Chapter 1042: Temporary Ending
As the Chaos Gate crumpled, the war finally ended. Without endless reinforcements, the number of devils decreased as they were gradually ma.s.sacred. Shortly after, the devils collapsed in the face of the demons and to make matters worse, they couldn’t even escape as the distorting, spatial turbulence from the Chaos Gate was like a dark hole sucking everything into it. The same went for the Flame Monarch. Even though it tried its hardest to resist the absorption of the dark hole, it snarled unwillingly before shattering under the bombarding of the Delusion Rainbow from the magic wars.h.i.+p. It was mercilessly sucked into the dark hole, vanis.h.i.+ng entirely within it.
That cruel, b.l.o.o.d.y, and terrifying war finally came to an end.
“Everything has ended.”
Rhode muttered under his breath, gazing at the devastated land. At a single glance, the entirety of Casabianca had turned into ruins. The land that was a battlefield for demons and devils became a barren field and house wreckages from the surrounding regions could also be seen. Lilian stared blankly at the mountains toward the northwest. The dragon soul palace established above was destroyed by the cannon blasts. Not only that, but the Delusion Rainbow also caused the collapse of half the mountain. Not only did it bury the palace, but half of the city was also submerged. In this situation, even if there were survivors, perhaps they wouldn’t last for long. Looking at this scene, Lilian was speechless. The palace used to be her home, one that she lived in for the longest time. Even though there weren’t many beautiful memories, it contained too much of her past, after all. And now, everything was gone. For some reason, Lilian felt empty at this thought as though she had lost something personal.
The demons celebrated their victory, howling and swinging their weapons in cheers. Then, they lined up neatly and headed back into the h.e.l.l’s Gate. If it were others, perhaps the demons wouldn’t obey the command. Although the main plane of existence wasn’t their main goal, they wouldn’t mind having another slice of the delicious cake. Since they arrived in this world, they wouldn’t mind turning this place into someplace like h.e.l.l, blazing in flames and surrounded by death and terror. But they were demons, after all, where rules, orders, and cla.s.s division existed throughout their lives. No matter how attractive and easily-attainable the land before them was, they eventually returned to their rows after sweeping the field for loot and vanis.h.i.+ng swiftly into the h.e.l.l’s Gate.
“Your Highness, everything is as you wished for.”
Bayer bowed respectfully and said softly to Celestina. The latter lifted her head proudly and nodded.
“Alright, I got it. You have done well. Just like I said before, I will represent the Ninth Floor to reconsider your suggestion. You may leave now.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Bayer lifted its head after hearing Celestina’s answer, and its eyes glinted delightfully in discretion. In all fairness, Bayer wasn’t having a great time in h.e.l.l because it overthrew its superior to gain the status of a Demon Lord. This was why most Demon Lords didn’t trust Bayer. Even though it was ridiculous to talk about trust among demons, Bayer’s situation was much worse than that. Although Bayer attempted to join forces with other Demon Lords, no one was willing to work with Bayer due to its terrible ‘track records’. What made Bayer more concerned was that there were rumors circulating that in order to ‘punish’ Bayer for his acts, some Demon Lords might cause him ‘trouble’. Since Bayer overthrew its superior to gain its current status, it wasn’t impossible for Bayer to be overthrown too. In this case, if Bayer were to have a favorable relations.h.i.+p with a high-cla.s.s demon like Celestina, it would be for the best and it couldn’t ask for more. It was due to this reason that Bayer tried its best to accomplish Celestina’s task. Of course, Bayer would never admit that it was also because Celestina knew its true name.
After the h.e.l.l’s Gate was shut off, the turmoil on the battlefield stopped. It was in complete silence where not even the winds made a single sound. The entire land was as though lifeless and dead without any signs of life. Rhode scanned the wreckage and ruins before him again. Then, he turned to the silent Lilian beside him who continued to stare blankly ahead of her. What impact did the war leave on her? Rhode didn’t know and didn’t care either since he had destroyed cities in the game. Back then, Starlight had also demolished the entirety of Casabianca and this was the start of an era, one where players proved that they were capable of destroying a city.
And now, this was just repeating the same process to him. But even so, everything had ended. The former Country of Light had become a thing of the past and what was happening next was the continuation of reality. Rhode raised his right arm at this thought.
The sky began changing its hue. The eternal scarlet sky over the barren land transformed and eroded as the colors of h.e.l.l vanished gradually. The s.h.i.+mmering radiance of the starry sky once again enveloped the sky, connecting to the distant darkness under Rhode’s guidance. The clouds slowly dissipated, exposing the bright, l.u.s.trous moon that illuminated the land from above. At this moment, Rhode laid down his arm, pointed forward, and gave a command.
“Alright, time to head back.”
The large magic wars.h.i.+p horned, changed its direction, and sailed forward once again. Everything seemed to have ended. There were no reactions. The ruins of Casabianca lay in the dark, deathly stillness, waiting for the moment of its complete extinction.
The war in Casabianca shook the entire continent and almost every large-scale force was baffled. Not only were they stunned that the parliament was brazenly attempting to murder a Creator Dragon and even summoned Chaos devils to destroy this world, but they were also bewildered that Rhode and Lilian demolished Casabianca without batting an eyelid. Casabianca was the biggest city in the Light Mainland with hundreds of thousands of civilians. But now, it perished into ashes along with its occupants. What was more shocking was Rhode’s announcement thereafter. He declared that this was retribution for the people of Casabianca for their foolish and greedy ambitions against a Creator Dragon. Time and time again, those people taunted the Creator Dragon and attempted to steal her authority; this was their rightful punishment. Rhode also requested the entire Light Mainland to take caution that anyone who repeated similar actions like the parliament or attempted to steal the Creator Dragons’ authority would be killed on sight with the authority of the law!
After Rhode made these statements, the Light Mainland broke out in a panic instantly. Perhaps the Munn Kingdom wasn’t affected too much, but the Country of Light was extremely terrified. They would take it with a pinch of salt if it were only Rhode announcing it. But to their dismay, Lilian also supported the declaration which meant that this wasn’t just a threat and Rhode would take actions seriously. Even though angels weren’t the type of beings who would murder humans, Rhode had proven to everyone with his actions that angels weren’t the only ones capable of killing.
Of course, such overbearing threats naturally raised disapproval and discontentment from certain regions. However, they weren’t brave enough to retaliate after witnessing the wreckage and ruins of Casabianca. All they could do was to curse and criticize in their heads. But it didn’t affect Rhode at all as the drawing of dragon soul power would still be effective as long as the people submitted themselves to the dragon soul heir. Be it respect or fear, it would work as long as they were obedient.
After returning to the Void Territory, Rhode didn’t rest immediately as he had something he needed to do.
This was also why Erin was seated in front of him.
“I didn’t expect you to defeat the Chaos devils and chase them back to the abyss. Frankly, I’m really surprised, Your Majesty Rhode.” Laying down the cup of tea in her hand, Erin spoke with a wide smile. Her every movement was as elegant and graceful as usual, as well as mesmerizing like a beautiful dancer. But Rhode maintained his expressionless face, gazing at the young lady.
“That’s nothing, Your Highness Erin. As a Creator Dragon, it is natural to eliminate Chaos. This is our duty as Creator Dragons, isn’t it? Perhaps the method used isn’t acceptable, but what’s most important is the results. Every battle needs to be put to an end in the quickest way possible and not involve soft-hearted peace talks and discussions as it will only be wasting each other’s time and energy… I have no interest in wasting my resources with the devils, which was why I chose the most direct and convenient way, that’s all.”
Rhode spread his arms apart, his pitch-black eyes gazing at the moon princess.
“And the same goes for now, Your Highness Erin. I need your help for something important.”
“… I’m not a civilian of the Void Territory, Your Majesty Rhode. Besides, with my ident.i.ty… my apologies, I may not be of any help to you.”
Erin felt a little uncertain after hearing Rhode’s words. But she maintained her gentle smile and spoke. Rhode wasn’t mindful of her answer. Instead, he also revealed a smile.
“No, Your Highness Erin, I understand your standpoint. But this matter… can only be accomplished by you.”
Rhode narrowed his eyes.
“I hope you can pa.s.s a message to His Majesty Ion on my behalf… Do you get what I mean, Your Highness Erin?”
At this moment, Erin finally understood what Rhode wished to express.