Chapter 161: In this round, I win (5k4)
On the Broken Coast, a hundred miles away from the Watchtower, lies a desolate shore far removed from all human towns and settlements.
Cecil stands on the rocky Broken Coast, gazing at the rolling waves before him.
The gloomy sky and the dark sea combine in the distance to form a pitch-black curtain.
The scenery resembles that of a hundred years ago when the Watchtower was established, as it was Cecil’s first time looking out at the endless ocean from the Broken Coast… millions of tons of seawater swallowed the light, and endless darkness became the main theme here. Under the hazy dark curtain lurked countless indescribable and forbidden entities.
But in Cecil’s childhood memories, the ocean was not like this—
It should have been boundless and blue, where one could feel the warm sea breeze on the deck, and sunlight would fall on the undulating waves as if a golden swarm of butterflies were dancing.
At that time, the ocean was mysterious and bountiful, waiting to be explored; ships carrying barrels of wine and provisions set sail from the harbor, their heavy sails flapping in the sea breeze, and the sailors’ bold songs echoed on deck.
The ocean-going vessels opened up new routes at sea, and the triumphant captains and sailors were awarded honorable medals. These routes became the pulse connecting many countries around the world, propelling a rapidly developing human civilization forward.
But after the plague known as the Iron Cross erupted in Deep Blue Harbor… everything ceased to exist.
The bright sunlight that once illuminated the sea was swallowed, and bizarre and forbidden beings quietly brewed in the lightless sea. The previously safe routes on the nautical charts became treacherous and deadly, leading to constant abandonment… thus severing the links that connected the world.
That was the turning point of Sixth Epoch civilization.
Since then, the radiant memories of a flourishing and pioneering era had been buried, irretrievable.
The remaining survivors could only be trapped in small safe zones, unable to develop further or communicate with other settlements… People anxiously huddled in the darkness, waiting for a future devoid of light.
Yet now, the forbidden creatures lurking in the depths of the lightless sea, and the secretive organization “Graveminder” which had long been hidden behind the curtain of history… unwilling to grant even the last remnants of human struggle and peace.
They wanted to cut off the last line of defense on the Broken Coast, as well as the last heartbeat of Sixth Epoch human civilization.
Cecil sighed softly and slowly closed his eyes.
A vast spirit like that of a legend emanated from this unkempt old man, spreading toward the sky and the sea, in all directions… and cautiously probing into the taboos lurking beneath the dark curtain.
Among the roaring tides, a magnificent breath like a storm came forth, not one, but two.
At the far end of the sky, an indistinct stench of bl**d lingered… it was the distinct scent of the Iron Cross, a beast that held human intelligence and appearance, yet reveled in cruelty.
In the interstice of the astral plane, one could faintly sense the lush vitality.
Gradually, Cecil’s expression changed.
His gaze toward the end of the coastline became youthful, his long brows slightly raised, and his posture upright.
“The two forbidden creatures deep within the endless ocean… and that king among the Iron Cross clan… they are all old acquaintances.”
“Four legends in total.”
“Within the West Continent, all those still capable of acting and interfering with the real world… are now gathered on the Broken Coast, right?”
“I didn’t expect that in the hearts of you Graveminders, I would actually be worthy of such an arrangement. I must say I feel quite honored.”
Responding to Cecil’s words was the gardener-like figure slowly revealing himself in the distant sky.
It was not the bountiful half-body created from the “Leafa of the Primordial Ancient Tree” in the Abyss, but the most tangible body of the legendary Noah of the Graveminders.
This was a face-to-face encounter between two legends from the Graveminders and the Guardians after three years.
Their last meeting was on a cliff in the suburbs of Paradise City. At that time, they each had Grey and Rast with them, so they merely tested one another slightly before retreating, never having truly fought with all their strength.
And now, neither Cecil nor Noah had the limitations of those two burdens.
The domains of “Sun” and “Bounty” expanded between the earth and the ocean, crashing into each other, sending towering waves rippling across the sea.
“Cecil, you are indeed a true legend… and you are the successor of that traitor who stole the Flame Seed from our organization, holding that Flame Seed that has been inherited since the Age of Gods—Night Blade ‘Library of Fools.'”
“According to our records observed behind the curtains of history, since you succeeded the Guardians and genuinely took on that Flame Seed inheritance, you have spent a full century without truly exerting yourself.”
Noah spoke calmly, like still waters: “For you, no matter how much one overestimates you, or how well one prepares, it is not excessive.”
“Is that so?”
Hearing Noah’s words, a smile suddenly emerged on Cecil’s lips:
“Although I’ve called upon quite a few helpers.”
“But from my perspective, you yourself seem a bit depleted, don’t you?”
“Even if you are trying to hide it, your spirit… is clearly not in its prime, but weakened by half.”
“Were you splitting your spirit to create a half-body of the same legendary status? As for the purpose of that incarnation, let me guess…”
“Is it for Rast, and the old God of d*ath in the Abyss, right?”
Noah couldn’t help but frown slightly.
Cecil seeing through the division of Noah’s spirit to create a doppelgänger didn’t surprise him.
After all, he was the one who possessed the Night Blade from the “Library of Fools,” whose records after a long time had been filled with a universe of knowledge… encompassing almost all fields and abilities in the world.
Naturally, this could also include the informational abilities to see through one’s disguise and discover one’s essence of weakened spirit.
However, as he stared at the face of this leader of Guardians, Noah felt a hint of something unusual… a difference from the records of Cecil in the Graveminders’ files.
Cecil’s previous words, light-hearted and cheerful, seemed somewhat uncharacteristic for someone who had guarded the Broken Coast for hundreds of years as a weary old man. Instead, he appeared more like a youthful individual full of vigor.
“A once-unbound Ancient God who has just revived, with power less than one percent of his prime… is indeed an opportunity we must not overlook.”
Noah nodded slightly, candidly acknowledging his desire for the old God of d*ath.
“However, no matter what happens in the Abyss will not affect the outcome of the Battle of the Broken Coast.”
Noah gazed at Cecil: “You deliberately avoided the Watchtower and those human city-states, choosing to fight here… it’s precisely because you are aware of your own fate, wanting to face d*ath calmly, to prevent involving the Guardians and the humans there.”
“Sadly, it is destined to be in vain.”
“When you perish, losing your protection… those subordinates and surviving humans in your organization, even without the need for a legendary to act personally, even with just those ordinary Iron Cross and Beast Tide, would be enough to grind them into dust.”
The gardener-like Bounty Legend shook his head slightly: “The Flame Seed that was taken from us will be returned.”
“And the name ‘Guardians’ will likewise vanish from this world… turning to dust with the civilization of the Sixth Epoch.”
“So, Noah… why do you have the illusion that I am here to obediently close my eyes and wait for d*ath?”
Cecil’s voice brutally interrupted Noah’s words.
“Have you heard of guerrilla tactics?”
“Do you really think that if I am determined to escape, just with you four legends, you could block my path?”
Cecil straightened his back, and as he surveyed his surroundings, his clear gaze revealed both the eagle’s glare and the fox’s cunning.
“As you said, I am the heir to the ‘Library of Fools.'”
“The Library contains a wealth of knowledge—escape, hiding, disguises, concealing, impersonation… everything you could think of.”
“If I wish, even if you turn the entire continent to ashes and upend it… you cannot catch me, nor can you k*ll me.”
His eyes were deep as he gazed at Noah, and the sky and sea behind him. The raging winds above the sea gradually calmed within Cecil’s view.
“Rather, just the opposite. Since you cannot catch me, cannot k*ll me… I will become your persistent nightmare, an unshakeable nuisance.”
“As the master of the ‘Library of Fools,’ without the need for logistical support or reinforcement, I alone am an army, able to do nearly everything.”
“In the days to come, you will have to face an enemy who shadows you like a nightmare… I dwell in the dark, while you are in the light. While I truly cannot defeat your combined might, your kin and power will be in constant unrest.”
“And you had better pray that from now on, you never venture out alone or suffer any weakness… because what awaits you then will be my hunt.”
A threat, unabashed and mixed with sharp winds, swept across the sky and the earth like a blade.
It was abundantly clear—
Whether it was the forbidden creatures deep within the ocean or the Iron Cross King carrying a scent of bl**d from the distant heavens, their explosive aura momentarily paused.
As a member of the Graveminders, Noah perhaps did not have to worry too much about Cecil’s threat—every member of the Graveminders was a genuine legend, and they typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to act alone and fall prey to weaknesses.
But the other three legends were different, whether the king of the Beast Tide, the taboo creatures from the depths of the sea, or the Iron Cross King… they all had their clans. In the face of a determined legendary hunter, their clans were utterly vulnerable.
Sensing the retreat of the allies he had called upon, Noah’s brows tightened even more.
He did not expect Cecil to speak such threatening words so plainly.
As a Guardian—Cecil, no matter how powerful, would inevitably be burdened by the mission of protecting humanity and safeguarding civilization.
This was Noah’s and the Graveminders’ hinge for choosing to initiate this legendary battle. He was certain that Cecil would not abandon the defense of the Broken Coast, nor would he flee.
Yet if Cecil truly hardened his heart and abandoned the entire Guardians organization, leaving behind the remaining human settlements on the continent, lurking alone to seek revenge… then the balance of attack and defense would instantly reverse.
“Cecil is merely posturing; if he could truly abandon everything, he wouldn’t even be here…”
“Noah, do you truly think I am a fool who would merely close my eyes and accept my fate if a villain captures my loved ones?”
Cecil’s words once again interrupted Noah.
“In a game of cockfighting or a coward’s game, the only result of retreating is to ultimately face total defeat and lose everything.”
“If after my d*ath, both the Guardians and Sixth Epoch civilization cease to exist, destroyed by the Beast Tide and the Iron Cross, leaving not a shred of hope and nothing remaining…”
“Then choosing to fight to the d*ath is not an admirable sacrifice, but merely a meaningless waste of life.”
“Choosing to run away, preserving what remaining strength I have, is the best option for me as the leader of the Guardians.”
“As long as I exist, the Guardians will exist; we will not fall.”
Cecil’s defiant voice echoed over the sea.
If one were to say he had seemed like an old elephant seeking its grave after sensing his impending d*ath… now he resembled a lion newly entered into a pride, in the peak of its prime.
Just like when he first assumed the role of Guardian, in the height of his vitality, not as green as a youth, nor as wearied as an old man… his body, strength, experience, and skills were all at their pinnacle, radiating an indescribable confidence in every move.
“And my presence on the Broken Coast isn’t to wait for d*ath… but to confirm something.”
“To confirm whether the heir I have chosen, and the road ahead… is indeed worthy of my trust in the future.”
His gaze slightly shifted, looking toward a distant section of the sea.
That was the direction of Paradise City, or rather, the Abyss.
For some reason, this battlefield that Cecil had chosen felt closer to the King’s City of Paradise than to the Watchtower, which was the headquarters of the Guardians hundreds of miles away.
Then, as if sensing something, he suddenly lifted his head, gazing into the far sky.
Looking at the empty sky above, a hint of subtle relief flashed in his eyes.
“Shadow Servant… no, Sharona.”
“It seems the promise I made to you back then can finally be fulfilled.”
His mutterings were swept away by the raging sea winds, unheard by anyone.
…
On the other side of the sea, Noah’s main body watched Cecil suddenly looking up at the sky, puzzled by his actions.
However, soon.
A few breaths later.
All legends in the Broken Coast understood the reason behind Cecil’s act.
At that moment, whether it was the Bounty Legend or the forbidden giants in the ocean, or the king of Iron Cross… every legendary being slightly raised their gaze.
Then they all saw the divine wrath descending from the far sky.
The clash of five legendary domains froze the atmosphere, tense like a taut bowstring.
All the legends simply looked up in silence, watching the trajectory of stars falling in the pitch-black heavens.
This was a meteor arrow shot from the near-Earth orbit of this planet, using gravity as the bowstring—
Crossing the vacuum of near-Earth orbit, penetrating the atmosphere and clouds, surpassing the bindings of magical nets and material plane laws.
Rippling through the air, stirring a storm.
Falling from the sky, like a world-ending crimson flame, a bl**d-red meteor.
Then—
It struck its target dead on, without a hint of deviation.
Piercing through the earth and layers of rock, it still did not relent…
That red meteor shattered the crust, then continued downward—
To even more distant and deeper places.
The inner layers of the world, the void abyss.
…
Unable to comprehend, nor to analyze.
What was unfolding before them surpassed the understanding of all legends present.
This was the power to manipulate stars, the “condensed divine punishment,” capable of erasing the weak legend.
It was an achievement only possible by that distant and nearly incomprehensible Age of Gods, by a true god in his prime.
Yet all the Ancient Gods now were trapped at the threshold of the blazing heaven, in a severely diminished state, and the power to descend upon the real world through the blazing heaven had vast restrictions, what could be projected had become almost nonexistent.
In the current world, who could achieve such a thing…
Or was it just a meteor fortuitously captured by gravity, coincidentally falling there?
Such confusion filled the heart of every legend on the Broken Coast.
But Noah’s thoughts delved deeper.
The direction in which the red meteor fell—was clearly the Abyss beneath Paradise City, where his doppelgänger was located.
Had the old God of d*ath been revived? But that meteor bore no trace of the unique d*ath energy belonging to gods of d*ath.
However, soon Noah could no longer afford to ponder the meaning of that meteor.
Because he suddenly realized that in the brief moment of stunned silence as the meteor fell to the earth… Cecil’s figure had vanished from the Broken Coast.
Only dark skies remained, where rifts in space, forcibly torn open by some Night Blade, were slowly healing.
…
At the bottom of the Abyss.
All words seemed too pale at this moment.
In an instant, the rock layers above the Abyss shattered.
The planet’s crust seemed alarmingly fragile, like that of an eggshell.
And as it broke through the rock and the crust, the divine punishment hanging above had not ceased.
It pierced through the enormous remains of the old God of d*ath, penetrating the yellow sea created from the bl**d of the dead.
Then, it reached the very depths of the Abyss.
Sound vanished.
Followed by the disappearance of color.
The world became silent, leaving only the fierce outpouring of scorching starlight.
Light flowed.
Light roared.
The rushing brilliance stirred countless whirlpools, engulfing the entire Paradise City, the whole Netherworld… and the massive remains of the God of d*ath and the Abyss that supported the existence of Paradise as if they were nations.
At the end of the Tower of Babel, within that flowing light—
Noah saw below him, Rast’s lips, without a hint of bl**d, which soaked in the yellow sea, trembled slightly as if trying to whisper.
No sound escaped, or perhaps it was that the broken figure had long exhausted its strength and lost its ability to speak…
But Noah still discerned from the other’s lip movements with his legendary perception:
“Your Excellency Noah, it seems…”
“In this round, I win.”
(End of chapter)
