Chương 73: Chapter 71: The King's Verdict

The roar of the First Child of Origin rolled across the battlefield like a tidal wave. It was not merely a sound—it was a force that crushed courage, silenced Astras, and reminded every living soul of something buried deep within their instincts. Run. Thousands of soldiers unconsciously stepped backward. Some dropped their weapons. Others collapsed to their knees, trembling uncontrollably. This was not fear born from seeing a stronger opponent. It was the terror of prey standing before the first predator.

Rayan remained where he was. Golden flames continued to dance along the length of Shadowbreaker, now transformed by the Last King's legacy. Ancient inscriptions glowed across the black blade, responding to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He could feel Arkan's crystal resonating against his chest. It was warm. Alive. Almost as though the First King himself was watching from somewhere beyond time.

"The crystal..." the Guardian murmured, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.

"It's reacting to the Child of Origin." Rayan never looked away from the monster.

"Because it remembers." The Guardian slowly nodded.

"So does the enemy." The creature lowered its massive head until one crimson eye filled Rayan's vision. Its voice echoed directly into every mind.

"You carry the scent of the Last King." The words were calm. Curious. Not angry. That frightened Rayan more than a roar ever could.

"You knew Arkan," he replied. A long silence followed. Then the beast answered.

"He was the only human worthy of standing before us." The battlefield froze. Even the Archon General looked surprised. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. No one had expected such words from a creature born before history itself. The Child of Origin continued.

"He sealed our gate." Its claws slowly tightened.

"He stole our future." The ground cracked beneath its feet.

"Now... his successor stands before me." A ripple spread through the battlefield. Golden light erupted from Shadowbreake r. The inscriptions along the blade shone brighter, almost in response to the accusation. Behind Rayan, King Dasrath rose from the rubble, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Rayan." The prince glanced back. His father stood tall despite his injuries.

"The people are watching." Rayan followed his gaze. The citizens of Ayanor had gathered behind the broken defensive lines. Mothers held frightened children close. Elderly men gripped farming tools as though they were weapons. Young knights stood shoulder to shoulder with seasoned veterans. They were terrified. Yet none of them ran. Not because they believed they could win. Because they believed someone would stand for them. For the first time, Rayan truly understood the weight of a king. Not a throne. Not a crown.

Hope. He turned back toward the First Child of Origin.

"I inherited Arkan's will." Golden energy began swirling around him.

"But not his life." The beast tilted its head.

"I'll choose my own path." The air exploded. The Dharma Domain unfolded once more, but this time it was different. Instead of a single golden circle beneath his feet, dozens of concentric rings spread across the battlefield. Ancient symbols rose into the sky like constellations, illuminating the shattered capital. The soldiers gasped. The oppressive aura of the Origin creature weakened. Not because the monster had become smaller. Because Rayan's Domain had become stronger. The Guardian stared in disbelief.

"It evolved..." A notification appeared before Rayan alone. Dharma Domain Updated Authority Increased New Effect Unlocked King's Verdict Within the Domain, allies gain courage while hostile intent is laid bare. Those who fight for humanity strengthen one another. The change was immediate. Knights who moments earlier had struggled to stand now lifted their shields. Mages reignited fading Astras. Even wounded soldiers found the strength to rise once more. Cassian laughed as lightning surged around his spear.

"Now that's more like it!" He slammed the butt of his spear into the ground, sending arcs of blue lightning racing through the shattered streets.

"I was getting tired of everyone looking so miserable." Nearby, Siena closed her eyes. Silver lotus petals drifted around her, glowing softly within the golden light of the Domain.

"The Domain isn't giving them power," she whispered.

"It's reminding them why they're fighting." She opened her eyes and smiled toward Rayan.

"That's a king's greatest strength." Above them, the Archon General frowned for the first time.

"This wasn't supposed to happen." She had studied every record left by the Celestial Court. The Dharma Astra was powerful. Dangerous. But incomplete. No record mentioned a Domain capable of strengthening the resolve of an entire nation. Her grip tightened around her silver spear.

"If he survives today..." Her voice was cold.

"... the balance of this war will change forever." Far beyond the battlefield, inside the Celestial Realm, Queen Seraphina silently watched the battle through a mirror of living light. She observed Rayan's evolving Domain. She observed the people rallying behind him. And she observed the crystal hanging beneath his coat. For the first time in centuries, the Queen's calm expression faltered.

"... So Arkan truly entrusted everything to him." She slowly rose from her throne. Golden stars revolved around her.

"The time for watching is over." She turned toward the vast gates of the Celestial Palace.

"Prepare my legion." Millions of celestial soldiers immediately knelt. The Queen of Heaven had made her decision. She would descend to the mortal world herself. And when she did... Either Heaven would fall. Or humanity would. To Be Continue....