The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1763: Eternal Kingdom

Pure devotion and worship radiated from the dragons within the Eternal Kingdom as they laid eyes upon Tiamat’s figure. Without hesitation, they all bowed in unison, their massive bodies folding, wings lowering in reverence. It was as if the very soul of the kingdom itself responded to her presence, acknowledging her as its sovereign and creator.

Cain couldn’t help but glance at the dragons in awe. The sheer talent and potential flowing through their bodies were staggering. Every one of them radiated a power that could rival the top tier of the Tiamat Sect.

"So these are the benefits of living in the core of an Eternal Kingdom..."

That thought echoed in Cain’s mind, deepening his sense of wonder at the sheer grandeur of what surrounded him.

The Eternal Kingdom wasn’t just a place; it was an ecosystem—a living, breathing entity where the dragons nourished the kingdom, and in turn, the kingdom nurtured them. He could feel the energy and radiation flowing from these dragons, seeping into the very stones and spires of the kingdom, strengthening it, making it more resilient, more alive.

But there was no time to dwell. Cain, along with Bahamut and Meylin, followed Tiamat into the Dragon Throne, ascending deep into the heart of the spire. The walls pulsed with energy—golden veins running through black stone, the air thick with the scent of ancient power.

It wasn’t until they reached the inner sanctum that Tiamat turned her attention back to them. Her gaze sharpened, piercing and commanding as she studied Cain and Meylin.

"Neo-Demon... and Depravita."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of countless eons. A flicker of something meaningful—perhaps recognition, perhaps warning—flashed in her eyes.

"There have been no members of your kind in the Crimson World since the end of the Great War."

Cain and Meylin exchanged glances, their expressions tightening. They had always known they were different—unique—but the confirmation that they were the only ones of their kind in the Crimson World struck them with a mixture of surprise and unease.

The Crimson World was vast, layered across endless cosmic planes. That they were singular here spoke to a history far deeper than they had grasped.

Cain took a steadying breath, voice calm but firm as he asked the question that had haunted him for so long.

"Could you shed some light on the Great War?"

He had heard whispers of it countless times, and he knew the Depravita had been involved. Yet the details had always eluded him—shrouded in legend, lost to time.

Cain had faced many powerful enemies over the past few decades, but the Dark Sky Battalion—the Depravita force that had invaded Aether—remained one of the most vivid and defining clashes of his life. Any information he could gather now could prove invaluable.

Tiamat’s gaze lingered on Cain for a moment, then she nodded softly.

"The Great War ended more than one billion years ago. As for exactly when it started... I do not know. It may have begun shortly after the awakening of the Crimson World itself."

Shock, awe, and a sense of dread assaulted Cain, Meylin, and Bahamut. Their lifespans now measured in the millions of years, but even for them, one billion years was a span so vast it felt incomprehensible—an era that dwarfed their understanding of time itself.

Meylin’s golden eyes widened, her voice a whisper as she spoke the question on all their minds.

"How could you still be alive?"

Her words were not born of accusation, but of genuine wonder. As a Depravita, her unique constitution granted her a lifespan extending into tens of millions of years—and if she became an ArchDeity, that would increase exponentially. But the thought of living over a billion years seemed impossible.

Cain, drawing on his stolen memories from the Sun Lord, stepped in to answer.

"The reason for her ageless existence... is her Eternal Kingdom."

Tiamat turned her gaze toward Cain, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips as she silently encouraged him to continue.

Cain nodded, his voice steady and precise as he laid out the knowledge he had pieced together.

"Once you bond your existence to an Oniric Truth, your True Name becomes a reservoir for Origin Power. If you gather enough of it, you can ignite a Lord Flame and use it to forge a Divine Kingdom."

He glanced at Meylin and Bahamut, ensuring they followed.

"A Divine Kingdom is an extension of a cultivator’s very existence. It enhances comprehension of Oniric Truths, drastically increases cultivation speed, and exponentially boosts destructive capabilities within the kingdom’s domain. It nourishes both the ruler and those under their dominion, enriching their souls and bodies."

Meylin and Bahamut listened intently, eyes wide with awe. They had reached the Prime Deity rank, but the path beyond was shrouded in mystery. Cain’s words peeled back the veil, revealing a roadmap to a power they had barely begun to imagine.

Cain pressed on, his voice like the crackle of cosmic fire.

"If a Divine Kingdom is built upon the mainlands of a realm—like that of the Dragon Empress—its ruler can share the lifespan of the realm itself. In essence, they gain a virtually eternal lifespan. Such Divine Kingdoms are known as Eternal Kingdoms."

He paused for a heartbeat, letting the weight of that truth sink in before continuing.

"However, the energy and space within the Second Realm is finite. Not everyone can forge a Divine Kingdom here. Only the strongest ArchDeities have the power to secure a place within the realm. The rest of the ArchDeities, and all Prime Deities, are forced to forge their kingdoms in the chaotic void that surrounds the Second Realm. While those kingdoms still grant strength and influence, they do not bestow immortality."

As his explanation ended, the chamber fell into thoughtful silence.

"Clap, clap, clap."

The sound of hands clapping echoed across the room. Tiamat smiled at Cain, her expression warm yet edged with subtle amusement.

"Very good, young man. It seems you truly managed to devour the memories of the Sun Lord."

A flicker of meaning flashed in Cain’s eyes. The Dragon Empress seemed to know far more about him than he had revealed. His mind brimmed with questions—but before he could ask, Tiamat’s eyes sharpened.

"I see the questions in your eyes. Very well... it’s time we had a serious chat."