The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 1780: What’s Next?

What comes next?

This was the silent question lingering in their minds as they waited for Rex’s return. Every gaze was fixed upon him, each person wondering how he intended to proceed after everything that had transpired. Given the chaotic path they had taken to reach this point, there were numerous ways he could play his hand. Since none could read his thoughts, their curiosity was laced with tension.

‘Is he... is he truly going to slaughter the empire and go on a rampage across the Spirit Realm?’ Alana gripped her elbow tightly with her other hand. She trembled at the thought that he might still embrace a path of blood and vengeance. ‘Even if it has its flaws, this realm is the birthplace of the Divine Countess.’

No matter how broken or dark the realm had become, it remained their home. Alana couldn't bear to see it destroyed, especially since she and Kei Xun were now betting everything on Rex. If destruction was his goal, they were in no position to stop him.

‘Saving Devo is the priority,’ Amanir mused, casting a glance toward the heavens. Somewhere in the sky, Devo was awaiting rescue, and further delay was risky. ‘Since relations with the empire have crumbled anyway, I don’t mind postponing the aptitude upgrade until Devo is safe.’

Being merged within Rex’s body had forged an involuntary bond between them. Though Amanir rarely showed it, he was deeply concerned for Devo. By now, Devo might have already fallen into his family's traps—or perhaps he was being tortured, or even killed. Regardless, the mission could wait no longer.

‘His Majesty was incredibly merciful to even give them the benefit of the doubt,’ Linthia thought, closing her eyes. She knew Rex wouldn't let this slide. To ignore the betrayal would be to pardon it, setting a precedent that a ruler like him could never allow. ‘Blood must be paid first,’ she concluded with certainty. ‘There is no other way.’

In Linthia’s estimation, this was the only logical step for Rex. She had spent countless hours analyzing his decision-making process. As a future general of the Clarentium Empire, she made it her mission to study him, branding his vision and image into her soul. This was the only path for him to maintain his authority.

Rex remained silent for several minutes, weighing his choices as the atmosphere grew heavy. The anticipation made the others feel breathless. Finally, the doubt vanished from his eyes.

“I traveled to this realm for the Phoenix Feather—that was one of my primary goals,” Rex stated, his expression hardening with fierce resolve. “Naturally, the next step is to address the other reason I am here: to rescue Devo.”

Amanir nodded, relieved that his expectations were met. Alana let out a breath of relief, finding this path much more acceptable, while Linthia looked slightly surprised. However, their moods shifted instantly as Rex continued.

“However, I cannot overlook what the empress did to me,” Rex added, his eyes flashing with a savage, murderous light. “The empire is likely searching for her and will find her soon. Therefore, I will merge these two objectives into one. Depending on how the empire reacts,” he turned his gaze toward Alana, “I will decide whether to spare them or bathe the land in blood.”

Alana looked down. Even though the heat of the moment had passed, Rex hadn't forgotten his words. He wasn't speaking out of mere rage; he was doing what was necessary. There was no way he would allow those who crossed him to escape unscathed.

“As long as breath remains in my body, I will follow you, Your Majesty,” Linthia said, bowing deeply. Her words were as resolute as Rex’s.

“If that is your choice, I accept it,” Alana added, standing and bowing as well. “I am at your service.”

Amanir watched the two women reaffirm their loyalty, then looked at Rex with a look of pure confusion. “So... what’s the plan again? I’m lost,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “Are we going after Devo or the empress?”

Rex gave Amanir a flat look, as if he were staring at a particularly dim-witted potato. “Just do as I say,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Where is the Maw of Oblivion? Did you leave it behind?”

“Oh, right...” Amanir snapped his fingers, remembering the other chest. “I haven't opened it yet. I abandoned it when I saw the Voidal Lord attacking you. It should be safe; that chest is nearly impossible to break.”

“Retrieve the other treasure chest,” Rex commanded Linthia. “Bring it here. Also, find a location where we can hide.”

Swish—!

Like a ghost, Linthia sank into the earth, moving through the ground as if it were water.

“Why haven’t you gone back to Kei Xun?” Rex asked, turning to Alana. “She’s on my side now, isn’t she? Contact her and bring her here. I need to speak with her. If her loyalty is real, it’s time she proved it.”

“I need a bit more time to recover,” Alana replied regretfully. “I will do so as soon as I am able.”

Rex didn't push. She had been a great help earlier, so he saw no reason to be unkind.

“Sir... I mean—Your Majesty?” Alana hesitated over the title. She felt awkward using a casual tone when others addressed him as an emperor.

“You aren't one of my subjects, and my ties to the empire as a knight are severed. Just use my name.”

“Right... Rex. I should tell you that the princess was likely near the Tomb of Heroes earlier.”

“Princess? You mean Davina?”

“Yes. For some reason, she was traveling toward the Tomb of Heroes.”

Alana had detected two distinct auras while she was blocked from the invincibility trial. One was Linthia’s shadow signature, and the other belonged to an approaching convoy. Inside one of those carriages, she had sensed Princess Davina. Given Rex’s history with her, it was vital information.

Rex massaged his forehead at the news. Once again, Davina had been pulled into his chaos. He clenched his teeth, deciding that once they found a hiding spot, he would send Linthia to check on her.

“But the princess’s Qi feels different now. I can’t explain why,” Alana remarked.

“That’s because of me. I turned her into a werewolf,” Rex explained, remembering the celestial phenomenon that occurred when he made Davina a pack member—the Heiress of Moon and Stars. “She is part of my pack now.”

“What?! You did?!” Amanir shouted, completely caught off guard. Then he remembered the magnificent display in the sky. “Oh! That was her!” He twitched his ears, finally connecting the dots. “Did you really turn her? Are you certain she’s okay with that? What will the others think?”

“She asked for it herself,” Rex said, rubbing his face. “And she’s incredibly powerful. Even if I wanted to refuse, I couldn't. As for the others, they won’t mind since she’s such a valuable asset.”

“Congratulations on expanding your invincibility cadre,” Alana said.

“Invincibility cadre?” Rex raised an eyebrow. “What is that?”

“Every Scion has a specialized group, usually called an Invincibility Cadre, or just a Cadre. They are your followers and supporters who help you climb the path to power,” Alana explained, realizing Rex was a novice Scion. “I am part of the Divine Saintess’ Cadre. Her followers are all priests and priestesses who reside in the sanctuary.”

Rex recalled a new skill the System had granted him: the Silverstar Genesis. It was a pocket dimension he hadn't yet explored. The ‘sanctuary’ Alana mentioned was likely a similar pocket dimension controlled by Kei Xun. Rex realized he had much to learn about the nature of Scions.

What was the true purpose of a Cadre? Why didn't Scions simply kill one another if they were rivals? And how exactly did one ascend the stairs to the Highseat of Invincibility?

“What else can you tell me about the Scions?” Rex asked.

Since they were waiting for Linthia, he figured he could use the time to learn from Alana. Given her rank in Kei Xun’s Cadre, she likely held the status of a Female Alpha or Luna and knew a great deal.

“I apologize,” Alana said with a small smile, raising her hands. “It isn't my place to explain these secrets. The Divine Saintess is the one who should answer your questions regarding the Scions.”

“I see,” Rex shrugged. He had expected as much. Information about Scions was rare and closely guarded.

“What are you two talking about?” Amanir interrupted, looking baffled. “What is a Scion?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you treating me like a child? I’m thousands of years older than you!”

Rex ignored him, showing no intention of explaining. Amanir fumed, clutching his ear in frustration at being left out.

“Fine... anyway, aren’t you going to let Davina know you’re alive?” he asked.

Rex remained silent, waiting for Linthia’s return.

“Wait—you’re not going to tell her? Why? I thought you two were close,” Amanir stammered, shocked. “Wait... does this have to do with your plan? Rex, what are you up to?”

“You want to save Devo quickly, don't you?” Rex asked, glancing at him. He pointed a finger toward the sky. “To do that, we have to go up there. We will face massive opposition from the Skillian Divine Court. They are all as strong as, if not stronger than, the Spirit Emperor. Do you think that will be easy?”

“What are you getting at?” Amanir asked softly.

“Extreme measures for extreme situations,” Alana answered for him. “That’s what he means.”

“Extreme... measures?” Amanir repeated.

Rex stood up slowly. He was still drained, but he had regained enough strength to move. His jaw began to elongate into a muzzle as his bones shifted and cracked. Once the transformation was complete, he drew in a massive breath.

Aooouuu!!

A thunderous howl shattered the silence, echoing even through the vortex Linthia had created. Amanir looked in the direction of the howl, then back at Rex. “What was that for?”

“I don’t want to involve Princess Davina, but I still need an informant inside the empire,” Rex said, a smirk playing on his wolfish face as he listened to the echo of his howl. “And I have just the person in mind. No matter how stubborn she is, she won't be able to resist me now.”