What?

The Saviors expression stiffened up. In response, Roel snorted in disdain.

You are good with words, but it doesnt work on me.

What are you talking about? Is what I said not the truth?

It is the truth, but it isnt the complete truth, is it? Roel calmly replied.

The Kingmaker Clan has indeed been through a lot of difficulties due to its bloodline, and I do not deny that we have contributed a lot to the stability of the world. However, it isnt true that we are in the same position as the Scalemen.

The influence and prestige we command from the races are the compensation for our effort. Isnt it ironic that You tried to rally me to Your side because of the compensation we received for our effort? I also concede that our bloodline comes with its risks, but we receive great power in exchange for that. That isnt a reason for us to receive special privileges.

I do admit that our Kingmaker Clan requires more resources, but that is nothing compared to the honor my ancestors have slowly accrued over countless years. I am a descendant of the noble Kingmaker Clan, the Overseer appointed by Sia. I will not become the lackey of a tyrant! Roel roared.

The Saviors face finally darkened. He glared at Roel with glowering eyes, but the latter boldly met His gaze, not intimidated in the least.

I suggest you carefully weigh your choices. You wont find such a chance with Her. Her foolish insistence on equality will inevitably bring about the decline of your Kingmaker Clan in this increasingly resource-scarce world.

That might be true, but so be it, then.

What?

Just like the Genesis Goddess, I am also a foolish person. Id rather relinquish my privileges to be with someone who cherishes me than become a tyrants lackey to fulfill my greed.

Does this mean a breakdown in our negotiation? the Savior asked with a clouded face.

The comfortably warm light He had been emanating started to turn hot like a beast baring its fangs, reflecting His emotional change. However, Roel still remained perfectly calm.

As terrifying as it was to face the Savior in this silenced world, Roel wasnt intimidated, as he knew the young man before him was just an avatar. The Saviors strength was limited too, or else He wouldnt have dispatched the Death God here to die.

However, he could tell that the Savior was already on the verge of exploding, so he decided to halt his taunts for now. There were more urgent matters he needed to attend to.

I dont intend to join You, but I can still destroy the scepter for You. You should already know what my condition is. There is nothing more important to me than my own life, Roel said.

The Savior fell silent. Roel narrowed his eyes, knowing that he had made the right bet.

Planting the Kingmaker inside the Mother Goddess faction was the easiest way for the Savior to access the scepter, but it was also the riskiest move. The Savior would suffer a massive loss if the Kingmaker chose to turn their back on Him in favor of the Mother Goddess.

Such a situation was unacceptable to the Savior. He would never allow the Kingmaker to escape from His grasp. There was a high chance that He had planted something inside the original Kingmaker to hold him hostage and force him to do His bidding.

Given that Roel was substituted into this Witness State, any cause and effect involving the Kingmaker would be redirected to him, so he couldnt turn a blind eye to this matter, either.

Are you proposing a trade? I didnt think that you would notice it.

But You wanted me to notice it, Roel pointed out.

I wont deny that, but I wasnt planning to use this hand.

The Savior raised His lantern and gazed into its flame with a smile.

You must be curious how I was able to enter this place. The flame of life you have left with me allows me to circumvent Her notice by camouflaging My existence to yours. I planned to return it to you, but it somehow became My leverage instead.

How do I know You arent lying? Roel asked.

Thats simple. Youll be able to feel it very soon.

The Savior raised His arm, and the flame of life inside the lantern began violently wavering. Somehow, Roel could feel something in him swaying with the flame. For a brief moment, his consciousness was projected inside the lanterns flame.

From this momentary exchange, he confirmed the authenticity of the Saviors words.

You should be aware that I lose control over the flame of life once it escapes from My prison. Lets do a trade as you have proposed. Youll destroy the scepter while I destroy this lantern that cages your flame of life. Well do it together. What do you think?

All right.

Roel walked up to the crystal pedestal and placed his hand on the scepter. The Savior stood in front of him with the ancient lantern in His hand. The two of them focused their full attention on each other as they simultaneously tightened their grip.

The moonlight scepter glowed with increasing luminosity under the great pressure exerted on it. Similarly, the lantern caging the flame of life also reached the limit of its durability. Roel and the Savior locked eyes on each other as they urged each other to make the final push.

Kak!

Boom!

Two distinct shattering sounds simultaneously echoed in the hall, accompanied by specks of moonlight and ember. The flame of life immediately dove back into Roels body as soon as it escaped from its confines.

The Savior quietly stared at the shattered scepter. His shoulders first began to twitch before He burst into hearty laughter.

Hahaha! Well done, well done! What a delightful partnership it was. How does it feel to have your flame of life returned to your body? Satisfying, I imagine. As much as I hate to shatter your moment, I should tell you that at the moment you chose to destroy the scepter to preserve your life, you also terminated your future.

The Savior finally revealed His true nature. His gentle expression warped in contempt as He gleefully revealed the reason behind His arrival here.

Do you think that its a coincidence that Im appearing before you right now? Not at all. Im here because the woman you rely on has been tightly encircled. She foolishly underestimated the greed of the higher races and the network of mutual benefits they have established as a result. A thousand years have passed since Sias departure. The world has already changed.

Just a few days ago, Lamia became the new Angel Sovereign. The Angels took a detour from the neutral region to assault Her from the back. Many of the neutral races She has absorbed are also My people. Dragons Gorge is a massive funeral I prepared for Her.

Did you think that youd be able to help Her by standing on Her side? You cant be more wrong. From the moment you were captured by Her, many plans far beyond your imagination had begun springing to action. No matter what you did, you would only bring catastrophe upon Her. And just a moment ago, you even terminated Her final hope.

The Savior pointed to the crystal pedestal with admiration and greed gleaming in His eyes.

The Gods Envoys are Her most valuable possession and Her strongest allies in the upcoming battle. They wont be able to make it to the battlefield in time now that the scepter is destroyed. You and your clan will be crushed together with Her futile dream!

She has already told you the truth behind Sias departure, right? Theres no need for Me to conceal the truth, then. From the very start, I have never intended to allow your clan to survive. You are simply too dangerous. Youre more useful to me dead than alive.

The Savior mocked Roel with a contemptuous smile, not bothering to conceal His vile nature anymore. Yet, Roel wasnt shaken by His taunts, instead posing a perplexing question.

You made sure to stay away from me for the last two days because You were worried that Shed notice that something was amiss at this critical juncture, right?

What?

I was already aware that You have inherited Sias darkness. Why do You think I still allowed You to appear here and even destroyed the scepter for You?

That question snapped the Savior out of His glee, and His forehead slowly scrunched into a frown. Roel calmly answered the question for Him.

Thats because theres another scepter in this world, you twat.

The Crown inside Roel began buzzing to life, causing his Crowns Stones to light up under the stimulation. A blood-colored scepter swiftly manifested in Roels grasp. Without any hesitation, he plunged the scepter into the crystal pedestal.