Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Demons Arrivals

The Ice Guardian and Fire Guardian didn't say anything else. They knew it would be all futile.

Instead, General Leon turned to the crowd and spoke loudly, his voice carrying over the entire assembly.

"I know many of you have traveled from far away to participate in this hunt, hoping to change your fate. Whether you are from this kingdom, neighboring lands, other empires, commoners, or royals, remember this-you are risking your lives by entering there.

As per the agreement between the five empires, we will not be held responsible for any deaths or scuffles between the younger generation," he said, pausing to let his words sink in before continuing.

"So, be careful and think twice before you decide to enter. Especially those who are older-if you attempt to enter, you will be erased from existence, as is written in the records," he added sternly, his eyes sharp and piercing.

His words were met with small nods from the higher powerhouses and Transcendentals, confirming their truth.

General Leon's warning sent a wave of panic and unease through the crowd. The older participants, who had been hoping for a chance, exchanged glances -some began to back away, while others remained, still intending to try.

Sofia and her team listened, but their resolve didn't waver; they had been aware of these risks beforehand.

"General Leon is right, losers! If you want to quit, you should do it while you still have the chance," a young man shouted, his face full of killing intent.

"Hmph! We're no cowards. Let's see who survives, you silver spoon sucker!" some battle-hardened participants sneered in response.

"Heh, we'll see when we meet in the treasure land. Anyone who dares to hinder our way will be killed without mercy!"

The atmosphere turned instantly hostile, and the tension rose. The higher powerhouses and Transcendentals furrowed their brows. If things continued this way, who would lead humanity in the coming Holy War if all the young talents ended up killing each other?

The powerful figures exchanged glances, seemingly coming to a decision about what to announce next.

"Silence!"

Sky Phoenix Queen's voice rang out, regal and commanding, piercing through the crowd.

The hundreds of thousands of young participants instantly fell quiet, waiting for her to speak.

"We have made a new rule on the spot—anyone proven guilty of killing fellow humans, especially in mass killings, will be treated as a traitor to humanity. This proves that you value nothing but your hunger for power and greed. He or she will be executed accordingly. But remember, you are free to defeat others, just refrain from killing or crippling them. Keep that in mind."

Her gaze swept across the crowd, making sure her words had impact.

"And for those who are unaware, I suggest you form groups. There is safety in numbers. Once you enter the treasure land, you will be spawned at random locations, so the first thing you should do is find your teammates. Communication with the outside world, or even between groups, will be impossible using artifacts," she revealed, a secret that had been kept until now.

Just as his doubts settled in, several space portals and rifts began to appear, ripping open the sky. Demons poured through the tears in Space, their monstrous forms imposing. Some tore through the atmosphere with sheer power alone, forcing their way into the world.

"Oh, fu*k! Demons!" Alisha cursed, panic creeping into her voice as she and the others realized the gravity of the situation.

"How could we forget about them?!" Nate shouted. Their group panicked a little.

Cries of fear and alarm spread quickly through the crowd.

"Oh, god! The demons are here!"

"I bet there are high-ranking demons present too!"

"We're dead!"

"Hey, shut up, peasants! We have Transcendentals here—what's there to fear? You cowardly rats!" A brash voice retorted from the crowd.

"Y-You...Bastard!"

Despite the growing dread, the younger generation readied their holy weapons for the clash. The air became thick with tension as they prepared to face their worst nightmares.

"Buzz! Buzz!"

Then, a loud crackling sound echoed through the area. The void barrier between worlds began to tear apart.

"The gate is opening!" someone yelled.

"Haha! Forget about the demons. Once we're inside, we'll be safe!" another shouted.

"Yes, let's go! Hurry!"

"Guys, let's move to the gate, quick! These demons are bad news, and if we fall behind, we'll become cannon fodder," Sofia urged, sprinting toward the gate that had just opened.

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It a massive, transparent, dark square-shaped portal.

Aengus and the others followed closely, moving with speed, their gazes fixed on the swarm of people already rushing toward the gate. The gate was large enough to allow thousands to pass through at once, but the sheer number of people made the scene chaotic.