Way of the Knights

Augustus was shocked.

He had never expected Raven to make that kind of offer. He looked at him suspiciously, trying to see if he could spot any lies or schemes behind Raven’s words but he realized that he had never been able to read this guy properly. And that somehow scares him.

Raven was a wildcard. Augustus knows that if he agreed to the offer, he might as well be pushing himself into another disadvantageous position. Yet at the same, this offer was so good that he can’t pass it on.

Literally, the only reason why he’s being suppressed right now is because he doesn’t have access to the Forbidden Ultima Core’s endless supply of power. Plus, he’s trapped inside Raven’s domain which makes him weaker. To even out the odds, he just needs the core.

Sure, he knows that there’s a chance that Raven would go back on his word but if he’s ready for it, he can prevent the situation from happening.

He lost a great deal at this point. But if he could kill Raven and take Divine Realm for himself, everything would be worth it.

Augustus could sense it. Divine Realm is the last missing piece of the puzzle for him to attain the path of being the strongest. If he could devour it, everything else will follow.

He would be Absolute.

That’s why against his better judgement, he took the bait. And Raven immediately recognized that.

Raven laughed and patted his shoulders. Saying; “Good, good! I’m glad you agreed.”

“But ah, let’s wait until they’re done with the clean-up yeah? Don’t want them to get caught up with this. After all, this is just between the two of us.”

Augustus have no problems with that. Raven also stopped sitting on his back so now he could at least regain some of his dignity.

His mind whirred with all kinds of plots and plans to take Raven down. He had no doubts that this will be the toughest battle of his entire life, therefore he needs to be careful.

Meanwhile, Raven just watched as Humanity’s army cleansed the remaining filth of Paradise. He felt proud seeing everyone work efficiently with each other. Their advances are practically unstoppable.

As time passed, Humanity gradually hunted down the remaining Abyssals around the area. Nobody was spared. All Abyssals were killed and turned into ash that scattered across the wind.

Humanity won. They felt it the moment the last Abyssal died in their hands. The killing intent that he been pressing down on their chest lightened so much. This is how they knew that they’ve succeeded.

It was also that moment when they heard Raven’s voice in their heads:

‘Good work everyone. You defended our home. You all are Heroes. Return home and wait for me there. I just need to take care of one more thing.’

Everyone’s eyes suddenly turned to the God’s Tower.

Yes, the Abyssals were done for and they’ve truly won this war but it is not over yet. There’s still one battle that has to occur and that’s something they can’t participate in.

Humanity knew that from the very beginning, Raven’s with them. Even though they haven’t seen him around and he wasn’t the one who lead them personally, they knew that he’s there, watching over them and prepared to do something should the situation arises.

This war will not go in their favor with Raven’s presence and plans. They only won because he’s at their side.

‘Will you be alright?’ Luna tapped into their link and asked him.

‘I will, don’t worry about me. Since when have I lost something I’ve started? Gather them up and lead them back home. I’ll be with you shortly.’

‘Dad. Come back to us safe, please.’ Vanessa said.

‘I will Princess. Believe in me. There’s no way I’ll lose this.’

Luna and Vanessa felt their hearts heavy yet they didn’t stop Raven. He knew that once he had made up his mind, there’s no stopping him. They hoped deep down in their hearts that he will return to them victorious and in one piece.

The Supreme Commander, Luna ordered the troops to return back home. She steadied herself since her job isn’t done just yet.

Humanity’s fleet gathered once more, now that they’re done with their jobs, they can return home and wait for the results.

As the fleet gradually left Paradise’s airspace, Raven sent them away with his gaze. His eyes followed them until they returned to the vicinity of Divine Realm, that’s when he sighed and walked forward.

Augustus felt movement around him.

He watched as the domain that suppressed and imprisoned him expanded and covered the entire tower.

It was also then that he felt a refreshing surge of power returning to him. The sensation was so strong that it made him groan. This was feedback from the Forbidden Ultima Core. His connection with was truly restored, Raven didn’t lie to him.

He didn’t waste time and immediately siphoned as much power as he could get from the core to not only cure the injuries he suffered from Raven’s torture but to also prepare himself in case Raven decided to go back on his word.

The God Emperor laid out several plans and traps in mere seconds. It was evident in his actions that he didn’t intend on giving up even an inch for Raven.

When he finished his preparations and power up, his attention returned to Raven.

To his surprise, the domain stretched further than he expected. It covered the entirety of Paradise, sealing it perfectly and flawlessly with only the two of them inside.

“I reckoned that the tower is too small for our stage so I decided to stretch it as far as I could.” Raven stated, “How’s it? I hope you don’t mind.”

The God Emperor took a deep breath, silently attuning to the overwhelming power he now has. His regal gait returned and the aura of the God Emperor emanated from him once more.

“I don’t mind. To be honest, Paradise might not even be enough for the two of us.” He said.

“Well, we’ll see about that. If this place truly can’t handle us both, I’d expand my domain even further. But for now, this should be enough.”

Augustus didn’t reply. He just stood on his place, twisting his neck and taking deep breaths. This was his way for bracing the impact of this battle.

His core and the Forbidden Ultima Core thrummed together, clearly in sync. Augustus clearly intended to use as much power as he can get to end this battle quick.

Sliver of his aura leaked to his surroundings. His strength is too volatile, causing the ground to creak dangerously and the air to scream at his very presence. Space twisted and the God Emperor’s boundless killing intent pressed down on every corner of Paradise.

It was clear that with the Forbidden Ultima Core on his side, the God Emperor was too strong.

All of Humanity’s Divine Knights felt suffocated by his aura. It was foul and too deadly. And this is with Raven actively suppressing it too.

Raven’s wife and friends were worried for him. Even as they entered Divine Realm’s territory, they didn’t return to the Dawn Council, they looked at the direction where Raven and the God Emperor will face each other with eyes filled with hope and concern.

“Ooh, look at you.” Raven said as he eyed the God Emperor from head to toe. “With your current appearance, nobody would believe that your face was literally imprinted on the ground a few hours ago. Vanity really does things to a person huh?”

Augustus’ lips twitched when he heard that comment. No matter how much time passes, this fellow is just really too good in angering his enemies. It’s a talent at this point, really.

“I’ll admit. You caught me off-guard.” He replied, “I’ve underestimated you and made a fool out of myself. You capitalized on that mistake and repeatedly rubbed it in my face. You’ve thoroughly humbled me. I indeed grown too arrogant for my own good and it returned to bite me back in the ass.”

“But if you’re thinking that things will go the same way as it did earlier. Then you’d be a fool. I suggest you stay on guard because I am determined to return the favor two-fold.”

Raven smirked, crossed his arms and asked: “Is that so? And on what basis?”

“What else? My strength of course!”

Boom!

Augustus flared his aura once and dozens of stars exploded on their own. The sheer amount of force emanating from him was extremely heavy and too strong that Paradise itself couldn’t handle it.

Anyone else aside from these two wouldn’t be able to handle the sheer pressure they’re in and implode directly.

“Mn…I see.” Raven nodded briefly. He doesn’t seem to bothered by the display of strength that the God Emperor displayed.

And there’s a good reason for that…

Raven lifted his pinky finger while his arms was crossed and all of sudden, the dominating presence of the God Emperor vanished and was replaced by sheer density of strength emanating out of Raven.

More stars exploded in that brief moment which caused the God Emperor to momentarily be at a loss.

“That’s cute.” Raven commented, “But nowhere near enough. You gotta show me more if you want to convince me.”