Kent fell in a thought after hearing Fatty’s question. Bringing more allies to the spirit world is always a good thing. But Kent couldn’t find a suitable candidate who he could trust fully.
“Fatty, in case, if you can bring more people to the spirit world, find a supreme mage among my mother’s trusted allies. Someone capable and absolutely loyal. Bring that person with you when you join me in the Spirit World.” Kent said firmly, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
Fatty nodded. “Understood, master. I will find the best candidate.”
“Don’t worry, I will handle the selection.You will not have to search aimlessly. There are a few I trust over my life. I will ensure the right person accompanies Ben.” Madam Clark said in an assured tone.
Kent nodded his head respectfully. “That would be great.
Madam Clark’s expression softened for a moment before turning serious again. “Fatty, follow me. There is much to prepare.”
As she and Fatty exited the room, she signaled for Kent’s pets to follow. The magical creatures hesitated, their eyes darting toward Kent, but with a nod from him, they obeyed.
Kent was now left alone with his girlfriends, who had been watching the exchange with bated breath.
The silence was broken by Sophia, who rushed forward and flung her arms around him. Her delicate body shook as she sobbed against his chest.
“It’s okay. Don’t make this hard on me. Stay calm.” Kent said softly as he didn’t want to see his women crying before he left.
“You’re leaving again… How can you expect us to stay calm?” Her voice cracked, her tears soaking into his tunic.
Kent gently stroked her hair, his voice soothing. “Sophie, this is something I must do. I promise I’ll come back.”
Amelia, her amber eyes shimmering with tears, stepped closer. “You always say that, but each time you leave, it feels like an eternity for all of us.”
Lucy clenched her fists as she could’t find a place to hug Kent. “We’re not just worried about the time. It’s the danger, What if this time…”
“Stop,” Kent interrupted gently but firmly. “I know you’re worried. I know it’s hard. But trust me. I will not fail you. I will not fail any of you.”
Poison Sect girl Maya, usually stoic, wiped away a single tear. “You better not. We’ve risked too much for you to leave us like this.”
One by one, the other girls voiced their concerns, their fears, their hopes. It was a moment of raw emotion, and Kent took the time to speak to each of them, reassuring them, making promises he intended to keep.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the mood shifted. The girls wiped their tears, their expressions resolute. Sophia stepped back, though her eyes remained red-rimmed.
“Then go… Go and come back to us strongly.”
Kent smiled warmly, his eyes shining with determination. “I will. I swear it.”
As the girls watched with heavy hearts, Kent along with his pets stood on the platform. Soon, the servants activated the teleportation gate. In a flash of brilliant blue light, he vanished, leaving behind the ‘only world he had ever called home.’
–
The Royal Palace…In the grand chamber of the royal palace, Emperor Ryon sat at the head of a long table, flanked by Jason. The golden walls glimmered in the candlelight, but the situation was thick with malice.
“So, it’s decided. The three heirs will execute the plan in the Spirit World.” Ryon said in an authoritative tone.
Jason leaned forward, his steely eyes locked on to the three young heirs. “They’ve been trained well. With the weapons and binding chains we’ve provided, they’ll succeed. Kent will not escape this time.”
At the far end of the room, Maxwell and Phillip exchanged a grim nod. Beside them, Jason’s son, Simon, adjusted the hilt of his newly forged weapon, its blade gleaming ominously.
“We’ve practiced every detail of the strategy. Kent won’t stand a chance, Father.” First prince Maxwell spoke first, his voice brimming with confidence.
“Yes, Father. The chains are enchanted specifically to suppress his power. Once they’re on him, it’s over. We’ll make him regret ever crossing our paths.” Simon said in an excited tone.
Unlike the two, second prince Phillip was in complete silence. Several thoughts ringing in his mind.
“The three of you need to rest. Tomorrow is the beginning of your journey, and failure is not an option.” Jason raised a hand and gestured them to leave.
“Yes, Father,” Simon replied, his tone respectful but tinged with eagerness to attack Kent.
The three heirs bowed and left the chamber, their minds already racing with thoughts of their mission.
–
Inside the Secret Shrine of the Goddess of Destruction and Death…
Deep within the fire mountains, Phillip descended a spiral staircase, each step taking him closer to the shrine of the goddess statue. The air grew colder, the dim light of the torches casting ghostly shadows on the damp stone walls. At last, he reached the chamber.
The shrine was a hauntingly beautiful space. A massive statue of the goddess loomed at the center, her six arms holding symbols of death and chaos. At her feet, an altar stained with dark offerings glowed in the dim light.
Phillip knelt before the altar and cut his palm slightly to offer his blood as an offering.
After sitting back in the Lotus position, he began the incantation, his voice echoing through the chamber. After a long ritual, he sacrificed the lives of several beasts before calling the goddess of destruction and death.
“Oh, great Goddess of Destruction and Death, I summon you. Guide me in my quest. Show me the path to victory.”
The air shimmered, and a suffocating darkness filled the room. A chilling voice, both seductive and terrifying, resonated from the statue. “You dare summon me again, mortal?”
Phillip bowed his head lower. “Goddess, I seek your wisdom. Tomorrow, I will step on the spirit world. I must defeat Kent and claim my rightful place. What is your advice?”
The statue’s eyes glowed red, and the goddess’s voice turned sharp. “Kent… don’t you dare touch him.”
Phillip’s head snapped up in shock. “What? But he is—”
“Fool!” the goddess commanded, her voice thundering through the chamber. “Boy, you think your destiny is to defeat him? No. Your fate lies elsewhere.”
Phillip’s fists clenched. “But Goddess, he stands in the way of my family’s rule—”
“You think too small!” the goddess interrupted, her tone dripping with disdain. “Kent’s path is tied to forces far greater than you can comprehend. If you pursue him now, you will only hasten your destruction.”
Phillip’s face paled. “Then… what must I do?”
A sinister smile seemed to form on the statue’s lips. “I won’t be helpful to you in the spirit world. To conceal myself from the god race, I won’t dare to use my power on the spirit world of gods.
Your task is to seek the Demon Race’s underground realm. There lies a power unimaginable. Accept their gift, and you will transcend the limitations of your mortal lineage.”
Phillip hesitated, doubt flickering in his eyes. “But the Demon Race… they are dangerous, untrustworthy.”
The goddess laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the shrine. “The Demon race won’t harm you in my presence. Are you too weak to be afraid of demons? Don’t forget that you are already a half-demon.”
Her words stung, igniting a spark of defiance in Phillip. “I am not weak. I will do whatever it takes.”
“Good,” the goddess purred. “Then go. Leave Kent to his fate. Embrace yours, and when the time comes, you will have the strength to crush Kent under your feet.”
The light in the shrine dimmed, and the oppressive presence faded. Phillip remained kneeling, his heart pounding. As the realization of her words sank in, a twisted smile crept across his lips.
“So be it. I will let my brother and that idiot handle Kent tomorrow.” he whispered.
–
Tq for all golden-tickets. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire