The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1860: Mercy...and absolute brutality

The decision came as a profound shock for many, even catching Cain slightly off guard. Alucard, leader of the Eclipse School, had not hesitated or sought any clarification before binding his fate to Cain and the Scarlet Path.

The determination that shone so clearly in Alucard’s eyes brought a satisfied smile to the Scarlet King’s face, and once more made the strange feeling of power inside him grew stronger and clearer.

As Cain analyzed the situation further, he found Alucard’s choice less surprising. Alucard had fallen deeply in love with a Godslayer Human woman and had even fathered a child with her. He had long lived beyond the narrow chains of racial hatred, always dreaming of a world free of prejudice and forced enmity—a world where his son could openly live without fear, and he himself would no longer have to conceal his true emotions and desires.

Alucard saw that very dream within the Scarlet Path, and he embraced it without reservation. He was not blind to the dangers, but was willing to accept them as long as he could finally be free.

Cain then turned his penetrating gaze toward the other Prima Deities hovering in the sky. Many avoided his eyes, shifting uneasily and lowering their heads, unable or unwilling to meet his powerful stare.𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Just as the silence became almost oppressive, another voice finally broke through the tension. "Can I ask a question?"

It belonged to a towering man with blazing crimson skin, unmistakably marking him as a member of the Inferno Daemon Race. This man was Paton, the strongest among the Prima Deities within the Gu Sect, aside from Cain himself.

Cain’s gaze fell upon the Inferno Daemon. Though they came from the same organization on the surface, Cain knew the Gu Sect was merely a disguise for him. Thus, he neither treated them favorably nor with undue hostility, instead allowing the situation to unfold naturally.

"Go ahead," Cain said calmly, nodding slightly as he encouraged Paton to speak.

Paton inhaled deeply, his instincts screaming warnings in his mind. He was acutely aware that a single misstep might result in him meeting the same tragic fate as the unfortunate Prima Deity who had moved out of fear earlier. Still, gathering his resolve, he voiced the question haunting every Prima Deity present.

"What if... we refuse?" Paton’s straightforward question resonated clearly through the sky.

The Prima Deities knew Cain’s nature. His modus operandi was well-established: anything that obstructed him was mercilessly destroyed, its essence fueling his relentless growth. Logic dictated that refusal meant inevitable annihilation.

This realization spurred the Prima Deities to exchange secretive glances, quietly preparing to flee. Fighting Cain was impossible, yet collectively running might offer some chance at survival. Certainly, some would perish, their souls condemned to the nightmarish realm of the Scarlet Throne, but at least most would live to see another day.

Cain discerned every emotion and intention clearly through The Flow. A brief, amused laugh echoed in his mind as Apex spoke, "You really are infamous, boy."

Cain smiled slightly, shaking his head gently in response before addressing the crowd.

"If you refuse my invitation," Cain began, his voice remarkably calm, "then as long as you allow me to place a seal on you, I will permit you to leave unharmed after I face Divine Calamity."

Shock and confusion spread rapidly across the faces of the Prima Deities. Cain Laurifer, the infamous Scarlet King, displaying mercy? This unexpected show of leniency was so unlike him that many immediately suspected a hidden trap or some cruel test.

Cain saw their doubt clearly, and a soft smile appeared on his face, confident yet profoundly calm as he stared at the Prima Deities in their eyes. "Do you understand the true meaning of sovereignty?"

The Prima Deities exchanged uncertain glances again, wondering whether this was another trick, but Cain’s gaze remained steadfast and sincere as he continued without hesitation.

"Sovereignty means absolute power and authority," Cain explained, his voice filled with undeniable conviction. "Today marks the birth of my kingdom, and on this very day, I shall demonstrate to the world that I can embody both mercy..." he paused, turning his gaze downward to the battlefield strewn with tens of thousands of corpses, their lives and souls extinguished, "...and absolute brutality."

As Cain uttered these final words, the depth of emotion in his eyes transformed, becoming an abyssal scarlet sea so intense it seemed to flood their minds and souls, immersing them in an unimaginable horror. They felt the profound truth behind his statement, now convinced that his offer of mercy was genuine, yet backed by ruthless force.

Doubt evaporated entirely from the Prima Deities’ hearts. They now fully believed that as long as they accepted the seal, Cain would spare them.

Yet, a voice suddenly pierced the fragile calm.

"What about us?"

It was Andrew, his voice trembling slightly yet still filled with defiant pride. Cain could easily spare the other Prima Deities, but Andrew and the members of Divine Calamity Heaven knew their situation was different.

Cain turned slowly, locking eyes with Andrew and answering plainly, without attempting to hide his intentions.

"After I defeat Divine Calamity, he can buy your freedom for a certain price. However, if I manage to kill him..."

A cold, ruthless glint flashed momentarily in Cain’s eyes, his lips curving into an icy smile.

"...then you’re shit out of luck."

Andrew clenched his fists, gritting his teeth in anger and frustration at the absolute lack of control over his destiny, yet he maintained his composure. As much as it wounded his pride, he knew he stood no chance against Cain. The Peka Prima Deity’s only hope was his father’s intervention, and he resolved to wait patiently for that moment.

Seeing clarity finally restored, Cain’s powerful voice resonated across the sky once more, asking the decisive question yet again.

"Who will join me?"

His voice was neither threatening nor pleading; rather, it held an unmistakable allure, promising both danger and infinite potential

Eyes flickered with internal conflict. Minds churned through scenarios, doubts warring against hope, fear clashing with ambition.