Chapter 81: Chapter81-The Battle That Decides Victory

Afterward, John left the Bones Tower with Victor.

On their way out, John learned about the events in the outside world and what had transpired after he entered the trial.

When he heard he had been broadcasted live throughout his trial, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

He genuinely had no idea that the trial possessed the capability to broadcast one's combat to the outside world.

Otherwise, he would have never participated in this trial.

The secrets he harbored were too substantial, any inadvertent revelation could lead to deadly consequences.

Fortunately, John sighed in relief internally, as no significant issues had arisen.

Although the talents he displayed were formidable, the Federal had many geniuses and prodigies; one more wouldn't make much difference.

The only potential trouble was that Lucas had died in the secret realm, and everyone knew he was the killer.

However, Victor assured John that he needn't worry about the aftermath.

He would handle the situation and ensure that the House Carter wouldn't dare to make a move against him.

This time, House Carter had not only offended Hidden Stars but also House Winters and House Fairfax.

Once everyone was out, they would inevitably seek retribution from House Carter.

By then, House Carter would likely be too preoccupied to focus on John.

At this moment, John truly appreciated the advantages of having a strong backing; there was always someone to cover for him.

Yet, John remained vigilant.

After all, with a family of lunatics like House Carter, one could never be sure what they might do.

Having control over the Crimson Realm, John encountered no dangers on their way down.

The duo descended the Bones Tower with ease.

As soon as they stepped outside, a crowd surrounded them.

Old Dog slapped John on the back, laughing and cursing, "Good lad, you really had us worried sick, but who would've thought you'd be this impressive, passing an SSS-level trial! There haven't been many in the Federation who could achieve that in recent years, and now you've gone and done it!"

The towering figure of Gold Flash also burst into hearty laughter, saying, "No matter what, it's good that you're safe. We were terrified, thought you were a goner for sure."

Alex approached with a complex expression, hesitated for a long time, but finally managed to utter a thank you.

If it weren't for John, he surely would have perished in the trial, so the thanks were well deserved.

John, smiling, patted his shoulder and didn't say much, just mentioned that they should have a drink together sometime.

The two had been classmates for three years; despite some friction, there was no deep-seated animosity.

John might be petty at times, but he wasn't one to hold a definitive grudge against someone, especially when Alex wasn't all that bad.

Upon seeing John return, Seraphina also breathed a sigh of relief, the flicker of worry in her eyes quietly dissipating.

Theodore observed all this, his lips curving into an inexplicable smile.

At this moment, Theodore felt increasingly favorable towards John.

Just then, Albertus Fairfax approached, his voice still tinged with shock, "Brother, that was the Crimson Demon, a true dark god. How on earth did you survive?"

Hearing Victor's words, the group of powerhouses breathed a sigh of relief.

They were aware of the Shadow Emperor's strength, and safeguarding Stellarburg wouldn't be an issue with him around.

Alexander couldn't help but laugh and curse, "Look at you, Victor, always so confident. It turns out you had a backup plan all along, and you didn't even tell us."

Victor, however, shook his head and said, "It's not that I didn't tell you, but there was no point. The Shadow Emperor was gravely injured the last time he attempted to assassinate a dark god. He won't last long; we must return quickly."

Hearing this, everyone felt a chill and dared not linger any longer.

John's thoughts stirred, and a massive gateway of light appeared before the group, marking the exit of the secret realm.

Victor scanned the crowd and said earnestly, "Ladies and gentlemen, this affair is far from over. I hope to see you all again after Stellarburg has been saved."

The crowd fell silent, understanding that a tough battle lay ahead.

Powerhouses, including Baron and Theodore, faced the real possibility of death here.

No one could guarantee their survival through the upcoming turmoil.

Not even the Shadow Emperor could ensure that, let alone them.

But most were already prepared, even Alex and Albertus Fairfax, who had drawn their weapons.

John felt the same way.

He wasn't the type of youth who got carried away by hot-blooded fervor.

But he couldn't stand idly by and watch millions of humans die before his eyes without doing anything.

At that moment, he felt a gaze upon him.

Turning, his eyes met Seraphina's.

Both understood the message in each other's eyes. John's lips curled slightly, silently proposing, "How about we see who can take down more cultists?"

Seraphina didn't speak, but her eyes blazed with intense battle spirit.

Subsequently, everyone stepped through the gateway of light.

...

Stellarburg.

The sky was filled with drifting dust, numerous fires blazed throughout the city, and a dark, corrupt formation enveloped Stellarburg, its sinister runes flickering with black light.

Dusk Sect followers, their faces twisted in fanaticism, brandished torches, frantically searching for people hiding in the city.

Waves of despair and tyranny fed into the formation, intensifying its vile aura.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Thunderous roars akin to thunderclaps resounded across Stellarburg as Shadowcloud and Rean's figures clashed like lightning in the sky.

Powerful shockwaves radiated from their epicenter, causing the air itself to ripple violently, as if it couldn't withstand their immense power and was about to shatter.

Just as the residual effects of their attacks threatened to reach Stellarburg, a cerulean barrier suddenly arose, preventing their assaults from causing any damage to the city.

In the basement of the Dark Forest bar, Scarlett watched the two figures on the screen, her eyes filled with concern.

Although she had already dispatched Hidden Stars squads for rescue missions, securing most of the Hidden Stars civilians and protecting them from the Dusk Sect's followers after the initial chaos, Scarlett knew that the real determinant of the battle's outcome was the fight unfolding in the skies.