Chapter 957: Surpassing the Ego Destruction Tribulation (II)
Cain stood firm as the true and terrific power of that torrent of shadowy flames descended upon him. It did not take long for the massive storm of dark fire, 81 kilometers wide, to envelop him completely, obscuring his figure entirely.
Cain's eyes remained sharp as the torrent of dark flames began to flood into his body, heading into his brain and ego. The full power soon came into action, as haunting whispers and echoes of past regrets echoed with such strength in his mind that they resembled explosions.
However, that was just the beginning. As more and more of the shadowy storm of flames invaded his mind, Cain began to see images. They manifested as people—soldiers who had fought under his guidance and perished, and even friends he had lost in battle.
These sights made Cain clench his fists, but his eyes were resolute. It was hard to lose them, especially when they were following him, but that was the brutality of the world. He was able to remain strong, knowing he never truly failed them, always staying steady as he kept moving forward.
More and more faces appeared as the whispers grew stronger, but Cain managed to remain steady. Yet, his heart trembled as he saw the face of a young and beautiful woman among the shadows.
Cain's eyes widened as he saw a shadowy figure resembling the first woman who had gained his heart and then perished. Yet, soon his willpower burst forth, and she vanished. He knew she was not truly gone, and his soul burned with the determination to find her, a wish he could finally follow now that the threat to the world was gone.
He continued facing the shadows, acknowledging the regrets and unresolved issues, finding closure and peace within, as he improved his emotional resilience and ability to move forward without being hindered by the past.
After dealing with that manifestation, Cain calmed down, thinking the worst part was over. Yet, just as the last of the shadowy streams of fire flooded into his body, he saw the figure of a small child.
If the sight of the woman shocked him, the sight of the child rocked him to the core, making Cain's entire body tremble and the red light in his eyes quiver.
There was no heavier blow for Cain's mind and soul than the event in the Azure State when he had been forced to make an impossible decision, only for everything to go to waste due to the actions of the Azure King and the Blood King.
That was a catalyzing moment in his life, shredding away even the slightest sense of naivety in his heart, and giving birth to the persona of the Scarlet King, the Master of Order.
The tremor in Cain's willpower grew more and more powerful as he saw the sight of that small child, but soon determination returned, and a sense of fulfillment emerged as he looked the boy directly in his eyes. It was true that he failed him and the people of the Azure State, but he made sure that all those involved suffered a horrible and painful death, forcing them to pay for their crimes.