The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2297: To the Fourth Realm (III)

"Finally, some good news."

A faint smile appeared on Cain’s face as he finished analyzing the memories extracted from the ArchDeity. The situation in the Third Realm was far more stable than he had anticipated.

The Ancient One had indeed paid an enormous price to restore Bradly, even bestowing several powerful treasures upon the Neo-Angel in an attempt to reclaim control. Yet despite those efforts, Tiramisu’s power and tactical acumen had proven overwhelming.

Although a few continents had fallen back into the hands of the Freedom Path, the Life Path—under the banner of Tiramisu—still controlled more than eighty percent of the Third Realm. Even more importantly, that control was absolute.

The True Depravita of Primal Fury had forged an iron grip over her domains, sealing them with layered defenses and an unbreakable logistical network. She did not need reinforcement.

Cain turned his gaze toward the ArchDeities of the Life Path who hovered nearby, staring at him with open awe. Even after years had passed—and despite the fact that he had spent most of that time within the Red King’s Sacred Dimension—Cain’s legend in the Third Realm had only grown. The Scarlet King was no longer merely a rising power; he was a symbol of decisive victory.

He raised his hand, and a scarlet sphere condensed above his palm before drifting gently toward them.

"Within this sphere are the complete memories of the two ArchDeities I defeated," Cain said calmly. "They may prove useful to Tiramisu."

The ArchDeities accepted the sphere with solemn respect.

"We will deliver it personally," one of them said, bowing deeply.

Cain nodded. "Also, convey my respects to the True Depravita of Primal Fury. Inform her that we will be departing soon and will be unable to support any immediate plans or strategies she may be forming."

A flicker of disappointment crossed their faces. Fighting alongside the Scarlet King would have been an honor spoken of for epochs. Yet they understood. Figures like Cain did not remain in one place for long.

After offering their thanks once more, the ArchDeities departed.

A few seconds later, Meylin and the Enlightened One rose into the sky beside Cain. The distortion left behind by their passage through the Realm Barrier had fully faded, and both had recovered to their peak condition.

"I will rest for one day," Cain said. "Then I will search for a soft point in the barrier leading to the Fourth Realm."

Both nodded without hesitation.

The following day passed in stillness. Cain refined his soul force, circulating the vitality gained from recent battles while synchronizing himself further with the Power of Chaos. The Enlightened One stabilized his cultivation, while Meylin reinforced her foundations, ensuring that her strength would not waver during the next transition.

The war across the realms was escalating. Battles erupted in countless regions, and while Cain could dispatch ordinary ArchDeities with ease, the Fourth Realm was different. There were entities there—beings closer to the peak of the Crimson World—who might possess the strength to challenge him directly.

They could not afford complacency.

When the day ended, Cain opened his eyes. Scarlet light shimmered within them as he gazed toward the highest sky. After several hours of silent observation, he found it—a point where the Realm Barrier subtly weakened, its laws slightly misaligned.

The trio appeared beneath it moments later.

They exchanged a single glance, their expressions filled with focus and determination. Cain’s Wings of Chaos manifested, wrapping securely around Meylin and the Enlightened One as he stepped forward.

This barrier was different.

The density of energy and the compression of space-time were far greater than those of the previous transition.

"That makes sense," Cain muttered. "The Fourth Realm lay closer to the peak of the tower, where cosmic energies were purer, heavier, and less forgiving."

He sharpened his focus and pressed onward.

Navigating this barrier was exponentially harder. Erratic laws collided and overlapped, creating currents that could tear apart ArchDeities in seconds. Cain relied entirely on the fundamental state of Chaos, harmonizing with reality itself rather than forcing his way through.

Days stretched into weeks.

Nearly a month passed before Cain finally sensed the far edge of the barrier. By then, even his immense vitality was strained. Yet he did not slow. Drawing upon every fragment of strength remaining within him, he located a soft point and struck.

The barrier ruptured.

The trio emerged into the Fourth Realm.

The sky above them was bathed in black and white, dominated by a massive white sun that covered the firmament. The world felt surreal—sharper, clearer, yet unbearably heavy. Every breath carried dense cosmic energy, and every movement demanded intent.

They did not allow themselves a moment of wonder.

Cain suppressed his fatigue by force. Meylin and the Enlightened One steadied themselves, pushing back disorientation as they prepared for immediate combat.

Fortunately, fate granted them a brief reprieve.

They had emerged within an empty plane, devoid of immediate threats. Even so, none of them lowered their guard. Their consciousness and soul force spread outward, scanning the surroundings until they confirmed the absence of enemies.

Only then did they allow themselves to relax—slightly.

The difference between the realms was immediately apparent.

The density and purity of energy here dwarfed that of the Second and Third Realms. Oniric Truths were clearer, closer, easier to perceive and manipulate. Even passive cultivation would be more efficient in this place.

"No wonder those in the higher realms grow stronger so quickly," the Enlightened One said softly, awe evident in his voice.

Meylin nodded. Though she had technically been born here, she had spent most of her life within the domains of the Three Moons. Only now did she truly perceive the difference.

Cain, however, frowned.

As his perception fully adjusted—and as Chaos harmonized with this new layer of reality—he sensed something distant yet unmistakable.

A violent fluctuation.

Moments later, Meylin and the Enlightened One felt it as well.

A massive explosion bloomed far across the horizon, tearing through the sky with terrifying force. Though it was more than a continent away, the sheer scale of power was undeniable.