"Kazdel is going to be destroyed."
Faced with this sudden and explosive statement, the public's reaction was --
That's it?
The Dead Souls scoffed, floated to Theresis's side, and circled her twice.
"How many times has Kazdel been destroyed? And we old folks are still here, aren't we?"
Everyone's eyes twitched slightly, but they couldn't refute it.
Whenever Kazdel showed any signs of improvement, the other nations would attack as if by prior agreement, turning the city back into scorched earth.
The Dead Souls were already used to this cycle of reincarnation, with the last battle to save the country by the "Six Heroes" being an exception.
"Let me guess who the enemy is this time? Is it those little brats from Leithanien?"
"Leithanien no longer borders Kazdel."
Fremont stroked his goatee and continued the conversation:
"The wolf cubs broke away from Leithanien and formed Siracusa, which is now adjacent to Kazdel."
"Not them? Then it's the Yan?"
The Dead Souls then proposed a country, only to immediately reject it on its own.
"No, no, those guys don't have time for that."
"That's Ursus, it can't be Rem Billiton it?"
The atmosphere quieted down, and one possibility after another was raised, but none of them received a positive response.
"It's the Flame Demon."
"..."
After a brief silence, the Dead Souls asked in confusion.
"Are you out of your mind?"
Theresis's eye twitched, and the Dead Souls continued.
"Weren't Flame Demon dead? The ones still alive are all mixed bloodlines, that's been confirmed with the Crown."
But He did appear...
Nachzehrer spoke in a heavy voice; the words of this God of War finally made the Dead Souls take him seriously.
"You guys aren't kidding?"
The silence was the answer; the Dead Souls, no longer as relaxed as before, kept asking questions.
"Is it a remnant of the Punishment Clan? The one that can make you so nervous... is it Baersa guard from back then?"
As he spoke, the Dead Souls paced around in distress a few more times.
"That's not right either! How could the personal guards possibly be a match for the Demon King?"
"Theresis ..."
A gentle voice interrupted the incessant chatter of the Dead Souls, and a black Crown appeared above Theresa's head.
The gazes of the crowd varied: some showed respect, some curiosity, some greed, and some disgust.
"According to the Black Crown's records, pure-blooded Flame Demons have been extinct." Theresa's implication was clear: she doubted the veracity of the information.
Many people nodded. Ducare spoke with disdain:
"Perhaps the Crown has been faulty for a long time? Are you placing too much trust in this cursed artifact?"
Ducare makes no secret of his aversion to Crowns.
This damned Crown, though possessing immense power, is incredibly difficult to break for those chosen each time.
Of all those demon lords, none could make Teekaz great again.
One demon king did indeed attempt it, but the problem was that the Flame Demon King included all nations and his own people in the attack's scope.
Kazdel was destroyed time and again in the flames of war, Ducare grew increasingly disgusted with the Crown.
This aversion reached its peak after the Crown chose his elder brother.
No one reacted to Ducare's words. Just like the Vampire's reputation among the Terra, this Vampire Lord also didn't have a good reputation in the Royal Court.
"Not long ago, a Mobile City in Columbia came to a standstill, and the reason for the shutdown was that Flame Demon was rampaging above it."
Theresis delivered the intelligence in a deep voice, then turned her gaze to the Shapeshifter.
"This information comes from what the Shapeshifters witnessed firsthand."
Everyone turned their attention to the Shapeshifter, who was no longer in that limp, lifeless state.
One hand extends out, softening and deforming.
A model of a Mobile City appeared before everyone's eyes.
A tiny flame ignited from the center, and the Flame Demon stepped into the city.
The crowd watched as the enemy wreaked havoc in the city until the towering pillar of fire pierced through it.
"..."
A deathly silence fell. Everyone desperately hoped that the Shapeshifter would casually say, "You were fooled, weren't you?"
"Don't look at me, it's all real."
The Shapeshifter lay back down.
"We tried to contact him, but he completely ignored us."
"And now? Where is He?"
The Dead Souls flew to the top of the Shapeshifter's head.
"Kazimierz."
The atmosphere grew even heavier, from Columbia to Kazimierz.
The other party was heading east, and their destination was self-evident.
"Perhaps the other party did not harbor any hostility."
Theresa tried to comfort everyone.
"He didn't intentionally harm the Shapeshifters, did he? Perhaps he was just a fellow human who had awakened and wanted to return home."
"Perhaps he just wants to find his real enemy?"
Fremont's movements as he stroked his beard became much more hurried.
"Or have you forgotten how the Flame Demon Royal Court was destroyed?"
Theresa fell silent; her hopes crumbled under the weight of the question.
How was the Flame Demon Royal Court destroyed?
After the death of the punishing king, the mad Flame Demon Clan suffered a siege from the remaining Royal Court.
If this Flame Demon is indeed a descendant of the Punishment Clan, then he and Kazdel will be absolute enemies.
"And what was the reaction of the other countries?"
Logos had no energy left to comfort Theresa, if the newly born Flame Demon was truly as powerful as the Shapeshifters had demonstrated.
Kazdel now has no chance of competing with them.
In a time when the only way to stop moving warships is by decapitation, this Flame Demon, capable of single-handedly breaching Mobile City, already bears some resemblance to the king of yesteryear.
"There was little reaction; some were on guard, others were tense, but none of them intended to make contact."
The Shapeshifter's voice was weak, yet it sent everyone's hearts sinking once more.
"They're probably all waiting to see how we handle this."
"This is the reason why the Royal Court Council is being convened this time."
Theresis tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention back to her.
"What are your thoughts on this newly born Flame Demon?"
"Danger."
Fremont's conclusion is now final.
"Destroying a city the moment it appears, the Flame Demon remains as ruthless as ever."
"Hmm... the 'crazy' aspect is still open to discussion."
The Shapeshifter straightened up.
"It appears the other side destroyed that city to take their compatriots with them."
"Fellow countrymen? There are other Flame Demon!?"
Everyone was startled, the Shapeshifter added.
"She was a little girl who possessed the power of the Flame Demon. After finding her, the other party took her away and left."
Before everyone could process the news, the Shapeshifter continued.
"As for the crazy part... the other party is communicative and quite easy to talk to in some ways."
"In that case, perhaps there's still a possibility for us to understand each other."
Theresa's eyes brightened, as did Ducare's.
"That power, that posture—undoubtedly a pure-blooded Flame Demon, perhaps even a remnant from ancient times."
Ducare swirled his wine glass, gazing at the model on the table.
He valued the unparalleled power more than the other person's personality.
"Will they protect the offspring of their tribe...?"
Nachzehrer was somewhat moved; he didn't want to believe that such a person could be a completely irrational madman.
"If communication is truly possible, then perhaps there is still a chance to salvage the situation."
Logos seemed to be deep in thought. The Punishment Clan had long been wiped out; perhaps the other party was the leader of the Hidden Clan?
"You should have said so earlier. As long as he's not Baersa, that would have been fine."
The Dead Souls breathed a sigh of relief. If it really was the return of Baersa, there was no new Kuilong who could stop him now.
The atmosphere eased for a moment, but Fremont noticed that Theresis's face was still gloomy.
"It seems there's more to the story."
All eyes turned to Theresis, who then explained the reason.
"Before heading to Kazimierz, they had advanced towards Sami."
Everyone was puzzled. Sami... could it be that the other party wanted to go find the Cyclops?
"He changed his route later, maybe he's just directionally challenged..."
When the Shapeshifter spoke, everyone assumed he was joking.
Everyone continued to look at Theresis, waiting for what would happen next.
"The Shapeshifter delivered the message to the Cyclops, who, after going mad, were knocked unconscious by the Shapeshifter. Upon waking, they remained silent about the prophecy."
The previously relaxed atmosphere instantly plummeted to freezing point.
What exactly is the Cyclops' prophecy? Everyone clearly knows.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a death notice.
Even knowing that the prophecy would come true, Cyclops Theresis prophesied that Theresis would die on the throne.
The new prophecy will silence all the Cyclops.
The crowd looked grim.
What kind of terrifying future is it that makes the Cyclops so deeply fearful...?
"Can't those weirdos just explain themselves clearly?!"
The Dead Souls lost patience amidst the series of reversals.
"What if things turn out badly? Kazdel will still be destroyed again."
"No..."
Qaisatusta, who had been standing behind Theresis, suddenly spoke up.
"Perhaps it will be another punishment that destroys the world."
What nonsense are you spouting?
The Dead Souls scoffed at this.
"I admit that His power is great, but with that power alone, He is still a long way from defeating those Behemoths."
Everyone nodded. Yes, a Behemoth had once invaded Kazdel.
Although it was eventually dismembered, that was under the premise that the other party offered no resistance; even so, most of the city was still destroyed.
"Have you all forgotten... that the other side doesn't have Black Crown yet?"
Everyone was startled and looked at the model on the table again.
No one knew how strong Baersa was without the Crown, but what if the Flame Demon before them gained the power of the Crown...?
"How ridiculous..."
Ducare stared grimly at the Black Crown atop Theresa's head.
"The Crown you saw as your hope is about to push Kazdel into the abyss once again."
"Ducare".
Theresis suddenly spoke up, Ducare snorted coldly, remaining silent.
"Now, please share your thoughts."
Theresis scanned the crowd, her gaze finally meeting Theresa's.
"To fight or to flee?"
"We can try a fight."
Fremont's words caused everyone to look at him in surprise, especially Ducare, whose amused gaze almost made Fremont swear.
"Don't look at me like that. Although the Flame Demon's power is strong, it is not without ways to counter it."
The crowd quieted down, indicating they were all ready to listen, and Fremont cleared his throat.
"Aside from their brutal power, the opponent doesn't seem to have any special skills in magic. In that case, we can choose to 'exile' them."
A rotating black cube appeared in Fremont's hand.
"Even we Liches would get lost in the Wasteland without a fixed anchor point."
How can you guarantee that you will successfully exile the other party?
Ducare crossed his arms and ruthlessly undermined him.
"Were they trying to prepare the altar in advance? But even so, the moment the spell is activated, the opponent can shatter everything."
"Hmph! There are always safer methods."
Fremont snorted and looked at Theresa.
"The power of the Black Crown is absolute to the Sarkaz; even the Flame Demon cannot resist it."
The group exchanged glances; the plan seemed to have some merit.
"Feel sorry..."
Theresa suddenly spoke up.
"I couldn't find any information related to Him in the Black Crown, perhaps... the power of the Black Crown has no effect on Him."
Fremont's face stiffened; Ducare added insult to injury.
"Perhaps our Lich King Court, who is proficient in magic, has some good ideas?"
Fremont took a deep breath and scoffed at Ducare.
"Why doesn't the Vampire Lord give it a try? Aren't you capable of killing the Demon King...?"
Boom--!
The blood tentacles struck the barrier, but everyone remained calm and applied their own defenses.
"[Lich curse!] You want to fight me? Fine!"
Fremont was startled by Ducare's sudden outburst, and then flew into a rage.
From the start of the meeting, this bastard kept making sarcastic remarks about himself.
A madman, immersed in past glories!
He had long seen through Kazdel's current situation; staying here with Kazdel Lich race would only drag them into the quagmire of war together.
Kazdel's future does not lie in Kazdel.
Although this statement is difficult to pronounce, it is a fact that Fremont has confirmed after a century of observation.
He left Kazdel, but that never meant he was indifferent to the rise and fall of his people!
"You made the wrong choice, Ducare..."
Fremont's hem fluttered, moving even without wind:
"This is my expanded space; you shouldn't be my enemy here."
Ducare sneered, and his blood-transformed claws attacked directly.
Clang--
The sword was drawn, its crimson blade slicing through the space between the two, severing both the magic and the blood.
An immense magical pressure descended upon the sky.
"That's enough." x2
Theresis sheathed her sword, and Theresa dispelled her magic.
The two rulers of the Royal Court snorted coldly and sat back down in their seats.
Logos wielded his Bone Pen, and the incantation extended forth.
The broken tables and chairs were repaired, as if nothing had ever happened.
Theresis sighed wearily and turned her gaze to Theresa.
What's your opinion?
"I want to have a face-to-face conversation with Him."
Theresa clasped her hands together, her face filled with sorrow.
"We should be compatriots, not enemies..."
No one agreed with this idea, not even Logos, who had come with them.
"Your Highness, it's too dangerous..."
Logos looked worried.
"Let the Shapeshifters do it; they have enough room for trial and error."
The Shapeshifter, who was lying on the table, raised its head in confusion.
Wait, how can you, a beautiful but heartless Banshee, be so cruel? Don't Shapeshifters ' lives matter?!
The Royal Court members nodded in agreement, ignoring the Shapeshifter's expression.
We finally managed to get this slacker to work seriously, so we have to take full advantage of him.
Contact is inevitable, but conversely, everyone must also prepare for the possibility of becoming their enemy.
Qaisatusta spoke again.
"To avoid the birth of yet another Witch King, would Your Highness please temporarily hand over the Black Crown?"
The crowd glared at each other, but Qaisatusta's expression remained unchanged.
"The news that Your Highness is a Demon King has spread widely, so naturally the other side will also know about it."
"If the target is indeed the Black Crown, then properly storing it beforehand is the best option."
Who should I keep it for? You?
No one spoke, but their eyes were filled with disdain.
Ducare offered a different perspective.
"Rather than keeping this cursed artifact, it's better to destroy it."
"Feel sorry..."
Theresa gently refused:
"The existence of the Black Crown concerns the entire Daichi; I cannot agree to this proposal."
Ducare curled his lip, about to make a sarcastic remark, but his next words silenced him.
"But if we really have to face them head-on, I will pass the Crown to someone else before that happens."
Silence fell over the crowd. Qaisatusta's eyes flickered, while Theresa turned her gaze to her brother.
And you, Theresis?
Theresa looked into his eyes, as if she had seen something.
She had seen that resolute look in his eyes before; when was the last time?
Theresa lowered her eyes.
That was when their minds diverged, Kazdel split.
I will leave Kazdel.
Theresa closed her eyes at Theresis's words.
Are you going to abandon our homeland?
"As long as people are alive, anywhere can be a new home."
Theresis remained expressionless.
"We are Sarkaz, people who have lost our homeland. Kazdel is no longer the home that can protect us Sarkaz."
Theresa looked at the Royal Court surrounding her brother.
Nachzehrer bowed, Ducare closed his eyes.
"It seems you had already made your decision."
Theresa straightened her posture.
Where are you going?
"Anywhere is fine."
Theresis stated frankly:
"Just like everyone's impression of the Sarkaz, a brutal mercenary with nothing but brute force."
"We have power, we only have power, but there are also people who need our power."
Theresa understood the meaning behind his words, and a look of pain appeared between her brows.
"You still chose this path..."
"I had no choice, and neither did the Sarkaz."
Theresis raised her head and looked at Theresa along with Royal Court beside her.
"Countless tears and blood prove that violence is the only way to make this Daichi listen to us."
"Whatever the purpose of this Flame Demon, one of us will have to stay."
Theresis stood up. Vampire, Carrion Eater Dead Souls, the three lords of the Royal Court, followed suit and left their seats.
When they reached the door, Theresis stopped.
The two stood back to back, unlike the young guard and tailor who could lean against the sunlight and dream about the future back then.
Now, they can only go their separate ways because of their respective beliefs.
"If everyone on this Daichi could be like you, perhaps the future you envision could truly come true," Theresis's voice was deep.
"But suffering has never left the Sarkaz. We can only perish in it, or be reborn from the ashes."
He let out a long sigh.
"It's the final battle, my sister."
The gate closed, and the figure disappeared into the distance.
Fremont sighed, apologized to Theresa, and left.
Logos looked at the Shapeshifter, who remained stubbornly in place.
"Your Highness, the Banshee will always stand by your side."
"... Thank you, Aifanel."
Theresa composed herself and stood up.
"Go find Kyle... cough!"
Realizing that a Shapeshifter was still there, Theresa quickly stopped talking.
"Go and rejoin your companions."
Are you really determined?
On the streets of Scar Market, Qaisatusta confirmed with Theresis again.
"That's your closest relative."
Theresis did not answer, but looked at Nachzehrer.
"How many people are willing to leave with us?"
"All."
The one who answered was Ducare; his eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his mouth curled up.
No one would refuse.
Clearly, this ruler of the Royal Court did not intend for anyone to have the possibility of refusal.
Theresis made no comment, and after traveling together for a while, Qaisatusta requested to leave the team.
"I just need to ask Scar Eye a few questions."
Qaisatusta remained unmoved by Theresis's question, but Ducare suddenly became interested.
Would you mind traveling together?
Despite uttering his question, Ducare had already walked away first.
"I suddenly remembered someone I'm interested in, and I was just thinking of asking him."
Upon hearing Nachzehrer seemed to remember something.
"You mean that mysterious squad?"
Theresis stopped and, after a moment's thought, issued a mission to the other party.
"If possible, recruit them."
Seemingly recalling the other party's style, Theresis added again.
There's no need to force it.
"They won't refuse."
Ducare waved lazily behind him, and Quesattu, the god of the gods, followed by him with a smile.
"It seems you're looking for the same person as me."
"I guess so..."
Ducare looked down on the guy next to him, but he wouldn't deliberately embarrass him.
"What was that squad called again?"
Quisatush's smile remained gentle as he stated the purpose of his trip.
"Is it called... [Golden Storm]?"