BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

…

In an instant, Andona's initial barrage was completely neutralized—her attacks shattered like glass against Trigath's golden blade.

But she didn't flinch.

She didn't back down.

Instead, she surged forward again, eyes blazing with holy fury.

"Angel's Judgment!"

With a fierce cry, she brought her radiant sword down in a devastating arc, the blade glowing with divine wrath.

Her power was already formidable on its own—but now, fueled by sheer determination and the will to win, she was a force of nature.

The air around her cracked and split. Space itself seemed to fracture in her wake. Even the sky above twisted, rippling with unnatural energy.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

…

The sheer pressure of her assault came crashing down like a divine hammer.

Even Trigath—an SS-rank Tier 15 Crimson Ultimate—couldn't ignore it.

His eyes widened.

His face twisted in disbelief.

Because for the first time… he felt it.

Real danger.

"Aaaagh!"

The next moment, her attack accelerated—like it had been waiting for the perfect opening—and slammed into him with terrifying force.

Zzzzzzzzt!

A scream tore from his throat as the holy energy ripped through his defenses. His body was flung from the sky like a broken comet, crashing hard into the ground below.

THUD!

He hit the earth with a brutal impact, dust and debris exploding around him.

He'd been caught off guard.

He'd actually been knocked down—by someone technically weaker than him?

"AARGH!"

Trigath roared in fury, his eyes bloodshot with rage and humiliation.

But before he could even rise—

FLASH!

Ataneya moved.

In a blink, she appeared above him, her presence like a shadow of death.

Her aura exploded outward, and in the next instant, several massive fox tails—each one glowing with terrifying energy—lashed down on him like divine whips.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

…

"AAAAHHH!"

Another scream ripped through the air as Trigath was pummeled into the ground, his body writhing under the relentless assault.

Ataneya landed beside him, her expression cold and merciless.

She let out a sharp scoff and said icily, "What the hell are you screaming for? Scream again, and I'll end you right here."

"You… you…" Trigath trembled, his face twisted in rage and humiliation. His eyes burned with fury—but he didn't move.

"You lost," Ataneya said coldly, her voice like ice slicing through steel. "Now tell me—do you want to die, or do you want to live?"

RUMBLE!

A wave of killing intent burst from her like a tidal wave, crashing down on Trigath with suffocating pressure. His scalp tingled, his breath caught in his throat.

"I… I…"

"You clearly haven't made up your mind," Ataneya said, her expression darkening. "Then goodbye."

Her aura flared violently, power surging as she prepared to strike the final blow.

But just as she was about to move—

Trigath's eyes flickered.

Something in him snapped into place.

His face twisted, and then… he lowered his head.

"…No. Don't kill me. I surrender. I'll serve you."

The words were quiet, but they hit like a thunderclap.

Ataneya paused, her killing intent fading. She gave him one last cold glance, then turned away and flashed through the air, landing beside Ethan.

"My Lord, he's surrendered."

"Well done. Both of you—Ataneya, Andona." Ethan nodded, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He was just about to say more when—

BOOM!

A massive figure emerged from within the castle gates—a towering minotaur clad in heavy armor, his hooves shaking the ground with every step.

The pressure rolling off him was intense—on par with Seraphina or Andona.

Another Tier 15 S-rank Crimson Ultimate Hero.

"My Lord," the minotaur rumbled, his voice deep and respectful. "Since you've defeated Lord Thyssar, we're willing to submit. This kingdom, this castle—they're yours now. However…"

He hesitated, then added, "According to protocol, a change in the kingdom's ruler must be reported to the other regional lords. Shall I begin the process?"

Ethan's expression turned cold.

He shook his head slowly.

"Shut your mouth," he said flatly. "What needs to be done, and what doesn't—I decide. Got it?"

The minotaur flinched, his massive frame trembling slightly. He immediately lowered his head.

"…Forgive me."

"From this moment on, the entire kingdom is under lockdown," Ethan continued, his voice sharp and commanding. "No one in. No one out. No messages, no rumors, nothing leaves these walls. If anyone leaks a word—don't expect mercy."

With that, he strode into the castle without another glance.

Behind him, the minotaur and Trigath both fell silent.

Neither dared say a word.

…

Once inside, Ethan quickly realized just how prosperous this place really was.

The castle was massive, bustling with activity. Powerful units patrolled the halls—elite soldiers, magical constructs, and more.

Even Tier 13 and Tier 14 Crimson Ultimate Heroes were a common sight here.

They were everywhere.

And now?

They were all his.

"My Lord," the minotaur said again, catching up to him with a more submissive tone. "Thyssar's palace is just ahead. If you're interested, I'd be honored to guide you there personally."

Ethan glanced at the minotaur—Sigral, apparently—and couldn't help but feel a flicker of disappointment.

This guy was a Tier 15 SS-rank Crimson Ultimate Hero, and yet here he was, groveling like a scared servant. So much for pride or backbone.

Still, Ethan didn't say anything. He just gave a curt nod.

"Lead the way."

"Yes, my Lord…"

Soon enough, they arrived at the palace—and it was nothing short of breathtaking.

Massive, ornate, and gleaming with opulence, the structure loomed before them like a monument to power. Every inch of it was steeped in centaur culture—murals, carvings, statues, all depicting their history, their battles, their gods.

But what really caught Ethan's eye?

The decorations.

The entire palace was adorned with energy gemstones—rare, radiant crystals that shimmered with raw magical power.

These weren't just for show.

They were insanely valuable, only dropped by elite, high-tier units that carried crystal cores in their bodies. You had to kill a ridiculous number of those monsters just to get a handful of these stones.

And this place was covered in them.

It was a statement—of wealth, of dominance, of blood spilled.

"Let's go. I want to see the inside," Ethan said, stepping forward.

But just as he was about to enter, a furious voice rang out behind him.

"Sigral, you filthy traitor! You dare betray Lord Thyssar?! When Lord Lethostar finds out, you're dead! You'll die screaming, you coward!"

The words hit like a whip crack.

Sigral froze.

His entire body tensed, and a visible shudder ran through him. The moment that name—Lethostar—was spoken, all the bravado drained from his face.

He looked terrified.

...