The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2361 Bound by will

Cain let go of the two sovereigns and reclaimed his throne, a subtle grin remaining on his lips. However, the icy glint lingering in his gaze delivered a message that was impossible to misunderstand.

Both Kaizer and Markin threw a quick look toward the gateway leading back to their respective Empyrean Worlds. For a split second, they contemplated a retreat—but the notion was discarded just as fast as it had arrived.

The threshold of this hall had already been crossed.

Fleeing now would offer no protection from the fury—or the insatiable hunger—of the Scarlet King.

If they failed to navigate this encounter with precision, the outcome would be nothing short of catastrophic.

A sharp sense of determination flickered in their eyes as they eventually sat down. Their tactical options had been severely restricted, yet they were not entirely without leverage.

They realized that while the Scarlet King possessed the power to crush them and strip their worlds of resources to fund the struggle against the Root, a purely violent conquest would drastically drag down the speed of the primary campaign.

And time was a luxury no one possessed.

Beings like Robuke were already making their moves.

Cain observed the pair once more, and after ensuring everyone had taken their places, he spoke.

"First," he stated with a freezing tone, "keep whatever justifications you have for failing to join us against the Root to yourselves."

His eyes traveled across the assembly.

"It would be a slap in the face to those who died battling those abominations to suggest any reason for not protecting your home other than pure cowardice."

Cipher, Anark, and the others gave a firm nod of concurrence.

They were the ones who had bled.

They had pushed their wills and souls to the breaking point.

They had witnessed their brothers-in-arms fall during the assault on the Heart of the Root—all to safeguard the entire universe, including the very Empyrean Worlds governed by Markin and Kaizer.

Had these two fought by their side, the death toll would have been lower. It was even possible they could have inflicted enough trauma on the Heart of the Root to save the Abyssalcrown Empyrean World from being consumed entirely.

No apology from the duo could ever compensate for those casualties.

Markin offered a respectful nod to the group, though a storm of inner conflict raged beneath his calm mask. He had assumed his personal power, charisma, and high status would allow him to manipulate the room—sowing discord, gaining leverage, or perhaps seizing command.

He had underestimated them significantly.

Their resolve was unshakable.

Their objectives were perfectly synchronized.

Against outsiders and foes, they stood as a singular, united front.

Suppressing his frustration, Markin cleared his mind and assessed the situation before responding.

"I understand," he replied. "Please, guide us. What is the path forward?"

Cain provided an immediate answer.

"It is simple. Your loyalty will be proven through your deeds."

He shifted back in his seat slightly.

"To begin, you will surrender every evil and wicked Cultivator residing within your Empyrean Worlds."

Cain gestured toward Cipher and the rest of the leaders.

"Just as every person here has already done."

The eyes of Markin and Kaizer contracted instantly.

Countless wicked and corrupt experts flourished under their dominion—individuals who thrived in the shadows, preying on the weak while evading the strong. In normal times, that status quo sufficed.

But these were not normal times.

To the duo's misfortune, Cipher, Anark, Amara, Arkam, Zephirax, and Uriel all signaled their agreement. The condition was just.

Unlike Markin and Kaizer, they had already made this sacrifice.

While they had been granted incredibly potent treasures in exchange, those were the fruits of bravery and service, not the spoils of desertion.

The two rulers eventually locked eyes. Realizing there was no escape from the requirement, they gave their consent.

"Excellent," Cain remarked, showing a genuine smile for the first time.

Purging the wicked Cultivators had originally been a defensive measure—removing potential turncoats and those easily swayed by the Root’s temptations. Now, however, it served a more profound function.

The Power of Chaos enabled Cain to siphon strength from those in his proximity, providing a surge of power far greater than merely tapping into the Universe Matrix, all while reducing the burden on his soul.

Yet, for this link to function, trust or shared intent was mandatory. Without such harmony, this distribution of power was impossible. "Now," Cain added, "to replenish and pay back the resources expended during the conflict..."

He began to recite a list of further requirements—materials, treasures, and resources to be shared among the alliance's forces.

Every new condition made Kaizer and Markin grit their teeth.

However, none of the demands were unreasonable.

In truth, they were roughly equivalent to the contributions already made to the war effort by the Empyrean Worlds under Cipher and the others. Once these terms were accepted, Cain arrived at his final point.

"In all future battles against the World of the Root," he declared serenely, "you two will be stationed on the front lines—fighting right beside me."

The logic was instantly clear to Kaizer and Markin.

Cain did not trust them to watch his back.

He intended for them to face the most lethal threats directly.

They had no means of refusal. This was the absolute minimum required to prove they were pulling their weight.

"Good," Cain said after they consented. "Provided you meet these demands, you shall have the opportunity to show your worth—and become legitimate members of the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance."

The pair exhaled a breath they hadn't realized they were holding, thinking the nightmare was finally over.

Then, Cain’s eyes ignited with a brilliance more intense than ever before.

"Before we move on, I have one last question," he said slowly.

The chamber fell into a heavy silence.

"Is either of you entering this alliance with hidden malice? Do you harbor a secret intent to betray the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe—or to cause harm to a specific individual?"

To an observer, the question might have seemed foolish.

After all, any traitor would simply offer a lie.

But Cipher and the others knew the truth.

Deceiving the Scarlet King was a nearly impossible feat.

Those glowing scarlet eyes could look directly into the soul—interpreting emotions, hidden motives, and truth itself.

In that moment, a realization struck Kaizer and Markin with total clarity.

This alliance was not held together by mere words.

It was forged by a singular will. That of the Scarlet King.