Inside the Holy Hall of the Three Heroes, Guren, Rain, and Jim gazed around in amazement.Pillars of gold and silver soared high, forming the foundation of the hall.
In addition, three massive statues in the center, representing the first three heroes of mankind, sent shivers down the spines of all who beheld them.
"It's really quite amazing..." Jim, who is usually calm and relaxed, couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Although he had seen glimpses of the Holy Hall of the Three Heroes back in the throne room, experiencing it in person was entirely different.
Beside him, Rain, who was typically emotionless, now looked like a curious cat.
This was her first time seeing the Holy Hall in person, making it an extremely rare opportunity for her.
Certainly, among the three of them, Guren was by far the most visibly happy and excited.
Entering the Holy Hall of the Three Heroes had been his childhood dream, and now it was finally coming true!
With measured steps, they walked toward the center of the hall, stopping about 20 meters from the massive statues of the first three heroes of mankind.
"Guren," Velix called out indifferently.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Guren replied respectfully.
Velix pointed to an exquisite white sword adorned with golden patterns circling the blade, hovering just below the middle statue of the three heroes.
"That is the Holy Sword of Zenith, and your task is to gain its recognition," Velix explained in a calm, nonchalant tone.
As Guren looked at the sword Velix was pointing to, his heart began to race.
His blood boiled, and his body trembled violently, unable to contain his excitement.
After thirteen years of waiting, he finally had the chance to see the Holy Weapon up close, as well as the Holy Weapon that would soon be his!
With his face flushed with excitement, Guren looked up at Velix and replied firmly, "I understand, Your Majesty! Leave it to me!"
Velix smiled slightly at Guren's enthusiasm and gave a small nod.
"Neither Jim, Rain, nor I can assist you; the outcome depends solely on you."
After speaking, Velix turned and strode toward the outskirts of the hall.
"Good luck, Marquis Guren," Jim said with a faint smile before following Velix.
Rain remained silent, giving Guren a brief, indifferent glance before also heading after Velix.
Left alone, Guren turned his gaze toward the floating Holy Sword of Zenith.
With determination, Guren whispered to himself, "I, Guren, will earn your recognition, Holy Sword of Zenith," then began to move forward at a deliberate pace.
However, just a few steps into Guren's advance, the floating Holy Sword of Zenith abruptly shifted, as if sensing someone's presence drawing near.
*Buzz!*
All of a sudden, the Holy Sword of Zenith emitted a brilliant white light, condensing into a ball of radiance that surged toward Guren with startling speed.
"Not good!" Guren widened his eyes in disbelief, unprepared for the sudden attack from the Holy Sword of Zenith.
He attempted to dodge, but the attack was too swift, catching him off guard. The light struck Guren squarely in the chest, propelling him a hundred meters through the air until he collided forcefully with one of the pillars behind him.
*Boom!*
The collision between him and the pillar created such an explosive sound that Guren instantly spat out blood.
"Pufft!" Guren coughed, clutching his incredibly sore chest.
His face paled, and he gasped for breath, cold sweat pouring down his brow.
The assault from the Holy Sword of Zenith was no laughing matter; its unleashed power was unbelievably formidable!
If it weren't for his robust physique and the holy power neutralizing the unleashed light energy, Guren was certain his body would have been torn apart!
Slowly rising to his feet, Guren fixed his gaze on the repositioned Holy Sword of Zenith, which hovered prominently before the face of the middle statue among the three heroes of mankind, surrounded by a radiant and majestic aura.
The white light and majestic aura surrounding it exuded an unusually strong pressure, seemingly commanding Guren to yield and step aside.
Witnessing this turn of events, Guren, initially filled with confidence, was suddenly consumed by anger and frustration.
'Why... Why did I fail!?' Guren gritted his teeth, his usually handsome face now slightly pale, unable to accept the outcome. seaʀᴄh thё nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
He had believed himself to be the chosen one, certain of gaining instant recognition from the Holy Zenith sword.
Yet, the sword's attack was undeniable proof of his rejection!
Did this mean that his thirteen years of hard work and dreams would amount to nothing?
'Damn! Damn it!' Guren clenched his fists tightly, cursing inwardly with anger and hatred.
At the edge of the hall, Rain and Jim watched in astonishment as Guren was directly rebuffed by the Holy Sword of Zenith.
"Your Majesty, Marquis Guren..." Jim turned his gaze towards Velix, hesitating to speak further, knowing that Velix was more informed about the situation than he was.
"Don't worry, Jim," Velix said nonchalantly, his expression unchanged despite Guren's failure.
Maintaining his calm and indifferent demeanor, Velix looked down at the panting Guren and spoke in a slightly stern tone, "Guren, if the conventional approach fails to earn you the recognition of the Holy Sword of Zenith, then you must resort to more forceful means."
Upon hearing this, Guren was slightly startled, casting a confused gaze towards Velix at the edge of the hall.
"A forceful approach? What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Guren inquired hesitantly, his confusion evident.
Velix smiled faintly in response. "It means utilizing your holy power and your hero's destiny."
As soon as he heard the words 'Hero's Destiny', a subtle shift crossed Guren's expression, and a faint smile spread across his lips.
"Hero's Destiny... Hehehe! How could I forget?" Guren smirked slightly, then turned his gaze back toward the Holy Sword of Zenith hovering above.
Taking a deep breath, Guren closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them.
"Hero's Destiny... Active!" As he spoke, his green eyes suddenly glowed brightly, and a star-shaped mark slowly formed on his forehead.
With the emergence of the star-shaped mark, the space around Guren instantly distorted and warped, eliciting a slight smile from him.
Raising one hand with his eyes shining brightly with white light, Guren fixed his gaze on the floating Holy Sword of Zenith and spoke nonchalantly, "Come on! Let's see if you still reject me!"
...
Meanwhile, 300 kilometers distant from the inner palace, amidst sprawling grasslands cooled by the night breeze, Leon and Liliana stood facing each other.
"Are you certain this place is safe? No demons or other beings lurking nearby?" Leon inquired, scanning the vast expanse of grass around them.
"Fear not. I've used my magic to ensure no living being resides within a 300-kilometer radius," Liliana reassured him.
Leon sighed with relief, his lips curling into a gentle smile as he regarded her.
"Thank you, Liliana," Leon murmured, his fingers trailing affectionately through her white, silky hair.
With a charming smile, Liliana replied, "You're welcome," then added playfully, "Just promise me that when your powers return, you won't attack me, alright? Otherwise, I wouldn't forgive you."
Leon chuckled at her playful remark, nodding in agreement.
"Don't worry, Liliana. Even with my powers back, I'll still be the same Leon," he declared confidently.
Liliana naturally trusted his words and simply gave a slight smile.
"Alright, then. Prepare yourself, for I shall erect the barrier and perform the sealing magic," Liliana instructed gently, stepping back.
With a nod, Leon turned away, paced 100 meters, then glanced back at Liliana.
"I'm ready!" Leon's shout echoed through the air.
In response, Liliana nodded subtly, extending her hand with an open palm to her side.
"Answer my call, Eternal Disaster Magic Staff!" Liliana proclaimed, her tone indifferent yet commanding.
*Buzz!*
Following Liliana's call, the air hung still as space and time momentarily froze around her.
Dark energy materialized, enveloping her before coalescing into a black magic staff with intricate red patterns along its shaft and a deep red crystal floating above.
If mages of the demon race or even humans beheld the staff's appearance, an undeniable chill would course down their spines.
The Eternal Disaster Magic Staff held legendary status, having been wielded by the second most powerful Demon Emperor in the world—Morgan Crimson!
With this magic staff, Morgan Crimson established the magic order for the Demon race, earning him the most legendary and famous nickname in the world—Morgan Crimson, the Magic Emperor!
Leon, witnessing the emergence of the Eternal Disaster Magic Staff, couldn't help but feel awe-struck.
"Eternal Disaster Magic Staff…" Leon whispered to himself, taking a deep breath.
It was his first time laying eyes on it, and he had to admit, the staff was truly formidable; even Rain's Magic Staff—the Magic Staff of Calamity—palled in comparison.
*Whoosh!*
Just as Leon was lost in thought, a sudden sound jolted him back to reality.
Raising his gaze, Leon beheld an unusually large and intricate red magic circle hovering above him.
"High-level magic: Blood Dome!"
"High-level magic: The Sky-Swallowing Seal of Darkness!"
"High-level magic: Limitless Healing!"
"High-level Magic: All Illusions Are One!"
A hundred meters away from him, Liliana, already immersed in her spellcasting, raised her Eternal Disaster Magic Staff and simultaneously unleashed four high-level magic spells, leaving Leon dumbfounded.
Successively casting high-level magic spells four times should have been deemed impossible; even Rain or Victor, the two greatest mages of mankind, could only manage two or, at most, three!
"This woman…" Leon's mouth twitched slightly, a mixture of exasperation and admiration crossing his features. He wanted to complain, but it was futile, as her magic had already begun to take effect.
*Whoosh!*
The red-hued magic circle above radiated a brilliant light, descending directly toward him and shaping into a scarlet dome, 50 meters wide and 70 meters high.
Gazing at the magical red dome shielding him, Leon took a deep breath, his excitement shining through his wide smile as he settled into a cross-legged position on the grass.
"Let's begin!"
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A/N: Ehem! My handsome and charming readers, don't forget to support me so that my spirit burns to the sky!
Thank you and stay tuned~ o(〃^▽^〃)o