363 Time to Go Home (2/2)

But with their prestige now established, this was a result they were willing to accept.

Little did they know that the deaths created with sweat and blood, directly fueled a certain Death Embodiment's strength, magnifying his chthonian energies while strengthening his fleshly body.

”My darling goddess must be fuming with rage. This won't be good for her tribulation.”

Konrad sighed, causing both Else and Selene to roll their eyes.

However, Konrad had underestimated the Ant Goddess. Though she oftentimes gave the impression of an unpredictable bomb, ready to explode at all times, she was, after all, an ancient and proven leader.

This bit of setback could never shake her. And it was still with supreme confidence that she stepped closer toward her tribulation.

”Zamira, bring me the ninth elder.”

Konrad declared in a mental message that marked his imminent departure for his maternal house, and predecessor's birthplace. Without a word, Else turned into a black Egyptian Cat and leaped onto Konrad's right shoulder.

”Miaou…”

She purred as he rubbed her nose.

In a twister of white light, Zamira appeared with the ninth Serkar Elder by her side. Following his capture, his abilities had been placed under a potent seal preventing him from revolting.

And when his eyes rose to lock on the white-haired young man whose striking icy-blue eyes grazed the cat perched on his shoulder, although the features somewhat differed, the ninth elder knew who he was dealing with.

”Konrad.”

He stated before releasing a despondent sigh.

”When Gulistan claimed your strength to at least be a match for mine, I didn't believe it. Little did I expect you to build such a mighty force. But why bother? Although you mother and child have cultivated many grievances, lord Berken is a man of clear priorities and would undoubtedly support you.

There is no need to maintain an antagonistic stance.”

The ninth elder reasoned while Konrad still brushed his cat's nose.

”Support is shifting. Changeable and untrustworthy. I don't need -grandfather- to support me.

I need him to serve me.”

Konrad replied without shifting his attention back to the ninth elder, who, upon hearing those words, let his eyes widen in disbelief.

”You're delusion…”

The ninth elder began. But before he could finish his words, Konrad glanced toward him, and as his sclera turned black, his icy-blue eyes shone with chthonian energies.

Struck by that glance, the ninth elder perished, dropping on the ground with neither pulse nor soul!

But three seconds afterward, chthonian energies laced his body, and he rose from the ground to again stand before Konrad.

”Greetings, master!”

The ninth elder hailed and dropped on his knees.