The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2393 The death of the Scarlet King (VI)

In the majestic chamber of the Golden Hall, Anark, Amara, Cipher, Zephirax, Arkam, and Bael gathered, accompanied by Leonidas, Amon, and Uriel. This expansive area, formerly a beacon of harmony and victory, now pressed down with an oppressive, stifling weight.

Right after Cain's capture, Anark didn't hesitate for an instant. He quickly escalated the Scarlet Kingdom's defenses to full readiness, summoning fleets and armies, then proceeded directly to the Golden Hall to relay the dire information to the elite leaders of the Nine Empyrean Sun Alliance.

A wave of disbelief spread across every Empyrean World they controlled.

Lacking their mightiest fighter—without the Scarlet King—the Alliance plunged into crisis mode. Mobilizations kicked off immediately. Forces were deployed, protective arrays strengthened, and backup strategies activated.

Uncertainty loomed over what unseen threat might attack next, and Cain's absence meant that even the smallest error could spell disaster. After all, only he possessed the power to shatter the Wall of Fire and Flesh and confront the Monster of the Root.

Intense days of nonstop efforts elapsed before the commanders could convene to assess their path forward.

Somber looks marked every face. The immense burden on their backs felt crushing—the very same daunting duty Cain had shouldered daily as head of the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance. It was only now that the elite forces from the Six Sacred Races grasped how foolish they'd been to challenge his command in the past.

Coming to terms with how one choice might doom billions of souls, wiping out whole realms in a single blunder, turned into an unimaginable horror. Yet Cain had always handled it with apparent ease.

Still, the past offered no luxury for reflection.

"We've employed all available resources and methods," Arkam stated, his tone steady and precise amid the strain. "It's clear the Scarlet King isn't located in any of our Empyrean Worlds or the emptiness around them."

The group signaled their assent with nods.

"Might he be hiding in the Empyrean Worlds of those betrayers?" Uriel inquired, a flash of icy revulsion in his gaze as he uttered the term.

Leonidas denied it at once with a shake of his head. "The Power of Chaos lets the Scarlet King hold a link spanning full Empyrean Worlds. Should he occupy one of those domains, even without direct contact, we'd detect his existence."

"Regardless," Bael snarled, his words laced with seething fury, "we ought to invade those Empyrean Worlds. Markin, Kaizer, and all tied to them need to be wiped out."

His murderous resolve rang clear. Though harsh, his declaration drew nods from many powerhouses of the Six Sacred Races and the Knights of the Scarlet Throne. They stood prepared to tread that path drenched in blood.

"We won't."

A commanding, chilling voice sliced through the room like frigid liquid dousing raging flames.

Every gaze shifted to Anark. While no one challenged his command directly, irritation showed plainly on various expressions.

Anark breathed out steadily. "Invading those worlds might play right into a snare. Our top asset is gone, and we can't risk revealing more vulnerabilities."

The fighters gripped their hands tightly, irritation plain, yet they recognized the validity in his statement.

Drawing in a steadying breath, Anark pressed on. "That Leonidas,

Amon, and Bael remain by our side after these many days shows the Scarlet Throne endures."

For a brief moment, the icy strain softened into subtle grins.

But those smiles vanished swiftly.

"That said," Anark noted, his voice turning keen, "Cain's intellect and strategy are unparalleled. He might have ensured the Throne's persistence even beyond his own end."

Leonidas parted his lips to protest—but silence followed.

He yearned to refute it. Urgently. Yet he recognized the possibility.

"I hate reaching this verdict," Anark murmured softly, "but war leaves no space for feelings. We'll keep hunting for Cain and uncover who seized him. As for our battle

strategies..."

His tone grew unyielding, a sense of closure resounding in the hall.

"...the Scarlet King is gone."

The air in the chamber chilled noticeably.

"We can't bank on his return to rescue us," Anark finished. "We're

on our own."

A heavy quiet settled in. Gradually, each one gave a nod.

Faith in wonders or miracles couldn't shape their tactics. Even holding onto the idea of Cain's comeback, they couldn't base their schemes on it. Starting now, self-reliance was their sole foundation.

Far inside the rotting, tainted World of the Root, three silhouettes lingered wordlessly.

Robuke and Radagon stared at a throbbing golden sphere, wonder and devotion shining in their stares. The item emanated vast might—its exterior buzzing with endless rings of plasma, each infused with the

core of the Root. It was crafted from the pure intent and substance of the Abyssalcrown Empyrean World.

"Your transformation skills never cease to stun me, Mikela," Robuke remarked, a savage smile stretching over his grotesque features.

He glanced at the figure next to him—a creature donning a bone mask adorned with myriad eyes and digits. She was the ally who'd traversed the Emptiness with him to breach this cosmos. Mikela's eyes sparkled with thrill. "This holds the secret to our victory," she declared. "Armed with it, we'll escape the need to skulk and bide time. We'll spread unbound, and before long, the whole universe will merge

with the Root."

She halted briefly.

The glow in her eyes turned frigid.

"Still," Mikela went on gently, "one last component

remains absent."

Robuke's gaze tightened. His smile broadened.

Suddenly, he grabbed Radagon by the throat.

Alarm and terror contorted Radagon's features. Before grasping the situation, Robuke flung him ahead,

thrusting him into the golden sphere.

"ARGHHHHHHH!"

A wail of utter torment reverberated across the World of the Root as

Radagon's form and spirit unraveled, merging into the

throbbing sphere.

The golden sphere blazed fiercely—its radiance surging as the Root devoured yet another offering.

End of Book 24 - If you come at the king, you best not miss.