374 Dekan's Clash with the Final Arch-Nemesis

In the Duke's mansion in the Holy Capital, Talomati stood alone by the window, gazing at the dark, distant night sky.

The view seemed to be blocked by a curtain of rain, and even the lights in the distance were blurry.

The rain pattered against the windowsill. Talomati slowly closed her eyes, an inexplicable drowsiness making her feel a chill in her body.

"Delois ..."

She silently murmured her brother's name, her voice as calm as ever, yet it couldn't hide the worry in her heart.

She was brought to the Holy Kingdom this time as her brother's guard.

But at what seemed to be the most crucial moment, his elder brother sternly ordered him to stay at the Duke's mansion that night and not to go near the palace.

She knew that she was already very strong.

But the closer she gets to the limit she can reach in this lifetime, the more she will discover the gap between herself and her brother, and truly strong people like Lunn.

"So, in the end, I'm still that useless little sister you'll abandon?"

Talomati muttered to himself in a depressed mood.

She wasn't blaming Delois; she was only blaming herself for her own incompetence.

She knew that Delois's physical body and Magic Power were actually quite weak.

Talomati excels in every aspect.

From a young age, Delois was considered a failed, flawed product by the other demons, while his sister Talomati was a perfect masterpiece.

Only she knew that it wasn't like that.

Delois possesses intelligence, analytical abilities, and creative powers that are difficult for ordinary demons to comprehend.

He is the truly outstanding one among the Geminis.

And what he lacks, Talomati can make up for.

They had been together for some time now, working together like hands and feet.

Back when they were at the Demon Academy, and when they first arrived in the Holy Kingdom, Talomati believed that as long as she and her brother were together, they would be invincible.

Later, Delois's departure proved to her that Delois could live without her.

Delois' strength depends solely on how strong his teammates are.

Without Delois, her initial confidence and sense of security vanished instantly, like bubbles.

She was nothing special; the only special thing about her was having such a brother.

So at this moment, knowing that Delois was about to face an enemy of unimaginable strength, Delois once again chose the strongest, Lunn.

She knew Delois wanted to protect her, but she also knew that keeping her away from the palace was because, given her strength, getting involved would only make things worse...

Suddenly, as if sensing something, Talomati opened his eyes, ran to the window in another direction, and looked worriedly at the palace in the distance, which was blocked by a cluster of buildings.

Just a moment ago, she sensed a sinister magical Magic Power that made her shiver even from tens of kilometers away.

Soon, two familiar Magic Power surged forth from that direction.

One was the older brother, and the other was Lunn.

They have clearly engaged the enemy.

In her memory, Delois was always the one who set up the scheme.

He liked to be in control of the situation and was never forced into a battle.

This is the first time that even Delois has been so passively brought from behind the scenes to the forefront.

The final showdown with the enemy tonight, both tactically and in terms of combat, will undoubtedly be extremely difficult.

"No matter what, I believe you will win, brother."

Talomati closed his eyes and prayed fervently for Delois.

On the other side of the Holy Capital under the pitch-black night sky.

A flash of lightning streaked across the window, illuminating the emperor's bedroom. The shadows cast on the walls seemed to come alive from the murals, as if they were monsters locked in battle.

The once quiet emperor's palace was first filled with a Terror clash of Magic Power. Then, the magnificent bricks of the palace were instantly blown away, and even the raindrops in the entire area seemed to be vaporized by the Magic Power. Invisible black hole-like energy ripples spread outwards at an indescribable speed.

Not only did the sound disappear in that instant, but time itself seemed to stand still.

It was unclear whether the rain and mist were falling to the ground or rising into the dark sky.

Even the thickest rain could not conceal the blazing golden flames.

Amidst the ruins and the surging black tide that gradually spread in all directions, Dekan's hazy, completely demonized figure stood in the heart of the Holy Capital.

No demon king in history has ever managed to reach the Holy Capital, let alone destroy the Holy Kingdom's palace.

Even though Delois had no intention of stepping on the ruins of the palace, it seemed as if he was demonstrating that he was the strongest demon king, unique in history.

The gentle breeze surrounding Delois kept him dry.

He and his summoned creatures were protected by Lunn's ninth-order magic, [Whisper of the Wind God].

Beside him, the Holy Emperor Lunn, though old, seemed to still have the strength for one last battle.

Opposite them, the figure of the female Chaos God once again became blurred.

The dim light was solemn and majestic, yet eerily captivating, like the intersection of heaven and the underworld.

Gods, demons, and emperors stood in a triangle amidst the black rain and mist.

It seems as if it could bring about earth-shattering changes to the world at any moment.

However, the attack that just now was enough to annihilate any of the strongest people in the world was merely a probing attack when they first met.

The moment Dekan appeared in the palace, he unleashed a 120x Heartache Attack on the enemy, creating a huge opening. Then, Lunn aimed directly at several vital points on the Chaos God's body.

Even so, the opponent seemed to be caught off guard by Dekan's sudden appearance, easily neutralizing Lunn's killing move.

Dekan and Lunn had already exchanged glances. Their initial exchange didn't need to focus on killing each other; it was merely to test each other's strength, and ideally, to injure them.

But the result was that the other side was even stronger than they had imagined.

The moment the Chaos God appeared, they knew that she was not an enemy that could be defeated by trickery!

Moreover, the conditions for victory are many times more demanding than those for defeating the enemy.

Because Dekan also just saw the ultimate mission objective of the Holy Kingdom Shadow World --

[Mission Objective 3: Permanently eradicate the Chaos God Sisina from the lands of the Holy Kingdom and the Demon Realm.]

However, even without this mission objective, Dekan intended to do so.

Delois must have discovered the true way to defeat the Chaos God back then—"to force him into unleashing Chaos Unleashing, and then kill him in that Chaos Unleashing"—that was the only way to truly and forever obliterate the Chaos God!

Protecting the Holy Kingdom and the Demon Realm, safeguarding this world that holds the memories of Delois and Clodia, and defeating the Chaos God named Sisina is the most important mission in Delois's life!

Dekan knew that if he couldn't do what Delois had to do, then even the Holy Kingdom couldn't get through the tenth-order Shadow World, let alone him!

"You... how could you...?"

Even now, the Chaos God Sisina, in the distance, was still muttering to herself with resentment.

The gray-haired, golden-eyed demon before her was the last person she should have been in her plan, and absolutely could not have been here!

"Lei--! You bastard!!!"

Finally, she gritted her teeth and shouted angrily.

Recalling Lei's actions, and his heartless attitude towards the Holy Kingdom after pledging allegiance to her all these years, she felt utterly humiliated by this human!

Even now, she still can't figure out what's going on with that acting that's so convincing!

Or perhaps Ray wasn't actually acting at all!

Everything about him—his actions, his wisdom—had reached a state of perfect harmony!

Despite her furious appearance, the Chaos God Sisina showed no sign of seriousness.

She simply hated Lei for making things this way, but she didn't realize that today's outcome would end in her defeat!

It just means there might be a slightly higher price to pay!

Today's Holy Kingdom must! Is destined!

This concludes the discussion.

"Demon King, I admit I never imagined you were the last of the three dukes of Lunn. You are all quite impressive."

Sisina quickly regained her composure, looked at Lunn and Dekan, and spoke coldly.

"But, in the worst-case scenario... if we could kill you and Lunn together, that would be an ending we could accept."

There was not a trace of fear on Sisina's face.

It now seems that the Holy Kingdom may have a slight chance to turn the tide.

But in reality, this was also the final battle for the Holy Kingdom, which was already mired in a quagmire, and had been completely driven to the brink of death by her!

Dekan and Lunn remained silent.

Even though they still possess some information advantage, they know the source of this Chaos God's confidence—the [Chaos Unleashing] that allows him to surpass ninth-tier combat power.

They knew the Chaos Gods' method of annihilation, but had no room to expose it to the enemy.

While Dekan was intercepting and Irenos of Ruin, the commander of the First Army Corps, he was already sitting in the back row, Taunt his opponent as if watching a play.

But now, they dare not reveal even the slightest intelligence gap that could affect their chances of winning, lest the other side become aware of it.

Because no matter what.

Dekan could think of every possible path to defeat this Chaos God, but he was missing the final crucial piece of the puzzle—the complete Devil King Tomb.

But in this era, there are no Spatial Leap Gate, nor the perfect Devil King Tomb!!

Therefore, the only hope for victory lies with Lunn and the seventh-tier magic that Delois is researching.

Neither Dekan nor Lunn intended to probe Sisina further; they simply stared at the crystal-blue wine glass she was gently swirling in her hand.

It looks like the most sacred work of art that should be placed in a temple, but the deep black mist inside seems to create hallucinations, making one hear the wails of millions of wronged souls sealed within.

Once examined, it will be clear that it is an incredibly evil artifact!

[Soul Chalice]

[Category: Equipment Card]

[Rarity: Orange Epic]

[Class: 9]

[Effect: Can absorb the souls of dying beings, permanently increasing one's own attributes by a very small amount depending on the strength of the souls. Can consume accumulated souls, at the cost of a decrease in one's own attributes, to unleash a shield or a devastating attack that does not consume mana.]

[Note: Holding eternal power.]

Just now, she easily deflected Lunn's attack without feeling any weakening.

It seemed that Lunn's attack just now was nothing more than a tickle to her.

She didn't care that the other party could so easily identify the effectiveness of this magical artifact.

Because Orange Epic that doesn't belong to this era will only bring despair to ignorant beings.

Whether in the Holy Kingdom or the Demon Realm, the Orange Epic is a power beyond the comprehension of both humans and demons!

"No wonder, no wonder you're so powerful, even stronger than before..."

Although Lunn's words sounded calm, they could not conceal the raging fire within him that was about to explode.

She is the root cause of all the turmoil that has befallen the Holy Kingdom over the past forty years!

Her current terrifying power is forged from the sacrifice of countless innocent souls of the Holy Kingdom; it is a symbol of unforgivable sins!

War, chaos, and slaughter will only make this Chaos God stronger and stronger, until it surpasses the limits that humans cannot catch up with, reaching a state called despair.

"Your Majesty, could I be a little ruthless and restore the entire Holy Capital to its former state?"

Sisina shook the [Soul Chalice] in her hand and said with a smile.

It seemed that if she were willing to sacrifice her own attributes, she could instantly annihilate all living beings in the entire Holy Capital without mercy.

"And all of this will be your fault!"

Sisina laughed even more happily.

The [Soul Chalice] in her hand suddenly gathered Terror power. Once detonated, it would likely wipe out all living beings except for eighth- and ninth-tier experts!

Even if doing so would come at a huge cost, significantly reducing her own strength, she wouldn't hesitate to suddenly surprise Lunn and Delois!

For her, starting a war in the Holy Capital was an excellent choice no matter what!

However, in that instant, Lunn decisively raised his hand.

He was already convinced that the Chaos God Sisina before him was an incomprehensible madwoman, and if he didn't stop her, she would definitely destroy the Holy Capital!

As their gaze shifted, the three of them found themselves in a dreamlike space.

This place seems to be an endless world shrouded in a thin mist.

"Tsk, it's that same acrobatic trick from the beginning again."

Sisina clicked her tongue and stopped charging the Holy Grail in her hand.

It would be a huge waste to use the massive area-of-effect damage we just prepared to attack only these two people.

But she couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

This is her real purpose.

Using the residents of the Holy Capital as hostages, they coerced Lunn into activating a magical barrier that was far too taxing for him.

She knew that Lunn had used the same magic to hide Delois in the palace.

The ultimate illusion magic that can bring illusions to life and construct a barrier that resembles an independent space!

"Phew, it's alright. We were planning to fight you inside the barrier anyway. Holy Capital won't become casualties in our battle."

Dekan said to himself.

The person who accompanied Ludwig to visit Ray in prison was not his real self, but a new type of Substitute Doll created by Mie.

It can only disguise itself as a Level 1 human with similar physical features, but its puppet-like attributes cannot be detected by any spell!

His true form arrived at the palace early and discussed the situation and countermeasures with Lunn.

From the very beginning, he believed in both Ray and Lunn!

At this moment, Lunn was using a modified version of the spell [Void Illusion Realm], which Dekan was very familiar with.

It retains only its crowd control ability, but removes illusion attacks, greatly reducing mana consumption.

Lunn's mastery of this spell is also closely related to Delois!

More than thirty years ago, Delois agreed to Lunn's conditions, promising to help the Holy Kingdom rescue the Saintess of Darkness as the first deal to prove his sincerity.

When Delois infiltrated the Demon Realm Prison, Lunn, who still didn't trust Delois, gave Delois a [Domination Earring] to constantly monitor Delois and even launch magical attacks to take Delois life.

Of course, this earring-shaped magical artifact doesn't completely limit Delois; it can also provide Delois with some magical assistance of lower rank.

At first, Lunn didn't intend to help Delois; he only planned to observe from a distance.

Even Lunn's initial plan was simply to use the [Domination Earring] to gather as much valuable information as possible about the Demon Realm Prison from as far away as possible.

Because he didn't believe this strange demon could truly rescue the Saintess of Darkness.

As Delois descended further into the lower levels, Lunn realized that rescuing the Saintess of Darkness might not be impossible. Only then did he begin to remotely assist Delois using this magical artifact.

The healing spells provided by the earrings were also key to Delois's ability to finish off the weakened Forbidden Law Fasilier in the "Devil King's Bestowed Arena" on the sixth level of the prison.

On the Eighth Floor, "Devil King Tomb," when Delois was trapped by the Carster of Illusion's magic [Illusory Space], Lunn had completely changed his mind and wholeheartedly tried to help Delois, who was only two steps away from victory.

Although he wasn't able to help Delois quickly crack [Illusory Space] at the time.

However, when Delois returned in triumph, he also brought back a magical artifact that Lunn —the [Illusion Stone Pendant] of the Carster of Illusion!

After years of research, Lunn was finally able to replicate magic that resembled the Carster of Illusion.

They even improved it, making it superior to the original eighth-tier magic!

Sisina surveyed the [Illusory Space] with the composure of a guest newly invited into a mansion, neither in a hurry nor in a rush.

"How long can you maintain this barrier? You seem to still want to fight me. Do you really think you can outlast me?"

Sisina asked Lunn in a mocking tone.

Even at this moment, she stopped her attack.

Because every second that passes will give her a huge advantage!

Right now, it's just Lunn consuming mana on his own!

The spell that Lunn chose was tantamount to drinking poison to quench his thirst, even if it could save the Holy Capital.

But once she enters the attrition mode, Sisina's least worry is about attrition warfare!

Even now, not only is her physical condition perfect, but her magical power is also at its peak!

Hearing Sisina's voice, Lunn smiled.

The anger that had been building up in his heart, the determination to kill the enemy he was determined to defeat, and the realization that he was fulfilling the ultimate mission of the Holy Emperor all intertwined, leaving only these few laughs that were not worth hearing.

"I never intended to waste time with you, because you're just a defeated opponent who would be scared away by me."

Lunn simply said this, and then walked step by step toward Sisina.

His overly calm pace gradually made Sisina frown.

It wasn't just because of Lunn's inexplicable, sudden, and mysterious confidence.

What displeased her even more was that Lunn's Taunt words had mercilessly touched upon her most frustrating past experiences.

"You should have ended this a long time ago. Let me make it clearer who the loser is now."

Sisina's voice gradually turned cold, as if she had changed her mind.

Even though she originally intended to keep going until it was too late.

Now she didn't want this human emperor, who had brought her such shame, to live even a second longer.

Just as Sisina was about to use the maximum single-target damage of her [Soul Chalice] to annihilate this emperor who should have died long ago.

Then, as if electrocuted, he abruptly withdrew his hand in alarm.

"You...?"

She stared directly at Lunn and couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Because she had just sensed that Lunn's terrifying, fiery Terror Magic Power was gradually losing its tranquility!

With each step he took closer, a buzzing sound emanated from the Illusory Space, and the Magic Power emanating from his body rose more and more terrifyingly!

During this process, Lunn's withered body also emitted faint sounds.

At the same time, an amazing change was taking place in him.

With each step he took, it was as if he had turned back time by several years!

Lunn's body is gradually becoming younger, regaining amazing vitality!

Dekan looked at Lunn with a complicated expression.

He knew that Lunn was forcibly refining his Magic Power in a strange way, reversing his own destiny to restore him to his former best state, in preparation for the final battle against the Chaos God!

But the result of doing so is that, perhaps in half an hour, or perhaps only a few minutes, Lunn's body and soul will turn to ashes and never exist again.

"My old friend... every time it comes to the end, it's the two of us fighting side by side."

Dekan's voice was calm, devoid of joy or sorrow, only filled with a sense of nostalgia and reflection.

Upon hearing Dekan's words, Lunn pondered for a moment, though he didn't know why Delois would say "every time."

This should have been his first time fighting alongside Delois and facing the enemy head-on.

But since Delois had said so, Lunn wouldn't question it.

For what has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again!

Even in the next cycle of reincarnation, under the guidance of the Goddess Tike, they will meet again and become partners once more!

"This time, we will not give you any chance to escape. The sins that were not settled twenty-four years ago will be settled here and now!"

Lunn's voice wasn't loud, but it sounded like a majestic bell tolling from a temple, causing the entire Illusory Space to tremble.

Even Sisina herself was taken aback.

If someone else were to say something like "let go".

Sisina would definitely think he's crazy, or that he should just ignore him and not bother with the stupid arrogance of a lower race!

But this one, Lunn, whom she had to treat with utmost care back then, has returned to his peak once again!

They're even several points stronger than they were back then!

This is what Lunn should have possessed in different eras: peak physical abilities, peak magical accumulation, and peak fighting spirit.

This is also the strongest state that Lunn can reach only once in his life!

Lunn's previously cloudy eyes had become incredibly bright.

In the end, the decaying figure disappeared, replaced by a vibrant young body.

That was truly a divine and majestic figure, transcending the world.

The Holy Kingdom's hero, Lunn was once full of vigor and spirit on the battlefield!

"Old friend, let's go together then."

Dekan smiled knowingly, already prepared to push the battle to its final stage.

Next, they don't need to think about anything else; they just need to unleash their full power to trigger the opponent's [Chaos Unleashing]!

As for why Dekan referred to Lunn Crantes as an old friend...

The answer is simple.

Because Lunn looked exactly like Croix when he was young!

******

Author's Note:

Xi tried her best, even enduring the grueling hours of the Underworld, but still couldn't reach the 10,000-word mark. However, she will continue to strive until the very end!

I'm a little worried that when I wake up tomorrow morning, I'll see many people asking in the comments why Lunn is Croix. So, let me explain in advance. Actually, there are many subtle foreshadowing elements. First, both Croix and Lunn are once-in-a-millennium magical geniuses, possessing "monster-like Magic Power" and "exquisitely refined Magic Power manipulation techniques." Second, their personalities are very similar—gentle and kind. As for Lunn's initial 100% trust in Croix in the fifth Shadow World, it also hints at the inseparable relationship between Croix and Lunn. Because only towards oneself would one unconditionally reach an absolute level of 100 trust from the start. Of course, a seventh-tier Croix cannot replace a ninth-tier one. Given Lunn's powerful role during that period, and Croix's unconditional trust in Dekan, it didn't align with Lunn's still somewhat reserved trust in Delois at that time. Therefore, in that Shadow World, Croix's role was arranged as a steward who could only assist Dekan to a certain extent in the Lord's Mansion. In reality, Croix repeatedly violated Lunn's principles in that Shadow World, secretly helping Dekan, which also represented Lunn beginning to turn a blind eye to Delois's actions in real history, and "wanting to believe in and being willing to believe in Delois." Additionally, both Croix and Lunn have brown hair, although the chapter span is too large to be noticed.