Chapter 1 The Festival

The winter twilight hung obliquely in the western sky of Brilhard, casting a final splash of deep purple onto Krethe Memorial Square.

The terrace on the east side of Saint Astri Palace stood solemnly, like a giant ship about to set sail.

Upon the terrace, fourteen hundred marble pillars supported a majestic dome. In the center stood the Wind Isle Stone Throne, engraved with the Cyros royal crest. Emperor Saint Baldo strode past the throne, clad in a magnificent crimson velvet robe, a crown of pure gold resting securely on his head, the twilight gilding it with a soft halo.

From the terrace, one could clearly see the distant Krethe Memorial Square and the War Gods standing beneath the twelve keystone god-seats of Krethe. Their gazes were fixed forward, ever-vigilant in protecting the empire and the emperor. There was Salon in his jet-black cloth armor, Gyatt in his dark-green robes, Jasper in her formal dress and mechanical gauntlets, and Luca Yade in his pristine healer’s garb. Each War God possessed a unique presence, yet together they formed the most unyielding bulwark of the Krethe Empire.

Beyond Krethe Memorial Square, stretching for miles along the streets and before the giant screens throughout the city-state of Brilhard, in the living rooms with projection devices in Botswana Province, and indeed across the entire Krethe Empire, countless millions of citizens gazed up at Saint Astri Palace.

On this day of commemorative national celebration, everyone's heart leaped with the joy of the holiday and the festival.

"Beloved people of Krethe, at this solemn and sacred moment, we once again witness the enduring glory of the Krethe Empire, and we once again feel the protection of the God of War and Swords."

Emperor Saint Baldo stood at the very front of the terrace, his voice rich and resonant as he addressed the crowds.

According to the usual schedule, the afternoon of National Day would feature a parade formation of the Royal Cavalry Guard. The Royal Cavalry Guard would march in formation past Saint Astri Palace, paying their respects to the Emperor, after which the War Gods would attend and complete the blessing ceremony.

In the final closing act, members of the royal family would return to Saint Astri Palace by carriage or on horseback, with the War Gods protecting the Emperor.

At this twilight hour, His Majesty the Emperor was giving a final speech of greeting to the people from the open-air terrace of Saint Astri Palace. Accompanied by the Royal Engineering Corps' aerial acrobatics display, the celebration reached its climax.

"Looking back on the past year, the Krethe Empire has once again demonstrated its courage, wisdom, and resilience. Our producers have used their diligent hands to reap bountiful harvests; our magic artisans have used their ingenious skills to create countless miracles; our scholars have used their extensive knowledge to promote progress in technology and culture; our military guards have used their fearless spirit to defend the empire's territory and honor. It is because of you—the diligent, brave, and wise people of the Krethe Empire—that we can proudly stand at the peak of the Southern Continent, and that our descendants can live in peace and prosperity!"

Saint Baldo's voice grew louder and louder, echoing throughout the square.

The people applauded, waves of applause rising higher and higher, continuing for a long time.

"But, my people, we must not rest on the glories of the past. The future is destined to belong to the brave, the wise, and the pioneers. In the brand new year ahead, under the guidance of the gods, let us create an even brighter and more glorious future for the Krethe Empire! Let us strive tirelessly for peace, justice, and freedom, and let the banner of the Krethe Empire forever fly high over the Southern Continent for all eternity!"

Saint Baldo raised his right fist high, the cadence of his voice rising higher and higher.

At this moment, he seemed to be no longer merely the ruler of a nation, but the embodiment of the dreams and hopes of all Kretheans.

"Long live the Krethe Empire!!"

The shouts of the people outside the square were like a roaring mountain, and countless colorful flowers and golden confetti flew in the air above the streets, like a dazzling rain curtain.

"Finally, let us all pray together, in the name of the God of War and Swords and the twelve founding heroic spirits, may the Krethe Empire's national fortune flourish! May prosperity endure forever! Long live the Krethe Empire!"

With that, Emperor Saint Baldo drew the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits. The might on the sword seemed to light up the night, transforming the figures of the heroic spirits into a long river floating behind Emperor Saint Baldo.

The shadowy heroic spirits, like ancient murals, seemed like guardian deities at this moment, imbuing Emperor Saint Baldo's figure with a touch of divinity.

Some of the residents in the front couldn't help but kneel down and pray, thanking the gods for bestowing prosperity upon Krethe.

At the same time, the Royal Engineering Corps' aerial display also streaked across the square, trailing colorful contrails. They sometimes formed the national emblem of the Krethe Empire, adorning the entire sky with dazzling brilliance. Music also resounded in the square, merging with the voices of the Empire's people into a magnificent symphony.

Just as the celebration reached its peak, bursts of brilliant fireworks soared into the clouds, blooming into dazzling flowers in the night sky.

People's eyes reflected the fireworks, reflected each other's smiles, and reflected longing.

However, in this scene of rejoicing, no one noticed the slight anomaly in Krethe Memorial Square.

Although the twelve War Gods stood in solemn formation, expressions of subtle pain and confusion flickered across the faces of some.

Beneath the stone tablet of the Third Keystone Twisted Agate Seat.

"I feel like I had a very long dream..."

Gyatt had just felt a dizzying spin and only now managed to regain consciousness with difficulty. He clenched his teeth, his right hand gripping his palm so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the force.

Cold sweat rolled down his pale forehead, dripping onto the ground of the memorial square.

If his dream was real, then he might have been controlled by a very powerful ninth-tier blood族 (xuè zú, blood race), thereby having his will altered, so that he would obey the other party at a critical moment.

Not far from him, in front of the Fourth Keystone Jade Seat.

Jasper also felt a sharp pain coming from her prosthetic eye, as if countless needles were pricking it.

She involuntarily wanted to raise her hand to cover it, but she resisted, because this was one of the Krethe Empire's grandest ceremonies, and as a War God protecting the Emperor, she was currently shouldering an important responsibility and could not do anything undignified.

She held her breath, striving to maintain an unmoving posture.

A similar situation occurred with the Fifth War God Mica Luca Yade, whose complexion was also paler than usual.

As an eighth-tier top physician, he was better than others at adjusting his own condition.

He felt the medical kit on his back become incomparably heavy, as if filled with lead blocks, almost suffocating him.

Luca Yade observed the square, and he discovered that he was not the only one in this condition. The Eighth War God Goldstone Konzel and the Ninth War God Amethyst Ryan also seemed to have poor complexions.

At this moment in Krethe Square, there were ten War Gods remaining out of twelve.

After the God of War and Swords' blessing ended, the Sixth War God Aquamarine Violette had left for the sky without regard for anything, leaving them all puzzled and confused, and even causing Emperor Saint Baldo great embarrassment.

Fortunately, Hyacinthos helped smooth things over.

Unable to stop worrying about Violette, he apologized to Emperor Saint Baldo and also chased after her.

Thus, tonight, two War Gods were absent, leaving only the remaining ten to fulfill their duties of protecting the Emperor and ensuring the smooth conclusion of the National Day celebration.

Three, four, five, eight, and nine were in poor condition, but the Second War God Obsidian Salon, the Seventh War God Blood Chalcedony Philip, the Tenth War God Rubellite Julius, the Eleventh War God Emerald Simon Luo, and the Twelfth War God Cat's Eye Bianca were all in good condition.

They keenly noticed the expressions of their companions.

Bianca, the cat-person scout, and Salon, currently the strongest of the War Gods in the square, exchanged a worried glance.

"..."

The Second War God Salon still maintained an indifferent appearance, folding his arms around his sword, but his eyes had opened, and he was ready to use force to respond to any possible change.

The Tenth War God Julius' gaze swept over Gyatt, Jasper, and Luca Yade.

He had made battle preparations even more explicitly than Salon.

At this moment, none of them could act rashly.

As the strongest guardians of the Krethe Empire, they had a responsibility to maintain the unshakable image of the War Gods on such an important day, and to no longer continue to do things as impolite as Violette and Hyacinthos had done.

Any abnormality could cause panic and suspicion among the people, seriously affecting the credibility of the Hall of Divine Heirs.

Moreover, they couldn't say where this anomaly came from.

At this moment, all they could do was respond to all doubts and listen to the Emperor's speech in the most perfect manner, completing this final ceremony.

Emperor Saint Baldo's sonorous voice still echoed in the streets of the entire city-state of Brilhard.

As dusk fell, countless bright lamps adorned Krethe Memorial Square, making it as bright as day.

"Thank you all very much."

On the terrace of Saint Astri Palace, Emperor Saint Baldo still stood tall, his eyes full of affection and gratification, his smile like a spring breeze caressing his face.

"The Krethe Empire, this ancient civilization, is gracefully entering a new era with its endless glory and mystery."

Emperor Saint Baldo slowly raised his right hand, making a final farewell.

"In the name of the God of War and Swords and the twelve founding heroic spirits, people of Krethe, I bless you."

"Let us join hands and march toward the future!"

The voices of ten thousand Kretheans converged into a resounding oath, traveling through time to the distance, echoing in the night sky of Brilhard, on the waves of the Grand River, and even more so in the heart of every Krethean.

The night hung over Brilhard like a huge, cold tomb.

In the distance, the blood moon was slowly rising, like a giant eye radiating ominous red light, looking down upon Krethe Memorial Square.

Its light passed through the thin mist and cloud layer, enveloping the entire square in a reddish glow.

The people, immersed in soaring celebration, were completely unaware.

"The moonlight is truly beautiful."

"I saw a red moon tonight."

They talked with their loved ones beside them, their faces filled with pure joy.

"Long live the Krethe Empire! Long live Emperor Saint Baldo!"

Tens of thousands of people still responded in unison, their voices resounding through the night sky like unceasing thunder, sending off Emperor Saint Baldo in the square.

Just at this moment, a sudden surge of magical energy shattered everything.

"Ahhh—"

The Third War God Gyatt suddenly let out a roar.

He clutched his head tightly with both hands, his face twisted in pain, and a terrifying red light flashed in his eyes.

Crimson mental energy gushed out from his body, like a soaring venomous snake, connecting to the distant night sky. He was enveloped in unfathomable shadows, and his magical power was completely out of control.

Immediately afterward, the Fourth War God Jasper, the Fifth War God Luca Yade, the Eighth War God Konzel, and the Ninth War God Ryan also underwent the same changes.

They roared and struggled in pain, as if fighting evil spirits within their minds.

But clearly, this time they could no longer regain consciousness as miraculously as before.

Their eyes turned blood red, leaving only pure brutality.

Magical power and aura approaching the realm of the gods erupted uncontrollably from their bodies. The barrier of Krethe Memorial Square began to tremble violently. The stone slabs of the distant streets cracked, and residents who were too close collapsed, blood flowing from their eyes, noses, and throats, before their smiles could turn to horror.

In the next second, the five extremely crazed War Gods attacked the Saint Astri Palace terrace at the end of the memorial square at a speed invisible to the naked eye!

Wherever their feet stepped, the ground instantly shattered. The barrier protections burst open one after another, and they all struck with their full strength.

Those scarlet, empty gazes locked directly onto Saint Baldo, flashing with madness and murderous intent.

"Kill—!!!"

They roared with inhuman, chaotic voices, their voices echoing through the square.

The scarlet energy around the War Gods was like silk threads connecting them, turning them into the most ferocious killing machines.

At this moment.

The Second War God Salon, who had been prepared, finally grasped the hilt of his sword. Accompanied by a heavy metallic sound, he drew his sword and swung it, instantly cutting Krethe Memorial Square horizontally.

Even with the barrier protection, it still couldn't stop him from cutting through the ground.

The sword aura erupting from the clearly cut crack actually created an updraft, lifting all five War Gods attacking Emperor Saint Baldo.

"Great, Salon, meow, thank goodness you're here!"

The Twelfth War God Bianca shouted in relief. When the change occurred, she was able to react, but there was nothing she could do.

Only the Second War God Salon had enough power to stop the other War Gods.

At this moment, the still-conscious Seventh War God Philip, Tenth War God Julius, and Eleventh War God Simon Luo exchanged glances and immediately rushed forward, blocking these companions who had suddenly gone berserk for unknown reasons.

The square instantly plunged into hellish chaos.

The laughter stopped abruptly, and screams rose and fell.

The crowd ran backward like a tide, pushing and trampling each other, scrambling to escape the nightmarish scene.

Countless residents fell to the ground, ruthlessly trampled by the crowd behind them, and piercing screams echoed in their ears.

Cries, wails, and calls for help mingled into an ear-splitting noise, echoing in the streets kilometers outside the memorial square.

"The War Gods are fighting? Is the sky about to fall?"

"The War Gods have gone mad, run!"

"Run for your lives, it's too late if we don't leave now."

Panic spread through the crowd, like a sweeping flood that engulfed everyone.

In the chaotic crowd, many people were tripped and trampled. Mothers desperately called out for lost children, and children desperately searched for their elderly parents. They helplessly reached out, trying to grab the people around them, but could only watch helplessly as their relatives and friends gradually drifted away and disappeared into the crowd.

People threw down celebratory flags, dropped joyful masks, revealed the most primal fear in their hearts, and fled in all directions like headless flies, wanting only to get as far away as possible from the battlefield that was the memorial square.

On Krethe Memorial Square.

The figures of the five berserk War Gods had almost broken through the barrier protection, approaching the terrace. They had long transcended the category of humans and transformed into pure gods of destruction after losing their minds.

Meanwhile, inside the memorial square, the five conscious War Gods quickly protected Emperor Saint Baldo, with the Eleventh War God Emerald Simon Luo reinforcing the barrier.

"Wind God Horvoth's Holy Healing Storm."

Simon Luo shouted loudly, and the emerald staff heavily struck the ground. The memorial square's barrier began to resonate with him, isolating the magical turbulence on the square from the innocent residents, and at the same time, beginning to heal the suffering residents in the distance to a small extent.

"What on earth is wrong with you? Wake up!"

The Cat's Eye Bianca shouted anxiously at her companions.

Today, this wasn't just dereliction of duty of the usual degree, but the crime of regicide!

Even if they regained consciousness, they would probably have to accept judgment, and it would be difficult to escape conviction without paying some price.

"It's useless, just stop them first."

The usually reckless Tenth War God Julius said with unusual coldness at this moment, tugging at Bianca to help her avoid an unrelenting attack from the Ninth War God Ryan.

"I never thought there would be a day when I would have to fight you."

The Seventh War God Blood Chalcedony Philip didn't hesitate much and entered full battle mode first.

At this moment, apart from his duties, he was more enjoying the battle before him.

He looked at the Fifth War God Luca Yade. He would only challenge War Gods stronger than himself.

"We might not win if it's five against five."

Simon Luo, having reinforced the barrier, began to strengthen it, and shouted to his still-conscious companions with a worried expression.

"Leave Gyatt and Jasper to me, the three of you just block Konzel and Ryan."

Salon finished speaking and completely drew his sword, walking toward the Third War God Gyatt and the Fourth War God Jasper.

"Alright."

Bianca didn't say much and stared at Konzel and Ryan, who were rushing out of the sword aura barrier, protecting Simon Luo behind her.

Although the overall strength of the few conscious War Gods besides Salon was weaker, fortunately, Salon possessed an exceptional level of power, indeed enough to block Gyatt and Jasper.

The two groups of War Gods suddenly engaged in a desperate fight in Krethe Memorial Square, almost replicating the War God civil war of the Bloodbath Day twenty years ago!

The buildings around the square were overturned like surging tides and collapsed with a crash. The collisions between the War Gods were faster than thunder, shaking the entire city of Brilhard.

The earth trembled, and wide cracks opened in the stone-slab streets, as if being swallowed, collapsing the lower limits step by step. The meticulously carved sculptures and stained-glass windows of the ancient Cyros-style buildings instantly fell off under the impact of the ten War Gods fighting, and the fragments scattered in the wind.

The violent magical flow of their battle swept through the entire barrier of the memorial square, threatening to break through it at any moment. The night sky was adorned even more dazzlingly than at dusk, even changing the weather. The passing dark clouds gradually obscured the stars. In a dim world, purple lightning flashed and thunder rumbled.

"What on earth is going on..."

Emperor Saint Baldo frowned tightly behind the barrier of the terrace, gripping the hilt of the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits, pretending to be calm as he commanded the Imperial Guards to bombard the War Gods with city defense facilities.

Holding the divine sword, he was not weak. Even the seventh-tier commander of the Imperial Guards would find it difficult to hurt him. If he ran away now, away from these conscious War Gods, he might instead fall into a more dangerous situation, and he would also lose the heroic image he needed to maintain in front of the people.

The periphery of the entire Krethe Memorial Square had been transformed into a living hell, with corpses everywhere, blood flowing, and wails echoing. Saint Baldo suppressed the annoyance in his eyes.

He was already very dissatisfied with the performance of these War Gods today.

First, there was the arrogant High Priestess of the Moon God Aquamarine Violette. If Violette's Elsaya Sanctuary status wasn't special, he would have long considered taking Violette as a concubine, wanting to conquer this untamed wolf.

Then, First War God Hyacinthos was still as unreliable as ever, leaving early with a laugh.

Now, of the remaining ten War Gods, half had started to disobey him.

What Saint Baldo found most unbearable was that these War Gods had actually pointed their blades directly at him!

In this chaotic situation, on the memorial square separated by the barrier of Saint Astri Palace, Second War God Obsidian Seat took the lead. The dark long sword in his hand drew a sharp sword aura, simultaneously cutting through Gyatt and Jasper's illusionary seals and the siege of the mechanical legions.

The sword's edge of the Obsidian Seat contained a fierce sword intent. Wherever the sword aura passed, even magic would be disrupted.

He was the only one of the first six War Gods who had not bound himself to the Primordial Stone Tablet. In his view, there was no need to rely on the Primordial Stone Tablet to strengthen himself. If he changed his fighting style for the sake of the Primordial Stone Tablet, it would instead become a shackle on his path to becoming stronger.

Salon's figure moved like a ghost between the Third War God and the Fourth War God. Sword shadows were heavy, and he sometimes only held the hilt, not completely cutting, forcing the berserk War Gods to retreat continuously.

But even so, these two War Gods who had lost their minds were still fiercely aggressive, wanting to kill directly toward the direction where Emperor Saint Baldo was, disregarding their own injuries.

"If you two don't regain consciousness soon, I might not hold back."

Second War God Salon said as he fought, but his call seemed to be completely unable to touch the two War Gods' minds.

"Slay—the monarch!"

Third War God Gyatt and Fourth War God Jasper only roared continuously, their eyes flashing with bestial killing intent.

"..."

Salon was silent, his eyes, as calm as lake water, had already seen through Gyatt and Jasper's bodily meridians to their weaknesses.

At the moment when his blade was about to be completely drawn, he still changed his stance and held the hilt in reverse, not completely facing his colleagues with sword techniques meant to kill the enemy.

On the other side of the square, flames rushed into the clouds.

Seventh War God Philip blocked in front of Fifth War God Luca Yade, his hands seeming to be covered by lava transformed from blood energy, colliding with Luca Yade's golden medical kit.

In the two men's battlefield, one could only see the smoke caused by the drugs and a blur of afterimages in the fire, and the constantly erupting crimson lava.

"Luca Yade, you physician, your physical fitness is unexpectedly so strong."

Blood Chalcedony Philip muttered to himself in surprise and excitement.

At this moment, apart from his duties, he was more enjoying the battle before him.

Since Luca Yade had taken out a potion and injected it into his body, he was able to contend head-on with him, a martial artist.

And Luca Yade, who could constantly heal himself, would obviously have more of an advantage than him if they continued to fight.

But Philip didn't care. It was enough to have a full-fledged fight before his eyes. Only this kind of battle could possibly make him stronger.

From some point onward, perhaps because of the battle he had previously encountered with High Priest Loren, which he found unforgettable, he had always had some obsession with fighting strong opponents since then.

If the High Priest had not been sealed, Philip would have wholeheartedly acknowledged the High Priest as the opponent he had seen who he most wanted to duel with one-on-one for real.

Even knowing that he would lose, Philip wanted to experience once again Loren's ever-strengthening power and the belief to fight to the death through battle.

Philip glanced toward the end of Krethe Memorial Square.

The most chaotic was undoubtedly the free-for-all of the remaining five War Gods.

Julius, Simon Luo, and Bianca joined forces against Konzel and Ryan.

The three-on-two fight was unexpectedly inextricable.

Julius had already summoned his scarlet heavy mechanical cannons, covering the armored Konzel and Ryan with endless firepower.

Konzel was also like a barrier, pushing forward against Julius' firepower. Ryan's surprise attacks were aimed directly at Julius, relying entirely on Bianca and Simon Luo to aid Julius and help him repel Ryan.

Julius, Simon Luo, and Bianca constantly changed formations, alternating attacks, trying to find Konzel and Ryan's weaknesses.

Konzel and Ryan didn't seem to be affected much by them, and still advanced toward Saint Astri Palace at inhuman speeds and strength.

"Damn it, why aren't Hyacinthos and Violette here at a time like this!"

Bianca shouted unwillingly as she fought.

If Hyacinthos were here, they could quickly suppress these berserk guys.

Or if Violette had mastered many of the Sanctuary's divine arts, she might be able to resolve the abnormal state of the War Gods' loss of control.

Relying on Simon Luo's purification spells alone was completely ineffective against them.

But it made sense. It would be strange if Simon Luo, at the end of the ranks, could dispel a mental evil art that could produce absolute control over the front-ranking War Gods.

"Konzel, Ryan, please wake up."

The tip of Simon Luo's emerald staff heavily struck the ground, and a holy light shield instantly unfolded, forcibly withstanding Konzel's assault, which was as heavy as a mountain range.

If they continued to fight, today would probably cause a great disaster, replicating the Bloodbath Day of twenty years ago.

Once the barrier couldn't hold, the situation would develop in an uncontrollable direction.

Even though Brilhard was the Empire's largest city-state, with a built-up area dozens of times larger than the small cities on the border, it wasn't difficult for ten War Gods fighting all-out to destroy a city-state. It was only a matter of time!

"Kill! Behead Emperor Saint Baldo!"

The crazed War Gods fought fiercely against the War Gods who still retained their senses. The air was filled with a strong smell of blood and gunpowder.

And in the chaotic distance, Emperor Saint Baldo stood behind the protective barrier of the terrace, gripping the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits tightly.

His face was solemn, and anger was still rising in his eyes as he heard the War Gods' voices.

Although he still maintained the dignity and composure that an emperor should have on the surface, a storm had already been stirred up in his heart.

"Gyatt, Jasper, Luca Yade, Konzel, Ryan! As my War Gods, how dare you go mad and commit regicide on such a day? Are you rebelling?!"

Saint Baldo's voice was somber and cold, each word filled with shock and oppression.

"I once trusted you very much, regarding you as my confidants and arms, but now, have you ever thought about what kind of disaster such behavior will bring to the empire? What kind of trauma will it leave in the hearts of the people?"

Saint Baldo slowly raised the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits, the tip of the sword pointing directly at the crazed War Gods.

The sacred light on the sword was like divine punishment, illuminating his stern face.

This legendary divine sword seemed to sense its master's will, and the sword vibrated slightly, emitting a hum.

"If you insist on taking this path of no return, then I can only preside over justice in the name of the empire and its people!"

Saint Baldo's words were like thunder, exploding in the night sky.

He looked directly into the blood-red eyes of the berserk War Gods, seeming to want to destroy their madness with his willpower.

The light on the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits became brighter and brighter. A pillar of light fell from the sky, and the divine punishment of thunder briefly repelled the Eighth War God Konzel and the Ninth War God Ryan, causing them to be temporarily paralyzed for a moment, while this attack had almost no effect on the Third War God Gyatt and the Fourth War God Jasper.

However, facing Saint Baldo's questioning and oppression, the crazed War Gods still showed no reaction.

They just kept roaring, wanting to break through the obstruction of their comrades at all costs, to kill Emperor Saint Baldo and complete tonight's goal.

In this almost out-of-control battle, a blood-red starlight suddenly flashed in the western night sky of the city of Brilhard.

It was a red comet, dragging a long blood-colored tail, drawing a trajectory that cut through the clouds in the night sky.

The energy波动 (bō dòng, fluctuation) it emitted was so powerful that even the War Gods engaged in fierce battle far away on the square could clearly sense it.

"!"

The conscious War Gods' expressions changed drastically.

They realized that an even more terrifying existence had appeared.

An unprecedented sense of crisis enveloped their hearts.

The few War Gods who were the strongest in the field undoubtedly had a clearer sense of it.

Judging from the fluctuations in magical power, the source of the madness of the other War Gods was obviously this mysterious and abnormally strong existence!

That incredibly terrifying mental pressure and ninth-tier magical power, as if it were power from the realm of the gods, made all the fleeing residents below feel their souls collapse and lose control, turning into puppets with severed strings.

That red moonlight was behind it, destruction, disaster, everything was a prophecy engraved in the magic book.

"Ninth tier?"

The Twelfth War God Bianca widened her eyes, her vertical pupils looking in that direction.

The power of that blood-colored figure completely exceeded her understanding. The only thing she could think of was the ninth-tier realm.

Even the Second War God Salon truly gripped the hilt of his sword this time.

Before they could fully react, that red comet had already flown straight toward Emperor Saint Baldo on the palace terrace at an unbelievable speed, crashing into the terrace in the blink of an eye.

"Back down! Evil spirit!"

Salon commanded.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he wanted to immediately intercept this overly unconventional enemy in the direction of Saint Astri Palace.

But the Gyatt and Jasper in front of him seemed to have been summoned by that comet, desperately throwing themselves at him, blocking his path.

At the same time, heavy mental pressure also came upon them, slowing down all of their actions!

The other crazed War Gods were not affected.

They switched from breaking through the defense line to blocking the other War Gods, desperately preventing them from protecting their emperor.

"Damn it, what on earth is that thing!"

Simon Luo said through gritted teeth, trying his best to resist Konzel's attack with a storm.

And on the terrace, Emperor Saint Baldo also felt that terrifying pressure.

He gripped the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits tightly, the graying brown hair at his temples fluttering in the wind, his gaze fixed firmly on that blood-red figure.

The red comet stopped in front of the terrace's railings. The light dissipated, revealing its true face.

It was a young man who looked only twelve or thirteen years old.

He had delicate and beautiful features, like an angel descended from heaven. His short hair fluttered in the night wind, as bright as moonlight.

But the most striking thing was his eyes.

They were a pair of blood-red eyes, as if they had carried endless years, witnessing countless cycles of life and death.

Lachael slowly landed on the terrace, as if he were admiring an interesting drama.

When his gaze fell on Saint Baldo, the corners of his mouth curled into a smile.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Krethe Empire."

Lachael spoke, his voice crisp and bone-chillingly cold.

"Please start your journey to the afterlife."

His words were like a curse, instantly enveloping the entire Krethe Memorial Square, and the actions of the other conscious War Gods who were fighting were once again slowed down irresistibly.

They had never encountered such an enemy, who could easily suppress and interfere with all of them with mental power!

Saint Baldo only felt an unprecedented pressure coming at him, the weight of the entire world pressing down on his shoulders.

The light on the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits kept erupting, resisting Lachael's blood race power.

He firmly held the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits.

If it weren't for the protection of the divine sword, he was afraid that he would have already fallen to his knees.

"This sword is not bad at all."

The Third Progenitor Rachael's gaze glanced at the sword in the Emperor's hand, and he stopped his hand, staring at it with interest.

"You guy, how can you shake the hundreds of years of heritage of my Krethe Empire."

Emperor Saint Baldo saw that the other party was wary of the sword in his hand, and a trace of reassurance suddenly surged in his heart, and he sternly rebuked.

"..."

The hesitation on Rachael's face gradually turned into a smile, until it became a sneer. He suddenly increased the mental magical suppression.

In the next second.

Saint Baldo involuntarily fell to his knees, his left hand trembling as he covered his neck, surrounded by a sense of suffocation.

Even with the protection of the divine sword, he could no longer resist this degree of magical power.

"I'm just saying that this sword is powerful, but you are just a mortal. You dare to resist me with a divine sword?"

Rachael asked, looking mockingly at Emperor Saint Baldo.

"No..."

Saint Baldo widened his eyes, his face twisted in pain.

"Quick, come and save me..."

Emperor Saint Baldo's pupils glanced at the War Gods fighting on the square to the side.

He felt his consciousness gradually blurring, and his mental power was rapidly fading.

And Rachael just stood there, smiling, admiring Saint Baldo's misery.

A layer of black and red energy surrounded him, swirling around him as if it had life, sometimes turning into sharp blades, sometimes turning into demon claws, threatening all life that dared to approach.

Emperor Saint Baldo gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, trying to stand up with the divine sword.

The Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits lit up again in his hand, as if responding to his will, giving him strength.

"I am...the Emperor of the Krethe Empire..."

Saint Baldo raised the Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits, the sacred light on the sword instantly filling the entire terrace.

The War Gods were not to be relied upon.

At this time, he could only rely on himself. This divine sword had a significant special effect against evil creatures that harmed the royal family. The more it resisted evil, the more it could be pushed to its limit!

That light was so bright, like dawn dispelling darkness. It illuminated Saint Baldo's face, and illuminated the fighting spirit in the Emperor's eyes.

This scene, outside the square, those who witnessed this scene were even more greatly encouraged.

They saw their Emperor, even in the face of such a powerful enemy, even when the War Gods were controlled by the other party, still fighting unyieldingly, and even summoning a group of heroic spirits, imbuing him with power and swordsmanship.

"Long live Emperor Saint Baldo! Defeat this enemy!"

Heartening shouts erupted from the crowd, cheering for their Emperor and praying for their country.

At that moment, everyone's hearts seemed to be connected together, beating with the same rhythm.

Saint Baldo's courage made them realize that as long as they had such an Emperor, the tragedy of Bloodbath Day would never happen again.

However.

All of this turned into a bubble in the next moment.

Rachael looked at Saint Baldo's resistance, and the smile at the corner of his eyes became even more disdainful.

He waved his hand contemptuously, and his blood-red claws suddenly grabbed at Saint Baldo with all their strength.

噗 (pū).

The Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits fell to the ground in response, and the sacred light instantly went out.

Saint Baldo stared wide-eyed, his right arm also turning into a bloody mist under this terrifying force. His flesh was instantly torn apart, and blood gushed out like a spring.

"Ahhhhh!"

Saint Baldo let out a shrill scream and collapsed to the ground.

The Sword of Cyros Heroic Spirits fell beside him, and he instinctively tried to grab the divine sword, but he no longer had his dominant hand.

He clutched his severed arm, and blood flowed from the severed limb, pooling on the ground.

Emperor Saint Baldo's face was as pale as paper, his forehead covered with sweat, and his eyes gradually lost their luster due to pain and fear.

All of this happened in a flash.

The residents who were still fleeing outside the entire square instantly fell silent.

Everyone watched this scene in disbelief, as if they were seeing the arrival of the end of the world.

Their Emperor, was so easily defeated and tragically fell to the ground?

That seemingly invincible Emperor, was so fragile and vulnerable in the face of a truly powerful enemy.

On the terrace, Emperor Saint Baldo, having lost his divine sword, seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.

He was no longer that wise and martial Emperor, but a terrified mortal.

He clutched his severed arm, his eyes full of timidity and horror.

Someone in Brilhard began to cry and scream, and fear swept through the entire city-state like a tide.

The residents realized that if no one could stop this ninth-tier evil creature, letting him kill their Emperor with impunity, the Krethe Empire would be finished.

If even the Emperor could be killed casually, who else couldn't be killed?

Sharp howls pierced the night sky, and people in the streets of Brilhard began to flee madly.

They pushed and trampled each other, desperately wanting to escape this nightmarish scene, even wanting to escape Brilhard.

The instinct for survival dominated everything, and fear devoured all reason.

On the Saint Astri Palace terrace, Rachael glanced