Rhode’s group arrived inside the palace under Nalea’s lead. Almost at the same time, the two other groups also arrived and the atmosphere instantly took a turn.
The Dark Dragon Ion lifted his chin proudly, staring at Rhode with his ice-cold, stern gaze. His tall height and pitch-black coat appeared incredibly intimidating. On the other hand, Rhode narrowed his eyes and shot a look at him before letting out a scoff. Even though the Dark Dragon Ion had a strong presence, Rhode had no reason to be afraid of him. Back then when he was a player, he had slaughtered him together with his guild. He was in the ‘BOSS mode’ now, so all the more he wouldn’t be intimidated.
On the other side, Lilian’s exhilarated expression from seeing Rhode instantly plummeted into a gloomy sulk when she saw the Dark Dragon Ion. She puffed up her cheeks and scowled at him fiercely. Even though she didn’t have any deep emotional ties with the Country of Light, she didn’t feel comfortable when the Country of Darkness’s army invaded her dragon soul protection. She felt like a tortured prisoner meeting the punisher. Unless one was a masochist like Sonia, no one would feel comfortable with agony. The Dark Dragon Ion had no interest in entertaining Lilian’s resentful stares as he shifted his gaze toward the center of the hall.
As the dragon soul heirs clashed silently with their gaze, their subjects were also in on the action.
The ‘Spirit Chaser’ Balende sized up Rhode with scarlet glints flashing from behind his pitch-black helmet. But shortly after, Canary stepped forward and blocked his menacing gaze, returning the favor with her sweet, gentle smile. Standing beside Balende was the ‘Blood Countess’ Ashvril, who lifted a handheld fan. She narrowed her maroon eyes that were glinting in mysterious flashes and what responded to her was Mini Bubble Gum’s highly-raised middle finger. Mini Bubble Gum displayed a malevolent and teasing smile to the ‘wh*re who dressed like a prostitute’. Seconds later, she withdrew her middle finger into a fist and slid it across her neck with her thumb pointing down, intimidating Ashvril. At the same time, a sacred aura flickered from her and devoured the vampire’s spiritual charm like a wild storm, forcing Ashvril to an abrupt halt. This was the first time Ashvril revealed such a surprised expression. But in the blink of an eye, she restored her smile and shifted her gaze forward.
The ‘Angel of Sorrow’ Charlie followed closely behind her. He didn’t seem much different from ordinary angels. He had charming masculine facial features, a muscular build, and bright golden hair. The only distinct difference was the pair of pitch-black wings on his back and the dark, solid armor. This symbolized that he was a fallen angel who had betrayed his pride and honor.
Archangel Boulder became agitated the instant he saw Charlie. He looked fixedly at his pitch-black wings and flames of wrath were as though about to blast out of his widely opened eyes. Not only that, but the folded pair of holy wings on his back also instinctively shivered. He held his hand on his sword hilt as though he would be ready to strike if there was any disagreement. Charlie remains unmoved to Boulder’s anger, silently feeling the wrath of his then-companion. The pitch-black eyes of this fallen angel showed no signs of remorse.
But not everyone’s clashes were full of the smell of gunpowder.
Lydia gazed at Rhode before exchanging glances with Marlene who followed closely behind him as though she wasn’t aware of her companion’s rage. She greeted them with a wink and smile and Marlene nodded slightly in response. Even though they were once in a superior-subordinate relationship, it could be said that Marlene was now on the same level as her after she had awakened as a Deity Warden, so etiquettes from the past were no longer necessary.
But not everyone was involved with the silent exchange gazes and greetings.
As the only human among the four legendary generals, the ‘Conqueror’ Garcia strolled at the back of the group and lowered his head as though pondering over his thoughts. This old man’s body was wrapped in a black cloak, only revealing his chin, and he didn’t seem concerned about the hostile stares being exchanged.
Walking behind Rhode was the indifferent Alice who hugged a thick, heavy book. As the Deity Warden who once followed the Void Dragon, these dragon soul heirs were ultimately replacement vessels to her. Although their powers were worth paying attention to, there was no need for her to be concerned about their high statuses. Moreover, in her eyes, the dragon soul heirs were merely a bunch of greedy fools who destroyed all of the Void Dragon’s hard work and were greedily fighting for power now. She who grasped all the ‘history’ couldn’t care less about these trifles. The most important thing now wasn’t the present that would become the past, but the future that would become the present.
Archangel Serene also didn’t seem concerned about the silent clashes. She walked alongside Lilian while watching her every move. In terms of self-control, she could be said to be the weakest among everyone here. Moreover, the war between the Country of Light and Country of Darkness had happened not too long ago, so only God knew what she would do about it later on.
This isn’t looking great.
Even though Siena put up her usual, stern expression, her mind was whining incessantly. If it weren’t for the fact that the Order Ceremony was an essential step to recognize a dragon soul heir, she also didn’t wish to host it during this sensitive period. Moreover, the three dragon soul heirs had clashed in the past. It had only been less than a year when the Country of Light and Country of Darkness broke out in a war, and there was still a great chance that history might repeat itself. Currently, the three strongest forces were gathered in one place and if they really broke out in a fight, it seemed like relying on her and her elder sister to suppress them wouldn’t be possible!
Although no words were exchanged, Siena sensed the pressurizing atmosphere was as wild as a storm. It felt as though three enormous boulders crashed into one another, attempting to overthrow and repress the resistance. If this temporary and rather balanced atmosphere was smashed, the merciless invasion of a storm would surely happen.
The duration it took them to walk from the entrance to their seat felt like an eternity for Siena. She wasn’t surprised by the Dark Dragon Ion’s imposing presence because he was one of the most impressive dragon soul heirs in the history of the Country of Darkness. It went without saying that a man who controlled everything in a nation of darkness and death possessed formidable strength and presence.
But what astonished Siena was that the new dragon soul heir was actually unfazed by the Dark Dragon Ion’s imposing presence. He didn’t put up a facade to conceal his true emotions. Instead, Siena sensed that he had indeed disregarded the Dark Dragon Ion completely. It wasn’t insanity, but was more of a steady and unprecedented confidence.
Where did he get such confidence from? No matter from which aspect, he can’t possibly defeat the Dark Dragon, right?
Siena had no idea of the truth, but judging from that man’s behavior, he seemed extremely calm. Not only that, but she also realized that he appeared to be familiar with this place and he didn’t seem overly cautious. He subconsciously slowed down his pace when descending the flights of stairs as though that was a habit accumulated over the years. But why would Siena and Nalea not notice him if he had indeed existed around them?
Not only Rhode, but Lilian also shocked Siena. Even though they had only met once, she felt that Lilian’s timid personality and the lack of opinions made her unsuitable to become a dragon soul heir. But now, this timid little girl actually glared at the Dark Dragon Ion. Siena remembered that in the previous ceremony, Lilian was so nervous and anxious upon seeing Ion’s gaze as though she were a tiny, pitiful rabbit about to be eaten by the lion. And yet, she unleashed her rage bravely and had no fear of his reactions.
Has she… grown?
Siena thought. At this moment, the atmosphere was extremely tense among the three parties. The Dark Dragon Ion’s imposing presence was so omnipresent as though it was permeating the entire world under his feet.
Rhode’s strong battle intent was as though a sharp blade pointing to the sky, silently warning everyone who tried to threaten or lay hands on him.
Lilian’s anger brought heat to the already warm and dry air. Perhaps it was Ion’s disregard that made her even more stubborn. A child’s temper was the most terrifying thing, especially when others neglected her. At this moment, the air was as though combustible and a single spark could immediately cause an outburst of clashes in the continent.
Suddenly, Siena was speechless. She carefully organized the words in her head, fearing that a wrong statement could light up the tinder of war. But at the same time, Nalea stood beside her and didn’t seem to mind the tense atmosphere. She smiled and took a step forward, waving her hand at the three parties.
“Welcome to the sacred palace… Everyone must be hungry from your long journey. How about we start off with some food?”
Nalea’s sweet-sounding voice instantly broke the stalemate in the air while Siena extended her hand and rubbed her forehead helplessly.
