The sky was set ablaze as Omer, Jin-Hoo, and their generals launched a simultaneous assault on Lyvrael. It wasn't just an attack, but a strategic maneuver; this immense force, coming from four different directions, aimed to catch the ancient knight off guard. The auras of each combatant merged in the sky, causing a massive explosion. The blast was so violent that everything in the vicinity was pulverized into dust, the world shook, and all that was left was a thick, gray cloud of smoke.
When the smoke cleared, the landscape was one of utter destruction. Forests had been uprooted, mountains shattered, and Lyvrael lay on the ground, covered in blood, with his once-shining and solid armor in pieces. The first moments of victory were shattered when Omer's eyes fell on Baran. There was a mix of shock and rage on Omer's face. "Baran!" he thundered. "Didn't I order you to protect my family? So, it was you who used the shadow shift... that's why I couldn't teleport with my dagger!"At Omer's harsh words, Baran's face fell. For a moment, the tense and horrific atmosphere turned comical. Baran stammered, "My lord, your family is safe, they're under protection. Neroth ordered me to come to your side, so I followed the command." However, Baran's words made the situation even more complicated. At that moment, a stunned Neroth interjected, "I didn't say any such thing, my King!"This last statement was the final straw for Omer's patience. With flames burning in his eyes, he gave a terrifying command: "ANTAIOS!!! We're going to Seoul immediately! Neroth and the others, tear that Knight apart until I return!" Under the weight of the command, the 'others' immediately bowed and replied, "As you command, my King!" Omer mounted the gigantic flame dragon Antaios, and the beast soared towards Seoul. But Lyvrael, unexpectedly, recovered with incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, he instantly beheaded a 215,000-strong army, including Virdal and Baran, leaving only Ignarion and Neroth to barely hold their ground.As Omer was about to vanish into the sky on Antaios's back, he witnessed Lyvrael's horrifying assault. But just before Omer left, a final glimmer of hope appeared. Ignarion swung his long sword, unleashing an attack he called "The Roar of the Devil" and lunged at Lyvrael. At that very moment, Neroth used his speed to support Ignarion, striking with a series of blows from an attack named "The Claw of Death."However, even these attacks were ineffective against Lyvrael. The knight countered with incredible speed, tearing through Ignarion and Neroth's chests. Just when it seemed all was lost, Neroth roared with all his might, using his immense speed to call out to Ignarion: "I'll burn you with my King's fury! Come on, Ignarion! Let's do it!" In a last-ditch effort, the two underwent a fusion, and at that instant, a notification appeared on Omer's digital system: "2 soldiers of Marshal rank have fused, and their power levels have increased by 500%. A new super-soldier has been created."Omer was astonished by this turn of events but continued his journey towards Seoul. Meanwhile, the fused being, Nernarion (Neroth + Ignarion), went on the offensive. The two exchanged blows in mid-air, creating what looked like an X-ray blast. A colossal explosion shook the sky and the ground. Nernarion unleashed all of its power on Lyvrael with an attack named "Great Destruction." Lyvrael began to struggle against this immense force. The beam pierced through Lyvrael's chest, and the knight fell to the ground, covered in blood.
The moment of victory was short-lived. As the fusion ended, Neroth and Ignarion separated. However, with the peace of having completed their duty, they instantly turned to dust and vanished. The digital screen displayed a new warning: "WARNING: The souls of Marshal Neroth and Marshal Ignarion have been temporarily sealed. Remaining duration: 5 days." "5 days?" Omer bellowed, an expression of incredible rage on his face. "Antaios, return!"At Omer's command, the colossal flame dragon quickly flew back and unleashed a devastating fire attack on Lyvrael. The flames engulfed Lyvrael's wounded body, turning him into a living hell. However, Antaios had overused its power for this attack; its throat was torn, and it collapsed to the ground, whispering, "Forgive me, my King."
Antaios's sacrifice only fueled Omer's fury. "Cancel the dimensional summon!" he roared, adding, "I'll kill you with my own hands!" Grabbing his two daggers, Omer took a deep breath and began to shred Lyvrael with 100,000 cuts per second. His body couldn't withstand this level of power and was covered in blood. But Omer persisted, exuding a deadly aura. He was in a frenzy of rage, gathering all his mana into his daggers and unleashing his final attack.
The resulting explosion was even more powerful than a Gamma-Ray Burst. These bursts typically occur when massive stars collapse into black holes, releasing the energy of our sun's entire 13-billion-year lifespan in just one millisecond. After this cataclysmic event, one of the greatest explosions in the universe, Omer lost consciousness.He struggled to open his eyes and was met with a shocking sight: Lyvrael and Grand Marshal Caelthar were bowing respectfully before a god-like figure. The figure looked at Omer and smiled. Omer lost consciousness once more.When the smoke cleared, a digital screen appeared before his eyes: "Mission Complete ✅ Defeat Lyvrael, the Knight of Solareth." The screen asked if he wanted to claim his rewards. But Omer, after everything that had happened, muttered the one word that was etched in his mind: "Vatra!"Omer regained consciousness, staring at the digital screen before him. The prompt asked, "Do you want to claim your rewards? Yes/No?" But Omer ignored the virtual prize. He had something else on his mind. He looked at Lyvrael's lifeless body on the ground and whispered a single word: "Vatra!"The screen immediately responded: "WARNING: Soul Sealing Failed. Remaining Attempts: 2."Omer didn't give up. He tried again. "WARNING: Soul Sealing Failed. Remaining Attempts: 1."He had only one chance left. Omer roared with all his might. A deadly aura emanated from his eyes as he called out to Lyvrael's soul: "Rise, or I will destroy your soul! VATRA!"Omer's willpower was so immense that Lyvrael's soul separated from its body. A battle of wills was expected, but the soul instantly obeyed Omer. "My King, give me a name," a voice echoed. Omer smiled and gave Lyvrael's soul a new name: Clairael. The soul was sealed with Omer's mark, becoming the army's new commander."My King, I want to show you something," Clairael said, raising his sword to the sky. A divine, glowing dimensional rift opened. Out of it poured over 500,000 winged soldiers and angel-like guardians. They all immediately swore allegiance to Omer, and their souls were sealed, joining Omer's Shadow Army. When the rift closed, Omer's screens were filled with consecutive notifications: "Player Leveled Up" x5.Meanwhile, the Japanese army entered a devastated Tokyo and initiated emergency protocols. The head of the Japanese Hunters Association approached Omer, knelt, and said, "We are grateful, my Lord." Omer nodded gently and replied, "Please, rise."
A series of explosions tore through the London sky, the deafening echoes of the mortal duel between Xu Liangchen and Xerathul thundering across the city. As buildings were reduced to rubble by the clashing of these two powers, waves of raw energy scorched the ground.Xu Liangchen's sword moved at the speed of light, each strike carving deep gashes into Xerathul's armor. Against Xerathul's ferocious assaults, Xu's movements were as fluid and graceful as water. There was not a hint of anxiety on his face; it was as if this chaotic battle were nothing but a dance. Suddenly, Xu's body flickered like a flash of light. He roared, "500,000 Cuts Per Second!" This wasn't merely an attack, but a technique that bent time and space, inflicting an unprecedented amount of damage on his opponent. Before he could even understand what was happening, Xerathul's body was reduced to a mangled mess.Yet, Xerathul still stood. Determined to use every last bit of his strength, he charged forward. This time, Xu Liangchen changed his approach. He bellowed, "Domination of the Black Emperor!" A dark energy enveloped Xerathul, trapping him like a ball. At a speed beyond the speed of light, his massive body was flung violently to the left, right, up, and down. Each collision created a new earthquake in London.Still, Xerathul refused to give up. With a final effort, he brought his sword down on Xu. But before the blade could reach its target, Xu stopped it with his bare hand. He gripped Xerathul's sword and shattered it as if it were made of glass. Then, he plunged his dagger into Xerathul's chest and delivered the final blow. "Crimson Death!" A deadly crimson beam shot out from the dagger, tearing Xerathul's body to shreds and pulverizing his organs. Xerathul's colossal corpse crashed to the ground, drenched in blood. The noise of the battle suddenly ceased, leaving behind only the silence of utter destruction. The Quest is Complete
As Xerathul's lifeless body collapsed to the ground, the roar of battle was replaced by absolute silence. Amid the ruined buildings, a single figure, Xu Liangchen, stood tall. As he looked around with the tranquility of victory, a transparent digital screen suddenly materialized before his eyes.
On the screen, a series of notifications flashed in golden letters. The first line was the long-awaited announcement Xu had been anticipating:
> Notification: Quest Complete ✅ Defeat Vorgath's Knight, Xerathul.
>
A second notification immediately followed, revealing that Xu's achievement went far beyond just this single battle:
> WARNING: Double Quest Complete: The Knight of Ancient Light, Lyvrael, and the Knight of Ancient Darkness, Xerathul, have been defeated.
>
Xu Liangchen understood the full meaning of this warning. By single-handedly overcoming two ancient powers, he had marked a turning point that would change the world's fate. This accomplishment also came with rewards from the system.
The final line on the screen triggered an explosion of energy that instantly erased any fatigue Xu felt:
> Notification: Player Leveled Up. X5
>
He had gained not just one, but five levels at once. The surge of power he felt coursing through his body was a harbinger of the new abilities and potential he had unlocked. For him, this was more than a mere level-up; it was a sign that he had reached a new level of power and control. Xu was no longer just a warrior he had evolved into something far greater.The war-torn heart of London was now Xu Liangchen's new kingdom. Filled with the power gained from defeating Xerathul, Xu took his dagger, Hei Ming, and plunged it into the ground. The moment the blade touched the earth, the shadows around him came to life. Beneath the soil, a black energy began to seethe, flowing out like a liquid substance from the Shadow Gate that Xu had opened.
The shadow energy molded itself to Xu's will, first forming into liquid masses, then solidifying into the shapes of humans and creatures. Each soldier bore a small aura marked with Xu's symbol—a bull's head shaped like a drop of blood—a testament to their unwavering loyalty. As they moved, the ground beneath their feet cracked slightly, and a black smoke billowed around them, obscuring the sight and restricting the movement of their enemies.
This army, under Xu's command, was a colossal force of over a million. But it was no ordinary army; at the front stood five generals, each a master in their own right:
* National Level: Kaelthar – "The Iron Maw": The vanguard tank of the army, he would shatter his enemies with his steel-like skin and massive battle-axe.
* National Level: Voralis – "The Veiled Fang": An assassin who would silently stalk from the shadows, annihilating his foes without a sound.
* National Level: Elyndra – "The Crimson Vein": An expert in magic and energy control. She could manipulate blood and energy to both support and unleash deadly attacks.
* Z+ Level: Tharion – "The Abyss Eye": A tactical officer who commanded shadows from dimensional rifts, analyzed the battlefield, and set traps for his rivals.
* Z Level: Zyphros – "The Eternal Chain": A master of area control who would bind enemies with his chained weapons, restricting their movements and activating shadow traps.
Xu Liangchen gazed upon his formidable army, filled with the magnificence of his own power. Swelling with pride, he roared in a voice that shook all of London: "Imperial March!" The command echoed, and Xu's shadow army stood ready for the dawn of a new era.The soul of Xerathul, having separated from its body, rose as a shimmering cloud of purple energy. The spirit stood before Xu Liangchen, majestic in its form. It was no longer an enemy, but a loyal being before a new master. Xerathul's voice, once a tempestuous roar, had become respectful and humble. "My lord, give me a name," he whispered.
Xu accepted the loyalty of his former foe. He offered him not just a new identity, but a new beginning. "From now on, your name is Shadryth," he declared. With this new name, the spirit's purple glow brightened, as if reborn.To honor his new name, a sword materialized in Shadryth's hand. Just as Lyvrael had, he raised his blade majestically to the sky. The dark energy radiating from the sword's tip tore open a colossal Dimensional Rift in the somber London sky. The rift was a howling vortex, ripping through the very fabric of space.From the rift emerged colossal winged figures: Dark-Winged Guard Soldiers and Destruction Dragons. Numbering over 500,000, this army streamed out of the rift and descended upon the earth. Each one possessed a terrifying power, yet after witnessing Xu's might, they all knelt. These beings bowed to Xu Liangchen and swore an oath of eternal loyalty, binding their souls to him.Xu took one last look at the empire he had just founded. With a single motion, he sent his magnificent army back to its own dimension. The rift above London closed, and the city returned to its silence. Only the debris, ruined buildings, and scattered corpses remained, the sole witnesses to the monumental war.The terrible war had ended. London's once bustling streets now resembled a massive graveyard. The city's skyline was unrecognizable; skyscrapers had crumbled, and historical buildings were reduced to piles of rubble. The destructive power of the war had left nothing but shattered bodies and wreckage in its wake.
Near the area where Xu Liangchen had fought, the lifeless body of Troy Vance lay in pieces on the ground. The heroism of the American National-Level Hunter had, sadly, ended in death. Around him, many survivors, including Travis Kane, lay unconscious, affected by the shockwaves of the battle. Their faces were caked in grime and covered in wounds.Following the cessation of hostilities, the British government activated its emergency protocol. Tanks, armored vehicles, and Special Forces units began to pour into London. Soldiers scoured the mountains of debris, searching for survivors and aiding the wounded. Helicopters conducted aerial surveillance, and rescue teams worked tirelessly. However, the scale of the city's destruction was so immense that the duration of the rescue operation was uncertain.The state of London was one of the greatest catastrophes the world had ever seen. The city was no longer the vibrant metropolis it once was; it had become a monument to war. At that moment, only one question remained on everyone's mind: How would the future be shaped after this horrific disaster?
A few days later, the world watched with bated breath as the results of the two major gate battles, which would determine humanity's fate, were announced. Although the London disaster was horrific, the news anchor's words sparked a glimmer of hope.
"London has been saved by the Chinese National-Level Hunter, Xu Liangchen, who was previously believed to be dead!"
This announcement sent a wave of shock across the globe. Everyone had presumed Xu Liangchen to be deceased. While London's devastation and the death of Troy Vance highlighted the extent of the catastrophe, Xu's survival and victory reignited hope.
Next, the focus shifted to Tokyo. Everyone expected to hear the name of the Russian National-Level Hunter, Alexei. But the anchor's next sentence created a second shockwave:"And Tokyo has been saved by the Korean Z-Level Hunter, Omer Jin-Hoo, alone!"
No one had anticipated this. A Z-level hunter clearing a National + gate on his own was an unbelievable feat. In honor of this heroic act, the World Hunters Committee declared Omer Jin-Hoo the world's newest National-Level Hunter.However, the good news was followed by the most painful part of the broadcast. The anchor's voice was filled with sorrow: "We are deeply saddened to report that the American National-Level Hunter, Troy Vance, and the Russian National-Level Hunter, Alexei, have unfortunately lost their lives."The loss of these heroes plunged the world into mourning. In their memory, the World Hunters Committee decided to hold a grand funeral in Washington, followed by an International Hunters Conference. The list of invited hunters would be announced soon, and the world's most powerful hunters would gather to strategize for the future. The world was simultaneously grieving its losses and preparing for a new era.