The BeastHeaven Continent was once the sacred ho of EternalSavage Heaven, the dominion of Gilgash. Now, however, it had beco the very heart of the Imperium of Ti. At its center rose a colossal Dark Tree, so vast it covered nearly a third of the continent. This was no ordinary entity-it was the monstrous fusion of every Dark Tree across the Everstrife Empyrean World. Its roots dug into the bones of the land, its canopy stretched across the firmant, and its essence pulsed with a vitality.
It was this abominable creation that Azazel had used to heal his ArchDeities after the cataclysmic clash above the ocean. Within its trunk lay endless chambers of living wood, pulsating veins, and pools of shadow. And it was within one of those chambers that the True Depravita now convened with Legion and the nine Archdeities of the Imperium of Ti.
The atmosphere was suffocating. Faces were grim, shoulders tight, as all eyes focused on the psychic image hovering in the middle of the chamber. The projection showed the Scarlet Kingdom's forces undergoing wave after wave of Tribulation Enhancent,
strengthening themselves until, finally, the Scarlet King himself rose into the air. Behind him marched the ArchDeities of his kingdom, Prima Deities, and even Divine Cultivators, forming a living tide of power that surged toward Beast Heaven.
"He is going to fight!" Legion roared, hatred dripping from every syllable.
The eldrich god's fury was unmatched, but beneath it lingered another truth-pain. Unlike the others, Legion had not fully recovered. He was far stronger than his peers, which ant healing him had been exponentially harder. Though his soul and life force had stabilized, the spear of Nihility and Entropy that had pierced his chest had left a wound that defied ti. His cultivation had collapsed to the Peak Archdeity Rank, and no one could say whether he would ever
return to his Alpha-Oga Overgod status. The loss gnawed at him, a humiliation that only deepened his hatred.
His burning gaze swung to the corner of the chamber where several captives stood restrained. His eyes locked onto one figure-a youth with white hair and sharp features, a hybrid of Godslayer Humankind and Atrox Immortus blood.
"Your father does not seem to care about your life, brat," Legion spat, voice laced with venom. "Do you not regret having such a poor excuse for a parent?"
Rylanor's eyes blazed like shooting stars, unflinching even under the pressure of ArchDeities. His heart was calm, his spine unbent. He t Legion's gaze without fear.
"I am Rylanor, son of the Scarlet King," he declared, voice steady as tempered steel. "If this is my end, then I accept it with honor." His gaze swept across the chamber, eting the eyes of every Archdeity present. "The only regret I carry to my grave is that I will not live to see my father tear each and every one of you apart, binding your souls into his throne so you may suffer for all eternity."
The words struck like daggers. The ArchDeities flinched, fists clenching, jaws tight. Though they held the advantage, though victory seed within their grasp, the mory of the ocean battle haunted them still. The image of the Scarlet King rising from the depths, bathed in world energy, his power undimd despite overwhelming odds-it was seared into their souls. That dread had kept them from advancing into Scarlet Kingdom territory. None dared to fight him where he could call upon the origin power of the world and unleash Resurrecion. To do so would be to invite annihilation.
"You little wretch!" Legion's roar shook the chamber. His hatred eclipsed his fear, claws rising as he prepared to strike down the hybrid where he stood.
"Enough."
Azazel's voice cut through the air like a blade. Instantly, Legion froze.
The authority within the True Depravita's tone dissolved his intent to attack.
Legion glared at him, fury simring. "We must teach this ant a
lesson about manners!"
Azazel turned his gaze upon the eldrich god, and his eyes glowed with a strange, suffocating light. Legion trembled despite himself, rage cracking but unable to overco the instinct to submit. At last, he backed down, lowering his claw.
Only then did Azazel turn toward Rylanor and the other captives. He shook his head slightly, almost in pity. There was no point in harming them. He could see their hearts clearly. Every one of them was prepared to die. The only reason they had not already ended themselves to deny their enemies leverage was the sealing chains upon their bodies and souls. Even now, as the projection of Cain marching to war blazed above them, the only reaction the captives gave was a smile-wide, fearless, defiant.
That level of loyalty, of brotherhood, stirred sothing deep within Azazel. For a fleeting instant, he rembered ho.
But the True Depravita did not allow himself to waver. His hand moved in a fluid arc, conjuring vast virtual screens that spread across the Everstrife Empyrean World. His ssage would be delivered to all, just as he had promised. He would not hesitate to fulfill his word.
anwhile, the armies of the Scarlet Kingdom reached the border of Beast Heaven. They halted, neither side making the first move. The Archdeities of the Imperium leaned forward, eyes narrowing as they watched the projection.
Then they froze.
The Scarlet King advanced alone.
He left behind his forces. Step by step, his figure rose higher, cutting through the skies as he flew toward the Giant Dark Tree.
"Is he... is he truly going to surrender himself?" one Archdeity
whispered, disbelief lacing the words.
By now, Cain's figure had transcended re flesh in the minds of the Imperium's warriors. He was no longer a man but an embodint of power itself, a cosmic force of unstoppable montum. To see him fly alone, unguarded, into the heart of enemy territory was almost surreal.
Even Azazel was taken aback. He had never expected this plan to work so perfectly. For the past month he had waited, expecting at any mont a rescue attempt, a desperate strike, or so elaborate sche from the Scarlet King. Yet none of it had co. Instead, here Cain was, striding into the jaws of the beast.
The tension in the chamber swelled, heavy as a storm. Every ArchDeity felt it. And then, at last, the Scarlet King appeared in the
skies above the Giant Dark Tree. His eyes burned with red fla and golden light, and a faint smile curled his lips.
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