886 Entry in Noble Domain!
After getting the information he required from Autarch, Jacob also inquired about the Soul Star Watches since he didn't find any on these guards.
He was hoping to gain access to the Virtual Star World so he could get a better understanding of the current situation. But to his dismay, he learned that the Myriad Galaxy King had already taken away everyone's Soul Star Watches to ensure they wouldn't spread this news outside. He even used a unique formation to cut the connection with the star network. After all, if the others learn about the Myriad Galaxy King's actions, the other factions and even the Alchemy Guild will not let him off easily.
Nonetheless, Jacob had already decided to get rid of the Myriad Galaxy King and use him as a catalyst to help Autarch evolve. Furthermore, he learns that the Myriad Galaxy King wasn't a peak legendary king. Instead, he seemed to be a Tier-2 Legendary King who was a step away from reaching Tier-3, which meant he was far weaker than Jacob.
But still, Jacob knew that he needed to be careful since he didn't want others to notice his actions because he was planning to replace the Myriad Galaxy King and his entire wealth and city until it suited his needs. Afterward, Jacob notified Elia, who was staying in a separate room, without any knowledge of what Jacob was up to. When she saw the guard beside Jacob, she was shocked, but the Guard seemed extremely obedient, and Jacob only told her that he was now under his control, so Elia didn't ask any questions. But the respect she had for Jacob increased to a new level.
Thereby, Autarch took the lead and escorted Jacob and Elia towards the Noble Domain as he masterfully assumed his identity as a member of the city guard force.
Jacob strode with calculated purpose along the paved road leading to the Noble Domain of the Myriad Galaxy King. The landscape ahead had changed dramatically compared to the chaotic outskirts of the Legendary Plains.
Towering stone walls marked the boundary of the Noble Domain, their surfaces carved with intricate sigils that radiated a faint, otherworldly glow. The gate itself was massive, constructed from polished obsidian, its surface etched with depictions of stars, galaxies, and a crowned figure wielding a celestial staff.
At the top of the wall, rows of guards stood vigilant, their armor glinting in the faint light of the artificial stars overhead.
The Noble Domain stretched far into the horizon, its sheer size dwarfing most other places Jacob had visited.
At this moment, the guards guarding the gates, who seemed to belong to another race of magic beasts, for their faces were covered in fur and beastly eyes; when they saw the Ascaris Viper guard leading two strangers towards them, their vigil decreased slightly.
With a burly build and fierce expression on his face, one of the guards coldly uttered, "Stop! What are you doing here, and why are you leading them here?" His aura was deeper and more profound than the Ascaris Viper; he was probably a Tier-1 Legendary Noble! Autarch recognized this guard from the Ascaris Viper's memories and respectfully reported, "Noble Captain, they are the members of the Alchemy Guild who were left behind, and I've confirmed their identities. They are the guest of Potion Sky Lord's clan!"
The guard captain was startled when he heard the 'Potion Sky Lord' because it was one of the legendary lords of the Myriad Guardian City, and his position was among the top three legendary lords.
Furthermore, the guard captain recognized Jacob's race as a Faery Human, making his claim as a 'guest' credible. But he was also skeptical about why the King would leave a Faery Human roam free since he had already enslaved any members of top races.
Nonetheless, since this Ascaris Viper was vouching for them and the noble domain wasn't actually a safe place, the guard captain allowed them to pass through with a cold glint in his eyes as if he was looking forward to Jacob's fate.
Jacob noticed the guard captain's strange expression, but he didn't react much and entered the noble domain, and Ella vigilantly followed.
The city revealed itself past the gate, a breathtaking blend of grandeur and oppression. Towering spires of silver and gold dotted the skyline, their tips glowing faintly with magical energy. The streets were unnaturally clean, paved with smooth, white stone. The buildings lining the roads had elegant facades adorned with celestial motifs, yet an air of dread lingered in the atmosphere.
Jacob noticed the increased presence of soldiers. Squads of armed guards patrolled every street, their expressions grim and their movements hurried. Occasionally, groups of weary soldiers stumbled back into the city through teleportation circles, their armor stained with blood, their faces pale from exhaustion.
Thereafter, they were immediately replaced by fresh reinforcements, who marched out with the same grim resolve as they entered the teleportation circles.
Along the streets, small clusters of civilians, who were actually alchemists, gathered, apparently left behind, whispering anxiously to one another, their faces painted with fear and frustration.
The Zodiac Beasts had left their mark on the city—their presence, even at the edge of the Legendary Plains, was enough to send waves of chaos rippling through the population. Jacob overheard snippets of conversations as he moved closer to the heart of the domain.
"Another squad was wiped out near the southern barricade…"
"The casualties keep piling up. How much longer can we hold?"
"Why is the Myriad Galaxy King insisting we protect this city instead of retreating? We can't keep this up!"
Despite the people's attempts to remain composed, the cracks in their resolve were evident. The Myriad Galaxy King's overbearing decision to stand and fight—to protect the city at all costs—was taking its toll.
The guards' movements were mechanical, their eyes hollow. The civilians had lost any semblance of hope, their faces twisted in a mix of fear and resentment. Even the merchants, who usually thrived on the city's bustling trade, had shuttered their shops, unwilling to risk the wrath of the beasts or the King's growing demands.
Jacob navigated the crowded streets easily; he could feel the tension in the air, almost as if it were a tangible force pressing down on him. The city was a powder keg ready to explode, and the slightest spark could set it ablaze.
But Autarch didn't stop, and according to Jacob's plan, he carefully led them toward the palace of the Myriad Galaxy King.
The Myriad Galaxy King was unaware of a terrible calamity approaching his doorstep!