The Liberation Empire's condition was dire, with almost 10% of the soldiers having fallen to the enemy's hand, despite the boost from Aengus.
The enemy's numbers were overwhelming, and their strength far greater, so the situation was only natural.
The generals were in terrible condition, bloodied and battered. General Martin had even lost his left hand while defending.
General Leon, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Aengus' figure, clung to a shred of hope.
"Come on, you're the only one who can do this, Zero!" he roared silently in his mind.
He wasn't afraid of death but feared losing. Aengus had given him the vision of a world free from war, a dream of prosperity. It was a vision he now held close to his heart.
Aria was positioned at a far corner of the battlefield, channeling her nature-based powers to aid their army by saving lives in critical moments. The desperation in her eyes was evident as she gave everything she had, delving deep into the essence of the world in search of something elusive. Yet, it was proving to be one of the hardest challenges she had ever faced.
---
"Oh, the rebel Emperor is already losing? I thought he would be a real challenge. Truly disappointing," Rindel remarked, shaking his head in disapproval.
The Old Elf Emperor disagreed, his voice carrying a weight of wisdom. "No, Rindel. That young man hasn't given up yet. Look closely at his face."
Rindel, puzzled, turned his attention to Aengus. He observed carefully as the Old Emperor's profound words reached his ears.
"His face may seem indifferent, but look deeper. There's a confident smirk, a devilish glint concealed beneath his calm facade. People like him are the most dangerous. You never know when they'll reveal their true strength."
The Old Emperor's words sent a chill down Rindel's spine, as it perfectly described the enigmatic presence of Aengus.
Both of them felt a deep sense of foreboding, as if something horrifying and unexpected was about to unfold at any moment.
----
Aengus' patience was wearing thin as he observed the dire condition of his army while listening to Kairos' incessant, disdainful rambling.
Even at a great distance, the heat from Aengus' form scorched their skin, sending shivers of fear through their spines as they wondered what would happen if they ventured closer.
From where Aengus stood, the ground began to melt, turning into molten rock under the intense heat radiating from his transformed body.
Emperor Kairos' eyes narrowed, his heartbeat quickening as adrenaline surged through his veins. Compared to the towering dragon, he looked like a mere speck of dust, insignificant in size and presence.
But instead of despair, a fierce grin spread across Kairos' face.
He was not giving up. Even in such an unfavorable position, where a single breath from Aengus could reduce him to ashes, his defiance burned brighter than ever.
Aengus' massive dragon paw began to descend upon Emperor Kairos like a meteor, each movement creating immense pressure below, as if it were the hand of a god about to strike.
"Come here, all of you! Sacrifice yourselves for this Emperor!" Kairos commanded.
In response, Emperor Kairos summoned his personal guard—26 Transcendentals—ready to die for him at a moment's notice.
The Transcendentals' eyes were hollow, as if they were being controlled or brainwashed into unwavering loyalty. Without hesitation, they quickly gathered around Emperor Kairos in a circular formation, creating a protective barrier.
Kairos raised his broadsword high, its blade turning a radiant gold as he activated a secret skill.
"God Kairos' Doom Fusion!"
The Transcendentals instantly disintegrated into a bloody mush, their essence merging seamlessly with Emperor Kairos' broadsword.
The blade radiated an intense golden glow, pulsating with divine energy, as though it were a weapon forged by the gods themselves.
"Hahaha..."
Emperor Kairos let out a maniacal laugh, his voice echoing through the battlefield. The surge of divine power coursing through him filled him with overwhelming confidence, granting him the strength to challenge the colossal dragon before him.
With a mighty leap, Kairos soared into the sky, aiming to meet Aengus head-on in a titanic collision.