James' screams prompted the princess into action. She was supposed to take her own life, but instead, she grabbed a pistol and came out of the safehouse, firing off at the silhouette. The bullets hurtled toward the enemy but stopped right before they hit him."Ah, the princess of Brundela. As beautiful as they say." The silhouette went past the bullets and approached Elizabeth with a vile idea in mind.A scared Elizabeth was forced to a corner with nowhere to go."Your Highness!" James charged at his enemy, but the silhouette sent him flying away with a flick of his hand. "I came for the princess. Nocturna is waiting for her. You'd better save your strength for the Ebony Skeleton." The enemy laughed.He made his move. Just when Elizabeth was about to fall into enemy hands, a silhouette crashed through the ceiling and landed in the safehouse. The silhouette didn't see the princess anywhere, so he smashed the metal door away and came into the lobby.The god was stunned to be met wit
"Well, that's rude of you. I helped you regain your sanity. You'd have to spend the rest of your lives in an asylum otherwise," Nox joked. Then, he realized these people didn't speak Faeastian.Nox was about to ask Vermilion Bird to translate, but James spoke in fluent Faeastian."Who are you? What do you want to do to Her Highness? She is the princess of Brundela. Are you going to take her as well, Faeastian?""Huh, that's some fluent Faeastian. Wait, I think I've seen you before." Nox realized that the agent looked familiar, and he remembered seeing the guy on TV. "Ah, I've seen you on TV before. You must be the celebrity agent. The movies are based on you, aren't they?"Nox gave him a thumbs up. The adaptations were well done, after all. James let a bit of his guard down. He was about to ask who this guy was. After all, not everyone could scare a god. He wondered if Faeast had gods as well.On closer look, James thought Nox looked familiar. "Wait a minute. I've seen you on TV b
James then remembered that the princess asked that he give her cyanide. Their intel did say that Nox was a miracle healer, so James quickly let Nox check on Elizabeth.Nox could tell if Elizabeth was poisoned or not right away, and she was not. However, he pretended to check on her anyway. "She's fine. She's just weakened and a little shaken. She should wake up soon."The princess was fine, yet Nox picked her up. James knew what he was doing, but he couldn't do anything about it. The guy blasted a god into nothingness. James prayed that Nox wasn't the same kind of scum these gods were.The rain of bullets came to a stop. With their bullets finished, Ebony Skeleton's members whipped out their knives and pounced at Black Tortoise.These super soldiers were made by the hands of gods, and they were killing machines. However, they were nothing but jokes when their enemy was Black Tortoise. They only felt no pain and didn't fear death when their enemies were people like Brundela's specia
"So, you're Vermilion Bird?" James' eyes shone. His respect for her was obvious. He had heard of Vermilion Bird, of course."Good, then let's cut to the chase. Thanks to my lord, we won the battle with Winterosch. It is now our vassal state. He has also slain Ice Emperor on Nineside Peak and scared the Light Nations into submission."We came to Brundela to get rid of the Assad gods. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as they say. So now you know why we came," finished Vermilion Bird. There was a veiled threat inside.James looked grim. They were trying to force Brundela into a partnership. James said darkly, "We can strike up this partnership, but I don't think you're just trying to partner up with us, are you?"Vermilion Bird didn't even bother arguing. "So what if we aren't? Do you think you have a choice? Faeast is not the same nation you once knew. A hundred years ago, Brundela was the first to attack us and poison our people. You stole so much from us. Our vengeance is justif
Nox could fully represent Faeast, but James couldn't do the same for Brundela, so he had no idea how to answer.Nox said, "It's alright. We'll strike up a partnership with the royal family. I'll handle the affairs with Brundela after that."James heaved a sigh of relief. Without Nox, Elizabeth would've died. Then, James remembered that Dickson's fleet was still in the waters."This isn't a safe place to talk, Nine-State Lord. Dickson's fleet is here. If they were to fire their cannons, none of us can leave," James said quickly.Vermilion Bird gave him a look of scorn. Cannons were useless. With her lord around, he could stop even a forbidden item."I'll handle him when the time comes. Is White Tiger done? Check on him, Vermilion Bird. I don't want him taking out the whole fleet. They're our exit ticket."Vermilion Bird quickly went to the fleet. At the same time, Elizabeth stirred."Your Highness!" James and the royal special forces huddled around Elizabeth. They were overjoyed
Elizabeth grabbed Nox's hand, forcibly shaking it. "I'm Elizabeth Snowden, and I've always admired you. How did you survive being surrounded by the ten nations in the Ocean of Death?"Nox chuckled in shock. How did the princess of Brundela know of that?At the same time, he felt some awkwardness. After all, what he did in the Ocean of Death was not something to be commended for.Even James could tell Nox was feeling awkward. It was a surprise to find the Nine-State Lord anxious."Your Highness, the martial arts masters of the ten nations in the Ocean of Death were no match for Lord Nox. He was only surrounded by enemies because he was betrayed by a woman he trusted," James explained.As a national intelligence officer, James naturally knew the truth behind the Ocean of Death incident."Please stop talking about it. It was so embarrassing. I've never been so pathetic before," Nox said with a wave of his hand."No! How can it be embarrassing? It was none of your fault. In fact, it
In the straits near the Brunhild Manor, a fleet of three ships was stationed there.Thunder crackled across the skies as the waves crashed in fury.Even so, the three ships remained stationary on the sea, unfazed by the weather.This was not good news to the ships' crew members.It felt like the ships were haunted. It was just too creepy!A dark and sinister force enveloped the three ships, causing the crew to panic and fervently pray to their gods for protection.On the flagship, all of the crew members were rendered immobile on the floor by a horrifying aura.Occasionally, shrill screams of pain would echo across the ship.Half of the corpse of a demigod from Assad Temple crashed through the ship's cabin walls, leaving a trail of blood across the deck.Not long after that, Nocturna was pinned to the deck by an immense force. It took him a long time before he managed to stumble to his feet.At that moment, Nocturna lost all of his previous confidence. His face was stark whit
On the ship's bridge, Vermillion Bird noticed something was off. The deck below her was engulfed in a dark cloud that her Divine Sense could not penetrate."Stupid White Tiger. You refused to strike back then. Now, look at this. You've given him a chance to use the Forbidden Arts. If I weren't here, who knows how much more time you would have wasted?" she grumbled. Just as she was about to make a move, White Tiger's voice reached her."Stop! Who are you looking down on? I don't need your help! Also, keep a civil tongue! I am ranked second among the Four Great Generals. I am your superior!"She fell silent."You're a fool!" Vermillion Bird rolled her eyes. After informing White Tiger to deal with his own mess, she ignored the fight and went into the bridge control room to contact the security center of Brunhild Manor.As she communicated with them, White Tiger's fight continued.However, it was not White Tiger who made the first move. It was Nocturna, who had merged with the black
"That is the kind of person you are. This is the fate you share with him. Fate arranged this meeting. Aphrodite and Nox shared a bond. Part of his achievement is thanks to her. They broke up not because fate wanted them to, but because she wanted too much."Greed blinded her. She turned what was supposed to be a perfect match into a disaster. The moment she turned her back on Nox, she lost the right to be a Sovereign's woman, but your fate says otherwise, and that's because you acted. You now have the power to carry that fate. You have changed your own destiny."It is time for your trial. Pass, and you can stay with Nox for life."Queenie didn't understand anything, save for the last part. 'Okay, okay. I need to pass this. I got to!' She had her own desire as well. She wanted to be Nox's woman. She wanted to live the rest of his life with him."Tell me what I should do, Mr. Edge," said Queenie solemnly. She knew a battle might be waiting for her, so she was nervous."Run. Run as f
"You're right, Queenie. You are the Mousses' only hope at victory. If I were you, I'd take my own life, and Nox would be invincible, but there's one flaw in that plan. Nox cultivates the path of humanity. He doesn't care how the world sees him. He can live if you die, but he might turn to the path of darkness."There's too much at stake here, and I cannot risk you. Like Nox, you cultivate the path of humanity as well. You can decide your fate."Queenie was stunned. She had no idea she was so important to Nox. If she were to die, he would go mad with grief."It won't be long until they're here. A few days, give and take. They've planned for this from the moment Fiery Ignis went back to Mystia. Aphrodite used what remained of her lifespan and turned the skies into her chessboard, and the stars her pieces. We're all pawns in her game. This is her last ploy. She will do anything to win."If she sees no hope for victory, she might kill you to crush Nox's heart, but she cultivates the H
Choice could be a luxury sometimes. The Mousses betrayed Faeast because they had to survive. Not everyone could pick loyalty in the face of death. Dominic and Nox could do it, but that didn't mean everyone else could."Even saints commit errors sometimes, let alone mortals." Dominic sighed. Sadness filled him up, and he took a big swig, then he lit up a cigarette.Queenie had no idea what Aphrodite had gone through, but she would never leave Nox. "I am just a regular girl, Mr. Edge. I'm not as smart as Aphrodite. I can't predict the future. I care about the present. I'll fight by his side." Queenie had made up her mind. She had the courage to see her love through, even to the bitter end."Really? If Nox is gone, so will you. If you're gone, he will still have to live on, even if it means unending agony. He must press on until he finds someone who can take his place, that is the price of being a Sovereign. It's not easy finding a successor. No one like him will be born in this genera
The people occupied the royal path, tears welling in their eyes. Their emperor had lived his whole life working for the nation, and now Faeast was about to rise, yet he was gone. The people walked with Quilo on his final journey, and all media outlets were airing this live. The people watching this prayed for their emperor.The procession went on until they arrived at the palace. The Limerents were already waiting on their knees, welcoming Quilo back home. The Forbidden Army was wearing white armor. Their leader, Atlas, took the casket from Nox and proceeded into the main chamber.Nineve knelt beside her father's casket and cried until her voice was hoarse. Nox had to pick her up and let the procession go on. The usually solemn palace had an air of sorrow around it. All the flags were pulled down half mast, and Magic Mountain rang a bell for Quilo's death. A sorrowful bell.The snow came all of a sudden, and half of Faeast's temperature dipped, yet it failed to douse the fire in the
Nox rolled his eyes and glared at Azure Dragon. "We have a lot of work to do here. The dead are not our business. If you're that curious, I can send you over."Azure Dragon sweated buckets and shut up. He told the scout about the news, and it was sent back to Imperia. The alliance was destroyed. Relief washed over Douglas, and he crumpled. He was worried sick about Nox. Quilo was dead. If Nox was taken out, Faeast was done for.Fortunately, the heavens did not forsake them, but they needed to come up with a story for the people. The alliance and the cultivators' power was beyond the understanding of the secret department. They couldn't tell the people that demons were real, after all.Nox escorted the emperor and his beloved back to Imperia. That very night, Faeast's government made an announcement. Quilo was assassinated during border patrol. Nox had avenged him, and he would return with Quilo's remains.The news about Quilo's death was released by the Mousses. Douglas then said t
Only when Nox had grown up to be a good heir could Quilo set aside his work and fulfill his own wish for once. "I'm happy that Faeast has you, but I'm sorry for hoisting this responsibility on your shoulders." That was why Quilo felt for Nox.Back when he was a crown prince, he lived happily and in luxury for a while. He managed to be himself for a while, but Nox had to live for the nation, and his life was a mess. It was a pity. "You're great at helping the nation but not yourself."Nox laughed. "You flatter me. This is who I am. I don't want those who come after me to shoulder this kind of thing, after all. Even if I can't handle it, I can find someone to take up the mantle. All I need is a good successor. You're gone now, and you didn't ask me to hold down the fort." Nox smiled.Quilo was speechless. "Very well. Do as you please. First time I've seen someone refusing the throne. Everyone else would've tried their best to take the throne even if history would be unkind to them.
Now, power that exceeded the Mortal World yet came from the Mortal World protected Quilo's remains. Azure Dragon knew this was Faeast's providence. It was surprising to see a nation's providence protecting a body."Did you do this, milord?" he asked. Only Nox had that kind of power."Yes, but I'm only part of it. You're also part of it too. The people are as well. Our ancestors play a role too. The ones who protect His Majesty are the first emperors. I've felt that in Mount Prison. Our ancestors' will lies in Faeast's providence. They told me about His Majesty's death," said Nox.Back in Mount Prison, Nox knew Quilo would die. Providence gathered in Quilo. No matter what he did, Skye couldn't destroy Quilo's remains. Hanging the body was a way to erode Quilo's providence, but the alliance's evil energy couldn't break righteous energy.Thus, Skye went into Mystia to find a way to destroy Quilo's body. He knew Nox would arrive sooner or later, so he wanted to destroy the remains and
An epiphany wouldn't come easily, especially at Nox's level. One mistake, and everything could be lost. Chances didn't come every day. Miss it, and a breakthrough would be hard.Nox snapped out of it and looked at Azure Dragon. His face was swelling up, and Nox smirked. "It's not your fault. Breaking through is never easy. Only gods are omnipotent. I am but a human. I understand the Saint Realm, but my power isn't quite there yet. I need to amass more strength, but Mystia will not give me that luxury."The alliance is destroyed, but its leader still runs free. It won't be easy to kill him now." Nox shook his head. Skye was not the top cultivator in Faeast. He was just a pawn used to test Nox's power."Shit!" Azure Dragon shouted."What is wrong with you?" Nox scolded."We didn't come here just to take the alliance out! We need to take His Majesty's remains back with us! You leveled the whole mountain, so his body's…" Azure Dragon gasped. If Nox's attack destroyed Quilo's body, how
"I commend your will, but the gap between us is impossible to bridge. This is the end of the line for you, Skye. You will die, so stop fighting. Merge, my dragons and elephants."The dragons and elephants merged as one, and the incredible pressure pinned Skye down. It eventually reached a breaking point, and Skye's will broke down. With his will destroyed, the lightning ripped his soul apart.The scout noticed multicolored lightning bolts raining into the mountain. Skye managed to hold on for a while, and then the lightning tore his soul apart before boring a hole into the mountain.The mountain crumbled, and the alliance's home base was destroyed. Everything returned to dust. The mountain broke down, and debris was what's left. The lightning cleansed all dark and violent energy in its way.The juggernaut of Faeast's western land, the sect that gobbled up all its spiritual energy, was destroyed. Nox's spell cleansed the land, and the light of justice shone upon it."We won! The mo