The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2282: Scarlet Merit Points

"Naturally, my people will."

As Cain uttered those simple words, a flicker of sharpness passed through the eyes of the assembled super-powerhouses. It was subtle—no more than a glint—but it was enough to reveal the shift in their hearts.

They had accepted the Scarlet King’s leadership during the Invasion of the Heart of the Root because he was the most capable among them, the strongest warrior the Alliance could field. On the battlefield, they acknowledged him without hesitation; after all, he had proven time and again that he would push himself to levels none of them could match.

But this gathering was not a battlefield. This was commerce—control, resources, influence, and the future balance of power. Whoever commanded the Empyrean Trade Center would hold a decisive advantage in securing treasures and rare resources, and those gains would inevitably translate into long-term supremacy.

The Everstrife Empyrean World was already the strongest world within the Alliance. The combined power of Anark and Cain alone matched that of the five leaders now standing before him.

In terms of ArchDeities, Everstrife was also unmatched; they had Leonidas, one who had awakened Resurrección and stood only a step away from becoming a true super-powerhouse. While a stronger Everstrife Empyrean World was undeniably useful in facing the threat of the Root, it also meant that the other worlds would grow increasingly dependent on them—an outcome none of these leaders found comforting.

Cain, empowered by the Power of Chaos and the Flow, read their thoughts and emotions as plainly as if they had written them into the air. Their concerns were expected, and though he was not offended, he had already prepared a way to handle them.

"There are many reasons why I believe myself the best candidate for this mission," Cain said, his voice steady and unyielding. "My forces have consistently shown objective judgment. I have warriors of both the Dark and Light Races under my command, and I stand in a category of my own. But the primary reason," he continued, "is that I can give everyone something that guarantees compliance with the Trade Center’s rules."

Curiosity briefly replaced tension in the eyes of the five powerhouses. They exchanged hesitant glances, unsure what exactly Cain meant. He did not keep them waiting.

With a wave of his hand, streams of bright scarlet light surged behind him, swirling into existence before solidifying into towering pillars. Each of them held a very powerful aura, holding very high cosmic forces.

Inquisitive light ignited in the eyes of Cipher and the others as they gazed upon these pillars. The moment Cain gave them permission, they extended their consciousness into them.

Their eyes widened instantly.

"Alpha Omega Overgod Cultivation Techniques..."

A jolt of electric intensity coursed through their minds. At their level—the Peak ArchDeity Rank—nothing held more value than Alpha Omega Overgod Cultivation Techniques. These were the keys to ascend beyond their current limits, the first step toward breaking into a realm that had remained closed to their worlds for generations.

Of course, such a breakthrough could not be achieved overnight; even under ideal circumstances, it would take years. Still, the mere opening of a possible path was enough to shake them. They had cultivated for so long at the peak that even the slightest movement forward was priceless.

But their access to the pillar ended abruptly, their consciousness pulled out as the scarlet light dimmed. All five turned sharply toward Cain. He merely smiled.

Though he deemed it vitally important to strengthen the Alliance’s warriors, Cain also saw an opportunity—one that would simultaneously empower them and solidify the foundations of the Trade Center. And he intended to use it.

"Access to the Empyrean Arts will be granted in exchange for Scarlet Merit Points," Cain declared. "All who fought in the Invasion of the Heart of the Root will receive an initial allotment, which may be exchanged for cultivation time."

He waved his hand again, sending a small scarlet badge into the hands of every leader present. As they focused on their badges, translucent lists unfolded within their minds—records of every living being who fought in the Heart of the Root. Beside each name was the exact number of Scarlet Merit Points they had earned.

Cipher, Zephirax, Amara, Arkam, and Urile all nodded instinctively. The measure was flawless. Every point had been calculated through wholly objective assessment, and they could not help but wonder how Cain had found the time to analyze the battle so thoroughly.

Their attention shifted to the second part of the list, where the exchange rate between Scarlet Merit Points and Empyrean Arts cultivation time was shown, and small smiles appeared on their faces.

Even if they did nothing to gain more points, each of the five already had enough to cultivate uninterrupted for a decade. But the same could not be said for the ArchDeities and Prima Deities under their command. Those individuals would need to earn additional Scarlet Merit Points to take full advantage of the Empyrean Arts.

The medallion provided detailed explanations on how to do so.

By participating in trade, individuals could earn Scarlet Merit Points. Any act of violence, sabotage, or disobedience toward Trade Center rules would result in deductions. The system was clear, balanced, and impossible to exploit. If one wished to grow stronger, one had to obey the rules. If one wished to obey the rules, one had to participate in the Trade Center.

It was elegant—practical—and, in truth, impossible to defy without consequence.

Yet there was something else listed, something that caught all their attention: an additional method for earning large quantities of Scarlet Merit Points.

"Scarlet Stars," Arkam murmured, eyes gleaming with meaningful light.

Cain nodded with a faint smile.

"If they take my Scarlet Leviathans and evolve them into forging a Scarlet Star, eventually merging it into the Scarlet Throne, the benefits will be immense. Such a formation will grant them a significant boost in merit points," Cain explained. "Of course, I will not force anyone. The choice will be entirely theirs."