Chapter 437 (1/2)

After the banquet, Y’zaks led Hao Ren and the rest to a terrace on the upper parts of the castle. From there, they could see a good part of Helcrown. The city was massive, almost too massive as you could not have a full view of the city even from the highest point of the castle.

The circular city was a patchwork of districts. Within the great obsidian walls were 12 districts that were partitioned by high walls. From each district you could see each race’s unique buildings and black demonic towers. The citizens were however, not blocked by the high walls as they were equipped with gates and suspension bridges. The gates were powered by demonic energies and could be opened or closed at any time. This was probably for defense in case Helcrown came under attack. The attackers could be sealed within a district if they ever infiltrated. The castle itself stood tall in the center of the city upon a rocky hill.

Looking down, you could see giant elven trees alongside human hovels, and dwarven furnaces just across the beastmen’s gladiatorial grounds. The ethereal crystal towers were built upon the halflings’ burrows. A few hundred years of co-existance had changed the traditions and customs of the “demonic citizens”. As citizens of Helcrown, they were most influenced by Y’zaks vision. They had gotten used to getting along with each other. The Elves were not scornful of the beastmen’s brutish nature with their strong liquor and grilled meats, while the beastmen were willing to study the elven’s complicated, yet intricate woodwork. This was the true face of Helcrown.

Nonetheless, most could not see beyond the imposing obsidian walls.

Y’zaks crossed his arms as he looked on. “You mean you can move the entire city away?”

Hao Ren was not fazed. “Well, we’ve moved a few billion elves, and their floating islands before. Those islands were way bigger than your castle.”

“But we had a transportation fleet back then. Plus, the Aerym universe had a World Gate.” Y’zaks looked at Hao Ren. “This place has none of those. Our plan was to came for Y’lisabet. I never thought that we would still have a city full of people…”

Hao Ren shrugged. “I can’t ask you to abandon them, right?”

Y’zaks grinned and said nothing else.

“So, that settles it then.” Hao Ren pursed his lips. “Don’t worry too much about this. I have my own arrangements. The issue of the World Gate can be solved as well. I’ll submit a request to open a temporary gate. As for the migrants… don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

As soon as the words left Hao Ren’s mouth, both Vivian and Nangong Wuyue, who were beside them rolled their eyes. They immediately knew what that guy was referring to.

Vivian gazed upon the majestic city, and turned to Y’zaks curiously. “I’m rather bothered about something.. Are you really going to let all of this go?”

“I’ve done what I can, and I’ve lost. There’s no justifying sending everyone in this city to their deaths just because of my own obsession.” Y’zaks pointed down towards the city. “This is not a revival, this is akin to throwing these people into a meat grinder.”

“But some of your underlings may not share the same sentiment.” Hao Ren glanced at Y’zaks. “For instance, that Lamadenor.”

Y’zaks demurred for a moment and gently ruffled Y’lisabet’s hair. “It won’t be long before he leads some of the demons out of the city. Y’lisabet, be a dear and tell Zadamor to not stop him when the time comes.”

The little demoness nodded. Hao Ren on the other hand, was surprised. “You already knew?”

“We’ve known each other for thousands of years. I’ve fought alongside him even before the Unification Wars. There are a few other old coots too, I know them all very well.” Y’zaks smiled without much concern. “Rather than looking towards the stars or any other grand schemes, they are more interested in war. If I’m not wrong, they stayed back with Y’lisabet for a year just to prepare for a comeback, and now that that’s gone, they won’t be staying any longer.”

Y’zaks then sighed. “I can’t expect them to stay when our visions don’t align.”

Hao Ren looked on quizzically. “You’re sure accepting of this… even when you’ve known about it so long ago?”