The mystic quickly relayed all that had happened.
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Kaede finally understood. The Land of Stars had not been as fully under control as it had seemed.
He had worried that their submission had been too easy, that once he left, their loyalty might fracture and cause problems for Kaguya's rule. But now, someone had handed him the perfect excuse to demonstrate his will.
"In that case, there's no need for this border city to exist. Mystic, you'll come with me and witness the descent of divine punishment."
Kaede's tone was calm.
"Yes!"
The mystic's heart surged with excitement. He had longed to see Kaede's true power, and now he would.
Kaguya, meanwhile, remained behind to oversee affairs. She needed to learn. If she did not, one day she could be tricked, her power stripped, reduced to nothing more than a figurehead.
Kaede's speed was unmatched. In half a day, they reached the border city.
The city was vast, its walls bristling with soldiers, banners of Masao fluttering proudly. He had seized control completely.
On the walls, armored soldiers patrolled tirelessly. Among them stood one man whose armor gleamed finer than the rest—General Masao.
"My lord, that's him! He personally slaughtered your envoys!"
The mystic's eyes burned with hatred as he pointed at the man. Brothers-in-arms had died by Masao's hand. The wound festered in his heart.
"I see him."
Kaede's gaze narrowed.
Below, Masao addressed his officers.
"Three days ago, we cut down the envoys from the Divine Nation. They will not let it go. If they could slay the daimyo and ministers of the Land of Stars, their strength is real. Keep patrols at all times. If you see suspicious figures, report immediately.
And beware the mystics—they are dangerous. Do not attack recklessly. Ten to a group, surround them. No matter what, this border city must not fall, even if gods themselves come!"
His words filled his men with grim resolve. For years, they had built their power here, becoming the city's nobles. If the Divine Nation took over, their carefully built empires would vanish.
"Rest assured, General! God or man, we will never yield! What gods? Just mystics and their tricks. They may kill hundreds, but against an army, they are nothing."
Their arrogance filled the air.
"Good. Then you—"
Masao's words halted, for Kaede and the mystic had appeared before them.
"You have two choices. Submit, or die."
Kaede's voice was flat, absolute.
"You're the so-called god? Hah! Submission is impossible! Today we'll strip away your false mask. You're no god—only a fraud. We'll—"
Before the officer could finish, Kaede lazily waved a hand. The man flew like a broken kite, his body smashing into the ground with a sickening crack. His bones shattered completely.
The mystic swallowed hard. He could throw a man, yes—but to break every bone with a flick? That was beyond him. And Kaede had done it without even trying. He finally understood the abyss between them.
"You…"
Masao's eyes widened. Shock rattled him, but his pride held firm. This city was his creation. He would not hand it over.
"I choose a third path. I will defeat you!"
Drawing his spear, Masao charged.
Kaede almost laughed. Why did mortals always believe they could stand against him?
"Very well. You've chosen death. There is no turning back now."
Kaede raised his hand.
The sunlight dimmed. Shadows swallowed the sky. Soldiers looked up in terror.
Above them loomed an enormous meteor, vast enough to crush the entire city in a single fall.
The end had come.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]