The adversary they had been pursuing all this time was right in front of them.
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The source of all calamity.
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No other words were needed.
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What mattered to them was defeating her, saving the continent, and putting an end to her long reign of evil.
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Vargo swung his mace once again.
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Behind the crimson divinity that evoked destruction, six swordsmen unsheathed their swords and charged at her.
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Spells rose from the back and began to shake reality.
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A torrent of attacks rained down.
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Alaysia, who had been sitting on the throne, smiled as she watched it unfold.
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She raised her hand.
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Whoosh—
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Darkness spread from beneath her feet, enveloping them.
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“You’ve come at just the right time.”
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A phenomenon occurred alongside her words.
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The spell and the special abilities were disassembled.
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This was different from the dispel ability Gorgan had performed.
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While his dispel nullified the manifestation of the abilities themselves, the spreading darkness swallowed the manifested abilities.
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The power was drained away, devoured by the churning darkness.
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Still, no one hesitated because of that.
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“What a foolish act.”
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Vargo once again unleashed his divinity.
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He lifted his foot and stomped on the ground.
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Rumble—!
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The ferocious crimson divinity tore through the darkness.
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It was born from the notion that if the darkness consumed special abilities, then he should just unleash an ability so powerful that it couldn’t swallow it all.
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Alaysia’s eyebrows twitched.
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“As expected...”
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She started to scowl, thinking that he was the most troublesome of them all.
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“...I should’ve killed you.”
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However, this was all within her expectations.
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Alaysia was still seated on her throne, her hand stroking her swollen belly.
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Vera then unleashed his divinity.
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“I declare.”
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An ashen divinity covered the darkness.
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What rose from it was a golden rule.
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Reflecting on all that had happened and her characteristics, Vera began to speak.
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“From now on, all corrupted acts in this realm are forbidden. If anyone commits a sin, they will lose their immortality and must also offer their soul as a price.”
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Vera hoped.
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To put an end to the unforgivable evil deeds, to the never-ceasing evil.
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“On the contrary, those who will fight against corruption will be able to draw out all their abilities to their limit, and their integrity will never be corrupted.”
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And so, he hoped that the countless who had suffered would be saved.
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“All these laws will be executed under the name of Lushan.”
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The Sanctuary was completed.
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A blade forged by invoking the name of God began to pierce her body.
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Still, it was not enough.
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“I vow.”
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It was an evil that could not be restrained just by rules.
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He had to use every method at his disposal to drive his sword into her heart.
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“I vow never to stop fighting until the moment my sword pierces the heart of evil, until she is eradicated.”
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Vera’s soul ignited.
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His dark and somber soul began to take on a brilliant golden hue, covered with the colors of the oath he made.
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“In return, I will gain the stamina to never fall and a sword sharper than any other.”
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A golden light gleamed in Vera’s eyes.
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“In the name of Lushan, I swear to faithfully fulfill all these promises.”
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Vera’s body was shot out.
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Following him, a woven spell was extended.
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The sword of the heroes imbued with the power of his Sanctuary were aimed at Alaysia.
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Alaysia gently touched her belly.
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“Are you happy?”
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She effortlessly controlled the surrounding darkness, fending off the attacks while whispering to her belly.
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“Is this what you’ve prepared?”
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Her voice was full of laughter.
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In fact, Alaysia was feeling extremely delighted.
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“Yes, everyone has certainly gathered. Considering the expanse of this land, it’s an accomplishment that can only be achieved by turning everything upside-down. And it’s not just that. Thinking about how Orgus has turned back time, Aru must have drawn a grand plan for this single opportunity, one beyond my imagination.”
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Knowing that the love she harbored in her belly had been a long time in the making, and that their foolish efforts would be in vain, Alaysia just smiled.
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“Thank you. For helping me.”
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Amid her stifled laughter, Vera, who had penetrated through the darkness, charged at Alaysia.
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Alaysia finally looked up at Vera.
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His stern face, entire body wrapped in a golden light, and the pure white blade at the end.
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“You’re so handsome.”
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Isn’t it a body I quite like?
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Squelch—
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Vera’s sword pierced Alaysia’s heart.
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Vera unleashed the divinity gathered at the tip of his sword, and at that moment, Alaysia reached out her hand.
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“You’ve worked hard to come this far.”
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Alaysia’s swollen belly burst.
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Splatter—!
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Blood, flesh, and guts poured over Vera’s body.
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It didn’t take long for Vera to realize that something had gone terribly wrong.
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“Get out of the way!”
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Vargo shouted.
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The cry let out by someone who had never raised his voice before failed to reach Vera.
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Vera’s movement stopped.
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[No!]
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Someone’s ear-splitting scream echoed in his ears.
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His thoughts began to drift away within the ringing noise.
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“It’s too late.”
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Alaysia, with her belly wide open and her spine exposed, spoke.
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She wrapped her arm around Vera’s neck and embraced him.
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At that moment.
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———.
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The movements of everyone present ceased.
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Even special abilities ceased.
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The only thing that remained was Alaysia’s laughter.
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“You fools.”
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Everyone who had lost control and stopped trembled at her voice.
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“You know, wasn’t it strange?”
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Alaysia added mockingly, stroking the back of Vera’s head.
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“Why do you think I’ve remained quiet all this time? Why do you think I waited for all of you to come here?”
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Alaysia’s lips tore into a smile.
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“There was no need for me to move. The preparation? That had already been done, long before you could even imagine.”
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Alaysia buried her head into the nape of Vera’s neck.
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“The Tenth. That’s what you call it, right?”
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After waiting for such a long time, the end was sweet enough that Alaysia began to fully enjoy it.