Chapter 79 - The Golden King's Move
The stars slowly faded.
The shattered remnants of the Void Eclipse drifted across the sky like glowing snow.
For the first time since the invasion began...
Silence returned to Aetherion.
Then—
The silence broke.
Cheers erupted throughout the floating continent.
"We survived!"
"The darkness is gone!"
"The Beast Sovereign saved us!"
Kai looked down at the celebrating citizens and smiled.
But the Book of Infinite Beasts remained open.
Its pages did not stop turning.
---
Threat Assessment
Void Eclipse:
Destroyed
Lucien Noctis:
Still Active
Unknown Entity:
Observing
Danger Level:
Extreme
---
High above the battlefield, Lucien wiped a streak of blood from his mouth.
He looked at Kai with admiration instead of hatred.
"You've exceeded every expectation."
The Void Emperor Dragon landed behind him.
Although injured, it still radiated terrifying power.
Lucien sighed.
"It seems..."
"This battle belongs to you."
Kai frowned.
"Then surrender."
Lucien laughed softly.
"You misunderstand."
"I wasn't sent here to win."
"I was sent..."
"...to delay you."
---
The Book flashed crimson.
Warning
Multiple Spatial Disturbances Detected
Location:
Unknown
---
Before anyone could react—
Seven golden pillars erupted on the distant horizon.
Each one pierced the heavens.
The entire floating continent trembled.
Elaria's face turned pale.
"No..."
"Someone is opening the ancient pathways."
---
The hidden figure stepped from the shadows atop the floating fortress.
For the first time, everyone saw him clearly.
He wore brilliant golden armour etched with constellations.
A magnificent golden cloak flowed behind him.
His eyes shone like miniature suns.
Behind him stood no beast.
Yet the pressure he released surpassed even Lucien's.
The Book struggled to analyse him.
---
Analysis Failed
Identity:
The Golden King
Information Restricted
Authority Level:
Beyond Current Access
---
The Golden King looked directly at Kai.
"So..."
"You really are different."
His voice carried across the entire battlefield despite its calmness.
"The First Sovereign was brave."
"The Fifth was wise."
"The Eighth was relentless."
"But you..."
"...chose cooperation."
He smiled.
"Interesting."
---
Kai raised his spear.
"Who are you?"
The Golden King ignored the question.
Instead, he looked at the Tenth.
"You have failed."
The Tenth lowered its head.
"I know."
"You chose your own path."
"...Yes."
"And?"
The Golden King's smile widened.
"Excellent."
Everyone froze.
Lucien himself looked confused.
"My King?"
The Golden King turned toward him.
"Did you truly believe I wanted another puppet?"
He looked back at Kai and the Tenth.
"The prophecy requires two."
"Heart..."
"And Mind."
---
The Book violently shook.
Ancient pages burst from its binding and circled Kai.
A forgotten memory awakened.
Ten thousand years ago...
The First Beast Sovereign stood before seven Star Fragments.
Beside him stood another figure.
Not his brother.
Someone else.
A warrior clothed entirely in gold.
The memory ended before his face could be seen.
---
Archive Restoration
Progress:
15% → 18%
Recovered Record:
The Forgotten Tenth Seat
Status:
Incomplete
---
Grand Sage Orion whispered in disbelief.
"So the legends were true..."
"There was always a tenth."
---
The Golden King slowly raised his hand.
One of the seven golden pillars shattered.
From within emerged an enormous stone gate covered in ancient runes.
Its doors were tightly sealed.
Kai's four Star Fragments immediately resonated.
The Gate of Origins.
---
The Book displayed new information.
Gate of Origins
Status:
Locked
Required:
Seven Star Fragments
Current Progress:
4/7
Time Until Forced Activation:
Unknown
---
The Golden King looked at Kai one final time.
"We will not meet again..."
"...until you possess all seven fragments."
He turned and walked toward the Gate.
Lucien bowed deeply before following.
The Eclipse Court army immediately retreated through portals of black light.
Within seconds...
The battlefield was empty.
The invasion was over.
---
A gentle breeze swept through Aetherion.
The World Tree glowed with renewed life.
Contestants slowly gathered around Kai.
Bjorn crossed his arms.
"I came here to win a tournament."
He laughed loudly.
"Instead, I got dragged into saving the world."
Aria smiled.
"I think that's a much better story."
Even Darius managed a faint grin.
---
Grand Sage Orion descended from the sky.
He looked at Kai, then at the Tenth.
"The tournament can no longer continue as planned."
"The world has changed."
He raised his staff.
"From this day onward..."
"The Celestial Council officially recognises Kai Dragonbane as the Ninth Beast Sovereign."
He then turned toward the Tenth.
"And recognises you..."
"...as the First Star Warden."
The Tenth looked surprised.
"A new title?"
Orion nodded.
"The world no longer needs a false Sovereign."
"It needs someone who will guard the path beside the true one."
For the first time in its life...
The Tenth felt that it truly belonged.
As the sun set over Aetherion, Kai looked toward the distant Gate of Origins.
Three Star Fragments remained hidden.
Somewhere beyond the known world...
The next adventure was already waiting.