Chapter 796: A shield over the world
Near the very center of the Exilon World stood an immense fortress, a monumental structure that dwarfed all others in scale and grandeur. This construction was more than just a building; it was a colossal embodiment of Exilon’s ruthless and relentless spirit under the domain of the Zanis Family.
The environment around it was unforgiving and harsh, characterized by persistent rainfall that drenched the ground day after day. Thick clouds perpetually blanketed the sky, hiding the sun and plunging the region into a dreary twilight all year round. It was so cold that anyone beneath the Champion Rank would freeze in a matter of days.
In this grim and merciless setting, thousands upon thousands of soldiers stood in strict, disciplined military formations, their eyes sharp and devoid of any warmth or compassion.
At first glance, one might easily assume this place was simply a massive military stronghold. Yet beneath the carefully maintained facade lay a much darker reality. Beneath the soldiers’ polished boots were rows upon rows of people hung upside-down from enormous metal posts. Deep gashes along their arteries kept them in a constant state of bleeding, their blood spilling onto the muddy ground in a macabre, endless stream.
The name of this place was Katun Prison.
Katu Prison served a dual purpose: it was not only the world’s largest and most feared penitentiary—housing individuals so wicked, monstrous, and powerful that labeling them merely as criminals no longer seemed appropriate—but it was also the primary training ground for Exilon’s elite warriors.
The soldiers were gathered from every corner of the world, enduring years of torture, endless suffering, and relentless combat until only the strongest and most ruthless remained. This brutal method ensured that the survivors were not only exceptionally powerful but also fiercely loyal to the Zanis Family, prepared to die without hesitation if so commanded.
Today, the prison’s atmosphere was even more solemn than usual. The soldiers stood rigidly in perfect ranks, a rarity in a place where training normally involved continuous combat exercises designed to weed out the weak.
This break from routine was due to the unexpected arrival of an important group. Moving slowly through the ranks was a procession dressed entirely in pristine white robes, led by an imposing elderly man clad in dark armor.
This armored man was instantly recognizable to all the soldiers; he was Felix, the infamous warden of Katu Prison and its chief instructor. Every soldier felt an instinctive shiver of fear and respect in his presence. Yet what truly drew their attention was the respect Felix showed toward the young man leading the white-robed procession.
This young man stood over two meters tall, his physique perfectly sculpted with well-defined muscles radiating vitality and strength, hinting at enough power to dominate the very elements themselves and that could certainly crush Legends with very low effort.
"Lord Augustus," Felix spoke, his voice firm and deeply respectful, "as you can see, the soldiers of Exilon are the epitome of discipline and power. Every single one has undergone rigorous training and trials that have culled the weak, ensuring no resources are wasted. Their loyalty to the Zanis Family is absolute. Any of them would sacrifice themselves without a second thought upon receiving your command from one of them core members of the family."
Augustus nodded slightly in acknowledgment, though a subtle frown soon formed on his features. His discerning gaze lingered skeptically on the gathered soldiers. "Why are there so few? I count fewer than fifty thousand. Surely this isn’t all?"
It was a valid observation. Typically, Katu Prison would boast close to a million elite soldiers at any given time. The noticeable scarcity prompted Felix to clarify immediately.
"Our current elite forces total eight hundred seventy thousand strong, my lord. However, the majority of our soldiers have already deployed southward in pursuit of rebels. Additionally, another substantial group is concluding their advanced field training exercises and will return by the day’s end."
Augustus’s expression relaxed visibly upon hearing the explanation, though Felix couldn’t help but cast a questioning glance at him. Such an unannounced visit by a prominent member of the Zanis Family usually signaled preparations for a significant event or military campaign.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, Felix tentatively inquired, "Forgive my intrusion, my lord, but is a new military campaign imminent? Could we perhaps be preparing to confront the Vorometallicae?"
Considering recent events, Felix’s speculation was understandable. Tensions with the ancient race known as the Vorometallicae had escalated dramatically since their takeover of the Voidheart Stronghold.
Augustus turned toward Felix, a meaningful glint in his eyes. Indeed, a war was approaching—but their enemy was neither the Vorometallicae nor any other ancient faction from the Darkness. The true threat was much closer, far more immediate, and chillingly unexpected.
"There are important matters we must discuss privately, Warden Felix," Augustus said solemnly, a sense of gravity in his tone that immediately silenced further questions. "Let us proceed to your quarters."
Felix’s expression turned solemn, understanding the severity of Augustus’s words. The soldiers stationed around them were unwaveringly loyal, brainwashed to the point of absolute obedience. Yet even they were forbidden from hearing this conversation. Without further delay, Felix prepared to lead Augustus toward his private residence.
However, before either man could take another step, the ground beneath them began to shake violently.
"RUMBLE!"
The tremor lasted only seconds, yet it felt powerful enough to shift mountains. Soldiers struggled to maintain their disciplined stance, exchanging nervous glances as confusion rippled through their ranks.
But the earthquake was merely a prelude. In the next instant, something even more astonishing occurred. A colossal mantle of energy suddenly blazed across the sky, blanketing everything as far as the eye could see. This vast, shimmering dome covered the entire Exilon World, effectively sealing it off.
Yet, rather than protecting the world from external threats, this barrier’s purpose was clearly different: it was designed not to keep enemies out, but to prevent anyone from leaving or communicating with the outside universe.