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Chapter 846: The Empire's Strongest Man (Part 1)
Chapter 846: The Empire's Strongest Man (Part 1)
The winter sunset hung low in the western sky of Brillada, casting the last deep purple hue over the Crethia Memorial Square.
The eastern terrace of Saint Asteria Palace stood majestically, resembling a colossal ship about to set sail.
On the terrace, 1,400 marble pillars supported the grand dome, and in the center stood the Wind Island Stone Throne engraved with the Seros Royal Emblem. Emperor Saint Baldor walked past the throne, adorned in a luxurious purple-red velvet robe, with a crown of pure gold securely on his head, and a soft halo of light glowing upon it.
From the terrace, one could clearly see the distant Crethia Memorial Square and the twelve War Gods standing beneath the stone seats of the twelve founding spirits of Crethia. They gazed unwaveringly towards the front, always ready to protect the empire and the emperor. Salone in his black armor, Gayaht in his dark green robe, Jasper in her ceremonial dress and mechanical arm gauntlet, and Lugayed in his pristine healer's attire, each War God exuded a unique aura, yet together, they formed the most formidable bulwark of the Crethia Empire.
Beyond the square, stretching for several kilometers, and in the giant screens across Brillada City, as well as in the projection rooms of Botswana Province households, and throughout the entire Crethia Empire, millions upon millions of citizens looked up towards Saint Asteria Palace.
On this festive National Festival day, everyone's hearts were filled with joy and excitement for the holiday and celebration.
"Dear citizens of Crethia, at this solemn and sacred moment, we once again witness the timeless splendor of the Crethia Empire, and we feel the blessings of the God of War and Sword."
Emperor Saint Baldor stood at the forefront of the terrace, his voice rich and powerful.
Following the usual protocol, the afternoon of the National Festival would feature a parade of the Royal Cavalry Guard, who would march past Saint Asteria Palace, paying tribute to the Emperor, followed by the attendance and empowerment ceremony of the War Gods.
In the final closing steps, the royal family members would return to Saint Asteria Palace by carriage or horseback, while the War Gods were tasked with protecting the Emperor.
At this sunset hour, the Emperor addressed the people from the open-air balcony of Saint Asteria Palace, accompanied by the Royal Engineering Corps' aerial stunt performance, marking the climax of the celebration.
"Looking back at the past year, the Crethia Empire has once again demonstrated its courage, wisdom, and resilience. Our producers have worked tirelessly, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Our magi-craftsmen have created countless miracles with their ingenious skills. Our scholars have advanced technology and culture with their vast knowledge. Our military guards have defended the empire's territories and honor with unwavering spirit. It is because of you—the hardworking, brave, and wise citizens of Crethia—that we stand tall at the peak of the Southern Continent, and our future generations can live in peace and prosperity!"
Saint Baldor's voice grew louder, echoing across the entire square.
The people applauded, the waves of applause continuing for a long time.
"However, my people, we must not rest on past glories. The future belongs to the brave, the wise, and the pioneers. In the coming year, under the guidance of the gods, let us strive to make the Crethia Empire even more brilliant and glorious! Let us fight tirelessly for peace, justice, and freedom, and let the flag of the Crethia Empire fly high over the Southern Continent forever!"
Saint Baldor raised his right fist, his voice filled with passion.
At this moment, he seemed to embody not just the ruler of a nation but the embodiment of the dreams and hopes of all Crethians.
"Long live the Crethia Empire!"
The people's cheers outside the square rose like a thunderous wave, with countless colorful flowers and golden confetti floating in the air, resembling a dazzling rain shower.
"Finally, let us pray together, in the name of the God of War and Sword and the twelve founding spirits of Crethia, for the prosperity and longevity of the Crethia Empire! Long live the Crethia Empire!"
At this point, Emperor Saint Baldor drew the Seros Spirit Sword, and its radiant power seemed to illuminate the night sky, revealing the spirits of the founding spirits behind him.
The spirits, like a divine mural, appeared as guardians, lending a divine aura to Emperor Saint Baldor's figure.
Some of the nearby residents couldn't help but kneel in prayer, thanking the gods for granting prosperity to Crethia.
Meanwhile, the Royal Engineering Corps' aerial performance soared across the square, leaving behind colorful trails, forming the Crethia Empire's emblem in the sky, making the square even more vibrant. The music in the square harmonized with the people's cheers, creating a grand symphony.
As the celebration reached its peak, brilliant fireworks soared into the sky, blooming into dazzling flowers in the night.
The people's eyes reflected the fireworks, each other's smiles, and their aspirations.
However, amidst this joyous celebration, no one noticed the subtle anomaly on the Crethia Memorial Square.
Although the twelve War Gods stood solemnly, a few of them occasionally showed fleeting expressions of pain and confusion.
At the third stone seat, the Agate Seat.
"I feel like I've had a very long dream..."
Gayaht had just recovered from a dizzying spell, gritting his teeth and clenching his right hand tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Cold sweat dripped from his pale forehead, falling onto the ground of the memorial square.
If his dream was real, he might have been controlled by a powerful ninth-rank vampire, who altered his will and could command him at a critical moment.
Not far from him, at the fourth stone seat, the Jade Seat.
Jasper also felt a sudden intense pain in her prosthetic eye, as if countless needles were piercing it.
She instinctively wanted to cover her eye but resisted, as this was one of the grandest ceremonies in the Crethia Empire, and as a War God tasked with protecting the Emperor, she couldn't afford to do anything unbecoming.
She held her breath, maintaining her dignified posture.
The fifth War God, Lugayed of the Mica Path, also looked paler than usual.
As an eighth-rank top-tier healer, he was more adept at regulating his own condition.
He felt the medical kit on his back becoming incredibly heavy, as if filled with lead, making it hard for him to breathe.
Lugayed observed the square and noticed that he wasn't the only one in this state. The eighth War God, Conzer of the Ivory Stone, and the ninth War God, Ryan of the Amethyst Seat, also appeared slightly unwell.
At this moment, on the Crethia Square, only ten of the twelve War Gods remained.
After the empowerment of the God of War and Sword ended, the sixth War God, Water Sapphire Viola, suddenly flew towards the sky, leaving everyone confused and puzzled, even embarrassing Emperor Saint Baldor.
Hestios helped to smooth things over.
Unable to put his mind at ease about Violet, he followed after apologizing to Emperor Saint Baldor.
Thus, the two War Deities were absent tonight, leaving only the remaining ten to fulfill their duty of protecting the Emperor and ensuring the smooth conclusion of the National Festival.
The Third, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Ninth War Deities were in poor condition, but the Second War Deity, Salone of Obsidian, the Seventh War Deity, Philip of Blood Jasper, the Tenth War Deity, Julius of Red Garnet, the Eleventh War Deity, Simon of Emerald, and the Twelfth War Deity, Bianca of Cat's Eye, were all in good condition.
They keenly sensed the expressions of their companions.
Bianca, the cat-person scout, and Salone, the strongest among the War Deities in the square, exchanged a worried glance.
"..."
The Second War Deity, Salone, maintained an indifferent demeanor, his arms crossed and holding his sword, but his eyes were open, ready to respond to any unforeseen situation with force.
The Tenth War Deity, Julius, scanned the figures of Gayaht, Jasper, and Lugayed.
He was even more prepared for battle than Salone.
At this moment, none of them could afford to make any rash moves.
As the strongest guardians of the Krethia Empire, they had the responsibility to maintain the unshakable image of the War Deities during this significant day, ensuring no further breaches of etiquette like those committed by Violet and Hestios.
Any abnormality could trigger panic and suspicion among the people, severely damaging the credibility of the Divine Hall.
Moreover, they couldn't explain the source of this strangeness.
At this moment, all they could do was address all concerns and listen to the Emperor's speech with the most perfect demeanor, completing the final ceremony.
Emperor Saint Baldor's booming voice still echoed through the streets of Brillada's entire city-state.
As dusk fell, countless lamps adorned the Krethia Memorial Square, making it as bright as day.
"Thank you all."
On the terrace of Saint Asteria Palace, Emperor Saint Baldor stood tall, his eyes filled with love and relief, his face bearing a smile as gentle as a spring breeze.
"The Krethia Empire, this ancient civilization, is stepping into a new era with its boundless glory and mystery."
Emperor Saint Baldor slowly raised his right hand, bidding his final farewell.
"In the name of the God of War and Sword and the twelve founding spirits, the people of Krethia, I bless you."
"Let us stride towards the future together!"
The voices of countless Krethians united in a resolute vow, traveling through time and space, echoing under Brillada's night sky, above the waves of the Grand River, and in the heart of every Krethian.
The night sky loomed like a vast, cold pit, pressing down on Brillada.
In the distance, the Blood Moon slowly rose, resembling a giant eye with ominous red light, overlooking the Krethia Memorial Square.
Its radiance penetrated the thin misty clouds, bathing the entire square in a faint red glow.
The people, immersed in the festive atmosphere, remained oblivious.
"The moonlight is so beautiful."
"Tonight, I see a red moon."
Their faces were filled with pure joy as they chatted with their loved ones.
"Long live the Krethia Empire! Long live Emperor Saint Baldor!"
Tens of thousands of people responded in unison, their voices like unceasing thunder, reverberating through the night sky, bidding farewell to Emperor Saint Baldor in the square.
At that moment, an unexpected surge of magical power disrupted everything.
"Ahh—"
The Third War Deity, Gayaht, suddenly let out a roar.
He clutched his head tightly, his face contorted in pain, his eyes flashing with a terrifying red light.
Blood-colored spiritual energy burst forth from his body, like a soaring venomous snake, connecting to the distant night sky. He was enveloped in deep shadows, and his magic became completely uncontrollable.
Immediately after, the Fourth War Deity, Jasper, the Fifth War Deity, Lugayed, the Eighth War Deity, Conzer, and the Ninth War Deity, Ryan, underwent the same transformation.
They roared in agony, struggling as if fighting against evil spirits in their minds.
But it was clear that they couldn't regain the brief moment of clarity they had experienced earlier.
Their eyes turned blood-red, leaving only pure ferocity.
Uncontrollable divine power and aura emanated from their bodies, causing the barrier around the Krethia Memorial Square to shake violently. The stone slabs on the distant streets cracked, and the residents nearby, their faces still bearing smiles, fell to the ground, their eyes, noses, and throats bleeding, before they could even register fear.
The next moment, the five War Deities, in a state of extreme frenzy, rushed towards the terrace of Saint Asteria Palace at the western end of the square at an inhuman speed!
The ground beneath their feet cracked instantly, and the barrier defenses exploded as they unleashed their full power.
Their crimson, hollow eyes locked onto Saint Baldor, flashing with madness and murderous intent.
"Kill—!!!"
They roared with inhuman, chaotic voices, echoing in the square.
The blood-colored energy surrounding the War Deities connected them like threads, transforming them into ruthless killing machines.
At this moment, the Second War Deity, Salone, who had been prepared, grasped the hilt of his sword. With a heavy metallic sound, he drew his sword, instantly slicing through the Krethia Memorial Square horizontally.
Even with the protection of the barrier, he couldn't stop the destruction of the ground.
The sword aura erupting from the clear crack caused an updraft, lifting all five War Deities attacking Saint Baldor.
"Thank goodness, Salone! You're here!"
The Twelfth War Deity, Bianca, exclaimed in relief, able to react to the sudden change but unable to do much.
Only the Second War Deity, Salone, had the strength to stop the other War Deities.
The Seventh War Deity, Philip, the Tenth War Deity, Julius, and the Eleventh War Deity, Simon, exchanged glances and immediately rushed forward to stop their companions who had suddenly gone berserk for unknown reasons.
The square instantly descended into a chaotic human hell.
Laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by screams.
The crowd surged backward, pushing and trampling each other, desperately fleeing the nightmarish scene.
Numerous residents fell to the ground, mercilessly trampled by the fleeing crowd. Their piercing screams filled the air.
Cries, wails, and pleas for help intertwined into an ear-piercing cacophony, echoing through the streets surrounding the square for several kilometers.
"Are the War Deities fighting? Is the world about to collapse?"
"The War Deities have gone mad! Run!"
"Run for your lives! If we don't leave now, it's too late!"
Panic spread among the crowd like a flood, engulfing everyone.
In the chaotic crowd, many were tripped and injured. Mothers desperately called out for their lost children, and children frantically searched for their elderly parents. They helplessly reached out, only to watch their loved ones and friends slowly disappear into the crowd.
The people abandoned their festive flags and joyful masks, revealing their most primal fears from deep within. Like headless flies, they scattered in panic, desperate to distance themselves from the battlefield at Crethia Memorial Square.
At Crethia Memorial Square.
The figures of the five frenzied War Gods were about to break through the barrier's protection, approaching the terrace. They had long transcended the boundaries of humanity, and upon losing their sanity, they transformed into pure destroyers.
Inside the square, the five lucid War Gods swiftly protected Emperor Saint Baldor, with the eleventh War God, Simon Luo, reinforcing the barrier.
"Wind God Holvoss' Holy Healing Storm!"
Simon Luo shouted, and the Emerald Staff struck the ground heavily. The square's barrier began to resonate with him, isolating the chaotic mana flow from the innocent civilians in the square, while also initiating minor healing for the suffering residents in the distance.
"What's wrong with you all? Wake up!"
Cat's Eye Seat Bianca anxiously shouted at her companions.
Today's situation was not just a simple dereliction of duty but a regicidal crime! Even if they regained their senses, they would likely face judgment and find it difficult to escape punishment without consequences.
"It's useless. Stop them first."
The usually impetuous Tenth War God, Julius, spoke with unusual coldness, pulling Bianca aside to dodge Ninth War God Ryan's relentless attack.
"I never thought there would come a day when I'd have to fight you all."
Seventh War God Philip, seated in the Blood Jasper Seat, didn't hesitate and was the first to enter a full combat state.
At this moment, he was even a little excited to engage in combat with the other War Gods.
He looked at Fifth War God Lugayed, who only challenged War Gods stronger than himself.
"We might not win five against five."
Simon Luo finished reinforcing the barrier and began to strengthen it, his expression filled with worry as he shouted to his lucid companions.
"Leave Gaja and Jasper to me. You three, stop Conzer and Ryan."
Salone finished his sentence and drew his sword, heading towards Third War God Gaja and Fourth War God Jasper.
"Okay."
Bianca didn't say much, focusing on Conzer and Ryan, who had broken through the sword aura barrier, while protecting Simon Luo behind her.
Although the lucid War Gods, except for Salone, were generally weaker, Salone's strength was exceptional, enough to hold off Gaja and Jasper.
The two sides of War Gods suddenly engaged in a desperate battle on Crethia Memorial Square, almost replicating the War God civil war from twenty years ago on Blood Bath Day. The surrounding buildings collapsed like a tidal wave, and the clashes between the War Gods were faster than thunder, shaking the entire Brillada.
A massive earthquake shook the city, and wide cracks appeared on the stone-paved streets, as if they were being swallowed up. The ancient Seros architecture, under the clash of the ten War Gods, caused meticulously carved sculptures and rose windows to shatter instantly, with fragments scattering in the wind.
The chaotic mana from their battle swept across the square's barrier, threatening to break through at any moment. The night sky became more dazzling than dusk, even altering the weather as dark clouds obscured the stars, leaving the world in darkness. Purple lightning flashed amidst the thunder.
"What in the world is going on...?"
Emperor Saint Baldor frowned behind the barrier at the square, gripping the hilt of the Seros Spirit Sword. He pretended to be calm, commanding the royal guards to use city defense systems to strike the War Gods.
Holding the divine sword, he was not weak; even the seventh-tier royal guard captain would find it difficult to harm him. If he ran away, he might find himself in a more dangerous situation, and he would lose the image of bravery he needed to maintain in front of the people.
The entire Crethia Memorial Square's surroundings turned into a human inferno, with corpses and blood everywhere, and cries of agony filling the air. Emperor Saint Baldor suppressed the frustration in his eyes.
He was already dissatisfied with the War Gods' performance today.
First was the Moon Goddess High Priestess, Violet, who looked down on everyone. If not for Violet's special status in the Elsaya Holy Domain, Emperor Saint Baldor would have considered making her his concubine, wanting to conquer this wild wolf.
Then there was First War God Haintos, who, as always, was unreliable, laughing it off and leaving the scene.
Now, among the remaining ten War Gods, half of them had started to disobey.
What infuriated Emperor Saint Baldor the most was that these War Gods had turned their blades towards him!
Amidst the chaos, on the square separated by the barrier of Saint Asteria Palace, Second War God Salone took the lead, his dark longsword emitting a sharp sword aura. Simultaneously, he broke through the illusions and mechanical battalion encirclement of Gaja and Jasper.
Salone's sword carried a sharp sword intent, and wherever the sword aura passed, even spells would be destroyed.
He was the only one among the first six War Gods who hadn't bound himself to the Primordial Tablet. In his opinion, he didn't need to rely on the Primordial Tablet to strengthen himself; doing so would become a shackle to his growth.
Salone's figure moved like a ghost between the Third and Fourth War Gods, his sword shadows overlapping. At times, he only held the hilt, not fully unsheathing the sword, forcing the frenzied War Gods to retreat continuously.
However, even in their madness, these two War Gods remained ferocious, determined to charge towards Emperor Saint Baldor's location, disregarding their injuries.
"If you two don't regain your senses, I might not hold back."
Second War God Salone spoke while fighting, but his call seemed to have no effect on the hearts of the two War Gods.
"Regicide!"
Third War God Gaja and Fourth War God Jasper only roared with beast-like murderous intent in their eyes.
"..."
Salone remained silent, his calm eyes seeing through the bodies of Gaja and Jasper, identifying their weaknesses.
As his blade was about to be fully drawn, he changed his stance, gripping the hilt backward, not using his killing sword technique against his colleagues.
On the other side of the square, fire pierced through the clouds.
Seventh War God Philip stood in front of Fifth War God Lugayed, his hands seemingly covered in a blood aura transformed into lava, clashing with Lugayed's golden medical box.
In their battlefield, one could only see the smoke and fire caused by the drugs, along with residual shadows and erupting blood-colored molten lava.
"Lugayed, as a physician, your physical qualities are surprisingly strong."
Philip, in the Blood Jasper Seat, was both surprised and excited, enjoying the battle before him.
Since Mica Path Lugayed took out the medicine and injected it into his body, he could even clash head-on with Philip, a martial artist.
And yet, Lugayed could continuously heal himself, making it clear that the longer the fight dragged on, the more advantageous it would be for him.
However, Philip didn't care; he was content with having a full-fledged battle right now, as only such a fight could make him stronger.
No one knew when it started, perhaps it was because of the battle with High Priest Loren he encountered earlier, which left a lasting impression on him. From then on, he developed a fixation with fighting powerful opponents.
If the High Priest hadn't been sealed, Philip would have admitted from the bottom of his heart that the High Priest was the opponent he most wanted to challenge in a real duel.
Even though he knew he would lose, Philip still wanted to experience Loren's ever-strengthening power and his unwavering determination through combat once more.
Philip glanced towards the end of Kreitania Memorial Square.
The most chaotic scene, without a doubt, was the chaotic battle among the remaining five War Gods.
Julius, Simonroe, and Bianca teamed up against Conzer and Ryan.
The three-on-two fight was unexpectedly intense.
Julius had summoned the Crimson Heavy Cannon, covered in armor, and unleashed endless firepower upon the Eighth War God Conzer and the Ninth War God Ryan.
Conzer stood firm like a wall, withstanding Julius's barrage, while Ryan's surprise attack was aimed directly at Julius. It was only with the support of Bianca and Simonroe that Julius managed to repel Ryan.
(End of Chapter)
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