Chapter 1041: Paragons
Everyone tensed as soon as they learned that this was not for his breakthrough celebration...
It means that there might actually be a problem, and he needed help. Still, none dared meet his gaze directly.
"I felt something during my seclusion. A disturbance within our Shadow Realm... I also felt the presence of multiple Demon Saints entering our land as they wished."
The Immortals nodded, but they were also aware of this. Though the Demon Saints were causing trouble, none of them believed that they were a huge threat to the realm.
As a matter of fact, almost all the skirmishes against the Demon Saints and Demonic Creatures were always wons by them.
Furthermore, they were getting precious items or materials from these creatures. Whether it was the Demon Saint Horns, Demonic Creature’s hide, Demon Cores, and many others, they were all extremely precious, and it basically benefited their realm.
Kilo’s tone grew heavier. "Beyond the northern barrier, deep in the forbidden wastes, the seal has weakened. I sensed a stronger incursion from the Abyss."
The word alarmed everyone. Even the boldest Immortals couldn’t hide their unease.
Kilo continued as his hands tightened on the armrest of his seat...
"If the Abyss continues to bleed into this world, the whole region will be drowned in Demonic Corruption. Thankfully, the other Arcane Immortals will also make their move... But it would not be easy."
Gasps spread across the hall as they realized how serious this matter was. If multiple Arcane Immortals like the City Lord were to act, it means that it’s a dangerous event that could kill lower-ranked Immortals.
The City Lord raised his hand, silencing them.
"Do not mistake my words. I did not summon you to spread fear. I summoned you to prepare. All Immortals within Note City are hereby conscripted. You will fight under my banner. Those who refuse..."
His aura surged, suffocating the entire hall, pressing all the Immortals to their knees.
"...will be branded as traitors to the City of Note."
Vale frowned as he felt the Divinity pressing on him.
His Divine Extraction System was even triggered, and he felt that he could absorb it... However, his target was an Arcane Immortal, and that would not be a good idea...
Vale sighed as it seemed that he had to find a way to escape from this. However, he must do it without the presence of the Arcane Immortal.
For now, the City Lord’s decree pressed in every Immortal’s heart, binding them to the coming war.
And Vale could only hope that he could extract this binding from his system and escape later on...
***
Just like that, the decree ended, and Shadowlord Kilo dismissed the gathered Immortals with a wave of his hand.
"Prepare yourselves. In three days, you will march under my banner."
One by one, the pressure receded, and the Immortals rose to their feet.
Some looked grim, others were excited as they might obtain glory and rewards if they did well. Still, all were unsettled since this had happened so quickly.
Soon, they streamed out of the great hall as they needed to gather everything they needed. They also needed to arrange some of their business if they had.
Vale followed along the receding group as he was careful to keep a low profile. He had almost stepped beyond the grand doors when a voice touched his mind.
It was gentle, feminine, but had an authority...
"You... with the Abyss Watch insignia. Stay."
Vale froze. He turned slightly and saw her—Kaela, the silver-dressed daughter of Shadowlord Kilo—standing behind the seat of the city lord who had already left the hall... At this time, her gaze was fixed on him.
Of course, she had not spoken aloud; the words had slipped into his mind through telepathy.
"...Me?" Vale asked cautiously, though only within his thoughts.
"Yes. You. You’re not of this realm, are you? You came from elsewhere."
Vale sighed as he realized that he had been found out. There was no way to escape this, so he decided to cooperate. Although he hadn’t expected his secret to be pierced so easily, he had adapted to the situation.
"...If you have something to say, then I’ll stay."
"Good..." She replied.
Minutes later, Vale was led into a private chamber within the City Lord’s Mansion.
Unlike the grand hall, this room was simple. Aside from the couch and table, there were only shelves of books and scrolls.
Kaela stood near the table and assessed Vale’s body.
"I’ll be direct," Kaela said. "I know you’ve concealed your origin. You are not from any of the known domains of the Shadow Realm. I can feel it."
Vale gently nodded. There was no point hiding it.
Pretending ignorance would only make him suspicious.
"...You’re right," Vale admitted carefully. "I am not from this realm."
Kaela finally smiled as she confirmed her suspicion...
"I knew it. During the assembly, when I felt your aura, there was something... unpolished. Not weaker, but different. Almost like raw metal unshaped by the forges of our world. You carry the scent of another land."
Vale said nothing. That was too descriptive, and he could only nod.
’But why does she look so excited?’ He mused.
Finally, she got to the point.
"Tell me about it. The realm you came from. The one you call home."
"Huh?" Vale was confused... Then, he felt his pulse quicken.
It was a dangerous question. If he revealed too much, this superpower could turn her eyes toward his homeland.
And unlike here, his world was defenseless. The problem with the Chaos Immortals was already more than enough!
Still, refusing might be even more dangerous.
He sighed faintly. "...Very well. I’ll tell you a little."
Kaela leaned forward slightly... She was like a kid who was about to hear a bedtime story from her mother.
"In my realm, mortals cling to faith as much as they do to magic. The most powerful organizations are not clans or guilds, but the Churches. Each serves a deity, and their influence stretches across kingdoms."
He listed them carefully while watching her reaction. To be honest, he was also curious if she knows about these churches
"The Church of the Fortune Goddess.
The Church of the Divine Sorcerer.
The Church of the Eminence of the Sea.
The Church of the Lord of Secrets.
And the Church of the Three Paragons."
Kaela’s brows arched slightly. "Three Paragons?! They were there?!"