System's POV

Chapter 1380: Beneath The Gaze Of Death [Part 1]

Some say only those who truly wish for death would visit the Death Valley.

After all, nearly everyone knew it housed one of the seven Fiends of Solterra.

Tales of his strength that once terrorized the world had long spread far and wide, often used by mothers to scare their children into obedience.

The rumors of the reason behind the self-exile of Apollyon, the Fallen Angel, had countless versions. However, it was never confirmed why he hadn’t stepped out even after hundreds of years.

But everyone knew it deep inside—that when time finally came for him to emerge out of his domain, a significant change would come and shake the world.

Whether this change would be for the better or worse, only the Fallen Angel of Death knew about it.

After nearly nine days, Thirteen could now see the Death Valley in the distance.

They could have arrived sooner, but he decided to visit Roland, Derek, and the other Wanderers first to check up on their current situation.

Just as they had planned, the First Mission that was given to them had ended in failure.

However, when the second mission appeared, revealing a similar quest, they understood then and there that Zion had predicted everything correctly.

The Wanderers’ anxiety faded, replaced by relief. After all, this meant that they truly didn’t need to face off against the Celestial Army. At least, not now.

If they could avoid it, they’d be happy to, for such a battle would end in an one-sided annihilation of the Wanderers.

Zion also brought good news upon his arrival. Finally, he had acquired one of the keys needed to fully unlock the treasury.

Still, Roland and Derek had some concerns.

They felt like Thirteen shouldn’t have announced this news to everyone. Doing so had put him at risk.

Right now, the Wanderers seem united.

However, if they were to be captured by the Celestial Army or some other factions, the knowledge they possessed might cause the teenage boy harm.

Understanding their concern, Thirteen assured Roland and Derek that it would be fine even if this information were to spread.

Unless a Fiend or a Celestial were to personally come to look for him, he was confident about escaping alive.

Not to mention, Fiends and Celestials looking for him was part of the plan.

The teenage boy found running around the entire world to look for these powerful beings tedious.

He’d rather have them look for him, saving him time and effort.

Now that he had acquired Forneus’ assistance, he just needed to keep a low profile for a month until the Immortal Fiend had finished his business.

Once they reunited, even if a Celestial or a Fiend appeared, they would think twice before offending Forneus.

By any means, Forneus wasn’t the strongest Fiend among the powerhouses of Solterra.

In fact, he was the weakest of them all.

Still, none of the Seven Celestials and the six other Fiends would try to offend him unless it was a final resort.

The reason?

It was because Forneus was immortal.

Sure, the Celestials and Fiends could manifest the power of Pseudo-Gods, making them extremely powerful.

But even in that state, they could still die.

That said, it was troublesome to have the Immortal Fiend, who would hold grudges for life, as an enemy.

On top of that, Forneus would grow a little stronger every time he died.

Of course, he couldn’t kill himself repeatedly. The buffing effect wouldn’t be triggered that way.

He needed to fight someone just as strong, if not stronger than him, to make his death truly worthwhile.

And the one he hated the most among the Celestials was none other than Zaphiel. Getting his help hit two birds with one stone.

"Master, we’re almost there," Sahard said. "How do we proceed from here? Should we just fly over the valley and look for His Excellency, Apollyon?"

In the distant past, when the Jinns first tried to invade Solterra, they found themselves face to face with the Seven Celestials and Seven Fiends.

They were accompanied by dozens of Majin Kings, which was more than enough to conquer a world.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

The true powerhouses of Solterra massacred the leaders of the Jinns and spared the rest as an act of mercy.

As creatures who grew up with the law of the jungle, the Jinns truly feared, respected, and idolized the Celestials and Fiends.

"Yes," Thirteen replied. "Just fly to the center of Death Valley. He already knows we’re coming, so trying to sneak into his domain will probably annoy him more than seeing him directly."

Sahard was convinced by his Master’s reasoning, so he didn’t speak anymore.

Despite feeling anxious and fearful, the Thunderbird flew to the center of Death Valley, where the famed Fiend was said to reside.

Tiona flicked her tongue several times because she could feel the powerful sensation of "returning home" after being away for several years.

It felt like going back home to family, and it stirred some emotions she had nearly forgotten.

The Domini Mortis were solitary by nature.

After they hatched, they would leave Death Valley, journeying across the land filled with danger.

As a creature whose Rank would forever be Rank 1, they were by no means strong.

However, they were an existence that many didn’t dare to offend, for doing so would make the Fallen Angel of Death notice their presence.

So, despite being one of the weakest creatures in the world, even Rank 8, Rank 9, Archons, and High Archons would think twice before killing a Domini Mortis.

Suddenly, Sahard felt his body lose its strength mid-flight, forcing him to glide downward.

"Brace yourself, Master!" Sahard shouted in alarm as he suddenly lost control of his wings, rendering him incapable of flying further.

"Just focus on a proper landing," Thirteen replied. "Don’t worry about me. I will survive."

He already expected mishaps to occur during his meeting with the Fallen Angel, so he had already prepared himself for any unexpected incident.

Still, as the Thunderbird descended to the ground, the teenage boy could feel a pair of eyes locked onto his body, as if waiting for him to make his move.

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A/N: Happy New Year! Regular Chapters will resume tomorrow (unless something unexpected happens!).