(Inside Soron's Castle, Chaosbringer's POV)

Chaosbringer felt extremely nervous sitting across from arguably the strongest warrior in the known universe.

The air within the ancient stone chamber felt heavy, not from heat or humidity, but from the sheer density of Soron's presence, for even seated, the man exuded an authority that seemed to bend the very world around him, forcing everything to exist beneath his will.

Yet despite the unease crawling under his skin, Chaosbringer maintained his composure, spine rigid, expression calm, breathing even, as he dared to meet the gaze of the God before him without flinching.

Soron sat with a stillness that was both regal and unnerving, his black eyes faintly illuminated by the soft candlelight that danced across the walls.

His gaze was sharp, unwavering, and almost predatory, as though each passing second of silence was enough for him to peel apart every layer of thought within Chaosbringer's mind.

"So," Soron began at last, his tone smooth but heavy enough to shrink the room's air. "I am assuming you're the lackey the Shadow Dragon replaced the Twelfth Elder with, after he murdered him in cold blood."

The words carried no emotion, neither approval nor disdain, only fact.

Chaosbringer opened his mouth to respond, but Soron raised a single finger, silencing him instantly.

"You can show me your real face," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "It's fine. Illusions of that level don't work on me anyway."

For a brief second, Chaosbringer hesitated, his pulse spiking, before conceding to the inevitable, as he nodded and released the [Shapeshift] spell.

His form shimmered as faint waves of mana rolled across his skin, his borrowed visage melting away like water down glass until his true self stood revealed as a man with angular features, gray hair streaked with white, and sharp blue eyes that caught every flicker of the candlelight.

His long, polished nails glimmered faintly as he lowered his hands to his lap, bowing his head once in acknowledgment.

Soron leaned back slightly, observing him in silence. The God's expression didn't change, but his eyes moved slowly from head to toe, studying the man before him with mild curiosity, as if trying to reconcile what he saw with what he knew.

'So this is the one,' Soron thought, his eyes narrowing faintly. 'The one Leo trusted enough to send in his name.'

Chaosbringer looked nothing like a soldier. There was a strange elegance to him, a deliberate, almost theatrical refinement that didn't belong in a world of war and ruin. Yet behind those eyes burned something deeper: resolve, loyalty, and the kind of patience that only those molded by hardship could possess.

"I'm assuming the Shadow Dragon sent you to seek me with an important message," Soron said eventually, his tone low and direct as the fingers of his right hand drummed idly against the armrest.

Chaosbringer nodded. "Indeed, Lord Boss is the one who instructed me to immediately seek you out," he replied, his tone measured but reverent. "He was, just like the rest of us, extremely glad to hear about your return."

Soron's gaze softened just slightly, the faintest spark of emotion surfacing before he masked it again, as he gestured lightly with his hand, motioning for Chaosbringer to continue.

"Go on," he said, his voice calm yet commanding, the trace of fatigue beneath it barely concealed.

"I'm not sure if you've been informed, Great God," Chaosbringer began carefully, "but during your absence, the Cult faced countless difficulties. Lord Boss had to make several hard decisions, one of them being the evacuation of our citizens into the Time Stilled World."

Soron nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting quiet understanding.

"It was a brave call. One that likely saved millions. The Stilled World might be the only place where the Righteous can't touch us."

He approved, as encouraged by the response, Chaosbringer continued, his words flowing more steadily now.

"As you must already know, time flows differently within that realm. Although only a few months have passed here, entire decades have gone by for us inside.

During that time, the Cult has advanced greatly.

Our armies have become stronger, our technology refined, and our organization far more disciplined than before.

The loss of Commander Charles was devastating, but in his place, we now have five new Monarch-tier Commanders. And…"

He paused, a proud smile flickering across his face. "The Lord himself stands on the verge of his next breakthrough."

Soron's dark eyes glimmered faintly at the mention of Leo nearing a breakthrough, the fire of curiosity reigniting for the first time in what felt like centuries, for he wondered just how far the boy had progressed with the Emperor Suppression Manual?

However, before he could ask about it, Chaosbringer pressed on.

"After years of fighting the beasts that dwell within the Stilled World, our forces have become the most disciplined in the universe. Lord Boss believes that once you're ready, the time has come to lead them back, to reclaim what's ours and make the Righteous Faction tremble once more."

Chaosbringer proposed, as Soron nodded, the God's tone firm when he spoke again.

"Yes, now that I've returned, it's time we reclaim what was taken from us. And perhaps take even more."

He agreed, as Chaosbringer released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Indeed, Great God. But before we move forward, there is one more matter of utmost importance, one that Lord Boss insisted upon above all else."

He continued carefully, as Soron's brows furrowed slightly.

"What matter?"

He asked, as Chaosbringer gulped a mouthful of saliva.

"It concerns the Dragon, Aegon Veyr."

He revealed, as the name made Soron pause, confusion flickering across his features.

"The Dragon? Why? What happened?"

Soron asked, as Chaosbringer drew in a slow breath, reaching into his coat before producing a small holographic device engraved with the Righteous Faction's crest.

"It's better if I show you, Great God. This was received from a Righteous Faction Fleet, they dropped it inside the Stilled World to make sure we'd all see it."

He said, as he set the device upon the table and stepped back slightly, bowing his head as the hologram flickered to life.

"Please, forgive me if it angers you. But you need to see what they've done."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.