Chapter 1937: Sealing a deal
Chapter 1937: Sealing a deal
"If you join my side, follow me, and accept the Scarlet Path into your soul," Cain said, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to press against the air itself, "I will help you awaken your Resurrección."
Resurrección.
The word struck Divine Sea like a thunderclap. It was not just a term—it was a promise of transcendence, a concept steeped in awe and mystery. Ever since the Evernight War, it had been burned into the memories of every Archdiety in the Everstrife Empyrean World.
She remembered it vividly—Cain uttering the word before his body shifted into something that transcended flesh, Concepts and Laws, a seamless fusion of Alter-Ego and man. The transformation had elevated him to a level of power that shook the Everstrife Empyrean World to its foundations.
From that day on, the Archdieties’ hearts had been filled with desire. They wanted it for themselves. But no matter their hunger, none had been able to find a path toward it.
It became clear that Resurrección was not simply a matter of cultivation base. Cain’s Essence and Astral Path were only at the Prime Deity Rank, and while extremely potent and special, it was lower than ArchDeities by far. And while his Alter-Ego was indeed far stronger than that of others, it, too, was only at the Early Mind and Soul as One stage.
No—the key to Resurrección lay elsewhere. It was not born of raw energy levels. Instead, it resembled the elusive state of Liberación Total—a metamorphosis of mind and soul, rather than a step up in cultivation.
The problem was that no one had the faintest idea what that state of mind could be... and worse, they did not even know where to begin searching for it.
Forcing the Scarlet King to reveal it? Ridiculous. He was a being who had slain two Middle Archdieties in less than four strikes. To imagine compelling him to give up such a secret was folly of the highest order.
And yet—
Divine Sea could not help but imagine what would be within her grasp if she attained Resurrección. With such power, she could stride into the most dangerous regions of the world without fear, uncover the strangest phenomena in the cosmos, and steadily elevate her existence toward the next evolution—perhaps even beyond the known ranks of power.
Her fists clenched tightly, nails piercing skin. The sting of pain snapped her from the heady dream, helping her regain focus. Her gaze locked on Cain, sharp and searching.
"Would you truly be willing to part with that knowledge?" she asked at last, her tone edged with skepticism.
After all, Resurrección was the very thing that had allowed him to reign at the summit of the Everstrife Empyrean World, looking down on all others. If the secret became widespread, would that not threaten his throne at the apex of power?
Cain did not flinch. He only smiled.
"It is true," he said, "that if you—and many others—were to awaken Resurrección, you could defy me... perhaps even overpower me."
The red flames in his eyes danced, their light growing richer, the certainty within them burning brighter.
"Of course, that would only be the case if I stopped growing. But I will not. You will rise, yes... but so will I. By the time you achieve Resurrección, I will have ascended to a new level entirely—perhaps unlocking a power unique even among the Empyrean Worlds."
Divine Sea’s eyes narrowed. He was utterly unafraid of sharing the secret of his greatest strength because he believed—no, knew—that he would never stagnate. It was not arrogance born of ignorance, but confidence forged through action: through shattering limits others thought absolute, facing every nightmare the universe hurled at him, and emerging victorious each time.
Cain waited, unhurried, letting her think. His offer was genuine, and he possessed both the means and the will to guide her toward Resurrección. It would not be easy—Resurrección was unique to each individual—but with the current capabilities of the Absolute Lifeform System and the Crown of Ascendance, he was confident he could make it happen.
The red flame in his eyes continued to sway gently, hypnotically, as he studied her in silence.
Minutes passed before Divine Sea finally spoke.
"I will accept becoming an Honorary Partner of the Scarlet Alliance..."
It seemed she was about to refuse the deeper commitment of becoming a Core Member—until she added, "As for Core Membership, I will need time to think about it."
The faint disappointment that had begun to touch Cain’s eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a wide, radiant smile. As long as there was an opening, he trusted in his ability to influence her—showing her, in time, the glory and might such a choice would bring to her and those under her banner.
"Of course," Cain said smoothly. "You may take your time."
He nodded to her before rising to his feet and extending a hand.
"Welcome to the Scarlet Alliance, Honorary Partner Divine Sea."
She allowed herself a small smile as she clasped his hand. It was, in truth, a strangely informal way for beings of their stature to seal an alliance. Yet, in that moment, it felt oddly fitting.
With a flick of his wrist, Cain summoned a small spatial ring into existence and offered it to her.
"With this," he explained, "you can contact Minxet—one of my Chief Councilors. All business transactions can go through him. He speaks with my full authority."
Though the exchange concluded their formal agreement, Cain’s expression suggested he was far from finished.
The flames in his eyes brightened, and a wave of psychic power and spiritual force gathered in his palm. Slowly, deliberately, it condensed into a pulsing ember.
A Scarlet Seed.
"With this," Cain said, handing it to her, "you can give birth to a Scarlet Leviathan. Once matured, it will travel to the Scarlet Throne and evolve into a Scarlet Seed of its own. This will grant you access to a constant flow of psychic power and spiritual energy, which you can use to nurture your Alter-Ego—a core step in awakening Resurrección."