Chapter 830: Chapter 42: Denouement (Part 2)
The central part of the Shadow Mist City Barrier was once a cluster of mutated buildings, now left with nothing but endless blackness, resembling scorched earth after a war. A black figure stood amidst the ashes, with specks of gray falling off its armor.
The black-armored knight spoke, his voice sounded old and frail.
“I have something to tell you…”
Both people tensed up at the same time. “Captain?” “Macrow?”
The old man turned around slowly, his withered face stiff like it was on the brink of death, then slowly blossomed into a prank-fulfilled grin.
“I mean, how about not putting me on this time’s press conference, alright?”
Loneless took a big breath, angrily swinging his cane: “You old rascal!” “Just joking, old friend. Oof, don’t actually hit me!” The old captain quickly dodged. The Dawn Knight watched the scene with a smile, and asked, “Your Majesty, are you well?”
“I am truly glad that you still remember this poor old woman.” Her Majesty the Queen stepped out from behind the old knight, smiling gently. “I was a bit frightened, but everything else is fine. That villain tried to flee with his accomplices earlier, but Old Macrow seized the opportunity to subdue him with one strike.”
“That boy in black?” asked the Dawn Knight.
“I think it’s him, Situ Yi called him the ‘Hidden Law Master’…” The queen mused, “Situ Yi was abandoned by his accomplices…? We need to have a good discussion once we return… Holy King, just where did so many Creator Realm Mages spring from.”
“We must urgently track down the remnants and then have a full meeting once we return.” The old mage agreed, “Once we return.”
Macrow looked at the devastation in Shadow Mist City and sighed heartfeltly.
“Good heavens, it’s finally over!”
·
The battles of the Creator Realm Mages had ended, and all the enemies inside and outside the barrier were cleared out. In this commotion, there were no real material property losses or seriously injured individuals requiring hospitalization, as all the materials and injuries had been “repaired” by the Dawn Knight. The incident was defined as a derivative accident caused by the giant dragon phenomenon, and the once-collapsed and restored-as-new houses were officially explained as a “collective illusion triggered by the giant dragon phenomenon.”
However, the incident wouldn’t end so easily, as causing such a large disturbance on a nationwide day of celebration stirred unprecedentedly intense public emotions. The various supernatural phenomena occurring within a day required an explanation, and the people’s emotions needed an outlet.
In this critical juncture, Queen Albion Annie Morton personally stepped forward, walking among the crowds of the Country at the age of 72. On the afternoon of the day of the duel, she held a city-wide speech, commending the courage and noble qualities displayed by the officials, knights, and police officers during this sudden event, praised the capital’s residents for not giving up, not panicking, staying orderly, and united in spirit, and expressed sorrow and regret for the unfortunate injured citizens.
In the subsequent two days, Queen Annie herself held a press conference, providing a “rather convincing explanation” for some of the supernatural phenomena, and alongside the Royal Family members, personally visited various places in the capital for consolation. The series of activities conducted and the Royal Family’s arrival greatly boosted the morale, and with the cooperation of all experts, the situation was quickly stabilized, and the capital gradually returned to normal.
“She truly has a knack for it.” Mo Yuankai praised, “Even I, a foreigner, had a sense of patriotic emotion and national pride when I heard her speech. While watching TV, I nearly thought of myself as a citizen of the Country.”
“Of course, Her Majesty the Queen is one of the most wise Kings in the history of the Country.” Orianna said proudly, “She could be said to be the woman who revived the Country.”
“What makes you say that?”
“When Her Majesty first ascended the throne, the state of the Country was far from what it is now. Fifty years ago, the internal class conflicts in the Country were intense, and the external situation was unpredictable due to the third technological revolution. Many pessimistic people thought the Country was going to decline. But Her Majesty Annie, with outstanding wisdom, resolved the crisis. She boldly promoted newcomers and formulated new policies internally, while actively engaging in diplomacy to adjust the situation externally, leading the Country out of its most difficult times. She is the symbol of this Country… Here.”
Orianna finished peeling an apple and handed the whole apple to the Superpower User on the sickbed. While thinking if she really understood what a technological revolution is, Mo Yuankai received the apple and took a bite.
It had been two days since the battle ended, and he was sitting on a luxurious hospital bed, the high-end room décor almost made him think he had entered some hotel’s presidential suite. In reality, Mo Yuankai simply needed some rest, as he was just exhausted and didn’t require any proper treatment, but the Country insisted on doing a comprehensive check to eliminate future troubles. This cautious and scientific attitude towards patients made him nostalgically think of the Heaven’s City, where, back home, even with broken arms or legs, finding a doctor to patch them up was enough to be able to happily go to the night market for barbecue.
The TV on the opposite wall was running the evening news program, with the host heavily commending the two “Superpower Users who came to the Country from Heaven’s City for exchange and learning” for their outstanding contributions in the incident, a photo of the Human-Made Deity occupied nearly half the screen. This was also the official explanation for supernatural phenomena in the Country – all thanks to the Superpower Users who came to the rescue.
Mo Yuankai grimaced, “Couldn’t we keep it low-key?”
“Well…” Orianna smiled with joined palms, “Since everyone saw it, it’s a good chance to pin all the supernatural phenomena on you two! Rest assured, we haven’t revealed your or Mr. Gongsun’s names and appearances!”
“Hope we won’t be swarmed on the streets…” Mo Yuankai finished the apple in a few bites and asked, “Is Ah Ce still sleeping?”
“Mr. Gongsun seems to be overworked.” Orianna said worriedly, “How long will he sleep?”
“When Superpowers are overused, it turns out like this. Last time on the ship, he slept for nearly a week. This time, not sure, it might take three or four days…”
As he said this, Mo Yuankai found it a bit strange.
He understood Ah Ce’s endurance, and two days had passed since it ended, a mere life-and-death battle shouldn’t make him sleep this long. What exactly had he done to drain his power to such a berserk extent…?
·
Gongsun Ce was sleeping soundly, feeling like he was floating in boundless darkness, as if sinking in a bottomless abyss.
A voice sounded in the darkness, indiscernible in origin, flickering like a flame, yet feeling cold.
[Continue][Power][World]
[Destruction][Break][Realm]
You’re so noisy.
I want to rest. I’m dead tired. I want to sleep.
[Why][Stopped][Why][Restrain]
In the end, abilities are meant to be used with restraint. If they go berserk, it’ll cause huge troubles. Everyone would be unhappy. So, this is just fine, this is just fine.
[Folly]
You’re the foolish one. If it continues, it’s going to be bad. The shattered thing won’t be just that one thing.
[One day][Reveal Resolve]
No resolve. I’m perfectly content being cozy. It’s enough as it is now.
[Reclaim the Sword!]
Then a vague voice faded away, seemingly driven off by this lazy human. He continued floating in silence, descending, sinking. His consciousness drifted off, and when it resurfaced, it seemed as though a long time had passed. No longer so weary. Within the abundance of spirit, thoughts began to form, those earlier subconscious exchanges fading in memory, leaving no trace.
He slowly opened his eyes, the vision filled with the sight of a white-toned room, dusk-colored veils swayed by the breeze by the window, a woman’s face approached from the side, her features blurred in the pure white light, with gentle and elegant contours awakening memories from a long time ago.
“…Mom?” Gongsun Ce said dazedly.
Her face got closer, her delicate hand brushed past the youth’s hair, and placed his glasses back on. The view rapidly cleared, and her image reflected in the youth’s eyes. The pure white glow was the indistinct silver hair, her face as beautiful as when first seen, gray eyes gentle and serene like lake water, with a fleeting hint of a smile.
“I am not your mother, Mr. Gongsun.” Alandia said.
“…………”
Gongsun Ce’s ears turned completely red from the roots. Slowly, he buried his face in his hands, then let out a blood-curdling wail like a pig being slaughtered.