The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2421: Danger and opportunity

Kriz’s eyes widened as the realization finally struck him.

If the higher-ups of the Aztorus Kingdom learned that the alliance had collapsed because of him—at the exact moment when the forces of the Ocean of the Blood Sun grew powerful enough to contend with Late Alpha–Omega Overgods—he would be in grave trouble. This was not a minor diplomatic misstep; it was a strategic disaster.

The consequences could be severe.

At best, he would be stripped of authority and sidelined. At worst... the Kingdom might deny him the resources needed to regenerate his severed arm. In Paradise, where power dictated worth, such a punishment was tantamount to exile.

Rage surged through Kriz’s chest.

He turned sharply toward Mirena, his gaze burning with condemnation and betrayal. Yet the woman stood firm beneath his glare, her posture calm, her expression serene—almost satisfied.

Without saying a word, Mirena brought her fist to her chest and bowed respectfully toward the Ocean of the Blood Sun. Then she turned and retreated.

The Prima Deities and ArchDeities of the Aztorus Kingdom had already concluded their battles. Seeing Mirena withdraw, they followed her in silence. Even those warriors who had arrived alongside Kriz hesitated only briefly before choosing to leave with her.

After all, once the dust settled, it was painfully clear who would stand above.

Kriz clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms. He cast one last glance toward the Ocean of the Blood Sun, hatred and frustration twisting in his eyes—but he did not dare to speak. Not in the presence of the Royal Guards.

With no other choice, he turned and left.

Only after the Blutlinie of the Aztorus Kingdom had completely withdrawn did the Royal Guards finally lower their guard.

The three descended calmly into the Ocean of the Blood Sun, allowing its vitality and energy to wash over them. Their shattered bones reknit, ruptured organs restored themselves, and exhausted souls stabilized as the crimson sea pulsed with life.

"Creator," Hades spoke solemnly, his voice heavy with concern, "is it truly wise to end the alliance? The Kalous Kingdom remains a force we cannot defeat with just the three of us."

Morningstar snorted coldly.

"In a one-on-one battle, I am confident I can contend with any of their warriors."

His voice was steady, but then his eyes sharpened.

"And with the current vitality of the Ocean of the Blood Sun, we will advance in rank within years. Once that happens, we won’t just resist them—we will slaughter anything they send."

Cain listened in silence, a trace of satisfaction stirring within his soul.

Fierce. Arrogant—but not blind. Confident, yet capable of seeing beyond the present.

Very good.

"The truth," Cain said calmly, "is that we are in more danger than you realize."

The Royal Guards stiffened.

"The death of the Crown Prince and his companions is not merely a loss for the Kalous Kingdom. They were warriors of the Dark Blood Kingdom. Kalous will be forced to answer for their deaths."

Cain’s voice grew colder.

"They will retaliate. With everything they have. There is a high probability that even the Kalous King himself will make a move."

The eyes of the Royal Guards widened, their expressions turning solemn.

"Then why break the alliance?" Hades asked quietly.

Before Cain could answer, Morningstar spoke.

"Because it was no longer functional," he said flatly. "If we are to face the full might of the Kalous Kingdom, we need allies who will stand and fight—not retreat at the first scent of death."

Cain’s lips curved faintly.

"Exactly."

He continued, his voice steady and deliberate.

"We require an alliance that will commit its strongest warriors to the core battlefield. The Aztorus Kingdom will do so—because fighting within the Ocean of the Blood Sun will greatly benefit them."

The trio nodded. The logic was sound.

Still, a shadow of concern crossed Satan’s face.

"If the Ocean of the Blood Sun becomes the final battlefield... the collateral damage will be immense."

"You are right," Cain replied calmly. "But it does not matter."

His eyes gleamed faintly.

"If everything proceeds as planned, that battle will serve as the catalyst I require to complete my new body—pushing it beyond its theoretical limits."

The Royal Guards nodded without hesitation. Their faith in their Creator was absolute.

Days passed.

The trio fully recovered from their injuries, emerging stronger than before. They marched across the surrounding lands, conquering every region rich in life force and funneling its essence back into the Ocean of the Blood Sun to nurture its growth.

Meanwhile, Cain focused inward.

He reviewed the memories extracted from Orfin and Gilgark carefully.

"As expected," Cain murmured, "the Crown Prince branded them with soul seals without their awareness."

His eyes darkened.

"What a terrifying ability."

The realization hardened Cain’s resolve. The Ancestor Powers of Paradise were far more dangerous than most realized. Cain reinforced his soul defenses yet again, layering seal upon seal, leaving no vulnerability exposed.

After extracting everything of value, he sealed Orfin’s and Gilgark’s souls within golden spheres before beginning their consumption.

It did not take long.

The bodies of the Crown Prince and his companions dissolved into torrents of vitality and energy, which Cain redirected into the fourth cocoon. The Ocean of the Blood Sun surged in response, its power swelling visibly.

Next came the purification of their Ancestor Drops.

When the process concluded, Cain paused.

Surprise flickered across his eyes.

The purified Ancestor Drop from the Crown Prince was nearly three times the size of those taken from Orfin and Gilgark, despite the latter two possessing higher cultivation levels.

"Purity," Cain muttered thoughtfully, "is truly paramount."

A thrill rippled through his soul.

"The level and might of an Ancestor Power are directly tied to it."

The Ancestor Drop he was forging was flawless—100% pure.

Cain’s breath slowed.

"I can’t even imagine what kind of power this will grant."

A faint smile appeared.

"If it enhances speed... that would be excellent."

Without losing focus, Cain turned his attention toward the remaining Blutlinie and continued the process.