken solidarity. Aria leaned slightly against her armrest, her sharp gaze scanning the gathered subordinates. She was constantly alert, ensuring no treachery could arise under their noses. Yet her sharpness softened every time her eyes lingered on her husband, whomanded the room with such ease. Be, on the other hand, exuded a more rxed elegance. She casually brushed a lock of her fiery-tipped hair behind her ear as her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the armrest of her chair. Despite her yful and mischievous nature, her love for Aengus shone through in her supportive gaze. The two women may have had their differences, but in this moment, they shared the same thought: They had chosen the right man to stand beside.. Aengus'' gaze shifted to the old fire demon, whose form was now more humanoid than most others in the court. "So, you''re the butler who used to manage Crimson''s official matters?" he asked, his tone calm butmanding. The old demon bowed deeply and replied, "Yes, my lord. I am called Xander, and I humbly wish to serve you now." "Mm... you''re acknowledged," Aengus said with a nod of approval. Of course, Aengus had already made Xander his ve through Shadow Monarch''s Dominion, ensuring absolute loyalty with no possibility of betrayal. Recognizing Xander''s years of experience, Aengus decided to keep him close to efficiently manage the administration of the domain. "Alright, now let''s discuss the session of the empty seats of twelve Dukes." With Aengus''mand, another thorough discussion began. Xander was entrusted with aiding in the smooth transition of power and overseeing control of the other Dukedoms. The domain consisted of 13 Dukedoms, and Aengus had already taken decisive action to secure his authority. Ten of the Dukedoms were now under themand of newly appointed Demon Generals from his ranks, each selected for their power and loyalty. The remaining three were under the control of Duke Belial with the support of two other longstanding dukes who had sworn their fealty to Aengus without hesitation. It could be said that Belial had gained significantly from his unwavering trust in Aengus. Not only did he retain control over his original dukedom, but he had also been entrusted with managing two additional territories. Naturally, Belial was pleased, his confidence in Aengus''s leadership growing even stronger. With the discussion concluded, the Dukedoms were now properly reorganized and ready to fall fully under the Domain of Ruination''s rule. As everyone began to leave the court, Sen suddenly stepped forward, his expression serious. "My Lord, there''s someone from the Demon Lords'' Council seeking an audience," he announced, his voice cutting through the room. The statement made everyone pause. Aengus remained calm, his face unreadable, but those closest to him¡ªAria, Be, and Belial¡ªvisibly tensed. They all understood the implications of this. The other Demon Lords had undoubtedly received news of Crimson''s defeat and the rise of a new Demon Lord in his ce. "Lord, it would be wise to speak with them peacefully at first," Xander suggested cautiously, bowing slightly as he voiced his advice. Aengus nodded, his piercing gaze shifting outside to the grand entrance of the Castle. "Let them in," hemanded without fear. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 280 To Hero Empire Very soon, a demon with a burly physique, three heads, and dark skin entered the court, walking with an air of arrogance. "Hey, Aengus, your men are useless. They kept me waiting for so long. Kill them first, and then we can begin our discussion," he sneered. "Audacious! Speak respectfully to our Demon Lord! How dare you address my lord so rudely with your meager Demon General-level power?" Gourmond bellowed, his terrifying aura as a Demon Lord shaking the intruder in an attempt to intimidate him. "Haha..." The demon continued tough, seemingly unfazed. "He may be a lord here, but to the Demon Lord''s Council, he is still a nobody," he mocked. "Whoosh!" In an instant, Sen appeared behind the three-headed demon, his de glinting dangerously against the demon''s neck. "Say one more disrespectful word, and you''re dead," Sen said coldly, his tone as sharp as the sword in his hand. The demon gulped audibly, his bravado faltering as fear gripped him. It became clear that each member in the room likely matched or exceeded his own strength. "L-Lord, are you not going to stop him? If something happens to me, the entire council wille after you..." he stammered, turning toward Aengus in desperation. Aengus raised his hand, signaling Sen to withdraw. "Just deliver the message you were sent for. You won''t get a second warning," Aengus stated firmly, his voice calm butden with authority. Be''s fiery gaze lingered on the demon, her fingers itching to strike him down. But a subtle nce from Aengus kept her in check, preventing any impulsive action. Sen backed off instantly and the informant exhaled shakily in relief. Quickly, he pulled out a scroll made of fine cloth, no longer daring to waste any more time. By the decree of the Seven Primordial Ones, you are hereby invited to the Demon Lord''s Council meeting three days from now. We hope your lordship will grant us your presence regarding the Great War of Conquest in Solis. //Council Staff// The informant read the message aloud, ensuring everyone in the court could hear the summons clearly. The letter made it evident that this was not just an invitation but a summons to join the council and participate in their grand war efforts. "May I take my leave now, Lord Ruination?" the informant asked cautiously, his tone now steeped in respect. "Scram!" Aengus''s voice thundered as he snatched the scroll from the demon''s hand through an invisible force, causing the informant to stumble backward before hastily exiting the court. Aengus unfolded the scroll, scanning its contents carefully. Hidden within was a small, intricate device¡ªa spatial gateway activator designed to transport him directly to the meeting in three dayster. He held it between his fingers, his expression unreadable, while his court remained silent, awaiting hismand or reaction. "Alright, everyone, disperse and report from your positions frequently," Aengusmanded after a pause. The court members began to leave, while Aria and Be lingered behind, their gazes fixed on the device left by the informant. "Hubby, this could be a trap as well," Be muttered cautiously, examining the artifact closely. "Yes, you don''t need to go, husband," Aria added, her voiceced with worry. "No, that''s a bad idea, daughter. What if they take it as an offense and attack this domain together?" Belial interjected thoughtfully as he stepped closer. "Aengus, you can go, but you need a retreat n as well. You could send one of your clones instead. And don''t forget¡ªyou have my Spatial Teleportation Disk. It should still be with you, right?" Aengus looked momentarily awkward, recalling how he had synthesized the disk into his body for efficiency. Fortunately, they didn''t expect him to return it. "Father-inw, I''ll keep your advice in mind," Aengus replied calmly. Enjoy exclusive adventures from mvl --- "Three days," Aengus thought to himself, a n forming in his mind. "I have three days to make myself stronger, strong enough to face anything thates my way. Once I''m strong enough, I won''t have to worry about their alliance." Yet at his current leveling rate, reaching even level 500 in three days seemed improbable. He needed something extraordinary to bridge the gap. Then a memory surfaced: Saintess Lumenaria''s deal. He had no intention of epting her terms, of course, but the thought of infiltrating her domain and stealing the Divine Essences she had promised reignited his resolve. "Yes..Divine Essence...it could boost my levels byrge margin at once. That''s exactly what I need." Aengus''s main body swiftly switched ces with his clone in the human world aboard the flying warship. "What''s wrong, Your Highness?" General Leon asked, sensing Aengus''s sudden disruption just as the synthesization process ended. General Leon was currently being empowered by Aengus through a magical skill that had his Emperor offered. At first, Leon had been skeptical, but this quickly turned into astonishment as his power began to rise at an incredible rate due to the synthesis of dead corpses. His level had reached 160, a remarkable improvementpared to his past capabilities. General Leon epted the gift with respect as Aengus exined it was a reward for his help and contributions so far. However, despite this newfound strength, Leon remained steadfast in his convictions. He still didn''t want to serve the Liberation Empire, choosing instead to remain faithful to his homnd with honor until his death. "Nothing. I was just wondering, how far is the Hero Empire from here?" Aengus asked, casually shifting the topic. Leon pondered for a moment before replying, "Probably more than 150,000 miles. The ck Ocean lies in the middle, and it''s terrifyingly dangerous to cross by water. But, why his highness asking anyway?" "Just curious," Aengus replied nonchntly. "You can return to your duties, General." Leon nodded and left withrge strides, leaving Aengus to his thoughts. Aengus began searching for the Hero Empire''s exact location in his Spatial Greater Teleporter but was unable to pinpoint it. However, he did find a marked location near the ck Ocean, which would cut the travel distance in half. With calm resolve, Aengus stepped into the portal and vanished without a trace, leaving one of his clones behind to maintain appearances. Chapter 281 King Of The Ocean "Quick, speed it up, youzy fools!" "Yes, Captain!" "Captain, I think I just saw a sea monster!" "Where?" Under the afternoon radiance of the sun . Near the coast of the ck Ocean, at the edge of the Kairos Empire, arge fishing vessel hurried toward the shore. "Buzz!" A portal suddenly materialized in midair, right above the ship''s deck. The shimmering energy startled the crew as they watched with wide-eyed curiosity. "What in the abyss is this?" the captain muttered in bewilderment, his brow furrowed. Before anyone could respond, a figure emerged from the dark portal¡ªa striking man d in sophisticated ck clothing, exuding an aura of authority and danger. The fishermen froze, their awe and fear palpable as they felt an overwhelming presence, as though this man could decide their fates with a mere gesture. Aengus surveyed the area briefly, confirming he was indeed at the edge of the ck Ocean. "Lord, who are you?" the captain cautiously asked, his tone trembling with unease. Aengus gave no response, dismissing the question with a mere nce. They were of no consequence to his mission. Unfurling his majestic dark dragon wings, he soared into the sky with a powerful p that sent shockwaves through the air, rocking the fishing vessel violently. "Captain, he''s terrifyingly strong! If we had offended him, we''d be dead before the sea monster even got to us," one fisherman said, his voice shaking in fear. "But why is he flying over the ck Ocean?" another whispered, staring at Aengus'' confident figure fading into the horizon. "Doesn''t he know this is the domain of the Legendary Kraken? The stories say it will destroy anyone who dares to fly above its head..." The captain and his crew exchanged uneasy nces, murmuring prayers to whatever deities they believed in, hoping the mysterious man wouldn''t provoke the wrath of the ocean''s mythical terror. "Rumble!" Just as Aengus ascended to an altitude of 500 meters above the ocean bed, he unleashed a burst of power, amplifying his speed and aura manyfold. The force of his ascent tore through the skies with such violent motion that it felt as though the heavens themselves might copse under the immense pressure. "Oh heavens!" The fishermen below were struck with terror. The deafening sound of the sky splitting sent tremors through their eardrums, and they fell to the deck clutching their heads in fear. By the time they gathered enough courage to look, the mysterious man in ck had vanished from sight, leaving behind only an ominous tension in the air. "Captain, this is bad... This is really bad," one of the crew whispered hoarsely. "I''ve got a feeling something beyond our understanding is about to happen. Let''s not wait any longer.." --- Aengus sped through the skies, his dark wings cutting through the thick atmosphere with precision. Despite his impressive natural speed, he frowned slightly. It''s not enough. He even activated his mastery over thews of space, bending and folding the fabric of reality topress the vast distance ahead of him. Aengus soared through the darkening skies, his sharp eyes scanning the tumultuous waters below. He was acutely aware of the dangers of traversing the ck Ocean, but fear was not something that could sway him. Instead, his heart burned with determination as he sought the legendary sea monsters rumored to dwell in these depths¡ªbeasts that could fuel his growth and propel him to greater heights. asionally, he would swoop down, capturing higher-level oceanic creatures that ventured too close to the surface. Their struggles were brief, as they were swiftly absorbed into his synthesis process. Each victory brought a subtle yet satisfying rise in his level and power. After an hour, Aengus found himself in the heart of the ck Ocean. The environment was oppressive; the skies above were in constant turmoil, with shes of thunder striking so frequently that they illuminated the sky like a strobe. The waters below churned violently, an endless abyss of dark waves that seemed to reach up, eager to swallow him whole. Evening had fallen, and the fading light gave way to an eerie darkness. The gloom was heavy, the kind that would crush the spirit of an ordinary adventurer. But for Aengus, it was invigorating. This was no mere crossing of a dangerous territory; this was his hunting ground. In the minds of most, crossing the heart of the ck Ocean was unthinkable to many. Find adventures at mvl The Tales of the Legendary Kraken, the King of the Ocean, were enough to deter even the bravest warriors. This ancient, immortal creature ruled these waters with absolute dominance, capable of manipting the ocean itself with terrifying ease. Known for its massive size and overwhelming strength, the Kraken had crushed countless challengers in its long existence. "So, You''re here..." Aengus smirked sensing something downward in the very depth of the ocean. "RUMMMMMMBLLLLLLEEEEEEEE!" A deafening, guttural roar erupted from the depths of the ck Ocean, shaking the very atmosphere. The sound reverberated like a thousand tidal waves crashing simultaneously, a mix of unearthly growls and aquatic vibrations. "SHAAAAAAARRRRGHHHHHH!" The roar crescendoed, echoing with primal rage, a challenge that seemed to ripple through the water and sky alike. The chilling, otherworldly cry was filled with wrath and power, sending shockwaves that caused the surrounding waters to rise in massive, spiraling whirlpools. Aengus sensed massive tentacles, colossal in size, lunging toward him from all directions like the limbs of a monstrous octopus. The sheer scale of the Kraken''s appendages made him seem like a mere insect inparison. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" Aengus retaliated with relentless ferocity, throwing powerful punches and kicks. Each strike was charged with destructive energy,nding with bone-shattering force against the Kraken''s tough, rubbery hide. Tentacles recoiled violently, crashing back into the saltwater with deafening sshes, while others were obliterated entirely under the force of his blows. Shredded remains of the Kraken''s tentacles rained down, apanied by streams of its thick, blue blood. The fluid sizzled like acid as it hit the ocean''s surface, creating hissing steam clouds and a pungent, salty stench that filled the air. Aengus hovered mid-air, his wings keeping him steady amidst the chaotic flurry of attacks, his eyes glowing with unyielding resolve. " Is this all you''ve got, King of the Ocean ?" he taunted to provoke it on the surface. Chapter 282 Slaying The Kraken Just as the sun set on horizon, The Kraken emerged from the depths of the ocean like a nightmare given form, its sheer size dwarfing the horizon. And It''s power level was 423. Its massive, bulbous body shimmered with an eerie bioluminescent glow, pulsating with sickly blue and green hues. The slick, rubbery surface of its hide was adorned with countless scars and barnacles, a testament to its ancient, battle-hardened existence. Its dozen colossal tentacles writhed and coiled like serpents, each one thick as a mountain and covered with rows of glistening, jagged suckers capable of ripping through the toughest armor. The ends of these limbs bore sharp, bone-like hooks, hinting at its adaptability as both predator and destroyer. The Kraken''s central head was nightmarish¡ªa massive, gaping maw filled with spiraling rows of razor-sharp teeth that glistened like obsidian des. Above its mouth, its enormous, glowing eyes radiated malice and intelligence, scanning Aengus with a primal fury. Sprouting from its crown were bony spines, like underwater crowns of coral and bone. Each movement it made churned the ocean into a violent tempest, waves crashing and swirling in chaotic patterns as if the sea itself obeyed its will. The Kraken''s roar was deep, guttural, and reverberating that shook the heavens and earth alike, a sound of pure dominance over its domain. "SPLASH!" The ocean churned violently, responding to the Kraken''smand as if alive, sending towering tidal wavesced with sharp, ded edges toward Aengus. "Whoosh!" Aengus vanished instantly, using the Space Law to dodge the attack effortlessly. Smirking slightly, he decided to escte matters. His form shimmered and expanded rapidly, transforming into his Abyssal Dragon form, now towering over 10 kilometers in height. Scales of molten ck and crimson gleamed menacingly under the darkened sky, glowing faintly like volcanic embers. "ROAR!" "RUMBLE!" A deafening roar erupted from Aengus, shaking the heavens and the sea alike, forcing even the Kraken to recoil momentarily. His abyssal presence dominated the area, sending shockwaves through the ocean and dispersing the storm clouds above. His cold, ruthless dragon eyes locked onto the Kraken like a predator fixating on its prey. The Kraken''s massive, glowing eyes widened in recognition of the sheer disparity in power. Though it was the uncontested ruler of the ck Ocean, the Abyssal Dragon before it was an apex predator, its power eclipsing anything the Kraken had ever faced. For the second time in centuries, the Kraken felt apprehension. Still, it summoned its resolve. First time was with that person who''s name cannot be spoken. "Human, why are you attacking me? What have I ever done to you? I do not even leave the ocean," the Kraken spoke, its voice deep and surprisingly calm, though there was an undercurrent of tension. Aengus let out a deep, rumblingugh, his voice dripping with disdain. "Of course, it''s for your immortal power," he replied. "You''ve hunted countless beings for ages. It''s only fair that you face the same fate. Your time hase, Kraken." The Kraken''s demeanor shifted entirely. Realizing negotiation was futile, its luminous eyes dimmed with grim resolve. "Thene, human. Let us see if your strength is enough to end me." The Kraken''s tentacles unfurled fully, their sharp hooks gleaming ominously, and the ocean around them surged violently in preparation for an all-out battle. The sh of two titans was about tomence. "CRRRRRREEAAAACCCKKK!" The sound of the Kraken''s agonized cry resonated through the heavens and the ocean''s depths, signaling its imminent demise. The battle''s ferocious aftermath left the ck Ocean in chaos. The ground beneath the water cracked and shifted violently, causing colossal geysers of water to erupt skyward. One section of the ocean momentarily drained dry, exposing a barren seabed, only for it to swell monstrously and form tidal waves that towered like mountains. These violent surges created devastating tsunamis that reached coastal areas, triggering earthquakes powerful enough to be felt across distant shores. Nearby fishermen caught in the unexpected chaos had no chance to escape, their vessels capsizing amidst the relentless waves. But in this destion, no human settlements were in immediate danger, as the ocean''s infamous reputation kept civilizations far from its edges. Momentster, as silence began to settle, Aengus''s deep, devouring roar of triumph shattered the stillness. [ MANAS NOTIFICATIONS ] (AN: Tried something new) You have achieved a monumental feat. You have devoured Kraken, King of the Ocean. You have leveled up by 30 levels. Current Level: 474. NEW SKILLS UNLOCKED Passive Skill: Immortal Regeneration (SS) Grants the ability to regenerate cells infinitely, providing immunity to natural aging, and eternal lifespan. Active Skill: Oceanic Domination (SS) Activates the power tomand submission from all lower oceanic creatures within a radius. Active Skill: Thunderstorm Maniption (SS); Enables control over storms, allowing the user to summon lightning and manipte the winds and rain to devastating effect. Active Skill: Storm-Bringer Kraken Transformation (SS) ; Allows temporary transformation into the legendary Kraken, granting unmatched strength and mastery over storms and water. --- Aengus stood over the roiling waves in his Abyssal Dragon form, his powerful frame gleaming with newfound energy. As he reverted to his humanoid state, the ck Ocean calmed under his mere presence, as if bowing to its new master. Plop, plop, plop... Explore more stories with mvl Aengus noticed several curious low-level sea creatures peeking their heads out of the salty waters. Theirrge, curious eyes seemed to marvel at the figure who had in the Kraken, their former ruler. Aengus gave them a fleeting nce but dismissed them just as quickly. Aimlessly ughtering innocents, even sea creatures, held no interest for him. Whether they thrived in newfound freedom or faced fiercepetition for dominance, it mattered little to him. "Boom!" With a powerful sonic boom, Aengus shot into the sky, leaving behind a wake of disrupted water and startled creatures. His destination was clear, and he would not stop until he reached the other side of the ck Ocean where the Hero Empire ruled. --- An hourter, beneath the shroud of night, Aengusnded gracefully on solid ground. The air was crisp, and thend before him bore the faint signs of civilization. He scanned his surroundings, narrowing his eyes as faint traces of human settlement flickered on the horizon. But he had no time for distractions. "MANAS, show me the shortest route to the Holy Cathedral directly ," Aengusmanded calmly. "Yes, Master." The voice of MANAS, his intelligent assistant, resonated in his mind. She began scouring her archives and analyzing the terrain in real time. Chapter 283 Destination: Holy City Momentster, her voice returned, clear and serious. "Master, the shortest route will take you through the dense Linia Forest to avoid the human cities. However, you must be cautious. Several Blessed Sanctuaries guard the perimeter of the Hero Empire, and they are heavily monitored by the Heroic Order." Aengus smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Blessed Sanctuaries or not, nothing will stop me." Adjusting his trajectory, he strode forward with resolve, the night enveloping him in its quiet embrace. Aengus moved like a blur, warping space around him as though he were distorting reality itself with each step. The Linia Forest greeted him with the eerie sounds of nocturnal predators¡ªgrowls of beasts and the mournful cries of night owls filling the air. Suddenly, a piercing cry shattered the ambient chaos. "Help! Save me...please...someone!" Aengus halted abruptly, his gaze snapping toward the source of the voice. There, beneath the shadow of a towering tree, a grisly scene unfolded. A massive bear-like beast was tearing into its prey¡ªa small girl whose legs and waist were already half-devoured. "Ssh!" In an instant, Aengus appeared before the beast, his hand plunging through its skull with brutal precision. The creature''s enormous body copsed lifelessly, blood pooling around its remains. Casually shaking the blood off his hand, Aengus turned his attention to the girl. Her small, frail body trembled, and her wide, desperate eyes clung to him as though he were herst hope. Despite her horrific injuries, she was somehow conscious, her gaze filled with an inexplicable glimmer of hope. Aengus sighed, his usual stoicism giving way to a rare flicker ofpassion. "You''re lucky I''m feeling kind today, little girl." He leaned closer, cing his hand gently on her bloodied head. As his palm glowed faintly, a divine aura enveloped her. The radiance cascaded over her broken form, stitching torn flesh and restoring her mangled body. The girl''s breathing steadied, her injuries fading away as if they had never existed. Her legs and waist regenerated in a fluid motion. Momentster, she sat up in stunned silence, her small hands trembling as she touched her now-recovered legs. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but her words failed her. Aengus stood up, brushing off his hands as though he had merelypleted a trivial task. "Consider it a gift. Now, leave this ce and never return." The girl managed to shake her head, rejecting his advice. "Thank you... Mister. But I can''t do as you say. I have to grow stronger. I-I have to save my mother. Or else, those pdins will execute her soon..." Aengus paused mid-step, his sharp hearing catching the trembling determination in her voice. His dark eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to face her. "What''s your name? And for what offense do they n to kill your mother?" he asked, his tone calm yet edged with curiosity, his brows furrowing ever so slightly. The girl sniffled, wiping tears from her dirt-streaked face. "My name is Lyra," she began, her voice trembling. "The pdins used my mother of being affiliated with a witch. They took her to the capital¡ªthe Holy City¡ªand they''re going to burn her alive tomorrow." Her small body shook with desperation as she crawled closer to Aengus, sping his leg tightly. "Sir... my savior... God... Whoever you''re.. please, lend me your power to save my mother!" She clung to him as though he were herst hope, her tear-filled eyes pleading with a raw determination far beyond her years. Aengus stared down at her, his expression unreadable, though his aura seemed to grow heavier. For a moment, he said nothing, his thoughts churning as he weighed the situation. Finally, Aengus sighed, his cold demeanor softening slightly. "You''re bold for a child, Lyra. And foolish as well. You think you can gain the strength to stand against them in just one night?" He crouched down to her level, his piercing gaze locking with hers. "But your determination¡­ I like it. Come, I will help you save your mother." The little girl, barely ten years old, with dark circles under her eyes, an emaciated figure, and a tattered dress, looked at his kind yet cold face with overwhelming gratitude. Her cracked lips trembled as she spoke. "I will do as you say, my lord. Thank you for your grace. May I know my savior''s name?" Aengus stood up, looking at the horizon as though lost in thought. He replied casually, "There''s no need to know my name, little girl. But soon enough, everyone will know it." Without another word, he began walking toward the Holy City, the girl trailing behind him as his unlikelypanion. --- Aengus had decided to help her not out of sentimentality but convenience¡ªhis destination aligned with hers. Yet, there was something about her desperate face that sparked a faint memory, one that he had long buried. Her face and determination reminded him of his younger sister back in the Primal Realm. Though their bond had weakened over time, he still regarded her as family. That flicker of emotion was enough to sway his cold heart, if only slightly. As they traveled together through the dense forest, the growls of distant beasts and the cries of night owls seemed almost irrelevant. Lyra noticed the terrifying beasts lurking in the shadows of the forest, their glowing eyes fixated on her and her savior. Yet, none dared to approach. They growled softly before retreating into the darkness, as if sensing an aura far beyond their understanding. She nced at the imposing figure walking ahead of her and thought, " It must be him. He''s the reason they''re afraid. The beasts fear his very presence." A spark of hope ignited within her fragile heart. If anyone can help me save my mother, it''s him. Even if it means going against the Holy Cathedral of Gods themselves. What surprised her more was the speed at which they were moving. It felt as though they had taken only a few steps, yet the dense trees of Linia Forest had already given way to open ins. She could see the Holy City looming in the distance, its towering spires illuminated faintly under the moonlight. She blinked in astonishment. " How is this possible?" Lyra thought. " It takes days to travel this far¡­ Is this another one of his powers?" Discover stories at mvl Her gaze shifted back to her savior. His royal demeanor, the confidence in his stride, and the unshakable air of authority he carried all spoke volumes. He hadn''t said much, yet she already felt she could trust him entirely. For the first time in a long while, Lyra felt a sliver of hope¡ªhope that this mysterious man might indeed be the key to saving her mother. Chapter 284 Infiltration Aengus noticed guards in white patrolling the city walls vigntly. Even at night, their security was top-notch, with S-Rank warriors among them. "Lord, how are we going to enter?" Lyra asked worriedly, hiding behind a bush. Aengus unfolded his dragon wings, their sheer majesty leaving Lyra speechless. "Don''t move," he instructed gently. He picked her up carefully and soared into the sky, activating his Chaos Istion Barrier to conceal their presence. Using his mastery of spacews, he effortlessly bypassed the protective barriers around the city. Under the little girl''s incredulous gaze, theynded silently on the rooftop of a civilian house, their descent as smooth as a feather. "Little girl, where is your mother being held?" Aengus asked while scanning the area below with his All-Seeing Eyes. Aengus surveyed the Holy Capital City from the rooftop, his sharp eyes scanning every inch of the area below. The faint glow of divine runes etched across the city walls shimmered in the night, marking the stronghold as a fortress of sacred power. Lyra clung to his arm, still trembling from the surreal experience of flying through the air. Her wide eyes stared at his majestic dragon wings before she managed to stammer, "M-My mother... I think she''s being held in the dungeons beneath the Holy Cathedral. They said... they would burn her at the stake tomorrow during the morning sermon." Aengus furrowed his brows. His All-Seeing Eyes activated, their glow faint but piercing as they scanned the city''syout. He could make out the massive Holy Cathedral in the center, its top reaching toward the heavens. Beneath it, faint energy signatures revealed the existence of subterranean chambers. "Do you think Saintess Lumenaria lives there, little girl?" Aengus asked, gesturing toward the grand cathedral at the heart of the Holy City. It was supposed to be his destination as well, so he decided to confirm. Lyra, though puzzled by the question, answered nheless, "Yes, Lord. She should be... but I might be wrong." "Alright. Stay here. I will bring your mother back to you safely, no worries." "I will be happy as long as you keep your word, my lord. I am willing to wait," Lyra replied swiftly, clutching her shoulders as she shivered in the cold. Aengus nced at her, pity shing in his usually cold eyes. Without hesitation, he retrieved a warm cloak from his pocket space and draped it over her shoulders. Explore more at §Þ?? "T-Thanks..." Lyra felt warmth spread over her, not just from the cloak but from the rare kindness she''d been shown. She looked up at him with gratitude. It was the first time someone had been kind to her since her mother had been taken. Aengus quickly found an empty house nearby and sheltered her there, judging it safer than having her follow him. "What''s your mother''s name again? And how does she look like?" he asked, pausing just before he could leave. "Oh.. yes, Her name is Aliana," Lyra replied, . "She has long brown hair, bright green eyes, and... and she always wears a silver locket with my name engraved on it." Aengus nodded. "Got it. Wait here, and don''t leave this spot." Without waiting for her response, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, heading toward the cathedral. Lyra peeked through the cracked window, watching a fleeting shadow move across the dimly lit streets under the pale moonlight. She clutched the cloak tighter around herself, silently praying for her mother''s safety. --- In his shadow form, Aengus glided seamlessly through the darkness, reaching the outer periphery of the grand cathedral''s towering structure. His keen senses caught movement¡ªa lone pdin heading toward the restroom on the lower level. A faint smirk formed on Aengus'' lips as he locked onto his target. "Bam!" The sharp blownded on the back of the pdin''s head, rendering the S-Rank warrior unconscious instantly. "Thud!" The pdin''s body crumpled silently to the ground. Aengus wasted no time. He grabbed the unconscious man and dragged him into a concealed corner. With a sh of dark energy, Aengus transformed his appearance into an exact replica of the pdin, down to every strand of hair and facial expression. He gripped the Holy Sword tightly, a faint glow of divinity emanating from it, ensuring the disguise was wless. As a final measure, Aengus ced a hand on the pdin''s forehead, using a Shadow Monarch''s skill to extract the man''s recent memories. Images of the cathedral''syout, patrol routes, and the positions of other pdins flooded into his mind. "Perfect," Aengus muttered coldly, his voice now identical to the unconscious man''s. He adjusted his stance, hoisted the Holy Sword, and stepped confidently toward the inner sanctum of the cathedral, blending effortlessly among the guards and Holy knights. "Sir Ashenvale, why did youe back?" one guard asked near the entrance, his toneced with suspicion. "Didn''t you just go to the restroom?" Aengus stopped and turned sharply, fixing the guard with a cold re. "So what? Do I need to answer to you now?" he snapped, his voiceced with the same arrogance and authority as the real Sir Ashenvale. The guard stiffened, breaking into a cold sweat. "Ah, no, Sir Pdin. I was just asking..." "Hmph!" Without sparing another nce, Aengus stormed past them, his high and mighty demeanor forcing the low-level guards to shrink back. As he moved deeper into the cathedral, he encountered severalyers of security. Powerful inspection barriers scanned those entering, verifying their identities through bloodline resonance and divine energy. To Aengus'' satisfaction, he passed through them with ease. His transformation skill and the absorbed memories of the pdin ensured he was indistinguishable from the real Ashenvale. "Fools," Aengus thought to himself, smirking as he strode further into the cathedral. But in the next moment, his expression changed. "Huh, what''s this?" Aengus grew serious as he sensed an intense surge of Divine Energy emanating from somewhere underground. He became more cautious, considering the possibility of intervention from the so-called gods. Though his transformation skill was unparalleled, it was always better to be careful. Chapter 285 Seeing The Saintess Once Again Aengus attempted to use his mastery of spacew to teleport underground, but he quickly realized that powerful wards and divine protections shielded the area, blocking his abilities. He noticed an entrance to the underground chamber guarded by three S-Rank sentinels. "Halt!" the guards barked sharply, raising their weapons to stop Aengus in his tracks. "Sir Pdin, where are you going? You''re not authorized to enter this area," one of the guards warned sternly. Aengus''s sharp eyes examined the door radiating a white divine glow, a clear indication that the area was heavily fortified against any intrusion. "I know the rules," Aengus said smoothly. "I came here seeking an audience with the Saintess. Is she down there?" The guards exchanged wary nces before responding. "No, Sir Ashenvale. The Saintess is not here. Please return to your post," one of them said firmly. "Alright, alright," Aengus replied gruffly, feigning irritation as he turned away, his mind already calcting his next move. Aengus strode through the grand hallways, his sharp eyes scanning for Saintess Lumenaria. She was the only one with unrestricted ess to the underground chamber and held the key to his mission. As he moved, several guards bowed respectfully to him. In their eyes, he was Sir Ashenvale, a revered Pdin of the Cathedral. Passing one chamber, he noticed Holy Knights standing tall and vignt, ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice. Despite their imposing presence, Aengus felt no threat. His wless transformation skill ensured he was untouchable for now. As he continued, his keen gaze locked onto a figure approaching him down the hallway. Elyon, the Hero of Light himself, the one blessed by the Goddess Of Light, wasing his way. Aengus quickly adjusted his demeanor, lowering his head slightly and greeting in a toneced with mock reverence. "Gods bless us, Sir Hero!" Inside, Aengus smirked, mocking the old man he had no respect for. Experience new stories on §Þ?? Elyon stopped briefly, his piercing eyes meeting Aengus''s, though he detected nothing amiss. "Gods bless us, my child," Elyon replied with a curt nod, his voice calm yet authoritative, as he scanned Aengus from head to toe. Aengus knew Elyon was searching for something within his body¡ªa divine seed, they called it, used to verify that no clones or impersonators were present. Fortunately, Aengus had analyzed the seed in advance. It posed no threat to him andcked any brainwashing effects. "Sir Hero, may I know where the Saintess is? I have something important to report," Aengus said respectfully, masking his true intentions. Elyon, finding Ashenvalepletely clean, visibly rxed his posture and replied, "You may seek her audience in the prayer hall." With that, Elyon walked off in the direction from which Aengus hade. "Where is this old man going?" Aengus muttered, his eyes piercing through the walls using his enhanced vision. He observed Elyon heading toward the underground chamber. "Now, why is he going there? Does he have ess to that area as well?" The answer was clear¡ªElyon entered the chamber without any issues. Aengus, still disguised as Ashenvale, pondered this new development. Is Elyon granted temporary permission? Or is there more to his connection with the Cathedral? Despite his curiosity, Aengus maintained his focus. He had already analyzed Elyon thoroughly, ensuring of take Elyon''s form if needed. However, he decided it was wise to consider alternate strategies in caseplications arose. Soon, Aengus arrived at the prayer hall. Inside, Saintess Lumenaria sat gracefully atop the podium, bathed in a radiant divine light, her posture exuding reverence as she faced the statues of the Gods. Rows of Cathedral acolytes and devotees sat neatly behind her, attentively listening to her sermon, their expressions filled with awe and devotion. Aengus needed to get closer to thoroughly analyze the Saintess''s biological structure. Without hesitation, he moved to the front rows. Others remained silent, out of respect for the esteemed Pdin he was impersonating. Saintess Lumenaria noticed his presence and briefly nced back, but said nothing, continuing her sermon. "Gods are eternal, omniscient, almighty figures who created this world together to give us existence," she began, her voice melodious and captivating. "The greatest contributions came from the Nine Primordial Gods. Among them, the Goddess of Light and the God of Darkness yed significant roles in creation. During that time, harmony reigned in the realm of gods. Their kindness toward mortals was unparalleled, and they gifted blessings to the worthy. They are our Father Creators. We should be eternally grateful to them." Her voice enthralled the audience. All, except Aengus, appeared deeply moved, their eyes brimming with reverence. Aengus, however, internally scoffed. You haven''t seen the true depths of the universe, yet you im these gods created the world? Trulyughable! He pondered the im of creation, knowing it wasn''t as simple as the Saintess suggested. In the Primal Universe, even the most powerful Seekers, beings capable of annihting entire worlds with ease, couldn''t im the ability to create a world from nothing. There''s more to this story than they know, he thought, his sharp mind piecing together the ws in her tale. Just then, an acolyte raised a hand and asked, "Saintess, please tell us about the Demon God''s (God of Darkness) banishment from the realm of gods." The request stirred a shift in the room. The Saintess nodded solemnly, her voice taking on a deeper, almost sorrowful tone. "The God of Darkness, once revered as a co-creator alongside the Goddess of Light, fell into corruption. It is said that his curiosity about the void and chaos led him astray. He began meddling in forbidden realms, tampering with the fabric of creation itself. This greed for power and disregard for harmony led to his exile in mortal world and trapped in the Abyss for millennia." She paused, her gaze sweeping across the audience. "From then on, the powerful God of Darkness was hailed as the Demon God. His bloodline rose to power by consuming humans and other creations alike. They brought destruction not only to their own world but also to ours." "Saintess, why are the Gods not intervening now to stop him?" someone asked curiously. Saintess Lumenaria smiled gently, her tone patient and reassuring as she replied, "Child, the Gods are upied with suppressing the Demon God. Without their constant vignce, he would have devoured the world they created with such care and effort. But fear not. In their stead, they have chosen Heroes who wield their divine power to destroy the demons. One day, victory will be ours." Chapter 286 Successfull Impersonation Aengus didn''t know much about the Demon God (God of Darkness), nor did he care. Whoever stood against him would be his enemy. However, he didn''t underestimate the Demon God. If Lumenaria''s words were true, the Demon God was so powerful that even thebined might of all the Gods couldn''t finish himpletely after all this time. From this, it was clear just how terrifying his power must be. Aengus exhaled lightly as he exited the prayer hall, his objective foring hereplete. He swiftly decided on his next move, transforming into the form of Saintess Lumenaria herself. Though he had once been reluctant to use female forms, but as the saying goes, desperate times called for desperate measures. Aengus walked with grace and divine radiance, perfectly imitating Saintess Lumenaria, with a magical staff in hand. "Is someone else inside?" Aengus asked the guards in a soothing, melodious tone. The guards bowed and answered, "Yes, Saintess. Sir Hero Elyon is inside meeting his heir." "Oh..." Aengus feigned intrigue, though internally, he was intrigued for real. So, Valen is not dead after all, he mused silently. "Alright, open the door!" hemanded firmly, mimicking the Saintess''s authoritative demeanor. The guards exchanged confused nces, finding the Saintess''s behavior unusual. Aengus narrowed his eyes slightly, his patience wearing thin as he stared at them. Finally, one guard spoke hesitantly, "Saintess, did you not bring the Divine Key with you? Sir Hero took his key inside..." Aengus masked his frustration with a serene smile. Aengus, maintaining his graceful fa?ade, raised an eyebrow as if genuinely surprised. "Ah, the Divine Key... of course." Internally, he cursed at this unexpected obstacle but didn''t let his expression falter. "I was so preupied with my thoughts that I left it behind. Very well, I''ll wait till Hero Elyon returns." The guards, not daring to question the Saintess, bowed deeply. "As youmand, Saintess." While Aengus waited, he kept a vignt watch with his special eyes to ensure the real Saintess didn''t appear unexpectedly. Fortunately, she did not. Momentster, he noticed Elyon emerging from the underground passageway, which brought a sense of relief. Elyon appeared surprised to see "Lumenaria" waiting outside. "What''s wrong, Saintess? Why are you waiting out here?" Elyon asked, furrowing his brows. "Nothing. I forgot my key. Give me yours, old man," Aengus said, extending his beautiful hand in amanding manner. From the earlier memories he had extracted from Ashenvale, Aengus knew their usual conversational style. Saintess Lumenaria often referred to Elyon as "old man," because of her high rank¡ªsecond only to the Archbishop of the Cathedral. "Ah, sure. Here, take it..." Elyon handed over the key but paused, his suspicion slightly piqued. "But why didn''t you just go retrieve your own key rather than waiting here? And you are done with your Sermon already?" Aengus maintained a calm and collected demeanor as he took the Golden Key. "Yes, the prayer hall is now closed... Now stop being a naggy old man and return to your duties," Aengus said with a dismissive shrug, mimicking Lumenaria''s tone perfectly. He then gestured to the guards. "Open the door." The guards obediently stepped aside and unlocked the entrance, granting ess to the underground chamber. Elyon watched "Lumenaria''s" retreating figure, a faint sense of unease creeping into his thoughts. Something felt off, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint the reason. Shaking his head to dismiss the nagging feeling, he turned and began walking away toward his next destination. --- As Aengus crossed the entrance he sense another strong probing barrier verifying his very existence from Cells to Cells. Luckily, Aengus sessfully passed this one too. This barrier was extremely strong even for him which blocked his All-Seeing eyes and Appraisal eye. Inside was a moderately spacious tunnel with a marble floor that glowed with a soft white radiance. The air was warm, fragrant, and carried a refreshing natural scent that seemed to soothe the senses. As Aengus descended deeper into the tunnel, the scent grew stronger, bing almost intoxicating in its potency. After a while, he emerged into arge, cavernous room. At its center was a glowing pond of murky white liquid, exuding a brilliant divine radiance that lit the chamber like a celestial beacon. The refreshing fragrance of nature was overwhelming here, saturating the space in its purity. Aengus activated his Appraisal skill, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the pond. It was brimming with Divine Essence¡ªa rare and coveted resource. His heart was calm, but a sly grin spread across his face. The sheer amount of Divine Essence left him exhrated, his stomach growled at the sight. "So this is what they hoard from those ''Gods''," he muttered, his toneced with amusement and greed. It dawned on him how stingy Saintess Lumenaria had been earlier, offering such a meager amount of Divine Essence in her rejected deal. But now, seeing the abundance before him, he realized how truly rare and valuable it was. "No wonder they guard this ce so tightly," he mused, stepping closer to the pond. "Oh, you''re here too. How could I forget you?" Aengus''s gaze settled on the figure of Valen, who was meditating near the pond, visibly absorbing the Divine Essence. Sensing another presence, Valen abruptly opened his eyes. His expression shifted to one of surprise as he stood up, a faint blush coloring his face when he noticed the familiar form of the Saintess. "Saintess? You''re here? But... why?" Valen asked, his voice tinged with confusion and reverence. Aengus, still in his guise, smiled faintly, though his eyes gleamed with cold intent. "Oh, I have something personal to handle. Tell me, Valen... do you mind falling asleep for a while, wannabe Hero of Light?" The warmth in his tone disappeared entirely by the end of his sentence, reced by a chilling edge. Valen blinked, bewildered. "What... do you mean, Saintess? I¡ª" Before he could finish, his eyelids began to grow heavy. His vision blurred, and the room spun around him. "What''s... happening to me?" he muttered weakly, struggling to remain conscious. Thest thing Valen saw before sumbing to the sudden drowsiness was a mocking, dangerous smirk on the Saintess''s face. Aengus leaned down, his lips close to Valen''s ear as he whispered with a mix of amusement and disdain, "I told you to follow your own dreams, Valen. Yet here you are, still chasing an empty fate. Your efforts are futile, you know that?" Explore more at §Þ?? With that, Valen fell unconscious, leaving Aengus standing over him with a satisfied smirk. Chapter 287 Imposter Caught When Elyon was heading to his destination, he noticed a group of acolytes sneaking around like mischievous children. His brows furrowed in displeasure, and he strode forward to confront them. "Children, return to your rooms if the Saintess''s sermons have concluded," Elyonmanded strictly, his voice stern. The children jumped in fright, startled like cats caught in the act by Elyon''s silent approach. "S-Sire Hero..." one of them stammered, nervously avoiding his piercing gaze. "The sermons are over? Oh, yes, it''s over, Sir Hero. We''re heading back now," they answered hastily, their tone odd and unconvincing. Without waiting for further questions, they hurried off, disappearing around the corner. Elyon stood there, his frown deepening. "What''s wrong with them?" he muttered to himself, suspicion creeping into his mind. Unable to shake the odd behavior he''d just witnessed, Elyon decided to head to the prayer hall to ensure everything was as it should be. --- Aengus gazed at the small pond filled with Divine Essence, his hunger intensifying as his eyes glowed with predatory intent. Without hesitation, he knelt beside the pond and lowered his mouth to taste the concentrated Divine Liquid. The first drop was mellow and sweet, the richness of its energy surging through him like a wildfire. A smirk yed on his lips. Activating Omni-Devour, Aengus began consuming the liquid voraciously, his thirst for power evident with each gulp. The Divine Essence flowed into him like a torrent, and he felt his body adapting, strengthening at an astonishing pace. His aura surged as his level began to rise rapidly. MANAS NOTIFICATIONS: [ You have levelled up ] [ You have levelled up ] [ You have levelled up ] ..... The Divine Essence, which had been carefully umted over countless ages, vanished at an rming rate, draining away from the Cathedral''s grasp without anyone''s immediate realization. For someone like Valen, it would have taken months¡ªif not years¡ªto absorb even a fraction of the essence, provided his body could endure its overwhelming energy. But Aengus was no ordinary being. His Omni-Devour ability absorbed the Divine Essence at an unprecedented speed, bypassing the limitations of a mortal vessel. Unbeknownst to him, however, his own Chaotic Auratent and insidious¡ªbegan to surge uncontrobly. The more Divine Essence he consumed, the stronger and more erratic his chaotic energy became. The once-serene chamber now pulsed with an ominous and overwhelming presence. It felt as though pure Chaos had descended, corrupting the sanctity of the space. The Chaotic Aura radiated outward, spreading like wildfire. Its undtions reverberated through the underground chamber, triggering tremors that shook the Cathedral violently. Above ground, the clergy and knights stumbled in confusion, their rm growing as the vibrations intensified. "What in the heavens is happening?!" a guard eximed, gripping his weapon tightly as the walls trembled around him. Elyon, still on his way to the prayer hall, halted abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he felt the unmistakable surge of Chaos. "Old man, what is going on?" Just then, Saintess Lumenaria arrived before him ans asked, "Is there some kind of ident?" "Saintess, how are you here?" Elyon asked, momentarily stunned. "Then who was it that entered the underground chamber?" "What do you mean? I''ve been here the whole time..." She paused, realization dawning on her face. "No, please don''t tell me someone used my face to fool everyone..." "Yes, Saintess," Elyon muttered, his grip tightening on his holy weapon. "Someone impersonated you to deceive everyone and steal the Divine Essence. This... this is no ident. Someone is devouring it all as we speak." "sh!" With urgency, he turned and dashed toward the underground chamber, his movements swift and determined. Saintess Lumenaria followed closely behind, her expression grave as she prepared for whaty ahead. --- "Haah..." Aengus straightened up abruptly, his sharp senses instantly detecting the explosive surge of his chaotic aura. It spiraled out of control, threatening to spiral into a cataclysmic force that could annihte the entire Holy City; and perhaps much more, if left unchecked. His breathing was heavy, yet his mind remained calm despite the overwhelming power coursing through him. "Haha, so I wasn''t disappointed after all..." he muttered evilly, ncing at his status. In a mere span of seconds, he had ascended to level 767, surpassing his previous level by over 300 points. His stats had skyrocketed beyondprehension: ? Each Attribute: 75,000+ ? Origin Mana Capacity: Exceeding 1,000,000. The power was intoxicating yet dangerous. His aura radiated in chaotic waves, distorting the surrounding air and causing cracks to appear in the pristine walls of the chamber. Aengus quickly clenched his fists and began to circte his Origin Mana, focusing his mind on regaining control. "Calm down... stabilize..." he whispered to himself. He couldn''t afford to destroy the city¡ªnot yet. Bit by bit, he wrestled the wild energy into submission,pressing his Chaotic Aura until it was contained within him like a raging storm locked in a steel cage. The tremors subsided slightly, though the lingering oppressive force of his presence remained palpable. "Now then..." Aengus smirked, standing upright. "Let''s see how those demon lords stops me now." But just as he turned to leave, his senses sharpened. Footsteps. They echoed faintly, growing louder by the second. Someone¡ªor perhaps multiple people¡ªwas approaching the chamber at an rming speed. Very soon, Elyon and the Saintess came into view. Aengus, however, remained calm despite being caught. He was confident that no one present could stop him unless the Gods themselves intervened. The real Saintess froze in shock as her gazended on the imposter standing opposite her. The resemnce was uncanny¡ªthe same looks, the same build, even the same aura of divine grace. It was as though she were staring at her own reflection in a mirror. "What... is this?" Saintess Lumenaria whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and anger. "You have emptied all the Divine Essence, thief! The Gods will not spare you." Elyon, his holy weapon ready, took a step forward, his expression grim. "Reveal yourself, imposter! Who are you, and why have you desecrated this sacred ce?" Chapter 288 A Small Rescue Aengus tilted his head, a faint smirk ying on his lips as he looked at the two. "Well, well. Isn''t this a touching reunion? But I''m sorry; I''m not in the mood to talk to you two right now. See you, Saintess..." With that, Aengus casually clenched the delicate hand of his feminine disguise, channeling his raw strength. The very air trembled under the sheer weight of his power. Elyon and the Saintess stood frozen, speechless at the overwhelming energy radiating from him. An ominous premonition gripped their hearts. "N-No, don''t..." Elyon stammered, his face pale. Without hesitation, the two fled the chamber, taking Valen''s unconscious body with them in a desperate bid to escape. And then¡ª "BOOOOOOOM!" Aengus''s solid punchnded on the magically reinforced ground, triggering an apocalyptic explosion at the point of impact. The underground chamber was obliterated, reduced to dust and ash in an instant, including the previously formidable barriers. A significant portion of the Cathedral crumbled from the middle, its foundation shattered. The rebound force sent Aengus hurtling into the air, but his powerful defensive skills left him unharmed. Hovering above the Cathedral, Aengus wore an evil smirk as he surveyed the chaos below. "Until we meet again, Saintess. Farewell, for now," he said, waving mockingly at the enraged duo on the ground. As he turned to leave, Aengus noticed a formidable figure approaching¡ªthe Archbishop of the Cathedral, a powerful level-700 elder. Without hesitation, Aengus activated his mastery of spacews, vanishing instantly on the sky. His departure left all the Clergymen, Acolytes, Holy Knights, and Pdins staring in shock and disbelief. "Sinner!" The Archbishop, a seemingly seventy-year-old man with an aura of immense power, barked angrily, his voice echoing through the wreckage after failing to catch the imposter. With clenched fists and gritted teeth, he descended gracefully,nding beside Elyon and the Saintess, his expression dark with fury. "Lumenaria, Elyon, what are you two doing?" he demanded, his voice sharp and usatory. "You couldn''t even catch an imposter? Look at what they''ve done! This ce has been desecrated!" Elyon and the Saintess lowered their heads in shame. But what could they do? The culprit was so strong that they wasn''t even able to see the culprit''s real face. "Find them!" the Archbishop roared, hismanding tone leaving no room for argument. "Whoever it is¡ªmale or female¡ªthey must not be allowed to live aftermitting such a daring and heinous act. How will we show our faces to the world after this?" His gaze swept over the ruins, his anger barely contained. "Remember, this is not just an attack on the Cathedral. This is an affront to the gods themselves. Gather every Pdin, every Holy Knight, everyone. Mobilize the city. I want the sinner''s head!" Elyon clenched his fists and nodded firmly. "Understood, Your Eminence. We will not fail this time." The Saintess looked up, her usual calm demeanor reced with bone-chilling coldness. "I will personally ensure that this imposter pays for what they''ve done. I will not let them sully my name. They will not escape divine retribution." The Archbishop''s eyes glinted with righteous fury as he turned to oversee the mobilization, his presence a towering pir of divine authority amid the devastation. --- Aengus was no longer Aengus¡ªat least, not outwardly. Rather than fleeing the Cathedral as everyone assumed, he had seamlessly slipped into the role of another Pdin, his disguise wless and his demeanor impable. Blending into the frenzied crowd that was scouring every corner for the imposter, he was a ghost among them. No one suspected him. While the others blindly searched for any signs of abnormality that could lead them to the thief, Aengus had a different goal in mind: the rescue of the little girl''s mother. The cells were hidden deep within the Cathedral''s lower levels, an area crawling with guards and under constant surveince. But this only made Aengus''s infiltration more exhrating. His keen senses allowed him to navigate thebyrinthine passages with ease. The panicked chaos caused by the recent explosion worked in his favor, diverting attention and loosening the usual tight security. "Go, find that damn thief. How dare he challenge us?" He passed by groups of Pdins barking orders and Clerics conducting magical scans. None paid him any mind. His stolen identity and the aura of divine authority he carried as a Pdin were his perfect camouge. Finally, Aengus reached the dimly lit corridors of the cells. He activated his Appraisal Eye, scanning each prisoner quickly and efficiently. Most of them were ordinary people¡ªrebels, thieves, or unfortunate souls who had crossed the Church in some way. But Aengus''s focus was singr. He muttered to himself as his gaze swept over the bars, "Where are you,dy? I don''t have all day..." Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a faint life signature in a secluded cell at the far end of the corridor. Aengus used Appraisal and immediately identified the woman. The silver locket around her neck was clearly visible, confirming her identity. "Who¡ªwho are you? I don''t know anything... Don''t hurt me anymore... " The injured woman looked at the unfamiliar young man, fear evident in her trembling voice. "I was sent by your daughter to save you... Now hurry up!" Aengus replied firmly as he began melting the extremely reinforced ck metal bars of the cage, which were inscribed with powerful runes. It struck him as odd. Why was this woman given so much attention, locked away in such a heavily fortified cage? Was it simply because she was affiliated with demons? Even with his Appraisal, the information on her wasn''t enough to rify his doubts. Something about her imprisonment didn''t feel right. The woman named, Amarian was surprisedd by the sheer power of the young man. She straightened her posture, bing worried for her safety. She couldn''t trust a unfamiliar man, just with his mere words alone. Aengus found it troublesome. The woman inside still continued to look at him with a mix of fear and confusion. "I said, your daughter sent me," Aengus reiterated, trying to reassure her. "If you stay here, you''ll rot. So, move. Now." The woman hesitated, her body trembling. "My... my daughter? She''s alive?" "Yes," Aengus replied sharply, keeping his focus on dismantling the cage. "And she''s waiting for you. But if we don''t leave now, neither of you will see each other again." As thest of the cage''s bars gave way, the woman cautiously stepped out, her frail form almost copsing before Aengus caught her arm to steady her. After that Aengus quickly vanished using a space portal. Chapter 289 Summoning The void Bam! Bam! "Open the door!" "Open the door!" "Hey, stop. Can''t you see it''s locked? I don''t think anyone lives here." "No, don''t stop. That thief is so cunning. He could be hiding anywhere. We can''t leave any ce unchecked." Bang! Bang! Lyra was sweating nervously inside as the people outside banged on the door, determined to break in. If this continued, she would be caught and sent to the dungeons like her mother. Her heart raced as she peeked through a crack in the window, searching anxiously for her savior. Whoosh! Plop! Startled by the sudden noise, she instinctively turned around. There, to her immense relief, stood her unconscious mother alongside her savior. "Mother!" Lyra eximed, rushing toward her with worry written all over her face. "We don''t have time for this little girl. Save the tears for now." Aengus said before grabbing her arm. While Lyra was still stunned, Aengus acted swiftly, raising his hand to open a portal and leave the city. "Huh? Spatial Interception?" His attempt to activate the Greater Spatial Teleporter failed, leaving Aengus unable to create the portal. Frowning, he assessed the situation quickly. It had to be either divine intervention or the use of an incredible artifact. There was no other exnation for the sudden restriction. Without wasting time, Aengus switched tactics. Channeling his mastery over Space Laws, he initiated a small-distance spatial jump toward the city''s exit. However, his limited mastery meant he could only traverse 2 kilometers in one leap. The short distance frustrated him, and his thoughts turned briefly to his father-inw, Belial. Whatever materials or technique Belial had used on the teleporter across massive distances effortlessly was something Aengus now greatly curious about. "I''ll have to ask him about itter," Aengus muttered as he prepared for another leap, already thinking about how such knowledge might elerate his mastery over Space. Aengus and the two others moved like shadows, gliding silently through the city as if ghosts passing unnoticed. Lyra, cradled in his protective grasp, remained quiet. She could sense his foul mood, an almost tangible weight in the air. Despite the unease, she was astonished by the sheer scale of power he wielded. One moment he was in the real world; the next, he seemed to vanish into another dimension entirely. Her small frame shivered with awe and envy. Could she ever achieve even a fraction of such strength? The thought lingered in her mind, filling her with both hope and uncertainty. Within seconds, Aengus reached the city wall. But he paused abruptly, his keen senses detecting the vignce of the guards stationed there. Though he could easily annihte the entire city if he unleashed his full power, he hesitated. "I don''t need to harm innocents unnecessarily," he thought, trying to restrain himself. However, the divine barrier before him was unyielding, blocking even his use of Space Laws to slip through undetected. His patience, already thin, was nearing its limit. With every moment that passed, his frustration mounted. "If I am forced to act, I will. For now, let''s break you. Then, we will see who dares to block my path," Aengus muttered under his breath, his gaze turning cold. Lyra shuddered, sensing Aengus''s aura suddenly intensify, the weight of his power pressing down on her. Her eyes widened as she saw ck dragon scales emerge, covering his once-beautiful formpletely. In moments, he transformed into a humanoid dragon, his majestic wings unfurling with amanding presence. Aengus unsheathed his God yer Sword, the de emanating a power so immense it caused the ground beneath him to tremble and crack. His stats surged further, pushing him to a near-unimaginable level of strength. With a stance as steady as a mountain, he aimed his attack at the almost-invincible barrier that sought to trap him. "Voidbreaker sh!" With a roar that seemed to shake the heavens, Aengus swung his de, unleashing the devastating skill that he got from Emperor Kairos. "CREEEEEEEACCCCKKK!" "BUZZZZZZZ!" The translucent barrier groaned in defiance, but it was no match for Aengus''s overwhelming might. At the point of impact, the very fabric of space itself fractured, revealing a terrifying void of eternal darkness. The void growled like a ravenous beast, emitting a horrific suction force that began devouring everything in its radius. Aengus stood firm, his stats nearing 500,000, allowing him to resist the void''s pull. But the surrounding environment was not as fortunate. Several unfortunate guards and buildings were dragged into the void, their screams swallowed by the unrelenting darkness. As the rest of the city froze in shock, unable toprehend the apocalyptic scene before them, Aengus acted swiftly. Shielding Lyra and her mother with his immense power, he disappeared into the night, leaving the devastation behind. The cries of despair and the haunting presence of the void lingered as the once imprable trap shattered into nothingness. The old Archbishop, Elyon, and the Saintess stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the site of destruction. The void had consumed a vast area, leaving a massive, dark sinkhole spanning a radius of 3,500 meters, its edges shimmering ominously with residual chaotic energy. Saintess Lumenaria quickly took action, her hands glowing with divine light as she channeled her energy to elerate the natural healing of the Spatial Fabrics, the protectiveyer shielding the world of Creation from the endless Void. "How... how did he break the Barrier of the Gods?" the Archbishop stammered, his voice heavy with disbelief. His aged eyes, filled with wisdom from decades of experience, failed toprehend the magnitude of what they had just witnessed. Elyon, the Light Hero, stepped forward, his expression grave. "Your Eminence, that... person is far beyond our current strength. Though I couldn''t see his face clearly, I can say with certainty that he was male and someone who knows us¡ªor at least, knows enough to exploit our defenses so perfectly." The Archbishop''s hands trembled, clutching his staff tightly. Elyon continued, his gaze unwavering as he stared at the destruction. "And forgive my boldness, Your Eminence, but his power might even surpass yours. We should pray for ''their'' intervention." Chapter 290 The Secret Plop! Aengus and the two stepped out of the portal, emerging on the edge of the Kairos Empire, where the ck ocean met the grassy shore. The cool sea breeze mingled with the tension in the air. Aengus carefullyid the woman down on the soft ground, his hands glowing with a gentle light as he channeled his healing magic. "Where... where am I?" Under Lyra''s astonished gaze, her mother''s wounds closed swiftly, her paleplexion returning to a healthy glow. Within moments, she opened her eyes, blinking in confusion. "Mother!" Lyra rushed into her mother''s arms, tears spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face in herp. Her mother, now fully alert, wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her tightly with eyes full of relief and affection. For a moment, her mind remained foggy, but as her gaze settled on her daughter, the memories came flooding back¡ªthe fear, the imprisonment, and the faint hope of salvation. "There, there, Lyra. I''m fine now," she said soothingly, stroking her daughter''s hair. But then her expression turned puzzled as her gaze shifted to Aengus. "But... who is this man? And where is the one who saved us?" She squinted at Aengus, unable to recognize him in his current original form. "Mother, he is our savior. You can''t recognise him?" Lyra asked in doubt. The woman looked at him with wide eyes, her gratitude mixed with confusion. "You... you are the one who saved us?" Aengus nodded, his calm gaze meeting hers. "Yes, I am the one who saved you, though my appearance might confuse you. I had to take precautions while in enemy territory." Amarian studied him, her expression uncertain. Her instincts told her to be wary, yet gratitude and exhaustion dulled her doubts. "I see... What will you do with us now? And where are we?" she asked, her tone cautious. Aengus turned his eyes toward the horizon, where the first rays of sunlight painted the ck ocean gold. "We''re now in the territory of the Kairos Empire," he said evenly. "As for whates next, the choice is yours. You can follow me to a nearby human settlement where you''ll be safer, or you can go your own way. I won''t stop you, but be aware of the wilderness. Beasts and worse roam thesends, and they won''t hesitate to make you their prey." At the mention of wild beasts, Amarian''s grip on Lyra''s hand tightened instinctively. Her heart raced, images of the Cathedral''s merciless cruelty shing in her mind, now reced by the threat of mindless predators. Lyra, noticing her mother''s fear, turned to Aengus. "Savior, if we follow you, will you protect us?" Her voice was small but steady, her eyes full of trust. Aengus nced at the young girl. "If you choose to stay by my side, I''ll ensure no harmes to you two," he replied kindly. But deep inside, Aengus was plotting to uncover the secret the woman seemed to be hiding. Her overcautiousness toward her own savior intrigued him. There was something about Amarian that drew his attention¡ªher bodynguage, the erratic beat of her heart, and her guarded demeanor toward her savior all hinted at something important. He was determined to uncover the reason why the Cathedral had kept her under such strict surveince. "Th-thank you. I don''t know how to repay you for the favor. Please, take us to safety," Amarian said in a pleading tone. "Sure, but why don''t you tell me your story while we rx?" Aengus asked, settlingfortably on the grassy ground. The salty scent of the ocean mixed with the refreshing smell of nature, and the warmth of the rising sun made the setting exceptionally serene. His gaze drifted to the rolling waves, their surfaces sparkling as they caught the morning rays. Amarian hesitated, her hands tightening slightly around Lyra. Yet, she couldn''t bring herself to refuse her savior''s request. "I¡­ I suppose I owe you that much," she said softly. "There''s not much to say, actually. I came into contact with a demon recently by ident when they were sneaking into the Holy City. That''s when a few pdins spotted me with the demons and used me of colluding with them, wrongly and without any evidence... Fortunately, my daughter was away at that time," she said calmly, her gaze fixed on his back. Aengus, although was not looking directly at her, listened intently. He didn''t need to see her face or bodynguage to sense the deception in her words. Her act was nearly wless, but the slight irregrities in her tone and heartbeat betrayed her. She was hiding something, and it only fueled his curiosity further. "I see," he responded nonchntly, giving no indication that he''d caught her lie. "That''s quite unfortunate. People can be so quick to judge when fear blinds them." "Anyway, what about your husband?" he pressed on. "Oh, he... he died a long time ago in a mining ident," she answered in mncholy. "But, Mother¡­ Father came home that ni¡ª" Lyra was about to finish her sentence, but Amarian hurriedly blocked her, not letting her continue to speak. Aengus, with his sharp hearing, didn''t miss her words. "What were you saying, Lyra? Let her finish it," Aengus said gently, turning back. "Lord, there''s nothing else. She has the habit of talking nonsense," Amarian cut him off. Aengus frowned. "How long are you going to keep lying, woman? Is this how you repay your savior? Feeding me lies?" he questioned coldly. Aengus started to use guilt trap to gradually make her reveal everything. He understood that forceful methods or even soul-searching wouldn''t work on this woman to reveal the truth properly. Otherwise, the Cathedral would have long known the secret through soul-searching. Why else would they have kept her alive that long? They were probably still trying to extract something important from her but had failed so far. As for Lyra, she had been told not toe for her mother unless she was strong enough. Lyra had told him this herself. The matter of the execution must have been a trap to capture Lyra and exploit her weakness. The situation was bing increasingly mysterious, and his instincts were telling him that uncovering the secret would be worthwhile. Chapter 291 Clues To Obtaining Godhood The woman stammered, sensing the cold tone of their savior. As expected, she lowered her head in shame, right before her daughter''s using eyes. Fear and uncertainty gnawed at her heart as well. "N-No, I didn''t. I am not lying," she meekly tried to deny the truth again. Aengus was slightly annoyed. "Okay. Should I leave you two right here? I don''t want to carry two ungrateful liars," he said, standing up, visibly annoyed, to push her into desperation. "N-No¡­ Please don''t¡­ My lord¡­" she immediately clung to his leg, wrapping her arms around it. "Mother!" Lyra began to sob, seeing her mother''s actions, tears welling up in her innocent eyes. "Please speak the truth to our savior. It''s wrong." Aengus remained resolute, not giving in to her desperate plea. He gently slipped from her grasp, stepping back with a hint of irritation on his face. "Alright, will you tell me now?" he asked calmly, sitting down before them, his gaze steady and unyielding. The woman looked into her daughter''s tearful eyes, then at their savior, weighing her options carefully. The choice before her was not an easy one, but the weight of the situation made it impossible to avoid. Her lips trembled as she prepared to speak, caught between fear and trust. The woman sighed deeply, her resolve hardening. "Alright, Lord, I will speak the truth. But in return, I want your promise¡ªyou will not harm us after hearing it." Aengus smirked internally but outwardly feigned disbelief. "Why would I harm you after learning a simple truth? Is that how you see your savior?" he asked, his expression a mix of feigned hurt and curiosity. "No, it''s not that, my lord," she denied quickly. "It''s just... the thing I''m about to reveal is extremely precious. Even the gods themselves might fall to greed if they were to learn of it," she said in a low, serious tone, her gaze locked on his face, searching for any trace of avarice. Aengus adjusted his expression to one of mild surprise. "Oh? Is that so?" He paused, then added solemnly, "Very well. In the name of ZERO, I promise that I will noty a hand on you or your daughter." As he spoke those words loudly, the sky trembled briefly with a faint but undeniable ripple in the air. Aengus frowned, confused by the sky''s reaction to his words, but he set the thought aside for now. His focus remained entirely on the woman before him, waiting for her to reveal the secret. Amarian seemed to be gambling with their lives, the reaction exaggerated as though fate itselfpelled her to speak. The woman began slowly, her voice trembling slightly, "Lord, the truth is... my husband isn''t dead. He worked in the Holy Mountain mines despite being an S-Rank powerhouse." Aengus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An S-Rank powerhouse working in a mine? That''s unusual. Continue." "Yes," she nodded. "The Holy Mountain mines are no ordinary ce. The rocks there are so hard, and the heat so intense, that only S-Rank individuals can endure the conditions deep underground for extended periods. It''s a job suited only for the strongest." She hesitated before continuing, her voice dropping lower. "Setting that aside, over a week ago at night, my husband came to our house in secret. To deliver something precious to our child while she was asleep. He called it the God''s Stone." "God''s Stone?" Aengus''s eyes gleamed with interest, the answer to his growing curiosity finally taking shape. "So, it''s because of that stone," he mused internally, piecing the puzzle together. "What exactly does it do?" Aengus asked, his expression feigning curiosity but his mind racing with spection. Amarian hesitated, then replied seriously, her gaze shifting to her daughter. "I don''t know exactly how it works. But my husband said it can help Lyra... be a God." "A God?" Aengus repeated, intrigued, though his sharp eyes studied the woman intently for any kind of lie. But he found no abnormality while telling the truth. Lyra gasped, her wide-eyed astonishment evident. "A... God?" she echoed, her small hands trembling slightly. The very notion was iprehensible to her. Bing an S-Rank was already an unattainable dream, something she could barely imagine for herself. But the idea of ascending to godhood? It was nothing but absurdity. The thought felt almost sphemous, an affront to the divine beings her deeply religious homnd revered. Lyra shook her head, her heart pounding, unsure whether to feel awe or fear. But deep inside, who wouldn''t want that kind of power? Remembering the pain of her mother being captured and tortured only fueled her yearning for strength. "Can I see it?" Aengus asked calmly, though inside, every fiber of his being felt invigorated. He had finally found a clue that could lead to bing an SSS-Rank, the power of the gods, and he would never let such an opportunity slip through his fingers¡ªnever. Aengus couldn''t detect the presence of the stone, even with his specialized eyes, confirming its extraordinary power. Amarian hesitated but eventually sighed in defeat. She looked at her daughter and said, "It''s inside my daughter, and no one could ever detect it unless she wills it to reveal itself." Aengus turned his gaze to Lyra, who appeared utterly puzzled. "Where is it, Mother? Why didn''t I know about this all this time? Why did Father risk his life for me?" Lyra asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of confusion. "Lyra, it was for your own good," Amarian said softly, her voiceced with sorrow. "Your father wanted you to have a happy life, free from the danger of this world. To give you eternal freedom. But his actions brought only pain and suffering because of the Cathedral''s suspicions. We can''t bear this burden alone anymore. Give it to our savior as repayment, and maybe we won''t have to live in fear anymore... hopefully." Her voice broke into sobs as she added, "I don''t even know if your father will evere back to us..." Chapter 292 Obtaining The God Stone Lyra looked hesitantly between her mother and savior, uncertainty etched across her face. Aengus observed her closely, sensing the conflict within her. He knew what was on her mind¡ªher thirst for power. "Mother, how do I get it out? I can''t even feel it inside me," she asked, her voice a mixture of frustration and determination. Amarian responded calmly, "Just meditate deeply, dear. I''m sure it will respond to yourmand if you focus enough." "Oh, okay," Lyra said, nodding as she sat down cross-legged and began to concentrate. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, attempting to center herself. Aengus waited patiently, but as time passed, it became clear that she was struggling to summon the mysterious stone. Herck of focus and inexperience hindered her progress. Seeing this, Aengus stepped closer and lightly touched her little head to increase her mind power. "Focus, Little girl," he said softly but firmly. "Feel it within you. Command it to reveal itself." Lyra suddenly felt a surge of overwhelming willpower coursing through her, a strength so profound that she felt unstoppable, as though no challenge was beyond her grasp. Harnessing this newfound power, she delved deeper into her meditation, concentrating with unwavering determination to do as Aengus had instructed. Momentster, under Aengus'' intensely focused gaze, an extraordinary object materialized before them. It was a radiant, triangr stone, its design mesmerizing and otherworldly. Both its upper and lower points formed perfect symmetrical triangles, and its surface was etched with intricate, unknown symbols. The carvings pulsed intermittently, glowing with brilliant shes of white light that seemed alive, as if the stone carried the essence of creation itself. Aengus'' eyes gleamed with curiosity and hunger for knowledge. "So this is the God''s Stone," he murmured as he activated Appraisal. [Appraisal:] [Item: Core of Divinity; Grade: SSS+] [Description: A fraction of the world''s core of Mythraldor. The will of the Mythraldor world requires new controllers, thus it shed these fragments to be protected by the chosen ones. [Effect: 1. Upon consumption, Capable of upgrading one skill of your choice to God Level upon reaching level 1,000. 2. Grants a Divine Body, shedding your mortal limits. 3. Extends your origin Mana Capacity and raw stats by unimaginable numbers ording to your potential ] Aengus stared at the information, wide-eyed. This is it. This was what he had been searching for. With this, he could finally stand against the gods and take his revenge from Beelzebub. He would have the power to turn the tables of this world and establish a prosperous rule before disappearing from it. But for that to happen, he needed to reach level 1,000 first. Amarian and Lyra sensed the greed in his eyes and became frightened, feeling the chaotic, fiendish aura emanating from him. Aengus stared at the God Stone with unrestrained desire. "Give it to me. Give it to me¡­ I will give you everything you want. Money? Power? Protection? Or a world free of oppressors? I will give it all," he dered, spreading his arms to the sky andughing maniacally, exhration coursing through him. "Y-Yes, please calm down, Lord," Lyra pleaded desperately. With her words, the stone finallynded in Aengus'' hand, instantly calming him down. "With this, I will rise," he thought, his gaze fixed firmly on the glowing stone. "And when I do, the heavens themselves will tremble." Upon safely storing the Divine Stone, Aengus'' manic grin vanished instantly as he suppressed the wild emotions inside, regaining his calm and indifferent demeanor. This change made the mother-daughter duo sigh in relief. Aengus nced at them, a flicker of guilt crossing his features for having scared them unnecessarily. He realized his image might have already been tarnished in their eyes. Clearing his throat, he said, "Ahem! I can''t take this precious thing for free. In return, I promise I will ensure your safety and help you find your husband with all my might." Amarian and Lyra''s faces lit up with happiness at his words. Amarian sighed in relief, feeling reassured that Aengus wasn''t an ungrateful man consumed by greed. "Thank you, Lord... We would be happy if you can find him for us. But please don''t take unnecessary risks. You seem to be a great man with big aspirations. I hope you can truly change the world for the better once you be a figure of worship," Amarian said sincerely, sitting still andposed. Aengus nodded, then turned to Lyra with a softened expression. "Come here, little girl. I will give you the power you want," he called out gently, his generosity emerging as he resolved to help them after receiving such a special gift. "Give me power? How?" Lyra cautiously stepped forward, her curiosity tempered by unease. Amarian, though equally curious, remained on guard. Suddenly, a series of loud thuds echoed as Aengus pulled out several massive corpses of aquatic S-Rank creatures from his pocket space. "Thud, thud, thud!" The sight of the enormous lifeless creatures and even a few human corpses among them left both Lyra and Amarian astonished, and horrified. "What''s this?" Chapter Your: Lyra froze in ce, her eyes wide with bewilderment as her heart pounded rapidly in her chest. Amarian instinctively grabbed Lyra''s small hand, her grip firm, as she stared at their savior with growing caution. Aengus noticed their reactions but remained calm, gesturing toward the corpses. "These will serve as the foundation for your strength, little girl. Step forward if you want to receive the power, and of course I won''t force you ept it. It''s your wish, but don''t regret itter on." He gave them a choice, but whether they would ept it or not was entirely up to them. Lyra and Amarian felt the weight of the moment pressing down on them. After a tense silence, Lyra took a deep breath and resolutely stepped forward, her small fists clenched in determination. Amarian, on the other hand, stood back, her heart heavy with worry. She could only pray that their savior would honor his word and ce her full trust in him. "Buzz..." Without wasting any time, Aengus activated Universal Synthesis. A faint hum filled the air as a radiant aura enveloped Lyra. Aengus focused intently, ready to imbue her with as much power as her soul could withstand. He would push her limits but remain cautious not to overwhelm her entirely. Chapter 293 Return After a full ten minutes, the synthesis process was finallypleted. Amarian''s face was pale, her hands trembling as she listened to the agonizing screams of her daughter. The only thing keeping her from rushing forward was the unwavering, cold gaze of their savior. When Lyra emerged from the cocoon unharmed, Amarian let out a shaky breath of relief. But as she looked closer, it was clear that something fundamental had changed within Lyra. Her daughter''s physique was noticeably different¡ªhealthier, more muscr, and even slightly taller. The transformation spoke volumes about the immense power she had gained, something Amarian could only marvel at. In her heart, she assumed their savior must be a divine being, capable of bestowing blessings beyond mortalprehension. Lyra took a few tentative steps, her body adjusting to the surge of newfound strength, though a faint soreness lingered in her muscles. As she nced at her status panel, her eyes widened in astonishment. She had ascended from E-Rank all the way to A-Rank¡ªan almost inconceivable leap in power. She turned her gaze toward Aengus, awe and gratitude etched into her expression. Bowing deeply, she said with unwavering sincerity, "Thank you, my savior. We will never forget your kindness." Aengus regarded her coolly, his expression indifferent yet unreadable. "It''s nothing, little girl," he replied, his tone even. "You received only what you deserved. But do not mistake me for a kind being. I am no savior of virtue. I have ughtered humans and demons alike as easily as one cuts grass." His words carried a weight that silenced the air around them, and both Lyra and Amarian could only stare, acknowledging the reality of the man before them¡ªa figure capable of immense power and destruction, yet one who had chosen to aid them. "Now, let''s settle you down. You will be taken to a ce where you can put your power to good use," Aengus said as he opened a pulsating dark portal to his warship. Lyra, brimming with excitement, followed him without hesitation, her mother close behind, stepping into the portal with a mix of hope and apprehension. --- The sun was already high in the sky, illuminating the thrivingnd of Solis with its golden glow. "Your Highness, we''ll reach the Imperial Capital by evening, and it''s all thanks to your incredible might," his father-inw said with awe and reverence. As the Liberation Imperial Army marched toward the Imperial City, the admiration for their ruler was evident. His father-inw''s words carried a tone of deep respect for his son-inw, now a ruler of an entire empire capable of subjugating a kingdom single-handedly. On the deck of a Disaster-ss Flying Warship, Aengus'' clone stood at the forefront, gazing intently at the horizon. Behind him, notable figures of power and prestige gathered. Astrid and Ashter, the two leaders of the Silvermoon n, stood alongside a group ofmanders and the three generals. All of them nced at Aengus''s imposing figure, their expressions filled with awe and reverence. The man before them had be a symbol of unyielding strength and vision,manding an empire that sought to reshape the world. "Buzz!" Suddenly, the air around them buzzed, and a dark portal emerged before their eyes. Some soldiers tensed, gripping their weapons, while others remained calm, recognizing the portal as their Emperor''s skill, having witnessed it before. To the surprise of a few, from the portal emerged another Aengus, followed closely by a young girl and an ordinary-looking woman. Leon''s sharp eyes were calm as he already knew he was capable of producing body double. But the current powerful form Aengus surprised him. "What is this? Is it His Majesty''s clone or the real one?" he muttered under his breath. "Who is the real Emperor?" Others murmured in confusion, unable to distinguish the real from the fake as both figures appeared identical in every way. However, the faint undtions of an even more formidable aura radiating from the new arrival confirmed the truth: they had been speaking to a clone all along. They were dumbstruck upon realising the truth. Aengus gazed at them nonchntly. Then with a casual wave of his hand, Aengus caused the clone to vanish into thin air, leaving no trace and silencing any lingering doubts. Ashter, Astrid, and a few of the more astute individuals exchanged astonished nces. Their Emperor had not only been managing his empire but also engaging in otherworldly adventures to grow even stronger. His unwavering dedication to his ideals and unrelenting pursuit of strength inspired a deep sense of awe and respect among his people. They bowed their heads in unison, their voices ringing out in reverence. "Long live Your Imperial Highness!" "Long live the Liberation Empire!" Amarian and Lyra stood speechless, their eyes wide as they took in the scene before them. The powerhouses, each exuding terrifying strength, bowed in unison to the man they hade to know as their savior. But it wasn''t just the individuals¡ªbehind the massive disaster-ss warship, they could see an endless formation of soldiers, their armor gleaming under the sun, marching in perfect unison. Amarian''s trembling voice broke the silence. "W-Who are you? Why are they calling you Emperor?" Aengus turned to her, his smile calm yet brimming with an undeniable authority. "Because I am one. There''s no need to be surprised. All of this is for the grand conquest, a step toward a world I shall reshape. It begins with conquering the Kairos Empire and then¡­ the rest of the world." Amarian and Lyra felt their hearts tremble at his words. The sheer weight of the revtion struck them hard. This man they had ced their trust in, their savior, wasn''t just a strong wanderer or an enigmatic hero. He was a ruler, a force capable of changing the course of history itself. An Emperor-level powerhouse. Lyra watched with admiration, her savior''s image bing lofty and grand in her heart. She felt the sacrifice she made by giving him the God Stone was worth it. It fell on the right hand. Chapter 294 Obtaining The Throne While Lyra and Amarian were settling into their quarters aboard the warship, the Liberation Army''s march had brought them within striking distance of the Kairos Empire''s Imperial Capital. At the forefront of the army, Aengus floated serenely in the air alongside Quin, Drake, Yona, and the three elite generals, their imposing presence like a wall of doom looming over the battlefield. The Imperial City ahead was an awe-inspiring sight¡ªits colossal walls a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Kairos Empire, now standing as thest line of defense for the former Imperial family. Below, the battlefield stirred with anticipation. Opposing them were millions of soldiers loyal to the former regime, their ranks dwarfed by the overwhelming size of Aengus'' rebel army. Fear and uncertainty rippled through their lines, the aura of the Liberation Army''s might crushing their morale. Aengus'' cold gaze swept over the defenders'' pitiful attempts at resistance. His lips curled into a faint, almost dismissive smirk. Turning back, he locked eyes with General Leon and gave a subtle nod¡ªa silent signal that carried the weight of impending destruction. "Attack!" Leon raised his sword high, its gleaming de catching thest rays of the sinking red sun. His voice boomed across the field like thunder. "Advance! Take the capital! Leave no stone unturned!" At hismand, the Liberation Army surged forward, a tide of steel and fire rolling toward the capital. rumble! The ground trembled under the sheer force of their charge, and the air filled with the sh of steel, the thunder of war cries, and the desperate shouts of the defenders. "Kill!" As the sun dipped below the horizon, its crimson light bathed the battlefield, painting the skies a deep, ominous red¡ªa fitting backdrop for the fall of an empire. "Quin, go rumbling," Aengusmanded with a calm, almost indifferent tone. Quin''s lips curled into a wicked grin as he acknowledged the order. "As you wish, My Emperor. I alone am enough to take them down." "RUMBLE!" With a thunderous crash, Quin leapt from the warship, his form expanding mid-air as he seamlessly transformed into his Ancient Titan form. The transformation was awe-inspiring and terrifying, as Quin''s colossal figure, nearly 5,000 meters tall,nded with earth-shaking force. Drake and Yona instinctively tilted their heads upward, gawking at the massive frame of theirrade. "F*ck!" Drake muttered in disbelief. "Haha, die, you ants! DIE!" Quin roared, his voice booming like an earthquake. "How dare you block His Majesty''s path?" As Aengus'' First Commandment, Quin''s strength was beyondprehension. His every step sent shockwaves through the ground, shaking the very foundation of the battlefield. The sight of Quin''s sheer might sent waves of terror through the enemy ranks. "Just how are we supposed to win against that?" "We''re dead!" "Look! Themanders are fleeing!" "Sht! Fck the Imperial family! F*ck loyalty!" Panic spread like wildfire. Quin''s devastating attacks tore through the enemy''s ranks, crushing soldiers and reducing their morale to dust. Screams of despair echoed across the battlefield as soldiers threw down their weapons. "Yes, yes! Surrender to His Majesty!" Quin shouted, his manicughter reverberating like rolling thunder. "Only then will you be spared!" The enemy soldiers, unable to withstand the overwhelming force, began to surrender en masse. "We surrender!" "Please, stop! Don''t kill us! We have families!" ng! ng! Thud! Weapons and shields ttered to the ground as the once-formidable army crumbled before Quin''s monstrous power. From above, Aengus and the other Transcendentals watched the scene unfold with calm detachment. The Seven Shadow Assassins had already eliminated the two enemy Transcendentals, ensuring there was no opposition worth their time. On the warship, Lyra and Amarian watched the events with wide eyes, utterly speechless. They had just witnessed the might of an Ancient Titan for the first time, and it was beyond anything they could have imagined. "If his subordinates are this strong," Lyra whispered, her voice trembling with awe, "then how strong must our savior be?" By now, Lyra and Amarian had pieced together much of Aengus'' history. The tales of his victories in every battles, his rise to power, and his unrelenting will painted a picture of a man who was more than a ruler¡ªhe was a legend. A dark hero, feared by many, but revered by those who followed him. The battle ended in less than ten minutes, as though the victor had been decided long before it even began. Aengus and his army marched into the Imperial Capital, their presence suffocating and awe-inspiring under the curious, fearful gazes of the citizens lining the streets and watching from behind closed windows. "Is that the one who killed Emperor Kairos?" On a rooftop, a curious man whispered to hispanion, stealing nces at Aengus'' towering,manding figure as he strode purposefully toward the Imperial Throne. "Yes, it must be. Look at how powerful he is," the other replied, his voice tinged with awe as he felt the sheer weight of the Emperor''s overwhelming aura. "Now what''s going to happen to us? And to the Imperial family?" another asked with anxiousness. "No idea about us," a resignedugh responded from the shadows, "but the former Imperial family? They''ve probably fled already. That''s the only choice they have left." Whispers rippled through the crowd as Aengus'' presence filled the city like a storm cloud ready to strike. His aura demanded attention and submission, leaving no doubt in the minds of the citizens¡ªthis was a man who would reshape this Empire. "Did you capture them all?" Suddenly Aengus asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a de. From the shadows, a figure cloaked in darkness emerged. One of his Shadow Assassins knelt before him. "Yes, my lord," the assassin replied respectfully. "We''ve apprehended the entire royal family while they attempted to flee. We''ve also recorded a map detailing the locations of the stolen treasures and imperial resources." "Very good." Aengus'' voice was cold and unyielding. "That''s all I needed to hear. I want them executed publicly at dawn. We can''t afford to let them be a threat in the future." "As youmand, my lord," the assassin said, bowing deeply before vanishing back into the shadows. Aengus turned his gaze toward the grand Pce ahead, his expression as resolute as ever. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 295 Law Crystals Late that night, the Grand Imperial Pce stood quiet, its vast halls mostly empty except for a few stationed guards and flickeringnterns casting long shadows. With thepletion of a simple coronation ceremony earlier that evening, the upation of the Empire was officially finalized. Aengus, now formally recognized as Emperor Zero, dered the region under the banner of the Liberation Empire. The news of the regime change spread like wildfire, reaching hundreds of millions of citizens and surrendered nobles alike. Surprisingly, the Imperial Capital¡ªa city housing nearly two billion people¡ªepted the transition with little resistance. In some districts, the streets lit up with fireworks as ordinary citizens celebrated the end of the former oppressive rule. Others quietly weed the promise of change, hopeful yet wary of the new order. Temporary roles were swiftly assigned to maintain peace and structure within the massive city, and despite the rapid upheaval, order remained surprisingly intact. Deep in the night, Aengus sat in his quarters within the sprawling pce. His appearance was unassuming, stripped of grandeur, as he leaned back in his chair. The flickering candlelight reflected in his eyes as he gazed out into the darkness beyond the windows. He was alone, his thoughts heavy. Victory was his, yet the responsibility of an empire now rested on his shoulders. While Aengus sat in contemtion, one of his clones worked tirelessly in a secluded chamber deep within the pce. The clone was consumed with a singr purpose: to level up as quickly as possible. Surrounded by a chaotic assortment of resources: corpses of enemies, shimmering mana orbs, demon cores, discarded weapons, and treasures deemed unnecessary¡ªthe clone devoured them relentlessly. Each item was converted into raw energy, pushing his level higher and higher. Aengus''s ultimate goal loomed before him like a distant horizon: level 1000. Only then could he unlock the true power of the God Stone and ascend to a state where no one in this world could challenge him. Once he reached that peak, his ns could truly begin on a grand scale. Until then, he focused on consolidating his hold over the continent. The remaining kingdoms would fall under his control, either through conquest or diplomacy. His armies, already massive, would expand further as he recruited new soldiers from every corner of thend. --- The Demon World, Abyss In Crimson City, recruitment for the Liberation Army was in full swing. Each day, the army enlisted millions of new demon minions to strengthen its rule. However, the resources required to support this growing force were immense. For now, the treasures and reserves of Crimson City''s treasury were sufficient to sustain them for a few days without issue. In one of the rooms of the Demon Lord''s Castle, Aengus, Aria, and Be were deep in discussion. "So, hubby, you''re saying you''ve taken over an empire in the human world already?" Be asked, her tone both surprised and curious by the news Aengus nodded calmly, while Aria remained quiet, already aware of the aplishment beforehand. "That''s incredible! We can finally go to the Phoenix Empire to bring back my mother, right? Don''t forget what you promised, darling," Be said, her voice filled with charm as she yfully pouted like a child. Aria observed Be''s yful demeanor with a hint of envy, realizing she could never act as seductively or affectionately as Be did. "Oh, yes, Ethan," Aria muttered, her voice softer but tinged with excitement. "I would like to go too. I haven''t seen my father for a while now, and I''d love to visit your new empire." Aengus nced at both of them, acknowledging their requests with a faint smile. "Sure¡­ Let me arrange the attack on Demon Lord Goliath first, then I will send you two away," he said, standing up. Be perked up slightly and asked, "Are you going to meet my father?" "Yes, I need to discuss with him." Aengus replied, pausing at the door. "Anything you want me to tell him?" Be smiled gracefully, still seated beside Aria. "Yes, just inform him that we''re going to bring my mother back. I''m sure he''ll be happy to hear that." "Okay," Aengus said with a nod before stepping out of the room. Aria sped her hands together in a praying posture, her expression serene but resolute. Be, intrigued by the unexpected gesture, leaned closer. "Who are you praying to, Aria? The Gods? I thought you despised them as much as our husband does," she voiced her doubt. Aria shook her head slowly. "No. I don''t believe in any Gods. I only pray to myself," she answered in a low voice, her gaze fixed on the path Aengus had taken moments ago. --- Meanwhile, Aengus summoned his father-inw, Belial, from the Lust Dukedom, which he had been managing¡ªor rather, enjoying alongside his many wives while sharing the news of their victory. Belial immediately teleported back to the Demon Lord''s Castle in response to Aengus'' urgent call. "What happened, Son-inw? Any good news?" Belial asked calmly, his toneced with curiosity. Seated on the throne in the vast, empty court, Aengus regarded Belial with aposed expression. "Yes, Father-inw. I have some questions regarding the creation of the Spatial Portal device. Do you have time?" Belial smiled warmly, clearly pleased by Aengus'' respectful demeanor. "Haha... Don''t be so humble, Son-inw. You can ask me anything, anytime. What do you want to know?" he replied, his voice carrying a hint of pride at being consulted. How unbelievable was that? Aengus asked, "What mainponent do you use that allows travel across such long distances?" "Oh, that? I discovered some incredible space-rted stones in one of the mines. I made some tweaks here and there using my crafting knowledge. That''s how it works... Why are you asking?" Aengus looked intrigued. "Can you show me one? It could be very important to me." "Haha, alright..." Belial quickly searched through his Spatial Device before presenting a transparent blue crystal. --- [Appraisal ] Item: Law Crystal (Space) Description: A highly coveted item for seekers of Space Law. It is greatly capable of increasing one''s affinity and understanding of space. --- Aengus examined the crystal''s information, bing exhrated. His guess was spot on. This was one of the Law Crystals used in the Primal Realm. He had seen his father use these many times. "Father-inw, I need these Crystals as much as you can provide." Aengus said seriously, not wanting to hear no. Belial was surprised by his sudden excitement. Just what was he going to use it for? "Son-In-Law, Although, they are rare. I will hand you everything I had." Chapter 296 Imperial Harem After receiving the ten crystals, Aengus shifted the discussion with Belial to the attack n on Demon Lord Goliath and the swift takeover of his domain. Aengus outlined the n, emphasizing the element of surprise. "Prepare all the forces to mobilize as soon as possible," he instructed. "My clone will lead the attack. It should be more than enough to deal with that insignificant Demon Lord," Aengus added confidently. Belial nodded, pleased with the decisive n, but then shifted the conversation. "So, you and Be are heading to the Phoenix Empire? Be careful there. They have powerful high-ranking Transcendentals as well. Although, knowing you, I doubt they would stand a chance," he said with a chuckle. Aengus raised an eyebrow, curious. "Are you not interested ining with us?" Belial shook his head. "No, I''ll stay behind to oversee the operations here and ensure everything runs smoothly. I am not ready to face Celeste after ignoring her for so long. You know, I am ashamed of myself for my incapabilities. I am unworthy of her. And, Aengus if you find she already had someone else in her heart, don''t force her toe back. I can endure it. I always did." he said with emotion, his jovial mood down. "Heh heh, Besides, this is your journey, Son-inw. You don''t need me interfering in this part of your story. You need to conquer that Empire as well. It won''t be bad if you had the Idea of their strength and weaknesses closely." Aengus gave a faint nod, understanding Belial''s reasoning. "Very well. I will do as you say. Just make sure everything here is in order in the war." "Of course. Good luck out there, Son-In-Law," Belial said with a reassuring smile. --- Aengus'' clone swiftly transported Aria and Be to the human world, where his original body awaited them. On the other side, Aengus greeted them with a soft smile, his presence exuding even more power than before. Be, now in her human form, immediately sensed the change. Her eyes sparkled as she remarked, "Hubby, you''ve grown even more powerful. I didn''t notice it while staying with your clone..." She looked smitten, her admiration evident. Walking gracefully beside Aria, Be''s every step seemed calcted to mesmerize, her curvaceous figure drawing all eyes present. Ignoring everyone present, she moved closer to embrace Aengus, her affection unrestrained. The scene unfolded under the morning light in the human world, where Aengus had been in a meeting with the officials of the Liberation Empire. They had been discussing strategies, including the response about the letters of submission to other kingdoms. Present at the meeting were Quin, Drake, Yona, the three generals, Aria''s father, and her uncle, and more Commanders. Each of them stood up, stunned as Be joined the scene¡ªa breathtakingly fiery and seductive presence alongside the ever-dignified and elegant Aria. The two women embraced Aengus simultaneously, leaving little doubt in the minds of the onlookers that the Imperial Harem was bing a reality. Awestruck, the officials exchanged nces, their thoughts interrupted only by the fiery beauty of the Phoenix-like Be, now beside Aria. They didn''t forget their manners, bowing respectfully and greeting the returning Empress Consort. "Wee back, Empress Consort!" Their words brought a wave of nostalgia as they remembered Aria''s astonishing abilities¡ªher control over the sun and moon, including her influence over the very forces of nature. Aria''s father and uncle furrowed their brows, sensing a new woman beside their son-inw. It wasn''t that they thought their Emperor wouldn''t have a harem¡ªit was almost expected¡ªbut they didn''t think it would be this soon. Since Aria and Aengus'' marriage was not official yet, they were worried about Aria''s position as the first wife and Empress. They gazed at Aria with questioning looks, and in return, Aria gestured for them to keep quiet. She would exin thingster. Be, standing to the left of Aengus'' seated posture, looked over the officials with an amused smile, feeling triumphant and excited about interacting with humans after so long. Aengus smiled and quietly observed their reactions, including Astrid''s and Ashter''s. He also noticed Aria''s calm demeanor, almost indifferent to the unfolding situationpletely epting Be''s presence equally in their family. "Hello, my name is Be Bellfrost. You can think of me as another of your Empresses, sworn to stand by your Emperor''s side forever, along with Empress Aria. Nice to meet you all," Be said with a charming smile, blowing a kiss into the air. Instantly, a few people were unwillingly charmed by her voice and smile, even though she hadn''t unleashed even a tenth of her charm as a subus yet. Drake, Quin, Yona, and even a few older men like Ashter and Astrid had their eyes sh with an unmistakable love-struck gleam, reflected in their expressions. "Be¡­" Aengus berated her sternly, his tone carrying a hint of irritation. He found her mischievous act awkward, and his possessive nature red. He couldn''t stand seeing other men look at her with those kinds of eyes, even if they were merely pure admiration and fanatical devotion. Be froze, realizing her mistake, and quickly snapped her fingers to break the charm she had unintentionally cast. "Sorry, hubby!" she said, smiling coyly. Aria watched the scene unfold with a speechless expression, ncing at her father and uncle, who seemed equally bewildered. The weaker ones who had been charmed looked awkward and embarrassed as they regained theirposure, realizing what had happened. Some began sweating nervously, sneaking nces at Emperor Zero to gauge whether he was angry or not. Aengus'' expression had already softened, which made them sigh in relief that their Emperor was not an unreasonable person. With a casual gesture, he snapped his fingers, creating two thrones on either side of his own for his wives. "Sit down." Be and Aria sat down gracefully, each crossing one leg over the other in an elegant disy befitting their roles as Empresses. "So, General, ording to your report, seven kingdoms rejected our Letter of Submission?" Aengus asked General Felix, his tone calm but sharp. "Yes, Your Imperial Highness. We await your orders," General Felix replied, bowing respectfully. Aengus''s expression darkened, a menacing aura filling the room. "Very well. If they want war, I will give them one," he said coldly. "Prepare to seize their kingdoms immediately and execute everyone who resists." His icy deration sent a chill through the room. The officials and generals present shivered, realizing the brutal and decisive course their Emperor had chosen. Chapter 297 Depart To Phoenix Empire After the meeting concluded, Aria''s father and uncle discreetly pulled her aside into a quiet corner of the pce. "Alright, can you exin what''s going on, daughter?" Ashter demanded, his tone both concerned and firm. "Yes, Aria," Astrid added, crossing his arms. "Where did you two go, and who is this new woman? How did she suddenly be an Empress?" Their expressions reflected their unease. They thought Aria might be too soft, allowing Aengus to do as he pleased. "If this continues, won''t your position as the primary wife be at risk?" Ashter asked bluntly. Though Aengus had officially dered both women as Empresses, Ashter and Astrid remained skeptical. How could there be two equal Empresses in an Imperial Harem? Traditionally, there was always a single main wife, with others relegated to the rank of concubines. Their skepticism and concern were evident as they awaited Aria''s response. Aria pressed her fingers against her forehead, feeling the onset of a headache. Still, she exined calmly, "Father, Uncle, Ethan promised there would be no other women in our Imperial Family. You can cross out the idea of him having a typical harem. Be is an exception." She paused before continuing, "Be saved his life during a moment of desperation when Beelzebub was devouring an entire city. From that point on, their paths intertwined, leading to their journey to the Demon World. Over time, they developed a romantic bond." Ashter and Astrid exchanged astonished nces. "Wait, what? The Demon World? How did they even get there?" Ashter asked in disbelief. "Exactly," Astrid added. "How does this even make sense?" Aria sighed but maintained herposure. "Because Be is a demoness." Both men froze, their eyes widening. "Oh, heavens! A demoness falling in love with a human?!" Ashter eximed, his toneced with concern. "Aria, exin this in detail. If this bes public, it could spark chaos! The devout will curse him as a heretical, tyrannical ruler. This could escte quickly." Astrid''s expression turned solemn, clearly seeing the potential trouble this could cause. Aria shook her head firmly, dismissing their concerns. "No, Father, you worry too much. Nothing of the sort will happen. I believe in him and his vision. People will eventually see the value in his grand ideals¡ªa world free from oppression and endless bloodshed. They will support him, just as I do." She looked at them with unwavering resolve. "And if something like that does happen, I will be his shield. I will protect him. When I first met him, he was far too innocent for this cruel world. It''s that innocence that drove him to take on this path. I will stand by him, even if it means standing against the world." Her determination left her father and uncle speechless. Aria then slowly recounted Aengus'' story, starting with his arrival in this world from another realm, which left her father and uncle frozen in shock due to the extraordinary nature of his background from a higher world. It seemed almost ridiculous to them now because in the oast theypared Aengus'' background to theirs. They were ashamed. She continued, detailing his vow to take revenge on Beelzebub and his grand goal of liberating the entire world by uniting humans and demons. Although the idea sounded impossible at first, they began to hope it mighte true. Aria then narrated his exploits in the Demon World, where he had risen to the rank of Demon Lord. This revtion widened their eyes as they realized the magnitude of Aengus'' ambitions. The concept of merging both demon and human armies into an unstoppable force, if controlled properly, left them both impressed and contemtive. As Aria concluded the story, the initial doubts her father and uncle had about Aengus'' character fadedpletely, reced by deep respect and awe. They also felt immense pride in Aria, recognizing her as a Transcendental figure and a fitting partner for someone as remarkable as Aengus. They were truly satisfied. ---- "So, hubby, ready for the journey?" Be asked Aengus on the terrace of the pce. "Yes. But you seem overly excited. Are you not worried, Be?" Aengus asked gently, gazing down at the sprawling city below. "Of course not. As long as I''m with you, I have nothing to worry about," Be replied with a soft smile as she leaned closer, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. Aengus allowed himself a brief smile before asking, "What if your mother refuses you and your father?" Be rested her chin on his shoulder, inhaling his masculine scent. "Then I''ll try to convince her. If that doesn''t work, I''ll stay by your side anyway. She''s my mother, but I have found a new family now. " Aengus leaned against the railing, enjoying theforting warmth of her embrace, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "You''re quite confident, Be. I hope things go as smoothly as you believe." "Yes, of course, hubby," Be said, her voice filled with confidence. "With you, nothing is impossible." "Okay, then," Aengus said, turning back and lightly kissing Be''s crimson lips. "Let''s depart." Be, her excitement barely contained, watched as Aengus opened a shimmering portal to their destination: the Phoenix Empire. The Empirey an impressive 400,000 miles away, but the portal would let them traverse the vast distance effortlessly. This time, Aengus created the portal using his advanced mastery of Space Law. Hisprehension had grown significantly, thanks to synthesizing the ten Law Crystals with his mind. This feat had elevated his understanding of Space Law to an impressive 10%. Now, Aengus could manipte spatial fabrics across hundreds of thousands of miles, with the precise locations of countless ces firmly engraved in his mind within this vast radius. It was an astonishing amount of progress. Should he reach 100%prehension, he would be considered an elite even in the Primal Realm upon his return. By then, his physical strength would undoubtedly surpass that of many powerful figures in that higher ne. "Whoosh!" "We''reing, Mother." Following behind Aengus, Be''s mind was filled with childhood memories with her mother. Chapter 298 Phoenix Capital City "Swoosh!" Aengus and Be stepped out of the dark portal, their sudden arrival in the bustling marketce leaving everyone around stunned. The ordinary folks stood frozen, their gazes locked onto the pair radiating an aura of power and elegance. The man was strikingly handsome, exuding a calm yet overwhelming presence. The woman beside him, with her fiery crimson hair streaked with hints of royal purple, immediately drew gasps of awe. Her appearance unmistakably resembled someone from the Phoenix Empire, and the purity of her high Phoenix bloodline was palpable even to ordinary citizens. Some onlookers became cautious, their instincts urging them to tread carefully. Others were outright surprised, wondering why someone of her regal stature would visit the lower district. A subtle yet undeniable sense of reverence spread through the crowd as many feltpelled to bow instinctively before her presence. Be, noticing the attention, smiled mischievously. She coiled her arm around Aengus''s left arm, pressing close to his side like a ma. Her posture was graceful yet possessive, as if silently announcing to everyone present that this man was hers. "Shall we take a stroll before announcing our arrival, hubby?" Be asked sweetly, her voice carrying a yful tone that matched her confident demeanor. "As you wish, but we need to be quick," Aengus replied, his tone calm as he strolled alongside Be. "Oh,e on, hubby. You should rx a little... Let''s take a proper tour of this city," Be teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she observed the humans around them. Some appeared entirely ordinary, while others carried faint traces of Phoenix bloodline power within them, intriguing Be even further. "Alright," Aengus conceded with a slight smile. "But I don''t know the way. Perhaps you should guide me along then..." Be nced around, realizing she was as unfamiliar with the streets as he was. She frowned slightly, puzzled about where to begin. Just then, two children approached them, their expressions filled with curiosity and excitement. "Lord, Lady, please wait!" the older girl called out, her voice bright and eager. Aengus and Be paused, turning their attention to the children¡ªa girl who looked about 8 or 9 and a boy slightly older. The girl stepped forward confidently, speaking with a hint of pride. "Lord, would you like a tour around the city? We can help! We know every nook and cranny of this ce." Before Aengus could reply, the boy interjected, his tone charming and mature for his age. "Oh yes, Lady, perhaps you''d like to visit a nice romantic inn to spend some quality time with the Lord?" He shed a radiant smile, clearly trying to impress. Be chuckled softly, finding their boldness endearing. "What do you think, hubby? Should we trust these two little guides?" Aengus looked at the children with mild amusement. "Why not? Lead the way, little ones. Let''s see if your knowledge of the city is as impressive as you im." The boy and girl beamed with excitement, ready to showcase their expertise. "Yes, my Lord! Right this way!" they said in unison, leading the pair through the lively streets. Aengus and Be walked gracefully, their presence exuding the aura of a noble couple. They followed the two young guides, who eagerly led them through the bustling streets and into an incredibly fancy inn. The establishment boasted an array of striking delicacies and an unmistakably romantic ambiance. "Wee, my lord! Wee!" the innkeeper and waiters greeted enthusiastically, their voices filled with reverence and excitement. Under the persistent efforts of the waitstaff, Aengus and Be were quickly seated at an elegantly decorated table in the center of the room. Outside, their little guides stood professionally by the entrance, their hands sped behind their backs. However, their eyes asionally wandered inside, fixating on the tters of delicious food being carried past the doorway. Their stomachs growled faintly, and they gulped, trying to suppress their hunger. Be noticed this, her sharp eyes catching the way they fidgeted. She leaned closer to Aengus with a soft smile. "What do you think their rtionship is?" Be asked yfully. Aengus nced at the children outside, then replied calmly, "Don''t get any weird ideas. They''re blood siblings." Be''s smile froze mid-thought, as she had initially assumed they were a young couple. "Ahem..." She coughed awkwardly, covering her embarrassment. Just then, the innkeeper, an older man with a kind demeanor, approached their table. "Lady, Lord, what would you like to eat?" he inquired respectfully. Be, eager for a distraction, quickly answered, "Give us wyvern meat. It''s really tasty!" Her eyes sparkled, and she licked her lips in anticipation. The innkeeper smiled graciously at her enthusiasm. "Certainly, Lady. Two tes of wyvern meat for both of you. Anything else? Perhaps some wine or sweets?" Be nced briefly at the children, then turned back to the innkeeper. "No wine. Just bring us... four¡ªno, make it eight tes of meat¡ªand some sweets," she said swiftly, her tone firm yet cheerful. The innkeeper''s brows raised slightly in surprise at therge order but he quicklyposed himself and nodded. "Of course, Lady. Anything you wish. And for you, my Lord?" he asked, turning toward Aengus. Aengus shook his head. "Nothing else. Just bring her what she asked for." The innkeeper bowed politely. "As youmand, Lord. I''ll have it ready shortly." With that, he departed to fulfill their order. Understanding Be''s reasoning for ordering so much food, Aengus smiled warmly. "They seem to be giving you more respect than me. Is it because they can sense your Phoenix bloodline somehow?" Aengus asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone. Be nodded confidently. "Yes, it could be. I can sense theirs too, though their bloodline purity is really low." Aengus stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. It seems your mother''s n must be quite influential here in the Imperial Capital City then." Be tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "The Eternal Phoenix n should be a few districts away, in the center of the city. But I don''t know the exact location. Do you have any idea, Be?" Be shook her head. "No, but don''t worry. I''m sure our little guides know the way," she added with a confident smile. Chapter 299 To Royal District Soon, the tantalizing aroma of the freshly cooked wyvern meat filled the air, making Be''s eyes glisten with excitement as she prepared to dive into the feast. The table was brimming with delicacies, but Be nced toward the two guides standing outside, their hungry gazes subtly betraying their difort. "Now, do you want to call them in?" Aengus asked, watching Be with a knowing smile. Be paused, her fork halfway to her te, and then responded thoughtfully, "You always know me best. But we can''t call them in; they''d feel ufortable and scared to eat with us. I know it. Just send four tes outside for them¡­ with your ability." Aengus chuckled softly, admiring her considerate nature. "Okay, you''re so thoughtful," he said, snapping his fingers. A small portal materialized before the young guides, startling them. "What''s this, brother?" the little girl asked nervously, clutching her brother''s arm. "I-I don''t know," her brother replied, his voice trembling as he instinctively stepped in front of her protectively. They both stared at the swirling portal, their wide eyes betraying fear and awe. They had never encountered anything like it before, and their unease was palpable. Then, under their watchful, wary gazes, four tes of delicious, steaming meat were carefully passed through by a strong, steady hand. The boy and girl gasped in recognition, realizing the hand belonged to the Lord they had guided to the inn. "Just take it!" A voice followed from within the portal¡ªfirm,manding, yet unmistakably kind. The siblings hesitated for only a moment before the boy gathered his courage, bowing deeply toward the portal. "T-Thank you, my Lord!" he stammered, his voice filled with gratitude. The girl mirrored his bow, clutching the edges of her ragged dress. "Thank you so much, Lord and Lady!" she said, her small voice trembling with emotion. They didn''t receive a reply, and the portal vanished instantly. The siblings began to eat happily, sitting just outside the entrance. Their faces lit up with joy as they savored the delicious meal, the boy making sure his little sister had her fill. Inside the inn, Be nced out the window with a satisfied smile while she delicately ate her own meal. "I wonder when I''ll have my own child," Be mused aloud, her voice carrying a soft, wistful tone. She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze distant and filled with yearning. "I want to be a mother too." Aengus froze mid-bite, feeling her eyes on him. He avoided her questioning gaze, the awkwardness unmistakable on his face. --- After about 20 minutes, Aengus paid the bill with gold coins. Fortunately, gold was still epted as a secondary form of currency alongside the Empire''s official bills. Be gracefully rose from her seat, looping her arm through Aengus''s as they exited the inn. The siblings stood nearby, bowing deeply as they noticed their employers approaching. "Thank you so much, Lord and Lady!" the boy said earnestly, his little sister echoing him with a bright smile. "It''s nothing," Aengus shrugged casually. Be leaned down slightly, handing the siblings some sweets. "Children, do you know the way to the Eternal Phoenix n?" she asked gently. The siblings epted the sweets gratefully, but their expressions immediately shifted to shock and apprehension at the mention of the n. Noticing their reaction, Be frowned. "What''s wrong?" The boy hesitated before replying, trying to calm his racing heart. "L-Lady, don''t you know that''s the Royal n of the Phoenix Empire? How could insignificant beings like us dare to go near them?" Be blinked in mild surprise. "Oh, we didn''t know about this, hubby," she said, ncing at Aengus. Aengus smirked, clearly amused. "So, your mother is now part of an Imperial n. This is getting more interesting," hemented. The boy and his sister froze, their faces pale with realization. "L-Lady, you''re from the Imperial family?" The two knelt down instantly, their heads lowered in fear. "We''re so sorry we couldn''t recognize you. Please forgive us!" Be jumped slightly at their sudden reaction. "Come on, you two! I''m not..." She sighed, a little exasperated, before softening her tone. "Though, I am indeed a royalty¡ªjust from a different rule," she added with a smile. The siblings stood up slowly, their faces still confused and hesitant. "Never mind her," Aengus said gently, his tone reassuring. "Just lead us the way. No need to be afraid as long as we''re here, little ones." He could have scoured the entire Phoenix Capital by flying, but doing so would likely rm the city and draw unnecessary attention, which he wanted to avoid. The siblings exchanged nervous nces, their hesitation apparent. Be, noticing their reluctance, smiled mischievously and revealed arge pouch from her space ring. Opening it, she let the shimmering gold coins spill out just enough for them to catch a glimpse of the fortune inside. "Tell me, you want money, right? I''ll give you all this gold if you take us along." The siblings gasped, their eyes widening in awe at the sight. "So much gold!" The sunlight reflected off the mound of coins, casting a golden glow that dazzled the young guides. There had to be at least 1,000 gold coins¡ªfar more than they had ever seen in their lives. The boy and girl, having grown up in poverty, knew exactly what such wealth could mean. It wasn''t just money; it was freedom, safety, and a chance for a better future. Their hesitation melted away as temptation took over. "Deal!" With eager smiles, they nodded in unison. From there, their direction changed directly toward the Royal District at the heart of the city. The Royal District was, of course, heavily restricted. Commoners could not enter as they pleased. After crossing through the bustlingmoner district under the curious gaze of passersby, they arrived at the grand gates leading to the Royal District. The towering gates were heavily guarded, with soldiers dressed in ornate armor. Their presence alone was enough to make the siblings visibly tense. However, the moment the guards sensed Be''s pure Phoenix bloodline, their demeanorpletely changed. Their stiff expressions turned into ones of reverence and fear. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply and stepped aside, clearing the way. "Please, enter, mydy! Forgive us for our rudeness!" one of the guards said, his voice trembling slightly, as if afraid of offending her. Chapter 300: Dance Of The Phoenix Chapter 300: Dance Of The Phoenix "See, I told you not to fear," Be chuckled softly as they continued walking through the pristine Royal District. Evan and Ste blinked nervously, their apprehension fading slightly but reced by a growing self-consciousness as they nced down at their simple, worn clothing. Despite this, they dutifully led the way through thevish surroundings. The walkway beneath their feet was perfectly smooth, paved with polished like asphalt, nked by vibrant gardens and opulent, intricately designed mansions that exuded noble prestige. Aengus silently observed the children, noticing their difort but choosing not toment, allowing them the dignity to carry on. What truly caught his attention, however, were the numerous women they passed by on their journey. All The women carried an ethereal elegance, all with fiery hair that ranged from zing crimson to soft auburn, paired with strikingly fairplexions. Their features were refined, and their demeanor was proud, embodying the traits of those with Phoenix bloodlines. Yet it wasn''t just their beauty that stood out. Many of them exuded an undeniable aura of power, with vibrant characteristics that hinted at their connection to the mythical Phoenix. Some bore subtle signs¡ªfeathers that shimmered like precious gems, faint fiery wings that flickered behind their forms, or gracefully arched, long eyebrows that resembled a Phoenix''s crest. But of course, they still couldn''t stand a chance against Be in beauty and grace. "Why are your eyes only on the women, hubby?" Be asked with jealousy. Aengus immediately shook his head, "Who? Me? Of course not. I was also observing those men with Dragon bloodlines. It''s fascinating to see that the legends are true¡ªDragon and Phoenix bloodlines intertwine, just like the tale of the Dragon God and the Phoenix Goddess." Be''s expression softened at the mention of the tale. "Oh yes, my mother told me their story too. Their love, their sacrifice for one another¡ªit''s so beautiful. I''d do the same for you, hubby, without hesitation. Would you ever make such a sacrifice for me?" She looked up at him, her purplish amber eyes filled with raw emotion and vulnerability. Aengus met her gaze and responded firmly, "Of course, Be. But I promise you, that time will nevere. I''ll make sure of it." Their heartfelt exchange caused Evan and Ste to exchange awkward nces. They subtly distanced themselves, acting as though they hadn''t heard a word. As they continued walking, Be unfurled her magnificent Phoenix wings, a shimmering disy of fiery feathers glowing with a brilliance that captivated everyone nearby. The sight was so mesmerizing and regal that people instinctively moved aside, bowing their heads as if in reverence. Aengus nced at her wings, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Beautiful!" "Hehe, I thought this would help us avoid some unnecessary problems." sheughed. "Hubby, look!" Be suddenly paused, her attention drawn to the lively scene on one side of the regal city. Aengus followed her gaze and saw a street performance¡ªa man and a woman were dancing gracefully in vibrant, flowing clothes. "Yes, I can see that," Aengus said with a slight frown. "But why do you want to go there now?" Ignoring his reluctance, Be eagerly made her way toward the crowd. Aengus, unable to resist her enthusiasm, followed helplessly, like a devoted husband. Evan and Ste, finding no other choice, trailed after them. The crowd, dressed in borate attire, had formed arge circle around the dancers. When Be and Aengus arrived, people instinctively made way, sensing an overwhelming presence that made them feel as if predators had entered their midst. Even the arrogant noble brats in the crowd remained silent, subdued by the aura of the neers. The dancers in the center of the circle moved with elegance and poise, their colorful clothes swirling in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the music. It was a breathtaking performance. Evan leaned closer to Be and whispered, "That''s the famous Phoenix Remembrance Dance, mydy and lord. It''s performed to honor the legends of the Phoenix Empire." Be''s eyes lit up. "Oh, right. My mother used to perform this dance when I was young too. It''s been so long¡ªI''d almost forgotten how beautiful it is." Suddenly, Be turned to Aengus with a mischievous smile. "Hubby, would you like to dance with me?" she asked, extending her soft hand in an elegant, inviting gesture. Aengus blinked in surprise, clearly startled. "Me?" Be nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. He hesitated, realizing he had never danced before. There wasn''t even a skill he could copy from the dancers at that moment. After a moment of thought, he sighed and nodded, alreadymitting the basic steps of the Phoenix Remembrance Dance to memory through observation. "Alright," he said with a small, reluctant smile. "But don''t me me if I step on your feet." Be giggled and took his hand. "I''ll guide you, hubby. Just follow my lead." With that, they stepped into the center of the circle, theirmanding presence drawing all eyes to them. The two performers who had been dancing suddenly paused, an inexplicable instinct halting their movements. They turned toward the regal couple approaching the stage, their hearts pounding with awe. Without hesitation, the performers bowed low and stepped aside. "Please, mydy, the stage is yours!" they said with utmost respect before blending into the crowd of curious onlookers. Be grinned yfully, cing her left hand on her hip and extending her right hand toward Aengus. "Shall we start?" she asked, her tone teasing yet graceful. Aengus sighed with mock defeat, his lips curving into a small smile. "I can''t say no to you, can I?" Taking her hand gently, he leaned in and kissed it lightly, his gesture a perfect mix of charm and respect. "????????????????????????????????" The soft melody of flutes and string instruments resumed, blending into a harmonious rhythm that filled the air with a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Aengus and Be stepped forward, standing face to face at the center of the stage. The crowd gasped softly, enchanted by the chemistry between the two. Be''s radiant smile lit up the entire scene, and Aengus''s calm,manding demeanor added an air of regal dignity. "?? ?? ?? ??????????????" As the music restarted, a quiet murmur spread through the audience, and all eyes remained fixed on the couple about to begin their dance. "????????????????????????????????" The soft melody of flutes and string instruments resumed, blending into a harmonious rhythm that filled the air with a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Aengus and Be stepped forward, standing face to face at the center of the stage. Be led the first move, her body flowing gracefully as she swayed to the left, her right hand still in Aengus''s. She stepped back lightly, inviting him to follow. Aengus mirrored her movements, his steps firm yet elegant, matching her energy with ease despite his earlier hesitation. ?????????? The rhythm picked up slightly, and Be spun once, her flowing dress creating a mesmerizing whirl of colors. Aengus caught her hand with perfect timing, guiding her into a seamless twirl before bringing her close to him. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in sync with the music. With the beat quickening, they stepped into a circr motion. Be moved with feather-like lightness, her feet gliding across the stage as Aengus maintained his steady, grounding presence. Their movements were fluid, like water weaving through fire, each step perfectlyplementing the other. Aengus lifted Be effortlessly, her arms spreading wide as she soared briefly, mirroring the grace of a phoenix in flight. The audience gasped in awe, their breaths stolen by the sheer harmony and beauty of the performance. As theynded back into the rhythm, their movements became more intricate. Aengus led her into a dip, lowering her gracefully as Be arched back with a radiant smile. The music swelled, and they rose together, their steps now more confident, their synchronization wless. The final beats of the melody brought them into a climactic spin, where Be twirled around Aengus, her phoenix-like energy blending perfectly with his grounded strength. With thest note, Aengus caught Be firmly by the waist, their faces inches apart as they froze in their final pose. Chapter 301 Meeting Sky Phoenix Queen Again "Wow! Excellent!" "Heavenly!" p, p! The spectators broke into warm apuse, clearly impressed by their dance skills. One moved with the flexibility and grace of a Phoenix, while the other exuded the domineering strength of a Dragon. Be smiled at Aengus with love in her eyes. "You mastered it so quickly just by watching, hubby. I''m impressed. We should do this more often!" she said, preparing to leave the stage. "Sure!" Aengus replied, then shifted his gaze to an unexpected neer among the spectators. He confidently strode forward, unconcerned about the other party. As Be and Aengus gathered together with their guides, a sudden buzz of surprise and excited murmurs rippled through the crowd, followed by screams of recognition. "Sky Phoenix Queen!" "It''s the Sky Phoenix Queen! Greetings, mydy!" "May your beauty be eternal!" "Good day, Lady Chrystia!" The atmosphere turned heated as everyone in the audience respectfully greeted the majestic figure who had suddenly appeared. Aengus recognised her instantly. She was the Sky Phoenix Queen whom he met at that time around the incident in Dwarvania. Chrystia, the Sky Phoenix Queen, stood tall with an aura of unmatched regality. Her fiery hair cascaded down her shoulders like a river of mes, and her golden robes shimmered with an otherworldly glow, entuating the delicate yetmanding features of her face. Her vibrant, piercing eyes, which mirrored the intensity of the phoenix me, swept over the crowd before locking onto Be and Aengus. The Sky Phoenix Queen''s lips curled into a mischievous smile as her gaze locked with Aengus''s, her regal presencemanding attention. She began to approach Aengus''s group, her steps graceful yet deliberate, causing Be to furrow her brows in suspicion. "Now, why is this womaning here? She looks strong!" Be muttered softly to Aengus, her tone carrying a hint of wariness. But even as unease flickered across her face, Be''s confidence remained steadfast. She wasn''t afraid¡ªnot when she stood beside her husband, a man who could quite literally bring an apocalypse to this Empire if he willed it. Aengus, sensing Be''s tension, ced a reassuring hand on her back. "Rx, Be. Let''s see what she wants," he said calmly, his eyes never leaving the approaching queen. Be nodded but kept her guard up as the mysterious and imposing figure finally stopped before them. Evan and Ste, sensing the ''Executioner'' right behind them, were immediately on guard. Sky Phoenix Queen''s reputation as a Executioner spread far and wide, known for her merciless attitude towards enemies. She was a force of destruction, an Executioner of Rebellion, or anyone who dared to oppose the Phoenix Empire. After all, she belonged to the Imperial Eternal Phoenix n. "Well, well, isn''t this a quite touching reunion, Zero?" "Or, should I say, Emperor Zero?" she said slyly, as if she had caught a thief. Her gaze roamed around Aengus'' body, finding him even more attractive than thest time they had seen each other. Aengus remained calm despite the revtion of his identity, but the noble spectators around them were shocked speechless. Their mouths gaped open, including Evan and Ste''s. "E-Emperor Zero?" One man asked stutteringly. "Did Lady Chrystia really say that?" "Yes, she did," another confirmed, clearly hearing it from the Sky Phoenix Queen. "Oh, so he is the Ruination Emperor? Unbelievable! At such a young age?" "Haha, he is nothing but an arrogant brat, who dered Challenges Against other Empires foolishly," An old man cackled. "Still, he is an Emperor of Liberation Empire, old man. And what are you? A bag of bones?" One young man muttered in admiration. "Youngster, You''re a fool. Don''t you know he wants to seize the throne of our Empress as well?" the old man barked. The young man immediately shut his mouth, realizing a ruthless member of the Imperial n was already present within them: The Sky Phoenix Queen. "Yes. I didn''t expect you to meet right here, Sky Phoenix Queen." Aengus replied with a light chuckle. He was not afraid of her at all. Because she was barely past half of his level. Considering his level 800 strength, she could be crushed by his hand instantly like a mosquito. Unfortunately, Sky Phoenix Queen was not aware of it. Be''s eyes shed. "Hubby, do you know each other?" Be asked suspiciously. Aengus, guessing what was on her suspicious mind, replied, "We barely met. I told you about the incident at the Land of Dwarvania, right? We met there once." "And who is this? Your Partner?" Chrystia asked, finding the bloodline resonance very familiar somehow. Sky Phoenix Queen, only then ncing at Be''s face, and was immediately stunned. "What?" Chrystia immediately became stunned seeing Be''s shimmering purple eyes and facial features resembling someone close to her. "What''s your name, little girl?" she asked, recovering slightly. Be furrowed her brows, visibly annoyed. "Hey, I''m not a little girl. My name is Be Bellfrost," she answered fiercely, locking eyes with Chrystia, her demeanormanding equal footing. "Be Bellfrost?" The name seemed to strike a chord with Chrystia, as if it resonated with some distant memory. Her gaze returned to Be''s face, and this time, recognition dawned upon her like a lightning bolt. Her expression turned pale as if struck dumb, and she nearly stumbled backward. "My Queen, are you all right?" her attendants asked in rm, stepping forward to steady her. Chrystia waved them off, her trembling hand reaching out toward Be''s face. "Eh, what are you doing?" Be eximed, swatting Chrystia''s hand away with caution. The abrupt rejection seemed to hurt Chrystia, who froze mid-motion, her gaze filled with a mixture of sadness and disbelief. "Be, it''s me... your aunt," Chrystia said, her voice trembling. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to contain her emotions. Be''s eyes widened in shock, but skepticism quickly clouded her face. "What do you mean, you''re my aunt? I''ve never seen you before," Be retorted suspiciously, her guard rising. Aengus, observing the unfolding drama, pieced the puzzle together. The simrities in their Phoenix bloodline now made perfect sense. "Be, she might really be... Let''s take this somewhere private," Aengus suggested calmly, his tone carrying a sense of urgency. He was acutely aware that Be''s identity as a demon could be a dangerous revtion if overheard. Chrystia nodded, catching on to the need for discretion. "Yes, my niece. Please,e with me. We must speak in private," she said, her voice steady butced with a plea. It was clear to her that Be was in disguise, likely due to her demonic origins. Be hesitated, ncing at Aengus, who gave her a reassuring nod. Reluctantly, she agreed. Then the group followed Chrystia toward a more secluded area, leaving the curious crowd behind. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 302 Intimidation In a secluded alleyway, Aengus, Be, and the Sky Phoenix Queen stood alone, their expressions tense yet filled with unspoken emotions. "I can''t believe how beautiful you''ve be," Chrystia said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Thest time your mother showed me a glimpse of your grown-up profile, I was in awe. Her skills in such matters are unparalleled." "My mother still remembers me?" Be asked, her voice steady, though her heart raced with suppressed excitement. Chrystia smiled warmly. "Yes, she does. She misses you every moment of these past years. You''ve never left her heart." Be''s eyes shimmered with a mixture of joy and sorrow, but she quickly masked her emotions. "But, niece," Chrystia continued, her tone shifting to one of concern, "tell me, why have youe here? And why do you look more like a human than a demon? What''s going on?" Aengus immediately signaled Be with a subtle gesture, cautioning her to tread carefully. Understanding his intent, Be replied calmly, "Aunt, there are some secrets I cannot share with you just yet. I hope you can understand." Chrystia''s expression softened, though worry still lingered. "And why have youe here, Be?" Be straightened, her voice resolute. "We''re here to meet my mother. I want to ask her if she still wants toe with us." "To where?" Chrystia asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. "To our home," Be said, her gaze softening as she nced at Aengus. Chrystia fell silent, her brow furrowed as she pondered the situation deeply. After a long pause, she asked, "And what if she says no?" "Then we''ll leave," Be replied bluntly. "I see... Don''t you want to meet your grandmother and grandfather?" Chrystia asked cautiously, her tone probing. "Hmph¡­ my grandparents¡­" Be scoffed, her voice filled with a mixture of bitterness and disdain. "I''m sure they don''t care about me. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have allowed my mother and me to be separated in the first ce. But I''m not scared of them either," Be dered, her tone growing fiercer as Phoenix mes flickered around her clenched fist. "Let theme if they dare." Chrystia chuckled lightly, though her gaze shifted warily to Aengus. "Oh, my niece is so confident¡­ Is it because of him?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied the man standing calmly beside Be. She couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. The rebellious human she''d once dismissed as insignificant now exuded an overwhelming aura, as though a storm of unimaginable destructiony dormant within him. The mere proximity to Aengus sent chills down her spine, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew. The tales of his crushing victory over the Kairos Emperor resurfaced in her mind. Back then, she had thought they were exaggerations, myths spun to embellish his reputation. But now, seeing him in person, she was beginning to believe every word. Be''s radiant smile broke through Chrystia''s thoughts. "Yes," Be said with unshakable confidence, her voice ringing with pride. "No one can stand in his way. Even if it means going against you all." Chrystia''s eyes narrowed, sensing the underlying threat. Her own niece was now siding with the man she loved. Though she must admit, Aengus was a man worth putting everything on the line for. "Why are you silent? Do you truly want to wage war against us, oh Ruination Emperor?" Chrystia asked, her tone solemn. "It''s not war that I want," Aengus replied nonchntly. "I want liberation¡ªa united world, free from the suffering of ordinary people caused by the senseless wars between the so-called gods." Chrystia was angered beyond measure. "You''re talking about seizing power right in front of a queen of this empire. Do you realize what you''re saying? Has your power gone to your head? What if we trap you here? How foolish are you?" Chrystia red into a zing sun, her entire body engulfed in mes. Aengus looked up at her fiery disy, unimpressed. "YOU CAN TRY." In an instant, Aengus closed the distance between them, his piercing gaze locking with hers. His eyes seemed to pull Chrystia into a void of chaos and destruction, a vision of eternal oblivion that sent chills down her spine. For a brief moment, Chrystia felt as though her very existence was being unraveled. Just one signal from Aengus could have obliterated her entirely. With Be''s pleading eyes, Aengus let go of Chrystia, his expression softening until he appeared harmless. Chrystia regained herposure and looked at Aengus speechlessly. The boy she had once known was now unfathomable to her. He had be a genuine force of nature, a threat that couldn''t be taken lightly. "Aunt, please take us to my mother. We promise we will do nothing else if she refuses to leave," Be pleaded earnestly. Chrystia studied Be''s face for a moment before nodding. "Okay,e with me..." she said calmly, turning to lead the way. Aengus observed the queen closely, peering into her heart to judge her sincerity. Though she seemed genuine in her intentions, he knew that didn''t mean their request would be granted so easily. But Aengus weed challenges. No one had forced him to his limits since he had risen to power like an unstoppable tide. On the way, they encountered Evan and Ste. Aengus stopped in front of the duo, who stood nervously, unsure of what was about to happen. "Tell me," Aengus said, his tone calm yetmanding. "Do you want to join my Empire? I will give you a chance at a second life as thanks for your small but valuable help." Evan and Ste didn''t hesitate for even a second. "We ept, Your Majesty!" Having learned his true identity as an Emperor, only a fool would let such an opportunity slip through their fingers. Be and Chrystia nced back curiously, watching the interaction unfold. "Very well, off you go," Aengus said with satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, a spatial portal opened before Evan and Ste. The siblings exchanged a grateful look before stepping into the shimmering gateway, disappearing into the Liberation Empire. Aengus turned back, meeting Chrystia''s wide-eyed, impressed gaze. "Did you really send them to your Empire just like that?" Be''s aunt asked incredulously. "And what if I did?" Aengus replied, his voice cold but calm. "Are you already thinking of blocking space to prevent me from using that skill? If so, remember this¡ªyou''ll only bring doom upon yourself by attempting to force my hand." Chrystia clenched her jaw but said nothing further. The sheer conviction in his words and the immense aura he exuded left her with no retort. With a flick of her fiery robe, she turned around and resumed walking, her attendants following closely behind. Be walked beside Aengus, throwing him a proud smile. Chapter 303 Something Important After a while, the group arrived at the Imperial Eternal Phoenix n residence. As they crossed the grand gates by flying, Aengus felt probing eyes scanning over them. However, the attempt to scrutinize them failed entirely, as if an invisible shield protected the neers from any intrusive gaze. In truth, Aengus wasn''t actively concealing anything. The failure was simply due to his Chaotic Aura, which was so densely suppressed within him that it formed a naturally imprable barrier, preventing any prying attempt. Satisfied that no further attempt was made¡ªmost likely due to the presence of the Sky Phoenix Queen with them¡ªthey continued forward. Be, on the other hand, marveled at the scene unfolding before her. Severalrge, sprawling ancient buildings, exuding a timeless majesty, were scattered across the vast estate of the Imperial Residence. At the very heart of thepound stood the Empress''s Pce. Towering above the rest like a fiery phoenix ascending to the heavens, its grandeur was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. Be''s eyes lingered on its regal structure, her emotions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Chrystia led the way silently, as Aengus followed calmly, his aura steady and unwavering. Be, still taking in the splendor around her, held onto Aengus''s arm lightly, her mind filled with thoughts of finally reuniting with her mother. When Chrystia led them inside one of the grand n buildings, they were greeted by an elderly butler who radiated an air of wisdom and authority. His aged features were dignified, and his sharp eyes flickered with intelligence as he acknowledged Chrystia. "Wee back, my queen," he said warmly, bowing slightly. Then, his piercing gaze shifted to Be and Aengus, studying them intently. "Oh, you''ve brought guests with you, my queen," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Chrystia offered a calm nod, her tone even. "Yes, they are very special guests," she replied, walking through the elegantly adorned hallway with the poise of a true queen. She maintained her graceful demeanor, masking the unease from earlier when her authority had been subtly overshadowed by a mere "junior," and a male at that. The Phoenix Empire had always adhered to a matriarchal hierarchy. Unlike the other four ruling factions where men typically held dominant positions, here, an Empress reigned supreme. To the butler, the sight of Aengus¡ªa male exuding such undeniable power¡ªwas both unusual and intriguing. "Wee, respectable Lord and Lady!" The old butler greeted them respectfully, walking alongside yet maintaining a deliberate distance. Aengus and Be gave a curt nod in response, their expressions indifferent to the superficial ttery. Both knew that the old man''s polite demeanor stemmed solely from their perceived power¡ªorck thereof on his part. Receiving no further acknowledgment, the butler''s face briefly flickered with displeasure, though he quickly concealed it. The knowledge that these guests were under the Queen''s protection kept him restrained, no matter his personal feelings. The walk continued in silence, the only sound being the rhythmic tter of their footsteps echoing through the ornate hallways. Suddenly, Chrystia stopped before arge, intricately carved door. Turning to face Be and Aengus, she said, "Niece, Zero, you can stay here while I arrange a meeting with your mother. Is that eptable to you?" Be smiled softly. "No problem, Aunt. Take your time; we can wait." Aengus, standing calmly beside her, gave a slight nod of agreement, his stoic demeanor unchanging. With that, she left hurriedly, followed by the old butler. There wasn''t even basic hospitality arranged for them. Be opened the door, revealing a well-furnished room filled with antiques and a soft cushioned bed. She gracefully sat down on the bed, crossing her legs. Aengus appeared to be deep in thought. "Hubby, are you worried my aunt might be nning something? She seemed fine to me. You even gave her a scare," Be asked, resting her hand on her well-toned leg. Aengus paused before replying, "No, I''m thinking about scouting the n to identify their potential weaknesses and, if possible, locate your mother. I should send my disguised clone, just in case¡­" Be smirked. "Hehe, are you going to imitate my aunt now?" "Yes," Aengus replied firmly. "Well, that would be interesting," Be remarked with a mischievous grin. With that, Aengus created a clone in Chrystia''s form and sent it to search for Be''s mother, preparing for the possibility of things going south. So, unbeknownst to everyone there currently two Chrystia roaming around their own n in opposite directions. --- "Chrystia, where are you going?" The real Chrystia''s path was suddenly blocked by a middle-aged man with strikingly handsome features and a well-built physique d in royal attire. "Father..." Chrystia paused, her expression shifting. "So, you''ve finally agreed to be engaged to Helios? That''s an excellent decision, daughter," the man revealed with a broad smile. He was none other than Vira, her father. Chrystia furrowed her brows upon hearing the name Helios, the Fire Dragon King. Suppressing her frustration, she replied, "No, Father. I initially came here to teach that fire lizard a lesson. How dare he bring a marriage proposal when he already has so many wives? And he''s weak. I would never marry a lizard like him!" Vira''s face twitched at his daughter''s blunt words. "If that''s the case, then you should reject it politely, my daughter. But when are you nning to get married? Are you also trying to follow Celeste''s path as well?" he asked with concern. At the mention of her sister''s name, Chrystia suddenly remembered the pressing matter. "Forget about that, Father. I have something important to discuss with Mother Empress," Chrystia replied anxiously before moving to leave. Vira''s eyes narrowed, sensing the urgency. "Important? Does it concern the guests you''ve brought here?" Chrystia hesitated for a moment. "Yes. It''s very important. But this is something Mother Empress and elders must hear together." "So serious?" Vira was surprised upon seeing his daughter''s solemn look. "Yes." "Alright, let''s go then. They are already in a meeting with Helios. We can talk there." Chapter 304 Young Phoenix Empress Vira and Chrystia stepped into the grandeur of the main Imperial Pce and made their way toward one of the royal guest rooms, where an important meeting was taking ce. --- Inside, the atmosphere was heavy yet refined. "Your Imperial Majesty, I¡ªHelios¡ªswear on my name that I will keep Chrystia deeply cherished in my heart, should you grant me this opportunity. I may be weaker than her in magical prowess, but in terms of physical strength, we dragons hold the utmost advantage. We would be a perfect match for each other," Helios dered slyly, his tone deceptively humble as he sat with an air of feigned modesty. Time to time his eyes kept roaming around Chrystia''s beautiful figure as if eating her alive. Before him sat a circle of eight esteemed elders, six of whom were women. Though aged, their appearances betrayed no frailty, their stern expressions and dignifiedposure exuding authority. The female elders were particrly scrutinizing, their sharp gazes cutting through Helios''s words, analyzing his demeanor and intentions. Each of them represented a key pir of the Phoenix Empire''s matriarchal hierarchy, and their opinions were crucial in matters of politics, alliances, and marriages. Surprisingly, a snotty little girl sat in the middle of the group on an eye-catching throne, exuding an air of authority as if she were in charge. The girl appeared to be around 7 or 8 years old but carried an imposing demeanor well beyond her years. She adorned herself with earrings and jewelry befitting an empress, further emphasizing her regal presence. From time to time, she nced between Chrystia and Helios, silently considering the proposal with an expression that betrayed her sharp mind despite her youthful appearance. The silence following Helios''s deration was deafening, filled with a tension that Chrystia, standing by the door, could almost taste. One of the elder women finally broke the silence, her voice cold and sharp like a de. "Helios, while your ims of devotion are noted, a union with a member of the Imperial Phoenix bloodline is not determined solely by strength¡ªphysical or otherwise. Do you truly believe your current status is enough to warrant such an audacious proposal? You have even failed to protect your son. How will you protect our Chrystia?" Helios'' expression darkened, but he smiled graciously. "Honorable elders, you can''t judge someone based on one failed incident. I have countless victories over demon armies. Furthermore, I can help you deepen your friendly rtions with the Dragon Emperor, Your Empress," Helios said to the little girl, bowing his head slightly. "I see..." The little girl in the middle nodded, thinking hard. She seemed to find the proposal very likeable. Chrystia''s eyes glinted with irritation. Her frustration with Helios was already brimming, and seeing him pleading his case before the elders and her mother only deepened her distaste. Before Helios could respond, Chrystia stepped forward with measured grace, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. "Mother Empress, elders, I beg your pardon for interrupting this discussion, but I must rify something." The attention in the room shifted to Chrystia, her presence demanding respect. "I have no intention of epting this proposal, now or ever. With all due respect to Helios and his lineage, I am perfectly capable of choosing my own path, one that aligns with the ideals of our Empire and my personal convictions." Helios''s expression faltered, though he quickly tried to mask his disappointment with a forced smile. "Hum..." The little girl, revealed to be the Empress of the Phoenix Empire, was unimpressed by Chrystia''s behavior. "What are you saying, Chrystia? Use your brain like an adult. We can be allied with the Dragon Emperor through this marriage. How can you be so inconsiderate toward your own lineage?" the little Empress scolded sternly, her crisp, young voice filled with displeasure. "What are you saying, mother? Don''t I have the right to choose my partner?" Chrystia questioned angrily. "No, you don''t. You have to do as I say. Otherwise, the same thing will happen to you that happened to your older sister Celeste. She was so foolish and irresponsible by choosing a demon as her partner. I won''t let something like that happen again," the Empress said with fiery resolution, her small frame suppressing power beyond her age, like that of an ancient monster. Vira stepped forward, attempting to defuse the tension between mother and daughter. "Come on, udia. Give her some time to think," he said calmly. But his words seemed to fall on deaf ears, carrying little weight in the room. It was clear who truly held the power. Vira knew this well and didn''t let it bother him. He had long epted his wife''s dominance over him. Despite her cold demeanor, his love for her had grown after their arranged marriage. "Vira, I can grant her some time. But make sure she understands not to repeat her older sister''s mistake by making a foolish choice," the Phoenix Empress said, her tonemanding and unyielding. Chrystia felt a wave of relief wash over her, temporarily ignoring Helios''s smug expression. She would find a way to escape this arranged marriageter. For now, there were more pressing matters to address. "Speak your mind, Chrystia," Vira encouraged, cing a reassuring hand on her back. He had no idea that the news she was about to reveal would shock him as well. "What are the two of you talking about?" the Phoenix Empress asked curiously, noticing their interaction. Chrystia took a deep breath and began, "Mother Empress, your granddaughter Be Bellfrost is here¡­ to take her mother away." The room fell into stunned silence. "What?" The Phoenix Empress''s voice cut through the air like a de. Her sharp gaze bore into Chrystia. "What do you mean, Chrystia? Speak clearly. Since when does that vile spawn dare to set foot here?" she demanded, her toneced with simmering anger. Sensing the rising fury of her mother, Chrystia quickly exined, "Mother, it''s like this¡­" She detailed the events, recounting how Be had arrived in the Phoenix Empire apanied by her life partner¡ªthe infamous Rebel Emperor, or the Ruination Emperor as he was widely feared. As Chrystia unfolded the story, the faces of the elders and Empress udia darkened with disbelief and anger. The audacity of Be, a child they considered tainted, and her powerful partner boldly walking into their empire, enraged them all. Chapter 305 Bellas Mother The Phoenix Empress''s fiery aura intensified, making the room swelter with heat. Her small frame radiated an overwhelming presence, causing even the seasoned elders to shift uneasily in their seats. "Toe here, to my empire, and dare to demand anything¡ªwho do they think they are?!" she thundered, her voice reverberating throughout the chamber. The elders exchanged wary nces, their faces betraying a mix of shock and unease. The situation had escted far beyond what anyone expected. Chrystia stepped forward, trying to keep her voice calm yet firm. "Mother, I think it would be wise to let them meet my older sister. That young man is¡­ extremely dangerous. His potential and power might even surpass yours." Her words hung heavily in the air. Phoenix Empress udia''s eyes narrowed, her fiery gaze cutting into Chrystia. "We''ll see about that," she said, her tone icy despite the heat around her. "Summon Celeste and that vile spawn to the court immediately." Hermand was swift and absolute. The butler and attendants scurried out of the chamber to ry her orders. Amidst the tension, Helios stood frozen, his mind reeling. Chrystia''s words echoed in his head: His potential and power might even surpass yours. He couldn''t believe it¡ªthe young man from back then had truly grown to such unimaginable heights. Helios had always dismissed the tales surrounding Emperor Zero''s rise to power. He thought them to be exaggerated legends, the kind of stories spun by desperate followers to glorify their leader. But now, hearing Chrystia''s words and the solemn atmosphere that filled the chamber, he began to doubt his own convictions. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt: this "Emperor Zero" was the same young man he had arrogantly threatened to kill just weeks ago. A chill crept up his spine. Despite all his arrogance, the thought of someone surpassing the Phoenix Empress¡ªwas deeply unsettling. For the first time in decades, Helios felt an emotion unfamiliar to him: fear. He stood frozen, his mind racing. What would happen if that young man had truly be that strong? The image of the Rebel Emperor''s piercing gaze and the devastating power that supposedlyy at his fingertips consumed Helios''s thoughts. Won''t the Rebel Emperor kill me as effortlessly as swatting a fly? The smug confidence that had always defined him was now shattered. Helios suddenly realized that all his pride and strength meant nothing in the face of such overwhelming power. For the first time, he found himself questioning whether he would even survive this encounter. Like a cautious cat, Helios hesitantly started to follow the summons, every step weighed down by doubt. Is it really worth risking my life for a woman? he questioned himself. But as his gaze flickered toward the Sky Phoenix Queen, her mocking expression pierced him like a dagger. Disdain. She despised him¡ªfor his hesitation, his cowardice. The realization burned hotter than any me. How could he endure this humiliation? His dragon pride and arrogance wouldn''t allow it. His nostrils red, his eyes burned with fury, and his dragon scales surfaced on his skin, gleaming faintly as if to proim his courage. He straightened his posture, trying to mask his fear with a show of strength. Chrystia, watching the tension unfold, couldn''t help but smirk inwardly. She was fully aware of the feud between Zero and Helios, and anticipation bubbled within her. What will happen when these two meet? Though deep in her heart, she silently wished for Helios to meet his demise at Zero''s hands. She harbored no sympathy for the Fire Dragon King, whose arrogance and entitlement had always been a source of her irritation. --- Aengus'' clone had scoured various locations but found nothing of value, so he dismissed it, turning his focus to the summons by the Phoenix Empress herself. Be and Aengus followed a maid along the corridors. Their expressions remained calm and unworried, though Aengus was ever-alert for unexpected surprises. With his special eyes activated, Aengus discreetly scanned every corner of the pce, even underground areas, searching for anything useful. The maid, walking ahead of them, began to grow uneasy. She couldn''t help but notice his gaze flicker toward her repeatedly. Why is he looking at me like that? she wondered nervously. The man was undeniably handsome, and the woman beside him was stunningly beautiful, far beyond her own charms. Could it be that I''m attractive enough to catch his attention? Why didn''t I realize this before? Her cheeks flushed as her insecurity shadowed with a strange sense of pride. Little did she know that Aengus'' focused gaze wasn''t directed at her at all but was simply part of his ceaseless vignce. "Please, enter, honored guests," the maid said, stopping in front of arge, ornate entrance nked by two imposing female guards. The guards, with their sharp, hawk-like eyes and crossed arms, exuded an aura of sheer dominance. Their muscr frames and unyielding stance suggested they could crush anyone who dared step out of line. Be, unfazed by their intimidating presence, nced at the door and then at the guards. "Hello?" she said curtly, signaling with her eyes for them to open the door. The female guards exchanged a nce, before stepping aside. One pushed the heavy door open with a single fluid motion, revealing the grand hall beyond. "Wee," another said, her voice as firm as her stance. Aengus and Be entered the grand hall, leaving the bewildered maid behind. The hall was majestic, with its fiery red and gold d¨¦cor reflecting the Phoenix Empire''s grandeur. At first nce, Aengus''s eyes fell upon the regal throne in the center, where a little girl with a fiery aura sat like a volcano ready to erupt. The intensity of her presence caught him off guard. Curious, Aengus used Appraisal, and his expression turned momentarily speechless. This small child was the true Phoenix Empress¡ªreborn through their n''s unique innate ability of rebirth. Be, however, didn''t even nce at the throne. Her instincts guided her eyes toward a thin woman in a simple white dress, standing a little distance away from the throne, surrounded by an air of fragility and istion. Her heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned. "Mother!" Be eximed, her voice filled with a mix of joy and sorrow. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the frail frame of her mother, Celeste, holding her tightly as if to shield her from the world. Chapter 306 Bellas Mother (2) "Be, is that you?" Celeste asked weakly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, Mother. It''s me¡ªyour daughter," Be replied, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung tightly to her mother. "I missed you so much, Mother. Every moment you spent with me and Father was precious." Celeste''s eyes welled up as she gently cupped Be''s face. "Really? You''ve grown so big and beautiful, sweetheart. I thought... I thought you and your father would have forgotten me by now." Be shook her head,ughing softly through her tears. "Haha, so did I, Mother. But look at us¡ªwe still missed each other." Celeste smiled faintly, nodding, but her joy was short-lived. She quickly stepped back, her expression shifting to one of concern as she sensed the fury emanating from the throne. Phoenix Empress red at Be with fiery eyes, her small frame brimming with unyielding power. "Vile spawn, why are you here? You can''t hide from me under that human skin. You reek of the same foul scent as your father," she barked furiously, her young voice cutting through the air like a whip. Be''s irritation was clear as her gaze shifted to the throne, where the little girl sat with an air of arrogance. She blinked, speechless for a moment, before voicing her thoughts. "Hey, who is this little girl? How can she have no manners?" Be asked, her tone sharp and irritated. The room went silent for a moment before chaos erupted. "What?" "This is tant disrespect!" "How dare she insult our Empress?" "She''s courting death!" "Kill this demoness already!" The elders trembled with anger at Be''s blunt words, their fiery auras ring in unison as they red at her. Aengus and Vira both leaned closer to Be simultaneously, their reactions vastly different. Vira''s brows furrowed in surprise as he assessed Aengus, the calm young man who had caused so much turmoil. This is our grandson-inw? he thought, uncertain how to process it. But as Vira moved closer, his dragon bloodline stirred violently, reacting to Aengus''s presence. His body tensed as he felt an overwhelming and ancient power emanating from the young man¡ªchaotic and primal, a bloodline even more potent than his own. He paused, his eyes fixed on the young man. Aengus, unaffected by the uproar and the rising tension, ced a calming hand on Be''s shoulder. His presence alone seemed to shift the bnce in the room, silencing the tumult as if an unseen force demanded it. "Be, she is your grandmother," Vira informed her curtly. Be tilted her head naively. "Really?" she asked, her brows fluttering mischievously. Aengus immediately realized she was already aware and was merely ying games with her grandmother. The Phoenix Empress felt as if she had been mocked. Her fiery eyes turned to the young man standing beside the demon spawn. "And what is your motive foring here, brat? Are you trying to find weaknesses in our defenses? I remember perfectly how you foolishly challenged the entire world," she muttered sharply, her tone crisp and vicious. "Old hag..." Be muttered under her breath. Vira widened his eyes in shock at his granddaughter''s words. Bang! "What did you say, demon spawn? Do you think I can''t hear you?" The Phoenix Empress red at Be, her fiery aura ring with rage at the tant disrespect. Be, unfazed, rested one hand on her hip and muttered louder, "Yes, you heard me right, old hag. You didn''t even show proper hospitality to my husband. He is an Emperor. I hope you haven''t forgotten that." The Phoenix Empress scoffed, her tone sharp and dismissive. "What hospitality should I show someone who could very well be our enemy? I am already being far too lenient toward your unruly, vile behavior because of his presence. Now, tell me¡ªwhat do you two want here? I don''t have all day to waste on you." Chrystia''s eyes were fixed on Aengus the entire time, observing his unnervingly calm expression. A stillness like his was terrifying, a telltale sign of someone truly dangerous. Helios, on the other hand, was desperately trying to make himself smaller, practically shrinking in his seat like a mouse cowering before a cat. "No matter, Be. We don''t need such hospitality from them." Buzz... Aengus muttered before snapped his fingers, and three thrones, intricately carved from Roc stone, materialized in an instant. One was ced deliberately on the same level as the Empress'' seat, while the other two sat slightly below, exuding a sense of calcted dominance. Gasps and raised eyebrows filled the hall as everyone watched the bold disy. Unbothered, Aengus walked over to Celeste''s side, gently taking her frail hand in his own. "Mother-inw, please sit here," he said warmly, guiding her to the left seat. Celeste, still processing the fact that this man was her son-inw, looked at him with wide eyes. Despite his intimidating aura, she could feel respect and genuine care radiating from his gentle smile. Mechanically, she allowed him to lead her to the throne and sat down hesitantly. Be, watching the scene, beamed with joy. Without hesitation, she took the seat to Aengus'' right, her movements gracious and elegant. "Thank you, Hubby. You''re great as always," Be said, leaning in and nting a kiss on his cheek, unbothered by the stunned silence of the room. The tant show of affection left the onlookers frozen, their attention firmly fixed on the trio. Aengus, seated regally in the middle, responded to Be''s kiss with a casual yet deliberate kiss on the lips, eliciting gasps from the room. Celeste, along with a few others, instinctively averted their eyes, unable to handle such tant affection in public. The Phoenix Empress, however, and several of her elders were visibly seething at the audacity of the trio. "Celeste, get down at once!" the Empress barked, her fiery re aimed directly at her trembling daughter. Celeste, feeling the weight of her mother''s authority, instinctively moved to obey, her nervousness and ingrained fearpelling her to rise from the throne. "Mother... don''t..." Be whispered, noticing her mother''s hesitation as he pulled away from Aengus'' lips. Aengus'' gaze darkened with irritation, releasing all the pent up emotions that he suppressed inside. His darkened gaze swept across the room as the warmth in his eyes faded, reced by an ominous rage. The room seemed to thrum with his suppressed power as he unleashed a sudden, overwhelming wave of Fiend-Celestial Aura, a mix of chaos and divinity. The air became suffocating, heavy with his unrestrained dominance, as his voice echoed like a thunderp. "QUIET!" Chapter 307: Helios Demise The Phoenix Empress squinted her sharp eyes, her fiery aura flickering in response as she sensed the young man''s presence suddenly intensify. It was undeniable¡ªthis so-called Ruination Emperor was not a mere title. "So strong!" The female elders exchanged grave looks, their expressions growing increasingly solemn. They hadn''t expected this level of power radiating from Aengus. For the first time, the Empress''s court recognized the weight of the threat he posed. Helios, on the other hand, was utterly horrified. It felt as though he had been plunged into an ice cave, his usually zing dragon blood subdued by the oppressive presence of Aengus'' Fiend-Celestial Aura. When Aengus'' glowing eyesnded on him, despite his desperate efforts to shrink into the shadows, his heart raced uncontrobly. He had faced countless enemies on the battlefield, but nothing had prepared him for this overwhelming, primal fear that crept into his soul, seeping into every corner of his being. "Come here!" Aengus, with a domineering gesture, dragged Helios through the air using invisible chains. Helios, unable to defend himself, was quickly pinned under Aengus'' right leg, as unyielding as a mountain pressing down on him. Helios'' breath grew haggard, and the sound of his joints cracking echoed in the hall under the sheer force of Aengus'' single leg. All the pride and arrogance that once defined the mighty Fire Dragon King were reduced to a pathetic spectacle¡ªapleteughingstock. "We are here to take my Empress'' mother home. If anyone has any objection to this, I dare you to try and stop us," Aengus dered, his unwavering gaze fixed on the Phoenix Empress, his supposedly formidable grandmother-inw. "Take me back?" Celeste repeated the words as if caught in a dream. For years, she had longed to hear those words from her husband but never expected them toe from her daughter''s husband instead. Be tilted her head and smiled. "Yes, Mother. We''re here to take you with us. Don''t you want toe and live with us? Don''t you want to hold your Grandchild in you hands?" "I can leave this ce? Really?" Celeste muttered, trembling as she held back tears. For so long, she had yearned for freedom. Her adventurous heart had always been stifled in this cold, unyielding prison she called home. Now, her deepest desire seemed closer than ever. However.. "Rumble!" The Phoenix Empress clenched her fists, and the entire pce quaked as though struck by an earthquake. Her small eyes burned with an intense fire, and her whole being trembled with rage. She had been holding back for far too long. "HOW DARE YOU!" The Phoenix Empress stood, her fiery feathers ring out, her shout echoing like thunder. The female elders rose alongside her, quickly forming a defensive formation, ready to act at hermand. Celeste''s weak frame trembled under the sheer force of her mother''s outrage, her face pale with fear. "Mother, it will be alright. We are here with you," Be said gently. Crouching beside her mother, Be gently ced a hand on her trembling shoulder tofort her. "Just tell me¡ªdo you want toe back with us?" Celeste looked at her daughter and Aengus, who exuded unwavering confidence even in the face of her mother''s outrage. "Y-Yes, daughter. Please take me away from here. I want to live freely with you all. I want to hold my grandchild," she affirmed, her tear-streaked face trembling with emotion. "That''s what we needed to hear, Mother. Father will be happy to see you," Be stated. "Belial? I don''t want to see him," Celeste said, shaking her head vehemently, her tone filled with resentment. Be could do nothing about that for now. She signaled to Aengus, her expression resolute. "Hubby, send us away." Aengus nodded and attempted to open a portal, but the space around them rippled, and the portal faltered, unable to stabilize. Frowning, Aengus turned his displeased gaze to the Phoenix Empress. "Do you really want to do this, ''Grandmother-inw''?" he asked, his tone dangerously calm, his narrowed eyes glinting with warning. The Phoenix Empress scoffed, her fiery wings spreading wide as she took a step forward. The scalding heat emanating from her presence seemed to warp the air itself. "What are you going to do about it, kid?" she taunted, her voice filled with contempt. Her every step burned the spatial fabric around them, the tension in the room escting with each second. "You''re still so narrow-minded, Grandmother-inw. Perhaps I need to teach you the hard way," Aengus said, his voice carrying an edge that sent a chill through the room. "Watch closely. This will be the fate of anyone who dares to challenge me!" Under everyone''s apprehensive gaze, Aengus extended his palm toward Helios, who had already sumbed to despair. A small void began to form above the Fire Dragon King''s horrified eyes, swirling ominously. "No! Don''t kill me!" Helios screamed, his voice cracking in terror. Ahh... You will die a horrible death. The Dragon Emperor will not spare you!" With those ursed words, the void consumed Heliospletely, erasing him from existence in an instant. The room fell into a stunned silence, every breath stolen by the sight of the Fire Dragon King''s abrupt and merciless demise. Even the Phoenix Empress faltered momentarily, her fiery aura flickering as she processed what had just happened. The sheer finality of Helios'' erasure made everyone freeze in their tracks, their confidence shaken to its core. "Haha, kid, do you even realize what you''ve done?" the Phoenix Empress suddenlyughed, her tone dripping with mockery, as if reveling in Aengus'' supposed stupidity. Aengus, savoring the exhration of his strength, grinned back confidently. "Oh, of course. I''ve made myself an enemy of the Dragon Emperor. Oh no, I''m so scared! What will happen to me? I''m going to die, right?" he said theatrically, feigning despair with exaggerated expressions before pausing abruptly. His grin widened, his voice brimming with mockery as he added, "You think I''d actually be scared of that?" The Phoenix Empress'' face flushed with rage, herposure shattered by his taunt. "You''re dead, arrogant brat!" she roared, her fiery wings zing brighter than ever. Without hesitation, she charged at him, followed closely by the female elders, theirbined power surging forward like a devastating storm aimed directly at Aengus. Chapter 308: Eternal Phoenix "Screech!" Be shielded her mother, stepping into the battle with unwavering determination. As a level 300 warrior possessing both demonic and human skills, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her third cursed eye emerged on her forehead, radiating an eerie glow that filled the hall with an oppressive aura. "Thud!" With a single curse, she immobilized one of the female elders. Wasting no time, Be used her superior raw strength to send the elder stumbling backward with a powerful blow. The other elders were rmed by Be''s unexpected strength and skill. Three more charged toward her angrily, their movements fueled by fiery determination. The grand hall began to melt under the intense heat and energy of the shes between the two parties. Fiery bursts and cursed energies shed, creating an environment of chaos and destruction. Aengus, already locked in fiercebat with the Phoenix Empress, dodged a ming strike with ease, his mind calcting his next move. His thoughts wandered briefly as he contemted therger picture. "If I can bring the Phoenix Empress under my control¡­ the entire Phoenix Empire will fall into our hands. This could be the perfect opportunity." With that thought lingering in his mind, his attacks grew more deliberate, probing the Phoenix Empress for weaknesses while maintaining his dominant presence in the battle. The Phoenix Empress seethed with frustration, her attacks proving ineffective against Aengus. No matter how much raw strength or Eternal Phoenix Fire she unleashed, his defenses were imprable, bolstered by his superior stats andyered defensive skills. "Charge!" "Save the elders and the Empress!" Suddenly, the ground trembled, and the grand hall filled with a deafening roar as dozens of Transcendental-level Phoenix warriors burst in, their majestic phoenix forms glowing with fiery brilliance. "Screech!" The sharp cries of the warriors echoed, shaking the very foundation of the hall. Yet Be remained unyielding, her cursed eye glowing ominously as she prepared for the iing assault. Aengus noticed her bravery but couldn''t let her face the onught alone. With a subtle gesture, he summoned two clones, each as formidable as himself, to intercept the warriors. "Be," Aengus transmitted mentally, his voice calm but resolute. "I need to buy some time to take control of your grandmother." Be''s eyes narrowed in worry as she replied through the mental link. "Are you going to kill her? This wasn''t part of the original n. Can you handle it?" Aengus''s expression remained calm as he reassured her. "I won''t kill her, Be. I''ll only influence her mind and bring her to our side. Trust me, it''s under control." His tone exuded confidence, and though Be was still concerned, she chose to trust him. "Okay, hubby. Let''s do it." With a nod, she turned her focus back to the iing warriors, determined to hold the line while Aengus carried out his daring n. With Aengus'' clones reinforcing Be, the battle turned decidedly in their favor. "Grrrrr, Grrrrr!" On top of that, Aengus summoned his monstrous legion from his Monster Breeding Space, a horde of feral beasts surging forth as cannon fodder. Their presence provided a much-needed buffer as more Phoenix warriors and Dragon-bloodline soldiers closed in on the pce, responding to the escting chaos. "Roar!" A thunderous roar split the air as Vira, the mighty Dragon, surged forward. His cry shattered the pce rooftop, sending fiery debris raining down. His desperation was evident as he charged to rescue his wife, the Phoenix Empress. Aengus'' clone stood firm, unmoving as Vira''s formidable aura bore down on him. "Grandfather-inw," Aengus'' clone dered, his voice calm butced with iron authority, "there''s no need to take this so seriously. It''ll be over in a minute. I''ll fix her personality¡ªfor the better." Vira halted mid-charge, his sharp golden eyes narrowing at the young man''s audacity. "Brat," Vira growled, his voice trembling between rage and despair. "Don''t hurt her, or I won''t spare anyone!" Vira hesitated, then dropped to his knees in an unprecedented show of vulnerability, his voice breaking. "She is my everything. The love of my life. She risked her life to save mine when no one else would. I beg you¡ªdon''t kill her. If there''s any shred of mercy in you, let her live." The sight of the Vira, kneeling and pleading, caused a ripple of unease even among the Phoenix elders and soldiers. His words cut through the chaos, leaving the battlefield momentarily silent. The Sky Phoenix Queen, watching the scene unfold, hesitated in her tracks. Should she interfere? Her heart was conflicted, torn between loyalty to her mother and the realization that this battle was spiraling out of control. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Empress, locked in her struggle against Aengus, felt a twinge in her heart as Vira¡ªher proud and formidable husband¡ªknelt, begging on her behalf. "Vira," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. "There''s no need to beg him. I am not defeated yet!" Her deration echoed like a thunderp. "Chi¡ªSCRRREEEECCCCH!" Suddenly, a heaven-shaking cry of a phoenix resounded across the pce, its piercing note reverberating in the hearts of everyone present. The intensity of the sound sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the very foundations of the pce. With that cry, the Phoenix Empress underwent a radiant transformation. Her small, human-like form burst into a zing inferno, her regal figure expanding as fiery wings erupted from her back, spanning hundreds of meters. Her transformation into the Eternal Phoenix form¡ªa massive 1000 metres, majestic creature of me and wrath¡ªwas both awe-inspiring and terrifying. "Boom!" Her transformation alone destroyed everything about the pce, bringing everyone under the sinking red sun. Her zing feathers radiated a heat so intense that the air shimmered, and those closest to her had to retreat, their skin burning from the searing temperatures. The sheer pressure of her presence brought everyone to their knees, and her fiery eyes locked onto Aengus with unyielding fury. "You think you can change me?" she roared, her voice magnified by her transformation. "You overestimate yourself, boy. Witness the might of the Eternal Phoenix!" Her aura exploded outward, creating a vortex of mes that swept across the battlefield. Chapter 309 Phoenix Empress Defeat "SCREECH!" The deafening cry of the Phoenix Empress reverberated across the skies as she unleashed a ferocious firestorm of unimaginable magnitude. The fiery storm lit up the evening sky in a blinding, ominous red hue, turning the horizon into what resembled an apocalyptic scene. The golden mes twisted and roared like living entities, casting shadows of terror over the sprawling Phoenix Capital City below. "Oh... God!" Citizens from miles away froze in fear as they witnessed the radiant spectacle of their revered Eternal Phoenix soaring through the heavens, her majestic form dominating the skies. "Run!" Those closer to the epicenter¡ªespecially the nobles in the Royal District¡ªabandoned all semnce of dignity and fled for their lives, their thoughts racing: Who could have provoked the Empress to such wrath? High above the city, Aengus, a mere silhouette against the raging inferno, stood unyielding. From below, Be, Vira, Chrystia, and others stared in awe and apprehension as the young Rebel Emperor faced the overwhelming storm with a calm that bordered on arrogance. His small figure seemed almost insignificant against the grandeur of the Phoenix Empress'' might, yet his presence exuded an unshakable confidence. "Shua shua shua..." As the firestorm approached, consuming everything in its path, Aengus prepared to meet it head-on. With a single motion, he summoned his weapon¡ªthe God yer Sword, Aegis, its de radiating a chaotic brilliance that seemed to pierce through the fiery chaos. "Chaotic Maelstrom (SS)" In a single, devastating horizontal arc, he swung the sword, unleashing a colossal storm of multicolored destructive energy. The energy roared to life, creating a violent maelstrom that swirled with chaotic, ovepping hues¡ªred, blue, ck, and gold. Its raw, unrestrained power surged forward, tearing through the Eternal Firestorm with an overwhelming might that eclipsed even the Empress'' mes. "BOOOOM!" The sh of the two attacks was nothing short of cataclysmic. The multicolored Chaotic Maelstrom swallowed the firestorm whole, its destructive energy spreading outward like an unstoppable tide. A shockwave of energy rippled through the atmosphere, shaking the city and the surroundingnds. Buildings trembled, the ground quaked, and the skies themselves seemed to groan under the pressure of the opposing forces. As the dust and mes began to settle, the crowd below could see the Phoenix Empress hovering mid-air, her fiery wings ring out defiantly but visibly dimmed, a sign that her attack had been overpowered. Opposite her stood Aengus, his figure framed by the lingering remnants of the Chaotic Maelstrom, unscathed and radiating an aura of undeniable dominance. "The Eternal Phoenix is losing to a mere human?" "Unbelievable!" The onlookers, both allies and enemies, stared in disbelief. The scene unfolding in the sky was beyond anything they could have imagined. "Is this the power of my son-inw?" Celeste, sheltered under Be''s protective stance, murmured in awe as she watched Aengus stride across the sky with the calm authority of a deity. Be smirked, her expression radiating pride. "No, Mother. You don''t know the half of it yet. Just watch!" After that Celeste''s eyes widened as Aengus'' silhouette began to change. Shadows coiled around him, forming an ominous cloak that pulsed with dark energy. The very air around him warped and crackled, as though reality itself trembled at his transformation. "What is he¡­?" Celeste whispered, her voice filled with both fear and amazement. Under the stunned gazes of the Eternal Phoenix and the gathered warriors, Aengus'' form began to expand. His body reshaped itself into a monstrous dragon, the transformation so otherworldly it felt as though the heavens themselves had split open. First, a small, little draconic frame took shape. Then, it grew¡ª100 meters, 500 meters, 2,500 meters, 7,500 meters¡­ until it finally reached an iprehensible length of 10,500+ meters. The massive dragon loomed over the battlefield, its towering form dwarfing even the Eternal Phoenix, whose regal and majestic presence now seemed like that of a small bird inparison. The abyssal ck mes surrounding the colossal dragon were unlike anything anyone had ever seen. They twisted and writhed with malevolence, consuming light and radiating a heat so intense it distorted reality itself. The once-unstoppable Eternal Phoenix Fire flickered weakly against the overwhelming power of the Abyssal Dragon''s ck mes, like a fragile boat caught in a storm-tossed sea. The ground below began to melt as the dragon''s sheer presence caused the temperature to skyrocket. Buildings copsed, rivers evaporated, and even the most hardened warriors felt their resolve falter as waves of abyssal heat washed over them, scorching the weaker ones instantly. Survivors scrambled to escape, their faces pale with terror. "Run! Run for your lives!" The cries of fleeing soldiers and citizens echoed across the battlefield, but there was no safe ce to hide. Aengus¡ªnow a dark, abyssal dragon¡ªwas a force of nature, a living catastrophe. The Phoenix Empress, hovering in her Eternal Phoenix form, stared at the monstrous dragon before her. For the first time in centuries, she felt a chill of fear creep into her fiery heart. "Who...What¡­ are you?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fury and apprehension. Aengus'' dragonic form rumbled with a deep, gutturalugh, his voice resonating like thunder across the burningndscape. "I am your Salvation. Let me clear your head to give you some peace of mind." Aengus'' massive, abyssal wings mped shut, creating an imprable cage that encased the struggling Phoenix Empress within their ckened embrace. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" The Empressshed out with all her might, her fiery attacks crashing against the dark barrier, but to no avail. The cage, fortified by Aengus'' immense power, absorbed her blows as though they were nothing more than flickering embers. Inside the suffocating darkness, a sinister shadow began to take form. It was the Shadow Monarch''s Dominion, a nightmarish construct born from Aengus. The ethereal shadow snaked its way toward the Phoenix Empress, reaching into her mind with tendrils of unstoppable purpose. "No¡­ get out of my head!" she screamed, her voice trembling as the Dominion burrowed into her thoughts. But it was toote. The Shadow Monarch''s Dominion began to awaken the deepest parts of her psyche¡ªthose buried desires and fragmented memories of joy, love, and happiness that she had abandoned long ago in service to her throne. Images of a time before she became the Phoenix Empress shed before her eyes: Her younger self,ughing freely with her mother. Moments of tender affection with Vira, the sacrifices they made for each other. The love and happiness she had forsaken when she took her oath of duty and power. The overwhelming flood of emotions caused her fiery aura to waver, her resolve cracking under the weight of what she had suppressed for so long. Inside her mind, there was a different deal was happening between Aengus and udia. Meanwhile, outside the cage, Vira approached Be and Celeste with desperate eyes. His once-proud demeanor was now overshadowed by fear and anguish as he watched his wife, the love of his life, trapped in a battle of wills. "Be, Celeste¡­ please. Stop him!" Vira''s voice cracked with emotion. "I know she has done terrible things, but she is still your family. She was very nice to you all in the past. I can''t lose her like this¡­ not like this." Be looked at her grandfather with sympathy. "Grandfather, if he seeds, you might finally get her back¡ªthe woman you fell in love with. Not the Empress, but the real her. Trust him. Your Grandson-inw will fix this." "Ohh, Is that so..." Vira could only pray for her safety as Aengus'' clone stood like Imprable Wall. Chapter 310 Subdued Empress As the dust settled above the shattered ruins of the Imperial Castle, the once-chaotic battlefield turned eerily silent. The massive dragon wings that had shielded the Phoenix Empress from view gradually retracted, shrinking and disappearing into Aengus'' human form, leaving him standing tall. Beside him, the Phoenix Empress, now transformed in both demeanor and presence, stood quietly. Her fiery, unrelenting rage was gone, reced by a sereneposure. Her eyes, which once zed with pride and fury, now glimmered with a calm and peaceful light. The sight left Vira momentarily stunned, but relief quickly washed over him. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, his gaze fixed on the petite figure of his wife. "udia, are you okay?" Vira''s voice trembled as he gently wrapped his arms around her, lifting her with the tenderness of a man who had waited lifetimes to feel her close again. udia blinked, startled by the sudden contact, but her expression softened as she looked at her husband. Her voice, gentle yet tinged with guilt, whispered, "Vira¡­ Yes, I''m fine. I love you. I never wanted to disrespect you and force my own Children against their wishes. It''s just that demon lord¡ª" "I know everything, udia." Vira interrupted her softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I know. But remember, you''ve always been the woman who died once to save me. That''s the udia I''ve loved and waited for. And now¡­ you''re back." The sincerity in his words brought a faint flush to udia''s cheeks as she nestled closer into his arms, tears of relief pooling in her eyes. Vira turned his gaze to Aengus, his expression filled with gratitude. With a respectful nod, he said, "Thank you¡­ Grandson-inw. You''ve given me back what I thought I had lost forever. For this, I am indebted to you." Aengus, standing confidently with his hands behind his back, gave a faint smile. "No need for thanks, Grandfather-inw. I simply brought her heart back to where it always belonged¡ªwith you all." In the background, Be, who had been standing protectively with her mother, watched the scene unfold with a beaming smile. "See, Mother? This is what you Son-In-Law can do. He didn''t just win the battle¡ªhe brought us all back together." Though some questions still lingered on Be''s mind about the personality change of their Grandmother after hearing their conversation. "What was the exact reason of her rebirth?" Celeste, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment, nodded quietly, wiping away a tear. "He truly is extraordinary, sweetheart. You''ve found yourself a great man, unlike... certain someone." "Ah¡­" Be decided it was best to let her mother''s passive-aggressivement slide, choosing not toment on her parents'' tumultuous rtionship. Instead, she smiled warmly and approached her husband, who stood calmly, observing the scene as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Hubby, thank you for everything you''ve done for my family," Be said sincerely, her eyes filled with gratitude. Aengus nced down at her, his expression softening. "There''s no need for thanks between us, my wife. It''s my duty. Just be yourself¡ªas one of my wives." Be chuckled softly, nodding. "Okay." After a moment, her expression turned curious, and she tilted her head. "I am curious about one thing, Hubby. What happened with my grandmother? Why did her personality change so drastically? Mother told me she wasn''t like this in the past." Aengus folded his arms, his eyes thoughtful. Just as he was about to answer, a familiar crispy voice joined in. "Let me answer that, my dear granddaughter," Phoenix Empress said gently, addressing Be. Be looked at her grandmother curiously, while Chrystia, Vira, and Be''s mother gathered closer, eager to hear the story. "In the past, Vira and I were united through an arranged marriage. At first, I was unhappy about the arrangement, but as I came to understand Vira''s gentle and caring nature, I fell deeply in love with him¡ªand he with me. We shared a happiness I never thought possible. But everything changed after my mother passed away from lifespan exhaustion. As the sole heiress, I was forced to ascend the throne and bear the immense responsibility of ruling the Empire alone. Fortunately, Vira stood steadfastly by my side, quelling rebellions and preventing coups within the army. However, during a journey to the Dragon Empire for peace talks, we were ambushed by a ''prideful'' demon¡ªLucifer, now known as the Demon Lord of Pride and the first seat of the Demon Lord Council. At that time, I was much stronger than I am now, so I could hold my ground against Lucifer. But Vira... he couldn''t. Lucifer nearly killed him, and to save his life, I sacrificed my own. That wasn''t the end of my suffering, though. In the chaos of the battle, Lucifer nted a Seed of Pride Sin in my Soul. From that day forward, I was no longer myself. The seed took root, twisting me into someone arrogant, self-centered, and consumed by pride in my noble birth as the Eternal Phoenix. This corruption made me despise demons and caused me to neglect the happiness of my own children. The love and warmth I once held were buried beneathyers of pride and ambition. Only now, thanks to your husband, am I free from the chains of that sin." Empress udia finished, her voice heavy with regret, her gaze lingering on her family as if seeking forgiveness. A somber silence settled over the group as the Phoenix Empress, udia, revealed the truth of her past. Her once fiery and authoritative demeanor was now reced with a quiet sincerity, her words carrying the weight of her regrets. Be listened intently, her expression softening as she looked at her grandmother with a newfound understanding. "Grandmother¡­ so all this time, you were fighting against something nted in your mind?" udia nodded solemnly. "Yes, my dear. The seed of Pride Sin corrupted my thoughts and amplified my worst traits. It fed on my innate sense of responsibility as the Empress, twisting it into arrogance and an obsession with control. My love for my family, for Vira, for my children¡ªit was overshadowed by the overwhelming need to prove my superiority." Vira, standing beside her, reached out to hold her hand. His voice was gentle but firm. "I never stopped loving you, udia. Even when you changed, even when it seemed like you were no longer the woman I married, I always believed the real you was still in there." udia''s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at him. "I don''t deserve your forgiveness, Vira. I hurt you, our children, and so many others because of my pride. I neglected the very people I should have cherished most." "Grandmother," Be said softly, stepping closer, "what matters now is that you''vee back to us. We all make mistakes, but it''s never toote to make things right." udia smiled weakly at her granddaughter. "You are wise beyond your years, Be. Perhaps that''s why I see so much of myself in you. Can you show me your true form, my dear granddaughter?" "Should I?" Receiving a nod of approval from Aengus, Be gracefully transformed into her Subus Demoness form. Her obsidian ck wings unfurled, their sheen catching the dim light, exuding both menace and allure. Her piercing purple eyes gleamed with mischief and confidence, a reflection of her dual nature. Small, elegant horns grew atop her head, crowning her transformation with an air of authority. Draped in a sleek, flowing ck dress that clung to her figure, she was the perfect blend of seduction and power. Every movement she made was captivating, a testament to her mastery of both her human and demonic abilities. Chapter 311 Submission? "You''re truly beautiful, my granddaughter. Let me take a closer look at you," udia, the Phoenix Empress, said softly, gesturing for Be to crouch down. Feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride, Be knelt down to her grandmother''s level, her transformation shimmering faintly as she moved. The sight of a petite girl examining a fully grown woman like an elder was aical yet heartwarming moment to onlookers, though none dared tough in the gravity of the situation. udia gently touched Be''s face, her small fingers tracing over her features with a grandmother''s tenderness. "Good, good," she murmured, nodding in satisfaction. "You also carry the Eternal Phoenix bloodline with pride. Your beauty may trulyst a lifetime, my dear." Turning her gaze to Aengus, who observed quietly with a calm demeanor, udia continued. "I can sense it... You are an existence beyondprehension, my Grandson-inw. I will honor my promise to you for my freedom. But you must vow to protect Be and cherish her as she deserves." Her voice was gentle but held an air of seriousness, her small brows raised slightly in anticipation of his answer. Aengus inclined his head with a reassuring smile. "That''s a given, Phoenix Empress. Be is my wife, and it is my lifelong duty to protect her from any harm." His eyes softened as they locked with Be''s, radiating unwavering love and determination. Be''s heart swelled with emotion at his bold deration. Her cheeks flushed, and she felt her love for him deepen. She knew, without a doubt, she had chosen the right man. Gradually, Be reverted to her human form, and Aengus dissipated the veil of shadows that had enclosed their private moment. Outside, an enormous crowd of citizens and Phoenix bloodline warriors in millions had gathered, their numbers stretching across the ruined streets of the capital. They stared in stunned silence at the aftermath of the battle. The remnants of the shattered imperial pce, the oppressive aura of destruction, and the still-standing figures of Aengus, Be, and udia spoke volumes. The scale of what had transpired was beyond theirprehension. None dared to speak. All they could do was watch in awe and trepidation. "Hey, look! The Phoenix Empress is safe!" a female warrior eximed, her voice brimming with joy as she pointed toward the figures emerging from the rubble. "Oh, thank the heavens," another murmured in relief, though her gaze lingered on the regal man standing beside the Empress. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "But... who is that handsome young man with her?" "That¡ªthat''s the Ruination Emperor!" a nobleman interrupted, his voice trembling slightly. "Did you not see what happened? He''s the one who fought against her! You didn''t witness his terrifying ck Dragon form?" The woman''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh, lord! He''s the one who defeated the Phoenix Empress?" "Unbelievable, isn''t it?" another chimed in, shaking his head, though his tone carried both awe and indignation. "She must have been weakened after her rebirth. Otherwise, how could a newly risen Transcendental possibly defeat our Empress?" "That must be it!" someone else snapped, clearly fuming. "Our Empress couldn''t have lost otherwise. This man... he must have taken advantage of her weakened state!" Despite the murmurs of doubt and spection among the crowd, the atmosphere was thick with a mix of reverence, awe, and disbelief. Some stared at Aengus with a newfound fear, while others admired his overwhelming presence. Unbothered by the whispers, Little Empress hovered over the gathered millions, her calm gaze scanning the crowd. Aengus was behind her, equally dominant. Your next journey awaits at empire A sudden silence fell over the massive crowd as the Phoenix Empress raised her hand, hermanding presence enough to subdue even the faintest murmur. With anticipation bubbling inside, All eyes turned toward her. "To all the subjects and warriors of the Phoenix Empire," udia began, her voice unwavering and resonating with regal authority. "I, the current ruler of the Phoenix Empire, hereby dere, under my imperial authority, that henceforth the Phoenix Empire will submit to the Liberation Empire, joining their grand purpose of freedom and unity." With that she handed a magical Phoenix Feather that emanated powerful Divine energy, as mark of the true ruler of Phoenix Empire from now on. "What!" A collective gasp rippled through the masses. Faces reflected disbelief, confusion, and astonishment. Whispers turned into muted roars as millions processed the shocking promation. Undeterred by the growing unrest, udia continued, her gaze steely and unyielding. "He¡ªthe Ruination Emperor, who is also my Grandson-In-Law¡ªwill now take control of all the bloodline warriors and the subjects of this Empire. This is not a request or an appeal. It is an imperial decree. Any who resist will be dered traitors and face execution!" Her crisp, thunderous voice echoed across the capital, reverberating for miles, silencing the crowd once more. The weight of her words left no room for doubt or dissent. The people stood frozen, their emotions swirling. Awe, fear, and uncertainty painted their expressions as they exchanged looks, hesitant to move or speak out. Some began kneeling instinctively, overwhelmed by the sheer dominance of their Empress and the imposing presence of the Ruination Emperor standing beside her. "We disagree!" "We disagree!" Surprisingly, a group of men stood up defiantly, their collective voices bold and resolute. "And why is that, Dragonblood Warriors?" the Phoenix Empress asked coldly, her eyes narrowing dangerously. The men, exuding a noble air of confidence, stood firm. "Because the Dragon Emperor won''t like it!" one man among them smirked confidently, his words dripping with defiance. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! More and more Dragon-blooded men, married into the Phoenix Empire, began standing, emboldened by their leader''s courage. Chrystia, Vira, and the female Phoenix Blood Warriors were visibly shocked by the sheer unity of the men, whose numbers now grew to epass half the city. "What''s going on, darling?" one female warrior asked her husband, her voice filled with confusion. "Go away, bi*ch!" "Yes, husband, why are you rebelling against our Empire?" another woman pleaded desperately. "Shut up!" "Don''t do it, husband. You''ll be killed!" "Come back!" Despite the desperate pleas of their wives, the men only smirked mockingly, their confidence unshaken. They began gathering together, tens of millions strong, united in defiance against the Empress and the Ruination Emperor. Their solidarity reassured them that together, they could resist any force that sought to oppress them. The Phoenix Empress and Aengus exchanged sharp nces, their eyes narrowing as they assessed the growing rebellion. "So," the Empress began, her tone icy, "you men from the Dragon Empire have indeed held disloyalty toward the Phoenix Empire since marrying into ournd. Is that it?" Chapter 312 Game Of Leverage "Haha..." All the men cackled in unison, theirughter echoing like a sinister chorus. "Yes, Phoenix Empress," one of the Dragonblood warriors sneered. "Our loyalty lies solely with the Dragon Emperor. We are under his direct orders to seize the Phoenix Goddess''s Feather. Without it, no one can im the title of true ruler of the Phoenix Empire." His voice turned bitter with disappointment and rage. "Unfortunately, you handed it to your Grandson-In-Law, forcing us to reveal ourselves." All eyes shifted to Aengus, the Ruination Emperor, who now held the Phoenix Feather¡ªa divine mark of great significance to the Phoenix Empire. Aengus chuckled at their audacity. "What? You think I''ll just hand it over to you? Perhaps you''ve forgotten my title." His voice dropped into a low, menacing tone as his chilling eyes bore into the crowd of traitors. "You stand before the Ruination Emperor. I don''t give power to my enemy¡ªI take it." Some of the men gulped in fear at Aengus'' presence, but a few still stood resolute, their smirks unwavering. "Yes, Ruination Emperor, you''re absolutely right," said the man who appeared to be their leader, his tone mocking. "We already knew how obstinate the Phoenix Empress is about the throne. She''d never willingly relinquish her position of power. That''s why we acted preemptively." His smirk widened into a malevolent grin. "We nted cursed seeds among our female partners in this Empire¡ªall of them. With a singlemand, they''ll die in tens of millions." Your next read awaits at empire The air grew thick with tension, punctuated by the gasps of the crowd. "What!" "Is it true?" The female warriors turned to their husbands, their eyes wide with disbelief, sorrow, and betrayal. "Plop! Burst!" Before their doubts could even settle, some of the women''s bodies began to bloat grotesquely, swelling like balloons before exploding into showers of blood and scattered flesh. Over a hundred female warriors fell in an instant, their lives snuffed out by the very men they had trusted. The Phoenix Empire''s remaining female warriors trembled, their faces pale with fear as death closed in around them. "How could you do this to us?" one sobbed, her voice trembling. "I loved you so much. How could you¡ª" "God, save us," another woman whispered, falling to her knees in despair, clutching her chest as tears streamed down her face. The men who remained loyal to the Dragon Emperor sneered at the chaos they had unleashed, reveling in the despair that had overtaken the once-proud warriors of the Phoenix Empire. Unbeknownst to everyone present, several shadows darted across the crowd at such extreme speed that only one person could perceive them. Their intention unknown to everybody else. "Extreme Sinners!" Phoenix Empress barked, her voice filled with disdain and fury. Her sharp tone startled those who heard it. "You''re no proud dragons! You''re cowards hiding under the guise of the great dragon race! To stoop to such vile actions is to sully the honor of the dragons themselves." Her condemnation echoed across the battlefield, but the men simplyughed in response. "Haha... Do you think we care about honor or pride, Phoenix Empress?" the leader of the traitors mocked. "We are loyal only to the Dragon Emperor. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill hismands!" He turned his gaze to Aengus, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. "Now, will you hand over that feather, oh mighty Ruination Emperor?" The man''s tone was smug, filled with the belief that they had cornered him. "Surely even someone as ruthless as you wouldn''t risk the lives of tens of millions of innocent female warriors just to keep it. Or would you?" Their smug smiles widened, glee written across their faces as they awaited his response. To them, the situation was already decided. They believed they had forced the Ruination Emperor into a no-win situation, holding the lives of the Empire''s warriors as their ultimate leverage. But Aengus'' calm, calcting expression showed no fear, and for a fleeting moment, unease flickered across the leader''s face. "What are you nning, Ruination Emperor? Hand over that Feather now, or we will kill them all," the leader threatened, trying to suppress the fear in his trembling voice. Aengus smirked. "You''re scared? I enjoy watching the faces of despair when my enemies realize their desperate attempts to save themselves are futile." "S-Scared?Who? We are not scared! Are you giving it to us or not?" the leader demanded, though his shaking hands betrayed his confidence. "Do as you please, lizards. Bark like dogs or beg like one, but you will never get what I hold. The only thing I offer... is DEATH." The Ruination Emperor''s voice echoed like the whisper of a reaper, sending a wave of spine-chilling coldness through the air. The Dragonblood warriors exchanged confused nces, unable toprehend why the Ruination Emperor seemed utterly indifferent to the lives of the female warriors. "Could he really be that cruel and cold, caring for no one but himself and his own power?" they wondered. "What is he doing, Be? Innocent female warriors are at risk because of his carelessness," Chrystia eximed, her voice raised in panic. "Does he really not care about so many lives? We''re talking about millions here! How can someone so heartless take care of you?" Be''s mother and grandfather also turned to her, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern, seeking an exnation. Be, standing firm despite the tension, shook her head slightly and smiled¡ªa smile filled with confidence and pride in her husband. She turned toward Chrystia, her voice calm yet unwavering. "Mother, Grandfather, trust me. Hubby isn''t the type to abandon anyone, especially innocent lives. Everything he does has a purpose." She turned to the battlefield, her eyes glowing with determination. "You''ll see soon enough why he''s the Ruination Emperor." Chrystia frowned but remained silent, clearly unconvinced yet unwilling to interrupt further. Meanwhile, Aengus stood tall amidst the chaos, his aura radiating absolute control. "You don''t understand, do you?" he said coldly, his gaze piercing through the Dragonblood warriors like daggers. "You think your petty threats and cowardly schemes will make me falter?" He sneered, his voiceced with contempt. "You think I care so little about the lives of my allies? No." His smirk grew darker, more menacing. "What I care about...is teaching worms like you a lesson in the futility of defying me." Chapter 313 Level Up Rumble! Before the Dragonblood warriors could react, Aengus raised his hand, and the ground beneath them began to tremble violently. Shadowy tendrils emerged from the earth, weaving through the crowd with terrifying speed. "W-What is this!?" one of the traitors screamed, panic overtaking their smug demeanor. "You think your cursed seeds are the key to controlling the battlefield? Pathetic." Aengus'' voice was calm, chillingly so. "I already analyzed your little curse the moment you triggered it. My Dominion has neutralized its effects." The shadows reached every female warrior in the vicinity, wrapping around their bodies protectively. A surge of energy followed, severing the connection between the cursed seeds and the Dragonblood warriors who had nted them. The traitors stared in disbelief. "Impossible!" the leader shouted, his face pale. "Oh, it''s possible," Aengus said, stepping forward, his presence suffocating. "And now, you''ve lost your only leverage." The female warriors, feeling the oppressive weight of the curse lift, stared at Aengus in awe and gratitude. Chrystia gasped, her eyes widening in astonishment. "He...when did he neutralize it..." Be''s smile widened, her voice brimming with pride. "I told you, Mother. He always protects those under his care." The Dragonblood warriors, now stripped of their advantage, were paralyzed with fear, their earlier bravado reced with pure terror. Aengus'' eyes grew cold and merciless, his voice reverberating like the judgment of a god. "Now, it''s my turn to show you why I am called the Ruination Emperor." The millions of Dragonblood warriors froze, a collective chill running through their spines as though they had been plunged into an icy abyss. "No! Please, forgive us! Without us, the women here will be widowed. You will be condemned for this throughout future generations!" "Damnation will consume you!" "Please, spare us!" Discover exclusive tales on empire Their desperate cries fell on deaf ears as Aengus raised a hand, his expression unyielding. "Kill!" The single, mercilessmand echoed through the battlefield as the bloody red sky seemed to respond. The shadows moved with unnatural speed, descending upon the warriors like vengeful spirits. "No! Don''t¡ª" Before they could finish their pleas, one by one, the Dragonblood warriors fell, their bodies cleaved cleanly in half. Blood pooled on the ground, staining the soil beneath them. Some, paralyzed by fear, wet themselves as the inevitable approached. But there was no mercy, no respite. Absolutely no one was spared. Slice, slice, slice! Thud, thud, thud! The sound of bodies hitting the ground echoed like a grim symphony as a weaponized storm of death swept through the Dragonblood warriors. The horrifying sight left the onlookers frozen in shock, their faces pale with fear. Over 30 million corpsesy strewn across the battlefield, creating a dense, oppressive stench of death that made the air nearly unbreathable. Many instinctively covered their mouths and closed their eyes, unable to bear the gruesome reality before them. Under the bloody night sky, a mass grave had been created¡ªa sea of lifeless bodies stretching as far as the eye could see. Some female warriors fainted on the spot, realizing the love of their lives had perished in an instant. Someone''s father was gone. Someone''s husband, their grandfather, their enemy. All of them had fallen. Even the Phoenix Empress, with her years of wisdom and countless battles fought, stood astonished at the sheer scale of the devastation. How heartless and resolute must one be to make such a decision without hesitation, without even blinking? Her thoughts ran wild as she stared at Aengus, who stood unwavering amidst the carnage, his figure illuminated by the blood-red sky. Did he not realize what this massacre would mean for his image? How would he appear to the subjects of this empire, to their grieving families? Yet, his expression betrayed no doubt, no regret, as though his actions were as natural as breathing. This was the Ruination Emperor. "Whoosh!" Aengus suddenly moved, hovering mid-air in a meditative posture, his hands resting calmly on his knees. Under everyone''s apprehensive gazes, the millions of corpses began to shift. A dark ck vortex appeared above his head, swirling with an ominous energy that seemed to devour not just the lifeless bodies but the lingering resentment of the death spirits as well. The mass grave, filled with howls of despair moments ago, fell eerily silent as the energy was consumed. "What''s he doing?" Be''s mother asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind. Be, standing calmly beside her, answered with a faint smile. "Oh, nothing. Just eating his fill." Her nonchnt tone sent a chill through those gathered. Be understood the importance of this moment. She knew Aengus needed to reach Level 1,000, a milestone that would grant him the power to change the world as they envisioned. She watched with bated breadth, silently supporting him. However, among the crowd, a ripple of resistance began to form. "No! Don''t take my husband away!" one woman cried desperately. "Yes, at least let us bury them!" another wailed. "How can our Emperor be so heartless as to not leave the bodies of his enemies for proper burial?" The emotional cries grew louder, threatening to disturb Aengus''s peace. "And why is that?" Be''s sharp voice cut through the chaos. In an instant, she appeared before thousands of female warriors, hermanding presence silencing the dissenters. Her purple eyes glowed with authority as she looked down at them. "You dare question the actions of the Ruination Emperor? Your husbands, your fathers, your sons, all chose betrayal and death. Now, they serve a greater purpose¡ªto fuel his strength and protect this empire. Is your sentimentality worth risking all our futures?" As the elderly citizen''s voice echoed through the air, a stern reality settled upon the grieving women. "Yes, yes! Don''t forget, it was them who didn''t hesitate to kill you. So why shed tears for those who betrayed and used you? That''s just emotional stupidity!" The crowd went silent, the words striking their hearts like a harsh wind. The realization hit hard. Their loved ones had been willing to sacrifice them without hesitation. Many lowered their heads in quiet despair, their tears drying as anger and sorrow intertwined. Meanwhile, above the gathering, Aengus continued absorbing the energy from the fallen bodies. His level surged like a rocket. 768... 790...830..868...870....890... 910... The vortex of dark energy grew even more ferocious, devouring thest remnants of resentment from the dead. As he consumed two-thirds of the corpses, Aengus felt a wave of intense exhaustion ripple through his body. His cells screamed from the overwhelming influx of energy, and his soul, though partially recovered, struggled to keep pace with the monumental strain. And why would they not, he had reached level 930 in just dozens of minutes after all. He stopped Omni-Devour at once. [ Status ] Hemanded as he stored rest of the corpses in his Pocket space that formed moutains with corpses to be usedter. Chapter 314 Closer To The Goal [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 19 ] [ Title: King Of the Ocean ] [ Race: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Level: 930 ] [ upation: Emperor ] [ ss: Chaos Creator ] [ Bloodline: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Experience more on empire Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 95,300 ] [ Agility: 94, 700 ] [ Defense: 96,780 ] [ Origin Mana: 4,990,000 / 5,050,000 ] - [ Active: Fire Dragon King Transformation (SS), me Lord''s Domain, Sky Phoenix Rebirth (SS), Phoenix Dance Of Destruction (SS), Storm-Bringer Kraken Transformation (SS) , Thunderstorm Maniption (SS), Oceanic Domination (SS), Gift (SS), Voidbreaker sh (SS), Oblivion Horizon sh (SS), God Kairos Doom fusion (SS), Chaotic Maelstrom (SS), Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS), Reflective Scales (SS), World Corrosive Venom (SS), Apocalypse Awakening (SS), Abyssal zing Dragon (SS), Crimson Tempest (SS), Meteor Breaker (SS), Frostbound Dominion (SS), Barrier Of Despair (SS), Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS), Celestial Bastion (SS), Divine Halo (SS), Irond Ice Fortress (SS), Divine Sword Fusion (SS), Eternal Ice Barrier (SS), Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword (SS), Guardian''s Embrace (SS), Sr re Dome (SD), Prismatic Shield (SS), ck Thunder Barrier (SS), Dimension Slip (SS), Seven Elements Chaos Maniption (SS), Primordial Beast King -3 (SS), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (SS) Sacred Kirin''s Healing -2 (SS), Sacred Kirin''s Blessing -2 (SS), Symbol Of Good Fortune -3 (SS), Chaos Istion Barrier -4 (S), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A), Ice breath (A), Lightning Roc''s Skybreaker Dive (A), Golden Wyvern''s Scales (A), Elite Human Transformation -29 (A), Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B), Ravenous Stonebeast (B), Arctic Bear''s cial Shield (B), Aqua Serpent''s Vortex (B), Phantom Mirage (B), Hurricane Gale (B), )] - [ Passive: Immortal Regeneration (SS), Heart Of Chaos (SS), Supreme Hunter (SS), Phoenix Resurgence (SS), Water Breathing (S) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 13)] [ Demonic Abilities: - Peak: Shadow Monarch''s Dominion, Incubus Drive, Avarice''s Grasp, Hell''s Gate, Unlimited Bloodlust, Fiendish Dream Weaver, Scorching Wrath, Hellfire Nova, Death Spiral, Eternal Damnation, ck me Judgement, Cage of Torment, Moloch''s Stampede - Intermediate: Void Cloak, Abyssal Armor, Fiendish Resilience, Wings of Perdition, Fiend Regeneration, Hellstorm, Shadow Bind, Call of the Abyss, Demonic Dominion, Blood Lord - Basic: [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Rapid Cast (Rare), Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] --- After storing the corpses, Aengus descended, standing before the crowd with a domineering presence under the night sky. Magicalmps were lit, making his figure clearly visible to all. The crowd knelt in unison¡ªsome out of respect, others out of fear¡ªbut Aengus hardly cared, so long as they refrained from doing anything foolish. "You may have lost your loved ones, but I will give you a peaceful world in return. That is my vow as your new ruler," Aengus dered, his voice echoing across the vast gathering on the cold night. The people slowly stood, their breaths visible in the frigid air. Despite their grief, hope flickered in their eyes¡ªa fragile hope for survival, for a better future, and for the generations yet toe. Aengus then reunited with Be''s family, who watched him with impressed eyes. Vira and udia were visibly pleased with their Grandson-In-Law. Aengus and Be shared a light kiss before retiring to their temporary residence to rest for the night. Tomorrow''s ns could wait¡ªthey needed to savor the victory of today''s battle. Inside their room, Aengus and Be prepared for a good night''s sleep. Meanwhile, his original body teleported to a nearby mountain range, located a few hundred kilometers away from the capital. "Let''s see if this ce will work," Aengus muttered, standing on top of one of the peaks, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He was at least 4,000 meters above the base of the mountain range. Whoosh! With no hesitation, he dove down freely, the cold wind brushing past his skin as he fell. BOOM! Upon impact, his bare body burrowed deep into the earth, creating a massive crater from the collision. Dust and debris scattered as the ground trembled beneath the force of hisnding. It rmed all the wild magical beasts living nearby, leaving them to wonder what kind of apocalypse had struck theirnd. Standing in the center of the massive sinkhole crater, Aengus began to unleash a barrage of punches upon the ever-sturdy core of the world''s surface with earth-shaking force. He was like an unstoppable machine, his fists hammering the continental mass like a madman, one blow after another. "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" The earth trembled with each impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground. One might wonder¡ªwhat exactly was he trying to do? The answer was simple: adaptation. Aengus was training to synchronize with the overwhelming influx of raw power now surging through his cells. This deste mountain range had be his personal training ground¡ªone where he could unleash his full strength without holding back. To the unknowing world, it seemed like the harbinger of earthquakes or natural disasters. But in truth, a force capable of shaking the heavens and earth was in the making who was unnoticed by heroes and mortals alike. --- "Huh? Earthquakes?" Be stirred awake, her keen instincts jolting her out of her slumber. She turned to Aengus'' clone, who was lying next to her, seemingly fast asleep. "Hubby, did you do something?" she asked, her tone both curious and suspicious. For a moment, the clone remained silent, feigning sleep. Be narrowed her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "See... Sometimes you act like a child, Aengus. I know you''re awake," she teased softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Aengus opened his eyes, his calm gaze meeting hers as he admitted, "Yes." Be sighed, a mixture of understanding and worry crossing her expression. She hesitated before voicing the thoughts weighing on her heart. "I see... Then you must be close to reaching your goal right? Will you leave us alone when you''re done?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. She had recently learned about Aengus'' origins as a being from a higher realm¡ªa ce far removed from the one they shared now. Deep down, she feared that once his goal wasplete, he might leave her and their life together behind. Aengus gently touched her face while still sleeping, "No. I won''t. We will always be together." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 315 United Liberation Empire The morning sun shone weakly through the smoky haze that lingered over the city. Workers, mostly citizens with magical craftsmanship skills, toiled amidst the ruins of the old Imperial Pce. The sounds of enchanted hammers striking stone and spells shaping materials into intricate designs filled the air. Though they worked diligently, unease was palpable in their movements. The events of the previous night¡ªthe massacre and the mysterious earthquakes¡ªwere still fresh in their minds. Aengus stood at the highest vantage point overlooking the construction site, his gaze cold and focused. Dressed in simple yet regal attire, he exuded an aura of authority that kept both workers and onlookers at bay. His hands were sped behind his back as he observed every detail, ensuring that the reconstruction of the pce proceeded without w. The new Imperial Pce was to symbolize a new era, an unyielding testament to the future Aengus envisioned. Its foundations were beingid atop the rubble of the old¡ªa direct metaphor for the destruction and rebirth of the empire. They would be part of new Empire: United Liberation Empire, and Aengus would be the sole Sovereign. --- While most of the citizens had no idea about the source ofst night''s earthquakes, whispers of spection ran rampant. The workers cast nervous nces at one another, asionally sneaking peeks at Aengus, whose calm demeanor was both reassuring and intimidating. Some believed the earthquakes were a divine warning. Others whispered that Aengus himself was the cause, wielding powers beyond mortalprehension. Either way, one thing was certain¡ªthe New Ruler was a force that none dared to defy. --- Suddenly, Aengus raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A low hum resonated in the air as a spatial portal materialized before him, swirling with chaotic energy. The workers paused momentarily, their curiosity outweighing their fear, and turned their eyes toward the phenomenon. From the portal emerged seven figures: The Three Generals¡ªQuin, Drake, and Yona¡ªand Aria. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and skepticism as they stepped onto the construction site. "Wee to the Phoenix Empire, everyone. Oh, no, I should call it the Liberation Empire from now on, shouldn''t I?" Be said, suddenly appearing with a smug expression. "Is this really the Phoenix Empire?" Aria asked curiously, her toneced with doubt. "Yes, it is," Aengus confirmed calmly. "Your Majesty, does that mean you''ve truly conquered the Phoenix Empire? But how?" General Felix asked in disbelief. Was it really so easy to conquer an empire these days? "With enough power, nothing is impossible, General," Aengus replied with a casual shrug. Leon, Martin, and Felix exchanged nces, their expressions showing a shared understanding: their Emperor''s power had grown to an unimaginable degree. "Ah, that''s incredible, Your Majesty. But you should have summoned me for help¡ªI would have loved to join you!" Quin eximed excitedly, raising his fist in enthusiasm. "Battle maniac..." Yona muttered under her breath. However, the awe in her eyes was unmistakable, much like the expressions of Drake and Aria. "Brother-inw, I don''t even know what to say anymore. If this keeps up, do you even need us at this point?" Drake asked, half-joking but with a tinge of genuine concern. "Yes," Aengus replied firmly, his gaze shifting meaningfully toward Aria. "And very soon, the time wille." "Ethan, are you hurt?" Aria asked softly, her concern evident in her eyes. "No, Aria," Aengus reassured her with a slight shake of his head. "Oh, that''s good. Will this be our new pce from now on?" Aria asked, her tone filled with curiosity. Be chimed in with a confident smile, "Yes, Aria. Our husband is now an Emperor with over 200 million warriors, though we incurred a heavy lossst night." "200 million! I can imagine the spectacle," Aria added with a smile. However, Be''s mention of the losses piqued everyone''s curiosity. "What exactly happenedst night, Be?" Aria asked, voicing the question that was on everyone''s mind. Be''s expression turned more serious as she replied, "There was a dramatic twistst night. Perhaps it''s better if you hear about itter¡ªor maybe, not at all, Aria." Aria frowned slightly, confused, and turned to Aengus for answers. She received only a mental message from him: "I''ll exin it to youter." Understanding, Aria gave a curt nod. Changing the topic, she asked, "So, where is your mother, Sister Be?" "Oh, right!" Be eximed, her face lighting up. "I should let you all meet my family. The Phoenix Empress is my grandmother, and Vira is my grandfather. Come, follow me, and I''ll introduce you to everyone." As they began to walk, Leon spoke up in surprise, "Empress Consort, you''re really the granddaughter of the Phoenix Empress? That''s a revtion! I never knew she even had a granddaughter." Be chuckled softly at General Leon''s astonishment. "Well, now you know. There''s much to my family''s story that you might find surprising, General." The group followed Be, their curiosity growing as they prepared to meet one of the most revered figures in the empire. --- Inside a simple yet elegant house adorned with expensive jewels and intricate craftsmanship, the group entered a room where they would meet the legendary figures¡ªPhoenix Empress udia, Vira the Sky Dragon King, and Sky Phoenix Queen Chrystia. Chrystia greeted them warmly, her radiant smile adding to her graceful aura. "Good to see you once again, Leon, Felix, Martin," she said, recognizing the group from past encounters. Leon and the others bowed gracefully, their respect evident in their demeanor. "It''s a pleasure to see you again, Sky Phoenix Queen," Leon replied politely. "May we also have the honor of meeting the Phoenix Empress?" Before Chrystia could respond, a melodious yetmanding voice echoed from another room. "Oh, it seems our Son-inw has brought guests." Emerging with an aura of timeless elegance was udia, the Phoenix Empress, apanied by Vira, the Sky Dragon King. The stark contrast between the petite udia and the hulking, muscr Vira made for an unusual yet striking pair. udia''s youthful appearance, like that of a little girl, caught Leon and the others off guard, their eyes gleaming with astonishment. But instanly after that the three generals recognised the little girl. She was the true Phoenix Empress. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 316 Preparation For Merge They bowed slightly, their gestures filled with reverence. "It''s an honor to meet you in person, Phoenix Empress and Sky Dragon King." udia, ever casual, waved her delicate hand dismissively. "That''s old news, guests. I am now just a simple woman and a grandmother," she said, her soft voiceced with humor. Her lips curled into a faint smile as she added, "If you must be in awe of anyone, it should be my Grandson-in-Law, Aengus. He''s the one who deserves your admiration now." "Yes, that''s true, Your Grace," Leon replied with a slight bow, acknowledging udia''s words. The three generals shifted their gaze to Aengus, curiosity evident in their eyes. They couldn''t help but wonder what kind of magic or charisma their Emperor had used to convince the renowned Phoenix Empress to submit to him. "Is it simply because he''s the Grandson-in-Law?" "Or is there a deeper truth we don''t know?" The rumors they''d heard about udia''s strong and unyielding personality only fueled their curiosity further. However, they chose to keep their questions to themselves for now, unwilling to overstep their bounds in such an esteemed presence. "Whoa! This little girl was the Phoenix Empress all along?" Drake eximed, his voice filled with surprise as he took in udia''s youthful appearance. Quin and Yona were equally taken aback, their mouths slightly agape. This was far from what they had imagined the legendary Phoenix Empress would look like. udia''s lips curved into a mischievous smile. "These brats," she teased, her voice yful yet sharp. "I''m older than all of youbined. Show me some respect." The trio immediately grew nervous, realizing they had underestimated the little figure before them. "Oh, yes, yes! You''re a most respectable elder!" Quin stammered, bowing slightly. "Forgive our surprise, Your Grace. We meant no disrespect," Yona added hastily, her tone earnest. udia chuckled, clearly amused by their reaction. "Rx, children. I''m not offended. But do remember, appearances can be deceiving," she said, her teasing tone softening into one of wisdom. Drake exchanged a nce with the others, their respect for her deepening. Despite her yful demeanor in small body, udia exuded an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. "Who are the guests, Be?" Celeste''s sudden voice resonated through the room, drawing everyone''s attention. The woman entered with a jubnt demeanor, her radiant beauty rivaling anyone else present. Be turned to her with a smile. "Meet my mother, everyone. Her name is Celeste¡ªthe once Adventurous Phoenix Queen." Celeste was a little embarrassed by her daughter''s bold introduction by her old title. Drake couldn''t help but voice his admiration. "So, this is the other Empress Consort''s mother? Beautiful!" Celeste''s family members, particrly udia and Vira, raised their brows at Drake''sment. "Other Empress Consort?" udia repeated, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as the implication sank in. Vira crossed his arms, his gaze darting between Be, Aria, and Aengus. "What does he mean by that, Be?" he asked curiously. Be''s maternal family remained quiet, but their expressions betrayed their shared curiosity. They had only just begun to notice the subtle yet undeniable chemistry between Aengus, Be, and Aria as they stood side by side. Be''s lips curved into a yful smile as she addressed their unspoken question. "Just like you''ve already guessed," she said without hesitation. "Aria is also my husband''s wife. We are sisters now." The room fell silent for a moment as the revtion sunk in. Celeste''s brows furrowed slightly, but she remainedposed, waiting for further rification. Aria stepped forward, her demeanor warm and respectful. "Hello! My name is Aria Silvermoon. We were brought together through strange circumstances, but I hope to gain your blessing as well." Discover more content at empire The sincerity in Aria''s voice seemed to soften the atmosphere. udia and Vira exchanged nces, their expressions unreadable. Finally, udia broke the silence. "Strange circumstances or not, what matters is harmony," udia said, her tone neutral but firm. "Tell me, Aria, do you treat my granddaughter well?" Aria nodded without hesitation. "I do, Your Grace. Be is not just my sister-wife but someone I deeply admire. I treasure her as family, and we share the same goal¡ªto support and stand by our husband." Vira stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Well, It''s not an unusual situation, and if Be is happy and Aria shows such sincerity, then who are we to object?" Celeste, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "I never expected such a dynamic in my daughter''s marriage," she admitted, her tone lighter than expected. "But as long as there is mutual respect, trust and understanding, I have noints either." Be smiled at her mother''s eptance. "Oh, Thank you, Mother. That means a lot to both of us." Aengus, who had been observing silently, finally stepped forward. "Thank you all for your understanding," he said, his voice steady and confident. "I will ensure that both Be and Aria are always cared for and cherished. Their happiness is my priority." His words seemed to resonate with everyone in the room, and the tension eased further. "Well," udia said with a slight smirk, "it seems you''ve truly brought quite the storm into our family, Grandson-In-Law. But I must admit, you would be capable of handling them easily." The group chuckled lightly, the atmosphere now much warmer. "Generals, I have called you here to inform you that we will be relocating the majority of our army to this location," Aengus announced, shifting the topic to more pressing matters. "I will create the Spatial Gates needed to transport them all here at once." The gravity of this announcement left the generals wide-eyed. Such a monumental task sounded almost unbelievable. However, seeing the seriousness in their Emperor''s expression, they knew better than to question his words. The scale of Aengus''s power was truly something to marvel at. It wasn''t every day that one witnessed someone capable of transporting millions of people through a Spatial Portal, crossing hundreds of thousands of kilometers in an instant.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Yes, Your Majesty. We will begin preparations immediately." Chapter 317 Transportation Afternoon. Following Aengus''s orders, the generals returned to their empire to deliver the news and prepare the soldiers for the relocation to their new center ofmand. However, a few million troops were assigned to remain behind to guard the borders, as was their usual duty. Aengus, along with his clone, traveled to the empire to oversee the preparations and ensure the soldiers were transported safely to their new location. Before carrying out the mass transportation, he attended to an important task for Be.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Aria also apanied him, having nothing else to upy her time. --- "Mother, I have a surprise for you!" Be eximed, seated beside her mother on the bed. Celeste raised her brows curiously. "What kind of surprise, daughter?" "Just watch!" Be smirked, her heart bubbling with anticipation. "Thud, thud, thud!" Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the door, drawing Celeste''s attention. With a soft creaking sound, the door opened, revealing Belial''s hesitant expression. His wings drooped low, a sign of his difort and embarrassment. "Belial?" Celeste''s eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling slightly. "What are you doing here?" Belial stepped forward slowly, avoiding her gaze. "I... uh, I came because Be insisted," he muttered, his voice unsteady as he rubbed the back of his neck. Be''s smirk grew wider as she nudged her mother. "Surprise, Mother! Your old me is back!" Celeste''s cheeks flushed a deep red, her usualposure faltering. "Be!" she hissed in a whisper, ring at her daughter. Belial cleared his throat awkwardly, finally meeting Celeste''s eyes. "It''s been a long time, Celeste. I... I missed you so much." Celeste''s expression softened slightly, but her eyes still held a mix of anger and disbelief. "After all these years, you suddenly decide to show up? Are you even a man?" "Ah, Yes.," Belial admitted, his voice more confident now. "I made mistakes, but I wanted to set things right. For Be''s safety, I hesitated to make move on human world, Celeste. Just like you sacrificed our love for Be''s sake in the past." Be pped her hands together, beaming. "Okay father, mother, I''ll leave you two alone to catch up!" She stood and exited the room, leaving behind a mixture of tension and hope between the two. --- Outside the room, Be was met with her grandparents, udia and Vira, who stood excitedly by the door, their expressions betraying their curiosity. They were clearly already aware of who was inside. "Are they quarreling?" udia whispered, leaning closer to Be. Be couldn''t help but smile at theical duo. "Yes, but don''t worry. I''m sure it won''tst long. Their love for each other runs deeper than any argument." udia let out a small sigh of relief, her smile softening. "That''s good to hear. I felt guilty when I met Belial. I was the reason for separating them in the past after all. It was a mistake on my part, one I regret deeply every time I reacall the pain in Celeste''s eyes in past years." Vira nodded solemnly. "Belial seemed like a decent man to me. I''m d he didn''t hold a grudge against us for what happened in the pasr. It seems your husband had a good hand in reuniting them granddaughter?" Enjoy new tales from empire Be''s smile widened with pride. "Yes. He understood how much they meant to each other and made it his mission to fix what was broken. He may act indifferent, but he has a way of healing hearts without anyone noticing." udia''s eyes twinkled as she looked at her granddaughter. "Your husband truly is remarkable, Be. He''s not only a great ruler but also a man ofpassion. I am sure your child would be the same, powerful and Compassionate to the world like her father." Be''s cheecks flushed slightly, but anticipation ran in her mind imagining her baby''s face in heartwarming moment surrounded by their family. "Yes, we''d like to hold our great-grandchild someday. It''s already unfortunate that we couldn''t hold you in our arms when you were a baby," Vira added with a hint of disappointment in his tone. "Oh,e on, Vira. Don''t embarrass her too much. Give them a little time," udia said, nudging his leg yfully, though her smile betrayed her own anticipation. --- In the bustling Imperial City of the Liberation Empire, it was currently afternoon, the sun casting a golden glow over the streets. Being situated on the Western Continent, the city was alive with activity as citizens went about their daily lives. But the atmosphere was different today. Groups of soldiers from the Liberation Army could be seen hurrying through the streets, their movements purposeful and urgent. "Hey, do you know why the soldiers are in such a hurry? Where are they all going?" a curious passerby remarked, sensing the urgency in the air. "I don''t know," another replied, sipping tea while seated on a bench. "Probably orders from the higher-ups. We ordinary folks won''t hear anything until it''s already done." "Are we perhaps being attacked by demons?" an old man asked fearfully, his eyes darting nervously as he watched the robust soldiers marching thunderously down the street. "Shopkeeper, do you have any news?" he called out to a nearby vendor. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man cleaning his disy of goods, looked up and shrugged. "Not much, just rumors. Some say it''s about expanding the army. Others think it''s preparation for something big. But demons? I doubt it. The Emperor crushed some of their forces not long ago, didn''t he?" The old man still looked uneasy. "I hope you''re right. But whenever the soldiers march like this, it reminds me of the days¡ªof war and suffering. I just pray it''s nothing like that." A younger man joined the conversation,ughing dismissively. "You worry too much, old man. Our Emperor is invincible! Who would dare attack us? If anything, this is probably another one of his grand ns to expand the Empire. Didn''t you heard how he purged down the rebellion of seven subordinate kingdoms so ruthlessly?" The old man sighed but said nothing more, his gaze following the soldiers as they disappeared around a corner. Meanwhile, within the Imperial city''s grand administrative field, the preparations were reaching a fever pitch. The generals and officers, knights, under Aengus''s strict orders, were arranging the millions of soldiers from all kingdoms in neat rows to prepare them for the Transportation in batches. Chapter 318 Move "Comrade, do you know why we''ve been gathered here?" an oblivious soldier asked a female warrior while waiting in the long line of troops. She shrugged, looking just as puzzled. "I don''t know. I came because it''s an Imperial Order straight from the Emperor. Captain, do you have any idea what''s going on?" she asked, addressing the officer standing ahead of them. The captain turned to nce back at the two of them. "Yes," he replied curtly. "Then why don''t you tell us, Captain? That way, we can prepare better," the female soldier pressed, her tone slightly impatient. Simr whispers of curiosity and confusion rippled through other sections of the soldiers. It seemed the majority of them were in the dark about the sudden assembly. The captain sighed, realizing he couldn''t hold back any longer. "Alright, alright. The matter was sensitive, which is why we didn''t tell you earlier," he said, raising his voice enough to address the nearby troops. He paused for effect before continuing, "We''re being relocated to a new headquarters¡ªa new Imperial City dered by His Majesty himself. Word is, the Emperor has single-handedly conquered the Phoenix Empire, and we''ve been tasked with fortifying the new rule immediately." The murmurs among the soldiers grew louder. "What!" "The Phoenix Empire? Conquered by himself? Is that even possible?" one soldier whispered in disbelief. "Well, it is His Majesty we''re talking about," another replied, though the awe in his voice was hard to miss. "Still, was the Phoenix Empress really that weak?" a skeptical soldier asked, his toneced with disbelief. "I heard they had eight powerful female elders, the Sky Dragon King, and the Phoenix Empress herself to hold the fort. How could they lose so easily?" Another soldier, his voice shaky with fear, replied, "Maybe His Majesty has be even stronger. Could it be... he''s attained the unattainable Half-God rank?" The group of soldiers fell silent for a moment, their astonished expressions mirroring each other as their hearts beat chaotically in their chests. "If that''s true," one murmured, "we won''t have to fear the demons anymore. We''ll have our own God among us, someone who will protect us from any harm." "Yes," another chimed in, his voice resolute. "But for that, we must prove our worth to His Majesty. Why would he even need us if we can''t stand strong by his side?" The sentiment resonated deeply with the soldiers, their initial fear giving way to determination as one resolute voice echoed across the ranks. The captain, overhearing their exchange, nodded approvingly. "That''s the spirit," he said. Hisposed demeanor still couldn''t entirely hide the flicker of pride and astonishment in his eyes. "Yes, it may sound harsh, but it''s the truth. Nothing in this world is free. His Majesty''s power has indeed surpassed anything we could have imagined. Compared to him, we are like ants. But even ants, when united, can prove their strength. We must show him that we are capable, that we are worthy of fighting alongside him." The soldiers listened intently, their resolve solidifying. "Now, enough chatter. We''re on a tight schedule; prepare to move through the spatial gates. The future of the Liberation Empire awaits us." As the captain finished speaking, the soldiers straightened their stances. Their confusion had transformed into a sense of awe and duty. They were ready to follow their Emperor, who had likely closer to surpass mortal limits, into a new era where nothing seemed impossible. "Hey, look! His Majesty is here!" A wave of hushed murmurs swept through the lines of soldiers as Aengus appeared, hovering above them with an aura thatmanded respect and awe. His regal yet practical appearance immediately caught their attention. d in a sophisticated ck coat with streaks of crimson running through it, Aengus looked every bit like a battle-hardened warrior rather than a typical monarch adorned with jewels and ornate garments. The simplicity of his attire made his presence all the more striking. The coat''s edges fluttered in the breeze, entuating the strength of his broad shoulders. His wavy ck hair, moving gently with the wind, framed his face¡ªa face marked by a calm, strict demeanor and the unmistakable crimson mark of Fiend-Celestial etched on his forehead. It was a symbol of his power, a clear sign that this man had transcended the boundaries of mortal strength. "His Majesty looks incredible¡­" one soldier muttered, his awe evident. "This is what a true ruler looks like," another whispered, clenching his fist with pride. Hovering above them, Aengus let his sharp gaze sweep over the millions of soldiers assembled below. Despite their sheer number, his eyes seemed to meet every one of theirs, conveying both authority and reassurance. "Soldiers of the Liberation Army," he spoke, his deep voice resonating like a thunderp across the vast assembly. "Today marks a new chapter in our journey¡ªa journey toward a unified empire where no force will dare threaten our people again." The soldiers remained silent, their attention entirely fixed on their Emperor. Stay connected via empireN?v(el)B\\jnn "You stand here not because you were chosen at random, but because you''ve proven yourselves worthy. Worthy to carry the banner of Liberation and fight for the future we are building together. Prepare yourselves!" Aengusmanded, snapping his fingers. The very sky rumbled as though reality itself was distorting. "What''s happening?" some soldiers cried out in fear, clinging to the ground for support. "Look¡­ it''s amazing!" All eyes turned to the spectacle unfolding before them. Behind Aengus, massive dark spatial gates materialized, each one dwarfing the soldiers by a scale of fifty to one. The sheer size of the gates was staggering, towering far above anything they had ever seen. The gates buzzed with an ominous energy, their vibrations reverberating through the air as if the world itself resisted enduring such overwhelming force. Yet, Aengus controlled the phenomenon effortlessly. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the terrifying power he wielded. Soon, the number of gates grew to ten, their massive forms pulsating with an otherworldly glow. These portals, spacious and dark, were enough to transport the entire army at once. Despite the mana cost being astronomical, Aengus didn''t falter. With his 5 million Origin Mana capacity and infinite mana regeneration, he sustained the spell like an unyielding force of nature. "Such power!" one soldier eximed in awe. "Oh heavens¡­ how can a human even achieve this?" "This is the work of a god!" another whispered reverently. "MOVE!" Themanding voices of the generals rang out, snapping everyone out of their stunned stupor. Then, like an unstoppable tide, the soldiers began marching toward the portals with a mixture of awe and enthusiasm. The air buzzed with energy, their disciplined steps echoing as they moved with purpose. The sheer scale of the scene was breathtaking. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers poured toward the gates, their spirits bolstered by the disy of power from their emperor. Above it all, Aengus hovered silently, his presence radiating authority. Chapter 319 Siennas Confession It took the entire night to integrate the Phoenix bloodline warriors into the Liberation Army. The transition was surprisingly smooth. Many of the widowed women from the Phoenix Empire, renowned for their beauty and charm, were warmly received by the male soldiers of the Liberation Army. The merge symbolized a new beginning for both sides, fostering camaraderie despite the underlying grief. Meanwhile, the construction of the new Imperial Pce continued at a rapid pace. Though iplete, it was expected to be finished by tomorrow¡ªor, at most, the day after. The anticipation surrounding its unveiling added an air of excitement among the people. --- Late at night, Aengus was alone in a dimly lit room, his aura dark and chaotic. In the eerie silence, he devoured corpses and rare materials like an ominous entity, his strength visibly increasing with each passing moment. However, despite his efforts, the pace of his leveling had slowed considerably. The scarcity of higher-level resources and corpses capable of fueling his growth presented a new challenge. Thest fifty levels, the threshold to godhood, now loomed as an insurmountable wall. Without the necessary materials, progress felt like chasing the horizon¡ªa small stumbling block on his otherwise unstoppable path. Aengus''s crimson eyes glowed with the frustration gnawing at his resolve. By now, nearly a million corpses were yielding him only one level of progress. The diminishing returns were aggravating, and he was left with only a few hundred thousand mid-level corpses¡ªa number far too insignificant to meet his goals. "Time to hunt in the Demon World," Aengus muttered coldly before vanishing from the room, leaving behind only a faint ripple of distorted space. --- The Demon World was as gloomy and foreboding as ever, its skies heavy with dark clouds and an aura of dread that seemed eternal. Recently, the undercurrents of fear and anticipation had grown louder. The entire Demon World was abuzz with discussions about the meteoric rise of the new Demon Lord, Ruination. Like an unstoppable juggernaut, Ruination had crushed the domains of Demon Lord Crimson and Demon Lord Goliath, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. However, his actions had stirred controversy. Whispers spread about the possibility of Ruination being punished by the Demon Lords Council for breaking the ancient treaty that prohibited unprovoked wars among the ruling demon lords. Opinions were divided. Some supported the idea of punishment, arguing that the treaty maintained order among the chaotic demon domains. Others believed Ruination''s actions were justified, as he was not yet a member of the Council and thus unbound by its rules. For the weaker Demon Lords, however, the rumors sowed fear. They saw Ruination as a looming threat, a predator who could strike at any moment to im theirnds and power. Unbeknownst to them, the predator had just entered their world, seeking to fuel his rise to godhood amidst the chaos. "Plop!" Readtest stories on empire Aengus appeared before Sen and Sienna, distorting the space around him. "My lord!" Momentarily surprised during their documentation work, the two quickly recovered and bowed deeply. Aengus sat down on a chair with an air of calmness, though his aura was sharp, betraying his mood. "Any new orders, my lord?" they asked hesitantly, sensing his dark mood behind his calm facade. Aengus''s crimson gaze swept over them as he spoke casually, "How many demon minions do we currently have, Sen, Sienna?" Though confused by the question, Sen and Sienna answered promptly, "Over a hundred million after integrating Demon Lord Goliath''s forces with ours." Aengus nodded, his expression unreadable, but the faint flicker of a n could be seen forming in his eyes. "My lord, there''s another matter," Sen suddenly said, breaking him from his thoughts. "Speak," Aengusmanded. Sen hesitated briefly before answering, "My lord, there''s some news about the investigation you started." Aengus''s eyes sharpened as he heard the news. "Are you talking about the investigation of the Ancient Dwarves?" he asked. "Yes, my lord. We have likely identified the culprit. News has reached us that Demon Lord Lucifer, the Sin of Pride, is building advanced warships in his domain. It''s said these ships could rival a transcendental in terms of raw power alone," Sen added, his tone serious. Sienna nodded, already aware of the news. "Lucifer? He seems to know many things..." Aengus muttered as he absorbed the information. "Perhaps I should teach him a lesson about never being too arrogant," Aengus smirked. "What do you n to do, my lord? Perhaps we should not make any move against him?" Sen asked doubtfully, lowering his head. "Haha, rx. I''m looking for something to devour, and I''ve found the right ce to make my move," Aengus said with a chuckle. After that, Aengus was about to leave, but suddenly Sienna stopped him, her beautiful figure radiating hesitation and shyness in her Medusa-like eyes. Sienna had now grown into a beautiful woman with amanding presence, both mentally and physically. Any other male would have drooled over her figure. Aengus turned to find that Sen had already left, leaving the two of them alone. "What is it, Sienna? Speak your mind," Aengus said calmly, already guessing what might be on her mind. Sienna spoke softly, her voice filled with emotion. "My lord, forgive me for being so bold as to approach you like this as a servant. But I need to make this confession to lift the suffocating feeling of regret from my chest," she said, her eyes pleading. Aengus gestured for her to continue.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "My lord, I fell in love with you a long time ago after witnessing yourpassion toward the weak and your care for those you love, which used to make me very envious. But as you continued to grow more powerful, I realized how insignificant I ampared to you. I can never measure up to your wives in terms of beauty or power. I initially wanted to bury these feelings, but it was hurting me more than anything. And who knows¡ªone day, I might regret not being able to confess my love before you drift farther away from us." Her voice trembled as she finished, "Please, give me your reply, my lord. I won''t mind if your words are harsh or unforgiving for daring to love you as your servant." Her eyes brimmed with tears by the end. Chapter 320 On The Road To Greater Power Aengus''s tone was gentle as he replied, "Sienna, you''re not just a servant to me anymore. You''ve be someone I can trust. Your hard work and sense of responsibility have deeply touched my heart. But I''m sorry to say this¡ªwe''re not meant for each other. I don''t feel the same way about you. So please, forget about me and move on with your life. To help you, I''m granting you your freedom." With those words, Aengus handed her the Naga Pearl, the artifact he had taken to ensure her loyalty and control. Sienna''s trembling hands received the pearl as tears streamed down her cheeks. She stared at it, her mind unable to reconcile her emotions. Your journey continues on empire "Why?" She had expected rejection, braced herself for it even, yet the pain of hearing his words cut deeper than she imagined. "Why does it hurt so much?" she muttered, her tears falling like rain. The weight of her emotions pressed on her chest, leaving her struggling to breathe. Aengus watched her with an expressionless face, his heart steeled with an unspeakable resolve. "No, I don''t want it, my lord," Sienna suddenly said, her voice trembling but firm. "Please, at least let me remain your belonging, someone you carry along with you. I don''t want such freedom, nor does the rest of our tribe. You have be our guardian, and none of us would ever wish to be separated from you." Aengus regarded her silently, his crimson eyes softening slightly. After a moment, he nodded. "As you wish, Sienna." With that, Aengus turned and left the room. Leaving a clone behind to oversee his domain, he vanished from the spot, distorting the very fabric of space as he disappeared. As soon as he was gone, Sienna fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrobly. "It''s okay, Sienna," a gentle voice said. Her little brother, Sen, appeared beside her, cing aforting hand on her shoulder. "Our lord has already shown us great kindness. Perhaps it''s time to let go of your love and move forward." Sienna shook her head, her tears flowing freely. "No, Sen. I don''t think I''m strong enough to control these emotions¡­ but I will try. For his sake, I will try." Her voice, though fraught with pain, held a glimmer of determination as she resolved to bear the burden of her unrequited love.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om --- Aengus appeared in the middle of an icy wastnd, the endless frozen horizon stretching out before him, reflecting the blood-red sun above. The air was bone-chilling, its frostiness biting into the very core of existence. "Is this Lucifer''s domain?" Aengus muttered, his crimson eyes scanning the deste yet mesmerizingndscape. "Yes, master," Manas confirmed curtly, its voice echoing in his mind. "Lucifer''s domain spans across this frozenndmass at the edge of the world. The environment here is lethal¡ªit can freeze even the toughest S-Rank beings with ease. Few dare to venture here. "But the Ice Demons thrive in this extreme cold," Manas continued. "Their constitutions are uniquely adapted to the frost, and their abilities revolve around ice maniption and freezing prey for their hunts. They are formidable within this terrain." Aengus smirked faintly, his breath visible in the icy air. "Interesting. Let''s see how much this so-called frozen hell can truly challenge me. Aengus''s gaze sharpened as he processed Manas''s words. "Give me a list of ces rich with energy that I wouldn''t feel guilty devouring," hemanded coldly, his tone carrying a sense of detached resolve. Manas, understanding his intentions perfectly, replied, "Understood, Master. There are indeed a few cities in this domain teeming with the vilest individuals. These ces are hubs of cruelty, exploitation, and unspeakable acts that even the Demon Lords often ignore. They may pique your interest." "Good," Aengus said, eyes glowing with malevolence. "Provide the coordinates and the necessary details about these locations." Manas promptlyplied. "The primary locations include: 1. Frostbane City: A hub of corruption where enved souls are tortured endlessly for sport and trade. 2. Crimson Shard Fortress: A stronghold of merciless demon mercenaries who massacre for entertainment. 3. Voidspire Hollow: Known for ancient forbidden experiments that warp and destroy weaker souls for power. 4. cier''s Maw: The hunting ground of Ice Wraiths, where mortals are lured and sacrificed in blood rituals. Coordinates have been shared, Master. Each city is steeped in sin and overflowing with raw, dark energy that would greatly enhance your growth." Aengus''s lips curved into a smirk as he mentally marked these locations. "Perfect. These cities of depravity are needed to cleansed, even if my reasons are far from altruistic." He nced toward the frozen horizon, his expression a mix of determination and hunger. "Today and tomorrow should be enough to rid thesends of their filth. After that, Once I enter the Demon Lords'' Council, I''ll stand before them not as an equal, but as a God. Let them try to challenge me then." With that, he vanished from the icy ins, his resolve burning hotter than the frost around him. --- Frostbane City, a grim and oppressivendscape, loomed with an aura of despair. The freezing air carried a stench of decay, and the streets were lined with towering structures of jagged ice, each one colder and darker than thest. This was a hub of soul envement and vile trades, where the suffering of countless beings fueled the city''s grotesque economy. The streets bustled with caravans of ves¡ªdemons, spirits, and mortals alike¡ªbound in chains of enchanted ice that glowed faintly with stolen energy. Their hollow eyes betrayed the torment they endured. Among them, the caged Ice Spirits stood out, their once-ethereal forms reduced to husks, flickering dimly as if on the brink of extinguishing forever. Massive Ice Giants roamed the streets freely, their imposing forms a constant reminder of the city''s cruelty. These towering behemoths, with frosted skin and glowing blue eyes, acted as both enforcers and zealots. Their unwavering allegiance to Demon Lord Lucifer made them unchallenged rulers of this frozen hellscape. To them, Lucifer was not merely a lord but a divine figure, their second god. "Move faster, you pathetic worms!" bellowed one particrly fearsome Ice Giant, his voice reverberating through the air like a thunderp. His frost-covered whip cracked against the backs of emaciated ves who struggled to keep pace. The mindlessborers¡ªvictims of soul-binding abilities¡ªshuffled forward with their skin peeling from the frostbite and their bones creaking under the strain. The giant''s frosty breath clouded the air as he snarled in frustration. "We need these goods delivered to the Lord within two days for the Demon Lords'' Council feast! Fail me, and I''ll drag every one of you to hell with me!" His words dripped with malice, the threat as chilling as the air itself. "Die, weaklings!" "Swoosh!" "Crack!" The sound of his whip rang out again, the force snapping bones and eliciting haunting cries of agony that echoed down the frozen streets like the wails of restless spirits. Frostbane City''s twisted heartbeat thrummed with despair and suffering¡ªa ce of absolute darkness where hope dared not tread. Yet, unknown to its denizens, the shadow of a greater force loomed on the horizon, ready to disrupt their cycle of sin and torment. Chapter 321 Devouring Frostbane City "Master, there''s someone in the sky!" one of the Ice Giant''s underlings suddenly eximed, breaking the grim rhythm of their cruel tasks. The Ice Giant''s massive frame jerked upright, startled. He raised his head and squinted at the frozen horizon above. There, a young human floated with an air of calm authority, standing out starkly against the pale, icy backdrop. "A human? In Frostbane?!" the Ice Giant growled, his voice a booming roar. The sheer audacity of a mere human entering their domain infuriated him. "How dare he!" The frost-covered ground cracked beneath his weight as he stomped forward, propelling himself skyward with immense force. "Whoosh!" The icy winds howled in his wake, his towering figure cutting through the air like a cier in motion. The Ice Giant''s furious charge was halted mid-flight. "Noisy," Aengus muttered disdainfully, as he raised a handzily. Suddenly, the Ice Giant froze midair, his enormous body locked in ce as though bound by invisible chains. His massive limbs struggled but failed to break free, the sheer weight of the oppressive force crushing him into submission. "What''s happening?" the Ice Giant gasped, his booming voice now tinged with disbelief and fear. His frost-covered skin began to crack under the pressure, sending shards of ice scattering like splinters. Aengus floated with an aura of unshakable dominance, his dark eyes gleaming as he gazed down upon the pitiful sight. "Pathetic Creature." "Buzz!" Aengus casually waved his hand, and a swirling ck hole appeared in his palm, radiating an ominous, gravitational pull. Discover more stories at empire "Nooooo!" The Ice Giant''s booming cry of despair echoed briefly before he was mercilessly sucked into the void, his massive body vanishing without a trace. Oblivion imed him in an instant. "What the..." The remaining Ice Demons froze in ce, their eyes wide with terror and disbelief. Their massive frames trembled as the reality of their master''s demise sank in. The once fearsome andmanding Ice Giant was erased in moments, without a chance to fight back. Some of the underlings instinctively stepped back, their minds racing with the impossible sight they had just witnessed. "H-he devoured him... like nothing," one demon whispered, his voice shaky, barely audible over the frosty air. "Your history ends today," Aengus dered coldly, his voice carrying a finality that left no room for hope. His piercing gaze swept over the Frostbane City, already weighed down by its oppressive aura and the soulless husks that popted its streets. He had seen enough¡ªthe city was beyond redemption, a den of cruelty that had outlived its purpose. "BUZZ, BUZZZ, BUZZZZZ!" The ominous sound of energy converging intensified as the ck hole on his palm began to grow. It expanded steadily, pulsing with a deep, ancient power that sent tremors through the frozen ground. The Ice Demons stood frozen in terror, their eyes wide as they watched the devouring vortex swell to an unimaginable size. Its edges crackled with dark energy, the sheer force distorting the very air around it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The sky seemed to darken as the ck hole reached its peak¡ªa colossal, gaping void suspended in the heavens, casting its shadow over the entire city. The swallowing sound deepened, echoing like the roar of an ancient beast. The ground beneath the Ice Demons began to tremble violently, cracks spreading like jagged lightning through the icy terrain. One Ice Demon fell to his knees, his voice trembling as he muttered, "This... this is the end." Another wed at the ground in desperation, his instincts screaming for him to flee, though his legs refused to move. "We can''t escape it... nothing can escape that!" Demons, buildings, ice, all materials were quickly devoured by the ck hole above his head. Aengus stood focused, unblinking, as if granting freedom to the enved spirits by fueling his growth. MANAS NOTIFICATIONS: You have leveled up. You have leveled up. You have leveled up. ... Notifications continuously shed before his eyes as he savored the increase in strength, bringing him closer to his goal. --- Made of extreme ice, in the unforgiving icy air sharp as knives and relentless blizzards, stood an enormous structure resembling a cave rising from the earth. An open hall faced the harsh snowfall, protected by an invisible barrier. The floor glistened in pristine white, a stark contrast to the icy hell outside. In the center of the hall stood a grand table, and seated at its heart was amanding figure, arms crossed, his piercing gaze fixed on the horizon. The figure was an Ice Demon, but no ordinary one. His appearance was almost human, with frost-kissed skin, a massive frame, and two wavy horns curving gracefully from his head. His eyes glowed a deep, icy blue, and his posture exuded absolute pride, as though nothing in existence could rival his supremacy. The faint smirk on his face spoke volumes of his self-assured dominance. Beside the prideful demon sat a Medusa adorned with a crown embedded with glistening jewels. She was no ordinary creature either; her regal demeanor radiated authority, like that of an empress. Snuggled into his chest, she restedfortably, her presenceplementing his own. Unlike the demon''smanding frost, she embodied a more elegant, serpentine beauty¡ªa creature of human-like form with serpentine features, her aura no less intimidating. Suddenly, the demon''s muscr frame shifted with a restless energy, his domineering aura rippling through the hall. The Medusa stirred, her serpentine eyes opening to meet his smirking face. "What''s wrong, Lucifer?" she asked softly, her voiceced with curiosity and a hint of caution. "He is here," Lucifer replied, his smirk widening. His icy blue eyes glinted with anticipation, like a predator finally spotting its prey. "Who''s here?" the Medusa asked, her curiosity piqued. "You know who it is, Garcia," Lucifer replied with a grin. Seeing the gleam in his eyes, recognition dawned on her. "You mean the Heir of Ruination? The one the Supreme One warned us about?" Garcia asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and greed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yes. Just as the Supreme Father foretold. He''se to my domain for his hunt, but it will be hisst day alive. I have been waiting for this day so long," Lucifer dered, rising to his feet. The sheer force of his movement trembled the earth beneath them as he added with a booming voice, "Let''s go!" Chapter 322 Primodial Demons Of Sin Aengus had just finished devouring Frostbane City, bringing his level to 945. The journey had proven fruitful, but there was no time to linger. Next, he set his sights on Crimson Shard Fortress, a den of the vilest demon mercenaries. Without hesitation, he initiated Omni-Devour. The ck hole roared to life, consuming everything in its path. Suddenly, Manas''s voice rang out, filled with urgency. "Master, my predictive abilities have detected danger. Perhaps it''s a trap. We should leave immediately," Manas warned, her tone grave. Aengus raised an eyebrow but continued his devouring without pause. "Who could possibly sense my presence? Is it Lucifer, or perhaps the Demon God himself?" he wondered aloud, his tone tinged with curiosity. "That I cannot say, Master. But I implore you to leave. Whatever this is, it could pose a significant challenge," Manas said desperately. Aengus''s expression remained calm as his mind calcted. "How much time do I have left?" he asked, already weighing his options. "Closer to a minute," Manas replied quickly. Aengus smirked. "That''s enough." With that, Aengus''s expression darkened, and the sky mirrored his ominous aura. "RUMBLE!" An apocalyptic force seemed to descend as the ck hole spiraled with increasing intensity, expanding to an evenrger size. Aengus channeled his mana at its maximum capacity, unleashing the full power of Omni-Devour. The force grew colossal, akin to a world-devouring entity, straining his soul slightly under the immense pressure. But Aengus''s unrelenting resolve kept him focused, hisposure unshaken. Within seconds, the Crimson Shard Fortress was devoured. Thend beneath it was hollowed out, leaving behind a massive ckenedke, as the desperate struggles of the mercenaries were silenced. The air fell eerily still, the once-bustling fortress reduced to nothingness. Aengus''s level surged to 962, and with a satisfied smile, he vanished from the destendscape. Every second was crucial to him, and he wasted none of it. His next target was Voidspire Hollow, a sinister ce infamous for ancient experiments. It was teeming with rich energy, a perfect source to fuel his ascent. Without hesitation, Aengus unleashed Omni-Devour, the colossal ck hole forming once again. The city''s inhabitants, unaware of their impending doom, were eradicated instantly. The horrifying suction force turned demons, structures, and materials alike into pure energy particles before they could even react.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Voidspire Hollow was reduced to nothing but emptiness in seconds, its essence consumed entirely. This brought Aengus''s level to 985, leaving him with one final target: cier''s Maw. With barely seconds to spare, he teleported to the location almost instantly. The magnitude of his actions was extreme, but fortunately, his Infinite Mana Regeneration kept up with the immense consumption. Without it, his mana reserves would have been depleted long ago. cier''s Maw, an underground den teeming with millions of Ice Wraiths, was notorious for its vile blood rituals, often sacrificing the weak¡ªand sometimes even humans¡ªto their insidious practices. "BUZZZZZZZZ!" The sound of reality warping preceded the descent of Omni-Devour, a force of terrifying intensity and colossal scale. The Ice Wraiths, startled and horrified, gazed up at the gargantuan ck hole forming above their den. "Is it Lord Beelzebub?" Their voices quivered in disbelief. But as they stared, their terror grew. This was no act of the gluttonous demon lord they knew. Beelzebub could never wield such overwhelming devouring power on such a massive scale. Your journey continues with empire They had no time toprehend further as the darkness engulfed them, reducing cier''s Maw to nothing but barren silence. Unfortunately for Aengus, he had only gained 10 levels, bringing him to Level 995, as the energy required for each upgrade had grown astronomically. Current Level: 995 Suddenly, Aengus became rmed as faint fluctuations in the spatial fabric reached his senses¡ªa subtle ripple only detectable due to his mastery over Space Laws. A smirk tugged at his lips, but he had no intention of engaging with whoever it was before reaching SSS Rank. The formidable Demon God slumbered in the Abyss, and Aengus knew that taking risks now, when he was so close to sess, would be foolish. He needed just five more levels, and until then, patience was his ally. "When the timees," he thought with a cold resolve, "Beelzebub will be my first target." Without hesitation, Aengus erected a powerful Spatial Barrier, cloaking his presence from detection. Using his mastery over space, he began taking multiple detours across dimensions, confusing anyone attempting to track him. His movements became unpredictable, ensuring that even those with Space Law mastery would take months to locate him¡ªif they could at all. Satisfied with his precautionary measures, Aengus continued his journey to his Domain. As soon as Aengus vanished, seven powerful figures emerged from the fractured space where he had stood moments ago. Standing at the forefront was Demon Lord Lucifer, his icy demeanor radiating authority. nking him were six of the Primordial Demons, their expressions dark and menacing. With their arrival, the surroundingndscape transformed. Gigantic ancient rock pirs, arranged in a massive circr formation, rose from the ground as far as the eye could see. These pirs glowed ominously with dark red malevolent energy, exuding an oppressive aura that seemed to choke the air itself. Lucifer''s gaze sharpened, brimming with cold intent as he surveyed the area. His piercing blue eyes, almost like an ethereal force, seemed capable of rending through the void itself as he attempted to trace the remnants of his prey. But his efforts proved futile. The prey he had meticulously prepared his trap for was gone¡ªutterly andpletely. Not a single trace of Aengus remained, nor was there any lingering energy to track. Lucifer''s face darkened like a storm cloud, his pride taking a massive blow. His prey had escaped, and the perfect trap he had painstakingly prepared had amounted to nothing. "How?!" Lucifer snarled, his voice reverberating with restrained fury. "How could he sense our presence before we arrived?" The Primordial Demons exchanged uneasy nces, their silence a reflection of their Lucifer''s growing rage. "Where''s is the enemy you speak of, Lucifer?" Beelzebub asked, narrowing his eyes. Chapter 323 Desperation "He''s gone, and I can''t even trace him back now," Lucifer said coldly, his wordsced with frustration as he addressed the other Demon Lords. "Gone? Just like that?" Beelzebub, a burly humanoid figure with the head of a hound, muttered mockingly. His tone was edged with disbelief, though a trace of amusement lingered in his voice. Leviathan, the embodiment of envy, leaned against one of the glowing rock pirs, a sly smirk curling his lips. "Oh, How the mighty Lucifer falters," he sneered softly, clearly taking pleasure in Lucifer''s misfortune. Belphegor, the everzy Sin of Sloth, let out a long yawn, barely managing to keep his eyes open. "Are we done here? This was far too much effort for nothing," he muttered, his voice as lethargic as his demeanor. The Sin of Lust, Asmodeus, sighed, her tone exuding disinterest and mild disappointment. "What a waste. I had hoped to see this ''Heir of Ruination'' for myself." Mammon, the Sin of Greed, clicked his tongue sharply, his golden eyes glinting with frustration. "So much effort, so many resources... all for nothing. A damn shame." Meanwhile, Amon, the Sin of Wrath, stood in stony silence, his burning crimson eyes fixed on the distance. He scanned the horizon as if willing the target to reappear, his muscles tense with restrained fury. Lucifer''s gaze flicked over each of them, his expression a storm of controlled anger. "Laugh while you can," he said, his voice dangerously low, "but mark my words¡ªthis isn''t over. The Heir of Ruination cannot escape for long. I will find him, and when I do, his power will be mine." The air around them grew heavy as Lucifer''s aura red briefly, silencing any furtherments. The other Demon Lords exchanged cautious nces, knowing better than to provoke him further. Your next read awaits at empire "Lucifer, do you think the newly risen Demon Lord Ruination and the Heir of Ruination are the same person?" Asmodeus asked, her voice calm but probing, trying to connect the dots. Lucifer let out a scoff, his tone dripping with disdain. "No," he said with conviction. "It cannot be him. He is still too weak. But I am certain he must be one of the candidates for the great legacy of Ruination¡ªjust like me." Lucifer''s eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he continued, "The real Heir of Ruination would never announce his name so carelessly. The name itself carries misfortune for the bearer in the realm outside. But that new Demon Lord Ruination..." He paused, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "...is on my hunting list. He''ll be dealt with at the next Council meeting. Perhaps by then, I''ll be even closer to attaining that ultimate power." His words exuded a chilling confidence, as though he already saw the fledgling demon lord as little more than an insect beneath his heel. But Lucifer had overlooked one crucial truth: the Ruination Extremity bows to no one, nor does it cower in fear of anything. "You put too much effort into the Legacy of Ruination, Lucifer. Is that power really so incredible? How could it evenpare to my Devour ability granted by Supreme Father?" Beelzebub asked with doubt, his voice tinged with challenge. The others shared simr curiosity, their eyes flickering with intrigue. Lucifer''s gaze shifted toward the sky, his piercing eyes seemingly trying to shatter the very barriers that confined Mythraldor to a cage. "You know nothing, twerp," Lucifer said coldly, though there was a rare glimmer of longing in his tone. "That power is unlike anything I have ever seen. It could even help me break this prison set up by those so-called gods." "You want to help Supreme Father escape this cage?" Asmodeus asked, her calcting tone hinting at a mix of surprise and understanding. "Yes," Lucifer admitted without hesitation, his voice carrying an unshakable resolve. "He deserves far better than this. And I¡ªLucifer, as his proud son¡ªwill ensure his freedom." The others raised their brows as understanding dawned on them. "Well, yes. We all want that, don''t we? We will do whatever it takes to help you catch that person, Lucifer. Even if it means eradicating the entire world," Amon added with cold, burning determination, his wrathful aura intensifying as his words echoed in the frigid air. The others nodded in silent approval, their expressions somber and unified, marking their shared resolve to achieve freedom and their Supreme Father''s (Demon God) liberation. However, they didn''t know the being thwy wanted catch was on verge of ascending to Godhood. He was far beyond their reach. --- Meanwhile, Aengus sat in his domain, alone in his regr room, deep in contemtion. The weight of his next move bore heavily on his mind as he thought about how to gain thosest five levels to reach the pinnacle of SSS rank. Reaching into his storage, he took out the Divine Stone which illuminated the dark room with an ethereal brilliance. The shimmering light seemed to pulse, reflecting his conflicted thoughts. Aengus stared at the stone in a trance-like state, his mind conjuring vivid imagery of water flowing endlessly into rivers from a vast, boundless sea in Solis. "The Sea..." he muttered, his voice barely audible, breaking out of his stupor as the idea struck him. Manas''s voice rang in his mind. "Master, are you sure about this? The Sea is a vast, thriving world full of life¡ªinnocent lives, most of them harmless. Is it truly necessary?" Aengus hesitated, his usually steadfast demeanor wavering as he weighed the cost of his actions. The vision of the boundless Sea flickered in his mind, a vast symbol of resources. "No," he whispered, then clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "I must do it. Poweres at a price, and there is no greater gain without sacrifice." His voice grew colder, as if silencing the protests within himself. "This is for the greater good. The path of a ruler, a god, is never without bloodshed. If I falter now, everything I''ve fought for will crumble."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Chapter 324 Artemes Aengus stood still for a moment, gazing at the vast expanse of the Demi-Human Empire''s Sea. The salty breeze brushed against his face, carrying with it the scent of the ocean and a bittersweet tranquility that would soon be shattered. The gentle wavespped at the sandy shore, while seagulls circled above, their cries mingling with the sound of the crashing surf. Coconut fruits asionally fell from the towering palms, rolling across the sand like forgotten remnants of peace. This ce¡ªso full of life, so serene¡ªwould soon be no more. Aengus clenched his fists tightly, his expression darkening as his resolve hardened. This was not just a random act of destruction; it was a calcted move. The Sea that separated the Demi-Human Empire and the Dragon Empire would be a barren divide. Any attempts at an alliance between the two would be rendered futile. With water ships destroyed, ground troops would forced to traverse treacherous and deste terrain. Each step he took forward left a mark on the sand, his presence signaling the beginning of the end for this thriving marine paradise. The refreshing scent of water, the harmonious songs of birds, the gentle swaying of palm trees¡ªall of it would fade into silence under the weight of his ambition. Yet, he continued forward, his footsteps leaving behind the countdown to impending doom. The Sea trembled faintly, as if aware of its fate. Stay tuned with empire "You will be remembered by me for as long as I live," Aengus murmured, his voice carrying a chilling weight as he extended his palm toward the Sea. To any observer, his gesture might have seemed like a blessing, an act of reverence. But it was far from it. "BUZZZZ!" A spiraling ck hole erupted from his palm, its ominous force instantly drawing in the saltwater. The once tranquil Sea churned violently, the ck hole rapidly expanding in size as it devoured everything in its path. Waves roared and crashed, pulled into the abyss alongside countless marine creatures. A massive vortex formed in the center of the Sea, its swirling depths reflecting an all-consuming darkness. The cries of seabirds and the sshes of panicked creatures were drowned out by the unrelenting sound of suction. Aengus floated above the chaos, his expression cold and unyielding. From his vantage point, he guided the Omni-Devour with calcted precision, ensuring it reached every corner of the Sea. The task at hand was monumental¡ªpractically impossible for any mortal. But Aengus was no ordinary being. The Sea, filled with life moments ago, now found itself in the grip of an ominous entity, bent on emptying its depths for power and ambition. "Monster!" "Sinner!" "You''re a sinner. Karma will hit you, monster!" "You''re a sinner!" Sounds of curses and resentment rang out addressing Aengus. However, above the destruction, Aengus remained motionless, an unshaken force amid the chaos he had unleashed. For him, this was just another step toward his goal, no matter the cost. As moments passed, bringing Aengus closer to reaching the legendary level 1000, MANAS''s desperate voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tension. "Master, I can detect abnormalities in the space-time flow. Be careful!" Aengus frowned, confusion flickering across his face. "What do you mean?" Before MANAS could rify, the world itself seemed to react. "RUMBLE! CRACK!" The air trembled violently as an otherworldly noise filled the surroundings. Aengus turned his gaze skyward just in time to witness the unimaginable¡ªa figure, shrouded in radiant light, tearing through the very fabric of the World Barrier. This barrier, an invincible wall that no mortal strength or spell had ever breached, was now shattered as though it were mere ss. The being that emerged from the breach was bathed in divine radiance, their presence suffusing the atmosphere with overwhelming pressure and authority. Aengus''s eyes narrowed, his body instinctively grew alert. The energy emanating from this intruder was unlike anything he had felt before. Powerful, yes, but not insurmountable¡ªnot yet. He still have a lot of cards to y with after all.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The radiant figure descended further, his piercing gaze locking onto Aengus. The man''s appearance was regal, almost Divine, with amanding aura that made the very air vibrate. His flowing blue robes shimmered with starlight, and the crescent moon emblem glowing on his chest marked him unmistakably as a divine being. "Finally caught you, mortal," the man dered, his voice booming like thunder,ced with disdain. "Are you the anomaly they spoke of? The one disturbing the bnce of this world?" Before Aengus could respond, the so called god''s expression darkened, hisposure breaking as if suddenly exposed. "Huh? What did you just do, mortal?" the figure snarled, his voice sharp with indignation. It was as though he had been stripped bare under Aengus''s gaze, his secretsid bare. Aengus couldn''t hide the smirk that formed on his face, his demeanorpletely unfazed by the divine presence. "Oh, nothing much," Aengus replied, his tone dripping with mockery. "Just taking a little peek to see who''s graced me with their presence. The mighty God of the Moon, Artemes, huh? Quite the dramatic entrance for someone who''s so weak in Pantheon (Realm Of Gods)." Artemes''s radiant form red brighter, his pride visibly wounded by Aengus''s casual dismissal. "You dare to call me weak, Mortal. I can crush you like a bug you are?" he barked, his tone now colder, his divine energy spiking as the tension thickened. The sky erupted in chaos, the heavens themselves bearing witness to the sh between mortal and god. The clouds churned, and thunder roared across the horizon. The blinding radiance of the moon intensified, eclipsing the sun with its otherworldly brilliance. Every shadow dissolved in the overwhelming light, leaving the world in a surreal, moonlit glow. "I have served the Goddess of Light for countless ages, mortal," Artemes dered, his voice like rolling thunder, carrying divine authority that seemed to crush the very air. "You cannotprehend the power I wield. My strength spans worlds, and my justice is absolute." The ground trembled under the weight of his words. In the mortal realm, humans cowered in terror; in the demon world, even the most savage creatures paused in awe. Artemes extended a glowing hand toward Aengus, his fingers crackling with divine energy. "Be obedient ande with me for your judgment," the Moon Godmanded, his radiant presence filling the air with an oppressive force. "The Goddess of Light summons you. Resist, and you will know the wrath of divinity." Aengus, still floating above the raging vortex of his Omni-Devour, remained unfazed on the surface, though his heart pounded with urgency. Artemes was far stronger than anything he had faced¡ªa gap of nearly 500 levelsy between them. Even his Dragon Form, a trump card in most battles, might not withstand a single strike from the Moon God. But Aengus wasn''t without hope. Unbeknownst to Artemes, the god''s overwhelming disy of power was elerating the very thing Aengus needed: his final level. With every pulse of Artemes''s energy, the Omni-Devour surged, absorbing the ambient divine force. Aengus''s levels climbed rapidly, and now, the counter stood at 999¡ªjust one more level before the long-awaited breakthrough. The Divine Stone. Once used, it would elevate Aengus to a realm beyond mortal limitations, granting him the strength to stand against even a god. He clenched his fists, buying time while concealing his intentions. Chapter 325 Battle Against A God "And why should I? I don''t think I''ve done anything wrong," Aengus shrugged. "Anyway, I''m curious¡ªhow did you discover me ? And why exactly now?" he asked, voicing his doubt. Artemes smirked. "You shouldn''t have revealed the Divine Stone, mortal. You should know better than to unt something that attracts greedy eyes. But what could we expect from a child?" he scoffed, enjoying Aengus'' misfortune. Aengus nodded silently, but his Omni-Devour was still active over the dried-up sea, stealing the residual energy. "Huh?" Artemes'' eyes darkened as he finally noticed the audacious mortal''s actions. The mortal was siphoning his energy to increase his strength. It was the most infuriating insult Artemes had ever experienced. "You dare y tricks behind my back?" "DIE!" "RUMMMMMBBBLLLLEEE!" Aengus'' hair stood on end as every cell in his body screamed danger. He barely had enough time to raise his arms in defense. "BOOOOOOM!" In the blink of an eye, Artemes'' shin mmed down on Aengus'' raised arms. The force of the attack was immense, causing his bones to crack under the initial wave. The impact of a god striking a mortal was no trivial matter. The aftermath of the impact was nothing short of apocalyptic. The entire continent trembled violently as Aengus was hurled downward, breaking throughyers of the earth as if they were paper. The sheer force of Artemes'' attack created a shockwave that rippled through the air, sending massive waves rolling across what remained of the sea and toppling nearby structures into ruin. Aengus plummeted deeper and deeper, the fiery heat of the earth''s core licking at his battered body. Rocks and debris rained down, burying him in an ever-expanding crater. The overwhelming pain coursing through his arms and torso reminded him of the vast gap in power between him and an SSS Rank. Above the chaos, Artemes hovered with a cold, disdainful gaze. His divine radiance burned brighter, making him appear as a celestial avenger descending upon the mortal world. "Arrogant child," Artemes spat, his voice booming across the devastatedndscape. "You dared to mock the divine? To siphon my power for your pitiful gains? Now you''ll understand the price of your insolence." But even as Artemes spoke, deep within the smoking crater, Aengus stirred. Blood trickled from his lips, his vision blurred, but his mind remained razor-sharp. Despite the Moon god''s overwhelming attack, his resolve did not falter. Aengus could feel it¡ªthe threshold was closer than ever. His body, though battered, resonated with the Divine Stone in his Spatial Pocket. The Omni-Devour on the surface, relentless even in the face of destruction, continued to siphon energy from every corner of the battlefield. Aengus'' wrist bones vibrated as his cracked skin slowly healed, bringing his body back to peak condition instanly. This surprised the Moon God slightly, but his attention quickly shifted to the ck hole still active on the surface. "Stop it!" Artemesmanded with divine authority, his voice echoing like a decree. "Not so soon," Aengus said, rising from his prone position and casually wiping the blood from his mouth. "What did you say?" Artemes'' eyes narrowed, his tone darkening. "Don''t think for a second that your Regeneration Skill will save you from death." Aengus grinned ferociously, his gaze locking onto Artemes with unyielding defiance. Aengus needed to buy more time, and so he decided to transform into his Dragon Form to resist as much as possible. Abyssal zing Dragon. "ROOAAR!" With a heaven-shaking roar of a primeval beast, Aengus instantly metamorphosed into his dragon form, soaring out of the massive crater. Continue reading at empire His size began to increase at an incredible rate, making Artemes narrow his eyes at the extraordinary transformation. His expression shifted slightly when the dragon''s form reached an astonishing height, towering over 10,000 meters. Artemes was intrigued but not worried by the spectacle. "Abination of Human, Demon, and Dragon races? Interesting, I must admit, mortal. It seems I''ve stumbled upon a treasure trove. I must thoroughly interrogate you before I present you to Her Excellency," Artemes said, his grin turning wicked as he unsheathed his weapon. The weapon was a radiant sword, its aura no weaker than Aegis, the scepter tightly gripped in Aengus'' massive dragon paws, now scaled to match his gargantuan size. "And that weapon¡­ I want it," Artemes said, his eyes gleaming with greed as he realized the weapon''s extraordinary ability to grow in size and power. "Come, take it, Artemes!" Aengus growled like a cornered beast, his voice reverberating with primal fury. His presence and aura were no less intimidating than the Moon God''s. Artemes grinned, taking up the challenge. "Nine Heavenly Moon Sword (SSS)!" As he raised his sword, nine ethereal moons materialized behind him, their images shimmering with godly power summoned from dimensions apart. The nine moons spiraled behind Artemes, channeling a colossal surge of energy into his de. The Divine Sword glowed with a radiant white sheen, its destructive power so immense that the world itself quaked as if recoiling from the concentrated energy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Taste my sword, mortal!" "sh! shhh! shhhhh!" With a confident expression, Artemes swung his sword consecutively, each horizontal, vertical shes cutting through space effortlessly, as if slicing butter. The sharp energy waves radiated outward, their sheer force threatening to rend reality itself. Aengus, in his Abyssal zing Dragon form, braced himself as he opened Omni-Devour before him, forming a barrier of insatiable darkness. "Gulp!" The Omni-Devour consumed each of the sword shes effortlessly, the devastating attacks vanishing into the spiraling ck void. "Argh!" Aengus groaned faintly, his voice strained as he felt the searing pain ripple through his soul. The godly force of the shes didn''t merely dissipate¡ªit was absorbed into the abyss, but the impact left a scar deep within his spiritual core. He clenched his ws tightly, his draconic eyes burning with resolve. Aengus knew all too well: had he attempted to block the attacks with his body, even his powerful dragon form would have been obliterated in an instant. But thanks to his strong soul healed by countless sessions, he was able to endure the residual force within. The price was steep, yet he stood tall, refusing to bow under the might of Artemes. "Just a little more..." Aengus muttered inwardly. Chapter 326 Chaos Monarch Entity Artemes'' grin widened as he observed the mortal before him. "You''re intriguing, I''ll give you that. But don''t mistake my interest for leniency." His tone was calm yet filled with menace as the Nine Heavenly Moons spiraled behind him, gathering energy so immense it dimmed the very Sun, bathing the world in their blinding luster. The chaotic motion of the moons intensified, the power surging into his Nine Heavenly Moon Sword, which glowed brighter, almost unbearable to behold. "You survived once, but let''s see how long you can endure." With a flick of his wrist, Artemes unleashed another wave of shes. This time, they roared through space like divine judgments, their force splitting the air, leaving behind trails of obliterated matter in their wake. Aengus, hovering in his draconic form, grimaced. He could feel the colossal energy radiating toward him, each sh easily twice as powerful as before. His soul, already strained from devouring thest attacks, warned him of the risks. "If I try to devour them all, my soul won''t survive," Aengus muttered to himself. But he couldn''t back down. He only needed one. Just one attack absorbed into his Omni-Devour to tip him over the edge and reach the coveted level 1,000. Summoning every ounce of his will, Aengus opened Omni-Devour once more. "Come!" he roared, the ck void spiraling to life with a ferocity that matched the iing assault. The first sh hit. "GULP!" The ck hole consumed it, but Aengus shuddered, his soul groaning under the immense strain. The second sh was iing, burning brighter, faster, deadlier. Aengus roared again, breaking the devouring skill just in time to maneuver his titanic frame out of the path. The sh tore through the space he''d just vacated, carving a canyon into the world below.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om But¡ª Explore stories at empire The final sh came, streaking toward him like a sharp divine meteor. Aengus charged forward, attempting to escape, but he couldn''t avoid it this time. His massive dragon body was hit directly by the radiant sh, striking just below the waist. Aengus'' lower body¡ªlegs and tail¡ªwas severed cleanly, and his colossal form crashed into the ground once more. "Boom!" As Aengusy amidst the debris of the crater, he felt the excruciating pain and the rapid blood loss. The massive pool of blood created ake spanning kilometers, because of the scale of his dragon form. It quickly submerged him in the blood pool. Yet, despite the agonizing wounds, Aengus refused to scream. His upper body still submerged began to shrink, reverting to a smaller, humanoid dragon hybrid form. Meanwhile, his severed lower body floated lifelessly in the big, blood-redke above. "Haha..." Artemes grinned wickedly, his eyes gleaming with triumph as he stood over the fallen mortal. "You shouldn''t have picked a fight with the gods, mortal. If you''d been obedient, you wouldn''t have to die so early¡ªat least, not yet." He shook his head mockingly, pretending toment the situation. "It''s a shame I couldn''t bring you alive to Her Excellency, as she ordered." Artemes sighed with feigned sadness, but the tone of superiority in his voice was unmistakable. "Oh well, I suppose your dead body will suffice." He smirked, his divine aura intensifying as he prepared to im his prize. However, Aengus wasn''t dead. His Immortal Regeneration (SS) skill kept him alive like an indomitable force, repairing his shattered body at a miraculous pace. His mind remained fully conscious, keenly aware of every moment. As his lower body began to regenerate, his eyes locked onto his level: 1000. Finally, the time hade. To use the Divine Stone. But before he could wield its incredible power, he needed to make a critical decision: Which skill should be upgraded to SSS Rank? Time was slipping away, and Aengus''s brain kicked into overdrive. With Manas amplifying his cognitive abilities, the outside world slowed to a crawl, each second feeling like an eternity. In his hyper-enhanced perception, he noticed Artemes walking on the surface of the bloodke, oblivious to the transformation brewing beneath him. "Master, please¡ªyou must choose a skill now!" Manas urged, desperation in its voice. "I know..." Aengus responded, his voice calm but resolute. Aengus quickly initiated the Synthesis Process,bining all his most destructive SS skills into one ultimate ability. He focused on pure offensive power, knowing that his survival hinged on his ability to unleash devastating attacks against a god. As the skills merged, a surge of creation and destruction began on his Soul. The chosen path was clear. Aengus would create a being of absolute destruction. Synthesize: [ Abyssal zing Dragon (SS) + Primordial Beast King (SS)+ Sr re Dome (SS)+ Fire Dragon King Transformation (SS) + me Lord''s Domain (SS) + Thunderstorm Maniption (SS) + Storm-Bringer Kraken Transformation (SS) + Chaotic Maelstrom (SS)+ Meteor Breaker (SS)+ Crimson Tempest (SS) + Apocalypse Awakening (SS)+ Thunderstorm Maniption (SS) + Voidbreaker sh (SS) + Oblivion Horizon sh (SS) + God Kairos Doom Fusion (SS) + World Corrosive Venom (SS) + Seven Elements Chaos Maniption (SS) + World Corrosive Venom (SS) + Dimension Slip (SS) + Reflective Scales (SS) + Ice breath (A) + Lightning Roc''s Skybreaker Dive (A) + Golden Wyvern''s Scales (A) + Elite Human Transformation -29 (A) + Inferno Warlord''s Rage (B) + Ravenous Stonebeast (B) + Arctic Bear''s cial Shield (B) + Aqua Serpent''s Vortex (B) + Phantom Mirage (B), Hurricane Gale (B)+ Unlimited Bloodlust + Shadow Monarch''s Dominion+ Void Cloak+ Fiendish Dream Weaver + Scorching Wrath + Hellfire Nova + Death Spiral + Eternal Damnation + ck me Judgement + Incubus Drive + Avarice''s Grasp + Hell''s Gate + Cage of Torment + Moloch''s Stampede + Abyssal Armor + Fiendish Resilience + Wings of Perdition + Fiend Regeneration + Hellstorm + Shadow Bind, Call of the Abyss + Demonic Dominion + Blood Lord ] [ Your Synthesis was sessful. ] [ Your skills have been synthesized, but due to world limitations, its effects has been suppressed to SS Rank. ] [ Synthesized Skill: World-Destroying Chaos Monarch. ] ss: SS+ Tier Entity Nature: All Elemental Chaos Overlord, embodying absolute destruction, maniption, and creation of catastrophic forces. --- "Still SS, huh?" Aengus muttered with amusement. "World limitations?" He scoffed at the absurdity. Still hebined almost every destructive skills and abilities to increase the potential of his ascension to SSS Rank after using the Divine Stone. "Just you wait... Once I shed these limitations, nothing can stop me..." Aengus said with suppressed fury as he took the Divine Stone, which illuminated the blood-redke where Aengus was submerged in hot blood. Without any second though, he put it inside his mouth with cold resolve. --- "What''s that?" "This....No, this cannot be... He cannot... How?" Artemes'' voice was trembling on the spot after seeing the divine radiance where the mortal was supposed to be facing death.. Artemes seemed as if he had gone mad as he charged towards the spot to stop what was happening. The blood-redke began to boil over, as if soon, chaos would be unleashed upon this world. "Ba-dum, ba-dum!" The ominous heartbeat of an World entity echoed, shaking mortals and gods alike through dimensions. Every being was alert, as those heartbeats, like the birth of a creature defying thews of existence, resonated with each and every living creature, striking fear into their hearts. Chapter 327 God Of Void In the Demon World: "What''s happening, Lucifer? What is this fear I''m feeling?" Garcia asked in panic, standing beside Lucifer in his own domain. Lucifer clenched his fist tightly as he uttered, "It''s him, Garcia. The Heir of Ruination." His expression darkened as he felt the overwhelming aura suffocating even him. His pride was hurt and he couldn''t ept it. "Where is he? We should catch him at once," Garcia said, his usual calm reced by rare panic. "He is in the human world. Let''s go. I will not let him seed," Lucifer said coldly. --- In the Demi-Human Empire: The old elf, the Demi-Human Emperor, squinted his eyes as he stood before his council beneath the ancient Mother Tree. Suddenly, a wave of fiendish, heart-shaking aura struck him and everyone present, shaking them to their very cores. "What''s happening, Your Imperial Highness?" one of the council members asked in panic. The council members, d in ceremonial robes, looked around with wide eyes, theirposure shattered by the oppressive force that had engulfed the room. The old elf Emperor''s confusion was soon reced by a deep sense of dread as he traced the source of the chaos near the empire''s borders. "Men! Assemble at once," hemanded, his voice sharp and resolute despite the tremor in his heart. "We must uncover the source of this disturbance immediately!" He stepped forward, his aura ring with determination, prepared to confront whatever awaited beyond the boundaries of his empire. Simr situations were unfolding all over the world, as curiosity drove many toward what could well be their demise. One thing, however, was certain: a confrontation between demons and humans was on the horizon. In the Demon Realm: Be and Aria, sensing the unmistakable aura of their husband, were frantic with worry. "Father, send us to that ce, quickly! He might be in trouble!" Be pleaded desperately, her voice trembling. Beside her, Aria clutched her chest, tears threatening to fall. Belial, their father, could only sigh as he tried toprehend what his son-inw had done this time. "But, sweetheart, it could be dangerous. You know he alwayses back unscathed, no matter the odds," Belial said, his concern evident in his tone. "No, Father! We must be there for him. Now!" Be insisted, her determination unyielding. "Yes, Uncle! Please send us immediately," Aria begged, her watery eyes filled with urgency. If it were possible, she would have torn apart the heavens to reach him. Belial hesitated, but before he could respond, Vira and udia stepped forward, their expressions resolute. "Don''t worry, Belial. We''ll go with them," Vira said confidently. "We''ll ensure their safety."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Yes," udia added with a slight nod, her eyes gleaming with both caution and curiosity. "You won''t have to worry about them." Belial relented, pulling out his spatial device with a resigned sigh. "Alright, alright¡­ Let''s go." Just as he activated the device, their path was suddenly blocked. "Wait! Take us along too!" Quin, Drake, and Yona appeared, their eyes brimming with excitement and curiosity. Quin, in particr, seemed adamant. "I can''t miss this! I feel like this moment will go down in history for the Emperor!" "Argh..." Belial groaned inwardly but allowed them to join. "Alright, you cane along too, but remember to stay cautious!" "Yes, we will," they replied in unison, their expressions serious. --- "Bang!" Artemes moved at light speed, a blur of divine energy intent on halting the process of divination. Yet, despite his incredible speed, he was toote. A wave of destructive energy exploded outward, sending him hurtling backward as if he were nothing more than an insect. "No... This cannot be..." Artemes growled, his frustration palpable as he struggled to his feet. White blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, staining his divine armor. His eyes locked onto the site where an ominous, iprehensible existence was taking form. No... it wasn''t darkness¡ªit was something far beyond. Even the vast, consuming abyss of darkness paled inparison to this presence. It was Void. The same infinite expanse of nothingness that sought to engulf the material realm was now embodied in Aengus. Aengus''s transformed existence exuded an aura of annihtion, erasing everything in its path. The air around him dissolved, and the very fabric of reality seemed to warp under the weight of his presence. For the first time in millennia, Artemes felt a shiver of genuine fear. Slowly, the void-like existence began to solidify, forming into a colossal, shadowy humanoid figure that eclipsed the world in darkness. --- [ MANAS NOTIFICATIONS ] ? You have consumed the Divine Stone. Aengus savored the raw essence of the world flowing into him, strengthening his physique and shedding his mortal limitations. Freed from the shackles of Mythraldor, he was no longer constrained by itsws. Though inheriting the responsibility to protect the world for eternity, Aengus dismissed it, unwilling to let his will be influenced¡ªhis path would be his own. ? Your mortal limitations from the world of Mythraldor have been lifted. ? Your level has increased to: Level 2590. ? You have gained an enormous amount of attributes. ? You have received the title: God of Void. ? Your chosen skill (World Destroying Chaos Monarch) has been evolved to Unique Skill: Monarch of Void (Ultimate). --- Skill: Monarch of Void Rank: Unique (Ultimate) Type: Entity Description: This Unique skill embodies destruction and fear, capable of erasing foes from existence in any form. Effects: 1. Nullification: Instantly annihtes targets with weaker defenses. 2. Void Travel: Grants unhindered travel between dimensions and chaotic spacetime. 3. Infinite Void Expanse: Unleashes void energy on a scale determined by your will and mana capacity. --- In his new Void Monarch form, Aengus''s size rapidly expanded, surpassing all earthly spheres until he reached the void beyond Mythraldor. He gazed back at the world with mythical red eyes, their brilliance cutting through the darkness. One side of Mythraldor teemed with vibrant life, while the other was hollow, a realm of endless suffering and despair. Unmoved, Aengus turned his attention upward, ascending toward the sky where the oppressive World Barrier loomed¡ªa cage cast by the so-called gods. Reaching out, his massive hand touched the barrier. It vibrated with an ancient energy, resistant but trembling before his power. Explore more stories with empire "This cage... I can break it now," Aengus muttered, his voice inaudible throughout empty space.. Chapter 328 Gathering Aengus stood at the edge of his newfound power, the immense World Barrier trembling under his grasp. Yet, he chose restraint. "Not now," he murmured, withdrawing his hand. Though the cage could be broken, Aengus felt no urgency. Something inside told him the barrier was not merely a prison but a threshold, and he wasn''t yet certain whaty beyond it.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Anyway he had the ability to travel outside the cage without shattering it. --- Below, on the surface of Mythraldor, Lucifer and Garcia stood in solemn silence, joined by six other Primordial Demons¡ªancient demons of unrivaled strength. They gazed up at Aengus''s colossal, void-like humanoid form with rare caution. It was not in their nature to fear; arrogance was woven into their very essence. But this¡ªthis was different. The Void Expanse, Aengus''s transformed state, was so immense it overshadowed the entire world. Every breath he took, every faint shift of his form, rippled through Mythraldor, threatening to tip the delicate bnce of existence into chaos. This power was simr only their Supreme Father, the Demon God, had ever wielded. Yet even then, it was not quite the same. The darkness of the Demon God was potent, but the void radiating from Aengus seemed to transcend it¡ªa force not merely of destruction but of pure, absolute erasure. "Is he the Heir of Ruination, Lucifer?" Asmodeus asked fearfully, his eyes shing the same dark existence. Lucifer clenched his fists tighter, his fiery eyes ring with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. "Yes, he is the Heir of Ruination. Supreme Father once spoke of Ruination as the primal force, something even he revered¡ªits power both creator and destroyer. And this... this Void... it surpasses anything we''ve ever known. It doesn''t merely destroy; it erases." Lucifer exhaled sharply, his expression grim. "But," he continued, his voice steadying, "do not forget¡ªour Supreme Father would still stand above him. The Heir has yet to mature fully. His power, as immense as it is now, is still in its infancy. It hasn''t stabilized into a true god''s authority." Read thetest on empire Despite his confidence in their father''s supremacy, Lucifer couldn''t deny the bitter sting of defeat. Yes, his pride had been wounded, but wisdom dictates that even pride must bow to overwhelming disparity. The other six Primordials exchanged uneasy nces, their normally calm demeanor shattered. They couldn''t believe the Heir they were chasing had long left them in the dust. "You mean he''s already reached the level of a God?" one of them whispered, trembling. "But how? We''ve spent millennia searching for that path, and he''s just¡­ stumbled onto it?" Their mutterings of disbelief carried an undertone of defeat, as though the gap between them and this new force had crushed their hopes. Garcia, for once, mirrored their unease. Her usual arrogance reced by a rare flicker of doubt. "Lucifer, what do we do? We can''t let him roam unchecked. This power could break the bnce of the world entirely. I feel it wouldn''t take long to erase our home, Abyss. Why is Supreme father still not revealing himself? And where are the Gods in all this? Why are they silent? Why aren''t they acting against him?" Lucifer''s expression darkened, his fiery eyes locking onto the Void Monarch towering in the distance. "Supreme Father is aware of everything, Garcia. And those Gods are silent for a reason as well. Either they fear him, or they''re calcting their move. Regardless, this is far beyond their usual petty squabbles. This power... it threatens not just their dominion but the very fabric of this world. The name Ruination is not a world power, but far far beyond it." With his words, the real gravity of the situation settled in. "Hey, Lucifer, Garcia, you said no gods are here. But then who is that trembling figure over there?" Beelzebub asked, pointing at Artemes'' shaking form as if he had lost his mind. "Huh?" Lucifer and others squinted their eyes, finally noticing the divine figure. "That''s Artemes, the Moon God. Haha..." Asmodeus chuckled, as if reveling in the misfortune of others, the suffocating weight in his heart momentarily lifted. "That''s the Moon God? What is he doing here alone?" Garcia asked, equally intrigued. "I heard he''s a coward, and it seems It''s true," Belphegor mutteredzily, well aware of his surrounding. "Whoosh, whoosh..." The air around them seemed to distort and shimmer unnaturally, drawing everyone''s attention. "Someone''sing!" Lucifer muttered, his tone low and warning, instantly putting the others on alert. Momentster, the Old Elf Emperor of the Demi-Human Empire appeared, nked by his powerful SS-ranked subordinates. Their arrival was sudden but precise, the air thickening with the weight of theirbined presence. "That''s the Demi-Human Emperor," Lucifer observed, voice intrigued by the turn of event. "I think things are about to turn chaotic, Garcia. Stay alert!" Though Lucifer''s usual superiority was present, it was visibly overshadowed by the oppressive aura of Aengus'' Void form looming over the world. The Old Elf Emperor''s gaze was drawn immediately to the ominous Void expanse, which seemed to blend seamlessly with the spatial fabric of the world. Though his heart was heavy with shock, he maintained aposed exterior. "Ah, Your Majesty, what is that?" one of his subordinates eximed, their voice full of fear and confusion as they stared at the unfathomable figure before them. "That, I do not know," the Emperor replied coldly. "Perhaps it''s another scheme of that damn Demon God." Lucifer and the other Primordials, observing from afar, were unnoticed by the Demi-Human group. Otherwise, they might have been med for the chaos unfolding. "Buzz!" Suddenly, space rippled before the Demi-Human group, and a spatial gate materialized. From it emerged Vira, udia, Be, Aria, and several others, stepping forward with determination etched across their faces. The Old Elf Emperor''s eyes widened slightly as he recognized their identities instantly. "Oh, Phoenix Empress... and Vira. You are here as well?" he muttered, surprise flickering across his otherwiseposed expression. Traveling from one empire to another was no easy feat, after all. Even they had to borrow the power of their mother tree to arrive here. Yet here they were, gathered at the epicenter of the world''s turmoil. Chapter 329 Gathering (2) The Phoenix Empress chuckled, cing her small hands on her hips with a smug air. "Oh, well, well, if it isn''t the Old Man Valeris. What brings you here?" Old Elf Emperor Valeris frowned, his brows furrowing deeply. "Don''t forget, you''re an old witch yourself, old woman," he retorted sharply. "Anyway, who are those girls with you? You seem unusually close to them..." udia''s darkened expression softened as her gaze fell upon Be and Aria. "They''re my granddaughters. What''s it to you?" she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. Belial and Be, both in their human forms, gave no outward hint of their demonic heritage, making it impossible for Valeris to detect any connection to demons. The Old Elf Emperor''s sharp eyes scrutinized the two radiant young women. From what he knew, the Phoenix Empress had long forsaken familial ties. Yet here she was, openly iming these girls as her kin. Suspicion flickered in his mind, but he chose to bide his time. "Your granddaughters¡­ Hmph." He shrugged dismissively, though his mind churned with questions. Shifting his attention, Valeris gestured toward the colossal, void-like figure of Aengus dominating the sky. "Anyway, do you know what that is?" he asked, his voice was unease as his gaze remained fixed on the overwhelming entity. udia, Vira, Be, Aria, and the others turned their eyes toward the colossal void-like figure dominating the heavens. Some of them recognized him instantly. Be and Aria were filled with pride, their hearts swelling as they beheld their husband in his newfound, almost divine form. They understood immediately¡ªAengus had likely seeded in breaking past mortal limitations, ascending to the rank of an SSS powerhouse. Quin, Drake, and Yona exchanged nces, their usual curiosity reced with silent awe. Though they said nothing, but the shock in their eyes was impossible to miss. Their Emperor had finally be a god. udia and Vira, on the other hand, looked pleased, their happiness solidified after receiving a subtle, mental confirmation from Be. The towering figure before them was indeed Aengus. udia maintained herposed demeanour and answered, "No, we don''t know it is. We also got curious, so we came here." The old Elf Emperor was suspicious. "If that''s the case, then why are these kids'' reactions so different?" he said, pointing towards Quin, Drake, and Yona''s joyous expressions. Quin, Drake, and Yona froze, their gazes locking onto the Old Emperor. "This old bastard..." They were displeased but held back, allowing udia to handle the situation. udia shrugged casually. "Oh, nothing Valeris. Kids these days... you know how they get excited seeing such an overwhelming entity." "Buzz!" The space around them vibrated once again, revealing another radiant portal of light. From the portal emerged a tall, radiant figure d in flowing white robes that fluttered gracefully. In his hand was a gleaming golden Holy Sword, exuding an aura of divine authority. The figure was a middle-aged man with handsome, sharp features. His long eyebrows framed his piercing gaze, and his thin lips were pressed into a serious expression of determination. Following behind him were the Archbishop, the Hero Elyon, and the Saintess Lumenaria, each bathed in the soft glow of holy light, their presence adding to the divine radiance of the scene. "Buzz, buzz!" The space rippled even more, and soon, more figures began to emerge. Behind the man in white robes, the Heroes of Lightning, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water appeared, each radiating an overwhelming aura of power. Their presencemanded attention, yet their expressions were respectful as they positioned themselves behind the Archbishop and the man in white. "That''s the Hero Emperor and all the Elemental Heroes," udia exined, her tone steady as she introduced the neers to Be, Aria and others. "Whoa! I''ve only heard legends about these mighty figures until now. Never thought I''d see them in person!" Drake eximed, his eyes wide with wonder. "Still, they can''tpare to our Emperor," Quin retorted, his expression filled with unwavering reverence as his gaze flickered toward the ominous Void Expanse looming over them. The Hero Emperor and the other Heroes, paying no heed to the murmurs of the younger ones, approached the Old Elf Emperor and the Phoenix Empress. To them, only these two figures held significance, dismissing the others as inconsequential. "So much pride is not good for your health, humans," Be mused inwardly with a sly chuckle, her confidence unshaken. With Aengus'' overwhelming presence casting a protective shadow, she felt as though nothing in the world could harm her. Suddenly, the Hero Emperor nced back at Be, as if reading her thoughts.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om This caused Be to freeze, her eyes narrowing into slits. Experience more tales on empire Fortunately for the Hero Emperor, he didn''t make any move and instead joined the gathering of imperial presences. "Phoenix Empress, I didn''t expect you to hand over your rule to that Rebel Emperor," Hero Emperor Julian finally spoke with stern and authoritative voice. "Do you know the Rebel Emperor has sinned by massacring millions of humans? This must be the punishment sent by the Gods." His tone was strict and carried a hint of me directed toward Aengus. "Haha..." udia suddenly burst intoughter, her voice echoing across the tense gathering. "Why are youughing, Phoenix Empress?" Julian demanded, his tone soothing yet filled with unmistakable authority. "Haha... Can''t you see it?" Phoenix Empressughed even harder, her amusement echoing through the tense atmosphere. "See what, Phoenix Empress?" Saintess Lumenaria asked, equally perplexed. Only then did the Hero Emperor and the other Heroes shift their gazes to the figure of Artemes hovering mid-air. His expression was hopeless, his body motionless, and his gaze fixed on the Void Expanse as if trapped by an invisible force. The Heroes, however, had no understanding of his predicament. "That¡­ that is the Moon God Artemes, the assistant of the Goddess of Light! He''s in the mortal realm!" eximed Elyon, the Hero of Light, finally recognizing the figure. Thud, thud... The Hero Emperor and the other Heroes of the Empire instantly knelt, bowing in worship with their hands sped tightly together. To them, the appearance of a God in the mortal realm after ages was a sacred revtion. "Wee, Your Divine Excellency! We have prayed for years to witness your divine presence, and now you have graced us with your revtion!" they chanted in unison, their voices brimming with awe and reverence. Chapter 330 Dragon Emperor Despite their fervent shouts of worship, the Moon God Artemes remained silent, his figure still locked in a gaze of despair at the overwhelming Void Expanse. The Heroes stood, their expressions shifting from reverence to confusion. Suddenly, mockingughter echoed across the tense air. "HAHAHAHA!" A swirling portal of light erupted, and all eyes turned solemn as another imposing figure emerged. He was broad-shouldered with golden markings etched across his sharp features, radiating authority. Following him were more men of striking handsomeness, each adorned with unique marks that symbolized their might. "Dragon Emperor? Perfect timing, we were just missing your presence," Phoenix Empress chuckled, trying to hide the cold wrath within her. "Hehe heh, good Phoenix Empress. I expect nothing less." Dragon Emperor grinned, unbothered. The Dragon Emperor exuded dominance and majesty. His shimmering golden robe bore intricate dragon motifs edged in tinum, and his broad shoulders were adorned with a mantle woven from the scales of ancient dragons. Atop his head rested a crown¡ªa coiled golden dragon clutching a zing sun, adorned with rubies and diamonds. Around his neck hung the Heart of the Dragon, a legendary jewel said to hold the essence of his ancestors. In his hand, he wielded a golden scepter crowned with a dragon clutching a radiant pearl, and each step he took resonated with a faint, thunderous hum, as though the earth itself acknowledged his supreme presence. The aura surrounding him seemed to embody the pride and grandeur of the dragon lineage. The Dragons are almost equal to Demons in terms of raw physical power. But some of them had rare skills and Elemental Maniption power, that''s why they were considered in a league of their own. The Heroes, startled by his arrival, instinctively stepped back, their expressions tense in the face of another formidable figure. Theughter that echoed belonged to none other than the Dragon Emperor, Darius, his tone dripping with mockery. This immediately drew the ire of Hero Emperor Julian, whose fiery pride red. "What''s the meaning of this, Darius? Don''t think we''re pushovers!" Julian growled, his grip tightening around his radiant golden sword. Darius smirked, entirely unbothered by Julian''s hostility. He casually stepped forward, his scepter gleaming with power, and replied, "Rx, Julian. I meant no harm... just amusement." His voice carried an edge of condescension. "It''s trulyughable how the mighty Hero Emperor, the so-called symbol of justice, kneels before that pitiful excuse of a god." Darius gestured toward Artemes, whose trembling figure floated helplessly. "Look at him," Darius continued with a chuckle. "The Moon God¡ªgroveling before that being, frozen in fear. Truly pathetic. And yet, here you are, bowing your head to such a failure. Tell me, Julian, where''s your pride?" Julian clenched his fists, rage bubbling within, but a cold realization struck him: the Moon God Artemes wasn''t behind the entity that loomed over them. Instead, he was cowering before it. The unsettling question hung in the minds of all present: What exactly happened before we arrived? Who-or what-is this entity? Julian, trying to mask his uncertainty, retorted sharply, "Still, Darius, you underestimate the divine far too much. Just like your reckless ambition, your arrogance will lead to your downfall." His tone was cutting as he continued, "And speaking of ambition, we''ve heard whispers... Words have reached us that you''ve been colluding with demons. Is it true, Darius?" "Tsk." A faint tsk escaped Dragon Emperor Darius, dismissing the usation with a wave of his hand. He turned his attention instead to udia, his sharp gaze narrowing with amusement. "Where is that worm?" Darius demanded, his voice dripping with venom. His massive frame loomed closer, casting a shadow over udia and Vira. "I never thought I''d live to see a mere human capable of ughtering millions of my men." His voice rose, echoing with unchecked fury. "You know who I mean, udia. I want his head. Now!" "Pfft..." Be couldn''t hold back her giggles, her shoulders shaking as she found the Dragon Emperor''s demand for Aengus'' head utterly ridiculous. She knew full well that the very head Darius demanded could obliterate his entire existence in an instant. "Ah, Be, quiet!" Aria whispered, nudging her sister wife sharply. Her eyes darted nervously to Darius'' now darkened and furious face. udia, however, stood unbothered, her expression full of amusement as she gazed up at Darius. "Your men got exactly what they deserved, Darius," udia said, her voice calm but simmering with anger. "And if I were in my prime..." she paused, her eyes narrowing as her tone sharpened, "...I''d have pped you into oblivion for daring to invade my empire with such pitiful strategies." Her fiery words seemed to cut through the air as she continued, her toneced with a mixture of contempt and grief. "Because of you, countless female warriors now live in despair. Their hope, their trust in males-they''ve been shattered. You''ve left a scar on their spirits, one that may never heal." udia''s fury was evident, her fiery aura momentarily ring as she stared Darius down. Her words hung heavy in the air, silencing even those who might have been inclined to side with the Dragon Emperor. Dragon Emperor Darius sneered, his golden eyes glinting with disdain. "Still, they couldn''tpare to my men, whom I''ve raised and nurtured with endless resources. He''s a coward if he allowed you to fall into such a state," he sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But mark my words, I will have my revenge." udia raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering as she flicked her finger toward the Void Expanse, which was tearing apart the very fabric of space. "Cowardly?" she asked coolly. "Why don''t you try touching that thing? Let''s see how brave you are..." Darius'' eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at the massive Void Expanse, which seemed to distort and consume everything in its wake. The sheer force of the expanse was enough to obliterate everything around it, and even a god had failed to stand against it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The Dragon Emperor''s resolve wavered momentarily. He could feel the oppressive weight of the void, but he quickly masked his fear with a serious, calm demeanor. "I may be arrogant, udia, but I''m not stupid. Clearly, this entity was summoned by these damn demons," he said, pointing toward the empty space in the distance. Chapter 331 Finally Making a Move Upon hearing Dragon Emperor Darius''s observation, some of the gathered parties finally took note of the faint traces of demon energy lingering in the distance. "Come out, cowards!" Hero Emperor Julian''s voice thundered like a divine decree, rippling through the air with an otherworldly brilliance that demanded attention. The sheer authority in his tone seemed to unravel the veils of concealment. In response, the Seven Primordial Demons and Garcia were revealed, stepping forward with expressions darkened by fury. The insult lingered in the air, and the tension thickened as Lucifer''s chilling voice cut through the silence. "Cowards? You might be speaking of yourselves, you filthy, foolish humans!" His voice carried an icy undertone that seemed to freeze the very air. Unperturbed by the hostile exchange, Old Elf Emperor Valeris raised his hand, silencing the growingmotion as his piercing gaze settled on the demons.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Are you the ones responsible for this ominous entity?" he asked calmly. Lucifer''s fiery gaze locked with Valeris'', his lips curling into a sardonic smirk. "Responsible?" he echoed mockingly. "Do you think even we would dare to unleash that? You know know nothing about it, humans." He pointed subtly toward the Void Expanse, its colossal presence looming like an unrelenting shadow over the world. Garcia crossed her arms, stepping closer. "You''re barking up the wrong tree, Oldy. None of us are suicidal enough to provoke such cmity." The Old Elf Emperor was enraged by the insulting remark from the demoness. "Silence, you enchanting demoness! No one asked for your input. How dare-" Whoosh! Without hesitation, Lucifer''s Indomitable Kick flew toward the Old Elf Emperor''s wrinkled face, aiming to crush him into oblivion. As his leg moved, it was as if a mountain was descending, the sheer pressure causing the air to ripple violently before the kick couldnd. Bang! The strike, however, was intercepted by a green barrier, materializing from a tree branch that extended from the Old Elf Emperor''s chest. Crack, crack! At first, the Old Elf Emperor smirked confidently, believing his Tree of Eternity''s Barrier to be imprable. Yet, his confidence quickly faltered as his eyes widened in disbelief-the barrier began to crack, little by little, under the overwhelming force of Lucifer''s attack. His confidant, Rindel, and the other Transcendentals quickly rushed in, saving the Old Elf Emperor in the nick of time from taking a direct hit. "Say one more bad word about my love, and you and your empire will be my next target," Lucifer warned, his voice cold and brimming with wrath as he slowly withdrew his leg. "Audacious! How dare you, Lucifer, be so arrogant toward us humans! Do you think humans are inferior to demons?" Rindel bellowed, his indignation evident as he cast a nce at the Hero Emperor and the Dragon Emperor, hoping to incite them into the fray. Hero Emperor Julian, now joined by the other Heroes, stood righteously, ready for conflict. Meanwhile, the Dragon Emperor remained motionless, his golden eyes narrowing as he analyzed the situation. The air felt heavy, charged with tension, as though a battle could erupt at any moment. "Rumble!" Suddenly, the ground trembled violently, and all attention turned toward the Moon God, Artemes. His form radiated an intense, blinding light, brighter than ever before, forcing some to shield their eyes. The Nine Moons behind him spiraled erratically, growingrger andrger as though fueled by desperation. He appeared to have finally broken free from whatever invisible grip had held him. However, his actions were clear¡ªhe wasn''t preparing for a counterattack or to face the entity. Instead, he was frantically attempting to flee. His glowing figure ascended rapidly toward the outer world, aiming to escape the confines of this world entirely. "He''s running?!" Hero Elyon eximed in disbelief, unable to reconcile the sight of their god fleeing in terror. Even the Dragon Emperor, who rarely disyed emotion, couldn''t mask his shock. "A god... abandoning the battlefield? This is unprecedented." But before Artemes could breach the sky, a voice as deep andmanding as the abyss echoed from the Void Expanse. "You think you can escape? Leave your life behind!" "Leave your life behind!" The words alone carried such immense pressure that the very air seemed to solidify, halting Artemes'' ascent abruptly. "The Entity... it''s finally moving," Saintess Lumenaria whispered, her voice trembling with awe and fear. The decree of the Void Entity reverberated across the world, shaking not only the ground beneath their feet but their very souls. It felt as if the voice itself carried the weight of judgment, a force that could bend reality to its will. "This... is beyondprehension," Hero Emperor Julian muttered, gripping his sword tightly, his knuckles white. The air grew heavier, as if the world itself was resonating with the presence of the Void Entity. Lucifer''s frozen blue eyes narrowed as he observed the colossal Heir of Ruination, his pride and arrogance churning within him. He was a being forged by darkness, one of the strongest among the Primordial Demons, yet here stood a force so overwhelming that even his own presence felt insignificant. "Tch..." Lucifer''s jaw clenched. It was bitter, so bitter to admit, but the truth loomed before him like an unscble mountain. "This power... it overshadows darkness. I want it.." he muttered with longing. Beelzebub''s usually calm demeanor cracked as he stood frozen, feeling the Void Entity''s gaze bore into his very soul. For that brief moment, it felt as though all his secrets, his essence, and his existence wereid bare, stripped of every facade. "Why... Why is it looking at me like that?" he thought, his mind racing with unease. Just as quickly as the gaze fell upon him, it shifted elsewhere, leaving Beelzebub to let out a shaky breath. "Was that... death? No, it was worse..." He shook his head, trying to regainposure, though the lingering dread in his heart betrayed his outward calm. Meanwhile, Rindel, the ever-loyal confidante, nced at the ominous Void Expanse and then to the Old Elf Emperor. "Your Imperial Majesty, perhaps we should leave. If the entity decides to attack, resistance is futile," Rindel advised cautiously, her voice low but insistent. Valeris, usually one to hold his ground even in the gravest of dangers, nodded solemnly. The sheer magnitude of the situation was beyond even his confidence. "Very well, Rindel," he said with a deep sigh. "Prepare for departure. I won''t risk our lives unnecessarily." Chapter 332 An Existence To Fear The Moon God, once revered as a divine entity, was now trembling and powerless against Aengus'' overwhelming Void energy. Bound firmly in ce, his radiant aura flickered faintly like a candle against the oppressive darkness that loomed over him. The difference between them was staggering¡ªmore than 1,000 levels apart. For someone of his stature, this gap was insurmountable. Even among divine beings, reaching such heights was near impossible without centuries of effort and unimaginable resources. The truth was clear: after ascending to SSS rank, progression became an arduous task. The resources required to level up were astronomical¡ªordinary worldly treasures or hunting could no longer suffice. Many divine beings, even gods, would find themselves stagnant for decades, sometimes even centuries, before making meaningful progress. In their past ascensions, they had relied on the Divine Stone, which permanently surged their levels by 200¨C300 upon transcending. However, such opportunities were rare, often limited to a single use in one''s lifetime. But for Aengus, the oue had been unprecedented. The explosion in power after consuming the Divine Stone had been amplified by his unparalleled potential, resulting in a leap of 1,590 levels. Now, his dominance was absolute. The Moon God, once a symbol of divine elegance and power, was reduced to a trembling figure, incapable of even resisting the suffocating presence of the Void Monarch. "This is the price for yourcency," Aengus'' resonating voice echoed through the trembling world, a deration that sent chills through the divine and mortal alike. The Moon God Artemes had crumbled under the weight of impending doom. His gaze turned frantically to his mortal followers below, desperation etched into his glowing form.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Save me, you useless pieces of junk!" Artemes screamed, his voice cracking, his oncemanding tone now drenched in hysteria. "He''s going to kill me... I''m going to die! Sacrifice yourselves for me!" The sheer desperation and madness in his cries shattered the image of a calm, benevolent deity. Saintess Lumenaria and the Heroes, bound by their blind faith, stood frozen, their hearts sinking as they witnessed their god unravel before their eyes. Tears brimmed in Lumenaria''s eyes as she cried out, "Moon God!" But their pleas were drowned by the cold resonance of the Void Entity. In a final act of futility, Artemes let out a scream that could hardly be associated with a divine figure. The Void engulfed him effortlessly, swallowing his light and form into an abyss darker than anything the world had ever known. His cries of terror echoed briefly before being snuffed out entirely, leaving only silence in his wake. The scene was surreal and haunting, leaving the witnesses paralyzed in fear and awe. The once-proud Heroes, who had devoted their lives to divine service, now stood helpless, their faith fractured. The Old Elf Emperor Valeris and his confidants, seasoned veterans of countless battles, made their decision swiftly. Without a word, they turned and took to the skies, fleeing the scene with no intention of looking back. Their retreat was a silent admission of the insurmountable power they had just witnessed. "What can we mortals even do, when divinity itself falls so easily?" Valeris muttered as they disappeared into the portals. --- MANAS NOTIFICATIONS: ? You have devoured Artemes, known as Moon God. ? Your level increased by 50. ? New Skill Acquired: - Nine Heavenly Moon Summon (SSS): Effects: Capable of summoning the power of the Nine Moons constetion across dimensions. - Temporarily increases overallbat power by 50 times. --- [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 19 ] [ Title: God Of Void ] [ Race: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Level: 2640 ] [ upation: Emperor ] [ ss: Chaos Creator ] [ Bloodline: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter ] [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space, Water ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 3.1 Star ] (AN: 1 Star= 100,000 stats= Capable of Dominating 1 lower World ] [ Agility: 3.2 Star ] [ Defense: 3.3 Star ] [ Origin Mana: 49,999,000 / 50,060,000 ] - [ Active: - Nine Heavenly Moon Summon (SSS), Sky Phoenix Rebirth (SS), Phoenix Dance Of Destruction (SS), Oceanic Domination (SS), Gift (SS), Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS), Frostbound Dominion (SS), Barrier Of Despair (SS), Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS), Celestial Bastion (SS), Divine Halo (SS), Irond Ice Fortress (SS), Divine Sword Fusion (SS), Eternal Ice Barrier (SS), Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword (SS), Guardian''s Embrace (SS), Prismatic Shield (SS), ck Thunder Barrier (SS), All-Seeing Sovereign -12 (SS) Sacred Kirin''s Healing -2 (SS), Sacred Kirin''s Blessing -2 (SS), Symbol Of Good Fortune -3 (SS), Chaos Istion Barrier -4 (S), Void Venom de Tempest -2 (A)] Find your next read on empire - [ Passive: Immortal Regeneration (SS), Heart Of Chaos (SS), Supreme Hunter (SS), Phoenix Resurgence (SS), Water Breathing (S) ] [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 14)] [ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Rapid Cast (Rare), Nullified Mental Attacks (Rare), Monarch Of Void (Ultimate) Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] --- Aengus could feel the surge of energy coursing through his being as the essence of the Moon God was fully absorbed. His void-like presence expanded further, its oppressive aura radiating across the world. The newfound Nine Heavenly Moon Summon skill resonated within him, increasing his SSS rank skills to two though his first one fell onto the category of Unique Skills (Ultimate). Aengus mused silently, "So, low-rank gods like Artemes are limited to a single SSS skill. Pathetic. Their very souls confine them. But me? My limits are yet to be found. Two SSS skills already, and there''s still so much potential left to unravel." He pushed aside the fragmented memories of Artemes'' pitiful existence. The knowledge of the gods'' hierarchy and their inherent restrictions barely interested him now. Most of them were ants inparison to the power he wielded now. Instead, his attention shifted to the scene below. The chaotic scattering of humans, demons, and so-called heroes retreating after witnessing the Moon God''s demise was almost amusing. Yes, they fearing his presence. His gaze locked onto Beelzebub once again. The past trauma Beelzebub had given him was still fresh in his mind. And the time has finally came. To take his revenge. Beelzebub froze mid-flight as if an unseen force had yanked at his very essence. He could feel the weight of Aengus'' gaze pressing down on his soul, suffocating and absolute. Chapter 333 All Parties Departed "Now, what''s wrong with you, twerp?" Lucifer growled, sensing Beelzebub''s sudden pause as they were about to leave. Beelzebub''s bloodshot eyes widened in panic as he screamed, "Lucifer! It''s targeting me for some reason. I can''t move!" Lucifer and the other six demons raised their brows, tension filling the air. "Huh? Why is it targeting you?" they muttered in confusion, as if he had never done anything wrong. "Lucifer, it''sing," Garcia warned sharply. Lucifer''s expression turned serious as he watched the Void approach them with incredible speed. Meanwhile, the Heroes and Dragonmen halted, sensing the sudden change in events. "The Entity that just consumed the Moon God is now targeting the Primordial Demons," Hero Emperor Julian observed in disbelief. Lucifer''s sharp voice cut through the growing tension. "Everyone, gather around!" hemanded solemnly, his aura radiating a terrifying authority. Beelzebub''s panic deepened as he screamed, "I told you, Lucifer! It''s after me! Do something!" Garcia''s face hardened as she quickly drew her weapon, her instincts screaming danger. "Lucifer, if we don''t act now, it''ll devour him just like it did that so-called Moon God!" The other six Primordial Demons exchanged uneasy nces, each of them summoning their full power in an instant. "Why Beelzebub?" Mammon grumbled. "He''s pathetic, but I don''t see why that thing would single him out." Leviathan, the most cautious of them all, hissed, "It doesn''t matter why. If ites for one of us, it''s a threat to us all!" Belphegor yawned, "Ah, so much work. Tiresome." "It''s targeting the demons?" Hero Emperor Julian murmured in disbelief. "Why not us? Is this some divine retribution?" The Dragon Emperor Darius crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Let the demons handle it. If they fall, lesspetition for me." As the Void loomed closer, Lucifer roared, his voice carrying the weight of his wrath and pride. "You think you can toy with us, Heir Of Ruination? Let''s see how you handle the full power of the Seven Primordial Demons!" The Six Primordials moved in perfect synchronization around Beelzebub, creating a formidable barrier of raw darkness energy. Their massive, mountain-like bodies acted as pirs, burrowing deep into the world to anchor their defense. "Shua-shua-shua¡­" The sound of their energy pulsing echoed like a storm, shaking the very fabric of reality. But the result? The Void Entity''s residual power crashed into their barrier with overwhelming force before the Void could reach them. The disparity was that big. "Crack...crack...BOOM!" The barrier, though crafted from thebined strength of the Primordials, shattered like fragile ss, unable to withstand the Void''s destructive might. The instant after the barrier was destroyed, the Void touched and started annihting the very energy of the shattered barrier. Beelzebub''s eyes widened in terror as the force closed in on him. "No...NO!" he screamed with terror. Lucifer and the other Primordials were flung away like ragdolls, their massive forms crashing into the terrain as if they were weightless. The sheer force of Aengus'' power left them unable to withstand even a fraction of his strength. Buried under rubble, Lucifer groaned in pain, his vision blurred. For the first time in millennia, helplessness consumed him as he watched Beelzebub vanish from existence, erased as if he had never been there.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om His fists clenched, but the overwhelming terror outweighed his pride and anger. Without hesitation, Lucifer stumbled to his feet, grabbing Garcia by the arm. His voice, usuallymanding, was now sharp with urgency. "We''re leaving. Now." With a whoosh, Lucifer, Garcia, and Other five vanished from the spot. Their movements, though rapid, seemed like sluggish crawls to Aengus'' eyes. He allowed them to flee, a faint smirk gracing his ethereal visage. Beneath the surface of the Demon World, Aengus sensed an ancient, dormant power¡ªone that could rival even his current might. The Demon God. He had no intention of provoking that being¡ªnot while Be and the others were still within the fragile grasp of safety. Anyway, there would be time enough to dismantle their being, slowly and meticulously. The dried up Sea was silent, save for the residual hum of energy from Aengus'' overwhelming presence. The Heroes, Dragonmen, and Be''s group stood frozen, their minds reeling from what they had just witnessed. "Did we just see the Primordials flee?" Hero Elyon muttered with disbelief. "Inconceivable! It''s something I never imagined seeing in my lifetime." Hero Emperor Julian''s expression darkened as he observed the Void Entity, a deep sense of foreboding settling in his heart. "We shouldn''t linger here any longer," he dered, cautiously. He turned to hispanions. "Archbishop, Elyon, gather everyone. This being''s intentions are hard to decipher, and we can''t afford to provoke it further." Light Hero Elyon and the Old Archbishop exchanged tense nces before nodding in agreement. "You are right, Your Imperial Highness," Elyon said steadily. "We shouldn''t meddle in matters beyond mortalprehension. Surely, our Gods will soon take action against this entity and ensure our safety." The Archbishop sped his hands together in prayer, muttering words of faith, while Elyon''s radiant aura dimmed slightly as he prepared to retreat. Julian gave onest solemn nce at the Void Entity, its overwhelming presence a stark reminder of humanity''s fragility. With that, the Hero Emperor and his contingent swiftly made their cautious withdrawal through space without a hitch. The Dragon Emperor''s golden eyes narrowed as he studied udia''s group, his casual demeanor shifting to one of suspicion. "Why aren''t you all leaving?" he asked. udia chuckled slyly, folding her arms. "Oh, we''ll take our leave, Dragon Emperor. But you should watch your neck. Who knows? You might lose it at any moment." Her words carried a dangerous undertone, and her gaze sparkled with a deadly glint that sent an unspoken challenge through the air. "Is that so, udia? You''re so confident in the Rebel Emperor? I would like to see what tha Rebel Emperor is truly capable of.." His words echoed as he left with his dragon men. "Grandmother... " Explore more at empire Just as Be and udia gathered together but, the space rippled around pulling them to an unknown ce... Chapter 334 Begin Unification The Void Entity vanished as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving behind a barren, hollow void that seemed to mourn the absence of its devastating presence. The spatial fabric began repairing itself with a ferocious intensity, the cracks in reality sealing with bursts of radiant energy. In the hidden folds of space, powerful beings who had been observing the chaos exchanged uneasy, puzzled nces. Their whispers were mix of indignation and dread, that echoed in the void. "I can''t believe he finally appeared... Just like the ancient myths of Myraldor and the Pantheon''s creation. A being born to grow by consuming all others. How absurd." "Yes, and it seems he didn''t even acknowledge our existence." "Or could it be scare to act for some reason?" Another voice joined, sharp with irritation: "s, we couldn''t detect his presence in time. Had we acted earlier, Artemes might have been saved." A cold, mocking tone replied, "Saved? Artemes was a fool toe here alone, driven by greed and pride. He didn''t notify us because he thought he could im the glory for himself." The whispers grew heavier, a chorus of tension and unease: "Regardless of his mistakes, we cannot ignore this. If that entity turns its sights on us next..." "We need a n," another voice dered, its tone resolute but tinged with fear. "If it truly embodies the myths, then our very existence is at risk." "We should inform Her Supremacy about this. Surely she won''t ignore Artemes'' death. Her wrath will undoubtedly im this one, just as it did the God of Darkness in the past." --- "Ahh..." Be and the others appeared in an empty hall, panic evident on their faces. "Where are we?" Be asked her grandmother. udia nced through the window and spotted magical craftsmen hard at work in a familiar setting. She smiled. "We''re in the New Imperial City. Surely my grandson-inw is behind this." "Phew..." Be and Aria immediately sighed in relief and seated themselves gracefully in the nearlypleted Imperial Court. Stay tuned for updates on empire Belial, Vira, Quin, and others sat patiently, waiting for a certain someone''s arrival. Their minds were filled with awe at what they had witnessed. They had seen a god meet their demise at the hands of their Emperor. How powerful was that? "Plop!" After some time, Aengus appeared in his usual ck clothes, now draped in robes. The faint radiant gleam on his fair skin, imbued with divine authority, was hard to miss. The very air in the hall instantly hummed chaotically as soon as Aengus appeared, as if fearing his presence as a harbinger of absolute destruction. Yet, it still had to fulfill its duty in ordance with thews. "Hubby!" "Darling!" Both Be and Aria quickly rushed forward, snuggling into his broad chest as if taking their daily dose offort. Aengus inhaled their scents and caressed their heads lovingly, while his mind echoed with the murmurs of the lower gods. He heard them clearly. But he was not afraid. If the information in Artemes'' mind was correct, the Goddess of Light and the God of Darkness¡ªtwo primal divine figures¡ªwere almost at the same level as him, despite the vast ages separating their existence. He could afford to pick a fight with one of them. But if he had to protect his wives and loved ones, he couldn''t take on both of them at once. He had to conquer by ying both sides strategically. Or if things go really south he still had victory cards to y with.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om However, time was running out. He needed to begin the task of unification immediately. Aengus sat on the grand throne alongside Be and Aria, his expression as calm as still water. "Grandson-inw, you must have attained a level of strength we could never achieve in our lifetime. What''s your next n?" udia asked in her childish voice. Aengus gestured for everyone to remain seated and spoke, "Yes. We must begin the n of unification at once. We will start by conquering kingdoms after kingdoms, domains after domains. And I will be with you to ensure your safety." "Your Majesty, leave it to us. We''re all itching for battle," Quin said with a grin. "Do you mean on both sides?" Be asked to confirm. Aengus gave a small nod. "Okay then. You should send me back, Son-In-Law. I would like to teach those Demon Lords some lesson. The strength you have given me, is now the right time to put to the use," Belial said, smirking. "That''s of course, Father-inw. But before that, let me introduce you all to someone," Aengus said mysteriously, slicing through the space before him with a casual swipe of his hand. A demonic figure was reaveled to them. "What! Isn''t that Beelzebub? I thought he was dead!" Exmations erupted as they saw Beelzebub appear before them,pletely immobilized, his eyes filled with terror. He finally realized who the true Heir of Ruination was. This seemingly unassuming man had been the Heir of Ruination all along. Their suspicions had been correct. If only they had acted on them, perhaps this day could have been avoided. "Disgusting," Aria muttered with disdain, looking at Beelzebub''s head as though it belonged to a dog. "Why haven''t you disposed of this creature yet?" Aengus smirked. "He will be dealt with soon, my dear. But first, I must torture him, to make him understand why he fell to this state. He must regret his actions. Only then will it be truly satisfying, wouldn''t it?" "Oh, right¡­ That''s a great n," Aria replied, her usually kind face alight with cruel intent. Aengus temporarily stored Beelzebub in his spatial pocket and issued a decree: "Mobilize with full force. Summon the Generals. The time hase; for Liberation." With that, the Imperial Decree was issued, and the human faction of the Liberation Army, consisting of over 200 million soldiers, was mobilized with a grand announcement of conquest and the ultimate goal of liberation. In the Demon World, the same was happening. The Liberation Army had been mobilized for war Against Demon Lords. While the other Demon Lords attended the Demon Lords Council meeting, Aengus had a different n. He intended to catch them off guard by conquering their territories while they were away at the meeting. Chapter 335 Attack On Elf Kingdom The announcement of war by the Rebel Emperor shook the world to its core. "The new Emperor is really daring! Or could he be a fool instead?" "I think the former is correct. His rise to power is nothing short of rewriting history in Mythraldor." "Yes, perhaps. But do you truly believe his goal is as grand and honorable as they im? I mean, how can humans and demons co-exist together?" "Hmph... Co-exist with those ugly, vile demons? Never!" Every kingdom, every citizen across various empires, was buzzing with talk about the Rebel Emperor. He had be the topic of the world. Enjoy more content from empire "How dare he? Does he think of himself as some kind of bigshot? Let hime. I''ll show him who''s the supreme ruler in this domain!" the Dragon Emperor growled, his voice booming as he stood in his mighty golden dragon form. The Dragon Emperor himself was just left dumbfounded after witnessing an incredible event. And now, the Rebel Emperor was doimg something he had never anticipated. The Hero Emperor was already investigating Aengus''s background and weaknesses to counter him. A man capable of growing so rapidly couldn''t possibly be weak. He didn''t dare underestimate anyone, especially after witnessing a god''s fall. If gods could fall, then mortals like them were nothing more than ants. However, Aengus''s first target wasn''t either of the two powerful emperors. The firstrge-scale attack was directed at the Demi-Human Empire, enraging the Elf Emperor Valeris. In response, he mobilized the entire demi-human army at once to defend the bordering kingdoms. Several kingdoms within the Demi-Human Empire were attacked simultaneously, making defense challenging. The demi-human army was slightly outnumberedpared to the Liberation Army. Aengus personally transported his forces through teleportation, a move that yed a crucial role in their versatility and swift offensives.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Aria remained with him in the human world, while Be operated with him in the demon world. Aengus, now capable of producing 10 clones, utilized this ability to multitask more efficiently, further enhancing the reach and impact of his strategies. Aengus controlled the battlefield like a chessboard, and one by one, the kingdoms began to fall rapidly under the sudden assault. The old Elf Emperor was helpless to defend against the overwhelming strategies executed in multiple locations. With Aengus''s presence, victory for the Liberation Empire was practically set in stone. While the attack was underway in the Elf Kingdom¡ªa sacred birthce of elves¡ªthe royal Vaeloria family defended theirnd with everything they had. But the fall of the beautiful, pointy-eared elves was a despairing scene to witness. Their green blood stained the earth red amidst the dense forest just outside the Great Wall of Tree Roots, which rose from the earth like coiling dragons. - "Royal Father, the Imperial forces are not here yet, and the Liberation Empire is decimating our warriors. We should submit to the Rebel Emperor at once." Inside a tree hall filled with authoritative high elves, a beautiful female elf with green eyes and a sapphire dress spoke, suggesting surrender to the old Elf King seated on the throne. The Elf King, weak and stressed, looked helplessly at his daughter, who had proven herself the most capable in trade andmerce among his children. "Ilyana, my daughter, we understand your concerns and agree with your suggestion. But will he agree? What if he turns out to be cruel and vicious? There''s always a fear surrounding this enigmatic Emperor who has risen from nowhere." Ilyana Vaeloria frowned in distress. The ongoing ughter of her kin weighed heavily on her nerves. "Father, send me to him. I will speak to him personally," Ilyana replied after a moment, her voice resolute, as if she had made the ultimate decision of self-sacrifice. The Elf King was stunned, but he shook his head immediately upon realizing what she intended to do. She was prepared to sacrifice her freedom for the sake of her kingdom¡ªthe very freedom she had worked tirelessly to achieve throughout her life in the Elritch Chamber of Commerce. "No, Ilyana. You must not do this. As long as I am alive, this will not happen." The Elf King stood tall and dered, "I will go myself to surrender¡ªfor you and for the warriors of this proud kingdom." Despite his decision, Ilyana insisted and followed him toward the enemy camp. --- "This kingdom is beautiful," Aengus remarked, admiring the Elf Kingdom''s enchantingndscape as the battle raged on. Victory was already in his grasp, but he had chosen to stay as a precaution. "Yes, it''s truly beautiful, just like the High Elves. But it''s unfortunate that these elves had to die unnecessarily," Ariamented beside him, her nature instinctively at work to assist the Liberation Army. "Oh, it looks like the deaths will soon be over, Aria," Aengus said nonchntly, his gaze fixed on the entourage of the Elf King approaching. "A white g! Phew, finally, they''re surrendering. That''s good," Aria muttered in relief. "Huh? Who''s this?" Aengus''s interest was suddenly piqued when he saw the striking elf woman apanying the Elf King. "Ilyana Vaeloria..." Aengus murmured, recognizing the elf woman.. She was the renowned owner of the Eldritch Chamber of Commerce, with whom he had once struck a deal for synthesized weapons. He had assumed her dead after the fall of Arcadia. But there she was¡ªalive and well. Beside her stood Kai, her young attendant, his expression tense and vignt. The sight stirred faint nostalgia within Aengus, his reaction drawing Aria''s attention. "I thought she was dead!" he said, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Who''s she? You know her?" Aria asked casually. "An acquaintance from the past," he answered calmly. After that he raised his hand to let them pass the defense line without a problem. Aria said nothing more as he gazed at Ilyana''s figureing close. At first nce Ilyana looked shocked as if a bolt of electricity ran through her vain. The Rebel Emperor in ck robes seemed very familiar to her somehow. Kai''s reaction was the same. Then their mind clicked ovepping a boy''s figure from the past encounter. Chapter 336 Surrendered Amidst the green leaves and towering trees, three barely acquainted individuals met once again, but this time, their positions of power had beenpletely reversed. Though their previous encounter had been fleeting,sting only a few minutes, it remained vivid in their minds. Ethan¡ªnow known as Rebel Emperor¡ªhad left an extraordinary impression. "We surrender, your¡ª" The Elf King began, bowing his head in submission, only for his words to be interrupted by Ilyana''s unexpected remark. "You''re Ethan, right?" Ilyana asked, her gaze fixed on Aengus''s calm, calcting, yet undeniably handsome face. Despite the transformation, there was still a resemnce to the boy she had once known. His eyes, cheekbones, and fleetingly innocent expression remained unmistakably familiar. "What are you saying, Ilyana? Mind your manners," the Elf King whispered to his daughter, his voice tense. Why was his usually intelligent and rational daughter acting like this? Aengus chuckled lightly. "It seems fate has brought us together once again, Miss Ilyana. Good to see you alive and well after surviving that encounter." Ilyana nodded butughed ironically. "Yes, indeed, Mister Ethan. But this time, fate''s joke seems to be on me. I''m a little overwhelmed," she said with a mix of amusement and nostalgia as she recalled the past. "Mr. Ethan¡ªah, no, Your Imperial Majesty¡ªI hope you remember me as well. I am Kai," the little boy introduced himself, bowing nervously. "Yes, We remember." Aengus acknowledged her with a curt nod. "So, you''ve be an Emperor? That''s unbelievable!" Ilyana said, her chest rising and falling as she struggled with an indescribable mix of emotions. Was it a sense of defeat, envy, happiness, shock, or relief? She didn''t know. But she hoped for a better oue for her kingdom through this encounter. On the side, Kai sent a mental transmission to the Elf King, recounting their encounter in the destroyed Arcadia City. He exined how Ethan had been an ordinary yet extraordinarily skilled boy and revealed the reason behind their concealment and survival¡ªthe rare treasure they had used, which the Elf King already knew about. The Elf King was dumbfounded. The rumors about the Rebel Emperor were true. In just a year, this young man had risen to power, in the Kairos Emperor, and taken control of the Phoenix Empire. What had once seemed like a legendary tale to him now felt real and alive. The shock he experienced was indescribable. Yet, there was also a sense of relief, knowing his daughter was well-acquainted with this formidable Emperor. "Can we talk about our surrender, yout majesty?" Ilyana asked respectfully, her voice hesitant. "We won''t demand anything excessive, just assurances that you won''t lead us to our doom." Her gaze flickered between Aengus and Aria, her thoughts wandering. What was their rtionship?Aria looked so beautiful and lovely, almost like a Goddess. "Sure, we can discuss the peaceful surrender of your kingdom, Miss Ilyana. And she is Aria Silvermoon, my Empress. Perhaps you''ve heard of her?" Aengus said, gesturing for them to follow him into a nearby tent. Ilyana, Kai, the Elf King, and a few of his subordinates followed Aengus silently. "Your wife? She''s too beautiful," Ilyana praised, ncing at Aria. "Yes, I''ve heard of the Silvermoon n and her famed name, but I never had the chance to meet her in person. Though we''ve conducted a few deals with your family, Empress. I am honored to meet you now," she added tteringly, making eye contact with Aria. "Oh, what''s the name of your trade chamber?" Aria asked curiously. "It''s the Elritch Chamber of Commerce," Ilyana replied. "Ohh, I remember now," Aria said, realization dawning on her face. After that brief exchange, silence fell as they entered the well-furnished tent. "State your conditions for surrender, Miss Ilyana. Though, usually, I am not so generous when epting submissions," Aengus said, seated regally. "Your Imperial Majesty, thank you for your favor. We don''t have many conditions. My father, the current King, would like to remain as a guardian and please ensure us that our people won''t have to die needlessly. In return, we pledge the surrender of our armed forces and territory. Please, be kind enough to grant us these two wishes," Ilyana requested respectfully. Aengus and Aria exchanged nces, silently approving the conditions. It wasn''t difficult to agree, as they had made simr arrangements with the King of Skyfall Kingdom. Read exclusive adventures at empire "Very well, we ept," Aengus dered. Ilyana, emboldened by his approval, added, "Thank you for your grace, Your Imperial Highness. And if you would like to take me as one of your concubines in your harem, I wouldn''t mind." Her green eyes fluttered charmingly, and her pointy ears twitched slightly in anticipation of his response. Who wouldn''t fall for a man like him? But would they ept? Aria''s eyes remained calm as she heard the elf woman''s bold offer, though her gaze subtly shifted to Aengus, waiting to see how her husband would respond. If Be had been present, she likely would have denied the suggestion by shouting instantly. "It''s okay, Miss Ilyana. There''s no need for this. I promise, the elves now under my rule will be protected as my subjects," Aengus said calmly. Aria sighed in relief, her heart lightened, and her eyes softened as she gazed at Aengus with affection. "Oh oh¡­ okay," Ilyana muttered in disappointment, though she didn''t fully understand why she felt that way. From there, amand was issued from both sides to cease the war immediately, with the elves formally surrendering to the Liberation Empire. The order came directly from the Elf King, and the proud high elves had no choice but to lower their heads in submission before the overwhelming forces of the Liberation Empire. And now, they were part of this same empire. It wounded their pride and self-esteem, but they had no other choice. After the formal surrender, Aengus was ready to depart and conquer the remaining kingdoms of the Demi-Human Empire. The army of millions, now joined by a few millions elf warriors and archers, stood in a disciplined formation, awaiting teleportation through their Emperor''s supreme skill. "May we meet you again, Your Imperial Majesty?" Ilyana asked, watching him prepare to leave. "You may. You elves are wee anytime," Aengus replied perfunctorily. With that, the army vanished in an instant as a brilliant light enveloped them. The remaining elves¡ªelderly, injured, and others unable to join the war effort¡ªstood frozen in awe at the incredible disy of power from their new Emperor. Ilyana stood amazed, contemting the events beside her father, her thoughts a mix of wonder and uncertainty.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Chapter 337 Beelzebub, Valeris Demise ''A young man ran desperately down a stone-paved road, his eyes filled with despair and helplessness. Before him loomed a massive demonic creature, a hound-like beast devouring the city and a few people he cared about.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The demonic creature''s monstrous growl echoed as the city was consumed, leaving only destruction in its wake.'' Instantly, Beelzebub''s eyes snapped open. Bloodshot and wild, his expression was one of sheer hysteria, as though he had descended into madness. "Y-you''re the same boy who escaped... You''re the Heir of Ruination?" Beelzebub stammered, his voice trembling and incoherent as the relentless torture continued. One of Aengus'' clones stood over him, ensuring the torment was both brutal and unending. Beelzebub''s body was stripped bare, tendons severed with precision knives, knuckles torn apart, and his skin peeled back, leaving raw flesh exposed. Salt was rubbed onto his wounds, eliciting sizzling sounds as it seared his exposed flesh, amplifying his agony. "The Heir of Ruination? Interesting! Let me see your memories," Aengus said with a coldugh, cing his hand on Beelzebub''s bloodied head. Instantly, Beelzebub''s grotesque tongue rolled out of his mouth, foam spilling from his lips. His body convulsed violently, as though his brain were being fried from within due to the overwhelming intrusion. "So, Lucifer has something connected to the Ruination Extremity... I must seize it from him," Aengus said, letting Beelzebub''s lifeless body fall to the ground. Only now did things begin to make sense¡ªwhy Lucifer was able to interfere with the Barrier of Ruination in Dwarvania. MANAS NOTIFICATIONS ? You have gained 3 levels. ? You have acquired a new skill: Deadly Sin: Devour (SS); Capable of Increasing raw Strength through consuming materials. ? You have gained a new bloodline: Beelzebub (Royal). It had been assimted to Fiend-Celestial bloodline. After devouring Beelzebub, he asked mentally, "Manas, have you regained your memories? Any information on the Ruination Extremity?" Manas responded, "Yes, Master. I''ve regained some of my memories, and my abilities have improved as well. However, the memories I have are not about the Ruination Extremity but rather about certain future events likely to ur in the Primal Realm." "Oh? You mean my future? What happens in the future?" "The future looks grim for you and It''s rted to someone close to you, Master. Should I reveal it now? Or not? Because speaking of it might make you suspicious of me," Manas said seriously. Stay tuned to empire Aengus furrowed his brows, disliking the ominous news. "Show me your stats first. Then, you can tell me about it," hemanded. [ MANAS STATUS ] Description: A unique intelligent entity from an unknowm higher dimension. Type: Assist Rank: World Dominator Abilities: 1. Future Predictions Capable of foreseeing certain events with varying degrees of uracy based on avable data and timeframes. 2. Extreme Comprehension Speed Processes and analyzes information at an extraordinary pace, allowing swift adaptability and strategy formtion. 3. Records of Worlds (Primal Realm) Holdsprehensive knowledge and records from the Primal Realm, offering insight into its history, entities, and mysteries. 4. Skill Creation Capable of creating new skills by analyzing andbining the structures of current and past skills. Limited to creating skills up to SSS Rank. 5. Skill Thieving Able to replicate the structure of a person''s skill through detailed observation, effectively copying and adapting it for use. -- Aengus was pleased with Manas''s improvement. Her pixie form had now grown slightly, diminishing her cuteness a bit. But he intrigued by the information about the next rank. "World Dominator? Then whates next? Star Dominator?" Aengus spected. "You''re correct, Master. It aligns with the ranking system of Primal Realm Seekers," Manas confirmed. "I figured as much. Now, proceed. Tell me about my future and who I need to be cautious of." "Yes, Master. Brace yourself..." In the dimly lit space, their secret conversation unfolded, and the revtions struck Aengus''s heart to its core. It was news so unsettling that it shook his beliefs and made him question the very fabric of his reality. --- "What''s wrong, Ethan?" Aria asked, sensing his sudden pause. Aengus, still shocked by Manas''s revtion of his future, found it hard to believe. His gaze briefly fell on Aria, a hint of doubt in his eyes, but he quickly regained hisposure. With a small shrug, he chose not to worry her. "It''s nothing. Let''s get this over with. I''m sure the Demi-Human Emperor must be on his way here now." Aengus masked his inner turmoil, focusing on the next step of his ns. They had already conquered most of the Demi-Human Empire. Out of 29 kingdoms, 25 were conquered simultaneously, though it took two days. His Imperial army had grown to 320 million. In the Demon World, the situation was simr. While the Demon Lords were upied in their Council meeting, over 20 domains were forcefully imed, making the Liberation Army even stronger with an additional 300 million minions. --- Soon, the Demi-Human Emperor arrived through the air, his old face haggard as he tried to defend the other kingdoms where Aengus was not present using his Strategic mind. Despite that, he faced overwhelming defeat multiple times. Every time he took action personally, Aengus appeared magically and blocked his path. The strength gap was enormous, the old elf understood. Then, he understood¡ªthe young Rebel Emperor was toying with him. This drove him mad, his face flushed red with anger. "I can''t believe it! A young fledgling dares to dream the impossible. It is indeed a grand goal, I must admit. But like everyone, I must hold my ground until myst breath. I will protect the legacy I built, even if I face death," Emperor Valeris dered thunderously. "You''re not going to surrender?" Aengus said with surprise. He didn''t expect the old Elf to be so stubborn. Previously, he had fled from the Void like a cowardly rat, and now he was ready to face his death, fully aware that the odds were against him. To the Old Elf Emperor, it was now a matter of self-esteem to extreme level. He couldn''t ept being toyed with by a young man who was still wet behind the ears. "As you wish, old man. I will not show mercy to a fool." Aengus extended his hand in a grabbing motion, instantly catching the Old Elf as if grabbing a chick. "Mother Tree, lend me your strength!" The Old Elf Emperor, in despair, prayed to the Mother Tree, the Tree of Eternity, for strength from the center of Imperial rule. But it didn''t respond, striking his heart with even deeper despair. Why didn''t it respond? Perhaps, it also knew that Aengus was out of its league. "Be free from all burden, old man." Without hesitation, Aengus crushed Valeris'' soul instanly, saving the body forter use. Chapter 338 Demon Gods Revelation "Please be at peace, My Emperor," Rindel whispered as he appeared beside the lifeless body of Valeris, gently closing his eyes. There was a sorrowful weight in his gaze, but he quickly turned away. Falling to one knee before Aengus, he dered, "Please take my allegiance, Your Imperial Highness." Aengus regarded him with a cold but calm demeanor. "We ept. You may rise," he replied, his gaze briefly shifting toward Aria before returning to Rindel. "Go. Make the necessary preparations for the submission of the rest of your warriors. Otherwise, all of them will face death," Aengus ordered without hesitation, his tone sharp andmanding. Rindel lowered his head further in acknowledgment. "Your words are mymand." He rose swiftly and left to carry out his task. Once Rindel was gone, Aengus turned to Aria, his tone softening. "Let''s consolidate our army. Then we''ll decide which of the remaining two giant Empires we should pick next." Aria nodded, her serene expression masking theplexity of emotions brewing beneath. "Yes, Ethan. But with the strength we''ve amassed, no force can stand in our way." From time to time, Aengus cast her strange nces, making her feel uneasy. She couldn''t tell what was suddenly wrong with him. She sensed a distance growing between them, though it might have just been her overthinking. Shaking off the doubt, she focused on merging the army. --- In the Demon World, Lucifer and the other Primordials had just received news about the attacks on their domains by Demon Lord Ruination. Not only had he rejected the Council''s invitation, but he had also waged a brutal war against them. "Just where did he get such courage?" "Should we still proceed with the Grand Attack on Solis, Lucifer?" Asmodeus asked, looking worried. He could sense something was off about Demon Lord Ruination. Taking down 25 Demon Lords was no small feat. "Perhaps our suspicions are correct, Lucifer," Leviathan growled in rage. "He definitely has some connection to the Heir of Ruination. Otherwise, how could he muster such audacity?" Lucifer finally began to take the situation seriously. "Alright, I will speak with the Supreme Father about this. However, we must proceed with the Grand War to harvest souls for his recovery. We''re on the verge of sess. Onest push, and our Supreme Father will rise again, teaching everyone their lesson¡ªwhether it''s the Heir of Ruination or those Gods," Lucifer dered as he stormed out of the icy hall. The Primordials quickly set the n into motion, mobilizing the entire Demon World to wage war on the Human World. Billions of demonic minions, ranging from imps to Demon Lords, prepared to unleash chaos and devastation. A tidal wave of darkness loomed, ready to bring unparalleled carnage and despair to the innocent masses. --- Lucifer descended deep into the frozen wastnd, a forbidden and deste ce where even the bravest Demon Lords feared to tread. The air was thick with an oppressive gloom, and the very darkness seemed alive, writhing with unseen malice. Navigating the jagged, icy cavern walls, Lucifer eventually arrived at a massive metal door, its surface ancient and corroded, etched with runes of despair and chaos. The rusted exterior exuded a chilling aura so potent it could obliterate Demon Lords instantly. Even Lucifer, with his vast power, felt the oppressive weight of the darkness emanating from the door. Yet, hisposure remained unshaken. Raising his hand, he rapped lightly against the metal, the sound echoing ominously through the cavern. Slowly, the door groaned open, its hinges creaking with the eerie reluctance of something undisturbed for centuries. The chilling air spilled forth, like the exhale of an ancient slumbering force. Inside the dimly lit chamber, the air seemed to thrum with an unnatural energy. A figure sat cross-legged on the cold, stone floor, his dark skin resembling cracked obsidian. From these fissures, streams of shadow leaked and coiled, as though his very essence could not be contained. The runes etched into the walls pulsed faintly, alive and writhing with ancient power, casting an eerie glow across the room. His tattered robes, though worn and ancient, radiated an oppressive, terrifying darkness that could smother even the bravest souls. Despite his ominous appearance, the man''s expression was serene, a paradoxical calm that belied the raging tempest within. He exuded an unspoken authority. He was a force older than the stars themselves. This was the God of Darkness, the Supreme Father of the Abyss. His gaze, though cold and distant, softened slightly as it fell upon Lucifer. "You havee, Lucifer," he said, his raspy voice echoing like whispers of the abyss. Without hesitation, Lucifer fell to his knees, bowing deeply until his forehead touched the frigid floor. "Yes, Supreme Father. Your child had disappointed you. And he is here to seek your guidance."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Oh, Is it about the Heir of Ruination? The pendant I gave you? You must have seen something, I assume," the Demon God chuckled strangely. Lucifer raised his head and answered, "Yes, Father. That power is truly extraordinary. We are just like fragments of fading scenery to them. They control our lives like dolls. I don''t like it. I want that power," Lucifer''s face was fervent with desire and madness. "A hahaha...a hahaha.." The God of Darkness leaned his head back, his cracked visage split into a twisted grin as heughed maniacally, the sound reverberating off the rune-marked walls like the cries of a thousand damned souls. His hand covered his forehead, trembling slightly as hisughter echoed, growing louder and more unsettling. Lucifer watched, bewildered. His icy blue eyes narrowed in confusion. "Why are youughing, Father? Can you see something that we don''t?" he asked, not daring to be offended. Theughter subsided gradually, reced by a faint, almost pitying smile on the Darkness god''s face. He lowered his hand and fixed Lucifer with an intense gaze, his eyes glimmering with a depth of knowledge that seemed to span eons. "Ah, my ambitious child," he said, his raspy with an enigmatic amusement. "Do you know why I was banished by those people?oh I haven''t told you the truth, have I?" Chapter 339 Reincarnation Painting "The truth?" Lucifer echoed. "Yes, the truth. The creation of this world and the Pantheon was not done by me nor by Aurora, the Goddess of Light, despite what everyone believes and what is written in the holy scriptures." The revtion shocked Lucifer to his core. "Then who is it?" Lucifer asked, his expression trembling for the first time. The Demon God sighed. "The same existence you were just speaking of. The Ruination Extremity. He created us, the world, and the Pantheon on a whim as part of his grand n." "For the Heir of Ruination?" Lucifer guessed, his voice trembling. "He created this world just to let him grow without any obstacles?" He felt indignant and jealous of the privilege and favor the Heir of Ruination seemed to receive. "Correct. I was also jealous, like you, of that power who created me as a ve. To attain that power, to break free from the chessboard, I did something extremely daring." He chuckled, as if the memory was still fresh in his mind. "I attacked Pantheon''s core, the veryws that bound us here, separating us from the outside. I was rebelling against Heaven, the one who created me. Only after that did I realize how foolish I was. All mypanions turned against me, even my partner, Aurora. She herself trapped me here. And my darkness corroded the verynd, creating the Abyss." "Goddess of Light was your partner?" Lucifer said, surprised. The very existence he hated, turned out to be the one who could have possibly been his mother. "Haha, yes, we were created for each other," the Demon God said, his tone mocking. "So, what should we do now, Supreme Father? And those people¡ªwill they always stay by his side? Is that why they didn''t act against him?" Lucifer questioned, his curiosity piqued. "That, I don''t know," the Demon God replied. "But I am not waiting for my demise here. I''ve gotten my hands on an extraordinary treasure from someone I captured in Dwarvania in the past. Haha, I still remember how he begged me to spare his life in exchange for this treasure." The Demon God took out a broken painting, his dark fingers gripping the worn edges. The painting depicted a starry scenery of a vast, unknown gxy. "What is it, Supreme Father? And what can it really do" Lucifer asked, leaning in to examine it. "Reincarnation Painting," the Demon God said with a sinister smile. "It''s capable of reincarnating people and transferring souls. Though, unfortunately, it''s broken and needs souls for repair." "Is that why you ordered us to collect souls?" Lucifer asked, his fascination with the treasure growing. "Yes, only then can we leave this ce and grow even stronger in outside realm," the Demon God said with desire. Lucifer, equally tempted by the prospect, suggested eagerly, "Then shouldn''t we elerate the process, Supreme Father?" The Demon God grinned, revealing his bloody teeth. "Yes. And this time, I will join in the fun as well. Even though I am injured, I can still go head-to-head against him since he''s not yet fully matured. And as for those people in Pantheon, they''re bound by limitations if they wish to interfere. This is the perfect chance to reap the harvest." A dark and menacing n began to form in the Demon God''s mind. But would such a scheme seed so easily? Only time would tell. --- Name: Be Bellfrost Level: 456n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Race: Nepharite; A Unique Race born from the synthesis of Human, Demon, and Phoenix bloodlines. Holds incredible potential. --- "Thank you, hubby. This new race should be fun," Be eximed happily. One of Aengus'' clones in the demon world had just finished synthesizing Be with several Demon Lord-level corpses. She had now be more powerful. "That''s good. It should greatly increase yourbat prowess with thosebined skills and abilities," Aengus said, turning his gaze to the burning battlefield. With a singlemand, he withdrew his Legion, and they swarmed toward the spatial portal beside him. At that moment, Sen and Sienna approached them. Aengus gestured for them to speak. "My Lord, we have received news about the mass mobilization of other Demon Lords'' forces in the Human World. Billions of demons have infiltrated Solis as we speak. It won''t be long before we start hearing about massacres," Sen reported grimly. "So, they couldn''t wait any longer? The Great War has finally begun. But the victor will be me," Aengus said with a smirk. "Hubby, are you nning to merge both armies now?" Be asked, intrigued. "Yes. Sen, Sienna, prepare for it immediately," Aengusmanded. "We are heading to the Human World for the Grand Unification. The co-existence n between humans and demons will begin with the Liberation Army. This will create history¡ªa story of how humans and demons worked together to build a new world. It will forge a sense of unity what we need for a prosperous future." "Yes, my lord. We will ry the order immediately." Sen and Sienna seemed excited, as they had never had the opportunity to enter the Human World, to witness its beauty or experience its abundant resources. As they left, Bemented, "They look certainly excited. But darling, do you really think humans and demons can co-exist? How will you find enoughnd and resources for the demons?" "Don''t worry, I have a n for that," Aengus reassured her. Then his tone grew serious. "But Be, I need you to apany Aria and me to the Dragon Empire. Time is running out." "You mean your departure to your home?" Be asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Yes. Though I can travel there because of my constitution now, I can''t take you with me. What if adding the Seeker bloodline could make you two transported there when they call back the trial Participants." "Oh, is that so? So, we need to hunt for those otherworlders?" Be said, her cheerful tone masking her concern. "Let''s get to it right away, darling." She smiled warmly, not wanting to burden Aengus with unnecessary stress. With that Be, Aria, and Aengus'' clone went to the Dragon Empire to look for the otherworlders'' den with the clues he received. Chapter 340 Grand Unification In a vast open desert, where a blood-red sun cast a sinister atmosphere, hundreds of millions of demon minions¡ªranging from small imps to massive behemoths¡ªgathered in neat rows. The sheer number of demons filled the air with a cacophony of noise and gossip. "Howl... Where are we going this time? I''m hungry," one demon growled impatiently. "General Sen said we''re heading to the Human World this time," a high-ranking demon replied nonchntly. "The Human World? Are we finally getting a taste of humans?" another demon asked, licking its lips in eager anticipation. "Shut up, you fool! Haven''t you realized we''re working with those humans now? How could the Lord allow us to eat them? Besides, the Lord''s second mistress is also human," the high-ranking demon barked, silencing the chatter. "Oh, you''re right, sir. I almost forgot. But then why? Do you know, sir?" the demon asked sheepishly, its curiosity evident. The higher demon sighed, holding its horn in a helpless manner. "That, I don''t know. But General Sen said we''ll understand once we reach there," he answered, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "Do you think we''re going to attack as a third party between the war of Humans and the other Demon Lords'' forces, sir? We''re now an armyparable to the Primordial Demon Lords, after all," another demon asked curiously, his words igniting murmurs of interest among the ranks. With those words, the nearby demons began to feel a swelling sense of pride. It dawned on them just how far they hade. They had grown immensely¡ªboth as individuals and as an army. Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and others, whom they once feared to even speak of, were now opponents they could stand against as equals. And all of this was because of their Lord of Liberation, the Lord of Ruination. His vision and strength had elevated them to a position of unparalleled power. "The Lord is here, now shut your lowly mouths!" Ahead of them, they saw their Lord hovering in the air, draped in a ck robe that exuded an aura of domination. Each of his movements radiated overwhelming oppressive energy, though his calm andposed expression hinted at a masterful control over his emotions. With a mere raise of his hand, Aengus summoned several massive dark spatial portals above the heads of the gathered demons, their swirling energy ominous and awe-inspiring. "Here we go again..." The demons muttered excitedly, their anticipation palpable, before being pulled through the portals like objects caught in reversed gravity. --- In the clear blue sky, demons descended like raindrops. Thud, thud, thud. One by one, demon minionsnded smoothly on the ground as they emerged from the portals. A few stumbled awkwardly,nding on their faces, but their resilient bodies ensured no harm came from the short fall. "Whoa! Demons?" "They look so ugly and terrifying!" "Where did theye from?" "Is this what the Imperial Decree about co-existing with demons meant?" The scene was surreal. Hundreds of millions of demons stood on the lush, grassynd¡ªa sight as rare as gold in the barren demon world. Their eyes darted around, soaking in the environment with emotions ranging from wonder to awe. Under the radiant golden sun, the demons felt an unfamiliar sensation. In the demon world, the sun was always cloaked in a bloody haze, casting a sinister shadow over theirnds. But here, the golden sunlight warmed their spines and made their skin tingle in an odd yet pleasant way. The clear blue sky stretched infinitely above them, the refreshing air filled their lungs, and the curious gazes of humans sparked both excitement and nervousness. For the first time, these creatures of darkness experienced and that felt alive, bright, and full of possibilities. "Awoo, what''s happening? I can''t breathe!" "Howl, me too!" The demons began to panic as the air felt suffocating. Their bodies, ustomed to the dense Nether Energy of the demon world, struggled in the pure, vibrant Mana of the human realm. However it was not the same for the demons with humans bloodline. The Hybrids blended easily with the new environment. Meanwhile, incredulous and hostile voices from the gathered humans filled the air: "The demons are sullying ournd!" "They can never be part of us!" "They''re disgusting, ursed creatures!" "They should be banished instantly!" The sheer presence of hundreds of millions of demons caused a dense miasma to emanate from their bodies, saturating the atmosphere. The once-verdantnd beneath their feet began to wither and rot, corroded by the ominous aura. To the humans, this was an act of sphemy, an affront to the purity of their world. Fear and anger rippled through the crowd as they perceived the demons'' presence as a dire omen. The chorus of rapturous shouts from the millions of humans drowned out the painful growls of suffocating demons. The Three Generals, Quin, Yona, and Drake¡ªalong with Sen, Sienna, and Butler Yu, scrambled to control the situation on both sides. But the overwhelming numbers and the rising hostility on both sides made it nearly impossible. To the left stood the humans, their faces filled with anger and disgust. To the right, the demons, struggling to breathe and writhing in difort. The tension was palpable, but it didn''tst long. A figure of absolute reverence, one both humans and demons regarded with awe, loomed above them. "His Majesty is here!" The promation spread like wildfire, and instantly, the cacophony ceased. A profound silence ensued, so absolute that even the faintest whisper could be heard. Aengus descended gracefully, radiating a calm yetmanding presence. With a mere wave of his hand, he cast a barrier of Pure Origin Mana, enveloping the demons and stabilizing their breathing. It was the same technique he had used to shield Aria before. But a permanent solution would be needed soon enough. Everyone waited eagerly for their ruler to speak, their minds churning with questions. "Hello, Generals! We have heard a lot about you," Sen and Sienna said as they stepped forward to the humans, extending their hands in greeting alongside other high-ranking demons. Leon, Felix, and Martin exchanged nces as they sensed the palpable auras of the two Naga Demons and the Hydra demons with multiple heads in human form behind. However, maintaining a calm demeanor, they epted the handshake, recognizing the co-existence n for a long and healthy future. Chapter 341 United Liberation Army "Today is the day I, Aengus Degaro¡ªRuler of the Domain of Ruination and Emperor of the Ruination Empire¡ªdere the grand unification of the two races with peace in mind," Aengus proimed, his voice resonating to every corner of the battlefield. Only then was the confusion cleared. The person they served was an entity with power over both worlds, controlling two opposing armies at once. It was an astonishing revtion, an event worthy of making history. The crowd remained silent, letting him continue. "Today, we¡ªthis billion-strong army¡ªwill guide those ignorant fools who have joined the Great Holy War. We will stop them and force them to surrender. As for their leaders, they will be executed. No mercy will be shown." "The hesitation, hatred, and curses that have poisoned our being due different races for centuries will be exterminated today," he dered with unwavering conviction. His words resonated deeply, yet doubt lingered in their hearts. How could centuries of hatred be erased so easily? If it were truly so simple, it would have happened long ago. The enmity between them was embedded in their blood, veins, and very genes. They couldn''t even stand the sight of each other, even now. It was only Aengus''s imposing presence that kept their primal urge to rip each other apart in check. "I will create a new race¡ªone that will unite you all," Aengus dered firmly. The announcement sent shockwaves through everyone, including his closest and most trusted subordinates. None of them had been aware of such a n. Was it even possible? And if so, what if something went wrong? Unperturbed by their reactions, Aengus raised both hands and activated Universal Synthesis. A radiant light enveloped the billion-strong army, including Generals Quin, Drake, and his closest subordinates. With precision and determination, Aengus began cleansing the hatred from their bloodlines, fusing human and demon bloodlines to create a new race he called: The Primals. These beings would be capable of wielding both bloodline powers and the System. The process was awe-inspiring, executed on a massive scale. All across the battlefield, countless vortexes formed as humans and demons exchanged and merged their abilities. Aengus controlled the process with meticulous care, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly as the Manas had advised. After nearly ten minutes, the process concluded sessfully, leaving a symphony of gasps echoing throughout the empty field. "Huh? What''s this?" "Humanoid form? A System?" "Our race has really changed... Unbelievable!" Humans and demons alike had undergone aplete transformation, emerging as Primals¡ªa fusion of human and demonic bloodlines. The Primals retained a humanoid appearance but bore striking differences. Their bodies were adorned with glowing marks of various colors¡ªred, blue, green, gold, ck, and more¡ªeach color and number indicating the strength and nature of their bloodline powers. Their eyes shimmered with a blue sheen, reflecting their System interface. In addition, they exhibited physical traits inherited from demons: horns, tails, wings, ws, and other features that blended seamlessly with their new forms. Even the demons, once fierce and monstrous in their appearance, now stood in Primal form, looking simr to the humans they once despised. "How is this possible?" "This... this is a miracle of God!" "Our Ruler must truly be a God! There''s no other exnation!" The transformed beings were left speechless, touching their new body parts and marveling at their enhanced abilities and characteristics. Their amazement and awe grew as they began to sense the immense potential of their newfound powers. "Your Majesty... This... this..." Leon and the others approached, their words faltering under the weight of the shock they had just experienced. Changing one''s bloodline was an impossible feat for most, yet their emperor had aplished it for hundreds of millions simultaneously. "What?" Aengus chuckled lightly, "You didn''t like the wings, Generals? You can retract them with just a thought if you prefer."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Leon, still adjusting to his radiant blue wings, responded hesitantly, "No, it''s not that. My strength has improved, and I''m grateful. But... how did you do it? Have you really achieved God Rank?" Leon, Felix, and Martin had no idea that Aengus had already transcended into that realm. They were unaware of the extent of his power, a strength capable of treating even the so-called gods as mere trifles. Aengus''s silent acknowledgment confirmed their suspicions. Quin, now adorned with a pair of curvy ck horns, ck marks, looked overjoyed as he inspected his transformation. Drake, with his newly enhanced ws, and Yona, whose body radiated overwhelming strength, also seemed immensely pleased with their newfound power. The sheer awe in their expressions reflected their realization: Aengus had truly ascended beyond mortal limits, bing an entity that could reshape not only individuals but the very fate of worlds. Aengus turned to his army and thundered, "Take your time to adapt, my subjects! You are now all part of the United Liberation Army. Our goal is to liberate the world and unify all races. So be prepared! Soon, we march into the Great War to conquer all!" The Primals'' expressions were fervent, their excitement and reverence for their ruler palpable. "Hail His Divine Excellency!" "Long live the United Liberation Army!" "Hail the God of Ruination!" Their shouts of worship, full of boundless enthusiasm, shook the earth. Millions knelt, their voices harmonizing into a grand symphony that echoed far and wide, as if the heavens themselves bore witness to this momentous deration. After that, everyone mingled together for a while, eagerly preparing for the final battle that would be etched into history. --- Meanwhile, Aengus'' main body was with Aria and Be in the Dragon Empire. The trio stood atop a towering mountain, 500 meters high, gazing intently at the battlefield below. The scene was a chaotic sh between an army of demons and Dragonmen. Even from their vantage point, the intensity of the fight was clear, the sound of shing bodies and elemental energy explosions reached their ears. Aengus'' gaze, however, was fixed on three young dragon warriors in the midst of the chaos¡ªtwo boys and a girl. Chapter 342 Otherworlders The battle slowly came to its conclusion, and Aengus merely observed from above. The Dragonmen emerged victorious, and most of the credit went to the two young men and the young woman standing at the forefront of the battlefield. They wore triumphant smiles, wiping blood off their gleaming Holy Weapons. "Damn, I''ve reached level 90, guys. It won''t be long before I be a Transcendental. If I achieve that rank before leaving this world, I''ll be a Continental Powerhouse even in the Primal Realm, haha!" one of the young men eximed, his voice brimming with excitement. "Ah, congrats, man. I''m still stuck at level 58," the other replied, a tinge of frustration in his tone. "s, my Unique Skill is nothing special. And we barely have two days left before we''re pulled back from this ce. I''ll miss this heavenly world a lot." "That''s true," the first one agreed. "But we still have some time to increase our strength. I just don''t know if we''ll be able to acquire any new skills from the Primal Realm." "Elena, what about you?" they asked, turning to the young woman beside them. Elena tilted her head slightly, her expression calm as she replied nonchntly, "Level 95." Though her tone wasposed, a hint of smugness lingered in her voice. "Wow, Elena. You''ve surpassed me! Did you get any new skills?" "Why should I tell you? These things should remain secrets, moron," Elena muttered sharply, her tone exasperated. "Now, let''s go. We''re done with our mission. These lizards didn''t even give us extra coins for cleanup." She turned and began walking away without waiting for a response. Their conversation continued in faint whispers, asionally switching to mental transmissions. Despite their efforts to keep it private, Aengus, Be, and Aria heard every word clearly. The trio watched as the young otherworldly adventurers headed toward their den, carefully concealing their tracks amidst the dense jungle. However, their small tricks to hide their movements were useless against Aengus'' sharp perception. Aengus and his group followed them from above, cloaked in invisibility, their presencepletely undetectable. After some time, the trio of otherworlders discreetly entered a hidden cave, carefully ensuring no one was watching them. Aengus, Be, and Aria appeared just outside the cave''s secret entrance, their invisibility fading. Using his Special Eyes, Aengus observed faint shadows moving inside the cave, indicating the presence of more individuals. However, their faces remained indistinct, frustrating his efforts to gather more details. "Later I should synthesize my eye skills further," Aengus thought to himself. "But without a Divine Stone, I won''t be able to elevate them to SSS rank. And finding one of those is near impossible." With a calm expression, Aengus gestured for his wives to follow him. Silently, they slipped inside the cave, as if tearing through dimensions. The interior revealed a gathering of young men and women, equipped with advanced gear and enough supplies to sustain them for an extended period. Aengus observed them keenly, noting that they were all from the Primal Realm, just like him. However, contrary to what one might expect, their shared origin sparked no sense of camaraderie within him. Instead, he remained patient, carefully watching and listening, hoping to gather some information. When he first thrust himself into this Trial, he had known nothing about it¡ªonly that it held the potential for him to gain immense power. And power was what he craved most. "Elena, you three are back. The mission was sessful, I assume?" a gentle young woman asked, stepping forward. The warm sunlight streamed into the cave, illuminating her face and enhancing her radiant beauty. "Yes, you''re correct, Sister Olivia," Elena replied with a happy grin. "Oh, that''s good," Olivia said with a relieved smile. "With the Dragon Emperor so eager to obtain our Unique Skills, it''s always best to remain cautious. If we can just stay safe for two more days, we won''t need to worry anymore." She turned to address herpanions. "Olivia, you''re right," another boy interjected arrogantly. "We shouldn''t involve ourselves in the internal wars of these inferior races. Otherwise, we might not even realize how we ended up dead. Once we return to the Academy, these people will be nothing more than inferior speciespared to our great Origin." His smugness elicited nods of agreement from some, though a few remained silent, perhaps wary of underestimating the world they currently inhabited. Even after waiting for some time, Aengus found nothing particrly useful from their conversations. Deciding to take a more direct approach, Aengus, Be, and Aria stepped out from the spatial veil, suddenly making themselves visible before everyone. "Huh? Who are you?" Olivia demanded, instantly on alert as she drew her sword. The others numbering in 20, also followed suit, their expressions tense as they scrambled for their weapons, eyes darting between the unexpected intruders. Aengus and Aria remained calm, theirposed demeanor exuding an air of authority, while Be wore a faint smile of amusement as if the situation was nothing but entertainment to her. "Who are you three? Where did youe from? Did you follow us?" Elena shouted, fear evident in her voice as she stood beside Olivia, her hand gripping her weapon tightly. Olivia observed the calm, confident demeanor of the handsome yet undeniably dangerous man and the two strikingly beautiful women beside him. Her instincts screamed caution. Be broke the tense silence, her voice yful. "So, you''re from the realm above, just like my hubby? Interesting! But why are you all so weak?" Her remark sent a ripple of shock through the group. Their attention snapped to Aengus, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. While his presence was undeniablymanding, they couldn''t recognize him as one of their own. The man they now stared at was unrecognizable from the weak, sheltered boy they had once glimpsed. His transformation into a figure exuding divine power and authority was nothing short of miraculous and beyondprehension. "You''re from the Primal Realm too? Don''t take us for fools, intruders!" The handsome young man standing beside Elena growled. His voice was firm, though his unease showed in his clenched fists. "There was no one like you in our batch of trial participants. State your true identity, or we will not hesitate to fight!" Aengus, however, remained unfazed. His sharp eyes scanned the group, and though most of their faces were unfamiliar to him, a faint memory of Olivia''s striking features¡ªthe bold, snow-white-haired warrior¡ªlingered in his mind. Without further ado, he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. "I need you all toe with me." Before they could react or even question his demand, Aengus snapped his fingers. In an instant, the group vanished, teleported away without a trace. "Wow, that was fast, darling!" Be pouted yfully, watching the empty cave. "I would''ve loved to chat with those kids a bit more." Nonchnt, Aengus turned to her. "There''ll be plenty of time for thatter."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The trio disappeared as well, leaving the cave silent once again. Chapter 343 The Final Battle "Where are we?" the otherworlders asked, their voices tinged with panic. Olivia and Elena nced around, their confusion mirroring the others. They found themselves in an open field, with a vast army marching in the distance, the sound of countless footsteps echoing ominously. "An army? A war? So many soldiers!" one of them muttered, his voice trembling. Suddenly, the space before them rippled like water, and Aengus, Be, and Aria materialized, their presence overwhelming and suffocating. "Whoosh!" The air grew heavy with pressure. "So powerful!" Elena whispered cautiously to Olivia. "Sister Olivia, he must be a Transcendental for sure. We must tread carefully." In the background, three others desperately tried tomunicate with a strange treasure, likely a device meant to summon aid or escape. Aengus, noticing their futile attempts, raised his hand casually. With a singlemanding gesture, the trio was pulled toward him, their bodies frozen in terror. "Ah, no... Spare¡ª" Their screams were cut short, their eyes wide in shock as they fell lifeless to the ground. The remaining otherworlders stared in horror, their disbelief palpable. Olivia gripped her sword tightly, her knuckles white as she tried to steady her trembling hand. "What do you want from us?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins. Aengus looked at her with an inscrutable expression, his calm demeanor more terrifying than any rage. "What I want... is for you all to listen. From now on, you have two choices: To Die or to Serve me."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Tyrannical..." That was the only word Olivia could muster as she observed Aengus, his aura exuding absolute dominance. "Give us some time at least, and can you tell us your identity?" Olivia asked cautiously, her voice firm but calcted, clearly intending to buy time. Aengus smirked, seeing through her intentions. "Don''t waste your time nning an escape. I am the Emperor of the Liberation Empire. I''ve taken a liking to your talents¡ªyou should consider it an honor." "Liberation Empire?" Olivia and a few others echoed in unison, the term sparking recent memories. "Ah, you''re the Rebel Emperor," Olivia said, her sharp gaze locking onto Aengus'' face. "The one who destroyed the Kairos Empire and conquered the Phoenix Empire. I''ve heard about you." Aengus chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "So, now you know." His expression turned serious, his tone cold. "Give me your answers. Join willingly, or envement is still an option." The weight of his words silenced the group, their minds racing with fear and uncertainty. After a brief silence, the otherworlders reluctantly agreed to serve Aengus, their hesitation clear but their fear overriding any resistance. Aengus nodded in satisfaction, though his inner smile remained hidden. He had already marked their souls as his, ensuring their loyalty¡ªor at least their inability to betray him. His reasons for recruiting them were more strategic than immediate. He intended to use their connections and presence in the Grand Academy of the higher world within the Primal Realm for future ns. "Now that you''re part of the Liberation Army, go join them," Aria instructed, gesturing toward the massive marching army in the distance, their figures like ants from the vantage point. "The Liberation Army?" Olivia asked, her brows furrowed. "Who will we fight, though?" Despite their doubts, the group began preparing to join, their reluctance masked by fear and obligation. "We will conquer both humans and demons alike and unify them under one banner," Be replied confidently, her voice carrying conviction. "That is the ultimate goal of the Liberation Empire, and it always will be." With that, the otherworlders moved toward the army, their expression resigned, while Be and Aria watched them go. "Be, Aria, be ready!" Aengus said, moving the three corpses near them. Be smiled, her hand resting happily on Aria''s. "We''re ready, husband. But don''t force yourself. We would be happy as long as youe back to us." "That I will, my love. But I have to try. If this doesn''t work, I will break the world barrier and carry you all alongside me," Aengus said casually. After a while, the synthesis process wasplete, and Aria and Be both received a Unique Skill of their own, along with the Seeker''s, though it was dormant without anyws. Be: Mystic Blood Arts (Mythic), Extra Health (Basic). Aria: Fairy Summoning (Mthic). The Unique Skills this time were remarkable. Two Mythic Unique Skills. Fairy Summoning was excellent, but it was not designed for Aengus. Aria and Be beamed happily after reading the descriptions of their Unique Skills. "These skills are incredible, husband. No wonder you got so strong..." Be muttered, her eyes fluttering charmingly. Aengus smiled wryly, while Ariaughed sweetly. --- The United Liberation Army''s march began, clearing demons from their path as they advanced. Innocent vigers, rescued from the chaos, looked back with gratitude, their faces filled with relief and hope. From there, the army set its sights on the main battlefield, where a Great War raged among billions of individuals. The three empires Aengus had conquered¡ªPhoenix, Kairos, and the Demi-Human Empire¡ªhad fortunately escaped heavy attacks. This wasn''t mere luck. The credity with Aengus'' presence. The higher-ups in the demon world had issued orders for their forces to avoid provoking those empires as much as possible. They understood that crossing paths with the Void Entity was a risk they weren''t yet prepared to take. Be and Aria teleported to the warship where Aengus'' main body stood. Quin, Drake, and Yona chatted nearby, while the three generals, Sen and Sienna, dutifully maintained the army''smand. Aengus'' gaze was fixed on the horizon: first a desert path, then a sea, and beyond that, the Holy Battlefield where the Holy Empire''s and Dragon Empire''sbined forces shed against the entire demon army. The distance spanned hundreds of thousands of miles, but to Aengus, it felt as if it were within arm''s reach. "Sister Aria, Be, where were you? You missed a lot of interesting moments," Drake and Yona said with smiles. "Oh, why don''t you tell me, Drake? I''d love to listen," Be replied charmingly. Drake''s face flushed at her beauty, but a pinch from Yona quickly brought him back to his senses. Drake had already confessed his feelings to Yona, and now they were in a rtionship. They conversed happily, sharing lighthearted moments to relieve the stress of the final battle. Chapter 344 The Order Of Ruination After crossing half the world in just half a day, the United Liberation Army finally caught a glimpse of the Great War. Die! Kill! The war cries, the sh of weapons, and the roaring elemental energies howled through the air, reaching their ears and igniting their excitement for a grand battle. The Primals'' eyes gleamed at the sight of the massive scale of the conflict. Billions of warriors fought for supremacy, and it seemed the Liberation Army had arrived at the perfect time, just as the battle reached its peak. The Demon Lords, including the Seven Primordial Ones, as well as the Hero Emperor, the Holy Seven Elemental Heroes, and the Dragon Emperor, were nowhere to be seen. But Aengus could see them. They were high above, at the far end of the top sky, engaged in an intense sh. Hundreds of High Transcendentals and Demon Lords fought relentlessly, their strength pushing them to the brink, their seven orifices bleeding from the sheer intensity of the battle. Amidst the chaos of battle, the United Liberation Empire''s war fleet descended onto the battlefield with a grand entrance, apanied by the thunderous sound of war horns that rumbled the earth and shook the sky. Instantly, all eyes were drawn to the new arrivals¡ªdemons, humans, and dragons alike turned their attention to the imposing warships and their banners bearing the emblem of the United Liberation Empire. Whispers and murmurs spread across the battlefield as soldiers andmanders alike tried to make sense of this unexpected development. "Finally! Reinforcements for the humanity''s side. We''re so outnumbered!" "Yes! It''s about time the rest of the human world joined the fight!" "Ha, Idiots, look closer! They don''t look like humans¡ªor demons. They''re something else. They''re from the Liberation Empire. Their intentions are unclear." "Ah, You''re right. But what does the Liberation Army want now? Could they really be nning to wage war against both sides? That would be sheer madness!" The battlefield was momentarily frozen in a mix of awe, confusion, and tension as the United Liberation Army''s intentions remained a mystery, but no to all present. The Seven Primordials exchanged uneasy nces from their vantage point in the heavens. They had not anticipated the Heir of Ruination to intervene so early. Yet, despite their heightened senses, they couldn''t locate him. What did he even look like now? The Holy Elemental Heroes, Dragon Kings, the Two Emperors, and the rest of the Demon Lords and Transcendentals¡ªall paused in their battles, sensing the sudden silence that spread across the battlefield. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to herald an even greater storm brewing on the horizon. All eyes were fixed on the United Liberation Army, their warships and banners standing tall amidst the chaos. The anticipation of a certain someone''s arrival grew with each passing second. Finally, the figure emerged, stepping into view as though answering the world''s collective call. A young man stood at the forefront, exuding an aura that was both serene and terrifying. His exceptional handsomeness was rivaled only by the depth of his eyes, dark as the endless void. ck robes billowed around him in the wind, and a divine weapon rested at his waist, radiatingtent power. Though his expression remained calm, the sheer authority he emanated was undeniable, sending ripples through the battlefield. The billion-strong United Liberation Army immediately lowered their heads in worship, their devotion unwavering. He was Aengus Degaro, the Emperor of the United Liberation Empire, the Lord of Ruination, the Rebel Emperor¡ªa man whose many titles carried the weight of his extraordinary legacy. Lucifer''s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the distant figure of Aengus Degaro. He muttered, his voice tinged with both indignation and fear, "He is the one. I can feel it. That damn Demon Lord of Ruination... he''s the true Heir of Ruination." The mere thought sent shivers through him, the memory of the Void Entity''s overwhelming presence still vivid and haunting in his mind. Asmodeus, standing nearby, clenched his fists, his tone grave. "That means he fooled everyone. Every single one of us." "How Cunning..."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Leviathan frowned, his confusion evident as he pointed toward the United Liberation Army. "And what''s with those people? What race are they supposed to be?" Belphegor, sharp and calcting as ever, observed the strange traits of the soldiers. "They appear to be a hybrid¡ªabination of humans and demons. Perhaps a new race?" "A new race? How is that even possible?" Leviathan questioned, his skepticism clear. Belphegor shruggedzily, "Tsk, to a God¡ªor someone close to that level¡ªit shouldn''t be that hard." The Seven Primordials fell silent, the realization settling in. But it wasn''t just them¡ªthe higher ranks of the human faction were the most dumbfounded by the fearful ramblings of the Primordials, which reached their ears. Saintess Lumenaria, Elyon, the old Archbishop, the Seven Elemental Heroes, the Dragon King, and the two Emperors¡ªall standing regally¡ªhad theirposure shattered by the Primordials'' revtion. "He is a God?" Hero of Lightning Zillion said, trembling. "If the Seven Primordial Ones are right, he is," the Archbishop replied, his tone solemn. "Why haven''t our Gods informed us about this yet, Lumenaria?" the Hero Emperor frowned, his dazzling golden holy armor shining brightly under the sun. "That... that I don''t know," Saintess Lumenaria stuttered. "Well, well, this is not what I expected," the Dragon Emperor muttered calmly, though there was a hint of panic in his voice. The repeated failures of his ns to conquer the world had already frustrated him enough, and now this made things worse. He didn''t have a backup n, and their Dragon God and Phoenix Goddess had long since perished. This put him in the toughest situation, despite being one of the strongest here. Their conversations came to a halt as Aengus opened his mouth, his voice resonating with the authority of someone who seemed to be the sole controller of the battlefield. Aengus raised his God-yer Sword and dered, "As the Emperor of the Liberation Empire, I require only one thing: your submission. I will liberate you all from your current rulers. Be obedient and surrender. Otherwise, death awaits you, just like your rulers. THERE WILL BE JUST ONE ORDER FROM HENCEFORTH¡ªTHE ORDER OF RUINATION!" Chapter 345 Kill "ATTACK!" "RUMBLE!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om With the unified shout of the generals, the Liberation Army lunged forward, attacking both factions at once. Though they were less in number, their individual strength was double that of their enemies. Under the wide-eyed gaze of onlookers, the battle raged on. Aria and Be joined the battlefield field below, while Aengus ascended into the sky all alone. Quin''s monstrous titan form cast a massive shadow over the battlefield as he targeted the battleships forged by the Ancient Dwarves. Each stomp from his colossal frame was akin to the force of a massive elephant''s paw, reducing enemies to mere pulp. Yona, Drake, and the generals, Sen, Sienna, everyone transformed into their strongest forms, each taking down thousands of humans and demons in a single strike. The battle shook the world, and ordinary people across distantnds felt the tremors beneath their feet. They knew¡ªthe time hade. The war that would decide their fate was upon them. Aengus'' figure approached the Demon Lords, Dragons, and Heroes, his aura darker than the darkness, growing heavier with each step. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Each step felt like it was stomping directly on their hearts, crushing their spirits and shattering their confidence. Saintess Lumenaria and Elyon stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief. The boy they once dismissed as insignificant, one they could have crushed with ease, now stood before them like an unstoppable force. Their faith wavered, trembling beneath the overwhelming pressure of his presence. The sheer might of Aengus reminded them how utterly insignificant they were before a god¡ªa being not to be challenged, defied, or even looked upon without trembling. "Give up." Aengus said Tyrannically, "You know all your efforts will be futile against me. But of course you can call your gods if you like." Everyone seethed with rage at Aengus'' arrogance, but deep down, they knew his words carried undeniable truth. "Don''t underestimate our Gods! You''re just a newbie God!" Hero of Fire Igor retorted sharply, his voice filled with defiance. Noisy... Snap! Aengus casually snapped his fingers, unleashing a wave of void energy that obliterated Igor in an instant. Not even ashes remained as the space around him disintegrated, leaving a jagged spatial fissure in its wake. "H-he killed Igor with just a snap of his finger!" "How terrifying!" The battlefield fell silent, the tremors in everyone''s hearts echoing louder than the chaos of war. Lucifer furrowed his brows, his expression grim. The Heir of Ruination''s current strength was far beyond what he anticipated¡ªfar beyond his own. One wrong move, and he too could be reduced to nothing in an instant. But the Demon God''s orders were clear: the goal of harvesting souls was not yetplete. For now, he would have to tread carefully, suppressing his wrath and calcting his next move. Aengus'' piercing gaze locked onto Lucifer, making the Demon Lord''s heart pound erratically. "You have something I want. Give it to me," Aengus ordered, his voice calm but brooking no defiance. Lucifer, the prideful Demon Lord, silently gulped, his usual confidence wavering. With great reluctance, he reached into his robes and pulled out an ordinary-looking pendant. Despite his pride, he chose to part with it. Theirrger goal still loomed, and the pendant, though seemingly significant, had remained a mystery to him. "Take it," Lucifer muttered, casting it aside like a useless trinket. Aengus caught the pendant effortlessly, examining it with keen interest. It was strikingly simr to the one he already possessed¡ªthe one that had apanied him since his arrival in this world. He activated his Appraisal skill, but just like before, the information disyed was nk. . Sensing its potential importance, he slipped it around his neck, allowing the pendant to rest alongside his own. Unbeknownst to him the two Pendant on his neck made a stange hum of Synchronization Turning his darkened gaze to everyone, Aengus spoke again, "So, are you surrendering yet? Or are you still clinging to your delusions? Are you truly intent on continuing this game of harvesting souls?" His words sent a chill through the air, his voice revealing he already understood the truth. He had seen the invisible flow of energy, the souls of the fallen, being siphoned away to two separate realms. One stream ascended to the Pantheon above, while the other descended into the Abyss, likely to the Demon God himself. The brutal truth was now exposed. Both gods¡ªthose of light and darkness¡ªwere ying the same cruel game, sacrificing these people to fuel their own ambitions. The Heroes'' faction seemed unaware of the implications as they exchanged puzzled nces. "What are you saying, Your Excellency? Our gods would nevermit such a lowly act. It''s definitely that damned Demon God behind all this," the Lightning Hero said politely. Aengus smirked, though the disdain in his eyes was evident. "You don''t need to give me a half-hearted exnation, ants. Just call your gods!" Aengusmanded, sending a wave of Void energy that destroyed the mechanism or technique stealing the souls. Now, no one could harvest souls anymore. A few minutes passed in tense silence, yet still, no one appeared. "You won''te out? Haha, I''ll force you to show yourselves!" Aengus instantly appeared beside the Primordials, killing five of them in the blink of an eye. Lucifer stood frozen in terror. He had never expected Aengus to act so decisively. Aengus devoured the fallen Primordials, ignoring the notifications about gaining five more Deadly Sin Skills for now. "Whoosh!" Next, he targeted the Heroes. He devoured all Seven Holy Elemental Heroes, including Elyon, gaining the Seven Holy Elemental Maniption Skills once again (Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Lightning, Light, Wood). Though the skills sounded familiar, they were of a higher grade, each capable of purification and ranked SS individually. Aengus decided to leave them as they were for the moment, nning to deal with themter. "What did you do?" Saintess Lumenaria asked, trembling as she witnessed her long-time friend Elyon''s death before her eyes. "In the new world, they are not needed anymore. There is no ce for puppets of false gods," Aengus replied coldly, killing Lumenaria without hesitation a well. All of them were blind, brainwashed, and unneeded by him. By devouring them, his level increased by 10 at least. Chapter 346 Good And Evil Coming Together? The Dragon Emperor and Lucifer turned to flee in all directions. In the face of death, all pride and hesitation were washed away by Aengus'' swift executions. Aengus smirked. "Where are you going? The game has just begun." With a wave of his hand, he created a barrier that locked the space around him, making it imprable and inescapable. The Demon Lords, Dragonmen, and the Hero Empire''s Transcendentals were paralyzed with horror as they realized their most powerful abilities couldn''t break the restriction. Their faces were filled with despair, their prayers silently pleading for a savior to arrive. It was a bitter irony¡ªthose who were once saviors and destroyers for others were now the ones begging to be saved. All of this, brought about by a single, unyielding being. Aengus moved through their ranks, killing them one by one. Each time he disappeared with a yful smirk, their hearts froze, fearing they might be the next target. Unfortunately¡ªor perhaps fortunately¡ªthis didn''tst long. The entities Aengus had been waiting for finally arrived. Aengus paused and grinned, his gaze shifting to the sky. "Come!" From the demons'' side, a figure emerged. A man with ck skin and a cracked, ominous body emanating pure darkness. He was none other than the Demon God¡ªGod of Darkness, the creator of his race, formed from his own blood essence. Despite his extraordinary presence, his expression was serious and alert. He could sense the overwhelming power radiating from Aengus. In his current weakened state, even giving his all might not guarantee victory. His mind was already calcting his options. Shortly after, another divine figure descended. A brilliant light pierced the sky as a Goddess arrived, piercing the world barrier with ease. She was a vision of unparalleled beauty, radiating a blinding white aura that seemed to purify everything it touched. Her divine presence marked her as Aurora, the Goddess of Light. She stood tall, exuding grace, beauty, and undeniable power, her radiant aura of power and beauty far surpassing that of Be and Aria. At first nce, Aurora, the Goddess of Light, appeared kind and serene, her radiance soothing like the dawn. But in the next moment, her expression shifted¡ªstrict and unyielding, her piercing gaze locked onto Aengus with a mix of caution and resolve. "Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" One after another, more divine figures descended behind her, their collective auras heavy and suffocating. Their mere presence sent waves of divine pressure rippling across the battlefield, demanding submission and reverence. The soldiers on both sides froze in ce, overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of these celestial beings. Their instincts as mortals screamed at them to bow, to worship the gods who now stood before them. But not so for the Primals. They neither bowed nor trembled. There was not an ounce of respect or fear in their hearts for these so-called gods. Their loyalty and reverence were reserved for one being alone: Aengus.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The battlefield trembled under the weight of the confrontation brewing between the divine beings and the defiant figure who had dared to challenge both heaven and abyss. Aengus walked through the air with fearless steps, though every fiber of his being was on high alert for a attack. Below, Be and Aria watched intently, their expressions shadowed with worry, though they remained where they stood, obeying Aengus'' priormand to stay back. The Demon God also moved closer to the divine gathering, his cracked lips curling into a bitter smile as he addressed a familiar figure. "Aurora, I hope you''ve been enjoying your peaceful life in the Pantheon," he muttered, his tone filled with resentment and pain. The Goddess of Light turned her gaze upon him, her radiant eyes piercing through the weight of his bitterness. The Demon God flinched, an involuntary shiver running through him under her intense stare. But then, something unexpected happened. Instead of the usual expression of disdain he had grown so ustomed to, Aurora''s face was devoid of disgust. There was no sneer, no scorn. The Demon God froze, stunned. His thoughts raced as he struggled toprehend the absence of animosity in her expression. Was it possible that something had changed? Or was it simply another ploy to catch him off guard? For the first time in eons, a flicker of confusion and unease crossed the Demon God''s face. Hu... As Aurora shifted her gaze away from the Demon God, she locked eyes with Aengus. His cold, ruthless, and condescending stare pierced through her, igniting a flicker of memory. Those eyes reminded her of the past¡ªof a fleeting glimpse she''d once caught when she was created alongside Mythraldor and the Pantheon. "You wouldn''t consider colluding with Cane (God of Darkness), would you, Aurora?" Aengus'' whisper echoed like the voice of a devil, sending tremors through the air. Aurora''s heart trembled despite her cold,posed expression. She masked her emotions carefully. "What else do you want? Yes, I now intend to help Cane and fight for the freedom he once suffered to achieve." "Oh¡­" Aengus raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to observe the expressions of the other gods. Their faces reflected approval and solidarity with Aurora''s deration. "So, the God of Darkness and the Goddess of Light are finallying together after ages? How ironically twisted, don''t you think, Aurora?" Aengus said, his tone mocking while preparing for the inevitable battle. The Demon God''s cracked, ugly visage lit up with a stunned joy. "Aurora, you want to help me? Really?" Aurora remained unmoved as she answered Aengus. "Yes. After I banished Cane, I realized how helpless and trapped we truly are. We have no freedom. We can barely interfere in the mortal world, and the outside realm ispletely out of our reach. It became suffocating for me and for the others as well. And now, I''ve made an extreme decision to stand by Cane''s side¡ªto stop you and to find freedom beyond this realm." Aurora moved away from Aengus, joining the Demon God. The other elemental gods and minor deities followed suit, standing united against Aengus. Now numbering thirty in total, they formed a clear line of opposition. Their intentions were unmistakable: to kill Aengus and everyone aligned with him. "Heh heh¡­ Oh, how good and evile together¡­ to seek freedom in exchange for their doom," Aengusughed, his voice echoing ominously as he activated Monarch of Void Ultimate Skill. Below, the mortals watched in fear, their hearts twisted with uncertainty as they witnessed the unfolding events. Unsure which side to choose, they stood frozen amidst the chaos. Chapter 347 In Clash Between Gods, Mortals Suffers "Can he win against all of them?" Be muttered worriedly. "Let''s trust him for now. If the timees, I won''t hesitate to throw my life away," Aria said, her eyes filled with determination and love. Be raised an eyebrow but nodded, equally resolved. Belial, Astrid, Aster, and the Phoenix Empress all watched anxiously. Others trembled in fear, dreading the possible aftermath of a sh between gods. If left unchecked, the battle could annihte every living creature. "It''sing!" someone eximed, their voice quivering with terror. Aengus'' form suddenly transformed, his body enveloped in pure Void that rapidly expanded in size. As it reached the World Barrier, he struck it down with a casual swipe, tendrils of Void energy tearing through the barrier effortlessly. "CRACK, CRACK...." The sound of shattering resonated like thunder, shaking the World to its core. The World Barrier began to copse, piece by piece, and slowly erased from existence as if never been there. To the astonishment of the ordinary people below, when the World Cage shattered, the illusion of the sun, moon, and stars disappeared, reced by a massive golden pce radiating light like a miniature sun. "Is that... the Heaven where the gods live?" the mortals muttered in awe. "But the stars and the moon... they''ve vanished. What is happening?" another voice questioned, confusion spreading among them. While everyone remained bewildered, Aengus'' Void form expanded beyond the outer perimeter of the world, its colossal size surpassing even that of Mythraldor and Pantheonbined. "Truly, our Creator Entity has no limit," Aurora murmured beside Cane, her gaze filled with awe. But the Divine radiance from her body increased, indicating she was prepared for the battle "Yes, yes... Our Creator''s power¡ªthat is what I seek," Demon God Cane muttered, the glow of madness flickering in his crimson eyes. "But what is he trying to do?" the Fire God asked, his figure cloaked in crimson holy fire, his tone a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Aurora and Cane, two ancient gods, narrowed their eyes. "He''s trying to devour the Pantheon!" Demon God shouted hysterically. "We must stop him at once, or he will grow even stronger!" Demon God attacked immediately, and Aurora followed, her divine figure expanding to match his. However, their size was nothingpared to Aengus. They barely reached his waist. The other gods exchanged nces before following suit. Lucifer remained there, silent, powerless. Hispanions were gone, and his lover was fighting below. Reluctantly, he descended toward the battlefield, his only thought being to ensure Garcia''s safety. --- In sh Between Gods, Mortals Suffers the most. The saying is Absolutely true. RUMMMMMBLLLLEEE! CREEEEEACCCKK! Thebined attack of the gods struck Aengus'' Void form with immense force, creating a shockwave so powerful that the world of Mythraldor shifted from its axis, pulling Pantheon toward it like an anchor. The very was quickly engulfed in tsunamis and natural disasters, killing thousands of innocent lives. The higher powers of the world struggled to hold the Earth steady, as if it were theirst line of defense. Amid the chaos, Aria''s nature powers became a beacon of hope. She cast her nature power, surrounding thend of Solis with protective trees that rose from the ground like a massive cocoon, shielding countless lives, even those of demons. Her power was awe-inspiring, and the survivors began to look upon her with newfound respect and reverence. Aria had be their savior, protecting them from the intense radiation and devastation caused by the sh of gods. Aengus faltered momentarily under theirbined assault, but his goal remained unchanged. "Shua shua shua..." He achieved what he had intended from the start. Opening his massive mouth like a world-devouring beast, he activated his Omni-Devour Skill, perfectly absorbing everything before him. The relentless attacks from the lower gods barely scratched his Void form. Their energy attacks were nullified as though they were striking against soft cotton. Only the Goddess of Light, the God of Darkness, and the Elemental Gods barely managed to leave any mark. Where their strikesnded, they carved hollow gaps into his Void form, but the damage was fleeting and insignificant. In their massive, divine forms, the gods stood helpless as Aengus devoured Pantheon, their sacred home, the very structure that safeguarded concentrated Divine Essence and countless other energies. With this act, Aengus'' level surged by an astonishing more than 200 levels, elevating him to an unprecedented realm of power. The gods could feel the rising threat radiating from him¡ªan overwhelming force that made their divine frames tremble. For the first time in eons, they became extremely serious. Aengus smiled as despair etched itself onto the faces of the gods. His Void Entity''s devilish grin sent chills crawling down their skin. While the lower gods hesitated, frozen in fear, Aengus''s massive, elephantine Void limbs moved with devastating precision, crushing their divine forms effortlessly. Their essence was drawn toward him, devoured in an instant as he savored their divine vor. With his appetite whetted, Aengus set his sights on the Elemental Gods, the sensation of growing stronger almost intoxicating. "Do it, Aurora!" Cane growled in his menacing darkness-infused form, the Void looming dangerously close to them. Aurora, Goddess of Light, glowing with radiant brilliance, nodded at his words, her expression solemn. The price of going against their very creator became very steep to her now. Together, they intertwined their oposite powers in a disy of unparalleled harmony¡ªLight and Darkness spiraling together, forming a colossal, spinning Chakra. This devastating attackbined the might of two ancient gods, unleashing a force powerful enough to rival the Void itself. Aengus shed fearlessly, activating every skill in his arsenal. But the grin on his face radiated absolute confidence.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om He would emerge victorious, and it would be a momentous triumph. The world of Mythraldor drifted like a ship lost at sea, its consciousness barely clinging to life along with its fortunate inhabitants. The barrier that had once restricted the godly forces within Mythraldor was broken, and the world was now suffering the consequences. The Pantheon was gone, and Mythraldor was slowly dying due to ack of energy, isted from the outside universe. Chapter 348 Trial Over Aengus summoned the power of the Nine Heaven Moon Constetion''s behind him, amplifying his strength fiftyfold.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om He was now nearly unbeatable. With this overwhelming power, Aengus fearlessly shed with the terrifying Light and Darkness Wheel. "KA-BOOOOOM!" "CREEEEAAAAKK!" The two forces collided, creating a small supernova explosion in the dark space. The impact of the explosion left Aengus'' Void Form unscathed. However, the Light and Darkness Wheel separated upon collision, their forms in dire condition. Fortunately, Mythraldor had already drifted away from the main source of the sh. Yet, the cataclysmic energy waves reached the, shattering the protective tree branches Aria had worked so hard to maintain. Despite her efforts, she failed, and countless ordinary people across the world perished. And now, almost everyone was blind due to theck of light, their vision reduced to nothing but darkness. The only visible figure was the flickering form of the Goddess of Light, resembling a dying star on the verge of extinguishing. The six Elemental Gods were in a state of utter misery¡ªblood dripped from their mouths, their burned skin barely clinging to their divine forms as theyy motionless. "Have we already lost?" one of them muttered weakly. "Yes! Now be devoured!" Aengus loomed over them, an unstoppable force of destruction, dering the end of their existence as his Void Form engulfed them like a massive ck hole. --- MANAS NOTIFICATIONS: ? You have leveled up 90 times. Current Level: 2893. ? You have gained a new skill: Divine Fire Maniption (SSS): Allows control over the Cosmic Fire Element. ? You have gained a new skill: Divine Water Maniption (SSS). ? You have gained a new skill: Divine Earth Maniption (SSS). ? You have gained new skills: Divine Air Maniption (SSS), Divine Lightning Maniption (SSS), Divine Wood Maniption (SSS). The void around Aengus pulsed with newfound strength, his power bing unimaginable to even the mightiest of beings. Aurora and Cane exchanged a nce, their minds racing. It was clear that Aengus had far surpassed theirbined strength. A fair fight was pointless, and they had mere moments to act before he closed the distance. "What should we do, Cane?" Aurora asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Pierce¡ªPfft... Blurgh!" Aurora''s radiant eyes widened in disbelief as she felt a cold, unyielding force pierce her heart. She looked down to see a hand, dark and unyielding as steel, driven through her chest. Her gaze lifted, trembling, to meet Cane''s smirking face. "You...?" she whispered, her divine voice faltering as golden blood spilled from her lips. Without hesitation, Cane pulled out the Reincarnation Painting, a relic so small it was almost invisible, like a grain of sand in the vastness of the void. Aengus, momentarily stunned by the betrayal, narrowed his eyes as he realized what was happening. But by the time his gaze shifted onto the painting, it was already toote. The tiny Reincarnation Painting shone with an ethereal, multicolored brilliance, blinding in its intensity. The radiant light reached Mythraldor, illuminating even the darkest corners of the broken world. It began to draw in the very essence of Aurora, draining every ounce of her divine life force. "What power..." Aengus muttered, his interest piqued as he observed the painting''s unimaginable potency. Despite his speed, far surpassing the speed of light, Aengus could only watch as Cane allowed himself to be sucked into the painting. The Demon God disappeared, his form vanishing into the artifact, hisughter echoing faintly in the dark space. Cane had achieved what he desired¡ªa chance at rebirth. Though he would start from nothing, stripped of all his power, he relished the freedom he had gained. Aengus''s void form loomed over the remnants of the scene. He frowned slightly, but the expression soon faded. "Reincarnation, huh? Let him run. It changes nothing." With a dismissive wave, Aengus turned his attention back to the broken world. Lucifer stood frozen, his voice trembling as he muttered, "He... Father... He''s gone? He abandoned all of us..." His disbelieving eyes scanned the dark, broken space, desperately searching for any trace of Cane, but found none. Panic swept across Mythraldor as its inhabitants drifted aimlessly through the void alongside their shattered world. "Sister Olivia, this world is doomed. We must send a distress signal to the Guardians of this Trial at once," Elena whispered with fear. Continue reading at empire In the absolute darkness, Olivia nodded hesitantly. Yet her thoughts lingered on the overwhelming power of their master¡ªAengus. --- Time passed, and then... Brilliant, colorful lights began appearing in multiple ces all over the world. The Otherworlders, who had been brought to Mythraldor for unknown purposes, suddenly began transforming into incorporeal forms, their glowing silhouettes rising toward the heavens. The sight shocked the native inhabitants. "Who are they? Where are they going?" murmured a frightened farmer, clutching his family close as he gazed skyward. Hundreds of radiant lights ascended, breaking free from the dark shackles of the isted space. They soared upward, seemingly being called back to a higher realm, leaving the mortal inhabitants confused and terrified. Some of the ascending souls shouted in tion: "Die, you maggots of this lowly world! You''re all dead!" "Haha... Finally, I am free from this hell!" "Now I''ll show those scums what happens when they underestimate me, hehe..." --- Among the chaos, Be and Aria also felt an invisible pull tugging at their very souls. Their forms began to shift, turning incorporeal, though they instinctively resisted the call. "Husband, what should we do? Where are we going?" they asked Aengus mentally, their connection still strong despite the chaos. Above them, Aengus loomed like an omnipotent Void God, his vast form epassing the remnants of Mythraldor. His cold, calcting gaze swept across the ascension event, a faint smirk forming on his lips. The effort he made for them had paid of luckily. Aengus felt the pull toward ascension as well, but he suppressed it with his overwhelming willpower, choosing to remain behind. His voice softened as he addressed Be and Aria mentally, "Go along with them, my loves. You will find yourselves in the Academy Institutions up there. Just be careful until Ie back for you." The mental connection buzzed with worry and hesitation. "But what about you? Our family? And the rest of the world?" they questioned, their thoughtsced with fear and longing. Aengus'' voice, firm yet tender, replied, "I will take care of them. That''s why I need to stay behind. Trust me, my loves. I''ll handle everything here." Be''s mental tone shifted to a teasing one, masking her deep concern. "Oh, okay... Be there on time, hubby. Otherwise, I''ll divorce you." Aria, unable to hold back her tears, transmitted her love, "Stay safe, Ethan. We still owe you the marriage ceremony." "Whoosh!" With onest goodbye at their family, their forms ascended toward the higher realm, glowing with radiant light as they disappeared from sight. Aengus stood alone in the vast void, watching as his family left. "I''ll see you soon, my loves. What I started, I must end it. I promise." Chapter 349 Journey Accross Void And Space Aengus looked down at the broken World Mythraldor, his expression contemtive as he searched for a solution to the chaos it was left in. First, he activated Universal Synthesis, targeting the entire world to merge the Demon Land and the Human Land into one unified World. The synthesis began silently, unnoticed by most due to the pervasive darkness surrounding them. Slowly, Solis and Abyss were drawn together, fusing into a singr,plete world. Along with thends, the inhabitants¡ªdemons, humans, and other races¡ªwere also synthesized, their forms merging into a unified Primal Race. Aengus hoped this transformation would eliminate the deep-seated racism and hatred between the races, gradually fostering unity among them. --- The process, however, was excruciating. The inhabitants screamed in agony as their bodies and souls underwent the painful transformation. Their cries echoed through the darkness, chilling the spines of those already transformed. Explore more at empire He had also devoured Lucifer and Garcia during the process as well. --- "Thank you... Take me outside, my Creator!" "Hmm..." Two glowing stones emerged from the depths of the world''s core. The world consciousness expressed its gratitude by presenting the only treasures it could offer¡ªtwo divine stones. For his wives maybe. Aengus took them without hesitation. "That I will, Mythraldor. But your survival depends on you. The outside is cruel beyond anything you can fathom," Aengus transmitted mentally. Mythraldor hummed in response, agreeing. It had no other choice; it was already dying. Aengus turned his attention to his subordinates next. He created an artificial sun above the world, illuminating it with a divine glow. Then, he spoke: "Sen, Sienna, Leon, Felix, Martin, Quin¡ªmy loyal subordinates¡ªthe world is in a dire situation, and I need time to fix everything. Maintain order among the primals while I am away. We are embarking on a long journey across the cosmos. Survival is uncertain, but have faith in yourselves and in me. Take care!" With that, the brightened Mythraldor and the artificial sun were severed from the dark space through a barrier of void energy. The inhabitants of the world, who had been watching the Void God''s figure with awe and worship, suddenly found themselves cut off. Everything went quiet, leaving only the artificial sun shining brightly to provide warmth andfort. Quin, Sen, Sienna, and the generals exchanged stunned nces. Their ruler was now gone, seemingly carrying them toward an uncertain yet purposeful journey. The three generals turned toward the billions of primals and dered: "The ruler may be gone temporarily, but not his ideals. This world will now have one unifying order: The Ruination Empire!" Their unified deration echoed through the primals'' ranks, earning nods of approval from everyone. Today marked a new age¡ªan age of prosperity and unity. --- Aengus expanded his Void Form further, extending his left hand to carry the world, now encased in a protectiveyer of Void Energy, shielding it from outside interference. Slowly, the entire world of Mythraldor, weighing trillions of kilograms, was lifted onto his palm effortlessly. Then, following the faint connection pulling him toward the Primal Realm (Universe), Aengus broke through the confinement of the dark space and delved into the endless expanse of the Void. The Void served as the tform where universes and other existences took material form. Even the very fabric of space, time, and gravitationalws was established upon it. An unknown amount of time passed, but his journey in the Void seemed unending. After this safe passage, he emerged into an endless expanse, a singr universe now visible before him. It was the Primal Realm (Universe). He was greeted by the breathtaking view of stars and celestial bodies stretching light-years away, their radiant glow illuminating the vastness of space. As he gazed at the endless expanse, Aengus'' thoughts drifted to Earth, wondering where its location might be in this boundless universe. The answer eluded him, but he suppressed his curiosity for now. Resolute, he continued to follow the connection, carrying Mythraldor at a speed hundreds of times faster than light, journeying deeper into the vast unknown. The Journey was lonely, but Manas asionally chated with him to lift his boredom. Taking this chance Aengus began to Synthesize the rest of the Skills in his Arsenal. { All-Seeing Sovereign (SS) + Ancient Petrifying Curse Eyes (SS) + Appraisal (Basic)} Synthesized Skill: Curse Sovereign''s Omniscience Eyes (Mythic) Type: Attack / Assist Description: The Unique skill thay allow the user to dominate the battlefield with an overwhelming gaze. The eyes can: Petrify Armies: Instantly immobilize or destroy foes by locking eyes. Unveil All Secrets: Pierce through any illusion, disguise, or mystery. Master Weaknesses: Exploit an opponent''s ws with unmatched precision. Control Reality: Enforce sovereignty over any entity viewed,pelling submission or annihtion. Rewrite Construct: Can rewrite a target''s being to some extent. Now that he was no longer bound by restrictions he could synthsize skills to higher ranks. Though Normally one or two SSS rank skills were the limit for most people. { Gift (SS)+ Frostbound Dominion (SS) + Barrier Of Despair (SS) + Barier of Crystalline Bulwark (SS) + Celestial Bastion (SS) + Divine Halo (SS) + Irond Ice Fortress (SS) +Eternal Ice Barrier (SS) + Guardian''s Embrace (SS) + Prismatic Shield (SS) + ck Thunder Barrier (SS) + Sacred Kirin''s Healing (SS) + Sacred Kirin''s Blessing (SS) + Symbol Of Good Fortune (SS) + Chaos Istion Barrier (S) } Synthesized Skill: The Paragon Warlord (SSS) Type: Defense and Buff Description: Master Of All types of Barriers and Blessings. { Sky Phoenix Rebirth (SS), Phoenix Dance Of Destruction (SS) + Oceanic Domination (SS) + Immortal Regeneration (SS) + Heart Of Chaos (SS) + Supreme Hunter (SS) + Phoenix Resurgence (SS) + Water Breathing (S) } Synthesized Skill: Immortal Hunter (SSS) Type: Assist / Heal Description: This Skill grants you the Ultimate Regeneration Capabilities like an Undead. Capable of bringing of you back from death as lonh as a single essence of you survives. { Deadly Sin Pride + Devour + Wrath + Envy + Greed + Lust + Sloth } Synthesized Skill: Nargath, The Unholy Entity (SSS) Type: Transformationn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Description: A Skill made for pure Evil; Tread with Caution. { Divine Sword Fusion (SS) + Tiebreaker Annihtion Sword (SS) + Void Venom de Tempest (A) } Synthesized Skill: Divine Tempest Annihtion Sword. Type: Attack Description: A skill capable of Crushing a lower World through Annihtion Storm. Chapter 350Settlement [ Name: Aengus Degaro ] [ Age: 19 ] [ Title: God Of Void ] [ Race: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ] [ Level: 2903 ] [ upation: Conqueror Of Worlds ] [ ss: Chaos Creator ] [ Bloodline: Chaotic Fiend-Celestial ]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om [ Special Trait: Infinite Mana Regeneration [ Soul: ZERO ] [ Laws: Space- 19%, Water- 0.08% ] Physical Stats: > [ Strength: 3.6 Star ] [ Agility: 3.6 Star ] [ Defense: 3.5 Star ] [ Origin Mana: 77,999,000 / 78,060,000 ] - [ Active: Immortal Hunter (SSS), The Paragon Warlord (SSS), Divine Tempest Annihtion Sword (SSS), Divine Fire Maniption (SSS), Divine Water Maniption (SSS), Divine Earth Maniption (SSS), Divine Air Maniption (SSS), Divine Lightning Maniption (SSS), Divine Wood Maniption (SSS), Nine Heavenly Moon Summon (SSS), Nargath, The Unholy Entity (SSS). [ Special Skills: Monster Breeding (Level- 14)] [ Unique Skills: Rapid Cast (Rare), Curse Sovereign''s Omniscience Eyes (Mythic), Monarch Of Void (Ultimate) Omni-Devour (Ultimate), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ] --- Aengus continued traveling through the vast expanse of space, familiarizing himself with his newly acquired skills. The skills were immensely powerful, capable of crushing any obstacle in his path. However, he remained cautious, knowing that the Primal Universe was notorious for its unknown dangers and terrors. Even World Dominator powerhouses were said to perish like rats when faced with the Unknown. Time passed. Aengus had already traversed a few hundreds of billion kilometers of distance. It definitely took several days time. Fortunately as a master of space and the Monarch of Void, his journey had been unhindered so far. He was searching for a new home for Mythraldor¡ªa new star to sustain and nourish the world he carried. Aengus was most concerned about time. As he recalled from the knowledge he gained on Earth, time flows differently in varying gravitational densities. If too much time passed, who knew what might happen to Aria, Be, and his mother? The thought gnawed at him, and he attempted to contact them, but the effort was futile. The distance between them was far too great. Casting aside his worry, Aengus refocused his efforts on finding a new home for Mythraldor. Using his newly gained Curse Sovereign''s Eyes, his vision spanned light years, scanning the vast expanse for a suitable star or habitable region. As he surveyed the void, he noticed several space creatures in the vicinity¡ªlower beings he''d encountered numerous times before. Though no threat to him, these space worms spelled certain doom for weaker seekers who might cross their path. Oddly enough, Aengus hadn''t encountered any seekers during his journey so far. This absence suggested he might be in an area untouched by their influence¡ªan Unconquered Territory. If seekers had discovered this location, he would have surely spotted at least one or two wandering through this empty space. Of course, not all seekers possessed mastery over spacews like he did. Most relied on advanced warships¡ª magical technological marvels akin to spaceships, fundamentally different in their construction and function. If those seekers had seen Aengus effortlessly carrying an entire world, they would have been ck-jawed in disbelief. Even for a World Dominator, lifting a world weighing Septilions of kilograms (Approx 10 times more than Earth), let alone carrying it across billions of kilometres, was an almost impossible feat. --- After several days of traveling through the vast expanse, Aengus finally luckily spotted a shimmering cluster of stars¡ªa gxy. However, the gxyy rmingly close to a massive ck hole. Its sheer size was beyondprehension, dwarfing even Aengus and the world of Mythraldor he carried. He treaded cautiously, ensuring he wasn''t drawn into the gravitational pull of that unknown void. Carefully navigating around it, Aengus reached the far side of the gxy. What he found was extraordinary¡ªa gxy of such immense scale that it defied ordinary understanding. Even with his Curse Sovereign''s Eyes, he couldn''t fully perceive its mysteries or prate its far reaches. But within this grand expanse, MANAS detected a habitable star suitable for Mythraldor. Aengus calcted its position and prepared to make it their new home. Aengus gently ced Mythraldor in its new orbit around the habitable star, allowing it to settle and adjust. He removed the barrier of Void that had shielded it during their journey. "There you go. Now, you must survive on your own," Aengus dered, his voice echoing through the entire world, cutting through every barrier and resonating in the hearts of the primals. "But know this¡ªI will always have my eyes on you. I will not interfere unless something significant threatens your existence." As his voice faded, the artificial sun that had been illuminating Mythraldor disappeared, its purpose fulfilled. The primals, who had been living under its glow, now found themselves surrounded by the true brilliance of stars. For the first time, they gazed upon a real sky filled with constetions, their awe growing as they realized this was not an illusion but reality. A new era had begun for Mythraldor, one filled with challenges and possibilities under the watchful gaze of their Void God. Aengus'' subordinates stood in silence, gazing toward the stars as their ruler''s figure faded into the vast expanse of space. Quin, always the emotional one, couldn''t hold back his exaggerated tears. "Pleasee back, Your Majesty! We will miss you so much!" Drake and Yona exchanged solemn nces, their moist eyes betraying the calm they tried to maintain. Despite their strength, the thought of Aengus leaving them felt like a heavy weight. "Get it together, everyone!" General Leon barked, his voice sharp andmanding. "He promised to return. Until then, we must survive by growing stronger." "Yes, we can''t let him down," Drake agreed, determination sparking in his eyes. "We must ovee every obstacle in our way and prove our worth." "And not just that," Yona added, her gaze shifting to the starry sky above. "We must carry out his orders and uphold his legacy. The entire world depends on us now." Felix stepped forward, his signature grin lighting up his face. "We''ve already received our instructions¡ªto stay put and prepare. When the timees, he''ll return to us. The game of conquering has only passed its first stage." The group shared a moment of unity, their resolve growing as they turned their attention from the fading figure of Aengus to the limitless possibilities of the open sky. A new chapter was about to unfold, and they were ready to y their part. Chapter 351 A New Chapter Aengus, now relieved of the immense burden, sighed deeply, shrinking back to his human form. The Void form was really taxing on his soul. With Mythraldor safely ced in its new haven, he could finally turn his attention toward his next goal: reaching the Academy where the trial was held. The thought of how the Academy''s professors might react to his exploits made him smirk. One of supposed "defect" from the past had just shaken the very foundation of the mysterious trial world. "Now, I can''t get there like those people," Aengus muttered to himself as he floated through the cosmos, passing by uninhabitables and stars. "I''ll have to make the journey alone. But who could be so powerful as to transport them back so quickly? Or was it some hidden mechanism of that door to call everyone back?" His gaze wandered to the vast and unfamiliar gxy around him, filled with stars and celestial bodies yet to be explored. Feeling a sense of ownership, he named it the Primal Gxy, iming it as the founder of this untouched expanse. "Beautiful!" Aengus murmured, standing at the outer perimeter of the gxy. It stretched endlessly before him, vast and majestic, with its radiant center seemingly unreachable. He hadn''t taken a closer look earlier due to his haste, but now that he had a moment to breathe, he couldn''t help but admire its beauty. The gxy shimmered like a cosmic mystery, its stars glinting like scattered jewels in the infinite darkness. A sense of pride swelled within him. To witness such a fascinating scene while carrying the weight of freedom was a privilege only a few could im. He had broken free from the confinement of worlds, transcending limitations, and now stood as a powerhouse capable of gazing upon the universe''s deepest secrets. Aengus inhaled deeply, letting the boundless beauty inspire his next steps. This was only the beginning of a far greater journey. Time passed. "Guuuu!" As Aengus drifted past the ck hole, its ominous pull rumbling faintly behind him, he reminded himself of the inevitable. He had to return before the ck hole consumed the gxy, though it would take years for the event to unfold. For now, it was a distant concern. Taking onest nce at the shimmering blue and green he had just secured, Aengus pushed forward. He increased his speed dramatically, as if treading between the fabric of space and the void itself. His form flickered, vanishing from existence in one instant and reappearing millions of km away in the next. Each step shattered the barriers of normal travel, propelling him forward at speeds far surpassing thousands of times the speed of light. The cosmos blurred around him, stars streaking like rivers of light as he journeyed deeper into the unknown. Half a month had passed, as measured by Aengus'' biological clock. During his journey, he had paused asionally to rest on lifeless celestial bodies, replenishing himself as he crossed trillions of kilometers. His progress was powered by his infinite mana regeneration, and fortunately, the dense mana of the Primal Realm more than sufficed for his needs. Yet, despite his near-limitless mana, Aengus'' Soul felt strained. The solitude of months-long journey was beginning to weigh on him. And still, the distance he had covered was a stark reminder of the vastness of the Primal Realm. Even with his extraordinary speed, he had barely traversed a light year. "Ridiculous," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. The scale of the Primal Realm was truly iprehensible, even to someone like him. It made him realise how far he had to go. Instead of panicking, Aengus began to think critically about how to cover the vast distance in the shortest possible time. The sheer scale of his journey was daunting¡ªhe still had to cross a distance thousands of times greater than what he had already traveled. At his current pace, it would take him years to reach his destination. "Master, you should use the remaining Space Law stones to deepen yourprehension further," Manas suggested, sensing his predicament. "The spatial environment around you is ideal for enhancing the process. With improved mastery, you might even be able to create a wormhole by bending space itself. I will guide you, Master." Aengus'' eyes lit up as he considered Manas'' advice. "A wormhole...Yes. If I seed, it could save me years of travel. But what about time. To create a wormhole, don''t we need involve Space-time together?" Aengus questioned in puzzlement. "Yes, that is partly true, master. But I will create a skill whilebining Spacew that will allow us to travel in a different dimension where time doesn''t exist. You could call it a Static Wormhole...." Manas exined thoroughly the intricacies of space, time, and dimensions. It felt foreign and beyond his current sense, but he absorbed as much of the knowledge as he could. "Okay, let me increase myprehension while you create the Wormhole Skill," Aengus said as he settled on a stable meteor. He sat down and took the rest of the rare Space Law Stones picked from his Father-inw. The 14 Law Stones floated around in a circr motion, and he synthesized them with his mind one by one. The process was slow at first, but he needed time to stack up the new understanding of space in his mind. Hours passed, and finally, hisprehension reached 36.6%. It was another milestone, crossing into the Greater Stage for Space Lawprehension.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Only because of those invaluablew stones had his progress been so fast. Others would take years to reach where he had gotten today. If Emperor Dimitri had seen how quickly hisprehension advanced, he would have died from vomiting blood once again. How could someone be sow-defying? MANAS NOTIFICATION: [ You have gained a new Skill: Chrono Singrity (SSS) ] Description: A Skill created by MANAS. Combining with Major Space Lawprehension, this Skill allows the user to cross a maximum of 10 light-years away through a singrity wormhole. Note: Energy consumption is extremely high, and the time for activation is 1 minute. Chapter 352 Admission Just as Aengus stood up, he received the MANAS notification, and a faint smile spread across his face. "You''re a lifesaver, Manas. Thank you." "Hehehe... It''s my duty, Master," Manas giggled melodiously, sounding like a cheerful teenager. Aengus didn''t waste any time. He activated the skill, performing the incredible process of space bending with his mastery of spacews, creating a passage to the other side where he intended to reach. "Buzz¡­ Buzz!" The space resisted, unyielding at first, but under Aengus'' precise control, the passage finally took form. Aengus felt his mana reserves dangerously low, his body weak and trembling, but his gaze pierced through the dark passage and glimpsed the other side. A gleam of satisfaction crossed his face. The 75 million Origin Mana spent had not gone to waste after all. He quickly entered the wormhole, knowing that wasting even a moment would challenge his control over it. If the passage copsed, he would be forced back into the Void, facing an endless, uncountable journey he wasn''t willing to endure again. Inside, the space was dark and empty as usual, but to him, it was nothing unfamiliar. After ten minutes of careful navigation, Aengus finally reached the other side safely. (AN: 1 Wormhole Passage= 10 light years maximum. Corrected.) The other side an empty space, was eerily silent, with asional meteors floating aimlessly in the vast expanse. Aengus settled himself on a stable piece of rock, his breathing steady but deliberate as he began to recover his mana reserves. He knew this was not the end¡ªanother wormhole would need to be cast soon. With vignce, he observed his surroundings, ensuring no unforeseen dangers lurked nearby. After a few minutes of cautious waiting, he activated the Chrono Singrity skill again, folding space to create yet another passage through the void. The process was grueling. Each wormhole cast drained him significantly, forcing him to rest and recover before attempting another jump. Over and over, he repeated the cycle, casting the skill hundreds of times. The strain on his body and mana reserves was immense, yet he pressed on with unyielding determination. Time became meaningless¡ªa blur in the endless empty space. He had long lost track of how much energy he had expended or how many days had passed ording to his biological clock. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the journey came to an end. As thest wormhole copsed behind him, his destination near¡ªa sight that brought both relief and anticipation. He had made it. It was his Home Gxy, where the Degaro family upied a portion of the farthest reaches. Their mastery of the Law of Darkness granted them enough power to deter other greedy forces. Infamous for mass killings and often associated with devils, the Degaro family was both feared and despised. However, within the Tiamat Academy, such backgrounds mattered little. There, only strength and wealth held true significance. Aengus needed to head towards the very center of the gxy, where the Tiamat Academy was situated. He floated through space once again, his figure rippling through the void as though swimming through water. As he traveled and worked on recovering his depleted mana, a peculiar thought nagged at him. If the distance between the Primal Gxy and this gxy was a tens of thousands light-year, why hadn''t the higher powerhouses discovered it yet? For beings of their caliber, reaching such a distance shouldn''t be difficult. There had to be hidden secrets at y¡ªperhaps linked to the mysterious figure who had aided him at critical moments. Yet, he couldn''t discern their identity or motives. Was it his future self? His past self? Or perhaps a different entity entirely, manipting his fate for reasons unknown? The answers still remained frustratingly out of reach. But Aengus resolved to keep moving forward. He would uncover the truth, break free from any external control, and carve his own destiny, no matter the cost. As Aengus neared the central region of the gxy, traveling at tens of thousands of times the speed of light, the density of Seekers increased exponentially. Massive warships and advanced spacefaring technologies filled the Space, heading in every conceivable direction. They bustled with activity, carrying Seekers embarking on their own enigmatic journeys, each driven by a purpose unknown to him. Despite the heavy traffic, none of them were able to detect him. Aengus'' figure remained elusive, seamlessly navigating through the Space and Void as though he were a solitary fish gliding through an endless ocean. His movements were precise and undetectable, a result of his mastery over spatialws and the Void. After a few more days of relentless travel, Aengus finally arrived at a sr system dominated by a single colossal orbiting its star. The World, hundreds of timesrger than Mythraldor, was Tiamat, home to the prestigious Tiamat Academy. Its massive territory stood as a testament to its status as one of the finest Law Academies in the gxy. Having fully recovered his mana during the journey, Aengus felt prepared to face any challenge that mighte his way. As he entered the''s visual vicinity, his intangible, ethereal form shifted. Slowly, he condensed into his tangible human form, ready to step into the world that awaited him. "Don''t move!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om A thunderous, authoritative voice echoed through the vast expanse of space, halting Aengus'' steady advance as he floated above Tiamat. Without a hint of panic, Aengus calmly raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. His eyes, however, remained sharp andposed, observing the patrol ships rapidly approaching him. The ships bristled with advanced weaponry, their sleek designs exuding an intimidating presence. Aengus could feel the cautious hostility emanating from the patrol units. As expected from a prestigious and powerful academy like this... he thought to himself. The lead patrol ship stopped just short of him, and a holographic projection of a stern-faced female officer appeared. "State your name, affiliation, and purpose for approaching Tiamat Academy''s jurisdiction," the female officer demanded with suspicion and authority. Aengus gave a faint smile and replied evenly, "Zytherion Mythraldor. I am here to enroll in the Tiamat Academy. Nothing more Officer." Inside the ship, the stern-faced female officer frowned deeply at Aengus'' audacious words. "The recruitment season is over," she stated firmly. "You can''t enter here unless you possess a rmendation from a valid authority." Aengus raised an eyebrow, his smirk unwavering. "Oh? Is my mastery of Space Law insufficient as a rmendation? Or perhaps I should demonstrate a bit more, Officer?" The confident glint in his eyes made her pause, though her face remained stoic. Turning slightly, she nced at her subordinates for advice. They were experiencedte 50-aged men and women d in pristine red-and-white patrol uniforms. They exchanged uncertain looks, their expressions betraying a mixture of caution and curiosity. One of them, a grizzled man with a scar across his cheek, leaned closer to her. "Captain, he crossed the restricted perimeter without triggering any of the detection arrays. If he''s iming mastery of Space Law, he might not be bluffing. He mighy have the Supreme Law of Space." "A Supreme Law... He''s an invaluable talent. Our Academy must get our hands on him at once," one of the subordinates said excitedly, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. The sharp-eyed woman added, "And his mana signature¡ªit''s... different. Something about him feels... off the charts. He''s definitely not ordinary." The female officer considered their statements with a pensive expression. Her eyes narrowed as she weighed her options, clearly understanding the potential significance of this encounter. Finally, turning her full attention to Aengus, she spoke firmly, "Alright, young man. Show us what you''ve got. Possessing a Supreme Law is impressive, but the threshold to entering Tiamat Academy is not just about having thew¡ªit''s about progress, control, and potential. "Demonstrate your capabilities, and if your performance is deemed sufficient, we''ll inform the relevant authorities to handle your admission. Fail, and this conversation ends here." She folded her arms, watching Aengus closely, while her subordinates exchanged eager nces. Chapter 353 1%? "Plop..." The sound barely registered before the female officer blinked and found herself face-to-face with Aengus, his sudden proximity startling her. "Is this enough, officer? Do I need to prove something more?" Aengus asked with a smirk, now seatedzily on a conjured chair, exuding an air of nonchnce. The female captain and her subordinates were momentarily stunned by the wless disy of Space Law. "Truly brilliant... An astonishing control of Space Law," an old man muttered, impressed, as he worked the ship''s controls. His eyes glimmered with recognition. "Yes," he continued, stroking his beard. "He must have achieved at least minor sess¡ª1%prehension of Space Law at the least. He''s worth recruiting, Captain." "I agree with that," another subordinate said with a nod. However, a discontented voice broke through the admiration. "But isn''t he too disrespectful, showing such arrogance and attitude in front of his seniors?" The female officer narrowed her eyes, her earlier surprise reced by a stern expression. "Control and talent aside," she said sharply, "you''ll need more than confidence and tricks to survive here, young man. This isn''t just a test of your abilities¡ªit''s a test of your character. Tiamat Academy values discipline as much as strength." Her gaze lingered on Aengus as she waited to see how he would respond. Aengus'' smirk never faltered as he leaned back slightly, his tone calm yetced with subtle confidence. "Discipline? That I have, officer. But I''m just carefree. I don''t mean any disrespect¡ªnone in the slightest. I''m just¡­ tired, that''s all," he said, his gaze unwavering. The discontented subordinate crossed his arms, frowning. "Tired? You don''t look tired to me," he retorted skeptically. Aengus raised an eyebrow and gave a soft chuckle. "Well, appearances can be deceiving, can''t they? Traveling light-years to get here while conserving my strength tends to wear one out you know." "Light-years? You''re joking, right?" Sabrina raised her eyebrows, clearly not believing him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Aengus didn''t respond to her skepticism. Instead, his gaze shifted toward the below, observing it through the ship''s ss with quiet intensity. "So, am I capable of admission now, officer?" he asked calmly, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Hm¡­ that''s right," Sabrina admitted reluctantly, her frown softening. "Good. Then please hurry up. I''m really eager for some study," Aengus said, his eyes glinting momentarily with a hidden intent. Sabrina quickly turned away, sending a detailed report to her superiors about the enigmatic boy they''d encountered. After some time, clearance was granted, and Aengus was allowed to proceed¡ªunder Sabrina and her crew''s watchful escort. Seatedzily, Aengus looked through theyers of atmosphere below, his piercing gaze searching for any trace of Be and Aria. The uncertainty of how much time had passed weighed heavily on him, a silent worry he kept to himself. Meanwhile, Sabrina and her crew couldn''t help but cast curious nces at him now and then. "Just who is he?" one crew member whispered, eyeing Aengus warily. "His aura feels¡­ different. It''s almost as if he''s hiding something immense," another added in a hushed tone. Sabrina herself remained thoughtful. Just where did hee from? she wondered. And why does he act so carefree? Is it sheer confidence¡ªor something more unsettling? She shook her head, assuming she was just overthinking things. How could such a handsome and innocent looking young man be so bad? If only she knew the truth... --- After a few hours, the shipnded on the surface of Tiamat. Captain Sabrina and her crew disembarked slowly, followed by Aengus, who was treated like a guest. Aengus'' gaze pierced through a portion the world, but he still couldn''t detect ormunicate with his wives. Instead, he started tracking his allies, Olivia and Elena''s group. Fortunately, this time he received some feedback from the marks he left on their souls. He could still control them as he wished. For now, he did nothing, cutting off all his sensory reaches as much as possible, careful not to get under the radar of any powerful being. He was still new here, but ording to the Degaro family, a ck Hole Dominator powerhouse might be residing there. After Worldes Star, then Neb, and finally ck Hole. ck Hole powerhouses are capable of dominating stars and entire sr systems with the back of their hands. His eyes took in the view of the vast, colorful skies and sprawling advanced buildings spread across thend. The magical technology here far surpassed that of Earth. The integration of mana brought profound changes, enabling it to merge seamlessly with Seekers¡ªthe practitioners ofws. Though technology had advanced significantly, Seekers were not weak either. In many cases, they were more powerful in terms of versatilebat and effectiveness. Aengus was escorted to aplex of towering buildings and settled into a room adorned with books and paintings of great beings who once stood at the pinnacle of the Academy. He studied their faces, noting the wisdom and profundity of ancient secrets reflected in their eyes. "Still, you''re dead. And dead men don''t speak. What speaks is power, and that I have," Aengus muttered in a barely audible voice, his tone carrying intricacies that no one in the room, not even Captain Sabrina, could decipher. "My work is done here, young man. The administration officials will be here soon to examine and inquire you. It would be good to be polite with them," Sabrina said before leaving, having fulfilled her duty. Aengus waved goodbye nonchntly, settling onto a radiant,fortable sofa meant for guests. The sofa emanated an aura of rxation, soothing both body and mind. Click! Very soon, with a soft click, a man in his thirties entered the room. He appeared ordinary, with sses perched on his nose, embodying the image of a typical, dutiful official. Aengus''s sharp gaze swept over him, and in an instant, his Curse Sovereign''s Eyes revealed the man''s entire life history. The data flowed into Aengus''s mind, revealing that the man, named Amir, was an intelligent inspector proficient in the Law of Illusion. However, his mastery of thew was only at 11%, a minor achievementpared to true powerhouses. Chapter 354 Astonishing Score "Name?" "Zytherion Myraldor." "Home world?" "Mythraldor." "Mythraldor? Never heard of it." "It''s a newly discovered one. You could say wee from a primitive gxy." "Oh, interesting..." The administrative official narrowed his eyes at Aengus'' half-hearted reply but decided against pressing further. He wasn''t able detect any lies either. In a realm as vast and boundless as theirs, it wasn''t umon for stars,s, and entire systems to be born and destroyed within moments. Keeping track of every celestial entity was an impossible task they had yet to master. Moreover, the academy''s regtions didn''t mandate deep scrutiny into a student''s background¡ªat least, not on the surface. Hidden investigations were another matter entirely. The man scribbled something onto his tablet before continuing. "Alright, let''s proceed with the formalities. You''ll need to undergo a basicbat andw aptitude test to finalize your registration." "Alright," Aengus replied calmly. --- From there, he was led into a room equipped with various devices, and a group of seven sharp-eyed elderly men observed from a viewing tform above. "Student, step inside," Amir instructed, pointing toward the training room filled with wooden dolls wielding real, razor-sharp swords. "Survive their attacks for five minutes without being hit even once, and you''ll pass the test." Aengus stepped in, his demeanor confident and nonchnt, which immediately piqued the interest of the observers. "Good, thisd isn''t a coward," one of the older men remarked with a smirk. "Most of the previous students would hesitate, flinch, or even falter at the thought of getting hurt. I see none of those qualities in him. He''s a seedling worth nurturing." "Eh, don''t be so quick to judge, old man," another chimed in skeptically. "What if he''s just bluffing, putting on a show to hide his nerves?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Bluffing or not, someone with mastery of Space Law isn''t likely to underestimate their own abilities," the first man retorted. "Let''s see how he handles himself." "Amir, what marks are you expecting from the young man? Do you think he could score above 70%?" "Uh, I''m not sure, elder," Amir replied hesitantly. "Seventy percent? Aren''t your expectations a bit too high?" another elder scoffed. "Sure, he has Supreme Law talent, but that doesn''t automatically make him supreme inbat or progress. We''ve seen many Space Law talents stagnate, barely progressing even after years. Not everyone can be like Emperor Dimitri, you know." "Rx, you two," a third elder interjected with an exasperated sigh. "We''ll see hisprehension and progress soon enough. Let the test y out, and we''ll have our answers. Just stay quiet for a few minutes." The other elders nodded, focusing their attention on the training room through the reinforced ss window. Inside, as the training room activated, the wooden dolls sprang to life, their movements fluid and unnervingly precise. The gleam of their swords under the artificial light added an edge of danger, making it clear this test was no mere formality. Aengus merely smiled, his posture rxed but his eyes sharp, as if he was waiting for the perfect moment to act. The first mechanical doll lunged at Aengus with blinding speed¡ªfast enough to overwhelm an ordinary Seeker. To Aengus, however, it was mere child''s y. In an instant, he disappeared through Space Teleportation, evading the attack with effortless precision. Before the onlookers could even blink, another doll''s sword sliced through the air where he had reappeared. Aengus dodged this strike just as effortlessly, showcasing his wless control over space. In the next few minutes, he not only evaded the relentless attacks but also countered with expertise. By employing Space Copse, he destroyed several dolls with minimal effort, their mechanical forms crumpling as if crushed by an invisible force. He refrained from revealing the full extent of his capabilities, opting instead to showcase just enough skill to secure himself a favorable position within the Academy. Disying too much would only draw unnecessary attention, something he didn''t need at this stage. But perhaps his perception was too high. Unbeknownst to him, his so called "ordinary" disy was more than enough to leave the observers in awe. His casual demeanor and mastery of space had already established him as an exceptional talent, far exceeding their expectations. The elders exchanged nces, their expressions ranging from impressed to utterly speechless. Aengus stepped out of the training room precisely at the five-minute mark, as per the conditions. Despite his calcted disy, the elders now realized he could have easily gone further. Their expressions turned to regret, murmuring amongst themselves, "We might have missed witnessing a perfect score." "What''s the final mark?" someone asked eagerly. The group shifted their focus to the monitor, anticipation thick in the air. Momentster, the results shed on the screen: Combat: 100/100 Law Comprehension¡ªSpace (Estimated): 3.4% Potential: 93 / 100 Overall Score: 95.7% "That''s amazing! Another Supreme Talent with Supreme Law!" "96%... Haha! See? I told you he''d achieve an impressive score!" the old man who had been optimistic earlier said smugly, ncing at the discontented elder with a victorious grin. The other elder, whose face burned with embarrassment, merely shrugged. "Well, whatever... He''s good, but I still think he''s holding back too much. There''s more to this boy than he''s letting on." "Well, that shows the wise side of this young man. One should never be too arrogant or conceited like I once was. I''m liking the young man more and more. He''s young, handsome, and full of potential. He could be a World Dominator eventually if things go right," one elder remarked with a nod of approval. "If you like him so much, why don''t you marry him to your granddaughter, old man?" another teased. "Oh, that I would have, if only I had one..." Amir interrupted, stepping into the conversation, "Elders, enough, enough. If the evaluation is over, I should proceed with his admission." The elders fell silent, though their gazes toward Aengus now held a spark of piqued interest. Surely, the announcement of his Supreme Talent with an 96% score would create ripples throughout the Academy. Aengus observed their reactions, realizing he may have overdone things. "Whatever..." he muttered with a shrug. He knew this would put him in the spotlight for a while, but he also understood that he wasn''t the only one with Supreme Talent in Tiamat Academy. With that, he followed Amir toplete the rest of the formalities for admission. Chapter 355 Meeting Olivia At Night With all the proceduresplete, Aengus was assigned a luxurious residence¡ªa privilege granted only to Supreme Talents, one that few could even dream of attaining. However, Aengus showed little interest in the extravagance surrounding him. This space, as grand as it was, mattered little to himpared to his pressing concerns. Tomorrow, his Special ss was scheduled, but for now, he focused on strategizing his next moves. His first priority was to gather detailed information about Be and Aria, and Olivia''s group was the key to that. If Olivia and the others were still alive, it meant that not much time had passed¡ªor so he hoped. Still, he couldn''t be certain. The concept of time, especially after all he had endured, felt elusive and distorted. Each moment was an enigma he struggled toprehend, adding an unsettling edge to his already determined mindset. He leaned back, letting his thoughts flow freely, formting ns and contingencies. Tomorrow, he would begin to solve his confusions in Tiamat Academy. But before anything else, Aengus needed to gather some basic information about Tiamat Academy. Night fell, and half of the World of Tiamat plunged into darkness. Yet, the vibrant neon lights flickering across various ces revealed the Academy''s bustling nightlife. The liveliness of the campus seemed unending, as students and teachers mingled in a world of learning and power. Aengus secretly slipped out of his residence, leaving a clone behind to maintain appearances. Adopting the disguise of a random male passerby, he blended seamlessly into the Academy''s bustling environment. He needed to gather information beyond what Manas could provide, a task requiring stealth and observation. The entire was dedicated to the Academy, a territory so vast it defied imagination. From the countless habitables across the gxy, students and teachers of innumerable lifeforms converged here, all with a singr purpose: the study and mastery of Laws to attain power. As Aengus explored, he pieced together details about the structure of Laws within the Academy. They were divided into clear 4 ranks, reflecting theirplexity and significance: Basic Laws: Illusion, Mist, Mind, Healing, and simr foundational powers. Elemental Laws: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Wood, Metal, Thunder, Light, and Darkness¡ªbuilding blocks of the natural world. Supreme Laws: Space, Time, and Gravity¡ªrarest and most difficult toprehend. Ultimate Laws: Life and Death¡ªthe pinnacle of understanding, surpassing all others. Each Law required not only innate talent but also immense dedication to progress. Walking through the glowing streets, Aengus saw a mix of students, some practicing their techniques openly while others engaged in lively discussions about their studies and aspirations. The Academy was clearly more than an institution; it was a vibrant world filled with ambition,petition, and secrets. Aengus walked through a market street, where a lot of students were present in groups. Their conversations, though hushed, were tinged with curiosity and envy. "Hey, did you hear?" one of the students whispered eagerly. "Heard what?" another asked, leaning closer. "News has it that another Supreme Talent got admitted with a 96% score. How incredible is that?" "S-Supreme Talent?" someone stammered in disbelief. "Oh, is that true?" "Yes, he''s a lucky fellow..." "Tch, surely he had it easy," a disgruntled voice muttered. "We had to go through hellish tests on Wilds just to earn a chance to be admitted here after so much hardship. And he? Just a simple test with wooden dummies.." "Hehe, what else can we do?" another chimed in, his tone resigned. "We have only basic Law Cores. See how big the gap is. Supreme Talents deserve those privileges, surely. It''s useless being jealous about it. We''re just mudpared to them." "Yeah, but you haven''t told us his name yet, man." "Oh, blurp¡­ hehe, I forgot," the first student chuckled, clearly drunken. "His name is Zyth Myth or something. The Seven esteemed Elders personally examined him, they said." "The Seven Elders? Then it must be true, brothers. I am curios to see his face now..." --- At the mention of his alias, Aengus'' lips curled into a faint smirk. Blending into the market and observing their reactions from a distance, he noted the mix of awe, jealousy, and admiration in their voices. "So, my presence is already causing waves," he mused. "Interesting." After walking for some time, Aengus passed through the bustling market streets and arrived near a luxurious restaurant. The enticing aroma of delicacies filled the air, but his attention was fixed elsewhere¡ªon a group of girls seated near a corner. Among them was Olivia, his supposed ve, chatting andughing with her friends, seemingly without a care in the world. Aengus stepped into the restaurant with an air of confidence that seemed to demand respect without words. The guard at the entrance, initially hesitant, found himself allowing Aengus to pass, as if resisting the young man''s presence was an impossible thought. The manager, observing from a distance, raised an eyebrow in curiosity but decided against questioning Aengus. There was something about him¡ªan intangible authority¡ªthat made one think twice before intervening. Dressed in simple white shirt and ck pant, Aengus'' unusual unfitting appearance caught the attention of several patrons. Though most of them were students and human. Their nces ranged from disdain to caution, sensing the faint aura of power emanating from him. Without hesitation, Aengus approached the group of girls, his steps calcted, his eyes locked on Olivia, whoseughter faded the moment she sensed his presence. "Hello, Olivia," Aengus greeted, his faint smile carrying a hint of mischief. Olivia looked up at the stranger, her brow furrowing as she scrutinized his face. The man seemed familiar, yet she couldn''t ce him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Who are you?" she asked, confusion evident in her tone. Her friends exchanged nces, equally puzzled by the sudden interaction. Aengus didn''t respond immediately. Instead, his eyes shed briefly, an imperceptible wave of energy brushing against Olivia''s mind. In that instant, memories she had buried deep resurfaced¡ªthe figure that haunted her dreams, the presence that instilled both fear and awe. It was him. Her breath caught, her heart racing. She realized now why she could never speak of that encounter, why her attempts to confide in others always fell short. A mysterious force shackled her thoughts, preventing her from revealing the truth. He was her master. She was his ve. The realization weighed on her chest like a boulder, suffocating yet inescapable. Chapter 356 Talk With Olivia Aengus, noticing her dawning recognition, leaned closer and spoke softly, his voice firm yet calm. "It seems you remember now. Good. Let''s talk, Olivia." Her friends looked at her, concerned. "Olivia, do you know him?" one of them asked hesitantly. Olivia forced a smile, her voice strained. "Yes¡­he''s¡­an old acquaintance." Aengus'' smile deepened, though his gaze held amanding glint. "Shall we, then?" He gestured toward a quieter corner of the restaurant, leaving her with little choice but toply. Olivia followed him without a choice. Seeing this, her female friends were stunned. "Who is he? If I remember correctly, didn''t she stop talking to boys after that trial?" "Yes. It''s my first time seeing her together with a man as well." "Do you think she''s finally dating someone?" "Nah. From their bodynguage, it doesn''t look like it." Aengus ignored Olivia''s friends'' gossip and began to interrogate Olivia for some information. "Tell me, how much time has passed since ourst encounter?" Aengus asked, the most important thing on his mind. Olivia answered truthfully, her mind unwilling to say anything false. "Three years have passed since, Your Excellency." "Oh, tell me, do you know anyone named Be and Aria in Tiamat Academy?" "Ah... That I can''t say for sure. The Academy is vast, and such names could apply to multiple people. Are you perhaps asking about your wives?" "Obviously... Tell me if you''ve seen them." Olivia replied, recalling the past. "Oh. I remember now. Two unfamiliar, beautiful women were also found among the batch of trial participants. At the time, it caused quite an uproar. They said the two women were natives of the trial world. Maybe those two women could be the key to understanding the dysfunctionality of the trial. It cut off the only way of gaining the opportunity of strength for defects, after all." "You are fool, Aengus." Aengus''s fist clenched as he held back a tsunami of anger. It wasn''t directed at anyone but himself. He shouldn''t have been so careless about their identities in the Primal Realm. Surely, the records of participants existed, and Be and Aria didn''t have wless disguise skills like he did. Because of his mistake, his two wives might very well be in danger. "Buzz, Buzz..." Suddenly, the restaurant began to shake, scaring everyone inside. "Why is this restaurant shaking so much?" someone shouted, their voice trembling. Aengus controlled his rage with great will, but the tiny aura that leaked out caused the unsettling environment. But It didn''tst long as he quickly suppressed his fury, realizing the chaos he was creating. "Your Excellency?" Olivia whispered, trembling. She recalled his overwhelming prowess and realized that if he lost control, he could destroy a portion of Tiamat in seconds. Of course, that was assuming if no one interfered. Aengus''s face suddenly blossomed into a soft smile, his earlier angerpletely concealed. "It''s fine. So, do you know where they are?" Aengus finally asked as everything returned to normal. Olivia''s beautiful face, now relieved, replied hesitantly, "Th-that I don''t know. The higher officials didn''t like the situation and were very serious about it... Maybe they know something." "Okay, do you have any influence in the Academy?" Aengus asked calmly. "A little... but not that high," Olivia replied hesitantly. "Hmm, try to gather some information as discreetly as possible. Got it?" "Yes, Your Excellency. Should I take my leave now?" she asked carefully. "Yes, you can Go." As Olivia turned to leave, she hesitated for a moment before pausing and asking, "Your Excellency, are you the new Supreme Talent in Tiamat Academy?" Aengus frowned slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto her. His voice turned cold and dangerous as he replied, "That I am. But don''t even think about speaking a word of it to anyone. Otherwise, you''ll be dead before you know it." Olivia''s figure trembled as she nodded obediently, the threat etched deeply into her mind. She quickly made her way back toward her friends, her steps slightly unsteady. Aengus also walked out of the restaurant under the incredulous eyes of the patrons. They didn''t even blinked. That evening felt as though they had narrowly avoided a disaster. After slowly strolling around the streets, Aengus returned swiftly to his residence. Lying in bed, he couldn''t fall asleep no matter how much he tried. The weight of unresolved concerns lingered in his mind. The night passed uneventfully, filled with contemtion, as he awaited a new day and new opportunities. --- In the morning, as Aengus prepared to go to his assigned ss, a sudden knock came at the main door. Opening it, he found an elderly man standing with two strikingly beautiful women, one dressed as a maid and the other as a cook, both in impable uniforms. The old man stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Master, we are your servants assigned by the Academy. If you don''t mind, we would like to start working from today." Aengus frowned, clearly annoyed. He disliked having prying eyes around his personal space. "Can I reject?" he asked bluntly, his tone leaving no room for pretenses. The old Butler looked regretful. "Ah, I am afraid it''s not possible, master. But if you insist you can talk with our superiors. But if you reject us now we have suffer a bit," He added sorrowfully. But Aengus wasn''t buying none of it as he already seen how their real upations are. They are spies to keep en eye on theit favourite ''students''. Any othermon person would have jump in joy after receiving this treatment, and wouldn''t consider the their secrets being leaked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Okay, go in. But never set foot in my room without any permission, or else You''re dead." Aengus, annoyed, let them in for now. Seeing Aengus leaving, the butler quickly stepped beside him. "What now?" Aengus asked, mildly irritated. "Master, you must be new here. Allow me to guide you to your ss," the old butler offered, his voice calm and respectful. Aengus studied him for a moment before nodding. Finding no immediate problem with the offer, he decided to ept. "Alright," Aengus said nonchntly. "After you, Master," the old butler replied, respectfully falling in step beside him while maintaining a cautious distance, ensuring not to intrude upon Aengus''s space. Chapter 357 Attending First Class "Name?" A man at the reception desk asked as he stood before a Spatial Teleportation Circle. These long-distance teleportation devices were widely used throughout the Academy for transportation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Zytherion Mythraldor!" The old butler announced thunderously, his voice echoing as though he were addressing a royal court. "Keep your voice down, old man," the guards there muttered, visibly annoyed. The receptionist frowned but quickly checked his records. His eyes widened as he read the details. "Zytherion Mythraldor¡­ Oh, you''re the new Supreme Talent! Wee, wee, Sir!" His voice was suddenly mixed with awe and excitement, drawing the attention of nearby guards and staff. Colleagues leaned in, their curiosity piqued. "May we proceed?" Aengus asked calmly, cutting through the sudden chatter. Startled, the receptionist stammered, "Ah, yes Sir! You may proceed." Without further dy, Aengus stepped into the circle, the old butler following closely behind like a silent shadow. With the mechanisms activated, they disappeared from the spot instantly, leaving behind gossiping crowd. --- "Plop! Plop!" When they reappeared, they were greeted by the sight of a vast, majestic white building towering into the sky. Aengus nced around, observing many students entering the grand Academy Building of Laws. He didn''t attract much attention, blending seamlessly with his casual,bat-ready attire in ck and white. However, his strikingly handsome face and intimidating eyes earned a few curious nces from female students as they passed by. "Master, this is the Main Academy building where only the most privileged and talented students gather," the butler informed him cautiously. "If one doesn''t have a solid background, they shouldn''t pick fights here. Please be careful, Master." Aengus shrugged nonchntly, stepping forward with measured confidence. He left the butler standing there, gazing at his back with a mix of awe and doubt. "Will this one be able to survive?" the old butler muttered under his breath. "But the boy is mysterious. No information about his background has surfaced yet. Just where did hee from?" --- Aengus walked alone through the vast hallway, casually inquiring about the Faculty of Space. Whoever he asked gave him strange looks, likely unable to ept that someone like him was associated with the Supreme Law of Space. He didn''t care; their reactions were insignificant to him. Eventually, he passed through various faculties: Fundamentalws faculty, next elemental faculty Fire, Water, Earth, and then on to the Supreme Faculties¡ªTime, Gravity, and Space. Aengus'' gaze lingered briefly on the signs for the Time and Gravity faculties. A glimmer of desire flickered in his eyes, a subtle hint of ambition. But for now, his goal was the Faculty of Space. His ss was scheduled in the "Newbie Section" where only students with minorprehension of Space Law were gathered. Aengus lightly knocked on the door before entering the ssroom. Instantly, most of the students turned their eyes toward him, momentarily distracted from the professor''s ongoing lecture. The ssroom was a vast circr hall filled with male and female students, interspersed with other lifeforms alongside humans. The professor, a middle-aged man with a sharp aura, cast a nce at Aengus, offering a subtle nod of approval for him to take a seat. Under the curious gazes of hundreds of students, Aengus strode forward with steady, confident footsteps that carried an air of quiet dominance. A few unruly male students attempted to trip him up using various tricks¡ªstretching out their legs, creating small space distortions, or employing minor Space Law techniques. Aengus merely smirked, evading their petty tricks with ease and continuing his walk unbothered, his movements smooth and fluid, leaving them frustrated and embarrassed. Aengus took a seat in the back, all alone, his eyes turning to the professor. The professor, named Barut, was a man in histe 40s. "Impressive as your marks, Student Zytherion. Why don''t you introduce yourself?" the professormented calmly, without a hint of excitement. "Whoa! He is Zytherion? He''s the new Supreme Talent with Supreme Law. Competitions are going to get tough, guys." "Yeah, I heard he''s alreadypleted nearly 4% mastery of Space." "And he''s so handsome and manly," a girl whispered with a smitten expression. "Look at his eyes¡ªI want to be drawn into them." "Leave it, girl. He''s so proud and might not even like you with your meager 0.67% mastery. He''s more suitable for me," another girlmented, her fluttering eyes locked onto the handsome hunk. Some of the boys were jealous to the point of fuming. Aengus stood up with nonchnce and uttered halfheartedly, "My name is Zytherion Mythraldor. Like you all, my goal is to be a Great Master of Space like one day. Thank you." With that, Aengus sat down, clearly unwilling to engage in meaningless talk. He was here only until he found Be and Aria. So there was no need to get too familiar with others. "That''s all?" some females muttered in disappointment, clearly wanting to hear his voice more. Some male students thought Aengus was too arrogant. Their whispers of displeasure echoed through the hall. "Silence!" Professor Barut shouted, sending shivering spatial ripples through the room that chilled the students instantly. As a man with over Major 31% mastery in Space Law, his power wasn''t something to be underestimated. "Student Zytherion, I think I wouldn''t have to remind you to keep your determination set on your target. Without iron will and determination, even the strongest potential would eventually rust. Be mindful of that," Professor Barut warned, turning to Aengus. Turning his attention back to the lesson, Professor Barut continued, "We are discussing Spatial Teleportation and how it works. It''s like manipting the very spatial fabric of reality. For beginners, this can be challenging..." Professor Barut spoke in depth, but Aengus only nodded asionally to maintain the pretense of an attentive honor student. To Aengus, the lesson was like child''s y. They were literally teaching the basics of the basics. He observed the top talents in the ss. Among them were two other Supreme Talents who often gave him curious¡ªor rather, challenging¡ªnces. Theirprehension levels were between 3% and 4%. Aengus ignored their provocative stares, giving a faint smirk. Inside, however, he was quickly losing patience. He didn''t want to y this childish game of challenge and rivalry at all. Bored, he leaned on the desk and drifted off to light sleep. Chapter 358 Demonstration Of Talent As Professor Barut performed several primary Space Techniques for beginners, his eyes were drawn once again to the new student at the back. He had been observing for a while now, giving Aengus enough chances to reflect on his behavior. However, the student''s continuousziness showed no signs of disappearing. As a new student who had just spoken of bing a great master of Space, this behavior deeply disappointed Professor Barut. "Mr. Zytherion... Stand up," Professor Barut finally called, intending to teach the new student a lesson. "Handsome Zyth, wake up!" one of the girls whispered loudly, her tone surprisingly concerned. All eyes turned to Aengus. Some female students were genuinely worried, while others smirked, enjoying what they assumed would be his embarrassment. "Must be dreaming of bing a ''World Dominator'' in his sleep," one boy mocked, his disdain evident. Aengus stirred,zily lifting his head. His piercing eyes scanned the room, and the mockingughter immediately died down. Without showing the slightest hint of nervousness, he rose to his feet. "Yes, Professor?" he asked, his tone calm andposed, as though entirely unaffected by the situation. "Mr. Zytherion, you just spoke about your aspirations of bing a great master of Space. Are you going to achieve that with this type of diligence? Why are you sleeping in ss? Are my lessons boring to you?" the professor questioned, suppressing his anger as much as he could. Aengus tilted his head and replied calmly, "No, professor. You''re doing great. It''s just that I have alreadypleted the primary techniques, so I was a little bored." "You havepleted all of them? Don''t joke. Do you think you''re the second Michael?" one student said arrogantly, ncing at the top Supreme beginner talent with respect and servitude. But Michael had no reaction. "Hey, why can''t he? Let the professor handle it. Don''t talk bad about our handsome Zyth," the fierce girl retorted like a devoted fangirl, her lively eyes squinting. Still, she was beautiful and graceful nheless. The boy was utterly struck speechless.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Elita, you would speak for a boy you just barely met? We''ve been ssmates for a few weeks now," the boy said, clearly irritated. "So what?" Elita replied with annoyance. Michael, the top student of the ss, said nothing. He quietly observed the scene unfolding before him, his expression cold and detached, as if these trivial exchanges were beneath his consideration. "Enough!" Professor Barut''s gaze sharpened as he observed the bold deration from Aengus. Suppressing his irritation, he asked sternly, "You im to havepleted all the Primary Techniques? Very well, Mr. Zytherion, demonstrate one of them for the ss." Aengus shrugged nonchntly, his expression calm. "As you wish, Professor." Whispers broke out among the students. "He''s bluffing. There''s no way he''s mastered them already," scoffed the same arrogant boy who spoke earlier. The fierce girl, Elita red at him with venom. "Just wait and watch, Albert. Our handsome Zyth would surprise you. I am sure of that." Aengus nced at Elita for a moment before walked to the center of the ss with measured steps. Elita blushed light, watching him go with admiration. The air around him grew tense as he raised his hand. With a subtle flick, space warped visibly, creating a small but intricate teleportation array that shimmered with precision. The room fell silent. "That''s...!" someone murmured in shock. "Hepleted the Spatial Thread Technique wlessly!" Even Professor Barut''sposed demeanor faltered. He examined the technique critically before nodding in reluctant approval. "Impressive," he admitted. "Your execution of the technique is indeed wless. But this doesn''t prove you know all the primary techniques. Why don''t you show me some more techniques to convince the whole ss?" Professor Barut demanded, taking great interest in the new student. "Sure..." Aengus, without any excitement, began demonstrating some basic Space Law implementations known as techniques: Space Walking, Short Distance Teleportation, Spatial Sense, Space des, etc. To Aengus, these were just trifling matters, but he didn''t show more, not wanting to appear as an exhibitionist. Professor Barut was more amazed than impressed. He could see how wlessly Aengus was executing each technique, as if it were as easy as pie. It might even surpass him in terms of wlessness. Not everyone''s physique had such talent for perfect execution and adaptability with Space, after all. It seemed the new student''s Supreme Talent title wasn''t just for show; it was genuine. The students exchanged wide-eyed nces, including Michael and another Supreme Talent, Rayan. Their brows scrunched up, realizing a worthy rival had finally appeared to challenge them. They could perform those techniques too, but they doubted they could match Zytherion''s level of precision and ease. "Can I go now, professor?" "Ah, sure, go ahead. But don''t lose yourself in overconfidence, Student Zytherion," Professor Barut advised kindly. But this time softer approach in his voice. Aengus gave a curt nod before heading back to his seat. "Hey, handsome Zyth. I''m Elita. Nice to meet you. You were amazing out there," Elita said with a smile from the sidelines, just as he took his seat. Elita was seated four rows ahead to the right, just within his peripheral view. "Zyth?" Aengus frowned at first, but as he nced at her information and stats, a faint smile crossed his face. Elita''s heart fluttered with happiness upon seeing his smile and getting his attention. But as the ss went on, Aengus didn''t give her a second nce, which made her frustrated each time she turned back to see him. Very soon, the time for the lunch break arrived. Professor Barut walked out of the ss, looking exhausted, while the students were cheerful, heading off to eat or chat. Aengus also left the ssroom alone, but a few eyes lingered on him, as if hesitating to approach. Michael and Rayan walked at the very front, earning exmations from the girls and boys, as they were well-known neers in the Academy. And Aengus¡ªhis alias was slowly bing known to all. In the long hallway, students from other sses also cast him curious nces. Chapter 359 Challenge? "He is the new Supreme Talent of Space Faculty? He certainly looks intimidating." "Yeah, look at his eyes; they''re practically telling us to maintain distance. Scary!" "Tch, he couldn''t be more amazing than Michael and Rayan, right? They''re the top talents of this year''s new recruits of the space faculty, after all." Michael and Rayan, hearing the exchange, only scoffed as they continued ahead without bothering to take a look back. "Elita, darling, where are you going?" a feminine male voice called out. Elita, without a care, walked boldly toward Aengus. "Hey, Handsome Zyth, wait!" "It''s not Zyth, It''s Zytherion " Aengus paused, raising his brows. "Whatever... Let''s go for lunch together. You probably don''t have any acquaintances here, right?" "No." "Haha, follow me then," she said cheerfully. Aengus followed her, hiding a faint smirk. The observers, both male and female, couldn''t hide the jealousy in their eyes. Elita and Aengus were both born privileged with Supreme Laws and were equally attractive. Aengus was tall and strikingly handsome, while Elita exuded a cheerful angelic aura, standing just a tad shorter than him. They looked like a perfect couple¡ªat least in terms of appearance. In therge lunch hall, already packed with students, Elita and Aengus made their way to the reserved seating area for the Supreme Faculty, a privilege only a select few could afford. Though Elita was not as talented as Aengus, her connection to Supreme Laws made her special, just like the rest of their ssmates. Fortunately, the Supreme Faculty seating area wasn''t crowded. Not even Michael and Rayan were present. Sensing Aengus'' curiosity, Elita exined as she seated herself gracefully, "Not everyonees here to eat. Many prefer to spar or y sports during the break. Don''t worry, Zyth, I''ll show you around once we''re done eating," she said, her eyes lingering on his chiseled face, clearly charmed. "Oh, what''s your name again?" Elita''s cheerful expression instantly fell. "It''s... Elita Ashborne," she said through clenched teeth, her frustration evident. Aengus remained unfazed by her displeasure, his face as calm as ever.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Can you tell me if the rumors of a Neb Dominator residing here are true?" Elita blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "Huh? Why are you suddenly asking about that?" "Just casually..." he replied, his tone indifferent. Elita hesitated but eventually leaned closer and whispered in a low tone, "Yes, but not just one¡ªthere are multiple. I don''t know the exact numbers. Don''t tell anyone about it, though. Otherwise, you could get into serious trouble." Her warning was firm and serious, but Aengus only nodded slightly, his thoughts already elsewhere. He was trying to piece together the mystery of the person who had allowed him to infiltrate the Trial and enter the Academy. That individual might hold the answers he sought about Be and Aria. In the Primal Realm, the power hierarchy of Seekers was vast and intricate. The basic structure included: ? Beginner ? Adept ? Mountain ? City ? Country ? Continent ? Sky ? World ? Star ? Neb ? ck Hole These Dominator ranks were determined not just by Lawprehension but also by secondary factors like innate abilities, unique physiques, rare lifeforms, and ancient bloodlines. Law Stones served as the universal currency, used for improving Lawprehension and, on rare asions, enhancing physical traits. Yet, in front of Aengus'' raw strength and unparalleled skills, most of these so-called World Dominators might as well be paper tigers. Elita and the other new students were just in the Adept phase. Among them, Aengus was like a lion wearing sheep''s clothing. After eating a few bites, their lunch was over, and they headed to the Sparring Area, a square-shaped open space where a few hundred stadiums could easily fit in. The Sparring Area was the most used area by millions of students, so it was not that big when considering the bigger picture. Aengus walked steadily, controlling his physical strength with near perfection. Otherwise, even a single stomp could turn the Sparring Ground into debris. Elita followed him like glue, and Aengus could do nothing about it for now as he had bigger reasons for keeping herpany. Her background was significant, and it coulde in handy for finding Be and Aria. He couldn''t interrogate her outright about the his women either. If she was new here, she likely didn''t know much about Be and Aria either. However, he needed her connections to find their location if they were being held captive somewhere unknown. It was just a suspicion of his, nothing set in stone yet. Who knows Be and Aria might be somewhere else, living freely. "Hey, wanna spar, new... rising... star?" Suddenly, a young man blocked their path. His smirk and mocking expression were anything but friendly. Aengus raised his brows, clearly displeased. The extra attention was beginning to get on his nerves. But if he backed out now, people would see it as weakness and start to irritate him even more. "Hugo, he is a beginner. How can you expect him to fight an Adept like you?" Elita retorted sharply, stepping forward. Hugo''s smirk widened. "Oh,e on, Elita. Achieving 96% marks shouldn''t make him a newbie in battle. Or... was there some corruption involved? Shouldn''t we find out?" "Hmph! What corruption? You all saw how well Zytherion performed in ss. So stop ndering him," Elita shot back, her tone fierce. "Heh, heh, are you going to defend him in his ce, Elita? Is he even a man now?" Hugo taunted, holding a real sword menacingly toward Aengus'' face. Aengus'' eyes narrowed. "Sure, let''s do it. But don''t cryter," Aengus said, his voice resonating deeply, carrying a devilish undertone. Hugo flinched slightly, but a confident grin quickly spread across his face. "Follow me..." Elita stood helplessly, watching them walk off. But seeing the unwavering confidence in Aengus'' expression, she couldn''t help but hope to witness a scene worth remembering. As they approached arge, reserved sparring circle, they instantly caught the attention of the crowd seated above in the square-shaped seating arrangement. To make matters more dramatic, arge mirror above the arena reflected their entrance, ensuring everyone could see them clearly. Aengus, observing the setup, quickly deduced the situation. Someone was trying to humiliate him in public. Hugo was just a pawn, a tool in the hands of whoever was pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Chapter 360 A Blood-Soaked Path Aengus and Hugo stood face to face, their tall figuresmanding the attention of the growing crowd. "Inspector, is killing allowed?" Aengus asked, his deep, calm voice startling the audience. The Inspector, an experienced overseer, raised his brows at the unusual question. His eyes flicked toward Hugo, who was holding a weapon, while Aengus remained unarmed. "No, new student. No killing is allowed," the Inspector replied firmly. Then, turning to Hugo, he added, "And you should know better, Hugo. Throw that weapon. The Academy regtions strictly prohibit the use of weapons unless the other party consents." "Fine..." Hugo muttered, tossing the sword to the side with annoyance. Despite this, he remained confident, believing that Aengus, at best, was only at the Beginner or Adept phase. Hugo mirrored Aengus'' unarmed stance, assuming a casual posture as if to mock his opponent. The Inspector raised his hand. "Fight!" The crowd roared in anticipation. Eyes were glued to the sparring Circle, curious to see how the Supreme Talent would fare against Hugo, who was notorious for his aggressive style. "Bang!" To everyone''s astonishment, Hugo was nowhere to be seen. In his ce stood Aengus, his fist thrust forward, smoke lingering in the air. "What? What just happened?" "Where is Hugo?" "F***, look! Hugo is on the wall! He''s already defeated¡ªso easily!" All eyes turned to Hugo, crumpled against the far wall of the sparring arena, unconscious and utterly defeated. Gasps filled the air as disbelief washed over the crowd. "Hu¡­" The spectators were speechless, their eyes wide in shock. Even Michael and Rayan, who had been observing smugly, stiffened. They had the ability to defeat Hugo as well, but to do so with such ease and precision? That was another level altogether. The humiliating defeat felt like a p to their faces, especially since they were the ones who had instigated Hugo to challenge Aengus in the first ce. Aengus walked out of the circle with calm, measured steps, his face showing no excitement or pride. His demeanor spoke louder than words¡ªthis was nothing more than a trivial matter to him. The Inspectors and students were momentarily stunned, their minds reying the short, almost surreal sparring match. Elita''s eyes were glowing with fervent admiration, her heart racing. She couldn''t help but feel even more drawn to Zytherion. She was simply too amazed. "Should we leave for ss?" Aengus asked her nonchntly. Elita''s heart skipped a beat as she noticed their close proximity. Suppressing her emotions, she smiled sweetly and replied, "Sure, let''s go, Zyth." The rest of the day, Aengus spent considerable attention on her, though his purpose was far from romantic interest. His goal was clear¡ªto gather information about his wives'' whereabouts. Once that was aplished, he nned to leave this ce and head toward the Degaro Family without hesitation. That night, Aengus went to see Olivia again, hoping she had uncovered something. However, with her limited influence, all she could tell him was that Be and Aria had been sent somewhere else¡ªthey weren''t in this world, at least. Disappointed, Aengus returned to his residence, the familiar pang of loneliness creeping in. His thoughts turned to Elita''s secret background. As the granddaughter of a great professor at the Academy, she might hold a crucial lead, or at least her grandfather might. The time he spent with Elita earlier wasn''t for idle conversation or building trust¡ªit was to study her closely. He observed her speech patterns, mannerisms, and personality, preparing to mimic her perfectly when the time came to take her form. Aengus had no intention of waiting idly. He had a n, and nothing would stop him from finding his wives. Explore stories on empire "Enter!" Aengus suddenly shouted, watching the figure outside the door. The old butler entered, hiding his shock. "What is it?" Aengus asked coldly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The butler came closer and nervously handed him a small metal box. "Master, the Academy has gifted you these Space Law stones to continue with yourprehension. They have high hopes for you, Master." Aengus took it as he muttered, "Is that so?" Aengus opened it, finding ten Space Stones, light grey in color. They were small and low-grade, unlike the ones he had used previously. They were really inefficient for his needs. Aengus suddenly grew curious about their origin. He had no idea about their source, even though he hailed from the Degaro Family. Why was the matter so secretive? Just as the butler was leaving, Aengus stopped him. "Yes, Master. Is there anything else you need?" "Do you perhaps know where these Law Stones are produced from?" Aengus asked. The butler hesitated but replied, "Master, maybe you shouldn''t know this yet. This involves war and conquest. People literally kill one another to obtain these stones. They are invaluable." "Can you tell me or not? I am not a kid," Aengus said with impatience. The butler hesitated, his aged eyes darting to the floor as if weighing the consequences of his words. He finally sighed, resigning himself to his young man''s Curiosity. "Very well, Master Zytherion. The Law Stones, as you may know, are crystallized fragments of Law energy. They are not something that can be mined like ordinary ore. These stones are formed in dead stars. They are usually very rare to encounter. That''s why intensepetition arises over exploring unconquered territories, where dead stars are most often found. If you want to be a great Seeker, a bloody path awaits you, Master. But don''t worry too much; you have time to grow stronger. I believe, in the future, you can be a great Seeker and stand with the Academy when the timees." "I see... A blood-soaked path... Very well, you can leave," Aengus muttered after some contemtion. He knew the Academy was already trying to rope him in, and he had no interest in that. The butler left, not knowing what was going on the young man''s mind. "I need Law Stones, but before that, I need to gather the Supreme Law Cores of Time and Gravity," Aengus thought to himself, his eyes glowing with cruel intent. And a clone of his was alreadypleting that task. Chapter 361 Professor Escanor Early in the morning, Tiamat Academy was in an uproar. Students were terrified, and professors roamed the campus with worried expressions, tension rising in the air. The previous night, a mysterious force had secretly stolen the Law Cores of two students from the Time and Gravity faculties, turning it into the hottest topic of discussion. Continue your journey on empire "I can''t believe someone managed to steal Law Cores without killing the targets!" one student whispered in disbelief. "Yeah, it''s bizarre. Normally, losing a Law Core means death... but they survived," another replied, shaking their head. "True, but what''s the point of survival now? They''re are now basically useless. I heard those two are the offspring of some world-level powerhouses. Imagine how furious their families must be right now." "Absolutely! Time and Gravity are even rarer than Space Cores, after all. Losing them is a catastrophic blow for any faction," someone else chimed in. "Do you think the Evil Seekers are behind this?" one student whispered nervously. "Who knows? Maybe it''s the Darkness Seekers, like the Degaro family. They''re infamous for their devilish use of Law Cores," another replied, his tone hushed but filled with suspicion. "The Degaro family? But they aren''t the only ones with Darkness Law, right? You''re just specting. Besides, I''ve never heard of anyone being able to steal Law Cores¡ªit''s unthinkable!" "True," the other agreed, frowning. "The most shocking thing is that even the Star Dominators¡ªthose higher powerhouses¡ªcouldn''t track down the culprit. It all happened right under their noses." "Maybe a hidden faction is pulling the strings again," someone muttered darkly. The conversation fell silent for a moment, the weight of the implications pressing on everyone. If such an act was possible, it could shake the bnce of power in ways no one had anticipated. --- The culprit, Aengus, carried on as usual, attending ss and keeping up appearances. He spent his time engaging with Elita, who seemed visibly shaken by the previous night''s incident. Elita lived alone in her residence, and the fear of a potential intruder haunted her. Aengus offered herforting words, all the while plotting his next move: infiltrating her father''s quarters. Little did anyone know, Elita''s father was not any ordinary man. He was a great Professor of Time Law and a World Dominator powerhouse with big influence in the Academy. This fact made Aengus tread carefully, as any misstep could mean disaster. After the ss, Aengus casually approached Elita as they walked together. "Elita, can you help me with something?" he asked, his tone light and friendly. "I need to visit the market urgently, but I''m unfamiliar with the ce. Would you mind being my guide?" "Ah...me... Sure, Zyth," she replied with a warm smile, using the false name he''d introduced himself with. "I don''t mind at all. I''m free tonight." "Great, let''s move then." Aengus shed her a smile. As the two headed toward the distant market, Aengus'' real n was already in motion. Meanwhile, one of Aengus'' clones, disguised as Elita, made its way toward her father''s living quarters. The clone mimicked her mannerisms and behavior with near-perfect precision, ensuring that no one could distinguish the imposter from the real Elita. This task required wless execution, and Aengus was confident in his ability to pull it off. --- After some time, Aengus¡ªdisguised as Elita¡ªarrived at his destination, having passed through severalyers of security checks undetected. Standing before the grand door, he/she lightly knocked. Momentster, the door opened, revealing a man who appeared to be in his early forties. However, his true age far exceeded a century. In the world of Seekers, advancing through significant stages ofprehension granted extended lifespans, as their physiques were purified and strengthened with each breakthrough. "Elita, you''re here!" The man, wearing a pair of spectacles, looked genuinely surprised to see his daughter at his private quarters. It was an unusual urrence. Despite hisposed demeanor, he exuded an air of authority and immense strength. Though his raw power might not surpass Aengus, his mastery of Time Law was on another level, making him a potentially formidable adversary. Aengus maintained the perfect facade, his expression worried and hesitant like her''s, fully aware that even a minor misstep could jeopardize his carefullyid n. "Yes, um¡­ I was scared to stay alone at my ce, so¡­" Aengus replied, feigning fear and hesitation in Elita''s voice. He didn''t look in the eye, like she had resentment in her heart. "Oh, take a seat, sweetheart. Take a seat," Professor Escanor said gently, though there was a subtle undertone of suspicion in his gaze as he observed her every action. He guided her to a chair, his concern evident despite his analytical demeanor. Professor Escanor''s skepticism wasn''t baseless¡ªhis rtionship with his daughter had been strained ever since her mother''s death, a tragedy for which she med him. This rift had caused them to live separately, avoiding close contact. Still, he couldn''t entirely dismiss the possibility that she might genuinely be frightened by the mysterious events of the previous night. Sitting beside her, he asked cautiously, "Are you scared ofst night''s incident?" Elita¡ªor rather, Aengus¡ªnodded, avoiding direct eye contact. Aengus, fully aware of the estranged rtionship between father and daughter, knew the nuances he had to emte. "Yes," he answered softly. Professor Escanor, his suspicions slightly lifted, responded, "Yes, I can feel it, sweetheart. But don''t worry, we will catch him soon," he said confidently. "Did you catch him?" Aengus asked in a curious tone. "No, sweetheart. We are still conducting the investigation. Me and a few Time Law Seekers rewound time at the ce to see what happened in a projection. But you know what? That person took the disguise of an innocent student to fool us all. He even showed us the middle finger, as if he knew each and every move. He is truly cunning," Escanor said, gritting his teeth. "Oh, he''s that powerful?" Escanor sneered. "Heh, don''t worry, sweetheart. He won''t remain unscathed for long. We n to call in a Diviner who practices the Law of Fate," Escanor added, putting down his sses.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Law of Fate? Does such aw really exist? I''ve never heard of it..." Aengus muttered doubtfully, both inwardly and outwardly. Chapter 362 Furious Dean "Yes, that does exist. But only a handful of people possess it," Professor Escanor answered. "In the whole Primal Realm?" Aengus asked. "Yes, indeed. The Laws of Fate and Destiny fall under the Supreme Category as well, but they are rarely mentioned because of their extreme rarity, much like the Ultimate Laws of Life and Death." "I see..." "Let''s have a drink, sweetheart. You need it to relieve your stress," Professor Escanor said, noticing his daughter''s apparent distress. Aengus sat silently, deep in contemtion about his next moves. He knew he would have to leave soon. If they somehow discovered his true identity, it could create significantplications. He was confident in defeating a World Dominator with ease. However, when it came to Star Dominators, he wasn''t entirely sure of their strength yet. And as for Neb Powerhouses, they were simply out of the question for now. But before leaving, he had to uncover the whereabouts of his wives. After a while, Professor Escanor returned, carrying a bottle of refreshing wine. Aengus took a sip and felt a soothing sensation course through his body, as though all his nerves were calming down. The drink was indeed effective in easing his tension. With his mind refreshed, Aengus finally broached the topic he had been holding back. "Um, Dad, do you think this could somehow be rted to that Awakening Trial, from where those two native women came back to this realm?" he asked hesitantly. Hearing her call him "Dad," Professor Escanor''s face lit up with joy. "Oh? Why do you specte that so suddenly, sweetheart?" he asked casually, setting his wine ss down. "That... I heard some of my ssmates talking about it. They mentioned that those two women might be using their devilish skills for that impossible task of stealing Law Cores from someone." Professor Escanor''s brows furrowed as he considered the possibility. "Hmm, you might be onto something. One of those women did escape from Exalted Hexagon a few months ago, which should have been impossible. If she possesses such skills, it could very well be her doing. You''ve provided me with a valuable lead, sweetheart. I''ll investigate this angle further," Professor Escanor said with a smile, clearly pleased by what he perceived as his daughter''s keen observation. "Exalted Hexagon? Isn''t he the same old man who sent me to that trial right under everyone''s nose?" Aengus thought inwardly, his mind working hard. "If this information is true, Be or Aria might have escaped while the other one was kept by the old man. But what could his motive be?" Though worried, Aengus felt some relief knowing that at least one of them might still be alive. From his brief interaction with the old man, he didn''t seem inherently malicious. Now that he had gathered the crucial pieces of information he needed, Aengus realized his next step was clear: finding the elusive Exalted Hexagon. However, if the old man truly was a Neb Dominator, this would not be a simple task. "Dad, do you know where Exalted Hexagon stays now?" Aengus asked, taking another sip of wine. Professor Escanor''s eyes narrowed sharply, glowing with the radiance of a golden clock that materialized in his vision. Without warning, time froze within a 20-meter radius. Everything was still, except for Aengus'' thoughts, shielded by the Law Core of Time residing in his body. "Who are you, really?" Professor Escanor demanded, stepping closer, his gaze piercing. "My daughter never uses her right hand to drink. Her mother''s strange beliefs ensured that habit." A smirk almost crossed Aengus'' mind as he analyzed the situation. He couldn''t speak or move, but he could think clearly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "You can''t talk, can you? No matter. You''ll pay the price for toying with my emotions," Professor Escanor hissed. Gripping a dagger forged from rare temporal steel, he drove it into Aengus'' chest, expecting it to pierce through. ng! The de shattered on impact, a deafening sound echoing through the frozen air. Professor Escanor staggered back, his face etched with astonishment. His hands trembled from the rebound force. A World Dominator, wielding an exceptional weapon, had failed to harm the figure before him. "What... What are you?" he muttered, disbelief consuming him. Before Escanor could gather his thoughts, the air particles crumbled. Aengus activated Monarch of the Void, a power that rendered time bindings irrelevant. Time itself was but an element within the Void, making it powerless before its primordial presence. A void aura erupted around Aengus, devouring the frozen space and unraveling the time constructs Escanor had so masterfully woven. Professor Escanor instinctively stepped back, fear flooding his senses. The very fabric of space and time began to distort and crumble as Aengus'' ethereal, elusive, nothingness form expanded. "What¡­ What is this creature?" Escanor stammered, struck speechless by the corruption of reality unfolding before his eyes. "Rewind! Rewind! Rewind!" Professor Escanor desperately tried to manipte time, but his efforts were in vain. Everything around him rewound¡ªexcept Aengus, who remained untouched, standing as if mocking time itself. "May we not meet again, Professor. Goodbye," Aengus said coldly, his voice reverberating with a finality that sent chills down Escanor''s spine. With that, Aengus disappeared into the nothingness of the Void, leaving no trace behind. Whoosh! Suddenly, a zing figure burst into the room, entering through the open window. The fiery-haired old man, engulfed in mes, exuded a terrifyingly powerful aura. Your next read is at empire "What happened, Escanor?" the man demanded, his voice booming with authority. "Dean... that creature... He''s the culprit," Professor Escanor stuttered, still reeling from the encounter. The Dean''s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "Let me catch him first. Then we''ll talk." Without waiting for a response, the Dean unleashed his power, bing a fiery blur as he scoured the world with the speed and precision of the Law of Fire. Like a zing sun, the Dean''s figure spun around the World of Tiamat, intent on finding even the faintest trace of the creature that dared infiltrate their sanctum. The skies above the academy turned crimson, aze with the fiery essence of his wrath. Students and teachers looked on in awe and terror, rmed by the Dean''s fury and the scale of his search. "The Dean is furious... What could have happened?" whispered a teacher. "Who could have provoked such wrath?" another murmured. Despite the Dean''s immense power and mastery, he was chasing a phantom. Aengus was no ordinary being¡ªhe was the Monarch of Void, an entity beyond the grasp of ordinaryws. The Dean''s relentless pursuit burned through the skies, yet Aengus had vanished into the void, leaving behind nothing but whispers of his presence. Catching him was nearly impossible. Chapter 363 Next Destination Aengus smirked slightly as he nced at the fiery figure of the Dean zing across the skies, the sheer intensity of his presence shaking the academy grounds. He knew well enough not to engage with someone of that level unnecessarily. The Dean was undoubtedly a Star Dominator, a rank Below Neb Dominator. "Let''s go back, Zyth. The Dean looks furious," Elita said worriedly as she clutched his sleeve tightly. "Sure, let''s go," Aengus replied calmly, masking his thoughts behind aposed demeanor. The two walked back toward their residence, the tension in the air still lingering from the Dean''s rage. Within an hour, they were safely inside, but Aengus''s mind was far from at ease. He knew the Dean''s search wouldn''t end with him, and higher powerhouses might get involved soon. It was only a matter of time before someone capable of perceiving Void traces was brought in. Staying in Tiamat Academy any longer was a risk he couldn''t afford. His decision was made; he needed to leave. But not without knowing Exalted Hexagon''s location. Aengus went to the alleyway after summoning all his "subordinates" with a singlemand. He waited patiently, and soon, the sound of footsteps echoed through the quiet night. Olivia, Elena, and eight others who were nearby arrived and stood before him obediently. They were hesitant, their eyes full of fear and apprehension, but none dared defy his will. "You havee... Very good," Aengus said in his original form, exuding an aura of power and authority. "Your Excellency, do you need something from us?" Elena asked, standing beside Olivia, her voice trembling slightly. The others shared the same curiosity, though none spoke. "Nothing much. I just wanted to know if you have any news about Exalted Hexagon¡ªthe Great Seeker of Space," Aengus inquired, his gaze sweeping across the group. The ten individuals exchanged nces before a young man dressed in expensive garments stepped forward hesitantly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Your Excellency, I believe he is in ck Horse Constetion," the young man said cautiously. Aengus raised an eyebrow. The location was suspiciously close to the Degaro family territory in the Xenia Domain (Gxy) "And where did you hear this from?" Aengus asked, wanting to confirm the source. "My father mentioned it once, Your Excellency. He is a prominent businessman in the Xenia Domain," the young man replied truthfully, keeping his eyes low on the ground. Aengus scrutinized the young man''s words, using his Sovereign Eyes to verify their truth. Satisfied, he nodded. "Master, danger! Leave quickly!" Suddenly, Manas warned him with an urgent red alert, her premonition ability kicking in. "Plop!" Aengus reacted instantly. The moment Manas sounded her warning, he vanished into the Void, leaving behind only a faint ripple in the air. "Scatter!" hemanded telepathically to his subordinates before his form dissolved entirely. The group barely had time to process his words before a blinding explosion of energy tore through the alleyway. mes and shadows danced wildly as a few figures descended, their presence suffocating. The Dean of Tiamat Academy stood firm, his expression calm but his presencemanding. Beside him stood a bald man with serene features¡ªthe Exalted Diviner¡ªand an old man with sharp, piercing eyes radiating an overwhelming aura. "We missed that evil creature again," the Dean muttered. Turning to the bald man, he asked, "Exalted Diviner, can you trace him back?" The bald man seemed unconcerned, almost as if it were a trivial matter. "No one escapes Fate, Respectable Dean. Give me a moment," the Diviner replied with confidence, sitting cross-legged on the ground, his eyes closing as he began to concentrate. Meanwhile, the old man strode toward the group of frightened students¡ªOlivia, Elena, and the others¡ªhis steps echoing with power. "Speak!" he thundered, his voice like the roar of a copsing star. "What did he say to you? What is your connection to that vile creature?" The air itself trembled under the vast weight of his aura, his presence pressing down on the group like a tidal wave. The very world of Tiamat seemed to shudder in fear, as though acknowledging the might of someone who could destroy stars as easily as plucking flowers. Olivia and the others gasped for air, their faces pale and their eyes bloodshot under the suffocating pressure. Yet, none of them could utter a word. To speak the truth would mean certain death. The old man''s gaze narrowed. His fury swelled as no one answered, and with a mere flicker of his aura, one of the boys copsed lifelessly, his body unable to withstand the pressure. Frowning, the old man''s eyes began to glow faintly, scanning the trembling students¡ªnot just their bodies but their very essence and souls. His expression softened ever so slightly as he muttered, "Oh, poor souls... you''re all soul-bound. I should have known." He sighed, a faint trace of regret flickering in his sharp eyes. Yet, the dead boy lying before him elicited no sympathy. Retracting his oppressive aura, the old man went near the remaining students, his tone shifting to a disturbingly gentle one. "Do not fear," he said softly to another boy. "I will free you from this curse." His words, though kind, carried an ominous finality. The old man focused his gaze on the boy''s soul, his hands glowing with energy as he attempted to pry away the soul-binding curse. However, the process failed catastrophically. "Thud!" The boy''s lifeless body slumped to the ground at the old man''s feet, his eyes wide open in disbelief. He had died not at the hands of the enemy but by the actions of his own people. "What a fascinating Soul Binding Technique," the old man muttered with a mix of irritation and intrigue, as though dissecting a new puzzle. Olivia, Elena, and the others stared at him with sheer terror, their faces pale, their bodies trembling. The Dean, sensing the growing fear and chaos, stepped forward quickly. Stay connected with empire "Senior, perhaps it would be best to stop," he suggested, his voice steady but firm. "We should call someone specializing in the Law of Curses or Hexes. Only they might have the expertise to remove such an intricate soul binding." The old man nodded reluctantly. "Yes, that would be for the best. I''m not particrly skilled in dealing with souls. Also, summon Escanor and see if he can revive these poor souls. Perhaps they can still be of use." His tone was detached, almost indifferent, as though death meant little to him. Suddenly, a wet, choking sound shattered the moment. "Pfft... Blurgh!" All eyes turned to the Diviner, who was now bleeding profusely from his seven orifices. He swayed, coughing violently, his face pale as ash. The Dean rushed to his side, his concern evident. "Exalted Diviner, what''s happening?" The bald man wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes wide with fear. "Cough! I... I have failed miserably, Dean. That man''s fate is beyond myprehension. It''s as if his existence itself defies the very threads of destiny. I dare not probe further. Please, find someone else!" Without waiting for a response, the Diviner stumbled away, leaving hastily, as though merely remaining in the presence of the entity they sought would bring him harm. The Dean and the old man exchanged troubled nces. "Even the Diviner failed to see through him," the Dean muttered. "What sort of anomaly have we encountered today?" The old man''s expression turned grim. "This isn''t just an anomaly. This is a threat. If this creature can defy even thews of Fate, we might be dealing with something far beyond our expectations." Turning to the Dean, he said in a grave tone, "Belrox, it''s time to gather everyone. The council needs to convene immediately. This case must be addressed with utmost seriousness." "Yes, Senior," the Dean replied, his voice equally heavy. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!