The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2014: The Scarlet Kingdom marches

The reason for Cain’s frown was simple. The envoy sent by DeathSong Heaven was not its ruler, but merely a Prima Deity. She was a woman of the Hell Clan, her crimson face betraying the nervousness and panic she tried—and failed—to conceal.

Cain was not arrogant, but neither did he sell himself short. He was a sovereign with overwhelming strength, the Scarlet King, who commanded armies and ArchDeities alike. Other than Azazel, he had no rival in this world.

For an Omega Lord Tier Organization such as DeathSong Heaven to send a mere Prima Deity as their negotiator could easily be interpreted as an insult. Even if this envoy was a proxy because her master could not attend, a Prima Deity simply lacked the authority to speak for an entire Heaven. It reeked of cowardice, or worse, manipulation.

Still, Cain did not lose his composure. His mind sharpened as The Flow glowed in his eyes, granting him insight. Turning toward the storming presence beside him, Cain clasped his hands with solemn respect.

"It is a pleasure to welcome the leader of Lightning Soul Heaven into my home."

Zeus, the Embodiment of Lightning, was a man of immense pride. His ambition drove him to seek the very peak of existence, and his power gave him the right to reach for it. Yet he was no fool. Standing before the Scarlet King, even he clasped his hands in return, acknowledging Cain with proper respect.

"It is my honor to meet the famed Scarlet King," Zeus replied, his voice like distant thunder. "I am certain we have much to discuss."

After those words, Zeus fell silent. His golden eyes drifted toward the Prima Deity of the Hell Clan, making it clear that the matter of her presence had to be addressed before true negotiations could begin.

Cain agreed. His gaze settled on the trembling woman, who instantly dropped to her knees and prostrated herself.

"Scarlet King," she said in a trembling voice. "I am Sumira, Grand Elder of DeathSong Heaven. I beg Lord Leonidas for the opportunity to explain our situation personally. Please—allow me to justify my presence."

Cain’s stare bore into her. The Flow illuminated her emotions, allowing him to see the truth beneath her words. Finally, he gave a slight nod.

"Be quick."

"Thank you, my King." Sumira bowed lower before speaking. "My master, Lady Silence, entered seclusion for cultivation the moment the World War began with your clash against the alien. She left me in charge and instructed me to tell you that she would join your side once she emerged." Sumira paused, her voice growing colder, more resolute. "But I do not believe her. I am convinced that Lady Silence abandoned us. If you are winning, she will no doubt ’miraculously’ return. If not, she will remain gone forever. My people would then be left to face your wrath while she hid in the shadows. I refuse to let my Heaven become disposable pawns for her cowardice."

Cain exhaled heavily, shaking his head. He had encountered ArchDeities like Leonidas, who stood firm against the abyss, unshaken in the face of a fate worse than annihilation. Yet there were just as many cowards and opportunists, those who buried their heads in the sand at the first sign of true danger. Lady Silence was clearly the latter.

"Return to your Heaven," Cain commanded, his voice resonant with authority. "I will extend the Scarlet Path and the Scarlet Intercontinental Formation across your domain. But I will allow you and your people to remain within your Heaven if you choose to stay oblivious. You may remain silent spectators rather than soldiers, but do not stand in my way."

Sumira’s eyes widened with relief. She had feared annihilation, and instead she was granted mercy. Bowing again and again, her voice cracked with gratitude. "Thank you, Scarlet King!"

The terms were more than favorable. If Cain had wished to strip DeathSong Heaven of all it had, there was nothing she could have done to stop him. Smiling nervously, she gave her farewells to Cain and Zeus before retreating swiftly from the throne room.

Only when she was gone did Cain and Zeus exchange glances. At last, the true negotiation could begin.

"In war," Cain said, his tone sharp, "every second matters. Let us not waste any."

Zeus’ lips curled into a smile—bright and fierce, like lightning itself. He wasted no time. His words came fast, powerful, striking like bolts from a storm.

"My instincts tell me that the alien is dangerous. His goals will bring disaster to this world. You, however—" Zeus’ eyes gleamed with determination, almost madness—"you are a man who strengthens those beside you, who raises allies into power. You are strong enough to fight the alien, and you have vision enough to reshape this world. I care little for the old dichotomy of Light and Dark. Ideology does not bind me. What matters is power and the path forward. I will fight with you, Scarlet King—so long as you help me break my chains."

At that moment, his golden eyes burned like suns. "I want to shatter the shackles of fate that limit my future. And I see in you the path to achieve it."

The Flow revealed the truth of his words. Cain saw the raw core of Zeus’ intention: ambition without limit, the hunger to rise beyond destiny. And Cain smiled wide. Stretching out his hand, he offered alliance.

The following days descended into controlled chaos. The forces of the Scarlet Path moved faster than ever, an unstoppable tide surging across continents. The Scarlet Intercontinental Formation spread like veins of crimson fire, its runes etching themselves into earth and sky, connecting lands.

One by one, the lines of power interlocked. From the void above, the world itself seemed to transform. A colossal crescent of scarlet light emerged, visible even to distant stars, splitting the Everstrife Empyrean World in two. It was not merely a formation—it was a scarlet moon, vast and burning, proclaiming the Scarlet King’s dominion.

And from that crescent moon poured armies. Legions clad in red, their banners dripping with the power of conquest, marched beneath the leadership of ArchDeities.

Now that the Scarlet Intercontinental Formation was complete, it was time for the flames of war to reignite and for the Scarlet Kingdom to march toward the land of the enemy and kill everyone on their path.