Baron and the others were about to say something when Victor turned to look at them, calmly stating, "Once the Hourglass of Time is deployed, there's no turning back. At least half of Stellarburg's population will have their HP drained. We can't use it lightly unless there's absolutely no other choice."
He paused, then looked up towards the Bones Tower, continuing, "The aura on him is the most unique I've ever encountered in my life. I believe he won't just die easily there; there might still be a chance for things to turn around."
Baron and the others frowned, but seeing the resolve in Victor's eyes, they ultimately swallowed their words and just sighed softly.
A Hidden Stars rookie surviving the clutches of Crimson Demon seemed nearly impossible, bordering on fantasy.
Old Dog and the others showed sorrow in their eyes.
They understood that regardless of whether the Hourglass of Time was used or not, John's fate seemed sealed!
No one could save him; under the secret realm's rules, the highest level that could enter the secret realm was cataclysmic-level.
Even a half-god-tier awakener probably wouldn't stand a chance in the Crimson Realm, let alone rescue John from Crimson Demon's grasp, especially considering that those who can enter the secret realm are, at most, of cataclysmic-level, several whole realms lower.
Seraphina remained silent, but her pale hand had clenched tightly onto her white dress.
Despite her disbelief that this troublesome yet undoubtedly future Federal-renowned individual would die here, the harsh reality seemed to be already laid out before her.
Alex's expression was complex.
If John died, he should feel happy.
But for some reason, he couldn't find it in himself to smile.
...
In the Land of the Blood God, John stared at the prompt before him, silent for a long time.
Crimson Demon sized up John, saying with interest, "I must say, your body is indeed fascinating. You're ostensibly just a regular mage, yet all your abilities have been honed to perfection. Is this your talent?"
John didn't respond, his body tensed to the extreme, the overwhelming pressure nearly suffocating him.
Crimson Demon seemed unconcerned, his finger lightly tapping in the air.
In a blur before John's eyes, he found himself suddenly standing before Crimson Demon.
Crimson Demon was now seated high on the blood-colored throne, his dark red eyes looking down at John, as if observing an object rather than a person.
He nodded slightly, a flash of blood-colored light flickering in his eyes, and reached out to press his hand on John's forehead, chuckling, "This vessel is not bad, barely fit to be my new body. Consider it an honor, insect."
Hearing Crimson Demon's words, John's breathing nearly halted.
A new... body?!
This creature wants my body!
Seeing the hand pressing towards his forehead, a fierce determination flashed in John's eyes.
Without hesitation, a blinding light burst forth from him, multiple skills activating simultaneously!
"Gold Mail Armor!" "Berserk!" "Bloodthirst!" "Silent Curse!"...
In just the blink of an eye, the aura emanating from John surged exponentially, rapidly reaching his peak state.
He was never one to wait passively for death.
Even if the opponent was a deity, he would not yield!
John's gaze was icy, his muscles suddenly tensing all over.
John's eyes revealed a sense of unwillingness.
Having endured so much hardship since his arrival, he had finally thought he was on the brink of soaring high, only for it all to potentially end in just a few days.
How could he reconcile with this?
The scarlet light slowly expanded in John's eyes, and he could feel his consciousness being peeled away by a formidable force.
His eyes intensified with resentment.
I haven't yet become the strongest in this world, haven't stepped out of Stellarburg to truly see this world, haven't been with the most beautiful woman, haven't fulfilled my promise to Scarlett Monroe, haven't had another drink with the old cripple...
I still have so much left undone.
Is it all going to end here?
I can't accept this!
John's eyes turned bloodshot, his teeth clenched, a trickle of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, every muscle in his body trembling under the unbearable pressure.
Crimson Demon seemed to notice John's state, speaking calmly, "A mere mortal, yet fortunate enough to become my vessel, you should feel honored."
As His words fell, the oppressive force emanating from Crimson Demon surged again, the tyrannical and violent pressure even causing John to shrink slightly, the ground beneath his feet cracking inch by inch.
John felt as if he were being smashed by a colossal hammer, his vision darkening, blood streaming from his mouth and nose, nearly passing out on the spot.
Crimson Demon stated indifferently, "Be compliant, don't damage my new body."
With that, the red glow in Crimson Demon's hand intensified, accelerating the extraction of John's soul.
As long as he could extract John's soul from this body, he would be able to perfectly control it.
It wouldn't take long before he could rapidly regain his strength by absorbing life essence, and then seek revenge on that accursed woman!
Just the thought of that damned individual reignited an uncontrollable surge of murderous intent and resentment in Crimson Demon's heart.
One day, I will devour you!
However, Crimson Demon was also aware that with his current state, revenge was out of the question; even if he encountered that woman, he would likely have to flee.
Therefore, the most pressing matter was to swiftly recover his strength.
Crimson Demon calmed his emotions, turning his gaze towards John.
A scarlet gleam at His brow shone, casting its light into John's eyes.
The next moment, John felt an excruciating pain spike through his brain, as if something barbarically forced its way inside, stirring relentlessly.
This soul-deep agony almost made John roar out loud.
Simultaneously, as Crimson Demon's soul invaded John's body, a series of majestic, golden flashes, as if stimulated by Crimson Demon's presence, flickered deep within John's soul.
Looking up in astonishment within the depths of John's soul, Crimson Demon seemed to gaze upon a turning cosmos, with stars twinkling all around.
For the first time, He felt fear gazing into what seemed like John's consciousness, vast as a starry sea.
From each star, Crimson Demon could feel an immensely terrifying aura, each one potentially stronger than His might in His prime!
Crimson Demon's body stiffened, struck with horror.
What in the hell is this?!