CHAPTER 233: CHAPTER 233

The energy of the room shifted, and fear struck everyone there. Every person there was a transcendent they they were not strangers to danger or near-death experiences, but the feeling they got when Zion just glanced at Moss made them quiver in their boots.

Their animal instincts told them to stay put and not move. It was as if they were the prey and Zion was the predator. So, after gulping down hard, Moss took a seat and tried to calm his nerves.

Zion cleared his throat. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, about you not agreeing with my suggestions. Listen, I don’t care about your god or your beliefs. I’m here for two things: the ancient relic and the destruction of everything that is related to Cernunnos."

"Apostle Zion, please understand that this isn’t something we can easily conform to. You’re talking about converting people who have worshiped Cernunnos for thousands of years. It doesn’t work that way. And the Medallion of Power is a relic that is sacred to our people. You’re trying to uproot our culture and beliefs." Belwyn argued

"Such is the life of the conquered. You won’t lose your lives, your homes, or your way of living. Trust me when I say I understand how you feel." Kai thought back to Earth and how conquest destroyed people’s way of living, cultures, and beliefs. So much so that a lot of them became myth.

But he wasn’t here to care about their feelings. He was here to make Luminera and himself powerful enough to complete their task, and so he could save his old world. That’s all that mattered to him.

The little things didn’t matter, and over time, they’ll accept what he’s done one way or another.

"Is there some way we can come to a compromise?" Belwyn asked. "Your mother and I are friends. You also saved me from near death when Gonrod attacked. I don’t think you’re a bad person, Zion. So, please, I don’t wish to fight you."

"Is that your final offer?" Zion asked

Belwyn sighed. He truly wished he could come to a compromise with Zion. He saw how he fought to drive those demons out of the middle world. He saw how heroic he had been during that day. He had only hoped that Zion would have remained that way. Unfortunately, he did not, at least in Belwyn’s eyes.

"Prepare the army."

At that moment, Sylveth smirked and the ancient relic he had activated.

Zion shook his head in disappointment. "You’ll see that your actions are for naught, and you only brought this upon yourself. Now, those innocent soldiers will suffer the consequences of your stupidity."

"I truly wish we could see eye to eye."

Zion nodded his head. "I agree."

Sylveth took action, leaping across the table, grabbing Zion by the neck, and crashing into the walls until they were outside.

"Subdue the woman who arrived with him. We’ll use them as leverage. At this moment, we are at war." Belwyn announced

"Yes, my king!"

---

"You’re fighting me, Apostle of Luminera!" Sylveth brought Zion to an empty area for them to fight it out. He was confident in his abilities and had faith in his god.

Zion, unfazed, headbutted the wolfkin, then punched him hard in the face, knocking him into a nearby boulder.

Zion regained his footing, walking slowly toward Sylveth. "It is delusional to think that your efforts will do anything against me. The fortress stands, Heaven’s Bane continues their work, and I have come for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"I don’t know, haha, I heard that line in a game that I played when I was younger. It was such a badass line that I had to say it here. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but I just wanted to sound cool."

"You think this is a joke?" Sylveth growled

"Yes," Zion responded with a deadpan expression.

"You come here, threaten our way of life, claim that you’ll kill us, and then proceed to crack jokes and hot take this seriously?! How dare you! How fucking dare you!"

Zion rolled his eyes. "Dude, if you’re trying to fight, then let’s just get this over with. I’m on a time limit, and I don’t have all day. So, chop chop. I’ll let you have the first blow since I’m generous."

"Arrogant little shit!"

"Actually, I’m human, not a little shit. Just letting you know in case you were confused."

"AHHHHHHHH!!" Sylveth’s hands and feet shifted into their wolf state, claws as sharp as swords and feet as quick as the wind.

He sprang forward from his previous position, the ground cracking beneath his feet. The sharp claws he brandished were aimed at Zion’s throat. He wasn’t playing around; he was after Zion’s life.

’It’s like he’s moving in slow motion. Does he really think he’s moving fast? Ha, this is actually funny.’

Zion dodged easily, avoiding the fatal strike, then slapped the wolfkin onto the ground.

"W-What?" He gasped, holding his cheek, which was stinging in pain.

"Gonna have to do better than that." Zion teased.

"Oh, just you wait, I’ll rip that smile off your face soon enough!"

Sylbeth continued his assault, striking Zion from behind, above, the sides, and even the front, but all of his attempts were met with Zion’s hand, a fierce slap that shattered Sylveth’s pride.

But it didn’t break him. He pushed forward until one moment, Zion’s slap missed, and he was able to scratch Zion’s chest.

"Hoooh? You managed to scratch me. Impressive." Zion slow clapped.

"Save it," Sylveth smirked, his fangs on display. "I’ll be killing you now!" His energy erupted, burning the ground beneath his feet.

The earth shook and trees rattled. Sylveth wasn’t the same person he was moments ago. He changed, evolved somehow. His power was now at the level of a Mystic. Zion knew he didn’t break through, so he was a bit confused about how the wolf managed to get so powerful in a short amount of time.

’Does he have a secret technique that makes him stronger like me?’ Zion wondered.

[The Ancient Relic. It’s increasing his power.]

’Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Well, at least things are more interesting now.’

Materlizing in his hand was the sword of forms. He pointed the blade at Sylveth, then morphed it into gauntlets and boots. Taking up a stance, Zion prepared himself.

"You don’t use a sword?" Sylveth asked

"I never cared for the sword, if I’m being honest. I only learned it so I can embarrass people who spend all their time learning that weapon. What I truly love is crushing people with my fists!"

Sylveth smirked. "Then allow me to share that same energy with you!"