The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2163: Back to the Second Realm (I)

"I only destroyed his body and soul. He’ll still come back."

Cain smiled faintly as he spoke, though pride flickered in his golden eyes. For all his composure, he couldn’t fully mask it. Killing Bradly, an Alpha-Omega Overgod Neo-Ange, was no small feat.

Bradley had been among the strongest beings Cain had ever encountered, stronger even than the True Depravita of Sloth from the Tenth Empyrean World. To slay such an entity without aid from the Absolute Lifeform System, relying solely on his own strength, was an achievement beyond measure.

Yes, the battle had begun with an ambush. But knowing when to strike, when to seize the single moment that could turn gods to corpses, was part of a warrior’s art.

Meylin’s shock did not last long. The awe in her expression hardened into wary calculation as her eyes drifted to the faint glow pulsing from Cain’s chest.

"What is the Crimson Exarch aiming at?" she asked quietly.

Cain’s expression grew solemn. The question struck deep, for it was one he had already asked himself a hundred times. If the Crimson Exarch had wanted him dead, he could have done so easily. Cain had been unconscious and defenseless, his protective formations shattered, his life hanging by threads. With the Crimson Throne in the Exarch’s possession, that strike would have been final.

So why hadn’t he finished it?

Cain’s gaze lingered on Meylin. For a heartbeat, he weighed whether to reveal the truth of their blood bond. In the end, he chose silence. He trusted her with his life, but some knowledge was dangerous even to those closest to him.

"It would be a waste of time trying to decipher his motives," Cain said at last. "That man’s thoughts move on a level beyond reason. Right now, our priority is to return to our Divine Kingdom in the Second Realm. I’ll declare seclusion under the pretext of consolidating my cultivation and preparing to raise the Kingdom to the Third Realm."

It was a perfect plan. Retreat disguised as advancement. In truth, Cain needed time to stabilize the fusion within his Neo-Demon Core and rebuild his strength. The best part was that his excuse would draw no suspicion since it was based on the truth. Everybody knew that the Neo-Demon wanted to ascend with his Divine Kingdom to the Third Realm.

Meylin studied him for a moment, then nodded. She also had her own cultivation to consolidate. The insights she had gained from the Flow were extraordinary; she could now manipulate five Aspects through sheer will. With the resonance of their soul bond, she was confident she could soon master Unity, and with it, elevate her combat prowess.

"Should we find a hidden path back?" she asked. Secrecy was vital; neither of them could risk exposure. "I’m not sure if it’s safe to meet the Enlightened One, Tiramisu, or the others openly."

Cain shook his head, a faint smirk curling his lips. "There’s no need for such caution. As long as I avoid direct combat and no one scans my inner structure, my condition will remain hidden. Let them believe I’m concealing strength, not weakness."

Meylin’s concern softened into a small, knowing smile. Without further words, they rose together, their figures cutting through the crimson mist. Moments later, they broke through the upper layers of the Red Forest and streaked toward the heavens.

Within the hour, they reached the rendezvous point where Tiramisu, Ikmael, and the other warriors of the Freedom Path awaited.

When Cain and Meylin appeared, wide smiles and sighs of relief spread among the group. Against all odds, they had survived. Few had truly expected to see one another again. Though not all had mastered the Flow to its fullest, survival itself was a victory, and a rare one.

Tiramisu’s eyes shone as she surveyed her people. Many bore wounds, some grievous, but they were alive. That was miracle enough. She was ready to give them instructions on how to proceed from now on when suddenly Cain lifted his hand.

A crimson cocoon shimmered into existence above his palm. Within it, suspended in glowing fluid, beat a radiant heart.

Confusion rippled through the group. Then realization struck, and silence fell like a blade. The heart pulsed with unmistakable power, the divine resonance of an Alpha-Omega Overgod.

"You... killed Bradly?"

The voice belonged to Tiramisu, the True Depravita of Primal Fury. Her eyes widened, the aura around her flickering in disbelief. She had fought Bradly before, even defeated him once, but to destroy him entirely? That had been thought impossible.

Cain nodded slightly. His voice was calm, measured. "I destroyed his body and soul. But his True Name escaped. He will return eventually."

No boast. No false modesty. Just fact.

It was important that they understood what he had accomplished. In his weakened state, Cain needed deterrence. Let them think him indestructible, unstoppable. Fear would guard him better than any shield.

Tiramisu frowned, but there was no alarm in her eyes, only calculation. She knew the rules of resurrection. The stronger the being, the longer the rebirth. Bradly’s Divine Kingdom would take decades to reform him, perhaps centuries. In the meantime, she and her allies could act freely across the Third Realm.

Her gaze met Ikmael’s, and the man nodded, exhilaration flashing across his face.

Without Bradly’s protection, the Life Path’s enemies in the Third Realm were doomed. Their cities and armies would crumble without his divine oversight. For the first time in countless years, Tiramisu could move without restraint. She would no longer have to guard against Bradly’s interference.

Cain gave her a moment to savor the news before he closed his hand, and the crimson cocoon vanished. Then he spoke again.

"I must return to the Second Realm," he said. "The barrier between realms is still intact, but I believe the Heart of Sin can breach it."

At the mention of that relic, Tiramisu’s expression sharpened. The Heart of Sin had the power to pierce the dimensional barrier, but it was costly.

Still, she nodded slowly. Cain had earned such a request. Killing an Alpha-Omega Overgod, even if temporary, was a deed that demanded reward.