On the Sacred Gold Mountain.
Serene green gold trees arose from slightly gold earth as the leadership and what remained of Carthage were gathered in a single area.
A few tens of thousands of people!
In the last few hours, they had waded across the periphery of the Sacred Gold Mountain- the initial hour only making them all feel a sense of desolation as they found nothing.
It was only later that in a landslide of what used to be Carthage, the cold had receded in this area as when they were searching, they felt the earth underneath shake!
When they focused on that area, they were able to unearth an enclosed area filled with layers of artificial earth that crumbled down when they appeared, and within- 87 Humans shivering with coldness looked up.
At their center, a Three-Link Gem Master with a haggard appearance and a Sand Manipulation Ability Gem remained as he had barely managed to save others as he seemed drained.
When the rescue party appeared, he instantly collapsed from exhaustion.
This had rejuvenated the Gem Masters seeking survival as their search became more fervent!
They continued for hours.
As time passed, emotions rose and fell as some fairly powerful Three-Link Gem Masters used the layers of earth during the quakes and landslides as protection- with some Ability Gems allowing them to isolate and survive the cold temperatures long enough!
But even after a few hours, the number of survivors found was only a few thousand.
Out of millions, a few thousand!
“…”
And now, the two previous Branch Leaders gathered together with the remaining survivors on the base of the Sacred Gold Mountain.
They were looking at each other with red eyes, a sense of desolation and failure burning brightly in their eyes as they looked at those around them!
Alexander was perched on top of the branches of a green gold tree, his figure seeming lost in thought.
Vishpala and a few other minions were back as only Jujugan and other Undead continued the fruitless search.
Claire stood near her father as the two Branch Leaders looked at the remnant forces of Carthage, Alexander’s father began to speak.
“I have failed you in all possible ways as your Leader, and I relinquish this position here and now.”
…!
His words caused the already depressive air in the surroundings to become thicker as he turned up towards where the figure of Alexander perched towards the tree stood.
“Whatever is happening around us is far bigger than anything you all or I could handle, so I leave it to someone who can. The one who was able to save all those he could, and was further able to give us a line to live even now. My son. Alexander.”
WAA!
Many eyes gazed up at the young man on the vibrant tree as his wings and golden robe made him look like an otherworldly prince.
His father looked at him and continued.
“If you are okay with shouldering the responsibility, this old man leaves the lives of what remains of the Mortal Branch of the Asmodeus Lineage of Carthage. They shall listen and follow your will.”
His father relinquished any sort of remaining power for his position as beside him, Axel said nothing in agreement.
All eyes went towards Alexander as he shook his head wryly while looking at the many hopeful eyes gazing at him.
“The world has entirely changed to something you all will barely be able to recognize. The only place safe is this Mountain here. On it, Energeia is much more concentrated. The Beasts on it will not actively attack you, and within the depths of the mountain, there are areas with deep concentrations of Energeia that have formed mines with crystals and stalagmites. I’ll explore them more, but they will be conducive to aiding Gem Masters. This…is as much as I can offer.”
He did not have time to lead thousands of people, but they could have a safe haven on this mountain.
He thought long and hard about what he had to do, as all that he needed were his Minions and Undead Summons.
So he looked at his father and all others as he continued.
“Explore the Sacred Gold Mountain. If there is any way I can help in strengthening you all, I will. My goal for now…”
Stay tuned for updates on empire
He didn’t finish his words as his goal was far too grand.
His body still pulsed with tendrils of golden authority as he already decided where the Ruler’s Covenant Authority would go towards.
Due to that choice, what he would do next would be grandiose!
As he thought of this, he turned his head towards an Obsidian mountain floating in the skies.
After he finished his preparations here, he could already feel this mountain and the Ruler’s Covenant Authority within calling out to him.
These Sacred Mountains…he knew they would be the key to surviving and reversing the dangerous actions that Ephesus had taken!
So he would take over as many as he could!
As life moved on near Carthage, it did the same in other parts of Ephesus.
Thousands of miles away from the Sacred Gold Mountain.
In a region where blue lightning was striking the earth every few seconds.
A middle-aged man with dark hair and red eyes stood defiantly while gazing at a mountain shimmering with blue radiance.
On his chest, nine dazzling gems shone brightly as beside him, a few Tier 8 Human Kings looked towards him.
“Emperor Drakos, we are ready.”
…!
Drakos.
The Tier 9 Emperor of the Ascendant Lineage of Drakos who inherited this title over the years!
His gaze was bright as he began floating forward- his eyes looking to overcome the Sacred Mountain before them!
It was not just him.
Across other areas of Ephesus.
The top powerhouses of the Four Human Lineages led by Emperors looked to overcome and explore Sacred Mountains at this very moment.
Drakos. Argyros. Asmodeus. Galanis.
They all moved in defiance of Ephesus as in a certain region, there were also the invaders that had Tier 9 Beast Emperors who descended on Ephesus!
Then, there were also those that came during the change of Ephesus.
During the fusion of different worlds.
There were even Rulers that appeared and now walked over Ephesus as it became a vast stretch of chaotic domain- with the power over it lying in nobody’s hands at this time.
It was scattered.
And there were a lot of unknowns.
But one thing was clear.
Sacred Mountains stood in the middle of all of it as from them, many Rulers would rise!
But when the dust settled, who would remain powerfully roving over Ephesus- or even being capable enough to go against it before all those on it were decimated?
