His Shikon Jewel is still incomplete, with pieces missing.

Naraku wants to complete the Shikon Jewel and make a wish to transform from a half-demon into a god.

He doesn't want to be a mundane human, nor turn into a hideous monster.

Naraku wants to become a god!

As he ponders this, the Dread Emperor strides forward without pause, taking a step forward.

Boom!

The ice sculptures within ten miles fracture rapidly under the impact of the Dread Emperor's movement, each shard of ice reflecting sunlight and emitting a brilliant sheen.

The unparalleled shockwave turns into a gale, sweeping over the city walls. Onestor lifts his hand, creating an ice wall in front of him.

The crackling sound of shattering is harsh to the ears, and the once intact ice wall is now riddled with holes under the gusting wind.

What kind of terrifying monster is this?

Onestor, having established such a vast Empire, is naturally battle-hardened with experience in grand battles.

Yet this is the first time he has witnessed such a scene, as if the entire world is about to be destroyed.

Where did Naraku find such a world-destroying monster, and how does he control it?

Onestor simply cannot fathom it.

"You still have one chance to surrender to me, submit, and I will let you live."

Naraku continues in a seductive tone, with no intention of letting Onestor live, merely to play with his mind.

Watching him abandon pride and dignity, begging for life but ultimately facing death, offers a twisted satisfaction to Naraku.

"Naraku, do not underestimate the king of humans!"

Onestor stomps his foot, causing an icy spike to burst from the ground, propelling him forward at great speed.

His power activates, enveloping the lower half of the Dread Emperor in a chilling aura.

Frost attempts to solidify on the surface of the body.

But at the same time, the Dread Emperor's intense heat melts the ice.

Numerous clouds of scalding steam spread over the Dread Emperor's monstrous body, adding an ethereal aura to the fearsome creature.

Onestor's eyes flash with shock; he anticipated being unable to freeze the entire Dread Emperor but didn't expect the ice to be melted so easily.

In the sky, a shadow suddenly plunges down, instantly dispersing the once ethereal steam.

Onestor quickly triggers his power, forming a massive, sturdy ice shield, then kicks off its inner side, swiftly dodging downward.

The gigantic tentacle shatters the ice shield with a single strike, the shards scattering through the air like meteors under tremendous impact.

In the friction, the ice blocks rapidly evaporate.

The tentacle then chases Onestor from behind.

He lands hands-first on the tentacle's surface, releasing an icy aura to try and freeze it.

But all the cold he releases seems absorbed by the tentacle.

It almost appears as if a mouth forms, biting Onestor's hands and slowly swallowing him like a python swallowing a deer.

Onestor roars, struggling to use his power to resist, but it barely helps, and his hands are already sinking in, followed by his face.

It's an immensely terrifying sensation, his face pressing against the tentacle, slowly sinking.

The endless souls contained within the tentacle wail in his mind.

"Hungry!" "So resentful!" "Kill! Kill! Kill!" "Ah!" "Is anyone there?" "Mom, I'm so hungry."

Countless monster and human souls entwine within the Dread Emperor's body, their sharp cries momentarily driving Onestor to the brink of madness.

But after this horrifying onslaught, Naraku intervenes, pulling him out before he is consumed.

With a tearing sound, half of Onestor's face and body are engulfed by the Dread Emperor, yet his soul remains outside.

Naraku holds the Shikon Jewel, a pale purple light flashing across its surface.

Onestor's soul flows into a crack, further blending into obscurity.

Like a pencil gently sketching a shadow.

Naraku gazes at the Shikon Jewel in his hand, eyes revealing a hint of excitement; it's almost complete.

The Shikon Jewel is nearly whole.

His wish is about to come true, to become a mighty god, to cleanse and recreate the world, making it a cleaner, more beautiful place.

And his divine legacy will spread across the world.

...

The Royal Capital of Vestalia is located on a plain, with no natural defenses.

To the west lies a dense expanse of farmland, and to the east, the largest lake in the kingdom.

Lake Biess.

It was once bustling with fishermen and nobles boating for leisure and enjoying the scenery.

The nobility and fishermen each had their tasks.

But under the current tense circumstances, only the fishermen remain on the lake, continuing their livelihood.

The nobles are nowhere to be seen.

A rider swiftly gallops along the main road outside the city, raising a red fire plume, and enters the Palace via a designated route.

This route, specifically built by the Kingdom of Vestalia, ensures unimpeded passage for urgent military matters.

Though unused for a long time since the kingdom's establishment, Naraku's threat has reopened this long-sealed emergency route.

The soldier tasked with delivering messages races outside the Palace gates, shouting: "Emergency military news!

The Empire has fallen completely, King Catalivo has perished in the Royal Capital, and refugees are flooding the borders!

Open the gates immediately!"

He waves the red feather.

The urgency in his voice alters the guards' expressions; they dare not obstruct and swiftly open the gate, providing him with a new horse to continue his ride.

Reaching the grand hall of the Palace, receiving the king's permission, he hurries inside, relaying his message to the nobles and ministers present, as well as the king above.

"What?! Onestor died so quickly!" "Refugees are already at the borders, so does that mean Naraku is also nearing?"

"Dammit, even now, other countries refuse to help; do they think they can escape unscathed?"

"Perhaps they're worried that Naraku's army of monsters might attack their nations."

The Catalivo Empire, positioned at the center of the Northern Continent, borders six other nations.

By conquering the Catalivo Empire, Naraku can launch attacks on all six nations simultaneously.

He indeed possesses such a massive army of monsters.

Faced with such realities, the nobles become increasingly anxious.

Even though they've long prepared to fight Naraku desperately, the thought of actually battling still invokes fear.

If even the Catalivo Empire has been destroyed, can they alone withstand Naraku's onslaught?

"Why hasn't Aileck returned yet?"

King Vestalia casts a cold gaze over the arguing crowd below; unlike the rich Kingdom of Vestalia, he is stern in appearance, tall and burly—a king exuding martial prowess.

He recalls some ministers previously deeming Aileck's quest to summon aid from the Giant Rock Territory as foolish.

Yet at this moment, that seemingly foolish and irrational action has become their sole hope.

They can't help but place their hopes on Aileck's return, anticipating the giant army's arrival.

"What a disgrace this is!"

King Vestalia slams the table, exclaiming: "I thought I was at the western market of the Royal Capital.

Looking at your terrified expressions, do you have any noble dignity left?

We've done everything we can; when the enemy comes, we simply march to battle. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

I will not cower within the Royal Capital."

Rising, King Vestalia glares at the nobles and ministers, announcing: "As the king, I do not fear death. Do you plan to flee in disgrace?"

This question provides the nobles a foundation amidst their fear, and they declare loudly: "We are willing to march to battle with the king!"

"Very well, let's show Naraku the spirit of Vestalia!"

King Vestalia roars, and from outside the hall, someone urgently reports: "My King, Aileck the mage has returned!"