Chapter 263 To The Demon World
The Liberation Army quickly boarded the 10 Disaster-Class Warships that had survived the previous battles. Each of these massive vessels could accommodate up to 500,000 soldiers when fully optimized. The remainder of the army, numbering in the tens of millions, took to horse-drawn carriages and other means of transportation, forming an immense and fearsome procession toward the Imperial City.
The march of over 40 million soldiers spread dread among any passersby who witnessed the spectacle.
The air buzzed with tension, and the ground trembled beneath the relentless galloping of horses and other beasts of burden.
Aengus and Aria had already boarded the Emperor's flagship, a vessel that exuded a regal elegance yet radiated an aura of unparalleled devastation.
As usual, Aengus stood near the deck, his gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in thought as he contemplated his future plans.
He had recently received reports about the immense wealth stored in the Imperial Treasury, along with the defiant stance of the former Imperial family. Without delay, he had commanded his elite Shadow Assassins to gather intelligence on their hideouts and pinpoint the locations of the treasures plundered from the treasury.
Every move was calculated, every step closer to cementing his hold on the empire.
Everything that had once belonged to the Kairos Empire now belonged to him. And Aengus had no intention of letting anyone escape unpunished for stealing what was rightfully his.
The journey to the Imperial Capital spanned a staggering 50,000 kilometers, a distance that would take at least five days to cover at their current speed—10,000 kilometers a day. Achieving such a pace was an incredible feat, highlighting the sheer efficiency of his army and their advanced transportation methods.
Aengus could have easily reached the capital in a fraction of the time if he traveled alone, much like his elite Shadow Assassins. However, he found the idea boring and unnecessary. Emperor Kairos was already dead, and no significant force remained to challenge his rule in the Imperial Capital.
Instead, Aengus decided to use this time strategically. He planned to take Aria to meet Bella in the Demon World, and allowing him to grow stronger while he merged with his body double. He was curious to see just how powerful he could become with this merge.
This delay wasn't a mere waste of time; it was preparation to ensure his domination would be absolute when they finally arrived at the capital.
After traveling for hours, night fell, shrouding the world in darkness as no moon graced the sky to provide its gentle light.
However, something remarkable happened. A brilliant full moon suddenly emerged, casting its radiant glow over the temporary camp where the Liberation Army had stopped to rest.
The sudden illumination bathed the camp in a serene silver light, dispelling the oppressive darkness and lifting the spirits of the weary soldiers.
From below, countless eyes turned to Aria, whose divine aura seemed to resonate with the celestial event. Her goddess-like figure stood tall and graceful, commanding awe and admiration from the gathered troops.
They whispered among themselves, their voices filled with reverence. "
It must be the Empress' doing. She has brought light to guide us, even in the darkest night."
"Why did you do that? What if there are repercussions?" Aengus asked Aria as they stood together on the deck, his gaze steady yet filled with concern.
Aria smiled softly, her expression calm and assured. "No harm in lighting up the moon and lifting everyone's mood, Ethan. I know there won't be any repercussions."
She paused briefly, then added with a playful glint in her eyes, "Besides, I have you to save me if something goes wrong."
Aengus exhaled, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned against the wooden safety railing at the ship's edge. "Alright, if you say so," he murmured, his tone lighter.
He stared out into the endless horizon, the silver glow of the moon reflecting off the dark waters below. After a moment, he turned back to Aria, his expression more serious.
"Aria, it's time," he said firmly.
Her brows furrowed, confusion flickering across her face. "What time is it now?" she asked, meeting his eyes, a mix of curiosity and unease in her voice.
"To let you meet Bella in the Demon World," Aengus spoke in a grave tone, as if bracing himself for the inevitable clash between his two wives.
Aria let out a sigh of relief. "And here I thought you were going to say something more serious. Relax, I'm not going to eat her..." she replied with a playful smirk.
Aengus found her words hard to believe—or perhaps it was the effect of her newly matured mindset? Only time would tell.
"That's good. You're truly an understanding woman, Aria. You have become more mature and beautiful," Aengus commented, his tone genuinely appreciative.
"Oh? I hope you can praise me the same way in front of her as well," Aria replied in a teasing tone.
Aengus, unshaken by the challenge, smiled. "Ah, of course. You two are my precious jewels. How could I not praise you both?"
"Sly.."
Aria watched him with an unreadable expression as Aengus activated the Greater Space Teleporter positioned at the center of the ship.
"Let's go, Aria. I've already informed the Generals of our absence."
Aengus gently pulled her hand and stepped through the portal, disappearing into the swirling, otherworldly energy.
---
The Demon World, Abyss
.
Though it was daytime, a blood-red, ominous shadow cloaked the sky. Even the Sun dared not penetrate this demonic realm.
A vast, barren land hosted a gathering of millions of demonic soldiers. The air was thick with the sounds of revelry and terror: the roars of sated hunger and the guttural screams of conquest.
Sen, Sienna, and a few others maintained order among the chaotic horde, their powerful presence commanding respect.
Aengus's body double and Bella sat, relaxed, after a long, arduous battle.
"Sister, brother-in-law, Father has summoned you both for your marriage," Bianca's sudden voice cut through the noise, startling them from their repose.