Chapter 1057: The Doom War [Intro]
Day returned to South Drywall, and they could clearly see what remained of the rest of the city.
Whatever formation had been used to separate the monsters had proven devastatingly efficient—they owed their lives to it. At the same time, it had left the city in utter ruins.
The walls were not as they should be. They had twisted into complicated maze patterns. Buildings looked as though they’d been constructed in labyrinthine designs—fascinating to behold, yet most had been crushed and torn apart, perhaps when monsters tried to forcefully rip themselves free from the maze.
A massive, alien ship was gliding toward the center of the city through the air.
Northern, Illitis, Thalen, and Gourdon stood on the balcony, gazing over the devastated city.
Thalen wore a sullen expression. He sighed and frowned slightly.
"What happens from here...?"
Northern’s gaze remained indifferent, razor-sharp with focus and hardened by deep resolve, yet detached all the same.
"Destruction."
His tone, however, carried immense weight.
"It’s going to be nothing but complete annihilation."
Thalen looked at him.
"What do we do?"
"Whatever we can. There are still several other nations being hunted. And I know you have personal business to settle... there aren’t many people who can fight an Origin, but if we work together, I’m certain we can stop this..."
Silence stretched between them. Then Gourdon’s voice sliced through.
He was leaning against the wall behind them.
"Would it be enough? An Origin... we could say is a force as powerful as Ul herself. Is there anything we can do that will suffice against it? Isn’t it more reasonable to stop him at all costs?"
Northern felt a flicker of frustration at the question, but he understood, so he couldn’t lash out at the poor guy.
If there was one thing he’d come to understand recently as he crossed paths with formidable people, it was that everyone strong had earned it. They fought like their lives depended on it—because they did.
From Dante to Paragon Raizel, to Eli, and these men. It was perfectly understandable that they’d be consumed with hesitation.
They didn’t have a Bairan to rely on, or a Nebulous Lord, or an Abyss Tyrant. They didn’t even know these enigmatic allies of his existed. And even if they did, no one truly grasped the extent of their abilities.
It was as though his summons were slowly building and growing for this very moment.
And despite everything, he was terrified too. He didn’t want to lose his summons—he couldn’t bear to lose Abyss Tyrant. They might never speak, but those creatures meant everything to him.
Abyss Tyrant was living testimony of his experience. The Nebulous Lord was proof of his struggle and perseverance. Bairan was a true friend he’d gained. Revant, even with his rebellious nature, Northern still found compelling and kindred nonetheless.
These were his people, his world, beyond his parents.
If he lost them, he didn’t know if he’d ever find the will to continue.
And this was how he—who had a fighting chance against an Origin—thought. How much more devastating for them, who had no chance at all.
Northern truly understood their despair. But there was no alternative.
This was the only choice presented to them. The only choice they could make.
He glanced back at Gourdon.
"It’s already too late. Anything we attempt will only advance his plans. Our actions or inactions will push Koll’s scheme to release Kryos forward because whether it’s to protect or destroy, conflict is conflict. The bloodshed matters no more and no less—at least to a terrible existence like them."
Gourdon looked down and sighed.
"So... it is doom?"
Northern turned away, his voice heavy with finality.
"It is doom."
The airship descended slowly before the Tharion Citadel walls.
Thalen exhaled deeply.
"So... what’s our next move?"
Northern sighed.
"The only reasonable strategy is to split into teams—send groups to the remaining nations to help them, while one team heads toward the Dark Continent... try to stop Kryos before he reaches the Central Plains."
Thalen slapped the terrace railing and stepped back.
"Well then... we’d better get to work."
Thalen and Gourdon withdrew from the balcony, leaving Northern and Illitis alone.
Illitis stepped forward, hesitating briefly until Northern noticed.
"Are you alright?"
He nodded with a respectful bow.
"Yes, my lord. I’m simply concerned. How did things go? And I might have some crucial information for you."
Northern looked at him with interest and smiled.
"I wouldn’t say everything went smoothly. The worst possible scenario was Rughsbourgh returning amid this disaster—which happened—and which I faced and somehow survived, stronger than before."
Northern joked with a bicep flex.
Illitis smiled faintly.
"You... beyond what I imagined. It’s appalling to witness."
Northern gave him an odd look.
"Why say it like that? You sound like you’re about to piss yourself."
His expression then grew serious.
"It’s ironic. You think I’m strong... Everyone witnesses what I can do and they’re shocked, terrified. But I examine my arsenal of skills and consider what’s coming for us... and I shake my head at the inevitable ruin... because we’re all still doomed, Illitis."
Illitis remained silent, studying him carefully.
Northern’s eyes sharpened as a thought struck him. He looked up at Illitis immediately.
"Do you think it’s possible to seek support from the Reimgard Empire? This concerns the entire continent."
Illitis shook his head gravely.
"It’s futile. Reimgard, as far as I know them, stands to gain the most from the Empire’s destruction."
Northern frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Illitis adjusted his monocle.
"They’ve always pursued domination... they only ceased after the establishment of the Old Tower Alliance and the government. But this is also how they isolated themselves. Luinngard’s existence was meant to advance this same agenda. Regardless of which Emperor sits on the throne, I doubt their objectives will change easily.
"Reimgard is virtually untouchable—they can either intervene at the last minute or not at all. Either way, remaining passive serves them best."
Northern’s face darkened.
"Because after this ends... they can resume pushing their agenda."
Illitis nodded.
"Precisely, my lord."
Northern burned with righteous fury.
"What kind of tyrannical nation is that?"
’And to think the ruler of such a place is my true father?’
Northern realized that another, even more devastating war might follow this one—if they won.
But first... they had to survive this battle.
He sighed and looked at Illitis.
"What’s the other information you had for me?"
Illitis adjusted his monocle and moved closer to Northern.
"It concerns Professor Heimburger."
Northern raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
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