Chapter 374 - 374: Swift Justice (1)

It was a swampy area filled with shallow bodies of water which was obviously constructed by the inhabitants of this part of the empire. The ground was muddy and mud houses filled the entire region, coupled with the hundreds of trees surrounding the area.

In the only massive stone building which belonged to the chieftain of the lizard were three sun realm masters staring down at Cyrus whose hands were placed across his chest, with his murderous gaze bearing down on the three.

After the return of Derik and Cyrus, Francis and Diana could tell their days were numbered. Leaving the empire was not an option since the land was now inhabited by invaders who are more than ready to kill them on the spot without asking questions. At this point, the safest place these two could think of was with the blazing lizardman whose strength could equal that of Derik and Cyrus. 

At least, Ahika was on par with Derik and Cyrus in the past but now, things are completely different.

Even though these two knew Ahika couldn't protect them anymore, they still chose to stay with the lizardmen since they believed Cyrus and Derik wouldn't dare kill him. If they lived long enough for Ahika to talk some sense into them, they might just survive this disaster about to befall them.

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"What's the meaning of this?" Ahika growled at Cyrus.

The lizardmen are not cunning beings so the lizard man could not really tell Diana and Francis intentions. All Ahika knew was that Francis and Diana were better off alive than dead, with a few more gold realm masters the chances of the empire surviving the invader's predicament is much greater. On normal circ.u.mstances, Cyrus and Derik would put the nature of the lizardmen into consideration when dealing with Ahika but this was not the time for that! This time, Derik and Cyrus were ready to deliver justice no matter the price! For the sake of the thousands of comrades and believers who died due to Francis and Diana's actions.

"ON YOUR KNEES!" Cyrus spoke lightly but his voice was like countless thunderclaps.

With his words came a mysterious force that was enough to make all three gold realm masters fall on their knees without any form of resistance. The word path which the former king Robert once practiced and Cyrus currently practices, coupled with his life and holy magic made all his words seem like prophetic declarations that cannot be evaded. His words carried the weight of over a thousand mountains making even the most powerful mortals useless when faced with it.

"Cyrus!!" Ahika roared as his body was instantly engulfed in flames but even then it couldn't get on its feet. The lizardman felt like its knees were rooted to the ground by some sort of invisible force.

"For your own sake, I hope in the next life, you will not make the same mistake!" Cyrus' voice lacked any form of empathy and his killing intentions could not be concealed by his tone.

Guardian weapon path: Divine guardian broadsword!

A large amount of golden aura escaped Cyrus' body, gathering over his head and soon taking the shape of a massive golden broadsword.

"Vanish!" Cyrus muttered while waving down at them.

Swoosh!

Slowly but steadily, the massive golden broadsword descended from the skies, completely crushing the building and countless buildings it as well. Everyone watched in horror as the massive divine broadsword crush the building, digging deep into the ground, thereby resulting in a minor earthquake.

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"Now you understand my pain… You understand why I must act and even if you don't… it won't change a thing… But then again, think about it Elsa, try to put yourself in my shoes… if those you love were stolen from you while you were away… slaughtered for no reason at all, how will you feel? How will you react when you have the chance to retaliate?" Derik sounded calm but his glowing darkish green eyes and his claws and fangs were telling another story entirely. It was clear to Elsa that Derik was putting in a lot of effort to keep a calm appearance in her presence.

The rage boiling in his heart was like a violent storm and every moment Elsa remained quiet, his anger doubled. That was until Elsa's negative emotions flowed out, lingering at every corner of the room. Derik's eyes widened slowly in shock and he couldn't understand how to respond to this

{What's this feeling?} Derik thought.

"I understand your pain… I know how you feel… and I know how I will act if I lose someone whom I love… Ever since you disappeared during the sky rift incident with the treasures, I was lost, I felt broken… Not knowing if you are still alive or dead… I hated Isabel for not giving the order for the elves to protect you, even though I knew she was doing her job… Diana, she was the one who comforted me…. When the three heroes of legend appeared and Diana joined the elf empire we bonded like sisters… She's like the only family I have now and if you take her away from me, I don't know if I will ever be able to forgive you… Hating someone you love is so difficult… You should know that as well right? How did it feel hating your family that betrayed your trust? H…" Elsa's eyes had reddened at this point as she spoke her mind, letting all the bottled up emotions out.

This caught Derik by surprise and for a while, he was unable to react, he could only listen to her in silence. He could feel her negative emotions so he knew she wasn't just acting! 

Her pain was real!

And then she brought up the part about hating someone he loves, this reminded him of all the bad blood he had between himself and people he once cared deeply about. At this point, Derik's body trembled, brimming with anger!

"Enough Elsa! Tell me why you are here!" Derik growled and this time his voice was less human and more beast.