Chapter 2043 - Choice (1)

The Uidah stronghold wasn't as lavish as the core lands of the Ragnors, but it was a magnificent view in its own unique way.

While Odin City was lit with countless energy stones, Ethereal City shimmered a beautiful dark gold to bronze.

Its cityscape was filled with short, robust buildings that gave the atmosphere an earthen vibe, while its architecture was reminiscent of west Asian culture from Dyon's home world. In contrast to the sharp edges of Ragnor architecture, the Uidah preferred beautifully rounded and arched structures that gave off a wholesome feel.

Still, this once calming city had become a Nightmare for many.

Just one month ago, the Pakals suddenly flooded their eastern border with a level of attack force the Uidah had never faced before. The sudden change was so abrupt that the Uidah were completely caught on their backfoot.

One might wonder how such a large Empire could make such a blunder, but the answer was actually quite simple. When the attack was initiated, the Gates should have been closed down for maintenance. Even to this moment, the Uidah had no idea how the Pakal circ.u.mvented these rules.

The Uidah completely lost initiative. Their only saving grace was the fact that their warriors were still fresh. For some reason, the Pakals hadn't attacked them during the last campaign. Initially, they believed that this was being they were far too occupied with the Ragnors and sighed a breath of relief. But who would have known they were just gathering their striking force for a fatal blow?

The Uidah completely lost control of their border Gates and were forced to retreat and regroup. But they had no way of knowing that this was just the beginning.

Just as they were regrouping to counter the Pakals, a sudden attack came from their northwest. The Five Beast Clans and the Ragnors flooded their territory from the top, catching them off guard once more.

Just what was going on? First the Pakals, but now the Ragnors and Five Beast Clan Alliance was capable of attacking while the Gates were closed?

Despair cloaked Uidah territory. By now, they understood the kind of trouble they were in. There was no coincidence, their three rivals had allied to deal with them swiftly.

No, that shouldn't be it. In all likelihood, the Five Beast Clans had likely already been split amongst the two powerhouses. There was no way they were qualified to be in an alliance with the Pakals and Ragnors.

King Uidah's already short fuse became shorter. There was no lack of unlucky servants that lost their lives during this time. He couldn't believe what was happening.

That was when King Uidah received news that caused him to faint from anger. The army that was trampling across his territory as he sat there in a rage was led by a youth whose name should have been crossed from the history book – Alidor Guatama!

Almost 50 years ago now, he had finally rid himself of a thorn at his side. After receiving help from a mysterious group of individuals, he eradicated the Guatama and solidified the rule of his Uidah Clan.

Initially, the benefits were instantaneous. Without splitting their Faith through an Alliance system, the Faith of the Uidah skyrocketed, allowing them to stave off the Pakals for so many years.

He knew back then that two had escaped, but he hadn't lost any sleep over it. Everyone knew how difficult it was to raise one's Clan up, what could two orphans do?

How could he had ever guessed that the very two orphans he didn't care for would be leading the army of his demise?

He didn't know what to think. He had too many questions, as anyone would. Just how could this have happened?

King Uidah had no choice but to leave the task up to his two sons. He had yet to decide who would inherit his throne, so he could only test them in this way, sending Dravil to the Northwest and sending Abraham to the East.

But, all he received in return was news of a series of defeats. Whether it was Dravil or Abraham, they couldn't stop the momentum of the armies.

To make matters worse, it wasn't just them either. None of the Sons or Daughters could seem to win even a single battle. In fact, the only one who managed to do so was the former First Celestial Daughter, and Dravil's current fiancée, Nora.

[Author's Note: Yes, both Madeleine's biological mom and the former first celestial daughter share this name. This time, I did it on purpose. I thought that in a world with so many people, at least some would have the same name… In retrospect, it's a pretty useless detail. Sorry about that].

By the time King Uidah came to realize that all of his brightest children had betrayed him, the armies were already upon Ethereal City.

Alidor held his little sister's hand as they stood above the city, looking toward the beaten and bloodied King Uidah. Of course, neither of them had the strength to do this just yet, so they relied on Glorianice.

"Mother… Father… We've come to avenge your deaths…" Alidor whispered softly.