In the woods of Godfall Gorge, Galenor and the eight white-haired Guardians sat in a circle.

Also present were Chiusen, Dorothy, and five or six others, all responsible for guarding the passage or its successors, all Divine Cleric rank beings who usually lived in seclusion.

"It is almost certain that the Abyss demon realm is putting all its effort into opening the passage," Galenor said.

"At most, we have one year; at least, one month. It could even be within a few days. After much discussion, we believe the best course of action is to completely destroy the passage from our side, cutting off the demon realm's attempts."

Another Guardian continued, "The actions of the demon realm cannot be stopped now. All we can do is see if anyone on the other side can destroy it. But even if there's a chance, it seems unlikely."

"When the seal was created, it took into account attacks from powerful demon realm beings, which is why a special sealing array was used. Destroying it from our side seems the most feasible option."

Dorothy frowned, "It might be possible to break the seal with our Divine Cleric rank powers, but destroying the passage itself would be far more difficult. Even High God beings couldn't manage that back then."

"Exactly why we called this meeting!" Galenor said. "The god realm gate is hard to find, and higher realm beings cannot return. It seems that the disaster facing Eura continent is unavoidable."

"Perhaps... we could let Crossbridge Empire try?" Dorothy's Divine Cleric companion suggested.

"I've heard that Crossbridge Empire has over a hundred thousand God Fire rank soldiers. Combining our forces, there might be a chance to destroy it."

"There's no need to destroy it!"

A voice echoed from afar.

Suggwoth, with Philip and Lucio leading him, suddenly appeared in the small cabin.

Galenor, Chiusen, Dorothy, and the others stood up and respectfully greeted Suggwoth.

"Greetings, General Suggwoth!"

Powerful individuals were always respected by all.

They had witnessed the ferocity and might of the Empire's god of death.

Suggwoth returned the greeting.

Dorothy asked, "What do you mean by that, General?"

Suggwoth's sharp gaze swept over everyone.

"By order of His Majesty, Crossbridge Empire will take over the Godfall Gorge, including the passage."

"General Suggwoth, the Abyss demon realm is working to open the passage. If we don't destroy it, it will be..."

An elderly man in a black robe spoke solemnly.

Suggwoth raised his hand to stop him.

"Don't worry about the demon realm. His Majesty already has plans. I will personally guard this place. If you insist on destroying the passage, don't blame me for being merciless."

"Well..."

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. They greatly feared Suggwoth, yet they were reluctant to give up.

Especially the Guardians, who held some grievances against the Empire.

Originally, the passage was stable, and it would have taken years for the demon realm to discover it. Even with the cover provided by the strong beings on the other side, it would have taken even longer to open.

But now the Empire had intervened, claiming to have a way to deal with the Shadow Clan and secure the passage at the same time.

Out of trust in the Empire, despite their concerns, they agreed.

The result was that although the Shadow Clan was destroyed, it had also caused damage to the passage's seal.

Now, the invasion of the Abyss demon realm was imminent!

And yet, the Empire had yet to make any official statement about the matter.

Now, they were sending people to announce that they were taking over the passage. What were they planning to do?

Galenor suppressed his dissatisfaction and spoke up.

"General, how confident is Crossbridge Empire in stopping the demon realm's army?"

"One million troops!" Suggwoth replied.

The others frowned at the answer.

Even with one million soldiers, that wouldn't be enough against the powerful forces the demon realm could send.

Suggwoth didn't elaborate any further.

His mission here was simply to take control of the passage!

——

Atop the Tower on the Kawah River.

Elizabeth stood, her royal robes fluttering in the strong wind.

Her magnificent crown glittered brightly, and her golden hair danced with the breeze.

Her presence exuded an air of aloof majesty and undeniable nobility, standing there as if the heavens and earth themselves bowed in submission to her.

Suddenly, space twisted into a vortex.

Aurek stepped out.

Elizabeth turned to look at Aurek, her gaze narrowing.

Divine Cleric rank!?

The last time they met, he was around Stellar rank. How long had it been?

He had leapfrogged through Sage rank, Divine Envoy, and God Fire, directly reaching Divine Cleric rank.

This rate of advancement was truly astonishing.

Aurek scrutinized her in return.

He could now see through her—her rank had surpassed God Fire rank, and her progress was equally remarkable!

Aurek released his Divine Cleric rank pressure, along with the weight of imperial authority, attempting to suppress her.

However, an invisible barrier appeared in front of Elizabeth, nullifying his pressure.

"Your Majesty Aurek, did you come to show me your Divine Cleric rank strength?"

Elizabeth's eyes were cold, but her heart was filled with vigilance.

This man before her was too aggressive; the moment she showed any hint of weakness, it would likely lead to war between their two nations.

"Selene Empire is truly hiding its strength. Even Grand Divine Clerics can be summoned so easily!"

Aurek replied coldly.

"If you had no hidden methods, the alliance would have already been torn apart. Is that why you've come today, just to say these things?"

Aurek walked to the edge of the pavilion and looked down at the Kawah River.

"The Grand Divine Clerics you possess cannot stop Crossbridge Empire's advance."

"Then what about a High God, or even a God General?"

Elizabeth turned and asked.

Aurek gazed at her intently, probing, "Do you have them?"

Elizabeth smirked meaningfully, "Why don't you try it yourself, Your Majesty?"

Aurek's heart sank.

Could this woman truly possess the power of a High God or God General?

He had come intending to drag the Selene Empire into the Godfall Gorge, using it as a pawn for his own purposes.

But he hadn't expected to uncover such information in the process.

Elizabeth continued, "Aurek, you have demands, and so do I."

"For now, our goals are aligned, but in the future, things will change!"

"By cooperating, you will gain even more."

She spoke vaguely, hiding many key points.

Aurek didn't respond to her suggestion.

He then said, "Since we are cooperating, I need you to show sincerity."

"Now, the Abyss demon realm is trying to invade Eura. With Selene Empire's High Gods and God Generals, you should bring them out to face the crisis together!"

He was testing her.

If Elizabeth truly had High Gods or God Generals, why didn't she dare to take action against Crossbridge Empire?

Was it a bluff, or did they require certain conditions to be used?

If she could summon them, he would be cautious and use their power to counter the demon realm.

If she couldn't summon them... then he would wipe out the Selene Empire.

Hearing the hidden meaning in Aurek's words, Elizabeth's voice grew cold.

"If the demon realm invades, Selene Empire will certainly send forces to respond. The Empire's divine realm experts are enough to block even an army from the god realm."

"Yet, Your Majesty, you have attempted to break the alliance several times. If you are truly not interested in cooperation, then I think our alliance may be void."

She now found herself in a difficult position.

Aurek, like a fierce tiger, had his claws bared.

She knew Aurek had methods for cultivating legions but hadn't realized how terrifying they truly were.

Not only could he create batches of God Fire rank soldiers, but he had now even begun to produce Divine Cleric rank warriors!

Could he continue to produce endless Divine Cleric legions in the future?

If that were the case, she would have to adjust her strategy and countermeasures.

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