Chapter 203

Chapter 203

I refuse, Kallistus Kal said simply, facing down the rest of the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns.

He couldnt see most of their faces. They were merely projections shadowed figures that were assembled around the room. But despite that, he saw the way they visibly reacted. They shifted back, hearing his rejection of their leader.

The Archmage King was the only one who didnt wear a hood. His brows snapped together, and he narrowed his eyes. His piercing gaze bore into the [Hero King].

What did you say? Leonhard asked dangerously.

He evidently wasnt simply asking Kallistus Kal to clarify anything. The Archmage King was issuing a threat. If the [Hero King] repeated himself, it would officially mark him as an enemy of the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns.

Kallistus was being given one final chance to rescind his refusal he was given one final chance to pledge his loyalty back to the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns. However, Kallistus Kal weighed his options, and his answer remained the same.

I said, I refuse.

And a susurration washed over the gathered group. The shadowed figures in the back grew restless. A few of them shouted in outrage, while others just exchanged confused glances. They couldnt believe it. They stared at Kallistus Kal in sheer disbelief.

Is he crazy? one of them asked.

Another one said, Has he lost his mind?

Silence, Leonhard bellowed, cutting off the rest of them. They snapped to attention as Kallistus Kal raised a brow. The Archmage King stepped forward. Do you not comprehend the consequences of your decision?

It was a rhetorical question. Kallistus knew the answer to that. So he just nodded. I do.

You will be making an enemy out of all of the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns, the Archmage King said.

I am aware of that, the [Hero King] thought in response. And I do not care. For I no longer need you. I no longer need the help of your organization.

Kallistus had joined them to learn more about the Void. But now, he had ascended to a power that none of them could ever reach. So there was no need for him to waste his time with them any longer.

I do not care, he finally said as he turned around.

Leonhards image flickered. His facial expression didnt change. He simply continued to stare into the [Hero King]s back. Until, finally

Very well. But know this, [Hero King] the Kyn-Leard said in a warning voice. You will die for your betrayal.

And with that, the spell circle casting the projections flashed. The room dimmed as the members of the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns vanished. All that remained now was Kallistus Kal standing there, craning his neck back fractionally.

The [Hero King] heard that threat. But he shrugged it off as he walked away towards the exit of the room. There was nothing the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns could do to stop him from reaching his goals. After all

What happens now? a voice asked.

And Kallistus Kal looked up. He saw Ammon the Arcane Archsorcerer standing down the hallway with wide eyes. He had overheard the entire discussion with the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns.

Will you put an end to the war against the Astrad Kingdom now that you are no longer associated with the Sect of the Abyssal Thorns? Ammon asked, pursing his lips.

Grat-razun focused on the palace up ahead. He saw heavily-armored [Knights] gathered there right at the courtyard. He saw the [Royal Guards] lining the ornate halls, and he saw the [Mages] studying in the libraries. But then his gaze went on ahead, until he arrived in the throne room.

There, he saw Kallistus Kal sitting down, giving orders to an [Archmage] and a group of his advisors. It was as Grat-razun expected.

The [Hero King] is still alive, he whispered as he watched this scene unfold from high above the clouds. His eyes flickered, letting the realization slowly set in. But that is the case, then that means

Guardian Angel Z357 is dead, a voice replied.

And the Elder Dragon blinked. He immediately exited the scrying spell, but it was too late. He couldnt react in time. A powerful strike dug into his back as he roared in pain. He looked back to see a familiar figure standing there, sword digging into his side.

Kallistus Kal? But how? Grat-razun stared in horror at the [Hero King].

The Elder Dragon couldnt comprehend it. He had just seen Kallistus Kal down below, in the throne room at the city of Kalis. But now, the [Hero King] was here? Was it some kind of illusion? Some kind of trick?

Grat-razun didnt have time to think about it. He felt the blade of the [Hero King] dig deeper into his scales, and the Elder Dragon opened his mouth.

BURN! he screamed, unleashing the full might of his dragonfire at his enemy.

But even as his flames bathed the sky with their intensity, causing the clouds to evaporate, Kallistus Kal didnt move. The [Hero King] took the full force of the Elder Dragons flaming breath without flinching.

Grat-razun paused when he realized his attack had been wholly ineffective. His flames faded away, and he just gaped at Kallistus Kal.

What?

I have grown much stronger since we last met, Kallistus said. You are now nothing but a pest to me.

And the [Hero King] swung up once, shearing off one of the Elder Dragons wings. Grat-razun began to tumble from the sky as Kallistus Kal leapt back with a sadistic smile.

The two of them fell next to each other as Grat-razun roared in pain. The world spun around him. Everything was a daze, and his back burned in pain, But still, he saw a flash of purple light through his minds haze.

Kallistus Kal raised his sword, aiming the weapon at the Elder Dragon, ready to finish the job. Somehow, he was far stronger than before, and there was nothing Grat-razun could do to fight back. Which meant there was only one option for the Elder Dragon.

He had prepared himself to make a quick escape even before he had come here. Because he had been afraid he would be overpowered by the [Hero King]s goons once more. And while the Elder Dragon didnt expect this situation to arise, he was still ready to escape.

So he raised his claw and bellowed, [Pre-Cast Spell: Greater Teleportation]!

It was a Skill that let him prepare a spell any spell, even if it was a ritual before a battle. This time, he opted for a teleportation spell, which would bring him to a set location he had in mind. He hadnt wanted to go there, because his pride wouldnt let him ask for the help of others. But he knew when to run, and he knew when he had to abandon his pride. So his body flashed.

The [Hero King]s brows snapped together. He shouted something, before swinging down with his glowing sword. But it was too late. The Elder Dragon was gone.

And Kallistus Kals attack struck nothing but the air. He continued to bumble down alone, before he landed in the middle of a forest. He gritted his teeth as he dug his blade to the ground, and he whispered to himself.

Coward.